The Enemy of Idleness: Teaching the manner and style how to indite, compose and write all sorts of Epistles and Letters: as well by answer, as otherwise. Divided into four Books, no less pleasant than profitable.  
Set forth in English by William Fulwood Merchant, etc.  
❧ The Contents hereof appear in the Table at the latter end of the Book.  
An Enemy to Idleness,  
A friend to Exercise:  
By practice of the prudent pen,  
Lo here before thine eyes.  
Imprinted at London by Henry Bynneman, for Leonard Maylard. ANNO 1568.   

To the right worshipful the Master, Wardens, and Company of the Merchant Tayllors of London, W. F. wisheth increase of worship with prosperous success and eternal felicity.  
THink not Appelles' painted piece, 
Appelles.   
ne yet Pygmalion's skill, 
Pygmalion's.   
In present volume here to view,  
fine fancies to fulfil.  
But rather think a homely work,  
whereat gros●e heads may grope:  
And find therein some needful thing,  
for their behoof I hope.  
Thus thinking, shall ye surely have,  
that which ye think to find:  
A work that may right well I trust,  
content the indifferent mind.  
And such a work as needful is,  
so doth experience prove,  
Wh●re urgent matters of our owns,  
or friends to write us move.  
As for example when our friend  
in any foreign land  
far distant is, and we desire  
to let him understand  
Of this or that, of wars, of peace,  
of strangie news or else  
Of other things that need requires:  
this work the practice tells,  
And shows by loving letter how  
the mind shall be discussed,  
What order, and what Method eke,  
therein observe we must.  
How to begin, how to proceed,  
and how the final end▪  
Must ordered be in each affair,  
to foe, or else to friend.  
So that observing of this work  
in every point throughout,  
A Letter, or Epistle well  
compose we shall no doubt.  
The use whereof so needful is,  
in uttering of our mind,  
That no wi●e we may want the same,  
as daily proof doth find.  
For why? by letter well we may  
communicate our heart  
Unto our friend, though distance far  
have us remould apart.  
By Letter we may absence make  
even presence for to be,  
And talk with him as face to face  
together we did see.  
By letter we may tell our joy,  
by letter show our grief:  
By letter from our friend thereof,  
we may receive relief.  
By letter what so heart can think,  
or what can head devise,  
To friend, or foe, the same we may  
present before his eyes.  
Our stéedeat home in stable stands,  
our purse also we spare,  
When loving letter trots between,  
and mind to mind declares.  
It blabbeth not abroad the hid  
and secret of our mind,  
To any one, save unto him  
to whom we have assigned.  
And look what so we charge it tell,  
it misseth not a jot:  
When messenger by word of mouth  
might hap forget his note,  
And either tell somewhat to much,  
or else leave some untold:  
Therefore the little Letter well  
to trust we may be bold.  
More might I prove in praise thereof,  
but sure it smally needeth:  
For very need itself the proof,  
in every brain now breedeth.  
Therefore although perhaps this work  
be not so finely penned,  
As such a matter might require,  
yet pardon do me lend.  
For know you sure, I mean not I  
the cunning clerks to teach:  
But rather to the unlearned sort  
a few precepts to preach:  
A needless thing of truth it were  
unto the body sound,  
To minister Physicians aid,  
where no disease is found.  
But if disdaining tongues do say,  
'tis proudly done of thee,  
To take in hand so great a thing,  
thou shouldest have let it be:  
That other some more learned head,  
or man of years▪ more grave,  
Might have depainted out the same  
with words both fine and brave.  
I'll say again it's better that  
the body should be fed  
With bread of Barley, than it should  
for lack of food be ded.  
So yet if Momus hap to mow.  
or Zoilus chance to chide,  
(Whose churlish checks each painful pen  
of force sometime must bide)  
Then to your worships I appeal,  
for just defence therein,  
Requesting that your lawful aid,  
and favour I may win.  
Which once obtained, I know right well  
Will fully countervail,  
The baseness of my simple Style,  
that else might hap to quail▪  
Through baneful bit of stinging tongues  
which never cease to clatter,  
In corners dark with deep despite,  
against each modest matter.  
Therefore I say your worship's aid,  
and patronage I crave,  
From rude and rank reproaches all  
this simple work to save.  
So shall you still encourage me  
to practise further pains,  
And pray for your prosperities,  
to him that rules and reigns  
In heaven above, where I do wish  
(when ye have run this race  
Of mortal life) your worships all  
to have a dwelling place.  Your worships. W. F.  

The books verdict.  

IF needless some do me suppose,  
The merchants answer here I crave:  
Yea let the Lawyer eke disclose,  
If he my help need not to have.   

What should I say? for well I know,  
That each degree doth me frequent:  
Both rich and poor, both high and low,  
Sometimes tell me their minds consent.   

But let the Lover chief of all,  
Whose heavy heart, and pinching pain,  
(I oft release from careful thrall)  
Now say, if that I be in vain.   

And if that each degree me use:  
Then me but love how can ye choose?    

¶ To the well disposed Reader.  
ALthough (gentle Reader) I know myself both in wit, learning, and years, to be far inferior unto divers other: yet in good will pardie to profit my native Country, I give place unto none: which will (together the slackness I perceive in many learned and wise) hath pricked me forward, though unlearned, according to that small talon that God hath lent me, to bring to light ●uch books, as in my judgement are both profitable, and needful for this our present time. Amongst which I here offer unto thine eyes this treatise, called The Enemy of Idleness: which I have so entitled, for that as well when urgent affairs require, as also at vacant times when leisure permitteth thee, (for the avoiding of Idleness, the capital enemy to all exercise and virtue) thou mayest occupy and practise thyself therein, taking pen in hand, and gratifying thy friend with some conceit or other: whereby thou shalt both purchase friendship, increase in knowledge and also drive away drowsy dumps and fond fancies from thy heavy head. Play not then the part of the foolish Nun: Reed not only Omnia probate, But also turn over the leaf and read Quod bonum est tenete. Peruse over with indifferency the whole work, and if there thou find any thing fault worthy, either gently correct the same thyself, or else friendly give me admonition of it, that I may amend it: For he that can make a fault, may perhaps also mend a fault. Always provided that thy judgement be not to curious, lest (stepping forth with Appelles) I say Ne suitor ultra crepidam. So doing thou shalt bind me to further travel, I trust for thy commodity. Farewell. * ⁎ *   

¶ The first book.  

Instructions how to indite Epistles and Letters▪ etc.  
THe ancient Poet Lucanus doth give us a very likely conjecture that the invention of Epistles and Letters, was first found forth in the City of Memphis, saying thus: Conficitur bibula Memphitis charta papyro. And to describe the true definition of an Epistle or letter, it is nothing else but an Oration written, containing the mind of the Orator or writer, thereby to give to understand to him or them that be absent, the same that should be declared if they were present, whereof there be three principal sorts, for some are addressed to our superiors, as to Emperors, kings, princes etc. Some to our equals as to Merchants, Burgesses, Citizens etc. Some to our inferiors, as to servants, labourers, etc.  
If we speak or write of or to our superiors, we must do it with all honour, humility & reverence, using to their personages superlative and comparative terms: as most high▪ most mighty, right honourable, most redowted, most loyal, most worthy, most renowned, altogether according to the quality of their personages. And it is to be noted that of superlative, comparative, positive or diminutive terms, we must use but three at once at the most.  
Note also that most commonly in Epistles & Letters, there be three necessary points. The first is the salutation of recommendation, which is made in sundry manners, according to the pleasure of the enditer, as may well be perceived by divers styles hereafter following.  
The second is the Subscription, which must be done according to the estate of the writer, and the quality of the person to whom we writ: For to our superiors we must write at the right side in the neither end of the paper, saying: By your most humble and obedient son, or servant, etc. And to our equals we may write towards the midst of the paper saying: By your faithful friend for ever. etc. To our inferiors we may write on high at the left hand saying: By yours etc.  
The third is the Superscription, which must be upon the back side, the letter being closed, sealed and packed up after the finest fashion, whereupon must be written his name to whom the letters should be addressed, & his dwelling place, (if it be not notoriously known) placing therewith the name of his dignity, Lordship, Office, Nobility, Science, or Parentage: And if we writ more than one, the chiefest and permanent dignities must be written first, than the consanguinity: and afterward the mutable dignity, as for example: To my Lord of such a place, my cousin, Master of the Requests of our sovereign Lord the King. If we writ to our Superior, we must use all honour and reverence without embezzling his name, as to the King our Sovereign Lord: To our reverend Father in God the Bishop of etc. To the high & mighty Lord, my Lord of, etc. To my Lord of, etc. If we writ to our equal, we must place in the superscription his name, and the name of his dignity or office, furnished with an honest and seemly positive or two at the most, correspondent to the manners and dignities of the person, as, to the right worshipful, such a one, Merchant & Citizen of London: To his most assured, (or trusty friend) such a one, etc. If we writ to our inferior, we may use in our superscription: To his loving son, such a one, etc. To his trusty servant, such a one, etc.  
It is to be noted, that it becometh not an inferior person, speaking or addressing his words to his superior, to speak nor write by the imperative, or commanding, as if one should say thus: Sovereign King, behold a valiant man, make him knight: Behold such a one, who is a good Clerk, give him a benefice: but with all humility we must say: worthy sovereign, I assure your majesty that he is an expert man, pleaseth it you to have him in remembrance: Such a one seemeth unto me to be very learned and skilful, it were a charitable deed of your majesty to provide for him, and therefore I am bold to commit him to your remembrance.  
If we address our speech to our equal, we must speak with a certain familiar reverence, using positive and comparative terms, and very few superlative, as wise, sage, honourable, worshipful, discrete, renowned, etc.  
If we speak to our inferior, we must use a certain kind of modest and civil authority, in giving them plainly to understand our intent and purpose. A Merchant having many servants, to his chiefest may speak or write by this term, you: but to them whom he less esteemeth, and are more subject to correction, he may use this term, thou, or otherwise at his discretion: Also a Father to his son may do the like.  
If Epistles or Letters should be written by fond, Lunatic, or folks without reason, to such manner of people it were were but simplicity to give instructions. Yet notwithstanding because that this place remaineth unfurnished, and for that Stultorum infinitus est numerus. I will declare something of that which I have seen and heard: For some write thus, Patrick Spendal, Prince of poverty: to his Gossip Geffrey Graceless, Doctor of Dronckenship sendeth greeting, etc.  
Before that we take in hand the material instruments wherewith to write an epistle or letter, we have to consider these points following: to wit, the estate, dignity, or quality of him unto whom we writ: whither he be a public person, or a private, whither he be rich or poor, a friend or an enemy: also whither he be well known unto us, or but little. There be some of so overthwart a nature, that they never take pleasure to read any thing that is written unto them, be the matter never so pleasant and merry: unto such it behoveth to write succinctly and briefly: But to them whom we know do take pleasure to read letters, we should, and may without danger write amply, properly and eloquently.  
When we writ to the spirituality, we must reverence them, & that by right: for such persons are called of God to high dignities: and if we request any thing at their hands, we must humble ourselves, giving them that honour and reverence which is justly due unto them. Yet we must warily take heed that we exalt them not to much & more than reason would permit, for so might we be noted of flattery and adulation, and they themselves also might therewithal justly be offended: therefore let us take heed that we writ not impudently or unadvisedly.  
But if we writ to our friend, we may make our Epistle or letter, long or short, as we shall think best, and as it shall be most delectable: For a friend taketh all things agreeably and in good part, and excuseth every thing that he may reasonably excuse, whereas the enemy contrariwise quickly reprehendeth and argueth, yea where there is no fault nor offence. And therefore he that writeth to his enemy, or to a person of small acquaintance, or where he doubteth will be small estimation made of his writing, he must wittily, and first of all declare that love is just or charitable for some honest cause, without vaunting himself, or speaking arrogantly, as to say, I would that you should understand what I am, etc. And then afterward to be brief and circumspect.  
And above all things we must take heed, that we writ not of higher matters, than our understanding or knowledge may comprehend: for thereby are fools known and manifested, even as they be that presume to dispute of things that either they understand not, or else have very little knowledge in them.  
Also we must not write to them that be simple and ignorant by terms that be strange & unknown, for so should they have just occasion to suspect that we deride and mock them.  
And in fine, retain this for a principal, that the fairest language that may be, is the common and familiar speech, and not that of rare and diffused phrases, or inkhorn terms skummed from the Latin, nor of to base terms & barbarous, or terms unknown except in certain places, for there is nothing more decent, than to keep a mean in all things, and nothing more sure than to swim between two Rivers, Name in medio consistit virtus. And as Horace saith.  
Est modus in rebus, sunt certi denique fines:  
Quos ultrà, citràque, nequit consistere rectum.  
A mean there is in matters all,  
and certain bonds are pight:  
On this side or beyond the which,  
nothing can stand that's right.  
Furthermore, it is to be considered, whether the matter that we writ off be honest, true, or such like: or whether it be slanderous, doubtful, obscure. etc. For if the matter of it self be honest & perfect, then needeth it but small persuasion: but if it be doubtful or obscure, it behoveth to make large and evident declaration: if it be slanderous or unhonest, then must be added thereunto agreeable remedies: as Terence doth, excusing dissolute persons, for he sayeth it is through negligence of their parents or for poverty, or by flattery. And so likewise he that would defend a thief, may allege that it was done through company & ill counsel, or through poverty, or that he was distracted of his wits. Whoso will more circumspectly and narrowly entreat of such matters let them read the Rhetoric of Master Doctor Wilson, or of Master Richard Rainolde.  
Moreover there be sundry other sorts of Epistles & Letters, for some are theological or of Divinity, as be the Epistles of Plato, of Denys, & of thapostles S Paul, S. Peter, S. james, and S. john: other some are of manners and virtues, as those of S. Augustine, S. Jerome, S. Ambrose, Seneca, Cyprian: and other some are of great importance, as of peace, war, and governance: other some of news: other of Recommendations: other of admonition: other of love, as be those of Ovid, and of Propertius: other of domestical familiarity: and other some are pleasant and joyful. But in this little volume we will only entreat of the most usual, and of some diffusedly, and the overplus shall remain to the imagination of gentle minds, who by the skill of their pen, were able to repair the whole ruin of Rhetoric, if there should happen any destruction or detriment.  
Every Epistle is either of Doctrine, of Mirth, or of Gravity. The Epistle of Doctrine is that wherein are expressed all good and evil things to them that be absent. That of Mirth is, which by pleasant, long, and familiar language, is made either to comfort, to rejoice, or to get the good will and benevolence of them whom we writ unto.  
And that of Gravity is, when the matter is moral or civil, etc.  
And all these three sorts do tend to their proper ends: For whosoever writeth of Doctrine, aught to have regard to this end & to profit and instruct them unto whom he writeth: he that writeth of mirth must tend to recreation and pastime, using joyful & merry language, pleasant speech & jests: he that entreateth of gravity must have respect to honour and profit.   

Example of an Epistle of Doctrine.  
THe Epistle of Doctrine may be certain, or doubtful in his substance: certain when we render a cause, reason, authority, or opinion of that which we writ: doubtful, when we leave the matter in suspense or not fully condescended upon, as if we should write thus: You have written unto me to certify you whether that sorcerers do use to ride upon a Byzom, and practise such other like trim trams. For answer: Seing that of many such like matters there be divers opinions, I leave the case even as it is: For in this matter & other of greater importance, wiser men than I do stand in doubt, I will hold my peace, and make you none other answer.   

Example of an Epistle of Mirth.  
AN Epistle or Letter of mirth, must be indited with pleasant language, as to say thus: For news in these quarters you shall understand that one of our neighbours is lately returned from Turkey, and hath told me for a certainty that the great Turk doth altogether wallow in worldly pleasures, wherein he setteth his whole felicity. And amongst other his pastimes he delighteth in Singing and Musicians, whom at the beginning of Winter he sendeth into a certain country so cold, that their voices and tunes assoon as they are out of their mouths do incontinently remain altogether frozen until such time that the Winter be paste: And then when the Spring time approacheth, this great Turk accompanied with the Ladies and Damsels of his Country, causeth sundry great feasts and banquets to be made, remaining there till the Sun war warm. And then begin the voices and tunes of the year past, to unfryse and thaw, resounding very melodiously in the Air throughout the whole Country, etc.,   

Example of an Epistle of Gravity.  
AN epistle of Gravity, as is before said, must be of Moral or Civil matter, tending to honour: as to say thus. Sir, seeing that the public weal is to be preferred before particular profit, how can we honestly refuse this combat? And if for the maintaining of the faith of jesus Christ against the Turk, we ought to spare neither body nor goods: what may be said of the refusal, delay, or subtle reasons, but that we be cowards, traitors, wicked heretics, and worthy of perpetual reproach? For my part I will rather quite abandon and put all in danger, than otherwise: The which I also request and counsel you to do, to the end that we may get everlasting honour, etc.   

The Division of an Epistle or Letter.  
IT is to be noted that every Epistle containeth three parts, even as an Argument doth, which consisteth of the Mayor, the Minor, and Conclusion, which the Orator's ●all the cause, the intent, and the consequence: The cause is in place of the Mayor, which moveth or constraineth us to write to an other, willing to signify unto him our mind: The intent is in stead of the Minor, whereby we give him to understand what our mind is by Epistle or letter. The consequent or conclusion is of itself sufficiently known.   

The first style or manner wherein the Cause is specified.  
Sir you have written unto me, and desired me that I would lend you, & send you by your lackey, this bearer, one of my books for your recreation and pastime. And because that I know the great affection and desire of you, by your Epistle so eloquently composed and indited, I therefore am constrained, and (by your letters full of humanity) compelled to make you answer as one, who altogether is determined to show you pleasure to lend, and send you the book that you demand: for in so doing I hope that (In casu simili vel maiori,) you will answer me according to my desire, which may engender between us not only a mutual love, but also a perpetual benevolence, and a continual good will.  
The three foresaid parts must be in every Letter and Epistle, either covertly or plainly. And a man may also add to other necessary and superabundant clauses, every thing in as brief order as may be, and according as the cause requireth & importeth: & it is not needful always to write the cause, but it is requisite to write the intent, & the consequence or conclusion, for the consequence dependeth of the two first the which must be very much either persuading or dissuading.  
He that can artificially and workmanlike handle an Epistle, may begin with the intent, afterwards tell the cause, & end with the consequence: or begin with the consequence, after declare the intent, and then the cause, ordering the whole matter as unto himself shall seem best & most decent.   

The second Style, wherein the Cause is first, afterward the Intent, and then the Conclusion.  
THe thing which God and Nature would principally should be desired with most hearty affection, 
The Cause.  and the which I perceive to be imprinted in myself more than any other thing, (my singular and perfect friend,) is to know, to learn, and to practise all honesty and humanity. 
The Intent.  And because that above all Orators writing of humanity, the sentences of Tully are preferred, and because that he is esteemed of all men the Prince of eloquence, (yet notwithstanding partly unknown in these quarters,) and notoriously manifested at Paris, the Fountain of Science, therefore have I thought good to write unto you, 
The Conclusion.  as to him whom I account my singular friend, requesting you above all the pleasures that you desire to do me: and also that you hope (as I may imagine) that it may be the cause to erect & make me a man of understanding, that it would please you to send me the book of Tully. And in sending, I will not forget the recompense of your humanity, which shall not be defrauded of me through ingratitude, etc.   

The third Style in this order, the intent, the Cause, and the Conclusion.  
I Would, 
The Inteut.  dear friend, that you took as great pleasure to lend me the Paradoxes of Cicero, as I desire to have them of you, and thoroughly to peruse them over by continual reading, but I have always deferred to demand them of you, because they were needful for you in your ordinary lectures. 
The Cause.  Notwithstanding for that I am now advertised that your lecture hath taken end, to your great honour & good renown, I suppose that the book is out of your service, together also as I understand, it is more corrected than any other. For this cause I request you to send it me: 
The Conclusion.  the which I hope you will easily perform. And so doing I shall acknowledge the good will which you bear unto me, in sending me the book which perchance you love best, & whereof it may be that you have most need: And shallbe bound to lend you what soever you shall demand me according to my possibility. Promising moreover both my se●e and goods at your commandment, etc.   

The fourth Style in this order, the Conclusion, the Cause, and the Intent.  
YOu should do me a great and singular pleasure, 
Conclusion.  yea and also should bind me for ever, if it would please you to agree to my request, the which is nothing prejudicial unto you, and unto me very necessary and profitable: 
Cause.  It is to lend me your book of Rhetoric, for many times when I talk or declare a matter to the end to persuade, or dissuade or otherwise, I perceive myself so naked and unfurnished of terms and phrases for the purpose, and such as I accustomably use, I apply them so ill, that everyone is weary, and ceaseth to give ear unto me, for the discord of my speech. But if any do tarry to hear the end, they be either poor ignorant women, or else such as deride me, to my shame, confusion, & great dishonour. 
Intention.  Therefore I am constrained humbly to require you, that it would please you to lend me your book of Rhetoric, for to have thereof the copy, to the end that I may avoid such inconvenience, which happeneth unto me through the fondness and abuse of my language.  
Here is to be noted that the conclusion is made but in three sorts only: to wit by Amplification and enlarging, by commiseration and pity, or by epilog and brief rehearsal.  
By Amplification, as inducing laughter, or joy: by commiseration, as in moving to pity & pardon: by epilog, as in collecting briefly together that which hath been amply and at large declared in the Epistle before, 
Why the epilog is made.  especially when it containeth many & long parts: And the epilog is made to the end the Readers or the hearers be not defrauded of the purpose & conclusion. But this is more decent & convenient in Epistles, than in Letters, for letters ought to be brief and short.  
And yet because this place shall not be left darkly & obscurely, I will give more ample intelligence of commiseration, amplification, epilog, & also of demonstration.  
Commiseration must be made of sweet, pitiful, & humble language, like to a Comedy, & must be brief, for it is enough if a man do but somewhat move the Audience to pity: as to say thus with humble modesty: would to God, right worshipful, that I had wept to you, & not have provoked you to weep: for with great pain can I scarce utter one only word of mine intent, through the abundance of tears which my heart causeth to distill from mine eyes, etc.  
Amplification is made, when for to move the Audience to honest mirth & sometimes to indignation, or sometimes to pity, there is spoken in augmenting the terms of the Conclusion, something for to increase the terms & phrases: as to say thus, Right honourable, I advertise you that the cause appertaineth to God, and to men of great authority. Also, if you will not accept this charge you refuse a great goodness and honour which God doth send you.  
The epilog by nature should be brief, and is made always at the end of the discourse, when briefly and in sum, the reasons, & arguments in divers places dispersed, are reduced together to be the better fixed and imprinted in the memory of the Audience, as to say, Right honourable, and worshipful, what will you that I say unto you? I have first told you such a thing, and such a thing, etc. and have proved it by such reasons, etc.  
The conclusion demonstrative is made, as if a man should say thus: For the excellent beauties of women which are of such Angelical shape, having the book of such ardent livelihood, and the speech so gracious, do passingly enamour the minds of men.  
Furthermore it is to be noted that divers Epistles may begin with a perfect sentence, authority, or common proverb: provided that it be altogether agreeable to the purpose that we intend to persuade or dissuade: as for Example.   

Denys the tyrant, writeth to the Burgesses of Naples.  
Whosoever denieth his sovereign that which justly to him is due, 
A Confirmation.  is altogether unexcusable: For the sovereign Lord may and aught for the affairs of him and his country demand aid of his subjects, for to conserve them in peace, seeing that for them he daily hazardeth himself in a thousand perils of death. 
another Confirmation which is in form of the Minor.  Now so it is that I have demanded of you an hundredth thousand ducats, and ten thousand men, for to make war upon the king of Chipre: which demand you would not, or else have disdained to understand, 
Two other reasons, confirming and augmenting that which goeth before.  much less to accomplish: 1 weighing then the oath that you made unto me, I thought you would have kept promise and fealty: 2 & considering also that you are not ignorant of the great necessity that I have both of men & money, for the which I have often summoned and required you. Therefore seeing your infidelity and rebellion, 
Conclusion.  I account you as enemies, and have determined to extend upon you mine indignation and cruelty, even to the abandoning and ransacking of you and your City, by fire and sword, and general pillage of all your goods without any favour or pardon, the which thing you might have avoided by love, fidelity, and obedience.   

An answer to the same in like manner and form.  
THe Law of impossibility is so great, most high and redoubted sovereign, that thereby every man ought to be, and is lawfully excused and free of all somoning and request: 
The Minor.  for there as is not wherewithal, neither dominion nor payment taketh place: according to the common proverb, 
A proverb.  where nothing is to be had, the King loseth his right. And as long as we had wherewithal, our good will, and loyal courage hath always obeyed you, plainly manifesting unto you our fidelity and obedience, even to the very consummation of our goods, and slaughter of the strong men, and youth of our City: in such sort that now we have nothing remaining unto us, 
The Conclusion.  but only the good will: Beseeching you most humbly to mitigate, and assuage your anger and fury, considering the great pity and poverty of us.  
Note that in all Letters, 
A three fold consideration to be had in all Letters.  or in most part of them three things ought to be observed: To wit, that the demand be just, that it be possible, and to show the possibility, assigning the reward of the benefit: & if these things be not expressly set, then are they understanded. For if a poor man write unto a rich, to lend him money, it is not needful to declare his demand to be just, nor to declare his possibility: but it sufficeth to praise the rich man of his virtue & liberality, whereby he helpeth the poor which are succourless.  
Also he that demandeth to bind himself, needeth not to speak of the reward of the pleasure, nor likewise when the Father writeth to his son, or the Master to his servant, nor when a man writeth to his friend.  
And here are to be noted four things which let & hinder the demandant from being granted. 
4. things to be noted.   
The first is to demand a thing to great & more than a man aught wherefore saith Cato, Quod justum est petito, ask thy duty and no more.  
The second is the time: as to demand ye in summer, or that one should pay an obligation, or rent before the time be expired.  
The thrd is the place: as if my debtor should owe me. x. pound, to be paid in Paul's Church, & I should demand it of him in Westminster Hall.  
The fourth is the cause: as to demand that which hath been promised, notwithstanding any thing that is done or said within the certain time, & that it be not satisfied. As for Example: O Lord Christ I ought to have and possess heaven, I am a Christian, I crave it of thee: truly (he will say) I have given thee heaven, if it be so that thou accomplish the will of my Father which is in heaven.  
Moreover if it happen that in Letters it be needful to make parts anb divisions, let it be done with brevity: and likewise if there be a Narration, as of news from the court, or of wars, it must be dispatched very briefly, & plainly, in using common terms, without long clauses or parentheses.  
Thus having now declared & set forth at large most part of the necessary precepts, which belong to the well composing and enditing of Epistles and Letters, (I say necessary, for if a man should make & compose an Epistle well either in English or in any other language, it were good to have the perfect understanding of all the rules both of Gramar & Rhetoric:) presently shallbe described the Style and form of certain letters. And first when one man writeth for an other, commending him, to the end he might obtain some dignity or preferment: & such a letter must contain four parts.  
The first way to get benevolence is in praising of him unto whom we writ, for his liberality, his bountifulness, his justice, his virtue etc.  
The second way to purchase benevolence unto him for whom we writ, is to say that he is modest, gentle to every one, & a man not void of knowledge.  
The third is, to make the demand honestly & modestly, which must be devoid of the four lets and impediments whereof we lately made mention: and in so doing, that it be just, honest, facile, and for the which he unto whom we writ may have either honour or profit by granting it.  
The fourth, to promise him all service and perpetual obedience, saying that what soever is demanded for and in the favour of such a man, is esteemed as though it were for ourself: as in this Example.   

