A SPARK OF FRIENDSHIP AND WARM GOODWILL, THAT SHOWS THE EFFECT OF TRUE AFFECTION AND Unfolds the fineness of this world.  
Whereunto is joined, the commodity of sundry Sciences, the benefit that paper bringeth, with many rare matters rehearsed in the same: with a description & commendation of a Paper Mill, now and of late set up (near the Town of Darthford) by an high German called M. Spilman, jeweller to the Qu. most excellent Majesty.  
Written by THOMAS CHURCHYARD Gent.  Nulla potest esse incunditas, sublata amicitia. Cic. pro Flace. 
Printed at London. 1588.   


EN·DIEU·ET·MON· ROY·:   blazon or coat of arms 
Churchiards Arms.    

TO MY HONOURABLE Friend Sir Water Ralegh Knight, Seneschal and Chancellor of the Duchy of Cornwall & Exon, Lord Warden of the Stanneries, and her majesties Lieffetenant of the County of Cornwall, etc.  
ENFORCED by affection (that leads the minds of men to a multitude of causes) I stood studying how to requited a good turn received, and confessing that no one thing is more monstrous in nature than an unthankful mind, I saw myself in debt, & bound either one way or other to pay that I owe, but not in such degree as I received, but in such sort as my ability serveth, & as a man might say to make a cunning exchange, in steed of due payment, to offer glass for gold & bare words for friendly deeds. In good truth (my honourable Friend) if my creditors will so stand contented, I am readier to departed from words, and discharge debt therewith, than to promise treasure, and offer that I have not. For if free hearted people (fortunate in the world) through bounty of mind (toward my suits or preferment) bestow many speeches to do me good, where grace is to be gotten: I can but yield one ordinary thank, for a thousand benefits, except they ransack my storehouse of vain inventions, and find some pleasant papers, bepainted with verses, or polished Pamphlets (beblotted with barren matter) where both verse & prose, shall make but a bad restitution for the goodness I have stolen by fortune or borrowed by friendship. Yet weighing how little Fortune hath done for me, and how few creditors I have, that have either lent me any portion of preferment (or procured me but a piece of any certain living) I think myself somewhat able with the little talon God hath given me, to repay all the debts that ever I could bring to perfect remembrance, saving one a most honourable parsonage, that I dedicated my book of Choice unto, who got me two great Seals (besides common courtesies many) to shift withal a season. And furthermore, yourself 6. years passed bestowed good speeches to the Q. Majesty in my behalf, by the which I got some comfortable recreation, to quicken my spirits & keep me in breath. And yet lo a matter to be mused at, I have sixteen several books printed presently to be bought (albeit they are but trifles) dedicated in sundry seasons to several men off good and great credit, but to be plain not one among them all, from the first day of my labour and studies, to this present year and hour, hath any way preferred my suits, amended my state, or given me any countenance, I hope I am not much indebted to those, nor fallen so far in their dangers, but may easily get out, though I yield them no more, but a customable good will. So finding my Muses frank and free from their servitude, I address this work of unfeigned friendship to your good consideration, which work shows the value and worth of friends (whose love is necessary about all Estates) the flattery and fineness of foes, and the daily dissimulation of a cunning world. And if the world marvel why I treat of that which is so commonly known, and often put in practice, I answer not those wondering wits, but shoot what bolts I think convenient, at the bad behaviour of transformed people, that bears but the shapes of tame men, & shows the manners of wild monsters: and if the world say (as I know it is talkative) I show a kind of adulation to fawn for favour on those that are happy. I answer, that is a point of wisdom, which my betters have taught me, and I have read in a great book of latin (printed 400. years ago) that one of your own Ancestors called Sir Water Ralegh, had more fawners & followers than you have: for he was L. chief justice of England, and so far in credit with his Prince, (his learning was such) that he made laws & edicts, the which the Prince confirmed & allowed. I take an example from the fish that follows the stream, the fowls that comes to the covert from the winds, and the brute beasts that avoids a sturdy storm, under the safeguard of a strong and flourishing tree. Their crafty forecast though they want reason, may succour the simpleness of any reasonable creature, & the defence and provision they make to escape open danger, may set to school a great company of ignorant scholars. But I leave to speak of their examples (because they are brute) and follow the gravest sort of sage & wise personages, that will not blush nor think scorn, to learn a lesson of their forefathers, that got all their good fortune by following the flood, where we fish for preferment. Thus honourable friend, as my affection (& other good causes moves) bade me go forward with this my device & Present unto you: so beginning the same in health, and falling suddenly sick, I feared God would have cut me short from my purposed enterprise: but his goodness called me up, from the bed of sorrow, (where despair had almost dispatched the life) and set me afoot to go and end my first determination, and brought me in hope you will accept my good will: which may encourage me to a further labour and study, that may purchase more greater favour & thanks. So resting yours in all that my small power may stretch unto, I take leave, and wish you what goodness you can imagine or desire.  
London, at my lodging the 8. of March. Most willing at commandment. T. CHURCHYARD.   


