THE Choice of Change: Containing the Triplicity of Divinity, Philosophy, and Poetry, short for memory, Profitable for Knowledge, and necessary for Manners: Whereby the learned may be confirmed, the ignorant instructed, and all men generally recreated.  
Newly set forth by S. R. Gent. and student in the University of Cambridge.  
T●ia sunt omnia.   printer's device of Roger Ward 
AT LONDON Printed by Roger Warde, dwelling near Holborn Conduit  
An. Dom 〈…〉   

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR HENRY HERBERT, Knight of the most noble order of the Garter, Lord of Cardiff manor and S. Quintin, and Earl of Pembroke, the right worshipful Sir PHILIP SIDNEI knight, with the right worthy Gentleman M. Robert Sidney Esquire, S. R. wisheth increase of virtuous qualities in the mind, of the gifts of the body, and goods of Fortune.  
RIght Honourable and Worshipful, If I should follow the custom of ●uch as set forth books to the view of the world, which pass under the protection of noble personages (besides the dread of offending wise men) I should run into one of these three errors, either to praise your H. and W. by adulation, praise myself by ostentation, or praise my work by seeking to bring men into admiration. I purpose none of all these The first I leave, lest my words should impair your worthiness. The second, I refrain, because I find nothing in myself which can deserve praise. The third I will avoid, for if my labour hath been so well employed, as it may please you right H. and W it is able enough to praise itself. I therefore present these my three books of Divinity, Philosophy, and Poetry (comprised together in one volume) unto you three right H. and W. (who are linked & united together in an indissoluble band of amity & fraternity) humbly requesting that you will countenance them with favour, & patronage them by your authority, that thereby they may eschew the reproaches of malicious tongues, and blear the envious eyes of such as pry at other men's faults in the water, which cause things seem bigger than they be, but regard their own faults, as through small nets, which cause things to seem less. In so doing, you shall give me cause to rejoice in my travel, and occasion by thankfulness to acknowledge my bounden duty. Thus leaving your Honour and Worships to the direction of the Almighty, I cease, referring myself to your good opinions.  
Your Honour and Worships to command, S. R.   

TO THE READER.  

1 HE that knoweth not that he ought to know, is a brute beast among men.  
2 He that knoweth no more than he hath need of, is a man among brute beasts.  
3 He that knoweth all that may be known, is a God among men.   

1 Read willingly.  
2 Correct friendly.  
3 judge indifferently.    


THE FIRST HUNDREDTH OF THE Triplicity of Divinity.  

1 Three things do witness the word of God to be true, and of great authority. 

THe history of the world comprehended in the holy scripture.  
Many notable and strange revelations.  
The miracles of the Church, which do confirm the word.    
2 The preaching of the word of God is comprehended in three things. 

In doctrine.  
In consolation.  
In precepts.    
3 The holy Scripture is divided into three parts. 

Into histories.  
Into precepts.  
Into prophecies 

Histories consist in those things which are done.  
Precepts in those things which are commanded.  
Prophecies, in foreshowing things which either are already come to pass, or shall hereafter be fulfilled.      
4 Three good things are set forth in the scripture, which the Philosophers never attained unto. 

The true knowledge of god, and calling on of his name.  
True comfort in adversity.  
The way to live well and worship God aright.    
5 Three things are most certain in the word of God. 

Promises.  
Prophecies.  
threatenings.    
6 There be three singular things proper to the Scripture. Hugo. 

Whatsoever is taught, is truth without falsehood.  
Whatsoever is commanded, is goodness, without malice.  
Whatsoever is promised, is happiness without misery.    
7 The word of God was revealed for three causes. 

To be learned.  
To be believed.  
To be practised.    
8 There are three understandings of the scriptures set down by Hugo in his third book of the s●ule. 

Historical.  
Mystical. 

The first, containing examples fit for the simple.  
The second, mysteries fit for the learned. 

By miracles  
By Figures  
By words.    
The third, manners, common for both.    
Moral.    
9 All Scripture given by inspiration as Paul saith 2. Tim. 3. is profitable to three. 

To teach.  
To improve and correct.  
To instruct in righteousness.    
10 There be three kinds of meditations in contemplation. Hugo. 

In creatures.  
In scriptures 

The first ariseth of admiration.  
The second of reading. 

Admiration, bringeth Question: Question, searching out.  
Reading ministereth matter to know the truth. circumspection bringeth operation.  
Operation is the end of Meditation.    
The third, of circumspection.    
In manners.    
11 Three ways God spoke unto our forefathers, as Luther is witness in his exposition upon the xxxv. chap. of Gen. 

By dreams.  
By manifest visions.  
By the voices of proph●    
12 The holy scripture is divided into 3. parts. 

The law  
The prophets  
The gospel.    
13 S. Paul in his three epistles to the Romans, Galathians, & Ephesians, teacheth three things 

He showeth that all men are sinners.  
He teacheth that man is justified by faith only, without the works of the law.  
He prescribeth them that are justified, to do good works by God's law.    
14 Three things make men suspect the Epistle of Jude not to be Canonical 

The narration of the strife of Michael the Archangel with the devil  
The narration of the body of Moses  
The prophesy of Enoch.    
15 There are three sayings found in S. Paul his Epistles which are borrowed of Heathen Antiquaries. 

Of Meander, Evil words corrupt good manners, 1. Cor. 5. ver, 33,  
Of Aratus, Covetousness is the root of all evils 1. Tim. 6. ver. 10.  
Of Epimenides, Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, now bellies, Tit. 1. ver. 12    
16 Three things chief to be observed in the old and new Testament. 

Faith, that we, may believe those things to be true, which Moses, the Prophet's, Christ and his apostles have spoken by the inspiration of the holy ghost.  
Hope, that with a steadfast belief we may assure ourselves that we shall obtain those things that are promised,  
Charity, that we neither do, nor say any thing but the which is acceptable to God, and profitable to men.    
17 For three causes the word of God is to be preached. 

That the hearers may understand, because without preaching he cannot hear.  
That he which understandeth may believe because without hearing, he cannot believe  
That he which believeth may do good because without faith he can not do good.    
18 For three causes we ought to be attentive in hearing the word of God. 

For the reverence due to God, whose word we come to hear.  
That we may avoid the dangers of negligence.  
For the profit which is manifold.    
19 There be three invisible virtues of God. 

Power.  
Wisdom. 

Gf the which all things proceed.  
In the which all things censist. 

The Father is power.  
The son is wisdom. 

Power creates Wisdom govern goodness preserve    
The holy ghost is goodness,    
By which all things are governed.    
Goodness.     
Rom. 11. ver. 36. Because of him, in him, and by him are all things. To him be praise for ever and ever Amen.  

20 God is three manner of ways all in al. August. 

In heaven only he is all.  
In earth only he is al.  
In heaven and earth he is all.    
21 Three manner of ways god is every where. 

By his essence.  
By his presence.  
By his power.    
22 He that will know God as he ought: must think upon these 3. things. Luther. 

What he hath commanded.  
What he hath promised. 

He that meditateth these three findeth God.    
What he hath threatened.    
23 For three causes are three things attributed to God. 

Eyes, because he seethe all things.  
Hands, because he maketh all things.  
Feet, because he is every where.    
24 There is none like unto God for 3. things, Bernard. 

He is rich in mercy. 

He freely respecteth that humble.    
Mighty in justice. 

justly judgeth the wicked.    
Bon●tifull in grace▪ 

Pitifully saveth sinners.      
25 We have received 3. sorts of things of God our Creator, whereof we ought always to be mindful. 

Such as lead us unto the fear of God.  
Such as move us to love God.  
Such as provoke us to yield thanks unto his majesty.    
26 The knowledge of God is threefold. 

General, as of the Philosophers, Rom. 1. 〈◊〉 2. job. 36.  
Special, as of the Christians, 1. Cor. 13. Rom. 10.  
Singular, as of them that are blessed. 1. Cor. 13. joh. 3.    
27 These things are to be known in disputing about God. 

Not always.  
Nor to all. 

The first is referred to the time.  
The second to the person.  
The third to the matter.    
Nor all things.    
28 Three notable benefits of God. 

Creation.  
Redemption. 

By the three persons in Trinity. 

The Father.  
The son.  
The holy Ghost.      
Sanctification.    
29 There are 3 inward properties to be observed in discerning the people of the Trinity. 

To beget.  
To be borne 

The Father only begets.  
The Son only is borne.  
The holy Ghost only proceeds from both.    
To proceed.    
30 Three outward properties of the persons in Trinity. 

The Father sends, and is not sent.  
The Son is sent to be made a sacrifice.  
The Holy Ghost is sent to sanctify our minds.    
31 Three bear witness in heaven. 

The Father.  
The Son 

And these three are one. 

Union.  
Uniting.  
United.      
The holy Ghost    
32 There are three qualities in the Sun representing the qualities of the Trinity. 

The infinite fountain of light.  
The brightness coming from that light  
The heat proceeding and breathing from them both.    
33 Three things in us which do represent the holy Trinity. 

Memory.  
Understanding. 

Represents the Father.  
Represents the Son.  
Represents the holy Ghost.    
Will.    
34 Three names being one thing in deed, are liketo the Trinity. 

snow.  
Ice. 

So God is three in person, and but one in Substance.    
Water.    
35 Gods judgements are known by 3 things. 

Corporal punishments.  
The sting of the conscience.  
The torments of hell.    
36 Three manner of ways we may sin in the worship of God. 

When for only true God, there are worshipped many Gods: as the heathen did.  
When the true God is worshipped, but not according to his will.  
When that true God is worshipped but not only, which is done of them that worwip other Gods beside the true God.    
37 By three things the love of God appeareth towards men. 

That he hath given to man the use of heaven. earth, and all his creatures. Gene. 1 Eccle. 17.  
That he hath granted Angels to be ministers to men▪ Heb. 1. vers. 14.  
For that he hath offered himself for mankind, taking upon him the form of a servant. Phil. 2. vers. 17.    
38 We may commit three things safely into God's hands. 

Injury  
Loss. 

Because he is a revenger of injuries.  
Because he is the restorer of loss.  
Because he is our Physician and best comforter.    
Grief.    
39 The sweetness of this name jesus, consisteth in three things, 

It is honey to the mouth.  
Melody to the ear.  
joy to the heart.    
40 The son of God according to his office, is named in three several languages. 

Messiah, in Hebrew.  
Christ, in Greek. 

And according to these three names, he is called. 

A Priest.  
A Prophet.  
A King.      
Anointed in English.    
41 Three things to be considered in Christ our saviour. 

He prayeth for us, as he is our Priest.  
He prayeth in us, as he is our head.  
He is prayed unto of us, as he is our God.    
42 Christ was known to the world to be true Messiah by three things. 

The opening of heaven.  
The appearing of the holy Ghost.  
By the voice of his heavenly Father.    
43 Christ is called a Priest, and his office consists in 3. things. 

In teaching, Malaehie 2. So th● Son brought forth the Gospel in the bosom of his Father.  
In praying: as appeareth in Levitcus And he prayed for us. john 17 Heb. 1. 7.  
In offering sacrifice Hebr. 5. He offered himself for our sins.    
44 Christ is called a King for 3. causes. 

Because he put down all power, and destroyed the works of the devil.  
Because by the virtue of the spirit, he reigneth in the minds of the faithful.  
Because he defendeth his Church against the tyranny of the devil.    
45 Christ the true teacher doth instruct us 3. ways. because he is 

The way.  
The truth 

They way not erring. 

In example    
The truth not deceiving. 

In promise    
The life not ceasing. 

In reward      
The life.    
46 There are three causes of the incarnation of Christ. 

That he might bruise the Serpent's head. Gen, 3.  
That by his sacrifice he might appease. God's wrath,  
That he might justify the unjust by the imputation of his obedience.    
47 Three figures of Christ his crucifying, set down in the scripture. 

The sacrifices lifted up on high.  
The offering up of Isaac.  
The brazen Serpent lifted up in the wilderness. Num 21. john 3.    
48 Christ his death for us, and satisfaction for our sins, is three fold. 

A work without example.  
Favour without desert.  
Charity above measure.    
49 The passion of Christ is applied 3. ways. 

It is offered by the word, as by the hand of God.  
It is received by faith, as by the hand of man.  
It is sealed by the Sacraments & the use thereof set down as it were in a table.    
50 There are 3. fruits of Christ his ascension. 

To send the holy Ghost.  
To be a mediator to God the father.  
To preserve the Word, and the Church.    
51 The son of god was changed three manner of ways. 

From his humility, to his divinity in his transfiguration.  
From passion to immortality in his resurrection  
From immortality to his father's equality, in ascension.    
52 Three things concur in the person of Christ. Bernard. 

The word. 

These three are one, & this one is 3.    
The flesh. 

Not by confusion of substance, but by vinitie of person.    
The soul.    
53 Christ loved us three manner of ways. Bernard. 

Sweetly. 

In that he took our flesh upon him.    
Wisely. 

In that he eschewed all fault.    
Valiantly. 

In that he suffered death.      
54 There are three marvelous conjunctions as Luther saith, in the exposition on that xx. cap. Gen. 

The conjunction of the Father and Son in divinity.  
The conjunction of divinity and humanity in Christ.  
The conjunction of Christ with his church.    
55 Christ confoundeth that world and all things therein 3. ways. 

He accounts the chief wisdom thereof to be foolishness.  
He reckoneth their best works for justice.  
He changeth their best good into evil.    
56 Christ hath made us partakers of three necessary things. 

Of his Cross  
Of his Gospel. 

He hath redeemed us by his death on the cross.  
He hath instructed us by his gospel.  
He hath confirmed and sanctified us by his spirit.    
Of his spirit.    
57 The whole world did marvel at three works of Christ. Chrys. 

That he rose again after death.  
That he ascended into heaven in the flesh.  
That he converted the whole world by his twelve apostles.    
58 Christ had three witnesses. which did testify of him. 

john Baptist. joh. 1. ver. 15.  
His works joh. 5. ver. 36.  
His Father, Math, 3. ver. 17.    
59 Christ doth excel the Saints in three things. 

In dignity of person.  
In worthiness of office. 

These do not exclude. his divinity.    
In perfectness of gifts.    
60 The joy which the angels did express at the nativity of Christ is said to be great for 3. causes, 

For the matter which is great, namely our reconciliation with God.  
For the continuance and steadfastness thereof, for it continueth constant for ever.  
Because it is spiritual, & pertaining unto all those that have the gift of faith.    
16 Christ did foreshow 3. kinds of war. 

Of outward enemies.  
Of seducers. 

Paul saith, fight abroad, fear within, & dangers in false brethren    
Of false brethren.    
62 Christ did raise three persons from death, as some judge in 3. several years. 

The first year the widows son, Mar. 7 ver. 14. 15.  
The second year the daughter of jairus Luk. 8. ver. 54. 55.  
The third year Lazarus, joh. 11. ver. 44.    
63 Christ revealed three singular secrets unto three Apostles, john the Evangelist, Peter, and james. 

His transfiguration on the hill Thabor, Luke 9 ver. 28.  
The revining of jairus daughter. Luk. 8. ver. 51.  
The treason which judas practised against him, joh. 13. ver. 26.    
64 Christ is to be considered of us in three times. 

