Conceyted letters, nevvly layde open: or A most excellent bundle of new wit wherin is knit vp together all the perfections or arte of episteling, by which the most ignorant may with much modestie talke and argue with the best learned. A worke varying from the nature of former presidents. Breton, Nicholas, 1545?-1626? 1618 Approx. 68 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 24 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A16734 STC 3637 ESTC S104713 99840446 99840446 4953 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A16734) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 4953) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1128:20) Conceyted letters, nevvly layde open: or A most excellent bundle of new wit wherin is knit vp together all the perfections or arte of episteling, by which the most ignorant may with much modestie talke and argue with the best learned. A worke varying from the nature of former presidents. Breton, Nicholas, 1545?-1626? Markham, Gervase, 1568?-1637, attributed name. [46] p. Printed by B. Alsop, for Samuel Rand, and are to be sold at his shop neere Holborne bridge, London : 1618. "To the reader" signed: I.M., usually interpreted as Jervis, i.e. Gervase, Markham, to whom authorship is sometimes attributed; more likely he merely edited the work. Signatures: A-F⁴ (-A1). Reproduction of the original in the British Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. 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Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Letter writing -- Early works to 1800. 2002-06 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2002-06 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2002-07 Olivia Bottum Sampled and proofread 2002-07 Olivia Bottum Text and markup reviewed and edited 2002-08 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion CONCEYTED LETTERS , NEWLY LAYDE OPEN : OR A MOST EXCELLENT BVNDLE OF NEW WIT , WHERIN IS KNIT VP TOGETHER ALL the perfections or arte of Episteling , by which the most ignorant may with much modestie talke and argue with the best Learned . A WORKE VARYING FROM THE nature of former Presidents . LONDON , Printed by B. Alsop , for Samuel Rand , and are to be sold at his Shop neere Holborne bridge . 1618. To the iuditious Reader . THree things ( Iuditiall Reader ) make Books , and the puplication of Bookes aboue good ; excellent , to wit , Necessitie , Vtility , & Implicity , & where any one of these are figured , no doubt but the Image is most comely , then how much more where all are contained , not Helens thirty perfections can challenge more admiration , and though it may sauor of Ostentation , to say this Pamphlet hath all , yet it shall not be against truth to approue the subiect , more then a Master , yea euen the soueraigne of all : for if writings be the verie soules and eternal substances of Time , what writings are so excellent as those which passe from man to man , Religion , Aduice , Familiaritie , Courtship , and all necessary commercements ( by which euen the whole state of the world is sustained ) being in them ( as it were ) bound vp to outli●e all time , all computation , then what more necessary , for the profit how shall Kings know and communicate their great actions , enlarge their bounds ▪ redresse their peoples iniuries , how shal the noble , know intelligēce to serue his Coūtrie , the Merchant trade , or to his owne bring the wealth of many Kingdomes , or any or all sorts of people speake at a farre distance , but by the helpe of Letters only , then what to mankinde more rich and beneficiall , which Tully better to expresse , made it the crowne of all his labors . Lastly , in these written Heralds , are those imployments and braue implications , that whatsoeuer is excellent or good in man , is to be seene in them , as in a myrror , and so to be implyed eyther exemplarily or iudicially , according to the vertues and vices in them contained . If then these vertues shadowed in these Presidents shall giue thee that benefit which thine expectation , hopes , or the Authors ayme made his leuell vnto , I doubt not but thou wilt loue it , reade it , and imitate i● so farre as to thy priuate benefit : Farewell . Thine , I. M. CONCEYTED LETTERS , NEWLY LAYDE OPEN . A LETTER TO A FRIEND , to Borowe Money . IF borowing of Money be not a breach of Friend-ship , let me intreat your pa●tience to open your Purse , a present occasion puts me to the aduenture of your kindenesse , the matter is not much , yet will at this time pleasure me as much as so much may doo : the sum fiue pounds , the time three moneths , my credit the Assurance , and heartie● thankes the Interest . Thus without troubling the Broker , or charging of the Scriuener , hoping my Letter shall be of sufficient power to preuaile with your loue ; I● treating your present answer , in the affection of an honest heart , I cōmit you to the Almightie . Yours , or not his owne D. M. His Answere . IF your Friendship were a follower of Fortune , Loue would haue but little life in this world , the contents of your Letter hath put mee to a strict account with my estate , how I may helpe you , and not hurt myselfe . I could make sufficient Excuses , but that they taste of sm●ll comfort : and therefore knowing Time to be precious , and to voyde delayes , let this suffise you , your Request I haue satisfied , and the Money I haue sent you : and not doubting your Credite , will take your word for a Bond. Now for the Use without abuse , I wish but Requitall , vpon the like occasion . And so ( glad that in this , or any thing in my power , ) I may make proofe of my loue : I Rest in the same . Yours , or not my owne . N. R. A Letter to a Kinsman , for Newes . I Would be glad to heare how you doe , how the worlde goes with you , what newes are stirring , what wherligigges are in the braines of mad men , and what rekes Raskals keep among better men , what their opinions are that study the starres of the man in the Moone , and whether honest men among the multitude be not taxed for their wisedome : How farre a mans tongue will goe beyonde his teeth , and doe no hurt to his lippes , and whether Dalyla be dead that betrayed Sampson to the Philistines , How Pride and Patience agree together in vngratious Spirits , How the Diuell bestirs him about his villany in the world : and whether loue bee not laught at for a m●trie iest of witte , especially where the weaker sorte want the strength of vnderstanding , many such notes may light in the way of thy obseruation : of which what thou hast in memory , I pray thee put downe in a few lines , which shal not be lost in my loue , and the sooner the better , for by thy long silence , I doubt of thy welfare , how euer it be kéepe it not from thy friend , who regards not fortune but vertue : vpon which my affection grounded can neuer be remoued : Fa●ewel . Thine or not his owne , W. T. GGod C●●zine , you write vnto mee to knowe how I doe : in a word neuer worse , both weak● in bodie , and sicke in minde , in briefe as neare death as may be to liue : if you knew my crosses , you would pittie my discomforts , the varieti● whereof is so great , that I thinke there was neuer Carte so loaden with Wares , as my heart is with heauinesse and woes ! Oh this iron Ag● smells of nothing but Rust , whiles the bagges of mettall eates vp the hearts of man : where is kindnesse , but onely among Children for Apples and Nuts ? Friendship ( I thinke ) is flowen away for feare of abuse , and loue is among the Saintes which are onely in Heauen : and if the world be at this passe , in what case are the people : wh●re Men in shape are Monsters in Nature ; and where Women ( since the Creation , ) are become straunge Creatures ? Whiles howling with sinne , and wéeping with shame , makes such black ghost amongst tormented soules , as if the Diuell had licence to make a Hell vpon Earth ? Some are all for the Church , and nothing for GOD : other all for CHRIST , & nothing for Charitie : and ●est men for themselues , and leaue their Neighbours to the