Imprimatur. Feb. 25. 1663. Tho. Grigg, R. P. Episc. land. Sac. Dom. School-Play. Prepared for, and Performed in a Private GRAMMAR-SCHOOL In Middlesex. Anno 1663. 〈◇〉. Omne tulit punctum qui miscuit utile dulci, Lectorem delectando, pariterque monendo. Hor. de Art. Poet. LONDON: Printed for S. Cripps, and are to be sold at the first Shop in Popeshead Alley, next Lombard-street. 1664. To the READER. Reader. I Present thee here, in way of Sport, with the Anomaly of the chiefest Part of Grammar. The design is, Et prodesse simul, et delectare. And therefore is the whole accommodated to that Book of most use, and best authority in England, viz. Grammat: Regia. If it be found we reach our end, we may happily, after a while, give thee something like this of Analogy: Mean time, begging thy Candour, I take leave, with, Hor. Ep. 1. 6. Vive, vale: siquid novisti rectius istis Candidus imperti: si non, his utere mecum. Speakers. Prologue, in a Cloak. Judges. Priscian lily With Square Caps, Sergeants Coifs, and Gowns. Generals. Poeta Amo With Swords, scarves, and Plumes. Priscian's Messengers. Volucer cellar Equester With Swords. Fecialis, with a Heralds Coat. Praeco, his Man, with a white Wand. Lilie's Messengers. Pudet Piget Tadet with Swords. A-Secretis, attending on the Judges at a Table, with Books, Paper, and Standish. THE Prologue. BY your leave Gentlemen,( for leave, they say, is light, & can't cost much the buying then: but to leave that) Here's long-look'd-for come at last: And, I'll pawn mine honour on't, when you know me better, you'l bid me welcome too. What? All this while nothing but * Three Disputations and two Orations had passed in latin before this. Pedlars-French to English Customers? Here's a noise indeed of * Three Disputations and two Orations had passed in latin before this. latin bells jangling backward and forward, as if the School were light-a-fire. For sure, methinks, ne're a fool of them all can think men of your wisdom so ignorantly superstitious, as to take delight i'th' Language of the Beast. No, no; for laying by your Devotion, I doubt not but many of you are all as learned as myself; who love English to bring me to bed. And I'm resolved You shall ha't too, presently: for, now I think on't, these bedridden wits have lulled you fast asleep by their barbarous Tones. Only, Sirs, I could wish you would rouse up a little, whilst I tell you my errand. Or, 'tis no great matter, let it go for a Dream: you shall ha't whilst 'tis hot howsoever. Gentlemen, I am no Hocus-Pocus of the New Edition, that trades in Pocket-picking by the Legerde-main of wafting Infants to the University within the Compass of making an East-Indy-voyage; but in conclusion leaves them shorter of their journeys end ( only their ears a little longer) than at first setting out. Nor am I a Physitian-of-the-Mount, who, in hopes of playing with your purse-strings, will pretend to so absolute a cure of the Rickets, that your children shall be able to go hilone, as far as Rome, or Athens either, without being beholden to Priscian or Scotus for a hand to led them, till at last you shall find, by their great head and little wit, the disease so confirmed, 'tis almost incurable. No, Gentlemen, I'd ha' you to know, I was ne're so given to the world, as e're to fancy these secular Orders. But to tell you the truth, I am—. Pray what do you take me for? Indeed, I am one of the honest old Order of Regulars: And so my Master was afore me; and his Master too afore him; nay, and his Masters Master too; and so one afore another, to the beginning of the Chapter of all true Learning. And( were I but a Prophet for your sakes) I'd warrant it so too, to the end of the same. But hold: You ha' seen but one side of me yet, I'll turn you t'other also; and then, I trow, you'l think me a proper person, and as well made behind as before. For I must tell you, Gentlemen( thanks my good Stars here) I am now become a Gentleman-Usher( for Ushers, you must note, are Gentlemen, be they never so course or cursed men, according to Magna Charta of the