THE WILL OF WIT, Wits Will, or Wills Wit, choose you whether. Containing five discourses, the effects whereof follow. Read and judge. Compiled by Nicholas Breton. Gentleman. Non hà, Che non sà. LONDON Printed by Thomas Creed. 1597. To Gentlemen, Scholars, and Students, whatsoever. GEntlemen, or others, who employ your time in the studies of such Arts, as are the Ornaments of Gentility, to your courtesies I commend the unlearned discourse of my little wit, which as I will not entreat you to commend, deserving the contrary: so I hope you will not disdain, though it deserve discommendation, but so by your pardons, excuse my small discretion by great desire, that here●… with less haste, I may take as great care as pains, to publish a piece of work, somewhat more worth the perusing. Till when, wishing you all the favour of God, with good fortune of the world, I rest in honour of learning to you and all Students. A loving friend N. B. Gent. The Epistle to the gentle Reader. A New Book says one, true, it came forth but other day, good stuff says an other. Read, than judge. I confesseit may seem to a number, a bold attempt, to set out a form of wit, considering the witty discourses, of such fine wits as have deserved such commendation, as may drive this mean piece of work of mine into utter disgrace, were it not that perfect courtesy doth bear with imperfect knowledge, regarding more the good mind in the writer, than the matter written, and therefore the best will give good words, whatsoever they think, to encourage a forward will to do better, when indeed it were a fantastical head that could do worse. Well when Wit is a woolgathering, and Will wandering, the world without guide, what a case that man is in, that is in such a taking I refer you to mad folks, of whom you may see examples sufficient, and so I being in a certain melancholy mood, past all Gods forbade, took my Pen and Ink and paper, and somewhat I would go do, whatsoever it were, to put out one conceit, and bring in an other, at last, and at first, of a sudden, unwares, and at adventures, by God's good help, and good fortune, the little wit that I had, meeting with good Will, I knew not how, fell to work, (at first) I know not what, but having written a while, I made somewhat of it, which though little to any great purpose, yet, if it please the readers, I am contented, & if any man think it well done, than Wit shall think Will a good boy, and Will shall think he took Wit in a good vain, and Will and Wit shall have the more heart hereafter, to fall to further work, but if I have been more wilful than wise, to trouble your wi●…tes, with a witless piece of work, pardon me for this once, ye shall see I will please you better hereafter, in the mean time desiring your courtesies to commend what you think worthy, and not to disdain without desert, I rest, wishing your content in what you wish well, as I pray you wish me as I do you. Your friend Nicholas. Breton Gentleman. Ad Lectorem, de Authore. WHat thing is Will, without good Wit? Or what is Wit, without good Will? The one the other doth so fit: As each alone can be but ill. But when they once be well agreed: Their work is likely well to speed. For proof behold good Bretons will, By help of Wit, what it hath writ: A work not of the ●…eanest skill, Nor such as shows a simple Wit. But such a Wit, and such a Will: As hath done well and hateth ill. I need not to commend the man, Whom none can justly discommend: But do the best, the best that can, Yet some will spite, and so I end. What I have said, I say so still, I must commend, this Wit and Will. C. A FINIS. Ad lectorem, de Authore. WHat shall I say of Gold, more than 'tis Gold: Or call the Diamond, more than precious: Or praise the man, with praises manifold, When of himself himself is virtuous, Wit is but Wit, yet such his Wit and Will, As proou●…e il good, or makes good to be ill. Why? what his Wit? proceed and ask his Will, Why? what his Will? read on, and learn of Wit: Both good I guess, yet each a several ill, This may seem strange, to those that hear of it. Nay, near a whit, for virtue many ways, Is made a vice, yet Virtue hath her praise. Wherefore, O Breton, worthy is thy work, Of commendations worthy to the worth: Sith captious Wits, in every corner lurk, A bold attempt it is to set them forth. A form of Wit, and that in such a sort, As none offends, for all is said in sport. And such a spo●…t, as serves for other kinds, Both young and old, for learning, arms, and love: For Lady's humours mirth with moan he finds, With some extremes, their patiented minds to prove. Well Breton, writ in hand, thou hast the thing, As when it comes, love, wealth; and fame will bring. W. S. A pretty and witty Discourse, betwixt Wit and Will. LOng have I travailed, much ground have I gone, many ways have I trod, much money have I spent, more labour have I lost, in seeking an old friend of mine: whose company so courteous, his counsel commodious his presence so pleasant, and his absence so graevous, that when I think of him, and miss him, I find such a miss of him, as all things are out of frame with me. And out of frame, can come to no good fashion. Oh what shall I do? It is long since I lost him: long have I sought him. And too long (I fear) it will be ere I find him? But wots you who it is? Oh my wit, I am from my Wit, and have been long. Alas the day. I have been almost mad, with marching through the world, without my good guide, my friend, and Companion, my Brother, yea, myself. Alas, where is he? When shall I see him? How shall I seek him, and whither shall I walk? I was too soon weary of him, and am now weary of myself without him. Well, I will go where I may, I may hap to find him: but hap is unhappy. Therefore hap good, or hap ill, I will walk on still: if I find him, happy man. If I do not, what than? Content myself even as I can, Patience where is no remedy. Wit. Long have I looked, far have I sought, oft have I wished, and sore have I longed for my merry mate, my quick spirit, my darling, and my dearest bird: Whose courtesy so contentive, whose help so necessary, whose necessity so great, whose presence so pleased me, and absence so anger's me: that when I would have him, and see, I am without him: I am not in order, and being out of order, can take no good course. Alas what shall be●…ide me? I have lost my love, or my love hath lost me. Would God we might meet again, and be merry together: which I cannot be without him. Oh what have I lost? my Will, Whither is he gone? when will he return? who hath led him away? or will bring him back again? what company is he fal●… into? or how doth he lead his life? Well, time yet may turn him. Till when I wish for him, heping to meet him, but hope is uncertain: yet hope well, and have well. Thus alone I cannot dwell, if I find him so it is: if not, then ●…wis, I must be content with this. Patience is a virtue. But whom do I behold so near? It is my Will, with heavy cheer: well, I am sorry for this gea●…e. Yet will I to him out of hand, and know, how so the case doth stand. What? Will? Will. Who? Wit? Wit. Whither away? Will. Where I may. Wit. Whereto? Will. Oh to do. Wit. What? Will. Teach thou me that. Wit. Why, sigh not boy? William Oh all my joy. Wit. Where is it Will? William Among the ill. Wit. What? Is it lost? William That grieves me most. Wit. And not to be recovered? William Oh my heart is almost dead. Wit. What? Will? Hold up head. I will be thy friend to death. William Then give me leave to fetch my breath. And welcome, twice and thrice well met: where my heart's joy is set. Many a walk have I fet, but no comfort could I get, till now by thee mine only friend, with whom I mean my life to end. If thou wilt give me leave good wit. Wit. Yes good sweet will, and glad of it. will. Then hark good wit unto my tale: not of amid my bliss in bale, nor any such like stuff so stolen. I study not to talk in verse, but I will unto thee rehearse, a plain discourse, in homely prosse, wherein I will at large disclose: How I have lived, with whom, and where: how I was tossed, here and there. How I did chance to travail hither, and so we will be merry together. Wit. Contented. Verse is good sometime, but sometime press, and sometime rhyme. But be it either prosse or verse, what so thou wilt, good will rehearse: I mean to hear it to the end. And quit thee quickly as a friend. But since thou likest prosse so well, begin in prosse thy tale to t●…l. wills Tale. OH good wit, (if thou dost remember,) I lost thee in travail to the Well of Wisdom. Since when, I have wandered through a wilderness of woe, (which in the Map of that Country (I find) is called the Desert of Desire. Wherein I saw so many ways, as new in this, and then in that. ●…t last I came to the hill of ha●…de Hap, which led me down into a vale of Vanity. There did I live in the Lake of Miseries, with the lost people, that having followed Fancy, found Penitence, the reward of running heads. But Lord, what a life it is? I loath to think on it. Believe me sweet wit, there is such falling out with Fancy, who shifts all upon Folly. Such exclamation upon Folly, who brings them to Fortune: such cursing and banning of Fortune, for her froward dealing: in gentle helping them up upon the wheel, and then sudden dinging them down (almost to their destruction,) that if there be a Hell in this world, there is the place. God keep all good minds from such a ●…thy corner. Wit. Amen. But tell me ●…w ca●…st thou thence? will. I will tell you anon: ●…ut first I will tell you more. There is of all States, Princes cry out of cares: Lords, of lack of living: Ladies, o●… false Love: Soldiers of want of pay: Lawyers, of quiet: Poor men, of Law: merchants, of shipwreck: Mariners, of school weather: Usurers, of Sermons, and Divines of Usury: Players, of Preachers, and Preachers of Pl●…yers: Dicers, of losing, and losers o●… Dicing: Cryples, of fight, and fighters of hurts: the Rich, of sickness: the Poor, of want: the Sick, of pain: the healthful, of ill hap: the unhappy, of the time that ever they were borne. Oh, it is a piteous cry: I would not be there again, to hear it as I have done, for the gain of Europe. Wit. Believe me, I cannot blame thee: but tell me, how camest thou thence? William Oh brother, I will tell you how: you know, sometime travailers must needs have rest, which they must come by, as they may: Now I having walked, (as I told you) through this unpleasant place: weary at last, I laid me down in the ditch of Distress, where, finding many dead skulls, and other bones, I there thought to begin a sleep, or sleep my last: now lying there, in such sort as I tell you, me thought in my sleep I sighed, in which sorrow, a good motion of mind, set my heart to prayer: which tended to this effect, that it would please, the mighty and merciful Majesty, of the most highest, to send me some mean, to lead me out of this misery: being as it were from my Wit, and altogether comfortless. Now suddenly there appeared unto me, an old aged man, who took me by the hand, with these words: Arise thou sluggish wanton, walk no longer out of thy way: turn thee back from this stray path, experience doth teach thee: what is Will without Wit? Prayer hath procured thee pardon, the high and only God hath given thee Grace, by Grace go seek, that is worth the finding: look where Wit is too him, and make much of him: With joy of that word, I awaked, and with shame of my Folly in leaving thee, I hung the head: with sorrow whereof, I was almost of life deprived: but now by thy sweet welcome, wholly revived: now awake (I should say) I saw none but thee: and now while I live, I will follow thee. Wit. Why, was it here you slept, or have you come far since you waked? Will. No, no, here did I sleep, here is the place of pain so unpleasant: but now I see thee, I have received comfort, for that I know thou canst lead me to Wisdom, who will soon show me the way to Paradise. wit. Why then will, well hast thou slept, better hast thou dreamt, but best hast thou waked, to hit on me so happily, who intend to bring thee to that good beginning, that shall lead thee to endless bliss. But to quit thy tale, I will tell thee a little of my travail, and so we will away together. Wits Tale. WIll: thou knowest when I left thee, in the lane of learning, I went on strait to the school of Virtue, and with her Testimonial, to the Well of Wisdom, which stands within the Palace of Patience: where I found the Fountain kept with four Ladies, whose names were Wisdom, Temperance, Fortitude, and justice: now when I came thither with sufficient warning from Virtue: yet (for order sake) they thus used me: wisdom, which stood with a Snake in her hand, (over whose head was written) I see the holes that subtle Serpents make, thus used her wary speech unto me: Sirrah (quoth she) how, presume you into this place? from whence came you, and how and whither will you? Lady, (quoth I) from Fancies Fort I came, and am now travailing to the Fort of Fame: I came now directly from the School of Virtue: brought thither by Learning, had by reason, servant to instruction: and here behold Patience, who hath lead me, who is further to plead for me: Welcome (quoth she) but art thou not weary? no (quoth I) nor would be, if the walk had been longer, to have my will. Will. Why didst thou think me there about? oh Lord I was far wide. Wit. Peace Will a while: when I denied weariness: Yea (quoth Fortitude) an other of the 〈◊〉 (over whose head was written, I yield to good, but overthrow the ill.) I will see if you be weary or not, I must try a fall with you. ●…t first I made no account of her, but when I begun, I sound her of great force. Yet in the end, she was content to give me over and let me come n●…re the W●…ll. Now upon the Well brinks stood justice, over whose head was written: My hand hits right, Death is my stroke, my balance will not lie. Then was my words written down by Memory, and weighed with Truth: which being even in judgement, she ●…ad me welcome: and so was content, to let me lay my lips to the sweet liquor of Sapience. Oh it is a delicate Water. Now as I stood, I heard a Trumpette sound, which done, I heard a voice which said: What Trump can sound the true report of Fame? Now desirous to see the place, whence I heard this sound, I craved the Lady's passport to the said place: who gave me no other passport, than the commandment of Patience: warning me in any wise, to take hold of Time, when I met him: and turn him to my use: with these two, I should come to the sort afore me. I right glad of my good hap, took leave, and forth I went: anon I met Master Time, with his scythe in his hand: singing Save Virtue, all things I cut down, that stand within my way. But as he came working, I watched him near, and as he struck aside, I suddenly stepped to him, took him by the no●…le, and turned him to my work. What wouldst thou (quoth he?) I must not stand idle: no (quoth I) thou shalt walk, and lead me to the Fort of Fame. Come then (quoth he) go away, softly (quoth Patience) content (quoth I) and so together we go to this stately Court: where being first entertained by Courtly, we were brought to Favour, and so led up to Fame. Now being on knee before her highness, she first gave me her hand to kiss: and willed the Lords to bid me welcome: see here (quoth she) the perfection of affection, what a travail he hath undertaken only for our favour, which he shall be sure off. The Nobles used me honourably, the Gentlemen courteously, the Servants reverently, and Fa●…our friendly. Now as I stood, I heard such sweet Music, such heavenly songs, it made my heart leap to hear them: The Prince did sing in praise of Peace, the Lords of Plenty, the Ladies of true Love, the Lawyers of Quiet, the servants of Law, the merchants of Sailing, and Sailors of fair weather, the Rich of Health, the Poor of Charity, the Healthful of good hap, and the happy of God's blessing: there was no Usurers, Dicers, Players, nor fighters heard off. Oh, there was a place of pleasure: if in the world there be a Paradise, that was it: Oh that thou hadst been with me. Will. So would I, but tell me, he we came you again? Wit. I will tell thee: When I had been within, and without, and heard such sweet Harmony, of such singular Music: at last, I came down into the base Court, 〈◊〉 by Favour, to a lodging, which was called the counting house: there sat Memory, to take the names o●… such as had 〈◊〉 entertained, and meant to s●…ke favour, at the hands of happy Fame. But as I was going through the Court, I met one of the Maids of Honour attend●…unt upon the Princess, whose name (Favour told me) was Be●…lezza, accompanied with Gentilezza, an other o●… the 〈◊〉. Now as I was walking, I feared s●… earnestly an them, that (not looking to my 〈◊〉) I stumbled 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and with the fall I awaked, now awake, I thought of my good Will: and see how soon it was my hap to meet with 〈◊〉▪ but no sooner than I wished for thee, nor then I am hearty glad of thee. will. Gramer●…y wit. But yet I beshrew thee? wit. Why so? will. For losing me. Wit. Thou mightest have 〈◊〉. will. You might have held me. wit. When? will. When I was near you. Wit. Where was that? William Where you lost me: But tell me one thing, where was it you slept, and awaked so so●…ainely? What? was it here about? Wit. Yea, here Will, here, here is the Fort of Fame, as thou shalt find, when thou hast been with me a while: there is no house, but hath a sink: no h●…ld so fair but hath a foul d●…tch: no place so pleasant, but hath a corner of annoyance: he that runs recklessly, falls headlong: and he that is in a hole, he knows not how, must come out he knows not when. Care is to be had in all things, at all times, and in all places: well, thou hast known some sorrow: learn to leave selfe-iudgement: follow friend, go with me. William Why? I would never have lost th●…, but. wit. But that thou wert weary of me. will. Why? I was not weary but. Wit. No, but that you were a wanton. Wil Why? I was not a wanton but. wit. No, but that you were wilful. William Why? I was not wilful but. wit. No, but that you thought better of yourself then any else. wit. Why? but I did not think so, but. wit. Nay, you may say you would not have thought so, but. William But what? or why? wit. But because you did not see yourself. will. Yes indeed, but I did: I did see