CATO TRANSLATED Grammatically; Directing for understanding, construing, parsing, making, and proving the same Latin: and so for continual practice of the Grammatical Analysis and Genesis. Done for the good of Schools, and of all desirous to recover, or keep that which they got in the GRAMMARSCHOOLE, or to increase therein. AT LONDON, Printed by H. L. for Thomas Man, 1612. TO MY REVErend and worthy Brother, Mr. Doctor HALL.. THe wise Merchant, that after long travel with much searching and adventuring, doth think that he hath found some rich treasure, although he do much rejoice in it, yet will not trust himself; but will use all means of trial of it, by the most skilful and expert, before he will adventure his estate, upon an uncertain commodity, or offer any way to vent the same. Blame me not then (my reverend and dearest Brother) if after trial of this kind of translation, by myself and others, I crave of you to be in stead of many, for bringing it unto the touch; to try, whether it be in all things, according to the worth, which I have conceived of it, for carrying-on the little ones in so plain and so pleasant a way to all good learning. For, whom can I find more meet than yourself? And first, in regard of that right noble Hope, to whom I have Dedicated my first assay in this kind, being as yet unable to judged thereof; considering your lovingest affection so duly and publicly testified to that honourable House. secondly, in regard of the general sort, to whom you have not more approved your love, in your painful and worthy labours, than they in their glad embracing of the same. And for me, Who hath ever witnessed more true and sound affection, first in comforting and supporting your faithfullest sister, in that her long and weary combat of so many years together, against the manifold terrors, assaults and tortures of the bloody Enemy? and that not only privately by your tenderest Letters, but publicly in that most sweet Epistle, which hath been for the comfort of many a fainting soul. Wherein, you did not leave her destitute of your brotherly consolations, until the Lord who strengthened her, to be faithful unto the death, had vouchsafed unto her a most glorious victory; and translating her into his throne, from all the malice of the Dragon, gave unto her the Crown of life. Also for mine own self, sith, as I have acquainted you, and some other of chief note and place, with all my Schoole-travells, from the time that I thus set myself more earnestly unto them, so with this kind of Grammatical translation in particular, from my very first entering into them; and more specially of late with the controversy concerning the same: so that you are fulli● able to satisfy any, as I hope; and by your wisdom to compose it in peace. That th●re may be still a joint union in this labour, which I trust will prove so profitable to all. And moreover, for that you have not refused to put-to your helping hand to the work, perusing, and adding some of your own experiments; and have also seen some little trial of my beginnings, and by all means encouraged me hereunto. lastly, for that you have now vouchsafed to grace my weak endeavours, with your loving though undeserved testimony. Wherhfore, my kindest Brother, as you have witnessed all this love; so let me entreat you especially, amongst others, in these and all other my studies for our poor Coun●reyschooles, to help (as your greater occasions shall permit) to sever all the dross, that nothing may remain, but only that which is pure and will abide the touch; That in the end, that which is approved may come forth as the gold, which hath seven times passed the fire. The Latin Commentary of Corderius, which I lately met withal, hath much confirmed me in the course; though the English translation, joined to it, doth very oft translate the exposition, not the text. Notwithstanding, Fear lest I should deceive myself or any other, or lest I should faint in the way, leaving the work undone, together with the good experience of your tender love, so carefully supporting me, and so brotherly censuring and directing in such mildness, and also accepting my willingness, makes me thus to presume. The fruit, I trust, shall be for yours, amongst others. And in this hope, that you will esteem of so mean a gift, according to mine affection, not the work, I commend it unto your love, and to the blessing of our most wise and holy GOD whose it is; remaining ever, Your thankful though unworthiest Brother, I. B. TO THE IVDIcicus Reader. LEarned Reader, if you perceive the benefit of this kind of translating, help lovingly to amend what is amiss. Future editions (God willing) shall supply what is wanting, and bring to more perfection. To the Learner. 1. B● careful firs● to be ready in the Grounds of your Accidence and Grammar, at least to have the perfect understanding of them; and to be very cunning in the examples of Nouns and Verbs, also to have very readily the Rule of construing. For your better direction herein, see the questions of the Accidence and Grammar, called The Posing of the Parts, gathered of purpose to help thereto. 2. In using these translations, labour ever, first, to understand fully the matter of every sentence which you would construe, by oft reading over the English, to get it (as it were) without book. 3 Then learn to construe the Latin according to the rule of construing, using the book where you doubt, and to the end to go surely and speedily. 4 Next, to purse as you construe, being helped by the Latin and English together. 5. After, try to construe and purse out of the English alone, looking only on it: whereby you continually make Latin. 6. Lastly, prove whether by oft reading-over the Latin out of the English (first, according to the order of the translation; after, according to the order of the Author) both Latin and matter will not most speedily be made your own. Understand the matter perfectly; and the Latin will flow most easily, as of the own accord. For the use of this Book, see the Grammar-schoole, Chap. 8. in the manner, use and benefits of Grammatical translations. A most elegant little Book, which is a called. entitled [or named] Cato, b of the precepts of the common course of life. concerning the Precepts of common life, * Erasmus Roterdame being corrector. Erasmus of Roterdame c corrected, and expounded by Erasmus. being corrector and interpreter, [or expounder.] A d The fore-speech, or speech set before the book. Preface with most short Precepts. e Whereas I did observe, or perceive. BEcause I did mark very many [men] f to offend greatly. to err grievously g in their manner or order of living. in the way of manners, h I have ●dged it meet, or thought good. I have thought to help and i to provide for. to consult for [or to have a regard unto] k their weakness, or error. the opinions of those [men] l chiefly. especially that they might live m commendably, or with commendation. gloriously, and might n come to. attain to honour. o Now therefore. Now (my most dear son) I will teach thee p ●fter what manner, or in what so●t. , by what manner [or how] thou mayest, q order or fashion, thy manners. compose [or frame] the manners of thy mind. Therefore [●ee that] thou read r my lessons, or instructions. my Precepts s in such sort. so that thou mayest understand them: for to read [any thing] and not to understand [〈◊〉] t is to despise and contemn learning. is to neglect [or not to regard] [what thou readest.] Therefore, [to come to the purpose,] u make humble supplication to God, or use to pray to God. Beseech God [or pray h●mbly to God.] x love thy father & mother entirely. love [thy] parents'. y Have thy kin in estimation. love [or reverence] [thy] kinsfolks. Fear [or reverence] [thy] z teacher. master. a Keep diligently. Keep [ b that which is committed to thee. that which is] given [to thee,] or Keep a thing committed [to thee.] c Come not to plead before thou be instructed what to say. Prepare thee d for the bar. to the pleading place▪ [or to be fit to plead thy cause.] Walk, [or converse] e with them who are virtuously, and well disposed. with good men. f Thrust not ●n thyself to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 other men's matters. Thou mayest not come to counsel before thou be called. Be thou g handsome, or neat, not slovenlike. cleanly. h Salute others cheerfully. Salute willingly [or be courteous in saluting others.] Yield i to him that is mightier then thou, or strive not with him, that is mightier than thyself. to a great'r [man,] [or give place to thy better.] k Be not cruel, or rigorous against