A learned commendation of the politique lawes of Englande vvherin by moste pitthy reasons & euident demonstrations they are plainelye proued farre to excell aswell the ciuile lawes of the Empiere, as also all other lawes of the world, with a large discourse of the difference betwene the. ii. gouernements of kingdomes: whereof the one is onely regall, and the other consisteth of regall and polityque administration conioyned. written in latine aboue an hundred yeares past, by the learned and right honorable maister Fortescue knight ... And newly translated into Englishe by Robert Mulcaster. De laudibus legum Angliae. English and Latin Fortescue, John, Sir, 1394?-1476? This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A01080 of text S102454 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 11194). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 341 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 136 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 A01080 STC 11194 ESTC S102454 99838239 99838239 2606 2240943558

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Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A01080) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 2606) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 508:11) A learned commendation of the politique lawes of Englande vvherin by moste pitthy reasons & euident demonstrations they are plainelye proued farre to excell aswell the ciuile lawes of the Empiere, as also all other lawes of the world, with a large discourse of the difference betwene the. ii. gouernements of kingdomes: whereof the one is onely regall, and the other consisteth of regall and polityque administration conioyned. written in latine aboue an hundred yeares past, by the learned and right honorable maister Fortescue knight ... And newly translated into Englishe by Robert Mulcaster. De laudibus legum Angliae. English and Latin Fortescue, John, Sir, 1394?-1476? Mulcaster, Robert. 16th Century [1], 132, [3] leaves In Fletestrete within Temple Barre, at the signe of the hand and starre, by Rychard Tottill, [Imprinted at London : 1567] Translation of: De laudibus legum Angliae. Latin and English in parallel columns. Imprint from colophon. With three final contents leaves. Running title reads: Fortescu, in commendacion of the lawes of England. Reproduction of the original in the Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery. eng Law -- England -- Early works to 1800. eebo A learned commendation of the politique lawes of Englande: vvherin by moste pitthy reasons [and] euident demonstrations they are plainelye proued farr Fortescue, John, Sir, 1567 567 54604 114 0 0 0 0 0 20.88 C The rate of 20.88 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 2005-05 Assigned for keying and markup 2005-08 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2005-11 Sampled and proofread 2005-11 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2006-01 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

A learned commendation of the politique lawes of Englande : wherin by moste pitthy reasons & euident demonstrations they are plainelye proued farre to excell aswell the Ciuile lawes of the Empiere , as also all other lawes of the world , with a large discourse of the difference betwene the .ii. gouernements of kingdomes : whereof the one is onely regall , and the other consisteth of regall and polityque administration conioyned .

Written in latine aboue an hundred yeares past , by the learned and right honorable maister Fortescue knight , lorde Chauncellour of England in the time of Kinge Henrye the .vi. And newly translated into Englishe by Robert Mulcaster .

Pio lectori .

IStius non minus pij , quá eruditi opusculi exemplar , nactus : quum antiquitatem venerandam , vna cum eruditione ac pietate coniunxcrim : Non potui optime lector , aut patrie tam ingratus , aut antiquitatis tam in officiosus cultor esse , vt te illius lectione diutius fraudarem . Continet enim in se ( vt cetera taceam ) politicarum et ciuilium nostre Anglie legum , quibus preclara et florentissima hec respublica sub illustrissimo et numquam satis laudato principe nostro Rege Henrico octauo , eiusque progenitoribus regibus Anglie hactenus felicissime fuerit erecta , instituta , & gubernata , doctissimum encomion . Vnde easdem nostras leges , non solum romanorum Cesarum , sed et omnium aliarum nationum constitutiones , multis parasangis , prudentia iustitia & equitate precellere , facile prespici●s . Eme ergo , lege , et fruere , ac labores nostros boni consule .

Vale .
To the right woorshipfull Ihon Walshe , Esquier , one of the Queene her learned Iusticers of her highnes Court of Commen plees . Robert Mulcaster wisheth long lyfe and health .

IT happened mee of late , ( right woorshipfull syr ) to light vpon this little Treatise , whiche I incontinent desired to renne ouer , because yt semed to discourse vpon some poyntes of the lawes of our Countrye , wherof I my selfe then was & nowe am a Student . When I had ouer ronne it , my desire to read it , became nothing counteruailable with the gladnes that I hadde reade it , for my desire to reade it came vpon hope , to fynd some profitable lessons for my study , but my gladnes after reading sprang of the excellency of th argument , wheron I did not dreame , neither to fynd so riche a Treasure in so simple an habite . And because I wished all menne to haue parte of my delight , me thought it good to translate it into Englishe forth of Lattine , in whiche toung it was fyrste written . The aucthour of the book was one maister Fortescue knight Seriaunt at the law , and for his Skill and vertues preferred by kinge Henry the .vi. to be Chauncellour of this realme . The entrie of the booke it selfe sheweth where , and vppon what occasion it was written . It was written in Berry in Fraunce , where Prince Edwarde sonne to Henry the vi . afterward slaine at Tewkesbury by Edward the .iiii. dyd then remayne with his mother Queene Margaret in the house of Renate her father duke of Angeow and king of Cicile , during the tyme that Edward the fourth reigned in this Realme and Henry the .vi. was fledd into Scotland . The occasyon was this : The Chauncellour being fledde into Fraunce with the yong Prince & perceiuing his delight to be all bent to Chyualrye as a thing of greatest neede consydering he ment by force the restitucion of his father , and thereby his own , to the kingdome of England , tooke occasion ( for that his hope was to see the Prince reigne heare ) to moue him to a diuision of his affaires , & as he armed him selfe against the enemy , so to adourne him selfe againste his being kinge with skill of lawes , whiche doe preserue eche state so in peace that it maye if neede be , warre , and so garde it in warre , that it may haue peace in eie . Th argument is this , that the skill of the Countrie lawes is neadefull for the Prince , althoughe not so deepe as the purposed professours , yet so full as to their honour may & ought to fall in Princes . And for that the Prince should think the thing to be a Princely knowledge , he taketh occasion by comparing the gouernement of this Realme with others , and the lawes of this lande with the Ciuill , with whome it is of all men lightly compared and the betternesse of poyntes wherein they bothe trauayle , and prouisions by the one wiselyer foreseene then by the other , to proue the singularitie of this state whiche it behoued the Prince to learne seyng hee was lyke to succeade hys father , and to vnderstand the lawes , whiche maketh the state to bee so singuler . The particularies I referre to the booke , wherof thus much I doe and no lesse coulde well saye . Why I dyd choose your woorship to be protectour of my laboures , I shall not neede tedyously to touche , it shal be suffycient to saye that in choise of manye , I pycked you alone , not doubting your lyking in allowynge seeing myne eleccion in dedycatynge and so commyttinge to th almightye the good preseruacion of your worship I humblye take my leaue , this xii . of October

Robert Mulcaster .
The introduction into the matter .

DVring the cruell rage of the late mortall warrez within the royalme of Englande , when the most vertuous and godly king Henry the sixt with Queene Margaret his wife the kīgz daughter of Iherusalem and Scicile , & their onely sonne Edwarde prince of Wales were forced to fly the land : & the king himself afterward in the same ciuil tumult falling into the blody hands of his deadly enemies his own subiectz was of them committed to prison , wher he a long tyme remained in straite captiuitie , the queene & the prince her sonne thus banished out of their countrey , making their abode in the duchy of Berry , a dominion of the foresaid king of Ierus . The Prince shortlye after growing to mannes state , applied him selfe wholy to the feates of armes , muche delytinge to ryde vpon wilde and vnbroken horses , not sparing with spurres to break their fiercenes . He practysed also sometymes with the pyke , sometimes with the sworde , & other warlyke weapons after the maner & guyse of warriors accordinge to the vse of martial discipline , to assaile & strike his companions , I mean the yong men the attended vpon hys person . Which thing when a certein auncient knight , being chauncellour to the forsaide king of England saw , who also in the miserable tyme did there remain in exile , hee spake thus to the prince .

SEuiente dudum in regno Anglie nephandissima rabie illa , qua piissimus ibidem rex H. sextus , cum Margareta Regina consorte sua , filia regis Iherusalem et Scicilie , ac eorum vnigenito Edwardo principe Wallie inde propulsi sunt , sub qua et demum rex ipse . H. a subditis suis deprehensus , carceris diutinum passus est horrorem , dum regina ipsa cum sobole , patria sic extorrens , in ducatu Berren̄ predicti Regis Iherusalem dn̄io morabantur . Princeps ille mox vt factus est adultus , militari totum se contulit disciplinae , et sepe ferocibus et quasi indomitis insedens caballis , eos calcaribus ▪ vrgens , quandoque lancea , quandoque mucrone , aliis quoque instrumentis bellicis , sodales suos iuuenes , sibi seruientes , bellantium more inuadere ferireque , iuxta martis gimnasij . rudimenta , delectabatur . Quod cernens miles quidam grandaeuus , predicti regis Angliae Cancellarius , qui etiam ibidem sub hac clade exulabat : Principem sic affatur .

First he moueth the Prince to the knowledge of the lawe . Chap. 1 ,

YOur singuler towardenes most gracious prince , maketh me right gladde , when I beholde how ernestlye you dooe embrace martiall feates . For it is conuenient for youre grace to be thus delyted , not onlye for that you are a souldyour , but muche rather for that you shal be a king . For yt is the offyce and duytie of a Kyng to fight the batailes of his people , and also rightlye to iudge them , as in the viii . chapiter of the firste booke of Kinges you are plainelye taught . Wherfore I would wish your grace to be with as ernest zeal geuen to the studie of the lawz as you ar to the knowledge of arms , because that like as warres by force of chiualrye are ended , euen so iudgementes by the lawes are determined . which thing Iustinian the Emperour well and wisely and aduisedly pondering , in the beginninge of the preface of his book saith thus . It behoueth the emperiall maiesty not onli to be garded with armez , but also to be armed with lawes , to the end that he mai be able rightly to execute the gouernemnt of bothe times , aswell of warre as of peace . Howbeit for youre more earnest endeuoir to the study of the law , the exhortation of the chiefest lawmaker Moyses , sometyme capytaine of the Synagoge ought to be of much more force with you , then the woordes of Iustinian , wheras in the xvii . chapiter of the book of Deuteronomie hee doothe by the auctority of god straitlye charge the kinges of Israell to be readers of the lawe al the daies of theire lyfe sayeng thus . When the kyng shall sitte vppon the princelye seate of hys kingdome , hee shall write him out thys lawe in a booke , takynge the copye thereof of the priestes the Leuites : and he shal haue it with him , and hee shall read it al the dayes of hys life , that he may learne to feare the lorde his god , & to keepe his commaundementes and ordinaunces written in this lawe .

And Helynandus expoundyng the same saith thus . A Prince therefore must not be ignorant of the law , neither is it tollerable that hee vnder the pretence of warrefare shoulde be vnskilfull in the lawe . And a littel after he is commaunded , sayeth hee , to receyue the coppye of the lawe of the priestes the Leuites , that is to saye , of catholik and learned men . Thus muche he : For the booke of Deuteronomie is the booke of the lawes , wherwith the Kynges of Israell were bounde to rule and gouerne theyre Subiectes . Thys booke doth Moyses commaunde kinges too reade , that they may learne to feare God , and keepe his commaundementes , which are writen in the lawe .

Beholde the effecte of the lawe is to feare God .

Whereunto man cannot attayne , onelesse he firste knowe the will of God , whiche is written in the lawe . For the principall poynte of all seruyce is to knowe the wyll and pleasure of the lord or maister to whome seruyce ys due . Howbeit the lawmaker Moyses first in this charge mencioneth the effecte of the lawe , that is the feare of God : and nexte he allureth vs to the keepinge of the cause thereof , that is to saye , of Goddes commaundementes . For in the mynde and intent of the exhorter the effect goethe before the cause .

But what feare is thys whyche the lawes do propoun to the obseruerz therof ? Surely it is not that fear , wherof it is written , that perfect charitie or loue expellethe feare . Yet thys same feare , thoughe it bee bond & seruile , oftentimes prouoketh kinges to the reading of the lawes : but it procedeth not out of the law . But that feare wherof Moyses here speaketh , whiche also procedeth out of the lawes is the selfe same feare , that the prophet speaketh of saynge . The feare of the lorde is holy , & endureth for euer & euer . This is such a louing feare as natural children beare to their deare parentz commenly termed the reuerence of the child toward his parents , Whereunto there is no punishement due , as a thinge wrought by loue . For this feare proceedeth out of the lawes , which teach to do the wil of god , so that it deserueth no punishement . But the glorye of the Lorde is vppon them that feare hym , and he doth glorify them . Yea thys feare is eeuen that same feare , whereof Iob after that he had dyuerslye searched for wisedome , sayeth thus . Beeholde the feare of the lord is perfecte wisedome , and to forsake euill is vnderstandinge . That the forsakinge of euill is the vnderstandinge of the feare of god , this do the lawes teache , whereby it foloweth that the same fear procedeth out of them .

Gaudeo vero se renissime Princeps super nobilissima indole tua : videns quanta auiditate militares tu amplecteris actus , conuenit namque tibi taliter delectari , nedum quia miles es , sed amplius quia rex futurus es . Regis nempe officium pugnare est bella populi sui , et eos rectissime iudicare , vt primo regum cap. viii . clarissime tu doceris . Quare vt armorum , vtinam et legum studiis , simili zelo te deditum cōtēplarer Cum vt armis bella , ita legibus iudicia peragantur que Iustinianus Augustus equissima librans mente in initio prohemii libri sui institutionum ait . Imperatoriam magestatem non solum armis decoratam , sed et legibus oportet esse armatam , vt vtrumque tempus bellorum et pacis recte possit gubernari . Tum vt ad legum studia seruide tu āheles , Maximus legis lator ille Moyses olim Synagoge dux multo forcius Cesare te īuitat dum regibus Israel diuina autoritate ipse precipiat , eorum leges legere omnibus diebus vite sue , sic dicens : Postquam sederit rex in solio regni sui describet sibi Deuteronomij Leges in volumine , accipiens exemplar a sacerdotibus Leuitice tribus , & habebit secum legetque illud omnibus diebus vite sue , vt discat timere dnm deum suum , & custodire verba & ceremonias eius que in lege scripta sunt . Deutero. ca. xvij . quod exponens Helynandus dicit . Princeps ergo non debet iuris ignarus esse , nec pretextu militiae legem permittitur ignorare . Et post pauca , a sacerdotibus Leuitice tribus , assumere iubetur exemplar legis , id est a viris catholicis et litteratis . Hec ille : Liber quippe Deute . est liber legum , quibus Reges Israell subditum sibi populum regere tenebantur . Hunc librum legere , iubet Moyses Reges , vt discant timere deum & custodire mandata eius quae in lege scripta sunt .

Ecce timere deum effectus est legis , quem non consequi valet homo , nisi prius sciat voluntatem dei , quae in lege scripta est . Nam principium omnis famulatus , est scire voluntatem dni cui seruitur . Legis tn̄ lator Moyses , primô in hoc edicto effectum legis videlicet timorem Dei , commemorat . Deinde ad custodiam causae eius videlicet mandatorum dei ipse inuitat .

Nam effectus prior est quam causa , in animo exhortantis . Sed quis est timor iste , quem promittunt leges obseruatoribus suis ? vere non est timor ille de quo scribitur : Quod perfecta caritas foras mittit timorem . Timor tamen ille licet seruilis , sepe ad legendum leges , reges concitat , sed non est ipse proles legis . Timor vero de quo hic loquitur Moises , quem et pariunt leges , est ille de quo dicit propheta : Timor domini sanctus permanet in seculum seculi . Hic filialis est et non nouit penam , vt ille qui per charitatem expellitur . Nam iste a legibus proficiscitur , que docent facere voluntatem dei , quo ipse penam non meretur . Sed gloria dni est super metuentes eum , quos et ipse glorificat . Timor autem iste , timor ille est , de quo Iob postquam multifarie sapiētiam inuestigat sic ait . Ecce timor domini ipsa est sapientia , & recedere a malo , intelligentia . Iob ca. xxviij . Recedere a malo quôd intelligentia timoris dei est , leges docent quo & timorem hunc ipse parturiunt .

The Princes replie to the Chauncellours motion , Chap. 2.

THe Prince hearynge this , and stedfastly be holding the old man , spake thus to him . I know good Chauncelloure that the booke of Deutronomie whereof you speake is a booke of holye scripture . The lawes also and ordinances therein contained are holy , of the lords makinge , and published by Moyses : Wherefore the readinge of them is a plesant act of holye contemplacion . But that law , to the knowledge whereof you counsell me , is humayne , made by menne , and intreating of worldlye matters : Wherefore though Moyses bynde the Kinges of Israell to the readynge of goddes law , yet that thereby hee forcethe all other Kynges to do the like in their own lawes , that standethe by no good reason , seeynge that of both the readinges the cause is not like .

HEc vt audiuit princeps , erecto in senem vultu sic locutus est . Scio Cancellarie quod liber Deut. quem tu commemoras , sacrae scripturae volumen est : leges quoque & cerimoniae in eo conscriptae , etiam sacrae sunt a dno editae : & per Moisen promulgatae : quare eas legere sanctae cōtēplacionis dulcedo est . Sed lex ad cuius scienciam me inuitas , humana est ab hominibus aedita , tractans & terrena : quo licet Moyses ad Deut. lecturam reges Israel astrinxerit , eum per hoc reges alios ad cōssīl’er faciendum in suis legibus concitasse onnen effugit rationem , cum vtriusque lectur ’ , non sit eadem causa .

Here the Chauncelour Fortifieth his assertion Cap. 3.

I perceaue ( ꝙ the Chauncellour ) by youre aunswere most worthy prince howe earnestly you haue considered & weighed the qualitie of my exhortacion . So that heareby you doe much encourage me both more plainly , more largely & also more deepelye to discourse the same . Wherefore you shal vnderstande that not only gods lawes but also mans are holye , forsomuche as the lawe is diffined by these woordes . The lawe is a holy sanction or decree , commaunding things that be honest , and forbiddinge the contraries . Now the thing must needs be holy which by diffinicion is determined to be holye . Right also by description is called the arte of that whiche is good & streight so that in this cespect a man may wel cal vs Sacerdotes , that is to saye , geeuers or teachers of holy things ( for so by interpretacion doothe Sacerdos signifie ) . Forsomuche then as the lawes are holye , it foloweth that the ministers and setters furth of them may right wel be called Sacerdotes , that iz geuers & teachers of holy things . Further more all lawes published by men haue also theire auctoritie frome godde . For as the Apostell sayethe : Al power is from the lord god . Wherefore the lawes that are made by man which thereunto hath receaued power from the lorde , are also ordeined of god , as also appeareth by this saiyng of the auctour of al causes : Whatsoeuer the seconde cause doth , the same dothe the first cause by a higher and more excellent meane . Wherefore Iosaphat the king of Iuda saiethe to his iudges : The iudgements whiche ye execute are the iudgements of god in the ninetinth chapter of the seconde booke of Chronicles . Wherby you are taughte that to learne laws though they be mans lawes , is toe learne holy lawes and the ordynances of goode : so that the studie of them is not with out a pleasant sweetenes of holy consolacion . And yet such sweete pleasure was not the cause as you suppose , werefore Moyses commaunded the kings of Israel to reade the lawes of Deuteronomie . For thys cause moueth not kynges no more to the reading of the boke of Deuteronomie thenne of anye of the other bookes of Moyses in which aswel as in the booke of Deuteronomie is plentiful store of godly lessons & holy instruccions . Wherin to be deuoutly occupied is a holy thing . Wherfore that there was non other cause of this commaundement , than for that the lawes whereby the king of Israel is bound to rule his people , are more precisely conteined in the booke of Deutronomie , them in the other bokes of the old testament , the circumstances of the same commaundement do manifestly infourme vs . For whiche cause you ought moste worthy prince no lesse than the kings of Israell to bee mooued and prouoked to be a diligent trauailer in the studie of those lawes , wherebye hereafter yowe shal rule your people . For that which was spoken to the kinge of Israell muste be vnderstande to be figuratiuely spoken to euerye kinge hauinge dominion ouer godly people . And haue I not then wel and holsomelye propounded vnto you the commaundement geeuen to the kynges of Israell concernynge the learnynge of theire lawe ? Forasmuche as not onely his example , but also hys like autoritie hath taught yowe and bounde you to the like dooinge in the lawes of the kyngedome , whiche god willinge you shall inherit .

AT Cancellarius . Scio ( inquit ) ꝑ hec q iam dicis , princeps clarissim̄ , quanta adūtētia exhortatiōis mee , tu ponderas qualitat ’ quo me non infime cōcītas super inceptis , nedum clarius , sed et profundius quodamodo tecūdisceptare . Scire igitur te volo , quod non solum Deutro. leges , sed et onnes leges humane sacre sunt , quô lex sub his verbis diffinitur . Lex est sanctio sancta iubens honesta , et prohibens contraria sanctum etenim esse oportet , qd ’ esse sanctum diffinitum est . Ius etiam discribi perhibetur , quod illud est ars boni et equi cuius merito quis nos sacerdotes appellat . Sacerd ’ enim quasi sacra dans , vel sacra docens per ethimologiā dicitur , quia vt dicunt iura , leges sacrae sunt quô eas ministrantes et docentes sacerdotes appellantur . A deo etiam sunt omnes leges editae , quae ab homine ꝓmulgātur . Nam cum dicat Apostolus , quod omnis potestas a domino deo est , leges ab homine conditae , qui ad hoc a domino recipit potestatem , etiam a deo constituuntur , dicente auctore causarum : quic quid facit causa secunda , facit et causa prima , altiori et nobiliori modo . Quare Iosaphat rex Iuda , ait Iudicibus suis : iudicia q vos profertis , iudicia dei sunt , secundo Paralipo . xix . cap. Ex quibus erudiris quod leges licet humanas ad discere , est addiscere leges sacras et editiōes dei , quo earum studium non vacat a dulcedine consolationis sc̄ae . Nec tamen vt tu coniicis , dulcedo hm̄odi causa fuit cur Moyses reges Israel Deutero. legere p̄ceꝑat . Nam causa hec , non plus reges quam plebeos , ad eius lecturam ꝓuocat , nec plus Deuter. librum quam alios Pētateucō libros legere , pulsat causa ista , cum non minus libri illi , quam Deutero. sacris abundent carismatibus , in quibus meditari ꝑsanctū est . quare non aliam fuisse causam mandati huius , quam quia in Deutronom̄ plus quam in aliis libris veteris testamenti legis inseruntur , quibus rex Israel ppl’m regere obnoxius est , eiusdem mandati circumstantiae manifeste nos informant . Quo et te princeps eadem causa , non minus quam reges Israel exhortatur vt legum , quibus populum in futurum reges , tu sis solers indagator . Nam quod Regi Israel dictum est , omni Regi populi videntis deum , ticipè dictum fuisse intelligendum est , an tunc non conuenienter vtiliterque proposui tibi mandatum Regibus Israel latum de eorum lege addiscenda ? Dum nedum eius exemplum , sed et eius auctoritas figuralis te erudiuit et obligauit , ad consimiliter faciendum de legibus regni , quod annuente domino , hereditaturus es .

Here the Chauncelour proueth that a prince by the lawes may be made happy and blessed . Cap. 4.

NOt onely to the intent you should feare god & so beecome wise , do the lawes with the prophet call you saiyng : Come children heare me I will teache you the feare of the lorde : but also that you may aspire vnto felicitie and blessednes ( as farre fourthe as in this life theye maye bee atteyned ) do the lawes wyll you moste gracious prince to bee studious of them For all the philosophers which haue so diuersly resoned of felicitie , haue all agreed together in this one point , that felicitie or blessednes is the ende of al mans desire : and therefore theye cal it chief goodnes . Howbeit the peripatetiks placed it in vertue , the Stoikes in honestie , & the Epicures in pleasure . But seeing the Stoikes defined honestie to be that whiche is wel & laudably done withe vertue , and the Epicures helde nothing to be pleasant witheoute vertue , therefore all those sectes , as saiethe Leonarde Arretine in his Introduction to morall Philosophie agreed in this , that it is onely vertue that causethe felicitie . Wherefore Aristotle also in the seuenth booke of his politiques defining felicitie , saieth that it is the perfect vse of vertues . Thus much being now presupposed I wold haue you to consider these things also the folow Mans lawes are nothing els but certein rules , whereby Iustice is perfectlye taught . But that Iustyce which the lawes do shew is not the same that is called Commutatiue or Distributiue , or any other particular vertue , but it is a perfecte vertue expressed by the name of Iustice legall . Whyche the foresaid Leonerd dothe therefore affyrme to bee perfecte , beecause it excludeth all vice , and teachethe all vertue . For whiche cause also it is woorthelye called by the name of al vertue . Whereof Homere saiethe , and likewise Aristotle in the fifthe booke of Morall philosophie , that it is the chiefest of al vertues , and that neither Lucyfer nor Hesperus are so bright & beaming as it is . Moreouer this Iustice is the thing , whereuppon al princelye care dependeth and resteth : witheoute the whiche the kinge can neither rightly iudge , nor yet duely fight . But thys beeing once obteyned and perfectly kept , then all the hole deuty required in a kyng is iustly perfourmed . Nowe then seeynge that the perfecte vse of vertues is felicytie , and that Iustice vsed amongest menne whyche can not bee obteyned vnto nor learned but by the lawe , is not onelye the effecte of vertues , but is all vertue it selfe , hereof it folowethe , that the practiser of Iustice is by the lawe happie , and so thereby hee is made blessed , forsomuche as blessednes or happynes and felicitie are bothe one in this short and transitorie lyfe , of the whiche lyfe throughe Iustice hee enioyeth the chiefe & principall goodnes . And yet the lawe is not hable to perfourme these thinges withoute the assistence of grace , witheoute the whiche also you can not learn nor couet eyther lawe or vertue . For as saieth Pariss . in his booke intituled Cur deus homo the inward vertue of man wherin his desieringe is placed is so throughe originall sinne defaced and corrupte , that it esteemeth vicious workes for pleasaunt , & vertuous woorkes for vnpleasaunt . Wherefore in that some men applye and endeuour themselues to the loue and folowing of vertues , it proceedethe of the bountiful goodnes of god and not of the power of man . Is ther not then special cause why the lawes , whiche beinge preuented and accompanied wythe grace do performe all the premisses , should with all diligent trauaile be learned ? Seinge that whoso hathe perfectlye atteyned thereunto , the same shall enioye felicitie , the ende & performance , as the Philosophers say , of mans desire by means wherof hee shall in this life be blessed , in the he nowe possesseth the chief goodnes therof . Doubtles if these thinges moue you not , whiche shal haue the rule and gouernement of a kingdom , yet the woordes of the prophet shal moue you , yea & force you to the studie of the law , whiche words be these : Be ye learned you that are iudges of the earth . Here the prophet exhorteth not to the learning of a base arte or a handy-craft , for he saieth not : Be ye learned you that are the īhabiters of the earth , neyther doth he counsel to the learninge of knoweledge speculatiue , thoughe it bee not vnnecessarie for the inhabiters vpon the earthe . For he sayethe not generally : Bee ye learned you that dwell vppon the earthe , but by these wordes , doth the prophet call kinges onely to the learninge of the law , wherby iudgements are executed , forsomuch as he specially saith Bee ye learned you that are iudges of the earthe . And it folowethe : least the lord waxe angrye , and so you perishe from the waye of righteousenes . Neyther doth holy scripture ( o kinges sonne ) commaund you onelye to be skilfullye instruct in the lawes , wherby you shal purchase and obtein the possession of iustice but also in an other place it biddeth you vnfainedly to loue Iustice , wher it sayethe . O set your loue & affection vppon Iustice you that are iudges of the earthe , in the firste chapter of the booke of wysedome .

NOn solum vt de ū timeas , quo et sapiens eris , princeps colendissime , vocant te leges , cum propheta dicente . Venite filii , audite me timorem dn̄idocebo vos : Sed etiam vt felicitatem , beatitudinemque , ) ꝓ vt in hac vita nancisci poter ’ adipiscaris , ipsae leges ad earum disciplinatum te inuitant . Philosophi namque onnes qui de felicita te tam variè disputabant , in hoc vno conuenerunt : vz qd ; felicitas siue beatitudo finis est omnis hūmani appetitus : quare et ip̄am sūmum bon̄ appellant : Peripatetici tn̄ constituebant eam in virtute : Stoici in honesto : Et Epicurei in voluptate . Sed quia Stoici honestum diffiniebant esse qd ’ bene sit et laudabiliter ex virtute , et Epicur ’ asserebant nihil esse voluptuosum sine virtut ’ : Omnes sectae illae , vt dicit Leonardus Arretinus Ysagogico moralis disciplinae , in hoc concordarunt , qd ’ sola virtus est , que felicitatem operatur Quo et Philosophus in vii . polit ’ ( felicitatem difiniēs ) dicit , quod ipsa est ꝑfectus vsus virtutum . His iam p̄suppositis , considerare te volo etiam ea q sequentur . Leges humane non aliud sunt quam regul ’ quibus ꝑfectè iustic̄ edocetur . Iusticia vero quam leges reuelant , non est illa q commutatiua vel distributatiua vocat . feu alia q̄uis ꝑticularis virtus , sed est virtus perfecta , q iustic̄ legal ’ nōine de signatur . Quam Leonardus pndc̄us ideo dicit esse ꝑfectam , q̄aōne vicium ipsa eliminat , et omne virtutem p̄a docet quo et omnis virtus ipsa merito nuncupatur . De qua Homerus dicit , sīl’er et Philosophus v. ethicorum , Quod ipsa est pre clarissima virtutum et nec Lucifer nec Hesperus , vt illa est admirabilis . Iusticia vero hec , subiectum est omnis regalis curae , quô sine illa Rex iuste non iudicat , nec recte pugnare potest . Illa vero adepta , ꝑfectêque seruata equissime peragitur onne officium Regis . Vnde cum ꝑfectus vsus virtutum sit felicitas , et Iusticia humana , que non nisi per legem perfecte nāciscitur , aut docetur , nedum sit virtutum effectus , sed et omnis virtus . Sequitur quod iustitia fruens felix per legem est quó et per eam ipse fit beatus , cum idem sit beatitudo & felicitas in hac fugaci vita cuius et ꝑ iusticiam ipse summum habet bonum tamen non nisi per gratiam lex poterit ista operari , neque legem aut virtutem sine gratia tu addiscere poteris , vel appetere . Cum vt dicit Parisi in libro suo de Cur deus hōo virtus homin̄ appetitiua interior , per peccatum originale ita viciata est vt sibi viciorum sua uia et virtutum aspera opera sapiant . Quare qd ’ aliqui ad amorem sectacionemque virtut ’ se conferunt , diuinī bonitatis benefici um est , et non humanae virtutis . Num tunc leges , q p̄ueniente & comitante gratia , omnia p̄ missa operantur , toto conamine addiscendae sunt ? dum felicitatem quae secundum Philosophos , est hic finis et complementum humani desiderij , earum apprehensor obtinebit , quó et beatus ille erit in hac vita , eius possidens summum bonum . Vere etsi non hec te moueant , qui regnum recturus es , mouebunt te etarctabunt ad disciplinatum legis prophetaeverba dicētꝭ Erudimini qui iudicatis terram , non enim ad eruditionem artis factiuae , aut mechanicae , hic mouet propheta : Cum non dicat , Erudimini qui colitis terram , nec ad eruditionem scientiae tantum theoricae , quamuis oportuna fuerit incolis terrae , quia generaliter non dicit erudimini qui inhabitatis terram sed solum ad disciplinam legis , qua Iudicia redduntur reges inuitat propheta in his verbis . Cum specialiter ipse dicat : Erudimini qui iudicatis terram . Et sequitur : Ne quando irascatur dominus , & pereatis de via iusta . Nec solum legibus , quibus iustitiam consequeris , fili regis imbui te iubet sacra scriptura , sed et ipsam iusticiam diligere , tibi alibi precipit , cum dicat . Diligite iusticiam qui iudicatis terram . Sapien̄ Capitulo primo .

Ignorance of the lawe causith the contempt there of . Cap. 5.

But howe can you loue Iustice , onles you first haue a sufficient knoweledge in the lawes , whereby the knoweledge of it is wonne and had : For the Philosopher saiethe that nothinge can bee loued except it bee knowen . And therefore Quintiliane the Oratoure sayethe , that happie shoulde artes bee , if artificers onelye weare iudges of them . As for that whiche is vnknowen it is wonte not onely not to be loued , but also to bee despised . And therefore a certaine poet thus saieth .

The plowman doth desspise and skof ,

the thing he is not skilfull of .

And this is the saiynge not of plowemen alone but allso of learned , and right skilfull men . For yf vnto a naturall Philosopher that neuer studied the mathematicall sciences a supernaturall Philosopher shoulde saye that thys science considerethe thynges seuered from all mater and mouinge , accordynge to theire substantiall beeynge and reason : or the Mathematical man shoulde say that this scyence considerethe thinges ioyned to mater and mouing after theire substance but seuered accordynge to reason , both these though Philosophers , wil the natural philosopher , which neuer vnderstood things seuered from mat̄ & motion either in beinge or in reason , vtterlye despise , and theyre sciences thoughe in deede more excelent thenne his , wil hee laughe to scorne , moued so to do by none other cause , but that hee is altogether ignoraunte in theire sciences . Lykewyse you most worthye prynce would wonder at one skilfull in the lawes of Englande , if he should say that the brother shal not succede his half brother in their fathers inheritaunce , but rather his enheritaunce shall descende to the sister of the whole bloude , or elz it shal bee intituled to the chiefe lord of the fee as his escheat : Herat you would muche marueill , beecause you knowe not the cause of this lawe . Howebeeit the difficultie of this case nothing troubleth him that is learned in the lawes of England . Wherfore it is a commen sayinge , that an art hath no foe but the ignoraunt person .

But god forbid O noble prince that you should be an enemye to the lawes of that royalme , whyche you shall by succession inherite : or that you should despise them , seeing that the afore cited text of scripture instructeth you to the loue of Iustyce . Wherefore moste soueraigne Prince I doe with moste earnest affection require you to learne the lawes of youre fathers kingdome , whom you shall succeede , not onelye to the intent you maye the rather auoyde these inconuenyences , but also because mannes mynde which naturally desireth the thing that is good , and can desire nothing , but in respects that it is good , as soone as by learninge it hathe taken holde of that whiche is good , it becommeth ioyefull , and loueth the same : & the more that it is afterwarde occupied in the remembrance of the same , so much it is more delited therin . Whereby you are taughte that if you once by learning attaine to the vnderstanding of the foresaid lawes wherein you are nowe ignoraunt , seeinge they bee perfectlye good , you must needes loue them And the more that you record than in your minde , so much the more delyte & pleasure shal you haue in them .

For what soeuer it is the is loued , the same draweth the louer of it into the nature therof . So that as the Phisopher sayeth , vse or exercise becommeth an other nature . So a slippe of a Peare tree beeynge graffed into the stocke of an appletree , after that it hath taken , it so draweth the appletree into the nature of the Peartree , the they bothe for euer after are rightly called a peare-tree , and doe bring furth the fruite of a pearetree . In lyke sorte continuall vse and practyse of vertu causeth a full perfection therof , in so muche that the practyser of the same is afterward named therby : as a man indued with modestye , of the vse therof is named modest . Hee that vseth continencye is called continent , and one garnished with wisedom is called wise . Wherfore you also moste myghtye prince , when you are plesantly delyted in Iustice , and therewith indued , in respect of the perfeccion of the law you shal wortheli be called Iust. . For which cause it shal be saide vnto you : Thou hast loued Iustice & hated iniquitie , and therfore the lord thy God hath anointed the with the oyle of gladnes aboue the kings of the earth thy companions .

