CHAP. 1. Of the miserable birth of Man , and of his first calamities .

MAN being the Image of God , and the chiefe worke of Nature , of all other creatures is most miserable in his birth : For , both beasts and birds are brought into the world , either couered with haire , feathers , or wooll ; not so much as the séeds and corne of the ground , but Nature hath clothed them with eares and huske , man onely excepted : for he being once come from the prison of his mothers wombe , séemeth no other thing , but the similitude of a poore worme , that commeth creeping out of the earth .

With what clothing is he couered ( making his entry into the Palace of this world ) but only with bloud , where in he is bathed and couered , the which signifieth no other thing but the image and figure of sin ?

What is the first song that he singeth at his comming into the world , but only wéepings & waylings ? which are as messengers , and foreshewers of his calamities to come , the which because he cannot expresse in words , he witnesseth by tears . Likewise pittifull cryes in the beginning of Monarchs , Emperours , and Kings , and others , that cause so many Tragedies to happen in the world .

But now contrariwise , the worme ( be he neuer so little ) as soone as Nature hath brought him out of the earth , beginneth to craull and creepe , and to séeke for food : The little chicken so soone as he is out of the shell , is found cleane , and needeth not to be washed like vnto man , but runneth after the Hen , and knoweth when he is called : he picketh and eateth ; hee feareth the Kite , without proouing before her malice : he flyeth danger only guided by Nature .

But behold Man , so soone as he is come into the world , is like vnto a little monster , and a lumpe of flesh , which will let himselfe to be eaten of other beasts , if he be not séen vnto ; and die for hunger before he can find his mothers breast : and will as soone eat poyson , as good meat : and handle hot from , before he can discerne the good from the euill : yet for all this , he nameth himselfe the Prince of all other creatures .

Thus man being brought into this miserable world , and plunged in the gulfe of miseries , he then requireth to haue norishment and clothing , to comfort the infirmity of his nature : The office of which is appointed to mothers , in consideration whereof nature hath giuen them breasts , which are like two little bottles , very proper and necessary for their sustenance .

But now to speake of the misery of Man in his nurriture , how many mothers are there at this day in the world ( nay rather we may truly call them cruell stepmothers ) who hauing according to Nature , brought their Children forth into the world , & because they will not take a little paines to nourish them themselues , they send them to sorry villages to be nursed of strange & vnknowne nurses , which oftentimes do change their children & bring home others in their stead : Yet for all this they wil not be ashamed to hold a litle dog in their armes rather than the fruit that was ingendred in their wombes .

This inhumane practise is not vsed amongst beasts be they neuer so brutish : for their natures are such , that they neuer put their yong ones in the kéeping of others , though nature giue them neuer so many , but they nourish them themselues , and are such zealous protectors of their young ones , that they kéepe them almost alwayes in their presence , till such time as they can auoid danger : And that which is more to be marueiled at , there riseth a certaine strife betweene the male and the female , which of them shall be the kéeper : And for that intent they many times quarrell and fight one with another : the which may be séene not only in Apes , but also in Beares , which in nature are fierce and cruell , yet they haue so great affection to their young ones , that they are not onely content to nourish them with their milke , but as soone as they are brought forth , hauing almost no forme or fashion , they licke them and pollish them to make them more perfect .

Likewise the little Birds , couering fiue or sixe vnder their wings , & hauing neither graine nor other seed for their sustenance , notwithstanding they spare neither art nor diligence , wherewith nature hath endued them , for their nourishment .

It is therefore a true witnesse of humane Misery , in that Children are forced against Nature , to sucke the milke of a strange woman ; and many times of such a one as may bée found best cheape , what corruption or deformity soeuer she haue : the which many times is so contagious to their Children , that it were better for them to be nourished by some bruit Beast in the wildernes , than to be put into the custody of such a Nurse : as for example . The cruelty and infamous life of Caligula the fourth Emperour of Rome , was not imputed to Father or Mother , but to the Nurse that gaue him sucke : which woman was so cruell and barbarous of her selfe , that she rubbed the Nipples of her Breasts with blood , causing the child to whom she gaue milke , to sucke them : the which thing was so well practised of him , that he did not onely commit an infinite number of Murvers , but many time licked his sword and dagger being bathed and stayned in blood , and wished that all the world had but one head , to the end that with one blow he might behead them , and then reign alone vpon the earth .

