ORTHOEPIA ANGLICANA: OR, THE FIRST principal PART OF THE ENGLISH GRAMMAR: TEACHING The Art of right speaking and pronouncing English, With certain exact rules of Orthography, and rules of spelling or combining of Syllables, and directions for keeping of stops or points between sentence and sentence.  
A work in itself absolute, and never known to be accomplished by any before: No less profitable than necessary for all sorts, as well Natives as foreigners, that desire to attain the perfection of our English Tongue.  
Methodically composed by the industry and observation of SIMON Deigns schoolmaster of HINTLESHAM in Suffs.  
Perficit omnia tempus.  
LONDON, Printed by Robert Young and Richard Badger for the Company of Stationers, Anno Domini 1640.   

 
reduce this confused manner of practice to some regular form; whereby the Teacher might be exonerated a great part of his burden, the Learner encouraged with more facility and expedition to proceed, we, in general, induced to repose more confidence and delight in our own Tongue, and the stranger allured to the knowledge of it.  
Now therefore, since the perfection of all Arts (whereto the knowledge of Tongues ought to be reduced) consists as well in the Theory, as the Practice: (the one whereof makes a knowing man, the other a ready) and this Theory in the resolutive mood, or knowledge of Universals; we are, as well in this, as all other Tongues or Languages, to have recourse to Grammar, as the general fountain. This the Greeks call {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, or the knowledge of Letters. But according to the acception of the term, it is usually (among the Latins especially) divided into four parts, viz. orthoepy & Orthography (which only differ in this, that the one hath respect to right speaking, the other to right writing) Etymology (which teacheth the knowledge of the parts of speech, and how to order and propose them truly) Syntax (which treateth of the construction of the parts) and Prosody (which chiefly belongs to Poets) that expostulateth the accent, rhythm, quantity, and measure of feet in every word or verse. The two former integral Parts, to wit, orthoepy and etymology (as most necessary and only absolutely requisite in our English Tongue) I have for our purpose sufficiently discussed, and reduced into a classical method: The latter two I remit to Practice in reading such orators and Poets as our Tongue affords, wherewith every stationer's shop is amply replete.  
But for the present I have only set forth the first part, (as he that would not spend all his shot at once, or the mariner that first rigs out his Pinnace to certify whatseas) especially since it is more chiefly conducing to all sorts, it being indeed dressed to sympathize with every palate. The etymological part being only intended for such as are to proceed in higher Classes, shall (God willing) speedily follow, accompanying the Latin Introduction, the better to demonstrate the difference between both Tongues. The benefit that may hereby redound to the Learner, I will not here stand to expostulate, after the custom of every idle Pamphleter, that is enforced to be the blazer of his own praise to make his book sell the better. Let those that shall make trial speak for me what they find: only this I dare presume, that this little Treatise, rightly taught, will be enough to inform any ordinary capacity the knowledge of our English Tongue, so far as concerns orthoepy and Orthography: whereby he that is to proceed further, shall not need to waste so much time in English, and yet be sufficiently instructed.  
The manner of teaching it I refer to the judgement of the Teacher, accounting it too much to set up a light, and hold the candlestick too. The variety of Impressions, (or Prints as we call them) will serve as an instance to my purpose. For the child in A. B. C. (as it is termed) that I may begin with the babe, I have caused a new Alphabet, or order of Letters, to be imprinted in the three several sorts of Characters most usual in our English, & most Tongues of Europe. When he is perfect in them, and able to distinguish the Vowels and Consonants asunder, then let him enter this, going presently to the Dipthongs, to be informed by his Master their number and use: thence immediately to the Syllables mixed. The rest at the discretion of the Tutor (for I presume no Teacher is so ignorant as shall need instructions for the ordering of his Pupils.) Et siquid novit rectius, candidus impertiat; if not, make use of this with me, that desire to assume no further to myself, then what may stand with the glory of God, and the general good of my endeared country.  
This (as I said) I propose as a servant to all: for notwithstanding my whole scope herein be only to assist the stranger and ignorant, and not to bring in captivity them whose more happy Intellects may of themselves produce more clear conception; yet if any scholar of our own shall vouchsafe the reading of so poor a Pamphlet, he perhaps in somewhat may find the Proverb true, that says, No tree is so barren but may yield some fruit, be it never so little. At least I desire his censure of this Opusculum, but newly hatched, may be but as mild, as my intentions real for the more certain and speedy advancement of learning; lest the blossom be blasted ere it comes to perfection.  
Thus courteous Reader (of what rank soever) accept of these small labours, as thou shalt find them beneficial. Many (I confess) as well friends as strangers, have much animated and desired me to publish them for the common good. But when they shall come to the open view of the world, I know not how after the press they will escape the Rack and Strappado; for books and bondage are subject to the most heavy censures: Sed age Liber, vade liber, & vale.  
S. D.   


Upon the English orthoepy, To the Author.  
I Tell thee, Sim, th''ve done us double wrong  
To live concealed to thyself thus long;  
Seeing the want of some director, when  
England has had so many Tongues as men,  
And every one his way of speaking. And  
Thus many spoke, that could not understand.  
But thou'lt inform their judgements. Let it be.  
Set up thy Light, that whoso will may see  
The ready way to Athens. This alone  
Gives clearer light, than heretofore ere shone  
From any English Lamp, in illustration  
Of our own Tongue. (A glory to thy Nation!)  
Go then, & let no fear of censure fright  
Or wrong thee: Thou shalt teach them to speak right.  
M. TIMPERLEY Esquire.   

Upon his friend the Author and his Work.  
I Am none of the Muses sacred choir,  
My brain's too cool for Helicon t'inspire.  
But this I'll say in plain terms, Thou hast done  
What I but wished to live to see begun:  
Which who e'er reads, may easily discern  
The Proverb true, We all may live and learn.  
I. H.   

In amicum, & eius Orthoëpiam Anglicanam, simul ac Etymologiam Anglo-latinum.  
PLurima perspexi symptomata, plurimatandem  
Et gravia amovi, trutinas aggressus eorum  
Causas. (Morbus agit, morbum porrò ista sequuntur.)  
Cuncta sed haec inter gravius stipata {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}  
Difficilem inveni, Stygio quifortè palude,  
Germanove prius nostras resilivit adoras.  
Noster enim morbus Linguae communis inhaeret.  
Proprium at est cujusque suum. Sic Plica Polonis:  
Jampridem bene nota lues sic Gallica Gallis;  
Quam simul Italiae tribuunt; Hispanaque fertur.  
Aspicis ut neglecta diu jacet Anglo-Britanna  
Lingua relicta suis, multis lacer at a catervis!  
Tuque adeo Medicus potior, medicamine solo,  
Atque labore uno, qui jam curator adesses  
Tot simul, & semel. Haec tua laus, tua fama perennis.  
Instruis errantes, tua nos dum Recti-loquelam  
Orthoëpia docet. Sed quid cum ver a docebis?  
Perge, age, fac. Steterisque diu mihi magnus Apollo.  
R. WOLVERTON Phil. & Medicus.   

To his friend the Author, upon his elaborate and deserving work, the two principle parts of the English Grammar.  
WHere can one walk along the streets, but he  
May scholars, Courtiers, and good Linguists see?  
But all for foreign Tongues. Poor English now  
Is only left for him that drives the plough.  
How many have I heard chat French as fast  
As parrots! that being put to write in haste  
An English Letter would perhaps incline  
To make a●●ct to pardon for each line  
A solecism! And this chiefly is,  
Because for practice they instructions miss.  
I've often heard an English Grammars name,  
That foreign Countries might no more defame  
Our Tongue for being irregular; but till now  
Could never come to see one part: which thou  
Hast happily performed. Ben Johnson railed  
On Vulcan's fury that had his entailed:  
But thine, in spite of Vulcan, shall ensue  
To after Ages. 'Tis both Right and True.  
T. B. Esquire.   

In Authorem.  
NEscio cur tu, Nescio, ais, dulcedine quavis  
Ductus? dum Dux es, ducis & ipse tuos.  
En nativus Amor (namque illum {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} amorem,  
Cum dedit Esse, dedit) cogit, & instimulat!  
Hic Homini communis inest: Qui sentit, habetur  
{non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} qui non, non benedictus Homo.  
Te vero sentire probat, memor esse tuorum  
Conatu hoc. Ergo, Tu benedictus Homo.  
I. S. Artium Magister.   

Upon the Author and his Work.  
WHat shall I say? shall I the work alone  
Applaud? or thee by whom the work is done?  
In thee I find the Cause, in it th'effect;  
Let that then have th'applause, thou the respect:  
Only this difference is, thyself must die;  
But this shall live free from mortality.  
T. T. Phil. Cand.    

The English Alphabet, Expressing the number, order, denomination, and figure, or characterical form of the Letters, as well capital as Small, according to their use in the English Tongue: In the three most usual impressions appertaining to most Tongues in Europe.  
There be in the English Tongue four and twenty Letters, as here followeth.  
The old English print. Their names, or denominations. The Latin and Italica prints now chiefly in use. capital. Small.      A a a Cap. Small. Cap. Small. B b be A a A a C c ce B b B b D d de C c C c E e e D d D d F f of E e E e G g Goe F f F f H h * ach G g G g I i i H h H h K k ka I I. I i L l el K k K k M m 'Em L l L l N n en M m M m O oh Oh N n N n P p pe O o O o Q q cue, or kuh P p P p R rr Oer, or are Q q Q q S ss es R r R r T t te S ss S ss V v u u To To T t W w * double u V v u V v u X x * ex, or ix W w W w Y y * widow X x X x Z z * ezard, or better edsard. Y y Y y    Z z Z z  
Whereof these six, a, e, i, o, u, and y, be Vowels, all the rest be Consonants.  
Which of these be invariable, or have always the force of Vowels, and which sometime degenerate into Consonants, and when, see further in our Treatise of Vowels in particular. This we have only set down for children, à primo ingressu or their first entrance.  
The Asteriskes denote those Letters, so marked, have somewhat peculiar, and are particularly treated of more than the other Consonants.   

OPERI PROEMIUM, OR A SHORT INTRODUCTION.  
SEtting aside all inquisitive curiosity concerning the difference between the two vulgar terms of Tongue and Language, or whether it be in respect of primitive and derivative; nor undertaking positively to determine which be Tongues, and which Languages, or how many divisions of speech were implanted among men at the dissolution of the Tower of Babel (for so many, I conjecture, may most properly be called Languages according to the strict sense) as truly too curious and little conducing to our present purpose; we will immediately come to treat of Letters, as the first Elements or Principles of speech in every Tongue or Language whatsoever.  

Of Letters in genere.  
A Letter (according to Sealiger) is an individual part of a word, or the least part whereinto any word can be resolved. But in respect of certain Monograms, or words of one Letter, Master Danes in his Paralipomena hath defined it, An individual articulate voice, or sound: by articulate, meaning that which is proper to men, to distinguish it from that of beasts.  
What concerns the derivation of the word, the Latins call it Litera (whence our term Letter came) quasi litura, saith Calepine: So that, according to the etymology, or strict sense of the term, Letters are but certain Characters, or notes, whereby any word is expressed in writing: and for this cause were they by the ancient Latinists distinguished into Letters, as they be characterical notes; and Elements, as the first grounds or Principles of fpeech. But this nicety is confounded in the general acception, which promiscuously terms them Letters; and this we shall follow.  
In these therefore are we to consider their force and figure. As for their name and order, so far as concerns our English Tongue, we refer you to the Alphabet.  
The force or power of a Letter (saith Scaliger) is the sound whereby it is produced in pronunciation, &c. To whom we remit, for further satisfaction, the Teacher and learned Reader.  
Their figure is divers, according to their several Characters, and that likewise varying in the diversity of impressions, wherein they be either imprinted or written, in respect of their several use, and the relation they have to several Tongues or Languages.  
Their number (as I said) in our English Tongue be 24. But the Latin, nor few Languages or Tongues whatsoever, at least scholastical, admit so many.  
These Characters or Letters, in difference of quantity, be either capital or small, as appears by the forms expressed in our Alphabet.  
The capital or great Letters (though in some diversity of figure) were chiefly in use with our Predecessors the Saxons, and the most ancient Latins.  
Of these, some be called Numerals; to wit, when they be used to express some certain arithmetical number; as I, for one; V, for five; X, for ten; L, for fifty; C, for an hundred, D, or D, for five hundred; M, or M, for a thousand; ↁ, five thousand; ↂ, ten thousand; &c. Where note, that when a lesser number precedes a greater, it takes from the greater number so much as the lesser in itself contains; as IV, stands but for four; IX, for nine; XL, for forty; XC, ninety; CD, for four hundred; &c.  
Sometime Abbreviatives, viz. when either alone, or with some abbreviated Character, they stand for some Proper name, or other peculiar word beginning with the same letter; as F. for Francis, M. for Martha, Ri. for Richard, Tho. for Thomas, &c. which is usual with us in prenomen (which we call Christian names) especially where the Surname is expressed at large, and oftentimes where both name & Surname is specified by two capital letters, as R. S. for Richard Shore. In some certain appellative words likewise, as Matie, majesty; Hoble, Honourable; Hd, Honoured; land, Lordship; Rd, Reverend; Sir, Sir; Worpll, worshipful; Kt.. Knight; esqr Esquire, &c. as in practice everywhere occurs. For other Abbreviations we remit to rules of Orthography. Their peculiar force of Pronunciation shall be exemplified in their further particulars. In the mean time let this suffice for Letters in general.   

Of Letters in specie, and first of the Vowels.  
LEtters in genere be divided into Vowels and Consonants.  
A Vowel is a Letter, which of itself yields a perfect sound, or hath power to produce a syllable. Calepine hath it, Vocalisest, quae per seipsam, vel suaipsius potestate pronunciari queat. Our term vowel springs to us from the Latin diction Vocalis, which they derive from the Verb Voco, or rather Voce the Ablative case of Vox: Quia sine vocali non datur vox articulata a perfecta: Because no syllable, or articulate sound, can be proposed without the help of some vowel.  
The number of the Vowels with us be six, viz. A, E, I, O, U, Y.  
Whereof A, E, and O, are always proper and invariable, the other three do many times degenerate into Consonants, to wit, when in the beginning of a word or syllable they be joined before themselves, or any other Vowel or diphthong: only Y never precedes itself.  
Some have introduced W for a seventh, in regard we sometime improperly use it in stead of V. But by reason it is in itself a Consonant properly, and only by custom abusively prevailing in the nature of a Vowel, I thought it not so fit to be inserted in the number of Vowels, for these reasons:  
First, because it is a combination compact of two Letters, and therefore had it the force of a vowel, it would be rather a diphthong than a Vowel.  
Secondly, because without another Vowel it is not apt to be pronounced, or make a syllable; therefore no Vowel.  
Thirdly, by reason it exacts more than one Element or syllable in its pronunciation, which a Vowel doth not.  
Fourthly, in regard of its general use, which hath it only a Consonant, except sometime after one of these three Vowels, A, E, and O; and that chiefly in Monosyllables, and the ends of words, for the fuller sound sake, when it may be said to make a Tripthong for the former reasons; but this Tradition hath imposed and made indeed only peculiar to us.  
Let this therefore suffice for the number of Vowels, and now proceed we to their several pronunciations in our English Tongue.   

The pronunciation of the Vowels severally.  
A, in itself ought to be sounded moderately full, and broad; but, joined with other Letters, we ought to respect the several natures of the Consonants whereto it adheres, or the syllable wherein it is included, and so sound it more or less full according to the general custom of the Pronunciation of such syllables, which we shall more amply demonstrate in our Treatise of syllables. But having relation to its original propriety and general use in all countries, it is far more tolerable to incline rather to too full a sound after the manner of a foreign calf, then with some that nicely mince it, to make it resemble the bleat of an English Lamb; especially since it often bears the same force with Au diphthong.  
E we usually pronounce not much unlike the Greek γ, or Eta, whence, I conceive, we derive the use and pronunciation of Ee double, whose faculty we notwithstanding for the most part usurp in the pronunciation of the single E, sounding it almost after the manner of the Latin I, (as it is truly uttered by the Italians, French, Spaniards, and most nations of Europe) but not altogether with the tongue so much restrained. And what they call E, we write with Ea, as in Bread, Sea, and the like.  
ay, according to our modern and most commendable Orthoepiists, somewhat imitates the sound of the Latin Ei diphthong (though not altogether so full) as it is usually pronounced; or rather, indeed, the Greek Jota, whose force it truly retains with us, though much differing in it among ourselves: for many of our Northerns especially abuse it with too broad a sound both single and joined with other letters, like the diphthong Ai, making no difference in pronunciation between fire and fair. Others again on the contrary side, with an affected imitation of the Beyond-sea pronunciation, striving to Latinize it, would make a traveller, if not a foreigner, of it. But I for my part, as I esteem that manner of pronunciation most to be practised, which best suits the nature of the Tongue or Language whatsoever, as most proper to it, and which hath been most generally received among the learned; so hold I it the greatest property and praise of a Linguist to attribute to each several Tongue its native faculty: So that I most approve in the English Tongue the English tone, accepted and delivered by such of our Ancestors as were able to judge, no less detesting barbarisms, than novelty and affectation. This I conceive a medium between the other two extremes, wherein we differ from the Latin, and most Tongues of Europe, as much as they from the ancient Greeks; as every Language hath somewhat peculiar.  
O for the most part differs little from that of Latium, whence we took it: only sometimes in proper names especially we abusiuè sound it U, as in Edmond and Edmund, Paighton, Paitun, short, &c.  
U in like sort makes little other difference between us and the Latins, but only in point of state; as when it concludes any word as a single vowel, it exacts with us, by way of orthography, to be always, or for the most part, attended with E; as in due, true, ensue, &c. where (as in many places else) E serves but as an unnecessary servitor, as shall hereafter be showed.  
Y, which as a single Letter we call widow, hath in a manner the same force with the vowel I, and in the end of a word may indifferently be written in lieu of I, or rather je, (for indeed we with the Dutch have learned to make a shadow of the substance of many Letters) as in merry, or merry; mercy, or mercy, and the like: and is most generally used in Monosyllables, or words of one syllable, where it sounds I long, as in my, thy, by, why, which are always written with Y; the rest be indifferent, as tie, or tie, &c.  
But in the beginning or middle of a word it is seldom, and that less properly, inserted as a vowel, unless in some few words derived from the Greek, expressed by ypsilon; or proper names, which in all Tongues be irregular.  
For the derivation of it, the word symptom can testify sufficiently from whence we had it. Notwithstanding, I know there are who would deduce it from II double, whose sound (they say) it bears contractiuè, as, Yet, quasi two et, &c. But this I refer to the judgement of the Reader. As a Consonant it hath a peculiar power; which expect in its proper place. In the mean time let this suffice for Vowels in particular.   

