THE ENEMY to Vnthryftinesse:  
Publishing, by Laws, documents and Disciplines. A Right Rule, for Reformation of Pride, and other Prodigal and Riotous disorders, in a Common wealth: For the worthiness of Directions, A Perfect Mirror for all Magistrates: (especially) of CITIES. And for sound Counsels, and Admonitions, A Card or Compass, for every young Gentleman, honourably and profitably to govern his Actions.  
Partly, drawn out of the sage Government, of the most worthy Emperor, Alexander Severus: and (generally) discovering the unsufferable Abuses now reigning in our happy English common wealth.  
By George whetston's Gent.  
Malgre de Fortuner  
¶ Printed at London by Richard Jones Anno 1584.   

The Printer to the Reader▪  
TO the intent, that the Variable humours of men (which delight as much in change, as they differ in opinions) may be satisfied, with the variety of M. Whetston's. Works and writing. I have therefore, not (here) thought it ●…sse to set down the several titles, of his several works already printed & compiled: Vid●….  

1 The Enemy to Vnthryftinesse.  
2 The Rock of Regard,  
3 The honourable Reputation and Moral Virtues of a Soldier:  
4 The Heptameron of civil discourses.  
5 The Tragical Comedy of Promos and Cassandra.  
6 The life and death of M. G. Gascoigne:  
7 The life & death of the grave and honourable Maiestrat, Sir Nycholas Bacon, late L. keeper.  
8 The life, and death of the good L. Dyer,  
9 The life and death of the noble Earl of Sussex▪  
10 A Mirror of true Honour, shewing the life, death, and Virtues of Francis, Earl of bedford. ●…kes ready to be Printed.  
11 A panoply of devices,  
12 The English mirror, 〈◊〉  
13 The Image of Christian justice.    

To the Right Honourable, Woolstone Dixi, Lord MAYOR of the famous City of London.  
To the Right worshipful, Sir Edward Osburne, knight, and other the Aldermen his Assistants: and to their learned Counsellor, M. Sergeant Fleetwood, Recorder of the same CITY: his approved good friend and Kinsman.  
RIGHT HONOURABLE, AND Worthy Magistrates: having compiled this Book, in the time of the Right worshipful, Sir Edward Osburns' Mayoralty: I dedicated the same with my ready service, to the worthy magistrates of this famous CITY. To whom the execution of the Diciplines, contained therein (chiefly) belongeth: I bowldly say, if the Book had been as effectually regarded as it was curiously searched a number might have made profit of my Travel: but as old wounds, require deep searching, even so cankered Vices are not to be cured, but with severe chastisements: This Book discovereth many and so dangerous evils: as every man that hath care of his posterity, is bound to be a suitor for reformation: The contents thereof I humbly submit unto your grave Censures The honour of Reformation belongeth unto your wisdoms, the benefit to the public weal: and the bare travel (only) is due unto me: Which as at the first, I dedicated the same, for the service of this CITY even so: in this second Correction, I patronize the Book with your honourable & right worshipful protections: no more, but accomplishment of perfect desires, with acknowledgement of my duty and service.  
To your Honour and Worships,  
George whetston's.   

To the Right worshipful, the young Gentlemen, of the Inns of Court.  
MOst worthy & right Worshipful Gentlemen (of the Inns of Court,) unto you, as unto one of the fairest Ornaments of this happy Realm. I commend the benefit of this small Treatise: And I am well persuaded, in this Dedication, that I salute the best paret of all the young Gentlemen of England: For what Course soever, they afterwards follow, there are very few Gentlemen, but, either are, or have been of your Society: It is very well known that these famous Houses are the first intertayners of your Liberty.  
For (notwithstanding) in your Governments, there are many good and peaceable Orders, yet your chiefest Discipline, is by the Purse. Those that are disposed, study the Laws: who so liketh, without check may follow Dalliance: And (certainly) the wanton 〈◊〉, which you (continually) behold, are not unlike the sirens enchantments (were Poet's feignings true;) you continually walk by the Adamant Rocks, which draw Silver and Gold, as fast as Iron and Steel: you must be armed with more experience than the capacity of young years: or else, assirte yourselves that Repentance will unlose your Fetters: there is an old Proverb: Evil Company, corrupteth good manners: And (truly) I cannot see, how young men, of the best education: should escape unpoysoned, when vice is so conversant with elder years.  
O how happy were it for your Posterity, if the Inns of the Court, were far from Dicyng-houses, or dying houses, with their Original, the Devil. But, if you cannot be thus separated, this little Book, will (with regard) guide you as safe, as the Clue of thread did Theseus, in the Labyrinth. These Houses (outwardly) are of the substance of other Buildings, but within are the Botches and By●…es of abomination: they are like unto deep Pits, covered with smooth Grass, of which, men must be warned, or else, they can hardly avoid that their eye can not discover:  
You can have, no fairer warnings than the steps of your Companions falls, nor I, a more fortunate Reward for my travail, then to see you (worthy Gentlemen) to flourish.  
I beseech you, to be advised: It is a more precious matter, to shun & Mischief, by other men's harms, then to learn the goodness of a thing, by the loss thereof. This sharp Discovery, will make your fleering Deceivers, my open Enemies: but I shallbe well strengthened, if my true Affection, brood in you a disdain of their fellowship, & let them spurn their worst, they hurt themselves, that are angry with good Admonition. I dedicate this Book to the Magistrates to whom, appertaineth the chastisement of evil livers, your worst enemies: I dedicate to you (courteous Gentlemen) the Fruits of Noble Alexander's Counsels, as beseeming your worthiness: I am but his Trouch-man, and your trusty friend. And (truly) your wisdoms may make his grave Counsels more profitable than their severe Discipline: for the Medicine is of more value, that preserveth Health, then that which cureth Sickness. The health of a Gentleman, is Honour & actions of virtue: in which, Alexander (liberally) instructeth you: The Malady, nay, death of a Gentleman, is an undoing to the posterity, which is hastetied, by the sucking of Shifters: Of whom, I (constantly) hope, the good Magistrates will ease you: I leave further Ceremonies, in my Preface, least I seem to judge your Wisdoms, who are (for Learning) a fair Beauty of the Commonwealth: my plain Method, in writing, showeth you a large hole to see day, which is ynouffe (with an Advantage) who retain the virtue, to drain Honey from a Weed: I end to trouble you, at this time: but in no time, will leave to be:  
Your assured Friend:  
George Whetstones.   

Ad candidum Lectorem: IN LAUDEM OPERIS.  

SIte cura iuvat sanctarum (Candide) Legum,  
Aut inculpatae praecepta salubria vitae:  
Hinc Exempla pecas, Morum sit norma tuorum  
Hic Liber, et SPECULO te contempleris in isto,  
Nam fugienda tibi quae sint industrius Author  
Quaeqae lequenda docet. Liber et labor illius omnis  
Huc spectant: Aleas vites, nec Tessera curae,  
Nec Gula, nec Luxus, nec desidis Otia vitae  
Sint tibi: sed Mores compti, castissima vita,  
Et Labor, et rebus virtus exercita duris  
Quae Patriam justis defendere possit in Armis,  
Haec Summa est Operis, nostriqae hîc meta laboris.   
JOANNES BOTREVICUS.   

¶ Faults escaped, the Author being absent.  
leaf. Side. line. Fault. Correction. 1, 1. 16. no common wealth, in no common wealth. 7. 1. 9 an Absurdity, no Absurdity. 8. 2. 30 his own Daughter, his own Death. 9 1. 13. Gaius Caius. 10. 1. 18. labourers barbarous 15. 2. 19 knights of the land. knights of the Band. 21. 1. 2. attempting attempt. 21. 1 2. innoia. muoia 28. 1. 11. forgetteth giveth 26. 2. 22. done due  
In the next Line following, for reverenced, read, reserved.   

A Mirror for Magistrates of Cities.  
AFTER THAT THE GOOD Emperor Alexander (surnamed) Severus, for his sharp correcting of vice, had restored the authority of the Senate, and had given breath unto their good Laws: of whom the one sat without reverence, and the other were read and not regarded, through the inordinate liberties, and Priveleadges given unto vice, by that unclean Monster Heliogabalus, his Predecessor: Of the sudden, Rome was brightened with the virtues of justice, as the world with the beams of the Sun, after a horrible and dark tempest. But as there is no assurance of fair weather until the sky be clear from clouds, so (which well foresaw this good Emperor) there can be no common wealth grounded peace and prosperity, where there are not Informers to find out offenders, as well as judges to chasten offences: In so much, in the prime of his Government, accompanied with many grave Senators, as this good Emperor went unto the Senate, in his passage he might see the Cittyzins busielye exercised in their several trades: he encountered the Gentlemen in civil attire, and of every estate, found both himself and his Senators, saluted with much honour, reverence and duty.  
And being in the Senate house, mounted in the judicial Throne, he sat long, and was little occupied with crimynall causes.  
The Senators, no little gloried, that (appealing unto the judgement of Alexander) they might lawfully boast, that Rome, which was late a Forest of wild beasts, or to speak more properly, a den of thieves, a San●…uarie for Ruffens, a privilege for Strumpets: a place in which no vice was forbidden, nor virtue commanded, by their great wisdoms was brought into so good an order, as Alexander's eyes could behold no open offenders, nor his ears hear of any secret offences. In so much, as after his return to the Palace, they lauded the Emperor, with many acclamations of virtue, attributing this happy reformation unto his piety, temperance, and justice: thinking, that in giving of him this sovereignty, he would return the praises upon their paineful-travels, with the encouragement, that the magnanimous Caesar gave unto his soldiers, saying: that their bloods wrote honour in his forehead, and therefore how precious he esteemed his own honour, so careful he was of their welfare. But Alexander, although he were second to none, in the regarding and the rewarding of virtuous Magistrates, yet lest by thinking, that this outward reformation, had in the common wealth settled an inward amendment, and thereby they should grow negligent in the administrations of their weighty charges, he with a light regard, attended his own deserved praises, to reave them of the hope of particular commendations: yea, that they might well know that all that glistered was not Gold, that always the inward heart, was not discovered by the outward habit: he compared the best governed Common wealth unto a fair Apple, which being searched, hath a Core, and that the worthy Senators, might perceive their errors, and to amend what was omitted of their own duties, and necessary to establish a happy government, in this grave and prudent Oration he set down the dangerous estate of the public weal: and with-al, a perfect remedy for the festered and inward maladies.  