thy inferior. Spare a less [man] [or thine inferior.] l Be not unthrifty. Keep thy substance [or goods.] Keep m modesty, or shamefastness. bashfulness. n Be careful in thy affairs. Add diligence [or be thou diligent.] o Give thyself to reading good books Read books. p Keep in memory that which thou hast read. Remember what [books] thou hast read. q Look well to thy h● should or charge. Care for thy family. r Be of a gentle & mild ●ech. Be fair spoken, [or be thou courteous in speech.] Be not angry s Without a just cause or weighty matter. d not m●ck at a●i man. without cause. Thou shalt * mock no man. Thou shalt not laugh at, [or scorn] t A 〈◊〉 in misery. a miserable [man.] Give u mutum is taken Aduerbially for mu●o. mutually [or lend.] x Consider ●o whom thou lendest, ●r to wh●t man. See thou to whom thou givest. Be thou present y at the 〈◊〉, or hearing causes pleaded. in judgement] or in hearing the cause of thy friends handled.] z Make not feasts every day. Feast seldom. Sleep that which is a sufficient, not as much as thou canst. enough, [or as much as sufficeth nature.] b Keep vnuiol●bly. that which thou hast sworn lawfully. Keep [thy] oath [or thy lawful oath.] c Drink wine temperately. Temper [or moderate] thyself in wine. d For the defence, or safety of thy country Fight for [thy] country. e Thou shalt believe. Thou mayest believe nothing f unadvisedly, or undiscreetly. rashly. g Consider well, what is s●t to be done. A●ke thou counsel of thyself, [or advise with thyself.] h Ask or take counsel Consult safely [or follow safe counsel.] i Avoid warily, or run away from ●ll dishonest company. Fly a whore. k Apply thy book. Learn letters, [or get learning.] l Lie not in any case. Thou oughtest to lie nothing [or not at all.] m Be beneficial to men deserving well. Do well to good [men.] Be not n foul tongued, or a slanderer, or backbiter. an evil speaker, [or foul mouthed.] o Keep well. Retain [thy] p the good opinion that men have of thee. estimation, [or reputation.] judge [ q equally, not for favour or gain. that which is] equal [or just.] r Gain the favour of thy parents. Overcome thy parents by patience, [or by patient suffering and forbearing.] s Remember each good turn done to thee. Be thou mindful of a benefit received. Stand t at the seat of the judge, praetor, or Major, to get wisdom. at the judgement seat, [or frequent the place where matters are debated.] Be thou u skilful in the law to help thy friends, or discreet in thy business. able [or fit] to give counsel. Use virtue, [or do all things virtuously.] x Moderate thy anger, or passion. Temper [or moderate] angriness. y Use such sports wherein are no evil. Play with the top. z Fly all naughty gaming and spending, or games standing on lot. Fly the dice. Thou shalt do nothing * from the arbitrem. a according to thy power, what thou mayest, but according to right. by the arbitrement of thy strength, [or power.] Thou shalt not b despise, or disdain him that is more base contemn a [man] lesser than thyself, [or thy inferior.] Do not covet c other men's goods. other folks things. d make much of thy wife. love [thy] wife. e correct, or nurture. Instruct [thy] children. f Abide, or endure. Suffer the g order. law which thyself hast made [or ordained.] Speak thou h little. few things i at a banquet. in a banquet. k Set thy mind upon, or affect Study, [or desire] that which is l right, or equal. just, [or lawful.] m Take, or receive good will gladly, or refuse the good will of no man. Bear thou willingly love, [or good will] [or Be glad to be loved.] The a distiches are two verses together, containing the same matter. distiches [or double Metres] of Cato b of manners. concerning manners. The first Book. The Preface. 1 The worship of God [ c aught to be the chief thing, or chiefly regarded. is] chief. d Because. IF [or seeing that] God is * a mind. a spiritual thing [or a Spirit.] as e Poets writing in verse. verses f do show, or specify to us. do tell us. He [or this God] * let him be worshipped, or he must be honoured and served chiefly. is to be worshipped to thee [or of thee] especially with a g sincere mind, or with pureness of spirit. pure mind. 2 h Sleepiness, or sluggishness. Drowsiness [is] to be i 〈◊〉. shunned. k Be more vigilant, or watchful. Watch always more: neither be thou l addicted. given over, [or altogether given] to sleep. For m the rest, or ease of the body continuing overlong, or overmuch ease, or sleep. long continuing rest, [or overmuch ●leness] n ●oth g●ue▪ or afford nourishment▪ o● doth nourish vice. doth minister nourishments to vices, [or sins.] 3 The tongue [is] to be o kept under, or bridled. kept in. p Esteem, or account thou. T●nk thou, * to keep as within the pasture, or to bridle and refrain. to keep in [thy] tongue to be the first virtue, [or Think thou [it] * a principal virtue. a chie●e virtue to keep in thy tongue.] q That man is most like to God. He [〈◊〉] next to God, who knoweth r to keep silence. to hold his peace s with wisdom. with reason, [or discretion.] 4 t A man must accord with himself. It is to be agreed [or a man must agree] to himself.] u Beware of, or eschew. Despise thou to be contrary to th● self x ●n striving, or contending. by repugning, [or resisting.] He will agree y with no man. to no [man] z who is at variance with himself. who himself, doth disagree with himself. 5 No man [is] to be a condemned. blamed b unadvisedly. rashly. If thou c mark and observe well. look into the life of men, d in a word. to conclude if [thou look into] [their] e conditions. Al. thou blamest, or findest fault with. manners. When Al. they blame other [men] no man liveth without f crime, or blame. fault. 6 g That which is necessary, or commodious. Utility [is] h to be put before. to be preferred before i wealth. riches. k Leave off, or put from thee. Leave thou [those things] which thou l art persuaded of. holdest, [or knowest surely] m will hurt, or endamage thee. to hurt [thee] although they be dear to [thee.] Profit, [or the use of that which is commodious] aught n to be preferred before. to be put before o abundance of goods. riches p when time requires. in time. 7 Manners [are] q to be framed. to be changed for the time, [or according to the time.] Be thou r severe, or strict. constant and s variable, or pleasing light [or changing] t even as, or like as. howsoever u the cause, or occasion. the matter doth require. A wise [man] doth change x his courses, or conditions. [his] manners y according to the quality of the time. with the times z without offence. without fault, [or blame.] 8 a A man must not assent. It is not to be assented always to the wife. b Give not credit to thy wife rashly. Believe thou nothing c unadvisedly. rashly, to thy wife d making complaints. complaining e against her servants. of [thy] servants. For a woman, [or the wife] f doth often grudge against. doth hate oftentimes [him] whom the husband g doth like or bear good will to. doth love. 9 * It is to be instant. h we must be earnest. We must be instant i in admonishing a friend. to the correction of a friend. k When as. And when l thou exhortest, or counselest thou admonishest any [man] neither m he will not suffer himself to be persuaded. he the same man will himself to be admonished, [or will endure to be admonished.] n If thou love him dearly. If he be dear unto thee, o give not over. do not thou desist, [or leave off] from p thy endeavours, or beginnings. thy enterprises. 10 Fools q will not be overcome. are not overcome by words. r Strive not in talking. Do not thou contend in words, against [men] full of words. Speech s is natural to all. is given to all [men] t knowledge, or understanding. wisdom of mind [is given] to few [men.] 11 u Let every man be. Every man [is] a friend to himself. Love thou other [men] x in such sort. so, y that. as thou mayest be a dear friend z to thyself chiefly, or in the first place. to thyself. So a do good, or be kind to. be thou good to good [men] b lest thou hurt thyself, or sustain some great damage. least evil losses follow thee. 12 [ c To spread rumours, or reports is unlawful. It is] a thing forbidden to spread rumours. d Be afraid of spreading newe●. Fly r●ours, lest thou begin to be accounted a new author [or raiser of news.] For it hurteth no man e to have been silent. to have holden his peace: f men repent of their speech. it hurteth a man to have spoken, [or To have holden his peace hurteth no man: to have spoken hurteth him.] 13 Another man's g fidelity. faith [ h we are not to promise's, upon another man's word. is] not to be promised. Do not thou promise certainly i that which another man hath promised to thee. a thing promised to thee. k Fidelity [of men] is therefore ●ard to be found. Therefore fidelity is rare, because many [men] l do speak mu●h and perform little. do speak many things. 