myself and you too. wit. Indeed, but you did not: for if you had seen me, you would not so have lost me. Wit. Yes, but I did see you, but when I had looked on you a while, I looked on myself so long, till you were out of sight, and then I looked after you and could not see you. wit. Well, but than you saw me not, and so you lost me: but since you now have sound me, follow me near, stay but a Butts length behind me, lest I suddenly step a flights shot before you, and then a furlong further, you never overtake me. will. But soft, runs wit so fast, will is weary. wit. Go too, throw off your clog of care, trust to me, so you do as I bid you, all shall be well. will. Yes, but. wit. But? What? will. But a little of your help. wit. Yes, but. will. But? What? wit. But that you must of yourself labour. wil So I will but. wit. But not too much: well, contented, I will work. Wilt thou help? wil Yea willingly. wit. How long? wil Till death. wit. Why, wilt thou die? wil Not with working: yet will I work sore. wit. Whereto? wil to win my wish. Wit. What that? wil You can tell. wit. But tell me. will. What? wit. Is it Favour? will. That is one part of it. wit. Wealth? wil another part. Wit. Honour? wil The greatest next. wit. Content. Wil All in all. wit. Where? will. In heart. wit. How? will. By hap. wit. How that? wil By Hope? wit. Oh, Hope is vain. will. Oh, do not discomfort me. wit. Doubt the worst. will. Wherefore? Wit. Because I bid thee. will. Why do you bid me? Wit. For this reason: the best will help itself. will. What is the worst? wit. Envy. will. What will he do. wit. Mischief. will. To whom? wit. To good minds. will. How shall I do then? wit. Let Patience use Prayer, God will preserve his servants. William That I shall: Then it is not impossible? wit. What? wil To get Content? wit. It is hard. William What then? wit. Do our best. wil Content. Wit. But hark will: shall I tell thee a little more of the Fort of Fame: What I saw, and heard before I came away, over the gate at the entry, I saw written, pretty Posies, some in Latin, some in Italian, some French, and some English. In Latin I remember these: Quid tam difficile quod non solertia vincit? By that was written, Labour vertus: And by that, vertute Fama: And over that, Fama immortalis: And that was written, in many places about the house. In Italian was written, Gioventù vecchezza: by that, vecchezza Morte, et Morte Tempo, et tempo Fama: but over all, sopra tutti, triumpha Idd●…o. In French, Le sol Fortune, il prudent Fame▪ Fame est divine, duinitie, est pretieuse, Dieu est nostre guard. In English was written. Patience is a virtue. Virtue is Famous. Fame is divine. Divinity is gracious. Grace is the gift of God: And God is the only giver of grace. Which by Patience seeks the virtue that is Famous to the divine pleasure of the giver of all good gifts: Blessed be his name, this shall he find, that enters Fort of Fame. William Oh sweet speeches. wit. Then will I tell thee further, as I walked up & down with Favour, I heard Courtesy & Content, (a couple of Courtiers) discoursing of thee and me. Of the virtues of wit, and the vanities of will. Wit, they said, was desirous of knowledge, but Will could take no pain: wit would have Patience, but will would be wood with anger: wit would work, when will would stand idle: wit would be walking, when will would be slothful: wit would call for wills help, when will cared not for wits counsel: wit would be wise, and will would be wanton: wit would be Virtuous, and will vain: wit would be Famous, and will foolish: wit would be sober, and will frantic: wit would be careful, and will careless: wit studying, and will playing: vit at good exercise, and will idle, and worse occupied: wit mourning for will, will making no moan for wit: Wit in his dumps, and will in delights: wit would do well, and have will do no worse, if he would follow him. But will would lose wit, and wit must work without will and against will: and yet this is strange, they were sworn Brethren, one could not be without the other. Yet wit could make better shift alone: wit could find will, when he had lost himself, and will (yet) would please wit well, when he would be a good boy: Which he would never be, till he were beaten, and that with the smart of his own rod: then he would come home to wit, follow wit as his best friend, and never leave him to the last hour. Now when I heard this discourse, I remembered thee, and being able to tarry no longer, the hearing of such matter, against him whom I love, I entreated Favour to bring me forth into the Court, towards the Countinghouse: whither walking, I stumbled by the way, and fell as I told you: wherewith I awoke. Now good will since I have found thee, and now thou seest the miseries of the world: come, follow me, let me bring thee to a better course: Let not me mourn for thee, nor other thus talk of thee: I will make much of thee, if thou wilt love me: I will make thee give them cause to say: see what a change? will is come home wit is content to be ruled by wit: he works with wit, he walks with wit: he mourns and is merry with wit: he is travailing to virtue with wit, he will find Fame by wit: why he, will? he is as welcome as wit, as worthy as wit, now he hath learned of wit, how to direct his course: believe me will, I love thee. William Gramercy good wit, and I thee: But tell me one thing, me thinks all this was but a Dream, for in the end you did awake with the fall. Wit. True will, I was in a Dream, and so wert thou: wil Oh than you did hear men talk so much of me in in your sleep: Awake, I warrant you: you shall u●…uer hear so much amiss of me. Wit. I hope so too: now I have met with thee, I will show thee a way, whereby thou shalt deserve no such difcredit. William Gramercy. But shall I now tell thee, a little that I had forgotten, that I saw and heard in the Lake of Misery? Wit. Contented good will, and gramercy too. Wil Then wit thou shalt understand, I heard these speeches passed among Penitent people: when wit is wayward, Will is no body: woeful wit, blames wanton will: wanton Wit, chides worthy will: unhappy wit, hasty will: fantastical Wit, forward will. Over that, wit thinks scorn of will, but yet he cannot be without him: Wit hath lost will, but yet he is glad to seek him: Wit mourns for Will, but Wit sees it not: Will travails for the Stone, that Wit must whet himself upon: Will is painful, but wit unthankful: will is courteous, but wit cursed: Will soon content, wit too curious: will would be ruled, but wit had no reason: will would have been Famous, had wit been Virtuous: will had been good, had not wit been bad: will had not lost wit, had wit looked unto him: Will would do well, if wit would do better: will would learn, if wit would teach him: But will must work without wit, and against wit: and yet it was wonderful that sworn Brethren should so disagree, yet one so necessary for the other in all actions, as nothing could hit well, when they were a sunder. Will could meet wit in a Maze, and comfort him with his company: will could bring wit into a good order, when he was quite out of course. Wit would be glad of will: but when? when he found the want of his Friend, which he would never do, till he were weary of working alone: and then he would embrace will, make much of will, and never leave will for any world's good. Now when I heard so much of my good Wit, I could not tarry any longer in the company, but from them I go, and by myself sat down, where I slept, and waked, as I told you. Wit. Gramercy good will: Why then I perceive, we were both a sleep, we lost one an other in travail, and travailed in sleep, to seek one another: which walking we have found: happy be this day of our meeting, and twice happy hour of this our friendly greeting: He runs far, that never turns: he turns well, that stays in time: and he stays well, that stands fast: he stands fast, that never falls: he falls low, that never riseth: he riseth well, that stands alone when he is up. Good Will, well met, let us now be merry, shake hands, swear company, and never part. Wit. Content, here is my hand, my heart is thme. But ere we go any further, let us be a little merry. Wil What shall we do? wit. Let us sing. wit. Content. But what? wit. What you will: begin and I will answer you. A song between Wit and Will. Wit. What art thou will? W. A babe of nature's brood, Wit. who was thy sire? W. sweet lust, as Lovers say: Wit. Thy mother who? W. wild lusty wanton blood, Wit. when wert thou borne? W. In merry month of May. Wit. And where brought up? W. In school of little skill: Wit. what learnedst thou there? W. Love is my lesson still. Wit. Where readst thou that? w. In lines of sweet delight, Wit. The Author who? w. Desire did draw the Book: Wit. who teacheth? w. Time. wi. what order? w. lovers right, Wit. what that? w. To catch Content, by hook or crook. Wit. where keeps he school? w. In wilderness of woe: Wit. why lives he there? w. The fates appoint it so. Wit. Why did they so? w. It was their secret will, Wit. what was their will? w. to work fond lovers woe: Wit. what was their woe? w. By spite their sport to spill, Wit. what was their sport? w. Dame nature best doth know. Wit. How grows their spite? w. By want of wish: wit, what that Wil Wit knows right well, Will may not tell thee what. Wit. Then Will adiewe. w. Yet stand me in some steed, Wit. wherewith sweet will? w. Alas, by thine advise: Wit. whereto good will? w. To win my wish with speed, Wit. I know not how. w. Oh Lord that Will were wise. Wit. wouldst thou be wise. w. Full fain. wit. them come from school Take this of wit: Love learns to play the fool. Will. Content, I will come from school, I will give over A●…tem Amandi, & I will with thee, to some more worthy study, which may be as well to my commodity, comfort, as content. Wit. Well said will, now I like thee well: and therefore, now I will do my best, to work thy delight. But for that now I have a piece of work in hand, which none must be privy too, till it be finished. We will hear leave off talk, and fall to our work together, so shall I the sooner and the better dispatch it. Will. Content. You shall have my help, in it, or any other thing, wherein I may stand you in steed: And since you are so glad of my company, we will live and die together. Wit. Gramercy good Will: and mean time let us pray God to prosper our work: let us have care how we work: what, when, and where we work, that we may ●…de it commodious, not contrary to God's will, contentive to the best, offensive to few or none, let the matter be Virtuous, so shall he prove famous. Will. Good Wit. I thank thee for thy good counsel, God give us his grace to do so. I am glad to see thee so well bend: now I must needs love thee: thou wert never wont to be so well minded. Wit. Better late than never: it is good to be honest, though a man had forsworn it: there is no time too late, to thrine. Will. True: And I promise thee now, I hope I shall do well by the comfortable counsel, of so good a friend: God be thanked, the old vain is gone. Stet pro ratione voluntas, Sum juvenis fruar hoc mundo, S●…nex colam pietatem, Omnia vincit amor. Faint heart never won fair Lady: Let us be merry while we are here: When we are gone, all the world goes with us: Let them take care that come after: A man is a man, if he have but a hose on his head, Oh che bella donna? favour della Signora, oh dolce amore, La Sennora et spada, senza estos nada, Pearl Amor de dieu: Beau damoiselle: oh brave huom: I gallant cheval? Il faut avoire come? That makes no matter: then sweets had no sour: but now. Wit. Oh will, dost thou remember all this: I pray thee forget all, and think no more of such things. I am sorry, that ever they were in my heart, but now thou shalt see we will do well enough: we will take another way, to both our comforts. We will to Care, and entreat him, to lend us his help, for without him in deed we shall make an ill-favoured end, of what we begin untowardly. I promise thee, I heard the prettiest song betwixt him and Misery, that I heard a good while: if thou wilt set it down in writing, I will recite it unto thee. Wil Contented, right willingly, and thank thee too. Wit. Then lo, thus It was. The Song between Misery and Care. M. WHat art thou care? C. A secret skill unseen. M. who was thy syr●…? C. sound wisdom. M. Mother who? C. Devise. M. And who thy Nurse? C. Delight I ween. M. when wert thou borne? C. In harvest. M. what to do? C. To work. M. with whom? C. with wit and honest will: M. what work? C. In grain, to glean the good from ill. M. What good? C. The best. M. And how? C. by wary eye, M. whose eye is that? C. the eye of perfect sight: M. Who bears that eye? C. The head that hath me nigh. M. whose head is that? C. Each one that loves delight. M. But what delight? C. That longest doth endure, M. Oh Care. C. I come, thy comfort to procure. M. Whence dost thou come? C. I come from lofty Sky, M. when camest thou thence? C. Even now. M. who sent thee so? C. The Gods. M. whereto? C. To comfort Misery: M. But how? C. By wit to work his ease of wo. M. What woe? C. The worst. M. what that? C. The grief of mind, M. Oh. C. Fear not, Care will quickly comfort find. Believe me, I like it well: But is Care so comfortable▪ Yea, indeed is it. Care is both a Corsie & a comfort, all is in the use of it. Care is such a thing, as hath great a do in all things: why Care is a King in his kind. Did you never hear my discourse of Care in Verse? Wil No that I remember: if it be not long I pray you rehearse it. And for my better remembrance, henceforth I will write it. wit. Then give ear, thus it was. The song of Care. COme all the world, submit yourselves to Care, And him acknowledge for your chiefest King: With whom no King, or Kaiser may compare, who bears so great a sway in every thing. At home, abroad, in Peace, and eke in war: Care chief stands, to either make or mar. The Court he keeps, is in a wise conceit, His house a head, where reason rules the wit: His seat the heart that hateth all deceit, His bed, the brain, that feels no frantic fit. His diet is, the Cates of sweet content: Thus is his life, in heavenly pleasure spent. His kingdom is, the whole world round about, Sorrow his sword, to such as dare rebel: His counsel, wisedame, that decides each doubt, His skill, foresight, of things to come, to tell. His chief delight, is studies of devise, To keep his Subiests out of miseries. Oh courteous King, oh high and mighty Care, What shall I write, in honour of thy name? But to the world, by due desert declare: Thy royal state, and thy immortal Fame, Then so I end, as I at first begun, Care is the King of Kings, when all is done. FINIS. WIll. Surely, I never heard so much of Care, before: but reason hath showed me, all is true that you have spoken of him. And therefore let us humbly crave his help in this our work, which we are to take in hand, I dare warrant his favour. Wit, sayst theu so Will? then let us go: Time trudgeth away, we have talked long: Mountains never meet, but friends often: good hap comes oft unlooked for, but never unwelcome. I thought not to have found thee here, but we see Fortune doth much, but Fates more to bring friends together: and friendship doth much, where faith is fixed: And faith is a jewel, and jewels are precious, and precious is for Princes. Oh God, trust me will, we must be wary to work so with advise of Care, that as we are friends one to another, so we may prove in all actions to show our chiefest jewel, our faithful heart to God and her Majesty: To whom might we once be so happy, as to present a piece of work worthy the receipt: oh how glad should then eur hearts be, which with faithful duty would adventure death for her most excellent favour: which till by desert we find, & always let us love and honour our singular good Lord, that hath vouchsafed us his undeserved favour: and let us hearty pray for the preservation of her most excellent Majesty, with long and prosperous reign over us: as for the advancement of his Honour's estate: who by his virtues deserves, and by deserts hath found Favour of her Highness, love of her Peers, honour of us, and a number our betters. And so let us away into my Closet of Conceit, where from company we will think upon such matters, as here we●… will not talk on. Wil Content. We will go together, study thou, and I will make my pen, ready at thine, or his Honour's commandment. And thus, till we have dispatched our work in hand: let us take our leave, humbly of our good Lord, and courteously of all our friends: Wishing them to employ their studies, to the pleasure of God, content of the best sort, profit of themselves, and good example to others: and so Bacciando le many del Signore, let us bid them all Adio. From our heart, this, 20. of August. 