An alarum against vsurers Containing tryed experiences against worldly abuses. Wherein gentlemen may finde good counsells to confirme them, and pleasant histories to delight them: and euery thing so interlaced with varietie: as the curious may be satisfied with rarenesse, and the curteous with pleasure. Heereunto are annexed the delectable historie of Forbonius and Prisceria: with the lamentable complaint of truth ouer England. Written by Thomas Lodge, of Lincolnes Inne, Gentleman.

AN Alarum against Vsurers . Containing tryed experiences against worldly abuses . WHEREIN GENTLEMEN may finde good counsells to confirme them and pleasant Histories to delight them : and euery thing so interlaced with varietie : as the curious may be satisfied with rarenesse , and 〈◊〉 curteous with pleasure . HEEREUNTO AKE ANnexed the delectable historie of Forbonius and Prisceria : with the lamentable Complaint of Truth ouer England . Written by Thomas Lodge , of Lincolnes Inne , Gentleman .

O Vita ! misere longa , foelice breuis .

¶ Imprinted at London by T. Este , for Sampson Clarke , and are to be sold at his shop by Guyld Hall . 1584.

¶ To The Right worshipfull , Sir Philip Sidney Knight , indued with all perfections of learning , and titles of Nobilitie : Thomas Lodge Gen. wisheth continuance of honour , and the benefits of happie Studie .

IT is not ( noble Gentleman ) the titles of Honour that allureth me , nor the nobilitie of your Parents that induceth me , but the admiration of your vertues that perswadeth me , to publish my pore trauailes vnder your vndoubted protection . Whom I most humbly intreate , not onely in so iust a cause to protect me , but also in these Primordia of my studies , after the accustomed prudence of the Philosophers , to confirme with fauourable acceptaunce , and continuaunce as the equitie of the cause requireth . I haue set downe in these fewe lines in my opinion ( Right Worshipfull ) the image of a licentious Vsurer , and the collusions of diuelish incrochers , and herevnto was I led by two reasons : First , that the offender seeing his owne counterfaite in this Mirrour ; might amend it , and those who are like by ouerlauish profusenesse , to become meate for their mouths , might be warned by this caueat to shunne the Scorpion ere she deuoureth .

May it please your Worshippe , to fauour my trauailes , and to accept my good will : who incouraged by the successe of this my firstlings will heereafter in most humble signe of humanitie continue the purpose I haue begunne , commending the cause and my seruice to your good liking : who no doubt compassed with incomperable vertues , will commend when you see occasion , & not condemne without a cause .

Your Worships in all dutie to commaund , Thomas Lodge .

¶ To The Right worshipfull , my cu●teous friends , the Gentlemen of the Innes of Court , Thomas Lodge of Lincolnes● Inne Gentleman , wisheth prosperous successe in their studies , and happie euent in their trauailes .

CUrteous Gentlemen , let it not séeme straunge vnto you , that hée which hath long time slept in silence , now beginneth publikely to salute you , since no doubt , my reasons that induce me herevnto be such , as both you may allowe of them , since they be well meant , and account of them since they tend to your profit . I haue published héere of set purpose a tried experience of worldly abuses , describing héerein not onely those monsters which were banished Athens , I meane Usurers , but also such de●ouring caterpillers , who not onely haue fatted their fingers with many rich forfaitures , but also spread their venim among some priuate Gentlemen of your profession , which considered , I thought good in opening the wound ▪ to preuent an vlcer , and by counselling before escape , forewarn before the mischiefe . Led then by these perswasions , I doubt not , but as I haue alwayes found you fauourable , so now you will not cease to be friendly , both in protecting of this iust cause , from vniust slander , and my person from that reproch , which , about two yeares since , an iniurious cauiller obiected against me : You that knowe me Gentlemen , can testifie that neyther my life hath bene so lewd , as the my companie was edious , nor my behauiour so light , as that it shuld passe the limits of modestie : this notwithstanding a licentious Hipponax , neither regarding the asperitie of the lawes touching slaunderous Libellers , nor the offyring from whence I came , which is not contemptible , attemted , not only in publike & reprochfull terms to condemn me in his writings , but also so to slander me , as neither iustice shuld wink at so hainous an offence , nor I pretermit a commodious reply . About thrée yeres ago one Stephen Gosson published a booke , intituled , The schoole of Abuse , in which hauing escaped in many & sundry conclusions , I as the occasion them fitted me , shapt him such an answere as beséemed his discourse , which by reason of the slendernes of the subiect ( because it was in defence of plaies & play makers ) the godly & reuerent that had to deale in the cause , misliking it , forbad the publishing , notwithstanding he comming by a priuate vnperfect coppye , about two yeres since , made a reply , diuiding it into fiue sections , & in his Epistle dedicatory , to the right honorable , sir Frances Walsingham , he impugneth me with these reproches , that I am become a vagarant person , visited by the heuy hand of God , lighter then libertie , & looser than vanitie . At such time as I first came to the sight héerof ( iudge you gentlemen how hardly I could disgest it ) I bethought my selfe to frame an answere , but considering that the labour was but lost , I gaue way to my misfortune , contenting my selfe to wait the opportunitie wherein I might , not according to the impertinacie of the iniurye , but as equitye might countenance mée , cast a raine ouer the vntamed curtailes chaps , & wiping out the suspition of this slander from the remebrance of those that knew me , not counsell this iniurious Asinius to become more conformable in his reportes : and now Gentlemen hauing occasion to passe my trauailes in publike , I thought it not amisse somewhat to touch the slaunder , & prouing it to be most wicked & discommendable , leaue the rest to the discretion of those in authoritie , who if the Gentleman had not plaid bo péep thus long , would haue taught him to haue counted his cards a little better : and now Stephen Gosson let me but familiarly reason with thée thus ▪ Thinkest thou that in handling a good cause it is requisite to induce a fals proposition , although thou wilt say it is a part of Rethorike to argue A Persona , yet is it a practise of small honestie to conclude without occasion : if thy cause wer good , I doubt not but in so large & ample a discourse as thou hadst to handle , thou mightest had left the honor of a gentleman inuiolate . But thy base degrée , subiect to seruile attempts , measureth all things according to cauelling capacitie , thinking because nature hath bestowed vpon thee a plausible discourse , thou maist in thy swéet termes present the sowrest & falsest reports y● canst imagine : but it may be , y● as it fortuned to the noble man of Italy , it now fareth with me , who as Petarch reported , giuen greatly to the intertainment of strangers , & pleasure of the chase , respected not the braue & gorgious garments of a courtier , but delighted in such clothing as seemed the place where he soiourned , this noble gentleman returning on a time from his game , found all his house furnished with strangers , on whom bestowing his accustomed welcome , he bent himself to the ouerseeing of his domestical preparation , & comming to the stable among the hors kéepers of his new come guests , & reprehending one of th● for faulting in his office , the felow impatient of reproofe , & measuring the gentleman by his plaine coat , stroke him on the fa●e , & turned him out of the stable , but afterward attending on his master , & perceiuing him whom he had stroken to be the Lord of the house , he humbly craued pardon : the gentleman as patient as pleasant , not only forgaue him the escape , but pretely answered thus , I blame not thée good fellow for thy outrage , but this companion , pointing to his coate , which hath made thée mistake my person . So at this instant estéeme I M. Gosson hath dealt with me , who not mesuring me by my birth , but by the subiect I handled like Will Summer striking him the stood next him , hath vpbraided me in person , when he had no quarrell , but to my cause , & therein pleaded his owne indiscretion , & loded me with intollerable iniurie . But if with Zoylus hée might kisse the gibet , or with Patacion hop headlesse , the world shoulde bee ridde of an iniurious slaunderer , and that tongue laboured in suppositions , might be nailed vp as Tullies was for his Philipicall declamations . But good Stephen , in like sorte will I deale with thée , as Phillip of Macedon with Nicanor , who not respecting the maiestie of the king , but giuing himselfe ouer to the petulancie of his tongue vainly inueighed against him , whom notwithstanding Philip so cunningly handeled , that not onely he ceased the rumor of his report , but also made him as lauish in commending , as once he was profuse in discommending : his attempt was thus performed , he séeing Nicanor sorely pressed with pouerty , reléeued him to his content . Wherevpon altering his coppie , and breaking out into singular commendation of Philip , the king concluded thus : Loe , curtesie can make of bad good , and of Nicanor an enimie , Nicanor a friend . Whose actions my reprouer , I will now fit to thée , who hauing slaundered me without cause , I will no otherwise reuenge it , but by this meanes , that now in publike I confesse thou hast a good pen , and if thou kéepe thy Methode in discourse , and leaue thy slandering without cause , there is no doubt but thou shalt bée commended for thy coppie , and praised for thy stile . And thus desiring thée to measure thy reportes with iustice , and you good Gentlemen to answere in my behalfe if you heare me reproched . I leaue you to your pleasures , and for my selfe I will studie your profit .

Your louing friend , Thomas Lodge .