14 m Let every man be. Every man [aught to be] the judge of himself. When any man n gives thee praises and commendat●n. praiseth thee, remember o to judge of thyself, whether that praise belong to thee. to be thine own judge. Do not thou p credit. believe other men more concerning thyself, then [thou dost believe] q thine own judgement, or knowledge. thyself. 15 r The respect to be had. The reason, [or regard] s of gifts, or kindnesses. of benefits. t See thou tell to many. Remember thou to show to many [men] u the kind turn done to thee. the office [or kindness] of another man. x But say thou nothing of it. And thou thyself be silent, when y hast been kind, or bestowed a benefit. thou hast done well, [or hast been beneficial] to other [men.] 16 z The commendable things, which an old man hath done. Things done well [of us] are to be reported in old age. When a thou dost report being an old man. thou b in thy old age. being an old man dost c recite, or tell. rehearse d the doings. the deeds and sayings of many [men.] Make [or see] [that those things] * run to thee, or run to thy mind, or remembrance. come to thy mind, which thou thyself hast done e when thou wast a young man. being a young man. 17 The f blemish, or vice. blot g of being suspicious. of suspicion. * Thou mayest not care. Do not care if any man h talk with another. speak i secretly. in secret speech. k He who hath a guilty conscience. He himself guilty to himself l surmiseth all to be spoken of himself. doth think all things to be spoken of himself. 18 m In prosperity, we must think that adversity may come. We must think of adverse things [or adversity] in prosperous things [or in prosperity.] When thou shalt n in a prosperous estate. be happy, [or in prosperity] o think of aforeh● beware of p what adversity may hap. those things which are adverse [or against thee.] q The last things are not ever l●ke the first, or there is not ever the same fortune. The last things do not answer to the first things, in the same course. 19 r We must not hope for dead men's shoes. The death of another [is] not to be hoped for. s Sith our life is frail and uncertain. Sith that a doubtful [life] and a frail life is gi●n to us. Do not thou t place thy hope and affiance. put hope to thyself, [or do not thou hope] u to be another man's heir, or to possess another man's goods after him. in the death of another [man.] 20 x We must esteem the mind of the giver, ●ot the gift. The mind [is] to be esteemed in the gift. When y thy friend which is poor. a poor friend doth give z any small gift. a little gift to thee, Take thou it a thankfully. pleasingly [or kindly] and remember b to commend it much. to praise it fully. 21 c The bearing, or suffering. The enduring of poverty. Sith that nature hath d made thee. created thee e naked, or destitute of all things, when thou wast borne. a naked infant. Remember f to suffer, or take patiently, or with a patient mind. to bear patiently the burden of poverty. 22 Death [is] not to be feared. g [See that] thou fear not. Thou mayest not fear that [death] which is the last end of life. He that feareth death, h loseth the benefit, or comfort and pleasure of his life. loseth that same thing that he liveth. 23 The i unthankfulness. ingratitude of friends [is] k to be avoided, prevented, or born patiently. to be fl●dde. I● * no man being a friend, that is If none of thy friends. no friend answer to thee for thy l merits, or benefits. deserts, [or according to thy deservings.] m Find no fault with God. Do not accuse God, but thou thyself n repress, or quiet thyself, or refr●e, and moderate thyself. keep under thyself. 24 Frugality, [or thriftiness.] Use o the goods which thou hast gotten. things gotten p moderately, or temperately, without excess. sparingly, q lest thou come to want. lest any thing be wanting to thee. And that thou mayest keep that which is, [or that which thou hast] think thou always [it] r that thou wantest that which thou hast. to be wanting to thee, [or that thou mayest want.] 25 s A promis● o●t made A promise iterated, [or repeated again] [is] grievous, [or offensive.] t Take heed thou promise's not. Thou shalt not promise twice to any [man] [that thing] u which thou mayest perform easily. which thou canst perform. Lest thou x ●e accounted. be y unconstant as the wind, or light & w●ering. windy, [or a boaster] whilst thou z desirest to be thought. wilt be accounted 〈◊〉 [or courteous & friendly.] 26 a Cunning is to be deceived, or met with, by cunning. Art [is] to be deluded by Art. b If any man pretend good will in words. He that doth dissemble in words, c and yet is not a true and sound friend. neither is a faithful friend in heart. * This precept is contrary to Christianity. Thou also do d likewise, or even so do thou. the like thing: so e craft or dissimulation. art f is made frustrate, or void. is deluded by art, [or cunning.] 27 g Flattery. Fair speaking [is] h suspicious. suspected, [or aught to be suspected] Do not thou approve over much men, i speaking smoothly. flattering in speech. k The call playeth merrily. The pipe singeth [or soundeth] sweetly, wilt the fouler l beguileth. doth deceive the Bird. 28 Children [are] m to be trained up. to be instructed n in good sciences, or trades of living. in arts. If children be to thee, [or if thou have children,] o yet no wealth to leave them. neither wealth [or but no wealth] then p train them up in good trades, or sciences. instruct them in Arts q by which, or to the end that. whereby they may be able to r defend themselves from poverty. defend [their] poor life, [or to get their living.] 29 How things [are] to be s Valued or reckoned. esteemed. t Account thou. Think thou [or esteem] that thing which is u vile or little set by, or base. cheap [to be] x precious or much worth. dear, that which is dear [to be] cheap. So thou shalt be accounted neither y as withholding any thing from thyself which thou esteemest of, or which is necessary. sparing to thyself, z nor accounted of any, covetous. nor covetous to any. 30 Things a that may be justly reprehended. blamed [or blame worthy] [are] not to be done. b Do not thou. Thou thyself shalt not do those things which thou art wont c to reprove, or find fault with. to blame. It is d a reproach. a dishonest thing e to him that teacheth. to the teacher, when f his own fault. a fault g confutes, or condemns himself. reproves himself, [or when he himself, doth that which he blameth in others.] 31 h Things meet to be granted, or like to be granted. Things to be granted [are] to be i requested. asked. k Demand thou. Ask thou that which is ●ust, or that which may seem honest. For it is l folly. a foolish thing to ask [that] which may be denied m rightly, justly, or lawfully. by right. 32 Known things [are] not to be n le●t. changed for unknown things. Do not thou o esteem of. put before [or prefer] p nothing which thou knowest not. a thing unknown to thee, to q those which thou art acquainted with. known things, [or before known things.] Known things r are surely grounded on reason. do consist in judgement, [or do stand on certainty,] unknown things [do consist] s in adventure, or uncertainty. in chance. 33 Every day [is] to be t accounted. thought u our last day. the last [day.] Sith that our life x is troubled, or disquieted. is tossed doubtfully, [or conversant] y in dangers which we know not. in uncertain dangers, Whosoever [thou art which] labourest, z account every day won, wherein thou labourest, and escapest death. put [or account] the day to thee for gain. 34 We must obey [or please] [our] friends. a Suffer or forbear. Give place [or yield] sometime b to thy companion. to thy fellow, when c thou mayest overcome. thou arable to overcome. Because d pleasant, or good friends. Al. are retained. sweet friends are overcome e by pleasing, or for bearing, or by bearing with their conditions. by pliantness [or yielding to.] 35 The duties of friendship [aught to be] f from one to another, or between one and other. mutual. g See that thou doubt not, or fear not. Thou mayest not doubt h to give little presents to bestow little things, when thou askest great things. For i thanks or good will, requiting. favour [or love] doth join together dear [friends] k by giving and receiving kindnesses. by these things. 