THE ENGLISH Secretary. Wherein is contained, A PERFECT METHOD, for the inditing of all manner of Epistles and familiar Letters, together with their diversities, enlarged by examples under their several Titles. In which is laid forth a Pathwaye, so apt, plain and easy, to any learners capacity, as the like whereof hath not at any time heretofore been delivered. Now first devised, and newly published by ANGEL DAY. Altior fortuna Virtus. AT LONDON, ¶ Printed by Robert waldgrave, and are to be sold by Richard jones, dwelling at the sign of the Rose and the Crown, near unto Holburn Bridge. 1586. blazon or coat of arms VERO NIHIL VERIUS ¶ To the right Honourable Lord, EDWARD de VERE, Earl of Oxenford, Viscount Bulbeck, Lord Sandford and of Badelesmere, and Lord great Camberlaine of England, all Honour and happiness, correspondent to his most Noble de-sires, and in the commutation of this earthly being, endless joys and an everlasting habitation. ZEUXES endeavouring to paint excellent lie, made Grapes in show so natural, that presenting them to view men were deceived with their shapes and the birds with their colours. When Apelles drew Venus (though the show of beauty seemed wonderful) he daunted not in his workmanship, because he knew his cunning excellent. If in penning I were as skilful as the least of these in painting: I should neither faint to present a discourse to Alexander, nor to tell a tale to a Philosopher. My honourable L. the exceeding bounty wherewith your good L. hath ever wonted to entertain the deserts of all men, and very appearance of Nobility herself, well known to have reposed her delights in the worthiness of your stately mind warranteth me: almost, that I need not blush to recommend unto your courteous view, the first fruits of these my foremost labours, and to honour this present discourse with the memory of your everlasting worthiness. And albeit by the learned view and insight of your L. whose infancy from the beginning was ever sacred to the Muses, the whole course hereof may be found nothing such, as in the lowest part of the same may appear in any sort answerable to so great and forward excellence: and that the continuance of this slender substance, is in no point matchable to many things of greater science, passing under your honourable countenance: yet may your L. please to consider, that presents (not out of the rich store and plenty alone of the wealthiest) are always received as testimonies of regard, in the reputation of the mightiest: but sometimes trifles also ensuing of less ability, (not honoured or reputed of by their value, but by the generous estate and surpassing bounty of the receiver) are accounted of, most especially. For the shroud of my defence, that have so much dared upon presumption of your accustomed favour, to infix your honoured name in the forefront of this my travail: I can propoze no one in example unto your L. more worthy than yourself, who not unacquainted with the special parts and aeternized memory of them all, have long since endeavoured yourself to become a noble pattern of them all, the exemplifieng of whose praise, cannot by any speeches of mine, be herein more greatly put forwards, than the same long since hath been published by the renown of your own proper virtues. My humble request unto your L. is, that your gentle acceptance hereof may be an encouragement to my after endeavours, for whose sake I know the same shallbe of many regarded, and the insufficiency thereof the better protected. In which, besides the continual manifestation of your own worthiness, your L. shall bind me to honour you in all duty and humbleness, praying the eternal creator and guide of all your stately enterprises, to have the same with your L. in his favourable protection. Your L. most devoted and loyally affected. Angel Day. The Epistle to the courteous Reader. IT is now six years passed (courteous and gentle Reader) since importuned by the earnest requests of divers my especial friends, (more presuming on that they conceived to be in me than of the verity itself, that thereunto might induce me.) I took upon me in satisfaction of their great importunity, roughly to lay out a platform or Method, for the inditing and framing of all manner of Epistles and Letters, insomuch as for the confirmation of the necessity of the work, & the matter of their demand, they had then showed me many likelihoods and reasons, how much the same might profit, and how well of divers forts of people the travail might be accepted. The work being then superficially begun, without addition either of any regard or industry to the performance thereof (my self having greater desire to learn of others, then to become a special eye-mark to be noted of all others) as times and seasons altered, so the fancy and conceit thereof in me quickly changed, and the continuance of other exercises for the present more available, made me to forget, what therein I had before time promised, whereby the devise lay dead, and as matter of no account was ever sithence turned in oblivion. Nevertheless about one month afore Michaelmas last, the vacation having been long, & little to do, I ransacking divers bundles of old papers, among the rest found out this foremost & for worn beginning, and the Printer as then being by, and perusing what it was, told me also his opinion of the matter, & that he deemed the travail thereof to be more than thanks-worthie, & therewithal assured me would approve very necessary, whereupon his desire & persuasion was (as one greatly affecting the benefit of his country) that I would proceed on so good a ground, and so roundly went the progression of our arguments forward, that it was at length concluded & I faithfully promised, to finish some part thereof to be published in this instant term. But considering afterwards of the labour, and well perusing what before time I had therein done, the order thereof so far misliked me, as that I altogether resolved to alter the form thereby continued, & by such resolution enforced myself to begin anew, by occasion of which, the latter grew greater than before, and I was compelled by my faithful word and promise now to finish up that in haste, which before I could not frame myself to compass, upon long continued leisure. Many no doubt shall you find the imperfections herein, which aswell myself by overgreat haste (not having so well as I might and would, if leisure had served me) perfectly perused the same have happily omitted by lack of foresight, in setting the Printer a work, whereby I was (I protest) forced as fast as I could to scribble out the copy, and to deliver it to press, lest thereby he should be compelled to stay and hinder his work: as also by like default of over speedy dispatch in the Printer, thereby misplacing divers figures quoted in the magent, where they are either mistaken, or sometimes not used in those places at all. In occurrence whereof I desire the learned Reader, as he shall find to correct, and the other users thereof to bear withal, promising that in the next setting forth, the same with better regard shall be considered, and God sparing life with more perfection delivered, the residue of the faults being not many are in the page after this placed down and corrected. And now touching the order of this book following, I must advertise him that is desirous to take profit thereby, that he first do circumspectly consider with himself, the several rules in the particular chapters, preceding the orders of these EPISTLES, in such sort as afterwards they are distinguished, and therein see, what to the better ordering and principal direction, of whatsoever he shall take in hand to write, is therefore for his better instruction enjoined. Next also by diligent animadversion thereof, he shall the better understand the several natures and properties, that in the parts of every EPISTLE, are ordinarily to be required, besides the use of them in their several places, and what force they bear, being so sorted out, according to their special purposes and directions. Next for the better inducement & leading the learner into a plain & perfect platform of this METHOD following, and to the intent he may as near as may be, or as his capacity at leastwise may any ways reach unto, know skilfully & not by rote, how or in what sort he shall happen to do either well or ill, I have first (in a preamble or intermixed discourse, either proceeding or interchangeably passing, before or with the kinds of the sundry examples of every EPISTLE) declared the properties & use of those EPISTLES, upon what parts and places, they and every of them do consist, with what vehemency or less application they are to be inferred or qualified, so that he who seemeth to have less knowledge at all (be it that he have perseverance to conceive or to distinguish the parts he seethe there laid out before his eyes) may with great facility, and without any show of difficulcy at all, attain to whatsoever, herein prescribed, or by the circumstance thereof intended to be in any sort delivered. To the greater ornament whereof, I have applied such FIGURES, SCHEMES, and TROPES in the margin of every EPISTLE, even with the places where they are used. And at the finishing up of this work, have determined in the end thereof (which in the next term shall as a second part hereunto by god's grace be published) to set them altogether, and there to explain to the Learners view and for his readier use, their particular natures and qualities, that they who (being unlearned, and having a pretty conceit of invention of themselves) have heretofore unknowing done well, may see how with skill and discretion hereafter to pursue the same, and the ignorant also hereof, whose reach hath not been so ample as others, may be thereby informed what unto well doing is most consonant & agreeing. Now for the readier finding of those EPISTLES as each of their kinds are suited forth in sundry EXAMPLES: Peruse but the head of every page, and under the title of the book, you shall find what in the same Page is contained, viz. Where the EPISTLES be, you shall have them noted in their kinds, as Epistles hortatory, dehortatory, SWASORIE or DISSWASORIE, etc. & likewise in the admixtions, you shall find, PLACES or PARTS hortatory, commendatory, petitory, etc. as they fall out to be handled. This book showing these parts before remembered, I have termed by the name of THE ENGLISH SECRETARY, being in the consideration thereof nothing ignorant what great perfection is to be required in such a one, by whose title the same is christened, neither supposing the matter herein contained to appear so sufficient, as perfectly thereby to enable what in the same function is to be required, but because the orderly writing of Letters, being a principal part belonging to a SECRETARY, is by the METHOD hereof delivered to any Learners capacity, whereout the scholar or any other that is unfurnished of the knowledge thereof, may gather aid and furtherance, the better by such means thereafter (if his industry serve thereunto) to become a SECRETARY. And for so much as this, being but the first part thereof, is also the first work in show that ever I delivered, I determined as untimely fruit by occasion of the hasty gathering of the same, to put it forth in common taste, the rather to be satisfied what liking it carrieth. The release whereof being of the discrete and skilful sort allowed, to furnish a place in any one corner of their banquet: The other part heerefater shall I trust with better liking return, in the after publishing, & to the followers thereof, right pleasing and profitable. Herein (over and beside the Chapters giving instruction as aforesaid to the METHOD of these Letters) is only two kinds of EPISTLES with their several parts particularly handled, that is to say, DEMONSTRATIVE & DELIBERATIVE. The second part shall contain JUDICIAL and FAMILIAR LETTERS, and at the end of the same, the descriptions of the FIGURES, SCHEMES and TROPES, as before I have noted, and lastly thereunto annexed a Discourse of the parts and office of a SECRETARY, all which Godwilling I mean by all convenient leisure to perform. Presenting in the mean time what herein set down to the general and friendly regard of all men, beseeching that in courtesy they repute of my travels, as foremost of all other things I therein respected a public benefit. In affording whereof, they sha● 〈◊〉 more than belongeth to Gentility, & scourage me by whatsoever other means, to gratify their courtesy. Far ye well this fift of November. 1586. Faults escaped in printing. Faults. Correction. Page. Line. there the 3 6 least. last 34 3● ingeneralitie nigeralitie 35 26 affection affectation 38 15 forced farced 39 2 that he is superfluous idem 10 is are 41 7 he we 66 10 force face idem 27 Magnanimous Magnanimous 68 1 too so idem 12 gleanesse gladness 71 28 it is not that it is 212 24 conciliatory consolatory 211 in the title of an Epistle. The residue the learned Reader may correct with discretion. A Table mentioning the Contents of this present Book. Of an Epistle, the commodities and use thereof. ● What is to be respected in framing of an Epistle. 3 Of brevity required in an Epistle. ● Of comeliness to be observed aswell touching the p●rson as the cause. 13 Of● the habit and parts of an Epistle 18 Of contents gener all incident to all manner of Epistles. 23 divers orders of greetings, farewells and subscriptions. 24 Of superscriptions and directions. 30 Additions of other things to be considered. 34 The division of Letters, and under what titles all sorts of Epistles are contained. 41 Epistles descriptory▪ and the parts thereof. 43 An example of a letter descriptory of a City. 45 An example of the state of a country. 48 An example describing the death of a Noble man. 49 A discourse of the parts of those Epistles. 53 An example of advertisements. 56 Places of praise or dispraise. 5▪ 9.60 Places of Confirmation and confutation. 61.62. An example Lawdatorie solely touching the person. 63 An Epistle Vituperatorie touching also the person. 73 Praise and dispraise of the deeds of men. 79.80.81.82. Of Epistles Deliberative. 83 Efficacy of Praise. 84 Places of Exhortation. 85.86 An example of an Epistle exhortatory. 87 A letter responsory to the same. 92 Epistle hortatory to the study of Learning. 94 Epistle hortatory wherein the exhortation is lenefied. 100 Advertisements responsory. 105 Epistle hortatory to the profession of arms. 107 Places dehortatory, or of withdrawing from any thing. 113 An example dehortatory from infidelity or rebellion. 114 Difference between suasory, and hortatory Examples. 121 An example suasory, wherein a Gentlewoman is counseled to marriage. 122 Places Swasori● or of persuading. 126.27.28 Examples Swasorie to the careful regard of one brother to another. 129 A Letter responsory to the same Epistle. 132 Epistle Swasorie to perseverance in learned and profitable studies. 135 Places Diswasorie, or counseling from a thing. 138.39.40.41.42 And example Diswasorie, dissuading one from the marriage of his daughter to an old wealthy miser. 143 Epistle Diswasorie from vices in general. 148 Epistle Diswasorie from ent●ing into an action dangerous. 151. Places conciliatory, or means to induce favour. 158. Epistle conciliatory from one of good account to his inferior. 159. Epistle conciliatory from one equal to an other. 160. Epistle responsory annswering the first of these letters. 162. Epistle responsory to the latter. 163. Places reconciliatory or of reconciliation. 164. Example reconciliatory from one friend to an other. 165. Epistle reconciliatory from an inferior to his better. 168. Places petitory or of requiring suing or entreating. 169.70.71. Example petitory in a cause indifferent. 172. Example petitory in the nature of reconciliation from a son to his father. 174 Epistle petitory for travel and council in an urgent cause. 177. An other of the same. 178. A letter responsory thereunto. 179. Epistle Peti torie of an other manner of request. 180. An other of the like effect. 181. another Example to the same purpose. 167. Places commendatory or recommending of persons. 185. An example commendatory from a mean person to a noble man. 186 Letter responsory to the same. 187. another Epistle commendatory. 188. An Example commendatory from a noble man to his inferior. 194. An other from a noble man in preferrment of his servant. 195. An other from the same, in favour of justice. 192. An example responsory of denial to any of these. 193. An other, wherein is allowance given to the demand. 19●. The third, wherein is doubtful acceptante made of the same. 196. A Letter commendatory pleasantly conceited in recommending an unprofitable servant. 198. Places consolatory or of comforting in distress. 200.201.202.203. An example consolatory upon the death of a son. ●04. Epistle consolatory in causes of hard extremity. 201. Epistle consolatory on the death of her husband. 211. Parts consolatory. 217.218. Epistle consolatory pleasantly written. 219. Epistle responsory to be conferred to the Epistles consolatory. 222. Places monitory forewarning or discommending a thing 223.24.25.26. Example monitory to a stated and well governed life. 227. Epistle monitory to the reformation of a covetous life. 231. Epistle monitory to a father to prevent his sons lewd demeanour. 229 Parts amatory or of love: The discourse whereof including letters s●●●ed upon divers sond●ie effects, continueth to the end of the book. Almost all of which Epistles before set down were ●owe suddenly by the Author ordered and invented to their several examples. ¶ THE ENGLISH Secretary. CHAP. I. Of an Epistle, the commodity and use thereof. TOuching an Epistle, which usually we term a letter, no other definition needeth thereof, then that which use and common experience hath induced unto us. Definition of a letter. A Letter therefore is that wherein is expressye conveyed in writing, the intent and meaning of one man, immediately to pass and be directed to an other, and for the certain respects thereof, is termed the messenger and familiar speech of the absent: for that all occurrences whatsoever, are thereby as faithfully advertised, pursued▪ and debated▪ as firmly might fall out in any personal presence or other wise to be remembered. The long use of letters. The ancient use whereof is such, as from the beginning (since characters were first found) hath had his continuance, and ever since as a faithful and secret Ambassador hath remained, of him from whom the foremost title hath had his direction and framing. Their diversities are sundry, as whereof ensueth a platform to every motion, Epistles divers. being in truth so manifold, as are the imaginations of each man's fantasy, seeing that the declaration of every Letter is no more, than what the mind in all occasions willeth to have performed, and according to such instigations, wherewith at that instant men are fed, when they writ, taketh his formal substance, whether it be to require, council, exhort, command, inform, commend, entreat, confirm, or whatsoever other intent determination or purpose therein had, as cause and matter may fall out to be in any sort required. To grow into the particularities of every benefit received by the common use hereof, and the commodity thereby ensuing, what might be said more, then that which by due course every man hath almost in practise. If you ask of the learned, the universal contentment recerued thereby, expressed in sundrytheir authorities will testify, who the rather to advance the efficacy hereof, have by divers methods and orders prescribed in writing, set down the perfect instruction, use and mean, whereby men the rather may be induced to the skilful perfection that in a matter of such excellency is to be required. For besides that the Epistles of Cicero, Writers of Epistles. Lucian, Politiaen, and others are plentifully extant, some also of the thoysest and best learned of late years, have endeavoured by writing to publish in the Latin tongue, their sundry methods touching the same, among whom Erasmus, evermore famous for his studies, and Macropedius at large. Lodovicus vives, and Heg●ndorphimus, learnedly, yet briefly, each of them well approving the goodness, in that by several rules they have distinguished the diversities, ground and skilful directions thereof. To dwell in tedious discourses were but frivolous, although others might in like manner be alleged in examples as copious. But now, if you will demand of the unlearned, they then to whom the want hereof breedeth so divers imperfections, as with many wishes they could desire to be amended, knowing how grievous it is to participate their most secret causes to an other, and to lay up their chiefest trust in the affiance of an others credit, can be wray unto you. And although pregnant wit ensuing by nature, was th● 〈◊〉 cause that first bred the invention of letters. And that every man naturally can speak and set down his own meaning, yet Art prevailing in the cause, and by cunning skill marshalling every thing in his due order, proportion and place, how much more the same is then beautified, adorned, and as it were into a new shape transmuted, by such kind of knowledge, the difference that daily appeareth may yield proof sufficient. CAP. II. What is chief to be respected in framing of an Epistle. FOR somuch as by the necessary use of letters before laid down, a commendable manner of writing & orderly framing the same, hath in some sort been already remembered: it shall not be amiss in continuing the intended order hereof, that in this chapter we do now more fully endeavour to answer the purpose, therein supposed. For the better manifestation of which, & to the intent the ignorant and studious herein, may by degrees be led to the attaining of that which unto the matter thereof may be approved most convenient: I have first thought good to draw unto your consideration, certain special points in this action of all other principally to be regarded. Three notes to be observed in Epistles. It shall then beseem that for such performance the better to enable him whose forwardness requireth the same, these three notes in writing of all manner of Epistles be chief admitted. First aptness of words & sentences respecting that they be neat and choisly picked, Aptness, brevity & come lines principally required in letters orderly laid down & cunningly handled, next brevity of speech according in matter & dilation to be framed upon whatsoever occurrent: lastly comeliness in deliverance, concerning the person and cause, whereupon is intended the direction to be framed. These three, as they are seldom in our common use of writing, Comeliness in deliverance. among the ignorant at any time pursued, so unto him that desireth by skilful observation and practise, to become therein more wary and circumspect, are greatly available to be used. And that we may the more conveniently distinguish each part of these properties in sort as they are to be followed, we will first in the course of this Chapter examine and lay out the several distinctions, wherein this kind of aptness is principally to be considered. As nothing therefore in the common use and conversation of men deserveth more praise, then that which is well ordered, Aptness of words wherein to be considered. and according to the time place and presence usually appointed and discreetly furnished: so in this matter of writing Epistles, nothing is more disordered, fond, or vain, then for any one, of a thing well done, to take forth a precedent, and think to make unto himself thereof a common platform for every other accident, who with out consideration of the gravity or lightness of the cause he taketh in hand (much like unto a foolish Shoemaker, that making his shoes after one fashion, quantity and proportion: Ill imitators. supposeth the same forthwith of ability fit to serve every man's foot) includeth in like sort a common method unto every matter. Such imitators who rather by rote then reason make havoc of wit with purchase of small discretion, by such unnecessary capitulations, being often times far different from their own intended purposes, are better prepared to deliver unto view, Horace. Satire. the ridiculous Pike of Horace with an Ass' head monstrously shaped, whereat the Readers may laugh, and every one may sport, then certainly to manifest their argument with such correspondent speeches as thereunto may be deemed incident. To avoid this so great and hard an imperfection, it shall specially behove him that endeavoureth well to write, advisedly with himself first to consider, The foremost motion, in ducing argument. the foremost motion inducing argument to the cause whereof he is intended to ●ebate, and being well studied and read in the purest and best kind of writers, (whereof great plenty do now remain in our English tongue) seek to frame his invention accordant to the example herein for that purpose (or to the like effect) before him delivered, not in the self same speeches, but in the self same order (the intendment whereof was not otherwise laid down, but only to such end, and for the like observation) which order being distinguished in the several parts of every Epistle, shall conduct the follower, to what end, and upon what occasion, each matter therein was in that sort particularly framed. Next let him deliberate with himself, Of what validity the same shallbe. how much or how greatly importeth the matter he taketh in hand, to whom he writeth the same, and what in the handling thereof it shall principally concern, that according to the validity or forceles conceit of the same, the matter of his Epistle by aptness of words may be measured and composed. Hereon lieth the chiefest maight & burden of each man's discretion, whereunto opportunity also seemeth a thing so necessary to be adjoined, as labouring the one perfectly, and attending the other circumspectly, I see no reason, but he that can frame himself to the variety of these, may with greater facility reach unto the rest, the better to enable himself hereafter if advancement draw him to it to become a Secretary. And in as much as Letters are only messengers of each man's intendments, Time, place and opportunity. it shallbe as apt unto every one, as any aptness of words in any of them to be delivered, to take notice of time and place, needful to give opportunity to whatsoever in such occasions by him continually to be handled, the necessary consideration whereof, because the same also somewhat hereunto importeth, I will in place convenient, where more at large the same may be required, endeavour to enlarge it, pursuing in the mean time as in this Chapter intended, the purposes therein to be considered. Now the matter and importance of your letter thus deliberately advised, Form of delivery. the best form and manner of delivery, shall then, next to the same be considered. Wherein it appeareth that kind of writing to have been deemed always most excellent that in sentences is most exquisite, in words of best choice, and the same most effectual, which to the argument, place, time, and person, is most meet and appertinent, which entreating of high matters is weighty, in meaner causes neat and pliable, in the lowest pleasant and more familiar, in jesting that procureth cause of delight, in praising commendable, in stirring vehement and bold, in advising gentle and friendly, in persuasion sententious, and using gravity, in narration plain and resolute, in requiring shamefast, in commending officious, in prosperous causes glad, in troubles serious and more sad. And finally, that attemparating unto every circumstance their sundry motions, in such fashion and order as unto the matter thereof is most consonant, can most fitly and readily deliver the same upon whatsoever occasion to be ordered. And herein is especially to be considered, that of what validity or invalidity soever, the matter to be discoursed or written of may appear, Choice and best kind of speech. and to whomsoever of high mean or low account the same shall pass or be directed, that the aptness of speech be therein so deemed, as the choicest and best manner of speaking may to every of these occasions be admitted. For a weighty cause, and common direction, may not all in one kind of terms be delivered, neither is it fit that in a letter framed to one of good calling, a man should there in deal with him in speeches: as when he directeth his servant to seeth a piece of saltfish, or dress a mess of pottage, but such shallbe the style as is the account of the party to whom it must go, Such the style as the party in account to whom it goeth. and the weight of the cause that is to be handled, that is lofty when it is required, neat, pliable, or more mean, if so it ought to be respected, only providing that whatsoever or to whom soever we writ, we always give ourselves as near as may be, to the most likely and best kind of deliverance, avoiding all niceness and far fet fines to be used therein, the matter hereof being but such, as if a man would by orderly speech, either weightily, gravely, pleasantly, or familiarly, discourse or commune of his affairs respectively, touching the person & cause, and in no point otherwise. This only difference in letters as in all other speeches, that each man study for his endeavour to write commendably, as in speech he gaineth most praise that speaketh most excellently. CAP. III. Of Brevity. THe next observation in an epistle is, the we do accustom ourselves unto brevity of speech. What brevity is. This kind of brevity is not as some undiscreetly have imagined, that which consisteth in fewness of lines, and shortness of room in show of a side of paper, but brevity of matter, wherein scope sufficient remaining for the necessary demonstration and delivery of any needful occasion, men are barred from frivolous circumstances, and especially enjoined therein to abhor all manner of tediousness. For which cause some and those a good sort, have been, whose opinions have affirmed that continuance of matter ought not to be used in a letter, for that the nature of an Epistle is thereby barred, and it rather taketh upon it the habit of an oration, than an epistle To this kind of continuance are subject epistles, petitory, and hortatory, such also as in commendation or vituperation of a thing or person are consequently framed, the occasions whereof do many times invite greater suggestions, Toleration of continuance. and far larger circumstances, for approbation or diminution then any other, according as cause and matter is in each of them requieed. The toleration of which notwithstanding ineither of these (besides also that it is both very meet, and greatly necessary in such an Epistle) both examples of many learned users thereof, and warrant of common custom have given argument sufficient, insomuch as for the better manifestation either of the goodness or badness incident to any of those causes, it seemeth of greatest furtherance, and thereunto most convenient. And albeit the length of such kind of letters may sometimes peradventure amount to so gross substance, as may rather appear to be a discourse then an Epistle, yet in perusing the effects thereof it may fall out that little or nought at all may happily be found, that shallbe beyond or beside the matter: whereon such district examination having passed, Brevity in plenty of deliverance. and nothing therein deemed unnnecessarie to the argument, me thinks even in that plenty of deliverance also, the brevity here in required should nothing at all be omitted. For who knoweth not that is but meanly learned, that when to be brief is commended in writing, it is thereby always intended, that a man, with (only necessary) speeches may be pardoned to deliver his meaning: neither is it without the limits of brevity when aptly and at full the same shallbe in this sort reported. And for the better declaration unto the ignorant, how far the conceit hereof may be induced only in writing of letters, I will first limit what may be accounted necessary therein, and afterward endeavour to lay down how contrary thereunto, men as well in the use as neglecting thereof, have heretofore erred. Necessary speeches I do accomp, twhatsoever is set down for the plain and open delivery of every occasion, Necessary speech what it is. to th'intent the mind of the writer, and what he pursueth may aptly, and in good and ready sort be plainly conceived. The repugnancy hereof is, when either with insufficient terms, or too much curtolling our arguments in conceit to avoid tediousness, or otherwise with often iterating, never thinking to have spoken sufficiently of a matter, either to induce remembrance, or put forward our meaning, we abbreaviate or amplify our Epistles: and when some others also of a conceit more curious than necessary, striving to excel in variety of sentences, and copy of words coined all of one suit, think therefore in paining themselves to write more than needs, to be counted more eloquent. These imperfections as each of them in truth are far different from that (necessary) herein required, so are they indeed to be blamed, and each of them (where the defect remaineth) with study to be amended. He therefore that desireth to be an imitator of these directions, let him first be warned especially, that as the rocks of Scylla, he do abandon all kind of strange and unused terms, (strange I mean for their insufficiency in not according to the matter) tying himself in such sort to brevity, as that the argument of his Epistle, lie not so obscure, that it rather seemeth a riddle, needing some Oedipus to interpret it, than a formal declaration of his meaning, behemently giving himself to avoid all superfluity of words, Iterations and superfluity to be avoided. frivolous and vain repetitions, wherein one and the self same thing is iterated, still spoken of, and continually enforced, Let him always suppose that in delivering of any matter, the best observation is, in playness sort that may be, to lay down th' effects, inferring afterwards, lessening or proving, what unto the weight of the argument may be thought most correspondent, not regarding so much to have choice of words as perfection of sentences, and those not unnecessary, or amplified superfluously over and beside the needful setting forth of the matter. Overmuch more tolerable, then curtold brevity. The error of this (overmuch) hath been so common to many men, as those who have not been supposed unlearned, have many times by a rife and plentiful conceit of invention, eftsoons incurred the same: but not in one kind with the others. The fault whereof in them hath many ways been the less imputed, because by skill, and learned discretion they have been able not unorderly to put down the same: In which action of theirs, divers the most excellent have been of opinion, that in choice of two extremities, the more rather than the less, might therein with greater praise be admitted. To constrain a Giants foot within a child's shoe, were both ridiculous for the possibility, and insufficient for the wearing: for that of necessity the most part must be disfurnyshed, the shade of the whole foot being altogether yet untouched: much more tolerable were it of the twain, to cast the Giants garment upon an infant's shoulders, the show whereof, albeit boisterous, and the carriage tedious, yet the attire being of the finer stuff, there may be drawn thereof many good parts, to the fashioning of a more seemly garment, and remain afterwards as pleasing to the beholders, as comely for the wearers. Among many that myself have known and often ●rd of, Affectation of too much brevity. that in most wonderful and serious manner ●e affected this obscure or rather enigmatical kind brevity, wherein not so much as the least part of the ●tter shall be almost discovered. I do remember a ettie jest, that I have often heard repeated of pleasant ● learned Skelton, which being not altogether imper●ent to this purpose, it shall not be amiss for the rea●s recreation, briefly to have discovered, and thus it ●s. There is besides Saint Alban's a place called ●argate which sometimes was a Priory of nuns, ●d joined not far from the Abbey there. A pleasant conceit. To this reli●ous Priory belonged a Mill, the watercourse where, came from the Abbey, and upon some displeasure, or ●noiance done to the Abbey grounds, grew to be stopped. The Lady Prioress of the Nonnerye, seeing her alfe thus highly injured, and bearing no stomach to argue the matter with the Abbot, hasteneth by licence to ●e Court, meaning to acquaint the king with her cause, ●nd from him to seek redress: where encountering with ● kelton, she communicateth to him her counsel, and requires in brief manner to have the king thereof aduer●sed, by his skilful devise in writing, whereupon Skel●on wrote, and the Lady misliked. It was too much, and ●he king importuned with serious affairs, would never ●eruse it, why said Skelton: shall I not deliver to the ●King the state of your cause, what else answered the Lacye: But I will have it most brief, in three words if ●t were possible. The conceited scholar perceiving her humor, wrote immediately as followeth. Humbly complaineth to your high estate, The Lady Prioress of Margate. etc. Two lines more were contained in this petition, the conveyance whereof being pithy, yet including words (perhaps of worse interpretation) then by the verity the authors meaning might in truth be conjectured, ha● since the publishing hereof upon farther consideration been thought meet for modesty's sake to be left out. But the Lady having by this time espied good ● portunitie, rest the writing, and viewing the quantity and not the substance, only pleased with the brevity she presented it to the king: who for the novelty of t● show red it with pleasure, and redressed it with liking. T● conceit indeed was pretty, and so much the more apt, ● cause so apilie it fitted the purpose, which by no mea● could so well be informed in so short room, but by so ple● saunt a conveyance, as thereby was mentioned, the in● spection whereof (he well knew) might be an occasi● (as it was in truth) to obtain respite for the suitor to in● form the rest. But this invention is not common, & the● fore seldom happeneth to purpose. But now for our superfluous intrudors without either wit or discretion, Superfluous intrudors without skill or wit. who carrying blunt conceits of their ow● do never think to have spoken enough of a thing without since or six times at the least, they return it and repeat i● again and again in a letter: and that their meanings are never to be comprehended but in over large deliverance, making sometimes three or four letters in one, not knowing in the end which way they came in or whe● to go out. It were a sport to see what odd kind of stuff, ● those hammer headed creatures could produce, whose inventions being more pliable to their common exercises, then adapted to writing of Epistles, I willingly do let● pass, wishing only that the most towardly wits of all sorts, in their young years trained up in any part of learning, when they come to that ripeness to use their capacities, do rather enure themselves to the best form and manner of writing, either by instruction delivered, or by order prescribed, then to follow the common custom whereunto by confirmed ignorance they may be with more facility induced, holding for firm●, by enhabling themselves to the skilful handling of this practice, to be especially evermore enjoined, that leaving too much prolixity, they do endeavour to become brief, and eschewing too much brevity, they writ not obscurely, or rather so curtal their deliverance as no sense remaineth, whereunto who so bindeth himself, shall by reasonable exercise in short time, attain to such ready performance as in the parts of this method hath been so specially required. CAP. FOUR Of comeliness to be observed as well touching the person as the cause. TWo especial notes have already been debated, respectively to be considered in the framing of an epistle, aptness of words, and brevity of speech: now then to the third observation, which here I have concluded under this word decorum, Decorum, what it is. named in english comely, or that which fitteth or best beseemeth how or which way soever. This kind of comeliness or beseeming (as well as in any other behaviour) being herein of like principal and most choice regard, extendeth to the consideration of the person to whom, and of the cause whereof we mean at any time to write. In account of the person, is to be respected, first the estate and reputation of the party, Person, to whom we writ, and the cause. as whether he be our better, our equal, or inferior, next the lightness or gravity, as whether he be old, young, learned, unskilful, pleasant, sage, stately, gentle, sequestered from affairs, busied: or of what disposition, show, or profession soever he be, that according thereunto, the method of his Epistle may immediately be ordered. In these estates of betternes, equality, or infeririour calling, the excellency or debasement of each of them, shallbe measured to remain, according to the credit, countenance, estate, or dignity of him, from whom the letter is framed, and by so much the more shall surmount or be lessened in just account, by how much the nearer or farther of, each man is in calling to him, unto whom he taketh upon him to write, wherein a man may assoon overshoot himself by being too much officious, as bewray his ill nurture, in not becoming sufficiently obsequious. Lightness or gravity, of those to whom we writ. In lightness or gravity of a man, we shall chief have regard to his authority or profession, for neither all things to all men are convenient, nor one thing to every man may easily be adapted. In one kind we frame our letters to old men, in an other sort to young, one way to sad and grave persons, an other to light or young fellows, one platform to Courtiers, an other to Philosophers. To honourable personages with duty reserved, according to their calling, to our betters evermore with submission, to our equals friendly, to strangers courteously, to our acquaintance familiarly, to our inferiors benignly and favourably, to our friends lovingly, to our enemies sharply, and nippingly, and finally to all kind of persons according to their estate government, profession, or quality. The person being now thus fully considered upon, we shall then have next regard to our cause, 'Cause to be considered: the conveyance whereof shall rest in the proper substance of all our argument to be written of: Needful shall it be therefore, that the cause be evermore measured according to the party's appearance, his credit or worthiness, that the validity thereof be answerable unto the one & the others goodness or greatness, that the intendment be sound, lawful, and to no evil purposes, that it contain not matter of scurrilitte, filthy and base kind of villainy, that the very decorum required in all kind of writers, be herein observed most principallte. And finally, avoiding all unseemly and bad kind of deliverances erepugnant to civility, that nothing therein be found that may be deemed ill sitting, or otherwise than beseemeth a direction so worthy. This decorum, the very direct square and measure whereof, conduceth all things with such exquisite performance, as whereunto never afterward ensueth any just reprehension, Horace de arte poetica. willeth (as Horace in his book de arte poetica excellently delivereth) that unto every thing be given his true nature, colour and proportion, aswell with pen as pencil, abhorring as monstrous, and enemy unto skill, what otherwise unadvisedly shall be portrayed or described, by reason whereof, whatsoever carrieth with itself a just decorum, is said to be neat, apt, and comely, the contrary whereof as altogether impugned, is said to be unmeet or unseemly. And in somuch as this decorum is a word among sundry that are unlearned, more often repeated then many times well understood: I will somewhat declare what order the same beareth, in this kind of proportion. It is therefore in an Epistle a singular Decorum, when of a common and mean cause we yield common and plain speeches: An indecorum again, when upon a gross conceit: a trifling toy a matter of no value, we seek to frame high and lofty sentences. To a person of mean condition, Decorum willeth in writing we give a mean regard, Decorum & indecorum. and a great Indecorum it shallbe to a person of greater account, not to give sufficient and due regard. A matter of gravity delivered with weight, a matter of sorrow reported with grief, a matter of pastime discoursed with pleasure, a matter of folly intermingled with laughter, do each show the decorum therein contained, and what agreement falleth out in every several description, where contrariwise, to a person sorrowful to write of jests, to talk learnedly unto a clown, to salute an old man with childish fantasies, in causes of common wealth to advance trifles, what thing more absurd or greater matter of indecorum, can be found placed in any writing. I do remember where once I did see an Enbleme, Enblemata, Alciat. of Alciat in counterfeit by a cunning workman excellently depainted, and thus it was: A man by his finger on his mouth remaining mute, yet very gravely clav, not otherwise deciphered but by his apparel and countenance, the inscription thus showed. Cum tacet, haud quicquam differt sapientibus amens, Stultitiae est index linquaque voxque suae. When men stand mute what difference remains, Twixt mad, and those whom wisdom rules at beck: The tongue it is, that yields or else restrains, The perfect show of wit, or follies check. And no marvel for that folly herself laid forth in wisdoms garments, who will doubt that heareth no● her utterance, but that her speech will sound to great purpose, and like to the habit import matter of great gravity. For this cause seeing before speech had, which is the true note, and testimony either of wisdom or folly, all men in their several callings are holden indifferent, yet do we see that when such men are discerned by their speech, forthwith there falleth a separation, and the reverence that all men for the most part yield to discretion, maketh sufficient appearance, what regard skilful utterance beareth from such hateful folly. And sith common experience (according to their effects and conditions) giveth almost unto every person, what to say and speak, whereby they are not greatly discerned, until in matters more weighty they are employed: yet how much more in use of writing, the difference thereof shall sooner be made, in yielding forth a certain trial of every man's discretion, according to the several occurrents whereof he shall be occasioned to invite, I leave to every man's practise to sound, and to the understanding of the gravest to conceive. Now then, for somuch as hereby appeareth, that only trial yieldeth difference of each man's ability, Trial only maketh difference of wisdom or folly. and what by nature he is most pliable unto, whether wisdom or folly: and that by how much the nearer each one for his endeavour, seeketh to attain the perfection by such means required, whereby the fineness of each wit is the more thoroughly sifted, by so much the more he is to be regarded, accounted of, and especially commended. It shall behove each one in framing his Letters (seeing Letters also are but a formal kind of mutual talk, both speech and writing, serving only to declare a man's meaning) to endeavour according to the weight or lightness of the cause to contrive his actions, that they be such as wherein this decorum both in person and matter may be embraced, and the repugnancy thereof to be utterly avoided: the ready mean of which, he shall the sooner attain unto, by diligent regard had, and due observation of those three especial notes heretofore already remembered. And now to the residue in the discourse following, touching the method of these Epistles, to be in order pursued. Of the habit and parts of an Epistle. SEeing an Epistle hath cheeflye his definition hereof, in that it is termed the familiar and mutual talk of one absent friend to an other: Character of an Epistle general. it seemeth the Character thereof, should according thereunto be simple, plain, and of the lowest and meanest style, utterly devoid of any shadow of high and lofty speeches: yet nevertheless forsomuch as in the argument of a great many of them (whose several distinctions hereafter shall appear) is required a more high and lofty deliverance, partaking many ways with that kind accustomed in Orations, and is therefore accordingly to be necessarily furnished with the points thereunto incident: we will for the present, sort all kind of Epistles only into these two manner of differences, the one part whereof shall be said to be general, and the other special. Under this title of general shall be comprehended all such, Epistles distinguished into general and special. as either for fashion's sake, custom, duty, courtesy, or other familiarity do ordinarily pass from one part to an other, rather of a pleasant conceit, or some other more district or severe motion, then of any extraordinary cause, form, or substance in either of them contained. Such are those as whom either long acquaintance or ancient familiarity, have caused interchangeably to have performed: or fatherly reverence, and servile duty have bound, Letters general are familiar. by grave authority over children, kindred or servants, accustomably to be continued. These, for the common and ordinary matter in every of them used, being utterly exempt from any weight or gravity at all, are rightly termed by the name of familiar letters. They now that be special are such, the matter of whom (as I said before) do admit both higher style and more orderly deliverance, according to the weight of the argument, in any of them to be handled: Letters special. and for this cause are termed special, as bearing in them a resolute purpose and intendment seriously to discourse, answer, imply or avoid, any certain matter or causes, importing the present affairs whereupon the direction is framed. Of them also are certain divisions, learnedly by skilful authors that heretofore have been distinguished, the titles whereof I do omit, in an other place then this more opportune to be hereafter remembered. These as they are from the others many ways estranged in their several arguments: so unto the conveyance and expressing of their causes, appertaineth both other order, and divers parts in them (then in the residue) more fully to be considered. In whose composition, that there may be a perfect platform gathethered of a more certain proceeding, we will as others have thought meet, distinguish their several parts as they fall out to be borrowed in an Oration. And whereas aswell in all kind of writing and speaking, le tters where in is continuance of matter. wherein is or may be required any continuance of matter, it is very necessary that whosoever should take upon him to answer the effects limited and agreeing to the same, be therefore ready furnished and prepared accordingly, it shall not be amiss herein to bring unto the reader's consideration, what may be deemed unto the accomplisment thereof, either of greatest furtherance or of most necessity, by knowledge whereof, he may be the sooner settled in that hereafter may be unto him prescribed to be followed. In such kind therefore of Epistles, exactly and with good perfection to be handled, the learner shall understand, that there are three things, by means whereof, for the needful expressing and orderly delivery of any matter whatsoever, he must of necessity be furnished. Invention Invention first, wherein plentifully is searched and considered, what kind of matter, how much variety of sentences, what sorts of figures, how many similitudes, what approbations, diminutions, insinuations and circumstances are presently needful, or furthering to the matter in handling. Disposition. Then Disposition, whereby is orderly, cunningly, and perfectly laid down and disposed, every matter and cause in his due order, Eloqwotin. proportion & place. Thirdly Elocution, whose efficacy in speeches, neat, pure and elegant, is in the other Chapter under aptness of words sufficiently already described. The first and the last of these three, as they are greatly put forward by nature, which in some being far more curious of imitation and study of the best, then in other some, whose will and conceit alike, do (by a very instinct) affect and covet far more base purposes: so besides the furtherance continually achieved by often use of reading, shall herein be greatly helped, in that for the self same purpose, and to the intent the learner may aswell in his native tongue, know the right use of figures & tropes heretofore never by him understood, as also discern and v●e them, out of others and in his own writings. I have at the latter end of this book, Helps to Invention and Elocution. gathered together, all such Figures, Schemes, and Tropes here unto needful and convenient, and there have by sundry familiar examples expressed their uses and several effects, bewraying also unto the learners eyes, when any of them are used, and to what purpose in every of the Epistles following, by noting them in the margin of the same. In diligent conceit and adverting whereof, the use unto the practizer, shall in short time be found greatly available, by the benefit thereby attained. Now in as much as Elocution, is annexed unto the style, which evermore is also tied to the argument and substance of every Epistle: Style of Epistles special. it is to be regarded what style may generally be deemed meetest for the common habit wherein each of them may ordinarily be published. In the recording whereof, we do find three sorts, especially in all kinds of writing and speaking, to have been generally commended. Sublime, the highest and statelyest manner, and loftiest deliverance of any thing that may be, Sublime, Humile and Mediocre. expressing the heroical and mighty actions of Kings, Princes, and other honourable personages, the style whereof is said to be tragical, swelling in choice, and those the most hautiest terms, commended, described, amplified and preferred also by Orators, with many excellent Figures and places of Rhetoric. Humile, the lowest comical, and most simple of all others, the matter whereof is the meanest subject of any argument that may be, entermedlinge in common causes, advertisements, and mutual effects of every one, the style whereof sweepeth even the very ground itself, and is fittest appropriate to our familiar Letters, for that in such familiar causes and manners the same is solely perfected, in which nevertheless is Sua faceties & elegantia quaedam, his certain kind of elegancy, pleasant and neat conveyance, not altogether to be sequestered from that kind of deliverance. Mediocre, a mean betwixt high and low, vehement and slender, too much and too little as we say, in which are expressed histories, Declamatious, Commentaries, and other intermingled actions, not of any in particular, but of all in general, this style of all others may be adopted unto these special kind of Epistles. Thus than it followeth that whether we writ familiarly, Skilful use of writing. or waightily, we must endeavour as near as may be that each be performed skilfully, for that to neither of them may want learning, without the knowledge whereof, what ornament can there be at all of this expected elegancy▪ The particularities whereof included in these two titles of Invention & Elocution, both nature & skill do put forward as we daily see by a double instruction. This therefore sufficing for those twain, Parts of an Epistle. let us see what parts are supplied in an Epistle, succeeding in the other also, and aiding to Disposition. The first place is Exordium, a beginning or induction to the matter to be written of, Exordium. which is not always after one sort or fashion, but in divers manners, as sometimes by preamble, wherein either for ourselves, or the cause we writ of, or in respect of him, for or to whom we writ, we study to win favour and allowance of the matter, sometimes by insinuation, wherein covertly, either in respect that the matter requireth long debatement, or that mislike may be already grounded in him to whom we direct our Letters, we seek by cunning reasons to show that the case so requiring is tolerable, or in the other that rather equity, than self opinion must and ought chief to be weighed, in all which we undertake to be directed by the right rule and square, of common intendment and reason: sometimes by a similitude, wherein by manifesting the like of that we take in hand to have been commended, tolerated, or equally censured, we intend the same, or less force in ourselves, at their hands to be borne withal or accepted. Narratio, & Propositio Then Narratio or Propositio, each serving to one effect, wherein is declared or proponed, in the one by plain terms, in the other by inference, or comparisons, the very substance of the matter whatsoever to be handled. confirmatio Then Confirmatio, wherein are amplified or suggested many reasons, for the agravating or proof of any matter in question. Confutatio After Confutatio, whereby is diminished, disproved or avoided, whatsoever to be supposed, objected or aggravated. Peroratio. Lastly Peroratio, in which after a brief recapitulation of that which hath been urged, the occasions moving affection are immediately concluded. These are not altogether at all times used, but some or the most of them as occasion serveth, either admitted or rejected: besides which, others also are sometimes remembered. The use whereof as in sundry Epistles they may be deemed necessary, shall in their several examples hereafter pursued, appear more evidently and largely. CAP. VI Of certain contents generally incident to all manner of Epistles. IN writing of all manner of Epistles, Four contents in an Epistle. four especial contents are always continually incident. The manner of Salutation, an order of taking leave or farewell, the Subscription, and the outward direction. Salutations of ancient time, Salutation. were wont to be fixed, Quasi omen faustum, a sign or inviting to good hap, in the front or upper