Huddle . SEe you neighbour Dunstable what hote spurring there is made after the Buck ouer yonder land ? were it with you and me as it hath bene since each knew other , we could not behold such sport thus farre of , but rather so farre as might become vs , keep way with the formost . Dunstable . Sir then was then , and now is now , they that cannot do as they haue done , must content themselues with what they may do : pleaseth it you therefore to giue ouer the game in the plaine fielde , and to let me tie vp our horses to yonder bough , reposing our selues awhile vnder the shade of this goodly greene Oake . Hud . I readily consent to your indifferent motion . Dunst . Because it is vnwholsome and not altogether safe to sleepe in this wilde wood , let me beseech you to discourse such matters as our experience may delight vs to remember : withall , voutchsafe I pray you , to report the newes of London , for thence I vnsterstand your maistership is lately come . Hud . With a glad will , but ere we enter into them , let me first tell you what I latest heard , which proouing true will equally glad vs both . This noble Earle is not come hither to take an honorable recreation only , as heretofore he was wont , but purposeth withall to keepe a standing house here the whole yeare thorough . Dunst . But that I feare the contrarie , how should I reioyce at these glad tidings . Hud . My selfe in like manner hold the matter doubtfull , knowing the speciall imploiments her Maiestie hath daily to make of his most approoued good seruices being still as he hath bene alwaies so excellent a becomming states peare , that his worthinesse cannot but carrie him from vs to matters of farre greater consequence . To say truly , our vntoward deseruings haue merited no such benefit from him for longer then we are receiuing good turnes at his hands , or in hope of his pleasuring vs , no longer can we stay our tongs from cursing , banning , and vngracious deprauing his noteable parts , whereof we are most vnworthy to iudge , yet alwaies take vpon vs singular skill and knowledge : were it therefore but our vngratitude onely , then which hell hath not a more vgly vice , it alone were sufficient to discourage such hopes of our good as from the rich treasure of his honourable bounty otherwise might likely descend vnto vs . Our malignant hearts are bent towards this Gentleman like as the double deuoted Iewes were against our Sauiour Christ , whom they worshipped and reuerenced so farre , as miracles and their owne gaine might stir them vp to admire him , further they would not haue to do with him , vntill the time came they were able to betray , lay violent hands , or crucifie him . Now this good Earle , his Chimneyes smoake , to prepare wherewithall to cram and fat vp our swine bellies , now we wonder at him , and terme him noble Gentleman , honourable Lord , wise counsailer , and the princeliest subiect any realme Christened hath or had in our memorie . False harted hirelings can we say thus while Beefe & Brewesse lasteth then , with false black breath , boiling from out a venemous stomack blast the sweete blossoms of his frutefull vertues , which euen now had almost bin made profitable vnto vs , had we not put foorth our snakish toungs tipt with the poisonfull hissing of slander and detraction . But now I long to heare the faults you haue obserued in my long speech , hoping you will deale plainely in manifesting them vnto me . Dunst . Since it is your pleasure to stay your discourse with a desire to heare my plaine eloquence , I rather blame you for speaking too little against that which is so worthy reproofe , then otherwise thinke much or that you ouer said in the Earle his praise . To say truly , such are our grosse manners , not caring what we say so we say somwhat , and somwhat we must say , else could not the world take knowledge of our sufficiencies , which serue vs much better to finde wants in other men , where they are not , then to feele the burthen of our owne extremities , lying heauy vpon our shoulders , ready to breake our weake backs . For my part , I meane to turne that cursed speaking you named into hartie praier , that it may please God to further this noble man his purpose and desire , both to this whole countries benefit , and also to the encoraging of other noble and worshipfull Gentlemen , who accompanie him in loue and good will , to do the like by his example , where they dwell . A thing so much discontinued and so farre worne out of fashion , that vnlesse by some notable man it be reduced and set vp againe , the old ancient patterns lost and gone , I feare me , it will hardly or neuer catch the right shape againe , men haue swarued so much to the new cut , wearing all on London fashion , where they neuer thinke on their poore countries , saue on quarter rent daies only . Hud . Though you spared me on the maine which stood in your way , you thought to nick me on the bye , not set for you . The ouersight I made in comparing the Iewes dealings with God and Christians their behauiour towards man , that mistaking you would not see , though too apparant to a curious eye : but free and tollerable things to be vsed or laide aside , according to the occasions and discretions of men , those you launched at euen out of your reach , presuming for that you shadowed your selfe vnder the couerture of a formall figure , finding fault with your selfe to escape vndiscouered , marching with your coulours flying : therin you vse me as the blinde Spaniard his boy serued his maister , who to make a lurching fault himselfe , was content not to find his maisters little digression from the law himselfe had made , as if a little breache in the one not found fault with , should giue the other a libertie to offend at large . The outside of your coate neuer gaue me cause to suspect any such lining : besides , what your ancient patterns and fashions should meane , I cannot easily gesse . My yeares being some few more then yours , me thinks I should remember from as long a time as you . The while I haue hued , things haue bin gained and bettered by wiser skill and sufficienter knowledges , whereby to raise more profitable and conuenient vses out of things , as may appeare in matters almost