A MIROUR For Magistrates OF CITIES. Representing the Ordinances, Policies, and Diligence, of the Noble Emperor, ALEXANDER (surnamed) SEVERUS, to suppress and hastise the notorious Vices nourished in Rome, by the superfluous number of Dicing-houses, Tavarns, and common Stews: Suffered and cheerished, by his beastly Predecessor, HELYOGABALUS, with sundry grave Orations: by the said noble Emperor, concerning Reformation. AND HEREUNTO, IS ADDED. A Touchstone for the Time: Containing: many perilous Mischiefs, bred in the Bowels of the City of LONDON: By the Infection of some of these Sanctuaries of Iniquity.  
By GEORGE WHETSTONES. Gent.  
✿ VIRTUTE, NON VI.  
¶ Printed at London, by Richard jones 1584.  
¶ Author ●●d and allowed.   

To the Right Honourable, Sir Edward Osburne, Knight, Lord MAYOR, of the famous City of LONDON: To the Right Worshipful, his Assistants, the Aldermen: And to their learned Counsellor, M. Sergeant Fleetwood, Recorder of the same CITY: his approved good Friend and Kinsman.  
RIght Honourable, and worthy Magistrates: Among the Learned, there is a by Proverb, ORPHEUS can describe Hell, better than ARISTOTLE: raised upon a Fable, that he fetched his Wife from thence: which is none other, than a confirmation, of the sound Reason of PLAUTUS: That, Of more validity, is the sight of one eye, than the attention of ten ears: for, in that a man seethe, is Assurance, and in that he heareth, may be Error.  
Right Honourable, and reverent, I use this EXORDIUM, to take away the Contempt, which, the plain Discovery of my MIROUR may breed, that make so sharp a Declaration of Vices, as if they reigned without Chastisement? And do I, with the deformity of Rome, reform, by Addition, entreat of Abuses? or more, of daingerous Mischiefs, enclosed in the Bowels of this famous City? I do: and do acknowledge withal, that you are judges of offenders, within your limits, and with the Scourdge of Law, you chasten them, or with the Sword of justice, do cut them short, as you find them: as you find them, I say: E●●al-be-it, by the testimony of Holy writ, both you, and all principal Magistrates, have on Earth, the names and places of Gods: yet with your favours, in your, and their judgements, are (often) shown the infirmities of men: your sights are not invisible, and (therefore) necessary, that you have visible Lights, in obscure Corners. A Physician, can not see every secret grief, but upon revealment, may apply a curable Medicine for a hidden Disease: Euenso, many can discover the Mischief, the magistrate seethe not: but the magistrate (alone, must remedy the same. And where (say you) have I knowledge, of these concealed Abuses? Forsooth, In Hell: where all sin and Iniquity, is as apparent, as Godliness & Virtue is in Heaven, common.  
Me seemeth, I here you answer: That small is the Marvel, if you come not there, to hearken after Offenders: when the saying is: In Hell there is no Redemption.  
In very truth: If Custom have not made you bold, ye could no sooner enter into the Common dicing Houses, or Hell, in, and about London: (So, I may name them, by the Authority of CORNELIUS AGRIPPA, who saith: that, the Art was, first, devised by the Devil:) But, you would imagine the Assembly, dampened, and you, yourselves in danger, to be presently destroyed: God's vengeance is so grievously tempted: For, the Devil can breath out Iniquity, no faster, than his Angels, there assembled, outrage God with the horriblest blasphemies that may be imagined, and too damnable to be reported: What followeth there, where this despite is done unto the eternal God? Marry, no villainy, may be unthought, nor unwrough to prejudice men.  
It is every man's Case, that hath care of his posterity, to be Suitors for Reformation: the evil, is of the Nature of the Oil of jet, that consumeth the Marrow, & perisheth not the Bone. The Marrow & strength of this happy Realm, I mean the Ability of the Gentlemen, is much weakened and, almost wasted, by haunting of these ungracious Houses: Yet, for that the Mischiefs be not reproved, the Remedies are not applied:  
