AN APPEAL to Truth, In the Controversy between ART, & USE; About the best and most expedient Course in LANGVAGES. To be read Fasting; For the greater benefit of the deluded innocence of our own, and other Nations. Drawn, and Exhibited, by IOS. WEBBE, Dr. of Ph. Non fumum ex fulgore, sed ex fumo dare lucem Cogitat: ut speciosa dehinc miracula promat. Hor. LONDON, Printed by H. L. for George Latham: and are to be sold at his shop in Paul's Churchyard, at the sign of the Brazen Serpent, 1622. Great LADY, and sole GOVERNESS of my best Endeavours: Having a purpose to divulge an unattempted Course whereby desired Languages may in their native purity, and unaccustomed perfection be achieved: and finding Opinion (taken on Trust, rather than grounded on due examination) to be the main impediment in my proceed; I thought it useful partly by reason, partly by experience, but especially by ancient, weighty and unstained Authority, to reclaim it; And by this Appeal to refer all unto the censure of thy most just, and uncorrupt uprightness. Thou knowest (O Truth) that Grammar (an Art whereby Languages are now commonly held to be sufficiently taught in every Nation) was not in use amongst the ancient Romans; Tranquillut. Th. zuing. l. 1. much less in any reputation. And when it had access unto their children, it was at the first full of humility; and took upon it no more than the name Grammatica (translated a Quint. de Inst. Or. l. 2. cap. 7. literatura or b Mr. Gill Logon. cap. 1. literatoria) could well warrant: which was (not to teach the language; for that was their own already, but) to c Lud. Viu. de cause. corr. Ar. lib. 2. & Com. l. 1. c. 2. &. c. 5. teach the letters, syllables and words (thereof) and how to pronounce, writ, and place them rightly (not according to any man's new found precepts, but) after ancient received Custom; lest with d Philost. in Soph. et vol. 18. urb. come. Zuin. l. 1. Th. Pausanias they might confound the letters, and make of long short, and of short long syllables: Or fall upon an evil pronunciation (which e S●ob. ser. 2. de imprudentia. Theocritus so prettily reprehended in a Grammarian.) Or transpose words (which was so hateful to Pomponius Marcellus; that f Tranquillus. Zuing. Th. l. 1. in the height of his pleading, he (like a wise Grammarian) left and lost his Cause, to fall upon his adversary's transposition.) Or lest words might be used which were not Latin (for which g Id. ib. Tiberius Caesar was accused by the same Pomponius.) Or lest words, and languages might be abused by a rude, and extern ignorance: as h Annalium l. 1. Auentinus reports of that Bauarian who baptised a boy, In nomine Patria, filia, et Spiritus sancta. And in this nature, such as teach to read and write by th' A. B. C. Primers, horn books, and the like, may be truly said to teach the Grammar: Quint. Inst. l. 2. c. 1. for these were the uttermost limits of the first Grammarians. Which Plato's Socrates makes manifest as followeth. In Philebo. After Voice was thought (saith he) to be infinite, some God, or divine Man (as that Thenth was reported to have been amongst th' Egyptians) considered this in that infinite generality, the first letters were vocal; and that they were of more than one sort. And, further, that there were other which did not partake of the voice, but of the sound: And he also reduced them into a certain number. Then, he distinguished a third sort of letters now called Mutes. Last of all, he distributed those that were without sound, and Mutes, even to certain particulars. So did he with those that were vocal, and half vocal; till he had found out their number, as well in part, as in whole, and called them Elements. And when he had well weighed, that none of us could ever gather any thing of these in particular, unless we knew them all, and had considered that all made but one kind of knot, and was but a reduction of dispersed things together, and that in these he had found out there was an Art; he called it Grammar. But, this little creeping fountain, Quint. ib. having in time, through continual, and universal employment, gotten credit, wealth, and patronage, grew ambitious; and under the first title of entire simplicity, hath at length engrossed rivers, streams, Lud. Viu. de causis corr. Art. l. 2. and branches, out of Orators, Poets, and Historians, yea and almost all the greatest arts, and sciences; and is become a full-swolne, and overflowing Sea, which by a strong hand arrogates unto itself (and hath well near gotten) the whole traffic in learning, but especially for languages. And though it be herein judged by Quintilian, l. 2. c. 1. and other ancient Authors, to have usurped the function and the right of others: yet emboldened by partial favour, and a trick of it own invention, called Synecdoche, it dares without blushing term itself by that former poor, and silly name, Grammatica. This Art (or Science, De Causis Ling. Lat. l. 1. c. 1. as jul. Scaliger would have it) in it own circuit & first humility, is to be reverenced for th' antiquity, & for the place & precedence thereof amongst the liberal Arts, or Sciences: Com. l. 2 (though neither it, nor any of the rest can teach the languages.) But, as it is ambitious, and assumeth to itself the right of others, promising that which it performeth not; so is it warily to be looked into: lest (as hitherto) it trifle away our time, consume our exhibitions, frustrate our labours, disinable ourselves, and wrong the ends of our intentions. For, neither hath the name proportion with the thing, nor the thing with what it promiseth. Which being at the last judiciously considered by a diligent and able Grammarian, appointed (doubtless) to be the first who should begin to arbitrate between the lawful owner, and this bold intruder; he hath ominously dispossessed old and toothless Grammatica, Cap. 18. and conferred the art of writing and of speaking rightly, upon a more deserving heir, Logonomia. Which, as it comprehends the whole speech of a Nation, so the Author meaneth it shall include all things necessary to their language; as, Grammar, Etymology, Syntax, Prosodie, Logic, Rhetoric, Oratory, and what else soever. Otherwise, this name should not embrace what the speech of a Nation comprehendeth; nor should th' Inventer have so full and reverend an opinion thereof as it behoveth. But (to go a little further than the name) had this understanding Master (when he dispossessed the one, and invested the other) altered the crazy tenure by which Grammatica formerly held the principality of writing and of speaking rightly (making that which was usurped by the tenure of Art, rule, and precept, to be more surely holden under use, custom, and authority) all nations had been happy in his just arbitrement. Yet howsoever, I shall die contented, to have but seen this only name thus altered. For, in this case had Truth come rushing all at once amidst her enemies and ill-willers, it might have imported danger to her person: but as it is, I may live in hope, that by that time this new name be well digested, th' old tenure will be somewhat altered. For, if we open the right eye, the eye of Equity; & wink with the left of Partiality, and aim only at the public good of our Nation & posterity, and speak what we apprehend ingenuously; we shall be forced, by that which followeth, to confess, that this Art never was or can be perfected; and that of such as pretend pure languages it ought in no case to be followed. The truth whereof shall appear aswell by the dissension of her chiefest uphoulders and the best Grammarians; as by their accusation produced from authentic Orators, Historians, Poets, and Philosophers. For, In Ep. ad Rest. & alibi. Cominius tells us, that the best Grammarians have from Age to Age successively quoted the defects and errors of each other. Grammarians dissenting. Donatus, Servius, and Priscianus, accused their predecessors; and were afterwards themselves taxed by Beroaldus, Politianus, Philelphus, and Laurentius Valla: and these, by Baptista Pius, Georgius and Petrus Valla, Aldus Romanus, Perottus Sipuntinus, &c: and these, by Pylades Brixianus; and he, and the former by Quintianus Stoa: and Stoa, by Phineus, Domitius and others: and to come to our own times, Martinus Crusius was inuayed against by Frischlinus; and our English Lily by the Spanish Aluarus; Mr. Ralph Gittins. and, as I hear, by a gentleman of our own Nation, who brings him on the stage for many errors. Some of these call the rest Grammatistae, Stoa in art versif. Suetonius. Zuing. l. 1. Th. seu literatores; Grammaticuli; Grammatociphones; and by other names of ignorance; as, incuriosi, and Scioli: yea, and some of them tell their companions, that their works, and precepts are tedious; and that they are not able to utter their own name in good latin; as Valla tells Priscianus. 