A counter-snarle for Ishmael Rabshacheh, a Cecropidan Lycaonite. By Sr. Edward Hoby, Knight, one of the gentlemen of his Maiesties Priuie-Chamber

Thrice — Worthy Gentlemen .

YOu are not to learne what a a Artibus impietas ingeniosa caret . Artificiall shadowes Heresie hath in all ages contriued , for the couering of her b b Monstrum horrendum informe , ingens cui lumen ademptum . vgly shape ; neither are you vnable to discern the counterfeit colours wherwith she hath varnished her c c Reuelabo pudenda tua , in facie tua . Nahum . 3.5 wrinkled deformities , for the alluring of the giddie world to her banefull lust . The truth is , she hath so long forged , and forced the countenance of venerable Antiquitie , by her impious positions , and whorish practices , that her vsurping impudence , and impudent vsurpations , haue now iustly occasioned , not only Church-men to dispute , but euen Lay-men to doubt of the authority of that Charter , wherewith their fore-fathers were so grosly deluded . Hence it commeth to passe that finding her self displumed of her wonted retinew , which shee is well-nigh out of hope to d d Jctus Piscator sapit . regaine , and depriued of those naturall supplies , wherwith her state was supported , & her pompe maintained , she now flieth abroad like a shrewish distracted malecontent , in her frantique mood , e e Vel vi , vel fraude valebo . pulling , haling , spurning , scratching , and tearing al that stand in her f f Aut inuentam aut ficiam viam . way : yea bee they neuer so noble by discent , eminent in place , profound in Iudgement , skilful in tongues , famous for learning , vertue , or experience in trauailes , if they g g Laesit qui non haesit . refuse to dance a round in her Orgions antick , she will be sure they shall not passe , without a broken head , or a black eye : witnes so many scurrilos & scandalous Pamphlets which haue of late bin scatterd ; wherin neither the highnesse of sacred Maiestie , the matchlesse gouernours of a well setled state , nor the sincere professors of a spotlesse truth , haue escaped without some vile blurr , and maleuolous aspersion , from one or other her suborned Pandars and whifling agents : Neither hath their inraged malice , as yet vented all those venemous crudities , wherwith their surfeited stomacks are surcharged , but as if they meant to make worke for a world of Galenists , and Paracelsians , they daily corrupt our pure ayre , by casting out of that sulphurious pit , no small quantitie of their infectious dregs , and hellish druggs , h h Iras viuaces gerunt . wherwith their vaine hope is , to cast the ignorant , into a senceless sleepe , and the learned into causeless disgrace .

§. 2.

AMong this i i Brethren in euill . Gen. 49. v 15 Vasa iniquitatis bellantia . fraternity , there is a fresh vpstart , ( vnto whom I presume Pandoraes boxe was entayled ) desirous to bee admitted . Hee is onely knowne vnto mee by the marke of I. R. but if I bee not mistaken in the k k 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gen. 16 v. 15. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Esa. 30.1 . Hierogliphicks , his familiars may salute him by the name of Ishmael Rabshacheh , he is so wholly compact of l l 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gen. 2● . ● v. 9. mocking and rayling , that hee well seemeth to haue the mixed quintessence of them both . This Polypragmist , forsooth , to shew his inuincible courage , and vndaunted spirit , ( which I must confesse doth many miles outstrip his leaden art , and heauy-heeld learning ) hath vndertaken the Combat with one of your m m Mr W. Crashaw . Lecturers , and professeth ( as if his breast were the store-house of Aesculapius his medicinall receits ) the present cure of all those festered wounds , which were by him discouered , in the diseased body of the Romish Church ; little remembring , that n n Roma iam ve●us est malum . old flesh , & inueterate sores , require more then ordinary skil ; and that it must bee a better tongue , then his mouth can yeild , to licke them whole . Notwithstanding , in this his presumptious heat , his swelling and pregnant wit , hauing by the windie incursion of superiour hopes , conceiued the Idaea of an ill propotioned Brat , where-with for want of a good Mydwife he hath beene in trauaile these fiue yeares , is now at length deliuered of a little prettie Pygmie : whom , as if it had descended of the stock of Hercules , he hath christned , The o o Nil nisi bella crepat , bella , horrida bella . ouerthrow of the Protestants pulpet Bables : and hath entred it into the Church-booke , to bee the worke of I. R. Rudent , ( I should say Student ) in diuinity , Anno Domi. 1612. And , as if he had had the law on his side , he hath p p Preface dedicatory . inuited your worthy selues , the Gentlemen of the Inns of Court , to the vpsitting . His hope , no doubt , is , that according to the law of Goshipping , you will dandle the fathers none boy , and sweare it is a iolly pretie ape . And so I protest you may : your verdite herein will not bee much amysse , for wot you what ? he hath taught it , in lesse then three monethes , to know mee better , then euer I knew my selfe . You would wonder to heare how in the lisping language it will name q q Pag. 7. D. Iewel , r r Pag. 7. 149 D. Andrews . s s Pag. 137. D. Morton , t t Pag. 8. D. Feild . u u Pag. 85. 91 303. Sir Edwyn Sands , and among the rest Sir Edward Hoby , as if it had beene acquainted with either of vs , twice seauen yeares at the least . Nay more then so , he hath breathed into it such a Criticque , and discretiue spirit , that it is able to controule , the valour , sincerity , and learning of the best of vs all . But trust me truely , it hath one propertie , which all this praemature forwardnesse , is no waies able to counteruaile : you will find it the most foule-mouthed Impe , that euer Cerberus bred or x x Tit. c. 1. v. 12 Crete saw . Yet must I not conceale the benefit , which I haue in my own perticular reaped thereby , which is not much vnlike , that which obliged y y Lib. 1. c. 13 Gelon ( of whom Aelian maketh mention ) to his yolping Curre ,

§. 3.

THis poore man , taking , ( as it may seeme ) an after-noones nap , fell into a very fearefull dreame , that his bowells were peirced with a thunder-bolte , the soddain and ghastly apprehension whereof , so affrighted him , that he sent forth most pitiful grones , in so much as his dog being not far off , and hearing the noyse , fel on barking , till at lengh he quit his Maister , of his sleepe and feare . Right so fared it with me , who thinking to repose my superlatiue z z 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Vulnera vulneribus non addas plura receptis . sorrow , ( for the losse of one onely Child , a vertuous and louing wife , a broken arme , a burning feuer , & weaknesse of eies , all in one yeare conglomerated ) by the solace of a rurall deuoted a a Deus nobis haec otia fecit . priuacy , fell , I know not how , to clyme the steepe hills of certaine craggy studies , and vnwonted speculations , and had not the belowing of this roaring b b Ouid. Met. lib. 1. Lycaonite , somwhat awakened mee , it is twenty to one , I had bin no lesse perplexed with c c 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Printed at Venice . 1593. Arca Noe , then Gelon with his dismal dream . Wherfore I should I much degenerate from my self , if in leiw hereof , I would not vouchsafe a litle conference with him , whose cal hath freed my braine from so great a burthen , And seeing he refers him-self to the censure of your learned society , of whose noble disposition , and renowned discretion , your nuptiall reuells , and graue pleadings haue giuen sufficient testimony , to the admyring world , I cannot repute it , the lest part of my hapines , that I am summoned to answer , at so honorable abench , against those vniust Cauills and d d 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 est morsus figura●us , qui sape , fraude , vel vrbanitate regitur vt aliud sonet , aliud intelligatur . Macrob. scommatizing imputations , which this falsefiing e e Ouid. Met. lib. 14. Cecropidan hath forged , against certaine passages , in a short letter of mine , which some few yeares since , past from my pen f f To Ma. T. H. to the presse . And here , before I enter the list , I must desire you , to be informed , that my purpose is not to forestal g g 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 M. Crashaws market , nor to put my sickle into his haruest , I doubt not but hee hath store of strong powders to mak him feele the smart of those wounds , which by drawing ouer a faire skin , he seeks to hide , and his Quiuer full of such forked shaftes , for the entring of the weake sides , of the Romish cause , that the best chirurgians , in the Iesuites Hospitall , shall hardly with all the art they haue , bee so hardy as to pluck them out . So far am I from vsurping the least part of his praise , that it grieus me to think , he shold waste his forces vpon so inglorious a h h Hic cum victus erittecum certasse feretur foe . The only straite that I am in , is , in respect of my self , how I should wade through with your good opinion , being to sute my Apology to the Ishmalites obiections , whereof some are personall , and cannot be well answered by my selfe i i Nec te collaudes nec te culpaueris ipse . without apparance of vainglorious ostentation , and some so friuolous , that I haue little or no vse of those my smale readings , which in a more materiall cause , I mought with greater pleasure to my selfe , and perhaps content to you , haue imployed ; But because I am singled out , onely to defend my selfe , I must craue your forbearance in this , till my fitter opportunitie inhable mee to repay your patience in a better kinde .