Not so few, as three hundred Gentlemen, of living, are at this Day, more than half undone, by the dangerous frequenting of Dicing-houses: how many, here tofore, have been clean sunk, would move pity to number: And for the welfare of such as shall follow, it is high time, the Corruption were purged: And as the numbers of Gentlemen, by this means decayed, are great: so, the numbers of those that live like Gentlemen upon their spoils, are greater: For, if the Shifters in & within the level of London, were, truly, mustered, I dare boldly say, they would amaze a Petty Army, I pray god, an easy encouragement, arm them not to a civil Mischief: for if their forfeats were well known, I fear, they do acts as ventrus: but my meaning is, not to suspect or accuse any in particular, although, there be many, that too boldly offend. I wish that their Coverts were discovered, & then justice would soon find their faults, or repentance, show their amendment. My Discovery, being by your wisdoms read, the loathsomeness of this Mischief can not but distemper your senses: and for your safeties, the Infection, I trust, shallbe speedily purged: And in this common benefit, this glorious Monument shall remain of your godly travails.  
London, as she is the Honour of her Country:  
So, is she become the lively Example of virtue.  
If this saying, be written upon her Gates, and A Whip and a Halter the Sign of a Dicinghouse: Unthrifts and their Familiars, would, quickly, live in other Corners, It is (almost) incredible, what beastly estate, HELIOGABALUS, left Rome: as great a wonder, how soon his good Successor ALEXANDER, repaired her Ruins: A Brief of both, whose Governments, I have set down in the beginning of this Treatise, to show, how mighty sin will grow with a little liberty: and how soon, it is quailed with severe Correction.  
We have the Image of Virtue, too our Sovereign Queen ELIZABETH: the Sages of ATHENS, to her most Honourable privy Counsel: grave judges in judicial places, and worthy Magistrates, to examine Offences: by Gods and whose providence, our prosperity, is so famous, as all the world envy and fear us. How great a foil, wear it then, that we should devour one another, when, of our superfluity, many a hungry Nation is satisfied.  
The prudent Magistrates, have already looked into our lascivious inclination: & have enacted Medicineable Laws, for these infirmities: But the severest Laws, are not other, then written threatenings, without Execution, of whose vengeance, all men may hear and no man doth feel. In times past, a Proclamation, would keep men in awe: and now, an Example of justice, scarce, makes the wicked to change countenance: but althouge, a Brainsick jade, will run with a Snaffle, a sharp Bit will bridle him: though an Offender do jest to here a Penal Statute proclaimed, and say: tush, the effect of this, will be soon forgotten: yet, in the meanewile, scowrge him with the pain, and he will cry, Peccavi.  
To reform the inconveniences Embleamed in this Mirror, need neither Machavils Policies, nor new Sessions of Parliament: The Remedies are already established, and Administration, will soon work amendment: Reformation belongeth to the Magistrate although, the benefit be general: I (only) of Zeal, discover unsufferable faults, but deal not with faulty men, whom I refer to public justice: And too your Censures I present my Travail, and at Commandment, myself: Vowinge, in Actions of a true Subject, to seek the Honour of this famous City: to show myself worthy of my deceased father, who lived long in good Credit among you, and being dead, is registered for a good man: no more, but accomplishment of perfect desires,  
To your Honour and Worships, George Whetstones.   

To the 〈…〉, the young Gentlemen, of the Inns of Court.  
RIght Worshipful, and Worthy 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 part of all the young Gentlemen of England: For, what Course soever, they afterwards sollowe, 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 Alectives, 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, assure 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 Dieyng-houses, or Dicing-houses, with their Original, the Devil. But, if you can not 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 biles 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, nofairer 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 a 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, breed 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 hastened, 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.  