of euery sort . Heretofore had men attained vnto any little smattering or small maisterie in arts or vnderstandings aboue the rest , they straight thought it a point of their deepest skill to hold others back from the reache thereof , purposely to haue the more ignorant to dote vpon them , else could not the maisters of balductum ceremonies , haue climed vp by craftie conueiance , to sit in thrones aboue Emperours and Kings . I suppose by your ancient patterns and fashions , you meane apparell and hospitalitie , wherein to my small power I will do my good will to take away the error of your mislike , beginning first at apparell . Amongst sundry sorts of men there haue alwaies bene diuers kinds of attires , according to the humors degrees & abilities of the wearers , the shape & fashion being euer in the or dainers choises to please themselues according to the deuice and conceit of best becomming . Therin this present age hath rather surpassed , to their commendation , fitting nearer by Tailers shapes and garnishings , with better proportioning and setting out garments , to their bodies , then the Rutterking Tailors of the old stampe , wherevnto you would haue fashions brought back againe . You might as well appoint men to go naked or loosely attired , which they haue done , as not to allow them that must were clothes , to fit their bodies according to their owne minde and fantasie . Had you found fault with too costly apparrell , where neither the degree nor place requireth it , or with too fantasticall or superfluous wearing , where halfe the stuffe would suffice to make a farre more seemly garment ; or had you spoken against their follies , who fet enuious patterns to outvie and vndoe one the other , by trying maisteries in fashions , who should bcare the prodigall bell away : which time and cost had bin better spent in the emulation of vertues acts , who should haue deserued best in deeds of marshall prowesse beseeming fortitude : therein had I agreed with you : but through the hast you made to finde out these , not so worthie your displeasure , such haue also escaped you . I rather thinke you wanted words to expresse your good conceit , not accustomed to speake in such things , then any wayes come short of iudgement to discerne aright in greater difficulties . Dunst . Surely you fauour me rightly ; for it was my meaning to shew the dislike I had of such as weare more on their backs in one day , then their fathers did in their whole life time . Hud . Now I dare vndertake by your waightie words , you meane such as weare more armour on their backs in one day , or are girte with more wounds and stripes then their Fathers were . Dunst . Nay rather , I speake against that excesse , where commendable Farmes which were wont to maintain & bring vp honest tennants and their children , ouer and aboue the rent , are dasht vpon one sute of apparrell together with one daies vnmeasurable expences . Hud . I perceiue you could be content to dwell rent-free , vpon the grudge you beare hereat , all the daies of your life . But now to your patterns of housekeeping , I will see to fit you better therein , for I know that troubles you most , and giueth you least cause of offence . Know you how all fathers that leaue their heires lands , charge the said liuings ? First the mother her carrying away a iointer , moueables and furniture of the house , that must needs be one hinderance why the sonne should not begin where the father left : then paying out of brothers and sisters portions , is also a hinderance to make him lesse able to keepe house and porte equall with your ancient patterne . Now againe , besides lands and goods , perhaps he wants the offices and entertainmets from his prince , which his father was assisted by , in that ample manner to do that you so hastely require . But put the case all Noblemen and Gentlemen were in better sort able to maintaine housekeeping after this fashion , then any ancestour they had , I will shew you sufficient reasons , and those profitable also to the common wealth , to haue such lauish housekeeping forborne . When you had these prodigall spendings , for custome sake , they neither knew why nor wherfore , a progenie of voluntarie or rather wilfull beggers were thence outrraised , the swarme and rable whereof by continuance haue defamed and slandered the whole nation , besides the generall and particular hurts they do in the places where they are yet in that sort maintained . Is one Gentleman be able to shew you halfe a thousand thus bred and continued , from one descent to another , for many hundreds of yeares , it is like England hath some greater store of these straw companions . It were much for me to say , that the first brawle of them came from this occasion : because of the likelyhood , I will venture to thinke they did and shew you my reasons : First their breeding and customarie aboade in one place , excercising one selfe kind of life ; then the commodiousnesse of a wastefull house , to fcster them vp in that free and liberall sort , without exception to any that would helpe away with beefe and mutton , as much at their commaundement , that would in this sort come to take it , as at theirs whose breeding and growing it was of . For it is more likely they tooke their beginning from houses thus wantonly kept , then from a farther fetcht deuise of Abbeys and Priories , whose benefacting that way extended chieflie to their supposed children and Paramoures , inhabiting Milles and out-granges within their belles ringing , whither by out-leaps they made their Sabaoth dayes iourneys : their cherishing was onely of such , to do to haue , as the Scot saith , an ease for a pleasure . Againe , such as were fallen by casualties or burthensome occasions of many children into pouertie , former times , I must confesse , had greater respect in time to see to them then we haue , who lightly alwaies by charitable contributions restored them back againe , & in time , to an estate ere they could catch a habit or delight therein : a matter better pleasing no doubt to the parties relieued , then the other contemptuous custome of wilsull begging . Now whether it be likely that vnmeasurale house keepings were the occasions to draw loytering disposed