A DIALOGUE both pleasant and pitiful, wherein is a goodly regiment against the fever Pestilence with a consolation and comfort against death.  
Newly corrected by William Bulleyn, the autour thereof.  
¶ Imprinted at London, by John Kingston.  
Marcii. Anno salutis. M.D.LXIIII.   

¶ TO THE RIGHT Worshipful and his singular goo● friend, master Edward Barret of Belhous of Essex, Esquire: William Bulleyn sendeth salutations.  
RIght worshipful sir, if any chamber, haul, gallery, or any new decked house were appareled or hanged, all in one mourning dark colour, it would rather move sorrow then gladness: but no pleasure to the beholders of the same. Therefore, the diversity or variety of pleasant colours, do grace and beautify the same, through the setting forth of sundry shapes: and as it were, to compel the comers in, to behold the whole work. Even so I do commend unto you this little book (wherein I writ part thereof in your own house) which do entreat of sundry things, to you I do hope not unprofitable, wherein I have shortly described our poor needy brother his pouerte●. Calling upon the merciless rich, whose whole trust is in the vain riches of this world, entangled as it were among briars. So that in the hour of death, God is farthest from his mind, and the goods evil gotten, are worse spent, and come to nothing, at what time no Physic can prevail. I have also not forgotten the shameful sin, which reigneth in this world called ingratitude which lineally came from the loins of that false villain judas: neither the sycophants, G●atos, Liars and Flatterers of this world, the very poison of the soul. Oh better saith Solomon, is the wounds of the friend, than the kisses of the flatterer. further, how many means may be used against the Pestilence, as good air, diet, medicenes accordingly: the which if it do not prevail, then cometh on the merciless power of death over all flesh: fearing no King, Queen, Lord, Lady, bond or slave, but rather maketh all creatures a like to him. Then do I conclude with the divine, God's chief and most best instrument in the church. etc. And as I do well consider, a gentilmanne of your good nature, can but take your friends simple token in good part. Even so I am sorry that it is no better to pleasure you, yet giving GOD moste humble thanks for the same, who keep you in good health & worship.  
This twelve of March. 1564. Yours ever William Bulleyn.  
Nullus unquam hominem mortalem beatumindicet, antequam bene defunctum viderit.   

¶ TO THE Reader.  
GOod reader, when adversity drawethnere to any city or town, and the vengeance of GOD appeareth, either by hunger, sickness or the sword, then ma●nes nature is most fearful, but yet worldly providence to help themselves: which in the time of prosperity or quietness is careless and forgetful, neither mindful to fear God, nor pitiful to help their neighbour in adversity. And when they are touched by the fearful stroke of the Pestilence of their next neighbour, or else in their own family, than they use medicines, fly the air. etc. Which in deed are very good means, and not against God's word so to do: then other some falleth into sudden devotion, in giving almose to the poor and needy, which before have done nothing else but oppressed them, and have done them wrong: Other do look from their hearts Gods lively word, and refuse grace, offered by Christ's spirit, thinking there is no God. Some other are prevented by death in their flourishing years, which in the Cross of death, have their only consolation in jesus Christ. All this is described here in this plain Dialogue: praying you patiently to take it in good part. From him that is yours to command.  
W. Bulleyn.   


gloriosior est quam mala vita.    

A DIALOGUE ¶ The interlocutours are twelve persons.  

Mendicus.  
Civis.  
Vxor.  
Medicus.  
Antonius.  
Roger.  
Chrispinus.  
avarus.  
Ambo dexter.  
Mendax.  
Mors.  
Theologus.   Mendicus. 
GOd save my good Master and Mistress, the barns, and all this holy houshade, and shield you from all doolle and shem, and send you comfort of all things that you waud have good of: and God and our dear leddie, shield and defend you from this pest. Our father which art in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done in earth as it is in heaven. etc.  Civis. 
Me think I do hear a good mannerly beggar at the door, and well brought up, how reverently he saith his Pater noster, he thoves not GOD, but you hynt, God's blessing on his heart. I pray you wife, give the poor man some thing to his dinner.  Vxor. 
Sir, I will hear him say the lords prayer better, before I give him any thing.  Civis. 
What a reckoning is this? Dame do as I command you, he is poor, we have plenty, he is very poor and hungry, therefore dispatch him a God's name.  Vxor. 
Soft fire maketh sweet Malt, he shall tarry my leisure.  Mendicus. 
Mistress, if you je angry with the saying of my Pater noster in English, I will say it in Latin, and also my Deprofundis. But so God help me, I do not ken nene of them beth.  Vxor. 
I think the same: such Carpenter, such thippes, your curate is some honest man I warrant you, and taketh moche pain in feeding his flock, as seemeth by your learning. I pray you what country man be you?  Mendicus. 
Saving your honour good Mistress, I was borne in Redesdale in Northumberlande, and came of a wight riding surname called the Robsons, good honest men and true, saving a little shifting for their living, God help them silly pure men.  Vxor. 
What dost thou here in this country, me think thou art a Scot by thy tongue.  Mendicus. 
Trow me never mare then good deam, I had better be hanged in a Withie of a Cowtaile, then be a rowfooted Scotte, for they are ever far and false: I have been a felon sharp man on my hands in my young days, and brought many of the Scots to ground in the North Marches, and gave them many grisly wounds, ne man for man durst abide me luke I was so fell. Then the limer Scots hared me, burnt my goods, and made deadly feed with me, and my barns, that now I have nothing but this sary bag and this staff, and the charity of sick good people as you are, good masters▪ ause I have many of my surname here in the city, that wade think no shem on me, yea honest handcraftie men.  Civis. 
How goat you in at the gates, my good friend?  Mendicus. 
Dear sir, I have many cuntrith men in this fair city, that came of honest stock in our land, and some a little beyond us twenty or threttie miles, that can make pure shift in the city, and in the countries ause. I came in ne place but either the person, Bailie, Conestable, or chief of the parish is of our countrith borne: and some pure men as mine own self God ken. Among whem the beadle of the beggars being a Ridesdale man borne, a good man and a true, which for ill will in his youth, did fleen the Country, it was laid to his charge, the driving of Kine 'em to his father's byre: But Christ knaweth he was sackles, and live as honestly in his age, as his sire did when he was young, good master.  Civis. 
I was borne in the north my fellow, and do live here in this city, I came hither when I was young, and when I was very poor, but now I am in good case, to live among the rest of my neighbours.  Mendicus. 
God's benison on you, and our dear ladies, I come hither purely in mine age, I have nothing but wedom.  Vxor. 
give God only thanks, for so is his holy will and commandments, that we should call upon him in the days of trouble, and only honour him: we have no commandment to honour our lady.  Mendicus. 
I think one woman wade take an other woman's part, do as it shall please you I am ne clerk, but an ingram man, of small cideration in such arogant book farles.  Civis. 
What news in the Country, as you come by the way? Country man.  Mendicus. 
Nene, but aude manners, fair sayings, false hearts, and ne devotion, God amend the Market, moche ●oilyng for the purse, deceiving of each other: in the Country, strife, debate, running for every trifle to the Lawyers, having nething but the nutshelles, the Lawyers eat the Carnelles, ause moche raising of rents, causing great dearth, mucle poverty. God help, God help, the ward is sare changed: extortioners, covetous men and hypocrites do mucle prevail, God cut them shorter, for they do make a black world, even hell upon earth, I think the great fiend or his deam will weary them all, nene other news I ken, but that I did see micle providence made in the country for you in the city, which do fear the Pestilence. I met with wagons, carts, and horses, full laden with young barns, for fear of the black Pestilence, with their boxes of medicines, and sweet perfumes. O God, how fast did they run by hundreds, and were afraid of each other, for fear of smiting.  Civis. 
I have some of my children forth, God send them well to speed.  Mendicus. 
Master, why go you not with them yourself?  Civis. 
No, youth are apt to take the Plague, and further, parents are more natural to their children, than children to their fathers and mothers. Nature doth descend, but not ascend: also if the citizen should depart when as the Plague do come, than there should not only be no plague in the city, but also the city should be void and empty, for lack of the inhabitors therein, therefore Gods will be done among his people. I do not intend to flee, notwithstanding I pray God of his mercy, deliver us from this Plague, for if it do continue GOD knoweth, it will not only take away a number of poor people, but many wealthy and lusty merchants also.  Mendicus. 
If such plague do ensue, it is no great loss. For, first it shall not only deliver, the miserable poor man, woman and barn, from hurt and carefulness, into a better world: but ause cut of many covetous usurers, which be like fat unclean swine which do never good, until they come to the dish, but wroote out every plaute that they can come by. And like unto great stinking mucle medin hills, which never do pleasure unto ●he land or ground, until their heaps are cast abroad to the profits of many, which are kept neither to their own comforts, nor others, but enely in behading them: like unto cruel dogs, lying in a Manger, neither eating the Heye themselves, ne suffering the horse to feed thereof himself. And in sick Plagues, we pure people have mick good. Their loss is our gain, when they do become naked, we then are clethed against their wills: with their doles and almose, we are relieved, their sickness is our health their death our life. Besides us Beggars, many me men have good luck, as the Curate, Parish clerk, and the bell man, often times the executors be ne losers by this game. And in fine, in my fantasy it is happy to the huntman, when he have nothing of the Cat but the silly skin. We beggars, covet not for the carcase of the dead body, but do defy it, we look for aude cast coats, doublets, hose, caps, belts and shoes by their deaths, which in their lives they waude not departed from, and this is our hap.  Civis. 
Go thy ways to Antonius Mantuanus gates: For thither, even within this two hours, I did see Master Antonius Capistranus, solemnly riding upon his Mule, with a side gown, a great chain of gold about his neck, his Apothecary Senior Crispinus, a neighbour's child, borne here by in Barbary, and his little Lackeye, a proper young apple-squire, called Pandarus, which carrieth the key of the chamber with him. These are all gone in at the gates to that noble Italian: his aulmner this day, because his master was very sick, applied the poor men with the purse, with moche devotion for the time, being without hope of his masters recovery.  Mendicus. 
I pray God send us many sick prays, for it is merry with us, when even man's hurt, do turn to many men's gains: I will go thither, far you well good Master. I will draw near, and hearken what master doctor will say, if I might be in place.  Civis. 
Farewell, for thou dost not care, which end do go forward, so that thy turn may be served.  Medicus. 
How do you good Master Antonius? Lord God how are you changed? How chanceth this? What is the matter, that you look so pale? You did send for me by your servant johannes de Corsica, a gentle young man, which lamented moche for you: and when I heard it, with all speed I came from my other pacientes, of whom I think I have taken mine ultimum vale.  Antonius. 
You are welcome Master dectour with all my heart, now help at a pinch: or else never, for I do fear myself very moche. O● my heart.  Medicus. 
I warrant you man, let me feel your pulse, and then shall I proceed to the cure, with Medicine and diet accordingly.  Antonius. 
Take your pleasure good Master Doctor, here is my hand: feel my pulse, and then you shall see mine urine, and know the time of my sickness.  Medicus. 
These are no very good tokens, neither in your urine, pulse, stool. etc. But I will do the best for you that I can do by art.  Antonius. 
And then you shall want no gold, for though I lack help, yet I want no gold of every coin, and silver also. My warehouses are well filled with wares of sundry kinds, which I do sell unto the retalers. further I have wares of most ancient service, which own me nothing, both in packs, vessels and chests. etc. which are not fit for the retalers. Then do I keep for shifts, when any gentlemen, or long suitor in the law, are behind hand, and know not what to do: then by good suretees, or assured lands by statute merchant. etc. I do sometime make xxx or. L. in the hundred by year. I have divers such honest ways to live upon, through the witty and secret handling of my brokers here in the city, and my factors, which are at Antwerp. etc. By whom I do understand the state, and what commodity is best. further I have extended upon ancient lands in the country, for the breach of covenants That to conclude with you master doctor, I could never have died in a worse time, my business is such. I would of all things live still, for here I do know what I have, and how I am used: but when I am gone, I do not know what shall happen unto me, nor whom to trust with the which I have gotten with travel, and obtained by fortune.  Medicus. 
You do speak like a wise man as ever I hard, and most things that you have taken in hand, have great profit with you: of my part I would be loath to lose you, both for an unfeigned love that I do bear unto you for your wisdom, and also for your liberality and gifts given to me many a tyme. Lo, here is the Damask gown yet in store. Here is also a Flagone chain of the hundred Angels that you did give me, in your last great Fever.  Antonius. 
Who is able to resist soche a multitude of Angels, I think few Doctors of Physic? But rather than I would die, I will let fly a thousand more.  Medicus. 
That is the way I assure you, to perfit health: and for that cause the Physician was ordained, as it is written. Honour the Physician, with the honour that is due unto him, because of necessity, for the Lord have created him, and he shall receive gifts of the king.  Antonius. 
That is a good sweet tert for Physicians, but why do you leave out these words, in the mids of the matter? Which is: of the most highest cometh learning, and so I do remember, I heard our curate read in the church, as by chance I came in with a Sergeant, to arrest two Bankeroutes.  Medicus. 
What your curate pleased him to read, I care not, for I meddle with no Scripture matters, but to serve my turn: But I know that, which I have said, is written in the Bible.  Antonius. 
Be all things written in the Bible true: I pray you tell me?  Medicus. 
God forbid Master Antonius, than it would make a fray among Merchants, for it is written. 
Psalm. xv.  None shall enter into gods dwelling, or rest with him upon his Mountain, that dareth his money upon usury, or to usury, whereby to hinder his neighbour: And this is now become the greatest trade. And many be undone by borrowing, and few do lose by lending, specially men of your worshipful experience. And how like you this text?  Antonius. 
Text how they will text, I will trust none of them all, say what they will: there be many such sayings against men, as the ten commandments. etc. Well, for my part, I have little to do in these matters, Marry I would be glad to live orderly and Civilly, so that the world should not wonder at my doings: but if damnation should arise, when the Scripture do threaten it to men, than should witti● words in bargaining▪ with facing oaths, and pleasant venerous table talk, with reviling of our enemies. etc. be accounted damnation. The● I warrant you, hell i● well furnished with courtiers, merchants, soldiers, housebandmen, and some of the clergy, I warrant you also. Among whom there are many more spiteful then spiritual, even as there are among the Physicians, many more covetous than kind har●ed. I mean not you master doctor.  Medicus. 
Sir, I do know you do not. But so God help me, one thing doth moche rejoice my heart, in your communication.  Antonius. 
What is that?  Medicus. 
I think that we two are of one religion.  Antonius. 
What is that I pray you? For I know not mine own religion.  Medicus. 
Command your folks to depart out of the chamber, and your young 'scapes also which you have gotten by chance medley, for want of marriage: for the old proverb is, small Pitchers have wide ears, and the field have eyes, and the wood have ●ares, therefore we must comen closely, and beware of blabs.  Antonius. 
Well, now the doors are sparred, say on your mind, of what Religion are you? Be plain with me man.  Medicus. 
Hark in your ear sir, I am neither catholic, Papist, protestant, nor Annabaptiste, I assure you.  Antonius. 
What then? you have rehearsed choice and plenty of religions. What do you honour? the Son, the Moon, or the stars, Beast, S●one, or Fowl, Fish or Tree?  Medicus. 
No forsooth. I do none of them all. To be plain, I am a Nullafidian, and there are many of our sect.  Antonius. 
Oh. Qui dixit in cord suo non est deus. Well, we differ very little is this point, but if I do live, we shall draw near to an unity: in the mean time, let your Pothicarie provide some good things for the body. I pray you open the door.  Medicus. 
Masters, I pray you call Crispinus hither into the Gallery, and Leonardus de Montano with him.  Crispin. 
What is your pleasure master doctor?  Medicus. 
How do you like this Garden?  Crispin. 
There are plenty of goodly herbs, both cleansing, healing, losing, binding, and restoring. I never did see more choice of sundry kinds of strange flowers, most pleasant to the eye, and sweet also. The fine knots are done by good art, Geometrically figured. A sweet conduit in the midst, made of fine stone, plentifully, casting forth water, like fine silver streams many ways. In which condite, I did behold by the space of one hour a marvelous thing, the meaning thereof I know not.  Medicus. 
What was it Crispin?  Crispin. 
The pillar was eight foot square, and eighteen foot high, with compartementes of cunning Masonry, curiously covered with fine gold. Upon the top a Tiger fearfully, having a young child in his arms ready to kill it, the child had a crown of gold upon his head. And in his left hand a Globe, figuring the whole world and was called Microcosmos, about which was written Globus conversus est.  Medicus. 
This gentleman came of a great house, this is the crest of his arms, for he descended of the most ancient Romans I warrant you, he is no upstrat, assure yourself.  Crispin. 
I had thought it had rather signified the conditions of a cruel tyrant, or some bloody conqueror: which by usurpation getting the victory of any commonwealth▪ as Lands, countries or cities, eftsoons do spoil the true heirs and owners of the land, which do wear the crown change the state of the Commons to the worse part, spoiling them with sword and bondage, which appeared by these words: Globus conversus est: the world is changed or turned.  Medicus. 
A good observation: what did you see then?  Crispin. 
I did behold on the one side the ix Muses, with strange instruments of Music sitting under the hill Parnasus, and the poets sitting under the green trees, with Laurel garlands, beset with Roses about their heads, having golden pens in their hands, as Homer, He●iodus, Ennius. etc. writing verses of sundry kinds. And Lucanus sa●te there very high, near unto the Clouds, appareled in Purple: saying.  
Quantum sermotus ego:  
Cardine Pernasus gemino petit ethera colle.  
Motis Phoebo Bromioque sacer:  
And near them sat old Moral Goore, with pleasant pen in hand, commending honest love without lust, and pleasure without pride. Holiness in the Clergy, no tyranny in rew●ers, no falsehood in Lawyers, no Usury in Merchants, no rebellion in the Commons, and unity among kingdoms. etc.  
Skelton sat in the corner of a Pillar, with a frost bitten face, frowning, and is scant yet clean cooled of the hot burning cholour, kindled against the cankered Cardinalle Wolsey: writing many a sharp disticons, with bloody pen against him, and sent them by the infernalle rivers Stux Phlegeton, and Acheron, by the Ferryman of hell called Charon, to the said Cardinalle.  
How the Cardinal came of nought  
And his prelacy sold and bought,  
And where soche Prelates be,  
Sprung of low degree:  
And spiritual dignity,  
Farewell benignity,  
Farewell simplicity,  
Farewell humanity,  
Farewell good charity.  
Thus parvum literatus,  
Came from Rome gatus,  
Doctor dawpatus,  
Scant a bachelaratus.  
And thus Skelton did end,  
with wolsey his friend.  
Witty Chaucer sat● in a chair of gold covered with Roses, writing Prose and Rhyme, accoumpanied with the spirits of many Kings, Knights, and fair ladies. Whom he pleasantly besprinkeled with the sweet● water of the well, consecrated unto the Muses, ecleped Aganippe. And as his heavenly spirit commended his dear Brigham, for the worthy intombing of his bones, worthy of memory, in the long sleeping chamber, of most famous kings Even so in tragedy, he bewailed the sudden resurrection of many a noble man, before their time: in spoiling of Epitaphs whereby many have lost their inheritance etc. And further thus he said lamenting.  
covetous men do catch, all that they may have,  
The field and the flock, the tomb and the grave:  
And as they abuse riches, and their graves that are gone,  
The same measure they shall have every one,  
Yet no burial hurteth holy men, though beasts them devour,  
Nor rich grave prevaileth the wicked, for all earthly power.  
Lamenting Lidgate, lurking among the Lilies, with a bald skons, with a garland of Willows about his pate: booted he was after Saint Benettes guise, and a black Stammel rob, with a lothlie monstruous hood hanging backward, his stooping forward bewailing every estate with the spirit of providence. Forese●ng the falls of wicked men, and the slippery seats of Princes, the ebbing and flowing the rising and falling of men in authority, and how virtue do advance the simple, and vice overthrow the most noble of the world. And thus he said.  
Oh noble Princes conceive and do lere,  
The fall of kings for misgovernere,  
And prudently peising this matter,  
Virtue is stronger than either plate or mail:  
Therefore consider when wisdom do counsel,  
Chief preservative of Princely magnificence,  
Is to almighty GOD to do due reverence.  
Then Bartley with an hooping Russette long coat, with a pretty hood in his neck, and five knots upon his girdle, after France's tricks. He was borne beyond the cold River of tweed. He lodged upon a sweet bed of camomile, under the Cinnamon tree: about him many shepherds and sheep, with pleasant pipes: greatly abhorring the life of Courtiers, Citizens Usurers, and Banckruptes. etc. whose old days are miserable. And the estate of shepherds and country people, he counted most happiest and sure. etc. saying: 
Who entereth the Court in young & tender age.  
Are lightly blinded with folly and outrage:  
But soche as entre with wit and gravity:  
Bow not so soon to such enormity:  
But or they enter if they have learned nought,  
Afterward is virtue the lest of their thought.   
next them in a black chair of Get stone, in a coat of arms sat an ancient knight, in Orange Tawny, as one forsaken, bearing upon his breast a white Lion, with a Crown of rich gold on his head: his name was sir Davie Linse, upon the mount, with a hammer of strong steel in his hand, breaking a sunder the counterfeicte cross keys of Rome, forged by antichrist: And thus this good knight of scotland said, to England the elder brother, and scotland the younger.  
Habitare fratres in unum,  
Is a blissful thing,  
One God, one faith, one baptism pure  
One law, one land, and one king:  
Clap hands together brethren dear  
Unfeigned truce together make,  
And like friends do ever accord,  
But French and Roman do first forsake,  
You are without the continent,  
A sole land of ancient fame,  
Ab origine a people old,  
Bold Britain's ecleped by name,  
S●cut erat in principio:  
Grant oh God it may be,  
In saecula saeculorum,  
That we may have peace in thee,  
Then we shall fear no foreign power,  
That against us shall advance,  
The Tartre cruel, the curse of Rome  
Ne yet the power of France. etc.  
On the second square was a fair dial for this Orison, unto which was added the hours of the planets, upon the same was written in large letters of fine gold, Tempora labuntur.  Medicus. 
There stop and lay a Straw. For Tempora labuntur, is to say: by little and little, time do slip away. I will hear● the rest of the matter at leisure. What is it a clock?  Crispin. 
But early day, scant eight of the clock.  Medicus. 
Well I pray you, dispense all things in order Contra Pestem, in the same sort, both number of the Simples, Dose and quantity, even as you did it yesterday, which was given to Paul.  Crispin. 
Sir, I have spent all my fine Myrrh, what shall I do?  Medicus. 
You are a wise man, put in Quid pro quo, called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Hoc est simplicia que aliorum facultati similium penuria subponi possunt medici consilio. Intelligis?  Crispinus. 
Etiam domine Doctor.  Medicus. 
Move te otius, & quicquid agas prudenter agas.  Crispin. 
By God he shall pay for the malt grinding, he have enough, he know none end of his pelf, it will come to an evil end. God send me more such cheats. What, me think I see two men in long gowns, with short beards at the gates, what are they a God's name?  Medicus. 
I know them very well, they are two pettifoggers in the Law, the one is called master avarus, a good gentleman, and of a great house, a man of good conscience, in deed he is my cozen germane, on my mother's side: Surely he can give good counsel, and is ●itte to be with such a man, as master Antonius is, in deed they have been long acquainted, and will never give over unto the end.  Crispin. 
Who is the other on the left hand, he seemeth to be a proper gentleman and a studious, he is lean, an handsome cleanly man. methink he have on each side of his gown a bag, and his hand in them.  Medicus. 
Every man have his grace and gesture: I promise you, I durst commit a great secret unto him. Oh he is a peragon.  Crispin. 
What meaneth he by winking like a Goose in the rain, and biting of his lip.  Medicus. 