Before his incarnation.  
At the time of his incarnation. 

God, the word, the Image, the son of God  
jesus Christ, God and man, the son of Mary, the son of god the son of man, Emanuel.  
Al God, all man, the truth of his divine & human nature remaining.    
In his glorification, after his resurrection, and ascension.    
63 Three things do teach us that the holy ghost is true God, with the father and the son. 

Testimonies out of the scripture, as Acts 5. Ananias did lie unto the holy ghost, not unto men but unto God.  
The work of creation, job 33. the spirit of God made me, and the breath of the almighty received me.  
That which is every where, seethe, & killeth all things with his presence, knoweth and heareth all things Psal. 139. whether shall I go from thy spirit.    
66 The Apostles received three gifts when the holy Ghost descended upon the day of the feast of Pentecost. 

The gift 

Of interpreting the scriptures  
Of knowledge of all languages  
Of a constant heart bold to set forth the truth.      
67 The light of the holy Ghost doth rule us in three things. 

In our counsels.  
In our manners.  
In the actions of our whole life.    
68 The holy Ghost doth confirm three things in us. 

Faith.  
Hope.  
love.    
69 The holy Ghost doth govern three things in every godly person. 

The mind,  
The heart. 

It doth lighten the mind with the light of thy holy word.  
It doth kindle the heart that it may conceive the motions of good works, and virtues which please God.  
It doth move the will to be willing to do whatsoever God willeth in his word.    
The will.    
70 Three especial heresies which do overthrow the doctrine of the holy ghost. 

Of the Grecians, which will have the holy ghost to proceed from the Father only, and not so likewise from the son.  
The Macedonians, which say the holy spirit is a living creatire.  
Of the Sabellians, which affirm the holy ghost to be all one with the Father and Son, and not three persons.    
71 We commit sin three manner of ways. 

In not rewarding good things with good things.  
In requiting evil with evil. things. 

On the contrary these 3. things are praiseworthy. 

To reward good things with good things.  
Not to acquit evil with evil.  
To recompense evil things with good.      
In recompensing the good with evil things.    
72 The almighty created three vital spirits. 

Which is not covered with flesh.  
Which is covered with flesh but dieth not courced with f●esh. 

Of Angels.  
Of men.  
Of brute beasts    
Which is covered with flesh, and dieth with the flesh.    
73 We sin 3. manner of ways. 

Of infirmity.  
Of ignorance. 

Against the Father, because he is the God of might.  
Against the Son, because he is the perfection of wisdom.  
Against the holy ghost, because he is the giver of grace.    
Of malice.    
74 We are put in mind of three things so oft as we behold a rainbow. 

Of the anger of god when he destroyed the world with water, whereof the blue colour is a witness.  
Of the mercy of God, who will not use that punishment again.  
Of the latter judgement, and burning the world with fire. The fiery colour of the rainbow showing the same.    
75 The creation of the world is an evident testimony of three excellent things. 

Of the 

Wisdom.  
Omoipotencie.  
Goodness of God.      
76 Three things show that the end of the world is at hand. 

Because the end of the Roman Empire is at hand.  
Because there is a general defect and apostasy from the Faith throughout the world.  
Because the Gospel hath been preached throughout the world.    
77 Three sayings of Angels are used in the scriptures more th●n oth●rs. 

Michael, who is like God? Dan. 10: & 12 chap.  
raphael God's Physician. Tob. 3. verse. 17 Gabriel, The strength of God. Dan. 8. and 9 chap. Luke. 1,    
78 Three chief offices which Angels do execute towards us. 

They withdraw us from sin.  
They defend us from enemies.  
They lead us into heaven.    
79 The holy Ghost the comforter, giveth us three things. 

The earnest of salvation. 

That he may bear witness tothy spirit, that thou art the son of God.    
The light of knowledge. 

That when thou hast done all that thou caused, thou shouldst think thyself to be an unprofitable servant.    
The strength of life. 

That which is unpossible for thee by nature, is made easy to thee by grace.      
80 Three things to be considered in the creation of the cceature. 

Who made it  
By what he made it. 

If we ask who made it? God. 

For there is no author more excelthen God.    
If by what he made it? He said, & it was done. 

No Art of more force than the word of God.    
If therefore he made it? because he is good. 

No causebetter than that good should be created of God that is good.      
Wherefore he made it.    
81 The whole world hath been three times ruled by 3 laws. 

The law of nature.  
The law of Moses, 

Six thousand years the world shall endure, & then be burned, saith Elias, 

2000 before the law.  
2000 under the law.  
2000 under the Gospel. But for the elect sake these last days shall be shortened.      
The law of the Gospel,    
82 Faith as August saith is of 3 things and times, 

Of things past. 

We believe that Christ is dead which is past.    
Of things present. 

We believe that Christ sitteth at the right hand of his Father, which is present.    
Of things to come 

We believe that he shall come to judgement which is to come      
83 Belief is of three sorts. 

To believe that there is a God, is of knowledge,  
To believe God, is to consent to his truth  
To believe in God, is to have true confidence in his mercy.    
84 There be 3 kinds of knowledge. 

To learn to know only for knowledge sake.  
To learn to know, to that end to be known of others. 

The first curiosity.  
The second, vain glory.  
The thrid, perfect charity.    
To learn to know, that thou mayst be edified.    
85 Faith and hope differ in three things. 

In objects. 

Faith apprehendeth a present benefit: Hope looketh for one to come.    
In offices. 

Faith apprehendeth the promise made by Christ, which neither hope nor other works can do.    
In subjects. 

Faith is a knowledge in the mind and trust in the will: Hope is in the will, and in the heart,      
86 Faith exceed three things as Bernard saith. 

The end of man's reason.  
The use of nature.  
The bonds of experience.    
87 Thee things without all doubt are to be hoped for of God. 

Pardon.  
Grace. 

Pardon of our sins.  
Grace in regeneration.  
Glory after resurrection.    
Glory.    
88 Three things in which our whole hope consisteth. 

In the love of adoption.  
In the truth of Christ his promises.  
In the power of his redemption.    
89 The hope of the wicked may be compared to three things. 

To dust scattered in the wind.  
To smoke flying in the air.  
To a guest departing the same day that he came.    
90 Charity is of three sorts. 

Towards God,  
Towards ourselves,  
Towards our neihbous,    
91 Our neighbour, though he be evil, must be loved for 3. causes. 

For God's sake.  
For his own sake. 

If thou lovest God, thou wilt love his son also.  
If thou lovest thy brother when he is in health, thou wilt love him also being diseased.  
Thou shalt love him, that thou mayest gain his love, which seeketh hurt to thee.    
For thine own sake.    
●2 Gold and charity are compared together three manner of ways. 

As gold doth excel all metals, so charity doth excel all virtues.  
As gold is rare and dear, so likewise is charity.  
As gold is more fair and durable than other metals, so far charity endureth.    
93 The humble ma● efcheweth three vices. 

Singularity, whereby a man will be accounted more holy.  
Arragancie whereby a man doth set forth himself above others.  
Presumption, whereby a man doth account himself fit for greater matters, then in deed he is fit for.    
94 Patience doth suffer any pain for three things. 

God and Godliness.  
Faith and religion.  
Virtues and laws.    
95 By three manner of means, the virtue of patience is exercised. 

Of God we suffer punishments.  
Of the devil temptations. 

Wherein we must take here. 

That we do not murmur against god for our afflictions.  
That the temptations of the devil cause us not to consent to sin.  
That the mischief of our neighbour provoke us not to requite evil,      
Of our neighbours persecutions, loss, & reproach.    
96 These 3. things are a great praise in the just, 

To hold his peace when his servant revileth him.  
If he forbear him that is sick, when he offereth injury.  
If he make no answer to a poor man, charging him with untruth.    
97 Patience is a great virtue, for 3. things. 

If thou hurtest not him, of whom thou wast first borne.  
If thyself being hurt, thou dost forgive him.  
If thou fearest him whom thou couldst have hurt.    
98 Three examples of patience in the scripture, 

Of job james 5. you have heard of the patience of job, and seen his end.  
Of Christ the only pattern of patience. 1. Cor. 1. 1, Pet. 2.  
Of Lazarus which bore patiently infamy, diseases, and contempt Luk. 16.    
99 A good life consisteth in these three things. 

To eschew evil.  
To do good  
To persever in goodness to the end    
100 Perseverance hath affinity with these three. 

It is the sister of patience.  
The daughter of constancy. 

In adversity  
In labour  
I prosperity    
The friend of peace      

THE SECOND HUNDRETH OF THE triplicity of Divinity.  

1 Three things are comprehended in the knowledge of God. 

TO know who God is, namely, the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost  
To believe in him.  
To direct and govern our life according to his will.    
2 Abraham received 3. Angels into his house, and they talked familiarly with three persons of the same house. 

With Abraham the master of the house.  
With Sara his wife,  
With their maid Hagar.    
3 Three things which the devil will not grant. 

That Christ is the son of God.  
He cannot abide that Christ should be man.  
He will not confess that Christ hath done those things which in truth he hath done.    
4 Three things chief to be remembered. 

God's benefits, that we may render thanks.  
Our sins, that we may be sorry for them.  
Our death, that we may be careful to live well.    
5 Poor men are more easily converted unto God then rich men, for 3. causes. 

Because pride is annexed with riches: and as Gregory noteth: Pride of mind is a hindrance unto truth.  
Because the heart of a rich man is full of the cares of this world, which choke the word of God.  
Because rich men have temporal comforts, and therefore do little regard spiritual consolation.    
6 Our old adversary the devil is bound with three things. 

When our mind being tempted, doth not consent to evil, and take delight therein.  
When we can so rule our mind, that we hate not our neighbour when he speaketh reproachful words against us.  
When we can so govern our mind, that we murmur not against God, when he punisheth us for our deserts,    
7 Three weapons where with we may repulse the devil. 

The word of God.  
Faith in Christ jesus.  
Fervent prayer.    
8 Saint Jerome saith that we ought only to boast of one thing: which is, that we know God aright, not of those 3. things which worldlings do glory in. 

Wisdom.  
Strength.  
Richesses.    
9 To love God with all our heart with all our soul, with all our might, consisteth in 3. things. 

Not to be led away with slattery.  
Not to be seduced with deceits.  
Not to be overcome with injuries.    
10 We must praise God with three instruments. 

Our mouth.  
Our heart. 

For it is the instrument wherewith he will be glorified.  
Singing and giving thanks in heart unto God.  
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works & glorify your father which is in heaven. Math. 5, ver. 16. and chap. 7. ver. 21. Rom. 2. ver. 23.    
Our works.    
11 The fear of God worketh 3. things. 

It correcteth our minds.  
It driveth away sins.  
It preserveth innocency.    
12 God is to be feared for 3. causes. 

Because the house of him that feareth not God, shall soon be overthrown. Eccles. 27.  
Because he that feareth not God shall dwell in places where shall be no regard of knowledge.  
Because that God is able to cast both body and soul into hell fire. Math. 10. Luk. 12.    
13 Three causes which move us to fear God. 

All calamities which happen unto mankind: death, diseases. destructions of cities and nations, hunger, wars, etc. Also dreadful punishments which afflict the wicked, showing that god is angry with sinners.  
All the erhortations of the prophets unto repentance. The law of God, and the horrible curses which are added unto the law.  
The death of the son of God.    
14 About the time that the world shall have end, men shall be evil inclined 3. manner of ways. 

They shall be lovers of themselves, following pleasure and riotousness.  
They shall be greedy and covetous.  
They shall be high minded and proud.    
15 Three sorts of people are called to religion. 

One sort God calleth by holy inspirations.  
Another sort is chosen of men by good counsels, as Hippolito was converted to the Faith, by the instructions of Saint Laurence.  
The third sort is constrained to enter into religion by some necessity or misadventure happened unto them.    
16 Humility is a virtue which doth chief comprehend three things. 

Humility acknowledgeth our own uncleanness and infirmity, and doth fear God.  
She doth not desire matters above her vocation, but keeping herself within her bounds, she resteth hoping in God's help.  
She doth not despise others that are Gods instruments, but acknowledgeth Gods gifts in them, knowing that all labour is in vain unless he prosper it.    
17 He that is humble and lowly as he ought, doth reap triple commodity. 

He hath God dwelling with him.  
The humble man is honoured of men, & they always give him a good report,  
He alone hath the fruit thereof, because humility is the mother of shamefastness, that way of patience, which leadeth to wisdom, the keeper of fear and faith.    
18 The tokens of true humility consist in 3. things. 

In behaviour.  
In words. 

He that is humble in mind & body, doth show that same by looking steadfastly upon the ground, and in not laughing without great cause.  
He speaketh few words and soft, & holdeth his peace until he be asked.  
He doth nothing but that which is agreeable with good manners, & that without pride.    
In deeds.    
19 Patience doth comprehend and signify three things. 

A steadfastness of the mind, suffering any affliction or contumelious reproaches without murmuring or repining.  
A revenge giving a deadly wound, & heaping coals of fire upon our enemies heads.  
A close martering, not without rewards.    
20 When we suffer any cross or affliction, we must be patiented for 3. causes. 

That we may follow the example of Christ.  
Because God hath so commanded.  
That we may gather the fruits of patience.    
21 Christ commandeth in the 5. chap. of Math. ●hat we should not resist eull: and by 3. precepts doth exhort us unto patience 

He commandeth that whosoever shall strike thee on the right cheek, to turn to him the other also.  
He commandeth if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, to let him have thy cloak also.  
He commandeth that whosoever will compel thee to go a mile, to go with him twain.    
22 We must suffer 3. kinds of evil patiently. 

Necessary evils, such as can neither be altered nor amended, nor hindered.  
Accidental evils, which have not happened unto us by our own evil counsel.  
Such evils as we have deserved.    
23 The reward of patience. 

1. james. 1. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.  
Prou. 19 A man's knowledge is perceived by his patience.  
1. Pet. 2. If when ye do well ye suffer wrong and take it patiently: this is acceptable to God.    
24 Three things direct us in the right path, and suffer us not to go astray. 

Love which banisheth all weariness & causeth all labour & travel to seem easy.  
Hope of promise or reward.  
Faith which is grounded upon promises, and believeth in God.    
25 Unless the spirit of God do establish and seal our minds, that they may continue steadfast in faith, we shall be overcome by one of these three things. 

Either by sathan who is furnished with a thousand arts, sleights, and deceits, to entrap us  
Or by our own frowardness & inconstancy, which is easily seduced by evil examples.  
Or by persecution & affliction which cause us despair & throw ourselves headlong into hell.    
26 Three chief rewards of perseverance. 

A crown of life. Apoc. 3.  
A plentiful reward in heaven.  
Life everlasting. Math. 24. He that endureth to the end shallbe saved.    
27 Three things wherewith we may comfort ourselves being in tribulaiion. 

That the son of God is our advocate. our mediator, and maketh intercession for us. Luk. 2. joh. 17.  
That he will not suffer us to be tempted above our power. 1. Cor. 10. ver. 13.  
That he heareth our prayers, and will help us in time of need.    
28 Three properties that belong to Epicures. 

