A COMPENDIous or brief examination of certain ordinary come plaints, of divers of our country men in these our days: which although they are in some part unjust & frivolous, yet are they all by way of dialogu●…e thoroughly debated & discussed  
By William Stafford, Gentleman▪  
IMPRINTED at London in Fleetstreate, near unto Saint Dunston's Church, by Thomas Marsh.  
1581. Cum Privilegio.    


Qui Leo de juda est, & flos de jesse, Leones protegat, & flores Elizabeta tuos.    

TO THE MOST Virtuous and learned Lady, my most dear and Sovereign Princess ELIZABETH, by the Grace of GOD, Queen of England, France, and Ireland, Defendresse of the Faith. etc.  
WHereas there was never any thing heard of in any age past hetherunto, so perfectly wrought and framed, either by Art or Nature, but that it hath at some time, for some forged and surmised matter, sustained the reprehension of some envious persons or other: I do not much marvel most mighty princess, that in this your so noble & famous a government, (the glory whereof is now long sithence ●…attered and spread over the whole face of the Earth,) there are notwithstanding certain evil disposed people, so blinded with malice, and subdued to their own partial conceits: that as yet they can neither spare indifferent judgements to conceive, or reverent tongues to report a known truth, touching the perfection of the same. But for these men, as they are (no doubt) sufficiently refuted by the testimonies of their own cosciences: so are they most certainly condemned by the common consent of all such, as are wise or indifferent. And although this be of itself so clear and manifest that it cannot be denied, yet could not I forbear (most renowned sovereign) being as it were enforced, by your Ma●…esties late & singular clemency, in pardoning certain my undutiful misdemeanour, but seek to acknowledge your gracious goodness and bounty towards me, by exhibiting unto you this small and simple present: wherein as I have indeu●…ed in few words to answer certain quarrels and objections, daily and ordinarily occurrent in the 〈◊〉 of sundry men, so do I most humbly crave your Grace's favourable acceptation thereof: protesting also with all humility, that my meaning is not in the discourse of these matters here disputed, to define aught, which may in any wise sound prejudicial to any public 〈◊〉, but only to allege such probability as 〈◊〉 could, to stop the mouths of certain evil affected 〈◊〉, which of their curiosity require farther satisfaction in these matters, then can well stand with good modesty. 〈◊〉 as upon this zeal & good meaning towards your 〈◊〉, I was earnestly moved to undertake 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and in the handling thereof rather content to show myself unskilful to others, then unthankful to you: so 〈◊〉 of your ancient accustomed clemency, I was so bold to 〈◊〉 the same to your gracious protection, fully 〈◊〉 and assuring myself, that it would generally obtain the better credit & entertainment among others, if your 〈◊〉 name were prefixed, as it were a most rich jewel and rare Ornament to beautify and commend the same. God preserve your Majesty with insinit increase of all his blessings bestowed upon you, and 〈◊〉 that your days of life here upon the earth may be extended (if it be his good will) 〈◊〉 far beyond the ordinary course of Nature: that as you have already sufficiently reigned for your own honour and glory to last withal posterities: so you may continue and remain with us many more years, even to the full contentation (if it may so be) of us your loving subjects, and to the perfect establishing of this flourishing peace & 〈◊〉 anquillity in your common weal for ever.  
YOUR majesties most faithful and loving subject, WILLIAM STAFFORD.   

A Table of things most notable contained in this Book.  

THat no man is a stranger to the common 〈◊〉 that he 〈◊〉 in. 1. a  
That of many heads is gathered a perfect counsel. 1. b  
That every man is to be credited in his 〈◊〉 art. 1. b  
Why 〈◊〉 book is made by way of dialogue 2. a  
The 〈◊〉 of they▪ hole book▪ 2. a  
That men 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 borne to themselves only. 3. a  
The 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 by husbandmen. 3. b  
The 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 of victual by artificers. 3. b  
The complaint of the decay of towns by Merchant men, and of all other common 〈◊〉. 4. a  
That many 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 are 〈◊〉 down, and yet never the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 4. a  
Of dearth of 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 4. a  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of all 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 4. a  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 should not be the 〈◊〉 of this dearth. 4. b  
〈◊〉 Gentlemen 〈◊〉 most 〈◊〉 by this dearth. 4. b  
The 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 against Gentlemen for taking of fear●…, 4. b  
The 〈◊〉 man complaint that he cannot set men a work for the 〈◊〉 of victual. 5. a  
The Gentleman, complaint 〈◊〉 he cannot keep like 〈◊〉 as he was want to do. 5. a  
Why Gentlemen do give over their households. 5. b  
Why Gentlemen do take fearmes to their hands. 5. b  
A complaint against sheep. 5. b  
The Doctor's 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 men of 〈◊〉 sort. 6. a  
A complaint against learned men. 6. a  
Why learning should be 〈◊〉 to decay hereafter. 6. b  
Whether a common weal may 〈◊〉 well governed without lear●…▪ 6. b  
That the learned have always had the 〈◊〉 over the unlearned. 7. a  
Whether a man may be wise 〈◊〉 learning. 7. a  
That 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉, and that 〈◊〉 is the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 7. a  
The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉. 8. a  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 learning. 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 os his great lear●… 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 8. b  
That knowledge in moral philosophy is most necessary for a counsellor. 9 a  
What makes learned men to be so few. 9 b  
That young students be always over hasty in uttering their judgements. 9 b  
That Pythagoras commanded silence to his disciples for a time. 9 b  
That Plato commanded that no man ignorant in geometry should enter his school. 10. a  
What harm may come if they be suffered to judge in things to whom, that doth not 〈◊〉 10. a  
That it is not learning sufficient to know tongues and write. 10. a  
Why learning should decay. 10. b  
That every state 〈◊〉 himself grieved. 11. a  
That merchants can best save themselves in every alteration. 11. a  
Os our old coin exhausted. 11. a  
Whether it made any matter of what metal the coin be made 11. b  
What men are most pinched by this same dearth 11. b  
That the prince hath most 〈◊〉 by this universal dearth. 11. b  
What danger should it be to the Realm if the prince should want treasure in time of needo. 12. a  
How the Queen's 〈◊〉 can not have treasure when her subjects have none. 12. b  
A recapitulation of the common grieves. 13. a  
That it is a marvelous dearth that comes in time of plenty. 13▪ b 
The table of the second dialogue.   
The occasion of this dearth is laid to the Gentlemen. 14. a  
How from the Gentlemen it is laid to the husbandmen. 14. a  
The gentlemen's excuse and reasonable offer, 14. a  
The Husbandman refuseth and puts over the fault to iron-mongers and clothiers. 14. b  
If all land were abated in their rend whethet this dearth would be remedied. 15. a  
That it were not expedient that strangers should sell their wares 〈◊〉, and we ours good cheap. 15. a  
Another offer of the Gentleman made to the husbandman 15. a  
Whether 〈◊〉 the husbandman were forced to abate the price of his 〈◊〉: 〈◊〉 dearth should be then amended. 14. b  
The strangers take but money currant every where for their wares that they have over their exchange. 16. b  
That strangers and all 〈◊〉 brings things that be best cheap to them, and dearest with us. 16. b  
What thing is of that sort. 17. a  
He that selleth good cheap, & buyeth dear shall not lightly thrive. 17. b  
It is not possible to keep our treasure from 〈◊〉 forth of the realm if 〈◊〉 be in 〈◊〉 estimation elsewhere. 17. b  
That the dearth rose neither at the gentleman nor the husband 〈◊〉 hands. 18. a  
Permutation of things before coin, 18. a  
〈◊〉 complaint against 〈◊〉 masters. 18. b  
That Inclosuresis occasion of desolation & weaking of the power of the realm. 18. b  
Reasons to defend Enclosures. 18. b  
What kind of Enclosures is hurtful. 19 a  
Whether that that is profitable to one, may be profitable to all other if they use the same feat. 19 a  
Every commodity must be so advanced, as it be not prejudicial to other greater commodities. 19 b  
No man may abuse his own things to the prejudice of the common weal. 20, a  
How enclosures might be remedied without cohertion of laws. 20. b.  
That a like restraint of wool should be made as is of corn or none to be sent over 〈◊〉. 21. a  
Reasons why the husband should not be at liberty, as well as other to sell his 〈◊〉. 21. b  
That by breeding the husband hath most clear gains. 22. a  
That profit advanceth all faculties. 22. b  
That some are to be alured by rewards, and some other with strait pains 〈◊〉 in a common weal. 22. b  
The less honour or profit is given to any Art, the less it shall be frequented. 23. a  
Profit will make husbandmen more occupied & thereby more plenty and consequently better cheap of corn. 23. b  
Whether the Queen's custom should be minished by restraint of Wool unwrought. 24. b  
How strangers fetcheth from us our great commodities for very trifles. 25. a  
Our delicacy in requiring strangers wares. 25 a  
The 〈◊〉 of Haberdashers, and Mylleners over they were want to be. 25. b  
How the Strangers find an easier way to get Treasure by things of no value then by any mines of gold and silver. 25 b  
How strangers 〈◊〉 their people with our commodities. 25. b  
Why strangers may afford Wares by them made, 〈◊〉 than we may the same made here, and yet that it were better for us to buy our own though they be dearer. 26. a  
The most durable & universal profit is more to be esteemed then short and particular. 26. b  
Whether such restraints do touch the leagues made with outward princes. 26. b  
No league is to be cherished that is not for the common weal. 27. a  
A worthy example to be solowed in using of strangers 27. a  
What harms come and may come by the alteration 〈◊〉 the coin. 27. b  
That the substance and quantity is esteemed in coin and not the name. 28. b  
That the necessity of mutual traffic & commodity of exchange made coin to be devised. 29. a  
Why Gold and Silver were the stuff most meetest for Coin to be stricken in. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉  
Why Gold and Silver are esteemed 〈◊〉 all other me●…als. 30. a  
Why Silver and Gold were coined. 31. a  
〈◊〉 br●…e silver & gold were weighed be●…ore coin made. 31 a  
What loss 〈◊〉 of loss of ●…edence. 31. b  
What do 〈◊〉 bring us for our treasure & chief commodity▪ 3●…. a  
How our old coin may be t●…nsported, and the 〈◊〉 & her 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 32. a  
We 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 way 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 32. b  
Why 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 32. b  
Some 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the coin, 33. a  
Who 〈◊〉 loss by the ●…lteration of the coin. 33. a  
Of 〈◊〉 i●… app●…ll. 33. b  
In 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 34. b  
Of 〈◊〉 in buildings. 35. a  
How the alteration of the 〈◊〉 ●…houlde b●…e most loss to the Prince, 35. b  
Whether all our Wool were expedient to be sold over vnw●…ght. 36. b  
Mysteri●… are to be increased rather then minished. 37. 〈◊〉  
Of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Mysteries. 3●…. 〈◊〉  
One 〈◊〉 out 〈◊〉 treasure. 37. 〈◊〉  
Another spendeth that they get in the same country again. 38. a  
The 〈◊〉 sort bringeth in ●…reasure, and therefore most to be cherished. 38. a  
Mysteries do in●…iche countries that be else barren. 38. b  
〈◊〉 with strangers are to be purchased and kep●…, 39 a  
Whether great Armies were as necessary here as in Fra●…ce. 39 a  
A less grie●… would not be helped with a greater sore. 39 b  
The common grieves. 40. b 
The table of the third dialogue.   
The original cause in every thing is to be searched. 41. a  
diverse sorts of causes there be. 41. b  
How one thing is cause of the other & that of the third. 42. a  
The strangers answer touching thi●… dearth. 42. b  
That the alteration of the coin was the very cause of the dearth and consequently of other griefs which followed, 43. b  
How Enclosures might be remedied. 46. a  
Of towns decayed. 47. b  
The occasion of the decay of towns. 48. a  
That art is to be most cheri●…ed in a town that bringeth most to t●…e town. 49. a  
Towns are enriched with some one trade. 49. a  
The occasion of schisms in matters of Religion, 51. a  
The 〈◊〉 on the part of ●…he ●…aytye. 53. b  
How these schisms ●…ight be remedied. 54. b  
The bishop of Rome is no indifferent man, 55. a   
FINIS.   

A Brief conceit touching THE COMMON WEAL OF THIS REALM OF ENGLAND.  
CONSIDERING THE diverse and sundry complaints of our countrymen in these our da●…es, touching the great alteration of this common wealth, with●… the compass of these fewyeres lately passed: I thought good at this time. to. set down such probable discourse for the occasion hereof, as I have ●…earde oftentimes uttered by men of▪ 〈◊〉 learning and deep judgement. And a●…eit I am not one to whom the consideration and reformation of the same doth especially belong: yet knowing myself to be a Member of the same Commonweal, and to further it by all the ways that possibly I ma●…: I cannot reckon and 
No man is a stranger to the commonweal he is in.  〈◊〉 myself a mere stra●…ger to this inatter, no more than a man that were 〈◊〉 a Shi●…pe, which being in danger of wrack might say, that, because he is not (percase) the master or pilate of the same, the da●…ger thereof doth pertain nothing at all to him. Therefore ha●…inge ●…owe sufficient leisure from other 〈◊〉, me thought, I could no●… apply my study to a better and the●… to publish & make relation of such matters as I have heard thoroughly disputed herein.  
First, what thingee men are most grieved with, than, what should 〈◊〉 the occasion of the same: And that known how such 〈◊〉 may be taken away, and the state of the Common weal reform again. And albeit ye might well ●…ay, that there be men of greater wits than I that have that matter in charge, yet▪ Fools (as the Proverb is) sometimes speak to the purpose: and as many heads, so many wits, and therefore Princes, though they be never so wise themselves, (as our most excellent Prince is) yet the wiser that they be, the more counsellors they will have, (as our noble and gracious Queen doth daily make choice of more) for that, that one cannot perceive, another doth discover: the gifts of wits be so diverse, that some excels in Memory, some in Invention, some in Judgement, some at 〈◊〉 first sight ready. & some after long consideration: & though each of these by themselves do not ●…euerally make per●…t the matter, yet when every man brings in his gift, a mean witted man may of all these (the best of every man's devise being gathered together) make as it were a pleasant and perfect Garlonde to adorn and ●…cke his head with all. Therefore I would not only have learned 
Of many heads is gathered a perfect counsel.  men, whose judgements I would wish to be 〈◊〉 ●…steemed herein, but also Merchant men, Husbandmen, & Artificers, which in their callings are taken wise, freely suffered, y●…a, and 〈◊〉 to tell their Aduyses in this matter. For some 〈◊〉 in their feats, they may disclose, that the wisest in a Realm cannot unfold again. And it is a maxim, or a thing received as an infaylible verity among all men, that every man is to be credited in 
That every man is to be credited in his own Arte.  that Art that he is most exercised in. For did not Apelles that excellent Painter consider, that when he laid forth his fine Image of Venus to be seen of every man that past by, to the intent he hearing every man's judgement in his own Art might always amend that was a miss in his work, whose Censures he allowed so long as they kept them within their own Faculties, and took not upon them to meddle with an other man's Art: so percase I may be answered as he was, yet I refuse not that, if I pass my compass: but for as much as most of this matter containeth Policy, or good government of a co●…onweale, being a Member of Philosophy morale, wherein I have somewhat studied, I shall be so bold with my countrymen: who I doubt not will construe-every thing to the best, as to utter my poor and s●…mple conteipt herein, which I have gathered out of the talk of diverse and sundry notable men that I have hea●… de reason on this matter: and though I should herein percase move some things that were openly not to be touched, as in such cases of disceptation is requisite, yet having respect to what 〈◊〉 they be spoken, I trust they can offend no man, for hard were it to heal a soar that a man would not have opened to his Physician, nor yet a surf●… that a man would 
Why the Book is made by way of Dialogue.  not declare the occasion thereof. Therefore now to go to the matter, upon 〈◊〉 of your good acceptation, that kind of reasoning seemeth to 〈◊〉 best for boultinge ●…ut of the truth, which is used by way of Dialogues, or colloquyes, where reasons where made ●…oo and fro, as well for the matter intended as against it: I thought best to take that way in the discourse of this matter, which is, first in recounting the common and v●…niuersall grieves that men complain on now a days, secondly in bolting out 
Thesumme of the whole Book.  the very causes and occasions of them, thirdly, and finally in devising of remedies for all the same. Therefore I will declare unto you what communication a Knight had between him & certain other persons of late about this matter, which because it happened between such persons, as were Members of every state that find themselves grieved now a days, I thought it not meet to be forgotten to let you understand that the persons were these. A knight as I said first, a Merchant man, a Doctor, a Husband man, and Crafts man. And first, the Knight rehearsed the communication in this manner ensuing.  

THE FIRST DIALOGUE.  Knight. 
AFter I and my Fellows the Justices of peace of this 〈◊〉 had the other day declared the Quen●…s highness co●…ission touching divers matters, & given the charge to 〈◊〉: I ●…eing doth weary of the heat of the people & 〈◊〉 of the same, thought to 〈◊〉 to ●… friends house of mine in the town which sells Wine, to the intent 〈◊〉 eat a ●…orsell of meat, for I was then fasting, taking with me an honest husbandman, who●… for his honesty and good discretion I loved very well: whether as we were co●…e & had but ●…kant sit down 〈◊〉 ●… close parlour, there comes me in a Merchant man of that c●…ty, a man of estimation and substance▪ and requires the said Husbandman to go and dine with him, ●…ay (quoth I) ●…e will not I trust nowforsake my company, though he should far better with you.  Merchant. 
Than (quoth the merchant man) I will send home for a pa●…y of ●…enison that I have there & for a friend of mine and a neighbour that I had bid to dinner, and we shallbe so bold as to make merry, withal here, in your company, & as for my guest he is no stranger unto you neither▪ And therefore both he of yours, & you of his company, I trust willbe the gladder.  Knight. 
Who is it.  Merchant. 
Doctor Pandotheus.  Knight. 
Is he so, on my faith he shallbe heartily welcome, for of hi●… we sha●… have some good communication a●…d wise, for he is noted a learned and a wise man. And immediately the Merchant sends for him, and he comes unto us, & bringeth with him an honest man a Capper of the same town who came to speak with the said Merchant, than after salutations had (as ye know the manner is) between me and master 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which had been long before 〈◊〉 us, we sat all down, 〈◊〉 when we 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of out stomachs.  Doctor. 
On my ●…ayth (quoth the Doctor) to me, ye make much ado, you that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 Country, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and in causing poor men to appear before you and leaving their husbandry unlookte to at 〈◊〉.  Knight. 
Surely it is so. Yet the prince must ●…e served and the commonweal, for God and the prince have not sent us the poor 〈◊〉 that we have, but 〈◊〉 service therefore abroad amongs our Neighbours.  Doctor. 
It is well if ye take it so, for nature hath graffed that persuasion in you and all other th●…t follows the clear light of Nature. As learned men have remembered, saying, 
Plato. Cicero.  we be not borne only to ourselves, but partly to the use of ou●… 〈◊〉, of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, of our Kinsfolks, and partly of our Friends and neighbours, and therefore 
That men are not borne to themselves on●…ly.  all good virtues are graffed in us naturally, whose effects be to do good to other, wherein we show forth the Image of God in Man, whose property is ever to do good to other, and to distribute his goodness abroad like no niggard, nor envious of any other creatures. As they resemble nothing of that godly Image, so they study no common utility of other, but only the conservation of themselves and propagation of their own kind. Wherefore▪ if we look to be reckoned most unlike them being most vile, and likest to God being ●…ost excellent, let us 〈◊〉 to do good to other, not preferring the ease of this Carcase which is like the Brute beasts, but rather the virtues of the mind where●… we be like God himself.  Husband. 
Then (said the Husbandman) for all your pains (meaning by me) & all ours also, I would ye ●…ad never worse Commissions in hand than this is. So we had lost more 〈◊〉 works at our 〈◊〉 than this.  Knight. 
Why so▪  Husband. 
Marry for these 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 us ●…ll, for they make us to pay dearer for our land that we occupy, & causes that we can have no land in manner for our money to 
Complaint of Enclosures by Husbandmen  put to Tylla●…, all is taken up for 〈◊〉▪ for Pasture▪ either for 〈◊〉, or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of cattle, in so much that I have known of late ●… 〈◊〉 ploughe●… within less compass than 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 about me, laid down within this senem years: and where threescore persons or upward had ●…eir livings, now one man with his cattle hath all, which thing is not the 〈◊〉 cause of former 〈◊〉: for by these Enclosures many do▪ lack ●…uings and be 〈◊〉, & therefore for ●…ery necessity they are desiro●…s of a change being in hope to come thereby to somewhat, and well assured that how so ever it befall with them, it can be no harder with them than it was before: more over all 〈◊〉 are so dear that by their day wages, they are not able to live.  Capper. 
I have well the experience thereof, for I am ●…aine to give my journeimen two pence in a day more than I was 〈◊〉 to do, and yet they say they cannot sufficiently live thereon. 
Complaint of dea●…h of victual by Artifice●…s.  And I know for truth, that the best husband of them can save but little at the years end, and by reason of such dearth as ye speak of we that are Artificers, are able to keep but few or no Prentices like as we were wont to do, and therefore Cities which were her●…tofore well inhabited and wealthy, (as ye know every one of you) are now for lack of occupiers fallen to great poverty and desolation.  Merchant. 
So be the most part of all the towns of England, London 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and no●… only the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 are 〈◊〉 decayed in their Houses, Walls, Streets, and other buildings, but also the country in their high ways & Brydgés, 
Complaint of towns by Marchauntm●… & of all other common ea●…ementes.  for such poverty reigneth every where, that few men have so much to spare as they may give any thing to the reparation of such ways, bridges, and other common easements, and 〈◊〉 there be many things laid down now which before time were occasions of much expenses, as May-games, Wakes, Revels, wages at shooting, wrestling, 
Many superfluous charges laid down and yet never the more plenty.  running, and throwing the stone, or bar, & besides that, Pardons, pilgrimages, Offerings, and many such other things, yet I perceive we be never the wealthier, but rather poorer: whereof it is long I cannot well tell, for there is such a general dearth of all things as before. xx. or▪ thirty. years hath not ●…ene the like, not only of things growing within this Realm, but also of all other Merchandise 
Dearth of out ward Merchandise.  that we buy from beyond the Sea, as Sylkes, wines, Oils, Wood, Madder, Iron, Steel, Wax, ●…lare, ●…ymencloth, 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉, Coverlets, Carpets, and all ●…earfes, & Tapestry. spices of all sort and all ●…aberdasher ware, as ●…ayer both white & brown, Glasses aswell drinking, and looking as for glasinge of Windows, 〈◊〉, Needles, Knives, Daggers, ●…ats, Caps, broochs, Buttons, and Laces. I wots well all these do cost now more by the third part than they 
Dearth of all kind of victual.  did but few years ago: than all kind of Uittayle are as dear or dearer again, & no cause of God's part thereof as far as I can perceive, for I never saw more plenty of Corn, grass, and cattle of all sort than we have at this present, & have had (as ye know) all these twenty years passed continually, thanked be our Lord God: if these Enclosures were cause thereof, or any other thing else, it were pity but they might be removed.  Knight. 