〈◊〉 c. 1. Com. in Ep. And this Valla tells others, that they unteach the latin tongue. But, Pius Bononiensis honestly reprehends his own judgement formerly delivered upon Plautus, and Sidonius Apolinaris; making (with others) the world a witness of his retractations. So that I may, according to the Proverb, conclude with Horace, " Grammatici certant, In arte poetica. et adhuc sub judice lis est. Now, if these men may be credited, the Art of Grammar is unperfect: if we should not credit them, we are but fools in my conceit to follow them. For, to learn what is unperfect, breeds but imperfect knowledge: and I despair of better; in that I am not able to conceive how those defects which could not in a thousand eight hundred years past (from the time of Ennius, till this day) be corrected, can at any time hereafter by the same course that others have hitherto followed, be amended; * V.S. Alb. Organo mag. Aph. 6. It being a folly and against all sense to conceive that those things which were never heretofore brought-to-passe, can be effected by other means then such as no man yet attempted. But leaving this unattempted means to languages till a fit opportunity; let us, Grammarians censured. while these Grammarians are at variance, give ear to what the Standers-by and men of credit will say of them. Crassus' was of opinion, Cic. in. Or. l. 3 that they took a course to dull young wits, & make them shameless, In learning that which among men of sort was thought ridiculous. Pliny tells us, Com. in Ep. they corrupt the books of ancient writers, and make them more obscure, by their vain and overthwart corrections; and that their curiosities are * Hist. nat. l. 35. c. 3. perverse subtleties: and that for telling these truths he always * In Prologue. Hist. Nat. expected something from Grammarians, in opposition of those books which he had written de Grammatica. Quintilian calls their diligence mischievous, l. 1. c. 10. or malicious; avouching, that he holds it * l. 1. c. 14 fitting, that amongst their other virtues, they should insert some kind of ignorance. He also holds they are unlearned: And * Epig. l. 14 Marshal knew it as well as he; and therefore said, Quamuis me Ligulam dicant equitesque patresque: Dicor ab indoctis Lingula Grammaticis. Though I be Ligula to th' wise and Noble man: Thou call'st me Lingula, unlearned Grammarian. Moreover, Iab. 1. cap. 10. the same Quintilian tells them plainly, that they may well be able to teach their Scholars to write and speak like Grammarians, but they shall never be able to do either of them like the Latins: Ibid. for they are of sundry conditions; Aliud est Grammaticè, aliud Latinè loqui. And further he saith, lib. 1. cap. 14. that all their Commentaries are full of impediments, & such as are for the most part unknown unto themselves the Commentators. And this made Laur: Valla say, there is nothing more arrogant than their eye; or more insolent in the correction, or rather corruption of Authors. Whereupon Hermolaus Barbarus reporteth, In calce castigationum suarum. that some are now adays grown so audacious, as to hold every thing faulty, and to be corrected, that falls not within the reach of their capacity: which kind of haste (saith he) or rather rashness, is the most pestilent evil that can happen in the latin language. And (knowing that Crassus in the time of his Censorship had by edict put such as these to silence) he wisheth, Cic. in Ordib. 3. that (now also) there were a law made, whereby such bold and indiscreet attempts might hereafter wholly be forbidden: Affirming that the unlearned may sometimes fall into this error; but the learned more often, and with greater danger: for, as others are wont to rely much upon their judgement, so are they still able to produce new false allurements to persuade them. And Master Tho. Haine (one of the most sufficient Schoolmasters about this city of London) in * Fol. 1 b. a latin Discourse of his, written to the effect of this Appeal, Too too diligent. Lud. Viu. lib. 2. de cause. cor. Art. Say more than they ought, & and yet not all they should. holds some Grammarians to have been nimiùm diligentes; and that they fall within the compass of Quintilian's complaint against such as Plura quam par sit dicunt, non tamen omnia: And that they have enriched themselves, with the spoils of Lexicons, & other arts; and adorned their plumes with filched feathers: and that when they have done what they can, they do but break young Scholars backs with the burden of unnecessary precepts; Repetitions of the self same things with other words. and that setting their tender wits upon the rack they pull and tear them with Tautologies. Other some; though (saith he) they be succinct, and methodical in their precepts: yet bring they with them disadvantage. For no man can run speedily to the mark of languages, that is shackled and ingiued with grammar precepts. And hence it proceeds, that such as only depend on the rules of Grammar, wrote barbarously, as appeareth ex libris Tenebrionumseu Dunsarum, et ex epistolis obscurorum virorum. And such as attribute much to precepts, and something to authority, must needs be fearful, and irresolute. For, following authority, they many times run against rules; and obeying rules, they disturb authority: without whose hand and feal, the best of rules is but irregulare. And Cominius concludes, that they teach, Rest. lib. 1. cap. 1. and command children, and such as would learn the tongue, to follow things of a contrary nature. For, first they would have them learn by Grammar, and then they send them to read Authors: which things are contrary. And Despauterius runs with him against himself: for he is constrained to say, Construit Orator propriè, In Syntax. quae destruit ipse Grammaticus; quibus est fermè contrarius Ordo. What th' Orator builds decently's destroyed By the Grammarian, other ways employed. And in an other place. Si bene discutias doctorum scripta virorum, Multa secus cernes quàm lex vult Grammaticorum. If thou with care discuss what wise men wrote, Thou'led oft find other things than Grammars note. Whereunto Cicero alluding, Or. l. 1 saith, I omit to speak of Mathematicians, Grammarians, and Musicians; with whose arts, this of Oratory hath not so much as the least coherence. Howbeit we are not ignorant (saith Cominius) that Grammarians endeavouring to uphold their errors (either to please the people, Rest. 1.5. or (rather) because they had no better way to get, or teach by) have wrested all the sentences & authorities of the Ancients, to the approbation of their Art of Grammar. For whereas Varro, Quintilian, and others disputing about Grammar, are enforced to allege the arguments that may be brought on both sides; the Grammarians catch those that make for themselves, and produce them as the judgement, and established opinions of the same Authors on their behalf: but such arguments as made against them, as also the conclusions, & absolute determinations of those Authors in the shutting up of their disputations, they overslip without remembrance. And therefore, saith he, (though somewhat roughly) they have hitherto deceived us, and are themselves full oft deceived. Neither doth he exclude our new writers from this censure: Ep. Rest. for he holds that they have nothing, but what they have taken from others. And he wrote since Lilies Grammar was composed. But, saith he, Rest. l. 1.15 let these & many other Authors speak their pleasures, Grammarians will not be reform. True it is, that finding their collections taxed of being vain, tedious, disordered and superfluous; they affect brevity and better method: but, as they grow shorter, so are they more insufficient, and less intelligible; ever intricated in the self same Labyrinth, commending their reproved precepts, and persuading all the world to follow them. Thus far our Authors have declared themselves concerning Grammarians: Grammar censured. now let us patiently hear them about their Art. It is very likely (saith our alleged Author) that those which in speech proceed by Art, l. 1.10. Rest. rules and reason, aught to speak better, than those that follow the people, and such as are unlearned. So is there a likely hood in music, that the distances of a third, a fift, a sixth, and an eight, should by reason of these numbers, make a concord, or consonant harmony: but (saith he) this dependeth merely upon the judgement of the ear, because God and nature would have it so: And they were not found out by numbers, but by experience; for this observation of numbers therein came afterwards. We may also by likelihood say, the Suns rising is a cause of the Cocks crowing; & the setting thereof of the Owls better seeing: But presumption upon likelihood is often a wronger of blameless truth, & an overthrow of greatest knowledges: and in many things there are seeming reasons at the first encounter thought to be irrefragable, which experience at length assureth us to be vain, and frivolous. And this appears in Grammar, in that there is a likelihood, that all Nouns, and Verbs should follow by Analogy the grammatical Declensions, and Conjugations: Prisc. lib. 7. cap. de dat. & abl. plur. sec. dec. yet looking into Custom, and Authority we find daily some irregularities, which we cannot excuse, or make good, but by newfound exceptions, and enlarging the doctrine of the Heteroclites. And all our actions that proceed from nature are sooner & better learned by use & exercise, then by Art, Inst. Or. or Precept. For Quintilian saith, there are many things that cannot be delivered by Art; as, sucking, eating, drinking, standing, running: to which we may add the actions of our outward senses and the like; which are not only given to men, but children, & unreasonable creatures. And as in these, so in speech (which is the sixth external sense according to Raymundus) we begin not by Art, but by Art. Mag. Plato in Cratylo. Nature; and proceed by use, custom, authority, and exercise, governed by the ear; which is in this kind pleased, or displeased by an inbred, secret, & unpenetrable harmony in nature. And let us be content to know thus much de facto: for, of the first causes we never yet had solider doctrine, them those likelihoods. Neither will Nature be compelled to dance within our circle; or have a coat, or a coxcomb put upon her, by her own Apes; Though I must confessethat all these may be helped by Art, & also adorned: But this is not to be understood in childhood; but in men of judgement, and of good discretion, that are capable of Art, and the reasons thereof. And that made Quintilian say, they would do it better, conducted by nature, then by Art; lib. 9 cap. 4. yet nature (saith he) hath in it