AA   
¶ A spark of Friendship and warm goodwill.  
Where Friendship finds, good ground to grow upon,  
It takes sound root, and spreads his branches out:  
Brings forth fair fruit, though spring be past and gone,  
And blowmeth where, no other grain will sprout:  
His flowers are still, in season all the year,  
His leaves are fresh, and green as is the grass,  
His sugared seeds, good cheap and nothing dear,  
His goodly bark, shines bright like gold or brass:  
And yet this tree, in breast must needs be shrined,  
And lives no where, but in a noble mind.  
BEing rocked too long in the careless cradle of idleness (where slothful limbs are soon lulled a sleep) the hinderer of health, good hap and virtue: a multitude of worldly causes (my honourable friend) awakened my wits, and bad the sensible Spirits arise from the forgetful couch of drowsy rest, and offer the body to some profitable exercises, that thereby the head hand and pen might either purchase commendation, or publish to good people a matter that should merit some memory. But finding myself unfurnished of learning, and barely seen in the arts liberal, & far unfit to touch or treat of Divinity, I stood amazed and knew not what thankful thing I should first go about and take in hand to a good end and purpose. And so a while bethinking me (minding to draw no stronger bow than I could well shoot in) & looking into mine own strength, I saw me most ablest and apt to be at commandment of Prince, Country and Friends. In the honouring and service of whom I should study to bring forth some acceptable work, not striving to show any rare invention (that passeth a mean man's capacity) but to utter and revive matter of some moment known and talked of long ago, yet overlong hath been buried, and as it seemeth lain dead (for any great fruit it hath showed) in the memory of man. The thing that I mean that hath lain so long in the grave of forgetfulness, is faithful friendship, which Tully hath touched, and a number of good authors have written of, but few in these days have observed, honoured and followed.  
And now to proceed forward with this friendship (and show the degrees thereof orderly) me thinks that the first branch thereof is the affectionate love that all men in general aught to bear to their country. For the which Musius Scaevola, Horatius Cocles, Marcus Curtius, Marcus Regulus, and many more hath left us most noble examples. Yea, you shall read that some although they were banished from their country, yet they bore in their bowels and breasts, to the hour of their death, the love of their country, parents, friends and family. In which everlasting love of theirs remained such manly and honourable motions of the mind, that many noble services (of voluntary goodwill were brought forth by them to the benefit of their country, and recovery of their first credit, estate and dignity. Thus by a natural disposition planted in the soul & sensible storehouse of stayed judgement, great exploits were brought to pass, and sundry wonders of this world hath easily been taken in hand. And surely all these former examples (with the hazard of our forefathers lives) bravely put in proof and executed, serves to no other end (as their meaning was) but to teach those that came after with the like greatness of mind, to follow the forerunners of all worthy renown and worldly reputation. So by this, thousands may see, man is not made for himself, created to be king of earthly delights, and placed amidst the pleasures of the world, to do what he pleaseth, but chief to look and with good advisement to search, how and in what sort he may be dutiful and beneficial to his country. Now peradventure in this perilous age (where many are puffed up with presumption) and seditious season of proud practices and headstrong people, some serpentine sect, that carries venom in their minds, and mortal stings in their tongues, will hold a bad opinion and say: that the earth is made for the children of men (as the Sea is for the fish) and that is man's natural country where he findeth food, living, and credit in. But this cankered kind of rebellious conceit, is such a gnawing worm in the conscience of man, (and so far differs from all humane laws) that he that but thinks one thought of this nature, is not only unnatural to his country, but likewise unblessed and unhappy in all the soils and countries he happeneth to dwell in. For he that honoureth not in heart the soil and seat of his nativity, and despiseth the place where he took life, sustenance, nurture and education, besides good fortune and preferments (the only blessedness here to rejoice of) he doth degenerate, and what birth and blood soever he be of, we may call him a base borne groom, or a kindly bastard begotten out of time, living out of order, and of worse belief than an Infidel. The birds of the air, the fish in the flood, and the beasts on the earth loveth to haunt and behold the place of their procreation: and the greatest Conquerors that ever were (call them Kings or what you please) though they went never so far to obtain victories, yet they brought all the glory home to their country, and triumphed only there where they were first fostered, found favour and fortune, and had from the beginning been trained and brought up: yea and after their life (both Kings, Prophets and other great men) desired to have their bones buried in their country. And some of excellent judgement held opinion, that the love of their country did far surpass the love of their parents, in defence of which they offered lives, lands and goods, and cared not what danger they should thrust themselves into, so that thereby they might do their country any honour or service.  
O then what a blemish and blot is this in the faces and brows of them that in a proud presumption (persuaded by pestilent wits) abandoneth their country, and would hazard on a peevish opinion (if it were in their power) to sell Prince, people and patrimony, for a cold and bare welcome full of hollowness of heart in a strange Kingdom, where cracked credit is loathsome and long mistrusted, and seldom or never comes to a good and honourable end, I can but wish their payment no worse nor better, but such as Tarpeia found of the Latins and Sabines for selling unto them the Capitol of Rome: a most notorious example read it who pleaseth. So if in those days (a great while ago) millions of men held the love and friendship of their country so dear and precious, as in deed it ought to be esteemed: now in our ripened years when wits are mellowed and seasoned with the sweet savour of long experience, the folly and foul facts that by over great boldness makes many run mad, should be a general warning, and teach all kind of people, to keep the right and plain path of natural affection towards their country and friends.  