part of the Letter: so did the ancient Romans, and in like manner after their examples do at this day the most part of our Latinistes. But seldom or never (especially of the learned and most curious writers) is the same in our English directions, at any time accustomed. Only this, where Letters are directed from one or more of the Council to an inferior Magistrate or person, or from some Nobleman to such, whom he entertaineth not in any degree of courtesy, or estate of society or familiarity, the manner of commendations (which with us is retained for an order of Salutation or greeting) runneth lightly in the beginning of the Letter, & customably is delivered in this form. After our hearty commendations unto your L. If it be from a number of the Council to a Nobleman, or otherwise in the singular number unto an inferior person as thus. Manner of salutations. After my hearty commendations unto you: where I have been given to understand of an agreement etc. But otherwise writing seriously to any man, the greeting if it be to one far our better is turned, to an acknowledgement of some kind of duty, or reverent account, and that most commonly at the end of the Letter, which likewise in equality falleth out in such place to be mentioned. Where and how used. And being in familiarities is adopted to no place, but beginning, middle, or ending of the Letter, all is one, as seemeth most consonant to the vain, and disposition of the party, and these also at all times not delivered in the self word of greeting or commendations, but by divers Epithetts and fine conveyances, Epithetts. as falleth out to the matter of the Epistle, and the condition of the party to be handled. This being at the end of the Letter, there shall immediately follow the order of farewell, which twyning so hard thereupon as it doth, we will put them both in one example of words and Epithetts, together with the subscriptions, for the easier instruction of the learner and his better remembrance, referring the notes of every of them to their places, where afterwards they are used in their several Letters. divers orders of greetings, farewells, and subscriptions. ACknowledging myself deeply bound unto your L. for many sundry favours: Variety of greetings and farewells I do remain in all humble reverence. Finding myself many ways beholding unto your exceeding courtesies I end. Remembering how much I am indebted unto your L. for your sundry benefits: I confer the regard thereof to my present imaginations, and do beseech thereof at your honourable hands an everlasting continuance. All humble loyalty and service protested unto your honourable calling, I rest now and perpetually. Fearing in speeches, never with sufficiency to manifest the conceit I have of your most honourable favours: I solace myself with the remembrance, and humbly leave your L. to your wont perseverance. Praying the Almighty to have your L. evermore in his gracious protection, I humbly take my leave. Your worship in this, besides many other occasions having perpetually bound me, how can I but rest such, as you have expected and shall ever find me. eftsoons recording my bounden service unto your worship and my good Lady, I remain as ever before. Not forgetting how many ways I am charged, in dutiful remembrance towards you, I rest as I have protested. More grieved at my mishap and disability, then wanting either will or liking to do service unto you: I affy myself evermore upon the acceptance of your wont courtesy, and humbly therewithal do take my leave. Commending the safety and good estate of your worship to the almighty's protection, I rest in all dutiful regard to the same. Rather desirous to show myself thankful, then otherwise able in like sort, to become in appearance so bountiful, I continue in full consent, etc. Binding myself by all possible endeavours, never to be freed from the charge of so exceeding benefits, I wish I might as I would, be unto you in very deed, etc. UUishing unto you and yours, as much happiness, as myself am clogged with carefulness, I surcease. desiring unto you no worse success in these and all other your laudable endeavours, than myself have eftsoons craved in performance of my chiefest travels, I recommend you to the tuition of the Almighty. Not forgetting our accustomed greetings and interchangeable well wishings, my hasty Letter taketh end. UUeighing how much you are already busied, and not willing to keep you further occupied, I end my long and tedious discourse, being in nothing exempted from wont salutations and accustomed kind of greetings. Think not though my haste be such, but that I remember (notwithstanding all this brevity) how greatly I stand charged both to you and yours, to whom, and all the rest to you known I eftsoons commend me. Rejoicing not a little at the health of you and all other our friends. I heartily bid you farewell. Rejoicing myself on your wel-wishinge, and the hope I have to be returned in safety I commend my hap to fortune, and our government to the Almighty. Rendering unto you as many thanks, as I conceived comfort of your good entreatinges, I leave to detain you. Omitting what else to be amplified in these or any other occasions I expect your happy return, and in hope thereof do bid you farewell. Knowing how well I love you, the less ceremonies I need to use in greeting you, only you shall remember to your parents in most hearty manner to commend me. Salute I pray you your friends in my name, and think in my best and most serious wishes I never forget you. My Father willed me in his behalf to salute you, and all the rest of your acquaintance here do most heartily greet you. Forget not in what sort I have heretofore received you, and think in the self same manner I do still entertain you. My greetings to our friend R. let not be unremembered, and deem that in all my vows I have (unto you all) most heartily wished. I had almost let slip my commendations unto your brother, which for any thing I would not had been forgotten, upon whom, as of greatest choice, I will make my reposing. The liking I have to N. maketh me here to remember him, whose good demeanour as your own, I have in chiefest reconinge. My greetings and paper have all one end together, only our friendship indissoluble can never be forgotten. Think how exceedingly I have always well wished unto you, and accordingly thereunto measure the rest of mine affection towards you. Haste compelleth me to end sooner than I would, wherein notwithstanding I can never omit sufficiently to greet you, eftsoons recognizing as behoveth your especial good liking towards me. I end as becometh me. Innumerable of these and such like might be imagined both in greetings and farewells, the course whereof being furnished with such variety as it is, I have left the residue unto the conceit of the Reader, accounting the plenty herein set down, for any studious follower to be already sufficient. And now to Supscriptions, Subscriptions. the diversities whereof are (as best they may be allotted in sense) to either of these to be placed, forewarned always unto the unskilful herein, that writing to any person of account, by how much the more excellent he is in calling from him in whose behalf the Letter is framed, by so much the lower, shall the Subscription thereunto belonging, in any wise be placed. And if the state of honour of him to whom the Letter shall be directed do require so much, the very lowest margin of paper shall do no more but bear it, so be it the space be seemelye for the name, and the room fair enough to comprehend it, which Subscriptions in all sorts to be handled shall pass in this order or substance to be framed. Your L. most devoted and loyally affected. Your Honour's most assured in whatsoever services. Manner and variety in Subscriptions. Your L. in whatsoever to be commanded. The most affectionate unto your L. of all others. He that hath vowed to live and die in your Honourable service. Your L. most faithful and obedient Son. Your Lad. loving and obedient Daughter. UUho but by your L. is only to be commanded. Whose heart is your honours, and his life by your L. to be disposed. He that liveth not but for your worship, and to do you service. Whose regard stretcheth unto your worship more than unto any others. He that unto your worship hath vowed to become most assured. UUhom none have ever so much bound, as the deserts of your L. Your Lordsh. in all humbleness. Your honours ever to be commanded. At your worship's gentle command. Your Lad. most bounden and affectionate. At your honourable direction. Always attendant upon your L. pleasure. Your worships in all good account. Yours ever loving and most assured. To none so much as yourself. He that in all accounts tendereth your welfare. Whom by your only courtesy you have ever convinced. The same which I expect from you, and not otherwise. Such as I am, or as you wish to find me. He that in his liking is only yours. UUhome you have ever known, but never approved. Whose liking only accounteth of your worthiness. Such as you have ever found me, and not otherwise. wise Yours in whatsoever to be employed. More chary of your welfare, then careful of himself. Yours as you like to have me. Yours faithful and ever assured. Yours or not his own. He who found you but never knew you. He that once favoured you, but sithence hath vowed never to regard you. Whose liking by your ingratitude hath been quenched. In whose account you once were, but now abandoned. Who once wished to love, but could never hate thee. Whom thy deserts have made an enemy. Whom hereby you may win, if you list for ever to become a friend. To each one loving, but of thee most chary. Whose heart shall fail in any thing, sooner than in conceit towards thee. He whose in loyalty thou diddest protest to be. UUho liveth not but to pursue thee. UUho ever looked on, but never loved thee. The same as you left me. Such as you saw when you parted from me. The same and none other which I have ever seemed to be. Whose word hath bound him, and faith shall assure him. Yours most affectioned. Yours devoted till death. Yours whilst life swayeth in mine inward parts. Yours as farforth as any others, etc. with many other applications, whose Epithets are infinite, and rather upon the cause suggested then otherwise, to be evermore added, altered, or couceaved. These as the others may only suffice for the present purpose, referring what to be expected, to the regard of a more curious or delicate invention. And herein I thought good to advertise the learner, that sometimes it falleth out, that this acknowledgement of duty, mentioned in the beginning of the greetings and farewelles, Acknowledgement of duty in the Exordium▪ is in divers Letters expressed in the foremost part, and the Exordium thereupon framed (for that the same in truth is one of the parts thereunto belonging effected in the person or condition of him to whom we write) which to do, if in his writing also the same may be deemed necessary, he may then use some other order of Farewell or taking leave, either by imitation of others, or if he think meet, what herein else prescribed, consonant and agreeing to the state and reputation of the same party to whom he writeth. Now than shall follow the directions, which on the outside of every Letter (the same being made up and sealed) are for the most part infixed, and commonly are termed by the name of Superscriptions. CAP. VIII. Of Superscriptions and directions. Superscriptions & directions of the Romans. Among the ancient Romans, when learning first grew unto skilful perfection, and men first devised excellently to write, there then began to be extant in memory, diverse forms of writing immediately, by the name and title of Epistles, to be published to the posterity. In the directions whereof, animated as I think with the virtues of their parents, and accounting it (as in truth it was then so reputed) to be a great honour unto them, to be entitled with the adopted name of the principal author of their families, they sought no farther style of magnificence, but (were his parentage never so stately or honourable) being therewith contented, did only upon such regard entitle their directions. For who that hath been but ordinarily acquainted with the histories of their acts, but knoweth and hath read, with what reverence, those times (greedy of virtue, fame, and glory) entertaigned the honourable deserts of such, as for the commonwealth and public advancement of the state, have either adventurouslye hazarded, or courageously lost, a frail, uncertain, or transitory life, to the intent to purchase unto their Country quiet, honour, or victory, and to themselves and posterity, eternised fame and ever flourishing glory. Neither was their country unkind unto them herein, which for their sakes, and for the reverend regard of their virtues, have compensed the love which to their parents they could not show to their children and succession in many degrees after them. Such were the families of the Gracchi, Fabii, Cornelii, Hortensii, Horatij, Metelli, Aemilii, Scipiones, and Fabritii. UUhereby I conjecture, that the custom hereof, by such emulation adorned, became afterwards a dignity, and so succeeded in honour to every posterity. Those Romans therefore, used only in the front of their Letters to write first their own names, titles adoptive and surnames, after that, his to whom they wrote, and lastly their salutation or manner of greetinge●, giving also like additions unto the other as to him belonged, whether it were by family, office, or some other dignity. And this was the form. M. T. Cicero. M. Varroni Sal. Dicit, or C. Caesar: Cornelio Balbo salutem dicit. But that custom▪ according to the antiquity of the time, is long since worn out, and these days and seasons have induced unto us for every estate of calling, a more stately reverence, according to the dignity and worthiness of the same. The reverend Majesty of Emperors, Kings and Princes, being advanced with a more excellency and supreme magnificence. The names of Dukes, Marquises, Earls, Barons and other Magistrates, with more solemn and honourable titles. The offices of Estate and places most Noble, Diversity of estates. amplified with larger honours, and names accordant to their several dignities. And albeit few are the number, that herein shall be occasioned to occupy their pen, but (knoweth or almost every day) may understand the formal application of every personages honour or worship: yet in so much as all sorts are not perfectly skilled, nor every man liveth in place so convenient to understand it, and that it hath been parcel of a prescribed order so to do, by those that have written the like method. I will set down so many examples of estates for directions, as to the matter and purpose hereof may be adjudged convenient, beginning from the highest, that are or have been, lately accustomed in our commonwealth (the sovereign Majesty excepted) unto the meaner and most ordinary used, and in present practise amongst us. And first with the dignity of Archbishop, to whom in this sort we frame our direction. Directions to an Archbishop. Bishop. To the most reverend Father in God, the L. Archbishop of Caunterbury, or York, Primate of England, and Metropolitan, his very good grace. To the right reverend Father in God, and my very good L. the Lord Bishop of London. Duke. To the high and mighty Prince T. Duke of B. his most noble grace. To the right honourable and my especial good L. the Lord Chancellor, L. Chancellor. or Lord high Treasurer of England. To the right Honourable the L. Marquis of UU. Earl of UUilshire, L. Treasurer. etc. To the right Honourable the Earl of L. Lord lieutenant for her Majesty in the, Earls and in office. etc. To the right honourable the Earl of H. Lord Precedent of her majesties most honourable Council established in the North. To the right Noble and my singular good L. the Lord B. one of the L. of her highness most honourable privy Council. Lords. Knights of the privy council. To the right honourable sir W.M. knight, Chancellor of her highness court of Ex. and of her majesties most honourable privy Council. Knight of the privy Council. To the right honourable and my singular good L. and father, or Lady mother the Earl or Countess of N. To the right honourable and my very good Lady, Countesses. the Lady A. Countess of W. To the most noble Lady, and Paragon of all virtue, the Lady M.H. one of the daughters to the deceased right honourable Countess of P. To the prudent and virtuous Lady endued with all singularity, the Lady F.D. To the most noble and towardly young gentleman G. T. son and heir, Ladies. Gent. of estate. or one of the sons to the right honourable L.D. To the right honourable sir R.D. knight, L. Mayor of the City of London. L. Maior. To the right worshipful W.F. Esquire, sergeant at law, and Recorder of the City of London. Re order. justice of peace. To the right worshipful W. L. Esquire one of the justices of her majesties Court of common Pleas. To the right worshipful and my singular good Lady mother, Ladies of worship. the Lady, D.H. To my very good father, W.C. merchant of the City of B. Merchant. Alderman. Servant. To the worshipful his especial good Master M. R. Merchant and Alderman of the City of L. To my servant R.D. at C. etc. Other examples besides these were needless to set down, for that if any alteration at all happen herein, it is by reason of familiarity, addition of offices, or change of titles. Only let herewith be noted, that when letters do pass from some number of the council, Directions from the Council, thus framed or from any L. of the same, to a noble man or knight, these directions of honour and worship are seldom used. But rather thus. To our very good L. Sir I. P. Knight. L. Deputy of Ireland. To our very loving friends, the L. Mayor of the City of L. and W. C. and R. P. Aldermen of the the same. To my very good L. the L. T.H. To my very loving friend, sir T. P. knight. To our very loving friends sir R. S. knight, Custos rotulorum of her majesties Count of B. and B, W. and S. P. esquires, justices of peace of the same shire. The like directions also are used of an Earl, to any of these estates to him inferior in calling, and of a Baron to a justice of peace, but if he be a knight, he will commonly add unto him his title of worship. After which titles or directions thus framed, it shall behove (especially in the use of the foremost) to set down the place, of dwelling or abode, as at the Court or else where. At N, P. or D. giving the name of the place, Manor or house, where he remaineth, to whom the superscription passeth, and so is the direction made perfect. CAP. VII. Additions of other things in this method to be considered. NOW after all these parts herein mentioned to be considered, remaineth yet some few points, which I have not thought good to pass unremembered. A special note to him that would desire to be hearkened unto in his writing, in any wise to have regard to his opportunity, which in the chapters before laid down, Opportunity. I have sundry times concluded under the nam●f time. Neither is the same time herein alleged of such consideration, to be esteemed of small regard, but rather in affairs importing the same, to be accounted of great weight. For that I have seen some, and heard of many, that by favour of honourable and worshipful, being in state to have obtained great matters, have notwithstanding by their great rashness, Hurt of rashness. and not adverting time convenient, to require what they would, at the ●●ast been of all hope of benefit utterly dispossessed. It is strange to see the shameless condition of some, and yet a thing that myself have many times noted, Reprehension of importunacy of summer. yea even in those of reasonable account, who having large and great ability to wade through the weightiest of their causes, with honest quiet, and sufficient contentment, yet conceiving a delight, never to be sequestered from some coil of the world, will still be cloyed with many things, as it were of purpose to occupy themselves, and with their continual baiting, to enure their friends: In the course whereof the burden of their unprofitable acquaintance, becometh so wearisome and tedious, that to him that preferreth his competent quiet, before a superfluous & unmeasurable encrochment, it might seem more tolerable to pay out of his own purse, for all the advise, countenance, and pleasure that in a whole year might be reaped for him at the hands of some other, then but for the space of one week to be pestered with his messages. Yea, it is a pain but to read the letters of such a one, so intricate, so importunate, so peevish, so bald, Ill kind of letters. and therewithal, so endless are the progressions of the same whereof not one in a week, but four or five in a day, shall sometimes come coursing one after another, because ●ee to whom he writeth may stand the more assured, never to be left unoccupied. Hath not a man think you, a fair jewel of such an acquaintance▪ especially when his nige●ralitie shallbe such, as he had as leave (for all this) see him hanged almost, whom he thus toileth, as he should far but the value of ten shillings the better by him, I mean that of his own frank will the some thereof should drop out of his own purse to his safeguard. But such as these, standing in the most worst degree of so detestable and shameless importunacy, let them rest, and we in the mean time may admit this regard, that having to do with our betters, touching our affairs we are by duty, estranged from any kind of tediousness wherewith to pursue them, No sorts to be too much importuned. be it with our equals, humanity will not permit it, and standing with our inferiors, bounty and courtesy will never allow it. And when as by any occasion, we are with writing to commend our letters to any one, before ourselves preferred in greater account, His leisure to whom we writ. needful shall it be that measuring the state of our cause with the weight of his calling, we either diminish or amplify the same as by the one may be urged, and by the other tolerated, knitting what we would (when leisure may not attend it) in as short deliverance as may be, and (having scope of allowance) to confirm it again in as weighty sort as can be. His humour and affectation. The humour likewise and account of the party to be understood, shall not be a little furthering, as whether he be delighted with such continuance of argument, or taketh pleasure in short sentences, whether he would be sued to with difficulty, or commended by entreaty, whether he affecteth pleasant, utterance, or is amated with gravity, whether he taketh felicity in well doing, or affordeth it hardly. Requisite it is, that whosoever taketh upon him an entrance into any such endeavour, be well advised of all these, the rather to purchase that opportunity which otherwise at most hands he may perchance attain but very slenderly. For suppose the matter stood to be handled between my reasonable acquaintance and me, being suc●, whom perchance I hold in some degree of familiarity, Want of opportunity. it might hap, that for the good suppose and credit I have with him, he would do much in a cause for me, wherein if unadvisedly I should press him, by vehement writing, without respect of the present opportunity, twenty to one but it might fall out, that he would utterly deny me, by means whereof, I should ever after become frustrate of any hope, to attain from him any courtesy. Opportunity therefore is many times of greater force, either to commend, or utterly disable the some of each man's ability, wherein care is chief to be had, that when those to whom our affairs are annexed remain most busy, we do prosecute them with less vehemency. And in like manner when leisure serveth, that a man writing or importuning may be regarded, Opportunity wherein it consisteth not to overpass by too much negligence, what with ease and small soliciting may be obtained, yet this to be done with such consideration of the matter and party, as that we forget not (if occasion so requireth) that rather by bounty or other courtesy, our request is to be hearkened unto, then by vain challenge of any other respect tending to an enforced duty. An other thing which I thought good to give in notice, is, to admonish the learner to avoid in his writing, the giving forth of any unused words, Unused words and confused delivery to be avoided. or confused kind of delivery of any thing, the phrase whereof impugneth the meaning of the writer, or is improper to the sense or matter in handling, or unfitting the state of the party to whom it is directed. As for example, one that sometimes intended not a little of his own invention, took upon him to write a love letter to a woman of very mean reputation. In which after he had drawn God Cupid by the name of the blinded boy, from those parts of favour that never were in her, and showed himself much passionate for the love he ought her, he concludeth the matter in this sort. Thus craving your lawful benevolence, in not me rejecting, your answer comfortable and not intolerable, etc. The woman not accustomed to such hot entertainment, and rather bluntly before time pursued, then daintily entreated, began hereupon for sooth to wax coy, and to intend great matter of herself, and vaunting her favour at a higher rate, them he belike seemed afterward willing to become a purchaser of, remained as she was, and himself at his more profitable studies. The conclusion of his letter was very improper, in so much as requiring liking by the name of benevolence, Words improper and impugning the sense. he both misprised his own demand, and seemed to induce a word more sounding to a charitable relief, or courteous contribution of money, then to any such purpose as he meant it. Besides your answer comfortable and not intolerable: If these had passed in a jest it had been more convenient, but used bona fide, it was too too bad, especially respecting the party what she was, from whom one would have supposed, that such a one as himself, could never have received (but by too much toleration) any discoutentment at all. Errors common to the learned as well as the unlearned. This error we see is not only common to the unlearned, for aswell this one, who in his profession (as I was informed by him that showed me the letter) was well reputed of, but also some of the forwarder sort, only by affection of words, which they have used, ha we been misliked and yet learned enough. Among which a doctor of physic long since, intending to be very eloquent in words, and such as every Carter should not conceive of began an Epistle to a book by him published in this sort. Egregious Doctors, and masters of the eximious & Archane Science of Physic, of your Urbanity exaspe rate not yourselves against me, for making of this little volume of Physic. Considering that my pretence is for an utility and a common wealth. And this not only, A ridiculous manner of writing. but also I do it for no detriment, but for a preferment of your laudable science, that every man should esteem, repute and regard the excellent faculty. And also you to be extolled and highly preferred, that hath and doth study, practice and labour this said Archane science, to the which none inartious persons, can nor shall attain to the knowledge: yet notwithstanding fools and incipient persons, yea and many the which, doth think themselves wise (the which in this faculty be fools in deed) will enterprise to smatter etc. Was there ever seen from a learned man a more preposterous and confused kind of writing▪ forced with so many and such odd coined terms in so little uttering▪ But surely the man did it of a great conceit, for as appeareth by the course of all his Epistle following, his wits were so pestered with an angry mislike, of the bad demeanour of some unlearned users of his science as he thought with himself that every butcher should not be able to vent him, but he should be a man of some reach at least, 〈◊〉 Nevertheless how wise so ever stood his imaginations: this one thing do I know, that divers to whom I have showed the book have very hearty laughed in perusing the parts of his writing. Aieste. For these egregious, eximious, urbanity, and exasperate although the words be in some sort tolerable, yet because any of them almost are amongs us never or very rarely used, and in this writing two of them especially very unpropperly placed, Urbanity and exasperate unproperly placed. the manner whereof soundeth nothing pleasant. In so muuhe as exasperate is properly to set him in a farther rage, that is already furiously bend in a thing, and beside by the action of an other man than himself, who as it were of a resolute will, and meaning would go about to procure it, so that it may be well said, he did exasperate his furies the more, by inducing such a speech, or such an act) but it cannot be so properly required, exasperated not yourself for such a thing, Definition of exasperated. especially when I am not therewith so much as in any mislike already, which no man can at any time be, without he first know an occasion. your Urbanity likewise being derived of the latin word Vrbanus, Of Urbanity. which is civil courteous, gentle, modest or well ruled, as men commonly are in cities and places of good government, whereof that word taketh his original, the word is not common amongst us, nor so apt to the sense as if he had said, your courtesy, your modesty, & so it might run thus: Let not your courtesies be aggrieved against me, or Let it not be offensive to your modesty, that for the benefit of a great many, I have published this volume of Physic. The ground was very good, for his intendment was, that the cause belonged to a common wealth, wherein if any particular commodity seemed to be lessened, wise men and such as were more studious of their country's good, then of their own peculiar gain, ought not to be offended. Then saith he: And this not only, but also I do it for no detriment, etc. What confused deliverance is this▪ how much more orderly thus, which soundeth also more to his meaning. And this also respected, in that I do it not for any detriment unto you, Correction. but for a preferment of your laudable science. Then his coming in with arcane science, Inartious, fools, and incipient persons, had it not been less improper if he had said profound science, and unskilful or unlearned, for Inartious, and to have contented himself with his fools, without adding to the same, incipient people. Lastly he proceedeth: And many the which doth think themselves wise (the which in this faculty are fools indeed) will enterprise, etc. Here is, the which and the which, a phrase never with us accustomed, nor with any good writer in his time (which was not many years since) the sense whereof might in this sort more plainly be delivered. And many who in their own opinion do seem very wise (but therein are in truth very fools) will enterprise, etc. But of this enough, for that I think it now high time to proceed to the rest, these two examples being sufficient to admonish the learner, of the congruity of his speeches and sentences, with good phrases that be most agreeing to the meaning, and not improperly, to be delivered, whereby he shall avoid the like error, and absurdity in conveyance hereby expressed, and already so much reprehended. CAP. IX. The division of Letters, and under what titles all sorts of Epistles are contained. SOmething have I digressed in order, contrary to that my former determination, yet not altogether from the matter or purpose hereby intended, in as much as the effects of that I have delivered, ●● only to induce the reader into an absolute and ready platform, of sound and perfect inditing, and as near as any diligent foresight may afford, to lay down what either best beseemeth or in any wise impugneth the same, Herein could I have discovered unto you many other imperfections that sundry times have appeared unto me in divers writings, the circumstances whereof, I willingly do omit, for that the careful imitator of well doing, shall by this already said, with good animadversion easily find out his own disability, and wherein he varieth from any perfection, (examples in our english tongue thereunto leading, and those of excellent good penning being so plentiful as they are) which as it were by a line may conduct him, to the reformation or redress of what soever offensive in any part of his writing. Now therefore leaving all other by-paths, we will directly proceed unto the orderly delivery and laying out of our sunory forms of Epistles, Forms of Epistles. the number whereof sorting from the variety of every several fancy, may be supposed (as they are indeed) to be infinite. Nevertheless as far forth as the most learned discoverers of the chiefest perfection therein, have hitherto left unto us, we will by their imitation, limit our two distinguishmentes before remembered, under their several titles to be divided. First those Epistles therein mentioned to be special, for the special use and observation of them contained, Four kinds or titles demonstrative, Deliberative, judicial and familiar letters. Parts: Demonstrative. we will divide under the names & perticularities of Demonstrative, Deliberative, and judicial. The others termed general in respect of the general matter in them accustomed, shall pass as they did before by the name of Familiar letters. This Demonstrative kind taketh his name of Description, maninifestation or relation of any thing. Under which title are comprehended all manner of Descriptions of Regions, Countries, Cities, governements, states, buildings, fields, gardens, rivers, valleys, parks, hills, walks, prospectes, and what soever other like pleasures delights, and commodities: according to their worthiness, goodness, stateliness, value and store: but chief, and wherein they take their greatest force, do bear in them all advertisements of persons, manners, conditions, applications, differences, affections, inclinations, or any other quality, substance, or virtue, incident to life or human government, tending to the praise or dispraise of them or any of them. Descriptory The sorts whereof under this kind contained are descriptory, in which is described any thing whatsoever, Laudatorie resting in praise, & Vituperatorie which hath in it the dispraise of a thing. The Deliberative kind concludeth Epistles hortatory, & Debortatorie, suasory, Parts. Deliberative. Parts judicial. & dissuasory, Concilatorie & Reconcilatorie, petitory, commendatory, consolatory, monitory, and Amitorie: judicial comprehendeth Accusatorie, Excusatorie, expostulatory, Purgatory, Defensory, Criminatorie, Exprobatorie, comminatory, deprecatory, invective, and Complaining. Now those that be Familiar, Parts. Familiar. have these several kinds: Epistles Narratorie, wherein we express to those that are far from us, the affairs that presently are in hand with us. Nuntiatorie, wherein we advertise the news of any public or private matters unto our friends. gratulatory in which we testify our gladness for the recovery, return, benefits, advancement, good hap, or liking of our friends. Remuneratory, whereby we give thanks for courtesies, benefits, or good turns received, or care or other liking had or shown unto us. Collawdatorie by means whereof we recommend the name, person, virtue, worthiness, activity, valour, or what soever, of any one to preferment or other service to be adapted, jocatorie, wherewith, by a pleasant and sweet kind of delivery of some pretty jest or delicate conceit, we recreate the minds of them, to whom we writ Prestolatorie: Wherein upon consideration of the honour, valour, worthiness or virtue of some one, we tender unto him our services and attendance Obiurgatorie: In which we rebuke the ill demeanours of our Children, servants, kindred, friends, or acquaintance. To these are many letters responsory, and other Applications, the titles whereof are not certain, but examples and occasions plentiful. All which I refer to their several places each one as they follow in his kind to be successively delivered. CAP. X. Epistles descriptory and the parts thereof. forsomuch as in Descriptions, are only declared and set forth at large, the manner, order, state, government, proportion, goodness or value of any thing: the epistles consisting solely thereof, be commonly without addition at all, ei there of praise or mislike, or any other intendment, in respect whereof they might in any one jot vary from that title of descriptory. Parts in an Epistle descriptory. The force hereof comprehendeth chief a narration through out, in which is contained (by laying out the several parts thereof) a perfect and plain demonstration or description of any thing: In these sorts of Epistles, the excellency of the writer, and painter concurreth in one, who the more that each of them studieth by perfection, Comparison of the writer and painter. to touch all things to the quick, by so much the more nearer do they both aspire, to that exquisite kind of cunning, that in each of these differences, is absolutely to be required. The curious painter in drawing a perfect piece of Landscape, Painter. presenteth many things unto the eye, the conceit whereof is marvelous, for with great admiration we do there seem to behold, the most pleasant and goodly valleys: woods high, and decked with stately trees (some tops whereof the wind seemeth to wreath and turn at one side) then goodly rivers, high ways, and walks, large situate and high climbing hills and mountains, far prospectes of Cities, Steeples, and towers, ships sailing on seas, and waves blown up aloft, the element clear, fair, and temperate, with some shining beams shadowing, and spreading over all these, wherein seemeth the delight so rare, and climate so perfect, as very desire provoketh a man to gaze of it, as a thing in present life, and most certain view. And do I pray you, Writer. our excellent writers degenerate at all from any part of these▪ doth not the learned Cosmographer in acquainting us with the unknown delights, situation, plenty and riches of countries which we never saw, nor happily may ever approach unto, admire us oftentimes and bring in contempt, Ptolemy and other writers. the pleasures of our own soil, and many times a huge wonder, of the unhard secrets never before reported of, De situ orbis. the incredible operations of divers things, and state so high and magnificent. such as the very description and lively delivery whereof, maketh us believe that our eyes do almost witness the same, and that our very senses are partakers of every delicacy in them contained. But omitting the weight hereof, consisting in these worlds of such strange account, with what fine invention doth Virgil many times in his Aneidos, Virgil in his Aeneidos. and with how much variety describe unto us the tides of the morning▪ how greatly in his first book doth he amuse the reader, with the lamentable shipwreck and even then (as it were) appearing surges, and intolerable turmoils upon the sea happening to Aeneas ': what darkness, what tempests, what rising and deepest fall of waves again, what winds, what mingling of heaven and earth together doth he there relate▪ Then after, his arrival on shore and presenting to Queen Dido, how is the destruction of Troy in the person of Aeneas to her described▪ In the fourth book likewise what an excellent description maketh he of Fame▪ how showeth he the banquet by the Queen to Aeneas made, & how lively is the state and magnificence thereof delivered▪ Innumerable of these, Ouidii Metamorphoseo. both from him and the Transformed shapes of Ovid could I here record, the excellency of each being such, as by the forcible utterance thereof, breedeth as great delight as astonishment unto the curious searcher of the same. And in as much as I have undertaken to conduct the learner by example, how to behave himself in some sort herein, we will proceed with our Epistles descriptory, Example. the first whereof following, seemeth to be sent from a traveler to a friend of his in England, the matter whereof ensueth. ¶ An example of a letter descriptory wherein is particularly described, an ancient City by laying down the several parts thereof. Exordium. MY good uncle, the remembrance of your charge given me, and my promise to you made at my departure out of England, bindeth me, (at my now being in quiet, and with good leisure settled in Germany) I should return the same again, with my accustomed and dutiful regard, in sort as I have ever in devoured myself to do unto you. It may then please you, Narratio. that remaining with my L. the Duke but a few days at Geneva, we hasted thence to a City called Norrumberghe, being Imperial, situate in the high parts of Germany, where sithence, we have almost continually remained. And albeit I could somewhat write unto you of our passages through divers places of the Country, yet insomuch as there is no part thereof so memorable as this City wherein we now remain, the description thereof at this present may solely content you. The City therefore as it seemeth is most ancient, and as many do suppose and affirm, at that time when the country was first in subjection to th'empire of Rome, was builded by Nero the Emperor, and of him taketh his name, as Norumbergh, in signification, Nero's Berghe, and so much the rather doth it appear, by sundry ancient monuments therein yet remaining. Situation. The City (besides that it is situate in a most delicate and pleasant soil, wooded and watered most plentifully on every side, with goodly trees, fair and delicate rivers and springs) is both of great strength in the walls of the same, and plentifully builded with high & stately towers on every part. The edifices of the City are rare, & of most sumptuous and stately appearance, insomuch as there is no one house in any row that exceedeth an other in height, but all of them builded level, by a very geometrical proportion. The insides are not more polished with riches, & ornaments of great beauty, than the outsides with bravery, the very fronts of all which, aswell of rich as poor, are most curiously embossed in a hard kind of substance (such I think as is our plaster of Paris) with artificial and lively pictures, deckings. containing histories of divers memorable, and strange effects, & that with such wonderful excellency, as any ways may be conceived. The cost hereof is continually maintained, repaired, enlarged, and preserved, by a general contribution of the most worthy and honourable of the city. Besides, the colours so fresh, so brave, and delicate laid in oil, for defence against weather, wherewith they are beautified, and set forth, are very strange. The streets are wide, Streets. fair, and excellently well paved. The stone they use for the most part is marble, white, grey, and black, whereof is great plenty, besides other kinds, which very wonderfully they cut and square in divers small proportions artificially pointed and shaped. The houses are not high, but backward built, and inwardly large. This city retaineth yet the ancient government of the Romans, Government. for at this instant, they have their Consuls, Tribunes, Senators, Praetors, Quaestors, Aediles, and other interchangeable offices as sometimes had Rome, being in her greatest prosperity. The attire also alike to their dignities of all sorts of honourable personages, accustomed to their callings. Plain are their habits for the most part, Habit of the people. & nothing sumptuous, retaining still one, & the self same ancient fashion. The constitution of their bodies as well men as women, are fair, clear, and of sound complexion. Frugal in diet & expense, and no thing prodigal. My L▪ the Duke is here of great sway, & entertained with honourable account, Conclusio. Thus much have I thought good to advertise you in discharge of my debt and your desire, attending by the return of this messenger the news of your good health. To whom and all other our friends, in sound and good affection I eftso ones do recommend me. At Norumberge this of etc. ¶ An other example wherein the state of a Country is solely described. I Doubt not N. but that thy heart longeth, and mind is yet unquieted, Exordium. because of my sudden departure from thee, and ignorance of my estate and present being, whereof that thy desires may now at full be resolved: know my good N. that not having been scarce six months from thee, I did long since perceive myself to be out of England, and that it may appear unto thee, that I have just cause so to say, thou shalt somewhat understand by me the state of this Country. We live here in a soil, delicate I must confess for the air, Narratio. and pleasant for the situation with good leisure I must tell thee may we here attend our devotions, Pleasant air unfrequented. as having no cares wherewith to encumber us, but the needles search of that whereof we never find likelihood to annoy us. As uncompelled by severe decrees and interdictions we limit unto ourselves an abstinence, thou mightest think we do it of zeal, Inuoluntatie abstinence. but in truth it is of want, wherein we have more fasting days by● a great many then ability to bear them. Our conversation is with elements, with waters, with fields, with trees, with valleys, with hills, in the general use whereof we find nothing else but their proper shapes. And if by chance any other sorts of creatures do appear, they are naked shapes form as men and women, fierce, savage, wild, not capable of any our reasons, Hard seeding. nor we of their speeches. Our food is roots, dried fishes, berries, and I know not what other harsh kind of fruits, and sometimes fowls, besides a kind of grain growing in great cods, whereby we sometimes obtain (though not the natural) yet some use of bread, unlike to that you eat, in taste, goodness or property. Our lodgings and places of repose are caves, Ill lodging. entrenched in the ground, the earth our beds, and clothes our coverings. And these also hard as they are, enjoy we not in quiet, but being awaited of the naked multitude (whose policies insinuate by nature are far greater than their strength) we are feign by much industry to prevent them: Danger. into whose hands if any of us do chance to fall, our dead carcases in hasty morsels are conveyed into their entrails. Hereby judging of our estate, thou mayest accordingly deem of our pleasures. Conclusio. The next message that thou shalt attend from me, shall be my speedy return, the Seas and winds being not less favourable than they were at my going forth. Mean while recommending myself to thy well wishing, and our safeties to God. I end as thou knowest this of, etc. An example wherein the death of a Noble man is only described. Exordium. THE decease (good Madam) of my L. your brother, hath occasioned unto your Lad. the sight of these Letters, wherein I have rather acquitted myself of that whereunto by your honourable command I was enoyned, than any ways satisfied the grief that by myself among many others, for his loss is entirely conceived. The manner whereof, may please you now to be informed of, Narratio. which was thus. On tuesday being the thirteenth of this instant, having as it then seemed unto his L. and others, been reasonably recovered from the wont force of his long consuming disease, being importuned by the dispatch of some present affairs, as otherwise to have some conference with her Majesty, he went from his house of B. to the Court, where all that day he remained, and returned again at night, not for all this, finding himself at all disquieted, or the least motion of any the pangs wherewith before time he had so often been vexed. The most part of that night he was very well reposed. towards morning the next day, he began somewhat to be aggrieved, Sudden sickness. but nothing as acustomed▪ in which state the most part of that day he also continued. At night again, having eaten some small pitance to supper, towards nine of the clock, he began most vehemently to be passioned, Declaration of his speeches. till which time we all had very good expectation of his health and recovery, which his L. perceiving, after he had been a while set up in his bed, he said. I know my good friends and faithful love servants, that the great zeal and love you do bear unto me, is a vehement occasion to kindle in you a desire of wel-wishinge, and intendment of assured safety towards me, wherein I have more cause to thank your good wills, then mean thereby to imagine the force of my disease, to be less than long since I expected, and exceedingly in myself have ever doubted, what words of comfort, protraction & delays soever, have by the Physicians to the contrary been used. One great and exceeding comfort unto me is, that living, I ever loyally demeaned myself, & dying, I shall departed this world in her majesties good grace and especial favour. Next unto that, the love of you my dearest friends and entirely beloved servants and followers, whose hearts I know do pursue me, and whose affections even to the last gasp of death I am persuaded to be ever firm and fixed towards me. Your desires are I know, that I should live, according unto which, the least mitigation that may be of my grief, you measure by and by to the hope of amendment, which is not so. For that in all the comfortable speeches that sundry times I have received from you, myself to whom the inward effects thereof have been found most forcible, have ever mistrusted, and by many probable circumstances adjudged the contrary. Long time endure I can not, this know I well, happily a day two or three, I may yet be conversant among you, for my decease, that standeth assured (the messenger whereof continually knocketh at the door of my imaginations, ready every hour to assault my heart, and to carry away with him the spoils of a dying carcase) will not permit I shall long time travel in this sort among you. And for myself, stand ye all asserteined, that having long since peized in equal balance, the long continuance of a frail, Mislike of the world. wretched, and travailed life, the most part whereof is carried away in sleep, sorrow, grief, sickness, danger, and the residue also never freed of care and all manner of disquiet, with the hope of an everlasting joy, happiness, rest, peace and immortal residence: I find no reason why I should at all affect the toil of such earthly tediousness. Insomuch as having lived now almost three skhore and thirteen years, and borne myself (honourably I trust) in all mine actions and services, and further in the progression of my ripest years, yea in this very instant more than at any other time am regarded of my prince, and esteemed of my country, and among my peers reputed in the highest degree of my fidelity: I shall now die as becometh my person, worthily and honourably. Be you therefore recomforted I pray you as I am, and think that for all the love you have aught me, the services you have done me, or tender care you do yet in my heaviest pangs bear unto me, the chiefest content you can do unto me, is that you be satisfied herein with me. That being verily resolved in my soul, of all that I have here said unto you, and having ordered mine actions, Certain notice and liking of death. and prepared myself thereto accordingly, I do willingly, and with a right contented mind, leave this transitory world so replenished as it is with so many grievous casualties, and heartily do give my body to his natural course, & my soul into the hands of the Almighty creator, for ever in his glory (I trust) to be eternised. This speech ended, he continued till after midnight, at which time, he had about two hours slumber, and so began his pain to increase again. In which till wednesdaye following, almost in one state, he for the most part remained, often-tymes accustoming himself with those that were about him to prayer, many times recording to himself the goodness of God, and his mercies to him remembered, and that with such zeal & enteire regard of his hoped repose, as that it still seemed and was evidently apparent how much he longed and thirsted for the same. In fine, drawing by little and little to an end, even in the very last pang, joining his hands up to heaven, his heart & eyes thitherward fixed, he recommended eftsoons himself to the mercy of his redeemer, and on thursday last about two in the morning died, His death. to the lamentable grief of all that were about him, who heartily sorrowing his loss, were forced to shed tears abundantly. The day of the funeral is not yet certain, Conclusion. but the same is intended very honourably. Recommending myself unto your La. in all humbleness, I take my leave. At our sorrowful house of B. this of, etc. THese three Letters being all as you see of one suit, A declaration of the parts comprehended in every of these letters yet diversly handled according to the several matters in them contained, do bear in them two only parts of an Epistle whereof they be solely consisting. A brief Exordium in each, and then Narratio throughout. Peroratio there is none, because by collection there is no inference made of any the matters continued: but a Conclusion used with brevity, wherein either greetings or farewell to knit up the Epistle is mentioned. The Exordium of the first ariseth from the person of his Uncle, First Letter. whose authority was a charge unto him, to inform the special notes of the country. The Narration by demonstration of the particulars of the City describeth thereof the worthiness, stateliness, and the excellency, as first it is mentioned to be ancient as builded by Nero. 2. Then pleasantly situate by reason of the air and fertility of woods and waters. 3. Next by the sumptuous and stately buildings whose descriptions are extant. 4. Fourthly the fashion, equality, and largeness of their streets and houses. 5. Fifthlye their Magistrates and long continued government. 6. sixthly their apparel retaining yet the monuments of their autient dignities. 