A princes looking glasse, or A princes direction, very requisite and necessarie for a Christian prince, to view and behold himselfe in containing sundrie, wise, learned, godly, and princely precepts and instructions, excerpted and chosen out of that most Christian, and vertuous Basilikon dōron, or his Maiesties instructions to his dearest sonne Henrie the prince, and translated into Latin and English verse (his Maiesties consent and approbation beeing first had and obtained thereunto) for the more delight and pleasure of the said prince now in his young yeares: by William Willymat. Willymat, William, d. 1615. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A04235 of text S107563 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 14357). 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. 126 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 48 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 A04235 STC 14357 ESTC S107563 99843262 99843262 7979 2240934901

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 Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A04235) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 7979) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 994:02) A princes looking glasse, or A princes direction, very requisite and necessarie for a Christian prince, to view and behold himselfe in containing sundrie, wise, learned, godly, and princely precepts and instructions, excerpted and chosen out of that most Christian, and vertuous Basilikon dōron, or his Maiesties instructions to his dearest sonne Henrie the prince, and translated into Latin and English verse (his Maiesties consent and approbation beeing first had and obtained thereunto) for the more delight and pleasure of the said prince now in his young yeares: by William Willymat. Willymat, William, d. 1615. James I, King of England, 1566-1625. Basilikon doron. Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales, 1594-1612. [7], 88, [1] p. Printed by Iohn Legat, printer to the Vniuersitie of Cambridge. 1603. And are to be sold in Pauls Churchyard [, London,] at the signe of the Crowne by Simon Waterson, [Cambridge] : [1603] An adaptation of: James I. Basilikon dōron. Latin and English verse on facing pages. The words "Basilikon dōron" are in Greek characters. Even page numbers on recto. Reproduction of the original in the British Library. eng Education of princes -- Early works to 1800. Kings and rulers -- Duties -- Early works to 1800. eebo A princes looking glasse, or A princes direction, very requisite and necessarie for a Christian prince, to view and behold himselfe in, containing sun Willymat, William, 1603 96 17657 67 0 0 0 0 0 37.95 D The rate of 37.95 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the D category of texts with between 35 and 100 defects per 10,000 words. 2008-09 Assigned for keying and markup 2008-12 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2012-07 Sampled and proofread 2012-07 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2013-02 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

A PRINCES LOOKING GLASSE , OR A PRINCE DIRECTION , very requisite and necessarie for a Christian Prince , to view and behold himselfe in , containing sundrie , wise , learned , godly and Princely precepts and instructions , excepted and chosen out of that most Christian , and vertuous ΒΑΣΙΛΙΚΟΝ ΔΩΡΟΝ , or his Maiesties instructions to his dearest sonne HENRIE the Prince , and translated into Latin and English verse ( his Maiesties consent and approbation beeing first had and obtained thereunto ) for the more delight and pleasure of the said Prince now in his young yeares : By William Willymat .

Prov. 22.6 .

Instrue puerum , pro ratione viae ipsius : & quùm valde senuerit , non recedit ab 〈◊〉 .

Phocilides .

Dum teuer est natus , generos●… instrue mores .

PRINTED BY IOHN LEGAT , PRINter to the Vniuersitie of Cambridge . 1603. And 〈◊〉 to be sold in Pauls Churchyard at the signe of the 〈◊〉 by Simon Waterson .

TO THE MOST VERtuous , and famous young Prince , HENRIE FREDERICK , Prince of Wales , Knight of the most noble order of the Garter : Grace from God the Father , and all manner of happines and blessings externall , internall , and eternall , through Christ Iesus .

PHillip the King of Macedonia immediatly after the birth of his sonne Alexander , is saide to haue written vnto that most famous Philosopher Aristotle after this manner : Philippus Aristoteli salutem dicit . Filium mihi genitum scito , quamobrem dijs habeo gratiam , non perinde quia natus est , quàm pro co quod nasci contigit temporibus vitae tuae : spero enim fore , vt educatus eruditusque abs te , dignus existat & nobis , & rerum istarum successione , &c. But I may write vnto you ( O most worthie young Prince ) Deo Opt. Max. gratias habeto maximas , non perinde quia natus es princeps , quàm pro eo , quod à tanto Rege , talique patre divina benignitate genitum esse contigit , qui & potuit , & voluit , te suo ipsius cerebro , suo ipsius calamo , suo ipsius labore , cura & diligentia ita formare & erudire , vt & illo patres , & regnorum suerum successione dignus existas . Plato likewise is said to haue left it written that the Kings of Persia with great care and diligence , sought forth foure manner of teachers to instruct such their children , as they hoped should succeede them in their kingdomes : first the truest that might be found , which did euer teach them that truth in a king was alwaies most chiefly to be regarded , and maintained : secondly the iustest , who euer taught them that iustice in a politique gouernment was to be preferred : thirdly the temperatest , who alwaies set before them examples of temperancie : and fourthly the valiantest , who euer shewed them many things concerning fortitude , theoricall vertues , and the worthie acts of kings , Princes , and noble men , and exhorted them diligently to imitate good examples , and to eschew , hate , and vtterly detest the badde examples , and shamefull enterprises of wicked tyrants . But I may write vnto you ( most vertuous Prince ) that as our heauenly father hath liberally prouided for you by birthright , ( if you liue thereunto ) the scepters of diuers kingdomes ; so hath he also as louingly caused you to be borne the sonne of such a father , who as he is able through the rare and excellent gifts of God ; so by the penning of that his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for your onely selfe , he hath shewed himselfe in very deede to be answerable to those foure picked , sought for , and chosen teachers of the Persians . Doe but view , I pray you , and consider a while the foure qualities of those foure Persian teachers , and then weigh and examine your owne deare fathers Christian , and Princely instructions , and you shall right soone perceiue that his fatherly precepts there , vnto you commended , doe not a farre off point , and aime at those foure vertues by them seuerally taught , but rather in such aboundant sort ( considering his short and compendious manner of writing ) display , and lay open for your instruction , and admonition , first the trueth , I meane the most true prudencie of Gods most holy word , which he in earnest wise commendeth vnto you , in your selfe , and among your subiects to be especially regarded , and maintained . Secondly iustice which teacheth you to be carefull with great magnanimitie , wisdome , and discretion to preserue your politicke gouernment . Thirdly temperance , or moderation , which he chargeth you ouer and ouer againe , to obserue , not onely in your kingly offices and duties , but also euen in all things indifferent , as in your apparell , in your meates , and drinkes , your sleeping , your bodily exercises , &c. And fourthly fortitude , describing there vnto you , what true fortitude is , and wherein it truely consisteth . The which foure vertues , and many others , your fathers booke ( sauouring of no smal paines , diligence , & vigilant reading , ) entreated of ; which after that it came to my hands here in England ( since the decease of our late soueraigne Queene Elizabeth ) my wits were so rauisht therewith at the first reading , that I againe and againe read it ouer , and yet not sufficed therewith , I tooke pen in hand , and as my slender wit and abilitie serued me , I excerpted , and here and there picked out , briefly as I could , the fittest and principallest precepts and instructions , and those seuerally haue I translated into Latine & English verses , euery sentence into a Tetrastick Latine , & an Hexastick English , which in that suddaine phylauticall heate of my spirit , I haue caused here to be published , & presumed very boldly like a blind Bauius to commit them to the shrouding of your Princely wings , most humbly crauing that you would pardon mine attempt and grant them your fauourable protection : which if you will vouchsafe to doe , then shall both this hastie birth of my weake braine come abroad with more safetie from the nipping of all busie baweling barkers , curious cauillers , sawcie Sycophants , and all the factious familie of Momus his mates , and my selfe also as otherwise , so hereby the more bounden continually to invocate the Almighties maiestie , so to direct , gouerne , and guide all your actions with his holy spirit , that here in this life you may principally become zealous for his honour and glorie , then that you may in some good measure satisfie the heartie hope and desired expectation , patriae , parentum , & amicorum ortus tui partem sibi vendicantium ; And lastly , afterwards obtaine a portion in the number of Gods elect children in that heauenly Hierusalem .

Ruskington in Lincolnshiere this 6. of December . 1603. Your Fathers Maiesties most loyall subiect and both his and your humble Orator , William Willymat .

SPECVLVM PRINCIPIS .