§. 4.

THe first Epithite with which it pleaseth this Hagueren to grace those my cursory lines is , the friendly censure , of k k Preface dedicatory . pag. 22. an vnlearned letter , as if him-selfe were l l Act. 8.9 . Habet quenda acul●um contumelia , quem pati prudentes as viri boni difficillimé possunt . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , such a one as had by his laborious industry , climed the top of Pernassus , and drunke the fountaine of Helicon drie : the triall hereof I referre , to the vnpartiall reader .

Indeed I cannot but ingenuously confesse , that I haue lost many m m Hoescio , quod nihil Scio howers , which I would be glad with double pains , and greater price to redeeme : yet haue I not beene such a stranger to those sacred Sisters , but that I haue seene Aristotles Well , and friendly conuersed with them all . And were it not that n n Vide . §. 3. my infirmities did suppresse the virility of my spirit , I could perhaps readily shew ( absit inuidia verbo ) as many of their fauors , as this boasting Ishmaelite , yea should hee seeke and search all the corners of his deske . Had any approued Artist , laid ignorance to my charge , I should the sooner haue suspected my selfe ; but when your wisdomes shall peruse the o o Si ego dignus hac centumelia , tu indignus qui faceres tamen . Solaecismes , crabbed phrases , and incongruities of this nibling Probationer , I doubt not but the comparison will purchase my Nullitie , the title of p p Mediocria firma . Mediocritie . In the entrance of his preface , which may serue as a Perspectiue to the rest , hee casts a Fygure , and rayseth such a number of iffs , that Barbarisme it selfe , would blush to reade them . If ( saith hee ) many seduced soules in our ( in this respect , ) vnhappy nation . &c. If if , &c. Heare is a iobbing Parenthesis , and a crabbed strayne indeed .

In this my learned Magnificoe , showes what refined stuffe we shall meete withal , in sifting the sequele of his discourse : Many a good mans dog , hath broken his leg ouer a lesse style . Now if I should spell all his iffs backwards , and turne them into so many q q Phi. nota faetoris . fyes , I might cry , fy vpon those r r Telas arane arum texuit . Cobweb allusions , so often iterated , that the margent would not contain , the perticular Pages , wherein the s s Pag. 4.20.22 . fower times . 31 36.50.57.58.59.133 . Spyder or Flye is praedominant . Fy vpon your accidental & genericall christening of t t Pag. 246. Bells and relatiue honor of u u Pag. 201. Images . Fy vpon the bird that defiles his owne nest , terming his country an x x Pag. 3. vnhappy kingdom , the Climat y y Pag. 36. Clownish , & infamous , the ayre grosse , and this Island an vsurper of the surname of z z Pag. 18. Crete . Fy vpon that blockish simplicity , that confounds a rhethorical acclamation , which the Prophet vseth to the a a Esay . 45. v. 8. Clowdes , and a theological inuocation , which the Papists direct to the woden b b Pag. 207. Crosse : not distinguishing betweene a Hyperbolicall exaggeration , and a Superstitious obsecration .

The like art he vseth vnder the priuiledge of a simple Metaphor , to diuide the kingdom between God , and c c The throne of mercy is hers by a Metaphor . pag. 168. the Virgin . Deserues hee not to haue your voices for the Rhethoricke Lecture ? Thus might I stuffe much paper , with many like vnsauoury d d P. 40. Baberies , wherwith being e e P. 52 absorpt , in his f f P. 44. extaticall contemplations , he perfumeth his il current and worse cadent lines . So that hee doth well to enioine the reading of his imaginary refutation as a g g P. 50. pennance to your iudicious eyes ; neither haue you any reason to stop him with a Nil minus , when in plaine tearms he confesseth , h h P. 50. Ex ore tuo te iudico . Factus sum insipiens , I am become a foole ; vnder this colour of affected simplicity , his desire is to passe , for Tom tell troth , that so with his fooles boltes hee might i i P. 14. cracke in peeces the credit of our English Church : But albeit hee slauer my poore letter , with his driueling tearmes , I wil yet do him his right , since hee will needes bee a foole , I dare vndertake you shall finde him a crafty foole . When any of their owne auncient Records are produced , he hath a trick to turne them oft in a trice , blearing his Reader , that these are but k k P. 7 23. worme-eaten sayings of an old glosse : when they are charged with lying stories , painted in their Chappels , that fault hee layes to the l l P. 15. Paynters pensil , and when they are vrged with idolatrous appeale , from God to the Virgine , and the like absurdities , hee shifts them off to the m m P. 37. Picto●i●us atque Poetis . Poets pen .

§. 5.

THus doth he with the long sided skirts of his fooles coat , thinke shiftingly to hide that , which he dares not doctrinally defend : betweene Poets and Painters he challengeth licence for his Church , to teach and write what shee list , without check and controle . Which idle conceit , hath so fully possessed them , that there are fewe , or none of their late Writers , who haue not beene free , of one , or both those ( so largely priuiledged ) companies . Their boundlesse , and groundlesse fictions , bewray the most to be either Poets , or Paynters ; when their Church Hymns are confessed to be but figuratiue Poems , and Poeticall fancies , and their pictures but Paynters deuices , you may ghesse of the insolidity of the rest .

I feare Rabshachehs n n Fy vpon a sloud of fools . fooles coate , will be well clawed by his Superiors , for telling of tales out of schooles , as also for discountenancing their highly esteemed o o P. 208. Breuiaries , and p p P. 156. Councells : And he well deserues it , as being the most brazen faced intrudor , that Fooliana euer harboured . You would wonder how he should lurke in the Parliament house , to publish our ( supposed ) q q P. 59. commaunds . Is it not strange , that a principall r r Earle of Salisbury . Secretarie of so great a state , should let fall to such an open mouthed fellow , his dislike , and resolution to discarde s s P. 52 Master Crashawes Sermon , as our Cecropidan , peraduenture , to raise some sinister suspition , pretends . Were he now aliue to heare those new inuented fictions , I wonder what he would thinke of such poring spies , and hollow-harted Intelligencers t t M. Tom. Dyrre . Did a Courtier of my acquaintance , who is not far behind him for learning , heare him as-certain so much , I smile to thinke how hee would looke . I presume the afore-said Councellor would soone cast a net to catch this fleeting Gudgeon , that makes himselfe so priuy to his inward thoughts : And yet ( though by all likelihood hee is not u u Out of the current of his natiue streams extra quatuor Maria ) this would not easily be compassed , For if euer any fellow were made of quick-siluer , this is he , as I verily thinke . One while he is in x x P. 322. Virginia , and can tell you what pease-pottage ( tawny ) the Minister did eate , whilest his fellowes were fighting . An other while hee is at an execution at y y P. 106. Oxford , and by and by he conuerseth with a z z P. 321. Credite Pisones . Gentleman of Honour , who bringeth him newes from my Lord De la Warres owne mouth : Nay , there can no sooner bee an argument propounded at my table , but hee hath it straight by the end . If he be now amongst the roaring a a Pag. 100. Rakehile , in the Colledge pumpe , he will in a moment bee inuisible , among the Gossippes in b b P. 185. 245 Pemblico : It is not vnlike hee hath met with Fortunatus his hat , his eares are as quicke , as his thought , and his pen so well feathered , that it follows him close at the heeles : whatsoeuer his Philautie presenteth , his heart crediteth , and his hand publisheth .