Since ye have plenty of all things, of Corn, & cattle, (as ye say) them it should not seem this ●…arth shou●… be long of these Enclosures, for it is not for scarcenesss of Corn that ye have this dearth (for thanked be God) Corn 
That Inclosues be not the cause of this dearth.  is good cheap, and so hath been these many years passed continually. Than it cannot be the occasion of the dearth of cattle, for Enclosure is the thing that nourisheth most of any other: yet I confess there is a wonderful dearth of all things, and that do I, and all men of my sort feel most grief in, which have no way to sell, or occupation to live by, but only our lands. For you all three (I ●…eane) yo●… 
That Gentle●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by this ●…h.  my neighbour the husbandman, you master 〈◊〉, and you goodman Capper, 〈◊〉 other Ar●…rs may save yóur selves meetly well. Forasmuch as all things are dearer than they were, so much do you arise in the price of your wares and occupations that ye sell again. 〈◊〉 ut we 〈◊〉 nothing to sell whereby we might ad●…ce y● 〈◊〉 th●…of, to counterualue those things that we 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉▪  Husband. 
Yes, ye ráyse the price of your 〈◊〉, and ye take Fermes also and pastures to your hands, (which was 〈◊〉 to be poor men's livings such as I am) and have given over to live only upon your Lands.  
On my soul ye say truth (quoth the 〈◊〉) and the Capper also said no less, adding thereto that 〈◊〉 was 
The complaint of 〈◊〉 men against Gentle men for ●…ing of 〈◊〉.  never merry with poor Crafts men, since Gentlemen became Graziers, for they cannot now a days (said he) find their Prentices and servants meat and drink, but it cost them almost double as much as did before 〈◊〉, wherefore, where many of mine occupation and other like, heretofore have died rich men, and been able to leave honestly dehind them for their Wife and Children, and besides y● leave some notable bequests for some good deed, as to 〈◊〉 making of bridges, & repairing of highways, all which things go to wrack now every where. Also some were wont to buy Land either for to help the poor beginners 〈◊〉 occupations: yea, some time they had such 〈◊〉 as they could over such bequests leave another Portion to find a prysle, or to found a Chantry in some parish 
The craftesmans' complaint that he cannot set men a work for the Dearth of victual.  Church, and now we are scant able to live without debt, or to keep few seruasits or nō●…, except it be one Prentice or two. And therefore the Journeymen what of our occupations, and what of Clothier's, and all other occupations being forced to be without work, are the most part of these rude people that maketh these uproars abroad, to the great 〈◊〉 not only of the Queen's highness but also of her people. And need as ye know hath no booty.  Merchant. 
It is true, ye know likewise what other notable acts men of mine occupation have done in this City. Before this ye know the hospital at the town●…s end, wherein the freemen deca●…ed are relieved, how it was founded not long 〈◊〉 by one of our 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 thereby that the ●…y should be much relieved, which then was in some decay, and yet it decayeth still every day more and more, whereof it should be long, I ca●…ot well tell.  Knight. 
●…yr, as I know it is true that ye complain not ●…out cau●…e, so it is as true that I and my sort, I mean a●… 
The Gentleman's complaint how he cannot keep like countenance as he was want to do.  Gentlemen have as great yea and 〈◊〉 greater cause to complain then any of you have, (for as I said) now that the pry●…es of things ar●… so risen of all hands you may better line after your degree than we, for you may and do raise the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 wa●…s, as the pri●…es of ●…tayles, & other your 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; and 〈◊〉 cannot we so much, for though 〈◊〉 be true that of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as co●…e to our hands, ●…ther 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 by ●…mination and ending of such ter●…es of years, or oth●… 〈◊〉, that For mine 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉▪ I ●…oe either 〈◊〉 a better 〈◊〉 than of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or 〈◊〉 the ren●… thereof, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thereto for 〈◊〉 ●…arge of ●…y ●…holde that is so increased over that it was, yet in all my life time I look not that the third part of my land shall come to my disposition, that I may enhance the rent of the same, but it shallbe in men's holding either by leases or by copy granted before my time, and still continuing, and yet like to continue in the same state for the most part during my life, and percase my Sons: so as we cannot raise all our wares as you may yours, and as me thinketh it were reason we did, and by reason that we cannot, so many of us 
Why Gentlemen do give o●… their households.  (as ye know) that have departed out of the country of late, have been driven to give over our households, and to keep either a chamber in London, or to wait on the Court uncalled, with a man and a Lackey after him, where he was wont to keep half a score of clean men in his house, & xx. or xxiiii. other persons besides every day in the week▪ and such of us as do ●…yde in the country still, ●…not 〈◊〉 two hundredth a year, keep that house that we might have done with CC. marks but 〈◊〉. years past. And 〈◊〉 we are forced either to minish the third part of our household, or to raise the third part of our revenues, and for that we cannot so do of our own lands that is already 
Why Gentlemen do●… take Farms into their hands.  in the hands of other men, many of us are enforced either to keep pieces of our own Lands when they fall in our own possession, or to purchase some Farm of other men's lands, and to store it with sheep or some other cattle to help to make up the decay of our 〈◊〉, and to maintain our old e●…ate withal, and yet all is little enough.  Husband. 
Yea, those sheep is the cause of all these 〈◊〉, for they have driven hus●… out of the co●…trey, by the which was increased before all kind of 〈◊〉, & now all together 
Complaint against sheep.  sheep, sheep, sheep▪ It was far better when there were not only shenepe enough, but also 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉, swine, Pig, Goose▪ & Cayon, 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cheese: yea, and ●…de 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 corn 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, reared all ●…ogether upon the same land.  Doctor. 
Then the Doctor that had leaned on his Elbow all th●… while musing, sat up and said, I perceive by you all three, that there is none of you but have iu●… cause to complain.  Capper. 
No by my troth except it be you, men of the church, which travail nothing for your living and yet have enough.  Doctor. 
Ye say troth in deed, we have least cause to cōp●…ne: yet ye know well, we be not so plenteous as we have b●…ne, 
The Doctor's complaint for men of his càlling.  the first fruits & tenths are deducted of our livings, yet of the rest we might live well enough, if we might have quietness of mind & conscience withal. And albeit we labour not much with our bodies (as ye say) yet ye know we labour which out minds, more to the weaking of the same, then by any other bodily exercise we should do, as ye may well perceive by our c●…plexions, how wan our colour is, how faint and sikely be our bodies, & all for lack of bodily exercise.  Capper. 
Marry I would if I were of the Queen's counsel, provide for you well a fine, so as you should need take●… no disease 
〈◊〉 against le●…ed men.  for lack of exercise, I would set you to the Plough and Cart, for the devil a whit of good 〈◊〉 do with your studies, but set men together by the Ears, some with this opinion & some with that, some holding this way, & some an other, and that so stiffly as though the troth must be as they say that have the upper hand in contention, & this contention is not also the least cause of former uproars of the people, some holding of y● one learning & some of that other. In my mind it made no matter though we had no learned men at all.  Knight. 
God forbidden neighbour that it should be so: how should the Prince have 〈◊〉 then: how should we have christian religion taught us: how should we know the estates of ot●…er realms & have conference which them of all countries, except it were through learning, & by the bene●…t of Letters.  Doctor. 
Care not therefore goodman capper, ye shall have few ynoungh of learned men ●…in a while if this world hold on.  Capper. 
I mean not but I would have men to learn to write & read, yea & to learn the languages used in countries about us that we might write our minds to them & they to us, yea and that we might read the holy scriptures in our mother tongue, & as for your preaching (except ye agree better) it made no matter how little we had of it, for of dyversity thereof cometh these diversities of opinions,  Doctor. 
Then yes care for no other sciences at all, but the knowledge of tongues, and to write & read, and so it appears well that ye be not alone of that mind, for now a days when men sends their sons to the Universities they suffer 
Why leàrning should be l●…e to decay hereafter.  them no longer to tarry there, than they may have a little of the latin tongue, & then they take them away & bestow them to be Clerks with some man of Law or some Auditor, and receiver, or to be a Secretary with some great man or other, and so to come to a living whereby the Universities be in manner empti●…d, and as I think will be occasion that this Realm within a short space will be made as empty of wise and politic men, and consequently barbarous, and at the last thrall and subject to other Nations whereof we were Lords before.  Knight. 
God forbidden that we that be Gen●…emen should not with our policy in war provide that we come not in sub iection of any other nation, and the stoutness of english hearts will never suffer that, though there were no learned men in the Realm at all.  Doctor. 
Well, an Empire or a Kingdom is not so much won, or kept by the manhood and force of men, as it is by wisdom and policy, which is gotten chief by learning: for 
Whether a commonweal 〈◊〉 be well go 〈◊〉 without lear●….  we see in all kinds of governance for the most part, the wiser sort have the sovereignty over the rude & unlearned, as in every house the most expert, in every City the wisest & most sage, and in every common weal the most learned are most commonly placed to govern the rest, yea, among all nations of the world they that be politic and civil do master the rest though their forces be inferior to the other. The empires of the Greeks & Romans do declare that, among whom like as learning and wisdom 
That the learned have always the soue●…ignty over the unlearned.  was most esteemed so the empires were spread widest, and longest did continue of all other. And why should you think it strange that you might more be vanquished than the other were before time that reckoned themselves as stout men as you be, yea dwellers of this realm, as the Saxons last were by the Normands, and the Romans by the Saxons afore that, & the Brytons by the Romans first of all.  Knight. 
There may be wise men enough though they be not learned. I have known diverse men very wise & politic that know never a letter on the book, and contrary wise as many other learned men that have been very Idots in manner for any worldly policy that they had.  Doctor. 
I deny not that, but I say that if such wise men as ye speak of had learning to their wits, they had been more excellent. And the other that ye call so simple had be●…e 
Whether a man may be wise without learning.  foolish if they had had no learning at all. Exercise in wars maketh not every man meet to be a Captain, though he travail in it never so long, nor there is no other so apt for the war but with experience and use he is made more perfect, for what maketh old men commonly more wise than the younger sort, but their greater experience.  Knight. 
Yea, experience helpeth much the wit of men I confess. But what doth learning thereto?  Doctor. 
If ye grant me that experience doth help, than I doubt not but ye will grant me a none that learning doth also help much to the increase of wisd●…me: let that then 
That lear●…ng supplieth the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉, & that 〈◊〉 is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Wisdom.  be set for a sure ground that experience doth further wisdom, & take it as it were the father of wisdom, & memory to be the mother. For like as experience doth beget wisdom as a father, so memory nourisheth it as a mother, for in vain should experience be had if the same were not kept in remembrance. Then if I can show you that both experience and also memory are helped and furthered by learning, than ye must needs grant me that learning furthers wit and increaseth it, ye confess the experience of an old man maketh him wiser than the young, because he saw more things than the other. But an old man seethe but only things of his own time, & the learned man seethe not only his own times experience, but also that be fell in a great many of his ancestors, yea since the world began. Wherefore he must ne●…des have more experience than the unlearned man, of what great age so ever he be, them so many cases as he seethe in all that time to have happened could not so well be remembered of any man, as it is kept in memory by writings, and then if the unlearned man once forget the thing he saw, he never lightly remembers it again, where as the learned man hath his book always to call him to remembrance of that he should else forget. Therefore as he that liveth a hundredth year must needs have more experience than he that liveth fifty, so he that seethe the chances of the world as it were in a table painted afore him of a thousand years, must needs have greater experience than he that liveth but a hundredth. Also he that travaileth many far Countries hath more experience than other of like age that never goeth out of his native country. So he that is learned seethe by Cosmogragraphy histories, and other learnings, the right manner & ●…age of every country in the world, yea of many more than is possible for one man to travail through, and of these that he travaileth much better doth he learn there by small tarrying, than the other (by longer experience) that are all together and wholly unlearned, and consequently more wit, being in capacity and memory both else equipolent, & now I am forced to consider the marvelous gifts that we have by learning, that is, how learning supplieth unto man the greatest lack that some Writers have complained 
The wonderful gifts that we have by learning.  of to be in man kind, that is the brevity of Age, the grossness & weight of body: wherein the ●…irts, diverse beasts as Hearts and many other, and in the last all Birds do excel man, for where it is deemed man to live above a hundredth years or there abouts: by the benesite of learning he hath the commodity of the life of a thousand years, yea two or three thousands, by reason he seethe the events and occurrents of all the time by Books. And if he should have lived himself by all that space than could he have had nothing else to his commodity but that experience of things, the rest had been but travail: which experience he hath now by letters and without any travail in manner at all, and without the dangers that he might himself have be●…e in, if he had lived by all that space. As to the other point, that we be not so agile and light as fowls & Birds of the Air be of, as that we might stir from on place to an other, we have the commodity through learning that we should purchase by such Peregrinations, as well as we should if we might flee from one Conatrey to another like Birds, and yet with less tra●…ayle and danger. May we not through Cosmography see the situation, temperature, and qualities of every Country in the World, yea, better and with less travail than if we might flee over them ourselves: for that, that many other have learned through their great travails, & dangers, they have left to us to be learned with ease & pleasure. Can we not also through the science of Astronomy know the course of the planets above and their conjunctions and Aspects as certainly as if we were among them? is surely that we may, for tell me? how came all the learned men here tofore to the exact and perfect knowledge thereof? came they not to it by conference, & marking of circumstanres (yes in dead) so that out of their writings we learned it: and to the knowledge whereof by sight only we could●… never attain though we were as agile as any Bird. What is there else profitable or necessary for the 〈◊〉 of man's life here in earth, but in learning it is taught 
That there is no fac●…lty b●…t is made more perfect by learning.  more perfectly and more complete than any man can learn only by experience all days of his life, no not so much as your Feat in war sir Knight, no nor your Feat good. Husbandman, but that either of them are so exactly taught and set forth in learning, that neither of you both though, ye be never so perfect in the said feats, but might learn many poyncts more than ever ye saw before, by experience in either of them, as you sir Knight in Vigetius, and you good Husbandman in Columella.  Knight. 
I say again, might we not have that in our English tongue, & read them over though we never went to school.  Doctor. 
Yea well enough, and yet should ye be far from the perfect understanding of them, except ye had the help of other sciences, that is to say, of Arithmetic in disposing: and ordering your men, and Geomatry in devising of Ingens 
How Caesar excelled all other captains by reason of his great learning joined with his prowess.  to win Towns, and Fortrasses, and of bridges to pass over, in the which Caesar excelled other by reason of the learning that he had in those sciences, and did wonderful feats which an unlearned man could never have done, and if ye had war over the Sea, how could ye●… know towards what Coasts ye be sea driven without knowledge of the latitude of the plate by the Pool and the length by other stars, and you good husband for the perfection of the knowledge of husbandry, had need of some knowledge in Astronomy, as under what aspect of the Planets and in the entry of what sign, by the Sun & Moons it is time to Care, to dung, to Sow, to reap, to Se●…, to graff, to Cut your Wood, your Timber: yea, to have some judgement of the Weather that is like to come for Inning of your Corn, and Grass, and houseinge of your cattle: yea, of some part of Physic called Veterimaria, whereby ye might know the dizeases of your Beasts & heal them. Then for true measuring of land, had ye not need of some knowledge in Gcomatry to be a perfect husband, Then for building, what Carpenter or Mazon is so cunning or expert, but he might learn more by reading of Vitrivius and other writers of Architecture, that is to say, the science of building, and to pass over the sciences of Log●…cke & Rhetoric, whereof the first travaileth about y● discus●… of the true reason from the false, the other about the persuasion of that is to be set forth to the people, as a thing to them profitable and expedient, where of a good and perfect counsellor might want neither: well, tell me what ●…sayle can be perfect, what common weal can be well ordered upright, where none of the Rulers or Counsellors have studied any Philosophy, specially the part that teacheth 
That knowledge in moral philosophy is most necessary for a Counsallor.  of manners (the other part of philosophy I pass over now, which teacheth of natures and is called physic) what part of the common weal is neglected by philosophy moral: doth it not teach first how every man should govern himself honestly. Secondly how he should guide his family wisely and profitably. And thirdly, it showeth how a City or a Realm, or any other commonweal should be well ordered and governed, both in time of peace, and also war. What commonweal can be without either a governor or Counsellors that should be expert in this kind of learning, this confirmeth the point that we now talk of: if men expert in this Science were consulted and followed, the common weal should be ordered as fewae should have cause to complain: therefore said Plato that 
Plato.  divine Philosopher, that happy is that Commonweal where either the Prince is a Philosopher, or where a Philosopher is the Prince.  Knight. 
I had weened before that there had been no other learning in the world, but that these men had that be Doctors of Divinity, or of the Law, or of Physic: whereof the first had all his cunning in Preaching, the second in matters of the spiritual law, and the third in physic and in looking of dizeased men's water, marry ye tell me now of many other sciences very necessary for every common weal, which I never heard of before: but either there be few of these Doctors that can skill of them, or else they disclose but little of their cunning.  Doctor. 
Of truth there be to few of them that can skill of these sciences now a days, & of those there be too few of them that are esteemed any thing the more for their knowledge therein, or called for to any counsel. And therefore other seeing these Sciences nothing esteemed or set by, they fall to those sciences that they see in some price, as to Divinity, to the Law, and to Physic: though they cannot be perfect 
What maketh learned men to be so sew.  in none of these without the knowledge of the sciences above touched, and therefore it is ordained by Universities, that first men should be Bachelors and Masters of Arts, ere they should come to Divinity: and these Arts be the seven liberal sciences, as Grammar, Logic, Rhetoric, Arithmetic, Geomatry, Music, and Astronomy, and now they skip over them and fall to Divinity by and by, before they have gotten or purchased them any 
Young stu●…ents be allwales over hasty in uttering their judgements.  judgement through therefore said sciences, which maketh them to fall to these diversities of Opinions that ye speak of: for all beginners in every science be very quick, and over hasty in giving their judgement of things, (as experience teacheth every man) & then, when they have once uttered their judgements & opinions, they will see nothing that will ●…ounde contrary to the same, but either they will construe it to their own phantaste, or utterly deny it to be of any authority. Pythagoras, 
Pythagoras commanded ●…lence to his disciples for a time.  to his Scholars that came to learn his Profane sciences commanded silence for seven years, that by all the space they should be hearers only, and no reasoners: and in this Divine science every Boy that hath not red scripture past half a year, shallbe suffered not only to reason and inquire of things (for that were tolerable) but to affirm new and strange interpretacio●…s upon the same never heard of before. What end of Opinions can there be while this is suffered. Also Plato forbade any man to 
Plato cōma●…ded that no man ignorant in Geomatry should enter his school.  come to his school that was ignorant in Geomatry, and to this high school of Dyvinity he that knoweth not his Grammar, much less any other science shall be admitted at the ●…irst, I say not to learn, for that might be suffered, but to judge: and there cometh in the thing that the same Plato sayeth to be an only cause sufficient to over throw a whole Common weal where it is used, that is, when they take on them the judgement of things to whom it doth not appertain, as youth of things belonging to 
What harm may come if they be suffe●…ed to judge in things to ●…hom it doth not appertain.  old men, children over their fathers, servants over their masters, and private men over their Magistrates: what Ship can be long sauce from wrack where every man will take upon him to be a pilate: what house well governed, where every servant will be a master and a teacher. I speak thus much of the commendation of learning, not only because I heard my friend here (the Capper) set little by learning, but also that I see many now a 
That it is not learning 〈◊〉 to know the tongues, & to write.  days of his Opinion, which care nothing for any other knowledge, but ●…nely that they may write and read, and learn the tongues: whom I can resemble well to tho●…e men that esteemeth more the Ba●…ke than the Tree, the Shalt more then the ●…yrnell: wherefore they seem to take the bright Su●…e from the Earth, that would take away learning from us: for the same is no more necessary for the increase of all things on earth, then is ●…earninge for the increase of Civility, Wisdom, and Policy among men. And as much as reasonable men doth excel all other creatures by the gift of Reason, so much excelleth a learned man any other through the polishing and adorning of Reason by these sciences.  Knight. 
Of my faith I am glad it was my chance to have you in ●…y company at this time, for of a wise man, a man may always learn. But me thought ye said lately to my neighbour the Capper, that we should have learned men few enough within a while if the world did continue. What meant ye thereby, and what should be the cause thereof.  Doctor. 
I showed you all ready one great cause of the same: that was, where I showed you that most men were of that opinion, that they thought learning enough to write & read, 
Why learning should decay.  another cause is that they see no preferment ordered for learned men, nor yet any honour or estimation given them like as hath bene in time past. But rather the contrary, the more learned, the more troubles, losses, & vexations they come unto.  Knight. 
God forbidden. How so?  Doctor. 
Marry have you not seen how many learned men have been put to trouble of late within this xx. or thirty. years, & all for declaring their opinions in things that have risen in controversy, have you not known when one Opinion hath been s●…●…orth, and who so ever said against that, were put to trouble: and shortly after, when the contrary opinion was furthered and set forth, were not the other that prospered before put to trouble for saying their minds against this latter opinion: and so neither of both parties escaped but either first or last he came to be hit, of whether side soever he were, except it were some weatherwise fellows, that could change their opinions as the more & stronger part did change theirs: and what were they that came to these troubles, the singularest fellows of both parties for there came no other to the concertation of these things but such who seeing in steed of honour, and preferment, dishonour, and hindrance, recompensed for a reward of learning: will any either put his child to that science that may bring him no better fruit than this? or what scholar shall have any courage to study to come to that end: the rarity of scholars, and solitude of the Universities do declare this to be truer than any man with speech can declare.  Merchant. 
Then I perceive every man ●…deth himself grieved at this time, & no man goeth clear as far as I can perceive. The Gentleman that he cannot live on his Lands 
That every 〈◊〉 findeth himself gree●…ed.  only as his father did before: the Artifficers cannot set so many a work by reason all manner of victual is so dear: the Husbandman by reason his Land is dearer rented then before: then we that be Merchants pay much dearer for every thing that cometh over sea: which great dearth (I speak in comparison of former times) hath been always in a manner at a stay ever after that baseness of our English Coin, which happened in the later years of King Henry the eight.  Doctor. 
I doubt not but if any sort of men have licked themselves whole, ye be the same: for what odds so ever there happen to be in exchange of things, ye that be Merchants 
That Merchants best 〈◊〉 themsel●… in every 〈◊〉.  can espy it strait: for example, because ye touched somewhat of the Coin, as loon as ever ye perceive the price of that enhanced, ye by and by what was to be won therein beyond sea, raked all the old Coin for the most part in the Realm, and found the means to have 
Of our old Coin 〈◊〉 ●…d.  it carried over, so as little was left behind within this Realm of such old Coin in a very short space, which in my opinion is a great cause of this dearth that hath been since of all things.  Knight. 
How can that be what maketh it to the matter what sort of Coin we have among ourselves so it be currant from one hand to another, yea if it were made of Leather.  Doctor. 