schools) I say, a Gentleman-Usher, to serve in a Ceremony of the Grammar-Wars, prepared purposely for you. Yet, Sirs, 'tis not my part to make a Speech about the Parts of Speech. For showing either the Occasion of the difference, or the Mischiefs by it, or the Blessed composure of it: All this, with a little patience, you shall by and by have, at the best hand. Only let me persuade you, should you chance to hear of Swords, and Guns, and Blood, not to be afraid; Do but sit still, I'll warrant it, you shall neither receive any hurt on your selves, nor see a stroke struck on any Body else. And for your better assurance, I promise it, in the Conclusion, you will find as happy a cure of the whole, as the Case could possibly bear. In a word, nought else but the scars will be remaining. Pray, Gentlemen, answer but your Names; for our strength lies only in an Infantry, and they shall fall on immediately. Exit Prol. School-Play. Enter, Priscian, walking. lily, coming in. A-Secretis, at the Table. [ Lil.] YOur most humble Servant, reverend Priscian. [ Prisc.] Most welcome my good friend lily. But what's the matter? Me-thinks I red perplexity in your very face. How stand affairs in Grammar-Province? [ Lil.] Not over well, I doubt. But being loathe to trust uncertain famed, I hastened hither in hopes of better satisfaction. [ Prisc.] There is a noise indeed, as if some quarrel had broke out betwixt my Lord Poeta, and Lord Amo. But sure me-thinks, they durst not make it more than personal at the highest, without our privity, who by the Parliament of classic Authors are vested with supreme Authority, without appeal to any but themselves: Me-thinks, I say, they never durst without Us, to assume the boldness of disturbing public peace. [ Lil.] Right Sir, so reason would suggest. But if Poeta once be warmed with Wine, you know, he cannot hold whate'er comes on't. He must at all adventures breath his vein: Mars, Bacchus, Apollo— Wine put's War first, and Wit comes last. [ Prisc.] 'Tis his true character in his Cups. And truly Amo being but blind at best, is then stark mad. At first glance you may red As in praesenti in his very face: and with a little patience hear him quickly at Verba haec simplicia: but for better discourses Haec raro aut nunquam will be the Conclusion. And what are we like to have next from such tempers, or distempers rather, but Verbum personale cohaeret cum nominativo, nec numero, nec persona? Then, all's together by the ears. But I marvel that my Messengers are not returned, whom I dispatched for certain information, upon first arrival of the rumour! [ Lil.] I also sent three, post, for exact intelligence, and ordered them to attend me here with their account. But who are those now entering? Enter, Volucer, cellar, and Equester. [ price.] My Messengers truly of whom I spake. Welcome Volucer, cellar, and Equester. Priscian and lily sit down. What news from Grammar-Land? [ Vol.] Alas! Our fears are come upon us. The Common-wealth of Grammar lies gasping as for breath. Eloquar an sileam. [ Lil.] Speak out the business clearly, Volucer. [ Vol.] Poeta, and Amo falling out, sent mutual challenges, and have engaged all the nouns and Verbs on their respective parties. Nay, hardly any of the Parts of Speech but have taken arms on the one or other side; except the Participles, who under a pretence of standing Neuter waits an advantage to advance himself. The day appointed, and the Armies mustered, with all things else prepared for encounter, they pitch the field in Gerundshire; the rather for that they, and their neighbours Supines were fully yet on neither side, and both parties hoped to draw them over. When they drew neat together, they give the Word, put on the Signal, and sound Alarum to the Battle. Where they continue in a bloody fight, till dark night sounded a retreat unto them. [ price.] O madness never paralel'd! And hath there been a Battle! And that by Brethren! And even to Blood! What will not proud Ambition thrust poor mortals on? But Volucer, let us hear what mischief hath been done. [ Vol.] Horresco referens. I tremble at remembrance of the sounds of Trumpets, beats of Drums, ratlings of armor, neighings of Horses, roaring of Guns, and shouts of the Combatants. Ah! the loud cries, the shrill shrieks, the sad groans, of wounded, bleeding, dying, men! enough to make the Heavens to startle, and the Earth to tremble. [ Lil.] But be particular, and dispatch, that the timelyest remedy may be applied to such a dangerous malady. [ Vol.] I do it Sir, The charge being Sounded, the Armies both fall on, and come up to pusha-pike before they spend their fire. So that it quickly came to a close Battle; and the Swords points turned off the Guns as useless any further. Sad spectacles there quickly were on every side; but far most lamentable among the Heteroclite nouns, and Anomal Verbs, who truly bare the burden of the day. Among the valiant nouns( for of them alone we took exacter notice) some in that bloody Battle lost their Cases, some their Numbers, and some( poor souls!) were strangely M●tamorphos'd, and had their very Genders changed. Though it must be acknowledged, that some amongst those gallant Worthies came off untouched, not without badges of everlasting honour on them. [ Prisc.] Proceed good Volucer, as swiftly as tho canst conveniently. [ Vol.] The Brigade of Heteroclites consisted of four Regiments. The first Defective in Case, the second Defective in Number, the third the Variant, and the last the Redundant Regiment. All these were bravely mounted, and completely armed, cap-à-pie, with Pistols, Swords, and back-and-breasts, their Number, Case, and Gender. ( 1.) Defect. in Case. The Case Defective Regiment had the Vanguard: 1. Aptotes. Whose eldest Troop of Aptotes storming on foot the enemies trenches, were so galled with Chain-shot from a Flanker, that their limbs being torn asunder, there was nothing left them but the very trunk. A sad condition! and so much the worse, because there is no hope of ever changing it into any better or other Case at all. For these are they, Quae nullum variant casum, ut fas, nile, nihil, instar. The Monoptotes were the next, 2. Monoptotes who in the heat of Battle fell unawares within the reach of the enemies Cannon; and of all their six, had but one Leg only left them to hop away withall. Once it was better with him, but now( poor wretch!) he is— Nomen cvi vox cadit una. One of them, Inficias by name, will not deny, it went so hard with him that he could never have stood in Speech more, had not an Enemy, whose heart was moved with pitty, the Verb Eo, both lifted him up, and lead him also. 3. Diptotes. The third Troop was Diptopes, who in a hot pursuit fell on an ambush, and so unhappily lost four Cases in the skirmish. Since that they are such— Quibus duplex flexura remansit. But four desperate fellows of them, called, Verberis, atque vicem, sic plus, cum jugere,— resolving to lose their lives, or revenge their loss, fell furiously on the Enemy, and recovered all their Plurals, which had been taken prisoners. Thus— Cunctos Quatuor haec numero casus tenuêre secundo. The Triptotes were the fourth Troop, 4. Triptotes. who had been utterly lost both Horse and Man by a party of Firelocks that had secretly lined the hedges, but that with desperate resolution they charged through the Enemies body, and lost three Cases in that brave attempt: Amongst whom are all those gallant fellows trees quibus inflectis casus— Precis was taken prisoner, but begging quarter, he scaped with Precem and Prece. He prayed hearty too for Preci, and was allowed it to pleasure Terence; yet so as that for ever after let, him beg never so hearty, Phorm. A. 3. Sc. 3. Nullus locus relinquatur Preci. Vis was amongst them, and when he could not clear himself by force, he tries by faire means; and so gives his Dative case to save the rest: Whence, Integra vox vis est, nisi desit fort Dativus. The Tretaptotes being scarce a Squadron march under the Pentaptotes Colours. Now Quinto haec saepe carent casu— and upon this occasion. Being stout men, and a full Troop, they often dared the Enemy to his very face, and sent their Trumpet to call them out to fight. Who on a time sounding a Call too boldly at the Enemies very nose, was catched, and the Pentaptotes are like to be no more for ever in a Vocative Case. [ Lil.] A Gallant Regiment torn in pieces! But tell us Volucer, how it fared with the Defectives in Number? [ Vol.] My Brother cellar can thereof inform you better than myself: because he undertook that charge as I did this. [ Prisc.] Speak fully cellar, for thou canst not be too tedious; how went the case with Number-Defectives? [ Cel.] But little better, 2. Defect. in Number. 