Now, all these things there rehearsed before, are written in way of friendship to the wild wanderers of this world, who undoubtedly wants but grace and good council. And the rest that follows hereafter in this little piece of prose, is written to yourself (my honourable friend) whose friendship I have felt, and sundry more have tasted. Let the deed show itself: not writing this to teach you (with presuming words) any other course than your former judgement and present consideration thinks best to hold, but only to keep the blaze of good will continually burning, by feeding the flame with plying and putting in more oil to the lamp. For I acknowledge that you know, that as the sinews is needful for the body, the marrow for the bones, and the blood for the life: so friendship is most fittest to knit the joints and minds of men together, and binds them about with such brazen bands, that no bars of iron may break, nor policy of people may put asunder.  
He that hath travailed (as I have done) through the torrest of affliction, where many wild beasts are wandering in the woods (some roaring and running after their prey) shall see how narrowly he hath escaped from the gaping and devouring monsters, and find that if friendship and good fortune had not helped him, he had been utterly destroyed. From the highest to the lowest (reckon what degrees can be named) in good sooth they are all left alone barefooted and desolate, where friendship hath forsaken them. But where or into what labyrinth, O Lord, have I now brought myself: for now I am forced to go forward, and may not step back, but seek an open way to walk in, orderly to set down and show the substance of friendship, the flattery of the world, and the sinenesse of our age: the circumstance whereof craves an other manner of discourse and volume than this little treatise can utter. What then, as by small sparks (or kindled coals) great fire is made, and of a trifling tale true matter may be gathered: so out of weak words strong arguments may be sifted, and through a number of spiced speeches, a simple sentence may show some savour, and yield such taste to the quickness of understanding, that the hearer's wits and judgement shall willingly stand contented with all that shall be spoken. And friendship is so much desired, spoken of, and necessary for all kind of people, that only the bare and naked name thereof, is sweet and most acceptable, though the writer thereon be but meanly learned, and of small sufficience to set out at the full, the fullness of so flourishing a virtue.  
Then forward to the purpose: I say and prove that the same is true friendship that proceeds from virtue, and hath so noble a nature (by a divine motion of goodness) that neither vice can corrupt, nor any kind of vanity vanquish: For where it taketh root, it buds so beautifully that it bringeth forth an everlasting fruit, whose taste is more sweet and precious, than can be easily imagined.  
And now in a season, when fineness and flattery so aboundeth, and strives by cunning practices to supply the place of friendship (and overgrowe every branch that springs from loyal amity) this true friendship is most sweetest of savour, and most highest of reputation, and burns with a quenchless flame, like a blazing Beacon, or sparkling Torch (that can abide all winds) which is set up on the top of a high Mountain. For fine or gross flattery is but a bare foil to set forth a bad jewel: and the crafty curious cunning of these artificial fellows (that feeds all men's humours) makes through their manifold trumperies, a free passage to perfect faithfulness and friendly good will. There is covertly crept and finely conveyed, into the common society of men, a hundred sundry sorts & shows of amity, which in deed are but juggling casts (or legerdemain) to purchase favour, and deceive the lookers on. If all that speak fair, bow down knee, make trim curtchie, kiss fingers and hands (yea offer service and friendship) were hearty and loving friends, the world would be so full of friendship, that there were no place left for adulation and double dealing. And surely if a man durst decipher the deepness of dissimulation, we should find our ordinary manner of friendship so faint-hearted and lame, that it neither could go out of the door with any man, nor yet dwell safely with many in the house. It seemeth and may be well advouched, that friendship of itself is so secret a mystery (shrined in an honest heart) that few can describe it, and tell from whence comes the privy and inward affection, that suddenly breeds in breast, and is conveyed to the heart, with such a content and gladness, that the whole powers of man leaps in the bowels of the body for joy at that instant. For example, some that never gives cause (with probable matter) to be embraced and made account of as a friend, is by a natural inclination, received into favour, placed in delight, and planted perpetually (so long as life lasteth) in the warm bosom of our friendly affections and favourable conceits.  
Then further note, a wonder of nature, for we see a marvelous motion among men: for some, and that a great number, having neither harmed us, nor ministered any way occasion of dislike, yet no sooner in our company, but we find their persons offensive, their presence unpleasant, their words sharp, (spoken well and to the best meaning) yea their works and whatsoever they will do, are taken amiss and construed to the worst. But chief to be noted, we little desire the acquaintance, peradventure of a friendly companion. Thus so to hate without cause, and love earnestly without desert, is a matter disputable, and argues plainly, that friendship is (without comparison) the only true love knot, that knits in conjunction, thousands together: and yet the mystery and manner of the working is so great, that the ripest wits may wax rotten, before they yield reason, and show how the mixture is made: that two several bodies shall meet in one mind, and be as it were married and joined in one manner of disposition, with so small a show of virtue, and so little cause, that may constrain both parties to be bound and fast locked in a league of love. Then what may be thought on those that curry favour, follow for good turns, turns about like a weathercock, fauns where fortune favours, and favours no where, but for commodity, countenance, credit, and to compass that they seek. If friends be chosen by election and privy liking, these open palterers may go whistle: for neither they know the bounds of a good mind, nor the blessedness that belongs to friendship. What then should we say of men's behaviours in general? For without