7. finally the goodness of the soil measured by their complexions. The Conclusion knitting up the state thereof, mentioneth a discharge of promise, and courteous recommendations, etc. Second letter. The second Letter hath his Exordium brief, of the friendship between both parties, each longing to be informed of the others welfare. The Narration occupieth the description of unfrequented places. As first they have only the commodity of the soil, which by reason of the air is well situate, without any fruit at all thereof, because it is not inhabited. Secondly there is nothing to encumber them with, but the care to defend themselves, which is easy, and to get victuals which is impossible. thirdly, nakedness of the people without civility, and thereby barred from any common society. Lastly the subtlety of their disposition to lie in wait (being men eaters) whereby some of their company have sometimes been entrapped. The Conclusion showeth a short return, & Fervent desire of safety. The third carrieth his Exordium of the decease of an honourable peer, Third letter and the desire of her to whom he writeth, to be advertised of the same. The Narration by circumstances inferreth the suddenness of his death, because by some hope of recovery it was at that time unexpected. Then a recordation of some worthy and honourable speeches by him delivered, being an argument of the contempt ●e held of life, and the certain notice and liking he had in himself of death. After, his death. lastly the celebration of his funerals, the time whereof was not then known. The Conclusion is a determination of the Letter, only in taking his leave and there withal endeth. Thus do you see the special points, whereupon every of these Letters do consist, distinguished by the numbers in each of them severally contained, the matters and occasions leading to the examples, whereof be infinite. For what I pray you in particular, of any generality can be set down, but that the same to the method hereof must needs be correspondent. In what kind of argument can you wade, to recount any matter whatsoever, but the title hereof shall in some sort or other of necessity he handled? Insomuch as the use hereof being so plenty as it is, it falleth out very seldom in his own proper nature of an Epistle to be disposed, but in many other sorts of Epistles is very commonly frequented: For examples sake, if in an epistle commendatory we endeavour to commend any man to favour, office, or service with an other, Demonstration praise & dispraise most used under other titles. it is necessary that we manifest the person what he is, & what be his qualities, which can not be without we fall into these kinds of descriptions herein used, in demonstration of his virtues. If in a suasory Epistle we should advise our friend to leave the City, and to come and dwell in the country, we must of necessity by demonstration and description of the same place, set before his eyes the benefit, pleasure, use, and commodity thereof, by means of which he may the rather thereunto be induced. The like also many times happeneth in Epistles consolatory, petitory, Exhortatrie, and monitory, beside in Criminatorie, Defensatorie, Inuectines and others, in each of which the virtues or vices of men are sundry times either extolled, praised, preferred, urged, excused, alleged, proposed, dispraised, misliked, or condemned. Ne●dlesse were it therefore, to wade into all the particular examples hereof, solely to be conferred in Epistles by themselves: only such as are needful we will proceed in, referring all the residue contained in this demonstrative kind, to the examples, wherein in any other title they shall be tendered. Applying there withal to the Readers consideration, that if he shall be occasioned at any time to the description of any other thing or place herein not mentioned, and not by imitation of these sole observations with facility sufficient to be conceived: he may turn to the former titles above rehearsed, and in the margin hereof likewise expressed, in some of which he shall not fail, in one sort or other of that he liketh or searcheth to be satisfied. One example more semblable to the first as well for that it carrieth in it so rightly the nature of this demonstrative kind, without intermixion at all, as also in respect of the very perfect and orderly delivery thereof. I will prefer unto your imitation, the matter whereof upon occasion of the embassage of Sir George Carie into Scotland, was written by M. R. Bowes being there then in his company, to the right honourable L. Hunsdon, containing only a Narration of his enterteignement, with some occurrents mentioning the state of the country at that instant, which by chance (in the writing hereof) among other old papers happened into my hands. IT may please your good L. On the twelfth hereof S George Carey and his company came to the Town, with greater speed than the LI. here looked for: causing them hereby (as they say) to omit sundry compliments of enterteingnement to have been shewèd to him, both in the way, and also at his arrival here. And albeit audience was required to have been given on the morrow, yet it could not be obtained before this day, which delay was partly excused by our sudden coming, but the chief cause appeared to be by the unreadiness of the king. On the morrow after our coming the Earls of Marre and Gowrie, the L. Lindsey, the M. of Glamis, justice Clerk, Clerk Register, and sundry other of the Council and Gentl. came to Sir George, offering all courtesies to him, and good devotion to her Majesty. This day audience was granted, whereupon Sir George delivered to the king her majesties directions given him in charge, with such discretion & good order, as answered fully the contents of his instructions, and sounded greatly to his own commendation, giving me just occasion to think myself happy, to follow one that could with such sufficiency discharge the duty requisite on his part. The king appearing to be partly passionate at the first, did acknowledge himself greatly beholden to her majesty for her great benefits, with offer and promise to be found thankful for the same, excusing still the abuses of the Duke towards himself, and other unthankfulness showed to her majesty. All which he would have drawn to have come rather by the oversight of councillors, advising & consenting to the causes of the same, then by the Duke, that little meddled (as he thought) in such matters. And for his further answer, he hath referred it to his next conference, wherein it is hoped he shall be brought to better understanding of his state, and of the doings of the Duke, as by the next your L. shall have further advertisement. The Duke continueth as yet in Dunbarton, accompanied with the M. of Seton, the M. of Levinston, & sundry others besides his own company, he pretendeth to have want of sundry requisites needful for his departure & transportation, & thereon hath sent to the k. to pray longer time, which is denied, and order given this day unto him to obey, & to keep the appointment prescribed. The piece of Dunbarton is well victualled & furnished, & albeit it is delivered to the custody & charge of W. Steward for the K. yet it is in the duke's power to command & dispose of the same as he pleaseth. Upon sundry respects the K. & his LI. have deferred the convention until the x. of October next, minding to have the same at Edenbourgh, & thereby to establish both a good order for the kings person, his house and revenues, as also for the policy of the govenment. And thus referring all others to the next occasion, with my humble duty, I pray unto God to have your L. in his blessed keeping. Sterling the of October, etc. MAny advertisements in this Letter, I have purposely overpassed, as well for the they were nothing furthering to example, as also something impertinent unto the course hereof. Now followeth it next, the after these Letters, mere descriptory as you see, we do treat of the other two parts apertaining also to this form, which are Lawdatorie & Vituperatorie, the use whereof either solely or intermixed in any other kind of Epistles, shall of one or more of these causes take their original, that is to say, of the Person, Deeds or thing itself to be commended, misliked, or dispraised. The Person of any one is to be preferred or disabled, either by his birth, descent, parentage or auncestry. Secondly, of his Childhood, being therein either well disposed, or untowardly given, virtuously trained up, or viloly behaved. Thirdly, of his youth, in which he is ever conversant in studies of honest life, seriously given to the knowledge of letters, affecting always unto laudable exercises, temperate & sober in demeanour, or otherwise accounted dissolute & wanton, unhappily led to the search of whatsoever mischiefs, affectionate to the most basest conditions & practices, not tied to any order, but wholly pursuing an uncontrolled liberty. Fourthly, of his manly years being frequented with civil government, or living altogether without account. Privately & publicly in all manly actions demeaned, or by apparent looseness in each place discredited. In this place is the some & worthiness of each man's behaviour, with all plenty to be described, or utterly to be impugned. For herein are the seasons wherein all virtues with most regard are ever flourished, or extreme vice with all kind of mischiefs most deeply pursued. Fifthly, of his old aye, the course whereof is with ancient gravity continued, or by all kind of evils most heinously misprised, whose silver hairs are shining in virtuous happiness, or miserable estate is drowned loathsomeness. Six●lye, in his end or departure out of this world, agreeing to the saying of Solon, the No man may be counted happy before his death. For that in the expectation or attaining thereof, as at no time more in all the life of a man, then chief appeareth, his virtue, constancy, strength and worthiness, or otherwise his intbecillity, overthrow, shame, and ignominious filthiness. Besides all these, many likelihoods are often taken either to praise or dispraise of the Person, by occasion of the Nation or Soil from whence he came, where he was borne or trained▪ From the general condition or application of himself or of the people thereof, by the habit, constitution of the body, complexion, looks, fame or other circumstances thereunto incident by the virtues of the mind, activity strength, swiftness, nimbleness, favour or beauty of the body. By the gifts of fortune, as honour, wealth, worship reputation & kindred. And for as much as these demonstrations of persons are wholly occupied eitherin praise or dispraise of their personages or behaviours: the chiefess● part hereof shall also consist in Narration, without peradventure it falleth out in the life of any one to have some one or more things happened or of them supposed, ill beseeming or unworthy their reputation, which either by defence, excusation, Confutation or Confirmation must in some sort be coloured, diminished or clearly avoided. Examples whereof do follow according to their particular occasions. In commendation or vituperation of the deeds of any one we shall weigh with ourselves what notable actions have been, wherein he or she have honourably behaved themselves, or by perpetual infamy thereof have deserved in each posterity for ever to be remembered. The goodness or badness, excellency or baseness of each of these are, by all kind of speeches and arguments proving or improving, augmenting or lessening the same, to be necessarily maintained. And to the demonstration thereof, do require all the parts incident or belonging to an Oration therein to be supplied. The places incident to either of these, Places of praise or dispraise. are derived first from Honestum or Inhonestum, under which is comprehended what is just or injust, godly or wicked, direct or indirect. Honest is always linked to Virtue. For whatsoever is either virtue itself, Honest which is tied to virtue. or affined with virtue, or derived from virtue, or conducing to virtue, is absolutely declared honest. The distinguishment also falleth out into these particularities, as virtues of highest excellence adorning the minds, that is, Prudence, justice, Fortitude, and Temperance. It is therefore to be intended, that not only deeds and actions, but also things themselves be of these and for these either praised or debased. That only is praise worthy, which being rightly done beareth the remembrance thereof with pursued commendation. What soever then by sound & wholesome persuasion tendeth either to the embracing of the good, or shonning of the evil. Whatsoever includeth either fidelity, true friendship, equity, obedience or gratitude. Whatsoever conduceth to true piety to God, thy Country, Parents, Children and friends. Whatsoever appertaineth to the seneritie of the law, to the admonishing of the wicked, and to the remuneration and defence of the well deserved. Whatsoever tendeth to tolerance or patient for bearing of evils, to longanimity, entering into hazard and dangers for conscience for thy country, kindred or friends. Whatsoever concerneth chastity, sobriety, frugality and seemly moderation in all things, that in each of these is only adjudged honest and none others. The contrary hereof, Unhonest. which is inhonestum, includeth likewise whatsoever is not virtue, or is estranged from virtue, hindering to virtue, or in nothing furthering towards virtue, whatsoever is pertinent to Folly, injustice Pusillanimity, or excess, whatsoever by the evil therein committed is exempted from praise. Whatsoever carrieth persuasion to mischief & seducement from the good. Whatsoever appertaineth to infidelity, falsehood, treason, disobedience, slander, or ingratitude. Whatsoever withdraweth from natural regard & love of thy Conntry, Parents, Children and Friends. Whatsoever impugneth the wholesome laws and estate of every commonwealth, tendeth to a notorious example of evil, hindereth or blemisheth any others good deserving. Whatsoever enforceth revengement upon every small offence, hath in it no mean of sufferance, or forbearance at all, entertaineth a lawless liberty of conscience to perpetrate or yield to any unlawful action, or to become injurious to thy Country, state or calling. Whatsoever is furthering to a dissolute living, unbridled lust, covetous tenacity, prodigality, or detestable excess. These and such like, as coufounders of all civility and humane government, are confirmed to unhonest. Necessity. Also from Necessity or Vtillitie, as to she we that the state of the person, or the present matter in handling, or the necessity of the time, or other enforcement, willeth a person of such rare virtue, or one of so vile account to be entertained, preferred, expulsed or rejected. Utility. From Vtillitie, as wherein are either alleged divers benefits or large commodities, ensuing of the action, or that by means of retaining the same, sundry nocuments, or instant hazards, or dangers afterwards like to follow may be prevented. And the inutility by the contrary, when the matter therofby likelihood may turn to as great damage. From difficulcy which is gathered by the circumstances of the thing in hand sometime respecting the person, difficulcy. The effects whereof are comprehended in this verse following. Who, what, and where, whose means, why, how and when. Places of Confirmation or confutation. Out of the efficacy of all these, are places of Confirmation or Confutation (belonging to every occasion of praise or dispraise) frequented and used. By like circumstances also the Peroratio of every Epistle is furnished, in brief enumeration of all the arguments whereof, and Amplification thereupon used, we move the minds of those we writ unto, either unto gladness if the case so require, or to great compassion, if the matter in handling do so stand. And here withal must the learner note, These places referred to other kinds. that not for this title of Demonstrative alone are these places set down, but also for the Derivative and judicial, when, and as often as either praise, dispraise, laying out, or enforcement of any matter shall therein be used or accustomed: the consideration of the points whereof, is as occasion serveth, to be also adapted to those purposes. And now to the intent the particularities of all these, being orderly distributed into their peculiar places, may the better appear in the several ranches wherein they shall be supplied, and that nothing so much as example conduceth to a most perfect and speedy instruction, I will both of the one suit & the other lay you down such reasonable patterns, as to any consideration may be thought indifferent. And first will I begin with an Epistle Lawdatorie, fra●ed in the person of him, from whom the very Idea & platform of all princely excellency, in his time proceeded, the memorable worthiness of whom, shall not fail in all worlds for ever to be remêbred▪ An example of a Lawdatorie Epistle, solely touching the person. THe fervent love, Exordium framed of the condition of the party to whom we writ. & entire zeal and regard, wherewith your L. even in these tender and as yet unripened years, seemeth to pursue the virtues and honourable worthiness of the most renowned and famous, and the reverend account wherewith in your most secret imaginations you have ever admired, and as it were emulated their highest progrestions: hath moved me in recordation thereof (and the rather to deliver unto your L. Narratio. the very true image and lively counterfeit indeed, of unblemished honour, adorned with all princely and most surpassing nobleness) to propose unto your view, a paragon so peirles, and of so rare and excellent performance, as whereof no history hath the semblable, no Region the match, nor any world hereafter may eftsoons be supposed to produce the like. You shall not need my L. to ransack volumes, to search out the lives of the most honoured Scipio amongst the Romans, Occupatio. nor out of Greece to fetch Themistocles, or Alcibiades from Lacedaemon or Athens, Let Hannibal rest with his predecessors, who sometimes by unbearded fortune did honour to mighty Carthage, and (before them all) Achilles and Hector, that made the fall of Troy so famous: And come we into our own country, Synonymi● the land wherein ourselves inhabit, the soil to us native, and of all others most dearest, and see you here my L. a prince of so rare and incomparable worthiness, as yourself will confess through out all the course of his life, to have been of all others the most happy and virtuous Edward, my L. young Edward (so held in his father's life) under whose reign he died, in England surnamed here for his noted excellency, Proposition. sometimes the black Prince. This is the prince whom Nature, Fortune and Virtue, to the intent to yield some apparent paraunt show of their wonderful and mighty operations, Praise of the prince in general. had above all others so especially enabled, with all kind of wished and most exquisite perfections, as in that present season, in which the delicacy of his aspiring glory arached the highest branch of honour from out her lofty seat of dignity, it was denied to any other whatsoeu●●r, to exceed? Nay, but so much as to become partaker with so rare a pattern of the like fruits of virtue, and never dying glory. And to th'end (in rehearsing some few of the many particularities of such sound & uncorrupted majesty) the radiant shining beams resiant in so high a parsonage, may with more facility the sooner be discovered: we will first begin with his original and foremost infancy, that by deducing from thence his complements of all princely excellency, even in the very mouth of his entombed grave, Praete●●tio. his bones may not be reposed without an immortal recordation, and the fame of his very name celebrated by an endless memory. Needles were it my L. Of his descent & parentage. that I should tell you of this stately prince, that he were son and heir in succession, to the most mighty and most renowned Edward the third, king of this noble realm of England, the most regarded virtues and invincible chivalry of whom, being then every where so surpassing, and of such redoubted force, as (were it not that such memorable issue had sprung out of his kingly loins, as wherewith the states of the mighty were daunted, and Europe made to wonder) might hitherto have remained of fame compotent enough, to have been compared unto the mightiest: but that I may rather report unto you, that as gold, Parabola. in the riches and glory of itself, beareth price and value with the most precious, yet having annexed unto his proportion, a diamond of inestimable beauty, valour & goodness, becometh thereby far more excellent than before, more shining and glorious: so this sovereign and puissant Monarch (admirable no doubt by himself) yet having thus tied unto the sunshine of his happy reign, the obscurer and eclipsing glory of all other nations, the very Lodestar and direction of all others trophe●s, Allegoria. the sun itself of worthiness, and absolute concluder of every honourable enterprise, how could it be but that the extinct of his prerogative must of force exceed, & go beyond all others, when himself, by the very chay●● of honour's self was so far advanced above any others. And albeit the high and kingly worthiness of so stately offspring and parentage, Obiectio. might no question in sundry sorts, yield great and mighty glory to the issue: yet that it may not be alleged that in taking upon us to commend the parsonage of one, we should intimate the sovereignty of the other, as it were by a defect of praise sufficient, to supply the want of our own, and that the honourable reputation of another cannot fitly be said to be this man's worthiness, without by the branch of his own desert, he had in his proper right most effectually approved the same. Understand you then of him, Anthypophora. that which all men deem most princely and honourable, and there is none (were it the stoutest enemy that ever lived) but will most highly commend. Anadiplosis per Emphasin. This Prince, this honoured Prince my L. Who even from the very cradle seemed to be addicted to the knowledge, and fear of God, and very piety of sincere and Christian Religion (besides that he was naturally so well form & instructed in good documents as any might be) became in those very tender years also, Of his infancy and childhood. so apt unto learning, as the mar●he or like of him therein, was seldom or never in those days any where found, and in these times also may not easily be heard of. Insomuch as of those that then knew him very well, it certainly is delivered, that being but of th'age of 12. years, his understanding & knowledge in the latin tongue, was so perfect, his progression in the greek so excellent, his skill and delivery of foreign languages so wonderful, his princely towardness in all things so rare and so plentiful, as many times moved all the regarders to admire him, but found none of all his associates, Of his adolescency. in the same exercises, that were ever able to follow him. Now if 〈◊〉 shall come to his riper years, and how therein he profited in the towardly exercise, and use of arms, beseeming a Prince of so high and expected admiration, what could be wished in any one that in him was not fully accomplished. So comely, and with such uncontrolled dexterity could he sit, ride, and govern his horse, so courageously, and with such nobility could he weld and use any weapon, either at tilt, barriers, or tourney, with such high and approved direction, ordered he all his complements to either of these belonging, Paradigma. as did well manifest the magnanimity and worthiness of his mind, and what manner a one he would afterwards become, towards the bewtifiing of his Country. A more plain and evident demonstration whereof, did at any one time in nothing so much appear as even then, when he was yet in his minority. For when there was remaining as yet, no sign or token at all of manly show in his f●ce (being nevertheless of stature seemly and tall, and of goodly constitution in his body, well beseeming the years he then carried) also attendant on the mighty king his father in the wars of France, Hyperbole per interrogationem. what things did he there perform▪ what weighty enterprises and those beyond all expectation would he undertake, in honour of his royal progeny: was it not to to strange, that being in comparison of years, as it were a child, devoid of so confirmed and ancient graffed experience as beseemed the wars, Parenthesis he undertook notwithstanding at xviii. years of age, with half his father's power (by incessant entreaty upon a most courageous desire of an ever thirsting glory committed to his leading, with condition and charge either there to eternize his death by an everlasting memory, or back to return again with triumphant gained victory) to join with the whole and mighty power of France, and all the chivalry thereof, where (to his immortal and surpassing high renown) he attained upon them by the permission of God, Transitio. a most memorable tropheye? But why dwell I in these slender discourses, (small God knows in respect of those mighty conquests by him afterwards achieved) in detaining you from the sweet and ardent remembrance of the rest? If he being yet sequestered in years from any ripeness at all, Comparatio, ab incremento. when it was then to be supposed he most needed government, could by such stately and invincible valour, so moderate his great and weightyest actions, as to become at that very instant so redoubted and famous: what might we deem of him afterward, being once perfectly established, in all kind of manly directions, but that of necessity he should by many degrees exceed, and go beyond the foremost show of all his excellencies, and the greatest expectation that might be of all his progressions? and so undoubtedly he did. For being once attained to man's estate, Hypophora he grew immediately to become a Prince sage, His man's estate. discreet, politic, and wise, in all his actions of rare and singular circumspection and providence, benign, and of all others most favourable and courteous, fortunate, and ever invincible in the wars, liberal to his followers, and of a high replenished bounty to every one, His outward actions. a very Patron and defender of innocents, absolutely favouring always the right, Magnanimous as touching his estate & the high and weighty enterprises he took in hand, His inward virtues. exceedingly feared abroad, wonderfully beloved at home, mixing always thinterchangeable exercise of arms, with continual study of learning. Of such exceeding modesty and temperance as is marvelous: Insomuch as the king his father being here in England, when in the great fight of Poicters he had discomfited and overthrown in one day three mighty battles of the French, and taken in the last of them king john and his son prisoners, he was not puffed up at all with the honour of ●o● stately and triumphant victory, neither grew he insolent upon the same, but entertained the king & his son in his own tent so honourably, and therewithal with so great nobility and surpassing courtesy, as that he neglected not to serve them himself at supper, and seemed verily at that season in all things, His bounty and great humility to have been reputed in his own intendmenr, as if he had never been conqueror. The show whereof, so much increased his incomparable bounty, and so mightily honoured the estate of his victory, as that the king then confessed, that to become the prisoner of such a one, it could be no disparagement unto so mighty a sovereign as himself, seeing that he was by the force of that only overthrow, made companion of the greatest nobility that ever he saw. His modesty. Many honourable parts could I here infer un-you of him (infallible arguments of his incredible modesty) for long after this, when this mighty Prince had achieved so many and weighty honours throughout all France, as the regard whereof made his name a terror, and his beck a command to compel their sovereignty unto his father's obedience, he was required by king Dampeter of Castille, to help him against Henry his bastard brother, who had then expulsed him & unlawfully usurped upon his kingdom. Whereupon having by the courageous endeavour of himself and his knights, and by their sole and only prowess, brought down the usurper, and driven him clean out of the country (albeit his strength was such and the admirable favour of the people so great, as might easily have invited him there, to the wearing of a crown) he nevertheless of a high and noble disposition, holding it far more honourable to make a king then to be a king: so far forth declared his temperance at that very instant (not commonly happening unto every one, Apothegma. especially in causes of a kingdom) as that he utterly abstained so much as to bear an appetite or liking thereunto: but to his immortal renown, placed and restored therein again the true and lawful inheritor of the same, Eretoma admiratio. settling him (according as was first intended) to his crown and kingdom: Can there my L. in any one have appeared greater arguments of magnanimity, justice, & Temperance, than was remaining in this Prince? Was ever any more replenished with all kind of excellencies, than those wherewith himself was possessed? Pelisindeton. nis And yet if continual happiness in all worldly attempts, if never ceasing and eternised famous victories, if the commendation and honour done unto him of his mightiest enemies, if strength and glory of his country, and honoured titles of his victorious father, if confirmed leagues of divers mighty Princes, Confederates and Allies, if fervent and of all others the most principal and ardent love of his knights, subjects and followers, if all or any of these might any ways have induced him to the breach of either of these virtues, Eephonesis. what wanted to the furtherance thereof, that in and upon him, was not always attendant & (as it were) continually powered. Was he not then wedded to Honour, Metaphora even in his foremost cradle? Did not Fortune immediately acknowledge him, and confess that he was her darling? Seemed Virtue ever proud, but in his only perfection? grew Fame at any time so unpatient as even then, when as the most convenient harbour of all her worthiness, she sought out his dwelling? Agreed they not all with one voice to abandon the stateliness of any others, only to be resiant with him whom they held most chary of all others? Witness among many other his more than ordinary attempts, the three battles (than which no one thing throughout the world before or since became of more greater remembrance) by him in his most youngest years, so miraculously fought, the one of which was at Cresseye against the French when he was but 18 years of age (as you have before remembered) the 2. at Poicters, where died the king of Boheme, & king john of France became his prisoner, the 3. against this bastard Henry, for the kingdom of Castille wherein one whole entire fight the same Henry bearing a mighty host was by mere surpassing valour & most worthy prowess of this Prince discomfited, and by main force thereof expulsed his signory. All which exploits and many more beside, celebrating thereby his eternal praises, when he had with greater glory, than well may be conceived, furnished and finished, to the advancement of his immortal dignity: His death. see death despiteful death, who joining with the malignity of the wicked world, hateful always to virtue, and satisfying ever to malicious envy, bereft the unworthy earth of his most worthy life. But how? not as falleth out to every common creature, Charientisunis. devoid of after memory, for why? the sovereign commander of earth, and skies allotted it otherwise: neither beseemeth such stately Patterns of honoured Virtue, whose spirits carried with greater efficacy of aspiring eternity, Confutatio. than those whose duller conceits are adapted to more terrene and gross validities, should be exempted their perpetuity. And albeit in all the progression of the wished life of this mighty Prince, any one thing was never found contrariing, blemishing or in one sort or other impugning his honour (one sole imposition or tax contraried in his government of Gascoigne excepted) yet in the highest estate of happiness wherein he always lived, was he never more happy or glorious, then even in his very death: insomuch as he then died at which time in most honour & highest top of all prosperity, he was principally established and chief flourishing: Praise of his death. at that instant in which the type of his excellency was in no one title or jot obscured: at that very season when in the whole course and practise of his life, having still addicted himself to sound out the incertain and momentary pleasures of the world, he had by perfect trial found out the small validity and little affiance that was to be reposed in the transitory & fading glory of the same. Even then when in exchange of the eternal habitation, (the incomprehensible joys whereof no eye hath seen, ear hath heard, or tongue can express) he best knew how to leave this wretched life, and to compass the sweet and wholesome meditation of the other. He died my L. as he ever lived, virtuously and honourably, the determination of whose deceasing corpses, was preparation to new joys: Peroratio. and commutation of momentary pleasures, an assurance of ever flourishing gladness. Thus see you my good L. before your eyes, the most certain and assured counterfeit of very true nobility, furnished in the discovery of such a one, whose parsonage being in no kind of excellency inferior, to that in the highest degree may be of any other imagined: Epiphonema deserveth by so much the more of all honourable estates accordingly to be embraced. Great is the ornament of praise, and precious the renown that longeth to such virtue: the diamond glimpse whereof equaleth in beauty the fairest, and dimmeth by the very shadow thereof the glittering pomp of the mightiest. Hypozeuxis Beauty strength, riches, and comeliness fadeth, yea the world decayeth, pleasure vanisheth, and the very face of heaven itself perisheth: Only sacred virtue is immortal, she never dieth, ever quickeneth, absolutely triumpheth, and over all other earthly monuments even out of the deepest grave for ever flourisheth. Conclusio. Live therefore my L. virtuously and die wheresoever or whensoever, yet howsoever honourably. My paper burdened with his long discourse, desirous rather to recreate then toil your L. enforceth an end. Recommending my humble duty in whatsoever to your honourable acceptance. THe respects of this Epistle argued in the parsonage of so noble Prince, have carried in the matter thereof, the very show of the highest and chiefest virtues, whereupon all commendation may be principally gathered. The several use and applications of which, do in those parts herein mentioned specially appear, whose distinguishementes (as of all others following) are quoted in the margeant, with other necessary additions, together with such Figures, Schemes, and Tropes, as either for ornament of speech or apt setting forth and delivery of the places therein used are occupied in the same. For the better signification whereof, if either Scheme, Figure or Trope, shallbe here or in any other Epistle following quoted, whose right and ready use, cannot by the learners simple conceit therein be gathered, let him but turn to the latter part of this book, and there (as before I promised) shall he find every one in his true nature and kind to him perfectly and at large deciphered. And now to the other examples, the next of which shall be Vituperatorie also touching the person. Wherein as we have in the other, sought by all occasions and circumstances thereunto incident, what to the furtherance of such requisite commendation might be alleged▪ so will we herein imagine upon what grounds or respects the occasions of dispraise, may as far forth otherwise in any other quality be tendered. An example of an Epistle vituperatorie, concerning also the person. SIr, Exordium of the cause moving admiration the strangeness of an accident hapening of late amongst us, hath occasioned at this instant, this discourse to come unto your hands. Narratio. There was if you remember, at your last being with me in the country, a man of great ability, dwelling about a mile from me, his name was B. and if I fail not of memory therein, we had once at dinner together sitting (by occasion of a pleasant gentleman then being in our company) great speeches of him: the man I know is not clean out of your conceit, and therefore I will cease in farther speeches at this present to revoke him. What general hate the people bore him, and how ill he deserved from his first conversing among them, Propositio. you have not I am sure forgotten, in so much as he was called the Hell of the world, Allegoria. the Plague of a common weal, the Mischief of men, and the Bondslave of the devil. And no marvel, for what injury might be conceived, that was not by him imagined? Expostulatio. What evil could there be that he shunned to practise? what merciless dealing that he would not proffer? what apparent wrong that he ceased to justify? what execrable extortion that he cared not to commit? what villainy so damnable that he durst not put forward? O God, it is incredible to think and unpossible to be surmised, Epiphonema. how great, how forcible, how manifold, how mischievous, how insufferable, how detestable, hath been the original, progression, continuation and determination of his most wicked and shameless life, and were it not that by the incessant outcries, Paradoxin. continual cursings, and horrible denunciations of the innumerable multitude of those, whom in his life time he yoked, whom with his actions he feared, whom with the weight of his endless wealth, he poized down, that they durst not them whisper in secret, what now they openly discover, whereby the force of his wickedness being then secret, became not as now so open and apparent. I durst not me thinks of myself so much as surmise but the one half of that, wherein he became so notorious, Hyperbole. so rare and unused are the evils, wherein he seemed so thoroughly to be fleshed. I have wondered sithence with myself many times: what soil it might be, or what constellation so furious, as effected their operations in production of so bad and vile a creature, at the time when he was first put forward with living into the world: In the search whereof, I have been the less astonished, insomuch as thereby I have grown into some particular knowledge of his original and parents. His sire I have understood was a villain by creation, His parents by nature, by soil, by descent, by education, by practice, by study, by experience, his dame the common sink of every rakehells filthiness: Metaphora. the one of whom (after innumerable offences committed whereby he deserved a thousand deaths) was at the last for a detestable and notorious crime burned peacemeale upon a stage in holland, and the other (after sundry consuming and filthy diseases, never able to rid her) was in like manner hanged alive in chains for a most horrible murder in England. Expect you not then, Hypophora● that the procreation and generation of such an issue, must by argument of the Parents condition, sort to some notable purpose? you do I know, and in truth how could it otherwise be likely. Now if hereby we should conceive of his education, and how his childhood pass away, Apostrophe being fostered up as he was, from one place to another, without any certain abiding, but only Coelum omnibus common, the common habitation of the world, we must no doubt suppose that he saw much, knew much, practised much, overpassed much, and was glutted with very munhe. And surely if I should give credit to somewhom I durst believe, His childhood. that knew him even then when he was not much more than a child, the very years he lastly bore, gave not more assured testimony of what he now was, than the season in which he then passed, did yield an inviolable approbation, what in time following he would become, for even then, what rapine, what theft, what injury, Ecphonesis● what slander, what lying, what envy, what malice, & desperate boldness, and daring to enter into any mischief, was in him thoroughly planted? There was not (by report) any one thing whereby a man might afterward be conjectured to become infamous, but was in him fully replenished. His Adolescency. Credit me, I conjecture so manifoldly of the sequel of his actions, as when I understand what he was, so ripely, I marvel that he lived thus long so wickedly. But shall I turn here from, to his Adolescency, and she we what therein I have heard? Truly it passeth all capacity to be censured: and it it is too too much to be thought upon. Confirmatio. His pride, his boldness, his shameless continuance, his looks, his gesture, his show, his living, his conversation, his company, his haunts showed still what he was, There was no rakehell, Congeries. no ruffian, no knave, no villain, no cogging rascal, no hateful companion, no robber on high ways, no privy pilferer, but his hand was in with him, and that he was a copesmate for him, no brothel house but he haunted, no odd corner but he knew no cutter, but he was a sharer with, no person so lascinious, abject, wild or dissolute, but he would be a copartner. Yet after all these trades, haunts, sharinges, and partakings, he became at last to serve an old miser, aged for his years, and miserable for his covetousness. Desperate, Misery. This wretched old man (as each one fancieth as he liketh) conceived so much of the odd youth, that he took him into his service, where, with bad attire, and threadbare diet, he lived with him a pretty season, somewhat more than quarter master. In the'nd by whose theft God knows) the man had a chest broken up, and a little coin and plate stolen, wherewith (becoming desperate) it was delivered he hung himself for grief, and being now dead, left no issue or other heir, to succeed his wretchedness and double barred hoard, but B. his man, who being a strong lubber, was by this time grown a sturdy knave, & would needs be counted a man, & thereupon became owner and intrudor to his masters pelle, wretchedness and misery. His youth and age. To reckon unto you since, how he came into the country here, became a purchaser, how he hath spent his youth, passed his old age, what bribery, extortion, wrong, cruelty, rapine, mischief and all kind of villainy, he hath bolstered, perpetrated, followed: what infidelity, falsehood, revenge, privy-guile, treachery, betraying the innocent, Incrementum. beating down the poor, fatherless, widows: how much evil hath he done, & what little good he hath deserved, what should I clog myself with the remembrance, Aporia. or trouble you with rehearsal. It is to much I am not able, I cannot, nay it were unpossible to perform it. Transitio. What resteth then, but that I reach the scope, as in the foremost purpose was intended, that having delivered his shameful life, I do report unto you his shameless and unaccustomed death. See then the incomprehensible power and justice of God, see the weight of his measure, see the wonderful demonstration of his secret judgement, ●aronomasia. how of a careless life ensueth a cankered death, of wilful living a wretched ending, of such money misers, so manifold miseries, as whereof I sigh to think and grieve to remember. The man somewhat before his sickness grew into an extreme numbness, insomuch as he that never lusted to help others, Pathos. was not now able to help himself, nor any cared to relieve him, afterwards fretting and fuming, with himself as it seemed, that notwithstanding his great mass of money, and huge heap of wealth, none could be entreated with prayers, or hired with treasure, so much as to meddle with him, he grew into such a frenzy, and consequently into so rank a madness, that he sat swearing, blaspheming, crying, cursing and banning, and that most execrablie, his looks were grim, furious and changed, his face terrible, His inordinary sickness his sight fiery and piercing, those that saw him feared it, and they that heard of it, durst not come nigh him. In conclusion, some that pitied him more than his deserving, & grieved to see that, they could not redress in him, caused a company to watch him others to provide warm broths, and in conclusion used all means possible to comfort him. But what can man do to prevent the secret determination of tha'lmightie? For lo, whilst all men left him, and each one stood in doubt of him, a company of rats upon a sudden possessed his house, his tables, his chimneys, his chambers, yea his very bed, and his lodging, upon which & about which, they were so bold, as in the sight of the beholders they durst appear and come before them, and being strooken, abode, and were killed, and others come in their places: what shall I say, His death. the sight became so uncouth as all men shunned, each one feared, and none durst abide it: whereupon the miser being left alone, thus pitifully died. The stench of his corpse admitted neither daylight nor company wherein to be buried. Hipallage. Two only that were the conveiers of him, sickened vehemently and one of them died, the other is yet scarcely recovered. Peroratio. The matter hereof seemed unto me so strange, & therewithal so importunate to warn us of our actions, considering how severely God punisheth when he is once bend to correction, as I could not but deeply consider of, weighing with myself that such as was his life, Homooeteleuton. such was his death, the one being hated of many, the other not to be tolerated of ranye. The circumstance whereof, referring herewith to your deep, consideration, I do bid you hearily farewell. WE have not in the former Epictle, so much endeavoured to praise & extol the incomparable worthiness of a high & mighty Prince, as the argument of this letter hath occasioned us to discommend the person of a most vile & wicked liver: either of which, have been the more amply set forth, to th'end to manifest thereby how much and wherein the excellency or dignity of one thing, may be either justly advanced or worthily condemned. Now touching the deeds and actions of men. In what sort they are to be preferred or disabled, is also to be collected out of the places before remembered. And herein it shallbe necessary to call in question whereout the parts thereof are to be drawn, as from the body, wherein is included either plenty or want of strength or activity. From the mind as whence ensueth Prudence, justice, Fortitude, or Temperance or the coutrarieties thereof. From fortune as where-fro is derived Honour, Worship or Wealth. Out of all or some part of these, do proceed the weight and matter of any action, as if the state thereof consisteth in bodily force, I do use thereunto valour, and strength, if it rest in sway or government I confer therein Wisdom, justice, and Modesty, if it be in causes of common weal, bounty, estate, or liberality: I herein apply Honour, Worship, ability, or Riches. The action standing in regard of Piety, reputation, Honour or fame, for the conservation whereof any one hath dealt worthily or wonderfully: hereunto must we induce Fortitude, whose property is stoutly to bear, in which is contained, Magnanimity, to covet and aspire unto things excellent, and to contemn things base and less permanent. longanimity constantly and resolutely, to endure. Patience, meekly and willingly to tolerate. Then Temperance, the parts whereof, are Modesty, Chastity, Continency, Sobriety, and Meekness. The Confirmation and Confutation occupied in all which, are gathered of Honestum or Inhonestum, as I said before, Utility or inutility, difficulcy, or Impossibility. Examples of these might be sorted diversly as in the person of David, I could commend his combat against Goliath, Laus ab honesto. first ab honecto in that he being the servant of God fought against a blasphewer, also in his Prince's quarrel and the defence of his Country: ab aequo, because it is meet and convenient, Ab aequo. that in causes so perilous, the strength of each one be applied, A necessitate insomuch as thereon depended the safeguard of the Prince and people. A necessitate. Ab utilitate for that he killing such an enemy brought to their own country: Ab. utilitate peace & quiet, & also brave the other part in subjection to his king and people. A Difficili, A dificili. because the undertaking thereof was so much the more weighty, by how much himself was as it were an infant against a mighty Giant, unarmed against him that was armed, unfurnished, against him that had all manner of complements of war, weak where the other was strong: besides that, the terror of his challenge and hugeness of stature had before daunted the army, and put them all out of conceit, insomuch as the doubt was so general as no man dared, to undertake the quarrel: herein only is praised of bodily force, his Activity and nimbleness: of Virtues his wonderful Magnanimity the by a courageous desire durst undertake the same, his affiance in justice, and equity of the cause. His Piety to God, his Prince, and country. His Fidelity whose life was not spared when each one drew back, to be brought in hazard for all these. Now in causes of sway and government, a man might be praised for his great wisdom, whereby in handling of some notable action in embassage or consultation, he hath only by grave advise, industry, discreet search, persuasion, or circumspection, compassed weighty matters to the common weal, or thence annoyed huge & imminent dangers, Cicero in the conjuration of Catiline, being a mighty enemy against his own city of Rome, might herein be an excellent pattern, who without stirring the people at all, without any manner of bodily resistance or force of arms, without passing by any private or indirect means, did by the sole matter of his Wisdom, weightiness of speech, forcible reasons, enforcements, rebukes, and persuasions, drive him clean out of the City, and being expulced (to the common peace, tranquillity, and surety of the same) did afterward by like demeanour, industry and circumspection so prevent his purposes, so cirumvent his policies, so turn him upside down, as he dared not, he could not, he shamed to perpetrate what so often he had sworn and so many ways intended. For some one rare & singular point of justice men also might be extolled, as besides common expectation executing the same. A precedent hereof might be the L. chief justice of England in the time of king Henry the fourth, who was so strictly bend to the observation of justice, as having one of the prince's servants arraigned before him at the kings bench bar, for a felony, and being one that the young Prince greatly at that time of his youth favoured. The Prince came to the bar, and at the judges hands required his servant: who answered that he was the king his father's prisoner, and stood there, upon his trial by law for his offences, and that he could not in justice, nor would (by his pardon) permit his delivery without his trial. The Prince moved with such denial, struck the judge on the face, and would by force have withdrawn the prisoner. The judge withstood him, and advertising him mildly of the offence he had done to the seat & place wherein he sat of justice, in such sort to strike him, stoutly caused hands to be laid on him, and committed him to ward, whereunto (upon such advertisement) the Prince obeyed, and accordingly remained in durance, attending the advertisement and knowledge of his father's pleasure. Here might be a great contention, whether the worthy judge in his equal administration and execution of justice, without fear, whereon stood the hazard of his own life, being upon him that was in succession to become his Sovereign Lord, were more to be commended: or the Prince, in his subjection, and of all other most singular obedience were more highly to be extolled, the one daring to do that was lawful, upon whatsoever hazard, the other humbling himself to authority which he might easily have impugned. For no doubt there was as much virtue in the one's obedience, as there was excellency in the others sentence. Over and beside these in the honour, worship, or wealth of any man, his deeds of Charity, either in Erection, Contribution, Conversion or Repairing of any thing, whereby the commonwealth is benefited, virtue forth red, or the needy provided for. Finally Bounty, Liberality, Courtesy, Modesty, Chastity, Continency, Patience, Obedience, Sufferance, willing acceptance of death for conscience, for fidelity towards their Prince, for their country, for their faith, these severally for or by themselves, aswell as in others are sundry kinds commended. Precedents of Bounty. Of Liberality. Courtesy. Precedents hereof might be of Bounty, as in pardoning what we might execute. Liberality in rewarding the good, and relieving common necessity, Courtesy in meek and gentle usage, hearkening to the complaints of the poor and grieved, to the redressing of their wrongs. Modesty. Modesty, in abstaining to execute upon our selves the fullness of glory, or commendation due for our well deserving, in acceptation of honours, in shunning foul and irksome shows, in looks, countenance, and demeanour, Chastity. tending to occasion of evil, Chastity, in the inviolable preservation of Virginity, in purity of thoughts, words and deeds, be it with loss of life. Continency, in withdrawing ourselves from service of our appetite, Continency. Patience. and what naturally we covet. Patience, when gladly, meekly, and quietly, we accept and endure whatsoever justly or injustly is laid upon us. Sufferance Sufferance, when with resolute preparation we are adapted and made ready to take any trosse or affliction upon us. Now by the laying out of all these particularities, you may perceive which way, and wherein the effects of every of these places are thieflye furthered, and what be their actions falling out in their several diversities: By choice and example whereof, the learner may be the better prepared, in whatsoever he shall undertake or proceed upon. And for as much as it is a thing so unused and difficult (as I once said before of Letters descriptory) to enter particularly into any one of these parts by themselves, without sorting to some other end or purpose, the effects thereof. As by the delivery of praise or dispraise of a person to commend him for some use, or discommend him for the same, or in furthering or condemning the actions of any, to exhort or dehort others from the like, or otherwise by some occasions to defend or inveigh against either of both. And so also touching things for, or by themselves to be proposed, either in respect of their goodness or badness, to procure a receipt of them, or otherwise to abandon their forces. I should deem it superfluous in this place to put forward any more examples, contenting myself that for instruction sake. I have so plentifully given forth already these peculiar notes, which at such times when they shall be then used, may be according to their directions orderly and with great facility applied. Omitting therefore, what considerations might hereunto otherwise be deemed pertinent, to the places in which they may be frequented more convenient: let us now pass unto the next title of epistles being Deliberative, and hereunto in order next ensuing. CAP. XI. Of Epistles Deliberative. FEw precepts more than already set down, may serve, either in the generality of this Deliberative kind to be considered, or in the other part judicial to be pursued: for that in whatsoever hath before been enjoined in the precedent parts of Lawdatorie and Vituperatorie, are here in all respects to be followed. The first therefore of these sorts presenting themselves to our handling, are epistles hortatory & dehortatory, the argument whereof being derived from the parts afore said shall beside consist of the motives therein to be suggested. These kind of epistles retaining for the most part a diversity of affections (which Nature hath ordained as it were certain pricks or provocations within us, Motions spurs unto Virtue. whereby to induce the ready & direct way to Virtue, or terrify us by like degrees from pursuit of vices) have in them sundry oppositions, correspondent unto all their properties. In exhortation therefore to any thing, over and above the matter, in the Epistle laid down, we have these occasions and circumstances whereby to incite those we writ unto, to the acceptance or allowance of the argument we have in handling, as praise that may ensue thereof, Hope, fear, or hate of some one thing, love liking or compassion of the cause, emulation of some what therein proposed, expectation thereon depending, examples and entreaty. Efficacy of praise. The efficacy of praise is no doubt, of rare and singular force, to exhort and stir up to well doing. For what I pray you is it, that preferreth and encourageth the common actions and endeavours of all men, but the general allowance and regard that is every where made of them? Is it not account alone that giveth encouragement to Virtue: Is Virtue so fully advanced in any thing, as in the honour and commendation that is attributed unto the same: For so and in such manner hath Nature framed the minds of mortal men, that there is no one of them living, that is of so base and contemptible aspirite, but by praise and commendation he may be drawn up into a liking: which being so, the force thereof in Exhortation must of necessity greatly prevail. This shall we well perform, if we first conceive of the party with whom we have to deal, what disposition, habiluments or other matter is in him, furthering and convenient to the purpose where unto we exhort him and the likelihoods of the same thereupon greatly to put forth and commend: or otherwise if he have any thing before time waded into that action by himself, then to praise that which is begun, and thereby exhort him to proceed in so good a purpose, vehemently setting forth the account and worthiness of the same. And if before time he have behaved himself well therein, we shall encourage him to the better, encouragement. showing that the more excellent the thing is, the more difficult it is to be attained, for difficilia quae pulchra, and yet the difficulcy, not so great as the praise, glory, and recordation thereof, shall thereby afterwards be returned honourable. Likewise, if the state of the party do serve there unto, it shall not be amiss to put him in mind of his parentage, fortune, virtue, nobility, wit, towardness of great expectation, and of all sorts generally well reputed, his discretion, ability, age, and conceit, framed to such purpose, all of them requiring no less than that we wish to be put forward at his hands, but all this with great modesty to be delivered, that in seeming to prefer the certainty of those virtues which are of good account, we do not palpably gloze with the party, to draw from thence those things that never came near him, and this order of delivery shall herein avail greatly. Very forcible also, Hope and fear. is the proposed Hope of rewards, and Fear of inconvenience, the one whereof availeth much to exhortation, & the other to the terrifiing and withdrawing. Love and hate. Love & Hate likewise are of no less purport, for where Love is, what may be found difficult, the same also ensueth to Hate, for what can not hate and mislike compass, be it by any possibility to be attained. If therefore we sort these two contraries in one link togethers, challenging one way, that in respect of the love and regard he hath ever borne to this or that, or to such occasions as may provoke the same, and upon the just hate an other way, he hath so long time conceived upon so certain a ground as may be alleged, he will now take in hand such a cause, or undertake such an action. Commiseration, Commiseration. , or Compassion of the lamentable estate of a thing, and the insupportable wrack the same is like to fall into, is also of wonderful effect, and urgeth many times, so much as what more may not be required in any matter. Emulation What vehemency also carrieth Emulation? The force whereof is gathered of Envy, (not that sluggish and execrable malice, which when itself is no ways able to perform any thing worthily, snatcheth and continually gnaweth at the deserts of others) but that generous and noble kind, which sage Nature herself hath insinuate in our minds, emulating by a fervent desire to compass, or possibly to go beyond what mightily, by others hath been performed. Expectation is not the least of the rest, Expectation the double force whereof, effecteth hereunto mightily, as in the actions we take in hand, to consider how much standeth us upon, zealously and happily there in to proceed: in as much as we have enemies as well as friends that are lookers on, wherein we shall frustrate the hateful desire of the one, who seriously do await the worst success to all our enterprises, and satisfy the courteous intendment of the other, unto whom (not to have good success) should be most intolerable and grievous. Examples. likewise, whose authority is most weighty herein, are greatly to be preferred, by means whereof we do upon sufficient and grounded warrant of liking, diligently commend, what certainly is to be followed. Last of all, Obtestation or entreaty. are Requests and earnest entreaties, which no doubt do often times bear great sway, especially among honest minds, prepared evermore to well doing. The weight hereof is preferred diversly, as in regard of himself to whom we writ, of his Parents and ancestors, of the worthiness of the thing, or for the commodity thereby likely to ensue, we vehemently beseech at his hands the effectual performance of that whereunto he is persuaded. Thus have we passed as you see, throughout all these parts, the rather to lay open to view all manner of means that may be, aiding and furthering to the use of this present method, the suits of every of which, are now to be sorted out into particular examples. An example of an epistle Exhortatory I Have many times desired with myself (good cousin) to obtain some necessary means, Exordiums whereby to manifest the great good will I do owe unto you, and in some sort or other to give you to understand, how much and how greatly I have tendered those good parts, that many times I have seen and approved to be in you. And for as much as Fortune hath denied unto me the estate, reputation, and wealth, that many have gained, and the most do covet, whereby I can not if I would, bestow upon you such riches and treasure as might breed content unto others: I am determined to impart unto you, that, which unto your present condition seemeth most requisite, and wherewith use and common experience hath here tofore inuried me, in stead of wealth to give you words, in stead of gold good, Paranomasia. for riches reason, and in lieu of living, to afford you a loving and constant heart. And whereas I am informed, that contrary to the expectation of some (who over peremptorily have here tofore deemed of these your young years to be laden with looseness, Narratio. and led forward by liberty) you have of yourself, and of your own motion and free-will, obtained licence & allowance of your father to go to Cambridge, in mind to give yourself wholly to study, & the sole fruition of learning, whether I shall more commend the motion hereof, Of praise. or the action that thereby you have taken in hand, I do stand in great doubt, in so much as the memory of the one can not be for the worthiness thereof more permanent, than the glory of the other to your everlasting commendation approved most excellent. It is reported of the mighty Alexander of Macedon, that he was a king, that he was puissant, that he was warlike, that he was famous, that he was a Conqueror, and that he subdued the whole world, but when he came to himself, to the convincing of his own appetite, to rule reason by the square of right, he became a meacock, Synonymia. a Child, an infant, what should I say, he was no body. How much more greater than he was, had the worthy Prince remained, if as in the conquest of sundry mighty kings, Regions, and provinces, so in all other things tending to the suppression of his own peculiar effects, he had been no less or fully so much as Alexander. Andiplos●s Scipio, the most honoured and renowned Scipio amongst the Romans, for his sundry great exploits done in Africa, surnamed Affricanus, we do read, achieved many valiant and incomparable victories, and were it but that sole battle which he fought (when Rome was now at wrack, her nobility spoiled, and her glory trod under foot, ready almost upon any reasonable condition to be delivered into the hands of the enemy) in which he then freed his City, repulsed Hannibal by a mighty overthrow, and thereby daunted so far forth his pride for ever, as expelled from him all hope thence forward, at any time else to become a conqueror: It could not otherwise be said without question, Of example but herein, yea in this only action, he deserved eternal memory, but was he herein think you, & for this only matter through out all the provinces recounted so famous? No assuredly. It was also his rare & most singular virtues otherwise, that fully perfected & polished the glory thereof. It was also his rare Temperance, Modesty, Continence, & Sobriety, wherein with wonderful admiration he exceedingly flourished, Epiphonema. and became extolled above all others. This was it, wherein more than Alexander he became regarded & famous, the conquests that by this means he daily made of himself, returned more glory to Rome, more firm faith, and reverence, than the forcible progression of all other his fatal overthrows and victories: of so great and wonderful reputation is Virtue to all her followers. This being so, how can I then say, but in this your action, you have of yourself right well begun, how can I think, but above many others you have therein chief deserved. Wherein should I augment your praise, if not in that you have hereby so well performed, Amplificatio the force, operation, and effect of all which, hath only consisted in subduing your own appetite. Great commendation have you won I must needs confess, and more than with common worthiness have you in this action demeaned yourself, but (my good cousin) it is not enough to have well begun in a thing, without also therein you do use perseverance. Hannibal knew well how to subdue, but he knew not how to entertain his victories. As you have already in this your resolution gotten great good liking, so behoveth both for the preservation of what already won, Exhortatio. and to induce a perpetual increase to the same, that you do ever more frequent, and by earnest and zealous prosecution seek, still to entertain the fruits thereof. Proceed then a God's name, and go on, with good luck in your enterprise, the more harder and greater you find the difficulcy in attaining to virtue, the more vehement shall be your glory, and the more honourable the reputation that thereby is pursued. Confirmatio. For what hath a man of all that may be left unto him in this world, whereof to vaunt himself, but the memory of that wherein he hath most worthily travailed. The rich reap possessions, which when themselves are once passed away, are immediately distributed to others. The pleasures of the world are momentary, and after we are once dead we perceive them no more. Hypophora. Worship, honour, and dignity, perisheth even in the very self remembrance. The revenues of the mighty, when life is once fled, are no more to be tendered. Shall we then for a number of fruitless vanities, (the regard whereof doth never last longer, then whilst we are in present use of them) neglect the search of that which is of all others most permanent? Ab aequo. No surely. So behoveth not such as yourself, Praise of his ancestors. that of your ancestors have had so many good encouragements, beseemeth not the remembrance of their excellencies in you alone to be perished. 