1. Plural. truly Sirs, than with their Brethren. For being commanded to keep a pass, where Poeta feared lest the Enemy should have fallen upon his rear, they stoutly made good their ground a great while, till being over-powered, they lost in their retreat, some their Singular, and some their Plural Number. Of the first sort were, first, Poeta's lifeguard, very proper persons, viz. all Proper-Names, 1. Proper Names. whose sad misfortune 'twas, Plurima ne fuerint ut Mars, Cato, Gallia, Roma. In which mischance the Suttlers were also plundered. Qui frumenta dabant, pensa, herbas, uda, metalla. 2. Masculines. Next were those Masculine Spirits, that but over-night had been lead up to the Enemies trenches by Hesperus & Vesper— 3. Feminines. After them those brave Amazons under the Conduct of Pubes atque Salus— were made Widdows, and forced to live a Single life, full sore against their wills. Except Res, species, facies, acieqs;— who were suffered to escape merely to preserve the breed. In the last place, 4 Neuters. the mongrel Neuters that followed Delicium till they came to Senium, did there meet with Lethum to their Plurals. But Hordea, farra, forum— as also, most of the Fifth Declension( though of another kind) fell in among the Triptotes, and thereby saved three Plural Cases. [ Lil.] But cellar, who were those that lost their Singular Number? [ Cel.] Manes and Lemures, 2. Singular. with their Company, 1. Masculines. thought by haunting the Enemies Tents in the dark, to have frighted them from thence. But they courageously soon tamed those Bulbeggars, and took them prisoners: I, and they keep them still so close, that they can never stir abroad alone, or single, since. 2. Feminines. Exuviae and Phalerae— that pretended to be Nuns, & lead the Maiden-Troop, were spoyled of their Monastique l●fe( with as ill a will as Virgins use to mary) and are Plurals now for ever. 3. Neuters. Moenia cum tesquis— with all their retinue were celebrating Festa Deum— very merrily: and on a sudden the Enemy surprised all their Singulars. But they, being Plurals, cried out the more the merrier, and invited company to them with, Quod si plura legas, licet hac quoque class reponas. These, Sirs, are principal in that sad disaster. [ Prisc.] A sad disaster truly. But 'twas said that some had changed their Gender. What strange accident hath befallen the Variant Regiment? [ Cel.] Thus, Sir, 3. Variant. Rubus and Oleaster being Appellativa Arborum— and therefore Females, 1. Feminines. did quit themselves so manfully in the Fight, that they were suddenly metamorphosed into Males. Although most wise men say of Rubus, that 'tis doubtful still. On the other hand, 2. Mas. Sing. newt. Plur. some Males behaved themselves so much below the spirit of women in the battle, that the Enemy having taken them, made them Eunuchs in the Plural; that is, nor Males, nor Females, but chast Neuters. As Moenalus atque sacer mons Dindimus, Ismarus, 3. Masc. Sing. Masc. newt. Plur. And the rest. Though some of the same Company( as very Cowards as the other) for the Trick they had of making Sport. As, Sibi●us, atque Jocus— With two or three more, were allowed to wear a Fools Cap, and so they pass for Males, and Neuters too. 4. F●m. Sing. newt. Plur. Besides these, there were two other, Singular Females, Pergamus and Supellex, who now being made sufficiently sensible of wars calamities, resolved, if ever 'twere their hap to be Plural more, whoever engaged, they would be Neuters. 