Philotimus.  
THE WAR betwixt Nature and Fortune.  
Compiled by BRIAN MELBANCKE Student in Gray'S Inn.  
Palladi.  
Fortuna virtutis famula.  
¶ Imprinted at London by Roger Warde, dwelling near unto Holborn Conduit at the Sign of the Talbot. 1583.   

To the right honourable, Philip, Earl of Arundel, Brian Melbancke wisheth increase of honour, with the full fruition of perfect felicity.  
THE baseness of this present (my very good Lord) compared with the worthiness of your honour, may argue me impudent in exhibiting such a gift, & confirm your wonted clemency if you deign to accept it.  
The firstlings of our fruits are due to the Gods, and men are discharged if they offer them devoutly: the prime of my labours I give to your honour, and I think myself acquitted though they be not very exquisite. A Caesar's mind will vouchsafe a Codrus might, a courteous Laelius will give attention to a stammering Lentulus, and jupiter in that did show himself jupiter, that he refused not the supplication of poor Liberia.  
Meet it were, feign I would, and I hope I shall gratify your Lordship, edify the Reader, and damnify none by this simple Treatise. If your Lordship's Triple be not to high for my Base, I doubt not but my music will be indifferent, and if your honour disdain not my seely Pamphlet, I hope it will be reasonably welcome to others.  
Had PHILOTIMUS been served in at the first course, when your stomach was not quatted with other daintier fare, his relish perhaps had been something toothsome: But since you are cloyed with more delicate cates, thus fair notwithstanding I dare presume, to bring him in for a show among other banqueting dishes. And as Olautia rejoiced, that Thalestris the Queen of the Amazons received a hosegay at her hands, though she never smelled to it: or as Chaerilus the rural Poet triumphed, that the great Macedo had seen his verses, though he never liked them: So if now and than you do but look on PHILOTIMUS, when other weightier affairs do not otherwise employ you, I shall think myself no small deal happy, that your honourable view hath overshadowed my book.  
The morning is meet for graver studies, the postmeridian for pleasant solace, so that, PHILOTIMUS which cometh in limping at the latter end of the day, though be be no author for knowledge of importance, yet may some refection by reading his toys, lend recreation to your wearied Muses.  
jubal first made the portative tents, ordered his flocks, and appointed when rams should go to the eyves: Tubal devised the science of music, Tubalcan searched out the commodities of metals, Parmenides invented the art of Logic, Saturn first taught the conceit of shooting, and Noema found out the mystery of weaving: Yet neither the kind of Deiotorus his grazing, not the commodity of Lagus his tent making, nor the commendation of Empedocles his melody, nor the fame of Vulcan's smith works, nor the renown of Arist. Logic, nor the praise of Lancus for weaving of his silks, nor the steady hand of Comodus that never miss mark, are any whit impaired by their predecessors praise: no more I trust shall my poor Pamphlet be defaced by the eloquence of them that have forerun me, (though the comparison be far unequal.)  
Galen was a cunning physician, Saluius julianus an expert lawyer, Fon●o a disert orator, Oppian a famous poet, and Maximinus of so strong constitution, that he was able to support any pains: were the properties of all these coniested in me, which am invested in none of them all, then would I try, whether my service were able to stand your Lordship in some stead, to whom my serviceable duty shall be ever obeisant. But alas (my Lord) a barley grain can but yield an ear of barley, and two pence is large usury of a poor penny: a mightles marling can afford but a willing mind, and a halfepeni-worth of skill, a twopenny Pamphlet.  
If plain utterance be no blemish to a very truth, & truth do not breed suspicion of flattery, I protest to your honour, that as you have won the hearts of all them, who have heard of your demeanour: So I amongst the rest (though one of the most that can do you least service) have in faith and fancy, love and loyalty, done unto you such hearty homage, as is more possible for you to conceive, then credible for me to declare to yourself. And this I say, that whiles you Maecenas are, a Maro shall you never want: Whiles you endeavour to be an Achilles, an Homer'S devoir shall never quail to blaze your praise: a virtuous Cyrus will cause Zenophon to be eloquent, and Alexander's valute will make Curtius a good Antiquatie.  
But lest you think that Plato is turned to Gnato, and my philosophy changed to flattery, I will rather refer myself to time and trial, then vaynelie vaunt of loyalty, where there wants (ah) ability.  
This therefore (right honourable) is my humble request, that in this war betwixt NATURE & FORTUNE, you will vouchsafe to be the umpire, whose fortune is prosperous (long may it last) but far inferior to your nature, whom all men admire. And if at any time hereafter, you see virtue suppressed by casual calamity, you will lend your assistance to the rescuing of Virtue, knowing, that Caesar was more commended for his courtesy then his chivalry, and that the only Virtue which made Theodosius the Emperor, surnamed the younger, so famous, was bounty to the best & affability to all. Haud facile emergunt (saith the Poet) quorum virtutibus obstat res augusta domi, and oftentimes shall you see inestimable virtues endarkened with the vale of a russet coat, as the mithridate of Medicines (treacle I mean) is extracted out of the bowels of most poisoning worms.  
I speak not this for mine own lucre's sake. For as Isocrates saith in his pareneticall oration to Nicocles, I am not so baseminded to merchandise books, although my want may stand in need to your Lordship, & urge me to crave your favour, when my merits deserve no meed.  
I am not ignorant that there be some, who will be as free of a good word to Philotimus, as a poor man is of his harvest: who, for that they hate me unadvisedly, will indiscreetly beat my dog: & because they envy Melbancke with a peasantly despite, will dispraise all his doings, though they be for their profit.  
Plain dealing is a ●ewel, (though they that use it commonly die beggars) and therefore will I speak plainly without a parable, though my simplicity may impeach me of folly. If they like it, let them use it, and if they loath it, let them refuse it: If they spite it, let them not spare, so they will promise to amend it: and when this promise hath performance, then will I cancel all my malice: But then I fear me they shall experiment, that it is easier to spy a beam in an other man's eye, then to pull a moat out of their own: that it is harder to see a great stain in the mantle that is behind them, then to see a little wrinkle in a gown before them: & less difficile to say in an other man's edifice, this stone lies not square, then either like Vigetius and Columella to prescribe true rules of Architecture, or like Besaleel, Ooliab, or Hiram of tire, to build an house by good Geometry.  
The buckler to break of all these blows, is your Lordship's favourable patronage, which if you will deign to bestow upon me, I shall safely be defended from all their garboils. The burdens which they lay upon me with all their might, of them your little finger shall easily unburden me: Their malicious fire wherewith they would stifle me, your very breath shall quickly extinguish: One dram of the quintessence of wormwood will repel any poison, and one good word of your good will, thall refel all their mornings.  
Thus wishing your Lordship as many prosperous years, as virtuous properties, and no fewer virtues, than the Sea hath sands, And commending both me and mine to your honourable protection, I humbly take my leave this 28. of November.  
Your Lordship's most dutiful to command. Brian Melbancke.   

TO THE WORSHIPFUL and my very friends, the Gentlemen Students in the Inns of Court and Chancery, and the university of Cambridge.  
THe worthiness Gentlemen of your demerits, and the daily benefit of your friendly courtesies, incite me to proffer you my simple service, and humbly to entreat you to vouchsafe it acceptance,  
I Hearty wish (Gentlemen) that Phylotimus had the property of the tree Coccus, which beareth ten sundry commodities all at once: or that it resembled the herb Pavemis, whose emeralds gloss refresheth the sight, whose violets favour delighteth the smell, whose sovereign juice doth comfort the heart in most dampish fits of direful melancholy: or that each of you here in my little garden, might gather a poesy of the three Phoenick flowers. Mirth, Money, and Melody, the worst whereof may serve to deck a Prince's garland.  
But alas poor toy (if pity might prevail) it rather representeth grateful Tholies thankfulness, then presumes to present you with glozing ●ullies eloquence, and more submissivelie craves pardon for this too audacious enterprise, then loftily looks for praise for an undeserving travail.  
Yet Brass is good Gold in a Braziers Shop, Pottage daintty fare at a poor man's Feast, and murrye sweet beauty in a Blackamoor's face: And therefore I hope hautily, that if I invite you to my homely banquet, (where you shall have single fare for double cost) you will not thank me so ironeously, as Socrates on a time did a poor honest man, who bade him for good will to his best, though bare, supper. I pray thee, quoth he, who made us so familiar, that thou shouldest thus saucily encroach upon my courtesy, to invite me so unmannerly to a needy beever?  
I have been pregnant, as once was Valentia, almost double the time of a woman's account, and now at my childbirth, with the same Valentia, I am brought to bed of an halfe-shaped Monster. I grant that for want of plenarrity this time of vacation, I am worthily fallen into your laps, so that, you may lawfully refuse to admit me to your favour, and give the benefit of your friendship to some more meritorious.  
Credit me Gentlemen, (I know not by what haps, mishaps I should say) Phylotimus hath been longer in publishing then in compiling, and less time in penning then in printing: wherein he is not unlike all manner of fruits, which attain not maturity so soon as they bade, neither are always reaped when they are ripe: or rather a kin to the bears confused Brood, which she is longer in framing to a perfect shape, than she is in conceiving and producing.  
Well (Gentlemen) now you have it, give it a welcome, read it with judgement (as I know you can) peruse it with patience (as I hope you will) & mind as you find, I require no more.  
I know that venturous Will doth never sail surely, where practised skill doth not hold the Helm, and that brainsick youth doth never reign well, where settled age doth not bear the Bridle, and that it is more meet for my unmellowed years to be employed in the study of Philosophical axiones, then take upon them to instruct others in literature.  
Yet have I tried that the youngest pullet is both toothsome and wholesome, and that the timeliest harvest makes the best bread: now adays, that Parrot is very young that will not prattle, and that Cock very bad that crows not till his age: the young cat cries mew as well as the old one, and youthful Aristippus will be regardant to Philosophy, as well as old Plato is a professor of Wisdom: if june yield flowers, May will yield Cherries, if there be blossoms in the spring, there will be fruit in Autumn, and amorous Plato in his adolescency, is a grave Philosopher in elder years.  
For the excuse of my obscurity, wherewith I have endarkened my style, I answer, that I am not of Perillus his mind, that thought himself a glorious Orator, if he were plausible to the Popular sort: I would rather imitate our master Arist. who writ his Physics in so intricate a style, because he would not vouchsafe every refuse Coridon the imparture of his mysteries: And I doubt not but amongst you (Gentlemen) I shall find more of Oedipus his line, then of Davu● his lineage, more that can assoil a doubtful ambiguity with their learned resolutions, then will invert a good meaning which they cannot amend, and turn that to scoffing which was made for no Skoggins.  
If I have used any rare and obsolete words, they are either such as the Coryphees of our English writers, Chaucer and Lidgate, have used before me, and now are decayed for want of practice: or else such as by an apt translation out of the Greeks and Latins (which Crassus in Tully's books de Oratore allows for lawful) are fitly contrived into our English language.  
For that I have not kept one uniform manner of style (much like the Queen's Mules that never change pace) I think that I am no more tied to one order of writing, in the universal tractation of my treatise, than a Gardener is bound but to sow one sort of seeds in a great plot of his Garden ground. He (saith Hermogenes) that adorns his whole Oration with no other trope, but a sweet subjection or an anomination, may be thought a trim man in the ears of the multitude, but in the judgement of the elegant Orators, he shall be known as rude in his art of Rhetoric, as the butcher that scalded the Calf, was in his craft of Butchery.  
Good Gentlemen, pardon the faults that are passed in printing, omit the escapes that are committed by my negligence, and take that well in worth, which I wish were more than well. It may be Gentlemen, that my english Tables of all Arist works (which some of you have too long expected) shall shortly make you amends. Although all of you know that my Kingdom never consisted in the English tongue, but if ever I had any thing wherein to vaunt, (as God knows I had nothing) it was some small skill in other languages.  
Thus not doubting, but you Gentlemen of Cambridge will give Philotimus friendly entertainment, for that Melbanck his master was sometime a Scholar amongst you (with what credit I know not, but sure I am in more than ever he deserved, and in such, as for the love he bears you, he never intends quite to forsake you) and that you Gentlemen of the Inns of Court will favourably censure of Philotimus, because I may ere I die be a Solicitor in your law, I humbly take my leave this 28. of November.  
Yours as your own to use. Brian Melbancke.   

George wastness Esquire, in commendation of the Author.  Vinum vendibile non eget haedera. 

Feign would I praise my dearest sweetest friend,  
Yet do I fear my praise will work disgrace,  
How shuold I praise where none can aught amend,  
Nor any Momus this his work deface?   

If Fortune would agree with nature's gifts,  
If God and Fortune once would deign to smile,  
A mirror of a man, were Melbancke than,  
Whose wit, whose art, whose virtues, now surpass.   

In these his youthful years to have such skill?  
And now to virtues lore to frame his will?  
What learned age with ours once dare compare,  
Since Melbancke lives, whose learning is so rare?   

God prosper thee (my sugared darling boy)  
God give thee once thy hearts desired joy,  
And if I live, my love shall prove no toy,  
But thou shalt find that wastness is thine own. Adieu.   
Thine as his own, G. Wastnes. Erras, virtus fortunae famula.   

Philotimus.  
The war betwixt Nature and Fortune.  An Interlocution of two distressed wights, whereof the one more hardy, harteneth his fellow. Pandolpho, Periander. 
MIne own best beloved and dear Periander, well met, long have I sought the, and fain would have found thee, and glad am to see thee, sweet Periander.  Per. 
Pandolpho, more heartily welcome then shall appear by thy cheer, though better be away then have so slender entertainment: yet if wishing without hope might increase my wealth, or sorrow for my want excuse my good meaning, neither should thy pains be so coldly rewarded, neither shall my nature be suspected of niggardize. But shadows without substance make braū●alne far, and sayings bear no seals, but deeds be indented.  
Ay me therefore & wellaway, and cursed be my miseries most waylfull wight, whose remedy is patience, and that's a pinching pain, whose comfort is death, which never will consume me. Sometimes it approacheth with his menacing torments, but still prolongs my life to augment my martyrdom: I can be no worse, and therefore I fear not: I shall be no better, and therefore I hope not. Well Pandolpho, repose thyself in this shady brier, a seemly palace for so dainty Cates, and in stead of music to make us merriment, recount our dreary destinies as becomes our dole.  Pan. 
Good Periander to grieve thyself for these trifles, were to prevent me of my purpose, & prove thyself unkind: for my coming was to lessen thy woes with persuasions, and thou sighest as soon as thou seest me, and to continue our mutual affection, and thou accountest me as a stranger. I am of Themistocles his mind that had rather have a man without money, than money without a man. And of Timolites the Grecians, that had rather have a root which might hereafter bud and bring forth fruit, then flourishing blossoms without a root, which must needs decay and whither.  
It is not my belly I make my God, but it is thy good would feed and fat me. The Elephant lives by the air, the Fish by the water, and thy Pandolpho seems to revive in enjoyeing thy presence.  
Thou gratest on thy stomach because thou art hapless, and ratest on Fortune because she is spiteful, either slothfully like a sluggard forgetting Philosophy, (a sovereign medicine for all such maladies) or cowardly like a recreaunte yielding Fortune the conquest, a faint hearted cravyne if her force be not feared.  
With what madding mood art thou distraught (unfortunate Periander) when as those distresses which the best have not escaped, thou alone so scornfully disdainest, or the grief of these casualties which are common to all, thou séelye soul dost wreak on thyself?  
If with Quintus Catulus always wise, but once forlorn, thou hadst rather spill thy life, then live with shame, it is desperate folly. If with tears thou meanest to move Fortune to pity, as Iphis would with mourning his stony hearted lover, as she was deaf & would not hear, so Fortune is blind and cannot see. If thou art loath the others should be plagued with thy fretting pangs, & wilt with Ephigenia offer up thyself, one for all to appease the Gods, though they were well pleased with her sweet Sacrifice, yet they have not vouchsafed a promise to thee for acceptance of thy service.  
Belike Periander, (be it spoken by thy favour) thou hast some overwening surmise of thine own surpassing qualities, and conferring thy conditions with others misdemeanour, canst hardly brook these sharp calamities: thou either thinkest thyself more worthy than any man to be exempted from these shattering storms, & that is haughty arrogancy, or else for these brunts that thou art worse than all men, and that is abject peevishness, that either the Gods should spare the for thy gifts, & that is self love, or that they repent them of their former graces, and that is broad blasphemy. Cease these sighs, cheer up thy spirits, seek means of mirth, make end of moan. It is an argument of a good man to be afflicted with crosses, but to bear them patiently a type of perfect virtue. Art not thou ashamed Periander, that old wives accustomed to pinching, can fast three days without grudging, That the boys of Sparta may be tried with scourging to know their courage, yet never tired with stripes because of smart, Nor the rascal wrestlers at the games of Olimpia, offer to withdraw their heads from the block, or once cry oh at the stroke of the hatchet for fear of reproach, & yet thou, thou I say, whose wit is famous, whose learning excellent, rather a pattern to follow as thou dost seem to others, then fit to take advise as I do dame by thee, should be so simple to be blinded, or so weak to be daunted, or once to be dismayed with these vain toys?  
Thou art now a stranger from thy native soil, & so was Diogenes: to whom when it was scoffingly objected of one of his enemies, thou art now Diogenes an exile from thy country, nay rather (quoth he) my country is an exile from me. Was it not a natural accident, fatally incident to best Athenians, most unnaturally to be banished from their thancklesse Cities, whom tenderly they had cherished in all their extremities? much like the snake that Esope speaketh of, which infected him with poison that pampered her in his bosom. Did Marius a Roman of renowned reputation, yet hotly pursued to a foreign nation, refuse to to crave aid of his seely clientes, whom erst he had saved & sheilded from death? But lavish expenses and untimly bravery, have worn out your wealth, & bred unseemly beggary, & broaching your coin without discretion, it runs on the lees to your utter destruction.  
Tush man take heart at grace. Was not Cincius a gentleman of large revenues, so far miscarried with overlashinge affections, that for stately bower gorgeously trimmed, and sumptuously decked with cloth of Arras, fit for an Emperor, the ghastly hellish dungeon must be his lodging, bereft of all sight and solace of man, more fit for Pluto then Cincius a Gentleman, where bracelets, and ouches, and rings of Gold, his amorous ornaments, must free him from fetters and iron chains too troublesome implements, and so was constrained by mere necessity, for stint of strife to sell his patrimony.  
Hard is the choice, and dangerous the chance, when either in pining melancholy we must live without company, or making league with friends stand in hazard of treachery. But so sweet is the heavenly sympathy of minds, and so barbarous savadgnes to live in no society, that we often contract us with those we like and trust, and find them by just trial more than villainous traitors. Thy wit was to sharp not to be courted with friends, and thy credit to light not to be inveigled by deceit. In all these thy bitter plunging perplexities, (Periander) I know there is none more corsive to thy conscience, then that the swearing protestations of thy fawning friends should turn to falsed faith of trotheles foes: that those which with daily soliciting sued for thy friendship, neither dying nor living but by the doom of thy sentence, should now be so far from redressing thy distresses, their own vowed Laelius, that they shun thy presence like some notorious felons, to the galling of thy heart, and discredit of thy person. But these are no novelties but to such as be novices, nor greater wonders to move admiration, than birds which in summer do build their nests in England, and in breme frosty winter make other coasts their harborough.  
Ancient antiquities can afford like examples, and it is good to follow our forefathers. Did not Naso cry out with screeching and howling, that waters should give heat, and fire make cold, and every source and every river run back to his head, and flow to his wellspring, and all go astray with a contrary course, backward, preposterous, and quite against nature? The reason was, because those his familiar companions linked unto him by dutiful oaths, would neither entreat Caesar to restore him from banishment, nor defeat his enemies of the pursuit of their prey, nor relieve his bare living amid the wild barren Getes, nor visit his poor wife and children at home, with the least supply of their needful wants. When Gisippus is on the hoy in his pontificalibus, and poor ●agged Titus lieth groveling at his gates, how humbly can he beg an alms of his master, when lofty Gisippus will not look a side? Doves use no houses but that be goodly to the view, mice haunt no barns but that be stuffed with the harvest, and no point penny no pater noster.  
In this matter let me be a mirror worthy marking: for although I am a man of the meanest making, yet a great torch may be lighted at a little candle, and in this thou mayst be bold to behold my advise, and show thyself wise, in taking hold of my tackling. I can sit the whole day long, & make me spoorte at the spite of the dizarde muffled Goddess, to see what game she makes at the grief of her subjects, this day lifting them up to her loftiest throne, & to morrow throwing them down to her lowest footstool, chopping and changing from right hand to left, giving him a fan in his hand the bore a Sceptre before, and laying a yoke on his neck that had a diadem on his head.  
I deny the (Fortune) & defy thy frowninges, and dare vaunt with him in Tusculans questions, that I have vanquished thy vanities, and intercluded all thy passages, from the approach of my presence. I am poor, so have I peers, I am homely, so am I honest. Marcus Curtius, Attilius Regulus, Valerius Publicola, grave in their practices & praised in their graves, lived virtuously at Rome with small scantling of living.  
Fie Periander, so proper a man withowten manhood, thy stock so good and thy stomach so bad.  
Thy parents be dead. Death is natural, and Gods good pleasure, and the gem of their joy, and grieveth it you?  
By your folly spendall is your store consumed, and by your God the sendal it may be restored,  
Your friends be fled. In deed you brought them well up till they were flidge, and therefore no marvel though they be flown: but thrine you, and they will strive for your friendship. There be too many friends that make great semblance, and this hath learned thee to discern their dissemblance.  Per. 
Ah peace Pandulpho, thy memory breeds my moan, and sight of pre●●● times brings sorrow in. I am more grieved with the reckoning of my wrongs, than I can be relieved with thy weight of thy reasons. Thy council is Philosophical, but my folly will not consent, thy physic is good, but my disease in desperate.  
It is no dismal day, no week, no month, no one misfalling by chance that mangles my mind, but infinite inconveniences that last all length of time, increasing in number as they do in continuance▪ My fears must be fed till life shall faide, & I am constrained to languish in anguish.  
As for thee, thou art less bound to Fortune for proof of prosperity, then beholding to God for thy patience in adversity.  
Entice me not with tales to follow feigned fancies, enforce me not to swim and shove me on the shelf. Delay works my decay, or ease me with aid, or cease to upbraid.  Pand. 
had he the might that hath the mind, to rescue thee from misery, thy galling woes should quickly be appaulde, and s●eringe sorrows turn to sugar songs: but stay my figboye for a day, which once shall dawn with glimmering streaming golden ●aies, and shedo this cloud of care.  
Our fether-footed Phoebus, whose glimpsing wain wends many a league, to add fine to his task, is sore attaint with toil and swink, ere he have passed the heavenly cope.  
First before he take his journey, he must wait the hours leisure, who are placed as porters at heavens gates.  
The morning way is steep upright, so that in coolest of the day, the steeds have much a do to climb against the hill.  
Amid the Heavens, they gird it out with splayed wings, and over-stripp the Eastern wynds, whose hugy height augments the terror still.  
The Evening way doth fall plump down, that Thetis who doth lodge faint Phaeb. within her wide vast surges, doth stand in fear, least from the heaven he headlong down should glide.  
Besides all this, the firmament ay whisks about with sails swift recourse, and with his rolling drives the stars their breper course to shift, yet doth Phaeb. keep his beaten path, & doth withstand the stoutest brute.  
By blind by-ways, and ugly shapes of monsters must he tread: between the dreadful bulls sharp horns, against the cruel bow the which the Aemonion archer draws, against the ramping Lion armed with greedy paws and tusks, against the Scorpions venomed claws, & eke the awry crabs crooked clees he weals his way.  
Through all five zones direct he must not ride, but out askew a broad by way, that bendeth on the side, contained within the bonds of three the midmost zones doth lie, which from the Northern beer and Southrens pole doth ●lye, that is his ready way: not mounting over hy lest he inflame the heavens, nor drooping over low lest he adure the earth, the golden mean is safest: not to the right hand overmuch least he be driven upon the wavy sealed snake, nor to much wresting to the least, lest to the Altar he be pushed that pitched against it stands.  
It is no moment of time that brings mountains of treasure, but labour and leisure, prudence and policy, must do the deed.  
jupiter in his mood spared not his own son Vulcan, but by the foot threw him down from the skies, wherein the air he tumbbled too & 〈◊〉 a whole day through, & fell at last with bruised bones in Lemnos i'll, at which soul clap he caught his halting haunch. jupiter's steeds of heavenly race, did sometime need the jerk of golden whip.  
The smith cooleth his iron to strait it & strengthen it, & God corrects thee with his rod, to make thee reck more of his read. Thou hast heard I am sure, how Phoenix, Ajax, Ulysses Achilles, Patroclus, Antomddon, all Graecian Lords, have upon necessity abased themselves without any muttering to execute the function of skulls, to make the fire, and broche their meat, yea worse than this.  
It is not with thee, as with those who have defect in the principles of nature, whose pains are no boot to obtain them bliss, unless some vibootye do hap than by hazard. Thou art not now to be made of the mass, but to be cast in the mould and burnished a new: thou hast exterior matter and interior form, and if thou hadst a little polishing, thou might be published for perfit.  
The heavenly bodies are sooner healed than man's corrupted carcases, as wounded Mars immediately was cured by Peon physician to the Gods, and Hebe's her sweet baines.  
Then sith thou hast infusion of celestial influence, thou mayst quickly have conclusion of these terrene afflaightinge, & God in a trice can make thee thrice happy.  
Those whom virtuous constancy doth control, saith Horace lib. 3. Odisse 3. are neither removed with vulgar Rumour, nor greatly fretted with threats of Tyrants: and though that hills and dales should meet, do never change their moods. But since that we are hear in this vacation of business, to employ our devoyres to devoid our ill plights, I will recite that a story to the purpose, of Melanthus his inditing and his poor posse.  
Per. of Melanthus his, our old play fellow, & now only plaining fellow? gramercy by my honesty good Pandol. we shall now be over pearears of his closerts close commentaries, which he hath kept so obscure from all our scanninges, either repining the others should reap good of his travails, or mistrusting his ability & misconstruing his good qualities. But I pray you of what or whom is this treatise comprised, or what opportunity had he to compile it? Pand. two days ago I received his letters of salutations, not forgetting therein thy recommendations, and therewithal he sent us this present, as a preservative to prevent us of ioye-wrack. The contents of his epistle were these, that he having spent his thrift on that bawd Misfortune common to us three, and having cra●ed his brain with the abstruse study of some intricate quirks, he thought that the composing of this was a relaxation to his mind, & that it being compassed would be a refection to us: with this certificate moreover he gave me intelligence, that though it might seem a fiction figured by his imaginative conceit, yet it was not framed without allusion to a proper subject. Herein shalt then see deciphered by the princely gallant nature of forward Philotimus, & the pinching galling thwart of froward fortune, and by some pamplets penned to the same effect of the said Philotimus, what bitter debate doth ever abide, betwixt good Nature and dame Fortune.  Per. 
Good ●an. let us hear this work, that will prove us wise because we are infortunate, & then perhaps by this wisdom we shall contemn fortune▪  Pan. 
I am pleased.  Per. 
than I I hope I shallbe eased.  
Pandolpho his posy. Sapit qui suflinet,  

The war betwixt Nature and Fortune. The history of Philotimus.  
NOt far from the confines of the south part of italy, abuts a certain City surnamed Mantua, neither contemptible for baseness nor desolate for barrenness, but so well fraught with traffic for all affairs, and pleasantly situated for the verdure of the air, as both the poor by pains may here find relief, and he that is destitute of other delights, may yet have these objects to refresh his senses.  
The cheefetaine and governor of this City Mantua, was a noble young gentleman called Cle●●ritus, who lately had espoused his long betrothed wife, the princely gallant paragon Lady Castibula, daughter and heir to the Duke of Bononia.  
These two imps in their royal ruff, newly surprised with uncouth joys, for a long season and tract of time, during the space of full five years, with many an embracing and sporting pastime, led such a lordly life, as he would wish that can wish aright, and you not knowing it may possibly imagine. Of countenance and office among their compeares, though rather worthy then willing to bear any sway: for competent wealth, of superfluous abundance, when less might have wrought their settled contentation.  
Now, when all things were patt for every purpose, and nothing amiss that might be amended, to the absolute finishing of a perfit Felicytye, the greatest matter of all, in which the fruit of their labours, the staff of their age, the end of their life were jointly comprised, were all this while a wanting, children I mean, wherein we are as it were regenerated and borne a new, even budding after death by the springing of our seed, which canonizeth our memory with everlusting eternity, by continuance of their lineage, and propagation of our pedigree. Which one backward let amongst other good successes, was as it were aiarring discord in a sweet Diapason, a pricking nettle in a pleasant nosegay, a fowl maim in a fair man. Yet they measured Gods might not by the aptness of their age, nor his fatherly providence by present occasion but referring his power to his majesties pleasure, never repined against his judgements, but prayed for his mercy.  
So in process, he which maketh an end where he doth begin, and plentifully blesseth the perseverance in trial, when fullness of time had expired her date by God's predestinate appointment, and téeminge at length was now unlooked for, which heretofore had so been longed for, made them on the sudden marvelous fertile, to the accomplishment of their hope, and advancement of his glory. And where before they were punished with sterile frutlesnesse, they now seem overloaded with a burdenous charge.  
But as all waters run in to the sea and it no bigger, and all stars borrow light of the Sun and it no dimmer, and all the Gods do drink of Nectar and yet it always over floweth: so the n●mber of their children amounting to a multitude, whose great expenses must needs be proportionate to the quality of their calling, they were neither impoverished (an extraordinary event) neither impaired of their wealth (a wonderful consequent) But as that Emperor, among others that were summoned to his high assembly of parliament, espieinge an aged gentleman attended with a troop of worthy bloods in account xxxi. which by all inquysition were found to be his sons, and taking their original from a worshipful house, could not for their quantity have sufficient portions allotted unto them out of their father's lands to maintain a credit requisite to their race: as his heart melting on them to see such an offspring in jeopardy, of beggary, made them certain conveyances of his crown revenues, to uphold their port: even so God's omnipotency yielding such an issue, to the great procurement of their parent's pleasure, did not any whit diminish their former profit, which still was made auneswerable to the charge of their children. These grew up and prospered in such likely forwardness, being courtly brought up to break them of rudeness, and clearklye instructed to furnish them with knowledge, that manners and learning marching with due equipage in the order of their lives, the precysest carper would judge them in both exquisite, but in whether of both they would rather exceed (such resolute expectation was of rare effect) that none durst give his verdict. They were lovely and affable to the coarsest inferiors, diligent and attentive to the prescriptions of their rulers, so seruisablye obeisant to their parents behests, that for rod of correction to control brainsick youth, lawful for parents, and awful for children, they were mildly nurtured with meek education, having suffitient incitements of their own inclination.  
At whose good disposition I do not greatly muse, although so good devotion be little in use: yet is such a blessing worthy to be blazed, where by God both is praised, and all men are pleased.  
Mitio and Demea had but two to look too, which both were misled with hair-braine lust. A posting messenger bringing hasty tidings to Dragoras that his sons had overcome at Olimpia, die Diagoras, die quoth he, for thy sons this day are both victorious. Such cark they take to tender their young ones, which are subject to every cross overthwart of perverse fortune, much like him that thought himself past peril, when he escaped Scylla, and by and by offended against Charybdis, or him who being flit from his fever lurdaines fit, the next day quaketh with an other qualm: or the drunken besill that is reared from the ground, and incontinently rusheth into the channel.  
These things are necessary briefly to inferte, whereof a large treatise were to small avail, and as great Indecorum it is to make a long preamble to a short narration, as a war●de with an head bigger than his body.  
And now (Pandolplio) prepare thy pair of ears to receive my History, distill thy tryckling tears to bewail my Tragedy, O let thy heart sweat drops of blood to record his adventures.  
And thou Melpemmone the mournfulst Muse of nine, if I have ever danced to thy doleful tunes, when the alluring timpanes of other sporting Muses could not once change my copy, and shrynd thee for a saint in the bottom of my heart, when the service I did thee hath turned me to smart: then deign to drop thy heavenly dew, and therewith sprinkle my rudest pencil, not to vaunt of art, for my heart is not so vain, but to further my pretence in my purposed description, grounded on no gain, but intending thy glory.  
I require no guerdon of the pleasant headed youths, whose humour this fits not, nor any reward of the comfortless wights for whose cause I write this, the one I fear me will scarce bestow reading, the other is too needy to bestow any recompense, the toil shall be mine, the thank shall be thine, and some profit perhaps shall redoune to others.  
Then mighty Goddess, if love have no leisure to be troubled with toys, nor thou no pleasure to meddle with tryffles, yet reject not the publishing of his piteous plight, so religious a catholic in thy sacred Cerimonyes, or at least respect the honour of thy portly deity, which the world shall brute through the brunt of his misery.  Per. 
What horror Pandolpho affrights my crazed heart? what manner Proaemion is this devout prayer? me thinks I seem to hear his woeful plaining voice, me thinks I see him tear his curious tressed locks, & féelingly feel the impression of his sorrows. Ah God, that thou shouldest make man to thine own similitude, and give him over without thy purveyance.  Pan. 
War wing, quoth the huntsman to Bowman his hound: what Periander, shall the kindness to caitiffs abate thy courage to God? art thou such a loving worm to succourless creatures, to rob God of his due, which thou oughtest not do, and pay them a debt, which thou owest them not?  
Beware of jove and lightning, and fly far from them. Though Venus were assistant to Paris his adherentes, yet for contempt of juno's demand, both Paris was slain, and Troy was sacked. Midas for faucines against Apollo, was dubbed for a dolt with a pair of Asses ears. And Phaeton I guess if he were alive, would not be to busy with Phoebus his chariott. Purchase not to thyself Lycurgus his scotchlade, who for his rashness to the Gods gained a wretched life, and got a painful death. Upon the mounteyne of Nisa, Lycurgus advised the women to do Bacchus' due service at his festals, with slips of vines upon their heads: but he so pricked them forward with his sharp twible goad, that they let fall their holy crowns, whereat he did rejoice and sport his fill: yea more than this, to disgrace the God himself, he thundered out his threats, and caused him to fly to escape his snares: at this offence the Gods did louvre, and forthwith did revenge the same in bereaving Lycu●g of his sight for a certain time, and to punish him aright, and fulfil their will at full, in setting wreakful date to his wicked life. juno boiling with rancorous hate against the remnant Trojans, the good soothfast prophet presaging Helenus, exhorteth Lord Aeneas to win her by submission, lest he weave to himself a web of woe, by his dissolute defiance. To disannul the kings decree is to be attainted of treason. For Pythagoras' scholars to ask a reason of any one article of his doctrine, was accounted amongst them almost heresy, & darest thou impeach jehova of fleeting inconstancy, not to continue his gracious goodness, like a trevantlye Poet in framing his fables, that beginneth to lagg in his latter description? or canst thou convince him of careless regard, like the brutish serpent that kills his brood as soon as it is borne, and brought into light? Or goest thou about to attach him of ignorance in the mystical workmanship of all mankind, which hath made him more perfectly than Science can conceive, even after the likeness of his spottelesse Spirit, and softereth him with food as the earth doth her plants, when he deserves to be copsse and cast into the Fire: and when he gaddeth without a guide after whoring inventions, wandering in a labyrinth of his imaginations, when his kin is unkind, and friends do forsake him, and he in cold shivering is ready to famish, he fetcheth him home upon his shoulders, (O careful shepherd) and penneth him in the fold with his chosen flock (more careful than a shepherd.) Shall the pot ask the potter why he fashioneth it so, or the anvil the smith why he striketh it with the hammer, or thou search a reason of God's severe punishment, whose name is in Scripture. I am that I am (so incomprehensible is his majesty) who renders his reason I will that I will (so uncapable is his wisdom?) If any man have tasted some extraordinary mercies, it was his free will, not their desert: if either the gentleman of whom the history mentions, or thou Periander have felt his heavy hand, it is your merit, not his desire. I reprehend not thy presumption, but reprove thy despair: for prosperity puffeth up with contempt of God his bounty, and adversity pulleth down to distrust his favour, Therefore Periander.  Per. 
Peace Pandolpho, stay thy wisdom, thou hast beat the child till he crieth again, now give him dug, and burn the rod. I was to bold because I was blind, and who so bold as blind bayard? But give me leave to recover this fall, and rashness no more shall give me the foil. Though I was incensed with a too pathetical motion, to utter that recklessly, which I now repent: yet was I not driven to hellish desperation, taking Gospel for no Gospel, which promiseth remission. But I will make no apology for my passed default, lest thou think it apostasy to persist in my error: now if it please thee, proceed in the premises.  Pand. 
The recantation of thy sayings is a requital for thy escape, and therefore I proceed.   