Of Dipthongs, or the combinations of two Vowels in one syllable.  
WHen two Vowels be comprehended together in one syllable, they be called Dipthongs: wherefore a diphthong may be defined, The combination, or (as some have it) the comprehension of two Vowels together in one syllable, either of them retaining a force in pronunciation. Or briefly thus, A diphthong is the contraction of two Vowels: which better suits our English Tongue, by reason we have some Dipthongs where one vowel loseth its faculty in the pronunciation of the other.  
The word diphthong, which the Latins call Dipthongus, is derived (according to Calepine, and Johannes de Janua) à {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, vel {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, & {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} sonus, vel qui proprie Vocalis est sonus. Et est (saith one) conglutinatio duarum vocalium vim suam servantium, &c.  

The number of Dipthongs, and their manner of pronunciation.  
THere belong to our English Tongue eighteen Dipthongs: viz.  
1 aa as in Baal, Isaac. 2 ai as in Fair, despair. 3 au as in Laud, Applaud. 4 ea as in Fear, speak. 5 ee as in Feed, Bleed. 6 ei as in Receive, Weight. 7 eo as in Jeopardy, Geometry, George. 8 eu as in Rheum, Eustace. 9 ie as in Field, Friend. 10 oa as in Boat, goal. 11 oe as in Toe, Shoe, Phoenix, Foelicity. 12 oi as in Void, join. 13 oo as in Good, Food. 14 ou as in Blood, Gourd. 15 Va as in Guard, Quake. 16 Ve as in Guerdon. 17 ui as in Choir, Build. 18 uo as in Quoth.  
Ae we never have in English, but only in such words as be merely Latin, though dressed in an English garb; as in Praeheminent, praevalent, &c. preamble, & similia: and is most usually written in this figure [ę]  
The first, to wit Aa, we only use in Proper names, and words derived from the Hebrew.  
Ai, we pronounce according to the Latin, as in fair, &c. excepting hair, which we sound as if it were written hare, but a little brisker, or rather like hear; and the verb say, which we for brevity sake call sa; and sayst, as sest; saith, as saith; said, as said the Latin Conjunction, &c. though irregularly.  
Au, the diphthong we usually sound after the manner of the Latin au, except in balm the herb, where it sounds A (as the French pronounce it) full.  
Ea we sound like the Latin E, and it is always proper, or invariable; only in Phleagme (which we borrow of the Greek {non-Roman}) it is for the most part sounded with E short, and G omitted, as in Phleme.  
Ee, is always the same in pronunciation with the Greek γ and the Latin I, as I said in the Vowels.  
Ei, we generally pronounce like the Latin Ai, with little difference of sound; as in receive, straight, &c. And what force the Latins give to their Ei diphthong▪ we attribute the same in effect to our single I, as in the Vowels is said: where note, we abusively sound the word heir, or inheritor ritour, like air, unaspirate and full, as if there were no difference of Letters. But where Gh succeeds, the diphthong is sounded shorter, and Gh loseth all its faculty, as weight, quasi wait, &c. Some pronounce Ei like Ea in many words, and for the same purpose write it so too, but altogether against rule or authority; as receive, for receive; conceive, for conceive, &c. especially where it precedeth V.  
Eo, we pronounce in jeopardy and Leopard with the om●ssion of O, in Geometry with the loss of E, and G different from itself in power when it goes before O, calling it jometry short. Only in Geography this diphthong is proper, and in itself complete: but we make little use of it, other than in the four words here recited.  
yew, bears the same force with the Latin yew, in words from thence derived, or proper names, as in Eustace; but in words originally English, we for the most part sound it like u single, without the E, as in rheum, quasi rheum, &c.  
je, differs little in sound from the Latin I, and our Ee diphthong, as in field chief, Shrieve (which is truly written sheriff) siege, &c. where we pronounce E long without any I at all, and friend where E short, &c. But you must observe by the way, that this diphthong never happens in the beginning of a word or syllable, for then is i always a Consonant, and never a vowel, whereby it cannot compose a diphthong, which is the combination of two Vowels.  
Oa, sounds generally after the Greek Omega, with the loss of A; as in boat, coal, &c. goal, or prison, is thus truly written, but pronounced like jail.  
Oe, in the end of a word (as for the most part it seldom happens else in words merely English, though usual in the Latin, and such as we immediately derive from thence) is the same in pronunciation with O single, as in Toe, &c. except show, which sounds shoe, as some pronounce the Greek diphthong Ov; and Phoenix, felicity, &c. where it follows the Latin, bearing chiefly the force of E.  
Oi, is originally derived from the Greek, whose faculty in pronunciation it truly retains with us, as in void, destroyed, join, &c. But in many words which we take from the French it imitates more their pronunciation, which a little differs, and but a little, as in purloin, &c. where it inclines more to our I, though with somewhat a flatter or more dull sound.  
Ou, differs much in pronunciation. In bound, bowl, (as to trundle a bowl) crowd (or throng) &c. it is properly in its native sound, deduced from the greeks, as it is by their best Linguists truly pronounced. But with Gh succeeding, it sounds far more aspirate, as in bought, which we pronounce bout, after the manner of the substantive bow, (or that which men use to shoot with) Gh having no other force in themselves. And thus it is in all Participles of the Preter tense ending in aught as bought, sought, thought, and the Adjective nought; except fought the Preter-participle of fight, which sounds foued, after the manner of stout, bout, proper. In like sort bough (or arm of a tree,) plough, through; except tough, which sounds with a brisk aspiration, and enough, which many of us call enuff, (sed perperam.) U going before R in the end or last syllable of certain words, loseth its force, as in honour, neighbour; except our, your, and all Monosyllables: Where note, that what words we borrow of the Latin, ending in or, we write with our; as in labour the Latin word, and labour the English: and some we take from the French, as Paramour. In the word blood it is sounded without o, u short; in gourd, without u, o long. In would, could, should, it is usually pronounced like Oo double.  
Oo in poor imitates in sound the Greek Omega, but in other words we usually pronounce almost as the French and Waloones do their Ο in Tilmont, Paramont, &c. and as some would have the Greek ο, though falsely. It varies little in pronunciation; as in these words appears, soon, boon, loom, moon, crook, tooth, sooth (which some call such) good, food; except wood, and stood, the Preterperfect tense of the Verb stand, which we pronounce as they were would, and stud, and wool, quasi wool.  
Ua is always proper when it follows q, as in quake; but after g, u is of little force: where you may take notice, that all these Dipthongs which begin with u, seldom or never follow any other Consonant but g, and q, whereof the two last can only follow q, except ui in build and juice; the other two indifferent. But when q precedes any of them, u retains its sound, which after g it loseth; as in guard, &c. except Language, as is instanced in the Table of Dipthongs.  
These three, Au, Ei, Ou, be many times sounded with a kind of aspiration, by reason of Gh often inserted in the same syllable succeeding, and serving there to no other use but to aspirate the diphthong, as I said before in Ei and Ou. Ei in the word foreigner hath G, in the nature of the Greek γ, but short, and in a manner altogether vanishing away.  
Au with Gh in the middle of a word sounds like of for the most part, as in these substantives, daughter, laughter, which most of us pronounce dafter, laughter; except slaughter, which is slater, with A broad and full, after the manner of the French tone. The rest go according to the tenure of the precedent rules, as caught, taught, &c. And thus terminates very many of our Participles in the Preter tense.  
There are (and those diligent inquisitors in the English tongue) who would enhance our number of Dipthongs to one and thirty, by the several connexions of W and Y with the other Vowels, as if they were always Vowels. But I have rejected them for these reasons: First, Y before any other Vowel always degenerates into a Consonant (as will by provingit plainly appear;) and combined in the same syllable after any other vowel, it hath the same force in pronunciation with I, or in the end of a word with je, which is all one in effect, and therefore frivolous to put them as different Dipthongs.  
W hath by custom so far prevailed, as to claim the title of a vowel in persuade, because it is to us transferred from the Latin Verb Persuadeo, and so written with a W for difference sake; but in Proper names, and most other words taken from the Latin, we usually keep U in its own place, as in Suetonius, which we write Sueton; Suevia, Sueveland, &c. In words originally English, W, preceding any other vowel, is improperly said to make a diphthong, having there only the force of a Consonant, and not a vowel; as in wary, wet, with, work, weary, swear, swagger, sweet, &c. but may be combined after any of these three Vowels, A, E, or O. But than is it more properly termed a Tripthong than diphthong, (as its Character and denomination implies:) whereupon I thought good to insert it among the Tripthongs, where you may further see the difference between U single, and U double. Notwithstanding, I acknowledge it altogether irregular, and peculiar only to us and our competitors, and thereupon hard to be reduced to any certain rule. Wherefore concerning this, being a thing not much material, let every man take his own opinion, if he can induce better motives.    

Of the Tripthongs.  
A Tripthong is when three single Vowels are together comprehended under one accent, or in the same syllable combined, as a diphthong is when two are so comprehended or combined.  
These Tripthongs be in number ten, viz.  
1 eau as in Beauty, Beaumont. These two Tripthongs we have immediately from the French, and therefore ought not to alter their pronunciation, notwithstanding we usually sound the former with omission of a, as it were only eu; the other we generally pronounce like u single, as lu, &c. 2 ieu as in Lieu, adieu, and one ending in w, that is, view. 3 Vai as in quail, quaint, acquaint. These four always follow Q, and have their pronunciation entire and proper to themselves. Notwithstanding, I remember no other words in our English Tongue wherein we make use of them, more than those recited and their compounds. 4 Ye as in Queen. 5 Vea as in quean, queasy, squeak. 6 Vie as in Squieze. 7 Voi as in Quoit, coif. This Tripthong follows the rules of the four precedent, only the pronunciation altars in this, that cue sounds no more but K, or C, after the manner of the Latin word Quod; as quoit, quasi coit, &c. 8 Awe as in Law, bawd daw. These three differ in this from the Dipthongs au, eu, ou, partly in respect of their use, partly of their pronunciation: Their pronunciation, in that awe hath a more full and broad sound than au, which follows the Latin, from whence we took it: neither hath it exactly the sound of either diphthong or Tripthong, as it were losing w, and retaining a full and broad, as the French pronounce it. 9 Ewe as in Dew, new, stews. 10 Owe as in Now, know, how.  
ewe, in these four words, dew, few, sewer, and Ewe (or female sheep) retains the pronunciation of the Latin diphthong Eu. In all other words it bears only the force of U single, as new, quasi nu. &c.  
owe, in these words, now, how, adverbs; bow the Verb, Cow, Sow, substantives, and these, brown, town, clown, down, gown, renown, vowel, towel, trowel, hath the same pronunciation with Ou the diphthong. In all other words it altars in a more quick and aspirate sound, as in know, low, trow, Bow the substantive; bestow, flow, grow, Verbs, &c. What concerns their use, you may here take notice, that when any word is to terminate or end in Au, yew, or Ou, we write it with U double: in the two first always, in the last generally, except in these two words, thou, you, pronouns; and such as have Gh after; as plough, through, tough, bough, rough, and cough, which sounds quasi cough, &c. and youth, quasi yuth. The rest you have enough in the Dipthongs.  
This therefore shall suffice for the Vowels single and combined. Now proceed we to Consonants.   

Of the Consonants.  
A Consonant is a letter of itself not apt to be pronounced without the help of some vowel; or, which hath not power in its own nature or being to make a syllable, or any articulate sound; as the etymology of the word itself implies: as, Consonans quasi simul sonans. Calepine hath it thus, Consonantes sunt dictae, quia cum Vocalibus sonent, non autem per se.  
And these be specifically divided into Mutes and Semivowels; names, who rightly understands, shall need no further definition of them. For a Mute is that which the Latins call Muta, quasi litter a muta; and is as significant in our English Tongue, that is, mute or dumb; because in itself it hath no faculty of pronunciation at all, without some pittance of a vowel.  
Of these there be in number eight, to wit, B, C, D, G, K, P, Q, T, which in their pronunciation, beginning in themselves, are forced to borrow of the vowel E to help them out; as Be, Ce, &c. excepting only K, which ends in A, and Q in U.  
A semi-vowel taketh its denomination, as having in itself half the power or vigour of a vowel: and these be likewise eight, viz. F, L, M, N, R, S, X, Z; all which begin their sound with E, and end in themselves; (notwithstanding so many Infantuli produce R, quasi are) where you may observe the difference between a Mute and a semi-vowel, in that the former begins its pronunciation (à quo) in itself, and terminates in a vowel (ad quem;) the latter begins with a vowel, and ends in itself, and thereupon is said to be endued in its nature or essence with a further faculty. Though F (I know) is strongly among the Latin Grammarians disputed, and by Priscian convinced for a Mute; yet neither his authority, nor the reasons quoted by his diligent inquisitor Master Deans, be of efficacy sufficient (at least since they hold not good in our English Tongue) to let us from ranking him in the forefront of our semivowels, and by that means to add one to the number of the Latin: wherein let Scaliger speak, and end the controversy.  
The discission of them into Liquids, &c. is too nice a distinction for us to deal with. For if from the coasts of Italy any seed thereof was transplanted into our English Tongue, it was only to grow in some Lady's mouth.  
H and W are irregular, and have their particular powers; which shall be further exemplified in their places. The force of these Consonants will appear in the Syllables mixed: Their denominations you have in the Alphabet; only here we have thought good to introduce a word or two concerning these four, viz. H, W, X, Z.  
H (which Scaliger, Alvarus, and most Latin Grammarians call Ha) we for the most part, as well in what concerns our own Tongue, as the Latin, pronounce it as a single letter, like ache, or Hach, taken after the Spanish pronunciation; who indeed come nearest us of any Nation in Europe, concerning the use and pronunciation of this Letter: but to the French it is very difficult to produce, especially as we do. The Latins only give it the Character, but not the force of a Letter, and from the greeks (who only make it a note of aspiration, excluding it their Alphabet) produce sufficient reasons for it. But we cannot do so; for without it our Tongue is altogether imperfect: Whereupon with us it hath the prerogative of being ranked and esteemed as a Letter.  
For the use, it is often proposed for difference sake (as hath been well observed in the Latin) for instance these two, All, and Hall, &c.  
It may precede or be set before any of the Vowels, but no Consonant, except N in John (which is merely a contraction of the Latin word Johannes) or where it is inserted in the middle between two Consonants, as in Christ, &c. But is apt to succeed in the same syllable any of these six Consonants, C, P, T, R, S, G, as in Charity, Philip, theory, rhetoric, Shame, Ghost. The placing it after the first three we learned of the Greeks, notwithstanding (especially after T) we use it in many words merely English. After R, of the Hebrews and Arabians, as in Gomorrha, Rhasis. After S and G we have chiefly peculiar to ourselves.  
W and Z differ from the other Consonants, in that they require more than one element or syllable in their denominations, or pronunciation as single letters. The one we derive from the Greek Letter Zeta, whose force it retains: the other few Nations besides our own are acquainted with, especially to make the use we do of it.  
Further, X and Z are said to be a combination of two Consonants, and therefore are not termed single, but double Consonants, as implying the force of two: For example, we call X quasi Ecs, or (as some would have it) Ics; and Z (which the Latins call Eds) we term Ezard, or Edsard, and bears the force of Ds, as may be demonstrated in the comical oath Zounds, which they call D sounds, &c.  
To these we may well add our Consonant W, as composed of two V Consonants contract.  
And this shall suffice for Consonants in specie. Wherefore we will immediately proceed to treat of Letters as they be parts of a word, or produce syllables; where the particular force of the Consonants will further appear.   

Of Syllables.  
FRom the conjunction or combination of Letters are generally deduced Syllables, to wit, when one or more Consonants stand united with a vowel, or Vowels, under one accent, which we call Syllables mixed, that is, composed of vowel and Consonant.  
Scaliger therefore hath defined a Syllable, An Element under one accent; that is, what can be pronounced at once. Priscian hath it more plainly, Comprehensio literarum, &c. A comprehension of Letters, falling under one accent, and produced by one motion of breathing. But this was rejected among some Grammarians, as imperfect, in respect of some Syllables consisting but of one Letter, which are here excluded. Whereupon Master Deans hath framed this definition of it, A Syllable is a literal or articulate voice of an individual sound: For every Syllable must fall under one and the same accent. So that Master Coot was not well advised to make able, acre, and the like, to be but one Syllable, as shall be further demonstrated in its proper place. For what appertains to the derivation of the word Syllable, the Latins call it Syllaba, from the Greek word {non-Roman}, {non-Roman}, quod est, Comprehendo: So that Syllaba, in respect of the generality or latitude of the term, may be taken for any comprehension or connexion in general; but according to the strict acception, as it is here taken by Grammarians, you have sufficiently heard the description of it.   

The division of Syllables.  
SYllables therefore are generally divided into Monopthongs, Dipthongs, and Tripthongs; the two latter whereof we have already for our purpose sufficiently discussed.  
A Monopthong is, when a syllable is composed of one vowel, whether alone by itself, as in Monograms, or joined with one or more Consonants, and that either making a whole word, or standing but for a part.  
Where you may note this difference between the Latin and English Tongues: for the Latin hath always so many Syllables as Vowels or Dipthongs; which holds not so generally in the English, as shall hereafter be further exemplified. Wherefore our next step shall be to treat of Syllables mixed, as they be integral parts of a word.   

