THE Commendation of Cocks, and . Wherein is showed, that Cocke-fighting was before the coming of Christ.  
LONDON, Printed for Henry Tomes, and are to be sold at his Shop over against Gray Inn gate in Holborn, 16●7.   

TO THE RIGHT Worshipful Sir Henry Bedingfield in the County of Norfolk Knight: George Wilson wisheth in this world, health, wealth, and prosperity: and in the world to come, eternal felicity.  
THis Treatise (right Worshipful) tending to the commendation of Cocks, and Cocke-fighting, was by me long since promised in London, Bostone, and other places: but like an ill Debtor, I have broken many days of payment: yet now at the last I have made performance, although perchance not altogether in such good manner, as some men may expect, yet is it in the best sort that I can: and as it is, I hope you will accept it. Mison could not paint so exquisitely, as Apelles did, yet Darius allowed of his labours. Silly Baucis could not feast jupiter in silver plate, but in wooden vessels. All that honour Esculape, cannot deck his shrine with jewels: neither can all they that writ, express their minds, so well as they would. But as Apollo gave Oracles, as well to the poor man for his mite, as to the rich man for his million: so I doubt not, but your worship will accept of this my poor offering, and patronize this book as willingly, as I dedicate it heartily, and although I know it is unworthy, to wear your worthy name: yet have I (presuming on your wont courtesy) placed it on the brow of it, to be an ornament unto it to grace it, and a shield to defend it, against all envious detractors. Now, the reason why I have made choice of you, rather than of any other, is, both in regard of the good will you bear to Cocke-fighting, (wherein I know you take exceeding great delight) and also to manifest my love, and duty unto your worship, to whom I am more than much beholding, for many and most undeserved courtesies. Being loath to trouble you with too tedious an Epistle, in all humility, commending my book to your favourable protection, I end, hoping one day to do something that shallbe more worthy of your acceptance, till when and ever, I rest your Worships, to command.  
George Wilson.   

To the Reader whosoever.  
GEntle Reader, in regard that I have always been greatly affectioned to the most pleasant sport of , I have thought good to show unto thee (in this following treatise) the excellent nature, rare qualities, stout courage, undaunted resolution, and the most admirable virtues, that are in fight Cocks, and withal to describe, and show forth the manner, custom, and good order that is observed and used in the pleasing pastime of , with a brief repetition of the high commendations that learned writers, and mighty princes, as Themistocles, Plutarch, Pliny, Caesar, Mark Anthony, and many other great personages have given unto them, not only to satisfy and please mine own humour therein, but to fulfil the earnest request and expectation of divers men of great account, who have long time laboured with me, & often incited me to do it. Wherefore considering with myself, that although many men in this Realm, hold it in most high estimation, yet there are not, nor have been any, that ever gave it any public commendation. I thought good to show my simple skill in the describing of it; which description although it be far inferior to the worthiness of my subject: yet I entreat thee to accept it kindly, or else to amend it quickly: but if thou wilt neither accept of it, nor amend it, but scorn my work, and contemn me for my good will, than the care is taken: and I am constant in my resolution. Thus kindly commending both myself and my Book, to the courtesy of all courteous Readers, I bid thee farewell. From Wretton in the County of Noffolke.  
Thine in what he may, G. W.   

The Commendation of Cocks, and Cocke-fighting.  

Chapter. I.  
IT is written in the first Chapter of the first Book of Moses, called Genesis: that God gave unto man, Sovereignty, Rule, & Dominion over the fishes in the sea; over the fowls of the air; and over every living thing that he had made: and behold, it was exceeding good, and was appointed unto man for to do him homage, and to serve him in all places, and times, in his several and necessary uses and not only for clothing and sustenance for his body; but also for recreation and pastime, to delight his mind: as with Cocke-fighting, Hawking, Hunting, and such like. For honest recreation is not prohibited by the word of God: but rather tolerated and allowed.  