SI te cura iuvat sanctarum (Candide) Legum,  
Aut inculpatae praecepta salubria vitae:  
Hinc Exempla petas, Morum sit norma tuorum  
Hic Liber, et SPECULO te contempleris in isto,   

Nam fugienda tibi quae sint industrius Author  
Quaeqae sequenda 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 deafen dere 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 a 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 Sanctuary 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. Insomuch, 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, now 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 infirmities 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, will with easy working of the Surgeon, outwardly seem to heal, but if 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 unclean, 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 infirmities 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: if not 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 Commonwealth 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 tender 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 understand 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 than 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, Coppex may hold print but not bide touch with gold: even so these hypocrites, as place and opportunity served, bewrayed their beastly natures. Among these franions, Cozenage was esteemed lawful merchandise, & dicing, fair pastime: 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 the men do exceed beasts in beastliness: and in this accordeth divine Plato, who saith, that those cities, in which there 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 the exercise of naughtiness, were not so open as before, yet the evil disposed knew where to stawle companions even in the fore named 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 vile persons: they were attired with the gentlemen's bravery, and the Gentlemen disgraced with their beastly 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 ruffens, Bawds, and such 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 friends to countenance their deceitful dealings, and then let them bark 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 so 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 assable, 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 fear, or (rather) half dead with sorrow, he quickened them again, with this sharp Reprehension: as followeth.  

Alexander's Oration, to the Cittizyns of Room.  
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 craft 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 should 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 sumptuous buildings, that giveth name of a City, but the civility and worthiness of the Cittyzyns: And on the contrary-parte, you pollute Room with so many abominations, as where in times past, she hath ●e● 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 fruit: Then, you Moths, Canker-rust and Caterpillars of Room: give ear unto my words, which show you a more assured benefit then your own traveles: The large Privileges of Abuses, which you (of long time) have enjoyed, have (by sufferance 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 sustenance, starveth itself. The like doth the Caterpyller among Fruit, and with continuance, the Canker-rust in Iron. And you, that devour 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 compass 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, 
Pride and want, cause of Sedition.  and sack this famous City, to sustain their lascivious humours: For (without special grace) in 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 Countteyes' 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 (advisedly) 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: Where the 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 travails, 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 safe 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 fire, 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 forth with a loud cry, their dutiful Affections 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 life 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 overthrow of a King doom, endeth the reign of the King.  The body that is in a Consumption, 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 feet are joined to his shoulders, & his other members (semblably) disordered: would you not (rather) take him for a Monster then a man? yea verily, and (doubtless) such a creature would perish by his deformity, ware he not by others fostered for a wonder: even so, his preposterous shape in a Commonwealth, when every estate liveth out of order, will soon come to confusion, & 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, otders 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, 
Men are more bound to the commonwealth then to Parents.  affectionate, because virtue or benefit is the 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 Ancurus. MUTIUS SCEVOLE, in disguised habit, entered (alone) the Hetruryan Camp, to stay their king, who (dangerously) assaulted Rome. GAIUS MARIUS, to overcome the fierce Cymbrians, sacrificed his dearly beloved Daughter CALPHURNIA: Death was the certain end of all these enterprises: but these Noble personages, wear wondrous uncertain, whither their Deaths should rid their Countries from dangers, or no: But Lovers of their countries prosperity, maketh neither doubts nor delays, where great peril asketh present succour: But, you will (peradventure) say, that you are ready to spend your lives, your lands and Goods, to withstand foreign Hostilytie, or Domestical enemies: If you so say, and do so, Duty challengeth all this, and wisdom willeth a deeper foresight: It is a work of more thank to preserve health, then to cure Sickness, for, pain and grief (only) commendeth Medicine: even-so, effusion of innocent blood, burning of Cities, and ravishment of Virgins, are the effects of most glorious conquests: 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) lawless 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 delolution: 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 we are 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 commandments & counsels, we will execute, as general Laws. ¶ Hereat, the Emperor releated, 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 demerits.  
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 Cittyzyns, by Usury, or other corrupt bargaining, had (absolute possession, or Morguage of the gentlemen's Lands: 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, bestowing a great portion of money out of his own Treasury, towards a general agreement: as in the end, he concluded, that the Creditors, should receive the residue of their Debts, by a yearly pension out of the gentlemen's Lands: By which News, their posterity might recover, what their unthriftiness had wasted. The Noble Emperor, having brought to pass this high benefit, for the Gentlemen of Rome, with the possession thereof: in this loving Oration, he instructed them in the Duties of Gentlemen, and (mildly) reprehended the Dishonours of their Reputation.  