Yea, so men commonly say, but the truth is contrary, as not only I could prove by common reason, but also the proof & experience hath already declared the same: but now we do not reason of the causes of these griefs, but what states of men be grieved in deed by this dearth of 
Whether it 〈◊〉 any 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Coin be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of.  things, and albeit I hear every man sinde 〈◊〉 self grieved by it in one thing or other, yet considering y● as many of them as have wares to sell, voe enhaunse as much in the price of things that they sell, as was enhanced before in the prices of things that they must buy: as the Merchant if he buy dear he will sell dear aga●…: so these Arti●…cers, as Cappers, 〈◊〉, ●…homakers, and Fa●…mers have respect large enough in s●…ge their wares to the price of v●…tayle, ●…ooll, & Iron, which they buy, I have seen a Cap for xiiii. pennies as good as I can get now for it. shillings six pence: of cloth ye have heard how the price is risen. Now a pair of shoes cost twelve pence, yet in my time I have bought a better for six pennies. Now I can get never a horse shod under ten pence or twelve pence, where I have als●…ne the common price was six pence. I cannot therefore understand that these men have greatest grief by this common and universal dearth, but rather such as have their livings and stipends rated 
What men are most 〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉 ●…ōmon ●…th.  at a certainty, as common labourers at eight pence a day, I ourneymen of all occupations, serving men to forty shy●…ngs a year: and 〈◊〉 whose lands are set out by them and their Ancestors, either for lives or for term of years, so as they cannot enhance the rents thereof though they would, and yet have the price enhanced to them of e●…ry thing that they buy. Yea, the Prince of whom we speak nothing of all this while, as she hath most of yearly 
T●…at 〈◊〉 Pr●…nce h●…th 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉 c●…mmon ●…th.  R●…newes and that certain, so should she have most loss by this dearth, and by the alteration specially of the Coin, for like as a man that hath a great number of ser●…ts under him if he wou●…d grasit that th●…y should pay him pings weekly, where before they paid him pence, I think he should be most loser himself: so we be all but gatherers for the Prince, and of that which cometh to us, we have but every man a poor living, the clear gains cometh for the most part to the Prince, now if h●…r highness do take of us the overplus of our gettings in th●…s base Coin, I report me to you wether y● will go as far as good Money in the Provision of necessaries for herself and the Realm. I think plainly no, for though her grace might within this realm have things at her own price, as her grace cannot in deed without great grudge of her majesties subjects, yea since her Majesty must have from beyond the Seas many things necessary, not only for her grace's household, and Ornaments aswell of her person 
What danger ●…hould it be to the Realm if the P●…ince should want 〈◊〉 in time ●…f need.  and family, as of her horses which percase might be by her Grace somewhat moderated: but also for the furniture of her wars, which by no means can be spared, as Armour of all kinds, Art●…llary, Ankers, Cables, Pitch, Car, Iron, Steele, (yea, I judge farther) some Handgunnes, Gun powder, and many other things more than I can reckon, which her Grace sometimes doth buy from beyond the Seas, at the prices that the strangers will set them at: I pass over the enhaunsment of the charges of her Grace's household which is common to her Grace withal other noble men, therefore (I say) her Majesty should have most loss by this common dearth of all other: and not only loss, but danger to the Realm and all her subjects, if her Grace should want ●…reasure to purchase the said Provision and necessaries for war, or to find Soldiers in time of need, which passeth all that other private losses that we speak of.  Capper. 
We here say that the Queen's majesties mint maketh up her losses that way, by the gains which she hath by the Mint another way, and if that be to short she supplieth that lack by Subsidies, and impositions of her Subjects, so as her Grace can have no lack, so long as her Subjects hath it.  Doctor. 
Ye say well there, so long as the Subjects have it, so it is meet the Queen should have as long as they have it: but what and they have it not, for they cannot have it, 
How the Queen: Maie●…y cannot 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 when her sub●…ects h●…e none.  when there is no Treasure left within the Realm, and as touching the Mint, I count that profit much like, as if a man would take his wood up by the rote to make the more profit thereof at one time, and ever after to lose the profit that might grow thereof yearly: or to pull the wool of his sheep by the root, and as for the Subsidies, how 
To what profit the new Mint is like.  can they be large when the Subjects have little to depart with: & yet the way of gathering treasure is not always most safe for the princes surety: and we see many times the profits of such Subsidies spent in the appeasing of the people that are moved to sedition, partly by occasion of the same.  Knight. 
Now that it was our chance to me●…te with so wise a man as ye be, Master Doctor. I would we did go thorough with the whole discourse of this matter, & as hitherto we have ensearched the very sores, and grieves that every man feeleth: so to try out the 〈◊〉 of them, and the causes once known, the remedy of them might be soon appa rent and though we be not the men that can reform them, yet percase some of us may come in place where we may advertise other of the same that might further and help forward the redress of these things.  Doctor, 
A God's name I am content to bestow this day to satisfy your pleasures, & though this communication (percase) should do no great good, yet it can do no harm I trust, nor offend no man, s●…h it is had be●…weene us here a part and in good manner.  Knight. 
No, what man should be angry with him that were in an house, and espied some fault in the Beams, or Rafters of the same, and would ensearch the defa●…lt & then certify the good man of the house thereof or some other 
A recapitulation of the common grief●….  dwelling therein, aswell for his own safeguard as for others: but for as much as we have thus far prooceeded as to the finding out of the griefs, which as far as I perceive standeth in these poyncts (that is to say) dearth of all things in comparison of the former age, though there be scarceness of nothing, desolation of Countries by Enclosures, desolation of ●…wnes for lack of occupations, and Crafts: and 〈◊〉 of Opinions in matters of Religion, which h●…leth men, to and fro, & maketh them to contend one against ano●…her. Now let us go to the Garden under the vine, where having a good fresh and cool sitting for us, in the shadow, there we may proceed further on this m●…tter atleasure. And I will be speak our Supper here with mine host that we may all sup together. A God's name (quoth every one of the rest of the company) for we are weary here of sitting so long. And so we all departed to the Garden.   

THE SECOND DIAalogue, wherein the causes or occasions of the said griefs are increased.  Knight. 
WHen we had walked up and down in the said Garden a pretty while, I thought long till I had heard more of the said Doctor's communication, for he seemed to me a very wise man, not after the common sort of these Clarks which can talk nothing but of the faculty that they profess: as if they 〈◊〉 Deu●…es, of divinity: Lawyers of the law: & Physicians of 〈◊〉 one●…y: this man spoke very naturally of every thing, as a man v●…iuersally seen that had joined good learning with good wit, and therefore I desired him and the rest of our said companions to resort again to the matter that we left at, and first to discourse & search out what should be the causes of the said common and universal dearth of all things (in comparison of the former age) saying to the Doctor thus. 
That it is a m●…ruaylous Dearth that cometh in time of plenty.  I marvel much master Doctor what should be the cause of this dearth, seeing all things are (thanks be to God) so plentiful. There was never more plenty of cattle than there is now of all sorts. And yet it is scarcity of things which commonly maketh dearth: this is a marvelous dearth, that in such plenty cometh contrary to his kind.  Doctor. 
Sir it is (no doubt) a thing to be mused upon, and worthy of Inquisition: let me hear every one of your opinions, and than ye shall hear mine.  Husband. 
I think it is long of you Gentlemen, that this dearth 〈◊〉, by rea●… ye enha●…e your lands to such a height 
The occasion of this dearth is laid to the Gentlemen.  as men that liveth thereon must needs sell dear again, or else they were never able to make their Rent.  Knight. 
And I say it is long of you Husbandmen, that we are forced to raise our Rents by reason we must buy so dear all things that we have of you, as Corn, cattle, Gorse, 
From the Gentlemen it is laid to the Husbandmen.  Pig, Cap●…, Chiken, Butter, and Eggs. What thing is there of all these but that ye sell it now dearer by the one half than ye did within these thirty. years? cannot you neighbour remember that within these thirty. years I could in this town buy the best Pig or Goose that I could lay my hand on for four 〈◊〉, which now costeth twelvepences, a good Capon for threepences, or fourepences, a Chiken for i. d. a Hen for two. d. which now costeth me double & triple the money? it is likewise in greater ware, as Beef & Mutton.  Husband. 
I g●…aunt that, but I say you & your sort, men of lands ●…re y● ●…rst cause her●…of by reason you raise your lands.  Knight. 
Well, if ye & your sort will agree thereto, that shallbe helped, under take that you & your sort will sell all things at the price ye did thirty. years ago, & I doubt not to bring all 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vn●… you their ●…andes at the ren●… they 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. years past▪ and that 〈◊〉 fault is more in you that be Husbandmen then in us that ●…ee Gentlemen, it appeareth by this, all the lands of the Realm is not enhanced, for some have takings therein, as Leases, or Copies 
The gentlemen's ex●…se and reasonable offer.  not yet expired, which cannot 〈◊〉 enhanced though the owner's would, and some Noblemen and Gentlemen there be, that when their lands be at their disposition, yet they will enhaunse nothing above the old rent, so as a great part of the lands of the ●…ealme stand yet at the old rent: and yet never the less there is none of your sort at all, but selleth all things they have dearer than they were wont to do by the one half. And yet these G●…ntlemen that do en●… their rents, do not enhaunse it generally to the double though I confess that some of us that had 〈◊〉 either given us by the King's highness, that belonged heretofore to Abbeys, and Priories, and were never surveyed to the utter ●…ost before: or otherwise descended to us, have enhanced any of them above the old rent▪ yet all y● 〈◊〉 teth not to half the lands of the Realm.  Doctor. 
How say ye? he sayeth well to you now: will ye sell your wares as ye were▪ wont to do, and he▪ will let you have his land at the rent ye were accustomed to have it. When the Husbandman had paused a while, he said.  Husband. 
If I had the price of every thing that I must pay for besides, likewise brought down, I could be content: else not.  Doctor. 
What things be those?  Husband. 
Marry, Iron for my Plough, Harrows, and Cartes: tar for our sheep: shoes, caps, linen & woollen clat●… 
The husbandman refuseth and putteth over the fault to Iron Mong●…, and clothiers.  for my meany, which if I should buy nevertheless as ●…re as I do now, and yet sell my wares good cheap, though my rent were thereafter abated, except the other things aforesaid might he abated in price together, I could never live.  Doctor. 
Then I perceive ye▪ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 y● 〈◊〉 of other▪ things qualified aswell as the rent of ●…r land, ere ye 〈◊〉 afford your ware good cheap.  Husband. 
Yea, (but sir) I think if the land were brought down that the price of all things would fall withal.  Doctor. 
Grawt that all the Landlords in this realm would●… withone assent agree that their lands should be in their ●…naunts hands, at like rent as they were at thirty. years ago: ye said afore ye could not yet sell your wares as good cheap as ye might xx. years past, because of the price that is raised in other things that ye must buy: and if ye would say that those men should be driven again to sell those wares that ye buy, first better cheap, and then ye will sell yours thereafter. I pray you how might they be 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉: 〈◊〉 be 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 within 
If all Land●…●…vere abated in their re●…t, whether this d●…th would be remedied.  obedience of our so●… Lady, that 〈◊〉 sell such wares, as Iron, Car●…e, Flax, and other: then consider me, if ye ●…not so compel them, whether it were exuedient for us 〈◊〉 suffer 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, & we ours good, 〈◊〉: if it were so▪ than it were a great 
That it were not, expedient that strangers should sell dear and we ours good cheap.  ●…ything of other cou●…treyes, and unpoverishinge of our own, for they should have much Treasure for theirs, and have our commodities from us for a very little: except ye could devise to make one price of pur commodities among ●…ur ielues, and another outwards, which I cannot see how it may be.  Knight. 
Nay, I will make my Neighbour beer, another reasonable offer, if he refuse this: let my Cenauntes rend bee●… 
Another offer of the Gentleman made to the Husbandman.  ●…eased as your payment▪ is increased, after the rate and yet I am ●…ed.  Husband. 
What mean ye by that?  Knight. 
I mean this, ye sell that ye were wont to sell a foretime for xx. groats, now for thirty. let my rent be increased after that proportion and rate that is forevery xx. groots of old rent x▪ shillings, and so as the price of your wares 〈◊〉, and yet I do but keep my land at the old stint.  Husband. 
My bargain was to pay for my hold, but vi. pounds xiii. shillings, iiii. d. yearly of rent, and I pay that truly, ye can require no more of me.  Knight. 
I cannot much say against that, but yet I perceive I shallbe still a loser by that bargain though I cannot tell the reason why: but I perceive ye sell dearer that ye live on, and I good cheap that which is my living: help me Master Doctor I pray you, for the Hushandman driveth me to the Wall.  Doctor. 
Marry but me thinketh touching the matter ye did reason of, ye drove him to his shifts, that is, to confess that this dearth riseth not at your hand. And though he do defend himself for his payment to you by colour of a law, yet he seemeth to connfesse thus much, that the law compelleth you to take little for your land, & that there is no law to restrain him, but he may sell his wares as det●…s▪ he le●…eth: it is enough for our purpose that ye took in hand to prove that this dearth rose 〈◊〉 first at your hand, 
Whether if the Husbandman were forced to abate the prices of his stuff this dearth should be then mended.  but whether the prices of things increasing as they do▪ it were reason ye did raise your wares (which is▪ your land) or to be paid after the old rate: when ye did set your land, if ye be compelled to pay for yo●… provision after the new rate, we will talk of that here after, or let y● to be considered of other wise men: but now let us see if the Husbandman were forced to sell his things good cheap whether all things should be well then. Our English Coin being supposed to be base, and of no such estimation in other countries as within our own Realm (as for the most part it hath been) before that it was restored by our noble Prince which now reigneth: put the case this, that this husbandman should be commanded to sell his wheat at viii. d. the bushel, ●…ye at vi. d. Bareley at iiii. d. his pig and goose at iiii. d. his capon at iiii. d. his 〈◊〉 at 〈◊〉 h●…s Wool at a mark the Todde, 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 after the old prices as in time past have been: he hath then enough to pay his Landlord, as he had in time past: his Landlord again hath as much ●…ent as he was wont to have: and the same when the price is so set, will go as far for the said wares, whereof the prices be thus set as so much of old Coin, pa●…de after the old wont would have done: all this is yet well, here is yet neither Lord, nor ●…naunt grieved: well let us go farther, the Husbandman must buy Iron, Salt, Tar, Pitch, and suppose he should be also forced to rear up Flax on his own, and that 〈◊〉 of cloth both Linen, & woollen, & Leather were set after the rate. The Gentleman must buy wines, Spices, Silks, 〈◊〉, Glass to glaze his house withal▪ Iron also for Tools, Weapons, and other Instruments necessary, as Salt, Oils, & many other diverse things; more than I 〈◊〉 without 〈◊〉: whereof they may in 〈◊〉 wise want, as Iron, & Salt, for of the which is within 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of both, is not half su●… for the same: 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉, Pitch, & Rozyn, whereof▪ we have none at all, and without some other of the said commodities we could live but, grossly▪ and Barbarously, as without 〈◊〉, spices, & Silks, these must be brought 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the S●…as, shall we buy them as good cheap after the 〈◊〉? A man would th●…ke yes, for whe●… strangers should see that with less money than they were wont to take for these wares, they may buy as much of the commodities of this realm as they were w●…e afore with more money▪ they will be 〈◊〉 to take the less money when it▪ goeth as far as the more went before, and so sell their wares as good cheap: (as for an example) if they sell now a yard of ●…luet for xx. s. or xxii. s. and payeth that for a ●…odde of Wool, were it not as good for them then to sell their Velvet at a mark 〈◊〉 yard, so th●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…dde of ●…ooll fo●… a mark?  Knight. 
I would think so, for thereby he should be at no more loss than he is now. And so the like reason may serve for Iron, wines, Salt, Spice, Oils, Pitch, Car, flexe, Wax, and all other out●…arde commodities.  Doctor. 
If I should ask▪ you this 〈◊〉, whether they should be compelled by a law to fill their wares so or no: what could ye say?  Knight. 
It maketh no matter whether it were so or no, & I think they cannot, because theybe out of the Prince's Dominion, and at liberty, whetherthey will ●…ing any thing to us or no, but seeing they may have all 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, as good cheap at tha●… pr●…e▪ they sell for less money, as they had before for the greater ●…ice they will willingly bring their 〈◊〉 and sell them so.  Doctor. 
Thereof I doubt, upon the former supp●…ion of ou●… 〈◊〉 Coin, for ●… think they would sell still at the highest as they do now, or bring nothing at all to us. For ye must 
The strangers will take but money currant every where ●…or their ware hat they have on their charge  understand they come not always for our commo●…ities, but so●…etimes to fell theirs here, 〈◊〉 it here took 〈◊〉 vendible and to buy in other co●…es other com●…dities where the same is best ●…heape, & some times to s●…ll in one part of the Realm their wares that be there most de●…red, and to go to some other part of the realm for the commodities that 〈◊〉 there most abundant and best cheape●…or partly of our Country & partly of another, and for the purpose Come vn●…uersally currant is most commodtous, specially if they intend to bestow it in any other place, than where they were unladen of their merchandise. Now if our coin were not so allowed in other places as it is here, the strafiger should be at greater losses, if he should take our coin for his wares, he had ●…auer bring his wares to other places, where he might have Coin currant in all places for it, that he might bestow where and when he list. If they would look but for our wares for theirs, think ye that they would not 〈◊〉 to bring to us such wares or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 should be best cheap with them, & most dear with us.  Knight. 
Yea no doubt, that is the policy of all Merchants.  Doctor. 
What stuff is that trow you?  Knight. 
Marry Glasses of all sort, painted Clothes, & Papers, Oranges, Pippens, 〈◊〉, perfumed Gloves, & such like try●…es.  Doctor. 
Ye say well, they will percase attempt us with such, & such things as are good cheap with them, it co●…th but 
That strangers and all 〈◊〉 bring things that be ●…est cheap to them and dearest with us.  their labours only and their peoples, which else should be idle, yet these things be some what after the price in other places v●…ndible as well as here. But wh●…n we feel the lack of Iron, Steele, Salt, Hemp, Flax, & such other, such light wares as ye speak of will not be desired here, but rei●…cted, and these other looked for: what other things else will they bring trow you?  Knight. 
Percase ye mean, Silks, wines, and Spy●…s?  Doctor. 
No not that, for those be in good price else where.  Knight. 
●…hat than should they have to utter to us, that is best cheap with them and dearest with us?  Doctor. 
Brass, for it should go with them but for Brass in deed, and therefor●… good cheap, and here with us a great part for Silver, and ther●…fore dear with us, and that they would bring unto us.  Knight. 
How, in brass Pots, Pans, and other Uessel of brass?  Doctor. 
Not so: no man would take such Stuff but for Brass in deed.  Knight. 
How then? Then the Doctor told me, that it was in Coin made beyond sea like in all things to our Coin, which they brought over in heaps, and when they see that 
Doctor.  esteemed here as silver, th●…y bring that for our commodities, as, for our Woo●…es, fells, Cheese, butter, ●…loth, Tin, and Led, which thing every man will be glad to ●…ell for the most they can get: and being offered of strangers mo●…e of our Coin than they may get within the coum trey, they will sell them to strangers rather than us with whom the price is set: then straunge●…s may afford the Coin good cheap, for they make it themselves, and the Stuff is good cheap that they make it of, and so they will give thereof for our said commodities as much as yes will ask. Then though they made not such Coin themselves, yet seeing they must pay more for our wares, or else no man would bring them to them, when he may have as much at ●…ome of his neighbours, the strangers must needs have a consideration of that in the price of the said outwa●…de merchandise that they sell, & also hold them dcerer. And thus by the one way they may exhaust our chief commodities, and give us brass for them, where with we cannot buy such other like necessary commodities again, as we should want if they were not plenty within our Realm. Much li●…e the exchange that Homer sayeth Glaucus made with 
Glauci & 〈◊〉 perm●…tatiō.  Diomèdes, when he gave to this man his golden Harness for Brazen. But that other way they must needs be brought to sell their w●…res dearer to us, and then if this husbandman and Ge●…tleman, and so all other within this realm should be compeiled to sell their things good cheap, and 
He that s●…lles good cheap and 〈◊〉 dear s●…ll not lightly 〈◊〉.  yet buy all things dear that cometh from beyond the Sea: I cannot see how they should long prosper, for I never knew him that bought 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sold good cheap, and use it any long space, to thrive▪  Knight. 
There may be searchers made for such Coiners as ye speak of coming in, and punishments devised therefore, and for going forth of ●…ictayles also, that none shall pass this Realm.  Doctor. 
There may be no ●…euise imagined so strong, but that ye may be deceived in both those points, as well in such coin brought in, as in victuals carried forth: for many heads will devise many ways to get any thing by, & though we be enuyroened with a good Pool (that is the Sea) yet there 
It is not possible to keep our Treasure from going forth of the Realm, if it be in m●…re esti mation el●… where.  is to many Posterns of it to get out and in, unwares of the master. Whosoever hath but a pretty hous●… with any Family of his own, and but one Gate to go forth and come in at, and the master of the house never so attentive, yet somewhat shallbe purloined forth, much more out of such a large Realm as this is, having so many ways and Posterns to go forth at and come in. And yet if strangers should be content to take but our wares for theirs, what should let them to advance the prices of their wares, though ours were good cheap unto them, and then shall we be still losers and they at the winning hand with us, while they sell dear and buy good cheap, and consequently enrich themselves and impoverish us. Yet had I leaver advance our wares in price as they advance theirs (as we now do) though some be losers thereby, but yet not so many as should be the other way. And yet, what business should there be in making of prices of every trifle, for so it would be, if the price of any one thing●… be a bate●… by cōma●…ment: 
That the de●…th ●…ose neither at the Gentleman 〈◊〉 Husband●… h●…d.  and the●…efore I cannot perceive that it may be remedied by either of you both (I mean you Gentleman, & you good hus●…andmā) for if it rose at either of your hands, so it might be remedied like wise at the same, by 〈◊〉 the thing again at either of your hands that was the cause of this dearth. But if either you should relea●… your rent, or you the price of your ●…ictayle to the old rate, yet that couldenot compel ●…raungers to bring down the price of 
Permutation of things b●… fore Coin.  theirs as I have said: and so long as their commodities be dear, it were neither expedient nor yet ●…ould y●…e though ye would: make your commodities g●…d cheap (except ye can devise away how t●… live without them & they with out you) which I think impossible: or else to use exchange of ware for ware without Coin (as it was before Coin was found) as I read in the time of Homer it was, and also the Civil law both affirm the same, which were very cumbersome, and would require much carriage of ware up and down, where now by the benefit of Coin a man may by those tokens fetch the wares that he lacketh a far of, without great trouble of carriage: and hard were it readily to find all wares that the one hath to pay the other, of equal value.  Husband. 
●…f neither the Gentleman nor I may remedy this matter at whose hands lieth it to be helped then?  Doctor. 
I will tell my mind therein he ereafter, but first let us bolt out the cause of this Dearth. And therefore let me learn, what other thing should be the cause thereof.  Capper. 
Marry these Enclosures, and great Pastures are a great cause of the same. Whereby men do tur●…e the arable land being a living for diverse poor men before time, now t●… 
Complaint against ●…pemaisters  one man's hand, and where both Corn of all sort, and also cattle of all kinds were reared aforetime, now there is nothing but only sheep. And in steed of C. or CC. persons that had their living thereon, now be there but three or four Shepherds and the Master only that hath a living thereof.  Doctor. 