The Kingly Prophet David, rehearsing the miraculous works of the Almighty, in the 104 Psalm, saith, speaking of the sea; there go the ships, and there is that Leviathan, whom thou hast made to take his pastime therein. Now if the fish be admitted to take their pastime in the sea, and the fowls to sport them in the air? How much more may man (which is the king of Creatures) take his pleasure upon the earth? for our Saviour Christ saith, you are of more worth, than many Sparrows. And the wise Solomon verifieth, that this is the portion of a man under the sun, to eat, and to drink, and to make his heart merry with the moderate use of the good creatures of God.  
divers other places in the Holy Scriptures, tending to this effect, might be alleged, to prove and maintain the lawfulness of mirth and modest pastime: which in all ages, and in all places whatsoever, hath always been both tolerated, and commended: but I will omit the recital of them, and proceed in my pretended description of Cocks, and Cocke-fighting: which pleasant, and delightful sport, is so excellent of itself, that it meriteth much praise; and so ancient, that it may easily be proved: it was used long time before our Saviour Christ's peregrination: for do but look into Plutarch's Books, called the lives of the Romans, and you shall find in the story of M. Antonius, that the Soothsayers counseled him to beware & take heed of Caesar, because his Cocks did always lose the day, when they fought with Caesar's. And I also read, that Themistocles, that worthy, valiant and time-eternized Conqueror, when he besieged the famous and great Country Dalmatia, did use Cocke-fighting: for at his beginning, and first entrance into that enterprise, before he gave any assault, or made any offer of battery against the country: he commanded that two Cocks of the kind, should be brought unto him, and be set down to fight before him, in the open view of all his valiant soldiers, whom he earnestly requested most seriously to behold and mark the battle, which was performed on both parts, with such stout courage, and magnanimity, that all the spectators did admire, and wonder to behold the dreadfulness of their fight, the deep indented wounds that each of them had, and in the end with what exceeding great resolution, both of them died: which bloody battle was no sooner ended, but Themistocles commanding silence, began this Oration.  
RIght worthy Gentlemen, courageous Companions, and my most valiant and loving Soldiers, it is oftentimes seen, that he which is least able to bear, shall have the greatest burden laid upon his back, as appeareth most apparently by me at this instant, who being ordained & appointed to be your Governor, and the chief General of the field; whereas many of you are more worthy, and better able to have supplied my place, and discharged my office, than myself am. But since it is my Prince's pleasure, to prefer me to this high pre-eminence and great dignity, although I cannot perform all that is requisite to be done, by a man of so great a command, in such absolute manner as I gladly would: yet will I not fail to show my uttermost endeavour to accomplish, and achieve whatsoever I can. Now the occasion of this our present warlike preparation, is not unknown to you all, but the means how we shall bring to pass our intended purposes, is unknown to any, and remaineth doubtful both to you, and to me: and therefore the better to effect what we do intend, I thought it not amiss, but rather most necessary, to present unto your public view the fierce fight, and cruel combat of these two (late undaunted, but now dead) Cocks, that the sight of the courage which they showed in this quarrel, might pierce into your hearts, and make a deep impression in your discreet considerations, that thereby you might be the more emboldened and encouraged, than you could have been by all the words of comfort that I can relate, or by all the examples of former accidents that may be repeated. I might here take occasion to unfold, and show unto you the sundry shifts, and subtle evasions, which they used in their fight, for the eschewing of each dangerous blow interchangeably passing betwixt them; but for yourselves could not but perceive it, I will let pass as a thing not material to be any more recited And now only as your Director I advise you, as your Captain I council you, and as your friend & fellow soldier I instantly exhort you, to call to mind the invincible courage of these unreasonable creatures: what cruelty they endured in this conflict, how many bleeding wounds they sustained, never showing so much as any sign of yielding, no not at the very last gasp of their lives: when being not able to strike, stand, or see each other, yet even then they manifested their incredible valour, until the one was left dead with the blows of his adversary, & the other not able to live, having obtained so doubtful a victory: and all this doubtless for no other cause so far as I can conjecture) then for the love of their Hens Now therefore most heroical minded Gen-men, and courageous Soldiers, if these creatures wanting the use of reason, who are only guided by nature, have showed such stout, undaunted and admirable courage for the love of their phéeres: let not us which are men, endued with wisdom and understanding, and with far greater prerogatives of nature, than any other inferior creatures, they being subject unto us, and made for our use: but we having our natures much indéered, and bettered by art, Let not us I say, show more cowardice and faint hearted timorousness, than these silly fowls of the air have done.  