5. newt. Sing. Masc. Plur. But some Singular Neuters( as they are wont to do) proved the veriest changelings of all the Pack, for, Argos item & Caelum— turned only Masculines in the Plural, Nundinum, & hinc Epulum, Fem. Plur. quibus addito Balneum— Feminines. Masc. and newt. Plur. Rostrum cum fraeno, filum, simul atque capistrum, Masculines and Neuters. So that, me-thinks, he that shall writ their Story, may well begin as Ovid doth his Metamorphosis, In nova fert animus mutatas dicere formas— Corpora [ Lil.] Truth, cellar, the news is strange; but all this while how faired the Redundant Regiment? 4. Redundant. For some-body, I take it, told us they saved themselves, and got besides. [ Equest.] I was the person, Sir, that saw it with mine eyes, amongst both Officers and Common Souldiers also. To whom the General, for their worthy services, either gave honourable Titles, or granted ample privileges, according to their several merits. 1. Substantives. Of the Officers that had Titles given; some had bare Titles: As, Gibbus & hic Gibber, Cu●umis cucumber, Stipis & Stips. Others had Gender also with their Titles. Nam genus & vocem variant tonitrus tonitruque Then for the privileges: Unto some was granted a right for the Females of their Body to inherit as amply, unto all intents and purposes whatsoever, as Heir-Males. Nam Panther Panthera creat, Crateraque Crater. To others, that by a Laural they should be created free of an higher Company than their own. Laurus enim Lauri facit & Laurus Genitivo. These were all substantial Officers; not one of them, but standing by himself durst look the Enemy in the face. Then for the Common-Souldiers, 2. Adjective●. though they were never able to stand their Ground alone, yet for their faithfulness many of them were allowed Titles; such especially as produced Certificates of retaining to those valiant Leaders, Arma, jugum, nervus, somnus, olivusque animusque Et quot lincus habet, quot fraenum, & cera, bacillum. Thus, Sirs, you have the best account that we can give of this whole Affair. As for my Lord Amo's Party, we had no opportunity of being conversant there. [ Prisc.] You have done your Duty to our great content; and that you may not lose your labour in our service, You Volucer first, as the Elder Brother, have the honour to be called also at your own discretion Volucris. And for Equester, let him be advanced to the Order called Equestris. But lily, your Opinion now concerning cellar. [ Lil.] I judge themselves not only, but for their sake, the whole Society, worthy of an equal share; and that they may hereafter( with your favour) after this example, writ, Hic cellar, haec Celeris, neutro hoc Celere: aut alitur sic; Hic atque haec Celeris, rursum hoc Celere est tibi neutrum. But if you please, Sir, let them now withdraw, and we'l consult what's further to be done. [ Prisc.] Content. Retire, Sirs, and refresh yourselves a while. But who are those, good lily, coming yonder? [ Lil.] My Messengers truly, most opportunely now returned. Welcome all three: Come without Circumstance, or any further Ceremony, relate your knowledge of this unhappy quarrel. Enter, Pudet, Piget, and Taedet. [ Pudet] I am ashamed, noble Sirs, of the blemish brought upon themselves, and damage to the Common-wealth, by the mad ambition of our Generals Amo, and Poeta. [ Piget] And as for me, Illorum merely pudet me, pigetque. [ Taedet] Nor, for my part, upon the thoughts hereof, can I forbear to say, Me vitae taedet meae. [ Prisc.] Well spoken all. But to the business, Pudet. And observe, I prithee, 'tis of the event on Amo's side we only make enquiry. [ Pud.] I understand, Sir, and shall apply myself accordingly to give you speedy satisfaction. When Amo had drawn up his Forces in this Order; namely the Defectives in the Van, the Redundants for reserve, the Regulars in the Main Battle, and the Particles on both Wings: he gave encouragement of Pickeering, to deuce, fear, and Face; mettal'd Spirits, and fit for action; who were content to admit Dice into their