BARNABE RICH Gentleman Souldier , in praise of the Author . IF that which warnes the young beware of vice , And schooles the olde to shunne vnlawfull gaine , If pleasant stile and method may suffice , I thinke thy trauaile merits thanks for paine , My simple doome is thus in tearmes as plaine : That both the subiect and thy stile is good , Thou needs not feare the scoffes of M●●mus brood . If thus it be , good Lodge continue still , Thou needst not feare Goose sonne or Ganders hisse , Whose rude reportes past from a slaundrous quill , Will be determind but in reading this , Of whom the wiser sort will thinke amis , To slaunder him whose birth and life is such , As ●alse report his fame can neuer tuch .

¶ IOHN IONES GENtleman , in praise of the AVTHOR . THough not my praise , yet let my wish preuaile , Who so thou be that list to read this booke , I neuer yet by flatterie did assaile , To count that good that most did please my looke . But alwaies wisht my friends such stile to vse , As wise might like , though foolish would refuse . In opening vice my friend who spends his time , May count by priuate good no profit lost , What errors scape in young and lustie prime , Experience ( badge of truth ) may quickly cost . Who sets the marke , that makes men shunne the sand , Deserues good words , his proofes for profit stand . For common good to crosse a few mens vaines , Who like to Midas would that all were golde , I count not misse , since there vnlawfull gaines Makes some men sink , whom birth might well vphold . I know the sore , the scarre is seene to plaine , A blessed state where no such wils doo raine . In briefe , I praise this booke for pretie stile , For pithie matter , Gentle be thou iudge , O would my wish some fancies might beguile , Then faire reuenewes should not fit a snudge . A world to see how Asses daunce in golde , By wanton wils , when Gentles starue for colde . Whose errors if it please succeeding age , To see with sighs , and shun with sad aduice , Let him beholde this booke , within whose page , Experience leaues her chiefest proofes of price , And thanke the youth that suffered all these toiles , To warne thee shun that rocke which many spoiles . FINIS .

GEntlemen , since the presse cannot passe without escape , and some things are so mistaken , as without co●rrection they will be very grose . May it please you when you read to correct , especially , such principall errours as these that followe .

Folio . 30. b. Line . 4. For woed , Read wonne . Folio . eod. Line . 8. For colde , Read cloudes . Folio . eod. Line . 15. For showde , Read shoard . Folio . eod. Line . 30. For concluding . Read concluded . Foli. 31. a. Lin. 34. For presents a secrets méete , Read wth séemly secret gréete .

For the rest I referre them to your discretion , who can distnguish coulours , and either better , or fit words to your fantasies .

Your friend : Thomas Lodge .

AN ALARVM against Vsurers .

NO maruell though the wise man accompted all things vnder the sun vain , since the chéefest creatures be mortall : and no wonder though the world runne at randon , since iniquitie in these later dayes hath the vpper hand . The alteration of states if they be look into , and the ouerthrow of houses , if they be but easely laid in open viewe , what eye would not shed teares to sée things so transitorie ? and what wisedome woulde not indeauour to dissolue the inconuenience ?

There is a state within this our Common wealth , which though it necessarily stand as a piller of defence in this royall Realme , yet such are the abuses that are growen in it , that not onely the name is become odious by somes errour , but also if the thing be not narrowly lookt into , the whole lande by that meanes will grow into great inconuenience : I meane the state of Merchants , who though to publyke commoditie they bring in store of wealth from forein Nations , yet such are their domesticall practises , that not only they inrich themselues mightelye by others misfortunes , but also eate our English Gentrie out of house and hame . The generall facultie in it selfe , is both auncient and lawdable , the professours honest and vertuous , their actions full of daunger , and therefore worthy gaine , and so necessarye this sorte of men be , as no well gouerned stat● may be without them .

But as among a trée of fruite there bée some withered fallings , and as among wholesome hearbes there growes some bitter Colloquintida : so it cannot be , but among such a number of Marchaunts , there shoulde bee some , that degenerate from the true name and nature of Marchaunts . Of these men I write , and of none other , my inuectiue is priuate , I will not write generall : and were it not I respected the publyque commoditie more then my priuate prayse , this matter shoulde haue slepte in hugger mugger . Of these vngracious men I write , who hauing nothing of themselues , yet greedelye graspe all things into their owne handes .

These be they that finde out collusions of Statutes , and compasse lande with commoditie , these bée the boulsterers of vngracious pettie Brokers : and by these men ( the more is the pittie ) the prisons are replenished with young Gentlemen : These bee they , that make the Father carefull , the mother sorowfull , the Sonne desperate : These bée they that make crooked straight , and straight crooked , that can close with a young youth , while they cousen him , and féede his humoures , till they frée him of his Farmes . In briefe , such they bée that glose most fayre then , when they imagine the worst , and vnlesse they bee quicklye knowen , they easelye will make bare some of the best of our young Heires that are not yet stayed , whome zealouslye I be●eech to ouer-looke this my writing : for what is sette downe héere , eyther as an eye witnesse I will auowe , or informed euen by those Gentlemen , who haue swallowed the Gudgen , and haue bene intangeled in the hooke , I haue approouedlye sette downe .

Such bée those sorte of men , that their beginning is of naught , sette by the deuotion of some honest Marchauntes , of whome taking vp their refuse commoditie , they imploye it to this vngodly and vnhonest purpose .

They finde out ( according to theyr owne vayne ) some olde soaking vndermininig Solicitour , whom they both furnish with money and expence , to sette him foorth and gette him more creditte : This good fellowe must haunte Ordinaryes , canuasse vp and downe Powles , and as the Catte watcheth the praye of the Mouse , so dilygentlye intendes hee to the compassing of some young Nouice , whome by Fortune eyther hée findeth in melancholyke passions at the Ordinarye , or at pennilesse deuotion in Powles , or perhappes is brought acquaynted with him by some of his owne brotherhoode . Him he handeleth in these or such lyke tearmes , both nothing place and circumstaunce .

GEntleman , why bée you so melancholye ? Howe falleth it out , that you are not more lyghtsome ? Your young yeares mée thinkes shoulde loathe such sollome aspectes . I maye not anye waye imagine a cause why you shoulde bee pensiue : you haue good Parents , you want no friendes , and more , you haue lyuelyhoodes , which considered , trulye you committe meere follye to bée so meruaylouslye sadde and wonderfullye sorrowfull , where you haue no occasion .

If you want money , you haue creditte , ( a gift which who so euer inioyeth nowe a dayes , hee is able to compasse anye thing : and for that I see so good a nature in you , ( if proferred seruice stinke not ) I will verye willynglye ( if so bée you will open your estate to me ) further you in what I may , and perhaps you shall finde your selfe fortunate , in falling into my companie .

