The first Chapter .

CICERO that worthy father of al learninge and eloquence , Lib. 2. Offic. sayth ( & in my opinion righte pithilre ) that man his healthe is preserued , by knowledge of his owne body , and by vsing such things as are thereto eyther beneficiall or hurtfull : finally in continencie of life , ordrlye vsage of bodye , Mainteners of health . and forbearing of pleasures , which in my iudgement are not so hurtful to the body , as they be pernicious to the minde . It behoueth therefore and it standeth euery man vpon , perfectly and thorowly to know the habite & constitution of his owne bodye , which consisteth in a temperament a mixture of foure qualities , hoate , moyst , cold and dry . For by this meanes shall he be a great deale better able to keepe himselfe in healthe , and to wythstand sicknes or recure diseases whensoeuer they happen .

And sithens naturall health is nothinge els but a right constitution and state of the body and all partes thereof , Health . wherby euery seuerall member dischargeth & orderly executeth his proper function , office , duty and action , wythout any maner of let or greeuaunce : and sithence Sicknesse , as an affecte contrary to nature , Sickenes . eyther makinge worse or altogether hindering this action , molestinge & payning nature , cleane contrary to health and naturall soundnesse : I cannot see how any man conuenientlye can eyther keepe himselfe in that present state of good health wherein hee is , or restore the same being empayred and discrased , vnlesse he haue the knowledge of his owne bodye , & be ripe and skilfull in the temperament thereof .

And albeit the Soule be farre more excellent then the body , Soule . and be the better part of man , for the furniture and garnishing wherof , I would haue the chiefest care and industry bestowed : yet notwythstanding , I iudge it right needefull also to haue a diligent eye and respect to the body , leaste ( otherwise ) it should be a burthen to the Soule , and hinder it from matters of more wayght and worthines . For the body being healthfull , euerye member doth his office and dutie , and is to the minde ( at whose commaundement it standeth ) obeysaunt and seruiceable . To this ende is that worthy saying of the Poet Iuuenal .

Most chiefly ought our prayers to be made , For healthy minde within a body sound : Sat. 10. Aske courage stoute , and liue in honest trade , Feare not at all , of death the lethall wound : Passe forth thy dayes , vse Natures giftes aright , In pleasaunt sort with them thy selfe delight . Acquaint thy selfe to labour , toyle and drudge : Shrinke not a whit , rage not with swellinge ire , Haue not to deale with trade of scraping snudge Who neuer hath ynough to his desire : To quiet life is no mo wayes but one , If thou wilt know , it vertue is alone .

Which giftes of bodye & minde , True goods . whosoeuer is endued wythall , vnto him can no surer and stedfaster possession happen : & against them preuayleth neyther the instabilitie of fortune , neyther canthe mutability of worldly ficklenes chaleng either ryght or superiority . For greate wealth , Health passeth gold . large possessions , sumptuous buildinges , huge reuenewes , ample patrimonyes , glorious titles , and Honourable Styles in comparison of these are of none accompte , neyther serue they to anye vse , nor bringe to man any contentacion . Consider what the Poet doth here say , and by these , consider of all the rest .

Not house nor land , not gold nor fee , The Corps can ease from crased plight , Nor minde from cares : Hor. lib. 1 Epist. sound must he bee , That gotten goodes would vse aright .

Wherefore sithe health of bodye and health of minde are by good righte to be reckened amonge the chiefest goods and of all other the best : reason requyreth , and expedient also is it for all men , in procuring and preseruing the same , to bestow their chiefest care and whole diligence : and both for themselues & for so many as depend vpon them , earnestlye to desire these comfortable stayes , and cheerishmentes of life , the better & more commodiously to passe the race of this transitory pilgrimage wythoute dislykinge or greeuaunce . For if wee will credite Horace : What better thing can mother wishe , her tender Babe vntill , Then wysedome , Epist. ad Albium . vttraunce , fauour , fame , with health and wealth at will ?

He therfore that gladly would runne his race & pleasauntly passe forth his whole dayes , must haue speciall care to keepe himselfe in perfect healthe : but first and principally in the health of mind , and nexte of body , wythoute whose perfecte state and soundnes , the minde it selfe is not rightly susteyned , vpholden nor comforted . For by the ignoraunce or not knowinge of our owne selues , and by negligente loking to the state of our owne bodyes and mindes , Nosce te ipsum . we are haled , and ( will wee nill wee ) throwen into sondrye diseases and innumerable affections , and ( like a shippe ful fraighte with wares in tempestuous & boisterous weather ) caryed and dashed vppon the rockes of perturbation . Whereby it commeth to passe that manye are by death cutte of , euen in theyr lustyest time , which haue no care , no orderly respect , nor choise , in preseruation and maintenaunce of theyr bodely health . To this very ende and effecte , is that holesome admonition of the wyseman : Take heede to thy selfe , Eccles. 7 least thou die before thy time .

By which sayinge , hee warneth euery one , so to order and dispose his lyfe , Death by ill diet many times hastened before his due time that throughe riot and vntemperate dealing , he hasten not his death before his time , and before he haue in a maner runne halfe his race .

Now let euery man consider with himself , how myserable and how wearysome also it is to haue a bodye neuer in health but altogether martyred with sicknes and soares , & ( reason beinge mastered , banished and oppressed ) to haue the mind defiled and vtterly wyth inward vices polluted . Howe can lyfe ( I say ) be vnto such a man pleasaunte or sweete , or howe can the minde bee quiet and well stayed ? Forsomuch therefore as nothing is better then health , let euery man diligently looke to the same , and marke how much he hath swarued and strayed from moderate order and temperature .

This consideration wyth himselfe shall worke in him much good effecte , and stand him in greate steede , that in case his bodye be lustie and healthfull , hee maye in the same state stil continue and cheerish it wyth helpes and preseruations thereto conuenient . But if it be fallen into worse plight , and not in so good case of soundnes as before it was , then to seeke wayes and meanes how to recure & bring it againe to his former state of healthines . For as humours are easely chaunged one into another , and suffer mutuall transmutacion throughe moderate exercise , and such conuenient meats and nourishments , as to natural heat are cherishable : So agayne the ill & distempered state of bodye , throughe holesome diet and order , is made lustier and refourmed into better . And euen as wee see members fractured , burste , wrenched and dislocated , to be brought into theyr right places agayne : so may health ( beinge empayred ) bee restored and reduced into his former integritie . For the mindes and bodyes of men be in a maner as it were yong Sproutes & trees , which being artificially handled , and cunninglye dealt wythall ( yea although afore wield and vnfruitfull ) yet as Virgill sayth .