persons from labour to ease , and from one entising degree to another , till it had fully possest them to erect a habit or facultie of slouthfull beggers : the first degreebeing in themselues through this prouision , other members of their like sort and qualitie , as the rogue and vagrant begger , indeed haue proceeded from the number and superfluitie of the first kinde : now I say the better consideration hereof to iudge , I referre to your selfe . Dun. Through your gentle teachings , I begin to perceaue an approoued error , in ouerdoing , as well in things that haue good purposes and intents , as also in matters grounded vppon mischiefs , carrying an outward shew of holy and religious deeds . I confesse , Monasteries and Priories were not so likely to haue bin causes hereof , as the other dissolute houses , where refreshings were without respect or partiality . The Moncks and Abbots of my knowledge , cut large shiuers of the loafe for which they neuer sweate , to make themselues strong in the peoples fauour and opinion , or else spent their whole gettings vpon vnlawfull children . Yet notwithstanding by your fauour , you haue not attained vnto the full of my meaning and desire herein . Hud . I confesse I haue not , for the fight of beefed beggers that thronged so thick in my way : but now I haue got past them , I will go neare to meet you on your owne bawlke . Your desire is to haue houses kept to beare the Lord of misrule company at Christmas , spending then vpon Hick and Stephan , who haue no need of it , what would maintaine a seemly family more then halfe a yeare . Such may well be called the Lord of misrule his guests , who besides excessiue ouer-eating & drinking themselues , spoiling by misuse that they cannot deuour , leaue behind them also such vnmannerly annoyances , called beastialities , that the Nobleman and Gentleman that hath thus crammed his quoistrels , must of necessitie forsake their house and housekeeping , till a good winde blow away the vnpleasant sauours their Christmasse Poulcats leaue behind them . Thus besides excessiue cost and trouble by the fruits of this carelesse hospitalitie , their houses are lest in worse case then common Innes or ostelries . If it be a sheep-shearing feast , maister Baily can entertaine you with his bill of reckonings to his Maister , or three sheapheards wages , spent on fresh cates , besides spices and Saffron pottage . So that the Nobleman & Gentleman should haue nothing come in clearly to them at any season , if your ancient patterns might be rightly obserued . I know your meaning is not to haue the Hockedame waited on by them , who for the most part let their lands to halfes , or else conuert all into rent . The entertainment one of them giues vnto another cannot be that you call so hotly vpon : for those fashions you haue a homely terme I list not to remember you of . Dun. The money your maistership hath spent in learning and trauell , is euery penny better bestowed then other . Now I plainly see , let an ignorant man be neuer so wise , or of neuer so great experience , but if he meete with a man of gifts and bringing vp , his presuming to know all things prooueth plaine ignorance , and meere mistaking . Once to day I tooke my selfe to know as many wayes to the Church as maister Vicar himselfe , but now I see Plowmen are no preachers . I haue a Sonne that hath cost me many a quarter of corne , on whome for this dayes worke I will bestowe one Peck of pure graine , which toucht no chaffe this many a day , to buie him more learning ; and though I am not able to breed a Gentleman , I may perhaps , as well as some of my neighbors , bring vp one . Hud . I meruaile how you stumble on the Church and the Minister : this hote weather and our long talke should rather haue put you in minde of the Butler and the Butterie . Besides I cannot bethinke me what vertue should be in your peck of pelfe , especially to alter nature ; my selfe withall the proofe I could make , could neuer finde the skill to cause a barking mongrell to become a true questing Spaniel . To be plaine with you , I neuer thinke an Ape more diformed , then when he striueth by borrowed skill , to put on that which nature cannot grace : nay rather those things are most vgly , which are forced and done in spight of nature . Euery one to whome Mastership belongethis not a Gentleman , what purchase soeuer his father maketh , vnlesse he can procure bloud to alter kinde : that you cannot giue your sonne , because you haue not attained vnto it your selfe . The notabilitie hereof proceeds from chiualrie and marshall prowesse , where for princes right , and common-weales saftie , through worthy aduentures of bloud and life , purchase is made at the dearest price and rate . Therefore as there cannot be a greater cause amongst men , then the Prince and commonwealths businesse , nor a greater matter then bloud and life , to be powred out and parted withall , of necessitie the greatest and principallest respect and regard hath euer bene had therevnto . Dunst . By your fauour sir , there are no such lawes yet made to prooue Souldiers Gentlemen : or if there be , it is left out of their stile in all that I can reade or vnderstand of their profession . Hud . If you speake ignorantly , I am contented to helpe you ouer the stile ; you seeme not able to clime , but if you play the Foxe with me , grapes are no meate for you , especially of my reaching vnto you . Because I haue some doubt of your words , and no cause to mistrust your selfe , I will declare my minde herein more sully . You know how all that are put to learning prooue not learned , neither all degrees of learning of like estimation : no more are any to be counted Gentlemen , vnlesse they were so before their degrees taken in Artes . Likewise , all that follow the warres proue not Souldiers , nor all that proue Souldiers , take not their degrees at armes : neither those that take degrees , all of one account or worth . For as there are diuerse kinds of vertues to make vertuous , so are there diuerse degrees of the vertuous , according to the sorts of the vertues they haue attained The most rich and excellent vertues were principally acquired and gotten by princely deseruing men , the renowne