They neither fear nor reverence God, and esteem all godliness as a mokery.  
They offer sacrifice unto their guts, other God they know not.  
Neither grief nor fear can compel them to be careful for the time present, or to come.    
29 Three kinds of doubting repugnant to faith. 

To doubt of God.  
To doubt of his providence.  
To doubt of the certainty of that doctrine which the Prophets and Apostles delivered.    
30 All idols had their original o● three things. 

Of superstition.  
Of wicked imitation.  
Of flattery.    
31 Three efficient causes of Idolatry. 

The devil fretting with hellish heat, and haggish hate, and provoking man's miserable nature to devise idols thereby to have God in derision.  
The blindness of men's minds, and boldness to reject the word which hath been delivered by the Prophets and Apostles, and devising strange opinions and worshipping of God after their own pleasure  
A persuasion of wisdom, and a good intent, which not content with the word of God only doth imagine it can invent more excellent kinds of worship.    
32 Three causes why Idolatry should be abolished. 

Because it is sin against the first commandment, not to abolish images. judges 2.  
Because not being abolished. they trouble the church of God. 3 King. 18 Elias saith I have not troubled Israel etc.  
The are to be abolished for fear of punishment, because God is angry with idolaters, and will punish them. Deuteron. 4 Hos. 2. and 7.    
33 We must fight with three sorts of weapons against heretics. 

With prayers,  
With learning 

To convert them.  
To convince them.  
To condemn them.    
With laws.    
34 Evil men do persecute the good, three manner of ways. 

By hatred of their hearts.  
By injuries in deeds. 

God commandeth that we resist them which three contrary things. 

With love of heart when he saith love your enemies.  
With giving been fits when he saith do good to them that hate you.  
with praying for them when he saith pray for them which revile & persecute you.      
By reviling words.    
55 Three things to be known and marked concerning superstition. 

That it doth spring of true godliness, and divers ways doth weary men's minds  
That it doth vaunt of the title of true religion, and doth allure multitudes of people unto it, and doth govern them.  
It atributeth a certain virtue unto things without God's ordinance or natural reason.    
36 Magical blessings or enchanting do differ from the blessings of the Patriarches three manner of ways. 

Magicians are not called of God to bless.  
They abuse good words, and wrest them to another end than God hath appointed.  
They have no promise that their endeavour shall take effect.    
37 The proud man's heart is destitute of three good things. 

It is hardened and wanteth godliness.  
It is void of Contrition.  
It is dry, wanting the dew of spiritual grace.    
38 Three horrible things may be noted in a proud man. 

That he striveth against God.  
That he will make himself equal with God. 

By transgressing Gods commandments.  
By desiring to be almighty as God is.  
In that he will have his own commandment observed, though it be contrary to god's commandment.    
That he exalteth himself  
That he exalteth himself above God.    
39 Three things being thought upon, should abate the pride of man. 

Our birth, which is lamentable, because we are borne in sin.  
Our life, which is nothing else but labour and grief, and subject to many inconveniences.  
Our death which is terrible, especially, because we shall be consumed with worms.    
40 Three parts of repentance. 

Contrition.  
Gonfession, 

In the heart.  
In the mouth 

Because we be seen with the heart unto righteousness.  
Because we confess with the mouth unto salvation, Rom. 10. ver. 10.  
Because the offence is not forgiven, before restitution be made.    
In works.    
Satisfaction.    
41 Pride is an exalting of the mind which doth raise itself above our 

Creation.  
Vocation.  
human condition.    
42 By the shameful falls of three it doth appear that security hath no place to rest in. 

Neither in heaven.  
In paradise. 

In heaven lucifer sinned through security,  
In paradise Adam sinned through security.  
In the world judas being one of Christ his disciples, sinned thorough security.    
Nor in the world.    
43 Three things in Christ worthy to be wondered at. 

The examples of his life.  
His words of wisdom. 

Whereby he edified the envious.  
Whereby he instructed the ignorant.  
Whereby he did convert the unbelievers.    
The marvels of his glory.    
44 Three benefices which we have received, aught to move us daily and hourly to give thanks unto God. 

Our creation.  
Our redemption.  
Our justification.    
45 Let us give thanks to God all the day lon●●●d especially to acknowledge three benefits. 

Because he hath sanctified us being unclean.  
Because we have received those things of his majesty which we had not.  
Because he hath given unto us those things which we never deserved.    
46 The thanksgiving of three sorts of men ought deservedly to he reprehended. 

Of hypocrites which is feigned.  
Of worldlings which is for custom sake.  
Of such as are newly recovered of a sickness which is wont to be very short.    
47 Preaching is used for three purposes. 

That God may be feared.  
That God may be known, and his will fulfilled.  
That many may be made inheritors of eternal life.    
48 Three kinds of confession in the holy scriptures. 

Confession of praise.  
Confession of truth.  
Confession of a fault.    
49 Three, effects of confessing the truth. 

A confirming of the doctrine sent from heaven.  
A strengthening of those which are weak in faith.  
Testimonies of the judgement to come and eternal life,    
50 Christ in the fift ot Matthew commandeth us not to swear by 3. things. 

By heaven,  
By earth. 

Because it is that throne of God.  
Because it is his footstool.  
Because man cannot make on white hair or one black.    
By our head.    
51 For 3. causes as Augustine saith, it seems that we should not swear at all, 

Lest we should take a facility in swearing.  
Lest our facility bring us to a custom of swearing.  
Lest by that custom we fall into that danger which is provided for swearers.    
52 For 3. causes we may lawfully swear▪ 

That God may be worshipped & glorified, Esa 19 ver. 8. 1. King. 22, ver. 14.  
That truth may be maintained.  
That junocentes being 〈…〉 nuented by craft may be delivered from danger.    
53 Three things to be observed in oaths. 

We must not use all manner of oaths.  
We must not use them always.  
We must not use them for light occasions.    
54 By 3. manner of ways men forswear themselves. 

Either when they deceive or are deceived  
When they think that to be false which is true.  
Or when they think that to be true which is false.    
55 Three things are like oaths. 

Vows.  
covenants.  
Promises.    
56 The 4. commandment of those ten which were delivered unto Moses was appointed to be kept for three causes. 

To signify unto us the spiritual rest.  
To maintain ecclesiastical government.  
That cattle and servants might cease from their labour.    
57 Three principal holidays on which the jews used to go up to jerusalem. 

On Easter day.  
On Whitsonday, otherwise called the feast of Pentecost.  
On the day of the feast of tabernacles which was wont to be observed the 15 of Sept.    
58 We ought to meet together on those days which by the church are appointed holidays for three causes. 

That me may hear the word of God.  
That we may pray unto him.  
That we may confirm our faith with the Sacraments.    
59 Three things which as Luther affirmeth will destroy christian religion. 

Forgetfulness of benefits which we have received by the Gospel.  
Man's wisdom which ●il bring all things in order, and with evil counsel make common quietness.  
Security which reigneth here and there, and in every place.    
60 Three kind of hearers of the word of GOD are praise worthy. 

They which listen attentively.  
They which lay it up in their heart.  
They which show forth the fruits thereof in their life.    
61 The knowledge of 3. things very necessary for a christian. 

To know God.  
To know his will.  
To know himself.    
62 Three most necessary things for a christian man. 

True repentance.  
Fervent prayer.  
Patience.    
63 The whole life of Christians as Melancthon teacheth, aught to be directed unto three purposes 

That God may be glorified.  
That the Church may be beautified.  
That we ourselves in the Church serving God, may look for eternal rewards.    
64 Three things in a Christian which must agree together, That his light may shine before God and men. 

Faith.  
Doctrine, and  
Life.    
65 S. Paul unto Titus chap. 2. saith, that a Christian ought to live 3. manner of ways. 

Soberly.  
Honestly  
Discreetly.    
66 Three things God requireth at our hands. Deut. 10. 

That we fear him.  
That we love him.  
That we walk in his ways.    
67 Paul in the epistle to the Galathians doth warn Chrstians to take heed of three things. 

That they be not desirous of vainglory.  
That they provoke not one another to anger.  
That they envy not one another.    
68 Paul in the fift to the Ephesians will not have three things named among Christians. 

Fornication.  
Uncleanness.  
Covetousness.    
69 Christians have 3. accusers before God. 

The devil.  
The law.  
Their own conscience guilty of a fault.    
70 Paul in the 2. chap. to Titus, willeth a minister to do 3. things with authority. 

To 

Speak.  
Erhort.  
Reprove.      
71 Three things are necessary for a christian at all times. 

Faith towards God.  
Love towards our neighbour.  
Mortification of the flesh towards ourselves.    
72 The Israelites being in adversity, and comforting and exhorting one another unto faith and obedience used to speak thus as in a proverb. 

Be of good courage.  
Trust in God. 

That God which provided the Ram for Abraham to sacrifice, he also will send happy success to thy enterprises. Gen. 22. ver. 13.    
Fellow thy vocation.    
73 Preachers and Ecclesiastical rulers should always meditate on 3. sayings in the scripture, and not suffer them to slide out of their memories. 

We must one day render an account of our stewardship, and of every idle word. Luke▪ 16.  
When I shall say unto the wicked, thou shalt surely die, and thou givest not him warning, nor sp●●kest to admonish the wicked of his wicked way, that he may live the same wicked man shall die in his ini▪ quitie, but his blood will I require at thyhand. Ezech. 3. verse. 18.  
An hard judgement shall they have that bear rule. Wisd. 6. ver. 5.    
74 Three things by which appeareth, that it is very difficult to preach. 

Because of all things it is most laboursome.  
Because of all things it is most dangerous.  
Because of all things in the world it is most despised, and subject to the judgements of most vile persons,    
75 Three things necessary for a Preacher that he may have many hearers. 

Learning.  
Eloquence.  
Holiness of life.    
76 The preacher of the word of God ready to go up into the Pulpit, must remember three things. 

That he hath Christ for his judge.  
Angel's beholders of him.  
Simple hearers, whose minds are easily wounded.    
77 Three ornaments fit for a ministers house. 

An open gate.  
A godly household.  
A good library.    
78 Three sorts of evil ministers 

Which teach ill, and live wickedly.  
Which teach well, and live evilly.  
Which teach ill, and seem tolive well.    
79 One of these 3. things doth surely happen unto Ministers which preach the word of God in evil princes courts. 

Either for fear they deny their master Christ, as Peter did. john. 18.  
Or they are handled as Christ was in Herodes court, and made a mocking stock. Luke. 23. verse. 11.  
Or they are cast in prison, tormented and slain, as was john Baptist, Matthew 14. verse 10.    
80 Three horrible evils were the cause of the rich man's condemnation of whom there is mention made in the 16. of Luke. 

Security in that he didnot repent, nor had no feeling of God's wrath and iudegment,  
Riot and surfeiting, Having no care of the salvation of his soul.  
Want of faith. In that he did not respect Lazarus: for where true faith is, there cannot be cruelty towards the afflicted.    
81, The man is blessed that doth these 3. things. Psal 112. 

Pitieth the poor.  
Dareth to them that want.  
Governeth his affairs by judgement.    
82 Truth is stronger than three strong things. 1. Esdras. 3. 

Strong wine.  
A woman.  
A strong king.    
83 Heretics do represent the properties of 3. beasts. Bernard. 

They are biting like dogs.  
Subtle like foxes.  
Proud like lions:    
84 Histories and the old fathers do attribute three things unto heretics. 

Great knowledge.  
A show of wonderfullull holiness.  
A disagreeing with other Churches.    
85 Three sorts of Angels. 

The son of God. Gen. 48.  
The preachers of the word. Malach. 2  
Spirits created by God. Mat. 18. 2 Pet. 〈◊〉    
86 For 3. causes heretics do trouble more the godly teachers, than the common lay men. 

Godly teachers do more easily understand their deceits, and bark at them as good dogs do in the entry of their master's house.  
Godly teachers cannot defend themselves with external force, and many times the commonalty which should defend them, doth forsake them.  
The pretence of heretics is always to diminish the glory of God and holy worship, whereof the ministers are perfect and godly teachers.    
87 Three things to be noted in the enemies of Christ and his Church. 

First, they are unthankful, and after the manner of the world, for a great good turn they repay great ingratitude,  
Secondarily, they have zeal without knowledge, they will seem and be accounted defenders of truth.  
Lastly, they are manslayers & do all things with execrable cruel●tie.    
88 Three sorts of hypocrites works which compel Esay in his fift chapter to cry, Woe unto them. 

Such as speak good of evil, & evil of good,  
Such as stand in their own conceits.  
Such as draw wickedness unto themselves with the cords of vanity.    
89 Whatsoever we do is both good and just, if we be not deceived with three things. Augustine. 

If forgetfulness confound not our memory.  
If error obscure not our understanding.  
If iniquity deprave not our will.    
90 Hypocrites, as Bernard witnesseth are 

judges.  
Witnsses. 

But, without authority.  
But, by hearsay.  
But without truth.    
Accusers.    
91 Christ hath 3 sorts of soldiers. 

Some he hath placed in the kingdom of the earth, and these are fight soldiers. Ephes. 6  
Some are triumphant soldiers, for these he hath ordained the kingdom of heaven unto whom after the victory, he will give a crown. 2. Tim. 4.  
Some are cowards and fugitives, and for these he hath appointed the prison of hell. Esay. 24    
92 The godly are afflicted some time for 3. causes. 

That their faith may be tried.  
That true repentance may increase in them.  
That they may be stirred up unto the desire of eternal life.    
93 The thoughts of men not regenerate, are of 3. sorts 1. john. 2 verse. 16. 

After the concupiscence of the flesh.  
After the lust of the eyes  
After the pride of life.    
94 Let a minister live so that he may be as a pattern of good life unto his hearers, following the example of Paul. 

1. Cor. 4. verse 16.  
1. Cor. 11. verse 1.  
Phil. 3. verse 17.    
95 The chief knowledge of a Christian consisteth in 3. things. 

To believe invisible things.  
To hope for things promised.  
To love God, though he sleme to show himself to be our enemy by punishing us.    
96 Three things to be observed in all things that we do. 

That we follow the express word of God  
That, we crave God's aid.  
That we look for such event as shall please him to send.    
97 Three gifts of God which proceed out of his own mouth Proverb. 2. 

Wisdom.  
Knowledge.  
Understading.    
98 Three kinds of knowledge requisite in a Christian. 

Wisdom to know what belongeth to God that we may desire heavenly things.  
Understanding for the world that we may learn to despise it.  
Foreknowledge of our death, that while we live we may live to God.    
99 For 3 causes it was necessary that Christ should rise again the third day. 

That the prophesy might be fulfilled. Hos. 6. verse. 2.  
That his body should not corrupt. Psal. 16. verse 14.  
That the omnipotency of his Diutnitie might be linked with his humanity.    
100 Three arguments and testimonies against the Anabaptistes to prove that Christ was borne of the flesh of the Virgin Marie. 

Of the promises made unto Abraham and our fore fathers. Gen. 22. verse 18. item 26. verse 3. And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed● All such promises should be false, if Christ had not come out of the womb of the Virgin Marie.  
It is necssarythat Christ should take flesh of the virgin Marie, seeing in many places of the scripture he calleth himself the son of man.  
It is manifest in the first chapter of the epistle of S. Paul to the Romans. verse 3. the words be these, Who was borne of the seed of David according to the flesh      

THE FIRST HUNDREDTH OF THE Triplicity of Philosophy.  