I read of many men in former times, which to disport their Princes, have entered into doubtful frays, and most dangerous combats insomuch, that some of them in those actions, have ended their lives by the dint of their dearest companions sword. Some have consumed their days in travel, and undergone death in most tyrannical manner, with great misery, and much extremity for the good of their country, sacking nothing, but fame for themselves, yet desirous to procure profit to their native soils. Other some have suffered death for the entire affection which they did bear unto their friends: divers have plunged themselves into manifest and mighty perils for the defence of their wives and children: and very many have been more willing to lose their lives, then to lose their lands and temporal livings: but never any (I think) hath been so much subject to cowardice, that they would not fight to saveguard their own lives. Yet this is our cause now, nay our cause is more than so, to animate us unto this conflict: for we are commanded by our Prince (whom of necessity we must obey) and challenged by our mortal enemies, who seek the death of our Prince: the speedy subversion, and utter overthrow of our native Country, the ransacking of our substance, the violating of our virgins, the ravishing of our wives, and lastly, the most bloody Massacre of all our children and friends: reserving ourselves, to endure some extreme and intolerable tortures. Therefore (I beseech you) arm yourselves with courage correspondent for such a conflict: and let us choose and resolve rather to die valiantly with honour, then to yield ourselves cowardly to the mercy of our merciless enemies, who have made preparation for our general destruction. These words Themistocles uttered with such vehemency of spirit, and with such a show of undoubted valour, that all the whole army (which before was somewhat daunted and discouraged with the force and multitude of their enemies) had now (by this instigation) so far abandoned and chased away all former fear, that nothing could discourage them, for now they seemed to disdain and contemn all occasions, which might in any sort dismay them: every one thinking so well, and conceiving such a good opinion of their General, that they thought themselves happy to be under his government, and deemed every hour to be a day long, until they might buckle with their boasting adversaries.  
Whereupon they having made fit preparation for all their warlike provision, they struck up an Alarm, sounded their trumpets, cornets, clarions, fifes, and other musical instruments used in wars, with such a triumphant noise, as was able to have animated an effeminate minded Soldier. And in this manner they marched courageously towards their enemies, whom they assailed so fiercely with such unspeakable valour, that the bloody Massacre which they made amongst them, (whom they slaughtered in great abundance) was a sufficient witness to warrant their courageous resolutions, they charging them on every side so valiantly, that the fame of that famous and heroical act of Chivalry and Princely prowess performed in that piece of service, will never be buried in oblivion so long as the Annals of the Grecians remain, or a Greek is living to record the same.   

Chapter. II.  
Lycurgus' the law giver of Lacedemonia, counseled the Lacedæmonians to be both as constant, & as courageous as a Cock is: for this is certain, that he is so constant to his Hens, that he will rather die, then depart from them: and so courageous, that he will never yield unto his adversary, until death enforce him. And Pliny that famous writer saith, That the Cock loveth his Hens so entirely, that he will take the meat out of his own mouth, and then clucking them about him, he will bestow it most liberally and kindly among them. And moreover, if any other Cock do chance to come within his regiment, precinct, or liberty, to tread any of his Hens, he will strait ways encounter with his intruding adversary, and valiantly adventure his life with him, be he never so strong, or stout, rather than yield him any jot or part of his pleasure.  
Here may all men take occasion by this example of the Cock, to weigh and consider with themselves, how loving and kind they ought to be unto their wives, and how vigilant and careful they should be over them which are so nearly, and dearly bound unto them by the Law of God, as to be one flesh, one mind, one faith, and one troth: as though both they were but one body: in which course, they are commanded by the Almighty, to continue unto the end of their lives.  
Now this being performed (as it ought to be) what would it do, but work this effect? that as in our Cocks, our wives see and know, we take exéeding great pleasure and delight: so it would also incite, and cause them to say unto themselves, we are induced and persuaded, nay, in a manner we are even compelled, and as it were enforced to love our husband's Cocks, and to make much of them, because they do show unto them a good and a persuasive example, how they should love, regard, defend, and cherish us: for they perceiving such constant, faithful, and unfeigned love, to be and remain in unreasonable creatures which are only guided and governed by nature, will surely be moved thereby, and stirred up to a far greater love towards us, having more wisdom, reason, and understanding in themselves, than all other kinds of living creatures. Now therefore, for our own parts, we will do this from henceforth, we will rather want meat ourselves, than the Cocks shall: and by this means, we shall allure our husbands to manifest their love towards us, and procure them to continue it to us.  
Thus would our wives say among themselves; but to pass over that point, we read, that rash Isadas the Lacedaemon Lord, going out naked with an host of men against the Theban powers, in which desperate attempted fight, he prevailed and got a great victory. Afterwards, he being asked why he went forth in that manner, made this answers; The craven Cock (saith he) had rather be covered in a rope, than come forth to fight, or if of necessity he be enforced, he will sooner run out of danger, then endure it: but the Cock of the Game will always be forward to the fight, and never leave it, for any danger that is in it: neither will he desire any other engine, either to defend himself, or to offend his enemy, more than ●ame Nature hath endowed him with; and shall not I be as valorous as a Coeke is? Thus did Isadas (by example of the Cock) answer to their objection.  