1597. I●…genii voluntas. The Author's Dream, of strange effects, as followeth. NOT many days since, it was my hap to travail, not far hence, into a Country, called the Island of Inuen●…on: where I met with many of mine acquaintance, as well friends as foes, New my foes began to flatter me, and my friends as fast to frown on me: My friends were wit and Reason, Wisdom & Care, Wealth and Content: My foes were Will and Rage, Folly and Recklessness, Woe, and Discontent: now there were other, betwixt friends and foes, that stood looking at me, with a strange countenance: as who should say, wilt thou, or wilt thou not? these were Fancy, Love, Frenzy, and Patience. Now there were two Ladies, that sat in such a state, that I had much a do, to look up to them, these were Virtue and Fame: Now below there were two Spirits, which I was vilely afraid off, the one was pied of all colours, and the other as black as a Coal: the coloured was Vanity, and the other Infamy. Now as I looked about me, ●… remember my first words were these, God bless me from Spirits. And then looking upwards, I wished to God, I could climb up to the two Ladies. But soft a while, there is more in it then so, more steps in a Ladder than one, and more sticks then one to the making of the steps. Soft fire makes sweet malt, Non cui●…is att●…ngit adire Cori●…thum: The Court is not for common persons, let Beggars stand at Gates: I am but a poor travailer, I must acqaint myself with mean men before I seem to look so high: let me go speak with my friends: But what mean my foes ●…hus to use me with courtesy? What? would they be friends with me? But let me see who is he that so frowns on me? while I am looking on my foes. Oh it is my friend Wit: let me go to him, and learn the cause of his choler. Why art thou angry good Wit? Will is at thy command, if thou thinkest well of thy friend: leave those frowning looks, that will soon bring me out of love with thee. What (quoth Reason) remember who is thy friend: ha●… thou forgotten what I have told thee? what is will without wit? yea, (quoth I) and what is Wit without Reason? Oh (quoth Wisdom) cold words, Wisdom shows wit cannon want Reason: yea, but (quoth I) where is wisdom: Oh (quoth Care) come to me and I will telth●…▪ tush (quoth I) what is Care without wealth? Oh yes (quoth Wealth) Content is sufficient riches. Yea marry (quoth I) but where is that? Tush (quoth Fan●…e) come away and go with me: Come, thou hast been from me a great while: Wit i●… become a sworn brother to Reason and they two are servants to wisdom. Wisdom, h●…e is consulted with Care, to hu●…t after wealth, and wealth forsooth must win Content. Oh it were a trim life to take in hand to follow these fellows. Come go, soft (quoth I) I have been fantastical enough already: Then (quoth Fancy) look wh●…re Love is: tush (quoth I) my heart is done. What? wilt thou go with me (quoth Frenzy?) no (quoth I) I would I were further from thee. Then (quoth Patience) I trust you and I shall be friends, yet, no (quoth I) for I am sure thou never camest to me for any good. With that Fancy turned her face, Love looked another way, Frenzy foamed at the mouth like a Boar, ●… Patience looked like a poor Companion. Now came my foes near me, Will he comes swearing, that Wit was so waywar●…, that no body could abide him. Rage he swore, Reason was so wonderful, as he knew not what to make of him. Follie he bad fie upon Wisdom▪ why, no badie could talk with him for Care. And retchlessness, swore▪ Care was too covetous for his Conscience to meddle withal. Woe cried out upon Wealth, saying: it was the trash that he was weary of, and had brought him to that pass, by penitence of too much estimation of it. Discontent, he told me that Content was but a flincher, he would never abide with any man long, and he would be my companion during life, if I would. Now was I in such a maze, with musing what to do, that I was, and I was not: I could not tell where, nor what I was, yet with much a do, I made them all this answer. Will, thou knowest I have tried thee ●… wanton, therefore no more words, if thou wilt follow me do, otherwise farewell. Rage, thou art not ignorant, of thy unruly rudeness, therefore run after me if thou wilt, for else I will gladly rest without thee. Follie, thou didst so much follow Fancy, that thou hadst almost undone me: I am afraid of thee, therefore come behind me if thou wilt, for follow thee I will not, except thou step afore me ●…awares, and that unwillingly. retchlessness, dost thou remember what thou hast lost me? go look a Companion, lie aloof, for I like thee not. woe, dost thou not know, how often thou hast made me weep, then go water other me●…nes cheeks mine eyes are wet enough already. And Discontent, thou hast done me ●…uch despite, that I can never delight in thee: therefore depart, for I will never bid thee welcome. My friends that frowned on me, now hearing these answers to these customers, came a little near me. First (quoth wit.) how now? shall friends be foes? Wilt thou no more of my company? Yes (quoth I) if I witted to what purpose. Why (quoth he) I will bring thee to Reason: What to do (quoth I? nay, (quoth wit) ask him that: Well (quoth I) Content: So when Reason had espied us, he began somewhat merrily to look upon me: What (quoth he) hast thou lost will and found Wit? now I see we shall be friends again. Yea, but (quoth I) what will't thou do now for me? Why (quoth he) I will bring thee to wisdom: To what end (quoth I) he shall soon sh●…we thee (quoth he) such sufficient good, as thou shalt be glad off. Wisdom with grave countenance, thus saluted me? Old friend, hast thou left Will with Rage? and followed wi●… with Reason? welcome. Come let us go to Care: For what cause (quoth I?) of him thou shalt quickly know (quoth he) to thy Comfort. Now being come to Care: Oh old acquaintance (quoth he) What is wit, Rage, Folly, and Recklessness, gone together? and art thou come with wit, Reason, and wisdom, twice welcome. Come let us walk to Wealth: Wherefore (quoth I?) Thou shalt know that anon (quoth he) when tho●… comest to him: When wealth saw me (Benedicitie, quoth he) is wilful Rage, left with Foolish Recklessness, and woe, worn out? Welcome friend, look who is here? Who (quoth I) and with that I spied Content: Who thus saluted me: My good friend, now better welcome than ever. I like it well, that thou wilt rather seek to recover thine old friends, then to run after new. Keep still with Care, and wisdom will so persuade thy wit with Reason, that thou shalt find me always at an inch with thee. Marry, as wit is ruled by Reason, Reason by wisdom, Wisdom kept by Care, and Care hath only Content at commandment: so must thou, now thou hast found us out, use us in our kind, which if thou art desirous to learn, thou must entreat with wit, by Reason, to demand of wisdom: of whom thou shalt know more than I can tell thee, and so welcome, I have no more to say unto thee. I glad of this their friendly greeting, went first to Wit: My good Wit (quoth I) thou knowest how long I have longed for Content: how long I have sought him, and could never find him: and now having found him, I am to crave thy counsel how to use him. Alas (quoth will) I am hearty glad of thy good mind: room, we will to Reason, for without him, I am nobody. Reason presently persuaded with me, that it was his duty, to demand Counsel of wisdom. Now when we came to wisdom, he said he would talk a little with Care, and give me answer. Which attending a while, at last, thus it was, my friend (quoth he) Con●…ent is to be used as he is taken: if by the eye, let the head lodge him a while: before he come to the heart. When he is in the head, let Wit way what he is, let Reason run him over, and let me with Care have the considering of him: If we like well of him▪ let him sit nearer thy heart: But if either wit or Reason think him not worthy the bringing to me, Or I, when I have considered of him, think him not worthy the keeping: as by the eye you sound him, so by the eye lose him. But how soever you find him, love him moderately: Lest with too much you be weary▪ or too little you cannot know him. If you find him by Conceit, wit will soon knew what he is. Then Reason having talked with him, I shall soon with Care so consider of him, as thou shalt not tarry long for knowledge how to use him: If by Wit, and Reason both thou h●…st him, it will be but little work to bring him to me. When I and Care have considered of him, thou shalt not doubt how to use him: If by me thou ca●…st by him, Care will tell thee, thou canst never make too much o●… him: And as we now and then give him lean to be abroad in the world a while, so must thou give him leave to be l●…king a while, thou shalt by our help find him again well enough. Good Sir (quoth I) your will be don●…. Then (quoth he) I will tell thee what, there are three Companions, that he doth often keep company with all. Whose names are these: Fancy, Love, and Patience. Now sometime we see him among them, and let him alone, to see what they will do with him: Now sometime when they have had him a while, they would lead him away to Folly: Recklessness, and those fellows, which when we see, than we fetch him home, and let them alone with Discontent. Whom when they are weary off, than they leave him, and come to crave his company again: Which for a time we grant them. But what d●…st thou look up at so? Oh Sir, it is at the two heavenly Ladies, how might a man come to know them, and to do them service? I will tell thee, one is Virtue, and the other Fame. Now the way to them is this, thou must go along by Fancy, slip along by Love, skip away by Frenzy, and shake Patience by the 〈◊〉: behold, Content is with Fancy before thee, take Wit and Reason with thee. I with Care, will not be far from thee, and by our help shall the Ladies entertain thee. Now, haste may hinder thee, and sloth may set thee behind hand: Look where the Spirits be, take heed lest they catch hold of thee, and then all we leave thee: and then be sure the Ladies will ever disdain thee: now ●…llowe my counsel, and God speed thee. Thus with humble thanks unto wisdom, I took wit, and ●…eason, and set forth toward Fancy: Sir (quoth she) whither walks you? Friend (quoth wit,) tell her whither wit and Reason shall carry me with Content fr●…m Francie. Lord at this answer how she scold: Canst thou not pass by me (quoth she) but th●…u must rob me of my Content? Well, thou must ask Love leave yet, ere he go, and if he will let him go, take him to thee, and away sheeflung to Follie: Now as I came by Love: friend (quoth she) whither new? let us have a little talk with you. say (quoth wit) your Tale will be too long, I cannot tarry: I am going whither Careful wisdom, wild wit and Reason, to lead me, with Content from love. Oh how he frowned, what (quoth he) will't thou not leave me my Content? Well, Patience hath a part in him. See what she will say to thee, since ●… cannot keep him: so away he ran so Rage, and so I lost him. Now must I come by Frenzy, who looked on me so terribly, that without giving ears to his speeches, I fetched a leap, almost from wit and Reason too, but thanked be God: when I came to Patience. I found them both again. How now (quoth she) whither will you? Tell her (quoth wit) whither, wisdom with Care, hath commanded wit with Reason to take Content from Patience, and so to accompany me, till I return again. Alas (quoth Patience) Ultra posse non est esse. I can not hold him, thou must have him: and so heauili●… she went to woeful Discontent, with whom she abode, till our return again. Now was I ●… most danger: we must pass along by the Spirits, whom as I came by with Content in hand, they snatched and caught at us. When wit and Reason, by careful wisdoms warning, kept us aloof from their fingers: Then when they saw they could not catch us, Lord what means they made to allure us. Vanity, had a Million of toys, which so pleased mine eye, that Wit and Reason had much a do, to hold me from her: she would show me such gallant enchanted Glasses, and in them such sweet Ladies, such heavenly Faces, & such singular bodies, with such excellent Graces, that if I had had Fancy with me, she had been fast for starting: if Love, he had been linked: if Frenzy, he had been in his kind: if Patience, she would have forgot herself. I may tell you, that Wit and Reason, had never so much in their lives to do, to keep Content and me from them: But Careful Wisdom, may do much. Now when Beauty could do nothing, then did she fill out delicate Wines, into artificial Glasses, and set dainty junkettes, to move me to that vain delight. But my stomach was full, what could I wish more than Content? When this would do no good with me, than brought she forth, a sight of gallant Horses, their heads full of Feathers: 〈◊〉, Content could go on foot, than thought she, now or never: Oh, she had a Cittern, on which ●…hee pla●…de me a fine piece of Italian Music, and sung, I Compra●… M●…tonne. Tush, I was not then fasting, and therefore I cared not for her flesh. Then did she open a pretty Chest, out of which she dr●…we out ●…che jewels, rare Pearls, precieus Stones: and after them, Silks of all colours, fine Ribbons, Cutwork Ruff●…s, Strings, Laces, Purses, 〈◊〉, pins, Gloves, and a thousand things, with what do you l●…cke Sir? Noneof these (quoth Wit) Reason would be g●…ne. Now suddenly began the black Spirit to sound his Trumpet: but Lord what an unpleasant noise it made? Now it was time, for I began to be afraid, which Wit and Reason seeing, comforted me with Content, of hope to see she end of my happy journey. Now when I was past them, I asked of wit, what they were? Why, (quoth he) we shall hear by and by. Knowledge, here before, keeps the key of virtues gates, he will tell us. Now when we came to him, he told me, the one was a piper, and the other a Pedier▪ Now Knowledge. not ignorant of my travail, nor my guides: brought us all before the two Ladies, Virtue and F●…me. Before whom we fell on knee: and first to Virtue beseeching favour: she demanded of Knowledge, what and whence we wer●…? who reported no other than truth: and she considering the friends that sent us, her chief councillors, and Wit and Reason their chief Servants, bad Content be of good cheer, he should receive Courtesy: so in short, she did vouchsafe us her favour: Now was I become servant to Virtue. But (quoth she) for mine elder Sister Fame, favour you may have promise of, but not entertainment, until you have fulfilled certain of my commandments. Which are these, hear them: let Wit note th●…m: Reason remember, and Wisdom take care, to see thee execute them. The first is, when you pass by Vanity, tell her you are sworn to Virtue. And ere you go, swear to shun Vanity, and ●…schew her Ui●…s: Look in her Glasses, but love not her painted faces: Come not on the back of her pampered P●…lfrayes, and give a puff at her foolish Feathers: Delight not in her Glasses: Drink not of her Wine, nor feed of her Dainties: stop thine ears from her fiddling Music, and close thine eyes from her Trumperies: Shake thy head at the shameful sound of Infaime, and so pass that 〈◊〉. Pass along by Patience with pleasure, fly by Frenzy with fear look away from Love, with loyalty to Virtue, frown on Fancy, with Fidelity to Fame: Make much of wit, and love Reason, honour wisdom, by careful wisdom seek wealth sufficient: let wealth not make th●… Covetous, le●…st that thou lose Content: This is the sum of my Will, which as wisdom writes me word, he sees with Care performed: ●…t your return, I promise you preferment to Fame, and thus far you well. Thus back again went I, through all the perilous passages, that I had gone through before. Now first I must pass by the two Spirits, which as I came by, the pie●… Spirit, first began thus to play the Trull with me, she held me out a Glass, wherein she did lively show me such enticing toys, as would have made a man that had any life in him, to have looked towards them. First, she showed me a troop of fair Ladies, every one her Lover, coling and kissing, chinning and embracing, and looking Badies in one another's eyes: Anon they were set down, every Lady with her Lover hard by her, with his head in her lay, and his hand in her purse. By them a sight of sweet Souls, sitting by a Candle, catching of Fleas. There were other sights of more effect than all these, to set a young man's heart on fire: but let them all go, when I wished myself a Lover: what? quoth Reason) Love hath no Reason, wouldst thou lo●…e me? when I wished myself a Flea: Why (quoth wit) wilt thou be a Beast? want Reason, and be subject to every slutt●…s fingers? then, I had done. When I wished myself somewhat else, not to be named: I must rule you (quoth Reason) else I see you would quickly ru●…e to ruin. Now when Vanity saw she could do nothing with me this way, she began to to use Uillanie with me, come slave (quoth she) dost thou think scorn to look towards her, whom Princes do so dearly account of? thou art my ●…laue, and darest thou deny me service? Yea (quoth I) I dare and do deny thee, I am sworn servant to Virtue Therefore a point for thee, and thy Uillanie●…: Dost thou challenge me for a servant, that do scorn thy ●…lauerie, prate to Patches: when thou findest a fool for thy diet, feed him with a dish of Diddledomes, for I have done with thee: if ever I served thee, I am sorry for it: and since my wages was but lost, I mean to live no longer by it. As will brought me to thee, so hath wit by Reason brought me from you both. At these words her Cake was dow, she hung the head, her Trumpeter sounded, Toutest Moot: thus I passed the first peril. Now must I come by Patience, who sat with Discontent, whom I only smiled on, as I went by, to see her simplicity: Promise (quoth she) let me have my Content: Tell her (quoth wit) Reason says, enemies are too near: send away Discontent, and as wisdom allows of it, you shall hear more of him: Till then, perforce Patience be still, and so Adieu: She answered nothing, but putting finger in the eye, let me pass. Then came I by Frenzy, whose mad countenance so amazed me, as that now it was no boo●…e, to bid me leap lightly, till I were beyond him: For wit told me before, that Frenzy was an enemy to Reason. Then escaping his clutches, I must come by Love: new began I to look away, as it were over the shoulder, towards my Mistress, who had commanded me to take heed of looking towards love. Yet did I hear him utter these speeches: is Wit and Reason not sufficient to deal with Love? Why? Art thou afraid to look? Why Cupid will not strike thee blind: Tush (quoth Wit) tell him, Reason says, Love is too lo●…tie for Reason to rule: and Wit too weak when Reason must yield. I would be loath to venture mine eye sight. At this answer, Love with Rage kept such a reaks, that I thought they would have gone mad together. Well, thus leaving them not far from Frenzy, I must pass by Fancy: whom I frowned on so, that she had little mind to flatter me, and therefore bluntly she asked me: what? friend are you angry with me? and wherefore? For that (quoth I) thou art a block in my way to Fame: I would (quoth she) Fancy were no body. Yes (quoth Wit) tell her, Reason doth admit her one with Love, but not with Wisdom, and so bid her farewell. Thus thanked be God, I had well evergone t●…is company, and with Wit and Reason, I brought my Content to Wisdom. To whom, when I had delivered my message from Virtue: Well (quoth he) now shalt thou once pass back again, through this company, and then thou shalt have entertainment of thy desired Lady. Myself will so accompany thee, that though great will be thy danger, yet little shall be thy harm, and easy thy passage. Now thou hast passed hitherto, with Wit and Reason, I will this give thee to understand, that I have a friend and a servant, both of one name: My friend is Reason, and so do I call my servant: my friend is Reason, given me by divine Grace, who helps me to see how high the power of God is, above the greatest