of whose glorious deeds hath rightly gotten vnto themselues iust preheminence to guide and go before the rest , as hereafter I will plainly shew you . In their power and Maiestie onely therefore it is to nobilitate , commend vnto honor , and to make Gentlemen , and not in your peck of drossie ointment , though made of the Quintessence of old Angels . Gentlemen bred in the warres , and those that come of them , you see are not made , for it is no proper speech , to say that is made , which is bred ; neither can art or reason helpe to make it good . Dunst . Without offending you with my rude answers , let me aske you this mannerly question . Do you meane those that are begotten and borne in a Campe , to be onely Gentlemen of bloud , or how otherwise I beseech you to shew me ? I haue heard this matter often debated , but neuer fully agreed vpon . Hud . Because you haue alreadie heard it doubtfully handled , and at no time discust , it may in like sort become me to giue place to some doctor of the Ciuill law , to whose profession it especially appertaineth to know the certaintie of all worthie antiquities . Dun. It fits me not to importune you , otherwise I should receiue a great good turne at your masterships hands thereby , for my sonne takes great delight in petegrees of Gentlemen , and hath some skill in quartering their coates . God willing he shall one day waight vpon you to better his knowledges , if it may please you to accept of his vnworthinesse . Hud . Bring him with you on Sonday next to dinner , where you shall be sure of a Pigge for your sonne his welcome , therein I meane to proue his skill , how he can head and shoulder the same ; the iawes and eares he shall bestow vpon you after he hath quartered them . The head so spoiled , he shall charge his quadrate trencher with . Dunst . I thought I should make you merry with my mistakings , I now and then catch a word or two from my sonne , which for lack of due placing , marreth all in the making . Hud . You shall in earnest ( if you list to carry it with you ) heare what I can do in your sonne his Art . The Pigs head shall be vpon a Spit couchant , the toung pendant , the braines dormant in the sauce poinant . Now for a supporter or crest , because of the quadrufoile in his bare head , there shall be a recompence made by purchase of the back ribbes and chine-bone . All these thus put together , must of necessitie conclude somwhat , especially in a morning fasting . Dun. Most of these termes my sonne hath by heart , and will talke them to a glasse window I haue , when many times it is my fortune to ouer-heare him . According to your saying also he hath often confest vnto me , that his wit and memorie haue serued him best to those purposes in a morning eare he haue eaten any thing . But still I am to put you in minde of my former desire , wherein I am perswaded you are able to satisfie a much better man then my selfe . Hud . Rather then to giue cause to hinder our exercise of speaking , I will do my best to content your minde herein , hoping you will not put my ignorance vpon me as a reproofe , neither returne a bolt weakly shot , strongly vpon my ownehead . It should seeme there were ignorant times wherein men liued in full plentie so aboundant , that they needed not at all to search out or care for , more then the vse of necessaries alreadie in their owne possessions . In progresse of further time , while they were thus lulled in their soft delights , their ordinarie prouision through their numbers increasing , began as it were to abate and growe emptie , well towards a want on the sodaine : now the way to supply the same , was not so ready as the necessitie grew vrgent ; wherevpon some few , or rather one aboue the rest , stirred vp by a more ready motion , and better resolued spirit , put forth himselfe with purpose rather to seeke remedies where they might likely or possibly be found , then securely to stay themselues vpon deceaueable meanes . These few thus quickning their dull sences , by the instigation of that quahtie which is euer least subiect to base neglect , to preuent that which was like to ensue , they ranged into the world like companions and fellow aduenturers in the behalfe of themselues and the rest ; whose cogitations for want of stabilitie of courage , could neither respect nor take in hand , any thing beyond the slow custome of grosse ease . These worthies , I say , thus trusting to their bold and confident courages , set vp their rest , either to follow & acquire that which should become profitable in a communitie to the whole societie and company , or neuer to returne backe , or once to thinke of the sweetnesse they had tasted by their former varietie and plentie . God , who euer prospereth the most worthy portion of his grace , which setteth forwards it selfe to vertuous and industrious acquirements , presented in short time vnto their view , helpes before that time vnknowne , but yet not without danger , nor so succesfull , but still they should worke themselues into the possession of them , by hardie , painefull , and manlike endeuoures . After they had through this good gift & enclination of Fortitude , bin brought to the discouerie and knowledge of these likely meanes , by exercise and progresse in this vertue , they dared withall to aduenture , and with a voluntarie courage set vpon difficulties , which ere that time for want of proofe-making in themselues , they had not mastred . Setting at the first , fiercenesse against feare , and extremitie against extremitie , and so by the aiding hand of God easily conquered into their obedience and vse , first wilde and forcible creatures , then others that were vnder the maisterie and command of them , before that time the matter of their spoile . These worthies thus returning with profitable reliefe to their droanes at home , who notwithstanding their owne deffects , were yet able to conceipt and admire the excellencie of the conquerours by their atchiuements , most moderately on the suddaine they extolled and lift them vp beyond the credit and beleefe , that they could be lesse then Gods in comparison and distinction of doings , being brought on at the first by these motions and affections of ioy , there was no doubt in