¶ The Castle, or picture of policy showing forth most lively, the face, body and parts of a commonwealth, the duty quality, profession of a perfect and absolute Soldier, the martial feats encounters and skirmishes lately done by our English nation, under the conduct of the most noble and famous Gentleman M. john Noris General of the Army of the states in Friesland. The names of many worthy and famous Gentlemen which live and have this present year. 1580. ended their lives in that Land most honourably.  
Handled in manner of a Dialogue betwixt Gefferay Gate, and William Blandy, Soldiers.  Faber est quisque fortunae suae. 
¶ Anno 1581.  
¶ AT LONDON Printed by john day, dwelling over Aldersgate.   

TO THE NOBLE, AND virtuous Gentleman M. Philipp SIDNEY.  
WILLIAM BLANDY Wisheth to his happy increase of knowledge, the hoped and looked for fullness of wisdom.  
RIght Noble Sir (for what letteth me to yield you that title, sith your own actions that I touch not herein your blood and Parentage whereof you are descended, may challenge as your especial and proper right, the same) in my wanderings I found in an old monument this written: I give that, I have not. Which Paradox or Riddle caused me to muse, with an earnest bend of my Imagination and judgement, to the search and resolution, of so intricate and difficult a position. Labouring a long time (as in a labarinth) in the diversity of sentences long sithence taught, delivered, and received, I called at length to mind the verse of Horace.  
Ego sum instar Cotis, acutum  
Quae reddat ferrum, tamen expers ipsa secandi.  
And so persuading myself that it was meant of a whetstone, I took shortly in hand to play the whetstone myself: whetting and setting on edge (by this my slender and simple devise) the blunt minds of my countrymen, who are made able if they used wisely and a right the benefit of Nature, to cut most deeply into those causes which concern the honour of our Prince, security and safeguard of this commonwealth: most humbly praying you, who in my opinion is able & sufficient to be both the whetstone and the sword, I mean both to do yourself, and to move and persuade other to all worthy & laudable actions, to take the tuition of these my well meant labours and study. The courteous & favourable acceptation whereof, shall bind me evermore to be at your beck, & happily stir up other of more knowledge and deeper judgement to the attempt of some greater good.  
Desirous, (if it be in him) any way to do you service. WILLIAM BLANDY.   

¶ The copy of a letter sent by William Blandy, before the imprinting of his book, to his assured and worshipful good friend, EDWARD MORRIS, Captain.  
HANNIBAL exiled Carthage, sought the supportance of Antiochus king of Ephesus. Antiochus embracing chivalry, would Hannibal to be honoured of all his people: as one whose worthy acts, and noble enterprises, filled at that time the world with fame and glory. This king, whether he did therein respect his own profit and wont exercise, or pleasure and recreation of this valiant and famous warrior, brought him to hear Phormio read, appointed at that time to discourse of some high point, and difficult question of Philosophy. Antiochus and Hannibal accompanied with many nobles, and brave courtiers of his nation, entered the place of audience: Phormio labouring then no less in the weightiness of his Argument, than a tall ship richly and heavily laden, tossed in the midst of the Ocean. Whether the Majesty of his king, the countenance of so great, & honourable a person as Hannibal was, rushing in of so glittering and glorious a troop, or a vain conceit of poor praise should move in a deep and approved Philosopher, such chaungeablenes or no: Phormio suddenly declined from his intent and purpose, converting himself to the speech of wars. After whose oration made and finished, Antiochus demanded of Hannibal what he thought of Phormio. I have heard (said Hannibal) many a Doter speak, but a more dreamer than Phormio is, shall I never hear again. Which history my good Captain, is a precedent to me, (sith I writ of the Martial affairs of our Countrymen) to stand in doubt, how this attempt of mine may be taken: for that there are among our nation many Haniballs, but few of Phormios mind, & I, least able of all other, to sustain on my part, the weight of this comparison. My drift and desire therefore is, it would please you to peruse these papers, and especially view that part, wherein is disclosed the property, nature, and quality, of a good, and perfect Soldier. Your will, or nill, shall cause me to follow or forsake my purpose intended. My business, and being here in this land (as you know right well) is such, that I have no long tarrying. Wherefore return I most heartily pray you, as speedily as you may an Answer. Far you well.  
Most ready and willing to pleasure you. William Blandy.   

¶ Edward Morris to his loving friend, William Blandy.  
IPHICRATES THE ATHENIAN Captain, leading forth his Army against the Persians, caused them to stay, to behold the fighting of two Cocks. Which when they had fought a long time, delivered to his Captains and Soldiers this manner of speech. Behold said Iphicrates, the fight of two silly fowls, contending neither for wife, nor children, Country, liberty, glory, house goode●, Church goods, nor holy things, but for only victory. Much more ought we therefore (who are endued with a more excellent nature, and have by the instinct thereof, no less care of wife, and children, liberty, fame and victory, then of piety, and Religion of the Gods) fight and pvissantly stand against the force and fury of the Enemy. If the example of Cock fight, yielded to this noble Athenian Captain, an argument and reason, to provoke and enkindle the minds of his soldiers to prows and valiantness, who can justly control your attempt in this discourse of wars: albeit I grant you are in respect of an old trained Soldier, but a very Cockerell. What I have perused, my notes and pen detecteth. Your endeavours cannot be but commendable, desert greater, if you were well employed. My good Blandy, in conclusion, so far is it, that I may call your studies into reprehension, that I could wish other your Elders in Military discipline, disposed as you are, and furnished with your skill and faculty.  
Your assured, and good friend Edward Morris.   

Lodowick Flood.  

MIght man ascend to see the sun, to view the stars in sky:  
No doubt unsweet the sight would be, might he not that descry.  
Things long desired are sweet, things far unknown are sought:  
Things secret seeks themselves to show, as nature them hath taught.  
Where learning uttereth wit at will, and will to council yields:  
There council chargeth strength to stand, with sword, with spear and shield.  
Of no less praise the pen in town, then is the sword in field:  
For to the pen, as to the sword, each Commonwealth must yield.  
A Castle called of Policy, a glass, a mirror lo:  
Where nature first commends the man, than Art the work doth show.  
Where Mars doth fight with sword in hand, where Pallas pleads with quill:  
Where Neptune cuts the surging seas, where Ceres shows her skill:  
Here runn●● the streams, here strives the states, here all are viewed with eye:  
Here triumph sits, here Trophies stands, here virtues thrown on high.  
The force of foes, the fence of friends, the paths of Policy plain:  
Where valiant minds, where worthy wights, the crown of fame may gain  
Sith Blandy seeks by Policy, his native soil to save:  
Yield due to Blandy worthy praise, which Blandy ought to have.  
Some saveye Zoilous here will swell, some peevish Pan will poute:  
Some fond Suffenus fault will find, some carping Crete will doubt.  
Alas poor man say some, and so in verdict pass  
How might he write of Policy, that politic never was.  
Can any make Mausolus' tomb, that Cetiphon did not view:  
Or who can frame a Labarinth, that never Dedalus knew.  
All colours are not fit nor fine, Alexander's shape to take:  
All kind of woods serves not the turn, Mercurius frame to make.  
Who thinks Gordius knot to unknitt, must first with Phoebus' talk:  
Who strives to fish with Vulcan's net, he must to Cuma walk.  
Tush, tush, his truth, his traevell tried, his care, his zeal you see:  
His faith, his love, his pain with pen, must here commended be.  
Who in Treponius cave doth live, shall with Cymmerians die:  
Who drinks of Lethens flood always, the world shall him destroy.  
Were it not report of praise, of fame, of glory, of gain:  
Few or none would war or write, that could not praise attain.  
Had Decius died as he had done, had Perseus ventured so:  
Had Theseus gone to Minotaur, had fame not bad him go:  
Had Hercules Cerberus sought in hell, had jason gone from Greece:  
Had Caesar hazard sword and fire, had fame not favoured these:  
The labourer looks to have his hire, the venturer hopes for gain:  
The writer well may wear a Crown, which ever shall remain.  
Sith fame doth sound the golden trump, and holds the Crown in hand:  
Let them approach to claim the Crown, which next to fame can stand.   
FINIS.   

Geffray Gate, William Blandy, Speakers interchangeably.  GAte. 
Sir, I am as glad of your safe arrival, as any one of your best, and assured friends.  Blandy. 
You had passed by (I promise you) unknown, had not your courtesy exceeded my memory. But now that I call you to mind (my good and approved friend) no man (believe me) can be more welcome to me, than you, no man more beloved of me, than yourself: wherefore let not my forgetfulness (I pray you) bring our friendship unstained, so long and so deeply fixed, in question.  Gate. 
No feebleness of memory can purchase suspicion, or breed mislike there, where inward affections join, and meet sweetly together: Sense, and feeling, is frail and slippery, what the mind recordeth, and carrieth in it most faithfully imprinted, that I hold most dear and precious.  Blandy. 
Had I not always noted in you that secret and excellent instinct, of the good and better understanding: I had never been so much inclined towards you.  Gate. 
I thank you heartily of your good opinion, but chiefly I joy in this: that you and I agree in the only ground and foundation of true and perfect amity, wherehence the causes of all noble actions whatsoever do flow: that whatsoever we purpose, attempt, and adventure, resteth wholly in the excellency of the mind, and of that part of the mind, which reason persuadeth, piety directeth, honour rewardeth, felicity crowneth.  Blandy. 
What mean you sir, where you say of that part of the mind? Is not the mind a complete and entire thing? Is it not in his proper nature most pure, and free in itself from contagion? Or having more parts, is there a pre-eminence and superiority?  Gate. 
The mind according to the opinion of Philosophers (the true and diligent searchers out of natural causes) is sorted twofoldly. The partition whereof, standeth chiefly of reason, then of sense: the one hath less, the other more communion with the body. The reasonable part in every well governed body, hath the dominion, and ruleth principally. The duty and action of the other, may not unfitly be compared (albeit in a contrary manner) to a faithful Corporal, who diligently attendeth the watchful, and careful call of his Sentenell, or to a ready and valiant soldier, who executeth most speedily the will of his commander. The office of the one, as of a chief, is to command, rule, and control: the duty of the other to obey, and cheerfully prosecute the charge to him committed. So that as to an army encamped no greater peril can hap, if the Corporal sleep, when the Sentenell calleth, or the Soldier disobey, when the Chief, or Captain commandeth: in like manner, a miserable confusion cannot but follow that mind and body, where right is abused, and the course of nature violated.  Blandy. 
I cannot but assent (except I would strive against reason) to your good opinion. For where fancy is planted without judgements appointing, where lust taketh his pleasure without reasons liking, where fury rangeth without politic direction, to conclude, where any affect is found fantastic: there unlooked for misery overtakes the mind forethinking, there soveraignetye lamentably sobbeth, through the ryott of indignity.  Gate. 
I perceive by your assertion, that every man in this life (as on a Theatre or stage) plays one part or other, which meriteth shame and obloquy, or deserveth (as his own right) due commendation.  Blandy. 
It is an undoubted verity. O that men knew, and daily presented before their eyes, the sweet and glorious garland that is purchased by virtue, and chiefly, by magnanimity. There would not be then that unseasonable, and loathsome puffing, such striving, and wrestling would not be then for so vile a wretch. The complaints of the poor would not be then so many, and so pitiful, the complaints of the rich would not be found then so few and beggarly. Gentlemen of great value, should not then wander as Pilgrims, in foreign lands, suspected as bastards, and children borne in haste. Women of gentle kind & noble blood, should not be reputed as blasted blossoms. O misery, O mischief, O wickedness.  Gate. 
What tempest, what stir, what tumult is this? what cursed caitiff is it you speak of? wherehence proceedeth your woeful cry?  Blandy. 
I stand in doubt, whether silence were my best: my mind notwithstanding, endeavoureth to offend none, most carefully willing my countries good.  Gate. 
I commend in no wise silence in him, whose mind is so well bend, and disposed: for his manner is to produce good and fruitful reason. wherefore say on, if you have conceived aught, worthy the hearing.  Blandy. 
Being in Friesland it was our hap (if you well remember) wherein you took at that time no small pleasure, to be oft ranked together: Where, partly to make our labours more pleasant, but chiefly to sift and feel each others drift, you with many more of sound and ripe experience, moved questions too and fro of no small importance. All which had relation to policy, and civil government.  Gate. 