36 l Thou must not fall out with thy friend. Friendship hateth brawlings. Beware m to make debate, or contention. to bring in strife, [to him] n with thy friend. with whom favour [or goodwill] is joined to thee, [or with whom thou art in love.] Anger doth o engender, or beget. breed hatred: p unity, or agreement. concord doth nourish [or increase] q goodwill, or friendship. love. 37 r Correct not in anger. Correction [aught to be] without anger. When s displeasure. grief doth t move, provoke, or enforce thee. urge thee unto anger, for the u offence. fault of [thy] servants, Thou thyself x stay or temper thy anger, or pacify thyself. moderate thyself, that thou mayest spare thine [or thy servants.] 38 To overcome by patience. Overcome thou [him] sometimes y by suffering. by bearing [or for bearing] whom thou mayest z vanquish. overcome [ a great hand, strength, or power. by force.] For patience [ * is. hath been] always the b chief, or most excellent virtue of all virtues. greatest virtue of manners. 39 Things gotten are to be kept. Keep [or save together] c rather than to seek to get more. rather [those things] which are d already. now gotten by labour. e or when we lose by our labour. When [our] labour is in loss, [or in repairing our loss f mortal, or remediless poverty doth come. deadly neediness doth increase [or grow.] 40 * It is to be consulted. Thou must consult [or look] to thyself * in the first things, or first of all, before all other. especially. When thou being happy [or in prosperity] shalt be sometimes * bountiful in making good cheer. liberal [or frank] to thy known Al. and dear friends: Al. and dear to thy friends. be thou always next [or best] to thyself, [or look first to thyself, or to thine own estate.] The second Book of Al. a of double metres. distiches, Al. of Cato. concerning manners [or of moral distiches.] The Preface. IF b perchance, or peradventure. perhaps thou wilt [or desirest] to know c the husbanding, dressing, or ordering of the ground. the tillage of the earth, Read thou Virgil d in his Georgics. ; e but if so be thou desirest, or regardest. if that thou labourest more * to have known. to know f The natures, or operations. The forces [or virtues] of herbs, g the Poet M●cer. Macer h will teach them in his book written in verse. will tell thee in verse. If thou covetest to know the Roman [wars] or i the wars of Carthage, or the African wars. the Punic wars, Thou mayest seek Lucan, who will tell [thee] k their martial battles, or their wars and battles. the battles of Mars, [or of war.] l If thou list at all, or in any manner. If it list [thee] any thing [or at all] to love, or to learn to love by reading, [or through reading any thing concerning love,] m Ask for, or go unto, or read. Seek Naso, [or Ovid]: but n if thou regard this, or this be thy care. if this care be to thee [or if thou have this care] That thou mayest live o wisely, or as a wise man. a wise [man] hear thou, p to the end that, or where, thou mayest learn. to the intent that thou mayest learn q [those things] by which. By what thing r the age, or life of man. the life [or age] is s is passed over, or may be lived. led being t separate, or removed. severed [or free] from vices. Therefore u attend. come thou hither, and learn x by reading these Precepts. by reading y what is the right trade of life. what wisdom is. 1 * It is to be deserved well. We must deserve well of all men. Remember thou z to pleasure, or do good to. to profit a not only friends, but them whom thou knowest not. even [men] unknown, if thou canst [or if thou be able.] [It is] more profitable than a kingdom, to get friends b by merits, or by deserving well of them. by deserts. Or thus; To get friends by desert is c better then to get a kingdom. more profitable than a kingdom. 2 Secret things [are] not to be searched. d leave off. Omit e to search out curiously. to inquire the secrets of God, and f what the secrets of heaven are. what heaven is. Sith that thou art g subject to death. mortal h inquire after. care for [those things] i human things, or things which concern thee. which are mortal. 3 The fear of death doth k put away, or banish. drive away joys. l Leave off. Leave the fear of death, for it is a m folly. foolish thing in every time, [or at all times.] o when thou art afraid of death. Whilst thou fearest death, thou losest the joys of life. 4 p Anger. angriness [is] q to be eschewed. to be taken heed of. r Thou being angry, do not contend, or strive. Do not thou contend being angry, s about a thing doubtful. concerning an uncertain matter. Anger doth t trouble the mind, or reason. hinder the mind, that it cannot u discern or judge of the truth. see the truth. 5 We must x bestow quickly. spend where [or when] need is. y Bestow. Make cost [or spend] z cheerfully, and readily. quickly when a cause doth require. the matter itself doth desire, [or when just occasionis.] For something b must be given, or bestowed. is to be given, when time or matter doth require. 6 c A mean, or middle condition of life is most safe. A moderate fortune [or mean estate] is more safe. d Eschew, or avoid. Fly that which is overmuch: remember e to be pleased, or well content. to rejoice f with a little, or mean estate. in a little. The ship g goeth more safely. is more safe, which is carried h upon a small river, then that which is in the main sea. in a moderate river [or stream.] 7 i Secret faults. Hidden vices [are] to be k kept close, or silent. kept in [or concealed.] l Remember to hide wisely, or warily. Thou being wise remember to hide from [thy] fellows [that thing] m whereof thou mayest have shame. which may shame [thee,] Lest n many men reprove that. more [men] blame that thing, o which thou only knowest. which doth displease thee alone. 8 Hidden things are revealed at length. Al. I will not that thou think Al. Do not thou think, or think not. wicked men p that they shall escape punishment, for their sins. to gain their sins. Sins q are covered for a time. lie hid in times, and r are revealed. lie open in time. 9 s Imbecility, or feebleness of strength. Weakness is recompensed by virtue. t Despise not. Do not thou contemn u the power. the strength of a little body [or a weak body.] x He is wont to excel. a Little men are are oft times wise. He excels y in wisdom. in counsel to whom nature z hath not given force hath denied strength. 10 b We must give place. We must yield to a more mighty [man] * to a time. for a time. c yield. Give place in time [too him] whom thou d hast known. shalt know e not to be an equal match for thee, but overhard, or too strong for thee. not to be equal to thee. We see oft times f him that overcame. the conqueror g to be conquered of the weaker. to be overcome of the conquered, [or of him who was vanquished.] 11 h We must not chide or fall out with our friends. Not to brawl with [our] familiar [friends.] i Chide not. Do not thou contend in words against k thy acquaintance. [thy known friend.] l Very great discord. The greatest strife m doth increase, or doth rise. doth grow sometimes n of small words. by the least words. 22 o We are not to seek by lot what our fortune must be. Fortune [is] not to be sought by lot. p Do not speak out vainly. Do not inquire, [or search out curiously] by lot, what God q purposeth. intends. He himself doth r consult, or determine deliberate s not calling thee to counsel. without thee, what he t sets down, or ordains to do with thee. determineth concerning thee. 13 u Superfluity, or excess. Riot x doth engender, or begets. doth breed hatred. Remember thou y to avoid, or eschew. to shun envy, in too much z decking, trimming, or overmuch pomp. tricking [or fineness.] Which [envy] if [or although] it do not hurt, a notwithstanding, or nevertheless. yet it is a b troublesome. grievous thing c to abide, or endure it. to suffer [or bear] it. 14 d Our heart. Our mind [is] not to be put down. [or cast down] e because we are wrongfully condemned. for * unequal. unjust judgement. f Be of good courage, or good cheer. Be thou of a valiant mind, g albeit thou art condemned wrongfully. when thou art condemned unjustly. No man doth h enjoyeth it long. rejoice long i which prevaileth, or getteth his purpose, or the cause. which doth overcome k through unjust judgement. by an unjust judge. 15 l Injuries past, are not to be remembered again. Strife [is] not to be rubbed again [or renewed] to [friends] m ●et at one, or agreed. reconciled. Do not thou n repeat. relate [or rehearse] the o bad sayings. evil speeches p of brawlings past. of strife past. q Or, to remember anger after enmities, is the etc. It is [the property] of evil [men] to remember anger r after grudges ended, or when men are reconciled. after enmities. 