continuance they would be setled in opinion to receiue and reuerence them for no lesse then Gods in deed . After , by this support of courage , they had gone thorough and accomplished matters sufficiently behouefull for the common bearing out of necessities ; they then cast another about presently with themselues , how to encrease and make permanent their yong and new begun world strongly resoluing with themselues afresh , that now it was no lesse expedient , with lawes and manners to fashion them how to liue , then before it was needfull to seeke out necessaries to maintaine life . After they had entertained and taken into counsell the prudent and considered vertue , you may then thinke they gained by degrees , into matters which haue bene in differently from one time to another deliuered ouer , as may appeare by the benefits we haue receiued from them which were immediatly before vs . Now amongst those that were thus prouoked and prepared through the force and facultie of Fortitude , after they had exercised their desires vpon such hard and laborious things , as before I shewed to be out of their powers , there was also in the company of these few , one principall man , whom I would haue you to vnderstand , in the sight and beholding of the other did that aboue the rest , whervnto they were rather ministers of aides and obedient helpers , then any way able to equall : to whom they did both in their expedition abroad , and also euer after in all places , for his chiefe worthinesse , attribute dutie vnto . This princely worthy , being more intire and fully possest with the height of vertues , whether by the benefit of nature , or by the speciall indument of Gods grace , with absolute partes , he by all their consents had princely powers set vpon his shoulders , and by generall voices , was chosen and instituted their Duke and leader , to go before them in all manner of concernings , aswell of warre and conquest , as also to be their vpholder , conseruer , and commander in all matters of ciuill institution and derection . Now after all eyes were fastened on him , and all hearts bent at his deuotion , such as would not forsake their retchlesse slouth , but still haue wrapped themselues within the spoile of others labours , such at the length by his assignement , were appointed places to serue in , according as euery one was spirited , disposed , or more or lesse apt to performe and discharge trust and seruices to be committed vnto them . Dunst . Surely Sir , you haue spoken so darkely , that for the thick spleigh of boughes and broad leaues of this tree , I cannot discerne your meaning . Huddle . Thinke you I go about to deceiue you with darkenesse of words ? If a field be said to haue eyes , a wood may likewise haue eares . But whether you heare me not , or list not to beleeue me , the likelihood hereof shall carrie me to credit the same , knowing that matters of lesse proofe and more vnlikely trueth , haue bene receiued from worse grounds and beginnings then this commeth from . But you may see how the loue I beare you hath carried me to clime vnknowne hauntes , and such difficult pathes , as there are no steppes or traces left mee to follow ; therefore you may say , it is like to proue a hard iourney to a weake traueller . Dunst . Now I better remember my selfe , I haue read many stories agreeing with your worthies in their notable deedes and exploites , done by couragious and bold attempts . Huddle . I will not seeke to winne you by extremitie of speeches , but leaue you to the libertie of your owne better conceauings . To keepe whole the vnderstanding of the matter , I will come to that which shall neereliest agree with that I said before . After this principall Worthie was enthronized by others , himselfe was also addicted and disposed , for the better conseruation of all things in order , in the integritie of his iudgement and discernings , to consider with rewards and dignities such deseruers and beautified mindes , as himselfe had seene forward by ready and feruent dispositions , placing and crediting vnto them for their tryed and approoued seruices , such degree of trust and superioritie , as might both stand in stead towards a recompence of their trauailes , and also the more incourage them to go on with him in perfecting things necessarie to vphold societies and vocations , wherevnto he had lately sorted the whole people . Afterward , such of all sorts as had defected and come short in sufficiencie , to performe matters and places committed vnto them , so as the rest receiued losse and hinderance by their fault or negligence ; such iniurious deceiuers were deposed , thrust downe , and disfranchised , as persons vnfit to become the strong vertues and properties beseeming men euer after compelled to exercise weake things , and withall enioyned to liue out the rest of their dayes in the company and conuersation of women . What occasion soeuer notwithstanding vrging the vse of them , such were neuer recalled nor suffered to execute duties amongst men . Dun. That you may perceiue the warmth my beleefe hath catcht through your most excellent description , I will open vnto you my conceiuing of your speeches , by the processe whereof I gather , you meane to deriue Kings and Princes from the most especiall deseruing worthy , who from successour to successour , haue still added ornaments of rare excellencies : to the intent that those who from time to time haue issued from them , might through their cleare and shining perfections be discerned to haue issued from such noble , famous , and renowmed progenitours . Prouing further withall , that such high prowesse and meritorious parts neuer fading , but euer more and more encreasing , haue long sithence through the dignitie and glory of notable deeds by the hand of God , bene exalted into throne and Maiestie wherein they sit , hauing in themselues through him sufficient power and abilitie enough to nobilitate and make famous whomsoeuer they may please to nominate , appoint , and choose . Hud . I thinke it hath bin the warmth of gentle bloud , which beating within your brest , hath thrust out this formalitie you indent your words withall : could my consent helpe towards it , you should be made a gentle maister