I cannot easily forget the diversity of those discourses, interlaced with so many pleasant and pithy speeches. In the variety of which invention, a castle by you artificially erected, was, of as many as heard your discourse, extolled to the skies. wherein you (as some other Amphion) moved, removed, drew, withdrew the ears of your hearers, whither the progress of your understanding (delivered in so dainty and trim words, in so decent and comely order, in so sugared & sweet a tongue) bent itself. Wherefore recount, I most heartily pray you the same again.  Blandy. 
I think it not best.  Gate. 
Why so I pray you?  Blan. 
Were it not (think you) a point in me of great folly & rashness, to commit to the view of wise and learned men a repetition of a wearisome tale and fond Imagination, especially knowing myself to have received the least portion of learning, wherewith infinite numbers of our own Countrymen and straugers are plentifully endued? Again, what fruit will you reap, or who will the more account of us, if you and I speak, or write of knowledge, in a world replete and glutted with letters? Farther who will now almost look upon, and regard any invention, except it scenteth like a flower, and in show, and hue be like unto a lily? Lastly, do not you hazard greatly your credit, to join with so poor and simple a man, any way as myself, you being through many dangerous and bitter brunts, in the field approved, in Martial affairs expert, for your skill and policy reputed?  Gate. 
Discreet and sober men pardon imperfection, where the mind andinclination is good. The fruit that I purpose, and hope hereby to reap, is the weal of my Country. Which honest and upright intent, thousand more writers can no wise prejudice. And whereas many favour pleasures, and therefore covet such letters, which you have not unproperly compared to flowers, & lilies (which by nature are good, yielding a sweet but yet a short sent, pleasing rather the sense of some, singular persons, then profiting the soul of a Commonwealth) yet all are not so led and minded. Wherefore unto those other, these labours shall be dedicated, who are of a more high and lofty spirit: your poverty which you mean, and speak of, hindereth not, but that you may be much more, for that enriched in mind. Simplicity is the ground and root of heavenvly wisdom. In conclusion who could fit me to address and finish this good and honest enterprise so well as he, that hath been my fellow Soldier in the wars, who hath also (except I be deceived greatly) more than tasted of the streams and rivers of learning? Wherefore be of good courage, my powers are priest to uphold your pen.  Blandy. 
I am altogether won to your good desire: building my labours (as on a sure & unmovable rock) upon your deep and tryediudgement. Yet so, that we both submit whatsoever shall be by us uttered, to the verdict and censure of those who prevail in wit, excel in knowledge and learning. The absolute frame and building therefore, whereof I in our March discoursed, consisted of six Rome's and Chambers.  Gate. 
Before you enter further into this discourse, show me (I pray you) the form and figure of the frame.  Blandy. 
It was spherical, or round.  Gate. 
How were the lodgings divided?  Blandy. 
The Roof and highest covering contained three especial Chambers with their peculiar offices, directly underneath were other three by squares and spaces distincted. And to the end you should hold it to be the only monument in the world, (believe me) the rarest mathematician in Europe, viewed first the place and according to the sweet and safe constillation of the stars drew the Platt: delivering to posterity this testimony for his perpetual honour and memory, that if the parts within did always observe and answer the face of the frame, they should fear no force, no fury, no bravado, no bullet, no battery.  Gate. 
The figure of this frame is so absolute, the stateliness so sumptuous, the beauty so seemly and exceeding rich, that I may deem it, for right good cause, the only pattern and peerless Palace in the world, what name hath it?  Blandy. 
This Architecture hight Policy.  Gate. 
For whom was this sumptuous and curious work wrought, who shall possess a Palace so peerless?  Blandy. 
A King, A justicer, A Soldier, A Merchant, An Artificer, A tiler of the ground.  Gate. 
Are these the parts you spoke of before? is this the power that shall possess and defend with security this invincible fort? May no one of greater skill and deeper reach control this division, add unto, or diminish the number?  Blandy. 
In no wise.  Gate. 
Why so?  Blandy. 
The workmanship is so rare, the strength whereof standeth on the combination of the parts within contained.  Gate. 
What is that? of what kind and excellency is it, that hath so fast glued them together, and is to the frame so great a stay and firmament?  Blandy. 
I will show you. To every part before rehearsed, belongs his proper and peculiar virtue and quality. To the Prince, pre-eminence, to the justicer, judgement, to the Soldier, puissance, to the Merchant, desire to be enriched, to the Artificer, delight in his occupation, to the tiler of the ground, true obedience. That which doth most firmly and strongly join and knit these parts together, is Proportion: which broken and defaced, not only renteth and plucketh in sunder the frame, but tottereth withal, and tumbleth down the Prince, perverteth justice, poisoneth and plucketh down the good and upright mind of the Soldier, robbeth the Merchant, ransacketh the Artificer, spoileth utterly the simple and poor laboursome man.  Gate. 
Is this that you call Proportion, a thing of so great perfection?  Blandy. 
Proportion is of that force and stretcheth forth so largely, that no man without an especial regard of it, can well govern himself: in a Family, City, and common wealth, the power thereof doth more eminently appear.  Gate. 
What is Proportion (I pray you) show me?  Blandy. 
Proportion is the just, right, and natural measure of things, directed to their original and first creation. So that what soever is more, or less, greater, or smaller, than Art hath devised, & course of kind kept & observed in all ages, limited to the first and successive shape, not only of men, but of all other things created, is in no wise to be called proportioned.  Gate. 
Then all things have according to your opinion, a right or wrong, a just or unjust proportion.  Blandy. 
In no wise so. For this opinion I defend that all things proportioned are straightened and made upright through knowledge and wisdom: all other crooked and misshapen things are to be termed Monsters, not adding there unto the name of proportion: for that they are made & engendered through error and blindness.  Gate. 
If you would in a simile or example more plainly disclose your drift, you should do me a right acceptable pleasure.  Blandy. 
As there is in the body a fair or foul, a neat or less fine, an amiable or audible feature, that is, when every part according to his accustomed and natural proportion answereth other, or as superfluous lumps resulteth: So there is in the mind (betwixt which, in excellency and creation of nature there is no comparison) a dim or dainty, a clear or cloudy, a rough or royal, a hard or gentle and haughty Image, for both which, according to their unseemly or sweet, clean or corrupt state, some are loathed, some loved, some refused, other raised to honour and dignity. Whose heel exceeds his head in quantity, whose arm swelleth, and hath in it as it were a blowing billow as bog as his waist, we (not reckoning so much of his misery and wretchedness, wherewith he is most pitifully wrapped in) scarce number him (and that for right good cause) among men. In like manner, in whose mind there is an intrusion made, that is where lustful pleasure, fond faneye, wilful desire, taketh reason with all her powers and faculties prisoners, and bring them in most lamentable and mourning manner like Captives fast chained to the loathsome & dark dungeon of silence: there the excellency of Proportion in that part is as much everted, as if the earth should become no more the Centre, & violently contrary to kind challenge the chief and superiority of fire, and fire, contrary to all reason, fall down and uphold the water.  Gate. 
Your reason resoundeth their saying who affirm, that no corrupt, can suppress a finer creature.  Blandy. 
Me thinks, as they judge: howbeit sometimes casually or rather by the sufferance of God, the earth and water containeth an airy part: which notwithstanding, in those lower caves and dens beneath, in his kind striveth most eagerly, and at length breaketh out to the terror and amazing of men: flying (as one: redeemed out of thrall) up again to his wont place of rest. So that every thing disordered, cometh either to inevitable loss and ruin, by the extremity of riot, or by natures good grace & government, receiveth again his accustomed light and beauty.  Gate. 
You have to my thinking done well.  Blandy. 
If what I have said, be to any available, it shall please me right well to receive the same (as from a clear and changeable wellspring) of your own lips again, wherefore, repeat (for the singular love you bear me) briefly what I have disclosed.  Gate. 
You have spoken of the mind and body: betwixt the beauty & deformity whereof (as you have declared) there is no comparison. For I hold the calamity of that mind and body incomparable, were the outward parts never so unproper, the piercing eye of whose mind sense hath bleared, whose glistering looks lust hath obscured, the light of whose understanding and memory, error springing of earthlynes, hath overwhelmed with palpable darkness.  Blandy. 
You rehearse nothing else, but whereunto I most willingly assent.  Gate. 
You have most friendly satisfied the moyetye of my demand, the other branch, whereof I shall taste some finer fruit, I desire with zeal to see it spread forth.  Blandy. 
What part and branch is that?  Gate. 
You have spoken of the deformity of the mind, Now it is convenient you tell us of a conformed mind, or (as you please) of a mind proportioned: that the seemly shape thereof being known, might enamour us with the grace and bravery of her beauty.  Blandy. 
When I consider the wonderful greatness, and worthiness of the mind, garnished with all precious gems of noble virtues, I find no flourish of eloquence, no lights of learning, no trim speeches, or Khetoricall words sufficient for his description. For if the sharp wits of those who have professed Eloquence, when they would describe the praises of any humane virtue, were with the weight of the matter sometimes so cloyed, that their senses (to their great shame and rebuke) were clean overwhelmed: how much more ought I then poor seely and simple man, stay & stagger, fearing, faltering, dreading to be drowned (as in a deep lake) in so ample high and grave an argument.  Gate. 
I commend truly herein more your modesty, than courage and wisdom. For I hold this the property of a well disposed, and good natured young man, earnestly bend in the study of most worthy knowledges, not to rest contented with things of mean account, but earnestly prosecute and climb unto the highest causes: and then to bestir himself, and labour fervently, when he seeth himself to be entangled with greatest difficulty. Wherefore albeit you are in your own opinion, (by reason of any wit and exercise) able little to do, seeing that you have taken in hand so great and difficult a matter, I hold your blame in giving over, greater, than holdenesse in taking it in hand.  Blandy. 
Your persuasion, (sith what you have said is true) hath won me altogether: and the rather, that the action is right good and honest. Wherefore I am addressed (as my poor ability will serve) to discourse largely of the excellency of the mind, and his creation.  Gate. 
Say on, I shall bend and recline my ear diligently.  Blandy. 
The most excellent power and majesty of that heavenly mind, which being most high and everlasting, we worthily reverence and adore as our God, as the everlasting fountain of life, as the maker and creator of all things, when it did seem good to his unspeakable wisdom, to deal bountifully, imparting his benefits to many (for nothing showeth so much the goodness and virtue of God as his free beneficence) in the beginning he created the invisible world, beautified with holy Angels, who beholding always his incomprehensible light and brightness do live in everlasting blessedness.  Gate. 
Came all those his creatures to the same estate of glory and immortality?  Blandy. 
In no wise. Those only enjoyed that pleasant plot of infinite rest, who reposed the stay and Castle of their safety, the lightness of their brightness, the cause and end of their blessed life, in their Lord and maker.  Gate. 
Did any of those holy and heavenly wights fall from the true honour of their creator?  Blandy. 
Holy scripture learneth us of an infinite number, the chief of whom was named Lucifer.  Gate. 
What was their impiety (I pray you show) declaring withal their punishment?  Blandy. 
These first fell to the neglect & contempt of God, being enamoured with the beauty of themselves, and maintaining still this rebellious spirit: yielded at length to their own natures a kind of pre-eminence in glory, not unlike to the very God head. Wherefore they were deprived of that passing clear light, whereof they were most unworthy, and thrown down into the place of perpetual and everlasting misery, and into the dark dungeon of that night that shall ever continue. So that after God had made the highest heavens and wonderful work thereof, which no eye hath seen, than he framed this world most beautiful and of exceeding fairness, garnishing it with all pleasures and commodities. In the making whereof he used no other engine or devise then his own will and pleasure.  Gate. 
To what purpose, and for whose use that most high creator and Lord of all things hath made this so beautiful workemanshipp, this so excellent form and shape of heavenly bodies, this so large and spacious greatness of sea and land? For it is not the practice of his infinite wisdom to do any thing in vain, but for some excellent end and purpose. For whose sake then, did (he after a most wonderful order) frame that most goodly and seemly substance of things, dislike in nature, and yet agreeing among themselves? For his own sake think you, because he would have a trimmer habitation?  Blandy. 
In no wise, For it were not only a wicked thing, but a point of extreme madness, to think so of that most blessed mind, than the which nothing more perfect and absolute may be imagined: the virtue and power whereof is infinite and inscrutable, to have needed any earthly and bodily tabernacle, or that at all times before he wanted somewhat to accomplishing of perfect blessedness, or to the fullness of his glory, or that God could be enclosed within any certain room or compass.  Gate. 