wide worlde . Children are weary of their Parents , before they bee parence of Children , and Parents so couetous and vnkinde , that nature hath forgotten her course . To conclude , the misery of Time is such , as puts Patience to the vtmost tryall of her strength , and by the course of the Elements , the Almanack● makers knowes not what will become of this world : now for my selfe , I would I were with him that madeit : but his Will be done , who can mende it at his pleasure : vnto whose heauenly tuition , vntill I sée you , I leaue you , Yours , or not his owne . R. B. A Letter of Challenge . IF I thought that you durst answer me , I would challenge you , yet where the sicke of a Feuer may burue after a shaking , I kn●we not how shame may make a Cowarde more desperate , the● valiant : yet once my wrongs I can put vp , whiles looking on the obiect of my Reuenge , I become an a●iect to my selfe , to thinke what mettall I am to temper with . But in brie●e to lose no more time with you , to Morrowe is my day , the h●wer eight in the morning , the pl●co , the Padock● within the Thicket : where the determination of businesse I hope will be briefer then discourse , and so I ende : endlesse . Yours : as you haue made mee . T. N. His Answer . IDle humors shewes add●● Brayues , where lacke of iudgement , prooues imperfection indiscretion : To challenge a Coward is no balour , but if your Sword were as nimble as your Penne , I should not knowe how to put by the poynte : but I thinke that your furie is but a flash , which betwéene heats and colde , hath made a little thunder , that will goe away in a Clowde : to temper with Mettalls is fittest for Artistes , but in the rules of honor scorne hath no place . But touching your agonie , take héede of an Ag●e , left shame fellowes shifte , in putting off a Quarrell , with excuse : in briefe , there shall nothing fayle but your selfe ; who as you deserue at my hands , shall finde mée from my heart , Yours , as you mine . R. D. A Loue-Letter , to a worthie Gentle-woman . FAyre Mistris , if I had no eyes , I should not like you , and it no wit I should not loue you , for the brightnes of your Beauty is for no blind sight to gaz● vpon , nor the worthines of your vertu● for no weake braynes to beate vpon . If you say I flatter you , looke into your selfe , and doo me n● wrong , and if I doo you Right , chyde not Affection , for a discouerie , where truth is honourable , pardon my presumption if it excéede your pleasure , and commend his seruice , who will make an honour or your fauor : So intreating your patience , for answer to my poore Letter , vntill I heare from you , and alwayes I rest . Your deuoted , to be commaunded . N. R. Her Answere . SYr ; if your wits goes with your eyes , your braynes may be on the out-side of your head : and th●n if you deceyue your seife , I hope I shall not bee blamed , Colours are but shadowes , and may b●full of illusions , and the worthynesse of vertue may be a reach aboue the Worldes reason , yet the discouery of affection may be mor●in wordes then matter , especially where discretion sounds the depth of desart , though the honour as truth be worth regard . Where there is no faults there néedes no pardon , and therefore without trouble of Patience , finding no cause of displeasure , I thus conclude : Loue hath a priuilege to be at the commaund of kindnesse , in which I rest , to wish you much happinesse . Your wel-willing Friend . E. S. A Conceyted Letter of Newes . GOod Unckl● , I knowe you looke for newes , from this plot of our Earthly Paradise , which when you left , it was a place of great pleasure : but since your departure , some wicked Blasts haue withered some of our principall Plants , but God be thanked , we haue at this time so good a Gardener , that so plucks vppe the Weedes by the rootes , that ( I hope ) this Spring wee shall haue a flourishin● piece of ground . Hobgoblin and the Fayries , hath brought theyr Beléeuers to the Gallowes : where ( had not Mercie giuen grace ) they had bene almost a● O man in Desperation ; But it is an ill winde , that blowes no man to good : for Halter-men and Ballet-makers were not better sette a worke this many a day . Our Sunne shewes his beams in great brightnesse , whiles the man in the Moone is fall●n quite thorough the Clowdes : wilde Byrdes put in Cadges , become tame in little time : but our Iacke-Dawes will be chattering , whiles they haue a tongu● in theyr heads . Our Turtle-Doues are the prettyest fooles in the world : but when a Cuckow counterfaits the Nightingale , there is an ill Closse in the Musicke : Our Peacocke was so prowde , that hee could not leaue spreading his tayle , but since moulting-time hee hath lost many of his Feathers . Our Poast-horses haue galled their Riders , and our Asses are kept but onely for theyr milke : in summe , for Men and Women , the best ( God be thanked are well , and for the worst God will take order for theyr amendment , and so with my most hearty commendation , I rest Your euer-louing Nephew . T. M. The Vnckles Answer . MY kinde Nephewe , I thanke thee heartily for thy merrie Letter , in which I like well of thy iudgement in wryting of Newes , to meddle with no matters of state : for hée that lookes too high may haue a suddain downe-fall , and olde Countrey-Prouerbe , may prooue a good parte of spéeche ; I remember I haue hearde my Gr●und . Father tell of one that was taught him in his T●●uell : Let the Horse neigh , know thou thy course and god thy way : and so much for this . Now for your Earthly Paradise , I thought it ( when I came from it ) a goodly poece of ground , and t' was pittie that any Blaste should per●h the least Plant in it : But as it is I am very glad to heare so well of it , GOD blesse the owner of it , and the Gardener , that so well wéedeth it . Now for the Byrdes , hee that knoweth not a Cuckowe from a Nightingale , is like vnto a Lark-catcher , that hauing caught an Owle , tooke her for a fine Hawke , till looking on her face , and fearing she had bene aspirite , he let her flye to the Diuell . As for Peacocks , they will be prowde , till they looke on theyr legges , and Iackdawes will prate , it is their nature : and therefore be not angry with a Milke-wenche , if shée make not a curtsi● like Mistrisse C●nstable , for there may be difference in their bréeding , and so foorth . Now for our Countrey-newes , I will tell you what is come to my hands : our Coultes are so lustie , that we cannot kéepe a Filly in quiet for them , and our Géese are so fatte that they wallowe as they goe : our Sowes are so forward , that we shall haue a world of ●at Pigges : and our Ewes so suckle our Lambes , that they leaue almost no flesh on their backs : our Mill horse hath broken his halter , and layd his load at the Mill doore : and our towne Bull is so fat , that he shall be bayted for the Butcher : our Towne is so full of Marriages , that there is scarce Cakes enough for the Bridales . Tom Piper and the blinde Harper are hyred for these Hollidayes with my young Landlord , who hath sworne by his Fathers soule , that hee will whoord vp none of his Siluer : Other such h●mely stuffe there is store about vs , but because you haue better Wares nearer hand , I care not much if I trouble you no longer with such Trifles . I pray you let me heare from you , of such occurrents as comes in your way : In the meane time alwayes I rest . The most louing Vnckle . F. L. A Conceyted Loue-Letter . SWéete Creature , to tell you I loue you , were a Phrase of too plaine a fashion : and yet when truth is indeed the best ●●oquence , affection needs no inuention to expresse the care of her content ; which being in three Letters , makes a word soone to be read , which being Y : O : V : nothing doubting you● spelling , I hope you will so kindely put together , that a Coniunction of Lo●● shall haue no separation daring life : And thus b●see●hing you to learne this lesson by hart , without a crosse in conceyte , to hinder the course of loues comfort : Till I heare from you in that nature , that may make mée a