The young Gentleman , vnacquainted with such like discourses , counting all golde that glysters , and him a faithfull frend that hath a flattering tongue , opens all his minde to this subtill vnderminer , who so wringeth him at last , that there is no secrete corner in the poore Gentlemans heart , but he knoweth it : after that , framing his behauiour to the nature of the youth , if he be sad , sober : if youthly , riotous : if lasciuious , wanton : he laboureth so much , that at last the birde is caught in the pit-fall , and perceiuing the vaine of the youth , he promiseth him some reliefe by his meanes : the Gentleman thinking he hath God almightie by the héele , holdes the Diuell by the toe , and by this meanes , is brought to vtter wracke and ruine . The Broker furnished of his purpose , hauing learned the Gentlemans name , lodging , want , & welth : & finding all things correspondent to his purpose , hies him to his setter vp , who reioyceth greatly at his good happe , and rewards this wicked seducer with a péece of gold . To be briefe , at first issue on the Gentlemans bonde , this broking knaue receiues fortie or fiftie poundes of course commoditie , making him beleeue , that by other meanes monie maye not be had , and swearing to him , that there will be great losse , and that he could wish the Gentleman would rather refuse then take . But the youth not esteeming the losse , so hee supplye his lacke , sets him forwarde , and giues the willing Iade the spurre , who finding all things meate in the mouth , makes sale of this Marchaundize to some one of his greatest fraternitie , and if it be fortie , the youth hath a good peniworth if in ready money he receiue twentie pound , and yet the money repayable at thrée moneths ende . The Broker in this matter , getteth double fée of the Gentleman , treble gaine in the sale of the commoditie , and more , a thousand thankes of this diuellish Usurer . Truly Gentlemen , it is wonderfull to conceiue , ( yet are there some of you can tell if I lie ) how this Sicophant that helpt our youth to get , now learneth him to spend : What saith he ? my young master , what make you with this olde Satten doublet ? it is soilde , it is vnfit for a Gentlemans wearing , apparell your selfe as you shoulde bée , and ere fewe dayes passe , I will acquaint you with as braue a dame a friend of mine , as euer you knew . Oh how sweete a face hath she , and thus dilating it with rethoricall praises , to make the Gentleman more passionate , it falleth out that the mand Fawlcon stoops to lure , and all things are fulfilled according to his Brokers direction . Promises are kept on both partes , and my youth is brought acquainted with Mustres Minxe : this harlot is an old beaten dogge , and a maintainer of the brothell house brotherhoode , a stale for young nouises , and a limme of Sathan himselfe , whose behauiours and iestures are such , as the world cannot imagine better , if the Gentleman wéepe , she wil waile : if he sorrow , she will sigh : if he be merrie , she will not be modest . To conclude , her lesson is so taught her , as she can recken without booke : Lorde what riotousnesse passeth in apparell , what lauishnesse in banketting , what loosenesse in liuing , and in verie short space , our youth which was fligge , is nowe at leake , his purse●is emptie , and his mistres begins to lowre , which he perceiuing , & earnestly bent to continue his credit with his Curtisan , comes to his vngratious Broker , whom with faire tearmes he desireth , and with humble suites more earnestlye beséecheth to further his credite in what hée may . Who séeing which way the Hare windeth , begins to blame him of his liberalitie , and yet only is the cause of his spending , and after a few priuie nippes , bearing shew of good meaning , but yet indéed his way is to trie conclusions , hée hasteth to the principall his good maste● Merchant , whom he findeth altogether prompt & redy at a becke , to send abroad his refuse commoditye for crackt angels : what conclusion is betwéene them both may easily be imagined , but the end is this , the Broker returns to my solitarie youth , & recountes vnto him , first to make him feareful , how many places he hath ben at , when he hath not visited one , how many he hath desired , yet how few are redie to plesure , at last he breketh out , & telleth him the whole , assuring him that he is to think wel of his master scrape-penie the vsurer , who is willing in hope of his wel dooing to let him haue once more of his incommodious commodity , vpon resonable assurance . To be briefe , the bargain is quickly beaten on , the broker laieth the losse , the gentleman es●eemeth not so his néed be serued , the Merchaunt laughs at his folly in his sléeue , & to conclude , the bonds are deliuered , the cursed commoditie receiued , & at this second mart , how spéeds our yoncker think you , perhaps of 50. pounds in ware , he receiueth 30. pounds in ready money , & yet the money repayable at three months end . O incredible & iniurious dealings , O more then Iudaicall cousonage , truely Gentlemen this that I write is true , I my selfe knowe the paymaster , naie more , I my selfe know certainly , that by name I can recken among you some , that haue ben bitten , who left good portions by their parents , & faire landes by their auncestors , are desolate now , not hauing friends to reléeue them , or money to affray their charges . A miserable and wretched state is this , full of inconuenience , when such eie sores are not seene in a common weale , when such abuses are winked at , when such desolation is not perceiued , & wonderfull it is , that among so many godly lawes , made for the administration of iustice , ther be none found out : for these couetous malefactors , purchase armes now , possesse the place of ancient progenitors , & men made rich by young youths miss●idings , doe feast in the halls of our riotous young spend thrifts . It will be answered , it is the gentlemens owne folly , & I graunt it , yet of their folly who should beare the blame , truely the bier , who hauing experience to cousin , might haue also conscience to forbeare them : nay among the rabblement of such as we find to haue falne in their youth , how many experienced men find we at yeares of discretion ? who hauing only the name of gentrie left them to promote them to honor , & finding no reléefe any way , are inforced either in forren countries to end their liues miserably or desperatly , some more vngratious , are a pray for the gallous , choosing rather to die with infamie , then to liue to beg in miserie . But to leaue this to his place , & to returne from whence we haue digressed : Our gentleman hauing got new supplie , is pricked on to new sinne , & the minister of the diuel seruing , at his elbow , perswades him to new change , for varietie saith he , is meruelously to be admitted of , especially in such causes , & withall bringes him to a new gamester a wittie worldling , who more cunningly can handle him than the first , & hath more shifts of descant for his plain song , ( but this by the way is to be noted , that the broker hath his part of the gaines with the curtisan , & she cosins for them both , ) this minion so traineth our seduced youth in folly , as not only himselfe is at hir command , but also his substance remaineth to her vse , this high prised commoditie is imploied to the curtisans brauery , & she which makes him brutish in behauior , doth emty his replenished purse : thus the eie of reson is closed vp by sensualitie , & the gifts of nature are diminished , by the disordinate vsage of bestly venery . Spuplies are sought for euery way , by his wicked broker , to bring him to ruine , & to work his vtter confusion . Thus , thus , alas , the father before his eies , & in his elder yeres , beholdeth as in a mirror , the desolation of his owne house , and hearing of the profusenesse of his vngratious sonne , calleth him home , rebuketh him of his error , and requesteth account of his money misspended : Hee ( taught and instructed sufficiently to coulour his follie by his vngodly mistres , and cursed mis●eader ) at his returne to his father , maketh shewe of all honestie , so that the olde man lead by naturall affection , is almost perswaded that the truth is vntruth : yet remembring the priuie conueiaunce of his youthly yeares , & déeming them incident to his young sonne , he discourseth with him thus .

O my sonne , if thou knewest thy Fathers care , and wouldest aunswere it with thy well dooing , I might haue hope of the continuaunce of my progeny , & thou be a ioy to my aged yeres . But I feare me the eyes of thy reason are blinded , so that neither thy fathers teares maye perswade thée , nor thine owne follies laide open before thine eyes , reduce thée , but that my name shall cease in thée , and other couetous vnderminers shall inioye the fruites of my long labours . How tenderly good boye in thy mothers lyfe wast thou cherished ? How déerely beloued ? How well instructed ? Did I euer entice thée to vice ? Nay rather enforced I thée not to loue vertue ? And whence commeth it that all these good instructions are swallowed vp by one sea of thy follie ? In the Uniuersities thy wit was praised , for that it was pregnant , thy preferment great , for that thou deseruedst it , so that before God I did imagine , that my honour shuld haue beginning in thée alone , and be continued by thy ofspring , but béeing by mée brought to the Innes of Court , a place of abode for our English Gentri● , and the onely nurserie of true lerning , I finde thy nature quite altered , and where thou first shuldest haue learnt law , thou art become lawlesse : Thy modest attire is become immodest brauerie , thy shamefast séemelynes , to shamelesse impudencie : thy desire of lerning , to loitering loue : and from a sworne souldier of the Muses , thou art become a master in the vniuersitie of loue , & where thou knowest not anie waie to get , yet fearest thou not outragiously to spend . Report , nay true report , hath made me pri●i● to many of thy escapes , which as a Father though I couer , yet as a good father , tenderly I will rebuke . Thy portion by yeare from me , is standing fortie pounds , which of it selfe is sufficient both to maintaine you honestly and cleanly : besides this , you are growne in Arrerages within this two yeares no lesse then 100. pound , which if thou wilt looke into , is sufficient for thrée whole yeres to maintaine an honest familie . Now how hast thou spent this , forsooth in apparell , and that is the aptest excuse : and lauishnesse in that , is as discommendable as in anie other , if in apparell thou passe thy boundes , what make men of thee ? A prodigall proude foole , and as many fashions as they sée in thée , so manie frumpes will they afford thée , counting thée to carrye more bombast about thy belly , then wit in thy head . Naye my sonne , muse not vppon the worlde , for that will but flatter thée , but weigh the iudgement of God , and let that terrefie thée , and let not that which is the cause of pride , nussell thée vp as an instrument of Gods wrathfull indignation . What account reapes a young man by braue attire ? Of the wise he is counted riotous , of the flatterer , a man easily to be seduced , 〈◊〉 where one will afford thée praise , a thousand will call thée proud , the gretest reward of thy brauerie is thi●● sée yonder goes a gallant Gentleman : and count you this praise worth ten score pounds ? Truely sonne , it is better to be accounted wittie , then wealthy , and righteous , then rich , praise lasteth for a moment that is ●●ounded on shewes , and fame remaineth after death , that procéedeth of good substaunce : choose whether thou wilt bée infamous with Erostratus , or renowmed with Aristides , by one thou shalt beare the name of a Sacriledge , by the other , the title of Iust , the first maye flatter thee with similitude , the last will honour thée indéede , and more , when thou art dead . Sonne , sonne , giue eare to thy Fathers instructions , and grounde them in thy heart , so shalt thou bée blessed among the elders , and be an eye sore vnto thy enimies . A second griefe , nay more , a coras●ue to my heart ( young man ) is this , you are both prodigall in apparell , and in life , and vngratious and vngodly curtisans , ( as I vnderstand ) are become the mistresses of your mastership : & thinkest thou this report could come to thy Fathers eare , and not grieue him ? Sonne , I had rather thou shouldest bée accounted foolish then amorous , for the one may be borne withall , the other is most odious . Incontinencie ( young man ) is the root of all inconuenience , it dulleth the memorie , decayeth the bodie , and perisheth the bones , it makethstedfast fickle , beautifull deformed , and vertuous vicious : it impayreth mans credit , it detracteth from his honour , and shortneth his daies , a harlots house is the gate of hell , into the which whosoeuer entereth , his vertues doe become vices , his agilitie is growne to slouthfulnesse , and from the child of grace , he is made the bondslaue of perdition . The wisest by lewde loue are made foolish , the mightiest by lust are become effeminate , the stoutest Monarkes to miserable mecockes . I wot well ( my child ) that chast loue is necessarie , but I know ( my sonne ) that lecherie is horrible . A harlots wanton eie is the lure of the diuell , her faire spéeches , the snares of sin , & the more thou delightest in her companie , the more hepest thou the wrath of God against thy selfe : Let Lais looke neuer so dem●rely , yet Lais is Lais , measure not thy liking by lookes , for there be some holy diuells : to bée briefe , the end is this , he is best at ease that least meddeleth with anie of them . Demosthenes will not buie repentaunce so déere , as with high summes to purchase transitorie pleasures . and I had rather thou shouldest learne of a Philosopher , then bée instructed by thy owne fancie , marke this axiome , there is no vertue which is odious after it is attained to , but the pleasures of loue are then most loathsome , when they are determined : and therefore no vertues : and to conclude , not to be sought after . It is idlenesse my sonne , that seduceth thée : for the minde that is well occupyed , neuer sinneth . When thou enterprisest anie thinges , measure thine owne fortune by other mens successe : as thou considerest of theyr ends , so imagine of thine owne . Thinke with thy selfe the wisest haue fallen by loue , as Salomon , the richest , as Anthonie , the proudest , as Cleopatra , the strongest , as Sampson , and by how many degrées they did excéede thée , by so many circumstaunces preuent thy ruine . It is inough for sillie Birdes to be lead by the call of the Fowler , and for men it is most conuenient to flye apparaunt goods , & sticke to that which is indéede . Though thine eie perswade thée the woman is beautifull , yet let thy experience teach thée , shée is a Curtisan , and wilt thou estéeme of painted Sepulchres , when thou knowest certaine and determined substaunces ? Doe we buie ought for the fairenesse or goodnesse ? Spangled Hobbie horses are for children , but men must respecte things which be of value indéede . I imploie my money vppon thée , not to the vse thou shouldest be lewde , but for that I woulde haue thée learned . It gréeueth mee to heare reportes of thy companie kéeping , for where thou offendest in the two formost , thou art altogether nusled in this , and truelye I can not but meruayle at thée , that béeing borne reasonable , to make election , thou art so vntoward in picking out thy choice : Agrée light and darkenesse ? Or the I●knewmon with the Aspis ? Doeth the Wéesell loue the Cockatrice ? Or gentle borne , such as bee vngratious ? No my Sonne , broking bugges are not companions for continent Courtyers : for who so eyther accompanyeth them , is eyther accounted a spende thrifte , or one that is Sir Iohn Lacke lande , eyther of their fraternitie , or else a verie foole .