Now there are some men which will say, that notwithstanding all the courage that is in our fight Cocks, yet they are crowned but with a comb: but Pliny saith, that nature did crown him with a Diadem: and that his comb was given him (as indeed who can deny it) to be an ornament to adorn him, and not (as some fools think) to be a note of disgrace, and scandal to him. Heliodorus in his Ethiopian History reporteth, that Cocks were had in such great estimation amongst the Egyptians, (whither Cha●iclea the daughter of Astyages the King of the Ethiopes was by thieves violently carried) that both the Priests in Memphis, and most of the people which inhabited near to the River Nilus, did keep Cocks in their lodging-chambers, to be as an alarum bell unto them, to make them to be vigilant and watchful: the one for that being often wakened, they might call upon their Idols Osiris, and Isis, (whom they worship as their God, and their Goddess) and the other that they might thereby be moved to make all things sure, and be stirred up to defend themselves against robbers, and thieves, by whom (in those parts) they were mightily oppressed.  
Thus you may see that even amongst the heathens, Cocks were highly respected, and much valued, many hundredth years ago; and no doubt but they are so still at this instant: and in my opinion, they deserve, and merit more to be esteemed of all men, than any other fowl doth, for what fowl this day living in the air, or upon the face of the earth, is so pleasurable, and so profitable as the Cock is? I confess that the Arabian Phoenix is both rarer, and chaster; but for the use and behoof of man, the Cock is far better. In both of them hath Dame Nature done her best, and (to express great wonders in small creatures) hath made them both more excellent, and more admirable, than any other feathered fowls.  
The Phoenix is much prized of many, but not more praised of all then the Cock is, for the one is not so worthy of commendations for her rareness and chastity (which cometh of necessity, because there is no more of that kind) as the other is for his courage and constancy, who (though he hath great society) will rather die, then derogate from any of his company,  
Master Michael Drayton, an excellent Poet, now living in London, in a Book of his called England's Heroical Epistles, speaking of the Phoenix, saith thus.  
The Arabian Bird that never is but one,  
Is only chaste because she is alone:  
But had our mother Nature made them two,  
They would have done as Doves, and Sparrows do.  
Now, what doth the Dove, but by his billing beget others, or the Sparrow, (but as the Cock doth) by treading, engender, breed, and increase his own kind. And had the Phoenix a Fere do so with, she would (in short time) grow to this pass, to be neither so chaste, nor so rare, as she now is.  
Ioues armour bearer, the Eagle is every way greater, but no way so good as the Cock is: for though he be the king of Birds, and therefore feared of all, yet he is a greedy and a devouring cormorant that prays upon them, and therefore beloved of none. Our Faulkons, and other swift winged Hawks will sore high, and sometimes delight us a little: but the pleasure and pastime which they make us is nothing in comparison of that which our Cocks yield us. And yet Hawking is a sport of many great Personages, and brave spirited gentlemen, much used, and mightily accounted of, and to speak as I think: it is a thing that deserveth both to be loved, and commended: yet Cocks afford us far more pleasure, than Hawks can, though Hawks be ten times more chargeable, and troublesome, and require ten times more attendance, than our Cocks do.  
Then seeing our fight Cocks are no whit inferior to the Phoenix for virtue, to the Eagle in goodness, (though far less in greatness) nor to Hawks for man's commodity, profit, and delectable pleasure: but rather less chargeable, and ten times more comfortable. Surely we have special cause, both to be mightily addicted to them, and also to make exceeding much of them.   

Chapter. III.  
THe Apostle Saint Peter, with a vain ostentation, boasting of his own strength, told our Saviour Christ in the Gospel, that though all men forsook him, yet he would not leave him, but rather die with him: so proud was he of his faith, and so prodigal of his love. But Christ (who as he saith himself, knew what was in man, and to how many infirmities frail flesh is subject) said unto him; this night before the Cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice; and as he said it came to pass: for before the cock crew, he both denied him, and foresware him, saying, he knew not the man: but so soon as the Cock did crow, it came immediately into his mind, what his master had said, and then instantly (as the text saith) he went out and wept betterly. Thus you may see it verified out of our saviours own mouth, that the crowing of Cocks was seriously noted, and duly observed in his time, and also that the voice of the Cock was (by Christ's institution) ordained (like the voice of a Preacher) to call Peter to repentance, and to induce him to power forth tears out of his eyes, to pacify the wrath of God, for his heinous offence ..  