happy creature , I rest . Yours wholly , and onely if you will. M. D. Her Answer . KInd● Syr , to tell you I loue you , were too crosse an Answer with a comfortable request : and yet when dissimulation is the worst fruit● of inuention , descretion may be pardoned in concealing of loue . Touching your letter , they are sooner read then vnderstoode , while Imaginatiue hopes may be deceyued in theyr happinesse , and yet to auoyde all touch of Ingratitude , in that nature of kindenesse , that may giue honor content , as a simple scholler in the arte of loue , ●●sath● to haue that by heart , that may trouble more then my head , when separation of Coniunctions may endanger the death of Comfort , wishing nothing , nothing amisse , to them that meane all well , I rest . Yours , as I may be mine owne . E. B. A Letter from ● Ladie to a Gentleman , whom shee called her Seruant , for the preferring of a Gentle-woman vnto her . SEruant I haue often spoken to you for that you must needs doo for mée : I am going to the Court , and shall haue great vse of a Gentle-woman to attende mée , I know you haue many Kins-men and acquaintance , among whom you may finde ●ne to fitte mee : I will take her at your hand , and regard her for your sake , and if her desarts answers my desires , shée shall lose no loue in my fauor , and therefore leauing this trusty charge to the care of your discréete kindenesse , as you will expect a greater courtesse at my hands : I rest , Your louing Mistrisse . F. T. His Answer . GOod Madame ; you spake vnto mée , to helpe you 〈◊〉 a Gentle-woman , which with my letter I haue here sent you : a Woman and gentle , who I hope will not be altogether vnworthy of your entertainment : for her Person , shée is not deformed , nor her face of the worst feature , shée is neither b●ea●-eyed , nor tongue-tyed , and for her qualities I hope shée can doe more then make curtsey and blush : her Parentage is not bare , nor her breeding idle , and for her disposition , I hope it wil be nothing vispleasing : to praise her in any perfection , I dare not , but in all will leaue har to the tryall of your patience : So wishing my dutifull seruice in this , or what else may lye in my power , so Fortunate as to deserue your sauour , and this Gentle-woman so gracious as to gaine the continuance of your g●●d opinion , in Prayer for your health , and hearts most wished happinesse , I take my leaue for thie time , but rest at all times , Your Ladyships most humble Seruant . R. G. A Letter from a kinde of Diogines , to a Courtyer . SYr , I heare by some of my acquaintance that you goe on apace with the World : I pray GOD you go as fast towards Heauen ; but by the way let me tell you , what I thinke fittest for you , now and then to haue minde of , least you forgette the mayne , while the bye-way deceyue you : for what is Honor without vertue ? King Dauid tells you , it is but a blast : meaning a prowde man : and what is Wealth without Wisedome , but Couetousnesse ? and that is the toole of all euill : and what is Life without Grace , the very high-way to Hell ? Let therefore Vertue be your Honor : Wisedome your Wealth : and Grace your Life : so that GOD bless●yon , the diuell can neuer hurte you : Let not a little wealth beget a great deale of pride in you , lest a great deale of pride beget you but little witte . Know whence you are : who you are : and where you are : You are from the ●lim● of the Earth , but a Creature on Earth : Be merry with measure , but be not madde in any case : For Patience is the guyde , of Experience , where haste makes more waste then good worke : To conclude , be loyall to Soueraignti● : faithfull in Friendship : constant in Loue : and honest in all : Farewell . Thine as thou knowest . B. B. A Letter of zealous loue , written from a Gentleman to his Brother . BRother , since I last hearde from you , I am sorrie to heare that I doo of you : that you are wound so farre into the World , as if that you neuer meant to get out of it ; you know I haue trauelled farre , séene much , and haue some vnderstanding : by all the obseruation of time , in the courses of Nature , I finde Salomons truth in the tryall of the Worlde , that there is little of it , but is little worth in it , ( when all béeing but Uanitie ) there is little Uertue to be found in it : Beléeue me Brother , wée are neuer in one nature , but differ in another : in the Flesh , but not in the Spiritie ; For whiles I contemplate the substance of the Soules comfort , thou art puzzelled in the Worlde , among the puddles of the Earth , yea , I feare the nature of thy affect to bee as farre from the rule of Religion , as the most sen●lesse Creature is from the vse of Reason : Oh brother , I know thou hast wronged many , and thy selfe most , I would thou wert a Zacheu● to write all : but better betimes then to late , looke home to the maine chance , haue a care of thy soule , and thy body will be the better ; beleeue it , there is no rust eateth so fast into any mettall , as the venom of Au●●ice into the heart of a wicked man : Prodigality is the way to penury , but Couet●usnesse is the roote of all euill , betwixt both there is a meane , that to hit on , is a kinde of happinesse , and if thou hast no eares but of Midas , that can heare of nothing but gold , take a heart of Simion , to ioy in nothing but Christ Iesus . Turne a new leafe , serue God for whom thou wert created , and let not the earth triumph ouer thée , for whom it was made to tread vpon , lift vp thine eyes towards heauen , where one ioy of the Elect is worth all the Kingdomes of the world : leaue the world ere it leaues thée , and loue him euer , that will neuer leaue thée : let thy li●e be a Pilgrimage , and the earth but a passage , and the heauen only the home of thy soules eternall happinesse , once a day reade these few lines for my sake , which if they doe that good to thée , which I hartily pray for in thee , till when and euer my hearts loue . Thy louing Brother , N. P. His answere MY good Brother , I thanke you for your carefull and kinde Letter , yet let me tell you , that zeale without discretion proues not the best part of Religion : Reports may be idle , and then belee●e may be erronious , when mistakings by misconstruings may bréed abuse of good vs●s : I know that Riches are Witches to them that make their heauen of this world , but he that hath a leaden wit , will ●euer worshippe a golden Calfe : But since I know Abraham and Lazarus were alike in election , giue mée leaue while I am in this world , by Christ rather th●n Auarise , rather to be a Husbandman , then tobe a labourer for hire : if I haue wronged any , it is vnwillingly , whom if I know , I will satisfie most willingly , and for the wound of conscience , I hope to be so farre from Hypocrisie , that I shall be free from that feare , and therefore though trauel hath taught you much experience in the world , and hauing sufficient maintenance to passe through the world , you make the lesse account of the world , yet when carefull thrist bréedeth no couetous thraldome , be not iealous of my loue , with all the pleasures of the world to make comparison with the least of heauens comfort , I know the highest mountaine is but earth , and the lowest valley is no other , and therefore when I carry my foot-stoole on my head , let mée walke like a foole or monster . In briefe , I know the world and how to vse it , and kéepe account with my cares , how I may most contentedly leaue it , but for my loue to him that make it , let me liue no longer in it , then I loue and honor him aboue it , and so intreating you to blow off●ll breaths that may abuse my disposition , and to be perswaded so farre of my soules health , that my ioy is euer and only in Christ Iesus , to his preseruation , leauing the happy issue of your hopes in the nature of the best loue , till I sée you , and alwaies I rest : Your most louing Brother , T. W. A Letter of Loue , to an Honourable Ladie . HOnourable Madame : if Loue were not aboue reason , it would not be so high in regard : who dwelling onely in