A constant man by his gesture.  Do you note that? It is a good sign of a constant man, mark it when you will, he is a witty fellow, and one that is in great estimation, fit for master Antonius, his name is Ambidexter. Go doun● with speed, and say you have given master Antonius his purgation, and this day he have no leisure to speak with any man, and also how that he is amended: for, if the curate were here for the soul, we for the body, 
A black sanctus.  & avarus for the purse: here were but a mad company, we should never agree together, but fall into discords. Dispatch them with speed, far ye well. I will go and cause him to be let blood, and keep him from sleep, then shall he be purged to morrow in the morning. Bring the powder against the plague with you.  Crispin. 
GOD give you good morrow gentle master avarus: what master Ambidexter, how far you both? master Antonius did moche desire to have spoken with you, eight hours paste. In deed within this two hours, saving your worships, he hath taken a purgation, which have cast such air abroad, that I was not able to abide in the chamber, I had forgotten my perfumes, to make all well.  avarus. 
What think you of him, shall he escape or no? Who is with him? I pray you tell me.  Crispin. 
None but Doctor Capistranus, which also desire your absence, because he have him in cure: and trust to make him sleep after his lack of rest, and to morrow take your pleasure with him.  avarus. 
Far ye well: we have drawn and engrossed his books, commend us to master Doctor, it were a good pastime, ●o take the foot cloth from his Mule, for two or three hours in pastime.  Ambidexter. 
I had rather have the Mule.  avarus. 
What the devil doth this doctor here? If this purging were not, we would cleanse and erpulse with our resettes, that which should serve our turn well enough.  Ambidexter. 
I warrant you the Doctor do make work for us both: we shall bring our matters to pass in good time, take no care man for the matter, we will prevent the doctor to morrow, when he cometh hither with a present, and bring him some pretty things, wherein he delighteth: we shall find such means to persuade with him by little and little, to be executors of his will, according to his old promise. Further, he will take it kindly, that we do claim kindred on him by his mother's side, which was a kind hearted woman, and full of metrix, ha, ha, ha. She was in deed of those qualities, her son is like the mother, as seemeth by one in the house.  avarus. 
I fear that damosel will mar all together: she doth rule the roast, she ware th● ke●es. He can never have her out of his sight yet Reinold his man thinketh himself, in more estimation with her, than his master.  Ambidexter. 
The last year I counterfeeted a sickness of purpose, as I can when I lust, I framed my Physician to my fantasy, no man thought that I should have lived two days, when I was alone I laughed. You remember whom I made mine executor, even Antonius Mantuanus, I then providently by three things, did foresee this time and cause. The first was, his great surfeictes in banqueting: the second, his watching at Chess and Cards, the third you know what.  avarus. 
Well, well, be as be may is no bamning▪ I do fear many things. First the medicines may chance recover him, than we shall have nothing. Well, Reinolde and the damosel be ever in presence, and watch him: she cheers her master with a loving countenance. Reinold says, that he hath done true service a long time. etc. Well, I smell an other pad in the straw: when all this is done, the curate is a crafty Rhetorician, well can he persuade and rehearse God's vengeance, threats and plagues, by examples most fearful, like thunderbolts, describing the scalding house of hell, ve, ve, ve, with the story of Dives and Pauper, and the day of judgement, reading the Homely of death, crying out all is but vanity, vanity, and vexation of mind, damnation, except repentance, and true confession from the heart, restitution of wrongs, he will keep a stir, and bring our cousin into a fools paradise. It is he that will raise up all the beggars in the town: he will cry, give with your own hand, for the day you are a man, to morrow earth & ashes.  Ambidexter. 

A crafty villain.  First, let us be sober, and seem to be sorrowful for him, desiring nothing but only his life. If he stand in great danger, the doctor shall have his leave, and tarry no longer with him, in whom I think he have no hope to recover, let him be well rewarded. Secondly let Reinold be sent into the country, to the debtors for money: tell him it shall turn to his great profit, and how his master doth intend to take him as his son, and will trust none but only him, to fetch the money in the country. Thirdly, I will seem to fantasy the minion, wishing her to be my wife, alleging what broken sleeps she hath caused me to have, and the cause of my coming hither only for her stay. Then I will practise for the keys of the great black chest, and of the steel caskette. fourthly, master Curate shallbe gently saluted with a barnard's blow, we will commend him, we will pray with him, and also receive the Communion with our cousin, that he may have a good opinion in us, and deliver him a bag with five pound in pence to give to the poor, in whose absence, peradventure our Scribe and we shall frame the will: how like you this practice? If this will not serve, I have a shift of descant in store, that I learned in bosoms Inn.  avarus. 
The Devil take altogether, so that we had the gold, practise this I pray you: you have a good wit, by my troth I could not sleep all this night for this matter, if you were not, I could do nothing, but stand like a sheep.  Ambidexter. 
I warrant you, I have had long experience in this trade, everywhere within this Realm, I can do the like with the help of avarus, which is a very good pen man, close and honest, he writeth sundry hands, 
Pettifoggers, sit for the Pillory.  and is a lively graver of Seals himself, also is a kind hearted fellow: for he will not stick to lend his friend an oath if need do require.  avarus. 
The world is full of starting holes, men may scant know how to trust men now a days, but for the good report that I do hear of this honest fellow, I will be glad to have his acquaintance. I knew diverse of his kinsmen twenty years ago: GOD have mercy of all Christian souls, it was then a merry world, and will never be so good again, until this Gospelling Preachers have a sweeting sickness in Smithfieled, and their Bible burnt, well, would some were at liberty for their sakes. Well, well.  Ambidexter. 
Oh I do remember that reverent mortified father, that holy man bishop Boner, that blessed catholic confessor of Rome, if he were again at liberty, he would not daily to make them, but trimly would rest these fellows, and after burn them, you know his workmanship very well.  avarus. 
He is my cousin germane, and Per●urus that honest fellow, was his boy, & brought up with him in his youth, and your grandfather did pen his prologue, in the book called De vera obedientia, when as they laughed merely, 
Honest fellows.  saying they had rather put to their hands, then either their heads or hearts, wise men, wise men.  Ambidexter. 
Yea, such wisemen will serve the time, Prudenter agere, and be as wise as Serpents, and simple as Doves.  avarus. 
To have the nature of a serpent, I will stand with them: but beshrew my heart, if I would be as simple as a Dove, either so simple, fearful, or doltish, but rather as my good lord Boner. Quasi Leo rugiens querens quein devoret. And thus he would expound that text, which must have soche a gloze upon it.  Ambidexter. 
I am alone upon gloss, 
Gloss.  I have art in store to sophist. I was brought up three year with a Friar of mont Pillar, he taught me how to handle prosa, obscurum, inordinatum, and barbarum, with genus and species: full well I can handle the matter, both pro and contra. Commonly these are my figures, and serve well to my purpose, as Enigma, proaemiae, ironiae sarcasimus, antephrasis, & chatientismus. I have many rotten rules, which do serve for the purse: I learned them at Paris, they are written in an old Barbarous French book. When we are at more leisure, I will show thee all my cunning, my gains and profits. Now let us confer both together, this after noon about our matters.  avarus. 
Contented in that case, as for terms and tricks in Logic, I force not of them, they will pay for no horse bread: 
A good company.  it is gold that maketh a glad heart. He deserveth reverence and rule, that hath it and kept it: go let us dine together, and send for our friends, Rapax, Capax, and Tenax, to keep us company an hour or two, for they are good fellows.  Ambidexter. 
Agreed, I like their company very well they are my friends, and kind hearted men  avarus. 
And mine also, go let us departed, and not be seen moche together abroad standing in counsel, because our matters are not curraunte.  Medicus. 
Crispinus, where have you been so long? I thought it a year since your departure, but I have shorted the time, in beholding this pitiful picture of Lucretia, and this fearful siege of Pavia, but this Map of the description of Terra Florida in America, have rejoiced me, there the gold & precious stones, and Balms are so plentiful, silver and spice are nothing with them, no labour is in that land, long life they have: one thing there is, which liketh me not among them.  Crispin. 
What is that master Doctor?  Medicus. 
They have never sickness until death do come: therefore there is no good dwelling for us in such a land. Further, it is said, that they have no debate nor strife in their common wealths.  Crispin. 
Marry than it is as unprofitable for layers, as for Physicians. I trust we shall never be in that case, in this our country.  Medicus. 
God defend us from such a Common wealth, it would mar altogether. Now let us go to the chamber door, and see how the world goeth with master Antonius, and take our Phlebothomer with us, to let him blood.  Crispin. 
I will wait on your mastership.  Medicus. 
How do you good master Antonius, have you taken any rest, since I was with you  Antonius. 
No more Master Doctor, then if I had been laid on hot coals. 
A dreadful case.  Oh sir, there was never man in such a case, as I am in. I have had most fearful dreams of thieves to rob me: me thought I was in the top of a high tower, telling of money, and suddenly there came an yearthquake, & shook the tower in pieces, & cast me down upon weapons all bloody, which a great number of Morions had in their hands, from them I fell in the fire, which was like high mountains about me, whereas was much noise, and a cruel battle. I did see there many of mine old acquaintance, which sometime were of great honour, both men spiritual and Temporal, and the Pope himself, with many of his friends. They were in extreme wretchedness, and sore handled of fearful Monsters, and worms gnawing upon their breasts, upon whom was written: Conscience hath accused me, and hell devoured me. We, ve, ve, and thus I am tossed to and fro, 
A troubled conscience.  alas what shall I do. Also I did hear many ragged and sick people, cry vengeance on me● and men in prison also, that said I had undone them, to enrich myself, oh good God.  Crispin. 
Sir I pray you let me hacken in your ear.  Medicus. 
What is the matter?  Crispin. 
I will depart: his talk doth so much trouble me, me think he doth wound my conscience. Also, I will home, and cast away a great number of rotten drugs, wherewith I have gotten moche money, in deceiving the people, God forgive me.  Medicus. 
The vicar of saint fools be your ghostly father, are you so wise? Tarry still with me, let him pay for your rotten drugs, for I may say to you, that he is almost rotten already himself: me think your conscience is to much spiced with sudden devotion.  Antonius. 
What mean you Master Doctor, to whisper in the apothecary's ear?  Medicus. 
Nothing sir, but I have appointed at what time that you should receive your● Clyster, and how your Ptisa●●te should be made: and in what order that your frontarie should be applied to your forehead, to cause you to sleep quietly. These dreams are nothing, but proceeding of the abundance of choler, you are hot and dry: also the time is very hot: the Son is now xx. degrees in Leo, the Dog days are to be observed. notwithstanding, fear nothing, I warrant you, life for life, discomfort not yourself, a man or a Mouse.  Antonius. 
You are a merry gentleman, do your pleasure with me, I will put myself into your hands I tell you: hold here are twenty old Angels, that did see no Son this ten year. Your Pothicarie shallbe well considered, he seemeth to be an honest man, and a cunning fellow: let him set up all the boxes and glasses in the window, and put on his bonnet.  Medicus. 
What mean you sir, I pray you remember yourself: so God help me, you are to blame: well, I will not contrary you. My chief desire is to help you, without the respect of money or gold, or other of your commodity. Crispin set the boxes in the window: and you Surgeon, prepare your lace, staff and lance, with your ounce vessels, that I may consider his blood in order and due quantity, for hither unto he is but in the augmenting of his fever. Further, he had no fit this ten hours, let him blood by little and little, and although he do fall into Lipothimion, it is no matter, let him blood until it partly do change into a good colour. Oh Lord, how might you live? if this blood should have remained any longer, did you ever see the like? what a good heart he hath, the worst is past this would have been a great sore, or confirmation: stop up the vein a God's name.  Crispin. 
I did never see the like, but once where as your Mastership did a great cure, upon a noble man.  Medicus. 
Oh, are you advised of that Crispin, he is a good friend of mine, I have twenty pound yearly of him. He sent me a fat Buck upon Monday last, and gave me my Mule also, with a Velvet foot cloth.  Crispin. 
Sir, when you sent me home, I left your mule standing at the door, but as I returned, I met a lackei clothed in Orange tawny and white, with a pair of bare tanned legs, & a blue night cap, with a plume of feathers riding on him as fast as he might gallop.  Medicus. 
Oh the passion of Christ, my mule is stolen, I will hence, I had rather lose. xx.li. I will tarry no longer: 
A great loss.  my Mule, I will teach him to ride on my Mule, I warrant him.  Crispin. 
Sir, he needeth no teaching, he can ride well I warrant you. I heard him say to a young man with a long cloak, lined with yellow, that his master sent him to carry a letter, to a merchant venterer, that was crossailed into Terra Florida.  Medicus. 
give me my gown, far ye well Master Antonius: as evil luck as ever I had in all my life.  Antonius. 
I had thought the loss of your friend, and of your Mule, had not been both a like to you. What for twenty pound, I will pay it double: the knave shall not escape, Crispin hath taken good marks upon him. I will send to every Ward, blind lane, Inns Woods and fields, after the villain. I will take the matter on me, because you come to me so gently: quiet yourself, sit down again in the chair, I were cast away if you were gone, good master doctor.  Medicus. 
I care not so much for the mule, but that my lord will take moche unkindness, and think I should set light by his gift, and the Ruffians will laugh me to scorn, when they know how I am handled of the knave boy. Well, I am contented with your offer I pray you beware you sleep not, you shall sup the thin broth of a chicken by and by, made with the four great cold seeds and cordial Herbs. Crispin, I pray you make the broth in some stone or silver vessel. Copper or Brass is not good for Master Antonius: such vessels are Leprous.  Antonius. 
If you will have it made of gold, you shall.  Medicus. 
We shall make shift with other things: gold shall serve to deaurat or gild your lozenges, electuaries & manus christi withal.  Antonius. 
Contented, so that it maketh on my side whatsoever it be. But me think I feel sleep approaching, what shall I do?  Medicus. 
Draw the Curtains, open the lukette of the Window: set Sallowes about the bed, besprinkled with vinegar and rose water. Take of that hot mantel, let his head and shoulders be bolstered up, lie not on your back, lean towards this side, let us talk together like friends, why are you so heavy and yearthlike.  Antonius. 
I must needs, I was made of earth, but where is the earth placed, of which I was made, and of what fashion is it, although I walk upon the same, yet do I stand in doubt of the matter.  Medicus. 
The earth is most heavy, 
Aristo. de c●l● & mundo.  and can be in no place, but in the midst of heaven, not movable, but round & hangeth continually, about the which are the lands and countries of the world fixed, which Aristotle doth call Medium terrae, medium mundi.  Antonius. 
Ar there not bodies, which are called simple.  Medicus. 
Yes forsooth, 
The four Elements.  those are the iiij. the fire hot and dry, the air hot and moist, the water cold and moist, the earth cold and dry, and these are called the Elements.  Antonius. 
Are there not bodies called mixed, what are they?  Medicus. 
Animalia: as man, beast, fish, 
Mixed bodies.  foul and Worms, Vegetabilia, as Herb, Grass and Trees, and mineralia, things under the earth, as metals.  Antonius. 
Lord, how is this world stayed?  Medicus. 
The two Pools Articus and Artarti●●● South and North, are the extreme limits about whom the whole frame of heaven is wrapped, and is called Axie coeli●.  Antonius. 
Men saith that certain stars do govern the things beneath here in earth.  Medicus. 
They do so in deed, as it is well proved when as the Sun and Moon do enter into any of their circles, in those great bodies, than our little bodies in earth do feel the goodness or evilness of them, as Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius, are hot, dry and bitter, cholorike, and are governing hot and dry things, and this is called the fiery triplicity. The second triplicity, is of air hot and moist, sanguine, sweet, and do govern Sanguine people. And other triplicity is of water, cold & moist, phlegmatic, having the government of cold raw bodies. The last is the earth, the mother of all things, cold and dry melancholy.  Antonius. 
What do the knowledge of these things profit to Physic, I pray you tell me?  Medicus. 
Most chief: for where, as the Philosopher do leave, there the Physician do begin. That is, he must be first a good natural philosopher, he must have the knowledge o● times and seasons, and be acquainted with complexions of men, observing the nature of things, and the climates under heaven, with the course of the Son, Moon and Stars, Air and diet. etc.  Antonius. 
I pray you, is there a soul in man?  Medicus. 
Yes forsooth.  Antonius. 
Why then, there must needs be a greater thing, as the cause of every living soul which I take to be GOD, 
God.  which hath made all things, and when you and I talked together, you seemed that, Non est deus.  Medicus. 
I professed to follow Aristotle, but my meaning was, that I credit not the Bible matters, I am no Divine, I find no reasons there for my turn: they are to hard things for me, I commend them to Darbell and Duns. etc.  Antonius. 
Why, doth Aristotle show any better reasons than is in the Bible? Then I pray you: what is the power of the soul?  Medicus. 
In the soul saith Aristotle in his book of Ethiques, 
The three parts of the soul.  it hath three sundry powers. The one is named vegetable, in which every man taketh part with herbs, trees, and plants. The second part of the soul is named sensible: in this part man and beast are both a like in moving. etc. The third part is more, which is racionall, or having reason. And this part of reason, hath both act to do well, and power to do evil. And these ij. are called Intellective, which learneth, deserveth and judgeth in every thing that may be seen, felt, heard, or understanded: but the power unreasonable, as sudden raging, crying. etc. Is ascribed unto the Lion, Horse, Hog. etc. How like you this manner of talk, yet here is no scripture, but Aristotle, I assure you.  Antonius. 
Then it should appear, that the soul hath virtues: how many I pray you?  Medicus. 
The first virtue is called Intellectual, from which springeth wisdom, science, & prudence. And the two is called moral, which is the mother of many good things, as chastity, liberality, humanity, & good manners.  Antonius. 
What is the cause of these two virtues in the soul.  Medicus. 
The virtue Intellectual, engendereth and is nourished by learning of good tutors, and men of experience, or reading of good books of Philosophy: which is a secrets virtue in the soul. And also the moral cometh by good custom, and not by nature, as if one man had two sons, the one brought up in keeping cattelle, the other in daily learning good lessons, 
Example.  although nature did frame their bodies like in shape, yet they should not be like in conditions: moral provideth, that natural things in them both, can not be moved by contrary custom. For stones naturally, though they be cast never so high by art, yet must they naturally fall down again. Even so of fire being driven down, yet it will cast his flames upward: so virtue is not in us by nature, but only by power to receive them, for every thing that is in us by nature: first it is in us by powers, & after cometh to act, as it cometh to the senses of mankind. For none can deny, but first● man hath power to hear, see, feel. etc. So the power doth prevent, and cometh before the act in nature.  Antonius. 
Then if power goeth before th'act, than a man is called honest, good, or chaste, before: either nonestie, goodness, or chastity appeareth in him.  Medicus. 
In things moral, evermore the act goth before the power. An example: a Schoolmaster is called a Teacher, because of his learning, which is the work going before the power. And the cause of a good man is his good works: and so of the evil, whose work is either drunkenness, advitrie, theft. etc. they make him evil.  Antonius. 
Then it should appear, that this thing called Actus, or work, bringeth virtue and vice in man.  Medicus. 
What else, doth not every man that liveth eat? But if he eat to much or to little, doth it not bring sickness? Even so of to much labour or idleness, of to much boldness or cowardness, are not these acts vicious and evil? And doth not one mean moderate them both. Extremes are ever hurtful.  Antonius. 
What remedy than I pray you?  Medicus. 
Nothing is better than a mean, called temperance, 
Temperance  which is governed by prudence, which is ever content between both, and rejoiceth in it.  Antonius. 
So then, 
adversity.  if a man fell into extreme adversity, and sustain it patiently in his sickness, poverty, or cause of grief, call you this a mean, or no.  Medicus. 
In every work or suffering, there is pleasure or displeasure. If a man do rejoice in trouble, in chastity, 
Prudence.  in bearing of cruel words or slander, the same is a prudent man, and his suffering maketh it a mean to him: but other men that are chastised, and will suffer outwardly, and it grieveth them in so doing, the same is vicious, and lacketh mean, or prudence.  Antonius. 
Hath the soul any delights in her or no?  Medicus. 
Yes truly, in three things. The first● profitable, 
profit.  whereof springeth husbandry to nourish the earth, as also Physic to help the body, knighthood to go to battle. etc. The second is delectable, 
Pleasure.  as taking pleasure in things done, which is chief nourished of the soul, in which consisteth al● the pleasures of the world. The third is called good, 
Virtue.  that is to be virtuous, loving, sober, patient, and also to the soul or mind, are enjoined, habit, power and passion.  Antonius. 
Have young children the soul in all points as women have or no, in operation or election  Medicus. 
Aristotle. saith: that operation of the will of the soul, is common to children, but the election or choice, be not in them to will.  Antonius. 
What is will in the soul?  Medicus. 
The will is the intent, but election is the antecedent to the intent, for election goeth before operation or work, and the work doth follow the same, as doing of things, buying, selling, and all the arts and sciences, are so to be considered. Frste, by election, then by operation, 
First election, than operation  as by art I do prove you to have the pestilence, experience hath taught me, which young children can not know, as Grammar, Rhetoric, Music, Physic, before they have learned them, or begun with their principles.  Antonius. 
Now I will stop and lay a straw, and comen as yet no more of the matters of the soul, but only of the body, and namely in this point of the pestilence. 
Pestilence.  What is the cause of the same, good Master doctor?  Medicus. 
That which we do see, we do testify, and ●hat which we do testify is true. 
The cause of the pestilence  Therefore no man ought in matters, which appertaineth to the estate of life, to write fables or lies, but that which is of great aucthorite● and of good experience. This pestilent fever, saith Hipocrates, 
Hypocrates de flatibus.  is in two parts considered: the first is common to every man, by the corruption of air. The second is private or particular to some men through evil diet, repletion, which bringeth putrefaction, and finally mortification. And Galen in the diffrences of fevers, doth affirm the same, saying: unam aerem viciatum ac putridum, 
Gale●●● libri. i. De differen●●●●▪ Feb. Cap. v.  alteram homoree corporis virioso victu colectos, & ad putrescendum paratos. Avicen also, Tractus quartus de febribus pestilentialibus. cap. i. When there doth come a sudden alteration or change in the quality of water, from cold to heat, or transmutation from sweetness to stink, as it chanceth in waters, through corrupted mixture of putrefied vapour, infecting both air & water, which of their own simplicity are clean, but through evil mixture are poisoned: 
A●tius de remedica. libri. v. Paulus libri. two.  or when strong winds do carry pestilent fume or vapours from stinking places, to the clean parts, as bodies dead of the plague, unburied, or mortality in battle, death of cattle, rotten fens, coming suddenly by the impression of air, 
●afis ● li. de pest. Gal●. libri. i. De diffe●●●●▪ ca iiii.  creeping to the heart, corrupting the spirits, this is a dispersed pestilence, by the inspiration of air. Also by repletion, Venus, bathing, or opening the pores, rotten food, fruit, moche Wine, or immoderate labour, or the time being hot and moist. These are great causes.  Antonius. 
At what time of the year doth the Pestilence cast forth her poison?  Medicus. 
In the time of Harvest saith Hypocrates, are most sharp and deadly sicknesses, 
Hyp. 〈◊〉. nineteen.  but less danger in the Spring time: and in the time of sundry change of Winds when the weather is hot and moist.  Antonius. 
To what persons I pray you, doth the Pestilence come?  Medicus. 
Most chief to them, under the place infected, then to slotishe beastly people, that keep their houses and lodgings unclean, their meat, drink, and clothing, most noisome, their labour and travel immoderate, or to them which lack provident wisdom, to prevent the same by good diet, air, Medicine. etc. Or to the bodies hot and moist. And these bodies do infect other clean bodies, and whereas many people do dwell on heaps together, as Avicen saith: Et communicat multitudine hominum. etc. Fen. j Tra. iiij.  Antonius. 
By what sign or token is this perilous plague or stripe of the Pestilence, best known among the Physicians. Go not about the bush with subtle words, but plainly speak the truth to me, being in this fearful danger, as you do well know that I am in.  Medicus. 