The first Oration of Alexander, the Emperor, to the Senators.  
Most grave and reverend Fathers, we not a little rejoice, through the grace of the immortal Gods, and your great wisdoms, to behold the famous Rome, but yesterday (in comparison) infamed with all abominations, by the privileges of our beastly predecessor, who meriteth neither the name of Emperor, nor man, no we in possession of her ancient virtues: And as we confess, that by the divine and heroical blessings, the hoaresed voice of justice is cleared: So we likewise hope, by the same graces, the remembrance of vice and iniquity shall be rooted out. But good Senators, to discontinue a prosperous beginning, with a slothful imagination, that the Common weal is sound, because no in●…yrmities appear, is the unhappy mean, to blast the fruits, of your well employed wisdoms, and to inpresse an uncurable Canker in the bowels of Rome. The practisers of chirurgery very well know, that an old and deep festered sore, w●…l with easy working of the Surgeon, ourwardly seem to heal, but it there be not Corrosives applied, to eat out the root thereof, this over hasty healing will break forth unto a more grievous malady. Good Senators, unto you all, it is well known, that the public weal hath of long time been infected, with the most horrible vices, that ever humanity practised: yea, so foul and un clean, as civil creatures are forbade to recite them, by the savage inclination of that Monster HELIOGABALUS, yea so loathsome and filthy were his abominations, as the worse sort of people, (his favoured servants) so detested his detestable and vile life, as they hasted his overlong prorogued death. Now that the immortal Gods have invested us with the Imperial Majesty, small is the wonder, though there appear a reformation in the good, when the very Reprobate were glutted with wickedness. But reverend Fathers, this sweet alteration is no warrant to the Magistrate, to be slothful in his function, lest in not surveying of the best, the best themselves be corrupted, as Moths consume the finest garments, where they be seldom worn, and less overlookte: And although in the better sort, this inconvenience is to be feared, in the worse, this mischief is to be certainly expected: they will upon every temptation return to their naughtiness as a Dog to his vomit, and therefore these dangerous insyrmities in a Common wealth, must be cured as the skilful Surgeon doth a festered sore. Their causes must be searched and their nourishing humours purged, and then amendment followeth. The cause of this inordinate lust, this excessive drunkenness, this outrageous prodigality, & to be short, this hell of iniquity among the Romans, is evil education: of long time there hath been no man ready to instruct them in virtues, nor willing to reprehend their vices, the nourishment of these evils are the Taverns, Dicing places, and brothel houses, of which Rome hath great store, & they greater store of guests: so that to rid the public weal of this dangerous infection, is first and chiefly to instruct the youth in good manners, and next to abate the number of these superfluous houses, or at the least, daily to oversee their doings.  
Thus in brief, I have declared some of the hidden evils, harboured in the bowels of Rome, which to reform your own eyes must be as ready to find them out, as your ears attentive to hear evils reported: you must be as well Informers of offenders, as judges of offences: for the desire of justice is to root out iniquity, and the office of justices to inquire after evil livers: And without all doubt, in this careful proceeding, in your visitations, you shall see sufficient example of sin, to occupy your judicial places with correction. This vigilant care, will eternize your good beginnings with glory, will establish prosperity in the weal puplique, will comfort the good, and bridle the wicked: ytnot through the love of virtue, yet for the chastninge of vice. Thus, you see it concerneth the inrichinge of the common wealth, in the service whereof the bitterness of death, should unto you deem pleasant: In particulars, it concerneth the prosperity of your Children, Kinsfolk and Allies, for whose benefit you are borne to travel: also it concerneth your own honour, which you should hold more precious than life: and therefore as your Sovereign, we conjure you, and as fathers of the Common wealth beseech you, that you will continue our good beginning, with the execution of the emperors directions: and so we end as we begun, the prosperity of Rome, shall highly laud the gracious goodness of the gods, & the greatness of your wisdoms.  
WHen the good Emperor, had in few words ended this weighty Oration, (or more properly grave admonition) the fatherly Senators admiring the sound judgement of Alex. being of tendet years & unexperienced, in policies of government, knew straightways, that there was a negligence in their administration of justice, which his mind (continually exercised for the benefit of the public weal) foresaw, and to the profit thereof, in this loving manner the same discovered.  
To witness that they thoroughly conceived the intent of his reposed words, by their own prudent deeds, they forthwith wrought out the wholesome effects of his godly desire: and the better to search the core of vice & iniquity hid in the entrails of Rome. These good magistrates used this policy, in disguised habits they entered the Taverns, common tables, victuling houses, stews & brothel-harbors, without controlment, they viewed the behaviours of the people, that they might the better vuderstand the full of their abuses: & upon diligent search, what found they? forsooth, Rome like a painted strumpet. The great boast that they but lately made of her reformation, had no better assurance their this, a few of the good set forth their good dispositions at large, & many of the wicked, for a time held in their lewd inclinations: but counterfetes will unto kind, Copper may hold print but not bide touch with gold: even so these hypocrites, as place and opportunity served, bewrayed their beastly natures. Among these tranions, Cozenage was esteemed lawful merchandise, & dicing, fair pastune: lechery was held no sin, nor chastity, virtue: ruffens were honoured, & the gods despised: the mouth of virtue was locked, & vice spoke through a trumpet. To be short, among them was no law but disorder, nor any thing public but abomination: neither possibli might it be otherwise: for by the authority of Heliogabalus, ruffens, bawds & such other brothel birds, were made senators, yea, the basest persons were married to noble women, & they that could set abroach most villainies, bore the greatest sways: & where such liberty is given to offend, sin is so sweet to the flesh, that there will appear no difference between men & beasts, save that men do exceed beasts in beastliness: and in this accordeth divine Plato, who saith, that those cities, in which ●…her are no severe laws to correct sin, are rather forests of monsters than places habitable for men, & where as there was this corruption in nature, there could be no alteration hoped for but by discipline, which the sequel well proveth.  
The change of the government, from a most vile unto a most virtuous Emperor, purged simply, the corruption of the people, for although that exercise of naughtiness, were not so open as before, yet the evil disposed knew where to stawle companions even in the forenamed Hell houses, and which was most to be lamented, among the scum of the City, I mean Ruffians, Bawds, Brokers, Cheters, Shifters and others: in these filthy places, worthy Gentlemen and substantial citizens were daily found, the one through unthriftiness to waste their patrimony, the other by covetousness to purchase the Devil and all.  
When the grave Senators, had entered into the depth of these foul ulcers of the Public weal, they found that Dice, Drunkenness and Harlots, had consumed the wealth of a great number of ancient Gentlemen, whose Purses were in the possession of vile persons, and their Lands at mortgage with the Merchants, and how both the one and the other, were confederate to spoil these Gallants. They truly certified the Emperor, the dangerous estate of the Common wealth, how that by the corruption of these houses, the Gentlemen had made this exchange with vice persons, they were attyced with the gentlemen's bravery, and the Gentlemen disgraced with their bea●…ly manners: And somuch the case was the more to be pitied, for that the remedy was to be doubted: for albeit their infections grew by the filthy conversation with ●…affens, Bawds, and suché brave baggages, which was hard to be cured, that which should comfort them in well doing, I mean their Lands, were in the possession of the Merchants, who of the gain of their bargain will wage sreendes to countenance their deceitful dealings, and then let them back their worst, their adversaries will bite them, with their own teeth. Thus, poor Gentlemen, they are sure to impair their livings: howbeit (perhaps) they amend their lives.  
When the good Emperor, had attentively herd this (lamentable) report, he forthwith made this short answer.  
Grave Fathers, you have certified us no more, then by reason we sensibly foresaw: it is therefore now convenient, that we by severity pluck up the roots of wickedness, which by sufferance are grown to mighty bodies of sin. Therefore our pleasure is, that by express Commandment, the Cittizins of Rome be-warned to appear (to morrow) before us, in the Theatre of Rome, where they shall openly know their faults: and by the graces of the immortal Gods, and counsel of our grave Senate, we shall set down remedies for this dangerous mischief.  
This reposed speech of the Emperor, promised good success to his grave determinations: in to much, as the Senators settled in this hope, made (forthwith) Proclamation of the emperors Commandment.  
And at the appointed time, the graver sort of the Cittizins, with a multitude of the Commonalty being assembled, the Emperor and a chosen company of Senators, with a stern countenance passed by the people, and mounted in the Chair of Majesty, as one distempered with a great passion, with an angry Countenance and a still tongue, he settled his eyes upon the Cittizins: And notwithstanding they saluted him with many dutiful acclamations: as, Live long, O noble Emperor, the chosen of the Gods, the Glory of the world, the Sovereign of Kings and prosperity of Room: yet he seemed never a white the more affable, as willing they should know that his wisdom had searched their corrupt consciences, & (therefore) little regarded their dutiful gratulations: In the end, when the regard of his displeased countenance, had made them silent with ●…are, or (rather) hall dead with sorrow, he quickened them again, with this sharp Reprehension: as followeth.   

Alexander's Oration, to the Cittizyns of ●…eeme.  
IF we knew, by what proper name to call you, by that name we would will you to give attention, to the words we purpose to declare: If we should greet you with the reverence due unto Priests, we should highly offend the Gods and delude men: for, in you there is no Religion to serve the Gods, nor charity to live Neighbourly among men. If we should salute you, as Senators, your own consciences would witness that we mocked you: for the good Senators, travel for the benefit of the Publique-weale, and you (only) labour for private lucre. It were ridiculous to call you Gentlemen: for they, by their magnanimous Virtues, enlarge the bounds of the Empire, and you, though you have cra●…t to dispossess Gentlemen of their lands, yet you lack valour to keep the enemy from the sacking of your Cities. What? would you that we ●…ould call you, as the ancient Cittizyns were wont to be called, good people of Room? Believe me, this is no proper Title for you: for they and you differ in conditions, as good doth from bad. Those Cittizyns or good people of Room, by their Virtues, crowned Room with the Honour of a City, and more, with this Title: The Head of the World: For, as divine PLATO saith: it is not sumptueus buildings, that giveth name of a City, but the Cruilytie and worthiness of the Cittyzyns: And on the contrary-parte, you pollute Room with so many abominations, as where in times past, she hath been called the head of the world, she may now be as aptly called: the tail of iniquity: If none of all these titles belong unto you: what name should we then give you? you be of Rome: live in Room, and have your sustenance from Rome: all this hath Moths in cloth, Canker rust in Iron, & Caterpillars in ●…uict: Then, you Moths, Canker-rust and Caterpillars of Room: give care unto my words, which show you a more assured benefit then your own traveles: The large Privileges of Abules, which you (of long time) have enjoyed, have (by s●…erance made a custom of sin: & therefore (in charity (we are first) bond, to admonish you with good counsel: if that work no amendment, them (of necessity, we must chasten you with the Rod of justice: But, admit this liberty were without check, you would be the confusion of your ownselues: you have experience of the Vermins to whom, we (rightly) compared you: the Moathe, consumeth the Cloth, and (in time, for lack of iustenaunce, starveth itself. The iyke doth the Caterpyller among Fruit, and with continuance, the Canker-rust in Iron. And you, that denoure the wealth of the CITY, dwell upon the Possessions of the Gentlemen, and oppress the multitude with bondage: what gain you by this? By Cruelty, you purchase hatred of your Neighbours, and the Ambitious, will envy your abundance of wealth: and then, this followeth: If they can not be strengthened with foreign power, your familiars, will invade you with civil dissension: For, among those that have lived prodigally, this rule is observed: when their Purses are empty, their heads are occupied with a thousand mischiefs, to come pass a new supply: And (which is most to be feared,) they be not so perilous cunning in their practices, as they are devilish resolute in their Executious: If they sell you their lands, for money to spend riotously, when that help is past, they will cut off your heads, fire your Houses, and sack this famous City, to sustain their lascivious humours: For (without special grace) in 
Pride and want, cause of Sedition.  proud minds, want can not suppress desire to spend: You have read the experience in the History of unthrifty CATTILINE and his Confederates, how he murdered the worthiest Cittezins, without mercy, made spoil of their goods without law, and besieged Room with a shrewd danger: you are like to be partakers of their Afflictions, unless you be more moderate in gaining of gentlemen's livings, and they less riotous in spending of your money. When PHILIP King of MACEDONS, made war upon the PERSIANS, having intelligence, that they abounded in all manner of delicate vyandes, sumptuous Garments and wasteful expenses: he forth with retired his Army, and said: it was needless too make war upon those, that within a while, would cut one another's throats. And truly, though PHILIP his answer were short, his judgement was weighty: for as mighty Rivers will soon run dry, when their noorishing springs are turned another way: so wealthy Cities, can not, but be subverted, when every man doth clean contrary to his function. Among the Philosophers, MAN is called, MICROCOSMOS, or a little world: for that in him is figured, a Model of the glory thereof. If he resemble the whole world, it were an absurdity too make him a Figure of a well-governed Commonwealth: a man consisteth of divers members, as head, body, Arms, legs. etc. So doth a good Commonwealth, of divers estates: as of a King as Supreame-head and Commander: of godly Prelates, as the heart and nooryshers of divine virtues: of grave judges, Magistrates and Counsellors, as the body and strength of Common prosperity: of worthy Gentlemen, as the Arms, hands and executioners of the Magistrates grave policies: of adventurous Merchants, as the legs and travailers into foreign countries, for their own countries commodity: of Plowmen, and inferior people, as the feet, which must run at the commandment of every other member. I say, where all these estates, dutifully, do their Offices: where the Prince doth (justly) command: the Magistrates (advifedly) direct: and inferior Subjects (faithfully) obey: there, where this Concord is, peace and prosperity, floorysheth in their Cities, and fear, pineth the envy of their bordering enemies. On the contrary part, where the head is crowned with a Pantofle, as the Subject of the unconstant multitude: where the passages of the heart, which is the Organ of the Soul, are fixed with the continual exercise of sin, (the Figure that the Prelate's sound Doctrine, are but words of warning, and no causes of amendment: Where the breast and body lies naked to every peril, I mean, the good Magistrates, are neither reverenced, feared, nor obeyed: Wherethe hands are bound to the knees, in token, that the Gentlemen are thrawle to the Merchants:  
Where, on the knees is fastened a Cap and a feather, and about the legs, a Sword and a Target buckled, in sign, that the Cittizyns desire the honour they can not govern, and leave their ●…rauayles, which would enrich the Commonwealth: And where the feet, which should trudge for every necessary, should be fettered, in a pair of Stocks: as witness of the poor labourers bondage and oppression, who, for their necessary traveles, ought too be cheerised. I say: as a man thus deformed, buckled and bound on a heap, would soon perish, for want of sustenance: even-so, a Commonwealth, thus confused, would soon be confounded, for lack of good Order. What Prince, that is Head and Sovereign, of such a savage and brute people? that will not rather) wish, a Royal Tomb, than a Princely Palace? for, in the one, he is privyleaged against the outrage of enemies, & in the other, he is not sa●…e from the Treasons of his own Subjects. And therefore, you Vipers, which destroy one another, if our loving persuasions, may not alter your lewd dispositions: take the advantage of time & my nakedness, give me an untimely death, rather than a dishonourable reign: for truly I had rather die, while the walls of Room do stand, then live to see her sumptuous buildings on ●…ite, whose ruin is at hand, unless, out of hand, you amend your corrupt consciences, & the multitude, their naughty manners.  
AT these words, (with tears in their eyes) as Pledges of sorrowful hearts: the people shouted ●…oorth with a loud cry, their duti●…ull A●…ons: saying. O noble ALEXANDER, let the Torture of ten dearhes, be too easy a pain, for the man, which but imagineth thy Death: Live: and live long: O most noble Emperor, the lice of us all, and the light of the Romans glory.  
¶ Here Sorrow stopped their mouths: but their dismayed countenances, gave full knowledge of their inward Repentance: so that the Emperor, both in words, looks and gesture, (more mildly) continued his Oration: as followeth.   