1 The whole course of man's life consisteth in these three. 

TO be borne weeping.  
To live laughing.  
To die sighing.    
2 He is worthily called a wise man 

Which remembreth things past.  
Which marketh the course of things present.  
Which foreseeth things to come.    
3 Three things obtain great friendship, 

Fair speech in presence.  
Good report in absence.  
Faithfulness in friendship.    
4 Three sorts of men differ in wishing. 

The ambitious.  
The base minded. 

Wisheth so much, that for it he is hated.  
Craveeh so little, that every man overcroweth him.  
Desireth a mean with love.    
The virtuous.    
5 Three sorts of men accounted happy in this world. 

He that oweth nothing.  
A man single and not married.  
He that hath new buried his ri●h parents▪    
6 Three sorts of men woeful to be scene. 

A rich man fallen into poverty.  
A virtuous man dispraised.  
A wise man scorned of the ignorant.    
7 Three things which every man doth in respect of his enemies. 

He fears  
He hates 

Whom he fears.  
Whom he hates, he bewares.  
Whom he bewares he seeks his destruction.    
He bewars    
8 Plutarch doth require these 3, things in a young man. 

Temperance in his mind.  
Silence in his tongue.  
Bashfulness in his countenance,    
9 The art of government was 

Found out.  
Defended. 

By experience.  
By science.  
By prudence.    
Conserved.    
10 Pride is noted in a man by 3. things. 

To show a certain stateliness in going.  
To disdain his companions and equals.  
To separate himself from the company of others, with a vain kind of self-love.    
11 Three causes why a man may be earnest in giving good counsel, because 

It is an easy thing,  
Of little cost.  
And the best gift a man can give unto his friend.    
12 Three desires amongst friends 

To enjoy health.  
To possess honour.  
Not to suffer necessity.    
13 Three sovereign plasters for a heart which is grieved. 

Temperance.  
Time.  
Forgetfulness.    
14 Three things good for every man. 

To understand well.  
To speak better.  
To do best of all.    
15 Alphonsus king of Arragon, used to thank God most heartily especially for 3. causes. 

For that he made him a man, & not a brute beast.  
For that he was a christian.  
For that he was Prince and ruler over so many countries.    
16 Plato at the point of death, yielded thanks unto nature, for 3. causes. 

That he was borne a man, and not a beast.  
For that he was a Grecian borne, and not a Barbarian.  
That it was his chance to live in the time of Socrates.    
17 Aristotle that philosopher approaching unto death, his scholars requested him to unter some sententious saying unto them in steed of a last will & test ament, who sighing, said 

I came humbled into this world.  
Here I have lived carefully.  
I depart troubled, being unskilful and ignorant.    
18 As dogs be like wolves so three sorts of men are like friends. 

Parasites.  
Flatterers. 

Fawn for the belly.  
cozen for the coin e.  
Dissemble in religion.    
Hypocrittes.    
19 The covetous man doth always offend three persons. 

God.  
His neighbour. 

From God, he withholdeth his right.  
He denieth things necessary unto his neighbour. 

Unthankful to God.  
Wicked to his neighbour.  
Cruel to himself.    
He keepeth that which is 〈◊〉 needful from himself.    
Himself    
20 Evil counsellors teach a young and unskilful prince, 3. things which after ward hurt him and his subjects much 

To prefer 

Profit before honesty.  
Gain before virtue.  
Tyranny before modesty.      
21 A good counsellor should be furnished with these 3. 

Experience of many things.  
True love towards him unto whom he ministereth counsel.  
Liberty to speak freely.    
22 Three things ought to be considered in a witness. 

The nature.  
The condition. 

That a witness be a man and not a woman, for women are divers & in constant in their report.  
That he be free & not a bondslave for he will conceal a truth for fear of his master's displeasure  
That he be innocent & not infamous, for justice will not accompany a wicked man.    
The life.    
23 We ought to bear 3 sorts of affection towards him that is convicted of a crime. 

love.  
Hatred. 

Considering his nature, we ought to love him, because he is a man.  
Considering his fault which he hath committed we should hate him.  
Considering that pain which he must suffer for his fault we ought to pity him.    
pity.    
24 No man ought to praise himself, nor desire to be praised for 3. causes. 

For if he respect the time he hath passed he shall find that he hath done many things for which he ought to be sorry.  
If he consider of the time to come, he shall perceive many imminent dangers whereof he should be afraid.  
If he regard the present time, he shall find many defects & much want in himself, which minister occasion of bashfulness.    
25 Upon 3 occasions men use to excuse themselves for not doing things which they were enjoined to do. 

Either when they are weary & would rest.  
Or when that which is appointed doth seem to be hard and difficult.  
Or when it seemeth to be unfruitful and unprofitable.    
26 For three causes we ought to use few words. 

Because of many words, proceed many faults.  
Because it is a sign of Foolishness to use many words. 

Socrates the Philosopher holding his peace amongst company & being asked why he did so, answered, Because I have been sorry sometimes for speaking, but never for holding my peace.  
Solon the Philosopher being silent when other men talked, one demanded of him whether he held his peace for want of words to speak, or for that he was a fool? He answered. No fool ●an hold his peace.  
Xenocrates the Philosopher said unto one that was a great babbler, If you hard yourself with my ears you would hold your peace.    
Because many words are the causes of discontentment & displeasing.    
27 Those which are angry make small account of 3 things which should be highly esteemed. 

Old age which ought to be reverenced.  
Affinity of kindred.  
Benefits which are past.    
28 Those judges can not judge uprightly, which either. 

Suffer themselves to be corrupted with gifts.  
Are moved with authority.  
Will requtie friendship, or revenge enmity.    
29 Our mind must be preserved from three things. 

Anger.  
Hatred. 

Fretteth.  
Consumeth.  
Puffeth us up with pride    
Glory.    
30 A guilty conscience worketh 3. miracles. 

It maketh the heaven & earth though they were x. times greater than they be, to be narrower than a mouse hole.  
It causeth strong men to be so fearful that they are astonished at the shaking of a leaf.  
It stirreth up the little dog, which though it hath slept all his life time, yet at his death it barks, & is in the stead of a thousand witnesses.    
31 Three things make a man very sorrowful. 

That he must die,  
That he knows not when.  
That after death he knows not where 〈…〉 shall be.    
32 Three powers of the soul assigned unto three parts of the body. 

Reason to the head.  
Anger & other perturbations to the heart.  
Lust and concupiscence to the liver.    
33 Three instruments of men's actions. 

Sense.  
Understanding.  
Appetite.    
34 The country life is mistress of three things. 

Frugality.  
Diligence.  
justice.    
35 The whole life of man passeth away with doing three unnecessary things. 

A great part with doing evil.  
A greater doing nothing.  
The greatest with doing things to small● purpose.    
36 All men are busied about one of these 3 things. 

Honesty.  
profit.  
Pleasure.    
37 The Sun hath 3. titles atttributed unto it. 

It is called 

The eye of the world.  
The pleasure of the day.  
The beauty of heaven.      
38 The Astronomers testify that there cometh profit from the Sun 3. manner of ways. 

By influence.  
By motion.  
By light.    
39 The world is likened to the sca for 3 causes. 

Bec ause 

Swelleth  
burns 

With pride.  
With covetousness.  
With lust and riot.    
Foameth.      
40 We ought to rule our ●ong in speaking, 3. manner of ways. 

To speak but little of the nobler sort.  
To speak well of all men.  
To speak nothing in commendation of ourselves.    
41 He that will live in quiet, must frame himself to 3. things. 

To 

Hear.  
See.  
And say nothing.      
42 Democritus the Philosopher is thought to have thrust out his own eyes for 3. occasions. 

Because his sight did hinder his inward meditations.  
Because he could not look on women without lusting after them.  
Because he could not patiently abide to behold the flourishing estate of wicked men.    
43 The Philosopher Aristotle believed but 3 things. 

That which he touched with his hand.  
That which he saw with his eyes.  
That which he could comprehend in argument.    
44 Hope is good for 3 causes. 

It is aremedy in adversity, wiping tears from the eyes, for hope only doth sustain them whom injurious fortune doth oppress.  
It nourisheth the life, promising better success to morrow,  
It leaveth not a man athis death, but exalteth his heart to immortalltie.    
45 Hope doth comfort 3. sorts of men, of whom others are past hope. 

Him whom the Physicians have given over,  
Him that is bound & cast into a deep dungeon.  
Him that hath suffered shipwreck being tossed with waves: hope persuades to cast his arms abroad.    
46 Hope is misliked of some men. 

Plato and Pindarus call it a dream of him that waketh.  
Cato saith, that it maketh great things small, and small things nothing.  
Another saith, that it is a grief and an unprofitable burden which wanteth event.    
47 Three things to be noted concerning the affection of love. 

To love them which hate us, is a divine virtue.  
To love them that love us again, is a common thing amongst men.  
But to hate them that love us, is worse than brute beastliness.    
48 Three things requisite in all good works. 

Knowledge how to do them.  
Power able to do them.  
Will to be ready to do them.    
49 Three guides to poverty, 

Gluttony.  
Sloth.  
Whoredom.    
50 Three things worthy praise are attributed unto perseverance 

Cicero saith, it is a steadfast and continual upholder of that which is grounded upon reason.  
It doth search out the truth, and follow it always.  
It cannot be altered to depart from the truth, neither by favour, allurements, nor gifts.    
51 Three most dangerous things will not alter the mind of a just man (being resolute in his purpose) from the state of steadfastness. Horace. 

Not the rage of citizens commanding that which is evil.  
Not the puffed and swollen countenance of a terrible tyrant.  
Nor jupiters' thunderbolts, the gates of hell, no though the world should be turned topsyturvy.    
52 Three abominable sayings of the Epicures. 

There is no pleasure after death.  
A vengeance on him that careth for to morrow.  
Neither fear thou the latter day, nor wish for it.    
53 Three causes why men love ●●e another. 

One loveth because he is loved.  
An other because he is advanced to honour.  
The third, because he looketh for some benefit at his hands whom he loveth.    
54 Pride doth study to conjoin 3. things her with self. 

Power.  
Nobility.  
Riches.    
55 Three things which Phytagoras chief wished for himself. 

Beauty.  
Riches.  
Health.    
56 S. Jerome writing to Ruffinus saith. 

That a friend. 

Is long sought for.  
Scarcely to be found.  
And hard to be kept.      
57 Phavorinus writing of ambitious persons saith, that 

Some be scoffers. 

Which ambitiously attempts high matters.  
Which have obtained things too good for their degrees.  
Which are deceived by hope.    
Some full of hate.  
Some be miserable.    
88 Three things which cause a man keep his friends. 

If he give much.  
If he ask little.  
If he take nothing.    
59 Three things which we ought to take in good worth of our friend. 

A gift.  
His good will.  
His counsel.    
60 The mind which is covetous of money knoweth 

Neither how to abstain from that which is forbidden.  
Nor how to rejoice in that which is granted.  
Neither how to frame itself unto goodness.    
61 Cicero saith, that he is wont to be called a thrifty fellow. 

Which neither, for fear doth forsake his fortress, which is the part of a coward.  
Neither for covetousness doth not restore that which was closely committed unto him, which is a point of injustice.  
Neither rashly hath misbehaved himself, which is stark foolishness.    
92 You may mark three things in slanderers. 

They are vain in heart.  
They have lies in their mouth.  
Their throats are open sepulchres, breathing out filthy & abominable speeches, which seem to infect the air, even like the stench of dead bodies    
63 Such as are hearers of slanderers, as Philostratus witnesseth are 

Lovers of many words.  
Followers of. lightness and crudelity.  
Envious hearers of just matters.    
64 Truth is likened unto these 3. things. 

The light.  
The smell. 

For the light is pleasant unto him that hath a clear sight, but offensive to one that is poor blind.  
The smell which is comfortable to man, will either drive away or kill a serpent.  
Bread is savoury to a sound taste, but unsavoury to him that hath a sore mouth.    
The Taste.    
65 Hatred is likened unto these 3. things. 

Fire.  
A Both. 

For as the fire doth consume that substance whereby it is nourished, so hatred consumeth the heart wherein it hath been nuzzled.  
As the Moth doth gnaw the garment whereof it is bred, so hatred gnaweth the heart wherein it is conceived.  
As a be pricking another doth lose his sting and can neither make honey, nor live but a small time after, so the heart pricking another with the sting of hatred doth lose many sweet virtues and killeth itself.    
A Bee.    
66 Three things to be learned of them that apply themselves to any Arte. 

Let him be apt to learn, neither let him persuade himself that he knoweth all things after a little instruction.  
Let him be ready to believe, though he understand not all things, because as Aristotle saith: the learner must believe.  
Let him be obedient & not contemn good admonitions, nor condemn wholesome counsels.    
67 Three things being in one man, make him very learned. 

Art maketh him certain.  
Use maketh him ready.  
Imitation, maketh him expert.    
68 The drunken man cometh in contempt by his surfeiting 

He is an abomination before God and his angels.  
He is scoffed and scorned of men, & thought unfit for honest exercises.  
He is confounded with the devil, and led in all manner of mischief.    
69 Drunken men by too much swilling, bring 3. evils upon themselves. 

To stumble and tremble.  
Madness.  
That a● length the● die, either blasted or stricken with a planet.    
70 King Philip of Macedon received 3. lucky messages at one time. 

That he had wnone the games at Olympus by the running of his chariots.  
That his Captain Parmenio had overthrown the Dardanians.  
That his wife Olympia had borne him a son which was called Alexander.    
71 Three things to be required of a judge, which are necessary to the discharging of his office. 

Let him hear the accusation, and listen as well to the poor man's complaint, as to the rich man's request.  
Let him sift the accusation by examining witnesses, & allowing of lawful proofs.  
Let him pronounce the sentence of justice earnestly, without respect of favouring one, or hating the other.    
72 The judge must have respect unto three things. 

The law.  
The guilty. 

The authority of the law must be defended without cruelty.  
The former life of him that is guilty, his disposition, and his nature must be considered.  
He must have respect unto the people, lest he spare them that be guilty to the hindrance & danger of the common wealth.    
The people.    
73 Three things as Aristotle saith, make a judge ignorant of the truth. 

love.  
Hatred.  
Private gain.    
74 Lycurgus & almost all the other Lawreaders of the world, albeit in many things they were different, yet they had full concord & agreement in these three. 

To honour God.  
To owe compassion to the poor.  
To bear a reverence to old men.    
75 All men's actions, or all the deeds of men are threefold. 

Some things are done to a godly & a honest end and purpose, and these are worthy praise.  
Some are done upon urgent necessity, and these are not worthy of excuse.  
Some are done to an evil intent, yet not of necessity, and these deserve punishment.    
76 A wise man lamenteth and repenteth that he hath done these 3. things. 

Gone by sea, when he might have gone by land.  
That he hath revealed his secrets.  
That he hath let one day pass without doing some virtuous thing.    
77 Marcus Sergius had the use of 3. hands. 