SEd quomon iusticiam diligere poteris , sinon primo legum scientiam quibus ipsa cognoscatur , vtcumque apprehenderis ? Dicit namque Philosophus , quod nihil amatum nisi cognitum . Quare Fabius Orator ait , qd ’ felices essent artes si de illis soli artifices iudicarent . Ignotum vero non solum non amari , sed & sperni solet . quô poeta quidam sic ait : omnia que nescit , dicit spernē da colonus . Et non coloni solum vox hec est sed et doctorum peritissimorum quoque virorum Nam si ad Philosophum natural ’ qui in mathe . nunquam studuit , methaphisicus dicat qd ’ scientia sua considerat resseperatas ab omni materia et motu scd’m esse et secundum rationem : Vel mathemathecus dicat , quod sua scientia considerat res coniunctas materīae , et motui secundum esse sed seꝑatas secundum rationem . Ambos hos licet phōs , philosophus ille naturalis qui numquam nouit res aliquas seꝑatas a materia & motu essentia vel ratione spernet eorumquè sciencias , licet sua scientia nobili ores ipse deridebit , non alia ductus causa , nisi quia eorum scientias ipse penitus ignorat . Sic et tu princeps legis Anglie ꝑitū miraberis , si dicat quod frater fratri sibi nequaquam vterino , non succedet in hereditate paterna , sed potius hereditas illa , soro ri integri sanguinis sui descendet . Aut capitali domino feodi accidet vt escaeta sua . Cum causam legis huíus tu ignores , in lege tamen Angliae doctum , huius casus difficultas nullatenus perturbat .

Quare et vulgariterdicitur : quod ars non habet inimicum nisi ignorantem .

Sed absit a te , fili Regis , vt inimiceris legibus regni quo tu successurus es , vel vt eas spernes cum iusticiam diligere , predicta sapientiae lectio te erudiat Iterum igitur atque iterum , princeps inclitissime , te adiuro vt leges regni patris tui , cui successurus es addiscas .

Ne dum vt inconuenientias has tu euites : Sed quia mens humana , quae naturaliter bonum appetit , et nihil potest appetere , nisi sub ratione boni , mox vt per doctrinam bonum apprehenderit , guadet et illud amat , ac quanto deinceps illud plus recordatur , tanto amplius delectatur in eodem . quo doceris quód si leges predictas quas iam ignoras intellexeris ꝑ doctrinam , cum optimae illae sint , amabis eas . Et quanto plus easdem mente pertractaueris , tanto eisdem delectabilius tu frueris .

Nam omne quod amatur , vsu trahit amatorem suum in naturani eius . Vnde vt dicit Philosophus vsus altera fit natura , sic ramunculus piri , stipiti pomi insertus , postquam coaluerit , ita pomum trahit in naturam piri , vt ambae deinceps merito pirus appellentur , fructusque producant piri . Sic et vsitata virtus habitum generat , vt vtens ea deinde a virtute illa denominetur , quo modestiae preditus , vsu modestus nominatur , continentiae , continens , et sapientiae sapiens . Quare et tu princeps , postquam iustitia delectabiliter functus fueris , habitumque legis indutus fueris merito denominaberis iustus , cuius gratia tibi dicetur : dilexisti iusticiam , quo et odisti iniquitatem , propterea vnxit te dominus deus tuus oleo letitiae pre consortibus tuis regibus terrae .

Here the Chauncellour briefly repeteth the effect of all his perswacion . Cap. 6.

NOw moste gracious prince is not all thys enoughe to moue youre highnes to the studye of the lawe ? Seing that thereby you shal indue your selfe with Iustice , whiche shall yelde vnto you the name of a iuste man . And shall also eschue the infamy of ignoraunce in the lawe . And further by the lawe you enioying felicity , shal be blessed in this life . And finallye beinge furnished with a louyng feare , whiche is the wisedome of God , you shall obtain & possesse Charitie , whiche is a stedfast loue to godward , and by the meane thereof cleanynge to God , you shall by the apostles sayenge bee made one Spirite wyth hym .

But forsomuche as the lawe without grace cannot accomplish these things it is necessarie and requisite that aboue all things you make earneste intercession for it : and also that you beecome a studious sercher of goddes lawe , & of the holye scripture .

For scripture saieth that all men are vaine in whom is not the knowlege of god in the xiii . chapiter of the booke of wisedome .

Wherefore moste noble prince while you are yet yong , & while your soule is as it were a smoothe blanke table , write in it these thinges , lest heereafter you happen to take pleasure in writing lessons of lesse profit therin .

For as a certeine wyse man sayeth ,

Whereof the vessel newe , did first receue the taste :

Therein when it is olde , the sent will euer last .

What handycrastes man dothe so negligentlye regard the profite of his child whome while hee is yong , he wil not see brought vp in such an occupacion , as thereby hee maye afterwarde obtaine to leade a mery life . So the carpenter teacheth his sonne to cutt with an axe : the smyth his to stryke with an hammer : and whome he entendethe to make a spirituall minister , him he procureth to be trained vp in learning . So likewise is it conuenient that a kinges sonne which shal gouern the people after his father bee in his youthe instructed in the lawes .

Whiche order if the ruelers of the worlde would obserue , then the worlde should be gouerned with muche more Iustice then now it is . Vnto whom if you wyll followe myne exhortacion , you shall minister no smale example .

NOnne tunc Princeps se renissime , hec te satis concitant , ad legis rudimenta : cum per ea , iustitiam induere valeas : quo et appellaberis iustus , ignorantiae quoque legis euitare poteris ignominiam : ac per legem felicitate fruens , beatus esse poteris in hac vita , et demum filiali timore indutus , qui dei sapientia est , charitatem quae amor in deum est imperturbatus consequeris , qua deo adherens , per Apostoli sententiam , fies vnus spiritus cum eo .

Sed quia ista , sine gratia lex operari nequit , tibi illam super omnia implorare necesse est , legis quoque diuinae et sanctarum scripturarum indagare scientiam . Cum dicat scriptura sacra : quod vani sunt omnes in quibus non subest scientia dei . Sapienciae cap. xiij . His igitur princeps , dum adolescens es , et anima tua velut tabula rasa , depinge eam , ne in futurum , ipsa figuris minoris frugi delectabilius depingatur .

Quia etiam ( vt sapiens quidam ait ) quod noua testa capit , inueterata sapit . Quis artifex tam negligens profectus suae prolis est , vt non eam dum pubescit artibus instruat , quibus postea vitae solatia nanciscatur ? Sic lignarius faber secare dolabro , ferrarius ferire malleo , filium instruit : et quem in spiritualibus ministrar ’ cupit , literis imbui facit . Sic et principi filium suum qui post eum populum regulabit , legibus instrui dum minor est conuenit , qualiter si fecerint rectores orbis , mundus iste ampliori quam iam est iustitia regeretur , quibus si tu vt iam hortor facias , exemplum non minimum ministrabis .

Now the Prince yeldeth himselfe to the studye of the lawes , though he be yet disquieted with certeine doubtes . Ca. 7.

THus when the Chauncellour had sayde , hee helde hys peace , to whom the Prince beganne on this wise to speake . You haue ouercome me welbe loued Chauncellour with your moste plesant talke , wherwith you haue inflamed my mynde with a feruent desire towarde the knowledge of the lawe . Howbee it ii . thynges there bee that doe tosse my mynde to and fro , and so disquiet it , that lyke a shyppe in the raging waues , it knoweth not whiche waye to inclyne for ease . The one is , while it consydereth howe manye yeares the studentes of the lawez bestowe therein before they canne attain to sufficient knowledge of the same . Whiche causeth my mynde also to dreade leaste that I shoulde likewyse spende the yeares of my youthe .

The other is whether I shall applye my selfe to the studye of the lawes of England , or of the Ciuile laws , which through out the whole worlde are chieflye esteemed : For people maye not be gouerned but by righte good lawes , and as the Philosophier saithe , nature coueteth that which is best . Wherfore I would gladlye heare your councell in this behalfe . To whome the Chauncellour made thys aunswere . These matters , O Kynges sonne , are not hydde vnder so deepe and darke misteries , that they require any greate delyberacyon , or aduysement .

And therefore what I thinke best hearein I wil not hyde .

SIlente extunc Cancellario , Princeps ipse sic exorsus est . Vicisti me , vir egregie , suauissima oratione tua , qua et animum meum , ardore non minimo legis fecisti sitire documenta . Sed tamen duobus , me huc illucque , agitantibus , animus ipse affligitur : vt tanquam in turbido mari cimba , nesciat quorsum dirigere proras . Vnum est dum recolit quot annorum curriculis leges ad discentes , earum studio se conferunt , antequam sufficientem earundem peritiam nanciscantur : quô timet animus ipse , ne consimiliter ego preteream animos iuuentutis meae . Alterum est , an Angliae Legum vel Ciuilium quae per orbem percelebres sunt , studio operam dabo .

Nam non nisi optimis legibus populum regere licet , etiam vt dicit Philosophus , natura deprecatur optima , quare libenter super his , quid tu consulis ascultaremus .

Cui Cancellarius Non sunt hec , fili Regis , tantis celata misteriis , vt deliberatione ege ant ingenti , quare quid in his mihi visum est prodere non differemus .

So muche knowledge of the lawe as is necessary for a Prince , is soone had . Cha. 8.

ARistotle in the firste booke of his naturall Philosophy saith , the then we suppose our selues to haue the knowlege of euerye thinge , when wee know the causes and beginninges therof euen to the principles , vppon the which text the comentatour saieth that the philosopher by beginninges or principles did vnderstande the causes efficient , by the terme Causes he vnderstoode causes finall , & by Elementes matter and fourme . But in the lawe there are no matter and fourme , as in thinges natural , and compounde .

Howbeit ther be in them certeine Elementes , out of the which they procede as out of mater & fourm . These are custōs , statuts & the lawe of nature : of the which all the ●awes of the roialme haue their beginning , euen as all natural thinges haue of matter & fourme , and as all things that are written and read do consist of letters , which also are called elementes . But Principles , or beeginninges , whiche are as the commentarye saieth , causes efficient , they are certein vniuersal propositions , which they that bee learned in the lawes of England and likewyse the Mathematicals do terme Maximes : the Rethoricians do call the same Paradoxes : and the Ciuilians terme them rueles of the law . These in dede cannot bee proued by force of argumentes , or by demonstracions logicall , but as it is saide in the seconde booke of Posterior̄ , they are knowen by induction by the waye of sense and memorye . Wherefore in the firste booke of hys naturall Philosophye Aristotle sayth that principles are not made of others , nor one of them of an other , but all other bee made of them . And accordinge thereunto in the firste booke of his Topikes hee writeth , that euery principle is a sufficient proofe of it selfe .

And therefore the Philosopher saieth that suche as denye them ought not to bee disputed or reasoned withall : because that as hee writeth in the sixthe booke of his morall Philosophie , there is no reason to be geuen for principlez Wherefore whosoeuer they be that couet to profite in the knowlege of any faculties , they must nedez first be furnished with principles . For by them are opened the causes finall , vnto the which by the direction of reason through the knowledge of the principles we doe attaine .

wherfore these iii. vz principles , causes , and elem̄tz beinge vnknowen , the science whereof they are is altogether vnknowen And the same .iii. beeinge knowen , the science also whereof they are is thought to be knowen , not determinatly or precisely , but suꝑficially after a confuse & vniuersall sorte .

Thus wee thinke our selues to haue the knowledge of godds lawes , when wee vnderstande our selues to knowe faith charitie , and hope , and also the Sacramentes of the churche , and the commaundementes of God , leauynge to the prelates of the Churche the other misteries of theologye .

Wherefore the lord saith vntoo his disciples : To you it is geeuen to know the misterie of the kyngdome of God , but to other in Parables , that seeynge they maye not see . And the Apostle sayeth : Not to bee wyser then it beehoueth .

And in another place .

Not beeinge highe in wisedome . In like maner O moste worthy Prince , it shall not bee needefull for you with longe study to searche out the secrete misteries of the lawe of Englande . It shall suffice for you as you haue profited in grammer , so also to profite in lawe .

Vntoo the perfection of grammer springinge out of Etimologie , Orthographie , Prosodie , & Construction as out of .iiii. fountaines , you haue not exactlye attayned , and yet you are so sufficiently grounded in grammer that you may well be called a Gramarrien . Likewise shal you be wel worthy to be called a lawier , if you serch out the prīciplz & causes of the lawes euen to the elementz after the maner of a scholar or a learner . For it shal not be needefull or expedient for you by the trauel of your owne wytte to studie out the hydde mysteries of the lawe . But let the geare be lefte to your iudges & men of lawe , whiche in the royalme of Englande are called Seriauntz at lawe and to other professours of the lawe commenly called apprentices . For you shall better execute iudgementes by other , then by your self . Neither hathe it bene seēe that any kynge of Englonde hathe pronounced iudgement with his owne mouthe . And yet neuerthelesse all the iudgements of the royalme are his , thoughe by other they be vttered and pronounced . Lyke as also kynge Iosaphat affirmed the sentences of all the iudges to bee the iudgements of god . Wherfore most gracious prince you shall in shorte tyme with little labour be sufficiently learned in the lawes of England , so that you do applie your mynd to the obteynynge therof For Seneca in an epistle to Lucillus sayethe : There is nothinge which earnest traueill and diligent care atchieueth not And so wel do I knowe the prompte towardnes of your nature , that I dare be bolde to saye , that in those lawes ( thoughe the exacte knowelege of them suche as is required in iudges can skante be gotten in the space of xx . yeares ) you shall sufficiently in one yeare attayne to somuche vnderstandynge , as is conuenient for a prince Neither in the meane time shall you neglect and omitt the studie of martiall discipline , wherevnto you are so feruently geuen , but durynge all the same yeare in steade of recreation you shall vse the practise thereof of at your pleasure .

Philosophus in primo Phisicorum dicit , quod tunc vnumquodque scire arbitramur , cum causas et principia eius cognoscamus vsque ad elementa . Super quem textum commentator dicit qd ’ Aristotus ꝑ principia intellexit causas efficientes , ꝑ causas intellexit causas finales , et per elementa materiam et formam . In legibus vero non sunt materia et forma , vt in Phisicis et compositis . Sed tamen sunt in eis elementa quaedam , vnde ipsae ꝓfluūt , vt ex materia et forma , quae sunt consuetudines , statuta , et ius naturae , ex quibus sunt omnia iura regni , vt ex materia et forma sunt quaeque naturalia : et vt ex litteris , quae etiam elementa appellantur , sunt omnia quae leguntur .

Principia autem , quae commentator dicit esse causas efficientes , sunt quaedam vniuersalia , quae in legibus Angliae docti , similiter et Mathematici , maximas vocant : Rethorici , paradoxas : & Ciuilistae , regulas iuris denominant : ipsa reuera non argumentorum vi , aut demonstrationibus logicis dinoscuntur . Sed , vt secundo posteriorum docetur inductione , via sensus , et memoriae adipiscuntur , quare et primo phisicorum philosophus dicit : qd ’ principia non fiunt ex aliis , neque ex alterutris , sed ex illis alia fiunt ; quô primo topicorum scribitur , quod vnūquodque principiorum est sibi ipsi fides . Vnde , cum negantibus ea , dicit philosophus non est disputandum : quia , vt scribitur vi . Ethicorum . ad Principia non est ratio .

Igitur principiis imbuendi sunt , quiqui gliscunt aliquas intelligere facultates . Ex eis etenim , reuelantur causae finales , ad quas rationis ductu , per principiorum agnitionem peruenitur , vnde his tribus , videlicet principijs , causis , et elementis ignoratis scientia de qua ipsa sunt , penitus ignoratur . Et his cognitis , etiam scientiam illam cognitam esse , non determinatè , sed inconfusô et vniuersaliter arbītratur .

Sic Legem diuinam nos nosse in dicamus , dum fidem , charitatem et spem , sacramenta quoque ecclesiae , ac dei mandata nos intelligere sentiamus , cetera theologiae misteria ecclesiae presidentibus relinquentes . Quare dominus discipulis suis ait . Vobis datum est nosse misterium regni dei , ceteris autem in parabolis , vt videntes non videant &c. Et Apostolus dixit , non plus sapere quam oportet sapere , & alibi non alta sapientes . Sic et tibi princeps necesse non erit 〈◊〉 misteria legis angliae longo disciplinatu rimare , sufficient tibi vt in gramatica tu profecisti , etiam & in legibus proficias . Gramaticae vero perfectionem que ex Ethimologia , Ortographia , Prosodia , et Syntaxi , quasi ex quatuor fontibus profluit , non specie tenus induisti , et tamen gramatica sufficienter eruditus es , ita vt merito gramaticus denominoris . Consimiliter quoque denomīari legista mereberis , si legum principia , et causas , vsq̄ ad ●limenta , discipuli more indagaueris Non enim expediet tibi propria sensus indagine legis sacramenta rimar● sed relinquantur illa iudicibus tuis et aduocatis , qui in regno Angliae , seruientes ad legem appellantur , similiter et aliis iuris ꝑitis , quos apprentīcios vulgus denominat , Melius enim per alios , quam per te ipsum iuditia reddes , quó proprio ore nullus regum Angliae iudicium proferre visus est , et tamen sua sunt omnia iudicia regni licet per alios ipsa reddantur , sicut et Iudicum omni sententias Iosaphat asseruit esse iuditia dei .

Quare tu princeps serenissime paruo tempore , parua industria , sufficienter eris in legibus regni Angliae eruditus , dummodo ad eius apprehentionem tu conferas animum tuum . Dicit namque Seneca in epistola ad Lucillum . Nil est quod pertinax opera et diligens cura non expugnat . Nosco namque ingenii tui ꝑspicacitatē , quo audact ’ ꝓnuncio , qd. in legibus illis licet earum peritia qualis , iudicibus necessaria est , vix viginti annorum lugubris adquiratur , tu doctrinam principi congruam in anno vno sufficienter nancisceris , nec interim militarem disciplinam ad quam tam ardent ’ anhelas negliges , sed ea recreationis loco , etiam anno illo tu ad libitum perfrueris .

A Kynge whose gouernement is politique eam not chaunge the lawes of hís royalme .

THe second poynte , most worthy prince , whereof you stande in feare shall in lyke maner , and as easeli as the other be confuted . For you stande in doubt whether it be bett̄ for you to geue your mynde to the studie of the lawes of Englande , or of the Ciuile lawes , because they throughe out the whole worlde are auanced in glorie and renowne aboue all other mans lawes . Let not this scruple of mynde trouble you , O most noble prince . For the kynge of Englande can not alter nor change the lawes of his royalme at his pleasure . For why he gouerneth his people by power not onely roial but also politique . Yf his power ouer them were royall onely then he myght change the lawes of his royalme , & charg his subiectz with tallag . & other burdenz without their consent . And suche is the dominion that the ciuile lawes purport when they saye : The princeis pleasure hath the force of a lawe . But from this muche differeth the power of a kynge , whose gouernment ouer his people is politique . For he can neither chaunge lawes with out the consent of his subiectz , nor yett charge them with straunge imposicions agaynst their wylles Wherefore his people do frankely & freely enioye and occupye their owne goodz beynge rueled by such lawes as they thē selfz desyer . Neither are they pylled either of their owne kynge or of any other . Lyk pleasur also & fredom haue the subiectes of a King ruling onely by power roial so longe as he falleth not in to tyrannie Of such a kynge speaketh Aristotle in the thirde booke of his Ciuile philosophie , saieynge that it is better for a Citie to be gouerned by a good kynge then by a good lawe . But forsomuche as a kinge is not euer suche a man , therefor Saint Thomas in the booke whiche he wrote to the king of Cyprus of the gouernaunce of princeis wisheth the state of a roialme to be such , that it may not be in the kyngs power too oppresse his people with tyrannye . Whiche thynge is perfourmed onely whyle the power royall is restrayned by power politique . Reioyce therefore O souereigne prince , and be gladde , that the lawe of your royalme , wherein you sha●l succede , is suche For it shall exhibite and minister to you and your people no small securitie and comforte . with suche lawes as saieth the same Saint Thomas should all mankynde haue bene gouerned , if in paradise they had not transgressed gods commaundement , with such lawes also was the Synnagoge rueled , whil it serued vnder god onely as kinge , who adopted the same to him for a peculiar kyngdome . But at the last when at their request they had a man kynge sett ouer them , they were then vnder royall lawes onely brought verie lowe . And yett vnder the same lawes while good kyngs were their rulers , they liued welthely & when wilfull and tyranous kynges had the gouernement of them , then they continued in great discomfort and miserie , as the booke of kynges doth more playnely declare . But forsomuch as I suppose I haue sufficiently debated this mater in my worke , whiche at your request I compiled of the natur̄ of the law of Natur̄ , therfor at this time I surceasse to speake therof any more

SEcundum vero Princeps qd ▪ tu formidas conconsimili nec maiori opera elidetur . Dubitas nempe an Anglorum legum , vel ciuilium studio te conferas dum Ciuiles supra humāas cunctas leges alias fāa per orbem extollat gloriosa . Non te conturbet fili regis , hec mentis euagatio . Nam non potest rex Angliae , ad libitum suum leges mutare regni sui . Principatu nam que nedum regali sed et politico ipse suo populo dominatur . Si regali tantum ipse p̄esset eis , Leges regni sui mutar ’ ille posset , tallagia quoque et cetera onera eis imponere ipsis inconsultis , quale dominium denotant leges ciuiles , cum dicant , quod principi placuit legis habet vigorem . Sed longe aliter potest rex politicè imperans gèti suae , quia nec leges ipse sine subditorum assensu mutare poterit , nec subiectum populum renitētē , onerare impositionibus peregrinis , quare populun eius liberê fruitur bonꝭ suis legibus quas cupit regulatus , nec per regem suum aut quemuis alium depilatur , consimiliter tamen plaudit populus , sub rege regaliter tantum principante , dummodo ipse in tyrannidem non labatur de quali rege dicit philosophus . iii politicorum , qd. melius est Ciuitatem regi viro optimo quam lege optima . Sed quia non semper contingit presidentem populo huiusmodi esse virum , sanctus Thomas in libro qeum Regi Cipri scripsit de regimine principum , optar ’ censetur , regnum sic institui , vt rex non libere valeat populum tirannide gubernare , qd. solum fit , dum potest ’ Regia lege politica cohibetur . Gaude igitur princeps optime , talem esse legem regni in quē●u successurus es , quia et tibi , et populo , ipsa securitatem prestabit non minimam et solamen . Tali lege vt dicit idem sanctus , regulatum fuisset totum genus humanum , si in paradiso dei mandatum non preterisset , tali etiam lege rege bat ’ sinagoga , dum sub solo deo rege qui eam in regnum peculiare adoptabat . illa militabat sed demum eius petitione , Rege homine sibi constituto , sub lege tantum regali ipsa de inceps humiliata est . Sub qua tamen dum optimi reges sibi prefuerunt , ipsa plausit , et cum discoli ei preessebant , ipsa in consolabiliter lugebat , vt regum liber hec destinctius manifestauit . Tamen q̄a de materia ista in opusculo qd tui contemplacione de natura legis naturae exaraui sufficienter puto me diceptasse , plus inde loqui iam de sisto .

Here the prince demaundeth a question . Cap. 10.

Immediatly the prince thus said . Howe commeth this to passe good Chauncellour , that one kynge maye gouerne his people by power royal onely , and the an other kynge can haue no such power , seing bothe this kynges are in dignitie equall I cannot chose but muche muse and marueil why in power they should thus differ .

TVnc princeps illico sic ait . Vnde hoc cancellarie , qd Rex vnus plebem suam regaliter tantum regere valeat , et regi alteri potestas huiusmodi denegatur . equalis fastigii cum sint reges ambo , Cur in potestate sint ipsi dispares , nequeo non admirari ,

The aunswere to this question is here omitted for that in another worke it is handeled at large . Cap. 11.

I haue sufficiently , qd the chauncellour , declared in my foresaid worke , that the Kynge whose gouernement is politique , is of no lesse power then he that royally ruelethe his people after his owne pleasure howbeit they differ in autoritie ouer their subiets , as in the same worke I haue shewed , & saye I styll . Of whiche difference I wyll open vnto you the cause as I can .

CAncellarius . Non minoris , esse potestatis , regem politicê imperantem , quam qui vt vult regaliter regit populum suum , in supradicto opusculo sufficienter est ostensum . Diuersae tamen autoritatis eos in subditos suos ibidem vt iam nulla tenus denegaui , cuius diūsitatis causam vt potero tibi pādam

Howe Kingedomes rueled by royall gouernement onely , first beganne . Cap. 12.

Men in tymes passed excellynge in power , gredie of dignitie & glorie did many tymes by plaine force subdue vnto them their neighbours the nations adioynyng : and compelled them to do them seruice and to obeye their commaundements , which cōmaundemētz afterward they decreed too be vnto those people verie lawes And by longe sufferaunce of the same the people so subdued , beyng by their subduers defended from the iniuries of other agreed & consented to lyue vnder the dominion of the same their subduers thinkinge it better for than to be vnder the empiere of one man whiche might be hable to defend them against other than to be in daunger to be oppressed of all such as would violentli offer them any wronge . And thus certein kingedōes were begonne . And those subduers thus ruling the people vnto them subdued , tooke vpon them of ruelinge to be called Rulers , which our language termethe kynges And their ruele or dominion was named onely royall or kingly . So Nemroth was the first that gott vnto himself a kingedōe And yett in the holie scripturs he is not called a kinge , but a stout or mightie hunter before the lorde For lyke as a hunter subdueth wyld beasts lyuinge at their libertie , so did he bringe men vnder his obedient . So did Belus subdue the Assyrians , & Ninus the most parte of Asia . So also did the Romaines vsurpe the empier of the whole worlde . And thus almost were the kīgdōes of all nations begonne Wherefore the lorde beinge displeased withe the children of Israell requierīge to haue a Kynge as then all other nations had commaunded the lawe regall to be declared vnto them by the prophett Which lawe regal was no other thinge , but the pleasure of the kynge their gouernour : as in the first book of the kynges more fully it is conteyned . Nowe you vnderstande as I suppose most noble prince , the fourme and fassion of the begynnyng of those Kyngedomes that be regally possessed and rueled . Wherefore nowe I wyll assaye to make plaine vnto you how & by what meanes the gouernement of the Kyngdom politique toke his first entraunce & begynynge to the ende and intent the when you knowe the begynnynges of them both it may be right easye for you thereby too discerne the cause of the diuersitie which in your question is conteyned .

HOmines quon dam potentia praepollentes , auidi dignitatis et gloriae vicinas sepe gentes sibi viribus subiugarunt : ac ipsis seruire , obtem perare quoque iussionibus suis , compulerunt , quas iussiones , extunc leges hominibus illis esse ipsi sanctierunt Quarum ꝑpetione diutina , subiectus sic populus , dum ꝑ subitiētes a ceterorum iniuriis defēdebatur , in subicientiū dominium consentierunt : Oportunius esse arbitrantes , se vnius subdi Iꝑio , quo erga alios defender ’ quam omnium eos īfestar ’ volētiū oppressionibus expōi . Sicque regna quaedá inchoata sunt , et subicientes illi dum subiectum populum sic rexerunt a regendo sibi nomen regis vsurpa runt , eorum quoque dominatus , tantum regalis dictus est . Sic Nēbrogh primus sibi regnum comparauit , tamen non rex ipse sed Robustus venator coram domino sacris litteris appellatus est Quia vt venator feras libertat ’ fruentes , ipse homines sibi compescuit obedire . Sic Belus assirios : et Ninus quam magnam Asiae ꝑtem , ditioni suae subegerunt , Sic et Rōani orbis iperium vsurpar ’ qualit ’ ferè in omnibus gentibus regna inchoata sunt . Quare dum filii Israel regem postu●abāt sicut tunc habuerunt omnes gentes dominus inde offensus , legem regalem eis per prophetam explanari mandauit . Quae non aliud fuit , quam placitum regis eis preessentis , vt in primo Regum libro plenius edocetur . Habes nunc ( ni fallor ) princeps clarissim̄ , formam exordii regnorum , regaliter possessorum . Quare quomodo regnum politicè regulatum , p̄mitꝰ erupit etiam iam propalare conabor , vt cognitis amborum regnorum initiis , causam diuersitatis quam tu queris , inde elicer● tibi facillimum sit .

Howe Kyngedomes of politique gouernaunce were first begonne . Cap. 13.

SAint Austen in the xxiii . chapter of his xix . booke De ciuitate dei saith the a People is a multitude of men associated by the consent of lawe , and communion of wealthe . And yett such a people beynge headless that is to saye without a heade , is not worthye to be called a bodie . For as in thynges naturall when the heade is cutt of the residue is not called a bodie , but a truncheon , so likewyse in thinges politique a cominalte without a head is in no wise corporate . Wherefore Aristotle in the first booke of his ciuile philosophie saieth the whensoeuer one is made of many , amonge the same one shal be the rueler , and the other shal be rueled . wherfore a people that wyll rayse themselfs into a kingdome , or into any other bodie politique must euer appointe one to be chiefe rueler of the whole bodie which in kīgdōes is called a kinge After this kinde of order , as out of the embryon rieseth a bodie natural ruled by one head , euen so of a multitude of people arieseth a kyngedōe whiche is a bodie mistical goūned by one man as by an head . And like as in a natural body , as saieth the Philosopher , the hart is the first the liueth , hauig within it bloud , which it distributeth among all the other members , whereby they are quickened & doe lyue : semblably in a bodye politik the intent of the people is the first liuely thing , hauing within it bloud , that is to say , politike prouision for the vtilitie & welth of the same people , which it dealeth furth & imparteth aswel to the head as to al the members of the same body wherby the body is nourished & mainteined . Furthermore the lawe vnder the which a multitude of men is made a people , representeth the semblance of synews in the body natural Because that lyke as by synewes the ioynyng of the bodie is made sounde so by the lawe which taketh the name a ligando that is to witte of byndynge suche a misticall bodie is knytt and preserued together . And the members & bones of the same bodye whereby is represented the soundenes of the wealth wherby that bodie is susteyned , do by the lawes as the naturall bodie by synewes reteyne eueryone their proper functions And as the head of a bodi natural can not chaunge his sinewes , nor can not denie or witholde from his inferiour members their peculiar powers , & seueral nourishm̄tz of bloud , no more can a kinge which is the head of a bodie politik chaunge the lawes of the bodie nor withdrawe from the same people their proper substance against their wills and consentes in that behalfe . Nowe you vnderstande most noble prince the fourme of institucion of a kingdome politique , wherebye you maye measure the power , whiche the king therof maye exercise ouer the lawe and subiectes of the same . For such a kinge ys made and ordeyned for the defence of the lawe of his subiectes and of theire bodies and goodes , whereunto he receaueth power of his people , so that hee can not gouern his people by any other power . Wherfore to satisfy your request in that you desire to be certified how it commeth to pas that in the powers of kings ther is so great diuersitie , suerly in mine opinion the diuersitie of the institutiōz or first ordinances of those dignities whiche I haue nowe declared , is the onelye cause of this foresayde difference , as of the premisses by the discourse of reason you maye easelye gather . For thus the kingdome of Englande oute of Brutes retinue of the Troians whiche he brought out of the coastes of Italie and Greece , firste grewe to a politique & regall dominion . Thus also Scotland which somtime was subiect to Englande as a Dukedome thereof was aduaunced to a politik and roiall kingdome . Many other kīgdōs also had thus their first beginninge not onely of regal but also of politique gouernement Wherefore Diodorus Siculus in his seconde boke of olde histories thus writeth of the Egiptians . The Egiptien kings liued first not after the licentious maner of other rulers , whose will & pleasure is in steede of law , but they kept themselfes as priuate persones in subiection of the lawes And this did they willingly , beeing perswaded that by obeyinge the laws thei should bee blessed . For of suche rulers as folowed theire owne lusts they supposed many thinges to be done , whereby they were brought in daunger of diuers harmes and perylles And in his fowerth boke thus he writethe . The Ethiopian kinge as sone as hee is created , he ordereth his life according to the laws and doth al things after the maner and custom of hys countrey , assigninge neyther rewarde nor punishment to anye man otherthen the law made by his predecessours appointethe He reportethe likewise of the kinge of Saba in Arabia the happie , and of certein other kinges , whiche in olde time honorablye reigned .

SAnctus Augustinus in libro xix de ciuitate dei capitulo xxiii . dicit : Quod populus ēcetus hominum iuris consensu et vtilitatis communione sociatus . Nec tamen populus huiusmodi dum Acephelus ( id est ) sine capite est , corpus vocare meretur . Quia vt in naturalibus , capite detruncato , residuum non corpus , sed truncum appellamus : sicet in politicis sine capite communitas nullatenus corporatur . Quo p̄mo politic̄ dicit philosophus , quôd quandocunque ex pluribus constituitur vnum : inter illa , vnum erit regens , et alia erunt recta . Quare populum se in regnum , aliudue corpus politic̄ erigere volētem , semper oport ’ vnum p̄ficere totius corporis illius regitiuum , quem regem nōin̄ solit ’ est . Hoc ordin̄ sicut ex embrione corpus surgit phisi cum , vno capite regulatum , sic ex populo erumpit regnum , qd. corpus extat misticum vno hoīe vt capite gubernatum . Et sicut in naturali corpore , vt dicit philosophus , cor est primum viuens , habens in se sanguinem , quem emittit in omnia eius membra , vnde illa vegetant ’ et viuunt : sic in corpore politico , intentio populi primum viuidum est , habens in se sanguinem , vz ꝓuisionē politicam vtilit ’ populi illius , quam in caput , et in omnia membra eiusdem corporis , ipsa transmittit , quo corpus illud alitur & vegetatur . Lex vero sub qua cetus hominum , populus efficitur , neruorum corporis phisici tenet ration̄ : q̄a sicut ꝑ neruos compago corporis solidatur , sic per legem quae a ligando dicitur , corpus huiusmodi misticum ligatur et seruatur in vnum , et eius dem corporis membra ac ossa , quae veritatis qua communitas illa sustentatur soliditatem denotant , per legem , vt corpus naturale per neruos , propria retinent iura Et vt non potest caput corporis phisici , neruos suos commutare neque membris suis ꝓp̄as vires et ꝓp̄a sanguinis alim̄ta denegare , nec rex qui caput corpor ’ politici est , mutar ’ potest leges corpor ’ illius nec eiusdem populi substantias ꝓprias subtrahere , reclamantibus eis aut inuitis . Hens ex hoc iam princeps , institutiōis politici Regni formam , ex qua metiri poteris , potesta ten quam rex eius in leges ipsius , aut subditos valeat exercer ’ Ad tutelam namque legis subditorum , ac eorum corpum et bonorum , rex hm̄odi erectus est et ad hanc potestatem a populo effluxam ipse hent , quô ei non licet potestate alia , suo populo dn̄ari . Quare vt postulationi tuae , quac̄tiorari cupis , vnde hoc ꝓuenit , qd potestates regum tam diūsimo dè variantur succinctius satisfac̄ . Firme coniector , qd ’ diūsitates institution̄ , dignitatum illarum quas ꝓpalaui , pre dc̄am discrepantiam solummodo operantur , ꝓ ut rationis discursu , tu ex pmmissis poteris exhaurire . Sic namque regnum Angliae quod ex Bruti comitiua Troianorum quam ex Italiae et grecorum finibus ꝑduxit , in dominium politicum , et regale ꝓrupit . Sic et Scotia quod ei quondam vt ducatus obediuit , in regnum creuit politicum et regale . Alia quoque plurima regna , nedum regaliter sed et politice regula●i , tali origine ius sortit ’ sunt Vnde Diodorus Siculus in secundo libro historiarum prīscarū de Egiptiis sic scribit . Suam primum Egiptij reges vitam non aliorum regnantium quibus voluntas pro lege est , traducebant licentia , sed veluti priuati tenebantur legibus , neque id egrè ferebant , existimantes parendo legibus , se beatos fore . Nam ab his , qui suis indulgerent cupiditatibus , multa censebant fieri quibus dampna periculaque subirent . Et in quarto libro sic scribit . Assumptus in Regem Ethiopum , vitam ducit statutam legibus , omniaque agit iuxta patrios mores , neque p̄mio neque pena afficiens quem quam preter per traditam a superioribus legem . Consimiliter loquit ’ de rege Saba in felici Arabia , et alijs quibusdam regibus . qui priscis temporibus feliciter regnabant .