Finde me out anie one of them , that in thy aduersiti● will helpe thée , or in thy misdemeanor aduise thée . Nay . such they are , as will rather binde thée prentice with Sathan , then exhort thée to eschew sinne . They bée the Caterpillers of a Common weale , the sting of the Adder , nay , the priuie foes of all Gentrie , and such they be , that if they get , they care not how vngodly , and if they cousen , they care not how commonly : So that thrée vices haue nowe taken hold of thée , first prodigalitie , the enimie to continencie , next lasciuiousnesse , the enimie of sobrietie , and thirdly ill company , the decayers of thy honestie . The meanes to auoyde these euills are manifest , but they must be followed : it is not sufficient to knowe a fault , but it is wisedome to amend it : Humble thy heart ( my sonne ) to the highest , and the more thou considerest of him , the lesse wilt thou care for this flesh : For what is the body better by the gay rayment ? truly no more then the soule is by superfluous zeale , for as the one is foolish , so is the other franticke . Leaue lust , least it lose thée , vse chast delights for they will comfort thée ; it is better driuing a toye out of memorie by reading a good lesson , then by idlenesse to commit an errour , which is sawed with repentaunce . Of néedlesse euills make no accompt , the lesse you accompany the worst , the more wil you be sought to by the best . Easie is it to say well , but the vertue is to doo well : O my déere childe , as thy frend I exhort thée , and as thy louing father I command thée , to consider of the tender care I haue of thée , and to imploy all thy indeouours now to my comfort : if thou hast runne awry , call thy selfe home , and waye within thy heart the reward both of vertue , and the discredite by vice , so the honour of the one will incite thée , the infamy of the other will deterre thee . For those debts that haue ouerpast thee , in hope of amendement I will sée them satisfied , and if heereafter thou fall into the lyke lurch , I promise thée this , that as now I deale with thée as a father , so then will I accompt of thée as a reprobate . Thou séest fire and water before thée , chuse to thy liking : in dooing well , I will reioyce in thée , in dealing otherwise , I will nothing account of thée .

The , father with teares hauing ended this his exhortarie , is aunswered in humble sort of his dissembling sonne , thus .

Whatsoeuer ( good father ) hath passed , is irreuocable , but what is to come may be considered of : it is naturall in me to fall , and vertuous to recouer my selfe . I confesse good sir , I am guiltie of errour , and haue faulted highlye , yet not so greatlye as you intimate : the world now a dayes is rather bent to aggrauate then to couer escapes . Wherefore , as the first step to amendement is repentance , so ( deare father ) I am sorrie for that is past , and most earnestly request you to continue your fauour , and no doubt but your sonne shall behaue himselfe héerafter to your comfort .

The father delighted with his sonnes discréete and humble aunswere , conceiueth hope of amendment , and returneth him to the Innes of the Court againe , and setting him on free foote , exhorteth him to follow vertue , and intentiuely to long after learning . But he , whose heart was pliable to receiue all impressions , no sooner is out of the view of his fathers house , but began to forget his olde promises , and renewes the remembrance of his mistresse , deuising by the way how to delight her , and what sutes to prouide that may satisfie her . To bee briefe , being returned to London , and quit of his fathers seruants , ( the newes of his arriuall being blazed abroad ) his Broker in post hast comes and salutes him , his mistresse by tokens and swéete letters greetes him , hée maketh his marchant ioyfull in the receipt of the money , and mistresse Minxe merrie for the returne of her young copesmate .

To be briefe , in post hast he ▪ posteth to her chamber , where Lo●d what friendly gréetings passe , what amorous regardes , how she blameth him of his delaye , and with fained teares watereth his youthly face , howe shée sweares that she is constant , and yet a curtisan : howe she vowes she is continent , and yet common : truly it were a matter to make a Comedie on , to sée both their actions , and to note their discourses : there needes not many or long sermons on this , master Brokers help in short space is sought for : for the money my youths ●ather gaue him , hath bought his mistresse a sute of the new fashion . The Broker readie at a becke , without delay furnisheth him with money : it is lamentable to report euery losse , and sith in another place I meane to set them downe , I will not motion them héere . In short space , our Marchant beginneth to looke after more assuraunce , and where to fore he was content with obligation , he now hunteth after statutes . ( This kind of bond Gentlemen is well knowen among you , the vsurers by this time haue built mannor houses vpon some of your lyuelihoods : and you haue lost that for little , which will not be recouered with much . ) The force whereof our youth considering not , so he haue foyson of money : the world to be short , at the last falleth out thus , both land , mony , & all possibilities , either by father or friends , are incroched vpon , by this gentle master Scrape-peny , so that now our youth finding neither suretie nor similitude , by his flattering vsurer is laid vp close for escaping . Let him write to his huswife Mistresse Minxe , she disdaineth him : let him intreate the Broker he refuseth him , let him make sute to the vsurer , he saith hée shall not cousen him : thus ( this Gentleman that neyther by his fathers counsell woulde refuse , nor by his owne experience be perswaded , to auoyde the eminent daunger that hanged ouer his head , is brought to confusion , and those friends that fawned on him before in prosperitie , now frowne at him in his aduersitie : those that depended with flattering words in time of wealth on his finding , now altogether disdaine him that cannot finde himselfe . Loe Gentlemen what it is to winke at good counsell , and to preferre young attempts before old experience : sée héere the fruites of contempt , and lette these lessons serue you to looke into : had this Gentleman regarded aduice , had he considered of his estate , himselfe had bene at libertie , his friends in quiet . But ( alas the while ) our heires new a dayes haue running heads , which makes their parents abounde in teares : some are led with nouelties in forreine Nations , some with prodigalitie in their owne Countrey : some with pride , the first fruites of all impietie : some by loue , the ladie of loosenesse . If one hunteth after vertue , how many hundreds doo dayly practise vice ? Let the experience of this young Nouice ( my youthly countrey men ) make you warie , and sée but into this one parcell of his lyfe , and giue your iudgement of his misfortune : his wit was sufficient to conceiue vertue , yet knowing ( with Medea ) the best , he headlong runne to the worst . Natures giftes are to be vsed by direction : he had learning , but hée applied it ill : he hadde knowledge , but hée blinded it with selfe opinion . All graces whatsoeuer , all ornaments what so they be , either giuen vs by our fore-parent , or grafted in vs by experience , are in themselues as nothing : vnlesse they be ordered by the power of the most highest . What care conceiue you , may be comperable to this young Gentlemans fathers sorrow ? who séeth his house pluckte ouer his head : his sonne imprisoned to his great discredite , and the vsurer the onely gainer , and yet the most vilest person .