A right hand. 

When he lost his right hand he received 23. wounds.    
A left hand. 

He fought in 4. sundry battles with his left hand.    
An iron hand in stead of his right hand. 

He fought with his iron hand at the siege of Cremona and took 12. places in Gaul      
78 Three great benefits we receive when we eat cherries. 

They cleanse our stomach.  
The meat of them br●●●eth good blood.  
The kernels of them are good against the disease of the stone.    
79 The gentle mind is of three sorts. 

Mild to suffer.  
Ready.  
Willing to help.    
80 We must put 3. things out of our minds. 

Cares.  
Fear.  
The desire of other men's wealth.    
81 Gold as Basilius saith, is 

The snare of souls.  
The hook of death.  
The bait of sin.    
82 The craftiness of the Eagle is known by three things. 

She layeth stones in the nest which have the virtue to drive away serpents.  
She teacheth her young ones to fly.  
She buildeth her nest in a safe place.    
83 Three excellent things in the flying of the Eagle. 

She flieth very swift.  
She flieth far higher than any other bird.  
She is never weary of flying.    
84 Three things show that there is great clemency in Lions. 

They will not hurt them that lie groveling  
They will exercise their cruelty sooner against men, than women.  
They will not hurt children unless it be when they be almost famished for hunger.    
85 There be 3. things in that night which cause us to sle●pe. 

The darkness.  
The cold. 

For men desirous to sleep, do seek the darkest places.  
For both in winter men sleep more sound, & such as are cold of complexion, will sleep longer than others which are h●te.  
For according to Philosophy, moist vapours arising from the stomach, and ascending to the brain, do provoke sleep.    
The moisture.    
86 There be 3. things very commendable in the Dolphin. 

The love it beareth unto man.  
The protection of her young ones. 

Arion was saved in the sea by a Dolphin.  
If it chance any of her young ones to be taken by Fishermen, they will not forsake them, but follow them so extremely, that they will suffer themselves rather to be taken, then forsake them.  
For Pliny reporteth, that she is the swiftest of all fishes.    
Her swiftness.    
87 We must seek to get money for 〈◊〉 causes. 

For necessary expenses.  
To keep credig.  
To prevent grinous mishaps.    
88 Three famous civil wars among the Romans. 

Between Sylla and Maurius.  
Between Cesar and Pompey.  
Beteene Antonius & Augustus Octauus.    
89 Three things necessary for the increase of corn. 

Good seed.  
Good ground.  
God's blessing.    
90 Three monstrous things which be in many men. 

An envious heart.  
A covetous mind.  
A proud look.    
91 Three things very necessary in war to obtain victory. 

To deliberate & consult wisely of all th●ngs.  
To keep close that counsel which is concluded on, least by treason it be revealed to the enemies.  
To know assuredly by espials the condition and state of the adversaries.    
92 Charles the 5. said, that there is three things whic h maintain war. 

Victuals.  
Money.  
Soldiers.    
92 Three things needful for them that will overcome cruel enemis with a small army. 

Munition.  
Money.  
Counsel.    
94 He that will place his battle must foresee three things. 

The sun.  
The dust. 

The sun before the face taketh away the sight.  
The dust fillteh the eyes and hurteth them.  
The wind in fight helpeth the weapons.    
The wind.    
95 Three things which deserve the praise of goodness. 

To overcome cruelty with gentleness.  
To move them to be bet●er affected that do us injury.  
To suffer patiently what ●●euer is d●●e unto us.    
96 We may read in the chronicles of Flaunders, that king Edward of England warring against Philip Valesius King of France, by his letters offered him 3. conditions. To fight either 

Person to person.  
A hundred against an hundred. 

King Philippe made answer, that he would none of his offers, neither would yield to any thing which he, demanded.    
Army against army,    
97 Tamburlanes of a shepherd being made king of Persia, when he went to lay siege to any town, he would 3 sundry days pitch 3. tents of sundry colours, signifying 3 things. 

The 1. day a white tent. 

The white signified, that he would not hurt any that would yield unto him.    
The second day a red tent. 

The red signified, that he would put every one to the sword.    
The 3 day a black and smoky tent. 

The black and smoky tent signified, that whatsoever remained, should smell of fire and smoke.      
98 That a man may sin the less, let him take heed of three things. 

Evil occasions.  
Evil customs.  
Evil conversations.    
99 Three sorts of men which care not greatly for meat. 

Covetous men.  
Such as be sorrowful in heart.  
They that love solitariness.    
100 We must not be curious, nor careful in three things. 

Of good rule and order in another man's house.  
Of the divine government of the almighty  
In the counsels of noble men.      

THE SECOND HUNDRETH OF THE Triplicity of Philosophy.  

1 Three things disclose men's impatience, and make them murmur. 

TO serve without recompense.  
To ask and be denied.  
To give and have no thanks.    
2 Three things which every man is loath to endure. 

Poverty in old age.  
Infamy after honour.  
Banishment from his natural country.    
3 A man is most grieved for 3. things. 

To see the death of his children.  
To hear the loss of his goods.  
To see the prosperity of his enemies.    
4 Three things undo a man. 

To defer and prolong his business.  
To meddle with other men's matters.  
To reject the good counsel of his friends.    
5 Three enemies to good counsel. 

Hast.  
Anger.  
Covetousness.    
6 Three things make a man willing to serve. 

gain.  
love.  
To see his service acceptable.    
7 Chilo the Grecian being asked what was hard, answered. 

To keep close secret counsel,  
To keep a man from idleness.  
To suffer wrong.    
8 He that yieldeth himself to the world, aught to dispose himself to 3. things which he cannot avoid. 

To poverty, for ●ee shall never attain to the riches that he desireth.  
To suffer injury pain and trouble.  
To business, without e●●●dition,    
9 Three sorts of men ought not to be made partakers of secret counsel. 

The man that will be often angry for small occasions.  
The drunkard that in his fit will report all he knoweth.  
He that is in subjection to a woman.    
10 Pythagoras being demanded of king Leontius, what difference there was between Philosophers and other men, answered, Man's life seemeth to be like a congregation assembled to see a game to which men resort for sundry purposes. 

Some by their ownactivity to win the worship of the game.  
Some for Lucar sake to buy or sell some what.  
Other some minding neither to gain not to profit, come only to behold & see what is done. 

In like manner men which are come unto this life as out of an other life 〈◊〉 nature, occupy themselves with diligence either 

To get praise.  
profit.  
Or regarding neither apply their minds to search and know the nature of things, of which sort are Philosophers, that isto say, Lovers of wisdom.        
11 Glory is fought for, 3. manner of ways. 

Either by doing some valiant act which may be eternised in the register of fame.  
Or by writing somewhat which the posterity may read and marvel at.  
Or erecting some famous building for a monument.    
12 Three sorts of men whose manners are worthy to be reprehended. 

They which neither invite their neighbours to banquets, nor being invited themselves will come unto them.  
They which invite others, and bestow banquets on them, but they themselves despise other men's good cheer.  
They which being invited will come unto banquets, but will invite no man to any banquet of their cost.    
13 Three things necessary to the maintenance of our bodies. 

Sufficient meat to appease the rage of hunger.  
Clothing to cover the body, and expel cold.  
Sleep which doth refresh the wearied lim● with labour.    
14 The body coveteth 3. things 

Good cheer.  
Sleep.  
Merry talk.    
15 Three sorts of men have sundry sorts of manners in giving and taking counsel. 

One sort of men, which see what is to be done and do it, and these be the best sort.  
Another sort are those, which though they see not into the matter, yet they obey them which have more knowledge than them▪ selves and these also are good.  
The third sort (which are altogether either unprofitable & abominable) are of those men which are neither governed by their own wisdom, nor will be ruled by the wisedo me of other men.    
16 Three things which for the uncertainty of that which may ensue, a man cannot safely give counsel to enterprise them. 

To take a wife.  
To travel by sea.  
To follow warfare.    
17 Three things to be noted in giving counsel. 

To give counsel to a fool, it is charity.  
To give counsel to a wise man, is a sign of vainglory.  
To give counsel in a froward time, is a token of wisdom.    
18 For 3. causes as Auicene saith, our dinners ought to be greater than our suppers. 

Because in the day time our natural heat is helped by the heat of the sun to concoct our meat.  
They which exercise themselves had need of meat, that they may be able to labour. But in the day time men exercise themselves, therefore they had need of more meat.  
With exercise our nourishment is easily digested. Therefore in the day time we need more meat than at night    
19 Three reasons which Galen & Hipocrates allege to prove that it is necessary for the health of our bodies to eat more meat at supper then at dinner. 

Because the time is longer between supper and dinner, then between dinner and supper, wherein seeing we may concoct● more meat, we may also eat more meat at supper.  
Because fleepe following after supper, doth help concoct ion. Hipocrates 1 Aphoris, 15.  
Rest & quietness helpeth concoction, and digestion, whereas little moving or exercise is very hurtful after meat.    
20 In histories we can read of 3. cities only which were besieged three years continually other. 

The first Byzantium, in the time of Severus the Emperor.  
The second Bethoron, in the time of Adrian the Emperor.  
The third Sama●ia.    
21 Three sorts of men which should not be hindered in their purposes. 

He which will lawfully marry a wife.  
He which will help the needy.  
He which from a wicked life is purposed to return to virtue.    
22 Three things are required as necessary for a man and his wife. 

Love in the heart.  
Concord outwardly, in dwelling together peaceably.  
Both an outward and inward agreement to do goodworks.    
23 Daily exercises of reasoning and disputing, are profitable for 3. things. 

They sharpen the wit wonderfully.  
They do consume & strengthen our judgement concerning profitable and necessary things.  
They breed quickness in resolving doubts and intricate questions.    
24 There is a continual desire of riches in men, as saith Democritus. 

He that hath nothing, is troubled with a desire to get wealth.  
He that hath enough, is molested with cares, in keeping that he hath.  
He that hath lost all he had, is vexed with sorrow for his mishap.    
25 Three sorts of men gather riches covetously for 3 causes. 

He that is given to pleasure, loveth riches that by the help of them he may continue in his voluptuous vain.  
He that is ambitious and desirous of vain glory, desireth treasurre, that by the aid thereof he may be advanced & accounted honourable.  
A man fearing future poverty, scrapeth up wealth by hook or croak, h●rdeth it, and keeketh it, doubting hunger, age. diseases, banishment, etc. and reposing more trust and confidence therein. then in God.    
26 Three things which seem to make a man happy. 

Sufficiency  
tranquillity 

Wanting nothing.  
Grieving for nothing.  
Fearing nothing.    
Security.    
27 Three things proper unto beauty. 

It is frail, and fadeth in short time.  
Many wicked vices of the mind, are covered with the vale of beauty.  
It hath brought commodity to few, but many unto destruction.    
28 Our ancestors feigned a triple fortune, or 3. fortunes. 

One blind. 

She was called blind, because she bestowed benefits upon evil & unthankful persons.    
another mad and furious. 

Mad, because she easily snaicheth & taketh away that which she hath given.    
The third deaf. 

Deaf, because she will not hear the complaints of the poor.      
29 Ignorance is of three sorts. 

Some is good when we are ignorant of evil.  
Some is evil when we are ignorant of good.  
Some is indifferent which is neither good nor evil.    
30 We are ignorant of many things which we might know, and that for 3 causes. 

Either for carelessness of the knowledge of them.  
Or for sloth to learn them. 

This kind of ignorance hath no excuse.    
Or for shamefastness to inquire after them.    
31 Ignorance also is of 3. sorts after another manner. 

On is affected, which will not know that which it knoweth.  
Another gross, which for sloth and negligence, will not learn and search forth.  
The third invincible, which remaineth after all diligence.    
32 Three things which are a joy to beholders. 

To see agreement amongst brethren.  
love amongst neighbours.  
A man and his wife keeping faith and loyalty together.    
33 Beauty hath prerogative above deformity, three manner of ways. 

Beauty setteth forth honesty, as saith Pacatus, for virtue in a comely body is always more acceptable.  
We more willingly talk with those which are fair, than those which are foul, as Aristotle witnesseth.  
Beauty is of more force to commend any body, than any letter of commendation.    
34 Three things make men break their covenants. 

ungodly desire of gain.  
Heady anger.  
Lust which sets men's hartson fire.    
35 Three evils for the most part accompany beauty. 

Fair people are disdainful, and pride followeth beauty, and beauty how little soever it is, proud it is.  
There is great strife betwixt beauty & chastity. And that which pleaseth many is kept with great danger.  
It is an occasion of sin, or a stirrer up of foolish love: for lightness hath always been a suitor to the fairest.    
36 Three excellent governors. 

God governeth the world.  
The mind governeth the soul.  
Wisdom doth rule and govern the felicetie of this life.    
37 Lampedo is judged happy for ever (as Pliny writeth) for 3 causes, for that she was 

A kings daughter.  
A king's wife.  
A king's mother.    
38 All moral Philosophy is divided into 3. parts. 

ethical.  
Economical. 

Which pertaineth to the government of a man's own self.  
Which belongeth to the government of a man's house.  
Which concerneth the government of the common wealth.    
Political.    
39 Three things which whet the eye sight. 

To view fountains of water.  
To Look upon green things.  
To behold a man's self in a looking glass.    
40 Three commodities of letting blood. 

It cheereth the hearts of such as are sad  
It appeaseth such as are angry.  
It keepeth lovers from running mad.    
41 Three sorts of people will tell truth always for the most part. 

Children.  
Fools.  
Careless men.    
42 Three chief parts in a man. 

The brain.  
The heart. 

yieldeth sense.  
Life.  
Nourishment.    
The liver.    
43 Three things which can seldom or never be cured. 

Frenzy.  
Heresy.  
jealousy.    
44 Three things necessary to obtain and maintain by authority. 

Wonderful wisdom.  
Happy and prosperous success in the business of our vocation.  
The good opinion and inclination of the people's minds towards us.    
45 Crafty and bold counsels have three things pioper unto them. 

At the first, in show they do delight.  
afterward, being in execution, they appear hard to be compassed.  
Lastly, in event they are found to be woeful and lamentable.    
46 We may foretell of the change of weather 3 manner of ways by the moon. 

The moon appearing pale, it betokeneth we shall have rain.  
The Moon appearing red, foreshoweth we shall have winds.  
The moon e appearing white, presageth we shall have fair weather.    
47 Three things which are as necessary as as any physic. 

A joyful heart.  
Quiet rest.  
A moderate diet,    
48 Three things necessary to be known in drinking. 

To drink but little and often at dinner.  
Not to drink between meals.  
To drink at the beginning of supper but not after.    
49 Three things overcome patience. 

Grief conquereth the strongest hearts Tibul  
Unskilfulness then which as Seneca affirmeth nothing is more unpatient disdaining to hear any reason.  
Fear, lest the sufferance of on injury should provoke men to offer us another injury▪    
50 Three necessary offices for a good wife to execute when her husband is sick. 

Of a Cook.  
Of a Physician. 

Imitating the example of Saratomacha the wife of K. Deiotarus.    
Of a Chirurgeon    
51 Three causes why a man may weep for the death of his friend. 