If they be graft a newe , and put in other chaunged soyle , Lib. 2. Georg. From nature wilde which earst they had , They quight and cleane recoyle , And yeld such fruite as best you lyke , by force of handy toyle .

Contrarywyse , if the husbande be negligent & carelesse , his grounde becommeth barrayne , rugged , ouergrowen wyth wredes and disabled from bearinge any grayne that is good or profitable . The like reason is to be yelded of the mindes of men . The minde . For there be many excellent witts and very towardly natures , which by vnthrifty company and lewd education , do degenerate from their good inclination of nature , and become altogether rebellious , wilfull , lewde and barbarous . Some againe , whose nature is proue and inclinable to euill , yet by helpe of learninge and good education are reclaymed and wonne from theyr froward disposition & become worthy members , stayes & ornamentes in theyr Country . And therefore no man is to thincke or perswade himselfe , that an ill nature may not be altered , sithence rude wittes , not yet trayned to any discipline and learning , may like soft waxe , or as tractable and moyst claye , be fashioned , framed and made applyable to learne any knowledge , and vertue , any ciuilitye : and by artificiall instruction bee trayned to conceyue Artes and behauiour both comely and commendable . Thus likewyse in graffinge and planting ( which is as wittie a deuise & as proper a feate as any ) we see wild trees to chaunge their olde nature , and to beare fruite both holsome and toothsome . Amonge wyeld Beastes also , we see how the dilligence , forecast , wit and pollicie of man maketh them tame & seruiceable . An example hereof maye wee see in Mago , a worthy Duke amonge the Carthaginians , who ( as Plinie sayth ) ib. 8. ca. was the first among them that durste wyth his hande stroake and handle a tamed Lion : 7. for which Acte , his Countreyfolks attaynted him , as one , whom they thought not amisse to restrayne from liberty and debarre from authority , Mago made Lion tame . for that his wysedom and wyse dealings seemed so excellent , that they iudged him a man able to perswade any thing that him listed , who had thus straungely trayned and tamed a wylde Lion.

But that persons of Melancholique nature or of any other constitution whatsoeuer , ( so that the distemperature haue not beene of to long continuaunce and the party to farre striken in age ) may be altered and brought to a better state , there is no man that needeth to doubt . For who doth not plainly see , that strong and very hoate wyne , wyth cold water , or other milder licour , is & may be alayed ? Semblably againe , wyne that is smal , myngled , and of watry relice , yet beinge put to other licour that is stronger and of a better grape , is quickened , and made both better and sharper . And so humours in a man being eyther of themselues euil , or meeting wyth others of other quality , are through theyr commixtion therewith , qualifyed and waxe milder , and leauinge theyr owne naturall qualitie are altered into an other , of straunger nature , effect , and operation . Thus is the heate of Choler , by accesse and myxture of bloude & phlegme , mitigated . Thus is phlegme by admixtion of yelow Choler , heated , and much ●bated from his owne colde and moyste quality , becomming therby lesse hurtful to the body . And in like sort may we conclude of all the rest .

Such nourishments and meates as engender good bloude & iuyce are hereunto very auayleable , out of which the humours & spyrits ( which be the incensours and stirrers forwarde of the minde ) obtayne and receyue theyr nature . What maketh good digestion . Now , there is nothinge more effectuall to make good & perfecte digestion and to stirre vp the Spirites , then sleepe , exercise , and wyne , so the same be pure , good , and moderatelye vsed , as the other also must bee . For so doth it stirre vp & make syncere , liuely and cleare Spirites , from whence proceedeth cheerefulnes , ioy , quicknes and myrth of the minde . For the meates & nourishments ( which by nature are laboured into humours ) being eaten and washed downe wyth good and holsome wyne , haue freer passage into all the parts of the body , and distribute theyr nourishment into them more effectually . There is nothing therefore that so much banisheth phansyes & sorrow out of a mans minde , Eccle. 31. as pleasaunt merye companye , and moderate vse of wyne . And of this , What maketh a man merie . did that precise and sterne natured Zeno , giue a notable example : whose minde was so muche estraunged from all pleasaunte conceites & ordinarye curtesies of common humanitye , that hee was neuer at all moued wyth any affections , no not such as be naturallye incidente and engraffed in euery man . And yet when he was a litle whittled wyth wyne , he began to chaunge his copye , and to be as mery and as bone a companion as who was best . And beinge on a time asked by one of his merye mates , how it happened , that he being otherwyse so wonderfully seuere and crabbed , yet at the wyne was so pleasaunt and conceiptuous : hee merelye aunswered , that he was like to a kinde of Pulse called Lupines . The nature of Lupines . Which kinde of Pulse , although they be naturally bitter , and by their bitternes , of force to kill wormes , yet the same being steeped & soaked in water , renounce and leaue all bitternes and become both sweete & pleasaunt . And this is naturally giuen to all men , that when the body is refreshed wyth meate and drinck , al bitternes , sorrow and heauines is expelled , and banished . For the Spirites by moderate drinking of wyne are styrred vppe , and the mind of man , ( which in them that be fasting and hungry is faynt , weake and like vnto fier raked ouer wyth ashes , almost quenched ) A dead man heauier than a lyuing . is reuyued . And this is the cause , why a dead body is heauier than a lyuing , because all his Spirites are vanished and departed out of him : and so likewyse is a fasting person heauier then one that hath filled his belly : and one that slepeth waightier then one that watcheth . And therfore my fashion is to aduise and counsell , Melancholique folkes and sullen natured personnes , to vse banquetting and good cheere amonge honest and mery company . For thus , after Plato , wryteth the Poet.