The sequel of Philotimus his history.  
OF all this their joyful progeny, their first begotten son named Philotimus, did both in feature of body, sharpness of wit, and towardness of mind excel the rest. In so much, that as when jupiter & juno were at contention, whether man or woman were more prone to lechery, they elected Tiresias, by whose arbitrament they would be determined, because he had been both man and woman: so if there were a controversy, which of the Gods were most worthy wonder in their excellent works, I think none more indifferent to decide the matter, than this young gentleman: in whose courtly complexions (so sweet was Philotimus) and courteous conditions (sweet lovely Philotimus) the express Images of their heavenly Deities were so lively portrayed. And yet if Philotimus should give his censure, which of their powers he thought most puissant, though he have felt their mighty operations, and so might judge: yet do I ween his best resolution would only be silence. For as an Unicorn having most strength, doth least know it: so he having greatest pith, did most pity himself. Notwithstanding that the Gods being corrivals in the framing of him, and never one suffering a fellow cockmate in this joint labour, they all doing best without comparison it was hard to judge who did the worst, even the worst being placed in the superlative degree. Which his parents marking, and marveling at it, thought themselves especially bound to be careful on him, lest either nature wanting nurture, it should be marred in making, and so the Gods offended with their wilful negligence: or his good disposition being at liberty, having no leader but his own discretion, they might reap less pleasure in viewing his good luck, having taken no pains in his bringing up. They therefore knowing that a young colt must be used to the bit before he come to the saddle, that sprigs sprout the better if they be lopped, choose rather to be niggards in pinching him of pence, then procure his niceness with vain prodigality, rather liking a wan look that comes of moderate diet, and bewrays a painful student, than a fresh ruddy cheek that is died with Bacchus his buries, and breeds suspicion of lust.  
Well, the Sun and the Moon and the seven stars, and all else that I can name, according in an unity, to adorn with their Trinity this blessed gentleman, he costed and posted with such lightfoot speed, that coting and boarding all his coequalles: with whom he was conversant, he was the gaze at which all eyes did spy, the worst repining, the best envying, all admiring this uncouth strangeness, and knowing the possibility of his wealth by descent of inheritance, thought the revenues of his virtues would be invaluable.  
His father seeing his diligent industry, friendly and freely counterpeyzd with incredible increase, taking him aside on a certain day, broke with him in these terms.  
Although I am not ignorant, that liberty to the subject to do what he list, doth cause his looseness and the Prince's contempt, that the apprentice made whole factor of his master's merchandise without any account, may leave him in the lash unless he be the trustier, and that giving the bridle into thy hands, to use the rain or the spur at thine own pleasure, may be a means of thy rashness and my repentance: yet knowing that a horse may be brought to the brook, but will not drink except he list, that an Orator may use his colours of Rhetoric, but cannot persuade unless you be pliable, that virtue is voluntary without constraint: and hoping besides, that Wit can discern, and Will will desire, thy contentation, and my consolation, (which are one in effect) I am content to do with thee, as King Henry the 8. of that name in England, did with a Bishop of Canterbury, that is, make you commissioner in your own cause.  
Yet with this caveat, that you deal not with me, as books make mention of S. Beda his boy, who made his blind master preach to stones for a pastime, and so thou trying my gentleness, abuse it with wantonness: much like the prelate's in Constantine's time, who countnaunced by his majesty, as men of great dignity, did at length checkmate the emperors highness, usurping his supremacy.  
It is ill waking a sleeping dog. There be certain springs in the country of Arcadia, whose excessive cold breaketh all vessels and metals, yet the horn of an Asses house keepeth together. In France, there is a Well of such chilling coldness, that it will convert wood into stone, and yet oftentimes, flakes of flaming fire have been seen to issue from it. It is hard for my anger to be incensed against thee, yet may thy stubborn rebellion enkindle my cold choler.  
If powdered fish or flesh be soaked in salt brine which is newly made, the brine doth sooner draw the saltenes out of it, than the fresh water cold: so thy unwéeldy crookedness and contemptuous, wayward will, may draw thee like out of me in thy he half and make regardelesse consideration of thy thrivinge.  
It is difficult (Philotimus) to quench my quaint love, unless as a torch that is turned downward, thy bounden obedience turn to sirly negligence, and impossible to pluck up the roots of my care, so long as thou hast a branch of filial fear.  
Yet misconstrue not these dreads as misdoubting thy well doing, but take them as a pledge of thy fatherly duty. For as Stratonicus never went to bed without his livery, (that is a cup of bear standing by him) not for that he was always thirsted, but always mistrusting lest he should thirst: so I give thee this charge, not as fearful for thy fall, but I tell it the at large, as careful of thy standing. But if once, Well I will stay myself till occasion be given, for though I cast the a bone to bite on, I would not have the choked. To make short harvest to my seed long a sowing, this I have to say.  
Thou knowest it was a time, when the three ethereal Madams quarreling about the golden ball, chose Paris for their umpéere, a shepherd then in Ida, to be judged by his award, whereof each of them promising a large reward, to corrupt his judgement, and he intending to get the fairest, snatching at the bait, got nothing but the hook, and thinking he had got a goodly young heafer, it was nothing but the devil in a cows hide, as Richard Farneyeares son was once beguiled. Much like, as though Ulysses rejoicing in the smoke of his country Ithaca, as a sign of his near approaching, should have found at his arrival his country on fire.  
The same Goddesses & their rewards do I propound to the, expecting that thy choice will be charier than his, or if thou aymest at the same mark, come nearer the white.  
For true it is & an old said saw, that timely grows the tree the good cammock will be, & he that will be an old man long, must be an old man soon, & he that means to be singular in any kind of trade, must begin betimes to enure himself with it. Therefore Hercules being young, consulted with himself what course to take, and Cato being old, learning Music and Greek, wished he had begun in his former years.  
Now therefore descend into thine own conscience, and deliberate with thyself, to which of these three thou meanest to dedicate the springing tide of thy springe time.  
Whether the first of all to Pallas, and to live at the University, there to attain the profound and sound knowledge of the liberal arts.  
Or honour sacred juno with solemnizing her marriage, where looking to thy tillage, & the grafting of thy plants, and tenting the pruning of thy overspreading trees, thou shalt not only amplify thy possessions, but as the world goeth now adays be preferred to promotion: which way if thou canst brook, I will provide such a match, as shall countervail the honour of thy house, and the humour of thy years.  
Or if none of these will fit thy fancy, wilt thou vow thyself to Venus, and court it a while? where heed must be taken that thou be not to he addy, for there the trod is tickle and the footsteps slippery, where many a proper youth thinking to rise aloft, is magnified till he look as high as Lincoln, climbing up by a ladder & an hempen chord, higher the he would by half a yard from the ground.  
It is a property common to most youths hunting at the enhancing of credit and iolitye, that if they see some advanced to wealth and estimation, rather by casual then usual means, they think by imitation, to gain the like succession, when gaping for greediness with Aesop's Dog, they scatter the meat they have in their mouths, while they scratch for the shadow which deludes them with show.  
As for Pallas, she is dainty, but not squeamish, hard to be found, but easy to be entreated, to be far fetched & dear bought, but that we say is good for Ladies.  
This pilgrimage will be werysome, and yet it must be wary. For through many a roaring wilderness, and stony scarry rocks shalt thou make thy voyage, where hips and haws must be thy pittance, thorns and brambles thy pallet and cabinet, the fire to warm thee, the scorching of the sun: thy clock to time thee, the screeching of the owl: & then thy pleasant prospect to recreate thy mind, a vast confused Chaos withouten shape or form: bellowing and braying shall be thy music, teen and melancholy thy desired companions, and when nights dark mantle overhailes the sky, at calm quiet midnight when all things are whust, and nothing now stirring but pale dame Cynthia tugging at her team to bring the night about, full many a Calcas dream shall roam in thy head, and Morpheus present the with ugsome sights, where in place of a watch to limit thy rest, either grim grisly horror shall break the of thy sleep, or a ball in thy hand (which was Alexander's wont) shall awake thee falling from the in the beginning of thy slumber.  
These are thy journeys, this is thy sojourning, troublesome & tedious, loathly & irksome, but now take heed.  
For stalking on with redoubled pace, for slowing no time to abandon the place of this abode, suddenly unawares on thy right hand, a flowering mead clad with lusty green, (wherein stands built a regal portly palace) presents thine eyes. In this palace, far from above and a lofty view, out of a goodly bay window, salutes thy sight the rarest But _____ O Philotimus, now dread and dolour both assail my heart, I fear the lines that fowlers set, lest they ensnare that in their net. For from thence gazeth out the seldomst sweet, that ever nature cast within her mould, with lily white hands, and arms outstretched, with ivory neck, and bared breast, & goldylockes' flickering in the air, her countenance roseal, embellished with alabaster, intermeddled yfere with party colours: the virtue of her thralling looks so bravely gloste with glimpsing grace, that thou wouldst wish no other books to read or look upon.  
To thee she rushfullye addresseth her complaint, the trickling tears bedew her dented cheeks, with many a sighfull sign she pleads for pity, & cunningly prates (as she can the feat) the tears of truth may once appease her plight, Good Sir respect her piteous plaints, whom Fortune sierre so sore attaints, that ah for want of joy she faints, (some pity good master.) And meaning to plant her brinnish plaints within thy tender ears, hark how the strumpet can strain her voice, to delight with her deceit. 〈◊〉 (Disdain me not without desert, nor leave me not so suddenly, so do the stony rocks repulse the waves that rush them violently.) Thou standing at the gaze, (as the Dear they say at the smell of an apple, or rather in a maze, to see so stout a kite stoop to thy fist without a lure, thus thou hearing and seeing and saying nothing, she will not lose her penny worth for want of good cheaping, but thus again gins. What trylle the ball again my jacke, and be content to make some play, and I will lull the on my lap, with hay be bird now say not nay.  
But never trust thou these training toys, and ever restrain thy loving glance, tread on the even path, not once slipped aside, for fear of Had I witted prove a fool.  
Thus when with feigned tunes she hath chirpt her yelden lays, and perceives that fawning can force no fancy, she will assay an other way to flap the in the mouth with flim-flam flouts, to dash the out of countenance, As that for one: It is no fire that gives no heat, though it appear never so hot, and they that run and cannot sweat, are very dry and lean godwot: but since I lend my love to loss, fancy (saith she) farewell, adieu dastard, a calf be your comfort, go mask among meacockes, a fig for your reasons.  
But run thou on without return, least in striving against the stream thou haply overturn, and if her jests be joy to her, let her gibes bewray a giglot.  
If thou pass these pikes and chance to escape scotfree, as thou mayst if thou will, and must if thou do well, let not the sequel of thy journey be directed with security, but intent a good end, and be watchful in thy ward, and stick to thy tackling providing for more storms. For an ague hath many shifts of fits. jupiter hath more liknesses than one wherein to transform his feature, and when he cannot speak to Danae in the form of a man, he will fall into her skirts as a golden shower, to quench the flame of his affection: so coosoning Lust hath many counterfeit cranks, & when with Crocodiles tears hardly wrested out, she can not move thee to ruth, she will make a Metamorphosis of the device, & shaping a new coat of an old blanket, blear thine eyes; if she can with stolen sale-ware. For listen (my good son) again: unlooked for, the most dulced melody that mind may imagine, more delicate to thine ears, than honey to thy mouth, which thou wouldst judge, I dare say, to be the consorts of the nine Muses, surpassing the modulation of Achilles his viol, which he won at the overthrow of Aetions' kingdom, & far surmounting the Philosophers harmony, which they forge in the heavens by a measurable motion, & a just proportion of number. There thou shalt see a squint eyed paramour, gingerly trip it, & minionly minse it, with dainty disdain of any man's love. The fine divine concubine, soot nice and coy, (screverence on her petticoat,) will scarce look askance, & all this (Philotimus) to bring thee to the bend of her bow. For women they say do the which is forbidden them, and fish bite more eager when the bait is pulled from them, and men than are soon attatched with love, when women keep aloof with disdainful dalliance. But remember thy lecture my good child, & always shun such bitter sweets. Argos naytheles his hundred eyes, was napped with music, & brought to head with Mercury's pipe, Ulysses would not once give ear to Calypso, lest as castles that come to parley do oftentimes yield, so he giving ear should be won to her whinings. Then do thou resist with defiing alarm, that never witching words thy marble ears do charm, stop thine ears and make no tarriance, truss up thy packquet & trudg on thy way. Play with the nettle never see nimbly & it will sting thee, touch the pitch never so softly & it will defile thee, & lend but thy listening to her warbling notes, & trust me my son, before thou try it, her chanting will enchant thee.  
For hark awhile & I will decipher to thee these two deludinge trinketters, maugre all their glorious gloss, wherewith they shine so sheen, do but disgrade them of their robes, and they are the most unsavoury creatures, Foe filth, I loath to think of them, and thou wouldst swoon, if once thou didst see them, our Curtizanes now adays, may well be their children, who seek to colour their ill-favoured physiognomies, with painted confections of the apothecary's coining. Well sir, these two of whom I was speaking, in show are two, in substance one, and if thou art willing to know their names, in one word it is Lust: which what a vice it is among Palaces apprentices (scholars I mean, whom I cannot but moan) I am sorry to know, and ashamed to acknowledge: but to set thee forward in thy attempted enterprise, and teach thee sufficient cosmografie to conduct thee in thy voyage, this I will foreshow thee.  
The stormiest blasts are overbloune, thy suptelest enemies overthroune, only with one thou hast to encounter, which will make a great value of his small valour, and boast it out with bombast brags, as ready to pick a quarrel without offence, as swift to take his feet for his own defence, if he be withstood.  
Marry if thy heart fall a kneeling, foredone with fainting, and thy quailing courage crouch to his gentleness, your Domine miserere will not reprieve you, for presently you perish: he is not of Cneius pompeius his manlyhode, who embracing Mithridates that lay prostrate at his feet, told him, it was more honour to save a King, then slay a keysar: for all his mercy shalt be cruel martyringes, thirsting after blood, and quenched with death.  
A Gorgon like clown he is to see too, with gourdy guts, & a grand liricompaunch, made in the waste like a row with calf, a cobbler may keep his shop in the lower region of his belly: a terrible tartarian beard he hath, a notable harbour for the crab-louse: a boisterous thundering voice, good to chide beggars out of a nobleman's court: his nose may be a comfort in distress, and a light in darkness, and serve for a linder box to light a candle at in winter, if he cast up his nose against the sun with open chaps, by his teeth may be discerned what is a clock perhaps: his garland is twined of venomous snakes, his attire made of poisoned vipers, his assaults be furious, his countenance fearful, no ruth, all rage, doth reign in his kingdom he is commonly called in one term, Despair.  
The way to delay the heat of his stomach, is this.  
Thou remember'st Maro's mention of the Trojan Aeneas, who after the intombing of his father Anchises, desiring to visit him in the Elysian fields, got the prophetess Sibylla to guide him his way, and a sorcering golden spraye of Diana's tree in Sycile, for his passport to Charon the churlish boatman, to ferry him over the lake. By these two he●ps did he achieve his appointed purpose: so if thou canst please thy-lyves, lady Pallas, betimes in the morning saying her service, with her grace for a preface at dinner and supper, and square thy life to her direction, she will allow thee two servants, Diligence, and Hope, to attend upon thee: the one to add haste to thy business that thou loiter not in the way, the other to add speed to thy skudding pace, that hast make no waist. For at the very sight of thy faithful Hope, this monster Despair is utterly vanquished and vanisheth from his hold.  
After this, thou rowest over a drenching gulf, which will purge thy stomach of ill humours, and make it more fit for Pallas her fare, where though thou art tossed with whirling tempests, yet as long as diligence is thy lodesman, thou needest no other Palinure. For at length thy rough tide will bring a safe road: and then enjoy thy joys, for thine is the victory, and let thy silver song, be so triumph.  
Thus thy stormy showers, have bread fragrant flowers, thou hast won gold, now wear gold, loc what it is to labour?  
jason adventured to cross the seas, and by the means of Medea, gained the golden fleece: but if thou dost mean to give this adventure, and wilt follow my advice, my counsel shall coin thee no golden fleece, but a thing more precious, & yet no precious stones, but a thing more worth gold then either of them both.  
For lo the royal seat of thy sovereign Pallas, so well appointed with all kind of ordinance, and champions in pay to levy any siege, that shall be laid against her bulwark, that neither policy by trains, nor prows by force, but only those, which have deserved it by service, & she doth deign to entertain can come within her howled. At the very portal, the first liberal Art, as her function requireth, doth kéeepe the entrance: she examining what profit thou hast prowled by her profession, will admit thee to her house, & so inseveralty, being orderly canvased a all the Liberal Sciences in their offices, if they find thee correspondent to the dignity of the place, they will all subscribe to thy supplication. Then hast thou access to thy prince's Dame Pallas, who after the suruew of thy worthy exploits, will crown thee with a garland of her own green laurel, then shalt thou wear the wreath of worship, (as Sysamis saith in an epistle to Theotimo) which maugre envy, and malice, and all the spite of fortune, both in life, and after death, shall extol thy name.  
Thus have I discoursed the whole course thou must take, not vainly to affright with dreaming illusions, nor to terrify from learning with displaying the danger, but that nothing hap unbethought, without a ready buckler to award the blow: for store is no sore, unless it be of sores. I have spent more time in this first argument, because more pains with some expense, & greater pleasure for recompense, are to be found by this then any of the rest.  
Pallas hath played her part, now hearken juno's pageant.  
The world my son turns westward, and gins to decline, & men are more froward then in years of yore: the longer it lasts the less while men live, the longer it lasts, the less godly men be: the one is Philosophy, the other Divinity, both grounded upon too true experience. It is well therefore to make hay while the sun shines, when wind is at willto hoist up sail, to enrich thyself in these unmellowes' years, that hereafter taking ease, thy toiling may cease, & thou enjoy the fruit of thy hands. Unless thou weave a web for thine own wearing, thou shalt have an hard pennyworth to buy it else where. Cloth is so dear, nowadays (Philotimus) that commonly they have two faces foe one hood, otherwise than it was in the second King Richard's time king of Britteine, who calling for a pair of hose of the bravest fashion and most sumptuous to put on that day, asked what they cost: one told him forty pence, go quoth he, and fetch me a pair of a mark, wherein thou mayst see, that either things were cheaper, or men wiser than they are now.  
Once have a smattering of the sweet of wealth, and thou wilt need no persuasion to persever in getting. An Emperor of Rome being loath to lose any commodity, that might be saved, gave a straight charge, that every household within the City, shoulo save their urine, whereof in time he levied a great some of money: his son standing on his pantuffles, and of a more gentlemanlike mind, than his father (as most sons are now a days) secretly and under correction, admonished his Father that it was a derogating from his majesties highness, to make a gain of so vile excrements, the very sent whereof was so loathsome unto all men. The Emperor perceiving his sons nicety, stood not to debate the matter with excuses, but incontinently fetching a bag of goold out of his closet, held it to his sons nose, and demanded of him how he liked the smell: he answered without pausinge, that it was a very pleasant smell: then hereafter quoth the Emperor, be not so hasty to condemn the Lawful and honest gain of urine, whereof this cometh. I amplify this example to this allygation, for that I neither would have thee defer opportunity to profit thyself, nor think any means too mean, if they be honest  
poetry, we say, is nothing else, but an heap of forged fictions, beaten out of the brains of fantastical fellows when their heads were intoxicate, and in deed it is true, the most be fables, yet parrable-wyse containing great mysteries,  
tully in his book de Legibus hath these words, Phisica ratio haud ineligans inclusa est in impias fabulas, and one commenting upon Ovid's Metamorphosis, bouldelye affirmeth, that a great part of the very scriptures is covertly handled in these works, alluding the Chaos to the world made of nothing: the destruction there mentioned to Noye his flood: Deucalion & Perrha that begot men & women by casting stones behind them, to Noye and his wife, whereof all nations were deducted: Phoebus and Phaceton to God and Lucifer, Actaeon that for seeing Diana naked, was devoured of his dogs to concupiscence, who seeing by wisdom how far he hath digressed, tortures himself with grief, so that every Poeam may well be moralised to some good meaning, how precise and captious soever some of our diminutive divines are that would not have them red.  
Now this is it I would infer, the Poets feign that Plutus the God of riches, when he cometh towards a man is halt & lame, cree-ping on with a wearied pace like an halt mayemed cripple, but when he goeth from him to have wings like a bird, scouring a pace till he be out of sight  
Then take time while thou hast it, the haucke may check that now comes fair to fist  
When Miltiades the Athenian with ten thousand Greeks, discomfited 600000 of his enemies the Persians, if he had foreseen that his recompense would have been repentance, he might have stauld himself with sufficient bootyes, to have prevented all writs of debt, which were his utter ruin: but preferring a public profit before a private benefit, and being but a branch of his country, he was the cause that the whole root did flourish, and he himself did whither away: for cast in arrearedge of a certain some of money, he was by his unkind, countrymen condemned to perpetual prison, where dying endurance he could not be buried, till his son took upon him to wear his fathers, gives.  
It is not the name of gentility will unbind the of bondage.  
If a man by some misfortune chance to be impoverished, alas alas, shallbe his pity, and the comfort they lend him to appease his cares, thou mightest have done better if God had made thee wiser, but he that will stumble in the midnoone day, deserves to break his shins, and he that will bear to beaten with his own rood, merits to do no better, look to thy thyself, I wish thee well, and so God be with you  
Neither will kin, nor acquaintance help to heal necessities, whose friendships are knit with a true-tones knot made of silver copper, & when that is spent, they spare their friendship.  
Ptolemy & Pompey were noun carer cousins, while both were as ready to requited as require, but when Pompey was put to flight by julius Cesar, and driven to crave aid of his old friend Ptolemy, he had scarce jacke drummers entertainment; for jacke was shut out withouten harm, but Pompey was cut shorter by the head than he was, whereof Petolomie making merchandise sold it to Cesar.  
Polimnestor was so dear to priam, that in time of war, when Troy was besieged, he sent his young son polidor with money for his charges, to be fostered of Polimnestor, that if Troy should be sakked all the whole house should not be extinct: but (ah the wrecth Polimnestor) when he see Priam's kingdom environed on every side that no rescue could rid him from his enemy's claws, he slew polidor for his money & set priam at nought, whose eyes afterward Hecuba scratched out with indignation, a vengeance more just, then equal to his fact.  
Wheefore let never trust betray thee, where treason is shrouded, nor hope not on friends, where hap is uncertain.  
Thou seest how Steadfastness doth fly with wings of often change, a flying bird, but seldom seen, her nature is so strange.  
We do not use to set share in the shore, nor plough the sea furrows that yield no corn: but men use to till the fertile soil, that gives that it receives with usury and interest, as Hesiodus saith, claw me and I will claw thee, though that thou Homer were with muses nine for ma●s, yet pack peasant from whence thou camest if that thou bringest no pence. Thy ma●ster (that must be) Aristotle, I physics affirms the exnihilo nihil fit, if thou hast nothing, thou shalt have nothing, & that thou hast shallbe taken from thee  
Graft my son, & grace will grow, begin to get, and thou shalt gain.  
It is Aristotle in his Ethics, that a good beginning is more than half the work, of one grain coins the whole ear of corn, if thou hast one virtue saith our ground philosopher, all the rest will easily ensue, hold that thou hast with good husbandry, & God will increase it with bounteous plenty. Neither would I have thee a drone to eat the sweet that others sweat for, that thou eat the honey, and they hold the hive, they draw thou drive, small reason by my faith, when gentlemen lack grots, that plowmen pinch it out for pence & patch their russet coo●es. but happily the uncertainty of wealth & riches, shall seem a good answer to my importunity, for who knoweth not Croesus his substance which notwithstanding was imprisoned as a captive, shackled with bolts, and feign to yield his goods into his enemy's hands: and who hath not heard of Scylla his magnificence, which tho was consumed with louse, and his money eaten with moths? the merchant loseth more in an hour than he gaineth in 20. years.  
To this I will make a replication, that all rejoinders of the defendant shall be barred.  
If the state of Fortune be so ticklish builded upon sand, & subject to tottering, then with more care ought we to cark for wealth of divers sorts, that if one fail, an other may prevail, and make friends by liberalyty, in state of prosperity, that may give us hospitality, in time of adversity and therefore not without great cause, did Alexander bestow gifts on his subjects, though King Philip his father chid him for it, ask if he would be vassal to his servants, with bribing to win favour, which they ought him by homage.  
In my opinion he read by rote & marred a good lesson for want of good construction, for neither is there any greater sign of clemency (which only virtue so much commended Pelopidas king of Sparta) neither more vehement exhortation to be painful upholders of present honour, or willing suppliers of future wants, them the abounding of princely bounty.  
This was the which made Pomponius Atticus so plausible among the Romans, because he disbursed his money most frankly, to take away the wrooting vice usury, for the common profits fake: & so gracious among the noble men, that even those who were at odds, Antonius & Brutus, & all in general, held him most dear.  
Once was the world in the first golden age, that learning was in price, and virtue esteemed, when Gratianus advanced Ausonias the poet so the consulship for his poetry, when Cincinnatus was taken frm the plough for his virtue to be dictator, when Cato brought Ennius into Italy for his excellency, whom Scipio Affricanus had in no less reputation.  
But now we are come to the last age, which as Ovid divide it, is the 4. and the worst, squeasye & dogged, & wrought of hard iron.  
Without multipling of many words, it is good to be mindful of the Gods juno, lest as Cyavippus for abhorring Bacchus his rites, was punished of Bacchus with excessive drunkenness, wherein he disheveled his own daughter, of whom he was slain, or as by Diomedes his wounding of Venus, Aegilia his wife was transported into such an insatiable lechery, that any might have her chastity, who was not chary of his own, (for all her holidays were feasts of Quicunque vult): so the refusing of her league that offers such tr●atyes of peace, incensing her with contemptuous regard, do afterward feel the battery of her anger, which will be no less than sheer beggary: when thou heartily wishest she would raise her siege, & striking a truce renew her former offer.  
As for Venus, I will neither dispraise her who was once my mistress: neither can I commend her without a pair of lying lips.  
But this I say, aspiring heads have seldom speed.  
Remember the brave gallants, that have spent their purses penniless, worn their coats threadbare, and wrought their bodies to the bones, to purchase advancement, and yet hapless, & heartless, have departed to other mansions, good for blocks in the country, that were cast chips in the court.  
O how few be there (saith he in Tusculans questions) that may hope for Metellus his hap? all may wish, and most shall want.  
The Court resembles the image of Diana in Chios, who was wont to be smilingly glad to those that entered into the Temple, and lowringly sad, to such, as went out.  
While Con is with whelp, and cries ●hink at every call, they will fawn like a dog that stands at receipt of a trencher, they will smooth the with sweet Sir, soothe thy person, and soak thy purse, but when all is gone and nothing left, farewell dagger with dudgeon haft: then thou mayst go like a dog that hath lost his tail & wander where thou wilt like a new shorn sheep, with out more service at their commands, till thou hast more wool on thy back to pay thy next years fees.  
If a a man should desire an herald to sift out her pettigrée, and ask of an armourer to blaze her arms, her stock would be found to be the main sea, whereof she is nothing but the overture and of scombe.  
Her arms (as Poets trick them) are the head of Capricorn, for her right honourable style. I will go as near it as I can. A young Saint, and an old Devil, and all at once: with honey in her mouth, and a sting in her tail, and that for the nonce: a sweet swillings, I would the swine had her: trim tram, neither good for God nor m●n: as kind to the as a cousin, and as familiar to all as Tully's Epistles: currant in sound, and counterfeit in stamp: as meek as a lamb, and as necessary as a mare.  
Whether it is better living contentedly with thy modicum, augmenting it with industry, or set all on slay sink, whether thou shalt have thine own or nothing, judge you. I commend that sentence, though I hate the traitor that spoke it. (It is better to be king of a mould hill, then to be subject to a mountain.) And therefore said Alexander, if he had not been Alexander, he would have been Diogenes for his contented mind. It is good to be at freedom where one may range where he will, rouse when he will, neither flattering for promotion, neither fearing displeasure.  
I were ill to be Aristotle de natura animalium, I am so in artificial in the description of Venus, but Socrates by the report of Anthony in the books de Cratura, saw he was eloquent enough that could open his mind simply, as I have done.  
A man may live thrice Nestor's years, thrice wander out Ulysses race, ere be gain that by service, that sometime hath been a common pension, or make a just annalogy of credit, with his cost.  
I deny not but it were good for young gentlemen to know this by trial, if that were all: it would chain them at home from changing for new, and better would they deem it, to sleep quietly in homely cabin without gun-shot of danger, then lie like Princes, be served like Princes, with such imminent dangers, as tully brings example of one in the fift of his Tusculans.  
But wit bought with the price of woe, is a little to dear. Better be wise by other mons harms, then rue your folly by your own hurt. Believe him that knows it because he hath tried it, & tells you the truth, because he loves you.  
A Disciple of the Philosophers must believe their principles, how absurd at the first soever they seem, neither is he a faithful Apostle, that will believe nothing but what he sees, then have him in one Article of thy belief, that hath the in all the petitions of his Pater noster.  
Thus thou seest thy fare (my child) fall too where thou likest, make thy choice where thou wilt, of pretty Venus, pithy Pallas, or princely juno.  
Such as thou bakest, such shalt thou eat, & such as thou takest, such shalt thou stand too.  
If thy fancy have a combat within it self for the election, thou shalt have a time to deliberate of it, and after consultation deliver thy mind.  
Young Philotimus perceiving his Father's care, and more than motherly affection towards him, (which is an opposite contradiction to the use of fathers) and having a surrender of so large a proffer, wherein he might prosecute his conceived determination, being privily circumspect in private conceit, that neither his father should trip him in any wild unwieldy attempt, nor he miss of the cushion he meant to sit on, made him this answer.  
GOod Father, though Aristotle would have one long a deliberating, and soon to practise, yet you have no sooner spoken than I am sped.  
To seek to wade deep, where the foorbe is shallow, or to break down the hedge, where the way lies open, where none of the first points of wisdom, and the very doubt what to do in a lawful matter, say our divines, is a great sin.  
The mistrust in my behaviour you spoke on at first, I have not found in your after speeches, neither have I smelled the severity of a father, which most children of 〈…〉.  
By how much the more m●lde you are in your proffer, by so much the more chary will I ●ee at my wholly. The Lion fears the little crowing cock, the strong and stern Panther quakes at the presence of an Hi●d, He●aclides the Philosopher by gentle handling, taught a ●●agon to follow him up and down, the haggard by luring is 〈◊〉 man●ed.  
Never any thing happened more delightsome to me, than this your kindness, honey within, and oil without, the one toothsome, and both wholesome.  
Where your courtesy grants a privilege, I hope custom will grant a pardon, if I hap not to have the right sow by the ear. In all my election, I appeal from mine own invention to your judgement, willing to be disposed at your good pleasure.  
For Venus, I am to young to know her sleights, and to old to learn them. If I were a gander, I would never choose a goose of that kind. I love no bear so old brotcht. Let Beauty shut up her shop, and truss up all her trash, Luxury hath stolen her finest stuff, and left her in the lash. I am content to learn of the market folks how the market goes, to teach myself, and instruct others, but not to make an occupation of that profession. It is not enfranchised in the same liberties that other sciences are, in which a man after seven years apprenticeship shall be made free, but at the most in this he is but a journeyman, where he may work for his mistress, crucify his carcase, and serve till he starve, while grass is a growing.  
It is hard when peace hangs in the balance of war, and my safety, in my lovers honesty.  
If I be zealous in affection, and jealous of her faith, I smoulder away inwardly, without any remedy: If she make me wear horns and I not perceive it, I am noddified of her, and pointed at of others: and so, they crown a cuckold with a comb, and this is their desire.  
Then for any office I get among honest folks, I may keep the geese on the green, for breaking their teeth with grazing.  
I have red that Attyla king of Pan●onia, slew eleven thousand Virgins at the siege of Colonia: but a man might induce me, without a Sermon pareneticall for exhortation, that he might seek both where they were and were not, (as Skoggin did the bare) and press an army royal of errand honest women, to scale the sorttesse of modesty with friday fated scolds, ere he could triumph for half such a victory in t●ise so much space.  
I could never forget a riddle that an old author of mine proposeth in a pair of verses.  
Est arbour in siluis, quae scribitur octo figuris,  
Fine tribus demptis, vix unam in ●ille videbis.  
This tree is Castanea, from whence take away N, E, A, and there remains Casta, of which chaste things she parson of the parish may well tithe the tenths to eke forth his living, and neither the town impaired, nor he enriched by this extortion.  
I request a favourable interpretation of my invective (reverent Sir) without glowing of your ears, with my overflowing eloquence.  
I am not so crooked in nature, as the crabbed ●ld men in Terehee, that thought nothing well done, but that they did themselves: no● so eager as the wolf, to bark at the mo●●e. I cannot catch: ●e is to busy, that hath an o'er stirring in other men's houses, without leave on their parts, or ●●ille on hi● own, that correcteth Magnificat, before he can sing T●d●●n, that controls the Court, which is not in his circuits, being neither a courtier by bringing up, nor a carter by birth, ●u●● mean man betwixt them both.  
I reprehend not the court in general, nor cannot devise to amend the Prince, from whence our welfare is de●●●ed, and to which, our duties must all retire, as the rivers to the 〈◊〉. But in great houses be vessels as well of tin as of silver, where God builds a church, the devil builds a chapel, and every commodity hath his discommodity, saith the sheph●●●●s old friend Mantuan.  
The serpent lurks in the green grass, the moths eat the best garments, where Bacchus and Ceres be caterers for the house, Venus will have her gambalde revels, where delicate dainties be their diet, as becomes a prince's majesty, & sumptuous robes their garments, where pride is a virtue of necessity (as tully speaketh of Capitolum, which being made to the most advantage, was most beautiful to the view, & must needs be so) ●her ●eaking Venus play the vice to make them sport.  
With juno I dare not meddle, she is better for my thriving, and unfitter for my years.  
A sword must not be given into a child's hand, lest he hurt himself. He that sets an infant on a great horse to teach him to ride, may peradventure save the charges of a schoolmaster, to teach him his neck verse, and wish for a surgeaunt, to set his neck bone.  
But with writing I may learn to write, with practising of of my tongue become eloquent, & with beginning betimes to gather wealth, quickly grow rich.  
Indeed every thing hath a beginning (as the parasite told his master, which said he took his servant for no liar, and now had sound it contrary) and therefore we must work by line and leisure, and not leap over the stile, before we come at it. No man I trow, will take upon him to write a volume, before he can set his letters, neither learn his letters before he be of some years. To excercise in Rhetoric (saith Crassus') before he have discipline, will make him ready to speak, and barbarous in speaking, as he bringeth example of himself: and to commit wealth to him which yesterday came out of the shell, & yet hath neither learned by reading, nor use; how to add to it, neither by either of both, knows the sweetness of it, which would make him keep it, doth much in my mind (under correction be it spoken) resemble him, that leaves his glove by the way, and bids his spaniel bring it after, that is a rude whelp, and never taught to carry.  
A ship cannot surely sail without an helm, nor any fly without natural wings: which Bladud king of England adventuring to do by art, broke his neck. So did the men of Gotam tie their rents in a purse about an hare's neck, and bade her carry it to their Landlord: how well they were served, I cannot but smile to think, neither at that, but at their follies.  
Were it not very absurd for one that hath no skill to begin to build an house, and lay the foundation, saying that by building he would learn to build? or for maids being scarce borne, to begin to bride it, and say in so doing they would learn to wive it? I wis it were, and most absurd.  
But indeed to give any great regard to wealth at all, more than to expel cold, and sustain nature, is nothing but vanity. Alas what praise is it to be covetous of that, which makes no difference of good men from bad, saith he in his Ethics, and to say truth, rather a note of ill men. For Plutarch I remember hath these words. It is very probable that every rich man either hath been wicked, or the heir of a wicked man, which though it be not true, yet the Philosopher's words do never want their weight.  
It is good say you, to be stored with divers sorts, because it is constant in nothing but inconstancy.  
Of divers sorts it needs not, when one may suffice, of divers sorts it boots not, when all is uncertain.  
For the formers proof, let Marcus Curius serve, a Roman captain against King Pyrrhus and the Samnites, who at the spoil of any town, would take no more than he gave his soldiers, saying he was an evil citizen, that could not live with that, which satisfied others. When the servants of the Samnites brought him gold for a present, as he sat séething rapes in an earthen vessel, he refused it, saying, he had rather be Lord of them that owed the gold, then be vassal to the desire of so contemptible pelf.  
For the second, I have heard this reason alleged against Aristotle, to prove a terrae motus, that is, an Earthquake, diffused throughout the earth, which he denies. When the parts and the whole (saith mine author) are all of one quality, and the parts doth move, as all may see, the whole likewise may do the same: but the parts of the earth, and the whole lumpy mass are of one nature in respect of firmness, therefore etc. and since false fortune say I, is the governess of of all wealth, if one part is frail, it is something like that all is fragile.  
Epaminondas was wont to forsake all presents, saying, he would do that was right without rewards, and for rewards he would do no wrong.  
When the kings fisher layeth her eggs, the seas are calm till they be hatched, and then with roaring fury carries them all a way the ore is made much on for his hide, the Elephant for his tooth, & so shall I for that, which they would wish my death for.  
He that will be wealthy, must conform himself to the fashion of the world (saith Plutarch) look a man in the face, and cut his throat.  
Wealth is the harvest of fortune's flattery, which who so means to catch, must be as it were a glass wherein others may see their conditions, much like an ape, that mops and mows as his master doth, to make him sport. He must laugh when they laugh, so shall he be merry, swear that they answer, and that's a good figboy. If with Caligula one speak like a fool in the senate house, he must say with Domitian, that his eloquence showeth him to have lain with the moon.  
The cunning Fowler is clothed with feathers, the crafty Ranger in a Deeres skin, Alcibiades was at Athenes a Scholar, at Lacedemonia a Hunter, at Tisapherne a carpet Knight.  
But trust me, to gain all the wine of Calydon, the fishes of Hircany, the dainties of Media, I mean not to make myself an open precedent, for proof of these matters.  
For as well may he stand still, whom the Devil drives, as he leave of, that once assays to gather wealth, as you yourself forwarned.  
Sore eyes may not view the light without a scarf, nor the credit of cormorauntes show itself without their coin.  
He that bestows rewards to insinuate himself into friendship, is like Bath-kepers ass, that brought his master fuel home to make fires, and he himself lived with smell of the smoke.  
Those second sort of liberal men (as Aristotle terms them) whom you feed with gifts, gape for them by custom, as they do for their die●, willing to pick a quarrel, if they be not continued, & ready to cast you of, if you stand need to them.  
If you yourself (dear father) would disclaim in this case, or give it over by non-suite, and on other atturneye retained in your room, I could find him sport by my little philosophy, if I were disposed to play with his nose, or cast pearls before swine in steed of brass.  
he might trick his speech with a few superficial colours, but all his stately style were not worth a straw, & his wiels weighed in right balance, his wit would be found to want weight. It is ill delving for money quoth phalareus lest one dig so low till he grub up the devil, gapers for gudgeons are soon choked: one said to Alcmeon, the way to increase his strength, was to diminish his desire man was made with his face towards heaven, as a token the heavenly matters should be his meditation, & the eyes of beasts turned downward, to seek nothing but gourmantize, and meat for their bellies.  
The question of marriage is abortive, & therefore must needs be a weakling too timely marriage saith Aristo. in his Pol: fills the common wealth full of dwarves, and women: and therefore he thinks it good that men should live sole, till thirty seven years, and women till 18.  
Homer scares me from these matches, who brings in jupiter and juno ever brawling, the Massagets told Pompey they lay with their wives but once a week, because they would not hear their scowldinges in the day, nor their pulinges in the night.  
If my wife were nought, I might wish her long enough at the devil ear god would fetch her, and if she were good, I should fear ear she died she would be turned into a fury, as Iphanassa the wife of Melampus, was for her beauty by envious juno: it is more agreeable to my years to be termed ser boy, than an honest man.  
Among all forts of conceited fellows, I reverence the Essenians, as most continent in pleasures, & contented with nifles, for they abhor the company of women, & detest the possession of gold & silver. Thus Venus is wanton and ever is wanting, treasure is tickle, and a jewel of jeopardy, marriage mars all, if it be out of season. I utterly therefore renounce these two Goddesses and any content with the loss of a double game, to post it over to Pallas: yet at our parting blow, to reconcile myself with meek intermission, I heartily wish they be not offended, and to make sure my atonement without fear, I will deal with them, as the Romans did with Vulcan: for having received some hurt of fire, they thought it good to hold a candle before the devil, and speak him fair while their feet were in his mouth, and give unto Vulcan the honour of a God, marry they shut him out of the city to banish him their company, that he came no more there: and if that can please them, I can brook to call them Goddesses, so they release me of their service.  
Poor Aglus for his uprightness in small substance, was preferred by Solon before the cuffine Croesus. Agesilaus said, he had rather be king in Sparta, than God in Theseus. One going about his business with an halter in his hand, chanced to find money which a miser had hid, which money he took, and laid down the halter in the place: the old huddle missing his money at his next visitation, took the halter and hanged himself, and venus herself passing by Eurota, was enforced to beg some aid of Pallas and use her lance.  
I will not blow retreat to every train, nor be a scholar and a traitor, as Critias was to Socrates, I have not so soon cast my Philosopher's head, neither have I been hitherto bathed in Heraclitius his flood, to be changed to a new nature.  
In old time they were forbidden to expound oracles which had any botch in their bodies, and they which would invest themselves in an house of religion, should impart all their goods, & give them to the needy, I therefore with a courteous couge, humbly take my leave of juno, and bid Venus adwe with a gentle Vibaccio, nothing dowbting, that as when Hannibal laid siege to the city Casilinum, one mouse was sold for two hundred pence and he that sold the mouse died himself for hunger: So I for greediness to learning in this hard world giving over my claim of wealth all at once (as Antiochus at one push lost all Asia) shall in time feel sorrow and small bear run full near my heart.  
In deed a lean fee befits a lazy clerk, yet may I well compare Pallas to Amalthea's horn, which yields what fruit soever one desireth, although, as none knew the use of Hercules his poisoned arrows, but Philoctetes, so none knows the benefit of Pallas, but her faithful servants.  
It is written of Plautus, that spending all he had in players garments, he was brought to such poverty. that for living he was feign to serve a baker in turning a Querne, from which when he could be dismissed he writ comodies. Polycrates was so happy, that he sought misfotune by casting a ring he had of inestimable value into the sea, which one finding in a fishes mouth, restored it to Polycrates, insomuch that wishing mishap he could not have it, yet afterward was he hanged by Orontes a persian: notwithstanding I hope that though I renounce my profit, and request in some sort my evil fortune, yet as I shall obtain what I wish, I mean learning, so I shall miss that I do not crave, I mean beggary.  
justinianus the Emperor descending of so base a stock that his uncle by the mother's side was a swynehearde, was advanced by Pallas to his immortal dignity.  
The labours I shall support ere I come to the port, do nothing quail my kindled courage. Euclides could every night go to Socrates at Megaera, mount Athos was made navigable by zerxes, Cesar made two great bridges in one day, and who hath not heard of Hercules his labours, why then should I fear so small a pains.  
In a certain battle betwixt the spiders and the flies, the silly flies seeing themselves overmatched began to pluck in their horns, where there general inciting them, bade them decline their eyes from their enemy's force, and look to themselves to save their lives. Catiline in his conspiracy, encouraged his soldiers with this argument-that they should look on the standard, the silver Eagle, which was the old ancient of their mother Rome, and sight for it. A pleasant pray enticeth many a thief. A lover of Cassandra who was come to aid Troy for her sake, seeing her hailed and dragged by her golden tresses, inflamed no less than Hercules with Dianiraes' shirt, flang in headlong among their enemies, neither could be restrained by any fear of death, till he had rescued her.  
Cesar at the river Rubrico, doubting of his passage, a young man suddenly appearing all in white apparel, snatched a trumpet from a slander by, and leaping into the river sounded it, by the which instigation Cesar gave the adventure to pass the river. The Grecians somewhat couwardly in the wa● against the Medeans, seeing the shape of Theseus, as Colonel in the vauntward, were by and by incensed te battle.  
All these jointly, & every one severally, I allege, to show what heat the blazing hue of Pallas (which methinks I see a far of) doth breed in me. Aeneas' having lost Creasa his wife in his escape from Troy, retired back again amids ten thousand enemies to seek her, & when he could not find her by no prying in every corner, he lifted up his voice environed on every side with his foes, & loudly cried out, Creusa, Creusa, neither ever would leave ransacking till her ghost appeared to him and told him she was dead. How often did the said Aeneas forage upon his enemy Turnus? how often did Turnus & Aeneas traverse their skirmish for their dear Lavinia? It is a shame to give over saith Seneca when the thing sought doth recompense the pains. I therefore am purposed with an absolute determination (my duty to you reserved) never to tire till I have found the holy land, where pallas holds her imperial seat, which happy hour when it shall arrive, them shall I think myself in person glorious, in doctrine wise, in deeds heroical, unboweled of grief, entrailed with virtue, embellished with a memory surmounting mortality.  
The lord Cleocritus hearing this munificall speech compiled by his son, with such dexterity in speech, & pregnancy in with (a right certain ensign of a generous heart) was rapt with admiration, and almost captivate with so joyous an agony, that he could not covertly conceal it with a guileful dissembling, but at length all  with pestering joys bolted out these words.  
A gospel on the mouth (philotimus) & gods blessing be ever thy protection for as there was no better token of winter, then to see photion go shod: so there can be no more manifest mark of valiant magnanimity, careful for himself & his country's behoof, then to see youth hang up the bit of wanton time, not like the foolish lark, deceived with sweetness of the call: although as the same photion was he whom Apollo meant was contrary to all the city, so this is a contrary guise to the frequented trade of all green years.  
In deed (philotimus) though I vn●oulde the whole far●ell of dangers which might seath thy journey, and teach thee a stopgaliard in the pilgrimage of thy voyage: yet truth it is, as thou of thyself art well advertised in removing all offences, which might escandalize thy courage. It ●ares with Pallas, as Suetonius writes of Octavius the Emperor, that never any ambassadors came in his presence, which at the first sight were not touched with fear, and after in communicating did not adore and love him because great was the majesty, wherewith he did receive them, and after sweet were the words, wherewith he did dispatch them.  
Yet if that wilt not in inconstancy imitate the soldiers of Germany, whom old Antiquaries have registered to begin their assaults with choler, and continue the same with fury, and after with requests of collusion, to suffer their sharp spurs be blunted, & recalling their intents, fall into a relapse, Thou must follow the Roman victorers, who in their triumphant celebrations first visited the temples, imbruing the altars with fore-vowed sacrifices, before they undertook any other solemnities in their triumphs, revels in their sports, affairs forth weal publiques. For as it was enacted by the martial laws, to be no less than the loss of his life, that entered the captains pavilion without his leave for a warrant: so it will be prejudice to his success, the attempts pallas, induced with a toy or emulation, & not invited by devotion, first get her benevolence with invocation of hearty prayers, which pallas will be so much the more prone to licence (if your tongue be not too laxative, & utter more than your ha●t can digest) by how much the more opportunity of time is now convenient  
For as alexius afterward emperor spoke in an oration he had to the senate, the sea that now may be spurned, sometime may not be touched, & Coonts that be in season betwixt Christmas & Candelmas, after the prefixed date expired may be vagrant where they will without any man's eating. Notwithstanding philotimus thy aptness be quadraunt on every side, as fit as a die, yet thou art not to learn that a great harvest, must have a great tillage, the milk must be bruised before it be butter, & lastly as to have is good hap, so to hold fast is a great virtue otherwise thou mayst for a time blear men's eyes with a flourishing gloze, but at the length when the cock shall crow, & the day begin to dawn & thou shalt be urged to publish thy skill, & bring it to light, it will befall unto thee as that did unto Veturnus Turinus, who being about the emperor as one in great favour, had egress a●d regress, neither hatch before door, no meek before his snow●, to intercept his patene access: which such as as had any suit to dispatch with the prince perceiving, as men the cast water in the sea, sooner to win the haven, or as fulsum housewives greasing the fat sow in the tail to make better bacon, so they bribed him that was abundant in all possessions, to have an end of their long traversed suits: he something saucy with his liege the Emperor, because gains were sweet, would now & than step into presence, finding communication of other matters, and coming out of the chamber, would give them this and that answer, thus and so I have said in thy matters, and thus and so was I answered the Emperor having intelligence of his vilianye, caused a foster to request him to move the Emperor in a certain case, which he promised nothing niggardly, for such courtesy cost him nothing: but all were served with one hand, he as the rest, and the rest as young courtiers: by which witness Turinus convinced of his guile before the prince, & other his robberies by exact inquisition found out, he commanded him to be fixed aloft upon a stake, and under him to be set green wood & wet straw, which being set on fire pestered his nose with a most cruel smoke, that in short space throttled him, a crier with a loud voice making proclamation, he that sold smoke, is smouldered with smoacke.  
The moral of this, is an exhortation to thee, to take pains, not sufficing thee with the show without matter of substance.  
Hymeraeus the poet writ against Helen, & not long after recanted: such small persistaunce in thy consaites I would have thee avoid, neither as the sun the nearer it mounts to the pole, the slower it moves, so thou, when thou art gone some degrees nearer learning, grow more sluggish in thy procedings.  
I would not have thee merchandise degrees, as some are accustomed now a days, but win them by labour, & deserve them by learning julianus the Emperor buying the empire of the Pretorians, scarce enjoyed it a xi months, when he was deraind, & slain, & his wife and only daughter put to exile.  
Young Philotimus daunted at his fathers so vehement exhortation, made him with due reverence this answer.  
Too much drought doth shred the leaves, and too much moisture chokes the grass  
If you had given me no forewarning, I had not peradventure been so circumspect, & yet to earnest speech doth sometime agarise me. The rude Sythian had rather hear the neigh of an horse, than Orpheus his harp, & a vain fool is he that had rather have a plausible peal of the popular sort, deluding them with a counterfeit show, then with desert to be a king within himself, without this ringing rumour.  
If I employ not my endeavour, let me have the execution of Draco his law, the deprived them of life, which would not labour, or be used as the drones of Hetruria, which were reputed as vacabonds, they condemned to exile, & their goods to the fiscal.  
I do acknoweledg that now or never is the time to be wrought to the rules of literature. If Mithridates had not spent his primetide in study, he had not perfectly learned 22. sundry languages, and therefore was it well provided among the Romans that no man should bear office till he were 30 years old, alluding to this principle, that his flowering season contained in former years, should be retained in attending good discipline: & this have I already learned, that though Arist. will not admit a young man to be a scholar of moral philosophy, because he can hardly repress his extravagant affections, yet he means saith my master of young men in manners & not in years.  
Well then Philotimus answered his father, since this is the determination of thy Imagination, thou shalt have a cote cut after thine own pattern, & go to thy chosen university.  
But because as Laelius saith, if one should be rapt into the third heaven, and have a revelation of gods intricate secrets, and had no body to impart them too, his holy inspiration would be converted to grief, neither can we repose our familiarity, in any man's company, so well as his which is like ourselves, I not will only provide a tutor to oversee you, but allot you a companion to drive away tediousness, that as Sulpitius and Litonus were wont to study one thing, play both at one time, and mutually tend their aides each to other: so he to you and you to him, may enterchaungeblye be abettors to your studies, hoorders of your secrets, and ministers of your pastimes. A gentleman he is of no base blood, neither discrepant to thee in nature, nor different in years, and thy daily playfellowe Aemelius, of whom being left orphan I am the gardaunt, to bestow as I will.  
Philotimus glad of this fellowship, because of all men he did most fix his fancy on Aemilius, though living together they had many jars betwixt them, with bonnet veiled, and knee bowed, gréeted well his father's purveyance.  
Of all things they meant to have speedy dispatch, so that philoti. sent to the country to take his leave of his allies and friends, Cleocritus had in store against his return, such a tutor. as Phoenix was to peleus son, that is, an instructor to science, and a mirror in good life.  
Now you shall understand gentlemen, that as the ripest wits are commonly infraunchised in all follies, so philotimus sans all care of his late protestation, having passed the term of 16. years, was as forward as the best in accomplishing his humour.  
For as the unicorn is so strong, that he is not taken with any might or power of hunters, but for to take him a maid is set there he shall come, who opening her lap, the unicorn leaveth all his fierceness, & laying there on his head falleth asleep, & so is taken and thirled with darts of hunters, as though nature had given him no armour to defend himself withal: so Philotimus which was never gind with other parturbation, was by times and too timely, enthralled with beauty.  
This may be a cause of the small abode in his bliss, the green blade that shooteth too early is soon bit with a black frost.  
There was a gentlewoman by stile, but as I have heard & partly guess by her slippery dealings, giving no peremptory judgement but by conjecture, a rare ivewell scraped out of a dunghill, gotten by stealth by the wicked aspect of a beggarly micher, when her mother's husband, her father by name, could not see for horns growing over his eyes. but the fault you will say was not in her, but in her mother, which in shuffling the cards shuffled in a knave too many This gentlewoman almost of equal age with noble philo. her father being deceased, was left in ward with a gentleman near neighbour to signior Cleocritus, upon which occasion philo. sometimes in company with her, & often conferring her feature with his fancy, felt at length such skirmishes of affection, that he valiantly proved himself a carped knihht▪ and as plato speaketh of the soul which ascending after death up to the heavens, & meeting with nature's semblable to itself in all respects, stays there, & not before: so she seeing his posse, correspondent to her velle, met him just in the midway of all his love, gave him pat for pat, love for love, as long as he would.  
Now sir, Philotimus being comed home, & ready to departed the next morning, sent his page secretly to his mistress, requesting parley with her before his journey, the time he would come, should be when all were at rest, about ten of the clock in the night. The boy dispatched it roundly, & she granted it willingly, yet something nicely, as maidens do their honesty.  
Philotimus ask the boy how he had sped, forsooth quoth he, Danger yonder keeps the door, and mistress Modesty the house. I knocked so softly at the gates, as if they had been my grandfathers soul, then comes mistress Antigone with her whispering who is there. I told her who, and with what arraunde. assoon as she had certified her mistress, she told me her mistress would have you come, and in stead of green rushes, she would provide a banquet made of three  is (letters I would say) w, e, ll, which mente by my construction, that you should be welcome.  
Aurelia (for so was this gentlewoman called) made none privy to this counsel but her woman Antigone, who immediately after these news, prepared by her mistress appointment a very delicate banquet, of such drugs as she had in the house. Philotimus at the time prefined, accompanied with his page, repaired to his castle of health, who being covertly admitted by Antigone into mistress Aureliaes' chamber, found her sadly sitting upon a bench, with her hand for a pillow to her heavy head. Philotimus panting for joy of his close entry into this palace of pleasure of his mistress residence, and wondering at her pouting sadness, spoke in this manner.  
All hail my best Aurelia, what mean these doleful dumps? Is all as you would, or do you hope for better? and receiving no answer or look of her again, my mistress quoth he, is in Archimedes' his contemplation, studying how to entertain an unbidden guest, & stepying forward, softly seized upon her arm Aurelia quoth he, what study you on, when you study of nothing?  
She shoaring up her eyes, as one newly awaked out of a slumber, what Philotimus quoth she, you are welcome home, I pray God be with you, I am glad to see you merry, I pray you commend me to all my friends.  
Aurelia said Philotimus, is in a waking woman's dream, she dreams of cheese, and speaks of chalk, speaks of my presence, and craves my absence. But though I come like ill weather, unsent for, yet farewell frost is not so soon said. Her answer is like Apollo his Oracle, that may not be assoiled but with doubtful interpretations, and therefore I will assay to anatomize her meaning. I am as welcome to her, as water into a ship, and if I will be gone, God's blessing be with me shallbe mine alms.  
Nay, stay there Philotimus, (answered Aurelia) juno turned them that troubled the head of the fountain into frogs, therefore recall your ignorant Paraphrase, neither note so fast in the margin, without better understanding, lest for corrupting the text, some penalty befall you. But seth I mean to be angry with you, I will show you the cause of all my garboil. Your late compacted journey, was not so smothered in, but that I had a little bird, that brought me news of it: & when I heard it, I was aggrieved, as sick as a chick, but much more was I angry, when being in your mouth, (as Plotina said) you spit me out like a sluttish morsel and being your next neighbour, and of a little acquaintance, you would not remember all this vacant time, to let me have notice of your intent, but left me desolate, taking your flight suddenly, & now when I have you, you are gone again by this time:  
Alas said Philotimus, the bound must bend, if thou dost but recount the contents of my goodwill, which I know thou hast capitulated in thy memorial, thou wilt rue the intestine war, which all this while I have endured in my fancy towards thee, and the duty towards my father: at length I am comed to ransom myself from evil suspicion, to represent my gratefulness, and present my service to thy good consideration.  
Philotimus, I suppose, had the virtue of the herb Nepenthes in his phisnomy, which could sack sorrow, and make his mistress as merry as a maid might be, to whom she answered in this sort.  
If any tongue in the world deserve to be guilded, it is thine Philotimus, for thou canst so portcolize thy faults, that if they be black, they are engrailed with blue, and if they be red, thou makest them white, wherein, as in other properties, so in this thou resemblest the fair lily, which being of a scarlet colour within, is in outward aspect as hoary as the snow. But I remit thy crime howsoever or whithersoever thou goest, though it were a feritting for other men's coneys. One dram of courtesy with you, may serve for a whole pound of discourtesy, I had rather be won with an apple, than thou shouldest say I would be lost with a nut, a beck of yours, is as good as a Dieugarde.  
Philotimus seeing his mistresses melanchilie so soon chewed, & digested, thus replied. Either age or use hath given me might to bear your gibes (Aurelia) I cannot wish you less than my sovereign princess, you are so merciful, yet by this that you say, I can turn myself from white to red, from red to white, you may imagine, I am no chaunglinge, like the brood of the Chameleon, who can change himself into all colours, saving red and white.  
I will say to you, as one said to Fabius Cato, who being a man little in stature, was soon angry, and soon pleased. Since your chimney is so small, you must beware to lay too much wood upon your fire, lest your chimney be always smoky. There Aurelia made a Colon, bringing in her parenthesis, which was this. Whereas we have offended each other without desert, let thy Squire Parmenio allot what judgement we shall suffer for our passed trespasses, Philotimus was pleased. Parmenio answered. I thank our Lady's son, that I am comed to the preferment of a judge, were I so ever, I might perhaps prevent my destiny, which my father's last legacy bequeathed unto me, and my coat armour blazed by the Heralds, doth plainly prognosticate, for thus say they. Two trees rampant, with a tree iacant, and a knave pendant, in a green field, is the badge of a younger brother.  
Aurelia doth not judge my conditions by my coat, for than I were to base for this court, but a fox though he have not so gawdye a skin as the Leopard, hath more wit than the speckled fool.  
Lord (quoth Aurelia) what a monster art thou, a man in my eyes, and a fox in my ears? Parmenio held on, not hearing what she said.  
If it were the part of a judge to respect partiality, I should percase remember my masters Evening brawlings, and Morning whippings, which many a time God knows, poor I do feel, hear, and understand. But I would you witted, Parmenio hath emulation for trustiness, with Anthony the Orators servant, who being rack and tortured to give testimony against his masters adultery, when he had played fast and louse with a pretty wench, would rather endure to die, then make an apocalypse of his masters privities; therefore with warrantise of my upright dealing, now to the purpose.  
For as much as my master hath offended you (mistress Aurelia) with his ungrateful negligence, and you have grieved my master with your sinister suspicion, whereof the one he hath made auricular confession, and of the other you are not acquitted, I pronounce, that for pour bypartite sins, both of you, till to morrow morning at six of the clock, do penance together in a pair of white sheets.  
They both smiled at the boy's conceit, and Aurelia not able to utter one word for laughing, faintly foltered out as followeth. O God, O God, O Parmenio, thou dost me so much good I can not abide thee. Alas said he, I hurt you God thank me, but when colts cry wyhye, they are commonly lusty. I will not kick quot● Aurelia, lest I seem to be galled, but thou art t●o hasty for a parish priest, that consummates a marriage, before the banes be asked, and brings us to bed, before we be married.  
Their banquet was ready, the board covered, and Parmenio & Antigone stood in stead of sewer and servitors. Parmenio seeing the night overtake them, and acquainted with his masters hamour, who had rather have been talking with Aurelia, then feeding of these viaundes, made so great haste that he spilled a broth on her gown. Very well said Philotimus, so could I have done myself. Me thinks you should, said the boy, when I do it before you. Aurelia smiled at his answer, and pacifying his master, told him that since the effect was so good to make them sport, the cause must deserve no reprehension. Nay, quoth Parmenio, you have no honesty in your victuals. No, (answered Aurelia) frowning at it, how than? No forsooth quoth the boy, never an herb called honesty. Thus they merely past the while, the page willing to cheer them with jesting.  
But my young Lady was no Epicure at her meat, still staring in Philotimus his face, & ministering marvels to herself of that, which was no novelty for her to view.  
Parmenio marking how she played bopeep, spoke to his master in this sort. If mistress Aurelia feed on your phismony song, as she doth this night, she will make you look with a pair of Lenton cheeks: whether it be for sparing of her cates or no●, I know not, but all this night she hath neither other sustenance nor taste, but such as come from your amorous countenance, to her gloating eyes.  
I have heard say Aurelia, that the nourishment is always like the body nourished, and if it be so, I hope there is some sympathy betwixt his looks and my liking.  Par. 
Indeed that which nourisheth, turneth into the substance of that which is nourished, and therefore I doubt not, but anon my master will find the way into your little substance.  Aur. 
I trow nay, Philotimus will not do so, he is my best child.  Par. 
When you have borne him, and brought him forth, you may lawfully call him child, and he you mother.  
His master thanked him that he was so diligent a broker for his pleasure.  Par. 
It is not for disability in you, and that which I say, you must seal, wherein stands the virtue. Princes you know in parliament houses have their speakers, to declare their pleasures, and case themselves. If you have a letter of good tidings, it is no matter what varlet be the carrier, so you know his hand who hath signed it and sent it. mistress Aurelia takes no keep how great a bragger I be, so you prove yourself a valiant rider.  Philot. 
had done his devoir, Aurelia was sufficed, & the table taken up, Antig. & Parmen, cabbished together into a buy lobby where they refreshed themselves with the relics of their reversion, and Parmenio played his reaks, whose short colloquy you shall hear seiunctly.  Par. 
Now mistress Antigone, you have laboured till you sweat, and I have toiled till I am dry, therefore if thou be at leisure, I will be so bold as drink to you, if you will give me leave.  Ant. 
I am not at leisure to give the leave, but take thee thy choice of a thousand thanks.  Par. 
I have a su●●e to you, but that I fear the repulse, and a whelp that first doth miss of his game, doth never after prove worth an haw.  Ant. 
A Butcher's cur doth never alter his nature, as for water spaniels, we have no need of them in this place.  Par. 
If you have learned the eight liberal science. I mean edgging. I will set a spoke to your ●●gge Antigone, but good my wench, ●ooke with thine eyes, and pity wi●h thine h●rt.  
O quoth Antigone, I love the terribly, but it is a chief point of art to dissemble art. I love thee well, but I trust in God thou shalt never know it. Parmenio seeing himself thus ridden, g●ue her a love tap upon the cnéeke, as though he would have bet her for mocking him, I will beat the bush quoth he, and then peradventure I shall catch the bird: for whips and fair words are the best to win women.  Antig. 
Indeed, thou art more like a stolen to deceive women, then aproper man to win them by might, yet such bats will scare the foul away.  
But there rest they in their merriment till the next morning, and return we to Philotimus, who is courting his mistress, recording old love without upbraiding, & requesting a contract without resistance.  
Aurelia although she were not inferior to him in fancy, yet did she doubt though she were young, that youth would turn with the wind, for that as Tully saith, they love ardore quodam adolescentulum, and stood aloof in denying his suit, insomuch that Philotimus very pensively protested she killed him with obstinacy, their conference I have described dialogue wise.  Aur. 
Hath not she action that kills, and he passion that is killed? How can it then be, that when as he that loves doth work, and ●he that is loved suffers, she should kill him?  Philot. 
Nay, rather he that loves suffers, and she works.  Aur. 
But hath not he free choice, to love or not to love?  Phil. 
He hath.  Aur. 
Then he kills himself that loves.  Phil. 
The woman kills not because she is loved, but because she loves not again. For whosoever may save, and will not, killeth. O Aurelia, be not so stern to him that hath elected that and none else for his felicity, lest Nimesis the goddess, who wreaks all injuries with sharp revengement, take my cause in hand, and plague thee, though she help not me.  Aur. 
What wouldst thou have me say?  Phil. 
But three words, that as I am thine, so thou art mine for ever.  Aur. 
This is a short song, with a long Epiphonema.  
A matter of marriage requires deliberation.  Phil. 
But I have deliberated too long.  Aur. 
It is Love, not Wisdom, makes you think thus, and Love is blind.  Phil. 
No, no, my love sees, for thou dost not seem such a one, because I love thee, but I love thee, because thou art such a me.  Aur. 
Thou art not well acquainted with my manners, if thou ●addest worn the shoe, thou mightest judge where it would hurt thee. Virginity is a fair thing. Is it not a better sight to see a fresh Rose in the stalk, then withered in a Gentleman's ●a●●●?  Phil. 
Had you rather have nothing but flowers in your orchard, or the flowers falling of, have your Trees swell with apples?  Aur. 
But chastity is a good thing.  Phil. 
Therefore would I marry a chaste maid, and it may be a time we shall live chaste, in the mean time we must learn it: or we cannot attain to all at the first.  Aur. 
What? get virginity with violating of it?  Phil. 
Yea, why not? We learn to abtaine from wine by drinking little & little. If virginity be so laudable, them it is not lawful to marry, but say not so Aurelia, lest like an unkind ●i●d, the defoile thine own nest, accuse thy mother of dishonesty, and thyself of basterdie.  Aur. 
I shall lose my liberty.  Phil. 
Nay, thou shalt be Queen, & I King, and we will govern our family. Is not your mind tied to your body, yet would it not be loosed, because it is there willingly.  
Aurelia desirous to shift of this talk, found every crafty hoal● to thrust her head in.  
But it may be (quoth she) we shall be barren.  Phil. 
As though you are not so now. And it is better to live, to die, than never to live at all: If we have joy, it shall be double, if grief, thou shalt beat but a part.  Aur. 
Our children may miscarry.  Phil. 
That lieth in us: for if we be good, they will be good. Tigers are not borne of lambs, nor doves of ravens, nor had children of parents that give good example.  Aur. 
These things are hard.  Phil. 
Because they are good, and that is the cause that you are so hard, because you are so fair.  Aur. 
Alas Philotimus, why do we reckon our chickens before they be hatched, and trouble ourselves about these matters, which may time enough be talked on seven years hence? We are too little, & to young, for the delights of marriage.  Phil. 
Tush Aurelia, a short sack hath a wide mouth, & young kids leather will stretch, and well thou knowest, a woman without a man, is like a ship without a stern, when I have left my affection here at home, it willbe a cause I shall sit at my study, not wandering abroad with wavering wool gathering thoughts. And as the Dromeda, which runneth a hundredth miles or more a day, can long continue his course and running withowten meat, and after his tedious journeys contents himself with brousing on the date tree, and a few stones thereof: so can I endure pains all these our unmellowed years, in hope to possess thee as mine hire.  Aur. 
Thou art not like the Crocodile that wants his tongue. Phil. But I am like him in this, that I would live either by water or land fo● enjoy the. I think thou hast the precious stone Sardonix, who hath the property to make one lowly and humble in their doings as thou art. which way lookest thou Aur. not affording me a good countenance? my I read is dough, if the be'st of the nature of the bird Kalader, which when a man hath been long s●ck, if he shall die turns a away her face from him, & if he shall escape death, streth her sight upon him and beholdeth him cheerfully?  Aur. 
tell me this, would you have me married to a dead man as you are?  Phi. 
The herb panace can revive the dead: the touch of the sapphire can rid the diseased of the grievous sore the Carbuncle: orphans his harp raised Eurydice his wife from death: and your ●●●ning I know in this point willbe as currant as neds, so your consent be not wanting. I give you the supremacy of my soul use it as you list.  Aur: 
yea Philotimus the Eagle is called queen of all other birds, yet she stirth from the little kind of swallow which is all black, not daring to fall on her pray till the swallow fly abroad, and on the contrary, our hollow father the Pope is cleped the servant of servants, yet he ruleth the roast within most parts of Christendom: I now am mistresses and you servant, this order willbe inverted if we covenant th●●.  
Nevertheless taking this frivolous talk for firm truth of your loyalty and knowing that the precious stones Ce●idom●, if you will have them virtuous, must be taken out of the swallows womb before they touch the ground, and that as one fruit of the figtree (which beareth fruit three or four times ayeare) ripeth, another springeth, so thefarest have must be taken in time, which being grounded upon long continuance, if it some time chance to quail it will springe again in the same for me, I am content to yield myself a vassal to your desire,  Phil. 
Fie pleasure, fie, thou cloyest the with delight. Now Priam's son give plane, thy belens how is stained, O Troilus weep no more, fair Coes●d thine is loth●ye soul. Nor Hercules thou haste cause to vaunt for thy sweet Omphale, nor Romeo thou hast cause to weep for juliets loss, if ever Amelia had saluted your sight, whose bright eye beams like the precious Carbuncle show so many reflections, that self God Cupid god of love, hath chosen to be blind, lest proper dart at sight of her should wound his breast. O Gods, and fates, and rolling heavens, can I my loves dear love forget? God knows I wish I could requite, but God confound if I forget.  
I usurp any mastery over thee? nay if thou wilt so far debase thyself as make me thy fellow we will bear the bridle evenly with equal peyz.  
Aur Pertinax in beginning of his reign thinking that the heavens were a meet burden for none but Atlas, nor the imperial crown a congruent garland to none but to those of divine excellency, defect whereof he bewatled in himself, and the surplusage whereof he admired in others, would have instauled them Consul Glabrion in the empire, and have placed him in the chayce of estate. In whose refusal Glabrion persisting answered him thus. Thy humble humility which thou showest pertinax, in the lack of merit of the Empire, maketh thee of deserving sufficient to be invested in the Empire.  
Neither must I insult over thy subjection, but in am thereof, give thee a counterpane of my heart, neither is it proper to our sex to rule, but a property in yours to proffer service, and because it should not stink for stalenes, you leave it of at day of your marriage.  
A picture portrayed in wax shows as fair as one engraven in marble, but continewes not so long, thorns bear to the sight as fair flowers as the geliflower, Crystal seems a precious stone till it come to hammering, and it may be, though I hope better, that this love of yours is good for a flight, and then casts of her bells,  Phil. 
use not, as you muse, and good enough. It is no shame to luke a fall, but a shameful fall to lie long. It grieves me not ●hat thou usest objections, but gauls me to the heart that thou wilt believe nothing. I am no master to clock ill meaning in ●ire words, but thou dost turn me to a manner to lose my tongue for very sorrow.  
Yet will I be as ready to spend my spirits in thy service, as am dull to spare my speech in mine own defence. In hostage whereof, here take my heart in habit of my hand, to bestow at your pleasure, but if you will give it hospitality in your breast, I will do as much for you in the like matter, she grasping his hand, he offered to kiss her, which she refused. It is an evil cold (quoth he) that may not lick his own fingers.  Aur. 
I may not kiss, or I must keep my virginity sound for you.  Phi. 
Doth k●ssing impair virginity.  Aur. 
I pray you would you have me to give kisses to other men?  Phi. 
No, keep my kisses for me.  Aur. 
You boar me in hand, that the greatest part of your heart is in my custody. If you lay lips to lips, it may peradventure all flit into me.  
Philotimus did not day the matter, but used that force which useth to be welcome to all women, when they make resistance as though they would not be overcomed.  
Both parties pleased, many an interchaungable oath they took, that sooner Xanthus should recule, sooner Hearts should feed in the air, sooner Eagles fly the doves, than they would part with aught but death, whilst any grasshopper should feed on dew, whilst any be should seed on time, whilst any Turtles love their mates, they would not faint in faith, and after death surumours heart should still concomitate corpses ghost, and with these words briefly concluded all their mistrust.  Aur. 
When love is ' cloyed, the roil at grass may run, I seat.  Phil. 
When hoof is hole, the hackney still is hired, thou knowest.  Aur. 
When corn is sold the market clean is done.  Phil. 
The Chapman's daily need will stul uphold the market.  
Now nights dark mantle 'gan to avail, the day bright star, dan Lucifer icleeped, by office forerunner to Radiant Phoebus bedecked the sky, and none but it. Now was the dolinge hour comed, wherein Philotimus must depart, for fear of discryinge.  
How often did they pray the sliding Night, so linger not a while? How often did they curse the lyghtsome life Aurora, for her quick return? saying that it was casye to know the cause of her early rising, because she lay with the old man Tithonus, but if her lover Shafalus might have been her contemporant, she had not been so hasty.  
Now like the warbling lark or other ayerye chyrpinge bird, which all the night is tongue tied, and descants it at sight of dewy morning, so she which all the night was as dainty of a word, as Democrytus of a tear singed in the morning a song of three parts, her tongue avouching permanent constancy, her eyes bemoninge their hasty parting, her hands beating her tender breast, in remembrance of long sequestration.  
She which before seemed to warm herself at Philotimus his fire, and learn love of him, now her smoulderinge heat burst out to open flame, she whose conduit seemed to be stopped or pipes cut of, now gushed out into seas of tears, those hands that thrust him back before, begriped his hands, embraced his corpse, and bound her fast for ay.  Aur. 
Thy heart I fear me is yet a wielidng, but if thou wilt plant it, as thou hast professed, within my breast, do not doubt but such grafts of grace will grow of it against thy return, that for every corn thou shalt reap an ear of fifty grains. My good Philotimus, remember her that cannot forget thee, think of her in absence, who will have thee and thy parsonage imprinted in presence.  Phi. 
Aurelia, though I were Caluitius f the orgot the names of his most familiar acquaintance, or more forgetful than the dotard Messala, who forgot his own name, yet cannot the remembrance of the be bloated out. thou shalt be my speculation, my meditation, my familiar with whom I will confer, my joy in prosperity, my solace in adversity, only thou and ever thou, my sweetest Aurelia.  
There he gave her a ring, in which was engraved the precious stone the emerald, which might make her mind-fal of him, and recreate her sight with the green gloss she in guerdon, bestowed on him an Amethyst, whose force was to drive away all evil thoughts, & sharpen his understanding at his book: when he beheld the Amethyst, I think, quoth he, the force of this Amethyst hath kept you waking all this night. for such operation also do Lapidaries ascribe to it.  
Aur. philotimus She had not need to sleep, that wakes a quick corpse, lest her ●eame drowsiness breed vn●othsome dreams, or sudden starting affright her sleapinge, with prolonging time, day drew on apace that of necessity he must be gone. He called his boy and bad him make ready, and clasping his mistresses between his arms, with his head cast down into her bosom, dolefully took hls frnidlye farewell.  Phil, 
Mine own Aurelia. whose joy I was, whose pleasant sweet conceits are my delight, even the, so must it be, I bid adieu, and once again adwe, I die to part.  
The poor gentlewoman not able to wrest out one word for weeping (for where the fire is most the flame is least) At length bespoke thine ever Aurelia, or never mine own, wisheth thee better fare; then I have at this present, and myself greater care, if it were for thy pleasure.  
Thus thrice he took his leave, and touched the chamber door, and thrice he did return, and took his leave again, & when he parted, Lord loath he parted, and sometime stood, and sametime went, and still looked back to passed joys.  
Permenio (quoth he) how might I bear this cheek yet of a prince and not a pawn, and that is my comfort? a thousand times I curse the hour, wherein I went my saint to see, & eke ten thousand times I bless the stoure, wherein I saw so fair a sight as she now I have her, but I may not enjoy hertell me thy counsel permenio.  Par. 
Is this your invective against Venus, and your promiss to Palls, that lately you made to your father, you would serve well in stead of a weathercock, to show a man in what coast the wind stands, or else I hope you will prove a good Astronomer at your study, you are so weatherwise, turning your tail into every wind.  phil. 
permenio, thou neither knowest me nor my love, nor the meaning of my choice, Venus is changed, then why may not I? Venus is not Venus, my Aurelia is Venus whom I will worship and adore as the primate of all Goddesses. my father's propose was, whether I would leave all other things and wholly consecrate myself to the Court where Venus is Metrapolytane and bears the sway, which then I denied neither yet do repent. For neither will I abandon pallas, to be an hunger-starven slave of Venus, neither can I do Pallas her right homage, unless my Venus, the golden Aurelia vouchsafe to be my guide.  
Venus might blush if she were not impudent, and juno be ashamed but that she is a Queen, to see or hear Aurelia named.  
The graces were not gracious: if they wanted Aurelia, neither beauty worth praising, if she were away  
Triumph than you Graces, that you have such a subject, and vaunt no more Venus, but glory in thy Lady, she is the Son to every gallant wight, the rest but twincling stars to wanderers in the night, for her Dame Nature howls and weeps because the mould that cast her shape is lost and gone, nor ever can the like be framed again.  
Such a pearl in a blackamoors ear would make him whit. Such a paragon would cause Galen shake hands with chastity, such an Alexis would make Coridon go mad. One word and then no more, she dead, the world were done.  Par. 
I have heard that a club bound about with olive is a good cote armour, because a violent weapon is ensigned with a mark of peace: answerable to this say I, that a little infirmity covered with wariness is very tolerable. One in Bizantio, which now is called Constantinople, having an urcheon, who by nature is skilful of the coming of winds north and south, (for then he changeth his den) would forewarn his neighbours of storms, from what costs they came, so that being an ignorant soul, for this one thing, which he concealed how he came buy, he was reputed half a prophet: you have red of the simple fellow, which could not bear any thing in his brain, but desirous to be thought wise, bought certain slaves boundmen, whereof some could say Homer's Iliads by heart, some Sophocles, some Euripides, and at dinners and suppers they should rap them out, which made him be thought learned among his gests, who was in troth a plain dolt: if you can counterfeit a face and dissemble your late match, (though you can hardly serve Gad and Mammon but be bewrayed) yet you may study on pallas and practice on Aurelia, and never be perceived.  Phil. 
I remember one asking Hannibal, what his purpose was to do the next day, when he removed camp, had this answer, that if the cote on his own back knew his intent, he would disrobe himself and burn it, and I warrant them, let them keep themselves from fire and water and horse heels, and I will keep them from this secret, if thou canst be close,  Par. 
I? as close as a close stool.  phil. 
Foyes parmenio, I smell thy lie stink hither have not I heard chee swear an hundred times the falsest lies in the wrrld? why than shouldest not thou aswell doceyve me as others?  par. 
That perjury was for mine honesty. and this fidelity is for my allegiance towards you, hope well and have well.  
philotimus at these words took truce with care and put on his holiday look that he wore on good days, & apostles evens. he knocked at master Aemelius his chamber door, as though himself were newly risen: I would have brought you a light (quoth he, but that I was a afraid τ it would give no light. why said Aenelius is the day so far spent? by that time he was attired, all things were ready and breakfast prepared, which done after philotimus, Aenelius and senior Mondoldo, and the rest had taken their leave of the Lord Cleocritus and lady Castibula and their children with others in the house they set forward in their journey.  
Here I cannot pretermit to insert the complaint of the Lady Castibulan, which ●hee had concealed before her sons face, and closely in her chamber disballassed herself of it as ensueth.  
Ah thrice unfortunate is she, tha●●●nce anhappie mother, & better it is be to a barren covert baron, than a fertile mother of toward children: the one lives in hope to shake of shame in time, the other dieth in doubt to lose the fruition of her wombs fruit if the boy should be sick, which jesus forefende, can I be there too comfort him with mine own broths, or see what confections his physicians do minister? or if the youth want money, which is youths wont, can I be ready with a fresh supply to give a restoritye to his consumption? No God he knows, and that I rue. Bot if I may have wit of any such matter I shall send him angels which were no messengers this seven years, who I doubt not but will fly without any wings.  
But leave we the pensive mother, whose sons sure safety was all her thought, and whose care of her son was sometime comfort to him, not by the cause, but by the effect.  
Philotimus dreaming on his last night's work, rid all the day long heavier than he was accustomed, by a pound and an haste, and when there was no passage by land, but they must embark themselves, and launch it out by water, thus did he leeme to be conveyed: in ship fraught with remembrance of pleasure past, with scaldinge sighs for want of gale, and steadfast hope that was his sail.  
Aemilius asked him how it happened, that he thus was changed from a pleasant Phaedrus to a pouting Cato, and told him the his frowling made him look as though he had newly comed out Trow phonius his den▪ one hearing, said he, the Enatius was dead, & man quarrelous, ambitious, & full of garboil, said, I marvel how he could intend to die, considering his business both night & day, 〈…〉 that I muse how thou foundest time to be 〈◊〉 when I never knew the hitherto to have one therling thought: I cannot divine what should be the cause, unless you remember some old quarrel betwixt thee and me. For so it was with them, as it is commonly with brethren that keep together, them would often be brawling about their ●●●ting as and 〈◊〉 kings. Here Philotimus replied.  
Indeed 〈◊〉 your 〈◊〉 wise, you can 〈◊〉 a thing assoote as you see it, see I am as sad as a ꝓ●ikful● of father 〈◊〉  
If millers may compare with waultmen, (A●minus) 〈◊〉 title gnats make collation with great ●●●ints 〈◊〉 that ●●remistocles and Arist●des being at continual debate: while they lived at home in Athens, sent on a time Ambassadors, in their country's affairs, buried their angers in a tertaine 〈◊〉 the their consents. The Coceians and M●●●us, 〈◊〉 noble families of Italica, a city in one of the provoked in Spain, had over betwixt there great contention, till wars were waged t●●●ne the Rompetans and them, and then they united them 〈◊〉 in great friendship. Whatsoever we have h●●e a● home, we will now, when we shall be 〈◊〉 in a strange ●●●●trie, ●oa●● together like neighbour's children.  
Their tutor and governor, seeing their could there, a hearing none of this talk, assigns them a qu●●●n whereon to dispute, to drive away the time.  
The question was this, whether it went botter to take pains in youth afterward to enjoy pleasure, or first to reveil him in the leaze of liberty, and in age be pinchte for his former sins.  
The defence of the first part was given to Plulotimus, of the second to Aemilius, the judgement & arbitorment to their two pages: Philotimus began as followeth.  
I feel my head so far 〈◊〉 it this da●● neither to please myself with disputation, or 〈◊〉 we my matter with pith of arguments, that for once I would wish the property of the fish M●●●hs, why 〈…〉 there go●●laid to e●●●tare him, retires darken, and taking his 〈◊〉 but leaps over.  
The hot stomach of a goose eateth watery meats, and tastes no laurel, the Peacock when he hath lost his tail, hideth himself for shame, till it grow again, and I having for the time lost my best ornament, I mean some odd foolish crankative conceited humour, and burning within, as cold without as a clock, love neither this morning to confer with company, neither to taste any meat, unless sadness be the sauce. Notwithstanding knowing that the crying of the bird Fulica in the morning, betokeneth some tempest to ensue, and that the eating of an Hearts flesh in the morning, augmentes man's life, I will not yield to sorrows summons, lest it be an Argument of my imminent ill fortune, but be as hearty as I may, for the procurement of my solace.  
And so much the less I need to doubt, by how much the more I am garden of the truth. For truth is like a friend which in most cruel encounters of his friends misfortune, doth then most friendly bewray himself, or like Hidra's heads, which the more they were coped, the more they grew, although for a time the Sun may be shadowed with a cloud, the Fire may lie raked in ashes, and Truth may be smouldered with malice, or dared with hovering Fraud.  
My friendly foe Aemilius, I will not use many words to aggravate much matter, but comprise as much matter in as few words compiled, as shall support & prove a sentence to thee, already approved of all.  
I once red these words, of the great matron Mesia Phoenicia, in letter's she writ to the sacred Senate, touching her Nephew Heliogabulus. Many times age doth bring forth fruit, where reason did not yield so much as leaves. But I say, never shall eld have leaves of lives pleasure, where they do not blossom of the fruit of youths pains. Rapes & Turnup's shall be sweet if their seeds be soaken in honey water, before they be sown: but crooked benumbed age shall waste in woes, where the platform & foundation of overgrown years, were not grounded with sour travail.  
Vice's may vanish, but their effects cannot perish, the fellow may by hap be dismissed from the rope, but the burnt in his hand must by law show him guilty, though distemperate harebrain youth escape sensual surfeitings of wine and women, (whereof Cicero saith that more cast their last gasp, then die by course of nature) yet in after process they bear the badge of beggary, eat the meat of sorrow, sup the water of affliction, suffer hunger as a Lion, seek their prey as a Lion, ramp abroad like a Lion, and fade with famishment, as seldom doth the Lion.  
At a feast, the first service is of grosser meat, and the delicate eats reserved till the last. When you break a colt, you first beat him for, his wildness, and afterward being weldy do cherish your hobby.  
Though labour be loathsome, yet is it wholesome. Rue is most bitter, yet being eaten fasting it clears the eyesight. ● Olive is not sweet, yet a plant of it set, and a year or two after an imp of a Rose-tree grafted in it, it will bring forth a sweet green Rose at Christmas. Brimstone & Vervain are no honey, yet bind them to thine hand or arm, and thou shalt never have the cramp.  
It is not with the pleasures of youth, as it is with the juniper tree, which will never putrefy or stink, and hath his branches continually green.  
Pliny reporteth, that the birds Meropes nourish their parents in age, as they were nourished of them in their youth. But trust you to your friends, when you have consumed your flowering time in Riot, and you shall have of them exhibition at least.  
The virtue of the herb Alimon is such, that who so tasteth it, shall not be hungry. Get this, & thou mayst p●ay as thou listest, nothing needing to doubt sustentation: but I fear me, you shall sooner find the way to seek your prey in the night, as doth the bird Hiber, then by your searching get this herb.  
Aurora men say, is a friend to Muses. In the morning we see, men take their journeys, at night to repose themselves. In the spring we graft our fruits, and youths tender brain is most apt for discipline.  
In vear, the husbandmen lop their trees, to the intent that afterward they may grow the better: so let youth cut of his disordinate affections, that afterwards he may prosper, and flourish more gloriously.  
The juice of Betony doth save from drunkenness, but than it must be drunken fasting in the morning. Five or six sage leaves at once, taken in time, do help the gout, but they must be eaten in the ●ointing. The dark of a wallnute tree stamped, and laid all night male or water, will make one parbreak, and this must be locken in the morning.  
The root of a fig tree is sour, and the fruit sweet. The emmot and the be bear burdens in Summer, to the intent that in boary winter they may keep their houses.  
Was at not better for the two twinties Romulus and Remus, to be razed 〈…〉 their swa●●●●owses, and drenched in the Sea, and by has being found by 〈◊〉, the kings shepherd, and fo●●hered by Laipa his wife, 〈…〉 have learned their stock, & aspire to their kingdom, then like Saturn in his youth to wear the imperial crown, & in his age be ●eaued of it by his own son jupiter?  
The orle of Tartarus taketh of any spot, and the interest of pleasure will repay all pains and made them quite forgotten.  
When your ●●esh is prickle with thorns, wash it in a cloth that is washed in urine, or with the head of a Lycerd being open the midst, or wi●● the roots of nettles braid in salt, and pow may draw them out: so when thou art surprised with griefs, either think that thou art as puissant to bear them, as others that thou hast borne, or that they cannot always endure & last, or that at length heaven (as the Papists say) comes by Purgatory, and thou shalt be comforted.  
The ploughman's toil hath hope that makes him till: Love hath a sauce that makes his sorrow sweet: and every long Period hath a Comma. Nemo oft (saith Tully) quamuis in rebus turbidis, qui non aliquando animo relaxatur. If thou hast a desire to do well, thou wilt not start for an April shower. Hungry dogs eat dirty puddings, and custom which in continuance removes all sent of sour, may be a cordial to a fresh water souliour to stand to his tackle.  
I have red in good authors, that the Bird Lagopus which is seen in the Alpes, and never feedeth but where she is bred, neither can be tamed (as Pliny reporteth) being caught betimes, in space hath been taught to feed in other places, and by art contrived, hath been trained to tamenes. The captain Masmissa never using himself to wear a bonnet, would winter and summer lead his army bareheaded.  
Those that walk as they will, wallowing in their beastly sensuality, persuading themselves that they have the world in a string, are like the ruffian Capaney, who in the conflict between Eteocles and Polynices, took an oath, that though there were a convocation of all the Gods assembled, and all in complete harness ready to their resistance, yet Thebes, should sack, burn, perish, and lie even with the ground, when by and by her was strick from heaven with jupiter's thunderbotte, and so was my great bragger for want of good riding, laid under foot, or like the sluggards in Syria, who having great store of iron and Silver, for sloth to seek it, have no gains of it.  
Who would be cloyed with all deliciousness in the world, and have fear of ensuing misfortune to be his companion?  
In my mind it is better to labour for a time with Castanean, to enhance advancement, then swear it out for a trice with Commodus, and wrap up his life-warpes woof with so evil a list.  
I speak of my theme, as Aristides spoke of profit. For Themistocles on a time saying that her had very profitable counsel for the weal bublick, but such as must be privately discussed on, not in open audience, the Athenians gave him Aristides with whom to confer. Themistocles told him that the navy of the Lacedæmonians which was conveyed to Githeus, might be closely burnt, which done, the force of the Lacedæmonians to be broken, and their hearts discomfited. Aristides returning with great expectation to the council house, answered, that Themistocles his counsel was very commodious, but withal dishonest, whereat the Athenians not reputing that profitable, which was not honest, relected his counsel not having heard it.  
My sentence is, that the pleasure which is not adjacent to virtue (as no youthful pleasure almost can be) is to be fled and not followed, rather refusing her follies, then choosing her defence.  
That other sensitive, is common to beasts, whereof many excelling men in corporal qualities, as an hare in swiftness, an Elephant in strength, a cat in seeing with her stéeming eyes, do likewise, or at least should conceive more delight pertinent to the body.  
How far it is to be avoided of us, may be known by this, because those which bewre ye munificall magnificence in contemning worldly trash, and desire to hent honour for their prize, are noted of rashness, if for pleasure or credit they stretch their hands further than their sleves will reach, or lash more out, than the condition or that whereon they, bestow, and other circumstances do exact.  
Theophrastus' in his book De divitiis, writing many things well, is reprehended for praising excessive pomp and charges in popular gifts.  
Demetrius, Phalaraeus blamed Pericles' Prince of Grece, for to● much cost in the entrance of his buildings to Minerva.  
Quintus Mutius, P. Lentulus, & Syllanus, were subject to some slander, for their glorious gorgeousness, in the function of their Aed●lships.  
Never was any man heard of long to prosper, which was sotted in voluptuousness. Alexander Medici's king of the Florentines, was slain for offering villainy to an other man's wife. So was Pasistratus slain of Harmodius, whose sister he had defiled. And for the same cause Aloysius king of the Placentines, Rodericus king of Spain, Appius Claudius, & many others, have been deraigned of their potentacies.  
The tyrannical government of Ortagoras and his children at sition, lasted but an hundredth years, the oligarchy of Cypselidae at Corinth, 74. years and three months, of Hieron & Gelon at Syracuse eighteen years.  
When there is intestine war betwixt Reason which by nature is crowned with a diadem of regiment, & seditious affections, which are constituted to obey the state of Reason, the state of thy being cannot long persever, as the uproars between the tyrants Gelon & Thrasibulus, and also betwixt Dionysius and Dion, do well declare, whose tumults caused slaughter to their subjects, & woes to themselves.  
It is not the outward munition of a well it need city, or the conjunction of compacted houses, that makes a good incorporate common wealth: for than should the whole corporation of Peloponnesus, have been encompassed with one wall, and some cities there be so great and huge (as Babylon, whereof the third part knew not, till two parts of the city were sacked & captivated) that they cannot possibly be reduced to a good common weal, No more (good Aemilius) is it outward sensitive voluptuousness, that investes a man with the type of true happiness, or ennobles his name with any dignity.  
Therefore were the Grecians admonished, and we in them, to contain their children from vewinge lascivious pictures, as the pictures of Machaceus & Canace, son & daughter of king Acol, which were portrayed doing that foul fact together. Such was Aegistus his the lechers, as he lay with Cli●●nestra, such was Alcides his, which subduing Euritus & his country, was so enthralled to his daughter, that he spun and carded among her Maeonian maids, and such was that of Mars, deflowering the virgin Astyoche, whereof he begat two twins and valiant captains Alcalaphus and jalmen.  
From reading wanton poems, as how jupiter the greatest God took upon him Amphitruo his shape, and lay by deceit with Alcmene his wife, turned himself into a bull, with crystal horns & dangling dewlap hanging down, and deflowered Europa's, & how he wiled the pretty boy  from his father, to have him the subject of his damnable buggery.  
From seeing beastly adulterous Comedies, as almost all be which are extant among us.  
Of such as Calliphon and Dinomacus, that joined this brutish pleasure with honesty, as who should join a man with a beast. I will not vouchsafe to speak, neither have I (as Plato used to say of the Tyrant Demetrius) any leisure to think of them.  
How much better were it for us to do as M. Seius, which sparing from his own behoofs, gathered corn in store, wherewith in time of dearth, he relieved the city, & got himself love, where before he was envied: so we to measure our mirth with a moderation, that in time to come, when others founteynes are exhaust, they may deduct from us some liquor of life, especially, when wickedness is maintained with as much travail & care, as uprightness in dealing.  
A mirror whereof may Bargulus be, the thief in Illyria, of whose toil & wealth, (speak Theopompus & Vitiatus) the land porter in Lusitavia, who was so vigilaunt in his affairs, that the Roman armies were fain to retire at his assaults. A thief doth need as desperate a mind to scale an house, as a captain to sack his enemies rampire. Dionysius the tyrant, Gorgias the tyrant, Macrinas the tyrant, & Catiline the tyrant, if we should commend them, & they of themselves give reason, they would affirm & swear, that they passed more travail, & found themselves in more peril in defending their tyrannies, than Scipio & Cato in conserving their common wealth.  
Wherefore to prefer this pleasure in prime, or make it equivalent to the settled joys of age, were to prefer the bark before the tree, to take the shell and leave the nut, to eat the platters and leave the meat they carry on them.  
To report at large all the reasons that might ratify my supposition, were to empty and draw dry, drop by drop, the river Nilus, or to wade the great river of Danubie, because they are so so many & so common, that it should be tedious to recite them, & lost time to read them.  
The consideration of my proofs, I yield to our canonical judges, and the reply to you. Thou feast how plain I have been in my decaration, as though Tom troth had been my father, and Simplicity my mother. For Truth to tell, a simple naked tale, that in itself hath no diversity, but always shows one undisguised face, & never fraught with contrariety, ne is wontike deep deceit to seek a shrouding sheet, n● needs to be with process pricked, and wrap his words in guileful eloquence.  
Aemilius according to his ancient pleasant manner, answered. To be as short, as you were swift, this mind of mine doth fleet full far, from that farfetch of thine: yet so neat have you been in traversing your treatise, that you were able to prove wit in a woodcock.  
An horse deserves hay, a sheep father, and thou a bunch of bay to empaile thy head.  
The proverb goeth, the Apollo his words and Cato his works are worthy praise, he that hears thy Pytho speak, and will do as I bid him, shall not be so mad (which the scope of thy discourse seems to import) as if he fall in the mire in winter, not struggle to get out, but say he will stay till summer, and then the sun will dry it up, that he shall not stick fast. Thus taking him up with a double gird for haultinge, he fell to arguing in this sort.  
Those that will lose no time from labouring in their youth, saying that the gods will provide a repose for champerd eld, are like the Persians, whom Diodorus reporteth, to contemn houses, calling them Ins, and in building sepulchres to have spared no cost with folly, I cannot tell, whether the Persians were more overseen in their first devising, or the Egyptians blameful in directing their advice to an imitation: who ar● recorded to have mansion houses little better than tippling booths, & some of them to have bestowed on the work men, that engraved their tombs, xx. thousand talents in garlic, onions and cheese.  
These Caterers for pittance which they know not who shall eat, resemble the delicious men Sybaritae, who used to invite their guests a whole year before, that neither the bidder might want time to prepare fare, nor the guests want leisure, sumptuously so adorn and trick up themselves in gold and precious siones, when in the mean time perhaps they were both of them worms meat, or like those fools, which moiled all the whole yerre, rejoicing in this that they should have a feast in the month of february, which was called stultorum feriae fools holiday.  
There is a certain Italian history, the tenor whereof is this: a gentlewoman on amoured of a young gentleman, whose garish gledi●e persuade a yielding bent of will, sought with good courage to accompany & court her, in place where he might plead with out other judge then herself▪ her neighbour feets, and other vulgar tongues, so tatled of their privy conventicles, that her brethren forth with knew the counsel, which they were not called to the young gentleman on a time in quiet well ycought (a quaint commodity as he thought) a lonely with his mistresses, her brethren, as the harm of mishap would, took him napping as Mos● did his mare, I will not say between my ladies legs, they with trenchant blades, bolne with ire, looking bog, like Marquesses of all beef, with griefful eine, clinging about him, protested, they would bowl his belly, if he did not confine his knavery with other bonds: but to this composition they came, that if he would condescend to lie a whole year within an old rotten hag (who was more like to consume with canker, than pleasure a gentleman) & do to her as he would to their sister, he should have egress and regress with his gentlewoman, and the choice should be his, with whom he would first begin. When my youth hard this, glad he was of the one part, but which should be in the first front he knew not, so shivering fear flit too and fro among his flushing veins.  
The Queen of a compame in a merry meeting of gallants for disport, having this question propounded, gave resolution, that it was better wisdom to begin with his mistresses. & so he should be sure of his joy: & be better armed to endure the groaning crone, partly cloyed with former pleasure, partly with remembrance of his first customer, & who knows said she whether he shall live a year or no.  
Nothing in mortality is long permanent▪ of all that I have heard to be most fortunate in long life ● prosperity iontly, was Argontonius king of the tartessians, who reigned fourscore years & lived an hundred & twenty, which god knows was soon run. Those that suppose a man cannot live youthfully in his flowering m●ad, but that in age he shall pen up his pleasure in repentance pounds, are in the like erroneus opinion as was Commodus, who hearing that certain gentlemen upon the bridge of Tiber, were recounting the virtues of M. Aurelius. & lamenting his death, out of hand commanded them to be hurled over the bridge into the river, asserting, that they could not speak well of his father, but that they must speak evil of him, which was his s●nne.  
As for those, who think a man may not be wanton when he is a youngling, because some have been so excessive, as seeking such as Aiulius of Larina, (whose trade was to give young men potions to make them lusty) have been daggers to their own throat, or like that prince who for that Quintianus the son of a senator, was detreted of a conspiracy against him, bore such immortal hatred to all the senators, that whosoever named himself a senator, was held for a traitor, or like Brutus, who that all the stock of Superbus and the name of Tarquin● might be abolished, took the government from his fellow Collatinus Tarqvinius, that had been a partner of his counsel in expelling the kings. The grave Ephori among the Lacedomonians which were as an anticipation to the kings, that they should use no oppression or burden the people with impositions, were all old men.  
Nature's high derree hath appointed, that young lambs should use their pastance on sunny hills when old sheep are lyther and lustles.  
Sprigging flowers are in their bane and tender groweth, better for poesies to delight then medicines for diseases.  
Therefore say I with the young man in Terence, that those old men have left many a good lesson behind them, for want of learning, that would have a boy by some strange metamorphosis convert into an old grandsire, using an alderman's pace before he can well gang, and speaking at every word a sentence of eleven, when he hath scarcely learned his Christ-crosse-rowes.  
No man will lend a lock of hay, but for to gain a-loade, then why should I take pains all my life, and have no more assurance of my promised profit, but peradventure yea, peraduen nay, & if I chance to get it, be glad I have mine own, much like a twhackinge thresher, or a thumping thatcher, who must ply their bones all the day, & stand at night with cap & knee before their good master, for their three halfpenny hire.  
When I have slipped the flower that fairest is of hue, when I have reaped my crop of corn, I can be content you take the stalk, and make advantage of my chaff.  
Thou sayst that the root of a figtree is sour, and the fruit sweet▪ therefore do we use to eat the fruit, referring the root to other necessaries.  
The custom of feasts is (as you infer for want of other proofs) to begin with gross fare, and end with banqueting dishes. I say, the users of such a method, are not so wise as the priest that eat his best plums first, and let the worst be mending.  
It was prophesied to Anceus that he should never drink of his planted vinyeard, which he to falsify, the grapes being ripe and priest, got a bowl of wine in his hand, ask where his could prophets were, that made such a blazon of a false supposition: at that very instant, one running into the house, cried a main that the vine yard was like to be spoiled, which he to prevent left his wine ● there being slain verified the prophecy, whereupon this proverbial adage is grounded, many things are between the cup and the lip. Lucius was adopted to the Roman Empire, but before he had power to command in the state of Rome, he was buried in his sepulture.  
Pills ywrapt in sugar yield no bitter rellishe, one coming late from warming himself, is better able to abide astormie morning: to which two similitudes my theme is Homogeneon that he that hath passed his time in jollity, is in better case to match with misery.  
The refuser of his meat when he is hungry, meaning to take refection another time, deserves no praise, in meed of his abstenency, but as an enemy to nature, is well worthy to pine.  
Such a thing is pleasure, so glorious in show, so noble in name, so effectual in force, that all things, at all times in all exploits work for her hire, bend at her beck, and quail in their attempts, if she fail their expectation.  
Well doth she resemble the Pole arctic, which leadeth the shipmaster, and she with the Astronomer the way to all other stars, and therefore must be first in every one's intention, before he begin the pursuit of his end.  
Verily wise were the inhabitants of a certain City bordering a little from the province of Machai, in the East parts, which are reported to keep holy day three days a week.  
Neither is the drift of my devise directed to an Apology of elds unsavoury pleasure, which thou fondly enduest with with a privilege of principality. Heavy is their happiness, unless they be happy because they are so persuaded of themselves (as Tully speaks of the Epicures) which lurk all their lives in mourning Tons, constituting their felicity in vain speculations. How many sporting hours were sorted to the Astronomer C. Gallus, who like the hard old Demea, which neither in the twilight of day, nor in the edge of any evening, could ever be found idle from his Husbandry: so neither in the vail of night, nor the heat of day would lend himself one laughing minute from dimension of his spheres. Do not you think that if Isocrates his Soul might rise again from death, and enter into an other body, as the Pythagoreans sect surmise (for Pythagoras said that in the Trojan war he was Eupho●bus, Pantheus his son, slain by Menelaus, and that in juno's charge at Argos he did see, and knew the Target which in his left hand there he held, whose Soul dismallest of that body, did enter this in which he now was) that he would redeem his misspent time with pleasure, who at ninety and four years of age writ the Oration Panathenaicus? Much joy iwis had Leontinas Gorgias his master, who in the tract of an hundred and seven years, never fadged in his infinite studies.  
The purpose of their conceit, was no pleasant contentation, but a pining desire to reach renown, a vain toy for so great toil.  
It is disputed of all the Schoolmen in Philosophy, & of Arist their chieftein, as I have heard, that nothing is in the intellectual part which hath not been conducted thither by the Senses. Of thi● I gather, that your  pleasure which you do limit in the minds muses is first derived from the exterior senses, as from their fountain.  
Now you see how old ages senses be be-dimmed, in so much that they have no taste of their meat and drink, unless as it is in Zenophons' symposion, rorantia et minuta pocula do now & than relieve them, which taste of theirs, is like salt water, which maketh fresh beef salt, and salt beef fresh.  
Their eyes do look by a pair of spectacles, like one through a casement, so that beauty might go a begging for their buying, unless there were some other courts to entertain our courtesans. When one asked Sophocles whether he did not use to accompany Venus, no, quoth the old dizzard, God forbidden, I have willingly taken my flight from her, as from a shrewd churlish mistress: & Tiresias in his doting days for varying against juno, was strirken blind.  
Their ears be closed up like the serpents with her tail, that neither Naecastron who by his harmony entangled every one with his love, nor Amphion who with melody gathered stones and trees together, that built the city of Thebes: nor Arion who so tickled the very fishes, that a Dolphin hearing his music, took him on his back, being cast on board, and brought him safe to the shore: nor all these together could make a meace of mirth of all the sad sires in the world. Although I read that C. Duellus in his age, he that first overcame Poeni by sea, took delight in a fife or pipe at certain times.  
For their smelling, they were ill to be poor men's hogs, in this not far differing from Fismenus non Nasutus, who having no smell, was hired for a wager to live a whole year in a pair of jakes,  
Some touch they have, or else they could not be living creatures, yet it is so dull, as may well give signification of their blunt wits.  
Thus you see, that either their pleasure is very slight, or else none at all, but only imaginative, like Argiws his in Horace, who repaired every day to the Theatre, where Comodies & Tragedies were wont to be played, and though there were none upon the stage, yet he by imagination made himself pastime of no bodies presence.  
As Plato in his dispraise of Orators, displayed himself for a most eloquent Orator, to the great credit of Rhetoric: so the most eager inveighers against this liege sovereign youthly pleasure, are the strongest underproppers of her princely state. C. Fabritius when he was in ambassage with king Pyrrhus, reported he had heard of Theslalus Cyneas that one in Athens accounting himself very wise referred all things to pleasure, as to the ultimate end: which M. Corius, and T. Coruncanus hearing of him, would often wish that the Samnites & King Pyrrhus might be so persuaded, that giving themselves to pleasure, they might more easily be overcome.  
If it convey such inconvenience with it, as the overthrow of towns, and cities, it is better to gorge ourselves with the society of it in the firstlings of our days, when we have no charge of importance committed unto us, then in riper years, when our own credit and country commodity stands us more upon, to have impediments by her corrupting. For there is no man saith Seneca, but in one part of his age, if he be not intercepted by unseasonable death, he feels the battery of his perturbations.  
Old men are accustomed with great self love, to repeat youths pleasure, as a recreation to repress sorrows, and abandon pensiveness. Lovers (saith the Italian Castalio) are solaced with looking up to the chamber window, whence of yore they have seen their desired Saints, and old cramped sires in their stoup gallant age, when the Medium can not be a mean to receive the object, because the Organon of their sense is quite perished, they feed and nourish themselves with the recourse of those blooming days, when in youth red h●rring was a king: in this property, like Timon of Athens, which being reviled abroad for his unsatiable nature, would at his return home open his chest where his old gold lay, and comforting himself with the sight of it set it at his heart, & cast their words at his heels. Except thou thinkest every man as slothful as the ropemaker in Pluto's temple, which let his Ass eat up his rope as he made it, never looking behind him.  
It is said, that an Orator must begin well & end well, because these two parts do tarry best in the Auditor's memory, though he interlace the midst with base matter, but you quite forgetting the precepts of your own faculty, wind up your Oration with a palpable error, enjoining youth not to read Poems, or gaze on pictures, or be present at Comodies, till his steps be stayed with ripe judgement, and faded follies: when as in very deed, we are taught of the best authors to acquaint us in our first elements with such pretty sleight toys, as Aesop's Fables, and Hesiodus his, which stir our capacities to a readiness, & our manners to a conformity.  
Avaunt therefore with this thy drooping savageness, which thou prescribest youth, as a mediation to felicity. Wherein thy rejoicing is like his, which being on the gallows with a rope about his neck, bade them have him commended to all his friends, and desire them to be glad of his welfare, for he was gone to heaven in an halter.  
If the persuasion of these few words, have brought you to a compromise, I have said enough: if not, whole volumes will not retort your stiff neck, to bring you to my bent. Though I should weary you and myself, with an huddle of more words, yet could I be no more effectual, than I have been in these. A good Painter shadoweth a great counterfeit in a small room.  
My hope is therefore, that as the river Xanthus turned the fleeces of all the sheep that drank of it into yellow, of what colour before soever they were, or as Parisatis left of to love King Artazerxes, when he saw the beauty of Cyrus: so thou repeating my reasons after the way of a retreat, wilt be converted to an other opinion, loving thyself well, but the truth better, resembling Bellerophon, who being entertained of Praetus when he left A●gos for slaying of Bellerus, would not at the enticement of Antea, Praetus his wife, defile his bed, more regarding his honesty then his ease, and thinking it villainy, so to countervail courtesy, though it were her own entreaty.  
Here be a bundle of reasons quoth Philotimus, gathered on a heap like an urtchin under an apple tree, in which thou hast the property of an artificial liar, I mean a good memory Aemilius, (for so goes the proverb) a good liar must he memorative.  
Parrhasius painted an erected satyr, and on the top thereof a Partridge, so lively, that other Partridges pend up in a cage a little by it, would often contend to fly to it, as though it had been a live bird, to the great wonder of all men. Upon which occasion, Pasihasius marking the art of the bird so much to be marveled at, that it abated the excellency of the pillar, got licence to take it down: So may I say, that he which shall hear any one part of thy Gration, will not on the contrary desire to hear any more, neither need search any further to find out absurdities.  
Trust me Aemilius, I should think him that could persuade with these reasons of thine, to be instilled with some of Perseus his juggling Divinity, that turned Cepheus into a stone, or him that would be persuaded, to be as foolish as Phineus King of arcady, who at the provokement of his second wife, put out the eyes of his first wives children.  
I am not so austere as the Stoics, to deprive a man of all affections. I do disannul the Lacones, whom Arist. 8, pol. cap. 4. reproves, for bringing up their children too hardly, with too much pains and travail, that made them devoid of all humanity, and hardened their hearts with blood sucking tyranny. I praise not those labour some and illiberal arts, whom Arist. calls Vanausous & mistharnicas 8. pol. cap. 2. and Tully sordidas & mechanicas.. 1. off. wherewith men's bodies are so●lde and made filthy. I name none, because satires and open nippinges of imperfections, which in old time, when Lucilius and his crew writ, was lawful in Interludes and writings, to the shame of the offenders, and the affrighting of others is abrogated, and they that now a days are in most authority, & bear almost the greatest countenance among us, scrape up their wealth, as a Cock doth the corn out of a dunghill, and win their renown be such occupations, yet there was an ancient law in Rome, that a Miller, a Smith, a Baker, and a point maker, might not be a Senator, I do not commend the violent exercises of those champernours who although they are made stranger by their practices (as Quintilian saith) lib. 12 Yet is their natural growth prevented, abhorring from the likelihood and form of men.  
I like not the custom of the Carthaginians, by which they wore so many rings in their chains, in sign of honour, as they had been at victorious achievements, nor that of the Scythians, whtch prohibited any one to drink of their festival quaffing cup, that was troled upon holidays, but him that had slain some enemy, Nor that of the men Iberi, which provided so many ensigns to be erected by the sepulchre of the buried, as they had killed men. The custom I say of none of all these should be currant in my kingdom.  
For the cruelty of the sword (be it spoken by the patience of all ruffians) is not to be ballaunced with the honour of peace. In deed Scipio won fame in beating down cities, but Cato Censorius got immortal memory in reforming the people's manners by his sharp penalties. Although Pausanias and Lysander enlarged their country territories by valour, yet were they not comparable to Lycurgus his laws, from whence as from an Oracle, the first devise of their enterprises, and the discipline of their manners were diligently fetched. Neither was M. Scaurus a civil magistrate, inferior in public profit, to C. Marius a warlike captain, nor Q. Catulus an officer of peace, to Cn. Pompeius a professed soldier.  
I as far dislike barbarousness in living for defect, as pampered wantonness for excess. Therefore thy misunderstanding, is as foolish as his literal paraphrase, that reading he must pull out his eye if it offended him, when it was a little bloudshot plucked it out of his head, supposing if he did not so, that he should go to hell fire  
Whereas thou reasoneest, that right pleasure consists in external senses, because they are the conveyors, and as it were the carriers of it to the internal parts, thy proof is as bad as Ulysses hi●s in the strife betwixt Ajax & him for Achilles his armour. There ●e lays claim that not only the title of the armour is claimable, but that the praise of all Achilles his prowess, is proper to him, because by his dispatch the armour was wrought of Vulcan and brought to Achilles, and for that by his wisdom, Achilles was brought to battle, as who should say, there were a care in the cart or the horse, that should bring the money and other necessaries from thy father, and that they for the carriage deserve the thanks of thy maintenance.  
Thou preachest a goodly spell, to infringe the interdiction of youth from hearing of plays, wherein the intent of thy speech, and the event of thy speed, may well couple the in a comparison with that witless courtier in Lodovicus his court, the eleventh french king of that name.  
for so it chanced, that Lodovick being troubled with hurly-burlies at home, removed his court to Burgundy, where by hap in his hunting he fell acquainted with one Conon, a silly clown of those quarters, to whose house (as great princes take much pleasure in such simple souls) he straying from his company would often resort and eat rapes. His insurrections appeased in process, he returned home, Conon's wife was earnest with her husband (hoping thereby for reward) to present the king with some rapes, in remembrance of old acquaintance. Conon condtscended, took his staff, and filled his wallet: but being hungry by the way, eat all his rapes saving one, which coming to the court, and waiting where the king should pass by, he presented to his maiesti. The noble king acknowledged his old host, took his gift well in worth, and commanded it to be kept among his best jewels, and him to dine at his own table, and perceiving after dinner that Conon wished to be walking homeward to Sislye his wife, he gave him a thousand crowns in am of his rape.  
An odd gentleman about the court, seeing so base a present repaid with so ample recompense, thinking with a shift of another gift to obtain the like gain in cozening the king, bestowed on him a great horse of no small valuation, imagining that if the king requited the rapes with a M. crowns, he should be enriched with great possessions. His highness perceiving the shaded drift, called a counsel of divers noble men and gentlemen about him, and seriously consulted with them, as of an important matter, what he might bestow on this courteous gentleman, to make him restitution with amendment▪ One answered this, another that, the gentleman held in hope of golden dales. At length, the king rounded one in his ear, that he should set him the rape which lay fair wrapped up in a piece of velvet in his closet which brought, the king gave it the gentleman, tellings him there was a jewel of a thousand crowns weight, in consideration of his horse: my joyful gentleman with knee bend, & hand kissed, and ten thousand humble thanks to his noble liege Lord, received the reward▪ thereupon he departed the presence, longing to unfold the velvet, where he looked for mountains of mines, which as we say, brought forth nothing else but a silly dragled mouse, a worthless poor withered rape. Thus he that with his craft would needs be an engrosser of great merchandise, was himself forestalled of his market, deluded of the king, and derided of the whole court. So Aemilius, thy words and good proofs agree together like harp and harrowe, thou meanest to kill me, and settest a dagger to thine own throat. Thou allegest Aesop, and Hesiodus to the confutatton of me, & they turn contrary to thyself confusion. I do not gainesaye, but honest poeams and fables are lightsome and lawful to every studious youth, and therefore saith Aeschines, and semblably Cicero in his oration for S.R. Amerinus, that such poetry was feigned to frame our fashions. The virtues of which being praised, is a piercing dispraise to these bawdy comedies, more noisome to their auditory then brothel●●tewes, unless to such, as have wearied wantonness with experience, having aswell will to leave the had, as they have wit to choose the good.  
Thou dost attribute so much to senses, that as Alberna, for wishing all her children might be like in colour to the crows (such love she bore to black) brought forth ravens in her pregnancy, so thou for misusing the heavenly minds delight, & yielding all to sense, art clean devoid of all understanding, which cometh from the mind, and art led only by sense, like a brute beast.  
But meaning no more at this time to build Castles in the air, nor waste my words to a deaf man, Harpocrates the god of silence, a god to whom I have ever done ear this, and will do ever my bounden homage, shall convince thy Comus, the god of intemperancy, of hateful viciousness in words, and hurtful looseness in life.  
It makes my heart bleed to see thee so wise to wickedness, fearing thy fall, which I will not divine, and devising the means to fear thee from falling For me to relinquish such apparent evidence and lean to thy bastardly reasons, were to leave the hall and come to the kitchen.  
I promiss you (quoth Aemilius) I do not doubt but by Evening that we come to our lodging, your lofty stomach now haughty, then hungry, will be glad to creep from the hall to the kitchen, and this angry bleeding with the pierce of my propositions, and with your own maliciousness, for the grief of your overthrow, will be well enough staunched with the leg of a Rabbit.  
It fareth with me, as it did with the estate of king Onomaus, to whom it was truly prophesied, that during the singleness of of his daughter, he should live and reign in triumphant prosperity, but most unluckily, as soon as she married should be deprived of kingdom & life: so I, whiles my arguments were in my own hands, was by any man's judgement a patron of verity, but assoon as they were coupled to your constructions, I straightway was by your criminal collation, in substance superficial, and in opinion erroneous.  
An Oracle pronounced to Pelias, when he should see one barefooted do rites to his father's ghost, than he should stand in danger of death, and I meeting with a naked man shall seem by his braving to be overcome.  
Whereas you burden me with impotency of sense, I answer, that I have as little as an other, and as much as I use: yet thou lovest me well, that takest me up before I fall, to give me warning of falling.  
Notwithstanding, not to halt before a cripple, nor dissemble with my feigned friend, these thy Arguments resemble Ladies, which are fit for sheets, and good for nothing But the Devil loves all colliers, & thou selflike reasons of thine own warping, like the rustic Shepherd in Maro's Aeglogs, which being in in love with his lass Phillis, preferred the chessnut tree before all other, because she loved it. My sweeting Phillis chessnuts loves, while Phillis the fine shall love these nuts, ne Venus' myrt shall dare compare, or Phaeb his laurel match these nuts.  
Every colour became Aristippus well (saith Horace) the nightingale, never wants Song, saith Bacchis in Plautus: neither while you can shape yourself a shift to shade your knavery, will you ever want proof for pursuit of this purpose.  
Thou art more dainty in thy phrase, then trusty in thy speech, and less pregnant by policy to prove thy folly, then prove with Hostility to deprave my meaning. But thy impudent railings which thou thinkest thy protection, are against thy invective a sufficient purgation. For a galled Horse never wincheth till he be touched, and a Dear standeth at the bay when he is hard beset, and Menechmus Sosicles then feigned himself mad, when he knew no other means to avoid his harms. tully saith, when the people gave Gabinius an applaudite upon the Stage, or else where, he feared lest he had committed some evil, and if thou hadst chirped to my Conclusion, I should have thought I had not done so well.  
I wonder how thou canst assay to shame me with thy railings, and not blame my Tutor, who allotted me my task. In this me thinks, thou resemblest Ajax his Wife, that losing her Husband in the Ship called Argos, wished the Fir beams whereof it was made, had never been hewed in the wood Peleius, when as they were not the cause of his Destruction, but the wild fire thrown into the Ship: or those that praised one for presenting a Gift to Diogenes, and mentioned nothing of Diogenes that merited the gift, or rather in my Fancy, thou art most like Will Summer, which being hurt with any, though he stood a furlong of him, would always strike his next fellow.  
The Dogs which were watchers in the Capitol at Rome, for descrying of thieves, if they barked at a rightful occasion, had their ordinary allowance, if they quested in the day time when no filching could befall, they had their legs broken: the same is inrould of the Geese, which were to give watchwoord by their gaggling: So Philotimus, if thou hast said as thou shouldest, thou art a good goose, if not, I would not have thy legs broken, which may stand the in stead ere thou die, to run from a skirmish, but I wish thy Tongue well mavacled, to give no cause of such mishap.  
The first part of thy Treatise hath little reason, the second less sense, the third scarce any life at all. Thou increasest in thy grossness, like Fame in Virgil, which is ever the stronger the further it goeth: or like our holy time of Lent, which (as Cassiodorus recites out of Socrates the ninth Book of his History) was first but three weeks, and by little and little aspired to forty days. Thy Arguments are drawn from the disport called Hopenniho, wherein all must say as one saith, & do as he doth, for all thy confirmation is but an an exhortation to frame an imitation to other men's liking.  
We must stand at reversion of others men's judgement, and like silly grooms, gather their crumbs when they have done: As who should say, because Apollo Cianeius, and Fulgentius, the Bishop of Emv●is, never eat flesh, nor drunk wine, therefore every man must be dieted after this manner: because some of the old Seminary, have betaken themselves to wilful peevishness, as foolish Hermits, or Ancresses, and devoutly spend their times in holy Orizous, therefore forsooth we must do so. This follows as well as that in Bevis of Hampton: Some lost a nose, and some their lip, and the king of Scots hath a ship.  
Art thou ignorant (good Philotimus) to how many misadventures our learning is obnoxious: and how feeble Memory, the keeper of it, is lost with age, or perished with a knock? Georgius Trapell. A man very learned, quite forgot in his age, every jot of his learning, as though it had never been he. The Emperor Claudius so halted in memory, that talking in bed with his Wise, incontinently he would become unmindful of himself, and ask for his Wife why she came not to bed, and having done to death a Noble man, the day following, made great inquiry for him, as for a trusty Senator, to determine with other of his Counsel on contriversies. Thou wouldee press us with burdens till our backs be broken, and then we shall lie in bed and be kept warm: imitating the inhabitants of the province of Carinthia, who having any small mistrust against one for Theft, straightways by their Custom carried him to Ex- to execution, and the third day after, straightly examine all such as can give evidence in the case, whether he were guilty or no: If he were, he hangs on the gibbet till he rot of by pieces, if he were not, they bury and honour him with solemn obsequies.  
But the way to make a Parrot leave prating, and the leave tattling, is not with talking to you. I will here pitch my pavileons, neither fkirmishing any more with so desperate a dastard, nor waging battle again, though thou dare me with urging.  
Then belike (quoth Philotimus) you are a right noble champion, as glorious as Erastus, that burned Diana's Temple, and ran away by the light.  
But I am content that thou shalt be the scowl, & have the last word. I fulfil the Camel's humility, which then sloupeth & kneeleth, when he is charged with a burden.  
Now Parmenio, and Clitepho, it rests for you to decide your masters variannce, with your even judgements without partiality.  
Parmenio stepping forth with as grave a grace, as might well become Epidicus, Plautus his parasite, thus bespoke.  
Master mine Phlotimus, and Senior Aemilius, your discretions, are sager as I suppose, then to sound the depth of your affections, by light flying words, which neither can sink, because they want force, nor stick in your stomachs, because they want weight.  
If words should way the will, or speech direct the disposition, Atreus for playing a tyrant's part in a Tragedy, might well be deemed a manquailer, and Terence for writing his loving lays should be impeached for an Adulterer. corrivals that combat so bravely in their lists, that neither matcheth other, & both surpass, may triumph that their valour is counted peerless, & embrace each other for alliance of qualities. Were it meet that Ennius excelling in Epicks, should dispraise Cecilius a Comical Poet, or despite Pacunius for his woeful Tragedies.  
Take heed therefore, and be not quarrelons, strife is soon sown, but hardly weeded out. Impacable Ate the Goddess of Sedition, thrown down from Heaven, had wingrs at will to further her speed, in dispersing discord, but the three Sisters Litae, Jove's high offspring, that united peace, which she had dissolved, were left a lose behind her far out of sight, not able to keep pace with such a swinger.  
The singular art of M. Aemilius, hath left such a sting of admiration within my breast, that I honour him for learning, whom I loved for manners, and assure me of his rareness, for which I ever hoped. His words so well couched, his moderate gesture, his countenance correspondent to his filled Tongue, might make him seem truthfull to those that are fools, & prove himself witty to those that are wise.  
I think it no modesty to prattle further of his praise, or of the credit he hath won But to give plain specialty of his curious cunning and augment the prailes of his clerckly work, I give judgement o● his cause, that it is in deed wrong, and seems in show Truth by his learned Apology. If I have offended him, I have also commended him, the one he deserves, & I look for no thanks, the other I deserve not, and he will do me no injury.  
Clitipho whose censure was by course to follow his fellows, whose judicial majesty he thought surpassd modesty, began a tale of jack a nail, which I am afraid you will not tarry till you have heard.  
It was an halt King, and a blind Queen, and they got a lame son, and he would go to the nine ends of the world to seek his fortune, & when he was there, he was there, he met with a pilgrim, God give you good even, which is the way to Poclinton, a pokeful of plums, he clamb up into a Thistle tree, and cut down an Hasyll twig, and broke his head till it was whole, and when he came home, he was as wise as a Woodcock.  
Here is a dry Tale (quoth Parmenio) laughing heartily at it, and well deserves a water pot: What's this to the purpose?  
Nay quoth Clitipho, it is never dry speech, when there followeth slauer so fast down your lips. My purpose is not so profound, but sense may be picked to prove you a noddy, nor your foolish laughter so sage as your sentences and yet concordant to so opinionate a fondling. Whether thinkest thou better sport & more absurd, to see an Ass play on an harp contrary to his sex, or hear the little Robin descant his mean note agreant to his kind? Thy stately rhetoric, is such a non sequitur to thy boyish rachalisme, that better I cannot lay ape●t thy absurdities, then by intrusion of this frivolous fable, less liked of Parmenio, and more agreeable to his parsonage.  
Thy exhortation to those, that know twenty for thy one, is as if thou shouldest bring Owls to Athens. By my troth Parmenio, construe it as thou list, I cannot abide to hear the Devil talk of holidays, nor the peasant to preach so divinely. But you will prattle no more of his praise. To prattle of his praise, is a pretty phrase, and well compiled I wis. Nor of his won credit. Take heed what you faith, if he have won it, why doth he not wear it? For you think it no modesty, you might have said duty, but that you are more in love with modesty, than modesty with you.  
My verdict concerning our masters, is as wide from yours, as both their commendations are, beyond our possibilities. Hadst not thou rather being put to thy choice that thy master would give thee a lease to support thy prime with merriment, then serve seven years in laborious drudgery, and then stand to his pleasure what he would bestow? If thou hadst Parmenio, revolt from thy resistance, if thou hadst not, God send thee thy choice.  
Permenio not able to digest this hard meat, and loath to make broil or stain his gravity, returned an answer in this sort. That pate of thine, that can infatuate so well, & make a man sottish if he be but simple, must needs itself be well  with grossness. Much like the wells which be in Norway, whose liquor is so gross, and extreme could, that if would be cast in them they turn it to iron.  
Tell a mare a tale and she will iadishly winch. Lidius courteously bringing bees honey, was for his labour stung of the bees, & I frankly giving thee my fairest talon, am laughed to scorn of a roperipe rachel.  
I have so far past the bonds of honestly, that if thy vaineglorye be joined to my surquidrie, of an inch it will quickly extend to an elne Yet had I rather confess myself sorry, for offending a fool without a fault, then stand upon the defence of that, which no man can justly find to be faulty.  
As for you Clitipho, your are nothing peevish proud, an arrogant patch is one, and you an other, if you will not give over your ignominious brawlings against my modesty, my modestest part I promise you, that for his shamefastness doth sildone show himself abroad, will have an action of the case against your nose. I will not ride an Ass to death, but thus farewell good noddy body.  
Their tutor and governor partly aggrieved, yet moved to admiration on every one's part, more than he would make semblance, and fearing the young gentlemen would not discontnue their discord, unless his persuasions took some better order, mutilated their scouldinge, and thus began his counsels.  
Philotimus and Aemilius, since your judges have pronounced that both have done well, and cannot determine whether hath done better, be not angry for the victory, which they will not give you, but be priest to preserve your gotten credit. I hope that the great joy, which your few words have bred me, shall not fail to further your timely towardness. It was Democritus his hap walking abroad to take the air, to meet with protagoras then a badger, bearing a bundle of styx very curiously compacted, towards the City. Democritus musing how a rude and rural fellow, could without any knowledge of Geometry, use such art in laying these sticks together, desired him to unfold his farthel, and try if he could with the like method knit his burden together again. Protagoras fulfilled his will, and used the self same art in his second binding, which when Democritus saw, by the promptness quoth he (my son) which I perceive in this light matter, I see thou art initiated in the foundation of far weightier sciences, and thereupon taking him from his servitude, and teaching him Geometry, Protagoras became so excellent as he did: so say I, with premonition you be not proud, though I praise you to your teeth, that the aptness which I see in this Disputation of pastime, gives me courage to conceive some future felicity.  
For this matter of variance, because a Kingdom divided is not long established, and friends falling out are hardly atoned, be content to claim no interest, but bear the bridle evenly.  
Nay said Philotimus, a little chafed with arguing: It was Solous opinion, that rewards and punishments were uphoulders of the City, and therefore since one must needs do best, let your censure of our doing, give him reward of the best. For an Aristocratia must never take place, where the Monarchy may possibly govern the whole.  
Aemilius as one ex Academica, thinking himself able to maintain any controversy, and something moved with the indurate stubbornness of his friend Philotimus, had him prove that, and hent the honour.  
Philotimus briefly concluded in this manner, jupiter hath the dominion over all the Gods It is monstrous for one body to have 2. heads: all the members are ruled by one heart: all the parts of the Ship stand under one keel: crane's follow one crane: the heard hath one shepherd: one bush faith the Proverb, can not harbour two Robin redbrestes: more wars have been raised, because many would command, then by their disobedience which would not be commanded. What fierce fights were those betwixt Scylla & Marius, Caesar and Pompey, Augustus & M. Antonius, Galba & Otho's, Otho's & Bytellus, Bytellus & Vespasianus, Severus & julianus, Severus & Albinius? Tyranny, is worse than usurping of the peers, or all the commons advancing themselves, and therefore a Monarchy is the best.  
Aemilius answered: The similitude of God may not be drawn to man. Liberty being the greatest gift, that the Gods bestow upon men, by what reason should one man's authority take away the liberty of so many men? One man's judgement is soon subdued to evil affects, as one bucket of water is sooner poisoned, than many several vessels. Though one crane guide all, yet not always one & the self same Crane, but now this, now that, the comparison of your Shepherd will not hold. For if the flock be great, the Shepherds must be many. Again, the whole flock is of a sociable, agreaunt, and uniform nature, never disdaining his fellow, or Lording over him, neither feeling the yoke of any government. One City hath been governed many hundred years by a Senate, that ruled more quietly than any King, having kings of many Provinces under it.  
Philotimus replied: It is not liberty to live as we list, but by the law and ordinance enacted by Nature, some to govern, as the most wise and virtuous, some to obey, as less excellent in gifts. And because it seems hard, that one should rule all, the Gods have promised to rule the hearts of Kings and Princes, as Ulysses saith in the second of Homer's Iliads. He saith also in the same place: Great fame and high renown, are things deaurate, and of weight, if they be marshaled in a King. As it is easy for one vessel to be infected: so is it easier to find one absolute man, than a multitude meet for an entire Empice. Every one of the Kings that were subject to that Senate, ruled his several Province by himself, as well as the Senate did all in one. Lastly, there is one chief in every Senate, to whom the rest do some obeisance, and in whose sentence they stand and rest.  
Here Aemilius saw himself in the lapse, and almost drawn dry of all replies, & wearied with perturbance of this civil dissension, with these or such like words yielded himself.  
Whether victory be an appurtenaunce of a rightful cause, or a subtle conveyance of thy sleight matter, hath bleared our eyes, I know not: or whether enorm causes do want solid matter, or a trewantlike barrister must needs be pitched over the peark, now it boots not: but to condescend to our covenant wherewith we are combined, as I grant me overcomen in our latter discussion, so I give thee the Trophies of all our disceptations.  
Philotimus, who was ever more covetous to be accounted famous, then willing to hear his land exalted, returned his friends courtesy in these words.  
If there be any credit in taking these praises, which I have received, what honour must be in the gift of this credit, which thou hast bestowed? And since you are so willing to departed with all your glory now of a sudden, I will not do like the alehouse clerckes, that divide the world into four parts, and take three to themselves: for I will not only make partition of the whole, but bind myself grateful to requite it as I may.  
By this time they were come to their lodging, which now they neither looked for, nor all this while had thought on, where repose they themselves till the next morrow.  
The morning following, as they rid parling of such matters as were obvious, Signior Mondaldo, which never misspent time unfruitfully, interrupted their talk with these words.  
PHilotimus and Aemilius, sith we have nothing at this instant, wherewith to be well occupied, and you were staulled with yester days Disputation, I will prescribe you certain Inductions to be performed at the University, which if you follow, you shall neither repent you of your present attention, nor repine at the prospering of other Gentlemen: and because contrary to ordinary, you are grounded in the liberal arts, which is not usual to freshmen, when they first come to study, I will set you down no childish samplers, as though I mente to implead you of Ignorance, but such as serve Gentlemen of your estate, and may beseem Students of a good standing.  
First abase not good letters in your imagination: for their art is more behoveful for the government of Gentlemen, than their want is material for a private Subject. When Camillus triumphed over the Frenchmen the day of his victory, he wrote these words in the Capitol of Rome: Thou hast been mother to all Wisemen, & stepdame to all Fools.  
Be studious in your learning, but not sottish in your labours: for moderate pains employed in due times, increaseth knowledge without bodily damage, when intricate endless trivious toilings, plunge the wits, and crucify the carcase.  
Trifle not your times in vain sets of words, but let your greatest travails be Philosophical Institutions: for it is not hard for the Tailor to shape a fit garment for a strait body, but it is impossible for a crooked body to be framed by his art to fit a straight garment. It was one of Socrates his Emblems, that he is eloquent enough, that delivers his mind plainly.  
Among all other Arts, forget not the Mathematics. for the Etymology of their name, exhorteth you to learn them.  
Turn over the volumes of ancient histories: for so you being young without experience, your knowledge shall stretch further than your father's remembrance.  
Have a sight in all Languages, though it be but superficial: for so you shall be Citizens in all Countries, and be able to calculate their conditions and manners: and that which is not specified in some of our Languages, is explained to the full in an other Tongue.  
For precepts to be eloquent in any one Tongue, I can assign you no resolute certainty: For neither are all Orators taught by one master, (saith M. Cicero) neither do they use the same ways and means. Sweet were the sauce would please each kind of taste, strange were the vein that some man thought not vain: yet that which is generally received of all, is convenable for you. First in your entrance to every Tongue, read those Authors which are sound without blemish, as Caesar, Tully, & Terence, in the Latin tongue: for Livye & Sallust, chiefteynes of Antiquaries, being generally perfect touching their whole works, but mancate here and there with some scattering faults, are not to be neglected of the Students in Eloquence, but to be diligently read of those that have judgement. Secondarily mark their phrase & Elocution, & then that which is commonly lightly regarded, be painful to make a sweet round number. An example of this number, doth Sturmius point out in the beginning of Tully his Oration for A. Cecinna, the very first Sentence, of which, because Tully speaks somewhat, and Hermogenes at large, I omit to treatise any thing at all.  
Of all other things, be chary of your company. For we commonly say, that like will to like, and gather suspicion of ones disposition, by his compéeres. When great Scipio came from the war of the Poeniens, better accompanied with dastardlye mitchers, then with valiant Captains, one Oruetus a famous Orator said unto him: of troth, it is great shame to thee, and small honour to the Senate, that thou hast overcome the wise Affres, and art so wise thyself, & of the blood of the wise Romans, & wilt be accompanied with these Fools. I say unto thee, that thy wit is in more peril here in Rome, than thy life was in Africa. The frequenting of P. Mutius his house, made the young Gentleman P. Rutilius, be thought honest in life, & learned in the Law. The small acquaintance, which M, Celius in his youth had with Catiline, was after in a controversy concerning him near, something prejudicial to the uprightness of his cause.  
Let your companions be at least your coequals: for that is comely, insinuating to your betters, if you may without presumption, & affable to inferiors with a sober submission.  
Use the company of your equals with emulation, be directed by your betters with imitation, contemn not the basest for any occasion.  
Learn wisdom of the ancient, but affect not their gravity: gather wit of the wantoness, but detest their corruptions: learn manners at the Court, there are few at the University.  
These lessons, with a request to print them well in your minds, shall suffice at this time: what books you shall read, & in what order, we will assign at our journeys end.  
Philotimus with a gracious bashfulness gave him thanks for his good Lecture, with protestation, that one thing wherewith he had comforted him, in saying that their procedings were more forward, then theirs are usually which come to an University, he either feared was not so, or else much marveled it should be so. For I have read said he, that no man was sufferable to enter Plato his School, unless he had good knowledge in the perspections of Geometry, and then I muse why our masters of Florence, should be so far overseen, to admit either Children that be over young for their studies, or ignorant truants that be too idle to learn, or blockeheaded doultes that have no capacities.  
Senior Mondaldoes' answer to this, shall be Counsel, for I think it better to rest in the midway, then run myself out of breath, & get no goal.  
To make recapitulation of all their communication they had by the way, were more troublous to my pen, than now it can in tend, and therefore intermitting all interlacing of many a good discourse nothing unprofitable, I will bring them now at length to their wished University, where thus much I can say in the young gentlemen's behalf, but in especial of Philotimus, that in application of his book, he was as industrious, as if his living had laid on his Learning, and so curious & circumspect in maintaining of his credit, that he only was the man, whom all men admired. In all points of learning Philotimus was commended, in all comparisons Philotimus excepted, in all exceptions Philotimus preferred.  
His life was more virtuous, than his line was noble, and more notorious was his virtue, than the brute of his blood, and his name better credifed, than his parsonage acquainted.  
In one and the only thing that belongs to an Orator, in sovereignty of stile, & a sweet and treatable pronunciation, he exceeded all others of whom I have read. It is reported of tully, that for one sentence bravely delivered, all the people at once cast up their caps, & gave a shout: Then trust me (Gentlemen) I do think, that if Philotimus had lived in those days, & spoken to that people, that at every Period they had been amazed.  
His manners were mild, and very amiable. For though he were of a choleric sanguine complexion, whose operation doth use to make his Subject sudden: yet he could so well refrain his choler, and make exchange for chevisance of courtesy, that these Sentences were often rolling in his mouth. Arist. saith, that Those are fools, which cannot be angry at an occasion: But Plato saith, that Those are more fools, which will be angry with out great occasion. I well believe Arist. for he seldom lieth, but I will follow Plato, for he thought it sin to lie.  
His body was decently made, & featlye framed, containing an absolute constitution, and convenience of lineaments: his head not a slope cornered, but round & globewise fashioned. His hair auburne or chesten colour, & so was Hector's: his forehead smooth and unwrinckled, beautified with comely eiebrowes, and such were the brows of Alcibiades, and gallantly garnished with a pair of amiable eyes, not hollow, but delightfully standing out, cheerful to his friends, and churlish to his foes, & such saith Heliodorus were the eyes of Theagenes, his cheeks roseal like Phoebus' rising in the oriental sky: of stature he was seemly, neither dwarfish like a man cut of at legs, nor a lungs like one that stands upon stiltes, but just in the mids, wherein consisteth virtue His port and state of body bolt upright, his gate framed to comeliness, not nicely affected, nor curiously counterfeited, as it were players, and disguised maskers, who by a kind of upstart gate, unwisely ween to win commendation In community of life he was very jocund, neither to ba●latiue with flattery, nor to whust with morosity, which Arist. 2 of his Ethics cap. seven. termeth the two extremes of courteous humanity: familiar in communication with gentle mildness, seasoned with pleasure and a reverent gravity: without prattling and tattling, without biting scoffs or upbraiding taunts, pleasantly conceited and merry with honesty, using therein no filthiness or ribaldry: and as he was most far from malapert scurrility, and scenical gesture, so was he free from sulleyne stern severity, & stoical indolency.  
This for the most part was his behaviour. In tongue he was silent, in this resembling Cato Vticensis, which never spoke but being urged: in countenance sad, and yet not so sullen as M. Crassus, which never but once laughed in all his life. From company solitary, but for this only cause, for which Sophocles in age would sequester himself uz. to quiet his mind with untroblous contentation and increase the gifts of knowledge and learning. And as Hermes Prismegistus saith, that Plotin us the philosopher, made as it were to all ornaments of virtue, choose him a secret place of rest, where he might be far from humane conversation, and bestow his time in divine contemplation, free and fearless from all the insults and counterchecks of fortune, and that he contemned all titles of honour, and all possessions of riches, accounting that true honour and wealth, whereby a garnished mind doth know the original of it own authority: even so was Philotimus affected, that trade did he traverse, and that mediocrity.  
For he often would say, that since no man might enter Dianee Temple at Craeta (where Dedalus hath eternal memory, for his worthy monuments) unless he went in stripped & naked, it was probable that none were docile Disciples of learning, but such as cast of the care of worldly pomp.  
His diet was moderate, his dreams not vain & reaving, joined with idle talk, as commonly theirs are, which abound with red choler, which Juvenal well describes in his 7. book: With grisly dreadful Dreams by night their heads are vexed, with ghastly visions in their sleep yelad with ugsom shapes. For of choler are enkindled burning Agues, & fantastical Imaginations, doting of burning of Towns & Houses, of murders, of hurlye burlies, when the fumosity of the choler striketh into the brain. The continuance of the disturbance of this, is voided by vomit, sweat. & evacuation by siege, which may be done with Radix pontica, and such things as provoke urine, as these herbs: Alkakengie, Sperage, garden Parsely, Annyseede, Fenellseede, & by the forbearing of all hot, fat, and sweet meats, which are very apt to be turned into choler, except reisons, liquorice, and by eating such things as will qualify the heat of the blood. Sleep also must be provoked by Lactuce, & salad herbs, that do humect the brain, and all the parts of the body, & Venus, anger, unseasonable labour, long fasting, must be avoided, and sckanting ourselves of victuals.  
His Dreams were such, as after the first sleep, the brain not stuffed with fumes, do presage some news approaching. As Valentinianus dreaming that he saw his wife altered from her merry glee, & wear a mourning gown, the next day had it so brought to pass by his sudden death. And Augustus his mother dreaming that she brought forth a Star which illustrated the whole earth, had it verified in the Acts of Augustus.  
To prosecute the Chronicle of Philotimus, be on a certain day, hearing a crew of litigious ruffians, belching out their fuliginous fomentations against him, and insult with hateful spite over some of his doings, thinking no body had heard them, but they among themselves, covertly stood on the other side the wall, and gently and friendly admonished them, as though he had been one of their own companions. I beseech you Sirs, speak low, lest Philotimus hear, for this is sometime his walk, where he takes the air. And arguing on a time on some Sophistical points, with a Gentleman named Papius, who stood very stiflye to his own assertion, & overheated with chafinge and anger in disputing, condemned Philotimus for an heretic in Philosophy: then (quoth Philotimus) I appeal to Papius when he is sober, to debate the dissension. Which meek answer appeased Papius, & revolted him from his error.  
It was native to Aemilius his nature, to countervail all injuries with a contrary counterbuff, and never to die in the debt of his trespassers. Hereupon would Philotimus expostulate with him. What if an Ass or an Ox should kick or spurn thee, wouldst thou think it manhood to strike again? But I will advise thee of a good medicine in such a case. Go to morrow morning, & kneel the down beside the great Oak in Siloes' wood, and look whatsoever it bids thee do, that do, and nothing else. Aemilius thinking that Philotimus meant to work some enchantment, went thither to see his devise, but when he came there, he heard nothing but aniayerie murmur among the Trees: at his return home, Philotimus asked him what he heard. Aemilius in a pelting chafe, thinking himself derided, answered: I heard as much speech, as thou hast honesty, and that is as much as an egg hath oatmeal. Then quoth Philotimus, say to thy complices as is commanded thee, & that thou sayest is nothing at all, and thonv shall never damnify thyself with such effluence of choleric sominge. He quoth Aemilius, that will know the construction of your meaning, must conjure for it before, or use such herbs as Cynocephalia, which Apion used in calling up ghosts, to know of them where Homer was borne.  
Philotimus his friendship & Aemilius his, by this time was perfect, and as one God could not vadoe that which another did, so what either of them avouched, the other would not disannul.  
His joy was most full every way, till time it pleased God to visit Mantua, and therein his father's house with a grievous mortality and plagne, whereof ten of his brethren and sisters died, so that only one sister named Fulvia (besides his father and mother) was survivor. Of these news philotimus heard nothing till the residue were amended, the town and his father's house clear from the plague, when the Lord Cleocritus and the Lady Castibula, meaning to solace their sorrows with his presence, sent for him home.  
About this time was philotimus greatly troubled in mind, he knew not why, and the very same night his father's men came to Florence, he dreamt fearfully. The servants were unwilling abruptly to show him these unwelcome news, and therefore foretelling Mondaldo and Aemilius, desired them to use the matter so, as their young master might not take it to much to heart. The next day, philotimus rehearsed what fearful dreams he had, using these words. If dreams divine, or heavenly visions be not vain, and Gods be just, whom we may trust, that no errors train, some luckless hap approacheth.  
He feared lest as Sextus was forewarned in his sleep by a dead man, of the heading of his father, so these apparitions should forhight some drooping danger  
The burning of his right ear stunted him likewise, for that it is one of the parts which Saturn an evil planet governeth, & so much the rather he was aggrised, for that he had not heard of long time from his father.  
Mondaldo hear took occasion to check him for his dreads, discoursing what calamities the best had suffered, and how peaceblye they had borne them, till with his pholosophicall catechisinges he had fortified his mind against all all the force of Fortune.  
At last Mondaldo, after much talk, demanded this Question: whether if he had divers precious jewels in a Ship, whereof two or three Gems were of more valuation in his account, than all the rest, and the Ship should suffer wrack these only saved, he would more lament the loss of his jewels, or rejoice at the safety of his Gems. Philotimus answered, that though a little grief daunt a great deal of joy, as a little leaven leavens a great trough of dough, yet if his Gems were of such worth as is supposed, they would be a good comfort to so bitter a corsine. Then quoth Mondaldo, rejoice, that in God's visitation of thy Father's house, he hath taken to his mercy ten of thy Brethren & Sisters, and yet of his great mercies hath left thee thy Father and Mother, and thy dearest Sister Fulvia.  
At these words Philotimus scritched out, & as a distraught Beolemer, unuisedly raved against all the high ethereal powers. O cruel Gods (quoth he) feed on my friends, yea feed your gluttie hearts, & overgorge your gulpinge weasants with my griping smart. In Corpse's ten, I ten times dead, am carried to my Grave.  
Here Mondoldo rebuked him, and told him, he knew not with whose folly to counterpeize his frenzy, except with Heracleates Dionysius his, who having learned of Zeno to be heart-whole in all afflictions, assoon as he felt a little pain in his reins, bad Discipline adieu, & fainted in his sickness.  
Well they directed their journey homeward, where after the Lo. Cleocritus, and the Lady Castibula, & M. Philotimus & Fulvia, had in tract of time assuaged sorrow, sitting on a day after Dinner, at the Table with one Telamonius his very friend, & other Gentlemen, Cleocritus began to appose Philotimus & Aemilius in their studies, and inquired of them the state of their University, whether it were, as some boldly would slander it, decayed in study, and grown to unseemly insolency.  
Philotimus answered, that it could not greatly be blamed though it were so, considering the small regard was had of Learning, yet comparing that he had experienced in his time, with that he had heard of others in their time, he thought it was like itself at all times: and if there were any abuses it was not his duty to tell School tales. Papirius his mother (quoth he) demanding of him what was done in the Senate house, he gibingly answered, that Husbands might have two Wives, thinking it lawful to answer that with a lie, that was not meet for her to demand with modesty. Myrmices the maid of Athens, that Minerva loved so well, for displaying the plough that Minerva made in despite of Ceres, was turned into an Emmot. The same Minerva was aggrieved with Aglauros, for seeing her secrets. The Romans bearing the Minotaur for their ensign, hid the hinder deformed part, and published that which resembled a man: and therefore (said he) if you be inquisitive of any crime in Florence, which is rather to be amended privately, then reprehended publicly, my answer is, Nihil scio, nisi nescio.  
Every one at the Table commended the witty answer of Philotimus, yet Cleocritus willing to be resolved in his question, urged it to Aemilius, who gave him this answer.  
You are not ignorant (Sir) what copy not only of zealous preachers, expert lawyers, learned physicians, but also excellent young men in all arts and tongues, do daily flow from our University. Yet this will I say, which neither can be hid, for that it is commonly known, neither should be hid, for that it requireth reformation, that they have as little respect of persons, as any judges need have. For the veriest stunted fool, distorted cripple, rudest loobbin, and the hob-hansomest man may be for his fee admitted to their society. In the cooptations to their Fellow●hipps, in the Commencements for their degrees, not he that best deserveth, but he that hath best friends, oftentimes hath the most suffrages.  
Indeed this must I needs say, and sigh when I say if, that if one beautified with frugality of wit, and all manner good habits that can be placed in the Predicament of Quality, be either poor from the beginning, or by some casualty be impoverished, he shall not only be debarred of his preferment, but the least fault he can commit, shall be imputed to him as a notorious crime, & if in word or look he offend, it shall be cast in his dish in time of his petition.  
For the study of Liberal Arts, it is almost decayed, and in their place Toys wear an hood to cover their nakedness.  
For our Preachers, though some be most exquisite in life and doctrine, yet know I divers which are so far unable to maintain a controversy in the Schools, that saving a few Catechisms and short Epitomies, which may furnish them with some Divinity out of the Pulpit, I think they have little more Divinity than your Lordship's mule. In the face of the world they are searchers of sins, exhorters to punish sins, inveighers against the sparing of sins, and yet they themselves in private corners, and so forth.  
And these I warrant you, will sooner be incumbentes in a good Benefice, than they that better deserve by the frugality of their knowledge.  
another sort there is, by whose behaviour, you would judge them Metrapolitans of the whole Realm: so stern they are in looks, so Majestical in pace, carrying up their ioltes like hoy headed malt-horses, so sirlye in words, so coy of their caps, contemning their inferiors with a peazantlie despite, and flattering their betters to get them livings.  
I think they would imitate Days, Vulcan's Priest, who was one of the richest of all King Priam's subjects.  
And for their lordly minds, it may be, they take warrant out of Plutarcch. For Plutarch in his Problems supposeth, that hence cometh the doing of our hats, for that, who in ancient time did Sacrifice to the Gods, held during the said Sacrifice their caps on their heads, when Princes and great personages, to do fit honour to the Sacrificatour, uncovered their heads, to the intent it might appear, they reckoned themselves base them the Gods and in respect of their functions, inferior to the priests.  
Let their excuse be this, or what they list, but I hold them accursed that offend in the premises, though I will not accuse them to bring myself into briars.  
Peace for shame (quoth Philotimus) what an unmannerlye Bird art thou to defoile thine own nest? I can justify said Aemilius, all that I have said, and more, if need require. But I had better slander them truly, which is no Slander indeed, then flatter them falsely as thou dost. Not so said Philotimus: For Diogenes termed Slander a wild savage beast, and Flattery but a tame one.  
Telamonius & other gentlemen at the table were importunate to hear this matter of Flattery and Slander canvased, and therefore Aemilius began as ensueth against Flattery.   