16 Neither s commend. praise thou thyself, nor blame [or dispraise thyself.] Thou thyself, mayest neither praise * thee. thyself, neither shalt thou t dispraise. blame thyself. u Foolish men. Fools do this x who are moved with vain glory, or who are vain glorious whom vain glory doth vex. 17 y Thriftiness. Sparing. Use z sparingly without excess, or prodigality. moderately a goods gotten. things gotten, when cost [or our expense] doth abound, [or exceed our ability.] b it soon consumes, or it is soon gone. It slides away in a little [time] c which was gotten, or gathered. which hath been gotten in a long time. 18 The eyebrow [or countenance] [is] to be d cast down, or changed. put down e now & then. sometime, [or It is good sometime to counterfeit folly.] f Be thou like a fool. Be unwise [or fain lightness or folly] when g occasion and opportunity, or just cause. time or matter doth require. To feign [or counterfeit] h folly. foolishness i in fit place. in place, [or when opportunity serveth] is the chiefest wisdom. 19 [Be thou] neither k a dingthrift, spending above measure. prodigal l miserable. nor covetous. m Eschew, or avoid. Fly n superfluity, or excess and prodigality riotousness, and withal [or together] remember to shun The crime of o avarice. covetousness, for p both these vices. they q do much hurt our good name, or estimation. are contrary to fame [or good reputation.] 20 We must believe little [or give small credit] r to a great talker. to a prattler. Do not thou s give credit. believe [a man] t telling ever. reporting always u some news. certain things [or some strange matters.] [For] very x little heed. little credit [is] to be given [to them] y who use many words, or are ever talking. who speak many things. 21 The drunken man z may not accuse, or let not the drunken man accuse the wine. let him not accuse the wine. a Condemn, or accuse thyself. Do not thou pardon thyself that thou b sinnest. offendest by drink, [or by overmuch drinking.] For there is no * crime. fault c in the wine. of the wine, but the fault [is] d of him that drinks excessively. of the drinker. 22 Counsels [are] to be credited] or committed] to [our] friends. e See that thou commit. Commit secret counsel f to a friend which is discreet to keep counsel. to a g still, or silent. close companion. Commit h the cure of thy body. the help of [thy] body to a i trusty. faithful Physician. 23 k Let not the success. The l prosperity. success of evil [men] let it not offend thee. Do not thou m take to heart. bear [or take] grievously n the undeserved successes, or prosperous success. the unworthy successes [of evil men.] Fortune o doth cherish, or favour. doth cocker evil [men] that it may hurt [them.] The first verse may be more easy thus; Noli successus indignos far molestè. 24 p Things which may fall out. Future chances [ q to be looked to before, or prevented. to be] foreseen. r Provide for aforehand▪ or foresee. Look to these chances s to bear. to be borne, which t are wont to fall out. do come [or all out.] For whatsoever thou shalt u foresee. look unto before, x doth less hurt. doth hurt more lightly. 25 The mind [is] y to be cheered, or comforted. to be cherished with hope in * adverse things. adversity. z Be not dismayed, or discouraged. Do not thou submit [or cast down] thy mind a in adverse things. in adversity. b Keep hope, or be of courage. Retain hope: c man hopes still in death. one hope [or hope alone] doth not leave a man in death. 26 Opportunity [is] d to be taken. to be holden when it e chanceth. happeneth [or falleth out. Do not thou f omit, let slip, or overslip. let pass g any thing. the matter which thou knowest [to be] h fit or profitable and commodious for thee. apt to thee [or for thee.] Occasion [or opportunity] [ i hath hair. is] hairy in the k that it may be laid hold on before. forehead, it is l with out hair. bald m on the hinder part. n it is to late to catch when it is past. after [or behind. 27 o things to come. Future things [●re] p to be known. to be gathered q by things past. of things past. r Consider. Look to [that thing] s which is past and behind us. which followeth, and t provide for. see before that u which is coming. which hangeth over. [See that] thou imitate that x janus, the double faced God of the Romans, looking both ways. God which looketh to either part [or to both parts] [or which seeth both before and behind.▪ 28 * A reason. A y We must have a regard, or consideration. regard of [our] life [is] to be had. Be thou sometime z more moderate in thy diet, than thou a●t wont ordinarily. more sparing, that thou mayst be a have better health. more strong, [or more healthful.] b We must be more careful for health then pleasure. Few things are due to pleasure: more things [are endue] to health. 29 c We must yield. We must give place d to the most, or to the general sort. to the multitude. Thou being one [or alone] * shalt contemn never. shalt never e despise. contemn the f opinion, or sentence. judgement of the people; Lest thou please g none, or no body. no [man] whilst thou wilt h make no reckoning of the counsel of any. contemn many [men.] 30 i We must regard our health above all things. Health [is] to be cared for. k Have chief regard of thy health. Let there be especially a care of health to thee: which thing is the first thing. l which is the chief of all things. Thou mayest not blame the times, m when thou art the cause. when thou art a cause n of thine own woe, or sorrow. of grief * to thee. to thyself. 31 Dreams [are] not o to be regarded. to be observed. p Do not care for. Thou mayest not care for dreams: for what thing * the human mind, or the mind of man. man's mind doth wish, Hoping for when it doth awake, q it seemeth to see. it doth see that same thing r in sleep. by s This is meant of ordinary dreams, not such divine visions, as are recorded in the book of God. sleep. Or thus, The mind of man doth see that same thing by sleep, [or in sleeping] which it wisheth hoping whilst it awaketh. The third Book of double metres. distiches of Manners. The Preface. O Reader whosoever [thou art which] wilt [or desirest] u to understand. to know x this little Book written in verse. this verse, Thou shalt y bear away. bear [in mind] these precepts, which are z most welcome, happy, or pleasant. most acceptable [or profitable] to life, [or to good living.] a furnish, or adorn with instructions. Instruct [thy] mind in precepts, neither b cease not, or give not over, or be weary of learning. thou mayest cease to learn. For the life without learning is as c a picture. d a man without learning, is like a dead man. an image of death. Thou shalt e bear away, or get much commodity. bear [or reap] many commodities: but if thou shalt despise f this Book. that, [or this verse.] * Thou thyself. Thou shalt not g despise. [neglect] me h the author of this book. the writer, but i thou shalt be the loser. thou shalt neglect thyself. 1 [ k Thou mayest not fear, or do not fear. See that] thou fear not the tongue of other [men] l whilst thou dost well. in doing rightly. When thou livest rightly [or well] m do not care for. thou mayest not care for, n the speeches. the words o of slanderers. of evil [men.] It is not p in our power, to rule men's tongues. of our q judgement. arbitrement, [or it lieth not in us] what every one * doth talk. may speak. 2 The r fault. crime of a friend [is] to be s hid as much as may be. concealed. Thou being t brought forth. produced [ u to witness. as] a witness, yet the x credit y or so that thou mayest save thine own credit. modest shame [or honesty] [of thy friend] being safe before, z Hide, or keep close. Conceal the a fault. crime of thy friend asmuch-as-ever thou canst. 3 b fawning, or flattering. Fair speaking [ c is to be suspected. is] suspected, [or suspicious.] d Take heed to fly. Remember thou to beware of e flattering, or fair speeches. fawning and f stuttering. stammering [or counterfeiting] speeches. g Plainness of speaking truth. Simplicity of truth is h honest, plain. sound [or sincere] [but] i the cunning. the fraud [or deceitfulness] k of speaking deceitfully. of speaking [is] l counterfeit. feigned. 