Euen olde Dan Catoes stomacke oft , Hor lib. 3 Oda 21. By wyne was made to come aloft .

Which man ( although churlish , sterne & frowning ) yet did wyne so much driue away his naturall seueritye and grimme countenaunce , that amonge the other guestes , he became a pleasaunte companion , and of manners very gentle and familiar . For this worthy Gentleman , ( although otherwise he was a very precise comptroller , and of Stoicall grauity ) perceyued wel ynough , that mans nature required som relaxations & delights , and that it may not long continue , wythout som myrth & pleasaunt recreation . Let therefore euery man take surueigh of himself , and serch out , what his nature most desitreth , in what state his body standeth , what thinge it is that he feeleth himselfe to be holpen , and what to be offended wythall . And if he finde the plighte and state of his bodye to be in equability and perfect temperatenes , it shal be good to cheerishe and preserue it wyth his like : but if it shrinck from his sayd temperate habite , and decline to an intemperatenes , then had it neede to be holpen and recured wyth his contraryes .

Thus if a man throughe aboundance of humours , Euery man must search out his own inclination and nature . and stoare of bloude and Spirites , feele himselfe prone to carnalitie and fleshlye luste , let him by altering his order & diet , enioyne to himselfe a more strict ordinary , & frame his dealings to a more stayed moderation . But if hee feele himselfe to bee of nature somewhat sulleyne and sterne , & giuen somwhat to be wayward , whyning , testye , churlishe , and intractable then reason wylleth , suche a one to bee reclaymed to an order and trade of life , gentler and pleasaunter , insomuch it shall not be ill for such a one to frequent dauncing , It is some●● time good to chaunge nature . singing , womens flatteryes , allurements and embracings : prouided alwayes , that all the same be not otherwyse done nor ment , but in honestye and comelines , wythin a reasonable measure , & also within the bounds of lawfull wedlock . For the state of Matrimony ( as Columella aduoucheth out of Xenophons booke of Household ) Lib. 12. Cap. 1. is in such sorte appoynted by nature , that in it is conteyned not onely the pleasauntest , but also the profitablest societye of life . And least mankinde in processe of tyme , Genes. 2. should come to an vtter ruine and decay , it pleased God by this lawfull meanes to ioyne man and woman together , that of theyr inseperable combinacion , the state of man should & might by mutual helpe one of an other , be eased and conforted : and that ( beside the loue and desire that they haue to bring furth children ) The commoditie of matrimony . they mighte be tyed and bound together equally and indifferentlye to participate all fortune whatsoeuer shoulde betyde .

But for so much as approued and skilfull men that haue written bookes for the mayntenaunce of mens health generally , doe specially set downe these three principall thinges : To eate moderately , and leaue somewhat with an appetite : Three most holsome thinges . To vse conuenient exercise : And to liue continently without wastinge seede of generation .

I take it to be the best waye , to reduce the whole substaunce of the matter & mayntenaunce of health to this prescribed rule and direction . For seing that measurable repaste and feeding ( all surphet and glotony being banished ) maketh a sound body : seing ( I say , ) exercise by shaking of all drow tsinesse and slouth , maketh the bodye stronge and liuely : then no more , but harken what a short lesson Virgill giueth for the other .

No better waye the strength of minde , And powers thereof still to maintaine : Georg. 3 , Then Venus play and Loue so blinde , To shunne and warely to refrayne .

¶ Of the nature and differences of Spirits , what they worke in mans body , and what affections they cause . The second Chapter .

FOrasmuche as the Spirite is the originall maintener and conueigher of naturall heate , whereunto moysture necessarilye adhereth : & that the Soule ( by the mynisterye and ayde thereof ) perfourmeth her powers and faculties , and atchieueth all her actions : it is requisite here next to discourse vpon it , and vppon all the differences thereof . For seinge there be three especiall thinges , The bodye consisteth in thre things . in whose temperature and moderation , the health of mans body doth principally consist , vz. vitall moysture , naturall heate , & Spirite , which combineth all thinges , and imparteth his force , vertue & nature , vnto them : our present purpose being considered , we cannot by order choose , but of necessity must presently somwhat speake therof . Vitall moysture is the nourishmente and matter of naturall heate , Humour . whereupon it woorketh , and by the benefite therof is maintayned and preserued . With this Humour or vitall moysture , is naturall heate fed and cheerished , and from the same receyueth continuall mayntenaunce , Heate . and from it participateth vitall power , whereby all Creatures do liue , are nourished , encreased , preserued & procreated . Spirite is the seate and caryer of Heate , Spirite . by whose helpe and mynisterye , it is conueyed and sente by the conduites and passages of the Arteryes , to euery seuerall part of the bodye . Wherefore worthyly is this Spirite thought to be the chiefe and principal Instrument , that procureth and executeth euery action .

These three do vnseperably cleaue together , & mutuallye helpe one an other , and cannot be sundered , wythout present death of the party , and for this cause , do wee thus in one definition expresse , conclude and comprehend , theyr force and nature wythin one definition . Naturall heat is nothing els , but an originall humour , wyth vitall spirite and heate totally moystened . But forasmuch as Spirite conteyneth vitall heate , and is of all the faculties , ruler and directer , spredeth it self most swiftly throughoute the whole body , caryeth and extendeth his powers into euery part thereof vniuersally , & besyde this , doth manifestly chaunge and alter the state both of body and minde : therefore as the rest require great labour and diligence vpon them to be bestowed , so specially vpon this is the chiefest care to be taken , to restore , mayntein , and cheerish it . For if it be sincere and pure , not mingled wyth anye straunge or forrayne quality , it causeth tranquillity of minde , frameth maners in good order & fashion , and finally qualifyeth and calmeth all affections .

The minde of man to honestie it frames , And with the loue of vertuous life enflames . Pers. Sat. ● .