Continuance of Alexander his Oration, to the Cittizyns.  
YOU wish him the vengeance of ten deaths, that should, but imagine our death: And (certainly) Conscience persuadeth us, your tongues do truly publish the consents of your hearts: but small is the difference, when death and desolation is the end, whither you lay violent hands upon us, or murder us with your horrible vices. The body that is in a Consumption, 
The euer●… of a K●…me, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  bringeth the head to the grave: even so, the ruin of the kingdom, endeth the reign of the king: he whose head groweth out of his shin, whose eyes are set in his knees, whose sere are joined to his shoulders, & 〈◊〉 other members (semblably) disordered: would you 〈◊〉 ●…ther) take him for a Mōs●…er then a man? ye●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (doubtless) such a creature would perys●… tie, were he not by others ●…ered for this preposterous shape in every estate liveth out of order, will soon come to con fusion, & people of the best fortune, but live as the bondmen of their enemies.  
The first Erector of the roman walls, was ROMULUS, yet Room was nothing so much bound unto him, for the environing of her fair buildings, with strong Bulwarks, as in appointing offices, orders and laws among the people, to govern them in peace and prosperity: This Romulus, (that Room might prosper,) hastened the death of his Brother REMUS, an Act (simply) considered by Nature, very impious, and the vengeance of detestable cruelty: but the seditious disposition of Remus well pondered, necessity approved the severity of ROMULUS, to be perfect justice. The love we own to our Parents, aught to be very reverent and great, because they gave us life: to our brethren, natural, because of privity in blood: to our friends, affectionate, because virtue or benefit is the 
Me●… 〈◊〉 more bound to the commonwealth than 〈◊〉 Par●….  foundation: But the love we own unto our Country, commandeth us to break all these bands of affection, in presenting the dearest friends, offending against the Weal-public: yea, in the service thereof, to make it appear, that the prodigal spoylles of our lives, giveth contempt unto Death: That Examples of Kings and Capital Magistrates, in this duty, may be Samplers of Virtue unto the inferior Subjects of Room, I give you to understand, how King LYCURGUS went into (voluntary) exile, that his good Laws, might have long continuance among the Lacedæmonians. King CODRUS (wilfully) ran upon his own Daughter, (only) upon a prophesy, that the same should deliver his Country from invasion. AUCURUS, King MIDAS Son of PHRIGIA, having knowledge that the ire of the Gods, would not be pacified, until a living man leapt into a great gaping gulf of the earth which overthrew many houses, and did much hurt in the Country: The kings Son, ANCURUS, I say, lest some should prevent him, (hastily) kissed the King his father, his wife and friends, and (courageously) leapt into this Gulf. What need we further search then the Monuments of Noble Romans: CURTIUS, did the like valiant deed of Anoun●…s. MUTIUS SCEVOLE, in disguised Haby●…, entered (alone) the Hetruryan Camp, to ●…ay their king, who (dangerously) assaulted Rome. GAIUSMARIUS, to overcome the 〈◊〉 Cymbrians, ●…crificed his dearly beloved 〈◊〉 CALPHURNIA: Death was the certain end of all these en●…pises: but th●… Noble personages, w●…re wondrous uncertain, whither their Deaths should 〈◊〉 their Countries from dangers, or no▪ But Lovers of their countries prosperity, maketh neither doubts nor delays, where great petyll asketh present succour: But, you will (p●…ure) say, that you are ready to spend your ly●…, yo●… lands and Goods, to withstand foreign 〈◊〉, or Domestical ●…nnemies: If you so say, and do so, 〈◊〉 challengeth all this, and wisdom willeth a 〈◊〉 foresight: It is a work of more thank to 〈◊〉 health, then to cure Sickness, for, pain and gri●… (only) commendeth Medicine: even-so, effusion of innocent blood, burning of Cy●…ies, and ravishment of Virgins, are the ●…es of most glorious conque●…: And truly, he that will give cause of sedition, though he after doth his uttermost to suppress the same, is like unto him that doth (wilfully) surfeit, that Physic may heal him: Your excessive covetousness, is example of the like mischief: yea, this double danger dependeth thereon: By the same, you undo the Gentlemen, which are the Beauty of Rome, and the strength of the Empire: For (albeit) jawe-lesse Wolves will scar Sheep, yet maimed men, encourage Cowards. Your abundance, can not defend Foreign Invasion, when the gentlemen's hearts are nipped with want: nay, it is to be feared, that Envy and Necessity, will make them to join with the Enemy, to be revenged of your Cruelties, or too be relieved of your superfluities.  
HEREWITH, the Multitude cried out, aloud: Accursed be he, and unworthy the name of a Citizyn of Rome, that, by unsatiable covetousness and Usury, seeketh this public dissolution: whatsoever is thus (unlawfully) gotten, shallbe restored back: Hereafter, such unprofitable members, shall be bridled: Live virtuous Emperor, and what lack ye find in us, reform it, and we will obey you: and he that doth resist, let him be slain, and buried in Tiber: Your virtue hath restored us to life, that wear dead: unto Liberty, that were in thraldom: unto Honour, that were dishonoured. In governance, you be our Father, whom we well reverence: by free election, our Emperor, whom we will obey: & in wisdom our soundest judge, whose come maundements & counsels, we will execute, as general Laws. ¶ Hereat, the Emperor relented, and with much pain, retained the tears of his eyes, and (in the end) comforted them, with this Conclusion.   

The Conclusion of Alexanders' Oration, to the Cittizyns  
I Am right glad, that your Protestation declareth, that you yet hold some portion of Virtue: which giveth us hope, that the renown of this Noble Realm, begun by Romulus, shall not end in you: And if you be constant in this affection, we trust, right shortly, to make the Fame thereof equal in estimation, with the Reigns of any of our progenitors. And now, I have found again your old name whereby I will call you.  
Ye Children and Successors of the virtuous Romans: I say, you victorious people, branches of Romulus, subduers of Realms, patterns of virtue, and prowess to all the world, mitigate your covetous appetites, abandon excessive Usury, exceed not the bounds of your popular state, be charitable, and merciful unto your own Countrymen, where their necessity may be relieved with your abundance: Be you ashamed, that labourers, and rude people, should condemn you of cruelty, for destroying of your Gentlemen (the chief ornament, and defence of this noble City.) Remember, that if the state of Senators do decay, the most virtuous of the Gentlemen are elected in their places: So you, that shall equal them in virtue (for your substance only cannot make you gentle) shall be advanced unto the state of Gentlemen, according to your deme●…its.  
Now have we no more to say unto you, but apply yourselves to the ancient and most laudable orders, as we shall endeavour ourselves, by example & diligence, to bring this City again unto perfection.  
WHen the good Emperor had thus ended his Oration, he caused divers of the gravest Citizyns, to attend him at his Palace, where he commanded, that by secret inquiry, they should learn how many 〈◊〉, by 〈◊〉, or other corrupt 〈◊〉, had (absolute possession or Morguage of the gentlemen's ●…andes: and to certify, both) the names of the Usurers, and the Gentlemen so distressed. Upon whose certificate, he dealt with the Creditors of the Gentlemen, 〈◊〉 a great ●…tion of money out of his own Crea●…e, towards a general agreement. As in the end he concluded, that the Creditors, should rece●…e the res●…ue of their Debts, by a yearly pension out of the gentlemen's, Lands; By which ●…ewes, their 〈◊〉 tie might recover what their 〈◊〉 had ●…asted. The Noble Emperor, ha●…ynge brought to pass this high hone●…te, for the Gentlemen a Rome, with the possession thereof: in this loving Oration, he instructed them in the Duties of Gentlemen, and (●…dely) reprehended the Dishonours of their Reputation.   