'tis Virtue believe me, that procureth Fame, and solely Fame that makes men immortal. All other means are feeble, as the original from whence they are derived is incertain. At leastwise, A necessitate. it shall many other ways stand you greatly upon to continue this course, in so much as by the emulation of the virtues of others, you shall thereunto be constrained, besides the love and regard that all men have borne, Of expectation. and ever do bear to the remembrance of virtue, the expectation of your entirely favouring, & careful loving friends, who with great longing do attend the prosecution of your worthiness, Of love. the ill conceit, malice and spite that some have had towards you, Of hate. whereby to overthrow the good opinion of your father, who with greater greediness than wolves themselves, Hyperbole. with more envy than the Crocodile, and far more poison than the serpent, do lie in wait but only to hearken after the news of your declination, and the dissolved purpose of this your good intention. Entreaty. Finally my dearest and best favoured kinsman, I do adjure you, pray you, & as earnestly as I can beseech you, by the very pure, and entire love of virtue, whereof you now shall become partaker, by the immortal Fame thereunto only awarded, by the care you are bound and aught to have of yourself, by all the kindred that hath tied us in affinity, together, by all the loves and possible entreaty that I can, you do persist, continue, and remain firm, in this your intended purpose. Peroratio. In pursuit whereof, you shall minister unto your friend's joy & comfort, to your enemy's shame and reproach, to yourself praise and eternal regard, and to all sorts of your acquaintance occasion to admire you. Preferring many times my care & earnest affection towards you, with my manifold greetings unto your good self. I do bid you farewell, etc. The exhortation contained in this letter pursueth not any one thing in particular, but Virtue in general, yn intendment of the writer therein, was to praise the well doing of his kinsman, Intendment oft e last letters. in abandoning such suspected affects as gave occasion to some (ill favouring his person) to speak largely of his credit, & thereupon to disable him to his father. In which he observeth this mean, the Exordium concludeth the liking of him that wrote, & the favoured parts that were in his account, concerning the party to whom he wrote. Then he explaineth the purpose of his letter by Narration, & thereupon the rather to encourage his well-doing, he commendeth the act, Distinguishment of the parts. confirming the worthives thereof by a double example. Afterward proceedeth again by amplification of the goodness, & exhorteth to stability & perseverance, approving by many circumstances, the frailty of all mundan things, & the sole immortality of virtue. Besides, by the convenience of the matter required, by necessity, example of his predecessors, expectation of his friends & enemies, love & hate of either of both, he preferreth the same. Lastly, by adjuring and entreaty, and therewith comprehendeth a conclusion. Responsory Epistles. Now for because the knowledge of Letters responsory, are as needful to be understood in the particular occasions hereof as any of the others: I deem it not amiss, to set down the answer to each of these Epistles as they follow in sequence, that being conferred together in one self matter, the disposition thereof may the better answer the expectation of the Reader. A letter responsory to the same Epistle. THE regard of your exceeding goodwill, and weight of your advise and good exhortations (my very good cousin) have moved me many times to think on you, A modest admission of praise. and to thank you for the same. I take no little comfort of your great good liking of my determination, and that the endeavour thereof beareth so forcible allowance at your hands, as to reckon the same in so high and great account, Dicaeologia as you do. I did I confess err a while, but how? as a young man, I went a stray I grant, but not with perseverance, for I reclaimed myself ere I fell, Excusatio. and stood upright, ere by overmuch weight I slided to far in my purposes, Errare, est humanum, sed persistere, belluinum. The course I have taken, as it was estranged from the opinion of many: so in the prosecution thereof, I hope to use such pursuit, as willingly by declination, Assurance of his course taken. therein I mean not to become offensive to any. Fear you not sir, the account is already set down, for notwithstanding my green years must yet of force continue their note of imbecility. This prerogative yet remaineth, that I may as I list adapt my opinion to gravity. Answer to his offer of good will. You shall (good cousin) do me a great pleasure, if as I am partaker of your love and entire affection, so I may sometimes be partner with you of those exercises and sweet pleasures, wherewith your study is frequented: Weight of his expectation. I mean that with discourses of yours, you will now and than remember me. The expectation of your good conceit may become a great spur unto me, the assurance whereof let rest I pray you, by note of your letters, whereby you shall often provoke me. Thus assuring myself of that I never yet disinherited at your hands, Conclusion your zeal and fidelity towards me, I regard you as faithful as I have ever found you, and so will always account of you, etc. TOuching these Letters of answer, there is seldom in them any observation at all, whereby to bind them to the use of those orderly parts, that in all other Epistles are to be followed. For that the matter of every answer dependeth upon the places of the former direction, whereunto the same is ever more applied, so that unless it be in an Epistle Defensory, which is framed in an answer to the accusation of an other, it rarely or never admitteth any parts at all: but in that kind, by reason of the sundry arguments, inferences, confutations, disproofes, and other circumstances that therein are to be alleged, it beareth the like order of the other Epistles, as in the example thereof shall be hereafter declared. And now let us see one other example of the same suit, wherein exhortation is given to the profitable study of learning. An example of an epistle Hortatory, to the study of learning. IT is no little pleasure unto me, to consider with myself my good N. the great travail, Exordium. cost, and pain, daily employed by your dearest beloved parents, insinuation. to induce unto you the precious, and of all other most delicate & sweet pleasure of learning: the value whereof, is without all estimate, and the comfort therein conceived, in no wise to be comprehended: the loving regard of whom, & the most lamentable want of the other, when I do see you either with some ill favouring aspect, to incline unto, or with some more than strange or unused terms to account of, I can not but grieve with my heart, respecting the link whereby I stand charged to either of you, in so great appearance as I do behold the same. True it is, Propositio. that you are a Gent▪ that you are heir apparent to large and very great possessions, that you are (for the years you bear) of comely and goodly parsonage, that you are in all things well accomplished, & every way as beseemeth: but yet when I behold this favour, this comeliness, these accomplishmentes, & know you to be a Gent. & think upon your large ensuing, revenues and possessions, me thinks there should yet be an ornament to all these, and a thing of far more goodly show, & more surpassing value wanting to the same, that might if it were well entertained, add more glory unto all the others, than the weight of the rest were ever able to purchase. For suppose that all these compliments of yours are of large price, Ratiotinatio & very necessary as they are in deed, and such wherewith the state of man is greatly beautified, yet are they all but things pertinent unto the body, by force whereof (setting only our shape aside) we do communicate in every thing, with beasts, for with them we live, we move, we go, we eat, & enjoy the sensual appetite of inward & outward abilities. But by benefit of learning, Increme●tum. of knowledge, of skill, we make difference of things, & are only thereby in our selves distinguished from beasts. And if man which is the principal work of god, Comparati● was from the beginning a chosen creature, endued above any others, & therefore pointed to exceed and go beyond all others, how much the more needful shall it be for every on, according to such appointment to prefer and put forward the use of the same. And seeing aswell by the ordinance of God as common use of reason, whereby we are governed and led, every man is induced to propose unto himself the exercise of things that are good & honest, and that the same also among these, which maketh a man nearest to his creator in perfection, is of all others the most to be desired: how much available them and important is it, to every man to be frequented with learning, Confirmatio the use whereof freeth him of common ignorance, and maketh him capable of the high & lofty mysteries. And if in any study whatsoever the reputation of honest & good is to be sought for, Of honest. what I pray you then learning, may be adjudged more honester, which having with it a certain kind of divine and sacred original, hath from the beginning of the world, been with all men in greatest price & estimation. What may be deemed more honest, then that which from very asses and blocks, Correctio. and (if it were lawful so to say) from brute men and beasts also themselves maketh difference, and without the which, there were left unto us from such, no place at all of distinguishment. What then that can be said to be more honest, which draweth a man up to the divine contemplation of the sacred majesty, to the knowledge of the high and heavenly things of worthy and imminent virtues, and being sequestered by the want whereof he becometh no other wise then as a hog, still groveling on the earth, searching only wherewith to fill his belly, neglecting in the mean time the expectation or regard of any other stately or eternal sovereignty. Of necessary. Now therefore if the use of learning, as the thing of greatest account and most worthy, is here set down to be so generally, commended to all sorts of men, how much more consonant and agreeing is it then to the reputation of a Gentleman, who by what distance so ever he is measured in capacity, Theworthines. mind, order, state and government from any other common or ordinary person, by so much the more ought he in all endeavours to aspire and seek to go beyond them. For where as all other men in their several vocations are for the most part, and thereby as it were withdrawn from the special notice and eye-mark of all public administration and government, The necessity. the Gentl. contrariwise the more worthy and noble that he is in calling, the more nearer he is to advancement, which by nothing so much as learning is and aught to be preferred. And to say the truth, what profitable member can he be in such a place, whose ignorance is far greater than his wit, and whose knowledge is less than the least of that, whereof he ought to take notice and experience. And seeing learning is of all other things a storehouse so plenty and precious, Occupatio. as whereof the wise man maketh his treasure, the poor man his riches, and the wealthy one his pastime and pleasure, shall the Gentl. who in all other things by nature striveth to be excellent, be in the greatest action of all others so careless and negligent. Omitting that you will here allege the tediousness of study, Confutatio. and a certain impossibility almost to attain thereunto, I must answer unto you again that this cometh not of the labour thereof, which to those that willingly aspire unto the delicate taste of the same, yieldeth great facility with pleasure to be received: but of a slothful & sluggish endeavour & disposition. Exhortatio. Far be it therefore good sir, that you being a gentleman in all other things so towardly, and the son of such a one as you are, Praise of the person. should with the touch of so great a blemish, be so thoroughly stained. So worthy a descent as whereof you are derived such infancy and childhood wherein so exquisitely you have been trained, love. so great love, and charge of parents wherewith you may be animated, do invite you far otherwise, and to a more excellent purpose. Let the sweet and unapprooved delight thereof provoke you, Delight. the praise and commendation solely to virtue appropriate and belonging, Honour. once prick you forward, thehonour and advancements thereby continually pursued. And if none of all these prevail, profit. yet the riches and rewards far greater than any earthly treasure, which are thereunto incident. Example. Think of the worthiness of those who by how much the more noble they were in birth, by so much the more zealously they have travailed, not shunning any labour, sweat, tediousness, scorning▪ yea bondage itself, whereby to compass unto themselves the glory and rewards annexed to the dignity hereof And if no other remembrance may be sufficient to 'stablish you, regard yet your living father, and grandfather, the one of whom neglecting his ease and quiet at home travailed all France, Germany, and Italy to the intent to attain unto the greatness of that whereunto you are so hardly persuaded. Neither think I that you in whom all other good actions do so plentifully flow, Epilogus. will herein alone with a little labour be terrified: wherefore my good N. I eftsoons entreat you again and again, by all the love you have aught to your name, fame, parentage and stock, and by all the expectation that in them or any of them, is of your happiness conceived, you will proceed in this purpose: the weight whereof besides the commodity and pleasure redounding to herself, shall unto your parents & all others return most comfortable and pleasing. All which, recommending to your courteous & gentle disposition, I do herewith take my leave. etc. IN this epistle the exordium, is by Insinuation wherein he covertly slideth into the commendation of learning, the worthiness & necessity thereof, the rather to win the party unto the favouring of the same. This Insinuation is used (as in this place) when we do suppose that the thing we intent to write of, or to persuade, is not so farforth liked as it might be, & according as it doth deserve at the hands of him to whom we writ For which cause, we do first covertly induce the necessity▪ to manifest that without reason, the matter is not deemed worthy. Learning a thing precious. And for as much as Learning of itself, is a thing so precious & excellent, as whereof the praise is infinite, & the argumeent thereof without compass, it admitteth by such occasion the more greater circumstances, wherein largely but not sully, the worthiness thereof may be described. All places of proof therefore are herein used, in declaration whereof, the order perticipateth with the places descriptory before remembered, as in many like examples it commonly falleth out to be oftentimes frequented. For in the distinguishment of the particularities thereof, the circumstances are delivered of Honest, profitable, necessary, not difficult, or easy. The places of exhortation are by the worthiness, Places of exhortation goodness, love, profit, pleasure, delight, honour, example, and entreaty. And here is to be noted, the where this hortatory kind for the vehemency thereof doth carry in it many times a certain manner of reprehension, diffidence, or mistrustful enjoining of the party to whom it passeth, and that the disposition and carelessness of some sorts of men are such, and so haughty as they will scarce permit any admonishment, direction, or exhortation at all: it shall for the lenif●yng hereof, be requisite to entertain with ourselves, this one special regard, Mitigation of exhortation. that in writing to such persons, we do endeavour by many reasons to qualify the sharpness hereof, and by a contrary course to deal with them. And for that an honest and laudable opinion of every one's actions, seemeth by manifestation and delivery thereof unto the party, to induce most credence, and that there is no man living, of so perverse and bad account, but he desireth at least, and rejoiceth to be well deemed of in account among the best, it shall herein principally appertain, that we do rather frame supposals of such men's willingness, than quite to condemn them by any note of negligence. As for example we may affirm, that not, for that we deem him slow or not prompt enough to such things as we require, we do excite such a one to well doing, but as it were calcar, addere currenti: we put forward his readiness by our persuasions and entreaty perform the same. Or otherwise, that we speak hot to such a one, that our exhortation could prevail above the, wherein long since be hath showed himself to be a dealer, and thereunto most willing, but rather to manifest the rejoicing we do therein conceive, & the glad expectation we have of his farther continuance. Or thus, the he will pardon those exhortations, which not so much for the weight of themselves, as the liking we receive of his virtue, we have suggested, some whereof more of plenty, than necessity are fallen from our pen, whereby we confess by such colour to egg him forward, who rather needeth a bridle then a spur in pursuit of the same. The applications hereof▪ may no doubt, be of great force in the self will of a number, who either by the supposed expectation, that they imagined men do conceive of them, or by the weight of the greatest reason laid down to their view, may be induced to many things. For suppose the a matter exhortatory herein so stood, as thereby in discourse of liberality to induce agent. of great possessions, and very good descent to impart some pittance of that wealth which he might well spare, to cause of a common wealth or contribution for the poor, were it amiss (having both by the praise, goodness, and worthiness of the act, and by example of some others, put him in mind of the well deservings thereby attained) to suggest some inclination of his own unto the same, either by a surmised report to be delivered of him, or by likelihood, or by some demonstration, how far of so ever the verity thereof do appear to answer the matter▪ verily it seemeth unto me, that if there should be any spark at all of good condition resident in such a one, he might by like degrees be drawn to some affectation therein. And insomuch as the course hereof is not many times unfrequented. I will show you a like example, wherein a gentleman of some account is in the self same manner induced to the regard of a near kinsman of his own remaining in London, to whom his allowance was so short and scant, and the fear of the other to displease his grandfather so great, as by sorrow thereof it had like to have cost him his life, and this was the manner of the same. An Epistle hortatory wherein the vehemency of Exhortation is lenified, by a more gentle or submissive kind of delivery. Exordium. SIr I do not know whether by the great affection I do bear unto you and yours, or by some stranger motion of myself, friendly wishing to all men, or perchance supposing it a parcel of my duty charitably to exhort, or what other cause you may deem that moveth me in sort following to take upon me to write to you. Nevertheless intending sufficiently of your courtesy, I have thought meet in the behalf of the young Gentleman your son, Narratio. whom with much ado I have entreated home to my house lying there very sickly, both in respect of his sickness, and for the better remedy thereof hereby to become a mean unto you. Propositio. And albeit (such is his gentle condition) as from his own mouth I cannot gather the occasion, yet is not the surmise thereof unsuspected of others, nor myself by many circumstances am ignorant from whence the original doth proceed. For the better opening whereof, it shall not be amiss to call in question his own estate, what you are unto him present, and what in time to come, you both may, and (in respect of nature) will, or aught to become unto him. Principally therefore touching his own state, it is yet green, weak and almost of no force, and by ability so much the less, by how much the more he hath sundry occasions to be endamaged, namely by reason of his suits in law and otherwise. Next drawing to yourself, you are his Grandfather, the only patron of his succession, and the principal part from whence the full remainder of his joy, comfort and happy quiet is drawn to be reposed. Lastly, you are in present unto him a severe governor, and a district commander: In time to come both of yourself and his good inclination encouraging you, may and shall be a resolute and settled foundation, whereupon the life following which it pleaseth God to lend him, shall more substantially, and with greater maintenance be led and continued. Praise of the person. And albeit in all present actions and things afterward to be hoped, I may not find means to discommend your gravity, who upon great wisdom, auntiet experience, and perfect proof, do best know what beseemeth the education of those, whom fatherly care chief concerneth, yet because the conditions of the son, are nothing such as craveth so hard looking to, and that you may not be nimis durus & perquam severus pater: such as in Terence Aedelphus is alleged, that would induce an ill disposed son clam patre, and as it were in secret, to do many enormities, not so much as the sound whereof, should perchance ever attain the curious search of his father's hearkening. Lenisieng the exhortation. I would be thus bold to say unto you, that being frequented with so mild a condition as is in your son, in whom no ill disposition is found at all, you should so far forth, yea in all outward show and common actions (being at this state and at these years as he is) become such unto him, as of whom he might presume, be bold to vaunt, and the world to take notice and account of, seeing that liberty never turneth to looseness, that by nature is charged with so many virtuous directions. Leaving profane authorities and moral arguments, do we not see that in the holy people of God, the seed of Israel, old jacob himself, having happily transported his old age, Ab exemplo to see the blessed succession of joseph, how lovingly he rejoiced upon them, being the children of his youngest son, and according to their virtues, as bred of his own loins, tendered and blessed them. What made David having constrained the rest of his children (whose lives he knew) from his infancy, and above all other, to nourish Solomon, and to edopt unto him, his princely seat in succession, but virtue that followed him? What made many good men beside, whose examples are innumerable, to give liberty to some of their offspring and severely to correct others, but the contrary suppose, conceived in either of them? But what? do I infer hereupon, that to your pupil, you are not a lo-Parent? no, for that I know the contrary. What then do I complain of, would you know? Forsooth for that this love of yours, is mixed with too much severity, you keep him too short, you restrain him too much. Expostulatio. What though, when God shall call you hence, you leave him in succession, you mean to do well and more beside, is that enough? when he hath by suit in law, whereunto, you have put him forward, endangered himself, spent the greatest part of his little, is crossed with many evil practices, martyred with a thousand cares, defects, and wants, and hath thereunto, little or almost no relief, supply or good encouragement, but perchance hard looks, and evil opinion of some, who in respect of nature, aught to be more friendly unto him besides yourself, is it marvel if he be sick being thus wearied, so grieved, and in such sort turmoiled? I do promise you Sir, it grieveth me to see it, and that I have so much cause to report it (supposing your own condition to be flexible enough towards him, Occupatio. if it be not perverted) I do think if redress be not given, and that he have present comfort, assistance, and good encouragement at your hands, he will not be long lived. Be therefore (good sir) favourable to your own, in respect of yourself, and that you are the original: he is not his fathers but your child, you ought, you must, you are bound to tender him, to furnish him, Incrementum. to care for him. Needful is it, you do now call to remembrance, he is no more an infant, but at man's estate, whom you have brought up to your liking, ordered for your liking, and bestowed at your liking, because as all men conjectured you made him your liking, by reason whereof you can not nor may in any sort withdraw or call back, what you have before determined. Nature, divine and humane laws, common custom and society, do hereunto persuade you, Amplificatio. urge you, nay compel you. behoveth not, you suffer that government, for which you are known to be wise, herein alone to be blemished. But what do I infer thus much unto you, who (far better than myself) do know what beseemeth you? Certes sir, not for that I doubt thereof, but because the care I have of the action, maketh me more zealous hereof. The long notice I have had and estimate, I retain of your acquaintance, Epilogus. the reputation of yourself, and absolute expectation of the young gentleman, have thus far incited me, wherein if I have proceeded farther than I ought, think that it is in respect of the great good will I have aught. In the acknowledgement whereof, praying all that possibly may be entreated at your hands for your son I do right hearty bid you farewell. this of etc. Herein do you see the order of the other Epistles in some sort qualified, wherein presumptions and arguments of a loving care, are for the more facility of the exhortation in many places suggested. Neither is the delivery so vehement, or expressed with so many circumstances as are the other, because the reputation of the party to whom it passed, and the declining matter of his aged years somewhat bend to self opinion (managed by others liking) would not admit it. The matter hereof wrought yet so natural a ●egard in the old man, as limiting his accustomed severity being before time without measure, he was contented ever afterward, with more fatherly acceptance to entertain his son in all manner of occasions, as may something appear by an answer hereunto returned, the effect whereof I have collected into this form following, the rather for the orderly setting forth of the same, remembering that, whatsoever herein to be delivered, by the name of a letter, supplieth the room of an example or precedent, which importeth somewhat therein to be followed. And in the I shall many times hereafter according to the course of the matter, be herein occasioned to put down divers Epistles responsory, Notes in Epistles responsory. as occasions may serve for presidents. I think it not impertinent if in this place I do somewhat inserte concerning some observations in the same. Every Responsory Epistle therefore, because it chief dependeth of the parts of a former letter, requireth this consideration to be had in the framing thereof, that it do fully answer every point of the Epistle whereunto it is appointed. That therein above all other things we endeavour to avoid all tedious rehearsals (the peevish affectation whereof is so unpleasant and burdensome unto the reader, as nothing more intolerable) for the I have seen the letters of some, who to every point whereunto they have been charged to certify, or make answer, have repeated the perticularities verbatim of all the former letter, and therewith have made such a hodge-podge as hath been enough for two days together to clog any man's conceit, & that with very slender recreation. Brief repititions. The custom hereof is too too ill. But if necessity so requireth the there must be some rehearsal made, let it remain for a direction to those the will endeavour to write well, that they study to gather but the principal matter therein, and the effects thereof so briefly and closely to compact together, as the no length of the letter may therein appear. Which done, we shall by degrees pass forward from point to point, & return every thing as occasion ministereth. And if any other matter fall out of new to be delivered, it shall not be ill in such kind of answers, sometimes to have the same inserted. Thus much have I thought good to lay down for the respects hereof. And now to the answer of the last letter. ¶ A Letter responsory to the Epistle before going. SIr I have well conceived of your letter sent unto me in the behalf of my son. T. and do take very kindly whatsoever therein with good affection you have so plentifully tendered▪ I am very sorry to hear of his sickness, and do thank you many times for your loving conceit towards him and us, in that you have bequeathed for our sakes his careful attendance to your own looking to, the courtesy whereof, shall neither by my self, nor by any other his nearest friends be at any time forgotten. In sign that your good counsel hath prevailed with me, and that the weight of your words have been of force unto me, I have sent him a letter herein closed & ten pound in money, by this bearer, which I pray you of all loves see disbursed to his uses. You shall also so much intend of me, as in my name to comfort him, & assure him hereafter (upon his no worse deserts) of good expectation from me. For such farther charge as you have been at with him I leave to myself in as ample manner as I may to see requited. In the weight whereof, I do pray you to be ascertained that you shall find of me such a one, who will not fail to his uttermost to stand assured towards you. Because the vacation is now long, I hold it not amiss if upon his safe recovery, my son do come down into the country, the better to recreate his wearied conceits from his former melancholy. I have appointed my man to attend him a while that returning back again, he may bring unto me, the more certain and assured notes of his safety. Not holding myself ill besteade to remain charged to one so courteous as yourself: I give you to the protection of the almighty, and myself to a speedy requital. L. this of etc. These examples for this hortatory kind might here seem to suffice, wherein by the variety in them contained scope is given sufficient, for any reasonable imitation to be gathered. And were it not that there is yet one subject behind, whereunto (of some especial liking that I have to the matter thereof) I am most affectionate, I could herewith content myself without wading any farther. But insomuch as the same is but my labour, to pen it, and the delivery thereof may also make the example the more plentiful, I will endeavour to put it forwards among the rest, the effect being as followeth. ¶ An other example hortatory wherein an honourable Gentleman is egged forwards in the profession of Arms, and service of his Prince and Country. SIthence the time of my little abode here in London being scarce forty days, Narratio. understandding of the being in town of my La. your mother, I repaired thereupon to her presence to visit her: there did I receive notice of your being in Ireland, & that upon your honourable behaviour & good service there done, the L. D. did not only testify the same by his own hand-writing unto divers of the privy Counsel, but also in especial letters beside commended the weight thereof, unto the regard of her most excellent Majesty. Propositio. I did not a little rejoice to see that in such young years wherein commonly falleth out a contempt of all excellencies, and fantastical desire of counterfeit vanities, you could (besides the common trade and custom of the world) addict yourself wholly unto so weighty and honourable an exercise, as by laboursome travel in the service and honour of your Prince, and country, to put forward yourself so timely. Credit me it is not a little pleasing unto me to think thereon, neither standeth my affection so slender unto your father's offspring, but that I must ever hold the reputation of their well doing an advancement to my imaginations, and the sound of their good success the very harmony of mine inward soul. It is no new thing I confess, to see in these days a gentleman honourably descended as yourself, longanimity performeth the excellency of virtue. and of like worthy education, to attain unto learning, to become practised in arms, to put forward themselves in service, but to continue with resolution to perform it with labour, to achieve it with valour, to bear it with honour, here is the excellency, this is the rareness, hence springeth the novelty. Virtue retaining yet her ancient Majesty, though not pursued as in old time, with such wonted vehemency, hath three entrances, leading directly unto her beautiful passage, Virtue hath three entrances. by the ports whereof, whosoever is desirous to attain her in her purest and most glorious estate, must of necessity enter. First Fortitude, whereby he must be enabled to endure whatsoever labour & travel to be imposed, accounting nothing difficult, to th'end and sweet reward whereof her excellency is appropriate Next Magnanimity, which by a vehement and hawrie desire, reacheth unto things most excellent and of highest and statelyest value, not regarding the hard tough and main force of the passage, with what pursuit so ever it must be followed, so be it by such means it may be won, and the glory thereunto due, may at last be attained: the reach whereof, tending to the last end and scope of all his determinations, sweeteneth all manner of travel, and induceth therewithal a contempt of what soever less valued or hindering, to the worthiness of of the same. Then longanimity, enhabling by great constancy with rare and accustomed patience, to await and endure the end, never giving over upon whatsoever assaults, till the determined scope be by all kind of industry fully and perfectly furnished. For this cause, Confirmatio. the most renowned part of Virtue is said to be excellent, for that many do contemplate her a far of, but few or none at all do almost come so nigh her as perfectly to see and discern her, insomuch as some nothing regarding the singularity of that, whose sweetness they never tasted of become forceles of the pursuit of so divine an excellency, and some other savouring a little the deintines thereof, yet overreached with the tediousness of the enterprise, and hindered by the opposition of a thousand vanities, are so astonished in the first onset, as being therewith overcome, do by and by give over their purposes. Now therefore my C. if you will be a right favourer of Virtue in deed, Adhoratio. it behoveth that by these possibilities you do (as a faithful regarder of her divine and sacred essence) only seek to pursue her, & that with such and none other respects, and to no other end and purpose, but for the sole fruition of her stately and immortal deity. The time now calleth you forth, your Country, and soil wherein you were borne and nourished inviteth you, your praise already gotten, and hope of renown ever after to follow, persuadeth you, the honour of your house and parentage constraineth you, yea every of these solely and altogether do jointly exhort and command you, Exhortations mixed with praise. that becoming the self same, you vowed and they long since have looked for, you do now show yourself such as was promised, and wherein the expectation first conceived of you, may in no wise be frustrated. Consider I pray you, that the reward of Virtue is Honour, the guerdon of Honour, Fame, the scope of Fame, Eternity, Praise of the action ab honesto. the seat of Eternity immortal & everlasting glory. In living in the service of your Prince and Country, the profession you have taken in hand is honourable, the charge honourable, the purpose honourable, and th'end and success thereof must needs be honourable, behoveth then that your continuance therein and your own deserts be also deemed honourable. Think when you took upon you to bear Arms, you then received the first cognizance of Virtue, you were entertained with Honour, you became apprentice to Fame, and it was assured (that being with loyalty demeaned) you should at length receive reward of ever flourishing glory: It is believe me no small matter, that being a particular member, you are put forth as a pillar, upon the prop whereof reposeth one part of the weight of a common weal, that the joys of your whole country are fixed upon your well doing, Ab aequo necessario. that in pursuit hereof a man's private cause is not his own, (the secret revenge whereof may happily turn to an infamed mischief) but the cause of the Common good, the public matter of all, and that whereof the scope is of all others most sacred and honoured. Being entertained in sort as you are, you should highly wrong the opinion of a great many, in drawing back from that, wherein you have been already so worthily behoved, and in becoming less than that whereunto in your very cradle you were at the beginning so principally ordained, for unseemly were it that you should not have been hereunto at the first committed, unlawful not to have persisted, and dishonourable (in due sort) not to see it accomplished. Proceed then my C. in that wherunro your virtue your parentage, your soil, and your fidelity have called you, A genere. think what how much and how greatly it importeth you, that having had so many of your stately ancestors since their first original, that have been deemed so worthy, it fitteth not yourself alone in (so important actions, concerning especially the honour of your Prince and country) should be found otherwise then equal unto them in the highest quality. Ab exempl● So and in such manner, and by such kind of means have the most ancient & renowned worthies of the world become termed honoured, and mighty. So Epaminondas and Alcibiades among the Grecians, Aemilius Paulus, Fabii and Scipiones amongst the Romans, have been deemed most stately. For such cause the acts of your predecessors and nobility of your deceased father have been registered with the most worthy. A pa●●e. O so sweetly might sound from out his breathing ghost unto your living ear, that excellent verse of Virgil. Disce puer virtutem ex me verumque laborem, Fortunam ex alijs. Learn virtue (Child) of me and labours true, But Fortune's chance, from others do pursue. The signification whereof, what other thing may it else import, but that between them who being never eternised by any memorable action, having confounded their death with obscurity, and such as never were borne, there resteth in manner no difference at al. Ardua virtutis est via. 'tis labour's force that maketh way unto Virtue, great matters unto the furtherance of her are but easy, the meaner trifles, the lowest, of no value. To overcome others by virtue is a thing most honourable, but in pursuit thereof to be convinced of any other, A spe & metu. is a thing most vituperable. You are now brought by Fortune unto a district passage, whereby of necessity you must either by reputation of most excelling worthiness finish the journey, or recreant & discomfited, confess the utmost of your imbecility. But what do I confer unto your view, the notes of such and so many doubts and hazards, knowing a mind insinuate in yourself by nature, Occupatio. that could never so much as think or imagine of things contemptible, or of any vile or servile quality at all▪ truly for no worse mean, nor to any other end or purpose, but thereby to egg you forward by all kind of possibilities, to th'increase of your highest worthiness, that by how much the more you shall go about to exceed any others, by so much the more greater you may be commended and extolled above all others. Epilogus. Ease and security, are two pernicious enemies of ever flourishing glory, the industry whereof, preventeth yet all circumvention, which either by sloth or negligence may be imposed: the victory hereof is not any others, but your own, nor the honour to any other appertaining but unto yourself. Be therefore such in continuance, as may fully be answerable to each part of your nobleness, and God who is the creator of all things, and favourer of each stately accident, bless your endeavours with the sustentation of Virtue, which is ever permanent. At. B. this of etc. Unnecessary were it to make further declaration of the order of this Epistle, then hath been already said of the others, for that the general places hereof, are no more than were derived from the former examples. Only I must note, that herein is no Exordium at all. But the Narration is the foremost induction to the matter of the Epistle, as the learner may find out by quotation of the margin. And now will we turn ourselves unto the next sort of this Deliberative kind, which falleth out to be dehortatory. The nature whereof, is by all forcible arguments that may be induced, to dehort and withdraw from any matter offensive, or that may be counted evil. The places hortatory, were as you saw drawn from the qualities of praise, fortified in divers sorts, as of the Person, of the Action, or of the Thing itself, under which was comprehended what might be called Honestum. Now these contrary wise, are enforced by the kind of dispraise, or discommendation of that which we dehort from, be it in the Person, Action or Thing, and is derived from Inhonestum. In the matter hereof, it is tolerable, by all sorts of arguments that may be, to infer and object any thing, to the diminution or defacing of that which we go about to impugn, as for example, if I should dehort a man from rebellion or infidelity towards his country. I will touching the action, show how unnatural the cause is he taketh in hand, being against his native soil▪ how horrible, by laying out the greatness of the offence: How unjust, in respect that it is against his allegiance to his Prince: How impious, in that it retaineth no piety, turneth to the disturbance of a quiet state, and breedeth the subversion of all peaceable government. How insufferable, by reason that good and wholesome laws are thereby infringed, all sorts of honest and good men wronged, and consequently the commonwealth by such means topsy-turvy turned. Touching the Person, if in him there hath been at any time reputed Wisdom, that might be alleged, I will affirm it to be Folly, his Fortitude I will divert to temerity, his Moderation to Cruelty, his Boldness to Arrogancy, his Haughtints to Pride, his Liberty to Looseness, his Liking to Lewdness, and finally whatsoever other good part or Uirtue in him, to the worse and contrary quality, as he that by so bad an endeavour, hath overthrown what otherwise might in him be else deemed praise worthy. For the demonstration of these, all necessary circumstances may be implied, whether to the advancement of the opposite good, or condemnation of the present evil, be it by argument, likelihood, comparison or example, or by any otherways or means whatsoever. And for that in the last Epistle, the exhortation thereof tended something to the putting forward of a valiant noble Gentlin the most honourable part of his progression, consisting in his faithful and loyal service toward his Prince and country. This dehortatory therefore shall now in like manner be, to pull back and withdraw an other from a pretended matter, of injury, infidelity, or faithless dealing, by him to be perpetrated to or against his country, whose several effects shall be accordingly suited into these particularities ensuing. An example of an epistle Dehortatory, wherein a noble Gent. is withdrawn from infidelity or rebellion. Exordium. MY good G. my faithful loving country man and dearest of account (whilom all and either of these unto me, so be it the frowning heavens and despiteful wicked fate, had not once harboured the contrary) what shall I write unto thee, or by what terms may I now salute thee. Erst wont were my letters to pursue thee careless in any cost, and familiarly and boldly to regard thee, now blushing at thy uncouth hap, and careful of thy careless usage, they can not without grief approach thee, nor once without sorrow intentively behold thee. Alas my G. what fury hath led thee, what madness hath bewitched thee, Proposition what hateful destiny hath pursued thee, that being such as thou wert, on whom nature and the heavens as it seemed had powered all their gifts most plentifully, thou wouldst yet be led to deface so many parts of excellency, with one hateful, ignominious and shameful blot, of so shameless, wicked, and most heinous treachery. diddest thou for this cause take upon thee profession of arms, Distributio● to become injurious to thy country, to bereave men of their patrimony, to be a destroyer of unity, a pattern of infidelity, the dishonour of thy family, and consequently to thyself and dearest soil, a professed and open enemy? Ah happy in all other things but in this sole enterprise, in the brochinge whereof thou wast put forward to be made only unhappy, behoveth with such ingratitude to reward the first fawtor of thy family? Was this the end of thy birth, thy parent's education, thy estate, thy wealth, thy possibility, to become a traitor to thy prince, and a rebel to thy country? No no, my G. wild and too ill beseeming is the drift that hath so overtaken thee, and ignorant was he of that became thee, that first thereunto persuaded thee. When thou liest armed in the fields, Prosope●● and (mustering thy ranks in the day time) beholdest and lookest round about thy country, thinkest thou not then with thyself, in this soil was I borne, within this land lieth my patrimony, here had I first suck, and sithence have the fruits thereof nourished me, and could I then become so far ingrateful and unkind, as for all these benefits to destroy thee? Not so, nor in such manner have the virtuous in the field been accounted so worthy, not for this cause or in such actions, have men been said to bear themselves honourably. Corolianus, thou wast convinced by the view of thy City and mother's entreaty, and shall I unhappy man for all this, persist in this cruelty. Confirmatio justly and by great occasion credit me, mightest thou thus complain of so great an injury, and all this being so true, as nothing more true: can it be said that in prosecuting the same, thou mayst be freed from infamy? Epiphonema. What I pray thee hath made men famous, and canonised their memory, was it not their munificence and valiant demerits in and towards their country? For in what one thing are we more likened unto God himself, then in the worthiness of our minds, the conclusions whereof, ought they at any time to be stained with such hateful obloquy? Comparatio The Ass runneth through fire for the safeguard of her issue, and shall the valiant man become negligent to the aid of his country? How far more waightely than shall he be accused, who not only giveth no aid at all to his country, but also is thereunto a confederate and most cruel enemy? How careless are such men of their fame, and how unlike of all others to those memorable worthies, the precious regard whereof, unto them hath been such, as then goods, possessions, riches, kingdoms, yea life itself hath been held moste dearest. Peruse but the ancient histories of Rome, and look there, Mutius Se●●ola. of Mutius Scavola, the most invincible Roman, with what confidence went he solely into the tent of Porsenna his and their country's capital enemy, with intent only to destroy him. Furius Camillus. The good Furius Camillus, who after many high and honourable services by him done to the commonwealth of Rome, was by his own Citizens unjustly banished, how far off was he think you, from this your opinion? For the Galls whom before he had expulsed, having in the time of this his banishment asseiged the City of Rome, and being then very likely to have distressed the same, insomuch as they had already foraged, burnt, and destroyed the whole country round about, he more sorrowful at the likely ruin of his City, then grieved at his own proper banishment, (moved thereunto of very piety and love to his native soil and country) entered council with the Ardeats, and by his wisdom, policy and great manhood so persuaded those people, that in fear of their own mishap, they were content to levy a mighty army under his conduct, wherewith he not only put back the enemy, but therewith so mightily pursued them, as by such means he utterly freed and set at liberty his dearest beloved City and country. What need we search abroad for such foreign examples, Transitio. and why draw we not rather home into our own soil of England? Epiphonema. What Chronicle shall ever remain, or what english history shall be ever extant, that shall not everlastingly report, the deserved fame of that right worthy and very noble act in deed, Walworth L. Mayor of London. of Sir William Walworth Knight, once L. Maior of this our City of London, the remembrance whereof (to his perpetual praise, and endless confusion of all others, who not only abstaining the putting in ure of such his memorable virtue, but which is worse, shall endeavour by cruel force to tender violence unto their sacred anointed prince, and of all others most favoured country, shall yet flourish for ever, Ill do you conceive or think on the worthiness of that goodman, who in the time of king Richard the second, when with a most sudden and strange kind of rebellion, the king was troubled, the Realm pestered, and the strongest of the kings subjects greatly feared, even at that time when the proud fawtor and captain of this rebellious and rascally multitude, durst hatefully and most undutifullye to beard the king in his own presence, and each man shunned to impugn the contrary: This valiant, this good, Synonymia. this right noble and most worthy Citizen, standing by, when the wretched and presumptuous varlet, with so little reverence approached the king, and remembering the services of many worthy men, that by an honourable adventure and hazard of their lives had to their eternal memory, before time freed their country with liberty, grieving that with so high an abuse his sovereign Lord being yet as it were a child, should there in his hearing, be so far forth amated, he courageously stepped unto the rebel, and taking him by the gorge, proud varlet quoth he, that darest thus contemptuously demean thyself, unto thy king and stately sovereign, foul death betid thee, and shame quickly consume thee, why answered the villain in great disdain, is it thou that greeuest at that I have said? grieve replied the stout courageous Citizen, Adnectio. yea even I, 'tis I that grieve at thee, and haply should think myself accursed, if thou shouldest scape from me unrevenged, wherewith drawing more close unto him, he pulled him from his horse by main force, and stabbed him to the heart with his dagger. The destruction of whom, bred such confusion unto all the residue of his headstrong army, and sight whereof kindled so great a fury in the residue of the king's company (who for that present upon special considerations was there, attended on but meanly) that the whole rebellious rout were by such means ever after discomfited utterly, wherewith before that instant the whole realm had like to have been turned topsy-turvy. He and such as he laboured not by ambitious pride to arrogate unto themselves a lawless extremity, but studied of mere love and entire zeal, how and which way they might perform best service to their prince and country. O more than ordinary affection, Ecphonesi●. and fervency of high and stately worthiness, in the regard whereof, life was not sweet unto these men, whose living might not redound to become for their dearest soil to be honoured and famous. What then may I say my G. of that by thee, and thy copartners taken in hand, whither will you be driven, what shall become of you, Apotia, how do ye behave yourselves, who may receive you, in whose inward conceits (not the piety & regard of any of these) no nor so much as one spark of their loyalty, could so deeply be impressed, as whereby to withdraw you from these unnatural broils. Dicaeologia. What have you found in your dear prince, what in your loving country, what in this city, what to any one of all yourselves in particularity, that might in such hateful manner incite you, and by occasion whereof you should thrust yourselves into so great an enormity. Confirmatio. Believe me, and it shall verily be approved, the success hereof to return unto you none other, than the very rewards of such infamy. I have known thee, being far less in years then at this instant, to have been able to rule thyself, and with plausible moderation to be endued in all things, couldst