But if it be any whitte infected , or wyth anye vyce soyled , then is the quietnes of the minde disturbed and stirred to manye inconuenient enormities . For , as great blustering wynds vppon the Sea and Lande , cause greeuous , terrible and raginge tempestes , and much other harme to ensue : So likewyse , if the Spirites be disquieted & oute of frame , they ingender and procure diuers sortes of affections in the minde , & carye the same ( mauger all reason ) like a shippe wythout guide and Rother , vppon the rockes of sondry inconueniences . Now the thinges wherewyth our inwarde Spirites are moste dulled , Things hurt full to the spirits of man . quenched , and damnifyed , are these : fulsome Ayre , ouermuich carnal copulation , vnseasonable watching , excessiue heate , chafing and labour , longe fasting , heauines of the minde and sadnesse : Accordinge to that saying of the wyse man : A mery hart maketh a lustie age , Prouer. 17 but a sorowfull Spirit dryeth vp the bones . Heauinesse bringeth olde age before the times , and carefulnes weareth awaye a mans dayes . Eccle. 30.

But quiet and seasonable sleepe , good , pure & wel relished wyne , Things confortinge the Spirits . meery company , moderate exercise , sweete sinelles and fragraunt sauours , refreshe the Spirits , quicken and reuiue them , yea being dulled and greatly impayred . Which is euident to be seene in such as falling into traunces and lying ( for a time ) as dead , yet by the smell of sweete sauours are broughte againe and recouered into theyr former state .

For seinge that the Spirite is a certayne vapour , effluence or expyration , proceding out of the humours , What Spirite is . it standeth vs vppon , to vse the moste exquiste diet that may be , to th end that the meates and nourishments being laboured into good & holesome iuyce , may make the Spirits , pure , syncere and perfect . And thus , sweete ayre , pleasaunt sentes , deuoyd of grosse and fustie vapours , strykinge vp into the brayne , do marueylously comfort and clarifye the instruments of the Senses , and enable them to do & perfourme al theyr proper actions .

And although the Heart in a man , be as the Wel spring or fountaine , The heart is the fountaine of life . from whom the Spirits are deriued , because the Arteryes come from it , euen as synewes from the Brayne , and veynes from the Lyuer : yet notwithstanding , accordinge to the diuersitye and nature of the place , they are called by other names , and haue other powers appropriate vnto them . Of these and al other faculties reigning in man , the principall and oryginall beginning is at the very principles and beginninge of generation , to witte , generatiue seede and femynine bloude : which be afterwarde conserued and maynteyned by nourishmentes , euen as the flame is wyth oyle : and out of these the Spirits proceede .

For the better understanding of all which things , I will particularly set downe the procreation of the Spirits , wyth theyr nature , power , difference and effectes : beginninge first at the powers and faculties natural . For by theyr office is it brought to passe , that the meate we eate is concocted & turned into the nourishment of the body . Also ther be foure vertues , whereby all lyuing Creatures wyth meate receyued , are nourisshed & encreased : The first attractiue , the second retentiue , Foure natural powers . the third digestiue , and the fourth expulsiue . To wich vertues or powers , appendant and belonging to all the parts of the body , the first & chiefe originall of the Spirites oughte to be referred . For first , assoone as the meate is mynced & chawed wyth the teeth , The office of digestion . it descendeth into the stomack , beinge thither attracted , then digested , and made substantiall and turned to the proper nourishment and encrease of the member . And such part or porcion thereof , as serueth not to this vse , it refuseth and reiecteth . Here therefore the Spirite hath his first beginning . And if nature be good & stronge in this office of digestion , it happeneth thereby that the Spirites be made pure , cleare , and syncere : Howe affections are caused . but if concoction bee hindred , or any other distemperatnes happen , than is the meate altered and chaunged into vaporous belchinge , stinking fumes , and fulsome breathing , which ascending vp out of the stomack , disturbe and hurt the brayne and minde , insomuche that such persons are easely & quicklye prouoked to brawlinge , chiding , strife and dissention . For when the Humours be not sufficiently and ynough concoted and attenuate , vnpure Spirites proceede out of them , enforcing a manifest alteration of the state , aswell of the body as of the minde . Cruditie hurtfull . And therefore in anye wyse , cruditie is to be auoyded , because it maketh ill humours & troubled Spirits , aswell of meates of good iuyce , as of those that are bad : albeit the diseases engendred by want of concoction of meates hurtfull , bee worse and of more daunger . For they cause loathsome smelles and fulsome belchings , and make the body to breake oute illfauourably in euerye place wyth scabbes , botches , blaynes , and mangmesse .

For when there is aboundance of humours in the body , Oppilation and putrefaction , the original cause of diseases . it cannot be chosen but Agues must nedes bee engendred of that continuall obstruction and putrefaction : and stoare of diseases muste needes spring oute thereof , vnlesse those excrementes by continual labour and conuenient exercise be purged , and the humours reduced into good bloud . For then a sweete pleasaunt sente proceding therout , comforteth the head and tempereth and connenientlye moysteneth the brayne . Otherwyse , if concoction be troubled , there do strike vp into the head , grosse & fumie vapours , such as by example we see greene woode to make , that is smered and couered ouer wyth pitch and talowe . And hereupon it happeneth that the minde sometime conceyueth straunge and absurde imaginations , yea sometimes falleth into dotage , rauing , madnesse , phrensie , melancholy , furie or some other distemperaunce .

But if the Stomacke do his parte and office throughly , if concoction be not altogether hindered , and that the passages aboute the Lyuer , and the other partes of the body , do giue free passge to the humours , then the vaspours ascending vp into the head , are nothing so hurtfull , neyther do they greatlye disturbe and trouble the inward minde : and yet is not a man altogether cleare and free from affections : but they be such ( I saye ) as hee hath in his owne power , easely to qualifye , stay , and inhibite . Naturall Spirite therefore beinge made of the purest alimente in the Lyuer , is the beginninge of the residue . For by it is the vitall spirite and the animall also nourished , insomuch that the power or facultie animall , vseth the spirit natural as an instrument to these great affections and motions , whereunto ( retecting and litle regarding right reason ) we are many times prouoked . For euen as in a ciuill tumulte and sedicious vprore among the common people , the Magistrate hath much ado to appease and mollifye the wilfull peoples rage and headinesse : so likewise reason is not able easely to subdue the lewd affections , and vnbrydled motions , that grow by immoderate gurmandyze , surphet , and dronkennesse . What riott bringeth a man to . For who is hee , that being throughly whittled in drinck , doth not beastly rushe into venerous luste , and filthy desires ? For when the body is bumbasted wyth drincke , and bellycheere , the priuities and secrete partes do swel , and haue a marueylous desire to carnal coiture .