Séeing then that the Child hath not felt or suffered sorrow enough in his Mothers wombe , but as soone as he is borne , there is prepared a new sorrow for him by the ingratitude of such mothers which are so delicate and tender of themselues , that they will not nourish them , but cause them to sucke the milke of those that oftentimes doe change their fruit , or else féed them with corrupted milke ; by the which meanes in processe of time , there riseth a number of diseases , to the great hurt of poore children , & continuall reproch of their mothers .

This is of a truth and often verified , that if the Nurse bee froward , the Child will be froward , not by receiuing of their Milke , but by often looking vpon it . If she be a Drunkard , she will cause the Child to be the like ; as it is read in the life of the Emperour Tiberius , who was a great Drunkard , for that the Nurse the gaue him sucke , did not onely drinke vnmeasurably , but also did féed the Child with Soppes tempered in Wine .

Here you may sée that the Nurses haue so much power as to forme the manners and body of the Child , so that if shee be sickely , she rendereth the child sickenesse : If she be wicked , she causeth the Child also to be wicked .

But heere I will leaue Children in their Nurses kéeping , and speake of their following calamities : In how many dangers be they wrapped whilst they be a nursing ? some will burst with crying , some neuer rest in quiet all the night long , so that their Nurses can take no sléepe : Some when they can scant goe , will fall and breake their faces , and their lims , so that many times there is séene about them many grieuous wounds , besides the diseases which they take by Nature .

But who will not wonder to sée the fantasticall maners of little children , who for the most part will dabble in the water and channels like a little Ducke : making little houses of earth : counterfeting the horsemen in riding on a little sticke : running after Dogs and Cats : and will be angry with some , and pleased with others : who would thinke that such a miserable creature ( by succession of time ) would become so proud and lofty ? therefore if we will consider it , we haue iust cause to mourne at their births , and reioyce at their burials .

If the Prophet Ieremy bewailed the captiuity of the Iewes in Babilon ; if Anchises lamented the destruction of proud Troy ; if the Consul Marcellus lamented the City of Syracusa when he saw it on fire , and Salust the corruption of Rome ; we may well with so many men of fame , bewaile the miserable entry that man maketh into this world , his dangerous aduancement , and sorrowfull departure : All which being profoundly considered by the Prophet Ieremy , in the 20. Chapter , he bewaileth his birth , and murmureth against the knées that held him vp , & also the breasts that gaue him sucke .

Likewise the same Prophet Ieremy in the aforesaid chapter , considering that man is made of dust & earth , conceiued in sin , borne in paine , and at the last made a prey for wormes , doth with that his mothers wombe had serued for his tombe .

Iob in his fourtéenth Chapter , likewise setteth man out in his right colours , when he saith : Man that is borne of a Woman hath but a short time to liue , and is full of misery . Out of these words we may gather somewhat , for amongst all the creatures whom God hath created , there is none subiect to more miseries than a woman , especially those that are fruitfull and beare children ; for they haue scant a monthes rest in a whole yeare , but are continually ouercome with sorrow , and feare . Then he saith , hauing a short time to liue . Indéed what is more shorter than the life of man ? vnto whom in stopping his nose and his mouth , the life is gone , for his life is nothing but a blast of wind inclosed therein .

I haue read of many that haue murmured against Nature for giuing long life to Harts and Rauens , whose liues bring no profit , and vnto man ( King of all things vpon earth ) but a short life , although hee knoweth how to imploy his time ; and yet the little time that he hath to liue , is shortned by sléepes , dreames , sorrowes and cares : therefore wee may iustly say , that mans life is full of misery and sorrow .

CHAP. IJ. Of the misery of Man entring into his youth , and yeeres of discretion .

YEe haue alreadie heard discoursed and shewed in order , what perils and dangers Man hath at his first comming into the world , now therefore let vs consider what he is when he is sprung vp , and whether that there bée an end of his miseries or no : Of which , if we bee equall Iudges , wee shall finde that hee doth rather increase than decrease the miseries : for this is the time of mans life wherein Nature doth reare against him a more furious combate , for his blood beginneth to rise : the Flesh prouoketh him to his owne pleasure , the wicked world espyeth him , the Deuill tempteth him , and his selfe-wild youthfulnesse leadeth him : so that it is impossible , but that he which is assayled with so many vices , and succoured of none , in the end is discomfited and ouercome : for in the body of youth , Riot , Liberty and deliciousnesse aboundeth : For all the Uices in the world ( saith Marcus Aurelius ) doe there plant their siege .

Therefore it behooueth when the trées are young , to vphold them , and to loppe the ouer-waighty branches , if afterward yée intend to gather any fruit .