¶ A contention betwixt Flattery & Slander whether is the worse. Aemilius against Flattery.  
O Most dissembling crafty vice Flattery, not ocularly to be seen, and yet a palpable cozener. Clisophus one of the train of Philip king of Macedonia, because his master sometimes had the gouts and halted, he would limp with him also as a compassionate, and when the king was well, he was well, finally what passion soever pressed the king, he expressed the same in imitation. Nicesias, when he see the blood of Alexander gush out, would exclaim. O what noble blood is this, it is the blood of Gods, not of a man. O that gnat which tasteth of this blood, must far surmount other gnats.  
Such an insinuating sting is Adulation, that Hercules wise and wary, was hood winked with the pleasant claw of Cercopes, and jupiter incensed with awkward spite against his daughter Pallas and all the Grecian pack, with Thetis her loutinge Flatteries, and humble stick speech with touching of his beard, and culling of his neck, & kissing his knees, and tears wrested out with much wring.  
great men of the world are like great pots (quoth Diogenes) which he they never so great, you may carry them about by the ears. But I would they might say as Pindarus said, that he had already rewarded the travail of Flatterers, because he had not made them liars: or would do, as Diomedes did to the notable Harper, who promising him a talon for playing, and he demanding it, answered: I have already paid that thy day. For my ears were but filled with an empty sound, and I have tickled thine with a bare promise.  
It is good bowing the body to catch others on the hip (saith Aristippus for defence of this fault: who being reprehended for kissing the kings feet, when he solicited a suit, answered, I am not worthy blame for stooping, it is long of him that hath his ears in his heels. See what Flattery can do Philotimus, what say you to Slander. Philotimus answered.   