Potentate upon the earth: How much natural Reason is subiest to divine judgement, by the duty that Nature doth owe unto her Creator. Now as thou goest by Fancy, perhaps she will get help by natural Reason, to bring her to thy bow: But I will be by thee, to keep thee from her bent. So will Love use Reason, to bring thee to his Lure, but let me alone to keep thee from his lewdness: Frenzy there is no talking with, let us fly him speedily. Patience will persuade thee with Reason, but I will plead with her so for thee, that thou shalt pass her well enough: Now if Vanity get Reason, we shall do ill enough with her: yet will I find her Vain so, as that if I let her blood, I will strike her heart so dead, as that she shall have no stomach, to strive longer with us: nor Infamy for sorrow, have power to sound his Trumpet. And therefore now rejoice, that though thou hast long run astray, yet that now at last, thou has●… hit on a happy way: well time trudgeth away, thou wouldst fain begun, and I would as feign prefer my servants, therefore let us be going. Now, anon we came to Fancy, who had gotten wit and Reason: and as soon as she had espied me, Friend (quoth she) welcome, better late than never. N●…we I trust we shall not part so soon as we have done. Yes, (quoth I) for any thing that I can see: what shall I do with thee? What? (quoth she) will't thou not yield to Reason? Yes (quoth I) so Wisdom will me. Why, (quoth Reason) am not I servant to Wisdom? Yes, (quoth I) so is Wisdom thy Master. And (quoth he) hath not my Master sent me hither to tell thee, that there is no man but must yield to his Fancy? Tell him (quoth Wisdom) where Grace doth govern, Fancy must obey. Yea, but (quoth Reason) Nature follows Fancy. Yea, but tell him quoth Wisdom) divine Grace bridles Nature. Yea, but (quoth Reason) Nature will have her course. Tell him, (quoth Wisdom) with leave of divine power, else not. Why th●… (quoth Reason) shall Fanice be nothing? Yes (quoth I) with natural Reason, but not with divine judgement? Why then, quoth Reason, what do I with her? Tell him (quoth Wisdom) help her to C●…sin Fools, and so far well. Now, Love we must pass by, who thus saluted me: Why, Now I trust, we shall be 〈◊〉 d●…s: for all our falling out. No●… a whit, quoth I, I have done with Love, gramercy, I will no more of thy company. What? (quoth Love) wilt thou not be ruled by Reason? Yes (quoth I) so he be not ruled by Nature. Why (quoth he) will't thou not allow Reason to yield to Nature? yes (quoth I) Natural Reason: and (quoth he) will't thou take Reason for no body? yes (quoth I) when I am without wisdom: and when you are with him, what do you think him? alive to lead a fool to Love, and a i●…st for wisdom to laugh at. Then (quoth he) I see thou art out of liking with Love, or out of Love with me. With both (quoth I) but with thee never so much, as when thou wouldst bring me in liking with Love: therefore leave thy illusions, for I like neither them, thou, nor thy Love, farewell. Now was he skipped from Frenzy, and got to Patience, with whom (when we had escaped) Frenzy, we found sitting together. Now (quoth Patience) at last I trust (though long first) we shall be friends. Come let us live together: Soft (quoth I) no haste but good. I remember an Italian Proverb: Pac●…nccia ●… cosa 〈◊〉. Patience is the pattern of a Peasant. Peace (quoth Reason) you will not b●… against me, will you? yes (quoth I) if I like you not? Why (quoth he) doth not Reason affirm Patience a remedy in all perplexities? a remedy (quoth I?) no: she is a rest betwixt Rage and Reason, in a Discontented mind: Why (quoth he) is she not a Virtue? Not (quoth I) as thou canst consider her. Why (quoth he) doth she not set the Discontented mind at quiet? No (quoth I) but she makes the mind that would ease the body, with outward ●…age, kill he heart with inward fretting. No (quoth he) Patience is a Content. Yea, (quoth I) with a Discontent. What? (quoth he) will you admit her no body? yea (quoth wisdom) with natural Reason, but with Wisdom a forced Content, in effect, an unwelcome rest to a woeful mind, a Virtue amiss conceived, yet better so taken, then refused for Rage: but when bad is the best, let both alone. Thus Wisdom deems her a Virtue, that waits on Villains, and such a Virtue, as the virtuous mind doth not love to trouble itself with all. Adieu▪ I have no more to say to thee, nor will I have to do with thee. Well, now was our first passage passed over: Now must we pass by Vanity: there was a piece of work. Now forsooth began Vanity to reach out her hand: Friend (quoth she) welcome, I thought I had lest thee: Soft (quoth I) hand off, triumph not before the victory. Why? (quoth she) shall not Reason stay thee: No (quoth Wisdom) tell her, not when I see him so near Vanity. Why (quoth Reason) is not the beauty of Ladies, the bravery of Apparel, the sweet sound of Music, the pleasant taste of Win●…s, and delicate Dainties, the gallant show of stamping steeds, with ●…launting Feathers, rich jewels, and such like, sufficient to persuade thee to keep us company: Then art thou obsti●…ate I think: No (quoth I) I see a sentence over your heads, sufficient to set me far enough from you. What is it (quoth Reason?) Oh (quoth I) Vanitas vanitum, & omnia vanitas. Now (quoth he) I have no more to say: I see my Master is too near thee: Vanity, farewell, I must away with my Master. So away went we by Infamy, who was ready to weep for sorrow, to see that now his Lady had gotten near a servant, nor he near a companion to make him so merry, as to sound his Trumpette. Now passing alone, towards the Gates of Virtue, we came to Knowledge, who presently as he had espied Wisdom▪ veiled his Bonnet, fell at his feet, and having done his duty, rose of his knee, and led us through the base Court, and so to the Hall: where first we met with Courtesy, who conducted us to the garre Chamber: there was Learning with his Arts, which led us to Experience, who brought us to Time: whom as we caught hold of, they brought us to Virtue. Who first welcoming Wisdom, and showing good Countenance to Wit, and Reason, gave me a ●…endly nod, and so staying a while▪ talking with Wisdom: She came at last to me, with this sweet and favourable speech. Ser●…aunt, (quoth she) I see thy duty discharged, my commandment kept, and my will observed: for thy continuance, Wisdom hath given high words, and I am content to take it Now promise is to be performed, thou shalt have entertainment of my elder Sister, who I know at mine, and Wisdoms requests, will not refuse thee. So onwardly we go, towards this goodli●… Lady, whom when I came before, & fell on knee, she bade me welcome, with these words: Youth (quoth she the good report that Wisdom hath made of thee, the good mind that my si●…er 〈◊〉, hath to thee, do make me desirous to do thee good: I wish thee well w●…th all my heart, and upon wisdoms word I could be content to entertain thee. But there comes no man to me, without he have done some notable Act worthy Memory: I●… thou hast done any such thing, let us understand it, thou shalt be presently admitted: if not being servant to my sister Virtue, thou mayest soon attempt it, and 〈◊〉 begu●… quickly finish it: till then, content thyself with her entertainment, and think thou hast attai●…ed no little honour. So turning from me, she went to her sister, to whom she used these words: come let us talk a little with Wisdom, touching the travail of this fellow. Content (quoth she) so away they go together, to the Garden of Delight, a place of such pleasure, as passeth my 〈◊〉 to set out. New as they were going thither, I hoping to hear some good news of entertainment: at the conuning back again of Wisdom, I heard the sudden sound of such a Trumpet, as with the loud ●…oyse thereof I started, and so awaked. O●… good Dream, oh sweet sleep, oh blessed ●…sion, to gave so good instruction, to keep me from destruction, from which God deliver me, my well willers, my friends and foes, and all one another, that will thereto say. Am●…n. Now I have been entertained, at the hands of Virtue, sworn her servant though in sleep,) I must n●…we (according to the commandment o●… Fame) attempt some such enterprise, either by Learning or valiancy: as may (by virtues knowledge) purchase me entertainment of Fame. Now for a young man it is hard, for new●… a days, the gallauntest Youths be●…me so amor●…us, as that in long time, they have much to too, and a great grace of God, if ever they grow virtuous. Well, yet have I (better late than never) being warned in sleep, taken ca●…e now awake, to d●…uise, which way to work, ●… what to take in hand, to deseru●… my Lady's favour: and this I will promise you, there is metals in the fire, which though they came from many Countries, yet are they here so mingled, and abide so well together, as that if it shall please God, to let me finish it: I hope to bring to such perfection, as shall be worthy to be put in memory. Till when, beseeching God to grant me his heavenly, and favourable aid, and all good minds to pray for the same: I pray for them, and all other, that it will please God to grant us all his grace, that we may not attempt any thing, but ●…rtuous, that to his glory may make us Famous on earth, and in heaven acceptable to his omnipotent mercy. So be it. N. Breton. FINIS. The Scholar and the Soldier. A Disputation pithily passed between them, the one defending Learning, the other Martial Discipline. Written by the said Author., N. B. Gentleman. To the Courteous and gentle Reader. GEntle Reader, read no further than you like, if you find any thing to your Content: think well of me for my pains. If there be nothing that likes you, my luck is nought: in nothing there can be no great thing, yet something may be found, though nothing to any great purpose. Well, there are divers Nothings, which you shall read further off, if you will take pains to turn over the leaf, and peruse the rest that follows. Now, though I will wish you look for no marvelous, or worthy thing, yet shall you find something, though in effect (as it were) nothing, yet in conceit a pretty thing to pass away the time withal. Well, if you stand content with this Nothing, it may be ere long, I will send you something, more to your liking: till when, I wish you nothing but well. And so I bid you far well, from my Chamber at the black Friars. N. B. A discourse of a Scholar and a Soldier. etc. The Scholar alone, talking to himself. IN a Country unknown, travailed certain persons unnamed, of which, two only unacquainted, met together unlooked for, the one a Scholar, the other a S●…uldiour: which ere they met had passed many a weary walk. Among which, one day about three or four of the clock in the after noon: The Scholar almost tired with extreme travail, sat him down on a ●…ancke side, under a shady tree, where, with a hungry stomach (having not dined, nor supp●…d well many a day before) he fell to sucking of certain roots, which he had gathered in the fields as he went: and finding no better fare, to fill his belly withal, he thought good to feed his fancy with some contentive conceit or other: But finding no occasion, to make himself mercy, all comfortless & solitary, to himself, he used this speech. Oh, what a weary life it is to tr●…uaile? Knowledge (I see) is hardly come by▪ and hardness is unpleasant to the heart: when the heart is ill, all the body is the worse: she body not well, how can the mind be at quiet? And the mind disturbed, what case is man in? Ah mould of mishap, framed to so many miseries: Oh cursed Fortune, that bringest out of frame, a thing so blessedly framed. Oh ●…onde will, to cry▪ out upon fortune: Oh, wilful ●…it, that dost not see thy Folly: Oh, vain Folly that so hast fed my Fancy: Oh, foolish Fancy, that so hast followed Folly: and oh fool I so much to follow Fancy. But why do I make this moan? I see nothing to dislike me: alas, so see I nothing to like me. Why? am I discontent with nothing? no but that I see nothing to my Content. Why? doth it dislike me, that nothing contents me? no, but that nothing doth neither please, nor displease me. Why? in nothing is nothing, than what so distrubes me? that what must be nothing▪ for some thing it cannot be, yet some thing it is. And what is it trow I? it is Aliquid ni●…il, that some nothing know I. What? do I know nothing? No? yes, I know this thing, that nothing is something: And what is that something? why, nought else but nothing. Then since 'tis 〈◊〉 nothing that breeds my disliking, let me see what something is, in this same nothing, which nothing seems something, and yet is but nothing? it is my Conceit. Conceit? What is that? a secret gift unto the mind. What? secrets are hidden? what's hidden, is not known, but that it is hidden. What is that it, bidden? Something unknown: then till it be known, what is it? Nothing in knowledge, yet something unknown, than something 'tis, nothing, as was before shown: in truth little something, but proves to be nothing: and yet that same nothing, no little sore something to breed man's disliking? Beauty, Riches, Honour, Virtue, Friendsh●…p, Love Time, etc. Beauty, what is it? a deception of sight, a secret gift of Nature given to the body above Captivity, saving that if may be conceived to be nothing: yet is it some thing in show, though in substance nothing, yet thus much to disliking, that it breeds a liking, whereby grows a greater disliking, yet both as much as nothing. For Beauty is but a secret allurement of the eye, to liking of the person where it is placed. Now that liking growto Love, of the person Beautiful: which but for Beauty (some time) were more worthy hate, then, in this it falls out to be an illusion, a deceit of Conceit by allurement of the cie. But whereof grows this? but of the fault of Conceit: which I showed before, is (though some thing) nothing. Then of nothing grows nothing, but nothing: If then this deceit grow of the fault of Conceit, which is some thing, the fault can be no something, & then cannot Beauty be any thing, but a shadow: which in substance is nothing, though in conceit some thing: but in knowledge nothing. But let me▪ leave this vain nothing, & think of some thing else: which well considered, may come to as little, or as much nothing. Riches, that must needs be some thing: and yet let me see, is there no 〈◊〉▪ Nothings then one? Oh yes, how many are there? and what are they? Oh, there are seven Nothings, one in respect nothing: An other Nothing, in a manner: An other Nothing, to trust too: An other Nothing, durable: The sixth, a n●…w Nothing, called nothing at all. Now let me see, which of these Nothings, is Riches: in effect it is something and that thing that we ●…th great things: it purchaseth love, friendship, & contrarily hate, and Envy: it buyeth Honour, and selleth honesty: it maketh things of nothing wonderful, and wonders things of nothing. It is a comfort to the mind, and a corrupter of the Conscience: it relieveth the poor, and pleaseth the wealthy; it is a help to obtain virtues, so it is an occasion of vices: it is a worker of wars: it maketh Peace: it is the occasion of much treason: it makes truth come to light: it makes the traua●…ler: it keeps some at home: it makes the fine workmen: it breeds idleness: it makes the brave Court: it beggars the country. What should ●… stay any longer upon it? it is such a thing▪ as hath such a sway in many things, as almost there is no worldly thing to be counted a greater: and can this then be nothing? yea: and how? Why, it is nothing in this, it is nothing durable it is a 〈◊〉 of Fortune, who gives nothing but mutable: for a Rich man to day, tomorrow is poor: It is subject to many casualties: and in that it is so uncertain a thing, it is nothing certain, not certainly nothing, but nothing durable, then in this it is nothing, though otherways something: but enough of this Nothing, and now to some other, which seemeth something, but in ●…ne, fall●…s out nothing. Honour: That is a thing greatly sought, little sound, and much made account of, nor for the Virtue of the substance it carrieth with it: but for the Majesty of the matter, which in substance is nothing, it purchaseth to the person Honourable reverence of his Inferiors, familiarity with the Nobility, and favour of the Sovereignty. Now there are diverse Honours, one Honour is gotten by Riches, which is a thing nothing durable: of nothing grows nothing, than Riches decayed, dies the Honour, than that Honour is nothing, in that it is as Riches nothing durable. another Honour is got by valiancy, and that is in War, whereby the Captain winneth the Arms, that after during life, he, to his honour, and after him his po●…eritie, to his and their honour, do honourably bear: yet for all this, well considered, it is nothing, for that it is not certain: for that in Wars to day is got, that to morrow is lost: to day he gets an En●…gne, that to morrow looseth his own Arms, body and all: if he come home well with his victory, yet Virtutis comes invidia: He that did climb by Virtue, may be overthrown by villainy: hes may be accused and attainted, that never did amiss: Perjury may make forgery, to seem no knavery: many times might overcometh right, and then executed upon condemnation, his house is come to destruction: then this Honour, I see like wise is the nothing, that is the nothing durable. But leaving this, there is now another Honour, got by Learning, which gaineth the knowledge of many things, and the use of the same. The best things it showeth, and descries the worst: it teacheth to know God, and how to serve, love, and honour him: it teacheth to know the Devil, and how to bless us from him. By Learning comes Wisdom, by Learning ill used, comes folly: by Learning comes Fame: by learning comes favour, of the highest: by learning comes all goodness: by Learning comes that honour, that longest doth endure: for after death, Fame of Learning ●…s an honour to to the person dead: and yet that Honour nothing durable, for Fame in deed is but a feigned thing by Fancy, and nothing feigned can be true, which proves Fame to be no true thing: then in truth it must be nothing. If then Fame be the chief Honour of the learned, which well considered, is neither any thing in substance, nor yet durable: then this Honour (though many ways something,) yet in some it is nothing. Wherefore, leaving Honour, let me see what thing is Virtue: Oh, a