Among many other his imaginarie discoueries , hee would faine make vs beleeue , that hee hath beene with ( glorious ) c c Pag. 104. Qui vbique nullibi Q. Elizabeths ghost , taking vpon him to determine with what consorts shee is accompanied ; and as if hee had a priuy key to the closet of your hearts , hee is so shamelesly audacious , as vnder colour of rumor , to sound a false Alarum , informing his Readers , that d d Pag. 5. your generall dislike , of Mr. Crashawes intemperancie in writing , and folly in marrying , ( being held no conuenient qualitie for your Preacher ) did praesage his present discharge from his office . Is not this a daungerous mate , that hath such a number of Familiars , to send into euery e e But Picke . hatch , Bedlam Shorditch . Pag. 276. coast ? Can hee bee so carefull of your Honors , as hee pretends , that broacheth out of his fustie braine , such musty scandales , for the vilifying of your iudgement , and traducing the constancie of your faith ? No maruaile if hee taxe my learning , who laies so hard a censure vpon the blessed soule , of so worthy a Saint , chargeth a great Counsellor of estate , and your venerable Societie , with these surmises ; were that time bestowed in his theologicall studies , which hee spends in hunting after fabulous reports , hee might with more probability , haue made a greater breach into our Fort , then hee is now with his paper-shot like to performe .

§. 6.

YEt I cannot but commend him for his iugling , what hee wants in reall , hee supplies with personall imputations : I haue eaten more then a bushell of salt in Fraunce , the Lowe-Countries , Spaine , Portugal , &c. in all which time I cannot iustly accuse my selfe of any military seruice , by sea or land which I refused , or dishonorable disgrace which I pocquetted : Yet doth this Lycaonite , for want of better stuffe , display mee to be a Knight , f f Pag. 21. more famous for my penne , then my sworde .

It seems he grieues that I should sleepe in a sound skinne ; the truth is , as I was neuer forward in putting my selfe vppon the pikes of needelesse daungers ; so did I neuer turne my backe , where my aduersarie durst shew his face . g g Sua vulnera narrat . Miles gloriosus , beene long since a laughing stocke , to the whole Theatre : I haue euer held it more valour to let others feele , then for my selfe to make boast of the sharpenesse of my sworde . If I haue not beene famous for quarrels , it hath either been my happinesse , which hee seemeth to enuy , or my heedinesse , which hee hath reason to commend . Whether Mars or Mercury had the praedominance in my Natiuity , I am not so cunning h h Format enim natura prius no●intus ad omnem fortunarum habitum . a Starre-gazer to determine . It shall bee my greatest content , to stand as a i i Jsti adsimiles sunt abacorum calculis , qui & secucdum voluntatem Cal culatoris modo obolum aereum , modò , talentum valent J●a A●lici ad nutum Principis , modò beati , modò miserifi un● . Cypher , in what ranke of employment my Masters fauour shall bee pleased to place mee : To whose honor , and seruice , I will neuer be daunted to sacrifice my dearest blood . How this Rodomantado may vnderualew my worth , vnlesse hee were a more competent Iudge , the matter is not great .

§. 7.

HIs next flurte is at my witt , which ( saith hee ) k k pag 22. Were it aunswerable to my name , or my learning , as high , as my own conceite thereof , I were a soaring birde . Thus do his squibbes flie about to sindge my feathers . By all meanes I would not haue him lose this conceit . Marke the allusion : were my wit aunswerable to my name , I were a soaring bird : Well flowne Buzzard : I perceiue hee will flie farre for a iest : would hee not proue ( think you ) a good Anagrammist , that can descant so well vppon a name ? Well I am glad I had it for him , or else all this sport had beene mar'd . To iustifie my witte , were wit-lesse folly ; Yet if an ambitious spirit , had that little in keeping , I am perswaded hee should haue no great neede , to borrow of this indigent Artist : who would make vs beleeue he was borne in the ful moone , when wit was a dealing . The fates , no doubt , were very partiall , to emptie all their vyalls , into one caske ; It cannot be but he must needs haue a great skonce , that hath ingrossed such a masse of wit . There is no question but this Brauo will wel perform the gybing task , vnto which by the Ladies liberall purse — promises ( their former l l Spreta exolescuat , si irascare , aguita videntur . c. Tacit. Libels being turned into smoake ) he stands ingaged . If hee misse his pay let him sobbe for m m I. R. vnderstandeth me , she was of the arting kinds . her death , who hauing giuen first incouragement , did not long after , by Gods great mercy , ende her daies in a farre other manner , then he expected .

§. 8.

THe conceipt of my learning , wherewith my innocent thoughts are vniustly vpbrayded , cannot bee well remoued by bare words ; but had hee a window into my breast , to survaie the imaginations of my heart , his pen is not now so busie in censuring , as his tongue would bee diligent in reuoking . I am , God wot , too priuy to mine owne defects , to giue credit to any comparatiue attributes in that kinde . My desire hath bin to holde conformity herein , to my first breeding , and to keepe pace , with men of my owne ranke . Wherein , if I haue gayned so much as may serue for my owne meditations , and my Countries affayres , wherein I am interessed , I neither enuy them that haue more , nor disparrage those which haue lesse .

Whervpon this his surmize should grow , I cannot readily tell , vnlesse he find himselfe wrung with his owne n n Obtrectator magis m●rbum suum quam mores alienos prodit . shooe . Had I as much learning as hee wants , I could finde good vse for much more . The Apostle long since taught me , and lent me a brydle , which may serue as a curbe , to subdue the like motions of his swelling pride : o o 1. Cor. 3 v. 2. Si quis se existimat scire aliquid , nondum cognouit , quemadmodum oporteat eum scire . The greatest Tympany hath not alwaies the best burthen ; where the hill is highest , commonly , the grasse is lowest ; the deepest riuer runnes with the least noice , Sapere supra sobrietatem , p p O di pracocia ingenia . hath beene as dangerous in the Church , as pernicious in the state . A great Mast soone ouerturnes a little Barke , and hee which bringeth a great Armie into the field , without victuall or munition , is like to goe by the worste . Wherefore , how-soeuer I may be misconstrued , my course hath euer beene , by comparing that which I doe not know , with that little which I haue attained , to substract many ounces , from that ordinary opinion , which men of his profession doe in like case intertaine . It is for children to bee proude of Peacocks feathers , and for base aspiring spirits , to set out their paynted butter-flies with Eagles winges .

True generosity banisheth such base thoughts , if the q q Vino vendibili non o●us haedera . wine bee good , no matter for a greene bush . Wherfore I am well content to bestow this Cauill vpon the first r r Plaerique in id nati , vt neque ipsi quiescant , nec alios sinant . Thucid. founder , for his paines If his meanes may bee bettered , or his credit more currant , by the stampe which it shal receuie , from the partial hand of his ouerweening imagination , I shall not repine to see him make his best of such ordinary commodities . The world will perhaps wonder at my charity , and the rather for that hee further taxeth mee for , s s Pag. 22. fluttering in a webbe of weake s●unders , which is so vile a reproach , that patience it selfe would shrinke , if not sinke , vnder the burthen .

A man had neede haue the sheilde of Pallas to repell these poysoned dartes : but as longe as they flie from so weake a hand , without the vantage of firmer proofes , there is good hope they will neither fly flarre , nor peirce deepe .

§. 9.

WHat hee should meane by these weake slaunders , my dull brayne cannot conceiue , vnlesse he haue reference to those three Falsifications , where-with his seditious treatise , would gladly perswade Saint Augustine to finde him-selfe greiued . t t Pag. 134. This ( saith he ) is not onely , grose ignorance , but also great impudency , &c. Want of conscience , which I haue bewraied , in framing sentences for Sainst Augustin ; which he neither wrote , nor so much as dreamed of . And therfore he warnes Maister Crashawe that , in proofe of his assertion , hee bring not such testimony as the three alleaged by me , out of that Father , to proue he reiected the Machabees . Thus doth this Spider-catcher trauaise his ground , with a goodly flourish , as if he meant , with the weake Goddesses , to binde Iupiter : but if he bring not some Briareus to assiste him , it wil not be long ere he be u u Magn●is tamen excidit ausis . out of breath . Amongst all that I wrote in an 114 , pages , hee hath only a spite at one leafe , which lies in the heart of my letter ; and that the world may know hee is a man of his handes , hee puts euery sillable to the sword . One shall hardly finde such an Examiner in a country . I beshrew his curiosity ; Hee is so nice , that hee hath made Mee and my Printer allmost fall out , about setting x x Pag. 135. Grande piaculum . Razis for Razias . The best satisfaction I could get from him was , that if Master Ishmael be so strict for a letter , rather then he would stand in law with him , he would willingly graunt that last sillable , to y y Nunquam ego hominem magis asinam vidi him and his heires for euer .