the spirites of the best vnderstandings , feedes the heart onely with the frui●ts of an infallible resolution : What it is in it ●wne nature hath bene diue●sly described , but I thinke neuer knowne but vnto them that inwardly knowe it . Some holde it a Riddle , that none can interpret , but hée that made it : and others a Myracle , that amazeth all that beleeue it : but if it bée as I haue read of it , a Childe and Beautie begotte it : I hope Nature will bée her selfe , and not vnkinde vnto her owne breede : How to prooue truth , the Honor in your Eyes , that haue wrought my heart to your seruice , shall ●ake knowne to your fauor , in the happinesse of your Employment . So crauing pardon for my presumption , in my deuoted duety , to the honor of your commaund , I humbly take my leaue . Your Ladyships , in all humblenesse . R. M. Her Answer . WOrthie Knight , if Loue be aboue Reason , it must be eyther Diuine or Diuelish , and so regarded accordingly : what it is I thinke is best known by the effect of it , howsoeuer idle braynes haue beaten about the description of it : Riddles are but Ieasts of witte , and Myracles are ceased for being seene in our Age , but if it be a Childe ( though of a strange Parentag● , ) surely Nature will not suffer the Mother to be cruell to her owne bréede , but if it fall out to bée an vngratious Father , what then will be thought of the Children ? yet least in misconstruing a conceit , I may mistake a content , since in the secret of Nature may be a sense of strange vnderstanding , I will suspend my iudgement , till I haue made proofe of my opinion : when Eyes and Hearts méete together in discourse , I hope the businesse will be soone ●nded , ( that is ) referred to indifferent iudgement : So till occasion be offered of the performance of Employment , hoping that Uertue and Honor will soone agrée vpon sure grounds , till I sée you , I rest , Your louing Friend . M. W. A Letter from a Knight to a Nobleman , for the entertaining of a Secretary . NOBLE LORD , I heare that your Secretary hath lately taken his leaue of this worlde , in whole place ( if you be not prouided ) let my loue preuaile with your Honor , for the entertainment of this bearer , a Gentleman and a Kinsman of mine , in whose commendations I dare thus farre vse my credite , his heart shall bee as faire as his hand vppon any occasion of your Employment , and for his wit it is both in Caput and Copie-holde , for he hath read much , and obserued more then a little , his discent hath béene from the loynes of an honourable Line , and for his disposition euery way , I hope you shall finde it no way displeasing , not to trouble you with long circumstance , leauing your happinesse to your acceptance , with my seruice to your commaund : in all humble loue I take my leaue for this time . But rest during lif● . Your Honours deuoted , to be commaunded , W. R. The Lords answere . MY kind Knight , I haue receyued your letter , fulfilled your request , and entertained your kinsman , of whom I am already so well perswaded , besides the assurance of your knowledge , that I thinke a little matter shall not make square in our loues : I finde what you writte of him , and shall haue much employment for him , I thanke you for him , and if he continue his carriage , which I doubt not , he will bee of better fortune then my fauour , and yet somewhat the more for your sake , I will take such a care of him , that ere many monthes passe you shall finde my loue in him , so till I sée you at my house , where you shall make your owne welcome . I rest , Your most assured friend , E. S. A Letter of a simple man to a Scholler , that was determined to play the Wagge with him . WOrshipful Sir , I vnderstand by my honest friend and Scho●lfellow in our Parish church , that your Worshippe hath a great knowledge in casting of Natiuities , and telling mens fortunes , to tell you truely what yeares I am , my Grandame sayes I was at lawfull age to enter vpon my Fathers Farme at Lent last , and then your Worship may ghesse much about the time , the the day and the hours I do not wel remember : But to the purpose , I heare say that in your Studie among the Starres , you haue gone by all the Planets , and ten to one if your Worshippe will goe ouer them , but you shall finde mee in one of them , and if you aske of them that dwell in those hou●es , some of them may tell you that of mee that all the world is not acquainted with , I pray you Sirlet mee entreate you to take a little paines for mee , and chiefely , what good happe or ill is like to before mee , as well among men as women , and when I come for my note , I will better consider your paines , in the meane time I haue sent you a peece of gold that saw no light this many a day : so till I heare from you , which I pray you let bee as soone as you can , I commit your Worshippe to God. From my house at Columsbery this second day of Iuly , 1615. Your Worships to commaund , Ienkin Hoguiskine . His Answer . MY good Friend , I receyued your Letter and your kinde Token , and though I loue n●t to shewe my skill in those secrets , yet ●or your Schoole-fellowes sakes I haue taken a little paines for you : I will tell you what I haue found among them all : if you were borne vpon the Sunday , Sol is a hote Planet , and you will be much subiect to Sun-burning , especially ( if you goe to Plough bare headed : if vpon the Munday , the Moone is full of water , and if you ●●ll your braines too full of Drinke , you may growe Lunatike , and so be in danger of Bedlame : if vpon Tuesday , Mars is a bloody fellowe , and if you goe to Fisticuffes , you will hardly be without a bloody nose : if vpon Wednesday , you must weare ● Nightcap , and bée euer at your booke : especially ( if you can write and reade ) and be in any Office in your Pa●●ish : if vpon the Thursday , you will be as prowde as a Beggar , especially ( if you weare your best cloathes ) on a working day : if vpon a Friday , beware Wenches , least they make thée a poore man , especially ( about Cuckow time : ) and if vpon a Satterday ; Oh you will be so froward that ( if you Marrie ) your Wife will neuer endure the house with you , especially ( if shée be of the bréede of a Scholler : ) and therefore not yet hauing heard any newes in any of the houses of you : vntill I heare from you againe , I can say no more to you , and so I rest , Your assured Friend . T. W. A Letter to a Friend , on the otherside of the Sea. DIstance of placo must make no difference of minds , Loue and Life amongst hearts make an ende together , I haue long longed to heare from you , and if I had knowne whether , I had ●are this written vnto you : but now hauing met with him that meaneth shortly to see you , I haue thought good to let you know , that I yet liue to loue you , and forget net to pray for you , that all happinesse may befall you ; Glad I would be to see you , and in the meane time to heare from you , how the world goeth there about you , whether al birds be of one feather , and how they flie together , what blazing stars haue beene lately seene , and what your Astronomers thinke what will follow of their appearance , whether your wine be watered before it come ouer , & how youth and age agrée vpon the Coniunction Coplatiue : how the great Fish and the little agree together in your seas , and how your Rabbets escape the Kite abroad , and the Pole-Cat in their Borowes , how the fexes and wolues prey vpon your Géese and Lambs , & what sport your Swallowes make with the Flyes in the ayre . I wish you not to write of any Wonders , because they are incredulous , nor of matters of state , for they may be perhappes ill taken : but onely how honest men thriue , and knaues haue their rewardes , how Wise men are honoured , and Fooles laught at , and how the weaker sort hold their strength with the stronger , when Wenches eyes pull out mens hearts out of their Bellies , their wittes out of theyr braiues , and theyr money out of their purses , and such matters of no moment , then must needes if you will take a little paines so set downe