reverence uttered by courtesy, suing and following for benefit, fawning and speaking fair (for entertaining of time) creeping and crouching to keep that we have, and win that we wish, all civil order would be forgotten, rudeness would make revel, and men should suddenly miss the mark they shoot at. But granting now, these ceremonious fashions and manners, yet the users thereof, are no more like friends, than a Mask and Mommerie (with vizars on their faces) is like a company of grave Senators, that governs a mighty Monarchy. And more than monstrous it is, that such painted shadows are commonly preferred to be as pillars of friendship, when friendship, without props stands against all weathers and winds, and is of a more clear complexion, than to be patched up with compounds, or matched with corrupted manners, ennie to virtue, and friend to nothing but vice. For friendship is a certain felicity of the mind, a sweet incense that burns before God, a preserver of man's renown and life, a willing bondage that brings freedom for ever, a steadfast staff that all good people do stay on, the mother and nurse of mutual love, the conqueror of hate, the pacifier of quarrels, the glory of Kings, and the surety of subjects. And friendship is so princely and noble of condition, it may not be joined with any but such as are as honourable as itself. You shall see among friends of equal calling (that are like of affection) such a sweet and common consent of fraternal love and liking, that every thing is wrested to the best construction, and no one matter may be ministered amiss, the minds and manners of men, runs so mirrily together, as it were a sort of pretty chickens, hopping hastily after the cheerful chucking, of a brooding hen. And where such amity is (interlarded with honest pastime) there all hollowness of heart is banished, all plainness is embraced, and all good things do prosper: as a man might say, friendship is a ringleader to all happiness, and the guide that shows men the high way to all worldly exercises.  
But now some may ask me, how men should make choice of their friends, and know by outward appearance, the inward disposition of people, so many look smoothly, so many flatter, and so many hath clapped on such audacious countenances, that the wisest may be beguiled when he lest looks for defeat? It may be answered, that choice ought to be made of proof, and not of fair semblance, but of constant perfection: for such as casteth colours on cunning devices, and always to cloak collusion, crcepes finely in favour with simpering and smiling, to lead ready wits after their subtle intentions, by their needles babble fruitless fawning, often change of visage, unmannerly boldness, and daily attendance, where no desert commands them, the feigned friends of this world may be found, and in the state of necessity, all true friendship is tried. And me thinks they take no great pains, that accompany men in their prosperity, and they merit no great thanks, that desire to taste (at all times) other men's good fortunes: so that by thrusting and pressing after those, we hope to pluck somewhat from, debates of itself it is no certain sign of friendship, that springs from a simple and plain affection.  
Now, many will hold question, and say that Fortune must be followed, sought for, waited on, flattered because she is a deceiver, and finely entertained: For that with rude and rustical behaviour, both fortune and friends, will fling us far behind, that would march before our fellows. But I pray you, is not the long proof of crafty practices, the extraordinary dissimulation of fine people, a testimony that they are no true dealers, that work with worldly wickedness and policy, to be accepted as friends. Then who should presently be called a faithful follower? thus some man may demand. Such I say as in men's meanest calling and credit, hath begun to favour them, and in their better estate, do honestly in all causes of reason, equity and justice of judgement, discharge their duties, and leave flattery (that openeth the door of dubblenesse) and fall flatly to the true order of plain dealing: such I say that neither for favour, fear or fortune, but dare speak as they think (due reverence observed) and do rather cut off the festered flesh than feed and nourish a corrupted canker. Such whose love and fidelity looks narrowly on all the bounds and limits of friendship, and are so jealous over the friends they honour, that they cannot suffer any thing to sound out of frame, that may impeach, hinder, or appall the good name and credit of them they follow: such whose study, diligence and waking regard, stands as a watch to give warning, and advertise their friends of all inconveniences, dangers, slanders, and eminent perils and hazards: such are the members most meet to be about a friend, most worthy welcome, most to be liked, loved and trusted: and such are the blessed birds of the bosom, that ne sings nor says, nor makes sign of other thing than they present. And the rest that loiter about crooked measures, sounding and searching by deceits (like Fishers that closely hides their hooks) to see who they may catch, take hold of, and feel for their advantage. They are the slay smellers out of fortunate flowers, that grows in happy men's gardens, the prowlers after profit and preferment, purchased by audacious practices, the busy bodies that never stands still, but turns like a top to betray the trusty: the tossed white froth of the Sea (that makes a fair show without substance) which vanisheth away at the touch of every man's finger: and they are the swelling bubbles of the troubled water that are blown with each little blast over many a land, and makes neither sign from whence they are come, nor to what good end and purpose they serve. So sir, seeing the swarms of feigned friends, the heaps of hollow hearts, the abuse of infected minds, the musted faces covered with counterfeit good manners, and the effect of true friendship utterly mistaken, in many points & places of this world. I trouble you no further with the reading of these lines, hoping in your favour and friendship, as your affection shall move, and my merits without presumption shall crave and require, making a further present unto you, of a few verses (handled as well as I could) that were devised for the setting forth of a Paper Mill, which a great well willer of yours (as good cause he hath so to be) hath builded by Darthford, and brought to perfect frame and form, I trust to the great contentment of the Queen's Majesty, and benefit of her whole country: as knoweth God, who augment, maintain, and blessedly uphold her Highness long among us, and increase your good credit with all virtuous disposition.  
FINIS.   