What an unspeakable comfort was that Cock unto Noah, which in the time of the deluge, survived with him in the Ark, whose shril-tongued far resounding voice (when he crowed) was heard by all the people in the world, at one instant. And what an incomparable comfort are Cocks continually unto us, for in all Countries they are the Farmer's clocks, who duly and truly declare unto them, how the night passeth, and when the day light appeareth: and for this cause did the Swath-rutters make great account of Cocks, for when they were enticed, and procured to come into England in the commotion time, their wives came with them, and brought their Cocks at their backs, which manifested an entire affection that they bore unto them, when they choose rather to bring them with them, than any other thing which they enjoyed: if you read the Chronicles, you shall find this to be most true. But what need I to recite, or allege any circumstance of such antiquity, for approbation of my argument, when we ourselves, by daily experience, cannot choose but see and perceive what exceeding great comfort and consolation all men have, or may have by them.  
I remember that in my young time, I being in bed with an Uncle of mine a learned Minister and a zealous Professor of the word of God, how that after midnight, the Cock crowed, whereat my Uncle awaked, and told me that the voice of the Cock did put him in mind of the passion of our Saviour Christ, and then instantly he fell to most earnest praying. Likewise a man of good worship credibly informed me, that he knew a Gentleman, that had many good Cocks of the game which he loved marvelously well, and wherein he took great felicity and delight all his life time; and at the last falling into a grievous sickness, and lying upon his deathbed, he requested his kindred and friends which were about him, to place his Cocks with their Coops so near unto his bed's head as possibly they could do, which being performed according to his request, he heard them crow; whereat he said, now have I obtained that which I desired; for these delectable voices shallbe my swéete-sounding trumpets, to admonish and put me in mind of my immortal, and celestial judge, before whom all flesh must appear, to receive recompense according to their demerits, whether they be good or evil.  
Also our late Prince of famous memory King Henry the Eight, did take such pleasure and wonderful delight in the Cocks of the game, that he caused a most sumptuous, and stately Cockpit to be erected in West-minster, wherein his Majesty might disport himself with Cocke-fighting, among his most noble and loving subjects, who in like manner did affect that pastime so well, and conceived so good an opinion of it, not only because the King was so addicted to it, but also in regard of the great valour and incomparable courage that the Cocks showed in their battles; the which did inflame their hearts, that they caused Cocke-pits to be made in many Cities, boroughs, and Towns throughout the whole Realm. To which Cocke-pits resorted, both Dukes, Earls, Lords, Knights, Gentlemen, and Yeomen, there to recreate and delight themselves with Cocke-fighting,  
Now this is to be noted that in this pleasant exercise there is no collusion, deceit, fraud, or cozening tolerated, nor any used (as in most other games, and pastimes customarily there is,) neither is there any brawlings, or quarrels suffered in those places: but all men, must there use civil and good behaviour, what degree or calling soever he be of. And also it is there decreed upon, and set down as an irrevocable order, that no man by cursing banning, or swearing, shall blaspheme God, or take his name in vain, but that all of them shall speak modestly, and deal according to truth and whosoever shall descent from it, or do otherwise than is appointed, must undergo the punishment prescribed by the Nobility aforesaid: which laws then instituted & ordained, are yet to be seen extant, both in Suffolk and Norfolk, and I hope will still remain and continue to the end of the world; which good observation, hath induced many to keep Cocks of the game, and I doubt not but that in time, it will incite a number more, both to breed them, and bring them up, to the intent, that they may have sport with them to content and delight themselves: for this is most certain, that if ever any thing in the world were delectable, and pleasant to the heart of man, and did beget in him any mirthful ●●●●sance and consolation, it was, and is the excellent sport of Cock fight (as Themistocles hath sufficiently declared.) And this property or hidden mystery, it hath in it; that whosoever doth affect it, or (as divers good men are) be much addicted to it, and then afterwards, either of his own accord, or by any other man's instigation, or persuasion, do neglect it, and refrain it, let him expect and look for no other thing, but always to be melancholy, sad, and disconsolate, and desirous to wander alone, ever musing on the worst things, and not of the best: but rather imagining evil, than good. And this I know by experience, proved by many men of good account, to their hindrance and grief, and to my exceeding great sorrow: and therefore I would admonish, advise, and counsel all men, that take delight and pleasure, in that delicious and pleasant pastime, never to forsake or leave it, or to alienate themselves from it, so long as it shall please the almighty to bless and prosper them; for that which I have here rehearsed is neither fable, nor fiction, but an undoubted truth and a thing that is most certain: wherefore I for mine own part, am thus resolved so long as life and health last, and God lend my limbs ability, and strength to bear me. I will never abstain from it, when conveniently I may be at it, nor never consent to give over that heart-pleasing pastime.   