Lib. 1. Speculum Principis : 1. Praeceptum . Deus cognoscendus , amandus , gratiae deo agendae . SIt tibi cura Deum cognoscere prima potentem , Proxima syncero complecti cordie amore : Quote maiori Deus insigniuit honore , Is sibi vult ; anto referatur gratia maior . 2. Praeceptum . Regi non conceditur liberior potestas peccandi quòd Rex sit . Non tibi liberior sceleris concessa potestas , Quod reliquos superas regis diademate clarue . Juspicitur populo minimus vel Principis error , Grandia cum nihili priuati crimina pendit . 3. Praeceptum . Reges quantum authoritate , tantum virtute , & bonis operibus , subditos praecedere debent . Esto memor reges solio pracellere plebi , Vt coram populo vigeant virtute serena , Atque palam niteant operum splendore bonorum , Lumen vt accensum spissas illuminat vmbras . 4. Praeceptum . In timorem , & notitiam Dei , intendendus est animus . Vt te sacra docent Salomonis dicta , timorem Notitiamque dei , pra cunctis arripe rebus : Haec quaecunque decent profitentem dogmata Christi , To praestare docent , munusque subire Monarchae . 5 Volenti regis aut Christiani officia & mumera exequi , sacrae scrutandae sunt literae . Si cupias populo moderari legibus aequis , Si vel 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sanctam traducere vitam : Scripturas scrutare sacra● , lege , percipe lectas , Vt verus pateat sensus dominumque precare . 6 Non ad sensus nostros interpretandae sunt sacrae scripturae . Scripturae à recta nunquam declinet amussi Tur bidus affectus , sed eum rege lumino verbi : Nec contra sensum violenter coge sacrata Verba loqui , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 qúod quidam turpiter audent . 7 Scriptura duo in se continet , mandatum , & prohibitum . Pagina sacra duo praesertim continet in se , Quae bona sunt mandat , prohibet contraria , pare Partem in vtramque libens , tibi nec satis esse putabis Declinasse malum , bona si non feceris aequé . 8 Non est alicui indulgendum peccato , tametsi plurima alia praestiteris bona . Neue putes licitum quod sacrae legis adactus Imperio , bona praestiteris vel plurima , factis Turpia praetextu iustis miscerier isto Posse ; deo scelus hoc est intolerabile iusto . 9 Totus Dei cultus in duobus positus est . Relligio gradibus constat diuina duobus , Interiore , Deum prece sollicitare fideli : Exteriore , sacros vitae producere fructus ; Ille Dei , cultum , docet , hic te fratris amorem . 10 Firmissima religionis fundamenta sunt sacrae scripturae . Hanc veram solamque putes quam sustinet ipsa Pagina sacra ( basis firmissima ) relligionem . Non scripto verbo fundata superflua sunto ; Huic simul oppositum sit detestabile monstrum . 11 Duae sunt totius sacrae scripturae partes , fundamentum prioris est lex , posterioris Christus . Scripturae partes sunt lex , amp ; foedera pacis In Christo mediante ratae , peccata reuelat Lex iramque Dei , foedo pro crimine iustam : Foedus habet Christum peccatum morte fugantem . 12 Legis epitome est decalogus , per Mosen & Prophetas fusiùs explicatus . Legis summa decem praeceptis traditur , atqui Fusiùs haec Moses aperit , sanctique Prophetae . Praemia morigeris proponunt dulcia sanctis , Et sua consequitur iustissima poena rebelles . 13 Summa Euangelij continetur in quatuor historijs de Christi nativatate , vita , morte , &c. Quatuor historijs descripta est gratia sacris , Quae referunt Christum natum , vivum , cruce passum , Morte resurgentem , coelos , superosque petentem : Vsus Apostolicis quorum patet ordine scriptis . 14 Peccati cognitio ex lege , cuius commentaria sunt Prophetae , & libri Proverbiorum , & Ecclesiastae . Peccattum vis lege tuum cognoscere tetrum ? Perlege diuini Mosis pia scripta Prophetae . In Mosis libros vis commentaria ? prudens Perlege quae scripsit Salomon , alijque Prophetae . 15 Perlegant reges , divinitus inspiratos regum libros , & annales . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 scriptos annales perlege regum , Hîc etenim cernes , moresque modumque regendi : Hîc inter reges vitiosos , siue beatos , Te facilè invenias , propria seu classe reponi . 16 Doctrina , vita , & mors Christi , ex quatuor Euangelistarum historijs , & ex Apostolorum epistolis petenda sunt . Doctrinam Christi , vitam , mortemque laboras Scire ? Euangelij scriptores perlege sacri : Scire tamen plus vis ? quid mandat epistola Pauli , Quid Petri pete , quid Iudae , diuique Iohannis . 17 Casto , sancto , lubentique animo legendae sunt sacrosanctae scripturae . Syncero , castoque legas pia dogmata corde , Quae superant captum sancto reuerere timore , Saepius & laeto lege pectore cognita , dura Perspicere vt possis , summo contende labore . 18 Fides animam Deo conglutinans , precibus nutritur . Quae promissa dei sibi firmiter applicat ipsi Hanc ( dilecte ) fidem rape , vi faelice coactam : Haec alit , & purae mage relligionis adauget Semen , & ipsa dei verbo , precibusque fouetur . 19 Precatio dominica , Psalmique Dauidici praecipuae in precibus formae . Dirigat in precibus breuis & pia forma precandi A Christo praescripta suis : & Dauidis hymni , Qui regni fasces gestans , conducere regi , Qua possunt nouit , precibusque petenda modestis . 20 Saepe deum precare , animo praesertim quielo , vel saltem lecto decumbens . Sollicita dominum precibus cum libera curis Mens siet , imprimis dederis cum membra quieti . Publica namque alijs praebent exempla precandi Vota magis , quam dant solatia iusta precanti , 21 Quae precibus à Deo petenda . Non contende tuis solùm coelestia votis , Sed nunc exigui , nunc magni ponderis ora Accumulet tibi dona deus , quibus ipse potitus Tandem confirmes fidei rata pignora verae . 22 Impetrata à deo gratissimo accipienda animo ; non impetrata aequo ferenda animo . Si deus annuerit precibus , votique potentem Fecerit , ipse refer grates mox pectore laeto ; Sin contra : ipse feras , dominum votisque fatiga , Vt vidua iniusti penetrauit Iudicis aures . 23 Conscientia quid sit , vnde sit , quales eius effectus . Nil conscire sibi , nihil est nisi mentis opacae Lumen , ab aterno cuivis motore tributum ; Siqua gerit iustè , restatur iusta gerenti , Si sed iniqua facit , sensu compungit amaro . 24 Conscientia quomodo tractanda , & qui eius morbi . Nil conscito tibi , nulla pallescito culpa , Non sis securus , tua te malefacta repungant , Vana superstitio non te perstringat , vt vlla Grata Deo speres , nisi quae Deus imperet ipse . 25 Quomodo agenda sit vita , vt nullam in animis nostris conscientiae labem habeamus . Singula quoque die recolas commissa scelestè , Iudicioque tuo damnabis turpia , ne te Vindictam repetendo , deus dijudicet acer Iudex , abiectâque morâ vitiofa relinquas . 26 Dies extremi iudicij assiduè recolendus . Iudicij extremi quo te mors pallida sistet Esto memor , tanquam rationem iure daturus , Praesentemque diem tibi diluxisse supremum Credito , sic nunquam metues fera spicula mortis . 27 A iurando & mentiendo abstinendum . In vanum domini iurando assumere nomen Noli : lucra scelus magnum non magna sequentur . Mentiris metuas , sis audax dicere verum . Peccat enim pariter mendax , & vera rocondens . 28 Inter substantias & vmbras est discernendum . In mediis discrimen habe , rebusque salutis , Externos inter ritus , cultumque supremi Numinis internum discerne , dei petat ipsa Quid lex , quid figmenta hominum distingue peritè 29 Verbum Dei si referant ministri , honore sunt digni ; sin contrà , cohibendi . Si domini verbo referant fundata ministri , Legatos tanquam Christi reuerere ministros : Sed fines verbi tibi si transire videntur , Regali sceptro tales compesce vagantes . 30 Sit deus in ore tibi parcius , in corde vero frequentiùs . Ore Deus modicè , sed pectore plurimus esto ; Virtutem quod ames ipsam , & virtutis alumnos , Omnigenumque scelus quod detestabile ducas , Re potiùs cupias populo , quam voce patere . 31 Non sis hypocrita , sed re potiùs , quam nomine pius esse studeto . Non placeant fictae species pietatis , & vmbrae , Nec potiùs mundi , quam coeli munera sperus , Nam tibi pro meritis operum si praemia captes In terris , coelis quae sunt tibi debita perdes . Finis libri primi .
Or a Princes direction . 1. Book . 1 CAre first my sonne your God to know and loue , Which rules all things from azurde skies aboue : Who as he hath you brought to glorious throne Of regall state , aboue the rest , alone , So doeth he still expect of you iustly , Redoubled thankes , from heart vnfainedly . 2 Thinke not you may more boldly sinne imbrace , Because you sit aloft in royall place : But knowe because you are a Prince of fame , That vice must not disgrace your Princely name : A Princes fault , though small , each man doth scorne , When subiects hainous faults are lightly borne . 3 On Princes God doth glorie great bestowe , Aboue their subiects farre in fame to flowe , Hereby declaring plaine as in a glasse , That they in vertues must all other passe : Their vertuous life to all must cast a light , As candles cleere doe shine in darkesome night . 4 First striue for knowledge of your God to haue , And next his feare in heart sure to engraue : As Salomon doeth teach in words full plaine , From thence the surest treasures you shall gaine , Your kingly duties here on earth to frame , And be a Christian true in deed and name . 5 The path that doth direct you to the place Where you may learne to sway your kingly mace , Is sacred Scriptures ; which both read , and heare , Search out , and learne them with true Christian feare : And pray to God your senses so to guide , That from true sense thereof you neuer slide . 6 Let your affections framde by natures mould Peruerse and vile , directly keepe and hold The sacred steppes of Oracles diuine , From sense whereof , doe not a jot decline : Wrest not the same to serue your wicked will , Like Puritanes who so the Scriptures spill . 7 Two things doth holy writ chiefly containe , First good to doe , then euill to refraine , And both obaid must be with all your heart : Doe good things well , from euill doe depart . And thinke it not enough t' abstaine from sinne , Vnlesse you practise good , and ioy therein . 8 This errour vile , let not your heart assaile , Which doth with too too many men preuaile : Although you haue perform'd good deedes before In former times , and eke of those good store , Yet as a cloake you may not them pretend , To sinnefull acts sometimes to condiscend . 9 Gods seruice pure which he of vs demands , In two degrees , or duties duly stands : By faithfull praier to inuocate his name , And next , in righteousnes our liues to frame : These twaine to practise right from conscience pure , To God , and man , is our best seruice sure . 10 Hold this for truth ( an axiome sure and sound ) That that religion which is surely found In sacred holy writ doth pure remaine : All points thereon not grounded are but vaine . And all things els contrarie to this word Account them vile , and eke to be abhord . 11 Two parts the sacred Scriptures doe containe , The Law describing sinne to sinners plaine , And Iustice due to sinne : the Gospel then The ground whereof is Christ , who sinnefull men , Deriued right from Adams sinnefull race , From death redeemes , and offers freely grace . 12 Gods lawes hath precepts tenne laid for his ground , Whose sense doth Moses more at lardg expound , And Prophets doe the same at large dilate , Describing plaine ech persons iust estate : Denouncing blisse to such as doe obay , But endlesse paines to such as goe astray . 13 The word of grace th' Euangelists vnfold , Wherein the wonderous birth of Christ is told His life , his death , his resurrection , And last to heauen his ascension : The vse whereof to euery Christians viewe , Th' Apostles sent as commentors to shew . 14 Desire you for to know your sinnes , alas , Which by the lawe appeare as in a glasse ? Read Moses books : a comment would you haue His workes t' expound ? the Prophets graue Peruse , and workes which Salomon the wise , The patterne great of wisdome did deuise 15 The books of kings , and Chronicles oft read , There you your mind with stories may wel feed , There gouernment is seene of kings of olde , There shall you see your selfe to be inrold . In Catalogue of kings that liued well , Or of such as in lewdnesse did excell . 16 Desire you for to know what Christ hath taught , His life , his death , what miracles he wrought ? Th' Euangelists to read , then take in hand : His will yet would you further vnderstand ? Th' Apostles writings read , which will you traine , In Christ his schoole true wisdome to attaine . 17 Read holy writte with sanctified mind , Where hidden truth you cannot plainly find , Such places doe with reuerence admire , Your shallowe wittes which cannot well aspire To sense diuine , controll ; read places plaine With ioy , let intricat be wonne with payne . 18 Lay hold on faith , that faith surely embrace , That apprehends Gods free eternall grace , By Christ , perswading you still to apply , His promise to your soule vndoubtedly , This faith religion feedes , this life doth giue , And this by holy word , and prayer doth liue . 19 Let all your praiers for substance be the same , Which Christ our sauiour did first for vs frame , And Dauids psalmes , who beeing king could tell By practise wantes of worldly princes well ; He knew what might at high Iehouahs hand , Be craued best , and what he would withstand . 20 Pray ofte , when mind is not with troubles prest , But chieflie , when you are in bedd at rest , In secret to your God see then you pray , Though oft you haue performed this by day , For publike prayer doth more example shew , Then yeeld to him that prayeth comfort true . 21 Request of God not things spirituall Alone , but sue sometimes for temporall , Sometimes with greater things , sometimes with lesse , Desire that he would you vouchsafe to blesse ; That so enioying oft your full request , Your faith thereby confirm'd may surely rest . 22 If God in praier giue you good successe , Then thank him from your heart with ioyfulnes If not , yet learne with patience true to beare What he allots , and cease him not to feare : And as th' vnrighteous iudge the widow pore Did vrge , so you your god with praier implore . 23 What conscience is , if you desire to know , A light of knowledge which from god doth flowe , Within mans heart engraft I doe it call , Attending aie vpon his actions all : If right he doth , of right it witnesse beares , If wrong , it daunts his heart with inward feares . 24 Your conscience pure if that you will retaine , Let not the same these foule diseases staine , A cauterizd obdurate sense of sinne , By carelesse long continuance therein . No superstitious rite let you withdrawe To serue your god contrarie to his lawe . 25 Your conscience cleare to keepe ( a salue to find ) Your by past actions daily call to mind , Accuse , condemne , and iudge your selfe of all , That God your sinnes doe not to iudgment call , Such sinnes as haue your righteous God offended , Auoid and see the same with speed amended . 26 The finall doome of fearefull iudgment day , When due account shall come , remember aye : In liuing learne to die , your life so cast , As if ech day of life should be the last , So feare of death from heart you shall extrude , Which iustly deemed is true fortitude . 27 Least that your tender conscience you offend , By vse of swearing , carefully attend , A sinne by which small gaine you can possesse , Excuse therefore it doth deserue the lesse , Vntruth to speake , or truth denie beware , Two sister sinnes , and God will neither spare . 28 Twixt weightie pointes of your saluation , And matters of small estimation , Learne wisely to discerne with might and mayne , Twixt substances , and shadowes meerely vaine , Distinguish right twixt Gods reueyled will , And mans deuysed dreames put difference still . 29 Whiles Pastors truly preach Gods sacred word , And doctrine sound that doth thereto accord , As heraulds sent from God doe them obay : But if from holy scriptures bounds they stray , Accompt them then as foolish , light , and vaine , And vse good meanes to bring them home againe . 30 In common talke your words see so you frame , That much you doe not vse Gods holy name : But in your heart see that he deepely dwell , And let no vaine conceipts him thence expell : How vertue you doe loue , and vice detest , By deedes , not words , let plainly be exprest . 31 Ioy more your vertuous life indeede to see , Then of the world accounted so to be , For moe rewards expect , and greater praise Of God , for workes then in your mortall daies ; If for good deedes you looke for glorie here , Rewards you loose for you prepard els where . The ende of the first Booke .