Causes and signs of Pestilence.  The signs are most manifest which are the stars running course or raze after their causes. Oh the most fearful eclipses of the Sun and Moon, those heavenly bodies are manifest signs of the pestilence among men, and the stars cadente in the beginning of Harvest, or in the month of September, or much South wind or east wind in the Canicular days, with storms and clouds, and very cold nights and extreme hot days, & moche change of weather in a little time, or when birds do forsake their eggs, flies or things breeding under the ground, do fly high by swarms into the air, or death of fish or cattelle, or any dearth going before, these are the signs of the pestilence, & evident presages of the same  Antonius. 
These are good signs general, but particular: what manifest tokens do signify the Plague or Pestilence in a man's own proper body.  Medicus. 
They which are smitten with this stroke or plague, 
Ruff. evicts Fatetur. Actiu●. Cap. xcv. ●ibr. v. viii. Paulus Libri. Cap. xxxv.  are not so open in the spirits as in other sicknesses are, but strait winded, they do swoon and vomit yellow chollour, swelled in the stomach with moche pain, breaking forth with stinking sweat. The extreme parts very cold, but the internal parts boiling with heat and burning, no rest, blood distilling from the nose: Urine somewhat watery, and sometime thick with stink, sometime of colour yellow, sometime black, scalding of the tongue, ordure most stinking, with red eyen, corrupted mouth with blackness, quick pulse and deep, but weak, headache, altered voice, loss of memory, sometime with raging in strong people. These and such like are the manifest signs, how the heart hath drawn the venom to it, by attraction of the air: by the inspiration of the arters to the heart, and so confirming it to be the perilous fever Pestilemciall. This is most true: of this cometh foul bubos, antaxis and carbuncles, sores, through putrefaction, as Galene saith: li.iii. De presage. Avicen. Fe. i. tract. iiii. Gal. lib. i. De diffe. cap. iiii. & Rasis de constitutione pestilentiae ad mansorem. Also this fever is scant to be recovered, and almost past help, when these Symptomatas do appear, as Galene saith iii De praesage ex pul. qua propter neque hos curare tentandum erit.  Antonius. 
You have declared unto me a fearful tale of the Plague, whereof thousands have and shall die: a pitiful case how it cometh among people suddenly, even as you have showed, the cause primative in th'air. The antecedent, 
Primatime. Antece lent. conjunct. Causes of the Pestilence.  when the same air is drawn into the heart by attraction of the arters: the conjunct, when it with boiling heat, doth change by putrefaction, nature into the worse part, and almost passed cure of any Physician, when it is come to this point, as I gather by your late talk, which doth put me in great fear of my life. But I will common with you for others, which are not infected, how may they be most safely defended, master Doctor?  Medicus. 
Would you fain know? Surely I will declare thee, the best defence that I can, I will hide nothing. First of all, let all men, 
Good air, Gale. de ter. i. ad Pi●o. Cap. xvi. Ptul. li. ca xxxvi Avicen de preser. a pest. f●u. two tract. iiii. Rasis ad almond. libr. de pest. Cap. two.  women and children, avoid out of the ill air, into a good soil: and then, according to their age, strength of nature and complexion, let everyone of them, with some good Medicene, draw from the body, superfluous moisture, and diminish humour hot and dry, and use the regiment of diet to drying, sharped with vinegar or tart things, and lesser meats, not so much wine as they have used in custom, neither Pottage, Milk, unripe fruits: hot Spices, dates or Honey, or sweet meats, wine with Sugar are not tolorable. No anger or perturbations of the mind, 
Trouble of monde or fear.  specially the passion called fear: for that do draw the spirits and blood inwards to the heart, and is a very mean to receive this plague. Neither use acts venerous, nor bathing, either with fume, Stove, or warm water (for this cause): they all do open the poors of the body, neither quassing or moche drinking: even so thirst or dryness is not tolorable, or immoderate exercise or labour, specially after meat: 
A goodly rule against the Plague.  Music is good in this case, and pleasant tales, and to have the meats well sauced with clean sharp● vinegar. Forget not to keep the chamber, and clothing clean, no prives at hand, a soft fire with perfumes in the morning. Shift the lodging often time, and close in the South east winds, specially in the time of mists, 
Note also the Clysters are good, before the opening of veins.  Clouds and winds. And use to smell upon some pleasant perfume and to be let blood, a little at one's, and to take Pills contra Pesten: that is a good preservative against the plague.  Antonius. 
These are good rules, and happy are they that do wisely observe them in time, place and manner accordingly: but if one be new lie infected, what remedy then, as when a man is sick, and the sore appeareth not.  Medicus. 

Libri Epid. Sect. ●i. Apho. iiii.  A coming forth like a bubos, are signs of those parts from which they do swell as example, in the left side, head, neck, flanks. etc. but often times the plague sore will not appear, the very cause is this: nature is to weak, and the poison of the infection to strong, that it cannot be expelled and this is most perilous of all, when such a cruel conqueror doth rain within the heart, the principal part of life, now possessed with death. The causes of this, I have declared before with signs to the same. 
Consider two special things.  Not withstanding, consider two things: first whether it is in bodies sanguine and choleric, or them which are phlegmatic, or melancholy, or not. The first two, blood is the cause: the second two abundance of evil humours. Therefore let blood, 
Avicen. C●rati. f●bri Pesti. ●i. iiii. ●en. i. tract. iiii.  whereas it hath the victory, and purge whereas other humours have predomination, or chief rule: in some men, that have very strong bodies, first purge, than let blood. Note this, that what side be infected, 
Leo. Actus de med ●d. mor. Lib●i. iiii.  let blood on that side: if it be above the head, open Cephalica: if it be under the arms, Basilica, or heart vein: if it be about the throat, then open Malleola, about the flanks, bailie, legs. etc. open jecoraria: if they are very weak or young, then boxing is good to the neck, shoulders, back and thighs: if the stomach be full, then with speed vomet●e and these things draw the venom from the heart, and remove the poison.  Antonius. 
This is good in the cure of the Pestilence, for I do praise this blood letting very well, in the beginning of the sickness.  Medicus. 
Blood must be let in the beginning of the sickness: 
Example.  for example, like as a pot is cleansed of the scum or foam, in the beginning, when it playeth on the fire, and thereby the liquor is cleansed within the pot: even so, blood letting and pills, do help and cleanse the Pestilence, 
Who may not be let blood.  when it beginneth first to boil within the body. Howbee it, certain people may not bleed: as women which have their times abundantly: or men having flux of the Hemoroides, children very young, or people weak and aged.  Antonius. 
I pray you, what quantity of blood must be let?  Medicus. 

quantity of blood let.  Forsooth sour unees, or little more, and must be done every month, sometime in the Median, sometime in the Basilica. etc. And not to sleep after the same, during six seven, or eight hours.  Antonius. 
What pills do you use against the Plague.  Medicus. 
The best Pills generally under heaven, and is thus made: 
Ruff. contra pest. Avicen. libri. iiii. Fen. i. tract. iiii. Paul. Libri. two. Cap. xxxvi.  take the best Yellow Aloes two ounces, Myrrh and Saffron, of each one ounce, beat them together in a Mortar a good while, put in a little sweet Wine, then roll it up, and of this make five Pills, or seven of one dram, whereof take every day next your heart, a Scruple, or more, it will expulse the Pestilence that day. etc.  Antonius. 
Have you any good potion in store for the Pestilence: to be drunk a Mornings, when the Pills are not taken.  Medicus. 
None better than this: take Theriaca, of the making of Andromachus two Scruples which is a treacle incomparable, 
Galenus libri. ix. de simplic.  passing against both poison and Pestilence, and the Antidotari of Mithridatis i Scruple. bull armoniac prepared, half a Scruple and the waters of distilled Roses, 
Fuch. de meed. morbis. libri. iiii.  Scabious and bugloss, of each one ounce mingled together: but this Medicene must be had of Crispin, or one of his companions, which use no rotten ware.  Antonius. 
Have you any good powder?  Medicus. 
One better, I assure you, than a kings ransom, and thus it must be made: take the leaves of Dictamnus, and the roots of Turmentil, of pimpernel, of Seduall, of Gentian, of betony, of each half an ounce bull armoniac prepared an ounce, Terra sigillata three drams, fine Aloes & Myrrh of each half an ounce, Saffron a dram, mastic two drams: beat them together finely & fearsed, this is the powder. Of this must a dram be drunk in four or vi spoonful of Rose or sorrel water, when danger approacheth, or in the time of danger.  Antonius. 
These are strong things for many week stomachs: is there any other wholesome things?  Medicus. 
The siruppes of Violets, of Sorrel, of Endive, of sour Limondes, of each like, mingled with Burrage water, and a Ptisane made of Barley, mingled together, is very wholesome to drink, put in the powder of bull ammoniac, which is of a singular virtue to cool: for Galen did help thousands at Rome with the same Bole, and the Theriaca mingled together, in a great pestilence, but in the pestilence time, one being infected therewith, let him sweat by warm things, as hot tiles. etc. and let not the patient eat, sleep, nor drink, and eat light meats, as Hen, Capon, Cheken, Partriche, eating often, and little at one's, with sauce, made sharp of vinegar, Oranges, sharp Limondes, or Sorrel, and in the first day of the sickness, that the patient be kept from sleep, by talking, sprinkling of sweet water, rubbing of the body, as nose ears, or soft pulling of the hears, as they may be suffered, or a sponge dipped in vinegar, applied to the nose: and if vehement dryness, or heat doth approach, then drink the Syruppes last rehearsed, and have the Chamber clean kept, and also parfumed four times of the day, beware of stink, let the perfumes be made with Olibanum, mastic, wood of Aloes, Benjamin, Storax, Laudanum, Cloves, juniper, or so●●● like, and sprinkle all the chamber about with vinegar: 
Avicen. libr. iiii. 〈◊〉 i. tract. iiii. Ras.  roses in the windows, or green branches of Sallow, or of Quinces, are good, sprinkled with Rose water and Vinegar.  Antonius. 
I have heard say, that Garlic and new Ale, should be good for the Plague.  Medicus. 
You do say truth, Garlic is good for to bring it, but not against it, it is so hot, and hath power attractive, and that is very evil, and a mean to bring the plague so are Onions, 
Good observations.  Leeks, Rocket, radish, and s●che baggage, which are sold about, in every street in Plaguy time, as means for to bring the same, it is pity to suffer such things. further, the multitudes of infected people among the whole, infecting them, or wearing the apparel of the dead bodies of the Pestilence, which should be burned: for it is like a fire, when it have gotten the victory, and can not be quenched. Priveis, filthy houses, gutters, chanilles, unclean kept: also the people sick, going abroad with the plague sore running, stinking and infecting the whole, or unwise ●ashe passing with an empty stomach out of the house: Neither to sit tippling and drinking all the day long, nor use running wrestling, Dancing, or immoderate labour, which do not only open the pores but also cause the wind to be short, and the pulses to quick, and the Arters draw to the heart when it panteth, the pestilential air and poison. And what is worse than fear of mind, when one doth hear ill tidings, the death of father, mother, child. etc. By it the spirits and blood are drawn inwards to the heart. Also of care, anger, wrath. etc. These are all perilous: 
The best remedy, the worst mean.  Mirth must be used, specially in this case: Cats, Dogs, Swine, Ducks, Doves, Hens or Gese, are very unwholesome near unto the place or mansion of dwelling, or lie dead in ditches near the town: or many people lying together in one bed, or long watching in the night, or co●ti●nes of the belly: shut up the hot house doors, and tennis play, which are most venomous. Be never without the electuary of nuts, thus made, 
Fuch. libri. iiii. de moab. Elect●arii de nucibi●.  cleave walnuts twenty fat figs xiij herb Grace two handful Wormewoodde Fetherfu, or rather Cotula Foetida, called Buphthalmus, called o'er ●ye, and Scabios of each one handful: the roots of Aristolochia longa, half an ounce: Aristonlochia rotunda, an ounce and a half. The roots of Turmentill, and of the lesser Burr, call- Petasitus, pimpernel, of each two ounces and a half, the leaves of the very Dictam ni one handful, bay berries three Dragmes, the powder of Hearts horn two drams and a half, Maces, Morrhe, Bole armoniac, and the earth of Limodes, of each Dragmes three, Salt of the Sea a dram and a half, Nux vomica, drams two, Buglos flowers one handful, stamped together by art, & with clarified honey make it: this is good to be eaten a dram every morning. Forget not the Pills of Ruffi, of them may be taken one at ones.  Antonius. 
After, or with this Pestilence, there will a fearful sore appear, as we have the knowledge universal, by painful experience, which we do call the plague sore, what do you say to the same sore?  Medicus. 

Carbo & Anthrax are one.  This sore is called Carbunculus, of Carbo a Coal, or Anthrax: they are both one, and not two, and is engendered of most sharp, hot and gross blood, which nature doth cast forth through the skin, to one particular part, with extreme pain and peril to the body: whose Primitive cause was, the corruption of air or diet, drawn to the heart, of which pestiferous smoke, or poisoned fume, this sore hath his cause, & the same sore is th'effect following.  Antonius. 
What are the signs: when it cometh near hand?  Medicus. 
A fever going before, 
Signs of the plague.  noisome and loathsomeness of stomach, wambleing of the heart, pulse not equal, urine stinking, desirous of sleep, perilous dreams with starting, through the sharpness of hot and burning humours, and then a little push will creep forth like a scab, sometime more than one, than it will increase and shine like pitch or Bptumen, with passing pain, and then it will have a crust like unto the squanies or flakes of Iron, when they fall of, when the Smith doth work, and in colour like ashes is this crust, wrought by extreme heat and burning, therefore it may be called the burning coal, or Ignem persicum. further, there are four colours to be observed in the sore besides the crust, yellow, red, green and black. The first two are not so dangerous as the second two are. Yet saith Rasis in his book of the pestilence, to Mansor the king, that the Carbuncle is deadly, and most perilous. And Avicen affirmeth the black to be incurable, specially when a Fever Pestilence do reign. Sometime it is drawn back again into the body, than no remedy. Sometime it happeneth in the most noble places, 
Where the plague sore is placed.  as near the heart, the throat, most perilous, with sudden stopping the spirits of life. Some pestilent sores do come in the cleansing places, as arm holes, flanks. etc. And when nature is so strong, to cast it forth with a red colour, palish, or yellowish, the cure is not then very hard.  Antonius. 
It should seem to be most hard: you have showed more periles then helps hither unto: But if there be any remedies, what are they? I pray you tell them, for in that point you may do much good.  Medicus. 
Even as I have rehearsed before, so will I again begin in the cure of the carbuncle of the opening of a vein, and if none other thing do let, as extreme weakness. etc. then let the patient bleed, until the defection of the spirits, or near hand swoning. Let it be done on that side grieved or afflicted, as I have said before in the fever Pestilence of the Mediane. etc. Also forget not viii. special things. First the substance, as compass, length, depth, hardness. etc. Second, the matter whereof it is bread, as blood. etc. The third as accident, through the dolour, as a fever, redness. etc. Fowerth to know it from a cause, whereof a doubt might arise thereof. 
Gal. ●ttribu●●● altar ●in ●midi●. To know the Anthrax from the Cancer.  And this is the difference between them. A Carbuncle in the beginning is very hard, flaming red, extreme pain. etc. As I have said before, and will come quickly to his head. But Cancer is not so red, neither so painful, yet much harder, and longer time or it cometh to the head. But when it beginneth to wa●e soft, than it ripeth faster than the Carbuncle. The fift, of the causes efficient, whether it be ripe through concoction or no or the qualities of the corrupted humours or hardness. etc. The sixth, in what place it is, in place of peril or no. The seventh is to work by incision, plaster. etc. The eight is good diet, as air, meat, drinks, sleep. etc. These are very good observations, worthy of memory in this case. And now followeth a peril to the Chirurgeon, which must be richly rewarded, for he putteth his life in danger, in that, that he helpeth the sore body infected, he ought to be provident, that doth take this matter in hand, and before he cometh to the pinch, to eat his antidotari of Mithridate, 
A caviate for the Chirurgeon.  or to have a Sponge with strong vinegar, applied to his nostrils, to arm himself against the poisoned air: and to take his lance in his hand, according to the art, taking heed that in lancing, he cut no vain or Senewe, which have society with each other therefore lance not very deep. This is no strange thing after blood-letting, to lance the sore, to let forth the matter, in some it will come forth abundantly, when it is ripe or rotten: in other some not, because the humours are gross, and baken together, or the running matter far in, or scant ripe, and nothing will come forth but salt, sharp, filthy, stinking water: then beware of any thing that might drive it back again into the body, as cold, bull armen. etc. then thinsition must be made in the lowest place, so that thereby the matter mate the sooner avoid, and must be made in the form crooked, if it be not in a place full of sinews, if it be, then make the insition long: after the matter is run forth, than cover it with lint dipped in this following, which is excellent good, yea, if the matter be stubborn in the sore. Take Quinse seed, 
Note this well.  Galls, of each. iij. drams, Myrrh, Olibanum and Aloes, of each two drams and a half, Alom two drams, Aristolochia the round roots, Calamenthe, as much: Calamenth, i dram and a half, Calcanthum a scruple, all beaten finely, then temper it together in a little Red Wine, made in small rolls: you may keep them dry, and then in this case dissolve it, or part of it in the water of stilled milk, apply this with lint into the sore, 
To wash the place.  also in this case to wash the sore with a sponge dipped in the warm waters of Dragons, Scabious, sweet wine, Aaristolochia and Comphori, or their decoction. And to have the roots of Compho●●, of Lilies, of Mallows, sodden in white wine until they be soft, then stamped and drawn through a strainer, put thereunto barley meal & honey of roses, this is a very good thing to apply to the sore, 
A good medicen for the sore.  after the washing for twelve hours, and will digest it. another good medicen, both to ripe and assuage the pain: mallows, violets, cham● mill, 
A good medicine to ripe.  of each half an handful, dill, half as much, seeth them and bray them, than adt● them barley meal, & oil of roses, flax sede bean meal, of each three ounces. Seeth them in sweet wine, until they wax thick, and make plaster. And to the places about the roots of the carbuncle, round about it, this is good both to eradicate & defend the same Seeth sour oranges in vinegar or sorrel, 
For the roots of the sore  and put a little bull armen to it, dip a cloth or flax in it, and apply it round about the sore: many times renew it in this cure, read M. Thomas Gailes worthy book.  

M. gail.  And to take away the hard crust of the carbuncle, 
To take away the crust and the pain  do thus. Take ceruse, dermilion, sublimated of each three drams, beaten finely in powder, and part of this may be cast upon the same. And to this may follow mallows, violets, lets, of each one hand full, sodden in mutton broth, the yolks of three eggs, barley meal, oil of roses, and fresh butter, of each three ounces, this plaster applied on, will take away the Pestilent crust. Also the emplastrum of Diachilon parvum, two ounces with Amoniack, and Galbanum, of each one ounce, made in a plaster, applied to the place, or a plaster of figs, Doves dung and Uallerion roots, and the roots of mallows, made and applied upon the sore, are very good ripers, and do moche prevail in this cure, and further to bring the cicatrice if need require. Take oil of Myrrh, of roses, of violets, 
A cicatrice most 〈◊〉.  of each two ounces, sheeps Tallow three ounces, goats tallow one ounce and a half, juice of Coleworts three ounces, seeth them together softly, until the juice be consumed, then put thereunto half an ounce of vermilion, ceruse as moche, and two drams of letharge of gold, and seeth them unto a blackness, stir them with a stick, then put to them six ounces turpentine, and as much Wax as shall suffice to make it in the form of a cerot. And this will make a strong cicatris: and when the matter hath run moche and is past venom, than this is a powder most precious to cast in, and dry it by little & little. 
A most noble powder.  Take Ashes of Dill of burnt lead, of Terra lemnia, of each one dram, litharge of silver, flowers of pomgarnates, and galls without holes, of each ij. drams, Ceruse, Crevishels, Snails horns, roche alum burnt, of each ij. scruples beaten in powder: 
An healing ointment.  this is the powder, and hereafter followeth a good ointment to heal the sore. Oil of Roses two ounces, Ceruse, burned lead, Litharge, of each one a scruple, red Roses two scruples in powder, the roots of the grease Comphori, and the flowers of Pomegranates, bull Armen, of each one scruple, the seed of Purslen tw●● grains, white wax asmuch as shall suffice: and make this ointment in a Leaden mortar if it may be. Among all simples Simphatum called Comphori, is greatly lauded for the healing or helping of the Carbuncle, being ground or beaten between two stones, 
Good notes for the Pestilence.  and warm applied to the place. So is the herb called Scabios in the same manner: so is the Lily roots roasted and bruised and warm laid on. (Let not the great white onion roasted, and the pith in the midst being taken forth, stopped with good treacle or Mythridatum warm, and applied to the place, be forgotten) for some use none other things for the Carbuncle, to cure it. Also consider this to keep the body temperate in eating. Beware of repletion, light Fish, with tart sauces, Limondes, Sorrel, Oranges, thin wine with water but no Sugar or sweet things. Forget not sweet perfumes of Rose water, 
Perfume.  cloves Maces, Vinegar in a perfuming pan, and have the stomach anointed with oil of Maces, and the complete ointment of roses, of each two scruples, and Gallae muschata, x. grains, and dip in a linen cloth in white wax, oil of Roses, white and red Saunders, and the powder of oriental Pearls, fine bull Armen, and the sweet wood of Aloes with Rose water, made warm in a little vessel upon charcoal, and be not without a good Pomeamber made of Storax, 
Pomeamber against the Pestilence.  calamity three drams, Laudani, half an ounce, flowers of water Lilies, Violets, the wood of Aloes, spikenard, of each a dram and a half, the three Saunders of each half a dram, Cinnamon two scruples, Mastic twenty grains, white Poppy seed, Camphor, of each a scruple, Amber and Musk, of each three grains, with rose water, in a warm Mortar, make Pomeamber, 
Cordial.  make a hole in it, and put a silk lace through it, and wear this against corrupted air. The body must have benefit by purgation, with clyster or suppositer, or some potion, as the syrup of roses solutive iij. ounces, 
Purging.  confection of Hamech, v. Dragmes, and water of Endive four ounces, mingled together, and drink at ones in the morning, or Benedicta laxativa, with water of bugloss. Be not without Manus Christi, to eat oftentimes: and the conserve of Roses, to eat before meat daily. Beware of moche ●lepe, which will make the heat double about and within the heart, for sleep draweth in heat: and in time of waking, it is spread abroad, and the heat draweth to the extremes, as hands, head and feet. Sir, forget not this I pray you.  Antonius. 
No master Doctor, I warrant you, I have noted it well, and though it help not me, yet I trust it shall do good to others, when I am gone.  Medicus. 
Now sir, I will take my leave for a time my calling is such that I must departed, and divers of my pacientes, which diligently do look for me, as the hirdes do for the day after a cold Winter's night. And as time and occasion shall serve, I will return. I have hidden nothing from you, that may be a means to your health: for when life is gone, farewell altogether, wife, children, gold, lands, treasures, and all the golden glory of this world, & friends also. Therefore, seeing life is the best jewel, 
An Epicures ta●ke.  which brings delights to the heart, pleasures to the eye and ear, sweet savours to sense of smelling, and many hidden treasures knowledge to the virtue of understanding, what is he that would make such an exchange, if it were possible to the contrary? To forsake his golden be decked bed with sweet sleeps, to lie utterly lost, rotten, forgotten, and stinking, in a filthy pit of darkness, enclosed and wrapped with Worms. As by example, we may see the multitude of graves in every church yard, and great heaps of rotten bones, whom we know not of what degree they were, rich or poor in their lives. Therefore sir, to conclude, pluck up that weak heart, rejoice▪ be glad and cast away all care, I warrant you.  Antonius. 
Gramercies master doctor, I have put you to pain with moche talk and questions: I will keep them in memory, they shall not be forgotten of my part. Even so forget not your promise in coming to me again, my trust is in you: we shall make daily exchange, cunning for gold, and love for labour, yours I am. Have, take you that to buy you a new Mule, a foot cloth, & a gown.  Medicus. 