Company, merely for his Tongues sake; not knowing what occasion they might possibly have for an Orator. These armed, and mounted bravely, with full career made towards the Enemies Body; but on a sudden they perceive a numerous Party of them in their own Rear. Here now necessity made even Dice desperate. They fought with Gallantry, till, their Horses being shot, they must needs cry Quarter, and Dice's rhetoric redeemed both life and liberty too; though upon courser terms indeed. For Poeta, hearing of it, adjudged them to be sent away with their Breeches pared, and this inscription pined thereon. Dic, duke, far, Fac, per Apocopen castrantur. Go honest Dic, & pretty duke, far, Fac, & you have had ill luck. Which disgrace( though for mere spite, and no demerit of theirs put upon them) 'tis verily thought, however Latine-Botchers may try to piece them, they can ne're outgrow. 1. Verbs defect. Now the forlorn advance, being all drawn out of the Defectives Division, 1. More generally. and commanded by a daring Captain called Aio( though I have heard he is more a man of words than deeds) and a bold fellow, Ausim, his Lieutenant. These were about to charge the Enemy up a Hill: and when Quaeso did but pray them, to be well advised what they did; Novi tells them they knew it well enough already. Nay, quoth Faxo, I'll do it wear comes on't. And Odi in a rage cries out, I hate demurrers, put by Cowards. Begin, saith Coepi then. If so, quoth Vale, then farewell success, or safety. Too true a prophesy truly: For they, and their fellowes are quickly routed, and all of them stripped of almost all they have to their very shirts. Scarce Mood or Tense, or Number, or Person left them: whate'er it was, 'twas all in rags. I'm sure I saw poor Infit, and Cedo, as naked as ever they were born; nothing left them but the bare skin. [ Lil.] Objects of greatest pity truly! But of the rest that had the Van, you Piget, tell us what became of them. [ Piget.] That brave Division having the hottest service, sustained the greatest, if not the only loss. A doleful spectacle 'twas to see, whole fields, besides the highways, all strawed with Limbs, and dyed with blood. Here in a fearful manner lay a Mood; there, in this bloody time, a Tense was sprawling. On one hand a Supine lying flat upon his back; and on the other a Passive v●yce by bitter sufferings made quiter speechless. — Quis talia fando Temperet a lachrymis?— [ price.] But Piget, canst thou tell me what men of note there lost their Moods? [ big.] 2. More specially. Yes Sir, for( besides the forlorn now spoken of, who in that bad Mood, 1. In Mood. lost all their good ones) Possum that Puissant Captain, Volo a resolved Commander, and the valiant Officer Malo, who would rather lose his life, than honour: These three in that encounter, besides the bruises that have made them many ways irregular, are for ever made uncapable of commanding more, having utterly lost their Imperative Mood. [ Lil.] Great pity truly. But who were losers in their Tenses? [ big.] A worthy Regiment, 2. In Tense. whose List I red, and well remember thus it did begin. Praeteritum fugiunt vergo, ambigo, glisco, fatisco. Yea, and all Passives, Commons, and Deponents, are glad to hobble with a wooden leg, borrowed of the Participle of the Preter-Tense, and the Verb Sum. [ Lil.] And who their Supines? 3. In Supines. [ big.] Almost a whole Brigade lost their Supines carelessly: By running openly on the Cannons mouth, under mad hopes of surprising the Artillery. As Lambo, mico micui, rudo, scabo,— Parco peperci would fain have been spared, but 'twould not do at first. Since, * Lib. 35. c. 4. Plinius, and Livius have made it full amends with † Ap. Vol. de An. l. 3. Parcitum est and Parsurus too. [ price.] Well, and you said the Passive voice was lost by some. [ big.] 4. In voice. Yes all the Neuters at one clap; except some six; who, in rei memoriam, desired the enemy to return the Passive Preter-Tense, that had been taken Prisoner, and take his Active in exchange: And 'twas agreed to pleasure him with a shilling