thou then being a child perform this in thyself, and being now a man art not able to endure it? There be I know about thee, that will persuade that all thou dost herein is virtue, that therein thou hast great wisdom, much fortitude, & notable moderation, that the action is haughty, the occasion liberty, and the end glory. But how greatly they do err in so saying, let this sentence of good Camillus stand for you and us indifferently, whose notable speech sprung up from those his inviolable virtues, spared not this, to affirm in presence of all the Senate unto the people. Let others (quoth he) deem it a thing evil and reprochable at any time to be found faulty, A worthy saying of Camillus. in not yielding ready succours and aid to their country: Camillus for his part is and shall be of that resolute determination, that it is and aught to be reputed for evermore a thing detestable and wild, and of all other the most hateful and replenished with all execrable misery. How thinketh then your gentle mind, of the action by this time? Is it (suppose you) any virtue that thereunto preferreth you? Comparatio. Camillus' adjudged that it was not reproachable, but villainous, so much as to be found failing in aught to his country, and may it then be thought a thing honest to become a persecutor of your country? It is not Fortitude: but ●imeritie, that conducteth your enterprises, Finitio. for Fortitude aspireth to far more noble and statelier purposes. The action, & determination, you prefer therein is not (as fond by you is conceived) Honour but Haughtiness, not Liberty but Looseness, not Virtue but Viciousness: why then continue you in this sort togethers, upon so wicked and devilish a purpose? Why returnest not thou rather to thyself my C. and having long before strived to emulate the praise of others by an unstained gentility, wipe now quickly off this foul blemish from thee, and covering the filthiness thereof by a most incomparable fidelity, become once again like unto thyself. At the least wise, if the love of thy country, thy fidelity towards thy prince, the example of Virtue herself, Love of virtue. and so many her famous and renowned followers (than which no one thing on earth ought more to allure a man) may not herewith convince thee, let yet the execrable and immortal hate, Hate. that all good men bear to the practise of such kind of cruelty, the fear of ever harbouring shame, & erected ignomy, and never after hope (thy credit once consumed) again to recover thee, let these I say constrain thee. Whilst there is yet but one craze or slender flaw in the touchstone of thy reputation, piece it up, and new flourish again by the greater excellency, the square of thy workmanship. A few days are to be passed, in which there is yet time, fame wounded in life may once be restored, if death do prevent thee, thy shame and destruction is for ever shrouded. Peroratio. The next news I hear from thee, may make thee fortunate, or me for thee always unhappy. My longing would be satisfied of this wherein I dehort thee. If only herein thou condescend unto me, myself am thine, and to none so much as thyself absolutely, I love thee, I require thee, I pray thee, and pray for thee, that thou mayst as I wish, and wouldst as I bid be for and to me. Far well if thou dost well. IN this Epistle is set forth at large, the chiefest number of all occasions, inducing effects, and withdrawing from the purpose thereby discommended, wherein I have endeavoured as amply as I may, to sort every part thereof to his greatest efficacy. Further might I proceed in these titles with some other examples, but that the order hereof being so nerrely annexed to the others following of Swasory and dissuasory Epistles, it seemeth the very self same observation of the one, runneth almost both in the hortatory and Dehortatory kind, into the intendment of the other. True it is, that in all things the disposition of either of these Epistles, are for the most part a like, unless it may be said this only difference to remain between them, that as the hortatory stirreth up with pricks, the suasory teacheth by proves. The persuader changeth his opinions, the exhorter putteth forward his suggestions. In suasory Epistles we advise them that err, or otherwise are staggering in doubt. In hortatory we prick forth the stouthfull, and encourage those that are willing. And yet if we should touch these, as they are laid out to the quick, the parts hortatory of necessity must sometimes then be joined to this other of suasory, especially in the epilog, consisting ever of effects & nothing of arguments. In conclusion the one and the other being so indifferent, and of such likeness as they are, we will proceed from hence (leaving this long dehortation, which for variety of matter was in such sort continued) unto our Epistles suasory, and the residue omitted in the other, in these also devise to be considered, adding by the way, that in searching the several places of these Epistles, whereupon they may be said to consist, the self same parts are herein to be required, as in the advertisements before the hortatory Epistles are already remembered. An Epistle suasory, wherein a Gentlewoman is counseled to marriage. THe extreme grief wherein myself was a partaker with you, Exordium. of the death of your late husband, would not suffer me (good Mistress E.) at my last being with you, to deliver what then I thought meet for your estate, and sithence have more at large considered upon to be for your profit. And albeit yourself are I know of discretion sufficient, and the number of your friends of regard compotent, both to consider and council, what unto your present affairs may be deemed most correspondent: yet may it not be ill accepted, if myself of a great many, that have wished well to your person, and favoured evermore your good condition, do here in also amongst the rest, put forward my meaning, and persuade you thereby unto that, which (though not already may be fitting to your instant liking) yet to your present behoof may return no question of soundest and best consideration. And first I deem it not impertinent to refer unto your knowledge, Insinuation by supposion o● the estate of the pa●tie. what I have thoroughly conceived with myself of your being, viz, that you are a widow, a Gentlewoman of very worshipful parentage and descent, the wife before time of a Gentleman of as good reputation as living, as good alliance as credit, that you are reputed modest, discreet, wise and well governed, that you are and aught to be wary in your actions, and such as whereof the babbling multitude may reap no advantage, and finally that by reason of the over hasty determination of his life (whose continuance might have rid you of innumerable cares) you are pestered with some troubles, the most part of your living in suspense, and that whereof you deem yourself most assured, hanging upon so many hazards, as hitherto remaineth doubtful, in what sort you shall compass it, or with what liking to yourself you may happily overpass the same. Touching the first, Occupatio. I warn not that according to your present estate, you do mind what you are, what you have been, of whom you are descended, and in what sort you may best provide with wariness, to deal for all these: but drawing to the latter, and weighing on what terms you stand, how hardly you are bestead, what slender means to avoid it, I repute him not the worst well willed that could advise you with contentment, and little hazard, in what sort you might best endeavour in all effects to answer it. Narratio & propositio. It is reported unto me, that by the procurement of some, favouring your advancement, there is now preferred unto your liking a young Gent. virtuous, discreet and well ordered, the son and heir of a worshipful Knight, on the choice and regard of whose parents, dependeth the best assurance of your whole portion, in whose condition and behaviour, albeit you find no one thing to be reprehended, yet disclaim you to be married, you will hear of no suitors, there must be in your hearing no speech at all of liking, and you mean not so soon forsooth to set forward for a husband. Distributio. The course you do take herein, seemeth in my opinion very evil, insomuch as contrary to that, which both your years, your estate, your living, and present occasions do require, you forcibly are endeavoured to make so undiscreet and settled a resistance. Why La. do you think it profiteth at all the deceased ghost of him that loved you (a young gentlewoman as you are scarce, exceeding twenty years) to live thus solitary? Hangeth the censuring of your modesty, and acceptance of that which your best friends do wish for, and the wisest do allow of, on the tattling humours of common supposes? If it be deemed once fit for you to marry again, Confirmatio and that upon the wary and circumspect choice thereof dependeth a manner of necessity, and that now, before any one of yours almost suspected it, the plenty of that might be charily wished for, is laid already into your bosom, behoveth the respect of a little time which (being sooner or later so it be performed with modesty, and answered with discretion) mattereth not at all do detain you so much, as thereby you are not able to see into your own profit? Is it not I pray you a purpose honest that is tendered? Is it not a matter lawful to be intended? Ab honesto is it a thing unmeet for your present years at this instant to be reputed? Is it not all in all whatsoever, in the best sort unto you, that might at any time be regarded? Why then abstain you the entertainment of your own good? why draw you thus backward from your own advancement? Why cease you to accept that whereunto in the end, you must by mere force be compelled? If you will believe me in any thing, or do suppose the weight of my credit to be available unto you in aught, I would advise you in other sort, considering that by declining from a self opinion of that whereunto without such manifest reason you are induced, you shall do most good unto yourself, and give occasion to them that loved you, to think that by so doing, their good counsels have happily wrought the same, for advancement towards you. I had thought with myself many times since the death of your husband, how much imported the unsettled reach of your living, to be renewed in match with one of good calling: Praise of the person. see now God & Fortune more favouring your hap, than yourself your own well doing, have sent you such a one, as of whom you might vaunt, and justly in all things be occasioned to account of. It now appertaineth that either by fond self will, or to much unkindness, you shake not of from you, Confutatio. the foremost occasion of your succeeding happiness. I reck not what of the common sort (more of ignorance than wit) may in suppose of the hasty conclusion be in secret alleged, their errors like their fancies, are as incertain as peevish. Be you only herein persuaded, to what most of all beseemeth you, & think, that both in the weightiness, and regard attributed to his and your own worthiness, Vulitie. you can for the present frame yourself to nothing, that to your estate may return so commodious, whereunto though no other matter at all enjoined you, it were now sufficient that so forced a necessity constraineth you, Necessity. whereunto the regard of yourself and your own good fortune willeth to obey. Longer could I debate unto you the great liking of many, conceived of the party, to the delivery whereof, by the report of your nearest kinsmen, I do solely refer you, only studying in this, and whatsoever else I may by all endeavours to pleasure you, whereof praying you to be most assured, I do in all courtesy leave you. At B. this of, etc. The manner of this Epistle differing somewhat in order from the rest, after the Exordium thereof (in which is a declaration made concerning the person to whom the same is directed, and limitation of time for the delivery of the intendment) comprehendeth next a peculiar, description and laying out of the party by insinuation, wherein whatsoever inferences thereof to be objected against the matter in handling are considerately preferred. After all which, followeth the Narration and Proposition togethers. Then Distributio, in which the parts proposed by the narration are particularly distinguished. And so Confirmatio, etc. The places frequented herein are from Honest, Necessity, and Utility: which also in the residue of this suit, are most commonly pursued. The use of suasory kind, admitting such and so many diversities as it doth, is herein often beautified and set forth with those descriptory parts, either concerning the thing itself, or the person of any one: to the which is commonly annexed a certain kind of praise in the putting forwards or advancement of the same. Wherein let it be supposed that myself (having been a travailer and delighted with the pleasure thereof) would go about to persuade my friend, (being a young and towardly Gent. and one that hath sufficient maintenance thereunto, also of a good and sound constitution of body, able to endure labour, and to away with change) to leave the delicacy of his own soil, & now in his premier ●olity, to pursue strange coasts, and the admirable situation, bravery, pleasure, novelty & unknown wonders of other countries: needful shall it be that I do first make a description of the same places, their diversities and pleasures, either by skill or experience, to be lai● down as near as may be guessed. In which if any one thing chance to appear, more excellent, more pleasing, or more wonderful than the rest, that will▪ I set forth at large, and according to the worth●●es, quantity or admiration thereof, prefer it to the uttermost, the rather to draw him to that wherein I endeavour so fully to have him persuaded. It also I should go about to induce an untoward son to the obedience of a well disposed father. I must first describe the office and duty wherein as well by the laws of God, as by impression of nature, children are tied and bound to an humble and reverend regard of their parents. Next I will by double example commend and extol with praise▪ the tendered duty and loving obedience of those, who in all memory and account are registered to have well deserved of their elders▪ and then the infamy, shame, wicked end● and destruction of such as by a secure, stubborn and careless demeanour, have neglected or attempted the contrary, the general praise or common mislike of each of the one or the other, shall be a mean that our persuasions in such a cause may be deemed the more weighty. Persuasion likewise of Friendship, of Love, of Conversation, of Government, of Honest life, being subjects of those great Virtues, formerly in our hortatory Epistles remembered, may herein by their several descriptions and praise of their worthiness be plentifully performed. As in Friendship the description may be showed in the efficacy, which by nothing so much as example is confirmed, and approved by the common affinity that each thing hath with other. The praise also by the sweetness of Society is preferred, by the firm, trust, repose, and loyalty thereby assured, by the equal participation of joys, of sorrows, of evils, of losses, of discomforts, by a similitude of the same condition, the same intendment, affection or liking, by the some of joys, happiness and felicity therein contained. In Love likewise, charged by nature, by duty, by obedience, the descriptions and praises, are to be handled in their several arguments. As by Nature, being descending from parents to their children, being interchangeable also between sisters and brethren. By Duty, which principally belongeth unto God, to our country, to our kinsfolk, to our benefactors and followers. By Obedience to our Prince, to our Parents, and to our superiors. Conversation also Government and Honest life, the descriptions whereof are in the hawnts, entertainment of companies, moderation in all sorts of common and usual exercises, chaste, sober, and laudable kind of living of every one. The praises unto them incident, deduced from the estate, betternes, or nobility of any, endued withal or the greatest n●mber of these. To all which particularities may be added suggestions and divers enforcements, whereby to persuade a man to the acceptance and embracing of either of them, as wherein the weight of all good counsels are chief preferred. These and such as these are comprehended in epistles suasory, by the neat conveyance whereof, we move the affects of any one to the allowance of our writing. For which cause it shall behove, that such reasons of inducement as shall be laid down, do carry with them their pithines and validity, beseeming the argument we have in handling. ●o which end these brief advertisements may be received, being as it were steps and degrees, wherewith the learner may be stayed up to a more perfect consideration, of the purpose and delivery, of whatsoever he shall be occasioned to write of, by the parts of this, or any other example, to be the more plentifully ordered. Another example of an Epistle suasory, persuading the careful acceptance and regard of one brother to an other. THe sound and entire familiarity wherewith your Parents in their life time sometimes entertained me, Exordium. and the nearness of neighbourhood twixt both our friends, and long education wherein jointly we have conversed together, moveth me at this instant somewhat to write unto you in respect of the reputation, credit, and account that in the world you now bear, and also the rather to win you to the regard of that, which to the state of your present being, and worthiness of your former offspring may be found meetest and convenient. It is given me to understand of a younger brother you have here in London, Narratio. who at the time of your father's dearh being committed to your charge, is for default of maintenance, badly enured, worse trained, and most perilously by all kind of likelihood, through such sufferance in the looseness of his living, already hazarded. Trust me, Propositio I wondered not a little when I heard it, and so much the more was the matter troublesome unto me, in that respecting it was not told in secret, it seemed unto me by the looks & gestures of the whole company, that heard it, your good demeanour thereby was very hardly censured, in that standing in such case of credit as you do, your wealth so abundant, and and your Parents so well accounted of, you would in this sort, and in that place of all others suffer him to wander careless, whom you ought to have constrained, by any possible carefulness. How ill beseeming it is both to you and yours, that it should so fall out, you may by supposes many ways conjecture. For my part it grieved me when I heard it, and I was not quiet till I found convenient time to advertise you of it▪ And if my opinion may at all prevail with you, you should quickly call him home from hence, and see him more better to be provided for, and more worthily to be trained up. Consider I pray you, the life he taketh in hand, befitteth not such a one, whose original was so honest, Distributio. is ill beseeming the younger brother of yourself, unworthy his birth or name of a gentleman, and altogether repugnant to the quality of your behaviour or any part of your living. You are to remember that he is yet very green, now pliable to whatsoever may be impressed in him, as chafed wax apt to receive any figure, like unto a new vessel to be seasoned with whatsoever liquor, what he now taketh taste and savour of, that he holdeth, what habit you now cast up on him, the same shadow he lightly beareth: Great cause have you therefore now to be wary how and in what sort he liveth. Your industry, your brotherly care, your love, your especial regard and kindness it is, that must be aiding in this, Confirmatio you and none other are the same on whom he relieth, you are to provide for him, and it is yourself that must answer him. Think that Nature, Love, Duty, yea very Piety bindeth you unto him, who hath none other left to depend upon, but such as by possibility yourself may become unto him. In the consideration of which, Petoratio. let I pray you my words become thus much regarded unto you, that herein as in all other things you perform that beseemeth you. Longer could I occupy myself to travel in this action with you, but that I deem it (more than already) impertinent to require you, Greeting yourself many times in my name, I omit therefore farther to detain you▪ From my house in B▪ this of etc. MUch more might be delivered of this suasory kind, affording great store and plenty of example, the patterns of which, being here severally set down at large, would make the volume over great, and the habit too cumbersome for the wearing. Sufficeth therefore, that in the matter preceding this Epistle, I have showed you divers other occasions inducing argument, whereupon these sorts of letters may be framed, according to which, or any other imagination not here supposed, whatsoever is intended to be written, may be orderly carried. The difficulcy is nothing if the learner do but first consider with himself, what it is he goeth about to advise or persuade, by in sight whereof, he may forthwith imagine what parts and places are therein to be occupied. Now than if this argument fall within the compass of any one of these herein specified, he may distinguish the same by the description & laying forth hereby already delivered. If not, then by Imitation of the like, it may as fully be perfected. And seeing we have intended by all these to proceed for the more easy instruction as plentifully as we can. Let us first add the letter responsory to this last Epistle, and concluding solely with one other example, refer whatsoever after for this title to the reader's consideration. ¶ A letter responsory, answering to the effects of the latter Epistle. SIr it discontenteth me not a little to be informed by your letter, of the injust suppose that men so unkindly conceive of me, touching the ill disposed behaviour of my younger brother, but most of all misliketh me, that you who have so long known me, should with the rash conceit of the residue, adjudge me so peremptorily, as partly being of common opinion with them, to deem by the naked show of his ill estate, that the same proceedeth either of my too little care, negligent endeavour, or ill circumspection, in not respecting and providing sufficiently what needfully beseemeth him. Believe me sir, the conceit of all or any of these, touching what concerneth mine own peculiar regard, are unto me most injurious, neither (to whom soever have known me) did I in all my life as I think, give any such token or matter of likelihood, as whereby I might be supposed so much to impugn myself, or to have been injurious to any. The boy I confess in nature is my brother, dear and chary enough unto me, in respect we had one father and mother. How wary I have ever been over all his demeanours, how watchful in the first prevention of all his untoward purposes, how willing he might be trained up in that beseemed his parents, the cost I have been at, with him his tutors that should have cared for him, those that have had most doings about him, can chief testify. If I should tell it you, you would not think it, if it should be reported to many others, they would scarce believe it. Before God sir, I must tell you, it is strange and very sttaunge unto me, that being in manner a child, so well fostered as he hath been, so little knowing of want or penury as he hath done, so unwoontedly accustomed to this hardness by him newly begun, in what sort he can endure it, & with what appetite he can so grossly away with it. Witte he hath enough I confess, but too too evil addicted, conceit plentiful, but most untowardly followed, qualities to be accounted of, but vilely misled, Alas the remembrance grieveth me to think on it, and I would I had spent largely to redress it. It is neither want of care, love, liking, or looking to, that hath procured it, permitteth it, or hindereth to reclaim it. It is the frowning heavens and his wicked destiny that performeth it. The fire the more it is covered, the more it breaketh out and flameth. Allegoria. The swift currant never so little stopped, overfloweth the threshold. I would be loath to infer unto you that (by what decree I know not ordained) he is thus violently carried. Neither would I gladly stand upon these determinations, that the force thereof may not in time be suppressed, But knowing the means I have thereto applied, I promise you for my part, I hold it to be greatly feared. This one conclusion may rest (sir) for your general satisfaction. The boy is now near about you, find means I beseech you (for the love I know you own us) to win him once unto you, myself will be at any cost whatsoever, to satisfy you: So thereby he may be redeemed, order him, deal with him, place him, do to him what you list, or can suppose to be meetest, there shall not want, to enlarge it, to cherish it, and to the uttermost to maintain it. Mean while till you have approved what I have wished, and gladly would care to be accomplished, deal favourably and no worse with me I pray you, than I deserve for your own, and all others opinions. Thanking your good care, and consideration had in his and my behalf, I do herewith bid you heartily farewell. R. this of etc. THe order of this letter seemeth unto me very pertinent unto the matter of the former Epistle, answering fully in each point unto the effects of the same; In the foremost part whereof, is declared the discontentment of the supposed object, because it was unjust though the show of the party ministered an outward imagination thereunto very likely. Next that he who knew him so well would enter, so rashly into the common conceit of those, that little understood and less did intend of him. Afterward he openeth his endeavours, study, and enforcement of good education, excusing the hardness of the one by the diligent prevention of the other, if possible it might have prevailed. Then the abruption into lewdness, and the ill hope of recovery, which not resolately is concluded but doubtfully by Allegories conjectured. Lastly for satisfaction of all opinions, he requesteth his own trial in the cause, with offer of whatsoever expense needful to procure a remedy which he greatly coveteth and thereupon endeth. The argument of the next example tending to a reformation of the studies of some one therein supposed, persuadeth a pursuit of matters enhabling to far greater profit. And (as once before, and many times after, also it may in other Epistles fall out) there is in this no Exordium, but the beginning hereof beareth solely a Narration, of whose nature and of all other the parts of every Epistle I think needless in this place, or else where, more largely to speak of, for that in a chapter before passing in the general advertisement of this book, I have not left the same altogether unsignified, each of which to the intent they may the more fully appear in all sorts of Epistles wherein they are placed, I have, and still do adjoin their notes in their several applications, whereunto by conveyance of the matter, they are always entitled. An example of a suasory Epistle, wherein one is persuaded from fruitless vanities, to more learned and profitable studies. I Received on saturday last a letter from your uncle, Natratio. wherein amongst sundry other matters I was advertised, that leaving your formed learned studies, whereunto with great cost and charge of your Parents, you had benetrained, you have given yourself wholly to certain things, the regard whereof albeit in their moderate uses, I cannot discommend, yet in respect of your former intendments, I can term them none other then mere follies, and of all others most fruitless vanities. I● is reported with us for certain, that you are become an excellent good dancer, Proposition that you are grown prettily skilled on instruments, whereon you play reasonably, that you spend the time limited for more profit in the University, in making of songs and most curious ditties, that you are very fitly seated for wantonness, and worthily behaved for all curious and carpet conveyances. I would for mine own part nothing at all mislike what herein you have frequented, weighing in deed that as they may be in sort entertained, Distributio. these qualities do very much beseem a gentleman, and are in their kind seemly ornaments adapted to every youthful reckoning: but studying them as you do by themselves, enuring yourself wholly to their delight, abandoning whatsoever might best honour and beautify their worthiness, in respect of the sole property of themselves and their own peculiar goodness, I say they are vanities, trifles, things of no moment, and (in such respect) to be held in each sound opinion of far less value and judgement. The intendment of your going to the University was for learning sake, to th'intent to become an excellent scholar, Antimetabole. not a curious dancer, a master of Art, not an unthrifty master, a curious rhetorician, not a conceited Musician, your uncles care, was by vilefieng his wealth unto you, (the weight whereof by imminent perils we see daily perish before our eyes) to purchase for you the endowment of a far more greater and assured treasure, by knowledge to decern trifles, to win skill, to despise trifles, that leaving small riches to inherit you, yourself might gather possessions whereby to enrich you. far misconceived are you in my judgement, to relinquish the hoped reckoning of that you came for, to apply yourself to that which few do account of, and the wisest would never sweat for, you shall therefore if you will now be ruled by me, return your conceit to a far more better purpose. You shall call to mind, Comparatio. that all studies whatsoever, by how much the more excellent each one appeareth before the other, by so much the more assured are they in their kind, and above all the residue, Amplificati. with far greater estimate to be preferred: if so? then must you grant me that no one jot upon earth (than sweet Learning, then precious and most sacred Skill, then above all earthly things whatsoever most honoured and heavenly Science) is of so great and surpassing excellency. To lay out unto you herein, Amplificatio. how much more glorious is her shining hue above all others, how sugared her plants, how dainty her fruits, how delicate her pleasures, how incomparable her high and stately reach, how she participateth the skies, the elements, the venerable conceit of high and sacred mysteries, I need not, you know it, Asynditon. you have felt and tasted of it. But to show how much you misprise the force of her virtue, how ill conceived, and far wandering, you were from the due search of her glory, to make love to her handmaids, to profess liking to her servants, to become sole intertainer of her vassals, hereon resteth the injury, this is it I complain of unto you. And if either the some and type of honesty placed in the weight of the action, the necessity, meetness, and worthiness, the Utility and benefits seven hundred fold compensing the travel, may (as earthly things have often power to move one, Parenthesis above things of far higher estimation) induce you to her most dearest and precious fruition, Anthypophara. search then the favour of these your loving mistresses, and (seemly I grant you may find them) but never shall they approve either, so wealthy or so beautiful. What then should let you to return to this glorious Lady, will you because you are an earthly substance, follow the common reason of every earthly creature, Oc●upatio● humum sapere & alta spernere? or saying that the appetites of the one are much pleasanter for the time, or far less tedious than the other, weld your opinion by a peevish conceit of ease, to become a creditor to wantonness? These imaginations as they are merely bad, Confutatio. so are they ten times worse in pursuit, than they are sweet in the foremost thought. peevish were it, simply for you to stand upon these vanities, (things wherein children have delight and young weaklings do prove cunning:) you must suppose and harp upon the end that must succeed unto your travail, and finding the reach thereof, pursue it with fervency: Such actions as these do only beseem men, and herein alone shall you show yourself such as you may desire to be, and your friends do heartily wish you to approve. Alexander restless in the day time gaped for worlds, but only in the night was rocked a sleep by the Muses, the pleasure where of surcharged his appetites, and content of which, gave rest to his travels. Too much impertinent were it for me to hale you on with arguments, Epilogus. who only go about but by apparent shows to persuade you with warrantise: Neither think I in the end you will approve otherwise, then ever I have expected from you. Much more could I infer, that might greatly induce you to that whereunto your own willingness must in the end, of necessity conduce you. Only if in the weight hereof my persuasions may something prevail: I shall not forget in any worthy part thereof, at all times to commend you. In which reposing myself for the present I end: this of etc. WIth these persuasions, I think it meetest for this present to end, the better to answer the parts of these examples so far forth already discoursed on. Let us in the contrary hereof also, see how many ways and with what forcible arguments, men may be dissuaded and withdrawn if need be, from what to themselves or to any other that may return prejudicial or offensive. For the better understanding whereof, it behoveth first to be advertised that the nature of these Epistles, being termed dissuasory, though they are somewhat affined to the other of dehortatory, yet do they not in their delivery so vehemently as the others, stand upon the vileness, badness, or loathsomeness, of the thing dissuaded from, but as the suasory differeth from the hortatory, the one persuading to a thing meet or indifferent, the other pricking or spurring forward to that which is most excellent, so falleth it in these two, to be at this time in like manner considered. For the dehortatory in his proper kind, declareth (as in the example thereof you found) and goeth about by all manner of circumstances to approve, the impiety, hatefulness, shame, ignomy, or peril imminent or almost inevitable, by prosecution or continuance of such an act. This now far otherwise, Difference of dehortatory and disswsisorie for where commonly a thing standeth indifferent in the use thereof, to be either good or bad, with how great facility, if the likelihood be any thing, may we maintain by divers reasons, the same to be material, needful, good, and profitable: so in the contrary thereof, what can appear so sound, but by insight and curious search into the bowels of the same, some one thing or other there may appear, unfit, unworthy, or to be but meanly accounted of. As for example, let it be supposed that I would go about to persuade a man, to whom something it importeth to marry, and yet is thereunto greatly unwilling, who doubteth but many inducements may be laid down to the weight thereof, seeming very much furthering, as (besides that it may be reserved for a matter urgent, to show by what necessity he may be tied (as it were) to the same, as in the decay of his house if he do not marry, or the continuance of a solitary, lose, and bad kind of living, the dying of his wealth and name at one instant together, having no heir of his offspring to succeed in his Patrimony) it may also be inferred as very much pertinent, the sacred solemnisation thereof in paradise, first by God himself appointed, than his pleasure to enjoin the same to the worlds increase, than the care that naturally we have of issue to succeed us, the love and mutual society and comfort between man and wife, being of such mighty efficacy as whereunto no like is to be compared, the sweet pleasures, cares, and delights interchaungeablie passing between them, perswsion to marriage. each so dearly affieng themselves in the others contentment, solace, and pleasing, the joy of procreation when there shall be a child produced, whose infancy tattling with a pleasant lisping sound, shall become an incredible delight to the parents hearing, with infinite other suggestions to be added hereunto in the places of Confirmation. Now again. if I should go about to dissuade an other from the self same thing, what might be imagined, Dissuasion from the same. that hereunto could be found wanting, as (not reckoning the age of a man, which many times more of dotage than discretion, pursueth the same) it might be intended, the sweetness of liberty, how much it conduceth to the estate of a man, which naturally coveteth, unrestrained and without controlment to do that him liketh, the matter whereof enjoying, be may ride, go, walk, rest, eat, drink, study recreate, solace, and wheresoever and in whatsoever company pleaseth him best, use the conceit thereof to his own appetite. Now having a wise (suppose the have all manner of perfections that may be in a woman, yet is the delicacy hereof bereft him, for being once married, he is no more to himself but to her, for her pleasure, to her choice, at her liking with her contentment, must be then order his humours, his hours, his gestures, his companions, his iournyes, his recreations, and what else he before time might freely have used, his own liking is quenched, his liberty restrained, & yet the loss hereof a heaven to the which followeth, if very happily he be not matched: for imagine the woman chosen do prove a scold, wayward, self-willed, malicious, frowning or suspicious, what a hell than is he driven into whose serpentine and more than adder like disposition shall be such as would terrify a thousand devils. Incommodities of marriage. If she be wanton dissolute, lewd, or lose in living, how on the other side, shall he be then turmoiled, what is it that she will not presume upon, and dare to hazard, how infamous shall her life become then to his living, how little will she esteem of him, in respect of the large account she holdeth of many others. If she be proud, then is she insupportable: if her wit be more than his, then is she arrogant, if she be foolish, than a mocking stock, if she be fair, than a spectacle to gaze on, if soul, than a simpering poppet to wonder on, if she be rich▪ presumptuous, if poor: then becometh she odious. But being what she may be, or touching her own person the best she can be, what intolerable charge bringeth she with her, what cost of apparel, what care of diet, what household of servants, what expense for attendance, what provision for Children, what furniture for house, what daily continual and never resting cark and toil for her and hers, in conclusion, what one discommodity may be reckoned, that with her or for her, is not either tendered or hazarded. Thus do you see what large scope resteth for a man to wade in either of these, the like whereof falleth out in all other things, that may seem indifferent. As if I should persuade one of a weak disposition, Persuasion to wine. or whose constitution of body, for physics sake or otherwise, sometimes needeth wine to drink, it might by many reasons be declared by the necessary use, goodness, property, virtue, and wholesomeness thereof, the operation of the same, how it recreateth, driveth away heaviness from the mind, rejoiceth and is confortative in the moderate use and acceptance, Dissuasion of the favour. how much needful it may also be in some other causes to be received. Contrariwise, if I would dissuade from the dealing therewith, then as many ways will I bring in, the hurtfulness thereof, as how by taking too much, it dulleth the senses, occasioneth drunkenness, maketh ill digestion, engendereth superfluities, weakeneth the spirits, driveth a man to forget himself, enforceth him oftentimes to commit that which otherwise might very evil beseem him, and consequently ladeth the body and mind with all sorts of impediments and diseases. The like of these might be occasioned in the education of children or servants, either to persuade from too little, or to dissuade from too much looking to, sharpness, or correction. Likewise in causes of right or wrong, in persuading to one of which, we shall do furtherance to justice, & in dissuading from the other, yield matter of benefit. The self same also (to speak generally) may be inferred to any one thing whatsoever, wherein the use or abuse may be adjudged to be either commodious or offensive, in the practice or execution of the same. The arguments of this dissuasory kind, are chief enforced by the inhonestie of the action, the indignity or ill beseeming of the cause, the discommodity, inequality, difficulcy, insufficiency, impossibility, ill conceit, or intolerable admittance in the use, or compassing of the same. All these notwithstanding in one sole Epistle, not at all times used, but either admitted or rejected, as is in the matter & circumstance thereof many times to be required. As in a cause of wrong, the Inhonestie of the thing in handling, by illness, unusednesse, injustice, oppression, detriment or damage thereby ensuing is to be dissuaded, the Unworthiness by the credit or reputation of him that tendereth the same, to be measured, the Il-conceit by the mislike that all men generally do retain of the action, and high contempt wherewith they are wont to entertain the memory thereof, the Discommodity, by the exclamations of the party injured, calling his honest fame in question, the difficulcy by the stoutness of him to whom the same is offered and his known ● ability to withstand it, the Intolerable admittance, by the heinous appearance therein delivered. Disswassions also may be used to a man not to entermedie in high or mean oecasions, so termed either in respect of his own deserts, respecting or regardant to far better or more lower purposes, or in weight of his ability or disability, whereby he is put forward or drawn back in the acceptance thereof, either by reputation or wealthines. Here the insufficiency, impossibility or difficulcy is to be required, the more effectually thereby to dissuade, by what therein conjectured to be hindering or disproving to the matter intended. Now by this already said, and by the application of the several parts herein debated, to any other like occasion in writing to be ministered, it may with more facility be adjudged, where and in what sort, and to how much purpose, the whole or greatest number of these in any like Epistle may be effected. The example inducing the orderly laying out of which, in their several places now next of all succeed. An example dissuasory, wherein a man of wealth sufficient, is dissuaded from the marriage of his daughter, to the riches of an old wealthy Miser. SIr, Exordium by iusinuation, of mislike of the cause. I am not a little grieved for the love I owe you to see that in these ripe years of yours, wherein men commonly are fraught with discretion, you nevertheless do very indiscreetly go about to compass a matter so repugnant to reason, or any manner of considerate, and sage advisement, as whereat the world can but wonder, and whereof all that know you, or by any means may understand of the match, will no question greatly accuse and for ever condemn you. It is delivered with us here for certain, that you are intended, Narratio. (upon the doting affection of a miserable old man your neighbour, whose years are as welfreight with diseases, and his manacled and benumbed old joints with imperfections as his barred coffers with coin) to marry unto him my niece and your youngest daughter upon a soddain, and that to the furtherance thereof you offered to contribute of your own store, a reasonable and sufficient portion. Propositio. Trust me, when I heard it at first, I deemed it as a counterfeit jest, thinking that the man whom I so well knew before time, could not on a sudden become such a paragon, as whereon a maiden of her fewture youth accomplishment and favour, could so quickly become enamoured, neither thought I that howsoever the dotage of the old man stood as a conceit to smile at, that you for your part would so much as vouchsafe to hearken to it, Incrementum. especially at any time so seriously to speak of it, much less to open your purse to become a purchaser of it, or by constraint at all, to enforce her favours, to give sign or token any ways unto it. Distributio. Alas sir, was there no one thing more wherein besides you could onershoot yourself, but only in so bad a purpose, an action so unhonest, an intendment so vile, a matter so much impugning nature, as that the very earth, Hyperbole. or hell itself, could not belch out against the fair Virgin, so huge and so intolerable a mischief, to match I say, the matchless favour of so young and dainty a piece, The inhonestie. to the filthy tawny deformed and unseemly hue, of so wretched and ill favoured a creature? What nature is this, to work unto her (whom of your own flesh you have engendered, whom so long you have nourished, whom to such and so many perfections you have trained) upon a sudden, nay even in one moment, to manifest an occasion to cast her away, not yielding unto her heavy censure, Discommodity. so great a benefit as death, but ten thousand griefs, the least of all which is worse than any death that may be, wherein comfortless she may complain, grieve, and bemoan herself without any relief at all, but by the precious price and hazard of her own soul. How unequally do you deal herein, Inequality. to render unto her being scarce sixteen years of age, a husband enfeabled by four score years and upwards, whose toes are swollen with the gout, and legs consumed with the dropsy, whose lean carcase beareth no appearance but of old scars, and stiffened limbs become unwieldy supporters of his pined corpses, whom furs must fence from the least blast of cold, and dew of nappy ale cherish with warm fires, Ironia. whose night cap carrieth more store of heat, than all his body doth of agility or strength, and nose far more fruitful than favorie, with distilling drops down trilling from thence in freshest spring of the ioliest seasons, maketh ill favoured refections. What wrong do you tender the poor maiden therein? Indignity. How unworthy and far ill beseeming is the same to her, who hath such a father, and apparently shallbe known to be such a man's daughter? shall you not therein be noted of great folly, will not all men laugh at it, pity it, cry shame of it, and herself poor soul pray to God to revenge it: It is too much intolerable believe me that you should endeavour in this sort by colour of your fatherly authority to constrain her, Confirmatio whom (albeit she is your child) yet may you not thus forcibly compel unto so unused and unnatural extremities. Consider with yourself how grievous the thing you go about to compass, may return unto her, and whereas liking and choice, Intolerable admittance. is of all other things in case of marriage to be accounted most dearest, you not only against her will, do endeavour to induce a breach thereof, but also do give her over into the hands of such a one, whose inequality so far forth diffevereth from her appetite, as that it can not otherwise, but (as unto all others so unto her chiefly) become insufferable. Have you no more care of her that is your daughter, but when now you have brought her to that pass, wherein she should participate the virtuous and modest use of that, whereunto her years have adapted her, and for which end and sole purpose, marriage was by God's sacred ordinance at the first ordained, instead of a loving and contented husband, Metaphora. to give her a withered old trunk, in lieu of sweet and mutual society, to wed hereto sorrow and ever loathed grief, to endow her with larger profit, then with honest contentment, Hypophora. think you that she is a stone, that her sonces from others are different in their right operation and qualities, that she more or less in stranger sort than any others, can become therein forcible or less injured. No sir, assure your ●elfe, you must needs heap up no other but extremities upon her, it can not be but if you proceed herein, you must of force undo her, the end and conclusion is so utterly bad, as it can not be endured. Return now therefore unto yourself, and think herein what best beseemeth your Daughter, Epilogus. remember that what you take in hand in that action is ungodly, injust, severe and unnatural, that in giving such a husband, you shall give her (without the greater grace of God) and him both to the devil. Consider, that you are with piety, and to a christian purpose, and end to moderate your authority, weigh with yourself that the covetousness wherewith you are overcome is no purchase to her of safety. And balancing all these in the weight and cords of equality, withdraw yourself, and by such means become dissuaded from so great an absurdity. So may you the more easily perfourm● that unto her belongeth to a kind and loving father, and for the profit by this travail reaped at your hands, bind her and all us with greater fervency, to love you. Whereon concluding the scope of all my former desires, I end, etc. IN this Epistle, the matter (tending to a dissuasion from so injurious and ●ard a match, as might fall out in two so indifferent and unmeet of complexion & ages, as was that threadbare for worn old creature, and this fair, pong, fresh and tender maiden (impassable hitherto of any man as it seemed, and therefore so much the more unfit in such bad sort to be bestowed) hath in it these enforcements whereby to draw the purpose thereof into the greater mislike, viz. the Vnhonestie of the action, by undertaking a matter so far different from nature, reason or society, the Discommodity, as upon the admittance whereof, standeth so great an hazard, as the loss of her own soul, the Inequality, by comparison of youth and age together, the manifold imperfections of y● one, so much contrarying the alienated desires of the other, the Indignity, wherein is measured the reputation, credit & ability of her parents, in respect of whom, so indiscreet a match aught in no wise without the greater necessity in that sort to be put forward. Now will we proceed to one other example of the same form, though bnlike in substance, and see what points therein may hereunto necessarily be further than already conceived. An Epistle dissuasory▪ wherein a young Gentleman is dissuaded from vices in general. ABout seven days passed, I received Letters from my brother N. the long expectation whereof, Narratio. and desire I had to be informed of your well doing, made me inwardly to rejoice at the first view of them, supposing that as I delivered you out of my hands, I should still have found you in the same predicament, without alteration, or so much as any surmise at all of that, whereof I have thereby been to my small content and less satisfaction, at large advertised. Propositio. It is long since in deed that you were with me, at which time you were in manner a Child, nevertheless in those tender years yet so towardly given, and of so mild and gentle disposition, as there was great cause why then I should esteem of you, and much matter offered to all others that knew ye, whereupon to commend you: But now if it be true as I am informed, your actions are turned quite contrary, you are become a changeling, you are no more the same, but an other in quality, mind, and operation. The matter being so, Distributio. it seemeth unto me you have taken a wrong course, in so much as in exchange of Virtue you have chosen vice, The unhonesty. in steed of laudable exercises, a number of lewd qualities, in place of good and honest usage, a life uncivil, lewd and savage, your company keeping is without any order, your studies are careless, your pastime reckless, your tabling drunkenness, your living unthriftiness, finally blushing before time at all things, for their novelty, you dare boldly now to adventure any thing, be it with never so great infamy. Indignity. These things my good cousin, I must needs tell you are unfit for a Gentleman, & much ill beseeming that education of yours, whereunto they were never accustomed. From these by mine advise you shall wield your speedy course, and quickly departed, and with some facility give over, calling to your remembrance, that what approacheth the condition of every ordinary person, is not meet for your credit, and what in men of common account appeareth to be no blemish, is in your reputation adjudged to be a great and notable faultiness. When men desire to be well famed, and by true renown to rise unto worthiness, Distributio. they fly sloth, and give themselves to avoid all occasions of idlenesle, they endeavour to become painful and industrious, to covet things of highest account, and to be in company with the most virtuous. Their credit hath no support by vanities, Inequality. they seek not their reputation among runagates, they converse not with Tavern haunters and bibbers, they live not with men of vild account, dissolute and ungracious, such kind of means (as insufficient to glory) they deem wretched and approbious. You therefore, if you will be such as you ought to be, Confirmatio. must also pursue the tract of these, the sweetness and delicacy whereof (if but a little you will pierce into the sour and harsh taste of the other) you shall quickly conceive, mark but the praise, benefits estimate and good report entertained with the one, and on the other side, Antithesis. the discredit, shame, discommodity and vile reconinge always made of the other, and then judge by your own decernment how much and how greatly you are led awry, in thus carelessly roaming upon others invincible. And concluding with yourself, the ill conceit that all good men have of such hateful and disorderly kind of living, Ill conceit. return betimes, ere too late, Discommodity. ●or want of good advisement, you foolishly begin to cry out of your winning. Principijs obsta, sero medecina paratur: Cum mala per long as convaluêre moras. First stop the cause, to late doth physic come, When evils small, to great (by sufferance) run. Parenthesis. Credit me (whom ever you have known to favour you) the disgrace that quickly you shall sustain, if betimes you relent not these evils, will to a good mind become so vile and so odious, as not without great sorrow and grief, may be delivered away. I disguise not with you in that I say, for you shall find it and approve it to be true. It is a shame for any man in those years, Ignomy. wherein of all others his towardness should chief be effected, to be accounted then bad, vild, lewd, and ill demeaned, much more for a Gentleman, whose education was so good, whose infancy so well trained, whose adolescency so formerly with all kind of virtues endued, Comparatio to become, now when most discretion should sway in him, worse than before, more disordered than when he was to be corrected, less commended in his own government, then in an others entertaignment. The love that I bear unto you, maketh me the more largely hereof to inform you, which for that I deem, not of any ill seed sprung out of your own nature, to be grown up into such carnels, I do thereby adjudge, Consutatio. that with more facility they may be dissevered, the branches I know are of others wearing, which I never wish to be so far forth liked, as to become of your own gathering. From the inconvenience whereof, I hitherto have studied thus much to dissuade you, as he that most of all desireth above any other to enjoy you. Epilogue. The haste of the messenger, and weariness of writing enforce me to leave. God who is the conductor of all happy endeavours bles●e you, and till I hear from yourself again, myself will expect the best reformation that my good opinion may induce me, as yet to conceive of you. Far you well this of, etc. THE places of this Epistle, are for the most part as the other, wherein the example for variety of matter and order of handling is only differing, the laying out of every of these parts, do appear in the margin, for which cause, I need to dwell the less upon distinguishment of their uses and properties. There is yet one Epistle more of this suit (and then forward unto the others) which because the matter of the same entertaigneth more points then these already delivered, I will set down for example with the rest. another example dissuasory, wherein the party is by divers reasons, dissuaded from entering into an action in appearance very dangerous. I Have good brother, received your letters, Narratio. dated the viii▪ day of this instant, which were with as great diligence as celerity, conveyed to my hands, and by the fidelity of the bearer have understood to the uttermost what you willed, and both of that and your letter have at large considered. Prepositio. It seemeth therein unto me, that whether thorough ignorance of your own good, or inconsiderate rashness of youth, or voluntary intrusion of yourself into your own harms, I know not, but the ation and course of your whole Letter, is altogether to be misliked, and for the extremity thereof to be by all reason utterly condemned, as whereunto you ought not to condescend, much less to be seen in public to be a fawtor of, Incrementum. & which is more, the only man through whose folly and immoderate rashness, the same is solely to be accomplished. O good God, what blindness is it that leadeth you, what senseless fury that bewitcheth you, Ecphonesis. what matter of evil that pursueth you, as by the intolerable force whereof, without any foresight at all, either of the goodness or illness of the action, Distributio. the lawless persecution thereof, the matter of your own reputation and credit, the danger of law wherein you shall be intruded, the difficulcy whereby it must be attained, the unhonest solicitation of your friends to so great a hazard, the discommodity that thereon is attendant, and peril every way that in the execution thereof cannot be avoided, you will notwithstanding all this, forget your self so much, Parenthesis. as in the accomplishment of a purpose so far different from the nature (I will not say of a Gentleman) but of an honest man, go about to