Lib. 2. Speculum Principis : 1 Salubres & bonae leges sunt condendae , & ad earundem obedientiam cogendi sunt subditi . QVatenus es princeps leges sancire salubres Conuenit , & populos latis parere rebelles Cogere , deinde tuae vitae , & pietate tuorum , Te decet exemplar populo praebere misello . 2 Vt leges meliùs sanciantur , inter regem & Tyrannum distinguemdum . Vt possis leges meliùs stabilire beatas , Obserua cautè , quid sit discriminis inter Regnantem iustè regem , tumidumque Tyrannum , Hinc proprium munus facili ratione patebit . 3 Quomodo inter se differunt rex & tyrannus . Rex bonus ad populi se commoda ritè creatum Agnoscit , sceptrumque dei putat esse : Tyrannus Se credit ciues ideo accepisse regendos , Vt sibi sint praeda , vt miseros rapiat , lanietque . 4 Boni regis erga subditos suos officia quae sint . Si tibi regales petis vt tribuantur honores , Totus in hoc fueris , populi curare salutem , Commoda venari , ciues pacesque tueri , Quo natos dulces pater amplexatur amore . 5 Boni regis , qualis vita , mors ita . Si tibi commissas rectè moderaris habenas Imperij , placida morieris pace , sepultum , Qui mir abantur vivum , meminisse iuuabit . Semper & astrigero mens aurea viuet olympe . 6 Tyranni habent suam Nemesin . Expectes populum te sponte lacessere bello , Pellere vel regno , vel diro sternere ferro , Sceptra gubernantem dominantis more tyranni ; Ridiculus fie● , Stygis & tormenta subibis . 7 Reipublicae paucae leges maximè sunt vtiles , Ne sis sollicitus complures condere leges , Sit satis impleri paucas , populoque salubres , Quid populi rabiem metues , vulgique furorem Quod iusta exequeris●iustum probat improbus ipse . 8 Nimia clementia , nimiaque seueritas quid efficiunt . Nec nimis esto tuis clemens , rigidusué Tyrannus . Hoc damnum capitale ciet , parit illud apertum Contemptumque tuì , pariter legumque tuarum : Vnde fluent diri sceleris cumuli atque caternae . 9 Crimina non condonanda , sed morte digna . Non artes magicae , nec non spontanea caedes , Incestusque veneficium , scelus & Sodomorum , Fictitij nummi , nec quidquam tale repertum , Effugiat sine morte graui , quam iure merentur . 10 Qui falsos spargunt rumores non condonandi . His non absimile est , paenasque meretur easdem Si quis rumores disiecerit ore nefandos , Aut scripto , quibus est illata parentibus ipsis , Princibusque tuis falsô nota criminis atri . 11 Oportet regemin subditorum suorum oppressores seueré animaduertere . Qui cruciant spoliantque opibus violenter egenos , Hos cohibe , causasque inopum defende tuorum : Nam tibi quae maior contingat gloria regi , Quam fraenare auidos inopum bona fraude petentos ? 12 Coram iusto iudice non est personarum acceptio . Iudicij dominus sedem sibi vendicat ipse , Hîc neque dextrorsum flectes vestigia index , Neue sinistrorsum , vitijs causisque potentum Indulgendo nimis , nec e●enos commiserando . 13 Oportet regem subditorum suorum vitia intueri , eademque statim reprimere . Vt medicus primò vitiosos scire laborat Corporis humores , medicas tunc applicat artes ; Sic Princeps sapiens latè dominantia primò Crimina disquirit , mox amputat ense reperta . 14 Superbia , auaritia , & ambitio , tres Ecclesiae morbi . Pestiferos olim passa est Ecclesia merbos Nummorum cupidamque sitim , fastumque superbum , Ambitionem etiam tollentem ad sydera cursum . Nuper & his cecidit Romana Ecclesia morbis . 15 Puritanorum ( quos vocant ) vitia . Obserua 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ( quos dicunt ) lumine cauto , Quos tibi , nec meritum , nec iuramenta fideles Efficient , rabidae deuotos seditioni , Quos ciet ambitio , quibus & conuitia cordi . 16 Docti & boni Ecclesiae ministri meritò extollendi . Artibus ingenuis qui se excoluere ministri , Quique suam degunt expertem crimine vita●… , Illis praecipuè iure assignentur honores , Praeficias gregibus sacris , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 17 Boni Pastores amandi , Puratani vero reijciendi . Nemo tibi pastore bono sit charior vnquam , Quique putant vitio se puros prorsus ab omni Reijce , praecipuam tibi crede obtingere laudem 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 passim voci●ari 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 18 Generalia praecepta , in Ecclesiae bonum . Doctorem grex quisque suum doctumque piumque Obtineat , sua iura scholis des maxima doctis , Demissam coelo doctrinam protege , puram Quo primum à Christo fuit ordine tradita seruot . 19 Alia . Quodcunque ad victum sanctis cultumque ministris Doctorumque scholis satis est , id rite parabis , Illorum & regimen decernas esse decorum , Promoueas humiles , paenis reprimasque superbos . 20 De officijs pastoris & gregis sui . Discant praecones renereri iure priores , Hique suis gregibus iusto decorentur honore , Hinc pietas populi , pax , & doctrina beati Maxima terrestris fuerint tibi gloria vitae . 21 Episcopi quales non tolerandi . Vt 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 resecos , ita siquis Episcopus extat Indomitos fastus redolens , ritusque Papales , Hunc cohibe , & duris animos restringe catenis , Vt sacor hic ordo minima ne labe notetur . 22 Nobilitatis Scotiae triplex morbus . Nobilitas Scotiae triplici quasi febre laborat ; Vi premit afflictos , causas munitque suorum Iniustas , gaudet ferro se vindice diro Vlciscique suos , sontem punire , genusque . 23 Discat nobilitas regis sui legibus sc subdere . Vt plebs , magnates ita subdere legibus aequis Se discant , parui pendas ir amve furores . Namque reformandi reges nunquam esse probatum est Concilium , nisi praecedente tyrannide dura . 24 Oportet regem ( nobilibus praesertim & bonis subditis ) se clementem & affabilem praebere . Qui sunt maiorum generoso sanguine nati , Conuiuant vitae tibi consuetudine iuncti , Nec minus & pauper , vitae probitate decorus , Vt laesis ad te f●acilis fit tranfitus ipsis . 25 Inimicitiae nobilium Scotiae quomodo reprimendae . Aduersus pugnas magnatum ( nomine feidas ) Legibus austeris contendito , quo tibi nemo Charior eset , capitis primùm discrimine mulctam Is subeat ; sic poenas alios aliena docebit . 26 Nobilium quanta cura sit habenda . Nobilium ne sit vulgaris cura tuorum . Saepe etenim virtus comitatur stemmate claros ; Nobilium ex numero qui parent legibus almis Hos cole , seu regni patriarchas hos & honora . 27 Nobiles quomodo tractandi . Regia nobilibus prognatis sanguine claro Fulgeat , hinc etenim veri nascuntur honores , Horum consilijs in magnis vtere rebus , Dilige morigeros , rigidè tractato rebelles . 28 Magnatum erga regem ministerium optimum . Instituas Proceres nullum praestare regenti Posse ministerium tibi quod iucundius extat , Quàm sisponte velint leges implere salubres , Atque leue exemple trahere ad vestigia vulgus . 29 Mercatores reipublicae invtiles cohibendi . Quo sine non poterit populus bene degere vitam Nauibus externas non exsportetur in oras : Non aliunde petat gerras mercator inanes , Lucrae sibi cumulans vendendo vilia magno . 30 Qualis nummus cudendus . Materies patrij sit sola numismatis aurum Argentumque : bonis tua sic respublica diues Affluet , ingentes sic concumulabis in arcam Cautus opes , in militiam vel damna paratas . 31 Artifices quomodo tractandi . Artifices si quid fabricantur fortè dolosè Vendentes magno , peregrinos vndique doctos Accersens , permitte tuis operentur in oris : Horum vesanos cura cohibere tumultus . 32 Aduersus couitia & maledicta , quibus vtendum remedijs . Si malè te dictis audet proscindere quisquam Improbus , hunc facilè tollit sententia legum , Sic tamen imperium instè tractabis , vt ater Iuspicient Mo●…s timent male dicere regi . 33 Rex se & mitem , & seuerum exhibeat . Vt Populo mitem , sic aequa lance souerum Exhibeas vultum , sic qui convitia iactant Improba , dira metu committere crimina nunquam Audebunt , meritas motuentes Principis iras . 34 Clementiae regis erga bonos subditos fructus . At tuti viuent tranquilla pace fruentes Laudati ciues , plenis opibusque vigebunt , Et tua tam facilis coget clementia landes Ore tuas laeto resonare ad sydera coell . 35 De ludis scenicis , publicis spectaculis , &c. Vt viuant homines 〈…〉 uncti foedere amoris , Publica permittas fie 〈…〉 ectacula , ludos Festaque concelebrent , domini modo Sabbata magni Ludicra tractando populus ne polluat audax . 36 Semel in triennio oportet regem praecipuas regnorum suorum regiones visere . Nox ter Zodiaci percurrat signa recurui Phaebus , quin primas regnorum viseris vrbes ; Quaeque suos habeat prafectos gens ibi natos : Cum fueris praesens lites compone molestas . 37 Subditi defendendi sunt . Non mode subiectos , ne quid patiantur iniqui Mutuò , defendes , sed & extera regna tenentes Ne damno afficiant curabis , & arma mouebis Hinc licitè , modò sit iustissima causa tuorum . 38 Externi reges quomodo tractandi . Externos reges summo tractabis honore , His neque falle fidem , quamuis mala damna sequantur , Hîc quid agas , monstrat sanctissima regula Christi ; Feceris hoc alijs , fieri tibi quod cupis ipse . 39 Proditores externi quomodo tractandi . Proditor esto tibi , qui coniurauit apertè In proprium regem , talem nec iuueris vnquam , Nec dabis ipse fidem , sed regibus esse labora Externis lasis in proditione leuamen . 40 Bello lacessitus primùm pacem expete . Si quis te damnis , aut Marte lacessit iniquo , Iniusteque tuos ad litem accendit amaram , Optatam missis legatis expete pacem ; Sin minus hoc valeat , tuus vtere fortiter armis . 41 Si bellandum , causa saltem sit iustissima . Si bellis opus est hostes contendere contra , Praesidio summo tibi sit iustissima causa ; Omnibus atque modis illam conare tueri , Dum nec aruspicium , nec falsa orâcla sequaris . 42 Ante bellum susceptum deliberandum . Ante feri Martis quam praelia dira dira mouebis , Principis officium prudentis ( vt ipse salutis , Author Christus ait ) memori fac mente volutes , Num valeas hostî rigido concurrere ferro . 43 Quales milites deligendi . Saeui Martis opus gesturus delige fortes Magnanimosque viros , quos virtu● bellica claros Reddidit , & doctos longa experientia fecit , His dabis & iuuenes , primaeuo flore iuuentae . 44 Rex in bello quomodo se gerat . Invigiles bello , multum fagisse labores Dedeceat tristes , spectata scientia quorum Claruit , his par est tibi consultoribus vti , His comes , his facilis , fis mitis , munificusque . 45 Rex in bello quomodo se gerat . Ipse semel subeas , vel bis , discrimina vitae ; Sed simul ac rigido parta est tibi gloria ferro , Ne temerè incurras manifesta pericula , neve Miles in assiduis contende gregarius armis . 46 Honorificum bellum turpi paci anteferendum . Tardè bella moue , sancito faedera tardè , Dumque feris foedus , prudenter consule causae , Praelia namque aliter iustè suscepta videntur Iniustae merito longè praecellere paci . 47 Regis virtus populum suum ad virtutis amorem allicit . Regibus haud satis est moderari sceptera , tuosque Tutari bello , tua si non inclyta virtus Subiectos splendore traehit , comitesque benignè Allicit , illius mira dulcedine captos . 48 Regis exemplum & virtus in duabus consistit rebus . Principis exemplum , populos pietatis ad vsum Alliciens , binis consistit partibus , harum Prima domi famulos monet in virtute regendos , Altera se interius ornari dotibus vrget . 49 Dauid rex optimam & deligendi , & gubernandi seruos regulam docuit . Aedibus vt virius priuatis luceat alma Consule Psalmographi clarissima scripta Prophetae , Optima qui cecinit moderandi iura ministos , Quae iulit afflatu diuino percitus olim . 50 Ab aulicis exemplum trahit populus . Aulicus vt vitans sanctè , & traducat honestè Hôc , tibi curandum magis est , quòd vix scelus vilum Invenies tetrum quod perpetrat aulicus , ipsi Quin populo exemplum dabit impietatis apertum . 51 Aulici quales deligendi . Anlicus esto tibi duplex , iuuenesque , senesque , Hi docti atque graues , queîs maxima munera creda● ; Illi praeclaro prognati stemmate , quorum Impia maiores non coniuratio laesit . 52 Serui quales à regibus eligendi . Elige mendosae vitae sine labe ministros , Ne similem famulis regem plebs inscia dicat , Dauidis hic praepone tibi praecepta Prophetae , Integer vt tecum tectis versetur ijsd●… . 