What then? were these things provided for the Angels and Saints of God?  Blandy 
In no wise. For they being severed, and free from all fellowship and conjunction of the body, desire nothing else but to behold their maker, neither can they reap any commodity, or conceive any pleasure of things beneath in these lower parts. And to think this great and wonderful work to be made for unreasonable creatures, or for the use of trees and plants, for fishes, birds, and fowls, it were to to absurd. God hath not therefore devised this so goodly and beautiful a frame for himself, for Angels, for the fruits of the earth▪ for creatures void of reason, but for man.  Gate. 
In all this season, where was man, for whom God had prepared so beautiful, so rich, so bountiful a kingdom?  Blandy. 
Man was in the mind, virtue, and judgement of God. So that, when at length the world itself was finished, he made first a body of earth, them he breathed therein a mind finely fashioned, according to his own Image and similitude. Sir see you not manifestly the beginning and creation of the most excellent and noble mind of man?  Gate. 
I behold it (as in a glass) derived and taken out from no other thing, than the spirit of God: and being enclosed in the body (as in a worthy vessel) retaineth a divine form, pure, and devoid of all filthy corruption.  Blan. 
This was (I assure you) man's first estate, this was the first beginning & foundation of that excellency whereunto man aspired, wherein no man can note any thing, but that which is right honourable, and worthy of high estimation. Then the body was not infected with any vice, whereby reason might be disturbed, or the mind obscured with darkness. Man knew then, all sciences, understood the causes of all things, was sufficiently learned in the rule and discipline of life, being instructed by no other teacher than God himself, the giver of all knowledge and wisdom. And he did not only excel all other creatures in the comely shape and feature of his body, but he was far beyond them all in the amiable, most excellent, and divine form and figure of the mind. For there was in the mind no error, no motion in the sense, whereby the rule of reason might be disordered: whereas reason itself, as it were in a perfect and flourishing Commonwealth, so in a peaceable and quiet estate, could very easily restrain all raging affections. The mind therefore had no kind of let and impediment, whereby it might be hindered from daily contemplation.  Gate. 
As your speech hath in a manner surprised me with joy, to think of our original, to call to memory, how graciously the power of the almighty, dealt with us (and to speak the uttermost) that we proceeded from the nature and substance of God himself: so I feel out of measure a touch of grief, when I consider that we remain not in the estate of our former felicity▪ the choice so happy, the change being so lamentable. Wherefore, open (I pray you) the cause of so grievous and great a calamity.  Blandy. 
After God had showed himself so liberal, & bountiful towards man, he made him precedent and chief ruler of the earth, appointing him a princely place for his habitation. The Greeks call it Paradise: a Garden flowing with most pleasant and siluerlyke springs, most delectable, and decked with great store and variety of sweet scenting flowers, most fit to live in all felicity and pleasure. In this most pleasant seat, Man was placed, that by that place, (which as some say) was high, & mounted aloft, he mought learn not only like a ruler and governor, wisely to guide the stern thereof: but also thereby be admonished with discrete government and free liberty, to take upon him the charge and rule over all other living creatures. He had therefore a princely jurisdiction over earth, he served only the Lord of heaven, and being a holy one, wholly dedicated to God, he was the expounder of his holy will and pleasure, and the chief Prince, and first parent of all mankind. He had a law given him, that he should exercise that free will in the practice of virtue, that at length he might by his own demerits, deserve to be of the number and company of heavenly Saints. And the law was, that he should not presume to touch the fruit of a certain exceeding goodly apple tree, which contained the knowledge of good and evil.  Gate. 
Did God give him this commandment, that he disdained, that man whom he had manifoldly blessed, should have no understanding thereof?  Blandy. 
In no wise: but that by that means he would the better foresee and provide for those things which appertained to his good estate and preservation. For he knew right well, that if man were set at liberty, he would strait way work his own confusion. So therefore, God did moderate his liberty, by ordaining that necessary and expedient law. Neither did he so much forbid him to eat of that fruit, as that he should not slip into that, which by that fruit was meant and signified.  Gate. 
I could never yet hear, or have imagined any other meaning thereof, than the letter testifieth.  Blandy. 
Whether this may be construed of the not eating of the fruit or no, I leave it, and stand to the judgement and correction of other: that is, that he should not meddle with those causes, or search by his own industry to attain the knowledge of those things, which his capacity could not reach and comprise: Or that he should not in the choice of good, and refusal of the evil, use rather his own judgement, than the will and pleasure of the Almighty, by whose wisdom he should yield himself to be governed: Or this, that he should not incline himself to the love of those good things which are mixed and intermeddled with a number of evils: therefore I say, whether he gave that commandment to Man, that he embracing that sovereign good, that is not intermeddled with any enil, should utterly refuse other good things which appear fair and pleasant, and yet are corrupt and poisoned: what more wholesome precept and commandment might have been ordained more profitable for man..  Gate. 
Your saying is most true. For our wits are utterly confounded, and cloyed with the search of those causes, the exceeding déepnes whereof our capacity may not be able to compass, & in any affairs, to follow our own brain, and not to be led by the light of the wisdom of God, it is a most undoubted token of our fall and utter confusion. But to be lead away from that good thing which is most principal and the only pillar and firmament that holdeth up this proportioned mind you speak of, being deceived with the sweetness of any vain and transitory pleasure, it is to be holden generally a thing most dangerous and deadly.  Blandy. 
This therefore was the estate of our first parent which should have been most happy and blessed, if he had not acquainted himself with that huge and cruel monstrous beast, that hath brought to all nations pestilent infections. For when the Prince of darkness (the chief Captain of those Angels as I have declared) who through the puff of Pride fell into the lamentable and pitiful pit of perdition, who understood and saw man made of earth, ascend into that place of glory from whence he fell: he through malice waxed hot, imagining all kind of means to overthrow utterly the state of mankind. Taking upon him therefore the shape of a Serpent assaulted through guiles and feigned sleights, the woman our first parent's fellow mate, whom he thought to subdue with less labour, for that she was frail and the féebler vessel, he therefore enticeth her, and with sweet and sugared words allureth her, to the eating the fruit forbidden: bearing her in hand, that as soon as she should take a taste of that most pleasant Apple, she should eftsoon be inspired with that heavenvly knowledge, of good and evil. The woman therefore being marueiloulsy alured with the fairness of the tree, and also inflamed above measure with the desire of that heavenly science and wisdom, was easily induced to drink that cup of deadly poison, offered unto her, by that most subtle and pestilent Serpent. Thus, the woman neglecting the commandment of the most high God, and gracious giver of all goodness, followed the counsel of her most deadly enemy, inviting also her husband to that woeful and bloody banquett. This was the original and beginning of the misery of man. here-hence came all trouble some motions of mind, hereby was engendered in the flesh all changeable & wavering desires, here-hence came all kind of corruption, here-hence sprang all foolish and vain opinions: from this root rose mortality, most bitter and grievous lamentations, sorrows, sobs, and groans, for fear of death grew from this foundation: which the silly and wretched mind of man incontinently felt. For this was most justly deeréed, that he which had broken the commandment of his Lord, and most impudently and wickedly stood against his will and pleasure, in like manner should have those parts which before were obedient, rebellious and contraryly disposed, assaying most desperately to invade and overthrow the fortress of reason. And whereas two things especially belonged to man, that is to exercise himself in action and contemplation, and therefore was endued with a reasonable mind, that in whatsoever he took in hand, he should wisely govern every affect of the mind and employ all the power of his mind in searching out of heavenly wisdom: he in both these parts was deeply wounded. For the mind, when the clear light thereof was extinct, wherewith it before glistered gloriously, lay now overcast with darkness and obscurity, and the whole order of life being (as it were with dark night) overwhelmed, was wellnigh yut beside his rule and soveraygnety, so that although in that darkness some glimpse of light appeared, yet could it not thereby be guided to the end desired. Then shameful silthynesse showed itself, before that time unknown, by the ugly sight and monstrous aspect whereof, our first parts being dismayed, shrouded themselves in dark woods, and covered those parts with leaves of trees, which they felt to be most striving against reason and understanding. Nothing was done in those days for a great season by due order of reason and discipline, but all matters were executed violently whereas frantic and furious headiness had the upper hand. Then robberies were rife, then rapes common, than incest not accounted of, than murders infinite. Then those, who in force and sturdines past other, took it no offence at their pleasure to afflict & punish the weaker sort. In this great darkness, in this common misery, in this universal woefulnes, there appeared a man, who through his clean and unspotted hands, his clear & pitiful eyes, his straight and upright mind, drew many extremely handled, to his reverence, love, and honour. Whom when they noted, not only to abstain himself from villainy, but bend to caitiffs and Murderers a stern and ireful countenance, and take commiseration of the afflicted: then these wretched worms crawled unto him, making a screech & woeful cry. Of whose suits and lamentable complaints, when he had taken compassion, and sought by wit and policy to aid and assist, became unto them at length, a lantern of Justice, a mirror of mildness and courtesy. This supporter of right, when he had taken on him the charge of those selye souls miserably, and supplyantly yielding themselves to his order and direction: and declared unto them the earnest desire he had to take away all injurious invasions, and to repress violent murders, and valiantly to revenge wrongful oppressions, and to link under like laws, both the mighty men and simpler sort: it came to pass, that as many as tendered their peculiar liberty, and sought their own security and quietness, supposed him to be the defence and bulwark of their safe and prosperous estate, whose fame most flourished for justice and equity. Behold here (my good friend) the fountain and head spring, from whence hath flowed the power and authority of kings, the pre-eminence, and prerogative of princely government. here-hence sovereignty, and the cause of all renown and glory was derived.  Gate. 
I perceive by your discourse, that the original, from whence hath issued this high and stately government of Kings, is worthy all reverence, honour, and obedience: and that there is no one stock more ancient, or more excellent, than the pedigree of Princes, which through their own virtue and valiantness abandoned all barbarous cruelty, reducing the people to good order and civility.  Blandy. 
You see therefore manifestly how principality grew first, and that equity and puissance were the roots and raysers of royalty, and that no king can hold long his sceptre sure, if his mind become base through unjustice and dastardly fear.  Gate. 
Do these two virtues only make in a Prince the fullness of a flourishing fame? needeth the Majesty of a King no more, for the setting forth of his glistering and shining glory?  Blandy. 
There are other two most necessary, which also must accompany the other spoken of before, as special and chief virtues.  Gate. 
What name have they?  Blandy. 
The one is called Prudence, the other Temperance.  Gate. 
If you would more at large, display their singular conditions, and private natures, you should do me a right acceptable friendship, & percase your report should bring no small profit to many other of the simpler sort.  Blandy. 
No will (I assure you) shall want in me, to pleasure you, or profit any, reckoning myself most fortunate, if the meanest man may reap of my pen the least fruit,  Gate. 
You speak most friendly, wherefore I heartily pray you, say on.  Blandy 
The excellency therefore of justice, stands of force, and virtue: the virtue of justice resteth in the measure of things ordered, according to reason's prescription, which teacheth that all men should bear the like affection to other, as they would be affected of other. The force of justice is to make of many, one, to unite and knit many parts in one: which evidently may appear, if we call to mind that in the beginning it did so greatly excite and stir up men's minds, that for her love they surrendered their goods and possessions into the hands of one especial man, in whose amiable face this virtue did through flashing flames show forth her clear light of glory. I read of Numa Pompilius a Roman of mean estate, who by upright dealing, and supporting of Justice, was thought and proclaimed by the whole consent of the Romans, worthily to succeed Romulus in the state of Royal Majesty. What needeth me here to speak of Lycurgus, Draco, and Solon, that I omit in mean while to make mention of Mercury, Phoroneus, Pittacus of Millen, and divers other, who by justice have been advanced to great honour, and have thereby purchased to their posterity, perpetual fame and memory. Therefore, to persuade ourselves that no one virtue deserveth the like pre-eminence, either is alike to be honoured, it is hereby to be seen, that each kind of virtue being void of Justice, hath lost his honour and estimation, whereas justice alone secluded from other virtues, retaineth still his especial grace & dignity. Whereby it is evident and plain, that there is no way more cercayne than this, to enlarge our honour, no way more readily to commend to posterity our fame and memory.  Gate. 
I rest satisfied with your not so short as sweet discourse. It remaineth that you speak of fortitude.  Blandy. 