This is he by way of amends content to set downe vnder his hand . And that you may see hee meanes no double dealing , he is well pleased , the whole world should be witnesse : adding this protestation , that he is sorry he hath withheld his due so longe . But to return to that Marble pillar , that glorious Saint , that euer admired Augustine , I cannot but deplore my hard hap , that I should be indited for the least wronge , done to him , to whose heauenly Meditations , sweet sayings , and learned discourses , I owe more then the half of my self . Would any man beleeue , that I shold father that booke , de mirabilibus sacrae scripturae vpon him ? z z Pag. 122. Varius ait , Scaurus negat . Rabshacbeh auerres that . Indeed I cannot denie that finding it in their owne Coppies in equall rancke , with those other bookes that goe vnder the title of Saint Augustine his workes , and hauing no other certaine , or knowne author , vnder whose name I mought cite it , I was loath to trouble the margent , with any Circumloquution , contenting my self only to note where it might be found . And this I did to a double end . First , to draw and extort from the aduersarie , an open confession of the falsehood of their forefathers , in packing and placing their bastardly brood , amongst the naturall children , and true branches of those Angelical Doctors . Which vniust dealing , hath not beene the least bane of the Christian world . Secondly , to inferre vpon their owne acknowledgement , and discarding this booke , that the testimonie euen of the most partiall , that vented their follies in those first declining yeeres , will steed them but very little , for authorizing the Machabees , from whence the foundation of their praier , and oblation for the dead was first deriued . As neere as I can remember , I thus argued with my selfe : If they grant that Saint Augustines penne doe feuer the Machabees from the diuine Canon , then the matter will bee soone at an end : and if they deny that booke to bee his , then how will they excuse the infidelitie of their Church , who hath in her time plaide manie such lewde prankes as this ? Or how will they answere Antiquitie , which distinguished these bookes eight hundred and nine yeeres ; before either a a The book de Mirabilibus , was written 627. vt . P. 133 Luther or Suinglius were borne .

So that my reply is this : If it bee a booke of no account , not sauouring of Saint Augustines wit , learning , and stile , then are they culpable either of forging , or maintenance , or both ; If it bee not his , why was it entertained ? why is it continued in their own editions amongst his golden works ? If they print it vnder his name , they may giue me leaue so to note it , where they might be sure to finde it . Yea , but b b P. 3. q. 45. art. 3. ad 2. teste Tho. Aquinate , it hath beene long since pronounced discarded : By like it will not serue the Popes turne ; why then welfare their honest Index expurgatorius , that will tell manie tricks of the like cleanly conueiance . In what an intricate age doe wee liue ? A man cannot , safely , read any their fathers , but he must turne ouer Thomas Aquinas , before hee can tell what workes are their owne ; and consequently , may catch a Snake , instead of an Eele , ere hee be aware .

§. 10.

THus you well see ( ingenuous Gentlemen ) how I haue quit my hands of the first falsehood , my scope being not then to prooue that booke de mirabilibus to be Saint Augustines , but first to euince them of forgerie , and then to shewe what their owne Antiquitie did manie hundred yeeres agoe thinke , of those Apocriphall books . Had I bin indeed perswaded , that it had bin S. Augustines owne off-spring , I should haue held it needles to cumber the breuity of a letter with more then one other proofe of the same Father ▪ But because I foresaw , that by this baite I should bring the opposite partie , to one of those ineuitable disaduantages formerly mentioned ; I therefore added two seuerall testimonies , ( which he cannot disauow ) to confirme the same truth ; in the alleaging whereof , hee cries out , c c P. 134. that I am a notorious falsefier . For triall wherof my pen prostrates it selfe to your censure .

The words by mee cited are these ; d d Mr. T. H. P. 60. Machabaeorum Scriptura recepta est ab Ecclesia , non inutiliter , si sobriè legatur , vel auditatur , maxime propter istos Martyres : whereupon my inference was this , Ergo ob hanc causam in Canone morum , non fidei censeri posset . Which last clause I wonder how it should so passe my sight in the re-view : For , perusing my first draught , I finde go written short in another letter , to distinguish my inference from his proofe ; It seemeth either my Manuaties haste , or the e e Dominum De um●n●strum Papam , not his Phrase but ouer-sight in print . P. 149. Printers misprision , hath turned go into ( sed ) as if the same had beene continued , whereas my English reddition was plaine . And that ( consequently ) they are in the Canon of Manners , &c. which Aduerbe , their former error caused them vtterly to omit . f f Verstij Parasceue . Such scapes oftentimes happen , when the Author himselfe cannot attend the presse . Now that you may perceiue there is no such Trophey in this casuall addition , which no man of sence would willingly haue suffered , when the Authors are obuious to euery eye ; you shall see , I had S. Hieroms authority for that inference , though I then did not quote him , whose words are these :

g g Jn praf . lib. Salomonis . Iudith , Tobiae , et Machabaeorum libros legit quidem Ecclesia , sed eos inter Canonicas Scriptur as non recepit : and hee explaines himselfe how this should be vnderstood , Legat Ecclesia , ( sayth hee ) ad aedificationem plebis , non ad authoritatem dogmatum Ecclesiasticorum confirmandam ; reckon all these together you shall find them amount to no lesse summe , then that the bookes of Machabees are in Canone morum , non fidei , censendi . Might it haue pleased him to haue sifted Lyra , Brito , Rabanus , and Caietan , whom I there cited , this matter would not haue beene such a beame in his eye .

How will he looke when Mr. Crashaw shal make him fly to his Printer for Sanctuarie in greater extremities , then the mistaking of a word ? Will you giue me leaue to praesage what he will say ? Admit this clause annexed be true in it selfe ; yet how can it bee collected out of these former words , when as S. Augustine , shewing that the Iewes doe not admit the booke of Machabees , as they do the Law , Prophets , and Psalmes , addeth Sed recepta est ab Ecclesia non inutiliter , si sobriè legatur , vel audiatur , maximè propter istos Martyres Machabaeos ; How can you then conclude , ergo , it is not Canonicall ?

Nay rather , the consequence will be this , ergo the Christian Church doth admit the booke of Machabees , as Canonicall in that sense , that the Iewes did refuse them , to wit as the Lawe , Prophets , and Psalmes , any of h h P. 135. which may more hurt then profit , if the same bee read in a drunken fit of a wanton wit .

This inference I grant is in another letter indeed , his Printer hath done him right to set it in his owne Character ; for neither did Saint Augustine dreame , neither would any sober setled braine stumble vpon such a sense . Doth not hee make Saint Augustine speake that which hee neuer meant , when hee rackes his words , inforcing him to say that Canonicall Scripture is receiued of the Church , with a Si , which is necessarily to bee acknowledged , though it fall out by default to bee Sapor mortis ad mortem ? or did hee dreame of such a drunken Church , as theirs seems to be by their cloyning of the Scriptures from the common people , least it should hurt them ? Had his purpose bin to set these books in the same throne imperiall with the sacred Scriptures , to what end dooth he instance in , those Machabees Martyrs ? This specification ( maximè propter istos Martyres Machabaeos ) declares where the daunger lies : implying , if wee sayle well by these rocks , there is ( though no necessity ) some vse of the rest . So that the words , rightly poysed will beare that distinction , which Saint Hierome , who was better acquainted with Saint Augustines meaning , and the Churches custome , dooth resolutely maintaine , that Canonicall Scripture must necessarilie bee receiued : as for other vncertaine writings , they may not vnprofitablie bee read :

And whereas hee confesseth that the Iewes , who were the best Surueyors of the authority of their owne Histories , did reiect them ; You may well thinke , hee held it small reason for after ages to intertaine them in the highest esteeme , as Iudges of their faiths : though hee saw many good things , for which the Church , with a little caution , did approue them .

§. 11.

THus for want of better sporte , this trifling companion , is faine to play with a feather , which when he hath blown vp as high as hee can , falls downe , and stickes vpon his owne coate : I cannot blame you if your i i Angligena attollant equites , peditesque cachinnum . laughter some-what passe modesty , when you consider how wittely he workes , vpon that clause , Si sobrié legatur , turning the weakenes of the iudgement ( which Saint Augustine vpon good probability feared ) into that intemperance of disordered affection , which was not by him intended . By this common acceptation of the word Sobriè ( in this place ridiculous ) hee glides to this needlesse conclusion , k k Pag. 135. that there is no story , nor miracle in the holy Bible , which some will not deride , when they bibble , and take l l Faeda Tobacciseriquid vult contagio sum , Prater inauditam perlus membre lu●m ? Tobacco , or when they read the Scripture , as Sir Edward Hoby doth seeme to doe Lypsius his booke , of our Ladies miracles by the fier side , when men roast crabs to driue à man out of à melancholy fitt ; m m To M. T. H. Pag. 102. I presume you haue read that discourse , so that I shall not need twise to present you with the same dish . Neuer did your eies behold such lewd lies , and incredible false-hoods , as that n n Aliquando fit in Eclesia maxima deceptio populi in miraculis sactis à Sacerdotibus propter lucrum L●●a . in . ca. 14. Daniel . Miracle-monger setteth to sale for sound truthes . It is not vnlike , that this probationer hath taken vp some store of them vpon trust , and because he cannot now so cleanly put them to sale , but that they still he vpon his hand , ( the dullest sent finding that they haue taken too much winde , ) hee therefore takes it in dudgeon that I should hinder his market by saying that o o Reddere personae sci● cenuenientia cuique . Lypsius is worthy the reading by the fier side , when men roast crabbs . This makes him as hotte as a toste . This roasting of Crabbs settes his teeth on edge .