Nowe , what becommeth of our youth thinke you ? his Father refuseth him , dispossessing the ryghte heyre of what hée maye , and poore hee is lefte desolate and afflicted in prison . And in these dayes how many are infected with this desperate disease , Gentlemen iudge you , I my selfe with teares haue heard some priuie complaints , and lamented my friends misfortunes , falne so sodainly . My good friends that are héerafter to enter into this world , looké on this glasse : it wil shew you no counterfait , but the true image of a rebellious sonne , and the rewarde of contempt ▪ of parents ; account your selues happie to learne by others experience , and not to be pertakers of the actuall sorrowe : Obey your parents , for they loue you , trust not to straungers , for they will vpbraide you of their benefite ; it is better to haue the stripes of a friend , then the kisses of a flatterer . Plato would haue young men to looke in the glasse , for two causes , the one , that if they founde themselues beautyfull in visage , and of exquisite stature , they might indeuor to make the vertues of their minde , answerable to the liniaments of the bodie : the other , that if they found themselues of deformed shape , they should séeke to beautifie the same by the inward perfections of the minde ; & for two causes my good friends , woulde I wish you to consider of this mans fall , and read his misfortune : the one , that not being yet nipped , you may preuent : the other , that being but yet a little galled , you would holde backe .

Est virtus placidis abstinuisse bonis .

As the Loadstone draweth yron , so let good counsaile conquere your affections , as the Theamides of Aegypt driueth awaie yron , so let the feare of God dispell all worldly plesures : If a simple man fall to decay , it may be borne withall , if a man of wisdome grow in arrerages , may we not blame his follie ? It is better to bée enuied then pittyed , for thou art pittied alwaies in misfortune , but en●ied at time of thy prosperitie . To bée briefe ( Gentlemen ) ouerlooke this aduisedly , & you shall finde many things worthy the noting , and no few matters written for your commoditie . This miserable young man , ouerwhelmed thus on euerie side with manifolde and sundry cares , beholding his most vnfortunate state , in wofull termes in the prison house breketh into these complaints .

Alas vnhappie wretch that I am , that hauing a good father that did cherish me , a tried mother that tenderly nourished me , many friends to accompanie me , faire reuenewes to inrich me : haue heaped sorrowe on my owne head by my Fathers displeasure , refused of my friends for my misdemeanour , & dispossessed of my land by my prodigalitie . O incestpous lust that enterest the hart , & consumest the bones , why followed I thée ? & O vngodly pleasure why didst thou flatter me ? O wicked and vngracious man that hast vndone me , and woe be vnto thée ( vile wretch ) that in my miserie doest thus leaue me . What shall become of me poore wretch ? faine now would I begge that bread , which vainlye I haue spent : now too too late doo I sée , that fainednesse is no faith , and he that trusts to this world , cleaues to a broken staffe . Alas , how should I attaine to libertie ? or by what meanes may I escape my confusion ? My Father hath accepted of another sonne , and all by reason of my lewdnesse : O that I had respected his vnfained teares , O that I had accepted his good aduice , O that I had reiected my flattering friends . But I sée no hope is lefte me , my creditour is too cruell , yet hath he co●soned me : and faine would I be his bond slaue , woulde he release me : but since no hope is lefte me of recouerie of my Estate , I referre my cause to God , who as he will remit my offence , so will he redresse my miserie and griefe .

Whilest in these or such like tearmes , the poore young man bewayles his heauie happe , sodainly enters his cousoning creditour , and in outwarde shew bewailyng his misfortune , yet in very truth the onely originall cause of his destruction , comforteth him in these or such like termes .

Gentleman , the exigent and extremitie that you are now at , though it be most tedious vnto you , it is most lamentable in my opinion . These young yéeres to taste of sorrowe so soone , is straunge , considering all circumstaunces : but since the cause procéedes of your owne lewd misspending , mine be the losse in part , but the greter must your affliction be . I hoping of your well dooing , neither denied your pleasure nor profite , yet in liew and recompence of all , I finde iust nothing : a few subscribed papers I haue , and some money I haue receyued , but nothing to my principall , and yet notwithstanding so fauourable wil I be vnto you , as if you procure me any one suretie I will release you . To léese my money I were loath , and to kéepe you héere it were more loathsome . I wold doo all for the best , not hindering my selfe , so you would straine your selfe to satisfie me somewhat .

The Gentleman knowing in himselfe his vnability , beginneth in truth to open his state , protesting , that neither of himselfe , nor by any one at the present he is to doo any thing , no not so much as if he released him to pay his charges , such is his miserie , in that all his frends had giuen him ouer , wherevpon most humbly he beséecheth him , to way his cause , promising any seruice what so euer may be : if so be it will please him to set him frée . Mas vsurer smelling out the disposition of the youth , beginnes to bring him to his bowe after this sort .

The world at these dayes is such ( my friende ) as there is small respect had of those which haue nought , and great honour attributed vnto them , that will most neerly looke to themselues : which I perceiuing , haue giuen my selfe ( as naturally men are inclined to séeke after glory ) to the hoording vp of riches , to the end that my posteritie might be raised vp , and my fathers name ( which as yet is of no accompt ) might by my meanes become worshipfull . To perfourmaunce of this , trulye I haue neither ben idle nor euill occupied : my thoughts haue wholly bene set of gettings , and who so nowe a dayes hath not the like meaning , his purpose will grow to small effect . And though of my selfe , I doo what I may , yet ( as it is necessary ) I must haue ministers , wher by that which I looke for may be brought to my hands : otherwise , my stocke might lye without vsaunce to my vtter vndooing . Wherevpon , if thou wilt followe my direction and be ruled by my counsell , I will release thée of prison , and set thée at libertie : restore thée to thy wonted credite , and countenaunce thée with my coyne , so that in shorte space thou maist haue money in thy pursse , and other necessaries to set thée vp againe . Thou seest that now thou art miserable , but I will make thée fortunate : thou now art almost foodlesse , by me thou shalt be satisfied with the best : thy friends now disdain thée , the day shall come that they shall séeke to thée : now art thou without apparell , through me thou shalte bée costlye attired : naye , what pleasure soeuer thou shalt either imagine for thy preferment , or wish for to doo thée good , thou shalt both finde me ready to performe it , and friendly to continue it .

The Gentleman surprised with this sodaine ioye , and vnacquainted good speaches ( not dreading that the Serpent laye hidden in the grasse ) most willinglye assented , promising to the aduenture of his lyfe , ( so his creditour woulde be his wordes master , ) to doo his indeauour to perfourme his will , as hée ought to doo . The Usurer séeing the minde of his prisoner , preciselye bent to doo his commaunde , openeth his heart vnto him thus .

Gentleman , for that I haue an opinion of your honestye , and truste in your secrecye : I will open vnto you my minde , and according as I finde your aunswere , I will shape your deliueraunce . Such time as you were at libertie , you know you had acquaintaunce with manye Gentlemen , and they not of the meanest : who at sometimes as well as your selfe were destitute of siluer : such as those be you must finde out for me , I will delyuer you presentlye : apparayle you in print , giue you money in your pursse , and at suche an Ordinarye shall you lye , where the greatest resorte is : your behauiour and vsage towardes all men must be verye honest , especiallye in all causes looke into the natures of men . If you spie out any one Gentleman pensiue , enter into discourse with him , if you maye perceiue , that either by parentage or possession , hée is worthie credite , laye holde on him , feede him with money if he want , and ( as though it procéeded of your own good nature ) profer him to be bound for him : if he accept your offer , come to me , I will furnish him : nowe you may deuide the commoditie or the money betwéen you , and out of your part ( considering me after the bignesse of the summe ) take the rest for your owne fée : which if you looke into , in a yeare will growe vnto no small summe . This is the Load-stone must lead you : and by all meanes you must fashion your selfe to féede humours : this is an honest meanes to lyue by , this is a way to libertie , by this you may pleasure your selfe : and to conclude in dooing this , you maye mightelye in short space inrich me . When you haue found out one fit to your vaine , remember this lesson , that what so euer vauntage you get of him , either for me , or for your self , care not how little paper and inke he can shewe of yours , kéepe still your owne stake cléere . In these matters you must be verie circumspect , for there be now a daies such vnderminers start vp , that scarce a man can imagine his owne profit but they preach it a broad , and laye it open . Thus doo you sée whereto you must trust : howe saye you nowe , will you be content to doo this .