A nice gentleman.  What mean your mastership? well, give me your hand, and here is mine with mine heart also, ever yours at commandment as your own. Thus far you well, until my return: in the mean while, pass the time with some pleasant company Eat good broth made of Chickens, 
Diet.  lean Mutton, roast a little partridge, eat light leavened bread, beware of gross meats, Beef, Pork. etc. And Sallettes, strong wine, Spise, sweet meats, and raw fruits. I pray you remember this, and drink your Diacodion at night, to reconcile sleep again, and be somewhat laxative.  Antonius. 
I thank you most heartily: far you well.  Medicus. 
Crispin where are you? Is is not time to departed? We have tarried here very long, but not without gain.  Crispin. 
Sir, I have thought it a month since our coming hither: you have been sent for eight times this after noon, and two of your pacientes are dead this day.  Medicus. 
That is no marvel, for who can hold that will away? I shall have more work than I can put my hand unto. It is now a golden world with me, and with you also.  Crispinus. 
God continue the same: 
No wind, but it doth turn some men to good.  I would thousands were sick, but I would have none dead, but the beggars that do trouble the world, and have no money to pay. I pray you what think you of master Antonius shall he escape it or no?  Medicus. 
I have his plentiful reward, and money for you also. I have had long talk with him. But to be plain with you, I think never to see him again alive. He was passed cure or I came to him, and he could not scape, therefore I kept him with long talk, but I spoke but softly.  Crispin. 
Then I perceive your talk was unprofitable to him. Yet I wrote it in a little paper book in my hand.  Medicus. 
Not unprofitable, if the Physician come in the beginning or augmenting of the sickness. But in the full state of this sickness, it is most dangerous, because death will prevent it, or it comet● to the declination. Oh it is a strong poison if the Pestilence creep to his heart.  Crispin. 
This man loved you well in his life: will you not be at his burial Master Doctor?  Medicus. 
He loved me as I loved him. He me for health, 
Worldly friendship.  and I him for money: And they, which are preservers of the life of man ought not to be present at the death or burial of the same man: therefore I have taken my leave, I warrant you Crispin, I will return to him no more. Thus far you well till the morrow in the morning.  Crispin. 
I must also depar to my shop, I have moche business to do: I will come to you at your commandment master Doctor. Thus far you well.  Civis. 
Good wife, 
The citizen his fear.  the daily jangling and ringing of the bells, the coming in of the minister to every house, in ministering the communion, in reading the Homely of death, the digging up of graves, the sparring in of windows, & the blazing forth of the blue cross, do make my heart trimble & quake: alas what shall I do to save my life?  Vxor. 
Sir, we are but young, 
His wife hes counssaile.  and have but a time in this world, what doth it profit us to gather riches together, and can not enjoy them, why tarry we here so long? I do think every hour a year, until we be gone, my heart is as cold as a stone, and as heavy as lead, God help me. Seeing that we have sent our children forth three weeks passed into a good air, and a sweet country, let us follow them: we shallbe welcome to your brother's house, I dare say my sister will rejoice in our coming, and so will all our friends there: Let us take leave of our neighbours, and return merelei home again, when the plague is paste, and the dog days ended, and there you may occupy your stock, and have gain thereof.  Civis. 
Oh wife, we know not our return, for the Apostle saith to you, 
james. iii.  that will say: to day or to morrow, we will go to such a city, and buy and sell, and have gain, and know not what shall hap to morrow, what is our life? It is as a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and afterwards vanish away, for that ye ought to say, i● the Lord will, and if we live, we will to this, or that place: and if it please God, we will both depart, and return again, at his good will and pleasure, for we are in his hands, whether so ever we do●e go: and I trust it is not against God's commandment or pleasure, that we depart from this infected air.  Vxor. 
I know not what God will in our departing, but my flesh trimbles, when I do hear the death bell ring.  Civis. 

Ephe▪ v.  Yes surely, we have the Apostle saying (for our defence in flying) no man ever yet hath hated his own flesh, but nourished & cherished it, therefore who can nurishe his flesh in a corrupted air, but rather do kill it? further, I heard a doctor of Physic say that one called Galen, in a book of treacle to one Pison his friend, that the Pestilence was like a monstrous hungry beast, devouring and eating not a few, but sometimes whole cities, that by respiration or drawing in their breath, do take the poisoned air. He lauded Hypocrates, which saith, that to remove from the infected air into a clener, thereby saith he, they did not draw in more foul air, and this was his only remedy for the plague, to them that did remain: 
Galen. 〈◊〉 non aliter ●●ruauis qu● ae●ri● mutatione. etc.  He commanded not only simple wood to be burned, with in the city of Athenes, but also most sweet flowers and spices, perfumes: as gums & ointementes to purge the air. And wife, fear of death, enforced many holy men to fly: as jacob from his cruel brother Esau: 
Gene. xxii.  David from Saul: Elias from jesabel: the christian men for fear of death, did fly the tyranny of the Papists: and although these men did not fly the Pestilence, 〈◊〉 they fled all for fear of death, and so w●● we by God's grace, observe such wholesome means, & obey his divine providence: also I will leave my house with my faithful friends, and take the keys of the che●●es with me. Where are our horses?  Vxor. 
Our things are ready, have you taken your leave of your neighbours? man..  Civis. 
I have done: so now let us departed a god's blessing good wife.  Vxor. 
give me my horse Roger.  Roger. 
Mistress, he is here ready at your hand, a good gelding, God bless him and sweet saint Loye.  Civis. 
Bring forth mine also, and let the servants forget nothing behind them, specially the steel Casket: let us ride fair and softly, until we be out of the town.  Vxor. 
How pleasant are these sweet fields, ●arnished with fair plants and flowers, the birds do sing sweetly and pitifully, in the bushes: here are pleasant woods: jesus man, who would be in the city again? Not I for an. C. pound: oh help me, my horse starteth, and had like to have unsaddled me, let me sit faster for falling.  Civis. 
He is a bird iyed lad, I warrant you, and you are no good horse woman, for I did never see you ride before, in all my life, but exercise will make you perfit: your mother was a good horse woman, and loved riding well, as any gentle woman that ever I knew in my life: well, she is gone, and we must follow, this is the world.  Vxor. 
I never was so far from London in all my life: how far have we ridden already sir I pray you?  Civis. 
Wife, we have ridden x. mile this morning  Vxor. 
What town is this: I pray you sir?  Civis. 
This is Barnet, whereas Samuel your son was nursed: and yonder is Richard Higmers' house, we will see him as we do return home again, we will not tarry now because every Inn is pestered with Londoners and carriers, and it is early days: how like you this town Dame?  Vxor. 
A pretty street, but me think the people go very plain, it is no city as I do suppose by their manners: what house is this at the towns end, compassed with a Mote?  Civis. 
Here dwelleth a friend of ours: this is called the fold.  Vxor. 
What great smoke is in yonder wood God grant it be well.  Civis. 
It is nothing but making of Charcoal, in that place.  Vxor. 

A wise coc●●●.  Why, is Charcoal made? I had thought all things had be made at London, yet I did never see no Charcoles' made there: by my truth I had thought that they had grown upon trees, and had not been made.  Civis. 
You are a wise woman, they are made of wood: but how like you this Heath? Here was fought a fearful field, called Palm sunday battle, in King Edward the fourth time, many thousands were slain on this ground, here was slain the noble Earl of Warwick.  Roger. 
If it please your mastership, my grandfather was also here, with twenty tall men of the Parish, whereas I was borne, & none of them escaped, but my grandfather only I had his bow in my hand many a time no man could stir the string when it was bent: also his harness was worn upon our saint George's back in our church, many a cold Winter after, and I hard my grandam tell how he escaped.  Civis. 
Tell Roger I pray thee: how he did escape the danger.  Roger. 
Sir, when the battle was pitched, and appointed to be fought, 
Barnet field.  near unto this Windmill, and the Somons given by the Harottes of arms, that spear, pole-axe, black bill, bow and arrows, should be set a work the day following, & that it should be tried by bloody weapon, a sudden fear fell on my grandfather: and the same night when it was dark, he stolen out of the earls camp, for fear of the kings displeasure, and hide him in the Wood, and at length he espied a great hollow Oak tree, with arms somewhat green, and climbed up, partly through cunning, for he was a thatcher, but fear was worth a ladder to him and then by the help of a writhe arm of the tree he went down, and there remained a good while, and was fed there by the space of a month, with old Ackors, and Nuts, which squirelles had brought in, and also did in his Salad keep the rain water for his drink, and at length escaped the danger.  Civis. 
So he might for any stripes that he had there: he was well harnessed with a Tree, but I never read this in the Chronicle.  Roger. 
There be many things [and it shall please your Mastership] which are not written in the Chronicles: I do think are as true, as John your man do read unto me, when we do go to bed▪ almost every night, I shall never forget them, farewell good John  Civis. 
What are they Roger?  Roger. 
Marry sir, he told me in the old time, how Horses, Sheep, Hogs, Dogs, Cats, Rats, and Miso did speak, and I do partly believe that, for as much as our Parate will say, Parate is a minion, and beware the Cat: and she will call me Roger, as plain as your Mastership, and although Dogs have lost their speech, yet they do understand: when I do whistle, Troll will come, he will fetch my glove, my bolt in the water, or stoop, or lie down when I bid him. And surely he which do understand, and here what I do say, may speak also: but that there are so many languages now adays, 
Dogs and women.  he can not tell which to speak, and to leave all alone, and turneth all to plain barking, as women do, when as they do fall from reasoning into scolding.  Civis. 
Thou foolish knave, 
Three things considered in all creatures.  what mean thou to speak thus? Dogs did never speak, they do want reason. For there are three things to be considered, in each living creature: the first is vegetable, wherein man, Dog and tree, are all one. The second is sensible, in this, man and dog are all one. The third is, where man excelleth all other creatures, where he have reason and judgement, having act to do well, and power to do evil: through this reason man do speak. The beast wanteth reason, therefore he speaketh not. etc. But Dogs are taught by custom, and not moved by reason.  Roger. 
Well sir, our Ihons' book shall confound your talk, for I did see it in writing, and that which is written, I will believe and follow by God's grace, and no more.  Civis. 
Why, will you do no more for me, than I have commanded you by writing: you are an honest fellow?  Roger. 

Roger's writing.  When I came to you first, you gave me a scroll of parchment, wherein said you, do no more but as this commandeth, and I will ask no more of thee, but allow thy service Now in case your Mastership with your horse, fell both into the mire over the ears: if it were not in my writing, to help you both forth, I have done you no evil service. Ha, ha, ha, how crack you this nut?  Vxor. 
It were a good deed to crack your pate you saucy varlet: God's dentie jacke sauce whence came you?  Roger. 
Forsooth out of the country, Mistress nisibecetur, as fine as fivepence: how prettily you can call varlet, and swear by God's dainty. God bless you, I did never see you stumble before.  Vxor. 
Out rogue and slave, avaunt villain, out of my sight knave.  Roger. 
I think you learned your Rhetoric in the universttée of Bridewell: you were never well wormed, when you were young.  Vxor. 
Sir, you do ride to fast: have you not heard what this honest man have said to me?  Civis. 
Dame, all things must be taken in good part, I heard nothings if any thing be amiss, at our return it shallbe amended, we must have one riding fool by the way, so that it be done merrily, and exceed not. Well, fellow you do believe that beasts will speak, because it is written so of them.  Roger. 
That I will, if that my Mistress will hold her peace, I will prove it.  Vxor. 
I pray you give ear to no such trifles and lies, good husband.  Civis. 
I pray you be content, it is as good to hear a lie, which hurteth not: as sometime a true tale that profiteth not. Tell on gentle Roger a God's name: ride near, and let us be merry.  Roger. 

The tale of the lion.  It so chanced in the pleasant time of May, a lusty young Lion after his pray, or new eaten spoil, did lie him down to sleep, and yet being a sleep, the beasts that were near hand, did quake and tremble in beholding of his most fearful countenance, and fled away. The poor cillie Mouse, crept out of her small cave, and came softly, thinking no harm, and played about the Lion, and piped merely, wherewith the Lion awaked suddenly, and was angry, caught the Mouse forthwith, thinking to have devoured it: 
Patience in poverty.  but this poor Mouse kneeled down upon her knes, and held up her hands, saying: I have offended your lordship, I pray you therefore forgive me, and let me have my life, and ones I shall requite it you, whereat the Lion smiled, and let her pass away in peace. Within few days, the same Lion was taken in a strong Net, thinking never to have been delivered: and cried most fearfully with desperation. But gentle▪ Margery Mouse, withal speed came running, and with sharp filled tooth, did gnaw and shred the strong cords, which entrapped the Lion: wherewith he stood at liberty, and went his way. This is true, when Miso and Lions did speak: I will abide by the same, sir if it shall please your Mastership.  Civis. 
No surely, Lions nor Mice did never speak, Roger: 
Note this.  but some wise man have written this to this end, that like as cruelty is to be utterly avoided, even so ingratitude is to be abhorred. We may here by consider, that very poor men in the time of trouble, may help the mighty and strong, 
Ingratitude  and often times do in deed. Why should then the great lord, forget the benefit of a poor groom, which many ways may pleasure him: (if the simple Mouse were from the Lion) than the gentleman were most wretched, in occupation & drudgery most vile. If poor and simple men, in the time of extreme persecution, by God's providence have delivered the oppressed, which persecuted or oppressed, since are come to great promotion, both spiritual and temporal, do forget the same benefits again It were not only the parts of infidels, but also more ingrateful than beasts, as horses, which have rescued their masters in battle, and dogs, which would never eat after their masters death, but die upon their graves. another kind of ingratitude is with judas, when one bestow a benefit upon a man, the same man to invent to murder his friend. 
knavish ingratitude.  As if a man in the time of cold, should find a snake; and for foolish pity, put him into his bosom to warm him, I think his nature is to sting the man Or if a Shepherd should bring a young Wolf up among his Lambs, and give him Milk, surely he would fall to blood at length, and kill the Shepherd himself? 
Mark this.   Roger. 
Sir, you have well expounded my tale, now I know your meaning: I perceive it is not good keeping of such unkind beasts, they are very costly and perilous, & would have jacke Drakes medicine. Sir, 
jacke drake.  upon a time when quakling Ducks did speak, and Henhes kackling could talk, which in deed are continual companions, because they are Fowls (Marie of sundry kinds, and names) for Ducks and all water fowls, do not only take the benefit of goodly ponds, rivers, and pleasant waters, in the time of hot Sammer, with many dainty meats, and at their pleasures, they do take the commodity of the land also. The land birds do but only live upon the land as footmen: (as for Hawks and fleeing birds of the wood, which daily persecuteth each other, as murderers do innocentes, or cruel rich men the poor, that would live in rest, I meddle not withal.) Upon a time the Drake with his Duck and his neighbours the Gese, 
Traitors.  being pleasantly disposed (as judas was in playing the traitor) only to destroy the land fowls, to the end that they might enjoy, both land & water together at their pleasure. 
Roger's observation.  After the example of covetous men, that would have all things in their hands, and when one man have any good profitable trade to live upon, they will covet or use the same: although their poor neighbours do perish, and that is the cause of moche trouble good master, now adays that every calling do pinch & paul each other, and where the hedge is lowest, that commonly is soonest cast to ground, but the strong stakes, will stand in the storm. I speak not of the lusty Lawyers, nor the mighty merchants, no, no, I will observe nothing in them, let every Fat stand upon his own bottom.) Now said the Drake to the land fowls: good cousins we are much bound unto you, for your daily entertainment in good cheer, and daily company: we with our wives and children are much bound unto you, you are most natural unto us, we daily feed and take of your commodity, and come at our pleasures. Now therefore, take part with us, and use your pleasure upon the Water, there is plenty of young fry & fish, great store, Salad herbs of sundry kinds, good against every wound or grief: both meat and medicen. etc. Oh Lord what pleasure is there to be had, come sweet hearts, & let us take our progress, to the pleasant river of Tagus, where as the sands of that s●od are precious gold, there is both pleasure & riches, go and gather wealth and treasure: here is poverty, there is sweetness, and here but stinking dunghills, there is liberty, and here in bondage, there is joy of the mind, and here daily fear of the For that false traitor. 
Comparisons.  This sweet tale pleased well the land fowls (as it is often times seen, that fair words make fools fain) notwithstanding the Cock said unto the Drake, Gossip, our bringing up, have been by land, and our fathers also, we can not swim, we have no webs in our feet to row withal as you have: we fear drowning. Whaat said the Drake? what needeth these words among friends? Use maketh perfectness, we will teach you to swim by art, as well as we do by nature (nothing is to hard to willing minds.) Well, let us go together, have with you said the Cock, than very womanly the Duck did take the Hen by the hand following their husbands, 
Merry when friends do meet.  which were arm and arm, walking before the Chickens, and the Ducklynges followed in a goodly train, as it had been to a sumptuous Marriage, between the cocks eldest son with the pale face, and the Drakes daughter with the pretee foot: at the water side, the Drake with all the water fowls, did stoup low, and receive their carriage, and when they were all a kockehorse together, 
Horsemen.  they went into the water. And eftsoons, when the Drake gave his watch word, the water fowls did all sink at ones, and all the land fowls were suddenly in a wreck, and many of them perished, and some with moche a do came to land, as the Cock and the Hen, which returned home with care and shame, and lived long in lamentation, and remained solitary, without company of water fowls: the For which had gains a both sides, made the league with a learned oration, painted full of Rhetoric between them: declaring what unity was between brethren, and the fruits and peace, and so reconciled the water fowls to land, where was a feigned truce, taken with much dissembling, yet very good cheer, shaking of hands, kissing. etc. Great was the feast at the cocks place, the nightingale was there, to pleasure them with Music, moche dancing, and after the same a cosilie bankette: as you know the manner of the water fowls, do commonly sit near the ground, but land fowls do mount up to perk, and so they did. And when all were at rest, secretly the Cock sent by the Cat a token, to come and do execution among the grateful traitors: the Cat was glad, and ran to the Fox, finding him in sacrifice and prayer, and shortly declared thembassage. The Fox at the first refused so heinous and bloody a deed: declaring his indifferency and righteousness like a father, and also what evil opinion many creatures, causeless had in him. Marry said he, I love the Cock and his wife very well: I also know how the Water fowls have done, I have made the unity between them. I will therefore not be seen in this matter myself, but two of my sons shall do the feat, go before, and climb in at the window, and open the door. So in fine it was done, suddenly the water fowls paid for the Malt grinding, and were slain like flattering ingrateful villains: and this is John Drakes medicen.  Civis. 
This tale is well told Roger, I thank thee: ingrateful people and flatterers be most wicked, and the children of judas, if any man be prepharred by an other man, and made rich: if this rich man should forget that benefit to his friend if he fell into poverty, whether would the poor man's lack more vere him, or thingratitude of him that he hath pleasured: (which perhaps hath said, if ever I have such a Marriage, 
Note this note well.  yea or such a farm. And in case if he be of the clergy, such a bishopric, prebendary. etc. thou shalt not want as long as I can help, I will never forget your courtesy, showed to me in these my days of trouble, how sayest thou to this question Roger  Roger. 

knavery.  Sir, saving your reverence, you may call it ingratitude: but slandering no man in my judgement, it is plain knavery. Therefore it is good trying of friends before need do require, as the man which taught his son to kill a swine, and put him in a sack all bloody, and secretly to prove his friends, which of them would help, 
A friend at need.  not only to hide the slain man, but also help to conuaie him in safety, and to conclude, in the time of trouble, among many he found but one.  Civis. 
Marry God defend, 
Secret murder, openly punished.  that murder should be cloaked by friendship, which although it be, yet God often himself will take vengeance be it never so close, as example in Cain. I like not this example of thine.  Roger. 
I have better in store, if you will here it.  Civis. 
Say on a God's name, it is good passing the time, but me think we ride to fast, we have day enough: how do you wife, what cheer with you?  Vxor. 
Well sir, I thank you, I hear your talk well. God be with our friends at home, and forgive our foes, and end thes plagues at London, & amend all people that through sin have moved God to plague us.  Civis. 
It is well said good wife. Amen. Amen. Remember your talk goodman Roger.  Roger. 