Scriuener , for your orderly frame of words are so well suted , that as me thinketh you haue much amended the old patterne you began with in the morning . If you mistake me in sence also no worse hereafter , it shall not repent me to talke of this fashion yet a while longer with you . Dunst . Though of my selfe it soundeth not well , yet without brag be it spoken , there be Gentlemen of bloud in this countrey that sit not so high in the subsidie booke , neither are rated in furnitures and setting out of men to the warres in sort as I am . Hud . Herein you deceaue me little . I euer tooke you fitter for the land then the sea . How can you proue a good marchant , that are not willingly pleased with the venture of a little without grudging , to gaine infinitlie and continually ? I doubt me if her Maiesties most gratious prouidence exceeded not the beneuolent respects you beare euen to your self , you could not so quietly haue encreased your ability , nor brought your wealth to that plenty , you now enioy it , but might haue bene indangered to haue lost somewhat of that you haue long sithence through her safe gouernment and defence , laid vp hoords , robbing the common-wealth of the due vses they were made and should serue for . There are too many both vnmercifull and most vnthankfull men , who repine and are more troubled with the departure of a from their superfluitie and abounding plentie , then other good men are from their reasonable and competent abilities , which they readily shew to the vttermost by their good intents . I partly know them you stretch your superlatiue degree of comparisons at or if I do not , thus much generally I can say of all Gentlemen , that their forwardnesse to haue such things in a readinesse for themselues , if need should so require , and with setting out their sonnes in seruices already past , that if you should be rated , as they becommingly prepare themselues , you would thinke your selfe robbed of that you bestow in that sort , of and for the safetie of your selfe and your goods . I confesse you want no abilitie with the formost to performe necessarie seruices , could your willing heart consent to the same , as I said to your owne good . I trust for Subsidies , Gentlemens lands and their other values are more readily discerned , and farre more seruiceable then your buried pelfe , laid vp for the deuill and his kingdome of darknesse . Had you the lamentable experience but of one daies warres , which God keepe vs from , you would then call for twentie yeares subsidies , and bring them in as willingly as you now burie and obseure them from the seruice of the realme For all your complaining , I doubt not but once in the yeare you squit out a commoditie to ingrate vpon the Gentlemans necessitie you meane , with buying eyther his whole yeares wood-sale , his croppe on the ground , or some other out-lying commoditie , that shall goe neare to defray your whole yeares charges , the marriage of your children excepted . Dunstable . Had I thought your maistership would haue taken my free speeches in so ill part , which concerned onely my selfe and my ready abilitie , to forward to my power my Prince her occasions and seruices , I would haue forborne to haue vttered my minde , wherein I onely grieued , that any should exempt themselues or forbeare to extend their vttermost helpe and indeuour in such good workes . My intent was not to repine at my owne easie charges , especially to performe so necessarie a dutie . If it please you to forget my foolish speeches and scattering questions , beginning where the matter brake off , you shall fauour me ; in that I haue a speciall desire to heare at the full , you hauing so notablie entred into the declaration thereof . You left at absolute vertues , which are the gifts of nature , and accompany Gentlemen from their birth . Huddle . Sithence by your desire I am put in minde of complete vertues , which are said to be in Princely descents of bloud from the beginning , and at their entrance into the world : I am contented there to beginne againe . All creatures in manner that beare life , haue also at the first an inclination towards a very neare similitude of the nature from whence they came : by which I prooue the perfections that are in parents , descend wholy and without change , steps , or goings on , in like manner and sort to their children , as they were indued therewith themselues , but if the parent want the perfection thereof himselfe , his childe may attaine vnto it , but not by natures benefit , for that the foregoing one had not the entire possion thereof in the time of his life . It is euident to euery vnderstanding , that absolute vertues neither decrease nor increase , for looke what is perfect in it owne fulnesse , the same is able to enriche and fortifie what it affecteth , and naturally inclineth it selfe wholy vnto : it neuer decreasing , as I said , because of it perfection it can be no lesse in the succeeding childe , then it was in the proceeding father , so that the vertue most excellent in the one , shall be the same without exceeding or diminishing in the other , admitting no mediocritie , reacheth at the first the vttermost point of the vertue which was of that integritie in the former Worthie . That vertue which wanted perfection in the progenitour , his ofspring may attaine vnto : but it is not his proper and peculiar blessing , as it should haue bene , had it not wanted perfection in the other . Because the one wanted the full and entire possession thereof , he cannot deliuer it ouer by descent in bloud . Dunsta . Belike then , if the worthie progenitour had attained to the tipe of all perfections , his worthie of-spring had at the first immediately bene seasoned with that most precious liquor , according to the influence into the former vessell . Hud . Yea vndoubtedly , but the mysterie of the perfection celestiall , which you rightly termed a most precious influence , it is too deuine to dwell vpon earth , or to be discust by mortall sence and vnderstanding : but the next vnto that omnipotencie , are Kings and Princes , because they receiue theyr blessings from God directly , without other benefit or additament whatsoeuer . Dunst . Then I pray you Sir , how do