Chapter. FOUR  
WHen Flammius the Grecian in a set battle, had overthrown and spoiled a huge army, which the world-subduing Macedon brought thither: It is recorded for a most certain truth, that he and his company for joy of that unexpected Victory, shouted so loud, and so long together, that the clamorous noise of their exclamation seemed to shake the foundations of the earth, and so deasened the ears of all creatures that came within the sound thereof, that the fowls of the air, were thereby enforced to fall down to the earth, and there lay (as it were in a trance) being amazed, and astonished at the noise of their ayre-filling clamours. At which instant, even in the midst of their exceeding great outcry: It is said that their Cocks (whereof they had abundance) clapped their wings, and crowed so often and so cheerfully, with such alacrity of spirit, as if they had participated, or had a fellow-féeling of that soul-ravishing joy, which was in their Masters: whereupon Calymachus said, that he had rather hear Cocks crow, than music sound: for (saith he) the one cannot so much content my mind, as the other doth comfort my heart.  
Who would think that the crowing of a Cock should make a Lion quake? and yet it doth so, which is a most strange & a miraculous thing, that he, which is the King of beasts, of whom it is said, that the roaring of his voice, will engender fear in all the beasts in the Forest, and make them tremble at the terror of it, should himself tremble and be terrified (like a fainthearted and a timorous-flying hare) with the sound of a silly cocks voice, yet of a truth it is, for of all things in the world, he cannot abide to hear a Cock crow; whereey we may most apparently perceive, the omnipotent power of the Almighty, who by the smallest creatures, can curb, and control the greatest: as he did Pharaoh by louse, and by the weakest confound the strongest, as he did Holofernes by the hand of judith; Sisera, by jael; and great Goliath by little David. We may read in the 48 Chapter of the Prophecy of Esay, that the Lord God, in that place commandeth the Prophet to cry aloud, and spare not to lift up his voice like a Trumpet, and for this cause only, to tell the house of jacob their sins, and Israel their offences.  
Now what is it for a Preacher to elevate, and lift up his voice, but (as the Cock doth) to rouse up himself, and clap his wings, that is, to shake of all ignorance, sloth, and negligence in himself, and then to cry aloud unto others cheerfully, to utter his voice with vehemency of spirit, and to deliver his message manfully, boldly, and with a good courage; as the Cock did, when he crowed near to Caiphas house. Thus you see that of Cocks we may learn many good lessons, whereof we might make profitable uses if we would rightly apply them unto ourselves: As first, to be constant and loving to our wives, as they are to their Hens. Secondly, to be valorous and to fight courageously against our enemies, and (as they do) never give over, but either get the victory, or else die valiantly. Thirdly, to be vigilant, and watchful (as they are) and to avoid slothfulness, which generally reigns too much in us. And lastly, to stretch forth ourselves, and to strain our voices in the uttering of God's affairs.  
The blessed Apostle Saint Paul in the first Epistle to Timothy, the 6 Chapter, and the 12 verse, chargeth Timothy to fight, the good fight of Faith, (and consequently in him exhorteth all Christians to do the same) whereupon one (interpreting the same text) saith thus: as the Cock of the game, having received a hurt, or a wound from his adversary, doth strait ways close, and fight with him, until he hath overcome him, or else be killed by him: so we being often stricken, and secretly wounded by the sly insinuating blows of Satan (our old and continual adversary) should with the sword of the spirit fight courageously against all his assaults and temptations, until (by faith and prayers) we have overcome them, or by the power and providence of God be delivered from them.  
Another thing now cometh into my mind, which I noted in the disputation, between Master Bannes and Stephen Gardiner, Master Barnes preaching in London at Paul's Cross, compared himself to a Cock of the game, and Stephen Gardener to another; but (quoth he) Stephen hath no spurs, signifying thereby, that (in his opinion) Gardiner was not so well armed at all points, to endanger and offend his adversary as himself was. Furthermore, it is grown to be a custom here amongst us in this Realm of England, that when we have any troubles, suits in law, or causes of weight in hand, our especial friend demanding of us, if we have not solicited and made means to such a man to be a Mediator for us, or to be friend us in the matter, we most commonly will make them this answer, I have made that Cocksure; so rare, singular, and so excellent a creature is the Cock, that divers good things have relation unto him, and even a multitude of things might be spoken of him.  