A DESCRIPTION And plain discourse of paper, and the whole benefits that Paper brings, with rehearsal and setting forth in verse a Paper mill, built near Darthford, by an high German, called Master Spilman. jeweller to the Queen's Majesty.  

WHen sense of man,  
sought out what Science was,  
And found each Art,  
through wit and study great,  
Before long proof,  
could bring great things to pass,  
In judging head,  
did many a hammer beat:  
But trial had, experience proved good,  
for practise skill, on certain surety stood:  
Then ignorance blind, gave learned knowledge place,  
so studious mind, gained glory, wealth and grace.   

Some searched for gold, and digged deep Caves in ground,  
and some sought pearl, and precious jewels gay,  
Some sailed the seas, and wandered world full round,  
to bring home goods, that should the charges pay.  
Some made fine silks, and velvets fair and rich,  
invention still, was daily used so much,  
That each device, that could be put in proof,  
was set abroach, and tried for man's behoof.   

But sure some Arts, doth so surmount the rest,  
that famous were, the authors of the same,  
Whose noble acts, their worth so well expressed  
that writer's pen, should but eclipse their fame.  
Look thoroughly then, on that our elders did,  
and bring to light, their secret knowledge hid,  
And yield them laud, as their deserts doth crave,  
for I in hand, another matter have.   

I praise the man, that first did paper make,  
the only thing that sets all virtues forth:  
It shoes new books, and keeps old works awake,  
much more of price, than all this world is worth:  
It witness bears of friendship, time and troth,  
and is the tromp of vice and virtue both,  
Without whose help, no hap nor wealth is won,  
and by whose aid, great works and deeds are done.   