Art. But though there be an Art of helping and adorning speech, yet is it not Grammar; Com. lib. 1.10. except we take it in the first simplicity. For, our forealleged Author Cominius would have us know, lib. 1. cap. 9 that Grammar hindereth the elegancy of speech: because Grammatical construction, and precepts, command that words be otherwise placed then ancient Authors placed them. And this, saith he, is a great error amongst us, that we are now afraid to produce the same sentences, and periods which were used by them, in the same words that they did, and in their manner of position: but by Art of Grammar we invent new words, and put them in an other order, than the best Writers placed them; Though Quintilian say, that if any man dissolve a clause, lib. 9.4. sentence or period that is in itself sweet, full, and well spoken; he will drive away all the force, pleasure & ornament thereof; and altogether foil the composition. And he takes his authority from Cicero; In Or. who, dissolving periods of his own, makes them harsh, & ill-sounding: and by correcting the hard, and crabbed compositions of Gracchus, makes them sweet, and pleasing; the better to demonstrate that, which otherwise might have been thought but mere imaginary. Wherefore, it appeareth, that in following Grammar, we abandon elegancy, and the pleasure of the ear; and speak and write Grammar-latine, Englishlatin, Dutch-latine, French-latine: and, in a word, every nation, by this Art, writes it own peculiar latin; and not the latin of the Latins, nor any foreign language as it should be. For, in every tongue there are many things, which if we should utter by any other order then as they are vulgarly spoken, they would not run well, and we should be thought to speak improperly; as every man may judge by the clauses, sentences, and especially Proverbs, of his own language: which, transposed, or made-up with other words than common, would for the most part lose their pleasing grace, delightful sound, and (many times) their sense, and meaning. Or. l. 3 Whereupon Cicero concludes, that these men separate words from sentences, in the same manner that the Soul is separated from the body; which is not to be done (saith he) without their manifest destructions. l. 1 of the bringing up of youth. By mine advice, saith * Ascham (who read to Queen Elizabeth) a Scholar shall not use the common order in common schools, for making of Latins: whereby the child commonly learneth first an evil choice of words (and right choice of words, Cic. de clar. Or. saith Caesar, is the foundation of eloquence;) then, a wrong placing of words; and lastly, an evil framing of the sentence; with a perverse judgement both of words and sentences. These faults, taking once root in youth, be never, or hardly pluckt-away in age. Moreover, there is (saith he) no one thing that hath either dulled the wits, or taken away the wills of children more from learning, than the care they have to satisfy their Masters in making Latins. For, the Scholar is commonly beaten for the making, when the Master were more worthy to be beaten for the mending, or rather marring of the same; the Master many times being as ignorant as the child, what to say properly, and fitly to the matter And he produceth two Schoolmasters, Horman and Whittington. which have set forth in print, either of them, a book of such kind of Latins, that (if we believe him) a child shall learn of the better of them that which an other day (if he be wise and come to judgement) he must be fain to unlearn again. Further: our Cominius saith, Rest. l. 1.9 This Grammar hinders us in writing rightly, in respect of the diversirie of Grammatical opinions about dipthonges, aspirations, hissings, accents, and infinite other particularities, about which they are ever in controversy; as appeareth by Priscianus, Tortellius, Lancilotus, Nicholaus Ferettus, Georgius Valla, Aldus Romanus, Nestor, Stoa, Frishlinus, and a thousand others; in whom you shall find almost nothing but contentions about letters, syllables, accents, quantities of syllables, & corrections of Authors, every man after his own humour and invention: so that in so great a diversity, you are not able to determine how you should proceed either in speaking, or in writing rightly. Whereupon he further infers, Ib. that Grammar hinders men from the understanding of Poets, and ancient Authors, and makes them more obscure, and difficult. So that, such as are otherwise (for the language sake) desirous to read them, draw back, and are discomfited. And things are brought to that pass, that the very name of Latin is hateful almost to every man; excepting such, as (hunting after gain, and commodity by some science, or profession) are constrained to fall upon the very froth, and dregges thereof: and these for the most part despise elegancy, and scorn such as endeavour to attain unto it; in that themselves are broughtup under the discipline of Grammar; which neither respecteth the names of things, nor the custom of ancient Authors, nor the judgement of the sense of hearing, wherein elegancy hath her main foundation. Besides: Ib. he holdeth it an occasion of the loss of much time, and (consequently) of many of the best and chiefest Arts, and knowledges. For, if any man would be exquisite therein, and speak rightly according to the rules thereof, it is necessary he should turn over the most part of Grammatical Commentaries, that he may the better make election which of them were fittest to be sollowed; though he confesseth, Ibid. that it would be a perpetual and an unprofitable labour, to gather all rules, to examine all places of Authors, and out of all these to put all occurrent exceptions unto rules; in that there is no man but had rather speak after the example of Cicero, Livius, Salustius, Virgilius, Ouidius, Plautus & Terentius, than use the precepts of Grammarians; Inst. Or. Fabius holding it a more excusable error, to fall in following of these great men, than in following of these great men's Followers. But (to turn to our election) our Grammarians will questionless reject Priscianus, as condemned by Valla; and Valla, as found tripping by Perottus. So (to be short) by further inquisition he will neglect our common Grammar, Mr Gittins. as taxed by him that hath collected centum errores Lilij: And, as well it, as all other Grammars now in use; De cause. linguae latinae. as branded by julius Caesar Scaliger, in above seven hundred and fifty noted errors. Thus having found all the former Grammars faulty; he cannot warrant the last, infallible: yet must he be constrained to follow it, or make a new one of his own; which will be liable with the rest to all taxation. For, by reading ancient Authors, he shall still discover something that falls not under the collections of other Grammarians; and hereupon will make an exception to some former rule; or make a new rule, and call the former Collectors, blockheads. Thus did our Fathers to our Grandfathers: thus will our children deal with us. But stay: If, before we can justly tax our Predecessors of ignorance, we must necessarily take pains in reading them; and to read both new and old Grammarians, were work enough for a Methushelah; what shall we be able to elect or judge of, that have but a span of life; and in it, before our tops be ripe, our roots be rotten? Certainly we may commence the suit: but we shall never live to hear the Sentence. For, besides the infinite number of them, the very thought of one only Quint. l. 1.14 Arist. Rhet. 3. Zuing. l. 1. Th. Didymus, which wrote but three thousand and five hundred volumes, makes me despair of doing well amongst Grammarians; In moriae encomio. Insomuch that Erasmus concludeth well, that only Grammar is enough to make a man spend the circuit of his whole life in tortures. And, Rest. l. 1.9 saith Haloinus, we have this experience, that many of the Master-grammarians (which lost no time, either in writing of Grammar, or in teaching it) have been so far from perfection in their own profession, that they were neither able to speak Latin rightly, nor to write it with elegancy. Further: we may note a number of their scholars which have taken infinite pains till twenty years of age, sometimes till thirty, and yet are not able to write or speak any thing worth the reading: nor have they any knowledge in other arts or professions; though they have suffered many stripes, and are almost deaf with cries and exclamations. Half our age, Essays, l. 1. c. 25 saith Montaigne, is consumed that way: we are kept four or five years in learning to understand bare words, and to join them into clauses; then, as long in proportioning a great body extended into four or five parts; and five years more at least, ere we can succinctly know how to mingle, join, and interlace them handsomely into a subtle fashion, and into one coherent orb. I remember, saith Ascham, when I was young, l. 2. in the North they went to the Grammar-schoole little children, they came from thence great lubbers; always learning, but little profiting; learning without book every thing, understanding within book very little: their whole knowledge, by learning without book, was tied only to their tongue and lips, and never ascended up to the brains or head; and therefore was soon spit out again. They were as men always going, but ever out of the way: and why? for, their whole labour (or rather great toil without order) was even vain idleness without profit. Indeed, they took great pains about learning; but employed small labour in learning. Now, if Grammar should be the best Course to languages, and Kings may have their choice of best Courses; I wonder what choice of Grammars was made by Mithridates. And that, that makes me wonder more: we, that have no business