Here the prince compendiously abbridgeth al that the Chauncelour afore hath discoursed at large . ca. 14

TO whom the prynce thus aunswered . You haue good Chauncelloure with the cleare light of your declaration quite driuen away the cloudy mist , wherewith the brightnes of my mind was darkned : so that I do most euidently see that no nation dyd euer of theire owne voluntarie mind in corporat themselfes into a kingedome for anye other intent , but only to the end that therby theye mighte with more safety then before mainteine themselfs and enioye theire goodes from suche misfortunes & losses as theye stoode in feare of . And of this intent shoulde suche a nation be vtterly defrauded , if then their kinge mighte spoyle them of their goods , whiche beefore was lawefull for no man to do . And yet shoulde such a people bee much more iniured , if they shoulde afterward be gouerned bye foreyne and straunge lawes , yea and suche as they paraduenture deadly hated & abhorred . And most of all if by those lawes theire substaunce should bee diminished , for the safegarde whereof , as allso for the defence of theire own bodies they of theire owne free will submitted themselfes to the gouernaunce of a kynge No suche power suerlye coulde haue proceeded from them . And yet if theye had not beene , suche a kynge coulde haue had noe power ouer them . Nowe on the other syde I perceaue it to stande muche otherwyse withe a kingedome whyche onely by the auctoritye of a kynge is incorporate , For such a nation is no otherwyse subiecte vnto hym , but that the same nation , whyche by his pleasure is made his kingdome , shoulde obeye hys lawes , and bee ruled by the same being nothing els but his like pleasure . Neither haue I yet good Chauncellour forgoten that , whiche in your treatise of the nature of the law of nature you haue with pithie reasons clerklye prooued , concerning that the power of these .ij. kinges is equall . Howebeit the power of the one , whereby hee is at libertie to deale wrongfully is not by suche liberty augmented and increased . As to be of habilitie to decaye and die is no hability , but in respect of the priuation and feblenes in the thinge it is rather to bee called a dishabilitie . Because that as Boetius saieth : habilitie and power is not but to good . So y● to bee of habilitie or power to do euill ( as is the kinge that regaly dothe rule , & that withe muche more libertie , then the king that hath a politique dominion ouer his people ) is rather a diminution then an increase of power For the holie spirites whiche are nowe established in glorie and can not sinne doe in power farre excell and passe vs , which haue a delyte and pleasure to runne headlonge into all kinde of wickednes . Now therefore I haue but thys one onelye question to demaunde of you , whether the lawe of Englande to the studie whereof you exhort me , bee as good and effectuall for the gouernement of that kingdom , as the Ciuile lawe , wherebye the holie empire is gouerned , is thought sufficient for the gouernemente of the whole worlde ? Yf withe sounde reasons , and apparaunte demonstrations you resolue me in this point , I wil streighte yeelde me to the studie of the lawe , wytheout further troubling you with my questions in this mater .

CVi princeps . Effugasti Cācell●rie , declarationis tuae lumine tenebras quibus obducra erat acies mentis meae , quo clarissime iam conspicio , quod non aliopacto gens aliqua proprio arbitrio vnquam se in regnum corporauit , nisi vt per hoc , se et sua quorum dispendia for midabant , tutius quam antea possiderent , quasi proposito gens huiusmodi frauderet ’ , si ex inde facultates eorum eripere possit rex suus , quod antea facere vlli hominum non licebat . Et ad huc grauius multo populus talis lederetur , si deinde peregrinis legibus etiam ipsis forsan exosis , regerentur .

Et maxime si legibus illis eorum minoraretur substantia , pro cuius vitanda iactura , vt pro suorum tutela corporum , ipsi se regis imperio , arbitrio proprio submiserunt . Non potuit reuera potestas hm̄odi ab ipsis erupisse , et tamen si non ab ipsis , rex huiusmodi super ipsos nullam optineret potestatem , e regione aliter esse concipio , de regno quod regis solum auctoritate et potentia incorporatum est , quia non alio pacto gens talis ei subiecta est nisi vt eius legibus , q sunt illius placita , gens ipsa q eodem placito regnum eius effecta est , obtemperaret et regenet ’ . Neque Cancellarie , a mea huc usque memoria elapsum est , qd ’ alias in tractatu de natura legis naturae , horum duorum regum equalem esse potētiam , doctis rationibus ostendisti , dum potestas qua eorum alter ꝑperā agere liber est , libertate huiusmodi non augetur , vt posse lauguescere , moriue potentia non est sed propter priuationes in adiecto , impotentia potius denominandum . Quia vt dicit Boetius potentia non est nisi ad bonum , qd ▪ posse male agere , vt potest rex regaliter regnans , liberius quam rex politicè dominans populosuo , potius eius potestatem minuit , quam augmentat . Nam sancti spiritus iam confirmati in gloria , qui peccare nequeunt potentiores nobis sunt , qui ad omne facinus liberis gaudemus habenis . Solum igitur mihi iam superest a te sciscitandum , si lex Angliae ad cuius disciplinatum me prouocas , bona et efficax est ad regimen regni illius vt lex ciuilis , qua sacrum regulatur imperium , sufficiens arbitrat ’ ad orbis regimen vniuersi . Si me in hoc demonstrationibus congruis indubium reddideris , ad studium legis illius illico me conferam , nec te postulationibus meis super his , aplius fatigabo .

That all lawes are the lawe of nature , customes or statutes . Cap. 15.

THe Chauncelour aunswered saiyng . You haue well committed to memorie most worthie prince al that I haue hitherto declared vnto you . Wherfore you are well worthy to haue this doubt openyd wherupon now you haue mooued youre question . You shal therfore vnderstand that al humayne lawes are either the law of nature , or customes , or elles statuts , which are also called constitutions . But customes & the sentences of the lawe of nature after that they were once put in writing , & by the sufficient autoritie of the prince published and commaunded to be kept , were chaunged into the nature of constitutions , or statuts , and did after that more penally , then before binde the subiectes of the prince to the keepinge of them by the seueritye of his commaundement . Of this sorte are the most parte of the Ciuile lawes , whiche of the Romain princes are digested in great volumes & by their auctoritie commaunded to bee obserued . And not theye onelye are called by the name of the Ciuile law , but also al the other statutes of emperours . Now then if that among these .iij. welsprings of all lawe I proue the preeminence of the lawe of England to excell aboue the rest I shal therwith proue the same lawe to be good and effectuall for the gouernement of the kingedome . And further if I do shewe it to bee as commodious for the wealthe of that Royalme as the Ciuile lawes are for the wealthe of the empire , then shall I make euident and plain not onely that this law is of much excellencye , but allso that it is an electe and chosen lawe , aswell as the Ciuile lawes are : whyche is the thinge that you require Wherefore to the proofe and declaracion of these .ij. points thus I procede .

CAncellarius memoriae tuae princeps optime commendasti quae tibi hucusque suggessi , quare et quae iam interrogas , meritus es vt pandam .

Scire te igitur volo , qd ; omnia iura humana aut sunt lex naturae , cōsuetudin̄ vel statuta q et constitutiones appellantur . Sed consuetudines et legis naturae sententiae postquam in scripturam redactae et sufficienti auctoritate principis promulgatae fuerint , ac custodiri iubeantur in cōstitutionū siue statutorum naturam mutantur , et deinde penalius quam antea , subditos principis ad earum custodiam constrin gunt , seueritate mandati illius , qualis est legum ciuilium pars non modica , q̄ a Romanorum principibus in magnis voluminibus redigitur , et eor ’ auctoritate obseruari mandatur . Vnde legis Ciuilis vt cetera Imperatorum statuta iam pars illa nomen sortita est . Si igitur in his tribus quasi omnis iuris fontibus legis Angliae prestātiam probauerim prefulgere , legem illam bonam esse et efficacem ad regni illius regimen etiam comꝓbaui . Deinde si eam ad eiusdem regni vtilitatem , vt leges ciuiles ad imperij bonum accomodam esse lucidè ostenderim , nedum tunc legem illam prestantem , sed et vt leges ciuiles electam ( vt tu optas ) etiam patefeci . Igitur hec duo tibi ostendere satagens , sic progredior .

The lawe of nature in all countreis is al one . Cap. 16

The lawes of England in those things whiche they by force of the law of natur̄ do ratify & establish are neither better nor worse in their iudgements than the lawes of al other nations are in the like cases . For as Aristotle in the fifth boke of his morall philosophie saieth . The law of nature is that which among al people hath like strength & power Wherefore hereof to reason any longer it shall not auayle . But nowe hencefurth we wil searche oute what maner of customes & statutz these of England ar And firste the qualytie of those customes wee wyll consider .

LEges Angliae , in his q̄ ip̄ae sanctiunt legis naturae ratione , non meliores peioresue sunt in iudiciis suis , quam in consimilibus sunt onnes leges ceterarum nationum . Quia vt dicit Phūs . v. Ethicorum . Ius naturale est quod apud omnes homines eandem hent potentiam , quare de ea amplius disceptare non expeditur . Sed quales sunt Angliae consuetudines sl’er et statuta est amodo perscrutandun et primo cōsuetudinū illarum visitab●mus qualitates .

The customes of Englande are of most auncient antiquitie , practised and receaued of v. seuerall nations from one to an other by succession . Cap. 17

THe roialme of England was first inhabited of the Britons . Next after them the Romains had the rule of the lande . And then again the Britons possessed it . After whom the Saxons inuaded it , who chaunging the name therof did for Britain call it England . After them for a certain tyme the Danes had the dominion of the Roialme , & then Saxons again . But last of al the Normans subdued it , whose discent continuethe in the gouernment of the kingdom at this present . And in al the times of these seueral nations & of theire kinges this roialme was still ruled withe the selfe same customes that it is nowe gouerned witheall . Whiche if theye had not beene right good , some of those kynges moued eyther with Iustice or with reason , or affection would haue chaunged them , or els altogether abolished them : and specially the Romains who did iudge all the rest of the world by their own lawes . Likewise woulde other of the foresaide kinges haue done whiche bye the sworde onelye possessing the royalme of Englande myghte by the lyke power and auctoritye haue extinguisshed the lawes thereof . And touchynge the antyquitie of the same neither are the Romaine Ciuile lawes by so longe contynuaunce of auncient times confirmed nor yet the lawes of the venetians , whiche aboue al other are reported to be of most antiquity : forsomuch as their Ilande in the beginninge of the Britones was not then inhabited , as Roome then also vnbuilded : neyther the lawes of any patnime nation of the world are of so olde and auncyent yeares . Wherefore the contrarye is not to be sayde nor thoughte , but that the Englyshe customes are verye good , yea of all other the verye best .

Regnum Angliae primo per Britones īhabitatum est , deinde per Romanos regulatum iterumque per Britones , ac deinde ꝑ Saxones possessum , qui nomen eius ex Britannia in Angliam mutauerunt : ex tunc per Danos idem regnum parum ꝑ dn̄atū est , et iterum ꝑ Saxones , sed finaliter per Normannos quorum propago regnum illud optinet in presenti , Et in omnibus nationum harum et regum earum temporibus , regnum illud eisdem quibus iam regitur consuetudinibus , continue regulatum est . Quae si optimae non extitissent , aliqui regum illorum iustitia , ratione , vel affectione concitati , eas mutassent aut omnino deleuissent , et maxīme Romani : qui legibus suis quasi totum orbis reliquum iudicabant . Similiter et alij regum predictorum , qui , solum gladio regnum Angliae possiderunt , quo et potentia simili ipsi leges eius exinanisse valuerunt . Neque vero tantorum temporum curriculis , leges Ciuiles in quantum Romanorum inueteratae sunt , neque venetorum leges quae super alias antiquitate diuulgantur quorūtum insula in initio Britonum inhabitata non fuit , sicut nec Roma condita , nec vllorum mundi regnorum deicolarum leges tanto aeuo inolitae sunt , quare non bonas , immo non optimas esse anglorum consuetudines , sicut non dicere , ita nec suspicari fas est .

Here he sheweth with what grauitie statuts are made in Englande . Cap. 18.

NOw whether the statuts of England bee good or not , that onely remainethe to be discussed . For they procede not onely from the princes pleasure as do the lawes of those kingdomes that are ruled onelye by regal gouernement , where sometymes the statuts do so procure the singular commoditie of the maker , that theye redounde to the hinderaunce and dammage of his subiectes . Sometymes allso by the neglygence , and ouersight of such princes , & their sleighte regard , respecting onelye their own commodities thei are so vnaduisedly made , that they are more woorthy to haue the name of disorders , then of well ordered lawes . But statutes cannot thus passe in Englande , forsomuch as they are made not onlye by the Princes pleasure , but also by the assent of the whole royalme : so that of necessitie they must procure the wealth of the people , and in noe wise tende to theire hynderaunce . And it cannot otherwise bee thoughte , but that they are replenished with muche wytte and wysedome , seeynge they are ordayned not by the deuyse of one man alone , or of a hundrethe wise counsellers onelye , but of mo then three hundreth chosen menne , much agreeinge with the number of the auncient senatoures of Roome : as they that know the fashion of the Parliament of Englande , and the order and maner of callyng the same together are hable more distinctly to declare . And if it fortune these statutes beeinge deuysed with suche greate solemnitie and witte , not to fal out so effectuallye as the intent of the makers dyd wyshe , they may be quicklye refourmed , but not wythout the assent of the commens and states of the realme , by whose autoritie they were first deuysed . Thus moste woorthy Prince you do plainlye vnderstande all the kyndes of the lawes of Englande .

And touching theire qualities , as whether they be good or not , you shal bee able to measure that aswel by your owne witte , as by comparinge them with other lawes . And when ye shall finde none in the whole worlde of lyke excellency , you must of force grant them to bee not onely good , but also on youre behalfe most to bee embraced .

STatuta tunc Anglorum , bona sint nec ne solum restat explorandum . Non enim emanant illa a principis solum voluntate vt leges in regnis quae tantum regaliter gubernantur , vbi quandoque statuta ita constituentis ꝓcurāt commodum singulare , qd ’ in eius subditorum ipsa redundant dispēdiū et iacturam Quandoque etiam in aduertentia principum huiusmodi , et sibi consulentium inertia , ipsa tam inconsultè eduntur quod corruptelarum nomina potius quam legum , illa merentur . Sed non sic Angliae statuta oriri possunt , dum nedum principis voluntate , sed et totius regni assensu ipsa conduntur , quo populi le suram illa efficere nequeunt , vel non eorum comodum procurare . Prudentia etiam & sapientia , necessario ipsa esse referta putandum est , dūnon vnius , aut centum solum consultorum virorum prudentia , sed plusquam trecentorum electorum hominum quali numero olim senatus Romano rum regebatur , ipsa edita sunt , vt hij qui parliamenti Angliae formam , conuocationis quoque eius ordinem , & modum nouerunt hec distinctius referre norunt . Et si statuta hec , tanta solennitate & prudentia edita , efficaciae tantae quantae cōditorū cupiebat intentio , non esse contingant : concito reformari ipsa possunt , et non sine communitatis & procerum regni illius assensu ; quali ipsa primitus emanarunt . patent igitur iam tibi princeps , legum anglorum species omnes , earum quoque qualitates , vt si bonae ipsae sint , metiri tupoteris prudentia tua , comparatione etiam aliarum legum , & cum nullam tantae prestantiae in orbe reperies , eas nedum bonas , sed tibi optabilissimas fore necessario confiteberis .

Heare he deuyseth a meane howe to knowe the diuersitie betwene the Ciuile lawes and the lawes of England . Chap. 19.

ONe only doubt wherwith your mind is troubled , remaineth now behinde vndiscussed . And that is this . Whether as that ciuile lawz , so likwise the lawz of Englande bee fruytfull and effectuall , these for the royalme of England as the other for the Empiere , and whether they may worthely bee iudged fytte and meete . Comparisons , most noble prince ( as I remember I harde you ones saye ) are compted odious . Wherefore I am lothe to meddle with them . But whether they bee bothe of lyke worthines , or that the one deseruethe an higher commendation then the other heareof you may gather a pythier argument out of those pointes , wherein theire sentences do differ then by my declaracion . For wher both the lawez doo agree , the prayse of them ys equall .

But in cases where they disagree , the worthyer lawe is moste prayse-woorthye . Wherefore wee will nowe propound some such cases , to the intent you maye indifferentlye ponder and weye whether of these doothe moste iustlye and better define the same . And first wee will putte furthe exaumples of cases of much weight .

SOlum iam vnum de his quibus agitatur animus tu us restat explanādū , vz an vt Ciuiles , ita et ang. leges frugi sint et efficaces , isti Angliae regno , vt illae imperio , etiam et accomode iudicari me reantur . Comparationes vero princeps , vt te aliquan do dixisse recolo odiosae reputantur , quo eas aggredi non delector , tu an equalis sint ambae leges meriti , vnaue altera celsius preconium mereatur , non ex meo iuditio , sed ex his in quibus earum differunt sententiae , efficatius carpere poteris argumentum . Nam vbi conueniunt Leges ambae , aequalis laudis ipsae sunt , sed in casibus vbi ipsae dissentiunt , prestantioris legis preconia digna pensatione refulgent . Quare casus huiusmodi aliquos iam in medium proferemus vt quae legum illarum eos iustius meliusque diffiniat , equa lance valeas ponderare , et primo ex casibus maximi ponderis exempla preponamus .

The first case wherin the Ciuile lawes , and the lawes of England do differ . Ca. 20

IF they that haue a matter of controuersie depending before a Iuge come to the contestation of the suite vpon the matter of the deed which the lawyers of England call the issu of the plea : the truth of such an issue by the ciuile lawes must be tryed by the deposition of witnesses , wherein .ii. allowable witnesses are sufficient . But by the lawes of England the truthe of the matter cannot appier euident to the Iuge without the othes of xii . men neighbours to the place where such a dede is supposed to be done . Nowe therefore the question is whether of these two , so dyuers procedinges ought to be esteemed more reasonable & effectual for the opening of the trueth , which thus is sought for . For the law that can more certeinly & better shewe the truthe , is in this behalfe of more excellency than the other that is of lesse efficacy & force . wherfore in the searche of this matter thus we proceede .

SIcoram Iudice contendentes , ad litis ꝑueniant contestationem super materia facti , quam legis Angliae periti exitum pl’iti appell ’ . Exitus hm̄oi veritas ꝑ leges Ciuiles testium depositionem ꝓbari debet , in qua duo testes idonei sufficiunt , Sed per leges Angliae , veritas illa non nisi .xij. hominum de vicineto vbi factum huiusmodi suponitur sacramento , Iudici constari poterit . Queritur igitur , quis horum duorum ꝓcessuū tam diuersorum rationabilior censeri debeat & efficatior , ad veritatem quae sic queriturreuelādā . Quia lex q eam certius meliusque ostendere potest , prestantior in hoc est lege altera quae non tantae efficatiae est et virtutis , quare in huius rei indagine sic ꝓcedimus .

Here are set ●urth the inconueniences proceding of the law , which no otherwise then by witnesses admitteth trials . Cap. 21.

BY the Ciuile lawes the party which in the issue holdethe the affirmatiue must bring furth witnessez which he himselfe at hys own pleasure shall name But the negatiue cannot be proued directli , though indirectly it may : For the hability of him is thought to be very smal & weake , and his witte much lesse , which among al the men that he knoweth is not able to fynde ii . so voide of conscience & trueth , which for dreade , loue or profit will not bee readye to gainesaye all truthe .

Suche then maye he produce for witnesses on hys syde .

And if the other partye would obiect any thinge against them , or their saienges , it chanceth not euer that they & their condicions & doinges are knowen to the contrarie partye : so that by reason of theire foule lifes & vicious behauiour such witnesses might bee reprooued . And while their saienges conteine the affirmatiue , it shal be very harde to reproue them by circumstances or any other indirect meanz . who then shal be hable to liue in suertie of his goodes or of himselfe vnder suche a law , the ministreth such aid to euery busy body that lusteth to trouble another ? And what ii . wicked men are so vnwarie & vncircumspect , which touching the deede wherof they shal be examined in iudgement , will not beefore they are called furth for witnesses secreatly imagine and deuise a fourme & fassion therof , & frame thereunto all circumstances euen suche as must needes haue ben so , if the thing had ben true in dede ? For the children of this world ( saith the lorde ) are wiser then the children of light . So the most wicked Iesabel brought furth ii . witnesses of the children of Beliall in iudgement against Nabot , wherby he lost his life , & king Achab her husbande obtayned the possession of the vyneyarde . So the most chaste matrone Susanna should haue dyed for aduoutrye by the wytnes of twoe olde dotardes being iudges , if the lorde hadde not meruelouslye deliuered her by a wonderfull feate of prudence , which of nature the yong child hadde not being yet vnder age . And though the same child by theire altering & doubling in their depositions did conuict them to be false wretches , yet whoe ( saue only the lord ) could haue knowen that in their saienges they woulde thus haue disagreed ? Seeinge there was no lawe the did moue them to haue in remembrance what kind of tree it was , wherunder the fact was supposed to be done . For the witnesses of euerye wicked deede are not thought to consider al circumstaunces apperteining to the same , being such as do nothing help to the aggrauation & detection of the faulte . But while those wycked iudges willinglye swearing did alter touching the kindes of the trees , theire owne wordes proued them to be false verlets . Wherfore thei worthely suffred the same punishement themselues . You also most gratious prince do know how that lately maister I. Fring after that he had continued three yeares in the order of pristehoode was compelled by the deposition of twoe wicked persones whiche witnessed that he had before he was made prieste betrouthed hymselfe to a certeine yonge woman , to forsake the holye order of priestehoode , and to marrye the same womanne . Wythe whome when hee hadde lyued fourtene yeares , and hadde beegotten .vii ▪ children of her , at the laste beeinge conuicted of treason conspired againste your highnes , hee confessed before all the people euen at the very point of deathe that those witnesses were hiered , and that theire depositions were false . And thus manye tymes are iudgementz peruerted by the meane of false witnesses , yea & that vnder the verye best Iudges as vnto you it is not vnhearde , nor to the worlde vnknowen , while this wickednes ( the more is the pitie ) is often committed .

PEr leges ciuiles pars , quae in litis contestatione affirmatiuam dicit , testes ꝓducere debet , quos ipsemet ad libitum suum nominabit . Negatiua autem ꝓbari non potest , vz directè , licet possit ꝑ obliquum . Exilis quippe credit ’ esse potentiae minoris quoque industriae , qui de omnibus quos noscit hominibus , duos repire nequit ita conscientia & veritate vacuos , vt timore , amore , vel comod ’ omni velint contraire verit ’ . Hos potest tunc ipse in testim̄ ꝓ ducere in causa sua et 〈◊〉 contra eos pars altera dicere velit , vel contra eorum dicta , non semper continget , eos eorum quoque mores aut facta , apud contradicere volentem agnosci , vt ex eorum feditate et viciis testes illi possint reꝓbari . Et dum eorum dicta affirmatiuam contineant , non facile poterunt illa , ꝑ circumstantias aut obliqua alia im ꝓbari . Quis tunc poterit suorum aut sui ipsius , sub lege tali viuere securus , dum cuilibet sibi inimicari volenti lex tale prestat subsidium ? Et qui iniqui duo tam incauti sunt , qd ’ facti de quo ipsi examinabūt ’ in iudicio non antequam in testes ꝓducātur , occulte fingant imaginem et figuram , cōponāt quoque eidem omnes circumstantias , quales sibi affuissent , si illud in veritate constitisset Prudentiores namque vt dicit dominus sunt filij huius mund , quam filij lucis Sic Iesabel scelera tissima , testes duos filios belial , contra Nabot in iuditio produxit , quô ipse vitam perdidit , et Achab rex eius vineam possidebat . Sic duorum senum etiam Iudicum testimonio , mortua fuisset pro adulte riovxor castissima Susanna , si non eam miraculose liberasset dns inexcogitabili prudentia , quam a natura non habuit puer iunior nōdum etate ꝓuectus . Et si ipsos deposition̄ sua varia conuicerat puer ille esse falsarios , quis nisi solum dns nouisse poterat eos in dictis suis taliter variaturos ? dum non de arboris natura sub qua imputatum facinus fie bat , lex aliqua eos artabat reminisci . Quia testes sceleris cuiusque , considerare non putant ’ omnia vmbracula & cetera vicina illi facto , q ad aggrauati onem vel detection̄ criminis illius minime operantur , Sed dum de arborum speciebus , iudices illi nequam vltro deponentes variabant ▪ eorum dicta ipsos veritatis fuisse preuaricatores demonstrabant , quô et talionis penam merito incurrerunt . Nosti et tu princeps diuine qualiteriam tarde , magister Iohannes Fringe , qui postquam annis tribus sacerdotali functus est officio , duobus iniquorum depositione , qui eum antea iuuenculam quādam affidasse testati sunt , sacrum presbiteratus ordinem relīq̄re compulsus est , et matrimonium cum femina illa consumare . Cum qua , postquam annis .xiiij. moratus sobolem septimam suscitauerat , demum de crimine laese maiestatis in tuam celsitudinem coniurato conuictus , subornatos fuisse testes illos , et falsum dixisse testimonium , in mortis suae articulo coram omni populo fassus est . Qualiter et sepe peruerti iudicia , falsorum testium medio , etiam sub optimis iudicibus , non est tibi inauditum nec incognitum mundo , dum scelus illud ( prohdolor ) creberime committatur .

Of the crueltie of rackinges . Cap. 22

THerefore the law of Fraunce in offences criminall whereupon deth dependeth is not content to conuict the party accused by witnesses , least by the testimony of false persons innocent blood should be condemned . But that lawe chooseth rather to torment such offenders with racking , vntill they themselues confesse their owne fault , rather then by the deposition of witnesses , which mani tymes through wicked affeccions , & sometimes by the subornation of euil men , are moued to periurie . Vpon this & suche like cautels & respectes offendours & suspect persons are in that royalme with so many kynds of rackynges tourmented that my penne abhorreth to put them in writting .

For some are stretched our vpon a horse in suche wise that theire synowes breake , and theyre veines gousheout with streames of bloude . Agayne other some haue dyuers greate weightez hanged at their feete : whereby their limmes and ioyntes are dissolued and vnloosed .

Some also haue theire mouthes so long gagged open , till such abundance of water bee powered in that theire holly swelleth lyke a hill or a tonne , to the intent that then the bellye being persed with some boring instrument , the water may yssue and spoute out thereat and at the mouth streame wise , not much vnlike a whale which when he hath supped vppe and swallowed downe a great quantitye of sea water , with herringes and other small fishez , gusheth out the same water againe as high as the toppe of anye Pyneapple tree . My penne is both weary & ashamed to rehearse the outragiousnes of torments deuised in this behalf . For the number of them is so greate , that it can scant well bee noted in a whole skinne of parchement . More ouer the Ciuile lawes for want of witnesses doe fetche out the truthe by suche rackinges . And so doe dyuers other Countries too . But whoe is so harde harted , whiche beynge once released out of so cruell a Racke , thoughe he bee innocent and fautles , woulde not yet rather accuse himselfe of all kindes of offences , then agayne to commytt himselfe to the intollerable crueltie of the tourment ones proued : and hadde not rather dye at ones ( seeinge deathe ys the ende of all miseries ) then so often to be kylled , and to sustaine so manye hellyshe furies , paynfuller then death it selfe ?

And didde not you moste worthye prince knowe a certeine offendour which in suche tourmentes accused a woorshipfull , yea a ryghte good and faythfull knighte of treason , wherein , as hee saide they twoe hadde conspired together , which treason he himself beynge released from the racke , afterward attempted and accomplished , therby to acquite himself from comynge to the torture agayne . But at the last by meane of those tourments beinge so meamed in his bodie , that therby he was brought in despaire of his lyfe and therupon receauynge his howsell , he then swore by the same bodie of the lord , & , by the deathe whiche he beleeued that he should furthwith dye , that the said knight was innocent and gilties in all thinges whereof he had accused him , howbeit the paines wherin he was at the tyme of that his accusacion he said were so extreame , that rather than he woulde feele the same againe , he would no sticke to accuse the said knight agayne , yea & his owne father to . This he said beynge then at the verie point of deathe , whiche he beleued he could not then escape . No nor he escaped not the deathe whiche he then feared . But afterward beynge hanged , at the tyme of his deathe he cleared the said knight of all crimes wherof before he had defamed him . Thus ( o pitifull case ) do many other wretcheis not for the truethes sake , but forced thereunto by the extremitie of tourmentes , And what certentie then can arise of the confessions of miserable tourmented persons . But if some innocent bodie hauynge his mynd fixed vpon eternall saluation , woulde in such a Babylonicall fornace with the iii. children blesse & magnifie the lorde , and not lye to the damnation of his owne soule , in the the iudge pronounceth him vngiltie , doth not that iudge by the selfe same iudgement iudge himself giltie of all the crueltie & paīes wherewith he hathe tourmented the innocent . O howe cruel is such a law whiche in that it can not condempne the syelie innocent , condempneth the iudge . Suerly suche a custom is not to be accompted a lawe , but rather the hieghe waye to the deuill O iudge , in what schole hast thou learned to be present , while the offendour is tourmented ? For the execution of iudgements vpon offendours ought to be done by men of base degre : the doers wherof doo purchase to themselfes present infamie by the deede doynge , in somuch that euer after they are dishabled from the p̄ferment of a iudge . Neither dothe the lorde god execute his iudgementes pronounced ageynst the dampned by angells , but by deuylls . Yea and in Purgatorie the soules there remayninge , though they be predestinate too glorie , yett are they not tourmented of good angells , but of euyll . Those also are euyll and wycked men by whome the lorde in this worlde doth minister to wretched sinners deserued punishemnt For when god said in the xxii . chapter of the third booke of Kynges : Who shall deceaue Achab. it was an euill spirite that aunswered : I will be a lying spirite in the mouth of all his prophetes . For it becomed not a good spirite to take vpon him the execution of suche thinges thoughe this iudgement proceeded from the lorde that Achab shoulde be deceued by a lye . But the iudge peraduenture wyll saye : I withe myne own handes did nothinge in these tourmentes But what differth it whether one be a doer with his own handes , or ells be present at the doynge , and the thinge that is done to exasperate hit by his commaundement . It is onely the maister of the shippe that bringeth it to the hauen , though by his commaundement an other bee the stiresman I beleue that the wounde wherewith the mynde of the iudge thus tourmentinge any man is plaged , wyll neuer be healed ageyne specially while he remembreth the extremitie of the paines susteyned by the poore wretche in those miserable tourments

NOn igitur contenta est lex Francie , in criminalibus vbi mor● imminet , reum testibus conuincere , ne falsidicorum testimonio sanguis in nocens condēnotur . Sed mauult lex illa reos tales torturis cruciari , quousque ipsi eorum reatum confiteantur , quam testium depositione , qui sepe passionibus īiquis , & quandoque subornatione malorum ad ꝑiuria stimulant ’ . Quali cautione & astutia , criminosi etiam & de criminibus suspectitot torturarum in regno illo generibus affliguntur , quod fastidet calamus ea literis designare . Quidam vero in equuleis extenduntur , quô eorum rumpuntur nerui , et venae in sanguinis fluenta prorumpunt . Quorundam vero , diuersorum ponderum pendulis dissoluuntur compagines et iuncturae , et quorundam gaggantur ora , vsque dum ꝑ illa , tot aquarum infundantur fluenta , vt ipsorum venter montis tumescat more , quo tunc venter ille fossorio vel simili percussus instrumento , per os aquam illam euomet ad instar Balenae que cum halecibus et aliis pisciculis mare absorbuit , aquam despumat , ad altitudinem arboris pini . Piget ( proh pudor ) iam penna exquesitorum ad hec cruciatuum enarrare immania . Nam eorum variatus numerus vix notari poterit magna in membrana . Leges etiam ipsae Ciuiles deficiente testium copia , in criminalibus , veritatem consimilibus extorquent tormentis , qualiter et faciunt etiam quam plurima regna . Sed quis tāduri animi est , qui semel ab atroci tanto torculari laxatus non potius innocens ille omnia fateretur scelerum genera , quam acerbitatem sic experti iterum subire tormenti , et non semel mori mallet , dum mors sit vltimum terribilium , quam tociens occidi , et tot idem gehennales furias morte amariores sustinere ? Et nonne princeps tu nouisti criminosum quendam , qui inter tormenta huiusmodi , militem nobilem , probum , et fidelem , de proditione quadam super qua , vt asseruit ipsi duo insimul coniurarunt , accusant , quod et constanter postmodum ipse fecit a torturis illis relaxatus , ne iterum eadem tormenta ipsa ipse subiret . Sed demum cum expenis illis lesus vsque ad mortis articulum infirmaretur , vltimum quo que viaticum , christi videlicet corpus sumpsisset : Iurauit tunc super corpus illud , et per mortem quam tunc protinus credidit se passurum , militem illum innocentem fuisse et īmunē de omnibus in q̄bꝰ eum accusauit , tamen ait penas in q̄bꝰ ipse tempore delation̄ suae fuerat , ita atroce● extitisse qd priusquam eas iterum experiretur , etiam eundem militem ille iterum accusaret , similiter et patrem ꝓprium , licet tunc in mortis limine quam non credidit se posse euadere , fuerit constitutus . Nec vero ipse mortem quam tunc metuit , euasit Sed demum suspensus , tempore mortis suae ipsum militem purgauit ab omni crimīe de quo dudum defaāuit Taliter proh dolor et quam plures alii miseri faciunt , non ver itatis causa , sed solum vrgentibus torturis artati , qnd tunc certitudinis resultat , ex confessionibus taliter compressorum ? Cererum si innocens aliquis non immemor salutis etern● in huiusmodi babilonis fornace , cum tribus pueris benedicat dnm , nec mentiri velit in ꝑniciē animae suae . quo Iudex eum ꝓnūciat innocētem , nonne eodem iudicio iudex ille , seip̄m reum iudicat , omnis seuicioe et penarum quibus innocentem afflixit ? O quam crudelis est lex talis , q dum innocentem dampnare nequit iudicem ipsa cōdēpnat ? Vere non lex ritus talis esse phibetur sed potius semita ipse est ad iehēnā . O iudex quibus ibus in scholis didicisti , te presentem exhibere , dum penas luit reus executiones quippe iudiciorum in criminosos , per ignobiles fieri conuenit Nam earum actores infames solent esse ipso facto , quo et ipsi deinde ad iudicialem apicem redduntur indigni , non enim per angelos , sed per demones exequi facit dns iudicia sua reddita indāpnatos . Nec reuer ’ in purgatorio cruciant animas quamuis predestinatas ad gloriam angeli boni , sed mali . Maligni etiam homines sunt , ꝑ quos dominus in hoc mundo , miseris tribuit malum penae . Nam dum dixerat deus iii. Regum . xxii . Quis decipiet michi Achab ? malus erat spiritus ille qui respondit . Ego ero spiritus mendax in ore omnium prophetarum eius Non enim decuit spiritum bonum exequi talia , licet a domino prodiit iudicium quod Achab mendacio deciperet ’ Sed dicit iudex forsan . Ego nihil egi manibus meis in cruciatibus istis . Sed quid refert propriis facere manibus , an presentem esse et quod factum est mandato suo iterum atque iterum aggrauare : solum magister nauis est q eam ducit ad portum , licet eius mandato alii agitent proram , Credo qd , vulnus quo sautiatur animus iudicis penas huiusmodi infligentis nunquam in cicatricem veniet , maxime dum recolit acerbitatem penarum miseri sic afflicti .