Philotimus his invective against Slander.  
THE Slanderers, have as many heads as Hydra to invent wickedness, as many legs as Tholus to run to naughtiness, as many hands as Typheous to put it in practice, fifty men's voices like Stentor the Grecian, to be the coal carriers of many a loud lie. They are furious Centaurs, by form Scylla's, huge Cyclopes, fretting Furies, monstrous Harpies, as cunning in shooting their fiery venomous shafts, as the men Abantes were in throwing their darts, as greedy to devour men's credits, as the great Boar of Calydon was to depopulate the fruits, which Bore Diana sent thither, because Oneus the King of the Country, gave each year of his first fruits in Sacrifice to all the Gods, and not to her.  
A Flatterer can insinuate with weightiness of sappy words, gravity of Philosophical Sentences, and oftentimes make the Truth serve his turn: But a Slanderer, is an unflidge nestling unable to fly, an unnatural abortion borne before his time, an imperfect Embryon not able to persist, without supporting of others.  
This Envious Slander, keeps her house in dreary, irksome, dimmy Den, replete with loathie stinking filth, and frozen joy could devoid of Fire, and Air, yet almost chokte with smouldering smoke: & there she sits fast gnawing on the flesh of snakes and toads: there slothfully she walks with lumpish leisure like a snail, her lips are ever pattering, her cheeks are bolne, her face Saturnian swart, her never sleeping eyes do look askew, her three rowed teeth are fued with filthy dress, her goumes are waryish blue, her festered gall hath made her stomach green, and all bevenimd is her spirting tongue.  
The hellbound never laughs unless at others harms, her body is as lean as any rakes, she frets at others good success, as if herself were harmed, yet seeking to annoy and work ristresse to other folk, herself she doth destroy.  
In night, when sunny streamy light is clad within Hell's black mournful weed, when none doth see nor hear (for why? her face she dare not show, nor once avouch her name) she stalks to them abroad, that are themselves most de●elish Hypocrites, & most suspicious of others demeanour, she whistles this or that into their patent credulous ears, and forgeth all God wots. If any circumstance of where, or when, or whom, may make a probable Argument, she tells it with a grace, and binds it with an oath. This mandat doth she give to all her brokers, the at every jump they steal a yard, and at every Declaration add as much more, and after this she eft returns from whence she came, and so God send her to the gallows.  
If any say that it is she from whom this tattling is deduct, she stars and starts aback, and swears amain it is not she. Her throateboll swells with puffed veins, her heart it sweltes with flaming fury, her eyes 'gan sparkle fire, there stands about her smeared chaps a lothlie foaming froth, she poisoneth all she dealeth withal with this infection. That like the babbling Echo, they shall never restrain their wambling Tongues, but strain them out when others speak, to carp and cut of the best part of their meaning: she is more venomous than the slimy Serpent Python, with fiery blaring mouth, and forked wagging Tongue: whose cumbrous harm did mean to charm Latona's seed.  
Now Aemilius what say you to this slander, I doubt not but by this time you think your flattery a saint in respect of this devil.  
This question was left doubtful Cleocritus and the company rise, accounting this small time after dinner well spent.   