for his twelve pence. So now they have it, and a nick-name to boot, Neuter-Passives. Besides these, that active spirit Facio, could but save it for his children; himself, as to a Passive voice, must be content with hoarsnesse all his dayes. [ Prisc.] Can any of you give us any further account? [ Taedet.] My charge lies specially Sir, among the Redundants, yet I could not but observe in the Defectives disorderly retreat, that baseness which it irketh me to report. How many Inceptives begun to treat their friends as foes; and having lost their own Preter-Tenses, plunder their Fellows to supply themselves. Whose lewd example was quickly followed by others lewdly given. For Mingo but turning to the wall, Borrowers of Preterperf. was robbed of Minxi by Meio. And whilst Sedeo sits him down to rest, Sido stolen Sedi from him. Nay many more such tricks were played. But, which is marvellous, Furo was so mad in wickedness, that though he saw me look upon him, yet by violence he dares to take Insanivi, a verbo ejusdem significati. [ Lil.] Ovid is but too true, of us, it seems, — Non hospes ab hospite tutus, Non socer a genero, fratrum quoque gratia rara est. But let us have your observation of the Redundants, and dispatch it briefly. [ Taed.] 3. Redundants I shall Sir, They were my Lords own lifeguard: Who, when the enemy was advancing to the Generals Post, not only by their valour did protect his person, but repulsed the enemy, and took rich booty from him. Whereon the General judged them( as indeed they were) worthy of his signal favour, which accordingly he vouchsafed to them. For whereas many of them were Moenial Servants, and some, Gentlemen of the Bed-Chamber unto Amo, as Coeno and Poto,( not without good reason too, for Sine cerere, & Baccho Venus alget) he granted to them and their fellows( wherein he knew he should for the future make them best amends for their bad Time-perfectly-past;) I say, he granted to them, constant, full double Commons. As, unto Coeno, besides his old dish Coenavi, Coenatus sum. So to Poto, over and above adry Potavi, Potatus sum: till they come to( that which follows next) Titubo, Titubavi, vel Titubatus. Others of them besides their own short Coat, were now made free of the long rob, which you must know, is no small honour to a soldier, though a greater pleasure to Ignoramus, 2. In Conjugation. who henceforth need not fear the quaintity in pronouncing them. But thus they are made capable Conjugio frui of other words in the third or fourth Conjugation either. As Morior, moreris, or moriris. So Potior, Orior, and the rest. Though the two last may trouble Dulman infinitely about the Infinitive Mood: which is only of the fourth. [ Lil.] Is there any yet remaining worthy of our further knowledge? [ Taed.] Nothing that comes to mind. 3. Regulars. For the Night came on so fast, that the Regular Regiment could not engage; and the Particles were contemned by the Enemy. [ Prisc.] So then, although there be sad shipwreck made, 'tis somewhat better yet than Tabula post naufragium. Pray, lily, gratify the Messengers for their faithfulness, and let them be discharged. [ Lil.] As were the former Messengers, so shall you, be honoured with a double Title. And therefore, by the Authority vested in Us, Immotum mancat: Taedet quod taeduit, & dat ●ortaesum: add Pudet faciens puduit, puditumque Atque Piget, tibi quod format piguit, big itumque [ Prisc.] Let them now be gone; unless you think it best to city the Generals hither first. [ Lil.] The best expedient doubtless. [ Prisc.] Then Pudet take our herald with you, and in our Names command both Amo and Poeta immediately to make their personal appearance before Us here. [ Pud.] Exeunt Taed. Pud. big. It shall be done, Sir. [ Prisc.] A difficult task it is, to repair the several losses, and to restore to every one his own. [ Lil.] Indeed impossible. And suppose 'twere feasible, I think it not advisable: For I take it as a ruled Case, that Sufferings for past miscarriages, are effectual means to prevent the like for future. [ Prisc.] I approve