A tale of a Friar.  Sir, in our country there was a man, which by occupation was a Friar (or Religion, whether you will) I did know him well, he wore a grey cote, well tucked under his corded girdle, with a pair of trim white hose, the knave had a good leg (for his brother was a Yeoman of the Guard, which was a great wrestler) Marry this Friar although he did rise to the Quere by dark night, he needed no candle his nose was so red and bright, and although he had but little money in store in his purse, yet his nose and cheeks were well set with coral and rubies: and I do remember, the gentleman had one great orient pearl in his right eye, he never traveled without Aquaeviti, and spectacles, and fine Needles with a quarter staff in his neck, which he called a bless beggar, he had many proper colations and pardons in store, he song his pricksong very trim, he would have been loath that any should have sung one note above him in the Quere, he was well-beloved in the country, specially among women, a close man, he was never without a bale of dice, Marry he used no foisting nor cogging, he played well at tables, 
The friars delights.  and of all meats he most loved a fat Pig and a pudding, but he might not away to eat Communions, nor read the scripture, it ever went against his stomach, but he was cockhope for Portas matters and cakes: I dare say he could raise belzebub and bring devils to creep and crouch in a circle: also he had the Foolosophers' stone, and taught many his secrets therein. Upon a time this holy Friar in the month of june travailed in his pleasant progress, with his boy following him, which was in deed his sister's son, one young Renob by name, 
Young Renob.  a pretty young stripling: and as they had walked from the morning, until ten of the clock, after the Friar had said our lady Matins, with a Collect of s. France's his patron, he sat down under a hawthorn tree, to rest with his boy also, & gave ear to the pleasant charm of sweet birds, moche commending the Coko, because she kept so constant her plain song, when the Nightingale did sing the distant. Oh said the boy, this were Paradise, if here were meat and drink for our relief, I would desire no better dwelling. Yes said the Friar, it were better to be a Pope, which is above all men, Angels & devils, which have the Keys of heaven gatts under his girdle: to whom the kings of the world do service. That is past my reach said the boy I lack friends, age, and learning to take that dignity. Who will find fault and if thou wert the Pope my poor boy, said the Friar, by my preferment, what kindness wouldst thou show to me, being so much thy friend? sir said the boy, you should be a Latro Cardinal on my right hand, 
〈◊〉 and Latro.  and be half with me in my kingdom, remember said the Friar your promise, give me thy hand my lad. I promise thee I will make thee Pope. 
Uhe Pope's Patron.  Then he raised sir sathanas the patron of Popes, transformed the tree where the boy was into kingly palace, with. S. Peter's throne, with infinite of the clergy, among whom sat this young Pope, forthwith came the Friar in this golden dream, very lowly he kneeled and put the Pope in remembrance who he was, and what he had done, hoping to be gratified, to whom sir Pope said, I know thee not thou lousy beggar, and false Friar, I am descended of kingly parentage, advanced by God & learning, away with thy black curse, away. 
Pride will have a fall.  Forthwith the friar by subtle calculation, withdrew this delusion of his master the devil, & the late pope with his pomp became again the friars boy, sitting in a birch tree, to whom the Friar said: now thou false vile boy, I know what you would have done, if you had been Pope. Come down in the devils name, and carry my wallet. And first for your knavery, I will make you a ●anket of birch, and thus my young master was served in this sort.  Civis. 
Honour's do change manners, yet pride will have a fall. I do remember a poor young man, by fortune was advanced into promotion, to whom one of his old fellows came, and spoke homely unto him, after the old fashion, as when they dwelt together, in scorn the rich man answered disdainfully, after this manner.  
Take me as I am, and not as I was: We are now no fellows it is come to pass  
To whom the other made answer thus again.  
Sometime thou wart, that now thou art not. And now thou art that than thou wert no● And what thou shalt be tell thou canst not, 
A churl incarnate.  Although a churls heart, live thou mayst not. Well, well, God send every ship to a good Haven, and send us peace, and seize this plague, that we may return home again to our old acquaintance, for this week I do remember twenty good fellows met together at one banquet, my very friends Merchants and others: you know them well Roger, towards young men & honest, great doers, close and just, witty I warrant you to prevent any proviso in the love of money, by month or year, no state or time will nip them, they can wisely colour the matter, for Roger, that is an art among merchants not to be revealed, 
Closeness in Usurers.  God send me into their company again. Notwithstanding I have been no great doer in lending forth money.  Roger. 
Master, it giveth me in mine heart, that you shall never meet altogether again.  Civis. 
Wherefore.  Roger. 

A tale of many Foxes.  Sir, upon a time a number of Foxes assembled together at a great banquet, where as was great plenty of lambs flesh, hens. etc. In the end of the feast, this blessed company loath to depart, inquired of old Reinold the day, wherein they should meet again to be merry: I will tell you said Reinard, when we shall meet again, & so trained them up to an high mountain, where as there were many high ways derived into sundry countries, farewell said he my children, and follow your father's steps, go every one a sundry way, for we shall never meet again at a banquet, until we do meet together in the Skineers shop. Sir, I have weighed the matter, I warrant you it will prove so. One of late departed, I will not name unto you, which is dead & buried, my fellow John did read his epitaph to me.  Civis. 
What was it I pray thee?  Roger. 
No sir, you will be angry then.  Civis. 
Surely, 
What wisemen should do to preserve health.  I will give no place to anger to chafe my blood: it is perilous in the Pestilent time. For next to the serving of almighty God, and my Christian duty to my neighbour: I will give myself only to mirth, which is the greatest jewel of this world.  Roger. 
Sir, thus it was, an Epitaph of one that was a great usurer, covetous, merciless, and churlish, but passing rich, he knew no end of his goods: it made him look a loft, and many louted full low at his presence. And thus it was written of him.  

An Epitaph of a covetous man.  Here lieth Gathrall that never did good, A gentleman degenerate, yet sprung of good blood: 
Merciless, an usurer all the days of his life  
An oppresser of poor men, a mover of strife:  
A papist of religion, a soldier of Rome,  
Here dwelleth his carcase till the day of dom  
Deprived of riches, spoiled of fame,  
Nothing left in memory, but an evil name  
His judgement we commend to the s●at divine,  
Yet he lived like a wolf, & died like aswine   civis 
Who was this made upon, Roger I pray thee tell me.  Roger. 

Name no body.  No so God help me, I will not name him inquire it out: but I heard a friend of mine say, that he had written a book against extortioners and Usurers, which if they amend not, he will name them, and paint them forth, not only them, but their parents, which are dead, which used that vile trade of usury, procuring God's vengeance, incasting the Pestilence upon cities, towns, and countries. 
The fruits of Usury and Extortion.  Causing poverty, breaking up houses most ancient selling to lend upon gain, destroying hospitality, with infinite encumbrances by forfeitures statutes. etc. Oh that the usurers goods were confiscated after their deaths to the common poor, as in case they had slain themselves, and that they had no power in law, to be will unto their children the which was gotten in serving the devil, which would not prosper to the three heir, for evil gotten goods are evil spent said our eurat upon sunday. 
God grant.  Oh that the burying were turned into open casting forth among dead cattle, and not numbered in the christian fellowship after death, which in life have been so wicked, so said our Eurate. Sir, you heard not how a man of late did let forth his Cow by the quarter, & by the year.  Civis. 
No, I pray thee tell me.  Roger. 

Of the Usurer's Cow.  There was a man of late, which had one C. pound, which he called his Cow, and secretly did lend her forth, sometime by the week, and his price was ten shillings the week, and when her milk became dearer, and many fasting days at hand, he called for his Cow, and said that she gave in different milk. But said he, I must put her into a better pasture, and she shall give more Milk by .v. shilling in the week. etc. and at length white meat became a little better cheap, because of the great plenty of such kine in the town, 
Many Usurers.  that his Cow was brought home again, because that she was let so dear, now because she had done him good service, and he had no more but her at home, and calf he had none by her to keep up the stock. His servant loved milk well, and could get none of that Cow: when his master was from home, stolen the Cow and ran his way, and hitherto hath not been found, neither Cow nor man, and all the milk is gone.  Civis. 
A marvelous thing good lord? What would such graziers do, if they had many cattle or Kiene in store?  Roger. 
They would destroy all a common wealth, but we see what mischief they have doen.  Civis. 
It is time to bait our Horses in this town: if there be any good meat, we will dine, prepare Roger, for we have far to ride this night. know what company is in the Inn: and whether the house be infected or no?  Roger. 
Sir, I was in the haul, 
Of guests in the Inn.  and there sitteth our host, a pleasant merry man, and a good companion I warrant him: I see by his nose, that of all pottage he loveth good ale, he is mounsire graundpanche, he hath chafed the parson wondrously, which with a pair of spectacles, playeth at tables with him, he stealeth fast the table men from him. Our hosts hath a sharp nose, thin lipped, a proper young woman, with a shrill voice like a Cat: but when she is pleased I warrant her to be a pleasant woman, and full of meritrix. The good man of this house bringeth up youth very well, 
Meritrix.  and is very loving to his son, and I perceive he will bear moche with him.  Civis. 
Wherein?  Vxor. 

A young man well brought up.  When I came into the hall, my young master leaned upon his father's shoulder, with his cap upon his head, sitting and coughing like a lought.  Civis. 
Call the chamberlain, and let us have a chamber severally.  Roger. 
With all speed a God's name. Chamberlain, prepare your chamber, with all things accordingly in the same, for my master and mistress. Whip master Ostiler with a cast of ligerdemain, bestir you sirrah, and make. xij.d. of three bottles of stinking Hay and a peck of Ottes. 
The honesty of an ostler.  You can make a stoned horse a gelding, and a long tail a curtal. You know my meaning well enough: him sirrah, I say nothing but mum I have seen you often in Smithfielde.  Vxor. 
What, s●r sau●●, you take upon you to play the controller: g●e quietly about your own business, and let the Ostler alone.  Roger. 
Mistress, it is merry when knaves are met, I did see him once ask blessing to xii. Godfathers at ones.  Civis. 
This is a comely parlour, very neatly and trimly appareled, London like, 
A parlour.  the windows are well glazed, & fair clothes with pleasant borders about the same, with many wise sayings painted upon them.  Vxor. 
I pray you husband what is that writing in those golden letters.  Civis. 
Melius est claudus in via quam cursor praeter viam. That is, better is an halting man which keepeth the right way, then the swift ronner beside, that wandereth a stray.  Vxor. 
What is that man, I pray you?  Civis. 
Non hominis consuetudinem sed dei veritatem sequi oportet: which is. 
The truth must be followed.  It behoveth us not to follow the constitutions or customs of men, but to follow the truth of God's word. And also there is a good saying following the same.  

The best doctrine is God's word.  Doctrinis varijs & peregrinis ne circumferamini. That is: be not led or carried about with divers or strange doctrine. Here is more following, written upon the chimney good wife, which I will keep in store. Oh God what serpents they are, lord defend me from them. I will read it to myself. O mulier omne facinus ausa est plus quam omne, verum nihil est peius, nec erit unqan mulierae inter hominum calamitatis.  Vxor. 

Mulier is a naughty word, said the gentlewoman.  Well man, well, truth seeketh no corners, I perceive there is some noughty matter, that I know not, but by one thing that I do here, you read, make me think all the rest is not well, because the first word is stark nought: & that is. O mulier, which I am sure is, nor ever was good. I pray you husband, what picture is that following.  Civis. 
Oh wife, it was the picture or Effigium of a noble man, which in his days served a most noble king, and was like the cutter down of trees by the ground. But if God had not upon some see eat purpose, 
The Lord Crumwell.  prevented his labour in the wood of antichrist, he would have utterly eradicated the roots with all Papistry, which daily springeth out in every corner, to the hurt of better fruits, but by God's grace they shallbe confounded as God will.  Vxor. 
What picture is that, 
This picture signifieth great clerks evil occupied in keeping silence.  which have a grey door head, a long gown, and a lock of gold linking his lips together: with many goodly books before him, and a pair of blind spectacles upon his nose, with a golden pen fallen from his hands.  Civis. 
Oh wife, wife, it is a Candle covered with a Bushel, and the noble Talente of wisdom hidden, which must make great accounts, for keeping silence.  Vxor. 
Sir, in that table environed round with antikes of sundry portraitures, the ground thereof is hoping Russet are three pictures black scholar like, or in morning clothing the first of them with a Rake in his hand with teeth of gold, do stoop very low, groping belike in the lake after some thing that he would find, and out of this deep water above the Rake a little steeple. 
The golden Rake.  The second gapeth up towards the heaven, holding the lap of his gown abroad, 
A gaper. A catcher.  as though he would catch something, and to wards the same lap or spread goun doth fall, as it were a church with a stiple and quere. etc. The third man standeth in poor apparel, 
A poor man.  with a book in his right hand, and his left hand upon his breast, with a lamentable countenance, in simple apparel: what meaneth this husband?  Civis. 
Dame, I dare say but little to this matter to others, but to you, I will speak a little, 
I mean no honest or learned men.  and not so much as I do think. The first man is one, that hath but a very small learning, lesser wit, & less honesty, he hath no virtue to prefer him to living, but only the name and title of a priest or minister he would fain have a benefice or parsonage of some pretty donative, he cannot get it at the bishops hands, he lacketh God's plough. This fellow raketh with the devils golden rake, 
Magus and judas.  even in the conscience of the covetous patrons, or confounders heart which giveth the benefice, he playeth Simon Magus, he will buy it, and with judas the other will sell it, and at length it is gotten for gold, and spent with wickedness, to the slander of the church: God defend us from such rakers and Simoniakes. The second is sick of the mother, and like unto heirs, when as the fathers have left them fair lands, they mourn of the chine, and are never contented but wimper & whine, 
Children sick of the mother remedy is the gallows.  until the mothers are dead, and when it so cometh to pass, their wicked covetousness by one means or other, cometh to shame and poverty. This honest man gapeth for a vouson of a benefice before it is fallen, & doth catch it or it cometh to the ground, before the death of the discombent. He will not suffer it to fall into relappe. This man is a steward to a great man, or keepeth his hall, garden or barns, or is a wiseman & a good husband. Look where his master is patron, there he hopeth to be person. He gathereth for his young masters, his patron's son: his patron must be his executor, or some of his master's kinsmen. This fellow walloweth in benefices, as the Hedgehog doth with apples upon his pricks, & hath the benefit but of the apple in his mouth: he getteth nothing of his promotions, but only one little benefice, yet his master will snatch at that, either to save the will or lamb: 
Patron's Charlice.  And so he hath only the shells or glorious tittes of promotion, 
Spiritual promotion.  but the giver hath the sweet kernels: God amend this good wife. The third is, one which showeth the state of learned men, labouring long time in study and divine virtue, which are wrapped in poverty, wanting the golden Rake, or gaping mouth. 
☞  This man hath very few to prefer him to that promotion, he smiteth himself upon the breast, 
Simony.  he weepeth and lamenteth, that vice should thus be exalted ignorance rewarded with glory, covetous men spoiling the Church by the names of patrons and givers, 
Note this.  which are extortioners and sellers, they care not to whom, so that it be raked. Well, well, God of his mercy, amend this evil Market.  Vxor. 

A judges Skin.  Upon that wall is painted a man's skin, and tanned, coloured like unto Leather, with the skin of the hands and feet, nails and here remaining, and the skin is spread abroad, in the which is written certain words, which I do not understand.  Civis. 
Wife, I wish more such leather, or else fewer such carcases, as such leather hath contained in it. It is the Skin of a wicked judge, a Lawyer, which played on both hands. 
A wicked judge his reward.  This gentleman loved gold above God, and cruelty above justice: both his ears were stopped, his eyen open, he had respect of persons: specially who brought in lucre, and made him humble courtesies, them he would defend, although their causes in righteousness deserved it not. The innocent he oppressed that wanted, 
A good prince  and undid many a man. His master being a great prince (in the whole multitude of the people, and specially of the Lawyers, to certify them. 
Money do great mischief in this world  And to decline from evil and do good, to have the ears open, to hear both rich and poor alike, in the seat of judgement, to have lame hands in taking of money, which is the root of all evil among them.) Commanded his Skin to be slain from his flesh, he being yet living, roaring with blood running from his body, and died in a case most miserable. Upon whose Skin is this writing, hanging in the judgement hall, before the place of justice.  
judex qui non queret veritatem, debet excoriari. A judge which will (for lucre) not seek out the truth (in the law) ought to have his Skin slain from his body.  Vxor. 
Here standeth a woman of most excellent form in shape, and fairness in beauty, with a crown of rich gold, with seven precious stones, fixed in the border of her crown, covered with a costly mantel from her paps downward, her breasts naked the right breast giveth milk unto the mouth of the young child on the right side. And from the left breast floweth blood, into the mouth of an other child: what meaneth this?  Civis. 
It is a goodly picture, and signifieth the estate of an university, or multitude of scholars, which cometh to be nourished in learning. 
university, the fruits thereof.  Which mother the university, being crowned with the seven liberal arts, fixed in her crown: and as many as taste of her doctrine, in the better part in virtue, to this end to do well be blessed, they do taste upon the right breast, but the left breast, yieldeth forth doctrine of Errors, Magiches, Papistry. etc. To this end to persecute, rob and spoil Christ's Church: God grant that both these breasts may give good milk, 
One pure well, giveth but clean water.  to nourish the people of God, in one holy doctrine to each vocation, to agree in unity like brethren, and that the universities may teach the learned acts, & ●ne true religion in this Christ our lord.  Vxor. 
What is that picture, which graffeth a golden Imp, upon a Leaden stock, with a bag of money of great bigness, hanging about his neck?  Civis. 
It should seem to be a pitiful case, it is a noble covetous Senior, which for golds sake, do make dispargiment of his blood, marrying and selling his son and heir, unto some Extortioner, or shameless usurers daughter, 

Note also the virtue & gentleness maketh a gentleman.  
Euenso ancient blood wrapped in vice▪ is but gross gentleness.   whose fruits are so infected on the mother's side, that they will become as counterfeit, crafty compounded metal, and never come to the true touch stone again. The fine metal is so corrupted through covetousness and natural●e conjunction, as we do see graffs of trees, (fix young Imps) although the Imp be of a fine Pippin, and graffed into an evil stock. You shall know that fruit by the tree, a plague prepared for gentlemen, for their abuse.  Vxor. 
Upon that Table before you, is painted a naked man, lying down wounded, upon whom feedeth many Flies with full bellies, and there cometh an other man, which with a green branch of Rosemary, beat them away.  Civis. 

A Metaphor  It should appear by the circumstance, that it is not hurtful to keep officers still in place: for when they have filled their purses, and have all things accordingly, 
The hungry Fly will fill his beal●●e.  they are well, and if they be removed eftsoons, the new hungry Flies will vere the body of the common wealth, and never cease until they be also satisfied. etc.  Vxor. 
Yet what is that man I pray you, that sitteth in a rich throne a sleep, and one do blow in his care, with a pair of golden bellows, and an other do pick his purse?  Civis. 

Flattery of noble men.  That same is a mighty person, overcome with adulation or flattery, careless, swimming in pleasure and vainglory, whom his men do use like an home Combe, and daily spoil him of his riches, by sundry frauds, which he perceiveth not.  Vxor. 
And what meaneth yonder Mule, holding his head so low: with a plain black foot cloth, shod with golden shoes?  Civis. 
Wife, silence now is best: I will say nothing to the matter. 
Who shall show the Mule.  The Mule carrieth a Master, that will do nothing but for gold, and the fools of the world, that love debate and strife, must shoe this Mule.  Vxor. 
Here is a row of pictures like Prelates painted one by an other in the border, in three parts. The first are barefooted men barehedded, long garments, and books in their hands, some of them are bloody. The second company are mitred, & should with shepherds hooks in one hand, and books in the other hand. 
The description of the romish Church.  The third sort have Swords in their hands, crowned with triple crowns, clothed in kingly robes, with frowning faces, and books under their feet: and next after them sitteth an old mangy slave naked, with a triple crown, making or patching of a Net, from whom goeth as it were, men laden with towns, woods, and treasure.  Civis. 

The description of the prelate's of the Roomishe Church.  Wife, this is the true Church of God, and the malignant synagogue of Antichrist figured: first the true Preachers and martyrs of God's church, simple men, which followed most nearest the testament of Christ. After this persecution, than entered Confessors, good men, which lived well, and according to the Apostles doctrine: were good shepherds, withstood the Wolves of heresies. etc. Kept hospitality, and live accordingly, and were as Lambs and good Wheat. Then for the sins of Princes, and wickedness of men, came in Wolves among Lambs, darnel choked the lords field: oppressors of Princes, emptiers of Purgatory, and ●illers of hell, raisers of debate, shedders of blood, makers of Martyrs, men of war, destroyers of the true church, erectors of Idols, usurpers of kingdoms, and treaders of God's truth under their vile sect: 
The Pope's meekness.  which sect kings have kissed such is the pride of the Pope.  
Then the Pope sitteth all naked working: now through God's word, Antichrist is revealed, and seen what he is, foul lothlie clothed in shameful decrees, wicked laws and filthy life, and is despised of many nations, save of his own children. Now patcheth his old Bottelles, which will keep no new wine: neither can he well piece Christ's pure cloth, and his ragged traditions together. 
The Pope's practice.  Neither will his Net pleasure the Church, in which Net he have taken the servants of Christ, shed their blood. He may be rather called a murderer, than a fisher, he never had saint Peter's Net, since the Pope came to the church of Rome: now clouteth he a net, with his rotten Decrees, Counsels, glozing it with God's word. Like the Angel of darkness, transeformed into the similitude of an angel of light: but his nakedness is seen, for all his title of his holiness, and rich Crown. 
The Pope's almose deeds.  Now as many as will not obey his mastership, he giveth away their kingdoms, dukedoms, provinces & goods, after the example of his patron, not Peter, which forsook worldly things, but rather sathan, which would have given Christ moche riches, to have honoured him. But the lands of Princes, 
Pope's Portars.  are so heavy to be carried with his Portars: and also to hot to be trodden upon, of any of his messengers, his Net is very good, to catch the great Onele withal, and some of his lawless country men, to store the Pope's holy ponds at Rome.  Vxor. 
I will ask but one or two questions, & now our dinner is ready, I pray you. What meaneth yonder Shepherd to clip the Sheep so near, that he bleedeth: it is well painted.  Civis. 

covetous Landlords.  It seemeth a covetous land lord, that do so oppress the tenant with fine, rent, bribe. etc. whereby he and his family, doo● live in great misery like slaves, with continual penury, and affliction of mind, and he will never suffer the will to grow, to the full staple, at length to his own decay  Vxor. 