A Letter written to the King, in favour of one pretending the order of knighthood.  
IT behoveth me not (most Christian King) to write familiarly to your sacred Majesty, for so might I be noted of presumption and ●olish hardiness, but considering your benignity and humanity, whereby you give favour and supportation even unto them that have fully deserved it and unto strangers: For this cause therefore I have taken audacity to write unto you under hope to obtain that which I earnestly and most humbly require. It is in the behalf of such a one, a man both wise & valiant, whereof I attest unto you by the knowledge that I have had of long time, that his name, arms, and high prowess are approved of all people, in such sort that (none dispraised) he ought to have the praise and price above all. It is well known (worthy sovereign) what enterprises, deliberations, and subtleties in the feats of wars, he used at the expedition against the Turks and Infidels, especially at the voyage of, etc. where he carried away the honour, by the report of men of good reputation and credit that were there present: as namely of such a one, and such a one. He is now determined & even ready to departed homewards: But for the great affection that he hath to serve your majesty (as he promised me) he would very gladly by you be made Knight, and hath requested me to write for him. And because that I consider his demand to be just, and very honest, and that it is very decent and convenable, that he should be preferred in honour, as one that hath rightly deserved no less, with great pain and travail of his body, and that this shall be an occasion giving to other good & valiant, hardy Champions to serve you always better and better, waiting for such like or better reward. Therefore do I humbly beseech you to have him in remembrance: Promising your majesty, that aswell I, as he and his, will render you immortal thanks, beseeching God to maintain & preserve you in your triumphant & quiet reign.  
Note that we are not accustomed to speak by thou, nor thee, as divers other nations whom we call strangers and barbarous people do, except it be in some respects: whereby is easily perceived the love, the gentle nature, humanity, courtesy, reverence, & honour that we have and bear one to an other: yea even in writing & speaking to our enemies, and strangers. Notwithstanding I will not take in hand to restrain any man by rule or otherwise, to use either you, or thou, seeing that already many good Orators have used those terms, as they have thought best: observing as I may rightly conjecture, the perfection of the Latin tongue. And likewise the Emperor, the King, the judge, & such other personages, although their person be singular, yet they use these terms, we say, we wil etc. And the cause is for that they neither say nor do any thing without counsel. Because therefore that our elders & betters have so used them, & that they have been so observed time out of mind & together also for other reasons, I leave them to the judgement of such as have desire further to search and find out the causes of things: for I intent to be brief.   

How to write in a man's behalf, for a Civil cause.  
WRiting in a civil cause, we must divide our Letter into four parts: First to get the benevolence of him unto whom we writ, by praising of his justice, or other virtue, agreeable to the thing that we would obtain of him: saying that the good hope that we have to obtain the thing that we demand of him, doth move us to write unto him. Secondly, to purchase good will unto him for whom we writ. Thirdly, to get benevolence through the just cause of the thing whereof we entreat: saying that it is rightful, easy, plain and profitable, and that thereof may ensue great honour, profit and praise. Fourthly, to open the demand, requesting that he for whom we writ may be had in remembrance, in promising our service, etc.   

The Example.  
THere is in you so great equity of justice, (right excellent and sovereign judge) that it is manifestly known not only unto me, but also to the whole country: in such sort that every one may safely without any advocate, commit his just cause into your hands, how poor soever the man be, all fear, favour, or disdain cast aside etc. For this cause, and for the mutual love betwixt us: good & steadfast hope doth encourage me to write unto you in the behalf of one of my friends, unjustly oppressed by his adversary, trusting that you will preserve unto him his right. For I advertise you (my Lord) that he for whom I writ unto you, is my ancient and special friend and agreeable to all men through his wisdom and gentleness, yea and by his virtues getteth the love & good will of every one. And because he hath before you my Lord, certain process, of divers wrongs & vexations done unto him by his adversary, as he hath informed me, therefore hath he requested me to write unto you in his behalf, hoping that by this means, you will be unto him a just and favourable judge. For this cause, & for that he is my very singular friend, & also for that I would show him any service or pleasure that I were able, I most earnestly & heartily beseech you to have him in remembrance for this & other his affairs, & process depending before you. And in so doing, my lord, he hath promised me to be your perpetual servant & daily Orator, praying to God for you & all your friends, & so will all they do that love him, whereby you shallbe prayed for and praised amongst many good & worthy men, of whom he hath always the familiarity & good acquaintance   

How to write in ones behalf for an Offence or criminal Cause.  
IN a criminal cause or just excuse the Letter must be divided into four parts. First to get benevolence by expressing the uncorruption and equity of the judge to whom we writ: And as for the offender, to write that he hath always loathed & abhorred such a crime whereof he is accused or noted, & that case may simply be aggravated, howbeit without excusing any thing at al. Secondly, we must say that although we never thought to have written of any such matters, yet we were moved thereunto considering the commodity & profit either public or private or the miserable pity of him for whom we writ, who in all other matters was of good conversation, in whose person was never found any other notorious fault, alleging his virtues & diligence: & consequently, saying that the man is to be regarded and not the voice. Thirdly to commit to memory the praises of the accused, recounting his virtuous acts & good graces. Fourthly, to promise that he will no more do any such thing, but that from thenceforth he will exercise all virtuous acts, offering all service etc.   

Example.  
I Know for a certainty (most uncorruptible judge) that you have always hated, abhorred, and had in abomination all sorts of malefactors and evil persons, correcting them, and ministering upright justice, as much as in you is possible, especially such as through impiety are wilful murderers of their parents, kinsfolks or neighbours. And for my part (most worthy and rightful judge) I do not only require to flee their company, but also detest their cruelty, in such sort (that it is contrary to all humanity and to the public weal) that I desire their banishment, imprisonment, or punishment with sharp justice. And although I have been instantly desired to write unto you in the behalf of such a one, who (as it is said) hath committed such a fact etc. & is detained in your prisons in danger of his life, as I am advertised: although also I thought the request reasonable, yet would I hot in any wise have written unto you (right honourable judge,) for so slanderous a matter, had I not been provoked thereunto by the consideration of the virtues which I know to be in him, in such number that it were to long to recite them. I assure you (my Lord judge) that this evil excepted (if an evil it may be called, being done in a man's own defence, as I am informed) he hath always showed himself an honest man, were it for the defence of the town, or to maintain justice, wherein he hath not spared his body, goods, counsel nor friends. And when there hath been any good act in hand, to apprehend the body of any offender, there hath been no man more hardy, nor that without fear hath more freely ventured himself in danger, whereby yet many wounds and scars are apparent in him. And I ensure you (my Lord) that there is no lamb more gentle than he, nothing more peaceable than he is: And there is in this Town none more valiant, hardy, nor honester man, without dispraising any. My Lord, I consider that for such a case happened by fortune (as this is whereof I entreat) so many virtues which are in the man of whom I writ unto you, ought not to be quenched, requiring of their own nature favour of grace and just supportation. Therefore I beseech you (my Lord judge) to whose pity and benignity I intend to direct this Letter, and not to your severe justice, that it would please you not to have so much regard to this pitiful chance suddenly happened, but that above all you might have regard to his youth already wise, sage, and so full of virtue, that he is beloved of many good men, for that he never offended but in this matter, and is well willing to amend, and never to return to any such fault: Pleaseth it you therefore to deliver him: whereof I humbly beseech you, to the end that he may yet again hazard himself, his body, and his goods, in each just quarrel.   

How to request the counsel of an Advocate.  
TO demand favour in any thing that is called an uncororall benefit, as doctrine, counsel, etc. First of all we must divide the letter into four parts: The first containeth that he of whom we demand, hath power to give that which we would request of him, for by that means he shall not excuse himself by impossibility. Secondly, to show the demand to be just & honest, to th'end that he excuse not himself, saying that he would do it gladly if the demand were just. Thirdly, to make the demand, declaring itself to be facile & easy. Fourthly, to promise gold, silver, or other thing, & perpetual service etc. And upon this point it is to be noted that in this kind of style and sundry other sorts of supplications and demands, we must use humble language, as much as may be: For humble speech is a great persuasion to obtain that which we require and demand.   

The Example.  
THe Incredible Eloquence that is in you (right worshipful Advocate) shineth in such sort, that there are no Orators in judicial acts to be compared unto you: which thing giveth me steadfast hope, that if it would please you to take the charge of my cause and to conduct it, I should come to such end as my heart desireth. The quarrel that I have is just, and begun against such a one, mine adversary, who through deceit and cavilation, hath induced me to make a bargain with him very troublesome & hurtful for me, whereof I have been dismissed by the King in his Chancery, as you may perceive by the specialties which are in my bag. Therefore have I this recourse unto you, trusting of your good counsel and that you will speak boldly for me before the judges, to sustain my good right, whereof I presently writ unto you, hoping that you will willingly employ yourself thereunto, after that you have understanded the matter at large, wherein I have just cause, although the adversary party say the contrary. And in so doing as my special trust is, and (as I humbly beseech you) I will promise to recompense you with honest and lawful reward, the which I will pay you largely, liberally, and incontinently at your pleasure. And so shall you also have my aid in your affairs and business, and command me as your humble servant to accomplish the full content of a good heart, to the pleasure of our Lord etc.   

How to answer in such a like matter.  
IN the answer of a matter called an uncorporal benefit, that is to say of Doctrine or counsel, the division must be made into three parts. First, to get benevolence: declaring that for the love that we bear unto him, we do gently agree unto his demand. Secondly, we must make offer of that which is demanded and required, and of other greater matters, in purchasing good will on the other side. Thirdly, we repeat the offer by enlarging & amplifying of services, & that we desire nothing more than to do him service, & that we will therein do so well that he shall have occasion to hold himself contented.   

The Example.  
I Have received the letters which it pleased you to write unto me (my singular & perfect friend) by the which I perceive the desire, affection, & confidence that you have in me, concerning the guiding of your cause, & the matter of the allowing of the king's letters, obtained for you against such a one etc. I advertise you, that not only for the good & just action that you have in this matter, whereunto every virtuous man ought to show favour: but also for the singular love from the time of our youth mutually considered, (my dear friend) I accord unto you, not only for the which you require me, but also for all other favour & service, even as one friend ought to do unto an other. In such sort that you shall not perceive in me any sign of appearance to refuse that labour. For I will wholly & altogether endeavour myself for you in this affair, even as for mine own: yea you shall understand (God to friend) that I will do more & better therein than I am able presently to speak or write. Certifying you (my singular friend) that I am ready to fulfil your desire & commandment, whereunto soever it shall please you to assign me, and that nothing shall more rejoice me, than to perceive by you to have done any thing that doth please and content you. etc.   

How to thank an Advocate for a cause by him conducted.  
TO render thanks for an uncorporal benefit, it behoveth to divide the letters into four parts. First to get benevolence showing that we know not how to begin to render him condign thanks, by reason of our insufficiency. Secondly, the benevoleuce must be consented upon the thing: for we must say, that it is very commodious & profitable for us. Thirdly, we must render thanks after the best manner that may be, declaring all due recompense, & offering ourselves. etc.   

The Example.  
I Know not (right wise and learned Advocate) by reason of the smallness of my understanding, how I might express or write the form to render you condign thanks and worthy praise, for the benefit that I have received of you: in that you have not only with a good will taken the charge to conduct and follow my process, whereof I wrote unto you, but briefly have made expedition therein to my profit, with such apparent diligence, that you are greatly to be commended, and unto you belong immortal thanks & praises, over & besides my recompense & rewards. What greater joy could come unto me, than to be out of care and trouble which I was in for this process, considering the torment & wrong that mine adversary offered, & would have done unto me: whereof your careful diligence hath delivered me, made me joyful & quiet? this considered, I know not how I may worthily reward you, which notwithstanding I desire to the uttermost of my power. Now seeing that I esteem the goodness which I have received of you to be perpetual and immortal, reason would that I should render you perpetual and immortal thanks, which is impossible for me: therefore because I can not do it, I offer you my body & goods, myself & mine to remain to you in continual service. etc.   

How to request a Corporal benefit.  
AS concerning the manner how to demand corporal things, as a book, a horse, or such like, the Letter must be divided into four parts. First, we must get the good will of him to whom we writ▪ by praising his liberality, and principally of the power & authority that he hath over the thing that he is demanded. Secondly, we must declare our demand & request to be honest & necessary, & without the which we cannot achieve to our determinate end & purpose. Thirdly, that the request is easy to be granted, considering his ability, and that in a more difficil thing, his liberality is ordinarily expressed. Fourthly, to promise recompense, as gold, silver, or some kind of service.   

¶ The Example.  
I Have known of long time (most renowned Doctor) your zeal towards the poor lovers of learning & knowledge, which you manifest by imparting to them, not only your Doctrine most effectuously & with good courage, but also do not spare to distribute even to the unknown your temporal faculties, wherein you show your wisdom and worthiness, getting thereby praise in the world, divine grace, & innumerable merits. You know (right skilful Doctor) that I have a long time sailed in the deep sea of Theological faculty, ordinarily hearing your sacred Lectures, but the want of books doth much hinder me from profiting in that faculty, and I have no assured recourse, saving to your liberality, without the which I should be constrained to frustrate mine endeavour, & to abandon my study. The matter is not greatly difficile unto you to aid me in this my great affair & urgent necessity, no more than to will, & may: for you have in like manner kept divers other from falling down, & have erected them to high dignity. For this cause I beseech you to lend me your book of Sentences, that I may escape the perils of divers uncertainties & dark ignorances: & in so doing I will not show myself ungrate towards you, in ministering such thanks & service as for me is possible   

How to answer, granting a Corporal benefit.  
HE that will decently answer Letters requiring a corporal thing, must divide it only into three parts. First, to get the good will, declaring unto him to whom he writeth, that he is affected to please him and to do him service. Secondly, it shall be good somewhat to praise the gift & grant without boasting or vainglory, declaring that it is not only done for that the grant is profitable, but for that he perceiveth that such a grant is acceptable and pleasant unto him to whom he writeth, and that therefore he desireth to do it for him. Thirdly, in offering the gift or grant, he declareth himself to be ready to do any thing that he knoweth might pleasure him.   

The Example  
THe Letters that I have lately received from you (my singular & perfect friend) have given me great joy and spiritual recreation: for amongst the cares and weighty business wherewith you know that I am ordinarily occupied, I take pleasure and consolation to hear of your news, & chief that you should be studious, to the end you might attain to the perfection of a skilful and learned man, which thing I conjecture will come to pass, for I see few that in studying are more diligent than you, wherein you employ yourself by continual vigilation, not losing one Lecture nor disputation. You writ unto me that I should send you my book of Sentences: and seeing the earnest affection that you have to profit in learning, as you have written unto me, I do easily and with a good will condescend unto you, and favouring your request I send you by this bearer the said book, to the end that having received it, you may study at your pleasure and for your profit: which shall be greatly to my contentation, especially if God so grant that I may once see you a worthy doctor in the faculty. And I instantly desire you that if in any other matter you have need of any thing that I may help you withal, that you would not spare me, but command it, and by God's grace I will acomplish it with a good will. etc.   

How to give thanks for a Corporal gift received.  
TO render thanks for the gift of a corporal thing received, the letters must be divided into three parts. First to get benevolence by reason of the thing given. Secondly, to get benevolence by reason of ourself, saying that we have neither wit strength nor goods, nor any other thing sufficient to answer unto the gift, & the good will. etc. Thirdly, to render thanks in the best sort that we can: offering all things at his commandment. etc.   

The Example.  
COnsidering with myself your great liberality (right honourable Doctor) and weighing the magnificence of the gift which it hath pleased you to impart unto me, I know not (as one altogether abashed) what thing I either might or aught to do: For if I should not render you great thanks for the good turn that you have done me, I were worthy to be noted of to much ingratitude: or if I should take upon me to thank you, all my words would not be able to suffice that which my heart willeth & desireth: whereupon I should by good right be reprehended of ignorance. This notwithstanding (worthy Doctor) though I can not set forth in effect, that which with a good heart I would, for the which I hold myself bound unto you, let it suffice for this present the I confess neither to possess nor have any thing which is thank worthy, save only the good will, which with his small power doth most humbly thank you. Doing you to understand, that as long as I shall live I will remember your benevolence & liberality, wherein I will employ my prayers to pray unto God for your good prosperity and health, for I know none other thing wherein I might better profit you: But if God so provide for me hereafter that I may, you shall find me ready to employ myself for you, even as I know and confess, that you have used your liberality towards me. etc.  
Here are to be noted six considerations of thanks giving, which may take place as well in the judicial gender as in the deliberative: for thanks giving is a kind of recompense: That is to wit, we must consider the benefit and thing given, him that giveth it, the time, the quality, the value that is demanded, and the authority of him that demandeth, together with the faculty of him that is demanded. Concerning the gift or benefit, there is to be considered whether it be great or small sumptuous or painful, private or common, easy or difficult, much or little, good or bad. As touching him that giveth, there is to be considered his liberality, & custom of giving. Also for the time, whether we have extreme necessity, & that none other of our friends either did it not, or knew it not, could not or would not do it, and that without hope of succour as a chance unlooked for, he did us that benefit. And as for the quality, whether he did it for our profit or his own, whether by fortune or of set purpose, whether liberally or by constraint, or otherwise. As concerning the value, it is by comparison, as to consider what it is that is demanded, how much, considering also the comparison of that which is given, and of that which is demanded. And as touching the authority, is to be considered what manner of persons they be which demand, for what cause: there is likewise to be considered the faculty of him that is demanded, as also the faculty of the recompense. Moreover it is to be considered & noted, that he which demandeth recompense hath three common places. The first is Amplification of the benefits & good turns that he hath done, of the pains & losses that he hath had in doing him good & serving him, & then adnichilating and counting nought worth any reward that he hath had, as to say thus: I have served you at mine own proper costs, I have consumed my youth I have destroyed myself for you and yet have I been nothing recompensed. The second by comparison as thus: You have heretofore done me some pleasure, but that doth nothing approach, nor is not worthy to be compared to the benefit that I have done you. The third is by remonstration, as for to say thus: do you well understand that from henceforth there is no man that will do you service, nor keep promise except you satisfy me, & therefore if you do not, I will declare it unto every one. Now he that will deny such benefits done, or at lest not recompense them, may aid himself by the three reasons aforesaid in confuting them: first by Amplification, saying thus: A man ought not to give unto wicked persons any good or excellent recompense, for the pains of a villain are to be made no account upon. By comparison, saying: If any by their virtues have had any benefit, the other vicious may not look to have like pre-eminence. By remonstration, in declaring that the men are more covetous of money than of virtue, & that for a man's money he may always have servants more in number, than virtuous. Moreover recompense or remuneration is made in three sorts, by will, by word, and by deed. By will when the faculty, the time, and opportunity are not: and yet there remaineth in the man a perpetual memory of the good deed which he hath received, and would gladly render pleasure for pleasure, or better. By word, when in giving thanks for the good turn which hath been done unto us, we bind ourselves to do all service to our benefactor. By deed, when beside the thanks of words, we recompense the benefactor with goods, with gifts, with service, with mutual love: or at the least by offering to satisfy.  
Thus much have I thought necessary to be expressed in this place, and now it is time to enter into the style of Missive Letters under the demonstrative gendre.   

How to write under the demonstrative gender, in the praise of some body.  
TO write in the praise or commendation of any man, in such a respect the Letter must be parted and divided into three parts. First, to declare the insufficiency of our wits, as not able to describe the virtues, merits, and praises, which belong unto him for whom we writ, the which we must say doth surmount all eloquent Rethorik, or other manner of writing. Afterward must be expressed some excuse or cause which moved us to write. Secondly, we must begin to declare one of the virtues of him whom we would praise, and consequently with other general causes, saying that of such virtues & greater, he hath such number that we were scarce able to recite them in many days. Thirdly, that those things which we have written are but small matters in comparison of those that we might write & that it is no flattery nor adulation which we writ, etc.   

The Example.  
ALthough (right honourable Lords) I have taken upon me a thing very unfit for my rude and small understanding, that is to express by my letters unto you noble Lords, the praises and noble virtues of N. which are such and in so great number, that I know not at which of them to begin, for the least which is not little, surmounteth all manner of writing, & that such a parsonage can not be counted to much worth, nor be to much extolled & magnified: This notwithstanding according to my simple and rude manner of writing: I have ventured to write unto you of his most worthy praise. In the first place, I promise you, and assure you that amongst the noble, expert, valiant and hardy men, he hath always been the chief: for if there be question of worthiness as well of body as at weapon, if there be question of strength, and there withal of warfaring prowess, be it on foot or on horseback, alone or in company, at an assault or in a garrison, or if I should speak of Doctrine both moral & politic, yea or divine, in all these and such other things, he as it were a very mirror and spectacle: amongst birds he is an Eagle, amongst fish 〈◊〉 Dolphin, and amongst men a very Hercules. For counsel of the City and politic affairs there is not his like, who is (and will be) to your City no small adornment, whereby you shall get great renown, and strangers the light of most evident example. And because that my to rude understanding knoweth not the manner how to write the tenth part of his virtues, and that my letter shield be to long and tedious, it may please you to be content at this present with this small writing: for I do determine to write unto you an other time more largely, & what soever I writ it shall be nothing but mere truth, devoid of all feigning and flattery: & I advertise you (my Lords) that so much the more you shall know him, so much the more will you commend, praise, honour, and esteem it a great benefit to have had the ●●●●ledge, acquaintance, service, aid, support, familiarity, friendship confederation, alliance, recourse, & company of such a parsonage etc.   

How to write under the Demonstrative gender, blaming or dispraising another.  
TO write in the dispraise of a man we must divide our letter into three parts. First to get good will unto ourselves, declaring that in deed we do not love, neither that it is our common use to write evil of any man, but that now we are vehemently urged and constrained there unto etc. Secondly we must dispraise the party in honest and covert terms, and so placed that it be not plainly perceived that we speak for envy or anger, or otherwise: but only that in very deed the great pride which is in him doth cause us to say it, to th'end to abate his presumption, and to reform him. Thirdly we shall excuse ourselves towards him unto whom we writ, that if we have written any thing unto him, which might displease him, we suppose him to be wise enough to know the truth, offering. etc.   

The Example: wherein a certain man writeth to Cicero touching the conspiracy of Catyline.  
IT is not my custom, (learned Cicero, most renowned and worthy of honour,) by detracting and speaking evil or blaming of an other, as many do, to go about to get unto myself praise and renown, especially when the vices of the other do touch me nothing at all: in so much that although I myself be slandered & greatly injured by mine enemies, I suffer it patiently, and hold my peace. But yet considering with myself the great Treasons of Catiline, who notwithstanding never did me any displeasure, seeing that he was determined as a Traitor, to keep the whole City and country in subjection, by the aid and support of strangers, I could not abstain myself from declaring it unto you, to the end that the whole being known, ye might give order, and convenient remedy. I advertise you (worthy sir, and dear friend) that over and above the other innumerable vices, petty traffics, traysons and subtleties that are in him, he communicateth day & night with the cursed, perverse and wicked rybalds, ruffians, & rascal Rogues of the Town, he provoketh & corrupteth them with money, and other damnable means, to conspire with him the destruction of the good & noble Burgesses & Citizens: with full determinate purpose to make a general commotion, to kill the wise & learned governors, to fire their houses, to ransack & spoil their goods, & to do all the execrable wickedness that is possible. And this is now manifestly & notoriously known throughout the whole City. For he now declareth himself to be such a one even in open audience, threatening them that are in chiefest authority, in such sort that they are constrained to flee, fearing a greater inconvenience: Therefore it is necessary (my singular friend) to give politic order, and that briefly, to the end that a greater evil do not ensue. I have not writ this unto you for any hatred or envy that I have against him, for so should I do wrong to complain of him, but that which I do is in favour of the public weal, & to move you as a good and diligent judge, to redress it by severe justice, so far forth as it is needful, to th'end that we may remain in civil peace and tranquillity: requiring and beseeching you to address unto me your noble desires that I may accomplish them according to my possibility.   

How to write by manner of Complaint or lamentation, for an injury received.  
IN such a case we must first get the good will of him unto whom we writ, by reducing to his memory the cause wherefore we are moved and provoked to let him understand of our estate. Secondly, we must make honest remonstration and recital of the wrong that our adversary hath done unto us, by reproving him of ingratitude, or some other villainous vice. Thirdly we must require counsel, comfort, aid, or demand his counsel, offering in like manner. etc.   