Here he sheweth that the Ciuile lawe oft fayleth ín doinge of Iustice . Cap. 23.

MOreouer if by reason of bargayninge , or by sufferinge of iniuries , or by title of inheritance right do accrewe to aman to pleade in iudgement , if there be no witnesseis or if such as were witnesseis be deade , the plaintif must needs lett his action fall , except he be hable to proue his ryght by ineuitable coniectures , whiche is seldome seene . Wherfore concernynge lordeshippes and other possessions rueled by the ciuile lawe and in all accions fallynge vnder the same lawe the actions of the plaintifes for wante of witnesses many tymes are choked , so that skant the halfe parte of them atteyneth to the desiered ende . What maner of lawe then is this whiche to them the susteyne wrong thus faileth in yeeldinge Iustice ? I doubt whether it deserue too bee called a iuste lawe , because in the same lawe it is wryten , that Iustice rendreth too euerye man that which is his owne . But this cannot such a lawe doo .

PReterea , si ex contractibus , illatisue iniuriis , vel hereditatis titulo , ius accreuerit homini agendi in iudicio : si testes non fuerint , vel si qui fuerint moriantur , succumbet ipse agens in causa sua , nisi ius suum ꝓbare valeat ineuitabilibus coniecturis , quod facere crebro non contingit . Quare de dominiis et aliis possessionibus iure ciuili regulatis , similiter et in omnibus actionibus cadentibus sub eodem iure , actiones agētiū ꝓ defectu testium quam pluries suffocantur , ita qd. earum vix ꝑs media optatum finem sortiatur ’ qualis tunc est lex huiusmodi , q iniuriatis taliter deficit in iusticia reddenda ? dubito an iusta vocari mereatur , quia in eadem lege scribitur , quod Iusticia vnicuique tribuit quod suum est , qd non faciat lex talis

Here hee declareth how counties are deuided , and shieri●ffs chosen .

Now that we haue opened after what maner the Ciuile lawes do enfourme a iudge of the truthe of a matter brought into iudgement , it is consequent to declare by what meanes the lawes of Englande doo boult out the trueth of suche a matter . For the orders of bothe the lawez beynge layde together , the qualities of them bothe wyll more playnely appere : forsomuche as the philosopher sayeth that contraries placed one by an other wyll shewe them selfes more euidently . But herein after the maner of oratours in steade of a proheme , it shall not bee amysse that we open certen thinges before , the knowlege whereof shall geue light too thinges whiche heareafter shall come in talke wherefore thus we doo proceede . The royalme of Englande is deuided into counties , as the royalme of Fraunce is into Baylywyks , so that in Englande ther is no place that is not with in the bodie of some countie . Counties also are deuided into hundreds which some wher are called wapentages . And hundredes are deuided into villages vnder which appellation are conteyned borowes and Cities . For the boundes of villages are not conteyned within the circuit of walles , buyldynges , or streetes , but within the compasse of fildes , greate territories , certein hamlettes , and many other , as of waters , woodes & waste groundes , whiche it is not needefull nowe to set furthe by their names : because that in England there is skante any place , which is not conteined within the compasse of villageis , though certeyn priuileged places within villageis are supposed to be no parcell of the same villages , More ouer in euerie countie ther is one certeyn officer called the kynges shierief , which amonge other duties belongynge to his office , putteth in execucion all the commaundementes , and iudgements of the kynges courte , that are to be executed within his countie His office endureth but for one yeare , so that after the expiration of that yeare , he may not minister in that office . Neither shall he within ii . yeares next ensueynge be admited to the office agayne . This officer is thus chosen . Euery yeare the morrowe after All soullen daye all the kynges counsellers meet together in the kynges exchequer , aswel the lordes spirituall and temporall as all other Iustices , all the barones of the exchequer , the maister of the rolles , and certeyn other officers , where all these with one commen assent doo name of euerie countie iii. knightes or esquyers , whome amonge other of the same countie they take to bee of good disposition and fame , and best disposed to the office of the shiereif of that countie . Of the whiche iii. the kynge chooseth one , whome by his letters patents he appointeth sherief of the countie that he is chosen of for the yeare then folowinge . But he before hee receaue his patent shall swere vpon the holye ghospell amonge other articles , that he shall well and faithfully and indifferently exercise and doo his office all that yeare , and that he shall receaue or take nothyng of any other man then the Kynge , by colour or meane of his office .

These thynges beynge thus nowe presupposed , lett vs proceede too the searche of those thinges , that we seke for .

Exposita iam forma qua leges Ciuiles de veritate facti in iudicio deducti iudicem erudiunt , superest vt modum quô leges Angliae huiusmodi facti eliciunt veritatem etiam do ceamus , Nam ambarum legum formulis contigué positis , qualitates earundem lucidius eminebunt cum dicat Philosophus , quod opposita iuxta se posita magis apparent : Sed in hoc oratorum more ( prohemii loco ) quedam p̄narrare congruet , quorum agnitione , deinde tractando clarius patere queant , quare sic procedimus . Regnum Angliae per comitatus , vt regnum Fraunciae per balliuatus distinguitur , ita vt non sit locus in Anglia , quae non sit īfr ’ corpus alicuius comitatus . Comitatus quoque diuiduntur in Hundreda , que alicubi Wapen tagia nuncupantur . Hundreda vero diuiduntur per villas , subquarum appellatione continentur et Burgi atque Ciuitates . Villarum etenim metae , non muris , edificiis , aut stratis terminan tur , sed agrorum ambitubus , territoriis magnis , hamiletis quibusdam , et multis aliis , sicut aquarum , boscorum , et vastorum terminis , quae iam non expedit nominibus designare , q̄a vix in anglia est locus aliquis , qui non infra villarum ambitus contineatur , licet priuilegiati loci quidam infravillas , de eisdem villis pars esse non censentur . Preterea in quolibet comitatu est officiarius quidam vnus regis vicecomes appellatus , qui inter cetera sui officii ministeria , omnia mandata et iudicia curiarum regis in comitatu suo exequenda , exequitur , Cuius officium annale est , quo ei post annum in eodem ministrare non licet , nec duobus tunc sequentibus annis ad idem of ficium reassumetur Officiarius iste sic eligitur . Quolibet anno in crastino animarum , conueniunt in scaccario regis omnes consiliarii eius , tam dn̄ispūales , ettēporales quam alii onnes iusticiarii , omnes barones de scaccario , clericus rotulorum , & quidam alii officiarii vbi hii omnes communi assensu , nominant de quolibet comitatu tres milites vel armigeros , quos inter ceteros eiusdem comitatus ipsi opinantur melioris esse dispositionis et famae , et ad officium vice comitis comitatus illius melius dispositos : ex quibus rex vnum tantum eliget , quem per litteras suas patentes constituet vicecomitem comitatus de quo eligit ’ ꝓ anno tunc sequente : sed ipse ātequam lr ’ illas recīpiat , iurabit suꝓ santa dei euangelia , inter articulos alio● qd bene , fideliter et indifferenter exercebit et faciet officium suum toto anno illo neque aliq̄d recipiet colore aut causa officii sui ab aliquo alio quam a rege . His iam sic p̄suppositis , ad eorum q querimus indaginem ꝓcedamus .

Howe Iurers must be chosen and sworne

AS ofte as suters in the courtes of the kynge of Englande are come to the issue of their plea vpon the mater of the facte , furthwith the Iustices by vertue of the kynges wrytte directed vnto the shirief of the countie , wherein the deede is supposed to be done , wyll him to cause to come before the same Iusticeis at a certein day by them limitted xii good and lawfull men neighbours to the place where the facte is supposed to be done : the same to be such as be of no kynne to either of the pleaders , to the ende that by ther oths it maye certeynly be knowen , whether the deede wer done as the one partie affirmeth , or ells as the other partye denyeth . Vppon the daye aforesayde the shieref shall retourne the said wrytte before the same Iustices , together with the pannell of their names , which he hereunto hath sommoned . When they are come either partie may refuse them , allegyng that the shierief hathe made that pannell fauorably for the other partye of persones not in different . Whiche exception if it be founde treue by the othe of ii men of the same pannell chosen thereunto by the Iustyceis , that pannell shall immediatly be quassed And then the Iustices shall wryte to the coroners of the same countie that they shall make a newe painell . Whiche when thei haue done if it be likewise founde fautie , it shall also be quassed . And then the Iustices shall elect and choose ii of the clerkes of the same courte , or other of the same countie , which in the presence of the court vpon their othes shall make an indifferent panell , whiche by neither of the parties shal be challenged . Howbeit when the men so impanelled are come into the courte , either of the parties may make exceptions against the persone of anye of them , as he may also do in all cases & at all times when any man by any meanez impanelled shall appeare to be sworne in the courte vpon the truthe of such an issue : saiyng that the person impannelled is cosein or allyed to the other party or by anye kind of amity so knytte vnto him , that he is not indifferent to declare the truethe betwene them . And of these exceptions there are so manye kyndes and sortes , that theye can not bee in fewe woords rehearsed . Wherof if anye one bee founde true , thenne shall not hee bee sworne agaynst whom the exception is purposed , but his name shall be cancelled in the pannell . So allso shal bee done of all the names of the persons impannelled , vntill .xii. of them so indifferent be sworn , that neither party can haue against them any mater of exception or challenge . Also of these . xii.iiii . at the least shal be of the hundred where the village standeth wherin the fact wher uppon the sutte riesethe is supposed to bee done . And euerie suche Iurer shall haue landes or reuenues for terme of lyfe at the least to the yearly value of xl . s. And this order is obserued & kept in al accions & causes criminall reall , and personall , sauynge where the dammages or debt in accions personal excedeth not the summe of .xl. markes of Englishe moneye For thenne it is not requisite that Iurers in such accyons shall bee hable to dyspende somuche .

Yet they shall haue lande or rentes to a competente value after the discretion of the Iustices . Otherwyse theye shall not bee sworne , leaste for neede and pouertie such Iurers myghte easelye bee corrupte and suborned .

And if by suche exceptions so manye Iurers names bee cancelled in the pannel that there remayneth not a sufficient number to make thereof a Iurie , then the sherifes by the kinges write shal be commaunded to adioin mo Iur●rs . Which thing may ofte be don , so that for lack of Iurers the inquisition of the truth vpon such a plea shal not ●emain And this is the fourm how Iurers and suche inquisitours of truth ought to be chosen in the kings courte . and lykewise to bee sworne . Wherefore how they muste bee charged and infourmed of the vtteryng of the same trueth , this nowe resteth to be discussed .

QVociescunque contendentes in curiis regis Angliae , ad exitum placiti super materia facti deuenerint , concito Iusticiarii ꝑ breue regis scribunt vic . come in quo factum illud fieri supponitur , quod ipse venire faciat coram eisdem Iusticiariis , ad certum diem ꝑ eos limitatum , duodecim probos et legales homines , de vicineto , vbi illud factum supponitur , q neutri partium sic placitātiū vlla affinitate attingunt . Ad recognoscendum super eorum sacramenta , si factum illud factum fuerit , sicut vna earundem partium dicit , vel non sicut altera pars negat . Quo adueniente die , vicecomes returnabit breue predictum coram eisdem iustitiariis vna cum pan ello nominum eorum quos ipse ad hoc sūmoniuit , quos ) si venerit ) vtraque pars recusare poterit , dicendo qd vicecōes panellum illud fauorabiliter fecit ꝓ parte altera videlicet de personis minus indifferentibus . Que exceptio , si comperta fuerit vera per sacramentum duorum hominum de eodem panello , ad hoc ꝑ Iusticiarios electorum , mox pānellū illud quassabit ’ et iusticiar ’ tunc scribent Coronatoribus eiusdem comitatus , qd ipsi nouum faciant panellum . Quod cum fecerint si & illud consimiliter reꝑtum fuerit viciatum , etiam et illud quassabitur : et tunc iusticiarii eligent duos de clericis curiae illius , vel alios de eodem comitatu qui in presentia curiae ꝑ eorum sacramenta facient in differens panellum qd deinde ꝑ nullam partium illarum calūpniabitur . sed cum venerint sic impanellati in Curiam q̄libet partium exciper ’ potest contr ’ ꝑsonam cuiuscumque eorum , sicut et pot ’ in omni casu et omni tempor ’ quo aliq̄s qualitercumque cumque impanellatus comparuerit incuria super veritate exitus hm̄odi iuraturus , dicendo qd ’ impanellatus ille est consanguineus vel affinis parti alteri , vel amicitia quacumque tali sibi coniunctus , qd ’ indifferens ipse non est ostendere inter eos veritatem : qualium exceptionum tot sunt genera et species , quod non licet eas breui explicare sermone . Quarum si aliqua reꝑta fuerit vera non tunc iurabitur ille contra quem exceptio illa ꝓponitur , sed cancellabitur nomen eius in panello . Sic quoque fiet de omnibus nominibus impanellatorum , quousque duodecim eorum iurent ’ ita indifferentes , qd ’ versus eos neutra partium heat aliquam materiam calumpniae . Horum autem xij . ad minus quatuor erunt de hundredo vbi villa in qua factum de quo contenditur fieri supponitur , sita est et q̄libet iurat ’ hm̄odi , habebit terras vel redditus ꝓ termīo vitae suae , ad minus ad valorem annuum xl . s. Et hic ordo obseruat ’ in omnibus accionibus et causis criminalibus , realibus et ꝑson●libus , preterque vbi danna vel debitum in ꝑsonalibus non excedunt xl . marcas mon●te anglicanae q̄a tunc non req̄rit ’ qd ’ iu●●●ores in actionibus hm̄odi tantum exp●d●r● possint ● labebūt tn̄ terram vel reddit ’ , ad valorem cōpetētē , iuxta discretiōē iusticiariorum , alioquin ip̄iminīe iurabunt ’ , ne ( ꝑ inediam et pauꝑtatem iuratorꝭ hm̄odi de facili valeant corrumpi aut subornari . Et si ꝑ tales exceptiōes , tot iuratorū●o●a in pannello cancelent ’ , qd ’ non remaneat numerus sufficiens ad faciendum inde iuratam , tunc mandabitur vic' ꝑ breue regis , qd ’ ipse appon̄ plures iurator . qd ’ et sepius fieri potest ita qd ’ inq̄sitio veritat . super exitu placiti , non remanebit ob defectum iuratorum . Et hec est forma qualiter iuratores et veritat ’ hm̄odi īq̄sitor ’ eligi debent in curia regis similiter et iurari , quare quo modo ipsi de veritate illa dicenda onerari debent et informari , iam restat vt queramus .

Howe Iurers oughte to be enfourmed by euidences and witnesses . Cap. 26.

Twelue good & lawefull men being at the last sworne in fourme aforsaid , hauing besides their moueables , sufficient possessions as afore is declared , wherby they may be hable to maītain their own states , & being to neither partye suspected or hated , but neighbours to them both , then shal be red before them in English by the court al the recorde & processe of the plea dependynge beetwene the parties , with a plaine declaracion of the yssue of the plea , touchinge the trueth whereof those sworne men shall certifie the courte . Whyche thynges beinge done eyther party by himselfe or his counsellours in the presence of the courte shal vtter and open to the saide sworne men all and singuler maters and euidences whereby he thynkethe he may best informe them of the truethe of the yssue so impleaded . And then maye eyther partie bring before the same Iustices and sworne menne al and singuler suche witnesses on his beehalfe as hee will produce . Who by the Iustices beeinge charged vpon the holye gospell of godde , shal testifie al thinges proouynge the truthe of the fact , whereupon the parties contend And if neede so require , those witnesses shal be seuered and deuided til they haue deposed all that they wyll , so that the sayinge of one shall not mooue or prouoke an other to testyfye the lyke . The premisses beeynge done , then after that those Iurers haue had talke at theire pleasure vppon the truethe of that yssue wythe asmuche deliberation as themselfs shall require , in the keepynge of the ministers of the courte wythin a place to them for the same purpose assigned , to the intente that noe manne in the meane tyme may corrupte them , theye shall retourne into the courte , and certyfie the Iustices vppon the decitie of the yssue so ioyned in the presence of bothe the partyes ( if theye will be there ) and specially of the plainetyfe The reporte of whiche Iurers by the lawes of Englande is called a verdycte : by the whyche woorde is mente , a true reporte , or a reporte of the truethe . And thenne accordyng to the qualitie of that veredicte the Iustices shall frame and fourme their iudgemente . Notwithestandynge yf the other partye , agaynste whom the verdycte is geeuen complayne that hee is thereby vniustly greeued , then the same partye maye sue a writte of attyncte agaynst those Iuries , and against the partie that hathe preuayled . By force of whiche write if it shal bee found by the othe of .xxiiij. men in fourme aforesaide retourned elect and sworne , whiche shal bee men of muche greater lyuynges then the first Iurers were that the same first Iurers haue made a false othe , then the bodies of the same fyrste Iurers shal bee committed to the kynges prisone , theire goodes shall bee confiscate , and al their possessions shal bee seased into the kinges handes . theire howses also & buildynges shal bee rased and throwne downe , there woodes felled , and theire medowe groundes plowed And also the same f●rst Iurers shal for euer after be noted for infamed persons , and shal in no place be receaued to testifie the truth And the partie whiche in the former plea had the ouerthrowe , shal be restored to all thynges whyche by occasion thereof he hathe lost . Who then , though he regarde not his soules healthe , yet for feare of so greate punishmente , and for shame of so greate infamye woulde not vppon his othe declare the trueth And if one man parauenture haue so litle respecte to hys honoure or estimation , yet some of so manye Iurers wyll not neglecte theyre owne good fame , nor wyl not thoroughe theyre owne defaulte suffre themselfes thus to be spoyled of their goodes and possessions . Is not this order now for the boultynge oute of the truethe better and more effectuall , then the processe which the Ciuile lawes do procure ? Here no cause nor no mans ryghte quailethe throughe death , or for wante of witnesses Here are not brought f●rthe vnknowen witnesses , hiered persons , pore men , vagaboundes , vnconstant people or suche whose conditions and naughtynes is vnknowen . These witnesses are neygheboures hable to lyue of theyre owne , of good name and fame of honeste reporte , not brought into the court by the partye , but by a worshipfull and indifferent officer chosen , and so compelled to come before the iudge . These knowe all that the witnesses are hable to depose , ●id theye knowe allso the constancye and vnconstauncye of the witnesses , and what reporte goethe vppon them . And what wyll ye haue more . Doubtles there is nothynge that maye dysclose the truethe of anye doubt fallynge in contention , whiche can in anye wyse be hydde from suche Iurers , so that it be possible for the same to come to mans knowledge .

IVratis demum in forma predicta duodecim ꝓbis et legalibus hominibus habentibus vltra mobilia sua possessiones vt predicitur sufficientes , vnde eorum statum ipsi continere poterunt , et nulli partium suspectis nec īuisis , sed eisdem vicinis , legetur in anglico coram eis ꝑ curiam , totum recordum et ꝓcessus placiti qd ’ pendet inter partes : ac delucidè exponetur eis exitus placiti de cuius veritate iurati● illi curiam certificabunt : quibus ꝑactis , vtraque partium ꝑ se vel consiliarios suos in presentia curiae , referet et manifestabit eisdem iuratis , onnes et singulas materias et euidentias , quibus eos docerese posse credit veritatem exitus taliter placitati . Et tunc adducere potest vtraque pars coram eisdem iusticiarijs et iuratis , omnes et singulos testes , quos ꝓ parte sua , ipsa producere velit , qui super sancta dei euangelia ꝑ iusticiarios onerati , testificabūt ’ o●a q cognoscunt ꝓbantia veritatem facti , de quo partes contendunt . Et si necessitas exegerit , diuidentur testes huiusmodi , donec ipsi deposuerint quicquid velint , ita qd ’ dictum vnius , non docebit aut concitabit eorum alium ad consimiliter testificandum . Quibus consummatis , postquam iuratores illi deinde ad eorum libitum super veritate exitus hm̄odi , de liberatione quam tam ipsei optabunt , colloquium habuerint : in custodia ministrorum curiae in loco eis ad hoc assignato , neīterī eos aliq subornare valeant , reuenient illi in curiam , et certificabunt iustitiarios super veritate exitus sic iuncti , in presentia partium ( si interesse velint ) et maxime petentis . Quorum iuratorum dictum , per leges Angliae veredictum nuncupatur , et tunc secundum hm̄odi veredicti qualitatem iustitiarij reddent et formabunt iudic̄ suum . Tamen si pars altera contra quam veredictum hm̄odi prolatum est , conqueratur se ꝑ illud iniuste esse grauatum , ꝓfequi tunc potest pars illa versus iuratores illos , et versus partem q optinuit breue de attineta . Virtute cuius , si cōpertum fuerit per sacramentum viginti quatuor hominum , in forma p̄no●ata retornatorum , electorum , et iura ●orum , qui multo maiora habebunt patrimonia quam iuratores primi , quod ijdem primi iuratores falsum fecerunt sacramentum , corpora eorundem primorum iuratorum prisonae regis committentur bona eorum confiscabuntur , ac omnes possessiones eorundem in manus regis capientur . domus quoque eorum et edificia prosternentur , bosci succidentur , et prata arabuntur , ipsi etiam iuratores primi extunc infames erunt , nec alicubi recipientur in testimonium veritatis , et pars q succubuit in priori placito , restituetur ad omnia que ipse per didit occasione eius Quis tunc ( etsi immemor saluti● animae suae fuerit , ) non formidine tantae penae , et verecundia tantae infamiae , veritatem non diceret , sic iuratus et si vnus forsan tantus sui honoris ꝓdigus esse non peꝑcerit aliqui tamen iuratorum tantorum famam suam non necligent , neque bona et possessiōes suas taliter distrahi pacientur , propria culpa sua . Nonne iam hic ordo reuelandi veritatem , potior et efficacior est , quam est processus qualem pariunt ciuiles leges ? Non hic periunt causae aut ius alicuius per mortem aut ob defectum testium , non hic producuntur testes ignoti , conducticij , pauperes , vagi , inconstantes , aut quo rum conditiones vel maliciae ignorantur . Vicini sunt testes isti , de propriis viuere potentes famae integrae , et opinionis illesae , non per partem incuriam ducti , sed ꝑ officiarium nobilem et indifferētem electi , et coram iudice venire compulsi . Isti omnia sciunt q testes deponere norunt et isti testium productorum agnoscunt constantias , inconstantiasque et famam . Quid vltra ? vere nihil est quod veritatem dubij de quo contendi poterit , detegere valebit , qd ’ iura toribus talibus latere quomodolibet potest aut ignorari , dummodo possibile sit , illud venire posse in agnitionem humanam .

Here he shewethe howe causes criminal are determined in Englande . Cap. 27.

BVt it is also necessary to discusse how in matters criminal the laws of Englande do fetche oute the truthe that perfectlye vnderstandinge the fourme of bothe the lawes , wee maye the more certainelye perceaue & know whether of them bothe doth more effectually discouer the hydde truthe .

Yf anye manne accused of felonye or treason in Englande doe at his arreignemente beefore the Iudges deny the offence , furthwithe the sherife of the countie where the deede was done shal cause to come before the same iudges xxiiij . good and lawefull men dwellinge nighe toe the village where the facte was done , suche men as to the party accused be no thing allyed : and suche as euery of them hathe . C.s. of land and reuenues , to certifie the iudges vpon the truthe of the crime . Whiche at theire appearaunce the partie accused maye challenge in lyke sorte as in actions reall maye bee done , as afore is described . And moreouer the same partye in fauoure of hys lyfe maye challenge fiue and thirtie menne suche as hee moste fearethe : whyche vppon his challenge shal bee cancelled in the pannel , or shal bee noted wyth such markes , that theye shall not passe vppon hym : thoughe hee bee not hable to shewe anye cause of his exception and challenge . Whoe thenne can vniust lye dye in Englande for anye criminall offence , seynge hee maye haue so manye helpes for the fauoure of his life , and that none maye condempne him but his neighboures , good and lawfull menne agaynste whom hee hathe no mater of exception . In deede I woulde rather wyshe twentye euill dooers to escape deathe thoroughe pitie , thenne one manne to bee vniustlye c●ndempned . And yet it is not to bee suspected , that anye off●ndoure can vnder this fourme escape the punishement of his offence , forasmuche as his lyfe and conuersation shal bee afterwarde a terroure to them that haue thus cleared hym of the crime . In this kynde of proceedynge there is noe crueltye or extremitie vsed . Neither can the innocent and vnguiltye persone be hurt in his bodye or lymmes . Wherefore hee shall not stand in feare of the sclaunder of hys enemies , beecause hee shall not be racked or tormen●ed at their wyll and pleasure .

Thus vnder this lawe a manne maye passe his life wythe quietnes and safetie . Iudge yow therefore moste noble prince whether of these lawes ye had rather chose , if you should liue a priuate life .

SEd quomodo in criminalibus leges Angliae scrutantur veritatem etiā●imare per necessarium est , vt et in eis plenariè agnita ambarum legum forma , quae earum efficacius latentem reuelat veritatem certius agnoscamus . Si reus quispi am de felonia aut proditione in Anglia rettatus crimen suum coram iudicibus dedicat mox vicecomes comitatus vbi facinus illud commissum est , venire faciet coram eisdem iudicibus , viginti quatuor probos et legales hoēs de viceneto villae vbi illud factum est , q retato illi nulla affinitate attingunt , et quorum quilibet cētum solidatus heat terrae et redditus , ad certificādum Iudices illos super crimin̄ illius veritate . Quibus comparentibus , rettatus ille eos calumpniare potest eadem forma qua in actionibus realibus fieri debere suꝑius discribit ’ . Et īsup reus ipse in fauorem vitae suae calumpniare potest triginta quimque homines , quos ipse maxime formidat , q ad eius calūpniam cancellabunt ’ in panello , aut sign̄ talibus notabunt ’ qd ’ ( vt verbꝭ legis vtar ) illi super eum non transibunt licet ipse nullam causam assignare sciat exceptionis seu calumpniae suae . Quis tunc mori posset in iquè in Anglia pro crimine ? cum tot iuuamina habere ille poterit ob fauorem vitae suae ? et non nisi vicini eius , ꝓbi et fideles homines , versus quos ipse nullam hent materiam exceptionis eum condennare poterunt ? mallem reuera viginti facino rosos mortem pietate euadere , quam iustum vnum iniuste condempari . Nec tamen reum quempiam sub hac forma , reatus sui penam euadere posse suspicandum est , dum eius vita et mores timori de●ceps erunt eis qui eum sic purgarunt a crimine . In hoc equidem processu nihil est crudele , nihil inhumanum , nec ledi poterit innocens in corpore aut membris suis quare nec formidabit ille calumpniam inimicorum eius quia non torquebit ’ iste ad arbitrium ipsorum . Sub hac igitur lege viuere quietum et securum est . Iudica ergo , princeps optime , q̄ legum harum tibi electissima foret , si tu priuatam spirares vitam .

The prince graunteth the lawes of Englande to be more commodious for the subiectes , then the Ciuile lawes in the case nowe disputed . Cap. 28.

WHereunto the prince aunswered and sayde . I see no harde or straunge mater , good Chauncelour that shoulde make mee doubtefull or daungerous in the election and choyse of the thynge that yee aske . For whoe woulde not rather choose to lyue vnder that lawe , where-vnder hee myghte lyue in securitye , then vnder that lawe , whych woulde sette hym naked and succourlesse agaynste the crueltye of hys enemyes . Verelye no manne can bee saufe in body or gooddes , whom his aduersarye maye conuince in euerye cause withe twoo vnknowen wytnesses of his owne choosynge & bryngynge fourthe .

And thoughe a manne be not compelled by theire sayenges to dye , yet is he lyttell relieued that hath escaped deathe , beeynge shronke in all his synnews and lymmes , & cast intoo a perpetuall impotencye of his bodye . And truelye into suche daunger maye the crafte of a spytefull person bringe anye manne that lyuethe vnder the lawe , whyche herewhile you spake of . But suche mischiefe and inconuenience cannot be wroughte by witnesses that make theire depositions in the presence of twelue credyble menne neyghbours to the deede that is presentlye in question , and to the circumstaunces of the same : which also know the maners and condicions of the same witnesses , specially if they bee nigh dwellers and knowe also whether they bee menne worthye to bee credited or no. And further all those xii . cannot bee ignoraunt in those thinges that were doone by & among theire neighbours . For I know more certeinelye the thinges that are doone heare in Barro where I am now remayninge , then those thinges that are done in England . Neither doe I thynke that thinges can be kepte from the knowledge of a good & honest man being done nighe to his house , and almost vnder his nose , bee they neuer so secretlye doone .

But yet I maruail much why the foresaide lawe of Englande , whiche is so good and commodious , is not commen to all the whole worlde .

CVi princeps . Arduum ambigu ūue Cancellarie , non conspicio , qd ’ morosum me tutubātēue redderet in electione rei quam interrogas . Nam quis non sub lege quasecuram ducere posset vitam viuere potius eligeret , quam sub lege tali , sub qua inermem indefensumque se semper redderet seuiciae omnium inimicorum eius ? Vere tutus quisquam esse non poterit in corpore aut in bonis , quem inimicus eius ( in omni causa ) conuincere poterit testibus duobus etiam ignotis , per ipsummet electis et ꝓductis . Et licet quis mortem per dicta eorum subire non cogatur , parum tamen releuatur ipse qui mortem euasit , contractione neruorum & membrorum suorum , atque corporis eius languore ꝑpetuo . Tali reuera discrimini impellere potest inimici astutia omne hominem qui sub lege degit , quam tu iam dudum explicasti . Sed tale malum operari nequerūt testes qui depositiones suas faciunt , in presentia duo decim fide dignorum vicinor ’ facto de quo agit ’ & circumstantiis eius , qui et noscunt eorundem testium mores , maxime si vicini ipsi fuerint , noscunt etiam et si ipsi sint credulirate digni . Omnes etiam duo decim ●ales latere omnino non poterit , quicquid actum est per , aut inter vicinos eorum .

Nosco namque ego certius quae iam aguntur hic in Barro vbi sum modo conuersatus , quam quae in Anglia fiunt . Nec effugere posse pu●o noticiam probi viri ea quae aguntur , licet quo dām̄o occultè , prope domicilium eius .

Sed tum cur predicta lex Angliae , quae tam frugi et optabilis est , non est toti mundo communis , vehementer admiror .

Why inquestes are not made by iuries of .xii. men in other roialmes aswel as in Englande . Cap. 29

YOur highnes came very yonge out of England ( quod the chauncellour , ) so that the disposicion and qualitie of that lande is vnknowen vnto you .

Whiche if ye know , and shoulde compare therewith the commodities and qualities of other countreis , you would nothinge maruaile at these thinges , whyche nowe do trouble youre mynde . In deede Englande is so fertile and fruitfull , that comparinge quantitie to quantitie , it surmounteth all other landes in fruitfulnes . Yea it bringeth furthe fruit of it self skant prouoked by mans industrie and laboure .

For there the landes the fieldes , the groues and the woodes doe so abundauntlye springe , that the same vntilled do commonlye yelde to theire owners more profit then tylled , thoughe elles they be most fruitfull of corne and graine . There also are fildes of pasture inclosed with hedges and ditches , with trees planted and growynge vppon the same , whiche are a defence to theire heards of sheepe and cattell , aswell agaynst stormes , as also againste the heate of the sonne . And the pastures are commonly watered , so that cattell shutte and closed therein haue no neede of keping neither by daye , nor by nighte . For there bee noe wolfes , nor beares , nor Lyons . Wherefore theire sheepe lye night by night in the fieldes vnkepte within their foldes , wherwith theire lande is manured . By the meane wherof the menne of that countrey are skante troubled with anye painefull labour . Wherefore they lyue more spiritually , as dyd the auncient fathers whiche dyd rather choose to keepe and feede cattell than to disturbe the quietnes of the mynde wyth the care of husbandrye . And heereof it commeth that menne of this countreye are more apt and fitte to discerne in doubtfull causes of greate examination and tryall , then are men whollye geeuen to moylyng in the grounde : in whome that rurall exercise ingendreth rudenes of witte and mynd . More ouer the same countrey is so filled and replenyshed with landed menne , that therein so small a thorpe can not be founde wherein dwellethe not a knight , an esquier , or such a housholder as is there commonlye called a franklayne , enryched with greate possessions : And also other freeholders , and manye yomen hable for their liuelods to make a Iurie in fourme afore-mencioned . For there bee in that lande dyuers yomenne whiche are able to dispende by the yeare aboue a hundreth poundes Wherefore the Iuries afore declared are there verye ofte made , specially in greate matters of knightes , esquiers , and others whose possessions in the whole amounteth yerely aboue the summe of fyue hundreth markes .

Wherefore it cannot bee thought that such menne can bee suborned , or that they wyll bee periured , not onelye for that they haue beefore theire eyes the feare of God , but also , for that theye haue a carefull regarde too the preseruation of theire honoures , and to the eschueyng of reproch , and dammage thereuppon ensuynge , and also that theire heires bee not impeched through theire infamye . After thys maner , O myghtye Prince are none other royalmes of the worlde dysposed and inhabyted .

For thoughe there bee in them menne of greate power , of greate ryches , and possessions , yet they dwell not one nyghe to an another as such greate menne dooe in England . Neyther so manye inherytoures and possessoures of lande are elsewhere as in Englande . For in a whole towne of an other Countrey it is harde to fynde one man whyche for his lyuelode is hable to bee receaued into a Iurye . For there , excepte it bee in Cities and walled townes , verye fewe there bee , beside noble menne that haue anye possessions of landes or other immouables .

The noble menne also haue there small store of pasture . And to labour in vyneyardes , or to putte theire handes to the plough that is vnfitte for theire estate and degree .

And yet in vineyardes and eareable grounde consisteth the substaunce of theire possessions , sauynge onelye a fewe fyeldes nexte adioyninge to greate ryuers , and sauynge also certein woodz the pastures whereof are commen to their tenants and neighboures .

Howe then can a Iurie bee made in suche countreis of xii . substaunciall menne nighe adioyninge to the place of anye deede broughte in iudgement , seeinge they can not bee called neighboures that dwell so farre a sunder . Truely xii . sworne men theare must needes bee farre distaunt from the place of the deede , when the defendaunt in those Countreys hathe challenged xxxv . menne of the nexte dwellers wythout shewynge anye cause whye . Wherefore in those landes a Iurye must bee made either of su●he as dwell farre of from the place of the deed that is in controuersie , and therefore cannot attaine to the knowledge of the truthe thereof , or els it must bee made of poore menne that bee not ashamed of infamie , neither doe feare the losse of theire goodes which they haue not .

They also blinded wyth rusticall and brute rudenes are not hable to beholde the cleare bryghtnesse of the trueth .

Marueyle not therefore , mo● woorthye Prynce , yf the lawe whereby the truethe is sifted out in Englande bee not frequented and vsed in other nations .

For they are not hable to make sufficient and lyke Iuries as bee made in Englande .

CAncellarius . Iuuenis recessisti ( princeps ) ab Anglia , quô tibi ignota est dispositio et qualitas terrae illius , quas si agnoueris , et cete●arū regionum emolumenta qualitatesque eisdem compararaueris , non admirareres ea quibus iam agitatur animus tuus .

Anglia sane tam fertilis est , qd ’ quantitate ad quantita ten comparata , ipsa ceteras omnes quasi regiones exsuꝑat vbertate fructuum etiam suum vltro ipsa ꝓfert vix industria hominis concitata . Nam agri eius , campi , saltus , et nemora , tanta fecunditate germina ebulliunt , vt inculta illa , sepe plus comodi afferant possessoribus suis quam arata , licet fertilissima ipsa sint segetum , & bladorum . Includunt ’ quoque interra illa pasturar ’ arua , fossatis , et sepibus , desuper arboribus plantatis , quibus muniunt ’ a procellis et estu ●ol● eorum greges et armenta , ipsaeque pasturae vt plurimum irriguae sunt , quo infra earum claustra reclusa animalia , custodia non egent ꝑ diem nec ꝑ noctem . Nam ibi lupi non sunt , vrsi nec leones , quare de nocte oues eorum incustoditae in campis recumbunt , in caulis , et ouilibus quibus impugnantur terrae eorum . Vnde homines patriae illius vix operis sudore grauantur , quare spiritu ipsi magis viuunt , vt fecerunt patres antiqui , qui pascere mallebant greges , quam animi quietem agriculturae solicitudine turbare .