The Emperor Alexander his Oration, to the Gentlemen of Rome.  
GEntlemen of Rome, by the name of Gentlemen I salute you, as Hereditorie Title of your Ancestors virtues, which I hope will always remain in your hearts; howbeit, too excessive prodigality, hath much wasted your livings, and impaired your credit. But with the blame of your laviciousnes, I am bound (by the working of pity) to show the cause thereof: Which (although it be no excuse in justice) yet it justly ●…oueth commiseration. The examples of our predecessors wickedness, is more lively expressed in your works, then may be shown by my words, and I hope, his worthy confusion, will be cause of your speedy amendment. Yet, I hold it not amiss, to lay before your eyes, the monstrous e●…illes, which you have learned of your late Emperor Heliogabalus: that, comparing his wretched end, with his wicked reign, fear may reform, what our loving affection wisheth to be amended in you.  
This vessel of abhominatio, so exceeded in pride, that from top to toe, he was ●…ired in cloth of gold pearl, & pretious-stones, & never wore any garment more than 
Vices off●…yogabaius  once, from his bed chamber, unto the place where he mounted unto his Coach the walls were decked with tapestry full of great pearls, and precious stones. The way as he went, was strewed with gold and silver, as one disdaining to ●…reade upon earth like other men. His Chariot was sometime drawn with tame Lions, sometimes with Elephants, and sometimes with marvelous fair Women. The Rings which he drew off his fingers, he never put on again. The vessels of gold and silver, wherein he was served, was evermore the fees of his servitors. Such huge prodigality was joined with his incomparable pride. His gluttony, & voluptuousness was so great, as near the Sea, his whole household was fed with most dainty fowls: and being far within land, they were all served with all manner of fishes, by Post brought alive from the Sea: Sometime he had for a general service, pasti●…s of peacocks tongues, otherwhile Partridges eggs, the heads of Popinjays, pheasants, and the most daintiest Birds: Neither was this superfluity alone upon the Tables in his own Palace, but in self same manner, his Lions, Grayhounds, and other Dogs of pleasure were fed. He so much esteemed of things that were dear and rare, that hearing there was but one Phoenix in the world, he offered two thousand Marks to have it to his Dinner.  
His lechery was so unsatiable, and withal so unclean, as common civility forbiddeth the report.  
His Pusalanimitie was such, as he studied how to become a woman, and of most notorious Strumpets, and Bawds, he erected a Senate, and in a Capitol, for the nonce, he made unto them many Orations, and called them his Companions, and fellow Soldiers.  
That vi●…e might have no stay, nor virtue any passage, he gave free Charters to all men to use all manner of villainy. And Sabinus, Vlpianus, and other learned and reverent judges he banished from the administration of justice.  
He cruelly put to death many worthy personages, & amongst the people many times let lose Lions, Bears, and other cruel Beasts. In fine, when his monstrous pride, prodigality, and lechery, had consumed all his own treasure, necessity, & a naughty disposition, made him to sell the offices of justice. But his own familiar Servants and Soldiers, weary of his abominations, slew him: & drawing his horrible Carrion with hooks through the City, they tied him to a stone of great weight, and threw him into Tiber, to the end so vile a body should never be buried: Yet, your own eyes are judges that I say the truth. His death and funerals was as vile and filthy, as, what I have said of his life, was sumptuous and rich.  
I have laid the misery of his death before your eyes, that you should expel the vices of his life forth of your hearts. It was the due of his beastliness, and will be the reward of your insolent living without amendment.  
You are yet young, & by prowess may recover more than you have by prodigality wasted: A virtuous end repaireth the dishonours of a vicious life: But shame liveth, when lewd men are dead. A prodigal and voluptuous humour, I know is hardly purged, because the norishments are many and sweet. But when I consider, that you are Gentlemen, I straightways hope, that you will easily subdue these affections. There is nothing more precious to man then life, nor nothing more fearful than death.  
Yet the noble Roman Gentlemen your ancestors, in actions of honour, preferred the last before the first. If you be heirs of their virtues, Usurers cannot purchase that patrimony: And therefore, great is our hope, that you will bridle mean affections, when they contemned the greatest. ROMULUS with a weak strength, and invincible courage, first builded this famous City, and of his name she is called to this day Room. Numa Pompilius that succeeded him, both enlarged the bounds, and strengthened her, with many good laws and orders: And in process of time, the wisdom of the Magistrates, and valiancy of her Gentlemen, made Rome, The Sovereign of Cities, the Beauty of the earth, and Empress of the whole world: And so to this day had remained, had not the horrible vices of her Emperors Nero, Caligula, Domitian, Comodus, and Heliogabalus, eclipsed her glory, and polluted her people with abominations: But virtue is able to perfect more than vice hath deformed. We beseech the Gods, that on our part there may be no default, as we earnestly de●…te reformation in you: And then (no doubt) Rome shall shortly have her ancient honour, and you the reputation of Romulus heirs. This badge of pride, Bravery in apparel, is necessary 
〈◊〉 apparel 〈◊〉 for sage players  for base persons, that publicly in open theatres, present the personages of Emperors, Kings, Dukes, and such Heroical Estates: For that they have no other mean to perform their action. But the magnanimous Gentleman, carrieth honour in his countenance, and not countenance in his Garments.  
CICERO discovered the Haughtiness of Caesar in his forehead.  
ASTYAGES, saw a Kingly mind in CYRUS, although, he were armed with a Sheephooj: man maketh the habit, and not habit a man.  
Drunkenness and gluttony, are fowl maims too 
Drunkenness and glotney, greatly disgraceth a gentleman.  Honour, and the greatest deformity in a Gentleman:  
Call Alexander, the great, to witness, who, after he had conquered (almost) all the whole World, with the Sword, conquered himself with a Winepotte: So that, it is a question, whither he received more Honour, in overcoming the mighty Darius, of Persia, or Dishonour, by being subdued, by the Persians Vices: If I were a judge, Alexander, should find a severe judgement: for, by his valiancy, he did but conquer his enemies, and in his drunkenness, he slew his friends, and hastened his own death.  
prodigality, is so sharp a vengeance, as there needeth 
The vengeance of Prodigality  no Law to chastise the Prodigal man, he doth so severely punish himself. Epicharidus, the Athenian, in six Days consumed his Patrimony, and all his life after, lived a Beggar.  
Pasicirus, king of Cyprus, first prodigally) spent his Treasure, afterwards, sold his Realm, and (lastly) died (miserably) in the City of Amathuntus,  
The prodigal Cleops, King of egypt, was driven unto such necessity, as he was feign to live of the dishonest use of his Daughter's body.  
If prodigality bring Kings to this exigent, who have many supplies, it speedily ruineth the richest Subject: yea, (which is worst) their recovery is as uncertain, as their undoing is certain: For by colour of their revenues, they run in debt the triple value of their Lands. You Gentlemen of Rome, know this better by experience, then by my information, you feel the smart of prodigality: by riot you were driven to mortgage your Lands, and had lost the same, and yourselves, had not our liberality redeemed both: our loving care to preu●…nt, that followeth after prodigality, which is this perilous danger:  
Men, being (by prodigality) Enemies of their own and posterities prospetytie: by want and Necessity, become Enemies of their countries peace and welf●…, I sa●…, fear of this mischief, and love of your w●…ldoynge, hath repurchased your Lands: receive of us, the Possession thereof, as a Cognisance of our love, and delight that you may floorysh: Keep your Honour with your Lands, lest our severe displeasure, be heaped upon your undoings: Let virtuous Policies and Documents be your study: see that your excr●…e, be Feats of chivalry: use your hands, to the managing or Arms, and not your Fingers to the tripping of Dice, a Pastime, so villainous, that (notwithstanding) 
The 〈◊〉 of Di●…g.  the loss be doubtful, the dishonour is certain.  
GOBILON, the Athenian, being sent Ambassador, to make League with the Corrynthians, who, finding the Governors of Corrynth, playing at the Di●…, departed without dispatch of his business: saying, ●…e would not stain the Glory of the Spartianes', in making League with Dicers. The King of the Persians, sent golden Dice to king Demettius, for a reproach of his Lightness. Cicero, in the Senate-house, put Antonius to silence, in saying, he was a Dicer: And (truly) so infamous a pastime, neither beseemeth the Gravity of the Magistrate, nor Honour of a Gentleman, for that the gain, is loaden with dishonest practices, and the loss, with unquiet passions.  
Learn by the Continency of the mighty Alexander, & the noble Roman Scipio, to subdue carnal affections: the one, having (by fortune of war, the possession of 
worthy examPls of continency  king Darius' Wife, the most beautiful Lady of all ASIA, he neither suffered himself, to be conquered by her beauty, nor the Queen to be dishonoured by his victory. The other, having like Advantage of the Paragon of Spain, with the semblable virtue, vanquished his Affections.  
On the contrary part, know ye, that Rome (of late) hath had more Emperors brought unto the Sepulture, by Lechery, then in many hundred years before, by the Lance. Gentlemen, my Kinsmen and Companions. I admonish you from naughtiness, by the falls of Emperors, kings, and Heroical Estates: that you may know, in the punishment of vice, the Gods, neither fear nor spare, the mightiest of men. On the contrary part: I counsel you to goodness, by the Counsel of our dignity, assuring you, by the exercise of Virtue, meaner than Gentlemen, become Emperors of Kingdoms. We have no more to say: but that the Gods impress in your hearts, the counsel we have blown into your ears, and that your Emperor Alexander, may behold Rome, Rome again: And you (Gentlemen of Rome) worthy the reputation of your Noble Ancestors.  
WHen the good Emperor, had ended his Oration: the Gentlemen, overcome with the Princely favour and affection of Alexander, as (also) wounded, with the knowledge of their former lasciviousness, discovered a great dismay of Spirit:  
In the end, with abased Countenances, upon their knees, they humbly acknowledged his gracious benefits: confessed their own unworthiness, and faithfully promised, to obey his fatherly Counsels. The good Emperor, then, demanded, if they would be contented, that their Debts should be paid by yearly pensions out of their Lands, and if they would (spariugely) live, according unto the proportion of the rest? They all answered, with one voice: Yea (noble Emperor) else were we accursed.  
¶ The prudent Alexander, having by these grave Orations, sounded the inclinations, of the three Estates of Rome. uz. The Senators: The Gentlemen, and the Citizyns: forsook not the advantage of the people's good dispositions, but while the Virtue of his wise Counsels was working in their hearts, he, with the Advice of his grave Senators, devised many good Laws, for the abandoning and banishment of Vices forth of the City: assuring himself, that where Discipline was wanting, the sowndest counsel, purged not corrupt manners: so that, to the love which his Affabylitie had won, he joined dread, through severe executions, of these profitable laws.   

Laws, Pains, and Penalties, set down by Alexander Severus, to punish Offenders against the Weal-public.  
In primis For that the Tavarnes, Dicing-houses, & the Stews, were the Nurses of all vices, 
Tauern●… stews anb dicing houses  and the Sanctuaries of vicious persons, he suppressed all such, as were of evil fame: saying: That, if the Owners could not live, but upon the undoing of others, it were reason, they should starve, by the necessity of their idle bringing up.  
¶ Item: He commanded, that in the Tavarns, there should be no other, than open Booths, that the Censors, 
Open booths in Taverns.  might see the behaviours & conditions of the people that haunted them.  
¶ Item: He commanded, that no Gentleman, Roman, 
Gentlemen, for bidden, Taverns  should resort to any of these Houses, upon pain, to lose the name of a Gentleman.  
¶ Item: He commanded, that no Senator, should have more than four dishes at his Dinner: nor Gentleman, or Citizyn, more than three: And that, 
gluttony and drunkenness  the Common people, should feed (only) of one Dish, of fish or flesh: saying, that gluttony and Drunkenness, not (only) consumed the wealth of the Weal-public, but also, the health of the people.  
¶ Item: He commanded, that no Gentleman, Romain, 
Limitation of Apparel  should have more than three Suits of Apparel: one, for Ordinary days: one other for F●…stiuall times: add the third, for the entertainment of Ambassadors: alleging, that all these were necessary, & what so ever was more, was superfluous. This Law was also set down by Philip le Bel, to reform the pride of France, and by Ferdinando, King of Arraon, to husbandry the small pensions of the Knights of the Land, which order he himself erected.  
¶ Item: He enacted, if any Gentleman Roman, 
Dycers made bond sl●…  or Citizin of Rome, by playing at Dice, haunting of Tavarns, or any other unthrifty exercise, had consumed his patrimony & substance, & was indebted more than he was able to satis●…ie: that then, it should be lawful for the Creditor, to take the party offending, & to hold him as his bondslave, so long as the service & labour of his body were thought sufficient for his debt. Were this a law in England, I fear me, at this present, we should have more Gentlemen bondmen, than Yemen trusty servants.  
¶ Item, For that Usury was the decay of a huge 
limitation for usury  number, he enacted, that no Usurer, should take (after the computation of their money, more than the allowance, of. three li, i. 〈◊〉. for a. C. li, for a year. And that he which refused to deliver his money at this rate, should from thenceforth, be held unworthy the name of a Roman, or to take any benefit by the Weal-public: But should, by the Censors, be deprived of the name of a Citizin, &, fo●…euer, after should be noted 〈◊〉 the crime of Ingratitude.  
¶ Item, From hence forth, no necessity be considered 
Money lent to dice players without hope to be recovered.  in them that consume their substance, in Dice playing, outrageous expenses or lechery: who so ever dareth to them, let it be at his peril & without hope of remedy. But unto him whom perverse fortune, long sickness, service, frend●…ship, thieves, 
Assinement of Creditors for distressed persons.  or oppressors have brought unto poverty: If any such come unto the Provost of the City, and declare his necessity, and whereof it proceeded, upon the oath of one Senator, and two honest Commoners, that his words are true, the Provost shall assign one rich man of the City to lend him a portion of money, taking a●…uraunce for the payment thereof, for the gain before limited.  
¶ Item, He enacted, that if any Citizin of Rome, were found idle, by the space of one whole day, unless, 
Idle persons set a work  upon a Festival Day, having no lawful nor approved excuse: that then, he should be first whipped, and after, by the conservators, he should be set to the trade ●…t he was of, and for every day, that he was openly seen, to be idle, the person, to whom he was committed, for one month, should set him to what labour ●…e plea●…ed, as his slave or bondman, gining him, ●…at and drink, only.  
¶ Item: He commanded, that the Controwlers' o●… the Ma●…ttes, should be honest men, and 
For Corrup●…f v●…s  not covetous: and (〈◊〉 the avoiding of the Ins●…tion) that 〈◊〉 should d●…gently ●…orsae, that the Vi●…tuailes, which were so●…ld, should be sweet and wholesome for 〈◊〉 be eaten.  
¶ Item: To avoid cause of Infection, and horrible 
 Diseases, he prohibited Ingurgitations, Banquets, late Suppers and long.  
¶ Item: He commanded, that men of corrupt and 
N●…ysome occupations.  noisome Occupations, should dwell out of the common passage of the people: And that the streets of the Cities, should be kept very cleanly and sweet.  
¶ Item, He commanded that the Baynes, by discreet keepers, should be kept very neat and sweet, 
Sweet keeping of baynes  that neither the eye nor Nose, should find any thing unpleasant or noisome. By which cleanliness, Rome was preserved from sundry sicknesses, which (undoubtedly) do grow of corrupt exhalations, venting out of men's bodies.  
¶ Item, Of his own charge, he builded three Hospitals, 
Hospitals for poor people  to reli●…ue the Aged, blind, decreaped, and other poor people, infected 〈◊〉 uncurable Diseases  
¶ Item: He commanded, that unto a number of young diseased vagabonds, there should be ministered, 
Cure for diseased vagabonds.  a thin Diet, an excessive labour, and cleanly lodging: saying that the contrary, were the causes of their Diseases, and, therefore, this the most hopeful Medicine, to r●…couer their health.  
¶ Item: He commanded, that all the forsaytures which were levied, upon the goods of Offenders 
Prou●…ision of Corne.  against the Law, should be employed upon Corn for the provision of the poor.  
¶ Item: He commanded, that no man should wear in his apparel, no manner of stuff, other 
A law for The setting of Poor people a work.  than was made within the City of Rome.  
The like Statute was established in all the Cities of italy: by means whereof, Rome and all the other Cities were stored of good Workmen, and the poor people, no excuse for Idleness.  
¶ Item: He commanded, that in vittailing and 
Vitayling and bordell-houses  Bordelhouses, the Doors should not be open from the Sunsetting until the Sunrising: by which Policy, the conservators knew, what manner of people repaired unto them.  
¶ Item: Every Cittizyn, was straightly forbidden, to eat or drink in any Tavern, or victualing 
Cyttizyns for ●…ydden, Taverns.  House: which Houses, were (only) tolerated, for the entertainment of Strangers, which repaired unto the City about lawful business,  
¶ Item: He commanded, that all corrupt and deceitful Bargayners, should be punished with the 
Corrupt and deceitful Bargayners. punished as Petty theaucs  Whip, as thieves, that stole privylie, without any violence: affirming, that it was but a fantasy, and a laughyng-matter, to make a difference, between stealing and deceitful bargaining. But, were this a Law with us, we should have more weeping in London, than laughing in three of the greatest Shiers of England.  
¶ Item: He commanded: that ifany baace conditioned 
unequal compryso●…  person, by the presumption of welt;, should make any saucy comparison with any Gentleman Roman: immediately, the said frankly, should become the Gentleman's Bond●…aue, with whom he compared, until the said franklin, had made the Gentleman his superior, as well in wealth, as dignity: And this Law hindered many quarrels, which (otherwise) would have grown of unequal comparisons.  
Item: He commanded, that the Plays, called Florals and Luberales, and the beastly Ceremonies 
Plays abolished  of Isis, should be banished and abolished, as the most venomous Alectives and stirrers of Lechery.  
¶ Item: He ordained, that if any man were found playing at the Dice, he should be taken, for a stantick 
dice-players.  or a natural fool, which could not govern himself: and his goods and land, should be committed to sage and discreet Governors, until he were again enabled by the Senate.   