The young man aunswereth , Good sir , there is nothing that you haue sayde that by mée shall anie wayes be forgotten , I am readie and willing to put in practise what you haue taught , and no doubt you shall finde me so diligent , that your selfe shal say , you were happie in putting me in trust . In briefe the conclusion is this , the vsurer glad of this new Gentleman broker , dischargeth him , sets him a floate : now who so braue as our late prisoner , or who so frolicke ? The olde sorrowes are forgotten , and new inuentions to cousin ▪ possesse the receptacle of his reason . His olde acquaintaunce flocke about him , some reioycing at his recouered libertie , some wondering at his sodaine brauerie , yet fewe suspecting his pretended and hidden knauerie . Of them some he saluteth humblye , some ordinarilye , he was not so well instructed , but it is as well performed . Now who but our Gentleman is a companion for the best , and a cousiner of the most , he staies not long before he be-prouided of a praie , whom he so ordereth , as himselfe is pertaker of the halfe , though the other be paymaster of the whole , and as those that are in the heate and extremitie of an ague , desire drink to satisfie their drought : so this young gentleman that is brought into bondes by one cousining spend thrift , hauing once entered foote in the high waie of prodigalitie , continueth headlong his course to his owne confusion . But by the way it is to be noted , that this Gentleman which is brought into the laps by our late prisoner , hath his possession & portion alotted him , so that our vsurer & his mate worke vpon sure groundes . Two or thrée Obligations and commodities receiued , our vsurer grows to new deuises , and sets his schollers to practise them , saith he , I must now haue you learne , to bring in this your friend to paie your debtes , and by this meanes you shall bring it about , you shall when next time he shall demaund your helpe , tell him that of me there will be had no money before your olde bondes be canceled , so that vnlesse he deale with me , by some meanes to acquit that , it is vnpossible to attaine vnto anie farther supplie . You may alleadge vnto him howe in such like extremities you haue stucke , and will sticke vnto him , and desire him in so easie a request he wil not leaue you destitute , by this meanes shall you be rid of your olde debts , and be as frée from inconuenience as euer you wer . No sooner hath our seducer learnt this lesson , but forth he trudgeth to find out this young master , if possible may be , if so be he as yet be stored , he doth either make him spend it or lend it , & vpon his new request of supply , openeth vnto him all the circumstance which before he had learned , & so cunningly handleth him , that the Gentleman desirous of money is easilye content . Wherevpon the matter is handeled thus betwixt the Merchaunt and this Gentleman broker to preuent inconuenience , if the brokers bond be an hundreth pounds , the Merchant will lend fiftie more , and maketh the young man to seale an absolute bond as his owne debt , so that the desperate debte of the decayed co●soned , by his meanes is brought to be the true debt of this silly Gentleman . Naie when they haue fatted both their fingers , they leaue not thus , but from money shoote at land , for if the Gentleman haue 500. pound in stocke payable at 24. or 25. yeares , they will so worke as all that shall be their proper goods which they will recouer out of the executors hands , either by attachment or otherwise , and besides that , so cunningly will they deale , that although they haue sufficient assuraunce in hand alreadie , yet wil they not leaue till they get an other more sure string to their bowe , therby to compasse the poore Gentlemans lands , at his want they will deale thus . This Gentleman and the broker must bée inuited by the Merchant , when amongst other table talke , M. Scrape-penie féeles my youth if his monie be gone , & offring spéeches of willingnes to prouide him alwaies at his néed , sets on by a beck his cousoning mate , to procure the gentleman to craue more mony , which he doth , the merchant cunningly coulering his craft , answereth him thus . Gentleman you sée I ●m far out already , & vpon your single bond I haue disburst a round sum of money , no lesse then 500. poundes , which in a poore mans purse as I am , is no small quantitie , neuertheles if you wil affoord me farther assurance , I wil not stick in redie mony once more to lend you 30. pounds . The gentleman neuer tofore vsed to receiue redy mony at the first hands , begins to yéeld him harty thanks & humbly to pray him to demand & he will performe , for saith he , considering your honest dealing , I cannot think you may imagine any resonable assurance which I wil not seale to . Why the quoth the merchant , the matter standeth thus , if so be you will seale me an estatute for my mony , no sooner shal you haue done it , but you shal haue the mony , all your bonds in , & a desesance , to this that I offer is reasonable , & to morrow if you will I will doe it . Agreed quoth the Gentleman , & so takes his leaue , the next morrowe according to promise , the Gentleman sealeth the assurance , acknowledging an estatute , before some one Iustice of the bench , and comming to his Merchants house for his money , is delaied for that daie of , & in fine , his absolute answere is this , that without a suretie he promised him none : he takes witnesse of his friend ( as he tearmeth him ) a prety péece of witnesse , when he séeth no remedie , he demaundeth his bondes , & he witholdeth them , he craues his deceasance , & cannot haue it . Thus is the poore Gentleman brought into a notable mischiefe ; first in being co●soned of his mony ; next deluded by his estatute without deceasance ( for if the deceasance be not deliuered the same time or daie , the statute is yet nothing auailable ) thirdly by his bonds detaining , which may be recouered against him , & continue in full force ; and the vsurer that playes all this rie , will yet be counted an honest and well dealing man . But flatter them who so list for me , I rather wish their soules health , then their good countenances , though I knowe they will storme at me for opening their secrets , yet truth shall countenaunce mée since I séeke my countries commoditie . Héere you see two houses destroied manifestly , the one of them , from a Gentleman made a craftie cousoner ; the other of them from a landed man , a silly poore wretch . And wonderfull it is to sée , considering the asperitie of the Penall statutes set downe by her Maiestie , and her honourables Péeres in the Parliament . How pretie collusions these cunning merchants can ●ind to infringe them . One priuate practise they haue in deliuerie of the commoditie , to make the condition of the Obligation thus . The condition , &c. is this , that if the within bound . T. C. his heires , executors or assignes , doe well and truely pay or cause to be paide to the aboue named M. S. the sum of 40. pounds of lawful mony of England , at his own dwelling house , scituated & being in Colman stréet , which he that sayd T. C. standeth indebted vnto him for , if so be that he the sayd M. S. or S. his wife be in life , y● then . Otherwise , &c. Now in this condition , the casual mart bringeth it out of compasse of statute , thus by collusions M. Scrape-penie gathers vp his money . Others worke by statute and recognisaunce , making their debter to discharge in their bookes of account the receit of so much money , where indéede they had nothing but dead commoditie . Other worke by liues , as if such a one liue thus long , you shall giue mée during his or her life 10. pounds a yeare , for 30. pounds , and be bound to the performaunce of that by statute . Other some deale in this sorte , they will picke out among the refuse commoditie some pretie quantitie of ware , which they will deliuer out with some money , this sum may be 40. pound , of which he will haue you receiue 10. pound readie money , and 30. pounds in commoditie , and all this for a yeare : your bonde must be recognisaunce , now what thinke you by all computation your commoditie will ar●se vnto , truely I my s●lfe knew him that receiued the like , and may holdly auouch this , that of that thirtie pounds commoditie , there coulde ▪ by no broker be more made then foure nobles : the commoditie was Lute stringes , and was not this thinke you more then abhominable vsurie ? Naie common losses , & the reasonablest is , for 36. pound for thrée months , accounted a good penie worth , if there be made in redie mony , 20. pounds , naye passing good if they make 25. poundes , I haue knowen of fortie , but sixtéene pound , and tenne shillings . These be general payments , and receits , incident to the most part of the young Gentlemen that I knewe deale that wayes : and truely I my selfe knowe within my time , no few number of Gentlemen , which are vtterly vndone by this meanes , and vnlesse this euill be preuented , and Gentlemen take not more héede , more will followe after . But if the punishment of these men were . In discretione Iudicis , notwithstanding the lawe were couloured with all by them , yet the conscience of the iudge woulde cut such ill members off . In former ages these things being knowen , were lookt vnto , and now when most punishment is meanaced , vsurie is most practised . Well may we now sée that the craftie haue as many cautiles , as the discréet cautions . If we had as seuere lawes in England , as once in Athens Solon set downe , wée shoulde then cast a rayne ouer the head strong vnrulynesse of these Caterpillers : there it was not lawfull , the Father béeing liuing , that anye money shoulde bée lent vnto the sonne : who béeing vnder his Fathers gouernement , was not to bée ordered according to his owne lyking : and there whosoeuer did transgresse this lawe , it was ordayned that hée might haue no recouerye , nor bée reléeued anye waye by iustice , for that it was doubted , that the sonne hauing no wayes to aunswere that hée did owe , should eyther be inforced by practising coniurations in the Citie , or exercising priuye thefte in his Fathers house , to ridde and discharge himselfe of the burthen of his debte .

The Aegygtians and Athenians séeing the errour of couetous vsurie to take footing in their prouinces , by approued iudgement concluded , that by no instrument , plea , execution , or other meanes in lawe , a bodie might bée detained : the originall béeing for corrupt gaines .

The Romanes , who not onelye inuented , but imitated those Lawes which confounded errour , by decrée of Senate , with the Athenians , in the verye same tearmes as they didde sette downe , that no money should bee lent to young heyres vppon interest , neyther allowing the detinue pleadable , nor the vsurie aunswerable , hauing a priuate eye into the vnmeasurable and gréedie intents of those couetous carles , who compasse the Fathers landes before the Sonne come to it .

In the Lawe of the twelue Tables , orders in this cause were prescribed , and directions set downe by the Tribunes : among whome , a man of rare vertue , Lucius Gomatius instituted and made a law , where in he enacted , that no vsurie , nor vsurers shoulde bée allowed .

Lucius Lucullus séeing this errour alreadye creapt thorough all Asia , and ( lyke a wise gouernour ) wylling to preuent , not onelye made a Law to auoyde all occasion of vnlawfull games , but also appoynted punishmentes to those that were subiect to the errour .

Tiberius Caesar as curious as the rest for common good , didde with as greate circumspection as might bée , take awaye the cause , and displace the effecte of this mischiefe : not suf●ering that to take heade in his gouernement , that was the capytall enimie of a well ordered State : Claudius Caesar not yéelding to his Auncestours in honourable actions , renewed these Lawes : Vespatian continued them : and Marcus Antonius Pius , with Alexander Seuerus established them with publike instrumentes : who to the fore-passed erroures by farther insight ioyned this , That by this vnlawfull getting , manye of the best and most auncient houses in all Italy , were brought to vtter ruyne , and confusion .

