The court of the most illustrious and most magnificent Iames, the first King of Great-Britaine, France, and Ireland: &c. VVith diuers rules, most pure precepts, and selected definitions liuely delineated.

THE Court of King IAMES .

AFter that I had resolued , and with my selfe determined ( Illustrious and thrice Noble MARQVESSE ) to A preamble wherein is briefely discoursed the cause of this Treatise . diuulge and set forth vnto publike view , somewhat concerning the life of a Courtier ; And hauing spent much most serious and incessant deliberation , and constant consideration , to whom I might exhibite and present , this of-spring and tender Infant of mine , the fruite of my Labors ; at last I most fortunately thought vpon your Right Ho. Lordship , for which I most submisly craue your Lordships pardon : and most humbly desire that you would vouchsafe to entertaine so courteons a perswasion , and fauourable an opinion of me : that I haue not either with any impudence , much lesse Imprudence , attempted ought herein . Many of my neerest and deerest frendes , assuring me that it would bee worth the labour ; perswaded yea constrained mee , by 〈…〉 this most , humble Present . The 〈…〉 most Royall King , vnto your Honour : In 〈…〉 you ( right Noble Lord ) for your exce 〈…〉 singular , both internall and externall vertues and endowements , doe most resplendently glister and shine , like a most pretious Iewell richly garnished in the purest Gold . Therefore it cannot , doubtlesse , bee Impudencie in me , thus to endeauour and desire , that these my labours , may haue your Lordships worthy approbation ; whose daily endeauours are most industriously employed , in the negotiation of the profitable affaires of your King and his common-wealth . And to this end & purpose , and for this speciall cause , do I most prostrately proffer and present vnto your Honour , this small volume 〈◊〉〈◊〉 title of the Court of IAMES King of Great Britaine . Neither yet doe I doubt , but that this my labour herein , will receiue a gratefull acceptation from all those who not so much with their Corporall , as their Mentall eyes of Intelligence , do see and throughly see into the generosity of your linage , the great and most graue wisedome , which doth inhabite in so greene and young a Breast , your modesty , affabilitie and great humanitie . A figg for enuious Criticks , therefore , of most deiected and degenerous condition ; who practise nothing so much , as basely and malignantly to censure mens persons , faults , and infirmities . But the iudgement of the most iudicious and iust iudges may giue both 〈◊〉 and all good men full content ; principally the great loue and ●●●our of our most potent and prudent King , who back graciously elected and made choice of your Honour , as a man most excellent most accomplisht : on whom ( many others being neglected ) hee might conferre , yea accumulate the fauourable effects of his Princly beneuolence , bounty , and benignity . This your Honours louely lot and felicity , no doubt may bite to the quicke , and euen ( as it were ) boyle the harts of the malicious : but good and honest minded men , who are the louers and embracers of your Honours virtue and integrity , doe contrariwise vndoubtedly reioyce at , and hartily congratulate the same . Thus haue I , ( I hope ) freed my selfe from suspect of Impudence . Now againe if any accuse me of Imprudency , to auoide this imputation , I thus answer . That I vndertooke not this worke by mine owne authority , motion , or instigation , but as hauing beene vrgently solicited thereunto , by the vehement perswasions of some worthy personages , who themselues haue obserued diuers Pamphlets , touching the Court to haue binne formerly published , which seemed rather to haue beene composed , in the disgrace of Princes , and derision of their followers , then soundly or sincerely to instruct or shew them , what is to be followed what to be auoided . I also ( for mine owne part ) do assuredly know , that there are and haue bin , both in our owne and in the memorie of our fore-fathers , such men , who are as it were naturally borne , to peruert and depraue things , both well spoken and as well performed : whose custome and counsell I vtterly detest , and in this treatise , do faithfully protest ; that I haue endeauoured what in me lay , to lay hold on the goulden-meane ; for what soeuer I haue iudged commendable , I haue accordingly commended , and what soeuer I haue contrariwise thought to bee culpable , I haue likewise condemned . Which my impartiall and indifferent dealing herein , I hope no good man , no honest hearted man will disallow ; as for dishonest 〈…〉 followes , whether they praise or dis 〈…〉 herein , neither I , nor any wise man shall 〈…〉 our selues hurt , or take it to the heart . Yet this 〈◊〉 confidently avouch , that if I had an intention to 〈◊〉 ouer all things , that haue bin promiscuously and confusedly , both said and written by many men against Courtiers ; the Court would ( I am perswaded ) be most distasteful to many , to whom I know t' is now most pleasant and delightfull . But this my little volume ( I hope ) shall be profitable to many , gratefull to the good , hatefull to none but to the Impious and Enuious . I doe herein frequently admonish those Courtiers , who haue a determination to hoyce vp saile and to lanch out , into the deepe of this difficult and turbulent Sea ; that wisely and 〈◊〉 they saile with a fortunate and fauourable Gale of winde , least by the Syren-like allurements , or rather the most violent & tempestuous stormes of immoderate desires they be desperatly driuen vpon Scylla or Charibdis , or be dasht against the wrath and indignation of their Prince , as against a dangerous death-threatning Rocke . These admonitions haue I ( for this cause ) thought most pertinent and necessarie , because now a dayes , almost all things vniuersally are full yea too-too-full , of brazen fac't boldnesse and precipitate haire-braind , heed-lesse , rashnesse . Doubtlesse young men , yea all subiects ingenerall , when they shall vnderstand and consider , the difficulties and dangers of preferments , and the burthen of a Courtiers life , will , I am perswaded , lesse e●milate and hate either Courtiers or Magistrates ; yea and these will hence learne better to rule , and those to obey . But enough of this . It now remaines that I endeuour to purge and put away , one other note of Imprudence in mee , to wit , that too like vnto Phaëton .

Nimis magna peto , et quae non viribus illis , Munera conueniunt &c. Ambitiously I take a Taske in hand , Whose greatnesse with my weakenesse cannot stand .

If any doe sound such a note in mine eares , and thinke thereby , to deterre me from my purposed progresse ; I wish him to take this for his answer , that I am not ignorant of mine owne calling and condition of life , which is Priuate : neither againe is that vnknowne to mee , which is related by Cicero , of a certaine Peripateticke Philosopher , whom Hanniball had in derision , calling him a Dottrell and a giddy-headed fellow , that he was not afraid to dispute a bout militarie discipline , in the presence of him so potent and politicke a commander . Yet not withstanding , this seemes not to mee , a sufficiently important , or iust cause , why I should in this regard acknowledge in myselfe , any Imprudencie or Temeritie .

This I say in modesty and humility ( that your Honour may hold me excused ) for the equity and protection of my cause now in controuersie ; that I doubt whether Hanniball , as great and egregious a commander as he was , thus contemptuously disdaining this man of Greece , who notwithstanding that he neuer saw the face of his Enemie , nor euer was in a pitcht feild , yet deliuering precepts of martiall prowesse ) did not disdainfully cast his eies vpon , and that with iust cause , though with barbarous arrogancy and haughtinesse of minde ; did not I say behould and cast his eies vpon those reasons & rules ( what ere they were ) of that so excellently learned Grecian : for t' is scarsely probable or credible , but that by ▪ the way he deliuered somewhat , which might mislike and displease , so skilfull and soundly experienced a Captaine and commander as hee ; since that ( vnlesse wee will too much extenuate the credit of that old Prouerb ) which is , sometimes the blind may hit the marks . It was therefore snapish and impudent disdainefulnesse , yea beast-like and Inhumane Insolence in that Carthaginian , that , That which he ( forsooth ) would not approue or allow of ▪ he must furiously b●ndy and forth with reiect . But the issue and e●ent did euidently declare , that Hanniball was no 〈◊〉 superexcellent or inuincible a Captaine , as that it should seeme vndeniable , that he could be admonished of any ouersight in any warlike affaires . Furthermore , they whose whole knowledge and experience of milita●● discipline , doth wholy consist , in custome , practise , and exercise , and are so opinionated , that the power of wit and experience ▪ gotten and gathered by industrious diligence , from learned authors writing to that purpose , is not of any moment or validity ; that one example of L ▪ 〈◊〉 onely , mentioned also ( by Cicero ) in that booke of his , which goes vnder the name and title of Lucullus , may iustly refell and repell , the opinions of such men . Indeede I doe inge●●ously acknowledge and confesse , th● the prince and principall furtherance to the performance of high Actions and notable exploits , is , that a ●an ●e ( as it were naturally ) addicted and adapted therevnto ▪ But yet beleeue me litterature or learning ( if that of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ) in a generous and Her●il●● Spirit , Vimpl 〈…〉 doth promote and much enlarge , that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and pollicie , which is 〈◊〉 and genuine . In which respect , if vnto naturall promptnesse and pro 〈…〉 ty , learning and experience be associated ; then indeed , may a man perfectly performe any noble , eminent , and excellent act or imployment . But peremptorily to auouch or affirme , that men Famous for their excellent parts of vertue , learning , and intelligence , cannot be able soundly , exquisitely , and considerately , to discusse or discourse of , euen those things , whereof they neuer were personall Actors and Agents , is , doubtlesse the badge & cognizance , of an ignorant & illiterate man ; yea of one who neuer knew the maiestie and excellencie , the light and delight of Science , and intelligence , which , Antiquitie was wont to call the Muses ; nor , a Limine Salutarunt ( as it is in the old Adagie ) did they euer stand at the threshold , to bid the Muses Good-morrow . And Hesiod hath left this testimonie in writing , that Hee himselfe got al his knowledge and experience in Nauigation , from these Tutors and Teachers . But whither runs all this prolixitie ? Euen hither ( Right Ho. ) this is the end thereof ; that your Honour would vouchsafe to hold me excused , if peraduenture ( as hath bin foresaid ) I do not in its proper colours , pourtray and delineate to the life , that plat-forme and similitude of the life , of a Courtier , which either your Lordships noblenesse may require , or those courtiers may expect , whom , in this point , much time & practicke experience ( the best Schoolmaster ) may more firmely haue informed in the rules and customes of the Court . But as for others , happ , what hap may , when the dice are to bee cast , and my chance to be chosen , I had rather with some impeach to my name , write and say something ( according to my weake Talent ) which might be truely acceptable to you right Honourable Marquesse ; then vnseasonably or vnciuilly to be wanting in my bounden duty . Therefore this one thing 〈…〉 submissiuely and earnestly desire , that you● 〈◊〉 would be pleased courteously to respect 〈…〉 heart , most faithfully and affectionately ho 〈…〉ing and duely reuerencing your venerable and noble vertue ; and that in your accustomed courtesie , you would fauourably accept and protect this my peculiar Dedication to your Lordship ; of which your Honourable fauour , I am most confidently perswaded , whose worthy and meritorious actions , not only towards your owne Countrey and kingdome , are by the Trump of ●ame blazoned abroad ; but euen your Lordships manifold fauours and benificent courtesies towards strangers also , are euery where extant , which blessed Britaine with most due and deserued praises , doth publish and 〈…〉 lgate , and euen wee that are strangers , yea all neighbouring Nations both farre & neere do most worthily wonder at . Nor need I feare , least what I haue herein writ , should rather seeme to sauour of gnathonicall flattery , then reuerently to loue and embrace your Honours noble vertues with true integrity : for , All that know your Lordships Excellency , your so great grauity and Temperance , all ( I say ) which doe neerely and throughly looke into them , do know that I speake , but what is most sincerely true and faithfull .

Finally that I may omit nothing , which may conduce to the accumulation of your Lordships worthy praises , the elegancy and gracefull pleasancy of your Honours Behauiour , is such and so singular : that not onely these present times , but euen succeeding posterity , will doubtlesse with a cheerefull voice commemorate and immortalize the same . And , than this , what , Greater , Better , Trulier can be said ? This is it which hath purchased and procured vnto your Ho: the reputation , approbation , loue , and singular supportation , of our most religious , gracious , potent , and most prudent King ; whereby we may and that with very good reason , most duely and truely heere take vp that verse , as true as auntient .

Gratior est pulchro veniens è corpore virtus . Virtue is more louely , much more acceptable , Proceeding from , a Bersonage amiable .

But I stray to farre , time cals vpon me , now to set vpon the Subiect it selfe , before I proceede , to any other matters . First then let the Courtier or whosoeuer els , which hath determined with himselfe , to bestow and dedicate his endeauours , to the seruice of Princes , often deliberate , & thinke vpon this one thing , that the Court The Court compared to a warre-fare . in some sort , doth represent and resemble , loue , or a warfare , and louers we know , will diligently remoue euery rubbe , obstacle , or impediment , whereby they may content and please their beloued : Souldiers also do labour , and endeauor , with all care and diligence , and make this Courtiers to Souldiers . the marke , whereat , they wholy leuell and ayme , namely to follow their Captaine or leader ; and as much as in them lies , to do what he commandeth : so should an honest Courtier , adorned and endued , with wit and discretion , bend and incline , all his studie and industrious indeuours , not onely with diligence , to entertaine his Kings , or Princes commission and command ; but promptly , speedily , and with all care and fidelity , to discharge the charge , which is committed vnto him : And he which layes this foundation of a Courtiers life , shall doubtlesse 〈…〉 ; in the sight of his Soueraigne . 〈…〉〈…〉 soeuer ▪ well nurtured , and generously co 〈…〉 man , will deuote and consecrate himsel● 〈…〉 follow the Court , let him not presently imagine , or conceit with himselfe , that hee is to lead a soft , delicate , easie , or calme kind of life ; but now must hee learne to beare patiently , the courts encombrances : yea to digest and swallow downe many leasings , much enuy , greiuous contumelies , and malicious detractions . Assuredly t is no fiction I tell thee , but let euery Courtier , which doth aspire and desire , to attaine vnto that celestiall and eternall court of Heauen , and which intendeth , both constantly , and sincerely , to say and to doe , that which may be gratefull to God , and the common weale ; 〈…〉 addresse himselfe , to this point , to this resolution . For , that Courtier is in a great error , and very much mistaken , which hunts , and hopes , for nothing els in the Court , but honour , riches , pleasure , power , and authority , and long before hee enters into the Court 〈…〉 not seriously , consider with himselfe , that euen in these seeming sweet , and odoriferous roses of Courtly delights , full many thornes and thistles doe priuily grow vp : for , if wee doe but iudge and examine one thing by another , and let truth take place , we haue both knowne and read of , in the memory of antient and moderne times , many noble and worthy men ; yea such as haue exceedingly well deserued , both , of their Prince and common-weale , who in Court haue wasted & spent the most flourishing time of their youthfull yeares , with great praise , and applause of their Prince , and all good people ; who not with standing all this , haue oftentimes , euen for triuiall or small causes , yea sometimes none at all , bin most lamentably molested , and with enuy and detraction , subtilly circumuented : yea which is more and most miserable haue bine either wofully deiected , and clapt vp into Prison , banisht into bitter calamity , or euen vnto death it selfe , punisht and condemned .

Whereof , that we may not wander farre for examples , call to remembrance ( good Courtier ) the memorable , and remarkable examples , of such like dolefull and vnfortunate misfortunes , in Papinian , Comineus , Moore , Bussonus , Consalnus , and innumerable more , whose name , and fame , as well for that they haue most profitably spoken , and learnedly written , as for their many imployments very honourably performed , is most excellent , eminent , and permanent . Wee haue especially in the Courts of the Princes of Germany , very many demonstratiue arguments , and pregnant documents hereof , both ancient and fresh in memory , which heere I had rather wrap vp in silence , then with tedious prolixity , too much wrong my courteous Readers patience . But yet I cannot by any meanes , omit , or let slip , that which at this present , for the newnes , and late performance thereof , is fresh , and frequently obiected to the eyes , eares , Ambitious & perfidious Barneuelt . and apprehensions of all men , namely the Tragicall Catastrophè of that great Aduocate , Statesman , and stately Courtier of Holland , who was that Phaëton , who for many yeares together , was ( as it were ) the Waggoner and Sterneman , yea the King and Keeper of all Holland . This was hee , who with the bridle of his authority , and with a certaine confidence , or rather foole-hardinsse , and presumptuous rashnesse , did reyne & restraine , as in a Charret , violently drawne , by force of most fierce horses , the various motions , and commotions , of the mindes of all men . This was he who audaciously and aduenturously , without due consideration , attempting many matters , by making as it were a confused Chaos of heauen and earth , by confounding and mingling sacred and profane things together , turning all things topsie turuey , with a most impious and pestiferous intention , would haue wrought his Common-wealths detriment and destruction , but ( and that most iustly ) receiued his owne vtter decay , and worthy confusion . What needs many words ? This was I say that Phaëton , who was the Waggoner or Coachman of the current and swift gliding affayres of the Common-wealth of Germany . And I say not that he was for his Phaëtonicall insolence dasht out of his Charret , and tumbled downe headlong into the Riuer Padus , by Iupiters furious and Sulpurious lightning : but being by the iust iudgement of God , and vpright sentence of condemnation after iudiciall proceedings , conuicted and condemned , at the Hague in Holland , his high aspiring head was cast downe to the ground , and his ambitiously consulting and insulting heart receiued its deserued finall and fatall wound . And thus this politique Pilot , and Prince of Holland ,

Magnis tandem excidit Ausis . Was tumbled head-long from his Chaire of State , Who sought his Countrey thus to ruinate .

I here let passe that other late and liuely example , which happened also in this famous kingdome ; together with that in France , of that most factious and filthie Italian , a man most deboyst in his whole life and conuersation . Whosoeuer sees not and considers not these , I hold him to be euen pore-blind , and to haue no smacke or taste of wisedome or vnderstanding in the least degree . Courtiers then may learne by these exemplified reasons , drawn out of these famous Kingdomes , as out of the most spacious and specious Theatre of the whole world , how alternate and variable the vicissitudes and alterations of things are in a Court , and if not alwayes , yet for the most part that they which being puffed vp with excessiue couetousnesse and inordinate desire of hauing riches , and are violently carryed away with the spirit of ambition , being vtterly vnmindfull of those damages and dangers , which doe begirt and hedge in Courtiers on euery side ; that they I say do but ride post and make haste vnto some disasterous and sinister fate or destinie , and in the interim whiles they thus repugne the sweete sayings , sentences , and suffrages of the most wise and prudent ,

Propositumque premunt , flagrantque Cupidine Currus . They quite destroy the End of their desire , And burne Hopes Charret , with lusts furious fire .

These and such like , which onely 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 we briefly touch by the way , laying hold on the vtmost tops as it were of these matters , may euery Courtier reiterate and ruminate againe and againe in his minde , and vnlesse he haue a heart well fortifide and confirmed , to endure many euils , inconueniences , and mis-fortunes , let him forsake the Court , and betake himselfe to a retired and priuate life , which also , though it may haue its owne difficulties , distresse , and scarsitie , yet if the reputation of most excellent and considerate men may haue any credit or estimation with vs , nothing , as they truly hold , is more happie , or more blessed then a priuate kind of life , moderated and decorated with the Golden meane and The prayse of a priuate life . mediocritie . Hee then whose portion or condition of life is neither too high erected , nor too low deiected , but indifferent betweene both ; hee certainely ( if any thing in this wretched worldmay be termed a Summum bonum , a speciall and principall Good-thing ) is the Heire , owner , and true possessor thereof . Very elegantly and eloquently hath Politian painted out , and expressed the tranquillitie and sweete securitie of a Countrey-mans priuate life , whosoeuer therefore doth loue to liue the same , to wit , a free , calme , and quiet life , I wish him to read and diligently to obserue these his verses following ;

O dulces Pastoris opes ! O quanta beatam , Quam tenet hunc tranquilla Quies ? vt pectore tote . Laetitiam , totaque fouet bona gaudia mente ! Nempe edij , fraudumque expers , exemtus nani . Ambitione , vacansque metu , ipse liber & insons , Natiuo cultu , & Gaza praediues agresti , Ipse sibi viuit , Nullo sub teste , suoque Pendet ab arbitrio , suusipse est censor , etalto , Calcat opes animo , ac summes deridet honores . Which thus may be Englished . O the rare riches of a Shepkeards life ! O how much blest is he from stormes of strife ! O how he liues in peace and quietnesse ! Free from annoy , full of all ioyfulnesse ; He feares no fate , no hate , nor foule deceit , Nor striues to be ambitious-vicious Great : He 's guiltlesse , guilelesse , fearelesse ; he 's most free , His Corne and Cattell , his rich Treasures be ; T 'himselfe he liues , vnder nones ouer-fight , By none contrould , performes his owne delight , With deepe disdayne , he kickes at gold and pelfe , And scorning Honours , thus contents himselfe .

Assuredly Politian thou doest most truly , and egregiously confirme , that which before thy time , learned and graue Seneca did also affirme in his Hippolitus , concerning a priuate life :

Non alia magis est libera , & vitio carens , Ritusque melius vita quae priscos colat : Quam quae relict is moenibus , campos amat , Non illum auarae mentis inflammat furor . Quise dicauit montium insontem iugis : Non aurae populi ; et vulgus infidum bonis , Non pestilens inuidia , non fragilis fauor : Non ille regno seruit , aut regno imminet . Vanosque honores , sequitur , aut fluxas opes , Spei metusque liber . That is ; There is no life more free ; More void of vice and blame , Or in their Rites the same , Which former Times did see : Then that which sweetly's led , In fields remote , and farre From Townes and Holds of warre . Wher 's nought but feare and dred . The greedie hope of gaine , Sets not his heart on fire , He harmelesse doth desire , On Mountaines to remaine . Mens fawning flatteries ; Or Common-Peoples traine , Which doe good men disdaine ; He wholly doth despise . Enuie pestiferous , Can haue no place in him , No fauour fraile , though trine , Makes him ambitious . He serues not to a Crowne ; Nor 's eminent in State , He seekes not vaine renowne , Fraile riches he doth hate ; And feares not Fortunes frowne .

Wherefore , that we may be at libertie , and void of all feare ; let vs haue this in continuall contemplation , and consideration , that the sorrowes , difficulties , and distresses wherewith euery Christian in this wretched life is inuironed , are manifold . Let vs therefore with heedfull hearts coniecture and cast in our minds , by what especiall A remedie to auoid danger in the Court. meanes we may subiugate and ouercome them . Art thou then ( kind Courtier ) willing to receiue a remedie against them ? then let this be thy sweete and soueraigne Antidote , that with graue Cato , you be of an honest and vncorrupted life and conuersation ; that with inuincible Vertue , modest bashfulnesse , and innocent abstinence , thou striue to get the maistery , and to be good in deed , rather than seeme so to be , whereby it will come to passe , that by how much the lesse thou shalt seeke after honour and preferment , by so much the more thou wilt vndoubtedly atcheiue the same . Now all this while , it is not vnknowne to me , that it is a generall rumour and report , that there be not many good men to bee found in the Court , and that according to the opinion of many , few men doe bring good Arts and Sciences to a Campe or a Court ; and therefore some no doubt may say , that I doe but wash an Aethiopian-Blackmoore , in inuiting and inciting Courtiers to such integritie of life : God forbid , yet indeed , I confesse , that it is extreame hard and difficult , for one perticular man alone , at a delicious , sumptuous , and bountifull banquet , at which there is extraordinary great prouision of meate and drinke , to bee sober and satiate , and yet some one of a more sage and temperate condition then the rest , may so moderately and discreetly gouerne himselfe , that he doe not either in meate or drinke exceed the bounds of modestie and competent satietie : Euen so ( kind Courtier ) although in Court , thy vertue , integritie , and sinceritie , may be disquieted , disheartned , yea , and that it may seeme to liue in exile or banishment ; yet if thy mind bee well formed and conformed therein , it will assuredly cause , that amongst manie fawning smooth-bootes , false hearted flatterers , and crooked perverse minds , thou shalt still be of a right and vpright courage and condition ; yea , and from this fountaine thou shalt deriue all those siluer streames , and comfortable currents , whereby thy Calling , whether Courtly or otherwise , though formerly obnoxious to grieuous and dangerous defects , shall yeeld backe and repay vnto thee gracious and prosperous effects . If hereupon thou firmely fasten thine Anchor , then feare no Ship wracke , but with vnconquerable courage and animositie , Launch out into this turgent and turbulent Sea of the Court , and vndoubtedly thou shalt vanquish and ouercome the insinite swarme of amphibious and prodigious monsters of impietie , which may make incursions , and encounters vpon thee . Therefore ( generous Courtier ) start not backe at these euils , but step forward against them , with a bold Spirit , proceed I say , and put this counsell in practise , and let not the Philosophie of effeminate and faint-hearted men distract or disturbe thee from thy purpose , and determination , which of it selfe is most honest and laudable ; reiect and cast from thee vnprofitable and improbable speeches , and hearken to God the fountaine of infallible and inuincible veritie it selfe . Maledicta Terra in opere tuo : In sudore vultus tui vescer is pane tuo . Cursed is the ground for thy sake ; in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eate thy bread . From whence we may inferre and firmely beleeue , that euery estate and condition of life whatsoeuer , hath in it the Thornes and Thistles of losses , crosses , That no estate is free from trouble . and calamities ; especiall since this sentence denounced against man , euen from the worlds originall , being registred and recorded in the Booke of God it selfe , is most authenticall , is most vndeniable true and faithfull , and is of euery aswell priuate man as Courtier to be accordingly receiued and beleeued . Now whereas many men , of no meane rancke and qualitie , doe learnedly magnifie , and with much wit dignifie a solitary and priuate life , as was The disprayse of a mecre priuate life . formerly intimated , they erre exceedingly , and are in my iudgement marueilously mis-taken , which are of opinion , that a priuate life is in it selfe happie and blessed . For , if that be true , which the most eloquent Orator and excellent Philosopher hath left in writing , in the first Booke of his Offices , according to the opinion of diuine . Plato . Non nobis solum nati sumus , ortusque nostri partem parentes , partem amici , partem patria sibi vendicant ; that is , We are not borne onely to our selues , but our Parents , Countrey , and Friends , doe challenge vnto them a part in our being . Then no occasion questionlesse , whereby a man may deserue well of the Weale-publike , can be wanting to any man so much as to them which lead a priuate , obscure , and solitary life , liuing vnprofitably , to themselues alone ; being nothing at all beneficiall to the Common-wealth , whereinto , and whereunto they were borne and brought vp .

He therefore which is by propagation and education , generous , liberall , and free-hearted , doth rightly vnderstand and know that true glory , reputation , and renowne consisteth in Vertue , which also is especially illustrated and made famous by worthie and meritorious actions , and imployments in a Common-wealth . So that Salust that excellent Writer , not without iust cause , left vs also this his testimoniall in writing . Pulchrum est benefacere Rei-publicae . It is a very noble and worthy thing , to doe good to the Common-weale . Furthermore , let euery Courtier , and honest man whatsoeuer , consider thus much in his minde , that to deny to dedicate , and deuote his best seruices to God , his King , and Countrey , is nothing els in deed , than as if he would wilfully expose himselfe to exile and banishment . That true and auncient Adagie , which wee frequently vse , doth verifie and ratifie this truth , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Euery good is that which distributes , imparts , and Communicates it selfe to others . Againe , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . A good man ( as the saying is ) is a vniuersall good . For shame therefore , let vs neuer prayse , or approue that meerely imaginary and erronious opinion , that in those things , which are commonly and customarily contingent to Nature in generall , any man should therein promise to himselfe , beyond all others , any particular or priuate felicitie ; vnlesse hee can perswade himselfe , that he is able ( by a certaine incredible and vnheard of magnanimitie of minde ) to curbe and correct all Fortunes and Mis-fortunes whatsoeuer . Wherefore , let vs neuer suppose , that true Fame or Felicitie , doth consist , in a priuate or retyred life , which is both full of craftie fetches , and faint-hearted fearefulnesse : No nor in the vaine-glorious bragges , of bagges of Gold and great possessions , but rather in the good and gracious constitution and condition of a mans mind .

Whosoeuer then frequents and followes the Court , let him carefully , and very circumspectly , consider these things . Neither let him be led to beleeue those sottish and vnsauourie fellowes , by whose silly aduise , or rather shallow deuise , such a kind of absolutely blessed life , were to be desired and enquired after , in seeking whereof , a man should farre sooner forsake the world , than finde it in the world . Auaunt , all such absurd and witlesse fellowes , of whom I wish all wise men would beware : and with the ingenious Poet , would sing vnto them this their due Dittie ;

Stulti dum vitant vitia , in contraria currunt . Fooles voyding Vice , the contrary commit , Like ships that scaping Gulfs , on Rockes are split .

But thou ( kind Courtier ) which either art alreadie entred , or shortly intendest to enter and aduenture thy fortunes in the Court , with a considerate and constant courage spurne at , and despise those partiall speeches of the Common people , and wisely apprehend and entertaine the words of the most wise : yea , euen Philosophie and Wisedome it selfe : embrace this in thine armes , as the The Courtier must endeuor to get Wisedome as his best guide . Founder and Fountaine of all Vertue , and as the soueraigne Salue against all corrupt concupiscence : for , this will conduct and instruct thee , in the true knowledge of that which is iust and honest , teaching thee what is to bee followed , and what is to be refused . Out of this pure well-Spring of perfect wealth , thou shalt draw out such true knowledge , as shall cause thee perspicuously to perceiue , that too much dignitie , riches , and authoritie , being little better than the very Hang-men , and tormentors of mens minds , are of wise men to bee contemned , and despised . This Instructrix and faithfull Mistresse , will demonstrate vnto thee , what a multitude of men do fondly admire and much wonder , what should be the cause , why they are so greatly and grieuously day and night vexed and perplexed . Finally , He which is well fraught , and furnisht with the wholesome precepts of Philosophie , shall in conclusion bring himselfe to the King of Kings , and Prince of all Princes , that is , he shall be reduced from the vnlimited and illegitimate worship of the Creature , to the Creator himselfe ; and sure , I thinke , that he which is thus prudent and prouident , is not wise in the least degree ; for , euery Christian Courtier ought especially to take care , and make a Conscience hereof , namely , that he be so exercised in the Court of his Prince here , that hereafter hee may without Shipwracke of Conscience , atcheiue and arriue , at the Hauen of the Heauenly Court , and Kingdome of Iesus Christ .

Now then after the studie of Wisedome , let not the Law , Languages , Eloquence . Courtier by any meanes omit , or neglect the Studie of Law , Languages , and Eloquence ; and let him especially , bend his best endeuours , to attaine vnto the prompt , perfect , and most commendable Knowledge of Histories , Historie . and Antiquities , to which , indeed I cannot sufficiently moue and admonish him : For , this Knowledge is the Testis of the Times , the Light of Truth , the Life of Memorie , the Mistresse of Life , and the Messenger of Antiquitie . Yea , this same Historicall Knowledge ( if wee may beleeue Polybius ) is a most sound and sure direction , instruction , and preparatiue , to all well managing of politique affayres , and is , indeed , a singular tutrixe , and faithfull informer , how to abide and suffer patiently the inconstancies , and mutabilities , of brittle and fickle Fortune . If therefore ( friendly Courtier ) thou wouldst not continually , shew thy selfe a childe , and Non-proficient , in the Court of thy Prince , be not ( I say ) rude , but well read , and a skilfull Antiquary in Histories and Chronicles .