Unto these Laws, was added this confirmation.  
¶ These Laws, decreed by the Senate, enacted by the people, comfirmed by the imperial Majesty, be (for ever) established: and (never) by any other Law, Custom or Ordinance, be abolished. And who, that with violence, resisteth against them, let him be taken for a Rebel and Enemy unto the W●…alepublique.   

Of the great Wisdom of ALEXANDER, in electing of Grave Counsellors, Officers, and Admynistrators of justice.  
THE Noble and virtuous Emperor (prudently) foresaw, that the severest laws, were (without execution) but like unto painted Fire, which giveth no heat: or (as the Philosopher, Cleanthes saith:) Like unto Cobwebs, through which, the Hornets break when the small Flies are entangled. And (truly) without due Administration, law is like to a Backswoorde, the edge whereof, smiteth the poor, and the blunt back, the higher powers. But to avoid this parcialytie: the good Alexander, made choice of such worthy Magistrates, as (plainly) refuted this Maxim of Aristotle. 
Amor et odium, et proprium commodum,  
Semper facient judices, non cognoscere verum.  

¶ In English, thus:  
¶ Love, Hate, and private gain,  
From upright truth, the judge doth always strain    
None of these Assections, could (neither) blind their eyes, nor bind their hands: They measured justice, neither by the mightiness nor meanness of the Person, but by the equity of the cause: and it stood them in hand, to deal thus uprightly: for if any corruption were found in their judgements, the Emperor himself, did (severe) justice upon the unjust Magistrate, that abused his Authority, and injured the people: let Vetronius Turinus, be example, for many.  
This Tu●…us, was a man of much Honour, great learning and wisdom: and for many virtues, was of the Emperor singularly) favoured: but, abusing the Emperor and his own good fortune, under colour of often and familiar conference with Alexander, he received many Bribes to obtain great suits, above his power to compass: which being proved against him, the emperors sentence was: That in the Market place, he should be bound unto a Stake, and with a Smoke of green Sticks and wet Stubbie, should be smoothred to death: And during the time of his Cxemtion, he commanded a beadel to ●…ye:  
With Fume let him die, that Fumes hath fold.  
Thus, no known Offender, escaped the vengeance of his severity: and (which won him as much love, as his justice did fear,) he encouraged & comforted good & virtuous men, with many great gifts and favours.  
¶ That Rome might prosper, by the confusion of vice: First, he ordained (according to the counsel of 
conservators and their charged.  PLATO,) threescore grave persons, which were named, CONSERVATORS of the Weal-public: for every Tribe had two: Room being 
Ed●…tion of children.  divided into thirty Tribes: whose Office, was (chief to see, that the children of the Romans, were well brought up and instructed, according unto the capacities of their wi●…, from the Age of seven. years, unto. xvi. years: & that, in their Pastimes, plays and recreations, were nothing dishonest.  
¶ Item: That the Maidens, during the said Age, were brought up in shamefastness, humbleness, and 
Education of maidens  the exercise of Huswifrye: and that they should not be seen forth of their Fathers-houses, but (only) in the Temples.  
¶ Item: their charge was, to control Howse-houlders of every degree, if there were found any 
Riotous house holder's  excess in their fare, or cost upon their own, or their wives apparel, more than by the Laws, was limited: or if they were Company-keepers with any riotous or dishonest person.  
¶ Item: Twice (by the week) they were bound to make Presentment of the Disorders which they 
Presentation, twice by the week.  found, unto the Provost of the City, reserving unto themselves, the education of the Children: which they-them-selues reform, by giving of sharp Admonition unto their Parents.  
¶ The Provost punished such, as offended in other 
Provost of all the City.  Articles, against the Statutes and Ordina●…res, in such cases provided.  
¶ Item: The Emperor augmented the number 
Pretores and Questors  of Praetors and Questors, but appointed every one a several Charge.  
¶ Item: He made choice, of very honest men to be purveyors for grain, but changed them every 
purveyors of grain  y●…are, lest, continuance corrupted their consciences.  
¶ Item: He appointed bailiffs, Receivers, Suru●…iours, and such like Officers, but favoured them not, saying: they were necessary evils: And if they hast●…e gathered much riches, he would take away all that they had. Telling them. Let it suffice, that you have taken so long pleasure with my goods: and beware that you take not from other men unjustly, lest I be more angry with you.  
¶ Item: To be judges of these Officers, as also of the behaviours of all the people of Rome, saving 
Cersors, and their office.  the common people, were they Senatores, Gentlemen or Citizens. This prudent Emperor appointed two of his privy Counsel, worthy and grave Senators, to be Censors in Rome, whose names were Fabius Sabinus, and Catillius Severus. The office of the Censors, were to note the manners of every person, above the degree of the common people.  
So that if a Knight, judge, or Senator, did any thing unseeming the Honour of their Degree, their charge was, to degrade him of his office, or Dignity. In which, they used such rigour, as no man might (lawfully) boast of favour. In so much, as the Emperars Palace was not free from their jurisdiction. For they meeting with Aurelius Philippus, (who was sometime the emperors schoolmaster, and after wrote his life) riding in a Chariot, looking to be saluted as a Senator, they forth with executed an ancient law upon the said Philippus: which was, that no bondman, although he were manumissed, should be a Senator: And at that time, it was lawful for no person under the degree of a Setour to ride in a Chariot. Philippus was sometime a bondman, and therefore, for breach of this law, the Censors sent him first to prison, and after, forbad him to come to the Emperor's palace, but (only) a foot, and his copped Cap upon his head: which fashion was o●…elie used of them that were enfranc●…sed. Some of the Noblemen thought, the Cenfors dealt verse sharply with Philippus, considering, that he was a man of much honesty, and great learning, and so certified the Emperor. But the Emperor approved their justice, and answered:  
If the common wealth may evermore have such officers, in short space, there shall be found in Room more men worthy to be Emperors, than I (at my first coming) found good Senators.  
And undoubtedly, where the offences of the best are never pardoned, the worst will amend for fear of extreme vengeance. The proof appeareth in Alexander's government: who (by the severe execution of the laws, so bridled the dispositions of the wicked, that it may be said, they grew to be virtuous rather by custom, then good inclination. Yea, it is written, that his severity thus much profited: As leading a great army against Artaxerses, the Persians, said, he had brought an army of Senators, rather than of Soldiers, when at his coming to the Empire, the Senators (many of them) were as dissolute as common Soldiers. And one especial 
A wise policy of Alexander.  cautle he used in the search of men's behaviours, he would many times in disguised habit, with divers others by him especially elected, take upon him the Office of the Censors: and in every corner, he had (secretly) such faithful Explorers, as men's proper Houses, were no Coverts for naughty practices, nor the Senate-house, for partial judge mentes. And (by this Policy) he discovered many naughty matters, besides common trespasses: as the Treason of Oninius, the false accusation of Geminus, by his Libertines, or Copyholders: as (also) of the mortal malice of Duillius and Gorta, towards the said Geminus. In so much, as the people, seeing nothing that was evil, could escape his vengeance, all men endeavoured to do well, to purchase his favour.  
THE (most Noble and prudent) King, King HENRY, the seventh, the Queens (most excellent 
King Henry the seventh, Imitator of Alexander's government.  majesties Grandfather, and Root of England's happiness, was a true imitator, of this (most worthy) Emperors government: by whose singular wisdom, England, which at the beginning of his Reign: was a deformed, and decrepit commonwealth, by reason of the long time of the Cyvylwarres which during six▪ Kings Reigns made barren fields, and fat Churcheyardes) before his death, repossessed her Ancient ●…ertues, renown and prosperity. So that it is a question, whither this famous Realm is more bound to eternize his glorious Memory, in regard of his Prowess, or Policy: when by the one, he planted Peace in her bo●…elles, and by the other, banished war from the territories. He knew, that to reform so dis●…red ●…n estate, it was more needful to execute, then to make Laws: and (therefore) not trusting the corruption of common Informers, who, for lucre or gain, attempting many vexations against poor men, and for fear, seek to please the rich: he committed 
inclination of Common Informers  the execution of the Penal Laws, to the charge of these two worthy Counsellors, sir Richard Empson, Knight, and Richard Dudley, Esquire: who so severely chastened the rich and great Offenders, as they stirred the inconstant commonalty, after the death of the virtuous Henry the seventh, to seek their lives: who had their wills, for fear of Commotion, these two worthy Magistrates wear beheaded: And (undoubtedly) their deaths, is a testimony of as great virtue, as their lives, a Monument of justice: for the multitude, are the mortal Enemies 
The lewd affections, of Common people.  of their own welfare, and friends and followers of their own confusion. One said to Antisthenes: The people speaketh much good of you: Why? said he: what hurt have I done? As who should say: they seldom praise, but such as do evil: No Ethnic, deserved to live, better than Socrates, yet the people would have him dead. The Athenians had a Law, every year, by the most voices of the people, for ten years, to banish two of their principal Magistrates: On a time, a poor man, came with a white Paper in his hand to Aristides, the just, and willed him to write: Banish Aristides. Why? (quoth he:) dost thou know Aristides? No: (quoth the o●…er:) Hath Aristides done thee or any of thy friends, hurt? Neither (quoth he) but I will have Aristides banished. The worthy Scipio was banished by the people, whom he oft had saved. I omit Themistocles, Photion, & many more, whom Histories record, to show the light judgements of Commons, Danté, the Italian Poet, saithful truly of them: it is seldom seen, that the people cry not:  
Viva la mia morte, innoia la mia vita: Let live my death: let die my life: Yea, those great estates, that seek to please the people, for the most part, have had the ends of enemies to their Country.  
When Cicero saw that Caesar was in high favour with the people of Rome, he cried out: It is great pity, that the affability of Cesar, should be the overthrow of the Weal-public. And (truly) Cicero, prophesied rightly: ●…or, by their favour, Caesar judged the judgements of the Senate, and sent the good and grave Cato to Prison, whose virtues, obtained reverence of the worst livers.  
But (notwithstanding) the Affections of the multitude, coveteth their own undoings, yet their encouragement proceedeth of greater capacities: And (therefore) the ready way to keep them in awe, is (severely) to punish their Chieftains,  
In all tumults, it is (evidently) seen, that if their Captains yield, they run away: if their encouragers be dismayed, they sing, Peccavi: do justice upon the great Offenders, and the meaner will soon amend: Alexander (in his Government) found it true: who, in the Execution of the Laws, made no difference of persons: save, that, to the inferior people, he was (evermore) most merciful.   
FINIS.   

AN ADDITION: OR TOUCHSTONE for the Time: exposing the daingerous Mischiefs, that the dicing Houses (commonly called, Ordinary Tables, and other (like) Sanctuaries of Iniquity, do daily breed: Within the Bowels of the famous CITY of LONDON.  
By George Whetstones, Gent.  
Imprinted at London, by Richard jones.   