Ex quibus homines regionis istius apti magis redduntur et dispositi , ad discernendum in causis quae magni sunt examinis , quam sunt viri qui telluris operibus inhabitantes , ex ruris familiaritate mentis contrahunt ruditatem . Regio etiam illa ita respersa , refertaque est possessoribus terrarum et agrorum , qd ’ in ea villula tam parua reperire non poterit , in qua non est miles , armiger , vel pater familias , qualis ibidem frākelain vulgariter nuncupater , magnis ditatus possessionibus , nec non libere tenentes alii , et valecti plurimi , suis patrimoniis sufficientes , ad faciendum iuratam in forma prenotata . Sunt namque valecti diuersi in regione illa , qui plus quam sexcenta scuta ꝑ annum expendere possunt , quô iuratae suꝑius descriptae , sepissime in regione illa fiunt : presertim in ingentibus causis , de militibus , armigeris , et aliis quorum possessiones in vniuerso excedunt duo milia scutorum per annum , Quare cogitari nequit tales subornarì posse , vel ꝑiurari velle , nedum ob timor ’ dei , sed & ob honorem suum conseruandum , et vituperium damnum quoque inde consequutiuum euitā dum , etiam ne eorum heredes ipsorum ledantur infamia . Taliter , fili regis , disposita inhabitataque non sunt aliqua alia mundi regna .

Nam licet in eis sint viri magnae potentiae , magnorum opum et possessionum , non tamen eorum vnus prope moratur ad alterum , vt in Anglia tanti morantur viri , nec tanta vt ibi hereditatorum est copia et poss●●ētiū terras : vix enim in villata vna regionum aliarum reperiri poterit vir vnus , patrimonio sufficiens , vt in iuratis ipse ponatur . Nam raro ibidem , aliqui preter nobiles reperiuntur possessores agrorum , aliorūue immobilium , extra ciuitates & muratas villas . Nobiles quoque ibidem pasturarum copiam non habent , & vineas colere , aut aratro manus apponere , statui eorum non conuenit , tn̄ in vineis et terris arabilibus consistit substantia possessionum eorum , exceptis solum pratis quibusdam , adiacentibus magnis ripariis , et exceptis boscis , quorum pasturae communes sunt tenentibus et vicinis suis . Quomodo tunc in regionibus talibus iurata fieri poterit ex duodecim probis hominibus de vicineto vbi factum aliquod in iudicio deducitur cum vicini dici non poterunt qui tanta distantia disiun guntur ? Vere remotos multum a facto duodecim iuratos ibidem esse oportebit , postquam reus in regionibus illis triginta quinque ( sine assignata causa ) de propinquioribus calūpniaūit : quare aut de multum remotis a facto de quo contenditur , qui veritatem facti non agnoscunt , in regnis illis oportebit facere iuratam , aut de pauperibus , quibus non est verecundia infamiae , nec timor iacturae bonorum suorum , cum ipsa non sint ipsi etiam rusticitatis ruditate obcecati , veritatis claritatem nequeunt intueri .

Non igitur mireris princeps silex qua in Anglia veritas inquiritur , alias non ꝑuaget ’ nationes , ipsae nanque vt Anglia facere nequeunt sufficientes consimilesque iuratas .

Heere the prince commendeth the lawes of Englande of theire proceeding by Iuries . Cap. 30

THough we haue said , ( ꝙ the prince , that comparisons are odious , yet the Ciuile lawe in the comparison by you made hath cleared it selfe from all blame . For thoughe you haue prooued the lawe of Englande to bee of more excellencye then it , yet it deserueth not therby to bee odious , forso much as you haue blamed neither it nor the makers thereof .

But haue shewed the countrey wher it ruleth to be the only cause why it doth not in matters of doubte trye out the truth wyth so commendable a kynde of proceedinge , as the lawe of Englande dothe . But as touchinge that the law of Englande in the case by you nowe discussed is more fitte and meete for that roialme then the Ciuile lawe , hereof we may not doubte . Wherefore wee are not desirous to chaunge it for the Ciuile lawe . Howbeit this preeminence of the lawe of England proceedeth not of the fault of the other . For it is onelye the fertilitie of Englande that hath caused it to bee suche as it is .

TVnc princeps Comparationes odiosas esse licet dixerimus , lex tamen Ciuilis in comparatione per te facta omni se purgauit a crimine : quia licet ei Legem Angliae tu p●etuleris , odium inde ipsa non meretur , dum neque eam , neque conditores eius increpasti . sed solum patriam vbi illa regit causam esse demonstrasti quod non tam optabili processu vt lex Angliae , ipsa in dubiis elicit veritatem . Legem vero Angliae in casu iam per te disputato , accomodatiorem esse regno illi quam est lex ciuilis , ambigere non sinimur , quo eam pro ciuili commutare non appetimus , sed tamen hec legis Angliae preeminentia , ab alterius crimine non euenit , solum enim eam Angliae fertilitas sic causauit .

The Prince doubteth whether this proceeding by a Iurye be repugnaunt to godds lawe or not . Chap. 31.

BVt thoughe wee bee greatly delited in the fourme which the lawes of England vse in sifting out the truthe in matters of contention , yet whether the same lawe bee contrarie to holye scripture or not , that is to vs somewhat doubtfull .

For our Lorde saiethe to the Pharasies in the vii . Chapiter of Saint Iohnz Ghospell : In your lawe it is written that the testimonye of two menne is true . And the lorde confirming the same saithe . I am one that beare witnesse of my selfe , and the father that sent mee beareth wytnes of me .

Nowe sir the Pharasies were Iewes , so that it was all one to saye . It is written in your lawe and it is written in Moyses lawe , whyche God gaue to the children of Israell by Moyses .

Wherefore to gaynesaie thys lawe is too denye gods lawe . Whereby it folowethe that if the law of England swarue from thys lawe , it swaruethe also from Godds lawe , whyche in no wise maye bee contraryed .

It ys wrytten also in the eyghteenthe Chapiter of Saint Mathues gospell : Where the lord speaking of brotherlye admonition , amonge other thinges sayethe thus : But if thy brother here shee not then take yet wyth thee one or twooe , that in the mouthe of twoe or three witnesses euerye matter maye bee stablished .

If the Lorde haue appointed euerye matter to be stablyshed in the mouth of twoe or three witnesses , then it is in vaine for to seeke for the verdict of manye menne in maters of doubt . For no manne is able to laye any other or better foundation then the Lorde hath layde .

These are the doubtes good Chauncelloure whyche touchynge the procedynge of the law of Englande in the tryall of maters do somewhat trouble me . Wherefore what aunswer maye here vnto be made I would gladly learne of you

SEd licet non in fimè Canceltarie , nos delectet forma , qua leges Angliae in contentionibus reuelant veritatem , tamen an modus ille sacrae repugnet scripturae vel non , paululum agitamur . Ait namque dominus phariseis . Ioh. viii . In lege vestra scriptum est , quia duorum hominum testimonium verum est , et huic applaudens dominus inquit , ego sum qui testimonium perhibeo de me ipso , et testimonium perhibet de me qui misit me pater .

Pharisei quippe iudei erant , vnde idem erat dicere in Lege vestra scriptum est , et in Lege Mosay●● ( quae a domino ꝑ Moysen filiis Israell prolata fuit ) scriptum est .

Quare huic legi contraire , legi est diuin̄ refragari , quô sequit ’ , qd ’ lex Angliae si ab hac lege discedat , a lege diuina , cui reluctari non licet , ipsa discedít . Scribitur etiam Math. xviij. Quod dominus ( loquens de correctione fraterna ) inter alia sic ait . Si autem non te audierit frater tuus , adhibe tecum adhuc vnum aut duos , vt in ore duorum vel trium , stet omne verbum . Si in ore duorum vel trium dominus omne verbum statuerit , frustra plurimum hominum queritur in dubiis veredictum . Nemo enim potest melius aut aliud fundamentum ponere , quam posuit dominus .

Hec sunt Cancellarie quae me de legis angliae processu in probationibus aliquantulum conturbant . Quare qnd his respondendum est a te doceri deposco

Here is shewed that the procedinge by a Iurie is not repugnaunt to the lawe of god . Cap. 32.

THe lawes of England , quod the Cauncellour are nothinge at all repugnaunt to these thynges that trouble you , most worthie prince , thoughe they in maters of doubte do somewhat otherwyse boult out the trouthe . The lawe of the generall councell , wherin it is prouided that Cardinalles shall not be conuicted of crimīal offenses otherwise then by the deposition of xii witnesses , is it any hynderaunce to the testimonie of ii . men Yf ? the testimonie of ii men be true , of more force must the testimonie of xii men be iudged true , acordynge to a rule of the law that sayethe : The more euer conteyneth in it that whiche is lesse . The īholder was promised to be rewarded with an ouerplus , if he bestowed vpon the cure of the wounded man more then the ii . pense which he receaued . A man that laboreth to proue that he was absent at the tyme of the offense wherewith he is charged , shal it not be nedefull for him to brynge furthe mo then ii or iii , witnesses , when his aduersarie hathe proued , or is readie to proue the same by ii . or iii. wytnesses . And so he that trauaylethe to conuince witnesses of periurie , must of necessite bringe furthe many mo then they were so that the testimonie of ii . or iii. men shall not euer be iudged true . But that lawe must thus be vnderstanded , that by a lesser number of witnesses then ii . the truthe in matters doubtfull ought not to be searched for , as appeareth by Bernard assignynge dyuers cases wherin by the lawes mo then iii. wytnesses must needes be produced . As in some of them v , and in and in some vii . Nor yett the lawes of Englande be not against it , but that the truethe may be proued by ii . witnesses , when it can no otherwyse be tried For if thinges be done vppon the sea without the bodye of any countye of that royalme , which afterward be brought in plea before the lord admirall , the same thynges by the decrees of the lawes of england must be proued by wytnesses . In lyke maner it hathe bene accustomed to be done before the Constable & Marshall of England touchynge a facte that was done in an other royalme , so that the hearinge thereof appertaīeth to the Constables courte . Moreouer in the courtes of certein liberties in England where matters proceede by lawe merchaunt contractes or bargaynes made amonge merchaūtz in an other royalme are proued by witnesses .

And this commeth to passe because that in these cases there be no neighbours founde by whose othes Iuries of xii men may be made , as in contractes and other cases ariesynge within the royalme of Englande is accustomed to be done Likewyse if a deede wherin witnesses are named be brought into the kynges courte , then processe shal be made agaynst those witnesses : and they together withe xii . Iurers shall by their othes recognise whether the same be his deede or no whose it is supposed to be . Wherefore the lawe of England reproueth not that lawe whiche by wytnesses tryeth out the trueth , specially when necessitie so requirethe . For so do the lawes of Englande too , not onely in the cases now mencioned , but also in certein other cases , wherof here to make rehersall it shall not be material . Howbeit this lawe neuer determineth a controuersie by witnesses onely that maie be determined by a Iurie of xii . men : forsomuche as this waye is muche more aualeable and effectuall for the triall of the trueth then is the fourme of any other lawes of the world and further from the daunger of corruption and subornation . Nor this fourm̄ of proceedinge cannot in any cause faille for wante of witnesses : nor the testimonies of witnesses , ( if anye be ) can not choose but come to their due ende and effect Neither can suche xii . men be forsworne , but that for their offense they must suffer most sharpe punishement , and neuerthelesse the partie by their depositions greeued shall obteie due remedie And these thinges shall not be done by the will & sainges of straunge or vnknowne men but by the othes of good , of worshipfull , and of credible men neighbours to the parties , in whome the same parties haue no cause of challenge or mistrust touching their verdit . O howe horryble and detestable daungers happen mani times throughe the fourme of proceedinge by wytnesses . Yf a man make a priuie contract of matrimonie , & afterward before wytnesses do betrouthe or assure himself to another woman , shall he not in the contentious courte be compelled to marye her , & also after that in the penitenciall courte be iudged to lye with the first , if he be duely required , and to do penaunce as ofte as by his owne mocion and procurement he liethe with the seconde , thoughe in bothe courtes the iudge be one and the selfe same man . In this case , as it is wryten in Iob , are not the synewes of Leuyathan perplexed and intricat . Fie for shame , they are intricate in deede For this man can carnally companie with neither of these ii . women , nor with any other without punishement either by the contentious courte , or by the penitenciall courte . Such a mischiefe , inconuenience , or daunger can neuer happen in any case by the waye of proceeding by the lawe of England , no not though Leuiathan himselfe would labour to procure the same . Do ye not now see , most noble prince , that the more you obiect agaynst the lawes of England , the more worthie they appere .

CAncellarius . non his quibus turbaris princeps , contrariantur leges Angliae licet a liter quodamodo ipsae in dubiis eliciant veritatem . Quid duorum hominum testimonio obest lex illa generalis consilii , qua cauetur , vt non nisi duodecem testium depositione cardinales de criminibus conuincantur ? Si verum est duorum testimonium , a fortiori testimonium duodecim verum iudicari debet , dicente iuris regula . Plus semper in se continet quod est minus . Super erogationis meritum promittebatur stabulario , si plus quam duos quos recepit denarios , ipse in vuln̄rati cura ero gasset . Nonne plusquam duos aut tres testes producere oportebit quēpiam qui absen●ē se fuisse probare nititur , tempore criminis sibi impositi , quod ꝑ duos aut tres testes adunsarius eius ꝓbauit vel probare paratus est ? Sic et qui testes de ꝑiurio conuincere satagit , multo illis plures ꝓducere necesse habet , quo non semper duorum vel trium ho●m testimonium verum esse iudicabitur , sed intelligenda est lex illa , qd minore testium numero , quam duorum , veritas in dubiis non debet exquiri , vt patet per Bernardum ex tra . de testi . ca. licet in glosa ordinaria , vbi ipse assignat diūsos casus in q̄bꝰ ꝑ leges plures quātres oportet ꝓducere testes . Videlicet in aliq̄bꝰ eorum quinque et in aliquibus septem , per duos etiam testes veritatem ꝓbari posse , cum non aliter ipsa pateret vtique leges Angliae affirmant . Nam si quae supra altum mare extra corpus cuiuslibet comitatus regni illius fiant , quae postmodum in placito coram admirallo Angliae deducantur , ꝑ testes illa iuxta legum Angliae sanctiones probari debent . Consimiliter quoque coram constabulario et mariscallo Angliae fieri solitum est de facto qd in regno alio actum est dummodo adiurisdiction̄ curiae cōstabulariae cognitio eius pertineat , etiam et in curiis quarūdā libertatum in Anglia vbi ꝑ legem mercatoriam proceditur , ꝓbant per testes contractus inter mercatores extra regnum factos .

Quia in casibus his non reperiuntur vicini , ꝑ quorum sacramenta iuratae ex duodecim hominibus fieri possunt , prout de contractibus et aliis casibus infraregnū Anglioe emergentibus , est fieri consuetum . Si militer si carta in qua testes nominantur , deducatur in curia regis , processus tunc fiet erga testes illos , ipsi quoque recognoscent simul cum duodecim iuratoribus per eorum sacramenta , vtrum carta illa sit factum eius cuius supponitur an non . Quare legem qua testibus veritas extorquetur , lex Angliae non condempnat , maxime cum necessit ’ id deposcat , quia et sic faciunt ipsae leges Anglioe , nedum in casibus iam notatis , sed etiam in quibusdam casibus aliis quos non expedit hic notar ’ Sed ꝑ testes solum , lex ipsa numquam litem dirimit , q ꝑ iura tam duodecem hominum discidi poterit cum sit modus iste ad veritatem eliciendam multo potior et efficatior quam est forma abquarum aliarum legum orbis , et remotior a corruptionis et subornationis periculo . Nec pot ’ hec ꝓdecendi forma in causa aliqua , ob defectum testium deperire , neque testium ( si qui fuerint ) attestationes , effectum debitum non sortiri , nec ꝑiurari possunt duodecim homines huiusmodi , quin ꝓ eorum crimine ipsi acerbissimè puniantur , et nihilominus ꝑs ꝑ eorum depositionem grauata , remedium debitum consequetur , ac non fient hec per extraneorum aut igno torum hominum arbitrium aut dictamen , sed ꝑ proborum , nobilium , et fide dignorum vicinorum ꝑtibus sacramenta , q̄bꝰ partes illae nullam habent causam calumpniae aut diffidēcioe de eorum dicto . O quam horrendum et detestabile discrimen sepe accidit , ex forma ꝑ depositionem testium ꝓcedendi . Nonne si quis clādestinū contrahat matrimonium , et postea coram testibus mulierem aliam ipse affidauerit , cum cadem consummare matrimonium artabitur in foro contencioso , et postea in penitēciali foro iudicabitur ipse concumbere cum prima , si debitè req̄ratur , et penitere debet quotiens ex actione propria concubuerit cum secunda , licet in vtroque foro iudex fuerit homo vnus et idem . Nonne in hoc casu vt in Iob. scribitur ꝑplexi sunt testiculi leuiathan ? Proh pudor , verè perplexi sunt , nam cum neutra mulierum harum , neque cum alia , contrahens iste ex tunc concu mbet sine animaduertione in foro contendentium aut penitentium , quale malum inconueniens aut discrimen , per modum et formam processus legis Anglioe impossibile est in casu aliquo euenire , etiam si leuiathan ipse ea generare nitatur . Nonne vides iam princeps clarissime , leges Anglioe tanto magis clarescere , quanto eisdem tu Turrian plius reluctaris ?

Wherefore certein Kynges of England haue had ●o delite in their owne lawes . Cap. 33.

I see playnely , quod the prince , that in the case wherin you haue now trauayled they haue the preeminence aboue all other lawes of the world Yet we haue heard that some of my progenitours kynges of England haue not bee plesed with their owne lawes , and haue therefore gone about to bringe in the Ciuile lawes to the gouernement of England , and to abolish their owne countrey lawes For what purpose and intent they so did I muche marueyll .

PRinceps . Video inquit , et eas inter tocius orbis iura ( in casu quo tu iam sudasti ) prefulgere considero , tamen progenitorum meorum Angliae regum quosdam audiuimus in legibus suis minime delectatos , satagentes proinde , leges ciuiles ad Anglioe regimen inducere , et patri as leges repudiare fuisse conatos , horum reuera consilium vehementer ad miror .

Here the Chauncellour openeth the cause whiche the prince demaundeth . Ca. 34.

You woulde nothinge marueyll here at , quod the Chauncellour , if you did deepely consyder withe your selfe the cause of this intent . For you haue hard afore howe that amonge the Ciuile lawes that maxime or rule is a sentence most notable , which thus syngeth : The princes pleasure standeth in force of a lawe : quite contrarie to the decrees of the lawes of England , whereby the kynge there of ruelethe his people not onely by regall , but also by politique gouernment . In somuche that at the time of his coronation he is bound by an othe to the obseruaunce and keeping of his owne lawe , which thinge some kynges of England not well brooking as thinkynge that thereby they should not freely gouerne their subiects as other kinges do , whose ruele is onely regall , gouernynge their people by the Ciuile lawe , and chiefely by that foresaid maxime of the same lawe whereby they at their pleasure chaunge lawes make newe lawes , execute punishmentes , burden their subiectes withe chargeis : and also when they lust , do determine controuersies of sueters , as pleaseth them . Wherfore these your progenitours went about to cast of the yoke politique , that ●hey also might lykewise ●uele or rather rage ouer ●he people their subiectes ●n regall wyse onely : not ●onsyderynge that the power of bothe kynges is ●quall , as in the foresaid ●reatise of the lawe of the ●awe of nature is declared : and that to ruele the people by gouernement politique is no yoke , but libertie , and greate securitie not onely to the subiectes , but also to the kinge kynge himself : & further no small lyghtenynge or easement of his charge . And that this may appere more euident vnto you , ponder and weighe the experience of bothe regimentes And begynne with the kinge of Fraunce , perusinge after what sorte he ruelethe his subiectes by regall gouernement alone . And then come to the effect of the ioynte gouernaunce regall and politique , examinynge by experience howe and after what maner the kynge of England gouernethe his subiectes .

CAncellarius . Non admireris princeps , si causam huius conaminis mente solicita pertractares Audisti namque superiu● , quomodo inter leges Ciuiles precipua sententia est , maxima siue regula , illa q sic cauit , qd principi placuit legis habet vigor●m , qualiter non sanctiūt leges Angliae , dum nedum regaliter , sed et politice rex eiusdem dominatur in populum suum , quó ipse in coronatione sua ad legis suae obseruanciam astringitur sacramento , quod reges quidam Angliae egrè ferentes putantes proinde se non libere dominari in subditos , vt faciunt reges regaliter tantum principantes , q lege ciuili , et po●issimè predicta legis illius maxima , regulant plebem suam , quó ipsi ad eorum libitum iura mutant , noua condunt , penas in fligunt , et onera imponunt subditis suis , ꝓpriis quoque arbitriis contendent ium cum velint dirimunt lites . Quare moliti sunt ipsi prog●nitores tui hoc iugum politicum abiicer ’ vt consimiliter et ipsi in subiectum populum regaliter tantum dominari sed potius debachari queant : non attendentes quod equalis est vtriusque regis potencia , vt in predicto tractatu de natura legis naturoe docetur , et qd non iugum sed libertas est politicê regere populum , securitas quoque maxima nedum plebi , sed et ipsi regi alleuiacio etiam non minima solicitudinis suae , quae vt tibi apertius pateant , vtriusque regiminis experientiam per cunctare , & a regimine tantum regali qualiter rex Franciae principatur in subditos suos exordium sumerrito deinde a regalis ●t politicae regiminis effectu , qualiter rex Angliae dominatur in sibi subiectos populos , experientiam quere .

The inconueniences that happen in the royalme ●f Fraunce throughe regall gouernement alone . Cap. 35.

CAll to remembraunce , most worthye prince after what sorte you saw the wealthie villages and townes ( as touchynge ●●ore of corne ) in the royalme of Fraunce , while you were there a so iourner , pestered with the kynges men at armes & their horses , so that skant in any of the great townes there you could gett any lodgynge . Wheare of the inhabiters you learned that those men , thoughe they continue in one village a monethe or ii , do not nor will paye any thynge at all either for their owne charges , or for the charges of their horses . But , which is worse , they compelled the īhabitz of the vilages and town dwellers whether they came , to prouide of their owne proper costes out of the villages adioyninge wyne & flesh for them , and other things that thei needed at dearer prices then they might haue bought the same at home . And if any refused thus to do , they were anon by plaine stafford lawe forced to do it . And when they had spent all the victualies , fewell , and horse meat in one towne , then those men went to an other towne wastynge the same in lyke maner , not payeyng one pennye for any necessaries either for themselfs , or ells for their concubines and harlottes , whereof they euer carryed caried aboute withe them great abundaunce , nor for hosen or shewes , and other lyke euen to the least point or lace , but they compelled the townesmen , wheare theye carried to beare all theire expenses . And thus were al the villages and vnwalled townes of that lande vsed , so that there is not the least village there free from this miserable calamitie , but that it is once or twyse euery yeare beggered by this kynde of pilling . Furthermore the kyng suffereth no man to eate salte within his kingdome , excepte he buy it of the kinge at suche price as pleaseth him to assesse .

And if any pore man had rather eate his meate freshe , then to buy salt so excessiuely deare , hee is imīmediatly compelled to buy so much of the kinges salte at the kings price as shall suffice so many persones as he keepeth in his house . Moreouer all the inhabyters of that royalme geeue yearelye to the kynge the fowerthe parte of all the wynes that theire groundes bearethe : and euerye vintener the fowerth penney of the price of the wine that hee sellethe . And beesides all this euery village and borroughe payethe yearelye to the kyng great summes of moneye assessed vppon them for the wages of men at armes , so that the charges of the kings army , which is euer verye great , is mainteyned by the poore people of the villages , boroughes , & towns of the roialme . And yet moreouer euerye village findethe continuallye twoo Crossebowes at the leaste , and some mo wythe all furnyture and habyliments requisite for the kynges seruyce in hys warres as ofte as it pleasethe hym to muster them whyche hee dothe verye ofte . And these thynges not considered , other exceedynge greate talleges are yearelye assessed vppon euerye vyllage of the same royalme to the kynges vse , whereof theye are no yeare released . The people beeinge wyth these and diuers other calamities plagued and oppressed , do liue in greate mysery , drinking water daily . Neyther do the inferiour sort tast any other licor sauing only at solempne feasts Theire shamewes are made of hempe , muche lyke to sacke clothe . Woollen clothe theye weare none , excepte it bee verye course , and that onelye in theire coates vnder theire sayde vpper garmentes . Neyther vse they anye hosen , butte from the knee vpwarde : the residue of theire legges go naked . Theire women go barefoote sauing on holye dayes . Neyther menne nor women eate anye fleshe there , but onelye larde of bacon , wythe a small quantity whereof they fatten theire potage and brothes . As for rosted or sodden meate of fleshe they tast none , except it be of the inwards sometimes & heads of beastes the be killed for gentlemen & merchātz But the menne at armes they deuour and consume al their pullein so , the theye haue skant the egges left to eate for speciall deintiez And if theye fortune at anye time to growe somewhat wealthie in substance , so that any of them be compted ryche , hee is by & by charged to the kinges subsidie more deepely than any of his neighboures , so that within short time he is made equall in pouertie with the rest of his beggerlye neighboures . And this as I suppose , is the state of the common and rascall people of that nation . But gentlemen and nobles are not so oppressed , and ouercharched wyth exaccions . Butte yf anye of them chaunce to bee accused of anye cryme , thoughe it be by hys enemies , hee is not euer wonte to bee cyted or called beefore an ordynarye iudge . But manye tymes it hathe beene seene that hee hathe in that beehalfe been talked wythe in the kynges chamber , or elswhere in some priuate place , and sometymes onelye bye a pourseuaunte or messenger . And immedyatlye as soone as the princes conscience hathe throughe the reporte of others , iudged him guiltie , he is witheout anye fassion of iudgement put in a sacke and in the night season by the Marshals seruants hurled into a riuer , & so drowned . After which sort you haue harde of manye mo put to deathe , then that haue bene by ordinary processe of the lawe condempned .

Howe be it the princes plesure , as saye the Ciuile lawes , hathe the force of a lawe . Also whyle yowe weare abydynge in Fraunce , and nighe to the same kyngedome , you heard of other greate enormityes lyke vnto these , and some much worse then these detestable & damnable done no otherwise but vnder the colour of that lawe : whiche here to rehearse woulde continue oure talke too longe a time . Now therefore let vs se what the effect of the lawe politique and regal , which some of your progenitours would haue chaunged into this Ciuile hathe wrought in the royalme of Englande : that yowe beeynge instructed wythe the experience of bothe lawes , may the better by theire effectes iudge whether of them ye oughte rather to choose . Seeynge the philosopher , as afore is rehearsed , dothe saye , the contraries layde together do more perfectly appeare .

REminiscer ’ ( princeps diuine ) qualiter villas et opida regni Frācioe frugum opulentissima dum ibidem peregrinabaris cōspexisti , Regis terroe illius hominibus ad arma et eorum equis ita onust● , vt vix in eorum aliquibus quam magnis opidis tu hospitari valebas . Vbi ab incolis didicisti , homines illos licet in villa vna per mensem aut duos perhend inauerīt , nihil prorsus prosuis aut equorum suorum expensis soluisse aut soluere velle , sed quod peius est , artabant incolas villarum et opidorum in q descenderat sibi devinis , carnibus et aliis q̄bꝰ indigebant , etiam carioribus necessariis quam ibi reperiebantur , a circumuicinis villatis , suis ꝓpriis sum tibus ꝓuidere . Et si qui sic facere renuebāt , concito fustibus cesi , propere hoc agere cōpellebātur , ac demum consumptis in villa vna victualibus focalibus et equorum prebendis , ad villam ali Turrian homines illi properabant , eam consimiliter deuastando , nec denarium vnum ꝓ aliquibus necessariis suis etiam aut concubi●●rum suarum qua●●n magna copia secum semper vehebant vel pro sotularibus , caligis et aliis hm̄odi , vsque ad minimam earum ligulam soluerunt , sed singulassuas qualescumque expensas , hītator ’ villarum vbi moras fecerunt soluere coegerunt Sicque et factum est in oimbus villis et opidis non muratis totius region̄illiꝰ vt non sit ibi villula vna exꝑs de calamitate ista , q non semel aut bis in anno hac nephanda p̄ssura depilet ’ . Pretere a non patit ’ Rex q̄n quam regn̄sui salem edere , quem non emat ab ipso Rege , p̄cio eius solum arbitrio assesso . Et si insulsum pauper q̄uis mauult edere quam salem excessiuo precio comparare , mox compellitur ille tantum de sale regis ad eius p̄cium emere , quantum congruet tot personis , quot ipse in domo sua fouet . Insuper onnes regni illius incolae , dant omni anno regi suo quartan partem omnium vinorum q sibi accrescunt et omnis caupo quartum denarium p̄cij vinorum q ipse vendit et vltra hec , ōēs villae et burgi soluunt Regi annuatim ingentes sūmas sup eos assessas , ꝓ stipendijs hominum ad arma , sic qd ’ armata regis , q quam magna semper est pascat ’ ānuatim de stipendijs suis ꝑ pauperes villarum , burgorum , et ciuitatum regni . Et vltra hec quel’t villa semper sustinet sagittarios duos ad minus . et aliq̄ plures , in omni apparatu & abilimentis sufficientibus ad seruiendum regi in guerris suis , quotiens sibi libet eos sūmonire , qd ’ et crebro facit , ac hijs non ponderatis maxima tallagia alia sunt omni áno assessa ad opus regis super quamlibet villam eiusdem regni , de quibus non vno anno ipsi alleuiantur . Hijs et nonnullis alijs calamitatibus , plebs illa lacessita , in miseria non minima viuit aquāco tidie bibit , nec alium nisi in solemnībus festis plebei gustant liquorem· Froccis siue collobitis de canabo ad modum panni saccorum teguntur . Panno de lana preterquamde vilissima et hoc solum in tunicis suis subtus froccas illas non vtuntur , neque caligis nisi ad genua , discooperto residuo tibiarum . Mulieres eorum nudipedes sunt exceptis diebus festis , carnes non comedunt mares aut feminae ibidem , preter lardum baconis , quo īpinguāt pulmentaria sua in minima quantitate . Carnes assatas coctasue alias ipsi non gustant , preterquam interdum de intestinis et capitibus animalium pro nobilibus et mercatoribus occisorum , sed gentes ad arma comedunt alitilia sua , ita vt vix oua eorum ipsis relinquantur pro summis vescenda delicijs . Et si quid in opibus eis aliquando accreuerit , quolocuples eorum aliquis reputetur , concito ipse ad regis subsidium plus vicinis suis ceterisoneratur , quo extunc conuicinis ceteris ipse equabitur paupertate . Hec ni fallor forma est status gentis plebanae regionis illius . Nobiles tamen non sic exactionibus opprimuntur . Sed si eorum aliquis calumpniatus fuerit de crimine , licet ꝑ inimicos suos , non semper coram iudice ordinario ipse conuocari solet Sed quam sepe in regis camera , et alibi in priuato loco , quandoque vero solum per internuntios , ipse inde aloqui visus est , et mox vt criminosum eum principis conscientia relatu aliorum iudicauerit in sacco positus , absque figura iudicij , perprepositi maris calorum ministros noctanter in flumine proiectus submergitur , qualiter et mori audiuisti maiorem multo numerum hominum , quam q legittimo ꝓcessu iuris conuicti extiterunt . Sed tam̄ quod principi placuit ( iuxta leges ciuiles ) legis hent vigorem . Etiam et alia enormia hijs similia ac quedam hijsde teriora , dum in Francia et ꝓpe regnum illud conuersatus es audisti , non alioquā legis illius colore detestabiliter danna biliterque ꝑpetrata q hic inserere nostrum nimium dialogum protelaret : quare quid effectus legis politicae et regalis , quam quidam progenitorum tuorum pro lege hac ciuili commutare nisi sùt , operatus est in regno Angliae , amodo visitemus , vt vtraque legum experiencia doctus , q earum tibi eligibilior sit ex earum effectibus elicere valeas , cum ( vt sup̄ memoratur ) dicat philosophus , quod opposita iuxta se posita magis apparent

The commodities that proceede of the iointe gouernement politique and regall in the royalme of Englande . Cap. 36 ,

WIthein the roialme of England no man soiourneth in an other mans house without the loue & the leaue of the good man of the same house : sauing in commen ynnes , wher before his deꝑture thence he shal fullye sattsfie & paye for all his charges there . Neyther shal he escape vnpunished whosoeuer he bee that taketh another mans goods wytheoute the good wyll of the owner therof . Neyther is it vnlawefull for anye manne in that royalme to prouide and store hymselfe of salte and other marchaundyses or wares at his owne wyl and pleasure of any man that selleth the same . Howbe it the kinge , thoughe the owners woulde saye nay maye by his officers take necessaries for his house at a reasonable price to be assessed by the discrecions of the constables of the towns . Neuertheles he is bounde by his lawes to paye therefore eyther presentlye in hande , or elles at a daye to bee limitted and sette by the higher officers of his house . For by his lawes he maye take awaye none of his subiectes goodes , witheoute due satisfaction for the same . Neyther dothe the kinge there eyther by him selfe or by his seruauntes and officers leuie vppon his subiectes tallages , subsidies , or anye other burdeins , or alter theire lawes , or make newe laws without the expresse consente and agreemente of his whole royalme in his parliamente . Wherefore euerye inhabiter of that royalme vseth & enioyeth at his pleasure all the fruites that his land or cattall bearethe , withe all the profites & commodytyes , whiche by his owne trauayle , or by the labour of others he gaineth by land or by water : not hindered by the iniurie or wronge deteinement of anye man but that hee shal bee allowed a reasonable recompence . And hereby it commethe to passe that the men of that lande are ryche , hauynge abundaunce of golde and siluer and other thinges necessarie for the mayntenaunce of mans lyfe Theye drynke no water , oneles it bee so that soome for deuotion , and vppon a zeale of penaunce do absteyne from other drinkes . They eate plentyfullye of all kyndes of fleshe and fyshe . They weare fine wollen cloth in al their apparell . Theye haue allso abundaunce of bed coueryngs in their houses , and of all other wollen stuffe . They haue greate store of all hustlements and implements of houshold . They are plentifullye furnished withe all instrumentes of husbandry , & al other thinges that are requisite to the accomplishement of a quiet and wealthie lyfe accordyng to their estates & degrees . Neither are they sued in the law , but onelye beefore ordinarye iudges , wherebye the lawes of the lande theye are iustlye intreated . Neyther are theye arrested or impleaded for theire moueables or possessions , or arreigned of ani offence criminal be it neum so great & outragious but after the lawes of the lande , and before the iudges aforesaide . And thys are the fruites whiche gouernement politique and regall conioyned doothe beare and brynge fourthe Whereof nowe appeare euidentlye vnto yowe the experiences of the effectes of the lawe , whiche some of your progenitoures trauayled to abolishe . Before allso yowe sawe plainlye the effects of the other lawe , whyche theye with suche earneste endeuoure laboured to aduaunce and place in steade of this lawe . So that by the fruites of them bothe you maye knowe what theye are And did not ambition , ryotte , and wanton luste , whiche youre said progenitoures esteemed aboue the wealthe of the realme moue them to this alteracion ? Consider therefore moste worthie prince , and that earnestlye this that foloweth .