in a little Paper , I shall be glad to looke vpon them , and in my loue to requite them , for our World to heare it , were a worlde to thinke of it : But the Messengers haste not giuing me time to write of it vntill the next Poste , I will say but this of it , God blesse the best , and mend or end the worst , grant all honest harts good liues in it , and a ioyfull departure when they are to leaue it , to which prayer , hoping you will say Amen , till we meet , and alwayes , I rest , Yours , or not mine owne . I. G. His Answere . MY long acquaintance , and worthy beloued friend● I haue lately receyued your letters , wherein I find your desire to heare of the passages in the world on this side the salt-water . Now to satisfie in as much as I can , let mee tell you that I finde some difference in the natures of Nations , but touching their di●sions , I thinke they are much alike thorow the whole World , for on the one side , I ●inde the powerfull , imperi●us : the ambitious en●ious , the couetous neuer satisfied , the licentious idle , and the foolish vnprofitable : on the other side Maiesty gratious , Honour v●r●uous , wealth charitable , Thrift wealthie , 〈◊〉 all , and Religion loyall , and Labour commodious . Now looking into the danger of Greatnesse , the charge of Honour , the care of wealth , the misery of want , the ●●lly of wantonnesse , and the beggery of idlenese : I haue chosen the meane for my part of musicke , where I shall neither stra●n my voyce , nor stretch my stringes , but with little charge keepe my instrument 〈◊〉 tune : The passages are heere as in other places , when Ianuary and May meet in coniunction , there are strange kindes of countenances that shew not the best content . And when Windes are highest in Summer , the fruit shall fall 〈◊〉 they be ripe , Many idle exercises are more costly then comfortable , much talke and little truth , & gaye outsides haue poore insides , ●athes● and lyes as common as High-wayes , and painted images make feeles idels , honest men thought more silly then the wise among she Wizards of the world , and the Diuel among the Brokers dayly hunted with beggars , murmuring of warre among vnquiet Spirits , and Peace guarded for feare of a close stratagem● . In summe , such variety of businesse , that euery mans braine is ●ul of humours : and for women they are of such force , that they put men to great patience : for my sel●e , I see the world at that passe , that I thinke him happy that is well out of it : in summe , God blesse the best while the worst mend , and sen● vs his grace , and health with a happy méeting : so till I heare from you , which I wish often with my harts loue that shall neuer end but with life , with my heartie commendations I commit you to the Almighty . Yours as mine owne . R. G. A Letter from a friend in the City to a Scholler in the Vniuersity . HOnest Ned , since I left the blessed place wherein thou dwellest , I am come into a world that doth amaze me with imaginations , how Nature could so iuggle with the world as to make men become shadowes , women picture : but neare the end of daies I see the Diuell labours hard about his haruest , else could madnesse neuer so ouer-rule , as to turn wisdome out of dores . The disloyaltie of Subiects to most gratious Princes , vnthankefulnesse of seruants to most bountifull masters , vnthankefull heartes to best deseruing Spirite , disobedient children to most carefull parents yea most vngracious creatures to the most gracious Creat●r , makes mee feare a ne●● dealing vpon the earth , to cleanse the World from iniquitie , the Diuel is feared in his colours , but followed in his conditions , and heauen more spokē o● , th● lookt after , charitable mouths haue other meanings in their hearte , and ●●thes are so common that they are little in account , the cuppe of 〈◊〉 is toppe full to the brimme , 〈…〉 to the health of the Diuell : Reason 〈…〉 to the World , that A. T. to much in the world ●akes him a wofull Scholler that keepes that lesson in his heart , Iacke a Lent scarce a Gentleman will ride on Cocke-horse , like a rascal , and Io●e Fiddle in a French hoode will be a Lady before her Mistresse . Prison is become a practise of policie to deceiue the witt● with a plot of villanie : The breath of some man is deadly , especially vpon a capitall ●ffence : when iustice impartiall weedes the land of the vnnaturall : The Pruner of the three trees hath gotten● much by vnwholesome fruit , who when he hath pared the outside , puts the rest in an earthen pi● . Beléeue me Ne● , I shall not bee at rest till I be with thee , where I may walke to the well that yeeldes the Spirit a sweet Water . Shortly I hope to see thee , in the meane time , let mee heare from thee that vpon the least of thy wish , I may the sooner be with thee . Farewell . Thine if his owne . R. D. His answere . KInde Francke , in perusing of thy Letter , I find no little touch of passion , and that thy brain is not a little distempered with the cares of this world , which though they touch not thy person , yet being a Christian , thou canst not but hate a Iew : far mine owne part , I haue read of many idle passages in times past , but I am most hartily ●ory to heare of the sinfull occurrents of this age : I haue read in the Discourse of Sin , that Enuie is a pestilent humor in a pestiferous spirit , and that Pride is the fore-horse of Follies , that drawes the Diuels Car into hell : I haue read likewise , that Queene Helens lust was the spoile of Trey , and that her name will neuer be blotted out of the blacke booke of Infamie : I haue read of many things , of which I haue taken some notice , as of the Cuckow ●illing the Sparow that hatcheth her , and the Turkie cocke beating his henne when hee hath trod her , but a Dogge to be too saw●ie with a Lion : fie vpon it , there is almost no beast can abide it . I read likewise , that vpon a time , that sin was growne to such a a height that the Diuel laid about him like a great Lord , but God be thanked , there was an Angell that had authoritie ouer him , seeing his ●●●kes , quickely weakened his force , fetched him into his precinct , and kept him so fast lockt in his chaine , that he could not passe beyond his ●●●its , but what is all this to thée , no more but a 〈◊〉 of thy kindnesse , as thou writest what thou hast séen , so I what I haue read , when set the Hare against the Goose giblets and there would be a strange ●ish of didlums : wel , when thou art weary there , come hither , and as wee may , wee will be merrie together : Farewell . Thine , or not his selfe , W. R. A Letter to a Scholler that tooke vpon him the Interpretation of Dreames . SIR I heare by a kinsman of mine , among other your deepe iudgements in many other learned points of Arte , of your excellent iudgement in the interpretation of Dreames , and being perswaded much of your kindnesse , by such as hath conuersed much in your company , I am bold to intreate your opinion vpon some apparisions that lately troubled me in my ●leep , and though I will not be frighted with Furies , nor will trust vnto flatteries , yet if I may haue some notice of the issue of these night troubles , I shall take it for a kindnesse , that I would not bury in obliuion . First , mée thought I saw Phaeton in the skie , sitting in Sols glorious Carre , and many fiery driuers about him , but on a sodaine giuing his horses the bridle , for want of holding they run with such a speed , that the Carre was ouerthrowne , Phaeton fell downe and all his driuers with him : with the sudden noise whereof I awoke , when I fell a sléepe againe , I saw , me thought , certaine great Starres mounting aboue the Sunne , but comming neere his heate they were suddenly dissolued , hange a while in the aire , and at last fell into the bottome of the earth , with the fall whereof I awoke , now toward morning , taking a little nappe , me thought I saw a kinde of Furie or shee Diuell let out of hell with charmes or poisons to doe much hurt in the world , but a gratious power came from heauen , for the good of the world , and