heavenly thing, it is that which maketh the Soldier by valour Honourable, and by the help of Learning Famons': It is the enemy to vice, it is that which advanceth the poor, and makes the Rich honoured: It is an Honour, that the most honourable do most honour: it is in sum, the wonder of the world, the stay of Wisdom, and the high way to Heaven: and can this so worthy a thing be thought nothing? Oh yea, and how? Alas Money is such a thing, as without that thing, there is nothing accounted in a manner any thing. Virtue is a jewel they say, but it is of small price, who will give any money for it? Nay, more, who will not for money become vicious of Virtuous? Alas, too te●…e: Then, by this I see, that Virtue in respect of Riches, is nothing, which Riches in respect of Virtue, ought rather to be counted nothing: but being as it is, (in respect of Riches) nothing. I see it is the nothing, that is 〈◊〉 nothing in respect: and doth not this nothing 〈◊〉 sufficient disliking in that, in respect of a thing of nothing, it should be thought nothing. Yes 〈◊〉, but when nothing will help it, let me see some other thing which found out in kind, in 〈◊〉 comes to be nothing. Friendship, what is that thing▪ To be short, it is such a thing, as I have found so much deceit in the thing: as I care to say no more of the thing, then that it is nothing to trust too, then for me it shall stand for nothing. Some will say, it is, that keeps Princes in peace, and Countries in quiet: of peace comes plenty, of plenty Pleasure: Pleasure maintains health, and health makes a merry heart, and all this comes of hearty friendship. Yea but where is that? Nescio. I can not t●…l, for the world is full of falsehood: that thereiss almost, Nulla f●…des, l●…ft in Terris: and where there is no faith, Friendship is nothing to trust too, and so let it rest that nothing, and to some other thing as much as nothing. Love, what is that? oh it is a marvelous thing. Some say it is a God, called Cupid, but that is but a fond thing that Fancy feigns: and no feigned thing can be thought any thing but nothing. Some other say it is a strange thing devised by Desire, found out by Fancy, followed with affection, obtained with friendly liking, & kept with faithful Care: but what thing is all this thing? I never could see, hear, or read any thing, that found it more than nothing. Some say, it is no God, it is rather a Devil that sets minds on madding, and then it is a mad thing, God bless●… us from such a thing, that is worse than nothing. Some say, it is a common thing, and yet it is such a thing, as is past man's conceiving, and all men's des●…rying, at least without feigning, and feigned things nothing, how can this be any thing (but in a manner) nothing: then leaving this nothing in a manner, let me go to some other thing, which yet will prove nothing. Time, what may that be? a strange thing that ruleth all things, and yet itself nothing. Some fame it to be a thing like a man, with a bald head, saving a lock before on the forehead, with a pair of Wings on his shoulders, like an Angel, and with a scythe in his hand like a Mower, fetching his stroke, as though he had always some work before him: But this is but a feigned thing, which they set out bald behind, and with a lock of hair before, for this reason. That Time, when it is once past, it is not to be caught, it is to be used as it comes, and narrowly to be watched, that it slipper of away unawares, lest when it is past, repentance finds it too late to wish for. His Wings b●…token speed, that he makes where he goes, according to the old Proverb, Time tarrieth no man. His scythe shows his labour, that he never stands idle: for Time will be ever set about some thing, and if Wit want discretion to set him to some good work, Will is not without seem toy or another to turn him to. Happy is he that can use him well when he hath him, and twice happy he that doth always war●…ly watch him, to turn him to good use. But who is he that ever saw him indeed, as he is set out in show? Nemo. None that ever I could hear of. Then being but a feigned thing (as many other are) let it pass as these things for a thing of nothing: which being known to be nothing but a feigned thing, let it rest in substance nothing, (though in conceit, a secret thing) which may prove in a manner (well considered) nothing. But now there is a new Nothing (as yet) unspoken of, which if a wise man heard me keep such a prating to myself about nothing, he would hang it on my sleeve for a reward, for him that deserves no better thing. Well, the chief nothing of all, which is the nothing at all, that is the nothing that I see here to delight me, which made me use all this speech of nothing. But whom do I see yonder before me? What is it a man? Why? then there is some company so comfort me in this calamity: then that is some thing, yet to drive me out of this nothing. Well, I will rise to him, to see what he is? and whither he travails, whence he came, and what he intends to do? It seems a stout fellow, by his stern look: it seemeth by his Warlike countenance, he should be a Soldier. A Soldier? what should he do here about? without a Captain, far from any town, and alone without company? Is he not some outlaw, that liveth here in the Wilderness? who takes the spoil of such poor travailers as myself: and hereby it may be, he hath more company at hand, either in their caves, or in the Woods hereby, God knoweth. Well, I hope the best, that he may yet be some man that travails this way in God's peace, meaning neither me nor any else harm. Therefore, towards him I will, and therewithal up he rose, and to him he went: but what Country man may he be? I will see. And so when he came somewhat near unto him, he used his speech. The scholar, to the Soldier. Ben trovate Signore, bien trouue Mounsieur, buene ●…aliado, es la Vuestra merced. Salue Domine.. Countryman well met. The Soldier. Well met good friend. I seat voi? Inglese? Don venes vous? amigo. Dic mihi quaeso. The Scholar. Oh Sir, for that I see you understand the English tongue, and my travails in these Countries, hath not been long: leaving other languages, you shall understand, that first for my Country, I was borne in I sola Beata. I come from I know not whence, and am going I know not whither, by profession, I am a scholar: New what are you? The Soldier. Friend▪ I profess Arms, and to answer thee otherwise, I was borne in Terra Fortunata, I come from a combat, and am going to a Challenge. But what a fantastical fellow art thou? to tell me thou comest thou knowest not from whence, and art going thou knowest not whither: what? hast thou studied thyself stark mad? thou speakest so 〈◊〉? The Scholar. No Sir, but indeed I am somewhat wild headed with want of company, and almost half mad for lack of meat, so that blame me not if I speak wisely: for indeed●… when a man hath been long fasting, the brains will be out of temper, and when the head is ill, all the body is the worse, and the wits not at best: and yet Scholars are hardly brought up, therefore they should away with hardness the better: their allowance in Colleges is but small, therefore little meat should content them. The Soldier. Scholars brought up hardly? No, it is the Soldier that hath the body to bea●…e hardness: he is se●…loned as the Carp●…ter sa●…es by his boards) for all weathe●…, he can go further with a crust, and cup of cold Water, than the Scholar with his pound of beef, and his pot of beer: the Scholar must have his diet at due times, or else his stomach will wamble, and he must be sick like a Woman with child: and oh, it must be well dressed, or else it goes against his stomach, and if he far ill once a week, he lives hardly. Alas for him, the Soldier must have his meat when he can get it, and take pains himself to dress it, and eat it perhaps at midnight, digest it as he may, give God thanks for it, and think himself happy if he so may have it. Therefore in respect of the Soldiers life, for his fare, the Scholar is at far better state than the Soldier: but then for honour, the life of the Soldier. The Scholar. And why so? The Soldier. For that the Scholar sits always crowding at home in his Chamber, eating up the wealth of his Country, with his nose over the fire, or lapped up in a furred Gown, to defend him from the cold of the winter: and in Summer plucking up the Flowers that should beautify the ground, and so goes he plodding up and down, with his eyes bended downwards, as though he were seeking Pearls among Pybles, or else staring into the Element, as though he watched when the man in the Moon would come out among the stars: And when they come in again, than they fall to reading of one book or other, sometime they read the famous acts of gallant Soldiers, such as Caesar, Alexander, Hannibal, Hector, Achilles, (and many other that I leave to recount) whose victorious deeds they take pleasure to peruse, but the base minded fellows, are never the more ready, or willing to stir their own foot out of he Country, to see an inch of service. The Scholar. Oh good sir, speak not so in discommendation of a Scholar: for why, if he sit at home (as you say) he is not idle, when he is reading on his book, and when he leeketh downwardly, it is because (his hrains being busted about study) he would not lift up his eyes, lest the beholding of some vain thing or other (which the world is full of) should carry away his wits with a wanton delight, from his desire otherwise determined. If he lift them up into the Heavens, it is either for hearty repentance he makes unto God for his offences: or else for his grace, to study no higher causes, then may be granted with his favour. Now, though he stare, as you term, upon the Moon and Stars, to mark their courses, and by them to discern and note further causes: it argues not therefore, that he watcheth a man in the Moon: For indeed I have studied somewhat myself, and I have contemplated the Sky, the Sun, the Moon, and Stars, and this I will say, I have diverse times seen a man or two in the Sun, but in the Moon never any: therefore he was ●…oo simple to be a Scholar, whatsoever he was, that would stare upon the Moon, to look for a man in it. Now for your noble Captains, whose triumphant deeds you speak of, that Scholars take delight to read, but not to follow: You are deceived, for there be Scholars that bear as high minds, and as valiant hearts, as any men, and to tell truth, a good Captain was first a Scholar, who pursuing the valiant deeds of other men, hath been by them set on to attempt the like enterprises: Besides, sometime you will grant me (I think) that counsel and words doth much in wars: Is not policy one of the chiefest points in wars? Experience doth well, but with Art it doth better? What said Cicero? Plus ego togatus, quam armati decem. He did more in his Gown, than ten in their coat Armours. Ceda●… armatoga concedant laurea lingu●…. Let the Gun give place to the Gown, and give the brave tongue, the bay tree. Was not Cicero, ●…ratorum prestantissimus? an excellent Scholar? Catiline was a brave Soldier: but yet Cicero and his side, gave the overthrow. Again, how should the Fame of your gallant Soldiers remain●… in Memory, had there not been Scholars willing, (for the good will they bore them,) to set them out with such a grace of glory, that all men should be glad to read and hear them, yea, and a number to follow them. But every man must not, nor can be a Soldier: for some must be at home, for diverse causes of importance, appertinent unto the Common wealth, which in their kinds are as worthy honour as the Soldier. The Soldier. Not so. I grant that it is necessary for some to sit by the fire side while the other fetch Wood and Cole. But they are slothful, while the other take pains, and whether is more worthy honour, labour, or idleness? Again, when the Souldio●…s of Rome had played the men, in the overthrow of Catiline: Was it not a fault in Cicero, to show such arrogancy in his speeches, to take upon him more effect, than ten men in Armour? either he meant it merr●…ly, by some odd ten persons, that never came out of the Town to the battle, because yet he said somewhat unto the Soldiers, to encourage them: and they that were away, neither said nor did anything. And so he meant it to the discommendation of their Cowardice, in keeping far enough from the fight: Or else he meant, he pr●…ted more himself, than any ten Soldiers in the Campe. But happy it was for him that the day went of his side, though the victory came not by his eloquence: I grant he did great good with his persuasions, for in deed good words will move much: especially, in good causes as that was: besides God is good, and he doth commonly give the good victory: and if he suffer them to be overthrown, it is for a further good he means them. Now therefore, if he had given the chief glory to God, and the rest to the valiant Captains and Soldiers: in my judgement, he had done well: but to come out with Plus ego, me thinks he played the fool, Ipse. Again, whereas you speak of the great favour of Scholars, that they do unto Soldiers, in setting forth their famous deeds, I must give them commendation for their pains, but for Honour, confess who deserves more Honour, the man that doth the deed, or he that writeth of it, when it is done. I grant Learning an ornament, and a necessary appertinent unto a Soldier. Otherwise in deed, it is hard for him to be a good Captain, for by Learning, he knows upon what cause it is good to begin war: and war offered, upon what cause it grows, and if it be without cause, how good then is the defence. Else if a Soldier will upon a fagarie, or mad humour in the head, go show his great business and little wit, he knows not, nor cares not, upon whom, where, or for what cause: I will say his foolishness makes him unworthy of the name of a Soldier: his deeds worthy to be put in oblivion, and himself unworthy honour. Therefore I confess, a good Captain, had need to ●…ee somewhat a Scholar, ere he take 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hand: 〈◊〉 y●…t in his Scholership, not so worthy honour, as when he hath showed himself a Soldier: Marry this I allow of the unlearned, the Scholar is to be honoured, and the Soldier to be beloved. But yet I say still, the Soldier is to be honoured, both of the Scho scholar, and the unlearned: of the Scholar for his Wisdom, with valour: and of the other for his ●…outnesse, with virtue. Now what say you for the Scholar. The Scholar. This I say: the ground, I think was before the Grass, the tree before the fruit, the Plain song before the Deskant, and so forth. The ground I must confess, is worthy love, for bringing forth Grass: so is Grass to be loved for the Cattailes sake that it feeds, which we 〈◊〉 by. Now if the ground brought out nothing but Moss, than were it little to be loved: again, the Grass cut, and not well handled, would do little good, and were worthy as little love. The Tree were ill, would bear no Fruit: and the Fruit ill, would please no taste: the Plain song, were plain stuff, without Deskant, and the Deskant were a mad piece of Music, without Plain song to be the ground. But as the ground for the Grass, so the Grass for his ●…wéete juice: the Tree for the Fruit, and the Fruit for the sweet taste: the Plain song for sweet Deskant, and the Deskant for skill, are loved. So is the Scholar for ●…is Learning, and the soldier for ●…ertue, to be honoured a like: and if any more than other, the scholar, for that he finds by Learning, what is Honour, how it is to be gotten, how maintained, and what to be esteemed. He sees whether his body be to his mind, and if it be, then if both be fit to abide the life of a soldier, then doth he prove a Famous fellow, if God send him good fortune. If not, why then he takes in hand, Law, Phi●…cke, or Divinity, the most excellent study, whereby to win no less honour during life, than Fame after death. By learning comes knowledge, by learned knowledge, comes a man of mean countenance to give counsel unto Princes: By learning is seen what sin is, how it is hated of God, and wh●…t hurt it doth to man: by learning is Virtue found, and how it is beloved of God, and honoured of the best minds, and so ought to be of all men: by learning comes the knowledge of the nature of many things, and the use of the same: by learning can the Physician cure the soldier being sicks or hurt: by learning doth the man of Peace know the law of Arms. In sum, I know no man excellent in any thing without learning, which is the ground of all excellency. If then learning be excellent, the tune that is spent in that is most excellently well bestowed, which time may be well called the scholars time, and the scholar for so well bestowing that time, most worthy to be honoured. Now what say you for the Soldier? The Soldier. Marry this I say, the better the grass, the more is the ground esteemed: and till the ground bear grass, what was it to be esteemed? but as barren, and therefore a thing of little worth: but when it brings forth good grass, than it is called a fat ground, good ground, & so forth. Marry if this ground lie in a cold corner, it will be long ere the grass spring, and being come up, it commonly proves sour, and doth not so soon nor so well fatten the cattle, as other that lieth somewhat near the sun. Again, if the ground lie very high, and near the sun, then is the Grass so parched with the heat, that there is little sweetness left ●…n it for the cattle. Then must it be kept with watering, to cool the heat, and to refresh the root of the grass withal. Again, the cold ground must be often dunged, thereby to give it more heat, and with that warmth, to comfort the root of the grass, that it may the better come up. Now I do not deny, but these grounds may be both indu●…erent good in their kinds, after they have been well used as I say. But the ground is to be considered of, according to his nature: and if the ground be of nature to bear grass, and such common herbs as will feed cattle, it is not to be despised. But if it be of nature to bring forth flowers, herbs, roots, and fruits, for man himself to feed on, is it not to be made account off, far above the other? Yes surely. And this mind am I of, that at the first Creation, when God had made the Earth, he gave it a secret nature to bring forth Fruits, but many sundry grounds, sundry kinds of Natures, which