The Indians disdayning such seruile attemptes , not onely mislikie of lending , but also forbad borrowing , neither is it lawfull for an Indian to proffer , nor agreeable for one of the Nation to suffer iniuryes : disdayning among them both the vse of oblygations , and the abuse of pawning .

Hatefull was this errour in Licurgus Common weale of Sparta , whereas not onely the name was odious , but also the thing it selfe was asperlye punished .

Agis King of the same Citie , séeing the practises of the couetous to work so wonderfully as they séemed , not onely punished the attemters of vnlawfull profite , but also in the open market place , hée burnt all the bondes and Oblygations of the rich Bankers in the Citie .

In Thebes it was by statute ●orbidden , that anye man should be put in office , that within tenne yeares before the election had practised any vnlawfull chaffering .

The Germanes in theyr tarations of antiquitie : whereas they bounde the Théefe to restore double the thing he stole , they ordeyned that the vsurer shuld make recompence foure folde ▪ for his iniurie . And in borrowing the felicitie of all these Countries , wée ar● not so happie , as to abridge those errours that they most mislykt off : But héere perhappes some curyous maintainer of vnnecessarie members will conclude , that the state cannot anie wayes bée hindered by ani● these actions , inferring that the dissolution of one familie , is the setting vp of another : which in as many vertues maye match , and with as greate value imploie it selfe in the state , as the other that is decayed .

Héerevnto I shape this aunswere , that if it bée true , that the nobilitie of the Father worketh in the childe , I cannot sée howe these vpstartes maye anie waies employe themselues in honourable Actions , when as neither their auncestours euer knewe more then their Beads , or their Fathers other then vnlawfull gaines : and howe canne it bée that where the minde onely worketh in seruile subiects , it should anie waies be eleuated to attempt honourable exploits ? But be it these sorte of men are necessarie both in themselues , & for their Countrie , which cannot be concluded , in that they be broken members : yet must they conclude by the ( touchstone of truth ) the Scriptures , that their necessarinesse in this world , makes them vnnecessary for God : by whose presidents if they should leuell their lawes , I am afraid the graft wold be so stiffe in the bending , that it would be rather thought more necessarie for the fewell , then worthy the correction . In the most happiest man that euer was , whether philosopher or otherwise , I find this , that one onely blemish in his actions hath made them ben noted for an error : now if these men shuld in their enterprises be ga●de into , I feare me y● as in the black Iet is séene no white : in the deadlye poison is founde no preseruatiue : in the sprouting iuie , no fruite : on the vnnecessarie thistle no grapes : so in these men the mischiefe woulde be so manifest , that the shew of vertue would be extinguished . So that I can necessarily conclude this , that both these sorte of men are vnnessarye for themselues , vnméete for their countrey , vnfit for a family , yea conuenient for nothing , but to present the painter with the true image of couetousnes . For themselues how can they be profitable , in destroying theyr soules , and martering their bodies ? in consuming themselues with thought , in deuising of newe attemptes to delude . If they compare but their hearts sorrow , with their excesse gain , they shall finde this most certain , that the encombrances of the minde are so peysant , that they doo by oddes weigh downe their commoditie in the ballaunce . What is it to get good , and to loose happinesse ? to enioye much riches , and little rest ? to haue manye Lordships , and much hart-breake ? Alas , what are the goods of fortune , that they should entice ? or the plesures of the flesh , that they should allure ? If our stately pallaices were to continue permanent , if our worldly riches were to make our after yeares renowmed , if euery thousand of our ducates , were to benefit vs but with a hundred good precepts : I wold beare with couetousnes with the best , & practise it with the most : but since we sée that much hording cannot be without sinne , much getting without griefe , much profite without paine , much increase of goods , without decrease of vertues , I cannot but conclude with the philosophers , that the hoording vp of riches maketh many impressions of vices . And that those that are no wayes profitable for themselues , are not worthy the names of citizens in a state : whereas , when all things should be limitted by vertue , how can vsury be winkt at , when it is no way legitimate . Our lawes in this state , although they suffer a commoditie , yet confirme not they taking : concluding heerein , a meruaylous pollicye : to those haue in sight , which is , that leauing it euident , that where neither Lawe of God can limit them , nor disposing of right suffer them , nor preuention of errours withdrawe them from punishing this error , and not letting it slip , they as willyng to pul away by péece-meales , as to confound altogether : like wise Surgions eate out the dead flesh , by sundrye plaisters , and no sodaine corosiue , thereby wisely warning the wise to pull back by curtesie , and the indurate by beholding their forbearance , to feare the scourge when it shal come .

Yet some will héere adde and inferre , ( though vnnecessarily , ) that those whom I héere so asperlye reprehend , are as religious as the best , haunt the Church with the most , at their buriall be as bountifull as the godliest , and therefore it may not be thought , that séeing so many goods , they should follow the bad . To whom I aunswere , If they heare correction of sin by often haunting of sermons , yet continue their wickednesse , when they know what it worketh , their actions are wicked , their liues dissolute , their endes desperate . For theyr bountie at their burialls , that is but their last action , & their best attempt : but if we looke into the considerations of their benificence , I doubt not but we shall finde whereas their shooe wringeth them . If they are liberall to leaue them a memorie when they are gone , alas they striue against the streame : for this it will fall out , perhaps they shal haue a few poore womens praicrs for their blacke gownes , but a thousande decayed Gentlemens curses for their high exactions . If they be bounteous in hope to recompence the which is past , alas it is as much , as to cast water to stop a gappe , or gather brambles to builde mannor houses . If they be lookt into in this their penie doale , we shall finde a kinde of impulsion in all thinges : Truely , truely , I feare mée , if Mas vsurer knewe he shoulde liue , hée had rother haue a fayre pawne for his foure nobles , then a thousand prayers of a poore woman : and the forfaiture of a Lease for his xx . poundes , then the funerall Epitaph of the vniuersities for his last willes liberalitie . Since therefore impulsion forceth them to be bounteous , not frée will , liberall , we must accompt of them thus , that both they are both vnworthie praise , being vnwilling to be bountifull , and little to bée estéemed of , though their pretence bée neuer so perfect . What praise deserueth he that will proffer medicines to a whole bodie ? or the spur to a willing horse , or the raine to an vnwildie colt , or honor to a peruerse man : shall we conclude , because the vsurer is rich , he is righteous ? Because wealthie ? Wise : because ful of golde , therefore godly ? I feare me it wil fall out that some of our scrape penies , are as worthie to be deliuered to perdition , as Sauanarota of Rome , of whom Marubus maketh mention ) who not satisfied with excessiue gain in his life time , at his death became a praie to diuells : It gréeueth me to consider of the vnhappie state of some , who like fine cloth are deuoured with these moths , like white rambricke are stained with this yron moulde : & silly birds , are deceiued with the call of this Fowler . O vnhappy state , staind with so vnprofitable members , whose féete tread the wayes of errours , mindes imagine mischiefe , heartes are indurate , confounding the fatherlesse , oppressing the widow , making all poore , and themselues onely rich .

A lamentable case it is , to sée howe true simplicitie , the maintainer of peace , is almost altogether exiled out our common weale : and that worldlye wit doeth wade so farre , as heauenlye wise are brought into admiration of their mischiefe . In other notable Gouernementes and common weales , this one vice hath hadde a fall , and héere where it should be most detested , it is most vsed . Great hath ben● our wisdomes in repression of conspiracies , great our policies in maintaining of peace , circumspect our preuentions to eschew mutinies : and yet the long time we haue laboured in this , yet dayly more and more it groweth to head : and whereas the other vices haue bene exterminated by good looking to , this ( though altogether loathed ) is most lookt after . And in this case I must appeale to you ( right Honorable ) whose wisedome is continually imployed , to the maintenaunce of our state : & craue you cast your eye aside , and but looke into the worlde a lyttle , lette your Herauldes Bookes be spied into , consider the state that hath bene , and now is : and I feare me there will some teares fall , and more care be conceiued . Alas I know it well , that many auncient coates will be found there vncountenaunced , and it is to bee found out , that some sléepe on their beddes of downe , in those mannor houses , which were builded for the staye of some of our best noble seigniors . Nay , is it not true , that more are eaten out with vsury , then anye other abuse whatsoeuer ? And although Commissions are graciously graunted from her Maiestie , as a most mercifull Prince , and from your Honors , as most sage , fatherly , and prudent tenderers of gentry , grown into pouerti● : yet such is the contempt of some men , as they neither measure commaund , nor haue respect to conseience . The reuerend Fathers and eyes of Religion in this Common weale , how exclaime they on this vice , and pronouce the wrathfull threates of the Almightie against these vngracious gatherers ? yet how slenderly they regard them , their manifest & notorious mischiefes beare record . So that it is to be feared , that when neither honourable command may controll them , nor diuine admonition reclaime them , they are growen into a reprobate sense , and hane forsaken the Law of the Lord , and hunted after the whore , and are dronken with the lycour of her abhominations .