The Example: wherein Appius writeth to Caesar, of injury done him by Cicero.  
THe fervent desire and singular love which you have always showed unto me (most mighty Caesar) doth constrain me to write unto you my complaint of an injury which hath been done unto me, to the end to obtain of you some comfort, for I suppose that the injury doth touch you as well as me, considering the amity and friendship betwixt us, which through firm & steadfast acquaintance ought to be common, as well in prosperity as in adversity. And because that within this month I have sustained very uncourteous and unhonest injuries, I could not abstain from writing unto you, to the end that you might be a reliever and comforter of this grievous trouble. You know (right renowned Caesar,) the pains, travels, diligence, and the great perils and dangers, wherein I have been for this wicked person of whom I writ unto you, not only for to do him honour, but also profit. And when I was judge, you know in what magnificence he was received of the counsel, yet now hath he forgotten all the good deeds & service that I have done him. For notwithstanding that I myself requested him and also caused him to be requested by men of good reputation to defend my cause, and to plead it before the Senate, yet he refused me, although he employeth himself to the like for every one, yea even for strangers, and them that he never knew, nor that ever did him any pleasure or service. Yea and that which is worse, (to do me greater displeasure) he hath counseled my adversary, and found subtleties and cautoles to plead against me, in such sort that I am deprived of my right: behold the godly rewards and recompenses wherewith this wicked ungrateful person had paid me, for having done him so much pleasure and service. Unto thee mighty and puissant Caesar, I have yet my remedy to appeal, and to move him of the unjust sentence which hath been given against me. Therefore do I humbly beseech you that it would please you to admonish him, that if remaining and persevering in his ingratitude he will not help me, yet at the least that he do not hurt me, which thing I trust that in fine he will do, if it would please you to admonish or command him. And you shall charge me with your affairs as I charge you with mine. etc.   

How to write when one friend comforteth another in an injury received.  
WHen we writ to such effect we must divide our letters into three parts. First, saying that we are marvelous sorry for that injury. Secondly, we must show him that for such an injury he ought not to vex himself, adding the cause. Thirdly, to comfort him, promising our aid etc.   

The Example: wherein Caesar comforteth Appius, touching the content of the letters here before written.  
I Have received thy Letters (right redowted Knight Appius) which have so much grieved my heart that I can not express it: yea I should have sustained the injury which was done unto thee more patiently, if Tully had done it unto me: & verily I know how unhonestly he behaved himself in thy cause, before the Senate, who through corruptions, against God and justice, caused thee to lose thy matter: which thing seemed unto me very strange at the first sight, to think how he ●urst do it, considering the great good deeds that thou hast done unto him. For by that means, in the judgement of all good men, he is greatly bound unto thee, and therefore they would scarce believe that he would offend thee: But when I perceived through thy Letters his great mischief, I made it manifest unto most of them, who are very ill content with him, and are as much displeased and as sorry even as I myself. But Appius, when I consider the malice and iniquity of Tully, and that therefore in the end he shall sustain more dishonour and damage than the hurt which he hath done unto thee doth amount unto, I then rejoice and comfort myself. For his ingratitude known, every one will mock him, and will bewail thy damage, and by that means thy honour shall increase, and in the end shall have victory & glorious triumph myself to reduce him to thy service, showing him his fault. And I promise thee that I will not cease, until such time that I have reduced thee victorious, and joyful: and therefore I pray thee spare me not in any thing that I may pleasure thee.   

How to write a Letter of complaint for a misfortune, demanding counsel or consolation.  
Such an Epistle or Letter must be divided into three parts. First to get benevolence, declaring that the good love which we have together, doth move us to write our fortune, for to have consolation & comfort. Secondly we must declare the case. Thirdly, to demand counsel, aid. etc. saying that in him consisteth our only hope, desiring that we be not defrauded of our intent, offering ourselves. etc.   

The Example: wherein a Father lamenting the death of his son writeth to a friend of his.  
I Would, my singular and dear friend, had it been the good pleasure of our lord, that within these three days you had been here with other my friends, for to see the griefs, lamentations, weepings, and intolerable afflictions that I had and yet have for the death of my son: for if you had been present, I know for a certainty that you would not only have had compassion, with me and other my good friends, but you should also have much aided to have relieved me of my mortal grief. But because it is impossible, aswell for the time & also for the distance of place betwixt us, I have thought good to write unto you by these presents the dolorous and grievous passions that since that day I do intolerably sustain, hoping that for the friendship which you have had with me since our youth, the which hath always increased together with our years, I might receive from you some comfort. You know well enough, and are well advertised of the poverties, afflictions, inconveniences, perils and dangers which they suffer in this mortal world that bear charge in the common weal: and likewise those that in the midst of the multitude of their riches do live in tribulations, and are continually in sorrowful & miserable troubles and vexations. But as concerning me, (to make a very heap of my ordinary afflictions) I had one little son, so sweet, pleasant, and amiable, in whom I took all my comfort and recreation. For his only presence, or his only speech, did often resolve me from my great fantasies, taking from me all melancholy, yea he was my only pastime: but now I pour out tears of sadness so much the more, for that I know that death hath been cruel unto me, who through his envy hath taken away my son, he hath killed my only hope, my consolation, my life, & him from whom came all my joy, and therefore do I now sustain great wrath and melancholy, I know not where to seek comfort, nor what I should do, or say. And therefore have I thought best to write unto you, as to my singular and perfect friend, to the end that you might wail with me, & that it might please you to give me comfort, doing as you have been accustomed to do: for you have many times released me from great calamities, through your good council and reconciliation.   

How one friend should answer another, comforting him for his loss.  
THe letter must be divided into three parts. First declaring the grief that he hath, which he esteemeth to be even unto himself in augmenting it. Secondly to give comfort by three or four or more reasons, concluding that it is good to take comfort. Thirdly to give a certain hope, offering to do all things possible, and especially for his consolation.   

The Example: wherein one friend comforteth another, for the death of his soon.  
I Bitterly bewailed (my most singular and perfect friend, and could not keep in my tears, when I red the Letters which you sent me, making mention of the death of your son. And I advertise you that I was constrained so to do for the good love that of so long time hath been & is betwixt us two, the which causeth me to feel the like dolour and grief that you have in losing the presence of a child so well taught and of so good a wit, and entrance of good manners, wherefore I marvel not though in him did lie all thy consolation: For I think that if our lord should not send you aid and secure in so great a tribulation, you would be consumed with weeping and wailing, and would die immediately after him. Notwithstanding through the providence that is in you, you know the a man ought not to vex nor grieve himself beyond the limits of reason, by the which all desolation ought to be chased from the hearts of men: and if it were so that you were devoid of reason, through the excessive dolour which you have suffered to rule in your heart (not considering that your son was mortal, that you have begot him mortal, nourished him mortal, & that he is mortally dead, rendering the tribute of nature even as it is appointed to every one of us) yet should neither my letters nor consolation serve to no effect. But sith in deed you know well enough that both young & old, yea even yourself shall wax ripe and die, cease therefore such weepings and lamentations, which better beseem the female kind, than a wise and prudent man, such one as you are, and mitigate your strong passions with stronger reasons, in doing the deed of a virtuous man: employ now your wisdom, seeing that it is time & needful, to the end that every one, (yea they that know you not) may see to appear in your person the constancy and patience which you have told them to be in you: I well remember I have oftentimes seen you rejoice in prosperity: and therefore if you should now show yourself otherwise, you should give occasion to think that it were your custom at sometimes to rejoice, & afterwards bitterly to sorrow. The remedy against such mutabilities and unconstantness, is equally to sustain all prosperous and adverse fortunes. Therefore at my request, let not so many virtues which are in you, remain devoid of patience. I know that you understand this, and a thousand other good reasons meet for such a purpose, better than I am able to speak or write them unto you, yea you yourself have accustomed to comfort your friends being in adversity. And I advertise you that this which I writ unto you, is not to instruct or teach you, but only to give you to understand the great good will that I bear unto you, and that I would according to my possibility pleasure you both with body & goods without sparing of any thing.   

How to write letters being in exile, under hope to obtain restitution, aid, counsel, or comfort.  
WE must divide our Letters into three parts: First, to purchase the benevolence of the person to whom we writ, hoping of his love and prudence, by the which he may understand, that such a fortune is common to all men. Secondly, to show the good deeds that we have done to our country, or unto him by whom we are exiled, nevertheless not using any arrogancy, but to the end that we may evidently show that we are wrongfully exiled, then shall we declare through whose injury it was, as by our enemies. etc. whom we know do hate us in that they show us ungratitude & injury: Afterwards, we must say that we hope to have upright justice, by the which we shall obtain honour, and our adversaries be confounded & punished. Thirdly we must thereupon demand aid and counsel, recommending us and our matters to our friend, which we willingly present unto him.   

The Example: wherein Cicero, lamenteth to Lentulus, that for the hatred of Clodius he is exiled.  
IT is my custom (my singular friend Lentulus,) when there happeneth unto me any adversity, to have recourse unto my friends, for their aid, counsel, or consolation. Therefore unto you, whom I repute not only my friend, but above all other most especial, for the you esteem my adversities to be yours) I have thought good to write a misfortune which is happened unto me through malice: to this end that by your aid and counsel, I might in so great an evil find some comfort and remedy. Every one knoweth, and it is common enough to all men, what great pains, travels, and charges, I have manfully sustained, to illustrate, defend, and preserve the public weal, and so doing I have bestowed not only my goods▪ but also my time and labour, which leaving undone I might have profited in other great affairs. True it is, that in so doing, I have obtained honour, but you know that the wicked do always malice the good, and can not suffer virtue to have place: for through their wicked steights & subtleties they have so wrought that all the profit & commodity that I deserved, & had of the public weal, I have now in one hour lost it al. Against me is raised up this wicked & hatred of God & the world, Clodius, unto whom I have done many good deeds, whereof (as ungrate) he will not remember himself, but showing his malice, doth render me evil for good, going about to put me to death: for he hath invented a thousand fictions and dreams before the Senate, & with his false wicked witnesses like unto himself, hath so wrought that I am banished & sent into exile: whereby I am fallen into such sorrow & grief, that I esteem the death to be much sweeter, and less painful, than to live in such torment. And certainly it were impossible for me to live any longer, if there remained not unto me a certain hope, which comforteth me, that is, that a time will come, wherein the truth shallbe known, and my honour wholly restored, and then shall I have an end of these evils. And to the end that you might hasten this time, I pray you herein give me aid, comfort and counsel, for of you only I require and demand it, offering unto you reward and gift of me, my family, and goods, with humble recommendations.   

How to comfort our friend in his exile.  
Upon such an occasion we must divide our Letters into three parts. First, must be declared the grief that we sustain for the adversity of our friend, which we must say to be common unto us by reason of our mutual love. Secondly, we must get the benevolence of his person, by praising his great wisdom and virtue, declaring unto him the vices of his adversary, who through envy hath been the cause of his exile. Thirdly, we must put him in hope shortly to return, and to be restored to his honour, with promise to employ ourselves to the uttermost of our possibility.   

The Example: wherein Lentulus comforteth Cicero, who through the malice of Clodius was exiled.  
I Can not give thee to understand by writing my (singular friend Cicero) nor express unto thee by any means what and how great dolour and sadness I had when I first conceived by your letters, that this false and wicked Clodius, through hatred and ill will had banished and expulsed you out of our worthy City. And certainly my friend, I am not only sorry for your adversity even at the very heart, but also when and as often as I remember that he that hath done so many good deeds to his Country is through envy exiled, then gusheth from mine eyes such a spring of tears and in so great abundance, that by good similitude they may rightly be called a very River, for the great love that I have to you. And for a truth, it would be so continually with me, if I were not restrained by thinking the through great wrong, & to the great dishonour of them that did it, you are thus exiled. Lord God, it is well known unto them what humanity & gentleness you have showed them, insomuch that to none were he never so base, you have at any time refused your pains & labours, were it for the weal particular or public, but with a certain deliberate benignity have studied to please all, without using any refusal, disdain, or arrogancy, which are virtues worthy of great praise, commendation, & reward. And yet through the envy of a mischievous flatterer, a seducer of the people, having nothing misdone, are sent into exile, even as though you were a Traitor or malefactor: but the violence that is done unto you & the violence of Clodius will have an end, for they can not always endure. Therefore my dear friend, take unto you a good courage, & setting a side sundry small conclusions which can but hurt, have a good hope, & consider the till luck can not always continued in one place, for fortune is mutable in her deeds. Consider that you have yet many friends, yea & though there were but only I myself, whom I think am not one of the least, yet I would hope by the help of god, that within short space the malice of Clodius should be vanquished and the truth known: & for my part I will spare nothing, to the end that in short time you may be restored unto your former honours and dignities, and he shamefully dejected and punished.   

How to write expositive letters, certifying the witness or notice of a thing.  
WHen we writ Epistles or Letters giving to understand of the witness, history, or knowledge of the witness of any thing, we must part our Letters into three parts. First, to get benevolence towards ourselves, declaring that all is for the love of justice and verity, to the end that th'innocent and just be not oppressed, & that for the great love that we bear unto him, to whom we writ we testify the truth of that which is demanded. Secondly, we must declare the full circumstance of the fact. Thirdly we must say, that we have certified that which we know of a verity, & that if we shall know any more either of the or of any other matter, we will gladly show him pleasure.   

The Example: wherein Cicero testifieth unto the judge, that Clodius was at Rome, the same day that the sacred things of Vesta were violated.  
I Am requested by you (judges of equity) to say that which I know concerning the controversy between the honest order of the Matrons of the one part, and Clodius, for the violence of the sacred things of the good goddess Vesta, on the other part, to wit whether the day of the same violence, Clodius was within Rome. Although (my Lords) that I desire not to hurt any person, but desire justice and equity to be rendered unto every one: And to cause the same to be observed & kept, I would rather choose to die than to conceal the truth: my Lords, I advertise you that the day of the said violence, towards morning I saw Clodius in the field of Mars, and about seven of the clock in the Evening, he supped with Pompeus, and almost all the day I saw him about the Temple of Caesar, and about three of the clock in the after noon he went hastily into his house, yet notwithstanding I know not wherefore. etc. This which you desired to understand of me (my Lords) I have written it unto you according to the pure verity: and if you know any other thing wherein I might do you service, you have me to command, and I to obey and do it.   

How to certify some news lately happened.  
TO certify some novel or new thing, the Letters must be divided into three parts. First, we must purchase benevolence to ourselves, declaring that we are inclined to write unto him, as unto our friend, of news which happened, aswell in public affairs as in private: for we know well that he taketh pleasure to hear speak of them. Secondly, shallbe declared the history, be it of Battle or other business. Thirdly, we shall say that that which we have written unto him was not to have been left behind without advertisement, promising him that we will not complain of our labour in writing always unto him like news, provided, that we know them to be acceptable unto him.   

The Example: wherein one friend writeth unto an other of news of the Court.  
I Know (dear & perfect friend) the great desire that you always have to understand & know the things that are done in this city of London, for the profit of the public affairs, whereof you are a very pillar, and can not long absent yourself, but that your absence shallbe lamented, for the good love and godly favour that you always bear unto the commonweal, in such sort, that your heart can not be contented except you be advertised by some of your friends of the news that daily happen. Therefore to pleasure you, and to do you agreeable service, even as I am bounden, I have thought good to write unto you the which is lately happened since your departure. Upon Tuesday last in the morning, news were spread abroad by a Post, through out the whole City, and even unto the ears of my Lords of the Court, and of the City, that there was in this City great abundance of Ruffians, and other such hurly-burlies of wicked people, called Rogues, who in the night time make and commit many execrable crimes throughout the town. Through which occasion the counsel assembled, did deliberate to know what was to be done. And after all opinions, there was ordained a new watch of the burgesses and inhabitants of the City, and that every one should hang forth Lanterns & Candle light, to give light in the night, and that upon great forfeicts: which is done according to the ordinance etc. Moreover. etc. Thus have I written unto you the news, which I know at this present, and if there come unto my notice any other thing worthy to be known, I will write it unto you incontinently, not thinking much at my travel, as well in this, as in other things, by the which I may pleasure you. Recommending me unto your good honour.   

How to advertise one, of the conditions of another.  
Letter's to advertise the conditions or manners of any person must be divided into three parts. First, we must get benevolence to the person of whom we writ, saying that we have done our diligence to inquire of the manners, and to have knowledge of the person, or of the thing whereof we entreat: but if we writ of ourselves, we must omit the first part, and in stead thereof purchase benevolence to ourselves, excusing us if peradventure we say any thing of ourselves, that it is not for arrogancy, but even only to make us to be known unto him, that desireth to understand what we are: and that done go forward with the third part as before. Secondly, we must make recital of the manners & conditions, etc. Thirdly, we shall say that this is all that we know at this present, of the person or of the thing, being ready to inquire more and also cause it to be manifested. Offering ourselves etc.   

The example: wherein Cicero declareth unto Caesar, the conditions of Appolonius of Rhodes, Orator.  
THere is nothing so difficile, weighty or painful (Noble Caesar) which with a free heart, for the love of you, I would not take in hand, through the singular and affectual good will the which I do bear unto your most noble Majesty: And thereunto I feel myself bounden, by means of the benefits & gratulations that you have done & still daily do unto me. You have written unto me that in all diligence I should inquire of the manners and conditions of Appolonius of Rhodes, and that I would write unto you the verity. I do you to understand, that in the judgement of all them that know him he is a singular man, and not only in Rhetoric, but also in Philosophy, doth get by his works an immortal name. And I certify you, that when he departed from Rhodes he went unto Athens, and there found not his like, in somuch that the Students said, that he was a second Pallas, yet once again descended from the brain of jupiter into their City. Many other things might I write unto you of him, but wherefore? For whosoever you shall inquire of, you shall find them to have the like good opinion of him: so that if you cause him to come to the City, you shall do a singular commodity, not only unto yourself, but also to the whole common weal. And if you will that I shall do any other thing for you, behold I am altogether ready to please and obey you, recommending me once again unto your good grace.   

How to write a Proficiat or Congratulation, for an Office, or Dignity.  
WHen a man hath obtained an Offiice or Benefice, or, any other thing by his good fortune, & that we would show ourselves to be joyful of it, we must divide our letters into three parts. First benevolence to the person unto whom we writ, with commending of his merits and virtues. Secondly, to declare our affection by the which we do participate of his joy. Thirdly, to pray unto God that the same dignity, office, or fortune may be unto his profit, and perpetual praise, offering our whole service. etc.   

The Example: wherein one friend rejoiceth with an other of the office that the king hath given him.  
I Know not whether unto me or unto you, singular friend, I ought to say Proficiat, for the office which through your virtues and speedy diligence you have obtained of the king, and I assure you that the profit, honour, yea and glory, if it be lawful to glorify in well doing, are of no small estimation, sith in so young age, you have obtained such dignity, & surpassed the merits of your elders, whereof I ought much to rejoice: for from hence forth your virtues shall be manifested, and my honours and profit shall increase, seeing that I have such a friend, who through the brightness of the glory happened unto him, shall drive from me the darkness of grief, and shall cause me to have good participation of his honours, joy and profit. Much good do it you therefore this dignity, which you never obtained through ambition, but only through the virtues that are in you, for the which there are yet greater benefits due unto you. And as for my part, it is not without a cause that I rejoice, for the benefits of fortune are common omongst friends, & causeth the love which is in both their bodies to have but one spirit, and in both of them is perceived but one only mind. I beseech God that you may still prosper & go forward from good unto better, & that by your virtuous faith you may purchase immortal glory, and as long as you live to remain in his holy favour and grace   

How to write Letters rejoicing for oun friends health, or safe return.  
IF your friend have recovered his health, or be safely returned from his journey, in such a case our Letters must be divided into three parts. First, to get benevolence, of our own behalf, for that we were sore afraid of his sickness, or that there should happen unto him any misfortune or adversity abroad in his voyage. Secondly, to declare the joy that we have had of his mending, or return, praying unto God to keep him from all evil. Thirdly, to offer our whole service. etc.   

The Example: wherein one friend rejoiceth of another's recovery to health.  
IT is not possible for me to write unto you, neither is the heart of man able to think, (my singular and perfect friend) what sorrow and grief I had when it was reported unto me that you were grievously sick, & in great danger, for than me thought that I even felt your sickness, through the good will and love that I bear unto you, and would gladly that my sorrow might have diminished or eased your passion. But by such and like means that I had great sadness, and grief, for the first news: I have now inestimable joy, for that it is told and affirmed unto me for a certainty, that you have wholly recovered your health and welfare. I give unto you the Proficiat vobis. (my singular friend,) for such a treasure recovered, and beseech our lord that he will preserve and keep you in as good and long health, as I would wish even unto mine own person. And I give you to understand that I. N. M. and all the rest hereabouts, are (thanks be given to God) in good health and welfare, priest & ready to accomplish all your good requests and commandment.   

How to exhort to virtue and to good manners.  
TO exhort unto Virtue and goodness, be it to avoid grief, or to get profit, the letters or Epistles must be parted into four parts. First, to acquire benevolence by reason of the matter, declaring how worthy it is, how profitable and necessary for him unto whom we writ, and then, that it shallbe a worthy praise for every good man so to do. Secondly, shallbe expressed the thing to be possible and easy to be done. Thirdly, that it is very necessary for him to do it, and if he do it not, that there may happen unto him damage & dishonour. Fourthly, and finally, to declare what is to be done: and this latter part may be placed in such order as shall seem good unto the endyter.   

The Example: wherein a friend exhorteth a young man to obtain virtue.  
THere is nothing in the world (witty young man) that more profiteth aswell to achieve to common as private goods, nor which causeth more to augment and get honour and good renown, than the trade of good manners and virtue, for by that means the wise, not only in their houses, have taken a form of regiment by good order keeping, but also kingdoms and public affairs are by them governed, maintained, and augmented. Behold the Athemans, the Romans, and divers other, have they not always flourished when virtuous and wise men had the government of their public weal? And further I may well say that a man which hath virtue in him, doth shine with such a grace, that he may easily be exalted and elevated from base estate into high honour, & get immortal praise. For this cause, and for the singular love that I have unto you, I have willingly thought good to move and stir up your courage to the attaining of vertus, considering the good disposition, and the beginning of a good spirit that God hath endued you withal, whereby you surpass all other your companions: not that I do mistrust the courage that you have to study, but more & more to animat you in your good purpose: Nevertheless (my well-beloved) I consider that your study is somewhat difficil, but I assure you that the fruit thereof is very profitable, whereunto a man may easily attain without great pain. There resteth but only to have a desire to become a worthy man, and a good courage to study well, especially in good Sciences, to accustom to good manners, getting wisdom and virtue, & by this means shall we please God, be beloved, praised, and honoured of men. Therefore I beseech you my friend lose not your young years in idleness, which leadeth the blind to all gluttonous voluptuousness, and maketh a man weak, ignorant, poor, unfortunate, full of shame before old age cometh, which is altogether unprovided for, and to late to be remedied. Moreover (my well beloved) consider that in this City there is great need of wise men, for to govern the public affairs: And if you do your endeavour, there is no man living that hath a better mean, than you have, considering the place and house from whence you are descended, and the faculty that God hath given unto you.   

How to dissuade our friend from rejoicing unadvisedly or foolishly.  
IF we intent to dissuade a man, that he rejoice not unadvisedly or that he do not a thing which he thinketh to be good, & is not, then must we divide our Letters into four parts, as before. First, shallbe declared the disprofit of the thing, if he do it, and how it may be hurt full, for that it is unjust and dishonest, not agreeable to a good man. Secondly, that he cease & desist from his purpose, declaring unto him what he ought to do. Thirdly, how easy it is to leave it. And finally, how necessary it is to do that which we counsel him, offering. etc.   

The Example: wherein Cicero dissuadeth Curio from rejoicing that Caesar is made Emperor.  
THe common opinion of all Philosophers and wise men (worthy knight Curio,) is, that there is nothing more unhonest, unjust, and pernicious, than to rejoice of the destruction of the public weal: & he is so much the more worthy to be blamed & dispraised, as to oppress he would receive praise, or glorify himself with private utility, sith that for the preserving of the public weal, we ought to hazard ourselves even to the very death. And I understand that you rejoice even to the uttermost for the victory of Caesar, in such sort that it is openly perceived, and can not therefrom withhold yourself, wherefore I greatly lament your simplicity for letting yourself to fall into so great an error, as to rejoice of your own ruin, your parents and friends, your City and the whole common weal. Therefore I earnestly request and pray you to leave of this unconsidered and immoderate delectation & rejoicing. And notwithstanding all this, I have so good an estimation of you, that you are not devoid of sense, but that shortly you will perceive your error, & convert this foolish joy into bitter mourning, considering the evil that followeth. For like good and loyal Burgesses, you shall well think that the liberty of all is converted into miserable captivity, the which to recover, every one ought to expose himself even to the very abandoning of his life. And therefore in all calamities, miseries and troubles, it is not necessary only to remedy this your such rejoicing, but it is also very convenient & decent to bewail and lament continually the damage of your country, of your nation, and of your City, whose execrable ruin is now begun, and from day to day will greatly increase through the multiplication of most wicked people, and many other apparent miseries and grievous perditions, which will be executed sooner than you do think for, the which to avoid, it were rather to be desired to die than to live. Cease therefore to rejoice, and begin to lament your public weal, and if you have no pity of the public weal, yet at the least have pity of your neighbours, and of your own self.   

How to write letters exhorting to lamentation.  
BE it for misfortune private or public, the Letter must be divided in four parts. First, to say that it is both just and honest to beewayle the adversity of our friend, or of the affairs of the public weal, seeing that in such a case the calamities are as it were our own. Secondly, to show the case, thereby to move lamentation. Thirdly, to exhort to bewail it. Fourthly that it is necessary so to do, to the end that after the grief and affliction, remedy may be sought, promising to do for him. etc.   