Of Syllables mixed.  
BY Syllables mixed, I understand such as be promiscuously composed of vowel and Consonant; to wit, when the whole Syllable is principally guided by the force of one vowel, whether joined with one or more Consonants. Whereby I would distinguish them from Dipthongs, Tripthongs, and Monograms, one of the Individuals of a Monopthong, and not exclude E final, and E in Es plural, &c. which hath its use, though little force, as will anon appear.  
These, confusedly taken in their large sense, be in a manner infinite, by reason of the great variety of words incident to every Tongue or Language: but methodically resolved in a stricter measure, certain Principles or general heads (as we vulgarly term them) will occur out of these Syllables, whereon all words, consisting of perfect Syllables, immediately depend, as all Syllables have their immediate dependence on the Letters.  
These therefore are they, which by due examen of the Letters, we have endeavoured to reduce to some certain method, and put ob oculos; together with their several rules or illustrations upon them, no less conducing to Orthography then orthoepy.  
From the connexion of Vowels and Consonants, proceed these syllables which here follow, with their illustrations.  
Crab, web, rib, rob, rub. 
ab, ebb, ib, ob, ub   
Babe, glebr, bribe globe.  
Here observe as a general rule, that E in the end of a 
able, ebe, ibe, obe.  word or syllable, thus following a single Consonant, after a vowel in the same syllable, is never pronounced, but only serves to make the precedent vowel long; as in Babe, glebe, bribe, robe.  
These be chiefly used in Synaeresis, or contractions, as, 
abd, ebbed, ibd, obd, ubd.  crabbed for crabbed; and in Participles of the preter tense, as stabbed, snibed, robbed, rubbed.  
Bs, thus may follow all the Vowels, and is usually 
abs, ebbs, &c.  written with bbes, as in crabs, or crabs; ribs, ribs, &c. But I approve the succinctest way, especially where it bears the same force.  
B before t is seldom sounded, as debt, doubt, quasi 
abt, ebt.  det, doubt.  
C, is the same with K, and indeed useth in writing to 
ac, ec, ic, oc, uc.  go always attended with K, or Ke; as crac we write crack; brec, brecke; roc, rock; &c. whether for emphasis, or what reasons I know not, but I wish custom were so confined to classical rule, as we might leave this apostemating our Tongue with unnecessary tumors.  
A Long, E not pronounced, according to the first rule. 
ace, &c.  C in sacrifice sounds Z.  
Ch, thus combined in the end of a syllable, in all Hebrew 
ach.  and Greek words sounds K, as in mastic, Eunuch, &c. but in words merely English, or what we borrow from the Spaniards, we retain their pronunciation, as in much, &c. drachma, quasi dram, and oft so written.  
Ck (as I said before) is no more but c or k single; as ac, 
ack, &c.  ak, or ack in pronunciation are but all one. Notwithstanding we may produce this difference, that in the end of a word, the vowel being short, ck is written for k.  
This combination is often used in Participles of the 
act, &c.  preter tense, and among Poets many times serves as an abbreviation of ked, especially with the interposition of k; as backed, quasi backed slacked, slacked, or slacked, &c. but than ought it to be marked with a semicircle decressant; where note, that in these three, verdict, victuals, horselicter, ct sounds but t.  
Had, red hid, rod, mud 
ad, &c. add.   
The same in pronunciation with ad: For a vowel before any Consonant doubled (as in this example) is always s; hort, and the pronunciation endeth at the first Consonant. But I remember no word wherein d is exacted double in the same syllable, but add the Verb, coming of addo, to distinguish it from the Latin Preposition ad.  
And for E in this nature, take here an addition to the first general rule, That E in the end of any English word is never, or very rarely, pronounced, except in Monosyllables where there is no other vowel; as in the the Article, me, be, where it is sometime single, sometime double; and thee pronoun, we, she, see, where it is always double: or in proper names or words derived of some other Language, as in fesse, congee, which we have from the French; Penelope, Epitome, &c. which immediately from the Greek.  
Lade, mede, or mead, bride, rode the Verb, rude. 
ade. ades.   
A long, E not sounded. Here likewise take another general rule; for E in Es, in all Substantives plural, is never sounded, except where one of these Consonants precedes, to wit, c, s, x, z, or g, (like the Consonant j;) or one of these combinations, ch, or sh: nor in the third person singular of Verbs of the Present tense in the Indicative mood, as in moves, knows, says, &c. which we pronounce for the most part quasi sez.  
Pads, beds, rids the Verb, gods, studs. 
adds. add'st.   
This combination is chiefly used in contractions of Verbs, and that especially among Poets; as hadst, or hadst; bid'st, or biddest.  
F, in the end of a word, especially where the vowel going 
of, &c.  before is short, we usual double in writing, and put E last of all, though needless either of both; as scof, we write scoff, &c.  
A long, e not sounded, as before in safe, wife; the rest 
afe.  with Dipthongs, as brief, loaf. Staff is written with f double, but pronounced single, quasi stafe.  
Here take notice, that such Substantives as in the singular 
afes.  number end in f, with any of the Vowels aforegoing, in the plural number they change this t into v; as life, lives; wife, wives; loaf, loaves; &c.  
The vowel is always short afore ft. 
aft.   
Bag, beg, big, bog, bug. 
ag.   
E after g, in the same Syllable, at the end of any word, 
age.  makes g to be sounded like j Consonant: Wherefore it is against Orthography to write e in the end of a word after g, where g is to retain its proper sound.  
G before h in the end of a syllable is not sounded; but 
agh.  this combination we seldom use but in the word sighs, where i precedes, and is pronounced quasi scythes, with an aspiration, i long.  
This is seldom used after any vowel but i., as in sight, 
aght.  night, might, right, and where g is not at all pronounced.  
This some have put as a true combination of a Syllable, 
agn.  by reason of these words, benign, condign, oppugn, &c. but the same reasons I bring against M. Coot in l and r, shall hold in this. And first, none of these syllables are or aught to be written without e, for then are they defective, and against Orthography. Secondly, any of these Consonants combined with l, n, or r, may begin a Syllable but not end it; for no Liquid can follow another Consonant in the end of a Syllable; for than should it be no longer a Liquid, when all the force is drowned in another. Thirdly, e never is or aught to be inserted but for some use: Now because e final in our Tongue is of so little effect or estimation, any of these Liquids being in the highest nature of a semi-vowel, may justly claim as much faculty in the producing of a Syllable, whereby (the one not giving to the other, but as equal competitors) they make the Syllable imperfect, by reason neither the one nor the other have the full force, and therefore not properly said to be a perfect vowel: whereupon I grant these kind of Syllables imperfect (as indeed imperfections incident to our Tongue among some other which only time and industry can amend) but yet distinct; which I prove in that they thus combined, exact more than one motion of respiration or breathing, which is proper to a Syllable, as appears by the several essential definitions thereof. And for the manner of dividing them in spelling, by the same authority the Latin Grammarians command scripsi to be spelled scri-psi, by the same will I admonish the spelling of any those words occurring in that nature; for example sake, condign thus, condign, so notable, no-ta-ble; mau-gre, &c. Also the like for plurals of Substantives occurring in this kind, as fiddles, a-cres, which sounds like acres; and very many the like, specially produced by l & r  
These we never use but as Interjections when we mark 
ah, oh.  them with an exclamation point, and that only after these two Vowels; as ah! oh!.  
H (as I said in the single Consonants) never precedes a 
ahn.  Consonant but in John, where it hath no force of a letter.  
A long, e not sounded, make, leak, strike, broke, Luke. 
ache.   
These I discussed sufficiently in C, whither I refer you, 
ac, ack, acked, acked all, &c.  not loving reduplications.  
A short and proper, as in allude; but when d or t follow, it sounds like our Tripthong awe, or the French a, as in Alderman, malt, &c. any of the other Vowels preceding are always proper and invariable.  
Male, veal, stile, stole, mule: O, in the Verb stole, 
ale.  short, in the Substantive stole, of stola, long.  
A before ll, in the word all, aught to be pronounced 
all.  full and broad, after the manner of the French pronunciation of their a, or our awe Tripthong. As likewise in all the derivatives, or words compounded of all; as also, altogether, already, &c. and wheresoever all is final. Where note, that when l is to terminate any word, we usually write it double for the fuller sound sake. O before ll in roll, sounds ou diphthong, quasi roll, aspirate.  
Scald, field, filled, fold, gulled. A before ld sounds always 
ald.  as in all; and o like owe, as in old. And i long in divers Monosyllables, &c. vide post, alth.  
This always follows the Spanish pronunciation, as in 
alch.  belch, and is seldom used with any other vowel but e, or i, as Welch, filch.  
This combination we seldom use in words merely our 
alge.  own, unless in divulge, and that we derive from the Latin Verb divulgo, &c. G sounds j Consonant.  
Half, pelf, self, wolf, which some write wolf, indifferent 
alf.  with e or without. This combination is seldom used with o, but in proper names and borrowed words; and than what seems to be f, is generally written ph, as in Butolph, &c. Half and calf some pronounce with omission of l, as they were haufe, caufe, (pronounced like the word fault) which I approve not, unless in the latter to make distinction between tibia the calf of a man's leg, and Bovilla a calf or a veal.  
walk, welkin, milk, folk, bulk. 
alk.   
calm, whelm, film, Colmes (a proper name) culm a word obsolete, or out of use. 
alm.   
fallen, stolen. 
aln.   
Scalp, whelp, culp, a word obsolete. 
alp.   
False, else, pulse. 
also.   
This is little used in any of the Vowels. 
alsh.   
Exalt, belt, milt, bolt, insult. 
alt.   
Balthazar, stealth, filth. Th a sharp and brisk air.  

alth.  Here note that all before d, (as I said before) k, l, m, n, p s, and t, sounds as in all; and in alf, alk, alm, alp, the l, in pronunciation, often omitted, as in calf, walk, calm, scalp, and after au in fault: Which yet is more material in their Orthography then orthoepy; which is in a manner indifferent, & equal in the balance of custom. The Vowels, wherewith these combinations be chiefly used, I have expressed in exemplary words: In all other whereto they be combined, these Syllables are always proper; only o in olt sounds owe, as in colt quasi cowlt; and in olm l is omitted, as Colmes, quasi Comes, and so Colman, as Coman.  
Al'n and ol'm be chiefly used among Poets, and that per Apocopen, and therefore ought to be signed in writing with the badge of an abbreviation, as in fallen quasi fallen, contract: stolen, the Preterperfect Participle of the Verb steal, and swollen or swelled, which is all one. But this combination I remember not used with any Vowel but a or o, as by the words inserted appears.  
I in i'd in many Monosyllables is long, as in mild, child, wild, piled, tiled, filled, styled, whiled, exiled, beguiled, reconciled, &c. where note that in all contractions in this sort the vowel aforegoing is usually long.  
Salve, helve, shelve, delve, silver, involve. E in the end 
alve.  of a word after u, makes v a Consonant, itself not sounded: and this is likewise to be observed in many words plural, as I said before, as also in some Verbs, &c. as salves, selves, involves. Salve some call save, a full and broad.  
A in the Verb am is short, in cambric, Cambridge, 
am.  long. Cham, Sem, swim, from, crumb.  
A long as before, blame, dream, crime, tome, fume. O 
am.  in some pronounced like u, quasi sum; came and come the Verbs, quasi cam, cum, &c.  
This is all one with am single, though many times unnecessarily 
amme.  written with m double, as stam, or stamme, hem, or hem; him always is single, the rest commendable so too.  
B after m in the same Syllable is never sounded, as lamb, 
amb.  quasi lamb; comb (which some call kome) quasi keme; comb quasi co●●e, or measure of corn; climb quasi clime, i long; thumb, quasi thum, u short, so dumb, &c.  
This we seldom use in one Syllable, unless in hymn 
amn.  and its compounds, Greek words, where n is omitted, and sounds quasi Hym.  
Lamp, tempt, glimpse, pomp, thump. All Verbs ending 
amp.  in mp have their Preter-participle in t, as damp, damped, exempt (which we take immediately from the Supine of the Latin Verb, not having it in English) &c. S after emp in Tempse is z, p not sounded.  
Can, hen, pin, son, (or son, which we pronounce quasi 
an.  sun) tun, &c.  
A before n in ancient, anger, ant, and all words where g after n sounds i Consonant, is pronounced full and broad, as in danger, change, strange, &c. in the rest short.  
This is needless double with any of the Vowels in any 
anne.  word except the word Anne (which the Latins call Anna) the proper name of a woman, notwithstanding it be usually doubled in son and begin.  
Bane, bean, seen, shrine, tone, tune. 
ane.   
A before n in this combination is always long and full in 
ance.  Monosyllables and Dissyllables, as France, chance, glance, enhance, &c. But in Trissyllables short, as in countenance, utterance, &c. In all the other Vowels this combination is short, as in hence, since, sconce, dunce.  
launch, bench, pinch, bunch: ch proper, except in stinch, 
anch.  which sounds quasi stink.  
Seldom in any English word thus combined in one syllable 
anth.   
Drank, drink, drunk: seldom used with e or o. 
auk.   
Hand, lend, wind, pond tunned, the Participle of the Verb 
and.  tun, for tuned of tune hath u long. I in ind final is long in all or most words, except in the Preter-participles of Verbs ending in in, contracted per Apocopen; as pinned (which is written with n double to distinguish it from pined, of the Verb pine) which comes of pin; skined of the Verb skin &c. and in these words, hinder, cinder, and tinder, or rather tunder.  
Hang, wing, long, sung, g proper. 
ang.   
Range, revenge, sing (or burn) sponge, which we pronounce 
ange.  sponge: G is in effect j Consonant by reason of e which is not sounded.  
This combination we seldom use but in length & strength 
angth.   
Canst, kenest, (a term known to Mariners) this is seldom 
anst.  used in other words than the two recited, whose Vowels be short, unless in the second person singular present Indicative of Verbs ending in n, and that by way of Apocope, as thou beginn'st, for beginnest, &c. But in lieu hereof we have many Preter-participles ending in d, which bear the same force in pronunciation, as chanced, fenced, minced, &c.  
Trap, skep, whip, stop, up, sup. 
ap.   
Escape, weep, tripe, trope, scoop, for scupe. 
ape.   
The same that ap, therefore needless doubled. 
appe.   
traps, whips, &c. which would do better single, 
appes.  but only to please our fantasy in dreaming upon a word.  
The same that of in pronunciation. For ph look in pha. 
aph.   
snapped, swept, skipped, under-propped, supped. This is used in 
apt▪  Preter-participles, which somtimepromiscuously interchange d and t, as suped, or supped.  
This we use only with i., and that in certain words derived 
ique.  from the Latin, which should properly be only such as end in quus, as oblique, of obliquus, and not such as terminate in cousin; wherefore they do ill that write Catholic, rhetoric; Catholic, rhetoric, &c. notwithstanding I know it is usual among many scholars. But this will be better proved in our etymological part.  
Far, Lucifer, sir, for, spur. 
ar.   
A long, except in are the Verb, as they are, &c. which 
are.  sounds only are short: spare, fear, fire, door, lure.  
star, deter, fir, abhor, cur. Here R bears an 
are.  Emphasis, and therefore we write it double.  
Scarce, fierce, force, nurse. C sounds s by reason of e: 
arce.  a in scarce long.  
March, search, birch, lurch, ch as in much, these excepted, 
arch.  Monarch, Tetrarch, Patriarch, archangel, &c. being such as we derive from the Greek and Hebrew.  
Hard, heard, erred, bird, afford, surred. A in ward hath a 
ard.  full sound. Er is the same in pronunciation with it, as appears. All Preter-participles of Verbs ending in ire, contracted, have i long, as fired, mired, of the Verbs fire, mire, &c. as also Participials terminating in ired, as admired for admired. O long except where r is doubled: wherefore we must write abhorred with r double, because abhor, the Verb, hath it so; and stored with r single, because it is so in store, &c. In like manner u where r is doubled hath a flat or dull sound and short, where the pronunciation of the Syllable sticks chiefly in r, as in demurred, which, together with the Verb from whence it is derived, aught to be written with r double, to distinguish it from the adjective demure, where u is long, and hath its proper sound: which likewise generally holds in all Participles and Participialls ending in uted contract, where r is single.  
This is only used in these, garb, herb, disturb. 
arb.   
scarf, scurf: a is full and broad, as in wharf, dwarf, 
arfe.  u short.  
This we use little but in such words as we take from the 
arg.  Saxons, as the names of certain towns or Villages, which end in ergh, or urgh, as Whinbergh, Orburgh, now written Whinborrough, Orborrough. The like use we make in some derived from the Dutch, as in Hamburgh, &c.  
Large, serge, forge, urge: G sounds j Consonant, because 
arge.  of e succeeding. Which, for this reason, we ought not in writing to omit, where it serves for a difference in pronunciation. A in this combination is short, o long.  
dark, yerk, fork, Turk, lurk. E final here makes 
ark.  no difference, and therefore indifferently inserted.  
Snarle, Earl, girl, Sporle, the name of a Village; 
arle.  curl, or crisp. A hath a full sound, o long.  
Harme, term, firm, storm, murmur: a in warm, 
arm.  swarm, full and broad, o in worm sounds n.  
Warne, herne, hirne, (or corner) which is rather hurne, 
arn.  horn, burn. A in warn full, in the rest more acute, as in barn. All the other Vowels short.  
Sharp, chirp, Thorp. A like awe in warp, the rest as in carp 
arp.   
Sparse (of sparsum the supin, to sprinkle) insperse, hearse, 
arse.  worse, endorse, purse. S proper in all: the Vowels short: o in worse quasi u, u in purse full.  
bars, errs, stirs, abhors, burrs. Here r ought 
arres.  to be doubled for the same reason as in are, e not sounded for reasons prescribed. The Vowels short; a sharp in all but wars, where it is somewhat broader.  
Marsh, or marish (of the Latin word mare) indeed moorish, 
arsh.  as it may truly be called: a sharp. In any other we little use it.  
Smart, pert, or saucy, dirt, fort, hurt. A in quart, wart, swart, thwart, sounds awe; in the rest as in the word art: 
art.  e in pert like ea, or the Latin e; o in fort, sport, long; in the rest short: u flat as in ur.  
Startch. But in this and all the rest, if there be any, t is 
artch.  needless, since rch is as much in pronunciation as artch, except the exceptions mentioned before.  
Wrath, wreath, tith, broth, both, Ruth, sitteth. Th in 
ath.  hath, wrath, lath, bath, swath, substantives, hath a brisk and its proper sound, in the rest after a flat & more dull, as in seath, swath, tath, bath, Verbs, &c. where a is long. After e it is always proper, and most usually happens in third persons singular of the Indicative mood, as in moveth, biteth, &c. after ea in death, breath, the substantive, bleath, heath, proper: in wreath, sheath, bequeathe, breathe the Verb, flat: after i. in with, stith, smith, proper; in tith, blithe, sith, dull and flat, i long: after o and u for the most part proper, and hath ever u long, and o only in both. In a word, h after t in general produceth a kind of lisping sound as we call it.  
Narth, earth, mirth, forth, worth, which we sound quasi 
arth.  wurth. Forth the proper name we call Ford, o long: in the other forth, indifferent.  
swerve, serve, nerve, which we sound nirbe: i, o, and 
arve.  u, in this combination I remember not. A full.  
This we make no use of in our Tongue, but in lieu thereof 
arx.  ks, as in larks, &c.  
Was, is, us▪ S when it is single, after a and i, sounds z, as 
as.  in these Monosyllables, as, was, is, his, and in Osee, Elisabeth, gosting (to distinguish it from Gosting the proper name) husband, these, those, in ise or ose final, or wheresoever s concludes as the last syllable of any word; & in these verbs, muse, use, refuse. Wherefore in words wherein it claims its proper pronunciation we write it with s, sometime with e, sometime without; as in pass, or pass, which is most usual in printing.  
Purchase, please, advertise, expose, use: s, as before, by reason 
ase.  ce after any of the Vowels usurps the sound that properly belongs to s. Wherefore we must write face, and not fase; disgrace, and not disgrase; peace, and not pease, which is a kind of corn; vice, not vise; and advice when a substantive, advise when a verb; truce, not truce, &c. only cease holds its own, the better to distinguish it from the verb seize, which signifies to set upon. Muse and use substantives have s proper, to distinguish them from their verbs. As also chase the verb, to drive away: the substantive chase, or forest, is written with c.  
chased, eased, advised, reposed, confused: these be all Preter-participles 
as●d.  contracted per Apocopen: the s as before.  
pass press, piss, moss, truss. S is proper, and hath an 
as●e.  acute sound. The pronunciation ceaseth in the first s, but aught to be written double, as you see for the reason exhibited in as.  
Trash, flesh, fish, bush. H after S in the end of a syllable, 
ash.  participates a Sibilus (as the Latins call it) or a kind of hissing sound: A in wash full, in the rest all the vowels usually short. O in this combination is seldom used, unless in proper names.  
Mask, desk, frisk (or skip) busk, mosch, which 
ask.  we call musk. E final makes here no difference, the vowels short, S acute, K proper.  
Though we use this combination in spasme, which 
asme.  comes of the Greek word {non-Roman}, Dunesme, baptism, chrysm; to wit Greek words, and proper names, yet is it improperly taken as a single syllable. The reasons you have heard already in agn. Wherefore they may be said to do well, who, making but two syllables of baptism, pronounce it with omission of s, quasi Baptim. And thereupon (I believe it came) that some call chrism, Cream. Their division in spelling ought not to be between s, and m, but i, and s: as, baptism, chrism, spasme; and not baptism; where e hath the full force of a vowel. For then should there be in baptism, three perfect syllables distinct, which is not. For, (as I partly said before) when e final follows any of the Liquids after another Consonant in the same syllable, the syllable thus combined is imperfect in its pronunciation, by reason it consists not of a perfect vowel.  
Clasp, hesp, crisp, s proper, the vowels short. 
asp.  Hast, beast, best, whist boast, Ghost, must: O 
hast.  long; a indifferent; the rest short; s proper: only in Christ, i is long.  
Cat, net, knit, knot, gut. The vowels short. 
at.   
Delicate, seat, write, wrote, suit, or dependence 
ate.  in Law; for suit, or garment, is written suit, the like difference is between Brute, and bruit, or beast. The vowels long, because of E final.  
Mates, meets, mites, motes, mutes. E in es 
ates,  not sounded: the precedent vowels long. This is chiefly in Substantives plural, and third Persons singular of Verbs, as I have often insisted upon.  
Match, stretch pitch, botch, butcher; custom 
ache,  hath prevailed in our Tongue, to insert T in many words before ch, though the sound be in a manner all one; but if there be any reason, it is for a kind of Emphasis, or to put a little force to the syllable. But which (the pronoun) rich, stitch (or pain of the side,) all proper names ending in ich, much, such, &c. be never written with T, most of the other are ch proper, the vowels short.  
Sprats, frets, pits, pots, puts. The vowels 
at's,  short, the rest proper, used in Verbs singular, Substantives plural.  
Wave, leave, wive, (the Verb) grove, u there is 
ave,  none, A always long. Ea in lieu of E, I in give, live, sive (or teme) and all preterperfect tenses of Verbs ending in ive, as rive of rive, strive or strove of strive, is ever short; in the rest long, as in thrive. O in Love, move, and glove, sounds V. Where note, that E after V in the same syllable always makes V a consonant. And therefore concerning Orthography in writing, it must not at any rate be left out, where it ought to be inserted, that is, where V degenerates into a Consonant. For otherwise U, standing still in the nature of a vowel, makes a diphthong, where there should be none, and so altars both sense and pronunciation.  
Saves, gives, groves, gloves. E not sounded. 
aves,  V a Consonont, the precedent vowels long, except the exceptions in ave.  
Wax, sex, six, box. V in this combination none. 
axe.  Here ought the writer to be very careful, in that he writes not axe for acks, &c. and è contra. Wherefore he may know by the way, that we in our English Tongue make little use of this combination, unless in these words, flax, tax, wax (both verb and substantive) relax of relaxo; sex, context, annexed, index; six, mix, fix, pix, Rix, Hix; box, intoxicate, Pox, which are always written with X; and perhaps some few more, which I remember not now: besides borrowed words, and proper names, which no man can reduce to rule.  
Amaze, gaze, blaze; frieze, snieze; size, assizes; 
aze.  gloze (which is better with S) toze, (a Verb among some vulgars) buzz, buzzard. A long, E none single, but in diphthong. I long, O long, V short. This is seldom used at the end of a syllable in any other words of our own. And thus much of syllables, where Vowels precede: Now will we examine what principal syllables occur, where Consonants go before (à parte assumentis) and Vowels follow (à parte assumpti.)   