I remember I once heard a Yorkshire man (that dwelleth near to the borders of Scotland) say, that he would not give a Cock of the game, which he had in his Coop at home, for half the Cows the best man in their Town had in his milking-yard. Many more things I could repeat, and allege for the credit and commendation of the Cocks of the game: but those that are already rehearsed, may serve for a sufficient probability of their virtues, courage, and excellent qualities, without any further recitals, or more testimonies; wherefore I will now proceed, and explain unto you the distinction, and difference, which is betwixt them & other Cocks: and withal make a brief repetition of some strange and most admirable battles, which myself have seen, in divers and sundry places at Cocke-fighting, to the great contentation, both of myself and many others: and therewithal conclude, and knit up this little Treatise.   

Chapter. V  
THere be some men which will commune with themselves and say: we admire and marvel much, why these people be so zealously affected, and so much in love with the Cocks of the game, more than with any other Cocks, imagining with themselves, yea, and persuading their own hearts, that their Cocks of the Dunghill, are as good in every degree, as they are, and make them as much pastime as they can. But believe me, my honest friends, it is neither so, nor so; for there be divers and sundry kinds and sorts of Cocks, but for brevity sake, I will only entreat but of three sorts, or several kinds: that is, the Cocks of the game, the halfe-bred Cocks, and the Dunghill, or craven Cocks. The Cocks of the game are so called, because they carry the credit away from all other Cocks in battle, which is the only cause they are so highly esteemed, and so much valued as they be; for it is generally and commonly seen, that the most heroical and noble hearted men, take greatest delight in those things which are of most courage, and greatest valour, and that of all others (in my opinion) is the Cocks of the game: as already I have sufficiently declared. But as for your craven Cocks, the best and chiefest pastime, that they will or can make you is, when they are well boiled, or stewed, and laid in a platter with good store of plumbs about them, and then you may assure yourselves they will not shrink for a blow, but otherwise let them be well matched, and close coupled to Cocks of the game, and I dare assure you, they will quickly take their leave of them, and in most cowardly and base manner run away from them, to your great grief and discontentment. Yet notwithstanding all this, there be some simple men, which will report and say thus of them, they serve our turns well enough to crow, and to tread our Hens. Well, I grant, and believe they do so, and that is the greatest valour or virtue that is in them; but to compare them with the Cocks of the game, you mistake your mark, and are more than much deceived, for there is no comparison to be made of or betwixt them, nor any indifferent equality in them: for Moses saith in the Book of Genesis, that God in the creation made all things perfect, absolutely good, and in their right kind, but most of your Cocks (by gross and irregular breeding) are become imperfect, and so consequently prove cravins, and cowardly minded fowls: and in that manner will remain, and continue in despite of you, do what you can to help it, which causeth all men that breed Cocks. (if either they love them, or desire to have any pastime with them) to eschew and avoid them, as much as possibly in them lieth: for what man amongst a thousand (if he have any spark of wisdom knowledge, or understanding in him) that doth breed, keep, or nourish up any creature whatsoever, but will desire to bring up that which of itself is most absolute, and of the perfectest kind, and best breed that can or may be gotten, or procured? Now lastly, as concerning your halfe-bred cocks, which are engendered by the cock of the game, and of the craven Hen, or by the right bred, and best qualified Hen, and of the Dunghill and degenerate cock: what will they do but even when you expect, and hope for best of them, and (seeing them fight) think the battle to be surely won on their sides, deceive your expectation, and frustrate your hopes, for if one of them, do but chance to lose an eye, or receives any hurt, or damage that seems to be prejudicial to him, than God be with your game, for he is gone, the house is too hot, the fight too fierce, and the danger too great for him to endure it. Therefore I do still magnify, and extol the cocks of the game, because their courage can never be quailed, nor their hearts daunted by any wound, or hurt, how deep soever it be indented. For confirmation and proof whereof, I will show you an instance.  