Doe you see what a queasie stomack hee hath ? His p p Et data Romanis venia est in digna poet●● . Poets and Painters may lymme and faine , what ridiculous Chimaeras they please , by vertue of his dispensation ; But Sir Edward Hoby must be called in question , if hee chance to clap a q q Verbaque praeuisam rem non inuita sequuntur . wilde phrase vpon a vile fiction : As if I were now to learne of such an Hipodidascalian Paedagogue to r r Quo scribi possunt numero , quoue ordine dicam . measure my phrase by his s s Sibi conuenientia fingit . rule and line . Alasse poore Nouice , I haue liued a little too longe to goe to schoole to such an Ignatius as hee is , that cannot distinguish between a Helmet , and a Couentry capp . I haue euer held it art enough , for mee to please my t t Quem penes arbitrium est , et ius , et forma loquendi . selfe ; It is for such seruile pens as his , to write in Moode and Figure : But doth hee not ( thinke you ) deserue the wood of the Crabb , that is so angry with the Crab of the wood ? Can you deny that hee flutters in a web of foolish Baberies , when he bables of bibling & taking u u Nuga mea arguuntur , adeó factorum innocens sum . Tobacco . I am sure this is no mortal sin , though if it were , I haue litle reason to trauel to the Popes toe for a Pardon , no not if I were sure to haue the paring of his nayle with th' appurtenances for my paines . Shall I be so bold as to make you my confessors ? Then I confesse in my time I haue not beene an enemy to that Indian weede , and perhaps haue spent some-what that way , which had bin better giuen to the poore . Yet my tennants cannot say , but that my chimneys did euer smoak more then my nose . As for these late yeares , I doe not remember , that I had a pipe in my hand twice . So that the Informer may put vp this iest in his boxe ; If he be as free from all his olde vices , and drunken conceites , as I am from this vanity , hee shall not neede any great pennance . You may see how gladly hee would finde a hole in my coate , who catcheth so at a x x Et fumus et fimus . vapour , which is long since flowne out of his reach .

§ 12.

THe next flaw which he finds is a a Pag. 135. an imperfect Allegation of the same Father , without any direction where hee might finde it . In which he hath shewed himselfe a very kinde Aduersarie , by quoting the place , and adding the words which were wanting . I will not requite him with the Prouerbe , that profered seruice merits small thankes : but in lieu of his labour , I will more fully aduertise him of my scope , which hee seemes wholie to mistake . My purpose was from a ground out of Saint Augustine , to proue that the booke of Machabees is not Canonicall . My Major is S. Augustine , as well knowne as the Beggar knoweth his dish , In libris Canonicis , nusquam nobis praeceptum , permissumué , &c. In holy Canonicall Scripture there is no diuine precept or permission to be found , that either to gayne immortalitie or to escape any perill we may make away with our selues : But Razias mentioned in the Machabees , is commended for a fact of this kinde : Ergo , These bookes are not Canonicall .

This Syllogisme I had a desire to contract . b b Artis est artem dissimulare . Hee is a simple Painter that is driuen to write a Goose , or a Woodcocke ouer-head , that people may know what feature hee hath drawne vnderneath . Neither doe Rhethoricians vse to distinguish their propositions by name , leaueing worke for the Logicall Analysis , to set euery part in the proper place : Wherefore being then loath to be tedious to the Reader with long Quotations , I held it best to abridge two Authorities in one , and did forbeare to note the places , because I was resolued to deliuer the words by waight , and not by tale .

The words by mee deliuered were these : In sanctis Canonicis libris nusquàm nobis diuinitùs , praeceptum , permissumue reperiri potest , vt vel ipsius adipiscendae immortalitatis , vel vllius Carendi , Cauendique mali causa nobis ipsis necem inferamus . At Razias seipsum occidens laudatur . c c Pag. 135. These foure words ( saith he ) are added to the Text , S. Augustine hath them not . Farre was it from S. Augustines grauitie , to say , that Razias was therefore praised in the Machabees ; For hee saith the contrary in expresse termes , in the very same place against Gaudentius .

I will not be the man , that shall set S. Augustine at oddes with S. Augustine . I could gladly haue concealed it , if there be any such contradiction . But seeing hee sues me to iustifie my Assumption , That Razias is therefore commended in the Machabees , I must referre you to d d Lyra in 2 Mach. 14. Lyra , 2 Mach. 14. Where hauing deliuered two cases , wherein the Iewes held it not onely lawfull , but meritorious for a man to kill himselfe : as first , Ne subditus fieret peccatoribus : Secondly , Ne in contemptum Dei Coeli , eius vita in ludibrio haberetur : Hee concludes , Et vt dicunt aliqui , hoc modo intelligendum est dictum Augustini , quod habetur hic in Glossa : and , as some thinke , S. Augustines saying , which followeth here in the Glosse , is thus to be vnderstood . O that I could meete with that saying of S. Augustine , which I omitted to cite . Doth Lyra say , it followeth here in the Glosse ? then will I presume so farre vppon your patience , as to write it out . e e Lyra in Mach. l. 2. c. 14. Vnde & Scriptura huius Libri , quae recepta est ab Ecclesia ad legendum pro informatione morum , non videtur hic Raziam arguere , sed potiùs f f Marke Mr. Rab●echeth . commendare , de sui ipsius interfectione . Si autem praedicta non sufficiunt ad eius excusationem , potest dici quod fecit hoc per spiritualem instinctum Spiritus Sancti : Whereupon the Scripture of this Booke , which is receiued by the Church to be read , for the information of manners , doth not seeme here to reproue Razias , but rather to commend him for killing of himselfe , &c.

Now whether S. Augustine were of this minde or no , let it lye vpon Lyraes report , who here relateth , eyther the very wordes , or the receiued sense . Yet doth not this Sophister sticke to say , It was farre from his grauitie , hee read not that Booke with so little sobrietie . Howsoeuer , it is not much materiall , for hauing my Major out of S. Augustine , that in no Canonicall Booke there is eyther Precept or Permission for a man to kill himselfe , it is sufficient for mee , to proue from the assent , euen of the Rabbins , ( albeit that Father had not iumped in this point , as hee seemes to doe , ) that Razias is here commended : and so may conclude , That they are not Canonicall .

How would this dizzie brainde Ishmalite haue insulted , had I noted S. Augustine , de Ciuitate Dei , in the Margent , for the whole , which error a man might easily haue committed vpon Lyraes warrant , that my Clause and Minor Proposition , that Razias is therefore commended , was not onely held by the opinion of the Rabbins , but euen of Saint Augustine himselfe : Wherefore as hee hath found Saint Augustine for the first part , let him put Lyra to the last , and then I will passe my word , the Conclusion shall be free from his supposed collusion .

Did I doubt of the agilitie of your apprehension , I could be more prolixe in the explication thereof , but because I haue another Crow to pull with him , I will no further inlarge my Apologie in this point .

§ 13.

THe last g g Pag. 318. occasion which he pretends hath giuen him iust cause to carpe is , for that I said h h To Mr. T.H. Pag. 92. our English nation was not conuerted vnto Christ by that proud and insolent Augustine , their great Gregories delegate : affirming that he taught vs no more , then wee knew before , setting some friuilous Ceremonies aside . Wherevpon hee enforceth , that J neuer read that Master-worke of the three Conuersions of England , wherein the testimonie of Guildas , by mee cited , is largely handled and fully declared . Should I graunt all , I cannot see what inconuenience will ensue . Is there no better imployment of my time , then the pervsall of that Arch-fugitiues lines ? Or hath none besides of their faction beaten this bush , and harped on the same string ? Or am I in conscience bound to put the seale of my assent to whatsoeuer F. Parsons did write ? I confesse hee acknowledgeth that Saint Peter was here , hee mentioneth also ( perhaps vpon greater probabilitie ) the comming of Saint Paul , Simon Zelotes , Aristobulus , and Joseph of Arimathaea . Where doe I say , that they weary the World , and bob their credulous Ladies , as if they neuer had heard of Gildas his Testimonie ? I neuer named their Author , nor questioned that matter . Howsoeuer it please him to ioyne the pieces of two sentences together , which are almost a whole Page distant ; and to fetch his Marginall Note 92. Pages off .