Of the Combination of Syllables (where Consonants precede) and what Consonants such combinations may assume.  
B BEfore A may assume almost any of the other 
ba.  Consonants, as appears by these words recited, viz. bab, back, bad, baf●●e, bag, bake, ball, Bambridge, bane, Baptist, bar, bastard, bat.  
With E these, beck, bed, beg, bell, been, Am-ber, 
be.  best, better.  
With I, bib, bid, big, bill, cherubin, or been, 
by.  bird, bit.  
With O, bob, bod-kin, bog, book, bowl, bone, borrow, 
bo.  boast, bottle, box.  
With u, as in bubble, buck, bud, buff, buggery, 
but.  bull, bump, bun, burr, bustard, but, buzzard.  
This some would have a Combination in Cambden, 
bda.  but however b is not sounded: neither truly can it stand for a Combination in the English Tongue, though in Latin and Greek it is usual.  
Blabber, black, bladder, blame, blast. 
bla.   
Bled, blcake, blemish, blend, bless. For ble final 
ble.  expect further in rules of orthography, and orthoepy.  
Oblige, blind, oblique, bliss. 
bli.   
Block, blossom, blot. 
blo.   
Blubber, blood, bluffe, blunt, blurt, bluster, blutter 
blu.   
Brabble, brad, brag, brake, brackish, brawl, Brame, 
bram.  bramble, brawn, brat, brawl.  
Breck, bred, bread, breast, brew. 
bred   
Bribe, brick, bride, bridge, Brill, brim, brink. 
bri.   
Brock, broad, broke, brook, broom, brow. 
bro.   
Bruckle (a word the Peasant shepherds know 
bru.  well) bruise.  
Ca sounds like ka, as in Cag, cake, call, came, can, 
ca.  cap, car, cast, cat.  
C before e, or i, sounds always s, as in faced, cell, 
ce.  centre, certain, in-cest.  
Like Si, as in homicide, cinder, cistern, cittern. 
ci.   
C before a, o, or u, sounds always k, as in Cob, cod, 
co.  coffin, cog, cockle, coal, colt, come, coney, cop, cord, costive, cotton.  
As in cub, cud, cuff, cull, cumin, cunning, cup, 
cu.  cur, custom, cut.  
Ch in Cha, and Chra, in all Hebrew words (except 
Cha.  Rachael, and Cherubin, which custom hath exempted) 
Chra. etc  and in such words as we take immediately from the Greek, sounds as it were k, sc. Cha, quasi ka, Chra quasi kra, or cra, as in these words, alchemy, Anchorite, alchemist, Chaos, Character, catechism, Chyliact, Chimaera, choler, Chyle, chiromancy, cichory, echo, Enchiridion, mechanical, machination, melancholy, Nicholas, Cham, sepulchre. In other words not taken from hence, ch is pronounced after the Spaniards, or our much, as in Chad, chaff, chalk, chant, chap, charge, chaste, chat, chaw, chalders.  
Check, chequer, cherry, chest, eschew.  
Chicken, chid, child, chill, chip, chit.  
choke, chop.  
chubb, chuff, chun, churn.  
Chr must of necessity hold its pronunciation of k, because h bears no force in it. Nor do we make any use of it, but in words taken from the Greek or Hebrew, and that only with i., o, or y, as in Chrismatory, chrism, Christ, Christian, Christopher, Chronicle, Chronography, Chronology, Chrysocola, Chrysostom.  
Hath crab, crack, Craddock, crafty, craggy, 
Cra.  crake, crawl, or crawl, cram, crane, craze.  
Massa-cred, crept crest, crew. 
cre.   
Crime, crip-ple, Nypo-crite. 
cri.   
croak, crome, crone, croope, crow. 
cro.   
Crud, crust, and whatsoever are contracted before 
cru.  d, as accrued, quasi crude.  
Clab, clad, clam, clanke, clap, clasp, claw. 
Cla   
All the participles of the pretertense derived of substantives ending in icle, as manacled, but look further in Rules of orthoepy for cle final, &c.  
Cleft, clew. 
cle.   
Clicket, cleft, climb, in-cline, clip, clyster, Paraclite, 
cli.  or Paraclete.  
Clock, clodder, cloak, close, clow. 
clo   
Club, cluster, clutter. 
clu.   
Amina-dab, dangle, dally, dam, damn, Dan, 
Da.  dapple, dart, dastard, date.  
Debt, citadel, den, deep, desk, dew. 
de.   
Did, die, dig, dill, dim, din, dip, distich. 
di.   
Dock, dog, con-dole, con-done (of condono) dop, 
do.  dost, dote, dow. Doile, or Doily.  
Double, dub, duck, Dudley, dug, dull, dumb, 
du.  dun, dirt, dust, conduit.  
Drab, draft, drag, drake, dram, draw. 
Dra.   
Dread, Mildred, dregs, children, dress, drew. 
dre.   
dribbe, drift, drill, drink, drip. 
dri.   
Drop, dross, drowsy. 
dro.   
Drugs, drum, drunk. 
dru.   
dwarf, dwell. 
Dwa.   
factor, fade, fag-got, fall, Fambridge, fan, 
Fa.  far, fast, fat, faith.  
Fed, fell, fen, Luci-fer, fes-tee, fetter, few. 
fe.   
Fiction, fiddle, fife, fig, fill, fim-ble, fin, fire, fist, 
fi.  fit, five.  
Fod-der, fog-gy, folk, foam, fond, fop, for, foster, 
fo.  foot, fox.  
Fud-dle, fumble, full, fun-dament, fur, fusty, 
fu.  fuy.  
Flaër, flag, flake, flail, flame; flannel, flap, flash, 
Fla.  flat, flaw, flax.  
Fleece, fled, fleg, fleck, flesh, flet, flew, for fle in 
fle.  rifle, and where it ends any word, look in E final.  
Flick, (or flitch of Bacon) fledge, flight, flit, flix. 
fli.   
Flock float, flow, flood. 
flow.   
Flute fluster, flux. 
flu.   
frail, frame, fray. 
Fra.   
Freckle, Frederick, freak, friend, fret, freeze, 
free.  French.  
Fri, fried, frig, frise, fritter. 
fri.   
Frock, frog, from, front, frost, frow, froze. 
fro.   
fructify, fruit, frump, frown. 
fru.   
Gad, gaf, gag; gall, gam, 'gan, gap, gar, gast, 
Ga.  got.  
Gob, God, gof, goll, gom, gone, gor, gos, got, 
go.  gown.  
Gug-gle, gull, gum, gun, Au-gur, gust, gut. 
gum.  G in ga, go, gu, is always proper, as in the pronunciation of the words instanced appears. But in goe, and gi', many times degenerates to j consonant, as in gentle, ginger: A perfect distinction whereof will be hard to reduce to any classical method, but some instances, or slight instructions, you shall have after the examen of their coherence with the other consonants.  
Han-ged, estran-ged, jelly, geld, gem, gentry, 
ge.  sin-ger, danger, ran-gest, sin-gest, get, gew-gaw, George.  
Whereby you may see goe before these four consonants, d, l, r, s, hath a different or various sound. Before m, n, and the diphthong Eo, it always sounds j consonant: before t and w, g always proper: Before s likewise, where it produces a distinct syllable, g in goe, sounds j consonant in all words, except the second persons of such verbs as terminate in g proper, as ring, ringest: wherefore the two words guess, and guest, or guest, ought truly to be written with ve diphthong, like guerdon, which is expressed in the Table of Dipthongs. Before d also the difference may in the like nature be resolved, being most participles of the praeter-tense; for those that are derived of such Verbs, as have their termination in g proper, retain in ged the force of g. But such as be derived from those Verbs, that must have e final after g, seeming to terminate in j consonant, do in their participles exact the same pronunciation, as may be seen in these words, range, ranged, string, stringed. Before L, I remember it only in the two words recited, whereof jelly sounds, quasi jelly, and is usually written so; and geld retains the force of g proper, from hence be many derivatives which keep the same pronunciation.  
Before R, in Anger, beggar, bugger, conger, finger, linger, hunger, meager, ager, monger, stagger, swagger; and in substantives derived of Verbs terminating in g proper, as ringer of ring, &c. g retains its own force in pronunciation. In all the rest it sounds j consonant, and in danger, manger, &c.  
Giblet, Gibson (a proper name;) giddy, Gifford 
gi'.  (a proper name variously sounded, or rather two names written alike; whereof one sounds quasi Jifford, the other g proper;) gig, gill (of a fish;) gill of wine, quasi jill; gim, gimlet, ginny, ginger, giplie, girdle, give, gives of give the Verb, were g is proper: but gives, or Pendants, sound quasi jives.  
G in gi', where it precedes d, g, r, and v consonant in give, and such words as be from thence derived, is always proper; as also in Gibson, Gifford (one of the two names so written) Gilford, gill of a fish, Gilman, and several proper names of this sort; gimlet, begin, beginning, altogether, Ginny (as it hath relation to the country) gild, gilt, or laid with gold, hath its pronunciation proper. Participles of the present tense ending in ging, have the same rule to distinguish their pronunciation, that they of the preter tense have (which you heard already) as in begging, of beg, and ranging, of range, may easily be seen. In the rest Gi sounds quasi ji; But take this animadversion by way of orthography, that when you are to set down in writing any word (whereat you may chance to doubt) for which on the sudden, you can produce neither Rule, nor orthodox example; it is far more commendable to attribute to each letter its peculiar and native faculty or force, than any wise to innovate; or to be either the beginner or seconder of a bad custom: as some ignorant persons, that only respect the denominations of the letters, and not their several force: whereupon diverse of them write g before all the vowels for j consonant; which is altogether absurd, and this comes for want either of due instruction, or of care. Wherefore it is necessary for all that desire to be Orthographists, or able to write English right (which likewise holds good in any tongue or language whatsoever) to know perfectly and readily the particular force of every letter, or what every letter severally or jointly implies.  
This we seldom use in the beginning of a syllable, but in the word Ghost, and certain proper names, as 
Gha.  Ingheenram, &c. But when they happen together, they 
ghe.  are to be taken as a combination, for which reason I 
gho.  inserted them. Through all the vowels (if used in all) Gh thus beginning a syllable sounds g proper, a little aspirated by reason of the h. Some would have guest and guess thus written; but (as I said before) they be far better guest, and guess.  
Glad, Glam-field, glan-der, glare, glass, 
Gla.  glaze.  
Glib, glid, glie, glim, glister, glitter. 
gli.   
Mingled, glee, gleek, gleam, glean. For 
gle.  this combination when it is final, you have more in L and R in the end of a word, in their peculiar rules.  
G before L in glory, is produced quasi DL.  
Globe, glor, gloze, glow, glu, glusk, glum, 
glow.  gluc.  
Gnat, gnaw, gne, A-gnes, gnit, gno, gnu. G in 
Gna.  this combination inclines to the force of N.  
Grace, de-grade, graft, grain, grap-ple, grass, 
Gra.  graze, grey.  
Gre, Greece, grief, Greek, mongrel, digressed, 
gre.  greyhound, grew, maugre, &c.  
Ambergrice, or Greece rather, gridyron, grig, 
gri.  grim, grin, gripe, grist, grit.  
Grog-gerin, grope, gross, groat, grow. 
gro.   
Grub, grunt, grup. 
gru.   
Gualther, guard, guerdon, guest, &c. These you 
Gua.  have in the Dipthongs.  
haberdasher, hacney, or hackney, had, haft, 
Ha.  hag, hah (an aspiration of ha, which is used when one is spoken to by another familiar friend) hake, hall, ham, Hanna, hap, hare, hart, haste, hat, have, haw-thorn, hay.  
Shed, theft, hell, hem, hen, her, Hester (quasi 
he.  Ester, E long) Hesset, hew.  
Hi, hide, hill, him, hin-der, hip, hire, his, hiss, 
hi.  hit, hive, Hix.  
Hobble, Hoffman, hog, hold, hop, hoard, host, hot, how. 
ho.   
Hub, huckle, hud-dle, hue, huf, hug, hukster, Hull, 
hu.  humble, hundred, hurry, Hus.  
I is a Consonant: and here you may again take notice 
Ia.  that i in the beginning of a syllable preceding anothervowell, always degenerates into a Consonant.  
Jackson, jacket, jade, iag, jakes, iam, ianisary, Jaques, jar, jay.  
Jeffry, jelly, jest, jet, Jew, Ii, jill, Jermin, Jinny, 
Ie.  Jinkerson.  
Job, jockey, iod (the Hebrew letter) jog, jowl of a 
Io.  salmon; jostle, Jordan, jot, joy, John.  
jubs, juice, jud, judge, jug, iusk, ium, just. And 
Iu.  generally whensoever you have the denomination of g before a, n, or u, what seems to be written with g, must be expressed by j Consonant, and never by G, which hath another force, as I have instanced before. Before E, or I, I remember no more but those I have here inserted, that be written with j Consonant, the rest with G, as I said before in G.  
Katherine, calendar, we use K before A in no other 
Ka.  words (Unless perchance in some proper name) but C always: In these two always K.  
Keble, wicked, keg, kek, kell, comb (or comb, as 
ke.  we call it) ken, kept, wicker, mil-kest, Ket, Kew, key.  
Kibe, kick, kid, skif, kill, kim, kin, skip, kiss, kit. 
ki.  We note, always write K for C when it is to go before E, or I, and not otherwise: for than C loseth its own force, and sounds like S, &c.  
These two we make no use to begin a syllable, but only when it is joined with C, that C ended the last 
ko.  syllable, as in cuckold, cuckoo, &c. But we never begin 
ku.  a word with either of them.  
Knap, knave. 
Kna.   
Kne, knell, knew. 
kne.   
Knife, knic, knip, knit. 
kni.   
know, knock, knob, knod, knog, knol, knop, knot, 
know.  know, Knox.  
Knub, knuckle. Pronounce kn, as the Latins do 
knu.  their Cn, a little in the nose, or upper palate.  
Slab, lack, lad, lag, lake, Lale, lamb, land, lap, 
La.  lard, lass, lat-ter, lave (or wash) law, lay, lax, lazy.  
Led, left, leg, leek, lemon, lend, leap, less, 
le.  let.  
Glib, lick, lid, life, lige, like, lily, limb, Lin, lip, 
li.  oblique, lyre, list, litter, live.  
Lobster, lock, loaf, log, lol, London, lop, lord, 
lo.  lost, lot, love, low, loy.  
Lubber, luck, Luck, lug, luke, lull, lump, Lun, 
lu.  lurk, lust.  
Mab (in Spencer) mackerel, mad, magnify, make, 
Ma.  male, malt, malmsey (which we call mamsie) man, map, mar, mast, mat, maw, may, maze.  
Mede (a word out of use) ar-med, meek, melt, 
me.  men, met, mew.  
Mickle (a word likewise obsolete) midriff, mill, 
mi.  might, mine, mire, miss, mice, mice, mite, mix.  
Mock, mood, moll, moon, mope (a vulgar word) 
more.  mortify, most, mow.  
Muck, mud, mue, muff, mug-well, mummy, 
mu.  mundify, murder, must, mute.  
This is no true combination in our Tongue; though 
Mna.  I have condescended to follow their example, that unnecessarily have inserted it, in respect of Mnemosyne, which we some use, as she were our own. And perhaps some one or two more, which we had immediately from the greeks, as chief Lords of the Fine.  
Nag, name (an usual termination of the names of 
Na.  many towns which we had of the Saxons) nap, nard, nasty, not, nay.  
Neb, neck, ned, nell, nep, nest, net, new, neigh. 
ne.   
Nib Nicholas, nig, nigh, nill, nip, nit, nive. 
ni.   
Nock, nod, nog, nol, none, nor, nose, not, now, 
no.  annoy.  
nullify, nun numb, nurse, nut, news. 
nu.   
Pack, pad, pag, pale, pommont, pan, pap, part, 
Pa.  past (where note, that past signifying a time gone, hath A, short, past the substantive for dough, A, long) pat, paw, pave, pay.  
Peck, ped, pelf, peake, Pembroke, pen, iumper, 
pe.  pesse, pet, peeve.  
pebble, pick, pied (i long) pig, pike, pill, pimp, 
pi.  pin, pip, pirt, piss, pit, Pix.  
Pod, poke, poll, pond, pop pork, postern, pot, 
po.  pox.  
Pud-dle, puff, pug, puke, pull, pommel, puppy, 
pu.  pus, put.  
Ph is the same with the Greek φ, which we borrowed 
Pha.  of them, and now make our own; but only in such words as came to us along with it. It sounds always like our F, as in Phalange, Philip, Phillis, philter, Phleagme, Phlegeton, phlegmatic, fantasy, philosophy, phantasma, frenetic, frenzy, Phaěton, Phares, blasphemy, Polyphemus, Pheasant, Elephant, Orphan, Dolphin, trophy, Prophet, prophecy, triumph, Epitaph, &c. Which be all Greek words, and written as you see.  
Phrases (a proper name) and phrases (or sentences) 
Phra.  Metaphrastes, Phrygia. Ph sounded as before.  
Place, plague, plane, plain, plaster, or plaster, 
Pla.  platter, plaw, play.  
Plea, plead, plenish, please, complete. 
ple.   
plied (y or i long) reply, plight. 
pli.   
Im-plore, plot, plow, plougher, employ. 
plo.   
Plug, plum, plump, plush. 
plu.   
Prague (a city in Poland) prall, prank, prat, brave, 
Pra.  pray.  
distem-pered (which is rather distempered, and 
pre.  therefore not well put in) prey, press, pretty.  
Price, pride, prick, lam-prill, Prur-rose, prize, 
pri.  deprive.  
Prog, prone, prop, prore, prostitute, prove, 
pro.  prow.  
Spruce, prune (both Verb and Substantive, for a kind of fruit.) 
pru.   
This we have of the Greek Psa, and use it as a combination 
Psa.  only in words derived from the Greek, as in psalm, Psalter. In the beginning of a word, as in Pseudo Prophet, P hath little sound before S, but in the middle is pronounced full, as if they parted: For as the Latins say scri-psi, so we say dro-psy, of Hydrops; gipsy, rhapsody, &c.  
Squabble, squad, quaff, quag-mire, quake, 
Qua.  qualm (quasi qualm) quail, quan, Quarles, quash.  
Quest, quell, quaestor.  
Qui, quibble, quick, Quid-nam (the name of a village) 
que.  quoth, quotient. 
qui.   
Quod-nam (the name of another village) quoth, quotient. 
quo.   
Q before uo sounds k, u not pronounced, as quoth, quasi koth, &c. as is said before in the Dipthongs. The rest proper.  
Rab-ble, rack, rad, rafter, rag, rake, rall, 
Ra.  ram, ran, rap, race (quasi race) race, rat, raw, ray.  
reckless, red, bereft, reek, rell, rem-nant, render, 
re.  Reps (a proper name) rest, ret, rue.  
Rib, rice, rid, riffe, rig, Richard, rill, rim, 
ri.  rinse, rip, rist, Rix, rise, Rigsy, Ridge-by, Ridge-ly.  
Rob, rock, rod, rogue, roake, roil, roll, 
ro.  rom, roast, rose, rot, row, Rox-borrough, royal.  
Rub, ruck, rud-der, rue, ruff, rug, rul-ly, rumble, 
ru.  run, rup-ture, rusty, rut.  
Rhasis, Gomor-rha, rhetoric, Rhotorician. 
Rha.  This (as I said before in the single consonants) we learned to combine from the Hebrews, Syrians, and Arabians. H is of no force in pronunciation. The Latin Grammarians admit not this combination, notwithstanding they have Rhetor, Rhasis, &c. as well as we.  
sack, sad, safe, sage, sake, say, sale, sally, 
Sa.  same, Samson, sand, sap, sart, sat, saw, say, Sax.  
Sedge (or a kind of reed) siege, seek, sell, send, 
se.  set, sewer, sex.  
Sid, sick, Sidney, sift, Priscilla, Sim: sin, 
si.  sip, Sir, sister, sit, sive (i short) six, size.  
Se, and Si we seldom read in the beginning of words, other than those recited, and some few more. But in lieu thereof we take Ce and Ci, as in Cell (or private room) cistern &c. S in Se final sounds z, so doth it in sie, sy, say, at the end of a word, as in Tansey, Quinsey, Kersey, which sound all but zi, &c. except it follows one of these three Consonants, P, S, or T, as in dropsy, massy, Chatsey, as also L in Chelsey, &c.  
Sob, sock, sod, soft, sog, soak, solemn, some 
so.  (the pronoun) son (which we pronounce Sun) sop, sorry, sauce, sot, sow, south.  
Sub-till (where B sounds T) suck, sud, sue, Suffolk, 
sum.  sully, sum (the Substantive for a quantity of money, &c.)  
Scab, scaffold, scaine (which some write skein) 
Sca.  scald, Scammony, scan, scape, scarce, scay (of little use.  
sceptre, transcend, and whatsoever we derive 
sce.  from the Latin Verb scando, as ascend, descend, &c.  
Priscilla, Priscian, &c. what shall occur from 
sci.  that (whence we take this combination) or any other tongue. Sce, and Sci, sound always quasi Se, and Si, or Ce Ci: but sca, sco, scu, quasi ska, sko, sku; Which are altogether in lieu thereof.  
scoff, Scog-gin, scope, score, scot, scold, 
sco.  scold, scour.  
Scud, scuffle, scull, scum, scup-pit, scoop. 
scu.   
This combination before A, O, and V, is unnecessarily 
Ska.  inserted, by reason we make very little use thereof, 
sko.  as I said in Sca, notwithstanding I grant they may be used, 
sku.  as well as sca, sco, scu, because they imply the same force. But the best of our Orthographists in that kind use only C, I presume for this reason, in respect the Latin admits no K, in itself, and it is our glory to come as nigh the Latin as we can. But before E, and I, in that nature, Sk is always used, and Sc, which before either of those vowels, imply no more but S (as I said before) after the manner of the Latin.  
Masked, Shelton, skeure, musket. 
ske.   
Skip, skiff, skill, skim, skin, skip, skit, skirt. 
Skis.   
This combination we had from the Greeks; though 
scha.  now it be our own, we make little use of it. In A, O, or V, Ch sounds K, as in school (the name of a village) school or place of learning. But in E and I, C is omitted in pronunciation, as appears in schedule; schism, which only quasi sisme, as we generally pronounce it.  
Scrabble, scrag, scramble, scrall, the verb, 
scra.  scrap, scratch, scrawl, or bill in writing.  
Screake, screek, screw. Descry, scribbe, scrip, 
scre.  scro, scrot; screw, scrub, Scroop. 
scri.   
Shackle, shade, shadow, shaft, shag, shake, 
sha'.  shall, shamway, shame, shape, share, shave.  
Shed, she, shell, show, Shelfanger, the name 
she.  of a town.  
Shib-ley, shift, shill, shim, shine, ship, Shirley, 
shi.  shit, Shipdham, the name of a town.  
Shock, shod (for shooed) shook, shoal, shone (the 
sho.  preterperfect tense of shine) shop, short, shot, show, shovel.  
Shublie, shucke, should, shug, shuffle, shun, shut. 
shu.  S in the beginning of any word is always proper.  
Shre, shrew, shri, shrift, shrib (a word of no use) 
shra.  shro, Shropham (the name of a village) shroud, shrew, which is better written shrew: shru, shrub, shrump.  
This combination is proper, though not much used (as you see) by reason of the abundance of consonants, which the Latins especially abhor.  
Slab, slack, slad, slake, slam, slander, slap, 
sla.  slat.  
Misled (or mizled, of misle, or mizle) for that 
slay.  which comes of the compound Verb misled, is misled. Sleek, slender, sleep, slept, slew.  
Slick, slid, slift, slig, (a word out of use) slime, 
sli.  slip, slit, slive.  
Slod, slop, slow. 
slo.   
Slub-ber, slug-gard, slut. 
slu.   
Smack, small, smart. 
Sma.   
Smell, smelled. 
sme.   
Smile, smit, smite. 
smi.   
Smock, smote, smote. 
smo.   
Smug, Smutter. Sme in the end of a word hath its peculiar pronunciation, which you shall see 
smu.  hereafter, when we treat of the Liquids severally.  
Snack, snaffle, snake, snail, Snape, snap, 
Sna.  snarl, snast.  
Sneake, snellin, snew, the preterperfect tense of 
sne.  the Verb snow.  
Snib, snick, snip, snirle (which some write snurle) 
sni.  snieze.  
Snorle, snore, snot, snow, snort. 
sno.   
Snuck, snuff. 
snu.   
spoke, spall, span, spare, spar, spat, spa. 
spa.   
Speck, sped, spell, spend, spert. 
spe.   
Spice, spigot, spike, spill, spindle, spit. 
spi.   
Spoke (or spoke, the preterperfect tense of the Verb speak) O short: and spoke of a cartwheel, 
spo.  where O is long: spot, sport, sporle, O long: spouse.  
Spud, spew, the Verb, to vomit: spun, spurn. 
spu.   
Squabble, squad, squall, squat, squeak. 
squa.   
Squib, squit-ter. This combination is made little 
squi.  use of, but in words more barbarous. S proper, q sounds k, u, w.  
Stab, stack, staff (quasi stafe, A long) stag, stake, 
sta.  stall, stam, stand, star, start, stave the Verb.  
Steady, Sebbin, wor-sted, Stegwell, stealth, 
ste.  stem of systema, and steam or vapour, stip, Stephen, stew the Verb, stewed, stews.  
Stick, stiff, stile, stiut, stip, stir, Styx for Hell 
sti.  among the Poets.  
Stock, Stoke, stole, stolen, stop, stow. 
sto.   
Stub, stuck, stud, stuff, stuck, stunt, sturdy, 
stu.  stutter, stug (a vulgar word.)  
Strake, Strand, straw, stray. 
stra.   
ministered, streak, Strelly, stretch, strew, the 
stre.  preterperfect tense of strew.  
Strick, strike, strife, strive, strip. 
stri.   
Strock, stroke, struck, strop, strove of strive, 
stro.  strew, destroy.  
Struck, struggle, strumpet, strut. 
stru.   
Swab, swack (an obsolete word) swaddle, persuade, 
swa.  swagger, swallow, swam of swim, swamp, swan, swap, swart, swore, swasher, sweat, sweat (quasi sweat, the preterperfect tense of sweat) swerve, sway.  
Swell, swept, an-swer. 
swe.   
Swib-ble (a barbarous word) switch, swill, swim, 
swi.  swine, swipe, swilke, Swisser, which we call Swisser.  
Swore (for swore) of the verb swear, sword, 
swo.  swound. In swound W is scarcely pronounced at all, and but moderately in sword, and swore.  
Swulke, swut, which is better both written and 
swu.  pronounced Soot.  
Tabby (the name of a stuff) tackling, taffata, 
Ta.  tag, take, tall, tale, tame, tammy, tan, tap, tar, tar-tar, taste, tatter, tax.  
hoist, teeke, tell, tele (a kind of wildfowl) temz or temse, tend, minister, tetter, teat, tew. 
te.   
Tib, tickle, tide, tie, tiffle, tig, tike, till, tile, time, timorous, tin, tine of a fork, tip, an-tique, 
ti.  tire, en-tice, adver-tise, 'tis (per Aphaeresin, for it is, contraction inter Poetas usitatissima) which he that reads Poets must needs be acquainted with, I short, in 'tis, S quasi Z.  
physic of Phthisis, a disease which the Greeks call {non-Roman}, the Latins Phthisis, or affactus marasmodes, and marasmus, we by the general term of Consumption, as indeed it is Consumptio totius, &c.  
Ptisand, or Ptizon: I set these words here as they occur, having no fitter place, in regard of the general pronunciation of them. They be both Greek words; neither indeed have we any such combination as either of them, in our own tongue, for Ptolemy is a proper name and Greek word too. The first we vulgarly pronounce quasi tissick, the second Tisand, the third Tolomie, for to P before T we scarcely give any sound at all, when it happens thus, as you see very rarely; which made, I might not altogether omit them. But now to return to Ti, from whence we are digressed.  
Artist, abortive, tie or tie, the Verb.  
To, the word being a sign of the Dative case, &c. 
to.  toe of a man's foot, the one always written with E, the other always without, the sound all one: tow, such as women spin: Tod, a proper name, Toad a venomous creature; tog, toll, or ring, quasi toll, Toll a proper name, o short, L accented, or acute; and so miller's toll, toll-booth, &c. tome, tone, top, tore, toss, totter, stove, or hot bath, toy, tose quasi toze.  
Tub, tuck, stud, tuft, tug, took, tull, tumbril, tun, 
tu.  turkey, tussock, tut, improperly used in pronunciation, for to't a contraction of to it, where o ought to sound in a manner like oo diphthong.  
Thack, a vulgar word, Thames, which we call Tames, thank, that, thaw, or dissolve. Thaxton, a 
Tha.  proper name.  
The, the article is always written with E single, as, the house, &c. but thee in the oblique cases of the pronoun 
the.  thou, is always written with ee diphthong. There ought like to be a distinction of sound, though we seldom give it, between them. Thed, the termination of some Participles, whose Verbs end in th', as bequeathed, bequeathe, and others whereby it is more properly expressed. Theft, them, then, there, the adverb, and their the pronoun (thus always in writing distinguished, though in sound they seem all one.) Thetford, these, or these, theeve (the Verb) which some write thieve, because thief is usually written so. They which sounds quasi they, gather, altogether, &c.  
Thick, thigh of a man's body, (gh not sounded) 
thy.  thimble, thin, thine (in one Th hath a brisk sound, in the latter a flat) thir-ty, this, thite (a word only used among the vulgars) thy.  
Thoke (used only of country people, and old women) 
tho.  those, thou, though.  
Thumb, thurle (a word obsolete) thus, Thuxton. 
thou.  Th hath originally a brisk air, or an aspirate and nimble faculty in pronunciation, after the manner of the Greek Θ or Theta (whose force it ought to retain) whence I suppose the Saxons fetched it, for from them we had it. Notwithstanding that tyrannical usurpers' custom (brought in at first by carelessness) hath in many of our words wrested it from its proper and native force, to a duller, more heavy, and flat sound, as in these, that, the, both Article and pronoun, them, then, there, and their, these, they, thou, thine, thy, this, those, though, thus, thence: fathom (which some pronounce fadam) brothel, further, thither, father, Northern, worthy, heathen; and generally in words ending in there, thed, theth, theft, and their participles of the present tense ending in thing, as brother, breathed, breatheth (which is better only breathes) and therefore we shall seldom use theth, as in our etymological part will further appear: bequeathest, bequeathing. And in words ending in therne, as Southern. Whereto add burden, farthing, murder, and the words we recited of this sort for th' final in ath. The rest be all proper, as in thank, theft, third, &c. In burden and murder, many pronounce th', like d: which promiscuous use of D and Th, descended hereditarily to us from the Saxons.  
Thrace, thrall, thrum, thrust, thruttle (which is obsolete.) 
Thra.   
thread, threaten (where Ea sounds but E short) threw of throw. 
three.   
Thrive, Thrilkin, thrip, thrice, thrive, i short, the preterperfect tense of thrive. 
thri.   
Throb, through, throp (the termination of some few proper names) throw the Verbs, throws, or 
thro'.  pains, belonging to a woman.  
Thrust, &c. Th before R always proper. 
thru.   
Thwart, thwack, thwilke (a word obsolete.) 
Thwa.   
This combination I remember not anywhere properly used but in thwart, nor do I commend the use, more than for necessity, of such as are thus tedious and difficult to produce. Our best Masters that Latium ever knew, rejected them, and let us strive to come as nigh them as we can.  
drab, tract, trade or handicraft, trade the preterperfect 
Tra.  tense of tread, in lieu of trod: trammell, train, trap, trattle, straw, trey.  
Tread, tread, the termination of diverse words; 
tre.  trell likewise a termination, tremble, Trent, Trepan, distress, treat, trey, an instrument Dairy-maids are well acquainted with.  
Tribe, trice, tried (a participle of try) trig, trick, trim, Trincalo, trip, trite, or worn out of use like 
tri.  the word.  
trod of tread, trough, troll, trot, trow, Troy, 
tro.  troll, trouble, which we call truble.  
Truck, true, trug, trull, trundle, trust. In this 
true.  combination nothing is difficult.  
Twaites, twain, twelve, twine, twist. The first is a proper name, the second grown out of fashion, 
Twa.  the third and last necessary and proper, the fourth useful enough. More I remember not: their pronunciation is not hard.  
Evade, Vafer, valley, vamp, vaunt, vanguard, 
Va.  T not sounded, varlet, vast, Vaux commonly called Vosse.  
View, ved, an usual termination of many Participles, 
ve.  vent, Verte, or light green, a term in Heraldry, vest, inveigh.  
Vice, provide, vie, village, vineyard, virtue, or virtue, advice, revive. 
vi.   
Vogue (or agitation, a French word) volley of shot, vote, vow. 
vo.   
V in the beginning of a syllable before any other vowel, is always a consonant, as like before E final, 
vu.  as we already said. But in English it never precedes itself in the same combination; in Latin often, as in vultus, and what comes of volo, &c. except in the word vulgar, and the derivatives thereof, which we have immediately from the Latin word vulgus.  
Wade, wafe, a word little used; wag, weigh, quasi wai, wake, wall, wamble, wan, of win the verb; 
Wa.  wane, or decrease of the moon, ware, war, was, wash, wave, way, wait, Walter, which we call quasi Water.  
Web, Wecker, wed, we, wef, week, well, wen, wept, were, wert, west, wet, weave. 
we.   
Wicked, wide, widow, wife, Wigmore, wild (i long) wimble, wilderness, i. short; wine, window, 
widow.  wipe, wire, wish, wit, wive the Verb; Wix.  
Wood (quasi would) woo the substantive, o long, for 
woe.  misery; woo, or sue, which some write woe, but falsely; woke, or awoke, awaked, of the verb wake; wool, quasi wool; womb (O long, B not sounded) won or wan, of win the Verb. Wort, worse (where note that O after W, before R, sounds always U, as wort, quasi wurt, &c. wot, worsted, worry, which we call vulgarly wurrow.  
W never precedes u in any word that I remmember, but always assumes o in lieu thereof.  
Where note, that W in the beginning of any word or syllable, is always a Consonant: and never used as a vowel, but in the ends of words, or sometimes for difference sake, being put after a vowel in the nature of a Tripthong, &c. except only that custom hath so prevailed to write it in some few words in lieu of u, as persuade, swear, sword, &c. where it hath the same force with u.  
Whale, wharle, whart, what, whey. 
Wha.   
When, where, whet, wheat, whence, whether. 
when.   
Whine, whim, whip, whirlwind, whist, white, 
why.  why.  
Who, the pronoun, whose, whom, (in these o 
who.  sounds oo diphthong) whole, whore, o long, w not pronounced.  
Wrack, wrangle, wrap, wrestle, be-wray. 
Wra.   
Wrest, wret, wren, Wretham, E short. 
wre.   
Wright, as mill-wright, &c. write, the verb, to write with a pen, where you may note their difference 
wri.  in orthography. Wring, writ of write, and Writ or Prorsus in Law. wry, or wry, awry, &c.  
Wrong, wrote, of write; Wroxham, a town's 
wro.  name.  
Wrung, the preterperfect tense of wring; Wrungey. 
wru.   
Example (Which the vulgar sort call Sample) exempt. 
Xa.   
exemplify, Xenophon a Grecian Philosopher. 
xe.   
exiled or exiled. Exotic, exustion, which indeed 
xi.  is ex-ustion of exuro.  
This we have from the Greeks, and (as you see) rarely used in any English word but example, and the derivatives thereof. The rest where X precedes are chiefly Greek.  
Yaune, or rather yawn, for to gape; yag, a vulgar 
Ya.  word.  
Yap, or little cur; yard, yell.  
Yell, yes, yet, yield, yesterday. 
ye.   
You, youth, yonder, young, younker (a barbarous word) yolk of an egg, which they commonly call 
yo.  yelke. Y before a vowel always consonant.  
Zanche (a Scottish name) zealous, roused. This 
Za.  we have like from the Greeks. For zeal comes from zealots, the Greek word, &c. And thus much of syllables 
ze.  mixed.   