Hereof it commeth , that suche persons are delighted wyth vnchaste Rhythmes , and songes of rybaldry , odious to honest eares , and pernicious to the mind , vndecent hopping and dauncing , vnseemely clipping and kissing , and much other filthy behauiour . By this meanes that mynsing mynion , throughe her fyne and lasciuious daunfynge , Matth. 14 Iohn Baptist beheaded . caused the heade of holy Iohn Baptiste the forerunner of Christe , to be chopped of : for the kingee mynde was so enchaunted wyth her filthy and pernicious loue , that ( cleane abandoning all reason and right iudgemente ) he graunted to her the head of him , whose holsome admonitions and counsell hee was wonte before pacientlye to heare and well to like of . Which Euangelical example is a warning to all Noble men , and as many as haue the gouernmente of common weales , that they cruelly rage not agaynste the innocente neyther tormente and put to death , such as painefully and syncerely preach the truth , but rather by all meanes to wythstande and roote oute such as be fauourers of factions , Disturbers of publique peace ought to be rooted out . & enter into any practises contrary to righte and conscience , onely to disturbe the publique tranquillity , and to preiudice theyr Country .

The workemanship and frame of mans body consisteth of manye partes , and therein as in the state of a Common wealth be conteyned many orders and sondry offices . The fourme of a common wealth . In the Common wealth there be the poore Comminaltie , lowest in degree , in which nomber are reckned drudges , Porters , Saylers , Coblers , Tinkers , Carters , Tipplers , handy Artyficers , filthy Bauds , Butchers , Cookes , Botchers and such lyke : next in degree to them are Marchants and Trafiquers , amonge whom , some by crafte and subtiltie , enueigle and deceyue others of meaner calling and ability : albeit , there be also of them , which practise theyr trade honestly and commendablye , not by collusion and fraudulent dealing , but by godly and necessary meanes . After them , are the high Magistrates and Peeres of the Realme , who by due admynistration of the Lawes and politicall ordinaunces , keepe the rude multitude in due order of obedience , and see publique peace and tranquillity maynteyned . Last of all , are they whose office beinge of higher authority , do instructe and trayne vp the residue in the true knowledge of Christian religion : and to plant in them an vndoubted fayth , of theyr saluation at God the Fathers hande , throughe his sonne Christe . The like order , comelynesse and agreemente is in the body of man , wherein euery part doth properly & orderly execute his peculiar office . And hereuppon S. Paule by example of the harmonye and agreement of mans body , 1. Cor. 12. and all the parts therof , taketh occasion to perswade and exhort euery man to do his office and duty , Members of mans body . and carefullye to labour in his vocation . For all the members of the body be so lyncked and knitte together , and such participacion and consent is betweene them , that if one of the smallest toyntes , or the little toe be hurt or payned , the whole body is distempered and oute of quiet . And thus ( as Chrysostome sayth ) . if the foote or one of the fingers endes bee pricked wyth a thorne or other sharpe thing , al the other members are ioyntly greeued aswel as they , in so much that the head , which is the honourablest parte of all other , stoupeth to beholde it , the eyes looke downe , the hands offer theyr diligent seruice to pull out the pricke , and to binde vp the wounde . So lykewyse there is no part of the body , which in such case desyreth not to help his afflicted fellow member .

Aptly therefore and very properly ( as Liuius witnesseth ) did Menenius the Oratour for example , Li. 2. Dec. 1. vse this persuasion , at what time the common people in a ciuill broyle , rebelliously disobeyed & stubbernelye maligned the Senatours and Nobility : likening this theyr iarring and discorde , to the sedicious contencion and falling out of the members of mans body amonge themselues .

By which witty deuysed fable , he perswaded them to forsake theyr mad enterpryses , and to returne euery man in peace home to his owne house . For as in the bodye , so lykewyse in a common wealth , mutuall sedition and ciuill variaunce , tendeth to the spoyle and ouerthrowe of the whole : but contrarywyse , Concorde keepeth and vpholdeth all things , & preserueth aswel the Common wealth , as the body of man in perfecte staye and order . Howe frendlye they all do agree together , and how of so many partes , euery member doth perfourme his office and duty , euery man in himself by experience seeth . No member in the whole body , but it serueth to some necessary vse . For there is no part nor member thereof ( be it neuer so small ) but it caryeth with it not onely a comly shape and proporcion , but also otherwyse serueth for some necessary vse and purpose , of the whole body and euery part thereof .

And first to begin from the lowest to the highest . The Foundement , Entrailes , Stomacke & procure the sustenaunce and healthe to the chiefe members , by whose helpe & mynisterie , the meate being throughly digested , is proportionably distributed by the veynes , vnto euery seuerall part of the whole body . But if the Entrayles ( appointed for the concoction of nourishmente ) bee weake and feeble , or if any other impedimente or fault be in them , whereby the meate concocted cannot haue due recourse and passage to nourish the body , them doth al go to wrack , and turne into corruption , mynistringe matter and occasion to Agues , and all other kinde of diseases . Signes wherby to know when a man is not wel at ease . Which by certayne tokens maye partly bee knowen and felt aforehand , that a man in such case commonly loatheth his meate , hath a puling stomacke , and is enclyned to gaping , vomite , stretching , & stiffenes in his body .