53 Rex qualis in seruos veteranos esse debet . Quorum forte tuis spectata parentibus olim Intemerat a fides fuit , hos tibi de lige seruos . Nec bene promeritos iusto sine munere iustos Amandre velis , veteranis dapsilis esto . 54 Qui fidem maioribus tuis fregerunt , eorum credere fidei non est fatis tutum . Ante tuum tempus si conspexere parentes Forte aliquem falsa detectum fraude Sinonis , Hunc fuge ; namque fidem patri quicunque fefellit , Non eius natis talem fore crede fidelem . 55 Adulatio Principum pestis , cauenda . Gnatonem fugito , miseranda peste laborat ; Maxima Principibus solet esse ruina superbis : Dum blandis patulae patuerunt cantibus aures , Hoc poriere domus , vrbes , respublica morbo . 56 Regij prouentus receptores quales esse debeant . Plebeios homines , gnauos , vitaeque probatae , Praefice cogendis tibi vectigalibus , ( inquam ) Plebeios , ratio vt reddatur iusta petenti Cum placet , illaesa populique salute , tuaque . 57 Peregrinus , nec sit à consilijs , nec gerat honores . Non à consilijs tibi sit peregrinus , honores Nec gerat illustres , tibi ne inuideatur & illi ; Indigenas igitur quo rebus rite gerendis Praeficias , tibi sume , viros grauitate verendos . 58 Serui regij ex nobilioribus sint . Stemmate praeclaro natos tibi delige seruos , Hi seruire tibi praesto sint omnibus horis , Sic etenim firmum tibi conciliabis amorem , Invidiae minimum ; virtus comitatur honores . 59 Regis praecepta diligenter obseruent aulici . Luceat in famulis sacrae virtutis imago Plebis in exemplar , stricteque domesticus omnis Quaelibet obseruet , quae praecepèris ipse : Nam violata domi , passim violnada videntur . 60 Aulicus regis sui legibus non obtemperans grauiore paena plectatur . Aulicus in leges peccans , sua crimina quaenis Suplicio grauiore luat , quam ruris alumnus : Nec tua quod charum suffulcit gratia seruum , Cum premit insontes tibi conniuere licebit . 61 Quomodo rex erga aulicos suos se gerat . Esto humilis , rigidusque tuis , vt quisque meretur , Sit tibi pestis atrox , gladiator , litis amat or . Praeditus ingenio facili , vacuusque maglinae Fraudis , ad eximios prope te sistatur honores . 62 Rex non patiatur seruos suos interesse aliorum litibus . Non patiare tuos sese interponere duris Litibus alterius , quamuis sit charus amicus , Nam quia rex iustus iudex est , omnibus aequus , Cur comitentur eum consultò litis amantes ? 63 Regis famuli morigeros se praebeant . Morigeros discant tibi se praebere ministri , Nec suus hos adigat nimium turgescere fastus ; Vtque tibi famulum licat amandare scelestum , Sic veteres ( nisi causa patet iustissima ) serues . 64 Scrui quomodo tractandi . Munere vel paena seruos , vt quisque moretur , Affice , sic rebus tibi delige quemque gerendis Vt sua dexteritas patitur , non singula crede Vni , ne tumidum reddas , alijsque perosum . 65 Quales serui diligendi . Simplex & fuco vacuus charissimus esto , Non degat clara malus obtrectator in aula ; Nam rixas litesque creat : sed praecipe seruis , Seu fratres , tibi qui famulantur , mutuò amaro . 66 Concordia foueatur . Aedibus alma tuis habeat concordia sedem , Exulet stygijs liuor rabiosus in antris , Hanc & in exilium comitetur fastus oportet , Dependas humiles , paenis reprimasque superbos . 67 Omnia pulchro ordine disponenda . Sic sibi conueniat res quaeque domestica pulchro Ordine ; sic externi admirabuntur acumen Ingenij , rerum laudabilis ordo tuarum Si nitet , & seruos serie moderare decora . 68 Coniugium res optima , aut pessima . Coniugio nihil est mortale beatius vnquam , Aut contra : vt domino visum est decernere ab alto , A cuius solo pendent faelicia nutu , Sis igitur cautus delectu coniugis ipse . 69 Coniugium castitas praecedat . Caelebs ante sacrum thalami quam foedus inibis Illicitae Veneris sectari gaudia sperne ; Stupruminquam fugito , rabido cane peius & angut , Et cautè castum corpus seruare memento . 70 Stuprum leue peccatum non aestimandum . Exigui quamuis peccatum ponderis esse Maxima pars stuprum credit , tamen ipse memento , Non ita ceusendum nobis , vt censet iniquum De vitio vulgus , sed lex vt iudicat ipsa . 71 Tres praecipui fines coniugij . Coniugij fines suscepti respice ternos , Vt mala lethiferifugias coutagia stupri , Vt tibi contingat proles generosa parenti , Mutua vt aduersis cedant solatia rebus . 72 Vxor ad sobolem procreandam inepta non ducenda . Nec tamen vxorem regali dote coactus , Naturae vitio , tremula ant prohibente senecta , Non aptam soboli generanda duxeris ; isto Namque tibi pacto noceas , populique saluti . 73 Tres inferiores coniugij fines . Coniugis affines , dotem , formamque venustam Respice , magna dei sunt munera ( crede ) putanda , Dummodò praecipuo ponas tria prima , secundo Ista loco : primis quae subseruire videntur . 74 Qualis vxor non ducenda . Nec tibi tu sociam vinclo coniunge iugali Quae bene non teneris fuit informata sub annis , Moribus aut prauis ; mulierem namque marito Solamen , deus esse dedit , non esse molestam . 75 Incommoda vxoris à marito in religione dislentientis . Relligione tibi tua ne dissentiat vxor Quam sis ducturus , grauis hinc discordia manat , Hinc tibi suspitio , tua ne condiscat iniqua Progenies , primis prauè informata sub annis . 76 Inter omnia huius vitae negotia coniugium maximi momenti . Inter cuncta tuae suscepta negotia vitae Vix vllum maius , vix excellentius vllum Coniugio inuenies , ergo longè inferiorem Connubio ne iunge tibi , ne fabula fias . 77 Fides inuiolare in coniugio seruanda . Inviolata fides maneat data , mente benigna Vxorem tractes , caro sit tua propria , mandet Vt dominus , for opem , moderare , foveque , Quae sua sunt tractet , sed non aliena sequatur . 78 Regulae cum vxore seruandae . Imperet illa domi , sed publica nulla capessat , Fac castos habeat comites , quia foemina sexus Est fragilis , facili ferturque ad crimina motu ; Du●… furor hanc agitat , proprium compesce furorem . 79 Liberi quomodo educandi . Nec tibi cura lenis puerorum mentibus almae Inserere à teneris virtutis semina , quantum Diligis ignorent , patrem reuerenter adorent , Et vero ( vt natos decet ) amplectantur amore . 80 Legitimus nulla causa reijciendus est haeres . Si tibi nulla datur soboles optata parenti , Legitimum tamen haeredem fraudare putato Esse nefas , pretij quamvis tibi vilis habetur ; Namque dei solum est disponere regna supremi . 81 Vita regis qualis esse debeat . Subiectis velut aula tuis , virtutis imago est , Sic sanctae speculum pictatis vita ministris Sit tua , fit lumen sua quod vestigia spissis Dirigat in tenebris virtutis scandere colles . 82 In rebus omnibus adhibenda est moderatio . Non solum vt tumidos possis compescere mentis Affectus , sed iustitiae cum munera sacrae Suscipis , egregius tibi dux moderatio fiat ; Hac sine , iustitia est aliquando facta tyrannis . 83 Leges quorsum conditae . Condita syncerae lex est vt regula vitae , Conuictusque sacri ; sed non vt rete , probatos Illaqueans ciues ad publica damna ; tenendus Ergo sensus erit , non litera nuda sequendae . 84 Multa legenda , sed quando , & quorsum . Multa legas , multum quo possis scire , sed apto Tempore , ne regni grauiora negotia forsan Impedias , nec tu meditando theoricus esto , Practicus at praestes bona qua conducere noris . 85 Proxime post sacras scripturas , oportet regem leges à se conditas reuoluere . Crebriùs ( vt moneo ) scripturas perlege sacras , Post , grauibus legum studijs incumbe tuarum , Quae fiant planae , methodo breuiore politae , Causidico ne plaudenti plebs indiga ploret . 86 Oportet ipsum regem aliquando adesse iudicijs . Propria consuetum decoret persona tribunal , Impia funestam subeat largitio paenam , Et tua patronos adigat praesentia duros Tristia mox longae componere prolia litis . 87 Iudicij sedes non regis , sed domini est . Ruminot hoc animas ( mi fili ) quod tua sedes Non tuus , at domini thronus est , fac illius ergô Non fauor ad dextram rapiat , non vltio leuam Iudicis officio fungeus : sua redde cuique . 88 Sedeat rex inter apocletos suos . Inter apocletos sit consuetudo sedere , Non ibi causidicus causas dilatet , at ille Sic tibi displiceat , pro se sine quisque loquatur , Auscultato preces afflicti , aut abijce sceptrum . 89 Lectio chronicorum & eorundem vsus . Periucunda tuam delectet lectio mentem , Gestorum veterum chronicis sisdato tuorum ; Nempe exempla docent si sit collatio facta , Sic cum legatis melius tua verba struentur . 90 Non nimium artibus ingenuis regi studendum . Artibus ingenuis operam nauare memento , Sic tamen his , palmam vt tibi speres inde petendam , Non eris intentus ; sic namque negotia regni Grandia contemnes studiorum pondere pressus . 91 Non se vindicare regis est laus . Verè magnanimus , vindictae nescius esto , Irasci cuiuis , fac dedigneris & hosti , Passio non vincat , succumbat passio regi , Vt soleas alijs ignoscere maxima laus est . 92 In rege humilitas fouenda . Exulet ex animo ventosa superbia duro , Hoc tibi cum reliquis posito discrimine solo , Munus obis magnum , regalia sceptera gubernans , Idque dei dono , similis tibi caetera vulgus . 93 Mater honore prosequenda . Si me defuncto fuerit regina superstes , Quae mihi te prolem peperit lectissima mater , Haenc foueas , redames , hanc tu reuerenter adornes , Inque throno ad dextram tanquam Bersheba locetur . 94 Parentes & qui illorum vices supplent sunt honorandi . Ipse preces gratas fac promereare parentum , Hos cole , quique vices illorum aut munera supplent , Nempe magistratus , tutores ; gratior illis Plurima donabis , regali praemia dextra . 95 Rex sit clemens , & vbi res tulerit seuerus . Regia ventosum contemnant pectora fastum , Splendida quin humiles ornent diademata gestus , Sic tamen vt durus si regnis forte quis extet Oppressor , videat torna te fronte tuentem . 96 Regem oportet esse constantem , & invicti animi aduersus omne malum . Non solum verè sis constans inter honestos , Ast cum te cruciant fortunae tela seuerae , Grandia nulla tuam pessundent sic mala mentem , Vt nequeas vti medijs quibus illa fugantur . 97 Regem decet esse munificum , praesertim erga benemeritos . Dapsilis esto bonis vt honos tuus exigit , vtque Posse datur , semper posito discrimine : quemuis Vt decores donis regalibus , vt sua virtus , Vt dotes animae clarae , meritumque requirunt . 98 Regia liberatas non ad suijpsius , nec ad successorum suorum damnum se extendat . Sis frugi , & temerè noli dispergere parta , Praedia praecipuè tua regia , quae satis amplos Suppeditant sumptusque tibi , atque nepotibus olim . Prodigus hoc faciens , non dapsilis esse videris . 99 Rex subditorum suorum opibus non ditescat , Noli te censis populi ditare tributis , Publica thesauros reputabis commoda magnos Esse tibi , pendat nec vectigalia vulgus Ni fera vis belli , vel seria causa reposcat . 100 Inter falsos , & veros distinguendum . Si quis rumores falsos disseminat , ipse Quid diffamati prosunt huic damna require , Tunc bene propositum spargentis ficta , deinde Vitam accusati prius actam rite notabis . 101 Delatores reijciendi . Delator blanda sperans sibi praemia linguae Exulet , & quamuis taciturna silentia regi Sint opus , at praestat rumorem exquirere sparsum , Quàm damnare bonum tacitè nil tale merentem . 102 Non cito damnandus est , qui prius vitae fuit integer . Cuius vita nigro nondum carbone notata est Aegrè diffidas , ( quamuis mala fama reclamet ) At quorum sceleris remanent vestigia tetri , His prius expertus credas minus ipse necesse est 103 Regis variae & multiplices virtutes plebi exemplo esse debent . Quantùm praeluces claro diademate plebi , Fac tantùm praestet tua vita innoxia , tandem Vt virtus habitum speciosa acquirat agendo Quae decet ; & veluti vulgus decreta legendo Regia fit sapiens , sacrae & virtutis alumnus : Sic te conspiciens vitae pietate vigentem , Noxia pellentem , vestigia certa sequatur Mox tua , quae summam ducant virtutis in arcem . Finis libri secundi .