In as much as we rejoice in his life, it is necessary we should weep at his death.  
Since two hearts united in one honest affection have but one being and place of residence, it is good reason that we bewail the death of our chosen friend, even with the same nature and compassion that we would do our own.  
Lest we be evil spoken of Eccl. 38 vers. 17.    
52 The glory of a man exalted unto honour, engendereth 3. things. 

Strife anong great men.  
Suspicion among his equals.  
Envy among the meaner sort.    
53 Three things abate pride. 

Sickness.  
poverty,  
Imprisonment and bondage.    
54 Marcus Aurelius the Emperor was forewarned of great & grievous punishments which should fall upon the city & citizens of Rome, by 3. strange miracles which happened in the time of his Empire. 

As he was in the temple of the virgin's vestals, suddenly there entered in two hogs, and ran about his feet, & there fell down dead.  
Another day as he came from his high Capitol to have gone out at the gate Salary, he saw two kites joining together with their talents, and so fell down dead in his presence.  
Within a short season after, as he came from hunting a wild beast, while he was gining two greyhounds which he loved well water to drink, suddenly they fell down dead at his feet also.    
55 Three things do hasten our death. 

Sorrow.  
Solitariness.  
Desperation.    
56 One demanded of Diogenes what were best for a man do, to be in favour of the gods, & beloved of the people. He answered. 

Reverence and honour much the gods.  
Bring up his children in due correction.  
And be thankful to his benefactors.    
57 Three mothers bring forth three evil daughters. 

Truth the mother, hatred the daughter.  
Riches the mother, envy the daughter.  
Familiarity the mother, contempt the daughter.    
58 A noble man being desirous to know of K. Alexander for what cause he would be governor of the whole world. He made him this answer. All wars are raised for one of these 3. causes, either. 

To have many gods.  
Many laws. 

Therefore would I be conqueror of the world, that I might command through out the world. 

That they honour but one God.  
Observe but one law.  
Serve but one king.      
Or many kings    
59 Three tokens to know a wise man by. 

To endure.  
Not to exalt himself being praised.  
If he know when to speak, and when to be silent.    
60 Three principal plagues that Princes should take heed on. 

To call their own follies and rashness Prudence.  
Their cruelty, justice.  
To fatten themselves with the misery and calamity of the poor.    
61 Three things which soon deceive a man. 

Fair speech.  
Great gifts.  
Little knowledge.    
62 Three sorts of men which are worthy to be accounted good 

Common peacemakers.  
They that can forget injuries done unto them.  
They that will not forget to requite good turns.    
63 The Romans had a law named Falcidia, which was enacted for the reforming of disobedient children's manners, containing 3. things. 

For the first offence he was pardoned, if there were any hope of amendment.  
For the second he was punished.  
For the third he was punished.    
64 Three sorts of men easily get friends. 

Pitiful men.  
Courteous men.  
Liberal rich men.    
65 No man should think himself worthy the honour of three. 

Of a prince.  
Of a priest.  
Of a judge.    
66 Men may lawfully fight in defence of three things. 

The Law.  
The prince.  
The country.    
67 Three things do allure us to epicurism. 

The devil which promiseth pleasures, and the goods of this world to them that worship him.  
Our own flesh and frailty, which preferreth sweet and pleasant things above all goodness.  
Greedy gutlings, which by their example entice the ignarant unto the like beastliness.    
68 Patience overcometh any adverse calamity, 3. manner of ways. 

Not by striving, but by suffering.  
Not by murmuring, but giving thanks.  
Not by weeping, but by hoping.    
69 Pride being in a man, causeth him to be less esteemed, though he have these 3 things. 

The favour of men.  
Wisdom.  
Beaetie.    
70 We cannot yield worthy thanks unto three, as Aristotle affirmeth. 

The gods.  
Our parents,  
Our masters.    
71 Ambitious men are not with 〈◊〉 these three vices 

They are very desirous of vainglory  
They are very witty in cavilling at other men's words, and reproving their deeds that thereby themselves may win the people's hearts.  
When they are become famous in the mouths of the common people, though through the labour of others, yet they are so stout and high minded, that they dare enterprise any thing.    
72 Three things are dangerous for young men. 

Solitariness.  
Common company. 

Because when a man is solitary, the devil is most ready to tempt him.  
Because of evil talk which corrupteth good manners.  
Because it is the inventor of naughtiness    
Idleness.    
73 Humility is the key of knowledge, whereof though there are many precepts, yet these 3. chief to be observed. 

To contemn or despise no kind of learning or knowledge.  
Not to be ashamed to learn.  
Having obtained knowledge not to extol himself above any man.    
74 For 3. causes men cry with a loud voice. 

When he is far off unto whom they would speak.  
When they talk with one that is deaf.  
When they are incensed with anger.    
75 julius Caesar used to carry 3. things with him while he followed the wars. 

His pen to write the whole course of the Romans success in their wars.  
His books, to find himself occupied.  
His lance, to help to repulse his enemies.    
76 The Bishop of Sarisbury did affirm that there is 3. ways to conclude peace between the papists and protestants. 

That the protestants should yield unto the papists, which they will never do, being governed by the word of God.  
That the papists should yield unto the Protestants, which they will never do, while might and multitude might prevail.  
Wherefore it remaineth, that the stronger in fight, do utterly overthrow and discomfit the weaker    
77 Three evil qualities of evil customs. 

They take away from a man the sense and feeling of his sins.  
They make men every day worse & worse  
They never forsake a sinner before his death.    
78 Pomponius affirmeth, that there are 3. sorts of bodies. 

One which hath but one shape. As a man: wood, a stone.  
Another which consisteth of many bodies, agreeing or hanging together as a ship, a house.  
The third which is comprised of many and sundry (as suppose of many bodies comprehended under one name:) as the people, a congregation, an army, a legion.    
79 Three things though they be very good, yet they please not every body. 

Rain, though it will do very much good to to the earth towards increase.  
Upright judgement.  
The labours of learned men.    
80 Gluttony doth harm unto men three manner of ways. 

It maketh the body deformed & misshapen.  
It breeds infirmities, and sometimes bringeth death.  
It causeth them to be insatiable like ravenous brute beasts.    
81 Appius Claudius did assay 3. manner of ways to bereave Virginia of her virginity. 

By prayer and request.  
By great gifts.  
By threatenings.    
82 Augustine reporteth that there are three kind of errors. 

The first kind, when that which is false is thought to be true according to his meaning that is the author of it. As if a man should think that Idols are true gods, because they are called gods in the scripture.  
When that which is false is taken for truth as if by reading Lucretius books, thou shouldest think the soul to consist of motes of the sun, which he both wroteand thought, and yet it is an error.  
When something of another man's writing is believed to be true, which the Author neither thought nor meant, as if a man should think the Epicure to account virtue to be the chief felicity, because he praiseth continency.    
83 Three virtues most commendable in a woman. 

Sobriety.  
Silence.  
Chastity.    
84 We salute 3. sorts of people when we meet them. 

Our betters. 

Of necessity.    
Our equals. 

Of our own will.    
Our inferiors▪ 

Of mere virtue.      
85 Three renowned kings have 3. sundry titles. 

The king of England is entitled defender of the church.  
The king of France is called the most christian king.  
The king of Spain is termed the most catholic king.    
86 They which sigh much are troubled with one of these three passions, 

Sorrow.  
love.  
Anger.    
87 These three vi●es keep together for company. 

Gluttony.  
Drunkenness.  
Lechery.    
88 Three kind of people are jealous. 

Such as be of evil condition themselves, for they muse as they use.  
Such as have fair wives, and great resort of men unto their houses.  
Old men that marry young girls.    
89 There are 3. points of wisdom. 

To believe little.  
To keep that which thou hast.  
To take no thought for that is lost.    
90 There are three properties of the envious man. 

To level at high marks, and to envy his superiors.  
To be blear eyed & not to envy those which are far off, or the dead.  
To be his own destruction, and his own executioner.    
91 Three things which are overcome one of another. 

Death overcomes man.  
Fame flourisheth after death.  
Time triumpheth over fame    
92 Death hath three Summoners. 

Sickness.  
Adversity. 

showeth the weakness of the body.  
The instability of fortune.  
Which ever hath one foot to step into the grave.    
Age.    
93 Labour is good for 3 things. 

It occupieth the mind, & driveth away fantasies.  
It helpeth the body in concoction and digestion.  
It increaseth thy substance, and augmenteth thy store.    
94 There are three intolerable plagues. 

War bringeth famine and dearth of all things.  
Famine, breedeth pestilence and diseases.  
Pestilence, bringeth death and desolation in countries.    
95 All the laws of this world are reduced, and have their original from one of these three. 

The law of nature.  
Ancient custom.  
The or dinances of men.    
96 Man's nature is desirous of 3. things especially 

Of news, because old things are stolen and loathsome.  
Of liberty, because we desire to go abroad and hate servitude.  
Of dignity because we desire to triumph over our enemies by superiority.    
97 As there are 3. kinds of stars so there are 3 sorts of friends. 

One sort which appear unto the beholders like stars, yet are none: (and these proceed of an exhalation being set on fire:) so some waiting upon our prosperous fortune, seem to be our friends, & yet are not.  
another sort are wandering Stars, which also have their own proper motion: so some are friends which by perverse will are changed, and become our enemies, yet he was never true friend which did once desist from being friendly. Sallust.  
The third sort are Stars indeed, & fixed Sarres: so there are some constant and unfeigned.    
98 A man's anger or hatred is to be avoided 3. manner of ways. 

Either to be assuaged and mitigated by words.  
Or suffered with silent patience.  
Or eschewed by absence.    
99 Caesar being in the wars of Persia, wrote a letter unto the Senate of Rome, touching his happy success, which letter was contained in 3. words. 

Veni. 

I came.    
Vidi. 

I saw.    
Vici. 

I overcame.      
100 Brevity bringeth 3. commodities. 

It winneth.  
It obtaineth favour.  
It getteth profit.      

THE FIRST HUNDREDTH OF THE Triplicity of Poetry  

1 It is gain and pleasure for 3. sorts of men to lie. 

POets.  
Painters.  
Astronomers.    
2 Three things necessary in a flatterer. 

An impudent face.  
A steadfast colour.  
A changing voice.    
3 Three things which our awcestors have abhorred. 

Meat twice sodden.  
A reconciled friend.  
A woman with a beard.    
4 Three things which will not be hidden. 

Straw in thy shoes.  
A spindle in a sack.  
A whore in a chamber.    
5 Three sorts of men we must take heed of. 

A ruddy Etalian.  
A white French man.  
A black Almain.    
6 Three kinds of people which should not be believed. 

A woman when she weeps.  
A merchant when he swears.  
A drunken clown when he prayeth.    
7 Three signs of great poverty in a man. 

A nail in the pocket,  
Water in a bottle.  
A straw hat in winter.    
8 Three creatures do no good in 3. places. 

Knaves in a counsel chamber.  
Swine in a bath.  
Dogs in a church.    
9 The world consisteth in these 3. things and in nothing else. 

Proud misery.  
Glorious vanity.  
Sweet bitterness.    
10 Three horrible things are reported of the world. 

That is the region of death.  
The shop of the devil.  
The prison of men.    
11 Three sorts of benefits perish. 

Such as are bestowed upon old men.  
Such as are given to children. 

They die before they have time to quite them.  
They forget them before they be able to requite them.  
Dog's will as soon bark at him that giveth them meat as at strangers.    
Such as are cast away upon other men's dogs.    
12 Three things which if a man put trust in them, will deceive him. 

Old wives tales.  
Charms.  
Dreams.    
13 Three sorts of things whereof there is plenty, yet in many men's judgement there ought to be scarcity. 

Errors.  
Evil words.  
beggars wives.    
14 Three most filthy places. 

The court wherein a tyrant reigneth.  
An Inn, the host whereof is a thief.  
A house wherein the wife and daughters are wantoness, the goodman knowing thereof, and holding his peace.    
15 Three things used by monks which provoke other men to laugh at their follies. 

They are shaven and notched on the head like fools.  
By their apparel and going barefoot, they sleme to be beggars.  
They wear ropes about their middles like thieves.    
16 A certain monk being very devout, was accused of incontinency & breaking his vow, he answered very demurely, that he had vowed 3. things: poverty, obedience, and chastity, & yet not at all times, and in a●l places. 

poverty, being in a bath naked, and without his purse.  
Obedience, in the fields when he was alone & without the company of his betters.  
Chastity, when he was celebrating mass on the altar, not in his chamber. This devout monk hath many companions like himself.    
17 trust not three things. 

Dog's teeth.  
Horse's Feet.  
women's protestations.    
18 Antisthenes said that three things were absurd. 

To purge wheat from cockle.  
To rid unprofitable soldiers out of the army.  
Not to expulse the enutous out of the common wealth.    
19 Bonifacius maintained his Popedom after the manner of 3. beasts. 

Entering like a fox.  
Reigning like a lion.  
Dying like a dog.    
20 Three things are very bitter. 

Gall.  
Grief.  
Death.    
21 Three sorts of men which may lie by authority, without reprehension. 

Ole men, seeing no young man can tell whether it be true or no which they speak.  
far travelers, because rather than we will adventure the like dangers which they have passed, we believe that which they report.  
Noble men, because none dare be so bold to control them, speak they the truth or not.    
22 Three things which women can do all at once. 

Spin.  
Weep.  
Prattle.    
23 There is scarcity of 3. sorts of men in our age. 

Of priests, for if there were not, one should not need to have 3. or 4 benefices.  
Of noble men, because citizens do aspire to honour, and buy nobility.  
Of jews, because christians make an occupation of usury.    
24 We can not know the authors of three mischiefs which happen oftentimes. 

He that is drunk can not justly say, This cup of wine or that made me drunk.  
He that walketh among thorns, & is hurt, cannot declare which thorn pricked him.  
A common whore being with child, knoweth not who is the father of her infant    
25 Three sorts of men are very slothful. 

They that sit long at dinner.  
They that lie long in bed when they should rise to their labour.  
They that come to the Church at the end of service.    
26 George duke of Saxony, did once boast that he had at Lipsia 3. monasteries, wherein were such Friars as were wondered at of all the world. 

The first, barefooted Friars, which never handled money, and yet did build sumtuous houses.  
The second, of the order of S Paul, which had great store of corn, and sold great store, and yet had no fields.  
The third, of the order of S, Thomas, who were without wives, and yet had many children of their own.    
27 Three things confound a whole multitude. 

The lawyers book.  
She Physicians receiept,  
The zeal of ministers.    
28 When an evil man dieth, there is great strife. 

The devil will have his soul.  
His friends the treasure.  
The worms his flesh.    
29 Three things which seldom can be seen. 

A broker which never made lie.  
A Collier which never was black.  
Two hills near without a valley.    
30 A crooked old man seeketh by 3. things to increase his strength. 

By taking his ease in a warm and soft bed.  
By drinking good wine and beer.  
By sitting near the fire, where he may ea● a hot pie, roasted apples, and pears, 〈◊〉 such like,    
31 Three things seldom brought to pass. That is 

An errant knave should prove a good householder.  
A shameless woman should become a modest matron.  
A dog being used to eat dirty puddings should afterward leave and loathe them.    
32 Three things whereof we may hope for no goodness. 