4 A m idle, or slothful. sluggish life [is] to be n eschewed. fled. Fly thou o slowness, or dullness. slothfulness, which is accounted the p sloth. sluggishness of life. For when the mind q is idle. doth languish, idleness [or litherness] doth r spoil. consume the body. 5 The mind s tired, or overtoyled. wearied [is] to be t ●ased, loosed, or refreshed with recreation. released. Put between sometimes x mirth. joys [or honest recreations] to thy u Intermeddle, or interpose and mingle with. cares, [or labours.] That thou mayest be able to y bear out, or undergo. endure z any, though never so great. any labour in thy mind. 6 Thou mayest a reprove no man. reprehend no man b maliciously. with an evil mind. Thou shalt not c find fault with. carp at, at any time, the d speech. saying or deed of another [man.] Lest that another [man] e mock thee. deride thee f by thine example, or requite thee alike. by a like example. 7 [Our] g state. inheritance [is] to be h augmented. increased. i Increase, augment. or see thou increase. Keep thou by increasing [ k those things which come unto thee, by the death of thy friends. those things] which the last lot [or last will of thy friends] being noted [or set down] l in tables, because in old time they writ in tables. in tables, [or writings] shall give thee, m lest all speak of thee, as of a spend-al, or evil husband. lest thou be [he] whom fame may speak of, [or of whom all men may talk.] 8 * Old age let it be bountiful. Let old age be bountiful. When riches n abound to thee, or thou hast wealth enough. remain to thee in the end of old age, Make thou, [or see thou] [that] thou live o bountifully, or frankly and liberally. bountiful, not p sparing as a niggard niggardly to thy friends, [or toward thy friends.] 9 The words [are] to be q considered, viz. what is spoken. attended, r not who speaks. not the mouth of the speaker. s Thou who art a master, or lord. Thou being a master [or thou that art a master] t despise not. do not despise the profitable counsel of [thy] servant. u Thou shalt not contemn at any time. Thou mayest despise x the sense, or opinion. the advise [or counsel] of no man at any time, y if it be profitable. if it profit. 10 We must use [our] present fortune [or we must be content with our present estate.] z if thou have not as thou hast had before, or if thy goods be diminished. If there be not to thee [or if thou have not] [that thing] which hath been before, in goods or * in money. revenue, [or in yearly maintenance or rents,] Make thou [or see] [that] thou live content with a that thing which God giveth. that which the times do give, [or afford.] 11 Awife [is] b to be led, or taken. not to be married in hope of c portion, or goods. Dowry. Fly thou [or beware] least thou marry, [or that thou do not marry] a wife, d in respect of portion, or goods. under the name, [or in regard] of a dowry. Neither e retain thou, or keep her. will thou [or be thou willing] to retain [her] if she shall begin to be f wicked. g This counsel was Heathenish, not Christian. troublesome. 12 h We must learn to be wise, by other men's examples. To be wise by another man's example. Learn thou by the example of many [men] what i facts, or things. deeds k thou oughtest to follow. t●ou mayest follow; What [deeds] thou mayest l shun, or avoid. fly [or thou oughtest to fly]: m the life of other men. another man's life is n a teacher to us, teaching what to do, what to avoid. a mistress to us. 13 Nothing [is to be o assayed, or attempted. tried] above [our] strength. p ability, or power. Thou mayest q take that in hand. try that thing, which thou canst [or art able to bring to pass] least thy labour being r pressed, overladen or vanquished. oppressed with the s difficulty. weight of the work, do t lie down. faint [or yield] and thou u leave undone. leave x thy enterprises. things tried [or assayed] y without profit. in vain [or without effect.] 14 He that z is silent. holdeth his peace doth seem to consont. Do not thou a keep secret, conceal, or dissemble. hold thy peace at [that thing] which b thou knowest. thou hast known done not rightly, [or ill done.] Lest thou seem to will [or to be willing] to c countenance, or like of. imitate evil [men] in d keeping in silence their evil doings. holding thy peace. 15 e Severity is to be moderated, or mitigated. Rigour [is] to be tempered by favour. Ask thou f the help, or favour. the aid of the judge under g a hard or rigorous law. an unequal law. h Also the best laws. Yea, [or even] the laws themselves do covet [or require] that they be i overruled, or mitigated by equity. ruled by right. 16 [ k Thou mayest bear, or bear thou. See that] thou bear [those things] which thou sufferest by thine own fault. Remember thou l to take in good part to bear patiently, what thing thou sufferest m by thine own fault, or worthily. deservedly. And when thou art n faulty. guilty to thyself [or when thou knowest thyself guilty] o be thine own judge. condemn thyself, thou being judge. 17 Many things [are] to be read, but with judgement. Make thou [or see thou] [that] thou read many things: p and when they are read over. they being read thoroughly, q read daily more & more. read over many [more.] For the r Poets writing in verse. Poets s do speak of. do sing things to be t wondered at. marveled at, but u not to be credited always. not to be believed. 18 We must speak modestly x at a feast, or banquet. in a banquet. Make thou [or see] that thou y of few words. be modest z in talk, or sparing in speech. in speech, amongst guests, [or at a feast;] Lest thou be called a a busy talker. a prattler, whilst thou wilt, [or desirest] to be b esteemed. accounted c courteous & of good behaviour. civil. 19 The d anger. angriness of wives [is] not to be feared. e fear not. Do not thou fear the words f of thy wife being angry. of the angry wife. For whilst a woman doth weep, g she works wi●es, or treacheries. she doth build [or practice] deceits with her tears. 20 h use well that which thou hast gotten. We must use things gotten [but] we must not i misspend them. abuse them. Use things gotten: but thou mayest not seem k to spend them wastefully. to abuse them. They that do consume their own l goods. things m do seek after. do follow other folk's things, n when they want or when all is gone. when it is wanting [to them] [or when they lack.] 21 Death [is] not to be feared. Make thou [or see that] thou o Determine with thyself. propound to thyself, p not to fear death. death not to be feared. Which [death] if [or although] it is not good, q nevertheless, or yet notwithstanding yet it is the end r of evils of this life. of evils. 22 An honest wife [is] to be borne with, if [or although] [she be] apratler, [or shrew of her tongue.] Remember thou s to suffer or endure to bear the t talk. tongue of [thy] wife, if she be u a good housewife. thrifty. For it is x a fault. an evil thing y to be unwilling to suffer any thing. to will, [or be willing] to suffer nothing, nor to be able z to give no answer. to hold the peace. 23 a Godliness. Piety towards Parents. love b thy father and mother, whom thou oughtest to love dearly. thy dear parents, not with a c grievous, enforced, or not by compulsion. sick [or constrained] piety. d neither offend. Neither mayest thou offend [thy] mother, whilst thou wilt be e dutiful. good to thy father. The fourth Book of distiches, a of manners. concerning Manners. The Preface. b Thou whosoever. Whosoever [thou art which] c desirest. covetest d to pass over, or to live. to lead e a quiet life, or a life free from care & trouble. a secure life, e Neither to have. Neither [thy] mind f to be defiled, or spotted. to stick in vices, [or to be delightted in vices] which g hurt hinder, or mar. are against [or contrary to] h good manners. manners, Remember thou i to read over these Precepts often. these Precepts to be read again [or read over and over] always to thee, [or of thee.] Thou shalt k find in them. find something l which may guide thee as a master. in which thou mayest use thyself [as] a master. 1 The contempt of riches. Despise riches m if thou desire to be happy in thy soul. if thou wilt be blessed in [thy] mind. Which [riches] covetous [men] which n look upon, or have in admiration, or dote upon. look up unto, [or admire] do beg always, [or are always needy & poor.] Or thus; Which [riches] [they] which admire, do beg, being always covetous. 2 To live * to nature. according to nature [is] o the best thing. the best. p Things necessary for the life, shall never fail thee. The commodities of nature shallbe wanting to thee at no time, If thou shalt be content with that which need, [or q necessity of nature. present use] r doth require. requireth. 