with the breath of his mouth made her so vanish away , that I neuer heard more what bec●me of her . These were the thrée dreames which troubled me in my sleepe , the interpretation whereof , leauing to the description of your kinde patience : I rest . Your louing friend , R. I. His answere . SIR , though my profession be not to interprete night troubles : yet at the request of your friend , I am content to tell you mine opinion of your strange apparitions . Touching your first dreame , it should seeme you are somewhat Poeticall , and hauing the day before read of the fiction , were troubled in the night with a fable : for your mounting Starres , I guesse you were the euening before at the Starre or the Moone , or some such elemental signe , studying some Tauerne Astronomie , that your braine being in the altitude of Canary . taking the candles for starres , seeing one of them by mischance 〈◊〉 with his candle stick downe to the ground , being a little troubled with it to bed-ward , brought out this strange vision in your ●●●pe , For the third , if you come to Furies , shee Diuels , or such kinde of Spirits , I haue nothing to say to them , nor will trouble my thought with them . And therefore leauing such as loue Hell to deale with such Hagges , Beseeching God to blesse me and thee , and all honest hearts from all such horrible creatures : I rest , Your louing friend , L. T. A Letter of a Patient to his Physitian . MAster Doctor , your Patient cōmends him to your patience , to beare a little kinde chiding for your too long absence : my disease holds his owne , and my paine nothing diminished , and if you come not the sooner your Physicke will be past working , for my stomacke is weake , and my heart groweth faint , and yet I feede , though my 〈◊〉 be not the best , loath I am to languish if I may haue hope of comfort , but your absence makes me doubt of my recouery . I pray you therefore haste you vnto me , and let me be assured of your comming● lest you come too late , you know my disease and are acquainted with my body , for my cure I leaue it to God and your conscience , and so entreating your present answere of your Spéedie presence , I commit you to the Almightie . Your sicke louing Patient , T. N. His answere . MY good Patient , I feare your impatience hath by some passion encreased your paine , I know the force of your disease cannot but be weakened , if you be not mor afraid then hurt , you will not die of this malady , if my businesse were not great , I would see you , or if your need were great , I would not be from you : but knowing euery erampe is not a con●ultion , nor euery stitch at the heart : I will onely wish you to put off melancholie , to take heed of cold , to haue minde rather of heauen then earth : Eate good meat , but not too much : Drinke good wine , but measurably : be in charitie with all the world , but not too farre with any , especially with the feminine gender : vse metion for naturall Physicke , 〈◊〉 let a merrie heart be your best Physitian , for conceit is hurtfull , if it be not contentiue , and it is past the reach of my reason to eure a corrupted mind : shortly , and God willing , I will see you , in the meane time imagine I am with you , for indeed I wil not be long from you : and this let me tell you , that to put you out of feare , I haue no feare of you , but that you will be past Physicke ere my hope faile of your cure ; and that will not be in haste , and so hoping that you are not so weeke in spirit , but that you can endure a little paine with patience in hope or assured health , till I sée you , and alwaies I rest , Your Physitian and louing friend : W. R. A Letter from a yong Gentleman to an old Captaine . MY good Captaine , hauing of late no little disposition to martiall disciplino , and in the field of bloud to aduenture life for honor , I am to entreate your aduice as one long experienced in that course , for what you shall thinke fit ●or my furniture for such seruice as may deserue regard , and how I may so cary my selfe in al companies , that I may not be ●anished the best : and i● it please you shortly to go ouer to your Company , that you will let me serue vnder your Colours : and so beseeching your present answere , that I may the better determine of my desires , leauing to your kinde di●cretion the care of my instruction , protesting in my best endeauors to shew my loue in you seruice ; till I heare from you , I rest . Your affectionate friend , B. R. His answere . SIR , your desire I mislike not , if your bodie will answere your mind , your booke warres yéeld n● blowes , and therefore séeme swéete in reading , but come to the triall of the buisinesse , and you will finde it full of bitternesse , but if resolution haue taken roote with you , and not easily to bee remoued , I will tell you what I thinke shall most behoue you to carrie with you ; a good heart , a stayed head , and a strong stomack , a purse to de●ray necessary charge , and a care in laying out of expences , neither offer nor take wrong , at least not much : borrow little , pay all , obserue the wise , loue the honest , be not idle nor ill exercised , beware of for●eits , play and wanton pleasures , for thy furniture , thy armor and pike , thy peece and thy sword , shall be sufficient to make thee a Souldier : serue God , and feare not the Diuell , let thy enemie sée thy face , and not thy back , and be not proud of any honorable action ; but giue God the glory of all : when I goe , which will be shortly , I will giue thée notice , in the meane time sée mee , and I will loue thée : Farewell . Thy assured louing friend , B. W. A dogged Letter to a displeasing Companion . AFter my harty commendations , hoping that you are in good health , as I was at the writing hereof , when my head aked , wishing you no better comfort , then a Scould to your wife , desirous to heare from you , that I may neuer heare more of you , and sorie with my slefe to be troubled with the thought of you , assuring you that there is no man cares lesse for you , for the vilenesse I know in you , and the villany I heare of you , wishing all honest men to beware of you , no wise man to trust you , hoping , if that God doe not the sooner m●nd you , the Gallowes will and you : to deale plainly with you , as a Rakehell I found you , so a Rakehell I leaue you . Yours as you see by your good seruice . T. M. His answere . O Man in desperation , how are thy wits out of fashion ; it seemes by thy spight , thy Spleene is full of corruption , for thy wishes they cannot hurt me ; nor thy words trouble mee , ●ory I am that thy wits are a w●●ll gathering , or gone God knowes whither : what ill soeuer you think of me , I knew better then you thinke of mee , if your head ake , you should better binds vp your braines , then let them fly● so neere Bedlam , to raile without discretion , vpon a causelesse imagination : but while the wise note your folly , and the honest pitie your ●urie , I shall be the lesse sorie for you , because I will haue nothing to doe with you : if your breath bee as 〈◊〉 as your pe●ne , no Christian will abide you , and so 〈◊〉 nothing but as an idle humor followeth you , a worse plague then a scoulding wife , which is as neare hell as may he , wil torment you : as a Woodcock I know you , and a Dawcock I hold you ▪ and so 〈◊〉 I see better of you , to you● madde fits I leaue you , and so rest as you see by the course of your owne cards . Yours , as you mine , D. R. A Letter of Reconciliation . HOnest Daniel , I thought to trie the vertue of thy loue in thy patience , but I see we are all weake , when rage gets vpto his height . Reason is a poore man , if thou diddest thinke I was madde , thou mightest haue béene sory and not angry , and if well in my wits , thou mightest haue thought it an humor of iest to trie a friend in earnest : onely louers haue not beene of a little continuance , and shall a conceit of vnkindnesse breake the knot of our friendship , ●acre bee it from both and either of vs , thou knowest thine owne desert , and my disposition and mightest