Gildas his testimonie ( said I ) hath beene vrged that the Britaines receiued the Christian Faith from the beginning , and after many such like Instances , I conclude that these particulars haue beene againe and againe renewed , without any verified contradiction ; so farre was I from denying that their Author mentioneth not these , whom I well know hee hath particularly cited . That which I wondred at , was this , that notwithstanding the former instances by them not denied , they should stand so much vpon the Conuersion of England , by Saint Gregories meanes ; at which I onely aymed , as if that originall and primitiue Conuersion , had beene a matter which they neuer heard of before . When they haue made the best they can of it , it will proue at the most to be but a new supply , and a further propagation of the Gospell formerly preached among the Inhabitants of this Land . For , if Britaine were many hundred yeeres before that time conuerted ( as themselues confesse , ) then did not Augustine lay the corner-stone himselfe , but built vpon the Foundation of other men .

So that the particulars were not by mee specified , as if they denyed them , but to proue from their owne acknowledgement , that they had therefore little reason so to magnifie the enterance of that Delegate , with the glorious stile of the Conuersion of this English Nation .

§ 14.

NOw , whereas hee further replieth , that the people of this Country ( the Britaines being expelled ) were then Heathen : I demaund , whether hee found not in Britaine , at his Arriuall , amongst the English Saxons , seauen Bishops , and an Arch-bishop , who were not onely Professors , but also Preachers of the Christian Faith ? Were there not at that in the Monasterie of Bangor two thousand Monkes ? Was not i i Bed . lib. 1. c. 25 Q. Aldiberga a good Christian before hee came into Kent ? or had the Bishop her Chaplaine no Faith at all ? Will hee not beleeue Bede , k k L. 1. c. 17. who writeth that before Augustines comming , the Britaines were infected with Arianisme and Pelagianisme ? Perhaps this Cure deserued the name of a Conuersion : yea , but Augustine was not the Physitian . The French-men ( saith Bede ) at the request of the Britaines , met in a Synode , and sent Germanus and Lupus , by whom the Heretiques were confuted , and the auncient Faith reuiued , before that Monke set foote vpon English ground . But because hee is so confident in the three Conuersions , as if that Mallet were able to strike all dead , let him learne from his owne Author , that which I beleeue hee will be scarse willing to heare , viz. l l Part. 1. c. 9. n. 1. That from the time of K. Lucius , vntill the comming of Augustine , which was foure hundred yeere and more , they did not alter their Faith , but it remained among them when hee entered .

What is now become of this goodly Conuersion ? Dares hee let his witnesse be examined any further ? That Faith ( saith hee ) which Augustine brought , and that which the Britaines had before , must needes bee one and the selfe-same in all materiall and substantiall Poynts . Wee shall not neede to vrge him with further Interrogatories , the Iewrie sees hee failes in this Issue , and therefore their verdict will be , that It was onely a superficiall , and no substantiall Conuersion . Hath hee not now brought his Hoggs to a faire Market ? Hath hee read the Booke of the three Conuersions ? The case is so cleare now , that his m m Mulier nihil scit , nisi quod ipsa cupit . Ladies shall be able to conceiue it .

But suppose it were a Conuersion , I hope they presume so farre vpon Augustines honestie , that hee would not broach any other Faith , then that which his Master , by whom hee was sent , had giuen him in charge . If so , what will become of the Popes Supremacie , Images , Merits of workes , and the like trash ; which that n n Catholike appeale for Protestants . Way to the Chur. Sect. 49. Gregorie was so farre from countenancing by his authoritie , that hee disclaimed by his Penne ? So that if he were a Founder , yet was it not of that Faith , which the B. of Romes Proctors doe now so stifly maintaine : and consequently this imaginarie Supposition will bruise their owne Pates . But how shall I then scape his hands for wronging Augustine ? Hee cannot endure to heare him tearmed a proud and insolent Delegate : indeede , were my Malice the Mynter of this contumelious reproach , I confesse hee had no reason to stand with his finger in his mouth ; but hee might haue done well before hee had growne into such a choler , to haue taken Counsell of the Britaine BB. o o L. 2. C. 2. Bede would haue informed him how Lordly hee sate in his Chaire , like a little Pope , p p Vultus animi index . neither arising nor bowing to the BB. when they came into the Synode , more like a Lord , hauing dominion of their Faith , then a Conuerter , beseeching them in the Name of the Lord Iesus . Those BB. were not so simple , but they could q q Ex vngue Leonem . discouer his Pride , and therefore endeuoured to ouer-thwart him in whatsoeuer hee proposed . Well did his Master perceiue his ambitious spirit , when hee gaue him this cooling Card touching the BB. of France ; r r Greg. resp. ad inter . Aug. Bed . l. 1. c. 27. In Galliarum Episcopos , nullam tibi authoritatem tribuimus : Wee giue you no authoritie ouer them . All this notwithstanding , I must haue my lips sealed , not daring to say , that Hee was a proud insolent Delegate . I see no reason why vitium and conuitium should be parted : seeing hee deserued it , hee is best worthy to haue it .

Were I now in his case , I should be in a pittifull feare least the Noble Ladies , whom hee hath so grossely deluded , should like so many Hecubaes , seeke some violent reuenge : what starting hole can there be possibly found , to hide these his writing falsifications from their curious eyes ? when they shall perceiue how he coniures my sentences together , to raise his owne sence , hee may well thinke their Contributions will be soone shortned , and Exhibitions reuoked : farre is it from their generous dispositions to giue incouragement to any such audacious Vassall , in the causlesse traducing of a Knight , to whom their Honors is no lesse deare then his owne .

§ 15.

IF hee haue any Plea for himselfe , it will be this ; that s s Pag. 133. 135 22. 218. &c. hee doth not charge the Knight with these ignorant and impudent corruptions : No , hee thinkes not so dishonorably of men of my calling ; hee aymes onely at the Minister that suggested vnto mee these corrupted pieces of Saint Augustine . His purpose was onely to gall those Pedanties , Trencher-Schoole-Masters , and humorizing Discoursers , that cast such Flies and follies vpon my Trenchers : If hee haue taxed mee with ignorance , that is pardonable in a Knight : but as for notorious falshoodes , hee is so charitably perswaded of mee , that hee knowes some Trencher-Minister , or Mercenarie Lecturer , ( yea , Mr. Crashawe himselfe , who is great in my Booke , ) hath cast them on my Trencher , to put into my Booke : and that these Ministers haue made mee print such stuffe , eyther false , or impertinent , with the losse of my Honor , which had I seene their Bookes I would neuer haue done against my Conscience and knowledge . Adding further , that what J haue written , it hath beene by their suggestions , as hauing my selfe not read , nor knowne so much as the subiect and Argument of the three Conuersions of England , which I seeme to speake against : and that these are the men that made mee flye hood-winck'd to catch Flyes . In fine , as for any thing that hee hath written , it was to no other end , but that I might no longer trust my Trencher-Schoole-Masters , but set such a frowne vpon them , that they might vanish out of my sight for euer ; not suffering my selfe to be thus troubled , and my Credit blowne vp , but rather to lay the matter of the Pamphlet vpon the true Father , onely chalenging to my selfe the Stile and Phrase which may well beseeme a Knight , and is too rich and golden to clothe the foule Brat of a Ministers Braine . Thus doth hee pleade without his Fee , making the Salue worse then the (t) (t) Cauda & capite mendacium grauiter ferit . Sore : first , treading on my Toe , and then crying mee mercy : but the best is , I am not troubled with Cornes , or if I were , I would soone cut them out . What hee striues to perswade the world with my disabilitie , I am not so (u) (u) Conuitia hominum turpium laudes puta . popular much to heed : neyther can his (x) (x) Cani latranti praeda facilè , elabitur . snarling surmises abate one graine of my esteeme . My eyes are not yet , I thanke God , so dim , but that I am able to reade ; nor my apprehension so dull , but that I can vnderstand , not onely the Argument , but euen the most artificiall conueyance of the best of their Workes .