Likewise it is necessary to reforme and correct the Uices that reigne in youth , least afterward it returne to the parents shame and reproach : But there are at this day , many Fathers and Mothers , which for default not to haue well instructed their Children in their youth , doe receiue much sorrow and griefe in their age . Moreouer , there are many Mothers , which in stead of giuing them good and godly instructions , nourish and bring them vp in voluptuousnesse and pride : and although they be nourishers of their bodies , so are they destroiers of their soules .

If Hely was grieeuously punished with his Children , for that he did not so sharpely chastise them as their offences did require , what shall become of these Fathers and Mothers , which in stead of correctors , are their Childrens corruptors ? Such Parents may well be compared to Apes , which kill their young ones by too much strayning them betweene their armes , and keeping them so déere : and this is the cause that so many fall into the hands of the Hangman , which are to them , reformers and correctors .

Many there bee that in stead of giuing good exhortations to their Family , doe shew them first themselues naughty and wicked examples : for the first commandement that they giue them how to liue well , is to blaspheme , sweare , exercise gluttony , and drunkennesse : to spoyle the substance of their youth , to be fornicators , and to kisse women and maydens in their presence . There be also many Mothers héere in England , that learne their Daughters to dance , to vse rhetoricke termes , to haunt companies , to scoffe and flout , to paint and colour their faces , to decke their fingers with Ringes , and their neckes with Iewels , as though they were Iewell sellers , pretending to keepe a shop : but in the end it will happen to them as it did to the Prophet Dauid , 2 King . 13. & 15. whose sinne was punished in his Children , which were most of them so wicked , that the one of them deflowred his owne sister , and the other killed his brother , and afterward sought the death of his owne father , and chased him out of his kingdome .

The ancient Philosophers maintained this Argument , that all sinnes committed in this world , were punished in the world to come , except the sinne that man committeth in the bringing vp of his Children , and for that , he suffereth punishment in this world : for the Father can giue nothing to his Child but fraile and mortall flesh , by the corruption whereof the life taketh end : but by good learning & knowledge , eternall praise and memory is gotten : Therefore to conclude , if that Children haue béen in great misery , being nourished with spotted milke , yet the misery doubleth in those that should cause them to be instructed : for the food of the body is more vile than the food of the soule .

But now when he is come to the seuenth yeare of his age , it behooueth his Parents to haue Tutors and Schoole-masters for to instruct him in good learning : but growing further into yeeres , and comming to his adolescency , it is needfull then to haue more rigorous reformers for to tame his wilde youth , and to breake him to labour .

CHHP. IIJ. Of the misery of man being come to his full strength .

HAuing finished this our second discourse , Man is growne to his full perfection both of strength and discretion ; in which time hee entereth into déeper cogitations and trauell in the spirit : It is requisite therefore , that he frequent publike places , that he haunt the company of those that are as touchstones for to know the good from euill : If he be come of a great and a noble stocke , he must make many enterprises of warre , put himselfe in perils , hazard his life , and shed his blood for to die in the bed of Honour : or else he shall be reputed a dastardly coward , and vtterly despised of all men .

If he be of bare estate , and that he be called to the knowledge of Arts , Sciences , and néedfull Trades , yet for all that , he runneth into a thousand dangers , trauels , paines and troubles , as well of the body as of the soule : he toyleth day and night , and sweateth water and blood to get a maintenance during his life ; and oftentimes it is seene that what paines soeuer man taketh for his liuing , yet it is scant sufficient to serue his necessity .

It is not therefore without cause that Marcus Aurelius was wont to say ( when he considered the misery of mankind : ) I mused in my mind ( sayd he ) whether there might be found in any age a man that could vaunt , that he neuer in al his life-time tasted aduersity : and assuredly , if there might be such a one found , hée would be such a fearefull monster vpon the earth , that all liuing things would be amazed to behold him . Then he concluded after this sort , saying : And in the end I found mine owne thoughts true : for he that was yesterday rich , was to day poore . He that was yesterday in health , was to day sicke : He that laughed yesterday , to day did weepe : He that was yesterday in prosperity , was to day in aduersity : and he that was yesterday aliue , was to day dead ▪

But let vs now returne to our former matter , and set down our Discourses in order . What liuing man is he in all the world , that hath giuen himselfe to any Science , or otherwise to liue , but that at one time or other , he disliketh of his owne profession , and is weary thereof ? And for the better vnderstanding of the same , we will particularly discourse the miseries , and troublesome liues of all the principall Estates liuing vpon the bosome of the sinfull earth .