And because the Spirits exhaled by humours , do participate with other qualityes , & therby distemper the brayne , it commonly happeneth that such persons become thereby wayward , testye , and verye easely caryed into sondrye other affections of the mynde . For natural Spirite being caused in the Lyuer , cannot be made pure , neyther attenuated into ayrie substaunce , vnlesse that viscousnesse be clearely purged & free from all affection . But vitall spirite hath his originall procreation and beginninge of the naturall , Vital spirite . which is spread and diffused from the hearte by Arteryes into all the bodye , & frameth in man diuers maners , accordinge to that grossenes or subtilitie which it receyueth partly of the nourishmente , and partly of the condition of the Ayre , and state of the Region . So , they that dwell Northward and in cold regions , Northern people . by reason of grosse bloud and thicke Spyrites , are seene to be bolde and full of venturous courage , rude , vnmanerlye , terrible , cruell , fierce , and such as wyth very threatening countenaunce and manacinge wordes , make others to stande in feare of them . As concerning any daungerous exploite , they are not a whitte afrayde to hazarde theyr bodyes in the aduenture of anye perillous extremitie . Which courage and disposition of nature , is not to be founde amonge the people of Asia : for they be but mere meycockes , and persons very effeminate , shrynkinge at the least mishappe that happeneth , and wyth the smallest griefe and feare that can bee , theyr hartes fayle theim , & they as white as a kerchiefe . Which difference of minde & stomacke , Lucane in the hurlyburlies of the ciuill warres , in these Verses expressed and vttered .

Such as in th' East and scorching Clymes are bredde : by course of kind , Lib. 1. And Countryes influence , meycockes soft By daily proofe we finde . The North , that colde and frostie it , Such weaklings none both breede : The folkes there borne nowarres can daunt : of death they haue no dread . In this their errour happie they . , whom greatest feare of all , ( Of death I meane ) cannot affray , nor courage once appall . They recke not they , what brunts they beare , they feare not enmyes blade , These laddes dare venture life and lymme , in manly Martiall trade .

For whatsoeuer they be that haue thick grosse bloude , Grosse blud haue consequently corpulent and stronge spirites , and herevppon it groweth that they wil beare a grudge in memorye a longe time , and not easelye forgette those motions and heddines that they once take : & hereuppon also it happeneth that many of them being wounded or hurt in fight , vppon the sight of their owne bloude , do runne vpon their enemy more fiercely and egrely , and bestow theyr blowes more vehemently , then afore .

But they that haue thinne bloude , haue also slender spirits , Thin bloud . and suche as soone passe awaye . Such are soone angry & at the first very raging , but by and by theyr anger is asswaged and cooled , and assone as they haue a wound or see theyr owne bloude , they are readye to faynte and fall downe .

But to know how to qualifye , brydle , and subdue those greate affections and motions of the minde , that are engendred by greate heate of the spirites : I iudge it not amisse for euery man , to search oute , by what kinde of Spirit he is most ledde , to what motions in dealinges hee findeth himselfe most endaungexed , how feruente or how remisse the agitacions of his minde be . For by this meanes , may those thinges that consist without mediocritie , be reduced and brought to temperatenes and moderation . Nowe , this diuersitie of Spyrites , oute of whiche springeth such and so great diuersities of natures and maners , conceyue and take sondry alterations at the humours . Thus the Soule ( although it be singuler , & as Cicero tearmeth it , vnigena , yet bringeth forth sondry and manifolde actions , according to the nature of the Spirites , Whence the diuersitie of natures commeth . and differences of the instrumentes . Hence commeth such and so great variety & diuersity in the thoughts , desyers , affections , actions and perturbations in mens minds , insomuch that reason and discretition wythoute a speciall assistaunce of heauenlye grace , can scarcely tame and represse the same .

For when the naturall and vitall facultie , together wyth the naturall and inwarde Spirites waxe somewhat stronge , Rebellion in the body . and partlye by aboundaunce , partly by the qualitye of meate and nourishment , haue attayned strength and power : they reiect and cast away the brydle of reason , & draw the spirit animal also ( for they be al deryued out of one fountayne ) into their faction & disordered rebellion . Wherby it happeneth , that when any lewde deuyse or wilfull thoughte aryseth in the minde of man , he is prone ynoughe to runne into dissolute riot , libidinous lust , filthy and shameful pleasures : & if he fortune to espy any pretie wench or beautifull damsell , Lewde thoughts . that liketh his phantasie , his minde is strayght wayes enflamed and set on fire wyth vnlawfull desyre of her person , for the satisfying of his vnbridled concupiscence : and by reason of the stoare of humours and concourse of Spyrites resorting thither from euery part of his body , his priuities vndecently swel , & his member of generation becometh stiffe , so that many times it happeneth , mans mind to be ouercome & drowned in fleshly concupiscence , vnlesse by the speciall grace of Almighty God , and by meditating vppon the holsome preceptes expressed in his sacred Word , hee stoutlye wythstande the Sommons of suche naughtye desyres . This promptnes and inclination to euill , is naturally ingraffed in man . The imaginations and thoughtes of mans heart , Gen. 6. & 8. ( sayth Moses ) are onelye euill and prone to wickednes , euen from their youth and first beginninges . But the blessed and most comfortable comming of CHRISTE toke away this blemish , who by his precious death and glorious resurrection , abolished the calamitie , and cancelled the bondes of that myserye , whereto Adams transgression had brought vs .

The consideration wherof ought in the mindes of all men to worke thus much , that because their spirites are prouokers and prickers forwarde both to vices & vertues , euerye one shoulde wyth more carefull consideracion and heede , attende & loke to conserue and gouerne them orderly .

And althoughe the Animall Spirite be more excellent than the other , Spirite animal . and before the rest in dignity , yet in order is it the later . For out of the naturall , which resembleth vapour , and proceedeth by vertue of the Lyuer , from bloud , it produceth the vitall , whiche is of Aerye nature , and mynistreth vnto it nourishment . And the vitall doth procreate the Animall , which by reason of his thinnesse and subtility is ayrie . For it being laboured , prepared and made in the contexed net , celles and cornerie ventricles of the brayne , is greatly wyth sweete smelles nourished , and with fragrant things refreshed and cherished . From it is fetched and deryued al the power and facultye which the soule hath , and from it do al actions issue and proceede , making the same appliable to all functions . Well worthy therefore is this animall spirite deemed the proper instrument of the soule to all the sences , for mayntenaunce of mouinge and nimblenes , and for preseruation of the strength , and firmitie of the Muscles & Synewes : for it transporteth and diffuseth his vertues and powers ( as the workemaisters of actions ) into the Synewes that haue the power of feeling and mouing .