Of the four Liquids, L, M, N, R, when they happen in the end of a word.  
NOtwithstanding in the division of Consonants, I merrily said, Liquids were only made to suit a Lady's mouth: yet in respect experience finds the necessity, that enforceth the general acceptance of them in our Tongue; I have thought good to propose this little Treatise of them in peculiar: the rather, in regard I have, in the syllables mixed, as occasion was offered, so often had relation hereto.  
Liquids therefore (which the Latins call Liquidae) take their denomination from their clearness of sound; as, of all the consonants, coming nighest the perfection of a vowel; which we above the Latins or any other Language, by trial in some cases approve. And this may serve for a description of them, to wit, such semivowels as can partly of themselves produce an imperfect syllable. Their number four, viz. L, M, N, R, common both to the Latins and us. Their use in some cases more with us than them, in some less. For in the beginning or middle of a word, we need not their distinction; unless it be, because L and R be most incident to combinations, under any other consonant, wherein there is an aptitude of combining. But in the end of many words their fault is such, that whereas the Latins call them but semivowels, or half vowels, they deserve of us to be entitled three-quarter vowels at least, in that the chief force of the syllable relies upon them. For example, when any Liquid after another Consonant in the same syllable terminates a word, as only joined with E final, or Es plural, where E is the same. The pronunciation of that syllable consists chiefly by virtue of the Liquid, as in ble, bless; cre, cres; sme, smes; gne, gnes, &c. which we will more particularly instance, in words exemplar. Where note L, and R, are the two Principle, as of most use in this kind, and combined with most consonants: The other two less useful, and more rarely happening.  
L therefore may be thus combined under b, c, d, f, g, k, p, s, t, x, z. as in fable, uncle, fiddle, trifle, struggle, sickle, apple, misle, castle, axle, drizle, which some write drisle, nor do I disallow it. These taken in the plural number of such as be substantives, produce these words, fables, uncles, fiddles, trifles, sickles, apples, castles, axles; and in the third person singular of such as be Verbs, come Struggles, misles, drizles, &c. and diverse other of the same nature, proceeding from these consonants. Their pronunciation we will specify under one general head of them altogether; when we have examined the rest.  
R generally may be combined under b, c, d, f, g, p, t, w. But taken in the sense, is seldom put after any but c, g, and w. In many words with the two former it remains invariable in this kind, as in acre, maulgree, &c. Combined with w, in this imperfect manner, may, and often is altered by interposing the E between W and R, and so made a perfect syllable, as in tower, or tower, both which be according to Orthography. Notwithstanding I most commend the latter altogether, as a substantive; the former as a verb for distinction sake.  
M in our English Tongue is only combined under S, as appears by the table of syllables mixed.  
N only under G at the end of a word, and that for the most part in such words as we take immediately from the Latin, as condign, of condignus; oppugn, of oppugno the Verb; benign, of benignus; &c. M we find thus combined, chiefly in words either mediately or immediately coming from the Greek; as will appear by comparing this place with our treatise of asme, in the syllables mixed.  
The manner of pronouncing them is thus as follows. Frame your voice as if you would sound all the letters, and withal the E; but so soon as you have pronounced the two consonants, there stop, and omit the E. As for example.  
ble, in fable, Pronounce as they were only bl, quasi fabl. cle, in uncle, Pronounce as they were only cl, quasi Uncls. dle, in fiddle, Pronounce as they were only dl, quasi fidl. fle, in trifle, Pronounce as they were only fl, quasi trifl. gle, in angle, Pronounce as they were only gl, quasi angl. i'll, in grapple, Pronounce as they were only pl, quasi grappl. tle, in mantle, Pronounce as they were only tl, quasi mantl. cre, in acre, Pronounce as they were only cr, quasi acr. gre, in aegre, Pronounce as they were only gr, quasi aegr. sme, in baptism, Pronounce as they were only sm, quasi baptism. gne, in benign, Pronounce as they were only gn, quasi benign.  
And so in the rest, whensoever they shall happen thus combined in the end of a word. As likewise when these combinations befall with es final, being either the plurals to these substantives of the singular number, or the third person singular in the present tense of the indicaty mood of such as be verbs, you shall pronounce them altogether with the omission of E, as more plainly appears in this ensuing Table.  
bless, Being final, as in fables, You shall as they were bls, As if the words recited were written fabls. cles, Being final, as in uncles, You shall as they were cls, As if the words recited were written uncls. dles, Being final, as in saddles, You shall as they were dls, As if the words recited were written saddls. fles, Being final, as in stifles, You shall as they were fls, As if the words recited were written stifls. gles, Being final, as in straggles, You shall as they were gls, As if the words recited were written straggls. bless, Being final, as in apples, You shall as they were pls, As if the words recited were written appls. tles, Being final, as in mantles, You shall as they were tls, As if the words recited were written mantls. cres, Being final, as in acres, You shall as they were crs, As if the words recited were written acrs. gres, Being final, as in tigers, You shall as they were grs, As if the words recited were written tigrs. smes, Being final, as in baptisms, You shall as they were sms, As if the words recited were written baptisms. gnes, Being final, as in oppugnes, You shall as they were gns, As if the words recited were written oppugns.  
Where though we have in these tables plainly demonstrated their pronunciation by way of orthoepy; yet in what concerns Orthography or right writing, E, in these or the like words appertaining to either of the tables, ought not at any rate to be omitted. Since it would argue a greater imperfection in our Tongue to propose a syllable without the Character, than the force of a vowel, in that we attribute a further faculty to the Liquids, than to the E, taken in this manner: Which serves as a cipher in arithmetic, to fill up, or supply a room, but only to add the greater vigour to the precedent Letters. And whereas some would have acres, tigers, and diverse others of this kind, to be written acres, tigers, &c. would custom so permit, I for my part should never refuse the accepting a perfect syllable, for an imperfect: by imperfect meaning, such as be produced without the perfect force of a vowel. For further satisfaction in any thing hereto concerning, I remit you to my former treatises; not loving Tautologies, more than for necessity.   