Fortitude resteth in an invincible mind, attempting for the love of some excellent thing, great, difficult, and dangerous actions. Which high and lofty courage hath been in all ages worthily magnified. For it is a matter of no small importance, so little to esteem of life, (which we all in general deem to be sweet) as to bestow it willingly, and cheerfully for the safeguard and preservation of a few, and to refuse and fear for the wealth of our Country no danger and terror of the enemy. The records and ordinances of antiquity, do plainly and manifestly show, that there hath been no glory so great, no renown so honourable in any well governed Commonwealth, as that which hath been attributed to valiantness and fortitude. On the other side there were for Cowards even by very good laws, bitter taunts and reproaches, most justly appointed. There was in old time among the Macedonians a law ordained, that he who had not in fight of battle overcome one, should in the sight of all men be trust up with an halter. Therefore, most wisely was it thought of Solon greatly honoured among the Grecians for his deep judgement, that the security and preservation of a Commonwealth, did consist in preferment, & punishment. For by this, wicked and desperate persons are restrained & cut of, by the other, noble natures & flourishing wits are vehemently stirred up to the embracing of virtue & honesty. It hath been therefore by divine providence established of our forefathers, that in what kind of men soever this virtue eminently appeared, the same should be with many worthy and noble ensigns, and titles honoured. And that I speak something of the Romans, Can any man be able to recite so many Images of men of Arms, So many garlands either given to them that scaled the walls, or first entered their enemy's Tents, or to them that by main force saved the life of any one Citizen, or to them, that victoriously triumphed over their enemies? Is any man able to recount so many ensigns of virtue, so many prizes of Prays, as to prows and puissance were by the Roman laws assigned?  Gate. 
It is not therefore to be marveled at, that that City grew to be so great and large in Empire, wherein prows and valiantness was so honourably rewarded.  Blan. 
In that people, this is also greatly to be noted, that not only noble men were wonderfully inflamed with the love of glory, but very many of the common people. And that I may, of a great and infinite number, call a few to memory, the two Decii by race and birth no gentlemen, for their rare and singular fortitude, aspired in the common wealth to the highest degree of honour and dignity: and in the end, in their countries quarrel, consecrates themselves as valiant and vowed vessels, to glory and immortality. Lucius Marcius, even he, which in Spain recovered the Roman Empire, therefore shrunken and fallen down to the ground, was borne of simple and poor parentage, yet through puissance obtained in his country great honour & a principal dignity. What should I recite Marcus Porcius Cato, a man much commended for his wisdom and policy? To what end should I speak of Marcus Marcellus who first gave Hannibal the overthrow, & showed plainly, that the way to overcome, was by prows and valiantness. Again why should I omit Marius that worthy wight and a thousand more being no gentlemen borne, which notwithstanding through their passing skill and experience in feats of Arms were advanced to honour, and promoted to high estate, leaving to posterity fame and immortality. here-hence the arms and cognizaunces of honour and nobleness, which even in these our days are borne, and had right worthily in estimation, did fetch their original and first beginning. For when any man had in battle showed some notable point of a good valiant soldier, he was by the General made a gentleman, & had some badge or token thereof assigned unto him, whereby his blood might be ennobled, through the praise and glory whereof his offspring might be in like manner pricked with the desire of fame and commendation. Therefore some have in their scochins, Castles engraven, giving forth thereby the strong holds, forts, straights, sconces and passages, that were by them in war won and vanquished: other some, rings or bends, or any other thing for the number of enemies which they had in some doubtful and dangerous battle subdued. Other have in their schochins stars, signifying percase that they brought in some dark and cloudy calamity, no small light and comfort to the miserable afflicted state of their native country, by this it is plain that fortitude openeth the way to worship, and bringeth us most readily to the beholding the exceeding bright and clear nature of true nobility. And to the end you may undoubtedly discern the true value of a man, and know assuredly where fortitude is, where puissance, where that high and lofty mind dwelleth: the calamities which do equally assault aswell the noble as base-born, some with grief, some with fear some with terror, some with trembling, may yield us a plain and undeceivable mark and testimony. For where puissance and fortitude is, there is engraffed a mind not to faint for any trouble, not to despair in any peril, not to languish in any woe and grievous misery, yea if Fortune frown, if danger & death ensue, a worthy mind will not be forgetful. So that nothing may alike show a gentle and valiant heart, them not to be vanquished: which is seen in sorrow, tried in trouble, proved in persecution.  Gate. 
Nothing might have been said (in my simple opinion) more truly and with better proof. For even as contented sufferance in the extremest and bitterest cruelty, proveth the mind to be high and divine, as steadfastness in a state never so unstaid & tottering, argueth an unconquered value: So truly, timorousness interror and danger bewrayeth the faint and feebleness of a base and cowardly nature.  Blandy. 
No marvel is it therefore if they which have not been dismayed at the terror of death, they which have with most valiant courage suffered bodily torments, they that would for no manner of grief be disturbed in mind, and do any thing to stain their honour and estimation, have been always had in great admiration. The praise and glory whereof, springeth from the contempt of death.  Cate. 
Is the contempt of death in all men equally honoured? Or may all those alike be worthily commended, that would willingly die?  Blandy. 
You have (I assure you) moved me a question right profitable, and not unfit to be handled in this place. For many, yea to to many there are, who being thrown down from an happy and pleasing state of life, do abide that hardness, & feel in their flesh and natures such unaccustomed bitterness, that they have received into their hearts a voluntary disposition to departed from life, and therefore in an extreme desperation of change, and better fortune, do themselves to death: who notwithstanding are of many through ignorance underseruedly commended, whereby you may note, that the strength and force of true virtue is such, that the counterfeit show thereof stirreth up some, both to admire and commend a lot, rather lamentable, then laudable. For I condemn them utterly guilty of dastardly cowardice, for that they hasten their dying day, not at all showing thereby their constancy, but rather a mind vanquished and subdued through a small taste of vading misery. Other there are which offer themselves to danger, not with judgement, and prudent advise, but being pricked forward with a certain rage or fury of mind conceived either of hatred, envy, or some other earnest & hot affection. Some other there are, that adventure a dangerous attempt, being moved thereunto with a very earnest hope, or with a desperate fear of their present estate. Such, except t●●y had some certain hope to escape danger, or gain some private commodity, or else were past all hope of escaping, would be never persuaded to come to danger) therefore sith they miss the true & good purpose of Action, they may also want the honour due unto so great and noble a virtue.  Gate. 
What is the purpose or mark whereunto this action, this contempt of death should be directed, which also winneth us that high renown and glory?  Blandy. 
The mark and end which this contempt of death ought to respect and look upon, is the glory of Christ, the honour of our Prince, the cause of our country, the defence of our name and honesty. They that venture their lives for these points, are appointed in the right course and race of true honour: for that they obtain the true and undoubted end of virtue: wherefore all other that purpose unto themselves riches fame and glory depending on the consent of the unlettered multitude, and respect not the true sovereign good, they are rather to be accounted men puffed up with vain desire, and ambition, then valiant and courageous men.  Gate. 
You have (me thinks) not unlearnedly discoursed of fortitude: wherein I cannot easily comprehend, whether my profit or pleasure hath been greater, both which your pen yieldeth to all those that happily peruse your labours. It remaineth that you speak of Temperance and Prudence, which displayed, the majesty of a King will appear more lively and apparent. Wherefore say on I most heartily pray you.  Blandy. 
Temperance standeth in the true and just moderation of our actions, coming from a kind of propension, or inclination, which is most deeply by nature in us imprinted. And that you may more plainly conceive the property, and worthiness of this virtue, thus when we talk of Temperance we use to dispute. There is in us a kind of power, inferior to reason, yet her next handmaid, whereby we feel in us a prones to be this or that way affected. The affection therefore that is engendered by this faculty, is such, that as it is most fit, good and necessary, so if it watcheth not the direction, and as it were the finger point of reason, it is intolerable & breedeth oft our woe and confusion. For by nature we wax hot, angry, and choleric, naturally we love, naturally we loath, we pity, we despise, we fear, we frown, we desire, we disdain, we are marvelously by kind stirred up with joy and pleasure. Which affections before they become actions, lest they should exceed their just due and proportion, and turn thereby to our annoy, are to be tempered and moderated by reason's rule and discipline. This man therefore that can thus govern, and moderate the motions of the mind, hath won the love of Temperance, and shall be honoured of all men as one endued with a rare, and singular virtue. The affections therefore of the mind, as ire, love, pleasure, and the solace itself of life, with many other are not (as ignorant men suppose) to be razed out, but rather with the light and flame of reason in the best and highest minds enkindled. Like as in the sea, such quiet & calm weather is not to be desired, wherewith the flood may not be with the least puff of wind troubled, but rather such open air whereby the ship at the stern may sulck the Seas with a merry gale and prosperous wind: even so there is to be desired in the mind a puff, & as it were, a blowing billow to hoist up the sails of the mind, whereby the course thereof may be made more swift & certain. And even as a skilful & courageous horseman doth not always delight in a soft and gentle pace, but sometimes giveth his horse the spur, to the end his stead should move more lively. So by reason, sometimes the affections of the mind are stirred, and pricked forward, that we might more cheerfully dispatch our business. You know by these, what Temperance is, wherein it doth consist, and by what means it is attained.  Gate. 
My mind hitherto hath his content, strive and stir at all to the contrary I may not, except you be silent: wherefore say on, so shall you bring me a sweet rest.  Blandy. 
It followeth that I show you my opinion of prudence: which virtue is the very ornament and garland of the other two, without which, they before spoken of, can no wise flourish, and give out kindly their clear and bright lights of glory, the want whereof, maimeth the mind of a king. Prudence therefore resteth in the knowledge of civil government: which learneth us not only to govern wisely ourselves, and families, but to rule poletikly great Cities and commonwealths. And that you may fully understand, by what means this virtue is attained, it is right necessary, & expedient you call to mind, how men living as Barbarians, in woods and desolate places were brought to order, and at length persuaded to live under one law embracing mutual love, & all kind of humanity. Wherefore, if the sweetness and excellency of eloquence in antiquity so much prevailed, that men were with the melodious harmony thereof, drawn from barbarousness, to civilytye: If puissance in the beginning repelled injuries, and became thereby the root of royalty: if good and profitable laws stayed most fastly, men thus reclaimed and brought to the quiet and happy home of peace and rest: I hold the only ready and perfect step to trace out prudence, by the love of Eloquence, by the honour of chivalry, by the knowledge and study of the civil laws. For these sciences are right worthily reckoned among those which are the most chief & highest: for that they have been the founders of Cities, the safeguard of common society, the principal stay and rock of all noble and flourishing commonwealths. To be prudent in a private man, is right worthily commended: in a king, in a prince, and in the place of Majesty it giveth out such comfortable beams, that thousands and infinite numbers thereby, receive relief: For her property is, to be diligent, and busy for the weal of all. They are therefore in no wise to be deemed prudent, which seek the advancement of themselves, and the preferment of any one private Family. Wherefore, if you to your expectation, and our wished and laboured intent, purpose to behold the high and haughty hue of the Majesty of a king, mark and imprint deeply in your mind, what briefly ensueth. A king therefore, as it appeareth by the discourse precedent, came of no small beginning, derived, and springing of no other root, than an honourable and royal heart, garnished, and decked with all worthy, and noble virtues So that this king which we speak of, and have through the view, and consent of many famous and worthy writers, chosen to be chief in this our Commonwealth, is such a one, whose Sceptre justice raised, whose sovereignty fortitude defendeth, whose pre-eminence prudence ruleth, whose prerogative temperance keepeth in most safe and quiet estate. Which chief and principal virtues, rest always in perpetual moving, the motion whereof bringeth forth abundantly branches or rather (if you please) buds, which can be by no irksome and sharp air blasted, for that the sap and juice of this tree in every branch and twig thereof continually equally flourisheth, being subject to no time and season. here-hence mercy floweth, here-hence mildness, here-hence courtesy, affability, liberality, providence, love, which marvelously graceth the majesty of a king. This is also to be required & chiefly looked for, of a King, that what noble act soever he take in hand, whether it appertain to civil government in time of peace, or to martial prows, in time of war, his clearness and excellency, give most manifest notice and signification, that he setteth no store by humane things, but doth with most earnest endeavour & intention of mind, affect those things that be heavenly, and everlasting. This high and lofty intention of mind causeth the Peers and nobility of his nation, with all duty and reverence to behold him, stirreth all good men with all love and honour to embrace him, forceth all base and vile minded men to fear and tremble at his sight and presence.  Gate. 