CHAP. IV. Of the misery of wicked Kings , Princes , and Monarches .

SEarching into all estates of men , wée shall finde that Fortune aboue all other mortall creatures , hath prouided for Kings most liberally : for what maketh man more happy in this world , than goods , honours , dignities , and rule ; licence to doe good or euill without controulement , power to exercise liberality , and all kind of pleasure , as well of the body as of the mind : all that may be wished for to the contentation of man , either in varietie of meats , magnificence in seruice , or in vestures : to raise at their pleasure the meanest man to high place , and with a frowne , disgrace the mightiest : All which continually is at a Princes command : there is nothing that may please the memory , or flatter the desires of the flesh , but is prepared for them euen from their cradles , onely to make their liues more happy and full of felicity .

But now if wée iudge of their liues vprightly , and waigh them in a true ballance , wée shall finde that the selfe same things which makes them happy in this world , are the very instruments of vice , and the cause of greater sorrowes : For what auaileth their costly ornaments , honourable seruices , and delicate meats , when that they are in continuall feare to be poysoned , wrong seduced , and often beguiled by their seruitours : Haue we not had experience therof many times ? Doth not Histories report , that some Princes haue bin poysoned with Papers , and with the smoake of Torches : Wée may reade likewise of certaine Emperors that dust not lye downe to rest in the night , before they had caused their Beds to be lyen on , and all the corners of their Chambers to bee searched , least they should be strangled or murthered in their sléepes . Others that would not permit any Barbers to touch their faces , for feare that in trimming of their heads or beards , they would cut their throats : And yet to this day they are in such feare , that they dare not put meate in their mouthes before their Taster haue tasted thereof .

What felicity can a King or Prince haue , that hath many thousands of men vnder their gouernments , when hee must watch for all , heare the complaints and cryes of euery one , procure euery mans safegard , prouoke some to do well by liberall gifts , and others by terrour and feare : Hée must nourish peace amongst his Subiects , and defend his Realme against the inuasion of forraine enemies , besides many other calamities that are depending vpon a Regall crowne .

But now touching the vnhappy states of wicked Princes , vnto whom thrée kindes of people are most agréeable , and familiar : The first are Flatterers , which bée the chiefe enemies to all Uertue , and they that impoyson their soules with a poyson so pestiferous , that it is contagious to all the world : their Princes folly , they call Prudence : their cruelty , Iustice ; their Letchery , Wantonnesse ; their Fornications ▪ Pleasures and Pastimes ; if they bee couetous , they call it good Husbandry : if they bee prodigall , they call it Liberality : So that there is no vice in a Prince , but they cloake it vnder the shadow of some Uertue . The second sort are such , who neuer rest night , but that in the morning they bring in some new inuention or other , how to taxe and draw money from the poore people , and generally all their study is imployed to bée wastfull and prodigall in the exactions and miseries of the poore commons . The third and last sort are such , that vnder the cloake of kindnes and honesty ( counterfayting good men ) haue alwayes their eyes vpon other mens liuings , and make themselues reformers of vices . They inuent wicked and false deuices , not only how to get other mens goods , but oftentimes their liues , who before God are most innocent .

Behold , here you may well sée the manifold miseries that compasse Scepters and states of Princes : Here are the Thornes that they receiue in recompence of their brightnesse and royall Dignity , which ought like a Lampe to giue light to all the world : but when it is eclipsed or darkned with any vice , it is more reprochfull in them , than in any other priuate person whatsoeuer : for they sin not only in the fault which they commit , but also by the example that they giue .