but a language, spend all our life, and are not perfect in one; and he, that had a Kingdom's affairs to look unto, had two and twenty complete languages. Val. Max. l. 8. c. 7 I wonder also how the Romans came all to be expert in Oratory, Husbandry, Astrology, Geometry, Arithmetic, Music, and many other sciences, before they were admitted to martial discipline, or other employment: as by Livius, Valerius, Plutarch, Suetonius, Frontinus, Vegetius, and many others, is recorded. Assuredly, they knew no Grammar: or, knowing it, they did neglect it. And no marvel: for, Alexander, Amigonus, Achilles, Themistocles, Epaminondas, Hannibal, Scipio, and a thousand others, were instructed by Aristotle, Calisthenes, Leonides, Perseus, Phenix, Phreareus, Lysias, Socilaus, Terentius, and the like. And all these former Potentates were known learned, almost in all sciences, through the assistance of these and other Masters. Of whom, some were Orators; some, Poets; some, Philosophers, and of other professions: but, none of them were found to be Grammarians. Yet now adays, lib. 1.9. saith Cominius, they are so frequent, that if a man would pen an eloquent Oration after the manner of the Ancients, were it never so pleasing and sufficient; if he observe not, every where, the Grammar-rules, he dares not utter it, for fear of being thought to speak incongruously. And of this I was lately myself a witness; where a Gentleman, making a Verse to his own purpose, and imitating in all points Martial, was by one, that thought himself a great Proficient, reprehended for false Latin: But, the Gentleman producing his Author, the Critic was half disparaged. Haloinus, l. 〈◊〉 1. Rest. coming yet a little nearer the quick, tells us (and it stands with reason) that no Grammar can be made perfect, unless it were as often renewed as new words are coined, or old ones newly received. Neither can it, saith he, be perfect, unless it teach us the Dialects of Nations, or the diversities of language and pronounciation in sundry Regions, Provinces, and distant places; with the changes and alterations in the manner of speaking, as well in Latin as in other languages. And our experience gives us to understand, that not only those of Flanders, Brabant, Holland, Zealand, and others in the lower- Germany; and those of Navarre, Arragon, Catalonia, Galicia and Portugal, in Spain; and our own Eastern, Western, Northern, Southern, and middle parts of England, do much vary one and the selfsame language: but every twenty-miles-distance from any place, yields a manifest difference in the tongues of all, or any of these parts or Provinces; as also every twenty years altars every one of the said differences. Insomuch that few of us, if we consider the ancient Records and Authors of our Nation, can believe, that a Grammar made in the time of Chaucer, Robert of Gloster, or of Aelsrick, can be useful now in ours; though doubtless these men wrote in the choicest Dialect the time afforded. And, certainly, all other Dialects are and will be changed in the same proportion. Now, if Grammars be composed according to the purity of speech especially; and the purity of speech in any nation is thought to be at the height, at that very instant that the Grammar was or is composed; and that every time and place, according to the alteration & inconstancy of that instant, is likewise altered and inconstant: I cannot see how any Grammars of any languages, that are not daily (according to these alterations) altered, can be of any certainty or perfection; in that, as a Grammar is made to be universal, so should it, according to the Authors intention, be perpetual: which, for the reasons alleged, is in both impossible. For, l. 1.2 saith my Author, if words be changed, it is necessary that Conjugations, Declensions, Numbers, Tenses, Moods, and all other Grammatical observations (in what tongue soever) be also changed: which since it is impossible, the perfection also is impossible. And Ludovicus Vives saith, Be corr. art. l. 2 that after Grammarforms or precepts were invented out of a proportionable correspondency of Art; some have attempted to draw the immeasurable stream of use through them, as through fitting trenches or channels: whereas Grammar, with Logic and Rhetoric, were observed and derived from use; and not use, from them. Therefore they have not only weakened and broken speech, by reducing it unto the poor and penurious prescript of Grammar-rules; but have also corrupted it with many errors, in that they have spoken otherwise than they ought to do: well, in respect of rules; but ill, in respect of custom, which is the Lady and Mistress of speaking. You may see full many most exact Masters of th' Art in this manner pollute their speech with foul enormities, whilst they follow Art, which is not capable of use; because use is various or changeable: neither doth it follow Grammar or Analogy; and therefore all things could not be rightly gathered. This being sufficiently known unto the Ancients; though this Art, as suetonius reporteth, de claris Gram. began at the first to draw many (as is usual) through the novelty thereof, and by a likelihood of reason, and vain hopes that depended thereon: yet Cominius, In Ep. Rest. subscribing to the forealleged opinion of Martial, saith, If any man read with diligence, and examine ancient Authors, he shall find, that the Roman Nobility, the men of authority, the Gentry, and the learnedest Citizens, never followed that Art, or ever approved it: neither was it at any time praised or received by Poets, Orators, Historians, or any other of perfection: but, true it is, saith he, they discommended, scorned and rejected, as well Grammar, as Grammarians. Neither did Quintilian think, l. 1. c. 10 that this Art was sent from heaven when men were first form, to give laws of speaking; but that it was found out after they spoke, and had taken notice how every thing did sound in utterance: for many, saith Cominius, whose labours for the most part perished in the combustion of the Goths, as Actius, Pacuvius, Plautus, Navius, Livius, Andronicus, Laberius, Lucretius, and many others, wrote Latin before this Art of Grammar was invented; and are cited by Nonius Marcellus, Aulus Gellius, Macrobius, Priscianus, and other Writers. And no man doubteth, but the Inventors of Grammar had the language before they had the Art; and must therefore conclude, that it may be learned without Art. And the same Quintilian, lib. 1. Inst. considering how much this Art had (by the best sort of people) been reproved, ingenuously confesseth, that he, in what he wrote of Grammar, did not undertake to compose an Art thereof: but, it coming in the way of his discourse, he would not omit to speak of it, lest exceptions might be taken, that he should slight and undervalue it. Cicero, Or. l. 1. alluding hereunto, saith, I understand the power and force of all precepts to be thus; not that Orators had the name of being eloquent by following them; but that some observed and did those things, which of their own accord had made men eloquent: so that eloquence is not bred of Art; but Art, of eloquence. Yet I reject it not, saith he: for, though it be not so necessary to teach a man to speak well, yet the knowledge thereof is not illiberal. And in the same manner may we say, that speech was not bred of Grammar; but it, of speech: and, if the precepts of Orators are not so necessary in well-speaking, what shall we gather of the precepts of Grammarians? Let us leave them to those whose profession they are, Essays, 1.25. saith Montaigne; and let us that seek, not to frame a Grammarian, but a complete Gentleman, give them leave to misspend their time in precepts: we have elsewhere to do, and somewhat else of more importance. There are that know neither Ablative, Conjunctive, Substantive, nor Grammar; no more doth their Lackey, nor any Oyster-wife about the streets: and yet (if you have a mind thereto) they will entertain you your fill, and peradventure stumble as little and as seldom against the rules of their Tongue, as the best Master of arts in France. And, saith he, Essays, l. 1. c. 24. I hate such as can brag of their rules of Grammar, and can neither write nor speak a language; and so do others: nay, saith he, I find the choicest men were they that most condemned them. Thus it appears, saith Cominius, l a. c. 10. Rest. that this Grammar, which gives rules and laws of speaking, that now every where is taught, is a deceitful, vain and unprofitable Art; drawing men on, only by likelihoods. And it may well be said, to be a Labyrinth: for, such as are brought up, and are Proficients in it, can find no way to wind them out again. Some of them perceive they are entangled, and intimate as much to all men in their works, though but obscurely: yet for gains sake they commend it, teach it, and profess it. Wherefore, saith he, l. 1. c. 15. I cannot but grieve and lament, that in so cloudy and so false an Art, so many men, and of so exquisite an understanding, should thus long be deceived & stupefied. And that which makes me grieve the more, is, that by it all ancient elegancy, the Art of Oratory, Rhetoric, and many other Arts and knowledges, have perished, been stifled, and abandoned. And Scaliger did often wonder at the presumption and stubbornness of such as were upholders of other men's errors: De cause. linguae latinae. l. 3. c. 67 whereas if they which had committed them were now alive again, they would recant them. Neither is it so great an offence to err: for, it is the beginning of wisdom; if not to him that was deceived; yet to others, that they may not deceive. But to foster errors, is either extremity of madness and folly; or like the choice of those, who being once or twice foiled, had rather