A fool.  What meaneth yonder fool that stand upon the tree, and cutteth the arm a sunder, whereupon he standeth, with a sharp axe, and is falling down?  Civis. 
Under that predicament is comprehended all traitors against Princes: children against parents, 
Rebels and knaves.  servants against Masters, poor against rich, tenants against lords. etc. Whereupon they do live, and have their stay in this world, and will sek● their hurts, which in deed is their own decay, loss and destruction in the end.  Vxor. 
Good God, what meaneth that bloody naked picture, with a sharp rod in each hand, wounding his body, and spoiled of all his apparel.  Civis. 
God send peace in the christian realms good dame. That do signify by the circumstance of some old wise painter, 
Peace and unity God send us.  that when the body or state of any Realm, or Realms of vicinite or nearness together, being as hands to one body, or helpers to each other. If they be at strife, the whole body, whereupon they are derived, shall eftsoons through the same be ruinated and brought into peril. In this matter I will talk no further as now: let us go to dinner a God's name. Roger, what good fellow is here, to keep me and your masters company  Vxor. 
husband, in this fine border is curiously painted a house builded of stone, and with many strong doors and windows, barre● and railed with strong iron bars. 
Ludgate.  And before one of the doors standing a man, with a yellow cap, in a plain poor coat with white sleeves, and a little boy standeth behind him with a fair gown in his arms, 
Make shifts  merchant like, in a fine black cap, and over the door is written. Veritas non querir angulos. I know not the meaning.  Civis. 
In deed truth seeketh no corners, as these evil disposed vile thieves do, although it was meant to help some honest decayed citizens, that they should not be utterly destroyed of pitelesse creditors, but after they might rise up again. 
Signior w●●ters.  Now the bankerote is endurance, hath lost his credence, he is in prison, where as his credence is spoiled and gone, 
Happy privilege, and subtle practice.  no man will trust him. But that inn hath a privilege to increase many gests by this means. That they may have liberty, with a little Applesquire to be his keeper, which changeth his apparel and countenance, creeping into corners, making bergaines in every place, taking up every commodity, refusing nothing, all is fish that cometh to the net, he setteth hand and Seal to every thing, 
Perilous thievish bankeroutes.  he sweareth he would not lose his credence for thousands, he giveth sweet words, he knavishly robbeth, undoth, spoileth, the widow and the honest pitiful merchant or true citizen, and when he hath undone them, he runneth to his place again, as the Fox doth to his hole, and liveth by the spoil.  Vxor. 
What meaneth this strange picture, here standeth a man double, or in two twins, back to back, the one side is lusty, fair, rich and young, and beautiful. 
Young and foolish, old and beggarly.  The other side seemeth sick, ●oule, poor and old, in the young man's hand was a grasshopper, and in the old man's, an Ant without feet.  Civis. 
In that table is lively declared mankind, both the time of his youth in felicity, with the careless grasshopper, gathereth nothing but spoileth: house, land. etc. in banquets, dice, apparel and harlots. etc. And when age cometh, he would be thrustie, and then can get no more, than the lame footeles aunt. Then maketh he exclamation, saying oh what goods did my father leave me? 
A wretch that refused good counsel in tyme.  What good counsel my friends gave me, but I esteemed none of them both, but in fine lost both riches and friends. And now I am in great poverty, sickness and age Let other men take example by me, and remember the wisdom of Solomon, saying: Vade ad formicum ô pigar & considera vias eius, & disce sapientiam. etc. Go thou idle body to the Ant, consider and mark well her ways, 
A lesson for ●●ubber.  and learn wisdom, she hath no guide, prince, nor law giver, but gathereth in summer, to keep her in winter. etc.  Vxor. 
There is also painted a lusty young man, 〈◊〉 down to a vessel, in which swimmeth both Eels and Snakes, he seemeth ●o catch one of them: what meaneth that?  Civis. 
Ha, ha, ha, it is merrily handled forsooth it is one that is overcome, either with love or covetousness. 
.  He goeth a wooing, my ding, ding: and if he speedeth my darling, what getteth he my sweeting? Forsooth, either a serpent, that will sting him all his life with cruel words, or else sweet heart with pleasant speech, that when he thinketh her most sure, 
Well fished.  he hath but a quick Eel, you know where. Ha, ha, ha.  Roger. 
Sir, there is one lately come into this hall, in a green Kendale cote, with yellow hose a beard of the same colour, only upon the upper lip▪ a russette hat, with a great plume of strange Feathers, and a brave scarf about his neck, in cut buskins. 
Mendax is described.  He is playing at the trea trip with our host son: he playeth trick upon the gittarne, and dance Trechmore, and Hey de Gie, and telleth news from Tera Florida. He looketh a squint, I did see him give the good man, a piece of a Unicorns horn, good against poison: he seemeth a pretty Scholar. But I heard him pray the chamberlain in his ear, to lend him. uj.d. upon a pressing iron, which chamberlain refused the gage.  Civis. 
Roger, call him into dinner, it is some pleasant fellow, and lacketh money belike, through travail, 
Well taken.  the poor man is driven to his shifts, and would make other men merry, when he weepeth in his heart.  Vxor. 
Good husband, 
A good wife.  call in some grave company. What should such jacks and tossepottes do here? He seemeth to be some thief or ruffian. Fie on him varlet, fie, fie.  Roger. 
By our lady I will fetch him into dinner: he is a good companion for me. We shall hear news. 
News.   Civis. 
Go thy ways quickly.  Roger. 

A gentle greeting.  Sir, my master and my masters, pray pour mastership, to take the pains to come to their chamber: where as you shallbe heartily welcome, to their dinner.  Mendax. 
Sir, I will wait upon them: but first I will upon this Whetstone, sharp my knife.  Roger. 
Sir, here is this gentleman come: to keep you compainie.  Civis. 
He is most heartily welcome, set him a chair, give him a trencher and a napkin: I pray you take part of such as God have sent, if it were at London, I might make you better cheer, but here I can not.  Mendax. 
Here is good cheer. 
Mendax do begin.  I was there within these ten weeks, that I would have given x●. shillings for such a loaf as this: whereas no such cheer was to be had.  Civis. 
Where was that, I pray you gentle Master: I can not tell what to call you, nor of what country you are?  Mendax. 
Sir, I was borne near unto Tunbrige, where fine knives are made, my name is Mendax, a younger brother, lineally descended of an ancient house, 
Mendax his arms.  before the Conquest. We give three Whetstones in Gules, with no difference, and upon our crest a left hand, with a horn upon the thumb and a knife in the hand. The supporters are a Fox on the one side, and a Friar on the other side. And of late I travailed into Terro Florida, whereas I felt both wealth and woe: the black Ox never trod upon my foot before, a Dog have but a day. 
A Ruffian.  We are borne all to travail, and as for me I have but little to lose: yet I am a gentleman, and can not find in my heart, to play the slave, or go to Cart. I never could abide it by the Mass.  Civis. 
You speak like a wiseman, I perceive by your behaviour, 
Ironia.  you have been well brought up. I pray you where is that land?  Mendax. 
Many c miles beyond Torryda Zona, or the Equinoctial line: In the longitude near unto the Pole Antarctic. 
Terra Florida● described by Master Mendax.  It is xvij M. miles long, and is in the part named America, and by the way are the Islands called Fortunata, or Canaria, whose West parts be situated in the third climate.  Civis. 
It was a dangerous travail into that country: where landed you, at what place?  Mendax. 
We sailed to the Islands of Portum sanctum, and then to Medera, in which were sundry countries and Islands, as Eractelentiae, Magnesortis, Grancamariae, Tenereffe, Palmae Ferro. etc. And our Captain went with his soldiers to land, and at our first coming near unto a river, in one of these Islands: as we refreshed ourselves among the Date trees, in the land of Palms, by the sweet Welles, we did to the great fear of us all, see a great battle between the Dragon and the Unicorn, 
A battle very profitable.  and as GOD would, the Unicorn thrust the Dragon to the heart: and again the Dragon with his tail, stung the Unicorn to death. Here is a piece of his horn, the blood of dragons is rich: that battle was worth two. C. marks to our captain. Then we travailed further into Tenriffa, into an exceeding high mountain, above the middle region: whereas we had great plenty of Alom. And might well hear an heavenly Harmony among the stars, 
He was near the stars.  the Moon was near hand us with marvelous heat. And when we came down at the hill foot, grow many gross herbs, as Lo●ege, Laserpitium, Acanthus, and Solanum, & whether it was by the eating of Solanum berries or no, there was a very mighty man naked and hairy, in a great sleep, whom we gently suffered to lie still. He had a great ●earde, in which a bird did breed, and brought her young ones meat. 
No lie, no lie  Our captain declared unto us, that the spials had viewed the land, and how that our enemies were at hand. The next day most fearful people, painted with sundry colours, approached in strange beasts skins, with Flint, so were their shafts and Darts, with whom we fought and slew, and took some: & yet the people so assaulted us, that with moche difficulty, we recovered our barks. And then we sailed forth, & chance to let fall our sounding lead new ●allowed, whereupon did slick gold, with all speed we sent down our Devers, and so within three days we gathered thirty hogsheddes of five gold: besides two butts of orient Pearls, all the shore was full of Coral. From thence we sailed to the great Isle, 
Mendax bringeth good tidings of treasure and richesse, and where it is.  called Madagastat in Scorea, where were kings, Mahumitaines' by religion, black as devils: Some had no heads, but eyes in their breasts. Some when it reigned, covered all the whole body with one foot. The land did abound in Elephants teeth: the men did eat camel's and lions flesh. Musk and Zevet in every place did abound: and the mother of pearl the people made their platters, to put in their meat, they dwell among spice, the ground is moist with oil of precious trees. Plenty of wine out of grapes as big as this loaf: moche Pepper, they can not tell what to do with sugar: but that their merchants of Maabar, twenty days journey of, do come and take of their goods frankly for nothing, but some of them do bring iron, to make edge tools, for which they have for one pound, twelve pound of fine gold. Their pots, pans, and all vessel is clean gold, garnished with Diamonds. I did see swine feed in them.  Civis. 
Did you see no strange Fowls there, and Fishes?  Mendax. 
In the Isle called Ruc, in the great Canes land, I did see Mermaids and satires, with other fishes by night, come sour miles from the sea, and climbed into trees, and did eat Dates and Nutmegs, with whom the Apes & the Babians had moche fighting, yelling and crying. 
The best meat and the worst meat.  The people of that land do live, by eating the flesh of women. In this land I did see an Ape play at tick tack, and after at Irish on the tables, with one of that land: and also a Parate, give one of their gentle women a check mate at Chess.  Civis. 
God keep me from those cruel people.  Mendax. 

Birds of strange kinds.  But sir, as for birds they are not only infinite in numbers, but also in kinds: some voices most sweet, and some most fearful. Nightingales as big as Geese, owls greater than some horse: and there are birds that do lie in a rock, where Dragons are, whose Feathers in their wings are thirty foot long, the quill as big as a Canon royal. Also I heard Parates dispute in Philosophy. Fresh in Greek.  Civis. 
I pray you, is there any plenty of precious stones?  Mendax. 
Very many, but hard to come by, but in the Island Zanzibar, is moche plenty of Ambergrise, 
Ambergrise as plentiful as clay.  that they make clay for their houses withal, there if we had holden together like friends, we might have gotten a great kingdom. Oh my heart, it maketh it bleed, when I do remember it: every man is but for himself, you may consider what division is. Emeroddes, Rubbies, Turks, Diamonds and sapphires, 
Precious stones most plentifully.  were sold when we came thither first, for the weight of iron A.M. rich Turkesses were sold for. iiij.d. to be short, one with an other after three shillings and four pence a peck. Our men gathered up Carbuncles and Diamonds with rakes, under the spice trees. 
Diamonds gathered with Rakes.   Civis. 
How chance you brought none home into this realm?  Mendax. 
Oh sir, we filled two ships with fine gold, 
A great loss, it have undone all England.  iij. ships with Ambergrise, Musk and Unicorns horns: and two tall barks with precious stones, and sailed by the Adamant stones, which will draw iron unto them and so cast away the greatest riches in Heathenes or christendom. After that evil chance, we came upon the main land of Cuba, in the great and mighty land of America, where as the people called the cannibal, do dwell in caves, rocks and woods, there as women will eat their own children, and one man an other, and they are Giants most high and fearful: 
Cruel women  all go naked, they neither know good humanity humane policy, religion, law, nor chastity. One is equal with an other, the strongest of body are chief, 
A good common wealth.  for there all is ruled by force, and not through reason: after the manner of swine. Children love their fathers no more than pigs do the boors, for they say, lust causeth generation. And when their parents are very old, they bring them to an exceeding high mountain, whereas is a great tower builded upon a rock, under which tower is the golden mine, in which mine there be ij. great monstrous dragons keeping the same, 
The price of gold.  which will never suffer the children to come to receive the benefits of that place, until such time as they have slain their parents, and cast their flesh into the cave, and wash the Dragon's Images, which are within that tower, made of precious wood, with the blood of their said parents. From thence we traveled into an Island, where as it never raineth but ones a year, & that is in the month of july, whereas Nilus runneth, by giving benefit unto the plain country, where as spice of all kinds doth grow. In that Island doth grow Hops most plentifully, which they do call Lupilun. A little before our coming, was a great wind, which had shaken down moche fruit and precious spice, 
A miracle of double Bear.  and many hundred cart loads of good Hops: after which fell down plenty of rain, raising a mighty flood, incontinent succeeded a burning heat, for it is under the Equinoctial line, or Torrida Zona. 
Where it remaineth double Bee●.  In fine, through this concoction of the sun moving this boiling of the water, through the help of moche Spice, I never drank such Hippocras, Wine, nor Beer. The flemings have found out the commodity, 
A feast for flemings.  and caren to transport no more Hops hither unto us. And if good luck had been our good lord, we had made ourselves and all the christian kingdoms for ever.  Civis. 
Alas, alas, what was that I pray you tell me, I am sorry that you & your friends have traveled thus long, and have been in danger for nothing. But I perceive you have been a great traveller, and have seen many countries, Woods and Rivers.  Mendax. 
Non finis erit si prosequar omnia verbis, 
Loquax.   
Flumina & specos, campos siluasque lucusque▪  
coles apricosque siunosque undeque portus.  
Omnia sunt vidi. Now let them go, I have seen those things and manymo. Sir in the lands beyond Cuba, or as the Cosmographars call Lamiam or janican, where as the people do curse the Sun at noon because it burneth them. There are many Islands among them. There is a fleeting Island, 
A new Ilelande that swimmeth, coming from Paradise.  swimming above the sea, by what means I know not, whether occasioned by corcke, wool. etc. it would by the wind shift from place to place. Some said it was a shreed of the banks of Paradise, broken through the force of ganges, and so in continuance brought down: it was not broad. In that Isle were but few people, and the men of that place do by proper art, with a sharp Flint stone worm the women, and prettily cut their tongues, 
Women have worms in their tongues.  and take forth a small Serpent a live, and heal their tongues again with herb Grace. This Island hath many rich stones, gold and spice in it, with precious trees, as Agallicum and Guiacum. 
Guiacum.  In that Isle, there had been some French men, whose skins were clean cast of, in the manner of Snakes, Marry they were full of holes. This Guiacum did much pleasure to them belike. But as we were devising how to steal this land away, and bring it forth to the main Sea with our pilots, two things letted our purpose. 
A great loss.  The one was, the haven mouth was to strait. The second, the people were to vigilant, and letted our purpose. But I trust, I and my companions will make one lusty voyage and give an onset for all: we will either win the saddle, or lose the horse. We are none but good fellows, of my part I will do what lieth in me, to make many prentices free, 
An honest fellow.  and cause other good young gentlemen in selling their land, to get thousands. If men knew as much as I do in this matter, they had rather venture the best joint, then be from thence, it is almost heaven, and if we do want by the way, let every man keep close, and there we may chance to find some little fleeting Islands by the way, 
Pirates, heirs of wapping for their snapping.  wherein good Sugar, spice, Silk, Linen. etc. do grow, ready made, and that will make ready money: and money maketh a man. Oh that young men would believe me, and follow me, I would make them Lords.  Vxor. 
Good husband bearken in your care, I would speak with you sweet heart.  Civis. 
Speak on your mind good Susan: what is the matter woman?  Vxor. 
Sir, this is a blind-eyed shameless ruffian, a rogue, I warrant him, and a thief. This knave is able to make children run from their parents, servants rob their masters, young heirs to sell their lands, men to run from their wives, and women also. You may know by his Arms of what stock he cometh, 
She describeth a ruffian  I warrant him from drowning, and dying of the Pestilence. Oh villain, he willbe hanged. I dare say he knoweth all kinds of thieves, vagabonds, rovers & hasarders. I like not his words, nor his bragging countenance, let us hence.  Civis. 
Well, much good do you, you have taken moche pain, but small profit, you have travailed far, and may speak by authority. Come take away, pay the reckoning: Roger, horse, horse, and away.  Roger. 
All things are ready sir.  Civis. 

Well rid of evil store.  Far ye well gentle friend.  Mendax. 
I thank you of your gentle company, good gentleman.  Vxor. 
Whose fair field is yonder, 
Fair fields  I would fain know it, and let trifles pass, I will not believe them: let foolish things go, and talk of matters profitable.  Roger. 
Mistress, do you not know it? it is my masters, I am his bailie there: he had a good bargain, I assure you, it was in mortgage to him this ij. years, I would he might find the like purches: all yonder town is his, he hath raised the rent one. C. marks a year more than it was. There were good lying in the plague time: 
Honest landlords, God amend them  for there are large pastures, and the houses are down, saving the manner place, for the carls have forfeited their lese, and are gone a begging like villains, & many of them are dead for hunger.  Vxor. 
Whose Oxen are these, Roger.  Roger. 
My masters also, for he that hath money shall have land & worship: my master is a close wiseman, 
A net for fools.  and lieth in the wind of them that will buy money for land: he can handle a young gentleman trimly, and ride him with a golden snaffle, 
A horse master.  he knoweth upon which side his bread is buttered well enough, I warrant you, my master rised so early this morning, that he noddeth as he rideth  Vxor. 
Sir, me thinks you totter as you ride, what are you a sleep? Do you not hear your man's praying? He is pleasantly disposed, he would make me believe, that you were a great landed man, and had moche cattle in store: why sir, how do you that you speak not to me?  Civis. 

Feaer and dread.  Wife, wife, God send us good luck, do you not see yonder cloud in the West towards the North, coming hither?  Vxor. 
Most fearful God send us good luck sir, it is a sudden change, I will hide my face, it feareth me so moche.  Roger. 
I am forty years old, but I did never see the like, but ones, and that was between Godmichester and Gogmanshill, a little from Cambrige, as I travailed to Wolpit fa●re, 
Roger did see visions.  to buy Colts, and there appeared a strange form, as me thought, a great number of steeples were broken: and many naked Friars, Bishops, and the Pope himself did wring their hands, 
A pitiful case  in ragged clothes, they looked all very lean: and then it thundered and lightened, in which storm many Geese were killed, and also sheep and Lambs. The year after was the tumbleing down of abbeys, and the reformation for the Church matters: but this passeth, for the precious passion of Christ, let us run away with speed. I do see a fearful thing in the clouds appearing, a black lean naked body, very long, riding upon a pale miserable foul jade, 
Death appeareth with iii Darts.  he hath also three darts in his left hand, the one is coal black, the other blood red, and the third is a dark pale, he hath no flesh upon him: me thinketh that I do see a great fire, and many fearful monsters in the same follow him, with a fearful voice, saying: all the wicked shall come to us. We are swallowed in the second death.  Civis. 
Let us take this house, ride apace; the storm doth begin most fearful, God help us, what shall we do, or whether shall we fly? jesus, jesus, what a thunder is this, 
A great thunder.  as heaven & earth should go together: Lord how the lightning falleth from heaven, all this region is upon a flaming fire, the birds fall from the trees, look how the cattle tremble, and trees are pulled up by the roots, & the houses are burnt with celestial fire.  Vxor. 
Let us departed from these trees, for I have heard say, to sit under a white thorn, is most safe and surest in a tempest: I have many goodly jewels against lightning, as the Carbuncle, 
Witchcraft.  Hemoralde, Hiasinthus, with Amber and gold: God and S. Barbara defend us: I have a S. Ihons' Gospel about my neck, and a pair of bracelets of Coral about mine arms, Oh God defend us: I am sorry that we came forth.  Roger. 
Master and Mistress, come into this valley, and let us sit in that same deep close pit, under the hill side, until this storm be passed: saint George to borrow, merciful God, who did ever see the like.  Civis. 

Sudden fear  I think it be the day of judgement, the earth doth quake, the heaven doth burn, and me think I do see the fearful horseman lighted in the valley, with a marvelous fearful saying: En 〈◊〉 vobis, mors ultima linia rearum. etc. Oh where shall we hide us from him? 
Death destroyeth all creatures, none can resist him.  He casteth forth his three darts, and taketh them up again. He is in a great rage: behold, how he destroyeth man and beast in this valley. This is come in a moment, who would have thought it in the morning? none of us, he draweth near, I know him well, it is merciless Death most fearful: I am afraid of his presence he bendeth his black dart against me, I have no target to bear it of.  Vxor. 
Good husband, 
The condition of a woman.  remember that I am young, and with child, also you are well stricken in years: therefore play the man, and take Roger with you, and entreat him, & if he will needs have you, yet for God's sake be not acknown that I am here, for fear that he kill me, and your child also.  Civis. 
Keep you close under that Cloak, and stir not I pray you.  Roger. 
I can not abide him, I will run away: 
Gentle Roger  for poverty and death, will part good fellowship, Sir, shift for yourself, and draw your sword against him.  Civis. 