As you in our March discoursed in this manner, and came to the like issue, you have hitherto bend the drift of your understanding, I with many more (if you remember well) caused you to cut of the rest (speaking to our simple opinions sufficiently) you would have said, of the Majesty of a king. Minding you of a Queen by distance of place then far of, yet by nature near, by due comparison of whose excellent clear brightness, either that have been in any monument of Antiquity honourably spoken of, or live at this present Christened in magnificence, merited most high renown: that when her excellency was named, all our powers and spirits were in a manner surprised with joy and pleasure, beholding through your speech as in a glass, her great gifts, rare virtues, and noble government. At what time all we (most lowly prostrating ourselves) with one voice assented, that Q. Elizabeth our most high & noble masters, should suffice, not only us her true, faithful, & natural subjects, but all other peers, of what kind of people they sprang of, of what noble line & parentage they descended, to behold in her excellency, the true and absolute Majesty of a Prince and governor: wishing then most earnestly, that one among us had a pen of that property, that either he could at once write all languages, or that all nations could understand what he wrote. Than not only Europe which at this present rings of her glory, but all the world beside, should have knowledge and understanding of his sovereign Lady and Mistress.  Blandy. 
I can not easily forget, what joy and pleasure we took of that honourable report, wherein as we then rested in the cogitation of so rare and royal an example, so I think it fit to finish our speech of this first and chief pillar of our Commonwealth: directing all other that would understand more thoroughly, of the perfection of a Prince which nothing showeth forth more lively than example) to the beholding our most gracious Queen and governor: whose faith in Christian Religion, whose knowledge in learning, whose policy in governing, whose clemency in pardoning, whose bountifulness in preferring, whose pitiful and tender commiseration of the poorest wretch that liveth within her dominions, doth not without great cause establish her loving subjects in honouring her, pouring out daily most fervently their prayers for her safe, long, and prosperous government. God of his infinite mercy and goodness keep her to reign long over us.  Gate. 
It seemeth now therefore right good, you speak of the Justicer.  Blandy. 
I will most gladly do my endeavour. The two limbs that chief and above other, strengthen the body of Princely majesty, is the justicer and soldier. The charge of which is great, and honour acquired thereby right worthily had in estimation: The one executeth the will of his Sovereign upon the offender at home, and in the City, the other wreaketh the indignation of the Prince in the field, upon the body of his enemy. The one is chosen for his prudence, the other for his prudence, and puissance, the one for his rightful dealing, the other for his upright mind, exposing his body to all perils, to all poverty, to all lack. The one with his tongue keepeth peace, the other with the sword restoreth peace in danger, & clean lost to his former state. So that whereas both shoot at one principal mark (for the good and perfect soldier hath two marks and ends of his action, the one victory, wherein he winneth honour, more private: the other peace, whereby he returneth triumphantly to receive of his Prince and country the titles due to so great desert, which maketh his former honour which I before named more private, more public, more known, more ample and glorious) yet sith the means differ not a little, whereby the justicer is promoted to his degree, and the soldier advanced to an honourable calling in the commonwealth I cannot find in my poor and simple consideration, but that the soldier in his proper right may challenge a kind of superiority of the Lawyer.  Gate. 
I cannot gainsay your position, which is that the soldier and justicer prefix before their minds one end and purpose, so that I am induced to think clearly, that whereas the means are differing, odds to be therefore betwixt their both deserts. For what can the justicer hazard in peace, where the enemy is repelled, where force is subdued, where fury is put to flight? his treasure, wealth, wife and children, are by the laws, as with a sure and strong fort) defended his name and honesty, a number of lately riched clients (with earnest and difficult suits subdued) guard, his health physic preserveth. On the other side the soldier so little esteemeth safety at home, content in his mate, pleasure in his children, solace with his friends, that where his fidelity to his Prince, love to his country, honour of his upright mind, shall be brought in question, and stand to be tried, he will not only most willingly forego all these, but cheerfully vow and consecrate his lusty limbs to tiresome labours, his body richly clad, to pinching nakedness, his feeding nature, to starving hunger, his fresh and lively looks to loathsome languishing: his sinews to be severed, his joints to be cut in two, his blood to be spilled, his carcase to be stamp to dirt & mire. Where fore I see no reason but that the soldier may in the common wealth be preferred before the justicer.  Blandy. 
Albeit it be a matter very difficult to judge, whether should be preferred before other, sith the virtue in a justicer and soldier are not of one kind (although they prick at one mark) and that it far passeth the reach of either of our capacities to weigh their private virtues so differing, in equal balances, leaving therefore the controversy to be decided by men of deeper judgement, and riper experience, notwithstanding I think it most fit the justicer not unworthily (if his calling and condition of life be well examined) to have the second place in this our commonwealth. For where you reason thus, that the soldier doth hazard more than the justicer, fearing no force, dreading no danger, pricing no peril whereby his honourable mind should be more seen and appear (with lofty and high courage I cannot with words sufficiently commend) yet your reason is enfeebled by this, that it is against the nature of peace, and therefore much against the duty, order and course of good magistrates, to suffer (as much as in them lieth) any such injurious action to be committed, whereby the stomach of the least man should be so tried and proved. The actions are not of one kind, for that they take not the like beginning, although they have the like end and direction. Again a reason springing of one singular Action, to conclude in generality, a better or worse hath small, or rather no force at all. Wherefore sith you made mention of fortitude and magnanimity as though the soldier only, and not the justicer did regard and embrace so great and noble a virtue, and might be condemned of dastardly cowardice, I have thought it good and expedient to clear so high and estimable a calling, of so base & foul a crime. First therefore, whereas it is most manifest that the mind of the justicer and soldier is occupied about one thing, that is, peace and tranquillity, the one to keep it always flourishing, the other to restore it decaying and in danger, here it would be demanded, whither the honour of the justicer is not as great and nobler in preserving common quiet, or the worthiness of the soldier to be more extolled in purchasing & redeeming peace pressed and thrown down to the ground. Wherefore (that this doubt and controversy may more clearly appear) show (I heartily pray you) wherein honour resteth and by what means it is achieved.  Gate. 
Honour dependeth of the just measure of value shown in the defence of a good cause.  Blandy. 
How then may value be known?  Gate. 
Value springeth of contention, contention of two minds contraryly affected. So that where there is an assault, and defence, the defender is to win honour by his value, which persuadeth him during life to uphold and maintain the right of the cause.  Blandy. 
If so, the value of the justicer will anon more eminently and clearly shine then the virtue of the soldier. Who doth not hold it a harder matter to kill a secret, them an open enemy? The justicer and soldier carry and uphold both an honourable mind. The soldier stands readily furnished to fight in the field, where he may look round about: The justicer is enclosed in a little cell or study, where he may be secretly slain. The soldier hath warning that the enemy approacheth by the neighing of barbd horses, rattling of men of arms, sound of trumpet, Phife and drum: The justicer hath foreknowledge also, but by a more seely and feeble noise, as a doors creek, knack, and whisper. The soldier seeth men glittering as white as silver: The justicer seeth one man offering enbost workemanshipp like fire and Angels of gold. The soldier fighteth commonly man to man. The justicer is invaded sometimes at once with no less than twenty men. And whereas the justicer and soldier (sith we all profess Christ) direct their Actions to eternity, to everlastingness, to that blessed and endless felicity, and that the justicer is assaulted although after an other manner, as eagerly of his enemy in the chamber, as the soldier provoked to fight in the field with his deadly foe (I speak not here of a bodily death, but of a death whereunto body and soul through offence is subject) and that peace is to be preferred before wars, for which we daily pray, the officers and magistrates in peace, and therefore the justicer their chief and principal, shall have the second place in this commonwealth: as one that will not hearken to corruption, much less suffer his mind to be abused and defiled with bribery. For woe, woe, may that commonwealth cry, if they which sit in judgement will be by any manner of enticements alured and won from the sweet and sacred countenance of justice. In consideration whereof, this realm of England is in my opinion in this point thrice happy and blessed.  Gate. 
Verily I think no less, if the Lawyers of this Realm for the most part with their companies, did as well imitate the virtue and sincere dealing, as they daily behold the gravity of the judges of this land: their order should not at this present be subject to a deserved disgrace: such rebuke, such reproach, should not follow those fellowships, and houses of court, where gentlemen descended of noble Parentage, live, and suppose themselves to trace the steps of honour and worship.  Blandy. 
What say you?  Gate. 
I speak not against the law, for without it no kingdom can stand. The good and well minded Lawyer I greatly reverence. The young Gentlemen which come thither either to study the law, or to approve what exercise and condition of life may best fit their noble natures, I highly commend: wishing myself as able to persuade them the best, as they are of a good inclination tractable. The rennant which retain no good thing, I would (with all lowly duty and submission to the state I speak it) were well employed.  Blandy. 
Are any of this profession idle and unoccupied.  Gate. 
It were better they were idle, then so occupied.  Blandy. 
Is it possible?  Gate. 
This is the blowing billow; you in your body proportioned spoke of before, which deformeth all other parts. This is the mortiferous & deadly worm, which hath almost with his eager and perpetual gnawing and biting, worn the legs to the bone. This is the impostumation, which if it be not in time pricked, will with his stinking contagion poison all. This order is the nurse & mother of those mates, which at their seasons stir hither and thither to move brawls. It is a world to behold, what new and strange natures they have clapped on, how they transform themselves. There, where there is no hope of gain, he standeth as he thinketh gaily, but yet (as he is) a counterfeit, looking to be worshipped, and will not stick (so unmannerly a puppy he is) to take the upper place of right good gentlemen. Here, the same man hoping to gain of a poor and simple clown of the Country forty pence, is become his slave and drudge. O that Georgias Leontinus did live in some English man's heart and stomach: who reproving the rulers of Larissa because they had received into the company of pleaders any kind of people, was wont to say: that even as plasterers of any kind of stuff, would make Mortar, or any thing of like sort: So there were so cunning crafismen in Larissa, which of any condition and kind of men would make a Lawyar. Cicero the most famous orator and learned in the laws that ever Rome nourished (when they broke their lists and limits & grew disordered) nippeth most wisely those of his own order, in this manner. Proveniunt nobis oratores novi, stulti adolescentuli. So that I pray God most heartily, it fareth not with us the inhabitants of this noble Island, as it did after the forewarnings and shows of these two (not so faithful to their Country, as inséene in the state of their Commonwealth) with the people of Larissa and the Citizens of Rome. For not long after, these people and flourishing Cities, fell down headlong to the ground. For how was it possible, that the state of those Empires could long stand steadfast, when the chief and principal pillars that should sustain the weight and burden of so huge, so high, so honourable and ample a government, became rotten. Which ruin and overthrow of the whole Commonwealth appeared then, not so much by decayed houses which were ancient & of great nobility, as by erecting manors where dirt and dung was found. In consideration whereof, I let to speak of the hills and mountains raised, lands and possessions purchased, abundance of wealth gathered and forced together by men in our nation, neither wise, nor learned, politic, nor prudent, temperate, liberal, nor pitiful.  Blandy. 
Is it not a point and chief point (think you) of great policy and wisdom, to advance our stock and family? Is it not in the opinion of most men a happy thing to be rich? do not all men delight in, and therefore desire a fair, large and beautiful house? To be Lord of many▪ Manors, to receive many revenues, doth it not in gender great favour, bring much worship and reverence?  Gate. 
If you follow herein the judgement of the multitude I assent. If you forget their blind and gross Imaginations, and cleave to the assured and undeteaveable directions of wise men, you shall briefly understand, what is seemly in, and best becometh a Lawyar. Where the the mind is stirred with a desire to be advanced, and to raise his name and blood, from a mean to a higher degree, there is the mind so vexed with diversity, that at length it yieldeth to some great and grievous extremity. But when the mind is taught, that the chief and sovereign good resteth in an honest and virtuous life, there are the cogitations calm and sweet, there content holdeth desire restrained from any ambitious affection. This man that is thus affected, seeketh altogether to please and enrich his mind, provideth for no more than will suffice nature, holdeth it a perilous thing to be rich, and is assuredly persuaded, that abundance and flowing of worldly wealth, rather hindereth than helpeth, rather plucketh down then erecteth the courage and aspiring mind of a noble nature. The justicer therefore and Lawiar which is the right hand of a Prince ought (if he purpose to keep the state & condition of his life clear and unstained) to live in the contemplation of justice, feed and nourish his mind with the lone of virtue: thinking it a thing far unfit for his high calling to be deemed in his desires a Merchant, in his order and course of life, an artificer. The Soldier, who hath the third place in this Commonwealth (of whose life, nature, and property we purpose presently to treat of) yieldeth the desire of riches to the Merchant: deeming it for his condition of life and profession, a foul matter to be addicted to such trash, dirt, and pelf.  Blandy. 