therefore suspect my distemper of braine through the 〈◊〉 of the same disease , then fall into collor vpon 〈◊〉 of male content : But since I began a 〈◊〉 ▪ I will end the combate , and all causes set aside , loue thee in spight of all spight , and therefore let vs be as we were , and euer will be , one minde in two bodies , and so with hearts shaking hands , and shaking of all ill humo●rs , that may make the least breach into our loues till I see thee , And alwayes I rest : If not thine , not mine owne . W. T. His Answer . MY most worthy Beloued , and neuer to be remoued kind Wilkin , beleeue me it : I can be angry and ●ke with kindnesse to meete with humors in their kinde , onely to bee out of your dept for a few good words . I tooke a little paines to blot a little pa●er , which if you will put to the fice , mine shall soone consume to ashes , and to auoyde all memoriall of mad humours : I confesse Nature is subiect to imperfection , yea and Reason is sometimes weake in discretion , but loue is euer himselfe , where hee liues in the Spirites of vnderstanding . Thinke therefore of me as of your selfe , who rather embrace kindnesse then beléeue madnesse , and leauing all humour of iest , haue a heart that will euer loue you in earnest . So patting off all thought of quarrell , where the combat is but a conceits of kindnesse in the irremoueable resolution of infringeable affection : I rest as I haue beene and can now be none other . But thine what I am mine owne . I. G. A letter written from an olde man to his son before his death . MY Sonne , thou art now comming into the world , that I am going out of , and yet before my departure out of it , let me tell thee what I hold needfull for thee to haue care of in it , I know thou wilt not break thy bread all in one house , séede alwayes of one dish , nor liue alwayes in one place , and therefore let mee reade thée a short Lecture for thy carriage in all courses , the Court is a place of charge more then ease , the Citie gawdes of more price then worth , and the Country sportes of more pleasure than profite , yet is there no seruice to the King , no dwelling to the City , nor pleasure to the Country , but all the waight of the worth of them is in the hand of Wisedome , who in the knowledge of the vse of them makes the best estéem of them : but least long Lessons may ouercharge thy Memorie , take this one Rule for thy learning in all , and thou shalt finde it good in more then a few , wheresoeuer thou goest , note the best , choose the best , & keepe the best , bée not , buried in earth before thou commest to thy Grau● , nor builde Castles in the Ayre , least they fall downe vpon thy head , Let not thy eye abuse thy heart , nor thy tongue discredite thy Will , and let Reason gouerne Will in all the passages of Nature , bée neyther néedy nor vngratefull , vn●●urteous , nor vnkind , and examine thy Conscience in the care of thy content , ground thy loue vpon Vertue , the hope vpon reason , and thy happinesse vpon grace , liue as a Stranger in the world , and make all the hast thou canst into Heauen , bée loyall to thy Prince , naturall to thy Country , faithfull to thy friend , kind to thy neighbour , and honest to the whole World , So shall God blesse thee , the best loue thee ; and the worst not hurte thée . And thus so weake in body , that the Spirit fainteth in forced to expresse the full of a Fathers loue vnto thee , with my Prayers to the Lord of heauen for thy preseruation in this World , and eternall happinesse in the World to come , with my loues blessing , and therewith what I am able to leaue thee , to the mercifull guarde of Heauens glory I commit thee . Thy most louing Father , W. I. His Answere . MY most louing Father , this Legacy of your loue , for the directiō of my life , how much I prize in my hearts thankefulnesse , the eye of your iudgement shall beh●ld in my obseruation , and giue mee leaue to tell you , that in this little time that I haue spent idely in this World , I haue had some taste of the meate that you haue giuen mee , where I finde that the best meate may bee spoyled in the dressing , while a cunning Cooke will make a rich seruice of small cost , and though giddie heads are in loue with gawdes , yet since the better sorte of opinions estéeme a small Diamond before a great Saphire , I care not if I rather aduenture far for the honor of vertue , then lessen my estate , by breach of arms , & since there are so many counterfeites , that the best Ieweller may be mistaken , I will meddle with no such wares as may call repentance to an after reckoning , while my hart looketh toward heauen , I hope the earth shall not blinde mine eye , nor the vaine delights of nature preuayle against the vertue of Reason : but alis in the power of powers , by whose grace being guided , I shall bee euer so preserued , that howsoeuer my heart be wounded , my ●aith shall neuer bee confounded , in hope whereof , and prayers for which , beséeching the almighty eyther in health to prolong your dayes , or in the Election of his loue to call you to a better life , more esteeming these precepts of your loue , then all the portion you can leaue , ●aning your blessing , I humbly take my lea●e . Your most louing and obedient Sonne , W. R. A Letter to a Kinsman that came from the Vniuersity to the Court , was giuen much to study . MY good Cosin , I hear since you came from the Uniuersity to the Court , yo● are enclined much to Melancholy , your minde onely delighted in reading and study , and among many variety of matters of import , that you take much delight in searching out of Petigrees , and Heraldry , the knowledge whereof I holde both honourable and profitable : but the vse thereof requires a héedefull care , ●or in discoursing of matters vnfit , may be brought within the compasse of folly : but as a friend to giue you a caueatinal your course of that study , take my adui●● for the bettering of your vnderstanding in the best of your Cotes : ●ee not too busie with the Crowne , and of all beasts beware of the Lyon , if he sleepe , wake him not least you trouble his patience , and in his walke crosse not his way , least his frowne growes wrothfull , for other beasts thinke of them as your reason wil giue you leaue : where you finde hon●urs , note if you can the desert● of them , and for bought Cotes , consider of them in their kinds , times alter and natures in them , and therefore in the setting downe of Angiquities , there may be much deceit thorow the corruption of the Writers or directors for strange Cotes , as to see an Eagle haue a Flie in her mouth , and a Mause bite a Catte by the tayle , or a Goose keepe a Foxe in his denne : Wonder at it , but make no words of it , and if you sée a black Swan in a blew field , and an E●le in her belly , running out at her tayle , or a Peacocke pulled out of his feathers , & making his Pearch vpon a crosse barre , smile at the conceit , but keepe the censure of it to your selfe . To conclude , Reade much , but beléeue little : Thinke much , but speake little , and know much but meddle little , but in medling with other mens cotes , looke that you loose not more then your owne ierkin : And so wishing your Studies as profitable as pleasing to you , till I see you , I commit you to the Almighty : Your louing C●nse● , W. R. His Answer . SYr , I haue read your Letter , and considered of the contents : To the answere whereof , giue me leaue to tell you that I am not determined to hurt mine eye-sight with too deepe looking into a Milstone , nor to beleeue Antiquity f●●th ● then Reason may carry my vnderstanding , and whatsoeuer I finde of ●●tes , I will so carry my due and true allegiance to the Crowne , that I will 〈◊〉 all touch of dis●o●altie : For the Lyon , I will neyther trouble him , waking nor sleeping , and for his walke , wish no beast to be so f●●lish , as to crosse his pleasure in his passage : for your marcy conceites of strange Cotes , I will onely smile at my contecture of them , and so long as I know a F●lc●n from a Buza●d , an Eagle from an Owle , and a Nightingale