IN regno Angliae nullus perhendinat in alterius domo inuito domino , si non in hospiciis publicis , vbi tunc pro omnibus quae ibidem expendit ipse plenariê soluet ante eius abinde recessum : nec impunê quisque bona alterius capit , sine voluntate proprietarij eorundem , neque in regno illo prepeditur aliquis sibi de sale , aut quibuscunque mercimoniis aliis ad proprium arbitrium , et de quocunque venditore prouidere . Rex tn̄ necessaria domus suae per rationabile precium iuxta constabulariorum villarum discretiones assidendum , inuitis possessoribus ꝑ officiarios suos capere potest : sed nihillominus ipse precium illud in manibus , vel ad diem ꝑ maiores officiarios domus suae limitādū , soluere ꝑ leges suas obnoxius est : quia nullius subditorum suorum bona , iuxta leges illas ipse deripere potest , sine satisfactione debita ꝓ eisdem Neque rex ibidem ꝑ se aut ministros suos tallagia , subsidia , aut q̄uis onera alia imponit legijs suis , aut leges eorum mutat , vel nouas condit , sine concessione vel assensu tocius regni sui , in parliamento suo exp̄sso . Quare incola omnis regni illius fructubus quos sibi parit terra sua , et quos gignit pecus eius , emolumentis quoque ōībus : q industria ꝓria vel aliena ipse terra marique lucratur , ad libitum ꝓprium vtitur nullius prepeditus īiuria vel rapina , quin ad minus inde debitas cōseq̄tur emendas : vnde inhabitantes terram illam locupletes sunt , abundantes auro , et argento , etcūctis necessarijs vitae . Aquam ipsei non bibunt , nisi q ob deuotiōis et penitēciae zelum aliquam do ab alijs potubus se abstinent . Omni genere carnium et piscium ipsei in copia vescuntur , q̄bus patria illa non modicè est referta , pannis de lanis bonis ipsi induuntur in oimbus operimentis suis , etiam abundant in lectisterniis et quo libet suppellectili cui lana congruit in oimbus domibus suis , nec non opulenti ipsi sunt in omnibus hustilimentis domus necessariis culturae , et omnibus q ad quietam , et felicem vitam exiguntur , secundum status suos . Nec in placitum ipsi ducuntur nisi coram iudicibus ordinariis , vbi illi per leges terrae iuste tractantur . Nec allocuti siue implacitati sunt de mobilibus aut possessionibus suis , vel arrettati de crimine aliquo qualiter cumque magno et enormi , nisi secundum leges terrae illius , et coram iudicibus antedictis . Et hij sunt fructus quos parit regimen politicum et regale , ex quibus tibi iam apparent experienciae effectus legis , quam quidam progenitorum tuorum abicere conati sunt . Superius quoque tibi apparent effectus legis alterius , quam tanto zelo loco legis istius , ipsi nisi sunt inducere , vt ex fructubus earum tu agnoscas eas , et nonne ambicio , luxus , et libido , quos predicti ꝓgenitores tui regni bono preferebant , eos ad hoc commercium concitabant ? Considera igitur princeps optime et iam alia que sequentur .

A comparison of the worthines of bothe the regiments Cap. 37.

Saint Thomas in his boke whiche he wrote to the king of Cyprus of the regiment of princes , saieth that the king is geeuen for the kingdome , & not the kingedome for the king . Whereupon it foloweth that al kingelye power muste bee applyed to the wealthe of his kyngdome . Whiche thynge in effecte consistethe in the defence therof from forreyne inuasions , and in the maintenaunce of his subiectes , and their goodes from the iniuries and extortions of the inhabitauntes of the same . Wherfore that king whiche is not hable to perfourme these things , must of necessitie be iudged impotent and weake . But if he bee so ouercome of hys owne affections and lustz or so oppressed wythe pouertie , that hee canne not wytheholde hys handes from the pyllynge of hys subiectes , whereby hymselfe impouerisheth them and sufferethe them not to lyue , and to bee susteyned vppon theire owne substaunces , howe muche more weake or feble is he in this respect to be iudged , then if hee weare not hable to defend them against the iniuries of others . Truelye suche a kynge maye well bee called not onelye feeble , but eeuen verye feblenes it selfe : nor is not to bee iudged free , beeinge tyed with so manye bandes of feeblenes . On the other syde that kynge is free and of myghte , that is hable to defende his subiectes aswell agaynste straungers as agaynste his owne people : and also theire gooddes and possessions not onelye from the violente and vnlawefull inuasionz of theire owne countreymenne and neighbours , butte allso from his own oppression and extortion , though such wilful lusts and necessities doe moue him to the contrarie . For who can be more mighty or more free then he that is hable to conquere and subdue not onely others but also himselfe ?

Whiche thinge a kynge whose gouernaunce is politike can doo and euer dothe . Thus most woorthy prince it appearethe vnto you by the effecte of experience , that your progenitours , whyche were thus mynded to renounce theire politique gouernement , coulde not thereby not onely not obtaine the might and power , whiche they wished : that is to saye , increase therof , but rather they shoulde haue endaungered and greatlye hasarded the wealthe aswell of themselues , as also of theire kingdome . Notwithstandinge these thinges nowe practised , which as touching th effect of experience do seeme to blemishe the power of a king ruling all alone regally , neuer proceeded of the default of their law , but of the carelesse demeanour , and negligent lousenes of suche a ruler .

Wherefore that dignitie is not heareby in power imbased vnder the dignitie of a politique gouernour , whiche bothe in my foresaid treatise of the nature of the law of nature I haue plainlye proued to bee in power equall .

But the premisses dooe moste euidentlye declare it to be a matter of much more difficultie for a king whose rule is onely regal to exercise his power , and that bothe hee and hys people stande in muche lesse securitie . And therefore it were not to bee wished of a wise kynge to chaunge a politike regiment intoo that gouernement whiche is onelye regall . And accordinge to thys the foresaide Sainte Thomas wishethe that all the kingdomes of the worlde were ruled by politike gouernaunce .

Sanctus Thomas in libro quem Regi Cipri de regimine principum scripsit dicit : qd ’ rex datur ꝓpter regnum , etnon regnum ꝓpter regem quon omnis potestas regia referri debet ad bonum regni sui , quod effectiuè consistit in defencione eiusdem ab exterorum incursibus , et in tuicione regnicolarum , et bonorum suorum ab indigenarum iniurijs et rapinis . Quare rex quihec peragere nequit , impotens est necessario iudicandus . Sed si ipse passionibus proprijs aut penuria ita oppressus est , quod manus suas cohibere nequit a depilatione subditorum suorum quô ipsemet eos depauperat , nec viuere sinit et sustentari proprijs substantijs suis : quanto tunc impotencior ille iudicandus est , quam si eos defendere ipse non sufficerent erga aliorum iniurias ? Reuera rex talis nedum impotens , sed et ipsa impotentia dicendus est , et non liber iudicari potest tantis impotentiae nexubus vinculatus . E regione rex liber et potens est , qui incolas suos erga exteros et indigenas , eorum quo que bona et facultates nedum erga vicinorum et conciuium rapinas defendere sufficit , sed erga proprium oppressionem , et rapinam licet sibi passiones necessitatesque huiusmodi reluctentur . Quis enim potentior liberiorue esse potest , quam qui non , solum alios , sed et se ipsum sufficit debellare ? quod potest et semper facit rex politicê regens populum suum , quare experientiae effectu tibi constat princeps , progenitores tuos qui sic politicum regimen abicere satagerunt , non solum in hoc non potuisse nancisci potentiam quam optabant , videlicet ampliorem , sed et sui bonum , similiter et bonum Regni sui , per hoc ipsi discrimini exposuissent et periculo grandiori Tamen hec quae iam de experienciae effectu practicata , potentiam regis regaliter tantum presidentis exprobrare videntur , non ex legis suae defectu ꝓcesserūt , sed ex incuria negligētiaque taliter principantis , quare ipsa dignitatem illam potentia non minuunt , a dignitate regis politicè regulant ’ quos paris esse potentiae in predicto tractatu de natura legis naturae luculenter ostendi . Sed potenciam regis regaliter tantum principantis difficilioris esse ex cercij , ac minoris securitatis sibi & populo suo , illa clarissimè iam demonstrant , quô optabile non foret regi prudenti , regimen politicum pro tantûm regali commutare .

vnde et sanctus Thomas supradictus , optare censetur , vt omnium mund regna politice regerentur .

The Prince breaketh the Chauncellour of his tale . Cha. 38

BEare with mee I beseche you good Chancellour quod the Prince , in that with my questions I haue drawen you so farr from youre purpose . For the thynges whiche by this occasion you haue discussed are to me righte profitable , thoughe they haue soomewhate staied you , and pulled you back from the ende of your intent . Whereunto I pray you now make haste : and first as you promised , and as you haue begonne , open vnto mee some other cases wherin the sentences of the lawes of Englande and of the Ciuile lawes do disagree .

TVnc princeps Parce obsecro Cancellarie , quod te ad tantam a proposito tuo digressionem compuli questionibus meis , michi nanque perutilia sunt quae hac occasion exarasti , licet te parumper retardauerint a meta intentionis tuae , ad quam vt tu iam celerius properes flagito , et primo vt aliquos alios casus , in quibus legum Angliae et Ciuilium discrepant sentenciae , vt promisisti et cepisti , mihi enarres .

The seconde case , wherin the Ciuile lawes , and the lawes of England disagree in theire iudgementes . Chap. 39.

ACcording to your request most noble prince ( quod the Chancellour ) I will open vntoo you certeine other cases wherein the saide lawes disagree . Howbeit whether of the same lawes in their iugements excelleth the other , that will I leaue to your own determination . The Ciuile law doth legittimate the childe borne beefore matrimonie aswell as that which is borne after : and geueth vntoo it succession in the parents inheritance . But to the childe borne out of matrimonye the lawe of Englande alloweth no succession , affirmynge it to bee naturall onelye and not lawfull . The Ciuilians in this case auaunce theire law-alleginge that by meane thereof the sacrament or state of matrimonie comminge in place , extinguishethe the former sinne , whereby eles the sowles of twoe persones shoulde haue perished . And it is to bee presumed , say they that they were at theyre first copulation bothe so mynded as the sacrament ensuynge afterward declareth . The churche also accepteth suche chyldren for legittimate . These I trowe are the iii. strongest reasons , whereby they maintaine and defende theyre law . Which are thus aunswered by the lawyers of England . Firste they saye that the sinne of the firste carnal accion in the case propounded is not purged by the matrimonie ensuynge , thoughe by the woorthynes thereof the synners punishement is somwhat abated . They saye also that they whiche thus do sinne are somuche the lesse repentaunt therefore , in asmuche as they perceaue the lawes to fauour and beare with suche transgressours . And vppon thys consideration they are made the redyer to committe the sinne : thereby breakinge the commaundement bothe of god and of the churche . Wherefore this lawe dooth not onelye participate with the offence of sinners , but also swarueth from the nature of a good lawe . Forasmuch as a law is a holye stablishement , commanding thynges honest , and forbiddynge the contrarye . Whiche this lawe dothe not , but rather allureth the myndes of synners to dishonestye . Neither can it bee anye defence to thys lawe , that the churche accepteth suche children for legittimate . For that louynge mother dispenseth in many thinges , whiche shee licenceth to be doone And it was by waye of dispensacion that the Apostle set virgins at libertie , whereunto he would not counsel them , rather wyshinge all to continue virgines like himselfe . And god forbyd that so greate a mother shoulde in thys case wythdrawe her tender loue from her chyldren , whiche by the inticement of this lawe dooe manye times fall into sinne .

And by the matrimonye ensuynge the church is infourmed that the partyes so marrieng are penitent & sory for the offence passed , and are willinge in time to come through matrimonie to lyue continent . But the law of Englande in this case woorketh a much contrarie effecte .

For it prouokethe not to sinne , nor cherishethe or mainteineth sinners , but putteth them in feare , & to keepe them from sinne threatneth punishement . For the wantonnesse of the fleshe hath no neede of allurement , but rather of discouragement : because the lustes of the fleshe are wanton , and almoste vntamable . And forasmuch as it is impossible for man to liue euer in hymselfe , he naturallye coueteth to lyue euer in his like , beecause euery liuing thing , desyreth to be lyke the first and chiefe cause , which is perpetuall & euerlasting . And hereof it commethe that man hath more delyte and pleasur● in the sence of feeling , whereby his kind is preserued , than in the sence of tast , which preserueth onely the particuler man . Wherefore Noe executinge vengeance vpon his sonne which vncouered his priuities , dyd curse his nephewe the offendors childe , that thereby the offendoure might bee more grieued then with his owne mishappe . Wherefore the law that punisheth the offendours issue doth more penallye prohibite sinne . then that whiche plageth but the offendour alone . Whereby it may easelye bee considered with what zeale the lawe of England abhorreth vnlawfull coniunctions , whiche doth not onelye iudge the childe so gotten to be illegittimate but also prohibiteth it to succede in the parents inheritance . Is not this lawe then chast and pure ? And dooth it not more forceably and more earnestlye suppresse sinne , then the foresaide Ciuile lawe , whiche winketh at the sinne of lecherie , and leueth it vnpunished ?

CAncellarius . Quosdam casus alios in quibus dissentiunt leges predictae , vt petis princeps , detegere conabor . Sed tamen quae legum earum prestantior sit in iudiciis suis , non meo sed arbitratui tuo relinquam . Prolem ante matrimonium natam , ita vt post legittimum , lex ciuilis , et succedere facit in hereditate parētum sed prolem quam matrimonium non parit succedere non smit lex anglorum , naturalem tantum eam esse & non legittimam proclamans . Ciuilistae in casu hoc legem eorum extollunt , quia incitamentum eam esse dicunt , quo matrimonij sacramento cesset peccatum , ꝑ qd ’ alias duo rum animae interirent , presumendum quoque esse dicunt , tales fuisse cōtrahen tium animos in primo eorum concubitu quales esse demonstrat subsequens sacramentum . Ecclesia etiam fetus hm̄ôi habet pro legittimis : hec ni fallor tria fulcimēta sunt maiora , quibus ipsi appodiāt defenduntque legem suam . Ad quae sic respondent leges Angliae periti . primo dicunt quod peccatum primi concubitus in casu proposito non purgatur per subsequens matrimonium , licet eius merito delīquētiū quodamodo minuatur pena . Dicunt etiam quod peccati illius conscii , tanto minus inde penitent , quo leges trāgressoribus illis fauere considerant . quali etiam consideratione , procliuiores ipsi redduntur ad cōmittēdū peccatum , per quod nedum dei sed & ecclesiae precepta necligunt . Vnde lex illa nedum delinquentium ꝑticipat culpam , sed et legis bon̄ naturam ipsa declinat . cum lex sit sanctio sancta iubens honesta & ꝓphibēs contrar ’ , qualia ipsa non prohibet , sed potius ad inhonesta animos labentium inuitat . Nec vallari potest lex ista per hoc , quod ecclesia fetus huiusmodi pro legittimis habet . Pia nanque mater illa , in quamplurimis dīspēsat , quae fieri ipsa non concedit , dispensatiua enim laxauit apostolus virginitatis frena , qd ’ consulere noluit , cum omnes ipse voluerit vt se virgines permansisse Et absit vt mater tanta a filiis suis in casu isto pietatem suam cohiberet , dum sepe ipsi etiam legis huius ciuilis fomento concitati , incidunt in peccatum . peccatum . Et per matrimonium subsequens docetur ecclesia , contrahentes penitere de preterito , et de futuro per matrimonium se velle cohibere . Sed longe alium in hoc casu lex angliae effectum operatur , dum ipsa non concitat ad peccatum , neque peccantes fouet , sed terret eos , et ne peccent minatur penas , carnis etenim illecebrae fomento non egent , egent vero frenis , quia irritamenta carnis lasciua & quasi infatigabilia sunt . Et homo quum indiuiduo ꝑpetuari nequit , ꝑpetuari naturaliter appetit in specie sua , quia omne quod viuit assimilari cupit causae primae , quae perpetua est et eterna . Vnde fit quod plus delectatur homo in sensu tactus , quo seruatur species eius , quam in sensu gustus , quo conseruatur īdiuiduum Quare Noe vlciscens in filium qui eius pudenda reuelauit , nepoti suo , filio delinquentis maledixit , vt inde plus cruciaretur reus quam ꝓprio possit incomodo , quare lex quae vindicat in ꝓ geniem delinquentis , penalius prohibet peccatum , quam quae solum delinquentem flagellat . Ex quibus considerare licet , quanto zelo lex Angliae illicitos prosequitur concubitus , dum ex eis editam prolem ipsa nedum iudicat non esse legittimam , sed et succedere prohibet in patrimonio parentum . Nunquid tunc lex ista casta non est , et non fortius firmiusque repellit peccatum , quam facit lex predicta ciuilis , quae cito et quasi īultū luxuriae crimen remittit .

Speciall causes why base borne children are not legittimate in England by matrimony ensuing . Chap. 40.

MOre ouer the Ciuile lawes say that your natural or bastard sonne is the sonne of the people . Wherof a certein metrician writeth in this wise .

To whom the people father is , to him is father none & all . To whom the people father is , wel fatherles we may him call .

And while suche a chylde had no father at the tyme of his birthe , surelye nature knoweth not howe he could afterward come by a father . For if one woman shoulde beare two children of twoe fornicatours , and the one of them shoulde afterward marrye her : Whether of these twooe children shoulde by this marriage bee legittimat ? Oppinion may somewhat perswade , but reason cannot fynde : seeing the time was once when bothe those chyldren beeinge iudged the children of the people , did not knowe theire fathers It were therefore vnreasonable that a child afterwarde borne in the same wedlocke , whose generation cannot be vnknowen shoulde be disherited , and that a childe whiche knoweth no father should be heire to the father & mother of the other , specially in the roialme of England where the eldest sonne only enioieth the fathers inheritance . And an indifferent iudge would think it no lesse vnreasonable , that a base borne childe shoulde bee equally matched with a lawful begotten childe in the inheritance whiche by the Ciuile lawes can bee deuyded but onelye among male children . For saint Augustine in the xvi . booke de Ciuitate dei wrytethe thus . Abraham gaue all his substance to his sonne Isaac : and to the sonnes of his concubines he gaue gyftes . Whereuppon semeth to bee ment , that to bastarde children there is noe inheritaunce due , but onelye a necessary lyuinge . Thus saieth hee And vnder the name of a bastard child saint Austen vnderstandeth all vnlawful yssues : & so doth holye scripture also in diuers places , callinge none by the name of a bastard . Lo , Saint Austen thinkethe no small difference to be , & so thinketh Abraham to , betwene the succession of a bastarde , and of a sonne lawfullye begotten . Yea holye scripture reprehendeth all vnlawful children vnder this metaphore , sayeng Bastarde slippes shall take no deepe roote nor lay any fast foundation , in the iiii . chapiter of the booke of wisedome . The churche also reproueth the same in that it admitteth them not to holye orders . And if it so bee that the churche doe dyspense withe suche a one , yet it permitteth not him to haue anye dignitye or preeminence in the church Wherefore it is conuenyent that mannes lawe in the benefite of succession shoulde cutte them shorte , whome the Churche iudgeth vnworthy to bee receaued into holye orders , and reiecteth from all prelacie : yea whome holye scripture iudgeth , as touchinge their birthe , much inferiour to them that be lawfullye begotten . We reade that Gedeon the puissaunt begate lxx . sonnes in wedlocke , and but one onelye out of wedlocke . Yet thys misbegotten chylde wyckedlye slewe all those lawfullye beegotten children one onelye excepted . Iudges .ix. Whereby it ys perceaued that there was more wyckednesse in one bastarde chylde , then in .lxix. lawfull sonnes . For it is a commen sayenge : If a bastard bee good , that commeth to him by chaunce , that is to wytte , by speciall grace , but if he be euil that commeth to him by nature . For it is thought that the base child draweth a certeyn corruption and stayne from the synne of his parentes , without his owne fault , as all we haue receaued of the synne of oure first parents much infection , thoughe not somuche . Howebeit the blemishe which bastardes by their generation do receaue muche differeth from that werein lawfull children are borne . For their conception is wrought by the mutuall synnefull lust of both parents , which in the laufull & chast copulations of marryed couples taketh no place . The synne of suche fornicatours is committed by the mutuall consent of them bothe . Wherefore it is likened to the first synne , & cleaueth more cruelly to the chylde , then the synne of suche as do otherwise offende alone : so that the chylde so begotten deserueth to be called the child of synne , rather then the chylde of synners . wherefore the boke of wysedom makynge a difference betweene these ii . gen̄atiōs of the laufull gen̄atiō it sayethe thus . O howe faire is a chaste generacion with vertue . The memoriall thereof is immortall : for it is knowen with god & with men . But the other is not knowen with men so that the children there of borne are called the children of the people . Of whiche base generation the same booke thus speaketh : All the chyldren that are borne of wycked parentz are witnesses of wyckednes against their parentz when they be asked . For beinge demaunded of their parentz , they open theyr synne , euen as the wycked sonne of Noe vncouered his fathers priuities . It is therefore beleued touchinge the blinde borne of whom the pharasiez in the ix chapter of Saint Iohns ghospell said : Thou art altogether borne in sinne : that he was a bastarde , who wholly is borne of synne . And where it folowethe : doest not thou teache vs . It seemeth that thereby maye be vnderstanded , that a bastard hathe no lyke naturall disposition to knowlege and learnyng as a lawfull chylde hath . Wherefore that lawe maketh no good diuision whiche in the fathers inheritance makethe equal bastard children and laufull children , whom the church in gods inheritaunce maketh vnequall . Betwene whom also scripture putteth a difference in fourme aboue mentioned : & whom nature in her gyftes seuereth , markynge the naturall or bastard chyldren as it were with a certein priue mark in their soules Whether therefore of the ii . lawes Englishe or ciuile do you now imbrace most noble prince , & iudge to haue the preeminence in this case .

PReterea Leges ciuiles dicunt filium naturalem tuum esse filium populi , de quo metricus quidam sic ait .

Cui pater est populus , pater est sibi nullus et omnis . Cui pat ’ est populus non habet ipse patrem . Et dum ꝓles talis patrem non habuit tēꝑe natiuitat ’ suae , quo modo ex post facto ipse patrem nancisci poterit natura nouit , quo si ex fornicatoribus duobus , mulier vna filios peperit duos , quam postea vnus ex concubinariis illis ducat in vxorem , quis ex filiis hiis duobus ꝑ matrimonium illud legittimatur ? oppinio suader ’ potest sed ratio reperire nequit , dum ambo filij illi populi fetus iudicati , semel parentes ignorabant Incōsonū propterea videret ’ , qd ’ in matrimonio illo extunc ab eadem muliere natus , cuius generatio ignorari non poterit , exꝑs esset hereditatis , et filius nescius genitoris sui , succederet patri et matrim eius , maxime īfra regnum Angliae , vbi filius senior solus succedit in hereditate paterna , et non minus incongruum esse sentiret arbiter equus , si filius ex stupro , equaliter ꝑticiparet cum filio ex legittim̄ thoro , hereditatem quae iure Ciuili inter masculos diuidenda est . Nam sanctus Augustinus xvi . li. de Ciui . dei sic scribit . Abraham omne censum suum dedit Isaac filio suo , filiis autem concubinarum dedit dationes , ex quo videtur innui qd ’ spuriis non debetur hereditas , sed victus necessitas . hec ille . Sub nomine vero spurii denotat Augustinus omnem fetum illegittimum , qualiter et sepius facit scriptura sacra quae neminem vocat bastar dum . Ecce differentiam non minimam sentit Augustinus , sentit et Abraham inter successionem spurij et filij ex legittimo concubitu . Ceterum omnes filios illegittimos reprehendit scriptura sacra , sub methaphora hec dicens . spuria vitulamina non dabunt radices altas nec stabile fūdamētum collocabunt Sapientiae iiii . Reprehendit & ecclesia quae eos a sacris repellit ordinibus , et si cum tali dispensauerit , non eum tn̄ ꝑmittit dignita te preesse in ecclesia dei , congruit idcirco legi hominum in successionis bn̄ficio minuere , quos ecclesia indignos iudicat sacro ordin̄ , et quos ipsa repellit ab omni prelatia , ipsos etiam quos scriptura sacra in natalibus minoratos iudicat a legittime procreatis . Gedeon autem virorum fortissimus , lxx . filios in matrimonio legitur procreasse , & non nisi vnum solum habu isse ex concubina , filius tn̄ ipse concubinae , omnes filios illos legittimos nequit ’ peremit , excepto vno solo . Iudicum . ix . quô in notho vno plus maliciae fuisse deprehendit ’ quam in filiis legittimis , lxix . Tritum etenim ꝓuerbiū est si bonus est bastardus hoc ei venit a casu , videlicet gracia speciali , si autem malus ipse fuerit hoc sibi accidit a natura Corruptionem namque et maculam quādam censetur illegittimus partus contrahere a peccato genitorum suorum sine culpa eius vt maximam nos contraximus ones a crimine primorum parentum , licet non tātam aliam tn̄ nothi quam legittimi contrahunt maculam ex genitura sua , eorum namque generationem mutua vtriusque parentis libido culpa bilis operatur , qua liter in legittimis castisque amplexibus coniugatorum , ipsa non solet debacchari , mutuum sane et commune est peccatum taliter fornicātium , quo primo similatum peccato magis seuit in fetum , quam peccatum aliter solitariêque peccātium , vt ex īdenatus , potius peccati filius dici mereatur quam filius peccatorum . Quare sapientiae liber generationes has duas distinguens , de generatione legittima sic affatur . O quam pulchra est casta gen̄acio cum claritate ? īmortalis est enim memoria illius , qm apud deum not ’ est et apud homines . Altera vero non est nota apud homines quo filii ex eanati , filii populim nominantur De generatione vtique illa atlera liber ille sic dicit : ex iniquis onnes filii qui nascuntur , testes sunt nequitiae aduersus parentes suos in interrogatione sua . Sapientioe eodem , iiii . capi , interrogati etenim de parentibus suis , eorum ipsi reuelant peccatum , vt filius Noe nequam reuelauit pudenda pr’is sui . Creditur idcirco , cecum illum natum de quo Pharisei . Ioh. .ix. dixerunt , tu in peccatis natus es totus , fuisse bastardum q nascit ’ totaliter ex peccato et dum subditur et tu doces nos , videtur eos intellexisse bastardum non vt legitimum in naturalibus esse dispositum ad sciētiam et doctrinam . Non igitur bene diuidit lex illa q bastardos a natiuitate , et legittimos parificat in hereditate paterna , cum eos dispares iudicet ecclesia in hereditate dei , similiter et distinguat sacra scriptura in forma p̄notata , diuidatque natura in donis suis signans naturales tantum neuo quasi naturali quodam licet latente , in animis suis . Quam igitur legum istarum Anglicarum , videlicet et Ciuilium , in casu hoc tu princeps illustrissime , āplec●eris et iudicas preferendā

The prince alloweth the lawe whiche doth not legittimat chyldren borne bifore matrimonie . Cap. 41.

Surely euen to that law do I geeue the preferment , quod the prince , which is of more force to abandon synne out of the royalme , and to auaunce vertue . Those also in the benefites of mans lawe do I suppose abiect and base , whom the lawe of god consydereth vnworthye , and whom the church in her benefits reiecteth and nature also iudgeth more prone vnto synne . I thinke you do not iudge amysse , quod the Chauncellour . wherefore I wyl reherse yet other cases , wherein the said lawes disagree .

PRinceps , Reuera eam que fortius a regno peccatum eliminat , et firmius in eo virtutem conseruat . Arbitror etiam illos in legis humanoe bn̄ficiis minorandos , quos lex diuina indigniores considerat , et quos postponit ecclesia in beneficiis suis natura quoque ꝓcliuiores iudicat ad peccandum . Cancellarius , Recte estimo te sentire quare et casus alios memorabor , in quibus discrepant hec leges duae .

The third case wherein the lawes aforesaide disagree . Cap. 42.

The Ciuile lawes decre that the yssue euer foloweth the wombe , that is to saye , the mother . As for example , yf a bond woman be marryed to a freman , theyr issue shal be bond . And contrarywise if a bonde man marrie a free woman , he begetteth none but free children But the lawe of England neuer iudgeth the issu to folowe the mothers condicion , but alwaye the fathers . So that a free man begetteth free children aswell of a bonde woman as of a free woman : and a bonde man in wedlock can beget none other but bond children . Whether of these lawes is better thynke you in theier sentences . It is a cruell lawe which without offence subdueth the free mans chylde to bondage . And no lesse crueltie is to be thought in the lawe , whiche without anye deserte oppresseth the free womans chylde with bondage . Yet the Ciuilians saye that the Ciuile lawes in these their iudgements do excell . For an euil tree saye they can not brynge furthe good fruites , nor a good tree beare euyll fruites . And by the consent of all lawes it is agreed that euery plante yeldeth to the nature of the grounde wherein it is planted the chylde also hath muche more certein & sure knowlege of the mother than of the father , Whereunto the lawyers of Englande aunswer on this wyse : That a child laufully begotten hathe no more certein and sure knowlege of the mother then of the father For bothe these laws thus disagreeynge , agree yet in this poynte , that he is the father , whom wedlock declareth . And is it not then more conuenient that the condicion of the childe should haue relation rather to the fathers condicion , then to the mothers . Seynge that Adam speakinge of marryed couples , sayde ▪ They shal be ii . in one fleshe . which our lord expoundynge in the ghospell sayethe : Nowe are they not ii . but one fleshe And forsomuch as the mal ’ as more worthi conteineth the female , then the whole flesh so vnited must haue relation to the male as to the worthyer . wherefore the lorde called Adam & Eue not by the name of Eue , but because they were bothe one fleshe , he called them bothe in the name of Adam the man , as it apeareth in the fifthe chapter of genesis . The Ciuile lawes also holde that women do euer glister with the shyenynge beames of their husbands Wherefore in the title begynnynge withe these wordes : Qui se prosessione excusant , in the nynth boke L. fi . the text sayeth thus . we auaunce women with the honoure of their husbandes , and with the kindred of their husbandes we worshippe them : in the court we decree matters to passe in the name of their husbandes , & into the house and surname of their husbandes do we translate them . But if afterward a woman marrye with a man of baser degree , them leseth she her former dignitie , and foloweth the condicion of her latter husband And forsomuche as all children , specially male children bear the fathers name , & not the mothers , whereof then shoulde it come , that the sonne by reason of the mother should lese the honour , or chaunge the condicion of the father whose name neuerthelesse he shall styll keepe . Specially seeynge the mother herself receaueth of the same father honour , worshippe , & dignitie . which honour , worshippe , and dignitie of the husbande can neuer be disteined or impeached through the fault of the wyfe . Truely that lawe may well bee demed cruell , which with out any cause committethe to bondage the free mans sonne , and which disheritinge the innocent sonne of the innocent free father adiudgeth his lande to an vnworthie straunger : whiche also withe the base state of bondage in the sonne defaceth the name of the free father . Cruell also of necessite must that lawe be compted , which augmenteth thraldom , and diminisheth libertie or freedom . For libertie is the thinge that mans nature euer coueteth . For by man & for synne did bondage first enter . But freedome is graffed in mans nature of god . whereof if men be depriued , he is euer disierous to recouer the same agayne , lyke as all other thinges do that are spoiled of their naturall libertie . wherefore wycked and cruell is he to be deemed that fauoureth not libertie . which thinges the lawes of England duely consydering , do in all respectes shew fauour to libertie . And thoughe the same lawes iudge him thrall , whom a boundeman in wedlock begetteth of a free woman , yet here by can not these lawes be reputed seuere and cruel For a woman which by mariage hath submitted herself to a boundeman , is made one fleshe withe him . wherefore , as the forsaid lawes determine , she foloweth the state of his condition , and of her owne free wyll hathe made her selfe a bonde woman , not forced thereto by the law muche lyke to such as in kynges courtes become bondemen , or sell themselfs into bondage without any compulsion at all . And howe then can the lawe determine that childe to be free , whom suche a mother hathe thus borne . For the husband can neuer be in so much subiection to his wyfe , thoughe she be a right greate ladye , as this woman is subiect to the bondeman , whom she hathe made her lorde : insomuche as the lorde sayeth to al wifes Thou shalt be vnder the power of thy husbonde , & he shall haue dominion ouer thee . And what is it that these Ciuilians saye of the fruite of a good or euyll tree . Is not euerye wyfe of a fre or thral condition accordynge to the state of her husband And in whose ground hathe that husbande planted , while his wyfe is one fleshe with him . Not in his owne ? And what then if he haue graffed a slyppe of a swete nature in a stock of a sower tree : So that the tre be his owne , shall not the fruites , thoughe they eum sauer of the stocke , be his owne fruites ? So the childe which the wyfe bareth is the husbandes issue , whether the wyfe be free or thrall . Howbeit the lawes of England decree that if a bonde woman without the consent of her lorde bee maryed to a free man , though they can not be deuorced , beecause the ghospell saieth , whom god hathe conioyned let not man seperate , yet shal her lorde recouer agaynst the same free man all the dammages that hee hathe susteyned by reason of the losse of his vassall or bond woman . This nowe as I suppose is the somme and fourm of the law of Englande in the case nowe declared , What therefore is your opinion most excellent prince in the same case ?

And whether of these two lawes doe you esteeme to be of more worthinesse & excellencye .