There was a cock about Shrovetide last, which in the cockpit in the city of Norwich, fought with a strong, and a stout adversary, until such time as both his eyes were beaten out, his head sore wounded, and shrewdly battered, and all his body most pitifully bruised, and then with the sudden astonishment of a sound blow, which from his cruel adversary he received, being beaten down, and lying for dead, not stirring any whit, nor seeming otherwise (to the beholders) than to be stark dead, he suddenly started up, contrary to all their expectations, (when there was offered twenty shillings, yea, twenty pounds to be laid to one, that there was no breath remaining in his body and closed with his adversary, at whom he struck most violent blows, and never gave over, until (to the amazement of all the spectators) he had most valiantly slain him. Oh strange action oh stout heart, and undaunted mind, who would imagine such great courage should be in so small a creature, or almost believe (but that their eyes may daily behold, and see it) that such dreadless fear, scorning valour, should remain in a cock. Tell me (I pray) you that make as much account of a sqeaking Kestrel, or a scurvy Hobby, as you do of a good Hawk? you that think every Dunghill craven, to be as good as a cock of the game; tell me (I say) when did you ever see any of your base-bred Cocks show such courage, or do such an admirable action? surely never, neither shall you ever know any of them perform the like. Thus you may see by this one instance, that they are not so good, as the other are, but far inferior to them: and therefore who (but rough hewn clowns, and rustic corridon's) would breed and bring up cravens, when he may have of the right kind.   

Chapter. VI  
AMongst many other Battles fought, and divers great exploits done by Cocks of the game in sundry places, give me a little leave (I pray) to report unto you, what credit a Cock of mine own breeding (whom I called jipsey) won at Saint Edmundsburie in Suffolk, where he played his prize so excellently, and fought so courageously, that after many admirable, and almost incredible acts achieved by him, divers Gentlemen & my very good friends, in commendation of him caused his picture to be drawn & painted upon a cloth. Whereupon these, or the like words were written.  
O noble jipsey, such a Cock art thou,  
As Bury Town, did near contain till now.  
Wherefore to praise thy worth and spread thy fame,  
We make this show in honour of thy name.  
So soon as the painted cloth was thus finished, the cock was put into a pretty fine cage, which two men carried betwixt them, the cloth being borne a good distance before them, and in this manner having the weights of the Town with us, the trained Soldiers, the Cocke-masters, and divers others: we marched too and fro, throughout the whole town: which being done, we returned to the Cockpit again, where the Cock was no sooner set down, but all the Soldiers discharged their pieces over him, which we thought would have daunted & discouraged him for ever: yet notwithstanding all the noise they made, he was nothing dismayed, but in the very middle of the volley of shot, he clapped his wings and crowned, which was as much valour, as I, or I think any of the company ever saw in a Cock. I do assure you this is most certain, and the said Town and County will avouch the same.  
Also no longer ago, than the 4 day of May 1602, at a Cocke-fighting in the City of Norwich aforesaid, a Cock called Tarlecon (who was so entitled, because he always came to the fight like a Drummer, making a thundering noise with his wings) which Cock having there fought many battles, with mighty and fierce Adversaries: and being both wearied with long fight, and also very hardly matched, at the length he had his eyes both of them beaten out of his head, his spurs broken off, and his bill bruised, and rigorously rend from off his face, so that their remained no hope of him, but that he should be instantly killed, and so of necessity lose all the wagers that he fought for, yet behold a rare and miraculous wonder, a most admirable seldom or never seen accident; for all this he fought still most stoutly with his Adversary, and would never shrink from him, or give him over, until he had (which to all men there present seemed to be an impossibility) most courageously slain him. Oh inestimable stoutness! oh invincible valour! oh miraculous magnanimity! oh more than Lion-hearted fowls! who doth great not admire at their undaunted and naught-dreading minds: or who hath ever seen, or heard, or read of so great courage in any living creatures in the world, as is in them. Whhat is he, or where lives he (that bears the true mind of a man, that would not love them, feed them, cherish them, and make much of them, if they did understand, and know the manifold virtues, and exceeding great valour that is in them? man never kept, the world never bred, the earth never bore more exquisite and worthy to be beloved creatures, than Cocks are. Many more commendations, than I have rehearsed may be given unto them, and many far more excellent things might be spoken of them, both in regard of their nature, nurture, virtues, qualities, and courage, than either I have expressed, or am any way able to express sufficiently: Wherefore I am resolved to leave that Herculean task, for some more blessed brain to take in hand: and only content myself with that, which I have already done, not doubting, but that in time, this illiterate and imperfect embryon, will intimate and allure some of Apollo's sacred heirs, some of Thamisis sweet singing Swans, some heaven-inspired soule-enchanting Poet, to carol forth at full, in high and heart-pleasing strains, their due and well deserved praises: which thing I would be most glad of, and will heartily pray for.   
FINIS.