Vpon my life hee hath beene an old notorious Truant : Had he made (y) (y) Sic vos non vobis . his owne Exercises when hee went to Schoole , hee would neuer haue beene so suspicious of my Penne. Is it not strange such a Dottrell , should so presume of his owne wit , as if hee were able to wooe me to diuide mine owne childe ? I assure mee , that all that know me , will vndertake I was not from home when it was begotten . How easily would I haue beleeued him vpon his word , that there was no hand in the building of his (z) (z) Nec oleum , nec operam sapit . Pinnace , but his owne ; yet will not hee take my (a) (a) Ego credidi ancillae tuae , tu non credis mihi ipsi ? hand for the naturalizing of my owne Lines , which as I had strength to beget , so doubt I not to finde stocke to maintaine . Were I so happy to see him at my (b) (b) 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Table , ( which runs much in his minde ) I presume I should so set his tongue a-worke , that he should doe mee little harme with his teeth . Hee should perhaps then finde , that I am yet able to cite more then a piece of Augustine , without a Prompter ; and to cast such a Bone vpon his Trencher , that with all the Dogges teeth he hath , hee should hardly picke . I haue seene in my time , as tall a Logician as hee , glad to scratch the best powle hee had for an answere . As I was euer different from their humour who loue to eate their morsels (c) (c) Vbi solitudo ibi solicitudo . alone , so hath it euer beene my desire to conuerse with men of the (d) (d) Plenum Theatrum est vir bonus , viro bono . best parts , that so I might by their readings better my selfe . And if at any time I met with a hard knot , hee was the best welcome to mee , that could helpe mee soonest to vnloose it . Neuer did I trust so much to mine owne Apprehension , but that I was well content to haue it eyther confirmed , or rectified by better Iudgements . If this be a fault , I wish from my heart it were the greatest my aduersaries knew by me , or I by my selfe .

§ 16.

I Doe not reade in Gellius that there was any fault found in Gracchus , albeit hee came not at any time to make an Oration to the people without his Minstrell , who by the sound of his (e) (e) Fistula Concionatoris . Pipe , did set him a right and iust Keye for the eleuating or depressing of his voyce . When I was an Eaton-Scholar , I learned out of Lucians Dialogues , that Iupiter was faine to send for Vulcan and his hatchet , before Pallas could come into the world : So that I cannot well discerne what reason hee hath to debarre mee of that conference at my Boord , which their owne Doctors haue in their Libraries . If happily I did moue a Question , how S. Augustine was in such a place to be vnderstood , it did argue my (f) (f) Plus vident oculi quam oculus . care in sounding the depth of the Riuer , before I launched my Barke into the Streame . I was euer of Demosthenes minde in this , that my writings should not onely smell of the (g) (g) Lucernam olet . Lampe , but if it were possible , be engrauen also in (h) (h) Atilan ok dunmes . Marble . But that I euer suffered my Penne to be guided , or my course ouer-ruled by any other Pilot then my owne Genius , were hee not a meere stranger to my proceedings , hee would neuer be so shamelesse as to auerre . Though it be my error , yet I must needes say , I could neuer endure to let my Clarke passe any Letter , but from my owne mouth : And should the greatest Architect in the Land , giue mee a plot for a building , I am verily perswaded , I should in the end take a cleane contrary course . When I can hardly please my selfe , it will be a matter of more difficultie for others to giue me content . Euery man ( as I take it ) hath his proper (i) (i) Quot capita , tot 〈…〉 . veine : for my particular I dare say , it is vnpossible for the pallat of my fancie , to be fitted by any other Cooke then my selfe . Should I haue eyther an Adjutor , or Supervisor , in any worke I vndertake , I thinke it would proue little better then the confusion of Babell : Wee should sooner fall together by the eares , then bring the Treatise to an end .

The short is , I am Homo perpaucorum hominum , though seeming a Widower , yet contracted to Mris. Folly : I can gladly heare what others will say , yet when it comes to the point , I loue to doe what (k) (k) 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . likes my selfe best . Wherefore hee hath taken wrong course , to wound M. Crashawe ( a man with whom I neuer had the least domestique conuerse , ) through my sides .

§ 17.

AND as for House - Pedantes , Trencher-Schoole-Masters , and Mercenary-Lecturers , he that reades my bitter ( yet iust ) l l To Mr. T. H. Pag. 24. inuectiue against them , will thinke they haue as little reason to assist mee , as I to trust them . Wherefore I cannot guesse , why hee should cast this foggy mist of misprision before the eyes of the world : ( euer and anone comming in with A Minister of his owne making , ) vnlesse it were couertly to vpbraid mee , for medling in Theologicall affaires , as better beseeming a Minister then a Knight . Herein though I could instance in persons of greater place , euen in former ages , who by publishing their labours in the like subiect , were so farre from reproofe , that they were much more honoured by men of the Church : yet had I rather repaire for defence to my owne Studies , which ( setting some fantasticall yeeres aside ) hath for the most part beene spent in diuine Authors . My (m) (m) Ditescit cui Christus dulcescit . Patrimonie ( God be thanked ) being competent , I endeuoured rather the search of my content , then my profit . And what greater contentation can there be , then the contemplation of (n) (n) 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . heauenly things ? If he say , I might haue kept my Candle vnder my owne Bushell , I must answere that his opinion is no Oracle : for besides some other priuate motiues , I held it not inexpedient , euen in this regard , that the truth might be defended by persons whose pennes could not be corrupted with ambitious hope of (o) (o) Because ( saith he ) they haue no other meanes to liue . Pag. 31. spirituall promotions .

Further , the report of the Writer might happily induce the Ladies to vouchsafe the reading thereof , whereas their Priests debars them the sight of our Ministers Bookes . I was loath such rare creatures should be ouer gudgeoned by so foule Popinians , by whom , when their treasure is once wasted , and their younger yeeres spent , they shall be no more esteemed , then so many Motheeaten Glosses : which ( albeit they haue formerly stood them in stead ) they are not now ashamed to disclaime .

Other incitements I had then to write , which he hath neyther authoritie to extort , nor I reason to declare . And because I then passed my word , to answere any (p) (p) To Mr. T. H. Pag. 6. Romefied Renegado , though I haue small reason to defile my fingers with such a Pezantique Fugitiue , who is ashamed of his q q Les escrits iniurieux doiuent estre mesprises quand les auteurs sont in cogneus . P. Mat. Fathers name : yet least my silence might preiudice so warrantable a cause , I haue clapt my hand vpon this Gnat , which keepeth such an humming about my eares . This I was not ignorant of before I tooke my penne in hand for this combat , that I should gaine no more by coping with a namelesse Foe , then the Lord Chiefe Iustice (r) (r) Not long after the Statute made for burning of rogues in the eare . Cataline got , when his Studie was robbed , by the paper which was there left , with this Inscription : If any aske who hath beene here , Say it was (s) (s) I. R. Nomen & ●●en . Iack Rogue late burnt in the eare .

§. 18.

A Person not long since of eminent place , esteemed not least Politicall , after he had beene often ( as himselfe saith ) vexed with their (t) (t) Quò tristis Erynnis , quò fremitus vocat . Virg. 2. Aeneid . Erynnicall Libels , ( which are ordinarily addressed to persons of highest rancke ) at last vouchsafed a briefe (u) (u) An Answere to certaine scandalous Papers , printed 1606. Apologeticall answere ; but with this protestation , that hee neuer intended further Reply . Wherefore , as while he liued , Nature cast this lot vpon me , to be one of the nearest of his bloud ; so though hee be dead , I will iumpe with his discretion in this , that if eyther this Cat-sputtrer , or any other Hagaren shall hereafter inter-lace my name in their Spiders Web , (x) (x) Periti bellatoris est , non minus scire fugiendi artem quam pugnandi . aut Dormitabo , aut Ridebo . Were not the darknesse of my (y) (y) 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Windowes a sufficient Supersedeas , yet shall I by this meanes turne their Follies and friuolous Contumelies into the Trophies of my victorious Patience . Whereas , (z) (z) Prou. 26.4 . By answering a foole according to his foolishnesse , J should also be held like vnto him . It is more then enough , that I haue thus farre yeelded to (a) (a) Pag. 52. bray him in this Morter , with the Pestle of my Penne ; if the iuyce be vnpleasing , you must attribute it to the venome of his cankered Complexion : better things I could not extract from such an Aspe .