according to the same are to be esteemed. God when he had made the ground, he said, let us garnish it with Grass, Flowers, Herbs Trees, and Fruits, and so forth. Now he thought it not worthy the looking on till it had brought forth the Fruits, Flowers, and Herbs, which his heavenly Majesty had given it a secret Nature to bring forth, to beautify itself with all. Which Flowers and fruits, some he saw here, some there, and according to the Fruits, he esteemed the plot of ground whereon they grew: therefore say ●…, the ground is to be thought off according to the goodness of the fruits, which naturally and not by help, it brings forth. The Tree was before the Fruit, but till such time, as it brought forth fruit, what was it but a stock? not worthy the pruning. Now there are divers Trees, which according to the nature of the Soil wherein they grew, bring ●…h fruits, Nutmegs, Cloves, Cinnamon, Ginger, Mace, Pepper, Oranges, Lemons, Pound Citrons, Pomegranates, Grapes, and Sugar in Canes Melones, Abricockes, Artichockes, Prunes, Raisins: And for roots, ●…ringos, Potatoes, and a number of other too long to recite. The cold Countries yield waterish fruit, as Plums, Pears, Apples, Cherries, and such like. The temperate Soil, brings forth fruit, neither too waterish, nor yet too dry, but betwixt both. Now, the Trees are to be thought off, according to their fruits: is not the Cinnamon tree to be esteemed above the Apple tree? is not the Damson Tree, to be made account off, above the Blackthorne tree? Is not the Pippin tree, to be esteemed above the Crab tree? The Abr●…ocke, above the common Plum? and the Cherry above the Hauthorne berry? Yes out of doubt, according to the sweetness of the taste, is the fruit to beloved,. In the Garden of Paradise, there were divers fruit Trees, and fruits, but one thief that was to be honoured above all other: for feeding whereof, man was driven out of the ground, and forced with toil, to▪ get his living abroad in the world, with God's high displeasure. Therefore some Trees are above other to be honoured: Plain Song is good Music, but not so good as when the Deskant is made to go with it. Now there are divers grounds, which according to the Deskants are to be esteemed: What sweeter harmony, then among the Birds of the field? what Byrd so ●…uch honoured as the Nightingale? and why? but for her sweet change 〈◊〉: When she first gins to record it is a pretty bird. But when she sing●…s out in the midst of May, about midnight the weather fair, a●…d 〈◊〉 a fine bush: Oh ●…s a heavenly noise, to h●…are the sweet wretch. So the Scholar, 〈◊〉 be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his Learning, for his sight in divers Artes. But now men are borne under divers Planets: as some under jupiter, those are imperious fellows, those are good to be Princes: some under Saturn, they are froward of Nature, and good to make Lawyers: some under Venus, & they are good to make Solicitors of Love: some under Mercury, and they are good to be Secretaries, for they are (commonly) ingenious: some under Sol, those are hot fellows, those are good to make Mariners, they may best abide the cold of the Water: some under Luna, and they are weak of Nature, and subject to much sickness, those are good to make Physicians, to help themselves, and other that hath need of them: some under Mars, and they are the men that prove the gallant Soldiers. Now if the Scholar be borne under that Planet of Prowess, and in his time of study be addicted to follow that which he sees worthy Honour, which both reason persuades his mind, and Nature leads his body too: is not he worthy to be honoured above the Scholar that is weak of Nature? and unfit for any exercise of great honour? Yes surely. Myself have studied a little, in divers Arts: but ever I was most bend to this Art of war, when I scarce kn●…w what a Gun meant, me thought it did me good to hear it shoot off, and see the fire: it did me good to look on a sword blade, ere I knew whither it should have a hut or not. What shall I say, I loved a Drum and a Fy●…e, better than all the fi●…ling Music in the world: and growing to some years, I would practise now and then a little of Warlike exercises, till in the end, the delight therein, drew me quite from my Book: So that when I had learned first to serve God, and how to serve him, to do no man wrong, and take as little as I might. I left my school fellows, and forth I got to seek adventures. Now Law I have enough, for myself (as I said) I will do no wrong, and take little. And among Soldiers, Stafforde law, Martial law, killing or hanging is soon learned. For Physic I have ●…uough, I know a little Turpentime, will heal a great cut, a Cobweb, and Salt, or Bole Armonic, will ●…int a bleeding. If I be ill at ease, I fast it out: I do as Hogs do, never eat meat, till they see whither they shall live or die: Tush, sickness comes by ill diet, then learn by one surfeit, to use the better order twice for it: but Soldiers use, is to keep no diet, but to abide all hardness, therefore they commonly are not sick, but upon the bullet, which if it light in the breast, they lie not long on it: so that they have no need but of the heavenly Physician, to crave his heavenly Mercy, to purge their souls from sin, that it may appear pure and acceptable before him, at the day of judgement. And new minding not to say much more in this matter: What say you for the Scholar The Scholar. Sir, I must needs say, you have said well for the Soldier, but yet I must say, that note the lives of them both, and you shall see the scholars life most worthy honour: and why? the Scholar findeth (as you say) by discretion, whither his body be to his mind, and both apt for Arms: if not, yet he is ready and able to instruct those that are able, in those chief points that do most appertain unto that Art. Whereby the willing mind having but little knowledge) may speedily purchase great perfection by small experience. Further, the scholars Book will not let him be idle, but to fall to some honourable study or other: As if he study 〈◊〉, I f●…tche my au●…thoritie out of Scripture: Doth ●…t Christ b●…d us honour the Physician? If he study Law, what thing 〈◊〉 ●…ore honourable, then that which 〈◊〉 Countries in good order? the Prince in peace, and the s●…ectes in awe? the well doo●…rs in centinuance, and the offenders in fear? And is not Law then, an honourable study,? If he study Diuin●…ty, who in the world more worthy honour, than he that pronounceth the word of God? to the comfort of the pe●…tent, and the perdition of the obstinate? In that study is seen, who is the good Soldier? What is the good quarrel? against whom it is good to ●…ight, and who gives the overthrow. The true Christian is the good Soldier, which with only Faith, fights against the foul ●…nde Satan, and all his filthy and h●…sh cr●…we, whom Christ hath overthrown, and trodden under his feet, this is the good fight: to God be given the glory of the overthrow. And is there any time more happily spent, then in this war? is there any man so worthy honour as he that sp●…ndes his time so happily? no sure, this is the good Soldier, and this Soldier is the Scholar: Again, the scholars life is c●…le, modest, content with little, desiring no man's hurt, and wishing all men well, loath to have his hands imbrued with blood, and sorry to see the cruelty of the bloody Soldier. The Scholar studies how to set out the Soldier, how to keep the subject at home in order, the Country in quiet, and himself in health: the Scholar seeks by Law, to redress the poor man's wrong: the Scholar studies to know all good, and ●…hewe all ill. If the Soldier do so too: then is he as worthy honour, as the Scholar, but no more. But in truth, I have not heard many such like Soldiers as yourself seem to be: for you were an old Scholar I p●…rceiue, before you were a young Soldier, if your practice in Arms hath been as great, as your study in Arts, I must th●…ke you a rare Soldier, yea, a Captain worthy to lead a great army: but if you will confess a truth, I think you w●…l not any longer 〈◊〉 your opinion, i●… that the Soldier should deserve honour above the Scholar. The Soldier. Yes surely, though I must confess, I see in you the mind of a Soldier, and the perfect points of a good Scholar, and for your learning woorth●…e honour▪ yet will I (though unworthy of any commendation, having never done any famous exploits) give the chief honour to the Soldier. For though the Scholar do fl●…de by reading▪ what is the good fight, who is the good Soldier, who is the eneime to be overthrown, and who gets the victory? Yet if he know this, and will not put it in action, it is then but for others instruction, and not for his own soul's health. Again, he that hath read little, by grace may have sufficient knowledge, that the Devil is nought, and faith is the only de●…nce for him: God is the only victor, and his ●…e the glory. But further, he that is borne under Mars (as I said before) and hath any thing studied the scriptures: he will in the honour of God go travail the world, seek out such obstinate rebels to Christ, as take them unto Antichrist, leave God, and serve the Devil: such when he finds, he will destroy them, that they may not live to infect other. What better death? then in such a quarrel? What life so worthy honour, as such a death? What action so famous, as such an enterprise. Oh good Soldier, that so honours his God: sweet Christ, that upon the Cross lost his heart blood for his sake, that he will in his quarrel, to do him due service, adventure, and willingly lose his heart blood, and his life in this world for his sake: knowing assuredly that he shall find it again, with ten tunes more blessed toy in the world to come. The Soldier seeketh adventures here and there, stayeth wild Beasts, and would destroy the simple trau●…ler: the Soldier challengeth and slayeth the villain that flaundereth the virtuous: the Soldier is courteous to all men, he is modest with Modesty, to show the height of his mind: the Soldier is content with any thing, and sometime with nothing: the Soldier doth helps the oppressed in a rightful cause, and doth hurt no man but his enemies: the Soldier ●…nbrues neither his hands nor his blade, in the blood of any, but those that would do the like in his breast: the soldier hath a Martial law, for such careless persons as will ●…ot obey the Law of Arms, appointed to maintain good laws, and to cut off the offenders of the same. In sunt, the soldier is the servant of God only, the scholar waits too much of our Lady to do God good service I say not all scholars are so, but I wish that the soldiers were so, but as God is above our Lady, so his soldier above her scholar to be honoured. How say you scholar, will you allow me this? or not? The Scholar. ●…yr, I cannot bu●… allow you this, that the worthy souldi●…ur is to be honoured above the wanton scholar, but I must say the wise and careful scholar is more worthy honour then the wild and careless soldier: But I will a little speak of the scholar, and so I will either have it, give it, or 'gree upon it. You must consider sir, we are by nature all the children of sin, but by adoption the Children of God. Now for the planets, in deed the Child that is borne under Mars, is most ●…tte for battle, and under Mercury, for study. But he, say I, that is borne under jupiter▪ whose Parents were borne, the one under Mars, the other Mercury, he shall have the operation of jupiter, wholly▪ and partly each of the other in him,, and such a follow say I, will prove the man of Honour in deed, of all other. As for example, was not Marcus Aurelius, a gallant and worthi●… Soldier? did he not be●…ow great time in his study? who wrote his works but himself? I will not stand upon examples: was not David a brave soldier? A man worthy of great honour? did he not bestow great time in his Psalms? Had he not as great a delight in his Book, as in Battle? Well, was he not in love with Berseba? and was he not so●…ie for it? Well, though he served our Lady a little, he loue●… God best, and God loved him for all his offence: and why? for that he left his folly, was sorry for his sin, and was ashamed of himself: he craved mercy in heart, and was therefore received into favour▪ Wherefore good sir condemn not scholars for serving Ladies, which in deed is your meaning: for Bersebae▪ beauty, bewitched the wits of King David, and made him quite forget his Wisdom. Now there are sew King David's left for their wisdom: but for beauty, many Bersabaes. If then the world be as full of fair Ladies, as ever it was, and not men of so rare wisdom? Blame not scholars for their service, nor make soldiers saints for their minds to Godward? But as David was both a good soldier, and no worse scholar: and Marcus Aurelius, as good a scholar as a soldier, and were therefore more honoured than the unlearned Captains: so I pray you grant, that the vali●…nt scholar▪ in honour, is to be preferred before the unlearned soldier: And that the Scholar is so fit a Companion for the Soldier, as they can not well be one without the other, and being together, do deserve the greatest honour of all men living. There is such a love and union betwixt them, and the one is so necessary unto the other, that some men think, the one and the other is as it were Alter ●…ple: so that they do deserve like honour, and not one to be higher than the other. Now sir, what say you? Will you think so well of the Scholar, or not▪ The Soldier. Baléeve me Scholar, since thou cemest so near me, welcome: This I must say to thee, I see thou hast a good mind to a Soldier: and therefore since thou art entered into tra●…ile, and I have been in some skirmishes, let us both forget we are at home: and being here, let us determine to season ourselves for all weathers, let our faithful prayer be our defence against the Devil, and all his temptations: my sword ●…ee our defence against bodily enemies, and thy wise counsel my comfort, to arine myself with patience. Let us fear neither fire nor water, care for no weather, fair nor foul: stick not for night, nor day: take what we find thankfully, part it friendly, and spend it merrily: live together lovingly, and die virtuously: so shall we be spoken of on earth & amously, and live in Heaven eternally: which that God may grant willingly, let us fall down presently, and pray hearty, that we may rise roundly, walk wisely, and speed luckily. What sayest thou Scholar? The Scholar. Oh sir, right gladly: and since you have so courteously vouchsaied me your company, I here swear myself, your own at commandment always, and as much as may be▪ I rejoice to have found you, I hope to live with you, and never to leave you, so dearly I love you, that I will die with you, ere I will forsake you: and as you do love me, so put your trust in me, and this be sure of me, that you shall command me, till lives end believe me. Now that we may together, to the heavenly place thither, the only place whither, the Scholar, espieth, the good Soldier hieth: with humble he arts l●…tte us pray, that we may walk the way, that at the latter day, we may have cause to say, Truth will not lead a stray. To which good & blessed place▪ God grant us all his grace, that when we have run this race, that we may walk apace, that within little space, we may all face to face, behold our blessed Lord, whose name with one accord, let us with laud record. And so let the soldier, make much of the Scholar, and trust to the Scholar, that he loves the Soldier, and let us be sure of this, when we do pray, i●…is, God's hand doth never miss, to work for our avail. THus did the Soldier, put the Scholar out of his Nothing: and together they are gone about something: But for that I know not what, till I see them again, I will here bid them farewell, and with myself wish you well: Promising that if I do meet them, you shall hears what became of them. Till when, and ever, God so bless us here, that we with joyful ch●…re, may all at once appear, before his heavenly throne, to which his grace alone, guide us right every one, both Men, Women and Children: I would he were hanged, that will not say. Amen. Marti Mercurius. N. B. FINIS. The Praise of virtuous Ladies. An invective against the discourteous discourses, of certain Mailcious persons, written against Women, whom Nature, Wit, and Wisdom (well considered) would us rather honour, than disgrace. For proof whereof, eade what follows. Written by the said Author. N. Breton, Gentleman. Hic & haec homo. Considera quid mulier? To the Courteous, and gentle Reader. GEntlemen & others to whose view shall come this wonderful piece of work of the praise of women (considering how little cause of commendation, is found in a number of them.) I beseech you, before you begin to read: resolve with yourselves, to take in good part, what you think I have written against my conscience. And though I have perhaps, as great cause to write the contrary, in respect of the little good that I have found in some: Yet the hope of good, that I have to find by favour of some one, (none such) hath made me in the behalf of women generally, (for her sake) say as much as I wish all to approve, and I would as gladly affirm. In the mean time, I hope I have offered none injury, in doing them a courtesy: I crave pardon of none, for saying my mind, and good though●…s of them, of whom I deserve it. Meaning, to deserve as well as I may of all the world, and desiring too, as little ill to any as may be. Thus wishing you, to wish Women no better, than you see them worthy. I pray you wish me no worse than yourselves, as I wish all you. From my Chamber in the Black Friars: this present and always. Your friend. N. Breton. Gentleman. The Author, to the virtuous Ladies and Gentlewomen. LAdies and Gentlewomen, or other well disposed what soever: I have (in your commendations) said as much as I hope you will deserve: and more than I think hath been said for you this great while. Now if yet think that I have said, is said for flattery, you should show me little favour. For to flatter all, I should but have a flout of a number: and to speak well of all, I hope will make none mine enemy. I crave no f●…rther friendship than I deserve, nor greater thanks, then may requite good will, which wisheth well to ye all, that are well minded: and if you think I have said truly, in that I have written, thank yourselves for giving