3 s Things are to be managed, or performed. Matters [are] to be done t by wisdom. by reason. When thou art u inconsiderate, or not circumspect. unwary, neither dost x order. govern thy matter, [or business] y with wisdom, & discretion. by reason, Do not thou z say fortune to be blind, or do not complain of blind fortune. call fortune blind, a seeing there is no fortune. which is not [or which is not at all.] 4 The love of money [aught to be] to use [or only for our use.] b love money. Love a penny: but love c the beholding of it, show, or glittering. the form [or sight of it] d be not in love with the sight of it. sparingly [or not to much.] Which [ e sight of money. ●ight] f no good man. no holy [man] nor honest [man] g catcheth at greedily, or desireth earnestly. desireth greedily to have. 5 h See thou spare not. Thou mayest not spare [thy] i wealth, or goods. riches in sickness. k If thou shalt be rich, or full of goods. When thou shalt be wealthy, remember to l provide for the health of thy body. care for [thy] body. m A rich man being sick. A sick rich man hath n money moneys, but he o is not his own man, or cannot find in his heart to bestow aught of himself. hath not himself, [or the command of himself.] 6 p The father's correction. Fatherly correction [is] to be borne. q whereas. Sith that, thou learning [or when thou wast a scholar] r hast borne or taken gently. hast suffered, sometimes, s the sharp correction. stripes of [thy] master, Suffer the government of [thy] father, t when he breaketh out into angry speeches, or into chiding. when he goeth out [or breaketh out] into anger in words. 7 u Things certain, or undoubted. Sure things and profitable things [are] to be done. x Employ thyself in such things which may be profitable. Do [those] things which profit: y contrarily. again remember z to avoid. to shun [Those things] in which a there is error, or doubt, or which are doubtful. error is in, neither there is sure hope b of the profit of our labour. of [our] labour. 8 We must give willingly. Grant c willingly & gladly. freely to [a man] ask, [or to him that asketh] [that] which thou canst give. For d to have been bountiful, or beneficial. to have done e rightly. well f to men deserving well. to good [men] g is a part of gain, or gainful. is in part of gain. 9 h A mischief. Suspicion i is to be searched out, and prevented. is to be dispatched k Straightway. forthwith, [or that which we suspect is to be sought out, and prevented presently.] l Inquire diligently. Discuss [or lift out] m speedily. quickly, what it is which is suspected to thee, [or what thou suspectest.] For those things n do hurt. are wont to hurt, which o have been neglected. are neglected p in the beginning, or first. at the first. 10 q Venus, fleshly lust, lechery or carnal love. Lust [is] r to be repressed. to be kept under by abstinence. When the damnable pleasure of Venus, [or fleshly lust] doth s catch hold on thee or delight thee, or when thou art troubled with lust. detain [or hold] thee, Do not * cocker. pamper [thy] t appetite: or give not thyself to gluttony, or good cheer. gullet [or throat] which is u the leman, or paramour. a friend of the belly [or which filleth the belly, and so nourisheth lust.] 11 An evil man [ x is worse than any wild beast. is] the worst wild beast. When as thou y dost think, or determine. dost propound to thyself, z to be afraid of, or to avoid warily. to fear all * living creatures. wild beasts, I command [or counsel thee] a to fear a wicked man more than all wild, or brute beasts one man [or man alone] to be feared more to thee [or of thee] [then all beasts.] 12 Wisdom [is] to be preferred b before strength, manhood, or puissance. to fortitude [or valour.] When c very valiant, or mighty. very great strength shall be to thee in thy body, [or if thou be very strong,] Make thou [or see that] d thou get wisdom. thou be wise: so e thou shalt be able to accounted, deemed or ●udged. thou mayest be accounted a valiant man. 13 A friend [is] Al. a sure Al. the physician of the heart. physician. f Require help. Ask thou aid of thy known [friends] if g perhaps or peradventure. bechance h thou bein any danger, distress or grief. thou labour [with any evil] [or be in any adversity.] Neither any man [ i is there any better comforter. is] a better physician, than a faithful friend. 14 k A heart troubled or sorrowful for sin. A contrite spirit [is] a sacrifice. Why l a beast to be sacrificed. a sacrifice doth die for thee, [or why doth a sacrifice die for thee] sith that thou thyself art m faulty, or hast offended. guilty [or the offender?] It is foolishness to hope for n deliverance, salvation, or safety. health o by the death of a beast sacrificed. in the death of another thing. 15 A friend [is] to be chosen by [his] p behaviour, or qualities. manners. When thou seekest * to thee. to thyself either r a fellow. a companion, or s a true friend. a faithful friend, The fortune [or wealth] of the man is not t to be inquired for. to be asked [or sought after] * to thee. of thee, u thou art not to regard, how rich he is, but how honest. but his life [or conversation.] 16 x Avarice. Covetousness [is] to be y avoided shunned. Use [ z thy wealth. thy] riches a which thou hast sought, or gotten. being gotten: b shun. fly the c note, or infamy. name of a covetous man. * What riches do profit. d to what end serve thy goods. What do riches profit thee, if thou dost abound e living as a poor man, or never having enough. being poor still? [or if thou be poor in thy abundance.] 17 Pleasure [is] an enemy to fame, [or to a good name.] If thou f desirest covetest to keep an honest g name, report, estimation. fame h during thy life. whilst thou livest, Make thou, [or see thou] [that] thou i shun with all diligence. fly in [thy] mind [ k those things which are the evil joys of life, as gluttony, lechery, and the like. those] joys, [or pleasures] of life which are evil. 18 Thou shalt not l laugh at. mock an old man m yea though. even doting, [or although he doane.] When thou art wise n in thy mind, or conceit. in mind, do not thou mock at o old-age. old men. For whosoever [is] p very old. an old man, r he is a child again, or doteth. a childish q wit. sense is in him. 19 Riches [are] s vanishing. flowing [or unstable]: t running. Art [is] u remaineth stable. perpetual. x Get some trade, Art, or Science. Learn something: for when y wealth goeth away of a sudden. fortune z departeth, or is lost. goeth back suddenly, a Skill abideth. Art doth remain, and doth not forsake the life of man a at any time. ever. 20 Manners [are] known b by words, or speeches. of words. c Consider well being silent, or holding thy peace. Thou being silent [or still] mark well all things, what every one doth speak, [or mark every one's talk.] Speech doth d hide. conceal the manners of men: and the same [speech] doth e discover, or bewray. show [ f the conditions of men. them.] 21 Art [is] to be helped by use. Exercise study [or study still] although thou hast g attained the learning, or the Art which thou studiest. gotten Art. h Even as. As i study doth increase wisdom. care [doth help] the wit, so also the k labour, or manual exercise. hand [or practice] doth help use [or increase learning.] 22 The contempt of life. l Care not much for. Thou mayest not care for, much, the times of m fate. destiny [or death] to come. He doth not fear death, who knoweth n to make no reckoning of life. to contemn life. 23 * [It is] to be learned of us, and to be taught. We must learn, and we must teach. Learn thou, but o of learned [men.] of the learned: thou thyself teach the unlearned [viz. when thou hast learned.] For p the knowledge, science, or skill. the doctrine of good things is q to be spread abroad, or made common by teaching others. to be propagated. 24 r The moderation, or measure. The manner of drinking. s Drink so much as thou mayest well, or as will do thee good. Drink this which thou canst [well] if thou will live sound [or in health.] Pleasure is sometimes a cause t of many evil and great diseases. of an evil disease to man [or to men.] 25 u Do not condemn Thou mayest not condemn [that] which thou hast x allowed, or commended. approved. What thing soever thou hast praised y before all men. openly, whatsoever thing thou hast approved, z Beware. See [that] thou do not a blame not, or find not fault with. condemn this again b through thy inconstancy. by the crime [or through the fault] of lightness [or inconstancy.] 26 [ c Look well about thee, or be thou very considerate. Be thou] circumspect d both in prosperity and adversity. in either fortune [or both estates.] e In prosperity beware of, etc. Beware of [or foresee] [those things] which are against thee, in quiet things [or in prosperity.] Again, remember f to look for. to hope for better things, g when thou art in adversity. in adverse things [or in adversity.] 