Sir, you have spoken so truly of the life and condition of a Lawyer, that I think the good and better part of the professors of the law, will yield you, (not without your desert) a good opinion, so far is it unlikely, that any other will conceive offence. I stand now attentive to hear your discourse of a Soldier, in which kind of life, you, even from your green and tender years, have been trained, and therefore may learn me the more readily, what is in him most decent and chief required.  Gate. 
In this case I think it most expedient and necessary, I sort a Soldier first into his diversity, or rather branches, which known, you shall more plainly understand what he is. All these therefore are contained within the name of a Soldier. The General, high martial with his provosts, Sergeant general, Sergeant of a regiment, Corownell, Captain, Livetenent, Ancient, Sergeant of a Company, corporal, gentleman in a company or of the Round, Lance passado: these are special, the other that remain, private or common Soldiers. The Profession as well of the common, as private Soldier is honourable, which resteth in the maintenance to death, of a good and rightful cause: the condition no less painful than full of peril, the quality, clean, diligent, dutiful, delighting rather in brave furniture and glittering armour, then in dainty diet, womanlike wantonness, and vain pleasures. It is fit he be not only skilful in the weapon he useth, but also in any other that his strength will give him to handle and win at his pleasure and commandment. It is also to be required he hath the skill and quality of Swimming, likewise in Marching, turning, retiring, fight to observe the order by his Captain prescribed: Such a one may be called a good trained soldier, and if he be ignorant hereof, although he hath been twenty years in the wars, I account him not worthy the name of a Soldier. Finally the only & chief grace, that beautifieth the mind of a Soldier, is the contempt of Spoil, and refusal of riches. For the corrupt opinion of wealth and pleasures, are the enemies of verve, the allurements not to so fond, as wicked endeavours.  Blandy. 
You have not unskilfully delivered your opinion of a Soldier in general. Now, if you would briefly set down the duty that belongeth to every several officer, you should highly pleasure me. what is therefore to be desired in a General of an Army?  Gate. 
A General ought first and chiefly behold the Majesty of God, and cause therefore his true Religion in his Army to be had in due reverence: in such sort, that his Soldiers may perceive he is in deed Religious. And let him by all means cause the Priests and Ministers of his holy will and testament, in his Army to retain their dignity, and to be esteemed and reverenced of his Soldiers. For if the very Paynims by due observations of their feigned Religion, did keep their Armies in marvelous obedience and order: how much more shall true Religion, delivered from our Lord and Saviour, prevail a General, and Army that loveth him, to the achieving great and miraculous victories. Also the General ought to be modest, prudent, and temperate, given to no riot and excess, neither miserably bend to filthy lucre. It standeth greatly on him to avoid the name of a vaunter: which is seen in this, that he do not vindicate to himself alone the praise of good success: but do impute the same first to God. Secondly to his Captains. Thirdly to his Soldiers. Furthermore it behoveth a General to be a noble Gentleman, trained up in those sciences, through the knowledge whereof, he shall sooner attain that perfection, which in a General is needful. Lastly, for that I study herein brevity, moved thereunto, through great and weighty occasions, a General must be religious, temperate, sober, wise, valiant, liberal, courteous, Eloquent, & of good fame and reputation.  Blandy. 
What have you to say of the high martial.  Gate. 
The duty of the high martial is as great in a Camp, as the office of a justicer in peaceable and civil government. To him appertaineth the true administration of justice, the hearing and determining of controversies, & the punishing of disorders. And therefore as he ought of of himself to be a man, both grave, wise, learned, and thoroughly well experienced in martial affairs: so is it also convenient for him to have about him men of judgement, sailfull in military discipline, and laws of a Camp, readily to resolve of every question, according to equity and justice. This belongeth next & immediately (as part of his principal charge) to the high martial, that he receive the names and numbers of all the Corownets of horse, and companies of footmen that are in the Army: he must also learnedly proportion and cast, what scope of ground will suffice to encamp them with all their provision, Carriadges, & Munition. The high martial must assign every battle his convoy, and guide, or two, to bring them most easy ways.  Blandy. 
proceed (I pray you) to the Serieaunt General, or Mayor, & Serieaunt of a Regiment.  Gate. 
This Officer ought to be a man of great courage and well experienced, that he be not dismayed with the terror of the enemy's presence. For the most part of all his actions are to be exploited even in the face of the enemy: he ought to be a man therefore of lively spirit, and quick invention, that he may suddenly perceive, and quickly conceive the nature of the Situation, and order of the Enemy's array, altering and disposing accordingly of his own. His duty is to attend the Lord high martial, or Lieutenant General to receive direction in what sort their pleasure is, the Army that day shall march, he ought to have a roll of all the bands, and in every band, what number of short weapons, what Pikes, and what shot, and the same to have always about him: that if any want, he may admonish the Muster Master and Treasurer thereof, to the end there be according to the want, a fit and convenient supply. To this Officer it appertaineth so to rank his soldiers, that the best armed inpale the rest, and that the force and flanks of his battles be armed with pikes, the Ensigns well guarded with halberdes, the tail well enclosed with the carriages, wings of shot on either side, and those wings more or less, accordingly as the place is larger and straighter, stronger or weaker, on the one or on the other side. Those wings represent the flankers in fortification and aught a● orderly to flank and scour before the face of the battle as bulwarks do the Curtain of a Town or fort.  Blandy. 
Proceed now I pray you to the office and duty of a Corownell.  Gate. 
It appertaineth chief to a Corownell after the Prince hath elected him, to make a good and singular choice of his Captains and Officers, that they may the better and more readily take good order for the good execution of any service. It is most requisite he hath near unto his person certain wise, expert, and valiant Gentlemen, that be able both quickly to conceive, and plainly and sensibly to utter the cause of any new accident, or thing whatsoever, that he shall see. It behoveth him to take great heed, lest the soldiers in his Regiment be discouraged for want of necessary provision, but in such sort be provided for, that the soldiers may grow into a liking of their Captains. It shallbe an honourable part in a Corownell sometime to lend of his own to his Captains, that they may in like manner aid, and bind therefore their soldiers to them in their wants and extremity. And above all other things, let a Corownell take heed that he be not noted to be a pillar of the soldiers, or to play the Merchant making his gain upon them: and as it behoveth him to clear himself always dythe contrary action, of so foul & dishonourable a crime, so it stands him greatly on, that his Captains be not infected with the like corruption. For there is nothing so repugnant to the honourable profession of a Soldier in general, and therefore much more of a Captain, greater of a Colonel, as to be noted miserable.  Blandy. 
What you have said, no man with reason or knowledge can withstand: I desire now to be instructed of the duty of a Captain, and his lieutenant.  Gate. 
This deep and principal consideration ought to be in a Captain, that a charge of the lives of men is to him committed, so that if any quail under his conduct, either by rashness or by want of knowledge, he is to render account thereof before the great Judge. He ought not to be covetous or niggardly, never to keep back his soldiers pay, but by all means possible to procure them their pay, and to his ability rewarding them over and above: for by that means he gaineth honour, and lincketh them fast and assured to him in any doubtful▪ & perilous service. A Lieutenant also is an office of credit and reputation: but in the absence of his Captain far greater and deeper. In all factions or questions among the Soldiers, it behoveth him to be newtre, working most lovingly pacification. It appertaineth to him to oversee the Sergeants and Corporals, that they do their duty, and oftentimes to aid them with his own person. He is to use most friendly and brotherly his Ancient, he should be a man able to speak well and sensibly, and study by courtesy rather than by severity to frame aright, crooked and perverse minds. It behoveth the Lieutenant, much more therefore the Captain to be continually Armed, as well when no peril is feared, as in time of danger, to give example to the rest of the Soldiers, that they may not think their Armour burdenous, but by use to make it as familiar to them, as their clothes, shirt, and skin.  Blandy. 
If you will in like manner declare, what belongeth to an Ancient, Sergeant of a company, and Corporal, you shall finish a good and profitable labour.  Gate. 
The Ancient, and Ensign bearer, aught to be a man of good account, honest, and virtuous, that the Captain may repose the rather more credit and affiance in him: he ought to behave himself wisely, discreetly, and soberly, that he be therefore more loved of the Soldiers: considering thereby, that not only his own person shall be in more safety, when he attempteth perilous exploits, but also the whole service more bravely and honourably exploited: for the value and virtue of the Ancient setteth forth the virtue, and valour of the Captain and whole Company. The Serieaunt of a Company ought to be a man chosen of quick spirit and active body: to the end he be not staggering and astonied upon new accidents, but prompt and ready on a sudden, to do that to him appertaineth. His duty resteth greatly, in ordering and rancking his Company, assigning to each Soldier his due place, cutting of brawls, and all manner of contention. The corporal is a degree above the private Soldier, and therefore he should pass and surmount his inferiors in wit, discretion, and diligence. The Corporal aught to keep continual company with his little troop, committed to his charge, to lodge with them, and provide for their want, and to instruct them how to handle and use the weapon they carry. He ought to remember perfectly, how every one is armed, and furnished, when he received them in charge, and to see that no part thereof be spoiled, but be preserved neat and trim. Finally, the nature and quality of all good Soldiers is this, that they stand always of their credit and reputation, accounting no loss of goods comparable, to a dishonourable foil, to have a great, high, and weighty respect of his charge, and to be no less careful and zealous thereof, than every honest and honourable gentleman, should take of his wife, family, and children: In conclusion, to fear nothing so much (appeared it never so terrible to flesh and blood) as infamy. Thus you have heard my poor conceit & opinion, of a soldier: also the duet●es of those, who have a superiority in that profession: delivered I confess, not so amply and in so comely manner, as the weightiness of the Argument would require: but as the slenderness of my skill, would permit me in this discourse to follow.  Blandy. 
Your treaty hitherto may countervail well, both your prows, and profession. And whereas some other, grounded more in knowledge, could give out a larger, and deeper drift, wheeunto you percase (if you were not shortly to be employed otherwise) would to your power bend the reach of your capacity: yet these brief speeches may happily please, where heaped labours are found tyresome and unseasonable. Wherefore, convert your pen I heartily pray you, to the displaying the brave and worthy actions done by our nation in Friesland. Which performed, you shall discharge and accomplish our both desires.  Gate. 
Corownell Norris and his companies, to the number of xi. Ensigns of footmen, and one Cornet of horsemen arrived in West Friesland, at a town called Counder the xi. of July, where he was joyfully received by the Grave van Hollock, by whose commandment and authority the Soldiers were Forraied on the Boars for their refreshing, for the space of two days. Wherehence being suddenly called, we marched by night, and pitched in a place called Fornecloyster near to the town of Colleine: wherein were three Ensigns of Malcontents, for the defence of that place, well and strongly fortified.  Blandy. 
Before you enter farther into this matter, I pray you show me what are these Malcontents, that trouble so much those Countries?  Gate. 
It is a people that feareth neither God, nor man, cruel, bloody, and beggarly, gathered together of the froth and scum of many nations: In manners barbarous, in opinion Turquishe, hoping with a whott and earnest endeavour to spoil and spill all Christian blood.  Blandy. 
Is it possible we should have such hellhounds so near us? Herein the mercy and loving kindness of our heavenly Lord and Saviour towards us, is to be magnified, and sufferance towards so cursed and perverse a generation to be marveled at. Proceed I pray you, in your taken in hand labour.  Gate. 
Those Malcontents, whereof I made mention before, being at the receit of their pay, when advertisement was brought them, that the English men were in Pome cloister, were stricken with such a fear, that omitting their pay, took their flight as it is written, no man following them. Unto which Cloister our Englishmen arrived. The day following our people removed, marching to Vpslaught where five Ensigns of the enemy were strongly incoucht, furnished with Munition and 3. small pieces of Artillarye, severed in two places. The Grave van Hollock sent a drum to move them to yield up those forts, without condition (saving their lives) to the use of the Prince of Orange, & the States, which they utterly refused to do affirming their tenure to be planted in the right of the Pope's holiness, & the County De Lalyne. Whereunto the Grave replied, that he would commend them over to the power and will of the English Corownell. Whereupon, the Colonel did beset the places with his people so straightly, that there was no way left for the enemy to escape. The Malcontents perceiving themselves so wrapped and environed, by such as they feared would have no compassion, sent forth a Drum to crave mercy. The English men were then so sharp set to destroy so hellish a brood. Notwithstanding, whose heat and rage Colonel Norris committed the cause to the will and pleasure of the Grave, he permitted them to departed, their lives saved without Arms.  Blandy. 