Of a tamed wolf.  
Of a jew baptised.  
Of a thief saved from the gallows.    
33. Three things are uncertain and unconstant. 

The favour of princes.  
The love of women.  
The shining of the sun in April.    
34 Three things which are a disgrace to a rich man, yet no discredit to a poor man. 

To wear a coat of course cloth.  
To have little money in his purse.  
To have feathers sticking in his beard.    
35 Three things be not silent where they be. 

Money in the purse.  
Wantonness in heart.  
Grief in sickness.    
36 Three sorts of men easily become poor. 

Those which consume their wealth in banqueting and excess.  
Those which are slothful and idle, not caring which end go forward.  
Those which are contentious, and by striving in law, every the Lawyer, and undo themselves.    
37 Three things are intolerable. 

A Gentleman fallen into poverty.  
A rich rustical clown.  
A woman delighting in dainties & bravery    
38 Three kinds of people will never be good. 

Young men without fear or reverence.  
Maids without modesty and bashfulness.  
Servants without truth and honesty.    
39 Three things which are little to be regarded. 

women's noddings.  
Halting dogs.  
Merchant's oaths.    
40 Three things which every man ought to take heed of. 

Lest he be curious when he readeth over other men's letters.  
That he touch nothing in Smith's shops.  
That he taste nothing in an Apothecary's house.    
41 Women have three sorts of tears in their eyes. 

The first of Grief.  
The second of deceit.  
The third of impatience.    
42 Three sorts of men which are not content with things present. 

Covetous men, which always look for more gain.  
Curious people which still studyfor variety.  
Adulterers which always hunt after new whores.    
43 A dog is to be praised for 3. things. 

For that he can cure and heal himself with his tongue.  
He is a faithful friend unto his master.  
And he will give warning when any come near the house.    
44 There are 3. unhappy beasts according to the old proverb. 

A good woman.  
A good mule.  
A good Goat.    
46 A thrifty householder should especially take heed of 3. things. 

New wine.  
Green wood.  
Hot bread.    
47 He hath nothing, neither can look any thing that is deprived of these three things. 

Shame.  
Truth.  
Honesty.    
48 Three things are gotten without money: 

Malady.  
Ignorance.  
〈…〉 onor.    
49 Three things necessary for an Inn keeper. 

That he be as merry as Hector.  
That he be as patient as job.  
That he be ●s careful for his guests as Philemon.    
50 We may read three things in comodies, of the craft and subtlety of lovers. 

That they know what their meaning is, that crack their fingers, & without noise can set the print of a key in wax.  
That they will come sneaking into a house & tread softly on their toes like thieves, feigning themselves to have other business there, then in truth they have.  
That in the hearing of many people, they can tell a fair tale for chastity, and dispraise lust utterly.    
51 We may perceive 3. great imperfections of lovers. 

They are blind, wanting judgement, and suffering affection to lead them in a string.  
In a small time they lose body, soul, wealth and all.  
They serve filthy whores, and like oxen are constrained to draw the plough.    
52 Three peculiar crosses which do afflict lovers. 

They live by another body's life.  
They speak in a strange language.  
They can see other men's harms, and can not perceive their own.    
53 Three things cannot agree with other three. 

Sleep with desire to learn.  
Riches, with prodigality.  
Divine religion with humane superstition.    
54 Of 3. things we must beware. 

Too much wine.  
Strife.  
The prince's anger.    
55 Three things we must eschew and fly from. 

sin..  
A serpent.  
An evil woman.    
56 Three things are not worth a fleece of wool. 

A Pope's bull.  
A dead man's skull.  
An old trull.    
57 Three things as wholesome as medicines for the body. 

Running.  
Walking.  
Reading with a loud voice.    
58 Beauty causeth 3. things. 

Gazers.  
Lovers.  
thieves.    
59 Three sorts of men most merry, most free, most mad. 

Priests are most merry. who at burials do sing when other folk weep.  
Physicians are most free, unto whom it is lawful only to kill men, and though it be death to other men to commit murder yet it getteth them rewards.  
Grammarians are most mad, who having neither skill in prose nor verse, yet when they look upon other men's works, they will seem as though they could see very far in a millstone.    
60 Three things will not endure long. 

Constrained love.  
Painting which women lay on their faces  
counterfeit coin.    
61 Women are not to be believed at three times. 

When they weep: for they have taught their eyes how to gush out with tears at their pleasure.  
When they feign themselves to be sick, we we should not give them credit till we saw they were dead.  
When they say that they are not hungry, if they bring not their trencher & eat, we must either believe that they have dined in the kitchen, or else have set up a dainty morsel for themselves.    
62 Three short times seem very long to some. 

The night seemeth long unto him, whose best beloved hath broken promise.  
The day seemeth long unto them that own a days work.  
The year seemeth tedious unto those children whose mother doth abridge their liberty.    
63 A husband is forbidden three days of fasting. 

When the wife is gone to the bath.  
When he hath well beaten her, & she is angry  
When she is abroad at good cheers with her gossips.    
64 You may know good wine by 3. things. 

The colour.  
The smell.  
The taste.    
65 A maker of clear spectacles did complain that his art was not so gainful as it had been before times, & that for 3. causes, 

Because old monks and priests could say their prayers without book.  
They were to dainty ware for rude follows to meddle withal.  
Kings and Princes can see through their fingers.    
66 Three diseases which can not be helped. 

The gnawing of envy.  
The heat of love.  
The sting of the conscience.    
67 Three things which we must not hope to obtain after certain times. 

Beauty after the age of twenty years.  
Strength after the age ot thirty years.  
Riches after the age of three score years.    
68 Three things make a man circumspect and careful. 

The love he beareth to his wife and children.  
Want of friends and money.  
The iniquity of times.    
69 Princes have prerogative in 3. things. above other men. 

When they are drunk, their familiars say they are merry.  
If they be black, they are said to be brown●.  
When they be fools, they are called honest, simple and innocent.    
70 Crates the Theban sayeth, that there are three medicines for such as be in love. 

Hunger, 

Hunger cureth love, for love quaileth when good cheer faileth.    
Time. 

Time will either mitigate & assuage love, or end it,    
A halter. 

If these two will not cure this malady, yet will a halter help presently this infirmity.      
71 Three sorts of men for the most part are great babblers. 

Barbers.  
bathkeepers. 

The reason is, because they hear mariners, soldiers, and other extravagant fellows, reciting many strange and sundry tales, that being as it were infected with their talk, they become great babblers.    
Vintners    
72 Three sorts of eggs are accounted for good. 

White.  
Long. 

Eggs.    
New.    
73 Three sorts of men deceive us in show. 

Such as wear long knives, and yet be no Cooks.  
Maids that have their hair hanging down, yet being no virgins.  
Such as have shaven crowns, and be no priests.    
74 We labour in vain with 3. sorts of men. 

By ministering a medicine to a dead man.  
By admonishing an old man that is obstinate in his opinions.  
In washing an Ethiopian.    
75 We may take example by 3. sorts of men which hazard themselves in danger, and often perish. 

The best swimmers are drowned.  
The best climbers do fall.  
The best fencers are wounded.    
76 Three sorts of people, from whom we must fly as from the devil. 

A wild and unruly monk.  
A meal mouthed flatterer.  
A crafty old witch.    
77 Three sorts of men which will trouble themselves when they may live without care. 

The prince that will proclaim war when he may live in peace.  
He that having a barren wife, will increase his well gotten goods with fraud and usury.  
A man of 70. years of age, that will lead with him a springhall of 18. years old.    
78 Three guests which are first at a banquet. 

Flies.  
Dogs.  
Flatterers.    
79 We must not believe three things. 

The inconstant winds.  
Our deceitful dreams.  
That our prosperity will continue.    
80 Three sorts of living creatures have very good eye sight. 

The Eagle.  
The spotted beast.  
The curious person.    
81 Hesiodus saith, that he had need of three things that will expel poverty. 

A house.  
A wife.  
An Ox to till the ground.    
82 Three things to be noted in a peacock. 

He is clothed like an Angel.  
He walketh like a thief.  
He crieth like a devil.    
83 All creatures do daily preach these 3. lessons unto man. 

Receive a good turn.  
Give that unto others which is due to them.  
Fly punishment.    
84 Three things to be avoided, of which we should not hope well. 

An inconstant mind.  
A rolling eye.  
Feet ready to run to do mischief.    
85 Regiomontanus an excellent Astonomer, being asked on a time which were the best signs for a man to know when he should take his journey, answered. 

A good horse.  
Money in the purse.  
Good companions.    
86 Three proud creatures. 

A knave sitting in a chair.  
A quean riding in a chariot.  
A ramping louse in a scabbed head.    
87 Three faults in maids which play with evil neighbours. 

They bewray our secrets.  
They sell unto them the goods they have stolen from us.  
They are gadding abroad in the night.    
88 Three things being in the house, maids wish out of the house. 

An angry mistress.  
Smoke.  
A broken dish.    
89 An ass doth 3. filthy things not without commodity. 

Where he doth file, there he dongeth the ground.  
Where he doth piss, he watars the ground.  
Where he tumbleth he breaketh the clods.    
Three things are sit for an ass. 

Fodder.  
Stripes.  
Burdens.    
90 Three things are always good cheap. 

Earth.  
Worces.  
Lies.    
91 Three sorts of men ought to be very vigilant. 

Pastors to their flocks.  
Pilat's to their ships.  
Portors to their gates.    
92 whosoever will retain a Lawyer, and lawfully seek his own right, must be furnished with 3. puckett. 

In the first pocket he must have his declarations and certificates, wherewith he may show his right.  
In the second pocket he must have his red rudduckes ready, which he must give unto his Laweir, who will not set pen to paper without them.  
In the third pocket he must have patience: which must stand him in stead when his Laweirs do delay him, and when sentence passeth against him.    
93 Lovers are slaves unto death for lusts sake, and do despise 3. things which maintain life. 

They suffer hunger.  
They continue thirsty.  
They pass the night in thoughts without sleep.    
94 Every flower hath these 3. things naturally. 

His blossom.  
His savour.  
His sap.    
95 A certain horse-courser sold a horse, & when he had received ready money, the buierwould needs know of him what faults the horse had. The horse-courser answered that he had three. 

That he would not climb trees.  
That he would not swallow iron. 

Well, quoth the buyer, than he will stoyle no crows nests.  
He shall need no iron, for he shall have hay & provender enough. 

In his journey homeward he perceived that his horse would not go over wooden brides.  
That he could not away with the iron bit.  
That he fell often, and yet quickly forgot his falls, whereby he had trial of the horsecoursers honesty.    
I will not commit my business unto him, but dispatch it myself.    
That he was to for getfull.    
96 Three things very necessary in a fenser. 

A quick eye.  
A strong arm.  
A stout heart.    
97 Three things are very hard and difficult. 

To cause a woman take penance patiently when she hath deserved.  
To cause an old doting fool to reform his manners.  
To teach on ass music.    
98 An Epitaph worthy memory consisting of 3. parts. 

O man thou seest what I am.  
Thou knowest what I have been.  
Now think what thou shalt be thyself.    
99 A ploughman gave 3. lessons unto his son. 

Be holy in Lent.  
Be painful in harvest.  
Be merry at Christmas.    
100 Three things by no means tolerable. 

A long tongue in a fools head.  
A lose life in a godly professor.  
A proud heart and a beggar's purse.      

THE SECOND HUNDRETH OF THE Triplicity of Poetry.  

1 It is not good to brag of three things. 

THat thou hast good wine.  
A fair wife.  
Plenty of money.    
2 Three things agree not well. 

A little horse and a heavy man.  
He that is thirsty with a little pot.  
An ancient man and a young wife.    
3 A man may do three things without learning them. 

Laugh.  
Weep.  
Sleep.    
4 A man must not make choice of 3 things in 3, places. 

Of a wife in westminster.  
Of a servant in Paul's. 

lest he choose a quean a knave or a jade.    
Of a horse in Smith●●eld.    
5 Three things make a man gasp. 

Laziness.  
An empty belly.  
Want of mirth.    
6 A man must not be too hasty in lending three things. 

His sword.  
His wife.  
His horse.    
7 A vine bringeth forth three grapes. 

The first of pleasure.  
The second of drunkenness.  
The third of sorrow.    
8 Three should be always at home. 

The hen roost.  
The cat.  
The good wife.    
9 Three are not without spot or blemish. 

A potter.  
The wh●●le of a cart.  
He which frequenteth evil company.    
10 Three manner of sages. 

The sage herb.  
The sage fool. 

Who so for wise himself doth accept.  
May match with sage, the sage wise accept.    
The sage wise.    
11 Women desire three things chief. 

To be gorgeously appareled.  
To be esteemed fair.  
To go whither they lust.    
12 Three occasions that many times move debate. 

To talk with him that is angry.  
To send him of an errand that is weary.  
To wake a man out of his sleep.    
13 All the guests present at a banquet, should have one of the properties belonging to certain letters. 

Some of which sort are old men: should be like vowels, which make a full sound by themselves, so old men among themselves, should be the authors of talk and communication.  
Some of which sort are women: should be like semivocales, otherwise called half vowels, which h ave liberty to speak, but not aloud like vowels, but softly not sounding their words.  
Some of which sort are boys and virgins, should be mute like mutes which yield no perfect sound without a vowel, nor they talk unless they be spoken unto, by their betters.    
14 Three things are said to be necessary for him that is a student in the law. 

An iron head.  
A purse full of gold.  
A leaden tail.    
15 There are 3. sorts of cunning beggars. 

Minstrels.  
Interlude players.  
jugglers.    
16 A good horse should have 15. properties, that is to wit, 3. of a man, 3. of a woman, 3. of a fox, 3. of a h●re, and 3. of an Ass. 

Of a man. 

Bold.  
Proud.  
hardy. 

Of a hare▪ 

A great eye.  
A dry head.  
Well running.        
Of a woman. 

Fair breasted.  
Fair of hair.  
Easy to leap upon. 

Of an Ass. 

A big chine.  
A flat leg.  
A good hoof,        
Of a fox. 

A fair tail.  
Short ears.  
A good trot.      
17 These will never accord in one. 

Two wives in one house.  
Two cats and one mouse.  
Two dogs and one bone.    
18 Three sorts of sauces. 

The sauce of meat is hunger.  
The sauce of love, beauty.  
The sauce of frendshih, gentle words and courteous behaviour.    
19 Three occupations whereof there are many thieves. of 

Weavers.  
Miller's.  
Tailors    
20 Three things are able too make a rich man poor. 

A proud wife.  
〈◊〉 wide house.  
●nd a back door.    
21 Three sorts of men dispose of all our goods. 

The goods of the mind.  
The goods of the body. 

Inconstant divines.  
Unskilful Physicians.  
Covetous Lawyers.    
The goods of fortune.    
22 Three things necessary for a Scholar. 

A wil  
A wit.  
A book.    
23 There was a kind of dancing used among the Lacedæmonians, consisting of 3. ages, & every age used to sing a several song. 