Ye touch a matter that is much to be considered, albe●… I take not that to be only the cause of this dearth at this time; but this I think in my mind, that if that kind of enclosing 〈◊〉 as much incr●…ase in thirty. eyares to come, as it hath done in thirty. years past, it may come to the great desolation 
That Enclosures is the occasion of desolation & weaking the power of the Realm.  and weaking of the strength of this realm, which is more to be feared than dearth, & I think it to be the most oc●… of any thing ye spoke yet, of these wild & unhappy uproars that hath been among us: for by reason of these Enclosures many Subjects have no Ground to live upon, as they had before time, and occupations be not always set a work all a like, and therefore the people still increasing, and their ●…ings di●…inishing, it must needs com●… to pass that a great part of the people shallbe idle 〈◊〉 lack living, for hsiger is a bitter thing to bear. Wherefore they must needs when they lack, murmur again them that have plenty, and so stir these tumults.  Knight. 
Experience should seem to prove plainly that Enclosures should be profitable and not hurtful to the common weal: for we see the countries where most Inclosiers be are 
Quod in cō●…ni possidetur ab om nibus negligitur.  most wealthy, as Essex, Kent, North Damptonshyre. etc. And I have heard a C●…ilion once say, that it was taken for a Maxim in his law (this saying) that which is possessed of many in common is neglected of all, & experience showeth that ●…enaunts in common be not so good husbands as 
Reasons to de▪ 〈◊〉  when every man hath his part in severalty, also I have heard say that in the most countries beyond the Sea, they know not what a common ground meaneth.  Doctor. 
I mean not of all Enclosures, nor yet ail co●…ins, but only of such Enclosures as turneth common & arable ●…elds into pasture, and violent Enclosures of commins without 
What kind of Enclosures is hur●…ull.  just recompense of them that have right to comen therein: for if land were severally enclosed to the ●…tent to continue husbandry thereon, and every m●…n that h●…th right to comen had for his portion a piece of the same to himself enclosed, I think no harm but rather good should come thereof, if every man did agree ther●…to: but yet it would not be suddenly done, for there be many poor cottages in England, which having no lands of their ow●… to live one, but their handy labour and some refreshing upon the said commons, which if they were suddenly thrust out from that commodity, might make a great 〈◊〉 and a disorder in the commonweal, and percase also if men were suffered to enclose their grounds under the pretence to keep it still in tillage, within a while after they would turn all to Pasture, as we see they do now, too fast.  Knight. 
If they find more profit thereby then otherwise, why should they not▪  Doctor. 
I can tell why they should not well-enough, for they may 
Wh●…her that wh●…h is p●…ble to one m●…y be pro●…ble to all o there if they use the same 〈◊〉.  not purchase themselves profit by the which may be hurtful to other: but how to bring them that they would not so do, is all the matter, for so long as they find more profit by pasture then by tillage, they will still enclose and turn arable land to pastures. (qd the Knight.  Knight. 
That well may be restrained by laws, if it were thought most profitable for the common weal, but all men do not agree to that point.  Doctor. 
I wots well they do not, and therefore it were hard to make a law there●…: so many as have profit by that matter resisting it. And if such a law were made, yet men studying still of there most profit, would defraud the law by one mean or other.  Knight. 
I have heard oftentimes much reasoning in this matter and some in maintenance of these Enclosures would make this reason, every man is a Member of the commonweal, & that, which is profitable to one man may be profitable to another, if he would exercise the same feat. Therefore that which is profitable to me & so to another, may be profitable to all, and so to the whole commonweal: as a great Mass of Treasure consisteth of many pence, and one penny added to another and so to the third and fourth etc. maketh up a great sum, so doth each man added one to another make up the whole body of a commonweal.  Doctor. 
That reason is good adding some what more to it, true it is, that, the thing which is profitable to each man by himself, so it be not preiudiall to any other, is profitable to the whole commonweal, and not otherwise, or else stealing or robbing which percase is profitable to some men, were pro fitable to the commonweal, which no man will admit, but this feat of inclosinge is so, that where it is profitable to one man it is preiudi●…all to many, therefore I think that reason sufficiently answered.  Knight. 
Also they will lay forth another Reason, saying, that, the which is our own commodity should be always advanced as much as might be, and these sheeps profit is one of the greatest commodity we have, therefore it ought to be advanced as high as it may be.  Doctor. 
I could answer that argument with the like reason as I did the other: true it is, we ought to advance our own commodity as much as we can, so it be not to as much 
Every commo ditty must be advanced so as it be not prejudicial to other greater commodities.  more the hindrance of our other commodities. Or else where as the breed of Coneys, Dear, and luch like is a commodity of this Realm. Yet if we should ●…urne all our arable ground to nourish that commodity, and give up the Plough and all other commodities for it, it were a great folly.  Knight. 
They will say again, that all Grounds be not meet for sheep.  Doctor. 
It is a very ill Ground but either it serveth to breed sheep, or to feed them upon: and if all that is meet either for the one, were turned to the maintenance of Sheep and none other thing, where shall we have our other commodities grow▪  Knight. 
All cannot do so, though some do.  Doctor. 
What should let them all to do the which they see some do, yea what should better encourage them thereto, than to see them that do it be come notable rich men in short t●…e by the doing thereof. And then if every man should do so one following the example of another, what should ensue thereof but a mere solitude and utter desolation of the whole realm: furnished only with Sheep, and Shepherds in st●…ede of good men: where by it might be a pray to the enemies the first would set upon it, for then the sheep Masters & their Shepherds could make no resistance to the contrary.  Knight. 
Who can let them to make their most advantage of the which is their own▪  Doctor. 
Yes marry men may not use their own things to the damage of the commonweal: yet for all this that I see, it is a thing most necessary to be provided for, yet I cannot 
No m●…n may abuse his own things to the prejudice of the common▪ weal.  perceive it should be the only cause of this dearth, for this Inclosinge and great grasinge if it were occasion of that dearth of any thing▪ it must be of Corn thiefly, and now these many years passed we had Corn good cheap enough. And the dearth that was than most, was of cattell●… beeves and Muttons, and the brood of thes●… are rather increased then diminished by Pastures and inclosinges.  Knight. 
Why should men be then so much offended with these Enclosures.  Doctor. 
Yes & not without great cause, for though these many years passed through the great bounty of God, we have had much plenty of Corn whereby it ha●…h been good cheap▪ one Acer bearing as much ●…orne as two mos●… commonly were wont to do: yet if these year●…s had chanced to be but meanly fruitful of Corn (no doubt) we should have had as great dearth of Corn as we had of other things. And then it had been in a manner an undoing of the ●…oore commons. And if hereafter there should chance any ba●…n years of Corn to fall, we should be assured to find as great extremity in the price of Corn from that it was wont to be, as we find now in the prices of other victual. And specially if we have not enough to serve within the Realm which may happen hereafter more likely then in time past, by reason that there is much land since turned to pasture, for every man will seek where most advantage is, & they see there is most advantage in grazing and breeding, then in husbandry and tillage by a great deal. And so long as it is so, the Pasture shall never encroach upon tillage for all the laws that ever can be made to the contrary.  Knight. 
And how think ye that this might be remedied then?  Doctor. 
To make the profit of the plough to be as good, rate for rate, as the profit of the Grazier and sheep master is.  Knight, 
How could that be done?  Doctor. 
Marry I conjecture two manner of way●…s, but I fear me the devices shall seem at the first blush so displeasant 
How Inclosiers may be remedied without constraint of laws.  unto you ere ye consider it thoroughly, that ye will reject them ere ye examine them: for we talk now, to have things good cheap: and then if I should mention a mean that should make some things dearer for the time I should be a none rejected, as a man that spoke against every man's purpose.  Knight. 
Yet say your mind and spare not, and though your reason at the first seem unreasonable, yet we will hear whether ye can bring it to any reasonable end.  Doctor. 
Remember what we have in hand to treat of, not how the prices of things only may be brought down: but how these Enclosures may be broken up and husbandry more used: of the prices of things we shall speak hereafter.  Knight. 
We will remember well that.  Doctor. 
What maketh men to multiply pastures & ●…osures gladly.  Knight. 
Marry the profit that groweth thereby.  Doctor. 
It is very true and none other thing. Then find the means to do one of these two things that I shall tell you. And ye shall make them as glad to exercise tillage, as they d●…e ●…e Pa●…ures.  Knight. 
What be those two things▪  Doctor. 
Marry, either make as little gains to grow by the Pastures as there groweth by the tillage. Or else make that there may grow as much profit by tillage as did before by the Pastures, and then I d●…ubt not but tillage shall be aswell cherished of every man as Pasture.  Knight. 
And how may that be done▪  Doctor. 
Marry the first way is to make that wool to be of as base price to the breeders thereof, as the Corn is: and y● shallbe, if ye make a like restraint of it for passing over Sea, unwrought as ye make of Corn: another is to increase the rustome of Wool that passeth over unwrought. And by that the price of it shallbe abated to the breeders, and yet the price over Sea shall be never▪ thelesse: but that which is in●…eased 
That a like restraint of wool should be made as is of Co●…e, or none to be sent 〈◊〉.  in the price thereof on strangers shall come to the Queen's highness, which is as prefitable to the Realm as though it came to the breeders, and might relieve them of other subsidies. Thus far as touching the bringing down of the price of wools, now to the inhaunsinge of the price of corn, to be as good to the husbandman as wool should be, and that might be brought to pass if ye will let it have as free passage over Sea at all times, as ye have now for Wool.  Merchant. 
By the first two ways, men would send less wo●…ll over sea than they do now, and by that way the Queens cu●…ome should be diminished: by your latter way the price of Corn should be much enhanced, wherewith men would be much grieved.  Doctor. 
I wots well it would be dear at the first, but if I can persuade you that it were reasonable, it were so, and that the same could be no hindrance to the Realm universally. but greater profit to the same, than I think see would be content it should be so: and as touching the Queen's custom I will speak afterward.  Merchant. 
I grant if ye could show me that.  Doctor. 
I will assay it, albeit the matter be somewhat intricate, and as I showed you before, at the first view would displease many, for they would say, would ye make Corn dearer than it is, have we not dearth enough else without that: Nay I pray you find the means to have it better cheap if it may be, it is dear enough already, and such other like reasons would be said. But now let the husbandman answer such again. Have not you Grasters raised the price of your wools, and fells: and you Marchasit men, Clothiers, and Cappers, raised the price of your merchandise and wares, over it was wont to be in manner 
Reasons why the Husbandman should be at like liberty as other to sell his wares.  double, is it not as good reason then that we should raise the price of our Corn: what reason is it you should be at large and we to be restrained. Either let us all be restrained together, or else let us be all at like liberty, ye may sell your Wool over Sea, your fells, your tallow, your Cheese, your Butter, and your Leather, (which riseth all by grazing) at your pleasure, and for the dearest penny ye can get for them. And we shall not sell out our corn, except it be at x. d. the bushel or under, that is as much to say, as we that be husbandmen shall not sell our ware except it be for nothing, or for so little as we shall not be able to live thereon. Think you if the husbandman here had spoke these words, that he did not speak them some what reasonable.  Husband. 
I thank you withal my heart, for ye have spoken in the matter more than I could do myself, and yet nothing but that is most true. We felt the harm, but we witted not what was the cause thereof, many of us saw well long a go, that our profit was but small by the Plough, & therefore diverse of my Neighbours that had in time past, some two, some three, some four Ploughs of their own, have laid down some of them part, and some of them all their Ceemes, and turned either part or all their arable ground to Pasture, and thereby have waxed very rich men. And every day some of us encloseth some part of his ground to Pasture, and were it not that our ground lieth in the common 
That by breeding the husband hath mo●… clear gains.  fields intermingled one with another, I think also our fields had been enclosed of common agreement of all the towneship long or this time. And to say the very truth I that have enclosed little or nothing of my ground, could never be able to make up my Lords rend, were it not for a little herd that I have of Ncate, sheep, swine, geese, and He●…es, that I do rear upon my ground. Whereof because the price is somewhat round: I make more clear profit than I do of all my corn, & yet I have but a very bare living, by reason that many things do belong to husbandry, which be now exceeding charg●…able over they were in time past.  Capper. 
Though this reason of master D●…ctors here doth please you well that be husbandmen, yet it pleaseth us that be ar●…rs nothing at all, which buy most both bread Corn, and malt corn for our penny: and whercas ye master doctor say that it were as good reason that the Husbandman should raise the price of his corn, and have as free vent of the same over sea, as we do and have of our wares: I cannot greatly deny, but that yet I say that every man hath 〈◊〉 of corn, but they have not so much of other wares.  Doctor. 
Therefore the more necessary that cor●…e is, the more be the mea to be cherished that reareth it: for if they see there be not so much profit in using the plough, as they see in other feats: think ye not that they will leave that trade and fall to another that they see more profitable? As ye may perceive 
That pro●… ad 〈◊〉 all 〈◊〉.  by the doings of this honest man's neighbours, which have turned their 〈◊〉 land to pasture, because they see more profit by pasture: then by tillage. Is it not an old saying in Latin. Honos al●…t arts: that is to say profit or advancement 
Honos al●… Artes.  no●…isheth every faculty, which saying is so true that it is allowed by the common judgement of all men. We must understand also that all things that should be done in a common Weal, be not to be forced or to be constrained by the strait penalties of the law, but s●…me so, a●…d some either by allurement and rewards rather. For what law can compel men to be industrious in travail or labour of body, or studious to learn any science or know le●…ge of the mind: to these things they may be well provoked, encouraged, and alured: if they that be industrious 
That some thing, are to be 〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉 and s●…me other with straight 〈◊〉 forced in a ●…Weale  a●…d painful, be rewarded well for their pains: and be suffered to take gains and wealth as rewards of their labours, and so likewise they that be learned be advanced and honoured according to their forwardness in Learning: every man will then study either to be indust●…ious 〈◊〉 b●…dely labour, or studious in things that pertains to knowledge. Take these rewards from them, & go about to compel them by laws thereto, what man will ploug●… or dig▪ the ground or exercise any manual art wherein is any pain: or who will adventure over seas for any Merchandise, or use any faculty wherein any peril or danger should be, se●…ing his reward shallbe no more than his the sits still: but ye will percase aunsw●…re me that all their reward shall not be taken away, but part of it. Yet than ye must gra●…t me that as if all these rewards were taken from them, all these faculties must decay, so if part of that reward be minished, the use of these faculties shall minish withal after the rate, and so they shall be the less occupied, the less they be rewarded & esteemed. 
The less honour or profit is given to any ●…rte the le●…e it shallbe frequented.  But now to our purpose: I think it more necessary to devise a mean how husbandry may be more occupied rather than less: which I cannot perceive how it may be brought to pass, but as men do see the more gains therein the gladder they will occupy that feat, and this is to be true (that some things in a common weal must be forced with pains and some by rewards a●…ured) may appear, by the which the wise and politic senator T●…lly writeth: saying, that it 
tuli in Ep. ad atti.  was the words of Solon which was one of the seven wise men of Greece, and of those seven the only man that made laws, that a common weal▪ was holden up by two things, chiefly that is by reward and pain: of which words, I gather, that men should be provoked to do good de●…des by rewards and preferments: and to abstain from ill doings by pains, trow you if husband men be not better chearyshed or provoked than they be, to exercise the plough, but that in process of time so many ploughs will be laid down as I fear me there be all ready that of one unfruitful year shall happen among us, as commonly doth once in seven years: we should then not only have dearth but also skarcenes of corn, that we should be driven to seek it from outward par●…ies and pay dear for it.  Knight. 
How would ye have them better cherished to use the plough.  Doctor. 
To let them have more profit by it than they have, & liberty to sell it at all ●…nes & to all places as freely as men may do other things: but than (no doubt) the price of corn would rise specially at the first more than at length: yet the price would provoke every man to set the plough in the ground, to ●…ill waste grounds: yea & to turn the lands that is now e●…losed for pasture to arable, for every man will the gladder follow that wherein they see the more gains, and thereby 〈◊〉 needs ensue both greater plenty of corn within the realm and also much treasure should be brought into the realm by reason thereof. And besides that plenty of all other vi●…tuall increased among bs.  Knight. 
That would I feign hear you declare how?  Doctor. 
Ye have heard that by this free vent and sale of corn, the husbandman's profit is 〈◊〉, than it is showed that every man naturally will follow that, wherein he sees profit 
Profit will make husbandmen more occupied & there by more prof●… and consequent lie better cheap of coin.  ensue: therefore men will the gladder occupy h●…shandry, & the more do o●…cupie husbandry, the mors plenty of Corn must needs be: And the more plenty of corn there is, thereof the better cheap: And also the more will be spared over the which shall suffice for the realm. And then that may be spared in a good year, shall bring us again ●…ther corn: or else the commodities of other coun●…ries necessary for us. Then the more husbandry there is occupied, the more universal breed should be of all victuals of Near, Sheep, Swine, Geese, H●…nnes, Capons, & Chickens: for all these are reared much on corn.  Knight. 
If men should sell when a good seasonable year is, all that is overplus: when the Realm is se●…tted what should we do if a barren year should happen, when no store of corn is left of the good year before.  Doctor. 
first ye must consider that men will be sure they will keep enough to find themselves within the realm, ●…re they sell any forth of the same and having liberty to sell at their pleasure, doubt ye not, but they had liefer sell their corn two pence or three pence in a bushel better cheap within the realm, then to be at the charge of ca●…iage, and peril of adventure: in sending it over and sell it dearer, except it be for much more gains. And thus men being provoked with lucre, wilkeepe the more corn, looking for a dear pear in the country, whereby must needs be great store: and though they did not so, but should sell over sea all that they might spare ou●…rthat serves the realm, when the year is plentiful, yet by reason that through the means aforesaid 〈◊〉 Ploughs are set a work, than would suffice the Realm in a plentiful year: if a scarce year should fall after, the corn of so many ploughs as in a good year, would be more then enough in an unfruitful year, at the least would be sufficient to find the Realm, & so should the realm be served withinough of corn in a scarce year, & in a plentiful year, no more than enough: which might be soldover for great treasure, or greater commodities: where now in a plentiful year we seek to have but as much as may suffice the realm. Then if a scarce year should happen, we must needs lack of our own to serve and should be driven to buy from beyond the sea, and then if they were as envious as we be: might not they say? when we required any corn of them, (that seeing they could get none from us when we had plenty,) why should they let us have any corn when we have sc●…rsitie? Surely common reason would that one region should help another when it lacks, and therefore God hath ordained that no country should have all commodities, but which that one 〈◊〉 another brings forth: & that that one country lacketh this year, another hath plenty thereof commonly the same year, to the intent men may know that they have need one of another's help, & thereby love and society to grow among all men the more, but here we would do as though we had need of no other country on earth, but to live all of ourselves: & as though we might make the market of all things as we lust ourselves, for though God is bountiful unto us & sends us many great commodities, yet we could not live without the commodities of others. And for example, of Iron and Salt●… though we have competently thereof, yet we have not the third part to suffice the Realm, and that can in no wise be spared if ye will occupy husbandry, th●…n tar, rozyn, pitch, Oil, and steel, we have none at all: and for wines, spices, ly●…en cloth, silk●…s, & colours, though we might live indifferently without them, yet far from any civility should it be: as I deny not but many things we might have here sufficiently that we buy now from beyond sea, and many things we might spare wholly: whereof if time will serve I shall talk more here after: 〈◊〉 ut now to return to the first point I spoke of before, to be one of the means to bring husbandry up, that is by basin the estimation of wool, & fells. Though I take not that way to be as good as the other, for I do not allow that mean that may base any of our commodities, except it be for t●…e ●…haunstng of a better commodity: but if both commodities may be enhanced together, as by the last devise I think they might be▪ I allow that way better, nevertheless where as you (brother Mer●…er) showed afore, that eit●…er by r●…raining of wool and other commodities, till they were equal within the Realm after the ra●…e of the corn: or by inhaū●…g the cus●…ome of wool and other the said commodities, till the price beside the custom of the said commodities were brought like to the corn in proportion: the Qu●…enes custom 
Whether the Q●…ee▪ custom should be dim●…nished by s●…int of ●…ll 〈◊〉.  should be diminished, I think not so, for t●…e one way, as much as she should have for the more wool at little custom ven●…ed over, so much should we ha●…e for the less wool at a greater custom ventured. And the other way as much as her Grace shou●…d lose by her cus●…ome of wool, so much or more should her grace win by the custom of ●…thes ma●… within the realm. ●…ut one th●…g I d●…e note by this later devise, that if they should take place 〈◊〉 must do, that is if ●…e keep within us much of our commodities, we must spare many other things that we ha●…e now from beyond sea, for we most always take h●…de that w●…e buy no more of strangers than we do sell them, for so we should impoverish ourselves and enrich them. For ●…ee were no good husband that had no other yearly revenues but of his husbandry to live on, that would buy more in the market than he sells again. And that is a point that we might save much by our treasure in this realm, if we woul●…. And I marvel no man takes heed to it, what number first of tri●…les 
How ●…ger▪ 〈◊〉 from us our great for very 〈◊〉.  comes hither from beyond the sea, that we might either clean spare or else make them within our realm, for the which we either pay inestimable treasure every year, or else exchange substantial wares and necessary for them for the which we might receive great treasure. Of the which sort I mean aswell looking glasses, as drinking, and al●… to glaze Windows, dials, ●…ables, Cards, Balls puppets, Pe●…ers, Inkhorns, Cothepickes, Gloves, Knives, Dags, O●…hes, Browches, Aglettes, Buttons of silk & Silver, Earthen pots, Pi●…es, & Points, Hawks bells, Paper both white and brown, and a thousand like things that might either becleane spared, or else made within the realm sufficient for us, and as for some things they make it of our own commodities and send it 
Our delicacy in requiring strangers Wares.  us again, whereby they set their people a work, and do exhauste much treasure out of this Realm: as of our will they make clothes, Caps and 〈◊〉 of our fells they make spanish ●…es, Gloves and Gerdels, of our 〈◊〉 Saltsellers, Spoons and Dishes, of our broken ●…en clothes and rags, Paper both white and brown, what ●…reasure think ye goes out of this Realm for every of these things: and then for all together it exceeds mine estimation. There is no man can be contented now with any other Gloves than is made in France or in Spain: nor ●…ersie but it must be of Flaunders die: nor ●…oth but French or Ou●…he: nor Dutch, Brooch, or Agglet but of Venice making, or 〈◊〉: nor Dagger, sword Knife or ●…yrdle but of spanish making; or some outward country, no not as much as a Spur but that is fetched at the Milliner. I have heard within these xl. years when there were not of these Haberdashers that sells french or Millen ●…appes Glasses, Knives, Daggers, sword, 
The en●…ase of haberdashers & 〈◊〉 over theywere 〈◊〉 to be.  G●…dels and such things, not a dozen in all London: & now from the town to ●…minster along, every street is f●…l of them, and their shops glitters and shines of glasses as well drinking as looking, yea all manner of vessel of the same stuff: painted cruses, gay Daggers, knives, Swords, and Girdles that it is able to make any ●…ēperate man to gaze on them and to buy somewhat, though it serve to no purpose necessary. What need them beyond sea to travail to Perowe or such far countries, or to try out the sands of the rivers of Tagus in Spain, Pactogus in Asia, and Ganges in India, to get among them after much 
How the st●…aú gers ●…nde an easy way to get 〈◊〉 by thing●… of no value then by any mine▪ of gold or 〈◊〉.  labour small sparks of gold, or to dig the deep bowels of the earth for the mine of Silver or Gold, when they can of vile clay not far sought for: and of pryple Stones and fern roots, make good Gold and Silver, more than a great many of Silver and Gold mines would make, I think not so little as a hunndreth thousand pounds a year is fetched of our Treasure, for things of no valour of themselves, but only for the labours of the workers of the same, which are set a work all on our charges▪ what grossness of wits be we of, that s●…e it, and suffer such a continual spoil to be made of our good and treasure by such means and specially that will suffer our own commodities to go and set strangers a work, & then to buy them again at their h●…es, as of our Wool they make and die Kerseys, Frenchadowes, 
How 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with our ●…ties an 〈◊〉 our costs.  broad clothes, and Caps beyond sea & bring them hitherto be sold again●…: wherein I pray you note what they do: they make us pay at the end for our own 〈◊〉 again. 〈◊〉, for the ●…gers custom for their workmanship, and colours, and lastly for the second custom in the return of the wares into the realm again: where as by working the same within the realm, our own men should be set a work at the charges of strangers, the custom should be borne all by strangers to the Queen, & the clear gains remain within the Realm.  Knight. 