or a Princes direction . .2 Book . 1 YYour kingly office doth consist and stand , In two maine points expected at your hand : First for your people wholesome lawes to frame , Striuing with iustice t' execute the same , And secondly your commons hartes to winne , By sanctitie of life to leaue their sinne . 2 That wholesome lawes for wealth of publique weale , May stand and executed right preuaile , Twixt lawfull kinges that good and vertuous be , And tyrants which vsurpe with crueltie , Put difference ; so shall you soone discerne , Such duties as your regall throne concerne . 3 The king acknowledgeth himselfe ordeyned , Of god , that subiectes weale may be sustayned , His scepter as Gods scepter he doth swaye , Thereof to giue account at iudgment day , The tyrant liues at ease all voide of toile , His subiectes liues and goods he counts his spoyle . 4 If regall tytles , praise , and glorious fame , If honours high you do desire by name , Noe paines at all refuse , all toiles endure , Your peoples good and weale still to procure , As parents loue their children deare by kind , So let your subiectes true your fauour find . 5 If that with wisdome you shall empire guide , Not yelding much to each Ill humord sid , Your subiectes that reioyce to see your life , Shall waile your death with sighes and mournings rife , And as their ioy by your weale was procured , So griefs encrease to Tyrants much inured . 6 If that to tyrannize you shall delight , Your hatefull life your subiectes shall excite , To worke your bane , and wofull ouerthrowe , Few shall lament but laugh to see your woe , And that which ouerlate you shall lament , Eternall paynes shall sure your soule torment . 7 In multitude of lawes doe not excell , Make fewe , but good , and execute them well , When iustice to performe you do assay , Noe vprores , sturres , nor broyles , let you dismay , For iustice doth by kind so farre surmount , That vylest men of her do make account . 8 Let iustice so with mercy mixed be , That neither do exceede their iust degre , If you perhappes shall be too much seuere , In steed of loue shall hatred then appeare : But if your selfe too meeke and kind you showe , Contempte , with heapes of mischieffes ouerflowe . 9 Some crimes in kind so great and heynous are , That conscience such permittes you not to spare . As witchcraft , wilfull murder , and incest , False coyning , Sodomy that hellish guest , With poysoning vyle ; these faults of great disgrace , Let not escape but weede them out in space . 10 Hereto an other crime as hainous ( sure , ) Like paines of death deseruing to endure , I add , when persons vile vnreuerently , In wryting , or by word , your progenie , Your parents high , and Princes of great name , By slaunders falsely fained doe defame . 11 The rage of such as doe oppresse the poore , Beate downe with force , restraine them more & more , Attend to heare and try with princely care , The sutes of such as still oppressed are , Wronges to redresse , oppressions to restraine , True honours bringes conioynd with surest gaine . 12 When you are set as iudge on regall throne , That place take not for yours , but gods alone , Let iudgement sway awry to neither hand , But iudge a right when truth is throughly scand , Be not to poore or rich found ouer kind , For iustice must be frendlesse eke and blynd , 13 Euen as the good Physician first will knowe , Before his patientes cure he vndergoe , What peccant humors in the body are , So will a prudent king retayne this care , To learne his subiectes faultes by natures frame , And then by Iustice duly purge the same . 14 The churches three diseases naturall , Which still haue beene her ruine and downfall , Since first the church on earth here did abide Are auarice , ambition , eke and prid , And now the same by Gods decree and doome , Haue ouerthrowne the Poopish Church of Rome . 15 Take heede of puritans the churches woe , And very pestes of common wealthes also , Whom giftes , nor oathes , nor promises can bind , A railing broode of high aspiring mind , Who make their fancies fonde the very square , Of conscience pure , of such I say beware . 16 Such men as perfect learning haue attaind , Which godly are , with vitious life vnstaind , Accept , approue , and gladly entertaine , And such aduaunce to seates of greatest gaine , On such bestowe good store of maintinance , To Bishoprickes , and liuings them aduance , 17 Let noe man find more fauour at your hand , Then pastors pure that on their watches stand , Dislike none more I say , none more disdaine , Then puritans which are both proude and vaine : Your fayrest stile on earth take this to be , To holie church a noursing father free . 18 See that eche church and seuerall congregation , In compasse of your royall domination His painfull pastor haue , see schooles maintain'd , Noe priuiledge of theirs see you restraind , See ministers noe doctrine false doe preach , But such as God in holy writ doth teach . 19 Let preachers of the word that painfull be , Prouision haue of store sufficiently , For schooles of learning soe thou must prouide , That in their mainteynance noe want be spied , Set downe for them a comely gouernement , The meeke aduaunce , let pride haue punishment . 20 Let ministers their betters reuerence , And let their flockes performe obedience To them againe , that so whilst peace doth raigne , And learning shine , and godlynesse remaine , Your chiefest ioy may be on earthly moulde , These passing comforts clearely to behold . 21 Like as the puritans both proud and vaine , You must represse ; so suffer not to raigne , Proud papall Bishoppes , which of Rome doe smell , And as you them aduance deseruing well , So chayne them in with bounds , when once they stray , That pure this state may stand with perfect stay . 22 Your Scottish nobles for the greater parte , Threefold diseases foster in their heart , The weaker sort with wronges to pinch and straine , And seruants quarrells wrongfull to maintaine , And he with all his kinne to keepe a feide , With others and their kinne , ( so mischefes breed . ) 23 To keepe your lawes your nobles force as well , As subiectes meane by feare you doe compell , If discontent they chaunce themselues to shew , Feare not at all , noe damage thence can growe : Pretended shewes of princes reformation , Takes only place in cruell domination . 24 With Barons , and your gentlemen frequent , Whose daies in honest traide of life are spent , Yea each degree and ranck of men embrace , Whome honestie and vertuous life doth grace , That so without your nobles helpe they may , Their sutes to you make knowne without delay . 25 Against the barbarous feides of Scotttish land . Put lawes in execution out of hand , Begine with him whome chiefly you regard , Let others by his punishment be scar'd , Thus dealing first by sage and good aduise , From head to toe the cure shall soone arise . 26 Take heede you make not light regard of those , That Nobles are in deede ; but rather choose , Such men to magnify , a chief account Is due to such as doe in bloud surmounte ; Your nobles subiect to your lawes embrace , As peers and fathers to your land with grace . 27 Your courtly trayne let be of noble blood . That bringes true honour and your chieffest good , Acquaint them with the matters of your land , Imploy their skill and vse their helping hand , Vse curtesie , to those that will obey , Sterne countenaunce to those that doe gaynsay . 28 Into your nobles eares and hearts instill , That this your seruice best befittes your will , If they themselues before the peoples eyes , Obedience yeeld vnto your graue decrees , And by their force and noble power doe cause . The meaner sort for to obay your lawes . 29 Permit not merchauntes to transport away , Such needfull things as are your subiectes stay , And bringing home but toyes and bables meere , Prouide the baddest ware , and sell them deare , Whereby they doe their owne estate aduaunce , By others losse , and pryse of toyes enhaunce . 30 Of gould and siluer pure your money make , In substance let your subiectes payment take , So shall your people soone in riches growe , Your treasures shall be full or ouerflowe : That if in warres , or other streites you stand , Will counteruaile the wantes of all your land . 31 If tradesmen worke deceitfully by slight , Their wares both badd and deare , then by good right , Trades-men of foreyn landes you 〈◊〉 compell , To practise artes with them which 〈◊〉 excell , But whiles they doe their trades thus exercyse , See that noe mutines they enterpryse . 32 For such as iudge and speake vnreuerently , Against the kings most royall maiestie , Vse rigour of your lawes as helpe in parte , But chiefly rule so right that Momus heart , May not you iustly blame ; his spightfull tonge , Let stopped be by iustice thwarting wronge . 33 Like as a countnaunce milde and full of grace , To subiectes must be shew'd in princely face ; So must you shew sometimes seueritie , With myldnes mixed alwaies equallie ; Thus shall you cursed railers keepe in awe , And justlie force them to obay your lawe . 34 But louing subiectes shall not only rest , In suretie , and in wealth of peace possest , But for your curtesies they shall be bent , To speake your prayses due with full consent , Whereby your fame shall farre and wide resound , For ruling scepter right by vertues ground . 35 That loue and friendship may increase and growe , Amongst your people neighbours high and lowe , Denie them not both sportes and games to haue , Debarre no feastes that neighbour-hood doth craue , So that the Sabboth be not lewdely spent , In pastimes vaine and sportes vnreuerent . 36 In each three yeares be sure your selfe to see , The chiefest partes of all your kingdomes three , To Viceroyes doe not all together leane But heare yourselfe sometimes the poore complaine ; Let home-borne nobles iudge in euery land , But when you come , great causes take in hand . 37 Striue not alone your subiects to defend From mutuall wrongs at home , but more contend From wrongs of forraine kings to keepe them sure , And in their quarrels , warres you may procure : Yet euer see the cause be good and iust , In warres to wrongfull causes doe not trust . 38 Vse forraine kings in kindest sort you may , Although you dammage doe sustaine , yet aie Keepe promise sure , and striue in thankefulnesse , Your heartie loue to them for to expresse , And looke what thing of them you doe expect , To doe the same to them doe not neglect . 39 Rebellion wrought against a forraine king Account your owne , no aide nor succour bring To such as doe against their Princes rise , And trust them not , but rather such despise ; But lawefull Princes in their time of neede , To helpe in armes , with heartie loue proceede . 40 If neighbour Princes doe your people wrong , Redresse thereof seeke , though by leisure long ; But if no lawefull offer will preuaile To stay their rage against your subiects waile , The iustnesse of your cause to God commend , And raise vp armes your quarrell to defend . 41 If needes you must to warres , examine well , The goodnesse of your cause , let that excell ; And vse all lawfull meanes you can deuise , To backe your cause against your enemies ; But of th' euent by magick art to knowe , By necromancer , or by witche forgoe . 42 Before that you yet take such warres in hand , One lesson more see that you vnderstand , Play you the wise kinges parte by Christ describ'd , Who wisely for his warres before prouid●…c , Cast all your needefull chardges long before , See that of men , and money , you haue stoore . 43 When warres you take in hand thereto constraind , Of captaines bould in martiall trade well traind Make carefull choyse , next lusty souldiers braue Of tender youthfull yeares needes must you haue : In martiall discipline to be seuere , The honour of a Prynce doth not impaire . 44 In time of warres vse watchfull diligence , Expelling quite all slouthfull negligence , In doubtfull case consult with those whose skill , In warlike feates may answer to your will ; To winne their hartes with curtesie haue care , Be liberall in warres , you may not spare . 