your judgement: And it shall suffice, only to kerb the insolency of those presumptuous Lords, and stop the evils further growth. [ Lil] I concur with you therein. [ Prisc.] Then Mr. Secretary draw up our sense, that it may be published. [ Lil.] But lo, they come, Sir. Enter, Poeta, and Amo with the Messenger, herald & his Man. PRisc.] Poeta, what fury seized on thee, to expose the public Interest of all Grammar to such dreadful hazards? [ Poeta] Most Noble Judges, I neither can excuse, nor will extenuate my heinous crime: but prostrate myself and mine affairs, most humbly at your feet. [ Lil.] Amo, what madness drove thee on an enterprise so contrary to thy Genius, who art wont to love, not hate, and so destructive to the Common Interest, whatsoe'er success should light? [ Amo] mere Guilt doth make me speechless. I submit me wholly to your censure. [ Prisc.] You both deserve the highest punishment, in just proportion to your foulest guilt. [ Poeta.] Most justly, Sir●. Our rashness, folly, madness, is so past excuse. Truth, Sirs, my vein lies only now, Palinodiam canere. [ Amo] For my part, Sirs, I was never less in the Imperative, and never more in the Optative Mood, than now. Utinam amâssem semper, odissem nunquam. [ Prisc.] But, Serò sapiunt Phryges. To prevent the like Extravagancies in time to come, It is decreed, The Sentence on the Generals. and our Sentence is, That neither of you shall be ever capable for the future, of subsisting in Oration by himself; but by sweet concord both together to complete the sense, and adorn discourse. [ Amo] I shall embrace the Sentence, Sirs, with all my heart. Vosque & illum nec non omnes Amo amabit in aeternum. [ Poeta] And Sirs, If e're Poeta start from thence, Let's Verses hobble without wit, or sense. [ Lil.] Since Peace is happily now concluded in the Common-wealth of Grammar, I think it most convenient, Priscian, if you concur therein, that Proclamation should be instantly made thereof; to the end all persons concerned in it, may have timely notice of the same. [ price.] I meant no less, good lily. Mr. Secretary, deliver our sense unto the herald, that he may proclaim it presently. [ A-Secretis] It is dispatched, Sir. Mr. herald, take it. Fecialis, Praeco, E Loco editiori. FEcial.] Praeco, make an Oiez. [ Praeco] Oiez, Oiez, Oiez. [ Fec.] Verba preunte, [ Praec.] Sic clamat. Whereas upon the late unhappy differences, much damage hath been done in Recte-loquendi-Provincia, partly by mutual violences from within itself, but chiefly from the rude incursions of its professed enemies, Barbarismus, Soloecismus, and their Complices; which evils are now prevented for the time to come, by an everlasting League of Amity, fully concluded betwixt the dissenting Parties. Be it declared therefore in the first place, That the said Peace is now completely ratified, and all hostilities utterly ceased, never more to be remembered in the Land of Grammar. And, Be it declared further, & Noverint universi per praesentes, That Ignoramus, cum Haggis & Hobgoblinis suis omnibus, who did infest the Province, is for ever, sine Baylo & Mainprizo, and without a Quare impedit, banished thence; and if returning, to be pursued per Hutesium & Clameum, with an Habeas Corpus, for the apprehending of him; that he may he punished a parte post, as one that maketh Routam & Riotam contra pacem & Statutum. And, Be it declared lastly, That for the ends now mentioned, A Book of Statutes, Anglicè, the latin Grammar, containing laws and Precepts, for due ordering the affairs of the whole Common-wealth, and of every particular Member thereof, is published by Authority. Which said Statute-Book all Officers, Ministers, and Persons whatsoever, but ESPECIALLY THE KNIGHTS OF THE MOST NOBLE ORDER OF THE FERULA, are desired, and required to put in Execution accordingly. VIVAT REX. Floreat Respublica Grammaticalis. Vos valet. FINIS. ERRATA. TItle, r.[ 〈◇〉] P. 12. l. 11. Marg. r.[ 5. Tetraptotes, and Pentapto●es.] P. 22. l. 3. r. [ Eldest]. P. 30. Marg. 1. [ Ap. Vos.] P. 34. l. 23. r. [ any thing.], &c.