The abundance of honours and pleasures that Princes enioy , serueth as a baite to induce them to euill , and are the very Matches to giue fire to Uice . What was Saul before hée was made King ▪ whose life is shewed in the holy Scripture , whom God did elect ? yet he made a sudden eclipse or changeing . How wonderfull was the beginning of the Reigne of King Salomon , the which being ouercome with Royall pleasures , gaue himselfe as a prey to women ? Of two and twenty Kings of Iuda , there is found but fiue or sixe , that haue continued in their vertue . If we consider the estate of the Assyrians , Persians , Grecians and Egyptians , wee shall finde more of them wicked than good . If wee consider what the Kings and Romane Emperours were ( which hath béene the most flourishing Common-wealth in the world ) we shall find them so ouercome with vices , and all kind of cruelties , that I do almost abhorrs to speake of their corrupt & defiled liues . What was the estate of their Common-wealth , before that Scilla & Marius did murmure against it , before that Catiline and Catulla did perturbe it , before that Caesar and Pompey did slander it , before that Augustus and Marcus Antonius did destroy it , before that Tiberius and Caligula did defame it , before that Domitian and Nero did depraue it ? For although they made it rich with many Kingdomes and Lordships , yet were the vices they brought with them , more greater than the Kingdomes they gayned : For their goods and riches are consumed , yet their vices remaine vnto this day . What memory remaineth of Romulus , that founded the City of Rome ? Of Numa Pompilius , that erected the Capitoll : Of Ancus Martius , that compassed it with walles ? Did not they shew what felicity remaineth in high estates , who are more subiect to the assaults of Fortune , than any other earthly creature ? For many times the thred of life breaketh , when they thinke least of death : and then the infamy of those that bée wicked , remaineth written in Histories , for a perpetuall memorie thereof : The which thing all Estates ought more to regard a thousand times , than the tongue that speaketh euill , which can but shame the liuing : but Bookes record a perpetuall infamy for euer . Which thing being duely considered of by many Emperours and Kings in times past , they forsooke their Scepters , and royal Empires , and betooke them to an obscure life , resting better contented with a little in quiet , than to enioy with full sayle the crooked honours of the world .

CHAP. V. Of the misery of vicious Courtiers , and of their wicked liues .

WHat greater felicity can there bée in this world , than to bée in a Princes fauour , to bee at his elbow at all times , to vse courtly manners , and other offices of humanity : of which number , there be some so subtile & crafty , that they doe play as the Fisherman , who as soone as he hath gotten any thing in his Net , giueth ouer the Court , and goeth his way . Othersome there are , that play all out : and other that remaine vntill they become wonderous rich ; and in the end , they are made to restore all backe againe . There are also others that doe nothing but inuent meanes to enlarge their treasures , and become wealthy with spoyling poore people . Princes doe by them many times , as we doe by our Hogs , we let them fatten to the end we may eate them afterward : so likewise are they suffered many times , to enrich themselues , to be disposed of afterward when they are fat : and one that is new come , oftentimes is preferred in their places .

By this you may see that Courtiers oftentimes do sell their libertie to become rich : For they must obey all commandements , they must frame themselues to laugh when the prince laugheth , to wéepe when he weepeth , approue that which he approueth , and condemne that which he condemneth . They must alter and change their natures , to be seuere with those that are seuere : sorrowfull with those that are sorrowfull : and in a manner transforme themselues , according to the nature of him whom they will please , or els he shal get nothing . To be briefe , they must frame themselues , to his manners and nature : and yet many times one little offence staineth all the seruice they haue done in their life time before .

Many in Princes Courts put off their Cappes to them , whom they would gladly see cut shorter by the head : and often bow their knees to doe them reuerence , whom they wish had broken their neckes .

Here you may sée ▪ the life of a great number of vicious Courtiers , which is no life , but rather a lingring death : here you may sée wherein their youth is imployed , which is no youth , but a transitory death : for when they come to age , they bring nothing from thence but gray heads , their feete full of Gouts , their backes full of paine , their hearts full of sorrow , and their soules filled with sin .

CHAP. VJ. Of the misery of Magistrates , that administer not true Iustice : with a discourse against wicked Iudges .

NOw our discourse of Courtiers being past , it is requisite that we speake of things done in the ciuill life , and to how many miseries it is subiect : For although it be at this day a degrée most Noble and necessary for the peace of mans life , yet shall we find that it deserues to haue his part in this Pilgrimage , as well as others : and if there be any delectation , pleasure , or honour , depending thereon , yet it is transitory and vnconstant .

First , knowing that all the actions of Magistrates , passe before the eyes of the common people , whose iudgements in matters of state be but simple , yet haue they a certaine smell or sauour to know the good from euill : wherefore those that be Iudges and Magistrates , be subiect ( as in a Play ) to be hissed at and chased away with shame and confusion .

For the hare-brained people , which is compared to a monster with many heads , are mutable , vncertaine , fraudulent , apt to wrath and mutiny , ready to prayse or dispraise , without wisedome or discretion , variable in their talke , vnlearned and obstinate .