be stain then reconciled. I cannot think, USE APPROVED these ancient Authors would in this manner slight either Grammar or Grammarians; had they thought the Tongues of Nations might have been sufficiently learned by their grammatical rules or precepts: for, none made more account of speech than they did; or were more diligent in adorning it; or more desired to make themselves and posterity, Orators and eloquent: but they knew full well, that there were other courses to come sooner, and with greater ease in all perfection, unto languages: whereof though something have been said already; yet, because we have had the judgements of grave men to dissuade from Art and precepts, let us also use them to direct us to that way of greater benefit. If we ask Quintilian what this way is; Inst. Or. l. 1. c. 10 he will tell us plainly, that Custom is the best approved School-mistress for languages; and that all the Latins were taught by use and custom, from the mouths of nurses and other women which had the keeping of them, from their cradle; and not by Grammar or Grammarians, as was erroneously thought by Leonardus Aretinus, and his Followers. And he boldly affirmeth, that speech depends not on reason, but example: neither will he hear of any other law therein, but observation; or that the Art itself had any ground or foundation, but in custom. Experience also confirms, that if we speak not according to custom, few or none will give us hearing: and, amongst those that will, the most part of them will deride us, because they cannot understand our meaning. Whereupon, 1 Cor. 14.11 the Apostle saith, If I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a Barbarian; and he that speaketh shall be a Barbarian unto me. Yet was this custom limited by the judgement of hearing: and therefore Cominius saith, Custom, Rest. l. 1. c. 11 concurring with the pleasure of hearing, is the surest rule and foundation of the latin language. By Custom, ancient Authors understand the common form of speaking used by the people; and especially, as Quintilian saith, Inst. Or. l. 1. c. 12 by consent of that part of them that are learned. But, saith Cominius, Rest. l. 1. c. 11 these learned must be such as are least tainted with grammatical instructions, or corrupted with extern custom: for, saith he, Quintilian understood not the consent of Grammarians; but of men, that by much knowledge and experience came by learning and understanding; as being exercised by frequent custom of speaking, both in private and in public places; and of such as resorted daily to Prince's Palaces; as, Cicero, Caesar, Livius, Salustius, and the like, who as well in war as peace were Courtiers; and joined to their own learning much other study and diligence in reading, and experience of all other matters that might enrich their Tongue in speaking. And if any man read Cicero's works de perfecto Oratore, and de claris Oratoribus, he shall also find many sentences of the judgement, pleasure, measure, and sweetness of the ear: whereunto he concludes, all Tongues and every speech of man is tied, and must be subject; as well in prose, as in verse or poesy: Ord. 3 for hereunto, saith he, and not unto Art, the Tongue and custom of the ancient Latins was submitted. In a verse, we look, saith he, as well to the beginning and middle, as the end thereof; and we spoil all, if we fail in any part: but in prose, few mark the beginnings, but most men mark the ending Cadences; which because they appear and are taken notice of, they are to be varied, lest they be rejected by the judicious, and through satiety grow odious. But, saith he, lest any man should admire, how the very weakest sort of those that are unlearned should take notice of these sounds & end, which the wisest and most understanding hearers do distinguish; let him know, that nature hath, as well in every other thing as in this, a kind of stroke more than ordinary. For, every man by a secret feeling discerneth those things without Art, which are right or wrong in Art and reason; which, since they do in pictures, statuas, and in other workmanship, to whose understanding their instrument so well serves them not; they show, they are much better able to judge of words, of numbers, and of voices. For, these are things that run with common sense: neither would Nature have any man to be wholly without the knowledge of them. For, seeing art is produced out of nature; except she move nature and delight her, she seemeth not indeed to have done any thing. For, there is nothing that hath so near an alliance with our souls, as numbers and voices: for, by them we are provoked, inflamed, appeased, and grow timorous, & are brought to mirth and melancholy. But, saith our Author, as in verse the Vulgar find what is amiss: so in our prose, if there be any halting, they perceive it. And they pardon not the Poet, though they wink at us: yet inwardly they know, that what we also said was neither apt nor perfect. Whereby, Cicero gives us to understand, that all speech, whether prose or verse, dependeth upon the judgement of our hearing; and that it must by Orators, as well as Poets, be regarded, that every man in hearing may be pleased. And this is not only commanded by our ancient Authors, but acknowledged and prescribed by Grammarians: for, Diomedes is by Despauterius cited, saying thus; We must always be careful of Good sound, or pleasant utterance of words. l. 12. aut. 13. Noct. Attic. c. 19 Euphonia: for, Euphonia in words is sometimes of more worth in speech, then is Analogy or Grammar-precepts. And Aulus Gellius (or, as late Critics call him, Agellius) saith, Amongst the elegantest Writers, there was more account made of the sweet sound of words and voices, called Euphonia by the Grecians; than of the rule or discipline which was observed by the Grammarians. But let Gellius, Macrobius, or others, say what they please; they almost all proceed by Art, and not by hearing, Rest. 1.12 saith Cominius. And whatsoever they acknowledge in this kind, they still return to Grammar, Ib. 13 and leave the use and custom of speech, that hath been so much celebrated by our Ancestors. Had Cominius read the Preface to our English Grammar, he would doubtless have acknowledged, that our better sort of Schoolmasters have an honest desire to follow the best, easiest, and most ready way to languages: for, saith he that wrote that Preface, It is not amiss if one, seeing by trial an easier and readier way than the common sort of Teachers do, would say what he hath proved, and for the commodity allowed; that other, not knowing the same, might by experience prove the like, and then by proof reasonable judge the like: not hereby excluding the better way when it is found; but in the mean season forbidding the worse. Yet I must needs with Cominius confess, They still reflect upon some Grammar: for, all this speech hath relation to our common Grammar; and that, because they know not how to bring that way of custom into practice. For, though some will grant, that in the vulgar languages of Nations, Use and Custom may do much: yet for such Tongues as have their main foundation in the works of ancient Writers, and are now in use only amongst Scholars, they cannot think of any course, but only Grammar. And yet I make no doubt, but these men will grant, that the best and most imitable part of Custom, whether in languages extinct or flourishing, consists in Authors; and that (as well in Greek & Latin, as any other usual Tongues) there is no want of worthy Authors. Now, we that desire not to follow the dross of Custom, but the purity; what should keep us from learning languages also by written Use and Custom? which is common, not alone to those that are in daily use; but also such as are extinguished. They ' l say, In such as are extinct we cannot hear or imitate the custom of their native Tone, their accent and delivery. 'Tis true: but, finding none alive that may be made our lawful judges heerin, let every man hold that to be the best that's judged best by his own Nation. They ' l tell me, that the same in every School is at this Present put in practice. I acknowledge, it is done as well as their Grammar-bounds will suffer it: but, this is but Grammaticè. I would have it, as the Authors themselves would have it, to be done Latinè, and without the Grammar. But, this reducement of Custom to practice, Objections. 