Herein the steyed and resolute wisdom of Master Norris deserveth as equally to be praised, as mercy in the Grave, as Pardon in so good and honourable a person.  Gate. 
On the next day in the morning our people dislodged, marching towards Grounning, the chief and principal City in Friesland possessed of the Enemy: within three English miles whereof, we were dispersed into divers villages thereabouts, and so remained till the sixth day of August. About xi. of the clock of the same day, the Enemy gave us a Alarm: In this case, lest that the enemy might think their Larun to have any manner ways touched us with a shiver of fear, but rather with a flame of fury, Colonel Morgan, an expert and old Soldier, a noble & valiant Captain, accompanied with Captain Salisbury, Captain Chatterton, Captain Corn, Livetennant Carie, and Lieutenant Forder: with other Gentlemen and Soldiers of proof, to the number of 200 & more, went to discover what that Alarm was, with a purpose that if the Enemy were a thousand, so that they were on foot, they should know & feel the force of English blood.  Blandy. 
Behold here true value coming from a courage, most steadfastly settled in resolute minds.  Gate. 
In conclusion we happened on their main battle: At what time Captain Corn, a man alway little breading the Enemy's presence, cried with a loud voice: My Masters, and fellow Soldiers, my natural and dear Countrymen, let us now stand fast, and give yonder cursed company a Canuassado, for the honour of our Prince and Country. Let them understand by our stomachs, what mind and spirit remaineth in the rest, and by that which is found in the rest, to be looked for of all our nation. This little said, a charge was given.  Blandy. 
Who can with words sufficiently commend the courage of this Captain, the lostines of his high and honourable mind? This Corn was not great of body, a very grain in comparison, yet yielding abundance of fine and white flower. This Corn smelled of no cockle, for that it grew, in so fertile, and sappy a soil. Let all soldiers therefore, that will feed their minds with the bread, which so noble Corn hath made, moulded and baken for them to eat, receive him most worthily: in praise to prefer, in fidelity to follow, in life to imitate, in courage to commend, in prows and true virtue deservedly to love, honour, and reverence. Now I pray you say on.  Gate. 
The Skirmish on both sides waxed great, whott, and violent. The egernes of our men, wrought the confusion of as many as were then slain. For if they had in time retired, we had grieved greatly the Enemy, without the loss of one man. For at the same present, we lost many a proper Soldier and tall gentleman. The principal whereof, was Captain Corn, Lieutenant Carie, Master Browne, sometimes a towardly and earnest student of the Laws in Lincoles' Inn.  Blandy. 
To this the Corn you spoke of before?  Gate. 
The very same.  Blandy. 
I would her maiestry our most gracious Queen and governor had all the empty barns in England at this present, and void houses full of such Corn, as he was.  Gate. 
I do wish no less.  Blandy. 
What of lieutenant Cary?  Gate. 
Cary approved in himself every way to come of a gentle and noble race, he had to his manliness, joined a singular mildness and courtesy.  Blandy. 
What of Browne?  Gate. 
The lack of experience was not in him so much lamentable, as value, fierceness, and courage laudable.  Blandy. 
Were there slain only these at that present?  Gate. 
There were other in that conflict consumed whose prows and stoutness of right are praiseworthy.  Blandy. 
Can you name them?  Gate. 
Some I know right well, whose names were these, Williams, Snow, both bearing the office of a corporal, Waller, a gentleman of the round, Brogdayne a private but a stout and courageous soldier, one also I call to memory beside, a man that deserved greatly & would (if life had lasted) have proved an expert soldier, his name was Samuel Green, with many more, whose prows I commend to those, to whom their proper names and peculiar natures are known as well as to us their singular manhood and rare virtue,  Blandy. 
What became of the enemy? was not his body in any part and member wounded?  Gate. 
Yes most deeply as you shall presently understand. For one half hour after this hot and bloody bickering we being retired, immediately Roger William's Captain of the English horsemen, finding here and there dead carcases covering the plain, part of whose Coats and privy marks gave him to think they were of his nation, specially seeing the enemy near unto him, withdrew his Corownet of horsemen under the nuke of a mountain, uttering briefly this manner of language. Gentlemen and fellow soldiers, we shall presently prove the favour of fortune. Our long desire hath been to see the face of the enemy. My dear and loving country men behold now where the body is. It is far more honourable for us to charge them in this manner, then scattered, straggeling, or in Ambush and Troop, let this lively sight of dead bodies, let fresh blood newly spilled, stir and prick you forwards, let desire of revenge and victory, lift up your minds, confirm your courage in my valour and constancy: which (by that sun that shineth and his governor I swear) shall not shrink and quail in this purpose intended. This said, he himself first with the rest of his gentlemen charged, and recharged to the great loss of the enemy. He in that conflict flew one hundred of the enemy's folks: Won two Ensigns, brought away twenty serviceable horses. Who coming the next morning to the Camp was joyfully received of the General, Corownelles, Captains and Soldiers.  Blandy. 
His desert required no less, if his exploit be well examined: wherein I know not whether I may commend more his hardiness and value, (which hath been always thoroughly approved) or hap and virtue, which in a leader is as highly priced, as necessarily respected. For as it availeth greatly an Army to have a happy General so it encourageth not a little any company on horse, or foot to be guided and lead by a fortunate commander, which cometh not (as some think) by chance and of no certain and principal cause, but rather (as I suppose) of a sudden and secret instinct and notice, that some man hath above another: in peril to escape, in place to pursue, in necessity to stand fast, in doubt to be quickly and prudently resolved, all which proceed of a proper and privy circumspection of mind, which rare and excellent condition and quality I yield to this Captain.  Gate. 
You have yielded to him no more than he may by due challenge.  Blandy. 
Whereas Captain Williams gave the Enemy a sore and sharp blow (wherein his true value eminently appeared) there were other also no doubt, which did win at that present if not the like, yet great praise and honour: in so much I verily think the meanest man, known lest for his trial and proof, could not then but deserve well. Among eachone Captain Carellel now Sergeant mayor of the English Regiment, Christopher Champernoone the Gitternebearer, Browne a gentleman expert in riding, George Strawbrudge, Thomas Smith, Brooke, argel, Thomson, Turnor lieutenant before of a Company of foot men were mounted bravely with many other. These are to you well known, all whose private virtues as it is not in you to explain, so if you will to your ability disclose any one special property wherein they do excel, and may (if it please God) they safe return, be therefore well employed to their Prince & countries good, you shall by yielding them a moiety of their desert, awake other of their blood & familiarity here in England that be a sleep: and thereby happily win them by all honourable means to ennoble their names with the like exploits and adventures. What chief note you worthy of praise in Captain Carelell, what in Champernoone, what in Brown the Rider, what in Strawbrudge, what in the rest?  Gate. 
Captain Carelell now Sergeant Mayor in feature and limbs of body is something inferior to Captain Corn when he lived in proportion of mind, if you respect therein prows, equal: if policy, attained by learning and study, his superior far. These two principal gifts of a noble mind are in this Carelel beautified with other two in kind and nature not so excellent, yet most fit and necessary to be resident there, where true nobility pleaseth to harbour.  Blandy. 
What are those?  Gate. 
Affability & liberality. Champernoone hath his value: more Green, yet likely to be ripe and prove good fruit. Browne according to his name is more than Green, hardened through the proof of many perilous attempt, whose value, courage and fury, the enemy in this conflict felt, through their fall and flight. Strawbrudge is a man of singular virtue and stoutness. Doylye, Smith, argel, Brook, Thonson with the rest deserve highly to be praised.  Blandy. 
Show (I pray you farther) your purpose intended.  Gate. 
After which conflict the Malcontents could never abide to encounter with the English companies, sending to Grave van Hollocke then General of the Army this pretyiest: Dismiss English brood with their great Ruffs, we care not a pin for all thy Muffs. The malcontents therefore wandered through fear of English force as Pilgrims in their own country hither and thither, according as they were informed by their spies where the English Regiment lay: promising many times to fight with us, meaning nothing less, as the effect did prove. In mean season Master Norris was made General of the whole Army, not without his great desert and trial of honour, by whose virtue and policy the enemy of late hath been so plagued, that almost it is incredible to tell.  Blandy. 
I pray you utter briefly the truth thereof.  Gate. 
On Sunday before Christmas last past 4. hundred fifty and four Malcontents were slain by the English nation, at Swarfe Sluice in the west parts of Friesland, only, with the loss of one Captain named else & three other private soldiers. The glory of which overthrow and victory is chief to be given to God, the honour to M. Norris and his Captains, the praise and commendation to his officers and soldiers. In consideration whereof, I call to mind a proverb not so old as true: As the king is so is his people: which I may most fitly & truly apply to M. Norris now General of the Army of the States in Friseland. As the General is, so are his Captains lieutenants, officers and soldiers. For where the desire of true honour, & glory is in the General imprinted, there the Captains, officers, and soldiers, by a natural love and inclination that the best minds are stirred therewith, are much more set on fire and enkindeled.  
So that whereas this noble gentleman, hath by his valiant acts, proved himself to be a fountain of fame, a wellspring of virtue, a river of royalty, it cannot be, but that his people become peerless, noble, and magnificent. For where the General feedeth his mind, with high and honourable causes, and stands therein resolute, there his Captains and Soldiers are priest to all manner of attempts, be they never so difficult: And where such Captains are priest, there are achieved feats more wonderful, then reasonable. And to speak something of our Nation, and especially, of the small and little troop under Master Norris, it is incredible to think and report how their virtue doubleth the worthiness of other Nations. For as their leaders, and commanders excel in wit, prows, and value: so have they them in more love, reverence, and admiration. For this may be truly said of our Countrymen: that even the rude multitude, do love their rulers, and superiors, according to their virtues, and magnanimity, that they see in them. No people in the world more faithful, more affectionate, then are the English Nation, if they be retained accordingly: neither are they overcome a whit with the hellish furies, and brutish cruelties, that do generally possess all other Nations in the world. For, it is naturally given to the right Englishman, to content himself with the victory, and to take pity on the vanquished. And where this virtue of commiseration and mercy dwelleth, there also dwelleth naturally hardiness & prows. For it is an infallible rule, that where fear is, there is also cruelty. So that I conclude of this principle: sith our Nation doth excel other in love, gentleness, courtesy, placabilitye and mercy, they also are to be preferred before the stranger in true value, hardiness, courage, prows, and magnanimity.  Blandy. 
The overthrow you speak of, was great: the praises and honour you have given to Master Norris is such, that he may in right challenge them. The commendation of our Country, you have most firmly grounded on a sure rock of reason. And whereas you have made mention of the General, touching his small and little troop, to finish this work, in my opinion shall fit you best, to give all Gentlemen, and Soldiers of our Nation a farewell, who to win their Prince and Country honour, fear no force, dread no danger and terror of the Enemy. The number whereof, when I call to mind, I cannot forget Master john Seintleger: whose value and prows joined with a princely humanity and courtesy, my pen cannot deservedly describe.  Gate. 
You have I assure you, named a Gentleman: whose valour matcheth with the virtue of the best of our nation, that serve in the Nether Lands, although he be not a like preferred of the Prince there: But no doubt if he endure those services he cannot but bear a principal office, and that right worthily in the field. His careful pain in all exploits, his equal labours in the tyresome March, his dreadless attempts in any perilous adventure have been such, so open, and manifest, that not only his Countrymen, but Soldiers of other nations, yielded him as his own right, among them unknown, a superiority. All which, Captain Morris (a man of great experience and knowledge in feats of war) can witness. And whereas you have occasioned me to speak something of Master Seintleger (whom in this manner, I commend and commit to good fortune) you have minded me of a Gentleman, who if he were no Gentleman by birth and lineage, as he is well borne, & of gentle blood, yet he hath laid for his name perpetually a foundation, of high, and true Nobility. Blandy. What is his name?  Gate. 
Rowland York.  Blandy. 
The fame of his wisdom, and deep advise hath made me more inflamed with his person, than any former and private knowledge.  Gate. 
What is the report of him?  Blan. 
He is, saith all that know the man (which cannot be few in number) bold of courage, provident in direction, industrious in labour, and quick in execution.  Gate. 
What can be more desired in a General of an Army?  Blandy. 
I refer that to the judgement of other, but this I may well say, that these are the most principal points which are to be required in a Governor. What think you of the other Captains of our Nation?  Gate. 
I find Captain Gaynssord forward in the field, prudent, liberal, and full of policy. Captain Sallisbury sufficient, Captain Byshopp sure and steadfast, Captain Richard's a proper and tall Soldier, Captain Bows most sufficient.  Blandy. 