If ye ponder such things and other, which goeth over Sea yearly from us for the same, ye speak to little by as much again, but one thing I have marked that albeit it is true, that though strangers buy their will dear & pay twice custom, that is both at going out of the will, and when it returns in clothes or caps, yet the same shallbe better cheap then that which is made within the Realm, whereof that should come, I would feign know.  Doctor. 
Whether it come of our sloth, or of our chargeable fare or of our idleness, which we Englishmen use, percase more than other nations, I know not: yet it were better for us 
Why ●…gers may afford wares bett●…r cheap made by them then we may the same made here, & yet th●…t it were b●…r for us to buy our own though they were dearer.  to pay more to our own Countrymen for these wares, then to strangers less, for how little gains so ever goeth over, it is lost to us clear, but how much so ever the games is that goeth from one of us to another, it is all saved with in the Realm: and a like reason as you make now heat. Once a Book Seller made me when I asked him why, we had not white and brown paper made within the realm aswell as they had made beyond the sea▪ Then he answered me that there was paper made a while within the realm. At the last the man perceived that made it that he could not forth his paper as good cheap as it came from beyond the sea, and so he was forced to lay down making of paper and no blame in the man, for men will give never the more for his paper because it was made here▪ but I would either have the paper stayed from coming in, or so burdened with custom: that by that time it came hither, out men might afford their paper better cheap, than strangers might do theirs, the customs considered.  Knight. 
There ye speak a thing that the Queen's Attorney would not agree unto, for if such ●…are were made within the real●…e, them the Queen's custom should be less●… by reason that l●…tle or no such wares should come from beyond the Sea.  Doctor. 
If the Queen's Attorney did regard, as well the pro●…te that should come after: as that which is present afore the eyes, he would agree to this well enough, for by this means inestimable treasure should be saved within the realm, 
The most durable & vn●…sal profit is mo●…e to be ●…steemed then 〈◊〉 and particular.  and then it could not grow to the profit of the subjects, but it must needs grow also to the profit of the Queen, for the wealth of the subjects, is the profit of the Queen: and in mine opinion they do not best provide for her Grace's profit, that procureth only a present commodity: but rather that commodity that may longest endure without grief of her subjects.  Knight. 
You would have a law made, that no such ware should be brought from beyond the sea, to be sold here, of such things as could be made here, as well as there.  Doctor. 
Yea fors●…oth, so would I wish.  Knight. 
I was once in a parliament, when such a thing was moved, but only for Caps, that none made beyond sea should be sold here within the Realm, and then it was a●…swered by a great wise man, that it was to ●…ee feared 
Whether our restr●…ts doc touch the le●…ues made with other l●…ces.  lest it touched the league made between the Prince's highness, & some foreign Prince: what think you then would have been said, if ye would have moved a law to be made of our wool, our Tin, our lead, and Hides, beyond sea, should have been sold here.  Doctor. 
I cannot tell whether that should touch the league or no, nor whether any such league be: but I say to you that I think it a marvelous league that should let us to make laws to bind our own subjects that might be profitable to them: and if their were any such league I had leaver it were broken 
No league is to be ●…shed that is not for the con 〈◊〉.  then kept, which being broken should do us good, & being kept should do us harm, and I suppose that when we enter any league the same is meant to be for our weal, and not for our hindrance, wherefore that league would not be esteemed that might hinder our commonweal.  Knight. 
What if they would make a like law beyond the sea, that wares made within this realm should not be sold ther●…, as they made of late, when we devised a law that no wines should be carried hither in strangers bot●…es.  Doctor. 
Yet should they be enforced rather to dissolve their law then we ours, for our stuff is necessary for them that is made here: as cloth, Leather, Bier, tallow, butter, cheese, pewter vessel etc. Theirs be to us more to serve pleasure then necessity: as Cables, Cards, perfumed Gloves, Glasses, galley Pots, Dyails, Oranges, Pippens, and Cherries: yea their chief commodities might be better spared of us, than retained of them, as wines, silks, spices, iron, and Salt. 
A worthy example to be followed in ●…sing of ●…gers.  I would to God we would follow but the example of a poor Haven town that I heard of it to do of late: here in the Marches of Wales, called Carmarthen, when there came 〈◊〉 certain ●…essell thither out of England all Laden with apples, which aforetime was wont to bring them good corn, the town co●…aunded that nun should buy the said apples upon a great pain, and so the Boat stood so long in the haven without sale or ●…ent till the apples were putri●…ed and lost. And when the owner demanded of the Bailiff of the town, why he hao stayed his sale and vent, the Bailiff answered again, that the said vessel came thither to fetch the best wares they had in the country, as Fryzes, broad Clothes, & wool: and in steed thereof, he should leave them in their country but apples, that should be spent & was●…ed in less than a week●…. And said bring unto us corn or ●…te as ye were wont to do, whereof the country hath need, and ye shall be welcome at all times, & ye shall have free vent and sale thereof in our port: think ye that the cities of London, Southampton, Bristol, Chester and other more, might they not learn a good lesson of this poor Welsh town in this doing▪ Might not they say when ships full of Oranges, Pippens, or Cherries come in, that if they would again take Plums, Damozins, and strawberries for them, they should have free exchange: and when they bring in Glasses, Pupple●…s, Rattles, and such like things, they should have like trifles for them, if any such were to be had within this Realm, as there be many, but if they come for our wools, for our Clothes, ●…erseyes, Corn, 〈◊〉, Led, yea our Gold, and silver, and such substantial and necessary things: let them bring in again, Fla●…e, Car, Oils, ●…e, & such like. And not to use them as men do little Children, give them an apple for the best Jewel that they have about them. And thus we are impoverished of our treasure, & chief commodity, and cannot per●…eaue it, such is the ●…enesse of strangers wits and the grossness of ours, yet it were more tolerable if we did no more but cherish their devices that 
Of the coin what ha●…e might have gr●… of the alteration of it  be strangers: but we have in times past devised ourselves many other ways, to our own impoverishment, and to exhaust our treasure. And now I must come to that thing that you (brother Mercer) touched afore, which I take to be the chief cause of all this dearth of things (in comparison of former times) and of the manifest impoverishinge of the Realm, and might in short time have ben the destruction of the same, if it had not been the rather remedied, that is, the ba●…ng or rather the corrupting of our coin, & trea sure, whereby we devised a way for the strangers not only to buy our Gold and silver for brass, and to exhaust this realm of treasure: but also to buy our chief commodities in manner for ●…ought, yet it was thought this should have been a mean not only to bring our treasure home, but to bring much of theirs: but the experience plainly declared the contrary, so that it were but a very Dullerdes' part now to be in any doubt thereof.  Knight. 
Forsooth and such a Dullerd 〈◊〉 I in deed, that I cannot perceive what hindrance it should be to the rea●…me to have this metal more than that (for our Coin) see●…g the Coin is but a token to go from man to man, & when it is stricken with the Prince's seal to be currant: what maketh it the matter what metal it be made of: yea, though it were but Leather, or Paper.  Doctor. 
You say but as most sort of men do say, and yet they be far wide from the truth, as men that do not consider the thing groundly: for by that reason God would never send dearth among us, but the Prince might quickly remedy it. As if Corn were at a Crown a Bushel, the Prince might provide Crowns enough for himself and also his subjects made of brass to pay for the same, and so to make it as easy for him and his subjects to pay a Crown of such metal for a bushel, as it should be for them now to pay a penny for the same: and as the price of corn doth rise, the the Prince might raise the estimation of his coin after the rate, and so keep the coin always at one estate in deed though in name it should seem to rise. As for example, suppo●…e Wheat this year to be at a grot a bushel, and the next year at two groats, the Prince might cause the groat to be called viii. d. and if the bushel rose to xii. d. the bushel, he might raise the estate of the groat to xii. d. and so whether it were by making of coin of other metals than be of price received among all men, or by enha●…ng the price of the old coin made in metals of estimation, the Pri●…ce might if your reason were true, keep always not o●…ely corn, but also all other victaylles and necessaries for man's life, always at one price in decde, though in term they should vary: but ye may see daily by experience the contrary hereunto, for when God sendeth dearth either of corn or of other things, there is neither Emperor nor King can help it, which they would gladly d'ye if they might, as well for their own ease, ●…s for their subjects, and might soon do it if your reason afore touched mig●…t take place: that is, if either they might make coin of what estimation they would, of vile metals: or else enhaunse the value of coins made in metals of price, to what some they would. Yet a man at the first blush would think that a Prince in his realm might do this easily, & make what coin he would to be currant and of what estimation it pleased him, but he 
The subs●…aunce and quantity is ●…eemed in coin & not the name.  that so thinketh marketh but the terms, & not the things tha●… are understanded by them, as if a man made no differaunce between vi. groats that made an ounce of ●…uer, and xii. groats that made in all but an ounce of Silver, by the groat of the first sort, the sixth part of an ounce, and by a groat of the other sort is the twelfth part of an ounce of silver understanded, and so there must be as much difference between the one groat & the other, as is between two and one, the whole thing & the half: though either of both be called but under one name, that is a groat: we must consider though gold & silver be the metals commonly wherein the coin is stricken to be the tokens for exchannge of things▪ between man and man: yet it is the wares that are necessary for man's use, that are exchanged in deed, under the outward name of the coin, and it is the rarity & plenty of such wares, that makes the price thereof hire or base. And because it were very cumbrous and chargeable to carry so much of the wares that we have abundance of, to exchange for the wares that we want, always both for the weight of our wares, and also for that they could not be carried so fa●…re without perishing of the same, nor proportioned so even, as they should be always, neither more or less brought of our wares, than were equivalent with other wares that we receive, therefore were the metals of gold and silver 
Aristo. lib. 5 Eth.  devised, as wares of little weight, most in value, & least cumbrous to carry: and lest subject to detriment or hurt in 
That the neces sity of Mutual trassique and commodity of exchange made Coin to be devised.  the car●…age thereof, and may be cut and divided in most pie ces and portions, without any loss, to be as the mean in wares to exchange all other wares by. And if the thing were to be new devised, necessity would cause us to devise the same way again. For put the case there were no use of money among us, but only exchange of war●…s, for wares: as ●…times I do read hath been: we might at a time have 
Homm. F. de emptione et vendicatiove. Li. 〈◊〉.  such plenty of things in our realm, as for example of corn 〈◊〉, & fells, Cheese, & Butter, and such other commodities as were sufficient for us, and there should remain with us such great store, that w●…e could not spend it in our needs, nor keep it long without perishing. Would not we be glad to exchange that abundance of things, that could not abide the long keeping: for such wares that would a●…yde the keeping, which we might exchange▪ again for such wares, as I rehearsed, or any other as nec●…ssary: when scarcity of the same should happen among us? Yea verily we would study to have in that exchange such wares as would go in least roomth and continue longest without perishing, and be carried to and fro with least charge, & be most currant at all times: and at all places. Is not Gold & Silver, the things that be most of that sort: I mean most of 
Why Gold & silver were the 〈◊〉 most 〈◊〉 for coin to be 〈◊〉 in.  〈◊〉, mo●… light to be carried, longest able to abide the keeping: apt●…st to r●…iue any form, mark, and most currant in all places: & most easily divided into ma●… pi●…es without loss of the stuff. In some of these 〈◊〉 I confess precious Sto●…es do excel Silver or yet Gold, as in val●…e or lightness of carriage, but then, they may not be divided without perishing of the substance, nor put again together, after they be o●…es divided, nor many of them abide so m●…ny my dangers without perishing of the matter, nor yet receive any mark or stamp easily, nor be so universally esteemed: therefore they be not so meet for Ius●…rumentes of exchange, as Silver and Gold be, or else they for their pieces and lightness of carriage, might be. And because Gold and Silver have all these commodities in them, they are chosen by common assent of all the world, that is known to 
Publica mensura Aristo. Eth.  be of an●…●…ility, to be instruments of exchange, to measure all things by, mostap●…e to be either carried far or kept in store, to receive for things, whereof we have abundance, and to purchase by them again other things which we lack, when and where we have most need. As for example, if there were no coin currant, but exchange of things as I said sometime there was: set this case, that a man had as much co●…e in one year as he could not well spend in hi●… house in four years after, and perceived that he might not keep it so long, or till a dear or scarce year should come, and if he did, much of it should perish or all: were it not wisdom for him then to exchange the over plus of that corn, for some other ware that might be longer kept, without d●…er of ●…ast, or diminishing, for the which he might at all times have either corn again at his need, or some other necessary thing▪ yes no doubt, if there were no use of Silver or Gold he would have Tin brass, or lead or such other like thing that would abide the keeping with least detriment, and would desire to have that thing most, that were in least weight, most in value, and in least danger of wearing or perishing, & most universally received, w●…ere in Gold and Silver excels all other metals.  Knight. 
What makes these metals to be of more value than other.  Doctor. 
No doubt their excellency above other metals both in pleasure, and use partly the rarity of them.  Knight. 
〈◊〉 What be these qualities▪ If ye praise the Gold for his weight or pliableness, Led doth excel it in these points ifyee commend his colour, Silver by many men's judgements (whose colour resembleth the day light for his clearness) passeth him. And Heralds prefers it in arms: because it is furthest of seen in the Field, nor never seems other colour but his own, be it never so far of: where all other shall seem black far of, and so lose the strength of their own.  Doctor. 
As much as the lead approacheth the Gold in that point I speak of weight and pliableness, it is cast behind it in other qualities far more commendable, as in colonr it either passeth Silver by some other men's judgements, because it resembles the colour of the celestial bodies, as the Sun and Stars being the most excellent things that cometh under the view of the bodily senses of man, or it 
Why Gold, & Silver are estem●…d afo●…e all their metals.  is equibalent to it: in arms I know not how much it is este●…med, well I wot Princes blaze their arms most with that colour, whether it be for excellency of the same, or for that they love the metal it is made of so well, I cannot tell. but now to esteem their other qualities, Gold is never wasted nor consumed by ●…er: yea the more it is burned, the more puerer it is: which ye can say of none other metals. Then it wears not less by occupying, it de●…h not the thing it toucheth, as Silver doth, with which ye may draw lines, which is a declaration that the s●…ffe falleth away, albeit writers do máruel that it should draw so black a line being of that brightness and colour itself. ●…hen there is no rust nor s●…e that deminisheth the goodness or wasleth the substance of Gold: it abides the fretting, and liquors of Salt & ●…inegar ●…out damage, which weareth any other thing: it needs no fire, ere it be made Gold as others require, it is Gold as soon as it is found, it is drawn without will, as it were wol, it is easily spread in leaves of marvelous th●…es: ye may adorn or gild any other metals with it, yea Stones and 〈◊〉: it is also nothing inferior in commodity of making ve●…sels or other instruments to silver, but rather pu●…, cle●…er, and more sweet to keep any liquor in. Next him approacheth Silver in commendatio●…s, as in clea●…es, beauty, swee●…es, and brightness. And it serves not only to make vessels a●…d other 〈◊〉, but it is also spun, but not without wol, as Gold may be, though they could not do it a●…re time, but with Gold only, as I have heard, chu●…ch ●…estures were made only of Gold then, and now of late of this Silver being spon with s●…lke and guilt, they counterfeit the old excess of cloth of Gold and tyss●…e. Now to speak of other metals, ye see what uses they serve for, which if these were away should be more esteemed. Then I told you the rarity commends the said metals of Gold and Silver, yet more than this. For as they do excel in qualities, so Dame nature seems to have laid them up in a further ward, than her other gifts, to show us that all fair things be rare, and that the fairest things as they be hardest to be attained, so they be most to be esteemed. I●… a Glass (as Erasmus saith well) were as rare as silver, it should be as dear as silver, and not without cause: who could glaze a Window with silver so as he might keep out the injury of the weather and yet nevertheless receive the commodity of the light through the same to his house, as with glass he might▪ And so I might commend other things for their use afore Gold or Silver, as Iron & Steel, with whom ye may make bette●… tools for many necessary uses, then with Gold or Silver, but for the uses that we talk of, Silver and Gold do clearly excel all other metals. I pass over that matter: thus I have showed some reason, why these metals of Gold & Silver are grown in estimation above other.  Knight. 
Why do Kings and Princes strick these metals and other with a coin, but because they would have that coin of what value so ever it be, to bear the estate that the 
Why Gold & Silver were ●…ned.  coin pretenoeth, which they did in vain if they coul●… make the metal that bears that, to be neither better nor worse in estimation. Then I had as lief have sinal gads or plaits of Silver and Gold without any coin at all, to go abroad from man to man for exchange.  Doctor. 
Surely the time was so (even among the Romans, when neither brass, silver nor gold was coined:) but were esteemed only by the weight. And thereof to this day remaineth 
Plini lib. 33 Cap. 3.  these vocables of coins, as Libra, Pondo, Dipondius, as Solidus, Denarius, words of weights, that afterward were given to coins pretending the same weights. Also the comen officers that weighed these rude metals 
Sometime ●…le, ●…luer & Gold were ●…hed be●… Coin made.  were called Libri pendes, whereof we have mencione made in the Civil law: but because in great tra●…que & assembly of buyers, & such, it was tedious to tarry for the weighing of these Metals and trying, it was thought good that the Princes should strike those ●…ttals with several marks, for the variety of the weights they were of, to assure the Receivor, 
Inst. de test. ord. 1.  the same to be no less than the weight it pretended. As for plainer example, they struck the pound weight with the mark of the pound, and the ounce with the mark of the ounce, and so after the variety of the weights of other pieces variable marks: whereby began the names of Coins, so that the people needed not to be troubled with the weighing and trying of every piece, being assured by the mark of the Prince, that every piece contained the weight that was signysied by the mark set on every one: the princes credit was then such among their subjects as they doubted nothing therein. As soon as they attempted to do otherwise, that is, to mark the half pound with the mark of the pound, & the half ounce with the mark of the ounce, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 their credit made those coins currant: As I 〈◊〉 among the Romans practised more than once, but assoon as it was espied, the two pieces of half pounds went no farther than y● one piece of a whole pound went before. And at length, as much as they won at the first, they l●…st at the last in payment of their rents, cu●…omes, and duties. (And 
What losle commoth of c●…edence.  so the nearer East, the further from West.) And they consequently lost their credit, much like as I have known certain towns in England to have done which were wont to make their clothes of a certain breadth and length, and to set their seals to the same, ●…hile they kept the rate truly, strangers did but look on the seal, and receive their ware, whereby these towns had great vent of their clothes, and consequently prospered very well. Afterward some in those towns not contented with reasonable gains continual, and desiring more. Devised clothes of less length, breadth, and goodness than they were wont to be, and yet by the commendation of the seal to have as much money for the same as they had before for good clothes, and for a time they got much, and so abased the credit of their Predecessors to their singular lucre, wh●…h was recompensed with the loss of their Posterity. For after these Clothes were found faulty, for all their seals, they were not only never the better trusted, but much less for their seal: yea, though their clothes were well made, for when their untruth and falsehood was espied, than no man would buy their clothes, till they were ensearched and unfolded, regarding nothing the seal: and yet because they found them untrue in some part, they mistrusted them in other: and so would give less fo●… those clothes then for any other like having no seals to the same, whereby the credit of the said towns was lost, and the tow●…s utterly d●…caied. Did ye not see, that our Coin was discredited immediately upon the alteration of it, in the late years of King Henry the eight, specially among strangers, which ever before desired to serve us afore all other Nations, at all our needs, for the goodness of our Coin. And then they would let us have nothing from them, but only for our commodities, as Wool, fells, Callow, But●…er, Cheese, Tin, and Led, & where before time, they were wont to bring us for the same, either good Gold or silver, or else as necessary commodities again, than they sent us either such trifles as I spoke of before: as Glasses, galley Pots, tennis Balls, Papers, Gyroles, Brouches, Buttons, Dial's, and such light ware, that standeth them in no charge or use, or else (if it be true that I have heard) and as I told you in your ear before, they sent us Brass for our Treasure of Gold and silver, and for our said commodities, I 
What do ●…gers send us ●…or our 〈◊〉 & ch●… commodities.  warrant you ye saw no Gold nor Silver brought over unto us, as it was before used, & no marua●…le: to what purpose should they bring silver or Gold thither, whereas the same was not e●…eemed? Therefore I have heard say for a truth, and I believe it the rather to be true because it is likely, that after that our Coin was based and altered: Strangers counterfeited our Coin, & found the means to have great Masses of that transported hither, and here uttered it well for our old Gold and silver, as also for our chief commodities, which thing I report me unto you what inconvenience it might bring unto this Realm, if it were suffered, in a small compass of time.  Knight. 
There be Searchers that might let that matter well enough if they be true, both for staying of such false Coin to come in, and of our old Coin to go forth.  Doctor. 
I said so to the man that told me the same tale that I told you even now. And he answered me, there were many 
How our old coin may be transported, & the Prince or her officers not ●…ing of it.  ways to deceive the Searchers, if they were never so true, as by putting of the said Coin in their ships ballast or in some ●…elles of wine or other liquor transported either unto us or from us: then every Creak in ●…ys Realm hath not scarchers: And if they had, they be not such saints as would not be corrupted for money. Besides 
We d●…uise the 〈◊〉 way to drive away our Treasure.  this, was there not made proclamations that th●… old ●…oyne, specially of Gold, should not be currant here abeve such a price: was not that the di●…st way to drive a way our gold from us? every thing will go where it is most esteemed, and therefore our treasure went over in heaps.  Knight, 
I believe well that these were means to exhaust the old treasure from us, which ice have rejected: but how it should make every thing so dear among ●…ur selves since the time (as ye said it doth) I cannot yet perc●…aue the reason.  Doctor. 