The dangerous Mischiefs, that the DICING-HOUSES, and other like Sanctuaries of iniquity, do breed in the City of LONDON.  
IT is sufficiently expressed, that, by the virtue, diligence, and wisdom, of the right Noble Emperor, Alexander: Rome, (the most ugly, and monstruous Commonwealth of the world, so wa●… she deformed, with horrible & beastly vices, fostered by Heliogabalus, & other wicked Emperors,) was brought unto such perfection, as she might (lawfully) be entitled: The Temple of the Gods: The Fowntayne of Virtue, and, The Nurse of Learning: so free was the Exercise of Piety, justice, 
The wounds of a Common wealth  Temperance, and all other Divine, Moral, and Heroical virtues. In curing of which dangerous infirmities of the Commonwealth, Alexander performed the Offices of a skilful Physician and Surgeon: he did not (ignorantly) apply Medicine, to the outward sore, until he had searched the inward cause: He found, the outward wounds of the Weal-public, was Pride, prodigality, Dicing, Drunkenness, Lechery, Usury, covetousness etc. The suppressing of which Passions, consisted not (alone) in chastisement of Offenders: He (prudently) foresaw, that the Boatman lost much labour, that with a Dish, stood all day lading out of water, when a quarter of an hours work, would mend the breach of his Boat, which was the cause, although the water were the annoyance: he knew, that every river had a Spring, every Disease, a nooryshing Humour, and every vice, a special succour: Reason instructed him, that no Thie●… would be so bold, as to rob by the high way, if he had no Covert to shroud him: If there were no Brothel Houses. Shame would delay Lechery But for Taverns and tippling Booths, Drunkards should be sober against their wills: But for Ordinary tables, Dicers should (many times) be idle, or better occupied then in swearing and consuming their Patrimony: These causes being stopped, the vicious (perforce) must change their course. And therefore, the good Emperor, as the best remedy for the maladies of the Commonwealth, purged Rome, of these Sanctuaries of lewd and dishonest persons, as the perfect mean to cure their vile and naughty dispositions. And (certainly) his Government, Order, and Discipline, may be, A Mirror for Magistrates of all Cities: who are like to find no lack of Disorders, to exercise his Politic Orders: for, in the heart of the best governed Cities, Vice hath her Mansion, as a Core in the inward substance of the sowndest Quince. But, leaving the Discovery of the infirmities of Foreign Cities, London, the Capitol City of England and at this day, the Paragon of Christ endome,) proudly beareth many a dangerous infirmity, which, the Wisdom of the Maistrates, must (speedily) heal, or else, overshortely, the wickedness of her people, will abate her prosperity.  

A Remembrance, of the Disordered State of the Commonwealth, at the Queen's majesties coming to the Crown.  
THE Queen's most Excellent Majesty, (even our Gracious Queen Elizabeth) by God's grace Sovereign Lady of this famous City, and of England, France and Ireland (in advantage,) sole Princess of Peace, and second to no anointed king, in the exercise of all the Capitol Virtues: let Gods blessings be my Testimony, (plentifully) heaped upon her excellency, and (for her Holiness sake) upon her true Subjects, and many a hungry Nation, beside: Her sacred Majesty, (I say) at such time, as she was crowned with the Sovereignty of these Realms, found. ENGLAND, and (specially) LONDON, far out of temper, (besides Cardinal Superstition) with carnal and unchaste infections of Rome, as (also) puffed or half poisoned, with the pride of Spain.  
For the salving of which, and all other infirmities, of the Commonwealth, her Godly wisdom, with the Public assent of her Subjects, established many Medicinable Laws, whereby, all the privy Maladies of the Commonwealth, might receive perfect cure, if the Penal Laws were as severely punished, as they be (prudenfly) established.  
But, the lonely) lack of this administration is, 
Negligence in Maistrates causeth boldness in ●…ll livers.  the Magistrate punisheth, but what is presented, and the Injured (in many wrongs) sustain their losses without complaint: Thus, lack of diligence, bouldneth the evil livers to offend, with Halters about their necks.  
The godly Divines, in public Sermons, and others, in printed Books, have (of late) very sharply inveighed against stage-plays (unproperly called, 
Invaying against stage plays.  Tragedies, Comedies, and morals,) as the Springs of many vices, and the stumblyng-blockes of Godliness and Virtue: Truly, the use of them upon the Saboth day, and the abuse of them at all times, with scurilytie and unchaste conveyance, ministered matter sufficient for them to blame, and the Magistrate to reform.  
But, there are in the Bowels of this famous City, far more dangerous Plays, and little reprehended: 
Playing at dice invented by the devil  that wicked Plays of the Dice, first invented by the devil (as Cornelius Agrippa, writeth,) and frequented by unhappy men: The detestable Root, upon which, a thousand villa●…es grow.  
The Nurses of these (whose then Neathnysh) 
Ordinary Tables Nurses of Iniquity  Nellish exercise, are Places (called) Ordinary-tables: Of which, there are, in London, more in number, to honour the devil, than Churches to serve the living God: neither are they (improperly) named: for, in very truth, they are the Ordinary Intertayners of naughty persons, and the Sinks of all abomination. 
Difference of ordinary Tables  But some will hold it convenient, that I make a Difference of Ordinary Tables, because, of the ●…uill usage & Orders of some of the iscepers, as in respect of the Honourable and worshipful repair unto them. In very truth, in some of these places, Vice is so modestly quallyfied, as they may well be called: tolerable evils. And (although) Society be a pleasing Affection, I hope, (as occasion will fall out) to satisfy the better sort of Gentlemen, that, the refraining of the best of these bad Bouses, will be more profitable, Honourable & pleasant, than the frequenting of them.  
The naming of the civiller sort, of these Houses, I omit: because, in reporting of the viler sort, and horrible vices that they foster, is far from my intent: either in name, or figure, to decipher any person that keepeth them, or any Guest that haunteth them: protesting 
This work is not made particularly to blame any person, but generally to blazon abuse.  before God and man, that my labour searcheth the root of this soul impostume, which vomiteth a number of several filthy coloured Corruptions: only, to admonish the greener sort of Gentlemen, who are aptest to receive the Infection, and to lay before the Magistrate, the Poison of these Ulcers: to whose wisdoms, the cure belongeth: and in this travel, I suppose, I deserve well of the worst livers, in that I (●…charitably) admonish them, to reform the evils, that Time may discover, by their undoing: And so to my purpose,  
THere are within the Suburbs of London, divers worthy Houses, called, 
Inns of the Court, places of much reverence.  Inns of the Court and of the Chancery: Places, where the Laws of this Realm, are (publicly) read, studied and learned: Places, of much Honour, and Reputation, aswell, in respect of the Reverentnesse of the Personages, which govern them, as (also) for the exercise of the Laws) which are the strength and Ornaments of every well governed Commonwealth,) every Gentleman, and (almost) yeoman of ability, sendeth the ripest witted of his Children, unto some one of these Houses, to study the common Laws of England. And (truly) the good Father, in this charge, dischargeth the love of a Father towards his Son, and the duty of a friend, towards his Country: for by such as are learned in the Laws (if they abuse not their knowledge, belides an especial benefit & reputation, which they (privately reap) unto themselves, the Ignorance of their Neighbours where they dwell, 
qi●…ng houses a●… a hinder●… to the st●…d 〈◊〉 of the law  is profitably) instructed: But, by reason of D●…cynghowses, and other Alectives too vnt●…ristinesse, the good Father, which is at charge, to make his Son a Lawyer, to do his Country service, through the looseness of the Son (many times) spendeth his money to the undoing of his posterity.  
The swarm of Unthrifts, which live upon 
One seabbed sheep in feeteth a hole flock  Shifts, in, and within the City of London (first seize upon these younglings: by their lewd converlation, they draw them from Study, and do acquaint them with these wicked Ordinaries:  
Where, the Bravery of the Company, the glee and Revel that they keep, were able to bring a 
Dy●…ing houses, causes o●… pride  stayed man unto their Society, but are sure to enchant a light youngman, which cometh (rawly) out of the country. What followeth? Pride (strait ways) infecteth him with desire to be as brave as the best:  
Well: if he have living, either in possession or, he shall find sweet Baits to choke him. Most of these wicked places, nourish three Guests 
Three dangerous gwestes belonging to ordinary tables  that will sound bowrd this unexperienced young Gentleman, and of his ability will maintain themselves. These be the names of their faculty. 
The brave Shifter: the Bawd, and the Broker.   
¶ The brave Companion, who in apparel, countenance, 
Description of brave shifters  and boldness, will cheacke-mate with men of right good worship, and living, when he (perhaps) in a Green thicket getteth a Masked face, a Pystoll, and a Whypcorde, and hath Inheritance in the ●…e of Snatch: Adventureth to Cape Gripe: I know not by what cunning shifts. But if I did, I think it necessary to conceal them, lest the instruction would prove more hurttul to the evil inclined, than the Admonition, profitable, to the well disposed: But this, I am assured, and many a Gentleman's undoing, witnesseth as much: that these expert Shisters, by salce Dice, slippery casting, or some other nice Sleight: although all the Day, they dally with young Novices, as a Cat doth with a Mouse: yet, before Bed 
Brave shiffters live up on the cozenage of ph●…  time, they will make their Purses as empty of Money, as the Cat the mouse's head of ●…aynes.  
If a man had none other fly sucking of him, he should find, a few of Ordinary Dinners would luppe a great deal of Substance. But, as a slain Carcase, in an open field, is a Pray pray, for many kinds of vermin. Even so, a plain minded man using these deceitful houses, is an assured pray for all sorts of shysters'.  
The man that is enticed to be a Dicer, of his own accord will be a Horemaster: But (say you) if he have not acquaintance, the banishment of the Stews will keep him chaste. But say as the Proverb is. Money will hire a guide to go to the devil: And (certes) as daily gheasts at ordinary Tabls, a man shall find neat Bawds, that only live upon 
Brokers of Bawdry. haunters of dicing houses.  the brocage of love, fellows that will procure acquaintance for a dumb man. These be no bashful Besogniers, but such as glory in their faculty. Their common talk shall be Ribaldry, and matter of their profession. To conclude, he that hath advantage, ●…ily bloweth a meeting of fair women into my young masters ears: His company needeth not to be desired. Incontinent desire maketh him wood of their society. God's blood, let's go, strait he crieth, and with more haste, then good speed, they go to some blind brothelhouse where (peraducture) for a Pottle or two of wine, the embracement of a painted Harlot, and the French Pocks for a reckoning, the Puny payeth forty shillings, and yet my brave Besognier 
Cossonage of Bawds.  hath a more costly reckoning to give him. He will accompany him familiarly up and down the City, and in the end will come unto a Mercers or a Goldsmiths shop, with whom he had before set his match, he will cheapen, Velvet, Satin, jewels, or what him liketh, and tender his own & companions credit for payment: He will with so bold a countenance ask this friendship of the Gentleman, as the other shallbe to seek of excuse to deny him: Well, although the peniworthes of the one, be not very good, the payment of the other, is sure to be currant: thus, by unsatiable Riot, whereof, dicing Houses are the Fowntayves, the wealthiest of our young Gentlemen, are soon learned to ling. 
¶ Dives eram dudum, sed tria, mé fecerunt nudum,  
Alia, vina, venus, tribus his, sum factus egenus.  