The Emperor Alexander his Oration, to the Gentle men 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 moveth 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 evils, 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 abomination, so exceeded in pride, that from top to toe, he was attired in cloth of gold, pearl, & pretious-stones, 
Vices of Helyogabalus  & never wore any garment more than 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 tread upon earth like other men. His Chariot was sometime drawn with tame Lions, sometimes with Elephants, and sometimes with marvelous fair Women. The Kings which he drew off his fingers, he never put on again. The vessels of gold and silver, wherein he was served, was evermore the sees 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, pasties of peacocks tongues, other while 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 withalso 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 no●ce, he made unto them many Orations, and called them his Companions, and fellow Soldiers.  
That vice 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 desite 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, 
〈◊〉 apparel 〈◊〉 ye for sage players  Bravery in apparel, is necessary 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, 
Drunkenness and glotney, greatly disgraceth a gentleman.  are fowl maims too 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 over coming 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, 
The vengeance of Prodigality  as there needeth 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 dtyven to mortgage your Lands, and had lost the same, and yourselves, had not our liberality redeemed both: our loving care to prevent, 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 welfare, I say, fear of this mischief, and love of your well-doing, hath repurchased your Lands: receive of us, the Possession thereof, as a Cognisance of our love, and desire 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 exercise, be Feats of chivalry: use your hands, to the managing of Arms, 
The dishonour of Dicing.  and not your Fingers to the tripping of Dice, a Pastime, so villainous, that (notwithstanding) 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 Dice, departed without dispatch of his business: saying, He would not stain the Glory of the Spartianes', in making League with Dicers. The King of the Persians, sent golden Dice to king Demetrius, 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: 
worthy examPls of continency  the one, having (by fortune of war, the possession of 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) voounded, 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 (sparingely) 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, 
taverns stews anb dicing houses  were the Nurses of all vices, 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 th'undoing of others, it were reason, they should starve, by the necessity of their idle bringing up.  
¶ Item: He commanded that in the Tavarns, 
Open booths in Taverns.  there should be no other, than open Booths, that the Censors, might see the behaviours & conditions of the people that haunted them.  
¶ Item: He commanded, that no Gentleman, 
Gentlemen, for bidden, Taverns  Roman, 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▪ 
gluttony and drunkenness  nor Gentleman, or Citizyn, more than three: And that, 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.  

Limitation▪ of Apparel  ¶ Item: He commanded that no Gentleman, Romain, should have more than three Suits of Apparel: one, for Ordinary days: one other for Festival times: and 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.  

dice made bond slaves  ¶ Item He enacted, if any Gentleman Roman, or Citizin 〈◊〉 ome, by playing at Dice, haunting of Tavarns, or any other unthrifrie exercise, had consumed his patrimony & substance, & was indebted more than he was able to satisfy: that then, it should be lawful for the Creditor, to take the part 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 Ye men trustee 〈◊〉.  

limitation but usury  ¶ Item, For that Usury was the decay of a huge number, he enacted, that no Usurer, should take (after the computation of their money, more than the allowance, of. iii.li, i. s. for a. C. two, 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 Cehso●s, be departed of the name of a Citizin, &, for ever, after should be 〈◊〉 on the crime of Ingratitude.  
¶ Item, From hence forth, 
Money lent to dice players without hope to be recovered.  no necessity be considered 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, friendship, 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 po●●●n of money, taking assurance 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 that 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 he pleased, as his slave or bondman, giving him, meat and drink, only.  
¶ Item: He commanded, 
For Corrup-of victuales  that the Controwlers of the markets, should be honest men, and not covetous: and (for the avoiding of the Infection) that they should diligently foresee, that the Victuals, which were sold, should be sweet and wholesome for to be eaten.  

Late sappors,  ¶ Item: To avoid cause of Infection, and horrible Diseases, he prohibited Ingurgitations, Banquets, late Suppers and long.  

gaysome occupations.  ¶ Item: He commanded, that men of corrupt and 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.  