2 hath been thought first impossible; and then, ridiculous: impossible, because it neither is nor hath been found out, nor heard of; ridiculous, in that, being to be done without the rules of Grammar, it would be done without all reason, and such as learn should learn like Parrots. Th' objection of impossibility makes me smile, Sol. 1 that know and find it fesible: and that inference [it cannot] drawn and wrested from [it is, or hath not] breeds but a deceitful argument. About the being ridiculous, Sol. 2 because thought to be without reason; is but a ridiculous reason: for, though I know the world to be possessed, that he only gives a reason that gives a Grammar-rule; yet, if I should ask them what were the reason of that rule, it were impossible that they should give me any other reason then this written Custom or Authority. Wherefore, theirs and ours is one and the same reason: different in nothing, but that they rely on the Dependent; we, on the Principal: which I hold the better and the nearer reason, and the reason of their reason. And yet, if I be not deceived, there is a greater difference: for, Grammarians, in th' exposition of Authors, tell their scholars, that this or that construction is by reason of this or that rule; but truth itself will tell us otherwise: for, out of those Authors, this or that was made a rule, by reason of this or that construction. And, in my poor opinion, it is a more allowable answer to say, Cicero said so; than to say, Priscianus says that Cicero said so. Some, that are thus far convinced and brought forward, fall upon this block of opinion, that they are bound (as, of this, or that University) to defend Grammar: which is like that old and rotten position, We are bound rather to err with the multitude, than to follow truth with two or three. But these are such as do not perceive, that in Grammatica there is a thing required besides the name and shadow thereof. The thing is that, that they are tied unto; which is, the Art of writing & of speaking rightly (which, though it may be understood of Grammar in the first simplicity; yet let us now take it as they do): this thing if it be not to be found in ordinary Grammars, they are bound to seek it elsewhere; and where they really do find it, there to honour and observe it; whether under name or title of Grammatica, Logonomia, or what else soever, so the thing be there: for, though it should have the properest name in opinion that might be; if the thing be absent, all's but deceit and vanity. And, for mine own part, I have as long sucked the milk of Universities, and acknowledge as much respect and obedience unto them, as many others; and therefore have some reason to know their motherly love to be such, that, what we receive, they had rather should turn to wholesome and effectual nourishment, than a seeming and diseasing fullness. But, let deeds dispute the rest, and let us return to Custom: in which, I had rather satisfy the world with other men's authority, than mine own opinion. And to this purpose Cominius saith, Rest. 1.13. If we would follow the example of ancient Authors, Orators, Historians, and Poets, either in Latin, or in Greek; and should be exercised in their custom of speaking, which we find within their writings; Ib. 1.11. there is no doubt but we may arrive unto their very height of elegancy. But, there are four especial reasons, alleged by mine Author, why few, or none perceive the custom of the Ancients. First, they put whatsoever they would speak, word for word, into an other language, in the same order wherein they speak it in their own. Now, though this may in some fall out well; yet there are many speeches, sentences, proverbs, sayings and authorities, of two words only, or of more; which, translated into three or four languages, are to be set down in every one after a divers order, and other words are to be received. For, every tongue hath proper and peculiar words, which are neither agreeable to other tongues, or liable to translation; by which the eleganter sayings, the graver sentences, and the more usual proverbs are especially composed. Wherefore they are deceyued, which speak according to the order of other languages: which is known to be much used, & most amongst the more unlearned. Secondly: though such as follow Grammar, and are a middle sort of Scholars, do not always tranflate verbally; yet they speak not by the order, and custom of the Ancients; but, place their words after a grammatical order, and construction; rather obeying the rules, and precepts of Grammarians, than the custom of the Ancients, and the judgement of hearing: which is contrary to the precepts of Cicero. Thirdly: though the learned sort, and such as would be called Poets, and Orators, translate not always word for word; nor do every where observe a grammatical construction: yet they come not near the Latin elegancy; as having been brought up from their childhood by th' Art of Grammar, and Analogy. They take a pride to frame new words, without regard unto the judgement of the ear: which though they be sometimes placed according to the order of the Ancients, yet are they harsh, and without elegancy; because they are not moderated, and measured by th' ear, as their Ancestors would have them. Fourthly: the greater part of men, and especially of the learneder sort, are ashamed forsooth, to speak in the same words, and in the same order placed, that the Ancients spoke them; lest it might be cast in their teeth, that they knew not how to speak of themselves, without using the ways, and words of others. From these forealleged reasons, there arise (saith he) innumerable Soloecisms, and Barbarisms, not only in the Latin, but all other languages: of which, saith he, Grammarians dream many things; but I dare say, that few of them know what either a Soloecism, or a Barbarism meaneth; because they make all to have relation to their Grammar. And I so much the rather believe him, in that Our Thomasius Dictionary translates the word Soloecismus, incongruity; even to th' eleventh Edition. And, saith he, By how much the more they endeavour to flee these Solaecisms, so much the more and oftener by their rules and precepts do they fall into them. For, Inst. Or. l. 1. c. 9 Quintilian saith, Soloecismus non est in sensu, sed in complexu; is not in the sense, but in the disposition of the words, or folding of them one with another: Ib. which in * another place he makes more manifest; saying, A Solecism is an inconvenient placing of last and first together in a speech of one sentence; meaning, by inconvenient, that which is not in use among the ancient Writers. For, whatsoever is in use, is neither inconvenient, nor a Soloecism. Now, let Grammarians consider the deceit of their Art: for, I will prove, saith he, that they introduce many Soloecismus and Barbarisms in the latin language; and I will admit of no other testimonies heerin, than such as are of their own profession. For Servius, which is called the Prince of Grammarians, writeth, that the Art of Grammar commandeth many precepts to be followed, against custom, and the use of ancient Authors. So saith Nonius Marcellus also: which being true, it necessarily follows, that they command and teach men many Soloecisms. And that made Servius say, The authority of th' Ancients confoundeth Art; and Quintilian, that there are some things that cannot be delivered by Art: l. 9 c. 4. for, if the case we began withal be harsh, it is to be changed: wherein he showeth, that all grammatical proceed should be altered, if th' ear be not well pleased. And that made Cicero say, In Or. We ought rather to offend in Art, than in the sweetness of the ear. Which, Nonius Marcellus ratifieth; showing, that cases, genders, tenses, conjugations, declensions, and all other grammatical precepts, are often changed by ancient Authors, against the rules and precepts of Grammarians; as well in prose, by Cicero, Livius, l. 1.14. Rest. Salustius, and the like; as in verse, by Catullus, Virgilius, Ovid, Lucanus, and other of the best & worthiest Poets. And thus they wound themselves, saith he, with their own weapons. Ascham, citing the words of Salustius, l. 2. f. 66. Multis sibi quisque imperium petentibus, saith; I believe, the best Grammarian in England can scarce give a good rule, why quisque, the nominative case without any Verb, is so thrust up amongst so many obliqne cases. I must confess, he condemns him for it: but, by Mr. Aschams leave, if I could not better out of better Authors express myself, I had rather trust Sallust in the Latin, than Mr. Ascham. It follows therefore, that they labour in vain, that hope to write or speak eloquent Latin, or other languages; and would make their way thereunto by learning or following Grammar. For (as it is said) if the last did justly and deservedly reprehend the former, then could not the former teach us to write or speak rightly: but, if the last did undeservedly reprehend the rest, it is impossible that he should teach us. Now, if nor first nor last can teach us, then may we justly conclude with our alleged Authors, that of Grammarians there's none can teach us. Rest. l. 1.15. Wherefore, Cominius above an hundred years since said, It was necessary that we should expect others: but, if any man would further know why or to what end we should expect them, he is lately most learnedly answered; Vic. S. Alb. Org. mag. vel Rest. Mag. res de integro tentetur melioribus praesidijs. And those that are expected to newmould the way to languages, must draw their course by Use and Custom, till Babel be reform by Zorobabel. For, l. 1.15. R. saith Cominius, if we exercise ourselves in Use and Custom, we shall sooner, easier, and more securely attain unto the elegancy of the latin language; than by art, or all the rules thereof: for, by exercise of reading, writing, and speaking after ancient Custom, we shall conceive three things which are of greatest moment in any languages: first, the true and certain declining and conjugating of words, and all things belonging to Grammar, will without labour, and whether we will or no, thrust themselves upon us. Secondly, we shall taste of the manner of speaking used by the Ancients, together with the elegancy, grace, pleasure, and delightfulness of the Latin. Thirdly, we shall get the judgement of the ear, and retain the same for ever: which, Grammar cannot help us to; in that it is imperfect, and beguileth us. Linacer, Camden, and some others, have made them styles of some perfection: yet they'll tell you in your ear, that they have gotten it rather by reading, and a memory or taste of the custom of Authors, after reading, and practice upon that taste; than by Art, rule or precept. For, if it be well examined, we shall find few scholars arrived to a laudable style of writing, but have forgot the most part of their Grammar-precepts. And indeed, the sooner they leave them, and fall to reading, and after it to writing; the sooner do they come to their perfection. We find, that such as are brought up by Use, and exercise, in any other sciences, are for the most part in short time great Proficients: nay, if we look into