I wealthy was of late, though naked now you see:  
Three things have changed mine estate. Dice, Wine,  
(and Lechery.    
¶ But (without doubt) the infction of these Tabling Houses, is so pleasant, that a man which hath lost all his money, by the exercise of them, even, in the place of his undoing, he will (moneyless) be an idle looker on, of other men's unthriftiness.  
Then seizeth the third of these Gheastes upon this needy Gentleman, which is: The Broker: who 
Brokers for money and their Cossonage.  is (either) an old Bankrupt Citizin: or some smooth conditioned unthrifty Gentleman, far in debt: some one of these will help him to credit, with some of their Creditors, with a single protestation of mere courtesy: But (by your favour) upon this double usance: the Citizyn Broker, after deduction for his own pains, consideration for the time given, and loss in selling of the wares considered: will bring him. L V. pounds, currant money, for a. C pounds good debt: The Gentleman Broker, will deal more Cavaliero like: he will be bound with him for a. C, pounds, shaaring the Money between them, not without solemn protestation, faithfully to discharge his own fifty pounds, and (if need be) the whole hundred pounds: Assurance (trust me) as good as a Statute Staple, and a measure of his foot, as sure as either. But, let all this mischief go: here is want supplied, which breaketh Brazen walls: and Money received, which betrayeth Kings. blindeth judges, and judgeth justice: and for the same, but jucke, Wax and Parchment, delivered: Marry (sir) a merry exchange: a merry Exchange (in deed) if a man should (always) be so busied in receiving, as there might be no leisure found for repayment: But (unhappy young 
A good lesson for young Gentlemen.  Gentleman) what so thou be that art thus matched: though thy covetous love of Money is (lightly) such, as thou hadst rather become Debtor for forty pounds, then to spare forty shillings out of thy own Purse: yet learn this Lesson (as a sound Counsel:) that thou we art better give one of these Franions, ten pounds, then to be bound for fifteen: for, what so remaineth, thou savest, when all that thou venturest, thou losest: and be thou sure, though thou wilt find no leisure to satisfy thy covenant, thy Creditor will work thee an Arrest, that shall give thee little ease, and less Liberty, until he be 
Prodigality a passion uncurable.  fully contented & paid. But all in vain Medicine is applied to uncurable Maladies: as smally availeth good Counsel given unto the Prodigal.  
prodigality & covetousness, are two extreme 
Lib. de liberalit  Passions, and as violent are their cures: Begerie, is the end of prodigality, & Death, of covetousness: Yet, as iovius Pontanus saith, the covetous man is the worst of both: for he doth no man (not so much as himself) good with his goods: when the Prodigal, by the undoing of himself, enricheth many. Thus, what may be best said of Prodigalyte, concludeth an undoing of himself & posterity. The famous Lawiet Vlpianus saith: the prodigal man, neither observeth time, nor maketh end of riot, until riot hath, both consumed him & his Patrimony. The sage Solon, made a law, to defame prodigal men. The A reopagites, and criminal judges of Athens, punished prodigal men, as idle, vagrant & unprofitable men. The. x. Governors of Rome, made a law, that prodigal men, should neither have the government nor disposition of their own goods: but unto him should be given a Curator, by the a●… poinctment of the judge. By the commandment of Q. Pompeius, Praetor, Q, Fabius, the Son of Q. Fabius, the 
Vale. Max. li 3. Cham 5.  great (surnamed) Allobrogique for the riotous dispending of his Patrimony, was indicted by this law, & committed unto the government of a Tutor. Were this law executed in England, we should have more Wards, of. xxxv. then. xv. years of Age. The Grecians, had a law, that whosoever had unthriftily consumed his patrimony, should not be buried in the sepulchre of his Ancestors, for that he was held unworthy the Honour of his Ancestors, that dishonoureth himself, & robbeth his posterity. The ancient, grave & politic Commonwealth men, thus severely chastened prodigality: though prodigal men had no care of themselves, they tendered the posterity of their posterity: they (like unto careful Physicians, that provide presernatives because the infection of the Plague is dangerous) sought the means, that prodigality might not be nourished: foreseeing that prodigal men, neither reverenced good Counsel, nor seared discipline.  
And surely it is a work of greater justice, mercifully, to find a way to preserve men from offending then (severely) to punish every offence.  
Suppress these unthrifty Houses, and you shall keep many a man's Lands from selling, many a man's neck from the Halter, & the Commonwealth, (perhaps) from a more dangerous mischief.  
I have (but yet) begun, to anatomize the Head, of this villainous Sanctuary of Iniquity, a heap of evils follow. The deceit of Dice, the charge of Lechery, Cozenage and Brocage, is all that I have yet laid upon our unhappy Gentleman:  
These (only) pray upon Govid, Silver, and such light carraidge. These be but sucking Flies, the biting Scorpions come after. A Bird that hath but one feather limed, by striving, fetreth her whole body: Euenso, the unfortunate Gentleman thrust behind the hand, by the hazard of Dice, through a vain hope, to redeem himself, followeth his mischief, to the spending of the last payment of his Land, And to help him forward, some one Spy or Pettifogger of the Law (the reverence done unto 
A P●…tifogger a most dangerous broker.  the Law and good Lawyers reverenced,) I may justly say, the Scum of all villainy, is (evermore) sneaking in these Ordinary Houses: This notable Companion, keepeth an Alphabet, of all the rich gentlemen's names, that frequenteth the Ordinaries: his eyes are settled upon their dispositions, 
Exercise of ordi●…arie Table petysoggers.  and his exercise is, daily, to search the Rolls, and the Office of the Statutes, to learn what recognisances, Morguages and Statutes do charge their Lands: This is the most pernicious Broker, the other helped the needy gentleman to money at fifty in the hundred loss, but he helpeth him to sell free land at five years purchase.  
I must here digress from the prodigality of the gentleman, unto the covetousness and usury, I can not properly say of the Citizen, although he dwelleth in the City: for the true Citizen (whereof London hath plenty) liveth upon his trade, be he an adventurer abroad, or a mechanical craft's man at home. But these shames of good 
Covetous Citizens hunt 〈◊〉 tables to undo Gentlemen.  Citizens tradeth but to a dicing house, or at the furthest travaileth to a bowling alley, and with ease & safety getteth wealth as fast as the other do with great hazard and travel. They come not to play the unthrifts, but to pray upon unthrifts: and yet for company, and to avoid suspicion, they will sometime play the good fellows. All the rest are but instruments for these dangerous catchers. These need not too greedily seek for purchases, the necessity of the gentlemen maketh them fair offers: and their spies, the petifogger and others giveth them knowledge where there is sound dealing. Among them there is such deceit coloured with such cleanly shifts, as many gentlemen are for a trifle shifted out of their livings without hope of remedy. The extremity of these men's dealings hath been and is so 
The extreme dealing o●… covetous. Citizens have settled a deadly 〈◊〉 between Gentlemen and merchants.  cruel, as there is a natural malice generally impressed in the hearts of the gentlemen of England towards the citizens of London, insomuch as if they odiously name a man, they forthwith call him A trim merchant. In like despite the Citizen calleth every ras●…all A jolly Gentleman.  
And truly this mortal envy between these two worthy estates, was first engendered of the cruel usage of covetous merchants, in hard bargains gotten of Gentlemen, and nourished with malicious words and revenges taken of both parties. S. Paul by good warrant saith, That covetousness is the root of all mischief. S. Augustine 
Tim. 1. cap. 6. The 〈◊〉 of covetousness.  saith, that the covetous man is subject to all evils, for that all evils come of covetousness. He more●…uer saith, that wild beasts have measure, for being hungry they pursue their preys, and being full are satisfied: but the covetous man is never satisfied. He neither feareth God, nor reverenceth man, pardoneth not his father, nor acknowledgeth his mother, maketh merchandise of his children, regardeth not his brother, nor yet keepeth faith with his friend, beareth false witness, offendeth the widow, & destroyeth the Infant O how great is the folly of our understanding, to lose life, to seek death, & to banish ourselves from heaven: S. Bernard saith, the the accursed chariot of covetousness, 
Four wheels of the chariot o●… couetousn●…sse. The two h●…es. The wagoner. The two whips.  is drawn with four disloyal wheels of vices, uz. Pusalanimite, Cruelty misprising of God, and forgetfulness of certain death. The two horses are named Theft, & Hardness. The waggon●…r is Earnest desire to have, who useth two sharp whips: the one called Disordered appetite to get, the oth●…r, Fear to lose. The opinion of Apuleius in his first book of Magic is worthy to be read, who writeth thus. The Philosopher Socrates had not so much riches as Lelius, nor Leli●… somuch as Scipio, nor Scipio so much as the r●… Crassus, nor Crassus so much riches as he desired. The Emperor Pertinax was so covetous, as he would invite his friends unto two small slices of 
Pertinax Emperor.  meat and a dish of apples, and when he would seem most sumptuous and magnificent, he added the two genitories of a cock. jovian Pontanus saith, that Pope Martin was so covetous, as he would steal every night the burning tapers in 
Pope Martin.  S. Peter's Church. The same Pontanus saith, that a Cardinal named Angel, every night would steal 
Cardinal Angel.  away from his o●…n horses bottles of hay, and sell them to other ostlers, vatill his horse-keeper one night (taking of him tardy) swinged him currently. To conclude the evils of covetousness, 
Covetousness a dangerous enemy to the common wealth.  with the dangers it bringeth the common wealth unto. Men that have licentiously spent their substance, and find no liberality to supply their wants, wish strait ways an alteration of the estate, and what in them lieth practiseth the sam. They fawn upon ambitious men which are in authority, & between whom of the noble men is envy, disdain, or private displeasure, they help for ward that faction, they seek matter of sedition, which being not wisely suppressed, civil commotions, battle, & destruction of people oftentimes followeth. Read the histories of Rome, & you shall find, that covetousness and usury have begun many commotions, and could not be ended until the instruments & bonds of debt were canceled. We need not search so far, England & all other nations carry a large testimony in their own Chronicles of this fowl matter, and therefore Thucydides saith not unproperly, That covetousness is the nurse of murder, theft, perjury, treason & all abominations: not for that covetous men practise these villainies, but for that by extreme necessity they drive men to these wicked shifts.  
I heard a French Gentleman resolve a problem very pleasantly and pithily. An Englishman 
A problem pit●…ly 〈◊〉 ●…y a 〈◊〉 Gentleman.  demanded the cause, That the young gentilm●…n of France flourished more than they of England, considering that the one were consumed with daily war, when the other had continual peace to strengthen them. O quoth the French Gentleman, The quietness of your peace interrupteth not the deceit of your Citizens, who with the feeding of your pride, devoureth your livings: when with us the troubles of war so fear them, as to save the sword from their throats, they give us the gold in their chests. Fowl fall covetousness and usury which proveth his saying true, and more grace or few days happen unto covetous wretches, who with the undoing of many in the end undo themselves.  
Socrates found that abundance of wealth was the overthrow of many common wealths, and 
Socrates' common wealth poor.  therefore in his own common wealth, he would have the common people poor, and the rest not to have too much: saying that wealth bred pride, and pride all mischiefs, when poverty brought forth Science, and all good Arts, and Science all manner of earthly happiness. Thus one mischief draweth on an other, and dying houses are the fountains.  
These wicked houses first ●…leth our young gentlemen in pride, and acquainteth them with sundry shifting companions, whereof one sort couseveth him at dice and cards, an other sort consume him with lechery, an other sort by brocadge bringeth him in debt, and out of credit, then awaiteth covetousness and usury to seize upon his living, and the uncivil Sergeant upon his liberty. To ruin is thus brought the gentleman, a great estate and strength of this Realm, principally by the frequenting of dicing houses.  
Let us searc●…e deeper into this ulcer, there is more f●…wle matter ●…inde, we have but yet spoken of the better sort of dicing houses, which are chiefly for entertainment of Courtiers and other Gentlemen, which by reason of their attendance and b●…sinesse keep no certain houses. If ordinary ta●…les be tolerated for their necessity, wha●… warra●… have the ordinary table-keepers within the heart of London, (which are commonly called dicing houses) for Citizens? In every 
Ordinaries for Citizens and the inconvenience.  City, Citiz●… have houses of their own, have wife, children and families to care for: and sure the inconvenience 〈◊〉 but be great, when a man 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 own house, and the company of hid wife and family, and dine●… at a dicing house. In many 〈◊〉 governed common wealths, Citizens ●…y especial Laws were forbidden to eat and drink out of their own houses, unless one neighbour invited an other: but sovereign hath brought this mischief to such a custom, that if there were many more Citizens ordinaries, they should not need to fawn upon the inferior sort for want of company of substantial Citizens. But before we enter further into this mischief, the condition of the keepers of these places is to be considered, 
Keepers of these houses old bankro●…tes.  for the most part the masters of the●…e houses, in times past have been bankrupts, & what may be expected of men of their dispositions? marry a continuance of their faculty, to live upon the goods of other men. Hither repair all the close shifters, here many notorious cousinages are smothered, the masters of these houses want no guests, for where carrion is, crows will be plenty, and where money is stirring, cheters will not be idle. Young citizens for the most part depend upon their credit, & therefore are loath that there should be an open testimony of their unthriftiness. All the better for the biting cheter. Close in a chamber a cogging knave getteth more money in an hour, than many an honest man spendeth in a year. And this one thing is much to be lamented, the unthrifty citizens consume other men's goods, who perhaps laboured painfully to get them (when gentlemen although they undo their posterity) spend but their own goods & lands. The ears of the magistrate are daily full of the breaking of young merchants, & here I lay before their eyes the causes thereof, even these wicked ordinaries. They be places unto which magistrates come not, & therefore the abuses unknown unto them. But I think it a work of much honesty to reveal them, and in the magistrate a work of more justice to reform them, and undoubtedly although this be true that I writ, & the evils far more than I discover, yet in discovering of the faults & faulty men, I find my conscience so free from their shifts, as in writing my name to this book, I presume, that no man (as faulty in that part of reprehension) will say, 