diuerse without the benefit of this generous bloud , attaine to such ripenesse as may make them worthie high place and dignitie in the word ? Huddle . Through forward inclination and disposition , taken with the loue and desire to immitate such seruiceable vertues as they haue seene approoued and rewarded in others , whose more properly at the first they were , and so vpon iust cause , are both receiued and held worthie men . In the first vertuous man , I shewed you euen now , after his good speed was seene , and the way knowne , how he did great things , others were stirred vp to haue pleasure and delight in the like , yet such also as were better endued , and of a more ready motion then the rest . For all could neither be incited by example ; nor forced by compulsion to needfull and concerning duties , to the pleasuring of themselues . Dunst . By this reckening , wisdome to forethinke is not the least helpe both to seeke and also to become great places attained vnto . Hud . All my speeches haue tended to that end and purpose , Yet first I shewed you , how bold courage did rouse and waken men from out the cradle of securitie , before they were assisted by consultation : euen then also had they failed of resolution to enterprise and breake through disficulties , such also as perhaps were repugnant vnto reason , and aboue that wit could perswade to be possible , then all had fainted , and nothing had bene atcheiued . Now wit , arte , and counsell , which you spake of right now , might haue serued them to prolong their plenty , and to haue held them still in ease , to haue leslened and made away by deuise , some of their superfluous and rising numbers ; but the strong vertue was first , and it preuailed to best purposes and blessings . Dunst . Now sir I beseech you , speake somewhat of the defects that were found in them that neuer came forward . Hud . I haue promised so to do . You may imagine , that while the sunne is oppressed and surcharged with cloudes , her vertue of comforting is for the while hindered ; but when she hath out wrought them , and broken thorough the black prison , her light is then cleare , and her operations effectuall . Likewise , whilest wantonnesse , belly cheare , and other entangling delights , held men back from the vse and knowledge of themselues : till I say , the maisterfull spirit had by maine force , spoiled and driuen away all impediments , they could purchase no freedome nor rest contented , vnlesse they were able also to make a through conquest of themselues , then which there could not be a greater victorie . Dunst . A faire and a vertuous generation of worthy men , fit to take example at . Hud . The princely worthy , that had bene the cause of the beginning and discouerie of all these things , through his search and aduenturous inquirie , after I say he had laid these fast knowledges , sufficient both for their owne foundation , and also for continuing their succeeding posterities , making alwaies the end of one discouerie , the beginning of another , and after himselfe for all these benefits had bene deseruedly crowned and holden in due honor and regard of the rest , at once he amended all their estates , bringing the number of such as were out of order , into order , by prouision as aforefaid , of such necessaries acquired , as nothing but the iustice and displeasure of almightie God could bereaue them . Now to iumpe with your desire , I will directly shew you who were the pecora campt , to whome for their vnwillingnesse little or nothing was possible . You must also remember , how at the first I tolde you , few by nature and their owne ready inclination were warlike , yet by instruction and imitation , shaking off and expulsing the first disease called slouth , many were fashioned and instituted , by the desire they had to folow the discipline of the first worthies . Notwithstanding all this , there remained a sculke of such , as neither care nor castigation could amend or make able to entertaine other purpose or desire then at the first . Besides , to increase their number & sort , there were diuerse whose courages abated , degenerating and declining by immoderate and intemperate contrarieties , thorough which they corrupted and lost their first bloud and estimation , differing in a manner altogether from the good resolutions to vertues , which at the first , either themselues or their auncestors had bene raised vnto : who rather then faile , by erudition and tradition , for the honour of their owne first vertues , were desirous to haue had their posteritie assumed and admitted vnto them . To make along tale short , and the rather , because the euening starre hath made the ayre temperate and fit for vs to trauell , you must still note the number that alwaies subiected themselues so much to inordinate libertie , that no decree could demonstrate vnto them any thing sufficient to respect a more ciuill and perite life ; but that they would repose themselues vpon pleasures , which they desired still to hold , as their defence and fafegard , to keepe and defend them from the perils of their life . Playing the tyrants thus with themselues , suffering basenesse to beare all the sway , according to beastly fantasie and licentious appetite , such neuer came at all forward to better themselues , neither by reputations for vertues , which they were carelesse to possesse ; nor for desire they had to purge or segregate themselues from the soft vices they were first infected withall : neither yet were at all moued with the felicitie they saw the reformed to liue in : nay the commandement and reprehension that was vsed for their amendment and bettering preuailed not in them . Now comparing the number of those who neuer admitted excellencies , with those that fell away and decreased their worthy parts and qualities , without respect or care to put on againe the habit and dignitie of well doing , you may well finde the cause , why so many vnworthy , are at all times found amongst so few blessed and happy men , who are endued with excellent dispositions of themselues , to do and to distribute good and wise things . Dunst . I pray you sir suffer me yet to aske you this one question more , whether you thinke courage or counsell the