Therefore it behooueth that the life of a Iudge or Magistrate be sincere and vertuous : for as he iudgeth openly , so shall he be iudged of the people seuerally ▪ not only in matters of waight and importance , but in those of small consequence : For alwayes the rude people will find somewhat to reforme , as the Lacedemonians murmured at their Law-maker Licurgus , for that he went alwayes holding downe his head . The Venetians defamed wise Cato in his eating , and accounted Pompeius vnciuill , for that he would scratch with one finger onely : Yet these are but few in comparison of other good men that the common sort haue persecuted , banished , and in the end put to death . If that great Oratour Demosthenes were aliue , he could say some what , who after hée had a long time béene a iust and faithfull Gouernour of the Common-wealth of Athens , was in the end ( without cause ) vniustly banished . Moses , and many other holy men haue so many times tasted the fury of the common people , that if they were this day liuing , they would powre out most grieuous complaints against them .

Now we haue shewed and set foorth the miseries that procéed from common people , so must we in like sort put into the ballance the errours and corruptions that are found in wicked Iudges : Of the which sort some are corrupted with Feare , for such feare they haue , that rather than they will displease a Prince or a great Lord , they wil violate iustice like Pilate , that condemned Christ , for feare that he had to displease the Emperour Tiberius .

Other Magistrates are corrupted by Loue , as was Herod , who for to please the foolish loue of a Damsell that danced , condemned to death Saint Iohn Baptist , although he knew he was iust and innocent .

Some are many times corrupted by hatred , as was the chiefe Priest , that condemned Saint Paul to be stoned to death , though he deserued it not ,

Some Magistrates are corrupted by Siluer and Gold , and other Gifts and Presents , as were the children of the Prophet Samuel : and this disease is so contagious , that I feare ( at this day ) many are infected with it .

They all loue Rewards saith the Prophet ) they all séeke for Gifts : they doe not right to the Orphane , and the Widdowes complaint commeth not before them . And in an other place , Woe be to you that are corrupted by Money , by hatred or loue , and which iudge the good to be euill , and the euill good : making the light darkenesse , and the darkenesse light . Woe be to you that haue not respect to the deserts of things , but to the deserts of men : that regard not equitie , but gifts that are giuen : that regard not Iustice , but Money . You are diligent in rich mens causes , but you deferre the cause of the poore : You are to them most cruell and rigorous Iudges , but vnto the rich kind and tractable .

The Prophet Ieremy cryeth out against wicked Iudges , and saith . They are magnified , and become rich : they haue left the Orphanes , and haue not done iustice for the poore : Shall not , I therefore punish these things ( saith the Lord ) and my soule take vengeance on such manner of people ▪

Heare also the sentence that Saint Iames pronounceth against them at the day of Iudgment : You haue condemned and killed the iust : you haue liued in wantonnesse in this world , and taken your ease ; now therefore ( saith the Lord of Hoasts ) wéepe and howle in your wretchednesse that shall come vpon you : your garments are moatheaten , your gold and siluer is cankred , and the rust thereof shall be a witnesse against you , and it shall eate your flesh as it were fire , for the complaints of the poore are ascended vp to my Throne .

These are the complaints that the Prophets and Apostles made against wicked Iudges and Magistrates : and likewise the censures that our good God hath thundred against them . And now I will speake of the misery of Marriage , with a discourse of the same .

CHAP. VIJ. Of the praise of Marriage , and likewise the miseries that ensue thereon .

THere is no ioy nor pleasure in the world , which may bee compared to Marriage ; for there is such fellowship between the parties coupled , that they seeme two minds to be transformed into one : likewise both good fortune and bad , is common to both : their cares equall , and their ioyes equall : and to be briefe , all things are in common betwéene them two .

If wee account it pleasure to commit our secrets to our friends and neighbours , how much greater is the ioy , when we may discouer our thoughts to her , that is ioyned to vs by such a knot of affinity , that we put as much trust in her as in our selues , making her wholly treasurer or faithfull kéeper of the secrets of our minds ?

What greater witnesse of feruent loue and vndissoluble amity can there be , than to forsake father , mother , sister and brother , and generally all their kindred , till they become enemy to themselues , for to follow a husband , that doth honor and reuerence her , and hauing all other things in disdaine , she onely cleaueth to him : If he be rich , she keepeth his goods : if he be poore , she is companion with him in pouerty : if he be in prosperity , his felicity is redoubled in her : if hee be in aduersity , he beareth but the one halfe of the griefe : and furthermore , she comforteth him , assisteth and serueth him : If a man will remaine solitary in his house , his wife keepeth him company : if he will goe into the fields , she conducteth him with her eye as farre as she can see him : she desireth and honoureth him : being absent , she complaineth and sigheth , and wisheth his company : being come home he is welcommed , and receiued with the best shew and tokens of loue : and for to speake truth it séemeth that a wife is a gift from heauen granted to a man , as well for the contentation of youth , as the rest and solace of age .