The Example: wherein Cicero, exhorteth Plautus to lament the oppression of the public weal  
WE are constrained, (my friend Plautus, as well by divine as humane right, next to the honour of God to expose and venture all that we have for the safeguard of the common weal, the prosperities whereof ought not only to rejoice us, but also the adversities thereof ought to cause us to lament & grievously sorrow even as our own: yea & further we ought for it to hazard our life unto all dangers, for to preserve and defend it. This hath caused me to write unto you, for the miserable state of our desolate City, to this end that you should lament with me and bewail our ruin & perdition. And for the first, you should understand that I am dismissed and destitute of the dignities and authorities wherein I shined in the Senate, through the malice and iniquity of Caesar, who causeth himself to be called the Monarchal Emperor, and hath not only chased away the Fathers & Senators, but also from great and small hath taken away the name of liberty. Who can be of heart so hard, to abstain himself from tears and lamentations, sith our liberty is thus lost? what resteth there now but that with me & others you bewail, sorrow, and lament such misfortune. And if it be said that it is necessary to augment my sorrow and pour out tears, in such sort that there may be found some manner of plaint, which may remedy our injury, by doing some laudable deed, I assure you that with him that will enterprise it, I will not refuse that labour but will hazard in all damages both head & life, & will be one of the foremost to have again & recover the liberty lost.   

How to dissuade from sorrow.  
WHen we writ letters dissuading from sorrow and lamentation, we must divide them into four parts. First, to declare that it is dishonour and damage in such a case to show himself sorrowful, considering that every wise man ought of duty to show himself equal, aswell in prosperity as in adversity, and that the matter itself giveth no occasion of grief: and thereto may we add if we will, a reason by the which we may show him that to remain to much in such sorrow, it were dishonest. Secondly, it behoveth to enforce ourselves to convert the same sorrow into joy. Thirdly, to show by good reason that he ought to rejoice. Fourthly, that it is necessary to leave such grief and sadness, alleging some reason for the same purpose.   

The Example: wherein Brutus dissuadeth Marcus Antonius, from sorrowing for the death of Caesar.  
A Good man of duty (my friend Marcus Antonius,) ought not only to love the prosperity of the common weal, but with all his power to advance it, and being advanced to keep and preserve it, and also for it to hazard his life even to the very bloodshed, if it so be needful: and he that doth not so, is worthy of great reprehension, and grievous punishment: and certainly it is not laudable, but very detestable and dishonest for a particular profit, to consume the public profit, and he that so doth aught shamefully to be thrown down to death, and not worthy to be lamented of his friends. But because I see that for the death of Caesar, you pour out abundance of tears, therefore can I not choose but much marvel of you, sith you have always been a loyal Burgess, and that not only the common weal hath been through you augmented, but also unto them that have thereunto been contrary you have always been a rigorous hinderer, a strait judge, & an invincible defender, more than though they had offended your own person. Therefore take unto you again your old custom, and be not grieved for the death of so cruel a tyrant, which death all the world ought to desire, and thereof to rejoice, because he had taken away our liberty, and destroyed our public weal, for his private pleasure. Wherefore me thinketh that for such a death you ought rather to rejoice than to sorrow: sith that by the death of so wicked an usurper we are returned into our former liberty. Deliberate therefore to rejoice yourself with us. And take good heed that in our company you be not perceived to be sad in heart nor in countenance: I assure you that it is necessary so to do for the avoiding of suspicion in your person, praying you that if you would have any thing of me, do but command it.   

How to write invective Letters, reprehending either friend or enemy, for some crime, or ignorance.  
invective Letters must be divided into three parts. First, we must get benevolence of our own behalf, saying that not willingly but by constraint we have written it unto him, & the we have long time concealed it, but because he still continueth from evil unto worse, we have thought good not to endure any more of so evil a man, whose wickedness might do great hurt, if they were not corrected. Secondly, to declare the matter whereof we will reprehend him, in alleging reasons fit for that purpose. Thirdly, if he be our friend, to declare it with gentle language, admonishing him lovingly, and showing the inconveniences which might ensue if he should hereafter do any such matter. And if he be an enemy, to get benevolence on our behalf, saying that we do not disdain him, nor that we would any more inveigh against him, to the end that he should not think that we have done that through hatred, which in deed we have uprightly done, still deserving to speak somewhat more amply an other time when place and time shall serve.   

The Example: wherein Cicero inveigheth against Lucius Catilina, who conspired against the public weal.  
I Know not any thing at this present (Lucius Catilina) wherewith I am more intolerably grieved, and which is more painful unto me, than to have known, and to have been advertised, by the report of divers through their Letters, that you have conspired against your country, the which to preserve, you ought willingly, and with a noble courage, to choose even the death: & in asmuch more as the public profit is to be preferred before the particular, somuch the more is it a wicked & detestable thing unto him the enforceth himself to hurt it And I assure you, had it not been for the great affection and love that I bear unto you, I would rather have chosen to have holden my peace, and to have passed under silence, than to write unto you of it: but I have thought good to advertise you, to the end that of yourself you may judge and know your fault. What is the fury, rage, or rather devilishness that might move your heart to consent unto so horrible and brutish a matter? where is he that durst th●ncke that such a damnable crime could be committed by any man? but especially by a Lord, a Burgess, & a neighbour's son of the City? Are you of the Roman blood? dare you unto your neighbour, nay rather unto yourself, put to your hand for to shed blood? Do you take pleasure to hear young children weep? noble dames lament? & good old men discomfort? when they & even your own parents and friends, shall see the death of their Fathers, husbands, wives, children, their goods spoiled, their houses burnt and desolate? would you have no pity of the desolated Senate? Alas, have at the least pity upon the Temples and sacred places, & set all these things before the eyes of your reason, & consider what pitiful end might follow. You may peradventure say that I desire dignities, honours, and authorities: Alas, what authority honour, or dignity, may a man find in the commonalty desolated? in the public weal perished? in tears & depopulation of the City? Certainly in my judgement, there are neither dignities, honours, nor authorities, but only those which are gotten by virtue, & I know not any thing of greater utility, or greater glory amongst men, than to be virtuous in the public affairs. Therefore are you greatly deceived, if you speak for immortal glory by oppressing the public weal. Take good heed lest hoping and thinking to get name of immortal life, you lose not in a moment your temporal life, getting shame, dispraise and dishonour for ever. Thirdly, cast of from you, I pray you, such unclemency, and apply yourself to serve the public weal, which may adorn both you and yours with great and precious riches, to the end that you being gently reconciled, may joyfully live with us, in the quiet peace of the country, to your glory and praise. And so doing you shall find me always ready to aid you to the uttermost of my power.   

How to write expugning Letters, either to friend or enemy, for charging us with a fault.  
Letter's repugning as well to friend as enemy, excusing ourselves, or denying the matter, are made in two sorts: For if it be our friend that peradventure doth accuse us secretly, it behoveth to use modest language by manner of excuse. But if it be our enemy we must defend ourselves plainly & freely of the crime by him imposed, & in both sorts we must divide our letters into three parts. First, we shall say we are to be excused, either for that it is not so, or that through imprudency, malice or envy, he hath invented that matter against us. Secondly, be it to friend or enemy, we shall say to our friend under correction, and to our enemy freely & stoutly that he himself may be reprehended of the like case, or of the very same, yea or else of a greater infamy, saying that he ought rat●●r to have regard unto himself, than to intermeddle with blaming another. Thirdly, if the Letters be to our friend and under correction, we must promise never to return to commit such a thing: exhorting him likewise to take heed unto himself, for the matter whereof we have informed him. If it be to our enemy, we shall plainly exhort him to leave of his detracting, and that if he continued to say what he will, he shall hear what he would not. And if we writ unto a third, we must pray him to admonish our enemy to hold his peace, and shall excuse ourselves, saying that we would not have him offended, although we have spoken ill of our enemy, for it hath not been for malice or ill will, but only for to cause his malice and ill report to cease.   

The Example: wherein Catilina purgeth himself to the Senate of Rome, for the crime of conjuration imposed against him by Cicero.  
IT is always my custom & condition (Notable Lords and Fathers) to flee wicked detractors, and to have in great horror the diff●mers, who like wolves ravish the good renown of good people: and there is nothing that seemeth unto me more detestable, more dishonest, nor more abominable, than in the absence of a man to dilacerate and tear in pieces his honour: and against them do I manfully fight, this notwithstanding, I can not hinder their serpentine & Viperous tongues, from committing such injuries. In number of whom, and of my flatterers, is this wicked envious serpentine Cicero, enemy to God & good men, and to the public weal, who incessantly inventeth new dreams against me. I have refrained asmuch as I could to answer unto his slanderoous lies, because I would not be noted as he is, to be a babbler, and of dishonest language. And because that from day to day his venom increaseth & is vomited out from ill unto worse, under your corrections my Lords, & in your presence, I have thought good to discharge me of two labours. The one to answer unto him, and to purge myself of the crimes by him falsely imposed against me: and the other to give you to understand and to declare unto you, his execrable manners, vices, & cursed conditions, to the end that you might hear and understand his deceitful and crafty envies, & not give credit unto his words. This wicked enuiour and seducer of the whole public weal, saith every where that I, who (with out boasting myself) am loyal, have conspired against my country and public weal: this wicked stranger and sour of all sedition crieth against me, who am a patron and member of the common weal, that I would destroy it, even as though the members should destroy the body: is it credible? aught a man to believe it? And nevertheless he publisheth it as though it were true. I would feign know by what conjectures, or by what signs, he could perceive it, if he would not say that he had dreamed it. But this wicked person turneth such like & other evils as are in him, upon me. Certes my lords, he is so stuffed with iniquities, the he must needs burst & vomit out his poison. He never did good in this City, he never loved any, but day by day he spieth how he may work displeasure and damage to some good man or other. Take heed therefore how you give credit to this wicked & damnable man: It is not yet long ago since he came into this City his feet all dusty, & under colour of vanity, and of a little Rhetoric that he hath, & which he useth, he hath converted a great quantity of poor people, whom he hath by his art, fraud and deceit despoiled of their goods, and by that means is grown up to great riches. Which way should there have come unto him so many houses, pessessions, servants, & so lightly as he hath them, had he not spoiled and rob the poor people? But by this unrighteousness and riches he is become so proud, that he which is but newly come, would chase me out of my City, and destroy me. And of him surely I could say innumerable evils, were it permitted me to speak freely, and that I doubted not to displease you. For many times it doth good men more hurt to hear recited the evil of an other, than it doth this other himself, he being evil & wicked. Therefore pleaseth it you of your grace, to deliver your poor Citizen and Burgess, from the false throat of this cursed Serpent.   

How to write invective Epistles of contention, rerehending another for ignorance in study.  
EPistles and letters invective of contention & dispraise, must be divided into three parts. But in this case there are two ways, either to write unto him whom we mind to reprehend: or else better, to write unto a third person, as judge, or arbitrator. First to declare that it is not our use to move controversy, for we demand nothing but peace. Ye and although that we be oftentimes injured by our enemies, & that they say all the worst that they can, yet nevertheless we would give to understand that the insolency of our adversaries is so presumptuous, and so tending to destroy our estimation, that we can not any longer keep silence, but have thought good to write, to the end that he might be judge. Secondly, to express briefly and plainly whereupon the controversy dependeth, afterwards to recite our reasons, and to confirm them, and to confute those of our adversary. Thirdly, that we might say many other things, whereof we will keep silence, to the end that we would not be thought to proceed ratherby envy, than to speak the truth: praying & beseeching him unto whom we writ, to judge of the ignorance of our adversary, recommending ourselves unto him.   

The Example: wherein a certain Barber writeth to a Doctor of Physic, concerning his adversary a Chirurgeon.  
THere was never thing more detestable unto me, nor which I had more in horror (worshipful Doctor) than to see a man rejoice in detractions, and evil reports of an other, for thereby are wicked people known. And although I have divers times of many been injured, flouted, scorned, & dispraised, reporting by me a thousand dreams and lies, yet have I always suffered them, & turned the deaf ear towards them. And now steppeth forth a new detractor of me, who by force constraineth me to answer, and to defend me against his cursed slander, for the safeguard of my estimation, which he thinketh to destroy. And to the end that I be not accounted so ignorant as he, I have thought good to write unto you, for to give you to understand that he offereth me evident wroug. This wicked and ignorant Ass crieth and publisheth every where that it appertaineth not to any man living, to meddle with curing of a wound, or ulcer, within the city, except he be a Chirurgeon, & sworn to the City, at the least, if the Chirurgeon be not present and assistant to see the whole cure: but behold his craft, & how covertly he would take away the practice gain, & profit of the Barbers. Who is he so ignorant that knoweth not that always hereto fore the master Barbers have accustomed to cure all kind of wounds aswell old as new? Who is it that is so ignorant of the notable & good cures that they have accustomed to do? wherefore then should they not use to do as they have done, without borrowing leave of the gentlemen Chirurgeons? seeing that they do and have done their cures very well without their assistance. I would that the ignorant Assehed should know, that that which we do is better done, & that we understand better the art of Chirurgery than he doth, or a great multitude of Asses that call themselves chirurgeons, who have not the knowledge to apply one only instrument, or to make one incision right, but all their case is nothing else but sophistical arguments, which serve to no purpose. Therefore it is necessary that it come to the handy operation of the Barbers, who understand chirurgery aswell as they: together also that it would be great cost for the poor patients, to pay both the Barber and the Chirurgeon. Secondly, and if I would, I could write unto you more amply of his envies and ignorant detractions, but I love rather to hold my peace, to the end that it be not said that I speak more against him of envy than to speaketh plain truth. Therefore you that know the whole, aught to judge the equity, and to cause him to keep silence in this matter: whereof I always recommend me unto you, wholly offering myself. etc.   

How to write a Defense in a Contention.  
WHen we are accused and reprehended by contempt and dispraise, we may defend our selves by letters or epistles, which must contain three parts. First, to declare, that we are provoked to answer unto him that writeth evil of us, and that it is not our custom to take altercation, especially of wicked and ignorant people: And were it not for that it would seem that we accorded to that which he saith, we would not vouchsafe to answer unto their ignorance. Afterward must be declared by manner of recital, the reasons of the adversary, confuting them to our possibility. Secondly, we must show by opposite, some faults and ignorances' of our adversary, which shall be manifest and apparent by lively reasons. Thirdly, to say, that although we could express many more imbecilities and faults in him, yet nevertheless we will not declare them, to the end that it appear not that we speak against him rather through envy, than for the truth's sake: saying that we would that he unto whom we writ, should be the just judge of the matters.   

The example: wherein the Chirurgeon defendeth himself to the Physician against his adversary the Barber.  
I Am advertised (equal judge) to be accused before you on the behalf of such a one, a boasting Barber, who not only is ignorant in his science, but also in all that a wise man ought to know: and I am sorry that it behoveth me to answer him, but that which moveth me, is to the end that it be not thought that I consent to his error, and to purge myself before you, that know and understand all things: and to the end that expulsing his old injuries, I might set silence to his new. first, for that he sayeth, that ever heretofore the Barbers have accustomed to cure wounds, as well old as new, and thereto hath set forth their goodly cures: Behold & consider the craft & subtlety, how gloriously he boasteth & vaunteth himself, and riseth up to suppress and overthrow the whole art & faculty of chirurgery Is it not well enough understood and known, what peril there is in thinking to heal all diseases? & that to make a good operation in such & other difficile matters, it is needful that the cause be well understanded & debated: & to know whether that that which is to be cured be a simple wound, an ulcer, or a fistule, which is the peccant matter, and what ointment or other medicine is proper for it: and to discern and understand this thing rightly, what Barber is it (I mean to speak of unskilful) that understandeth one only word of Latin, and with much a do scarce good English? I know very few that can expound the difference between Leporam, and Lepram, And yet notwithstanding most of their chirurgery books are stuffed full of Eloquent Latin, and that difficile, yea and the most part of our English terms, are very far different from our vulgar and maternal speech, in such sort, that who so fully understandeth not the Latin tongue, yea and also the Greek, can scarce understand them. Through which error arise many times sundry inconveniences. For the asses that are, of all diseases make the Pock. And this cometh to pass, because they will never call for the Chirurgeon, who in his faculty, is of all men approved, skilful, learned & very expert, to know how to discerns and understand all the points of his Art, without erring or making fault: and contrarily such ignorant which darkly give credit to their glorious heads, and have no reason save only their proper will and foolish opinion, and which of a deceitful argument, make a necessary demonstration, do give by their dangerous promises, a very fallible hope, disallowing all good writings, if they be not conformable to their opinion. Therefore (say I) that he ought to be put to perpetual silence. Secondly, thus much shall suffice you, although I might say more, but his ignorance can not bear it: For it is known to every one, that through their fault they have committed a thousand evils, and say that they may better kill an hundredth men, than an other to heal one only: and therefore take heed of them who may. Furthermore, I will hold my peace, for it is no great honour to write the imperfections and ignorances' that might be told, yea & if I should say more, it would be said, that I speak more of malice and ill will, than to open the truth. Thirdly, although I yet keep back many other things, if time and place screwed: and although he shall meddle to speak more of me, yet sir, you may judge of the whole: for you know well what part beareth ignorance and innocency. Wholly offering my humble service to you and yours. etc.   

How to write Domestical and familiar Letters or Epistles.  
DOmestical or household letters are more in use than any other forsomuch as of their nature they are very necessary, to let our friends understand of our estate, and of our business, be it of health, prosperity, sickness, adversity, or any other domestical and familiar things: and in such matters the Letters or Epistles must be divided into three parts. If we writ of our own estate, health or sickness, or of the health or sickness of an other. First following Tully, and others, we may (as they do) add the Latin sentence, Si vales, bene est, ego quidem valeo, If you be in good health, god be praised for it, for thanks be to God I am. secondly, we shall recite our own health, or the causes of the amendment thereof, and also the health or sickness of our friend, which we shall esteem even as our own, glad of his recovery or prosperity, rendering thanks unto god, who hath so disposed it: & likewise if there be happened unto us any fortune or misfortune, we shall write the state thereof, be it riches or poverty, dignity, or depression, to admonish our friend either to rejoice or sorrow with us.  
Thirdly, we say commonly: Thus, not having wherewith further to enlarge at this present, but beseeching the Lord to keep and preserve you in his holy tuition: we finish. From such a place. etc. By yours altogether to command. etc. or otherwise, as shall please the enditer.   

The Example: of a common Style in that case.  
IF you be in health and merry, I am very glad, for great thanks to be given to God on my behalf, I find myself in very good health and welfare. You do peradventure greatly marvel, for that I was wont to write often unto you, & of late have deferred so to do, whereof it may be that you would accuse me of negligence: howbeit it hath not been through negligence, for an ague hath so weakened me of late, that I had small hope to have escaped without treading the trace out of this world into another, yea I was brought so low, that even the Physicians had quite given me over, and I had no hope save only in God, to whose good aid I still committed myself. Secondly, his sovereign bounty hath brought me to my former health, notwithstanding it hath not been without great expense of money: Behold therefore the causes why I could not write unto you, but from henceforth I will write unto you more oftener, if God grant me time and space so to do. Thirdly, I shall desire you to write unto me of your prosperity, and of such a one, assuring you, that if there be any thing that I may do for you, do but command me and I will do mine endeavour to accomplish it, God to friend, whom I beseech to grant unto you your heart's desire. From such a place. etc.   

How to write other domestical Letters of familiar business.  
WE must divide them into three parts. First, & Secondly, as in the other going before. Thirdly, shall be put the conclusion, saying that we have thought good to advertise him of such business, because he is our very friend.   

The Example: wherein one Friend advertiseth an other of the process that he hath won.  
IF it be well with you (my singular friend) then is it very well with me: For even as I am (God be praised) in good health, so would I desire that it should be likewise with you. And because I know that the love betwixt us two, hath always made us equal in our fortunes, therefore have I thought good to write unto you, of my business and affairs, because in deed you might be the more joyful. Secondly, you are advised of the time, trouble & cost that I was at in the suit that I had against such a one, and how often I have cursed the hour whensoever I heard talk of it, even ready many times to give it quite over: Yet nevertheless by travel and diligence, and by importunate suit, my good right, upon Tuisday last, (notwithstanding any clamour that my adversary made (to his great confusion) I obtained sentence to my profit, whereof I render immortal thanks to Almighty God. Thirdly, I know well that of my profit, honour, and joy, you are as joyful as myself: and seeing that my adversities do bring you desolation, it is good reason, that my prosperities should bring you consolation. Therefore I pray you do it to understand to all our friends there, to the end that they may participate of our joy. And if there be any thing that it will please you to command me, be you well assured, that of me you shall have an infallible friend. And thus end I at this present, beseeching our Lord. etc.   

How to visit our Friend with Letters, not having any great matter to write.  
OFten times it chanceth that we have no matter to write to our friend, & yet we would gladly visit him with our Letters, speaking of him or of his business: & such Letters must contain three parts. First, to get bonevolence on our own behalf, saying that because we love him, we thought it good to write unto him, and to recreate him, by communicating unto him our Letters, to the end that we may take pleasure, in that which he shall write unto us again, considering that there is nothing more appropriate unto friends, than often to write to & fro. Secondly we shall say that we are in health and good estate, desiring to know of his health and prosperity: praying unto God to keep and preserve him from all evil. Thirdly we shall desire him to visit us often with his Letters, to this end, that hearing of his health & prosperity, we may have cause of consolation, offering ourselves etc.   

The Example of the Style in that case.  
ALthough I have no matter to write unto you (my dear friend) for that I know not of any news hereabouts chanced, yet nevertheless the great love equal betwixt us, will not suffer me to let pass any messenger that I know goeth towards you, without sending you Letters by him, for I believe verily that you have as great joy to read my Letters, as I have to read yours. Secondly (my friend) you shall understand that I and all my family are (god be praised) in good health, earnestly desiring to know of your prosperity, and how all our friends thereabouts do. For I assure you there is nothing unto us more pleasant, joyful, nor agreeable, than to understand of your health, good fortune, and prosperity: but this causeth love (my friend,) because that from the time of our youth, we have been joined together with that band. And therefore my dear and perfect friend, I earnestly request you, that it would please you to visit me often with your Letters, to the end that notwithstanding the distance of the place betwixt us, our minds may yet rejoice, & be comforted together, praying you with all my heart to command me in your affairs, even as he that is always ready to do you service, God to friend, to whom. etc.   

How to write of some small affairs, business or news.  
Having a matter of great importance to write, yet many times we are desirous to write of some small business or news of little importance, & so doing the letters must contain three parts. First to declare the cause that moveth us, as in the style before. Secondly, to salute him gently, telling some pretty & merry news. Thirdly, to offer him our service, with hearty commendations unto him, & others.   

The example: wherein one friend writeth to an other of certain small news.  
ALthough it be long since I wrote unto you (right dear & perfect friend) yet is is it not for the I had forgotten you, but because I had not any matter to write unto you: & therefore having now found a trusty Messenger, I have thought good to write unto you these Letters, whereby you might understand, the god be praised (who disposeth all things) we are here in good health, beseeching him that it be so with you, & all our friends there. I have bethought me & considered with myself, whereof I might write unto you, and have found none other thing, save only to certify you that by the commandment of the King and the ordinance of the Court, this day was made a great general justice, which was a wonderful excellent thing to behold, considering the order that there was kept: you have heretofore seen but I think not so passingly well handled nor better ordered, for surely the challengers especially with so valiant courage and strength enforced themselves in the justice, that wonder it was to see: and on the contrary side appeared also such manly hearts and boldened stomachs, that great commendations obtained both parts of all the assistants: but yet in fine (after many sturdy strokes on both sides) the challengers won the price. etc. Thirdly, if I had known any other news, I would have written them unto you, praying you that you will still bear me good will and often times writ unto me: Recommending me especially to you, and to such a one, and to all our other friends thereabouts. Beseeching our Lord to send you comfort and health etc.   

How to write letters containing some pleasant jests of ourselves, besides other matter.  
THere are yet other sorts of letters: for these before written, may be called simple: now testeth there to express the composition of some mixed Letters, which are of two or more things. And first we will show the style of a merry letter provoking to laughter or rejoicing: yea and it oftentimes falleth that in weighty matters, there is to be mingleh some pretty conceit, be it through jesting of ourselves, or of some other. And such Letters must be divided into three parts. First, we must pleasantly express the merry jests or conceit that we intend to utter (our honesty and reputation still observed) for that which we writ is only to rejoice our friend. Secondly, to leave the jest or merry conceit, & to change into some other matter, to the end that it be not said, that we be altogether scoffers. Thirdly, to offer our whole service, as in the letters before.   

The Example: wherein a Soldier writeth to his Captain.  
IT is no marvel (redoubted Captain) though you make great account of me for if I should be in any réenconter against our enemies, where it were necessary to part it with blows, you should see how I would handle myself, yea the great fear that I have of it, doth make me already trouble and quake, considering the I never fought but under the curtain, and with the pot and the spigot: I believe I durst not assault the snail, if she were armed with her shell and horns, for as hardy a fellow am I as ever was drawn out of a bowease: yea in such a matter I would love well the sound of the retraicte: and if ever you saw man of war play better with a two footed sword, then say boldly that I am a liar, for I would run with the foremost to the forward of a good Tavern, there to give the onset. Secondly (my Captain) all this I have written but only in jest. For in deed to say the truth (none dispraised) there is no man in the whole company, that more willingly or more courageously would adventure himself in the battle than I would do. For by the faith that I own unto the King and to you, I have so much before mine eyes the public weal, and have so much pity of the misery and calamity of the poor people, that at all hours, both day and night, I am purposed to hazard my life in the defending thereof, and repulsing of the enemies, to the end that following the steps of other valiant Champions, I may purchase honour & renown. Thirdly, nevertheless (valiant Captain) I pray you not to put yourself in danger without a cause, but if you see that it be needful either for your own defence, or otherwise, you shall find in me such facts, as I will not utter with mouth always priest and ready to obey your good pleasure and commandment.   

How to write Letters concerning merry jests or taunts by some other.  
IF we would merrily taunt him unto whom we writ, or some other of whom we writ, it must be done even as in the style before written, saving that in the second part we must earnestly continued on the matter.   