The unkindly love of Telamonius to Castibula his friends wife.  
NOw (sir) understand that Mounser Telamonius soiourninge ●nd commoning with the Lord Cleocritus, had suffered his free-will to be witched, and gind with the beauty of Castibula. which though he saw adverse to all humanity, yet was the heat of his lust so unquenchable, that it smouldred reason, and burned with beastliness. He had protracted the disclosure of it hitherto, and perceived his procrastination to be perilous.  
Castibula having set sorrow apart for the death of her children, and relieved almost with her lief old joys, as she walked one day in her verdurant garden alone, after other ordinary communication, which he made as it were a portal and praeludium to his cause, he boarded her in this sort, yet not in board as the consequence gives evidence, but in hard earnest, which was the earnest of her death.  Telamonius. 
O madam the mistress of my heart, I have a suit, yet am I mute and dare not speak.  Castibula, 
if seemly it be, speak on and speed, if not, conceal such suits, command aught else.  Telamonius. 
can that unseemly be, whose grant doth save, or whose denial spills my life.  Castibula. 
I would not with to save my life with wrongful means.  Telamonius. 
yet give me leave to speak, and liberty to live.  
Cast. I give you both if either I can give. Say on.  Tel. 
I will say on, though loath. For long I mingled bashful shame with love, till love at length surpassed shame. One of the old Philosophers, Diogenes by name, an odd fellow, and full of quirks, demanded on a time of a prodigal youth an unreasonable some of money: The youngs man amazed at this impudent begging, asked him what he meant to crave such a boon. Truly (quoth Diogenes) I see thee so riotous in lashing out thy money, that I thought if at this time I had not thy reward, thy ability would not long too so decay, that it could not though it would, yield me secure hereafter, and therefore I mente to beg once for all: Even so good Lady, though my request may seem unpious in uttering, extravagant from reason, and to tax my affections with an unhonest inclination; yet if your Ladyship afford me not this bliss, the shortness of my life will in few days to ceme prevent all sweetness of medicinable electuaries. Now good Lady, if by this little you can judge the whole, cut of the course of my sequel process, with present accomplishment of my brief demand. The Cat would lick milk, but she will not wet her feet, and I would feign have, but I dare not crave all.  Cast. 
I fear I know not what, yet ascertain me of my doubt.  Tel. 
I need not at all, thy Deity hath presaged what it is, and must amend it with thy pardon, if ought be amiss. If I should tell thee all my torments, which alas I cannot, and thou believe them, which I fear thou wilt not, thou mightest vaunt that thou hadst the truest Servant in the earth, and I not doubt but obtain the best Mistress in the world.  Cast. 
jupiter foreshield these dreaded mischiefs.  Tel. 
It is is not jupiter, but Venus, that hath hurt me, and must help me.  
With that Castibula looking wistly upon him, in furious rage ●lange hastily from him. Telamonius mistrusting no less at the first, and trusting yet to conclude this woeful Epitasis with a joyful Catastrophe, grasped her in the mids with both his arms, appaulde at her displeasure, and scarce able to speak, till comed to himself, O Lady (quoth he) what mean you to shun me, more like the frantic foe, whom fell Erichtho hath in chase with many her twifold turnings, then one more beloved of him you have in presence, than ever. Andromache was of Hector? The Law forbids to do a man to die before his cause be heard. first let me plead at the bar of your beauty, and then let your will pronounce his judgement. Doom after death is rigour without reason. O that you had Cassandra's gift, to deserye all secrets of the heart.  Cast. 
A Rat is soon judged by her rank smell, & Hyena bewrayed by her counterfeit call.  Tel. 
Bull's blood of itself is contagious and pestilent, but in composition mixed with Eolewortes, is solatarye against an oppilation. My bare suile of itself bluntly weighed, seems to aver against all honesty, but conjoined with the circumstances of my long smothered love, and the peril of utter perishing but ye give me gale delivery, it may be a warning to you to salute it with a welcome, and not to debar his reasons of right.  
I have received entertainment at my Lord your husbands hands, far better than by service I could demerit, for the which I deny not me more indebted, then if it had been less I can ever discharge. And so received Paris of prince Menelaus, when he committed the rape of Helen, I am thancklesse to my Lord, because I am thrall to my Lady, and for that which I own to his manifold good turns, my liberty is impawned and imprisoned to you. Think not me graceless for laying siege to that fortress which never any before me durst attempt: but think me more fervent than other your vassals, which see your beauty peerless, & your virtue invincible. Dan Phoebus angry that you excelled him in beauty, could no otherwise have pretext to minister his malice, but by casting his beams into your radiant eyes, to dazzle the looks of all the beholders: And this is the cause, that all that view thee wish as I do, but not able to abide thy glittering glance, close up their eyes for fear of blinding, and give over their desires overcome with necessity.  
Now square my love with a direct line, which with no canuassado will take the repulse. It is nature's instigation, to make choice of that, to whom we are dearest and best beloved, then give me (O Lady) O give me my justice. And here he pausinge, either in meditation what to say more, or expectation of her pleasure, Castibula answered.  
Thou lookest I should thank the for thy lawless love, & I look thou shouldest abate it because I am thanklessankles. Thisbe a Grecian maid, beloved of Thermutes an Egyptian Thief, wrote in a letter to a friend of hers, that she had rather be hated of the civil Grecian, than he beloved of the rude Barbarian: and without offence be it it spoken (but under no correction) I had rather wish the my capital foeman, then after this sort to have the my friend.  
It fareth not with women, as with Trophonius his den, into which whosoever entered, was without respect of persons, rapt with a fury of divination: but whosoever shall like a woman must not be rewarded with a guerdon of the like. Dost not thou know, that pease sown in cold ground turn to tars? That whea●e sown in stony ground turns to darnel? That there is a kind of Rye, which being carried into France, changeth his grain? Let either the beastliness of the cause, or the friendship of my hushande, or the honest affection I have always borne thee, be a Supersedias to stay thy suit. Go not about to get that with thy toil, which thou canst not but forego with shameful foil. Thou dost not only offend in a monstrous crime, but deservest a a grievous penalty for excusing thy crime.  
Thy suit a God's name, spiced with the gleams of of thy stailes love must mitigate the odiousness of thy request. Nay Telamon, the river Hypenis descending down from Scythia, is a water wholesome & savoury, the which after the entrance of a little salt springe, waxeth so salt and brackish, that none can drink of it. Much virtue is blemished with a small spot of vice I have read in Vitrunius of the river Chimaera, whose water in taste is very delectable, but parting into two sundry troughs & channels, the one continueth sweet, the other converts into bitterness: no otherwise my husband & I as long as we live in wedlock bands, shall have comfort of our friends, and credit in our country, but if I dissever this sweet society, he shall keep his honour directed with honesty, and I kindle reproach detected of disloyalty.  
Indeed Mariners commonly sail by night when other sleep, for that the winds that come then from the earth, do calmly fill their sails: and thou thinkest perhaps that I have now opportunity, when my Lord is secure and unadvised of my fetch. My Lord & spouse hath the virtue of a Diamond, which is of power to try chastity. But that shall not need Telamonius, for sooner shall my soul to weightles air ywaste, and time untwine his date, & azure heavens stand still, ere I recule one inch from thee (O dearest Cleocritus) I dare compare with the Lady Sulpitia, whose husband Lentulus Crustellio being banished into Sicily of the Roman Triumueri,, & she kept diligently of her mother that she should not follow, yet that her faith to her husband might not be violated, took upon her a servants apparel, & with two men & two women stole after him from her mother.  
Never shall it be said, but there is some Lady in Italy, which will be as query in wedlock rites, as the insulans of Pteleon, who in this point are accounted most religious. If I should commit this abomination, not to be spoken of, I were more cruel than the widows of Lemnos, which killed all their husbands, & many degrees worse than the daughters of Danaus, which all (save Hipormnestra, that spared Lincius) the first night they lay with their new bridegrooms, be reaved them of life. I rather would to shield mine honour, & prevent his shame, like valiant Penthisilia, which with her polar stiffly stood in troy's defence, so venture life & limb.  
It is neither a show of great pleasure (though the sweetest poison pierce the deepest, and fair words can soon deceive) nor all the torments in the world, no though my soul (as once was Prometheus his) were pinchte and gnawn with Vultures strained talons, that can reduce me from my constancy.  
And canst thou think (Telamonius) that Cleocritus would not with eager mood exulterate this injury, whom thou knowest to love me more than lightly Aristomenes deigned to defend his domes of price, whom he in wars had won, and rather chose to die in their defence, then filthy men should foil their chastity: then would Cleocritus do greater things then that for spousal loved wife or dost thou ween he should not know it? yes, yes, send sot: canst thou or any else ent so near a morsel from him, and he not feel it? Eratis a shepherd sleapinge on the mountain amids his flock, was slain by a a male goat jealous of his mate, with which Eratis most abhominablye and yet very closely had subverted the Laws of Nature. It is hard to blind the eyes of him that loves, who not only seeth more than all other men, but also hath the potence which no other hath, to see in his steep and in the absence of his lover.  
Restrain therefore these saluaged cogitations, and sith thou fawnest friendship on my Lord and husband (and not unworthily) show such fidelylye in thy demeanour, as sometime one Alexander did to his friend: who lying in naked be● with his friends wife, and by his friends grant, laid a naked sword betwixt them to keep them asunder.  
Thy fair protestations lie prostrate at my feet, any little prevail. For I never liked an affected fineness in an evil face, nor good words in so bad a case.  
If then canst bring under thy gadding appetits, and submit them to the friendship thou owest my husband, Cariclia was not half so glad, that her Theagenes overcame Ormenes in the race at Pithiaes' games, a● I will rejoice that my husbands deserts, have daunted the force of thy illegitymate desires, and as the same Cariclia, rather purposed to receive that which is destinied to death, then by having Alcamones deceive Theagenes, so shall these hands first pull out this tongue, or a braundishe blade first pierce this heart, ere I foil my name with so soul a consent.  
The bird Charadrius, if one that hath the king evil so her healeth him that is so diseased, but dieth thereof herself: and I by this remedy rescuing thee from sorrow, shall exalperate my bane with ten thousand griefs. If my beauty which thou sayst is glorious, breed these bickerings to my great annoy (as Dionysius and Milesius men famous in the liberal arts, because many provoked by great report frequented their schools to learn, for envy were banished by the Emperor, when he had no occasion to kill them) then do I wish that either my beauty had been less and my fortune more, or else that my fortune be agreeable to my beauty. It was death among the Delphians to steal away a maid, O then what death deservest thou, so disloyal a wife?  
Refrain my company for the time, for it may be that often presence sets a feather to the flight of thy affection, or marry some gentlewoman convenient to thy calling, for so thou shalt not maculate the heroical virtue continency, and mayst by the suavity of her society, forget other forms that are not for you, or if both these mislike your humour, carry the dust about thee, wherein a male sweeting hath wallowed, or anoint thyself with the stolen of a mule, and this thy love will turn to hate. Fellow any of these prescripts above pres●●ed, and if thou diest for love, though I could not love thee when thou wast alive, I will honour thee being dead, Neaptolemus slain at Delphos by Orestes Agamemnon's son at the altars side, was in adoration of his virtue, and worthy recompense of unseasonable death, every fourth year in the same city duly honoured with a devout sacrifice. But if thou chance to die at this present, I will not sacrifice to thy soul (which is superstition) but I will praise thy loyalty that loved so well, and curse my hard hap that mought not requited it, and so wail thy obit with doleful tears and hymns, that if sorrows can do thee honour, thou shalt pass Neoptolemus.  Talemon. 
I humbly thank your ladyship for your honourable curtosie: I am almost as much beholding to you, as Boristines Adrians' horse was to his master: for this horse being very ready foe hunting, that he would stay and make ready as doth a man, when he understood the chase coming, and therewithal running very surely down the hill, and very swiftly up the hill, Adrian loved him so well that when he was dead, he not only caused him to be buried with solemnizing his obsequys with great pomp, but commanded arich sepulture of marble to be erected for him. Nay madam, better a 〈◊〉 dog, than a dead Lion. If in my life I obtain no remorse my pleasure willbe little after my death. O madam your counsel is not currant, you give me the devil to drink, and bids me beware poison, first kills me, and then bids me fly death. Deny not your ability to the indigent and needy, Cannot she that kills willingly save if she will? yes sure you can as quick and good; and wilful will is eke to quick, to shed my gi●●les blood.  
But I must lige deprived of you and then go seek for other booties. No sure, hereof be sure, my life were so vn●ure, & though I live, yet so to live, were better death endure. When I behold this corpse of yours, and your celestial feature, the windows of mine eyes are glazed with such delight, as each new face seems full of faults that blazeth in my view. Our stately dames in ●ourt, than years do wear about their necks, to beautify themselves: but you whom I dostrue, your pearls do wear closed in your mouth, and smiling show the same. O Lord what foultringe of my tongue I feel, what sudden vulnes of my wi●t when I begin thy praises. I know the cause. Dame Pallas envious at thy fame, and full of angry garboil, hath well forecast to dash device as oft as I indite it. I cannot greatly blame her. for if my Lady's gifts were known, Pallas should lose her praise of price.  
Were not I than more foolish to abandon thy company, than the priest Calasiris, which being in love with Rhodopis, forsook his country gods, his country soil; and friends; and lands, and all, to avoid the concupiscence that might grow other presence.  
A Bear blinded becometh fearrer, and I not seeing thee should wax more eager. These thy medicines therefore, are as much to the purpose, as that good wives; who having learned of the physician that her husband must get anappetyte, got him straightway an ape and tied it to his bed, thinking that would heal him, or hers who being taught to give her fraud bugloss, gave him blue glass that killed him.  
If thy husband loved thee not (the contrary whereof I know) this were a revenge, and if he love thee, the fact shallbe pardoned. Tertia Aemilia perceiving her husband Scipio African to love one of her handmaids, dissembled the matter, and would not see it, for that she would not seem to blame her lord of incontinency▪ yea after her husband's decease, she made her free, and married her to one of her freemen: and thy Lords being of as good a nature, why should he not use thee same manner? Sweet than, put pleading out of place, and in his room install sweet peace.  
Yet if I must réedifye my suit with new coi●ed soothings, & exemplify you some by whose imitation you shall not only be pardoned, but also hent fame by this light deceit, call to mind the Lady Fiametta, who was so earnestly courted of a noble man, that she had no vent to void his suit, but by the injoininge of this impossibility. If he would exhibit her the sight of a garden, odoriferous with the smell of all sorts of fresh fragrant flowers in the month of januarie, she would yield him his borne, and for the gage of it, her faith should be the burrow. The gentleman forechusing the event of all hard adventures, before the loss of his Lady (like Dioclesian, which would rather die of poison by his own hands ministered, than he would live deprived of his Empire) took her offer: for performance of which, having traverced many a nation to search cunning & all in vain, at last met by chance with a sorcerer, to whom deploring with vaporous eyes his burdurus taste, and enfeoffing him in a deed of gift in the one moiety of his lands for some remedy, the sorcerer both promised and in short space performed this execution. Fiametta seeing that she looked not for a garden in this season with herbs, flowers, are bours, and every thing agreaunte, neither able by covenant to defeat the gentleman, nor willing by loyalty to defile her husband's bed, told to her spouse the whole matter. The good man her husband pondering the grateful goodwill of the gentleman, revolving eft his endless trivious labours, to which the desire of his Lady did summon him, bade her with expedition return to her friend, and pay her promise with supply of his pleasure.  
A kingdom is as proper to an heir apparent by succession, as a wife to her husband by espousal promise. Yet the Inhabitants in the Isle of Nerae which bordereth on the river Nilus, elect their prince not by regard of parentage, but by a reverent aspect or representation of parsonage, and by the opinion of his virtue and valour.  
Antiochus the son of King Seleucus, falling in love with Stratonica his father's wife, and his mother in law, and very sick with concealinge it close to himself, had by the policy of Eristrates the kings physician, his disease bewrayed to his father, the immoderate heat of whose passion Seleucus considering with animadversion and the danger immiment to the defeature of his desire, freely forewent his proper interest, and bestowed his wife upon his son. Then let me attain thy love, though I sustain it with sorrow, and departed from it afterward with my annoyance.  
Whereas thou dost comfort me in mockage, with a promised celebration of magnifical funerals when I am dead, I swear, that in am of a former beneficence, which I hope for at thy hands, I will not only publish thy clemency whiles I live, but when thy soul shall leave thy body as is forefined, thy sepulchre shallbe engraven with a more glorious epitaph, than that kings, which was writ in four pillars, placed upon the mountain Arcadio in the isle of Cyprus, so much renowned of M. Aurelius and of him recited. But if my sighs, and sobs, and throws be sown in vain, O then Castibula, without Castibula, that of Castibula houldest nothing but the outward shape, with a conscience more cruel than Gracchus Valerius his, who for his cruelty was in hatred with all the Romiane empire.  
As of serpent's teeth, which jason flung into the ground, there sprung a troop of stern soldiers with sword & shield, till time the earthly brothers twixt themselves to civil combat fell, and fought yf●re a grisly fight: so of every denial that you denounce▪ shall a million of cares arise within my breast, that shall never cease to work civil wars twixt my soul and body, till time w●th fierce combat the one be dispatched.  
Stay nymph, and fly me not. The lambs so fly the wolves, the stags the Lions so, the doves so from the goshawks fly, and every creature from his foe.  
It's somewhat from the fraughted boughs to pluck the fruit at full, and somewhat from the tender stalk in prime to take the primrose, I am both young and youthful yet, unspotted of bed's pleasure, and would to you, O goddess you, give up my first fruit offerings.  
The agony of my passions are like the biting of a mad do●ge, whose rancklinge rage endureth even unto death, O Lady show thy mercy. One snare may easily take two birds, and one Goddess usually heareth two men's prayers, sweet Lady show thy mercy. she that gives quickly, doubles the gift, give me quickly, or else I die presently, good Lady for thy mercy.  Casti. 
die Telamonius? I pray you of what colour shall your cloth be died? trust me, if you die any thing, I think it will be a cote of changeable colour, which I wish as heartily as mine own welfare, and will thank you for it as for a benefit.  
I speak flatly that thou mayst know my mind, that thou neither linger in an endless hope, nor I deceive thee with painted words. It was enacted by the Laws and statutes of Rhodes, that none should give counsel to distressed wights, nor seem to tender their misery with piteous words, unless they had some remedies to assuage their calamities, and plaster the misfortunes that dear the patients. Therefore since my former advice could not work with you, I cannot give you any more consolation, but leave you where I found you, to the Gods their compassion. I will not double with you in driving you of with fair language, when my meaning is nothing more than to disappoynte my appointment, and so Imitate the waterman, which lookethe one way, and roweth another.  
Marvel not Telamonius, that my courteous propice ever at your prayers, is now found refractary in rigour, and unlooked for of you. Lucius Clarus consul being sent by the senate to the Oracle of Apollo, to demand what the Romans should do, besieged of the Frenchmen, with many tears and great offerings kneeling forty days upon his bare knees could get no answer of the God. The cause was, as Apollo afterward told the Roman priests, which came of the same message, that Lucius Clarus was an evil man, and besieched a great demand.  
Certes though it be meet that brute beasts be chastised by other brute beasts, and the biting of a scorpion with the liver of a scorpion, and heinous faults with smarting corrections: yet I will not punish you with open penalty, neither publish your secret crimes, if you will bridle your brainsick jade with an hearty paenitet.  
Great and abstruse is the mystery of chastity, which who so violates, deserveth no less torment in every member, than the whole body is able to tolerate.  
When a certain ship, wherein was the diesse Berecyntthia mother of the Gods, arrived at the port of Hosty, it ran upon the sand, from whence by the space of four days, thirty. M. men were not able to remove it By chance came thither one of the virgin's vestals named Rhea, who with her girdle tied to the ship, drew it to the land as easily as she would have drawn a thread from the distaff: so although my beauty, as you term it, be strong to detain you in your doting mood, yet let the goodness of my virtuous chastity, withdraw you from your naughtiness to a love of mine honesty  
You say that one snare may take two birds, and I resaye, that one garment is not meet for many, neither shall one Castibula fit divers men's lusts.  
It were more brutishness in thee to deflower thy friends wife, than Clodius his incest was abomination, which disheveled his own sister: and as mad an excuse for me to say I made the partner of my privities, because I loved thee, as Ca●us Blessius his was, which having conspired with Tiberius Gracchus to subvert the common wealth, asked forgiveness of Lenates and Rutilius the consuls, and Ladius which then sat in counsel with them, because he made such account of Tiberius Gracchus, that whatsoever he willed him do, he must needs do it, yea though it were to burn the Capitol. And good cause hath my husband, which now useth me as a Lady like the old Romans, then to hold me as a slave as the barbarians do their wines.  
An husband is to his wife like a spider in the mids of her web. For if any part of the said copweb be but touched with the point of a needle, forthwith the spider feeleth it: And if the wives honesty be never so little cracked, she shall inggle closely but he will perceive it.  
Trachinus a merchant having rob the Phoenicians of their merchandise, coming ashore, commanded his men to buy whole dearies of kine, whole herds of oxen, and swine, and sheep, to do sacrifice, and make good cheer, and pay for them whatsoever was asked at the first word: so it is an easy matter, but most wicked, to be liberal of that which is not mine own but my husbands.  
(Telamonius) it befits not a gentleman to bathe himself in these brothel conceits. One of the Marranes of Italy (for so were their kings called) for shutting up his gates by night, that he might sleep surely and take delight with his concubine, was deprived of his realm. Nero's schoolmaster would often say: though I knew that Gods would pardon me, and men knew no miss of me, yet for the villainy of the flesh, I would not sin in the flesh.  
There was a law of the Romans, that nothing should be denied to women with child of that they asked: and never any woman longed more for that she saw, than I long for reformation in these thy most horrible detestations.  
Therefore good Telamonius, let reason be intercessor to free-will, to depose these inexpiable perturbations. I cannot declare that I feel, neither thou feel that I will declare. I am more tormented inwardly at thy sudden assaults, than those poor creatures were outwardly, which the cruel Alexander Fereas buried quick, & fastened together face to face: or those among the Scythians which for any great fault had the Statute extended upon them, which commanded them to be put in the bellies of Horses or Oxen sown up again, & there rot till they were dead for those which came under the rod of the Tyrant Maxentius, of whom Virgil entreateth.  
Faustine the wife of Aurelius loving a Fencer, could not be brought to hate him by any Apothecary's drugs, till one devised the Fencer should be closely slain she not witting, & his blood given her warm to drink as a potion, which indeed immediately made her loath him: so if nothing can mitigate your affection but my utter confusion, I rather yield to die, and give you a confection of my blood, than so oppositely to my foreled life, degenerate from honesty, and derogate from mine honour.  
Seneca his wife prosecuted her Husband with so dear love, that after Seneca was slain, she did not only offer to kill herself for his sake, if she had not been stayed, but also after the same manner that he was slain. And let this hasty warning wrest she from thy suit, that I would not only be as desperate, if any mischance should befall my husband, but if it might pleasure him, incur the like at his command therefore desist.  Tel. 
As it is death to women, to be denied of that they demand: so is it natural to them, to despise the thing is given them unasked.  
julius Caesar the Emperor was blamed, because (as the cust●m was) he rise not up courteously to the Senate, that saluted him on their knees. And I might impute it to thee for discurtesy, that thou guerdonest not my kindness with equivalent clemency. Yet that you may know, it is not your beauty alone hath bleared mine eyes, but your virtues rather, that have subdued my affection, and that it may be proof how well I love you, I promiss never hereafter to solicit this suit, but moderate myself according to your mind.  
This contented Castibula well, who after this used his company many a time, & never heard word of former toys.  
But wicked Telamonius went an other way to work. For whereas he saw Castibula use him more familiarly than all other men, & himself in despair to achieve his wish, he after some intermission of time, indented with 2. cut throat v●cabonds for a 1000 crowns, to w●ite one night for Cleocritus in 1 little grove, where he used to walk after supper in summer evenings, and there slay him, and that they might know when he was alone, he would give them inkling of it. All these contrivementes were accomplished out of hand, Cleocritus slain, the murderers fled, & never heard on, neither who, nor where they were: great search was made, and Telamonius most busy among the rest to examine before the justices suspected persons, and those who had been at any odds with Cleocritus.  
But woe begone Castibula misdéemed the worst, and guessed a troth, that self Telamonius was accersary to his death. But waiting for a time of revenge said little, only closeting herself in her bedchamber, vexed her mind & body with x. thousand cares, and in her racking torments sc●itche● out these words.  
O day which aye shall me annoy Castibula, alas Castibula, now strain thy howling Him●es, let grief bewrayed by grisly lays, surmounting seais● halcyons, and passing Pandions' fowls, Not Tellus fretting at the Gods to their despite and to our pain, uphurld more v●ly monstrous fiend (whom syphon men are wont to call, whose bloody paws purged Cities bounds, and scouring scourged poor sackeles Souls) then is this No man Telamonius.  
O Father of Heaven, why dost thou throw thy rattling bolts in vain upon the whistling woodds, and wilt not deign to spend one Brand on this pernicious freak, to wreak thy gawly ire?  
My plight more piteous is, than was Octaviaes erst, whose Sire was slain, & Mother bereft of breathing life, of Brother eke deprived was she by Treason not by guilt. And more unlucky is Castibula, then was unfortunate Deianira, whose Father was at last decay, Tydeus her brother a poor exiled Squire, Hercules her husband killed by the shirt that Nessus gave her to make him love her (as he said) and Hil her pretty boy left a poor Orphan.  
When slumber sweet in pensive parts doth reign, & sleep in eyes all tired with tears doth rest, I apprehended Cleocritus genial face: me thinks these arms they clasp their wont fere, me thinks his foaming foes pursue his flight, and then me thinks he doth recoil a back; and fenceth blazing brands with naked fists. O state wherein I stand, O present pining pain. O death, no death, but ever dying grief. With ease Electra I repeat thy case, whose father slain, thy brother yet might venge: but nothing can revenge this haggishe devilish fact.  
But be sure (Cleocritus) that if Portia, Cato his daughter, and Brutus his wife, her husband being slain among the Phillipians, when she could not get a knife to kill herself, eat hot coals to reave her of her life: If Turia the wife of Quintus Lucretius put herself in deaths hazard for her husbands sake: that thy Castibula will not be said lag in as bold attempts.  
These matters a little overblown, Telamonius began to comforts her, and tell great tokens of his good will, and though unworthy of such success, yet did he crave Cleocritus his succession: Castibula was very tractable, and consented to contract herself, thinking this a trick time to work her teen.  
When the matrimonial rites were pompously consummated in the open congregation, Castibula (as the Brides are wont) drunk to her husband, which drink she had provided for the nouce, and brewed it of deadly poison: both of them having drunken, in Propatulo she unfolded the primordies of his adulterous sollicitinge, assuring them and herself, that the dart that thirld her husband came from his device, and this was all the amerciment she could exact. The Law of Talio is a good Law quoth she) and therefore none can attach me of cruelty. What musings and mazinges there were in the Church, what tears and outcries, cursing Telamonius, and plaining Cleocritus & Castibula, I will not recite.  
Telamonius with heavy cheer repaired home, and immediately died. Castibula returned home, cast herself upon her bed, and calling for the remnant of her children, Philotimus and Fulvia, bespoke.  
Come little Orphans, and take your last congè of your lost mother. You are a small mess left for so great a family, & therefore my hope is, that I need not doubt of your good demeanour after my departure. If you can agree about the participation of your goods, and let your goodwill be interchangeable, it will be a bliss to your other banes, but if you disagree and serve strife, your family will be ruinated, your substance dissipated, & you confounded.  
Seulurus Cheronens●s bedrid, and re●●y to appear at the Tribunal of death, having lived the revolution of many a winter, called his Sons, (which were 80 in number, and had every one take an arrow & break it: when they had done, he bade every one of them take a sheaf of arrows and break them, which they could not do: Thus you see (quoth he) that the conjunction of many in an uniform unity, cannot with ease be crushed and suffer wreck, but every one singled by himself is easily dissolved. The three Horatij marshalling together in the combat, quelled their countermarching enemies, but separated and disjoined, were all one after an other slain by one of the Curiatij: therefore peace which is the preservation of all commonalties, and my motherly blessing be with you both. Let the ill luck of your parents, be a pattern to your good life.  
Ah Fulvia (for I save Philotimus to his own discretion, being a man, and Gods good direction, who I trust will man him) be courteous to all with modesty, and coy of your honesty, but not with disdain. For many men think you love them, if you look but fair on them, & Pride said old Briana is the sauce of a fool.  
Your father in his life time did not meanly provide for your marriage, who espoused you here to your friend Aemilius, therefore thank God of his mercy, obey your husband as your Lord, and only love him without countenance to other. If any man shall molest you with such temptations, as lately the cursed Telamonius meant to anticipate mine honour withal, cut him of quickly. For a small disease delayed becometh desperate, A little spark spreading burns a whole City, and where delay is the tree, danger is the fruit.  
Thus embracing them both, and kissing them a 1000 times, and still blubbering on Philotimus his cheeks, with whom she could not find in her heart to part, and taking a short farewell of all her other friends that stood by, and commending Fulvia to Aemilius, and Philotimus to the counsel of his Tutor, meaning to make amends to God with penitency, for her twifolde murder committed on herself and Telamonius, prayed as followeth.  
O Mighty God, most great, most good, that wreaks thy wrath on them that break thy vows, forgive my sins. O your thy precious oil into my wounded heart, and let the drops of mercy suage the rigour of my smart. Thy blessed will I have despised, thy lore forlorn, my crooked will I have disposed, thy statutes to repeal. But now my Lord, my lodestar bright, my former deeds do dole my heart, & sorrow doth herself submit, to take death for her dowry: yet not that lasting death (O Lord) O God prevent that prejudice, though merit say Amen to Hell, yet let thy mercy deign me heaven. The humble heart hath daunted the proud mind, eke wisdom hath given ignorance a fall, and trial hath taught the folly could not find, and penitence hath cruelty her subjacent thrall. Thou that didst grant the wise king his request, thou that in Sea thy people didst preserve, thou that forgavest the wounding of thy breast, thou that didst save the Thief in state to starve, wipe out of mind my faults, and this new moody fact, and since with faith I fly to thee, and hope by faith to attain desire, let prayers appease thy righteous ire, and me enjoy thy heavenly throne.  
Oh God thy name be praised, dear sire I feel thy ghostly comfort, continue it till I be dead. O Death where is thy sting? Hell where is thy victory? My God will not forsake me. O Saviour bless my siely babes, and cheer them with thy grace, and sanctify their hearts, that they may glorify thy hests. I die, I die, sweet Lord receive my soul when I am dead.  
Herewithal she yielded breath. Great mournings were excited in every corner, and woeful Philotimus swooning three or four times, could scarcely be relieved with life, who in time recovered a little, compiled these herbycall verses, to bewail his own and his sisters piteous plight now left desolate.  
When root is old, or rots by decay, than woe to the branches.  
when sun abates, & moon is eclipsed, them ay to the less stars.  
How can a blind man go without some guide for his aider?  
how shall a realm keep rule, unless some prince be protector?  
Sigh siely heart and die, sith th' head thy chief is erased,  
sith Gods will is to work rhy woes, serve his avowry.  
Castibula buried, and Philotimus and Fulvia having compounded for the division of their substance, Fulvia was married to Aemilius, and Philotimus hawking after honour, and desirous to live with Aurelia, who was now a maid of honour to the Duchess of Venice, would maugre the counsel of Senior Mondaldo, and all his other friends, in all hast post it to Venice, & there live a Courtier. And when his former flag of defiance to Venus was objected to him, he alleged the good Emperor Traian's example, who studying most painfully till he was sixteen years of age, than gave his Book leave to lie shut, and practised himself in other exercises: much more lawfully (said he) may I be dismissed, who am now full twenty years old, or very near.  
He was no sooner arrived at Venice, but he sent for Aurelia, who accompanied with other Gentlewomen, came to him without hunching: at the first meeting their sudden joy stopped the conduits of their speech, but at length Aurelia saluted her sweet heart. O friend, O sweet and my desired friend, these eyes they see, these hands of mine thee touch, yet scarcely can this mind believe the same, and scarcely can this bruised breast sustain the joy that is enclosed therein. O gladsome glass wherein I see myself. Philotimus was earnest with them to take a small pittance with him at Supper: Aurelia & the company would needs comstreyne him to take the pains with them. I will not be dainty (quoth Philotimus) such Guests as I be plenty, but easily condescend.  
The Supper they passed with merry glee, and joined Mercury to Bacchus, that is, good communication with good cheer, on every side.  
And because Philotimus was now to be initiated in the Court, mistress Valeria one of the company and an ancient servitor, prefined these precepts.  
Let your apparel abroad be robes, though your homely attire be rags, be courteous with your hat, though you be currish in your heart, and if the line of your living will not reach out, either improve your Lands, and rack your rents, or court some Lady and cousin her of coin, or flatter your Prince & purloin some good office.  
Philotimus answered: I wish to climb withouten crime, or not at all: I will not wring out wealth from others, to bring about mine own toy will. But you use me as Clitomachus used his Spaniel, who would cast him carrion, to try his clearness, as you give such counsel to know my honesty.  
I had forgot to tell you what grand greetings were betwixt Parmenio and Antigone, but as I remember these were Antigone her words. Old acquaintance and new remembrance, welcome to the Town with a very vengeance.  Par. 
O Antigone, I can tell you a tale in your ears, will do you good in your belly.  Ant. 
You Sir? What occupation are you of?  Par. 
A Brewer, if you will lend me your fat: and thus they two varnished their their old vain, meaning never to leave it, while their tongues were sharp enough, and their backs broad enough, to cut with their flouts, and bear each others frumps.  
Philotimus seemed newly enchanted with Aurelia, neither without good show of reason. For what colour appeareth by Phaeb his broken beams directly shining upon the clouds, or mark the colour of the morning clouds before the Sun doth show, or or as the cluster & ere the grapes be ripe, with orient purple red are striped here and there such sanguine glowed in her face. In my mind (quoth Philotimus) Great the chamberer of Helen, was not so happy as thy maid Antigone, that may enjoy thy company.  
And at his depature, he broke out into this exclamation. With thee is Phaeb in love more than he was with the nymph Leucothoe, on thee alone he fasteneth those eyes, that he oweth all the world, sometime more rath he riseth in the East, sometimes he makes it late before he go to rest, and for desire to look on thee, he doth prolong the Summer days. His light sometime doth fail among, the fancy of his faulty mind infects his feeble sight, and makes men's hearts afraid by daunting of his shining.  
Parmenio his tongue was very fine and voluble to run over his masters whole life this time of vacation from his mistress, wherein he showed her that she only had the regally & pre-eminence of his heart to queme at her pleasure.  
Truly I thank you always (said Philotimus to him) for your good remembrance. I think thou keepest a notary of my doings. Trust me quoth Parmenio, it is small reason you should keep a dog, and bark yourself.  
As they were wending to their lodging, Philotimus doting on his mistress, what sayst thou, said he, Parmenio, to my choice of Venus? It is not that beggarly whorish Venus, whom jupiter begot on Dion, but Venus whose majesty is engrossed among the gods (as Plato divides them in his Symposion) O Parmenio, if thou didst see with mine eyes, and couldst discern with my judgement, the inestimable virtues of Aurelia: then seeing wouldst judge Aurelia to be peerless, and judging wouldst honour her as thy princess.  
By my troth quoth Parmenio, if I had no better capacity to conceive than you, I would cut of my head, and go a vowing with my shoulders. Well said Philotimus, it is like to be a fruitful year when boys be so saucy  
Philotimus was in great favour with Aurelia for the time, & as frank he was as the Prince's son of Athens, who would not enclose his granges, that the fruits thereof might lie common to the gathering of the poor, and would never walk without a mass of money, to give to the lame & impotent in the streets, and kept an ordinary table for all such as had no sustenance. But two contrary planets can never abide jointly in one house, nor prosperity and prodigality long agree.  
In brief, aspiring Philotimus sparing no horseflesh, had need for his speed, and a gulf for his port. Neither had he landed where he leveled, neither could he launch towards his haven, when his Argent by a strange kind of Alcumisticall art, was countercoyned to open beggary, and Davie debt stood watching with a mace at the door, ready to arrest him without bale or mainprize of any friend in the world.  
One Cornelius a stolen hacking Courtier, who had long fed his fancy on Aureliaes' well thewed shape, but hitherto had bare commons, for that Philotimus had wiped all the fat from his beard, gubd Aurelia with gold to make his fare better, and backed Philotimus with rebukes, to joint him of his jointer.  
Now did Aurelia fly and follow both at once, as every wave drives other forth, and it which cometh behind, both thrusteth and is thrust itself: so she beloved of Philotimus avoideth his demerits, and loving Cornelius pursued his possessions.  
Philotimus winding Aurelia to have munched on this carri●, & mouse no more on his poor meat, trotted to her lodging once or twice, where she would not be seen, flying the light because she had done evil, whereupon he wrote this letter following.  
Philotimus to his dearest Aurelia.  
Woo worth the man whose wealth consists in wishing, cursed be the wretch who knows not what to wish him: the one wastes his wind, & rowls a restless stone, the other spends his spirits, and quencheth thirst with tears. But if my chance be both, as both God knows it is, then let all mortal wights resign to me their sighs, and damned souls in Hell, rejoice to have scaped my snares. And why I do complain, give ear, & say your mind. I beard of late a tale, too late, and yet too soon, of falshooode in Aurelia, and Treason to Philotimus. Wherein I quickly wished, & yet I knew not which to wish, that the broker of it had either been dumb, or I the hearer had haply been deaf.  
Is it true Aurelia, that you are revolted, whose constancy hitherto Brute itself hath blushed to blame? Or is it false Aurelia, you have reversed your judgement, to deface flying Fame with your steadfast faith? The fame is spread, that you are sped, and changed your pasture for better commons: my mistrust is grounded upon love, and may be conjectured by probable surmises.  
It was my will of late to visit thy lodging, where I found the shrine but not my Saint: the next day after I came again, & knocked at the gates till my knockolls were sore, but none would open: yet thinking that gains would recompense pains in time convenient (not unlike Baalls priests, that thought to wake the stock Baal with uncessant crying) no long space after I came again, & then my mistress was a sleeping.  
If our long acquaintance, the trial of my service, the oath taken between us to confirm our contract, cannot move you, yet my sweet Aurelia, let thy plighted faith by chaste Diana, thy covenant sealed in presence of juno, thy vengeance denounced to the breakers of faith, even by thine own words to the great God jupiter, defend the from perjury, the greatest impiety, that may be committed  
What is the action thou commencest against me, except too great love? Or wherein did I ever offend thy person, except with straining my golden string, I have stretched it so far till all is broken? My strongest accusation is a brainsick prodigality, my greatest discredit a few foolish debts: The one too true an Argument of a good mind, the other a common sickness which in time may be recured.  
My matching with you shall recover some credit, and your endowment shall stop their mouths. I know how honourably they think of Aurelia, and when I have something they will grant me respite, hoping that the interest of my good husbandry in time will be able to disburse their discharge.  
The Bird which finds her nest despoiled of her young ones, oft lets her food down fall, much like myself, which frustrate of thy presence am much appalled? O Aurelia, if thine ear be tied to every lying tongue, which wisdom forbids, or thou shouldst give me over in the plain field, which thine honour denies, what a blemish would it be to the bruit of thy lineage, or to whom might I address my grievous complaints, thou attainted of Treason, but I a captive caitiff. If it be known that I am defrauded of thee by false suborning wretches, & then to have nothing, every one will be snatching glad to get any thing, and so bring me to worse than nought.  
If thy wealth be great, it is a gift worthy such a giver, if it be little, it may be made more with thy sparing at home, which is rightly called the greatest tribute, and shall be increased with my labour abroad, which shall be so much the more, by how much the less my substance is slender.  
For God's sake Aurelia, pardon my bluntness in misdoubting thy loyalty, and blame flying tongues which breed thy dishonour, and my unrest, & never hereafter let them be of thy court, which are meeter to be counsellors at the market Cross. Let us either confer in speech wherein I will detect the slanderous reports that have gone of thee, or at the worst fall meeting in mind, send me thine answer for a sure testimony of thy certainty, which shall be as welcome to me, as I was bold with you.  
Your servant Philotimus was, is, and will.  
Aurelia to Philotimus, that was once her servant, and is she hopes her friend, sendeth greeting.  
WOuld destiny yield to pity (my good Philotime) or ability countervail heartless sorrow, thy griefs might be relieved, which I cannot but lament, our loves might continue, which necessity dissolves. But friezing cold adawes the frying heat, weak croned eld benumms youths lusty limbs. The peerless beauty of None such Niceus in time is invested in Thirsites deformity, and every thing is turned by time. Gold wasted, yet what so solid, credit defaced, yet what more glorious, friendship forgotten, yet nothing so firm, thus every tide doth ebb in time. Then curse we our chances, that we cannot cure our losses, time becks, and fortune bends, and every surfeit foreruns a fast. Fortune hath her fits of frowninges, endure them Philotime, if she bring better, we are sweetly deceived, now force perforce mixeth honey with gall.  
As hard it is for faithful Philotimus, to doubt of sincerity in Aureliaes' love, as uneasy for me to moderate affection, without unspeakable torments to my loyal breast. Yet must I turn my Tippet ere I burn my bones, and lack inlooked for love to cloy thy gulping gluttony, ere I cast myself away with bootless attempts, & add heaps of woes to our joint decay. The undoubted certificate of thy long known fervency, doth give me a warrantise to term thee my friend, and may give thee a caveat to prove thyself trusty, not seeking thy preservative with poisoning of me.  
If I should give thee my poor portion, too bad to be bought, & too much to be begged, and solemnize our childish unadvised contract with a fond celebration of wedding, perchance thou hadst a servant to dance attendance (as the Gods had wretched Vulcan to minister at their Table) but the smallness of your profit which scarce would be any, would quaise the force of pleasure and sauce it with despite.  
Nay Philotimus, had Medea suspected that before, which too late experience taught her, that jasons voyage had been undertaken for the lucre of goods, not the love of her goodwill, he had hoped shorter, and she had sped better, and Euripides had wanted some matter subject, to underprop his bloody stile upon the mounting Stages. Perseus' brought Andromeda from the black Indians, I wis with small wealth. And what had the Trojan for his Graekish rape? I wis for wealth both war and woe. The worst sort of men, saith Terence his Charinus, be those, which get their profit by others disprofit, & gorge their extortion by poor men's windefalls. Scylla and Caesar both are noted for Landpyrates, for robbing Peter to pay Paul, filching from others to feed their friends, a very part of the essence of coosining prodigality.  
Didst thou never read the properties of the pretty Merlin, who holding the Lark all night between her little talons to keep her warm, assoon as it is morning unfastens her hold, & lets her fly, and marking which way she takes her flight, will not all the day following set wing to that corner? But hast thou not heard of the crooked natured Trochilus, who breeding in the mouth of Crocodilus, where he is nourished, becometh afterward as they say, the Crocodiles Physician, I mean Philotimus, utterly kills him. The former of these do all men commend, but the latter they most abominably detest.  
Alas Philotimus, by what reason should thy eating of grapes, set my teeth on edge, or when thou hast spent thine own stock, seek a new booty with praying on mine?  
The gleade and the Dove do not match together, the Lion & the Lamb are not coupled together, equality must be in marriage, or else it is not convenable: the year is apportioned into even parcels, justice her balance is of equal peize, & the heavens are moved with an uniform equality, the ship doth whelm or sink if either side be overweied, the right Democritia hath no difference of persons, & the virtuous mean is equally placed betwixt both extremes. Then Philotimus, since thou art a Gentleman by stile, but a beggar by misfortune, & I a poor Gentlewoman yet of sun living, accuse me not of perjury, wherein I am sackles, but blame thy mishap, whereof thou art causer.  
I pray you be content to foster your Cuckoos birds at home, and carry them not as the Cuckoos use, to an other birds nest, to bring forth. Content yourself with your own lot. It is vain for the Dutchman to wish himself an Englishman, or the Thracian an Athenian.  
Thou that displeasest thyself, how canst thou please me? Indeed jupiter and juno, Venus and Diana, were called to witness to my oath, and you had both word and oath, and all but heart. Yet the universallest Axioms have their cautions, every Obligation hath his condition, and this I added in mine oath, if you were no changeling: which condition being broken, I will not envy thee as an enemy, yet must mind as I find without any feigning.  
juno I hope will dispense with mine oath of love: for she was ever an enemy to Venus.  
Venus I doubt not, will be entreated to forego the company of sorry wowers, for she is painted of the Poets ever laughing, as one that loves no mourning.  
Diana I dare say, will not be angry for forsaking sorrow, for she doth nothing but hunt and sport, and in her merriments falls in love with Endymion.  
jupiter I am sure, will not think that I have offended, for Homer calls him Anculopetis, for speaking one thing, and thinking an other.  
Not much unlike a child that having hurt himself with falling, must have an other bet that never came near him: so you by your reckless merit losing my love, accuse an other of falsehood in fellowship, you neither know whom, nor wherefore. This is worse than war knave quoth Tomkins to his shadow: for he seeing his shadow in the night, took it for one that came to spoil him, to whom, knaving it, and slaving it, he gave many a good bang: but you not yet having learned the first point of hawking to hold fast, bitterly rail you know not on whom, & shall have amends I cannot tell when.  
You bring store of reasons to inveigle me with subtlety, whereof I will not deny the effectual force, but opposing to them my continency, I will cross me from such blessings. For as he is more continent, that amid the daintiest banquet can use his abstinence, than he that refrains because he wants: so if I can shun thy seducing reasons, I shall think myself more temperate, than if thou hadst shown no reason at all, and I forborn thy company. For every of thy reasons I have an hundred affections. Therefore desist Philotimus, and spurn no more against the prick.  
Orion for offering to deflower Phoebe was slain by a scorpion. Thou art as insatiable in thy kind, as Arist. philoxenus, that wished himself a neck as long as a Crane, to have his meat long a swallowing.  
He that hath served ten years in war, by the law of Arms may be privildged from all service. And since thou hast played the amorous knight so long and so truly, I am now content to give thee a discharge.  
An Italian Soldier in Charles the fift his camp, having past many offices of credit in Arms, was challenged of a young Gentleman, a novice, scarce of two years practice, to whom he made this awnswere. When thou haste trod the impression of every my steps, and stied to the seat of my dignity, and hast combated with all my perils, I will meet thee in the fields, otherwise I will not so much embase myself, which is as if a Nobleman should fight with a ruffian: so Philotimus, when thou hast redeemed thy mortgaged lands, and for thy living mayest say to me, well overtaken, I will match with thee, and not before.  
Yet trust me Philotimus, feign would I help, but alas I may not. Thy incrementes willbe my detriments, and thy consumption now is almost past remedy. Cynthia could not call her son Hippolytus out of Hell, nor Theseus his friend Pirithous, nor Aurelia heal her cureless friend. I have not Venus her skill, that made Phaon of an old man a youngman, nor thou art not a Bacchus to be twice borne, once of his mother, and once of jupiter's thigh.  
If I might have Alcests luck, that dying for her husband Admetus was restored to life by Proserpina, I would show thee favour for so little harm. Yet my good Philotimus, casks will ever taste of their first liquor, and I shall never forget our old friendship. And therefore as Antoninus pius when he could not help the poor widows son that was condemned to die, wept with her to bear some of her grief: so though I can do thee no such good as thou lookest for, I cannot but jointly wail thy woes.  
Your friend as she may Aurelia.  
As the fire, the more it is blown the brighter it flames: so he with disperpled locks, and hair disheveled about his shoulders, set fire to his desire, with an uncessant meditation on his almost irrecuperable mistress, wherewith he answered as followeth.  
Philotimus sendeth health, which he hath not, to Aurelia his mistress, & wisheth her the mercy she should have towards her servant.  
THE skilful that behold the picture of Aesculapius, commend not the picture, but the painter, we extol not so much the taste of our meat, as the Cook's cunning that seasoned it, no man esteemeth his coin for the stamp, but for the right metal when it cometh to the touch: neither do I Aurelia, like thine answers, but commend thy wit from whence they came.  
You say you cannot boot me, yet do stumps of old love stick in your stomach. Indeed well I know, that an hand chafed with flowers will after smell of them, when they are gone, and that some cicatrice of ancient benevolence will remain, when love itself is perished and maimed. Whereby it will far with me, as it did with Democritus, who going about for sorrow of his sister's mishap to famish himselfen, was relieved three days with the smell of new bread: Or as with the Philosopher whom Oribazius saith in his time he knew to live awhile by the sent of honey: and I shall live by the shadow of thine old love, the substance whereof is as good meat for ghosts, as may be.  
O Aurelia, what equity is this, to inchaunte me with thy Angelic glances, & now to deprive me of thy presence?  
I may well compare thee to the lake of Bytamin, whereof men that pass that way, dare not venture the view, much less approach the smell, except eunuchs that be gelded, which fear not to behold, neither are endangered by the smell: And he that gloates on thee, except such as feign would and cannot (as Pythias saith in Terence) may chance either wish his eyes were out, or that he had fewer stones by one and an other.  
For as at the great earthquake in Antioch, there escaped none saving one woman and a slave) that was not hurt or deadly wounded: so there be few beholders of you, that lose not their liberty, except it be restored by your liberality. But as the pillar which trajan the Emperor erected in the place named Datia, of wonderful height and breadth all of one stone, was more admirable to men, and did more ennoble his person, then if he had composed it of divers stones: so you making and taking me your only mate without ever chopping and changing to any other, shall perpetuate the peace of your mind, & win commendation of unstained constancy.  
Now to the canvas of thy letters, whom I surveyed diligently without delight, & will answer speedily without despair.  
Can it not suffice Achilles to slay Hector, but to drag and hail his body through the dust? Was it not sufficient for Anthony to lop tully by the neck, unless Anthony's wife did mangle his body, and wear his Tongue in her hat, to work his greater obloquy? Was it not enough for thee to untie our true loves knot with the breach of truce, but to kill me again with opprobrious words, Si modo qui periit, bis periisse potest? Your learning I know more than your honesty, and that makes me speak Latin to cover your dishonesty.  
Is it thine, not thee, thy gains not goodwill, that I do woo? Lie not Aurelia, when thou knowest the truth. It is a great shame, and a greater sin, and almost cousin to that pleadelesse fault that cannot be forgiven, either here or else where. No Aurelia, it is mine hosts not mine Inn that I am a guest for. It is the flock not their wool, for whose cause I so sadly sit whuppinge all the day under a hill. Indeed lucre is a lure to much dissembling. But though I am needy, yet am I not greedy, but well sufficed with a small size of wealth, and my minds music were well in tune, if thou wouldst but add one string of thy consent. The relation of my misery to the mystery of your wealth, was to persuade you not to shrink in the wetting, but like a Kentish cloth that stains with nothing, stand inviolated.  
Cupid is blind, and sees no riches. Lycurgus' the Lawgiver of the Lacedæmonians, commanded those of his City, that they should offer to the Gods, few things in number, and not rich in value. In the law which God gave unto the hebrews, he was so limited in the things he demanded, & so humane in the things he commanded, that in order of the sacrifices which they should offer, he did ordain that the poor man which could not offer a goat, should offer no more but of the hair thereof. The consideration of these gave me hardiness to embolden my courage in this amorous encounter, though I have no pay to countervail the semblance of a Captain: the same efficacy may humiliate you, for want of better Harvest, to take oats in part of payment.  
Paulus Aemilius vanquishing Perses King of Macedonia, rather desired honour then a quarry of treasure. Anthonio offering to die before the Emperor that sought his death, was received into former grace. Though I were Iris or Codrus, and thou in potency might match with Rome, in riches with Tyrus, in beauty with Helia, in opulence with Tarence, yet the repulse of my love without remorse, will show thee more cruel than all the beasts in the deserts of Africa, or those of the great India. India. A wayfaring pilgrim taking a thorn out of a Lion's foot, meeting after with him at the games of Olympia, and being brought out to wrestle with him would not use his furious force but with a grateful recordance acknowledging his courtesy fawned upon him. It grieves me to exhort thee to square thy imitation to a beasts clemency: then let thy courtesy be a ready remedy to make me ashamed of my unegal comparison. As Telephus had nothing to cure his hurt, but the lancing of the spear that gave him his wound, and as the mind is conceived with nothing but the mind: so nothing can countervail the value of love, but an answerable conformation of the desired love.  
For which cause, poor unbegotten wether beaten Qualto, an hobhansom man god wots, & a bow wow to his Lady & mistress, serving a Lady in Italy as a Tom drudge of the pudding house, or a groom to her close stool, or a servitor to such slavery, ask on a time after the disclosure of his loyalty, some guerdon requitable in am of all his pining thoughts to win her affections, and pinching pains about her drudgery, she was content to imbezle some part of her goods to notify her largesse towards Qualto. But this, nor any thing could enforce him to relinquish his suit, saving the yielding of her battered breast. Wherefore never giving over (which Ovid commands us in his Art of loving) as small drops in time pierce the hard marble: so he with urgent instance in his attempted enterprise, got her in arms that had his heart in hold, and like a valiant waterman setting his oars, was permitted to row in his mistress boat.  
But my love thou knowest is no weed for wantoness wear, no fancies freak with knackinge fetches, not like a bow long bend that in process weakens, but like the natural motion of an element which in going gathers strength. Thou tellest me of Orion, who for offering to deflower Diana, was killed by a Serpent: wherein thou imitates the Devil in his alleging of Scriptures, for he never brings out an whole text, but so much as is for his own enorm intended purpose: and thou takest the half serving thee, & leaves out the moiety making for me, that utterly overthrows thy whole province. For though Orion were bereaved of this transitory life, yet that which is more glorious, he was by imputed elevation translated into a star.  
If as Rams retire to strike harder, so your love recoil to return with more vehemency, I shall think, that as the best vines in Germany grow on hard rocks, so the surest love inhabits the heart hardliest atoned: and as the praise of a judge is not given to his scarlet gown, so your good liking is not framed by your looking. Then shall I curse the Eclipse of my waininge judgement, that of late have judged your demeanour measured by your favour, an apish deformity in cloth of Gold, and your ill manner, scarce agreeable to so great a Lady.  
Phoebus I know doth not always harp, sometime he shoots, treacle doth not ever cure, sometimes it poisoneth, and friends must not ever love, but by intermission, sometimes mislike. jars of necessity must be among friends, but thrice woe be to them by whom they come.  
Ah Aurelia, feign would I sing, but fury makes me fret, and rage hath sworn to seek revenge of wrong. In dread & danger would I pass between the string and bow, to have my will on that birds bushed cage, that doth incense my care. O that I might have a shoot at one of the dears in his Park, if it were but his Heart, Aurelia, it would suffice me.  
I know there be underminig easinge droppers, that have wrought this estraungment between us. But since the Mill will needs about, the pin whereon the Mill doth go, I will assay to strike it out, and so the Myllne to overthrow.  
The mind I have is of gold to serve thee, but of iron to break their pride, & if I want armour wherewith to fight, I want not a mind to abide death.  
Thus thou seest Aurelia, I am not like the stripling Pertinax, who used to sell his wood so dear, contentious, and pinching, that if they gave him not his first demand, did rather leave his wood unsould, then abate one blank of his price. For though I suffer a sour repulse, yet am I content to await thy leisure.  
Your most faithful servaunt Philotimus.  
Aurelia at the receit of these letters, was moved wish a marvelous disdain of Philotimus, who durst be so bold as threaten her new friend, his letters she answered in these words.  
I Cannot tell Philotimus, whether thou art better to keep an hold, or to play a prating beggar. For thou & thy purpose stick together like burrs, neither though forbidden, wilt ever leave of thy jangling. Thy commendation of my wit enhanceth no pride. For the satires thought poor Martia to surpass in music, Coridon preferred his oaten pipe, before Apollo's silver Harp, and Poliphem the blind Giant, thought silly Galataea to exceed the beauty of Mars his concubine.  
Good simple soul, would you pick a quarrel with them, that as you say, would pick a thank with me? Alas pretty figboy, an hasill twig in your hand, is an whole haulbarde.  
Thou art better to be a gunner under a Ladies targett, than Lieutenant of a pitched field. Indeed? And is your barking tongue turned to biting teeth? you are now fleshed in impudency. If you be chafed you shall be walked, if you be hot you may be cooled. A young colt plungeth at the first prick, as though he felt no ground, but being chafed a little, champes on his bridle & stands still.  
The more a sore is rubbed and handled, the less it heals: the more busy you are to be a stickler in your own cause, that further aloof am I of: you cannot shift your cards so cleanly but you are seen. Do not tell me, that I am a whetstone to set every dainty tooth on edge, and so claw an Ass till you have rid her.  
Physicians use a contrary plaster to those patientes, that will not heal with the rules of physic, & I must handle you roughly, when fair words cannot serve to make a fool feign.  
But this I cannot forget, how full of guts you are, at one blow to kill God have mercy on his soul. You may if you will, but do if you dare. Alas good Philotime, thy force of arms be no force, no harm. Thou art comed of a gentle kind, to gave so wide and not to bite. Indeed you are all heart but head, & that is horns, but if you be lusty, you may go louze you. Me thinks when I hear thee tell of thy valour, I see ridiculous Bacchus, whom Aristophanes in Canis brings in drunken, marching in Hercules his armour, and saying he would go down to see the Tragedies in Hell.  
Nay holla squaring Dick, I am no but for every boult. Thou dost but chase a shadow in the sun when thou followest me. Though thou sweat blood, as the Bird Eradius doth in the time of treading, it will sooner bring thee to a bloody flux, then to my favour. I am not so blind, that thou canst make me believe with a wink, it is midnight at noon day. The bird Osprey is of such whiteness on his breast, that hovering over the fishpool, all the fish turn up their bellies, and so he taketh his prey. Keep thy fair promises in thy purse, for with me they little prevail, and less persuade.  
When the Lion is old, all the beasts of the field condemn him, and as you are too old a friend to be good, so your heirs be of age to take your place, expecting your resignation.  
Thou art like the Apes called Callitrices, which at the new of the moon rejoice, and at the full and waning be triste and sad. You in the beginning of our love were very jocund, and at our divorcement use your terms of railing. But though the Dragon cannot abide the Panther, yet all other beasts resort to behold his colours, & smell of his odour, and though the Bat hate the light, yet is the light nothing the worse.  
When the Eagle hath two or three birds, she casts out one of them, fearing herself not to be able to nourish them, whom the Bird Ossifraga receiveth and bringeth up, as though it were her own. Aeneas lost Libye, yet he found Latium. trajan could not live with Domitian the Emperor, yet flying to Nola in Campania, he found Plutarch for his master, Plotina for his wife, and Nerua for his father, who afterward being Emperor, adopted trajan to be his son. Comfort thyself, there be more maids than Maukin and though thou lose me, thou mayest find some other. Coridon shallbe loved else where, though fond Alexis do disdain.  
The serpent cannot blame the Hart though he be his enemy, and his bane, because it is nature's ordinance: neither may the Raven rightly accuse the little bird Easalon for breaking of her eggs, because their discord is sown of nature. Neither can the Swan look for friendship of the Eagle, yet neither of both to be discommended. The fishes Muges abound above measure in love towards their own kind and sort, and list not meddle with the fellowship of others. Minerva turned the hairs of Medusa whom she hated into adders, yet who doth object it to Minerva for cruelty?  
Hast thou not heard of the foolish marriage that the Emperor Heliogabalus made betwixt the image of the Goddess Pallas and the God Heliogabalus, which being consummated to the great laughter of his enemies, and the grief of the Romans to see their Gods defaced, he made them likewise a bed in the midst of the Temple, where they might sleep together? Under as small guard and veneration shall our marriage stand, and as little joy I fear, should we feel yfere, as did the two unsensible pictures.  
If thou thinkest thy interest be better in me, because thou hast been at some cost on me, this I say, that I never meant to prove myself a noddy with refusing offered gold, neither am I of such power as the Pope's holiness, to give a pardon of thy sins, for a few peterpence. Certain men brought from Graece to Rome a false will of one Lucius Manutius Basilius, a rich man, the legacies whereof that they might more easily compass, they writ in with them two Noble men of Rome, M. Crassus, and Q. Hortensius both expert civil Lawyers, and eloquent Orators. These two Gentlemen, although they suspected it to be forged, yet notwithstanding knowing themselves guiltless of all faults in the devise, were well enough content to be parceners of his lands.  
It is the law of arms in many places, that he which is first in the skirmish, though he submit himself, yet being taken, shall be wounded for his offence. Then neither think me tyrannous for giving you the gleek, though you were my first friend, neither imagine your fortune adverse, neither vex yourself with impacable sorrow. That flower must not grow, that can abide no cold: you may not warm you by a fire, but you must feel the flame: he that hath his beard most curiously washed in the Barber's shop, will take no snuff to have it cast out into the open streets.  
But since sielie manling, thou art so obstinate in straining the fault to inexorable Aurelia, I will give thee a specialty what guard I have of thee, in showing thee an electuary against thy love, which thou being a student oughtest to know better than I, yet art so busy in bootless business, going about to get a Cock with egg, that thou canst not or wilt not see wood for trees. Read Cadmus the Milesian, who hath written a whole book in the remedies of love, and that Ovid which hath infected thee with his lasciviousness, hath given thee a mean to claw of his itch.  
The beast Fiber perceiving himself to be pursued of the hunter, biteth of his stones, which are marvelous good in medicines, and layeth them in the sight of the hunter, knowing by nature that he is hunted for the same: so (Philotimus) I can yield, if thou wantest money, and a little may pleasure thee, to let thee have of my small store, knowing very well (saving the reverence of your protestation (that it is the coin, and not the woman you seek after. Or I will deal with thee, as a noble man of Rome sometime did with his ancient manor house. This noble man beholding the follies of Commodus then Emperor, the tyrannies of Perennius vicegerent of the Empire, and the spoils of the common wealth, he both sincere in judgement, & severe in life, departed from thence to the country of Liguria, to live in a poor village, where sometimes his father had made his habitacle, & buying that poor cottage, built in the compass thereof a stately building, permitting the old to remain in the midst, without addition or diminution thereof: and since I must needs condescend to your importunate entreaty, you shall have the title of mine old friend now ruinous, as one of whom I have ere while smackt the relish of reposed rest, marry an other platform I have laid, whereon I purpose to erect an edefice of some more stately friendship, in whose breasts I mean to situate my mansion house.  
It is not for me Philotimus, to deal with him that can card more in one night, than I & many a good housewife can spin all the day. Martia, Letus, & Electus, killing Commodus on the night, commanding certain slaves to bestow his body at their appointmen, wrapped in an old seron, wherein the ordure of the stable was wont to be carried out, chose an other before day, to the end the Empire might have an owner, and they have defence under his protection: & since I have forlorn thee, blame me not though I have elected an other for mine own safeguard: farewell Philotimus, and be answered with reason.  
Aurelia your old friend.  
Philotimus reading these letters, was nothing appaulde, but with confidence of recovery, answered as followeth.  
THe Leopard pursues his prey leaping and startling, and if he take it not the third or fourth leap, he stinteth for indignation, & goeth backward as though he were overcome.  
When the Elephants of king Porus, were a little wounded by the soldiers of the great Alexander with their weapons called Capidae, & were put in fear they were more hurtful to their own rulers, & casting them down & tearing them in pieces, ran out of the battle like sheep. But I neither mean to be as short as the Leopard in his hasty huntinges, nor so cowardly as the Elephant in his attempted assaults. And yet I cannot but yield to you, and pray to your pleasure for a comfortable remorse. The grey mare is the better horse, especially if she be a curtal, it must be as the woman will, when all is said & done. Though Mars were the God & Bellona but a Goddess, yet she had the pre-eminence in all martial attempts.  
But would any man have judged you a backeslider, so soon to have turned your tongue to your tail, and for continuing of your sensual pleasure, to have flitted from an old friend to a new flatterer? As none rolled heal Philoctetes poisoned feet, but Machaon, Aesculapius his son: so you labour of a disease, that none can heal, but he that will pay for lending of his patient. It is not my purging pills (which, you say, would paul you of all your coin) but Cornelius his sweet suppository, that must minister you physic.  
It grieves me less Aurelia, that you have given me over, then that mine innocency being known, as shortly it will, you shall be noted of lightness and lewdness. Whereby it will come to pass, that as the name of julia among the Romans, was an ensign of a common adulteress strumpet: so the name of Aurelia for thy sake, henceforward shall be detested as a note of frail inconstancy.  
Ay me but cast away, Ah dear Aurelia, my power is too weak to make any war, and yet I can find no peace, I am not scorched with any fire, and yet no cold adawes my heat: I cannot die as the happy die, to the end to live for ever, but I must live, as misers live, to the end to die for ever.  
O that every hair of my head were a man for his adherentes sake, who is no good cur, for that he bites behind, much less a whelp of the princely Lion, who being chased with hounds or hunters, seeketh no covert wherein to lurk, but sitteth in the field where he may be seen, and araieth himself to battle. I do not level by guess (as thou dost burden me) at him, that doth this villainy, but know him, and can name him, in this resembling the Lion, who being vulned, taketh such heed, that he knoweth who first smote him, and riseth on the smiter, though he be in never so great a multitude. If there be any poison prepared in an house, a partridge pend up in a cage or coupe, will bite and scratch, and cry out, such Divination hath she by nature, and such have I by God's predestination to descry mine enemy's trains.  
Yet take you heed you lean not to hard on a broken staff. It may be, it is for small goodwill to thee, but for envy to me, that he busieth himself: much like the Griphon in the Hypeborian hills, where being bred plenty of gold and precious stones, as the smaragd, the jasper, the Crystal, neither hath he use of them himself, neither suffers them to be taken from thence, as divers good writers affirm: or the Chameleon, who drawing to the goshawks, against whom his most might stands, they also fly unto him, & by this means he taketh them, wilfully to be devoured to other beasts. But as the Linx perceiving that his urine doth turn in to a precious stone named Ligurius, and naturally envying it should be any use to mankind, hideth it with sand or earth, when he hath pissed, which is the very cause that it sooner hardeneth, & turneth into a stone: So I do not doubt, ●ut this labour to put me out of conceit, may in time after trial of my faith and his falsehood, convert to my greater grace with thee, & credit with others  
You after your scoffing manner put me in the predicament of the Ape's Callitrices. Yet those that laugh at me, for triumphing before the victory, and reckoning my shot before mine hostess, and thinking I had thy heart before I searched thy reins, may deem thee a light housewife for thy cracked fidelity. It is no mastery to deride one in misery, but it is convenient to ban the causers of it. Thy untoothsome taunts may well compare thee to the sorcering Siren's, who are merry in tempests, and heavy in fair weather.  
If it be the destiny of him that first woos you, to be forlorn, as it was prophesied that he which first stepped on the Trojan ground, among the Grecian host, of neceessitie should be slain, which was verified in Protesilaus (though he might vaunt that he was slain by Hector, and I repine to be undone by a coward) Or if as the monster Sphynx slew all that passed by her to the city of Thebes, if they could not expound her riddle, so you will be the bale of all that cannot display your sleights: It may fall out that as Laodamia wastefully mourned for her Protesilaus, or as when Oedipus had given Sphynx a solution, she broke her neck for grief: so thou mayest wish ere thou diest for poor Philotimus, and when thy cautel fetches shallbe laid open, follow Phillis in the end, though far unlike her in thy life.  
Now then recoil with reconciled grace (my Alderlievest Aurelia) a name unto my soul as sweet as balm. The shield of love, the force of faith, that trusty targe, hath long borne of, and broke the thrusts that malice at me throws. Mine only shield hath long forwarded a sorry man, now quickly lend me yours, or else you do me wrong. Still are you bound by faith, though fancy would be free, still are you fast by oath, though loath to lawn it out. En bon gre take a power boy, for I am yet Philotimus. Ten thousand times a day desire doth live and die, feign would I live to gain thy love, or die with grief to leave with loss. If Desire thy darling be wayward, let thy yielding remorse sing alullibie lully, if I be in presumption a Giant to solicit my suit, which am in power a gnat to perform any service, yet shall my devoir do his endeavour to gratify thy cunrtesie, and work thy delight: and know that nettles and egshells are good for something, which being burnt together to powder and put in your nose, will staunch the blood of wounds or nose. If thou thinkest for my craft I have a Fox's tongue, or that for my smart I am a thorn in your foot, yet wots you, that a Fox's tongue laid to the sore in thy foot or hand, will undoubtedly heal it.  
Though in your conceit I am knavishly mannered, yet dost thou imagine me apishly witted, and if your fleeting fantasy think me crabbedlie favoured, a foul ground for your fair counterfeit, you know, may well agree. When the field is Argent, and that which occupieth the field is Sable, that shield is called fairest in field. Full oft the whitest Doves with speckled culvers tread, and oft we see the Turtle brown with Popimay doth wed. If you mislike my droupinge pace, with my ragamuffin vesture, one good word of your goodwill, may make me cast my lothsame sloth, and yet renew my lusty livery. The bears whelps lie blind in a confused lump, till their dear dams do lick them: the best Pearls have no show, till the Lapidaries clear them: neither can you use the best metaled knife, till the Cutler have glazed it.  
Ambages laid apart, if thou hadst a counterpane of my tiring languor, or how as waxed torch with sulphur touched, I burn, I neither needed Gracchus his poynaunt eloquence, at whose Oration the whole congregation wept: nor Simonides his doleful skill, that invented the waymenting order of verses termed Lyrici, and was excellent in procuring men to tears: nor to be expert in the woeful Elegies, to move thee to pity a disconsolate wretch. Who can give to me a fountain made of moan, that I may weep as much as is my will, & fouse my sorrow up in swelling tears? O that I had her love in link, that hath my heart in hold. Then would she procure, the Sea seem calm, the billows calm, the earth rejoice, the air to sing, no surge by Sea, no smart by land I should endure. Plisthenides, thou wert yblest, what cares soever did eucroch: For whether winds did toss thy bark, or surging seas dismayed thy breast, ay thy wedlock went with thee, with clinching arms thou her embraced. In this thou art happy (Aurelia) that thou canst not see me, for if thou couldst, thou wouldst die for woe, and most unhappy that thou wilt not see me, for now thou shalt live in ignomy.  
Mine heir, whom thou sayest hath outgrowen his minority, looking for his father's inheritance, will neither wish to feel the pursuit of the like pain, by pattern of his pear, neither long to be enfeoffed in such lands. His forefather's name is Love, his lands are Loss, a common hire for such an heir.  
I am tedious in the prolonging of my letters, & eftsoons in their reiteration, because that as Paracelsus used to say, in every natural thing there is aswell fresh oil, as salt brimstone, which by art may be extracted: so I hope that in thy flinty stomach there is not only an harbour of cruelty & disdain, but some deal also of merciful courtesy, which by my diligence may be derived to the behoof of my distress. In the hardest flint may be found some lively spark of fire, the knottiest piece of box may be wrought to a dudgeon haft, and Aristotle saith, that out of the salt sea foam may fresh water be sifted. Then may I hope, that as these apparent impossibilities do natheless work these prefixed efficacies, so out of thy stony heart, may yet flow such water, as may wash and purge my yearnfull wounds. Think some and some is honest play.  
O let not (was) work all delight, let (is) and (shall) have part in pay: command, & I will slay myself that yours may be the guilt, but bately bid me die, and I will die forthwith for joy, that never yet I showed myself ungrateful to my mistress. Yet if you will not so, but keep me still alive in vexed plight, for some offence I have committed, then show in what, or where, or when, I stumbled in my steps, when 'twas my part to go upright, and as Scevola when he erred in slaying Porsenna the cruel Tyrant, and killed his Steward for him by a mistake, thrust his hand that did the deed, into the fire for a penalty, and there consumed it: so the part or member that hath offended thee, shall to make restoration of my love, and satisfaction for my fault, dearly abye his leasings. I can indite no more for tears, & it is no doughty manly deed to fiend myself with tears. Thus then no more by me, for me, but to thy mercies I appeal.  
Your trustiest servant Philotimus.  
These letters were delivered by his page, who had much ado to get the return of an answer. For Aurelia weary of his wooing, and loath to hear of her dealing, and given all to her darling, could not spend one vacant hour out of Cornelius his company, scarce to read his letters, much less to answer them. But at the boys impudent entreaty, she vouchsafed forsooth to write these two lines ensuing.  
Aurelia once again to Philotimus.  
A rob whereof many men must wear the livereys, must be used sparingly, & not all spent on one: And Aurelia that hath more to serve than you, must not trifle all her time in giving you attendance. When I red thy letters in the presence of Cornelius, and made collation of thy qualities with collection of his properties, only this I had to say. A puttock set on perch fast by a Falcon's side, will quickly show itself a Kite. If this construction be applied to your stomach, it will be a good confection to stint your shameless love. Farewell. I warn you that I see no more of the bastardly brood of thy letters, which have neither head nor foot, nor any good substance. Thy reasons be so cold, that they have frozen my love.  
Aurelia willing to be your friend, and urged to be your foe. Amor quo serior eo verior solet esse.  
Philotimus having read his mistress sharp censure, writ presently without pausinge to his pretty paunce, not so sharply as she, but as swiftly as he could.  
IT is a custom of purloining burglairers, to strew pepper in the tract of their step, that the blood hound snuffing it into his nosthrilles, shall not be able to trace them: so to make me run counter, or give over the chase, you cast me a fuming fancy, and a flaming free-will, which whiles I feed on, the game is gone.  
There is a Well in Illirica, into which if any thing be put to cool, or to extinguish, it smouldringly burns it to very cinders: There are found certain stones in a river in Pontus, which them take on fire, when the wind is greatest, and by how much the more they are covered in water, by so much the fearcer and brighter they burn: & how it comes to pass I know not, but the less hope I conceive of thy liking, the more I desire & crave thy love. The walnut tree well bet when his nuts are shaken, beareth more fruit the year ensuing: the more you strike iron upon the stidhy, the harder & tougher the iron is: It is the nature of a wild Irish man, that the worse you use him, the more service he doth you: such & so luckless am I in my chevisaunee, which having féendly food corsed for love, & being sourelie rebuked for fawning on thee, am yet as fruitful in thy love, as the beaten walnut tree, as tough as the iron to bear any blows, and as mad as the Irishman, to give love for lothinges.  
For though my wits be blunted and hoodwinked, the pannicle of my brain damped and discrased, and my spirits surcharged with griefs visitation, yet is my hope ancored on thy qualification, & stoutly indurate against misadventures.  
When thy prick me dainty Cornelius, shall be vacased of his vain vizard, and disburdened and disballassed of his hypocritical apparitions, then shall my poor habit be anteposed his proud heart, and the simplest diet prove the best Physic.  
Aurelia, to elect me to the calling of thy most intimate friends, & reject me to the number of thy greatest foes, were to call me to the roast, and beat me with the spit, to shoe my horse, and prick him in the quick. But as the River Lycus swallowed up by gaping of the ground, a great way thence is in an other channel found: and as the Brook Erasine among the fields of Arge, one while sinks, an other while runs in overflowing measure: and Amasane eke in Sycill land doth sometime rise afloat, and sometime sloppeth up his spring: so will thy fainting love recover with new recourse, whose pleasure is at this time to give thy Hawk tyringe, that hereafter he may be stronger and sharper at his game.  
An Ass liveth by the course of nature 30. years, and a sheep but ten, therefore I doubt not but that cowardly sheep, will be soon defeated of his hope, aswell as I sielie Ass was deceived of my trust.  
It were hard dealing, if in payment of a good gub of Gold, of full weight and poise, one poor piece somewhat clipped & lighter than his fellows, may not be foisted in among the rest, & pass in pay for currant coin. Good sweet, be nat sans all pity, but let the right of ready will my light poor wealth excuse. O how you cut me in calling me Kite, much like as the thunder cutteth the tree. For as that pierceth the bulk, and never hurteth the bark, so though you grieve my heart, you hurt not my manners, but if you can cut me no otherwise, your wits will rust for want of good usage, and that you should cut in such a matter, you had need go set them to a grindstone. As all Women be evils, yet necessary evils: so though the Kite be a vermin, yet is she a very necessary vermin. The Kite can weed the worm, can kill the Moulewarpe, can cleanse the streets, and saving the Hens poor progeny, none can accuse him of felony.  
As the snowy mulberry, that bore before white Lily leaves, having her white beires besprinkled with true lover Pyramus his blood, became all purple black: even so thy fair etheria●hew be stained with the guilt of sackles blood, shall lose ye the grace and favour.  
The victor hath his price, when he hath run his, race and so let me. Precious stones are tried to be true if they be rubbed with lead, and change not their hew, for they never receive any other colour: and gentlewomen's loyalty is then experimented, when neither want of wealth, nor any frown of fortune, can work loves alienation. You say my letters have neither head nor foot: then in deed I grant, they are none of my brood: for I am sure I have both, I feel by the weight of my head, which you have set with horns, and by the pain in my feet, which I have got with running after you.  
Thus trusting that you will not take my livery from me, before it be half worn, nor bereave me of love in his best prime, I commit you to the protection of the great God Cupid, who I beseech, even to direct you in your doings, as he ruleth and governeth me and my heart: for myself, I pray nothing else but the God and Saint Aurelia give me their blessing.  
Your Servant Philotimus, who wisheth himself as able to be your friend, as he is unwilling to be your foe. Better late than never.   