Thus the Courtier , being adorned and dignified , with these wholesome precepts , and also fortified with Gods gracious ayde and assistance , and being lawfully elected and incorporated , into the Societie of Courtiers , let him thus proceed , and leaue the issue and euent to God , who doubtlesse will direct and protect , all his affaires so fortunately , and effectually , that he shall with prosperous successe , wade ouer , and wisely wind himselfe out of all difficulties , and disturbances whatsoeuer . A rush , therefore , a straw for the witlesse words of vnwise men .

Aula domus feelerum , Nutrix est Aula malorum , Exeat ex Aulâ , qui cupit esse pius . The Court 's the Stage , and Station of all ill , Let none come there , who hath a gracious will .

T is trash , trumpery , and meere foppery , for ( as wee haue alreadie specified ) he which will in this sence be good and godly , must not onely leaue the Court , but euen the whole world . For , if we loue and beleeue , if we Nothing in this life is absolutely good . will heare and beare the Truth ; Is it possible I pray , that any thing can be absolutely cleane and pure , in this vncleane and obscene Scene of the world ? No , no , but be thou ( good Courtier ) vrgent and instant , euen as it were , to straine and constraine Almightie God , by thy ardent and feruent prayers , in inuocating his diuine Goodnesse , and saying ;

Duc me , nec sine me , per me , Deus optime Duci , Me Duce , nam , perco ; Te Duce , Fausta gero . Lord , not without me , by me , bee my Guide , Thou Guide , all 's well ; I Guide , I deadly slide . Againe . Vt viuas bene , viue Deo ; Patriaeque & Amicis Vtilis : haud vlla est , viuere vita , sibi . Wouldst Liue well , liue to God , thy Countrey , Friends , That Life 's no Life , when led to priuate Ends. And that . Vna est in dubiâ mihi re medicina Salutis , Cor patrium , os verax , omnipotensque manus . One thing I 'm sure will Health procure , And with my Credit stand : A Country-louing heart ; True Tongue ; An all-assisting Hand .

Finally , let this most memorable Verse also , like and delight euery Courtier , and honest Christian .

In manibus Domini , Sorsque Salusque mea . In Gods Almightie Hand of Prouidence , Lies all my Lot , Health , Wealth , Inheritance .

What if the Courtier also , after this fraile and transitory Court , seriously desiring and aspiring , vnto the Celestiall Court , should in pious feruencie , breake out into these holy and heauenly words . Benedictus Dominus Deus , miserator & Redemptor meus , in te solum confido , non erubescam : that is , Blessed be the Lord God my Consolation , and Saluation , my hope and helpe is in thee , therefore will I not be ashamed . Now then the Courtier , being thus soundly and sincerely furnished and garnished , with the feare of God , and Precepts of Pietie and Philosophie , needs no longer dread or be affraid , of any iniquitie , impietie , or grosse enormitie , which like hideous Hydra's , or mortiferous Monsters , the Court may feed and foster ; but with a hardie and heartie courage , to wit , a blotles and spotlesse Conscience , and innocencie and integritie of life , and conuersation , may boldly enter into the Palace of his Prince .

But whosoeuer ( not being as yet entred thereinto ) doth honestly and discreetly desire to prouide for , and to forecast his owne well fare and future felicitie . Him I admonish , that he be inquisitiue and carefull , to seeke out the Court of a most potent Prince or Monarch , rather To liue in greatest Cou●●s . than of an infirme , weake , and lesse puissant King or kingdome : and according to the counsell of the olde Prouerbe , Ad faelicem se inflectat parietem . Let him leane and trust to a strong wall . Yea , and let the Courtier , no lesse wisely and willingly , search out , and desire to serue , a most prudent , than a most potent Prince , or Potentate : for , this is a Maxime as true as Truth it selfe , that the Offices and dutie of Seruants is euermore adorned and illustrated , by the honour and dignitie of their Maister : let him therefore be perswaded , that to liue vnder a most wise and mightie Monarch , is not thraldome and seruilitie , but freedome and libertie . Wherefore he which findeth such a Court , to wit , a good , a great , and a gracious Prince : a Prince , for his sound iudgement and much experience , most Prudent , and for his great dignitie and authoritie , Potent , and Puissant , I counsell and aduise that Courtier , by all meanes to follow such a King , such a Court. And And let not any fleeting or flying tales so moue thee , as to remoue , separate , and alienate thee , from so good a Prince . If in the meane while , any sinister , distastefull , or aduerse accident , oppose or oppugne thee , beare it patiently , harden thy selfe against it industriously and constantly , and doubtlesse Time will ( in due time ) demulceate , mollifie , and mitigate those things , which formerly seemed most obdurate , difficult , and intricate . For , euen as a Souldier in his kinde of life , and a Mariner , or Seaman , well seasoned with skill for all seasons , perceiuing dangers as iminent as euident , knowes which of them , will proue most perillous , hurtfull , and pernicious . Euen so ought euery Courtier , so soone as euer hee hath cast and contriued , to lay the platforme , and foundation of a Courtly life , to see and foresee , what in the Court is hopefull , what hurtfull , what is profitable , what vnprofitable ; Yea , what is seasonable and befitting , and what is vnseasonable and vnbefitting : For , they are fooles , and by no meanes to be endured , which will hope beyond and against hope , that is , being altogether anxious and vncertaine , doe depend vppon an obscure , blind and hopelesse hope . Let him then which is wise , beware of this , least thus he lead , and mis-lead himselfe and others . And indeed , how is it possible for him , who with such vaine hope , brings himselfe into a fooles Paradise , to order and frame his counsels and affaires , to a direct and desired end and conclusion ?

Let the Courtier therefore , with all conuenient expedition , endeuour and desire to know , whither he bee to settle his hope , vpon the rising , or declining estate of his Prince . Moreouer , let the Courtier apply , and bend all his power , so long as he continues in the Court , that as much as in him lies , he be very morigerous , and gratefully officious to his Prince , but yet so , as that hee doe Obseruance or obedience . nothing with pricke of his owne Conscience . By obedience I here vnderstand piety , or an honest , reuerent , and religious care , whereby wee heedfully heare , and dutifully finish , and accomplish , the Commandements of one lawfully commanding . For , what can such a man doe or well performe , which is not of a quicke , and nimble hearing , but is so dull and vndiligent , in vnderstanding and apprehension , that hee doth not rightly conceiue , nor is duly and truly capable of what is either commanded or demanded . Be thou therefore ( good Courtier ) very well affected to this Vertue , if thou desire to insinuate , and creepe into the fauour and affection of thy Prince . Thinke with thy selfe , that there is nothing more vnindifferent , vnreasonable , or more void of discretion , than for a man to desire to be reuerenc't , and obeyed by his Inferiors , who himselfe is most way-ward , and vndutifull to his owne Superiors : therefore hee is surely a happie and fortunate man , who vnto his facilitie and easinesse in hearing , and apprehending , doth couple and conioyne promptitude and readinesse in performing , but alwayes with this Prouiso , and exception , that he vndertake not to finish or effect , any dis-honest , vniust , or vnlawfull Command whatsoeuer ; but let him kindly and courteously entertaine , that excellent saying of Aeschylus , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Obedience is the Mother of felicitie . Let the Courtier then which rightly and honestly desires , to decke and adorne the forme and fashion of his life in the Court , and to make his Prince his friend and fauourer ; as also to bee expert and cunning in counselling himselfe , & contryuing all his actions and affaires . Let him ( I say ) diligently ponder , and seriously consider these things . But after that his labours haue beene with prompt expedition , sustained and concluded , since the estate and condition of Courtiers is very slippery and vncertaine , as they , who indeed are too often and too easily circumuented , and enuironed , with the fraudulent accusations , and malicious detractions of wicked men : Let the Courtier therefore , well and wisely To demand his Pardon . shift for himselfe , and prouide a remedie against them : let him ( I say ) in his first entry or ingredience into the Court , Couenant , or Compact with his Prince , that hee will vouchsafe vnto him a generall pardon ; and let him diligently take heed , that this Patent of his Purgation be not by the necessitie of the Time , subtilly , or violently taken from him .

Now as touching Liberty , and Freedome in speaking , Of libertie of speech . which Princes ( for the most part ) doe take very distastefully , I must herein also admonish the Courtier , because indeed they are but few , which freely and faithfully doe aduise , admonish , and aduertise Princes ; Thou therefore whosoeuer thou be , which wilt shew thy selfe not to be a counterfeit , false hearted , or sained , but rather a faithfull seruant to thy Prince , follow not so fast , seeke not so much the glittering splendour of fickle Fortune , & thine owne priuate commoditie , as the Truth , which by no Truth . meanes should be concealed , but honestly reuealed , whensoeuer it may redound , and be conducible to the commoditie , and honest vtilitie of thy KING , and his Common-wealth ; therefore thou being wise , wisely forbeare to speake , vntill fit time and occasion , be happily offred vnto thee . Heare what Salomon sayes to thee . Mars & vit● in manu Linguae . Life and Death are in the power of the Tongue . Wherefore , be thou neither a futile , or vnprofitable babler , by vnseemely Loquacitie , Neither contrariwise , let thy Tacitarnitie or secrecie , be vnhonest , but iust and ingenuous : And esteeme that Silence necessary and sufficient for thee , whereby without either contempt of God , or the common good , thou dost retaine , and keepe vnto thy selfe those things thou knowest ; least they be dispersed and spread abroad , to the preiudice of thy Prince , or any other person .

But now that I may returne to speake of the studie of Veritie or Truth , whereof ( kind Courtier ) I heartily desire , What Truth is . thou wouldst be a heartie-louer : and wherein I wish thee , not only a studious Practitioner , but a perfect Proficient , which that thou maist the better vnderstand , I thus define . Verity or Truth I take to be such a Vertue , whereby we speake of , praise and promote any thing , so , as the Person , or thing praised or spoken of , is , absolutely of it selfe . Hence then is commanded that we speake no otherwise of any thing , than as the matter is plainely in it selfe . But thou wilt peraduenture obiect , thou fearest danger or despight thereby : feare it not , for t is far better , and much more commendable , to suffer death it selfe , than either to oppresse or suppresse Truth or good councell , And questionlesse a good Prince , doth much more highly estimate , and valew a faithfull Councellor though dead , then a false-hearted flattererand disembler , though aliue .

For , no vaine counterfaite or prophane , thing can be of long continuance ▪ wherefore , let neither the time terrifie , nor necessity dishearten , nor wicked and malicious men , moue , curbe , or disturbe , the good and faithfull courtier , from truth and honesty ; but with constant Socrates , let him be still the same , immutable , immouable . Excellently saith Cassidore , concerning Iustice , Iustice ( saith hee ) knowes no father , nor mother , it knowes Truth , but makes no difference of persons , it directly immitates God . Doe thou the same , ( kinde courtier ) and that thou maist come , very neere to the nature , condition , and disposition , of God himselfe ; loue Truth : And if thou desire , that others should speake the Truth to thee , do thou hate and abhominate , vntruth in thy selfe : But perhaps , thou wilt say with the Comicall Poet , Veritas odium parit , Truth hatcheth Hatred . And what hatred I pray thee Cōmedian dost thou meane ? why man , Truth brought euen death it selfe to Pollodorus , that noble Architector , to Papinian the Lawyer , to Socrates , that famous Philosopher , yea and to many others besides , what then ? shall wee therefore , maintaine a lye against truth ? God forbid . Indeede t is true , I confesse it , that truth , is oftentimes abused , misused , troubled , & tormented ; yet for all this , as Salomon testifies Labium veritatis , firmum erit in perpetuum , The lips of truth , shall endure stedfast for euer . And Cicero , in his Oration for Caelius saith Omagna veritatis vis &c. O the admirable power of truth , which can most easily , sustaine and maintaine it selfe , against all the sagacity , and most acute subtilty , craft , and collourable treachery , of mans braine , or brest whatsoeuer . Esteeme it then a greater glory and grace , to suffer disgrace for truth and verity ; then to receiue much honour , and present preferrement , for falshood and flattery . It may bee , the hatred , which thou pretendest that this truth wil ingender , is with the vulgar sort , or common-people ; well , be it so , yet assuredly , amongst true and faithfull frends , nothing is more acceptable , nothing more delactable , than truth and sincerity , if it bee not imbittered , with churlish , or vnciuill asperity , and improper or ill proportioned , with rigid roughnes and seuerity , which euermore should be absent from amiable truth . But I am the more willingly inclined , more copiously to inculcate , and intreate of this virtue , which , since it cannot by any meanes bee kept in corners , but will abroad into the light ; may not slightly be glanc't at , or lightly be passed ouer .

Vnto all these sound and solid arguments , some Courtier may peraduenture , yet farther obiect and say , that it is dangerous , all waies to speake the truth in a Court , esspecially in difficult , doubtfull and intricate matters : Indeede I cannot gainsay it , and I know assuredly , that in such cases , a man had need of a more than vulgar or common with and iudgement , and that in such astraight exigent , if a man will keepe and conserue , good will and reputation , and auoide the infamous blot and spot , of disloyalty , he hath now something , to set his wits a worke on .

Goe to then , put case it be thus , yet not witstanding I will ( as God shall enable mee ) take away the obstacle , and remoue the rubbe and scruple , which may in this case , seeme to trouble thee . Of this then I first of all admonish thee , that it is more correspondent , and agreeable , to wisedome and discretion , alwaies stoutly and manfully to deliuer thine opinion , then with pusillanimity , and vnseemely fearefulnesse , to hold thy peace and say nothing . If the matter , about which the question growes , be absolutely true , and perspicuously apparent , then I know thou art not mou'd with it : but if it be vtterly vnknowne to thee , and more intricate , than that thy present intelligence , is able to winde into ; then thou makest a demurre , and art peraduenture at a non-plus : Thou maist then , with these and such like formall speeches , iustly excuse thy selfe to thy Prince . As touching this matter , or counsell , as a thing both profitable and honest , I thus deliuer my minde , so farre as the matter is manifest vnto mee , As I coniecture , as it seemes to mee , So farre as I can gesse , apprehend , and vnderstand . These and such like formes and kindes of speeches , being honestly vsed , and modestly deliuered ; the Prince , may receiue very sufficient content and satisfaction : and if his counsels and consultations , obtaine not a happy and hoped issue and euent , the Courtiers iust excuse and purgation , need not be to seeke , which also a gracious Prince , will doubtlesse accept and take in good part .

Now it followes that wee speake somewhat concerning the deliuering of our suffrages , iudgement and opinion , in publike , serious , and important deliberations & consultations ; Obserue this , that in many other matters , Rash speech Condemned . delayes are dangerous and vnprofitable , but here , procrastination or discreete deliberation , is very behoofeful , beneficiall , and comfortable . Beware therefore that with the hasty and furious Dogg ; ( as the Prouerbe is ) thou bring not forth blind whelpes , & that thou bee not too forward , to vtter any vnsauory , vnreasonable or vnseasonable words , which are indeed irreuocable . Haue this also in frequent consideration & often remembrance , that the entrance and beginning of all things , is at the first on-set , hard and difficult ; And euen after the same manner , the the formost voice , in all councells and deliberations of importancy , is most hard and hazardous . Therfore hee doth wisely , which makes one more wise than himselfe , his President and Precedent , and discreetly adheres and cleaues to him ; and yet so , as that he doe especicially depend and rely , vpon his owne opinion , iudgement , and arbitriment , not altogether vpon an others , for , as almost in all other things : so likewise heere .

Alterius non sit , qui suus esse potest . Hee 's not anothers man , Himselfe , which counsell can .

So likewise the Courtly Counsellor , in matters of moment , in graue and great affaires , must be both eloquent and euident , plaine and intelligible , that he may descend and come neere vnto the matter in hand ; and not with friuolous circumstances , or superfluous circumlocutions , to goe about the Bush . Neither must he , according to that ould saying , Wrest an Interpretation hit●er & thither , as if he would be the breake-necke thereof ; nor must he dissipate or spread abroad anxious vncertanities : but , euen as becomes a sage , graue , and iudicious man , must precisely , and inexpresse tearmes , speake both of matters & men , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 in plaine words call , a Ship a Ship , and a Spade a Spade .

Furthermore heere may arise another question , as that , if the Courtier comming into the Court , findes other Courtiers at variance , dissention , and controuersie amongst variance or dissention . themselues , whither he may partially take part with either side , or keepe himselfe neutrally indifferent betweene both ? I answer , that Neutrallity or partiallity , is rather to be fled then followed ; what then ? Choose me out ( kind Courtier ) him which is most wise , most intelligent , most capable of reason and vnderstanding , and this man , euen by the vprightnesse and equity of his cause , will easily breake the passion and power , and allay and qualifie the hot courage , of his Corriuall and enuious competitor . To which purpose saith Ouid.

Frangit & attollit , vires ni mil●ite causa , Quae nisi iusta subest , excutit arma pudor . The Souldiers cause erects , deiects his might , Which , if vniust , shame shakes of force to fight .

Euen so do thou also : ioyne thy selfe to that party which maintaines a iust cause , for as for Neutralitie ( as they call it ) we must so assigne and define it , that it rescues or redeemes no man from the snares or ambush of his enemies ; neither doth long keepe or conserue , loyall or faithfull friendship ; let Neutralitie therefore goe picke a Sallet , as the saying is , but not mistrust or Suspicion , without which indeed , a Courtier cannot liue ; Let him not therefore bee too credulous , or apt to beleeue euery one , for although the old vulgar verse tels vs ;

Fallitur in multis suspiciosus Homo . That iealous men we see , Oftentimes deluded bee .

Yet ( friendly Courtier ) let not this much mooue or Not to be too credulous . molest thee , but take heed whom thou trustest , for in trust is treason . And in this regard , let euery Courtier be most curiously circumspect and vigilant , and what Homer requires in a Prince , namely , that he be quick sighted , and watchfull , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , hauing eyes both behind and before . Let the wise Courtier ( I say ) prescribe vnto himselfe the same rule . And let him not inconsiderately , lightly , or sleightly , put confidence in a glauering , crooching , and deepely protesting or swearing Friend . If thou any thing at all , esteeme me , heare and beleeue this from me , else thou wilt soone or late repent , that ere thou didst trust a Saint-like saluation and protestation . Let Epicharmus his wisedome be forcible and effectuall in thee . Nulli Fidere , To trust none . Vnlesse thou doe so , t is a thousand to one , but that craftie Vlysses , will at one time or other , encounter chollericke Aiax . And thus thou shalt be a debtor to thy selfe , to condole thine owne folly , and to others also , to laugh thee to scorne . If therefore thou wilt couer thee with a Shield , against this sharpe Dart , I admonish thee Courtier , and that most seriously ; that thou neglect not this counsell : for , it will then vndoubtedly confound thee .

Furthermore , in whatsoeuer Court thou liuest , let this also be thy care , and a cautelous obseruation vnto thee , that thou striue not either to ascend too high , or to descend too low . What then ? Beware of Extreames , and perswade thy selfe of the truth of that which the Poet sings ;

Medio Tulissimus ibis . To keepe a vertuous measure , Is surest , purest Treasure .

Let then ( I say ) Mediocrities golden Rule , which is Medi 〈…〉 , or a Mean● . so frequently , so vehemently pressed and praised , and that most deseruedly , by the most ingenuous and iudicious , both Poets and Philosophers , be euermore thy loue and thy delight . Excellent is that of one Pallas , who thus wished . Vtinam ego neque , nimis faelix , neque miserabilis essem .. O would I might be neither too mightie , nor too miserable ; because indeed Mediocritie or a Meane , is the most desiderable and delectable thing in the world : and places of highest Honour , doe cause and procure the greatest dangers . And contrariwise , Experience it selfe , which neuer deceiues , teacheth vs truely , that a most deiected and low estate , ingenders disdaine , contempt and contumelie : they therefore are truly wise , which both say and doe , as Phocylides did : 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . I desire to be an indifferent Cittizen : for , many most excellent things consist in Mediocritie . To shut vp all in a word ; They , which in all their endeuours , desire to keepe the Golden meane liue most sure , most secure from feare of distresse and danger . Such a soft and sweete kind of life therefore , which Salomon the worlds wonder for Wisedome , sought and besought of God , giuing the reason of his request , which was to a most honest and holy end , as is excellently set forth Pro. 30. Such a kind of life ( I say ) if thou be wise , I wish thou wouldst especially desire and delight in . And assuredly , if thou greedily gape not after more , or more necessary things , than are competently sufficient ; this may very well satisfie and content any man to liue an honest , wise , and blessed life .

Moreouer , if the affayres of thy Prince call thee to the expedition , of any great , notable , and important employment , be not too highly conceited or affected with Of employments . this honour , or preferment . Neither be thou of opinion , that thy reputation , or authoritie , cannot well consist in safetie , vnlesse actions of such consequence , relie and depend vpon thy performance . Auoid rather ( good Courtier ) if I may aduise thee , by the examples of others , the too much intermedling in the difficult affayres , and secret counsels of thy Prince ; but so farre forth as they are iust and honest thou mayst , vnder goe them ; yet I say do not greedily desire to haue the specially hand in them . For , if those employments ( though neuer so great implicit and intricate , doe not gaine and obtaine a happie and hopefull issue and successe , then thou , who building Castles in the ayre , hadst purpos'd thereby to haue set vp the plumes of thy fame and renowne , shalt contrariwise now become a grieuous and egregious consumer and bankrupt , as it were , of thy former hoped fame , by a future hapning shame .

Now also as touching Matrimony or Marriage , I first Of Matrimony , or Marriages of Princes . of all and especially admonish thee , that vnlesse thou be thereunto solely or singly constrained , thou put not thy selfe forward in such a businesse , for wee finde it true by experimentall proofe , that many men ( others being debarr'd and kept out ) haue beene admitted , or rather haue intermingled and inuolued themselues into the secrets , and matrimonial negotiations of Princes ; as if they were the onely ominous Augours , and solid South-sayers of Nuptialls and Marriges ; but haue thereby euen plunged and ouer-whelmed themselues , into great and grieuous dangers , especially when the euent hath not fortunately answered the intent .

Againe , let the Courtier take heed in this respect , and Of Hum 〈◊〉 . embrace the good counsell of Polypus , which is , that hee highly esteeme Sobrietie , & Humilitie , least being by any thing puffed vp with pride , the Prince doe not onely perceiue , but punish the same , in that such a one would seeme and be esteemed , more wise and prudent than his Prince . This is an infallible truth , that Princes indeede doe delight in , and loue men famous for their learning , vertue , long grounded and graue experience : but they will , by no meanes , admit or permit with a patient mind , any whomsoeuer , that goes about to promote and preferre themselues aboue him ; nor those who for cruill gouernment are more highly prized or praysed than himselfe : Assuredly it hath beene in times past , is at this present , and will be in time to come , most faithfully true ; that ,

Nulla fides regni socijs , omnisque potestas Impatiens Consortis erit , &c. A Kingly Throne or Crowne will neere permit , Corriuall or Copartner there to sit .

But I speake not this , to that end and purpose , that all 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 all freedome and libertie of speech , should bee taken from Courtiers , being both graue , wise , and vnderstanding men ; For , neither is it befitting , nor doth it stand with reason , that they should so low deiect and abase themselues , as either to allow and approue of the illiberall and seruile opinions of others , or themselues to speake vnfaithfully ; which absurditie and impietie ( if wee will beleeue Plutarch ) is most worthy to bee reproued , and reprehended of all men . Let not then the Courtier , if an honest , graue , and discreet man , feare the displeasure of his Prince , whereby he should be restrained , not freely to deliuer those things , which he hath truly and wisely conceiued in his heart .

Moreouer , let both Simulation and Dis-simulation , Simulation & dissimulation in speech . that is , all counterfeiting or colourable dissembling , bee farre from the Courtly Counsellour , whensoeuer hee is to giue his Iudgement , or deliuer his opinion , concerning any matters alreadie propounded . Let him not then so much desire to insinuate , and creepe into the fauour and gracious acceptation of his Prince , by fraudulent cozenage , vnhonest trickes , or false tales ; as by vertue , wit , eloquence , excellencie , and integritie , with all which notwithstanding that he may be enriched and richly garnished , yet let him not for this cause deride and laugh others to scorne , or basely esteeme and vilifie them ; Nor so admire and magnifie himselfe , that by this meanes , he as it were pess●ndate and tread ●●em vnder his foote . But what then ? Why assuredly whosoeuer treades this path , walkes hastily into the high-way of his owne ruine and destruction , which happily hath not hap●ed to any one in our , or our Auncestors knowledge and remembrance . Doubtlesse this same Philautia , or selfe-loue neuer makes mention or motion to any goodnesse . Neither is it repugnant to reason and equitie , that he which onely desires to please and content himselfe , and contemptuously scornes and contemnes others , should semblablie be of others disdained , reiected , and scorned .

Furthermore ( kind Courtier ) I would here admonish Honest aduise in Counsell . thee this one thing also , That if peraduenture , by the authoritie of thy Prince , thou be to sit in Counsell about matters of great Consequence ; that thou seriously and sedulously ponder in mind , and strictly examine , whether the Counsell or businesse to be then vndertaken , in the name and right of thy Prince , be pleasing to God , profitable to the Common wealth , befitting the fame and reputation of the Counsellours themselues , as also easily and harmelesly to be affected : For , those Counsellours doe very badly aduise and counsel their Prince , who many times are the speciall causes , that they erect and build Townes , Towers , Trenches , Bulwarkes , or Warre-like Rampiers , and such like , little or nothing profitable to them , and by this meanes omit others more necessarie and commodious . In these , and such like affayres , let the Courtly Counsellour be alwayes most ready prest to appoynt such workes , as may be propice and profitable to his Prince and Countrey : Herein I say let him be verie discreet and prudent in counselling , as also most cunning and quicke witted , to display and lay open , what he hath Delay , discommended . to that purpose , in his heart excogitated : For , Princes especially are of all other men most impatient of delayes . Therefore to vse delay or protraction of time , and either by reason of the dullnesse of wit , or slow motions and conceptions of the minde , or else through want of mature Iudgement , to procrastinate and put off from day to day businesses , and imployments of great importance , and especiall moment , will not onely be very preiudiciall and obnoxious to thy credit and estimation , but euen to thy Prince himselfe most vnpleasant and vnacceptable .

Againe , let the Counsellour or honourable Embassadour , Not to discouer Secrets . mind and marke this , that he be not too forward to divulge and make knowne the waightie and important affayres , committed to his trust and fidelitie ; but what in him lies , let him couer and conceale them vntill such time , as they be effectually dispatched and concluded . But if otherwise , some with enuie will speedily so prosecute and persecute thee , as very much to hurt and hinder thy noble actions , or else others will not sticke to accuse thee of remissenesse , and want of wisedome , that such and such businesses were not with more celeritie , and expedition performed . Be carefull therefore without any rumour or noyse , speedily to strike the stroke of thine intended actions , yere any man haue time , so much as to muse or thinke thereon .

Furthermore , I would here suggest and put into the To be alwaies in action . minde of the wise Counsellour , this needfull and necessary admonition : namely , that like the Sun he be alwayes as it were in continuall action ; that is , That as much as in him lies , he liue not without employment ; this is the meanes to acquire and get a noble name , renowne , and reputation , especially if he doe speedily and fortunately officiate the affaires of his Prince .

Now in the true and due deliberation and execution of such actions , let the Courtier be hereof most aduisedly carefull , that he wrap vp in silence , whatsoeuer may either be hurtfull , or not helpeful therein . For , in this case , as the saying is , Grau is iactura loquelae est , Great damage Silence is commendable . and detriment ariseth from vndiscreet speech ; but commendable and comfortable is Silence , and Secrecy : For , as Bablers are in euery businesse very vnnecessary and vnprofitable , so especially , in high , great , and important affayres . Excellently therefore doth that most wise King reproue and reprehend sutilitie , or foolish babling . Pro. 20. Non admisceto te cum illo qui arcana detegit , Keepe not company with him which reuealeth secrets . That , therefore , which thou wouldst not haue another to blab , doe not thou thy selfe blaze abroad .

Now after all this , these subsequent considerations will To doe nothing without the Princes knowledge . also deserue thy frequent meditation , to wit , that thou attempt not any thing , though thou assuredly know it neuer so profitable , without the priuitie and consent of thy Prince , especially if he be not farre remote and absent from thee : for , what may he thence collect and conclude , but that thou didst contemne his Princely prerogatiue ; neglect him not therefore by any meanes , neither determine any thing , though in the smallest matters , or most easie and commodious manner , thy Prince not being therewith first acquainted .

Likewise , if the Courtier haue commission to execute Rules for an Embassadour . the place and employments of an Embassadour , let him not either by his owne authoritie , or by occasion of more commodious managing of his Embassage , alter or change any part of his charge therein contained : but let To tie himselfe to the rule of his Commission . him referre all his proceedings to the rule and forme of his Commission , or else vpon some new and inopinate accident , let him speedily aduise and consult with his Prince : For although it be determined and concluded by the Ciuill Lawes , that sometimes an Embassadour may exceed the bounds and limits of his Commission , if more amply and orderly the Embassage may be executed , than was therein commanded . Yet notwithstanding ( kind Courtier ) that , is not to be vnderstood of publicke , but of priuate affayres . That of Valerius , may giue thee satisfaction herein , Romanos Legationem , quibus acceperant verbis , peregisse . That the Romanes deliuered their Embassage in the selfe same words , wherein they had receiued it . And that also , of that most famous Father , diuine Bernard is in this case worthy remembrance , and deepe meditation , Non attendit ( sayth he ) verus obediens quale sit , quod praecipitur , hoc solo contentus , quod praecipitur . The truly obsequious and obedient Embassadour , considers not what kind of Commission or Command he hath receiued , being onely satisfied with what he is commanded . Heare this ( kind Courtier ) and performe the same : and acknowledge thy Prince lawfully , vsing his imperious prerogatiue , thy supreme Superiour , to whom thou oughtest to be most morigerous , and dutifull .

Againe , whither thou be sent as an Embassadour , Oratour , Interpretour , or Ledger , in time of Warre , or of Peace ; either for the present , or for long continuance ; for parle or performance of any affayres whatsoeuer , Not to vndertake matters aboue his power . thou must now most diligently enter into consultation with thy selfe , and examine thy power and facultie , what in such a case , is thy habilitie , or debilitie soundly and substantially to effect and accomplish the same . For , there is not a greater token of foolishnesse , or foole hardinesse , than for a man to take vpon him the execution of such a Function or Office , as he is not able safely to vndergoe . Beware therefore I say , and that seasonably , that thou do not at any time , affect or desire those things , which either thou knowest , or at least shouldst know , will be by thine impotencie , infirmity , and debility most obnoxious , most pernicious vnto thy selfe , or others , be heedfull herein I What is required in an Embassadour . aduise thee , and with a iudicious heart , poyse and consider in mind , the possibilitie , and efficacie , as well of thy bodie , as of thy wit and diseretion ; What thou art able to compasse by thy wisedome , learning , and eloquence : as also how expert and circumspect thou art to contriue any thing . Neither is it impertinent , that I added the habilities of the Bodie : for , it is vndoubtedly without all controuersie , that in an Embassadour is required a faire and comely constitution of Bodie , that is , such an externall beautie , and pleasant personablenesse , as may be most amiable , and louely in the eyes of his beholders . For , no wise man surely will gaine-say , but that euen in the maiesty or gracefulnesse of the body is a certaine genuine and imbred honour , and reuerence represented . Dost thou desire examples ? They are pregnant . For , we read that Alexander the Great , was most coyly and disdainefully beheld by the Queene of the Amazones , for no other reason , than that shee found not in that so potent and mightie Monarch , such beautie & comelinesse of bodie , as she expected in him ; whose not able fame of admired deedes of prowesse , had beene from farre bruted and divulged vnto her . Very memorable also is that of the Stoick Cato , who derided & iested vpon those Embassadors of Roome one of whome , had a very foule and vnseemely scarre vpon his head , caused by a blow with a stone : the other being lame The Senate of Roome ( sayth hee ) haue sent an Embassador , which hath neither head nor feete .