so good occasion: if contrary▪ do your endevonr to make good what I have said, and will be glad to see: and so rest, ready to do●… you a greater service. From my chamber, in the Black Friars. N. B. Gent. FINIS. The praise of virtuous Ladies, and Gentlewomen. WHen I peruse and consider of the strange discourses of divers fantastical fellows, that have no grace, but in disgracing of women, in invectives against them, in most despiteful description of their dissimulations, in such shameful setting out of their sex. Whereby for a few mad headed wenches, they seek to bring all, yea, most modest Matrons, and almost all Women in contempt: surely, me thinks, I can term them by no name fit for their folly, then mad men, that fame would be Authors of somewhat, and knowing not what to take in hand, run headlong into such absurdities, as redound to their utter dishonour. For let a man not quite forget himself, and but a litt'●… look into himself, he shall see so great a part of a Woman in himself: as that, except he w●…ll run from himself, he cannet but with as great honour account of them as of himself, Let me go to the beginning, was not the first Woman made out of man? and was she than any thing else, but a piece o●… himself, Now when some would 〈◊〉 against her, for her d●…t: did she it of herself? no, it was by the Serpent. And further, if a man should consider narrowly of it: was she any other than himself, that deceived himself? F●… the●… more, if it were but for the pains they take, in bringing us into the world, besides the pleasure that we have in the world: we ought rather to cover any crime, or cause that might breed their discredit, th●…n of ourselves unworthily to seek th●…r defame. Some men may think, that some one Woman hath hired me, to flatter all, or else, by flattering of all, I should hop●… of favour of some one. Some will say, perhaps he hath a Woman to his mother: some other, a Woman to his Mistress: some other, he is sworn to the Candlestick: other, it is pity he was not made a woman: and some, oh he is a good Woman's man. Now, all these I answer in their kinds: as all Women are not of one nature, so neither are all Natures of one disposition: as one loves to be flattered, so other love to be flatly dealt withal. Therefore if I should seek to flatter all, I should but flout myself: and commonly, the hire of flattery is but hate, which is so cold a comfort to any man's Conscience, as he were well worthy of a frump for his folly, that would be hired, to such a service. Further, they are fools that love to be flattered, and Women have ever naturally had so much wit, as to find a falsehood in a fair tale. But if fair words be truly spoken, and by authority confirmed: they cannot but be as friendly taken, as fully allowed. Wherefore, my words in their behalf, shall show testimony of my true meaning, else let me abide the slander, of such hypocrisy as is hateful to an honest mind. That I have a Woman to my Mother, I grant, and am hearty glad off: for surely, he that is not borne of a Woman, wants a piece of a Man, and he that despiseth his Mother, in that she is a Woman: is to be disdained himself, in that he is no man.. are we not commanded by God, to honour Father and Mother: Is it not written in the holy Scriptures, Thou shalt honour thy Father, b●… thy Mother's pains shalt thou never forget: Then remember the commandment, and do thy Mother due reverence: disdain her not, for fear of God's displeasure: discredit her not, for GOD and man's disliking: defame her not, for fear of thy Souls destruction. Now some will say, that I have a Woman to my Mistress, I not deny it, for Saints are none upon the earth, and Devils I would be loath to do●… service too. A Woman of honour, may well be Mistress to a Man of worship: in reason consider, and grant me this: what Soldier so valiant? what courtier so fint? and what scholar foe profound: but will use his arms, his allegiance, and his art to win the favour of his Mistress. I have heard some talk their pleasure in a heat, that the fairest Lady in the world, should not make them steupe to their Lure. But when (without an Ostler) they walked themselves a cold: oh then ere long recant all, it was not I, and cry Pecca●…, for a favourable look, of an indifferent face, Now some will say, that I am sworn to the candlestick, such I wish their noses in the socket. And this I say further, my faith was not yet so much had in question, to be called to the Candlestick: but if he that say so, have been brought to the like book oath, I wish he had eaten the strings for his labour. Some will say, it is pity he was not made a Woman: I wonder why? my beauty is not such, to allure a wanton eye, nor mine eye ●…o wanton, to allure a wicked mind, my qualities are not only fit for a Chamber, nor in my chamber always in bed. Then what see these fellows in me? if they say so, they know not why, I answer them, I care not h●…w. Now some will say, oh, he is a good Woman's man: believe me, I think it bette●… to be thought, a good Woman's man, than an ill man's Woman. But as no man can be counted a man●… Woman, but figurat●…e: so than a good Woman's man, I think a man cannot be termed more fitly: but if any man speak it in scorn, I answer him in scoff: if he speak it in despite of Women, let them 〈◊〉 him: if 〈◊〉 displeasure with me, as he is angry without a cause, he shall be pleased without amends. A●…d to conclude, I am of this mind, that as now the worl●… goes: he is very pre●…se, or little wise, that would not rather choose the favour of one woman, than the frien●…ship of any man. Now having made answer to these objections, I will go onwards with my opinion, touching the worthiness of Women. Let me see what man was ever so good, so just, so pitiful, so ●…becall, so learned, so Famous, for rare excellencies: But there may be found a Woman, every ways his match? fetch authority out of Scripture▪ Was not the blessed ●…irgin Ma●…ie a Woman? how good did God th●…nke her, that he would vouchsafe to conjoin in her most holy womb, his divine Grace, with her humane Nature? Me thinks there is no man of any good mind at all, but would think well of all Women ●…or her sake: and such as are not good, to wi●…he them grac●… to amend, rather than so to difgrace them, as makes them never have heart to fall to good again. Admit 〈◊〉 was ill, so was Adam too. Cruel was the Woman that killed her Child, so was Cain, in killing his own brother Abel. But leaving discommendations: now to commend for particular causes. For belief, who before the Woman of Canaan? For repentance, Marry M●…gdalen? And for causes touching salvation, what greater points than Faith with pemtenc●…e? For worldly caus●…s touching Fame. What greater virtue, than Learning? the ground of all knowledge, how better known then by appara●…, and where? but where there is none such, I list not to trouble you, with recounting the names of worthy Ladies, let this suffice, if there never were any so worthy ●…emmendation, as men before this instant age: yet now is to be found a Woman worthy a more worthy name (if more worthy might be) who for repentant Faith, with rare virtues, may be as well honoured of all godly minds, as with wonderful love, worshipped of all good minds. Was there ever man learned? so is she? and by his learning Virtuous? no less is She? and by his virtues Fa●…ous? She as much as he. Now though there be none such as She, yet as she is of all most excellent, so are there some other for commendation, more than indifferent. But for that I will not give too much to any, nor can give her sufficient▪ I say this for all Women, that men are mad that seeks their dishonour. The Proverb says, That it is an evil Bird, will file the own nest. Then let man consider the Hen that hatcheth him, and he would be loath, to have the Cock have all the meat from her. Some dispraise Virgins, because they be obstinate? for myself, I think it a sign of ill nature in a Woman, to be hard hearted. But if it come with care of Credit, or content, I will allow it, say Lovers what they list, for that fits one man's ●…ye, is far from ●…tting another man's fancy: He may like, and she may loathe, she may love, and he not like. All are not of one mould, one mind, one nature, one complexion, nor one condition: Love hath no reason in his choice, than such as have found such hard dealing in fair Damosels: let them consider of thes●… clauses, and let them alone. luck is a great matter in love, and so let it rest. Some will dispraise women for wantonness, surely, I am persuaded, if the world were examined, we should ●…nde a jacke an Ap●…s, as wanton as ●… Monkey: We should ●…nde a young man as wanton, in looking B●…bies, in a Lady's eyes, as her with flirting him on the Lips with her l●…tle Finger: him as wanton in wearing a Toy, as her in wishing the like: him as wanton in his devices, as she in desires: and he in desires, as much as she in delights: he as wanton in c●…st, as she in colours: he as wanton in gift, as she in receipt. What shall I say? he as wanton as she every way, and she one way wiser than he: if she be brag of her Beauty, he is as proud of his proper parsonage: if she stretch out a fine hand, he strouteth out a strait Leg: if she have her hand on the Pette in her Cheek, he is twyrking of his Mustachios: if she play the wanton with a little Dog, he will be so wanton as to wish himself a Whelp. To be short, if she be vain in one thing, he will be as little virtuous in an other. Some will say, Women are covetous, are not men as handfast? beside liberality, of courtesy, breeds loss of credit. Let not men be niggards, if they will have Women frank hearted, Some will say, Women are ill Mistresses, they give slender wages in deed: I have heard some called ●…naus, twenty times a day, yet hath not had half that he deserved. Some saucy servant will look for a favour, before he deserves a fair look. And some servants thinks their Mistress is covetous, though they give them never so much, if they give not themselves also. But such as 〈◊〉 have all, sh●…ll lose all. Therefore, let men weigh liberality in kind, and they shall find Women free hearted, in extending favour (not fully deserved) and themselves covetous, in being never contented. Some will say, Women are foolish: he never heard that the wisdom of a Woman, should b●… no more then to go out of the rain, when she is in it, and know her husband's bed from another man's. But now a days men be so fantastical (I dare not say foolish) that if a Woman be not so wise as to make a man a fool, she is no wise Woman: No forsooth, but he is a very wise man to match with such a Woman. Women have Wit naturally: wisdom must be had by Grace, Grace was given to our Lady: than who wiser than a woman? Weigh worldly wisdom by wit and experience, and let me see who, with all the experiments he can devise, can make a Woman a fool in any thing, but himself in the same as v●…wise. Some will say Women are unconstant, but I say not all: for Penelope, and Cleopatra, Luc●…etia with divers more too long to rehearse, shall stand for examples of such constancy, as no man ever more constant. And for ●…olly in Fancy: who wiser than Solomon, who more wanton in Love? Some will say Women are deceitful, but they that say so, be such as d●…ceiue themselves in Women: so think them trusty. For as well of men as Women, it is said: Fere nulla fides est in terris. Let not men cozen themselves with a wilful conceit: believe no more than reason leads them to. And they shall find Women but like themselves, deu●…sing all means they may, and employing the best wit they have to work their wills. And for deceit, what greater treason was ever found in any woman, then in Iuda●… when he betrayed Christ. But leaving this, some will say, a Woman is a necessary evil. That she●… is necessary I grant, but evil I deny, except i●… be meant only in respect of man, that desireth not any thing that is good, and so, his desire makes her ill in estimation of mind, for that she is the ontent of an ill conceit: but (indeed, well considered) he should find, that the ill were in his conceit only, and not in the Woman, who is no other substance than another himself. And if I must grant, as I cannot choose, that there is none good but God: so indeed I must yield, that Woman is ill, and man no better, for if that Woman be ill, how can man be good, unto whom ill is so necessary? But whether may man be thought worse than ill, that will use that ill, worse than it should ●…e? Therefore, let man first mend his mind, before he so discommend a substance of his own natural kind. Some will say, Women are pitiful, how is that known? by looks and speeches: men are more: which is shown, as well in words of mouth, as writing. Some will say, a Woman is a woe to man, who put in that to, did it of his own authority, and therefore it is not to be allowed. For consider right of the word, and the to is as well left out, as the word falsely written, for indeed it ought to be written Woman, not Woman, for that she doth woe Man with her virtues, who wedde●… her with vanity. For man being of wit sufficient to consider of the virtues of a Woman, is (as it were) ravished with the delight of those dainties, which do (after a sort) draw the senses of man to serve them. Now a Woman having not so deep a capacity to conceive or judge of the conditions of man, is only wedded to his will: which thing how vain it is, is seen when it is bend to little virtue. Some have a delight to term Women by nicke-names, as in the door she is an Image. But how wise is the man, that hath his wits so cozened? to take one thing for another? They be Lunatic, or in Love, that worship such Idols. And this I will say further, if she be an Image, she is liker nothing then a man: in she house, she is a number of things: in the kitchen she is a cormorant: I●… she dress meat, is she not worthy to eat? I have seen a man eat the meat that a woman hath dressed: and men liker Cranes, than Women Cormoraunts. In the milk house she is a Cat: why? if she milk a Cow, is she not worthy to taste it for her labour? In the Cheese she is a Mouse: why? she set the Curds together, should she not taste the meat. In the bakehouse she is a be, for her busy stirring about. Yet her sting is but her tongue, that hurts no body, except she be troubled: then allow the be her Hive, and let her rest. In the Buttery she is a Spirit, but she doth no hurt, but fray a Mouse from the bread, and a thief from the Cubborde. In the Seller she is a Sow, and yet I have seen one Dutch man drink more than five English women. In the Hall she is a Hare, but being tame, take heed how you hunt her. In the Parlour she is a P●…rat, she learns but what is taught her, and an Almond will please her. In the Chamber she is a Bird, and who sings sweeter than the Nightingale? In the bed she is a Flea, if she laid on the Blankets, she is more worthy to lie in the Sheets. But well, if it were not for making women to be worse than they would be, I would tell them how they might tear me men in sundry places, both within and without the house. But let this suffice, I mean but only to commend Women, and not offend men. And if I have unwittingly offended any, I willingly ask pardon of all, with promise of amends, if my power serve me. For qualities worthy commendation, see who is to be preferred, the Man or the Woman? without the house for husbandri●…: if he mow, she can ●…edde: if he ●…edde, she can turn: if he cock, she can rake: if he load, she can lay abroad: if he sow, she can reap: i●… he can shock, she can bind Sheaves: if he can thrash, she can Fan: if he grind, she can bolt: if he lay leaven, she can heat the Oven: If he know how to buy a Cow, she can milk her: if he break a Horse, she can ride to the Market on him: if he buy a Sow, she can serve her: if he bring home the milk, she can set it together: if he make a Pan, she can fleet the milk: if he make a Chearne, she can make Butter: if he make a Press, she can make Cheese: If he dress the Garden, she can weed it: if he sow good Herbs, she can gather Salads: if he set sweet Flowers, she can make a fine nosegay: if he gather good Herbs, she can make good Pottage: if he be a good Cook, she is a good Dairy Woman: if he be a good Baker, she is a good Brewer: if he be good in the pantry, she is as good in the Pastry: if he be at his Pen, she is at her Needle: if he be a good Tailor, she is a good Se●…pster: and if he be a good Brusher, she is a good Launder. And which is more worthy love, a clean shirt, or a fine Coat? Now in higher causes: if he be Ualiaunt, she is Virtuous: if he can leap well, she can dance well: if he can play well, she can sing well: if he can commend, she can thankfully consider: and if he can take it well, she can think it well bestowed: if he can write, she can read: if he can swear truly, she can believe faithfully: if he can deserve, she can give due if he can like honourably, she can love hearty. In fine, if he have any good quality, she hath another. It were but a folly, to fill my Book with examples, of this Woman for constancy, and that for fidelity, an other for housewifery, and the other Woman, for worthy wit. Let this suffice in braefe, there is in sickness no greater comfort, in health no better companion, to a wise man, than a witty woman. Now for wise women, I think his should show himself a very unwise man that would wish for such a one. I remember a pretty speech, once uttered by a very wise man: when a man (as it seemed) not very wise, came to him for his counsel, what he might do, to come by a certain jewel, that was stolen from him out of his Chamber: and (having told his loss) before he would hear of his advise. Sir (quoth he●… were I not best to go to a wise woman. Yes marry (quoth he) if you knew where any such were. Meaning that they were so hard to hit on, that it were but folly to seek them. Now what pity it is to see some men so unwise, to think such wisdom in any Woman: after he had lost his jewel if he would e have looked into himself, and found his own folly, before he had seught such wisdom in a woman: he should have seen that it were more wisdom for a man, to keep that he hath warily, then unwisely to run to a woman, to seek for wit how to find it again. But I will stand no more upon this point, let it suffice that it is wisdom for a man to take heed, that a Woman be not wiser than himself: and how