All the instruments therfore of the Senses , indued wyth this power and vertue of the Spirite Animall , attayne thereby stablenes , for the atchieuement of their functions and charges : as for example , If the wayes and passages whereby this spirite oughte to goe and haue passage , bee stopped & affected , the power of mouing and feeling is taken away , as we euidently note and see to happen in the Apoplexie , Palsey , Tetanus , and many diseases moe . And this spirite Animall is conueighed into the Synewes , euen like the beames of the Sunne through a cleare shyninge glasse . And euen as a fiery heate pearceth and entreth into a glowyng hoate yron , that is very hard , insomuche that the some therewyth becommeth softe and tractable : so dothe the Spirite that is finest and thuinest , slylte slyde into the Synewes . All thinges therefore that neede feelinge , mouing and agilitie , requyre the force , ayde and power of the spyrite Animall : As those that by nourishment are to be maynteyned , continued , and kepte , requyre the naturall and vitall faculties and spirites . Hee therefore that woulde preserue his spirites vndemnifyed , and them make moste syncere and perfecte , must endeuour at any hande to keepe his body in right good plight and order .

For as Galene witnesseth : The keepinge of a good temperamente and order , 12. Meth. is a singuler ayde and helpe to conserue the naturall faculties , and to cheerishe the spirites . And as vnkindly blastes and vncouth whyrlewyndes , do sondrywyse affect our bodyes , and not of men onely , but also of Beastes , Corne and Plants , eyther throughe their tomuch moystnes or tomuch drynesse , or finally by their nipping cold or parching heate : Euen so the Spirites within vs , eyther throughe their aboundaunce or qualitie , engender & bringe forth sondry affectes in vs , and manifestly alter the state aswel of body as of mind . For where the Spirites be grosse , thicke and cold , it happeneth the minde to be ouerclowded & ( as the dymmed Sunne ) not to shyne brighte out . And this is the reason , that persons in this sort affected haue duller wittes , and blunter capacities . For proofe wherof , we are to see and consider , such as are borne and bred neere to the Pole Articke & ycie Sea , who ( for the most part are very huge & stronge bodyed , but for witte and learning , mere doltes & Asseheads : albeit this Nacion through the greate care & singuler wysedome of the moste noble Prince Erick kinge of Sweden , Erick kinge of Sweden . is nowe trayned to more ciuill order , & haue their mindes wyth goodlye qualityes right vertuously adourned .

But such as haue their Spirits moderatelye cold , are persons constant , sted fast , Germans and faythfull to deale withal , and euery thing which they atempte , is aduisedlye and earnestly done , so that lightlye they wil not start from their once conceyued opinion : but by reason of their coldnes & fayntnes of heate ( excepte industrious education cause the contrary ) commonly they be not very quick witted nor of very precise iudgement , neither yet craftye and deceitfull , nor such as by suttle driftes & wylinesse , seeke to supplante and vndermyne their ennemie .

But they that haue moyst spirites ( so that the Hollanders same be moderate ) eyther by the nature of the region or quality of the ayre , where they dwell , are quicke and readye conceyuers of anye thinge , but not long retayninge the same in memorie , but forgetting as quicklye , as they conceyue speedelye . Euen like to very moyst and softe waxe , that wil not easely take anye printe or forme . Hollanders forgetful & sleepie . And therefore they bee oblyuious , sleepie , vnapte to learne Artes and oecupations , dull witted and grosse headed : and as they haue bodyes burlye , bigge & moyste , so is their memorie ill and forgetfull , which iudgement is also to be giuen of those bodyes which bee constituted in a vehemente drynesse .

And hereuppon it commeth , that olde men by meanes of their drynesse ioyned with coldnes , Old men & children , forgetfull . are obliuious , & so are Children likewyse , by reason of theyr tomuche moystnes . And these qualities make men also fearefull , timorous and faintharted , in repulsinge and sufferinge mishappes and aduersitie , which is a thing peculiar to women-kinde .

Notwithstanding , education , institution and discipline , Education altereth nature . altereth the vsuall nature , and ordinary conditions of euery Region : for we see the common sorte and multitude , in behauiour and maners grosse and vnnurtured whereas the Nobles and Gentlemen ( altering theyr order & diet , and digressing from the common fashion of their pezantly countreymen ) frame themselues & theirs , to a verye commendable order , and ciuill behauiour .

But if this moystnes bee with measurable heate somwhat warmed , as it is in them which dwel in playne and open Countryes , Zelanders . where fewe Trees grow , as in Zeland , where commonly in wynter the people be greeuously nipped with cold , & in Sommer scorched with parching heate , those countreymen ( I say ) as they haue bodies big , strong , toyling , painful & laborious , burly limms , boisterous members & rough skinnes : so likewise haue they minds stubborne , churlish , testie , vncurieous , clubbish , & vnmanerly : notwithstanding they be of iudgemente sharpe & of industrious forecast : for tradê of marchan̄dise very ready and skilful , The nature of such as be borne and bred neere the Sea. and in their dealings right warie and cyrcumspecte . The rest of the Low Coūtryefolks , being better stored with Trees ouershadinge and defendinge them from wynds , and which dwell in soyles of holesomer ayre , wherin is lacke neither of pleasaunt running ryuers , or delightfull Springes of freshe water , to fructifye the same , are of mylder nature , & not so blunte as the others , but of them some be wyser and fitter to atchieue any waighty matter then other some be . Flemyngs So , the Flemynges for pythynesse in their speach and subtility of inuention are very excellent .

Brabanders setting asyde all sternenes and seuerity , Brabanders . wyth their decent meery natures and frendly curtesye , winne the hartye good willes of men : yea wyth a certayne pleasaunte grace , facility of speach , and allurementes of woordes , they ordinarily enterlard their grauity .