Heere also ( least wee proue a most thanklesse and ingratefull A Briefe memoriall of that most memorable Queene Elizabeth . Posterity ) let me step one foote out of the way , & adde one more as a personal patterne , and liuely example hereof ; How great and gratious heroicke imperiall , and specious maiesty , was in that most magnificent , and royall Elizabeth , so long as she liued Queene , of this famous and flourishing Iland ? our neighbors , The Low countrymen Germans , French , Itallians , Spaniards and Polonians , knew thee well , o thou neuer sufficiently praised Princesse ! yea , I say the Grecian and Barbarian Embassadors , held it an especial cause of exceeding great reuerence , only to see thy beauty , & no lesse then an admirable wonder to heare Thee speake . But , of thee , thrice noble Princesse , in whose body and soule , was seated and setled diuine Grace and Maiesty , what can I say without thee ? saue only this that so long as any state and condition of mortall men shall remaine ; thy name , and fame shall remaine ▪ and freshly flourish ; neither shall any age , or posterity smoother vp in silence or cast into the pit of obliuion , the worthy praise of thy Maiesty , Grauity and magnanimity , which was most illustriously garnished , and as it were varnished , with vnspeakable and vnheard gratious courtesie , and affability , Farewell then , thou celestiall and imperiall Princesse , the most excellent , and eminent Phoenix , fautrix , and fauourer of learning , and all vertuous Arts and Sciences : Thou art now blessedly ascended , from this momentany and temporary Court , into a heauenly Palace ; into that place wher thou now enioyest eternall ioy without annoy or bitternesse , and euerlasting quietnesse without all care or disturbance . Thou o Angelicall Sanited soule , yere thou wast old , wast carefull to liue well , that when thou wast old ▪ thou mightst dy wel . Wee also in the interim whiles here wee as it were , creepe vp and downe on the obscene Scene of this wretched world , doe all of vs bend our course thither , doe all hast and runne to that goale . But what doe I , whither doe I run , by digressing too far from the end , where vnto I intend my iourney ? I must therefore now returne , from that Court to this Court .

After all these things , which wee haue admonished , and demonstrated , to the Courtier , Let the Courtly embassador , doe his best endeauour , so to dispatch and performe his embassages ; and so discreetly to order and dispose of all his seuerall actions therein , that he may not I●pudency or 〈◊〉 to be auoided in an ●●mbassador . with many others before him , feare that ; Legato deesse os , The Embassador hath no face , that is , hee is such a one , as is not a sham'd at any thing hee does . Therfore ( kinde Courtier ) that thou maist be gratious in the acceptance both of thy Prince , from whom , and to the Prince , to whom thou art sent ; be by all meanes furnished with a quicke and nimble wit , that thou maist answere subtilly and eloquently , together with a certaine grauity , gracefullnesse , and delectable sweete vtterance , both to say & doe matters premeditated , or not premeditated , with solid polisht and acute iudgment for many times ( beleeiue me ) such accedentall matters may in thy imploiments bee contingent and fallout , as will not admit delay , nor time for consultations .

Let the courtly Embassador or Orator obserue and marke this also , that although , eloquence in speaking be Not to be too Rhetoricall very excellent and commendable ; yet not withstanding hee must discreetely , moderate his speech from too many Rhetoricall glosses , and figuratiue illustrations ; I deny not , but that such like painted amplifications , being , as it were , the most beautifull lights of an Oration , may haue their most pertinent , & exquisite vse in the Schooles , Temple , and Seate of Iudgement , but not before a Prince Let therefore thine Oration or speech to a Prince be elaborate and well fraught , and furnished with graue reasons , and pithy and substantiall sentences , rather than with the waight of words onely ; a pure , simple , smooth , and plaine speech , is certainely most pleasing to a Prince : And contrarywise , an intricate , coullerable , and curiously , contriued speech is most displeasing .

Furthermore , let the Embassador be well seene in the To be expertin the language of that Country whither he goes Embassador . Language of that Country , or Kingdome , whither he is sent ; but especially , in that which he may vnderstand , the Prince ; to whome he is sent , is most delighted withall . The Latine Tounge , vndoubredly is very acceptable every where : wherefore let him be most skilfull therein , that he may bee able to speake it most promptly , familiarly , and exquisitely . Thou hearest not any Nicepherus speaking to thee , who most in considerately , would haue a man learne perfectly all languages . Neither can I bee perswaded that of Mithridates was true , that he was euer able to speake 22 seuerall languages ; But wee here doe only , and especially , perswade vnto an Idioma , or most propper forme of speech .

Againe , it is not so much desired in any Embassador , To be a good Historian and Antiquary . that he bee a meere Philosopher , as that he be an excellent Antiquary , and well red Historian , for things to come are for the most part , like vnto those which are already past and performed , which an Embassador must also know , as beeing indeed a Polititian .

Vnto these foresaid cautions I add Temperance , which Temperance in an Embassador very requisite . also I , as a speciall ornament recommend to the Courtiers , or Embassadors , prudent consideration ; Send I pray thee ( friendly Courtier ) into perpetuall exile or banishment , all the vnreuerent rabble , of inordinat lusts and desires , which are indeed at vtter defiance , and open warre with Temporance and Reason .

If thou be inuited to Banquets , or Feasts , let amoderate and indifferent prouision , of meate and drinke satisfie , content and please thee , let thy Sermocination , or conference , be sweete and pleasant , and the good will & cheerefull acceptance of the guests , be hearty and faithfull and be not ouer come with wine , or strong drinke ; for , what soundnesse of wit and discretion , can bee in the head , braine , or minde of that man , which doth as it were stuffe , glut , and gorge himselfe , with immoderatly denoured meate and drinke . Neither is it to be imagined , that Circes did Metamorphise , the companions of Vlisses into Swine , by any other meanes than this ; which , hir Sorcery or witchcraft ( as the Poets faine ) could take no effect vpon Vlysses himselfe , he being a sober , satiate , and moderate man . Let the Courtier obserue , and heedfully marke this , least by too indulgent freenesse and forwardnesse to drinke , being by the fables and false tales of others , prickt forward and prouoked , hee take such a fall as may vtterly ouer-throw , the high building of all his former credit and reputation . These things I could heartely desire , euery Courtier would at all times carefully ruminate , consider and recogitate , but especially then when as ●●e is to haue Audience , and to deliuer the Summe of his Ambassage . To this purpose let him thinke vpon Xenocrates , who being by the Athenians sent Embassador , that he might not in curre the the least suspect of intemperance , is said that he would neuer so much as touch or taste any the least quantity of meate or drinke , vntill he had vttered , and deliuered the effect of his Ambassage .

Honorius and Theodosius the Emperors were of opinion , To bee acquainted and to reueale the secrets of the place where they were Embassadors that it is not fit to search and pry into the secrets of forraine Kings ; yet in my iudgement , I cannot see any iust reason why it should be blameable in an Embassador , if when he be returned , he know and make knowne , those things which may seeme and that most iustly , to appertaine into the common-wealth ; I meane those things espicially , which belong to customes , Religion , Nationall lawes , situations of Kingdomes , Castles , Cities , Rayments , Ornaments of Princes , Conditions of Counsellors , Originals , Families , power , possession or riches , forme and fashions of Architecture or buildings and such like . For , what can be more disgracefull to an Embassador than when his Prince doth question him concerning those things , to finde him ignorant of them , the greatest parte whereof or at least the 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , That whereof himselfe was an eye-witnesse hee might easily haue vnderstood and haue had ample information ?

Let the Courtier be the first in perswading his Prince , Of dismission of Embassadours . that he would be pleased ( notwithstanding that the Embassadours for diuerse reasons may be distastefull vnto him ) yet both royally and magnificently to respect and entertaine them , and to giue them a gracious and Princely hearing , and with a large & liberall reward to dismisse them ; that they may not haue any iust cause to complaine of his parsimonie , vngentlenesse , and inhumanitie .

The Embassadour and Courtly Counsellour must not Of the dispatch of an Embassage . ( by any meanes ) be remisse in his affayres , & yet let him be as fearefull as hopefull of the prosperous issue and euent of them : least being onely led with a precipitate confidence of good successe , he doe the more negligently and carelesly , put in execution the charge committed to him in his Commission .

Let him also in all other matters , hate and auoid curiositie , Curiositie . and not excruciate himselfe with care for those things which hee ought not : for , as Plutarch testifies , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Curiositie is a vile and seruile vice or wretchednesse . Therefore , though in Courts , curiosities tickling and inticing motions be pleasant and delightfull , yet let euery discreet , honest , and wise Courtier neglect , and reiect it .

Let this caution also be carefully imprinted in the mind Verbositie . and memory of euery Courtier , that in his speech he expresse more Prudency than Verbositie , and with the most sage and graue , to be briefe & compendious , in the handling and dispatching of any his actions and employments whatsoeuer . For , there is nothing can be more irke some to a Prince , nor in deed to any other prudent man , than to listen to those men , which like a mightie flood of words , or an emptie Barrell , doe make a huge sounding noyse , without any soundnesse of iudgement or discretion ; who are , as the Countrey-man sayd of the Nightingale , Vox tantum , praeterea nihil , Nothing but words and wind .

Moreouer , let the Courtly Counsellour obserue , that when he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or intendeth any matter of moment Opportunity . with 〈◊〉 Prince , he carefully watcheth a ●it opportunitie , and that he begin the same from some new gratefull 〈◊〉 , which he may thinke will delight , or giue content to his Prince . But if at that time , his Prince be exercised about other serious affayres , let him desist , and wisely watch a more seasonable and conuenient occasion : how much opportunitie is auaileable , Pindarus in his Pythies doth excellently declare , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Time ( saith he ) in euery thing hath the supreme place . Let the Courtier therefore know , and know assuredly , that such is the validitie and efficacie of time and opportunity , that it is able to translate and transmutate , that which is honest into dis-honestie , profit into dis-profit ; and a good turne into a shrewd turne , and the contrary . Finally , time is able to alternate , and quite change the face , fashion , and nature of any thing : this did Salomon that most wise king vnderstand and teach , Pro. 15. Laetatur homo in sentemi●●ris sui , & serm● oportunus est optimus . A man hath ioy ( saith he ) by the answere of his mouth , and a word spoken in due season ; is most excellent . But enough of these things , now to the matter .

In the vndertaking and handling of any publike employments , let the Counsellour haue an especiall respect A foure-fold Caution . and regard of his honour and dignitie , which hee may safely prouide for , by this foure-fold rule and direction , maugre all the malice , fretting ; and furring of all his enuious enemies . First of all , let him endeuour what in him lies , to liue well , and well to vnderstand the Truth , which is a most luculent and euident argument of Sapience . Secondly , let him administer , and giue good & wholesome counsell to his Prince , which is a point of Prudence . Thirdly , let him both desire and endeuour that which is good vnto him ; which is a propertie of Iustice . Fourthly , let him delight to doe good , which is a token of constancie and perseuerance . And he certainly which is armed with this Quadruple Shield or Target , shall not easily be ouer throwne from the hight of his honour and dignitie .

But ( kind Courtier ) in euery deliberation and consultation , Inconueniences . which appertaines to publike businesses , consider well , whence either greater or lesser inconueniences may arise , and make choice ( as the chiefe ) of that determination , whence the smaller discommodities doe acrew , and which come neerest to the Lawes and written word of God : Let the Courtier settle his aboade here as in a most exquisit , smooth , and plaine way , namely , that he meditate , and muse on the most excellent things , that he speake the best , and but few things , that he execute and performe the most singular and substantiall things , and these , all , such as may be most honest , lawfull , and beneficiall either to the Church , or Common-Wealth . Such a man as this may easily be discerned , to differ from the forme , figure , and similitude of a Seruant , or slauish Vassall . Neither shall he be of necessitie constrained to take all he needs from the Casket of a Womans Nurcery , Not to relie too much vpon others . or from the braine and inuention of some Courtly Chaplaine . For , what hath neerer relation to the condition of Seruants and bondmen , than meerely to depend and relie vpon simple Women , or Ecclesiasticall Courtiers , in Courtly affayres ? What is more base and abiect , than , least we should be depriued of our office and preferment , to consent and subscribe to the opinions and purposes of others , though neuer so wicked , or vnequall , yea , and that , sometimes in matters of Religion , and Saluation ? Oh woe ! oh shame ; alas , What pen , what tongue is able to expresse , how shamefull , grosse , and grieuous it is ? That a man should thus mancipate and beslaue himselfe to others ? That whatsoeuer wrong , and iniustice , they allow , we must approue ? Whatsoeuer impietie , or dishonestie they affirme to be good , we must say and sweare t is so ? Let Courtiers in this case call to mind , that notable and remarkable example , which Theodorick Afrus hath left as a patterne to posteritie , who commanded all such Gnathonicall Sycophants , to be put to death , saying : Si Deo fidem non seruastis , quomodo homini sinceram conscientiam seruabitis ? If yee be not faithfull to God , how is it possible yee can be faithfull to man ? Marke this I pray thee ( good Courtier ) and thou whosoeuer thou art , whom Heauen hath aduanced to I know not what Scepters , Pallaces , Courts , Kingdomes , and Empires , he certainly which is not faithfull to God , or by such deceiueable and fraudulent meanes , gets a Crowne , or a Kingdome , hath vndoubtedly Subiects scarcely faithfull , and a Kingdome scarce constant , or durable to him , and in stead of renowne , and I know not what maiestie , which he sought for , findeth nothing , but a meere shaddow , smoake , and vanitie . I , of set purpose here let passe a most terrible and lamentable example , which , alas , not many yeares since did truly teach vs , and the very fact it selfe of the murtherer did apparantly proue to be most true ; which 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , wee doe but touch by the way . For , to desire either to rip vp or rub ouer a fresh , the memorie of which said most sad example , were to do nothing else than to renew our griefe , sorrow , and lamentation , and to touch that Vlcer , wherewith that most prodigious Monster of men had stricken this whole Christian Orbe , yea , vs and all good men , with a most detestable , vnhappie , and vnluckie blow . But to the purpose : Fly , O fly I beseech thee ( good Courtier ) this infamous blemish , yea this dishonest and dishonourable staine afore-named ; seeke not daintie delights , by such dangerous endeuours , to vphold the Nobilitie of thy Auncestors ; doe not too higly extoll or magnifie thy Pedegree , and the smoakie images of thy Progenitours . Neither doe thou vaine gloriously bragge & boast of thy valiant or victorious deeds of Chiualrie , truly t is thus , the glorious renowne and fame of thy Forefathers , is a true and vnextinguished light to posteritie , and ( to speake with Crispus ) suffers not their good or euill actions to lie buried in obliuion ; yet heare and beleeue this one thing , which I shall tell thee ; since all men had nothing but Dirt and Slime for their first and great Grandfather , as well they which loftily and haughtily brag and vaunt it out in purple and scarlet robes , as they which are prest and opprest with pouertie , and sicknesse : As well they which with wide mouth'd ostentation , do crake and boast of stately Statues , Trophees , Triumphs , and Consull-Ships of their Auncestors , as those who haue most priuately , penuriously , and very hungrily led their liues in poore Countrey-cottages : Doe not therefore proudly , and disdainefully glory in thy Grand fathers , or great Grand-fathers Eminence , but if thou desire to mount and to surmount others , excell and exceede them in honestie and integritie of life and conuersation ; Let thy nobilities originall and foundation be founded and grounded on Vertue , whereof assuredly t is farre better to haue beene the first Author and Occasioner , then either being well begun by others , to be ouerthrow thereof , or at least to arrogate and vendicate the same vnto thy selfe , by disgracefull frowardnesse , vntowardnesse , and petulancie . Let then ( I say ) thy deedes be more worthy than thy words ; and shew not thy selfe such an idle , or vnmanly Noble man , as onely to vaunt of voluptuousnesse , ease and idlenesse , which thou hast especially got from the many worthy employments of thy generous , industrious , and vertuous Progenitours . These things ( kinde Courtier ) though I thus obiect vnto thee , yet is it not my mind or intention , to counsell thee , that in the narrow straights of Fortune , thou shouldst debase or abuse the Noble Linage of thine Honourable Auncestors , by subiecting thy selfe to slauery , or basenesse ; but that thou shouldst endeuour by all vertuous and laudable meanes ; to conserue and keepe it inuiolate , vnspotted , and vndisgraced , and not suffer it ignominiously to sinke into the pit of blacke obliuion , or vtter forgetfulnesse .

Here againe take heed to thy selfe , that either by hautinesse Pride and hautinesse of mind . of mind , or pride of life thou doe not exasperate and prouoke to anger , other men more noble , excellent , and eminent than thy selfe , and so kindle the furious flames of fierie wrath , and enuie against thee , especially israised from a plebean & most meane estate , thou stretch out and extend thy plumes so farre , as to excell and surpasse the noblest and most renowned men of honour and nobilitie , chiefely if thou attaine to this hight of honour and celsitude , by meere grace and fauour , or as some ( somtimes doe ) by illegitimate and dishonest stratagems , not by famous facts , or meritorious atchieuements . Let not therefore the immodest or immoderate care , & eager desire , or rather ardent fire of ouermuch ambition , withdraw thy mind from modestie , from equitie , neither enrich or ennoble thine estate by hooke , or by crooke , by right or wrong . Wilt thou Courtier win a Kingdome , or gaine a Crowne ? then hate hot lust , and base couetousnes , Yea , wilt thou enioy all things , then I say thirst not after , couet not any thing ?

Heare and beleeue Seneca , that famous Philosopher , and excellent Schoole-Maister of mans life , Hos est Regnum , nolle regnare cum possis ; This is a Kingdome , to refuse a Kingdome , when thou mightst raigne as King . Finally if thy mind prouoke thee to inordmate desire , let that of Lucan in his first booke , revoke thee ;

Inuida fatorum series , Summisque negatum stare diu . Th' emperiall and impartiall Fates-decree That highest Thrones shall ruinated bee .

But , since all things which now seeme old haue binne All things haue their beginning and end . new and did not once want their originall and first being , let no wise and discreete Courtier hate or emulate another for the honor which he hath lately , and that deseruedly got and attained vnto ; for if thou land or commend any man , for his riches , dignity , and prosperity , thou praisest such externall matters , as not being a mans owne , but as the Philosopher calls them Bona fortunae the Goods of fortune , are therefore due to fortune : but if thou extoll and magnifie , a noble man who is of singular parts , and excellently qualified ; a great Scholler , passing eloquent , famous for councels , at home ; or conquests at warre ; heere then indeede thou dost praise the man himselfe , & nothing but what is his owne . Let such a Courtier , that he may the better maintaine his honour , dignity , and Nobillity , be a man of most exquisite carriage , beautified with sweete and delicate , constitution of body ; his ornaments of Apparell very honourable rich and sumptuous , for if that be true which Homer said .

Namque viro magnum vestis decus addit honesta A mans rich clothes and sumptuous ornament , Addes no small honour to his high descent .

This , indeede is in some sort true , and befitting euery man , but especially him which is attendant at Courte . Now to these external ornaments , let him adde the magnificence and noblenesse of other things , which as in all others so especiallie ( as Aristotle testifies ) are in a noble Courtier , most conueniently to bee prouided ; otherwise he looseth the reputation and renowne of his magnificence and excellency .

Furthermore euery Courtier must in the Court carry Of behauiour . about with him a cheerefull countenance , a tongue slow of speech , and a heart that can as it were imprison and locke vp his secrets ; but let him especially take heed of ridiculous or wanton gestures : for what can be more absurde fond and foolish than in conference to vse mimicall and idle behauiour , winding , wagging and wresting the body to and fro like a vice or foole on a stage , whereby beyond all grauity and decent sobriety , they seeme to iet or dance vp and downe casting their heeles , hands , & feete , hither and thither and looking another way , as if they were talking with some others . These things as they doe very much deface and disgrace euen the best speechees a man can deliuer : so , are they most patent and apparent arguments , of a light and vnconstant mind , which none surely but euen a meere sot , or one that hath not so much as one eye of vnderstanding , but most certainly knowes to be true .

Againe I heere aduise euery Courtier , that if at any A Caution . time , he desire to shun , and avoide the danger and displeasure of his Princes indignation , that he suffer not his offices , Place or dignities to be taken from him , by any others , than by his Prince himselfe : for doubtlesse it cannot but be very silly and absurd , for any man to expect a remuneration and recompence from any others , than from him to whome he desires , and endeauours his labours may worthily bee approued ; therefore I wish & aduise thee , ( kind Courtier ) that thou bee not alwaies Not to be too frequent with or absent to long from thy Prince . present with thy Prince , nor too long absent from him , dost thou desire to know my reason ? t is this , the one procures hatred and wearisomenesse of thee , the other causeth vnmindfulnesse & forgetfulnesse of thee , be not therefore I say so absent from the presence of thy Prince as that he vtterly forget thee , neither do thou so often & importunately intrude thy selfe into his presence , as that thy person proue irkesome , and vngratefull vnto him , but that thou maiest to thy speciall benefit and with his fauoure and affection , be absent from him thou maist labor to compasse and procure such fauourable and honorable Embassages , as thou maist imagine obserue and perceiue , will be gratefully acceptable to thy Prince ; by this meanes , though absent in body , thou shalt be still present in the heart , and affection of thy Prince , and as a new and lately entertained fauorite , mayest with ioy and alacritie comfortably returne vnto him .

Let the Courtier warily , and blamelesly learne , patiently Of enuie . to beare , contemne , and set light by Enuie and Hatred , and let him in the interim both say and doe whatsoeuer is iust and equall , for by this meanes , as sure as what is most sure , it will come to passe , that thou shalt vndoubtedly foyle and fell thine Enemies , and enuious emulatours , what ere they be . Also let the Courtier most assuredly perswade himselfe hereof , that Enuie doth not so much harme , to the partie enuied , as to the Author thereof , or partie enuying , but by all meanes haue thou a care , that thou thy selfe hate and repudiate this most odious and shamefull vice in thy selfe , which assuredly proceeds from no other fountaine or spring : nay , rather from no other sinke , or muddy pit , than a loath some and sauage motion and disposition of rancour and malice , most true therefore is that Greeke Elegie , translated into Latine .

Iustius inuidiâ nihil est , quae protinus ipsum Auctorem rodit , discruciatque animum . Enuie most iustly doth himselfe destroy , Hurts his owne Heart , procures his owne annoy .

Thou , Courtier , then whosoeuer thou art , that art sicke of this enuious disease , breake the fury , vanquish the fellnesse thereof I aduise thee . For , as a vessell which is mustie and vncleane , at the first , doth quickly and most easily putrifie , spoyle , and defile whatsoeuer good liquor or moysture is put therein : So a minde vitiated and contaminated with this shrewd , lewd , and dishonest disposition , and inclination to enuie , can neuer purely possesse perfect quiet , and tranquillitie . Wherefore either let the Courtier neatly , and pleasantly , frump and flout the biting and despightfull speeches of the enuious , or else as wisely and wittily retort them , as they are maliciously darted against him , but neuer let him with violence , or vehemence , repugne or repell them , especially if they proceed from a Prince , Primate , or principall man of authoritie . For t is Wisedome with patience to endure and suffer , not to reuenge and reproue that which cannot be otherwise altered . Let Courtiers also vnderstand and know this , that enuie is ( as it were ) the common pestilence and infection of a Court , which as it is connatiue with man , so doth it with man ( either amongst them of equall or inferiour condition ) arise and grow vp . Notwithstanding ( kind Courtier ) dost thou desire a preseruatiue against it , and to haue a salue to heale this dangerous sore ; I desire thee at least to abate & extenuate it by courttesie , graciousnesse , and affabilitie . If in the meane season any chance or mischance befall thee , by the enuie of the impious and vngodly , thinke thus with thy selfe , that all men cannot ( at all times ) continue excellent & eminent : for , in short time many may be erected to the top of preferment , and the same men be as suddainly deiected to the depth of distresse and calamitie , and those especially which liue in Princes Palaces . For , can any man possible be so ignorant of this our humane case and condition The condition of a Couruer . as not to know , and to bee vndoubtedly assured , that Courriers according to the will and pleasure of their Prince , are sometimes happie , sometimes vnhappie , somtimes mightie , sometimes miserable ? What if this should come to passe , which also is a humane casualtie , and in a Prince , as he is a man excusable , and to bee endured , namely , that without any great respect of iudicious considerations , he magnifie and lift vp this or that man , to the highest step of honour and dignitie , or contrariwise that he vilifie and thrust downe to the very bottome of basenesse , a man famous for his noble linage , vertue , and literature ; and whose merits haue beene most meritorious in the Common Wealth . Thou maist hence ( I say ) learne ( friendly Courtier ) by this and such like , to endure that which thou wilt hardly approue : yet feare and forbeare to censure thy Prince , if thou meane not to deceiue thy selfe ; for so farre forth as he is pleased to vse his owne Princely power and authoritie , let his will be thy rule of Iustice . Neither let the old or new examples which hapned in Germany , France , and Polonia , put any other meditations and considerations into thy heart . But let this The Princes will the Couruers tule . just and vpright Law satisfie and content thee ; Principis tui voluntas tibi sit firma , rata & grata . Let the pleasure of thy Prince settle , firme , and confirme thine . Wander not farther then this I aduise thee , if thou be wise . It may be some subtil violent and immoderate motion of the mind may disswade , and perswade thee otherwise ; but I say still , let reason and experience rule thee , and iudge not that to be rashnesse or dishonestie , which seemes to thy Prince right and equitie ; For surely that Courtier which by this meanes suffers shipwracke , in the sea of the court , shall , Improbe & iniqne ( as the Prouerbe is ) Neptunum accusare , Accuse Neptune vniustly . For , as the Mariner which once or twice hath suffered Ship-wracke on the Sea , if when he approcheth neere dangers , he striue not to auoid them , wants not opportunitie and fit occasion , hauing entred into the Sea againe , to fall into , and dash himselfe vpon the same misfortune . After the selfe same manner , that Courtier which hath suffered diuers and sundry sinister mischances , and disasterous slips , in this slippery way , and vnconstant fauour of Princes , hath no cause to promise to himselfe any certaintie , nor can he in such violent and turbulent ouerflowing floods , assure vnto himselfe a calme sea , or a sure and secure seate , I meane a peaceable and contented minde .

Furthermore ( kind Courtier ) if thou hast resolutely resolued , and determined to vndertake any large progresse , course , and continuance vnder thy Prince , enforce thy selfe to the vttermost of thy power , to expresse thy Promptitude . promptitude and industrious diligence in thine office or calling . For , as rash malapertnesse and disobedience , doe hurt , hinder , yea , and vtterly breake off Courtly proceedings ; so assuredly obedience , prompt , and readie prest obseruance and diligence , doe commend , promote , and aduance the excellent endeuours of an honest Courtier .

Let the Courtier also which desires and aspires to honour and preferment by his Prince , haue this care & due To be exercised in his Princes presence . consideration , that as much as ere he may , he be euer occupied & exercised in his Princes sight , that he may take notice of his diligence , yet let this be done very seasonably , and not too importunely : Let him therefore in this respect obserue the most seasonable times ; for vsually suddaine and vnexpected employments are iminent and ingruent to Princes , which they ( for the most part ) will credit , and commit to their dispatch and performance which come next into their presence .

Let the wise Courtier also obserue and note this , that To preferre things present before future things . alwayes he preferre things present , and not perillous , before future and feareful things , if so be that which is good and honest doe not prohibit the same ; for , he which puts not a period and iust limitation to his rouing & rauening lusts and desires , or preferres future things , which many times proue bitter , and distastefull , before things present , greedily gaping after new offices , and imployments ; doth seldome or neuer gaine much thereby , but like Aesops dog , while they couetously snatch at a double doubtfull commoditie , they most commonly loose their single certaintie . Wherefore I againe and againe exhort the Courtier , that he herein be aduised , and that he loose not certaine , for vncertaine things : for to vse a measure in our desires , is a speciall point of wisedome , and modestie , and not Spem praetio emere , to buy our hope at too heauie or deere a ra●e , as Terence his Sannio well and wittily doth admonish vs .

Let vs also know thus much , that although yong Courtiers be for the most part very rude & foolishly insolent , yea , in many things much to be reprehended ; yet they not being grossely defiled with any haynous offences , or capitall crimes , are therefore in some sort pardonable , and to be excused : For t is good that euery one should haue this in due consideration ;

Nam vitijs nemo sine nascitur , optimus ille est , Qui minimis vrgetur . Sin , from our Birth hath all our hearts possest , He then which hath least sin , is blest and best .

If then in that more licencious life , which for the most part , Courtiers doe enioy in a Court , there be ouer much and immoderate loosenesse of life and conuersation , it is better ( but no farther than we may with a good conscience ) in some measure wisely to excuse them , than by putting oyle and fire together , to disquiet and trouble them with ignominious and bitter speeches . Let vs bee guided with this rule , through the whole course of our life , that we may ( what in vs lyes ) haue Peace with all men ; and wage Warre onely with their vices . Now in the meane while , euen those Courtiers which , as much as they are able , doe couer and conceale the outward apparances , and demonstrations of their inward conditions , and inclinations , doe , notwithstanding soone or late breake forth , and discouer what is in them : so that they which with so great care and circumspection , would haue cloaked and kept close , what manner of men they were , haue ( at length ) in one vice or other , bin openly detected . Let Courtiers therefore in this regard , looke to themselues , and although they may fondly say , and so saying deceiue themselues , That no man sees or can witnesse against them , yet let them know and know assuredly , that the All-seeing eye of Gods knowledge doth ( as it were ) through the Looking-glasse of Heauen , presently behold and discerne whatsoeuer the heart of man , most priuily and priuately conceiueth . Wherefore it can nothing Neither greatnesse nor priuacie of place , can hide our sins from God . at all profit or auaile the Courtier to be great in grace , and great fauour and authoritie , or to seeke out the most retired , or solitary places that may be , whereby he may the more eagerly , and conueniently without disturbance or discouery , thinke vpon and put in practice , the high displeasure , dissimulation , and other priuate motions and machiuations of his mind : God I say , who , as the Prophet testifies , Scrutatur corda & renes , Is searcher both of the heart and reines , sees & fore-sees all the most secret thoughts and intentions of thy mind . Neither be thou of opinion , that the impious imaginations which thou hast excogitated and ruminated in the depth of thy heart , though in most secret and obscurest places , if against the expresse rule of Gods word and truth , can euer haue a good end and prosperous conclusion . Thou maist paraduenture ( occasion being offered ) broach them abroad , but either wrath , rage , dissimulation , or faction , and such like , will assuredly crosse , if not vtterly confound thee . For , t is as true as old a saying , Qui fo●●ea●● alteri fodit , incidit in illam . Hee which digs a pit for another fals into it himselfe ; So likewise after the same manner , he that puls downe his Neighbous hedge , is oftentimes by deceit , as a lurking Serpent , sorely wounded , if not by his venimous and mortiferous sting , stung , to the death : so I say , they which machinant or inuent any treacherous destruction to their King or prince ( not only because they contest with one more mighty ) are themselues confounded ; but especially because God himselfe hath commanded that the Maiesty of a King , being as it were his representation and Vice-Gerent on earth , shall be held most holy and inuiolate ; And that he therefore will so surely , and seuerely , be the reuenger of such impieties , as An admonition to perfidious Traitors and bloody Iebusites . that scarcly any I say not gratious Kings , but euen gracelesse Tirants , shall be peraduenture destroied or supplanted by them , but that after the same manner , a like reuenge shal bee retaliated and paide home into their owne Bosome .