Nature can giue vs but one Father , and one Mother : but Marriage presenteth many in our children , the which doe reuerence and honour vs , and are more deare vnto vs than our owne selues : for ( being yong ) they play , prattle , laugh and shew vs many pretty toyes ; they prepare vs an infinit number of pleasures : and it séemeth that they are giuen vs by nature , to passe away part of our miserable life . If we be afflicted with age , they shew the duty of children , close vp one eyes , and bring vs to the earth , from whence we came . They are our bones , our flesh and blood ; for in séeing them , we sée our selues . The Father beholding his Children , may be well assured that he séeth their liuely youth renued in their faces , in whom we are almost regenerate and borne again , in such sort , that age is most grieuous vnto vs , beholding the mirrours and similitudes of our selues , the which doth make our memories almost immortall .

Many are the ioyes and swéet pleasures in marriage , which for breuities sake I passe ouer : but if we do well consider it , and waigh it in a iust ballance , we shal find that amongst these Roses , are many Thornes growing : and amongst these swéet showers of Raine , we shall find that there falleth much Haile . But with reuerence now I craue pardon of all vertuous Women , that with patience I may discouer my intent , and that my presumption may not gaine the least frowne from their chast browes : for to the vicious I speake , and not to them whose breasts harbours the liberall Fountaine of vertue and wisdome .

The Athenians ( being a people much commended for their prudence and wisedome ) séeing that Husbands and Wiues could not agrée , because of an infinite number of dissensions that chanced betweene them , were constrained to ordaine certaine Magistrates in their Countrey , whom they called Reconcilers of married ones : the office of whom was to set agreement betweene the husband and the wife . The Spartanes and Romanes had also such like Lawes and orders amongst them : so great was the insolence and rashnes of some women towards their husbands .

In this age there are but few I thinke , can beare patiently the charges of marriage , or can endure the vnbridled rage of some women ; and to speake truth without flattery , if thou takest her rich , thou makest thy selfe a bondslaue , for thinking to marry thine equall , thou marriest a commanding Mistresse : If thou takest her foule , thou canst not loue her : If thou takest her faire , it is an Image at thy gate to bring thée company : Beauty is a Tower that is assayled of all the world , & therefore it is a hard thing to kéep that , where euery one séeketh to haue the key : Then this is the conclusion , Riches causes a woman to be proud , Beauty maketh her suspected , and hard fauour causeth her to be hated .

Therefore Hyponactes hauing tasted the martyrdomes of marriage , sayed that there was but two good dayes in all the life of marriage : Whereof the one was the wedding day vpon which is made good chéere , the Bride fresh and faire , and of all pleasures the beginning is most delectable : The other good day is when the woman dieth , for then the husband is out of bondage and thraldome .

Yet for all this a woman is to man a necessary euill , and one whom he cannot well liue without : Seeing that there is nothing more harder to find in this world , than a good Woman , a good Mule , and a good Goate , who are three vnhappy Beasts . And to conclude , there is nothing more lighter than a womans tongue , vnbridled : more piercing than her outragious words : more to be feared , than her boldnesse : more cruell , than her malice : nor more dangerous than her fury : Besides many other hurtfull discommodities of their huswiferie , which for this time I passe ouer , and so returne to our former discourse .

CHHP. VIIJ. Of the worlds generall misery , and the vices of all sorts in the Communalty .

OF all the miseries that hapneth to man in this Pilgrimage of woe , these hereafter following , are the greatest : Of which Nature her selfe hath complained vnto God , who saith , that man for euery Uice hath a cloake of Uertue to couer it : as for example , those that wound and kill one another , we call them hardy and strong , and we say that they haue a regard to honour , and therefore deserue commendation . They that violate Women , and rauish Uirgins , we call that bearing of loue . Those that are proud , and seeke by all vnlawfull meanes to climbe vp to high Dignities , we call them honourable , graue , and men of ripe iudgement , Those that are couetous , and beguile their neighbours by crafty subtilties and inuentions , and so in short time become rich , those they call good husbands , and men that will séeke to liue : besides many other vices which are shadowed vnder the mantle of Uertue , the which is one principall cause that so many miseries do fal vpon the world : and to speake truth , the whole earth is drowned in sinne , that it séemeth to be the sinke wherein all the wickednesse of the former age hath béen emptied .