But if the breast and brayne bee endued wyth Italians . a Spirite perfused wyth temperate moysture and heate , such as be of that speciall constitution , are in their dealinges , watchfull , sharpe , industrious , in forecast , quicknes of wit , industry of nature , excellencie of learninge , notable vtteraunce , and flowinge eloqu●nce , surpassing other men . Italians wil couertly beare a secret grudge in mynde a great while . Finally such personnes wil beare in memorie a long time things past , and will not lightly suffer any grudge to grow out of remembraunce . And if any wronge bee done vnto them , they will reuyue the memory therof after many yeares : yea so destrous bee they of reuenge , that they will not forgette a priuate grudge or offence euen amonge themselues . Which affection I do ascribe vnto heate , which doth so exceedinglye exulcerate & distemper their mynds wyth indignacion , that , humour and moystnes , is not able to alay , quench and qualefye it . So vnstayedlye for the more parte be the myndes of this people caryed with wilful motions , somewhyle inwardly and closely keepyng within theyr owne brestes theyr conceyued deuises , and somewhyle openly to the world , bursting out in hoate termes of outrage .

With choler hoare , and raging fittes their brestes so boyle and swell : Pers. Sat. 5 That pipkins full of purging drouges , can neither quench ne quell .

Neere approching to them in quality ( but yet somewhat differing ) are Englishmen : Englishmen . who being of heate more weake and lesse boylinge , ( as the which is well enter medled , ouercome and qualefyed by moystnes ) are of stature comely and proportionable , & of body lustie and well complexioned , But to the studies of humanity , not so greatly giuen , and in exquistie Artes not so well furnished . But if they hold on their course as they beginne , I meane , to apply theyr mindes to worthy and excellent matters , theyr dexterity for the attaynment of any notable atchieuaunce surpasseth , and theyr forwardnes to anye Artes or mysteries , is found to be right apt & inclynable . And because they haue somwhat thick spyrits , Englishmen and Scottes haue greate stomacks & angry . slenderly perfused wyth heate , they wil stomacke a matter vehemently , and a long time lodge an inward grudge in their heartes , whereby it happeneth that when theyr rage is vp , they will not easily be pacifyed , neither can theyr high and hauty stomackes lightly be conquered , otherwyse then by submission , & yelding to theyr minde and appetite .

But if the spyrite through heate of the hearte and quality of the ayre or region , Spaniard● be very hoate , it likewyse bringeth forth and causeth hoate and quicke motions , yet such as by reason of their tenuitie and thinnesse by litle & litle wil be cooled . And this is the cause , that some of them when their bloud is vp , will rashlye and vnaduisedlye attempte any thinge , and not eare for any perills so they may bring to passe , what their desire is to compasse . Also when they conceiue in minde the doing of any thing , as they be at the beginninge , marueylous wilful & tooto heady with mighte & main to set forward their purpose , hardly admitting anye counsel to the contrary : so againe , their minds many times be wauering , vnstedfast and vnquiet , except their inclinacions by the reyne of reason be the better bridled .

Their fickle and vnstedie heades , now this now that deuise : They flote in fancie to and fro , Vir. lib. 4. A Enei . and wrangle sondry wise .

Which thinge is commonly incident to angry persons , and such as be desyrous of reuenge , and to suche also as haue somewhere fixed their loue inordinately , whose minds flootinge and ballancinge vp and downe with varietie of phantasies , are easely and quickly caryed hither and thyther , by affection , neyther stedfast nor aduysedly resoluing vppon any certaine resolution . But this Countrye borne people , Spaniardes haue good wittes . if they earnestly frame themselues to the attaynemente of anye Artes ( though the same be neuer so hard and curious ) yet do they profite in the same wonderfully , & cary away great commendation .

Such as haue thinne spirites temperatelye hoate , haue sharpe and ready wittes , and prompt and flowing vtteraunce : Frenchmen . vppon whom also these gifts of nature are bestowed , that for deuyse and inuention they be very sharpe and ingenious : for braue settinge oute and beautifyinge of a matter , Frenchmen prompt and ready witted . plentyfull and copious : and suche as for the explayning of their meaninges and purposes haue talke and tongue at will . And as touching the inward inclination of their mindes and maners , they be liuely felowes , lusty , dapper , nimble , lackinge no grace of pleasaunte gesture . Manye of them which lacke good bringing vp and haue not beene trayned in learning and ciuilitie , are of disposition , wauering , vnconstant , captious , deceitfull , falseharted , destrous of alterations and tumultes , babblatiue , and full of muche vaine tattling : in consultacion and counsell so suttle and craftie , that whatsoeuer they once conceyue in mynde or purpose to do , without delay that do they iudge best , forthwith to be enterprysed , & out of hande to be atchieued : and whereunto so euer they addict their mindes , therin proue they right excellente .

Seing therefore , the diuersitie of spirits , and the differences of wittes and maners proceedeth of the condition and nature of the Place , Ayre , Countrey and nourishmente , let euery man foresee in himself , which way he may best prouide for the maintenaunce of his health , and to shunne all such thinges as may in any wise harme , annoye , crushel , or empaire either his health or Spirits .

It is therefore most expediente to obserue the best order of diet and life that conueniently maye be folowed , Good diet , & holesome Ayre . and to liue in the holesommest ayre . For these be the things that restore health when it is decayed or empaired , and which make the Spirites most pure and syncere . For if the bodye do abounde and be full of ill humours , if the Spirites bee vnpure , and the brayne stuffed full of thicke fumes proceedinge of humours , the bodye and Soule consequentlye cannot but suffer hurte , and bee thereby likewise damnifyed . Hence proceedeth ( as from the verye cause ) such rauing dotage , & distraughtnes of righte witts , hence issueth blockishnes , foolishnes , madnes , and furie , in so much that they thinck sometimes to see those thinges that are not before their senses to see , and to heare suche woordes as no man speaketh . For imagination in them is marred , common sense ( which iudgeth and discerneth all thinges ) is preiudiced , memorye decayed , sighte dymmed , their eyes dazelled , and all the faculties of the Soule ( that is to saye ) all the naturall powers , whereby it accomplisheth all his functions , are enfeebled , & perfourme their offices , duties , and operations both faintly and remissely .

But if the Spirite animall be perfectly pure & ayrie , ( such as is the sent of Bloud exactlye laboured ) not onely the sight of their eyes is cleare and good , but all the other Senses both external and internall are perfecte , and perfourme their functions and ministeries orderlye , duelie , and conueniently .