Thinke vpon this then , you Courtly Polititians , ambitious Swash-bucklers , and Blood sucking Traitours , which thinke to shroud and shelter your selues , vnder the most holy & immaculate name of Iesus . t is not your solitary , or retyred places , t is not your couzenage and equluocation , t is not ( I say ) the authority of your great High Priest ▪ or the dignity of a Cardinall , no nor the fained and false Vizarde of your Catholike , Apostolike , Re●●ish Religion , that can make such euill to bee good , T is better , yea I say t is farre better , if perchance thou be expelled from the presence of thy Prince or remoued from thy due dignities and preferments ; not onely to couer Not to reuenge our owne wrong● and dissemble thine iniuries and greiuances , but euen patiently , and with a contented mind to sustaine and endure them . Neither should any wise or understanding man nor any that hath the feare of God before his eies , thinke that he may iustly reuenge his owne wrong , and either in word or deede intende or attempt any thing , that may redound to the preiudice of his Prince .

Furthermore thou ( kind Courtier ) which art a man , Not to be ruled by women and borne to bee of a manly spirit and disposition , suffer not thy selfe to be ouer rulde by women , especially simple and ignorant women ; for , nothing almost can be to any man more wretched and slauish , then to abase and indignifie himselfe so far , as to obay the rigid rigorous & many times vniust command , of imperious and impetuous women : whereby indeede he doth no better than apparently seeme to neglect , reiect , and refuse , that Honorable prerogatiue wherewith God his all blessed Creator , had from the beginning honoured him .

Now come we to lay downe some few directions and instructions , how the Courtier may carry himselfe in the change and alteration of a King or kingdome . As in all other things , so likewise in this , a meane is the best . How to carry himselfe in the change of a Prince . Wherefore a new Prince being inaugurated and inuested into his Crowne & kingdome , shew not thy selfe too sad and sorrowfull , nor too glad pleasant and ioyfull ; what then ? heare ; and make vse . Let thy countenance be modest and graue , and when thou maist without harme to thy credit and reputation , temper thy ioyes with some teares of sorrow , and soberly and discreetely intermingle some sighes and lamentation with thy present obsequious obseruances .

When the Courtier perceiues that his Prince in his benigne , bountifull , and liberall disposition , is forward and ready to conferre and bestow vpon him , any honest and Princely profer or present pay of ready mony ; let him vse no delayes but with all celerity and expedition , let him ( yet with an honest minde and carriage ) receiue and accept of it ; for , assuredly t is farre better to haue in present possession , than to hope with long expectation , and once tene , tene , is better than an hundred times Cape , Cape .

The Courtier endeauouring to compasse a courtly Of the Princes liberality . life and being promoted therevnto , must giue out and report abroad that he did not so much gaine the same by his owne proffered Seruice , but rather that , that his office or place of preferment , was conferred and imposed vpon him , by the especiall and free election and choice of his Prince ▪ for , thou being by this meanes , admitted and placed therein mayst deale with thy most intimate frends as touching thy Prince , or his administrations and emploiments , alwaies directing thy words to such a sence as that they may not maliciously be wrung and wrested to the worst ; if thou bee not carefull herein , t is likely that one subtill Vlisses or other , will circumuent and intrapp stupid & hasty Aiax , and thereby shalt thou greiue thy selfe , and make others scorne and scoffe at thee . Let the Wisedome of Epicharmus therefore , I wish thee , be thy Wisedome , especially in Princes Palaces , Nulli fidere , To trust no man . For it cannot be Wisedome or discretion in any man to put confidence in Courtiers rewards , gifts , and faire promises : because indeed many of them wil seeme euen to load those men with rich gifts and presents , onely out of meere pride of mind and vaine glorious oftentation , to whom notwithstanding they beare intestine hatred and rancorous displeasure . And what then ? Why euen those will counterfeit and dissemble , that they reioyce at thy prosperitie and well-fare , whereas indeed they enuie the same , and doe inwardly grieue , when they seeme outwardly to smile . Neither are these the trickes of Courtiers onely , but euen of the whole world , which indeed makes those that desire and looke for that better life in heauen , to despise and hate this here on earth . And who indeed that hath any sparke of grace , or is possessed with any contempt of the vanitie and villany of this present life , is not ashamed to thinke , that he can gather Figs from Thistles , Grapes from Thornes , or pure Wheat out of drosse and Darnell .

But I proceede , and here admonish the Courtier , that he beware of those dignities and preferments , which by reason of too eager desire , to bring his friends also into office and promotion , are a great hindrance to the better performance of his owne proper , and peculiar affayres . Beneficence is indeed a noble vertue , whereby we according Of Beneficence . to our power , doe assist , and do good to those which are worthy the same . To our power , I say , because it is not fit I should water another mans ground , mine owne being dry and thirstie ; for , perfect Charitie beginnes at home . Let vs therefore be very wary and carefull , that our good Deedes ill plac't proue but bad Deedes , which certainly then comes to passe , when wee immoderately and vnlawfully seeke the good of others , and bring thereby much harme to vs and ours . Wherefore let the Courtier , yea , euery one take heed , that when he stifly intends to doe a pleasure to his friend , he doe not as great , or a greater displeasure to himselfe , and those which appertaine vnto him . But if thou haue a desire to enlarge thine owne estate , be most sedulous therein , especially when thou shalt perceiue thine enemies or emulators , eyther drowsey or lazily disposed to sloath and idlenesse , or following their owne lusts and pleasure , or busily exercised , about toyes , trifles , and vaine sports , then is a fit occasion offred thee , which to neglect , and not to lay fast hold on , were exceeding great folly and imprudence ; yea , and then also not to confront and oppose those thine aduersaries , but to the preiudice of thy selfe or others , were an apparant token of grosse and egregious negligence , and inexcusable carelesnesse . They which tread this path , they I say which follow this Counsell , shall not ( I am confidently perswaded ) haue need of any vngodly and indirect meanes or proiects , to sollicite and suggest their Prince , that he would incite , induce , and winne those their enemies whom ( by no other deuise or meanes they could resist or remoue ) to marry their kindred and Allies , that by such vnequall and subtill slights and shifts of affinitie , they may ruinate and ouerthrow thom.

When the discreet Courtier shall perceiue , that he hath What the Courtier must doe when he hath inconsiderately displeased his Prince . inconsideratly and vnaduisedly displeased his Prince , let him without all delay , by all the best meanes hee can , studie and endeuour to mitigate and asswage his wrath and indignation . For , assuredly displeasure and iniuries done to Princes , doe take a farre deeper impression in their hearts , then one would thinke they could ▪ if therefore in the meane season , thou doe not expiate & pacifie their conceiued anger , they 'le find a time most lamentably , to lay open thy finall and fatall confusion .

Againe , if by negligence or imprudence thou haste prouoked thy Prince to displeasure against thee , endeuour an atonement , and a reconcilement into his grace , and fauour againe , either by price or petition ; make such Personages thy friends , who thou knowest ( either for their place or person ) can doe much with him . Such are for the most part his Allies , his Wife , Mother , Sister , Daughter , and such like , all these and each of these as much as may be , let the wise Courtier , by his honest life , manners , and meritorious demeanours , make to be obliged and linked in loue vnto him , whereby the Courtier may safely sayle through the dangers both of Scylla and Charybdis , or any other courtly stormes , or tempests whatsoeuer ; but ( after this ) if he perceiue that for the redintegrate fauour and friendship of his Prince , he be prosecuted with enuie and malice , let him then againe take heed of his emulatours or enemies : for the continuance of a new reconcilement , into the grace and fauour of thy Prince , will againe most easily and most vehemently , exasperate their hatred and despight towards thee .

Moreouer , since it is the order and obseruation of Historiographie , that we therein especially set forth , and commend the truth of things , doe thou also good Courtier , if thou wilt be truly politike , follow loue & embrace the same . Doth the consideration of the times perswade thee otherwise , and ●●uite and incite thee to fabulous and fained matters , then for forbeare to write Hystories , for t is farre better to desist from such a labour , than with shamfull imprudence or impudence , eyther by flattery or forgery , to blemish and wrong the reputation of thy name and credit . And indeed it is very conducible to the good of the Common Wealth , not to commit any thing to the pervse of posterity , but what we haue euen by experience it selfe , soundly and assuredly found faithfull and true . He which doth otherwise , that is , which doth not place the loue of Truth before his eyes , respectlesse either of good will or hatred . Fumum quidem , ad tempus vendet , sed tandem fumo peribit . May indeed sell smoake for a time , but at last shall perish himselfe like smoake .

Rude and ignorant are those Courtiers , which condemne That learning & eloquence are excellent in Courtiers . and disprayse , the studie of eloquence , and other most excellent Arts and Sciences : this doubtlesse is most true , that there haue beene in all ages , politicall Courtiers most illustrious and famous , for their learning and eloquence ; such idle drones therefore are not by any meanes to be heard , much lesse credited , no nor the base and ignoble opinions of the Common people , who disallow of and much discommend mens excellent parts , noblenesse and renowne , whose originall being deriued from a most honest & honourable foundation , hath spread abroad many admirable effects , to the health and prosperitie of all mortall men . This is it ( good Courtier ) to wit , Learning and Discipline , which comforts the comfortlesse , makes the fearefull , fearelesse , which bridles and pacifieth the Seditious , & makes rude rustickes & vnciuill people , both gentle and courteous . These and such like noble fruits and effects of learning and eloquence , if Courtiers would wisely examine and consider , they could not choose , but vtterly detest and cast away so hard & harsh an opinion of so excellent things , and would freely and ingenously confesse and acknowledge , the excellent & wonderfull efficacy of Rhetoricall Eloquence . Commotions among the common people how to be appeared and by whom .

Now as touching the vehement concitation of the multitude or common people ; this wee must hold and beleeue for truth , that they 'le spare no man , though nere so noble or eminent a Courtier , and which also is not seldome , they are incensed and inflamed with fury , euen against magistrates and men of especiall place and authority ; wherefore let him which is wise , giue way to fury & an vnciuill multitude . But to the appeasing hereof and pacification of tumults and outrages , those courtiers are most fit , who for their excellent parts and Arts , are most affected and reuerenced , by the vulgar sort , who indeed since in the Court they are rare and seldome seene , are therefore , with so much the more care and diligence to be elected and made choice of . But in the interim the speediest meanes to suppresse a sedition , is , that the Courtier with all expedition , cut off the heads of Commotions , and not by procrastination or too long delayes , to permit them to a greater and more dangerous head & augmentation . And in such a case let the wise Courtier shew himselfe very ciuill and courteous of behauiour , for questionlesse thou canst not ( by any meanes ) more assuredly or speedily winne , the harts and affections of the common people than by gentlenesse , and sweete humanity , wherefore let all 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , all Rusticall or rude churlishnesse bee farre from him , yea let all peeuish and testy frowardnesse be banisht , whereby a man doth most bitterly and grieuously contradict others , and vtter many things with vnseemely wrath and indignation . Let him call to mind the counsell of Solamon , Patientia Lenietur Princeps & Ling●● 〈◊〉 ●●nfringe● duritiam . By patience will a Prince be pacified , and a soft answere puts away strife . That also of P : Mimus is very pertinent to this place , Pars beneficij est , quod petitur ; si belle neges . If a thing demanded be denied with courtesie & gentle behauiour ; it comes very neere to a good turne . Wherefore let the Courtier ( by all meanes ) so accustome himselfe to a ciuill , courteous , and most gentle demeanout , that it may seeme habituall in him .

Let him also here remember , that he put far from him Womanish altercation vnbeseeming a Courtier . all womanish altercation , or chiding : for , many times it fals out , that womens quarrels and contentions , doe set both their husbands & neighbours together by the eares : therefore I say , let him beware thereof ; and in any case let him take heed , that he seeme not to strip him selfe ( as it were ) and to doffe or put off a manly courage and condition , by wrangling about effeminate , triuiall , and idle occasions .

And although as oftentimes it fals out , many Courtiers Courtesie and humanitie . being descended of honourable parent age ; haue as it were by inheritance , high and haughtie Spirits , yet for all this , let them incline to a more humble , courteous , and noble disposition , than to be so busily intermedling in litigious and womanish chidings and brawlings , wherefore let euery wise Courtier shun and auoid all kinde of strife and contention whatsoeuer , as also all priuate , and intestine dissention of Subiects one against another : which assuredly doth most commonly bring no small damage & detriment , not onely to the aduersaries themselues , but euen to the common Wealth . Let then these three bonds or chaines ( euen when greatest disturbance and discord is raised ) bridle , deterre , and terrifie euery Courtier , yea , any whomsoeuer from doing euill , namely , Religion , Shame , and Punishment . For , in good sooth I am of opinion , that the Courtier , or Gallant whosoeuer he be , doth no better than grossely abuse & vtterly cast away himselfe , who by this threefold cord will not be restrained from doing ill , nor constrained to true obedience , and due performance of that duty which may iustly be exacted from him .

In Court also he whose words and deeds doe not agree , To be faithfull in promises . is not to be trusted , no though he sweare and protest nere so deepely ; but a wise and religious man will alwayes be as good as his word . And let the wise and vnderstanding Courtier , againe and againe consider this , that it is a most shamefull , yea , in many respects a most abhominable thing , which also Salust laments in the men of his dayes , Aliud clausum in pectore , aliud promptum in lingua habere &c. To haue one thing hatcht in the heart , another thing coyn'd vpon the tongue , not to estimate and value Amitie and Emnitie , according to their true propertie , but according to commoditie ; and rather to carry about with vs , a faire face than a faithfull heart . O but doe thou ( kinde Courtier ) feare and forbeare these things , and desire rather to be than to seeme to be .

Be carefull also herein , namely , that thou be faithfull To be faithfull in dealing . to others , if thou wilt find others faithfull to thee , for that man in my iudgement , vniustly , yea , fond and falsly complaines he is deceiued , who himselfe did first deceiue others . As for example , There are vnhonest minded Courtiers , who peraduenture , desire to displace their enemie ; and that , no doubt many times , vnder a colour of higher and greater preferment , will seeme to prayse him for his learning , iudgement , and vertue , that thereby , there may be committed vnto him , some greater and heauier charge and office , than formerly he had , where his employments and affayres are much more dangerous , troublesome , & intricate than before . Now what if thou in like manner ( that thou maist vntie one knot by another ) shouldst as subtilly circumuent and ensnare such a like aduersarie , with as craftie and slie stratagems as his owne , and so shouldst retaliate and repay his deceit with deceit , craft with craft ? What if against an insnaring and dissembling enemy , thou make simulation thy safe shield to protect thy selfe , and deiect him ? What if in Creet thou play the Cretian ? Yet vnderstand me not amisse ( kinde Courtier ) I lay thee not downe rules to deceiue and couzen ; God forbid , I should ; but euen as Physicians by poysons , doe wisely expell poyson , not to hurt but to heale the sicke and diseased . Euen so when I here obiect vnto thee small and innocent wiles & subtilties , I intend them not , for the ensnaring or abusing of other men , but as an opportune couerture , and protection of thine owne estate and Fortune . And finally , I onely vrg'd it to this end , that if occasion were offered , thou mightst repay craft with craft , and recompence the malignant subtiltie of thine enemie , with Serpentine fallacy .

Furthermore , as touching matters of great moment , What is to be done in doubt full matters of moment . which we cannot aptly and exquisitely vnfold , or lay open to our Prince , we must demonstrate and declare to him those things , wherein custome and much vse hath made him most familiar , & best acquainted ; make choice therfore with all care and curious election of such a one , who is faithfull to thee , whom thou knowest well , and dost assure thy selfe is free from flattery . For , assuredly as the ordination & institution of a Courtiers life is most auncient , so is flattery an inueterate and venimous euill , both to the Court and Common-wealth , yea , this euill ( if we will beleeue Curtius ) is perpetuall , it doth oftner more priuate harme , to the well-fare of a Prince , than a war-like open enemie can doe . Truly t is a thing very much to be lamented , that so many worthy men , so honourably borne , so aboundant in all wealth and prosperitie that a Court or King can afford , should notwithstanding all this , vtterly banish from them amiable Veritie , and most freely giue entertainment to falshood and flattery . For , certainely to speake the truth with Aristotle Of flattery . the chiefest and most sage of all the Philosophers , in his fourth Booke of his Ethicks , Nusquam plures qui familiari sermone , et conuict u blando , gratiam Principum aucupantur ; quam in aulis . Neuer were there moe knowne , which with familiar speech , and smooth behauiour , did so hunt after the grace and fauour of Princes , as in Kings Courts . There , whosoeuer followes the Court , doth vsually approue , and prayse all things at their owne pleasure , thinking , and iudging that it is not fit they should trouble or molest those whom they alwayes flock about , and are daily fed at their Trenchers . Hence I collect , and not without iust cause conclude , that flatterers like impious impostures are most worthy of hatred , for whiles this most pestiferous kind of creatures doe thus carrie themselues , Flattery hinders the offices of sincere friendship . all sincere offices of faithfull friendship are vtterly forsaken , whose speciall property amongst many others , is to admonish , and be admonished , to doe the one freely without bitternesse , and to indure the other paciently , without resistance , which friendly offices whiles they be thus entertained , they are sincerely and faithfully done , and friends hereby doe not easily runne headlong in sin and wickednesse but are contrariwise sweetely and seasonably reduced and preserued from grose inormities . Examples I know more clearely , illustrate and confirme the truth ; tell me therefore I pray thee ( kind Courtier ) What made Nero so cruell who was so gratiously educated ? Flattery ; that is , that most filthy and slauish sinne whereby for his bellyes , pallats and Lucres sake he as it were sould himselfe to the perpetrating and commiting of any , most atrocious , and inhumane impiety whatsoeuer ▪ what made Caesar rebell , against his owne natiue Other effects of Flatery . Country ? Flattery : What made Rehoboam a Tyrant . Flattery ; what needs many words : Is it not extant in histories that Dionisius his flatterers did call his cruelty , iustice , and equity ? did not the flatterers of Assuerus as is specified in the sacred Scriptures ; cry out and say . Iustae est Regis indignatio , the wrath of the King is vpright and iust .

But peraduenture thou wilt obiect and say , a Courtier must haue a cloake against euery winde that bloweth : Indeede I heare it , and it griues me that I heare it , yet I can hardly , and in truth very hardly , denie and gainsay it . For Courtierrs had neede to apply and confirme themselues , to all occasions , and to the conditions of them with whome they liue ; to bee subtill and craftie both in their Genius and disposition , and more mutable and variable than Proteus himselfe . But heere I must intreate the reader that he would not entertaine such a thought of me , as that , what is now to this purpose said or written is out of any enuie ; peraduenture I haue writ somwhat too freely , ( which if so ) yet truly t is free from all malignant bitternesse . And indeede if wee will consider one thing with another , who is hee that knowes not that there be those in a Court , who at the first sight doe seeme to haue in them much grauity , literature , and singular humanity , and yet for all this being deepely diu'd into , and narrowly obserued are knowne vnder these beautifull , and spetious outsides and vales of vertue , to couer and keepe secret the deadly poyson of flattery ? And with good reason , for the Court is the flatterers stage or Theatre wherein hee still doth practise , to adapt and fit himselfe to all assayes excelling Polypus farre , yea and the Cameleon in change of coullours & mutability of conditions . Perennius endeauouring to enlarge and amplifie his pomp and power , brought Commodus the Emperor to his vtter ouerthrow , yea many other , haue by this hellish inchanting poyson , of flattery infatuated and finally ruinated many mighty monarches , potent and powerfull Conquerors of kingdomes and nations . But that I may briefely contract all in a word , that , of Gnatho , hath especiall residence at The perfect picture of a flatterer . Court : Quicquid dicunt laudo ; id rursum si negant , laudo id quoque : Negat quis nego ; ait , aio : Postremo ita comparaui egomet mihi , omnia assentari , is quaestus nunc est multò vberrimus . that is , Whatsoeuer they say I praise it , if againe they deny it , I praise that also ; does any one deny a thing , so doe I ; does he affirme a thing , I doe the like , to bee briefe , I can so carry my selfe as to flatter all , and why ? O this is now a dayes the most thrifty kinde of life .

This is assuredly the true picture of a Courtly life and Condition , this is the most beautifull behauiour of many , if not most Courtiers , whereby without all controuersie or Contradiction wee may take vp that of Ouid.

Agmen adulantum media procedit ab Aula . The Truthlesse Troopes of flatterers proceed , From Courts of Kings , and there they breede and feede .

All this not withstanding , bee thou ( kinde Courtier ) which intendest to leade this life , a louer of honesty , iustice , & integrity . we deny not , but that flattery may haue his haruest ( & for a time ) may reape his commodities in the Court . But this againe I say with a most constant & immoueable perswasion and assurance , that the commodities , acquired and obtained by flattery , are alwaies , for the present , most odious and opposite , to true credit and reputation , and will vndoubtedly in processe of time , bring deserued discredit and defamation . Let all Courtiers therefore eschew this Scylla , and Charibdis ; which surely all that are wise and intelligent will doe , considering that ; Nihill simulatum Diuturnum , No counterfeite thing can long continue .

Let that Courtier take great heed to himselfe , who presently Insolence and Arrogance . hopes to haue honoures heap't vpon him , for his arrogant and vaine glorious pride and presumptuous insolence , yea rather let him carry & behaue himselfe more submisse more lowly , for hence shall acrew and arise vnto him a twofould benefit and Commodity , first he shall be sure thereby to continue the respect and fauour of him from whome his hope of preferment is deriued ; secondly he shall by this meanes be free , from that common pestilence ( I meane Enuie ) wherewith the Court of Kings are euer infected .

Moreouer , let the Courtier be mindfull hereof that all wordly dignity and honour is most fraile and transitory , especially in courts . Let that also be had in frequent and serious consideration , which Cicero left not only to Courtiers , but to vs all , Quantò sumus superiores , tantò submissius nos geramus ; by how much the more eminent we are , so much the more lowly and courteously we should carrie our selues . Let therefore I say , proud ostentation and insolent arrogancie , be farre and finally expell'd and banished from euery Courtier . And let him not , attributing and ascribing too much to himselfe , ouerconfidently , but rather anxiously and doubtfully , attempt the highest things .

And when the Courtier hath by his Princes bountie Gratitude or thankfulnesse . and liberalitie , obtained any benefit or commoditie , let him ( setting apart all proud ostentation , and vaine glorious selfeflation ) make knowne , and tell abroad by whose bountie and benignitie he receiued the same , and he must by all meanes endeuour to retribute all condigne thankfulnesse to him alone for the same . For it were very vniust & vnindifferent for any man to seeme to haue atchieued , and deriued that , though nere so little , from another , which hath onely flowed from the fountaine of his Princes fauour .

Now furthermore , as touching money , he that knowes Of money & couetousnesse thereof . not how to vse a measure in the hauing & crauing thereof , let such a Courtier be expelled the Court , as hauing vncleane hands , and a corrupted heart . For , can there be any present good hap , or future good hope in a greedie couetous man ? He as Salust sayth , neuer endeuours to tread the paths of truth and equitie , because as he is altogether vnfurnisht of all good Sciences , and honestie : so is he totally filled and fraught with craft and meere knauery . Auarice is expert in the trade and studie of fingring money , which no wise man will immodestly desire or seeke after , and with great reason , for , this , as being imbrued and wholly infected with deadly poysons , doth make both the soule and bodie of man most degenerous , foule , and effeminate , t is alwayes infinite and insatiable , t is neuer abated by plentie , or pouertie . Worthy Salust , thou sayst most truly and wisely indeed . For , doubtlesse as gold is try'd by the Touch stone , so is man try'd by gold . What then , canst thou expect from a Courtier dedicated and vtterly addicted to an insatiable and greedie gaping after gold , and filthie gaine ? In whomsoeuer this is found be sure to find these also , to wit , hard-heartednesse , a troubled mind , violence , craft , and knauery , trecherie , deceit , rapine , disloyaltie ; And what if we hereunto adde , with that excellent Oratour . Tam sanctum esse nihil vel solenne , quod non auaritia violare solet et comminuere . That there is nothing so sacred , soueraigne , or solemne , which auarice doth not violate and extenuate . I deny not , but that it is honestie and discreet prouidence , for any man to prouide , and furnish himselfe with all vsefull necessaries for him and his ; but haue we not seene and knowne , that these haue beene by many Courtiers got and gained with a foule , spotted , and stained conscience : by such I say , who neuer had learned wisely to limit the vnlimmitted bounds of insatiable couetice . Wherefore be most assuredly perswaded hereof ( kind Courtier ) that if thou multiplie thy Riches , and amplifie thy Fortunes by the ruines and wrongs of other men , thou wilt not spare nor feare to be iniurious to thy Countrey , Prince , and neerest or deerest friends .

And though Kings and Princes ( the estate and condition of things so requiring ) are most liberall and bountifull to this or that man , paying vnto them , and conferring vpon them most large stipends , and rich reuenues ; yet be not thou ( good Courtier ) so auaritiously minded as to desire and indeuour to wrest , and violently ( as it were ) to extort from thy Prince his wealth and treasure , whither he giue or denie what thou desirest : heare and make vse of this counsell and wholesome admonition , which that I may more perspicuously and euidently illustrate , take by the way this short example : I suppose that no man is ignorant , that euen at Feasts , and most sumptuous Banquets , there is alwayes some one or other which is not so respectiuely entertained as the rest : so is it in Courts , wherin some haue what they hope for ; othersome leape short of that they long and looke for . Let Courtiers consider this , not the new vpstarts , or those which were lately initiated into the Court , but which haue spent and bestowed the greatest part of their Age in this kind of life , and then I doubt not but they will ingenuously and freely confesse , that what we haue herein said , is most infallibly faithfull and true .

Let the Courtier also indefatigably striue and endeuour , To be industrious and diligent . that he may not seeme to his Prince idle , lazie , or too remisse and negligent in the speedie dispatch of businesses and employments : for such a seruant certainly will he not vouchsafe ( and that deseruedly ) so much as to looke vpon , holding him no better than a troublesome burthen , or an vnprofitable drone , and as not worthie to liue amongst industrious , laborious Bees , wherefore let the Courtier be carefull to expresse himselfe profitable , diligeent , and euer readie prest to performe what he is commaunded , let him I say shew himselfe a labourious Bee , not an idle drone , sleepie dormouse , or pernicious waspe , in his Princes Palace .

Now I make no question , but that Courtiers are ( and indeed with speciall good reason , as chiefly appertaining How Courtiers may become wise & politique . to them ) very inquisitiue , and desirous to know by what meanes they may best acquire and attaine vnto Courtly wisedome and policie ; I therefore thus answere both the Courtier and Politician , namely , that the knowledge of them both , is thus especially obtained , by much reading , frequent employments , long experience , processe of time trauaile into foraine Countries wisely disposed , diligent obseruation of the liues and conditions of men ; and finally , by wise contemplation of Kingdomes , Courts , and Common-wealths . Now whosoeuer is graciously and egregiously furnished with these ; shall not onely , in hope , be profitable to himselfe ; but also in deed most acceptable to his Prince : And whatsoeuer Courtier shall haue purchased this prudence to himselfe , shall assuredly find himselfe intentiuely and readily prepared for all occasions offered . And indeed , to say the truth , without fit opportunitie , euen vertue , or whatsoeuer excellencie may consist in any Courtier , yea , in any man what ere he be , doth pine , lanquish , and lie dead in him .

Moreouer , let the Courtier indeuour by all possible meanes , that by some honest office or other , he shew himselfe , louingly respectiue of all Princes , so that they be not his enemies , whom he is most neerely and necessarily obliged vnto , otherwise he will be contemptible and hatefull vnto them . And if he cannot performe offices of obseruance to all , yet at the least let him not contemne or disdaine them , and let him wisely auoid , and free himselfe from the suspicion thereof , for in such and so manifold changes and chances of humaine affayres , he which to day was great and mighty , may suddenly sinke down , and a meere stranger succeed him . Let Courtiers therefore waigh and well consider in minde , that euen the shortest houre of mans life , can alternate , change , and ouerturne the lowest and highest things topsie turney .

Truly I cannot sufficiently incite and stimulate Courtiers , Obsequious pliantnesse . to the exquisite and readie performance of due and true pliantnesse , and humble seruice ; for this is , as I may so call it , the bait and birdlime , whereby he vndoubtedly purchaseth and procureth to himselfe , the fauour and affection of all men , and once gained firmely , keepes and conserues the same . To this purpose , that noble Historian Tacitus sayth truly , Quanto quisque promptior obsequio , tanto citius honoribus & opibus extolletur . By how much the more readie a man is in obsequiousnesse , by so much the sooner shall he be raised to Dignitie and Noblenesse . Excellently also saith Austine , Quid iniquius , quam velle sibi obtemperari à minoribus , & nolle obtemper are maioribus ? What can be more vnreasonable , than for a man to desire to be reuerenced and obeyed of his inferiours , and yet himselfe to neglect and disobey his superiours ? Therefore let the Courtier , like a Souldier , readie at an instant , to giue the on-set to Battaile , be most prompt and readily prepared to put in speedie execution whatsoeuer things are giuen him in charge , but euer with this law condition and consideration , that what he is commanded , be not dishonest , or illegitimate , for such vndiscreet facilitie is vnsufferable , and most culpable , both in Courtiers , and all other men whatsoeuer .

Furthermore the Courtlie Polititian must preferre the A publike good to bee preferred before a priuate . Publike prosperity of the common wealth , before all his owne priuate commodities , affections or iniuries whatere they be , yea and must in this respect no other wise estimate his priuate affaires , then he would a nut shell or asmall locke of woll . And to this purpose let him heere take ( by the way ) that verse most auntient and true .

Publica priuat is anteferenda bonis . A Publike good , must euermore take place , Before a priuate or Peculiar case .