Who euer saw the sin of Couetousnesse more déeper rooted in the world , than at this present day ? for all the Cities , Prouinces and Kingdomes of the earth , be very shops and storehouses of Couetousnesse and Auarice : this is the world which the Prophets did foreshew , that men ioyne house to house , and land to land , as though themselues would alone dwell vpon the earth .

Couetousnes is the wel spring of miseries , for from thence procéedes warre and destruction , and the great effusion of blood , with the which the earth is ouerflowne : from Couetousnes procéed Murders , Treasons , Thefts , Usuries , Forswearings , the corruption of Witnesses , and peruerting of Iudgements : From Couetousnesse the tedious delayes in Law , and lingering of sutes do procéed : and to be short , from thence commeth all wickednesse .

This grieuous sinne is growne so familiar amongst men , that many liue without mercy , in such sort that now we may see the stréetes full of poore Beggars , naked and clad with pouerty , with an infinite number of banished women , driuen out of their Countries , bearing their children in their armes , wanting that which couetous men hoord vp with such cares , that they make it their God , and will rather let a poore body dye at their gates , than refresh him with food .

Therefore let vs now leaue these wicked men , Idolaters of their treasures , with the couetous rich man mentioned in the holy Scripture , and speake of an other vice which is called Enuy : the malady wherewith many mindes in this new world , is grieuously afflicted .

The time is now come , that the whole earth is nothing but a very place of the Enuious : a vice which is the oldest of all vices , & hath bin vsed in the worlds infancy : the experience thereof was approued in the first age of Adam and the Serpent , in Abel and Cain , in Iacob and Esau , in Ioseph and his brethren , in Saul and Dauid , in Hammon and Mardocheus ; the which pursued not one another for their riches , but for the enuy that the one bore to the other .

But all this is nothing to the Enuy which is vsed amongst men at this day : which wicked Uice , not only reigneth amongst the common sort , but also amongst the higher : for when they are mounted to the top of Fortunes whéele , and thinke peaceably to enioy the fauour of Princes , behold sodainely the Enuy of some other , conspires against them , and causeth them to be disdained , & cast out of fauor : Therefore I thinke there is no other meanes for to auoid Enuy , but to auoid dignity and rule : the reason is , that we are the children of enuy ; and he that leaueth most goods , leaueth most Enuy.

For this cause the Elders counselled the Rich , that they should not dwell neare the Poore , nor the Poore neare the Rich: for the one are enuied for their Wealth , and the other for their Pouerty .

Here will we now leaue this grieuous sin of Enuy , and a little glaunce at the ambitious Pride , that reigneth amongst vs . Who euer saw such excessiue Pride in all estates , as we sée at this present ? whereby we may well name this world , a world of glistering Gold , of Siluer , and Ueluet , of Purple , of Silke , with the which we decke our bodies curiously , and haue no regard of the sins that ouerload the soules .

But let vs beware that the same happen not to vs , which the Prophets writ against the Women of Ierusalem , who reprooued their pride , their vnshamefull Lookes , their rowlyng eyes , their attires , their chaines , Iewels and bracelets , and other their vaineglorious fashions : It will happen to you ( saith the Lord of Hosts ) that in stead of perfumes , you shall haue stinke : in stead of curled haire , baldnesse : and the fairest yong men amongst you shall passe through the edge of the sword , and the strongest shall be slaine , and perish in the warres .

Many other vices could I largely discourse of , as the sinne of Gluttony and drunkennes , where with the whole earth is infected : and I greatly marueile , that many vnsatiable belly-gods doe not rot and burst in the middest of their riotous excesse , that will sit bowsing in Tauerns , spoiling that which might comfort many succourlesse people , and in the meane time , the poore Lazarus standeth at the gate , & cannot haue so much as the Crummes that fall from their table : and to conclude , these wicked vices of Gluttony & Drunkennesse hath continued vpon the earth euer since the beginning of the world : as for example . The liquorous lusting of Adam and Eue , was the cause that the gate of Paradice was shut vp against vs , Esau sold his birth-right , Saint Iohn Baptist was slaine after Herod had banquetted : N●ah being ouercome with wine , slept with his priuy parts vncouered : and was mocked of his Children : Lot being drunke with wine , deflowred his owne Daughters : with many other examples that I could name touching these wicked vices , which for this time I passe ouer . And now I will discourse of other miseries and calamities belonging to mans woefull Pilgrimage .