The example: wherein Cicero jesteth with Valerius.  
COnsidering with myself at this present, (my perfect friends Valerius) the great negligence that is in you, & that since your departure you have written nothing unto me, I can not excuse you, but to say that you have the palsy or else the sever lurden, and that the hands which were wont to write often unto me, can now no longer hold the pen. If it be so, recommend yourself to the Saints of Paradise, or if not, learn so write with your feet, even as you have well done with your hands. Secondly, although jesting & boarding, yet know I not any other thing which might be more grateful unto me, or wherein you might do me more pleasure, than now amongst the great affairs that I have for the public weal, to give me some consolation by your letters, to the end that I may be certain of your health: You know my heart how I love you, & do not request any other thing of you at this present, if not that it would please you to write often unto me. Thirdly, as for me, if there be any thing wherein I may employ myself to pleasure you, you may command me, even as him the is gladly ready to accomplish your good desire.   

How to write letters giving general commission and charge of business or affairs.  
THere is yet another fort of letters, whereby we give commission or charge of certain business generally or particularly, and such letters must contain four parts. First, to purchase his benevolence, saying, that for the loyalty that is in him, and also the confidence that we have of his person, and that for the love of us he will entreat our business even as his own, therefore have we deliberated to commit our business unto him. Secondly, to declare what business, and with what persons, and how he hath to do. Thirdly, to express the authority that we mind to give him over our business, with all other clauses necessary to the expedition or execution of the same business. Fourthly, to promise to take in good part, whatsoever to him shallbe done etc.   

The Example: wherein Cicero committeth to Scipio his authority over all his business in Rome.  
I Know not any thing so weighty or so difficile, (my more than dear friend Scipio) yea though death itself should follow, that for you I would not most willingly do. For so willeth the love & benevolence that inwardly joineth and uniteth us together: and I do steadfastly believe, that you will do the like for me, whensoever I need. Secondly, the cause that moveth me to write thus unto you, is the I have much business to dispatch at Rome, where personally (for my other affairs, I can not be assistant, & therefore it behoveth me to have some friend resident there for me, that may take the charge of my affairs. Thirdly, and although that I could commit them to divers other my friends, yet notwithstanding I am afraid in so doing, that I should to much offend you: and should seem that I would wholly separate myself from you, if I should not commit my causes and affairs unto you: and likewise if you desist from giving me commission of yours, our natural and mutual love might be diminished. Which case to avoid, I now send you plain and especial procuration, in my urgent and needful business: having steadfast confidence in you that nothing shall perish through negligence. And especially concerning the cause and pursuyte between me and such a one, whereof I pray you, procure speedy expedition, as knowing well the great wrong of the adverse party, & my good right, which hath great need of aid and secure. Fourthly, I beseech you again to have my affairs in remembrance, whereof I give you the charge and plain commission irrevocable: all which things I would have you to do and procure, even as though I myself were personally present, and whatsoever you shall do I promise to be content withal, under obligation and bond of all my goods, according as more plainly is contained in the procuration (or Letter of attorney, which I send you here withal. And thus finish I my letter, praying. etc.   

How to write letters, giving particular Commission for some affairs.  
OFtentimes it happeneth that we commit, and give charge of some particular business: and such letters must be divided into four parts, even as the other before written. Howbeit in the second part we must express one or more business and affairs by order, in every article, the things that we would have dispatched being particularly showed, plainly and manifestly.   

The Example: wherein Appius constituteth Cicero his receiver in Sicilia.  
THe perfectness of fidelity that I have in you, (my loyal friend Tully,) and the which you use towards all your friends, as I have always perfectly perceived it, doth give me no small hope, (together the love and benevolence wherewith we are united) that your wisdom and liberal humanity, taketh great pleasure to employ itself about my business, if I commit any unto you. Secondly, and to the end that I give you to understand, what business I intent that you do for me at this present, you shall know and understand, that in your province I have had to do for the Senate of Rome and that great sums of money remain due unto me by divers of my creaditours thereabouts. And seeing that I am at this point assured of the good will that you bear unto me, I have thought good to constitute you my procurer or attorney, to receive of such a one, so much: and of such a one, so much. etc. Whereof I send you the cedules and obligations. Thirdly, and if any of them or any other will resist you, and refuse or delay the payment, I give you power and authority to constrain them by all ways of justice, even as I might myself, if I were there personally present. Fourthly, whatsoever you shall do for me, I promise you to be content therewithal, & bind me by the procuration which I sand you by this bearer, with the bills & writings serving to that effect. I commit the whole unto you, certifying you that in me you have a friend priest and ready to do whatsoever you shall command him. From Rome the. etc.   

How to write certain mixed Letters.  
YEt is there another sort of Letters containing intermixed matters, which are to be divided into two parts only. First, to declare the most necessary business. Nevertheless we must always begin with some honest preamble, like as if we writ to our friend, saying though we be occupied and busied with many affairs, yet we intent to visit him with our letters. Secondly, to declare particularly and plainly our intent. And if peradventure it behove us to answer letters received from our friend, in such a case for the preamble we shall say that we have received his letters, the which were very comfortable unto us, and that we intent orderly to give answer: in the end whereof we may write that which we will beside, offering as in the other before. etc.   

The Example: wherein Cicero writeth to Curio concerning his business.  
I Have by this bearer received your letters (my singular friend Curio) whereby I greatly rejoiced when I understood the good health & prosperity that is with you and yours: yet notwithstanding I was something sorry when I saw myself accused of negligence, for that I have not written unto you so often as you desired & as I ought to have done. And certainly I confess that I am greatly to be blamed, for in deed I was not very much busied, and am very glad that I know that my letters do so greatly comfort you: promising you that from henceforth there shall pass no messenger, but I will visit you with my writings, and will never think it any labour to write unto you, so long as I may pleasure you. Secondly, you writ unto me that I should certify you of your business, in what state they are: I assure you that day and night I go about to dispatch them, but the craftiness of your adversaries is so great, that I am forced to defer, attending the good hour to break and frustrate their malice, the which notwithstanding; I beseech God to maintain you in your honour and dignity. And where as you will me to send you my books of the law, I would gladly do it, but for the occasion of these troublesome times, I think it needful to tarry till things be more peaceable, and than will I satisfy that which you desire, that is to say, you to command, and I to obey. etc.   

How to write Letters containing diverse and sundry matters.  
Letter's containing many sorts of matters may be divided into as many parts as they contain sundry matters: and we must begin with the most principal part, always observing the rules before written, and afterward the most necessary, and so consequently even unto the end, so that the whole be finished in order & by articles: howbeit it is good to place in the beginning some preamble fit for the matter: and finally to offer as before. Note also, that if there be question both of our friends affairs and our own, then is it decent to begin with those of our friends, and afterwards to speak of our own, thereby to give him to understand that we have his affairs asmuch or more in remembrance than our own.   

The example, wherein Tully writeth to Pompilius of comforting, grave and domestical matters.  
I Understand (my very perfect friend Pompilius) by Letters received from some of our friends, that your valiant Father is deceased out of this world: & this know ye, that in as much as we are firmly joined together in friendship, therefore it is very heavy for me to suffer, yea I esteem it even as mine own adversity, as friends ought to do. But when I consider how well borne he was, and that he came in marriage with noble and sage parents, & by his virtues got such dignities and authorities as can not be recited: yea and moreover (which is almost impossible) that he was always in favour both with the Lords and the people, that he hath run his course of nature, and that he is godly departed, I find no cause to lament, but with all my heart to render thanks unto god, that hath given him so many gifts of virtue in this world, and then after many years, hath called him from darkness to his clear light. Secondly, let us now speak of other matters: you shall understand that it is reported us even to the whole Senate, that the french men prepare a great host against our common weal, and have already over run our fields, therefore is it condescended, that manfully and with a good courage we shall go against them. And this to do is established by Pompeius, who in wisdom, counsel, and warfare authority, hath none like unto him for to conduct our army. Therefore I counsel you to leave Cumane, and to come into this City, during the expedition of this war, for to avoid the hurt that might come unto you. Thirdly, you writ unto me that I should receive money of your debtors, I will do it willingly: But during this tumult, I determine nothing in the Senate, nor elsewhere, until that things be more quiet: and I dare boldly write unto you, that if you come hither, you may get honour and profit: and you shall see what diligence I have used towards your creditors, and to magnify your name: assuring you that I am wholly at your commandment.   

How a Prince faithfully certifieth the worthy qualities of a man.  
ALl, or most part of the styles before written, are addressed either to our superiors, equals, or inferiors, which might seem to suffice for this little work: yet nevertheless, because I would have the gentle Readers, to understand that I delight to express abundance of Styles, I have thought good to recite some styles, which writers and learned men have accustomed to use, following therein the example of divers good Orators. And the first style shall be a letter of fidelity, to wit, When a Prince writeth to one or to many the verity and truth of a thing, even as it is, giving perfect notice that it is so: and such letters must contain three parts. first, the Prince putteth his name, his title, and other qualities agreeable to his highness. secondly, must be placed the discourse or entrance fit for the purpose, whereof we intend to write. thirdly, to purchase benevolence to the thing, or to the person whereof we writ, causing credit to be given thereunto: expressing the very truth of that which we commend, or the virtues of the person.   

The Example: wherein the Duke of Venice certifieth the wisdom and science of G. A.  
AVgustine, by the grace of God. etc. To all them that shall see these letters, health and comfort. Secondly, the Majesty of a Prince, & his magnifical authority is not only to punish & correct vices, but with his whole power he ought to deject & chase away all vicious persons: and even so likewise ought he of justice and honesty, the good and virtuous, full of Sapience and study, not only to amplify with goods and honour, but also in all things to give them support, favour and praise. Thirdly, and for that it is many years ago since we have perfectly known Georges Alexander Doctor very expert and skilful, as well in the Greek as in the Latin tongue, yea loved, esteemed and honoured of all men, for the gravity of his eloquence: wherefore besides the benefits that we have showed him, it is yet our mind, that by our faithful witness, the virtues which are in him, should be known unto all men, and by your relation to be magnified. And therefore we recommend unto you the said George's Alexander, in all his affairs: for that city or town, may think itself very happy, wherein he shall vouchsafe to abide, for the excellent doctrine that is in him. And if there be any service or pleasure done unto him for our sake, we esteem it even as if it were done unto ourself, and for the same will give perpetual thanks. In witness whereof we have sealed this with our Seal manuel. given here the such a day etc.   

How a great prince writeth of peace or wars etc.  
THere is an other sort of letters when a great Prince writeth generally to all, or to a university, a town, a City, a country, a commonalty, or to some public person, as to entreat of peace, wars, appointment. etc. And such letters must be divided into three parts. first, the name of the Prince, and all his titles, with salutation. Secondly, the cause moving wherefore we writ, declaring that it is just, honest, & profitable, the which we shall prove as well by reasons as to depress our adversary, and to desire always to maintain justice and equity. Thirdly, the matter that we intend, be it of peace, or of war, or of some other great matter, and let the conclusion be tending to our purpose, containing the final clauses, agreeable & necessary thereunto, according to the rules before written.   

The Example wherein the Emperor maketh peace with the king of Hungary.  
FRederike by the Divine grace, Emperor of the Romans, of Austrie, of Syrie, Duke of etc. and Count of. etc. To Mathieu king of Hungary. etc. sendeth greeting: Although that there be many reasons the which might provoke us to make war against thee, m●e than are to be found, that do persuade us for to make peace with thee, the which were to long to recite, neither also shall it be needful for asmuch as thou dost understand them well enough: yet to the end that to thee and thine it may appear that there is in us more Liberality, gentleness, and humanity, than desire of revengement, against your ingratitude, we have thought good to make peace with thee, to this end, that our wars being thus ceased, our people and thine, being sore wearied and travailed, may return to their houses in their desired peace, to restore their goods so dispersed and wasted. Thirdly, and for this cause I certify by these presents, that from henceforth secluding all discord and simulation, which heretofore might have been betwixt us, we will with thee make and establish firm and steadfast peace, by the forms and conditions passed and accorded between our ambassadors. Wherefore we admonish you, that thou and thine be priest joyfully and with a good will, to receive this desired peace, and to keep it on your part inviolated, even as we have enjoined to ours, and as we ourselves mind to do: to the end that thou mightest know the good that we would thee in well and faithfully keeping this peace, and causing it to be kept and observed without interruption,   

How a noble man writeth Letters for the promotion of a man.  
WHen any Lord or noble man writeth for the promotion of a man, or that he writeth to him, whom he mindeth to prefer, or to another to provide for him of whom he writeth, such Letters are to be divided into three parts, as before. First he putteth his name and his titles, with brief salutation. Secondly he getteth benevolence to the person, whom he mindeth to prefer, by praising him of some particular virtue, saying that therefore he deserveth to be had in favour and estimation with all men. thirdly, he getteth benevolence to his own person, saying that for those causes he is moved to show him favour and commodity: afterwards he addeth to take in good part the good will, for such a benefit or thing given, is not sufficient to reward such virtues, offering. etc.   

The Example, wherein the Count of Pavia, writeth in the promotion of A.  
Joannes Galeas Maria, by the grace of God County of Pavia, and Lord of Gennes, to Angelic sendeth greeting: Secondly the excellent melody and incredible harmony of Musical science, wherein thou excellest not only the other Singers of our Chapel, but also there is none which may be compared unto thee, with other great and innumerable virtues, for the which of all people both privately and publicly, thou art renowned, praised, esteemed, & reverenced: Such things I say, do provoke and incline me to bear thee good will, to aid and succour thee in thy desires, even as customably we do to our servants and familiar acquaintance, to the end to stir and move other to well doing, when they see the virtuous to be rewarded and honoured. thirdly, and to the end that more plainly may appear to you the great affection and love that we bear thee, we do constitute thee to receive in the Count of Aquedoace, the fruits, rents, profits, and revenues due unto us, the which we do freely give thee by these presents, and so do declare and command it: willing thee gently to receive it, which is too little to be compared to thy virtues, trusting hereafter, if we be of power and ability, that thou shalt perceive how we desire the advancement of our good servants by magnifying their virtues, offering etc.   

How a prince ecclesiastical or temporal, writeth Letters forbidding a thing.  
WHen a prince ecclesiastical or temporal writeth to one or to many, commanding & forbidding not to finish a thing already begun, or not to take in hand a thing already pretended: Such letters contain three parts. first his name and his titles, with salutation. Secondly, he declareth to understand, that he unto whom he writeth, hath enterprised, and purposeth to finish a thing which he would not have him to execute showing the causes and reasons, either true or like to be true, dissuading from the doing of such a thing. Thirdly, he placeth his commandment and inhibition in brief terms, and well to be understanded, even as it appertaineth unto a prince, adding thereto injunctions and royal threatenings if it be gainsaid or withstanded: the which threatenings nevertheless aught to be moderated with humanity, and not overcharged with rigour, to the end that through too great rigour, it be not perceyned, that the Prince speaketh of choler or anger, the which a wise man ought not to do: and then to set the day and date. etc.   

The Example: wherein the Pope forbiddeth king Ferrand the building of a Castle.  
INnocent Bishop, servant of the servants of God, to our son Ferrand, king of ●ouill● health & apostolical benediction. Secondly, by the Letters of our Reverend brother the Cardinal of S. Peter ad Vincula, by our commandment governor of the Field Picenine, and Legate, we have had understanding that in the ends and borders of the kingdom of ●ouill● towards our field Picenine, which belongeth to us, thou wilt breaking the appoyntementes and concords made between us, build strong places and Castles, as he saith, he knoweth by the report of divers people, worthy of credit, who do say, that they have seen thy preparations: and as thou knowest, such manner of new buildings, especially erected upon the Front of the Sea coast, where they may give great occasions of evil doing and hurt, are things which of their own nature, induce a man to suspicion, and to think some evil conspiracy. Wherefore we can not but greatly doubt, least thou intendest some treason against us.  
Thirdly, we therefore will thy majesty, to desist from building such Castles and Forts against us, if thou wilt with us have peace and perpetual tranquillity. But if peradventure thou wilt not cease, then understand thou for a certainty, that we shall be constrained to repulse the injury, that thou wouldst do unto us, following those means whereby it is lawful to put away injury. Howbeit we have a confidence that thou wilt do nothing that might be prejudicial unto us, the which no good King may nor aught to do.  
given at Rome etc.  
Here endeth the first Book.    

The second book containing the Copies of sundry learned men's Letters and Epistles.  
ALthough th' instructions and styles here before written might suffice to content the Readers of this Book: yet because courageous minds shall have abundance and choice of matters, I will not here make a final end, but have thought good (over and beside all the styles of the Letters and Epistles here before written) to adjoin a number more of Epistles and Letters of sundry styles, aswell of Latin Orators, as also of other learned and discrete persons: trusting that the whole being well seen & considered, together with the instructions and exquisite terms wherewith an auditor ought to be furnished, except peradventure the mind and courage of the Reader be altogether ignorant & sluggish, of the number of them that remaining in the gulf and bottom of rechlenesse have their sense so corrupted, their memory so slppery, and their mind so dull, slow & astoned, that they may rightly of every one be taken and esteemed as brutal and barbarous: which ceasing, and a good will succeeding, there is no doubt but a man shall easily learn to make a Letter or Epistle so well adorned, and garnished, that it shall render unto the Readers & hearers not only great joy and commodity, but also to the endytour profit, honour & inestimable delectation.  

Hirmolaus Barbarus writeth unto George Merule.  
PLato in that his divine institution of laws, amongst other sovereign things, maketh mention, that it is needful in the common weal to prescribe & give order, that it be not permitted unto any man to show either privately or publicly any thing that he hath composed, except it be first perused and approved by the judges thereunto assigned. Would to God (O discrete Merula) at this day we had the same law. Certainly so many people should not then writ, and so few should not apply themselves to good Letters: for now through the abundance of many naughty books, we are greatly endamaged: & leving the approved and known authors, we follow the base and blind writers and (that which is to be lamented) we judge of studies according to the good or evil authors one with another, without indifferency or correction. From this spring and fountain is risen this mortal and monstrous persuasion, that Philosophers & consuls can not be both alike and eloquent, for the which sentence (because in many places we have argued to the contrary, as well in speaking & disputing as by writing) I doubt not but of many I have incurred hatred and office, or (according to thy common proverb) have angered the wasps. But ●ith we have the oath of this Knighthood, it were a capital crime to quite so honourable a charge. And certainly I ordain and appoint (now that I have power & authority not to chide or make a noise, but by writing or interpreting to prove my cause before wise and learned persons, even so as the thing itself shall witness) that there is altogether no matter which this flourishing and ready kind of saying and speaking, doth not recey●e, and hath not his natural history, yea and containeth not his very particular and sensible reasons. For this is of Pliny the second (without all controversy) constituted and made: but the same is that whereof every one universally maketh question and debate in such sort manner and form, as I think verily I myself have first touched it, in Themistio That which I have proposed, I pray thee Merula, as effectually as I can devise, that thou wouldest say for me even as for thyself, and that thou wouldest be not only my defender, but my helper judge and corrector. For certainly it can not be denied, but that in Philosophy there are sundry places, the which to utter and express, it is needful and necessary sometimes to feign, & renew. And this doth Marcus Tullius, and all the other ancient and great Philosophers grant & allow: the which is now by manner of prelocution and reverence granted unto us: & as he saith we may name and place new words, where we see the Latin to be corrupted or altered, as in the names of money and coin or such like. And herein would I have thee to be an equal Censor or judge, if peradventure thou findest in these books any thing either altogether feigned to the semblance of certain voices, or by licence, that I say not rudely or hardly translated, or by abuse to boldly transposed, or else by a certain imitation somewhat to confirmable. Howbeit I think thou shalt not find many which might offend thee, or be troublesome: ten at the most or thereabouts, thou shalt find in the whole work that I send thee here withal, the which a man may say are not taken rightly from the Latin, and yet is there some of them that we have received and taken even from the Latin ears, some we have newly made, for the other I take no disdain of the usage of learned and wise men: howbeit I will not seem to affirm myself to be wholly unreprovable, lest peradventure some do object & say, if thou excuse thyself that thou art not barbarous, what is it then that thou sayest? And thus I wholly submit my cause to the indifferent judge, void of partiality. Farewell. From Venice. 1480   

Hirmolaus Barbarus writeth to Angelus Politianus.  
IN that thou hast conceived incredible joy for my prosperities, thou hast therein done no new thing, nor any thing which I had not before hand well seen, & by imagination presupposed. I know with what carefulness & great forwardness of understanding, thou hast taken in hand this busy & unspeakable charge to adorn & extol my name: & although that thou hast therein been constant, diligent, & effectuous, yet sith in so doing it seemeth that thou speakest for thyself, when thou speakest for me) I do nothing marvel in that thou hast thought to profit thy sel●, when thou hast been about mine affairs. I give thanks unto thee, and will give continually, not only as to a lover and a friend, but even as unto Politian, that is to say, unto a man right wise. And certainly it is a greater thing to be praised of Politian, than of a friend: for the testimony and judgement of a friend might be deceived: but of Politian a friend, never deceived. And to my Lord Laurentius, no less my prince than thine, I am greatly bound and beholden. he himself thereof is witness: I am in great danger lest that in so many benefits & merits, which it hath pleased him to bestow upon me, I appear not to be ungrateful and barbarous.   

Marsilius Ficinus writeth unto Angelus Politianus.  
IF now Politian, I should say, that I greatly marveled at the haughtiness & eloquence of thy style, some peradventure would suppose that I were to full of marveling: certainly in others I am accustomed to marvel at things for the novelty of them, but in Politian, I marvel at things which are unto me of a long time very well known, howbeit for a verity I now have in admiration not old things, but new things. For my Politian, hath so happily increased within short space since his youth, that for his style he seemeth unto me wholly another man, and altogether new: and therefore he that being even a child, hath not smally pleased me, and being a young man greatly pleased me, now that he hath passed his youth, doth perfectly and worthily please me: for even as his beauty hath daily increased, so also hath increased his grace. And certainly also this pleaseth me well that it should so be, for this cause, for often times I presupposed and as it were prognosticated, that it would so come to pass, therefore I pray thee hold on as thou hast begun. Divine, to the end that thou mayst likewise make me a true Divinator. In respect of that that thou extollest the Marsilian in every place with passing praises, I do marvel no whit at all. Who is he that in pronouncing his proper praises, is not vehement and warmeth not himself? who is he, so unsensible, that delighteth not himself in that which belongeth unto himself: Francus declared unto us that thou hast had talk of us with all the wise and learned, especially with Hirmolaus Barbarus. What wilt thou that I do for thee? certainly I will willingly do it. Farewell.   

Politianus answereth unto Marsilius Ficinus.  
THou perceivest not in me every day new things which are worthy to be praised, but rather new things in thyself, through that which thou praisest me: and that which seemeth unto thee such abundance, is thy exceeding love whereby (as Propertius reciteth) of nothing is raised a great history. And verily I think thou wilt make me a Divinator, for thou hast caused me to Divine, when as every day I say and preach that thou art a Divine. Farewell.   

Innocent Pope, to Angelus Politianus.  
MY well-beloved Son, health and Apostolical benediction. The book which thou lately didst send unto us, translated out of Greek into Latin, we have heartily and gladly received, aswell for the novelty of the thing, as for the judgement of divers, whom in these parts we esteem for learned and wise: It is so well furnished with learning and wit, that therewith our library shallbe greatly adorned: and therefore we give thee most hearty thanks, recommending thy virtue unto our Lord, and exhorting thee from henceforth to persever in such like things: to the end that by these honest labours, thou mayst one day get greater praises, and that thou mayst deserve at our hands more fertile grace. And in token, aswell of the good will that we know to be in thee, as for the great fatherly love that we bear towards thee, we have thought good to send thee two hundred Crowns, by our well-beloved son john Turnabon, to the end that by such succour of living, thou mightest more easily support and accomplish thy labours and works. given at Rome, at Saint peter's, under the Seal of the Fisher. The xuj of August. 1487. The third year of our pontificality.   

Innocent the eight Pope to his well-beloved son Laurentius de Medicis.  
Well-beloved son, health and Apostolical benediction. We give thanks unto thy devotion, for that through the same our well-beloved son Angelus Politianus, a man very learned and expert, hath sent us a book, translated out of Greek into Latin, the which he dedicated unto our name, & the which not only by our own judgement, but also by the judgement of other wise men, unto whom we have showed it, is greatly commended. It shall be of us as appertaineth greatly esteemed and honoured, and shall be an ornament in our Library, the which shall be a Testimony of his Virtue and Learning: we exhort thee above all things to provoke and move the same Angelus by thy authority to make and compose like works, which shall bring forth unto him vulgar estimation, and unto us no small delectation: who for so honest labours, partly by benefits, partly by other things, will cause that worthy thanks & reward shallbe employed and given unto him. And now in token thereof, we have appointed to be sent unto him by our well-beloved son john Turnabon two C. Crowns, to the end that this book should not remain without recompense. given at Rome at Saint peter's. etc.   

Angelus Politianus to Innocent the eight Pope rendereth Salutaion.  
I Know not in what sort to render thee thanks, most holy Father Innocent, Sovereign Bishop, which hast with so great praises, and ample liberality rewarded our small labours, which thing I consider and interpret to have been so done for this cause: to wit, that it hath pleased thy holiness and blessedness by this means to erect and stir up the minds of learned men which of long time have lain still and as it were slumbered when they understand to be in such a worthy Bishop of this time, such and so great humanity and liberality, that now even the basest and least in order, remain not only praised and honoured, but also liberally recompensed Certainly these praises together with the present and unlooked for benefits on me bestowed, have added unto me as it were spurs and pricks, and have charged me with a great carefulness, so to keep and behave myself, that at no time or by no cause, I be found to be unworthy of this thy liberality and favour, whereupon I will take care, and will so enforce myself, that this our tender territory, (to the tillage whereof thy magnificence hath now given such and so great succour) shall bring forth hereafter new revenues to thy sacred Majesty. Valeat tua sanctitas Florentiae. etc.   