Certain brief Rules of spelling reduced to a method.  
BY spelling I understand the due ordering of syllables in a just proportion, as they are to be together comprehended under their several accents: or a certain way of attributing to every syllable its true quantity or measure in the number of letters thereto belonging; whether as an integral part of a word, or constituting the whole.  
To this is requisite first to know the number of syllables in every word, than their division.  
For the number, we will produce a general instance, though not without its exceptions.  
The Latins have it as an infallible and certain rule in this kind: That so many vowels or dipthongs, as are in a word, so many syllables. But we must frame it in the English Tongue with more circumstance, which shall be thus.  
So many vowels, as occur in any word, to be produced under diverse accents, or with several motions of breathing, so many syllables.  
I put this distinction as a restraint to the generality of the rule, by reason of these exceptions.  
First of the dipthongs, where two vowels coming together, are jointly comprehended under one accent.  
Secondly, of the Tripthongs, where three vowels are together combined in one syllable.  
Thirdly, of E final; which (as I said before) serves either to make the precedent vowelllong, that goes before it in the same syllable, as in alchimy, where A is short, and ale, where A is made long by E succeeding L: or for a difference in the pronunciation of G, as in rang, of ring; and range or stray, &c. Or to add some life and vigour to a Liquid in the producing a syllable, as you lately heard in the liquids.  
Lastly, of E in es final, by me already so often mentioned, to wit, when S in the plural number is added to such words as exact E final in the Orthography of the singular: for in this case, E in es hath in itself no force; unless the consonant preceding in the singular number, be either C, G, or S; and then E in the plural number before S final, maketh a distinct syllable, as in ace, aces; age, ages; nose, noses: as likewise after either of these combinations ch, or sh; as in Church, Churches; ash, ashes, &c. The same rule for es plural in Substantives, holds in all respects effectual in es final in the third person singular of the present tense of the Indicative mood. Wherefore I shall not need to instance any further particulars, concerning that; unless I would be unnecessarily tedious, which is far besides my meaning. As for certain adverbs and prepositions which might hitherto be reduced, I refer them to the Readers observation; lest in striving to be so exact, I might produce a mountain of a molehill.  
These four exceptions therefore duly pondered, and had respect unto, the number of syllables will easily occur, being otherwise equal with the number of the vowels. And thus much for the number; now for the division of syllables, as they ought to be distinguished truly one from another.  
This than we will endeavour to illustrate in these few ensuing rules.  
First therefore when two vowels come together in the middle of a word, not combined, that is, not being a diphthong, but severally to be pronounced, then for the division of the syllables, you shall take the former vowel, as proper to the former syllable; the latter to the ensuing. Likewise when two consonants come so together, put the one consonant to the former syllable, the other to the latter, as in trivial, lar-ger. Except the two consonants occurring in the middle of the word be one of the combinations instanced in the table of syllables mixed, which be these, bl, br, ch, cl, cr, dr, dw, fl, fr, gl, gr, gh, kn, pl, pr, ph, sc, sk, sh, sl, sm, sn, sp, sq, saint, sw, th', tr, tw, wh, wr; for all those combinations that are apt to begin a word, are likewise apt to begin a syllable, and therefore ought not to be divided in the spelling. But whensoever they happen otherwise together, either several consonant doubled, they be always distinguished in the division of the syllables; unless when it happens in the end of a word, that two consonants be unnecessarily doubled, as in begin, which is no more but begin.  
Secondly, when any single consonant thus occurs in the middle of a word of diverse syllables, you shall end the precedent syllable at the vowel, and let the consonant fall to that succeeds; for no syllable in the middle of a word can end in a consonant, unless the syllable following hath another to begin withal, except it be in words derivative, or compounded, where every syllable exacts the letters appropriate to the simple word, as shall anon be further instanced.  
Thirdly, when three consonants so happen together, you shall divide them in this manner: If the first be a single consonant, and the two latter a combination, take up the single consonant in the former syllable, and let the other two fall to the latter: and so è contra; for it's requisite that two of them be a combination, and be thus divided, unless perchance it may so happen, that H interposeth the two extreme consonants (which very rarely is seen but in the beginning of a word) and so make a semi-double combination; for then all consonants fall to the latter syllable, as in beshrew. These kind of combinations be only in some peculiar words, and not much usual, especially Chr, Phr, Scr, Sch, Shr, stir, Thr, more frequently occur.  
4 If four Consonants come together (as more cannot) and make a double combination, they must be equally divided. But if the first be a single consonant, and the other combined, take up the single consonant, and let the other three fall, as in constrain, en-thrall: so è contra.  
5 If three vowels come together, not being a Tripthong, or combined in one syllable. If the former be a diphthong, and the other a single vowel, as in bayard, take up the diphthong in the first syllable, and let the vowel fall to the latter: and so on the contrary part.  
6 If X, as it often doth occur in the middle of a word, you shall always take it up in the former syllable, though there be no other consonant follow wherewith to begin the latter: because it implies the force of cs, which is no combination that can begin a syllable (in the English or Latin, but usual in the Greek) end it may, and frequently doth.  
Lastly, when two complete words are compounded, or together united in one, you shall in the spelling have respect unto them, as they were both simple; as in saveguard, which hath but two syllables. The like is to be had in Derivatives, or words derived, which have always relation to their primitives, though sometimes by way of mediation, as in strength-ens of strength; strength-en-ing of strengthen, &c. where E in the middle syllable is often cut off by Syncope, and made strengthening.  
For a conclusion of this treatise, we will only add a word or two concerning Ti in the middle of a word.  
Ti, before a vowel that is to begin another syllable in the same word, is always ci or si in pronunciation, except it follows X, or S; or that the syllable following be but an addition to a complete word ending in ti, happening usually in adjectives of the comparative and superlative degrees of comparison; and participles, whose verbs had their termination in ti, or tie, as in lofty, loftier, loftiest; mighty, mightier, mightiest. Pity, pitying, pitied, &c. which be the usual terminations of such words. Or lastly, where it precedes es final, as in cities, unties, where it is all but one syllable &c. For in these cases ti remains always proper, otherwise not. And so let this suffice our present purpose concerning this subject.  
only here for the further practice of little ones, that 
These hard words mentioned are wittingly omitted, perceiving the volume to arise to too big a bulk beyond the author his intention or expectation.  their parents may need to buy them no other book for the reading English, we have here annexed some hard words confusedly composed, though in an alphabetical order; and after them the first Chapter of S. Matthew, to enure them a little to those Hebrew names.  
Abbreviation, acknowledgement, Addiction, &c.   