It flies from friend and foe in letter wise,  
and serves a state, and kingdom sundry ways,  
It makes great wind, where never dust doth rise,  
and breeds some storms, in smoothest summer days.  
It tells of war, and peace as things fall out,  
and brings by time, ten thousand things about.  
For scholars fit, and merchants all alike,  
for plough men good, that digs and delves the dike,   

For good divines, and lawyers not amiss,  
for Sailors too, and those that travel far,  
For Students best, that knows what learning is,  
for pleaders meet, for men of peace or war,  
For all degrees that are of manly kind,  
a right good mean, that may express the mind,  
A needful thing, that no good wit may want,  
a thing most used, yet never will be scant.   

What man, or sex, or shape of worthy mould,  
can paper lack, but buys it less or more?  
Things present are, in paper long enrolled,  
so things to come, and things long passed before.  
Though parchment dure, a greater time and space,  
yet can it not, put paper out of place:  
For paper still from man to man doth go,  
when parchment comes in few men's hands, you know.   

If paper be, so precious and so pure,  
so fit for man, and serves so many ways,  
So good for use, and will so well endure,  
so rare a thing, and is so much in prays:  
Than he that made, for us a paper mill,  
is worthy well, of love and worlds good will.  
And though his name, be spilman by degree,  
yet Help-man now, he shall be called by me.   

Six hundred men, are set a work by him,  
that else might starve, or seek abroad their bread.  
Who now lives well, and goes full brave and trim,  
and who may boast, they are with paper fed.  
Strange is that food, yet stranger made the same,  
spilman, Help-man, so rightly call the same:  
For greater help, I guess he cannot give,  
than by his help, to make poor folk to live.   

Few helps these days, to bring us any wealth,  
some sundry ways, do still more harm then good:  
So such as help, do breed good blood and health:  
and in best part, ought well be understood.  
If paper mill, helps poor and harms no rich,  
the gain is great, and the invention much,  
The work not small, the labour worth the view,  
because old Art, is now revived a new.   

One Thirlby went, Ambassador far from hence, 
Bishop of Ely.   
to Charles the fift, an Emperor of great fame,  
And at return, did bring with him from thence,  
a learned man, Remigius by name.  
Who Thirlby loud, and made by his devise,  
a paper mill, but not so much in price,  
As this that now, near Darthford standeth well,  
Where spilman may, himself and household dwell.   

Well this is he, that first here profit brought,  
first trial made, of things not here well known:  
First framed the form, that sundry paper wrought,  
first took in hand, by charges of his own  
A doubtful work, that others erst begun,  
Who spent thereon more wealth than well they won,  
This man alone, the substance shows so right,  
that all the rest, were Lamps that gave no light.   

The mill itself, is sure right rare to see,  
the framing is, so quaint and finely done,  
Built all of wood, and hollow trunks of tree,  
that makes the streams, at point device to run,  
Now up, now down, now sideward by a sleight,  
now forward fast, then spouting up on height,  
As Conduits cold, could force so great a heat,  
that fire should flame, where thumping hammers beat.   

The Hammers thump, and make as loud a noise,  
as Fuller doth, that beats his woollen cloth,  
In open show, then sundry seceete toys,  
makes rotten rags, to yield a thickened froth:  
Then is it stamped, and washed as white as snow,  
than flung on frame, and hanged to dry I trow:  
Thus Paper straight, it is to write upon,  
as it were rubbeth, and smoothde with slicking stone.   

Through many hands, this Paper passeth there,  
before full form, and perfect shape it takes,  
Yet in short time, this Paper yucke will bear,  
whereon in haste, the workman profit makes.  
A wonder sure, to see such rags and shreds,  
pass daily through, so many hands and heads,  
And Water too, that Papers enemy is,  
yet Paper must, take form and shape from this.   

This Water doth, not only drive the mill,  
but gives it grace, and makes it fine and fair,  
Is cause and ground, to give it fashion still,  
for it is made, with Water, wind and air.  
And takes his form of compounds mixed well,  
wherein there doth, a secret nature dwell:  
A heavenly power, that earth and air hath knit,  
by cunning Art, and work of human wit.   

For cloth and silk, and metals fine or base,  
are wrought of things, that have a substance great,  
This findeth form, and stamp in stranger case,  
as Water mill, made rags and shreds to sweat.  
Of whose thick froth, a cream or crud should rise,  
that should take shape, and strength by breath of skies:  
Though sure a mean, there is to work the same,  
some secret cause, brings Paper first in frame.   

As corn is sown, and there must rot in ground,  
before it blade, or takes good root or strength,  
Then reaped and thrashed, and to the mill full round,  
is sent to grind, and made good dough at length,  
Then kneaded well, then baked and made good bread,  
so paper sure, through many a hand and head  
Doth pass like dross, that of itself is nought,  
till it be tried, by skill and thoroughly wrought.   