45 Your person once or twise in hazard set ; But when you shall the fame of courage get , Doe not your selfe to danger still expose , With rashnes ouer great , but rather choose , Your person sure in saftie to retaine , For peoples weale whose cause you doe maintaine . 46 As rashlie warres you must not vndertake , So peace with headlong speede you must not make ; Before you doe a peace conclude , prouide That in your peace the cause be satisfi'd , Ells warres with iustice made doe farre exceed , A cowardly peace vniustly so decreed . 47 To rule by lawes will not suffice , nor yet , By force of armes your people to protect , Vnlesse in vertues rare your life excell , Yourselfe , and those that in your court doe dwell , That thus you may your peoples hartes affect , Vertues to choose and vices to reject . 48 Th' example of a prince to vertues lure , Which by his person must his flock procure , Of braunches two consistes , his courtly traine , In godly life and vertue to maintaine , And next with Godly giftes t' inrich his minde , To rule his people right to him assign'd , 49 That courtly trayne you may direct aright , The Psalmist Dauid yeelds the clearest light , Whose precepts best befit a christian king , That court to comely order you may bring , For which to traine it vp in christian feare , A carefull mind , and watchfull , you must beare . 50 That courtiers may their life deuoyde of blame , In sight of common sort to vertue frame , Your princely eie with carefull watch must warde , For els noe crime so vile your royall guard Can possiblie commit , but by abuse , Your subiectes hence to sinne will take excuse . 51 Let court consist of auncient men and graue , Discreete , and wise , let such high places haue , And next of younger lordes of noble race , Whome trayning vp in court you may them grace , But chiefly choose of those whose auncient blood , Hath not beene staind with treacherous false-hood . 52 Your household seruants choose of honest fame , Whose life is sound and also voide of blame , Els will the people thinke that you retayne , Like persons to yourselfe in manner vaine , Herein let Dauids counsaill still you guid , Who choose the iust with him for to abid . 53 Let those I say your gracious fauour find , Which vnto your parents haue beene kind , For reason faith that they that haue beene true To them , the like they will performe to you : Such as by age are made vnseruiceable , Bestow on them rewardes most honorable . 54 Loue , trust , reward , and still to those be kind , Which to your parents bare a faithfull mind ; Whome parents earst did hate for treacherie , In them repose you no fidelitie , And him that to your parents was vnkind , Trust not , least that the like in him you find . 55 Of courtyers flattering baites in time beware , A stayne vnto your court such Gnathoes are , An haynous vice condemn'd of ech degree , From which see that your Princely house be free , A vice that noble Princes bringes to woe , And stately kingdomes great doth ouerthrow . 56 Receauers of your rentes , and of your fee , Choose honest men , and those of meane degree , That when a reconing iust you shall demaund , None dare attempt biddinges to withstand : Thus shall you free your person from debate , And worke the surety of your royall state . 57 No stranger borne in stately office set , For that be sure will daily hatred get , And cause your countrie men with spightfull mind , Both you and him to hate against their kind , Wherefore your in borne men for counsaill chuse , As fitting best , but forreyners refuse . 58 That seruaunts be of noble stemme descended , Of whome you purpose still to be attended Take chief delight , for that shall worke good will , And enuie drowne , and procure saftie still , And yet one profit more you shall purchase , That vertue is conioynd with noble race . 59 Take narow view that courtiers doe obserue , Your lawes decreed , take heed they doe not stray , For how can lawes a broad be duly kept , When as your househould trayne doe them neglect ? 60 When courtiers doe against your lawes offend , Your punishment to them doe more extend , Then to the vulgar sort , by open wrong , As though by you they thought their causes strong ; Your subiectes poore let none of them oppresse , But striue your selfe such wronges for to redresse , 61 Both strange and homely with your seruants be , As you perceaue ech mans desertes agree , A man that is a quarreller detest , And count him in your courte a deadly peste , Preferre to roomes next to your person those , That will refuse your secretes to disclose . 62 Permit not any of your how should trayne , The causes of their kindred to maintaine , But if they will their quarrells needes defend , Away from courtly office let them wend , For since you ought to good men to be iust , No factious seruauntes sure maintaine you must . 63 Let seruants learne obedience to your will , Not leaning much vnto their wittes or skill , And as offences great when they haue made , You may chastice , and iustly them disgrade , So seeke not them to chaunge at euery yeare , Vnlesse apparent cause there doc appeare . 64 As seruauntes doe deserue , reward them soe , With honours , giftes , with punishmentes also , Employ ech man in order in his place , As nature hath him deckt with giftes of grace , But vse not one in euery thinge , least pride Infect , and he of others be enuied , 65 Who plainely deales abhorring flattering lyes , Loue him the best , who will not truth disguises ; Such as backbite with slaunderous mouthes most vile , Those whome they deadly hate , from court exile , Commaund all those to loue as breethren deare , Whome you maintaine about your person neere . 66 Peace in your royall courte keepe , and maintaine , Enuie expell out of your noble trayne , Let modestie find fauour loue and grace , Let insolencie haue noe resting place , Humilitie let growe , defend , and saue , But pride represse with countnaunce sterne and graue . 67 Such orders braue and decent in their kind , In seruice for your person be assignd , That strangers when they doe to court aspire With Shebaes Queene your wisdome may admire , When they such orders in your servaunts see , And in your house such royall maiestie . 68 The greatest weale or woe here in this life , That man befalls , is mariage of his wife , Which thing man in his power doth not possesse , But as it pleaseth God to curse or blesse ; To marriage then your selfe wisely prepare , And in your choise haue still a speciall care . 69 To mariage that you may prepare aright , From fleshlie lustes abstaine with all your might , Your bodie let noe whoredome foule deslower , Vntill your louing wife thereof haue power , All burning lustes warely you must expell , And chastitie see that therein doe dwell . 70 Though some of whoredome lightly doe esteeme , A tryfeling sinne , and veniall doe it deeme , Yet must you iudge ech slippe and error smale , Which God condemnes by lawe , and sinnes doth call , Not as the world doth judge most voide of awe , But as the lord , who first did make the lawe . 71 In mariage choyse respect the causes three , For which it was ordain'd from God on high , First to auoide foule filthie fornication , And next for childrens godly procreation , And last for mutuall ioy and helpe indeede , That each of other had in time of neede . 72 For douries great , or glittering beauties grace , For wealth that rules almost in euery place , Take not a wife , by natures want , nor yet By fading yeares for childrens birth vnfit , For this a double trespasse in a king , Both for his owne , and peoples weale would bring . 73 Both freindes and dowries great , and beauties glee , Somewhat in mariage must respected be , So that the causes principall before Exprest , of you regarded be the more , And these set you in rancke , or second place , As waiting maides , the first some what to grace . 74 You shall not take in marriage bond a wife , Of knowne conditions vile , or vicious life , Who hath not beene in vertues schoole vptrain'd , But from her tender youth with vices stain'd , For woman was ordayn'd from God on high , A helpe to man , and not a crosse to be . 75 A chiefe regard vnto your selfe propound , To marrie one in Christes religion sound , For if therein from you she shall dislent , Great iarres thereof may rise and discontent , Besides the dangers great , and deprauation , That followes of your childrens education . 76 Remember this imprinted well in mind , That hardly any action shall you find , Of greater counte , nor weight in all your life , Then is the choise and marriage of your wife ; And if you match farre vnder your degre , Of lesse account then after shall you be . 77 When marriage knot is knit , your promise past , To God performe , while vitall breath doth last , As flesh of flesh and bone of bone her vse , Commaund her as her lord , doe not refuse To cherish , helpe , and please her still ; but teach Her things to leaue that are aboue her reach . 78 Permit not wife in any case to deale , With gouernement of state or common weale , With priuat rule of house acquaint her well , Let chast and honest mates aboute her dwell . When angrie passions doe her mind torment , Let youres be qualified with sweete content . 79 Be carefull that your children deare may be In vertues schoole trayn'd vp from vices free , Howe deare they are to you let them not know , Vnlesse their nature kind require it soe ; Teach them a dutifull obedience , Teach them your selfe to loue and reuerence . 08 If that you haue no issue to succeede , Your regall crowne to weare , then take good heede , The rightfull heire you doe not dispossesse , Though you mislike his person more or lesse , For kings of kingdomes may not here dispose , But god aboue which best succession knowes . 81 Euen as your court example ought to be , Of vertuous life in euery subiectes eie , So should your person be a lampe most bright , Vnto your household seruaunts giuing light , That they your vertues rare beholding , may Both rightly chuse , and hold in vertuous waie . 82 Not only in your headstrong passions , But in your weightiest vertuous actions , Let moderation be your guide and stay , For why , aright your scepter she will sway , On iustice seat chuse her to be your guide , Least iustice els to tyrannie doe slide . 83 The lawes are made as rules of vertuous life , Of social entercourse , but not of strife , Nay yet as snares whereby your subiectes may , Intrapped be vnto their great decay ; Therefore expound them as the sense will beare , Not as the letter soundeth to the eare . 84 In reading much that knowledge you may find , In ech good thing delight your busie mind , Yet times appoint that hindrance may not bring To regall charge , and euery godly thing In practise put in life , and conuersation , Read not for curious ostentation . 85 Next sacred writte it standes you most in hand , Your countries lawes to read and vnderstand , Abridge them to a brieffe , yet make them plaine , For ouer tedious lawes breede lawyers gayne , Whereby to honours high themselues doe growe , By pooremens wofull spoyle and ouerthrowe . 86 Delight to Sessions dulie to repaire , What there is done obserue with speciall care , Let none take bribes without due punishment , And let your presence helpe the innocent , Their causes to dispatch with lawfull speede , Who crossed by the rich cannot proceede . 87 Remember when thou sittes in iudgment throne , That seate is Gods on high , and not your owne , No fauour there , nor loue , no powerfull might , Of worldlings great let moue you from the right , There are you set for iustice sake alone , And iustice truly giues ech man his owne . 88 Your priuie counsaile table much frequent , Let lawyers iustlie thence away be sent , Who causes seeke to linger and prolong , Let ech mans mouth vnfold his proper wrong ; Faynt not the poore afflicted wretch to heare , Vnworthie els you are a crowne to beare . 89 Read auncient chronecles with diligence , From thence theoricall experience , Shall flowe , if by past things you doe applie , To present time and state most prudently ; This still with forreyners shall you enforce , Of their estates with fulness to discourse . 