Leges ciuiles s̄actiūt , qd ꝑtus semper sequitur ventrem , vt si mulier seruilis condicionis nubat viro condicionis liberae , Proles eorum seruus erit , et ecōūso , seruus maritatus liberae , non nisi liberos gignit . Sed lex Anglioe nunquam matris , sed semper patris condicionem imitari partum iudicat . Vt ex libera etiam ex natiua non nisi liberum liber generet , et non nisi seruum in matrimonio ꝓ creare potest seruus , Que putas legum harum melior est in sententiis suis ? crudelis est lex , q liberi prolem sine culpa subdit seruituti . Nec minus crudelis censetur , quae liberae sobolem sine merito redigit in seruitutem . Legistae vero dicunt , leges Ciuiles p̄ualere in his iudiciis suis . Nam dicunt : qd non potest arbor malafructus bonos facere . Neque arbor bona fructus malos facere . Ac ōni● legis sententia est , qd plantatio q̄libet cedit solo quo inseritur . Certior quoque multo est ꝑtus , q eum fuderunt viscer ’ quam quis eum pater procreauit Ad hec legis Angliae consulti dicunt : qd , ꝑtus ex legittimo thoro non certius noscit matrem quam genitorem suum Nam am bae leges q iam contendunt , vniformiter dicunt qd ipse est pater , quem nuptiae demonstrant . Nunquid tunc magis est conueniens , vt filii conditio ad patris potius quam ad matris conditionem referatur , cum de coniugatis dixerat Adam ? erunt ipsi duo in carne vna . qd dominus exponens in euangelio ait : Iam non sunt duo sed vna caro , et cum masculinum concipiat femininum , ad masculinum qd dignius est referri debet tota caro sic facta vna Quare Adam et Euam vocauit dominus , non Euan , sed quia caro vna ipsi erant , ambos eos vocauit ipse nomine viri , vide licet , Adam : vt patet Genesis quinto capit ’ . Ipsae quoque ciuiles leges dicunt : qd mulieres semper coruscant , radiis maritorum suorum . Vnde . C qui professione se excusant . libro no no .l. fi . textus sic loquitur : Mulieres honore maritorum erigimus , et genere nobilitamus , et forum ex eorum persona statuimus , et domicilium mutamus Sin autem minoris ordinis virum postea sortitae , priore dignitate priuatae , posterioris mariti consequantur cōditionem et domicilium . et cum nomen patris et non matris gerat ꝓles omnis , et maximè masculin̄ . Vnde tunc ꝓuenir ’ poterit , qd filius ratione matris amitteret honorem , cōdicionemue patris sui mutaret , cuius tamen nomen ipse retinebit , p̄sertim dum honor ’ patris eiusdem ac conditione resplendeat mater eius et dum viri honor vel conditio nunquam ꝑ vxoris vitium denigratur . Crudelis nempe censeretur lex que sine causa filium liberi seruituti committit , et terram ꝓ qua liber ille innocens a crimine innocentis filii sui titulo , non sudanti tradet extraneo possidēdā , ac patris nomen etiam filii seruitutis nota commaculat . Crudelis etiam necessario iudicabitur lex q seruitutem augmentat , et minuit libertatem , Nam pro ea natura semper implorat humana . Quia ab hōine et ꝓ vicio introduct ’ est seruitus . Sed libertas a deo hominis est indita naturae , Quare ipsa ab homine sublata , semper redire gliscit , vt facit onne qd libertate naturali priuatur . Quo impius et crudelis iudicandus est qui libertati non fauet Hec considerantia Angliae iura , in omni casu libertati dant fauorem . Et licet iura illa iudicent eum seruum , quem seruus in coniugio ex libera procreauit , non per hoc iura illa rigida , crudeliaue sentire poterunt . Nam mulier q coniugio seruo se subiecit , facta ei caro vna , quo ipsa vt dicunt leges suprascriptae , eius cōseq̄tur conditionem , et ꝓprio arbitrio se fecit ancillam , sed potius seruan , nullatenus a lege coacta , qualiter et faciunt q se seruos reddunt in curiis regum , vel in seruitutem se vendunt nullatenus ad hoc compulsi Quomodo tunc liberum sancire possunt leges filium illum , quem mater talis , taliter est enixa ? numquam enim sic subiectus est vir vxori , licet maxima domina ipsa fuerit , vt subiecta est libera hec seruo , quem ipsa fecit dominum eius , dicente domino vxori omni . Eris sub potestate viri , et ipse dominabitur tuī . Et quid est qd dicunt legistoe illi , de fructu arboris bōae vel maloe . nonne conditionis liberoe vel seruilis est vxor omnis , qualis est maritus eius ? et in cuius solo plantauit maritus , dum vxor eius est sibi caro vna ? Nonne in ꝓprio ? quid si surculum dulcis naturae inseruerit ipse stipiti arboris acerbae : Dummodo arbor illa eius est . nonne fructus ( licet ex stipite redolent ) semper sint fructus eius Sic ex muliere genita ꝓles , mariti est progenies , fuerit mater libera vel ancilla . Sanctiunt tn̄ leges Angliae , qd dominus natiuae a libero in matrimon̄ sumptae ipso inconsulto cum eam repudiare nequeat dicente euangelio : quos deus coniunxit , homo non seperet : re cuperabit versus liberum illum , omne damnum quod ipse sustinuit ratione deperditi seruicij , et amissoe ancillae suae . Hec iam vt estimo , est summa et forma legis Angliae , in casu iam enarrato . Quid igitur iam tibi videtur princeps in casu isto ? et quae legum predictarum p̄stantior aut eligibiliora te iudicatur ?

The prince approueth the lawe whereby the yssue folowethe not the wombe . Cap. 43.

Reason suffereth vs not to doubte , quod the prince but that in this case the lawe of Englande surmounteth the Romaine lawe . And that lawe is to me more alloweable , which vnto children sheweth fauour rather then rigour . For I remember a rule of the lawe that sayeth . It is behouable that cruell hate be repressed , and fauour auaunced . And good reason , quod the Chauncellour . Yy wyl I expresse vnto you an other case wherein thes lawes are repugnaunt . And shortly after I wyll make an ende , least it be tedious to you to be troubled with so manie disagreīgs & least you happen to be weried withe mye ouer longe talke .

PRinceps . Anglorum legem in hoc casu , Roma norum lege prestare dubitar ’ nos racio non permittit . Et optior mihi sem per est lex , quae fauorem , potius quam rigorem , partibus ad ministrat . Recolo namque illius iuris regulam , que sic dicit : Odia pestrīgi et fauores conuenit ampliari . Cancellarius . Et bene q̄dem . Alium adhuc casum tibi referam , princeps , in quo , concertant leges istae , et non multum postea , tunc desistāne onerosum tibi sittātis soliciter scisma tibus , etiam ne infas tidiū tibi veniat desceptacio mea diutius protelata .

The fowerth case wherein the saide lawes vary Cap. 44.

THe Ciuile lawes commit the tuition of orphanes to the next of their bloud , whether the kinred grow on the fathers syde or on the mothers syde , that is to saye , to euerye man accordynge to the degree and order , wherein his tourne is nexte to succeede the pupille in his inhertiaūce . And the reason of this lawe is that : that no man will beehaue him selfe more tenderly or more fauourably in the carefull education of the infaunte , thenne hee that is nexte of hys bloude . Neuertheles the lawes of England touching the custodie of orphanes do determine muche otherwise For there if an inheritaunce beeinge holden in sorage descend to an orphane from anye of the kynred of his fathers side , the same orphane shall not be vnder the keeping of any of that kynred , but he shal be gouerned by his cosins or kynesfolke of his mothers side . And if the inheritaunce come to him from anye kinesman of his mothers side , then the pupill with his inheritaunce shall bee in the custodie till hee come to lawefull age of hym that is nexte of hys kynne of hys fathers side and not of anye kynesman of the mothers syde . For our lawes saye , that to commit the tuition of an infant to him that shal next succede him , ys lyke as if one shoulde beetake a lambe vnto a woulfe to bee deuoured . Butte if the inheritaunce bee not holden in socage , but by knightes seruyce , thenne by the lawes of the same lande the childe wythe his inheritaunce shall bee in the keepinge of none of hys kynred of neyther syde , but in the custodie of the lorde of the fee vntill hee come to the age of one and twenty years . And think you that anye man can or will better instructe and trayne vp the childe in feates of armes , whyche bye reason of his tenure he is bound to yeelde to the lord of his fee , then the lord himselfe , to whom suche seruice is by him due ? Whyche is also to bee iudged of more power , and honoure thenne the friendes and kynesfolkes of his tenant . For hee to the intente hee maye in tyme to come bee the better serued of hys tenaunte wyll vse the more diligence towarde hym . And it is to bee presumed that he is more experte and skylfull to trade him in this thynges , then his other friends rude peraduenture and vnpractised in martiall feats speciallye yf his patrimonie bee but small . And what can be more profitable for the chylde , whiche by reason of hys tenure shall in the seruice of hys lorde endaunger his life , and all that hee hathe in the actes of chiualrye , them in his nonage to be broughte vppe in the discipline and practise of the same , seeynge that in his rype age hee shall not bee hable to auoyde the aduenture thereof ? And to saye the truethe it shall bee no small commoditie for the royalme , that the inhabiters of the same be well expert in the knowledge of armes . For as saieth the philosopher , euerye man dothe the thynge boldelye , wherin he assureth himselfe to be skylfull . And do you not then most noble prince allowe this lawe and commende it aboue the other now described .

LEges Ciuiles impuberum tum telas , proximis de eorum sanguine committunt , agnati fuerint seu cognati , vnicuique videlicet secundum gradum et ordinem quo in hereditate pupilli successurus est . Et racio legis huius est quia nullus teneriûs fauorabilibûsue infantem alere sataget , quam proximus de sanguine eius . Tamen longe aliter de impuberum custodia statuunt leges Angliae . Nam ibidem , si hereditas quae tenetur in Socagio , descendat impuberi ab aliquo agnatorum suorum , non-erit impubes ille sub custodia alicuius agnatorum eius . Sed per ipsius cognatos , videlicet consanguineos ex parte matris , ipse regetur . Et si ex parte cognatorum hereditas sibi descenderit , pupillus ille cum hereditate sua ꝑ proximum agnatum et non cognatum eius custodiet ’ . Quousque ipse fuerit adultus .

Nam leges illae dicunt qd ’ committere tutelam infantis illi q est enim proximè successurus , est quasi agnum committere lupo ad deuorādum . Sed si hereditas illa non in socagio , sed teneatur ꝑ seruicium milita ’ , tunc ꝑ leges terrae illius , infans ipse et hereditas eius , non ꝑ agnatos neque cognatos , sed per dnm feodi illius custodientur , quousque ipse fuerit etatis viginti et vnius ānorum . Quis putas infantem talem in actibus bellicis quos facere ratione tenurae suae ipse astringitur dno feodi sui , melius instruere poterit , aut velit quam dns ille , eui ab eo seruicium tale debetur ? et qui maioris potentiae et honoris estimatur . q sunt alij amici et ꝓpinq̄ tenentis sui ? Ipse namque , vt sibi ab eodem tenente melius seruiatur , diligentem curam adhibebit , et melius in his eum erudire expertus esse censetur , quam reliqui amici iuuenis , rudes forsā et armorum inexperti , maxime si non magnum fuerit patrimonium eius . Et quid vtilius est infanti qui vitam et omnia sua periculis bellicis exponet in seruicio domini sui ratione tenurae suae , quam in militia actubusque bellicis imbui , dumminor est , cum actus huiusmodi ipse in etate matura declinare non poterit . Et reuera non minime erit regno accomodum , vt incolae eius in armis sint experti . Nam vt dicit Philo. audacter quilibet facit , qd ’ se scire ipse non defidit . Nunquid tunc legem hanc tu approbas fili regis , et collaudas super legem alteram iam descriptam .

Here the prince commendeth the education of noble mens children beinge orphanes . Cap. 45.

YEs good Chauncelour , quod the prince , this lawe I do allowe much more than the other . For in the firste parte of it whiche you noted , it prouideth much more waryly for the securitie and saufegarde of the pupill , then the Ciuile lawe dothe . Howbeit in the seconde parte of the same I do take more delyte . For thereof it comethe to passe that in Englande noble mens chyldren canne not easelye degenerate , butte rather passe and surmount theire auncestours in vertue , in courage , and in honest condicions , forsomuche as theye are broughte vp & instructed in an higher & an honorabler court , thenne in the houses of theire parentes , thoughe theire parents weare paraduenture broughte vppe in the lyke places . For theire parents house was neuer yet lyke the lordes house , whome aswell the parentes , as allso the children serued . The princes allso of the royalme beeynge ruled bye thys lawe , and lykewyse other lordes holdynge theyre lande immedyatlye of the kynge , canne not lightlye fall to wantonnes and vnseemelynes , seeynge that in theire childehoode , whyle theye bee orphanes they are broughte vppe in the kynges house . Wherefore I muste needes highelye prayse & cōmē●● the ryches , and high porte of the kinges court , in that it is the chiefest schole within the royalme for the nobilitye of the lande . It is also the scholehouse of manhoode , of vertue , and of good maners , wherby the royalm is honored and flourisheth and is preserued againste inuasions : so that it is dreaded bothe of friendes and foes . And to bee plain this greate commoditie coulde not haue happened to the royalme , yf noble mens children beeinge orphans and pupilles hadde beene nourished and brought vp by the poore friendes of their parentes . Neyther canne this bee preiudicial or hurtefull to the wealthe of the royalme , that the children of burgeses , and of other freeholders , whiche holde theire tenementes in socage , and are not thereby bound to warfare , are brought vp in the houses of their like friendes , as to him that shall thoroughly weigh the mater it may euidently appeare .

PRinceps . Immo Cancellarie legem hanc , plusquam alteram , ego laudo . Nam in eius parte prima , quam tu notasti , cautè magis quam ciuilis ipsa prouidet securitati pupilli . Sed tamen in eius parte secunda , multo magis ego delector . Nam ab ea est quod in Anglia , nobilium progenies de facili degenerari nonpotest , sed probitate potius , strenuitate , et morum honestate antecessores suos ipsa transcendet , dum in altiori , nobiliorique curia , quam in domo parentum illa sit imbuta , licet indomo consimili forsan parentes eius educati erant : Quia consimilis adhuc non erat , domus parentum illorum domui dominorum , quibus ipsei parentes et ipsi infante● seruierunt .

Principes quoque regni sub hac lege regulati , similiter et domini alii a rege immediate tenentes , non possunt deleui in lasciuiam ruditat en●ie l●bi , cum in pueritiadum orphani fuerint ipsi , in domo regia nutriuntur . Quare non īnmo domus regiae opulentiam magnitudinemque collaudo , dum in ea ginpnasiū supremum , sit nobilitatꝭ regn̄ Scholaquo que strenuitatis , ꝓbitatis et morum quibus regnum honoratur , et florebit , ac contra irruentes securatur , etiam formido ipsa erit inimicis et amicis regni . Hoc reuera bonum accidisse non potuisset regno illi , si nobilium filij , orphani et pupilli , per pauperes amicos parentum suorum nutrirentur . Nec regni bono officere potest , licet burgētium filij et aliorum libere tenentium q in socagio tenent tenementa sua , quo ipsei ad militiam non astringuntur , in domo consimilium amicorum suorum educantur vt ꝑspicuè consideranti lucidè apparere potest .

Yet he rehearseth other case● wherein the forsaid lawes differ . Cap. 46

THere bee yette diuers other cases , quod the Chaunceloure , wherin the lawes aforesayde do varye . As in that the Ciuile lawes do iudge open thefte to bee satisfied by the recompence of fower folde , & priuye thefte by the recompence of double . Butte the lawes of Englande suffer neither of those offences to be more fauorablye punished then wyth the offendours deathe , so that the value of the thynge stolen bee aboue the value of twelue pence . Also a libertine that is to saye , a free man that sometyme was bonde , yf hee beecome vnkynde or churlishe , the Ciuile lawes reduce hym into hys former state of seruitude againe . But by the lawes of Englande he that is once made free , be hee grate or ingrate , is aiudged to enioye his freedome styll . There be other like cases allso not a fewe , whyche at thys tyme for breuities sake I ouerpasse . Neither in these twoo cases doe I dispute the excellencye of the foresayde lawes , seeynge the qualities of them requier no great searche . And I doubte not but the quicknes of your witte is suche , that it can sufficiently discusse the same .

TVnc Cancellarius . Sunt et alij casus nonnulli in quibus differunt leges antedictae , Vt quia legis Ciuiles iudicant furtum manifestum ꝑ reddiciōē quadrupli , et furtum non manifestum , ꝑ dupli recōpensationem expiari . Sed leges Angliae , neutrum facinorum illorum mitius quam committentis morte puniri permittunt dummodo ablati valor duodecim denariorum valorem excedat . Item libertinum ingratum leges ciuiles in pristinam redigunt seruitutem : sed leges Angliae semel manumissum , semper liberum iudicant gratum et ingratum . Alij quoque sunt casus huiusce modi non pauci , quos iam studio breuitatis pretereo Et neque in hijs duobus casibus predictarum legum prestancias ego iam describo , cum non magum sit īdaginis eorum qualitates nec diffido ingenij tui solerciam eas sufficienter posse rimari .

The prince regardethe not the cases nowe rehearsed . Cap. 47.

NO nor it booteth not good Chauncelloure herein muche to tarye , quod the prince . For though in Englande aswell open as pryuy theeues are commenlye putte to deathe , yette ceasse they not there from stealynge , as thoughe theye hadde no feare of so greate a punishemente . Howe much lesse then would they witholde their hands from thefte if thei foresaw once that the punishment were mitigated ? And godde forbid that hee whyche once hathe escaped miserable seruitude should euer after tremble and quake at the threatnynges of bondage , speciallye vnder the coloure of ingratitude or vnkindnes seeynge the kyndes of ingratitude are so manye that they can skante well be numbred : and mans nature in the cause of liberty or freedome more then in other causes requireth fauour . Wherefore at thys tyme , good Chauncellour I beseeche you hartelye medle no more withe the examination of any suche cases . But now explane & open vnto me why the laws of England being so good so fruitefull , and so commodious , are not taughte in the vniuersities , as the Ciuile and Cannon lawes are , and whye in the same none are commenced bachelers and doctors as in other faculties and sciences it is accustomed .

PRinceps . Nec expedit Cancellarie in hijs multum suadere quia licet in Anglia , fures clandestini et manifesti passim morti plectantur , non cessant ipsi ibidem omnino predari ac si penam tantam illiminime formidarent . Quanto tunc minus se abstinerent a crimīe si penam preuiderent mitiorem ? Et absit a seruitute semel euasum , semper deinde sub minis tremere seruitutis , maxime ingratitudinis colore , cum ingratitudinum species , vix poterint pre multitudine numerari et humana natura in libertatis causa , fauorem semper magis quam in causis alijs deprecetur . Sed iam Cancellarie , obnixè te imploro , vt amodo amissó plurium casuum huiusmodi examine , michi edicas , quare leges Angliae tam bonae , frugi , et optabiles in vniuersitatibus non docentur , vt Ciuiles similiter et canonum leges : et quare in eisdem non dantur baccalariatus et doctoratus gradus vt in alijs facultatibus et scientijs est dari consuetum .

Here the Chauncelour sheweth why the lawes of Englande are not taughte in the vniuersities . Cap. 48.

In the vniuersities of Englande , quod the Chauncellour , sciences are not taughte butte in the latine tonge . And the lawes of that land are to be learned in three seuerall tonges , to wytte , in the English tongue , the french tonge , & the latine tongue . In the Englishe tongue , because that law is moste vsed , and longest continued amongest the English men . In the Frenche tongue , beecause that after the French menne vnder William the conquerer of Englande hadde obteyned the lande , they suffred not theire men of lawe to pleade their causes , but in the tongue whi●he theye knewe , and so doe all the men of lawe in Fraunce yea in the course of parliament there . Lykewise the Frenchemen after theire commyng into England receaued not the accomptes of their reuenues , but in their own language , least theye should be deceaued therin Neither had they delyte to hunte , & to excercise other sportes & pastimes , as diceplaye , and the hand balle , but in their owne proper tonge . Wherfore the Englishe men by much vsing of their companie , grewe in suche a ꝑfectnes of the same language , the at this day in suche playes & accomptes they vse the Frenche tongue . And theye weare wonte to pleade in Frenche , tyll by force of a certeine statute that manner was muche restreyned . But it could neuer hether to be whollye abolished , aswel by reason of certein termes , whiche pleaders do more properly expresse in Frenche , then in Englishe , as allso for that declarations ●ppon originall wryttes can not bee pronounced so agreably to the nature of those writtes as in Frenche . And vnder the same speeche the fourmes of suche declaracions are learned . Moreouer all pleas , argueynges , and iudgementes passed in the kings courts and entred into bookes for the instruction of them that shall come after , are euer more reported in the Frenche tongue . Manye statutes also of that royalme are writen in Frenche . Whereof it happeneth that the commen speeche nowe vsed in Fraunce agreethe not , nor is not lyke the Frenche vsed amonge the lawyers of Englande , butte is by a certeine rudenes of the common people corrupte .

Which corruption of spech chaunceth not in the French that is vsed in England , for so much as that spech is there oftener written then spoken . Now in the thirde of the saide iii. tongues , whiche is the latine tongue are written all writtes originall and iudiciall : and likewise all the recordes of plees in the kinges courtes , withe certeine statutes also .

Wherefore while the lawes of England are lerned in these three tonges , they cannot conueniently be taught or studyed in the vniuersities , where onlye the latine tongue is exercised . Notwithstandinge the same lawes are taught & learned in a certein place of publique or comen study more conuenient & apte for attaining to the knowledge of them , then anye other vniuersitie .

For this place of study is situate nighe to the kingez courtes where the same lawes are pleaded and argued , & iudgementes by the same geeuen by iudges menne of grauytie , auncient in yeares , perfecte and graduate in the same lawes . Wherefore euery daye in courte the studentes in those lawes resorte by greate numbers vnto those courtes , wherein the same lawes are redde & taught as it were in common scholes .

This place of study is set betwene the place of the said courtz & the Citie of London , which of al things necessarie is the plentifullest of all the cities & towns of the realm So that the said place of study is not situate within the citie , where the confluence of people might disturbe the quietnes of the studentes but somewhat seueral in the suburbes of the same Citie , and nigher to the saide courtes , that the studentes maye daylye at theire pleasure haue accesse and recourse thether without wearines .

Cancellarius . In vniuersitatibus Angliae non docentur scientiae nisi in latina lingua : et leges terrae illius in triplici lingua , addiscuntur , videlicet Anglica , Gallica , et Latina . Anglica , quia inter Anglos lex illa maxime inoleuit . Gallica , quia postquam galli , duce Wilhelmo Angliae conquestore terram illam optinuerūt , non ꝑmiserunt ipsi eorum aduocatos placitare causas suas , nisi in lingua quam ipsi nouerunt , qualiter et faciunt ōēs aduocati in Francia etiam in curia parliamenti ibidem . Consimiliter gallici post eorum aduētum in Angliam , ratiocinia de eorum prouentibus non receperunt , nisi in proprio idiomate ne ipsi inde deciperēt ’ . Venari etiam , et īocos alios excercere , vt talorum et pilarum ludos , non nim si in propria lingua delectabant ’ . Quo et Anglici ex frequenti eorum in talibus comitiua , habitum talem ’ contraxerunt , qd ’ hucusque ipsi in ludis hm̄odi et compotis , linquam loquuntur gallicanam et placitare in eadem lingua soliti fuerunt quousque mos ille , vigore cuiusdam statutī quam plurimum restrictus est , t●̄ in toto hucusque aboler●nō potuit tum ꝓpter termīos quosdam , quos plus ꝓprie placitantes in gallico , quam in Anglico exprimunt , tunc q̄a declaratiōes super breuiae originalia , tam conuenient ’ ad naturam breuium illorum ꝓnūciari neq̄ūt vt in gallic̄ sub quali sermone declarationum huiusmodi formulae addiscuntur . Reportantur etiam ea q in curijs regijs placitantur , disputantur , et iudicantur ac in libros ad futurorū●ruditionē rediguntur , in sermone semper gallico . Quam plurima etiam statuta regni illius in gallico conscribuntur . Vnde accidit qd ’ lingua iam in Francia vulgaris , non concordat aut consimilis est gallico inter legis peritos Angliae vsitato , sed vulgari quadam ruditate corrupta . Quod fieri non accidit in sermone gallico infra Angliam vsitato , cum sit sermo ille ibidem sepius scriptus quam locutus . Sub tertia vero linguarum predictarum , vz sub latina , omnia breuia originalia & iudicialia , similiter et omnia recorda placitorum in curiis regum , etiam et q̄dam statuta scribunt ’ . Quare dum leges Angliae in his tribus addifcūt ’ linguis , ipsae in vniuersitatibus vbi solum latina excercet ’ lingua , cōuen●ēter erudiri non poterunt aut studeri . Leges tn̄ illae , in quodam studio publico ꝓ illarum apprehensione ( omni vniūsitate conuenientiore et ꝓniore ) docent ’ et ad discunt ’

Studium namque istud , situm est prope curiam regis , vbi leges illae placitant ’ disputantur , et iudicia ꝑ easdem redduntur , ꝑ Iudices , viros graues , senes , in legibus illis peritos et graduatos . quô in cur ’ illis ad quas omni die placitabili confluunt studentes in legibus illis , qua si in scolis publicis leges illae leguntur et docent ’ . Situat ’ etiam studium illud inter locum Curiarum illarum , et ciuitatem Lōdon̄ , q de oimbus necessariis opulētissim̄ est , oīum ciuitatum et opidorum regni illius . Nec in ciuitate illa vbi cōfluentiū turba , studentium quietem perturbare possit situm est studium istud , sed seorsum parumper , in ciuitatis illius suburbio , et proprius Curiis predictis , vt ad eas sine fagiagionis in commodo , studentes indies ad libitum accedere valeant .

Here he declareth the disposition of the general study of the lawes of Englande , and that the same in nomber of studentes passeth certein vniuersities . Cha. 49.

BVt to the intent most excellent prince ye maye conceaue a fourme & an ymage of this study , as I am able I will discribe it vntoo you . For there bee in it tenne lesser housez or ynnes , & somtimes moe , whyche are called ynnes of the Chauncery . And to euerie one of them belongeth a C. studients at the least , & to some of them a muche greater nomber , though they bee not euer all together in the same . These studentes , for the most part of them , are yongmen , lerning or studying the originals , & as it were the elements of the law . who profiting therein , as they growe to rypenes , so are they admitted into the greater ynnes of the same study , called ynnes of court . Of the whiche greater ynnes there are .iiii. in number . And to the lest of them beelongeth in fourme aboue mentioned twooe hundrethe Studentes or theareaboutes .

For in these greter ynnez there can no studient bee mainteined for lesse expenses by the yeare then xx . markes . And if he haue a seruaunt to waite vppon him , as moste of them haue then so muche the greater will his charges be . Now be reason of this charges the children onelye of noble menne doo studye the lawes in those ynnes .

For the poore and commen sorte of the people are not hable to beare so greate charges for the exhibition of theire children And marchaunt menne can seeledoome fynde in theire heartes to hynder theire marchandise with so greate yerly expenses . And thus it falleth out that there is scant any manne founde within the roialme skilfull and connynge in the lawes , excepte hee bee a gentleman borne , and come of a noble stocke .

Wherefore they more then anye other kinde of menne haue a special regarde to theire nobilitie , and too the preseruation of theire honour & fame And to speake vprightly there is in these greater ynnes , yea and in the lesser too , besyde the study of the lawes , as it were an vniuersitie or schole of all commendable qualities requisite for noble men . There they learne to singe , and to exercise themselfes in all kinde of armony . There also they practise daunsing , and other noble mennes pastimes , as they vse to doe which are brought vppe in the kinges house .

On the woorkyedayes the moste parte of them applye themselues to the studye of the lawe . And on the holyedayes to the studie of holye scripture : and out of the tyme of diuine seruice to the readynge of chronicles . For there in deed are vertues studyed , and all vices exiled . So that for the endowement of vertue , and abandoning of vice Knightes and Barons , with other states and noble menne of the roialme place theire children in those ynnes , though they desire not to haue them learned in the lawes , nor to lyue by the practise therof , but only vpon their fathers allowaunce .

Skante at anye tyme ys there harde among them any sedition , chydynge or grudginge . And yet the offendours are punished with none other paine , but onelye to be amoued from the company of their felowshippe . Whiche punishement they doe more feare , then other criminal offenders doe feare imprisonment and yrons .

For hee that is ones expelled from any of those felowships is neuer receaued to be a fellow in any of the other felowshippes And so by this meanes there is continual peace : & theire demeanour is like the behauiour of suche as are coupled together in perfect amitie . But after what manner & sorte the lawes are learned in those ynnes , thereof heere too make rehersall , it is not needeful , forsomuche as it is not for your estat most noble Prince to putte the same in vre . Yet knowe ye this , that it is pleasant and delectable , and in any wise expedient for the learninge of the law , and worthy with all affection to bee embraced . But one thing ther is that I would haue you to knowe , that neyther at Orleaunce , where aswel the Canon as the Ciuyle lawes are taughte , and whether out of manye Countreys scholars doe repayre , nor at Angeo , or at Cane , or any vniuersity of France ( Paris onelye excepted ) are founde so many studentes past chyldhoode , as in this place of studye , notwithstanding that al the studentes there are Englishe borne .

SEd vt tibi constet , princeps huius studii forma & ymago , illam vt valeo iam discribā . Sunt namque in eo decem hos pic̄ minor ’ et quandoque vero plura , quae nominantur hospitia Cancellar ’ ad quorum quodlibet pertinent centum studentes ad minus et ad aliqua eorum maior in multo numerus , licet non omnes semper in eis simul conueniant . studentes etenim isti ꝓ eorum parte maiori , iuuenes sunt , originalia et quasi legis elementa addiscentes , qui in illis ꝓficientes , vt ipsi maturescunt , ad maiora hospitia studij illius quae hospitia curiae appellantur , assumuntur . Quorum ma iorum quatuor sunt in numero , & adminimum eorum , pertinent in forma pre notata , ducenti studentes aut prope ▪

In his enim maioribus hospiciis , nequaquam potest studens aliquis sustentari minoribus expensis in anno , quam octoginta scutorum et si seruientem sibi ipse ibidem habuerit , vt eorum habet pluralitas , tanto tunc maiores ipse sustinebit expensas . Occasione vero sumptuum huiusmodi tm̄ ipsi nobilium filij in hospitiis illis leges addiscunt . Cum pauperes et vulgares , pro filiorum suorum exhibitione tantos sumptus neq̄ant sufferre . Et mercatores raro cupiant tantis omnibus annuis , attenuare mercandisas suas .

Quo fit , vt vix doctus in legibus illis reperiatur in regno , qui non sit nobilis et de nobilium genere egressus . Vnde magis aliis consimilis status hominibus , ipsi nobilitatem curant et conseruationem honoris & famae suae . In his reuera hospiciis maioribus , etiam et minoribus vltra studium legum , est quasi gimnasium omnium morum qui nobiles decent . Ibi cantare ipsi addiscunt , similiter et se excercent in omni genere harmoniae . Ibi etiam tripudiare ac iocos singulos nobilibus conuenientes , qualiter in domo regia excercere solent enutriti , in ferialibus diebus eorum pars maior legalis disciplinae studio , et in festiualibus sacrae scripturae , et cronicarum lectioni post diuina obsequia se confert Ibi quippe disciplina virtutum est , et viciorum omni relegatio Ita vt ꝓpter virtutis adquisitionem vicij etiam fugam milites , barones , alii quoque magnates et nobiles regni , in hospiciis illis ponunt filios suos , quamuis non gliscant eos legūimbui disciplina , nec eius exercitio viuere , sed solum ex patrociniis suis . Ibi vix vnquam seditio , iurgium , aut murmur resonat , et tamen delinquentes non alia pena , quam solum a communione societatis suae amoci one plectuntur , quia penam hanc ipsi plus formidant quam criminosi alibi carcerem timent aut vincula , nam semel ab vna societatum illarum expulsus , numquam ab aliqua ceterar ’ societatum earundem recipit ’ in socium quo ibi pax est continua et quasi amicitia coniunctorum est eorum omnium conuersatio . Formam vero qua leges illae in his discuntur hospiciis , hic exprimere non expedit , cum tibi princeps eam experiri non liceat . Scito tamen quod delectabilis ipsa est , et omni modo expediens legis illius disciplinae , omni quoque affectione digna . Vnum tamen te scire desidero , quod neque durelianis vbi tam Canones addiscuntur , quam Ciuiles leges , et quô a quam pluribus regionibus confluunt scolares , neque An daganis , aut in Cadamo , aliaue vniuersitate Franciae , preterquam solum Parisiis , reperiunt ’ tot studentes infantiam euasi : sicut in hoc studio licet ibi addiscentes omnes solum ab Anglia sint oriundi .

Of the estate and degree af a Seriant at lawe , & howe he is ereated , Cap. 50.

BVt forsomuch as you desier to knowe , most gracious Prince , for what cause the degrees of bachelars and doctours are not geeuen in the lawes of Englande , as they are accustomablye geeuen in bothe lawes within vniuersities , youre maiestie shall vnderstande that though these degrees are not geeuen in the lawes of England , yet there is geeuen in them not a degree only , but also a state no lesse worshipfull and solempne then the degree of doctours : which is called the degree of a Seriant at lawe . And it is geuen vnder the manner & fourme fo●owyng . The lorde chiefe Iustice of the commen benche by the counsell and assent of all the Iustices vsethe as ofte as he thinketh good to chose vii . or .viii. of the discreetest persones , that in the foresaide generall studye haue most profited in the lawes , and whiche to the same Iusticez are thought to bee of best disposition , and their names hee presenteth to the lord Chancellour of Englande in writtynge . Who incontinent by vertue of the kinges write shal charge euery of the persons elect to be beefore the kinge at a daye by hym assigned , too take vppon him the state and degree of a serieaunt at lawe , vnder a greate penaltie in euerye of the said writtes limitted . On the whiche daye euery one of them appearing shal be sworne vpon the holye gospell of God to be ready at the daye & place then to bee appointed to receaue the state and degree aforesaide , and that he the same daye shall geeue golde accordynge to the custome in that behalfe vsed .

Howe bee it howe and after what sorte euerye of the saide chosen persones shall that daye demeane himselfe , and also the fourme and maner howe that state & degree shal bee geuen & receued , forsomuche as the same can not so briefelye bee written as to the shortnes of this woorke is requisite , therefore at thys tyme , I will leaue these pointes vntouched . And yet I haue declared the same to you ere nowe by waye of talke . But thys you must vnderstande , that when the day appointed is come , those electe persons among other solemnities must keepe a greate dinner , like to the feast of a kinges coronation , which shal continue & last by the space of seuen daies . And none of those elect persones shall defraye the charges growinge to him about the costes of this solempnitie with lesse expenses then the summe of foure hundreth markes So that the expenses whiche viii . menne so electe shall then beestowe will surmount the summe of thre thousande and two hundreth ma●ks . Of the which expenses one parcel shall bee this . Euery of them shal geue ringes of golde to the value of xl . poundes sterling at the least . And your Chauncellour well remembrethe that at what tyme hee receaued this state and degree , the ringez which he then gaue stode him in fifty poundes .

For euery suche serieant at the tyme of hys creacion vseth to geeue vntoo euery Prince , Duke , and archebishop being present at that solempnitie , and to the lord Chauncellour and Lorde Treaseroure of Englande a ringe of the valu of .xxvi. shillings viii . d . And to euery earle and bishop beeinge likewise present , and also to the Lorde priuie seale , to both the lordes chief Iustices , & to the Lorde chiefe baron of the kinges exchequer a ringe of the value of xx . s . And to euery lord baron of the parliament & to euery abbott , & notable prelate , & worshipfull knight being then present , & also to the maister of the roles , & to euery Iustice a ring of the value of a mark And likewise to euery baron of the exchequer , to the chaumberlaines , and to all the officers , and notable menne seruynge in the kinges courtes , ringes of a smaller pryce , but agreable to theire estates to whome they are geuen . Insomuch that there shall not bee a clerke , speciallye in the court of the commen benche , but hee shal receaue a ring conuenient for his degree . And besydes these they geeue dyuers rynges too other of theire fryndes . They geue also liueries of cloth of one sute or colour in greate abundaunce not onelye to theire houshold meanye , but also to their other fryndes and acquaintaunce , whiche durynge the tyme of the foresayde solempnytye shall attende and wayte vppon them .

Wherefore though in the Vniuersities they that are promoted too the degree of Doctors do sustain no small charges at the tyme of their conmencement , as in geuinge of bonnetes and other ryche gyftes , yet they geue no gold : nor do bestowe any other giftes or costes lyke vnto these expenses . Neither in any countrey of the world is there any special degre geuen in the lawes of the same lande , but onely in the royalme of Englande . Neither is there any man o● lawe throughe out the vniuersall world , whiche by reason of his office or profession gaynethe somuch as one of these seriaunts . No man also be he neuer so connynge & skylfull in the lawes of the royalme shal be exalted to the office and dignitie of a Iustice in the courte of pleas before the kinge or in the courte of the commen bench , which are the chiefe ordinarie courtes of the same royalme , oneles he be first promoted to the state and degree of a seriaunt at law . Neither shall any man but onely such a seriaunt pleade in the courte of that commen benche , wheare all reall actions are pleaded . Wherefore to this state and degree hath no man bene hetherto admitted , except he haue first continued by the space of xvi yeares in the said general studie of the lawe . And in token or signe that all Iustices ar thus graduat euerye of them alwayes whyle he sytteth in the kinges courtes , weareth a white quoyfe of silke : whiche is the principal and chief in signemet of habite where with seriauntes at lawe in their creation are decked . And neither the Iustice , nor yet the seriaunt shal euer put of the quoyfe no not in the kynges presence , thoughe he be in talke withe his maiesties highnes . wherefore , most noble prince , you can not hereafter doubt , but that these lawes , which so singularli aboue the Ciuile lawes , yea and aboue the lawes of all other royalmes are honoured , and with so solempne a state of such as are learned therein , and do professe the same are worshipped must needes be precious , noble and hieghe , and of greate excellencie , and of speciall knowlege and vertue .