A friend at need.  Alas, my wife in my trouble is to faint hearted, and will not keep me company, my servant is run away from me, whether may I sly from death? If I do run, he is to swift for me, if I turn my back, he will cowardly kill me: if I do submit myself to him, he is merciless: I perhaps shall persuade him with my gold, I have an hundred pounds in Angels, 
Death will not be entreated.  I will give it him to save my life: Oh he is here. Sir, most humbly here upon my knees, I desire your lordship to pardon me, and suffer me to live still in this world, and here I offer unto you this purse of gold, I shall always do you service, and love you with all my heart, and be at your Lordship's commandment, and to my power seek to please you, as my good lord and Master.  Mors. 
You are well overtaken, I am glad that we are met together: I have seen you sins that you were borne, I have threatened you in all your sicknesses, but you did never see me, 
Death cometh not before his time.  nor remembered me before this day, neither had I power to have taken you with me until now: For I have commission to strike you with this black dart, called the pestilence, 
Pestilence.  my master hath so commanded me: & as for gold, I take no thought for it, I love it not, no treasure can keep me back the twinkling of an eye from you, you are my subject, and I am your lord: I will cut of your journey, & separate your marriage, but not cut of your years, for they are determined when I should come: 
Our days are set.  this is your appointed time, and when the time shallbe appointed me, I will smite your wife, children and servants, they shall not be hidden from me, I will find them forth, be they hidden never so secret, or flee never so swift or far of, for I am so swift, that in the moment of an eye, I can compass the whole world, and am of so wonderful a nature, that I can be in sundry places at ones, and in sundry shapes, in flames of fire, 
What death is.  I oftentimes do consume mankind, in the water I do kill them, I am marvelous in work: I spare nothing that hath life, but I bring to an end, and to mine own nature, which is death.  Civis. 
Sir, I most humbly desire you to suffer me to return home again into the city, and let my goods in order, to those of my wife and children, to pay my debts, & then godly to departed this world, I desire no more.  Mors. 
I must dispatch, and strike you with this black dart: I have moche business to do with the other two darts.  Civis. 
Oh fearful Death: what is these two● other darts in thine hand?  Mors. 
I will smite thee with this pestilent dart, as I have done to many kingdoms, cities and people, both man and beast, young and old. 
Hunger.  With this pale dart, I will destroy infinite numbers with hunger: they shall perish for lack of food, in destruction of corn, cattle, wine, oil, fruit, herb, grass foul and fish. 
Great vengeance.  I will make them eat their own flesh, and make their own children to be sodden and roasted for them. With this third dart, I will in battle slay in number, more than the Stars of heaven, and bathe myself in blood. I spare not one, neither Prince nor Peasant, against whom I do cast this dart. I have no respect of any person, be they never so noble, rich, strong wise, learned, or cunning in Physic, they shall never prevail against me: but I will overcome them. I come into the Kings chamber at the time appointed, in force of Physic, and cast my dart, that none shall see but feel. I often come into the counting house, and suddenly kill the money teller. I overthrow the Dancer, and stop the breath of the singer, and trip the runner in his race. I break wedlocks, and make many widows. 
The greatest cross of all.  I do sit in judgement with the judge, & undo the life of the prisoner: and at length kill the judge also himself. I do somone the great Bishops, and cut them through their rotchettes. I utterly blemish the beauty of all Courtiers. And end the misery of the poor. I will never leave until all flesh be utterly destoied, I am the greatest cross and scourge of God.  Civis. 
What is the cause, O fearful Death, that thou dost scourge the face of the earth with thy Darts: and who hath sent thee for that purpose?  Mors. 
Neither is the saying of the Philosophers, 
Note this.  or poets true, which count that I come by chance, to mortal things, or enquiring the cause of the matter, or Deprivatione in materia, or of generation and corruption. And some other do affirm, that I do come through the concorse of the stars infecting the air, & poisoning living things. And therefore the Heathen in fearful Tragedies and stories, have admonished the vain world to repent, by setting forth of me Death. Some of them daily had the dead heads of their parents brought to their tables, to mortify their vanities withal. And all these men whom I have slain, were Heathen men. But I am the messenger of God, his scourge and cross to all flesh good and bad: and am the end of life, which do separate the body from the soul. I am no feigned thing by the wise brains of the Philosophers: but only through the disobedience of your first parents Adam and Eva, 
Adam caused death.  through whose fault all flesh is corrupted & subject to me Death: for through sin came death. Truly my masters anger was so great in your parents, that he suffered me to plague with my hand the best in his church, as Abel, Esaic, jeremy, Zacharie, John baptist, and jesus Christ his only son, which suffered me, and seeing that my master hath commanded me not to spare his only child, with his Apostles & holy Martyrs. doest thou think that I should bear with thee, or suffer any in this wicked world? He sent me to Sodom with his Angels to burn them. To droun bloody Pharaoh. And to slay the kings of the Heathen. 
Death is horrible.  Also I was at their ends, although all flesh doth abhor me. Yet judas and all desperate men, did call upon me. Thus do I end both good and bad, but precious in the sight of the lord is the death of his saints: and many be the scourges of wicked men. I am in gods hands, as the sword is in the man of wars as it is written. 
Death worketh.  The lord doth kill & quicken again. And it is he that did create evil, that is pain or death, light and darkness. And whereas he hath not set his strong angel to bridle me, I am merciless, and will kill all where as the token is not set up, or his mark upon them whom he doth forbid me to touch. And that is not upon thee nor upon many thousands that live most wretchedly. Thy days are but a span long, 
Ezech. ix.  thou art like a flower in the field, thy days are passed like a shadow. 
job. xiiii.  Thou haste run thy race, and thy days are consumed like smoke, and thou shalt scant live to draw thy breath. I must destroy this thy ye● this mansion, I am so commanded: have here is thy reward, suffer it patiently, I must go presently to visit a greet number suddenly, that do not remember me. I will cut them down with my scythe like grass and kill them with my three fearful darts. 
Hell cometh after death.  The pains of hell do follow me, to swallow up all flesh, that doth not repent them of their wickedness.  Civis. 

Psal. cxxxviii  Oh wretched man that I am, whether shall I ●●ie for succour? Now my body is passed cure, 
No policy against death.  no Physic can prevail, the sorrows of death doth compass me round about, the policy of the world with fear bade me fly and use God's means, as Lot did, when Sodom was a fire. But now do I see, who so escapeth hunger and the sword shallbe overtaken with the pestilence. I am at the pits brink, now begin I to wax weak in body. I am very dry, my pain doth increase, he is gone that did strike me, but I do feel his wound that he gave me. Alas, woe is my vile stinking carcase, and filthy flesh, conceived and borne in sin, deprived of original justice: compared to a beast in Adam, fallen as a rotten Apple from a living tree. What have I gotten, my Lord God by my fall, nothing else but only darkness, care, misery, 
Remember this good reader,  affliction, sickness, pain, agues: and now in mine heart, Death most painful itself. Now for all my pomp, health, wealth, riches and vain pleasures of this world: this my body, which I have both costl●e clothed, well fed, and garnished with all delights, for whose sake I have been covetous, and sinned against jesus Christ, to maintain the same body. 
Man most vile carrion.  From henceforth therefore now shall I be turned into a stinking carrion, for worms delight, dust, clay, rotten, most vile, forsaken of all men, poor, without substance: naked without clothing: sown in dishonour, forgotten of my posterity. 
two. Cor. xv.  Not known from henceforth, vanish like a shadow, wither like a leaf, and fade as a flower. Oh uncertain life, but most assured death fie on this filthy shadow of this world, and flattering of the same, with all the instruments of the flesh. 
Psalm. two. and. Cxix.  Oh Lord, although I be in this extreme trouble, yet have mercy upon me, according to thy great mercy and loving kindness. For I do make my prayer in the time of trouble: trusting that thou wilt hear me.  Roger. 
Mistress, the fearful thing that talked with my Master, is gone. Let us go hear what news with him?  Vxor. 
I am glad it is past, thanks be to God, I will go with speed, to see my husband, for he hath been in great danger.  Roger. 
Sir, I am glad that he is gone, the devil go with him: hath he taken all your gold?  Civis. 
No, I have my gold in store, for in the world I found it, and in the world I must leave it, it is but vain, and can not help in the time of this my trouble: 
We can carry nothing away,  God hath prevented me, and summoned me to appear before his seat. This death hath smitten me, I must die.  Vxor. 
Alas my good sweet husband, what aileth you? Or what would you have me do for you, to help you in this case?  Civis. 
Help me into some house, where as I might send for some man of God, 
The best way.  to be my heavenly Physician, teaching me the way to the kingdom of Christ.  Roger. 
Here is a house at hand, and here is your horse also: we will help you up, and carry you to this place.  Vxor. 
Now sir, you be come here into this place, for god's sake discomfort not yourself: I trust you shall do well, you shall want nothing that may be had for money, gold and silver, 
Past remedy  I will send for your own brethren and sisters. You shall have withal speed the best learned Physicians in this Realm, in the mean time drink Dragon water, & Mithridatum mingled together, to put this passion from your heart. Ride Roger and seek a Physician with all speed, spare not the horse  Civis. 
Soft sirrah, and speak with me, and do what that I do command you, in the name of jesus Christ.  Roger. 
Sir, look what your mastership shall command me to do: that will I do with all speed, and tarry not.  Civis. 
Go thy ways, and pray moister Theologus to come to me, that I may have his counsel, pray him to come with speed, deliver him this token.  Roger. 
I shall, in the mean time good master be of good cheer, for God's sake.  Vxor. 
Alas what shall I do, & my poor children.  Civis. 
I have set my worldly things in order, for so hath God's word taught me to do, 
A wiseman.  I thank God, and my debts shallbe truly paid: and whatsoever any poor man doth owe me I, do forgive them: and restitution shall I make with all speed, to as many as I have wronged. And I shall leave plenty to you and my children, requiring you to live according to God's commandment obeying him all the days of your lives, 
Tob. x●i.  and remember death, and to do to all men, as you would be done unto. To live chaste, either in Marriage, or a life sole: use prayer, 
Admonision to his wife and children.  & chaste your bodies with abstinence. Be pitifully minded, & hate vice: beware of wicked company, love well the temple of god visit the prisoners and helpless, this is good Religion in the eyes of God. As near as you can keep the commandments of the almighty God, and beware of idleness and pride of heart, lament no more good wife. For who can keep that must needs a way? me think I hear Theologus come.  Theologus. 
Sir, God the heavenly Physician bless you, 
Good things  and give you the perfit consolation of conscience in Christ his son, and give you grace meek to bear this his cross.  Civis. 
You are heartily welcome dear Theologus, I have thought it long, since I did send for you.  Theologus. 
Your man declared to me by the way, a pitiful story, which happened to you this day. further, I had sooner been with you, but one master Antonius sent for me, but or I came he was dead: 
To late.  and avarus and Ambidexter is in his house, preparing a solemn funeral for him.  Civis. 
Oh sir, than I have no cause to reherase the matter new again, but seeing my flesh is near the pit, and in a manner my breath faileth me, being wounded with death, and that I am of two parts, body and soul, the one paste all cure, the other in hope of salvation, I desire, if it please God, that I may live to th'end of your orations. Declare unto me, what is the cause of sin?  Theologus. 
The Devil was the first cause of sin, as it is written in Genesis, 
Satan's work.  how with a lie he deceived the woman, and they that commit sin, are of the Devil, for he hath sinned from the beginning of the world, and is the first author of sin. The second cause was man, 
Man's wretchedness  declining from God, and crediting the Devil, by which man, sin entered into the world, and all the calamities and crosses therein, as sorrow, dread, fear, poverty, sickness and death itself, all to punish sin.  Civis. 
Oh lord, how I have erred, I had thought God had been the cause. As when I read these words. Indurabo cor Pharaonis, I will indurate the heart of Pharaoh, with such like places: & his induration was the cause of his sin, and who did indurate him but God? And when it is said, ne nos inducas in tentationem, neither lead us into temptation. etc. Here I gathered, it was God that led us into temptation, for which cause, we desire him not to lead us into temptation. etc.  Theologus. 
You have mistaken those places, for God is not the author or cause of sin, for he did so much abhor the same, that nothing could pacify his wrath under heaven, no merit or work, but only the blood of jesus Christ his son. 
Christ's death.  And for this word I will indurate, the very word in Ebrue is: I will suffer pharao's heart to be hardened. And so it was in the lords prayer, it is Ne sinas nos induci, neither suffer us to be led or fall into temptation. etc. Therefore my brother, it was the will of Satan and man, that caused sin.  Civis. 
Why, 
Man's wi●  hath not man will to do good again, if he lust?  Theologus. 
No, if he had the election to will, as first he had, he would do the like: therefore it is in a sure hand, even in Gods, and not in ours. 
Math. x.  As when men do speak the truth, it is not of their own will or power, but the heavenly spirit in them, & by almighty God, are all the steps of men directed: though man fall into sundry temptations he shall not be cast of, for the lord putteth under his hand, 
Psalm. xx.  which is a great comfort to us in trouble, when we are underneath the cross. Without him we can do nothing that is good. No man can take any good thing upon him, 
Ihon. xi.  except it be given to him from heaven: and no man dear brother, can come to the son of God, unless the father hath drawn him, & not his will, which is most wicked from his youth upward, as appeareth in our vile nature, thought, word, & deed. And who so ever hath not the spirit of Christ, 
Roma. viii.  is not of Christ but those, which are led of the spirit of god are the sons of God: and this cometh not by man's will and power. For, the worldly minded man, doth not understand or perceive those things, that are of God's spirit, without which he can not be saved, be he never so learned, and can dispute of the soul: making distinctions of knowledge and judgement, 
What the soul is.  calling it the mind, or intellection, or reason, or desire, which is the will, under whom the affection is governed, whose spring is the heart. All these make not to the heavenvly purpose but rather standing upon such trifles, doth hinder the way to salvation in Christ: and rob him of his passion, when we do attribute freedom or frewille, 
Of free will.  to come of ourselves, but that we are in God's hands, as his instruments, through him to work such things, as best may please him, and he withdraw his holy hands, we can do no good: therefore submit yourself to Christ and his will, for our wills are malignant, and damnable in his eyes. Forsake your brave will, and humbly submit yourself to jesus Christ, saying: now before our death. 
Prayer.  Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed 〈◊〉 name, thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. etc. And thus I do conclude of free will in us, and faithfully look for the reward, not of works, but of mercy only: only purchased by the Sacrifice of Christ, 
Mercy and not works.  thanking him that he hath made you merciful to your brethren in this world, which was the fruits of faith, by which faith in his blood we are saved, and shall receive our almose or reward, and not our duty: for we are unprofitable, when we have done our best.  Civis. 
What reward is that, I pray you? Or what promises are granted by Christ?  Theologus. 
The reward is the remission of sins, and life everlasting, granted by the father for jesus Christ's sake, 
Reward in jesus Christ  freely without our works, for there is none other salvation under heaven given to men, but only Christ. In him we do merit: as when we are merciful, we have a promise of this present life, and the life to come. And in this world also an c fold: 
Matth. x.  and in the world to come everlasting life. And who that giveth one of these little ones, a cup of water for my name's sake, shall not lose his reward. And he commanded to give, promising it shallbe given to them again. And further he saith: break the bread to the poor, and it shallbe to thee like a garden. He saith not, let thin executors or assigns give the poor when thou art dead, but thou must do it thyself in this world: 
Luke. xv.  Now while it is light, for the night is at hand, I mean death, when thou canst not work. Remember Dives lost the time, & could not call it back again, which waileth in hell, hath no reward, for he trusted not God, nor rewarded any man. further, reconcile thyself to thy brother, for else thou canst not please God, though thou wrough test all good works, and gave thy body to be burned: 
i Corin. xiii.  for charity is so precious in Gods eyen, that who so want it, can not reign with Christ. Therefore forgive from thy heart, and thou shallbe forgiven. Make not thy will upon goods gotten by usury, nor by any thing that falsely in bargaining, thou hast taken from thy brother, 
Psalm. xiiii.  for than thou shalt not dwell in God's tabernacle. Neither shall thy children prosper upon the earth, but God will hate them to the three & iiij. generation for thy sin: 
Psalm. iiii.  examen well thy conscience, death hath wounded thee, which is common to all flesh: in thus doing, thou shalt pass from death to everlasting life by Christ, and never taste upon the second death, among the impious or castaways: countess thy sins from thy heart, ask mercy, be they never so red, and many in number, 
Psalm. two.  jesus hath washed them in his blood, and sprinkled them with Hyssop, and made them as white as snow: now play the man in Christ, fear not to departed this world. Christ is gone before with his holy Apostles, Prophets, Martyrs, Confessors and Uirgines, penitent thieves and harlots also, there is the army of angels before his throne, with joy incessantly honouring him. Hell gates are sparred, sathan beaten down, thy ●innes razed, the good Angel at hand to conduct thee to that blessed land of rest: 
●●oc. ultimo.  here is nothing but labour, days of care, sin, wretchedness, a thousand crosses, the snares of the devil, and many vanities, the flesh most inconstant, the world a place of misery and sin, bid it farewell, taking thy leave with the badge of a christian man, of Christ crucified: 
A Christian man's badge.  remember that promise made in thy Baptism, arm thyself with the breast plate of faith, continue to the end, and thou shalt receive a crown of life, thy cross taken away: cast thy hole care upon Christ, 
two. Cor. xv.  and he shall deliver thee at hand, and give thee, the holy resurrection of body & soul to dwell in one for ever with him.  Civis. 
Oh what comfort in conscience I have received: 
Comfort in conscience.  first I render thanks to God the father, the son, and the holy ghost: secondly, blessed be the hour of your coming hither, in this time of my trouble, with this holy consolation in Christ, in whom I do believe, renounsing the world, the flesh and the devil, believing all the articles of my Christian faith, acknowledging the blessed Sacraments to be the instruments to everlasting life and salvation in Christ, 
Sacraments  by the which God doth work in his Church to the worlds end, to them that shallbe saved: one trinity, 
The holy trinity.  and three distinct persons coequal in unity, in one essence & being is my God: the father created: ne, the son redeemed me, and the holy ghost sanctified me, and inspired me, where by I know that I am his elected, and one undefiled mother the Church, hath thus taught me, in that blessed book of patriarchs, Prophets, Martyrs, 
The holy Church.  and jesus with his Apostles, which is God's work: now master Theologus, my time is at hand I pray you say some thing of the resurrection, and then let us pray in the name of God together, that it may please him, to forgive me my sins, which I have committed against heaven and earth, and to receive my soul into his blessed hands.  Theologus. 
Good brother, not only the doctrine of Prophets and the Evangelists, do promise the Resurrection to come, of some to salvation, and some to damnation, but the same resurrection is most manifest. 
Math. xxvii.  As for example: Christ himself and other, did rise, and were seen to many in Jerusalem: and by the space of xl days, he taught the Apostles, and was conversant with them: and then ascended into glory, until the time appointed to judge the quick and the dead when he shall send his angels to gather all flesh under heaven, 
Math. xiii.  from the four winds, and sit down in judgement, saying: come to me you blessed of the father, and receive the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning. further he saith, this is the will of my father, which hath sent me, that all that do see the son, and believeth in him, shall have everlasting life, and I will raise him in the last day: and the holy Apostle saint Paul most heavenly doth preach the resuraection to the Corinthians Thy dead shall live, saith isaiah, 
isaiah. lviii.  and thy slain shall rise again: and those which sleep in the dust shall rise: 
Daniel. xii.  the earth shall cast forth their dead bodies: I will create both heaven and earth new, saith the Lord, and put the old out of my remembrance: many saith Daniel, that lie a sleep in the dust, shallbe wakened again, some to life everlasting, and other to reprobation. God saith, 
Math. xxv.  I will open their tombs and bring them forth: and the holy man job saith: 
job. xiiii.  I know that my redeemer liveth, and that in the last day, he shall raise me again out of the earth, and shallbe clothed again with my Skin, and in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see with these same eyes, and with none other. These are comfortable, and most true places of holy scripture for the resurrection of the dead, you are assured in conscience of this blessed resurrection, & life everlasting in Christ jesus our lord.  Civis. 
Yea forsooth dear Theologus, but my speech is almost passed, yet I thank God I know you all, and I beseech him to bless you: and when my spirit is gone, I pray you bury my body with comeliness, not with pomp, and use it as an instrument, wherein the soul hath dwelled, and which the soul shall possess again in honour, in that blessed resurrection.  Theologus. 
Let us most humbly here upon our knees, with our hands lifted up towards the heaven: desire God the father for Christ's sake, to receive your soul into his glorious kingdom.  

An exhortation to death.  O dear citizen rejoice and be glad, that thy labour is almost past: rest is at hand, fear not the pain of death. For it is impossible to escape that, which can not be fled, or avoided. For it is written, who is that man that liveth, and shall not see death: none, no not one, therefore, suffer it my sweet heart patiently, and that is an argument of good ronscience, and of an heavenly mind. Your wife mourneth immoderately, oh God: all flesh was borne to die. 
All flesh shall die.  This happened to our parents, as father, mother. etc. And shall not fail to all that shall follow, unto th'end of the world or coming of Christ. For surely sweet life, was never without the exception of bitter death, it is no novelty, therefore when we do hear tell, of the departure of any of our friends: let us not fall into a sudden passion, as only the high priest did, which hearing of the death of his children, fell down and broke his neck. 
A constant wiseman in adversity.  But rather constantly with wise Anaxagoras, which hearing of the death of his beloved son, said to the messenger: this is no new tidings, nor strange to me, as soon as he was borne, I knew that he should die: for of nature's law is learned, life to be taken and resigned, & no man die, but he which have lived. Oh leave your lamenting good masters, why rage you like one, which have no hope. Be absent, or use moderation remember holy job, 
Of jobs patience.  the same days when the Lord permitted Satan, not only to destroy his servants and cattle, but also before age, in the lusty time of youth, in the feast day, at one table, his dear children of his body, were all broken in pieces and slain, with the violent fall of the house. What did he, rend his here or flesh, no, no: he considered who sent them, and who did take them, even the Lord, whom he most obediently suffered, and reverently thanked. further good sister, remember. S Hieromie, taking GOD to witness of an holy woman, whose husband was dead▪ whom he most tenderly loved: 
A constant wom●n in trouble.  by whom she had but two sons of singular beauty, wanting no gift of grace or of nature, which both died the same day, wherein their father departed. When this Cross was, saith. s. Hierom, who would not have thought that she would have fallen mad, in rending her here, breasts, clothes and skin, running up and down, wailing and crying, with pitiful wring of hands. What did she? first, she weeped not one tear: but most soberly, with a womanly countenance, she humbly kneeled upon her knees, holding up her hands, rendering thanks, and making prayers to almighty GOD, saying: most humbly I thank thee good lord, for that that it have pleased thee, to take me into thy service, I am sped, oh lord, for thou haste discharged me. 
Counsel.  etc. Take also for an example, the most worthy constancy, 
A blessed woma, two. Mach. seven.  of that patient woman, which without moche lamentation, did with her own eyen, behold her dear children slain, their members cut in pieces, and boiled in caldrens'. Mark how constantly of late years, children did see the flesh of their fathers, mothers. etc. burn in the fire most patiently suffering. And again, fathers beholding their children do the like. What did they r●re like Lions. etc. No, no, but rejoiced, that God had of their blood & stock erected a people, to reign with him in life, which witnessed him in death. The examples should move all christians, perfect mortification is not moche, to lament for our friends dying: 
Remember our end.  but rather by the example of their deaths, to remember our end, and then we shall not sin. Therefore, better it is to go to the house of mourning, then to the house of banqueting. And when it shall please God to call your husband away, and the days of forgetfulness shall approach, as every thing under heaven have the time, both of mourning and rejoicing When you do behold yourself in a glass remember your face shallbe lean and pale your nose rotten, 
A glass.  your teeth stinking and black, your eyen dim and blind, your ears deaf and running, your hairs fallen away, your veins broken, your senues relaxed and wasted, bones corrupted, bowels full of rooms, and all your flesh consumed. 
A glass for fair gentlewomen.  Behold, behold, you damosels of vanities and lusty youth, the pleasure of this world how it endeth, with stink, filth etc. not reserved after death to any good purpose: as timber when it is cut down, but because it is so vile, and will infect the air. The corpse is enclosed in a pit, as we daily see, where as it consumeth, as I have said. Remember this, be not proud of noble parentage, of riches, beauty or cunning but rather consider where are the old lusty kings, 
Where are the old noble persons.  queens, lords, knights, ladies: where are the old courtiers and valiant men of war? where are the Majors of cities, lawyers, bishops, Physicians? where are all the pleasant Musicians? where are become the old commons in every kingdom where is become the Pope's rotten holiness, with all the infernal malignant synagogue of antichrist. etc. all are gone and passed like shadows, wasted and come to nothing, as S. Augustine affirmeth. 
De va●i 〈…〉  Oh man saith he go to the channel house or graves, 
The greatest of the dead.  take up the bones, mark well if thou canst know the master from the servant, the fair from the foul, the rich from the poor, the wise from the fool. etc. thou canst not do it, it is impossible to know them. Well world: well. What doest thou promise unto all them which do love thee, perhaps much riches or dignity. 
The hurt of rithesse's.  How noisome to the soul is riches, the very minister of, or to all, civil rule and mischief, as damnable usury, adultery, treason, murder, it maketh one proud, high minded, and forgetful of himself. It deludeth him with flatterers, and curtises of Hypocrisy, it is the mother of vainglory, and nourisher of pride and idle life, and lothlie gluttony. 
Spend all succeeding Gathrall.  It is remembered by our master jesus Christ, which calleth it thorns: and by his Apostles, which nameth it the root of all ill. It is the master of some rich men and women, which keepeth it to their great hurt. And the foolish prodigal waster, which commonly succeedeth the gatherer, spendeth it soon away in wickedness, as it is said: easy gotten goods are soon spent. Therefore sufficient or a mean, is well to a christian man (for sundry causes.) For they that will be● rich, fall into sundry temptations, cares, broken sleeps: he gapeth and looketh for moche, & spendeth little, he can not be merry (for fear of loss. 
covetous men, still do covet. ) The more he getteth he is never satisfied, that is a covetous man but still desireth & never pacified, like unto the dry man in a hot burning fever. Riches hath poisoned the church, and transformed the clergy: specially in Room among the Popes, and many great men, whose ancestors did keep plentiful houses of the one half. Which now is come to pass, that now a days in keeping hospitality, or ministering of charity, but breaks up houses, and hurt many poor, even for the love of one glutton, himself which will not well spend it, 
Riches help not in the day of vengeance  nor for his children which can not well use riches. For we do see how God doth plague the seed of extortioners vile usurers. etc. What if they had mountains of gold, so increased dolour of mind and death stealeth on all flesh like a thief, and smiteth the money lover, the usurer, the oppressor, the golden watchman, the great officer, merchant, the wise gentleman, that hath purchased so moche. What is th'end of this gear, a dead carcase, and scant a good winding sheet, out of the door he must to grave, he shall far well Gloria mundi, and welcome silly worms. I pray God that this turneth not to damnation. Oh what is become of rich Senior Antonius Treasurers, Capax, Rapax, Tenax, Ambidexter (ill gotten goods are worse spent.) Sour sweetness, and slipping Ice, the golden entangled hook, and the drink of Midas hath utterly destroyed him, and or ever he was aware, death hath slain him. He loved so well this world, 
What pains man will suffer to fly death  and life in the same: that if his Physician might have saved his life, he would have lost one of his hands, and suffered his flesh to have been cut with some broken bones, with the continuance of pain, ache and grief, with dreadful sleeps. And when he did see no remedy, the terror of conscience tormented him, vexed him, and overcame him, made him rage and curse the time of his birth, his life was so horrible in the eyes of God and man, whose judgement I do commend to God, but surely great plagues do remain for the ungodly. Therefore let us be converted, and turn clean from our sins and wickedness, 
forgive enemies.  and so there shall no sin do us harm. Let us fast and pray hate evil, and clean to good: make restitution, forgive our enemies, abhor vice, and be sorry that we can not be sorier. Remember our accounts, and come be times unto the Lord, make no tarrying to turn unto the Lord: put not of from day to diae. 
Suddenly cometh vengeance.  For suddenly shall his wrath come and in time of vengeance shall he destroy us, and except we do all repent, we shall perish saith Christ. Let us repent therefore, and turn unto god, that he may forgive us, that our sins may be done away: that we may say. From plague, pestilence and famine, from battle and murder, and from sudden death, oh lord deliver us. From hardness of heart, and contempt of thy word and commandment: which is the greatest cause of the wrath and indignation, oh good Lord deliver thy people, for thy holy names sake. Amen. Amen.  