Turpe est doctori, cum culpa redarguit ipsum.   
But as one that meaneth not to complain his losses, to join my own example with admonition I constantly determine to cross the streets where these vile houses are planted, to bless me from the enticements of them, which in very deed are many, & the more dangerous in that they please with a vain hope of gain. Insomuch on a time I heard a distemperate dicer solemnly swear, that he faithfully 
A dicers opinion of the fi●…st making of dice & cards.  believed, that dice were first made of the bones of a witch, & cards of her skin, in which there hath ever sithence remained an enchantment, that whosoever once taketh delight in either, he shall never have power utterly to leave them, for quoth he, I a hundred times vowed to leave both, yet have not the gr●…e to forsake either. But for all his judgement, if Socrates altered his natural inclination of insolency by philosophy: if the wise Ulysses could eat of the her●…●…alled Lotos, & 〈◊〉 yet by the pleasantness thereof would not be enchanted to remain in that country, when his companions & servants (forgetting their natural land) coveted to remain still in that region where that her●… grew, & but only by violence they could not be brought back again to their ships: if heathen men only by philosophy could master their dispositions, christians by prayer & philosophy may overcome an enticing mischief. But unto this possibility of reformation, wise men are to give light credence. Old judge Chomley evermore answered naughty livers that sued for mercy, desiring him to regard the frailty of young men, by the bold and unlawful actions of his own youth, and by the testimony of his grace, good fortune, and present authority, to conceive hope or their amendment: O my friends, quoth the judge, I tell you plainly, 
judge Chomleys' answer to the●…ues that sued for 〈◊〉.  that of twenty that in those days were my companions, I only escaped hanging: and it is very like, that some one of your fellowship is by God's goodness reserved to be an honest man, but you are found offenders by the Law, and truly justice (whose sentence I am sworn to pronounce) commandeth me to commend your souls to Almighty God, and your bodies to the Gallowse. This notable judge in his answer was not short and sweet, but round and severe. Great is the pity that of twenty offenders there should but one become a good man. How high a work were it then of charity and mercy to preserve men from notable offences? Certainly far greater, than to pardon offeders. For by the wisdom of the first, vice shall be driven to her shifts, when the mildness of the second many times breedeth presumption. If the good magistrates of this City, used the diligence of the forereported Censors of Rome, in short space the case would be altered, and in time custom would make men honest, which without discipline can have no beginning. There is an old proverb, The eye of the master, doth as much work as the hands of the servant. If the magistrates ●…urueide but these vile houses by honest conservators, you should find the painful travels of capital Magistrates much eased, many men's lives shallbe saved, Gentlemen shall have more land, and Citizens greater store of money: which metal is the greatest strength of a City, for where money is not scarce, traffic 
Citizens forbidden to purchase land.  is plenty, which chief supporteth all Cities. And therefore in many well governed common wealths, Citizens (to the end they should only imploi●… their money in traffic) were forbidden to purchase land, other than a garden for recreation. But to my purpose, these devilish houses are causes that merchants have so much land, and Gentlemen so little virtue.  
It is already shown, to what extremity the better sort of these houses bring a great number of our flourishing Gentlemen. To what misery the second sort (called ordinaries for Citizens) bring a great number of young merchants. Now remaineth the discovery of the third sort 
Ordinaries for masterless men, shifters, etc.  of these haunts, which are placed in Allies, gardens, and other obscure corners out of the common walks of the Magistrate. The daily guests of these privy houses, are maisterles men, needy shifters, thieves, cutpurses, unthrifty servants, both serving men, and prentices. Hear a man may pick out mates for all purposes, save such as are good. Hear a man may find out Bravoes of Rome and Naples, who for a pottle of wine, will make no more conscience to kill a man, than a Butcher a beast, hear closely lie good fellows, that with a good Northern Gelding, will gain more by a halter, than an honest yeoman will with a team of good horses. Hear are they, that will not let to deceive their father, to rob their brother, and fire their neighbour's house for an advantage. These frannions will not stick to spend frankly, although they have neither lands nor goods by the dead, nor honesty by nature. But how will this hold out? fire will consume wood without maintenance, and riot a weak purse without supply. The Gentlemen (for the most) have lands to make money, and young merchants ways to get credit, but the most of these idle persons have neither lands nor credit, nor will live by an honest occupation: forsooth they have yet hands to filch, heads to deceive, and friends to receive: and by these helps, shift meetly badly well. The other upon currant assurance, perhaps get money, for twenty marks or twenty pounds in the hundred. But these that worst may hold the candle, they upon their own, or masters apparel, brass, pewter, sheets, shirts, etc. find Brokers, or ●…ripperers, that for a shilling in the pound, for every month, will boldly, for half the value take these paunes. Certainly it seemeth that London is sore charged with these makeshiftes, for that almost in every street and lane there dwelleth two or three of these petty brokers, or cherish-theeves. And I pray to God, that in Cheap side, 
Brokers called cherish-theeves.  and other principal streets, although gold, silver, silks and other costly merchandise be openly in the shops, that in many men's coffers there lie not Cardinal Campeius sumpter riches. 
Learn this Cardinal's name.  Fifty or sixty in the hundred is sweet gain, and a double pawn taketh away all fear of the statute. A jewish usury, high time to be rooted out of a Christian government. By over long sufferance how much London hath blemished her ancient virtues, and endangered her peace and prosperity, is not to be recounted. In the time of King Henry the third, the good citizens of London in one night slew five hundred jews for that a jew took of a Christian a penny in the shilling usury: and ever after got them banished the City: if the like justice were done upon jewish Christians, London would have many houses empty, and her Churches and Churchyeardes would be too scant to receive dead carrions. Truly these Atheists deserve worse than jews, for they more sharply execute the trade of jews. The jews spoil not one an other, but Christians, whom they esteem as dogs, when these counterfeits make no difference of persons. The good Magistrates must overlook this evil, or else the evil will overrule their prosperity. It is a great miracle (but that God is merciful) that this City is not always grievously afflicted with the plague, when sacred is the authority that saith, The plague shall not departed the house of the swearer. I imagaine that disers cure one poison with an other, who gape so wide to blaspheme God, as they swallow the Devil into their bowels, upon whom no plague but hell fire will fasten. How needful a thing is it to look unto these places where this outrage is done unto God. Think you they may not be made instruments to nourish traitorous practices? The conspiracy of Madder and Barloe, was hatched in a tabling house, in the white friars. Where is the currant of news but in tabling houses? foreign explorers and false subjects, there hear much matter entreated at counsel boards. Where is a desperate Atheist like unto harebrain Someruile so ready to be found, as in a tabeling house? Obstinate Papists that dare not live in the country for fear of the statute, monthly shift their lodgings, and without suspicion here daily receive their diet. Lance an old feastred sore, and you are like to find corruption more than of one humour. But admit they prove no baits for such purposes: they are the sinks of the forereported mischiefs. The undoing of many, and the honest gain of no man. The Gentleman excuseth his repair to them, because he keepeth no certain house, and likewise allegeth conversation of equals: but as he findeth no thrift in the first, so he is often deceived in the second. A tabling house is like unto a strumpet, who is ready to receive every man's money. And many times men of great worship, are bearded, and braved, with inferiors to some of their servants. The Gentleman of Naples is highly to be commended, for this honourable disposition, how mean so ever his living be, yet he will furnish his own table: so he both avoideth the controlment of superiors, and the checkmate 
The honourable disposition of the Napolitan gentleman.  of inferiors. Would our English gentlemen did the like, they would like very well of the change. By this frugallitie, the Napolitane liveth Caveliero like with a 100 crowns a year, and our riot maketh no show of so much a month. But you will say they starve themselves: but did ever any see a man to die of hunger, where meat was to be sold, if he had gay clothes to his back, it seemeth he contenteth nature, which is plenty enough, we for our gluttony are every where called English bellies. Very few of our gentlemen die old men by inordinate feeding, our memory, wit, and mind, which is immortal, is daily dulled, weakened and almost slain by surfeits. Let us excuse the matter as we please, we receive no better remedy by our excuse, than Mahomet had for the fawling sickness, by coloring his disease, in giving out that his passion proceeded of the brightness of an Angel, which in those fits revealed heavenly matters unto him. But if men will deceive themselves by deluding others, they shall find had I witted a bitter pill to digest. I need show no other examples than the daily falls of young Gentlemen that trust to the fortune of these enticing dicing houses, where virtue is shut in the coal seller, and vice and all cozening villainies, set in the chief places of the hall. And therefore happy is he, that is either advised by good counsel, or warned by other men's harms.  
A care to continue the prosperity of this famous City, will no doubt cause her Capital magistrates shortly to look into the behaviours of riotous Citizens, their unthriftiness consumeth more than their own goods, and undoth many, that travail painfully for their living. The example of monthly justice, sufficeth to dismay the third sort of unthrifty livers. There are more executed from Newgate and the Marshalsies, than in three of the greatest Cities of France, and yet I truly say, that more offenders are favourably quitted, and pardoned in London in one month, than in Paris in a whole year, so exceeding 
The exceeding mercy of the Queen's Majesty eternised by strangers.  great is the mercy of our most good Queen Elizabeth, the remembrance whereof may not pass without zealous thanks unto God for her thrice excellent Majesty, least strangers condemn her natural subjects of ingratitude, who to eternize this precious virtue of mercy, rooted in the magnanimous heart of her excellency, in commemoration thereof, have written many learned books. Others have raised disputationn, whether it be a virtue more holy, in her Majesty, or dangerous for her true subjects: for fear lest her clemency extend unto persons of the disposition of the frozen snake, which the pitiful husbandman cherished by the fire, until she offered to sting his children: and truly whether presumption or necessity were the cause, I leave to judge: but I crave God's wrath as justice, if I speak not the truth: In Rome, even in that Rome, where the Pope and her worst enemy reigneth, among English fugitives, not worthy of the benefit of her good subjects, plenty, peace and prosperity. There was (which with mine own ears I heard) that wished imprisonment in the Fleet at the Queen's mercy, rather than liberty in Rome. It is apparent that her highness mildness exceedeth, and it seemeth that the Pope's bounty is not very plentiful, save unto such, as rather carry sedition than zeal in their countenance. When such as cannot be contented to be good subjects, affy more in her clemency (if shame held them not back) than in the Pope's holiness, for all his golden shows. In my book entitled, The blessings of Peace, this digression shall be lively set forth. In the mean space & many happy years after, I humbly beseech Almighty God to forget our unworthiness, by remembrance of her worthiness, that she may in all felicity still reign among us as the image of his glory, and the comfort of all true Christians. Amen.  
Again to my purpose: Though there cannot be too much good spoken of her majesties gracious & sweet mercy, yet severity may no ways be termed cruelty, so that no more than Law be ministered to notable malefactors. London is so plentiful of notorious cozeners, cheters, and dishonest livers, and withal so blemished with heinous cousinages and deceits, as a young man, unless he have an old man's experience, can hardly avoid their snares.  
Many new kind of shifts, which none but the Devil could invent, and very Atheists execute, by the wisdom of grave Magistrates have been sifted forth: wherein reverent personages were in danger of dishonour, and innocentes in hazard of death. It is a matter of fresh memory. The public mischief that of late years was hatched in these wicked houses, and growento the great loss, hindrance, and half undoing of more than two hundred Gentlemen, honest citizens and yeomen, yet God which is just, hath rewarded many of the deceivers according to their evil deservings.  
No man was ever assaulted with a more dangerous stratagem of cozenage than myself, with which my life & living was hardly beset. No man hath more cause to thank God for a free delivery than myself, nor any man ever saw, more sudden vengeance inflicted upon his adversaries, than I myself of mine: as lively appeareth in the end of my book entitled The rock of regard, imprinted many years past.  
And although to cure the extremity I then fared as a man sore scalded with fire, which in hope of ease leapeth into cold water, which presently stripeth off his skin. So I that had experience of strangers huge deceit, thought that the pleasing persuasion of near friends, would turn to a comfortable remedy, but I find the old Larks song true: There is no trust in fair words, nor assurance in nature's obligations. But after three years & more of costly suit my grievous oppression (God be therefore praised) hath pierced the inclining ear●…s, of the right Honourable, and Gracious judge, the L. Chancellor of England: by whose wisdom & grave judgement, I constantly believe, to be relieved & released of the toil of Law: upon whose commandment, with all humility, reverence and duty I attend, beseeching Almighty God to preserve the blessed estate of the Queens most excellent majesty here upon earth, the lieutenant of his divine graces: the right honourable Lords of the privy Counsel, the true images of wisdom: and all other Capital and good Magistrates, the strong pillars of this happy government. And to the friendly readers of this book, I wish the benefit of my travels, and to the reprehenders amendment of life.   
FINIS.