A certain man writeth to a Bokebynder of Paris.  
Worshipful Sir, assured I am, that if I should commend me an hundredth thousand times unto you, yet should I do less than nothing, if it pleased you not to account me for one of those that wish you well, therefore I pray you commend me unto you: certifying you that since my departure, I have written sufficient matter unto you, according to my rudeness, whereunto you have made me no answer. Howbeit I marvel not thereat, considering that you have been so busied about the urgent affairs of the king, that you have had no leisure to attend thereunto, wherefore you are worthily to be excused. And though it be so that I am transported into a far country to execute needful things, yet is it not to be supposed, that true love should decay, through the visible separation made between two friends, whereof you are the one and I the other, at the least I am yours, and believe that you are mine. And therefore as mine, I have not nor will not defer to write unto you, trusting and being assured, that through the receiving of my Letters, I shall cause you to be more joyful, and to have me in remembrance. Doing you also thereby to understand, that if it would so please you, I would gladly have certain little books (whereof I spoke unto you) dispatched from the binding, handsomely and finely, as you know well how to do them: yea far better than it is possible to express or write unto you. Of a thing well done the praise remaineth to the Author and doer thereof, wherein I know you shall be partaker, for that you work so perfectly that no man will nor can find fault therewith. Moreover if there be any thing in these parts wherein I may pleasure you, do but command it, and I will obey according to the possibility of your said friend, not to be compared to his good will. Recommending me always most humbly to your worship unto your wife, and to all your children, unto whom I will not forget the wine, my books being properly and handsomely bound and dispatched. Thus cease I for this present, beseeching our Lord to send you health and welfare with long life. From Selurre, the xj day of October.   

An Epistle of Angelus Politianus to Laurencius de Medicis his uncle.  
BAptista Leo Florentius of the most clear and noble family of the Albertins, a man of excellent spirit, of good and deep judgement, & of exquisite Doctrine, having left unto his posterity many noble deeds, acts and monuments, consequently & in fine thought good to report upon ten books speaking of Architecture, or the science of Building: the which being amended, corrected and polished, intending to set them forth to light, and to dedicate them unto thy name, was by fatal ordinance prevented by death and so deceased. His brother bernard, a prudent man, always mindful of thee amongst the chiefest, to the end to advance the memory of so worthy a man, and to render thanks for thy merits on him bestowed: the foresaid books written according to their true patterns and examples, and reduced into one volume, doth offer and present them unto thee, my good Laurentius: and in very deed he desired that I should commend and adorn with words the same gift towards thee, & also towards the author thereof, Baptista Leo. The which I have not thought good to do in any case, to the end that through the default of my understanding, I diminish not the praises of a man so excellent, and of a work so well brought to pass and finished: for unto that worthy work shall come more honour and renown by the learning and reading of it, than by any words wherewith I am able to set forth the praises thereof, fearing and doubting the difficulties of the Epistle, and doubting also the imbecility and weakness of our Oration: for unto any man not ignorant of the perfection and integrity of the removed Letters, and of the secret and hid discipline, it might be doubted whether his speech and style doth more touch the Art of Oratory, or of Poetry, whether it be more grave or Civil. In this order he hath followed the true trace of the Antiquity, in such sort that he hath by sense comprehended and reduced into example, not only the reasons of the ancient builders, their engines and instruments to work withal, but also hath wonderfully excogitated and published the forms and styles of Buildings: yea and besides this, he was also a good Painter, and a cunning Carver. Howbeit it in the mean time he ordered all things according to true proportion and measure, in such sort that all people might report of him singular and worthy things, so that I judge and suppose, that I were better to be silent than to speak to little, even as Saluste said of Carthage. To this book therefore, O Laurentius) thou shalt attribute most principal and chiefest place in thy library, and shalt read it diligently: and shalt take care to publish it commonly: for it is worthy to pass often by the mouths of expert and learned men, yea it is a favourer and a very patron of learning, amongst all men living now fallen unto thy lorte. Farewell.   

Angelus Politianus to a certain friend of his.  
IF I had begun to have loved thee for thy richesses, I should now have ceased to love thee, or to be thy friend, for that thou now ceasest to be rich: but moreover, if I had now ceased to have been thy friend, than had I not been thy friend neither when thou wert rich, but a flatterer: the which whosoever can be, can not be free but a bondslave.   

Politian to his friends.  
YOu are many which together demand Letters from me, but behold I send unto many but one only: for it behoveth to send one only Epistle unto many whom I only love. The which shall be as good as many, when many of you shall read it.   

Politian to an envious person.  
THou art envious to every one of every thing save envy, but of that thou art envious towards thy like, who is yet more envious than thou: and by that means there is no envy in thee: and yet notwithstanding thou hast envy at his envy: and by that means he is less envious than thou. Who you are, I will not express, because I will not make you more miserable than you are already, for if I should publish your name, you would have envy even at your very name itself, not only one of you at that of the other, but either of you at his own.   

Politian to a Slanderer and detractor  
Unto thee which speakest evil of me, I intent not to answer evil, lest peradventure thou shouldest cease from saying evil by me, that is to wit, from praising me: for in very deed who is he that is more rightly praised, than he of whom evil is spoken by an evil man? And in respect that I call thee an evil man, that is so far from being evil said, that nothing can be better said.   

Politian to his friend Caesar Carmente.  
THou supposest thyself to be contemned, because I writ not unto thee, I should contemn thee if I should write unto thee: for if I contemned thee, than durst I write unto thee these answers, either that I am busied, or that I have no leisure for thee. Farewell.   

Politian, to james modest.  
THou art sorry because I writ not unto thee: be sorry no more, for now I writ unto thee. Farewell.   

Politian to an unconstant person.  
THou hast not given me that which thou didst promise me: I find myself grieved if thou hast forgot it: and yet more grieved if thou hast not forgot it: to forget, is the property scarce of a friend & not to give when it is remembered, is the property altogether of an enemy. Farewell.   

Angelus Politianus to Picus Mirandula.  
THat which I would should have been corrected by thee, thou praisest it, but thou dost that thing easily, which thou dost always. Farewell.   

Politian to a friend of his.  
THou art angry and sorry because Simias doth reprehend me, he doth not reprehend me, to the end that he might search the safeguard of his life, as a man beset with some that do much rejoice of flatterers, and yet more of detractors.   

Politian to a promise breaker.  
Much more equal haddde it been incontinently to have denied that which so earnestly I have requested, than afterwards not to perform the thing which thou being a grave man hadst so liberally promised, for than had it been no injury, seeing that thou didst owe me nothing: but now it is injury, for thou dost owe it me, and must owe it me, seeing that thou hast promised it me: and certainly I do not yet believe that thou art of that sort of people, whom their promises do not bind them: and to the end that I have not hereafter occasion to believe it, I would wish thee to keep such promises to thyself. Only this I request thee, that if thou wilt not give and perform unto me that benefit, yet cease to be injurious unto me, which thou shalt do if thou forbidden me to hope any longer in vain. Fi●nally, I shall be greatly beholden unto thee, if thou give me that which I request, and shall greatly marvel if thou give it me not Farewell.   

Politian to his friend.  
I Was very sorry, and am very glad, because thou wast sick, and that thou art hole. Farewell.   

Politian to Picus Mirandula.  
I Was first vanquished of thee by learning, and vanquished by spirit, yet nevertheless I rejoice me to be vanquished, and do in such sort rejoice me, for I love thee, and love that by the which I was vanquished: but now by thy humanity am I vanquished, which thing certainly I can not suffer, because it is unhonest, but I do suffer it, for there is nothing unhonest unto me, which unto thee is not honest.   

Politian to a certain friend of his.  
THou art sorry because I which am thy friend, have vanquished thee in disputation, thou oughtest not to be sorry: for if all things be common unto friends, I am no more a vanquisher than thou: & no less vanquished than thou. But peradventure thou art sorry, because that by such law of friends, I am not a perfect vanquisher, I which have thee vanquished. Farewell.   

An Epistle of johannes Picus Mirandula, to his dear friend jacobus Antiquarius.  
AMongst all the pleasures which I took when I was at Florence, through the allowable custom of Politian, (a man according unto my judgement, of all other most learned & skilful, as touching them of our time) this was not the least, but exceeded, when he incontinently gave unto me thy grave Epistles sent unto him, to the end that I might read them with their answers, in the same form and excellent order that they passed between you: In those letters and Epistles I did greatly delight me, for the singular prudence therein contained, whereby also in weighty matters and great affairs, thou art of the most prudent and wise greatly commended, both for the sobriety and also for the seemly adorning & beautifying of thy Oration. Furthermore thy Letters were accepta- unto me, not only because in some of them there was honourable mention made of my name, but also I delighted myself therein for the testimony of such a perfect man, by reason of the conscience, granting and giving just consent, which not dissembling any thing of that which it thought, did manifest and discover the matter even as it was striving with great force, as nilling to be deceived: And thus am I double beholding unto thee, by reason of thy virtue, and also of thy benefits done unto us. I had thought by my Epistles sundry times to have rendered thee thanks, lest peradventure towards thee I should have been thought somewhat ungrateful, or esteemed rude and uncivil: yet deferred I the time (because I know thee and our good friend Politian, to be so exercised with letters, passing to and fro between you,) as not willing with such importunate haste to babble against the Muses, & as the malapert gaggling geese, to interrupt the white Swans interchangeably singing: besides this I perceived by Politian, that thou hadst understanding of our good will towards thee. And now have we received thy letters sent unto us, (lately delivered to Bernard Ricius, a young man of great towardness) wherein thou dost attribute unto me, that which I dare not request, neither think to have so much merited. The greatness of thy humanity doth now burst our silence, except we should seem uncivil or proud, and therefore I can not choose but give the great thanks, and impart unto thee immortal praises: not only because thou bestowest upon me no small undeserved praises, but also by reason that thou so tenderly lovest me. Therefore unto thee I ought to make recompense even above my power, neither is there any thing so hard or difficile, which for thy commodity I would not take in hand. Farewell. Made in the fields of Ferrare the .27. of july. 1494.  
Here endeth the second book.    

¶ The third book, containing the manner and form how to write by answer.  

A Father writeth unto his Son.  
Well-beloved Son after Commendations appertaining. etc. It is already three months ago, and now at this present going on the fourth, since we received any Letters from thee: me thinks thou mightest have conjectured with thyself (if thy heart had not been altogether stony) in what troubles and calamities I with thy weeping and sorrowful mother do live. There are now xxiiij winters gone and past, since forth of thy mother's womb into this transitory life thou wast brought, & because even from thy youth upward, I was a careful and desirous Father to see thee good, modest, gentle, kind, and with all other virtues adorned (beholding then thy sharp wit & lively memory of thy natural inclination and spirit) I thought good (as thou knowest) to send thee to Paris. to the study of the Civil Laws, according to thine own desire: thou hast now been there four years, and I determined to give thee yearly an hundred Crowns for the sustentation of thy living, to wit, at the end of every six months fifty: & moreover to send thee Clothes of Silk and of wol, for the apparel of thy body. Thou shalt understand (my dear child) that thy mother hath been my wife xxuj years: I have had (by the goodness of God) of her two children only, whereof thou art the first, and after thee Loyse thy Sister, upon whose virtuous life the Sun beams having shined by the space of xxiij years, and I knowing her worthy of a husband, have thought good this year to marry her, and to give her to Hely Loyer, for his legitimate and lawful spouse: and because that he is a rich man, it behoved me for the full sum of her marriage to give three thousand pounds, so that I was constrained to pay him not only all the ready money that I had, but also to borrow more than three hundredth Crowns, because I would not fail to the fidelity and promise which I had made him. This therefore was the occasion that with my Letters of the viii. of August last passed, I had not the mean to send thee more than thirty Crowns, within these xu or twenty days I will send thee the other twenty, for the full accomplishing of the term past, and the fifty for the beginning of the year present: Therefore for default of the said money cease not from any manner of study: but now it pleaseth me to talk a little unto thee. Thou then drawn by disdain, and moved with unjust ire, for so light an occasion (as voluntarily willing to work vengeance) stayest thou to give answer unto the humane & gentle Epistles of thy Father, unto the sweet & loving Letters of thy Mother? disdainest thou to answer brotherly the tender letters of thy chaste, prudent & new married sister? O thou miscreant, thinkest thou peradventure that the pity of thy Father would not have sent thee the twenty Crowns, which for the necessity and ornament of our house could not then be done? O Neroical cruelty of a child, O heart of Iron, O barbarous usage, O wickedness worthy to be carried to the uttermost ends of the world: I see well enough how wise thou art made, to know how to molest me even at the very heart root, together with thy miserable mother: who for that thy plague of spirit, taketh her daily nourishment with sharp and bitter anguishes. The Virgilian Queen Dido of Carthage, was never so passioned with love towards her pitiful child Ascanius, as by thy occasion the tenderness of the charity of thy mother towards thee, is at this present afflicted and desolate, and for thee only she living doth account herself miserable and unfortunate: Alack I pray you tell me, is this the Doctrine of the sage Plato? are these the instructions of Aristotle, that prince of Nature: who say, that it is not possible that children should make recompense to their Fathers and mothers for the goodness of them received. Thou then my dear son, if thou wilt that thy mother live, take forth with thy pen and write, to comfort her. Thou oughtest to remember (as a reasonable man) that she brought thee into this world, that thou wast tenderly & warmly nourished in her womb, & that thou didst there receive thy life, limbs, flesh, blood, sinews & bones: since which time also how careful and diligent a father I have been for thee (to avoid the vanity of worldly praises) certainly I demand none other witness but even thyself. ●halar, although he was a tyrant and of notable severity, yet sometimes appeared Civil, who writing unto his son ●aurolus, saith unto him, that a child ought verily to be mindful of the benefits of his Parents Alas, I pray thee read the history of Valerus, where thou shalt understand the pity of Coriolan, towards his Mother: and the promptness of the pitiful heart of Simon the Athenian, towards his Father Miltiades. Finally, I had purposed to have continued longer in this Epistle: but the tears which fall from mine eyes will not suffer me to pass further. I believe that through the great anguish of the grief that thy pitiful ●●ther sustaineth, if she should see thee in her presence, she could not say to thee, O Son write unto me: but I doubt not but that those her distilling tears would forthwith prick thee forward to write unto her: and because she is thy Mother, (and that both good and worshipful,) thou mightest peradventure learn the duty of true pity, not bashing to accompany her, with sorrowful wailing and repentance, for the error towards thy Parents, without consideraction by thee committed. God keep thee, and vouchsafe to make thee worthy of his infinite grace.  
Thy Father. etc.   

The answer of the Son. unto his Father.  
dearly beloved Father, after most humble commendations unto you, and my loving mother, beseeching you both of your daily blessing. etc. Father although I know your advise to be truer than the voice of the humane Sibyle, or the oracle of Apollo, yet nevertheless I think it my duty to make brief answer unto your sweet and learned Letters. You by them (together the great pity of my Mother) have made mine eyes so tenderly moist with tears, that not only in one thing, but also in many, if I had been before your presence (your Fatherly benignity, together with my Mother's clemency considered) you would certainly have judged your only Son worthy of pardon. He that should blaspheme God, yea or his Father or Mother, me thinketh he were not worthy to be reasoned withal, but rather to be punished: for in verity, there is nothing more unseemly in a young man, than to give occasion of anger unto a man of ripe age. Therefore as Marcus Cicero writeth, wisdom is the knowledge of good and evil things: And this goeth morally, Aristotle disputing saith, that it falleth not for youth: therefore the moralist Seneca sweetly writeth, that the wise man is temperate and constant: & he that is constant and without perturbation, & without wickedness, is he that is quiet and untroubled: then to conclude, the wise man is happy. Therefore extend your pity unto me: for according to the sentence of Fabian Quintilian, he that repenteth him of his error, is worthy of pardon. But because I will not be long in writing, it may please you to understand, that in this Town of Paris, we have great scarcity of victuals this year. Corn is at a high price: I say nothing unto you of wine, which at this day is risen unto such a price, that of many persons, it is quite forsaken. I know well, my dear Father and Mother, that you would not have me to endure scarcity of victuals, for the which my garments already four months ago, are gauged to mine Host, which causeth me to be more importunate to demand money of you, which through your goodness I attend for with earnest desire. To finish, (my duty unto you both remembered) I humbly recommend me, and also unto my well-beloved Sister.  
Your humble and obedient Son etc.   

The father writeth unto the Son.  
VErily my Son, thou wilt be the occasion through thy evil behaviour, to haste me sooner than I thought unto my grave: for one of these days in this Town of Lions, many gentlemen and merchants affirmed unto me, that all the clothes of Scarlet which thou didst carry with thee are lost. Also I am advertised by my trusty friends, that sundry dames in Lions, go sumptuously arrayed with our clothes of Silk, and thou of them hast none other payment, but that thou takest account secretly in the night. This is not the faith which thou didst promise me at thy departure: therefore thy mother continually weepeth, and thy two virtuous and honest Sisters lament without ceasing. But tell me, with what knives thinkest thou that thou dost wound the most secret parts of our hearts: therefore be ready to amend thy error, or else verily cease to call me Father, and hold thyself assured (except thou amend) that neither of my goods nor money thou shalt ever have any part hereafter.  
Thy careful Father. etc.   

The Son maketh aunswer●● unto his Father  
MY dearly beloved Father, I have been advertised by your sorrowful letter of evil adventure of our merchandise: but because you are my Father & a prudent Father, it is lawful for you without occasion, to reprehend and to threaten me: howbeit he that committeth not the fault, is always accompanied with sweet hope. Those that have told you that I give your clothes of Silk unto the dames of Lions, peradventure have taken it in evil part, that I have not given some piece of silk unto their wives, & would peradventure have taken no ● to have asked them from whence the garment had come, so that they spare their pens. I pray you therefore my dear Father, be content & glad: for I consume not your goods, but I sell them aswell unto women as unto men. I send you by your Factor two thousand pounds for clothes of Scarlet, & six hundredth pounds for clothes of silk: I will tarry to finish the rest, & the cursed envy languishing, shall fall unto the ground: and you shall find me (God to friend) a good, just & faithful Son etc.   

The wife writeth unto her Husband  
ENtirely beloved Husband, after a thousand commendations unto you, with the desire of your health and welfare rather than mine own. etc.  
Since your departure hence, God knoweth in how many careful cogitations & thoughts I have lived: and certainly in all my tribulations through your absence, I have found none greater than in one whole year with much a do to have received from you only two short Letters. It may be that some great affairs of the Court would not permit you time to write, or peradventure that no care of us doth prick you forward. These verily were not your promises made unto me at your departure. It may please you to understand, that our two children are in good Health, and increase in stature, but not in manners, which to them should appertain: we are rich of substance more than otherwise, therefore take heed least covetousness do surmount & overcome you: For riches will be small ornaments for our Children, without the brightness of some virtues. Besides this, forget you not that I have not any lack of things necessary for living: but know ye that I am a wife, and that young, not better nor worse than other. Therefore I beseech and require you that you will come unto us, for we have great need of you, & not of money: ●nd thus with great desire do we attend for you: beseeching God to bless you & prosper your affairs.  
Your faithful Spouse. etc.   

The answer of the Husband unto his Wife.  
Loving Wife, after hearty commendations with desire of your prosperity and all ours etc. This may be to certify you, that within these few days I received some very lamentable Letters from you, by the which you do greatly complain of me, for that I should be slow in writing unto you: you think peradventure that from hence where I am in Lions unto Amboyse, is like distance of way as from Bloys to Tours. Verily I have written at the least nine times in the year. And often it happeneth (as you might consider) that by negligence of the carriers letters are lost. But to proceed farther when I parted from you, I had thought that I parted joyfully, leaving in your lap our two children, with steadfast confidence to have committed them to a prudent, sage, temperate, careful, diligent, and hearty wife, about the governing of domestical affairs, wherein me thinks there should be no default in you. You writ unto me, that you are a wife & young, with that which followeth: I say that when I married you, I took you not only for a wife, but also for the most virtuous, most cha●t, most honest & most skilful of all other of your age. I am not covetous, as peradventure you suppose: true it is, that I am come unto the Court to advantage us and our children asmuch as I can, which may hereafter be cause of joyful quietness. At this present I will write no further: God willing within these three months I trust to be with you. And thus I commit you and all ours to the blessed Trinity.  
Your loving Husband. etc.   

A Sister writeth unto her Brother.  
MY well-beloved Brother, after most hearty commendations unto you etc. I can not express nor declare in words what grievous sorrows and passions I have received for the death of Francis your loving & faithful spouse. Therefore were not the extreme tears & great anguishes wherewith I am bitterly accompanied, I might peradventure find out for you some manner of consolation: but certainly very ill may he help an other that can not in any wise help himself. Any other mean is there not, save only reason, which might comfort you to take with a good heart, the fierce and uncertain death of that honest, virtuous, and chaste wife: who through the merits of her virtues, I esteem without all doubt to be gone to possess the eternal Triumphs of the heavenly glory. Wherefore then ought we more to lament the ungentlenes of envious death, which in the end destroyeth all things created, than we ought quietly to render the money which we have borrowed? for the gift of life lent unto us by the general Pastor, aught to be restored without any lamentation. Therefore I pray you, study with me to praise God for the faithful departure of your well-beloved out of this transitory life: And so bring up Loyse my dear niece, that she may follow the manners of her Mother. Would the bitter rain of the humour that falleth from mine eyes have ceased, I would have been more large in writing unto you. The eternal God of his infinite pity, preserve you and yours in peace and prosperity.  
Your loving Sister. etc.   

The answer of the Brother unto his Sister.  
dearly beloved Sister, after loving commendations unto you. etc. The tenderness of the sweet Style of your human letters, hath caused somewhat to cease the abundance of the moist humour gushing from mine eyes: therefore I can not by any sufficient words, express the thanks which I do owe, & even until the last day of my life shall owe unto your pity, goodness, and courtesy. I know how tenderly you take the memory of Francis: also I know the effect of the singular love, which she bore unto you. Your Niece humbly recommendeth her unto your benignity, I trust that she will follow in all things the gentleness and honesty of that her virtuous Mother deceased. We in the mean time shall always be ready to accomplish your request in all things at your pleasure. God have you in his blessed tuition.  
Your faithful Brother etc.   

A Mother writeth unto her Daughter.  
Well-beloved Daughter Antyonette after due Commendations unto you etc. Very acceptable (d●re daughter) were your letters unto me, partly for having advise of your health, and partly to understand that Peter your son doth so diligently attend to the beginning of his study. To advertise you by motherly charity, of that thing which appertaineth both unto my honesty and yours, it is so, that within this little while I have by divers voices understanded, (I wots not what) of your ill renown, from those parts of your Town of Bloys: You know (my daughter) that at sixteen years of age I was married, and at xxiij remained widow with two children, and unto this my age of lij years, there was never none verily that could say any thing against the integrity of my life: neither have I at any time passed for a husband. Thou verily at xuj years didst take a husband, and now at xxxv years remainest widow with one Son only xix years hast thou possessed thy husband: therefore thou oughtest to be satisfied of worldly things. Thou art rich, and art left under the state of a widow: Oh, I pray thee for the love of the eternal God, and for the obeisance that thou owest unto me, that thou wilt be well advised not to maculate or blot that wydowish and decent habit which thou bearest, for the worship of him, who of thy virginity gathered the first fruit. The Lord be with thee.  
Thy pitiful mother. etc.   

The Daughter maketh answer unto her Mother.  
Dear and well-beloved Mother, after most humble and reverent commendations with the desire of your long life etc. Through your last brief Letters I am become altogether melancholic and sorrowful: & that not for the occasion springeth of you, but of the unpappynesse of the wicked world. Verily with most-humble obedience, I receive all those admonitions which come from you my discrete mother. Hippolit, as we read in the ancient histories, because he would not consent to Thaedra his horrible Mother, was by her occasion cruelly put to death, without deserts: so I by the pestiferous tongues of others, am innocently slandered. Wherefore hearken I pray you my dear Mother, you know Clare very well, who hath a brother xxiiij years old, a drunkard, evil taught, a gamner, and a glutton, these two years hath he by letters, gifts and promises gone about dishonestly to tempt me, and this doth he not somuch for his own desire, as for the wicked will of his Sister Clare, who being about xxx years of age and richly married, but unto an old man, is very liberal of her love unto who so ever demandeth it. And because that she is my neighbour, she would gladly have me joined in love with her brother: but that shall notwithstanding nothing prevail him, though mistrustful persons speak their pleasure. No more at this time, you understand me well. God prosper and preserve you.  
Your obedient and loving Daughter. etc.   

One Lord writeth unto an other.  
RIght honourable Lord, after due commendations. etc. It is already three months ago since your honour by your learned and prudent Letters, requested me that if it were possible to use such means and diligence in speaking unto William Ardiller, that it would please him to serve your honour, in the office of a Secretary, because he is a man skilful, quiet, and of marvelous elegancy in composing: verily I used all the means that I could to induce him unto your honours desire: the assaults that I gave unto him of that matter in the beginning did nothing avail: for he excused himself to be weary of serving lords, and that he now loved to rest, and to give himself to nourish his little child: But in fine I so handled the matter, that within one month he will departed hence to go unto you. I told him that your honour would use such liberality as his virtue requireth. I take great pleasure for that your Lordship shall have near you a man prudent, loyal, learned, a wonderful observer of antiquities, a great historian, and in the pleasant pastime of poetry, a man without comparison: which shall be great satisfaction to the ardent zeal of the divine understanding of your excellency: which I pray God still to prosper and increase. etc.   

The answer of one Lord unto an other.  
RIght honourable after continual commendation. etc. Your Lordship knoweth in how troublesome and weary exercises we have consumed the other part of our transitory & miserable life, therefore your honour by the humanity thereof, must pardon our unlearned letters: but now by virtue 〈◊〉 your honour we possess the gentle and quiet parsonage of William Ardiller, for the loyal & good Secretary of our affairs. Certainly I love his humanity and gentleness, his judgement doth greatly please me, & the eloquence of his speech delighteth me. If all the holy church of the christians, had aswell chosen their bishops, deacons, and ministers, as I have done my Secretary, undoubtedly the true Religion of our Catholic faith would be had more in reverence, and better spoken of, than we see it is in this our miserable time. I certify your lordship that as soon as our foresaid Secretary came to salute us, we immediately of our courtesy gave him Five hundredth Crowns of gold. God for his clemency send prosperity to our affairs: for unto our said Secretary, and to all minds like unto his, we will at all times enforce ourselves to give all commodity and favour. Here will I make an end, and commit your Lordship to the blessed Trinity. etc.   