the ordinary Tongues of Nations, there are none so harsh or difficult, either in speaking or in writing, wherein a boy that shall be exercised, will not within the compass of two or three years without any Art, but merely by use, example, observation and ear, grow very perfect. Which, our Travellers might with myself observe in the lower & higher Germany, Bohemia, Italy, Spain, France, and other Countries, in children of our own and other Nations: As also that among the Polonians, and in many other regions, there are every where servants, boys and wenches, found to speak both good and congruous Latin; and that without all Art, but ear and exercise. Which, Montaign veresies in his own person; Essays, l. 1. c. 25 telling us this following History. I must needs, saith he acknowledge that the Greek & Latin tongues are great ornaments in a Gentleman; but, they are purchased at an over-high rate. Use it, who list: I will tell you how they may be gotten better cheap, & much sooner than is ordinarily used; which was tried in mine own education. My late father (having, by all possible means & industry, sought amongst the wisest and men of best understanding, to find a most exquisite and ready way of teaching) being advised of the inconveniences then in use, was given to understand that the lingering while, and best part of our youth that we employ in learning the tongues (which cost the Greeks', and Latines nothing) is the only cause that we can never attain to their absolute perfection of skill, and knowledge. I do not believe that, to be the only cause. But, so it is, that the expedient my father found out was this, that being yet at nurse, and before the first losing of my tongue, I was delivered to a German (who died, since, a most excellent Physician in France) he being altogether ignorant of the French tongue, but exquisitely ready and skilful in the Latin. This man, whom my father had sent for of purpose, and to whom he gave very great entertainment, had me continually in his arms, & was mine only Overseer. There were also joined unto him two of his countrymen, but not so learned, whose charge was to attend, and now and then to play with me; and all these together did never entertain me with other than the Latin tongue. As for others of his howsehould, it was an inviolable rule, that neither himself, nor my mother, nor man nor maidservants were suffered to speak one word in my company; except such Latine-wordes, as every one had learned to chat and prattle with me. It were strange to tell, how every one in the house profited therein. My father and my mother learned so much Latin, that for a need they could understand it, when they heard it spoken: so did all the household servants; namely, such as were nearest, and most about me. To be short: we were all so Latinized, that the towns round about us had their share of it; In so much, as even at this day, many Latin names both of workmen, and their tools, are yet in use amongst them. And as for myself, I was about six years old, and could understand no more French, or Perigordine, than Arabic; & that without Art, without books, rules, or Grammar, without whipping, or whining, I had gotten as pure a Latin tongue as my Master could speak; the rather because I could neither mingle or confound the same, with other tongues. If for an essay they would give me a Theme; whereas the fashion in Colleges is to give it in French, I had it in bad Latin, to reduce the same into good. And Nicholas Grucchi, who hath written de comitijs Romanorum; William Guerenti, who hath commented Aristotle; George Buchanan, that famous Scottish Poet; and Mark Authony Muret, whom (whilst he lived) both France, and Ralie to this day acknowledge, to have been the best Orator; all these have been my familiar Tutors, and have often told me, that in mine infancy I had the Latin Tongue so ready and so perfect, that themselves feared to take me in hand. And Buchanan (whom afterwards I saw attending on the Marshal of Brissack) told me, he was about to write a Treatise of the institution of children, and that he took the model and pattern thereof from mine. And this Form of teaching and learning of languages was of that authority with Ludovicus Vives, De corr. Art. l. 2 that he confesseth, he had rather be thus employed for one year, than to bestow ten years to this purpose under the best and most reputed Schoolmasters. The practice also of written Use and Custom, which I shown to a most grave, wise, and powerful Nobleman of this Kingdom, did so content him, that he spared not to tell me, he had rather give ten pounds a month to have his child have this instruction, than to give five pounds a year for other ordinary education. Ascham in like manner affirmeth, l. 2. that Queen ELIZABETH, who never took yet Greek or Latin Grammar in her hand (after the first declining of a Noun and a Verb) did in a year or two attain to such a perfect understanding in both Tongues, and to such a ready utterance of the Latin, and that with such judgement; as they were few in number in both Universities, or elsewhere in England, that were in both Tongues comparable with her Majesty. Scaliger also, without any Grammar at all, Mr. Th. Hain. did come to an admired perfection in the Greek Tong. And other here in England, more worthy remembrance, are comen without any rules at all to many languages. Thus did Tib. and Ca Gracchi: Rom. Ciceronianus. f. 10 thus did Laelia, the Mutiae and Luciniae: thus did Hortensia, thus Curio, learn their eloquence: And thus, among the Crassis, the Scipiones, the Mutij, and many other Roman Oraters before julius Caesar, the name and honour of well-speaking flourished entire and incorrupted: not by reason, art or science; but only by good Use, Custom and conversation. And thus, and no otherwise, for above three thousand years, were all languages learned; and so are still, though in some places the Art of Grammar, with greater toil and lesser profit, be embraced. And that made Schorus say, We are persuaded, In specim. etc. that children may by imitation, example and Custom (not only come to speak, but) be made better Grammarians, Orators and Philosophers, than by precepts. Now, if Custom, saith Varro, be to be followed, l. 1. de Analogia. there is no need of precepts: for, if we follow Custom, precepts will follow us. And he spares not to confess, that he cannot command the Custom of the people; but their Custom will command his: for, saith he, whatsoever confused Custom hath received, must and will pass without contradiction. And that made Marcellus tell Tiberius Caesar, Tranquillus cis. a Zuing. Theat. l. 1. that he could not make words, though he could make men, free of the City: and he gave Capito the lie about it, l. 1.13. in Caesar's presence. And this Custom, and the change thereof, Quintilian acknowledgeth, not only in speech, but in Orthography. The fruitless endeavours also of many in our own language, namely of Smith and Mulcaster (cited by Mr. Praef. Logon. Alex. Gill) make them acknowledge, that, after the loss of much time & paper, all must be remitted to the sway of Custom. And yet have men of note, and the more noted for knowing thus much, once more endeavoured against their own knowledge: which, I wonder at. Moreover: Or. l. 1. Cicero tells us, that it is intolerable, in discourse to forsake the ordinary form of speech, and the usual or common sense of Custom: for, Use of all other is the best Lord & Master; which, ruling itself by the judgement of the ear all speech must be likewise ruled by it. And, saith he, experience teacheth us, that such, whether in prose or poesy, are especially to be commended, as, by the position or counterpoise of their words, bring pleasure to their Auditory, and by their sentences do teach them something; yet so, that the people's ordinary Use and Custom be observed: for, Use & Custom are of that authority, that they transform ancient languages, degrade words present, coin new ones, and recall old ones at their pleasure. And this made Horace say, Art. poet. syluaefolijs pronos mutantur in annos, Prima cadunt: ita verborum vetus interitaetas, Et invenum ritu florent, modo nata vigentque. As woods are changed in leaves by winter's fall: So words do change their age that's past recall, And newborn youth-like flourish and top all. And then, Ib. — mortalia facta peribunt: Nedum sermonum stet honos & gratia vivax. Multa renascentur quae iam cecidere, cadentque Quae nunc sunt in honore vocabula, si volet usus: Quem penes arbitrium est, & ius, & norma loquendi. — all mortal facts give place: Much less should speech keep it first praise and grace. Custom brings words unused, to Use; and such, As are most usual, to displease as much. The worth of speech is judged by Customs touch. And this made Aulus Gellius likewise affirm, that the latin Tongue proceeded not by Art, but by Use and Custom. Thus we may gather, that Art and Use are almost opposite: which, In Virgilianis expositionibus. Servius the Prince of Grammarians plainly ratifies; telling us often, that Authority (which is nothing but the written Use or Custom of ancient Authors) doth confound Art. Whereof, Nonius Marcellus gives us this Instance: All that have followed Art, deny that we ought to add a Preposition unto Verbs: but the authority of th' Ancients bids us place it before them. And Servius gives us another; saying, Art requires, that we should not put a Preposition with the names of Cities, but with the rest we should: yet Authors, saith he, for the most part, use the contrary; and he citeth Cicero & Virgil comprehending verse as well as prose; lest Grammarians in Poets should excuse it with poetical licence. And for this cause, Quintilian said, Inst. l. 9 c. 4 The case is to be altered, if that