Children, they sang, We shall be men and strong one day.  
Old men, they sang, We have been men and strong.  
Men of middle age, they sang, We are men and strong: for that which children hope for, and old men have lost, we enjoy and possess.    
24 Three little creatures are always eating. 

Children.  
Chickens.  
Whelps.    
25 Three places at London, wherein 3. notable vices reign. 

In the Royal exchange.  
In Paul's 

Usury.  
Simony.  
Bribery.    
In Westminster hall.    
26 Three sorts of living creatures, which who so loveth not one of them, seemeth not worthy to be called by the name of a man in a merry man's judgement. 

Fair whelps.  
Fair horses.  
Fair women.    
27 Three beasts are comely in their going. 

A lion.  
A grayhound.  
A goat.    
28 Unto 3. sorts of men some things are a dishonour sometimes and sometimes not. 

Few burials are no discredit to a Physician, but many are.  
Chastisements are both honour and dishonour to a Prince.  
It is not infamous to a soldier to be wounded in the face, but to be hurt in the back.    
29 Three several days in three sundry months, wherein it is not whole some to be let blood, nor to eat goose flesh. 

The first day of may.  
The last day of April.  
The last day of September.    
30 Three intolerable creatures 

A servant when he reigneth,  
A hateful woman when she is married.  
A maid that is heir to her mistress.    
31 It is no playing with three least jest turn to earnest. 

With fools.  
With mightier men than ourselves.  
With untamed beasts.    
32 Three things are amiss in Prince's courts. 

They which have but a bad place, are caused to remove further from the fire.  
They which are most hungry, have least meat set before them.  
They which sit lowest at the table, are soon called from their meat.    
33 He is worthy to have the blessing of the gallows 

That builds his house all of fallows.  
That pricketh a blind horse over the fallows  
That suffereth his wife to seek many hallows.    
34 Three small beasts are full of wisdom. 

The be  
The emef.  
The spider.    
35 Three sorts of people in respect of use, in necessity may be accounted good. 

Scholars, for they may serve in the priests places when they are dead.  
Virgins, which may supply in place after men have buried their wives.  
Merchants for they may play the usurers in stead of the jews.    
36 Socrates maketh mention of 3. sorts of idle persons. 

The first sort are such as spend their whole time in dicing.  
The second sort are of those which consume their life in eating and drinking from morning till night.  
The third sort are such as follow filthy whores, and walk in the woods.    
37 Three things many a man beguiles. 

Essex miles.  
Kentish styles.  
Norfolk wiles.    
38 Three things whose ends are inglorious. 

Of March flowers.  
Of a wanton maid.  
Of a priest that delighteth in war.    
39 It is a shame for a man to take a fall 3. manner of ways, 

To fall in the plain high way.  
To take a foil in wooing a wife.  
To take a fall in the sight of many from the horseback, which in riding on thou tookest a pri●e.    
40 They which are troubled with the gout, have 3. things which they have not. 

When they must eat, they have hands and on hands, because they have no vs● of them.  
When they must walk, they have feet and no feet because they cannot go.  
They have reason to seek after remedy, but want it, to endure such pain as tendeth to the cure of their disease,    
41 Three reasons alleged by 3. Roman matrons, why after the death of their first husbands, they would not marry 〈◊〉. 

The first was Marchia, who being asked why she would not take another husband, answered, she found none that would have her for her person, but marry her for her money.  
The second Valeria, who being demanded why she did not marry again, answered, that she could not, because her husband was not dead, but living: for so long as she lived, her husband lived also together with her in her heart.  
The 3. Amnia, with whom when her parents were instant to marry again (being young and rich) answered that she could not having had a good husband, and therefore taking another, either he should be good or evil, if he were good she should always be in fear to lose him: if evil, always aggrieved that it was her chance in choice to have changed for the worse.    
42 Three things in the beginning are easy, which afterward appear very difficult to remedy. 

It is an easy matter to cast fire into any place, but veie hard to quench it being kindled.  
It is an easy matter to move debate, but hard to reconcile men being at variance.  
It is an easy matter to turn over money by exchange, but a hard matter to come out of debt.    
43 Three things are requisite at 3: times of the year. 

At Cristmas great loaves.  
At Lent clean souls  
At Whitsuntide new clothes.    
44 Three things to be noted in a wedding ring. 

That it be of gold, for as gold is the best metal, so the love between man and wife, is the dearest love.  
That it be round, that is without end, whereby is meant, that love should not cease.  
That it be put on the 4, finger signifying hearty love, for the physicians say that a vein in that finger cometh from the heart.    
45 Three causes why Priests have shrewder wives for the most part, than their neighbours 

That seeing they are so ready to reprove other men's vices abroad, their wives might reprehend their faults at home.  
They that being exercised with patience at home, may learn to suffer more easily common troubles abroad.  
priests deserve to have shroud wives, for that they choose to marry the fairest, which commonly are shrewed    
46 Three things of their own accord in ascending vanish away 

Smoke, the higher it mounteth, the sooner it vanisheth.  
Wicked men, the higher they climb, the greater they fall.  
A song begun in a note to high, causeth the voice to fail or end in lafoy, mi.    
37 Three things are easily lost but never got again. 

A word spoken.  
Virginity.  
Time    
48 Three things very requisite in a Chirurgeon. 

A hawks eye.  
A lion's heart.  
A lady's hand.    
49 Three things change the nature and condition of man. 

Dignity.  
A wife.  
Wine    
50 Three things make us wanton and shameless. 

Night.  
love. 

Night hath no shame.  
Love hath no reason.  
Wine hath no cease.    
Wine.    
51 Three things makes a man weary of his house, and often of his life. 

Smoke▪  
Rain.  
A cursed wife.    
52 

Cut candle.  
Break coal. 

Was never good husband, nor good husband's friend.    
Set stick on end.    
53 Three most odious creatures. 

A beggar proud.  
A rich man a liar.  
An old man lecherous.    
54 He that seeketh these things may be deceived. 

Loyalty and truth in a flatterer.  
A fine wit in a fat belly.  
Virtue in all evil company.    
55 Three things very hard or not at all to be found. 

A hare without a muse.  
A fen without a sluice.  
A whore without a excuse.    
56 Three things are very difficult. 

To carry water in a siue.  
To root out a vice which hath been grafted of long time in a man's mind.  
To make women good with stripes.    
57 One repenteth no● to have obeyed. 3. things. 

The truth.  
Good counsel.  
A Cock crowing early in a morning.    
58 Three creatures see clearly in the night. 

The Owl.  
The night raven.  
The Weasel.    
59 Three living things that excel man in the sense of smelling 

A vulture.  
A hound.  
A sow.    
60 There are 3. days, as saith S. Bede, on which whoseoever is borne, his flesh shall never rot. 

The 12 of januarie.  
The 24▪ of March,  
The 28. of March.    
61 Three things the elder they be, the more delight we take in them. 

Old wine to drink.  
Old Books to read in.  
Old friends to be conversant withal.    
62 Three true tokens to know a fool by. 

To be angry too much without a cause.  
To laugh without measure upon no occasion.  
To reprehend other men's faults, and will not see his own.    
63 There are 3. sorts of men generally. 

The first sort are of such as have learning but want discretion and wisdom. For according to the proverb. The greatest clerks be not the wisest men.  
Another sort are of those which have no learning, but by experience have obtained prudence and wisdom.  
The 3 sort are of those which have neither learning nor discretion, & they are stark fools.    
64 The invention of 3. things is wonderful. 

The invention of guns and gunpowder.  
The making of glasses.  
The Printing of books.    
65 Three things in a man which may be likened unto 3. things in a Smiths shop. 

To wit a stith●e.  
The tongue, to a hammer  
Learning to a gad of steel.    
66 Three doubtful questions, which none but Solomon could resolve. 

What was most pleasant & sweet in man's life? He answered A quiet mind.  
What meat was most fit for infants? He answered, No meat better agreeing with a child's nature then his own mother's milk.  
What was the fittest place for achild to be reposed in, and to take his rest? He answered the mother's bosom.    
67 There are three causes why old men love their goods so well. 

Because they think it a great matter to be reported to die rich.  
The memory of the actions of their youth, & the infirmities of their present age, maketh them so il contented, that they are careless to provide for death which they see even before their eyes, looking to live still to enjoy their goods, till death part the in both asunder.  
Because they had rather leave than to their enemies being dead, them in their life time be in danger to their friends for them.    
68 Three sorts of men may be sorry though they say nought. 

He that spendeth much & getteth nought.  
He that oweth much and hath nought.  
He that looketh in his purse & findeth nought.    
69 Three causes why lovers discern not the fault●s of th●●r friends. 

Because their aflection hath overmastered their reason.  
Because they will not suffer their fancies to be controle● by other men's wills.  
Because (according to the Philosophers) all great motions hinder those that be less: but love having occupied the chief and most principal motions of the spirit, troubleth the virtue and original of the senses, the same being the cause (with Plato why lovers are made blind with the sight of their Ladies, and according to the same the Poets have feigned Cupid without eyes.    
70 For 3. causes we suffer the loss of 3. things to our great discontent●●ent. 

Of our wealth.  
Of our honour. 

Because being once lost, we seldom recover it again.  
Because he that hath lost his good name is ha●le hanged.  
Because we may assure ourselves that we shall never enjoy life again after he we once dead.    
Of our life.    
71 There are 3. s●●ing horns to pluck on a 〈◊〉 ●d●s ●a●. 

A beautiful face in the wife.  
A jealous head in her husband.  
A wanton eye in a lover.    
72 There are 3. very vigilant beasts. 

A goose.  
A cock. 

thieves on a night had stolen jupiter had a goose not a keaked.  
The Germans use to carry their cocks with them to the wars, to the end by their crowing, they may know how the day passeth away.  
For he will wind a thief and bewray him.    
A dog.    
73 Three things bite sore. 

An old dog.  
A hungry fly.  
An Usurer.    
74 He were best to go where no man knoweth him. 

That sweareth till no man trust him.  
That lieth till no man believeth him.  
That borroweth till no man will lend him.    
75 Three conditions of Abbey lubbers. 

To labour till they are a cold.  
To eat till they sweat.  
To lie in bed till their bones ache.    
76 There are 3. dangers of the world. 

To ride on a fierce horse.  
To sail on the sea.  
To live under a tyrant.    
77 Three sorts of men which are seldom seen, and hard to be found. 

A friend in adversity,  
An old tyrant.  
A lawyer that will take no bribes.    
78 Three things will not prove well without beating. 

A walnut tree.  
An ass.  
A woman    
79 Honours change manners in 3. sorts of men. 

Merchants, because they forget that ever they were apprentices.  
Priests, because they forget that ever they were parish clerks.  
Magistrates, because they are unmindful that they were private men.    
83 Three trades of life which may travel without a passport 

peddlers.  
Tinkers.  
Minstrels.    
81 There are 3. unlucky beasts which do portend and foreshow of mischief ensuing. 

A howling dog.  
A screeching owl.  
A croaking raven.    
82. men's judgements differ much in these 3. things. 

Books. 

For one saith, this book is too long, another too short, the 3. of due length, & for fine phrase and style, the like that book was not made a great while. It is all lies said an other, the book is stark nought.  
For concerning the qualities of wine, men are diversly affected. Ah, this is a hard wine quoth one, it is too sweet in my opinion said another: nay, nay quoth the 3. man, it is sharp and piercing me thinks. It is a cup of neat wine said the owner. I said another, it hath a good smack of the cask, it will do a man as much good in his shoes, as in his belly.  
For cheese hath divers tastes in several men's mouths. He saith it is too salt, he saith it is fresh, he saith it is too hard, he saith it is too new. It is too strong of the rennet saith he It is saith another not strong enough for me. It is said one as good as can be: Hereof no two of any ten can agree. So that, No book, no wine, no cheese, be it good or bad: but praise and dispraise it hath, and hath had.    
Wine.  
Cheese.    
83 Three things of small continuance. 

A wonder.  
Vainglory.  
The remembrance of a stranger.    
84 There is great folly showed in these three things. 

In fishing before the net.  
In vaunting before the victory.  
In reckoning without the host.    
85 It is no deed of charity to give any thing unto three sorts of beggars. 

Unto counterfeit beggars, which say they are lame & diseased, when it is neither so nor so.  
Unto covetons beggars, which having their bottle and dish filled with drink, and their scrip and wallet stuffed with victuals, yet they will crave at the next door they come at.  
Unto proud beggars which will take not kind of alms but money.    
86 Three things are proud in 3. places. 

A cock on his dunghill.  
A dog at his masters door.  
The good wife at home among her maids.    
87 A man need not go a borrowing to his neighbours that hath these 3. 

A little land well tiled.  
A little house well filled.  
A little w●●e well wild.    
88 Three of the greatest beasts are afraid of 3. very small beasts. 

The lion of the cock.  
The eagle of the beetle.  
The whale of the swordfish.    
89 Three sorts of men are likened ●nto 3. kind of beasts. 

The flatterer with the Chameleon, for as a Chameleon can turn himself into all colours save white, so will a flatterer change himself into all hews save honesty.  
The backbiter unto the bas●liske: for as the bas●liske doth kill a man a far of by sight, so a slanderer doth kill a man a far of be hind his back with his tongue.  
The envious man unto ●he Viper: for as y●Viper doth kill her dam by gnawing out her guts, & afterward doth sting & poison others, so envy doth consume him in whom it is bred, & afterward hurteth others.    
90 A birchin broom consisteth of 3. things fit for correction. 

Twigs, belonging to Schoolmasters for the correction of small offences.  
A staff, belonging to masters for the punishing of greater faults.  
A with, belonging to magistrates for the execution of traitors, ●elons, murderers, and such like.    
91 Three things are very easy. 

An easy thing to find a staff to beat a dog.  
An easy matter for him that is willing to invent an excuse.  
An easy matter to give good counsel.    
92 Three things are directed by destiny 

Wedding.  
Hanging.  
Thriving.    
93 Three still things are dangerous for the most part. 

A still fellow, for he commonly is subtle and crafty.  
A still water which is deep, and therefore dangerous.  
A still sow, for she will eat up all the draff.    
94 Three things to be avoided by a wise man. 

Hope of things impossible.  
Sorrow, for things unrecoverable.  
Fear, of things inevitable.    
95 Three things can suffer no fellowship. 

Love, for a lover hates his corrival.  
Lordship, for honour is impatient of compéere.  
An Hermit, for he seeketh to abandon the company of men by seeking desert places.    
96 The Papists did use to curse with 3. things. 

Bell.  
Book.  
Candle.    
97 Three things are déerelye bought. 

Wit gotten by experience.  
Fame won by death.  
That which is obtained by prayer & request for one man cannot entreat another with out bashfulness or blushing.    
98 Three things are not to be regarded. 

The great vanities we see with our eyes.  
The great wonders we hear with our ears  
Great sorrow when we conceive it in our minds.    
99 There are three very strong things. 

Gold, for there is no place invincible, where in an ass laden with gold may not enter.  
Love, because it provoketh us to adventure our goods, life, renown and all.  
Labour, because it overcometh all things.    
100 God made 3. places for 3. purposes. 

Heaven, for the good.  
Hell, for the wicked.  
Earth, for both.      
Deo trino & uni sit laus, honour, & gloria. Amen.