wise so ever he be, to count them no fools. For in deed, as the common Proverb is, The wit of a Woman is a great matter: and true, when a man with all his wisdom, is sometime to learn wit of her. In mine opinion, I heard a very wise speech of a very witty Woman, touching the wisdom (if any) that aught to be in a Woman. In a Maid, to take care in choice of a Husband: in a married woman, to love none but her husband: in a widow, to provide for her children: in an old woman, to have care of her end. Now for men, if a Bachelor take heed what wife he takes, and having taken a wife, to love no other woman: a Widower, to look for his children, before a new wife, and an old man his grave: is it amiss? no I warrant ye. Now men must be wise, in caring for Women, and themselves to, and Women no wiser, then in caring for such men as care for them. But if a man be so unwise to trouble a Woman's wit to care for him? how wise is he? and what a wit hath shoe. Confess you that have guilty consciences, and learn to be wise: and think this sufficient commendation for a Woman, if she be a Virgin for chastity, with virginity virtuous, of condition courteous, and true of love: such a Woman ought to be, and if such they be not, pray for them as I dye, and such as are, honour them as worthy: and for their sakes, all other whatsoever they be, judge the best till you see the contrary: and where you know it, shake your head and say nothing: but it is pity, God hath done his part in her, God amend her: put the fault in pride, and not in her. And you shall fee such a change, that it was not she, no forsooth (as little children say) it was the Bulbegger. They say now, the world is towards the last year, and men toward their last wits: then let Women be towards their first Wisdom. And if they show but little Wisdom: yet let that have such commendation, that they may be encouraged, to continue and increase the same. For surely (well considered) a man can not do honour to a more worthy person, than a Woman. Is it not an abuse in a man to dispraise his friend? What greater friend to a man, than a Woman? who can discommend that he loves? except he dissemble sore? hypocrisy is as ill as heresy. What can a man love more than a Woman? what, such love as betwixt them? Marry some will say, they must love dearly, or hate deadly. God forbid, that any man should be out of charity: I would think it a hard matter to hate a woman. Yet since it is possible to do little better: I think it wisdom to conceal it, for there is nothing gotten by revealing it. Well, not to seem tedious, let me draw towards an end: think well of as many as you may, love whom you have cause, hate none, whatsoever you think, say nothing in their dishonour, lest you grow in their utter disliking: and then your room as good as your company. When you seek for favonr, take a flout with you: I marvel you can away so long with a Woman's company, ●…c. But well, to annoyed the frumps, flouts, skowles, disdainful speeches, quips, taunts, and angry cowtenaunces, that Women will soon bestow, where they see cause, do this: if you cannot love, yet do not loath: if you will not honour, yet do not hate: if your conscience let you not, commend them, yet let your courtesy not let you do the contrary. Remember your Mother, forget not your friend▪ offend not your Mistress, and make much of yourself: If you like my counsel, follow it: if not disdain it not: if you love a Woman, remember me: if you care for none, we will none of us trouble you: if we do it, it is against our wills. But who is he that loves not a Woman? and wherefore then will any look awry upon me? I know not, and shall I say I care not? Well, let it go, since it is not, I do all for the best, and I trust the best will take it so: as for the rest, there lies neither life nor death upon a look, and therefore hoping the best, I will not doubt the contrary. And if men be as well contented with me for this praise of Women, as I am determined to content them, with the like of them hereafter: if will be not froward, and Wit fail me not, I trust the Ace of Diamonds will go to the stock, and every man will be pleased. In the mean time about some better work, than I mean to make boast of: I must attend my Harvest, ere I fall to Hawking. Thus if I said any thing amiss, God forgive me: if I have said well, God be thanked, take it among you: if I have said truly, it is not to be blamed, if otherwise, I have but spoken mine opinion, which I hope to see fully approved. And so sorry, if I have said that the wise will mystic, and glad if I have written, that the good will take well. I conclude of a sudden, with this short sentence, Hic & haec homo, Considera quid mulier, Like of them as you list, love whom you can: when you seek for favour. God send you good fortune. And so far you well. N. G. Gent. FINIS. A Dialogue between Anger and Patience. Anger. FIe on the world, the flesh, and the Devil. Patience. What is the matter? Anger. The world is nought. Pati. It may amend. Anger. When it is too late. Patience. Better late than never. Anger. As good never a whit, as never the better. Patience. A crust is better than no bread at all. Anger. A crust is hard of digestion. Patience. Not for a hungry stomach. Anger. Oh, it will ask vile chewing. Patience. Take time enough. Anger. My belly will think my throat cut, that I ●…eede no faster. Patience. A little sufficeth Nature. Anger. When she hath enough. Patience. Then she needs no more. Anger. Yea, but where is that enough. Patience. In God's Grace. Anger. Why, I have the grace of GOD, but I want the wealth of the world, to grace myself withal. Patience. Alas, the bravery of the world is but beggary before God. And the rich man to heaven, goes as a Camel through a needle's eye. Anger. Yea, but begging is a vile life in the mean time. Patience. Then work. Anger. That goes against the Wool. Patience. pains brings profit. Anger. I have often lost my labour. Patience. Take heed th●…n how you work. Anger. Had I witted was a fool. Patience, Then learn to be wise. Anger. But how. Patience. Not with haste. Anger. How much leisure? Patience. A little and a little. Anger. Words are good, but that they bring no substance. Patience. A cold wind is good in a hot Summer. Anger. Yea, but the wind of words is but a blast. Patience. I perceive one cooling card will n●…t s●…rue a hot gam●…ster. Anger Oh what a slave was I? Patience. Wherefore? Anger. Play, play. Patience. Play no more. Anger. Oh, Primero. Patience. Rest from rests. Anger. And what shall I do? Patience. Be quiet. Anger. I cannot. Patience. What troubles you? Anger. All things, Men Women, and Children: Men be 〈◊〉, Women worse, and Children costly. Patience. Condemn not all for a few, and take heed whom you trust. Men are wise, Women witty, and Children must be cared for. Anger. Why dost thou cross me. Patience To 〈◊〉 thee to right. Anger. Why? whether was I going? Patience. From thyself. Anger. Why, am I mad. Patience. No, but in a melancho●…y. Anger. That is but an humour. Patience. 〈◊〉 y●…u whereof it comes? Anger. No, I pray you tell me. Patience. Of Choler. Anger. How should I get help ●…it, Patience. It must be purged by Patience▪ Anger. That is forced Physic. Patience. Yet will it work well. Anger. When shall I take it? Patience. Evening and morning, and every day. Anger. For how long? Patience. during life. Anger. What? wil●… thou bind me to a diet? Patience. That shall do the good, refuse not. Anger. What shall I pay for i●…? Patience. 〈◊〉. Anger. Who shall have it. Patience. Self will. Anger. Will that please him? Patience. He may n●…t refuse it▪ Anger. When must I pay it. Patience. When you take your Physic. Anger. What good will it do me? Patience. Great: It will clear you of Choler, it will make you find a new world: teach you how to know your friends, and to beware of your foes: the way to a quiet life, a happy end, and Heaven hereafter. Anger. Oh, good Physic. Patience. None such. Anger. When is it good taking it. Patience. In the fall or spring, or at any other time. Anger. How shall I take it? Patience. Fasting in the morning, and ●…ate what you can get after: Sleep not before your eyes be together, and keep you as warm as your clothes will give you leave: walk up and down about your business, and sup not late, except you have not eaten any thing all d●…y before. Keep this order, and my life for yours, this heat of yours will quite away, keep it for an excellent piece of Physic: You may make it with a little cost, and no great labour. Anger. Sir, for your good will I thank you, but for your Medicine I guess it of mean effect: yet for that I am troubled with a Melancholy, I mean to try your cunning. In the mean time I will fetch a sigh for my sins, and bid you far well. I am but young, and ●…m going to age: he hath promised me to learn me some good Lessons. Patience. And with him shall you find me, and so till we meet, farewell, Thus is Youth gone to Age, of whose meeting 〈◊〉 shall hear more ere long: In the mean time I crave you, Patience, to bear with that hath passed, and if hereafter you hear of any better stuff: think of it as it deserves, and of me as you have cause, in mind to give you as good cause as I can, to think the best of me. Mean time, hoping I have given no man cause to say ill by 〈◊〉, I wish all ●…he world to think the best of every man, and so of me among the rest. Who wish none ill, but all as well as I desire them to wish me: And so far you well. Patientia Penitentia. N. B. Gent. FINIS. NOw Gentlemen, when I had finished up my book, and bade you farewell, came to my remembrance, an old piece of Physic, good for s●…ch persons as are sick like myself, which for that I guess it as profitable as it may seem pleasant: I am to desire you to read a little more what follows. It was my hap▪ (not many months since) to be very sick, when, so weak as I could not well walk abroad: I took my pen, and wrote unto my friends, of such matters as stood me upon not to let slip, Among which, my health being not the least thing that I took care of: I wrote unto a friend of mine, whom I counted a good Physician, to minister me some such Physic, as he thought good for the disease. Now the man well acquainted with the cause, and minding rather to comfort me with some merry counsel, then weaken me with too many Medicines: wrote me word, to observe such a diet, as I think is very requisite for all men, that shall ●…all into like Fever, to take care to keep: and when they have found as much ease, as I have done in it, than I shall have as much thanks as he had: but lest I seem ●…edious ere I begin, thus it was. A physicians Letter. COmmendations considered, so●…e for your heaviness, yet glad of your good remembrance, (notwithstanding, your great weakness:) This is to let you understand, that now you are determined to take my counsel, and trouble yourself with no more Physic. Upon Thursday fortnight (God willing) I mean to see you: till when, for that I see no danger of death in you, I have here written you word, what order you shall take, and when I come, we will talk further. First considering that the cause grows of conceit, which hath bred such a hearts grief in you, as will hardly be cured without God's great goodness: and yet by his grace, is not past help. This you shall do, think not of that you have lost, for the loss will gain you nought, but grief: and cast not to get any thing ill, lest the gain breed as great an after sorrow as the loss? and to recover your health, and estate by such good means as it way continue, this you shall do▪ Observe this order. In the morning when you rise, serve God, and he will see to you: wash your hands with running water, it is good for the heat of the Liver: make your breakfast of a warm broth, which you shall make of Herbs in this sort. Take a handful of Time, and put as much rue into it: stamp with these two, a root or two of Repentan●…, and strain them into a fair Dish, with the juice Parseline, let it stand on the fire till it be lukewarm, then taste it with your finger's end, and if you like it not, throw it out at the Window: upon my word, it will never hurt you. For your meat, you may now and then, if your stomach stand to flesh, eat of a little warm Mutton, but take heed it be not laced, for that is ill for a sick body: For change now and then, eat of a Rabbit, it is as restoritive, old Coneys are to dry, and too hard of digestion. You may now and then eat of a Lark, it is good and light meat, but Buntings are to bitter. A Partridge is not a miss, but eat not of a plu●… Plover. A Chick now and then of a month old, but March Birds are to strong meat. A Woodcock manis sick folks may be bold withal▪ but a Goose of all other, is a vile Bird, a perilous meat, for a sick person. And of all meats, Fowl or other flesh, whatsoever, take heed of venison, as Does flesh, and Hare's flesh, and such like, they are stirring meats, and will distemper the body very much. For ●…she, of all, beware of swallowing a Gudgine whole, or a Leaping Whyting, a Gods heat, is not very good, and a salt ●…ele is unwholesome: if I lie, ask the Ship Boy. Drink not too much Wine, leasts it inflame the blood, and bring the Purse into a consumption. Comfort yourself with hope of better hap, than you have had, considering you cannot well have worse. Follow hard the good work you have in hand, and finish it as well as you have begun, it will make you amends for a great deal of misspent time, it will purchase you credit, payment for your pains, good thoughts of your betters, thanks of your friends, and content to yourself. Thus loath to trouble you, with any more matter at this time, I pray you follow my counsel, and when I come, tell me what ease you find: In the mean time, as the Fiddler says, I pray you be merry, as you may (I mean) though not as you would, and so God keep you, send you your health, both of us his grace, and all friends a merry meeting. In haste from my Chamber, in Smithfielde. Your better friend, than Physician. R. S. Il sano non ha' bisognadel medico. A farewell. WHen I had received this Letter fr●…m this my friendly Physician, I took more comfort in the mnth of this order set down, then care for the observance of the same. But as new and then a sick man's spirits shall be somewhat more revived upon a sudden merry jest, than a sullen medicine, so was I more pleased with this merry ceunsail●…, than I think I should have been with this Physic: but as in health 〈◊〉 better company, than a pleasant friend: so, in sickness, no better comfort, than a merry companion. I must née●…es say, both do well: for, as Physic doth minister Medicines, to purge such ill humours, as do in●… the blood, infect the Liver, and so bring the body in●… diseases: so doth the pleasant speech of an honest friend, purge the mind of such melancholic conceits, as bring the brain into such hurly-burly, as that all the body is the worse for it. For make the body never so clean from all causes of infection, yet let the mind be di●…nbed, within a little time you shall see the body brought into such sickness, as is hardly to be cured. But let a man be never so sick, if he have the company of such a companion, as he may find content with all: his sickness, will by little and little so soon away, as all the art in the world is not able to do without it. What shall I further say? There is no sickness, no sore, as that grows of sorrow, no better mean to cure it, than the company of a contentive friend: and whereas company cannot be had: merry counsel must serve the turn. I speak by experience in sorrow no man sicker, with Physic no man wealter: desiring mirth, no man more enjoying no man less, by God's good help, in the midst of this misery, found a friend unlooked for, that seeing me in such extrem●…tie, of a sudden, ●…ell into a great laughing, not for ●…oye to see my sorrow, but for a wonder to see me in su●… a woeful case? Now knowing my fr●…ndes nature, scarce able to force a smile, I laughed a little for company. Now to make me merry, the best Medicine for a sudden m●…ting, he gins to tell me what hap he had to ●…isit sick Folks: For that not an hour before he had been with a very friend of mine, and his too, whom he had left half frantic, of a fantastical Fe●…er. Fors●…the, he was s●… far in Lou●…, as nothing would serve his 〈◊〉, but Death. No grace with him, but shaking the he●…de with a terrible sigh or two: and not a word, but 〈◊〉, and oh, and now and then rise off his bed in a rage, knitting his browe●…, with Cancro, and then he spoke Italian, and by and by make obeisance to the window, d●…wne on his knée●…, l●… up his hands, kiss his hand, l●…t fall a tear or two, with madame: and with that word ●…eare open his buttons, throw●… off his hat, fling away his Pantofles, break all the strings of his Lute, knock the belly against the bed post, and run to his Sword, when then it was time to catch●… hold●… of him, and so with friendly persuasions, to bring him to better quiet. And in the end o●… his tale, but thou art not so: when God knows, he fo●…de me in far tamer taking. Yet to be short, with this pleasant Tale, h●… tri●…ed out the time, till my fit was over: when we fell to such friendly communication, as merrily passed away that day, and after many more, till in the end with God's help, I recovered, to whom be given the glori●… of all health: wh●… in deed in health, is the only good friend, and in sickness, the only Physician, that comforteth, and cureth the most sick, that trusteth in his heavenly help. Thus have you heard, what good a merry f●…éend ●…oth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of sickness: which (as you shall have occasion) send ●…r to your comfort, always accou●…ting and h●…uring God as the chiefest Position. To whom for our health, and oth●… his benefits otherwise bestowed v●…on us, be given all glory and ●…aise, world without end. Amen. Me●…ico del Anima Iddi●…, Delcorpo buon Compagn●…▪ N. B. Gent. FINIS. A Table of the Discourses. THe first: The Will of Wit. Fol. 1 The second: The Author's Dream. Fol. 10 The third: The Scholar and the Soldier. Fol. 21 The fourth: The Miseries of M●… Fol. 55 The fift: The Praise of Women Fol. The farewell: A mean piece of Physic. What faults are escaped in the Printing, find by discretion, and excuse the Author, by other work that let him from attendance to the Press. Non hà che non sà N. B. Gent.