09 In liberall artes your selfe to exercise , And reasonably conuerse I you aduise , Yet presse you not by paines too curiously , In any one a passe master to be , Least whilst the Artes you doe too much respect , Th' affayres of state you carelesly neglect . 19 Embrace from heart true magnanimitie , Not by reuenge , or fierce hostilitie , But thinke the partie who offends your mind , Not worth your wrath , a conquest this I find ; Your passions ouerrule and them perswade , To pardon crimes against your highnes made . 29 Embrace humilitie , and banish prid , Within your heart let not this sinne abide , Neyther towards God your lord , nor parents kind , Considering this most iustly in your mind . That from the vulgar sort both poore and base , You differ not in stuffe , but only place . 93 If that my noble Queene by Gods decree , Shall me suruiue , as you desire of me A blessing due from parent to his child , Comfort , loue , reuerence your mother mild , Set her like Bersheba on a throne , Offend her not , nor force her once to moane . 94 Giue parents honour due , and striue you may Their blessing haue by iust desert alway , And next to them you may not here neglect , Those which from youth your person did protect , As Tutors , guides , and gouernours , whose paines Requite , for honour to yourselfe it gaines . 95 True humblenes both foster and maintaine , Exiling from your thoughtes pride and disdaine , But let not humblenes so farre proceede , To hinder irefull wrath in time of neede , But when oppressours great appeare in place , Then frowne on such , it is your greatest grace . 96 Your constancie appeares not only then , When kind yourselfe you shew to honest men , But when you can all worldly crosses beare , With pacient mind , and in your crosses feare No whit , to take the nearest course that may , Your woes redresse , and bring the safest way . 97 Reward all honest men with liberall hand , As with your honour high , and weale may stand , But here you must discerne with good discretion , That ech man haue his due proportion , And here obserue that euery person haue , As place , as iust desert , and neede shall craue . 98 Prouide to haue , but needeles nothing wast , The old reuenewes of your crowne forecast , For all your liberall giftes still to retaine , By which you may yourselfe and yours maintaine , Least otherwise your bounteous liberalitie To your dacay be turn'd to prodigalitie . 99 Let not exactions rais'd from subiectes poore , Your cooffers fill , or els encreasse your store , Your subiectes wealth account your treasure best , No subsedies demaund , vnlesse opprest By warres , or needefull cause ; the money soe Exacted , on his lawfull end bestowe . 100 Discerne a right twixt false reportes and true , The nature of the Author rightly view , What interest he hath in that mans woe , Or waile , whome he to you accuseth soe , Then scanne the truth , and lastly see you trie , Th' accused parties life led formerly . 101 Exclude vaine tatlers from your companie , And though a prince of faithfull secrecie , Hath often neede , yet better is to trie , Reportes , then by too light credulitie , Within your heart suspicion to retayne , Against a man whose life no vices staine . 102 Mistrust no man whose name hath pure bin found From heinous crimes , though fame against him sound , But such as haue in former times bin tainted With vile and filthie practises acquainted , By wise foresight their wily sleights preuent , Least afterwards too late you doe repent . 103 As in your royall state , so seeke to shine Before your subiectes all in life diuine , That vertue pure may take by frequent action , An habit firme in times procession , And as by hearing of your lawes decreed , Your subiectes may to obedience proceed , So when they see your vertues rare exprest , Both eares and eies may teach them what is best , And them allure your vertues t' imitate , And likewise vices hartely to hate . The end of the second book .
Lib. 3. Speculum Principis : 1 Regis gestus in externis , & medijs rebus qualis esse debeat . TAlis in externis existat gestio rebus , Talis & in medijs , vt te vel Zoylus ipse Internis animi bene cernat dotibus almum , Tantus es in regno , quantum tua practica praestant . 2 Decet regem publicè , ( raro priuatim ) comedere , & quare . Mensa tibi raro priuata , frequentiùs esto Publica , conspectum populi spreuisse Tyranni est , Fac caueas isto ne sis carbone notatus , Aut hoc , te genio nimis indulcisse gulofi est . 3 Sit regi prandeti apparatus magnificus , pastus vero modicus . Sit tibi prandenti sumptus regalis , & ordo , Farcula magnates apponant lauta ministri , Omnia ne gustes , paucis contentus abito , Nam decet hoc regem , sobrium nec dedecit illud . 4 Qualibus praesertim cibis rex vescatur . Aurea saepe ferant plebeia cibaria vasa , Ne pigeat crassas carnes comedisse salubres : Aptius ad Martem sic reddas corpus , ineptus Et conuina tuis aliter maerentibus extes . 5 Optimum condimentum fames . Esto fames condimento tibi parta labore , Scriblita ne placeat , vel quod componitur vllum , Romanis olim inuisum genus hocce ciborum , Vnum sit simplex omnis medicaminis expers . 6 Liberalior pastus , & potus regem dedecent . Largior humanos obtundit pastio sensus , Praecipuè Bacchi procul absit plurimus vsus , Non decet hoc regem , tu mores inter edendum Fac Cynicos fugias , nimium non ipse pitisses . 7 Inter edendum res eliae seriae sunt deponendae . Seria ne peragas comedens , nec pectore tristi Sis nimis , ust hilari vultu , simul ore faceto . Fabula lecta iuuat , frontemque extendere cogit , Aut si sermones respersi sunt sale dulci. 8 Quies quomodo capienda sit regi . Languida tranquilla capiantur membra quiete , Nec tamen hac nimia , semper lanugine strata , Tempore nec certo , saltem te belligerante , Et cibus , & potus , concedant omnia rebus . 9 Praeceptum octavum de quiete regis , allter hic versum . In somno atque , cibo , quanquam stata tempora regi Sunt seruanda , tamen sic haec disponere discas , Vt possis facile , si res ita postulet , horas Corpore non laeso cum vis mutare statutas . 10 Ministri & satellites regis in cubiculo suo sint pauci , ijdemque fidissimi . Dum dormis pateant nocturna cubilis paucis Quorum fama , fides , minima vel labe nigressit , Et secreta quibus possis committere tutò , Tales secreto peragant tua iussa cubili . 11 Vestitus regis qualis esse debeat . Non preciosa tibi , non vestimenta placebunt Vilia , nec Coridon , nec semper conchyliatus , Elige quod medium est , & eris virtutis alumnus , Rustica nec regem , nimium nec compta decēbunt . 12 De regis vestitu . Vestes sint nìtìdae , nec multum respice formam , Neue paludati speciem , nec habeto togati , Inter vtramque mane , reputes cur instituantur , Vt decus , vt scutum fierent , ne nudus & esses . 13 De vestitu idoneo . Temporibus varijs bene quadret amictus , & annis , Tuque nouos habitus muliebres effuge saltem , Iudicio populi leuis est thymiamate multus , Oris & ornati splendorem praeliamarrent . 14 De comarum & vnguium abvsu . Est ornamentùm capiti coma dedecus ingens Humanis humeris , nisi malit Erynnis haberi : Sic vngues digitis ; haec excrementa fouera Vindicis , aut vani naturam monstrat : abhorre . 15 Quibus armis in aula regali vti conuenit . Non gerat arma domi bello magis apta cruento , Seu quibus aduersos tectus contendat in hostes , Sen quibus euadat lethali tutus ab ictu Aulicus , esto satis pugio , satis ensis & illi . 16 Quale sermonis genus regi conuenit . Colloquio plauus sit sermo , decorus , honestus . Clarus , & ille breuis , grauitate , & acumine mistus , Sìres permittat , placìdus , carpsisse sacratis Elogijs quenquam , ducas scelus esse nefandum . 17 Gestus regis qualis . Nec stupidè simplex , gestu nec mobilís esto , Vt mos gentis erit , causas solio grauiore Legatosque audi , sed maiestate verendâ , Esto tuis humilis , sed formidabilis hostî . 18 Si rex aliquid fortasse sit scripturus , ne sibi in eo nimiùm placeat . Sì tibi Pierides faueant vt opuscula scribas , Non tua , seu dominum catuli pes , dextratetillet , Scripta legant docti , sed saepiùs ipse reuise , Quam videant alij : nescit vox missareuerti . 19 De quali argumento , seu subiecto regem scribere decet . Si cupias clarum scribendo arquirere nomen , Elige scriptorum subiectum principe dignum , Ludicra pelle , tuis complectere seria scriptis , Non ea siut densis consultò offusa tenebris . 20 Quales corporeae exercitationes regi maximè conueniant . Talia defessam recreant certamina mentem , Qualia corporea prosint experta saluti , Ista iuuant variè , prosteruunt ocia , vires Exaugent , faciunt corpus vel ad ardua promptum . 21 Certamina vtilia & salubria corpori . Sphaeristeriam adi rarò cursu , atque palestra , Aut gladiatura , saltu , celeriue sagitta Parciùs vtaris , sed equos domitando forores Praestabis cunctis , quid enim regalius isto ? 22 De venatione . Ipse sequare canes , ceruos sectentur & illi , Sic belli speciem videat , venatio bellum est , Dignior aucupio ; valles montesque veredus Transvolet , hinc durus fies calcaribus acer . 23 Modus in corporis exercitationibus est adhibendus . Aurea perpetuos mensuret regula lusus , Nec nimis , hoc vitium est , rorum memor esto , nec isti Te multum teneant , sed alacrior inde redire Ad quid praestandum , quae sunt praestanda memento . 24 Tesseris & pictis chartis quando vtendum . Cum tibi nilrestat fieri ( vix contigit vlli Quod regi ) pleceant tum tessera , pictaque charta , Aut cum languescas studio , aut satieris , & aether Imbribus obsessus , sed dedecet alea regem . 25 Tria ludenti obseruanda . Haec tria ludenti sunt obseruanda , putato Perdere depositum , laxandi ludito causa , Quantum conijceres pueris discrimen adito ; Lucrandum nihil est fals ò , nec decipe tactu . 26 Quorum maximè consortium rex effugere debet . Probi sint comites tibi , ceu tu seria tractas , Ceu leuiora facis , subduc te nomine laesis , Lasciuos calebs mulierum spernito caetus , Ad venerem stimulant , irritamenta malorum . 27 Barbarae gentes ad exempla gentium bene moratarum formandae sunt . Sedulus aduertas quae gens vrbanior extet , Ad leges quae sit propensior omnibus horis Seruandas , operam dabis vt tua barbara regna Exutis proprijs ornentur moribus illis . 28 Deus colendus vt prosperè cuncta succedant . Depende à domino fungendo vt munere fausti Sint tibi progressus , externo cuins in vsis Integra vel toti pateant praecordia plebi , Luceat in medijs rebus virtutis imago . 29 Ira compescenda . Ira furor breuis est , nolito percitus ira Iudicis officio fungi , sedatus at illud Aggredieris opus , sacrato pectore clauso Hoc Pauli clogio , Sic irasceris vt insons . 30 Vnusquisque pro meritis suis remuneretur . Pro gestis palmae meriti decorentur honore ; Extollendo bonos stat maxima gloria regis , At caueas ne sit quisquam magis arduus aquo ; Quisque sui sceleris damnetur , nemo suorum . 31 Virtute praediti amandi . Virtutis mensura tuum mensuret amorem , Quantula sit virtus , tua gratia tanta ; quovsque Quis bonus est , faueas ; post si sceleratior idem Euadat , scelus esse puta fauisse scelesto . 32 Vindicta ( proximè post deum ) ad regem solum pertinet . Aequior ad iustos spectat punitio reges , Nemo sui vindex sit damnum passus iniquum : Principis est gladius , priuatus nemo feriret , Principis est populus , princeps modo vind icetillum . 33 Aliena exempla & pericula prudentes docent . Te , ( prudens dici si vis ) aliena docento Exempla : vt caueas moneant aliena pericla : Ne te paeniteat sero , resipiscere sero Est imprudentum , quos huc dementia adegit . 34 Rex secum semper cogitet quantum onus humeris suis incumbat . Hoc animo semper quantum sit munus habeto Incumbens humeris , cuius perfunctio fida Mente sit , hoc centro tibi ne quid aberret agendum , Omnia centralem hanc contingant spicula metam . 35 Excellant alijs alij , tua gloria summa Esto tuos longùm moderari pace Britannos . Parcere subiectis , & debellare superbos , Aenea Anchises , Henrico sic pater eius .