Why? do ye not perceive that by ●…ason hereof, we paid dearer presently for every thing that we have from beyond the Sea, than we were wont to do before?  Knight. 
That cannot be denied.  Doctor. 
By how much think you?  Knight. 
By the third part well in all manner of things.  Doctor. 
Must not they that buy dear, sell dear again their wares?  Knight. 
●…hat is true, if they intent to thrive: for he that selleth good cheap & buyeth dear, shall never thrive.  Doctor. 
Ye have yourself declared the reason, why things ●…in the Realm proved after that time so d●…aie: for we must buy dear all things bought from beyond the sea, & therefore 
Why things 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 should be so dear.  we must sell again as dear our things, or else we make ill bargains for ourselves. And though that reason maketh it plain, yet the experience of the thing maketh it plainer: for where ye say that every thing bought beyond the sea, is commonly dearer by the third part than it was: do ye not see the same proportion raised in our wares, if it be not more?  Knight. 
What loss have we by this, when w●…e sell ou●… commodities as ●…eare as we buy others?  Doctor. 
I grant to one sort of men, I account it no loss, yea to some other a Gain more than any loss, and yet to some other sort a greater loss than it is pro●… to that other, yea generally to the utter impoverishing of the realm and weaking of the Queen's maies●…es power exceedingly.  Knight. 
I pray you what be those sorts that ye mean. And first of those that ye think should have no loss hereby.  Doctor. 
I mean all these that lives by buying and selling for as they buy dear they sell thereafter.  Knight. 
What is the next sort that ye say would win by it?  Doctor. 
Marry all such as have tak●…es or ●…earmes in their 
Some ●…ad gains by the alteration of the coin.  own manurance at the old rent, for where they pay after the old rate, they sell after the new: that is, they pay for their land good cheap, and sell all things growing thereof dear.  Knight. 
What sort is that which ye said should have greater loss hereby, than these men had profit.  Doctor. 
It is all Noble men, Gentlemen and all other that live either by a ●…ented rent or 〈◊〉, or do not Manure the ground, or do occupy no buying or selling.  Knight. 
I pray you peruse these sorts as ye did the other, one by one, and by course.  Doctor. 
I will gladly, first the Noble men and Gentlemen live for the most part on the yearly revenues of their lands and fees given them of the Prince. Then ye know he that may spend now by such revenues and fees CCC. li. a year may 
Who had lo●… by the alteration of ●…ne.  not keep no better port than his father, or any other before him, that could spend but nigh CC. li. and so ye may per●…eiue, it is a great abatement of a man's countenance to ta●…e away the third part of his living, and therefore gentlemen do ●…udy so much the inerease of their Lands and enhaunsing of their rents, and to take Fearmes and Pastures to their own hands as ye see they do, and all to seek to maintain their 〈◊〉 as their predecessors did, and yet they came short there in. Some other seeing the charges of household increase so much, as by no provision they can make, it can be helped: give over their households and get them chambers in London or about the court, and there spend their time some of them with a serua●…t or two, where he was wont to keep thirty or forty persons daily in his house, and to do good in the Country, in keeping good order and rule among his neighbours. The other sort be even Servingmen, and men of War that having but their old stented wages, cannot find themselves therewith: as they might afore time, without ravine or spoil. As ye know xii. d. a day now will not go so far as viii. pence would afore time. And there fore ye have men so evil willing to serve the Pr●…e now a days, from that they were wont to be. Also where xl. shillings a year was honest wages for a yeoman afore this time, and xx. pence a week board wages was sufficient: now double as much will scant bear their charge.  Knight. 
That is long of their excess, aswell in apparel as in fare, for now a days Servingmen go more costly in apparel, and look to far more daintily, than their masters were wont to do in times past:  Doctor. 
No doubt that is one great cause of the greater charge 
Of excel in apparel and far.  of household. For I know when a Serving man was content to go in a Kendal coat in Summer, and a frise cote in winter: and with a plain white hose made meet for his body: And with a piece of beef or some other dish of sodde meat all the week long: Now he will look to have at the least for summer a coat of the finest cloth that may be gotten for money, and his ●…osen of the finest Kersey, and that of some strange die, as Flaunders die or french puke, that a Prince or great Lord can wear no finer▪ if he wear cloth. Then their coats shallbe guarded cut and stitched and the breeches of their hose so drawn with silk, that the workmanship shall far pass the price of the 〈◊〉, And this thing is not restrained as it should be, but rather cherished of the masters, one striving with the other, who may be most proud and whose retinue may go most lavish & gay for a time of show, whereas through such excess they are fain all the rest of the year to keep the fewer servants. And so in excess of meats they far at some times in the year, that in the whole year after they keep either no houses at all, or if they do it shall be very small: like excesses aswell in apparel as in fare were used in Rome a little before the declination of the Empire, 〈◊〉 as wise men have thought it was occasion 〈◊〉 the decay thereof. And therefore Cato and diverse wise senators at that time, would have had laws made for restraint of such excesses, and for that through the insole●…ie of some, that maintained the contrary, y● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not duly executed, muchpride ensued there: and of pride diu●…tand through division utter desolation of the common weal. I pray God this realm may beware by that example, specially London the head of this empire, where such 〈◊〉 (by reason the wealth all most of all this Realm is ●…aped there 〈◊〉, as the corn of a Field into a ●…rne) be most used: for in other parties commonly of this realm, the law of necessity keeps men in good case for exceeding either in apparel or far. I think we were as much dread or more of our enemies, when our gentlemen went simply, and our Servingmen plainly, without cuts or guards bearing their heavy sword and bucklers on their thig●…es in stead of cuts and guards and light dancing sword: and when they road carrying good Spears in their 〈◊〉 in ●…ede of white rods, which they carry now more like ladies or gentlewomen, than men, all which delicacies maketh our men clean effemina●…e & without strength.  Knight. 
We may thank our long peace & quiet within the realm that men be not 〈◊〉 to ride●… strong. It was a tr●…blous world as well within the Realm as without, when men went and road as you do speak.  Doctor. 
What can you tell, what time or how soon such a world may come again, wise men do say, that in peace men most look and provide for war, and in war again for peace. 
In Peace look for Wa●…re.  If men might be always sure of peace, than needed no ma●… to keep men at all. But sith it is otherwise, and that the iniquity of men is such, as they cannot be long without War: And that we reckon here in England our chief strength to be 〈◊〉 our Servingmen & yeomen, it were wisdom to exercise them in time of peace somewhat with such apparel, far and hardness, as they must needs sustain in time of war, than the same shall be no novelty to them when they come to it: and their bodies shall be strong and harder to bear that, that they were somewhat accustomed which all afore. Let this that I say, be of no cre●…ite: if del●…acie and tenderness was not the most occasion of the subduing of the greatest Empires that were.  Knight. 
Surely ye say very well & that which soundeth to good reason. I must needs allow that I have found true myself, for my men are so tenderly used in time of peace, that they can not away with any heavy armour in time of war, but either shirts of Mail or Coats of linen rags, which at a shot may perhaps deceive us. Then what say you by our buildings that we have here in England of late days, far more exce●…iue than at any time heretofore. Doth not that impoverish the Realm & cause men to keep less Houses.  Doctor. 
I say that all these things be tokens of ornaments of peace, and that no doubt is cause of less households: sith the buildings and trimming of those houses spends away that, that should be otherwise spent in household. But it doth not impoverish the Realm at all, for all the expenses of buildings, for the most part is spent amongs ourselves & amongs our neighbours and Countrymen. As amongs Carpenters, Masons, and Labourers, except men will fall 
Of excess 〈◊〉 Buylding●….  to guilding or peinting of these Houses. For in that much treasure may be spent, and to no use. Also the Arese, Uerderers, and Tapestry works wherewith they be hanged commonly, conveyeth over into Flaunders & other strange. Countries (where they be had from) much of our Treasure.  Knight. 
Sir, yet I must remember you of one thing more, which men do suppose to be a great occasion of the spending of the treasure abroad: & it is, where there is comen to the crown of late years much lands by reason of Monasteries, colleges, and Chauntres dissolved, which men suppose hath been the cause two manner of ways, that there is less treasure a broad in the Realm. One is because the revenues of the said places dissolved heretofore, were spent in the country and went from hand to hand there, for victual cloth and other things: and now are gone to one place out of the country. Another is that divers men which had any riches or wealth uttered the same, to buy perselles of the said dissolved lands lying commodious for them, whereby one way & other the whole riches of the country is sweeped away.  Doctor. 
Truth it is also, that it wringed the country abroad for the time, and had kept it so still if the kings Majesty had not dispersed the same lands abroad among them in the country again, but after that his highness departed with a great deal of those possessions, part by gift and part by sale: treasure hath and will increase again abroad, as much as ever it was, if it be not letted by other means: so that I take y● to be no great cause of the dearth that we have, for the soil is not taken away, but the possession thereof is only transferred from one kind of persons to another.  Knight. 
Then to return to the matter of the coin where we left. I have heard your conceit how the alteration thereof, within our Realm did some men no harm, as Buyers and sellers: some other it did good unto, as Farmers that had Land at the old Rent: and some other as Gentlemen, men of war, servants, and all other living by any rated or stented rent or stipend, were great losers by it: But I heard you say it was so much withal to the loss of the Prince, that it might be to the great peril of the whole Realm in process of time. I marvel how it should be so, for I heard wise men say, that the Queen's highness Father did win inestimable great sums, by the alteration of the Coin.  Doctor. 
So it was for the time, but I liken that gains to such as men have when they sell away their lands, to have the greater some at one time, and ever after to lose the continual increase that should grow thereof: for you know all 
How the alt●…ration of the ●…oyne should be most ●…oste to the Prince.  the treasure of this Realm, must once in few years come to the Prince's hands by one means or other, and from thence it should go abroad again to the Subjects. As all springs runneth to the Ocean Sea, & out of it are they spread abroad again: them as they came into the king's coffers at the first in good metal, they came forth in such as you have heretofore seen. And albeit it seemeth at the first view to impoverish but the subjects only: at length impoverisheth also the Prince: and then if the Prince should want in time of war, specially sufficient treasure to pay for armour, weapons, tacklings of ships, guns, and other artillery necessary for the war, and could by no means have of the subjects wherewith to buy the same, what ease should the Realm be in? Surely in very evil, & therefore these Coins and treasure be not without cause called of wise men, Nerui bellorum (that is to say) the sinews of war. And that is the greatest dasiger that I do consider, should grow for want of treasure to the Prince and the Realm, for though a Prince may have what coin he will currant within his Realm, yet the strangers cannot be compelled to take them. And I grant, if men might live within themselves, all together without borrowing of any other thing outward, we might devise what coin we would: ●…ut since we must have need of other and they of us, we must frame our things not after our own fantasies, but to follow the common market of all the world, and w●…e may not set the price of things at our pleasure, but follow the price of the universal Market of the World, I grant also that brass hath been coined ere this, yea & Leather in some places. But ever I read y● that was at an extreme need, which thing is not to be follow●…d as an example, but to be eschewed as long as possible may be: And if our treasure be far spent and exhaust (as it happened in the later years of King Henry the eight) I could wish that any other order were taken for the recovery of it, then the depraving of our coins, which serveth the Prince but a lit●…e while, for some present shift, and hindered him a long time afterwards. I am persuaded that within our Realm treasure might be soon recovered by these two means: first if we forbade the bringing in and selling of so many tri fles as I before rehearsed to be brought us from beyond the sea, & that nothing made beyond the sea of our own commodities should be sold here. And secondly, if we forbade that none of our commodities should pass unwrought over sea, which being wrought here and sold over should bring in infinite treasure in short time.  Knight. 
Mary and there ye be contrary to the opinions of many a great wise man, which think it better that all our wool were sold over sea unwrought, than an●… Clothiers should be set a work withal, within this rea●….  Doctor. 
That were a strange thing in mine opinion, that any man should think so, and what should move them to be of that opinion I pray you.  Knight, 
I will tell you. They take it that all insurrections & uproars for the most part, do rise by occasion of these clothiers: For when clothiers lack vent over sea: then is a great multitude of these clothiers idle. And when they be idle, them they assemble in companies and murmur for lack of living, and so pick one quarrel or other to stir the poor commons 
Whether all our Wool were expedient to be ●…ould over vnwoug●…t  that be as idle as they, to a commotion: And sometimes by occasion of wars there mussel needs be some stay of clothes, so as they cannot have always like sale or vent: at every which time if the said Clothiers should take occasion of commotion, they think it were better that there were none of them in the Realm at all, and consequently that the will were uttered unwrought over sea, then to have it wrought here.  Doctor. 
So it may seem to them that considers one inconvenience, and not another. Surely who soever hath many persons under his governance, shall have much a do to govern them in quietness, and he that hath a great family shall have sometimes trouble in the ruling of them. It were but a mean policy either for a Prince to diminish his number, or for a Master of a house to put away his Servants, because he would not have any trouble with the governance of them: he that would so do, might be well resembled to a man that should sell his land because he would not be troubled with the account of it. I think it meet that we did not only increase the feat of clothing, but also intent divers other more feats & occupations, ●…hereby our People might be set a work, rather than take away any occupation from them, specially such as clothing is, that sets so many thousands a work, and enrich both Town and Country. Where it is occupied in Venice, as I have heard, and in many other places 〈◊〉 Sea, they reward and 〈◊〉 every man that brings in any new Art, or mystery, whereby the people might be set a work, with such things as should both find their 
Mysteries are to be increased rather than diminished.  work men, and also bring some treasure or other commodity into the Country. And shall we contrariwise labour to destroy our best and most profitable trade, which is by clothing? I would know what thing else might bring us treasure from 〈◊〉 parties, or wherewith should so many of our people be set a work, as have now their livings by clothing, if that occupation were laid down?  Knight. 
Marry we might have treasure enough from outward Parties for our wools, though nun were wrought within the Realm: And as for an Occupation, to set our Clothiers a work, they might be set to the Plough and husbandry, and that should make husbandry to be the more occupied, & grazing less, when all these people that now do occupy clothing, should fall to husbandry.  Doctor. 
As to the first that 〈◊〉 said that Wool is sufficient to bring in treasure: if it were (as it is not in deed) yet that Feat were not for the Weal, nor for continuance of the Realm. For when every man would fall to breed sheep and to increase Wool, and so at length all other occupations should be set a side, and breeding of sheep only occupied, than ye know that a few sheep masters would serve for a whole Shire: & so in process of time the multitude of the subjects should be worn away, and none left but a few Shepherds, which were no number suffici●…nt to serve the Prince at need, or to defend this realm from Enemies. As to the other part of your tale, whereby ye would that these Clothiers should fall from that occupation to husbandry: how could so many added to them that occupy husbandry already, get their living by the same, when they that be husbandmen now, have but a small living thereby. And if ye would say to me that they should have at all times, free vent and full Sale of their corn over sea, then cometh the same inconvenience in that ye thought to avoid before, by putting them from clothing. For some years it should hap either for wars or by reason of plenty in all parties beyond the Sea, that they should have no vent of their corn, and then be driven to be idle, and consequently for lack of living to assemble together, and make like uproars as ye spoke of before. They have in France more handy crafts occupied and a greater multitude of Artificers, than we have here by a great deal, and for all that they have made many great stirs and commotions there before this: yet they will not destroy artificers, for they know that the highest Princes of them all, without such artificers could not maintain their estate. Doth not all their toules' customs, taxes, tallages, and subsidies chiefly grow by such artificers? What king can maintain his estate with his yearly revenues only growing of his lands: For as many servants in a house well set a work, gains every man somewhat to their master: So doth every artificer in a Realm each gain somewhat, and altogether a great mass to the king & his realm every year it bridgeth.  Knight. 
And now because we are entered into communication of artificers, I will make this division of them. Some of them do but convey money out of the country: Some other that 
Three sorts of Artificers.  which they get, they do spend again in the country. And the third sort of Artificers is of them that do bring in Creasure into the country. Of the first sort I reckon all mercers, Grocers, Vintners, Haberdashers, Milliners, and such as do sell wares growing beyond the sea, and do fetch out our 
One bringeth out our Treasure.  treasure for the same, which kind of artificers as I reckon them tolerable, yet not so necessary in a common Weal, but they might be best spared of all other. Yet if we had not other Artificers to bring in as much treasure as they do carry forth, we should be great losers by them. Of the second sort be these Shoemakers, Tailors, Carpenters, 
Another spend that they g●…t in the sa●…e country a●… gain.  Masons, Tilers, Bouchers, Brewers, Bakers, ann Uittailers of all sorts, which like as they get their living in the country, so they spend it▪ but they bring in no treasure unto us. Therefore we must cherish well the third sort. And those be Clothiers, Tanners, Tappers, and Worstedmakers, 
The third sort bring in Treasure, and therefore must be cherished.  only that I know, (which by their mysteries and faculties) do bring in any treasure. As for our woll●…s, fells, Tin, Led, Butter and Cheese, these be commodities that the ground bears requiring the industry of a few persons, and if we should only trust to such and devise nothing else to occupy ourselves with, a few persons would serve for the rearing of such things, and few also it would find: and so should our realm be but like a grange better furnished with beasts then with men, whereby it might be subject to the spoil of other nations, about which is the more to be feared and eschewed: because the country of his own kind is apt to bring forth such things as be for increase of cattle, then for such things as be for the nourishment 
Pomp. Me.  of men. If Pomponeus mela be to be believed, which describing this I land sayeth thus. Plana, ingens, & ferax: sed eorum quae pecora, quam homines benignius alant. That is to say, it is plain, large, and plentiful: But of these things that nourisheth Beasts more kindly than men. So many forests, Chases, Parks, Marshes, and waste grounds being more here, then most commonly elsewhere, declare the same not to be all in vain, that he affirms. It hath not so much arable Ground, Tynes, Dlyves, Fruits, and such as be both most necessary for the food of men. And as they require many hands in their culture, so they find most persons food, as France and diverse other Countries have. Therefore as much grosid as is here apt for these things would be turned as much as may be to such uses as may find most persons. And over that towns and Cities would be replenished with all kind of Artificers, not only clothier's, which is as it were our natural occupation, but with Cappers, glovers, Paper makers, glaziers, Painters, Gold smiths, black smiths of all sorts, Coverlet makers, needle makers, pinner's and such other, so as we should not only have enough of such things to serve our Realm and save an infinite treasure, that goeth now over for many of the same: but also might spare of such things ready wrought to be sold over, whereby we should fetch again other necessary commodities or treasure. And this should both replenish the Realm of People able to defend it, And also save & win much treasure to the same. Such occupations alone do enrich divers countries that be else barren of themselves.  
And what riches they bring to the Countries where they 
Mysteries do enrich countrie●… that be else barren.  be well used. The Country of Flaunders, and Germany do well declare, where through such occupations it hath so many, & eke so wealthy Cities, that it were almost incredible so little ground to sustain so much people. Wherefore in my mind they are far wide of right consideration, that would have either none or else lessc clothing within this Realm, because it is some time occasion of business & tumults, which cometh for lack of vent. There is nothing every way so commodious or necessary for man's use, but it is sometimes by ill handling occasion of some displeasure, no not fire and water that be so necessary as nothing can be more.  Knight. 
Yea master Doctor we stand not in like case as France or Flaunders that ye speak of: if they have not vent one way, they may have it another way 〈◊〉, for the firm land is round about them in manner. If they be at war with one Neighbour, they will be friends with another to whose Countries they may send their commodities to sell.  Doctor, 
So may we be, if we were so wise, to keep one Friend or other always in hand. Who will be so mad being a Private man, but he will be sure to do so. Let wise men consider what Friends tl, is Real●… hath had 
Alliance with 〈◊〉 are to be ●…cased and kept.  in time past. And if they be now lost or intercepted an ●…ther way 〈◊〉, let us purchase other for them: or else give as little occasion of breach with our Neighbours as may be. The Wise man as I remember, saith in Ecclesiastes: Non est bonum homini esle solum.  Knight. 
Also in France they have diverse Bands of men in Arms, in diverse places of the Realm, to repress such 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Armi●…s 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as in 〈◊〉.  Cumults quickly if any should arise. If we had the like here, we might be bold to have as many Ar●…ers as they have.  Husband. 
GOD sworbote, that ever we should have any such Tyranntes come among us: for as they say, such will in the Country of France take poor men's Hens, Chickens, Pigs, and other provision, and pay nothing for it, except it be an ill turn, as to ravish his Wife, or his Daughters for it: and even in like manner said the ●…ar chant man adding thereto, that he thought that would rather be an occa●…on of Commotions' to be stirted then 
Merchant.  to be quenched. For (as he said) the stomachs of English men would never bear, to suffer such Injuries, and Reproaches, as he heard that such used to do to the Subjects of Frau●…e, which in reproach t●…ey call Pe●…aunes.  Knight. 
Marry the Pryace might restrain them well yaough, for doing Outrages vpo●… great payaes.  Doctor. 
What if it were 〈◊〉 in his power to do●… the Romans had sometimes such men of arms in diverse places for defence of the Empire, it was thought, that a●… length it over threw the same. julius Caesar doth that declare: and many times after that when the Emperors died, the men of war Erected what Emperor they listed, sometime of a Slave or a Bondman contrary to the Election of the Senate of Rome, being chief Counsellors of the Empire, till the whole Empire was clean destroyed: it is not for commotions of Subjects, that France also ●…eepeth such: but the slate and necessi●…ty of the Country which is environed about with enemies, and neither sea nor wall between them, against whose Inroads and invasion they maintain those men of war of necessity. They would feign lay them down, if they durst for fear of their neighbours. And some wise men among them have said and written, that the same men of Arms may be the destruction of their Kingdom at length. And beside that the large●…sse of our Dominion or Situation of the same toward other Countries, doth not require such men, nor yet the revenues of this realm is able to make up the like number with France. And then if we should make a less number, we should declare ourselves inferior in power to France, to whom we have been hitherto counted Superior in successes, through the stoutness of our English hearts. And therefore I would not have a small sore cured by a greater grief, nor for avoiding 
A less g●…fe would not be 〈◊〉 ●…ith a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  of popular Sedition, which happeneth very seldom and soon quenched, to bring in a continual yoke & charge both to the Prince and the people.  Knight. 
You say well, and so as I can say no more against your semence, but yet I would wish your saying could satisfy other men as well as it doth me.  Doctor, 
Well, it is now time to make an end. I have troubled you here with a tedious and long talk.  Knight. 
I could be content to be troubled longer of that sort.  〈◊〉. & Capper. 
And so could we, though it were all this day, but for troubling of your self gentle master Doctor.  Knight. 
Yet the most necessary point which we spoke of is yet behind, that is, how these things may be remedied: And therefore we will not go from you till we have heard your advice herein.  Doctor. 
A God's name, I will show my fantasy in that part: But let us first go to supper. And so we went together to our Supper, where our Host had prepared honestly for us.   