from a Cuckow . Let mee alone to iudge of the Natures of Birdes , and how they are borne , and when I looke into the nature of Honour , whether by purchase , fauour or desert I note the time with the persons , and so goe on with my opinions to the iudgement , I keepe to my 〈…〉 . Your very louing Kinsman , T. D. A Letter of vnkindnesse vpon a conceite of ill carriage in a Friend . THere are two ill qualities in a Woman , and two worse in a man : In the first vnkindnesse and inconstancy , in the second , vnfaithfulnesse and vnthankefulnesse : and will you beare both the imperfections , that none may excéede you in euill , wha● my deserts haue bin at your hands you know , and what your requitall hath bin to me , I would I knew not : but what shall I thinke ? is euery man onely for himselfe , and let the world go as it li●t , hath vertue abandoned the earth , and is wisedome so rapt vp in the mistie clouds of concupiscence , that she can scarce shew any glimmering of the light of liue grace : God forbid , for vertue hath her working in all the children of her loue : of which I would you were one , that I might ioy as much in your conuersion , as I feare your confusion : Bée notangry though I seeme bitter , for I am touched to the quicke , yet write I more out of loue then hate , for I will suspend my opinion vntill your answere giue me satisfaction , that I shall shortly with your presence cleare my thought of your indignities , till when and alwayes I rest , Yours as you know , and shall know , T. M. His Answer . WHat women are I Know , but what mē should be I know , and what I am you shall finde , alwayes one and the same , in i●remoueable affection to an assured friend . Uertue I know hath her working in the hea●ts of the honest , and I hope you wil not taxe me of a contrarie condition : but if a misse report breedes a misse beliefe , an vngratious conceit may worke a grieuous vnkindnesse ; if your deserts , and my requitall were weighed together in an euen Ballens , I hope there would not bee much in equality : but let humours bleed their last , and better thoughts wil follow : I am content to make a bitter swéet of an angry loue , shortly I will see you , and then so satisfie you that the old Prouerbe shall come new in proofe . The falling out of Louers is the renewing of loue : in which I wil rest without all doubts , Yours as I haue beene , and euer will bee , R. D. A fantasticke Loue Letter . MIstris if you were not a witch , your eyes could not haue so wrought in my heart , as to make me thinke of nothing but your loue : and if your words were not char●●es they could not so commaund me from my selfe , as to seuer me wholy to your seruice : but if it be so that you are borne a Creature onely to craci●●e my spirit , I must onely pray for patience to mitigate my passion , finding your nature as ●arre from pitie , as my hope is from happinesse , that if there be any spa●ke of grace in you , let it kindle a cole in your kindnesse , to warme the life of my loue , that I may not die in the col● feare of disdaine : but reuiuing in the vertue of your fauour , I may honor you aboue the whole world : so leauing my life to the answere of your owne loue , I rest , Yours what you will , T. R. Her answere . SEruant , if you were not a foole , you would not runne so from your wits , as to write you care not how , vpon an imagination you know not what : mine eyes be mine owne , and if your heart be not yours , shall I winke because you are wilfull ? No such matter ; and my words haue made a metamorphosis of your wit , I am sorie my breath should blow away your vnderstanding ; yet lest you should thinke I am past grace , in the pitie of perplexities , let me entreate you not to feare your own● shadow : walke temperately in the Sunne , and the heat will doe you no hurt . So wishing you better then you wish your selfe , not to trouble your head with idle humours : I rest , as I haue reason , Your louing Mistresse , M. T. A Letter of griefe to a faire creature , that was separated from her second selfe , for playing false with a third person . SWeet soule that once was , now the most wretchedest creature that is , how haue you made a metamorphosts of your selfe , when you were vertuous , you were faire ; now you are vitious , you are foule : when you were w●e , you were honored ; now you are foolish , you are scorned : when you were gratious , you were beloued ; now you be wicked , you are hated . Oh strange alteration , from vertue to vice , from wisdome to folly , from grace to ●inne , as to make the creature so offensiue to the C●●ator : what shall I say vnto you ? but onely that I am sorie for you , but cannot helpe you , and onely pray for you , that your sin may be forgiuen , that your shame may be forgotten : and so beseeching the Highest , whom you haue offended most in the mercie of iustice , to shew the glory of Maiesty , in the sorrow of humanitie and Christian charitie , with a broken heart to thinke of your wounded soule , wishing your true repentance to be a president for the conuersion of all such vnhappy creatures : I rest , Your friend , and no further , but in prayer for your soules health , T. R. Her answere . MY once kinde friend , now worthily farre off from the title of such comfort , with sigh●s let me write that which I seale with the teares of my heart : I now finde the wound of conscience so déepe cut into my heart , as comes too neer the danger of my soule , and were not Faith the strong hold of Hope , Patience would bee too ●ull of feare : I confesse shame to be a gentle punishment of ●inne , and repentance a true pleader for mercy , for none ●ees the angry face of sinne , but the repentant sinner . For the world , I hate it , and my selfe most in it , for my sinne , I loath it , and abhorre my selfe for it , and for my life , I am wearie of it , that I care not how soone I were ridde of it : but all things to Gods pleasure , to whom I beséech you in Christian charity to pray for me , that the Enemie of Christ may not preuaile against me , that whatsoeuer befall me , I may not fall for euer . So with a bleeding heart in the bitternesse of griefe , as full of sorrow as a sinfull soule can hold : I rest , Your worthy , forsaken friend , E. R. A Letter to a friend for his opinion in diuers points of considerations . MY honest Ned , I pray thée write me word by this ●earer how thou doest , thy opinion of the world , of life and death , honestie and wit , and what comes into thy head , when thou hast leasure to be idl● , I long to heare from thee , to reade thy conceits , which if they be of the old fashion , are better then of the new forme : ●ee what will be , to me it shall be welcome , and thy selfe better whensoeuer I may see thee : for dull wits and 〈◊〉 heads , so beate about the market in this Towne , that I had rather goe a mile wide , then kéepe way with such wilde : geese : and so loth to trouble thée with trifling newes , to no good purpose , in the affection of a faithfull heart , I rest ▪ Thine what mine , B. W. His answere . KInd Henry , to answere thy request , in a few words let me tell thee , for the world I finde it a walke that soone wearieth a good spirit , this life is but a puffe , and death but an abridge●ent of time . Now for some notes I haue taken of the world , and diuers things in it : let me tell thee , that if all the wealth in the world were in one chest , it would not buy one howre of life , if all the henesty of the world were in one heart , it would not buy ●ne bit of bread and if all the wit in the world were in one wicked pate , it would not buy one iot of grace : and therefore it is meete with death at a meaner price , and to carie money with honestie , the better to goe to market , and to ioyne grace with witte , to finde the high way to heauen . This is all for this time I haue had leasure to think vpon as more comes in my head , I will make you acquainted with it , in the meane time , marke what I haue written , and it will doe thée no hurt in reading : Farewell . Thine , or not mine owne W. F. FINIS .