A Gentleman writeth unto a noble Captain  
Honourable Captain, after most humble commendations. etc. I am advertised by Letters from my Son, that your honour through your gracious goodness hath placed him in the number of your men of arms. For which thing I with all our parents and friends do so much remain bound unto you, that in verity we are not able to express it in words. O how precious is the service that is done to a liberal man? but much more happy and more praise worthy is that lord, who knoweth his loyal and faithful servitor. and rewardeth him with condign benefits. The haughty worthiness of your magnanimity doth cause us, that though we be absent in body, yet our ard●●●e love is always at hand, and near you. No more at this time, but the Lord prosper your affairs. etc.   

The answer of the Captain vn●o the Gentleman.  
Well-beloved, I heartily recommend me unto you. etc. Right acceptable unto me were your Letters replenished with love and humanity, by the which you with your friends and kinsfolks do appear to be willing to give me thanks, for that I have chosen your son into the order of my men of Arms. I will answer you briefly: understand ye then that in feats of chivalry, where the matter standeth of life and death, of poverty and richesse, of honour and shame, I make not election by friendship or favour, but I prefer men to higher degree by their virtue: and therefore the wisdom, counsel, and manly courage of your son, constrained me to honour him, who is ready to be further preferred: you in the mean time live quietly, and if he do you honour, give the praise to God and not unto me. The eternal have you in his keeping. etc.   

One Gentleman writeth unto an other.  
RIght worshipful, my hearty commendations unto you remembered, etc. I have presently received your grateful Letters, which were welcome unto me for two causes: First because they were yours▪ and secondly because with them I received from your worship a liberal present, to wit, half a dozen Pheasants, and a couple of kids. I heartily thank your gentleness. We are also hunters, but it behoveth us to pray unto Diana, the ancient Goddess of the forests, that she would vouchsafe to send us some worthy pray, wherewith we might strive to remunerate in price that gift of yours: but if peradventure you surmount us in the worth thereof, yet in servitude of love, you shall never surmount us.  
Yours as a brother. etc.   

The answer of one Gentleman unto an other.  
RIght worshipful, after my heartiest recommendations. etc. Greatly am I satisfied, to have had occasion to provoke you to write unto me: for there are many days and months paste, since I have had any mean to know how you do: it greatly pleased me that our gift seemed not base unto you, howbeit we sent you not so small a present for the desire to have it changed, but only to content the great good will and affection of our mutual love. If it please you to visit us this time of Lent we will go unto the hunting for us prepared. Thus rest I.  
Yours as a brother. etc.   

One merchant writeth to an other, Laus Deo. In Bolo●gne. Le 25. April. Anno. 1567.  
Trusty and well beloved I hearty commend me unto you. etc. After you were departed from us, forthwith I dispatched the ship, and jaded the same with xl Toonnes of Malmeseye which the year passed I kept for a better vent. We understand by advise from Andwerpe, that muscadine is worth xl French crowns the toonne at the least, and also other wines of Candie, to be worth. 35. crowns the toon. I trust we shall come to a good account, and so much the more for that I am only informed by our factors, that the galleys of Venise, shall not go this year into 〈◊〉. I suppose that you shall not make sale of all your w●●es at deep: therefore ●et it not be troublesome unto you to make your voyage unto R●ane: there to dispatch the rest Peraduiso. It is understanded by Letters from Lions that there is such abundance of wine in 〈◊〉, that it beareth no price. You therefore being arrived at Roa●, be careful to give me advise from time to time of every thing that you shall do, and of the estate of merchandise. Thus in hast I commit you to the Lord, who prosper your affairs. etc.   

The answer of one Merchant unto an other.  
In deep le. 3. of May. 1567.  
Right trusty, after hearty recommendations. etc. Yours of the .25. of the last month I have received, by the which I do gladly understand your diligence in the expedition of our ship, which (thanks be to God) is in safety arrived. The Merchants of Roan incontinently came down, who hoist up the xl Toonnes of Malmsey at .60. Crowns the Ton, whereof I am glad: I intend to send our other ship unto Nantes, and there to change our wines for wools, which I trust we shall sell dear: for at this present they are greatly desired, by reason that all France is like to be in arms. To give you advise of the estate of merchandises, as far as I understand. Wines at Paris, are worth. xuj.li. tourneys le Ton: Prunes are worth. l.ss. tur le C Corrants are worth. x.li. tur le C. Pepper is worth. xu.ss. tur le li Wheat in Beauss is worth .30. shillings tur. the Bushel, Barley is at .16. shill. tur. the bushel. Oats, Pease, and Beans are worth .14. in Britain. All kind of Fish is good cheap, save only Mackrel●, which in all places are had in such estimation, that who so ever can make traffic therein, may surely say, Attollite portas. Therefore I intend at this time therein to employ some cash. Be assured I will do nothing, wherein I shall not understand some gain. That which I writ unto you, take care to keep secret. And thus God prosper you. etc.   

A Merchant writeth unto his Factor.  
AFter commendations. etc. Factor, it is now two years ago since I sent thee to Barsellonna, a city of Chatelo●gne, and at sundry times I have sent unto thee the valour of more than thirty six thousand Crowns in divers sorts: and by thine account diligently kept, I find to have received of thee but only twenty thousand Crowns in change of Merchandise: afterwards to have received of thee in argent about ten thousand Crowns, and of six thousand Crowns, I see none account. True it is, that I have some understanding of the two thousand Crowns which Supplicus Gallier oweth: but of the other four thousand which remain, I can not understand any particularity. I have sundry times required account of thee, howbeit thou turnest thy deafe●eare towards me: so that thou causest me not only for to have great admiration, but also great suspicion. Therefore see that thou employ thyself to gather up that, and every other account which thou hast of mine, and like a man of credit come thy way unto Paris, for I have determined not to trade any more unto Barselonne, where we have but small gains. God preserve thee. etc.   

The answer of the Factor unto the Merchant.  
RIght worshipful sir, my duty being first to you remembered. etc. Your Letters of the eight of August, I have received, whereby I understand the disposition of your mind: Patience we have here at this present, a Galley of Gennes, which will departed hence with in these xiiij days, I will take passage therein to marsiles, & from thence (God to friend) I will incontinently come unto you, and will bring with me all my books of accounts, by the which you shall confer your reasons and mine together. But in the mean time somewhat to quiet your mind for the four thousand Crowns which you suspect, within one year we have to recover two thousand Crowns of my Lord john de Louche of Mousne for it is a year ago, since I did credit him with the said sum, because I had of him sufficient assurance: And for a thousand five hundredth Crowns, I have here in sundry expenses for your affairs already disbursed. I will express the whole unto you by writing, bringing the particular note of the Spanish Silks, that I sent you this month of july last passed, which were .53. pieces. And thus God preserve you, and prosper your affairs. etc.   

One cashier writeth unto an o●her.  
AFter hearty commendations. etc. I wrote unto you of the first of the last month, that upon the sight thereof you should deliver unto Sir Sebastian Soison, of Mousne, six thousand ducats, for so much here assigned at our house: I pray you deliver him the said sum making good payment thereof, and send me the example of such writing. Have in remembrance how you deliver money unto any: you know the seal that passeth between us: I pray you in any wise send me the copies of all the bills of exchange, which you have had from us▪ within these uj months, for here is yet some discord. This sufficeth. God keep you. etc.   

One cashier to an other.  
I Hearty commend me unto you. etc. because it is expedient to gratify our friends: you shall deliver unto the bearer hereof, named David Berthon, viii. hundredth French crowns: and cause him only there to give good and sure pledge for the said sum. For so hath the same David here promised us to do, giving him uj months day of payment. I pray you take sufficient assurance, to the end that our goods be not lightly lost. It sufficeth to show pleasure, you therefore fulfil the contents hereof. And thus far you well. etc.   

One Friend writeth unto an other.  
Dear and well beloved friend, after most hearty Commendations unto you, and your good bedfellow. etc. The chiefest cause of my writing unto you at this present, is to let you understand, that we are still in great tribulation, by reason of the men of Arms, and adventurers, by whom the poor people of Mousne, do sustain inestimable damage. The country is altogether desert: and that which is also more pitiful, is that many worthy maidens, are by them carried away into other places, and some by force violated, as also are many men's wives both fair and honest: Consider you into what abundance of tears they have been brought. O unfortunate France, now flourishing in arms: is it possible that thy ancient virtue should be altogether extinguished? O my perfect friend, the eternal God moved me to send unto your house at Bloys, jane my wife, and my daughter out of so great peril. Yesterday from my wife and from my daughter I received comfortable Letters, by the which I am plainly certified, that that your bedfellow useth unto them all courtesy & gentleness. O the eternal God grant me life, to the end that if not in all, yet at the least in part, I may tender some recompense unto the benefits from you received: for the which I am become a great debtor unto your goodness. And thus the eternal have you all in his keeping, and send us a merry meeting. etc.   

The answer of one friend unto an other.  
Well-beloved Friend, I hearty recommend me unto you, wishing your health and prosperity even as mine own. etc. Be well assured, that so long as I live, my house and all that I have, shall at all times be at your commandment or any of your friends: And that shall you manifestly know in process of time: And would to God that I might show such fidelity, love and charity towards you, as at your house at Mousne, you discovered unto me and mine. Thanks be unto God, we make good cheer, but certainly I and my wife do feel great anguish for the loss of our goods, which through our mutual amity we suppose to be our loss: and assuredly we greatly lament also the vexation which you sustain by the hands of the Soldiers, whereof we have understanding by your letter. God of his goodness deliver you from them etc.   

One friend writeth in a nother's behalf.  
ALthough (worthy sir) I know that it is not lawful to molest your wisdom, in any thing appertaining unto justice: nevertheless to satisfy the duty which I own to this bearer, unto whom (through the fidelity and affection that is between us) I am bound to do even that which I would do, if it were for mine own cause: I therefore beseech your worthiness, that you will without delay make a just end of his suit. And so doing, I shall remain always bound unto you etc.   

The answer unto his friend.  
WHat needeth it that you should write unto me, in the behalf of him whom I equally love aswell as you? So great are his virtues, that of every man (of what estate soever he be) he is worthy to be beloved, and defended: I believe that through his great wisdom, he will demand me nothing which shallbe against the dignity of mine office: for which cause, and for the duty of justice I am bound to administer unto him and every one favourable and lawful audience. But though there were no cause at all, yet thy ancient amity would constrain me to aid and favour him: for which cause be well assured, that I will so use the matter, that he shall plainly perceive, that thy requests have not been brought in vain. etc.   

To write unto a Prince in a Prisoner's Behalf.  
I Have heretofore continually known, and now at this present (more than ever) do know, of what force true amity and friendship is, the which constraineth a man to be gentle and amiable, even unto the person whom he hateth, thereby to satisfy his friend that entreateth for him: therefore knowing the favour which your highness beareth unto me, I doubt not to request you in the behalf of Cleophas Orillat, who although through his crimes, he deserve to receive no pardon, yet because William Ardiller (of whom I have received infinite pleasures, and am bound unto him for ever) doth force me so hard by Letters and messengers (and knoweth certainly what I can do with your Majesty) that there should be no damage done, neither unto his person nor goods, I therefore most humbly beseech you, for the inestimable love that bear unto you, that he may plainly perceive of what force & strength that goodness of yours is towards me, and so trust at this present to make experience of the great affection which is betwixt us, through our ancient and singular love. etc.   

The answer of the Prince declaring the demand to be unhonest.  
ALthough I have in times past had perfect intelligence and knowledge, what thing friendship and good will hath been and is, so that the demand of a friend ought to be satisfied, especially when it is just: yet nevertheless it ought always to be foreseen, that the demand be honest and friendly: For if the demand be made against true justice and honest life, it is needful many times to leave the good will, lest we fail of justice. Otherwise many wicked examples should be given to divers and infinite persons to do evil. I understand your Letter, by the which you pray me that I would grant to release your friend out of captivity, not peradventure considering the great crime & excess by him committed, the which is so great and abominable, that he deserveth not death in his person only, but also therewith cruel torments, whereof I am sorry, for the mutual affection that is between us: because I can not of mine honour in this case pleasure you. Though your demand be not lawful nor honest, yet love and friendship moveth you to demand, and to speak for that which all law denieth. And for that malefactors are to be punished, the good to be exalted, and safely to go abroad in the world, I pray you though I do not satisfy your demand, yet at this time have me excused, because that justice doth force me to deny that request. etc.   

The excuse for that the demand was against justice.  
I Consider that many times the love & affection of one friend unto another, harmeth the conscience, and suffereth it not to discern the truth of reason and justice: but when we behold the estate of men, who by the crimes have deserved all kind of punishments, then is it needful that justice take place, thereby to give example to other men from living evil: notwithstanding I have done the duty which belongeth unto a friend. And although that with small consideration and wisdom I entreated for Cleophas, yet I beseech your majesty to excuse and pardon me, not somuch for mine ignorance, as for the love that I bore unto my friend, writing in the behalf of that transgressor of true justice, as plainly your prudence expresseth unto me, the which may be an excuse of my unworthy demand. etc.   

To aid thy friend being in prison for de●●e.  
I Thank God, for that I never requested any thing of your Lordship, which you granted me not, & now I yet hope to obtain this, the which is a work of pity. Within these few d●yes was imprisoned james Bar, my perfect friend, who is in so much extremity, that it is scarce able to be expressed, and hath a great sort of children, for whom he laboured both day and night to get bread to sustain them: but now being absent, your lordship may consider how his pitiful family should live. Wherefore I humbly beseech you, that you would both for the love of God, & also for my sake, open your ears unto my request, and give him some day of payment, in such sort that the poor man may be delivered out of prison, to comfort and relieve his poor family, the which can not be in greater calamity, plaint, and misery. And thus having sundry times received benefits from your honour, I presently am bold by to great presumption, to have recourse unto you, tenderly beseeching you that you would vouchsafe to deliver him out of prison. Thus doing I shall receive a singular pleasure from your wisdom. And shall pray for a continual preservation of you and all yours. etc.   

To show thyself sorrowful for the misfortune of thy friend.  
WE ought always to participate with our friends of every fortune that happeneth unto them. Having therefore within these few days had understanding, that you were rob, I receive such displeasure and grief, as of duty ought every good & perfect friend one for another. But because I know that it is not needful to comfort them which are of themselves by wisdom comforted, I will not enlarge any further, but only desire you to have patience in such misfortune, as requireth your singular prudence: whereunto I commit you etc.   

The exhortation of a Captain unto his Soldiers.  
ALthough Nature always appointeth some puissant person, for necessary occasion to govern the subject people in due observance of order, yet since the time that I have been amongst you in the administration of warfare, I do not esteem myself your superior, but equal, for that no exercise hath more need of skill and counsel, than warfare. You therefore my sovereign Soldiers enforce yourselves with all loving diligence, to subdue and bring down these barbarous people, not so furious as perverse, at all times and in all places our great enemies: For which occasion in this war show yourselves not only friends and defenders of our King, but also tutors and careful providers for yourselves, & preservers of your wives children, and goods etc.   

To demand entertainment of a great Captain.  
Courageous Captain, the celebrated renown of wisdom, prudence, honesty, and virtue in chivalry, wonderfully exercised by your lordship in our time do invite & provoke me to appeal unto your presence, offering thereunto my whole service, ready at all times and in all places. Many men of great fame in warfare, are at this present of me very well known, of all which none of them in heart, counsel, manhood, nor prudence may be compared unto your excellency: therefore all the true champions of France, and other men of arms are desirous to submit themselves unto your lordship: amongst which number, as one of the meanest, I humbly request to be admitted. etc.   

To excuse thyself, for being negligent in writing unto thy friend.  
IF in times past I have not written unto you, as my duty was, it hath been for the urgent business & great affairs that letted me: yet therefore it is not but that my whole trust and fidelity in every kind of thing hath always remained in you: and especially when I record with myself the singular love which you have always showed unto me in deeds and effects. And because it is better to express some part of my duty late than never, I am moved to write unto you these presents, that you may participate with me of my profit & prosperity, as you have heretofore of my hindrance and adversity, aiding, counseling and favouring me, more than ever I half deserved toward you. etc.   

To put thy friend in remembrance of thy business.  
ASsured I am that no negligence hath at any time kept you back from satisfying of my demands, which through your humanity you have always reputed to be your own: and not only the offer which you have many times made unto me, but also the experience which I have had of you, doth bolden me now to write unto you My urgent business therefore together constraining me, and knowing that no affairs of mine (for the love and affection that you bear unto me (Shallbe accounted troublesome unto you, I now again put you in remembrance of that whereunto my business compelleth me: hoping to be pleasured of you, as of him, in whom I fix my full trust & fidelity in all things, and who also may dispose of me as of a dear and perfect friend etc.   

To require aid at thy friends hand.  
THe hope & fidelity which I have had in you, and in the offers which many times with an effectionate mind you have made unto me, doth comfort me, & move me in this my business and necessity to have recourse unto you: being very certain (for the humanity and affection that you here unto me) that your effects will be correspondent unto your words, and that you will aid me with that which I shall demand: which thing willbe very acceptable unto me, & which thing also you may easily grant me: for it lieth aswell in your possibility, to give it, as in mine to ask it. And though my poverty be great, wherein I find myself at this present, yet doth every man know, that it is not by my fault, but by the impetuosity of fortune who casteth down to ground each person whom she listeth: for sicknesses, debates, change of time, and a thousand contrarieties (as every man knoweth) have thrown me down so low, that henceforth with my twelve chilorens, I have more doubt for dying of hunger, than hope for to live, if your humanity do not secure me in this my adversity. And thus I commit myself unto your charitable pity etc.   

To write unto an Advocate.  
I Doubt not but that your worship doth account me for a negligent man, seeing that in a months space I have not written unto you: but certainly no occasion cometh unto my memory at this time more convenient: than to reason by writing with a sage and gentle person, and one adorned with virtue: and thus understanding mine excuse, I trust you will be inclined to pardon me. But to the purpose, since your worship departed from us, we have been more pursued and molested in our process before the commissary, (who arrived here the day after your departure) than ever we were afore time: we have been these four sundry days sore troubled, because we had no man to speak for us: and our adverse party had Master james Parcenall for his counsellor. But (not to be troublesome by over long writing) the whole matter of the process dependeth until your coming: therefore I pray you make speedy return, and address your writings orderly. Thus understand you our troubles one hour seemeth unto me a whole year until your worship come unto us. We have found the last will and testament of our Uncle deceased, the which will make very much for our purpose: we wait for you here the week after Ester. etc.   

To answer thy friend having praised thee.  
YOur phrase of speech is so finely adorned & so eloquent, that in verity unto a man even full of eloquence it would be troublesome thereunto to make due and sufficient answer, therefore impossible unto me full of barbarism: But peradventure I know not the love and affection which you bear unto me, for which cause although I have not the ornature of speech that were requisite, yet notwithstanding I will enforce myself for duties sake, as also I trust to your contentment, to write you some part of an answer: to the end that you might rather blame me of insufficiency, than of ingratitude or negligence. And therefore though I know myself to have been praised rather through your humanity, for the singular love that you bear unto me, than for the merits of my virtues yet nevertheless, I cannot choose but be glad & rejoice to be praised of so prudent a person, & one adorned with such eloquence as you are: for your authority is so much in estimation, that not only men worthy but also the unworthy it beutifieth & extolleth   

The Reply unto the same.  
COnsidering with myself the small puissance of my weak spirit, & with what authority of eloquence it were needful and necessary to send you my Letters: I am as it were astonied, and especially for the receipt of your copious Epistles: But certainly I am not he whom you have said to be prudent and adorned with eloquence, for therein have I employed no labour: But assuredly you are worthy to be called even eloquence itself. etc.   

To show thyself thankful for a benefit received.  
THough at this present through the contrariety of the time, I find myself feeble in the gifts of Fortune, & that towards you I cannot use that renumeration in effects which I ought: yet I trust you think, that my good will is so great towards you, that I have thereby fully satisfied to every default of my unfortunate Fortune. And so remain I assured that through your accustomed humanity, you will accept my good wil But if ever Fortune (who is mutable) do return herself towards me (as I attend her sweet dalliance) and put her prosperous Sails to mine honest intent: there is not a man in the whole world that more largely shall dispose of me and all my possibilities, than shall your wisdom. etc.   

The same, after an other manner.  
IF God had showed such favour unto me, that I had been as sufficient to have rewarded so many your benefits, as I feel myself able and desirous to render you infinite thanks, assuredly I would have been as ready to the satisfaction of the deed, as of the good will: therefore as far as extendeth at this present my possibility; I mind not to be ungrateful unto you. And thus I thank you for the fame, asmuch as if you had done me the greatest and most singular benefit in the world, & offer myself always unto you, in all that shallbe possible for me. etc.  
Here endeth the third book.    

The fourth book containing sundry Letters, belonging to Love, as well in Verse as in Prose.  

Euryalus writeth unto Lucretia.  
IT is not without cause (Lady Lucrece) if all they of this city have their eyes fixed to behold, regard, love & praise thee: when of the one part they consider the great virtues wherewith thou art enriched, the good & honest manners which adorn thee: and moreover they have in admiration thy richesse, and yet more thy nobility surpassing all other thy parents. And then when beside they consider on the other part the great, singular & incredible beauty which is in thee, they judge within themselves that thou art a very spectacle of Nature's work, & are not deceived: for they view thy Angelical visage, so fair & clear, that it would lighten a firmament altogether cloudy: thy eyes bright, clear & shining, like ij. stars, whose sweet aspects drive away all sorrow and sadness, and bring in place all joy and pleasantness: The fair die of thy pleasant face, passeth all other lively colour: thy large forehead, thy crystal neck, thy coral lips, thy golden hair, thy comely body, & other membres so well proportioned, that I can not desist nor abstain from praising thee, in praising thee to love thee, and in loving thee to honour thee. These causes with many modoe constrain me to love thee: and though nobility, richesse, and youth he in me, & also (that thanks be unto God) I am fortunate enough, yet much more happy should I be, if it would please thee to love me. For as for my part I am determined not only to love, esteem, and honour thee, but also to die for thee in thy necessity, or at thy pleasure: & I assure thee, that both waking & sleeping, I have no thought but of thee: and though some of my companions do say, that I am happy, because in me are some small gifts of fortune, and virtues: yet these notwithstanding, I accomp●●ny self unfortunate, if I obtain not thy favour, for thou ar● the same, wherein resteth my only hope. Turn therefore (if it please thee, my sweet Dame and gracious virgin) thy sweet eyes of humanity, and with clemency behold thy humble Servitor. O what a thing is Love? now do I know it by experience: and marvel not though the greatest Lords and Ladies be thereunto subject: for many willing to obey his commandment, are fallen into great inconveniences. Remember thee of Daphne, and of Siringue, of which the one despising the love of Phoebus, and the other of ●an, cruelly ended their lives. Take thou heed of so doing, and rather follow Penelope, who unto her Lover observed Loyalty, and lived notably. And to be brief, grant unto my request, for in so doing I promise thee to be loyal, honest, and secret in the accomplishing of all thy desires.   

A certain Lover writeth unto hi● Lady.  
MY Dear, if the gentle Emperor of the Firmament, with all his study (as it plainly appeareth) hath vouchsafed to ad●●●e you with heavenly and Angelical beauty, with virtue more than humane, with apparent modesty, and with royal customs: who then doubteth but that you are pleasant, pitiful, gentle, & gracious? certes none. Because that in your fair forehead and shyving eyes, love showeth itself always appareled with Liberality, which things have boldened my half alive heart, (now of long time linked unto you with ardent sighs) to say with mated mind, these few unadorned words, which shall be the secret messengers of me, your assured servitor, humbly requesting you not to deny me your sweet love, whereupon continually cogitating doth day and night, I am forced eftsoons to record and call upon your sweet and delectable name, from which. ●●●pecte comfortable succour. No more, but that I still intend to receive from your clemency, gentle favourable and convenient answer.   

A Lover requesteth his Lady's love.  
COnsidering (my sovereign joy) the great virtues of nobility, beauty, and courtesy, wherewith nature by 〈◊〉 perabundant measure hath in such so●● decored you, that above all other terrestrial bodies you are judged by common voice to obtain the Crown and principality: And on the other side weighing the want and insufficiency of my former services towards you, my trembling hand is scarce able to hold the pen, neither dare my stammering tongue express that which the afflicted heart through ardent appetite desireth to manifest unto you. Yet Love (which above all animated creatures, holdeth in his domination my inflamed mind) doth so exceed, that it giveth me doubtful boldness, to take in hand to open unto you the secrets of 〈◊〉 breast: which is to do you to understand, that ever since mine eyes did speculate & behold your great beauty, my heart hath remained so bound & entangled, that of it own free will it hath chosen to be included in your sweet prison. By reason whereof, & seeing the vexations & grievous passions of my languishing corpse, caused through the sweet regard of y●●●r eyes, & augmented by that great eclipsation of your absence; I am constrained to implore & demand your aid & succour. And because you are she, who only & none other, may sand remedy in this case, I therefore most● humbly pray and request you, that even as in all other virtues you are sovereign, so likewise in this matter you would show yourself charitable and pitiful. And sith you are the cause of this so great and grievous martyrdom, and that you only may help and remedy it, extend therefore the true remedy, by sending a benign answer, the which I most effectuously desire and attend.   