put in proof what in the end must of necessity return to your own mifchiefe. But you will say it is love, and extreme liking that compelleth you to so forcible an action, as without the obtaining whereof you are no body, Confutatio. you can not live. Love say you? Alas what love term you this, that is laden with so many disordered motions, call you this love? Nay rather madness, for love is measured by no extremity, but in the honest and virtuous increase thereof, Finitio. where not by a harbraine fury, but by a discreet and moderate ascension, men by degrees do climb unto that, the sweet and pleasant force whereof never participateth any occasion of such unreasonable badness. Why brother do you love her whom you have sued for, Tde unhonesty. and because by desert you can not attain her, will you undertake thereupon to bereave her by force? How unhonest I pray you is the purpose of so great a wrong? How unfit to be put forward in the worst kind of men, how intolerable in a Gentleman? For if in the account of things unhonest, any action whatsoever may appear to be vile, what then this I pray you may be deemed more dishonest, more bad, or more vile? And if it be punished extremely by the law, the taking away of a man's goods against his will, Comparatio what may he deserve that bereaveth the person of any one, being also a Gentlewoman, such as to whom all humanity forbiddeth to proffer wrong, and to the honourable entertainment of whom, is appropriate only the nobility of a Gentleman, Confirmatio. nay in what sort may such a one be censured in the reputation of all honest men, that in sort so violent, goeth about to ravish her, not only offering injury therein to her person, but also to her fame, reputation and offspring. Think you that the intendment hereof can return credit to your living, think you that by delivery of such fruits you may be reputed a Gentl.? No believe me, it can not be, but according to the unworthiness thereof, it rather shall give occasion to all that shall hear or understand of it, Amplificatio. to accuse, blame, mislike, and utterly to condemn you. And what if no manner of suppose at all were left, whereby to discourage and withdraw you from the action, imagining that the purpose thereof were in all sorts meet and honourable, and that to every man that could win his liking, by what force soever, it were lawful, without discredit or any censure at all of mislike for such a one, to compass it, do you think it a matter sleight and easy for yourself to perform it? No no sir, you reckon to wide, you go beyond the moan, you are to much deceived. Know you not the Gentlewoman is worthily descended, that she hath parents, The difficulcy. brethren, Uncles, and friends to keep her, to rescue her, to defend her? Why sir, is there no more to say but you will have her? You must have her? and by main force you will win her? you deal with no children I can tell, nor weaklings as you account of, but men wise, valiant, well reputed, & of sound government, who by so much the more just and right, the occasion is of their defence, by so much the sooner will they, and are able to prevail against you I reck not that you have courage sufficient, that you are hardy, bold, & adventurous (the use whereof being employed to good and laudable purposes, were I confess much more effectuous) but herein how ever the case standeth, Impossibility. I see nothing so likely as an impossibility, insomuch as if you be delighted to become infamous, & in the memory of a shameless life to hazard yourself to a shameful death, then may you enter into it, once this I know that her can you never find so slenderly accompanied, that with small force you can carry her, but within a moment always there will not be wanting a number that shall bicker for her, from whose insight you are altogether unable, if herself consented thereunto, to convey her. Concessio. But gr●nting unto your wi●full imagination, as much in all things as you can desire, suppose you might win her, convey her, keep her, and that the danger of law limited at all no hazard (the contrary whereof you well know, being guerdoned with no worse than loss of life) do but yet again return to yourself you must in the end call to mind your birth, your family, your profession, your manner of living: your Parents who were worshipful, your stock highly reputed of, your profession Arms, your living a Gentleman, is it consonant or agreeing to all or any of these, to commit any outrage, ye such as to any were not so proper, Indignity. as to a villain, a wretch, a rascal, such a one as neither by nature, education, or custom knoweth to do otherwise. What would you exercise I pray you on her, if you had her? Once you confess she doth not love you, than no question would she ten times more hate you, your answer I know would be either by entreaty to persuade her, or by force to subdue her. The conclusion is frivolous, if being now her supposed well willer, you can by no means allure her, imagine you then by prayers to convince her, Consutatio. after you have once showed yourself so extremely to hate her? And if force be it you pretend, it is repugnant to gentleness, yet (be it you neglect what therein to be considered) assure yourself her malice nevertheless towards you will never be quenched. For that of ourselves we can not freely accept of, we never by compulsion can be procured to like of. With you now, the case is quite contrary, Perill● for so imminent every way are the perils thereof unto you, as if her friends should abstain it, yet the laws will punish it, and if no laws were at all, yet God would revenge it. If therefore you will hearken to me, you shall be dissuaded, from all such intendementes, wherein if myself should have become so graceless, as to have set in foot with you, justly we might have confessed each of us to have been drowned in all unhappiness. And now good brother, use I pray you that means herein, Epilogus. that with greatest commendation may beseem you, weigh with yourself, that such distemperate motions are not to be followed, conceive that Virtue whose servant you became in your first creation, forbiddeth you to be led by such sensual appetites, think that the honour of arms which you have professed, extendeth not itself to the frail and weak subduing of a woman's condition, who by reason of her sex rather challengeth at your hands a defence, them any manlike enforcement, beside, much unworthy should it be unto your reputation by violence to dishonour, whose estimate and account by reason of your liking, you ought to prefer with all honour. In fine frame yourself to do that uncompelled, which by force you shall be constrained to wish once to have performed, so shall you ever do that beseemeth you, and give me cause, as my dear and loving brother evermore to account of you. Our former love & liking willeth me evermore to greet you, your sister and mine commendeth her heartily unto you. Far ye well. B. this thirteenth of November, etc. IT appeareth in this Epistle to be responsory to an other letter, wherein is to be conceived, that the writer was persuaded to join in that action, which herein so greatly he dissuadeth. Herein the places are more effectual then in any the other examples, for that in deed the matter of this letter induceth the form thereof with far greater circumstances. In this, because the purpose concerneth an attempt to be taken in hand, is laid forth difficulcy, Peril and Impossibility, besides such other places as formerly in the other Epistles you find also to be applied. And this generally must I note, unto you that aswell in these as in many others of like kind, the matter dissuaded is made so much the more vehement by how much the circumstances thereof are truly to be dispraised, or absolutely to be condemned, notwithstanding it falleth not out in all Epistles of this title in such sort to be handled. For sometimes men are dissuaded from a matter, in respect of the little necessity thereof, & the great unquiet thereby ensuing, though not in an other sort perchance to be misliked, the weight resting peradventure far beyond their reach, and other suppositions, the number whereof I leave in their self conceits to be frequented: knowing the scope hereof to be so large, and the occurrents so infinite, as it were unpossible to set down examples, conducing to the several imaginations of the same. Much no question availeth it for any one that studieth well to write, to be sufficiently instructed in these two kinds of suasory and dissuasory, to know the better upon what grounds the force of each of them may be delivered, so common are their places in divers other Epistles to be induced as in petitory, monitory, Reprehensorie, invective and such others. Let it therefore firmly be advised for either of these, that whatsoever we endeavour to persuade, all the commodities thereunto incident may first be considered, then by circumstances the same are again to be amplified, again if therein be any discommodities to be supposed, them must we diminish, or as much as we can refel, which under Confirmation and Confutation are contained, and if any other common reasons besides the mere matter of the thing may be imagined, they shall thereunto be annexed, as some peculiar virtue thereunto encouraging, liking and good opinion, benefit, honour, health▪ comfort▪ pleasure, and a thousand others. In dissuading likewise, that all the discommodities, matters offensive, causes of detriment, insufficiency, hazard, or whatsoever before remembered, be herein collected, put forward and amplified, with like annexing of common reasons and inducementes, as in the other is advised▪ and in the examples hereof, you see to be tendered. And to say sooth, such intermixing of these two so ordinarily happening in many letters, as very few matters do fall out in which some one part of them is not sometimes handled: I know not what one thing almost may be so certain and sound, as by cunning skill may not at the pleasure of the writer in some sort or other be depraved, or out of the consuming flames thereof again to be commended. For such causes therefore it shall be good that the ordinary places hereof, for the better perfection of the learner, be very well studied and often exercised, which either by imitation to handle an unlike matter in a like sort of an example, or by often or continual reading shall greatly be furthered. And now will we see what in the other sorts of Epistles we have to be performed, the next of which ensuing in order, and to be proposed in this Method, is an Epistle conciliatory, whose use is preferred in acquiring unto ourselves, the acquaintance of some one, whom especially we make choice of, or insinuating ourselves into their favours, whom we desire most to esteem of. These Epistles in their directions, do oftentimes pass as well from men of good account to such as are something their inferiors, as interchangeably between those, who are accounted equals, but seldom or never is frequented to such as are our betters. The occasion of this Epistle, standing in the first degree, it is likely that he who is much our better either of his honour, worship, or gentleness, will in plainest terms always deal with his inferiors, whom in such sort he desireth to be known unto, or otherwise himself would willingly repute of. The sentence of these Epistles are in the best sort to be adjudged, for that the purport of them includeth love, liking, friendship, the scope whereof induceth matter herein to be framed. Now touching the second degree, order therein requireth these brief considerations. First that pithily and plainly we set down the cause moving us to take knowledge of him we writ to, or thereupon to move his acquaintance. This albeit without some assentation may hardly be carried, for that all men for the most part are affected more or less, to the advancement of their own worthiness: yet shall the writer by all possible means endeavour to keep that Decorum herein, that he gloze not too palpably, least by such means he do incur a notable suspicion of flattterie. Next, if in ourselves we do conceive or imagine some one or more things, that are to such a one pleasing, or whereof we may conjecture the regard to return unto him commodious, or to confirm towards us a more special liking, that shall we modestly tender, and devise without arrogancy in some convenient sort to be signified. These are the only precepts in this kind of writing to be solely considered, the observation whereof are in sort following by example to be delivered. An Epistle conciliatory, written from one of good account, to one that is his inferior. AFter my very hearty commendations unto you. This bearer and my servant whom I greatly credit, hath signified unto me many matters tending to your great commendation, the report whereof, I have often sithence heard confirmed by others. And for as much as touching mine own condition, I have always been a favourer o● Arts, and entirely accounted of the singularity of any one according to his worthiness, I have so much the more greatly desired your acquaintance, as one whom willingly I would do good unto. promising that if at some convenient time I may enjoy the pleasure of your industry, and knowledge, together with some continuance of your good company. I shall not fail in as ample sort as I can to your full satisfaction and contentment to requite it. Mean while I would gladly be informed by the return of this messenger, at what time I may expect to see you, according to which I will appoint horses, and send some up to accompany you. And so for this present do bid you heartily farewell. From my house of N. this twentieth of April, etc. SMall distinction needeth in these kind of letters, for that the order of them is different you see from the first observations. Only the parts mentioned in the advertisements, inducing the form thereof are herein specified. The variety of which is more districtly tied to the present humour of the writer, and the cause inducing the substance, then by any special direction. But now to the next. An example conciliatory, from one equal to an other. THE universal report of your excellency, each where declared, hath moved me good M. N. not only to admire you for the same, but among a great many others, that regard and especially do account of you, hath induced me also hereby to pray your acquaintance. I confess sir, sithence I first heard of you, I grew even then very desirous to see and to know you, but being this other day in company of sir T. P. I there understood how much for your singular virtue & learning, both of the good Knight and Lady, you were faithfully commended, and entirely favoured. This considerate opinion of theirs, hath in my speedy determination spurred me forward, and for my first mornings exercise, caused me to salute you by these letters, the rather for that I have sundry times been informed with what joyful & friendly conceit, you do entertain the familiarity of every gentleman. And albeit there is little desert in myself to acquire so much at your hands, yet this one request upon your favour will I presume to make unto you, that not only I may be entertained with you as one whom you may please to like of, but such, and in that degree as of whom you will so greatly reckon as to stand assured of. Little God knoweth resteth in me to pleasure you, (the worthiness whereof, pleased his goodness, were so well answerable to your virtue) as effectually you might have power in whatsoever to command. This one thing can I deliver of myself, that since I had first capacity to decern of men's conditions. I have always studied to honour the virtuous, and evermore with reverence to entertain their actions, a favourer I have still been of the learned, and a diligent regarder of their greatest excellencies, such as in mind more than in wealth would wish to be reputed happy, and to my uttermost power gladly accomplish what might be deemed most worthy. Such a one if you vouchsafe to like of, I wholly yield myself unto you, expecting nothing more than at your convenient leisure I might find occasion to see you. Whereunto referring the residue of all my chief desires, I do for the present cease to detain you. London this fourth of june etc. TO these Epistles might be added two several answers: In both of which there is required a special and well demeaned modesty, in the one of humility to be according to his better, in the other of courtesy to gratify his equal, each of them containing, a submissive execution of that, in either of their faculties and professions simply to be attributed, the diversities of both of them not impertinent to these our instructions, I have in sort following put down to be red. An Epistle responsory answering to the first of these letters. IT may please your worship, I have received your courteous letters, and by the same as also by the messenger have fully conceived of your favour and loving intendment towards me, for all which I can but render to the same my most humble and dutiful thanks. Touching myself, I very gladly wish that there were any thing in me, whereof you might take pleasure, or myself be the better enabled wherein to do you service: Such as it is I humbly tender unto your best command, and do pray that in as good sort as willingly I do tender it, you may please in like manner to accept and account of it. Your man can witness, that as yet I have some earnest occasions for a while to detain me, who otherwise would forthwith be well contented to attend you. And were I not thereunto especially enjoined aswell by the countenance and credit of him, to whose liking I have for a while bestowed myself, the importunity of your servant might happily have led me with him presently down into the Country. It may please you Sir to pardon me for a while, one month shallbe the farthest, the term of which being expired, I thenceforward do remain to the command of none so much as your worship, to whose good acceptance I eftsoons do recommend myself in all reverent duty. London this of etc. The Letter responsory answering to the latter Epistle. MOst worthy gentleman, I have understood by your gentle and friendly letters, not only how much I rest beholding to your own self, and good opinion of me, but also to the courteous and gentle knight and my especial good La. to each of whom above all others I have found myself indebted most deeply. Many ways might I advertise you how much I have in conceit to thank both them and you, which that my desires may appear answerable to your wishes I do leave, till personally in as present haste as conveniently may be, I may find opportunity to see you. I am not sir altogether ignorant of the good parts which by some (unto yourself well known) hath been advertised heretofore unto me, and for which I do most willingly embrace you, and hearty wish of all others to see you. Assuring you that you have but prevented me in this one courtesy, which before my going out of town, I was vehemently persuaded to have tendered unto you, wherein nevertheless I rest satisfied in that by one so well accomplished as yourself, I have herein been so farrefoorth convinced. My business here with my L. resteth I hope upon a present dispatch, and therefore do I reckon by God's grace within these very few days to visit you. Mean while confessing how much I stand charged unto yourself for this sole courtesy, I do pray that unto the worshipful knight, and also to his good La. you will report my humble duty. As you wished and required, I do hereby salute you, and so promise in such matters always to account of you, viz, yours etc. NOw after these responsory letters, each answering in ample sort the others tendered courtesy, I think it meet to return again to the order of these former Epistles. The nature of which seemeth not to retain any such force whereby an inferior person may in the terms or order thereof, approach to require an inducement of love or liking from one that is his better, for that it appeareth being handled in the same kind, it should rather be deemed petitory then otherwise, for so much as it behoveth in such a cause, wherein the case so ●andeth, the terms to be far more submissive and humble, then in this conciliatory by the matter thereof may in any wise be permitted. The second matter hereof is now reconciliatory, in which (as derived from the other) we are intended to proceed. The matter hereof importeth a reconciliation to those from whom we acknowledge in some sort or other to have been dissevered, contrary to the bond of friendship or duty that therein might happily have been required, whether by our own default or by whose or what defect, as by the circumstance of the action may therein be required. In the framing of this Epistle we shall record with ourselves, in what league, amity, or duty, we before time stood bound to him to whom we study to be reconciled, thereupon shall we according to the district observation at that instant held of the same, study either to qualify, adnichilate, or utterly to extinguish the cause of falling of, the diffeveraunce, or breach. Then shall we desire for the considerations thereunto inducing us, to be retained again in his wonted faucur or friendly acceptance. These as in the example following may in like order be suited. ¶ An example reconciliatory from one friend to another. THe regard of our ancient amity and long continued acquaintance, Exordium. wherein so firmly and many years we have been knit togethers, will not permit (my good D. that we should for one slender grudge, (rather by the malice and despite of others envying our old friendship, then by any occasion of ourselves, in ill time suggested between us) we should in this sort be dissevered. True it is, Proposition that before this time the like breach, or any one thing near unto the same could never divide us, Pleonasmus but what (mischief) shall I now term it or imagine to be the occasion, that in so unlooked time, and upon so unexpected a chance, should in this hateful and wild sort, give mean to untie us, between whom so great a league of love, so long confirmed and approved like, so many protestations and obtestations, hath long since passed, as by the force thereof might have enjoined us never to have fallen to this variance. But what cannot envy do? what is it that cruel detestable and inveterate malice cannot perform? Credit me, my D. for my part I am sorry that eversolly so much mastered us, as to hearken in any sort to the stirrers up of such and so cruel bitterness, And as myself was the first that by admittance and allowance thereof, gave the foremost onset, by means of which grew this discontenting and unkind department between us: so will I not be with the last that shall endeavour within ourselves a novel and more assured reconcilement to the intent the fruits of our unfeigned liking approving by such means the more forcible, may render unto all the world a sufficient testimony, how hard and difficult a thing it is to part those, whom (but only death itself) no one thing hereafter shall ever be able to drive in sunder. Epilogns. Be only contented my D. once again, to re-establish that which being a little untwisted can never wholly be broken. Thy known good will, and hearty zeal unto me, assureth me not to distrust the same at thy hands, which thou shalt ever find to be graffed within me. This evening by God's grace I mean at our lodging to see thee, whether, and to thyself I do most heartily commend me, this etc. THis reconciliatory being different from that other conciliatory Epistle, by reason the argument thereof tendeth to renew that, which formerly might by the other be before entreated for, carrieth the effects thereof as well as it doth between equals) so from an inferior person to one who in reputation is somewhat more than his better. Upon presumption of whose favour, or by negligence of his own dealing, having thrown himself into some disgrace ●● such a party, he may by means herein offered, reconcile himself in any sort he list of humility. To the furtherance whereof this example following may be considered. An Epistle reconciliatory from an inferior person to one that is his better. PLeaseth my honourable good L. It was given me to understand about two days passed by M. R. that your L. should very hardy conceive of me, in that upon some urgent occasion I delaieed to yield that testimony unto his cause, which in equity and reason I ought to do: and the rather for that by your L. earnest entreaty and request I was eftsoons thereunto required. The grief was not small I sustained thereby, in that having received so many and sundry benefits, by your honourable favour accomplished towards me, whereby divers ways I remain in duty and honesty charged during my life unto the same, that by one bad supposal, untimely suggested unto your L. hearing, I should stand on so great a hazard as the adventure or loss of your good opinion, the recovery whereof (as I conie●ured) should ●resolutelye seem, for that only cause to be opposed against me. Your L. doth I hope remember, that in my last speeches had with you about the same matter (albeit before that time I stood on some terms, doubting the malicious dealings of the adverse party otherwise against me, in revengement of my plain and honest testimony therein) yet at the last was it concluded that I should gather together all the notes ministering furtherance to the cause, & thereupon deliver my true and certain remembrance on record, touching & concerning the same. What care I have sithence used in the matter, and upon intelligence had with M. R. how vehemently then in satisfaction of what might any ways content your L. and be furthering to his right. I still prosecuted the uttermost effects thereof, I had rather himself should deliver than I to become a reporter. In so much as I well know (how ever any others have miss-informed your L. against me, himself as a gentleman, will yet upon his word assure the truth and certainty. I did I must confess at the first use some delays in the immediate dispatch of the thing, but how and in what manner and to what end and purpose, let him also relate. Your L. I hope will therefore do me that right as not to be evil persuaded towards me in a cause wherein I have upon your honourable assurance and command entered so far forth into, as thereby I stand assured to have purchased unto myself matter enough of hatred, and by those whom (having refused by my silence to entertain as my assured friends) I have by such means enhabled sufficiently to become my heavy and most bitter enemies. The hatred of whom cannot unto me any ways become so injurious as the ill conceit of your L. should redound to be of all others most grievous. For mine own part (so much do I stand on the reverend regard and account I bear unto your L. as were it not I rest persuaded that upon the equal deliverance conceived of my willing mind unto your service, you would again be reconciled in favourable and good opinion towards me. I should so far forth be discontented, in my imaginations, as never could I be at atonement, with mine actions, wherein by the least spark of negligence whatsoever, I might have overslipped any thing that should become displeasing, or otherwise offensive to the same. Your L. wonted honour and bounty giveth me great expectation of the contrary, and mine innocency and true report of master R. doth also in some sort assure me. Whereupon remaining as he that always thinketh his life no better spent, then for and in your L. utmost service to be continued, I humbly surcease this day of etc. THe manner of these Epistles might in an other purpose then herein expressed, be also applied, as being reconciliatory, in the behalf of some other to be written, as occasion may be offered, but forasmuch, as they in that sort being handled do, for the most part, fall into the suasory or dissuasory kind, in the order of which, their arguments are chief to be continued. I deem it besides necessity, to write any example at all concerning them, for that when any such shallbe brought in question, the substance and conveyance of the state and cause, may readily to the same be drawn out of the places sorted unto each of those kinds, as in the discourse before, is at large remembered. For proof whereof, let it be considered, that if by an Epistle of this title I should endenour to reconcile a man to his wife, or a woman to her husband, a servant to his master, or a master to his servant, the father and the child, the friend to a friend, the neighbour to neighbour, or kinsman to kindred: Needs must I for the compassing thereof show some reasons how and which way to induce these, and therefrom must I of necessity run into divers persuasions, in the quality whereof, by whatsoever action I go about to transpose, the effects must needs be concluded. Sufficeth therefore the for these epistles I have delivered sufficiently, and herewith will we made unto the next, Epistles petitory. which in order hereunto are petitory. And inasmuch as these Epistles are so named, for the earnest Petition or request in every of them contained, and that the variety of things are such to be demands, and men's conditions so divers, at whose hands or from whom the same are to be received, required or obtained, it falleth out by consequence that according thereunto, the manner of the Epistle must needs also be divers and variable. For some things there are which favourably and with great indifferency, are oftentimes to be required, and bestowed as council, aid, patronage, good speeches, natural care and regard & such other like. Some also and such semblable persons, as for which, or to whom, to ask or sue, a certain kind of shame, is in a manner tied, viz. in craving, borrowing, importuning, charging, or to vehement troubling. The style and order & delivery appertaining to either of these is greatly different. Touching the generality of both, to either of them it is requisite that in the Exordium, an endeavour be used whereby to adhibite unto us the good will, favour, or good liking of him to whom we writ. Next that therein we proceed according to our acquaintance with the party, his estate credit, or support whereby to pleasure us. Thirdly that the cause we take upon us to prefer, be just, lawful, and honest. Fourthly that it be in his ability, or power, to council, aid, protect, prefer or relieve us. Fifthly, the order or means whereby the same may be wrought and accomplished. Sixtly, our gratitude and remuneration, worthily tied to the thankful acknowledgement or requital of the same. In the first sort of these, the cause standing favourable, or indifferent, we may the more bolder endeavour to produce or lay forth the aptness or beseeming thereof. In the second: greater modesty, and a more shamefast deliverance is to be retained, the preferring whereof would best be by Insinuation the better by covert means to wade into the depth of our Petition. In this place a more than ordinary bathfulnesse to be admitted, which giveth no small furtherance to every demand, as audacious and wainscot, impudence on the other side returneth the greatest impediment in any thing to be obtained. For no man willingly would do benefit to such a one, which in manner goeth about as of duty and not of courtesy to exact the same, and rather as a commander then craver, would impudently thrust him self to the obtaining thereof. And because the whole course hereof observed by way of every Petition, is by inference of many circumstances to be altogether determined, the order as I have related unto you before, must be conveyed by places suasory, resting very often in confirmation of the honesty, goodness, lawfulness, & needfulness of our petition. And if the Exordium be happily framed of his person to whom we direct our letters, it shall not be amiss that therein we briefly do capitulate some part of his virtues, courtesies, humanity, bounty, readiness to comfort, pleasure, or dorelief unto any, whereby we may privately draw his favour & good acceptance unto us, besides if he have made us before time beholding unto him, we shall gladly acknowledge the same, and declare the being already indebted, we study more thereby to yoke ourselves unto him. If of our own people, them shall we lay open, with what great expectation & regard we do in our conceits entertain the deserts and worthiness of such a one, modestly preferring what in favour of him, and common & equal love, hath passed between us. If of the interchangeable love, liking, and courtesy whilom resting between our predecessors or ancestors, than the weight & force thereof we shall put forwards accordingly. If of the the person of our adversary against whom we demand any assistance, favour, protection, or remedy, we may infer (if any such be) the common mislike of both of us towards him, & how ill he hath deserved at either's hands, and thereupon require aid against him. If of the thing or matter itself, the same be to be carried, we shall show the value, godliness, goodness or common benefit of the same, that the matter is unto him easy, to usof great importance, and if without arrogancy it may be done, we may enforce some occasions of benefit or other contentment thenceforth to happen unto him. And if any discommodity do happily seem to appear in laying open the same, the likelihood whereof may either alienate his mind, or withdraw his assistance or other liking from us. that shall we either study to extinguish or otherwise, as much as we may to qualify or avoid: By such kind of means, behoveth we prepare ourselves to the delivery of our Petition, which being in as apt & plain terms as may be laid open, we shall by such enforcements (as in moving affections hereunto, may be deemed pertinent) quickly and with great facility procure to be effected. An example of an Epistle petitory in a cause indifferent. Exordium. THE study and great desire wherewith (Sir) I see you bend continually, to the universal aid and benefit of all men, & for which to your great praise you have generally so well deserved, and deservedly are every where reputed, hath moved me in the behalf of this poor man to become a Petitioner unto you. About two months since, Narratio cum Propositione. he had dealings with a neighbour of yours touching a farm which he was for term of years to take at his hands, and notwithstanding a promise and grant thereof to this bearer made, in consideration whereof, he paid him then in hand a good part of his money) the injurious cormorant glutting himself with extorting from the poverty of this and many others, hath sithence that, not only passed a demise as his act & deed in writing to an other, but goeth about to defraud the poor foul of his money, the some whereof is the whole patrimony, riches, and stock of himself, his poor wife and family. And for so much as without the countenance of some one favouring the poormans' right, he is like to be overborne with the weight of the other, and so consequently to be undone. Petition. I have thought good to make thus bold to request your lawful favour in his furtherance, that by your authority and means, some honest satisfaction and end may to his behoof be performed, You shall do therein an act most honest and laudable, Honesty of request. dealing for such a one, for the procuring of whose right, his hearty prayers for your safety shall witness well the comfort you shall do him therein. The mean to perform the same. I am persuaded your speech and aid may herein prevail very much, as a thing which with great facility you may cause to be dispatched. Remuneration. And for myself, as I shall at no time rest unmindful of my request tendered unto you herein, so shall I not fail in what I may to the utmost of my power to satisfy you, by whatsoever possible requital. And even so with my hearty commendations, I do bid you most hearty farewell: R. this twelfth of April. etc. THis Epistle notwithstanding the same is written in favour of an other, yet is it petitory, and retaineth the parts thereof throughout, for in the first, being the Exordium, the matter of the same is drawn out of the person of him to whom it passeth, by preferring his care & willingness to do good. Then the Narration and Proposition setting forth the occasion of the demand. The Petition next, the Honesty and goodness thereof, in respect the deed cannot be but praise worthy, that is occupied in relieving the poor, and furtherance of the right. Then the Possibility and mean delivered to compass the same, the one liable to his authority, the other to his travail. Lastly a remuneration, by declaration of good acceptance & promise of requital. The like order hereof is generally to be entertained through out all the residue of these Epistles, whose observation in the other examples shall more particularly be effected. An example petitory in the nature of reconciliatory, from a son to his displeased father. Narratio. IF floods of tears sealed with hard and bitter sighs, if continual sorrow and never ceasing care, if consuming griefs not of a diseased body, but of a pestered mind, might have rendered sufficient and assured testimony, whereby to persuade your laden ears surcharged by this time with the weight of my incessant and continual cries: the intolerable woes wherein I live, secluded from the right and name of a son, and barred quite from the sweet and gentle term of a loving and kind father, had ere this time given mean of recovery to my daunted and dismayed spirits, and kindled in me some wanhope, one day to have found an hour so happy, wherein by a right conceit conceived of my unkindly pleasures, or convinced by the importunity of those who have pitied my evils, your natural care might in some sort or other have been renewed, to the redress of all my forewearied and heavy groaning mischiefs. But infortunate as I am, that for all the humble suit so many times presented in these and such like blubbered lines, Propositio. so hardened is the mind of him I writ unto, that whilom having been a dear & loving Parents I may not herein dare to tender, or so much as once put forward unto him the appellation of a gracious and pitiful father. If it have so pleased unto your gravity, Distributio. in such severe manner still to deal with me, & that the hateful show of my ill deserts, is yet become of so loathed and detestable recordation, in this very season unto you: then (as before time I eftsoons have done) I do confess my letters untimely lie also at this instant to have approached unto you. But if the long detained grace, Parenthesis. by whose heavy want (your son might I say?) nay the forlorn and despised issue of your aged years▪ (for so am I now forced to say) is perforce driven almost into a desperate conceit & mislike of his living, may by the best spark of expectation, be annexed to the most vehement effects, of his prostrate and meekest submission, then groveling upon the lowest ground, Petitio. and humbling my highest imaginations to the deepest bottom, wherein your implacable displeasures have hitherto been covered, as meekly and with as penitent speeches, as any grieved and passionate mind can utter. I do beseech you sir, that at the last, you will receive (not into your accustomed favour) but to your common and ordinary liking, the most disgraced of all your Children, and pardoning the disobedience wherein he dared once so far forth to provoke against him, the weight of your known anger, vouchsafe he may once again be numbered among your family, though not partaking with your Children. This sole benefit and last request if my burdened soul may obtain at your hands, happily I may then live, as comforted by the hope of that whereunto a buzied and careful endeavour may once peradventure enable me, otherwise, dying in the overflowing matter of my desperate and continued griefs. I pray at God's hands that I may obtain that by mercy, which cruel destiny in my life time could never win unto me, Peroratio. by all possible entreaty. My submissive duty answerable to the regarded place of your fatherly authority, compelleth me to attend with all humbleness the resolution of your clemency▪ In the hope whereof, resting my decayed and overwearied imaginations. I live till the receipt of your known like do assertaine, in what sort may please you to repute me. THe style of this Epistle is vehement, because the passions of him from whence it came were vehement, and is deducted as you see from the nature of reconciliatory, which as well for the submissive and lowest terms it beareth, as also for the urgent petition therein contained, I have rather chosen to place among the petitory. The part of Honest herein delivered, is passed in words meckest and of great obedience, wherein he studieth by all possibility to mitigate towards himself, the too much severity of his father. The Exordium is carried by Insinuation, expressing the vehement effects and surcharged conceits of a mind more than ordinarily grieved. The Possibility resteth in the father, which commonly by nature is with some more facility then estranged difficulty, entreated towards his son. The Mean to compass it, is his fatherly instinct, which by charged authority affecteth nothing so much as obedience of his Children. Thus are the places required herein, in sort as you see performed. And for because within any one title, there is no one thing affording matter more plentiful, or with use more common frequented, than this petitory kind, (insomuch as whatsoever containeth any special or sole request in the substance thereof to be accomplished, is hereunder concluded) I will sort you down so many examples of all sorts, as that there shall not fail herein wherewith sufficiently to instruct whatsoever in the like occasion is or aught to be required. An Epistle petitory, wherein is craved travail and council to be assistant upon urgent occasion. AS one greatly emboldened by the forwardness of your wont courtesy and liking, Exordium. ever bend towards me. I have dared (Sir) once again upon presumption of the like, hereby to entreat you, wherein you may see in what degree of affection I do entertain you, in that not contented, I have already so many and so oftentimes used you. I do by such means endeavour solely to make myself wholly and to none other somuch as beholding unto you. My man hath returned me from London, how by more than common celerity I have in my suit been prevented by my adversary, Narratio. whereby it is like, my cause standing upon so great a hazard, it will go very hard with me. Now if your wont council, Propositio. and friendly assistance be not speedily aiding, both the hope of benefit, charge, and expense thereof will be lost utterly. In regard whereof, these may be in as earnest manner as is possible to entreat you, Petitio. that upon the attendance of my man, I may (as wontedly) use you. Your council joined with a little travail may greatly profit me, Mean of performance. and now more than at any time else exceedingly pleasure me. Wherein if it may please you to yoke me farther unto you by the weight of your courtesy: I shall not only endeavour by all possibility to requite it, Remuneration. but also yourself shall not fail at any time to find such a one of me, as of whose travail, industry, or what other ability to pleasure you, you may account assuredly. I have by certain other letters moved my L. to have favourable consideration touching me, which as I am informed, his L. hath. What else to be performed herein, my man shall make known unto you. And thus doubting as little of your friendship herein, Peroratio. as of mine own thankful disposition, priest always to the uttermost to gratify you. I do heartily bid you far well D. this of, etc. An other of the same. Petitio. SIR I am so bold in my great necessity, under assurance of your forwardness ro do me good, to entreat your especial aid and furtherance in two things, the one whereof this bearer shall instruct you in, the other yourself can best tell, for that I made you at my last speech acquainted with the same. Both of which consisting in your labour and devise, I am of opinion that none then yourself can fit the occasion better. And truly such is the force of imprisonment, Mean of performance. as contrary to that you have wontedlye known in me, my understanding is quite decayed, and foworn with my liberty, and where the spirits are so destuned, it must needs follow, the memory can sound nothing but discords. Possibility. In fine, sir it is in you to do me good, and to make me by this only action for ever beholding unto you, wherein if I may so far forth presume of your fidelity, Remuneration. assure yourself, that if ever God give me liberty, A. C. to none so much as to you shall be yoked in courtesy. Good M. D. the matter hereof requireth some haste, whereunto I most heartily entreat you. Far ye well this of, etc. A letter responsory to the same. GOod M. C. needles were it you should entreat me to that, whereunto you have found me always most willing, and such whom with small persuasions you may induce to a far greater matter, than what in your last request you have so earnestly desired. The messenger I have appointed to morrow morning to return again to my lodging, at which time I will not fail to finish, what in the best sort I can conceive to be unto your occasions most furthering. Hard will it be for me to accomplish that, wherein yourself may be found so unperfect, for that the dullest conceit forged from the most distempered of your imaginations, can not but sound far better tunes, than the ripest of my invention is any ways able to utter. Nevertheless, such as it is, or so much as (by dislike of your own) you find mean to account of, that will I prepare to your view, and put forward to your good speed, thinking it better by delivery of a gross devise to satisfy the demand of a friend, then by concealing the simplicity thereof to be censured by discourtesy. In conclusion it is (sir) lawful for you to use the uttermost, & fittest to our confirmed league of amity, that (in whatsoever) you should approone me, wherein I desire you conceive no more, than such as I intend to become, and you shall assuredly find me viz. yours, etc. HEre must I note unto you the last of these Epistles petitory, in which is neither Exordium nor Narration, but foremost of all the petition, and afterwards the parts following, the like whereof you may perchance find hereafter. For that where practise and skill hath sufficiently enabled a man to write well, there is no necessity that such should be tied to rule, who being of sufficient knowledge and capacity, are able to decern what is meetest, and accordingly to direct the square of their own doings, sometimes one way, sometimes an other, as in the intendment thereof, may to the present occasion seem convenient and readtest. And as in this one letter, so may the learner light upon many others, being different also from the observation herein delivered, and sometimes abruptly entering into the matter without any limitation at all, one other example whereof shall be next hereunto delivered, the first beginning of which, declareth the mean of accomplishment of the request, before the petition declared, whereinto by imitation the unskilful may not rashly enter, without good advisement what in the performance thereof may be chief considered. The Method of which notwithstanding, is in this sort pursued. An example petitory, concluding a brief request and courteous remembrance of a thing before time promised. NOW is the time (wherein if your pleasure be) you may perform what erst you have promised. Mean of accomplishment. I therefore desire you as heartily as I may, Petition. that your intent being to do me good, you will now execute the same. And albeit I doubt not of your willingness herein, Acknowledgement of courtesy. whose courtesy hath not been strange towards me▪ yet rather enforced by mine own necessity, and continual remembrance of my unprovided estate, I prepare these lines, solicitors of your expected promise, which bearing in their front a token of opportunity, would pray you not to let slip occasion, but with as much speed as willingness to accomplish the same. Remuneration. Remembering how many ways I am beholding unto you, I remain in account of your courtesies, rather studious to think on them, than any ways able to requite them. etc. Another example of the like effect. EVen as a bold beggar, the more he is relieved, Exordium of a simile. the more he still presseth forward upon the bounty of those, whom he supposeth to favour him: so fareth it with me, who having eftsoons enjoyed your travail to my no small benefit, am nevertheless so shameless as still to importune you in the same. I have good M. G. I confess, Propositio. by your good means received sundry favours at the hands of my L. which I can not, Acknowledgement of courtesy. nor ever shall be able to requite unto you, the matter of my suit notwithstanding hitherto depending before his honour, I neither can or may so far forth withdraw myself, but I must needs now and then solicit you, as the Gent. by whose only courtesy and perseverance in wont care and good affection towards me I do live, Remuneration. and so living, continue my days and years with such assured respect, as he that hath sworn and vowed in himself never to forget you. It doth sir so much stand me upon the procuring of his L. letter in my behalf, for the indifferent trial and hearing of my cause, Necessity of the matter. as without (in special and earnest speeches the same be directed form to the justices and Commissioners). I am in great despair how the case will go with me. It is you therefore good M. G. that must help me herein, and by your only means I must be warranted in this action, the intendment whereof furthering so much unto right and cause of equity as it doth, I hope his L. upon your motion will the easilier condescend unto. This is it that I require at your hands, Peroratio. and to the speedy dispatch whereof I may not cease to importune you. Whereon concluding for the present, I do heartily bid you farewell, etc. Another of the same. GOod M. D. I am more beholding unto you then I can well recount, Acknowledgement of courtesy. for the great pains and loving endeavour, wherein you have travailed about my redemption as I may term it, which although it hath wrought in effect my assurance, yet is there somewhat more to be added according to my friends direction, as by this enclosed you may at large perceive. Petition. Wherefore sir I beseech you (as before) think it no pains to make a good end of that which you have so well begun. My request is, that you will now use this discretion for me, Mean of accomplishment. wherewith so many times you have stood me in stead, I mean in conference with such persons, whose names herein shall be unto you delivered. Your dealing circumspectly with them handled (as no doubt you can) shall greatly avail to my speedy dispatch. Monday is the day wherein I am like to win the goal, which without you I shall never attain unto▪ for which your friendly action, Remuneration. both in this, & that already done, I vow to God while I shall live, to be whole at your comaundement, I have sent this bearer to attend you to those places, and therewith my most hearty commendations unto yourself and your bedfellow, whom I pray you to thank for her courtesy, greetings. and let her understand, that if ever I shall have liberty, I will be more thankful, then either my words can import, or at this instant is in my power to manifest. Expecting nevertheless, as much by you to be satisfied, as if there were in me to be hoped a greater recompense. Secrecy. I pray you sir acquaint not this bearer with the cause, who thereunto is as yet a stranger, and so I mean shall continue, notwithstanding I do now use his travail for the present turn. My last conclusion requireth your convenient haste, Dispatch. for the performance of this occasion, in the consideration whereof, I pray you to measure me as your most regarded friend, who in all actions whatsoever shall be still bend to the beck of your assured like, etc. MUch more might be handled in this kind, the method whereof is one of the most ordinary of any sorts of Letters that are invited, for that the greatest number of directions are commonly concluded in this matter, the requests whereof doc either specially concern the writer, or are otherwise to be respected in the behalf of some other. The occasion of which hath carried herein the plenty of so many examples, that by manifesting the diversities of their orders and uses, the learner might not want wherein to be directed, and choice of variety wherewith to be delighted. Now besides these hereby already delivered, there are letters also might besuted under this form, which from noble men or others, are many times written in favour of sundry persons, containing requests in their behalfs to be performed, which notwithstanding the difference of estates, in that the same do for the most part pass unto their inferiors, yet seemeth the nature thereof to be petitory, but in a different order of these to be altogether pursued. Insomuch as neither agreeth it, to use like circumstances of humility and entreaty, nor of pleasures or courtesy, as in the other are required: but rather a necessary supposal and assurance of their demands to be hearkened unto, in respect that of their honours, reputations, or credits, it is intended they will require nothing, but what with reasonable toleration may be liked of. But in truth Hold the use of such kind of directions in choice of both, rather pertinent unto the title commendatory, for that whatsoever is therein written, in favour either of the person or of the cause, may in respect of the honour or reputation from whom they come, be better deemed in sort of a courteous demand, to recommend the regard of the party or thing spoken of, then by the submissive title of a matter craved, or by any order of humility otherwise to be sought for, for these causes I have thought meet therefore to adjoin immediately hereunto, the same Epistles commendatory, Epistles commendatory. being so nearelye affined with those of petitory as they are. To these Epistles belongeth diligent animadversion, that (for as much as in them the parts both Demonstrative and Deliberative are used, as well in describing and persuading what in the person or action is either to be liked or commended) we continue not over much upon either of the twain, especially writing to such a one, who being so far before us, ourselves may also seem in some sort to depend upon, but with such brevity to carry the force thereof, as it may thoroughly appear the weight of our speeches, rather to stand as a testimony of that we know or conceive, than a disputation of a matter or thing like to be. The places appertaining unto the kinds hereof, are altogether as in the Petitorie are already declared, chiefly when the same, intendeth to a cause by writing preferred to be favoured. But if the Epistle do concern the person of any one to be respected, we must beware that in the credible delivery of whatsoever occasion tending to his praise of matter of preferment, we do the same either by warrant of our own knowledge, or by such certain report of others, whose assured opinion can not be misled in concluding the action. And otherwise, if neither of these do in truth fall out to be certified, then shall we show what information we have beside our own conceit, or peradventure no other assurance at all but our own simple liking. Petitions also are frequented in requiring favour to these causes, wherein standeth in biest regard the state, countenance or authority of him, from whom the letter is framed, who accordingly thereunto may desire, that the rather at his request, or upon his suit, or for his sake, or in regard of his liking, the person may be accounted of, or the action furthered. Besides it may be added to the increase of a more speedy performance, the love (if any be, or occasion thereunto sorting) we own to him we commend, or in whose favour we writ, either solely for himself, or conveyed from his friends, his parents, the consideration of his charge of wife, children, or servants, the wrong offered, benefit to be attained, or whatsoever other matter to be deemed requisite or convenient. Now from whence or out of what instigations, the matter of such commendation is to be drawn, you have in the general chapters of this book already at large. The circumstances of which, and whatsoever else hereby forewarned, shall in the ensuing examples be more at large delivered. An example commendatory, wherein is recommended to a noble man from his inferior, the conditions and behaviour of a Person. Narratio. IT may please your good L. This Gent. the bearer hereeof, with whom a long time I have been acquainted, & of his qualities and good behaviour have had sound and large experiment, having been a good time a suitor unto me to move his preferment unto your L. service. Recommendation. I have now at the last condescended unto, aswell for that I know your L. to be now presently disfurnished of such a one, as also that there shall hardly be preferred upon a sudden any one so meet as himself to supply that place. And thus much by your L. pardon and allowance date I assure unto you, Praise of the party. that if it may please you, in credit of my simple knowledge and opinion to employ him, you shall find that beside he is by parentage descended from such, as of whom I know your L. will very well account of, he is also learned, discreet, sober, wise and moderate in all his actions, of great secrecy and most assured trust, governed in all companies accordingly, finally a man so meet unto your L. and for this present turn so apt & necessary, as I can not easily imagine how you may be served better. Pleaseth your L. the rather for the great good will I bear him, Petitio. and hearty well wishing I own unto him, to accept, employ, and account of him, I nothing doubt but your L. having by such means given credit to my choice, shall find him such, as for whose good service besides your honourable account towards him, Peroratio. you shall have further occasion to think well of me for him. Whereof nothing doubting upon your admittance once passed, I do refer