27 Wisdom doth increase by study. h Do not cease, o● give-over. Thou mayest not cease to learn: i the knowledge of things wisdom k groweth by daily study. doth increase by care. l Singular wisdom. Rare prudence is given m by long experience, or study. by a long use of time. 28 We must praise m moderately, or not too much. sparingly. Praise thou sparingly: for whom thou hast n commended. approved oft times, o Time will declare. One day will show what a friend he hath been. 29 p Be not ashamed. Let it not shame [thee] to learn. Let it not shame [thee] q to learn. to be willing to be taught r what thou knowest not. [those things] which thou hast not known. s To have some knowledge. To know something, is a praise: but to be willing to learn nothing [or to be unwilling to learn] is t a dishonest and shameful thing. a shame. 30 We must use things u soberly. to sobriety. x Or thus; Strife is joined with Venus and Bacchus, and pleasure [is joined.] Strife is with y carnal love, or lust. Venus and z Bacchus' the God of wine, put for wine. Bacchus, [or strife followeth lust and wine] and pleasure is joined [to them.] a Choose that which. Embrace in thy mind that * Venus the Goddess of love, put for love. which is dainty [or pleasant] but fly strifes. The meaning seemeth to be this; Pleasure is in the use of lust and wine: but strife & brawing come oft thereof. Love that which is honest in them: but fly the evils of them. 31 We must not trust b men over heavy, or silent and close. sad and still [men.] Remember thou to shun [men] c which are commonly sad, & hiding their counsels. cast down in mind and still [or secret.] Peradventure the water doth lie hid more deeply, d in what part it is the fullest. where the river is calm [or where it runneth softly.] 32 e We are to compare our estate with the estate of others. Lot [is] to be compared to lot. When the f condition, estate, or meaneness of thy estate. fortune of thy g goods. things doth displease thee, a View, look upon, or consider. Behold [the fortune] of another [man], in [or by] what b danger. difference thou mayest be [or art] worse. 33 Nothing [is] * to be gone unto. to be undertaken [or attempted] h above, or past our ability. beyond our strength. i Take that in hand which thou art able to achieve. Try that thing which thou canst [or art able]: for, k to row by the sea side. to take [or go near unto] the shore with the rudders, Is safer by much, then l to hoist up sail. to stretch out [or spread abroad] the sail into the deep [sea] [or into the main sea.] 34 We must not contend m unjustly. unequally with a n upright. just [man.] o Strive not. Do not thou contend p perversely, or injuriously. wickedly against a just man. For God doth q punish. revenge always unjust r contentions, or wrongs. angers. 35 s aswell adversity as prosperity. Either fortune [or both estates] [is] to be borne equally [or alike.] t The first of these two verses is corrupted: It would be, Noli m●rere querendo, or dolendo. u Be not heavy and dampish. Do not thou lament by complaining, thy goods being taken away [or when thou hast lost thy goods:] But rejoice rather x if thou chance to have wealth. if it happen to thee to have [wealth.] 36 What [is] to be borne, from a friend. y Or to lose by losses those things which are, is a great loss, etc. It is a z great. grievous loss, to lose by a damages, mishaps, or mischances. losses those things which are [or that which a man hath.] There are b as speeches, or hurts done at unawares, or the like. certain things, which it becometh a friend to bear patiently [of a friend.] 37 We must not c have confidence. trust to the time. d do not promise to thyself long life, or that thou shalt live long. Do not promise long times of life to thyself. e wheresoever thou art. mors corpus ut umbra. Whithersoever thou interest in [or which way so ever thou goest] death doth follow Al. as the shadow of the body. Al. as the shadow [doth follow] the body. 38 With what things God [is] to be f appeased. pacified. Pacify God with g offering or burning incense to him. frank incense [or incense]: h Permit, or let the calf grow up to labour. suffer the calf [that] he grow up to the plough [or for the plough.] Neither thou canst i think. believe to pacify God, [or any man to appease God] k whilst he is sought to be appeased by slaughter. whilst it is sacrificed [to him] l by blood, or the kill of beasts for sacrifice. by slaughter, [or by sacrifice made by slaughter.] 39 m Hide thy grief, making no show of it Dissemble, thou being hurt of mightier [men] [or when thou art hurt of mightier men.] n Yield thou to fortune, when thou art hurt, etc. Thou being hurt give place [or yield] to fortune: yield to a o mightier. mighty [man.] Al. He who hath been able Al. He that could yield. He that could do thee hurt. to hurt thee, will be able sometimes to profit [thee] [or to do thee good.] 40 p Reprove thyself. Correct thyself. When thou shalt offend any thing, [or in any thing] thou thyself q check, or reprehend correct thyself r incontinently. forthwith. [For] whilst thou dost heal wounds, grief is s a remedy, physic, or cure. a medicine of grief. 41 A friend being changed [is] not to be dispraised. Thou shalt never t dispraise, or speak ill of. condemn a friend u who hath been thy friend long. after a long time. He hath changed his manners: but remember x his first love, or the bond of thy first love the first pledges [of his love.] 42 The bestowing of benefits is to be attended. Be thou y more thankful. more kind z in duties, or dutifulness. in offices, by how much thou art a more beholden & indebted. more dear [to any;] Lest thou b get the name, or incur the ignominy, or note of. undergo the name which is called c an unthankful body, or one upon whom a benefit bestowed is lost. a Loseoffice [or an unthankful man.] 43 d Be not suspicious. [ Take away suspicion. e See that] thou take heed. Beware lest * suspected. being suspicious, [or given to suspicion] thou be a f always living in fear. wretch [or live in misery] at all hours, [or perpetually.] For g death is better than life to such men. death is most apt to fearful [men] and suspicious [men]. 44 h Compassion, or courtesy. Humanity [is to be exercised] towards servants. When thou shalt buy i bond slaves. servants for [thine] own k need, necessity, or behoof. uses, And callest [them] l household servants, slaves. servants, m notwithstanding. nevertheless remember [ n that they are men, not beasts. them] to be men. 45 Thou mayest not o pretermit, let slip, or pass over. omit the occasion p of a special commodity offered. of a commodious matter. The first occasion is to be snatched to thee [or catched earnestly of thee] q very quickly, or out of hand. the first of all; Lest thou r seek those things too late. seek again those things, which thou hast s made no reckoning of before. neglected now before. 46 We must not rejoice t at the untimely of the sudden u death, or departure. death [of wicked men.] Do not thou rejoice in the sudden death of evil [men.] x They die happy, or they are counted happy in their death. Happy [men] do die, y whole life hath been without crime, or blameless. the life of whom is without fault [or blame.] 47 z Let a poor man beware of. A poor man let him shun a a counterfeit friend. a dissembled friend. When a wife is to thee [or when thou hast a wife] neither substance [or, but b no goods. no substance] and c she is suspected for Jewdness, or inconstancy. the fame [of her] doth labour, or she is in an evil name,] [See that] thou account d noisome, or dangerous. the hurtful name of a friend to be shunned, [or Beware of those men who haunt thy house under pretence of friendship.] 48 e join study to study, or study still. join study. f when thou hast gotten much learning. When it chanceth to thee to know many things by [thy] study, Make [or see that] thou learn many things, and [that] g thou eschew, or take heed of that fault. thou shun h to be ignorant, or to be unwilling to be taught. not to know [or to be over-proud] to be taught. 49 i Shortness. Brevity [is] k a help, or profitable. a friend [or friendly] to memory. l do you wonder that I thus write. Dost thou marvel me to write verses, [or that I write verses] m without any eloquence. in naked [or bore] words? n Brevity. The shortness o because the sentences are short. of the sense [or sentences] hath made me p to tie them together. to join these [verses] q by distiches, or by two and two. two and two [or by couples together.] FINIS.