Sweet keeping of baynes  ¶ Item, He commanded that the Baynes, by discreet keepers, should be kept very neat and sweet, 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.  

Hospitals for poor people.  ¶ Item, Of his own charge, he builded three Hospitals, to relieve the Aged, blind, decreaped, and other poor people, infected with uncurable Diseases  

Cure for diseased vagabonds.  ¶ Item: He commanded, that unto a number of young diseased vagabonds, there should be ministered, 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 recover their health.  

Provision of Corn,  ¶ Item: He commanded, that all the forfeitures which were levied, upon the goods of Offenders 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, 
A law for The setting of Poor people a work.  other 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, 
Vitayling and bordell-houses  that in vittailing and 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, 
Cyttizyns for bidden. Taverns.  or victualing 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, 
Corrupt and deceitful Bargayners. Punished as Petty thieves  should be punished with the 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: 
unequal comparysons  that if any base conditioned person, by the presumption of wealth, should make any saucy comparison with any Gentleman Roman: immediately, the said Franklyne, should become the Gentleman's Bondslave, with whom he compared, until the said franklin, had made the Gentleman his superior, aswell in wealth, as dignity: And this Law hindered many quarrels, which (otherwise) would have grown of unequal comparysons.  

Plays abolished  Item: He commanded, that the Plays, called Florals and Luberalos, and the beastly Ceremonies 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, 
Diceplayers.  he should be taken, for a frantic 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 Weal-public.   

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 Affections, 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 Turinus, 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 Stubble, should be smoothred to death: And during the time of his Execution, he commanded a beadel to cry: With Fume let him die, that Fumes hath sold.  
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: 
conservators and their charged.  First, he ordained (according to the counsel of PLATO,) threescore grave persons, which were named, CONSERVATORS of the Weal-public: 
Education of children.  for every Tribe had two: Room being 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 wits, from the Age of vii years, unto xvi years: & that, in their Pastimes, plays and recreations, were nothing dishonest.  
¶ Item: That the Maidens, during the said Age, 
Education of maidens  were brought up in shamefastness, humbleness, and 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, 
Riotous house holder's  to control Howse-houlders of every degree, if there were found any 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 found, unto the Provost of the City, 
Presentation, twice by the week.  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, 
Provost of all the City.  as offended in other Articles, against the Statutes and Ordinances, in such cases provided.  
¶ Item: The Emperor augmented the number of Praetors and Questors, 
Pretores and Questors  but appointed every one a several Charge.  
¶ Item: He made choice, 
purveyors of grain  of very honest men to be purveyors for grain, but changed them every year, lest, continuance corrupted their consciences.  
¶ Item: He appointed bailiffs, Receivers, Surveyors, and such like Officers, but favoured them not, saying: they were necessary evils: And if they hastily 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, 
Censors, and their office.  saving 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 Emperors Palace was not free from their jurisdiction. For they meeting with Aurelius Philippus, (who was sometime the emperors shoolmaster, and after wrote his life) riding in a Chariot, looking to be saluted as a Senator, they forthwith 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 Senator 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, forbade him to come to the Emperor's palace, but (only) a foot, and his copped Cap upon his head: which fashion was only used of them that were enfranchised. Some of the Noblemen thought, the Censors dealt very 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. 
A wise policy of Alexander.  And one especial 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 judgements. 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 Gotta, 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.  

King Henry the seventh, Imitator of Alexander's government.  THE (most Noble and prudent) King, King HENRY, the seventh, the Queens (most excellent 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 Virtues, 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 bowels, and by the other, banished war from the territories. He knew, that to reform so disordered an 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: 
inclination of Common Informers  he committed the execution of the Penal Laws, to the charge of these two worthy Counsellors, fir 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, 
The lewd affections, of Common people.  are the mortal Enemies 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 other:) 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 Caesar, should be the overthrow of the Weal-public. And (truly) Cicero, prophesied rightly: for, 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-CITIE of LONDON.  
By George Wherstones, Gent.  
Imprinted at London, by Richard jones.   