¶ Amor qui prior, eo potior debet esse.  
WHen Aurelia see, that neither the wile of fair words, nor that revile of soul writs, could intrept or let his letters, then as one reading a riddle, or construing an Emblem, she stood in a mammering what mean to make, or how to thwart the cost to eat his gun-shot. In this deur both daungeous & doubtful, she meant not to dally being brought to this bay, nor to delay judgement in taking day, but in few words and those well thewed, to manacle his melancholy and mue up his love: wherefore in an abreviat compendius of this speedy speech ensuing, she gave him a general acquittance for all his quaint conceits, that his Memoradums and bills of debts should never after be flapt in her mouth.  
¶ Aureliaes' discharge to all the debenters of her coosninge friend Philotimus.  
Fools & little Dogs, are Ladies play fellows: A sour salad may long be eaten without satiety: the conclusion these premises is, that I can once again vouchsafe to make me sport with the noddy Philotimus, and answer his displeasant untoothsome letters.  
Men used to drink the waters of the brook Anigrus heretofore, but after what the Centaurs vanquished by her Hercules in fight, did therein wash their wounds, it was abhorred: the well of horned Hammon is at midnight passing hot, and at noontide passing could: So could I have brooked thee before I see thy good conditions stand on the condition of wealth, whom in the night, that is in thy scarcity I have found as hot as Hay haruist, whom in the day, that is, thy prosperity, I have known as could as a Christmas evening.  
You say better late than never, and I answer, as good never as to late. Surcease thy sighs & flattering freaks, they nought prevail. Bacchus in likeness of a grape beguiled Erigone that suffered rape. Neptune in a Dolphin's shape, enforced Melantho to her shame. Then eft I say, & oft before have wished, that thou leave these crouched vows and orisons, icrested with triple treachery, for as lickelie is that which Didimus writeth, that if one put wool in his ears, sheep will follow him, as that a fair word wrought one Arts forge, can seduce me to the sequence of your wish.  
Though I envy thee now, thou shouldest not vie it with malice. It used to be the guise of religious hostyers, to drink wine their fill, & ●ate while they listed, and to offer the residue in Sacrifice to their Gods, and to pick the meat as near as they could- and give the furbished bones in immolation. The Grecians in, tending to gratulate Ajax for his brave encounter with Hector, roasted a bull, and eat him up, and presented Ajax with horns and hide: no worse than this will I deal with you.  
Hast thou never heard how Homer describe Strife, that though it be basely borne that is take original of a slender cause, yet ●esteth not till she touch the heaven with her head, still keeping her feet below on the earth, and therefore thou mayst surmise my hate to be hotter, and shalt miss of thy purpose if thou lookest for better.  
It is wholesome for the, Philotimus, to wear horns. It is a-tried medicine that if the right side of thy head do ache, a comb made of the right side of a Rames horn, will help it, and if the left side ache a comb of the left horn will cure that Megrim.  
Thou prayest that God & Saint Aurelia will bless thee, I adjoin, such a Saint God send thee-Disdaine not I say once again, that want makes me for sake thee, for outward things have great force, look of what colour you would have your chickens be, paint it on the outside of the eggs and they will prove: and if you will have Venus her love, you must maintain her outward bravery.  
Celmus for clinging most faithfully to jupiter, became an Adamant: but by my troth (Philotimus) I never mean to incur the like displeasure, for being too faithful to thee. For thou art neither sweet for smell, nor seemly for sight.  
Thou askest if I do thee right, and I answer, Noah, worong, short talk to make, thy tiring lunst no loitering lodge can find within my breast. A Circe's, as I am can set thy ship on sand, I utterly renounce both thee and thine from henceforward for ever more, if thou seekest to exulcerate thy supposed injury, as thy gall is greater than thy guile, so I hope thou wilt breast for very malice, ere thou matchest me to do me harm: at one word farewell forty pence, too dear of three shillings, I never mean to be at more cost with you.  
Thy vowed enemy Aurelia.  
assoon as Philotimus had read these letters he waxed pale as any box, a shuddering through him struck, even like the sea which suddenly with whissing noise doth move, when with a little blast of wind it is but touched, with drivelling and with vapoured eyes, and frying fierce with straingie glead, and lying groufe upon his face he still exclaimed upon Aurelia, he meynt his weeping with his blood, where with in stead of brine they were imbrued, in this cureless ecstasy, he left himself one min nuts respite to send this Aurelia fainting farewell.  
EVen as the snowish swan doth sing before she die, upon Meander's winding banks, that sheds his straglinge streams and shears the fruitless sand with wrakfull waves, so sing I now not notes of joy but lays of deep lament. I writ not, for I think my words may ought prevail: For why? I know the haughty Gods at this my purpose spite. But since my wealth, my corpse, my fame, and spotless mind, are lost by cankered hap, to waste my words I reck it little cost. New love remains for thee (but not a new Philotimus) with other troth to be impawned, which thod again mayst break.  
O now I see (Democritus) that vain were they, and most ridiculous, which derided thee when thou soughtest for Truth in the bottom of a Well. For well knowest thou, how Truth was disperaged immediately after the death of our forefathers, and glad for the avoiding of Falsehoods sentinels, to seek some little corner to shroud itself in.  
And your assertion (O Laureate Poets) wherein you affirm, the Mars the God of Discord and sour of all Sedition, was borne of juno without the company of man, seems to me to bear no small palm. For no offence need be given to incense them to ire, they are tasty by nature, and have disdain by heart, without the instruction of any Schoolmaster. The Buck is enclosed in the park, a bridle ruleth the horse, an hook catcheth the fish, the Wolf may be tied, the Tiger may be tamed, only this is veritable, a Woman is untamable: no spur can make her go, no bridle hold her back, no courser sit her, finally she will never forget injury, nor give thanks for benfites.  
Would God that it were constituted for a law in Italy, which was a custom among the Brackmans', that every Woman which entertained more than one suitor in all her life, should have her body divided and distributed equally to all her lovers, so should neither sielie suitors be lyrched of their due, nor Woomen so oft have cause to say, full seldom comes the better, they would not seek further and far worse, but stay at home and live in security. Yet for thy sake (Aurelia) I had rather wail mine own want, then wish thee that harm, and will rather pray for thy speedy repentance, then curse thy disloyalty that hath spilled all my speed.  
Sir Meleager adventured to kill a monster for fair Atlantaes sake: but for thy sake I wish, that either Venus had never been bred, or that I and my swath clouts had been drowned in the billows of Cytharis, from whence she and her offspring is derived.  
On me ye swarth Em●es fling the flames you bear: On me (O Hecate) work thy sorcering tyrannies: on me try both your téenes, and for my sake yet spare that wretch Aurelia.  
Thou sayest (Aurelia) thou wilt never be at more cost with me. God knows, thy cost was small, and thy courtesy is less, but though it be some pleasure to unthankful wights for to object the good forepast turns, yet will I pretermit to show how chargeable thy service hath been to me, & dismiss thee from such reckonings. Ah Aurelia, farewell for ever: and I pray God give thee better speed than thou deservest, and no worse than I wish thee.  
By thine and Fortune's prisoner, Philotimus.  
He received no answer of these his letters, neither did he look for any, but restless fling up and down, neither seeking comfort, nor finding any, but in his agony traced from place to place, much like to Bacchus' Nuns, or to Cibeles' brainsick Nymphs in Ida Mount he ran, resembling those whom Dryads and Fauns do force to fly. But when he saw himself busy bootless, nothing to prevail, he sat him down, and entered strait to this consultation.  
Forget that pranked paramour pert, and let her go. Forget her Philotimus. Nay, sooner shall the roaring frothy Seas match the lofty Firmament in height, and hellish Pluto's feltered den, with starbright heaven shall sooner coupled be, and shining light with gloomy shades agree, and with the clear dry day the dreary night conjoin, and smoking stifling scaldinge fire convert to frosty ysicle snow, ere I forget, whom I have foregone, ah dearest Aurelia.  
And herewithal the tears ran down his cheeks apace. He was daily troubled with this Quotidian, neither eating nor drinking, nor sleeping, but fed I think with Aungells' food, and by God's imputation, dispensed for the time from humaines usual conversation. He spent his time sometime studying how to recover wealth to win his Lady again, sometimes composing Epitaphs for his Tomb, thinking he could not long live, sometime in Metres to praise his Aurelia, on whom to think it did him good, and sometime in complaining the frowardness of his fates, among the rest these few that follow I thought good to insert.  

Who looseth Love, and conquers care in am,  
who pightes his pains, and pines for want of food,  
His lossfull lot and crimeles curse I rue,  
yet would he view my cause, his case were good.   

His hap may be to fancy yet else where,  
ah speme spent, my love and I am done.  
Or he may drench and die in deep despair,  
O that I might for bliss enjoy that boon.   

Long have I served, and well deserved some meed,  
yet do do I starve with strife and sternefull nays,  
My constancy was causer of my creed,  
that cruelty is cursed, that trust betrays.   

A cheerless case must needs cause chilling care,  
O pale wanhope, when wanton wants his wish  
No dastard to be da●de where dole doth dear,  
as good to fast as feast where dearth's a dish.   

What metal can resist the flaming fire?  
no heart I think can hate those crystal eyes,  
How can a bounden thrall retire desire?  
The eagle's force subdues each bird that flies.   
These rhymes were made in great agony and anguish. But as every hill hath his dale, every tide his ebb, and every tempest his flaw of fair weather, so had he some intermission of hi● sobbings, though he could not have remission of all his sorrows. For thus he began to straighten his affections with reasons rule. Though he were in disgrace with Aurelia, and defaced of all his friends, yet God would either send remedy, or take him to his mercy. Though his body nothing proportionable to his valour, were not big enough to beat his foe Cornelius, yet did he see that the little dapper carcase was the tabernacle of wit, and the louby bones a type of a dullard. Though in the ruin of his riches he were brought to an exigent, and like to be exiled the precincts of his country, yet did he reconsolate himself with his readings and experiments, by which he found that Wit commonly wears a wallet at his back, when Follies robes be velvets, and to this effect did he frame this petty Pamphlet, whereof here I make illation.  
WHen we have passed the day in the Sea with peril, the night of death doth take us in at the port of health. For who hath a pattern or a lease of his life, or what Obligation in this case may serve, without the performance of many a condition? As oft comes ihe lamb to the market as the elder sheep, as oft blasts the bloom as the riper fruit, and God's joy in garlands, that be fresh and green. Then let youth claim no prerogative, where no privilege is granted, but wish and pray for the coming of his Christ, and watch and ward that he come not unawares.  
I have always thought that the guiltless prisoner with his clogged conscience, looking for nothing but his fatal final sentence at the next gale delivery, is not so subject to the summons of death, as we that are out of circuit of such crimes, & free from the sentence of the bloody judge. This hath ever been mine opinion, preferring the lingering of a certain death, before the lasting of an uncertain life.  
And of all other, the sharpest wit (saith Titleman) hath the shortest life. Because heat, which is the cause of quickness, having pre-eminence in the temperature of his body, doth eat up the natural moisture which is a sustenance to it, and so having nothing to feed on, burns up the carcase. The matter of cold hail is thin and warm saith Arist: warm water sooner freezeth then cold liquor saith Velcurie. and I avouch that the hottest constitution (which by the way, is most pregnant in wit) is the readiest procurer of cold death. Soon ripe, soon rotten: quickly spent, that's easily gotten: bavin burns bright, but it is but a blaze: the flashing lightning is gone at a gaze: then this is my verdict. As those abortivi which are borne before their time, never prove sightlie men: so these forward youths (and too forward saith M. Askam) never prove old men.  
If any man appose me in what sort of men I deem this passing work of wit, for my cock, I would choose the little dapper Dick, take Robin Hood who list, let me have little john. Be not angry with me if I speak amiss. Aristotle is my author, & will answer all replies: who making a bypartite division of all kinds of men in his books of Policy, giveth the burly boned bounsers (neither good for man nor woman, unless it be to lubber-leape them) the orders of servitude, and to little timbered fellows (who want in weight, if you poise them by bodies, but ready in wit, and quick as a be) the government to rule, the one appointing what to do, like Master Oiconomus, the goodman of the house, the other taking aim at his masters mouth to execute his pleasure, So that the masters: ●ye fats the horse, though the Groom of the ●●●le give him provender.  
The same Arist. assertes the most fools to be mos●e bold and fierce. Because as gross blood wherewith he abounds, increaseth his strength, so it must necessarily weaken the wit, and make a grossum caput. Contrariwise the tender blood, from whence thin rare spirits do breath (as our Philosophers clepe them) enséebles the body, and keeps it down, whettes the wit and stunts the stomach.  
Follie advancing herself in that best book of Erasmus, his Encomion moriae, & bragging her to be the mistress of all noble exploits, will admit none but monsters into her muster: small men are scarce sufficient for a foot garrison to watch the walls, not able to endure one nights cold, without a well defencing shelter. She levieth her army of huge boisterous hobbs, well be●eming for their understanders to be the offspring of Giants, who not only will courageously forrige upon their enemies, but durst and would for their bigness and folly, lay a second siege to the hold of the Gods.  
The politic Prince Agamemnon was of a middle pitch, & widly Ulysses of somewhat less stature, whose words came forth like winter snow, such store he had, as good Antenor describs him in Homer. Those therefore of hot composition, and of mean rate in stature, lively, neat, and nimble, do, as Virgil speaketh of Bees in the fourth of his Georgickes, within that little corpses of theirs, right noble stomachs bear.  
For though they be not so rash and fearless as they of the other sort, yet by reading or reason, experience or policy, they dare in time do as much as they, and for the others one matter well compassed with success, they will bring ten thousand to happy end, if luck be answerable.  
Lycurgus, not one clad with the stuntliest courage of all other, and far beyond Aereithous in strength (I mean that Aereithous that bore the massy club, wherewith he fight got such praise, that he christened himself by the name of Clubber) slew him tho by sleight, to whom he found himself inferior in force, and Ereuthalion that mighty champion, was slain by good foresight of the wi●e Nestor.  
I have red that in an old smoky author, which them I thought worthy noting, and here I mean to insert, and this it is in our vulgar tongue. I have seldom seen a long man wise, or a low man lowly. Now this aspiring haughtiness is usually joined with an excelling wit, whereof it proceeds. For having a sharp capacity wherein he doth most resemble the Gods, he desireth to be seated in some exalted throne, near to the Gods and therefore saith one of Alexander, if he had had a quantity of body, measured out to the quality of his mind, with the one hand he had caught the East, and with the other he had reached the West.  
I mean not to make an invective against goodly corporal men, of whom for my part I think very substantially, nor think not, but that as Aristotle saith, great heads, if they be not too great, have the best capacities, so great men, if they be not monsters, have no want of wit. For Paulus Eginetus, I remember, in his first book De medicina saith, that a very little head is a certain sign of a weak judgement, & want in quantity of brain: and I suppose, that if their frame and match be even and equal, Nanes and Dwarves must needs be topped with such heads.  
I can use no sharp answers to excuse myself to these huge Polyphems, neither have I any sound arguments to polished the praises of such as be of the little reasonable size: but this I can aledg drawn from Natural Philosophy, that the wittiest sconce hath the greatest inclination to Venery, wherewith beginning to dally too soon, though for a season it help the growth, yet doth it prevent the natural growth, and if Apollo's Physic be not woven with Apollo's wit, cuts of the course of his years, before the fates have half run their date, unless his peragons had the power of Dan Aurora, who prolonged the youth of her friend Tithonus with supply of her moisture. Yet this may be his comfort, that though he want Paris his parsonage, which is common to many, he may have part of Achilles his prowess, which hath fellowship with few, and be endued with Ulysses his wit, which I will not say, is appropriate to himself.  
The hills are not fertile, nor the valleys barren. The Sun in the highest delighteth in the shadow which is shortest, & nourisheth the Tree, whose root groweth deepest, not whose top springeth loftiest.  
natheless, that seasonable air, and breeding up, and worthy race, may qualify a coward with courage, and portcolize the pate with policy, Ajax Telamonius was wont to say, and I assent. And therefore those 9 worthies of the Greeks, who at Hector's challenge to combat with any one single man, offered themselves to wage battle, each of them severally, had not only braund boisterous bodies, but well bombast also with acute policy,  
I dare not be too vehement against these champions, because as they be fools, so commonly they be fortunate, whereas the other sort their co●riualls in the former comparison, are God knoweth, more lofty than lucky. Which how it comes to pass I know not, but that we see ragged walls have painted clothes, when sound marble is naked: a crooked back must have a bombast doublet, when a straight body wears no such bolsteringes: that ill woods grow apace, when good herbs sprout at ease: and that Nick Noddy hath the luck, when Welladay Wit lives in lack.  
Bellerophon, whose shape, wit, and mind, were more meet for a demi God, then for a mortlinge, whose semine race, and patrie breed, foreheld deaurate sceptres in Ephyra of Argos I'll, with how many forraies of enemies was he afronted, and worse than any drivill assailed with azerd steel, to reave his life by stealth? What monsters had he ministered to be his combatantes? What veins of lanes enforced to thread, but that God whom he implored to be his gardaine, renforced him with armipotente and impugnable mart, to bring the palm away, and prove them dastard parnels? He spending his young years with a King in Graece the height Proetus, had caught (not cautel of it) in his love, the Queen Andia, to whose disloyalty because he would not consent, she bore her husband in hand, that he sought her dishonour, & besought him to revenge it with austerity of punishment. Proetus would not murder him in in his own house, but forged letters of guile, wherewith he sent Bellerophon to his Father in law King Rheon, the Lycian prince, with this tenure, to reiourne the bearers return from time to time, and by some occasion to put him to death. Rheon to give good entertainment to his son in laws entreaty, enjoins this Bellerophon to slay the dire monster Chimere, a ghastfull thing, and for no man to do, as he supposed. The head and breast of him were like a Lion, the middle like a goat, behind like a Dragon, & his breathings terrible flames: him, after much tiring toil, Bellerophon slew. That done the Solymes down he hacked. Then the King appointed him to try with many an Amazon: but still he was so steeled with hardy heart, that he laid the life of these Amazons in mortgage with Pluto, for his favour at such atttempts. At length, to make a sure end of him, Rheon provided an ambushment of the Lycians to set upon him hard by a fountains side, yet all this packed crew Bellerophon murdered. With these dangers undeseruedlye was noble Bellerophon distress, though at length it pleased the Gods to ennoble his innocency, & the foresaid king to mount his credit.  
This story of Bellerophon I thought meet to restore you, being once before recited by Homer, because if Pegasus, the flying horse of Fame were alive again, he could not be better busied, then to carry his renown through the whole world▪ such store make I of it.  
I could make you an inventory of ten thousand more, that deserving well, were méeded as ill, and fill a peddlers pack with my rehearsals, but this may suffice for the drift of my declaration, and enough they say, is as good as a feast.  
And for the party opposite how well fools can fadge, I need but relate a short alligation.  
The coxcomb Phrixus is said to ride in the Sea upon a golden Ram: the interpretation of which Emblem is, that he had all things ●t will that are in the world. A doltish Ass, and sibles stranger, enjoyed rich Phenops wealth, the heritage of whose twain and only sons, Thoon and Xanthus, was intercepted by slaughter. Megeros' the noddy had gathered an hutch full of gold, when his elder brother a learned Phtlosopher, was urged to beg.  
The compiling of this small volume, Philotimus thought some comfort to himself, and would sometimes read it to help to rid his melancholy. But now by Philotimus his favour, I must borrow a little leave to bestow on his adversary Cornelius.  
I will you to wit, that this Cornelius had been a long lover of one Laida, a gallant courtly Gentlewoman, and one of Aureliaes' fellows. This Laida (saving Aurelia) was compear in heau- to any in the Court, & (saving brave Aurelia) was fancied of Cornelius more than all other. On the other side, she by disposition was very light, and therefore soon enamoured of his gracious parsonage, covetous of coin (as most women be) and therefore condescended to depose to all his interrogatories. Finally she see him more than her match in any thing (except a little pelting wit) and therefore yielded to be his mate in every thing, I except not bed pleasure.  
This she did under guard of his oath, which promised that in time convenient, bridal banes should make amends for all: but when she see him started from his hearts foredelight, and such a block as Aurelia laid to stumble at, that never thought one straw would lie in her way, she set the hare's head to the goose gibling, and Spanyerdlike was as careless as he: marry she meant not to hurt herself with keeping her choler close, but sent it wrapped in a scroull to be an eyesore to him.  
Laida to Cornelius.  
WEre ye so hot in my sacred service, that now you are fled for holy religion? Adieu sir Duns, a botch on your britch, God keep you from sickness, till sores have consumed you.  
When I got you, I gained a flatterer, when I lost you, I f●●n a flincher, what have I gained, or what have I lost, judge you.  
I know not whether is better to wail my good weal, that I received unwillingly of a frantic foe, or smile at his sottishness, embracing hardhap, which gives him a serpent, and tells him its fish. Yet can I not choose but weep, with an onion in mine eye, and an apple in my mouth, & better do I think it to weep out mine eyes, never to see the like caitiff again, then laugh out my spene at his fickle folly, and hurt myself with extremity of passion.  
hay ho for Lucius, my mind is all on Fabian, Lysiteles is mine only joy, Dinarchus want doth make me moon. She is scarcely weather wise, that knows not how usually the wind doth change, from East to West, from North to South: but she is far less worldly wise, that stores not a choice for every change.  
He that rides with one girth, may fear to be unhorsed, and she that feeds on one friend, deserves to live with leavings.  
I grant by my folly I was inveigled with deceit, and hope that by patience, I shall be comforted in distress.  
The loss of hope abridgeth lamentation, & light belief hath commonly light love.  
Thou art more meet for a widows joy, which lasts but a moment, then fit to be a maiden's fear, whose faith outlastes the heavens in durance.  
I have been so undermined and countermined by thy overthwart ways, that Theseus was not more glad of his delivery out of the Labyrinth, than I rejoice to be freed of thy leasing forgeries. When my offence shall come to scanning, which hath alienated thee so suddenly from me, thou wilt be found as fantastical as Nausicles a Merchant in Naucratia, which being in love with Arsinoe, and often gratulated with her company, began in process to loathe his Arsinoe, because, when she sung at his entreaty, her cheeks swelled, and her eyes stared: or like the Wife, which seeing one behave himself valiantly in a Tournement, fell in love with him, but when he put up his Beaver to take the air, and the Woman coming apace to see him, perceived it was her Husband, she made a mock at the matter, and cared not for him.  
Pray therefore for thyself, and so would I do for thee (although thou not deserve it) but that the Gods would be offended to pray for so wicked a perjured reprobate, that the reckoning of thy new hostess, be not racked to a more unreasonable rate, than was Aristippus his the Athenians, which by the mischievous means of his second marriage was banished his country, and his goodds confiscate. But like will to like, saith the old proverb, a flinching fool, to a fléeting flatterer, and this is true, and trusted of old, the ever a sloving, slim slam sibi quaerit.  
I have been more liberal to thee of my maidenly store, than now I am proud on, & I fear thou art more prodigal in blabbing it out, than thou hast thank for: yet good beast, do not boast of thy shameful getting, for I gave thee that, which then I had not, and thou receivedst the, which thou tookst not.  
I know what I writ, when I indite of thy knavery, & thou canst level at my meaning, by the aim of thy subtlety.  
Surely there hath happened a prodigious wonder in thy love: for whiles thou lovedst me, there was neither Winter, nor Summer, nor Spring, nor Harvest. Thou didst love me from midday till high noon.  
Yet I nothing marvel at it. For I never knew Capon yet love Hen: neither am I ignorant, why your paramour is so passionate over you, she doth it not I warrant you, without consideration: for her ship being fraught, she may take a passenger, and her belly being sped, take thee for advantage.  
I see (Cornelius) that thou art one of those, that will run seven. miles to kiss the stake a smock hung on, though thou haste more work at home, than such a tinker as thou, can well botch  
I was a thread too course for your spinning, for so you make semblance: yet if your wheel had been steadfast and not casten the band, my web had been fine enough for your slovenlye wear.  
Mustard and pepper received into the stomach, hurt nothing at all, but being applied to the outside of the skin, do blister and inflame. If any trespass I have committed against thee, had come from inward malice, thou hadst been excusable, but being so superficial, or not at all faulty, it doth quite condemn thee.  
Although the fixed stars should sooner fleet, than I would swear and swerver, yet my reason being at liberty, teacheth patience in adversity. The same jove which gives the Sun his splendent globe, hath given the Moon, all as he would, her horned head, yet as the Moon, by how much the more she is distant from the Sun, by so much the brighter is illuminated: So, the further I am dissociated from thee, the fit shall I be to dissolve all follies.  
Farewell, and choke of it: for I never knew Rover of any continuance, but at length he rushed against the rocks, and so I trust wilt thou. And as juno for spite turning Parrhasis into a Bear, was the cause, that jove for amends, exalted her to be a neighbour star to the Northern pole: so the inkling of this thy fact, will make my life exact, and esteemed among thy betters. I commend me to thy cogginges, and salute thy ingratitude with an unhartie greeting.  
Golden looks are painted hooks. Beware.  
Laida, once thine, and now her own.  
These letters were as welcome to Cornelius, as a storm of wind to the month of March. For this he looked and longed for, to be so lightly forsaken. Immediately he resent an awnswere, which I imagine was of his writing, and Aureliaes' inditing. For when his apparel was of his back, all his wit was dear of twopences.  
Cornelius to Laida.  
MY Lady, sweet Beauty, Sluts whelp and her darling, I g●ete you well. I received your letters the first day of my malice, dated the eighteenth year of the migne of a s●ould.  
When I had read thy ramping stile, I feared thou wert giddy, or in some frantic ecstasy, & then I recalled my thanklessankles fear, and hoped that thou wert even so indéeed.  
Thou art like Menechmus Subreptus his wife, who thinking an other had been her husband for their like resemblance, falsely burdened him with her husband's knavery: and I, because I am like myself, am slanderously impeached of inconstancy. As the bragging ostentation, of thy accusation, seems to import, I now am an other than I was before. For than I was reputed of sufficient honesty, and now am descried of much cogging varletrie, so that my good manners are grown out of fashion, and men's good opinion turned to despair. If I am not as I was, as thou sayest I am not, but strangely changed, I cannot tell how, then praise Cornelius, whose credit is currant, and blame me no whit, for I am not the same.  
Thy cankered rancour shows how far unfit thou art to have a loving spouse, & thy hasty teatishnes, grounded only on suspicion, bewrays thy starting fancy for every jealous freak.  
Thy husband shall not need to be justice of peace, for his wife will have a charter to make her justice of coram. If he punish others, and examine them of wrongs, thou wilt school him, and ask him accounts. I was glad when I see thy uproring brawlings, that then my being was out of thy reach: else either had I got an odious conquest, in giving a woman the overthrow, or else had suffered a shameful conflict, in taking of her the Bastinado. Hast thou not heard of biblinge Phiale, Diana's Nymph? her in all points art thou like.  
But could I departed from her, who hath (ah) loved me from the beginning, and who nover meant but continue to the end? I dare say (Laida) thou lovedst me well. Well quoth I? Yea and so well, that thou couldst have wished with all thy heart, a pair of pinsons of my hide: you are a sweet nut, the Devil crack you.  
I had no cause to doubt thy flinching: for whithersoever I had gone abroad, I might have carried thee in my cap.  
Thou knowest (Laida) that the lees and dregs of wine draw always to the bottom: yet if honey be put into a wine vessel, the lees as overcomen with the honey, rise up to the top, and the honey takes their place: even so, thou, which in foretime hast enjoyed the deepest part of my heart, though thou were as sour as lees, assoon as the honey Aurelia, exhibits herself, must by necessity brook to yield thyself. Lay the crystal stone against the Sun, and put any thing nigh it that is combustible, and incontinently it is set on fire: such is the potence of Aureliaes' virtue, that whomsoever it approacheth, immediately it inflams him. He that seethe such a game before his eyes, and will not let thee slip, hath small skill in hunting.  
As for me, I am not without the stone Tabrices, a stone, whose colour is consonant to the Crystal, which Euax & Aaron, and the old Philosophers say, giveth favour, eloquence, and honour, to them that use to bear it about.  
Small drink seems stronger to one that is fasting, then to one that is full: so Laida, every sip of thee seemed to be sauced with a pound of sugar, till I had tasted of Aureliaes' banquet, and then it seemed to have neither taste nor relish. And no wonder, though thy sweetness be so soon soured. For sweet milk, & sweet blood, and other sweet things, are soon altered in concoction, and when the stomach assayeth to digest them and can not, then turn they immediately to be soured: Even so, thou: But apply this parable to thyself, I have no leisure to intend thee from Aureliaes' business, and any time is lost that is lente a thankless person.  
To wind up all in a short conclusion, this thou haste heard, the hot wines ingendex cold diseases: and this I tell thee, that my scalding love is turned to cooling hate.  
They aee evil horsed, and worse wived, that ride on colts, & marry young giglittes: both these I will avoid as near as I may.  
Neither thine, nor his own, Cornelius.  
To avoid all tedious prolixity, because many more things will occur to be spoken on, know you, that Cornelius and Laida, ever after this lived as denounced enemies, seldom meeting, but he with pouting, and she with flouting, incensed many a knarly jar  
But poor Philotimus he was tried with all tribulations, he was abused of every refuse rascal. Cornelius and Aurelia to excuse themselves, accused him of treacheries, of cozenage, of every villainy that may be named, which the rather was believed, because he now was fallen to poverty, and so constrained to live hardly. His creditors were most of them such, as had wasted the revenues of his lands, and now were most importunate for the discharge of his debts. Philotimus did often send Cornelius his daring challenge (though his strength were far inferior) to meet him in any convenient place, which the coward would not be brought to do.  
Thus loaded with more grief, then can be borne with Geometry (whereon the body of man doth hang) and sending out more sighs, then can be numbered by Ciphers, or told by Arithmetic (wherein man's Soul consists) the poor forlorn Gentleman entered his chamber, where shutting the door, he closely with himself debated his distress in this sort.  
Ah Philotimus, thou wretched wight Philotimus, that canst neither live with credit, nor die with honour, cursed be the hour wherein thou wast got, a cloud dim that day wherein thou wast borne, damned be the parents that brought thee to light, and whelmed be the World with fire and brimstone, that with rebellious insurrections, and inordinate commotions, all & every one have conspired my decay.  
Am I that Philotimus, whose bare word was wont to be of more weight, than ten thousand pounds of some man's money, and now am called in question of petty shameless cozenage, which (O Lord) thou knowest how much I abhor? Am I that Philotimus, whom all my friends have the best flower in their garland, and now am cast out for a rotten stinking weed, trod under foot of every passenger? O Lord save my credit from shipwreck, and bring it to safe harbour, where taken as a wreck of the Sea by way of escheat, in time it may be known how unspotted it is. Thou haste all men's hearts in thy hands to dispose at thy pleasure, forget my transgressions, mortify my affections, and renew their good opinions, who now despair of me.  
What is becomed of him, that sometime was the Gem of all the jewels in Athens, then praised of all, to encourage him to virtue, now prased for of some, to restrain him from vice? Is he not now thought a sensual reprobate, divorced from all piety, lulde in security, given up of God to his palpable lusts, with the bit in his teeth to fling where he list, like an harbourcles vagabond, or a brother of Cain?  
My long acquainted friends, combined to me with equal faith, why fly ye touch, why start ye from me? If I have taken stand, why cast ye not forth your wont lures? Or if as yet I be not well mand, why make ye no labour to reclaim me from haggardnes? Arraign me at the bar of Seurre judgement, exaggerate my crimes with amplification, impannell an inquest of Russet coat Robbins, let Cautle Subtlety be the foreman, & Summum●ius the judge, and Cuthbert the cutthroat commense his action, what amercement or penalty can they assign me, or wherein can they say I have offended, that should alienate any man from former liking? Indeed I have wastefully spent (more caitiff I) the surrender of my father's lands, and run myself into desperate debts, and now in steed of blue coats to wait at my table, have a couple of Sergeants to attend me through the streets, that I slip not the collar. But of what sparkles did this heat glow, or from whence did these expenses take their Exordium? to glut mine own unsatiable appetites, or to feed the ve●ues of foisting mates, who never held out fist while I had a groat, that they pulled it in empty, and now not only all of them have abandoned my company, but some that have soaken many an angel out of my bag, if they reckon but two pence that I borrowed ●t theirs, are ready to send out process to attach my body?  
True is the Proverb, save a Thief from the gallows and he will be the first shall do thee a mischief. I have clothed these ragamuffins, I have fed these clammed mitchers, I have been their harbinger, when they had not a cave to couch their coxcombs in. I thought their boulstered names had stuff to show, the praise did height. I raised a star whereto direct my course, in whose prospect my tackle failed, my compass broke. I threshed for corn, & all is turned to chaff.  
O that I had either been Zopyrus, to have deciphered their falsehood by Phisiognomye, or they had been such as Socrates, to have changed their crooked natures by education. I have red that if Basil be put ●ouertlie underneath the dish where a woman should eat, her queaste stomach straightway loathes it. O that I had such a virtue to have stayed my friends falsehood. But letters that are made of the powder of Rochalum, can not be read but in clear water, and those that pack their cogging in a cloak of dissembling, cannot be descried but by a wary forwatch. Adrianus painted grapes so artificially, that birds pecked at them, neither could any discern them, but with diligent marking. The holin tree beareth bark, & berries, the one kills birds, the other feeds them: and such fellows bear angels in their faces, and devils in their devices, the one enticeth good natures to follow them, the other entangles them in their deceits.  
Because I have digged mine own ground, till I come at the clay, and now ask some liquor at my neighbours Well, they not only deny me with a snub, but out of my hearing r●●ile without cause, and make ladders on my back for Slander to climb on.  
Erect your Trophies (Captains) you have got a goodly conquest, and gained knighthood this day, by bringing a sackles soul into a fools paradise, as Clitus taking three or four ships, called himself Neptune. When a man's hose be down, it is easy to kiss him where he sat on Saturday. Your scoffs be out of season, far from the documents of evangelical Gospelers, which preach both in season and out of season, but taking an holier text than any of you, and affording a little more profitable notes.  
Hanno with durable pains, taught birds which he penned in a cage, in time to cry Deus est Hanno, Hanno is a God, & you with crafty forged dealing, have (ah Craft) made the common sort extol you to the skies. Because you would cast of the yoke that is laid on your neekes to be the means of my ruin, you bear them in hand when you are in corners, that as the Salamander is cause of her own death, by spirtinge out the fire which doth nourish her: so I with prodigal expenses, not procured by any of you, have ruinated my state, & brought it to this stay: & therefore have I foultred, because I followed not you.  
Woe to the Geese that have the Fox for their priest, ay for the Lambs that are nursed of the Wolf, in the ditch falls the blind that is led by the blind. It is hard to draw water in a dry soil, or fish out skill from an empty pond. As to be heard where ears are none, or Led to be graven in Marble stone, so hard it is to hear counsel of you, which may accord with any good.  
Good souls, you have nothing within, but guts and garbage, neither heart, nor liver, nor any good entrails. Go sleep in a Trunk with Clearchus, catch flies all day with Domitianus, or go to the plough with the Aracosians. You may sooner be Doctors at Daws cross, than sergeants of the Coif, and commense Coridon's with your clownish conditions, chen be created counsellors for your policy which is none.  
Well, the time which was, will be (saith Plato) where he speaketh of hi● great year, and I myself hope for a year of jubilee. The Sun which falleth in the West with Eclipse of his light, riseth in the East with his fiery garland: high springs may cease from swelling, but never dry away. In the mean time though they speak me as fair, as judas did Christ the same night that he betrayed him, can a Gentleman's courage put up this injury? Shall they spurn and I not kick? I will use mean and main, sack their souls, & ransack their dwellings, and send them vengeance with advantage, I will assail to scale their fort, or else will smell of smoke. The banks will undermine, if the Sea flow not over, and if my fury have no vent, my heart will cleave asunder.  
Nay, since they say what they list, they shall hear what they list not. Though I be an Ass, and borne to bear, yet they shall snaffle my tongue to wrap it up in silence. Thy tongue Philotimus? A goose gagles, and an hen cackles, and wilt thou gain the game with tattling?  
No, send them thy gauntlet, challenge the combat, wage battle, match their malice, innocency bears a shield to break their blows. Pursue the fugitives, make havoc of them, hail them by the hairy scalps up and down the streets, chop them as small as flesh to pot, let not a parcel of their memory remain by the remnant of their ashes.  
O Philotimus, thou hast eaten bulbéefe, and braggest highly: thou touchest near, but draws no blood. Every hooked nose is not a conqueror: few cursed kine have long horns. Where be thy burgonie, thy beaver▪ thy collar, thy corselet, thy powldringes, thy tasies, thy volley of shot, thy planted ordinance, thy casted mounts, with all thy garrison of well arrayed soldiers? A rusty rapier is no trusty rampire. It is not a sharp sound, that proves a full battle. A Caesar's mind, and a Codrus might, can never agree.  
Tush, thou art like a Thief, that thinks every Tree a trueman. Thou mayest aswell be fearless, as he that holds the wolf by the ears: new wine will seaech to find a vent, and wit will walk where will is bend: when the wind is not in a good coast, we must ship our ●ares and further our course: venture & conquer. Hast thou never a knack in thy so●s head, never a shifting  of an Irish Hobby? Canst thou not feign a hot mouth, when thou hast a cold maw, sound the trumpet of great friendship, and then begin the skirmish with a false alarm? If thou canst not compass thy whole desire, be content with that which may come to pass, flatter for advantage, and be not ashamed (quoth Phormio) in Terence. Go burning sighs unto their frozen hearts, go break the ice with pities painful darts: and when they are within thy reach, give them the cup of bitter sweet, to pledge their mortal foe.  
Then mayest thou chant thy cheerful chance, but interim, thou chats about moonshine in the water. Thou shalt assoon make music with a pudding and a capcase, as a currant gloze of this device. Climb the Sun by the beams, and any thing thou sayest, begin to assay it.  
Alas, what helps the dial the blind, the clock the deaf, or wit him that wants opportunity? they hate thee, and shun thee, and will not now hear of thee. Though the Mariner have cunning to govern the vessel, it lieth not in his skill to calm the Seas. It is enough to point to the straw where the pad lurks. The smell of the Radish kills the Serpent, and therefore they avoid it: The smell of  Penniriall kills fleas, and therefore they cannot abide it: And they, because they know thy craft, will beware of thy trains. Onions and Garlic sown near Roses, though they touch them not, draw all the gross and sour moisture into themselves: and though at this time they are not in thy bosom, yet have they the Art optic to search out thy drifts. They will know thy visage by thy vizard, thy pretended subtlety by thy counterfeit simplicity.  
Well then, sith this is a sauce too sharp for thy diet, and these be herbs too strong for thy nose, leave of this Phrygian melody that incenseth to battle, and take the Aeolian harmony, which appeaseth the tempest ot the troubled mind. Thy taint is passed anointing, thy  is past balming, no remedy remains, but death must be surgeon of thy sore. Come death, & throw thy piercing dart into my panting breast: Death is a port, whereby we pass to joy: life is a lake that drowneth all in pain. A chief relief to conquered men is desperately to die. Adieu delights that lulled me asleep: farewell my joys, and dulced bed of rest: sweet were the joys that would both like & last: strange were the state exempt from all distress.  
Happy was I (that was a woeful word to sane) ah happy was I, that now am most miser. No miser Philotime, wast thou ever in thy life, and that at this time makes the most miserable. The stricken dear withdraws himself to die, and so will I. Brutus will first choose to make a Cutler's shop of his own belly, with his own hands, before he will fawn for his enemy's favour: Lucrece receiving a private scar, would never live with open scorn: let these be preparatives to thy speedy dispatch. Dost thou not remember them, that hearing Plato's Phaedon of the soul's immortality, cast themselves headlong into the Sea, to rid them of their lives, and enjoy the soul's pleasure?  
Avaunt Satan, thou prevailest not. Though thou set me upon a pinnacle, and offer all the kingdoms that are in the world, thou losest thy labour: my God will defend me from this extremity. Shall I pull down this bodily building, that his Fatherly providence hath erected to his own similitude? No (saith Plato) & he after Plato, in his book entitled Scipio's dream, A prisoner committed to ward by commandment, may not shake of his shackles when he list, nor come out of prison but by authority. Sith his Godhead hath bestowed this corporal mansion on a sinful wretch, and framed me likewise after his character, I will not dissolve it as though I misliked it, but continue his goodness with thanksgiving.  
Aristotle overcharging his fantasy, with too subtle a search beyond his wits reach, did himself to die, to his own condemnation & hindrance of us▪ judas & Saul may terrify and edify, judging themselves by their own censures, and warning us all to fear, but with faith. No violence is permanent, and Opinion is sometime of impossibilities: the one may persuade us that the other slakes grief, but the other deceiving with deluding contrariety, shortly returns to his former recourse. The corruption of one, is the generation of an another. Our misery in mortality, which is but momentany, be it dispossessed without God's appointment, newly begets, and renews a fresh, a never parting pains in the life to come.  
Then let inward spirit better outward speech (as Alcibiades speaks of Socrates in Plato's symposium:) there meaning to commend his master Socrates, he compares him to Syleni, as they sat in the Ingravers shops: for without they were engraved with pipes and instruments, but being ripped and opened, they had the Images of Gods. Ulysses could forbear his maids choakinge checks for a certain proof of suspected probabilities: Etrascus loving thirty years, could not achieve his heart's desired choice, yet at the end, found reward of his mistress. Achilles for a time fair Brysins did forego, & yet they met again, them think thou mayst do so: the Lord may restore thee to former state, them first seek his kingdom, and all shall be ministered. If he have given thee a bill of divorcement, never to join issue with wealth nor pleasure, he requires no more service but prayer for patience, and constancy in this service, till thy Audit day in heaven.  
It may be, he hath brought thee trom bench to bar, to plead for thy safety with care and sobriety, least being exalted to sit on the bench, thou hadst judged thyself with dissolute haughtiness. As the youngman Tuscus, by Petrarches' report, seeing his feature, as it were a lawnd for beauties bloudhounds there to draw, which was perilous for his credit, and dangerous for their safety, thinking rather to make grief of his gain, than that should hurt any which could help none, all to gashed his face with voluntary knocks, to deform himself, and defraud them.  
Far therefore be that from me, which Epiucrus thinketh in Tully's books of the nature of the Gods, that nothing is governed by the providence of God, because saith he, those that be immortal, take no pains, but being idle and vacant, trouble not themselves with any manner meddling. No, not a leaf falls to the ground without God's good leave. Therefore let every part either in Comedy or Tragedy be willingly played, as he shall assign.  
Ah doting Dido, sie pholishe Phillis, unfortunate Camma, misborne Medea, more cruel than Atropos, to untwine your fatal threads. What mente ye to disinherit your lawful tenants for term of naturalll life (your bodies I mean) more easily disjoined, then knit together, as Cato saith in Tully's old-age? Though every one of you had silver feet, as Philostratus in Heroicis reports of Thetydes in these words Guropes' a thetis: Though you had such grace in your eyes, as Homer reports of juno: Though you had Jove's hair, which he speaks on in his first Ilias: or brave Achilles his, when Pallas coming down from Heaven at juno's request, pulled him backward by the golden hair, which Homer calls Zanthen comen. Yet if a man should make Epigrams on your best virtues, your praises would be as mean, as Euphorbus his the trojans▪ which Homer did give him when he was a dying, in whom he bewailed nothing but his fair ruff of hair.  
Well then, though I am loath to unload my deeringe cares to my dearest friends, and bewray all my wants whereof I am ashamed, yet it is virtues lore to seek means to live, and war●e venturing shall give the onset. I will write to Aemilius, our ancient friendship is yet but memorable, and my good welfare to him is estimable, he is my best friend, & my best beloving brother, and therefore I know he will give me assistance.  
Then taking pen in hand, in which for fear the ink did seem to freeze, for that he blushed, and was abashed to beg, he wrtt to his brother of all his distresses, contriving his Arguments into these two heads: That for the indissoluble bond of their sacred sworn friendship, and natural regard of their near alliance, he hoped without pausing he would send him purveyance, and renew the state of his passed life with the imparture of his new relief.  
His page Parmenio, which never departed from him, was the carrier of these letters, and for want of an horse posted on foot. M. Aemilius was aghast at the tenure of these letters, and half & more ashamed to retain such a guest, and so far he was from aiding his ill apaid brother, that he charged Fulvia his Wife, and Philotimus his only sister, not to meddle with Philotimus.  
Nay (quoth he) the Crow that hath no care of her own birds, will not tender the nestlinges of blackebirdes: the be that cannot feed of the sweet of the honeysuckle, will hardly make honey of the juice of the Thistle: he that seethe not his blemishes in a Crystal glass, will not blot them out by looking in black marble: when hemp will not spring in a fertile ground never tilled, it will not grow and flourish in a dried heath: since he could not keep pace, when his legs were lithe and léenie, and his horse & foot-cloth at his command, how can he outrun his fellows, when his limbs are all lamed, though you lend him a crutch to lean upon? His answer he returned in this order.  
Aemilius to the luckless Philotimus.  
Poor soul Philotimus, God send thee more wit than thou usest in begging, & to bag better alms, than thou gettest by bragging: but he that spends all, deserves the like blank, & a proud hearted beggar, hath seldom proved better. Whilst you study on the stars with lofty looks, & scale the skies with taratant terms, you stumble at a straw for want of good footing, and dive in the ditch, where I fear you stick fast. Had you craved my help with humiliate submission, it had caused your health, and medcined your moaning: But you entreat me not, as I am your better, but charge me with duty, because I am your brother. It follows aswell of our fraternity, that I disburse money to acquit you of debt, as that Arthemioes' nurse's son should succeed in the Argives kingdom, because he sucked the same milk that Arthemio did, who deceased intestate without an heir apparent. Neither consanguinity of brotherhood, nor aunciety of acquaintance, shall seduce me from my caveats, or reduce me to your cautels. For friendship hath no form, when his matter is perished (which is honesty) and brothers have free-will, not custom to constrain them. By the same steps you came to beggary, return till you come to your mineral of riches, & when you amend, I will change my mind. Farewell.  
Your friend that was willingly, and unwillingly is your brother, Aemilius.  
These were tidings unbethought on of Philotimus, no sooner heard, but taken to heart. Yet though his best joint were erased, he would not for choler deface his other members: though his likeliest graft did bear no fruit, he did not condemn & contemn all his plants: though in the fairest goblet he had found poison, he would not refuse to drink in a meaner piece: imitating Hylus the Persian, who defrauded of his Lordships, by his nearest friends, used the means of aliens to obtain a kingdom.  
Philotimus then having recordation of an old companion of his in the Court, who friendly had professed much, and was proficient in nothing (as occasion gave proof) thought, that since there was one ace left that might do him good (though he had missed of that cast, which might have won the game without contradiction) to try the dice, which never were constant, and consequently with confidence setting pen to paper, writ these few lines.  
Philotimus to his friend Erogazus.  
GOod friend Erogazus, health to thy person, and wealth to thy friends. O Erogazus, I now must write thee wonders, and crave thee for my Sanctuary. My plenty hath bred me poverty: my fair and sunny downy day, hath all beburnt my hew: my strength hath given me a fall, much like Narcissus' fate, whose too much beauty was a bait, to catch him in the brook. My wealth was weary of his welfare, and never deignde to woo that Lady Wit, till Woe entistte it neither to despise nor spite her hests. I am now more uncouthly transmuted, from my ancient state, than he who with looking on Minerva's naked side, did lose his shape, and was transformed to a Beast.  
The blind Poliphemus did not more mournfully and wastefully cry unto his loved fair Calatea, than I a poor blind forlorn Gentleman both of friends and affection, do with dole and despair, call till I cough, but without an answer, to my Lady Aurelia.  
Aurelia (dear friend) hath forsaken Philotimus. But why? God knows, not I, except it be for this, to make me a pattern to my péers, of fortune's frailness & beauty's lightness, and herself a sampler to light housewives, of love for living, & inconstancy in love.  
My creditors were not so ready to lend me money, as they are unreasonable for a sudden discharged: in this resemblinge the epicures stomachs, who having a great Service brought to the table at once, would not eat any meat but having every 〈◊〉 brought severally by itself, like inglun●ous corm●rauntes gu●d up all: so they in my time of harvest would ●●k me no co●●e, but in the depth of winter, will needs have a crop.  
My lands are mortgaged, my demanes leased, my apparel pawned, nothing wanting in me to the accomplishment of all misery, but that I wear no gives, with which they think to gin me: for my chamber is a prison, and I penned up in it, out of which I dare not look, lest some evil eye look on me.  
My solace in this agony is too sorrowful to recite, & my pleasures want a name, unless Pain be their nickname. My Lute lies mute, my Cytharin sad, my Virginals (whose quavering notes Aurelia oft hath caused) being bereft of her that was a virgin saint as they thought, are jarring out of tune. If Thales (who with music cured the sick of the plague) or Zenocrates (who with melody helped frantic lunatics) should make me harmony, I should rather think the Gods had sent me this joy for my further pains, then take delight of their lays with my discordant ears: so oft have the Gods deluded me with doatinge, so disturbed is my mind with disordinate carking.  
In this extremity, I crave thy help to appease my creditors, and ease my pains: and though my ability be scant to countervail your cost, yet inconstant fortune will once batter for better, and then a grateful mind shall requite with double guerdon. I am not ignorant, how little thou owest me, nor so impudent to demand aught of duty: yet must I commit an inconvenience, to prevent a mischief, and for ancient benevolence, crave your beneficence. Few words may suffice a willing mind, and one syllable is too much for an unwilling miser. Farewell (good Erogasus) on whom only I cast the anchor of my care. I expect thy speedy answer, and hope for present help.  
What entertainment these letters of entreaty had, you may judge by Erogazus his awnswere, which followeth.  
Erogazus to Philotimus.  
THe malignant nature of thy entice malady, doth notify the danger of thy disease, and warns us to decline his perilous contagions. The infected of the plague, do naturally covet to contaminate others: the Drone deprived of his wings, doth seek to clip the Bees of theirs: when the Raven feels herself draw near to death, she kills her yongones to lead the dance: & I suppo●e (Philotimus) thou thinkest it a comfort in thy misery, to have a companion in extremity.  
If one trea● bar-footed on the bird Drymus, forthwith his skin cometh of, and his legs swell, and they also that handle him which is hurt, lose their skin: the crystal waves that beats against the muddy rock, do purge the rock, but do pollute themselves with filth. Alphenor offering to rescue Phedimus and Tantalus ystrick with piercing shaft yfere, and lying groveling on the ground, was gride himself through bulcke, with dint of deadly dart: your part must be minced by these comparisons, & your festered wounds you wish me swadle up, must seek another surgeon, or remain without remedy.  
Though the River Peneon run in the Lake Titaresis, yet is it never mi●ed with it: though for old acquaintance sake I can take pains to see you brought to the gallows, I mean to be no partner of your ha●ter.  
As the Colt will not be bridled, so the Ass must be spurred: as no rule could rain you, whiles you were in your huff: so scant must tame you, when you are in your need.  
To beg, is no way to get my friendship. If you will keep friends, you must put in practise this old delectorie. Give, take, seek, all things, few things, nothing, else you may put your flock in the common, but it shal● hardly find a shepherd, & seek for an alms, but find God's seath For proof whereof, because you shall believe me, I myself willbe as provident to keep my right, as you were nothing wise to demand without reason. Farewell good Philotimus, I have not for you.  
Yours if he might, Erogazus.  
When Pilotimus, had red these letters, ah wretch (quoth he) that hast no end of thy goods, nor beginning of goodness, no cause to spend thy money on thyself, nor honesty to lend it to thy friends, that hadst rather reserve thy coin to a needless use, then deserve well of others, with parting from a penny: the moths eat thy money, the worms wroot thee out, and utter decay be both your destinies. Now when he see no truth, neither in lover, nor brother, nor friend, divided as it were into choler and grief, he writ this Pamphlet following.  