THE third DIAlogue, wherein are devised some remedies for the same griefs.  Knight. 
AFter we ●…ad well refreshed ourselves at supper, I thought long till I had known the judgement of mays●…r Doctor, about the remedies of the things above rem●…bred, how he thought they might be best redressed, and with least danger or alteration of things. (And therefore I said unto him thus:) Since ye have 〈◊〉 unto us (good master Toctor) our dis●…ases and also the occasions thereof, we pray you leave us not destitute of convenient remedies for the same. You have perswad●…d us full, and we perceive it well ourselves, that we are not now in so good slate as we have been in times past. And you have showed us probable occasions that hath brought us to that case, therefore now we pray you show unto us, what might remedy these our grie●…es.  Doctor, 
When a man death perceive his grief, and the occasion also of the s●…me, he is in a good way of amendment. For knowing the occasion of the gr●…efe, a man may soon avoid the same occasion: and that being avoided, the grief is also taken away. For as the Philosopher saith: Sublata causa tollitur effectus But let us briefly recount the grie●…es and then the occasions thereof, and thirdly go to the inquisition of the remedies for the same. First this universal dearth in comparison of the former age, is the chiefest grief that all men complains most on. Secondly Enclosures, & turning of arable ground to paslure. Thirdly decaying of Towns, Towneshippes, and villages, and last division & diversity of opinions in religion. The occasions or causes of these, although I have before diversly declared after the diversity of men's minds and opinions. Yet here I will take out of the same, But only such as I think verily to be the very just occasions in deed. For as I showed you before, divers men diversly judge, this or that to be the cause 
The original cause in every thing is to be searched.  or occasion of this or that grief, and because there may be divers causes of one thing, and yet but one principal cause that bringeth forth the thing to pass: Let us seek out the cause, omitting all the mean causes, which are driven forward by the least original cause, as in a press going in at a slraight, the foremost is driven by him that is next him, & the next by him that follows him, and the third by some vi olent and strong thing that drives him forward, which is the first and principal cause of the putting forward of the rest afore him. If he were kept back and stayed, all they that go afore would stay withal. To make this more plain unto you: as in a clock there be many wheels, yet the first wheel being stirred it driveth the next, and that the third etc. till the last that moves the instrument that strickes the clock: so in making of an house, there is the master that would have the house made, there is the Carpenter, & there is the stuff to make the house with all: the sluffe never stirs till the work man do set it forward, the workman never travails but as the master provoketh him which good wages, and so he is the principal cause of this house making. And this cause is of the learned called efficient, as that, that bringeth the principal thing to effect. Persuade this man to let this building alone, and the house shall never come to pass, yet the house can not be made without the stuff, and workmen, and therefore they be called of some causae sine quibus non, and of some other Materiales, & Formales, but all cometh to one purpose. It is the efficient cause, that is, the principal cause, without removing of which cause the thing that cannot be remedied. And because that it was graffed in 
diverse sort●… o●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 be.  〈◊〉 man's judgement, that the cause of any thing being taken away, the 〈◊〉 is taken awa●… with all. Therefore men took the causes of these things that we talk of without judgement, not discerning the principal cause from the mean causes, that by taking away of these causes that be but secondary as it were, they were never the near to remedy the thing they went about, much like the wife of Ajax 
Cic top. 〈◊〉. 5.  that lost her husband in the ship called Argos, wished that those Fir beams had never been felled in Peleius wood, whereof the said ship was made, when that was not the eff●…ent cause of the losing of her husband, but the wild ●…yre cast in the saidshippe, which did set it a fire. Such causes as they be, be called remote, as it were to far of: so they be also idle and of no operation of themselves, without▪ sum other to set them a work, and percase I (while I degress so far from my matter) shallbe thought to go as far from the purpose, yet to come to our matter, and to apply this that I have said to the same, Some thinks this dearth begins 
Sublata causa tollitnr essectus.  by the tenant in selling his wares so dear, & some other by the Lord in raising his land so high. And some by these enclosures. And some other by the reysing of our coin or alteration of the same. Therefore some by taking some one of these things away (as their opinion served them to be the principal cause of this dearth) thought to remedy this dearth. But as the trial of the thing showed they to●…ched not the cause efficient principal, and therefore their devise took no place, and if they had, the thing had been ●…emedied forthwith, for that is proper to the principal cause that as soon as it is taken awaythe effect is removed also. Yet I confess all these things raiseth together with this dearth, that every of them should sceme to be the cause of it, nevertheless that is no good proof that they should be the causes of it, no more than was the steeple made at Dover, the cause of the decay of the Haven of Dover, because the Haven began to decay the same time, that the Steeple began to be builded: nor yet, though some of these because of the other in deed, yet they be not all the efficient causes of this dearth. But as I have said before of men thrusting one another in a throng one driving another, and but one first of all, that was the chief cause of that force: So in this 
How one thing is cause of another, and that of the third.  matter that we talk of, there is some one thing that is the original cause of these causes, that be as it were secondary and makes them to be the causes of other. as I take the raising of all prizes o●… victauls at the husbandman's hand, is cause of the reysing of the rend of his land. And the Gentlemen fall so much to take ●…earmes to their hands lest they be driven to buy their provision to dear, that is a great cause again that Enclosure is the more used: For Gentlemen having much land in their hand and not being able to wield all and see it manured in husbandry, which requireth the industry labourr and governance of a great many of persons, do convert most of that Land to Pas●…ures, wherein is required both less charge of Persons, and of the which ●…euerthelesse cometh more clear gains. Thus one thing hangs upon another, and sets forward one another, but one first of all is the chi●…fe cause of all this circular motion & impulsion. I 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hile, that the chief cause was n●…t in the h●…andman, nor yet in y● 〈◊〉. Let us 〈◊〉 whether it were in the merchant man. It appears by reason that all wares bought of him are dearer now far them they w●…re wont to be, the husbandman is driven to 〈◊〉 his commo ditties deare●…: now that the matter is brought to master ●…ar chant, how can ye annoyed the cause from being in you.  Merchant. 
Sir easily enough for as we sell now dearer all things than we were wont to do. So we buy dearer all things of strangers: and therefore let them put the matter from us, for we disburden ourselves of this fault.  Doctor. 
And they be not here to make answer, if they were, I would ask them why they sell their wares dearer now than they were wont to do.  Merchant. 
Mary and to that I heard many of them answer oer this (when they were asked that question) two manner of ways. One was they selled in deed no dearer than they 
The strangers answer touching this dearth.  were wont to do: saying for proof there of that they would take for their commodities, as much and no more of our commodities then they were wont to do. As for our tod of will they would give as much Wine, Spice or Silk as they were wont to give for so much. Yea for an ounce of our silver or gold, as much stuff as ever was given for the same: and their other answer was that if we reckoned they did sell their wares dearer because they demanded more pieces of our coin for the same then they were wont to do, that was not their fault they said but ours, that made our pieces less or less worth than they were in times past. Therefore they demanded the more pieces of them for their Wares, saying, they carried not what names we would give our coins, they would consider the quantity & right value of it, that they were esteemed at, every where through the world.  Knight. 
Then I would have answered them there of this sort. If they came hither but for our commodities, what made it the matter to them, what quantity or value our coin were. If so they might have as much of our commodities for the same as they were wont to do. If they came again for our silver and gold. It was never lawful, nor yet is expedient they should have any from us. Wherefore I would think that was no cause why they should sell their wares dearer than they were wont to do.  Doctor. 
Then he might have answered again, ●…hat it chanced not all ways together, that when they had wares which we wanted, we had again all those wares that they looked for. And therefore they having percase more wares necessary for us, than we had of such wares as they looked for, would be glad to receive of us such stuff currant in most places, as might buy that they looked for elsewhere at their pleasure: And that they will say was not our coin. And as for our laws of not transporting over sea any gold or silver, they passed not thereof, so they might have the same ones conveyed them. As they had many ways to have it so, which I have before remembered. Finally he might say that we had not in deed our coin in that estate ourselves, that by the name they pretended, but esteemed both the value & quantity of the stuff it was made of. For if they had brought unto us half an own of silver, we would not take it for an ounce: nor if they brought us brass mingled with Silver, we would not take it for pure S●…luer, and if we would not take it so at their hands, why should they take it otherwise at ours. Then they saw no man here but would rather have a cup of silver than of brass, no not the master of our mi●…ts though they would otherwise persuade the one to be as good as the other. Wherefore seeing us esteem the one in deed better than the other, as all the world doth beside, why should they not esteem our coin after the quantity and value of the substance thereof, both after the rate it was esteemed among us, & also every other where. And so as in more pieces now there is but the value that was in fewer pieces afore, therefore they demanded greater number of pieces, but ●…et the like value in substance that they were wont to demand for their wares. Now let us see whether now goeth the cause of this matter? from the strangers: For me thinks he hath reasonably excused himself & put it from him.  Knight. 
By your tale it must be in the coin, and 〈◊〉 in the ●…ynges highness by whose 〈◊〉 that same was altered.  Doctor. 
Yea percase it goes further yet, yea to such as were the first counsa●…lours of that deed, pretending it should be to his high●…es great and notable commodity, which if his grace mought have perceived to have been but a momentain profit, and cont●…all loss both to his highness and also his whole R●…alme. He with his people might have been easily revoked again, from the practice of that simple de●…se: but as a man that intendeth to heal an other by a medicine that he thinks good, thought it prove otherwise, is not much to be blamed: no more was the kings majesty in any wise, (in whose time this was done, which is not to be supposed to have inte●…ded thereby any l●…sse, but rather commodity to himself and his s●…iects) to be herein reprehended, albeit the thing succeeded beside the purpose.  Knight. 
Then ye think plainly that this alteration of the coin was the chief and pri●…cipall cause of this universal dearth.  Doctor. 
Yea no doubt, and of many of the said grienes that we have ta●…ked ●…f, by means, it being the original of all, and that beside the reason of the thing, being plain i●…gh of itself: 
.  also experience & proof doth make it more plain. For even with the alteration of the coin 〈◊〉 this dearth, and as the 〈◊〉 appayred so rose the mi●…s of thing●…s with all: & this to 〈◊〉 true, y● few 〈◊〉 of old co●…ne which afterward 〈◊〉, did 〈◊〉. For ye should have for any of the same coy●…e as much of any ware ●…ither outward or inward as ever was wont to be had for the same. For as the 〈◊〉 is mad●…●…sse▪ there goeth more number to make up the tale, and 〈◊〉 this 〈◊〉 not together at all men's hands, ther●…ore s●…me ha●…h great losses and some other great 〈◊〉 thereby, and that made such a general 〈◊〉 for the thing at the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. And thus to conclude▪ I think this alteration of the Coin to have ben the first origi●…all cause, that strangers first sold their wares dearer to us, and that made all Farmers, and Tenants, that reared any commodity again, to sell the same dearer. The dearth thereof made the Gentlemen to raise their r●…ts, & to take Farms to their ha●…es for their better 〈◊〉, and consequently, to enclose more Grounds.  Knight. 
If this were the ch●…fest ●…ause of the dearth, as of very good probability (by you master Doctor) here tofore alleged, t should s●…eme to be: how cometh it to pass●… (where as you say, if the cause be removed, the effect is also taken away) that the prices of all things fall not back to their old rate, where as now long 〈◊〉 our english coin (to the great honour of our noble Princess which now rayghueth (hath been again thoroughly restored to his former purity and perfection.  Doctor. 
In de●…de sir I must needs confess unto you (although it may seem at the first sight to discredit my former sa●…ings in some part) that notwithstanding that our Coin at this present day, yea and many years past, hath recovered his ancient goodness, yet the dearth of all things, which I before afirmed to have proceeded of the decay thereof, to ●…emayne and continue still amongst us. Wherefore as your doubt herein moved very aptly, and to the purpose, is well worthy the consideration: so do I account it of such difficulty, the perhaps it would not be thought to stand with modesty, to undertake without far●…her study presently to dissolve the same.  Knight. 
Sir, I pray you for this time om●…t the pleading of m●…desty. I understand well 〈◊〉 by your former talk, that you are not unprovided of sufficient store (without farther deliberation) to satisfy us w●…thal, in greater matters (if need were) then these.  Doctor. 
Well, I am cont●…t (because you will have it so) to yield to your importunity. I will utter frankly unto you mine Opinion herein, but under protestation that if you like it not, ye reject it, imparting likewise with me your own Fantasies and judgements in the same: I find therefore two special causes in mine Opinion, by means of the which, notwithstanding the restitution made in our ceine, the aforesaid dearth of things in respect of the former age remaineth yet among us. The first is, that whereas imme diately after the baseness of our Coin in the time of King Henry the eight, the prices of all things generally among all sorts of people, rose: it must needs happen here withal (as ye know) that our gentlemen which lived only upon the ●…euenues of their lands, were as near or nearer touched (as is before proved) with the smart hereof, than any other of what order or estate so ever. This therefore being taken as most true, the Gentlemen desirous to maintain their former credo●…e in bearing out the port of their Predecessors, were driven o●… necessity as often as whensoever any Leases devised for term of years, by themselves or their ancestors were thoroughly expired, & fell into their hands, not to let them out again for the most part, but as the rents of them were far racked beyo●…de the old: Yea this racking and hoyssinge up of rents hath continued ever since that time until this present day: hereupon the husbandman was necessarily enforced, whereas his rent was now greater than before, and so continueth unto this day, to sell his victuals dearer, & to continue the dearth of them: and likewise other artificers withal to maintain the like proportion in their wares, wherefore as this dea●…th at the first time (as I said before) sprang of the alteration of the coin, as of his first and chiefest efficient cause: so d●…e I attribute the continuance of it hitherunto and so for●…ward, partly to the racked and stretched rents which have lasted, yea, and increased ever since that time hetherunto, & so are like to continue I know not how long. Now if we would in these our days, have the old pennyworthes generally restored among us a gain. The restoring of our good Coin, which already is past, & before the improved rents would only of itself have be●… sufficient to have brought this matter to pass, will not serve in these our days, except withal the racked rents be pulled down which possibly cannot be without the common consent of our landedmen throughout that whole rea●…. Another reason I conceive in this matter to be the great store & plenty of treasure, which is walking in these parts of the world far more in these our days, than ever our forefathers have seen in times past. Who doth not understand of the infinite sums of gold & silver, which are gathered from the Indies & other countries, & so yearly transported unto these coasts? As this is otherwise most certain, so doth it evidently appear by the common report of all ancient men living in these days. It is their constant report, that in times past & within the memory of man, he hath been accounted a rich & wealty man & well able to keep house among his neighbours which all things discharged, was clearly worth thirty. or xl. l'. but in these our days y● man of the estimation, is so far in the common opinion from a good houskeeper, or man of wealth, that he is reputed the next neighbour to a beggar. Wherefore these two. reasons seemed unto me to contain in them sufficient probability for causes of the continuance of this general dearth.  Knigh●…. 
Yea, but (sir) if the increase of treasure be partly the occasion of this continued dearth: then by likelihood in other our neighbours nations, unto whom yearly is convayghed great store of gold and silver, the prices of victayles, and other wares in like sort, raised according to the increase of their treasure?  D●…ctor. 
It is even so, and therefore to utter freely mine Opinion (as I account it a matter very hard for the difficulties above rehearsed to revoke or call back again all our Enlish●… wares unto their old prices? so do I not take it to be either profitable or convenient for the Realm, except we would wish that our commodities should be uttered good cheap to strangers, and theirs on that other side dear unto us, which could not be without great impoverishing of the Commonweal, in a very short time.  Knight. 
Now that you have so well touched the occasion of this dearth, and what is to be hoped or wished of the same so fully, that I am well satisfied withal. I pray you sh●…we me the remedies of this great Inclosiers, whereof all the realm complaineth of so much, and hath complained long upon. For you have well persuaded how it is a mean of great desolation of this real●…ne, and that is long of the great profit that men have by pasture, over that they have by tillage that they turn so much to pasture. Now I would fain hear how it might be remedied again: for I have heard this matter of long time, & often reasoned upon aswell in Parliament, as in Counsels, & yet small remedy found therefore that took effect.  Doctor. 
If I, then after so many wise heads as were in those Parliaments and Counsels, would take upon me to correct (as they say) Magnificat, & to find a remedy for this thing, which they could never do. I might be reckoned very arrogant.  Knight. 
Yet tell your fantasy therein, for though you miss of the right mean to reform that, it shall be no more shame for you to do so, than it was for so many wise men as ye speak of to miss.  Doctor. 
You say truth, and since I speak nothing in this part, that I would have taken as it were for a law or determined thing, but as a certain motion for other wise men to consider, & to admit or reject, as to their better reason shall seem good: therefore as ye have boldened me already with your patience to say thus far, I will not spare to declare my mind in this. But still I must keep my ground, that I spoke of, that is to try out the effectual cause of this enclosures, and then by taking away of the cause to redress the thing.  Knight, 
I pray you do so, for to me it seems very reasonable that ye say and agreeable to that I heard a good Ph●…tion tell me once, when I was sick of an ague: when I asked him why he gave me purgati●…s that made me yet weaker 
Sublata causa tollitur effectus.  than ●… was, being weak enough already: saying, he had more need to give me things that should make me stronger. Then he answered me that choler was the cause of my sickness, and that he gave me those purgations to avoid this humour, which being the cause of my disease once taken away, the sickness should be rid from me with all. And therefore I pray you use your accustomed order in this matter and tell the cause of these Enclosures.  Doctor. 
I showed you before in our communication in the Garden, the things that I thought to be the cause thereof, and partly the remedy of the same.  Knight. 
So did other men among us tell their fantasy as then, but now, we pray you tell which of all those causes ye take for the necessary and efficient cause of this matter.  Doctor. 
To tell you plain it is avarice that I take for the principal cause thereof but can we devise that all covetousness can be taken from men. No, no more than we can make men to be without 
How Inclosiers may be r●…medied.  wealth, without gladness, without fear, and without all affections: what then? we must take away from men the occasion of their covetousness, in this part, what is that? the ●…xceeding lucre that they see grow by these enclosures more than by their husbandry. And that may be done by any of these two means that I will tell you. Either by the minishing the luker that men have by gazing. Or else by advancing 
Omnes sun●… lucri cupidi.  of the profit of husbandry till it be as good, and as profitable to the occupiers as grazing is, for every man (as Plato saith) is naturally covetous of lucre. And that wherein they see most lucre, they will most gladly exercise: I showed you before, that there is more lucre by grazing of x. Acres to the occupier alone, then is in the tillage of xx. And the causes thereof, be many, one is the grazing requires, small charge & small labour, which in tillage consumes much of the men's gains, though it be true that the tillage of x. acres brings more gains generally amongs the master & all his meinie than the grazing of xx. acres. Another great cause is, that whatsoever thing is reared upon grazing hath free vent both over this side & also beyond the sea to be sold at the highest penny. It is contrary of all things reared by tillage, for it requires both great charge of servants & of labour. And also if any good cheap be of corn, it payeth scant for the charge of the tillage. And then if the market do arise either within the Realm or without, the poor husband shallbe so restrained from selling his corn, that he never after shall have any joy to set his plough in the ground which maketh every man forsake tillage and fall to grazing which bringeth all these Enclosures.  Knight. 
Now what remedy for that.  Doctor. 
Marry as for the first point, that is, touching the unequal charges of tillage and grazing, that can not be helped in all points, by reason the nature of both reaps the contrary. Therefore the latin tongue calls the one, that is pasture 
Prat●… quasi paratum.  pratum, that is as much to say as: paratum, ready. But thee other thing might be remedied, that that husbandman might have as much liberty at all times to sell his corn either with in the Realm, or without: as the graziers hath to fell his, which would make the husbandmen more willing to occupy their plough. And other seeing them thrive would turn their pasture to tillage. And though it enhaunse the market for the time, yet would it cause much more tillage to be used and consequently more Corn, within time of plenty within this Realm, might bring in much treasure. And in time of●… arsity would suffice for the realm as showed you before. And this with lucre they should ●…te enticed to occupy the Plough, yea & with other privileges. I have red that in this realm sometime there was such a law as a man that had trespassed the law of misadventure mought have taken the Plough tail for his sanctuary. Also that occupation was had so honourable among the Romans that one was taken from holding the plough to be Consul in Rome, who after his year ended thought no scorn to resort to the same feat again. What occupation is so necessary or so profitable for man's life as this is. Or what mystery is so void of all craft as the same is, & how little is it regarded: yea how much it is despised: that many in these days rep●…tes then but as villains, pesaunts, or slaves, by whom the proudest of them have their livings. So that I marvel much there is any (seeing such ability & contempt of the thing) will occupy the feat of husbandry at all: For as honour nourisheth all sciences, so dishonour must needs decay them. And therefore if ye will have husbandry increased ye must honour & cherish it, that is to let them have honest gains thereby & since that gains shall come into your country why should you be offended therewt. Another way is to abate the commodity of grazing as when any tax is requisite to be granted to the Prince, if lands be chargeable thereto, to charge one acre of pasture as much as two of arable. Or else to burden wols & fells, & such things as are reared by grazing the pass to the parts be yond the sea unwrouth, with double tallage over any corn transported, and so by enhaunsing the profit of tillage, and abasing of the profit of grazing, I doubt not but husbandry would be more occupied and grazing much less. And thereby these enclosures to be broken up. Also there is one thing of old time ordained in this realm which being kept unaltered would help hereunto also, that is where men are enter comminers in the common fields, & also have their portions so intermeddled one with another, that though they would they could not enclose any part of the said fields so long as it is so. But of late divers men finding greater profit by grazing then by Husbandry, have found the means either to buy their neighbours parts round about them. Or else to exchange with them so many acres in this place, for so many in another: whereby they might bring all their lands together, and so enclose it, for the avoiding whereof I think verily, that it was so of old time ordained, that every Tenant had his land not all in one parcel of every field, but interlaced with his neighbours lands so as here should be three acres, and then his neighbour should have as many, & over that he other three or iiii. and so after the like rate be the most parts of the copy holds that I do know in this country, which I think good were still so continued for avoiding of the said enclosures, and thus far as to that matter.  Merchant. 
Now that ye have well declared your opinion in these matters of the common dearth and enclosures. I pray you tell us your mind what should be the occasion of the decay 
Of Towns decayed.  of the good towns of this Realm, and of all bridg●… highways, and Hospitals, and how the same may be remedied and relieved again. For that these husbandmen & dwellers of the country, find not so great lack in the fields abroad, but Citizen's an●… burgesses find as much within their walls,  Doctor, 
Since I have begun to take upon me to tell my fantasy in all these things. I will go through. In mine opinion. the good occupations heretofore used in the said Towns, was occasion of their wealth in times past, and the laying down of those occupations again is the cause of the decay of the same towns. Wherefore if such occupations may be ●…euyued again in the same, they would recover their former wealth again.  Merchant. 
I believe that well, that the decay of the occupations was the decay of these towns, but what I pray you, was the occasion of such decay of the occupations.  Doctor. 