both him and myself in all humbleness to your best and most favourable opinion, from my house in B. this of, etc. A letter responsory to the same. AFter my very hearty commendations unto you. Sithence the receipt of your last letters and recommendation of P. B. into my service, I have had small occasion either to write or send unto you till this present. And for so much as upon your certain notice delivered unto me in favour of his preferment, I held myself so well assured in all things of his behaviour, as I doubted not thereupon to receive him in place of greatest fidelity, and with undoubted affiance to retain him: I have thought good hereby to let you to understand, what great pleasure I have taken in his diligent attendance, assuring you that for many unexpected qualities, which I have approved to be in him, I do wonderfully well like of him, and that with so good affection, as I intend not to omit any thing that may tend to his advancement. In beholding him often times me thinks he many ways doth resemble his father, who in sound troth, I do suppose might have been entertained with the best for his well deserving. This bearer shall inform you of some especial causes, concerning my affairs in the country, whom I do pray you to confer with, and to afford your travail for his present dispatch, which I will not fail heartily to requite unto you. For your care had of my wants, & diligent supply of such a one I do many times thank you, and have promised in myself for the same to become a debtor unto you. And even so I do bid you heartily farewell. From the Court this of, etc. another Epistle commendatory, of the sort before delivered. Narratio. MY very good L. I am informed by this Gentl. the bearer hereof, that by means of one of your chaplains, a motion hath been made of his preferment unto your L. service. And for so much as those his good friends are not now in town, Propositio. who in respect of their account with your L. might stand him in very good stead: I understanding his willing mind and great desire thereunto (for that I wish very well unto his advancement) have taken upon me hereby to entreat (albeit I may not presume so far, as to prefer a man unto your L.) that it may yet please you, upon my speeches to have the better liking of him. Recommendation. Assuring your L. that both by the credit of my La. F.M. who upon very good conceit towards him wished his preferment, with her late deceased brother and last L. C. and also by the knowledge myself have had of him, and others beside, whom your L. hath in special and choice regard, he is one so sufficient, and every way so well furnished to do service to any honourable parsonage, as by trial and proof made of whose good parts and behaviour, your L. shall not reap occasion of ill conceit, to whom soever have undertaken to prefer him unto you. And if it shall notwithstanding seem farther convenient unto your L. to make stay of his acceptance, Petition. for some private causes he thereto unsatisfied, I shall yet in his behalf nevertheless become thus far a suitor unto your L. that the rather at this my earnest petition it may please the same, to repute the knowledge hereby delivered, in so good and assured account, as it may become a speedier mean the better to induce your L. unto his good liking. For the conceit whereof I shall think myself, as in many other occasions beside, Peroratio. unto your honourable opinion most deeply beholden. In acknowledgement of which, and respect of my humble and dutiful regard to the same, I do now and evermore remain your L. etc. THese two examples commendatory, are concluded to one effect, the foremost whereof with little alteration, may become a precedent for any recommendation, whether it be to favour, friendship, choice, or account, and not unto service at all, for that herein is showed, in what sort men for their virtues may be recommended. Now if there be any other particular occasion in the person, besides these inducing matter of good liking, the same in place and stead of the other, or together with the other may be then alleged, and the course herein delivered at all times indifferently to be observed. And as these are from inferior persons directed unto their superiors: so will we sort out some others, that from noble men in like sort have been passed to their inferiors, examples whereof are in like manner hereunto annexed. An example commendatory, from a Noble man to his inferior, wherein one is recommended to an office. Narratio. AFter my very hearty commendations unto you, where I am given to understand that you are in election, and it is also very likely you shall be pricked by her majesty, high Sheriff for this year, of the Counties of Sussex and Surr. Propositio And that this Gent. the bearer hereof, is one whom for many respects I do greatly favour, and for his learning, skill, and honest usage, have long time used and reputed of. I have thought good by these my letters (if it so happen you shall this year be named thereunto) to recommend his allowance also to be admitted your undersheriff, Recommendation. putting unto you such good and reasonable security as appertaineth for discharge of the said office. And hereby also most instantly to pray you, Petition. that the rather for my sake, and for the especial choice & reckoning I have ever made of him, you will now before hand make certain acceptance of his skill, by refusal of whatsoever other that may be recommended unto you for the exercise of the same office, Peroratio. assuring you for that I have well known and approved to be in him, you shall be so well furnished, as you would wish. And beside in that you have gratified me herein, I shall not fail in any sort I may to requite it. And even so I bid you heartily farewell. HErein is the honour and nobility of the parsonage greatly to be respected, who by so much the more his estate countenance, or authority requireth it, by so much the less may it be considered, that in the inviting of these Letters, he should with over large entreaty be charged, but rather with fewer speeches and less circumstances to demand what he purposeth. The conformity whereof may be gathered out of the examples ensuing, according whereunto, he in whose favour such kind of letters are to be directed, especially if the invention being of his own procurement be brought to be signed) to take heed that the regard of his honour and calling, in whose name the letter passeth, be not by too great humility of terms in any sort misprised. An Epistle commendatory from a noble man, in preferment of his servant. AFter my very hearty commendations unto you. Narratio. This bearer having of long time continued in my service, & therein at all times honestly, faithfully, and carefully behaved himself. Recommendation. I have thought good hereby to recommend unto your patronage. Propositio And for as much as by reason of your office of Lord governor of V in her majesties realm of Ireland, I am informed there are many offices and places of great commodity remaining in your gift, upon your followers to be bestowed, and that himself is also therewithal so greatly desirous in that kind of service to be employed. Petition. I do most heartily pray you, that you will not only for my sake be contented to receive him into your service, but also in favour thereof and my great good liking towards him, you will in any place of preferment about you, do him that benefit and furtherance, as to one whom you wish thoroughly well unto, you would willingly have performed. Remuneration. Herein if my request may prevail, and that I may hereafter understand of your loving care and good endeavour towards him, I shall find myself both greatly occasioned to thank you, and in like manner, in whatsoever you shall have mean to use me, be most willing to requite you. Peroratio. And thus nothing doubting of your forwardness herein, I do for the present bid you heartily well to far. At the Court this day of, etc. another example, wherein is recommended the cause, and speedy furtherance of justice. Narratio. AFter my hearty commendations unto your L. where I have been informed by this bearer, being a poor tenant of mine, of a certain cause of his depending before you in her majesties court of kings bench, and that after many thwart and evil practises of his adversary, the matter is now driven to an issue, & trial ready to pass thereon, from the benefit whereof by corruption of some kind of person●, he hath these three terms passed been already detained, to his great hindrance, and almost utter undoing. I have thought good upon his humble suit to move your L. Recommendation. in his behalf, and to pray you that at my instance, you will at some convenient leisure examine the state of his matter, and being informed thereof at large, Petition. do him that speedy favour in justice and right, as he may not any longer time therein be deferred, but that notwithstanding any cavil or objection thereunto hindering, he may before this term passed in any wise have a trial. In accomplishment whereof besides that you shall greatly satisfy me in respect of the poor man's right, whereunto I wish great regard to be given, you may also perform a deed so charitable, as whereby you shall perpetually bind him his poor wife and children continually to pray for you. Peroratio And albeit I nothing doubt herein your great willingness and voluntary disposition to the same, yet that by reason of my request, the matter with more diligence may be hearkened unto, I eftsoons pray, and therewith heartily do bid your L. far well this of etc. TO all these examples commendatory, belongeth three especial sorts of letters responsory, in which is either flatly denied, absolutely allowed or doubtfully accepted: What by force of those Epistles are severally commended. Of either of these suits I have thought good to to set down some directions, the diversities whereof, at the choice of him that searcheth the same, may according to his present humour be either rejected or followed. An example responsory wherein is denied what in the foremost directions may be recommended. PLeaseth your good L. I received your favourable Letters & commendation given in the behalf of M, L. with whom having had conference at large, I do find nothing less, than what by your L. was of him delivered, and in truth it doth not a little discontent me, that as well in re guard of your honourable & earnest demand made in his favour, as also that by many great and urgent respects, I stand so deeply charged as I do unto your L. I cannot nevertheless herein perform what I would. For that (besides it is yet doubtful whether I shallbe to the same place appointed by her Majesty or no) if I be chosen Sheriff, I have two years since given my word and assured promise to my Lord of L. that I shall then accept of such a one to the exercise of the under Shiriffewicke, as shall by him unto me be preferred, According unto which standing now in election for this year as I do, I am and ever sithence have been yearly solicited to the self same purpose. Whereof I thought it my duty to advertise your L. by these, most humbly craving pardon of the same, in that I may not as I would, herein satisfy your urgent and vehement request. Being as greatly discomfited in my thoughts, that I cannot now perform what I would, as very unwillingly I am sequestered from the entertainment of so discreet and well governed a Gentleman, as by your L. hath been so especially recommended. Whereof instantly cyruing at your L. hands, your good allowance and liking, I do with all humility take my leave This x. of Movember. etc. another Letter responsory wherein consent and allowance is given to the matter required. MY humble duty remembered unto your good. L. The Letters directed unto me from the same, together with the gentleman in whose favour they were assigned, I have entertained with regard, and accounted of with special liking. And so much the more welcome were they, and by so much the greater do I repute myself honoured, in that it pleased your L. to make so good reckoning of me, as to prefer such a one to so mean a place of service, as of whom you esteemed in so large and especial account. Touching myself, your L. doubteth not I hope, but that of the least of yours I would have that especial choice, that thereunto may be deemed incident or any ways required, the effects whereof you shall have approved in this on, that for & in the zeal I bear unto your H. I will both repute of, and favour him, besides what other advancement or preferment his own deserts, or my aid may presently bring unto him, he shall at all times hereafter become asserteined of, and in purpose most assured at my hands to enjoy it. Praying your L. in all other things as farrefoorth to stand my gracious and favourable good L. as herein I shall not fail to accomplish, what to the uttermost may be adjudged meetest & convenient. And herewith beseeching the Almighty to have your L. in his eternal protection, I do in all humbleness take my leave from, R. the seventh of August, etc. The third Epistle responsory, wherein is doubtfully allowed or accepted of, what to the same was most recommended. MY Singular and especial good L. I have understood by your late letters, of a certain feigned and untrue suggestion, delivered by one of your L. tenants, against the proceed to him tendered and suppozed to be in this court, according whereunto (albeit I was before time, not altogether unacquainted with the clamorous condition of the party) yet did I nevertheless, as by your L. was enjoined, examine at large the circumstances of the cause, and for the better satisfaction of your L. have determined herewith to set down the truth & certainty of the same. This R.L. whom your L. termeth to be a very poor man, is not (as in simple show he maketh himself apparently to be) but is rather such a one, as from whom (being narrowly sifted) your L. might sooner draw a hundred pound of his money, then half an inch breadth of his honesty. The argument whereof in nothing so much appeareth as in this one action, wherein against a poor man in deed, he hath very injuriously behaved himself, and having extorded from him this bond now in suit (upon some conclusion, though no good consideration at all) of the some of one hundredth pound, goeth about upon a nice quillet in the condition, to prosecute the forfeiture of the same, which in deed, by the district words of the writing, seemeth utterly to be forfeited. For relief whereof, his adversary complained in the Chancery, by reason of the prosecution of which Bill, and notice particularly thereof given to my L. Chancellor, the said R.H. having divers times agreed to comprimit the matter, and yet greedy as it seemeth to obtain the forfeiture, still crieth on for trial, whilst the matter is still in debaring, for which cause the same hitherto hath only, and not otherwise been delayed. And forasmuch as since your L. Letters received, myself very earnestly have travailed to make some conscionable and quiet end between him and his adversary, yet will the same in no wise on his part be assented unto, by occasion whereof the extremity of the law being very like to proceed, he is the next Term without further delay to obtain a judgement, and so the poor man on the otherside, to be utterly injured: I thought it not amiss in advertising the substance here of unto your good L. to pray the same by your honourable speeches in credit of what here delivered, to procure the said R. H, to assent to some reasonable order. So doing, what in conscience the poor man is then liable to pay, in respect of the others charges, and purchase of his own negligences. I hold not to extreme to be out of the said bond deducted, because in law he was something charged, though in equity otherwise he ought to have been clearly acquitted. Thus in discharge of my conscience herein, having so much delivered unto your good L. I do recommend the honour and estate of the same to the protection of the Almighty. London, this xiii. of May, etc. NOW after all these Epistles, let us enter into one strange commendatory kind, somewhat different from the order of the rest, being such, wherein the party directing the same, being somewhat scant in delivery of over-large and too credible speeches, thought good to mitigate the force of the same by the very parts of extremity itself, wherein of a merry conceit or some other pleasant humour, he appeareth very unwilling to flatter, in reciting the example whereof, because with many tedious precepts I have now a good while wearied the reader. I may peradventure occasion some matter of recreation, which by the single show therein gathered, appeareth in sort following to have been performed. A Letter commendatory pleasantly conceited in preferring an unprofitable servant. SIr I do send unto your view the bearer hereof (a man shaped as you see, and as bold in condition as he appeareth in show) whom by all the superfluities of summer ale, that hath wrought in his giddy brain, I have been requested to commend unto you. And in as much as in putting forward so unworthy a worthy, in substance of so incredible allowance, it something behoveth I hide not the single gifts which by great search in many a good Hostrie, Tavern, and Alehouse, he hath by long travel and drowsy experience ere this time gained, to his insupportable credence, I shall not spare in some sort to signify unto you, what in regard of all these I am led to conjecture. Truth is Sir that he is very well studied in the mystery of maltwormes, and for his peculiar skill in decerning the nappy taste by the nutbrown colour of seller ale in a frosty morning, he is become a sworn brother of the ragmans' number, and thereby standeth enjoined never to wear furs or other linning in the coldest winter, but only the warmth of the good ale which inwardly must hearten him: besides Sir, if you have occasion to credit him with a small parcel of money in dispatch of a journey, do but say the word, that it shall once lie in his charge, and you may stand assured, that it shallbe laid up so safe, as any liquor in the world can safe conduct it from his belly. Take no care for your kitchen, buttery, or larder, for once a day he loves to see all clean before him, Little apparel will serve him, for his liveries ensue weekly, out of the brewer's meshfat. His lodging he recks not, the chimney store, and billets ends serve for featherbed and coverings. When you have most need of him, you shall always be sure to go without him: if you delight in a pigsney, you may by receiving of him, become sure of a hogshead. Great store of small liking you happily may have to him, we know not what wonders the world may rend out, for nothing is impossible where all things may be compassed. It may please you for recreations sake to look upon him so you be not in case to surfeit, look what ill liking you conceive, report back again I pray you in the inner facing of his chimney casket, Omnia sua secum portat he is somewhat a foolosopher, for he carries his possessions about him, for terram dedit filijs hominum, he must needs then have a large dwelling. I pray sir, give him good words how ill favouredly soever you favour his acquaintance. For my part I request no remuneration for the preferment, I have tendered towards him. Thus much would I have done & more long since to be rid of him. His old master being dead it is necessary some place to be pestered with him, he makes great choice of your house keeping, if you can like to frame with him. Much more might be delivered in the condemnation of his worthiness, but that I leave to rehearse it, but now Sir, for your own appetite I leave to your contentment: Blame not me, but him that led me, and so forth to an end. Commend me, but not condemn me, for I shall once do you a better turn, this is but the first, the next may be worse (better) I would say. And so far ye well, etc. Epistles consolatory. TIme it is now, I should leave this last title of Epistlrs, as having thereof spoken already sufficiently, and give myself to the delivery of the next, which are consolatory, so termed in respect, that in them is contained many occasions of comfort, bestowed commonly on such as are grieved, according to the weight or quality of the matter where with they are perplexed. And for that the life of man is circumvented with so many, and so unlooked causes of sorrow and grief, as it many ways needeth to have the remedy of comforts to be applied unto it, yet not the equality of all sorts of minds such, as in one and the self same degree can accept and bear it: It shall therefore be meet and convenient, that in devising to yield this sweet and gentle remedy to any troubled conceit, we do so moderate the matter, as that in the Discovery thereof, we rather strike not to a far greater impatience or extremity of unmeasurable sorrow than before, upon untimely thrusting forward, or ignorant pursuit of the same, seeing that the minds of some, are of so high and imcomprehensible stoutness, as they shun in themselves, and account it a slavery to be over whelmed with woes. Others again so rise and abundant in tears, as the least show of repetition in them, induceth matter enough of continual mourning, for which cause, we will sort these matters of comfort into three several orders. The first whereof shall be at choice, plainly and simply as occasion serveth to be delivered, in the argument whereof, we may by generality persuade, that being mortal and frail as we are, there is no cause for us in heavy sort to grieve, seeing unto a wise man no one thing can return cause of disquiet, but the shroud of filthiness, and darkened shame, neither can he be hurt of any one without himself. These (the more sensible they are with whom we deal and of greater capacity) the more vehemently may we enforce by all sorts of forcible examples and assured promises. The second of these must by insinuation be entered into, as suppozing a parsonage of a high and stately mind, the weightiness of whose grief suppressed by a kind of unconquered fortitude, we would go about to comfort. We may not with these deal, as in case of common sorrow of the others, but rather insinuating a denial, that respecting the invincible valour we know to be resting in their minds, shonning to be tainted with the least touch of sweltering grief, we do offer our speeches or letters to comfort them, whose hearts we know cannot yield to any force thereof at all: but that, considering the great validity of their wisdom, a mind in them so unconquered by any storms of fortune, to be remaining, (not witstanding we see daily in others before our eyes, the contrary and imminent cause thereunto, must of force confess to be inducing) they nevertheless, by a most high and stately instinct, by great skill and approved experienee graffed within them, are and must be enabled stoutly to bear, what others, as weaklings do lie groveling under, by reason whereof, we find greater cause to rejoice in the worthiness of so goodly a mind, than occasion and ways to go about to relicue their sorrows. The third and last likewise must in an other sort be conveyed, as finding the passionate and perplexed conceits of some, yet fresh bleeding upon the heavy wound of their sorrows, we may not abruptly enter with them, into the just occasion they have so to be distempered, but rather for the lenefiing of their grieves (for in sorrow also to be accompanied breedeth often some comfort) to seem to take upon us one part of their evils, by declaration how grievous for some especial causes the same becometh unto us, insomuch as by the handling hereof, we may more fully intend in all our speeches to give heed to our own woes, then to go about to deal at all with the others sorrows. For commonly it is given us to mislike such as dissent from our affections, and love them again, who make themselves partakers of our evils. Extenuation It availeth also very greatly to extenuate or lessen as much as we may the cause of grief, either by the incertainty of things casual, being in some respects subject to frailty, or by the hope of short continuance, or by the necessity of the action which may not be withstood, or by some comfort or expectation left to mitigate the same. The reputation also of wisdom, gravity, permutation of times and seasons, the dimunition of the occasion being nothing so great or urgent as we deem it, the endurance of the thing to be a mean unto virtue, and (among all other causes) principally to inculcate as much as we may, Common condition of men. the common lot and condition of all men, subjecteth universally to mishap, to sorrow, grief, sickness, disquiet, injuries, wrongs, oppressions, and all kind of evils, the general recordation whereof above any other thing whatsoever, swayeth over the passions of the mind, so forcibly by deep regard of the universality of the same, as that it soonest of all others beareth down, the weight of all kind of sorrows and ill conceavinge whatsoever. Herein the quick sentences and pity sayings of Philosophers, may also be a great spurring, and finally all p●ssible arguments that may be, whereby men are any ways persuaded or led to forget their evils. In this place it is principally to be observed that in ministering comfortable speeches to the redress of any mishaps, we do not by preferring of toys and sporting devices, seek for to relieve them, for that albeit in times of pleasure the humour of the party might in some sort be therewith greatly delighted, yet in causes of such extremity all persons for the most part very batefully do endure the putting forwards thereof as too much impertinent to the heaviness wherewith by sorrowful remembrances, their minds are commonly amated. But if the cause be light, then may it not be much amiss to use some pleasant deliverance to such a one especially whose appetite standeth in or towards the same, but it also in such loving, sweet and gentle sort to be done, as that true comforts may seem to be mingled with those conceited pleasures. Neither may we in any case seek in vaunting sort to thrust into their private view, the present tranquillity and happiness wherein ourselves repose, the objection whereof were too rustical. For that as society in misery itself, lenesteth the force of the greatest grieves, so the opposition of an others pleasure and freedom, is a corrisive or sting to the want of any one that is sequestered from the same. All these observations in causes consolatory are greatly to be regarded, whose uses being to be employed according to their several suppositions, I leave to the discretion of the writer, in what sort he thinketh meet to have their efficacies performed. An example consolatory of the the first sort, wherein a Gentlewoman is comforted of the death of her son. GOOD Mistress P. I am sorry that myself must become the unlucky messenger of mine own infortunity unto you, Exordium. & that in the forefronte of my letter is planted such extreme grief, as I cannot but extremely bewail, so often as I think of it. Nevertheless, knowing under what motions we live, and that above our reach ruleth one, under whose beck the mightiest do stoop, and the greatest are made subject. I must as myself, so likewise persuade you to tolerate all such chances whatsoever, as falling from such absolute direction, to alter any one jot thereof is impossible, and to resist the same, were to be deemed fruitless, and altogether impregnable. Insinuation. The care of myself (albeit many do know how much I tendered that I sigh for) is not so much, seeing by reason I am led to be assured of the necessity of our decay, as the motherly piety I have always persuaded myself to be in you, and that I now already do fear, least forgetting the direct square of our certain living, you will run into such untimely sorrows, as with manifold tears will hardly be washed, and with innumerable sighs, will scarcely be wiped away. But what shall I rehearse unto you a thing so sudden and unlooked for, as I protest by the heavenly maker and ruler of all things, at the receit of your last letters I never mistrusted, or once looked for too have happened? your tears I see, even now await what I will say, and lo, your imaginations do already deem the matter I must utter. At leastwyse i● I would seem further to dissemble the occasion of my grief, and by hiding the sum of all that may breed discontentment, to conceal what now I am enforced to unfold unto you, the discharged messenger returned uncompleat, would bewray the effects thereof before you. Narratio. It is then your son good M. P. whose want I am forced to tolerate, and whose presence you must now henceforth determine utterly to forbear. Your last presage in commanding him to be seen living or dead, propositio. hath now returned his living to be discharged, and his earthly coarse unlooked for, to be covered with cinders. Had I thought it then (as by the almighty I lest mistrusted it) and had you prepared to have received him, as then before was required, you could not more sooner have assured me his returning, than I am able now to perform him, at your present sending. He is commanded to an other, Distributio. that before did expect him, he is swallowed in the gulf, that from the foremost hour of his birth did hitherto await him. Now if you will say he was young and might have lived, examples do show that younger than he have died. If you will say you loved him greatly: God by your patience shall accept him the more worthily. If you will say you are sorry for it, in that he was virtuous: consider the world wherein he lived, that might have made him more vicious. Finally to answer every objection that by you may be affirmed, Confirmatio. nothing herein can more fitly be approved, then that in our life time we see daily before our eyes to be happened. Know ye not, that all things do by little and little grow unto ripeness and forthwith by degrees they fall unto rottenness. Hath not God and nature unto every thing after their greatest perfection, included such certain limits, Epithetum. that by and by they seem adapted to their latest confusion? Is there any thing on earth so assured, that by unstaid incertainty is not continually guided? Among all fruits and blossoms on the ground, are there not some that are sooner than others, even on their tenderest branches as it were already ripened, and others again that by long lying are made rotten and mellowed? All flowers spring not at one instant, Allegoria. nor all blossoms with one sole blast are scattered. To man also is appointed his certain bounds, unto which to be attained, and beyond the which not to be exceeded, is already limited. Your son as timely fruit, so timely ripened, and as firte for his season was as timely gathered. Confirmatio It was necessary by nature he should be perfected, and the perfection attained, by nature also he was consequently to be deprived. Only that his sickness was natural, and that in the continuance thereof he wanted no attendance, the credit of others as well as myself can testify. If physic could have saved him, if syrropes, hot potions, or other necessaries would have cured him, if tears and prayers might have kept him, you had yet hitherto in safety received him. He is dead, he is gone, and we musteafter him. Of his first sickness he was whole and perfectly recovered, afterwards from the jaundice though somewhat weakened▪ yet lastly delivered. But the inward moth that consumed him, would not suffer him to live, which with such extreme gripes assaulted him, that being not able longer to continue at the pleasure of God he died. It is your part therefore to be now recomforted, Epilogus. and therein with patience to refer yourself to God's determinate pleasure and judgement, to which intent I have taken in hand this midnight's labour, after the receipt of your letters, which were to be returned the next morning early, by reason whereof I can no ways satisfy what you writ for, nevertheless resting hereafter to my utmost power to pleasure you, and recommending myself also to your wonted courtesy, I end this fourteenth of january, your careful friend, etc. BY the course of this Letter may be perceived, the parts unto a consolatory Epistle necessarily belonging, the Exordium of which is of the conceited grief, incident to the unlooked show of the action. For the extenuation or lessening whereof, are insinuated immediately after, the ordinance and decree of the almighty God, the instability of worldly chances in themselves never permanent, the necessity of evil annexed unto our natural condition, every of which inducing (by circumstances) a less matter of grief in opening or delivery of the Narration. Afterwards by Confirmation is approved, that it is not a thing new or strange, but such as by continual ureme have daily before our eyes, that the ordinary use of all living things are subject to like decay, that the case being so common ought▪ indifferently to be borne, that the thing is natural, and therefore not to be impugned, by all which means are drawn the rather to have the party comforted. From hence will we pass to the second example, and consider therein what may be accomplished. An Epistle consolatory of the same, wherein one is comforted in case of hard extremity. Exordium. SEeing the instability of worldly chances is such, as permitteth no one thing living to remain steadfast, or in assured stay or certain condition at all times to induce and continue: no marvel then (good Sir) if yourself being a mortal man, framed of the same earthly substance and quality, incident to terrene frailty, and mundane imbecility, do as other creatures a like participate the sudden evils, and daily alterations thereunto annexed and belonging: a proof whereof, resteth chief in your present state and being, than which no one thing may induce a more serious advertisement of the vile account and wretched contempt appropriate unto our living. Propositio. And albeit divers are the calamities wherewith not only yourself, but sundry others your loving friends careful of your present mishap, and grieved to see the uncouth and bitter change whereinto you are happened, are continually affected, Metaphora. insomuch as there is not the stoniest and flintiest mind of all that ever have known you, (your desperate vowed enemies only excepted) but do in some sort or other, bewail, and as it were grieve to see the unacquainted yoke thereof, with such extremity to be cast upon you: I can not yet but greatly commend the invincible Fortitude of your high and noble mind, who by how much the more, the vehemency of these sorrows are to you unknown, and therefore the more unused, do notwithstanding not only by so much the less permit, the ●ig● tie power of them to rule or bear sway over you: but neglecting or (which is greater) despising the sharp pricking sting thereof, who by the deep piercing force of the same, is wonted to gall the remembrance of many others, do also (as it were by a forceless contempt of such validities) not only not give any token or sign at all in their utmost practices, but seem rather to triumph over the strength that thereby they had wrought, and by an advised, sage, and wonderful modesty and discretion, plainly to extinguish and put from you the fury of the same. Distributio. Greatly I must confess, have you hereby deserved, and much more evil, by the wise and moderate entertainment of these troubles, hath to your adversaries been tendered, who in nothing so much do rest unsatisfied, as that in subduing your body, they cannot also yoke and bring under by what soever extremity the courage, and stately progression of your high and unconquered mind. Wherein there is left in my opinion great cause of comfort even in the very greatest of your misery unto you, that in the constant endurance thereof, you have power to punish them, that would disturb you, & that in the perplexed imaginations of their own wicked & malicious envy. Neither may this that you sustain be rightly termed misery, or such a one as yourself seem to be accounted miserable, Confutatio whose mind in the very captivity inflicted upon this your body is thus freed, and accompanied with so ample and sweetened liberty. For these kind of troubles as they are worldly, so have they power also upon the worldly parts of a man, and therein are cohibitions of such earthly delight, as savouring more unto the satisfaction of a sensual appetite, then conducing to the excellency of the inward mind, do breed that ordinary restraint wherewith men mortally conceited, are for the most troubled. But to the sweet imaginations of a pure and innocent mind, what is left wherewith to be discontented, but only to have committed any thing vile, wretched, or otherwise ill beseeming the Virtue and excellency wherewith the inward parts thereof are, or aught to be endued. How many ways than are left unto you to rejoice, Confirmatio. unto whose eyes the continual thirst of high and sacred Virtue hath long since laid open the momentary pleasures of this world, the liberty whereof is unto a worthy conceit a mere servage, Eicon. in whose fickle & transitory affections reposeth so slender assurance, & whose efficacies contemplate no other than vain and foolish objects: seeing that you have thereby so well perceived how much the instinct of a brave and delicate mind climbeth far above the reach of the body, with a pleasant and uncontrolled liberty. Anthypophora. These things (impugning I must needs say a corporal appetite) permit you not For such loss of riches, possessions, children or friends to become passionate, or overcome with extreme grief, albeit participating as we do with such natural causes, I doubt not but therewith you are sometimes touched, though at no time convinced. For which cause as often as you happen to fall into the remembrance of the same, suppose with yourself that in time the bitter sting may yet be repulsed, and that the lot that is fallen unto you herein, is no other but the common reward and hateful disquiet of the world, wherein the most noble and worthy minds are the most vehemently assaulted, and with deepest extremity by such kind of means pursued. Pathos. The recordation whereof, may return unto you one principal and great occasion of comfort, in that by distinction of your worthiness, though you be partaker of common trouble, yet are you sequestered from the entertainment of a common opinion. Peroratio. It doth not a little rejoice me to see that with such impregnable stoutness, you do so far forth endeavour to resist your appetites, wherein (besides the expectation of that which is incident also to these alterations, a change I mean, and renovation of wont pleasures) you shall in the mean time give greater glory to your actions, in not appearing for any worldly estate, riches, or contentment to be surprised in your imaginations. Metonomia Praying the comfort of all comforts to bestow upon you the dew of his heavenly grace, in assistance of your extremities, I take my leave this of etc. A consolatory Epistle of the third sort, wherein a gentlewoman is comforted of the death of her husband slain in the wars. ALbeit myself (having received the sorrowful news of the untimely death of my dearest kinsman, Exordium. and your deceased loving husband) was in the first hearing thereof so greatly troubled with the heavy news, as by reason of the great grief by me conceived in the same, myself happily might seem to need that comfort, which now I go about to bestow upon others: Yet weighing in my mind the state wherein you stand, and being also informed with what great extremity you have entertained the news of his loss, I cannot but in respect of the great love I ought to him, and remembrance of the like care, wherewith he principally favoured you, enforce my pen hereby to yield unto you those comfortable speeches by the verity whereof myself in so great a storm of grief could hitherto as yet be very hardly satisfied. Narratio. It was delivered unto me by my brother F.B. that being now a month or somewhat more passed, since by letters out of H. the manner of his death was unto you reported, you immediately upon the reading of the letters grew into so great abundance of tears and to so wonderful impatience, as having ever sithence continued the same, you will in no sort thereof be recomforted. Assuredly my good cousin, I must needs conclude with your own speeches, and the weight of your interchangeable likings, Proposnio. that there is great cause left unto you to become sorrowful, as having lost the chief and principal jewel of all your worldly love and liking, the favoured companion of all your pleasant and youthful years, the entire comfort and solace of your present happiness, and such a one, who above all worlds, or any earthly estimation at all, accounted, honoured, and entirely more than any others received and loved you: but that you have so great and urgent cause of extremity to continue, with so hard impatience as you do, it befitteth not, it is unnecessary, yea it is in my judgement of all others the most insufferable. For when it is not denied unto you, that you have cause to mourn, it is not fittest unto the matter of your love, Distributio. to weep over him and to bewail him, it is then thereby intended that there must be a mean therein, that the force thereof must be limited, that the appearance bear show of discretion. Do we not all know I pray you, and are witnesses, that he was a mortal man, as ourselves he was borne under the same condition, that he must once die, that he had his time set, beyond which he might not pass, and that God who gave him life thus long to live with you, hath now called him again, from this earth to leave you? Are we ignorant, that nature compelleth the wife for her husband, the husband for his wife, parents for their children, and kindred for their kinsfolk, to weep and lament? but followeth it not also therewith, that the loss and want of them being laid down by an immovable necessity; we can by no means afterwards be in hope to reclaim them? what great folly do we then commit in thus searching after the ghosts of our deceased friends? or what other thing do we therein perform, but yield a plain demonstration, that our tears are to none other end, but to bewail them, because they were mortal? whom death could never have shunned, without they had been immortal. Mitigation by the common hap of all. Are we not eftsoons put in mind by the common casualty of all things, that there is nothing stable, that daily and hourly kingdoms decay, provinces are shaken, countries destroyed, cities burned, towns wasted, people consumed, and that it remaineth a thing so ordinary with us, daily to be conversant in these evils) the loss of all, or either of which (if they may be accounted evils) why then do we give ourselves by unmeasurable grief, to a perpetual continuance and renovation of those evils. But you will hereunto allege, that it is love that enforceth you unto the same, and that such is the continual remembrance you have, as you cannot forget him. Alas, how fruitless is this love, Confutatio. and zealous remembrance in the deliverance thereof? how far sequestered is the vehemency of the same, from the searched recompense? why learn we not rather of the wisest and worthiest, how to mitigate the impatience of our own imperfections? In whose precepts, examples and counsels, Ab exemplo. if the immoderate use or enterteygnement of any thing be forbidden, shall we not then in this, above all others be chief reprehended, when we enforce ourselves by continual meditation of our losses to shed so many tears to no purpose: what if your husband had not now died, at this instant, he must you know have died, he could not always have lived, yea but he died you say untimely, what call you untimely I pray you? If in respect of the force prevailing upon him, whereby he was slain, you name it untimely, then do I grant unto it. Finitio. But if in regard of the time of his life you affirm it, I deny that the same may then be said untimely. For why? hath not the eternal creator of all things ordered by his divine wisdom each matter to pass his course in sort to himself best beseeming and most pleasing? how can you then say that to be untimely which by his heavenly moderation was so appointed? assure yourself, if he had then been at home with you, he had also died, you could not have prevented it his hour was come, so was it determined, which way could she shun it. What then grieveth you in this action? is it that he was slain? Consider with yourself it was in his prince's service, his death was thereby the more honourable, Incrementum. for in so dying, he died as a man, as a soldier, as a gentleman. Yea but you shall never you say see him more: true indeed, but what of that? is this death now greater than his absence before? 〈◊〉 yes forsooth it is in deed, and why? because you had hope then to see him again, Hypophora. which by this means is taken away, very well. You did then while he was living recomfort yourself with hope, content yourself now with necessity because it must needs be so, 〈◊〉 and you can no ways amend it. Is not this an end sufficient to determine all sorrows? If you weep, lament, cry out, and become grieved, requisite were it the same should return to some end, that all your care, sorrow, grief, lamentation, or what else should not appear fruitless, that the intendment & determination thereof should be to some special purpose. See you then, herein is no supply, the effects are bearest, the end taken away. Be not then so fond as to bedew that with your tears whereunto belongeth neither redress, nor mean of recovery. Who is he that would be so mad, as cry out unto him of whom he might be assured never to obtain remedy? By cunning art beasts we see though they be most fierce are tamed, A simile. a mean is found wherewith to break the marble, the Adamant how hard soever it be, may be devices be mollified: Only death is of such force as no ways can be convinced. At the leastwise if neither of these arguments might move you to suppress your exceeding sorrows you must finally consider that we are Christians, Transition and by the benefit of this corporal death, do make exchange of an uncorruppted life, that the withdrawing us from this vile earthly body of clay and filth, is a commutation to a sacred, and heavenly progression, and that we have nothing left unto us, in all the travails, cares, disquiets, and heavy turmoils of this wearisome living whereof to rejoice us, but the expectation we have of happiness and ever flourishing gladness. Suppose the ghost of your husband were here present to see you, in all this extremity, what think you, would he say? how much disordered imagine you would he think you to be in your affections? And were it not that so many costs had severed him both by land and seas, peradventure wearied with your bitter outcries, in the conceited image, & shape of death, you might in appearance here him, in these like speeches accusing & rebuking such your distemperate actions. Prosopopoeia. And with breathing spirit to cry out unto you saying. What is it you go about? what mean you by tears to search out for a thing so irrecuperable? why torment you your youthful years, with such unprofitable, or rather as I may call it, desperate kind of mournings? why with such unjust tomplaintes accuse you fortune, and so often do appeal death and destiny of so heinous trespass? Contraria. Is it for that you envy my happy state, so soon transported from this untoward soil, to a more prosperous felicity. Thus credit me, and in this sort (were it possible he could speak unto you) would he accuse you, in which consideration, were there not just cause think you (of such intemperance) why you should be greatly ashamed? Believe me good cousin, there is neither profit or liking at all, of this bitter continuance reaped, Confirmatio. you have already waded sufficiently in your tears, you have mourned for him in earnest love as beseemed a wife, it is now high time you be after all this comforted. Think that the greatest storm is by necessity at length overblown, Allegoria. superfluity of coals increaseth rather heat than flame, the ardency of affection, with vehemency sufficient may be expressed, though not by extremity enforced. What should I say unto you? you may not as other foolish creatures, that are neither governed by wit, nor ordered by discretion, make yourself a spectacle to the world, but rather with such temperature (for even in this extremity of sorrow, Parenthesis. is also planted a rare pattern of modesty) seek in such manner to demean yourself, as the lookers on may rather pity you, by insight of your great discretion, then in this sort to torment yourself by a needle's supposition. Peroratio. Much more have I considered with myself, whereby to satisfy my grieved imaginations, wherewith being recomforted, and repozed in my secret thoughts. I have deemed it necessary hereby to impart the same unto you; beseeching, that aswell in regard of yourself, as the little pleasure your friends have, to behold you in this strange kind of perplexity, you will en joy the fruits thereof with such sufficient contentment and satisfaction as very heartily I do wish unto you. And even so tendering myself in all things to your courteous and gentle usage, I do hearty bid you farewell, S. this of etc. LOng have I continued the argument of these examples, the more plentifully therein to show forth what variety of matter may be induced, wherewith to procure occasions of comfort. The chiefest whereof are by extenuation or lessening the force of whatsoever accident, seeming to aggravate the weight of such sorrow or conceived matter of grief. Very forcible no doubt is this kind of reasoning, wherein all the places of discomfort being collected severally and divided, each of them by itself is thereby either qualified, disannulled, or utterly confuted. By which means the matter that before seemed to bear a show so obious, terrible and grievous, seemeth very oftentimes, to be afterwards of none or very slender moment or account at all, In semblable manner, by exaggeration or enforcing a matter to extremities, what thing may be of so slender conceit, that thereby may not be raised to an ugly substance, so wonderfully swayeth the use of these twain in the generality almost of all kind of writings. Whereof because I have so much already comprehended in the titles hortatory, and suasory, and their several places therein also put forwards at large. I mean not now to use any more speeches. And now touching the use of these consolatory Epistles. It is to be intended that over and beside the places hereby opposed, the forces are also delivered in causes of banishment, in loss of children, parents, goods or friends, in times of imprisonment, slander, persecution, sickness, in miserable old age, plagued by disobedience in all success of marriages, in poverty, and finally in whatsoever grief of mine trouble or adversity. In each of all which is used a great efficacy of persuasion for the mitigation of all these, as by laying the troubles and uncertain state of the world, with innumerable evils annexed to the turning wheel thereof, that the mischief cast upon our necks is not to us alone, but common to all, who though not with the self same, yet in some sort or other are alike disquieted, that the best way to expel the grief thereof, is by meditation of our estates, the condition wherein we live, the inevitable force of that which is befallen us, which because we are worlolinges must needs in like sort beside us, how near thereby we may be drawn in contempt of earthly vanities, the enticing baits, whereof are envenomed with so many and sharp poisons, that troubles are sent unto us from God, to call us thereby home unto him, that they are the scourges of our disobedience, that by such means we are discerned to be his children, that by patiented sufferance, and entertainment of our harms, we do nearest approach unto him, which being in human shape on earth, conversing with men, was persecuted, slandered, took upon him the most despised estate of poverty, and by cruel death was constrained, that they who are cloyed with most abundance, have therefore the greater charge laid upon their necks, and that no one than they are nearest to destruction, the height of whose estate, often times occasioneth their untimely deaths, finally that it were bootless to strive against their forces, in the wetherby seem ignorant of God's pleasure and ordinance, who working all things unto the best, knoweth perchance that punishment to be most fittest for us, wherewith if we were not entangled, we might happily forget him, and become careless regarders of his high and mighty excellency. So and in such manner may we wade in these actions whereof having now delivered sufficient, we will add hereun to one example more, and therewith of this title conclude. Au Example consolatory, pleasantly written to one, who had buried his old wife. THe posting news hitherward of the late decease of my good old mistresses your wife, hath made me in the very going away of mine ague'fit, to strain myself to greet you by these letters. In the inditing whereof I many times prayed in my thoughts that I were as readily delivered of this my tercian fever, as yourself are in mine opinion delivered & by such means rid of a hateful and very foul encumbrance. I doubt not sir, but you do now take the matter heavily, being thereby dispossed as you are of such an intolerable delight, as wherewith you were continually cloyed by the nightly embracementes of so unwieldy a carcase. I have I must confess very seldom known you for any thing to mourn, nevertheless if by such means you be happily constrained to change countenance, I have prepared a golden box wherein I mean to consecrate all the tears you shed for that accident, to Berecynthia the beldome of the Gods as a relic of your great kindship and courtesy. Believe me T. I am sorry that mine ague had not left me, and that I were not now in L. with thee, were it but to view thy looks and manlike behaviour, after so hard a bickering and encounter, as wherein thou was bearest a heart of gold so dainty as I promise thee to some grave sober fellow, might have become pretty concipted, and a very sweet pigs nigh. Well T. if thou must needs lose her, ferendum est quod mutari non possit, be not sad I pray thee, we'll find out a better match wherewith to delight thee. Thou must consider that it is requisite that all things should be done with indifferency, she hath left a thousand pound in goods and a C, mark a year unto thee, let that content thee, what though she was not married a month to thee, thou must be a patiented man, her long continuance with so much wealth might peradventure have glutted thee. The Gods have become more favourable to thy young years, than thyself dost consider of: She might I know have lived longer time for age, (for four score years old I grant is nothing) the woman also in very good plight too, by Saint Margery: but what of that? we must as I said before, bear with necessity. I pray God thou be'st not overcome with sorrow, but thou mayest take it quietly. There be men in the world that are so careless of their fortune, and so very fools in their wishing, as they could content themselves greatly to be in the like predicament with thee, but thou I assure myself art of a clean contrary opinion, swear no more good T. I am persuaded alone that it utterly discontenteth thee. But hearest thou? play not the mad man for all that, I will rather comfort thee myself, then that thou shouldest die for sorrow. One thing greatly misliketh me, I heard say thou tookest an oath upon her death bed never to marry again? see how love may lead men? good GOD it is strange? I promise thee I could hardly be persuaded thou didst so, without I should hear the swear it. Be not so sottish good boy, remember thyself, and think on the Philosopher's words: Non nobis solum nati sumus. thou mayest have a wife man, and become the father of ninety nine children perchance ere thou die. Forswear thou nothing good T. but building of monasteries and entering into religion, for these myself dare undertake thou never wilt nor mentest to do. I would feign talk longer with thee but I am weary, & therefore intent to leave the expectation of the rest, till I fortune to see thee. Far (as otherwise thou canst not choose) well, having neither old wife nor fever, wherewith to encomben thee. At S. this of etc. WHat answer now may be returned to all or any of these letters, is to be expected according to the grief or present condition of the party. The efficacy of the one whereof may be such, as endureth small arguing, and the inclination of the other so plausible, as beareth with whatsoever may sound unto them comforting. But for because the labour were endless to measure by writing, the affections of each one in particular, I will only set down for this one form, the generality which may be inferred to the circumstances of any other. A letter responsory therefore, unto any of these Epistles, should in the general parts thereof, contain (as seemeth me) a Remuneration or friendly acceptance of their good wills, that so have been employed in comforting, and (if the party so think meet, or the occasion so standeth) to commend the wisdom, learning, favour, care or liking, of him that so writeth, and therein also the good effects, the same have wrought, if some things (that may be alleged) did not impugn it, showing his council is far less vehement than our evil, and therefore swayeth not in respect thereof, in our minds, so much as might have done with many others. In conclusion, that we acknowledge nevertheless his great discretion therein, and deserved account of his travel. Each of which places, how they are to be distributed appeareth in the example following. A letter responsory to be conferred to an Epistle consolatory. GOOD brother. I have received your loving letters, wherein carefully, discreetly, and effectually you have endeavoured to minister sundry comforts, to my pestered and diseased mind, in all which I confess you have dealt with me as appertaineth unto a faithful, courteous▪ and moste regarded brother, whereunto as much as possibly may be expected, I