Now he which is possest with so honest an inclination , may hence learne to brooke and beare with many molestations and griping grieuances , vntill hee happily ariue at the hauen of his hope , and haue hit the marke he aimed at , namely , vntill he patiently and peaceably , ascend the right and direct steps , vnto honour and desired dignities .

But let him especially , in all his actions and attempts , checke and correct the fire of fury and heat of his hot affections , Not to bee furious and Chollericke . for it is farre more fit and conuenient , to doe what wee intend , when the chollericke heat of the mind is cold or quenched , then in the hot spurd heate thereof . Wherefore let the Courtier very courteously take heed least his vnbridled furie , force him violently from temperate reason and constant moderation , either in right gouernance or due obseruance in his accounts and employments ; the end and reward of which , eronious temerity or rashnesse is , shame and late repentance .

Moreouer let the Courtier heedfully endeauoure to follow the ensample of an ingenuous generous souldier , To propound vnto himselfe a paterne for imitation . who intending to imitate some noble and victorious Captaine in the warres , frames and confirmes , his qualities , and practises , his fortitude and magnanimity , as much as in him consisteth , to the similitude and equiparation of his Leader or Commander : Euen so , what Courtier soeuer desires to excell , or to be excellent in any thing , let him wisely make some worthy , eminent and excellent Courtier his patterne for imitation , and studie and striue , to follow euen to a haire ( as the prouerbe is ) his honest and laudable Arts and exercises , this course shall the Courtier see and obserue to be most succinct & compendious , whereby he may exceeding much , and in a short space , promote and propagate his fame and fortunate affaires .

Now as touching taking of reuenge , although the Of taking reuenge . Court especially , doth oft times minister fit occasion therevnto , when the state and affaires of thy foes may be for diuerse reasons , in anxious and sinister case and condition : Yet not withstanding , an honest and truely generous gentleman , should then especially curbe and correct himselfe . For it were a foule shame and grosse absurdity , in any man that is honestly , and honorably bread and brought vp , by wrathfull reuenge to perpetrate any heinous and vnhonest action , most vnbeseeming his birth and breeding . Let all Courtiers therefore know , and know for certainty , that such is the vicissitude , alteration and mutability of mans minde , that although fortune smiling vpon a man , his goods like floods flow into his lap , yet let not his wrath and rage , seeme as it were now presently to breake prison and to range a broade , but let him wisely tame , and temper the same with the bounds of moderation , and with the bridle of wit and discretion , let him curbe and keepe in the same ; for , to pardon and forgiue , is to a wise and worthy man the best reuenge ; and t is enough for a man of a true and noble spirit , not that hee takes reuenge , but that hee can reuenge . Ouid. in his 4. de Trist. Elegie . 5. confirmes the truth heereof .

Quo quisque est maior , magis est placabilis irae , Et faciles motus mens generosa capit . Corpora magnanimo satis est prostrasse Leoni , Pugna suum finem cum iacet host is habet . At lupus & turpes instant morientibus vrsi , Et quaecunque minor nobilitate fera est . Great spirits though prouokt are soone appea'sd Their noble hearts , soone mou'd , are soonest plea'sd The Lion leaues the corps that lyes prostrate , And when foes yeeld the fight doth terminate ; But Wolues and Beares and other beasts most base , Spare not to spoile the corps in dying case .

Therefore I wish that euery Courtier or who soeuer else , that hath a vindicatiue or reuengefull minde would call to mind and consider these things , for many times ( as is manifest ) it hath fallen out to great and verie famous Kings , that either they haue stood in need , of the fauoure and frindship , or else haue bin forced to feare the furie of euen the meanest and most base Peasants .

Wherefore it is not good , no truly not for those that Not to prouoke to anger . are more mightie and powerfull , to giue occasion of discontent , or displeasure to any in Courts . But now adaies this is the common practice amongst men , that as the Prouerbe is , The thred is euer broken on the weaker fide , that is , where the hedge is lowe ( as our English Prouerbe is ) the Cattell quickly tread ouer it , neither is it , was it , or ere will be any new thing , but still fals out most true , that Might ouercomes Right ; and the weakest goe to the Wall . And this is also as true as Gospell , that he which liues with one more mightie than himselfe , had need many times out of meere necessity , to yeeld vp vnto him that which indeed is his owne right ; Yea , though he neuer had committed against him the least discourte●ie , or iniurie that might be . Let the Courtier therefore take heed , that he displease not , nor prouoke to anger , one more potent , and powerfull than himselfe .

Againe , those malignant and maleuolent Courtiers , are False and slaundrous accusations . to be detested , abhominated , and out of the Court to be vtterly extirpated , which studie and indeuour , by false , fained , and impious accusations , of mischieuous deedes , or trecherie , to hurt , excruciate , and incarcerate , an honest , honourable and harmelesse man , a man that is a true louer of learning , vertue , and pietie : such nefarious , factious fellowes , which strugle and striue to trouble a Common Wealth , to supplant the good , and to hold the Scepter of all soueraigntie , in their vnworthy fists , doe most commonly linck & knit vnto them , a knot of such desperate Knaues , as formerly hauing thirsted after glory , and dignitie , yet could not by vertue , and the Kings hie way , that is , by discreet or honest courses , acquire the same , or grow great in the common weale . Let euery Courtier that will be wise , flee the companie of such Catelines , and that speedily ; For , experience it selfe doth truly tell vs , that such seditious swash-bucklers , doe very often , yea , most customarily , receiue the wages and reward due to such deedes of impietie : And what s that ? marry a miserable , lamentable , & tragicall Catastrophe , or conclusion .

Let the wise Courtier also be slow to beleeue , and not Not to relye too much vpon , nor hope after Courtiers promises . ouer-hastie to hope ; neither let him take , and interprete all things , in the best or in the worst sense . Yet seldome shall he be deceiued , if he beleeue but the least part of those things which are promised : For , let him euer thinke this to be true , that in euery kind and condition of life , it vsually comes to passe , and most commonly in the court ▪ that ;

Pollicitis Diues quilibet esse potest . Each man 's a Craessus , promises hath store , But in performance , who 's not Irus poore .

Let not such a Court too much content and please the To beware of too much licentiousnesse , or libertie . Courtier , where without controulement , men may too licentiously & contemptuously vpbraid one another with dishonest defamations , wrong one another , with contumelious detractions , gnaw in peeces ( if it were possible ) the fame and reputation of Magistrates deceased , and taunt and tare in peeces the credit of their fellow officers , yet liuing . He whose hap it is to liue in such a Court , and will not as much as he is able honestly and speedily relinquish and abandon the same , such a man I iudge not worthie to be hated , but much to be pittied , and commiserated .

In the expedition of his Princes affayres , let the Courtier Perseuerance in diligence . with all constancie , and courage presse forward the perfecting , and finall performance of those businesses which are committed to his charge ; for , it is a matter of nothing , to begin a worke fortunately , vnlesse we with industrious perseuerance , prosecute the same to absolute perfection : most agreeable therefore to this purpose , is that which is excellently mentioned in the Gospell . Non satis esse manum admouere aratro , si respiciamus atque opus inchoatum deseramus . It is not enough to put our hands to the plow , if then we looke backe , and leaue the worke vnperfected . Wherefore let not the wise and discreet Courtier too suddenly set vpon a worke , nor too soone set it away . For , many things ( as the Historian can tell vs ) as they are not to be enterprised , so neither ( being once attempted ) are they by their Agent to be easily refused , because indeed the shortest space of remisse and vnsetled inconstancie , is able oftentimes to marre , and vtterly to deface the grace , credit , and reputation of a mans whole life . Hence then maist thou see , that industrie and constancie Constancie . are marueilous vsefull , yea , that constancie and perseuerance is a most noble vertue . This teacheth vs , that things necessarily vndertaken , are with inuincible courage and a safe conscience to be finisht and effected . This is that vertue which armes and prepares vs to beare , and beare to the end , crosses , losses , and mis-fortunes , least fearefully fainting , and yeelding to dangers , and distresse , we offend against the vpright rules of reason . Finally , this vertue tels and teacheth vs , that he is not a man whose heart is highly mounted , and puffed vp with pride , and selfeflation in prosperitie , or , is stricken dead , and lowly deiected To suffer for well-doing . with aduersitie . But that Courtier is in a most happy case , if he suffer either for the exact obseruation of the constitutions , and iniunctions of his Prince formerlie deceased , or for the constant confession or profession of his faith and religion , this Courtier may with Ioseph , Dauid , and Daniell , reioyce , and be heartily glad in his owne behalfe , that he doth patiently endure violence and offence , for the defence of his inuiolate and imaculate faith , that for his pious opinions he suffers punishment , and despightfull Not to be asham'd to suffer for well doing . dealings . Such a Courtier I dare boldly say , may arrogate and assume vnto himselfe that of Cicero ; Nihil esse laudabilius , quam memoria recte factorum & libertate contentum negligere humana : Si secuta fuerit , quae debet fortuna , gaudebimus , sin minus , ego tamen gaudebo , quamuis qui fuerim , & qui esse potuerim , esse non possim . That there is nothing more commendable , than for a man to be truly content with the memory of his good deeds , and perfect libertie , and to contemne and set at naught the things of this life ; if that good fortune which was expected haue fallen out , we shall be glad ; but if otherwise , yet I reioyce , although what I haue bin , and what I might haue bin , I cannot be . If thou therefore shew thy selfe such a man , and be for the same despised and hated , yet notwithstanding kicke at and contemne euen this contempt ; if so be that thou haue set downe this certaine resolution , to persist and perseuer in doing those things which are honest , iust , and true .

Moreouer , let the Courtier be carefull , least whiles he indeuoureth to ouer come by pliantnesse and observance , he slip into Adulation and flattery , whose picture alreadie we haue indifferently painted forth . If a Courtier being degraded , and displaced from his hight of honour and dignitie , doth for all this liue more contentedly , so that his wealth wil beare it , in enioying a peaceable & priuate state & condition , let him rather so continue ; then either afterward to accept of preferments inferior to the former , or to adhere to the court of a more meane & lesse potent Prince , then the first , vnlesse by his wisedome , authoritie , iudgement , equitie , & such like vertues , he be able to win vnto him the loue & affection of one more mightie .

Let euery wise Courtier indeuour to be the feedesman of amitie and vnitie betweene a Prince , his Brethren , Sisters , Vnanimity . and such like ; not the bellowes to blow the fire of brawlings , and dissentions , let him consider , that Peace is most precious , let him I say againe and againe recogitate , that they which are louers of discord and disquiet , haue seldome or neuer any good and expected issue , or euent of such their impious and nefarious plots and purposes . He therefore whosoeuer which will sowe the seed of Sedition , or Dissention , shall reape the crop of cares , and a vexed and perplexed mind .

Let not the wise and intelligent Courtier affect or effect Sincerity . any enormious or dishonest thing , though with nere so faire a colourable pretext or intention , whereby he may steale into the fauour and affection of his Prince , lest hereby he blemish , yea , vtterly blot out the noble fame and glory of his progenitours , with the blacke coale of ignominie , and with the maculation of most infamous aspersions : for , they erre , and erre most grossely , which for hope of gaine , greedie desire of reuenge of their honour , by slie trickes and trecherous deceit , haue a desire to exalt and aduance their fortunes . But alas , what s the issue of these in the end ? assuredly this , that their trecherie and villany once finisht and effected , they receiue the due and iust reward of their treason and disloyalty , which all auncient and moderne Histories can easily confirme and ratifie . But it is vndoubtedly to be suspected , that no strongest fortifications , precepts , or exhortations are with wicked and vngodly Courtiers of any such force , as to force them from , or to fortifie them against this impious act or artificiall impietie . For , wicked and vngodly Courtiers , by pretending and counterfeiting the contrary of what they intend , do many times purchase to themselues great power and authority and by this meanes very much increase and augment their owne meanes , yea and by bribes all and such like courses , doe warily make or the greatest part of the principall noble men , & magistrates , their great friends patrons and protectours , and doe creep or steale into places separated , onely for princesses and great Ladies , there to pry into the secrets of Princes wherein as in many other such like matters most fit to be wrapt vp in silence , they vse Seianus as their best tutor and Schoole-maister , whose horse they seeme to haue in keeping ; a very propper praise I warrant you ! If thou deuise or inuent any craft or couzenage against an other , ò I wish it may light reside and abide , vpon thine owne pate .

Cornelius Tacitus paints out in their proper colours , and delineates to the life these goodly fellowes , Corpus aulico sit laborum tolerans animus audax ; sui obtegens , in alios criminator iuxtà adulatio & superbia palam compositus pudor , intus summa adipiscendi libido , einsque causae modo largitio & luxus , saepius industria ac vigilantia , haud nimis noxiae quoties parando regno finguntur .

A Courtier saith hee , must haue a body strongly enabled to vnder goe labors and paines taking ; a stout heart , he must be a concealer of his owne matters , and a censorious and criticke carper at others ; of a condition partaking both of pride and flattery ; in outward shew form'd and adorn'd with modest bashfullnesse , but inwardly most libidinous couetous and greedy to haue more , & to this purpose , to counterfeite sometimes liberality yea to be prodigall or profuse in his expences , and oftentimes to be industrious and vigilant , which things are not hurtfull but very helpefull , to the sly and ambitious obtaining of a kingdome . But they which are instructed in these kind of Arts , being once obserued of their Prince , let them in due time be remoued for they are indeed no better then the plague and pestilence of men , infectious and pernitious to themselues and all others with whom they haue commerce and dealing .

Whensoeuer the honest Courtier shall heare ( as oftentimes he may ) any thing vttered against his Prince , there being no certaine author or ground thereof , let him by all meanes endeuor to confute and represse such euill and calumnious reports .

For , many vnhonest vaine and prophane fellowes will Not to permit his Prince to be ill spoken of . scatter abroad false rumors & reports of excellent Princes , that at one time or other the Courtier may not want occasion , to iustifie and maintaine the estimation and reputation of his Prince , that ( by this meanes ) he may purchase and procure to himselfe his Princes fauour and affection .

Furthermore let the Courtier very carefully cover and To keepe his owne secrets . conceale from knowledge , the exordium , beginning and increasing hopes of his Princes grace & fauour towards him , otherwise , that , which was likely to haue bin peculierly appropriated and appointed to himselfe alone , will be conuerted or communicated to his emulators or corriuals ; which were neither wisely nor warily done : wherfore Taciturnity is mee thinkes in this case very behoofefull Taceturnitie . profitable and necessarie , as being indeed the best , safest and surest vniting coard of the well managing of all our affaires . And to this purpose let him remember that of the witty Poet.

Sed tacitus pasci si possit coriuus haberet , Plus dapis et rixamulto minus inuidiaeque . If Aesaps Crow had fed in priuate place , Hee well bad far'd , not shar'd of hates disgrace .

Let all , both inueterate and lately conceiued rancor & To auoid all rancour and heart grudging . hatred , be farre remote and remoued from the Courtier , for it cannot otherwise be , but that he which retaines and maintaines them within his bosome , should in the end be the speciall cause and procurer of his owne ruine , downefall , and destruction . And as it is not fit he should nurse vp any intestine or secret malice in his heart , so must he be most vigilant and circumspect , that he quench and vtterly extinguish it so soone as ere t is forged and subborned within him .

Assuredly , I easily see and foresee , that that will come to passe , if a man know and doe not hate the manners and conditions of Courtiers ; Let him then which will eschew and auoid the malice of other men , a little decline & giue backe in himselfe .

Let the Courtier also very carefully obserue this , that when as he hath happily and fortunately , according to his hearts desire , obtained the grace and fauour of his To obserue his Princes inclination . Prince , he do not regardlesly neglect or abuse it ; in which respect it is most fit he should most curiously & throughly learne to know the nature , condition , and inclination of his Prince , so that as much as in him lies , he may wholly accommodate , and apply himselfe to his customes , and conditions : for , as equalitie and paritie of inclination doth nourish and cherish amitie and friendship : so contrariwise , disparitie and vnequalitie therein doth dimolish friendship , and in place therof builds vp hatred and contempt .

Let the Courtier haue an especiall care , and make principall obseruation of the lawes , customes , offices , conditions To frame himselfe to the condition of the Court he liues in . and dispositions of that Court wherein he liues ; and vndoubtedly it shall free and secure him , if not from the malice of all , yet at least from the most . Let him also consider and call to mind , that if ( as now and than by the malice of time , it is like enough to fall out ) he be constrained to put vp , to digest and beare patiently any grieuous and troublesome matters , yet let him euer attribute and ascribe more to the loue of Iustice , than to the feare of malice and mischiefe , for whosoeuer out of a feare of hatred flies Iustice , shall be sure to be sensible of the punishment of iniustice , but seldome or neuer shall he taste the sweet fruits of equitie in himselfe . Wherefore kinde Courtier let me aduise thee , that in a good and iust cause thou be patient , and harden thy selfe against aduerse accidents , so shalt thou be a victorious conquer and ouercome ; for , this is most certainely true , that he which can weare out the time of aduersitie , and according to the mutabilitie of various occurrents , can as occasion serues , contract , abreuiate , & prorogue or procrastinate delayes in himselfe , may vndoubtedly reserue and fit himselfe for the expectation of a better time .

Now since the vulgar sort of common people is euer Not to relye on or trust vnto the loue of the common people . variable , vnconstant , and murable , let the wise Courtier neuer put any trust or confidence in them . For , assuredly the common people is a Hydra with many heads , or rather a strange creature without either head or sound vnderstanding , this is apparently knowne , and Antiquities of all Pristine times , doe testifie the same , that many men haue perished , and made a tragicall end , who haue ioyned themselues vnto , and taken part with the common people . Therefore he whosoeuer he was , said most truly and wisely ;

Qui pendet ab errore & opinione vulgi Pendet magis , atque arbore qui pendet ab alta , Nam quod semel euenit & abijt , id nocet nil , At quod dubijs articulis stat , instat , vrget , Vanescit , adest : esse malum id putabo solum . He which on common Peoples voyce depends , Hangs worse than he , that 's hang'd vpon a Tree , For , that which quickly comne and gone , we see ; No dire effects , or lingring harme extends : But that which doth of doubtfull parts consist , Which moues , remoues ; which straines , constraines , perplexeth Which comes and goes ; which vanisheth and vexeth ; That , that 's an Ill , or I the marke haue mist .

Phocylides also hath very exoellently painted out this Beast , with many heads .

Populo ne fidas , vulgus enim est varium & mutabile , Populus certe , aqua , & ignis nequeunt plane contineri . I th' common People put no confidence , For , they are vaine , profane , and variable , To curbe or keepe them in , thou art not able ; No more , than fires or waters violence .

Let euery not onely Courtier , but iudicious vnderstanding man whatsoeuer , thinke , & assuredly perswade himselfe , that this is a most slauish condition of life , that a man should seeme to deuise vnto himselfe any proper or peculiar estate and fortune , out of the disposition and behauiour of him , to whom he is in bondage and thraldome ; and he which obserues and obayes the couetous enuious , and ignorant common people , who are altogether prone to mutability , and inconstancy , yea , and which is the head and worst of all , to those which are most ingratefull ; let him I say consider with himselfe , whither t is likely , that he can euer be happie or fortunate with such men ? Or shall he not rather , as often as he remembers and cals to mind , his owne estate and condition by Nature , so often lament and complaine of his slippery Fortune and calamitie ?

Finally , let him know this also , that he whom he commonly serues , is himselfe most miserable , and in that respect let him haue a great care , that in the whole course of his Courtly life , be cleere and free himselfe from his Princes iealousie , and sinister suspition of him herein , especially from the rumours and reports of the vulgar sort , and from that infectious pestilence of a Court , I meane Enuy. Wouldest thou inlarge the limits of thine honour and authoritie , then hate and contemne the common peoples affection , who value nothing almost according to veritie , but many things according to their owne opinions vnindifferencie .

Marke this ( kind Courtier I desire thee ) that thou maist approue these things , whereof there are extant few or no documents in the memory of any Annales , Chronicles , sayings , or auncient writings of the wisest authors .

By this meanes I say , thou shalt easily gaine credit and authoritie , and maintaine and keepe it being once gotten .

Moreouer , let Courtiers take heed , that they loose not the beginning or first entrance into fauour and affection ; by being with their Prince at vnseasonable houres , that is , if they let slip , and doe not alwayes watch most carefully , a mature , most fit , and conuenient time , but this we haue alreadie at large discussed .

But this one thing , which we haue not hitherto admonished , To be aduised what employments he vndertakes . may not by any meanes be here pretermitted , namely , that the Courtier not being heedfull , but verie heedlesse , is oftentimes the cause of his owne downe-fall and subuersion , to wit , when he affects and makes choice of such a kind of seruice and employment , as is hatefull and distastefull to his Prince .

Againe , let the Courtier as farre as he is able , most accurately tread in the direct footsteps of his Prince , and To obserue his Prince in all things is very great wisedome . obserue most diligently , what he allowes , what he disallowes . If the Courtier expect any benefit or commoditie as the fruit of his labour , let him be assured , that not the least part thereof is to be expected and sought for out of this foresayd treasurie or store-house , as I may so terme it .

Let him also be hereof assured , that there is no better By his actions to expresse his loue to his Prince . meanes to purchase his Princes grace and affection , than that he by due actions expresse vnto his Prince , that he is more neere and deere vnto him , then his owne life , and that he would be content to suffer death it selfe , for his Princes life and safetie . Whatsoeuer Courtier is of this mind , though peraduenture he may haue a iust occasion , for some priuate respects , to complaine of his Prince , yet shall ( he by this meanes ) easily auoid and put away froward and peruerse speeches , which otherwise he may To couer and conceale discontent . breake forth into , and shall duely consider , that his superiours are of him alwayes reuerently to be regarded . Truely he spets against himselfe , which spets against heauen , he is scarcely wise who notwithstanding that the power and authoritie of his King or Prince is extended ouer him , yet will not obey him ; But the greatest power of a Prince is apparent in this , that with his word onely he can take punishment , as well on him that is absent as present , as well of a fugitiue Traytor , as of any other malefector , according to that ;

An nescis long as Regibus esse manus . Each Subiect vnderstands , That Kings haue longest hands .

He therefore shall enioy much peace and tranquillitie , which is submissiuely obedient to his King or Prince , who thus as we haue heard , is able euen by his word onely , to manifest his maiestie , power , and authoritie , when as on the other side , wicked malefactors , and vngodly transgressors , doe not a little prouoke and procure to themselues the sharpnesse of his maiesticall edict or commandement .

Let the Courtier therefore studie with all diligence and To get acquaintance with the best in the Court . care , to know the inclination & disposition of his Prince , and to be well knowne himselfe of those which customarily are neerest about him , and so shall he vndoubtedly acquire the end of his honest and iust desires . Hee then which is thus resolued , must especially depend vpon himselfe , and his vertue , and as formerly was said , must reuerently respect his Princes speciall fauorites and attendants , but must not ( by any means vndiscreetly ) discouer or impart his actions and intentions to any . Let the Courtier therefore shun and auoid vndiscreet futillitie , and blabing loquacitie , nor must he vnlocke the closet of his hearte and so discouer his secrets no not vnto those whom he esteemes his most intimate freinds and familiars , vnlesse in cases of necessity , for let him be assured that the reward of secrecy is safety , which also we haue already largely dilated .

Now therfore as the Courtier must keepe to himselfe To be secret both to himselfe & others . his owne secrets ; so also must he not like a barrell full of refts and clefts leake out on euery side , or like a pratling Iay , tell abroad the secrets of other men committed to his fidelity : for , such as these are deseruedly termed curious and audacious bablers ; And if we beleeue Plutarch , this Idle spawne and brood of Sycophants , is bred from the family and tribe of idle and curious Questionists . men for the most part of ignoble and degenerous condition and such as loue to broach abroad into open view , the misery and missortunes of other men . But do thou ( kind Courtier ) refraine and abstaine from this so peruerse a molestation and meerely pedanticall a vice , and bee neuer vnmindfull of that notable Distich , touching that once great Courtier , Te cura , et tua , Looke to thy selfe , and thine owne office .

Disce meo exemplo mandato munere fungi , Et fuge seu pestem 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Thine owne charge to discharge , learne by my fall , Hate like a plague to be Pragmaticall .

If at any time wee fee a man exalted and erected by his Not to hate him whom the King will honour . Prince , to great possessions and honourable reuenewes , let vs also attribute vnto him due honour reuerence and respect , and let vs not set him at naught as an vpstart & vnworthy man , or as if he were neither renowned or noble by birth , nor adorned with learning or any excellent parts ; if thou hate and dishonour such a man whom thy King will honor and dignifie , beware that thereby thou incurre not the hatred of thy Prince himselfe . But peraduenture thou wilt tell me , he is a man much vnworthy the same , and his end will proue it true : put case he be so , And I deny not but sometimes it may be so ; yet , all this not withstanding , I wish thee , with that Author of most exquisite and profound iudgment I meane Tacitus , to vse these and suchlike speeches ; Great Prince , although thou hast elected & chosen , before other men much more worthy than hee , a man scarce knowne vnto vs & vnworthy thy Princely grace and bounty ; yet I enuy not his felicity , nor hate him for his dignity , but as a fellow counselor & , as executing thy great affaires in the Common wealth I honour and reuerence him . Hereby ( good Courtier who are thou art ) thou maist consider that it is not fit thou shouldest exasperate the indignation of thy Prince against thee , though he be pleased to magnifie or extoll this or that man , though vnworthy or vnlearned , and respectlesly neglect and passe by thee , peraduenture a more worthy person ; thinke with thy selfe that this is a rule obserued euen by Heathen , yea practised T is lawfull for euere man to doe what he will with his owne amongst priuate and meane men . Qui iure suo vtitur nemini iniuriam facit . That he which vseth his owne prerogatiue , power and authority does iniury to no man .

Now if in this regard it be permitted to any priuate man to enioy his owne liberty : how much more ought it to be yeelded vnto , that a Prince may conferre his fauours vpon this or that man in such or such amans opinion and iudgement vnworthy the same , and to passe ouer ( if he please ) other noble men esteemed and reputed more worthy than the other . Yet not withstanding I am of opinion that the excellent or graue counsellor is not to be blamed , but doth very wisely & aduisedly which solicites & incites his , Prince to promote & preferre good and honest men , men that are louers of learning and virtue , and profitably exercised about the benefit and good of their country and common wealth . vndoubtedly a good and Godly Prince , cannot but highly approue and allow of without suspect of error or impudence , the honest exhortations of so wise a Councellor .

A Prince may do well to thinke vpon that of Antiochus , A good obseruation to Princes . who twice was the Leader and commander , of an Armie against the Persians ; who as in a hunt hee was chasing a deere and happening into a homely cottage of a poore countryman , did there learne ; Reg●s & Principes rare veru●● áudire , That Kinges and Princes doe seldome heare the truth . Therefore a wise King should not lesse estimate and valew his Courtiers , which are prudent pious and louers of truth , than those which only practise and accustome themselues to tickle his eares , with smoothing and soothing speeches , not withstanding we must know this for a truth , that although truly honest and religious men know not how to lye ; yet liuing in the Court , they are forced sometimes against their will , euen in the bosome Simulation & Dissimulation . of the Court , to vtter many euils yea false and fained opinions and rules much sauouring of Simulation : yea Princes themselues ( witnesse Tiberius ) doe loue and allow of dissimulation , which oftentimes for one cause or other cannot almost by any meanes be wanting in a Court . What say you to Dauid , who being both a King and a Prophet , yet he also made vse of dissimulation , neither is that of the Emperour Sigismund vnknowne , who was wont to say , Qui nescit dissimulare , nescit imperare . He that knowes not how to dissemble , knowes not how to rule and gouerne . All this notwithstanding ( if thou be wise ) take the counsell of the Philosopher , Nec dissimula , nec simula . Neither counterfeit or dissemble , nor simulate or speake vntruly ; Let not the ill custome of more euil men seduce or induce thee to be as euill or worse than themselues . And that thou maist not be intangled in this snare , nor shackled To hate filthy Lucre. in these gyues , reiect and despise foule , and filthie Lucre , and let not the accursed hunger of gold and gaine at any time too much please thy palate , or delight thine appetite . For , he which is , and will be of this mind , shall neuer be able to keepe his conscience vnclogged , his tongue cleane from vntruths , his hands pure from bribes , or his heart vndefiled with filthie and impious imaginations .

Againe , let the Courtier learne to be his moneys maister , and commander , not his moneys minister to bee commanded by it . Yea let him learne of the Comicall Poet , Pecuniam in loco negligere interdum lucrum esse maximum . That sometimes the forbearance of money is especiall great gaine . Let him also incessantly obserue this rule and direction , so long as he resides and remaines in the court , that as much as in him lies , and so farre forth as he may with a safe conscience , keeping his honour and reputation vnspotted , and vntainted ; that he I say so farre forth as time serues , and occasion administers various and To obserue the time and place . diuers conditions and alterations , doe iudiciously and circumspectly make vse hereof ; If his Prince and the affayres at Court be cheerfull and merry , let him also bee merry and ioyfull , but if they be sad and sorrowfull , let him in like manner be the same , t is not almost to be exprest and vttered in words , what prosperous and fortunate successe , many Courtiers haue obtained by this one especiall obseruation . But aboue all things let him be most mindfull and carefull herein , that whensoeuer he is to dispatch any waighty or important affaires , in forraine Nations , he accommodate himselfe to the customes and manners of the same places , so long as he there remaines . I cannot compendiously comprize or epitomize the large discourse and dilatation , which this part of Prudence , this excellent Decorum , and most gracefull behauiour might iustly exact and require of me , excellently therefore sayd he ;

Si fueris Romae , Romano viuito more , Si fueris alibi , viuito sicut ibi . When th' art at Rome , put on a Romanes face . Liue as they liue , whers●ere thou come in place .

But here kind Courtier , thou must vnderstand , that this admonion concernes especially the lawes and institutions of those Kingdomes and Countries , wherein we most properly liue ; O how ingenuous is that man which vnderstands this aright ! ô how prudent is he which is duely circumspect therein !

Moreouer , the free borne Courtier , that is , he which either by his owne power and industrie , or by some especiall How to carry himselfe in his prosperitie . and singular grace & fauour of his Prince hath floated aloft , & ascended vnto some indifferent hight of honour , let him not beare himselfe too hautily and lostily towards his superiours , too arrogantly with his inferiours , nor too malepert and vncourteously amongst his equals . I haue alreadie incited and inuited thee to humilitie and modestie , therefore I omit to insist farther thereon , one onely word by the way , let me adde thereunto , namely , that if humilitie be linkt and knit together with authoritie , it makes it exceeding acceptable , yea , and to be had in wonderfull admiration ; Melius est vt tibi dicatur , ascende huc , quàm vt humilier is coram Principe ; It is farre better , and much more credit ( as that most prudent King Solamon admonisheth ) that it be sayd to thee , come vp hither , than to be deiected and set lower in the presence of thy Prince . Finally , take and make vse of that of the wise Philosopher , whereof he very excellently aduiseth thee . Insecundis nemo confidat , in aduersis nemo deficiat , alternae sunt vices rerum . Let no man be presumptuous in prosperity , nor desperate in aduersitie , for various are the vicissitudes of all things .