From dross comes gold, when fire hath searched it well,  
so all things have, their worth from some great cause:  
The pearl some say, is fetched from oysters shell,  
thus each thing yields, to Art and nature's laws.  
As fire from slint, through stroke of steel we find,  
so world may see, what wonders worketh kind.  
Glass was at first, as strange to make or view,  
as Paper now, that is devised of new.   

Of new I mean, in England save one man,  
that had great wealth, and might much treasure spare.  
Who with some charge, a Paper mill began,  
and after built, a stately work most rare.  
The Royal exchange, but got by that more gain,  
than he indeed, did lose by former pain.  
But neither he, nor none before his days,  
made Paper mill, that merits so much praise.   

As this that now, is not full far from hence,  
where Water ran, in waste and vain a way,  
Now profit yields, and brings in pounds and pence,  
that quittes the cost, and doth the charge defray.  
This had not been, if Prince had not retained,  
the stranger here, by whom these gifts are gained:  
Her highness than, saw in her deep foresight,  
what famous work, this man could bring to light.   

The glory then, and honour of this deed,  
is hers, and ours, shall be the gain therein.  
We reap the Corn, whoever sowed the seed,  
who ere have lost, we shall be sure to win.  
This mill remains, a sampler to the rest,  
that after comes, to show whose work is best,  
No doubt but some, this course will follow on,  
a stranger left, this work to look upon.   

That many more, by this may builded be,  
and many heads, and hands may thrive thereby,  
He merits much, that first plants fruitful tree,  
they purchase prayer, that first doth practices try.  
They ought not reap, that never meant to sow,  
they win great hap, that can through hazards go,  
They lose no time, that toils for public state,  
they glory gain, that first a conquest gate.   

Now gallant wits, that joys in doing well,  
ply pen a pace, whiles learning may be had,  
Now striplings young, but late come out of shell,  
to School good boys, to make your parents glad.  
Now Printers press, that sets forth many a book,  
bestir the stamp, that world for news may look,  
Now Stationers, that worketh all the year,  
sell books good cheap, for Paper is not dear.   

Now writers grave, that studies heavenly things,  
your works shall shine, by mean of Papers grace▪  
Now Merchant wise, that home great profit brings,  
send letters out, abroad to every place.  
For Paper doth, present itself to those,  
in common weal, that writeth verse and prose,  
The merry mill, now grinds and goes so brave,  
that world at will, shall always Paper have.   

When Paper was, not thoroughly known of men,  
they wrote in stones, and barks of trees for shift,  
But lo long since, the Paper and the Pen,  
by deep device, found out a finer drift.  
And most to praise, because of trifling toys,  
so great a wealth, our worthy world enjoys,  
Of dross and rags, that serves no other mean,  
and fowl had shreds, comes Paper white and clean.   

And even so, the baddest people may,  
became good folk, if they will bide the stamp,  
Which people first, with many a worthy way,  
must be well wrought, like oil that burns in Lamp.  
For Oil is tried, and pured ear it be sold,  
and searched throw out, as fire tries out the gold,  
And when the oil, is fit to blaze or burn,  
it is applied, at need to serve our turn.   

So man is meet, to serve his native soil,  
when thumping world, abroad hath tried him throw,  
Or here at home, his life hath scaped foil,  
and he thereby, may show a blotlesse brow.  
But this must be, as Paper passeth mill,  
man's doubtful days, must pass through perils still,  
And though great blows, do beat him back a space,  
he bides the brunt, to get the greater grace.   

And yields to thumps, and thwarts as ice to thaw,  
as frost to fire, will soft and gentle wax:  
Or as stiff necks, will stoop and yield to law,  
compelled by flame, to yield to fire like flax.  
For nothing more, becomes a noble mind,  
than bide the blasts, and puff of every wind,  
Whose bellows blows, to hinder well won fame,  
when do well shall, in spite possess good name.   

If ship pass storm, and tries the surging seas,  
comes quiet home, to harbour in a road,  
Man must of force, through torment purchase ease,  
and must believe, great burden is no load.  
And so base rags, whereof is no account,  
through straining hard, past tenter hooks may mount,  
And body cost, and tumbled up and down,  
may come to rest, and reap right rare renown.   

Man's secret faults, and foul defects of mind,  
must be reformed, like rags in Paper mill,  
When hammers help, hath changed his cankered kind,  
and cleansed the heart, from spots and former ill.  
A second shape, and form full fresh and new  
he doth receive, in nature grace and hue.  
When Water streams hath washed him over quite,  
than man becomes, like paper fair and white.   