which we began withal run harshly. As if Quintilian should say with Nonius Marcellus, The case, gender, tenses, conjugations, declensions, and all grammatical collections, are to be altered if speech sound ill in pronunciation.: for, authority and experience tell us, that we can neither in the Latin, nor in any other Tongue, be obedient unto other rules or reasons, than Custom and our sense of hearing. And Badius affirmeth, In Comment. super Virg. in 1. Aeneidos. that construction is to be sometimes taken from the custom of speaking: for, if it be taken according to the rules of Grammarians, it is altogether displeasing; in that it depriveth words of their dignity, and sentences of their weight and gravity: l. 1. de Analogia vid. jul. C. Scal. de cause. ling. lat. l. 9 a. 161 and Varro concludes (what julius Scaliger confirmeth) There are many in this kind, in which we rather follow Custom, than the reason of words. Whereupon, Hermannus Buschius was not afraid to tell us plainly, that it is a very childish and ridiculous thing, especially in one of man's estate, to allow of nothing but of boyish rules; and to be so besotted in them, that he holds it a great offence to step a nails breadth from the bounds that they have limited; and to be altogether ignorant in the authority of the gravest Writers, or despise it; and to accost rather trifling precepts, than th' approved Authors of so many ages, on whom the latin Tongue depends, and lies as at anchor: for, we must not speak only as we are commanded by Grammar-rules; but rather altogether as most excellent Authors have written. Makest thou any doubt of following that which Cicero, Varro, Livius, Florus, Valerius, and both the Plinij, and others of the purest Authors have spoken? Dost thou as yet imagine, that he that useth Cicero's & Virgil's words, doth speak improperly? Such as are enthralled to Alexander's Grammar, read in Virgil, Pars & certare parati. Pars ingenti subiere feretro. Pars ingentem formidine turpi scandunt rursus equum. O vir fortis atque amicus clamant: and those that Quintilian produceth; which seem, saith he, and are not faulty; because it is the custom of speaking amongst Authors, as Tragaedia Thyestes, Ludi floralia & Megalesia, and the like. But, say they, we must not imitate this form of speaking or writing; as if we were necessarily tied like children to attend rather the regular proceeding of some one word, than unto the matter itself. Donatus, on the Prologue of Adelphos in Terence, wrote, In Adelphis Terentiana: but, if I shall say so, you will reprove me, and make me write, In Adelphis Terentianis. But I'll esteem you but as a freshman, or an elementary scholar. If therefore you shall think Maxima pars homines morem hunc habent, not to be rightly said, because the Grammar-rule hath, Two Substantives in one and the same case cannot be joined without a Copula. [or, Two Substantives cannot come together, betokening diverse things, unless the later be put in the genitive case] you are deceived: In Orat. pro C. Rab. for, Cicero saith, Quid vociferabere, decem millia talenta Gabinio esse promissa; and not, decem millia talentorum. And Livius saith, Et Philippei nummi aurei decem quatuor millia, vigintiquatuor; and not, aureorum nummorum millia quatuordecim, etc. Wherefore, saith he, I boldly affirm, that the latin Tongue is not to be sought-for out of rules or Gammars, but out of Authors. Thus it appeareth (saith Cominius) that Hermannus Buschius allows of all that I have written of this subject, and confirms it. For first he perceived, and proved, that ancient Authors spoke neither by Art, nor by the rules of Grammar. Next, that he that will follow Grammar or her rules, must of necessity despise Orators, Poets, and other ancient Authors: whereby he concludes, that the precepts of this Art, and the use of the Ancients are contrary: and that we should not speak according to the rules of Art, but according to the custom of Ancients. Then, that it is a foolish thing to be afraid to follow the speech of the Ancients. And that Grammarians command things contrary. For they judge Terence, Virgil, Cicero, and the like to be the elegantest Writers: and yet they prohibit our imitation of them in many things; l. 7. c. de dat. & abl. plur. prima decls. as Priscianus himself, where (he saith) the ancient Authors are found to have written many things against rule, viciously, both in these and in other cases, l. 7. c. de dat. & abl. pl. 2 a. decls. wherein they are not to be imitated. And in another place, he intimates the contrary: as, that we ought to know the reason of Analogy; but rather to follow the custom of Authors. And a little before, he saith; There are some Nouns whose cases are not all in use: which though we may by Analogy produce; yet because we find them not in Authors, I hold they ought to be refused. No man can deny but these are diverse and contrary. And then, this Buschius teacheth that the ancient Authors very often bring many things against the rules of Grammarians; wherefore it is most certain, that these neither wrote, nor spoke by this Art. Which Nonius Marcellus showeth, and proveth by innumerable examples. And it follows, that the first and later Grammarians are deceived. For they drew their Art out of ancient Authors, and went about to prove it out of their authority. Again: it follows that others were yet more deceived, that excuse the custom of Authors, by figures, poetical licence, and other Grammatical inventions; whereas they find that these ancient Authors neither knew them, nor observed them. And in conclusion, he affirms the Latin Language is not to be sought by Art, but out of Authors. And it manifestly appears that there are two kinds of Latin; one natural, the other adulterate. The natural is that which the men of authority amongst the Romans, the Nobility, and that which almost all men spoke, and wherein the ancient Authors Cicero and the rest did write; in which are the pleasures of the language, true eloquence, all delight & perfect elegancy; who composed their works by no Art of Grammar, but after the Use and Custom of speaking, and especially the judgement of hearing. In perf. Or. And therefore Cicero said, Our Ancestors thought good, that we should obey Custom, linked with the judgement of hearing: for, Custom hath given leave, that it shall be lawful to offend for sweetness sake. Yet Custom permitteth, that we should produce something which the common people speak not; but not unless it be for sweetness sake, the pleasure of the ear, and to utter those things which have better sound than others; and in pronouncing, fall better, without offence to Use and Custom. And this is that licence which the Grammarians call poetical Licence: which they think to be given only unto Poets, to help the measure of their Verses; and do not understand, that it is as well given unto Orators, Historians, Philosophers, and all other whatsoever, according to their inclination or election. And of this licence, only Grammar doth defraud us; nay, it doth confound and drown it. And this begets that other latin Tongue which is adulterate, and daily depraved with new rules and precepts; and so involved and intricate, that how thou shouldst either read, writ or speak, saith he, thou knowest not. And this almost every man perceives, that hath betaken himself to reading of ancient Authors, and gins but to taste their elegancy: And this, should every man of wisdom look unto. For, there is no diligence or subtlety, saith he, that can bring us to the latin elegancy, unless we absolutely so renounce Grammar, that we do not regard so much as the least rule thereof; but only rely upon the judgement and pleasure of the ear, and speak after Custom, so far as it is limited by ancient Authors. And thus without any toil we shall be eloquent. For, Grammar is so far from being the foundation of the latin Tongue (or any other); that it is rather the greatest hindrance therein, and cause of all the errors & contentions that daily rise among Grammarians: As it is also in my judgement, saith he, the main root, fountain and beginning of all barbarism. Nor find I other out of Varro, Cicero, Pliny, Quintilian., or other ancient Orators or Poets. And whosoever shall be led by it, will be deceived, and never come to elegancy, either in this or any other languages. But, notwithstanding all these reasons, all these experiments, all these grave and weighty testimonies; I doubt not, but I shall hear of some Demetrius, who with his Associates, to keep up the trade, will still be crying, Magna Diana Ephesiorum. Wherefore, I appeal to thee, my Defendress, and to thy Tribunal; most humbly imploring no other redress of injurious oppressions, but that the presence of thyself, O Truth, may be so much respected, that blinde-fould Opinion, Patroness of Grammar and Grammarians, may cease to govern and to keep the people (as herself is) hoodwinked: And that, upon thy strait and imperial Command, she may leave all men indifferent, and in the posture of an equal balance, ready to turn, where reason, sense and demonstration are most ponderous. And the waking part of Students shall not only acknowledge thy divine & powerful hand in the cure of their deplored lethargy: but myself, thy devote suppliant, in lieu thereof shall be obliged in my next endeavours, to discover in what manner this use, Custom, and Authority should be sought and ordered, for the speedy, cheap, easy, and infallible furnishing of this, and every other Nation, with all sorts of purest Languages. FINIS. Faults escaped, in some Copies. Pag. Line 2. 28. Thenth, read Theuth. 2. 30. this in that read that in this. 23. 26. Livius, Andronicus, read Livius Andronicus. 32. ●. been found read been hitherto found.