Let this then I say , make the Courtier circumspectly To prouide for his owne well-fare in due time . wise , that if at any time it so fall out , that he perceiue his Princes fauours to be turned into frownes , and that the enuie of his enemie begins to take growth against him , let him then with all conuenient maturitie desire an honest dismission , to depart from the Court , and of himselfe to lay aside his Courtly dignities , rather than to expect when he shall be by others enuiously eiected . The rule is this . Praestat praeuenire quam praeueniri . It is farre better to preuent , than to be preuented . Which whensoeuer occasion is offered , to prouide for thine honour and reputation , I wish thee to make good vse of . But since there is nothing in the Court of Princes more perillous , or pernicious to Noble Peeres , and great Statesmen , than are backbiters and slaunderers . And the assistants and suggesters vnto slaunder , are ignorance , iealousie , hatred , traps , and trecherie . Therefore t is not amisse euen for the Prince himselfe in this respect , to be very aduisedly carefull and circumspect , that such worthy men and wise Counsellours ; men I say of most worthie merit & desert , of their Prince and common Wealth , may not by such base and ignominious men , of whom we haue formerly made mention , be so iniuriously defamed , abuied , and euen Butchered . A Prince therefore should by all meanes endeuour , least by liftning to back biters , the person accused being vtterly prohibited to make answere for himselfe , he be not inquisiti●e about the controuersy , nor giue sentence against him , vntill he haue first iudiciously and impartially heard the other partie also speake for himselfe .

Now an ambitious Courtier is he , who vnder pretence An ambitious Courtier . of amplifying and enlarging the royalties and dignities of his Prince , in all his actions followes the line of his owne lust , displaceth his auncient ; honest , and approued Colligues , or fellow officers , substituting , and suborning othere , whom he pleaseth in their places .

If any thing be by the Prince mentioned , or proffered Of marriage . to the Courtier , as touching Matrimony , he shall doe very vnwisely , if he refuse to be directed therein by him . But let him rather so farre incline himselfe , that he make no contract or agreement , without the good liking , consent , and pleasure of his Prince ; What good , and how great profit may hence arise vnto him , no wise man but may well perceiue , and vnderstand .

Let the Couriter also contemne and scorne those honours , Not to vse indirect courses to rise to honour . which he cannot attaine vnto , without the perpetrating of grosse impietie ; for , as Violentum nihil diuturnum , Nothing violent is permanent : So questionlesse , whatsoeuer is gotten by wilinesse and wickednesse , can neuer be fortunate or durable . Obserue good Courtier , what is preposterously repugnant to reason , what is wicked , what vniust , and hate the same . And whither in time of Peace or War , thou enterprise any thing , accomodate thy wit , thy will , thy power , and policie to the full performance , and diligent dispatch thereof .

And since the affayres of great men are very vnstable , anxious , & variable , trust therefore rather to thine owne power and vertue , than to any others . Let not that moue or molest thee , which no wise man wonders at , that in the Court sometimes illiterate Idiots proue great men . Truly it oftentimes comes to passe , that such as these do for a season , enioy the fauor & friendship of their Prince , and doe fondly perswade themselues , that they may freely without controulment or correction say , or doe any thing , what ere they please , but alas , they quickly come downe , and so doe all those that are not ruled by vertue and reason , but by their owne vile and vitious affections , administring to themselues occasion of their owne destruction , and running headlong into the pit they had prepared for others . Consider these things ( kind Courtier ) I aduise thee , and when thou seest such a one plac't and grac't aboue thee , though thou doe not approue it , yet doe not resist , but beare it contentedly . And in the interim , be vigilant and prouident , that base fellowes make thee not as bad as themselues .

Be alwaies in all things very cautelous and circumspect A caution for rich Courtiers . when thou art to deale with thy Prince , but especially if thou be wealthy and rich , least afterward thou be forc't to say , & to say too truly , my village goods & good fortune , wherein I once inebriated my selfe haue now vndone mee . This assuredly happens to many men , especially to Courtiers couetous and desirous of domination ouer others , which makes them estimate and valew honour , shame , truth , body , soule , and all , but base and beggerly to a kingdome . But these I say are most worthy to be detested and hated of Princes , and euen to be thrust out by th' head and shoulders , and vtterly banisht the Court.

Furthermore , let the Courtier so modestly , wisely , & aduisedly , behaue himselfe that as neere as may be , he be able to approue and iustifie his actions and imploiments to his Prince ; nor let him vndertake any thing appertaining to the Court wherein he liues , his Prince not being acquainted there with ; so shall he repell and beate backe the deadly darts of enuie , which otherwise vpon light and slight occasions , may be either from his Prince or others leueld and shot at him .

Let the Courtier also take heed , that he wrong not such To take heed whom wee prouoke to anger and indignation . a man whose brethren or kindred , may iustly be feared will be furious and fatall reuengers thereof . He that is iniured writes his wrong in marble not in dust . resist not therefore but beare with patience that which cannot by any meanes be altered , be perswaded that he which yeilds to time , serues and obeyes honesty , and that they doe excellently beare their misfortunes , which wisely couer and conceale them . Magnifie not thy selfe , against those which can suppresse and pull thee downe , and striue not to stand vpright , there where thou art constrained to fall downe flat . This one thing remaines , that thou hurt no man , but if thou thy selfe be hurt or molested with petty iniuries , t is farre better contentedly to endure them , than with any the least danger to indeauoure to repell them .

Againe , let the honest and religious Courtier who is of equallity in power and authority , indeauour by all meanes to establish vnity and concord , and let him vtterly reiect and cast a way all iarres , grudges and seedes of dissention , which are indeede more pernicious than the tooth of a fierce dogg , or the sting of a poysonous Serpent . Let him also which attempteth or enterpriseth any thing , discreetely and prudently , recogitate yea and premeditate the same , that so his imployments ( a meane being euer obserued ) may gaine and obtaine a happy and hoped issue or conclusion ; for we shall seldome see a prosperous euent of those thing , which are in considerately and precipitately attempted : wherefore let him againe , and againe , cast in mind with what councell with what conclusion any thing is to be done , is to be left vndone .

Seeing that Courtiers set councell at saile and sell their An admon●●to Princes . Princes secrets , it were very materiall that he would take aspeciall care that nothing at Court might be vendible , and that therby hee open not a gap to ambition and corruption .

More ouer let the Courtier be very carefull that hee swell not in heart nor ouer highly lift vp his head , because peraduenture he hath abundantly receiued , much honour and dignity , from the hands of his benigne and Note this bountifull Prince , for it may so come to passe , that all those dignities and preferments , which through the whole course of thy life thou hast acquired , thou maist in a moment of time , through thine ill vsage and abuse soone loose them , and be vtterly bereaued of them , and what then ; thou shalt be thereby the only occasioner , of thine owne vnrecouerable detriment and damage , and giue thine enimies if thou haue any ( as that s not to be doubted ) a iust cause to laugh thee to scorne . The controullers of a Court and Tutors of young Princes , must conuiue and winke at some matters , in that their minority & tender age , especially if no man be damnified or hurt therby , that in matters of higher import and greater consequence , they may the better rule and rectifie them .

Furthermore because the necessity of a mans Country , To traine vp and bring vp Horses . the greatnesse of renowme , and abundance of riches doe all require that a courtier should be very forwardly inclined to bring vp horses , and by how much the more noblely , and generously minded a man is : so much the more willingly doth he spare no cost , vpon a beast of a stout stomacke , tractable to be trained vp to warre , and fit for the defence of his person . Therefore I say the Courtier should not be pinching & sparing , but most forward & ready , in the buying & bringing vp of such a Beast , especially if he perceiue his Prince to be delighted with the view & exercise of the most generous stoutest and stateliest Horses . What needes many words ? he must not only traine vp horses , but himselfe oftentimes backe them & exercise his body to riding . For assuredly that of Crisaneas in Xenophons fourth Pedia is very remarkeable and worthy obseruation , who so highly commended the cunning and skilfullnesse of riding of horses , that he thought assuredly he could fly like a bird , had be bin a of the excellency of riding Horses . good horse man ; and certainely this Horse-riding is a warrelike exercise and most befiting a Prince or Noble Peere .

To this purpose also we read in Plutarch , that Iulius Caesar was so exquisite and skilfull a rider , euen from his childhood , that turning both his hands behind him to his backe , he would oftentimes vse to put his Horse to the most furious & swiftest Carreers that possibly might be .

If againe , thy Prince take especiall delight in hunting , The prayse of Hunting . doe thou also ( kind Courtier ) highly allow of the same , and let neither labour , cold , no nor the loue of thy wife at home withhold thee from it . Heare what Cicero sayes to this purpose , Tusc. Quest. 2. Consuetudinis vis magna est , pernoctant venatores in niue , in Montibus se vri patiuntur . Great ( saith he ) is the power of Custome or exercise , it inureth Hunters to watch all night in the Snow , and to scorch and burne themselues by day in the Sunne , on the hie Mountaines . And no maruaile , for , Hunting is an exercise , as pleasant , as profitable , and commendable .

The Spartans in times past vsed to instruct their youth therein . And it was an auncient custome and practice amongst the Romanes , to exercise their young men , not onely to handle their weapons , to ride horses , and such like , but euen to hunting and running of Races , to exercise the agilitie , and the nimblenesse of their bodies : For this laborious kinde of exercise , puts vigor into the tender minds of young men , it corroborates their strength , accustomes them to courage and fortitude , increaseth the powers and faculties both of the bodie and minde , yea , and it especially causeth nimblenesse and patience to endure many brunts and difficult exigents .

This is the exercise which very much preserues the health of the bodie , and amongst Noble and renowned Princes , begets much honour and reputation , & this doth that most acute and ingenuous Poet , in his Epistles plainely ratifie .

Romanis solenne viris opus , vtile famae vitaque & Membris . Amongst the Romanes Hunting was a game , For pleasure , health , and mirth of noble fame .

Since therefore not onely in auncient times , but euen in these our dayes , most potent , and magnificent Kings and Princes haue euen from their child-hood most desirously and with wonderfull commendation vsed and delighted in this noble exercise ; those Courtiers doe not misse the marke , which indeuour to imitate their Prince in so famous and worthy a recreation , and with all diligence vse it , and take especiall delight in it . Neither may I wrong this so excellent an exercise , as with silence to passe ouer the notable effects thereof , namely , that the Prince , or any other honourable Courtier , hauing his mind and thoughts busied , nay , euen ouerwhelmed with the various waues of cares , & distracting encumbrances , may euen in the midst of these ouerflowing floods of trouble and molestation , relaxate and recreate himselfe with hunting . For , who is so Stoick or stone-like , as that in the very pursuit , and chace of the Deere , Yea , and in the striking and piercing thereof , may not with great boldnesse and alacritie , with the Liricke Poet say ;

Quis non malarum , qua● amor cur as habet , Hac inter obliuiscitur ? What 's be whom loues or labours-cares so fright , As , once to mind them , in so much delight ?

Nay , to whom I pray you is it not a remedie against all his grinding and deuouring troubles , if with Ascanius ;

— — Medijs nunc vallibus acri Gaudet equo , iamque hos cursu , iam praeterit illos , Spumantemque dari , pecora intermertia , votis Optat Aprum , aut fulvum descendere monte Leonem . Amidst the pleasant shadey Vales and Dales , He be well mounted on a stately Steed , Out-runs the best which in the Race preuailes , Or with his blade makes foaming Boares to bleed ; Or from the Mountaines meets a Lyon strong , Whom with his Sword he vowes to lay along .

This then is the summe of all we haue sayd hereof , namely , that the auncient Romanes had hunting in especiall vse and exercise , as a certaine 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Praeludium , or Introduction vnto Martiall Prowesse . Touching which matter he that desires to know more , let him read Cicero . lib. 2. De natura Deorum , toward the latter end thereof . There shall the Courtier finde such things as are not by any meanes to be condemned or contemned by any wise or discreet Courtier , especially when he shall perceiue that his Prince is so highly delighted with so noble and maiesticall a pastime , which as was aforesayd , doth wonderfully augment and increase the strength , and manly vigour of the bodie and minde ; Wherefore Salust is not worth the listning vnto in this regard , who though otherwise a most renowned , flourishing , and politicke Author , and relator of the affayres of Rome , yet seemes to liken Hunting , to Countrie husbandrie , and other seruile exercises .

Concerning trauaile into other Kingdomes or Nations , Of trauelling into fotraine Nations . I say thus much , that it is very vsefull and necessary for a Courtier , for the time to come ; the reason is both waightie and iust : For , first by this meanes , he vnderstanding the customes and conditions of other Nations , by experimentall knowledge and much vse , he growes more cautelous and circumspect ouer himselfe , he thereby also is instructed in the knowledge of tongues , and shall behold ( as it were ) the mirrour or looking glasse of all mortall men , and both discerne and learne many most important and profitable matters , out of the strange varietie of Nations , and their manners and conditions . I doubt not , but there are many of a cleane contrary opinion , who certainly in mine opinion are not in this case to be credited , for if we doe compare one thing with another , what excellent knowledge and experience shall he possesse , both of affayres , customes , and tongues , beyond him which neuer saw any others , than such as himselfe , nor ere lookt farther than his Fathers cottage , or into his owne Parish Church ; Trauaile therefore cannot questionlesse but be very profitable and necessary for a Courtier , yea , for any generous or ingenuously educated gentleman whatsoeuer , especially if it be ordered and vndertaken , not onely for priuate pleasure and delight , but for a publike profit and vtilitie .

The prudent Courtier to whom this wholsome counsell may be effectuall , & who can be with Vlysses , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , a Proteus , to temporize or frame himselfe to all times , manners , and conditions , may contemplate , search out , and learne the conditions , or manners of men , and the scituation of many Townes and Citties , that is , he may perfectly vnderstand , and truly know , how to trauaile with fruitfull commoditie . Now then that Courtier which is fraught and furnisht with such experience , I thinke cannot easily disrobe himselfe of that due , true , and auncient obseruance , whose grace and excellent comelinesse euer takes place , least by negligent remissenesse , a way be opened and made readie to others , euen vpstarts , to ascend the steps to dignitie and honour before him : Out of this ware-house , or rather sweet streaming spring , the Courtier may both exhaust , and learne to thwart and crosse the counsels of his craftie enemie , and to retort the Darts and Arrows which were directed against him , into the face of their enuious Archer .

This caution is in this place very pertinent and vsefull , because that notwithstanding thou maist perceiue and see into the crafts and subtilties of thine aduersaries in Court , yet it is not conuenient alwayes to disclose or discouer them , but farre better wisely to dissemble , couer and conceale them vnto some fitter time , which occasion may happily administer vnto thee .

Now also ( kind Courtier ) touching wanton , wandring , Of lasciuious or wanton Loue . and vnlawfull loue , receiue some admonitions , but as briefe as may be . Auoid it , I say ( kind Courtier ) by all meanes auoid it , wouldst thou know the reason , one is not sufficient , I le giue thee more . First , thy fame is therby confounded , thy riches or substance is therby ( as with a spunge ) suckt vp and drawne dry , thy reputation , name , and shame is left to the pleasure , fancie , and will of a woman , and the vigour , vertue , and worthinesse of wit is vtterly lost . Prettily saith Plautus to this purpose , Vbi sum , ibi non sum : vbi non sum , ibi est animus , cum amant is anima sit in re amata . Where I am , I am not : where I am not , yet there my mind remaines , when the Louers mind is on the thing beloued . Heare I pray thee good Courtier , and beleeue this one thing , he was no vaine , idle , or adle headed fellow , neither did he sing a meere fiction , or fained tale , who ere he was that left these verses in writing ;

Quicunque ille fuit puerum qui finxit Amorem , Nonne put as mir as hunc habuisse manus , Is primum vidit sine sensu viuere amantes , Et leuibus cur is multa perire bona . Whose Fiction sere it was that loues a lad , O , what strange hands I pray , doo'st thinke he had ? For , first he sees how Louers sencelesse liue , And how slight griefes , him from much good doe driue .

This is certainely most true , and therefore if thou desire a salue for this sore , and to see or to seeke an end of lewd Loue , take and make vse of this counsell .

Cedit amor rebus , res age tutus eris . Flie idlenesse and Cupid hath no might , Vse exercise , and hee 'le be put to flight .

Auoid idlenesse therefore , which thou maist easily doe , since actions of honest and laudable employments can To hate Idlenesse . neuer be wanting in a Court ; if any man misdeeme or censure the worst of thee , let it be thy care to depell and put from thee his sinister suspicion , and to conuince the care and feare wherein thou wast , the most artificiall meanes hereof is vsing all affabilitie in speech , flickering enticements , and presenting honourable gifts . For , he which will ouercome his enemies , with least detriment or danger , and most assurance of safetie , must with many benefits , faire promises , and such like artillery , assault and vanquish him . Neither is this counsell causel●sse ; for , vnder correction be it spoken , All Courtiers are eyther by nature so formed , or by education so addicted , that they hold it a speciall poynt of wisedome , or policie at least to couer and coullour their hatred with false , fained , and faire concealments , and thereby doe oftentimes put forth and proffer their hand , to those whom in their heart they hate , and giue them the most smooth and glauering termes they can deuise , with out any true or sincere intention . I may easily confirme what I here affirme , by a most probable and obseruable example . That triple headed Cerberus , of inhumaine Tyranny , Caligula , Claudius , and Nero , hauing destroyed many famous and most vertuous men ; whose crueltie and Butcherie a certaine auncient , Marke this . and graue Courtier hauing wisely and very subtilly auoided and escaped , and it being demanded by what meanes he amongst so many escaped such and so many ineuitable dangers , and traps of their tyranny , his answere was , by often enduring iniuries , and by shewing himselfe most thankefull , though he had small cause for the same . Let the Courtier by all means follow his footsteps , & though he liue not in the Court of any tyrannicall King , yet though he reside and abide in the Court of a most courteous and iust Prince , let him either so fit and prepare himselfe , as that he may be alwayes readie to swallow downe , and disgest many , yea , any molestations and discontents , or else let him without delay depart from the Court , as most vnsit to liue therein . The reason questionlesse why many Courtiers doe make no progresse in their proceedings , hath no other originall than because their hopes are dubiously & diuersly distracted , and vnsettled in that they cleaue not firmely to some Patron or Protectour of them , and their fortunes . But be thou ( kind Note this . Courtier ) prudent and abstinent , as also most confident that vertue is most valiant and inuincible being vnited to a strong adherent . And doubtlesse t is farre better , to combine and conioyne himselfe , with some Primate or chiefe Peere as his Patrone and to follow him , then to be a follower of many and yet firmely affected of none , certainely as he is no where which is euery where , so questionlesse , he that serues & seeks after many , shall not soundly or sincerely finde any ; for that which is diuerse and seperate cannot chuse but be feeble and very desperate .

Let the Courtier neuer be obuious or opposite to the pleasurs of his Prince , so they be honest and warrantable , for otherwise he may quickly fall from the fauour and affection Not to be opposite to his Prince . of his Prince , & in vaine does a man striue against the streame . And certainely a man must sometimes yeild & submit to time , place , and the person , of friends : yea , he that liues with his Superiors had not need to contend and striue but to winke & conniue at many matters and rather sometimes to loose his owne right , than with lost labour , or rather eminent danger to contest or contend with his Prince or superior . And yet as I haue formerly said , this is to be considered with this Prouiso that it be so farre forth , as he may with a safe conscience , excuse himselfee and the renowne of his Prince .

Furthermore some other impious and ignominious Courtiers , haue a tricke to try their fortunes , and to Slanderous accusations . hunt after the fauour and affection of their Prince by being most inquisitiue to search , and finde out , those with whom they vnderstand the Prince is offended , that they may most malitiously and pernitiously , accuse them to their Prince with vniust accusations , infamous lyes , and slanderous imputations ; examples heereof are extant both auncient and moderne in Germany , France , Spaine , and els where , but that which was most conspicuous and sensible to Seneca is most memorable .

If in the Court , the Prince haue 2. 3. or more in suspence for such and such matters of ill demeanor , let such then as will shew themselues wise , intermit and leaue off frequent conference & much priuate talke or whispering amongst themselues ; which if they doe not they may chance to ad fuell to the fier , or put flax into the flame ; & farre better it is to cease & asswage , then to foster and increase the ielousie and suspition of the Prince ; for , since as hath formerly bin toucht , the suspitious man is most commonly deceiued ; why may not a Prince also erre and be deceiued , in his suspicious imagination ; which his error I could wish that thou ( kind Courtier ) wouldest be the cause to discouer , vnlesse by thy wisdome and vpright dealings , thou canst openly and boldly annshilate the impulsiue or primary cause thereof .

Let the Courtier addict himselfe vnto , and decke himselfe To bee of ciuill and curteous behauiour . with vrbanity and most ciuill demenour , and be furnished with merry pleasant and witty conceits in his conference or talke , but let him by all meanes auoid both in iest and in earnest , all quippicall taunts and satiricall biting tearmes . For , hee which indeauours and desires to purchase and procure the beneuolent respect of others by rudenesse rusticity and barbaritie of speech , doth rather discouer his owne simplicity , than any smooth or facile humanity , but that which is neatly and trimly contriued , being indeede the fruite of a witty inuention doth most delight and recreate the hearers , and is more soundly and sooner approued of by thy iudgement of the most indifferent , wherefore let thy merry iests and witty speeches be gracefull and honest , not bitter or biting scoffs Of iesting & merry speeches . not deliuering the bare truth of things , which indeede were an occasion to bite to the quicke , the party touched therein . Let the Courtier also put farre from him all Clownishnesse which in iesting and merriment shewes but a dull wit and slownesse , yea is very vnsauory and meerely foolishnesse . Let him no lesse set packing all Scurrility or saucy and malapert derision , which mirth is very shamefull and vnseemely . Finally let him hate as a capitall enemie , vnciuill snapishnesse , which also in merriment is no better then dogged snarling , and virulent or enuious biting .

The faults and offences of imprisoned , m incarcerated Of Courtiers committed to Hould . Courtiers are not to be extenuated by any others in the Court , but are to be buryed at least , in the depth of silence , & not mentioned at all by them . Neither yet must they priuily whisper , or avouch openly , that such men are blamelesse and innocent , whom for enuy hatred and displeasure , they apparently perceiue to be imprisoned : For certainely if it be our humaine condition to erre , and to be apt to slip by naturall infirmitie , euen the Prince himselfe being violently carried away with a certain precipitate heedlesnesse , and heat of spirit , may in some one case or other commit an errour , yet notwithstanding he is not bound to giue an accompt thereof to any priuate or particular Courtier whatsoeuer . Let not the Courtier therefore rashly , and inconsiderately miscensure , or disallow what his Prince may be pleased to like of & allow . Let him not excuse or account such a man as guiltlesse , whom his Prince doth accuse and condemne as guiltie of some notorious or publike offence ; Princes haue their secrets , which who so ere dares or desires to peepe or pry into shall hardly be free from danger , and giue most palpable and apparant signes of his grosse imprudence . In this case therefore let the Courtier be very cautelous & circumspect , that he diue not too deepe into this dangerous gulfe , but that he keepe neerer the shore , and that he wisely conceale much more than he shall dare to reueale , and that he depresse and keepe in what he should not expresse ; yea , let this be the period of all , that silence is a safe & sure reward to him which imbraceth the same .

Though peraduenture the Courtier may perceiue , that A wise caution . he is vilipended , and not much respected or regarded of his Prince , yet let him very aduisedly take heed , that he expresse not the least semblance or appearance of indignation or discontent against him , but let him euery where carry himselfe with all signes of obsequious obseruance . He may freely thinke whatsoeuer he pleaseth , for ( as our English Prouerbe sayes ) thought is free ; but let him take heed that he speake not openly , what he hath in his heart conceiued priuily .

In matters also of pietie and Religion , the Courtier Not to trouble himselfe about matters of Religion . shall doe exceeding wisely , if he superficially meddle not with too nice inquisition after vnprofitable and vnnecessary things , as about the innouation or alteration of Phrases in the sacred Scriptures , yea , and let him endeuour to preuent all such like actions , that hee may shew hee approues not the leiutie and inconstancie of such vaine and fleeting fellowes , by answering and subscribing to their conditions , and thereby shew himselfe a companion and copartner in their vnbeseeming curiositie . I would not ( good Courtier ) that thou shouldst be too strictly bound with this indissoluble bond of Religion , from which thou maist easily vntie and vnlose thy selfe , without the prop and protection of others thy teachers and instructors . And that this admonition is not friuolous or fruitlesse , the vnhappie times of our Forefathers , yea , and this present and most turbulent time in the Low-Countries , doth most truly testifie .

If any discord and dissentions happen in the Court , let the courtly Chaplaine be very sedulous to appease and Of Chaplains in the Court. qualifie the same ; to reconcile them as brethren , to admonish them as men , to reprehend and reduce them as wanderers , and going astray , and with the sauory and wholsome sweetnesse of courtesie and gentlenesse to dissolue and bring to nought the arguments of the opponents , They must be Peace-makers not to increase wrath , but to make peace and appease wrath , not to foster faction amongst the contentious , but to lull it asleepe , yea , into a dead sleepe , that it may not be easily awakned againe . Finally , not to plant the yong sprigs , or to sow the seeds of litigious discord , & grudging betweene them , but with the sickle & sword of Gods word , to supplant and eradicate the same . Certainely such an Ecclesiasticall Courtier will hereby apparently approue indeed , that he is the Disciple of that great Doctour , that he followes the footsteps , and treads the pathes of that fruitfull Pastor , which once sayd , Peace ( not Discord ) be vnto you . Wherefore as that Prince of the Celestiall Palace did especially loue Peace , and liue in Peace ; let vs also in this vale and dale of teares , in this mansion of misery and mortalitie , do the same and be the same . In the occupation and possession of Kingdomes and Prouinces , it is no small aduantage for a Souldier to make vse of a well spoken Prelate , or Preacher of the Court , for if he be one that is excellently Rhetoricall , and subtill of speech and arguing , he shall assuredly doe much A politicke note . more good thereby than a Souldier by his weapons in warre . The actions of those most factious Iesuites in the siege at Paris , and obtaining and taking in of the Kingdome of Bohemia , by George Podibradius ratifies and confirmes the truth hereof , who for all his faire and smooth tales had neuer attaind or enioyd the end of his desires , if he had not vs'd the vaile and vizard of Religion , & made Roikiranus the Priest his spokesman in the businesse . Frequent examples also may we finde in other Kingdomes , and Nations , which here I willingly let passe , but this counsell although indeed it may peraduenture take effect , yet for all that if any should demand of me whither such a proiect were to be practised , or prayse worthy , my answere should be , that such counsell is not alwayes to be administred to a Prince , by a pious , religious , and honest Courtier .

This question also hath beene vrged by some prudent Art and Nature . Courtiers , namely , whither a Courtier furnished with excellent naturall parts be to be preferred before him which is adorned with Arts and Sciences , without the former . Truly , to speake with Hippocrates , Illud optimum quod à natura ; That is best , which is established and perfected by Nature . Nature alwayes workes more perfectly ; and as another sayes by a certaine imbred and secret Law , is able to take reuenge . These things surely we must needs say , and hold for truth . And yet we doe not vtterly repudiate that Axiome , as a thing of no import or consequence , Ars certior dux est ; Art is a more sure and certaine Guide .

The Courtier which hath spent the flourishing spring time , and Summer of his Age in the Court , and which also Of giuing ouer to follow the Court. by the gracious aspect and respect of his Prince , hath atcheiued much honour , wealth , and dignitie , must not for light and slight occasions relinquish the Court , but if so be that the times proue dangerous , if his trauailes and paine , be ouer-great and grieuous ; Finally , if sicknesse or such like , doe iustly moue and admonish him to another kind of life , let him honestly & discreetly desire a dismission from the Court , rather than to change the continued course of his life , with a too suddaine or scarce honest and seasonable alteration .

Let the wise Courtier industriously and diligently consider Of entring into familiarity . in mind , whom and what a one he is whom he entertaines in to intimate societie and familiaritie , yea , into his administration and seruice . Touching thy Friend ( kind Courtier ) this is my aduice , that thou be not ouerhastie Of Friends . in making choice of him , and whom thou hast chosen doe not rashly put from thee . Now herein there is need of sound iudgement , and curious choice , for if we will credit the Comedian , Pauci ex multis amici sunt homini qui certi sient , There are but a few friends amongst many , that are truly faithfull to their Friend . Finally , let that friend be neere and deere vnto thee , whom vertue and paritie of honest qualities and conditions , hath conglutinated and knit vnto thee .

Now also concerning thy Seruant , thou must sedulously Of seruants or attendants . take heed , and seriously thinke vpon that prouerbe as true as auncient , Quot seruos habem us totidem habemus hostes , Looke how many seruants we haue , so many enemies we haue . Let no man therefore too farre trust his Seruant , nor be so conceited , that he can heartily loue thee , which serues thee more for feare then affection ; And what man is he which is ignorant and knowes not , that there are and haue bin many men , who instead of a faithfull freend and seruant , haue found a faithlesse and mercenary hired witnesse against them , yea a traitor vnto them ? wherefore the wise Courtier had need to bestow no little care and paines taking heerein . But let him especially To take heed offeruants in matters of secrecy . take heed , that if at a feast or banquet or else where hee intend to speake somewhat more freely then ordinary of any matter whatsoeuer , let him as neere as possibly may be , exclude his seruants from the hearing thereof ; For , how many discommodities & inconueniences those Courtiers haue incurred , which haue heerein been remisse and carelesse , is I am sure , so sure and certainely knowne , as that there needes not any proofes thereof by superfluous or needlesse relations .

Those Courtiers by how much the more potent and powerfull they are in regard of their Princes fauour , and affection toward them , are for the most part so much the more hated and contemned of others , vnlesse they haue fortified that fauour and affection , with singular kindnesse and affabilitie in themselues . Certainely if any remedie may be found against this mallady , or if their be any liquidity or moysture , which can extinguish or at least diminish this furious flame of enuie ; it is the sweet iuyce of gentlenesse & courtesie . Memorable & remarkable is that which Alphonsus , that most renowned King of Arragon Marke this good Couruer . was wont to say : Canibus frendentibus proijciendum esse frustum panis . Thou must cast a peece of bread to a snarling dogg , insinuating and signifying that wrathfull outragious and enuious people , must be pleased and appeased by smooth humanity , and that they cannot by any meanes be pacified , with bitternesse and rough dealing ( kind Courtier ) I desire thee therefore to obserue and to follow the tract , and trace of that mostnoble King .

Princes newly established , haue for the most part litigrous seruants , and contentious officers : and commonly they vse to contend and seperate themselues into diuerse factions for chiefe place and priority in their contentions : In this regard , I aduise and counsell the Courtier that he take heed of those , who for their owne aduantage and profit like Aesops base and turne coat Batts , doe leane sometime to this faction sometimes to that . But concerning neutrallity we haue already deliuered our opinion .