yield myself unto you for the same most bounden and assured. Neither will I wrong you so much as to deny, that in perusing the contents thereof, I was not sometimes by the force of your arguments a little withdrawn from the deep consideration; and hard suppose of my present evils, but entering again into mine own estate, and finding how mightily the show of my forward mishaps swayeth over my mastered spirits, I do imagine the greatness of my loss to be so much, as in comparison whereof, whatsoever you have delivered either in the mitigation or qualefieng of my harms, seemeth far less in quantity, than the smallest that may be conceived of all mine evils. Follie were it for me to think or you to believe, that the pensive imagination of a thing so near, as whereupon concerned erst, the some of all my joys, pleasures, and happiness, could with the vehemency of a sew specches (more of zeal than equity delivered) be suddenly removed. But (as hath the adage) Omnes quum valemus recta consilia ●grotis damus, For council is plentiful in every one, whose conceives by freedom are exempted from any passion at all. Take it not so good brother; that I think you not, for me, as well as myself, to be a partaker of my grie●e, for I know in well you are, but yet the one proceedeth of chariness, the other of extremity, you in pity of my sorrows, and I in the very touch of mine evils. What Time may do I cannot tell, to wear away, what presently I feel to be forcible upon me, yet fear I the worst, but will give myself notwithstanding as much as in me lieth, to the practise of your counsels. How ever the case standeth, I must acknowledge, that very weightily ●y you have dealt concerning me, and for the same will never cease to thank you. Far ye well, this of etc. IN this place will we conclude our Epistles Consolatory and pass out of the same title to the next thereof (which 〈◊〉 monitory) so 〈◊〉 in respect that in them is contained an admonition, Epistles monitory or fore warning, of what we mean to give in ch●●gere our friended or followers, the one part whereof consisteth in skilful explaining the offence of a thing faulty, which standeth upon to be reform, the other, in laying forth to the unexperienced, such matters as he knoweth not, in sor● as if her with he were thoroughly acquainted. And in so much as there be few me● the gladly like to be supposed overmuch faulty, or love much to be rebuked for the greatness of their errors, the order therefore of these Epistles, in setting forth what may be counted offensive, shall not accuse but admonish, from the greatness or smalenes of the same, qualifying the In●ter●esse of reprehension to a certain manner of praise, how ever desert do at foo●● to the furtherance thereof. For in a gentle condition, or mind not altogether beat unto evil, to suppose that the greatest part is to the better inclined, & it also in some am ●●e sort to commend, breedeth no small encouragement to do wall, he ●o whom the a●m●nition passeth weighing with himself, that 〈…〉 is not so far overgrown, but that presumptions of his Virtues do yet sway in men's opinions, or at the least wise imagining that men are ignorant altogether of that, whereof they seem to take no notice at all, he will study ●he rather to hearhen to such dolesome directions, and accordingly to reform his manners thereunto be times. And verily (as you have ●efore in the examples dissuasory) so in this also it would not be amiss where we see an offence but new beginning, to induce many good conditions of the party to be opposed against the same, and to lay before him, how ill sounding it would be to the due commendation of the other, to be touched therewith. Or otherwise where we see an inelination (though no matter in action) too evil, to say, that not for that we see him spotted with such offences, we do warn him from their forces, but to the intent he may thereby the better be instructed, in the vilevesse and discommended parts of the same, or that, because we are for the most part led away and▪ easily sliding into evil, we set before his eyes therein, the hazard and inconvenience thereof. Now if the matter be so far forward, as we find it a plain and open imperfection in him to whom we writ, let us then consider the weight or invalidity of the action, which being too ●wnstrous or notorious, it than needeth not admonition but sharp reprehension, and is thereby secluded from the parts thereof, but being intolerable in his age or estate, in whom the same is found, then shall we not aggravate, but extenuate the appearance thereof, showing that it is a thing common for men to fall, chief young men, who by the furious sting of their youth, and want they have of aged experience, are hastily led, the● unto, but yet there withal how many ways necessary it is, that he be withdrawn from the same, least happily the long entertainment given to a fault, make it seem a great offence, and consequently he be thereby led into far more dangerous evils. Hereupon may we manifest unto him our love and tender care we have over him, rompelling us for such cause to forewarn him, declaring that ourselves falling into the like errors, would be glad at his hands to find the like, if the skill and experience of the party might have so much performed. another kind of admonishment there is also, when men deal with those who are highly before them in account, unto whom either imminent danger, or occasion of great hate or mislike pursuing the same, forbiddeth in express manner to be admonished, insomuch as their estate (being peradventure lofty; and of power to command or sway over us) will not admit by writing to intermeddle with their actions, and yet happily by reason of some hard dealings, offered unto us or our friends, might seem much to prevail in one sort or other to give them notice of it, whereby to avoid if it be possible, the expected vehemency and intolerable support of the same. With such men to deal; behoveth if at least wise we be greatly compelled thereunto, to make a recital of many virtues, such as might be commendable and be ●tif●eng unto so great estate and authority, and there withal setting forth the worthiness to the uttermost of what we wish to be in him planted, we shall falsely affirm also those Virtues to be insinuate in his person, and how much they are greatly furthering to his name and reputation, by occasion of which, we may in the contrary have mean to lay open all those vices, the insupportable burden, vil●enesse & execrable hatefulness (or what ba●● purpose soever is in them else included) how much they impugn, the state, rule, or authority of any one, what blemish they cast upon him in whom they are frequented, how they destroy the good parts for which men mighty and gracious have desired to be commended, the conceit whereof, may be with such facility and excellency induced, as that he to whom we writ, shall by great insight thereby receive a special view of his own faultiness, yea and by the covertnes of the same, shall also participate within his own imaginations, the particular love and hate generally employed to either of both, wherein what other thing shall we go about in silence to admonish, but what in each of these aught to be refused or followed▪ which manner of writing performed to such end and examples without shame and blushing at all each one may lawfully use, otherwise palpably to affirm those virtues and praises to be in a man, in whose actions becoming most notorious in all kind of appearance, no one thing is to be found so pleutifull as very wickedness itself, this wore a flattery most detestable and of all others most filthy to be in any writer received. And touching the causes wherein principally these monitory Epistles are applied, their diversities are to these effects or the like for the most par● intended. As for example, a man fierce or crue●● in his government, be he Parent, M. or other may in his kind be admonished by the inconveniences of the same, to beco●re more meek, more courteous, or more loving. A person given to over much tattling, by showing the discommodity of intermeddling, how many e (having been intercepted where they meant no harm) & have ●y such means perished, how ●t breedeth brabbles, dissension, and continual hatred, may in this fort before warned of the proceeding evil thereof. One too much given to his continual study by the hinderances of health thereby happening, may be admonished not to bind himself so districtly in the use thereof, as thereby to neglect his common and swe●t society. Likewise all things wherein is too much of any thing may in this sort, by their inconveniences be forewarned: all manner of matters hindering to quiet, civility, modeslye, honest name or fame, learning, skill, friendship, love, or what other spark or kind of virtue, by the facility of this argument may be admonished. Finally, means, aids and helps to any of these orders of government, and absolutely, all manner of things (any ways furthering as well as hindering) to virtue, may herein be preferred, or induced, not by precepts, but by contrariety, as by doing of good, to avoid evil, or by abolishing the evil, to gain that is good. These are the limits, and this must be the end of this monitory kind, whereof that in their several parts they may the better be explained, let us now produce examples to be sorted to some of their purposes. An example monitory, concerning a stayed and well governed life. THE execrable force of mischievous evil being such, Exordium. and the malevolent disposition of the frowning heavens to some kind of people so great, as having once thoroughly planted the fatal sting thereof, in the inward conceit of those that with tooth and nail, covet to participate the barren and accursed fruits of the same: it seemeth they be created to none other end, but only by daring to perpetrate whatsoever matter of villainy, to purchase to themselves by determination of a shameless and wicked life, the limited reward of an unprovided shameless and ignominious death. The enchanted course whereof, perceiving in these dangerous times how much it hath bewitched the estate and course of the whole world, and considering: there withal, that by reason of your father's late decease, you being a green youth, void of experience, bend to the trial of all companies, richly possessed and wealthily endued, are now left into your own hands, and thereby delivered from the plausible and quiet moderation of a faithful and loving guide, into the endless reach of a youthful, careless, and uncontrolled liberty, hath moved me in respect of the care that ever I erst had of you, being yet but a child, and in assured testimony of the memory I have ever protested to the ghost of your loving parent, to admonish you of some few things, touching the order and conversation of your living, being a course so important, as in the admittance & exercise whereof, can not but consist the scope and after fruition of all your happiness, benefit, and laudable continuance. Propositio And first of all will I call unto your remembrance, that being the son of so virtuous a father as you are, how greatly it importeth unto your estate to be well governed, that as well the precedent virtues as ancient possessions of your antecessor, may in your person be evermore shining and resiant, that of your deceased Parent (as well as in corporal shape and favour) you bear the true image and show of his worthiness, that you stand not more in your actions upon the glorious title or name of a gentleman, then of the very true and extreme conditions and behaviours that rightly do produce and make a gentleman. Distributio. And albeit I find no great apparent cause (your youthful head) and unstaid state of headstrong liberty only excepted) that may induce any argument or supposal to the contrary, but that you are or may be such and of so worthy and great regard, as touching your life and other conversation, deeply enough may be adjudged to conceive of all or any part of these: yet knowing how many and how sundry are the evils wherewith our mortal state is endangered, how divers are the motions to wickedness, and how many ways are we ready to fall into the crooked paths of the same. I could not but warn you, that coming even now into the midst of the world as you do, you shall find sundry baits and allurements drawing you into the worst & most vilest parts thereof, that unless you were directly governed with the right rule and square of an honest and sober life, twenty to one you not only fall very deeply into the inconveniences thereof, but (without great and unexpected chance occasioning the contrary) are like to be drowned and overwhelmed for ever. You must call to mind, Monition by the circumstances. that living in a place so ordinarily frequented as is that City wherein you are, and being in fellowship with so many and divers sorts of men as you now be, conversing also with the innumerable multitudes of persons, of all estates, conditions and faculties, as you there do, it is no difficult thing for a young youth of your birth and quality to be led into lewdness, of a wanton to become dissolute, of a spender to be made a consumer, nor of a towardly Gentleman, to be framed to an untoward companion. Much (credit me) may the evil example of some lewdly given, conduce hereunto, making you to believe, that to become a roister is credit, to be a swearer valiant, to show yourself a waster liberal, that to become a drunkard is fellowship, to maintain rakhels is bounty, to be fantastical is youthful, and to be an unthrift is to be counted gentle: but being ruled by me, you shall give heed to neither of all these, being such and none other in deed as solely will breed your destruction, but contrariwise in gaining of credit you shall become modest and discreetly behaved, in being noted to be valiant, you shallbe a supporter of honour, showing yourself liberal, it shall be in rewarding the good, in maintaining of fellowship you shall use sobriety, in being bountiful you shall remunerate services, in manifestation of your youth, you shall entertaigne honest pleasures, and in being counted gentle, approve therewithal frugal. Allegoria. The Ass goeth out in the morning to carry burdens, and in the evening receiveth his provendar for advantage. The Ox grazeth all day in the pasture, and at night is carried into the butcher's stall, their reward is their feeding, and the contentment they require is only to fill their bellies, behoveth that men also who from beasts are sequestered by many degrees of reason, should of their continuance and final determination live a like careless? No verily, it is too much unseemly. Confutatio. Such illusions as these are not fit for a man, who by the nobility of his creation was ordained to sway over, and not to become subject to such vilities. You therefore being now at your own choice and liberty, must beware and give great and diligent advertisement to all your ways, you must eschew and avoid not only the very evils themselves, but also all occasions inducing or partaking with those evils, you must imagine, that to be in all things temperate and discreet, argueth solely your reputation, shun vice as you would do a serpent, fly wicked company as a pestilent infection, do always things worthy yourself, affect not so much the vainglorious title of praise, as desire how and in whar sort to deserve and win praise. Esteem nothing so precious as time, abandon sloth, and in all thy society (as near as thou canst) accompany with the best. Consider that such as is the tree such is the f●uit. Who toveheth pitch must needs be defiled. With the good thou shalt be made good, and with the evil tthou shalt be perverted. Think none so great an enemy as he that misledeth thee. Peroratio. Misdeem no man willingly, & give occasion to all men to judge of thee indifferently. These counsels (forewarnings of thy ruin or happiness) if advisedly thou wilt heaken unto, and faithfully lay up among thy chiefest secrets, it shall no ways repent thee to have been a man, nor discontent me in this sort so much to have counseled thee, that pursuing the effects hereof, thou shalt become such as I wish thee, and thy careful father if he had lived would have been glad to have seen thee. The almighty giver & moderator of all our actions, bless and keep thee. Farewell from my house at D. this of, etc. Another Epistle monitory, touching the reformation of a covetous life▪ ALbeit good brother I know the matter of my writing will become offensive into you, Exordium. and that I am not ignorant what heavy adversaries you have, that daily do go about to suppress the sound and faithful advise of those, who without flattery do wish heartily well unto you, and studiously are busied at all times for and towards you. Such nevertheless is the love and duty that I own you, as seeing you in so great an error as you are overwhelmed in, I can not in respect of our brotherly affection, but I must needs warn you of it, whereof if you become not repentant and a renouncer betimes, I doubt, not only the world will cry out against you, but God also in high displeasure will be angry with you. Narratio. truly for mine own part I am ashamed, and also it greatly grieveth me every where to hear of the extreme covetousness and hard dealings by you used towards your poor tenants, and other the inhabitants about you, who not withstanding that God hath abundantly blessed you with riches more than sufficient, you be yet so miserably bend upon the world, as you care not by what district and severe handling you do attain unto your wealth, only so you have it or can come by it, you hold no conscience or question at all of the winning it. Propositio. Alas what cries do you procure against you of the poor and wretched people, who being plagued with the hard yoke you lay upon them, are not able of themselves to redress it, but only do pray to God that he will for them revenge it. The matter credit me is too hateful, Monitio. and so great is the oppression and wrong thereby offered, as it cannot continue. Might my words become of weight unto you, I would wish you to leave it, and if not for my sake, or in regard of your own credit thereby so greatly blemished and impaired, and your good name and fame utterly by such means obscured and defaced, yet for God's sake, who commandeth charity and right to all men, who willeth that we do to every one as we would be done unto, who forbiddeth by such execrable lucre to heap to ourselves so unjust and filthy gain, you will refrain it, reform it, amend it. In truth you do not know, how much evil thereby you procure unto yourself, the blind desire you have to heap up riches will not permit you to see, what rancour, mischief, impiety, terror and dread, you crowd so near togethers, the little care you have of the world to come, so quencheth your affections, as you have not power to behold the enormity wherein you are so vehemently transported. For shame abstain and become not the common obloquy of all men, be not you the man alone whom so many shall curse, and all men for the most part cry vengeance of. Otherwise if by no admonition you will relent, assure yourself, God who is the righter of all wrongs will in most severe manner compel you unto it, and in the end by great rigour punish you for it. It little liketh me that herein, so just cause remaineth, as whereby I am forced in this sort to argue with you, Peroratio. in which action the nature of a brother may give you to understand in what sort I admonish you, and with what loving care I retain you, the consideration of which, hath moved me (as myself would wish in the like of whatsoever I should have erred, to be dealt withal by you) to account the sweet rebukes of a friend to be far more profitable, than the dissembling glozes of a cruel and bitter enemy, to which end whatsoever I have said may in like manner be conceived by you. Farewell L▪ this of, etc. An Epistle monitory to a Father, touching the lewd and ill demeanour of his son. THough it seem an approved folly to cast pearls before swine, Exordium. or to offer a golden saddle to an Ass' back: yet (not that I think either the Sow worthy of the pearls, or the Ass fit for the saddle). I have written unto you, the one reason to manifest unto you, the vile and bad parts of your son whereof you will take no notice, and of which this letter herein closed shall bear sufficient testimony, the other for charity's sake, to admonish you which are his father; to his benefit & timely looking to, to wind him from that, which by small sufferance may breed your woes and his irrecuperable destruction. I have understood that having been found heretofore in the like pilfering with two M. that he served, propositio. and the secret information thereof being brought to your ears, you misliked his courtesy that told you, justified the matter to be false that was delivered you, and not so much as examining the action at all (which a good father would have done by all manner of industry) you allowed your son for honest, and affirmed that it was unpossible he should enter into any such theiverie. Distributio. If I see the child of such a father come to an evil end I will not marvel at all, seeing that besides the ordinary inclinations already graffed in his young years, his parents are content by winking at it, to give him furtherance, and in manner to affirm that it shall so be, insomuch as thereby seemeth, the son hath sworn he will never live honestly, and the father hath promised that he will set him forward to Tyburn for his villainy. Is it reason that men (of zeal and conscience) should go about to pity their misfortunes, who have protested never by compassion to prevent in themselves, the just and appropriate reward of their own evils? Dicaeologia What shall I say to the unhappy father of such a son, or rather unhappy child of such a father, whether shall I forewarn him or thee, the one purposing, the other animating, to what unto each of you in the end must become a particular desolation? Truly these things will not continue, they cannot long hold. Well (not in respect that either of you have deserved so much at my hands) but for pities sake, I am content to bear with your infirmities, and (so you will not urge me to your own harms) by your courteous, Finitio. though not so much as honest usage (for honesty willeth I should have mine own again, or reasonable recompense) will part with my l●sses: but yet therewithal warn you (to which end I have written this letter) that you prevent your mischiefs betimes, you do consider the success of your own harms, Adagium. so long the pot goeth to the river, that at last it cometh broken home, every man will not deal with you as I do. It can not choose but you must needs know, Confirmatio. nay rather be a partaker of your sons evils, how ever you dissemble with the world, & face out the matter before people. Take heed I say. God when he striketh smiteth home, you will else repent it, Mitigatio. for it will none otherwise be. Because I have yet some hope, that by driving into your conceit the enormity hereof, and discovering the pack which you said was locked up from your seeing, I have hoped that at the least wise for the fear of God & to save him from the gallows you will endeavour to chastise him. I have sent this bearer, who can inform you of the truth, time & place of that which you go about to shroud up so covertly, and if afterwards you will not bridle him, I protest his shameless forehead must be corrected by justice, and the laws must further pass upon him. Surely, not for en●y of the person, but for the shameless brow he beareth, as one that had done none offence, to provoke me by evil usage to blaze his faults, that otherwise by good council would have covered them▪ I think it a deed meritorious to have him punished. If you have a desire as a father to cherish him, Epilogus. have regard as a friend be times to correct him, otherwise you shall sooner see him come to shame then any ways climb unto credit. But for aught I can hear both father and mother are so addicted to the bolstering of his doings, as that it seemeth they have already vowed their infamy to the world, and his life to the gallows. Good council may do much, & though in taste I seem a bitter enemy, the proof in trial shall be better than a fawning friend. divers other patterns of sundry occasions concluded under this title, might besides these be here put down, whereof because I have so largely spoken in the discourse before these Epistles, and that as well this monitory as all other letters passing under the Deliberative kind, do consist chief in advising or dissuading, whereby the Theme belonging to every of them is enlarged, I think the examples already propone● to be sufficient. And now the last of all these divisions yet unspoken of, is amatory, whereof because the humours of all sorts, therewith being possessed are so infinite, and so great an uncertainty, as perchance even in the very writing of his letter, the lover himself is sometimes scarce certain of his own conceits, the less must of necessity be the precepts of the same directions for that in some of them we require and entreat, in other some expostulate the matters and occasions falling in the neck thereof, other times complain, an other while fawn and speak fair, then purge or clear the accusations supposed against us. Finally innumerable are the supposes wherewith the reins of love are conducted. For which cause leaving the curious regarder of these, to the ordering of his own imaginations upon what conceit so ever the same shall be grounded, I will also amongst the rest present unto the reader's choice some small number of these, in pursuing whereof, the several occasions being annexed, may give the more perfect measure unto the conveyance of their particular meanings. You shall therefore understand for the first of these examples, that the writer thereof loving a Gentlewoman, whose inward virtues surmounted far the parts of her outward favour, and having sundry times received at her hands both allowance and liberty to declare his mind, whereunto she nevertheless gave a modest & courteouz refusal, he thereupon devised to convey the residue of his imaginations, into the melancholy form of this letter following. MAdonna, when I do consider with myself the sundry casualties and manifold inconveniences, wherewith mortal men are daily afflicted, I do suppose that in the chariot of this wearisome life there is more occasion left to behold our inevitable miseries, then mean sufficient to be found, how and in what sort to prevent their evils. The naked ensamples of others yielding hereunto but a bare addition, might peradventure seem of small moment for the confirmation hereof, if happily ourselves by crooked mischances did not also in some sort, participate the common occasion thereunto most chief ministered. But leaving this generality to be applied in the utmost bounds of myself, it may fall out that with your favour and courteous remembrance of my passed speeches, having heard also, and herein pondered the just accusation of my own infortunity, you will rather pity the little pleasure that I have in my bountiful penury, then think that unadvised I am led to exclaim upon the sudden chance of my late injuries. To decipher you as a friend I can not. To make you the choice occasion of my evil I may not. To leave you as a stranger I dare not. And to give you over with silence I must not. To wade in all these extremities were insufficient to any one man's possibility, but to be touched with the least of them breedeth an unacquainted misery. If I herein speak yet blame me not. If I require aid, condemn me not. If too liberally I do proffer, impugn me not. And if I stay on hazard, envy me not. Think good La. that if I am attached with liking, the choice was my loving, if I prostrate my liberty, the cause is your excellency, if I pine in extremity, your love yields a remedy. So it might stand with your modesty, I could infer herein many occasions to your reading why and wherefore I love you: and might I not speak the same presumptuously I could show you also why and how you could and might vouchsafe to requite me. What necessity I have to urge me I leave to known experience, how far I am induced by mine own intended loyalty I commend to silence. Only if my deserts by your favour may seem sufficient, I pray that you will vouchsafe such remedy, as in trial may be found expedient. I would be loath to seem importunate in cause of demanding, lest I might seem unfortunate that have bowed myself to your commanding. If I might not be deemed partial, I would affirm that as I never found you uncourteous, so in any respect you ought not, nor in equity may become injurious, unless in transgressing the bounds of love, you wilfully do infer more cruelty, then at an other time may be wiped away with protested piety. Because my letters shall not be tedious, I will end my complaint with this one petition, that if in the greatest of mine affection, I may deserve any little remembrance at your hands, you will reward with good countenance my protested & inviolable services, in the depth whereof accompanied with hope and expectation of your assured courtesies, and vowing the residue of my living to the contemplation of your surpassing excellencies, I seal up the folds hereof with the impression of innumerable sighs, and bequeath them as hastily as they may, to the touch of your delicate hands. Being as you know. More favoured then fortunate B. E. IMmediately after the writing hereof, having conveyed the same to her reading, she seemed afterwards to entertain his services, both with better liking and greater favours, standing nevertheless on this resolution, that for any fnrther proceediug, save only the conceit of that present courtesy, she would not in any wise agree unto him, by reason whereof resolved in the increase of his wont services, and put forward thereunto by the vehemency of his affections, who could not choose but love, where himself could obtain little more than ordinary liking, and was some thing besides hope by many circumstances opposed to his imaginations (as lovers for the most part grow very suspicious) to compass any further proceedings, Love having made him more melancholy than before, he got himself to the most secret part of all his lodging, and there entertaigning the forcible parts of all his former passions, his pen bewrayed in writing, ●what humours then attached him, which was delivered in order ensuing. IF the Gods were as pitiful to my petitions, as Fortune is cruel in executing my evils: I could (good mistress) with less burden bear that which with patience I am enforced to suffer, and peradnenture assure myself of that whereof hitherto, with doubtful suspense I am scarce able to attend the end. But whether it be mine own folly that wilfully intrudeth me into unknown perils, or that the Powers have decreed in prime of my pleasures to martyr me with punnishementes, or hardly the destinies at my birth have foresworn my happiness, I know not: but this my untimely pattern is able to approve, that in all the jollity I ever yet possessed, I have in the end found myself mastered with a far greater torment. O that we could as warily prevent the sequel of our evils, as we are ready in the front to object ourselves into headlong mischiefs, or else at the least wise, when we had once trod the path of forgetfulness, we might not continually be drenched in our errors. I speak this (dear mistress) not to impugn my latest griefs, which altogether I account as insufficient, to reap the reward of so precious a jewel, and only wish to continue in reverence of the desired saint, to whom of devotion I have abandoned my security: but to manifest the misfortune, that always hath been attendant, with unlooked penance to guerdon the enforcement of my continual labours. Is it then folly that I thus pine▪ Is it wilfulness wherein I now rage? Is it an error that I have planted my vows upon so dainty a counterfeit? Am I deceived that embrace the virtues of such a sacred relic? no surely. For I confess that Berecynthia in Rome was not so religious. Ulysses paragon was not so precious, the fair Timoclea was not so wondrous, nor wise Cornelia found so famous, as thou art to be honoured for thy virtue, esteemed for thy quality, advanced for thy dignity, and renowned for thy excellency. Believe me (and rightly shall it be confessed) that I am herein rather to be commended then discouraged, to be rewarded then hindered, that could first frame myself to endure penance for one so worthy, and by singular choice esteem her, that in herself, is become the sole pattern of so excellent a property. But alas, as in the one I merit, so if of the other by consequence I be deprived, what hope may there rest of my continuance, what end of my labours: sith an other must possess with liberty, that which I have longed for with intolerable fervency. What shall I then say, sith my faltering tongue is not able to speak, my quivering hand unable to support the weak force of a slender quill, may not endure to write, my senses stopped with so many and doubtful imaginations are already forced, and by confusion encumbered? certainly mought but crave, that of pity you will yet have remorse of my labours, and sith I pine in penury, feed me not with the harsh fruits of such undigested extremity. So mighty jove deal with me in my choice, as I repent not my sorrows, ne reck the long and laboursome toil of weary labours, to win and wear in the end the fruitful branch of thy assured courtesy. Wherein not finding any greater obstacle, then that I fear the hardness of that, which hath been already subdued and mastered, and that the delicacy once attained, the remainder, cannot so firmly be attached, as the unripe fruits of increasing good will, would with liberality have achieved. I can but wish that you were as I am, and would as I wish, become the owner of him, whose only property resteth in you, and whom you have already counterchecked with such a command, as henceforth he hath vowed himself no more his own, but even yours alone whom he only tendereth and serveth. B. L. I Have heard the party much discommended, for the application of these immoderate and superlative terms, of those who neither in outward appearance or inward conceit of the Gentlewoman, seemed to perceive any matter at all ministering such great effects, as herein were propozed: but what of that, such was his fancy, and so regarded was his opinion towards her, as he could not but extol, what in others judgements was but meanly to be commended. Love so wrought, and therefore the less was he to be accused. But to the purpose, these things thus proceeding he forgot not aswell in speeches as in writing many times to solicit her forward conceit towards him, sometimes by gratifying her with divers sonnets, otherwise in admiring her praises (to none so manifest, as to himself wonderful) As occasion served again with letters, during all which, by misreport of some one frequenting his mistress company (as Love is never without Envy) she seemed to catch hold of some one thing in her servant, ill pleasing to her fantasy, which, (for that she meant but only to cavile with him, or otherwise to make it the original of some after quarrel) she broke unto a friend of his at the last in great secret. jealousy hereupon began to frame strange countenances, good will went to wrack, and nothing so ordinary as her daily mislike. He whom the same most concerned, marveling at the change, became at last acquainted with the manner, and as he disposed himself to attend his mistress courtesy, and accustomed licence of parley, hoping thereby from her own mouth to be ascertained at large, she flung away upon a sudden, leaving a newcome stranger, resting with him in her own chamber, to whom approaching an other minckes, of more antiquity than courtesy, she skittered out these speeches to the other in his solitary hearing. In faith I can laugh said she to see pleasure bred by liking, and trust upon trial. These words to some better effect were uttered by another gentleman (in her hearing) in the behalf of the lover, to his mistress, but the lover perceiving thereby how the game went posting to his wonted solitary closet, and revolving too ' and fro, what best befitted his alteration, concluded at last to search out if it were possible at his mistress hands, the utmost occasion, yet before he departed being better instructed in the some of all that stood against him, he lastly resolved, to take notice of the action, and by just defence thereof to qualify as he might, the most part of unkindness. The readiness of his pen and conceit concurring togethers, these lines sorted out according to his present disquiet, in this disordered proportion. MY good mistress, in that so carefully you have commended unto my friend, the especial good care you always had of me, and wish of greatest choice and liking (without that you cannot grant in your own person) might any wise betid unto me, I do thank you, as he that in no state desireth otherwise, then to be beholding unto you. And albeit unwitting to myself, I am particularly touched with one special party, whose conceits I know not, nor of whose fancy I am private, which I may not, nor am able herein to leave unremembered, yet do I take it for no less wonder, then strange, how the vanity of such a surmise engendered upon no occasion, should raise so sudden mislike, without matter of effect to maintain the continuance. For the man, I know not, but as I have seen, for the cause, I inquire not, as being assured of my truth, In neither part curious, as things never spoken of. For which cause, seeing I find the inducement so rare, as the message you have commended unto me, seemeth strange. I hope I may as justly withdraw your opinion from the insufficiency, as the misreport of the other hath led you by too much credulity. It is good Mistress, your sole & only good reckoning, and not the malice of any other, that so much I account of your courtesy and good acceptance of my endeavours, that solely and of all others most princypalllye contenteth me, from the benefit whereof, I nothing doubt but the protection of your former liking, shall so farforth conduct me, as thereof I shall never be deprived without due desert to the contrary. My loweliest affections being eftsoons recommended to your wont courtesy, I continue. etc. HErewith the other Gentle▪ that by this time had inckeling sufficient of Distris Mawd●ins quip, (by what means I know not) appearing marvelous ill contented, to see his honest speeches abused, by such ill demeaned folly, had prepared an other letter answering to the others saucy taunt, delivered as you have heard reported before the recital of this last letter. By the course of which it appeareth she was attendant upon the Gentlewoman beloved, and had in charge, by divers occasions to accompany her, by which means over hearing some words of this Gentle. and not thoroughly approving the suit by the follower, to whom upon some secret grudge she bore a particular envy, she had first wrought the disgrace aforesaid, and the more to give him to bite upon, glanced out the other speeches formerly remembered, the conveyance whereof includeth more matter than may be here rehearsed, but such was his letter. Mistress, what you are, I know not, and what I suppoze you to be I writ not, only for that I find you in the place of a Gentlewoman, I determine for this season to entertaigne you accordingly. And for that my new acquaintance, is founded upon the delivery of a disdainful message, take it not I pray you in scorn, that in some things I touch you, which have too far displayed yourself by your needless curiosity. Trust me, for mine own part, I neither looked to see you, much less to be offended for you. I understand you are nipped, I know not with what, and would be healed I know not by whom, for which cause, finding such niceness in your own conceits, you are angry with Margery, for keeping company with Marrian, which moved you to utter such matter of modesty, that in advising an other to beware, you must affirm, that you could not choose but laugh to see pleasure breed by liking, and trust upon trial. I am sorry believe me, you passed away with empty hands (being so well accustomed to lapfuls as you have been) & none in presence to greet you. I wisse little soul your pretty else was an ace above 31▪ when you forgot yourself so far, to utter more than your charge. For albeit you had in command to admonish, neither was it in your misterisse good pleasure, or pertinent to her courtesy, that you by scoffing objections should scorn others, in things especially whereunto in truth they were never parties, and the cause not concerning yourself, whom to be plain with I do suppose to have as little discretion in the same, as you had consideration in delivery of the rest. For which cause wishing you in his behalf, whom I love, to refrain your privy scoffs without occasion, and envy without desert, who for the Virtues in him appearing deserves more allowance, then at the hands of a better than yourself might very well have perceived, I herewith end● my letters. He that would have answered you if he had heard you. R. B. THe ill success of this letter, having set a higher colour then accustomed, on the top of Distress Maudlin's vizard, made her nose more ruby like a great deal, than the colour of the painters Vermilion, who being more choleric then of phlegm, could have served a fiery face to any scarlet dye in this town, but at this instant was somewhat whotter than a winters tossed. Whereupon growing to great agonies, the market by her means was so enhanced, that our suitor at the next meeting could not so much as have a sight of that he liked, neither by entreaty nor money. Now began the Lover to be perplexed, and becoming as one in a strange country, void of knowledge or acquaintance, knew not which way to bend his passage. He cursed in his imaginations, the over rash charge of his friend, without entertainment of any dalliance, wherein mistress Maudlin being touched with Lapfulles, could not for her life be qualified with cartloades, so wonder fully exceeded she by so great impatiency. Then was he angry with himself that could not consider how silence at sometimes was far more necessary than speech, and that he who hath suits in hand, must otherwhiles honour a knave with the service of a Lord, and be feign to set up a candle before the devil, till his purpose be obtained. But after wit cometh too late, and so he resolved, & deeming it needful to the state of his liking (that with wooden pricks would not easily be expelled) to assay (if he could) by all means to entreat her, he once again gathered to him paper and ink, and breaking forth into many and extreme tokens of a discontented mind, he settled in the end his imaginations, to this present matter following. THe great care I have (sweet mistresses) aswell to avoid any cause of mislike on your part, as also to continue myself by desert in your craved good liking, have objected unto my doubtful mind so many and over grievous imaginations as I partly stand in doubt to what side to incline. One while calling in question the hazard of my hap, and the extremity I look to ensue, if (not guarded with your courtesy) I be made a common object of every envious opinion. another while reputing myself not fortunate in whatsoever chance may be tied me, being thus long banished from the sight of that should most content me. On neither part comforted with any thing, because being crossed with so many mishaps, I dare not hope for the remedy I would, nor give place to the wish I have desired, seeing myself circumvented with so many false and feigned conclusions. I protest I never gave cause of offence to your person, seeing the honour is more that I bear you, than the life I crave to enjoy not possessing you. Think not (dear mistresses) I could so far degenerate to reward a jews courtesy with feigned treachery, much less a gentlewoman, your good self, she to whom the best part of my life is indebted, and for whom the sourest death could not be to me unpleasant. Let not therefore envious flattery prevail above truth & unfeigned loyalty, for so much as to disprove their reproaches resteth yet in my life to verify. Which only depending upon your courteous dismission of this bearer, remaineth till than surcharged with dolours as: He that is not his but yours: B. L. Having thus finished what he meant, and by a convenient bearer, posted the same to the hands of his implacable Mistress, hard were it to be conjectured, how thoroughly on each part the same was scanned. Mistress Maudlin becoming by this time, the very bosom of all her imaginations, forgot not to tattle what malice could utter, and swore by no beggars that if it rested at her liking, herself would look (I trow) to minse upon higher pantofles, then to match with such underlings. The wench was wise, and spoke of sound and perfect skill, for well was she mortized in her puny years, and knew that to deal with younger brothers, was nothing comparable to an elders possessions. The gentlewoman notwithstanding, stood but very slightly (as I heard) with him upon such trifles, only the quarrel grew upon other matter, and so prayed she the same might rest. She deemed (she said) that very amply he had deserved, which was not in posse at her hands to be requited, but what in good will she might endeavour for him, how far soever different they were in all other opinions, therein yet she stood confirmed, in some little more than ordinary account to receive him. Finally she was not of herself alone, & therefore enforced to limit her offers, in consideration of which, she prayed him to be satisfied, and not to search or assay at her hands to have any farther progressions. Sage Maudlin in continuance of all this conference laughed in her sleeve, she thought by this time her cake had caught heat, and was now somewhat more than dough, but he on the other side grieving at nothing so much as that he could not be satisfied in mind of the most substantial part of her mislike, but that the passage of her speeches were conveyed over with a manner of sleight regard, as though if it were well taken or not she cared not, & yet would be loath (too overmuch discontentment) to break off, notwithstanding never after hope might be conceived of any wished good effect, was now in a greater muse than before. And frequenting oftentimes his mistress ordinary passages in purpose, if he might conveniently once more meet with her, to make his small and extremest matter of resolution against himself that might be: it was a thing so unpossible for him to compass by reason of the continued drift of mistress Maudlin, whose saintis● countenance, was not so pleasing unto him (for she fawningly still received him, though inwardly she could not abide him) as some other he ●ish aspect, that what by her divers intercourses, or his mistresses settled frowardness he was never able by any means to speak with her. Wherewith greatly enraged in deep disdain and most hard mislike of such her uncourteous dealing, after many arguments & encounterings objected in his secret imaginations, he deemed in himself at last how greatly he deserved to be accused, in that by pursuit of so peevish an intendment, he would go about to make his discretion a laughing stock, to those that had neither reason nor courtesy to account of it, & that by too liberal a proffer of that which in no point (according to the least desert included in the principal worthiness) might be esteemed of. Now began reason a little to peer in one corner of his decayed conceits, and though the former trodden steps of Love had before time left so many broad paths in the greatest entry of his wonted endeavours, yet was he at this instant something persuaded by degrees to reclaim himself, and if his hap were not too much addicted to his avowed overthrow, to become a new man. Whereupon departing from the place wherein he remained, he posted immediately to his wonted lodge, and there being set down, twixt ancient settled Love and new erected mislike, depending as it were in equal balance, not fully resolved to leave, and loath in such disordered dalliance to be thus continued, he framed these lines, which in testimony of that he after performed, he causes to his mistresses to be forthwith recommended. SHall I term you a friend as importuned by necessity, or induce you as a stranger solicited with hope of some better courtesy: or mazed as I stand in my doubtful dumps, shall I now deem to gain that by entreaty, which trial in many days could never have performed by enguaged lot of assured loyalty? No trust me, I will henceforth neither speak nor proffer avow nor gainsay, but as counterchecked with my former pretence, I will seek to man my fortune by a forced & continual silence. Cruel I cannot say that you are, that proffer no more than you have promised. Of unkindness I charge you not, as in whom never any good affection towards me was planted. Uncourteous I dare not affirm (although causeless I have been touched) because the same is a blemissie to the offspring of true gentility. But thus much I may lawfully aver, that I never deserved the least part of injury that as reward of my approved good will hath always been proffered me. If Theseus had no more felicity in his labours, jason in his adventures, or Paris in his amours then I have found pleasure in pursuit of thy worthiness, and quiet in abandoning my happiness: I blame them not to be noted of inconstancy, rather than to be yoked to so hard an extremity. Your words savouring of too much despite, and countenance towards me continually fraught with intolerable disdain, enforce me to think that either in deed I am become an unwonted and most vile abject, or else you have usurped more over me, then former familiarity with a great many could heretofore enforce within me. Which if by singularity you had obtained why might not the same with like courtesy have been continued? But Fortune, evermore envious of my good hap, willing always to mate me with a causeless contrary, giving me to be the servant of so dainty a mistresses, must of necessity herein show her blind bayardie: who not content eftsoons for my good will to plunge me in the waves of her severity, like a peevish and most harebrain guide, draweth me on still to her cruelty, and will in no wise be entreated so much as to look back on my passed evils, but as blind and sottish, runneth pouring, as deaf plodding as inconstant wavering, not certain whether she may throw me into Styx with Tantalus, or give me for an endless penance to the rolling charge of Sisyphus. Pardon me if my words be more then wonted, sith in the less that I have gained, I am forced to complain of the more, which I never deserved. But why speak I here of desert, sith it was never in my skill to pleasure you, in my ability to profit you, nor in my choice to content you, which although I have often willed, many times wished, and with great desire would have accomplished, yet whether it were mine own ill hap or what other cruel destiny that denied me, I leave to your indifferency to judge, and to mine own mishap to testify, which if with equality you will deem of, the evil shall surmount, that hath been received above all the good that in fine was required. I would you could have contented yourself to have become the hope mistresses of my good fortune, as well as to my great grief, I have found you a known mistresses of mine evils. It is the property of a great many, to desire much and to be contented with nothing, but I have requested but a little, and could not be satisfied with any thing. If my demand at any time hath been unlawful, I hold my peace as convinced by mine own importunity, but if I have required nothing but equity, why then am I sequestered from my hope with such hard discourtesy. Your opinion I know not, and how it may hereupon conceive in my behalf I request not, but contenting myself with mine own unworthiness, wishing that the same might as worthily have been deemed at your hands, as undeservedly with others before you, it hath been accounted of, sith my speech hath troubled you, and my sight so much offended you, as I shall perforce surcease from the one, so I assure you for the other I will wi●h as much resistance go about to bridle myself, being contented to become your abject, and and yet scorning to become hereafter to any other, like subject. TO this letter of all others she only answered, wherein, as much as she might she sought to discharge herself of all notes of discourtesy, declaring that she was glad to see, that by discretion he would so well go about to order his passions. But now in this mean time fell it out, that upon some occasion greatly concerning herself▪ she was to compass a matter, wherein he only was able to satisfy her, and without whom she could not in any sort obtain it. Hereupon mistress Maudlin was called to council, whose opinion stood unconquered, and would not have her to stoop in any sort, nor to be so much recreant as either by courteous countenance or otherwise to give suspicion that she woul● entreat him. He nevertheless, remaining nothing ignorant that his service at this instant unto his Mistress might become grateful, yet not presuming in respect of his former ill fortune, that touching her account, the same might any thing profit him, in show of his own good nature and gentle condition, aswell as in regard of his former loving (for love also had yet left in him, very so●md marks of his dwelling) he secretly dispatched the same, whilst herself and mistress Maudlin were thereon yet amusing. Notwithstanding all which (so great was her discourtesy, and so much persisted she, in this self-willed opinion of her great councillor Mistress Maudlin) as albeit she well understood how much the same did advantage her, and that his exceeding courtesy becoming at all times a testimony most evident, in what sort he reverented her, and with how great loyalty he still endeavoured to pursue her, yet vouchsafed she not so much as her speech or sight, by any one jot of appearance whatsoever, to give show that it was thanks worthy. But our lover being thoroughly by this time accustomed to all these varieties, contenting himself to have deserved well, though it rested not in her good government at that instant to use him well, determined finally to give notice thereof in this letter, and thereupon (with the same affection as before time) never after to regard her. IF I could suppose in myself any ways to be injurious to your affections, it should manifestly appear unto you, that without the wreak of yourself, I could willingly become a sufficient revenge of your utmost extremities. But trust me, if in many things I have been faulty unto the world, unto your good self I have no ways erred, unless in loving too much I have been offensive to your favour, and for that I long since craved pardon. Sithence which time, without complaint what I have suffered, I have studied so much as in me, to withdraw and forbid whatsoever might sound to the breach of your least denial. And albeit my thoughts being free, by a curious desire and reverence borne to your worthiness, yoked my inward conceits to the search of whatsoever pleasing and most affecting to the scope thereof, by reason of which, and by an invincible determination thereunto, I had placed the some of all my bliss, and ensuing happiness, in the forward use and practise of the same: yet soundeth it to very slender approbation, that in yourself being beloved, there should so much coins and little courtesy be approved. I do not suppose it to be unjust, ●hat God hath given unto women so strange a condition, for that where men subject themselves to so vain a fantasy: it is great reason they bear with them the burden incident to so vain a folly. If I found not so great a scourge in these fruitless affections, I could with as little reason make challenge to your favour, as you with small courtesy have given me a sop of such savour. But haply it falleth out as proper to your sex, that till you know yourselves to be certainly beloved, you have courtesy at commandment, & liking at pleasure: & when good will is once offered, you by and by wax coy because the same is proffered. Trust me, if I had thought that things had therefore been of less price, because they are willingly bestowed, the market should have been enhanced before I would have bowed. But seeing there is so far difference between us, as that your pleasure is turned to my penance, and your niceness to my annoyance, with as much loss as by restraint resteth hitherto unrewarded, I will master my liking, till with more usury I may be repaid in causes of love. Nevertheless not so far estranged from you, but that in any cause of courtesy, I will not forget you are a Gentlewoman, and therefore yet be content (as before time) in such sort to respect you, whereof had it not been your contrary pleasure, you needed not as you have done to make any exception. Not meaning hereafter to trouble your remembrance with any more of my speeches, otherwise then beseemeth a familiar acquaintance, I hereon do conclude my last determination and farewell. Upon this resolution was defined all this matter of liking, occasioning the several letters hereby in order delivered, the manner whereof both in respect of the pleasure, as for the be●ter opening of the occasion to the full conceit of their applications and meaning, I have the more largely laid forth. And for as much as the diversities already delivered in this book, do arise to so gross a volume, as seemeth in quantity sufficient for the first perusing, and that the laying hereunto the residue of the parts judicial and Familiar, with such other things as thereunto are intended to be added, would greatly and more than ●oble have augmented the bigness of the same, I have thought good in this place to determine this foremost work. Praying the courteous viewers of these my labours, to become as friendly censurers, as gladly I have gone abaut herein to publish my endeavours, so shall they bind me by their bounty, in performing no more than they own in courtesy. Laus Deo & domino jesu.