Or a Princes direction . 3. Book . 1 THat all your vertues rare , which inwardly do grow In secret seate of mind enstald , may showe Themselues apparantly to ech mans eie , Let all your actions flowing outwardly , In things that be meerely indiferent , To vertues rule be still equiualent . 2 In open sight take most of your repast , So name of odious tyrant flie thou maist , For rare in sight shewes hate of companie , Of old adiud'gd a marck of tyrannie , Or els of gurmandize , asha'md to eate , ( A glouttons note ) before your nobles great . 3 Let royall seruice fitting regall state Your table furnish , base attendance hate , But let few dishes well your selfe suffice Which wholesome are and freest from all surmise , Of delicace ; amongst true soberlings , Deem'd high disgrace is glouttonic in kinges . 4 Let stomack learne grosse meates for to digest , Eate common foode with double reason prest : First that your bodie durable and strong , May proue t' endure your martiall peeres among , Then to inure yourselfe with subiectes cheere , Whereby your welcome shal be hartie there . 5 Let hunger sauce your palate helpe to please , And simples not compoundes you best appease , Th' auncient Romans wise did such detest , Of all sauces accounting hunger best , The filthie wish of cranye cragge defie , Lest you partake Philoxens infamy . 6 In banqueting se you abhorre excesse , Let not Bacchus sweet iuice your brains oppres , Then dronkennes what worse vice in a king ? Grosse cynick eating count a lothsome thing , Coy nicenes shunne , a daintie dames delight , But roundlie feede and with a manly spright . 7 Dipatch n' affayres whilst you at meate doe sit , Both time , and place for weightie things vnfit , Nor pensiue be but of a mery cheare , What ere befalles ; then ioyfully appeare , Let pleasant histories your mind solace , So profit with your pleasures shall haue place , 8 Yeld not to much to droosie Morpheus bayte , Nor downie pillowes let your head awayte Alwaies , nor alwaies certaine howers doe keepe , Accommodat your meat , your drinck , your sleep To your affayres , as busines commaund , But chiefly then , when warres you haue in hand . 9 Although times ordinarie for your sleepe , And sustenance at meales you ought to keepe , Yet so dispose of dyet , and of rest , That times may changed be as seemeth best , When great affayres of state are ordred right , You may yourselfe refresh by day or night . 10 Let not the place appointed for your rest , Be too much throngd , for that is not the best , Let them be trustie , secret , and full deare , Who in your chamber serue your person neare , Let not your dreames what euer they seeme to be , Molest your mind for that vere vanitie . 11 In your attire be not superfluous , Obserue a meane for that is vertuous , Be not to base like caytiffe couetous , Be not like curtizant too curious , Nor clownish Coridon , nor vaine courtier Do imitate , nor yet graue minister . 12 In garments vse be cleane , and eke decent , Hansome in forme , for fashions negligent , Regarding th' ends why God did clothes ordaine , First for to couer nakednesse our stayne , And secondly our comelines to show , And last to harbour vs from weathers woe . 13 Be suted like to season and your age , Youthlike in youth , in grauer yeares more sage , Vse most the common forme , now rich attire , And sometimes meaner as affayres require , Too sweete perfumd in garments delicate . Bewraies the mind to be effeminate . 14 Long haires , nor nailes your feature let disguise , As if from hellish furies vp you did rise , These are but excrements of nature , then To bragge of these it shewes but foolish men , Th' abuse of these shewes a vindictiue braine , The authors eke to be but light and vaine . 15 Accustome not your men in court to beare , Such armour as in warre is fit to weare , All gunnes & pistolles farre from howsehold traine , For publique vse , and needefull showes maintaine , But armour worne in court let knightly be , As daggar , rapier , sword in due degree . 16 Let speach be short , sententious , and plaine , Without reproofe , honest , comely and cleane , According to the subiect , time , and place , With grauitie , quicknesse , and mirth doth grace ; Spare both quippes and tauntes in theologie , In drincking companie especially . 17 Let not vnsetled gestures you delight , But manly , graue , after your countries rite , Maiestick , befitting a iudgment seate , Or when with legates straung you sit to treate ; In priuate homely , and at pastimes merie , Couragious in warres , daunting th' enemie . 18 If that you doe your wittes thereto dispose , Ought for to write either in verse or prose , Soath not your selfe , nor publish that I say , Till learned censure doe it throughly way , Often reui'sd no losse it can sustayne , Once published cannot be cald againe . 19 If worthie praise you meane some work t' indite , A subiect chuse fit for a prince to write , With vertue fraught , farre from all vanitie , Nor purposely affect obscurity , But still delight and striue for to be plain , That to the sense the reader may attayne . 20 Addict yourselfe to exercise such sport , As health maintaines , and members doth comfort , It s commendable for double respect , For first it helpes greatly for to reiect Base idlenes , and secondly to make Your bodie fit hard labours t' vndertake . 21 Vse exercise , to runne , to leape , to daunce , To wrastle , shoote , and play at tennise chaunce , But sparingly : your speciall exercise , Let be to ride , and often enterprise To daunt great horses kept for warlike vse , On horseback games to vse doe not refuse . 22 A noble game and full of honour count , With runnig houndes on courser swift to mount , Because this play semblance of warres displayes , And makes men skild to ride all dangerous waies , Hauking i le not commend , nor greatly praise , A stirrer vp of passions alwaies . 23 Vse measure in your pleasant pastimes braue , Loose not time that belonges to matters graue , Let this remaine deepe fixed in your brest , The endes for which pastimes were first addrest , That they your regall charge might better ease , And not the same to hinder or displease . 24 When nought remaines to doe , as seeld befall Good kinges , or Muse is tir'd , or body thrall Now ill at ease , or heauens tempestes threate , Your wittes at artes on tables then doe wheat , But dicing yet I doe not you commaund , Not meete for Prince , but debosht souldiers hand . 25 Three rules obserue I counsaill you in play , Resolue to loose what you on stake doe lay , Nor hazard more then you would throwe to page , Thirdly play faire by falsehood get noe gage , Nor yet in iest false lying trickes doe vse , Those are not play , but greatest playes abuse . 26 Haue speciall care when play you doe intend , With men of honest name that time you spend , Shune those that vicious are , and filthie speach , That mixe with mirth : but chiefly I you teach , Haunte not lewd dames , before your mariage , Lustes they prouoke , and spoyle good cariage . 27 In regiment of kingdomes ponder well , What people most in ciuiltie excell , And easiest are to rule , and lawes obay , The ruder sort to ioyne to these assay , By faire allurements doe affect the same , That Britaynes all may haue one hart and name . 28 On God depend , to him be constant true , To blesse you in your office to him sue , By th' externe vse whereof let all men see , How th' inward heart is fraught with pietie , In things indiferent let your gesture shew , An image plaine of vertues decent hew . 29 Remember well your passions to digest , Before you seeke great sutes to set at rest , For wrath short madnes is ; doe nothing mad , Th' effectes whereof haue alwaies prooued bad , Th' Apostles rule chuse rather to obserue , Let anger none from Gods lawes make you swarue . 30 Gladly aduaunce the good and vertuous , With royall giftes that are most glorious , Yet see that none though noble , too high growe , Least stately kingdome thereby be brought lowe ; Due punishment let wicked men still haue , For owne desertes not others , right doth craue . 31 To euerie one your loue so farre extend , As he himselfe to vertuous life doth bend , And let none longer haue your gracious fauour , Then he in vertuous deedes doth striue to labour , And fauour him where vertues doe increase , If vertues he forsake your loue let cease . 32 Permit no man to wreack his proper wrong Done vnto him , though he be great and strong , For so great wrong gainst you he should commit , Vsurping power for subiects farre vnfit , To king alone the sword doth appertaine , T' auendg his people which doe wrong sustaine . 33 Make others harmes examples good to be , That you thereby may learne harmes for to slie , Too late repentance by your triall made Eschew : for that fooles scholmaister is said , Wise shall you be if former you doe chuse , But foolish sure if it you doe refuse . 34 Before your eies set still your greatest chardg , The which be carefull well for to dischardg , As principallest marck at which you shoote , In all your deedes let not your mind hence flote , And all other your actions see you make , Helps to your greatest , this rule doe not forsake . 35 In other things let other men excell , In your owne trade contend to beare the bell , Which counsaill graue Anchises long a goe , Gaue his Aeneas when he went him froe , The like to you my dearest sonne I geue , Deface the proud , in peace doe rule , and liue . Deo soli gloria . Amen .
Certaine epithetes , and excellent titles wherewith Iulius Pollux , who was gouernour to Emperour Commodus in his young yeares , set forth and described the properties of a good king , applied to the name of Henrie Fredericke the most noble Prince of Wales . His knowledge must in making lawes excell , Each one must easie accesse to him finde No passions strong within his heart may dwell , Right willing to do good with princely minde . Iustice to all he must alike maintaine , Exceeding affable to poorest swaine . Prouiding things that bring his people gaines , Readie to profit all of each degree , Industrious , deuote to restless paines , Noble in minde , from feare of fortune free ; Courteous in gesture to his subiects all , Euer constant not tossing like a ball . One and the same , not turning once aside , Fraught with religion pure by scriptures tri'd . With watchfull eie respecting subiects weale , Affaires dispatching with conuenient speede , Labouring for peace where discord doth preuaile . Exceeding slowe to take reuenge indeed , Skilfull in princely duties to proceed .
The author his vale to the young Prince Henrie . Farewell young impe of Brittish soyle the stay , Read , see , and tread your fathers chalked way , O how much then shall God vs in you blesse , Tonge , scroll , and quill , cannot the same expresse . Heire of your fathers crowne by natures course , Heire to his vertues these preceptes you force . Farre spread your roote and branches of your line , Long may they budd like stems of some faire vine , So shall our seede no lesse your fame adore , Then wee your parents names haue done before : O noble Prince pardon I pray the while , My bould attempt , harsh verse , and ●…uder stile .