MAGISTRATES OF CITIES. 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 was 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, 
The wounds of a Common wealth  justice, 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 Thief 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 Christendom,) 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 (prudently) established.  

Negligence in Magistrates causeth boldness in evil livers.  But, the (only) lack of this administration is, 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, 
●nvaying 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.  

Playing at dice invented by the devil  But, there are in the Bowels of this famous City, far more dangerous Plays, and little reprehended: 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 villainies grow.  

Ordinary Tables Nurses of Iniquity  The Nurses of these (worse then Heathnysh) Hellish 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, 
Difference of ordinary Tables  they are the Ordinary Intertayners of naughty persons, and the Sinks of all abomination. But some will hold it convenient, that I make a Difference of Ordinary Tables, because, of the civil usage & Orders of some of the keepers, 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 Houses, 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: 
This work is not made particularly to blame any person, but generally to blazon abuse.  protesting before God and man, that my labour searcheth the root of this fowl 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, 
Inns of the Court, places of much reverence.  called, 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) besides an especial benefit & reputation, which they (privately reap) unto themselves, the Ignorance of their Neighbours where they dwell, 
●●●●●ng houses in a hindrance to the stud e of the law  is (profitably) instructed: But, by reason of Dicyng-howses; and other Alectives too unthriftiness, 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. 
One scabbed sheep infecteth a hole flock   
The swarm of Unthrifts, which live upon Shifts, in, and within the City of London (first seize upon these younglings: by their lewd conversation, 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, 
dicing houses, causes of pride  were able to bring a stayed man unto their Society, but are sure to inchaunt a light youngman, which cometh (rawly) out of the country. What followeth? Pride (straightways) infecteth him with desire to be as brave as the best:  
Well: if he have living, either in possession or possybilitie, he shall find sweet Baits to choke him. Most of these wicked places, 
Three dangerous gwestes belonging to ordinary tables  nourish three Guests 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, 
Description of brave shifters  countenance, 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 isle 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 hurtful 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 Shifters, by false Dice, slippery casting, or some other nice Sleight: although all the Day, they dally with young Novices. 
Brave shiffters live up on the cozenage of play  as a Cat doth with a Mouse: yet, before Bed time, they will make their Purses as empty of Money, as the Cat the mouse's head of Brains.  
If a man had none other Fly sucking of him, he should find, a few of Ordinary Dinners would sup 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 shifters.  
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, 
Brokers of Bawdry. haunters of dicing houses.  that only live upon 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 shallbe Ribaldry, and matter of their profession. To conclude, he that hath advantage, slily 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 brothel-house where (peradventure) 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, 
Cossonage of ●awdes.  and yet my brave Besognier 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 Fowntaynes, the wealthiest of our young Gentlemen, are soon learned to sing.  
¶ 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 infection 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: 
Brokers for money and their Cossonage.  who 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-pownds 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 Ink, 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: 
A good lesson for young Gentlemen.  But (unhappy young 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 wert 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 fully contented & paid. 
Prodigality a passion uncurable.  But all in vain Medicine is applied to uncurable Maladies: as smally availeth good Counsel given unto the Prodigal.  