If you seriously obserue his lame and goutie Arguments , his dangerous intention , and slender prosecution , you shall finde iust ground to say of his Treatise , as (b) (b) Populi Romani legationem , nec pedes , habere , nec caput , nec cor. Cato merrily spake of the three Ambassadours , who being named for Bithinia , excused themselues ; one by a cut in his head , another with a paine in his feete , and the third with a gryping in his heart : neither whole head , good feete , nor sound heart .

§ 19.

IN his Preface Dedicatorie , hee brags , that hee hath sent out his Booke , as a Pinnace , to fetch you into the Arke of the Catholike Church : But I feare by that time Mr. Crashawe hath searched his bottome , it will proue no better then a leaking Friggot . His Sailes are too great for a Vessell of so small burthen , and consequently most like to indanger the Passengers safetie . If all those Bookes , which hee complaines are not suffered to passe our (c) (c) Pag. 89. Ports ( except almost inuisible ) be like this (d) (d) Pag. 8 Dung-hill of his , let it euer be registred in the Booke of fame , amongst the due Commendations of that famous , superlatiuely learned , and Noble (e) (e) Lo. Warden of the Cincque Ports . Councellor , to whose care this important charge is committed ; that hee hath herein testified his loue to Religion , fidelitie to his Prince , and loyaltie to the State : As his wisedome deserues to be admired , and his lenitie applauded , so doth his sinceritie herein merit high renowne in the Gates of our Sion . For should the infectious Manuels of these pestilent incrochers be passable in our Coast , the contagion would be such , that true Pietie could not long holde vp the head , nor due Alleagiance be able to stand vpon her right feete . The giddinesse which (f) (f) Superstitio initium prabuit , & ortum impietati . Superstition would breede , and the Disobedience which Papall Authoritie would raise in the mindes of the vnlearned , whose Capacities are not able to reach the future perill of Innouation , would be so dangerous to a Christian , and well gouerned State , that it would aske the whole imployment of the most experienced Senators , to roote out the weedes which those enuious impes had sowne . All which will be preuented if at their first Arriuall they be cast (g) (g) 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

I shall not neede any further to weary my selfe , or tyre you , with the repelling of those inuectiues which this Tenebrio hath sharpened vpon the Whetstone of his malice , to wound my reputation . This shall I hope suffice , that I haue as neare as I could , solidly answered things of waight , dealing in points of lesser import , as I thought their qualitie did require .

§ 20.

THE due regard which I euer had of your iudgements ( hauing my selfe beene sometimes an vnworthy member of the same (h) (h) Middle Temple . Societie ) hath made mee desirous not onely to send my Defence after his accusations , but also to second it with a further manifestation of my Loue .

May it then please you to take notice , that howsoeuer hee seeke to insinuate himselfe by his charitable pretences into the bosome of your fauors , yet hath hee not left his (i) (i) Loquitur mendacia versipellis . Pag. 12. Scorpions sting at home : For notwithstanding hee fathers his Dedication vpon the (k) (k) Pag. 22. carefull respect of your Saluation and Honour , yet doth hee make no other reckoning of you , then of so many (l) (l) Pag. 81. Parlamentarians , whose Religion is steared by the Helme of the State , as if the Bookes of Statutes were the sole foundations of your Faith . Neyther doth hee sticke to say that you make your (m) (m) Pag. 59. Temples and Courts the places where silly Flies and fooles are caught , by your example as with a stale drawing others into the Snare . If this be the honor he bestowes vpon his friends , I will neuer be importunate with him to grace mee . Doe you remember what Gracchus said to a fellow that spake in disgrace of the vertuous Matron , his Mother Cornelia ? (n) (n) Eras . Apoth. Tune , inquit , Corneliam vituperare audes , que Tyberium peperit ? Dare thou ( saith hee ) traduce her , who brought so famous a Sonne as Tiberius ? The like answere might I retort in the teeth of this Thersites . Is he not past all hope of future ingenuitie , that fastneth his taunt vpon the venerable Mother of so many honourable Sonnes , saying , (o) (o) Pag. 22. That shee is more full of Cobwebs then any other place ? Did Scipio Nascica aske one which had a tough and rough hand , (p) (p) Rogauit hominem , num manibus ambularet . whether hee vsed to goe vpon his hands ? then , should he haue seene the brazen fore-head of this sawcie Malapert , hee might iustly haue demaunded whether hee hath not customarily crept vpon his face . It is well knowne to the Christian world , that these your famous Courts haue brought forth , euen in these latter yeeres , as many (q) (q) Tanquam eu Eque Treiane . sage Councellors of State , religious Iudges , gallant Courtiers , learned Pleaders , and worthy Gentlemen , as the Sunne euer saw . In which number I may both for his merit , and my respect , name that truely Noble Peere the Lo. Elmsmere , in whom it is hard to say , whether wisedome in the decision , or integritie in the impartiall execution of Iustice haue the prioritie . Well doe I assure my selfe , hee would neyther spare his authoritie , nor forbeare his best meanes to keepe Spiders from breeding , and Cobwebs from growing in those Courts , wherein himselfe hath spent much time , and gained so great renowne . So that the Fan of truth which he offereth to cleanse your Temples , may better be reserued by him , eyther to keepe off the Mothes from the olde Glosses , or the Flyes from the Priests (r) (r) Post sumptos Calices oscula musca dabit . lips : Herein you may doe the Pope yeoman seruice indeede .

§ 21.

A Greater Commendations there cannot be vnto you that are Students , and Professors of the Lawes of the Realme , then to manifest the sincere affection you beare to true Religion , by your liberall Contributions to such as may instruct you in the Lawes of God . The quarrell hee pickes with you about this , will more deepely imprint the Charecters of your praise . Should you passe the presentation to him , who can tell what Lecturer hee would nominate ? No doubt hee would come in with , Ego Ishmael Rabsbacheh , (s) (s) Pag. 149. Domino Deo nostro Papa à scandalis praesento vobis , dilectum commilitonem meum (t) (t) I. R. Ischarioth de Rubigine , quemscio Homilistam esse egregium , Bibulum celeberrimum , Cantoremque non vulgarem , idque vobis meâ , fidê praesto , totique contubernio . Yea marry , here is a fine Demilance for the nonce : here is one that will be the formost attendant vpon my Lo. of the Reuels ; Hee will neuer holde you a quarter after the glasse is runne . But can you guesse what Countriman hee is ? For his life hee is not able to pronounce (u) (u) 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Shibboleth . Why then , you will none of him ! O beware of a quare impedit . But the best is , you haue the Law in your hands . You haue a purse priuiledge to be your owne Caruers . If the worse come that can , you may dismisse him to serue the Cure at Pemblico : and so perhaps you may regaine your old choise .

Yea , but Mr. Crashawe hath committed such an error , as deserueth depriuation ipso facto : Wot you what ? in his Iesuites Gospell hee makes (x) (x) Pag. 76. Dux Cleri to be the Popes chiefest title : which ( if wee may beleeue our Informer ) was neuer giuen him by any Catholike , but rather belongs to the Lo. of Canterburie . I will not be so curious to stand vpon the number of 666. thence collected ; but , set that aside , I dare say ; Crux Cleri had beene the better word for the Pope : and yet to meete with him at the rebound , I hold Dux Cleri to be but a part of my Lo. Graces Title , who by the goodnesse of his affable disposition , bounty in Hospitalitie , painfulnesse in preaching , and dexteritie in the dispach of all occurrences , hath well deserued the Stile of Lux Cleri , as being such a light in Choro & Foro , that if a man should search ( like Diogenes ) amongst all the Cardinals , hee should misse of his match . So that mee thinkes the matter neede not be held so haynous , if hee haue taken that part which my Lord might best spare , to pay the Pope more then his due . I see there is then no great reason of complaint : what other Cauils they haue against him , I am neyther so acquainted with the proceedings , nor interested in the cause , to debate .

Touching my selfe , ( all due reseruation remembred ) I conclude with him , whose questionable authoritie hath bred these broyles : (y) (y) Mach. l. 2. c. 15. v. 39. If I haue done well , and as the matter required , it is the thing that I desired : but if I haue written 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , slenderly and barely , it is that ( which on the sodaine ) I could . Howsoeuer , you must accept it , as dedicated to your seruice .

From Iames Parke , Iune 21. 1613. Edward Hoby .