A prayer in trouble or death.  Almighty and most dear father of heaven, we most humbly beseech thee for jesus sake, have mercy upon this thy servant, which now is nailed to the painful cross of death, for Adam's offence: impute no sin unto this penitent, 
Hebre. xi.  which most willing hath submitted himself to thy fatherly correction: but behold thy son on the right hand, the only mediator for all the elected, whose names are written in the book of life. Let this thy servant, we beseech thee most mighty God, have clean remission and forgiveness of all his sin, by thought, word and deed, committed against thy divine Majesty: 
The best medicine.  now in this peril of death, assist him with thy holy angel, command Satan to depart, make clean his conscience, with a glad mind to rejoice only in thy mercy, for vain is the help of man, but thy mercy doth endure for ever: we are thy people, and the Sheep of thy pasture, to thee we shall give praise for ever and ever. Amen.  Civis. 
Amen. Amen: Lord receive my soul into thy hands: thou God of truth. 
A blessed end.   Theologus. 
THe mighty God of Angels, and the former of all things, visible and invisible: in whose hands is only life and death, light and darkness, 
A prayer in the time of death.  and all the motions of the soul and body, without the most mighty God, all things had been nothing, and of nothing all things are made by thee: 
Through the holy Trinity is creation & salvation.  without thy Christ, and thy blessed spirit, which is one coeternal trinitée, all flesh were accursed, all consciences molested, and all souls utterly dampened. From light into darkness, from freedom into everlasting reprobation: but by jesus Christ thine only son, we thank thee dear father of all mercy, that now it hath pleased thee, to take to thy mercy at this present time our brother, whom thou hast elected, consecrated, and now he shall by thy mercy and pity be sanctified unto thee, 
A prayer.  to be a citizen of eternal glory, now dode flesh and blood forsake him, and all his worldly strength faileth him. Now is the Organs yielding up, the heavenly sound, his soul cometh now unto thee, good Lord receive it to thy mercy, into thine everlasting glory: where as Abraham, Isaac, and jacob, are continually, to thee, oh heavenly father, be incessant honour and glory. AMEN.  
¶ The end of the Dialogue.   

A Copy of a letter, to Frances Barlowe, by W. B.  
When the time of trouble draweth near (good Frances Barlowe,) as death, which shall separate the soul from the body, if we be not ware, and wisely provident, we shall stand in great danger of losses: first we shall lose our health, strength and beauty, 
vanity pla●n vanity in this world  wherein we have delighted, and all our censes, as pleasure of speech joy of heart, and the comfortable sight of the eyes, wherewith we do daily behold all the pleasures of this world etc. we shall lose all our further treasures, laudes and substance, and also our lives, and as dung be cast into the earth: and finally our souls banished from God's blessed presence or resting place. Therefore let us call my Frances, to our remembrance, the fearful curses of almighty God, against our sins, and the cause of our plagues, which is our abominable living, in sinning against God, in thought, word and deed, against heaven and earth, in pride, wrath, idolatry, fornication, swearing, lust gluttony, & stopping of our ears against grace, and the word of truth: let us call to remembrance, how that we have done wrong to each other, in word, & deed, in flaundring or in hindering by bargaining. etc. Our brethren, for whom Christ hath died whom we have hated & not pitied in their extreme sorrows and adversities, & have not paid their labours and travels: let us repent and call for grace, 
Restitution.  and restore now while we are in the way of grace, & in that that we can not make satisfaction for our sins, by no merits of alms, prayers, oblations. etc. which are unclean in Gods eine, as concerning the remission of our sins, 
job. xxiii.  as job saith: how can he be clean that is borne of a woman? behold, he will give no light unto the Moon, and the stars are unclean in his sight, how much more man, a worm, even the son of a man, which is but a worm, which in beholding of his sin hath no cause, but to despair, and to be dampened, what remedy in this case? none but with all speed by faith, lift up your head, and behold even jesus Christ on God's right hand, pleading our case, excusing us to his father, which prayeth to him for us, and is heard, and Satan beaten down, and Gods Angels set at our bedside with spiritual armour, for us in this battle of death against Satan, to conduct us to that happy landerlet us kneel down, and first say, whatsoever God doth send to us, life or death, his name be praised, 
God's will.  his will be done in earth as it is with his Angels in heaven, desiring him to be fed with his lively word, and blessed sacrament, the immortal food for the soul, passing all worldly treasures or physic for the body: & that it would please him to pardon our trespasses and offences, in thought, word and deed, against his divine majesty, even as we do forgive our enemies, such faults as they do here in earth against us, and that in the time of agony or pains of death, he suffer us not to fall into temptation, or be overladen under our cross: 
The land of the living.  but that his hand may help us, and deliver us from this vile life full of miseries, and bring us into the land of the living: in doing this, you shall be most happy and blessed: let us submit ourselves to him that hath made us, we have not made ourselves, we are his vessels, and are in his sight, & can not flee from his presence, nor run beyond that race, 
Genesis. two. Sapi. x.  which he hath appointed us: he bringeth death, and restoreth again to life in the resurrection. Oh be content to render the same talon, 
Tob. xiii. Math. xxv.  which was but lent unto you, even your body, the gifts of nature and grace: commit wife, children, and all to him. He doth no wrong, 
Yield all to God.  he taketh but his own. Remember he brought you in hither naked, and how you do live but a small time, and are full of misery: Like a flower for the time and shall pass away like a shadow. 
job. xiiii.  Alas we do deserve great punishment, but he plagueth us not according to the gravity of our sins, for than were we dampened, or like unto Sodom, that perished without hands in the day of God's wrath and vengeance. Consider Frances, that this is no news or marvelous chance that you should change your life, 
Lamen. iiii.  well, it happened to all your forefathers from Adam, to kings and all the nobles of the earth, and to the poor also. All flesh is grass, and worms are the companions to the corpse, 
All flesh is grass.  in dark grave or house of clay. Yet there is a day which God hath appointed which none can tell but himself, 
Math. xviii. Luke. nineteen.  in which he will judge both the quick and dead, and call all flesh before him: both his very elect and the merriles reprobates, and then body and soul shall remain immortal together, & have life everlasting. This hold fast dear Fraunces, as an anchor in this storm, from death to life everlasting. Hold fast the twelve articles of the Christian faith, pray to the end, only to God the father by Christ, remember his promises, that at what time soever a sinner doth repent, he will forgive. Cal, he will answer unto thy soul: knock and he will open. This time of your adversity and plague of the pestilence, 
Eccle. xi.  doth make you forget all pleasures and delights passed, even so remember this world is the more slippery, and the pleasures do compass all understanding to Gods elected. Because I will conclude, the time draweth at hand of our deliverance, cast your care only upon God almighty, look not back again, beware of by paths, either upon the right or left hand, but tread in the true path or very way of jesus Christ himself. I pray you let Ambrose Barnes, read the xj. Chapter of saint Ihons' Gospel, and the first Epistle to the Corinthians, Chapter xu If the time had not been so much spent, and the venom so dangerous, and the parties so weak and feeble, I would have caused you to have been let blood and given you pills contra pestem, with cordials accordingly by God's grace, if that would have done you any good, but take this cordial in good part. Thus God give you the crown of life, which jesus Christ without our deservings, hath purchased for us in his precious blood. His name be praised. Amen.  
Your W. B. Far ye well. We must follow when it pleaseth God.   

To his loving friend and brother, M. William Conscience, Minister, W. B. sendeth Salutation.  

Luke. xii. Math. v.  IF the almighty God do take care for the fowls of the air, and flowers of the field, and provideth nourishment for them, how much more for his beloved men, that do faithfully serve him in the holy ministery of his word and sacraments, visiting the sick, and burying the dead? The captain that doth but serve a mortal Prince, how so ever he speedeth, life, or death, behaving himself wisely and valiantly against the enemy, is worthy of worldly fame and honour, much more the Lords armoured knight, 
God's messenger. Mala. i.  being his angel and mouth, between him and his people, that stand in danger, is worthy in Christ to be numbered, crowned, and placed among his Angels immortal: by this I know that you are no hireling, but (under Christ) the true shepherd, in that, that you fly not from your fold, when that Wolf Satan with his companion Death, do work their violence against the flesh & soul: 
Ihon. x.  In this case remember these words. Nolite eos timere qui occidunt corpus. etc. Fear not them, which do kill the body, they can not kill the soul. In this we do see what the power of death is, not only to kill in us the four Elements, whereof the body is framed (by sword, fire, water, sickness. etc. But the soul is not made of any of them, but the Creator of all thing, hath made it most pure of nothing, upon which soul death hath no power, because it is of nature immortal. But so long as body and soul are together, & not divided, that is called man. 
August. de 〈◊〉 & anima. Cap. xliii. etc.  And whatsoever things are seen with bodily eyen, are ordained for the same body, and the body for the soul, and the soul for God. The life of the body is the soul, and the life of the soul is God: so for sin the body is ruinated, and shallbe in dust, until the resurrection. But in the fall or death of the body, the soul dieth not but is delivered, when the snare of this flesh is broked. 
Psal. cxxiiii.  The flesh with the senses are dead, but Anima cum ratione sua, do still live: 
The soul dieth not.  therefore I trust and know, that you do consider wisely three things. The first is, the world with the wretchedness therein, worthy to be despised. The second, our own knowledge of ourselves, our sin, our sickness, and whereof we are made, even of repugnant éelementes. Thirdly, is to lay hand of eternal blessedness, remembering the merciful promises of God: As come to me all you that are heavy laden either with affliction of mind, 
Math. xii.  poverty in Christ, sickness or death, and I shall refresh you. 
The best Physic.  This is the very Physician of the soul, even Christ, and the perfect quietness of conscience. God hath given you a talon full godly, you do lucrifie the same and hide it not. Therefore, it shallbe said most joyfully: it is well done good servant and faithful, thou haste been faithful in little, 
Math. xxv.  I will make thee ruler over moche, enter into thy masters joy. And again, he which doth continue to th'end, shall have the crown of life. Be patient my brother (Conscience) and settle your heart, 
james. v.  for the coming of the Lord draweth near: and blessed are the dead, which die in the Lord, for they shall reign with Christ in glory, his name be ever praised: and his will be fulfilled. Amen. Be of good comfort, and cast away fear: be merry, let not the Pestilent corpses, nor the noise of bells, terrify you.  
Inter mortales te non mihi charior ullus:  
Te plus, quam verum diligo amoque fratrem.  
Finis.   

COLENDISSIMO FRATRI▪ SVO IN CHRISTO, MAG●STRO Richardo Turnero Theologo, Guilhelmus Bullenus. S. P. D.  
REuerendissime, & obseruandis sime frater, puto te literas meas recepisse, in quibus tibi scribebam, regimen contra pesteē, ac idcirco modo non ero prolixiori● febre pestilenti. Nam omnis febris quam pestilentem vocamus provenit e putredine quae fit ab excessum humidi. Hac vero [ut inquit Galenus] febrem ex plurima humiditate putrefacta, 
Causa pestis.  provenire prutrefacta sine dubio potius quam a calore aucto fatendum est humiditas. 
Sign● pest●s.  Ideo materia est putrescens in venis unde calor naturalis valde afficitur & uno die omnes virtutes decidunt urinae sunt foetentes etc. Galenus, Auic. Rafis, Trallianus. etc. affirmant: in febre pestilenti est multitudo obstructionum & praecipuè ubi materia urgit ad cutim & caput. Multitudo materiae & cruditatum in causa est.  

Curatio in quam c●n●iderandum▪  Cura est, prohibere putredinem. Obstructiones igitur sunt aperiendae, cum humorum evacatione. Sed si natura movit, tunc nihil movendum est. 
☜  Hoc est autem remedium ut inquit. johannes Baptist. Monta. Vironensis. ℞. Syrup. de Cichorio cum Rhabarbaro ℥ 1. ss. aq●a Boraginis, acetosae ℥ 3. in quibus citrum sit impositum & decoctum deinde unguentum pectorale contra pestem, ℞ unguenti Rosacei confortativi mesues ℥. j. specierumcordialium, ℥ j. Sandalorum alborum ℈ j. Rosarum siccarum ℥ ss. misce simul artificiose & fiat linimentum pro cord, & pro toto regione ventris. 
Dicta in temporac pestis.  Mirum est hoc remedin̄ contra venenum pestis. Quod ad rationem victus attinet, ubi est maxima putredo [ut inquit Hyppo. 17. Aphoris.] ubi coruptihumores & putridi nihil, perniciofius quam instituere tenuem victum, quia inter, exhibeas ius pulli, & ponas semper in tuo cibo praeter acetosam succum citri. De reliquo velim tibi persuadeas quemadmodum legisti in Galeno. etc. Vale & vale iterum [eruditis. vir] sisque bono animo. Nunc literas concludo. Nam plura non opus habeo scribere, ne tuis optimis occupationibus [in vi nea domini] importune nunc obstrepere vi dear.  
Martij. Incarnati. 1564. Tuus ad o●a Guil. ●ullenus.   

AMANTISSIMO AC PRObissimo viro magistro T. Gaylo Chyrurgo. Guilihelmus Bullenus. S. P. D.  
BOnam valetudinem, cum corporis tum animi▪ a deo opt. max. tibi precor (optime vir.) Nihil est hoc tempore quod tibi scribam, quàm quòd libellum quem mihi donasti, legi, et iterum legipro quo tibi ago gratias & habe● ut pro sumno munere. Nam ex eo & intellexi amorem et animum quem erga me geris, & operam tuam perspexi non solum mihi sed omnibus qui ubique sun● Anglis futuram utilitati. Nostrum eui●● omnim haberi possunt amatores & cultores, libri tui insignissimi. Quam obrem quid magis mihi gratum esse potuit hoc munere, praesertim cum a tali Chirurgo mihi datum sit? cuius rei numquam me capiet oblivio, sed quantum potero gratias referri libenti animo faciam. Opto te bene valere, ac interim me tibi comendo doctissimo viro magistro Bactero humillime meis verbis gratias agi meque plu rimum comendare desidero.  
Martij. 28. Anno incarnati. 1564. Tibi deditissi●●● Gui●●helmus Bu.   

¶ The Table of this present book.  

A Poor man seeking relief. 
Fol. 7.  A wives answer to the poor man. 
idem  A tale of the poor mannne against covetousness. 
2. ●. 4.  Antonius Capistranus the richman. 
5.  Antonius the Physician. 
idem  A subtle merchant man. 
6.  Antony's angels. 
idem.  A sweet text 
idem.  A meddler with no scripture. 
7.  A good indifferent man. 
idem.  An infidel. 
idem.  A man of good religion. 
8.  A papist, a protestant. 
idem.  A nullafidian. 
idem.  A fine garden. 
idem.  A pillar in a garden. 
9  Antony's armies. 
idem.  A good observation 
idem.  An exclamation of Skelton. 
10  A saying of Chaucer 
11.  An admonishion of Lidgat. 
idem  A young Courtier. 
idem.  A saying of sir Davie Linse to England and Scotland. 
12.  A saying of the Physician. 
13.  A●arus a pettifogger. 
idem.  Am●o dexter. 
idem.  A black Sainctus. 
idem.  Am●o dexter gapeth for Antonius' deat● 
14.  A maiden in Antonius' house. 
14  A simple practice. 
15.  A crafty villain. 
idem.  A cousin made. 
16.  A perjurer. 
idem.  A serpent. 
idem.  A good company 
17.  A land where as no sickness is. 
18.  America. 
idem.  A dreadful case. 
17.  A troubled conscience. 
19  A Apothecary's repentance 
idem  A time to purge. 
idem.  A yearly reward 
20  A great loss. 
idem.  A knavish lackey 
idem.  A mule lost 
21.  Aristotle de coelo & mundo. 
22.  A description of the soul. 
23.  Actus what it is. 
24.  adversity 
25.  Actr●● de rei medic● 
.26.  Avicen noteth of the pestle. 
27.  Anticedent of the pestilence 
28.  air infected 
idem.  Auicens counsel. 
30.  A powder for the plague. 
31.  A drink for the pestilence 
idem.  A perfume for the pestilence 
32.  A medicen for a carbuncle. 
34.  A caviat for a Chyrurgi●n. 
35.  A lotion for a sore. 
36.  A medicen for the plague sore 
16  A Cicatrice most best. 
39  A healing ointment 
idem  A Cordial 
idem.  An Epicures talk. 
40.  A horsewoman 
42.  A nice cockney of London. 
43.  A churl incarnate. 
53.  A tale of Foxes 
idem  An epitaph of a covetous. 
54.  A young man well nurtured 
56.  A parlour with many things 
57  A taker, a catcher 
57  A wicked judge. 
60.  Note adversity 
62.  A lesson for a lubbar. 
65.  A wretch which refused good counsel. 
idem.  A russen. 
67.  Amber grice. 
69.  A great loss to England, 
70.  A good common wealth. 
idem  A swimming land. 
71.  A prayer in death. 
82,  A letter to master William Aileward called Conscience 
85.  A letter to master Richard Tu●ner of Canterbury. 
83.  A letter to master Thomas gail Chirurgeon. 
idem.    


B  Beasts did speak. 
Fol. 45  Borders in a cloth. 
57 to 86  Barnit field. 
44  Birds of strange shapes. 
68  Bankruptes. 
65    


C  Clysters. 
●●  closeness in usury. 
●●  Children sick of the mother. 
Fol. 59  Cruel women. 
70  Christ's death. 
82  Carbo & antrax. 
33  Causes of the pestilonce. 
27    


D  dogs and women. 
45  Death killeth. 
Fol. 78  Death worketh. 
Fol. 78  Death horrible. 
Fol. 78  Death will not be entreated. 
75  Death what it is. 
76  Death endeth all. 
7●  Death destroyeth all. 
75  Death appeareth with three darts. 
74    


F  Flatterers of noble men. 
●1  Fair fields. 
73  Fear and dread, 
ibi.  Fre will in man. 
83    


G  Gloss. 
17  God. 
23  Golden raake. 
58  Good air. 
29  Good observations. 
32  Gentle Roger. 
75  Galen ad Pisonem. 
42  Gentleman what he is. 
●3  Galen de diffe. feb. 
●●    


H  Honest landlords. 
9  His wives council. 
33  Hunger. 
76  Hosteler. 
56    


I  Ingratitude. 
48  jacke Drake. 
ibi.  jonge Renob. 
52  jacke a napes played at tabies▪ 
69  jonge and foolish. 
67    


K  Knavery. 
50    


M  Money doth great mischief. 
60  Mulier a naughty word. 
57  Many usurers. 
55  Magus and judas. 
58  Makeshiftes. 
66  Mendax is described. 
ibi.  Mendax kindred & arms. 
63  Mendax hath been in florida. 
●●  Mendax bringeth good news 
8  Mixed bodies. 
22    


N  News from Florida. 
63  No w●nde but turn some to profit. 
45  No●e this well. 
48.50    


P  Physician doth well. 
25 until 40  Pirates undoes. 
27  Promotion spiritual. 
59  Ponicamber. 
38  Perfu●● 
idem  Peace and unite. 
64  Prudence. 
25  Pestilence. 
2●  Pettifoggers. 
1●  Purging the body. 
36    


R  Rasis de pest. 
2●  Ruf. contra pestem. 
28  Rogers writing. 
46  Rogers pleasant talk by the way. 
46. etc.  Reward in Christ no merit in us. 
83  Resurrection of the dead. 
84.85    


T  The three elements. 
22  Trouble of mind, 
29  The best remedy of the plague. 
33  To know the Antrax. 
35  The tale of a Lion. 
46  The ●rutes of usury. 
55  The Lord Crumwell. 
idem  The description of Ro. prela. 
60  The Pope's practice. 
61  The greatest cross. 
77  The holy trinity. 
85  The holy church. 
idem    


W  Women have worms in their tongues. 
7  Witchcraft. 
75  What the soul is. 
83  We can carry nothing away. 
79  Where it taineth double bear. 
74  Who shall show the mule. 
62  Who may not bleed. 
30  Well fished. 
●●    
FINIS.