The first Chapter of S. Matthew.  
The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.  
2 Abraham begat Isaac, and Isaac begat Jacob, and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren.  
3 And Judas begat Pharez, and Zara of Thamar, and Pharez begat Esrom, and Esrom begat Aram.  
4 And Aram begat Aminadab, and Aminadab begat Naasson, and Naasson begat Salmon.  
5 And Salmon begat Boos of Rachab, and Booz begat Obed of Ruth, and Obed begat Jesse.  
6 And Jesse begat David the king, and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias.  
7 And Solomon begat Roboam, and Roboam begat Abia, and Abia begat Asa.  
8 And Asa begat Josophat, and Josaphat begat Joram, and Joram begat Ozias.  
9 And Ozias begat Joatham, and Joatham begat Achaz, and Achaz begat Ezekias.  
10 And Ezekias begat Manasses, and Manasses begat Amon, and Amon begat Josias.  
11 And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon.  
12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel, and Salathiel begat Zorobabel.  
13 And Zorobabel begat Abiud, and Abiud begat Eliakim, and Eliakim begat Azor.  
14 And Azor begat Sadoc, and Sadoc begat Achim, and Achim begat Eliud.  
15 And Eliud begat Eleazar, and Eleazar begat Matthan, and Matthan begat Jacob.  
16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was borne Jesus, who is called Christ.  
17 So all the generations from Abraham to David, are fourteen generations: And from David until the carrying away into Babylon, are fourteen generations: And from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, are fourteen generations.  
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph (before they came together) she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.  
19 than Joseph her husband being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.  
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the Angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife; for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost.  
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his Name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.  
22 (Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the Prophet, saying,  
23 Behold a Virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his Name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.)  
24 than Joseph being raised from sleep, did as the Angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:  
25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her first borne son, and he called his Name Jesus.  
But now it is time that we leave our childish digressions, and persist with what more directly intends to our Scope. Supposing therefore the premises instructions enough, for the spelling, and finding out any English word; or in what may concern the letters either several or combined; it only remains, that we say somewhat of the stops, or pauses, between sentence and sentence, for the more renable (as we call it) and distinct reading. Which notwithstanding it properly belongs to Orthography: yet by reason orthography and orthoepy be necessarily so concomitant (as being impossible to be perfect in the one without the other) and we have so promiscuously used them, to show their difference as occasion served; we have thought fit to insert this brief peculiar treatise hereof, as a Conclusion to our English orthoepy; especially since we have made that the chief title to this little book (as chiefly undertaking what thereto appertains) and that the knowledge of these stops or points is no less conducible, and hypothetically necessary to distinct and ready reading (the perfection of orthoepy) than to orthography, or right writing: though I will not further infer, knowing it so requisite to both.  
These stops therefore are by the Latins termed Comma; Comma-colon; colon; periodus; Interrogatio; Parenthesis; Exclamatio; Apostrophe, sive contractionis nota, vel signum.  
Their number (you see eight) their figure and use ensues.  
The Comma hath its place at the foot of the line, and is marked with a semicircular form like an half moon decrescent thus (,) The use only in long sentences, in the most convenient places to make a small pause for the necessity of breathing; or in rhetorical speeches (where many words are used to one effect) to make a kind of Emphasis and deliberation for the greater majesty or state of the Elocution.  
The Comma-colon, as you see by the name, participates of both the Comma and the Colon; The one retaining his proper place, the other above the figure thus (;) This to the Ancients was not known; but now in no less use than estimation, especially among Rhetoricians. Who in their long wound sentences, and reduplications, have it as a constant packhorse, to make some short deliberation as it were of little sentences, as the Comma doth of words; the time of pause about double that of the Comma generally, which yet is very small.  
The Colon (which we vulgarly call two pricks or points) is deciphered in the form of two periods, the one at the foot, the other at the upper part of the body of the line, thus (:) It is chiefly used in the division of sentences, and exacts half the pause of a Period; and half as much again as a Comma-Colon.  
The Period is only a single point, set at the lower part of the body of the line thus (.) This is altogether used at the end of every speech or sentence, as the name itself implies (being derived from the Greek) and signifies conclusion. The pause or distance of speaking hereto appropriate is sometime more, sometime less: for (setting aside the Epilogicall distinction, as it terminates whole treatises) when in the middle of a line it cuts off any integral part of a complete Tractate, which goes not on with the same, but begins a new line, it requireth double the time of pause, that it doth when the Treatise persists in the same line: being then four times as long as a Colon, which in the same line is but twice.  
I remember my singing-Master taught me to keep time, by telling from 1, to 4, according to the nature of the time which I was to keep, and I found the practice thereof much ease and certainty to me, till I was perfect in it. The same course I have used to my pupils in their reading, to enure them to the distinction of their pauses, and found it no less successful.  
But here you must take notice, that many times this point or period mark is many times set after great or capital Letters single; not for any pause or distance of time, but only as a note of abbreviation of some propername, or other word beginning with the same letter. Which you shall thus distinguish. For if the point succeeds such a capital letter, it argues only an abbreviation, and no time of pause: but if the great letter succeeds the point, it argues only a period pause, and no abbreviation. For as in Orthography such abbreviations ought to be marked with such a point; so every Period ought to have a capital Letter immediately succeeding.  
The Interrogation point is figured thus (?) taking both name and use ab interrogando. Being only used when any question is asked. The pause it requires, is more or less according to the matter and seriousness of the question, but generally the same with the common Period, as it ordinarily falls in the middle of any treatise.  
The Parenthesis hath the figure of two semi-circles or half moons crescent, and decrescent, either inclining to other, thus (). For pause it requires as little as may be; exacting rather a distinction of tone, than distance of time. By reason the use of it only is, when any thing is introduced in a sentence, which might be left out, and yet the other sentence remain entire.  
The Exclamation point is most subject to interjections or conversions of the voice. It takes the name ab exclamando, the use from signs of exclamation and wonder. The mark it bears is this (!) The pause that belongs to it, is likewise to be reduced to that of the Period.  
The Apostrophe or mark of contraction is variously subject (according to the place it possesses) to the three figures, Apharesis, Syncope, and Apocope: that is, according as the contraction be in the beginning, middle, or end of a word: as in 'twill, Apostrophe est Aphaeresis nota, for it will: in strengthening, Syncopes: in th'intent, Apocopes, &c. The mark, as you see, the same with the Comma, only the difference is of place, in that this stands over the upper part of the line where the contraction is; almost in the same manner that the Greeks set their note of aspiration, where they intend to aspirate any vowel. For pause of time, it hath none belonging to it, and therefore not so properly inserted among the points, or stops. But only as I thought it convenient, by reason of the Character; which is necessary to be known and distinguished.  
Taken in the two first kinds, that is, by way of Aphaeresis and Syncope, it chiefly appertains to Poets, who use it very frequently. By way of Apocope, it is incident likewise to Lawyers, as chiefly prone to cut off entails, where, in their writings, two words occur, whereof the former ends, and the latter begins with a vowel, they usually combine these two words in one, by contracting the last vowel of the former, and including it in the other (as it often happens in such, as to augment their own liberties have infringed other men's) especially E single, as in th'intent, th'Archangell, &c. for the intent, the archangel, &c. where after the common course of the world, the weakest go by the walls, or rather the worst, and the great word engrosseth in the lesser, like usurers and fishes. And thus much for Apostrophe.  
This ensuing piece of nonsense I have only of purpose framed and hereto annexed to exemplify further the use of the precedent Points in their several kinds, per Erotema.  
Are there any certain histories (I pray you, if I may not too much interrupt you) that might induce a man of judgement to believe, that there are in nature such creatures, as be called Anthropophagi, or maneaters?  
Oh Heavens! that ever any scholar should argue himself of so much ignorance, as to propose such a question! Hath not Pliny? Hath not Isidore? Hath not Columbus? Hath not Albertus? have not the best of natural Historians and Geographers sufficiently depicted them? But whether they did it of their own knowledge, as having seen them; or that they had it merely from the relation of others, that I cannot tell. But they all agree in this: India (say they) hath certain Islands wherein such creatures be: America many; and some in Africa. Thus India is called their harbour; America their nurse; Africa their home. Travellers, Merchants, Historiographers, report, assure, relate, partly what themselves have seen; partly what approved in their woeful companions, left to be entombed in the bellies of those monsters: while they themselves with much ado escaped, only to be the doleful narrators of so sad a story. But whereas some Philosophers and physicians stand to oppose, it cannot be in nature, neither that man's flesh can nourish, or yield any nutriment: And whereas, on the other side, some produce arguments from experience, of savage beasts, that will eat, devour, and (had they sufficient thereof) would live only by such; which argues they are nourished by it; and thereupon conclude, if it affords nutriment to such savage beasts; why not to those creatures, almost as savage as the wildest bruit (notwithstanding as men they be potentially endued with reason; but that so restrained by the organs, and limited to sense, as they may truly in a kind be termed Rationis expertes) 'tis not here my purpose to dispute, having already said more of them than at first I intended.  
Now therefore come we to make good our promise concerning some peculiar rules belonging to orthography. Wherein we shall endeavour to be as succinct as may be, (lest our little volume rises to too big a bulk) especially since we have so fully satisfied occasion (perhaps above the Readers expectation) in our Treatise of syllables mixed, where you may find many particulars might hitherto be reduced.   

certain peculiar Rules of Orthography.  
ORthography is the Art of right writing; as the etymology of the name in the Greek Tongue implies, and the common acception among Grammarians approves. The difference between it and orthoepy, who so understands their terms in Greek, may easily comprehend: the one appertaining to right speaking, the other to right writing. Orthography (according to the present use) is chiefly versed in the Letters, in respect of their Quantity; to wit, as they be deciphered in capital or lesser Characters, and the knowledge how to dispose of these in writing: viz. when to use great letters, when small. And on the relation hereto shall our ensuing discourse be chiefly grounded. For to infer here a general treatise of Orthography, according to the latitude of the term, how it hath reference to the Letters, both single and combined, and that as parts of a word; and so proceeding methodo compositiuâ; to treat of these words, as part of a sentence; and sentences, as the integral parts of a complete treatise; and how distinguished by the points: were in a circular gyre to bring about a needless repetition of what we have already bent the aim of all precedent discourse; and for our own purpose sufficiently discussed; and (I think) enough to satisfy any reasonable capacity: If not, since it is facile inventis addere, let any one enlarge the foundation which we (so far forth as our knowledge extends) have first laid in our English Tongue. But now to return. Concerning the use of the capital Letters, therefore take these along with you.  
1 Every Treatise, or written speech whatsoever, is to begin with a great letter, that is, to have the first letter of the first word of the Treatise, written or printed, with a capital, or great Character, in what hand or impression soever the discourse is to be delivered.  
2 The same is to be observed in the beginning of every distinct sentence, or clause. For (as I said before) after every period point must ensue a great letter.  
3 The pronoun, or word (I) must always be written with a great letter; so must every proper name, or peculiar denomination of every individual: as all the Attributes of God Almighty, the names of Angels, Saints, and evil spirits; the titles given by the Heathens to their feigned Gods and Goddesses; the names of men and women of all sorts whatsoever; the names of months, winds, rivers, Cities, towns, Islands and Kingdoms: the particular name of any peculiar dog, horse, or beast of any kind soever: The first word of every verse, at least heroic: any letter set for a number, as you had in the beginning of our orthoepy: Any letter standing for any such, or the abbreviation as we there mentioned.  
Lastly, all names or Titles of Magistrates, Arts, Offices, and Dignities, in what respect soever taken. In these, I say, altogether consists the use of capital Letters, in all other we use only the smaller.  
Where you may take notice, That in the abbreviations I spoke of to be written with great letters, I included not any such characterical abbreviation of a word, as & for and, the for the, that for that; and a thousand more commonly occurring, besides what every man hath peculiar to himself, which only experience and practice must make familiar to you: but those which are thus to be distinguished; to wit, when you would abbreviate any word, whether proper name, or other word usual in such abbreviations, which is to be expressed by the first letter of the word, then are ye to use a great Letter in all those Abbreviations, otherwise not. For examples, I refer you to our treatise of Letters in genere, in the first part of the orthoepy here specified, in this little book.  
The next caution after the great Letters is for E final, or when it falls in the end of a word, that you never omit it, where it ought to be inserted: whether for distinction sake, as in win, the verb, and wine, the substantive: or only to make the precedent vowel long, as in shrine: or after v, to make it a consonant, which otherwise seeming to be combined with the former vowel in the nature of a diphthong, might so alter the pronunciation, as in love, which without the E would be sounded like lou, in loud, so move, live, and a great many more of the like kind: or for difference of diverse words ending in G, as well substantives as verbs, as in rang, and range, &c. which I instanced before.  
Or lastly, when in es, terminating either verb or substantive, it ought of right to be put for any of the uses above rehearsed. Because many times as it makes a difference in pronunciation, so it much varies the sense: as in these words, made, mad, Cage for a bird, Cag of bear, rid, ride, safe, saffron. Dame, or matron of a family, dam of a mill, and damn the Verb, to condemn. Sack, sake (where note as a general rule, that when any vowel before k sounds short, we always write c before k; as in stick, or rack; but when the vowel is to be pronounced long, we always write it with k single, and add E final to it, as in rake, &c.) man, mane of an horse: gap, or breach, gape: Ware, war; tune of a song, tun of wine: hid, hide; mile, mill, where the vowel before L is short, we usually double L in writing. Pin, pine, &c. diverse of this sort. And here likewise take notice of what we instanced in orthoepy, That when any word seems to end in S proper, the vowel being long, we always write it with Ce, as in race, slice, mace, mice, &c. for (as I said) S in this case sounds always Z, except where it is written as a difference between the Substantive and Verb, where both sound alike, as in race, or demolish, the verb; and race, that such an one ran; or race of ginger; race of wine, &c. where their sound is all one. But otherwise the Rule holds general without exception.  
Furthermore, diligent observation ought to be had in writing of such words; where diverse words of several Characters, and that of divers meanings, are alike pronounced: for example, rain that falls from the clouds, aught to be written thus as you see: the reign of a Prince thus: the rain of a bridle (which we usually and better sound quasi rean) so as is here demonstrated. Their, the pronoun; and there the adverb, or in that place. Wait the verb, and weight the substantive, or quantity. Write, when a verb, to play the Scribe (as we call it) and wright when a Substantive, as in Shipwright, and the like. Prophet of the old Law; profit or gain. Read, proper in the present tense: but in the preterperfect tense both of verb and participle sounds E short, quasi red, yet ought to be thus in writing distinguished from red the adjective, or fiery-coloured. Heard the verb, hard the adjective. Here in this place, I hear. Deign, or vouchsafe, sudden. Some men, sum of money. Neigh of an horse, and nay a note of denial.  
Also all adjectives derived of the Latins, ending in us, we write ous, as in glorious, frivolous, victorious. But all monosyllables hold proper, as thus, not thou; us, not ous, &c. And substantives derived of the Latin, which they terminate in or, we write our; as in labour, honour, vigour, &c. Except our monosyllables, and verbs, as or, ought not to be written our, which is another word. For, nor, abhor, of abhorreo; repercusse, of repercutio, &c. truss, discuss.  
Lastly, the Article A, (Whereof hereafter God willing, we will further inform you in our etymological part) and the pronouns My, and Thy, being to precede a word beginning with a vowel, usually assumes in writing N, in the first single; in the two last with E final, as an, thine, mine; to avoid in reading the great hiatus, or kind of gaping in pronunciation, which otherwise it would produce; as an ass, not a ass: thine ear, rather than thy ear: mine injury, rather than my injury; but the two latter be more indifferent, than the former. So on the other side must we not say or write, an lamb; thine bullock; mine sheep: but a lamb, thy bullock, my sheep. And not like the vulgar sort, who annex this N to the ensuing word, as a nox, a nasse, my nuncle, thy naunt; for an ox, mine uncle, thine aunt, &c. You must therefore be very cautious to shun in writing the barbarous custom of the vulgars in their pronunciation, as shone, for shoes, an ordinary fault in some countries, to put N, for S, and E, for I; as mell, for mill; delighted, for delighted, &c. setting aside the absurdities used among the vulgar in Sommersetshire, and other remote places, as not worth the nominating, so much as by way of reprehension: but follow the custom of the learned, and observe their use among scholars. The rest I refer to our precedent rules, and your own practice, and diligent observation in reading classical authors.  
For a Conclusion therefore of this our first part of the English Grammar, whereas Quintilian adviseth in the Latin Tongue, that Orthography should be but as the Custos, or depositor of orthoepy, as a careful steward: and so by consequence, that one should maintain the other: when he wils them by way of institution to speak, as they write; and write as they speak, for their further ease in avoiding multiplicity of rules: I could wish the same in our English Tongue; but must have patience to expect, till time and further industry have reduced it to a further method and perfection, by refining and purging away those gross corruptions which so tumify it with unnecessary surfeits: Which for my part I should be glad to see; that there might be no just allegation, why we should not have all the liberal Sciences in our own Tongue, as well as France, Spain, and other countries. It would, no question, be a great furtherance to real knowledge. But in that kind I shall not be the first to innovate, though I lay this stone for others to work upon, to build a larger prospect for the pleasure of my countrymen, and benefit of strangers.  
Thus courteous Reader, Lege, perlege, elige, dilige; Qui te diligit, in CHRISTO JESU. S. D.    