Mihi crede, credendum nemini.  
HE whose trust hath wrought him treason, which treason causeless, hath brought him misery, warns all good natures to beware by his folly, & gives them this pamphlet for a friendly caveat.  
Vouchsafe to read it, though you ride him that made it, and if (as I wish) it be to your benefit, (which shall be my comfort) let it not miss to be my bale, which is my custom.  
Rifle it to the bottom, though it be but a trifle, fools babbles may serve to make wisemen sport: search it to the sinews, & try out his entrails, though his stature be small, his heart may be big: leave what you like not, & believe what you list, you have scope to scape harmless: It is my themes bidding to be dainty in choosing, respect or reject to your private contentmentes.  
Thus under protection of your friendly benevolence, & undoubted ascertaunce of willing attention, I will prove my purpose manifestly, by discoursing dispersedly, through all or the most creatures extant in the world, & lest I incur that idiots fault, which intending to write the life of Priamus, began many degrees of with his great grandfathers predecessor, and so spent his pith ere he came to his purpose, to avoid the like, & needles superfluity, I begin as followeth.  
BE sure to those to whom you plight troth, but be slow to trust any with reposed confidence: for he that makes breach of his passed protestation, is far worse than Pythius the deceitful Silversmith of Syracuse: and he that trusts too far, though upon some trial, is like the foolish Beara●d, which having tamed his Bear, will thrust his hand into his jaws, or venture so far within his gripes, that sometimes he is urged to cry for help  
ARct seems the knot, & indissoluble the bond of mutual goodwill twixt the parent & the child. Yet Tullia Tarquin's daughter for covetise of the empire, not only bereft her father of life, but in spite made her couch to be drawn o'er his body, and with her trampling jades bruised his corpses. Servius Tullus was molested of his children: Zan●ppus persecuted his Father Pericles: Oedipus was imprisoned of Eteocles and Polynices: Bassianus sought the death of his father Severus.  
Although Aristotle say S. Ethics, that Love descends rather th●n ascends, that parents love children more than they requite it, ●et doth not this love always individually concomitate and follow parents. justinus the abridger of Trogus Pompeius writeth, that the wife of Demetrius for desire she had to reign, betrayeth one of her sons, who was an obstacle to her enterprise, and by that horrible fact dismissing all motherly affection, when another son of hers named Grippus had recovered his father's dominions, she, as though she had been embased by this conquest, attempted to imbrue her hands in the blood of him, although it happened most diametrically opposite: for offering him a cup of deadly poison, when he came thirsty from exercise, he of dutiful courtesy desired her to begin, and urged her so far, that he found but great proofs of her intended purpose, wherewith the Queen being overcome, poisoned herself with the potion which she had provided for her son. Phoenix deflowered a damosel, whom his father Amintor kept in cube, and did affectionate, for which cause, his sire thundering bitter curses, invoking the fell condemned furies, bequeathing to his hire the hateful harms of Hell, and wishing such a son might never be sire, or beget babes to be his nephews, whom he might cherish in his bosom, he fled from his father's malediction, and left the hope of all his wealth in Hellade, where then Amintor reigned. Meleager, when the turretts of his native City Calydon were battered by crews of Cu●et land, could not, having taken a little displeasure, either be cal●●ed with the Lords fair offers, or be entreated with the Clergies prayers, or be induced by his Father's beseechinges kneeling on his knees, to save the City, till time, passed time almost, not for their succour sake, but of his own disposition, the toy took him in the head.  
If that were law now, which was lawful in Sophocles his time, for children to dispossess their doting parents, we should find, I doubt not, no small multitude, that with Sophocles his sons, would go about to prove their father's fools, that they might enjoy their lands and goods. I cannot forget here to insert the condemnation of these children reluctant to nature, by the char●e piety of the stork to their dams, who relieve them in age with food, of whom in youth they received satiate sustentation: & the godly duty of a poor woman, who (as Valerius writeth) having her mother delivered by the Praetor unto the jailer to be executed in the prison as a malefactor, and a strait mandate given, that none should visit her (saving that her daughter by the gentleness of the jailer, got leave to come to her, who notwithstanding was narrowly searched that she brought no food, because he purposed to kill her with famine) a great while aslaked her mother's hunger with the milk of her breasts: the jailer marveling how she lived so long, at length perceived the honest guile, and reporting the strange fact to the Counsel, procured her pardon.  
When the brood of the pelican waxeth door & haughty, they violently smite their dams, and grievously wound them. Nero made a funeral corpse of his natural mother, and this Tiger Nero, a strange begotten swain, was preferred by Claudius to the Imperial throne, before his own son Britannic.  
BRethren descending from the same loins, having copulation of near consanguinity, should not, me thinketh, degenerate from kindness, and turn native Love to defiant Hostility. It were strange in these days, to see their natures perverted, but that it hath been so among our forefathers: yet it was no wonder in their golden days, for so it hath been from the worlds first foundation.  
Petosiris the junior son of Calasiris, Priest at Memphis, by guile meant to defraud his elder brother Thyamis of the succession of his Father's Priesthood, for the which they sought a combat, or at least should have fought, if Petosiris his heels had not served him better, then both his hands and heart were able to do. The Empire of Rome being left in even moiety, to the two brethren Bassianus and Geta, Bassinus to the intent to have the sole regiment, fraudulently butchered his brother Geta. Abimilech slew threescore of his brethren that he might reign alone, when only jonathas by God's provision, scaped the sckowring.  
Record the quarrels of Marcus and Lucius, Titus and Domitian, Tiberius and Germanicus, Numitor and Amulius, Saturn & Titan, who upon the point of commandment & government were not as though they had been brethren, but maintained wars as most cruel enemies.  
Ovid saith in the first of his Metamorphosis, that the violence of the boisterous winds (which brothers are by kind) are so turmoilous and so cruel, that every one is penned pur partiewise in sundry place: and therefore to the grey Morning, and to the realm of Nabathie, and Persis, and other lands far underneath the morning star, did Eutus take his flight: the setting of the Sun, and shutting in of night, belong to Zephyr, that braies his balming breath: the blasts of blustering Boreas reign in Scythia, and in other lands under Charlsis wain: to Auster is appendent all the Southern coast, who beareth showers and mists continually in his mouth.  
FEw Husbands marry wives, unless misled with lust, but with some foretriall of their honest manners, and none there be after long time of marriage, but having found them honest, trust their demeanour: yet give ear what I will tell you. When Hidaspes King of Ethiopia had been married to Persina the term of ten years, who in all this space had not conceived, and was known honest from all other, at length with great joy she was pregnant by him: in the act of which generation, Persina looking on the white picture of Andromada naked, brought forth (contrary to the Aethiopian colour, a child very fair & of singular beauty: the mother viewing this wonder in her child, & fearing her husband would suspect the wrong, that such a coloured child could not be of his getting, to avoid ignomy, was driven to this shift: She laid the young one forth in a certain private place, exposing her to the unstable state of fortune, placing her Fascia by her, to declare what she was, and store of rich jewels, that the finder might foster her: all this done, that the King might not see her, Persina told the king that his daughter was dead: see here, how little Persina credited her husbands disposition, who never had showed her any unkindness, neither could she in herself find any cause, that might offend him.  
I have hard of a certain married wife, who at certain moons would feign herself mad, that under that pretence she might do what she list, & accompany whomsoever best pleased her humour, her name was Paephaca. Arsace the great kings sister of Persia, marrying Oroondates a noble Gentleman, and the kings deputed Lieutenant at Memphis, of how many far inferior to her calling, was she enamoured? First of Thyamis, after of Theagines, and of others many more. This Arsace was accustomed to say that, which most women prasume upon, that in her greatest trespasses, Oroondates would be pacified with one flattering welcome, or the least tear wrung out of her eyes.  
Who was more meek then M. Aurelius, yet who overmatched with two deceitfuller queans? If a woman hold an opinion, who can draw her from it? warn her of her fault, she will not believe you: give her counsel, she will not take it: If you look at an other, then is she jealous: if you love her, than she disdains you: threaten her anon she complaineth: flatter her, she waxeth proud: rejoice not in her, then are you surly: if you forbear her, it maketh her bold: and if she be chastened, she turns to a Serpent: finally a woman will never forget injury, nor give thanks for any good deed. Though Claudius were a cruel king, Hannibal a meek king, Alexander a valiant king, Philip a wise king, yet was Claudius cooled with his wife Agrippina, Hannibal kindled with his Thamira, Alexander his courage abated with Rosane, & philip's wisdom sotted with Olympias.  
Yet Cecilius Balbus saith, that one objecting to a Gentleman named Damelius, that he had a stinking breath, and he chiding with his wife for not telling him of it before, truly (quoth his wife) so would I have done, but that I thought all men's breaths had smelled in the sort, & therefore it is like she never joined mouth to any man, and yet it is red, that the wives of certain Lacedæmonians (who were taken by the Spartans, and imprisoned) coming into prison to them, changed apparel, & by that cloak intruded themselves into danger, and sent out their husbands in habit of women, muffled as though they had wept for their distressed Husbands.  
Homer saith, that juno the wife of jove, Neptune his brother, and Pallas his daughter, had conspired to bind his hands, and throw him down the Heavens, had not Thetis descending, caused Briareus, called Aegeon, the hundred handed Giant, climb up, who fiercely there resiant in their sight, did so aghast both Seaishe God, and all their rout, that jove did scape this bickering.  
THere is some regard of one kinsman to an other, more than of an alliant, or a transmarine stranger: yet would I wish you, to use your kinsfolks, as on should use a fair staff made of reed, which he may carry in his hand, to fear his enemies, but if he lean to it or use it, it snaps in sunder. If you chance to prosper, your kinsfolks will use your countenance for their credit, and others will fovourably and gently entreat you (as it was a custom in Rome, none to be put to justice, but first the ancient books should be searched, to see if any of his predecessors had done service to Rome, whereby the captive should merit to have pardon of life: whereupon Marius' Consul triumphing of jugurtha King of the Numidians, and Bochus King of Mauritane, who favoured and aided jugurtha, jugurtha was beheaded in prison, and Bochus saved, because the grandfather of Bochus had made learned Orations before the Senate, and profited the common wealth with his wise sentences) but if your welfare impair, than your good kinsfolks renounce your kindred, lest you diminish the copy of their countenance. As Antiochus being banished his country, comforted only with his poor daughter, fellow in his banishment, & after having his houses broken down with an earthquake, and his daughter slain all in one day, and hearing that an old friend of his was come to the town, to whom he would ease himself in bewailing his estate, came to him, welcomed him, and began his plaining moan. The other knowing him very well, but seeing he could reap no great reputation by his acquaintance, asked him what he was, Antiochus told, and wondered he had forgotten, thinking it had been long of the macerating of his body, which was misshaped with sorrow: truly quoth the other, I know one Antiochus well, a Noble man in Rome, and my especial friend, but as for this fellow, I perceive he is a counterfeit, and therewith commanded him to be voided his lodging. This is like Gentlemen in our days, who will he cousins to all of any port or great report in the whole shire, though their grandsire's dog scarce leapt over their grandame's hatch, but if a poor man be in the second degree, he is not in the catalogue of their genealogy. Tlepoleme Alcides' son, slew his father's friend Lycimnion, to whom also he was allied in love, for which fact he fled his country.  
Friendship which hath been, or should be the Sun of all the world, which should give life and light to all good minds, is now endarkened, or quite extinguished.  
Aeneas losing his friend Deicoon, quickly forgot him, and got a new one. Q. Curtius writeth, that Alexander at his return from Babylon, renewing his accustomed feasting, and invited by Thessalus his physician to a banquet, was poisoned by him: but the truth is, that there was treason wrought against him, the chief of which conspiracy, was his friend of friends, Antipater. It is hard to find Senecaes' Arthesius, who having two friends, whereof the one was poor, & yet for shamefastness dissembling his need, privily put a bag of money under his pillow, that his friend might rather find that he wanted, with joy of good hap, then through his good nature being ashamed to ask, should want that he needed through his default.  
I Need not admonish you to give no credence to loves wil●s, whom neither law with fear, nor wisdom with discretion, can restrain.  
Agorastocles in Plautus not knowing how to compass his lover, had counsel to eircuument Lycus that kept her in this manner: to send Colibiscus his bailiff to him, who feigning himself to be in love with her, should give Lycus a great sum of money to be shut up with her in a chamber, to have his pleasure: therewhile Agorastocles should inquire at Lycus his house for his servant, and thus he assured himself, that Lycus knowing no servant he had but his parasite, whom he supposed he meant, would deny him: then the impastor Agorastocles ●a●●●king high house, and finding his servant and his money in Lycus the house, should have him and his whole house confiscate to him, & by this means should be Lord of his love.  
How lose Love is, and how briefly expired, the sequel shall give specialty. When Iris the common messenger and pursuivant of jove came to Helen, in her loved sister in laws fair Laodices' shape, & brought her word how it was pacted that Menelaus and Paris should s●int the strife, & were buskling to battle, Helen's mind was sped of her first spouse, & country town, & alienated quite from her lover Paris: & when Venus had in a trice with a slenting sleight shifted out trick Paris in a mislie air from the camp, and brought Helen to comfort him at his chamber, she bedlam-like began to rave. O would to God my husband's hap had been to daunt thy vaunting hoighes, thou wontest to vaunt he durst not meet thee in the face, but thou wouldst eat him at a gobbe, which now hast showed a pair of leaden heels: assay his force no more if thou be'st wise, least that it do thee ill apay.  
What fumish brawls, & pettish tetishnes were betwixt Areitho king of Arna, & his pretty bulchion and loving fuds, the fair glassy eyed Philomedusa, for whose love not long sith, but even the day before the bridal, he would needs die the loving death, and bequeath his body to the ●irie feast.  
As far in love as Achilles was with Brisis, he could be content in her absence to make sport betwixt a pair of sheets with his sweet heart Diomed, the king's daughter of Lesbos, cleped Phorbe, & this knew the comical beldame Misis in Terence his Andria, that lusty crusty loitering love, as extinct vapours soon removes, who gossoping with Lesbian her friend, flattered her in this sort: It is even (Lesbian) as thou sayest, few true to women shalt thou find. It is a Proverb in England that the men of Tividal horderers on the english middle marches, have likers, lemons, and lyerbies.  
THe Gods themselves will now and than dispense with deceit, and retail a fallacy to such as they can and list delude.  
jupiter meaning to give Agamemnon an overthrow, sent the God of dreams to him in his sleep in old sage Nestor's shape, (whose persuasions he had ever in price) & suborned him to give the Troyans' battle, under protection of jupiter his warrant: the prince obeyed the vision, but had effect quite contrary, for he & his garrison were both foiled.  
The green eyed Goddess with her cokesing words, set Pindarus a gog to infringe the compact ystricke between his confederates & the Pelasgians. Apollo to front Aeneas from death, ridded him out of the battle, & to abuse the army, erected his portraiture in his wont station among his soldiers as though it had been he, about which the knights of Graece & Troyans' both, that one sort spending their travails to defend it, the other bending their mights to defeat a senseless thing of life) made many a widow and fatherless child: wrangling cracking Mars did swear full stoutly in aid of greekish crews, but the self same day he periuredly deard them.  
Neither are the heavenly bodies lined with such minds, as we imagine, nor their strength so rath as surpasseth all puissance of million legies, & not to be thirlde with any thwart. For admit the all the Gods & Goddesses descending from the earth, could not hail jupiter from heaven with a golden chain fastened to him (which he insulted of himself) yet Ephala & Otus the sons of great Oloeus, bound God Mars and imprisoned him the space of 13. months, where he had consumed with setters and stinking, had not Euribaea their mother in law besought Mercurius in his behalf, who stole him a way closely in a braid.  
juno her breast with triple headed shearing shaft was hurt by Hercules. Pluto sable God of vast infernal Tartarum, did give the hand of self same man, a badge of his blood in Pilie soil among the murdered carcases, of which wound he was healed by Paean phis●ion of the Gods.  
POrtending Sothsaings of gospelling Augurs, to whom the Ethnics were tributory in devotion, were superstitious collusions to supplant the credulous, and more authorized by custom, then allowed for commodity.  
When the Grecians were in suspense, whether to march on to give onset of battle, at that same stoure, dread flakes of lightning fire were darted down from heaven, which falling at their right hands, were, said Nestor (and true he said) accounted certain divinations of prosperous luck: yet for all that, their luck was at that time, to lose both man, moil, and machines belonging to war. These presagings be as true, as that, which the schoolmasters of Padua taught, that in the instant wherein you shall see a Cuckoo, not having seen any that year before, you shall find an hair under your right foot, if you stand still, & remove not when you see her: if this hair be black, you shall have evil luck that year,, if white, good luck, if grey, indifferent luck.  
Unreasonable therefore are their assertions, which say, to hear an Heron cry when thou goest on Imbacie, is a sign of speeding (and yet this they ground on a place in the tenth of Homer's Iliads:) and theirs which say, to see a black Swine before the Sun rise, is a sign of evil luck that present day (& this hath his original from a proverb of Empodocles.  
Then reck not of the Augurs, ne yet of ghostly prophesiers. Eunomus prophesy was esteemed a touchstone of truth, yet could he not discuss to fly his fate, and scape the fist of fierce Achilles. Euridomant a prophet not profane, but judged a right interpreter by divine infusion, could not cast his sons unlucky fate, Polidus and Abantes his, whom Diomedes cut in pieces.  
Indeed it was Calchas his cunning, or rather good chance, not so much by sanctimony of prophesy, but as I think, in flattery of the potentates, to hit the truth in vnfoulding a secret hid: when the Graekes were in Aulis a town of Beocie, sacrificing to jupiter under a green beach tree, growing upon a lively spring, an hideous Dragon crept from the Altars foot, with painted scales like the scarlet grape (which creeping up to the lopiest and tallest part of the Tree, where he found 8. young peeping sparrows in the leaves, which he ravend up, devouring the dam also, while she lamented her yongones) by and by was enrolled in another shape, and of a monstrous Serpent became a stony rock: the Graekes amazed at this, Calchas calculated, that as the Dragon had devoured these 9 little ones, so in 9 years' space should they be tired with the proud perucke & prank Troyans', and as the dragon was insensuated, so in the tenth year, Saturnus heir would give them for their hire, the Trojan squadrons, and their batled City should go to sack and pillage, and as he said, his saying theed.  
AStronomy is a perfect skill. But as Aristotle saith in the 6. of his Ethics, that Prudens who is the absolutest politic man, though he be genarally perfit, may stumble in particularities: so the best Astronomers that ever I red, tell most palpable gross absurdities.  
Ptolomeus saith, that he that is borne, when the Lord of the 7. House is in the third or ninth degree, and any evil planet behold him, will suddenly die, by falling from some building, or else will die of something, that shall fall upon him.  
THe sugar tranquillity is soon transitory: who seeks to mount above the moving skies, their ruin grows, where most they reach to rise: who whilom sat in chair of high renown, adown are headlong hurled to bottomless misery.  
Sardanapalus king of Assiria, one of the richest Monarchies in the world, amid his pompous elevated royalties, was miserably slain by one Arbactus: convenable to this, Cyrus' king of Persia, which aswell by means of other victories that he had obtained, as also, that he had subdued Croesus' king of Lydia, was waxed of all others most rich and renowned, when he had reigned full thirty years, was himself discomfited, and beheaded by Tomyris Queen of Scythia.  
After Brutus and Cassius the manquailers of Caesar, were, as Plutarth gives specialty: exiled by Octavian & M. Antonius, they for restoration conspired against their iniurours, and pitched a field Of the faction of these seminaries was M. Varro, a Gentleman of great honour and fame, who with the other coniurates and adherentes, was likewise discomfited: he then seeing the danger which he was opposed too, incontinently disrobed himself of his own apparel, taking another habit, who by this transmutation being reputed for a common soldier, was among other captives sold for a vile price to one Barbulas a Roman Knight. A good while after this, one knowing him discovered him to Barbulas, which without semblance to Varro that he knew any thing, privately procured pardon of Octavian, who frankly enfranchised him again, and from that time forth held him in the number of his friends. After this, Anthony and Octavian falling out to be capital enemies, Barbulas leaned to Anthony, and with him was overrun in the field by Octavian, at which event, dreading the furious wrath of Octavian, he used for his own safety, the above remembered policy of Varro, that is to wit, he did on him the coat of a poor soldier: Thus M. Varro, for that he had not long seen him, as also for that he had changed his apparel, among other captives unknown bought him for a bond man, but after short time remembering him again, practised with Octavian, that he won him pardon of his prince, and eftsoons possessed him of his wont liberty. So that Barbulas which first was good Lord and master, was now at the check of his underlout vassaille: and Varro, which before was a bounden villain, had now prerogative of his awful master: which two contrary casual chances, gives us a certain certificate how frail and fragile the loftiest fortune is, and how shortly her smiling lasteth and endureth, in so much that as Philemon, beholding an ass eat figs from of a table, broke into such an extreme laughter, that he died with laughing: or as Philistione a poet comical, and Denis the tyrant of Siracusa, with surpassing joy made sudden change of life: so we, not only when we seem most firmly seated in immutable prosperity, are suddenly beraught of our unstable happiness, but often with the surplusage of abundant pleasure, as we swine afloat in midst of bliss, do sink & drench in depth of bale.  
The Thebans banqueting with merry, glee all careless, full of chat, had dole of death dealt among them.  
In Baldach a city in Armenia the less, which lieth toward the South, there is a prince resident called Calipho, which is among the moors chief governor, the king of the Tartars called Alan, hearing that the Calipho which then reigned, was marvelous rich, invaded the city, & took it by force, being in it one hundred thousand horsemen, besides infinite number of footmen, & there he found a great Tower full of gold, silver and precious stones: Alan appalled at this sight, said unto Calipho. I much marvel of thy avarice, that didst not give part of thy great treasure, to maintain valiant men against me, knowing I was thy mortal enemy: and perceiving he could make no answer, well quoth he, because thou lovest treasure so well, I will thou shalt have thy fill of it, and caused him to be sparred fast in the same tower, where he lived four days, and died miserably for hunger. Prester john warring a long time with Burr, without any advantage of him, sent him 7. young Gentlemen to his Court, showing, as though they departed from Prester john in great displeasure, and offered themselves to serve the King Burr, who retained them as squires and pages in his Court: after 2 years, having groat confidence in them, the King riding abroad for his pleasure, took the 7. Gentlemen with him, who being the distance of a mile from his Castle, and perceiving they had opportunity to execute their purpose, carried him to Piester john, who made him Shepherd two years, and afterwards sent him to his Castle with horses and men as a Shepherd.  
Niobe, whose father was Tantalus, her mother a sister of the Pleiades, & she the Lady of Phrigia land and Cadmus' palace, beautiful in her body, and endued with seven sons, & seven daughters (in somuch, that she repined Latona should have the honour of the Altar, and not she) was barrenned of her twice seven issue, and she with sorrow changed into a s●one, where upon the Mountain top in Phrigia Land she weary still in stone, and from the stone the dreary tears do drop.  
Might I therefore be so bold as give them counsel, who are heaved up to the type of dignity, I would wish them often to parley & practise that, which Cecilius Balbus in his Philosopher's toys, writeth of Agathocles king of Sicilia, whose descent being base, would say of himself, 
Though I now be a King, a potter was my sire,  
Then call to mind thy base estate, before thou got'st thy hire.   
REpose not too much affiance in monuments of histories, neither settle your confidence in a bare hearsay, unless your reading be experimented with express proofs, and your rumour be raised from a sure ground.  
Auerrois a man in most men's judgements, whose advise is worthy to be advanced, and whose testimony is to be taken, reporteth, thot he beheld a poor infortunate patiented being beheaded, walk hither and thither in the sight of all the people: which can not be, because by heading, the veins are sundered (the only organs and sole instruments of motion in all living creatures.) It is also written of Dyonisius Areopagita, that his head being stricken of, he went from the place of execution one full league or more. Noah, it is not with them, as with the adders tail, which being strick of will skip up and down, like the adder itself: and far are they unlike Philomela's tongue, which being cut of, wriggled up and down a long season, as though it had lived.  
In the time of Romulus, were seen in the firmament, as is written, two Suns at midnoone, which cannot be (their original being natural, as it is reputed to be.) For as the crown or garland, which is seen under the Sun, and is called of the Meteorologians, Halon, is a waterish round cloud, upon which the Sun beams beating, represent the same show, so a smooth & equal waterish cloud placed by the side of the Sun, receiveth his beams like a glass, and expresseth the Idol of it in the same fashion: This cloud must not be too near, for then the Sun disperseth it: nor too far of, for the the beams will be too feeble to be reflected: but in a competent distance: neither can it be at noon day, for the heat will soon dissolve it.  
A little before Galba, Otho, & Vitellius strived for the Roman Empire, there appeared three Suns, which were after thought to be supernatural prognostications of consequent contentions, but such diviners were scarce good natural Philosophers.  
For those miraculous wonders, which are in scripture to glorify God's name, and found in old Annaleis for the confirmation of the efficacy of Christ's passion, I must and will dispense with my incredulous nature to believe them.  
For the first, all marvels that God wrought by the hands of Moses and other his servants, of going through the Sea dry, of striking water out of a Rock, of Manna sent every morning, of the Sun's course stayed in the Firmament, & many such like.  
For the second, that for example, which Eutropius writeth, that at the instant of the birth of Christ, broke up a springe of oil in an Inn of Rome, which ran by the space of one whole day. Cammester sayeth in his history, that at the dedicating of a temple to the Goddess Peace, Apollo gave oracle, that till a virgin bore a son it should stand, which they thought would never be, and therefore that for ever it should persist. This Temple saith he, at the delivery of the Virgin of our redeemer, fell and severed each piece from other. Eusebius writeth to Theodorus, that a Ship sailing by the Isle Paraxis, a great dreadful voice admonished a pilot of the ship, that passing by the gulf Laguna, he should give notice that the great God Pan, (who I think, was some captain master devil) was dead. He fearing to do this legation or Imbacie, was forced nevertheless by the staying of the ship (which at his arrival there arrested, and would no further) to mount up into the pomp or hinder part of the ship, where he did his embassadge as loud as he could: which words uttered, such dolorous lamentatious, and terrible cries were heard, as if Lapithauri & Centauri should howl together with a diverse deformed bellowing, as huge a noise, as when high jove did let his thunder fly upon the adder-footed rout, that battered heaven with hundred hands apéece, the dint whereof the airy toys of high Olympus broke. Then to conclude, in generaall this I say. The aged man is like the barren soil, a woman is a reed that wags with every wind, no trust is to be found in tender years, the surety of all ages is unfound. Most women be evils (I might have said Devils) yet devils without horns, for these they use to place in secret corners. And most men, but here will I stay with an abrupt Aposiopasis.  
Here I confess I have writ somewhat plainly, thinking, that as when curious Euperices & his fellow, could not agree about the curing of Crysippus' king of Trinacria, it was enacted that they should not mingle or compound medicines, but minister them simply as they were: so it is most requisite for redressing these impieties, to correct the world's Elenches plainly & sincerely, & not with doubling to bolster his errors. But as Pisistrato the tyrant used to say, that Damonidas the philosopher could persuade him any thing, & therefore would never permit him to speak in his hearing: Or as Isocrates writes to Philip, that if he were in presence to pronounce his own oration, he would not doubt of his wished success: so (courteous Gentlemen, who shall deign to read this treatise) if I were in place with you, to make manifestation of all the disloyal treacheries which I myself have sustained (and you may conceive by implication) you would neither judge me a miscreant for my mistrust, nor exhort me to a reprisell of my former credulity. But as the Graeks contending after the death of hippocras & Chrysippus the philosopher, to whether of their doctrines they should rather cleave as most canonical, at length were so indifferent that they allowed neither of both: so you shall do best, if you neither believe too confidently, nor faithlesly distrust, but be equal intercoursers betwixt both extremities.   
AFter the compiling of this patchie pamphlet, which in my conceit was not all the finest web, because liberty of affection, not learning and judgement, laid the loom, he tossing up and down his incurable misfortunes, recalde to memory his antifrend Cornelius, the original of them all, to whom he sent this consequent challenge, experimenting if as yet he had got a courage.  
Philotimus to the wretched dastard Cornelius.  
IF I knew thy worthy stile, and the dignity of thy house, I would not steal thy title, nor conceal thy honour. But thy public deserts conjoined with the intricate doggedness of nature, would appose the skilfullest Oedipus in their description, and do parley me a pardon if I be graveled.  
Thou wilt vaunt perhaps that thou art a gentleman by blood, and I will grant (the worse my hap) that thou art a bloody Gentleman. And yet (varlet) if thou wert but a man, thou wouldst never have endured so many manacinges, but once ere now in so eager challenges, have taken courage to enter the combat. A man said I? Yes sure, you are as honest a man, as any is in the cards if the Kings were out: and as manly a champion, as the Comical Thraso, who rather thought to fear men with looking big, then meddle with them for fear of hurt.  
Though thou hast injured me, and perjured my mistress, yet that thou mayst know, that a worm frod on will turn rgaine, & that the chips of the tree, which thou wouldst hue down, may fly in thy face, I dare thee to the field, and send thee my gauntlet for a gage of revenge: appoint the place, and bring none but thyself, & as I am a Gentleman I promiss to meet thee, myself single alone, though I grant me as simple as any one: then shalt thou try, though Aurelia have my heart in pawn which I cannot redeem, that notwithstanding I have a gall which shall gall the to the reins, and a body to bear thy blows, and dear thy bones. Farewell patch and coward, and as speedily as thou darest, prove thyself a captain.  
Philotimus thy foe, and thine accursed.  
THese letters in Cornelius his absence, were delivered to one of his servants, and by this means came to Auraliaes' reading, who, had not Cornelius unbewares shown himself, would to stay this suit, have returned a writ of non est inventus, but since it happened otherwise, that all minght cotton well, this was her rescript in Cornelius his behalf. For as I erst said, he was a gentleman that had great store of small knowledge, one belike conceived in ignorance, and begotten when his father was a little scared.  
Cornelius to the glorious soldier Philotimus.  
O Preclare stratagems, and your erected Trophies, you flourish fair, but fight at leisure: you make as courageous a challenge, as if you were Laelius Atticus Dentatus, who was an hundredth and twenty times in battle, unto which he went always with such courage of mind, and force of body, that he seemed to presume of victory: but though thou art the proudest that ever I heard brag, yet art thou not the most provedst that ever I dealt with, though thou art one of those groyling grunts (which Perseus speaketh of in his fifth Satire) whose choleric garboil pipkius full of purging drugs, can neither quench nor quell, & one of that ruffianlike number, that will drag the Devil out of Hell for thirteen pence, yet your puffing and snuffing will be well enough snaffled, your choler will be cooled & your ire relent.  
No feet shall be my fence, nor fear your kilkow chat: though Buten were brag, yet Dares was his match: though Dares were frolic, yet he found his fellows: though Teucer with his bow made havoc in hacking the Trojan knights and colonels, yet Hector at length with his heaved codgill, paid him home with heave and how: the younker Antilocuus butchered Ecepholus, but for his hire Agenor sent a javelin to his bared breast, and laid him loubring on the ground: Dyodorus his soul was sent to Pluto's Court by Pirus, Thracian prince, he struck his leg with mighty pebble, and burst each vein and cord. But what ensued? Thoas could not blind, but slit Lord Pirus paunch with téeninge sword, & many a soldier more in his revenge were dold with deadly swoon, the purple gore whereof did flow as hilly springs are wont to spread.  
As Stenhelus, friend to Diomedes, was never from his back to aid him at need: so if thou by trains or treachery (for I defy thy manhood) shalt do me a mischief, I have both friends and servants too, the worst whereof will crack your crown.  
Thinkest thou, I will so far debase myself, as to debate a quarrel with thee by dint of sword? In faith Sir no. The greyhound sent to Great Alexander by the king of Albania, having an heart, a Boar, and a Bear, brought to him, lay still wagging his tail, not vouchsafing to look on them, but having a Lion brought leapt at him and strangled him, and seeing a great Elephant, seemed to rejoice at the bigness of him, and after two or three questing rousing himself, slew him.  
But thy father thou wilt say, was a ndble man, and therefore thou my equal: admit thy father's honour, and advert what I will say, if an Ass were borne of Pegasus, being an Ass what cause hath he to compare with any horse? If you love discord so well, beware you accord not to wear an hempton cord. For after a collar comes an halter.  
The winsing kickenest jade that will not abide to be shod, if you put but a lile round flintstone in one of his ears, and then hold the ear hard, is very quiet, and if you put in either ear one, you shall have him as mild as a sheep: so if a man should but whisper in your ear, and tell you he would meet you in such a place, you would sing, I fear me, a palinody.  
Let Pluto send thee peace of mind, and stay thy moody manacing, and as in years and wealth thou want'st of me, so yield thy navale forces. 'Gainst him its best to fight and animate thy mind whose pith thou canst withstand and mate his might: remember well my words, and tender their performance.  
Ulysses wished to have forehayde the Lycians Prince Sarpadon, but Gods they would reserve that fact for some more worthy champion:  
You strain no courtesy to call me knave, as one that hath a deep insight in a knave, and think no scorn to call me patch: I give you to understand, that your patches clothes be worn, and the rags stick in your teeth. Desist Philotimus, for it will not be thy luck to resist Cornelius. When thou art wiser in thy challenges, and fit to fight, I will be readier to answer them, and not disdain the victory.  
Thine as thou his Cornelius. Hazard dwells next hardiness.  
It grieved Philotimus to the heart, that he could not hurt Cornelius by neither wile nor weapon, and this he though not the least addition to the heap of his miseries. But he quoth Philotimus, that will needs be a sheep, cannot greatly grudge to be bitten with a Fox, and since the coward dare not manfully meet me in the field, let him think it no villainy though I catch him by a train. But as the water floweth, when it is at lowest ebb: so one Archaretos who had often sought for Philotimus his friendship in his prosperity, and still was set at nought of the coy Philotimus, till time of adversity, was now a sovereign solace to all his stéering sorrows.  
This Gentleman Archaretos keeping in the country, heard of Philotimus his hard haps, and how his creditors on the one side meant perpetually to imprison him, and his enemies on the other to dispatch him out of the way, and now this he thouhht a very convenient time to show his loyalty to Philotimus, of whose recovery he had good hope. Wherefore finding a means at his own charges for Philotimus to avoid these dangers, he writ to him this epistle.  
¶ Archaretos to Senior Philotimus.  
THe recordation of that amity wherewith I once affected thee, when thou not regardedst it, & the consideration of true loves property, which is not to relent for any unkindness, moves me in thy misery to animate thee with comfort, and to proffer thee such aid as my ability can afford. The vine which we see grows about the elm, will not whither and leave to grow when the elm doth die, but after the elms decaying keeps his growth as before, and with clasping about it embraceth his elm. Certes, the fine gold conserveth his qualities in the quick furnace.  
It may be, that as the Raven-leaveth her yongeones for three days, till she see whether their colour be congruent to hers: so thou laidest aloof for time of trial, which might be a touchstone to try my promise: howsoever the matter was, whether disdain took delight in dalliance, or procrastination was for some purpose, let that slip: in thore days I wearied thee with my welwilling, and yet I am not tired to procure thy welfare.  
I profess to thy person (Pilotimus) that as I have ever been enemy to none, so have I only friend to one. When I hard of thy ruinous destinies, I could not hold my hands from shaking, nor my lungs from sighing, nor mine eyes from weeping, so that I thought, as it is the greatest niggardize of all nigardizes, when a man may do much and will do little, so it is the greatest infortune of all infortunes, when a man may do little and would do much.  
It is indeed impossible to make sinews of blood, of veins to make bones, of a craggy rock a plain way, and to give absolute counsel in a case without controlment: so that I cannot tell whether is more dolorous to me, thy unhappy heaviness almost past propitiation, or my debility and impotency, insufficient to help thee.  
Augustus' dreamt on a night how he was warned by Philip his physician, that he should be killed in his pavilion, whereupon he avoided, and in very deed the next day after, the soldiers of Brutus entering his tents, stabbed many holes with their puncheons in his couch, thinking he had been there. Before the battle against the philippians, a certain soldier thought in his sleep that julius Caesar bade him tell Octavius, he should fight the luckier, if he carried something about him that julius had worn whiles he was head governor: Octavius understanding this, got the ring wherewith he used to seal letters, and the same he wore, and overcame his enemies. These presidents endoctrine great matters. He that hath been brought up with flesh, cannot feed on bones: and you whose burgeyning and springing time hath been nuzzled among the wisest in Italy, will think your gold soon changed to copper, to be shored and propped up with my Paradoxes.  
Notwithstanding here thou seest the two regal Emperors directed by their servants, and so directed, as they had cause to thank the Gods for their merciful provision, and to reward their servants for their lucky persuasions. So it is Philotimus, if thou wilt take a little pains at my entreaty and for thine own ease, I would have the come the tenth of this month to the house of one Carnus, in a little village named Merio, distant from the City about three leagues, there I will meet thee, and tell thee such trains, as by inquisition I have found to be laid for thee. We will confer by what means thou mayest shun them, which is only by flying. How and when that flight must be, I will then show thee, and furnish thee with such money as may relieve thy necessity. Return me an answer by this bearer what then wilt do. In the mean time the Gods of their goodness give thee that thou desirest, and then have I all, I do desire.  
Thine to use Archaretos.  
Philotimus without pausing resent him these words.  
Philotimus to his most faithful friend Archaretos.  
Never was travail more toothsome to thee, nor legacy sent with quicker embassage, than the delivery of thy letters was consolation to me, which shall be accomplished with acceleration.  
If thou hadst seen which thou sawest not, what sorrows I susteynd, then shouldest thou know, which thou know'st not what solaces surprise me.  
My spirit was betwixt the anvil and hammer, ready to be thrown into Vulcan's flames, and thou haste suaged my rages greater than the furies of Bacchus his priests, & conducted my esperance to a restful paradise.  
Because I cannot thank thee as I think of thee, take (Archaretos) the whole Alphabet of letters, and coin such thanks by their coagmentation, as possibly thou canst by the aid tf thy eloquence. Then think, that feign I would utter those in words, and do mutter much greater in secret thought.  
Doubt not (Archareios) but I will come to the place of appointment, & if my lazy legs were jointles, and for that should deny to make this voyage, my heart would repute and hold them for rebels, and substitute my hands to be their vicegerentes.  
In the mean season, I meet thee in mind, and greet thy person with ten thousand salutations, which, because they are neither so many as thou deservest, nor so heartily written as I do wish them, I leave space of paper for the to write more, making a sign where I cannot sing. Farewell Archaretos, whose bounty hath quailed my disquiet. And as Possidonius saith of the rainbow, that it is a glass wherein we may see the Sun, because in it are his beams refracted, by whose reflection more manifest apparition of his clearness is seen, so those that have not erst known thee shall view thy magnificence in me, and with ferlye hymns herrie thy praises.  
Thy poor friend to command to his small power, Philotimus.  
NOw Sir, Philotimus began to recount Archaretos his letters, & to take account of his passed life, how he should deserve his passing goodwill: he pondered what might be the cause of the renewing of his goodwill, which he thought had been obsolete and abolished. I muse quoth he, yet know not, I mevaile, yet cannot conjecture. He was guilty of former contempt, in regard of Archaretos, and fearful of present guile, to reward his proud haughtiness: he did well know his meekness in manners, yet did he fear lest he mocked his miseries: he had proved his true meaning in the effect of his dealings, yet doubted lest his persuasions were a mean to deceive him: he had experienced his friendly affection, yet did expect that Archaretos being expert of his poverty, would be procured by this allurement to repay his peevishness. Alas (quoth he thus quoting these surmises) will he work me this despite, because I have despised him? he may if he will, but the valour of his might is nothing the more. The streyving of a gnat is not swallowing of a camel: an action got in law by a false inquest, is no lawful commense, nor laudable conquest: it is easy to strive with him that sits in the stocks, and small manhood of a captain to break the skull of a dead man: laugh not when other men's houses be on fire, lest the glaring sparkles light on thine own. Pentheus' for mocking an old blind father had a cold prophesy verisied on him. I have heard, that the hardest block cometh soonest to a knock, & that the common est flowter as one without escapes, may be a cunning skogin in his own conceit, but shall become a common scoff to all that know him. But I am impudent in coniecting the worst, because I now am impotent, and have rejected his goodwill. Though honour harborough that us but for on hour, yet homely honesty will keep her old nest: though my currishness be a sign that he should delude me, yet his constancy hath sinned to perpetuity of love. How can it be that he should seek means to bereave me of breath, who studieth to strengthen and lengthen my life? No no, his friendship is firm, & my affection shall be reciprocal: he endeavoureth to broach a better tap to make my bear go better down, & therefore I will not say nay, but assay to drink, apply me to his pleasure, and be correspondent to his counsel. Upon this confidence of Archaretos his fidelity, Philotimus at the day prefixed repaired to the foresaid place: what their meeting communication & the drift of their conference was, I will give you notice by their mutual colloquy, which I have interlaced dialogue wise.  Archaretos. Philotimus. 
PHilotimus, my wished friend, and welcomde guest, how dost thou?  Phil. 
O Archaretos my saviour, ill to all, and worst to myself: all the world is oatmeal, and my poke left at home. I will not say to to thee as the old beggar man said to his dame, God send you your health as long as I live, but I wish that his life may be set on a long last, whose love hath eased the wrenching of my heart, and that his prosperity may never quail, whose comfort, as a cullis, preserveth my weal.  
Dear Archaretos, forget and forgive my passed ingratitude: for then for want of years & good discretion I could not discern my friends (as whelps cannot see till they be nine days old) and now for shame I could eat mine own ears (as Ajax after the slaughter perpetrated in his madness) at the recovery of his wits killed himself.  
Philotimus, quoth Archaretos, ingrate men men indeed deserve hate, yet would I be loath to minister you cumber for a medicine of comfort, or follow your hresident of former malice, since I mean to give you precepts of new goodwill. Thy hot choler I perceive is turned to cold coals, and the remnant of the ashes utterly dispersed: though therefore I cannot appease thy pains with pleasure, yet will I please thee if I can with my present parley, and though I cannot effectually furnish thy wants, yet will I most faithfully further thy wish.  
Alas (good Philotimus) my fear did ever divine this hap, though my well wishing impugned my presagings. But a man shall hardly be deceived, where his heart doth fully advertise him. For neither did Silla err in that which he prophesied of julius Caesar, neither Ptololomeus fail, in that he foredeemed of Alcibiades: because the one deprived Rome of her liberty, & the other depraved the glory of Graece.  
The Romans puissance could not be infringed or brought to expuguation, either by the Carthagenians or the Frenchmen, the Huns or the Epirotes, the Sabines, the Samnites, or the Etrurians, but by reckless pride, and licentious living, it was remunerated with utter ruin. I speak it to this purpose (Philotimus) because if thou hadst been as wary in thy life, as thou art wise in thy learning, or as frugal in expenses, as thou waste frolic in thy sports, thy state had been firm, thou hadst needed no friends, and all than too Well, had not now turned to Woe.  
But no man is borne without a blemish, and the Gods themselves had their imbecilities. Saturn was peevish, jupiter adulterous, Apollo wanton, and Titan envious: Alexander was furious, Archidamus ambitious, Demetrius vicious, Hannibal perjured, trajan a wine bibber, and Homer a vain talker. Then (my good Philotimus) since as I hope thou art penitent for preter ouersights●, be not dismayed in thyself, nor despair in thy fortune.  
But first of all I straightly inhibit you for your better thriving, never once to entertain one thought of Aurelia. Mamea was proud, Medea cruel, Martia contumacious, Poplia unchaste, Myrrah malicious, Domitia rash: Assiria complained of her scandal Semiramis, Armenia of Pincia, Graece of Helen, Germany of Vxodonea, Rome of Agrippina, Spain of Hecuba: but all these jointly with every their several faults, may not compare with thy compéere Aurelia, of whose wickedness thy testimony is a perfect proof.  
Muse not Philotimus, that I dehort thee from love, and persuade thee to liberty: for I have red more in Hossienus that instructeth to give counsel, then in Ovid that learneth to be enamoured: and more shalt thou profit in following a Stoycke, then in practising the toys of coy Dorcatius.  
Philotimus answered. My dearest Arcaaretoes as I had rather pledge thee in water then any other in wine, so one syllable of thine shall more persuade me, than the sage sentences of any other. The words of the Philosopher Theomastes, did more prevail with some of the Graeciaus, than the huge armies of king Philip, and more effectual (good Archaretos) are thy gentle exhortations, than the threatening torments of any calamities.  
But alas this haste thou heard, and I have tried it, that the cruel beast Love, doth suffer herself to be taken with a thread, but will not be thrust away with a piercing lance. In this case I remit you to Hermogenes, to Tesiphontes, and to Plutarch, who have spent much time in writing of loves remedies, and yet at length have been urged to say and confess, that it is a more incurable disease in the mind, than the gout or plague is in the body. Let Ovid say what him pleaseth, Nigidius what he dreameth, Samocratius what he thinketh, but in fine, they shall find it harder to get a salve for this sore, then for the Alcumistes by their art and creticke days, to find the Philosopher's stone & the Quintiscence of nature. Nay (Archaretos) these three usurping physicians, died persecuted and banished from their native country, not for the offences they committed in Rome, but for the loves they attempted in Capua.  
Oh how many times did Hercules desire to be delivered from his love Mithridata, Menelaus from Dorrha, Pyrrhus from Helena, Alcibiades from Sabina, and M. Antonius from Cleopatra, whom they would never not only forsake, but with them or for them yielded to death? Good counsel and affection agree like iron and clay, which by no means can be brought to stick together,  
Though I were as light of foot as an Hind, as swift as Polite, Priam's son, or as speedy as the coursers of Eumelus, yet could I never leap over such a block as is Love, or overrun such a mate as is Affection, or keep pace with that precise injunction, the prohibits all fancies.  
But yet me thinketh that a denial to any of thy requests must needs be a prescription to my honesty. And therefore since thou art no otherwise to me then Solon was to the Athenians, Lycurgus to the Lacedæmonians, Asclepius to the Rhodians, Numa Pompilius to the Romans, and Phoroneus to the Egyptians, impera & impetra apud me, demand and command, and I will obey.  
Archaretos made replication in this manner. Indeed (Philotimus) Lactantius Firmianus saith, that the common wealth of the Sicyonians endured longer than either that of the Graekes or of the Egyptians, or the Lacedæmonians, or the Romans, because in seven hundredth and forty years, they never made new laws, nor broke their old ones, so that constancy in good matters is ever commendable.  
But he that continueth his suit to her, that flieth faster from him then the hare from the horn, is much like one of the Mirundins (who at Peleus his prayers were turned again to men) which was so enamoured of the Sun's brightness, that incessantly he persevered in travail and labour, meaning to meet it at the end of the world, there to embrace it and enjoy his pleasure.  
Thou art now to leave the confines of thy country, and with a speedy peregrination, and diligent investigation, to seek a mansion in some other soil, and therefore thy heart must be on thy halfpenye, and thy mind divorced from the contemplation of Aurelia. And yet thou must be of a bon couragio: for no place is a banishment to virtue saith A Milo: I have no place of abode, said Socrates, but am a citizen of the world: whithersoever thy pilgrimage shall conduct thee, we are all in the compass of one heaven, protected with the providence of one God, and once shall be united with one consolidation.  
So near neighbours are we all, that even our Antipodes whose dwelling is opposite to us, are daily traded too for erchaung of traffic. Alezander wept, that there were no more earths for him to conquer but this little one: Alas saith Scipio Affricanus, how base a thing is popular glory, which is comprised in the earths limitation.  
I cannot tell (Philotimus) what place is best for thee to sojourn in, because thou art furnished for any kind of service, neither can I allot thee any residence, because like a snail I have ever kept my home: but search and find, and if thou wilt vouchsafe to let me know of thy staying, I will not be slack to aid thee with necessaries. Let no imaginary conceit of thy great pains appaule or dismay thee, for when thou art once enured with them, thou shalt find small difference betwixt thy good labours, and the daily sports of the greatest potentates. Arsaciades his pastime king of the Bactrians, was to knit nets: Artaxarxes his, to spin: Arthabanus his king of the Huns, to arm for rats: and Viantus his, king of the Lydians, to fish for frogs: vain pleasures God wots, and far from right contentation.  
Philotimus bespoke. O Archaretos, no durance of danger can affright me. For her sake (whom from henceforward I will not once remember) I ●urst undertake Orestes his voyage, that follothe Nymphs into Hell: or Hercules his enterprise, that for his friends cause broke the gates of Hell, and bound the Giant Aetna, and the triple headed dog Cerberus, and entered combat with the triple-bodied Pluto. But now farewell dear Country, adieu gallant courtiers, farewell sweet Aurelia for evermore. I will accomplish thy pleasure Archaretos, and seek an harbour for myself in some foreign nation, where I shall never once hear of these, ah forefined miseries.  
From 5 years to 5. the Samnites did solemnize their Lustra, from 4. to 4. the Graekes did celebrate their Olympiades', from 7. to 7. the Egyptians did renew the Temple of Iris: from ten to ten the Romans visited their God Apollo at Delphos: but I am for ever abandoned my country, whose joys these eyes shall never renew. The tears trickled down Archaretos his cheeks, & Philotimus his speech was interrupted with extremity of grief. At length Archaretos recomforted him, hasting him forward to his journey for fear of preventions, he appointed him well with gold and jewels, such as might well pay his charges till time of better provision.  
Alas good Philotimus, (said Archaretos) these are not thy garnished garments, thy cloth of tinsel and gold, thy bracelets & chains, & thy new fashioned novelties.  
Well (quoth Philotimus) though I cannot go with the fashion, yet do I follow the fashion: for in years of yore, before pride was in prime, when the purse was rich and the apparel poor, this was the guise. Here they gave each other the Bazelos manus, whose dolorous departure (Gentlemen) pardon me though I describe it not, because I want an heart to attempt it, and words to utter it. Yet I will not forget to recount you certain verses, which Philotimus writ immediately before his voyage, and Archaretos afterward found in the chamber where they communed, and these they were.  