If Water were as scant as dearest wine,  
how should this world maintain each science here?  
In Water thin there dwells a power divine,  
where face is seen, as in a Crystal clear.  
An Element that every creature needs,  
wherein full oft both fowl and fishes breeds:  
Whereby a world of people daily live,  
and God to man doth many a blessing give.   

What earth or soil can flourish where it wants?  
cold Water sweet doth cool the scalded breast,  
The drops whereof doth comfort herbs and plants,  
and graces great by Water is possessed.  
Then muse not man, if Water thee reform,  
that art but earth, and food for scraling worm,  
A bladder puffed with wind and air full thin,  
that can not bide the push of baggage pin.   

Our finest coin of silver or of gold  
in grossest sort is handled as ye know,  
And beaten long, and thumped triple fold  
before it doth for currant money go.  
The woollen cloth that from the walkemill comes,  
at first must pass, through many hands and thumbs:  
Yea washed and walked with Water where it goth,  
ere it do take his breadth and thickness both.   

What linen, lawn, or cambric can be white,  
if Water do not thoroughly wash the same:  
It scours that clean, that is as dun as kite,  
and brings fowl cloth in perfect form and frame.  
All slubbered things must needs be washed anew,  
fowl things are nought, if proverb old be true.  
Thus prove I plain, by course of Water mill,  
and hammering world, men's manners changeth still.   

Though some do say, in France and other place,  
are Paper mills, as fair and strange as this,  
What's that to us, this gives our Country grace,  
and to all Kent, a double honour is.  
That in the soil, was borne our worthy Queen,  
by strangers mean, so strange a work is seen:  
And strangers are, so glad with strange device,  
to serve and please, our Prince of peerless price.   

In other Realms, there mills are not in worth,  
scarce half so good, the proof may well be found,  
This is so fine, with workmanship set forth,  
so surely built, and planted in the ground.  
That it doth seem, a house of some estate,  
a Mill most rare, a work devised of late,  
Whose goodness great, exceeds the outward show,  
and from whose stamp, shall public profit flow.   

And troth to tell, the mill is black and white,  
and Water doth work all the Paper there,  
The sight thereof, shall breed more rare delight,  
than man with eye, beholds in many a where.  
This somewhat more, may move a marvel here,  
no profit may, be reaped in many a year,  
The author than, of this new Paper Mill,  
bestows great charge, and gains but worlds goodwill.   

Death may prevent, his hope and purpose too,  
death cuts off all, from him if it so hap,  
If loss so fall, what then shall Spilman do,  
but so receive, the losses in his lap.  
This danger great, deserveth some regard,  
or of the world, doth merit some reward,  
Give him good speech, (as reason doth require,  
yield duty, so the labror hath his hire.   

An high German he is as may be proved,  
In Lyndoam Bodenze borne and bred:  
And for this Mill may here be truly loud  
and praised too, for deep device of head.  
But if the hope of gain quit not the cost,  
the world will judge his labour is but lost.  
To hazards hap he doth commit the same,  
and seems as yet to care for nought but Fame.   

Wealth, wit and time, with toil and travail great,  
he plies a pace, and spareth for no charge,  
The Mill goes round, the workmen moil and sweat,  
the stream goes strait, that erst ran all at large,  
The wheels conveys the Water divers ways,  
the Hammers thump, the stamp but seldom stays:  
The rags and clouts, becomes as white as snow,  
and all these knacks, the master needs must know.   

Whose purse, whose pains, and purpose is not small,  
whose plot, points out, a piece of work right fair,  
To hinder none, but made to please us all,  
to which brave Mill, do thousands still repair.  
To see what things, are wrought by cunning skill,  
to Gods great praise, and Princes honour still,  
And to the place, and soil where it doth stand,  
a goodly grace, and Paper near at hand.   

Lo here how man to paper is compared,  
that ready is to take both stamp and print  
Though trial great, and many a passage hard,  
more stiff than steel that strikes out fire from flint:  
But though most hard the path and passage be,  
in the right way it sets man frank and free:  
That hath been brought in bondage from his birth,  
and makes him seem a little God on earth.   

Full fraught with wit, with Art and science great,  
with learned lore, with skill and knowledge deep,  
With gifts divine, that fears not fortunes threat,  
with quick device, that can both get and keep,  
With reason such, as rules each other thing,  
of Beast and Fowl, the only Lord and King,  
A Prince of all the earthly pleasures here,  
found out with pain, and bought with travail dear.   

AA   
FINIS.