Certain brief Notes, or Directions, for writing of Letters, or familiar Epistles.  
as well in regard of my promise in the prescription or Title page; as to satisfy the request of some peculiar friends, finding perhaps the general defect (as well in themselves as others) of some illustrations in this kind: I have annexed these few directions in general, for the inditing and writing Letters (as we term them) or familiar Epistles, intended only for the benefit of children, women, and persons either altogether ignorant in this respect, or discontinued. As for Secretaries, and those who can better help themselves, I leave them to their own practice, and observations. For to undertake to reduce this confused quality, faculty, or art, (or whatsoever term you will attribute unto it) to any certain method, or classical precept; or to seek out a radix, consisting of such principles, whereon every particular must ex hypothesi depend (would I, or any Secretary more commendably versed in those ways, attempt it) as we should find it a work no less tedious than difficult, and almost impossible (Unless it were possible to know every private man's occasion) so might we to little purpose and effect frustra oleum & operam dare, since Quot homines, tot sententiae; and it is connatural for every one, that is able to apprehend, to like his own imagination best. Neither would ever any of the Latins (who knew too well several men have their several occasions) take such a burden upon them, in a tongue more incomparably pure; and times far more addicted to industry and knowledge, in what concerned both speculation and practice. Macropoedius (I know) showed a will to do somewhat herein, and prescribed certain general rules; but such as would better suit an Oration, than a familiar Epistle, which delights in brevity and plainness. The paradigmas or examples there, be well and commendable; but not consorting the stream of English Secretaries, more taken with Seneca's succincter stile. But for examples, I refer you to others, since there are everywhere enough to be had, intending only to deal by way of Instruction.  
In the framing of Letters, we are to have respect to ourselves, and the quality of the Person to whom we write. For, as it behooves us not to use always, and to all persons a like phrase, or manner of writing, so ought we to be cautious in the performance of it respectiuè, that is, without prejudice to ourselves, or derogating from the party to whom it is written. If therefore to our superior, or one of rank above us; then are we to frame our stile in a lowly and humble manner, yet (habito scriptori respectu) according to the distance of degree; the worth of both the objects; and the subject of our Letter. For, it befits not a Gentleman to use those submissive and encroaching terms to one of higher state, and fortunes; which may well become a Peasant to one of far meaner rank. Neither would we endeavour to insinuate ourselves so far in any other respect, as when we have some suit to prefer, or some request to make. And in general, it is more tolerable to be argued of too plain a stile, (so as I said, it be done with due respect) than by any rhetorical flashes of elocution, to incur the censure of a Sycophant, as it is incident and usual to such as use many words to little purpose, to be either rejected as idle and impertinent; or else suspected of some farther plot, than perhaps the party himself is guilty of. Let therefore your Letters of what nature soever, be as succinct as possible may be, without circumlocutions, which be tedious to Persons of quality, and such as have much business. And if it be so, as they be replete with matters of consequence; come presently to the business of most importance, conveniently introduced: then persist in order: for otherwise, if your Letter be copious, and carries not (as the proverb says) meat in the mouth, or matter at the entrance, it may hazard (if not well solicited) to be cast by, without so much as once reading over, as I have known some myself among men of worth, who have been much employed.  
This I speak not though, utterly to debar the use of civil compliment, which is both requisite, and no ways inconvenient, so it be used with discretion, and not (as they say) to make a pain of pastime. Compliment therefore is most seasonable, when it accompanies either present or visit, I mean as well in paper as in person. And that always better introduced in the close of a Letter, than at the beginning; unless the whole subject be only by way of compliment, and nothing concerning any serious business. A thing ordinary, and many times expected between friend and friend, upon occasions of writing offered. And then is afforded liberty of using wit, and readiness of Genius, to such as be endued with pregnant fantasies; having still a care not to be over-shot by self-opinion; lest a flash of windy matter produce such bubbles, as carry no other substance, but only to vapour into air; or perhaps turn worse than nothing.  
If it be to be written to one inferior or some degrees beneath you; be plausible and courteous to win respect and love: but not too familiar: since too much familiarity breeds contempt, especially among people of the meanest sort, most apt in such cases to forget themselves.  
If to a stranger of equal rank, show courtesy in a full proportion, yet clothed with a petty kind of state; as well to avoid all suspicion of intrusion, as to show a kind of niceness in intimating too sudden familiarity. For wise men will consider, things easiliest won, are most easily lost; and he that comes fastest on, goes quickliest off. Give me the friendship comes slowly by degrees, for that is most likely to attain perfection, and longest to continue, as having the surer ground for a foundation of it.  
If to a servant, let love and mildness so proceed, as may not lose its distance; for, too much rigour loseth the servant, and too much love the Master; who may easily discern love from a servant tempered with a little awe, is always most available to the Master; as acts voluntary go beyond enforcements.  
If to a Master, let the stile be such as may demonstrate all obsequy and duty. This I speak in respect of servants (as servants) in general: not, but that I know, as there are differences and diverse degrees of Masters, so ought there several respects to be had to servants, according to their place, and manner of service. For it were absurd to think, that Gentlemen in those places that may befit their rank and fortune, though subject to their masters call, should be tied to the obsequious terms of every pedantic groom. As first, he that waits voluntary, and at his own expense; then Secretaries in their several ranks; then such as serve in the places of Gentlemen, as Ushers, and the like. Then Clarks to men eminent, and of quality; and Clarks appertaining to Offices, Factors, and Apprentices (especially about London) men perhaps (as is usual in that kind) better derived than their Masters. In this respect, I say, ought the servant to consider the relation, or respect to be had, according to his Master's rank, his own person, and the nature of his service. yet generally speaking, all servants (as servants) of what nature or calling soever, ought as well in writing as otherwise, to show a kind of respect extraordinary. Though (as I said) some be tied to terms more incomparably strict than others.  
If we write to a Parent, our stile and manner of writing must be such, as may show all dutiful respect and obedience, exacted from a Child to a Parent, by the laws of God and Nature.  
If to a father or mother in law, that is by marriage, we will tender ourselves in such terms, as may profess service and obedience; but not duty: At least, not equal to the former: though I grant, we ought to think ourselves tied in a firm obligation of civil, and more than common respect.  
If to a child, love and care: But the passionate expressions of tender affection, better fit a mother, than a father: for men ought to govern their affections by the rule of reason, lest otherwise they chance to set a bad example of letting loose the reins of passion, of itself too apt to run out of one error to another.  
In a word, if to a friend, friendly. If to an adversary, harsh, as you think good, according to the nature of the offence, and quality of the person offending. But not railing, or too invective; which will argue more passion, than judgement or discretion, and be a means to make other men suppose a want in you of somewhat might make you rightly capable of an injury.  
But if it be to a familiar and intimate friend, you shall be restrained to no other rule, but only your own imagination, and the best liking of your friend, according as you shall observe his conceits most addicted, or inclined this way or that. Only take it as a general and infallible rule, let the body of your letter be succinct and pithy, such as may express much matter in few words: and let that be your greatest study by way of inditing: And by the way of writing to have respect to Orthography, according to those rules we have before prescribed. But to come with a bundle of Circumquaques, after the manner of the vulgar sort: whose common custom is to begin their Letters thus (Loving friend, The occasion of my writing unto you, at this present time is, to let you understand, that I should be very glad to hear you are in good health, as I am at the writing hereof, God be blessed therefore, &c.) on in a whole bederoule of ribble-rabble is most ridiculous and absurd, in the sight of one which knows the manner of inditing. For to be glad to hear of their welfare, is implicit in the title of friend: and to send word of your health, it suffices to tell if it be not so: if not, the other is easily imagined. And so many prayers and thanksgivings as some put in, were better spent in their closet, where no air might circumvent them, than inserted in ordinary letters (excepting such as pass between man and wife; parent and child) which passing through so many hands, may chance to get infection; or at least exposed to the wind and open air, may chance cool their fervour of devotion. But here we likewise exempt apostolical benedictions, sent from Ministers (befitting their function and calling, and answerable to the Word of God) who in that rightly imitate the worthy precedent S. Paul in his Epistles.  
Having therefore marked or creased (as we call it) out the paper (which ought to be in folio, or in quarto, that is an whole sheet, or an half sheet doubled) and having in the top, after the usual custom (especially writing to persons of worth and quality) left a sufficient space for a vacuum, and as ample a margin (but that is to be ordered more or less, according to the quantity of your paper, and the subject, whereon you are to write) then in the first place are you to order the superscription, or the title to be attributed as an entrance. For your assistance wherein, you shall (as I said before) have respect to the quality of the person to whom it is written, and yourself; and that whether as an acquaintance, or stranger; intimate, or less familiar; having relation or dependence either of other, or not; friend, or adversary, &c. and then order your title in this manner.  
If therefore it be a Lord (for higher I will not ascend, presuming any, to whom these be directed, to have little intercourse with Emperors, Monarchs, Kings, Princes, Dukes, Marquestes, Earls, &c. or if they have, let them seek other assistance, or send to us, and we shall do our endeavour to supply their want) if it be so, as he holds his title only by some place, or dignity, by way of Office or Magistracy, we seldom superscribe any other title than, My Lord, and by the way, still in the body of your Letter, put him in mind of his Lordship, and now and then his honour, &c. If he be a Count, or Baron, by descent of noble pedigree, our title is chiefly, Right Honourable: Right Honourable, and my very good Lord (this from a retainer, or one that hath dependence on his honour) Most noble and illustrious Sir, Right Honourable and renowned Sir, and diverse others to this effect. And from a Gentleman only, My Lord, will suffice. But still we ought in addressing our speech to him, to do it with the attribute of His Honour, and now and then for change we may say, Your Lordship, or, Your good Lordship, from one of meaner rank. To a Baronet, Honoured Sir, as the most usual and befiting title to such a degree: which is likewise often attributed to other Knights, and sometime to Esquires, and other Gentlemen, by way of compliment. Gentlemen writing to Knights and Baronets, often give only the title of Sir, and noble Sir; worthy, or most worthy Sir; sometime Most Noble, and the like. But I like the plainest best, especially when one hath much business, and little leisure to compliment. The usual superscription from one inferior, or of meaner rank is, Right worshipful, &c. sometime Right renowned, or right worthy Sir, and this comes sometimes as a Rarity from a puny scholar, as tumbling from his thumping pen. And under the degree of a Gentleman, or a gentleman's mate, it behooves in writing to have his or your Worship, by the end along, so often as his speech hath relation to the baronets' or knight's person. From a peasant, your good Worship will not do amiss. But from a Gentleman, ridiculous; as arguing little breeding. One Gentleman or Esquire writing to another, usually attribute only the title of Sir, especially if strangers, or less intimate: if better acquainted, many times some other addition, of Noble, Worthy, Courteous, Generous, kind, and the like, according to their intimacy, affection, and difference of eminency and fortunes. Sometime, if very intimate, more familiar terms, which they ordinarily use in discourse. But from one of a meaner sort, or not a Gentleman, would be thought a sauciness, or arrogancy at least, to do so; unless from such make-sports, as Gentlemen make use of only to fool with. From a Tradesman therefore (of the ordinary sort I mean) writing to an Esquire, the title of worshipful Sir, or Worthy Sir, or the like, and now and then to pull your Worship out of his pocket (especially if to one any ways eminent or of quality) is no more than beseeming and requisite. To less eminent, or of mean fortunes, or younger houses, Sir, will suffice. The like aught to be observed in farmers, and countrypeople, of meaner rank. Gentlemen of quality, whether Knights, Esquires, or other Gentlemen of worth and fortune, writing to Yeomen of the more substantial sort, such as go under jurisdiction of the common attribute Mr, and whom such men please to make their companions in table and discourse, if they be any thing intimate, usually begin their title, Honest Thom. Kind Jeffrey, Good Will such an one, &c. if less acquainted, or when they are to be beholding to them for any courtesy, than it will not be amiss to hang on their noses, as spectacles, at first entrance, Mr such, or such an one, &c. writing to any kind of Scoggin, or hanger on, or the like, than nothing but Dick, Thom. &c. I prithee do such a thing, &c. To an ordinary yeoman or tradesman, Goodman, &c. is a good beginning. But always let scholars and younger Brothers give the highest of his attributes to any wealthy man, for 'tis the money, and not the man they are to respect and court. But in personating a Letter from one to another under the degree, or at least the title of a Gentleman, he will be accounted more woodcock than wise, that shall study any other compliment, than to begin with the ordinary title appropriate to them, and so persist. The same kind of common title appropriate to the Person, is to be used in civility, when we write to one we hold as an adversary, as to a Knight of what sort soever, Sir such an one, &c. To an Esquire, if much above our rank, it is decent to say Sir, if not the same that to a Gentleman. If to a Gentleman of what rank or nature soever, Mr such an one, putting in his surname. If under, than Goodman thus or thus; or from a Gentleman to one much inferior, John, Thomas, Richard, So and So, &c. And thus much for titles or superscriptions. This is usually placed in the first corner in the margin space, above the body of your Letter. But I had like to have forgot the ecclesiastical title of Reverend Sir, or Most Reverend, &c. according to their worth and dignity. Having therefore thus instanced the several sorts of Superscriptions, we will now come to the Subscriptions, (for the body of a Letter can be reduced to no precise or particular rule, without too much needless labour and innovation) and in general, we have already said what we determine.  
The same general rule therefore, that ties you, in the superscription and body of the Letter to have respect to the party to whom you write, and your own individual person, ties you to the same conditions in the subscription, and endorsement, or outward superscription, which we be still to treat of.  
To a Baron therefore, or to a Lord, we usually subscribe thus. Your honours most humble servant, My Lord, Your eternally devoted Honourer, and thrice humble servant. Your lordship's most faithful and most humble servant. Your Lordships till death, Your Lordships to command, Your Honours most obliged, &c. diverse of this sort. Subscriptions indeed as common as Hackney horses on Dunstable rode, to meaner persons than Barons, or Knights either, only leaving out Honour and Lordship. But Your thrice humble servant, and the like, I have often heard from such as (I presume) understood not the word.  
From Gentleman to Gentleman, if equal, and acquainted, than Your assured friend to serve you, Your truly respective friend, or the like. But if less acquainted, or different in degree, There is so much service professed, as they forget all friendship. Nothing then but Your servant, Your humble servant, Sir, at your command, and the like innumerable, which I leave to observation and practice. Only take this by the way, that one of inferior rank writing to a person eminent in degree above him, by the laws of our best Secretaries, shall commonly write his name at the foot of all the Letter, or paper, be it never so large, and the contents never so small, to show his acknowledgement of distance. The other subscription about middle distance, between the body of the Letter, and the name. And that either double or single, as occasion is offered of your expression, and the quantity of space, or void paper. Sometime they make it in a treble space, by interposing My Lord, or Sir, or noble, or worthy Sir, and the like, according to their degree. From an inferior person to a Baronet or Knight, Your worship's most humble servant, Your Worships to command in all due respect, and the like. The same is to be observed in one of mean rank, to an Esquire, especially if of worth, or any wise eminent. To or between men of ordinary quality, whether under the title of Gentlemen, Citizens and tradesmen, or the like, the usual subscription of Your loving friend, Your very loving friend, Your assured, Your faithful, Your true, (and sometime, Your respective friend, for change, or where the party written to hath the odds in estimation) is most commendable. In brief notes, no more but Yours, N. N. To a Gentleman of ordinary quality from an inferior person, Your servant, Yours to command, &c.  
To an adversary, Yours as you use me. Yours to use, but not abuse. Yours if you please; if not, mine own. Yours as I see cause. Yours when not mine own, and the like, as your judgement, and the occasion offered shall suggest.  
To a servant under hire, from a Gentleman of rank, only his name. To such as are tied to less servile conditions, or from Masters which are of meaner degree, Your loving Master, Your very loving Master, Your assured &c. To a retainer only, or voluntary waiter, Your loving friend, N. N. &c. To a parent, Your dutiful, Your most dutiful, or, Most dutiful and respective, dutiful and most obedient, till death, &c. whether son or daughter. To a child, Your loving father, Your affectionate mother: Affectionate is likewise much used between friend and friend, especially Lovers. Your truly careful, &c. diverse in this kind, which we leave to observation. And thus much for subscriptions.  
Having thus written or subscribed your Letter, date it from such or such a place, and set down the day of the month, and (if much distance interposeth the writer and the party written to) the year, after the usual manner of dating. The place allotted for the date is in the margin space, just under the superscription, or title, a little beneath the body of the Letter. This done, fold up your Letter after a decent order, and seal it. To a person of quality we usually propose it in a large fold, kept very fair. To others at your own discretion, especially of equals. Now therefore only resteth, that we say somewhat of indorsements, or outward superscriptions, and so commit them to the Post.  
Your title on the endorsement to a Lord shall be, To the right Honourable, Thomas (or whatsoever other Christian name) Lord such or such an one, adding the highest of his titles, at such a place, these present. To the right honourable and his very good Lord, of or from one of any dependence. To the right honourable and most noble, Most renowned, Right illustrious, &c. multitudes of epithets in this kind. To a Baronet from a Gentleman, To his most honoured friend, Sir N. N. and Much honoured and most noble friend, Most worthy, Very noble, Renowned, &c. as you should think fit. The same we commonly use to any other Knight: but especially to a Baronet is appropriate the title of Honoured. From a person of meaner quality, To the right worshipful, Sir N. N. at such a place, &c. If in any familiarity, To the right worshipful and his most honoured friend, &c. From an inferior person, To the right worshipful and most worthy Sir N. N. or the like, leaving out friend. From one Esquire or Gentleman to another, various, in respect of intimacy, degree, affection, or courtesy: To his noble friend: To his worthy, approved, much respected, much esteemed, much honoured; and to meaner, Very loving, &c. From an inferior person to an Esquire or Gentleman of worth, To the worshipful: The rest he may take out of the precedent epithets. From a Gentleman to such an one, To his loving friend, &c. To a parent, To my most endeared &c. Father, Or Mother: To a child, To my loving son or daughter; To my dear, or tenderly respected, or beloved, may do well enough from a mother's affection. From one inferior person to another, To my loving, To my very loving, To my approved friend, and the like of this sort best befits. To an adversary, For Sir such an one at such a place, For Mr, or Goodman so or so: For Tho. For Richard, &c. according to the quality of the writer, and the person written to. Only setting his name with his common attribute, the place whither it is directed, with For, instead of To his, or my &c. And now I think it will be time to conclude, for the Carrier is in haste.  
This therefore shall suffice to satisfy our present purpose concerning this subject. Only take this by way of peroration.  
1 Let your Letter be kept fair, without blots, or soiling, especially to one of superior rank.  
2 Be cautious, by way of Orthography, to write true English.  
3 And lastly, (what I have often instanced) let your Letters be succinct and pithy; A quality incommendable estimation and practice among our modern Secretaries; and no less pursued among the ancient Latins. For who in his familiar Epistles more succinct than Cicero? In Orations, and otherwise, who more profuse? The rest I leave to observation, easily enough to be acquired, since many of our Secretaries have a singular faculty in that kind. This I have written for such as want instructions; for those that be better able to help themselves, I shall be glad and thankful to be instructed by them. Non omnia possumus. I confess it incident to human imperfection, and to myself most peculiar. But Nihil est pudoris vel discere, vel melius addiscere. At least always so reputed by me.  
S. D. Laus Deo.  
FINIS.