●ib. de liberalit  prodigality & covetousness, are two extreme 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 Lawyer 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 Areopagites, and criminal judges of Athens, punished prodigal men, as idle, vagrant & unprofitable men. The ten 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 appointment of the judge. By the commandment of Q. Pompeius, Praetor, Q, Fabius, the Son of Q. Fabius, 
Vale. Max. li 3. Cham 5.  the 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 xu 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 preservatives 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 feared 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 Gould, 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: Even so, 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 the Law and good Lawyers reverenced, 
A Petifogger a most dangerous brother. ) 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: 
Exercise of ordinary Table petyfoggers.  his eyes are settled upon their dispositions, 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. 
Covetous Citizens hunt ordinary tables to undo Gentlemen.  But these shames of good 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 extreme dealing of covetous Citizens have settled a deadly envy between Gentlemen and merchants.  The extremity of these men's dealings hath been and is so 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 rascal 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. 
Tim. 1. cap. 6. The 〈◊〉 of covetousness.  S. Paul by good warrant saith, That covetousness is the root of all mischief. S. Augustine saith, that the covetous man is subject to all evils, for that all evils come of covetousness. He moreover saith, that wild beasts have measure, for being hungry they pursue their praies, 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: 
Four wheels of the chariot of covetousness. The two horses. The wagoner. The two whips.  S. Bernard saith, that the accursed chariot of covetousness, 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 wagoner is Earnest desire to have, who useth two sharp whips: the one called Disordered appetite to get, the other, 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 Lelius somuch as Scipio, nor Scipio so much as the rich Crassus, nor Crassus so much riches as he desired. The Emperor Pertinax was so covetous, 
Pertinax Emperor.  as he would invite his friends unto two small slices of 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, 
Pope Martin.  as he would steal every night the burning tapers in S. Peter's Church. The same Pontanus saith, that a Cardinal named Angel, 
Cardinal Angel.  every night would steal away from his own horses bottles of hay, and sell them to other ostlers, until his horsekeeper one night (taking of him tardy) swinged him currently. 
Covetousness a dangerous enemy to the common wealth.  To conclude the evils of covetousness, 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 forward the 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. 
A problem pithily answered by a French Gentleman.  An Englishman demanded the cause, That the young gentlemen 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' common wealth poor.  Socrates found that abundance of wealth was the overthrow of many common wealths, and 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 nusleth our young gentlemen in pride, and acquainteth them with sundry shifting companions, whereof one sort couseneth 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 search deeper into this ulcer, there is more fowl matter behind, 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 business keep no certain houses. If ordinary tables be tolerated for their necessity, what warrant have the ordinary table-keepers within the heart of London, 
Ordinaries for Citizens and the inconvenience.  (which are commonly called dicing houses) for Citizens? In every City, Citizens have houses of their own, have wife, children and families to care for: and sure the inconvenience cannot but be great, when a man leaveth his own house, and the company of his wife and family, and dineth at a dicing house. In many well governed common wealths, Citizens by especial Laws were forbidden to eat and drink out of their own houses, unless one neighbour invited an other: but sufferance 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, 
Keeper of these houses shame 〈◊〉  the condition of the keepers of these places is to be considered, for the most part the masters of these 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. 
A dicers opinion of the first making of dice & cards.  Insomuch on a time I heard a distemperate dicer solemnly swear, that he faithfully 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 grace 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 herb called 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 herb 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 of their amendment: O my friends, 
●udge Choml●ys answer ●o thieves that sued for mercy.  quoth the judge, I tell you plainly, 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 offenders. 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 fore reported 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 surueide but these vile houses by honest conservators, you should find the painful travels of capital Magistrates much eased, many men's lives shallbe saved, Gentleman 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, 
Citizens forbidden to purchase land.  traffic is plenty, which chief supporteth all Cities. And therefore in many well governed common wealths, Citizens (to the end they should only employ 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 of these haunts, which are placed in Allies, 
Ordinaries for masterless men, shifters, etc.  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 fripperers, 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. 
〈◊〉 called cherish●● 〈◊〉.  And I pray to God, that in Cheap side, 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 parone 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 he 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 another, 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 ●one unto God. third you they may not he 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 fore reported 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 herded, 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: 
The honourable disposition of the Napo●●ion gentleman.  so he both avoideth the controlment of superiors, and the cheeke-mate of inferiors. Would our English gentlemen did the like, they would like very well of the change. By this frugallitie, the Napolitane liveth Cavelie 〈◊〉 like with a 100 trownes 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, 
The exceeding ●ercie of the Queens Majesty eterni●ed by 〈◊〉.  than in Paris in a whole year, so exceeding 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 cousenages 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 veligeance inflicted upon his adversaries, than I myself of mineas 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 ●eceite, 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 ears, of the right Honourable, and Gracious judge, the L. Chancellor of England: by whose wisdom & grave judgement, I constantly believe, for he 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.