SEd cum tu princeps , scire desideres , cur in legibus Angliae non dantur baculariatus et doctoratus gradus sicut in vtroque iure in vniuersitatibus est dare consuetum Scire te volo , qd ’ licet gradus hm̄oi in legibus Angliae minime conferantur datur tamen in illis nedum gradus , sed et status quidam , gradu doctoratus non minus celebris aut solemnis , qui gradus seruientis ad legem appellatur . Et confertur sub hac q subsequitur forma .

Capitalis Iusticiarius de coni banco , de consilio et assensu omni iusticiariorum , eligere solet quotiens sibi videtur oport●mū , septem vel octo de maturioribus personis qui in predicto gen̄ali studio maius in legibus proficerūt , & qui eisdem iusticiar ’ optimae dispositionis esse videntur , et nomina eorum ille deliberare solet Cancellario angliae in scriptis , qui illico mandabit ꝑ breuia regis cuilꝪ electorum illorum , qd. sit coram rege ad diem ꝑ ipsum assignatum ad suscipiēdū statum et gradum seruientis ad legem , sub ingenti pena in quolibet breuium predictorum limitata : ad quem diem quilibꝪ eorum cōparēs , iurabitur ( super sancta dei euangelia ) fore paratum , ad diem et locum tunc sibi statuendos , ad recipiendum statum & gradum predictos , et qd ’ ipse in die illo dabit aurum secundum consuetudinem regni in hoc casu vsitatam . Tn̄ qualiter ad diem illum quilibet elector ’ predictor ’ se habeb . nec non formam et mod ’ qualiter status & gradus hm̄oi conferent ’ et recipiuntur , hic inserere omitto : cum scripturam maiorem illa exigant , quam congruit operi tam succincto . Tibi tamen ore tenus ea alias explicaui .

Scire tamen te cupio , qd ’ adueniente die sic statuto , electi illi inter alias solempnitates festum celebrant et conuiuium , ad instar coronationis regis , quod et continuabitur ꝑ dies septem , necquisquam electorum illorum sumptus sibi contingentes circa solēpnitatem creationis suae , minoribus expensis perficiet , quam mille et sex centorūscutorum quo expensae quas octo sic electi tunc refundent , excedent summam . 3200. marc . quarum expēsarū ꝑs q̄dam inter cetera , hec erit . Quilibet eorum dabit anulos de auro ad valētiam in toto quadraginta librar ’ ( ad minus ) monetae Anglican̄ et bene recolit Cancellarius ipse , qd ’ dum ille statum & gradum hm̄oi receperat , ipse soluit ꝓ anulis quos tunc distribuit , quinquaginta libras , q sunt 300. scuta . Solet namque vnusquisque seruientum hm̄oi tempore creacōis suae , dare cuilꝪ principi , duci , et archiep̄o in solennitate illa presenti , ac Cancellar ’ et Thesa . ang. anulum ad valorem 26. s. 8. denar ’ , et cuilibet comiti et epo consimiliter presentibus , nec non custodi priuati figilli , vtrique capitali iusticiario et capitali baroni de scaccario regis ānulū ad valorem 20. s. et omni dno baroni parliamenti , et omni abbati et notabili prelato ac magno militi , tunc presenti , custodi etiam rotul ’ cancellariae regis & cuilibet iusticiario anulum ad valenc̄ 1. marc̄ . Similiter et omni bar ’ de scacc̄ regis , camerariis , etiam oimbus offic̄ et notabilibus viris in cur ’ regis mīstrantibus , anulos minor ’ p̄cij , conuenientes tn̄ statibus eorum ib q donantur . Ita quod non erit clericus , maximè in curia communis banci , licet īfimus , quin anulum ipse recipiet cōueniētē gradui suo . Et vltra hos ipsi dant anulos nonnullos , aliis amicis suis . Similiter et liberatam magnam panni vnius sectae , quam ipsi tunc distribuent in magna abundantia , nedum familiaribus suis , sed et amicis aliis et notis , qui eis attendent et ministrabunt tempore solennitatis predictae . Quare licet in vniuersitatibus in gradum doctorat ’ erecti , expensas non modicas faciant tēꝑe creacionis suae , ac birreta , alia quoque donaria quam bona errogēt : non tamen aurum ipsi conferunt aut alia donaria sumptusue faciunt , his expensis similia . Neque in regno aliquo orbis terrarum datur gradus specialis in legibus regni illius , preterquam solum in regno Angliae Nec est aduocatus in vniūso mundo , q̄ ratione officii sui tantum lucratur vt seruiens huiusmodi . Nullus eciam , licet in legibus regni illius scientissimus fuerit , assumetur ad officium et dignitatem iusticiarii in curiis placitorum coram ipso rege et comunis banci quae sunt supremae curiae eiusdem regni ordinariae , nisi ipse primitus statu et gradu seruientis ad legem fuerit insignitus . Nec quisquam preterquam seruiens talis in curia comunis banci , vbi omnia realia placita placitantur placitabit . Quare ad statum et gradum talem , nullus hucusque assumptus est , qui non in predicto generali legis studio , sexdecim annos ad minus antea compleuit et in signum qd onnes iusticiarii illi taliter extant graduati , qui libet eorum semp vtitur dum in curiis regis sedet , birreto albo de serico . qd p̄mū et p̄cipuū est de īsign̄ habit ’ quo seruient ’ ad legem in eorum creacion̄ decorant ’ . Nec birret ’ illud iusticiarius , sicut nec seruiens ad legem vnquam deponet , quo caput suum in toto discoope riet , etiam in present ’ reg. lic̄ cum celsitudin̄su a ipse loquat ’ Quare princeps p̄clarissim̄ tu amodo hesi tar ’ non pot’is , quin leges istae q tam sigularit ’ supr ’ ciuiles leges leges etiam omnium aliorum regnorum honerāt ’ et tam solempni statu eruditorum et ministrātiū in eis venerant ’ p̄ciosae sit nobiles et sublimes , ac magn̄ prestanciae , maximaeque-sciētiae et virtutis

After what maner a Iustice is created , and of his habite and conuersation . Cap. 51

BVt to the intent the state of Iustices aswell as of seriauntes at lawe maye be knowen to your grace , as I can I wil describe vnto you their fourme and office . In the commen benche there are custumable v. Iustices or vi . at the most . And in the kynges benche .iiii. or v. And as ofte as the place of any of them by deathe or otherwyse is voyde , the kynge vseth to choose one of the seriauntes at lawe and him by his letters patents to ordeine a Iustice in the place of the iudge so ceassynge . And then the lorde Chauncellor of England shall enter into the courte where the Iustice is so lackynge , bryngyng with him those letters patents , and sittynge in the myddes of the Iustices , causeth the seriaunt so elect to be brought in , to whom in the open courte he notifieth the kynges pleasure touchynge the office of the iustice then voyd and causeth the foresaid letters to be openly read . Whiche done the maister of the rolles shall reade before the same elect person the othe that he shall take . Which when he hath sworne vpon the holy gospell of god , the lord Chauncellour shall deliuer vnto him the kynges letters aforesaid . And the lorde chiefe Iustice of that courte shall assine vnto him a place in the same , where he shall then place him : & that place shall he afterward kepe . Yet you must knowe , most noble prince , that this Iustice shall then amonge other thinges sweare , that he shal indifferently minister iustice to all men aswell foes as frendes , that shall haue any sute or plea before him And this shal he not forbeare to do thoughe the kinge by his letters , or by expresse worde of mouth woulde commaunde the contrarie . He shall also sweare that from that tyme forwarde he shall not receaue or take any fee or pension , or lyuerye of any man , but of the king onely nor any gyfte , reward or brybe of any man hauing sute or plea before him , sauynge meate and drinke . which shal be of no great value . You shall also knowe that a Iustice thus made shal not be at the charges of any diner , or solempnitie , or anye other costes at the time when he taketh vpon him his office & dignitie , forsomuch as this is no degree in the facultie of the lawe , but an office onely & a rowm of autoritie to continue duringe the kynges pleasur Howebeit the habit of his raiment he shall from tyme to tyme forward in some poyntes chaunge , but not in all the ensignements thereof . For beinge a seriaunt at lawe he was clothed in a longe robe priestlyke , with a furred cape about his should●rs , & therupon a hoode with ii . labels such as doctours of the lawes vse to weare in certen vniuersities , with the aboue discribed quoife But beinge ones made a Iustice , in stede of his hood he shal weare a cloke closed vpon his right shoulder , all the other ornaments of a seriaunt still remaining : sauinge that a Iustice shal weare no partie coloured vesture as a seriaunt maye . And his cape is furred with none other then meneuer , whereas the seriauntes cape is euer furred with white lambe . And this habite I would wishe your grace to bring into hieghe estimation , when it shal be in your power , for the worshippe of the state of the lawe , & the honour of your royalme Furthermore I woulde ye shoulde know that the Iustices of England sitt not in the kinges courtes aboue iii. houres in a day , that is to saye , from viii . of the clock in the forenone till xi . complete , For in the afternones those courtes are not holden or kepte . But the Suters then resort to the perusing of theire writinges and elswhere consulting with the Seriauntes at lawe and other theire counsailoures Wherfore the Iustyces after they haue taken theire refection , doo passe and bestowe all the residue of the daye in the studye of the lawes , in readynge of holye scripture , and vsynge other kynde of contemplacion at their pleasure . So that theire lyfe may seeme more contemplatiue then actiue . And thus do they leade a quiete lyfe discharged of al wordly cares and troubles . And it hath neuer bene knowen that ani of them hathe bene corrupt with gyftes or brybes . whereupon we haue sene this kynde of grace folowynge , that skante anye of them dyethe without yssue , which vnto iust men is a token of the great & peculiar blessynge of god And in myne opinion it is to be iudged for no small poynte of the bountefull goodnes of god , that out of the generation of Iudges there haue hetherto spronge vp mo states & peares of the royalme them out of any other state of men : which by their owne wytte & policie haue aspired vnto great wealthe , nobilitie , & honour Yea thoughe the state of merchauntes surmount the number of Iudgeis by many thousans beinge men of suche singular wealth that amonge them commenly ther be such , as one of them in riches passeth all the Iusticeis of the royalm For this cannot be ascribed vnto fortune , which is nothynge . But it is to be attributed ( as I take it ) onely to the blessynge of god . For somuche as by his prophet hee saieth that the generation of righteous men shal be blessed And the prophet in an other place speaking of iust men , sayeth that theire children shal be in blessynge . wherefore o most magnificent prince be you in loue with iustice , which thus ēricheth , exalteth to honour and auaunceth to perpetuite the children of them that haue her in veneration . And be you a zelous louer of the lawe , the verie welspringe of Iustice , that by you it may be sayed that is writen of the righteous And their seede shall remayne for euer .

SEd vt Iusticiari ●orum ( sicut et seruiētū ad legem ) status tibi innotescat , eorum formam officiumque ( vt potero ) iam discribā . Solent namque in comuni bācō quinque iusticiarii esse vel sex ad maius . Et in banco regis quatuor vel quinque ac quociens eorum aliquis per mortem vel aliter cessauerit , rex de aduisamento consilii sui eligere solet vnum de seruientibus ad legem , et eum ꝑ litteras suas patentes constituere in iusticiarium loco iudicis sic cessantis et tunc cancellarius Angliae adibit curiam vbi iustitiarius sic deest , differens secum litteras illas , ac sedens in medio iusticiariorum introduci sacit seruientem sic electum , cui in plena curia ipse notificabit voluntatem regis de officio iudiciario sic vacante , et legi faciet in publico literas predictas Quo facto , custos rotulorum cācelariae regis leget coram eodem electo iusiurādū qd ipse facturus est , qd et cum super sctam dei Euangelia ipse iurauerit , cancellarius sibi tradet litteras regis predictas , et capitalis iusticiarius curiae illius assignabit sibi locum in eadem , vbi deinceps ille sedebit , et mox eum sedere faciet in eodem . Sciendum tamen tibi est Princeps qd Iusticiarius iste inter cetera tunc iurabit : se iustitiam ministraturum indifferenter omnibus hominibus coram eo placitantibus , īimicis et amicis , nec sic facere differet , etiam si rex per litteras suas aut ore tenus contrarium iusserit . Iurabit etiam quod extunc non recipiet ipsae ab aliquo preterquam a rege , feodum aut pencionem aliquam seu liberatam , neque donum capiet abhabente placitum coram eo , preterquam esculenta et poculenta , q non magni erunt precii Sciendum etiam tibi est , qd Iusticiarius sic creatus , cōuiuīum solēpnitatēue aut sumptus aliquos non faciet , tempore susceptionis officii et dignitatis suae , cum non sint ill● gradus aliqui in facultate legis , sed officium solum illa sint & magistratus , ad regis nutum du●atura , habitum tn̄ indumenti sui ( in q̄busd ’ ) ipse ex tunc mutabit , sed non in omnibus insigniis eius Nam seruiens ad legem ipse existens , roba x , ad instar sacerdotis , cum capicio penulato circa humeros eius et desure collobio , cum duobus labelulꝭ qualiter vti solent doctores legum in vniuersitatibus quibusdam , cum supra discripto birreto vestiebatur . Sed Iusticiarius factus , loco collobii clamide induetur , firmata super humerum eius dexterum , ceteris ornamentis seruientis , adhuc permanentibus , excepto qd stragulata veste , aut coloris depertiti vt potest seruiens iusticiarius non vtetur et capicium eius non alio quam meneuero penulatur . Capīcium tn̄ seruientis pellibus agninis semper al bis implicatur , qualem habitum te plus ornare optarem , cum potestas tibi fuerit , ad decorem status legis et honorem regni tui . Scire te etiam cupio qd ’ iusticiarii angliae non sedentin curiis regis nisi pertres horas in die . s. ab hora viii . ante meridiem , vsque horam xi . completam , quia post meridiem curiae illae non tenentur . Sed placitantes tunc se diuertunt ad ꝑuisū et alibi , consulentes cum seruientibus ad legem et aliis cōsiliar ’ suis . Quare iusticiarij postquam se refecerint totum diei residuum pertranseunt studendo in legibus , sacram legendo scripturam , et aliter ad eorum libitum cōtēplādo , vt vita ipsorum plus contemplatiua videatur quam actiua . Sicque quietam illi vitam agunt , ab omni solicitudine et mundi turbinibus semotam : nec vnquam cōꝑtū est eorum aliquem , donis aut muneribus fuisse corupt ’ . Vnde et hoc genus gratiae vidimus subsecutum , qd vix eorum aliq sine exitu decedat , qd iustis magn̄ et quasi apꝓpriatae benedictionis dei est , mihi quoque non minimi muneris diuini censetur esse pensand , qd ex iudicum sobole , plures de proceribus et magnatibus regni hucusque ꝓdierūt , quam dealiquo alio statu hoīm regni , qui se prudentia et industria propria opulentos , inclitos , nobilesque fecerunt Quamquam mercatorum status , quorum aliqui sunt , qui omnibus iusticiariis regni prestant in diuitiis iudicum numerum in milibus hoīm excedat . Nam fortunae q nihil est , istud ascribi non poterit : sed diuinae solum benedictioni fore arbitror tribuēd . Cum ipse ꝑ ꝓphetam dicat : qd generatio rectorum benedicetur . Et alibi de iustis loquens propheta ait : qd filii eorum in benedictione erunt . Dilige igitur , ( fili regis ) iusticiam quae sic ditat , colit , et ꝑpetuat f●tus colentium eam . Et zelator esto legis que iustitiam parit , vt a te dicatur qd a iustis scribitur : et semen eorum ineternum manebit .

The prince findeth fault with delayes that are made in the kinges courtes . Cap. 52.

THere remayneth now but one thynge good Chauncellour , quod the prince to be declared , wherwith my mynde somewhat yet wauereth and is disquieted , wherin if you stay and satisfie me , I wyll trowble you with no mo questions . The lawes of England , as the reporte goeth suffer great delaes in their processes , more then the lawes of other nations . which vnto suters is not onely a hinderaunce of their right , but also many tymes an importable burden of charges , & chiefly in those actions , wherin damages are not alowed

Princeps . Vnum iam solum super est Cancellarie declarandum : quo parumꝑ adhuc fluctuat , inq̄etat ’ quoque mens mea . In quo si eam solidaueris , non amplius te questionibus fatigabo . Dilationes ingentes , vt asseritur , patiuntur leges Angliae in ꝓcessibus suis plusquam leges aliarum nationum , qd petentibus , nedum iuris sui ꝓgatio est , sed et sumptuum quandoquidem importabile onus , et maxime in actionibus illis in quibus damna petentibus non redduntur .

Delaies that happen in the kynges courtes are neacessarie and reasonable . Ca. 53.

IN actions personall , quod the Chauncellour , out of Cities & townes of merchandise where the maner of proceedynge is acordynge to the customz and liberties of the same there the procedinges are ordinarie . And thoughe they suffer great delaies , yet they be not excessiue . But in the same Cities and townes , chiefeli when any vrgent cause so requireth , there is quicke dispatche made , lyke as in other partes of the world and yet not with suche hote hast as in some other places , that the ꝑtye be there by endammaged . Agaīe in accions reall the procedynges are verie slowe almost , in all partes of the worlde . For within the royalme of Fraunce in the hieghest court ther , which is called the court of parliament , there be certein processes that haue hanged there aboue xxx . yeares . And I knowe that a cause of appeale , which in that court betweene Richard Heron an Englishe merchaunt & other merchaunt men for a trasgression made hath ben debated within the iurisdiction of that courte , hathe alredy hanged by the space of x. yeares . And it is not yet lyke that it can be decided within other x. yeares● ▪ whyle I was lately abydynge in Paris myne hoste shewed me his processe in writynge , which in the court of parliament there he had them folowed full viii . yeares for iiii.s. rente , which in our monei maketh not aboue viii . d . and yet he was in no hope to obteyne iudgment in .viii. yeares more . And I knowe other cases ther lyke vnto these So that the lawes of England , as seemeth to me , cause not so gre●t delayes as do the lawes of that countrey . But to speake vpprightly , it is necessarie that delayes be had in the processes of all actions so that the same be not to muche excessiue . For by reason thereof the parties and chiefely the partie defendant , do often tymes prouide themselfes of good defenses and also of counsels , which els they should lacke . And in iudgements there is neuer so greate daunger toward as when processe goeth foreward with ouer muche haste . For I sawe ones in the Citie of Salisburi before a certein iudge at a gaole delyuerie there with the clerk of the assyfes , a woman attainted & burned for the death of her husband within a yeare a●ter he was slaine . In the which case it was in the iudges power to haue reprieued or respected that womans arraygnement til the end of that yeare . And about a yeare after that I saw one of the seruants of the slaine man conuict before the same Iustice of the death of the same his maister . Whoe then openlye confessed , that he himselfe alone slew his master , and that his maistres hys wyfe whiche before was burned , was altogether innocent of hys deathe . And he for the same was drawen and hanged And still euen at the pointe of death he lamented the woman burned , as one cleare from that offence . O what perplexitie & remorse of c●nscience it is to bee thought that this so hasty a Iustice hadde of thys deede which might iustly haue stayed the processe ? He himselfe ( alas ) often confessed vnto me that hee should neuer durynge his lyfe be hable to cleare hys conscience of this fact . For manye times in deliberations , iudgements growe to riepenes , but in ouer hasty processe neuer . Wherfore the laws of England admit essoyne , and so do noe other laws of al the worlde Are not vouchinges to warrant right profitable Are not the aydes of them profitable , to whom the reuersion of tenementes brought in plea belongethe , and whiche haue the euidences of the same .

Are not also the aydes of coperteners profitable whiche shall paye accordinge to the rate of a tenemente allotted to their coꝑtener by force of the law euicted from him . And yet al these are delayes as you most noble prince by my talke at other times do wel knowe . And the like delayes to these do no other lawes admit . Neither do the lawes of Englande admyt tryeflinge and vnfruteful delayes . And if any suche fonde delayes shoulde be vsed they maye at euerye parliament be cut awaye Yea and other laws vsed in the same royalme , when in any pointe theye beegynnne to haste theye maye at euery parliament be refourmed . Wherfore it maye well bee concluded , that all the lawes of that royalme are ryghte good either in deede , or in possibilitie . So that if they bee not presentlye good , theye maye easlye be reduced to the present perfection of goodnes . To the perfourmaunce wherof as ofte as equytye so requyrethe , euerye kynge there is bounde by an othe solempnelye taken at the tyme of hys coronation .

Cancellarius . In actionibus personalibus extra vrbes & villas mercatores , vbi ꝓceditur secundum consuetudines et libertates earundem processus sunt ordinarii . Et quantas libet dilationes paciuntur , non tamen excessiuas . In vrbibus vero et villis illis potissim̄ cum vrgens causa de poscat , celeris , vt in aliis mund ꝑtibus fit ꝓcessus nec tamen ( vt alibi ) ipsi nimium aliquando festinant ’ . quo subsequitur partis lesio Rursus in realibus actionibus , in omnibus fere mund ꝑtibus morosi sunt ꝓcessus . Sed in Anglia quodamodo celeriores . Sunt quippe in regno Franciae , in curia ibid ’ sup̄ma , q̄ cur ’ parliamenti vocitatur , ꝓcessus quidam , q in ea plus quam triginta annis pependerunt . Et noui ego appellationis causam vnam , q in curia illa , agitata fuit , iam ꝑ decem annos suspēsam fuisse , et adhuc veri simile non est , eam ifra annos decem alios poste discidi . ostendit et mihi dudum dum Parisiis morabar hospes meus ꝓcessum suum in scriptis , quem in curia pliam̄ti ibidem ipse tunc octo annis ꝓ quatuor solidatis redditus , q de pecunia nostr ’ viii . d . non ex cedunt ꝓsecutus est , nec sperauit se in octo annis aliis iuditium inde optēturū . Alios quoque nonnullos nouicasus ibidem , his similes , sic qd leg . Angliae non tantas , vt mihi visum est , dilationes sortiunt ’ vt faciunt leges regionis illius . Sed reūa ꝓne cessariū est dilation̄s fieri in ꝓcessibus omni actionum , dummodo nimium ipsae non fuerint excessiuae . Nam sub illis , ꝑtes et maxim̄ ꝑs rea , quam sepe sibi ꝓuident de defensionibus vtilibus , similiter et consiliis quibus alias ipsi carerent . Nec vnquam in iudiciis tantum īminet periculum , quam tum parit ꝓcessus festinatus . Vidi nempe quondam apud ciuitatem Sarum , coram iudice quodam ad gaolam ibidem de liberādā , cum clerico suo assignato mulierem de morte mariti sui infra annum ab interfectione eius attinctam similiter et cōbustam , in quo casu licuit iudici illi vsque post annum illum arrettamentū siue disration̄ mulier ’ illius respectuasse et post annum illum vidi vnum de seruientibus i nt erfecti illius , coram eodem iusticiario de morte eiusdem magistri sui cōuictum , q tunc publice fatebatur ip̄mmet solum magistrum suum occidisse , et magistram suam vxorem eius tunc cōbustam innocentem ōnīo fuisse de morte eius : quare ipse tractus et suspensus fuit . Sed tn̄ ōnīo , etiam in ipso mortis articulo mulierem cōbustam īmunē a crimīe illo fuisse ipse lugebat . O quale putādū est ex hoc facto conscientiae discrimen et remorsum euenis se iustic̄ illi tam p̄cipiti , q potuit ꝓcessum illum iuste retardasse ? Sepius ꝓh dolor ipse michi fassus est , qd ’ numquam in vita sua animum eius de hoc facto ipse purgaret : crebro etenim in deliberationibus iudic̄ maturescunt . Sed in accelerato processu numquam Quare leges Angliae essonium admittunt , qualia non faciunt leges aliae mund vniuersi . Nonne quam vtil ’ sunt vocatiōes ad warrantum ? Auxilia de his ad quos spectat reūtio tenementorum q in placitum deducunt ’ et qui hēnt euidentias eorundem . Auxilia etiam de coꝑticipibꝰ q reddent ꝓ rata , si tenement ’ cōꝑticipi allottatum euincatur et tamen hec , dilationes sunt : sicut tu princeps alias nosti ex doctrina m●a . Et dilationes his similes leges aliae non admittunt neque leges Angliae friuolas et infructuosas ꝑmittunt inducias . Et si q in regno illo dilationes in placitis minus accomodae fuerint vsitatae in omni parliamento amputari illae possunt etiam et omnes leges aliae in regno illo vsitatae cum in aliquo claudicauerint , in omni parliamento poterunt reformari . Quôrectê concludi potest , qd ’ omnes leges regni illius optimae sunt , in actu vel potentia , quo faciliter in actum duci poterunt et in essentiam realem . Ad quod faciendum , quotiens equitas id poposcerit , singuli reges ibidem sacramento astringuntur so lempniter prestito tempore receptionis diadematis sui .

The lawes of England are right good , the knowledge whereof is expedient for kynges . Yet it shall suffice them to haue but a superficiall knowledge of the same Cap. 54.

I Haue wel & euidently perceaued , quod the prince , by the processe of your talke good Chauncellour , that those lawz are not onely good , but also of most perfecte & excellent goodnes . And if any of them haue neede to be amended that may quicklye bee done as the fourmes and orders of the parliamentes there do plainlye prooue Wherfore the roialme is euer really or potentiallye gouerned by most excellent and most worthie lawes . And I doubt not but that your instructions in thys our talke shal bee profitable for the kings of Englande whiche hereafter shall bee : so that they haue noe pleasure in gouernynge by vnpleasaunt lawes . For the vnhandsomnes of the toole or instrumente werieth the workmanne : and a blunte pike or a dulle sweorde makethe a cowardelye souldiour But like as a souldiour is encouraged to fight not onelye when hee hathe handsome and fitte weapons in a readynes , but also much more when he is expert and skilfull in warlike actes , accordinge to the saying of Vegetius in his boke of chiualrie , the knowledge & connyng in martiall feats ministreth boldenes in fightinge ( for no man feareth to do that whiche he trusteth hee hathe well learned ) in lyke maner euery kinge hath a feruent zeale , & earnest desire to the maintenaunce of Iustice , not only knowing the lawes , whereby the must be don , to be most iust , but also beinge skilful in the forme & nature of the same . Whereof it shal suffice the prince to haue onely an vniuersall , a superficial , & a confuse knoweledge , the discreete and determinate perfectnes , & deepe vnder standinge of the same beeynge lefte to his iudges . So also oughte all princes to bee wel seene in the holye scriptures of god , as sayethe vincentius Beluacensis in his booke of the morall institution of princes Forasmuche as the scripture aboue mentioned sayethe that vayne are all theye in whom is not the knowledge of god and for that in the sixteen the chapter of the prouerbes it is thus written . Let prophecye or the woorde of god be in the lyppes of the kynge , and then hys mouthe shall not go wronge in iudgement . And yet is not a kinge bounde to haue profounde knowledge , and determinate understanding in the holy scriptures , as it becommethe a professoure of dyuinitye . For it shal be ynoughe for him suꝑficially to tast the sentences therof , as also of his lawes . Thus did Charles the great , Lewes his sonne , and Robert sometime kinge of Fraunce whoe wrote thys sequence .

Sancti spiritus adsit nobis gratia : and diuers other princes , as the foresayde Vincencius in the fiftenethe chapter of his booke aforesayd plainly shewethe . Wherfore the doctors of the lawes do say , that an emperour beareth al his lawes in the box of his brest : not for that he knoweth all the lawes reallye & in deede , but for that he vnderstandeth the principles of them , lykewise theire fourme , & theire nature : in whiche respect he is iudged to bee skilfull in all hys lawes . Whiche also he maye alter , chaunge , and repeale . So that in him are potentiallye all his lawes , as Eue was in Adam before she was made . Butte now , good Chauncellour seeynge I perceaue mye selfe sufficientlye perswaded to the studie of the lawes of England , whiche thing in the beginninge of this worke you promised to perfourme , I wil no longer trouble you in this behalfe . But thus I instantly desire you , that ye wil instruct me in the principles of the law as you once began to doe And that you will teache me to knowe and vnderstande the fourm and nature thereof . For thys lawe shall bee euermore peculiar to me amonge al other lawes of the worlde , amonge the whiche I see it shiene as lucifer amonge the starrs . And forsomuch as I doubt not , but youre intent , whereby you were moued to this conference is fully satisfiyd : bothe tyme and reason requirethe , that we make an ende of our talke , yeeldynge therfore laudes and thankes to him , whiche beganne , furthered , and hathe fynished the same . Whom we call Alpha et O , who also be praysed of euerye lyuinge creature . Amen .

Finis .

Princeps . Leges illas nedum bonas sed et optimas esse cancellarie , ex ꝓsecutiōe tua in hoc dialogo certissime deprehendi . Et si q ex eis meliorari deposcant , id citissime fieri posse , parliamentorum ibi dem formulae nos erudiunt . Quo realiter potētialiterue , regnum illud semper prestantissimis legibus gubernatur , nec tuas in hac concionatione doctrinas futuris Angliae regibus inutiles fore conijtio , dum non dilectet regere legibus quae non delectant . Fastidet namque artificem ineptio instrumenti , et militem ignauum reddit debilitas lanciae et mucronis . Sed sicut ad pugnam animatur miles cum nedum sibi ꝓnasīt arma , sed et magis cum in actibus bellicis ipse sit exꝑtus , dicente Vegetio de re militari : qd ’ sciencia rei bellicae dimicandi audaciam nutrit , Quia nemo facere metuit quod se bene di dicisse confidit . Sic et rex omnis ad iustitiam animatur dum leges quibus ipsa fiet , nedum iustissimas esse agnoscit , sed et earum ille expertus sit formam et naturam , quas tantum in vniuersali , inclusiuè , et inconfuso principi scire sufficiet , remanen te suis iudicibus , earum discreta determinataque peritia et scientia altiori . Sic equidem et scripturarum diuinarum peritiam , vt dicit Vincentius Beluacensis in libro de morali institutiōe principum : Omnis princeps habere deberet cum dicat scriptura superius memorata : qd ’ vanae sunt omnes in quibus non est scientia dei , et ꝓuerbi .xvi. scribatur : Diuinatio , id est diuina sententia vel sermo diuinus , sit in labiis regis : et tunc in iuditio non errabit os eius . Non tamen profundè , determinatèue intelligere tenetur Princeps scripturas sacras , vt decet sacrae theologiae professor sufficit namque ei earum in cōfusô degusta re sententias , qualiter et peritiam legis suae . Sic et fece●ūt Carolus Mag●us , Lodouicus filius eius , et Robertus quondam rex Franciae , qui hanc scripsit seq̄ntiā : Sancti spiritus ad sit nobis gratia , et quam plures alij , vt in .xv. ca. lib. predicti Vincentius predictus luculenter docet . Vnde et doctores legum dicunt : qd ’ imperator gerit omnia iura sua in scrinio pectoris sui , non q̄a ōīa iura ipse noscit realiter et in actu sed dum principia eorum ipse percepit , formam similiter et naturam , omnia iura sua ipse intelliger ’ censetur q etiam transformare ille potest , mutare et cassare quo in eo potentialiter sunt omnia iura sua , vt in Adam erat Eua antequam plasmaretur Sed quia Cancellarie , ad legum Angliae disciplinatum mihi iam conspicio suffici enter esse suasum , quod et in huius operis exordio facere ꝓmisisti : Non te amplius huius pretextu , solicitare conabor , sed obnixê de posco , vt in legis huius principijs , vt quondam incepisti , me erudias : docens quodamodo eius agnoscere formam et naturam , quia lex ista mihi semper peculiaris erit inter ceteras legis orbis , inter quas ipsam lucere conspicio , vt lucifer inter stellas . Et dum intentioni tuae qua ad collationem hanc concitatus es , iam satisfactum esse non ambigo , tempus postulat et ratio , vt nostris colloquiis terminum conferamus : reddentes ex eis laudes ei et gratias qui ea incepit , prosecutus est et finiuit , Alpha et O quem dicimus , quem et laudet omnis spiritus Amen .

The table . AN Introduction to the matter . Fo. 3. The Chanceller moueth the Prince to the knowlege of the lawe . Fo. 4. The Princes replie to the motion . 7 The Chauncellour fortifieth his assertion . 8 The Chauncellour proueth that a Prince by the lawe may bee made happye and blessed . 10 Ignorance of the lawe causeth contempte therof . 14 The Chauncellour briefly repeteth the effect of his perswasion . 17 The Prince yeldoth hym self to the studye of the lawes , though he bee yet disquieted with certein doubtes . 19 So muche knowledge as is necessarie for a prince is soone had . 20 A kinge whose gouernement is politique cannot chaunge hys lawes . 25 The Prince demaundeth a question . 27 The aunswere is omitted , for that in an other woorke it is handled at large . 28 How kingdomes ruled by roya●●●ouernement onely , first beganne . 28 Howe kingedōes of politique gouernance were first begonne . 30 The Prince compend●●●sly abridgeth all that the Chauncellour before hath discoursed at large . 33 All lawes are the lawe of Nature , custōs , or statutes . 36 The lawe of Nature in all Countryes is one . 37 The customes of Englande are of moste auncient antiquitie practised and receaued of v. seuerall Nations from one to another by successe . 38 With what grauitie statutes are made in Englande . 39 A meane to know the diuersitie betweene the Ciuile lawes and the lawes of Englande . 41 The first case wherein the Ciuile lawes & the lawes of England differ . 42 Inconueniences that commeth of that law , which , no otherwise than by witnesses admitteth trials . 43 Of the crueltie of Rackinges . 46 The Ciuile lawe ofte failethe in doinge of iustice . 50 Howe counties are deuided and Sherifes chosen . 51 How Iurers 〈…〉 chosen & sworne . 54 How Iurers 〈…〉 to be enformed by euydences and witnesses . 57 Howe causes criminall are determined in England . 61 The Prince granteth the lawes of England to be more commodious for the subiects then the Ciuile lawes in the case disputed . 63 Why Inquestes are not made by Iuries of .xii. men . in other realmes aswel as in Englande . 65 The Prince commendeth the lawes of England of theire proceeding by Iuries . 69 The Prince doubteth whether this proceding by Iuries be repugnant to Gods lawe or not . 70 That the proceeding by a Iurie 〈◊〉 not repugnant to the law of God . 72 Why certeine kinges of Englande haue had no delyghte in their own lawes . 76 The Chaunceller openeth the cause which the Prince demaundeth . 77 The commodities that proceede of the ioynt gouernement politique & regall in the realm of England . 83 A comparison of the worthines of both the regiments . 86 The prince breaketh th●●●●uncellour of his tale . 89 The second case wherein the Ciuile lawes and the lawes of England disagree in theirs iudgements . 89 Speciall causes whye base borne children are not legittimate in England by matrimonye ensuynge . 93 The prince alloweth the lawe whych doth not legittimate children borne before matrymonye . 98 The thirde case wherein the lawes aforesayde disagree . 98 The prince approuethe the lawe whereby the issue foloweth the wombe . 102 The fowerthe case wherein the said lawes varye . 104 The prince commendethe the education of noble mens children beinge orphanes . 106 Other cases wherin the foresayde lawes differ . 108 The prince regardethe not a case rehearsed . 109 The Chaunceller sheweth why the lawes of Englande are not taughte in the vniuersities . 110 The disposition 〈◊〉 general study of the lawes of Englande 〈◊〉 that the same in number passeth certein vniuersities . 113 Of the state and degree of a serieant at lawe and howe he is created . 116 After what maner a Iustice is created , and of his habite and conuersacion . 121 The prince fyndethe faute wythe delayes that are made in the kyngs courte . 125 That delaies whiche happen in the kyngs courts are necessarie and reasonable . 126 That the lawes of Englande are ryghte good , the knoweledge thereof expediente for kyngs , and that it shal suffice them to haue but a superficial knowledge of the same . 129

Imprinted at London in Fletestrete within Temple Barre , at the signe of the hand and starre , by Rychard Tottill , 1567.