I will tell you while men were contented with such as were made in the market towns next unto them, than were 
The occasion of the decay of our Towns.  they o●… our Towns and cities wellset a work, as I knew the time when men were contented with caps, Hats, girdles, and Points, and all manner of garments made in the towns next adjoining, whereby the Towns were then well occupied and set a work, and yet the money paid for the same stuff remained in the country. Now, the poorest youngeman in a country cannot be content with a leather girdle, or leather points, Kuyves, or Daggers made nigh home. And specially no Gentleman can be content to have either Cap, Coat, Doublet, Hose, or shirt in his country, but they must have this gear come from London and yet many things hereof are not there made, but beyond the sea: whereby the artificers of our good towns are idle and the occupations in London, and specially of the towns beyond the seas, are well set a work even upon our costs. Therefore I would wish some stay were devised for coming of so many trifles from beyond the Sea, and specially of such things as might be made here amongs ourself. Or else might be either all spared or else less used among us, as these drinking and looking glasses, painted clothes, perfumed gloves, daggers, knives, pings, points, aglets buttons, and a thousand other things of like sort. As for silks, wines, and spice, if there came less over, it made no matter. But specially I would that nothing made of our commodities, as wols fells, and tin, such be brought from beyond the sea to be sold here: but that all those should be wrought within this realm: were it not better for us that our own people were set a work with such things than strangers. I am sure xx. thousand persons might be set a work within this realm, that are set a work beyond sea with those things that now be made beyond the Sea, and might be made here: (might not that Prince be glad of any aid, whe●…eby he might find X. M. persons through the whole year, and burden his treasures with never a p●…nny thereof?) I think these things might be wrought here not only sufficient to set so many a work and serve the realm, but also to serve other parts, as all kind of Cloth, & ●…ersey: Worsteds, Coverlets, & Carpets of tapestry: Caps, knit sleeves, Hosen, Petticoats, and Hats: then Paper both white and brown, parchment, velam, and all kind of Leather ware, as gloves, points, gyrdl●…s, skins for jerkins: and of tin all manner of vessel, and also all kind of glasses, and ●…arthen pots, tennis balls, cards, tables, & chesses, since we will needs have such things. And Daggers, knives, hammers, saws, chesells, axes & such things made of iron might not we be ashamed to take all these things at strangers hands, & set such a multitude of their people a work as I spoke of now, whose finding & wages we do bear now. Where all this profit might be saved within the Realm, where it should not go from us, but return to us again from whence it came, and in setting up of these occupations, I would have them most preferred and cherished, that bringeth most commodity and treasure into the country, as ye must consider three sorts of occupations: one that carrieth out the treasure, the second sort, that as it carrieth none forth of the country, so it bringeth none in, but that it getteth it spendeth in the country, the third bringeth in treasure to the country. Of the first sort are 〈◊〉, Milliners, 〈◊〉, these galley men, Mercers, Fuslian Sellers, Grocers, & Pothecaries that sell●…th us any Wares made beyond the Sea, for they do but exhaust the treasure of the Realm. Of the second sort are Uyctaylers, Inholders, Bouchers, Bakers, Brewers, Tailors, Cordwinders, Sadlers, Carpenters, Io●…ners, Masons, Black Smiths, Turner's, & Hoopers, which like as they convey no money out of the country, so they bring none in. But where as they get it they spend it. Of the third sort be these, clothiers, cappers, worstedmakers, 
That art●… is to be most cherished in a town that brings most to the town.  Pewterers, Tanners which be all that we have of any art which I can now reckon, that brings into the realm any treasure. Therefore these arts are to be cherished, whereas they be used, and where they be not they would be set up, and also other sciences more, as making of glasses, making of Swords, Daggers, R●…iues, and all tools of Iron and Steel, also making of pings, points, laces, thread, and all manner of paper, and parchment. I have heard say that the chief trade of Coventry was heretofore in making of blue thread, and then the town was rich even upon that trade in manner only, and now our thread comes all from beyond Sea. Wherefore that trade of Coventry is decayed, and thereby the town likewise. So Bristol 
Towns are enriched with some one ●…ade  had a great trade by making of points, and was the chief mystery that was exercised in the town, and albeit these be but two of the lightest faculties that are, yet were there two great towns chief maintained by thesetwo faculties above rehearsed. I heard say in Venice (that most flourishing city at these days of all Europe) if they may here of any cunning crafts man in any faculty, they will find the means to allure him to dwell in their city, for it is a wonder to see what a deal of Money one good o●…upyer doth bring into a town, though he himself doth not gains to his own commodity but a poor living. As for example, what Money one Worstedmaker brings into the town where he dwells, and how many hath livings under him, & what wealth he brings to the town where he dwells, truly I can not sufficiently declare, for by a few worstedmakers that some towns have they are grown to great wealth & riches. So of Clothing and Capping. But where other cities do allure unto them good workmen, ours will expel them out, as I have known good workmen as well Smiths and Weavers have common from strange parties to some Cities within this Realm ●…ntending to set up their crafts, and because they were not free there (but specially because they were better Workmen than was any in the Town) they could not be suffered to work there. Such incorporations had those Mysteries in those Towns that none might work there in their faculty, except they did compound with the first.  Capper. 
And do you think it reasonable that a stranger should be as free in a City or Town, as they that were prenti●…es there: then no m●…n would be Apprentice to any occupation if it we●…e so.  Doctor. 
I said not that they shall have commonly like liberty or franchise, but as one craft makes but one particular company of a Town or City, so I would have the weal of the whole City rather regarded, than the commodity or Fraunchise of one craft or mystery: for though commonly none should be admitted there to work, but such as are free yet when a singular good workman in any mystery comes, which by his good knowledge might both instruct them of the Tow●…ie being of the same faculty, and also bring into the Town much Commodity beside. I would in that case have private Liberties and Privileges give place to a public weal, and such a man gladly admitted for his excellency to the Freedom of the same Town, wy●…houte burdening of him with any charge for his first entry or set thing up. Yea where a Town is decayed and lacks artificers to furnish the Town with such crafts, as were other sometimes exercised well there or might be, by reason of the situation and Commodity of the same Town, I would have such crafts men alured out of other places where they be plenty, to come to those Towns decayed to dwell, offering them their Freedom, yea their house rent free, or some stock lent them, of the common stock of such towns, and when the town is well furnished of such Artistcers, then to stay the coming in of For●…rs, but while the town lacks enhabitauntes of artific●…rs. It were no policy for the restoration of the town to keeye of any stra●…g artificers, for the most part of all towns are maintained by crafts men of all sorts, but specially by those that ma●…e any wares to sell out of the country and brings ther●…fore treasure into the same. As clothiers, cappers, worstedmakers, hatmakers, pointmakers, pinner's, painters, founders, smiths of all sorts, cutlers, glovers, tanner's, parch meant makers, gyrdlers, poursers, makers of paper, thredmakers, turners, basket makers, and many other such. As for the mercers, and haberdashers, vintner's, and grocers, I cannot see what they do to a town, but find a living to v. or vi. households, and in stead thereof empoue●…ish ten times as many, but since men will needs have silks wine and spice it is as good that men do spend their money upon such in their own town, as to be driven to seek the same further, as for the rest of the artificers, like as I said before even as they take no money out of the Country so they bring none in, as tailors Shoemakers, Carpenters, joiners Tilers, Ma●…ons, Bouchers, vittailers, & such like. Also an other thing I reckon would help much to relieve our Towns decayed, if they would take order that all the wares made there, should have a special mark, and that mark to be set to none but to such as be truly wrought, and also that every Artificer dwelling out of all towns (such as cannot for the commodity of their occupations, be brought to any town to inhabit, as Fuller's, Tanners and Clothers) should be limited to be under the correction of one good Town or other, and they to sell no ware but such as are first approved and sealed by the Town that they are lymitted unto. And by these two means, that is to say, first by staying of wares wrought beyond sea, which might b●…e wrought within us, from coming in to be sold. Secondly by restraining of our wols, tin, fells, & other commodities from passing over unwrought. And thirdly by bringing in (under the correction of good towns) artificers dwelling in the countries: making wares to be sole outward, & those wares to be viewed and sealed by the town seal before they should be sold. I would think our Towns might be soon restored to their ancient Wealth or far bettered if they would follow this.  Knight. 
Now we pray you go to the last matter ye spoke of how these diversity of opinions may be taken away, which troubles the people very sore, and makes great sedition and division among them, and in manner makes debate between neighbour & neighbour, the Father and his Son, the man and his Wife, which is yet more to be feared, than all other the foresaid losses of worldly goods. For if we were never so poor, and did nevertheless agree amongs ourselves, we should lick ourselves hole again in short space.  Doctor. 
Ye say truth with concord weak things do increase & 〈◊〉 big. And contrariwise with discord strong things wax weak. And it must needs be true that truth itself 
Goncordia quae res crescunt discordia maximè di●…abuntur.  saith. Every kingdom divided in itself shallbe desolate. Wherefore I cannot forbear to show you my poor opinion, how so great a mischief as this is, may be avoided out of this our common Weal: & still I will use one trade, as in seeking out the original cause, and by taking away of that, to show the remedy. I take the chief cause hereof aswell the sins of them that be the ministers of Christ's holy word and mysteries, as of you that be the flock. And first of ours that have swerved altogether, from their due course order and profession to all kind of liberality, not only to the baseness of lay men, but far inferior to them in pride, covetousness, and such. Wherefore ye lay men seeing in us no excellency in our manners in deed, think us unworthy to be your Leaders and Pastors, or to whose doctrine ye should give credence, whom ye see in living far discrepant from the same. And therefore ye take upon you the judgement of spiritual things, to whom i●… doth not appertain. As one inconvenience draweth ever another after him, for ' so long as the ministers of the church were of those manners & conversation agreeable with their doctrine. So long all men, yea the greatest princes of the world and the wisest men were content to believe our doctrine, & to obey us in things concerning the 〈◊〉: & since we fell from the perfection of life, we grew out of credit, & the holy doctrine of christ suffered slander by our sinful living. So we have given the first occasion of this evil, & ye have taken it as an instrument to 
The occasion of the scylme in matters of reli gion.  work this schism withal. And though both do evil therein, yet the remedy ought to begin at the root of this mischief, which I take to be in the ministers & pastors spiritual. And to be plain with you, and no more to dissemble our ownefaultes, than I have done yours, except we reform ourselves first, I can have no great trust to see this general schism and division in religion utterly taken away: it may percase, with authority be for a time appeased, but ne ver so as it spring not up again, except we reform ourselves first.  Knight. 
Mary and I think ye have been well disciplined & corrected already, so as ye had good cause to be reform as by taking much of your possessions from you, and in burdening of your benefices with subsidies, as well annual as proportional, and other ways. What other reformation would ye have more.  Doctor. 
Yea no doubt we have had beating enough if that would have served, but some masters with little beating will teach their scholars better, than other with more stripes can do, and again some scholars will be reform wi●…h less beating then other. So you and we do now, you in beating enough but little teaching, and we again little regarding the 〈◊〉 dolearne as little. For notwithstanding these pu nishments that we have had, the reproaches and reviling and opening of our faults, see how many of us have reform ourselves, yea so much as in our outward duties, whereunto we are bound both by god's law, and our cannon's laws, and decrees: how many more of us have resorted to our 〈◊〉 to be resident thereon, which not only by the said laws, but also upon great penalties we are bound unto by the laws of this Realm. How many less now then before have studied to heap ●… 〈◊〉 upon Benefice, when we be scant able to discharge one of them, what better trial or examination is there now in admitting of ministers of the church▪ What more exact search is made by our Bishops, for worthy men to be admitted to the cure of souls: What letter execution of our cannons. and decrees doth our Bishops, Deans, and Archdearons in their visitations now, than they did before? Yea what better hospitality residence, or ministration either of the word or of their other duties do our prelate's and bishops now than they did before? do they not lurk in their mansions & manor places far from their cathedral churches as they were wont, and scant ones a year will see their principal church, where they ought to be continually resident? be they not in a manner as unmeet for preaching the word of God as ever they were, for all these plagues that God sends to them, but they are so blinded that they cannot see wherefore they be thus punished, & construe it to be for other caus●…s, as by the covetousness of lay men in desiring their Poss●…ssions, by a hatred conceived against them for not obtaining their purpose at men of the Church's hand. Or for that they cannot abide the correction of the church, or such other causes as they imagine with themselves. And think that the indignation against them shortly will slack of itself: But I pray God it do not rather increase, as I fear me it will, except we amend us the rather. How can men be content to pay that tenth of their goods which they get with their sore labour and sweat of their brows, when they cannot have for it again neither ghostly comfort nor bodily: what lay-man will be any thing scrupelus to keep those tithes in his own hands, when he sees us do nothing more than he for it: What credit will any man give to our doctrine, whom th●…y see so light in living, what reverence will they give our persons in whose manners, they see no gravity. But to pass from these matters to others. There be most go●…ly ordinances made by our laws by authority of Counsels generally, that all Atchdeacons' should visit in person yearly their pre●…. The Bishop every three years to see the whole Diocese what is to be reform either privately or generally, that private faults might be reformed forthwith and the general at the next Synod, and therefore they have their procurations. Uisite they do not in person as they ought to do, but by deputies, more for their procurations then for any reformation. The money is surely gathered but the cause wherefore it was given nothing kept: the stipend is exacted, and the work wherefore it was due, undone. Then is there another good ordinance, and godly absolved after the like sort: where every bishop should year y keepe a synod in his diocese of all evangeliall persons, and every archbishop a synod for his whole province, every third year that if any thing occurred in the diocese worthy reformation it might be referred to the provincial congregation. If it were either doubtful to the bishop or could not be reform without great authority than the bishops alone. Where be these sinod●…s now kept? yet they receive every year their sinodals of the poor priests: of such good ordinance & godly there is nothing kept, but the which is there own private commodity, which be that procurations & sinodals: y● other part wherefore that charge was laid is omitted, the burden remaineth & the duty is taken away, yet better it were that both y● one & the other were taken away, than to have the good part taken & the worse to remain. If they will say, that there needeth now a days no such visitation, nor ●…ynods, than there needed never none of them, for more things to be reform among us, were never then be now, nor reformation neue●… more necessary. But our prelates would say they dare make no laws in such synods for fear of penury, what need any more laws made than they have already? what should let them to put these in execution that be already made? specially sins they have the aid of the temporal laws thereto, is there not statutes made in parliament for residence, and for restraining of plurality of benefices? which had never need to have been made, if we would have put our laws in execution. Are not we worthy to have other men to correct and reform us, when we can not reform ourselves? Is it marvel that we be not out of credence when our life and conversationis contrary to our own laws and profession, and that the religion of them suffereth slander offence and reproach, through our defaults shallbe ones required of our hands. Therefore if we will have this schism taken away from christs church, let us first reform ourselves & put our laws in execution, as in resorting to our benefices ●…o keep r●…sydence, and in contenting ourselves with one Benefice a pieee: And ●…yth the living that is appointed to us for our ministration without devising of other extraordinary & unlawful gains. For what is more agreeable with reason, than a man to spend his time where he hath his living and to do his office, for that he hath the benefit of: And seeing every benefice is a man's living, and if it be not 
Propter officium datur beneficium,  it might be amended till it be a competent living, and every one requireth one man's whole charge. What reason is it that one man should have two men's livings & two men's charge, where he is able to discharge but one. Then to have more & discharge the ●…re of never a one is to far●…e against reason. But some percase will say, there be some of us worthy a greater preferment than other, & one bene●… were to little for such a one. Is there not as many degrees, in the variety of Benefices, as there is in men's qualities? Yes forsooth there is: yet in this realm (thanked be God) benefices from M. marks to xx. marks a year of sundry values to endow every man with, after his qualities and degree. And if a mean ben●…e happen to fall let every man be contented therewith till a better fall. And if he be thought worthy of a better, let him leave the first and take the better, for the meanest Benefice is a sufficient living for some man, which should be destitute of a living, if that benefice and other like should be heaped up together in great menshands. Yea I do know, that men which have such mean benefices be more commonly resident, and keep better hospitality on the same, than they that have greater benefices. It is a common proverb. It's merry in Hall: When Beards wags all. Now look through a whole Diocese, you shall not find xx. persons resident that may dispend xl. l▪ a piece, nor of all the benefices in a Diocese, the fourth person resident over the same. What temperal office is so far abused as these be that be spiritual and of greater charge: I pray God send our Prelates Eyes to see these Enormities: for it should seem that they are so blinded that they cannot see them. And then I doubt not but all delays set a part they will reform them: and if they do not, I pray God send our Maiestrats temporal the mind to reform these things with their secular power. And to study for the reformation of them, rather than for their possessions, Christian Princes bear not their swords in vain: nor yet is it so strange a thing to see Christian princes reform the Prelates that serve from their duties. Thus far be it spoken touching the reformation of them that be ministers of the Church. Now to speak of that is to be reform of our part that be of the laity, ye must understand, that all that give themselves to the knowledge of any faculty, are commonly subi●…ct to either of two vices (as that great clerk Tully doth report) that one 
Cicero de o●…i. Lib. 1.  is to take these things that we know not for things known, or as though we knew them: for a voiding of which fault men ought to take both good space and great diligence in consideration of things, ere they come to give judgement 
The faults in the part of the laity.  of the same: the other vice to bestow too great a study & labour about obscure and hard things nothing necessary. Let us now consider and those faults be not among you at these days, ye be all now studious to know the understanding of holy scripture. And well for there can beno better desire, more honest, nor more necessary for any christian man: but yet do ye not see many young men before they have either taken any long time, or any good diligence in the consideration or study of scripture, take upon them to judge of high matters being in controversy, giving to quick assent either to their own invention, or to other men's: before they have considered what might be said to the contrary. And this fault is not only seen in men studious of the knowledge of scrip●…ure, but also in young students of all other sciences: shall ye not find a student in the law of the realm, after he hath been at the study of the law not past 〈◊〉. years, more ready to assoil you a doubtful cause of the law, then either he himself or another, after that he hath stu●…ied the law xii. or xiiii. years. Yea no doubt, so it is in a young Grammarian, Logician, Rhetorician, & so of all other sciences. Therefore Pythagoras forbade his Scholars to speak the first v. years y● the●… came to him, which lesson I would to God ye would be content to observe, before ye gave any judgement in matters of holy scri●…. And then I doubt not, but after seven. years reading, ye would by col lation of one place with another of scripture, find a greater difficulty therein, than ye do now, & be more scripulouse to give an answer in high things than ye be now: and this harm cometh of rash ivegement in the part, that when a man hath once 〈◊〉 his opinion in any thing, he will think it a great shame for him to be brought from that he hath once affirmed for truth. Therefore what so ever he readeth after he construeth for the maynetenaunce of his opinion, yea and will force that side not only with his words and persuasions, but also with that power and authority that he hath, and will labour to bring other to the same opinion as many as he can, as though his Opinion should b●…e the more true, the m●…e fauor●…s that he may get of the same. By such means if we s●…eke but for the truth, that is not to be judged to be always on the best side that getteth the over hand by power, authority, or Suffrages extorted: it is not like in the disceptation, & inquisition of the truth, as it is in a fight or a wrestling: for he that hath the over hand in these things hath the victory, and in the other he that is sometimes put to silence, or other wise vanquished in the sight of the world, hath the victory and conquest of truth, on his side. Since we contend but for the knowledge of the truth what should we divide ourselves into factions and parties: but let the matter be quietly discussed, tried, and examined, 
As constantine the great, did in the time of Ari●….  by men to whom the judgement of such things appertaineth. And provide in the mean time that neither party do use any violence again the other, to bring them by force to this or that side, until the whole or most part of them to whom the discustion of such things appertayn●…th unto, ●…oe freely consent and determine the matter. That is the only way to descide such controversies, and since this contention must once have an end: it were better take an end be times then too late, when percase more harm shall have ensued of this dangerous Scisine, as hath already done in other parties even before our Eyes. And in like things hath before this time been seen, of such sort as it is too lamentable to be remembered: what loss of Christian men? what diminishing of the Christian faith? what continual wars, hath the Faction of the Arrians been the occasion of? did it not separate and sever at length all Asia, and Africa from the Christian faith? Is not the Religion, or rather the wicked superstition of the Turk graffed over this Arrian Sect? did it not take his foundation thereof? As there is no division more dangerous, then that which groweth of matters in Religion: so it were most expedient and necessary to be quickly remedied, which cannot be done by any other way then by a free and general counsel, that hath been always from the time of the Apostles who first took that remedy (even to their days) the only way to quiet and appease all controversies in religion. And no doubt the holy Ghost as his promise is, willbe private in every such assembly, that is gathered together by no force or labour of any affection. But now we will say, though we would for our parts set a side partiality, and be indifferent and use no cohertion to get numbers & voices that should favour our parts, who can promise that the bishop of Rome & other Prelates would do the same. Surely if ye did say so, ye said a great matter, for they be men & much more subject to affections there ye be. But I shallbe bold after my manner totel my mind herein aswell as in other things, I take all these matters that be now a days in controversy 
How this scisine might be ●…emedied.  to be of one of these sorts, that is either touching the profits and emoluments of the Prelates & ministers of the church or touching points of religion. As touching those articles that concern religion, I would wish that they had only the discustion thereof, which ought and have used always to have the judgement of the same, & as touching the articles that concern the profits of Ecclesiastical persons, I would have these left to the discustion of the secular powers, because it concerneth secular things only, where no man need mistrust. But that the Magistrates will provide an honourable living for that kind of men that serveth so honourable a room as the ministration of God's holy word and his Sacraments. furthermore I would wi●…he in things touching the bishop of Rome & his iurisoi●…tion, that he should be set a part & some other iudifferent per●…ons chosen, by christian Princes to direct or be Presidents in the 
The Bishop 〈◊〉 Rome is no indifferent man.  Counsel while his matter is in handling, (if it please Christian Princes to hold a counsel with that ●…hare of Babylon) for no man is m●…ete to be a judge in his own cause: here I have but briefly touched the sums of things after my simple fantasy, referring the allowing or rejecting of all our some of them to your better judgement.  Knight. 
I am sorry that it is so late that we must needs departed now.  Merchant. Husband. & Capper. 
And so be we in good faith: but we trust ere you depart the town to have some communication with you again.  Doctor. 
I will be glad if I tarry in the town. But as yet truly I know not whether I shall remain here beyond too morrow morning, which if I do (in any thing that my simple judgement will reach unto you) you shall hear my farther opinion, in the mean time I pray you so to think of me as of one, that if I have spoken any thing which may be prejudicial to the common weal any way, I am ready to revoke it, and to yield to the judgement of any other man, that can show how all these griefs or the more part of them may be remedied by any other better means, for I know of many a thousand in this land, I may worst speak in such a weighty matter. And so here for this present I take my leave of you all.  Knight. 
And thus we departed for that time: but on the morrow when I knew master Doctor was gone out of the town, I thought not meet this communication should be lost, but remembered at the least in mine own private book, to the intent as opportunity should serve, I might bring forth some of his Reasons in places where they might either take place, or be answered otherwise then I could. And therefore I have noted the said communication briefly of this sort as you see.   
FINIS.   

IMPRINTED at London in Fleetstreate, near unto Saint Dunston's Church, by Thomas Marsh.  
1581.