more beneficiall vertue , to aduance and set forward actions of greatest moment ? Hud . I am content to vnderstand you by your meaning , and so answer to that I think your desire is to know , which of the twaine should be the first or more principall vertue to become great things . If wit should be of more force then courage , who should keepe the Woolfe from the dore ? the folde alone cannot defend the sheep , neither one sheepe helpe another . If courage were not the preuailing vertue , wit would perswade him not at all to go to the warres , and suffer there all indurances , depriuing vs of such laudable things , as we might else at ease and in safetie inioy . Wit can teach , it is more safe tarrying at home , sleeping in a whole skin vpon a soft bed , then to lie in a waterie ditch abroad with bleeding wounds . Wit can shew you , that it is better to stand by a fire of straw , making Mault in a drie house , then to suffer cold , thirst and hunger vnder the wide open welkin . Wit taught Vlysses rather to counterfet madnesse , and to choake himselfe with his countrie smoake ; then to change sweete and prosperous pleasure for the sowre aduersities that are suffered in the warres . Wit waiting vpon courage , that is a consonant thing to compasse and make all vndertakings fortunate . Fortitude shall haue much to do , to make wit shake of his feare , forget his trembling motions , and to put on the armour of all proofes , called militarie boldnesse : but when that is once on , with more ease he shall be taught the skilles and knowledges which belong to the tollerating and sufficient doing hard and difficult things . After this , besides wit must also haue constant perswasion , to dare to enterprise , and in person himselfe to go against dangers . Wit thus girt , it is good conferring and counselling with him in the field : but if naked wit be principall man there , the Drumme and Trumpet must sound and strike vp false alarms to daunce base daunces : first on a little forwards , at the first he cryeth , then by and by retire : the rest must be danced backward , which is called a base daunce , especially in the field . Naked wit can bid others be bold to fight , and runne away himselfe , he can giue counsell , and direct to begin well , but when there is most need to go forward , defecteth euen in his owne precepts , such tyrants can lead men into the field for their owne good , vnder the standard of wit . To such faire warres I thinke a man might intreat your companie . Dunst . Alas Sir , hard lodging and bad diet would be as good as a murthering piece to kill me out right . Yet for one day I could be content to see fashions amongst them with a quarter of a cold Pig , and an Aquavita bottle vnder my girdle . Hud . Nay , I can assure you , the warres and a colde stomack will neuer agree : at these yeares , you and I will pray from them that may . To martch in Armour , and to go vnder the waight thereof , would breake our bones , being , as they are , cold , drie , and marrowlesse . Dun. My sonne telleth me , it is nothing now a daies to be a souldier , for they neuer come to pitcht fields , as they were wonte in our olde English warres , when the deuision of houses was . Hud . Is your sonne a Fencer that wayes to ; I thinke he be an vniuersall man . But I pray you what warde hath he to beare of a Musket bullet ? it must needs be with his legges , for his hands I know are not Pistoll proofe . Dunst . I confesse those gunnes are diuelish things , and make many men runne away that other wayes would not turne their heads . But when I said a Souldier , I meant the Generall or commander in the warres . He telleth me many times he could discharge the place himselfe , though he neuer saw an enemy in the face . Hud . Not vnlike , but shew me I pray you , wherein the commaunders office consisteth , according to that you haue heard your sonne report . Dunstable . Marrie sir , in ordering and ordaining the field , and in well lodging his campe , neare riuers and places defended from contagious noisome winds . Hud . What shall then be the Lord Marshall his place vnder him , if his Generalship be thus imploied ▪ Dunst . He saith Hanniball supplied both the romes himself , and made the offices one : he alwaies when he came to ioyne battels and prepare his fights , bestowed his footmen vpon hils and places of aduantage , and his horsemen in the plaines and euen valleis beneath . Hud . If yong Hanniball your sonne were chiefe in the field , his footmen should be Astronomers or wisards , to know when they should not fight , then from the hilles to giue signes to the horsemen to be gone , and flie away together , and so your sonne his hoast should consist of a running campe . Though I was neuer worthy to beare the name of a companion in the warres , yet vnder his conduct I could be content to refuse the offer of a very good place and office . Dun. What office is that , and why ? I pray you sir let me know . Hud . No entertainment could tempt me to be maister of his carriages , to carrie & recarrie hils and dales , windes and waters ; besides I know the great librarie that hath cost you so many quarters of Corne , must also waite vpon his remoues . If that fleet vp and downe with him , well he may loose an eye with poaring vpon his Puerilis , but with climing the Alpes as Hanniball did , for catching an ill humor in that sort , I dare put you in comfort and be his warrant . Dun. May it please you sir to take a hard lodging at my house to night , for I see by the Moones leape into her waterie circle , if we sit long here , vnwholsome dewes will be sent downe vpon vs . Hud . Not now I thanke you , I haue such businesse with my Lord that I cannot , when I come into the countrey againe in winter , it is like I will bid my self vpon this warrantise . Dunst . I haue a case of some extremitie , wherin I would be glad of your worships counsell , might I be so bold to craue it . Hud . Tomorrow in the morning when my Lord is gone forth againe to hunt , I wil be ready for you , and as glad of your companie as to day . Dunst . God keepe you Sir , as it becommeth me , I will waite vpon your comming abroad in the morning . Hud . Good night neighbour .

The end of the first dayes meeting .