Although the Prince may in his owne peculiar loue How to continue and encrease a Princes fauour begun . and affection , haue made choice of the Courtier , yet let him , all this notwithstanding , indeuour to procure vnto himselfe an honest and faithfull propitious Patron , who may still kindle and increase the fier of his Princes affection , to his farther felicity , fauour , and welfare : now in the interim let the Courtier little or nothing regard how hee be estimated , or accounted of by others , especially the vulgar sort , so that his Prince , by whom he may be promoued , and aduanced to dignitie and honour , doe approue and duely praise his fidellitie , painfullnesse and industrie . excellent and very considerable is that which is recorded of Steuen King of Polonia , of whom it is reported that he should say , to Castelanus at that time his high Chancellor , standing by him according to the fashion and custome of his ancestors , Faciam vt breui possis sedere , I will make thee shortly sit downe by mee . Esteeme as nothing therefore ( kinde Courtier ) others that would seeme to pull thee downe , so long as thy Prince intends to promote and preferre thee ; feare not I say , if ( maugre all the malice of any others ) thy Prince be pleased to set thee downe by him , who lately didst but stand , attending on him .

Concerning vestures and apparell , I aduise thee ( kinde Of apparell . Courtier ) let it not be thy least care , for it may easily be that either by excesse or defect therein , may be ingendred and occasioned either thy prayse or disprayse , obserue this also , that thou follow such a habit , apparell , consultations , and actions , as may bring credit and commendation to thee , and breed enuie in thine emulators .

This also is the true nature and propertie of Court-lyers , A forget of lies in the Court. that when they once begin ; first a flying and vnfaithfull rumour is spread abroad , which by flying farther , like a snow-ball rowld in the snow , growes bigger and bigger , then some others , not of the meanest but highest ranke and order , affirme and auouch it , which thereupon is divulged , promulgated , and made common in the mouths of all men , and by this meanes , doe blabbing and lying Courtiers begulle & delude the credulous common people . This vndoubtedly is euident enough , and more than sufficiently apparent to all , which we might by most expresse and faithfull examples more liuely illustrate , but that examples of this kind are alwayes most odious .

Wherefore I will now goe forward and here I also aduise What one a Courtier should be . the Courtier , that it is not sufficient , that he be voyd of all vices , and free from foule enormities , and grosse deformities , vnlesse he be adorned & beautified with those vertues , whereby dignitie , grace , and authoritie , may be purchased . Let him not therefore be carelesse of his same & good name , not couetous of other mens goods , but honestly sparing and thriftie of what is his owne ▪ and a prouident keeper and maintainer of the common good .

The Courtier being aduanced and extolled to some Of his carriage in turbulent affayres , his Prince being absent . great and egregious height of honour , and dignitie , and in the absence of his Prince being ( as it were ) president or principall Agent , in an intricate employment , and affaires of great consequence , being also desirous to frustrate the expectation of the common people ; since he is not in himselfe able to bridle , curbe , and keepe them vnder , when they vniustly importune the death , captiuitie , or imprisonment of any one ; let him wisely dissemble his anger and displeasure , and let him affirme and protest , that he will do more good for them than they desire , and thereby shall he in the interim set the innocent party at libertie , from vndeserued danger and calamitie . This kind of Art or subtiltie , whensoeuer opportunitie administers occasion thereunto , is very highly to be commended in a Court.

Now the pious , prudent , and intelligent Courtier shall Of disputations in matters of Religion . doe exceeding well , to sollidite and moue his Prince , that he would not frequently permit publike disputations , or altercations in matters of Religion , the case is plaine ;

Nam seruare modum laus est , nimiumque mouendo , In dubium trabitur religiosa fides . A measure is prayse-worthy ; but true Faith Ost mou'd , remou'd , doubtfull disturbance hath .

Doe not those examples which we haue in that famous Empire of Germany , in France , and some of the Prouinces of the Low Countries at this day , ratifie and confirme this truth ? How many Oceans of euill and Troian-miseries , haue flowed from this fountaine ? Alas , forsooth euery illiterate water-man , and paltry Porter must now adaies proue a disputant , must be shewing forth the superficies , and out-sides of his wit and wilinesse , and must first teach , before he himselfe haue ere learned , or bin taught , and all these notwithstanding ( shame and sorrow t is to speake it ) they themselues doe vtterly neglect to liue piously , soberly , and vprightly . Gaine they not a goodly commendation ? Get they not I pray a huge haruest , and a copious crop of pietie , and religion thereby . O light leaues voyd of fruit ! O smoakie shaddew without any true substance ! Wherefore let the Courtier be such a louer of pietie and true Religion , that he may be a speciall means to his Prince , that refractory and obstinate irregular men , may by his authoritie be forc't and constrain'd to liue in order and true obedience .

Let the honest Courtier be euer of this honest minde , and neuer let him desire or endeuour to fish with the froward in the waters of wilful obstinacy , contention , or dissention . And indeed what other effects doth difference in Religion bring forth , but that euen subiects also be at variance and vtter defiance one with another . Let the Courtier I say , vnderstand and know this , let him freely and faithfully put his Prince in mind of this , namely , that this Anchor cannot so easily be moued , but that the whole ship of the Common-wealth must needs be remoued , and assuredly I am perswaded , that hatred for the most part doth inhabite the hearts of the common people ( through dissention and difference in Religion ) towards those whom they hold and esteeme either peruerse or aduerse therein ; nor be they afraid to doe harme and iniurie to those whom they imagine & suppose hereby to hurt euen God himselfe .

Now whensoeuer the Courtier conferres with his Prince , concerning these and such like matters of great moment , let him endeuour to vse a reuerent , respectiue , and moderate kind of speech , and not vncomely or vnseemely alter his countenance : For , doubtlesse such a kind of gesture and demeanor cannot but be very acceptable , delightfull , and forcible in a prudent Prince , yea , and thereby thou shalt ( as it were ) euen set before him a mirrour or looking glasse , wherein to contemplate , and behold thy modest mind , and sweete conuersation .

It is almost vnutterable , how much it concernes euery Affability and courteous behauiour in a Courtier most excellent . Courtier to be , both by naturall disposition , and artificiall acquisition , fashion'd and made sit in the alluring and delighting men with his externall carriage and behauiour . Whosoeuer therefore is by the goodnesse of Nature or Art best garnished and furnished herewith , and can with speedie expedition bring his affayres to a perfect end and finall conclusion ; Such a Courtier whensoeuer occasion is offred wherein he may without all Thrasonicall bragging , manifest and declare the efficacie and power of his wit and learning , ought euer most circumspectly , and considerately to make vse of the same . As for example , If he be to vndertake a businesse of great import and consequence with his Prince , let him very attentiuely listen thereunto , not being defatigated or tyred with any other affayres , least that which should be seasonable and mature , become hereby vnseasonable and immature , that which thou wouldest haue acceptable , proue vnacceptable , and least thou find that which should be profitable and commodious , vnprofitable & obnoxious vnto thee .

Let him therefore ( if he be wise ) as was form erly aduised , diligently obserue a fit time and opportunitie , least he , both suffer his talke to be vnperfected , and his patience and hope proue vaine and be fondly frustrated : for , this is euer as sure as sure may be in the Court , Campe , and whole condition of a mans life , that Hope & Rewards are euer most anxious , and vncertaine , which as much as may be , it is very fit and conuenient to correct and rectifie by a kind of Art , and perspicuitie of wit and vnderstanding . What herein I haue affirmed is truly confirmed by one , who so euer he was , both most learned and verie well acquainted with the varieties and vicissitudes of Courtiers conditions .

Vita quid est hominum ? nisi spes incerta metusque Haec inter dubij , viuimus & morimur . O What 's mans life ? but , Hope , Feare ; anxiously , Betweene both which we doubtfull liue and die .

Not much vnlike vnto this is that elegant Distich .

Vita quid est hominum , spes & formido futuri , Multum tristitiae , Laetitiaeque parum . Alas what 's life ? Hope , Feare , of future things , Whence little pleasure , much displeasure springs .

Assuredly , t is most true , that all good men , whether Courtiers , Nobles , Commons , yea , all of vs of what so euer condition we be , doe spend our space and terme of life , in good hopes , and ill haps .

Moreouer , that Courtier which hopes after greatest A good obseruation for Courtiers . matters in the Court , can neuer make any great progresse therein , if he cannot brooke and is impatient of contumelie , or knowes not how to indure scoffs , taunts , or mockerie . Let him therefore with patience vndertake this iourney , and weaue the web of this life with these manners & demenors , namely , let him please al men ; part with what he hath , obserue the times and seasons , let him learne to couer , & discouer his nature , yea , let him turne and wind himselfe hither and thither , which way soeuer occasion requires ; to be sorrie with those that are full of sighes , merry with those that are full of mirth , graue with old men , and gratefull to young men . And vnlesse the Courtier be skilfull in this Art , he can neither grow great nor long continue therein .

But wretched and miserable are those Courts of Kings wherein no man indeuours eyther by honestie , learning , or industrie , to ascend the steps to honour and dignitie : but where all men , either lawfully or vnlawfully , by right or by wrong , they care not how , no man by his owne merit or desert , striues to attaine vnto dignitie , power , and p●eferment . Indeauour not thou ( kinde Courtier ) to creepe into office and authoritie , by any other meanes than onely by vertue , and laudable courses .

If thou receiue a repulse , and another inferiour vnto Patience in the Court is an excellent endowment . thee , both by linage , vertue , and learning , be preferred before thee , yet notwithstanding take it patiently & with a contented minde , and do not reuenge thine owne quarrell , by impious wrath , or perfidious , and nefarious trecherie . It is very behoofefull , for a wise Courtier to follow euermore the most mightie and powerfull personages ; and ( as it were ) to follow the very tracts and footsteps of the most fauor'd and fortunate , but euer with this caueat , that he doe it no otherwise than will stand with honestie or equitie .

Let the Courtier neuer hunt after o● eagerly desire of The sutes and desires of a Courtier must be honest . his Prince , any such things which cannot be had without infamy , and ignominious disgra●e ; with whatsoeuer shew or vaile of honestie , or vtilitie , they may seeme for a season to be ouerspread and couered . Peraduenture it may seeme pleasant , delicate , and delightfull , being varnisht ouer and garnisht with a beautifull , and probable collour of profit or pleasure , but it cannot long continue so , for , t will quickly be turned to shame and bitternesse . It may perchance ( as I said before ) admit some certaine mantle of modestie , or cloake of honestie , and so deceiue and delude thee , but be assured , that Quod per se turpe , nunquam erit honestum . That which in it selfe is filthy or shamefull , can by no meanes be honest . Let the Courtier therefore take heed that hee delight not or delude not himselfe with goods ill got , which will in th' end vndoubtedly turne to his owne destruction .

Let the Courtier also especially consider and meditate this one thing , Improbum atque hominem infamem aliquando habuisse latendi fortunam nunquam fiduciam . That notwithstanding , that the wicked and dishonest man may couer and conceale his actions from publike view , yet his conscience within will like Cain neuer suffer him to trust himselfe .

Againe , let the Courtier know thus much , that indeed wicked and vngodly malefactours , may by fauour or good fortune escape the punishment of their villany , but not from the terror and guiltinesse thereof in their Consciences : for proofe whereof let these true and excellent ensuing verses , giue thee full satisfaction and assurance .

Honesta siquae feceris Cum maximis laboribus Cedentibus laboribus Du●e is manebit gloria . Si turpe quid commiseri● Cum gaudijs amplis simi● Abibit omne gaudium Turpi manente infami● . If thou doe ought , laborious , Yet if it honest be , Thy name and same most Glorious Shall rest from paines most free : But if with pleasure & delight Thou worke a wicked fact , Thy pleasure soone will take his flight Shame staies and Credit 's crackt .

But let the wise and cautolous Courtier , diminish or The Courtiers ioy or sorrow must bee measured by the weale or woe of his Prince . measure out his pleasures , cares , troubles , or molestations , according the health safety sicknesse or bad condition of his Prince , and let him not ( his Prince being dead ) like certaine proud Pseudopostles and bloody factious , and nefarious Iesuits ( farre from any shew of sorrow and lamentation ) Sing , A Te deum laudamus , for his departure . But let him rather in a lawfull , honest , and religious manner condole his death and immature departure , in whose only life consisted ( as many times it fals out ) the liues of an infinite many more , by whose death an entire region , yea a whole Kingdome , Church and Common-weale , haue endured an vnspeakeable losse and detriment .

In an vngodly and an vngratious Courtier ouer much Wealth discouers what men are . prosperitie , doth vnlocke and lay open to publike view , his Auarice , Pride , and all other intestine hideous vices whatsoeuer , that formerly lay lurking with in him , t is therefore no meruaile , though they hauing beene lifted and mounted vp to the top of honour and preferment , possessing to much riches and worldly felicity , are suddenly ruinated and precipitated , into the bottome of bitter calamitie . Examples heerof are too many and too manifest , both in this blessed Iland , and in France , both ancient and moderne , I say not left in the registers of Antiquity or reports of people , but fresh and palpably obiected to our eies and vnderstanding . Wherefore in this respect let the Courtier be wise and wary , to consider that he which too hastily , and to highly climbes vp , is likely most lowly and lamentably to tumble downe , And to this purpose heare what a great and most learned Doctor saith .

— Quicquid in altum , Fortuna tulit , ruitura leuat , Modicis rebus longius aeuum est . What euer fickle Fortune lifts on high , She soone throwes downe ; I' th Meane's most safety .

Moreouer , let the Courtier attempt all his enterprises To be priuate or secret in his intentions . and emploiments smoothly , currently , and priuately , without any the least rumors , or reports , of what he intends to doe , let him I say vse all diligence , hate all arrogance , and in the very act it selfe , be as priuate and silent as a man a sleepe . The reason heerof why thus he shall performe his actions , I haue already declared which here ( with the readers patience ) I shut vp in silence . I only add thus much and it is indeed a shame to be spoken : yet such is the propertie and vngodly guise of most Courts , that gifts and bribing presents , are the present and cheife preparations to remooue all the rubs , and to make the way plaine to grace , fauour , and preferment , But the truely noble and illustrious Courtier which hath learned by vertue ( a better way then by fawning fauour , & insinuated frendship ) to rise and raise himselfe to honour and dignitie , were better to want both place & grace , than to acquire or desire his honour , by guifts and rewards yet t is true which Salust that most graue and learned Historian saies , especially of the Court of Rome . Romae omnia esse venalia . That all things are set to saile at Rome , so are they for the most part at many other Courts , where little or nothing is giuen with out Gold or Gaine . And therefore ,

Nauigat infaelix qui caret huius ope . His suite must needes be cold , That wants the helpe of Gold .

Nay if we will belieue Aeneas Syluius , ipsae manus impositiones & Spiritus sancti dona venduntur ; quin-imo ipsa peccatorum venia nummatis in aula Romana impenditur . The impious abuses of the Court of Rome touched . Euen the imposition or laying on of hands ▪ and the guifts of the Holy Ghost are sould for mony ; Yea I say the very Pardon and forgiuenesse of sinns is in the Court of Rome made only a mony matter : They which know the Court of Rome , and that monstrous great hireling of Rome himselfe , doe know that I tell no fabulous fiction , but know too well to the cost of many of them , that he and his Courtiers are of Titus Vespatians opinion , Lueri odorem esse bonum ex re qualibet : That the sent and sauour of gaine is sweete , by what meanes soeuer it be gotten . This imposture , deceiueable iugler , and pesantly Pedler , doth foster & fauour vnder him such cunning cozners , & sharking shifters , as scarcely with a good conscience or credit , doe , vse not from vrine or stale , but euen from Strumpets , Iewes , Grecians , and Barbarians to , scrape together and euen wipe their noses of myriads and millions of gold and treasure . I here omit the epicurious gluttons , the reffuse offals and scum of all men , who when they once , like rauening Harpies begin to hunger and gape after gaine , will bring the wealthiest men ( though neuer so honest ) within the danger of their deuillish Inquisition . But let euery wise and discreet Courtier hate and repudiate all such vnhonest wiles and iuggling trickes , and whatsoeuer fauour , moneyes , or stipend , he shall by any meanes procure and store vp in Court , let him not for the present greatly regard them but in such a manner respect his riches , and expect his remuneration or reward , euen as though he were not much troubled with the thought thereof . Since riches ( as the Philosopher sayth ) Non nunquam comitentur indignos , Doe sometimes accompany the vnworthie . And Dinites vel sint impij & iniqui , vel iniqui haeredes , Rich men ( as the Prouerbe is ) are eyther impious , or vniust ; or else vniust heires of what they possesse . Whatsoeuer wealth or riches therefore thou dost desire to acquire in the Court , let thy eager appetite or solicitous endeuours for them be vnknowne rather than seene and showne forth , that is , seeme rather to haue sought , than to seeke them .

Moreouer , that Courtier or any els whatsoeuer he be , To put our hopes in practise . is not to be commended , which hopes for great matters , and yet attempts very few : Let such a one know , that the saying of that most sage Philosopher , and sweet Oratour is most authenticall and true . Non in verbis sed in actionibus virtutem consistere . That , vertue consists not in words , but in workes . That Courtier therefore which desires and indeuours to promote and raise his estate and fortune , must seriously and sedulously consider , and haue a care that he be sparing of speech , and most diligent and industrious in the expedition of his affayres ; for , a mans mind and his matters taken in hand must euer go together , and agree in one , if he expect any prayse thereby . As euery Stupiditie . worke therefore which the Courtier vndertaketh must be farre from stupiditie , or remissenesse : so also from temeritie Temeritie . and rashnesse , and he certainely which is thus carefull , needs not deiect and reiect his hopes , though peraduenture the Prince whom he serues doe not presently repay his honestie and diligence with a princely beneuolence . For , many times t is with him as with others , Quod desert non ausert , Forbearance is no acquittance . And how knowest thou , or why shouldest thou not hope , but that he may in his Princely Magnificence reserue a greater benefit or reward , for a wise and faithfull Courtier ; wherefore faint not , feare not , for , although else-where delayes may proue dangerous , yet here t is otherwise , where oft-times procrastination proues commodious ; nor indeed is it fit we should prescribe bounds and limits to a Princes bountie and liberalitie , but rather patiently to expect ; For , Beggars ( as our English Prouerbe is ) must be no caruers . Such a contented Courtier , questionlesse howsoeuer the case stands with him for the present , yet he euer retaines in his consultations , reason and honestie ; And let both these be alwayes as a light to direct him , yea , let these be the pathes he meanes to tread in , not turning out of them to the right hand or to the left .

But take thou no pleasure in the conditions of craftie Not to prayse any action by , the euent . and subtill Courtiers , who in their liues and conuersations doe so carry themselues , as that , by the euent they will highly prayse & approue prosperous things , though nere so shamefull and dishonest , and contrariwise will disprayse and disproue aduerse things , though nere so honest and vnblameable . But let all honest hearted Courtiers , I say , eschew and auoid such vile and seruile qualities , and base conditions , and let them with me thus heartily wish and desire .

— Careat successibus opto , Quisquis ab-euentu facta notanda putat . O , may he want a hopefull happie end , Which by the Issue doth the Act commend .

The wise and well experienc'd Courtier hauing to doe To know mens conditions and to be , well read in Histories . with diuerse and sundry men , must as variously as warily beare and behaue himselfe with them all : which he may easily do if he be well acquainted with their qualities and conditions ; but especially if he be wel seene in Histories , out of which he shall learne and discerne , that the Genius and disposition of the Spaniard is different to the nature and inclination of the Italian , the Italians to the French , and the French to the Germaines , and thence may the wise and politicke Courtier see and perceiue their variety and diuersitie . But what I now admonish and aduise thee of , I wish may be laid vp and kept safely in the most secret closet of thy heart and memory , namely , that there are a most pestiferous kind of Courtiers , who for filthie Lucre's sake , will auouch and confirme falshold for truth , who will prayse any thing which they haue by relation or report , either from the Prince , or Common people , whither it be honest or dishonest , yea , and which on the other side will with the Prince or people vilipend and dispraise any thing whatsoeuer , be it nere so commendable , changing like Polypus not their superficies or outward collour , but euen altering their mind and vnderstanding with the change and mutation of their places of aboade . Certainly such Courtiers as these , do neuer take any care to keepe a pure or vnspotted conscience to God , nor a good report toward their neighbours . But let vs consider both Kings , Princes , & courtiers , yea al men both publike and priuate whatsoeuer , that there is aboue and about vs , an eare to heare , an eye to see , and a Booke wherein all our words and deedes are writ and recorded : and that therefore in whatsoeuer kind and condition of life we liue we especially choose and make choyce of pietie and integlitie , as our chiefe guides therein , and let vs be most cautelous and carefull that when we labour by all means to gaine the grace and fauour of our earthly Soueraigne , we thereby loose not the loue of our celestiall Sauiour . O let vs marke and remember this , that the conscience being maculate , and contaminated with sin and impietie begets a worme , which will gnaw there eternally : but contrariwise , that the conscience which is beautifull , specious , and free from grosse enormities , doth wonderfully conserue , nourish , and cherish in vs the speciall grace and fauour of the Almightie .

Whiles I aduise and admonish these things , me thinks those vnconscionable , vntutred , and vnlearned Courtiers , and such as are ignorant of this humaine condition , may and that most iustly listen to me , who to the end they may intercept and stop vp the way from better and more learned men than themselues , by cunning craft and subtill stratagems doe imagine mischiefe and destruction , yea , and as much as in them lies , doe presse and oppresse men , most worthie eternall laud and memorie . For , there is nothing doubtlesse more vsuall and customary in the Court , than with malice , lies , & calumniations , to curbe , keepe vnder , and ensnare , most excellent and eminent men , yea , such as haue marueilously well deserued of the Common wealth ; by whom ( alas ) too often , and therefore the more lamentable , euen the good , discreet , and wise Prince himselfe is by them sold for gold and gaine .

Furthermore , vnlesse I be much deceiued , I haue noted Difference betweene a Courtier and a Souldier . & obserued this difference betweene a Souldier and a Courtier , namely , that the Souldier for the most part vseth plainely and apparently , to expresse and exercise his hatred & displeasure , and to speake that with his tongue which he intends in his heart : but contrariwise , the Courtier ( I meane the slie , subtill , and deceiueable Courtier ) will cogge , counterfeit , couzen , and dissemble his hatred if time and occasion doe giue him leaue : wherefore such as these in time of peace , and in a calme and quiet estate and condition of things , may easily supplant & ouerthrow the plaine and vnarmed Souldier .

Moreouer , let the Courtier remember this one thing , to wit , that he , very 〈◊〉 and carefully carry himselfe , as well against iniuries alreadie receiued as against those which are offered , and that he keepe and protect himselfe safe and secure from them both : Let the Courtier also Of giuing Councel in doubtfull matters . know that to be able to giue councell in vncertaine and doubtfull affaires doth purchase the fauour and affection of others ; which doubtfull businesses if they be so anxious and intricate that thou canst not deliuer thine opinion of them , without manifest danger and detriment , than t is farre better and more safe to confesse thy wants , and honestly and soberly to excuse the same , than either to plunge thy selfe into error or them into pernitious danger .

Let the discreet Courtier also speake of his Prince How to carry himselfe towards his Prince being absent . when he is absent as though he where present ; wouldst thou know the reason ? with patience heare it , and I shall willingly shew it . Assuredly this is vndenyable , that almost in euery Court , Enuy and Auarice , doe stand vp in a corner behind the painted cloth , but flattery , and Ambition will confront and out face thee , let the Courtier therefore I say be aduisedly vigilant , and that I may againe speake with Homer as formerly , a fronte & a tergo , that is , watch on all sides , For such will seeme in shew to be thy freinds , who indeed are nothing lesse , who artificially and enuiously will coine and forge new termes & quaint phrases , thereby to induce thee to say somewhat touching thy Prince , all this while aiming and leuelling at no other marke , than that thou maist be induced either to make some ill report of him , or to intrap thee by some craftie or captious apprehension of thy speeches , wherein thou maist seeme to offend him absent , whereof had himselfe bin present to heare , he neuer had made any ill construction . Wherefore let the Courtier be of Polypus mind , to take vpon him diuers conditions and disposations , seuerall shapes , and shewes as time and place shall repuire , yet neuer digressing from equitie and honestie .

Againe , let the maiesty , dignity and authority of thy Prince , be alwaies so reuerently had in remembrance by thee , that euen being absent thou so behaue thy selfe towards him , as if he were present , and suffer not thy tongue at any time to let slip the least sillable , which may be either disgracefull to him or preiudiciall to thy selfe .

Modesty in an other kind of life doth excellently season Of modesty or Bashfullnesse . & set forth virtue , but in Court to be bashfull , & not tocarry himselfe boldly ( as if he came of a base or meane parentage ) is most distastefull and disgracefull in the Court , yet let the Courtier then take heed that he besot not himselfe with ouer much modesty , which the Ethicks do not improperly or imprudently call Frigiditie or coldnesse of courage , pusilanimity or faint heartednesse , for he which thus vndiscreetly withdrawes or pulls himselfe backe , being neuer called to the execution of important affaires , nor in any notable or excellent emploiment assistant or seruiceable to his Prince , shall neuer be capable of promotion or preferrement . Let the Courtier likewise wisely auoide to much shamefastnesse , that is , such an excesse or extremitie therein as comes most neere to rusticitie and sottishnesse , whereby we can scarsely do almost any thing but that we blush and seeme to be a shamed thereat , notwithstanding that the thing which we doe be honest and laudable . Certainely this disposition or motion of the mind , is a silly seruant to regall or maiesticall gouernment , and surely if euer this affection or disposition be to be put away , t is as well heere in the Court , as in the Martiall-Camp .

Certainely that Courtier shal be esteemed truly noble and renowned amongst the most eminent and illustrious , who in all the actions , and offices of his life shewes himselfe immoueable , constant , a contemner of riches , a firme keeper and maintainer of what is iust and honest , and which can with a constant & couragious spirit , passe by and beare patiently the vniust menaces , taunts , and threatnings of any what ere they be ; The Courtier which thus behaues and carries himselfe , and may peraduenture at one time or other , incurre the displeasure of his Prince and be inuironed and hedged about with the deceipt and subtilty of his enuious enimies , yet let him still by all meanes entertaine a good hope and honest cogitations of his Prince ; for it may so come to passe that he who to day was incensed with anger against thee , may tomorrow be reconciled to thee ; and to this purpose let the notable examples of Mordochai and Haman , of Ioseph , Dauid , Daniell , and many such like , moue and admonish thee heerein .

It is almost vnvtterable , how much , a good and iust Of a cleare Conscience . cause , that is , a cleare conscience may preuaile . Listen vnto and learne this ( kind Courtier ) I advise thee that in euery estate and condition of life thou make vse of that rule which was prescribed by that wise and witty Poet.

Sirecte facies , hic murus a-heneus esto , Nil conscire sibi nulla pallefeere culpa . To do well , is a wall of Brasse within , Aguiltlesse heart , not blam'd , or sham'd with sinne .

A good conscience is indeed likened to a brasen Wall , for , Bias that famous Philosopher , being asked by one , Quid esset in vita metu expers , what it was that could be absolutely free from feare in this life , made answere that , it was a good conscience . Wherefore let a man haue euer a reputation or report , and a cleare conscience , as it were two strong wals of Brasse , to opugne & oppose all the calumniations , contumelies , and detractions of his malignant enimies , yea I adde this also that a man that is faithfully conscious of his owne innocence , should not be moued or molested with vniust slanders or backbiting : nor should he thinke it a matter of more import and consequence to heare himselfe ill spoken of by another , than to beare in himselfe the testimony of his owne integrity and vprightnesse . And let not only Courtiers but euen all men of whatsoeuer place and condition of life , as well Peeres as Pesants , Fathers as Children , as well the rich as the Poore , haue recourse to this hauen of happinesse , and fly to this Sanctuary for sauegard . Finallie who soeuer intendeth wisely and discreetly , to manage and order his life either in Publike affaires .

— Petite hinc iuuenesque senesque , Finem animo certum , miserisque viatica Canis . Let him what ere he be or young or old , Make this prouision , hereon take fast hold .

But I stray to farre , therefore I come to the matter ; let not the wise and vnderstanding Courtier be too vrgent , or instant for the vndertaking of such ambiguous rigid or To take heed what businesses he vndertakes . intricate matters , which he knowes or feares may proue distastefull and contrary to the desire and expectation of his Prince , notwithstanding that he can yeild some reasons and probabillities for the same , but let him rather either vtterly be silent , or at least deale therein very sparingly and indifferently . And to this purpose let him learne in obscure anxious and doubtfull businesses to expresse a more benigne dulcide and gentle opinion , and ( all rigor being remoued and set a part ) let him so farre forth as the thing it selfe will admit , worke and win his Prince to the most soft and smooth sence or signification thereof , especially if he himselfe be voluntarily inclined there vnto .

Now let the Courtier know and vnderstand this to be The Court neuer emptie of falsheartednesse . most true , which hath bin else where formerly touched , that Courts are neuer empty of fained frindship and secret snares and subtilties , which doe for the most part lurke and maske themselues either in the simulation of Courteous offices , or in some bond of incroching familiaritie and acquaintance ; but be very watchfull to beware of these ensnaring inuolutions entrapping turnings and windings , & of these perilous and pernitious Rocks : For truly heer 's need not only of wisedome , but euen of good lucke as I may so say , and a fortunate estate and condition .

In the interim if any fortifications or protections , may Munition against false-heartednesse . sheild succor or desend thee , goe forward to arme and fortifie thy selfe with this munition , and excellent furniture heere following , first enrich thy mind with knowledge , variety of matter and languages , but especially be expert in histories , a skilfull Lawyer , and a wise polititian ▪ furnished with solid counsell and a discreet and sweet vtterance of speech , as also an exquisite , and excellent penman , be courteous of speech . graue in thy stile , rarely garnished with the liberall Sciencs , neat in apparell and a bountifull house keeper . Assuredly , that Courtier which hath furnisht himselfe with these instruments and ornaments , if he atchieue not hereby the amitie and affection of the most , yet may he certainely auoid the slie collourable and counterfeit snares , and trecherie of many ; and with much prayse and commendation to himselfe wisely and iustly delude his enemie .

The Courtier also being desirous to free and cleare Of gifts or Presents . himselfe , from the least occasions of offence by him giuen , may make the way cleere to him by giuing gifts and presents , and indeede the olde Prouerbe testifies this to be true , which sayth , Muneribus vel Dij capiuntur , That euen the Gods are won by gifts . And Seneca relating the Apothegne , or wittie saying of a certaine Philosopher sayth thus , Accipere omnium est dulcissimum , To take or receiue is the sweetest thing of all . Nor are these things repugnant or contradictory to those afore specified . And this is indeed most certaine , that the sores & swellings of a Court ▪ must of necessitie be mollified and softned with those like poultesies , and healing plaisters , wherby we may asswage and mitigate the wicked and peruerse qualities and conditions of men , and the most vicious and pernicious customes and practises of this our Age. Wherein as the Poet testifies ;

Munera crede mihi placant hominesque Deosque Placatur donis Iupiter ipse datis . Men are by gifts beguild , the Gods appeas'd , Yea Iupiter himselfe by gifts is pleas'd .

〈◊〉 of Plat● is worthy remembrance .

Cum Di●is flectu● ve●era●dos munera reges . The Gods , the greatest King , Loues him which gifts doth bring .