What of lieutenant Senis? Lieutenant Forder, Lieutenant Fewilliams, Lieutenant Burley, Lieutenant Gittens, Lieutenant Haruye, Lieutenant Kelly?  Gate. 
Senis is expert, painful, loving, and courteous. Forder, valiant and fortunate, Fewilliams ready, and resolute, Burley haughty, Gittens stout, Harvey hardy, Kelly well approved.  Blandy. 
What of Ancient Manning? Ancient Merchant, Ancient Ling, Ancient Maskrall, Ancient Bines.  Gate. 
All these are through long trial and experience ripe, most fit to do their country service.  Blandy. 
What think you of Dorrell, Leye, and Lovelace.  Gate. 
Dorrell hath well deserved, lay, if you look into him thoroughly, may be judged a man most fit to take a charge. Lovelace is not behind the best of his order. which are accounted of.  Blandy. 
What of Knight, Baker, Cranmer, Copwydge, Grace, Sallisburies' ●oth?  Gate. 
Knight, for his manliness and activity, for his strength and knowledge in every weapon that belongs to a tall and expert Soldier, may guard in peace and war the Majesty of an Emperor. The other have by their deserts won fame and glory.  Blandy. 
What of Smith, Owen, Padmore, Shepheard, Simmes, Rogers, Welch, with five hundred more?  Gate. 
Good, and well trained Soldiers, all which, so constant is their courage, so rare and resolute their minds, so flaming their faith and fidelity, long sithence vowed and consecrated to their prince and Country, that for her majesties safety, honour and security, they will at once most readily and willingly adventure with Ulysses his wanderings, and doubtful viages, six hundred shippwrackes, the great gloze, and swallowing sourge of Charybdis, the roaring of Silla, the danger in avoiding the Antiphates, the grievous conflict which he had with Polephemus: fill up with Curtius the gaping and dangerous breach: Perform in action, poverty, lack, and peril, although percase not with the like happy hap with Drake the unacquainted passage and steep down straights of Maielan.  Blandy. 
More perfection in any people cannot be required. Wherefore I commend them all to good hap wishing them (as natural love binds me) a safe and prosperous return hither again, if not, that fruit and success of life which belongs unto these minds which retain true and perfect Nobility.  Gate. 
It appeareth therefore by your discourse that in a perfect commonwealth one chief should rule and sit in the place of majesty, other (chosen especially for their virtue, justice, prudence and policy) occupy a place of honour, by whose wisdom and policy the multitude should be governed: other some, for their skill and virtue in warlike practices be advanced to high degree. Now I think it most fit you speak of the Merchant, artificer, and tiler of the ground.  Blandy. 
When I consider with myself, how requisite and necessary it is, that men should differ in degree and dignity, and that innumerable arts and sciences have been devised to maintain the common society of men, and no one may excel in all, and few at any time may attain the best: I can no less marvel at, then commend the divine decree of nature, whose providence hath wrought and appointed the varieties of wits, dispositions, & qualities. Socrates in his book entitled Phedro calleth this excellency of nature, the gold of the Gods, whereby he is induced to think that they whose minds are of so rare and fine a making, are unto them allied and fit of all other to be placed on the earth in the Throne of Majesty. Dame nature therefore the mother of all things hath placed in the world principally such in the highest Rooms: of which order are kings and Princes. Other some she hath not framed in such perfect wise, for the clearness and shining glory of virtue and nobility: yet she hath imparted unto them a most sharp wit and ready capacity, great value and singular providence. here-hence the justicer and soldier springeth, of which three lofty and stately parts it is already discoursed. On other she hath bestowed a mind and courage, that for the magnificence of their prince, weal of their country, honour of their City, estimation and credit of their own private families, will, by land, be the peril never so great, by sea, be the danger never so deep and difficult, with the hazard of unknown goods & deep expense of a rich purse, adventure strange and untried vioges. here-hence the famous companies of adventuring Merchants floweth, which are the Princes of all other which buy and sell wares. Other she hath made more simple of understanding, more cold of courage, and therefore justly hath appointed unto them, to toil in servile arts, of which sort are they, whom we term artificers, men of occupation, tilers of the ground with their helpers, poor, simple, and laboursome men.  Gate. 
What you have said hitherto of these three parts I can in no wise discommend.  Blandy. 
May not these suffice?  Gate. 
I am not unacquainted with your accustomed flourishes, I know and am assuredly persuaded, you can if you will and please deliver more of this matter.  Blandy. 
Will you that I writ more than I have spoken? Would you me attempt the commendation of their state? If so, I shall hardly avoid the suspicion of fear, or flattery: acknowledging notwithstanding how unable a man I am to yield to the good and virtuous Merchant the true guerdon of his due desert. Would you me instruct them in their kind of life? Should my pen pinch or improve their dainty fare? Should I be so bold, as to enter into their housechappell, and mangle their to to much carved Imagery, nipp their soft & nice nightbeds? I assure you it is not my part so to do. And albeit these (as some will) superfluities of fend more others that want such furniture, then in right turn to the merchants rebuke, being bought and purchased with his painful & perilous travail: So no man of wise and deep judgement shall be carried away from the good opinion of a Merchant, through the sight of those beautiful, pleasing, and passing vanities. If the Ploughman hath for a short journey at his seasan his sweet, if the laboursome man for his daily toil his penny, if the sheppeard for his careful care his pipe: much more is it to be granted to the Merchant, whose endeavours are far greater, whose travail more large, whose pains more perilous, & full of erpence, his choice and solace, his rest and content at home, and in his private Family. All these pleasures are to him granted, if he perform what is in him required.  Gate. 
What is his duty, and wherein chief doth it consist?  Blandy. 
What I speak is general, and toucheth principally those who have won by any knde of fortune great wealth, & yet strive most eagerly to augment the same. I could wish such (as it becometh Merchants indeed) to make their mart wisely with strangers in foreign lands, & not to make a pray wily of the wants of Gentlemen in their own country, what maketh the state of any commonwealth more flourishing than abundance? Then, what plague is found to the happiness thereof more pestiferous, then want & penury? If so, the procurers of the one are to be detested as much, as the actors of the other right worthily honoured. And herein I pray you note, that the Merchant whatsoever, which hearkeneth after the wants, fantasies, spending humours of gentlemen of his own country, and especially of such who do keep good and worshipful families, or of such whose possessions through their Father's untimely death, are come unto them in the rage and fury of youth, with an earnest purpose and intention to change lawns for lands, gummy silcke for a sweet and fat farm (abusing herein notwithstanding their own calling) give their Country to often most unnaturally a dépe and deadly wound.  Gate. 
verily I think no less. Is there any of so vile and corrupt mind in England?  Blandy. 
I can accuse none: But if there be any, and that my judgement might be taken and accepted of, I would have all such seared in the forehead, with the mark, and figure of death: signifying thereby, that whereas to this day there is no law made, for the inquisition and punishing here on earth, of so fowl and unsatiable desires, there hath been from the beginning of the world, by the just judgement of God, appointed a death in Hell: where such malefactors shall burn, and be tormented with everlasting, and unquenchable fires.  Gate. 
My business may not suffer me to stay long: Wherefore, proceed to the Artificer, and tiller of the ground.  Blandy. 
All of one nature, are not endued with the self-same quality and virtue, neither is this difference to be noted in men only: but in beasts, trees, and plants. For trees which are of one kind, spread not their branches in like fairness, every Stead doth not his Carrier with the like loftynes, neither is every Lion of like strength. In all the works of Nature, as I have before declared, there is to be noted a variety of value, disposition, and quality: so that according to that diversity, and inclination of nature we see the odds of labours, and studdye. Some therefore according to their skill, and reach, embrace a science, which more strengtheneth, and stayeth the weaker parts of a Commonweal, than other: in which place, I put the Clothyer, other work on gold and silver, other work on Iron, other till the ground, other in this, or that science, bestow their careful pains: all to the profit and commodity of their native Country. In consideration of whose divers dispositions, in one kind and nature, this I judge most worthy to be reported, read, and remembered: that Nature by disposing our affections, so diversly, brought to pass most providently, that man, who of all other creatures was ordained to maintain a society, should be thereunto forced of necessity. For the travail of each man thus differing, yieldeth to other that which by his own instustrye, he could never attain.  Gate. 
You have generally made mention of many sciences: among them all, the knowledge and skill of clothing, seemeth most worthy to be disputed of: for that it concerneth the maintenance of thousands, whose good and prosperous state, yieldeth to their Prince, in peace pleasure, in war, no small supply of men, to withstand the force and fury of the Enemy.  Blandy. 
I assent most gladly, to your good and honest desire, wishing myself as able, as willing, to uphold their state now falling, if the Prince, & providence of the Peers and and nobility of England do not with their pitiful eyes, and tender commiseration of so poor and approved condition of men, prop up, and establish more strongly those thighs, knees, and joints of this Commonwealth.  Gate. 
Is the state of Clothier's enfeebled?  Blandy. 
Their state is well nigh decayed, although they for the most part, retain still their due, and natural intention of mind, which causeth them to taste of some hardiness themselves, rather than numbers of good & honest men, (which cannot be otherwise relieve, them by their first learned occupation) should pearish for want of sustenance.  Gate. 
In this action I assure you, they deserve much love and reverence. But how cometh it to pass, that men employed in so good and honest trade of life, should want the guerdon of so long and well approved toil and lobor?  Blandy. 
If you would know that, I think it most fit, you sift, and search the ground and matter of their science.  Gate. 
What is that, they chiefly handle and work on?  Blandy. 
wol, Oil, Ode, Madder, Gall, Ware, and many other things differing in nature, yet through the skill of that workman made one, all which, as they are not of one kind, so are they not made, or engendered in one place. Whose qualities also differ greatly, and therefore, needeth the labour of many men to work them, to the Artificers drift, use, and knowledge. So that where there is a science in a commonwealth that handleth so many things, to the workemanshipp whereof men in number are required, and beside where this faculty hath so long flourished, being not stained in any crime, that the Prince or commonwealth might conceive grief: I assure you (to speak the very truth) the overthrow 〈…〉 throw the body of a common 〈…〉 that a body may stand without legs. ● could ●● science into his branches: that is, to the science of ●● narrow & broad clothes: setting down by due comparison their odds and peculiar difference. But for that I hold them both of price, and that my poor and unlearned pen may little prevail them in this case, I refer them, and all other causes whatsoever, to the Majesty of God, whose unspeakable goodness, virtue, & mercy I pray, that (whereas it hath pleased him, that all mortal men should have reason, although not that like capacity, all a mind, although not of like understanding, that all should live, although not in this world, in the like state, place, degree, and dignity) it would please his divine majesty to grant us all in disposition so differing, a mind not differing, in inclination so much altering, the Unity of his spirit, grace, and virtue: the inestimable excellency whereof, lieth open (through earnest and careful prayer) as well to the poor man as Prince, to the simple, as Prudent, to the weak, as mighty, to the man that hath scarce to nourish and feed his hungry nature, as to him that aboundeth with all dainty and superfluous fare. Who doth not know how vile all these worldly things are, how mortal, how transitory, how full of error & contemptible vanity? Who doth not find in himself beholding that uncertainty of riches the wavering condition of honour and human glory, the painted show of kindred and nobility, lastly the counterfeit and deceitful Image of sweet said pleasures, his mind & and hearts desire to be satisfied? If so, why should we strive so eagerly for those things that work our annoy and perpetual harm? If so, why should we not earnestly pursue virtue which leadeth us to the life which shall ever endure?  
FINIS.   

〈…〉 the gentle and 〈…〉 ●●ader.  
THus have you read (my singular & loving Friend) a discourse not truly with wit and learning polished, in either of which, because I labour of a great defect, I am right heartily sorry: but yet meet and convenient for thee to peruse and know, whether thou be of a gentle or ungentle condition. I have studied herein more to profit, then to please, wherefore if thou hast sought in the reading hereof, lip wisdom, I have failed thee: If thy peculiar or cōmōwealthes commodity, a profit may happily arise hereof. My desire is, that my good meaning be not construed amiss, which if thou of thy singular gentleness and courtesy grant, I have obtained the hire of my labour: and thereby, I shallbe encouraged to attempt the discourse of some other matter hereafter for thy use, of greater weight and importance.   

AT LONDON Printed by john day dwelling over Aldersgate. Anno. 1581.  
Cum Privilegio Regiae Maiestatis.