Might mournful wailing end my days,  
or pinching careful woe surcease:  
Then hope might have his wished death,  
or life enjoy his wont ease.  
But wealth is waste, and kin unkind,  
all luckless haps deny my joy,  
So direful grief must ever last,  
and lingering life augment annoy.   

In pleasant May-moone of mine age,  
I mean the lusty gallant prime,  
Where golden pleasure bears the sway,  
and youthful sports do pass the time:  
Even then alas poor wretched wight,  
my gladsome mirth was heavy moan,  
My new sprung Rose did scarcely bud,  
where straightway blasting all was gone.   

Yet maugre frowning fortunes spite,  
my sweetest (l) is ever one,  
Not near by birth but dear by love,  
and sure more faithful never none:  
His will is still as erst it was,  
no froward chance can change his choice,  
In am where of fame sound his praise,  
with most triumphant joyful voice.   
Philotimus, took his journey towards the borders of Graece, enquiring warily as he went, what were the affairs of every Island, & what were the conditions & entertainment of the segniors of those territories, meaning, as occasion should serve, to employ himself in some convenient service. I need not recite to you the pensiveness of this pilgrimage, when as he truly thought that whatsoever was about him, was a circumference of danger, and he himself a centre of calamity. But this know, that he was afflicted with those casualties which commonly are wont to befall to all infortunate strangers, when they travail in foreign nations without any protection: that is, to be spoiled of his money, to be infected with diseases, and tossed from post to pillar, like an espial or runagate. When he was rob of that little substance which he had, destitute of friends and acquaintance, ashamed te beg, and detesting to steal, he was urged to relieve his greedy hunger with the wild fruits of the wilderness, and to take up his lodging in some secret cave or vault, or amid some shrouding shrubs, or under some tree.  
As Heliodorus Aethiopicus reports, that in Egypt a little from the river of Nilus, there inhabited certain herdmen, which expelled all the right owners of the soil, & lived themselves with ravin and thevedome: so Philotimus was now hit into a place, which a crew of like companions had long haunted, usurping those quarters sole to themselves. The garden & Roy of these fellows, was one Toxilus, who with his lieges having one night ranged abroad for their prey, at their returnment to cabin in a cave which siely Philotimus had fore-possessed.  
Toxilus entering the cave, and finding him lie groaning, beating his breast, with sobs and throws, & dismayed almost amazed at this sight started aback, and churlishly asked him what wight he was.  
Philotimus answered: a wight scarce worthy naming, whose woes can none express, & at Toxilus his importunity disclosed himself. The thief thought this a fit occasion to increase their crew with so meet a copes mate, and hereupon unfolded the whole pack of his conspirators and their intentes, with these persuasions to entice him.  
The prince of Syracuse sacked the Temple of Proserpina at Locris, and spoiling her treasure made a mockage at his theft. Thyamis a noble man's son defeated of his priesthood, became a captain of thevish herdmen, such good fellows as we: Paris was an arraunt thief both of women & of wealth: It was the law of Arms among the Ethiopians, and whether it be there yet, or else where at this day, I know not, that the soldier might take all, or whatsoever it pleased him, of that he found about his prisoner whom he caught: The Persian king did never go abroad with open face, but with some lawn or silken scarf, much like this vale of mine: Aegeon sprung of Gods their race, doth scour the Seas, and souls the traffic of the trading merchants: Haste thou not heard this precept of Lycurgus, where the lions skin will not serve, sow the Foxes to it, that is to interpret it, where honest force will not avail, use fraud and falsehood, & set conscience to sale. We are honest enough my friend, as far as our wealth will serve, and are no worse than they that borrow money, but that we give no obligations when to pay it again, what sayest thou man?  
Philotimus looking wistly on him, with a deep sigh answered.  
I cannot testify in words, how much I detest thy ways, nor verefy that for good, which thou invertest for guile: each queachye grove, each craggy cliff with sedge and lofty oysiers, & this same sprinting spring that s courbo about with pebble stones, inveighs against your fact.  
hoard in mind that story, and store well that horror, which jupiter at his procuration, and secret visitation of the earth, extended upon the inglwious ravener Lycaon.  
When jove came down from heaven, and had entered the harbourless house of late th' Arcadian king, such time as twilight on the earth began to bring dim darkness, he gave a sign that God was comen, whereat Lycaon made a sport, and scoffingly said, he meant by open proof to see what wight of weight he was.  
Besides he cut the throat of one that lay in hostage with him, which was an Epyrote, whereof he part did roast, and part did slew, which when it came to board, forthwith with dire revenging flame jove overthrew the house upon the ownees head: who seeing this, appalled with fear, slipped out of doors into the wild and desert woods, where all alone endeavouring (but in vain) to make his moan, he fell a howling, wherewithal for dery rage he ran out of his wits, still setting blood abroach, and practising his wont lust of slaughter on poor and lielie cat-tail.  
His garments turned to shaggy hair, his arms to rugged paws, his skin is hoary grey, his shape turned to a wolves, his looks still grim with glaring eyes, his cruel heart still shows itself in outward shape.  
Thus was one house destroyed quite.  
Nor he alone shall be condemned by rigorous doom, but for such like, did jove (as Naso saith) summon all the Gods to his court of parliament, which then he kept in princely palace amid the Heavens: A Palace gorgeous in apparent sight, on stately pillars builded high of yellow burnished gold, beset with sparkling carcbuncles: the roof was framed of ivory, the silver twisolde doo●es did cast a radiant light: And there a perfect plat of all the world did Vulcan draw, of surges that embrace the earth with winding waves & of the surefast centrie ground, & of the whéeling heaven itself: there fiery foaming jove in purple robes and royal throne of emeralds fresh and green did sit, the Chrysolites & gems whereof did give a sheer and shining light.  
Seest thou not then milk white path that cross the welkin wends? (we commonly call it Galactaea) then is the street that to the Court of whom I speak, doth lead. Even yonder thundering jove remains, and yonder did he call his Court, and yonder did he swear by Styx, leaning upon his thrée-tind mace (when dreadfully he shook his bushy locks, wherewith he made both Sea and land, and Heaven itself to quake) that all the imps of such like spiteful Carnes, as this Lycaon was, that frank their flesh on that they filch, and gulp up blood for bear, should smart of Lycaon's whip, or worse perhaps: For Lycaon thou knowest, was cousin germane to high jove. O what a wickedness it is to cram the maw with maw of man (as Cyclopes wonted to do.)  
I take you for no Christians, and therefore I use to Ethnics the authority of Ethnics, which notwithstanding were not so irreligious as you, to make honesty arbitrary, and in their choice whether they should use it or no. Libeus was honoured of the Sycilians, Ceres of the Rhods, Diana of the Ephesians, Belus of the Palestines, Delphos of the Argives, juno of the Numydians, Venus of the Thebans, and Berecinthia of the Thebans: Which Gods were so devoutly worshipped of their country nations both with daily oratory's and rich offerings, that all men had this Plerophotian and full persuasion, that each word from their God was deemed an oracle, and every offence to their God, a corsive to their conscience.  
Those that deal with fortune, must entreat her, not force her, not get wealth by stealth, for that will not prosper, but labour honestly for it, for so it will thrive. The Augusts' are said to begin in Caius, and the Caesars to end in Nero: which gives us to understand, that of virtue ensueth all good things behoveful, and by vice do decay all former prosperities.  
Ah sirrah quoth Toxilus, now I remember the saying of the pleasant Philosopher Mimns, Qui cum lasso samilico loquitur r●xa● quarit, He that helps a beggar out of the ditch shallbe stung with his lice. But I perceive a wrangling tongue is the best language thou hast. Yet Toxilus and his company aggrizd at these words, neither able to reply against them, nor willing to apply them to their amending, left him as they found him: what became of them, I neither am very certain, neither need you to doubt knowing their demeanour.  
Philotimus thanked God, that he had delivered him from those temptations, and prayed to his mercy, over to safeconduct him from such suggestions. But as decayed Vear renews her vert green leaves, and as the naked Serpent recovers his scaly fins, and every wasted thing doth wear to former state: so Philotimus began to make reiteration of his sorrows, never having respite but for a greater spite ensuing, nor ceasing to sigh but for increasing his sobs. When Io was transmute of jove into an Hefars form (to blear Jove's spouses eyes, that she might deem, no dame he had deflowered, but only that a beast was pasturing in the field (she rued this bestial change of hers with dankish fear, and by and by assaying to complain, she lowed out, which did her so affray, that oft she started at her noise: unto her father Inach's banks she did repair apace, where oft the lithy Nymph had played her jocundary reaks: now when she looked in the stream and saw her horned head, she was aghast and from herself would all in haste have fled, and when she thought to lift her hands unto her head for help, she saw she had no hands at all: in stead of costly couch and dear bought down, she sat a nights upon the ground, and on such grounds, whereas sometime was not so much as grass, and oftentimes she was compelled to drink on muddy oasye pits, and for her food on crops of trees and bitter weeds to browse: even such, and much alike was the life of Philotimus. His sound reboundes into the wood, and thus he mourns.  
Ye greedy gripes, forbear to tire on Titius' growing-hearte: O Tantal, that indevorest to drink the shunning water, & Danaus' daughters, that seek to fill your tubs that have no brinks, and Ixion, that dost draw in that incessant wheel, and Sisyphus with thy rolling restless stone, wail ye no more, work ye no more, your tasks and sorrows every each one are fallen unto my lot. O God, alas.  
O Maiaes' son, Cyllemus sweet, and nephew unto Atlas, who with thy charming rod and pipe, bringst things asleep, & fetchest souls from Hell, assuage my woes, assist my brain with rest, and drive away those terrors wherewith my mind is tortured. And as the drinkers of the River Salmacis, or of the lake of Aethiop, do quite forego their memory: or as Melampus Amithaons' son, delivered king Praetus his daughters by his charms and herbs, from being mad: so thou vouchsafe this gracious boon, and yield no such recourse of thoughtful passed state, (unto my woes a nourishment) but let it now surcease and end, and woes decay with famishment.  
In Pallene there is a people, the which by divinge thrice three times in Triton lake, become all feathered, and take upon them the shape of birds. Fair Phaetuse and Lampetie the daughters of the Sun and Clymen, bewraying salt brine tears, and still be wailing brother's death, were overgrown with slender bark, and turned to trees (of which said trees in guard of their goodwill and moan, flow gummy tears that Amber men do call, which hardened with the Sun, and falling from the boughs into the brook, do serueas things of price to deck our Lady's wrists, and wear about their necks) so rather than I spend my days in spitefusl dole, convert me good Mercury, to some Tree or stone, that may do the service, or Aurelia some use.  
Now bright Hyperion was in mids of sky, and seared the field with fiery rays, so that for very languishing heat Philotimus was constreynd to seek a shade.  
Not very far of, there was a valley thick with Pineapple & Cypress trees, that armed were with pricks, and in the furthest end thereof, there was a pleasant bower vaulted with the levy trees: by nature it was wal● with flint and pommy half about, and on the right side of the same a lively springe with crystal stream full freshly flowed out, whereof the upper brim was green with grass and matted herbs.  
Here did Philotimus, that sweat and swelted almost, rest himself to refresh his weakened limbs, and here he 'gan afresh to repeat his misery, which he could never repel from his recording memory.  
Into this valley had an old Shepherd (whose name was Laurus) forced with heat, brought his flock, and he sitttinge under a pineapple tree, was reading on an old moth-eaten book.  
The shepherd hearing a lamentable sound, traced the voice till he had started Philotimus, whom he found sitting under a Cypress tree, leaning on his left hand, sometimes beating his heels against the ground, sometimes knocking his head against the Tree, sometime heaving his displayed hands to heaven, calling for mercy and revenge, the one to pacify his mood, the other a meed for his enemy's cruelty. When his rage was assuaged, and he had fed his fill upon this estasie, Laurus something more emboldened then before, giving him a tap on his shoulder with his sheephooj, saluted him after this manner.  
My Son, God speed thy study, and breed thy quiet, augment thy patience, or lessen thy penance: and if thy grief may be told, and my rudeness accepted, bewray it to me, I will betray thee to none: credit me a stranger (good youngman) I will be as true to thee as the beggar to his dish. What haste thou trespassed against thyself, thus to torment thee without cause or reason? Declare (good Son) and doubt not: conference is convenable to subdue direful melancholy, and difference of talk makes diversity in thought. A slender pole can support a large vine, and my slight ability may assist thy debility. Open to me thy state, and hope to be bestead. A shepherds scrip is stuffed erewhile with better fare than bacon: a graish weed doth vail sometimes a gayer wit than velvet: a grey goose wear becomes a wearied mind, but doth not prove a goosish sot benumbed man: an hoary head doth hoard both sores and salves for every crazed mind. Now of fellowship say, and unfold thy dismal dristresses as we sit in this cool shade.  
Philotimus seeing his friendly talk, countnaunced by a reverent aspect of gravity, saluted him after this form.  
Hail worthy shepherd what ere thou art, of greater worth than Laure I think, if Laure himself did hear. But since you are importune to hear my importable destinies, I will neither be captious to misconstrue your good meaning, neither ingrateful to deny a kind demand, that one an argument of a peevish mind, the other a consequent of a perverse judgement: then my case standeth thus.  
If pleasures be in painfulness, if joys accord with carefulness, if mirth may be in misery, if banishment be liberty, then am I most pleasant, most joyful, most merry, most free: but ay lady mercy, I am quite the contrary.  
I am a captive clapped in chains of care, leapt in the laws of lethal love, & as the dog all only for the taste doth gnaw the bone: so forth I draw this irked life with fancies vain repast. My corrosives comfort is but this, that as a siedged fort with foreign force, for want of aid must yield at last: so this my corpse thus coursed with cares, for want of ease shall quickly fade.  
I have friends (or had friends) whom if good nature had taught to go upright, when they learned to haut of wayward will, I had not been a precedent of mischief, nor needed present counsel, I had been better advised, then now to need advertisement, my winged desire had not been clogged with despair, neither had I had this clue of care to work my warp upon.  
My fame had not failed, nor my fortune quailed, nor this bloom of my blame, bred of the seed of their shame. My Courtier's steed had not been turned to a Collier's cut, nor passed wealth to present want: I had not been expelled from mine own country, nor here exposed to the wreck of fortune.  
Not to make a profound parable of a plain brobleme, nor to be nice in concealing that, which all the world doth know, I will disclose some part of my follies, which have been the close procurers of my fall.  
I loved a Lass (alas why did I so?) which made full many a swearing promiss, that I should be the platform, where she would plant her gooodwill, and the only ground where she would graft her grace. But as I was a sottish Ass to believe a faithless trull: so she made me an horned Ox to harnish my love.  
Why (quoth the shepherd, meaning to drive him out of his dumps) it is a point of a good gardener to plant in the highest ground, and therefore did she choose thy head to graft her slips in.  
Good shepherd (quoth Philotimus) be not too gamesome in so heavy a case: for play is turned to earnest, where game maketh loss, and these merry conceits make but choleric melancholy. marmalet is no meat for mowers, nor pleasure a pastime for distressed men: if thou list to hear my state, listen a while to the tenure of my talk.  
I was once a pleasant moat in my mistresses eye, whiles I had a beam in mlne own not to discern her dealings: she then had a golden tongue (as Berosius had for his eloquence) when my purse was so proud, that the lining was silver: I then see her lovely when my candle burned bright, and now stink in her nostrils like loathlie snuff, when my light is extinct. When my wealth was first broached, I was sweet to her taste, but since it came to the dregs, she shuns me like poison. When the honey dew of gold did drop upon her fingers, and fortune flowed with full stream, than was I worthy to be master of her barge, but ah now. Yet I wish her long prosperity, and my present death.  
Truly (quoth the shepherd) and for thy sake (though I have as little acquaintance with thee, as thou haste credit with her) I wish with all my heart, she were with Charles the fourth Emperor of that name. Yet I request not thy death before his time: for I hope thou shalt eat of the goose that shall tread on her grave. But I perceive thou art no good Grammarian, that prefer est the feminine gender to the masculine, and thy mistresses love before thine own safety. Me thinks her goodwill that will not be warmed at any fire, should quickly aslake thy fervent affection, and since I could not support her lack, I would learn of reason to suppress my love.  
Shepherd, said Philotimus, in this she is qualified like Satyrus, who embracing fire was not scorched, neither can my smouldering heat enkindle any warmth in her.  
Laurus replied.  
Thou seest (my son) she is a star that will not come within the compass of thy Sphere, and therefore beat not thy brains about this bootless Astronomy. The sweet tree Ebenus is good & pliable in his proper nature, but being cut or hewn, turneth to a stone. When her teeth doth lose the knot that her tongue tied, thou art enlarged and at liberty, as thou wert before this bond. Naytheles, I would not have thee misconstrue my words, for it is not my purpose to miscontent thy mind: & indeed I censure of thee, the honour should rather eternish thee for thy martial hardiness, then that thou shouldest do her homage for her pranked haughtiness, & I do rather persuade me, that thou deservest a better than she, than I can brook to hear thee commend such a retrograde dissembler. These sighings in her absence can small deal profit thee, whose instance in her presence could not prevail. Therefore tender thy state and forget her.  
Philotimus looking upon him, neither backward nor forward, but like the picture of the silly man Dulius, pitifully God knows, and very wistlie, sighed out these words.  
O father shepherd, whiles thou endeavourest to staunch a vein in my liner, thou lettest me blood in the very heart: thou cuttest the grass, whereof I meant to make my hay, which though it now be a common for others to graze in, yet I love it the better, because it might have been my frehold. She is the branch, the root, and the tree, she is my head, my body, & my soul, the first A. of my crosrow, and the last letter of my learning, without her I am not, she is all in all, and all in every part. O Aurelia, dear Aurelia, What (shepherd) dost thou think my mind a roll of ware to receive the impression of inhuman disloyalty?  
I know Bucephalus cannot be bridled without Alexhnders' consent, nor the Crocodile, tied to a Tree without Caesar's enforcement, nor Aurelia be conyed by any persuasions but her Cornelius his: Yet if I were able, I had rather give thee a wedge of Gold to make a lock for thy lips, than thy tongue should be a picklock to open the least part of her evil dealings, whose wished welfare is sacred to me, and whose subtle practices shall be secret to thee.  
If I had Gyges his faculty, to go unseen into my country, it were enough for me but to view her.  
I confess that by her means I am a scorn to the best, and a scum of the worst, I expect no good by her, but suspect a propagation of my misfortunes: yet now to forsake her after my long love, were to buy fish and give it to the dogs, and to take thy barren counsel in these affairs, were as if a calf should suck a bull. O shepherd, much water passeth besides the mill that the milner seethe not, and much hath happened within the compass of thy experience, whereof thou tookest little keep. I will commend the for a cunning shepherd when I know thy skill, & will thank thee for thy courtesy, but not take thee for a counsalour.  
The good shepherd quietly answered. My good child, because I do see thee so uncapable of good counsel, in stead of a Rose to yield a sweet savour, I was a thorn in thy nose to stir the up to sense, I spoke sharply, but meant fatherly. Be yet of good cheer (my son) behind the door stands the wall, and Time holds the glass of thy good fortune. But in the mean season, I do so much the more lament thy casualties, for that thou and I have been birds of one feather, paid tribute to one Caesar, & been fellow soldiers in the same legar: so that he which hath my misadventures, and is enthralled with thy present state, may vie the pair for sorrow, whatsoever the stake be.  
Notwithstanding, though thou whose state was once extolled, art now controlled of checkmate spite, and divested from thy throne, despair not tho as a miscreant, nor destruste thy possibility. Oft have I seen as unlucky a Burrow harbour a Conny: Oft have I known, as unskilful as great humility, as I unadvisedly solicit my suit. So it is my good servant, that my provident care to preserve my state, & thy sober discretion in all thy dealings, induce me to thank thee for thy trusty policy, and to crave thee for my fear and lawful husband. Yet I beseech thee impute not this to lust (for such perturbations are placed in my preterpect tense, but refer it to the virtue of thy good demeanour, which hath a force attractive, to draw all hearts to it. What sayest thou man? If my breach of manners have stained my art of wooing, then be thou a mannerly maid for me, and say nay and take it.  
I answered her in these or the like words.  
My good mistress, your meritorious charity hath so long relieved me, and your present courtesies offer me such kindness, that for the one you may challenge me to be your vassal, & with the other you have strick me into a maze. Wherefore I ask forgiveness on my knees, if I do not accomplish your reasonable command, and whiles I live I will punish my untowardly mind, that is not submissive to your good meaning.  
Yet this I will tell you, which perhaps you have heard: when the Moon which is the lowest planet, is in conjunction with Saturn which is the highest planet, there can no good nativity issue from them: when Winter marries Summer, writ it up for a wonder, and when an old grift in a young plant fructifies good fruit, the year will pippins be preservative from the plague: The greenness of my youth, and the gravity of your years, are discords in descant, and therefore can they never make good music. I am meeter for your servant then your sovereign, and you fit for my mistress then to be my fellow. If I were fantastical (good mistress) your clemency and good nature could withdraw love from other objects, and allure it to yourself: but I have vowed singleness and willbe true votary, for what cause, God and my conscience best knows.  
At this time we broke of, she telling me, that she doubted not but I would be better advised, and I answering, that I wished I could satisfy her expectation. Many colloquies had we about these matters after this, but her earnest instance wrought but my resistance, and my waywardness, her goodwill. At length with much ado, and many entreatings, I got leave to be manumitted of her service with her good liking.  
Her reward at my departure was very bountiful, and though my ability were too slender to make requital, yet was my grateful heart not unwilling to be thankful ..  
Then in the progreffe of my travail, my meditation was, what course of life to take. And since my lineage was obscure, & my parentage but base, I would needs have enterprised some exploit, with the achievement of which, I might have been to my posterity an original of true gentility. Amongst the rest, the soldiers profession I most honoured, and though I had been trained up in learning, and never seen a lined camp, yet did I think that my reading with a little experience, would afford me such knowledge as would suffice a soldier. Machaon and Podali●e the sons of Coronis, two excellent doctors in physic, were Colonels of the Tricenses, Ithomenienses, and Occaliens, that came to Troy with thrice ten sail. Can not I then for a need, marshal the battaylons and phalanges of footmen, and range the soldiers with good disposition? place the chariots in the front, the choice footmen in the rearward, and the weak ones in the midst? O brave, when bloody trump to battle sounds, and lusty neighing horse bestirs him on the ground.  
But when I looked back to see myself and the feebleness of my sielye carcase, alas poor man (quoth I) thou art more like to fight with a Crane, as Homer in the third of his Iliads saith that the Pygmyes do, then attain by thy valour to any notable conquest: surcease from this devise I wish. Nay, Diana in her training chase delights, Minerva in her chattering arms doth march, Apollo in his silver-sounding cords disports, yet none of these are my content. The fragrant fields, the rural lawns, where Zephyrus inspires the fruitful earth, and doth attire each bush with bud and bloomie branch, where the purple Columbine, and the orient cowsloppe, the daffadillie and the pretty lily, the daisy and the violet, do may in array, shallbe my palace and my paradise.  
After all my consultations had been accountant to my reason, this was the foot of my determination. I met with an old ancient shepherd, with whose tranquillity of life (being seiunged from all humane troubles) I was much delighted. Him I endeavoured to serve, and after his decease, the small flock which he kept in his life, was mine by his bequest after his decease. The residue of my life have I led ever since in this vocation, where at my pleasure I could study good authors, & be contemplative when I list, and my mansion house is yonder little cottage, which thou seest stand amid the trees. My name as thou rightly gessedst at the first, is Laurus. Now, if thou canst either brook my kind of life, or accept the néedines of my cheer, I will either make thee a companion in my calling as long as I live, or give thee whiles thou listest, such entertainment as I can.  
Philotimus his humour was frankly fed with this discourse of the shepherd. Laurus (quoth he) I gratulate thy presence, and am glad to see thee, much have I heard of thee which now I will not repeat, and I think myself happy that I have met with thee But as for thy life, I rather admire it then mean to imitate it. For a candle put under a bushel, is light in vain, and a talon hid, is to small purpose. If thou canst give me knowledge of any Court near at hand, or any nobleman that will vouchsafe me his service, I shall think myself much beholden to thee. Truly quoth the shepherd, in good time: for not many leagues from hence, doth sojourn a famous and virtuous Gentleman, the prince of this province: whose peaceable policy and divine government, I cannot rightly match, but with that most renowned regiment of the worthy Queen ELIZABETH, now Queen of England, whose royal excellency,  
Ah Laurus (quoth Philotimus) there hold, least in talking of Elizabeth's majesty, thou be'st overwhelmed with her glory.  
Her virtues must be adored with sincere contemplation, but cannot be recensed without abridging of her praises. If thou shouldest magnify her highness with the eloquence of Tully, and every of these hills, wherewith thou art environed, should Echo forth ten thousand voices, thy words would be wasted in the prologue of her praises, & the Echoes die for joy to hear her name expressed. There is no vacum of her fame in rerum natura, all the world rings of it.  
Well then (quoth Laurus) although I am not imbued with an autorchye of faculty, to praise her as I would: yet do I not want a true lieges loyalty, to pray for her majesty with an interminate devotion. And since the prince of whom I speak, is in the Positive degree of her Superlative, thou shalt not need to doubt of his wisdom in deciphering thy good qualities, nor of his clemency to vouchsafe the service.  
To morrow next there is solemn hunting in the park here adjoining, at which sport the prince will be present: and to morrow the Moon is in conjunction with jupiter, at which time I have red, that it is prosperous to solicit any suit to a nobleman. There by mine advise thou shalt exhibit thy complaint in some pretty piteous premeditated oration.  
O (quoth Philotimus) shall I an uncouth stranger, so abruptly present myself to a mighty prince? so I should rather seem to checkmate modesty, then challenge meed.  
Tush dastard (replied the shepherd) avaunt despair: crave in hope, and have in ha●, oft hast thou heard it, and now shalt thou try it, that fortune most usually favours the venturous.  
That night Philotimus lodged with Laurus, and the morning following all yelad in green, semblable to his griefs which were ever fresh and green, he paced forward to the park, where after a delicate banquet, whereto the prince was invited in a coolye pavished arbour, after the game, Philotimus in due time prostituting himself before his feet, and making as though he had some strange news to utter, thereby to move his attention, delivered this speech ensuing  
If I were as shamefast (renowned prince) as modesty persuades my young green years, or if your honour did strike such an horror to my fainting heart, as is wont to be common in humble suits, and partly thought commendable in such abjected creatures as my silly self, where now I feel the scant of skill to bewray my wailful case, & thereunto to move your merciful remorse, it would also force a want of will, amid your weighty affairs to use this careless babbling, (whereof God knows you can but make full course account) to take wary heed, and not to enterprise by rustic speech, so foolish hardy bold attempt, to awake my wits and lull my tongue asleep.  
But alas (my Lord) sharp misery learns bold policy, better solicit a king, than always live a beggar. The cowardly champion hemmed in with lists doth often conquer, he, on whom poverty hath so encroached, that scarce he can move him out of his standing, but pinching need doth catch him by the back, must of necessity strain courtesy with modesty.  
Yet I see my ambition above my condition, and a pharisees desire pass a Publicans desert, and can it prevail with halting heel to strive to hop against the hill? Can the sluggish snail with creeping pace ever reach the Castle's tower? Will the lusty Ship with top and top gallant, all fleeting away with flanta galanta, vail bonnet to the boat so far underneath her, so tossed through her weakness with every tempest? O happy I if this may be: and it pleaseth sweet Hope to send forth an Echo and tell me It may be. The mounting kite doth sometimes seize on homely prey, Phoebus for all his heavenly throne vouch saves to lend his comfortable light, aswell to the valleys as to the mountains. Then to my matter. And because my colours shall not fade or soil, I will paint out myself with the oil of Truth.  
I am a Gentleman borne in Italy, descended from the lineage of a noble house: in my infancy and primetide of my youth, I was addicted to good letters, and trained up in Florence in the study of the sciences: and after that by my parent's decease I was invested in their inheritance, I followed the Court, & did attend upon the Duke's grace of Venice.  
And Hinc illae lachrimae, from thence came these miseries. For there, not being urged with any impositions of the Duke, but inclined to prodigality of mine own wasteful nature, I made dilapidations of all my parent's revenues, and quite consumed all my possessions: then being ashamed in my needy beggary, to stay any longer in my country, and partly afraid of my greedy creditors, lest they should extend the rigour of their extremity, I abandoned my native soil, seeking good fortune where I could find her: and as Cadmus directed this journey that way towards which his staff fell: so I made my voyage thither, whither it pleased God and destiny to guide me. Now (most puissant Prince) if my secret instinct of divination do not deceive me. I hope under your favourable protection, here to house myself in a safe harbour. Surmise not I most humbly beseech your majesty, that I come as a sentinel within your dominion, neither suspect me of any treachery, that may be prejudice to your parsonage. For if by this fair pretence I intent any other thing then to do your highness most dutiful service, and partly to renew my decayed state by your royal bounty, than I wish and pray, that presently in your presence, the Gods most miraculously work my confusion. Not much I own to many, and little more I own to some, but most of all, and all itself, shall I own to your highness, if you vouchsafe me your most regal service. I am not harnished with a complete faculty in all mysteries, to execute any function with facility, but (be it spoken without offence to any of your subjects) employ me at your pleasure abroad or at home, and if my daily diligence be inferior to any man's, (although my might be much like hers whose wealth was but a mite) then let me lose my due reward, and die the death of a villainous traitor. Thus loath any longer to trouble your highness with my bablative eloquence●, and to keep myself in suspense of your wished answer, I surcease my prating, praying God to preserve you, and expecting the resolution of your majesties determination.  
The noble Prince seemed to take delight in his speech, which God knows was framed with small study, and taking him by the hand made him stand up, speaking as followeth.  
We see (my friend) that in the shallowest water is hid  Per. 
I have also red which thou addest not, that if they see not within seven days after, they are blind for ever: & thou knowest how long I have borne my crosses: yet I profess to thee Pandolpho, that I was never better comforted with a cullis in my sickness, than my mind was cheered with this story of Philotimus. And therefore I beseech thee, commend me heartily to the sweet self of good Melanthus, and tell him, that if I might enjoy his company together with thine, I should be restored to half my former happiness.  Pand. 
I will (good Periander) and now that I know thy mind, we will not long be absent from thee. In the mean time good night my sweet friend, and as thou canst comfort thyself, and I will pray for both our prosperities.  Per. 
Ten thousand good nights my good Pandolpho, and so many thanks for this present courtesy, & so many wishes for thy next company.   
FINIS.   

AT LONDON.  
¶ Imprinted by Roger Warde, dwelling near Holborn Conduit at the sign of the Talbot, and are there to be sold. 1583.