Wherefore let the Courtier vse sometime this beneficence and liberalitie , especially towards those whom he knowes he hath offended ▪ and whom he is perswaded his riches and possessions may very much resist and withstand , questionlesse , if there be any hammar or wedge wherewith to pierce , penetrate , or cleane in sunder the most obdurate & stubborne heart of man , t is this , namely ▪ Gifts or Rewards . Yet here againe it is not idle , but worth the questioning , whither the Courtier himselfe may also receiue gifts againe , we may answere with An 〈…〉 the Emperour , Neque omnia , neque quou is tempore , Obserue this . neque ab omnibus , Neither may he take all things , nor at all times , nor from all men ▪ but each of these discreetly and wisely ; For , as in all other matters , two extreames are to be auoided , namely , Excesse and Defect , euen so it is here , for the extremitie of defect , is , not to receiue ought from any man , which were very inhumaine and vnciuill ; and the extremitie of excesse , is , alwayes to receiue all whatsoeuer is proffred , which is most vile and auaritious .

Those Courtiers are to be highly commended , who receiue small rewards , and that very sparingly from men Of abusiue bribery . of meane estate or condition , especially for the propagation and necessary execution of equine and Iustice , but let them rather with a free heart , and a gratefull mind , accept of what is , for that cause , conferd vpon them by their Prince himselfe : But those Courtiers are contrariwise most worthy detestation & bitter execration , which doe sell Iustice and Truth for gold and gaine . Let the Courtier therefore thinke vpon that , which that most wise Otatour and Philosopher Cicero makes mention of in the second Booke of his Offices . Fundamentum perpetuae commendation is & famae est Iustitia , sine qua nihil potest , esse laudabile . The Basis or Foundation of eternall Fame and Commendations is Iustice , without which nothing can by any meanes , be prayse worthy . Excellently also said that Noble Historian . Ius aiunt nimis saepe a veritate laborare , extingui ●unquam . T is sayd , that Equitie is often forced from Veritie , yet it can neuer be vtterly extinguisht or put out . Let not therefore any gaine , any gifts , though neuer so sweete , neuer so sumptuous , no pleasant enticements or inducements of honour , fauour or affection , moue the honest and conscionable couttier from the loue and true delight of Iustice and equitie .

Let young men also , and such as are but newly initiated Not to admit too young men , too soon into offices in a Court. Courtiers , be disposed of in the more inferiour places of office or employment ; Nor is it indeed fit that any one should be mounted vp to the high steps of dignitie , except he haue by vertue , fidelitie and industry ascended the same . For , this we doe firmely hold , and constantly conclude , that Arcadius and Honorius were of an honest and vpright opinion , who sayd , that whosoeuer did rise to dignitie and honour , should not by any meanes obtaine it by Ambition , but by much labour and industrious acquisition . Meere drones therefore are those Courtiers , yea , dry Spunges , and blood-suching Hore-leaches , who neither being decked with any eminent vertue , nor adorned with the beautifull flourish of elegant Learning , no , not decorated with any pleasant delicacie , or delightfulnesse of manners and humanitie , yet for all this doe intercept , forestall , and incroach into those dignities and preferments those riches and commodities , which by due desert and merit belong and most truly appertaine to others , more worthy and more learned than they .

Againe , let not any Courtier of whatsoeuer condition Of proud bragging or ostentation . order , and ranke shew himselfe a vaine glorious Braggad●chi● , in the presence of his Prince ; and if he know that by any exquisite seemelinesse , dexteritie , grace , or fauour , he be excellent , preualent , and powerfull , yet let him nor arrogate the same to his owne singularitie , but wholly ascribe all things to his Princes fauour , bounty , and benignity , as hauing receiued them from him , and rendring due thankes to him for the same . For it may so come to passe , that thy Prince for thy ambition and vaine-glorious ostentation , may say to a stranger , Come vp hither , but to the Thrasonicall , and fondly insulting Courtier , Goe downe lower , and learne to humble thy selfe .

Now whither of these two be the better and most pleasing speech , let the wise and vnderstanding Courtier iudge and heedfully consider . Doubtlesse these things cannot be too much moued , nor admonished in vaine , because as Martiall sayth ,

Arduares hec est opibus non tradere meres , Et cùmtot Croesos viceris esse Numam . Rich 〈◊〉 can b●rdly hide their qualities , And few be thriftie , when to wealth they rise .

Thinke vpon , yea , and in time ruminate and recogitate that of the most wise King Solamon . Pro. 29. Superbum sequitur humilitas , & humilem spiritu suscipiet gloria . A mans pride shall bring him low , but honour shall vphold the humble in Spirit . Intimating thereby , that the Lord will cast downe and punish Pride , but that he will magnifie and exalt the humble and meeke .

Furthermore , it is most decent and befitting the wise Of drunkennesse or surfeiting . Courtier or Counsellour , especially to abstaine from the immoderate , or rather beastlike abuse of wine ; because where drunkennesse raignes , there assuredly can no secret be kept secret : excellent indeed is that Greeke and Latine sentence , and worthy here to be remembred , Quod in corde sobrij , id in lingua ebrij , That which is in the heart of a sober man , is in the tongue of a Drunkard . I will not here recite the large description which Horace makes of the effects of Drunkennesse , but yet I cannot omit nor let passe the Distich , which Virgill hath to this purpose in his Epigrams ,

Vina sitim sedent ; natis Venus alma creandis : Sed fines horum transilijsse nocet . For procreations sake , and Thirsts iust vse Drinke Wine ; but more ingenders grosse abuse .

Touching this also Ouid writes thus .

Aut nulla ebrietas aut tanta sit , vt tibi curas Eripiat , si qua est inter vtrumque nocet . Drinke not too much ; or if so , be it such As onely cheeres the heart , for , more hurts much .

Let the Courtier therefore in this respect manage or demeane himselfe according to the direct rules of reason , and let him alwaies containe himselfe within the bounds of modest sobriety , and firmely keepe and conserue this wholesome and healthfull forme and demeanour of his life and conuersation , that he do not any otherwise cocker or pamper his body than onely is sufficient to the conseruation of the health & strength therof . Let his meate onely satisfie hunger , and his drinke only quench his thirst .

But I shoote beyond the marke , therefore I returne to Of Petitions . the matter . It is a very customary and vsuall thing in Courtiers to delay and put of the answering of petitions , from day to day , And wee read that this was the practise of Roboam , who vsed to say to his sutors and petitioners Ite vsque in tertium diem & reuertimini ad me , Depart till three dayes hence , and then come againe to mee . Hee doubtlesse which takes notice of this delay and procrastination and yet persists to petition to such a one , doth for the most part , but loose Operam & oleum ( as the Prouerbe is ) both his cost and his care . Let that Courtier therefore which is wise , in due time desist from such fruitlesse exhibiting of petitions , and so vnprofitably to solicite and moue them with helpelesse importunity . Dost thou proceed to petition and intreat ? what canst thou expect or hope to obtaine ? assuredly nothing , but either no answer , or , at the most , a harsh and vnsauoury answer , which indeed is most commonly held in Courts , to bee a fit and sufficient answer to poore mens petitions .

Furthermore , like as many men are such blabs and bablers that euen those things which haue long time lyen hid and vndiscouered , yet they will at one time or other broach , and spread them abroad , as things most fresh and newly reuiued so let not the honest and discreet Courtier presently publish what he hath conceiued in his heart , but then also let him very aduisedly watch and expect a conuenient time and an occasion most fit for his ▪ intended purpose .

Moreouer , The Courtier which hath now spent much The reward of many Courtiers . time , made a large progresse in the Court and hath there suffered and set lightly by many molestations , yea much toyle and trauell , let him not much admire or wonder that hee hath with a courage & immoueable mind done well therein ; because the reward and remuneration of Courtiers labors is , for the most part . Sapere & paenitere , to grow wise and repent what they haue done . He therfore which writ these witty and true verses , was doubtlesse sensible of the truth of them by experimentall proofe .

Contrini misere miser tot annos , Gustando mala , gratias agendo , Sperando , ingenu●que seruiendo Tantorum mihi premium laborum , Sunt sapere atque p●nitere . I silly wretch most wretchedly haue spent , Much time at Court , in tasting euils many In thankfullnesse , in hope but small content , Yet yeilding due obseruance vnto any . And now , for all my labours , what 's the Prize ? But late repentance , and to grow more wise .

Certainely t is most miserable and lamentable , which I heerein write and yet ●ost true notable and too well knowne . For how many haue there at all times bin , are there 〈…〉 there bee , whose condition iumps Ingrati●●●e oft times in the Court. 〈◊〉 with th●● that where as they haue bin excellent 〈◊〉 ; and haue most worthily deserued of their common-weale ; yet for their notable and meritorious actions , haue vndergone most disgracefull and immerited requitals : Let vs consider and call to mind , in what reputation liued Parmenio with Alexander , Eusenides with Ptolomie the King ; Pannonianus with Alcimenides , Aratus Sigonius with Phillip of Macedon ? let vs also remember what a most illustrious and renowned Captaine and commander was Aetius , in grace and greatnesse of authority in the dayes of the Emperor Val●etinian ; nor may I heere omit that famous Warrier , and most valiant Commander , Bellisarius , against whome alas what other cause of so great , crueltie could Iustinian euer find out , saue only meere surmises and vniustly suggested suspitions , who heerevpon ( after the Vandalls and Persians were by him discomfited and ouerthrowne ) being disgracefully degraded from all his honour and dignity his eies lamentably put out , was thus forced to get his liuing , by begging on the high way , by many other examples I could amplifie , and exemplifie this truth , which for diuers iust c●●ses I hould sit in silence to be pretermitted , as being very vnwilling to giue offence , by too largely describing the inconstancy of a courtly condition and fortune , yet that I may not seeme also too much to sooth and dissemble with thee ( kind Courtier ) but to deale plainly and faithfully , I will heare onely adde that most worthy sentence of Plutar●h , in the life of Aratus , which indeed I hould most worthy due respect , credit eternall memorie & obseruation amongst all great Peeres and flourishing potenta●es whatsoeuer . Amicitiae Regum feruentes sunt a●repentine , & ardore quodam amoris sabitò incend●tur ; sed labefactari expugnarique facile possunt , & veluti ventis inuidiae atque flatibus calumniae assidue agitantur . The friendship & affection of Kings , is for the time , very hot & hasty , & they are as it were inflamed with a certain repentine and suddaine heate of Loue : but soone alas and very easily may it be extinguished and quite quenched , and themselues be dayly driuen or blowne to and fro , with the winds of enuie and blasts of backbiting emulatours .

Wherefore ( kind Courtier ) since the case stands thus with thee , and that Solamon in his Prouerbes seemes to hit the same Wight , when he sayth , Cùm sedes vt Comedas , cum potente , sis cautus & ponas cultrum inguttere tuo , vt serues animam tuam . When thou sittest downe to eate with a ruler or mightie man , consider diligently what is before thee , and put a knife to thy throat , that thou maist saue thine owne life . With very great reason , sayth the same King also , Iram Regis nuncium esse mortis , That the wrath of a King is the messenger of Death . Yet notwithstanding all this courteous Courtier , I aduise thee , circumspectly and warily to wade through all these , with a good and a gratious hope , and doe not ( at any time ) so far distrust thine owne vertuous endowments , and immaculate conscience , but that notwithstanding , some aduerse & crosse times , thou mayst easily ouercome the danger-obuious familaritie and affection of a Prince , especially , if thou happily happen to liue with a Prince that is pious , prudent , vertuous , and a louer of honestie .

Neither be thou herein too low deiected with feare and doubt , but that although through defect and want of iudgement , or by erronious vnaduisednesse , thou mayst haue both sayed and done somewhat contrary to the will and pleasure of the Prince : and he therefore preuenting thy hope & determination , may let loose the seines of his power , and authoritie to take reuenge vpon thee : yet for all this it may so come to passe , that he may returne to himselfe be better 〈◊〉 , and in the end , submit himselfe to the rule of Gods word , to iustice , equitie , and reason , especially I say if he be a Christian Prince , but as touching those which haue reiected and cast from them the sweet and easie yoke of Christ Iesus , which doe all by this rule ;

Sic volo sic iubeo , stat pro ratione voluntas . Thus will I haue it , this is my command , My lust is iust , my will for law shall stand .

But as they ( I say ) haue nothing to doe with Christ , Helpefulnesse to others required in a wise Courtier . so we haue nothing to say to them . Here also I aduisedly exhort the wise Courtier , that if God haue giuen vnto him more wisedome , dignitie , authoritie , vertue , and such like excellent endowments , than to many others , that he then consider with himselfe , that he is so much the more obliged and bound to be helpefull and assistant to his neighbour , yea , and that both God and nature , yea , all wise men doe consent herein , that it is very behoofefull and befitting all men , to be profitably helpfull one to another . Let not any Courtier therefore in this respect , exalt and magnifie himselfe , or set vp the plumes of his pride aboue others , but let him in the feare of the Lord , make a modest and right vse of Gods gifts , namely , that by how much he excels others , and is more excellent and eminent than they in the exquisite ornaments of wit , or some other singular vertue , so much the more lowly let him prize and esteeme himselfe , being alwayes mindfull hereof , that to whom much is giuen , of him will the great Master and Prince of heauen , exact and require much againe . Let the Courtier therefore be very modest , gentle , and beneficiall to others , or apt to pleasure and doe good to all men ; for , herein shall he indeed most neerely imitate God himselfe .

But since the Courtier ( according to the opinion of the common people ) liues a soft , sumptuous , and delicate life , and is continually conuersant and exercised about some noble subiect or other ; namely , in doing seruice to his Prince ; Who is he , that can truely terme that man a good Courtier , in whom the vertues and endowments , as well of the body as of the mind , doe not duely concurre , namely , a desire to be in action and employment , furnisht with noble thoughts , excellent qualities and conditions , heroicke exployts , and of a speech well seasoned and tempered with wit and facetious pleasantnesse ? Assuredly let him which perchance is either ignorant hereof , or vnfurnisht herewith know and vnderstand thus much from me , that t is not enough for a man to swell and puffe himselfe vp with pride ▪ of some vaine and bare name of a Courtier , or with the Image and stocke of honourable progenitours , yea , or with the title and indeed tittle of Nobilitie , or fleeting dignitie , and finally , that I may speake with Grispus the Historian ; To seeme , but not to be the same he makes shew of ; But this rather I say is the thing which is especially required , that he which desires to be honoured and adorned either by the Court , or any other estate or condition of life , let him first adorne and beautifie it in himselfe . But neuer shall he acquire or attaine 〈◊〉 ( I meane with due desert ) this ornament , this excellencie , if he addict and deuote himselfe to ignoble and base ●loath and idlenesse , to voluptuousnesse , vaine and vnfruitfull pleasures , to toyes and fooleries , yea , and if he shew himselfe an vnprofitable burthen to the earth he liues on , and Catterpiller-like liues , onely to deuoure and destroy the fruits thereof ; but if he be beautified , adornd , and decorated with those excellent parts aboue specified .

Furthermore , let not a Courtier striue beyond measure Of prayse . to extoll and magnifie his Prince , with glorious prayses , and glosing phrases ; for , as wise men will certainely be offended , if thou too bitterly and sharpely taunt and reprehend them : so questionlesse , will truly wise men take it in exceeding ill part to be too extreamly & vehemently commended . Prayse all things therefore sparingly , indifferently , & in due season , for as it is in other things , so here also to obserue 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 a decorum , is alwayes very profitable , and prayse worthy .

Now euen as a Physician in healing a sicknesse , and in curing a maladie or diseased member hath a speciall care , that whiles he applies the plaister or medicine to one member , he hurt not the other : euen so let the Courtier or courtly counsellour so aduise his Prince , that he would so prouidently and prudently prouide , and take care for his Common wealth , as that in protecting the one part thereof , he destroy not the other , especially by exactions of moneys , and heauie taxations . Let him also put his Prince in mind of that of Tiberius , if at any time a fit An excellent obseruation . and opportune occasion happen , to wit , Boni esse pastoris tondere pecus non deglubere , That it is the propertie of a good Shepheard , to take his Sheepes fleece , but not to slea their skin ouer their eares . So likewise , when he sees any Collectours of moneys , too eagerly or oppressiuely exacting and extracting from others ; let him then imitate Alexander the Great , who being mou'd and vrg'd by some about him , that he might very well impose larger mulcts , tributes , and subsidies vpon his Citties , thus answered , Olitorem odi , qui radicitus herbas excidat . I hate that Gardiner , which A Princely saying . puls vp the herbes by the rootes . Assuredly it was a most pious , Prince-like , and renowned saying , yea , it was a speech most befitting so regall and royall a Prince as himselfe was . For , what can be more shamefull and absurd in a Prince , or any other great Peere , than with Vespatian to desire Gaine , yea , though it were out of foule and filthy stale or vrine ?

Moreouer , it is a foule shame for a Courtier to be ignorant What a courtier must not be ignorant of . of , and vnacquainted with the state , condition , and potencie of Princes , the Science and knowledge of Counsellours , the originall of Families , and especially , all the true tokens and badges of honour , and such like , of those Regions , Kingdomes , or Countries wherein peraduenture vpon his Princes command , he is to liue , and to execute any honourable Embassages . Againe , it is very pertinent to the knowledge of a prudent courtier , that he vnderstand and know , how many Castles , offices of eminencie , Woods , Ponds , and such like , are belonging to his Prince , what , and how many Souldiers they traine vp in military discipline , how many and how well fortified Citties , as also how many worthie men , who haue bin educated in the most famous Academies of Europe , and are exquisitely instructed in all the Sciences . Truely it is vnspeakeable to declare , what especiall meanes of honor and aduancement it is for the Courtier to be throughly insighted and experienced in these thing ? ; and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 disgrace and discredit it 〈◊〉 him to 〈◊〉 and dumbe , when he is questioned concerning all 〈◊〉 of these .

Now the chiefe and especiall meanes to know these ▪ things very perfectly , is out of Histories , and Antiquities , nor am I able indeed sufficiently to exhort , sti●v● , Antiquities . and stimulate the Courtier , to the most serious , sedulous , and constant reading of them . For , out of this ●ouhtaine , especially out of the Store-house of the sacred Scriptures , Courtiers may collect and draw forth this knowledge ; Sacred Scriptures . that , it is not sufficient onely to know what is iust and right , but that they must of necessitie doe the same . Note this . For so sayes the Text of holy writ , Nequequam sufficit Dei voluntatem 〈◊〉 nisi illum ipso fact● 〈◊〉 opere praestemus . It is not enough onely to know the will of God vnlesse indeed and action we performe the same . And to this purpose I thought it worth my labour , to adde this Distich of an vncertaine Author , most worthie due obseruation of all good men .

Quid in●at innumeros scire atque 〈◊〉 casus Si fugienda facis , & facienda fugis . What proffits it to read much , much to know , If Badnesse thou embrace , Goodnesse for-goe .

Furthermore , let the Courtier contemne and abstaine from all lying , cheating , simulation , and dissimulation , let him here listen vnto that most graue and godly Father Saint Augustine , giuing him honest and religious counsell , A good note . Quiescat , mi bomo lingus , & vit●● interroga , My friend let thy tongue be silent , and be carefull to examine thy life . And why ? because indeede , it is more assuredly knowne and discerned what a man is by his fruits , that is , by his workes then by his wordes .

That Courtier ( which the tearme of his aboade in Not to depend wholy on princes . this this transitory and fraile Court on earth , being terminated and expired ) doth looke and long for a place in that perpetuall Palace in heauen , after that he hath seene obserued and collected both out of sacred and profaine writings , what soeuer the wit of man is capable of and able to comprehend , yet let him call to minde that of the Psalmist , and sweet Singer of Israell and with him conclude that .

Tutius est , praestatque Deo considere soli , Quam se principibus credere mille viris , T is better farre to trust in God alone Than in a thousand Kings in regall Throne . And againe . Qui Domino fidit , felici nanigat vnda Fidere Principibus , ventus & auraleuis . He which on God depends , sayles with best winde ; For , Princes blasts of loue , proue most vnkind .

Now before I put a period and full conclusion to this my labour and little treatise , I must truly tell thee ( kind Courtier ) this one thing , namely that the Court makes not a man better , but men rather may make the Court it selfe better , whereby I would intimate thus much , that t is not enough to liue in Court , to goe to bed at midnight ▪ Marke this . to rise the next morning at ten a clocke , and then what with apparelling himselfe , with frizling and curling his haire with his curling pin , with poudring and turning vp the fame , this way and that way , about his eares , continuing thus in his bed chamber , euen till noone at least , and then to spend the rest of the day in feasting iesting ▪ and many such like toyes and triuiall exercises and practises ; assuredly I say ( and let euery Courtier beleeue me ) that he which is onely occupied and busied in cropping these roses , shall vndoubtedly finde then but pricking thornes on these trees , shall finde nothing but fruitlesse leaues ; shall find these vines both wilde and barren , in these garners shall find nothing but chaffe ; and finally , in these treasuries , shall be possest of nothing but meere counterfeit mettle . The Courtier ( I say ) which adheres , cleaues , and is inclined to these things aboue mentioned , cannot rightly vndertake , excogitate , doe , or begin to doe any thing , much lesse perfectly finish or effect the same ; he also which cleares not himselfe of these things , shall finde many defects in himselfe , and such , as that , if hee mend not his manners , will giue him iust cause to weepe and lament .

Let not that Courtier therefore thinke himselfe a happie and fortunate man , which in the Court hath power to liue as he lists . For if Courtiers were ( which I would to the Lord they were ) the most absolute happy and perfect of all men , then assuredly , they which would not presently professe , and embrace a Courtiers life , might wander ( as the saying is ) all the world ouer ▪ since we all know that there is no time of a mans life ▪ that can be better spent than that which is spent , and bestowed in the sweete fellowship of wise and learned men , yea , of such as are famous for their wisedome , and excellent parts , and employments . Therefore that I may once for all ( more perspicuously ) vnfold and lay open my full scope , meaning , and intention herein , this I say is the thing which I especially ayme at , to admonish thee ( kind Courtier ) namely , that since euen Courts also haue their brambles , bryers , and thistles , no man should therefore put too much confidence and hope in himselfe , notwithstanding all the glittering and glorious shew and resplendent lustre of a Courtly life , and so ( by that means ) alienate and estrange himselfe from his God ; but that he should alwaies beare in remembrance , how many at all times in Kings Courts haue beene pressed , yea , with lyes , detractions , and enuy oppressed , and that much sorrow is sheltred and hid vnder that glorious misery ; and indeed who can terme it otherwise than a glorious misery , when a man shall so liue , & in such a place , where ( for the most part ) he is still subiect either to the danger of other mens malice and hatred These are not onely the conditions of Courtiers , but of this age in generall . or else himselfe to haue others in hatred and detestation ; where a man in outward shew of reuerence , with cap and knee makes bare his head to him ; whose head ( in his heart ) he desires , were smitten off ; Others againe to be seene to bow themselues low , and euen make a legge to him , in the working of whose destruction , they could be better content to breake their leg .

Againe , is it not a thing much to be lamented , to see men daily to frequent each others company , to laugh and reioyce together ; and yet all this while to foster within their brests most cruell and capitall enmitie and hatred each against other ▪ Is it not intollerable , yea , incredible dissimulation , that a man should i● his heart bid a mischi●fe goe with him , to whom he outwardly ●alneth much worship and reuerence . O misery ( I say not now ) glorious , but most grosse and gri●●ous , yea , most vnbefitt●●● an 〈◊〉 and generous Noble-man .

These things ( kind Courtier ) are most true , nor yet doe I flie from the iudgement and censure , which I know you your selues may vrge and inferre herein . But this we must hold and be assured of , as an infallible truth , that neither the Courtier nor any what so 〈◊〉 he be , may well leaue of to complaine of himselfe , vntill such 〈◊〉 as ●● doth begin to amend himselfe ; For , certainely as it is a great folly , and meere madnesse , F●r●●m , qui intra 〈◊〉 delitescit , extra ●andem 〈◊〉 & perfequl , Without 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 pursue the Th●●ft , which 〈◊〉 , and is close hid i● 〈◊〉 of the house : so it is a manifest token of great want of experience in vs , that when we see our selues ●●●●ult , we blush not , nor are a iot asham'd to lay it vpon others , and to iustifie our selues .

To ●●ke it appeare yet more plaine by example ▪ how Euery man is the cause of his owne misery . comes it to passe , that we so trauaile vp and downe , both at home and abroad , that we so pine , pinch , and punish our selues , that we so often breake our sleepe by rising vp early , and going late to bed , what necessitie vrgeth , or constraines ●s hereunto , but an insatiate desire to satisfie our un-bridled lusts ? who I pray makes vs so proud , but euen our owne madnesse ? Who is it that fetters our 〈◊〉 in the gyues and shackles of enuie and malice , but our owne naturall defects ? Who is it , that ( as it were ) enflames and kindles the fire of wrath and fury , in all our inward parts , but our owne impotence and impatiencie .

In breefe , that I may abstract abreuia● and epitomize the subiect and argument , of this whole treatise into the narrow lists and limits of one line : Let the Courtier hereof bee most wary and heedfull , that out of himselfe hee draw a rule to rectifie and gouerne his owne life , that hee bee content to taste the sower with the sweete ; and in Court to expect as well , burthen-some blame and iniurie ; as beautifull fame and dignity , yea let him know & know assuredly , that he which enters into the Court , enters into such a kind of life as comprehends much more labour and care , than ease and quietnesse .

Finally , let him thus conclude , that our whole life doth ouerflow and abound with various , yea great and greuious cares , affaires and emploiments , from which that the Courtier may at last be set at liberty , let him accept and make vse of this my counsell , if at least which I hope it may proue honest and wholesome vnto him .

When soeuer hee determines to bid farewell , and to Wholesome admonition . for euery Courtier . take his Vltimum vale of the Court , let him be wholy exercised and emploied in pious readings , and diuine meditations ; with a constant and couragious minde , let him deride and laugh to scorne the vanities of this world , and send backe this newes to hope and fortune it selfe ; and hauing once found the hauen of rest and quietnesse , let him with a free heart and a cheerefull voice say ,

Iuuem portum spes & fortuna valete , Nil mihi v●biscum est , ludite nunc alias . My hauen's found ; Fortuen and Hope ▪ adew ; Mocke others now ▪ for ● haue done with you ,

And truly since it is so excessiue hard for any man to carry and demeane himselfe in euery kind of life so , as that he 〈◊〉 in any thing : therefore ( kind Courti●● ) recei●● these other most short remedies herein . First th●● be thou 〈◊〉 of firmely assured that then thou hast found out wisedome , When thou d●st truly lament thine owne euills past ; dost wisele vilipe●d all seeming good things St. Barnard . presant , and dost hartily 〈◊〉 and desire the best things to come . Also if thine affections and desires be truly setled and fixed them , where our head and heauenly King our Lord and Sauiour Christ Iesus , doth rule and raigne in blissefull eternity . If then ( kind and courteous Courtier ) thou be of this mind and blessed resolution , thou shalt easily and truly vnderstand , that it is not the safest way , to rely and onely to trust to the world or any Princes palace . For , the world passeth away , and all the pleasures thereof , but he which doth the will of the Lord , hee shall endure for euer . Be aduised then , ●o bee aduised ( good Courtier ) I exhort the● , which shortly dost desire to relinquish and forsake this sickle ▪ fraile , and impure Court on earth , and to be thence 〈…〉 stated and transported into the eternall most pure and perfect Court of Heauen . Hould fast this resolution ▪ 〈◊〉 by wayes , obstacles , obstructions , and impediments ; hinder or with hold thy progresse , and constant proceeding in this right rhode , & Kings high-way ; nor let any thing reduce , or seduce thee , from that life to come , in which , is that day which admits no night and out lasts all eternity of time . Now that thou maist elect and make choice of a holy and happy course of life , consider with thy selfe , What thou now art ; whence and for what cause thou art , and then thou shalt find , that obliuion was our first originall , our middle being is labour , and our end is sorrow ? And what are all these being knit and conioyn'd together , assuredly nothing else than most apparent and manifest Errour . What needs many words , mans whole life is spent and past ouer , in hoping well and hauing ill . Now therefore ( courteous Courtier ) here will I conclude with these three briefe The conclusion of all with three briefe notes . obseruations , which I desire thou wouldst alwayes keepe in perpetuall remembrance , and in Court alwayes beare about thee ; namely , that in Heauen aboue , there is an Eare which ouer-heares thee ; an Eye which ouer-sees thee ; and a booke whereinto all thy words and deeds are most curiously , and carefully written .

THese are the things ( thrice Noble and Renowned MAR●QVESSE ) which I haue humbly presumed , and thought good to deliuer and set forth in writing , touching the life of a Courtier , which I haue especially done for the honour of the Court of the most magnificent IAMES , King of great Britaine , &c. Indeed I know and doe ingenuously agnize , that I haue omitted aboue a thousand things , which might worthily haue beene expressed , concerning the dignitie , honour , and grauitie of this argument ; yet howsoeuer , hereof I am most confidently perswaded and assured , that I haue herein accomplisht and collected those things which may in some measure , delineate and display the life , manners , and demeanours , yea , the liuely image , similitude , and portrature of a Court and Courtier . And I hope , not altogether obscurely demonstrated to euery Courtier , what he is to follow and embrace , what to flie and vtterly contemne . And vnlesse I be most grossely and palpably deceiued , the Courtier , if he doe not vnkindly neglect and reiect these rules , precepts , and prescriptions , but brings them to practicke proofe and triall , by daily custome and exercise ; shall haue some matters obiected to the eyes of his vnderstanding , wherein , as in a mirrour or looking-glasse , 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 of all 〈◊〉 intended ●● the Court of our most 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 KING , I here 〈◊〉 deuote vowes , and 〈◊〉 prayers ▪ most heartily wishing and desiring that his Palace and Princely Familie , may ●euer be desolate , destitute , or distressed , but that he may alwayes haue , such , to loue him , & to 〈◊〉 with him , as may euer be assistant to him ; with their loyaltie , comfort , and good Counsell : Yea , that he may euer haue about him , such cons●i●●able C●ad●●t●rs , as Iethro aduised Moses his so●●e i● 〈◊〉 to ioy●● vnto him , in his counsels and consultations , namely , Men of approued integritie , wise , fearing God , speaking the truth , pure and vncorrupt●d . Such Courtiers and Counsellours I say doe I heartily desire , may alwayes happily attend in our most gracious , and sacred Soueraigne , who will honestly preferre a Publike ▪ before a pri 〈…〉 Good , who had rather religiously to enioy a meane estate , than to relinquish or forsake vertue and honestie , which are not inclined , nor addicted to lust and volupt●●●s ▪ 〈◊〉 and which can be content to put vp a priuate displeasure , but are most r●●die prest to punish a publike iniury . And finally such ●● are not selfe-fla●ed , or affected with insolent 〈◊〉 disloyaltie , and couetousnesse . Which that the great King of Kings , the eternall Lord of H●●sts , would graciously 〈◊〉 to confirme and ratifie , I h●●bly pray , and most h●rtily desire .

FINIS .