The answer of his Lady.  
MY troubled thought so discordeth from your fo●de affection, that I cannot marvel enough to imagine what cause moved you, & gave you such presumptuous boldness, as to trouble & interrupt me of mine accustomed rest, through your abominable letters and wanton words. Your said letters (to the end that they should not come unto the hands of any other person) I have received▪ and beholding the contents thereof, with great pain co●ld I bridle mine Ire, and withhold myself from ●earing them in pieces: but considering that such fault is not to be imputed unto the letters which are insensible, but unto the composer and doer of them, I therefore refrained myself from that purpose, willing to exercise that mine anger and rigour upon the messenger: but likewise for report sake, I refrained, giving him special charge, not thenceforth to return unto me with any such message. And to the end that you shall not presume to continue any longer in this sure, understand ye that I am not she, unto whom such abusive letters should be sent. I have thought good (contrary to mine accustomed manner) to write unto you at this present, which my spirits with much ado can scarce abide to finish, through the great offence that it feeleth: certifying you, that if you persever any longer in this matter, you shall do unto me a most displeasant thing, and unto yourself shall purchase great & evident damage. Wherefore I pray you (for the avoiding of all these inconveniences) that you will condescend unto my request: and so doing you shall do me a singular pleasure.   

The Reply of the Lover.  
Having (my singular Lady) received your honey sweet letters, and them beholding, I find myself in such a contrariety and discord, that my perplexed thought can find no way or mean to recreate itself. For of the one part considering the wise & sage words of your said Letters, my heavy heart desired to be it own homicide: and of the other part seeing the thing which your white and pleasant hands had touched, so much joy did abound in me, that I could not refrain nor withdraw my greedy eyes from still beholding it, nor my revived tongue from often reading it. Yet seeing it much moistened with the flowing flood of my weeping eyes: and fearing thereby to hurt or tear it, I did moderate and bridle my ardent appetit, minding to bear it always nigh my heart, in sign of veneration & honour. By your said letters (my dear & only mistress) you blame me of presumption, in being so bold to write unto you: certainly if you consider well the manner, you ought not to impose the fault unto me, but to at tribute it unto your excessive beauty, worthiness & benignity, which even at their first appearance, together the sweetness of your gracious countenance, did so penetrate & enter into all my exterior & interior powers, & so assailed hurt and wounded my afflicted heart, unprovided of resistance, that it is not only rob & spoiled of all frank & free liberty, but also in such sort submitted & yoked with all affection, fidelity mind & thought unto the perpetual contemplation of your excellency, that I am not able to separate nor remove it from that subjection & servitude, ne yet to reduce it to the former liberty. And for that you say, you would have rend my letters, & ill entreat the messenger let the continual torments (which for your sake) tear me in pieces, suffice to satisfy your ire, & not distain your tender hands with cruelty: & touching that which is more grievous & bitter unto me, that you command me not to write unto you, nor to continue my purpose: Know ye (my dear) the like as it is impossible for any man to separate from you your great beauty: even so none other but death can take a way or diminish my purpose & intent, but every hour augmenting doth double itself, together with most grievous anguish & sorrow: for reward & remedy whereof I demand none other recompense, but only that you grant and permit me to be your loyal lover and servitor.   

A Lover writeth unto his Lady.  
TO express unto thee (my deer) the inward griefs, the secret sorrows, the pinching pains that my poor oppressed heart pitifully endureth, my pen is altogether unable. For even as thy excellent virtue, beauty, comeliness, and courtesy, far surmounteth in my conceit, that of all other human creatures, so my piteous passions both day and night are no whit inferior, but far above all those of any other worldly wight. So excel not thy gifts, but as much exceed my griefs. Therefore (my sweet) vouchsafe of thy sovereign clemency, to grant some speedy remedy unto the grievous anguishes of my heavy heart, detract no time, but weigh with thyself, the sicker that the patient is, the more deadly that his disease is deemed: So much the more speed ought the Physician to make, so much the sooner ought he to provide and minister the medicine, least coming to late, his labour be lost. But what painful patient is he, that sustaineth so troublesome a state, as I poor soul do) (except thou vouchsafe to pity me?) For the party being discomforted at one Physicians hand, hath recourse unto an other: Where as I discomforted at thy hands, have recourse unto none, but still languishing to look for a loathsome death. Consider therefore (my dear) the extremity of my case, & let not cankered cruelty corrupt so many golden gifts: but as thy beauty and comeliness of body is, so let be thy humanity and clemency of mind, draw not (as the proverb saith) a leaden sword out of a golden skabberde. And thus hoping to have some speedy comfort at thy hands upon that hope I repose me, till further opportunity.   

A constant Lover doth express, his gripping griefs, which still increase.  
AS Troilus did neglect the trade  
of lovers skilful law,  
Before such time that Cresseid fair  
with fixed eyes he saw:  
So I likewise took little keep  
of love within my breast,  
Before I viewed the graces well  
which in you hidden rest.  
And like as he with furious flames  
was forcibly annoyed:  
So I likewise (through force of love)  
do lack that which I joyed.  
For now my restless mind doth rave  
which constant was before:  
And sundry strange conceits do cause  
my grief t'increaseincrease the more.  
Thus far our fates I may compare  
in all alike to be.  
God grant in sequel I may find  
such Fortune as did he.  
Then shall I have just cause to joy.  
then shall my mirth abound,  
Then shall I want no wished hap  
that may on earth be found.  
Then shall my rave all rebate,  
with constantness in place,  
Then shall my strange conceits avoid  
my grief shall be solace.  
But sith I lack some such a friend  
as he of Pander had,  
Who brought his purpose well about,  
and made his mind full glad,  
Therefore I say for lack thereof,  
myself now forced am I,  
My furious flames for to unfold,  
and for redress to cry,  
To thee which art the only stay  
of those my troubled veins,  
Of these my secret griping griefs  
of these my pinching pains:  
Which long have boiled in my breast,  
where they suppressed have been:  
But now through force of flame burst out  
and will not be kept in.  
Much like to burning Aetna hill,  
whose flashes never cease:  
But boiling sore both night and day  
do freshly still increase.  
So fareth it likewise with me,  
whose faithful heart doth bourn,  
And oft with secret sighs and sobs  
constrained is to mourn.  
Redress whereof may none be had,  
but only thee dear dame,  
In whom the water doth remain  
that well would quench the flame.  
Therefore grant grace, as Cressida,  
did unto troilus true:  
For as he had her love by right,  
so think to me is due.  
Else shall I living daily die,  
thus rest I in thy hands:  
As thou shalt please at liberty,  
or else in careful hands.  
FINIS.    

A lover pierced with Cupid's bow, thinks long till he be rid from woe.  
When sturdy storms & whirling winds  
the waters wan do toss,  
The seely ship is troubled sore.  
in danger of his loss.  
So in likewise when Cupid hath,  
with dinting Dart in hand,  
Pierced through the hearts of lovers true  
as all aghast they stand,  
Before his godhead forced strait,  
down for to fall and yield:  
No struggling strength may him withstand  
no buckler nor no shield.  
This Cupid he this cruel god,  
with fiery flaming Dart,  
Hath wounded me in every vain,  
but chief at the heart.  
There doth the sting abide and stay,  
there doth the shaft remain:  
All remedy is past I know,  
to ease me of this pain.  
Except that thou to whom I writ,  
true comfort to me show:  
For thou art only she that may,  
release me of this woe.  
Thou only art (and none but thou)  
mine only joy, or grief:  
My happy state, hr great decay,  
send therefore some relief.  
Destroy not him, whom well thou mayst  
without thy loss preserve:  
Show faithful constancy to him,  
that mindeth not to swerver.  
He nought desires but love for love,  
and faith for faith again:  
That both together in great joy  
and comfort may remain.  
Detract no time, consider well,  
when pain doth men oppress,  
Each hour think they to be twain,  
till they have found redress,  
And thus because my griefs increase,  
I say my dear adieu:  
And pray thee to have mind on him,  
that unto thee is true.  
FINIS.   

A secret Lover writes his will, By story of Pygmalion's ill.  

I Read how that Pygmalion was  
A cunning Carver in his days:  
And therein most men did surpass,  
His worthy works deserved due priase.  
Such was his skill to grave in stone,  
That like to him was never none.   

This cunning carver thought in mind  
Some passing piece so fine to frame,  
As worthy were to leave behind:  
Thereby to get immortal fame.  
That men might say when 〈…〉  
This picture gr●●● 〈…〉   

And for because his cunning great,  
In every point might well appear:  
A woman he would counterfeit,  
(Who of all Creatures is most clear.)  
That worthy work might well compare  
With worthy creature, was his care.   

Pygmalion passing pains did take,  
To bring this worthy work about:  
The which in Marble he did make,  
That like was not the world throughout.  
Each point ●o perfect did appear,  
That nought but life them lacked there.   

And to be brief, it was so wrought,  
That he himself enamoured fell  
With this fine piece, and still he thought  
She was a live, and loved him well:  
And that she smiled with smirking lips,  
Thus to and fro his fancy skips.   

Full oft he kissed, and burst also,  
This marble maiden, made of stone:  
He set her at his table tho,  
And gave her meat but she would none.  
The meat still in her mouth remained,  
which thing Pygmalion greatly pain.   

Yet fancies fond so fraught his head,  
With blind delights of burning love:  
That he this stone laid in his bed,  
And thence could not his mind remove:  
But oft in arms he can her close,  
A cold companion I suppose.   

If thus Pygmalion pinned away,  
For love of such a Marble stone:  
What marvel then though I decay  
With piteous plaint, & grievous groan,  
That love a lively Lady bright,  
who hath dame nature's points aright   

Oh would I might Pygmalion's part,  
In some respects now fully play:  
her to embrace that hath my heart,  
And sometimes in my bed to lay.  
I should find better pastime sure,  
Than poor Pygmalion could procure.   

But oh I dare not burning breast,  
Ne lingering love, to her unfold,  
For fear of further dangers priest,  
If that the same disdain she should:  
Therefore with Sisyphus I moan,  
Thus rolling still the restless stone.   
FINIS.   

A lover hath his Ladiees heart, And writes to her, as is his part.  
Like as the valiant Soldier stout,  
when conquest he hath won  
Rejoiceth much (expulsing doubt)  
for such a practice done.  
Or as the Shipman when that he,  
the struggling storms hath past,  
Doth joy in mind, at length to see,  
the calm and gentle blast,  
Or as the Merchant when great toil  
and travel he hath had,  
In many a foreign country soil  
at his return, is glad.  
So I likewise whom Cupid sore  
hath troubled with his war,  
And tossed with his raging roar  
of Seas that make or mar:  
With danger great at length I have  
(the gods I thank therefore)  
Attained the thing which I did crave:  
so that I joy much more,  
Than any of the foresaid states:  
and just cause is there why,  
For if I had not had good fates  
right well this know do I,  
My grief had been much more than theirs  
with nothing less than death,  
Or living else in deadly fears,  
whilst I had joyed this breath.  
But sith that all my doubts are past,  
I joy, and joy again:  
For that I have obtained at last  
redress of greatest pain.  
And you dear dame to whom I writ,  
mine only joy and stay,  
Be glad with me, revive your spirit:  
as well I trust you may.  
For though the time not yet be come,  
it is not long behind  
Ere we shall joy the total some,  
and have our wished mind.  
Which time when that it come shall be,  
I know, and that right well,  
Our joys we shall then perfect see,  
our comfort shall excel.  
Then shallbe tried our truthfull hearts,  
then shall our love be shown:  
Then shall be left our lingering smarts,  
then shall no grief be known:  
But in the mean time faithfully,  
(as doth of right behove)  
Let each show other constancy,  
with steadfast fixed love.  
Let both our minds together 'gree  
as though they were but one:  
Sith both our hearts so fixed be,  
as can be better none.  
Whereof I doubt not, god I take  
to witness at this time,  
For I had rather life forsake,  
than chance should such a crime.  
The like in you I know doth rest,  
and shall continue still:  
As faithfully you have expressed,  
your true love, and good will.  
Therefore these lines I do not send,  
because I stand in doubt:  
But only thereby to extend,  
our faithful hearts throughout.  
So take it then my heart, my dear,  
who makes my joys excel:  
The gods us guide from doubting fear,  
and thus my heart Farewell.  
FINIS.   

A Lover sick for very love, To pity doth his Lady move.  
SIth God doth guide the course of man,  
directing all his ways:  
And ordereth every living thing,  
as his good will doth please.  
We mortal men must needs submit  
ourselves, to gods decree:  
And look what fate that he doth send,  
therewith content to be.  
Sometimes by health & wealth he doth  
declare his fervent love:  
And oft again with sickness great,  
our vessels frail doth prove.  
As for example, I myself  
of late his hand have felt:  
But now at last he lovingly  
with me again hath dealt.  
Yea Atropos, he had almost cut  
my vital thread a sunder:  
If th'other Sisters had not said,  
it should continue longer.  
Yea dreadful death stood at the door,  
and would have stepped in:  
If mighty love, (who ruleth all)  
had not contrary been.  
Thus have I tossed the toiling strife,  
twixt lingering life and death.  
Which almost had bereft from me,  
this present vital breath.  
Then judge nothing amiss my deer,  
ne let me blamed be,  
Although in deed of many days  
I have not been with thee.  
For sure thou hast been still with me,  
and present in my mind:  
Though feeble joints & lack of strength  
at home my corpse assigned,  
So that I could not come to thee,  
as I would feign have done:  
And as I will by gods grace sure,  
when I my health have won.  
But in the mean time this shallbe  
thee heartily to pray,  
That if thou have occasion for  
to come, or go this way,  
To take the pains to visit me,  
with passions yet oppressed:  
For sure thy presence will me joy  
and send to me great rest.  
Thus being bold now for to crave  
this favour at thy hand,  
With fingers faint I finish here,  
and still thy servant stand.  
FINIS.   

A faithful Lover feeling smart, doth nip his Lady false of heart.  
Like as the Crocodyle,  
that beast of cruel kind,  
Doth weep & wail, & make great moan  
man's senses so to blind,  
And doth dissemble much,  
with flattering false intent:  
As though great love, and friendship eke  
to him poor man she meant.  
Until such time that she  
have caught him in her claws:  
But then alas with bloody teeth  
she kills, where is no cause.  
So thou dear dame hast done,  
(or wouldst at least) by me:  
Not forcing for to hurt thy friend,  
though no just cause there be.  
May I not justly say,  
Oh cruel Tiger than,  
What meanest thou in raging wise,  
to kill a faithful man?  
Is faith full firmly fixed,  
is promise perfect made,  
Of thee dear dame no more esteemed?  
then cruel is thy trade.  
W 〈…〉 ldest thou destroy,  
〈…〉 that would thee well:  
An 〈…〉 easant friendly words,  
〈…〉 y self so fell?  
How canst thou then excuse,  
thy double dealing heart:  
When undeserved certainly  
thou causest me to smart?  
But for thy fickle faith,  
and promise broken so:  
The gods no doubt shall thee reward,  
with pinching pain and wo.  
Then shalt thou justly feel,  
how thou hast dealt with me:  
And then also shall I rejoice,  
thy punishment to see.  
I read how Harpelus  
fair Phillida did pray:  
But she with checking taunts & mocks,  
his purpose did gainsay.  
The gods regarding this,  
took pity on his case,  
And punished her cruel fact  
within a little space.  
For why her heart was set,  
on fire, with corin's love:  
Who passed not a pin for her,  
as she did plainly prove:  
Whereby she pinned away:  
the like may chance to you,  
Or greater punishment no doubt,  
sith you have been untrue.  
Think not therefore you can  
unpunished remain:  
For why? your fault is worse than hers,  
an hundredth fold certain.  
Well, well, I say leave of  
thy cruel scourging mind:  
And practise not thy faith to be  
so false and so unkind.  
Else shalt thou surely feel  
the force of Cupid's bow:  
Whose arrows have not touched thee yet  
as thou dost plainly show.  
And thus dear dame adieu,  
sith that thou art so strange:  
For certainly I know right well,  
that England is no grange.  
Therefore I will take hold,  
upon some steadfast stay:  
And force not for the slippery Eel,  
sith she will needs away.  
But as the burned child:  
the fire still doth dread:  
So am I warned now at first,  
hereafter to take heed.  
Finis  ꝙ W. F.  

¶ A Table of the principal matters contained in this book.  

The Epistle dedicatory.  
The Epistle to the Reader.  
The books verdict.   

The contents of the first Book.  
INstitutions how to indite Epistles and Letters. etc. Folio. 1.  
The definition of an Epistle or letter. eodem  
Example of an Epistle of Doctrine. 8  
Example of an Epistle of Mirth. 9  
Example of an Epistle of Gravity. eodem  
The Division of an Epistle or letter 10  
The first Style or manner, wherein the cause is specified. eodem.  
The second Style, wherein the cause is first, afterward the intent, and then the conclusion. 11  
The third style in this order, the intent, the cause, and the conclusion. 12  
The fourth style in this order, the conclusion, the cause, and the intent. eodem.  
Denys the Tyrant writeth to the Burgesses of Naples. 15  
The answer in like form. eodem.  
A letter written to the King, in favour of one pretending the order of knighthood. 18  
How to write in a man's behalf, for a Civil cause. 20  
The Example. 21  
How to write in ones behalf for an offence or criminal cause. eodem.  
The Example. 22  
How to request the counsel of an advocate. 23  
The Example. 24  
How to answer such a like matter. 25  
The Example. eodem.  
How to thank an Advocate for a cause by him conducted. 26  
The Example eodem.  
How to request a corporal benefit 27  
The Example. eodem.  
How to answer granting a corporal benefit. 28  
The Example. 29  
How to give thanks for a corporrll gift received. eodem.  
The Example. 30  
How to write under the demonstrative gender, in the praise of some bodies. 33  
The Example. eodem  
How to write under the demonstrative gender, blaming or dispraising another. 35  
The Example, wherein a certain man writeth to Cicero, touching the conspiracy of Catiline. eodem  
How to write by manner of complaint or lamentation, for an injury received. 36  
The Example, wherein Appius writeth to Caesar, of the injury done him by Cicero. 37  
How to write when one friend comforteth an other for an injury received. 38  
The Example, wherein Caesar comforteth Appius, touching the contents of the Letters before written. eodem  
How to write a letter of complaint for a missefortnne, demanding counsel of consolation. 39  
The Example, wherein a Father lamenting the death of his son, writeth to a friend of his.  
How one friend should answer another, comforting him for his loss. 41  
The example: wherein one friend comforteth an other, for the death of his son. eodem.  
How to write letters being in exile, under hope to obtain restitution, aid, counsel, or comfort. 43  
The Example: wherein Cicero lamenteth to Lentulus, that for the hatred of Clodius he is exiled. eodem.  
How to comfort our friend in his exile. 45  
The example: wherein Lentulus comforteth Cicero, who through the malice of Clodius, was exiled. eodem.  
How to write expositive Letters, certifying the witness or notice of a thing. 46  
The example: wherein Cicero testifieth unto the judges, that Clodius was at Rome, the same day that the sacred things of Vesta were violated. 47  
How to certify some news lately happened. eodem.  
The example: wherein one friend writeth unto another of news of the Court. 48  
How to advertise one of the conditions of another. 49  
The example: wherein Cicero declareth unto Caesar the conditions of Apolonius of Rhodes, Orator. 50  
How to write a proficiat or congratulation for an office or dignity. 51  
The example: wherein one friend rejoiceth with an other of the office that the king hath given him. eodem.  
How to write Letters rejoicing for our friend's health or safe return. 52  
The example: wherein one friend rejoiceth of another's recovery to health. eodem.  
How to exhort to virtue etc. 53  
The example: wherein a friend exhorteth a young man to obtain virtue. eodem.  
How to disuade our friend from rejoicing unadvisedly, or foolishly. 55  
The example: wherein Cicero dissuadeth Curio from rejoicing that Caesar is made Emperor. eodem.  
How to write letters exhorting to lamentation. 56  
The exampl●● wherein Cicero exhorteth Plautu● to lament the oppression of the public weal. 57  
How to dissuade from sorrow. 58  
The example: wherein Brutus dissuadeth Marcus Antonius, from sorrowing for the death of Caesar. eodem.  
How to write invective letters reprehending either friend or enemy, for some crime or ignorance. 59  
The example: wherein Cicero inveigheth against Lucius Catilina, who conspired against the public weal. 50  
How to write expugning letters either to friend or enemy, for charging us with a fault. 61  
The example: wherein Catilina purgeth himself to the Senate of Rome; for the crime of conjuration, imposed against him by Cicero. 63  
How to write invective Epistles of contention, reprehending another for ignorance in study. 64  
The example: wherein a certain Barber writeth to a Doctor of Physic, concerning his adversary a Chirurgeon. 65  
How to write a defence in a contention 67  
The example: wherein the Chirurgeon defendeth himself to the Physician, against his adversary the Barber. eod●●  
How to write domestical and familiar Letters or Epistles. 69  
The Example of a common style in that case. 70  
How to write other domestical letters of familiar business. 71  
The example: wherein one friend advertiseth an other of the process that he hath won. eodem.  
How to visit our friends with Letters, not having any great matter to write. 72  
The example of the style in that case. 73  
How to write of some small affair, business, or news. eodem.  
The example: wherein one friend writeth to an other of certain small news. 74  
How to write Letters containing some pleasant jests of ourselves, besides other matter. 75  
The Example: wherein a Soldier writeth to his captain. eodem.  
How to write Letters containing merry jests or taunts by some other. 76  
The example: wherein Cicero jesteth with Valerius. 77  
How to write letters giving general commission and charge of business or affairs. eodem.  
The example wherein Cicero committeth to Scipio his authority over all his business in Rome. 78  
How to write Letters giving particular commission for some affairs 79  
The example: wherein Appius constituteth Cicero his receiver in Sicilia. eodem.  
How to write certain mixed letters. 80  
The example: wherein Cicero writeth to Curio concerning his business. 81  
How to write letters containing divers & sundry matters. 82  
The example: wherein Tully writeth to Pompilius of comforting, grave, and domestical matters. eodem.  
How a Prince faithfully certifieth the worthy qualities of a man. 83  
The example: wherein the Duke of Venise certifieth the wisdom and science of G. A. 84  
How a great Prince writeth of peace or wars. 85  
The Example: wherein the Emperor maketh piece with the king of Hungary. 86  
How a noble man writeth Letters for the promotion of a man. 87  
The Example: wherein the Count of Pavia writeth in the promotion of A. eodem.  
How a Prince ecclesiastical or Temporal, writeth Letters forbidding a thing. 88  
The example: wherein the Pope forbiddeth King Ferrand the building of a Castle. 89   

The contents of the second book.  
HIrmolaus Barbarus, writeth unto George Merula. 91  
Hirmolaus Barbarus, writeth to Angelus Politianus. 93  
Marsilius Ficinus, writeth unto Angelus Politianus. 94  
Politianus answereth unto Marsilius Ficinus. 95  
Innocent Pope, to Angelus Politianus. eodem.  
Innocent the eight Pope, to his well-beloved Son Laurentius de Medicis. 96  
Angelus Politianus, to Innocent the eight Pope, rendereth salutation. eodem.  
A certain man writeth to a Bookebinder of Paris. 97  
An epistle of Angelus Politianus, to Laurentius de Medicis his uncle. 98  
Angelus Politianus to a certain friend of his. 100  
Politian to his friend. eodem.  
Politian to an envious person. eodem.  
Politian to a slanderer & detractor. 101  
Politian to his friend Caesar Carmente. eodem.  
Politian to james modest. eodem.  
Politian to an unconstant person eodem.  
Angelus Politian to Picus Mirandula. eodem.  
Politian to a friend of his. 102  
Politian to a promise breaker. eodem.  
Politian to his friend. eodem.  
Politian to Picus Mirandula. 103  
Politian to a certain friend of his. eodem.  
An epistle of johannes Picus Mirandula, to his dear friend jacobus Antiquarius. eodem.   

The contents of the third book  
A Father writeth unto his son. 105  
The answer of the Son unto his Father. 107  
The Father writeth unto the Son. 108  
The Son maketh answer unto his Father. eodem.  
The wife writeth unto her husband. 110  
The answer of the Husband unto his wife. 111  
A Sister writeth unto her brother. 112  
The answer of the brother unto his Sister. eodem.  
A mot●er writeth unto her daughter. 113  
The daughter maketh answer unto her mother. 114  
One Lord writeth unto another 115  
The answer of one Lord unto another. eodem.  
A Gentleman writeth unto a noble Captain. 116  
The answer of the Captain unto the Gentleman. eodem.  
One gentleman writeth unto another. 117  
The answer of one Gentleman unto another. eodem.  
One Merchant writeth unto another. 118  
The answer of one Merchant unto another. eodem.  
A Merchant writeth unto his Factor. 119  
The answer of the Factor unto the Merchant. 120  
One Cashier writeth unto another. 121  
One cashier unto another. eodem.  
One friend writeth unto another. eodem.  
The answer of one friend unto another. 122  
One friend writeth in another's behalf. 123  
The answer unto his friend. eodem.  
To write unto a Prince in a prisoners behalf. eodem.  
The answer of the Prince declaring the demand to be unhonest. 124  
The excuse, for that the demand was against justice. 125  
To aid thy friend being in prison for det. eodem.  
To show thyself sorrowful for the misfortune of thy friend. 126  
The exhortation of a captain unto his Soldiers. eodem.  
To demand entertainment of a great Captain. 127  
To excuse thyself for being negligent in writing unto thy friend. eodem.  
To put thy friend in remembrance of thy business. 128  
To require aid at thy friend's hand. eo.  
To write unto an Advocate. 129  
To answer thy friend having praised thee. eodem.  
The reply unto the same. 130  
To show thyself thankful for a benefit received. eodem.  
The same after an other manner. 131   

The contents of the fourth book.  
EVrialus writeth unto Lucresia. 131  
A certain lover writeth unto his Lady. 133  
A lover requesteth his lady's love. eodem.  
The answer of his Lady. 134  
The Reply of the lover. 135  
A lover writeth to his Lady 136  
A constant lover doth express his griping grief, which still increaseth. 137  
A lover pierced with Cupid's bow, thinks long till he be rid from woe. 138  
A secret lover writes his will, by story of Pygmalion's ill. 139  
A lover hath his Lady's heart, and writes to her, as is his part. 141  
A lover sick for very love, to pity doth his Lady move. 142  
A faithful lover feeling smart, doth nip his Lady false of heart. 143   
FINIS.   

¶ Imprinted at London, by Henry Bynneman, dwelling in Knightrider street, at the sign of the Mermaid. For Leonard Maylerd.  
Anno. 1568.