Principijs obsta sero medicina paratur , Cum mala per longas inualuere moras .

Noble Lords , may it please you yet a little more to giue me leaue , that as I haue manifested the mischeife , so ( to my slender conceit ) I may imagine a salue . The Nobilitie , Gentrie , and other heires whatsoeuer , either by reason of their Fathers tenour are wardes vnto her Maiestie , or else by the tender prouision of their Parents , they are lefte to the discretion of their kinsfolke . For those that by her Maiesties prerogatiue , by the death of their Fathers , fall into her protection : the most part of them are begged by Gentlemen , and committed to their tuition : among whome , as there be some prouident and carefull to consider of the childes commoditie , so ( I feare me ) other some are selfe minded , and gréedie of their owne gaine : which if so be it fall out . I feare me the childe that is vnder this gouernment will happely miscarrie , for if maintenance come from the protector slenderly , the nature of the youth béeing noble , will couet after supplie , and so through the couetousnes of the one , growes the confusion of the other , and by this meanes growes the Gentleman into the Merchants booke in arrerages , when his warden furnisheth him not according his degrée and calling : but it may be , that there bée purposes imagined by the gouernour , and practised by the Merchaunt , so that the one will not bée pertaker of the shame , yet will he not sticke to beare part of the gaine . But to let further matters wittingly ouerslip , for that I finde it good to winke at somewhat : returne we to the other sortes of heires , lefte to the tuition of friendes : among whome there growe lyke inconueniences , as in the former : for nowe a dayes kinsfolkes are as couetous as others , and as craftye as the best , whose priuate conueyaunces the young heires knowe , and seuerallye when they be sought into , will open . But for the ordering of all these thinges , and the recouering of this state , it were conuenient that the Warden of the Wardes vnder her Maiesties protection , should at the receit of the Gentleman , be bound according to the value , to the honourable , that haue authoritie in that case , for the vsage of the Gentleman , and that certaine stipend might be set downe annuallye for his prouision , rather with the most then least , so that then it will fall out , that hauing sufficient of his owne , he will not depend on the supplie of an other . The like annimaduertion if it bée had in respect of the other , and the care of taking the bonds , and prefiring the portion set downe by the direction of certaine Iustices of peace in euerie shéere , we shoulde haue lesse complaints to trouble your honours , and merchauntes should want young ministers to ridde them of their resuse commoditie . I haue glaunced into a matter ( my good Lord ) which if wisdome consideratly looke into , there will growe an exquisite platforme . These causes right honourable are necessarie , and néedfull to be noted , and such they be , that no doubt they will be as beneficiall to the state , as anie other whatsoeuer . For by this meanes your honours shall be praised , the wardens wel thought of , the Gentlemen kept in good state , and the Merchant abridgde of his craftie dealings . I haue heard this cause lamented of among the most part of that profession , who loth their title should be attributed to so outragious dealers . If they will desire the name , let them vse the nature , & let not all the whole order bée blemished , by a few disordered dealers blame : but to leaue this to your honourable and graue consideration , and to returne to your curteous Gentlemen , to whome this matter most pertaineth , & for whose onely cause this pain is taken : I most earnestly beseech you looke into your owne states , & consider with your selues , the misery & mischiefe that groweth by these follies : consider the end of all these practises which the vsurers doe put in vre , forsooth it is to make you beggers , where now your supplies be plentifull , & to emptie your purses , where now they are replenished : consider of their mercy either it is imprisonment , or else libertie with more shame : weygh of their ends agréeing to theyr life : it was a pretie and wittie saying which was written .

Auaro quid mali optes ni vt viuat diu .

Wish a couetous man no more mischiefe , then that he may liue long . For he dieth daily in care , and consumeth in thought : refraine prodigalitie , so shall you haue no need of them : bée continent , so shall you be sought to of them : leaue them to their owne lusts , they are not of the Lord : let your garments be comely , & not costly : for a comly continent man is more estéemed of , then a costly spende thrifte accompted of . It is the vertues of your mindes , the perfections of your vnderstandinge , your intellectuall contemplacions , that makes you accounted of among the wise , and beloued among the learned : In your professions be studious , for y● brings profit : an houre well spent , is better then a dayes pleasure : eschew those things that may decay your memory , & in euery good action continue to the end : trust not to apparant goodes , beléeue not credulously the faire spoken , be as prouident to eschew trouble , as the enuious is prudent to procure your discomsort : looke on nothing that may altar you from a man , thinke on nothing that may mislead you , if you promise , performe it , but in promising vse discreation : these be the fruites of experyence , learnt by some in sorrowe , and lette them bée practised by you in securitie Let not the garish shew of a present pleasure , the sillie shadowe of an earthly delyght , a transitorie similitude of a momentanye glorye , make you followe that which wyll coste you manye sighes and sundrye sorrowes ( when you looke into your state , and see howe you are compassed of friendes , smilde vpon by fortune , beautified by nature , pefectd by art , when you perceiue care hath not yet forrowed your forhead : labour euen then to continue friendes , to make peace with fortune , to mainetaine nature , to studye arte , and béeing fréed as yet from trouble , fence your actions so strong , as they may neuer become troublesome . Aurelius in his Court seeing certaine Philosophers vsing vnséemely iestures , wagging their heads , toying with theyr garments , and stamping with their féete , gathering by their exteriour behauiour , how vnapt their actions were in respect of their precepts , exprlsed them the court , as vnméete to be preferred to honours . Although not Marcus Aurelius , but wise Saba now gouerning , think you that gracious Elizabeth cannot as well finde out a vain head vnder a wauing feather , a dissolute minde vnder a codpeece dublet , a wanton thought vnder a straunge habite , as the Emperour vnder a lyght iesture ? Yes truely ( Gentlemen ) : no doubt but that eie that winketh at most things , séeth many , and that wonderfull capacitie that comprehendeth so much discipline , cannot ouerslip the mislyke of masking brauerie . If one errour were as much banished England , as it was Rome , neither should idlenesse offer the couetous opportunitie , neither the idle be cousened by the couetous . It is idlenesse that maketh amorous , it is idlenesse that maketh fascionatine , it is idlenesse that bréedes excesse , it is idlenesse that destroyeth all humane happinesse the eye fixed on heauenlye contemplations , gazeth not on earthlye beautie , the thought occupyed on remembrance of moral preceptes , neuer vouchsafe the misdéemings of the fantasie : the bodie subdued by assidious trauaile , is neuer altered by the motions of the flesh : the hope grounded on immortality , hath not reference to an houres pleasures . So that man is neuer altered in himself , enimie of himselfe , procurer of his parents troubles : but euen the● chiefly , when idlenes is predominant , follypreferred , & fashions to féed fantasies allowed of . The meanes then to auoyd the Usurers booke , is to be continent : the way to be continent , is not to be idle : the reward of not béeing idle , is the daily increase of more knowledge : and the increase of more knowledge maketh a man happie . The sting of the Aspe confoundeth in slumbers , the venonie of idlenesse , waiteth carelesse opportumities : truly gentlemen , the first step to auoyd expence , is to grow in contempt of brauerie , which if our noble younge youthes wold practise for a while , it wold so fall out , that not onely vaine fantasies should cease , fonde fashions finde no fauourers , and the vsurer hauing his odde refuse commodities dead i● his hand , would either afforde better peniworths , or séeke for forreine traffique . But to leaue you Gentlemen to your good counsailes , and returne to you good master vsurers , whose eares glowe at the rehearsall of these enormities , I must pray you giue mée leaue to make vp a conclusion , and to finish these fewe lines with an admonition for your cause ; and though the corrections I vse be bitter , account of them the better , for why they be more cordiall . A gréedie desire of gayne , is the disease that infecteth you , some termes it thriftinesse , some néernesse , but in plaine tearmes , it is vsurie : and that is nought els but a gréedie desire of other mens goods , and this by the commandement is forbidden to be followed , and therefore irreligious are they that vse it . The man that coueteth gold , conceiueth not goodnesse , his appetite is of the earth , and those that are earthly minded , sauour not the things that are of God . What though you cloath your selues in simplicitie of Doues , and your inwarde habite be worse then the voracite of Wolues ; he that made you knoweth you , and he whom you offend can ( and will ) punish you ; you wil say you were naturally borne , ( as Tully witnesseth ) to take care for your selues , and to prouide Victum & vestitum , meate and clothing : and I graunt it , but wher● find you , either Ethinke , prophane , or sacred sentence , to confirme your extreame hoording vp of golde , yea then most earnestly , when you are most rich ? The laboursome Ant gathereth not in excesse , but sufficient prouision for the Winter , yet without reason : and you which are reasonably borne , hoorde vp more , then orderly ( at first sight ) you well knowe howe to imploy . You long after Nabals vineyard with Iesabel , but the dogs shall deuour you in the gate : you heape house vpon house , land vpon land , Quasi numquam sit periturum soeculum , as though this world would last euer , but sodainly shal the wrath and curse of the Lord fall vpon you , and ( without spéedie repenta●nce ) he will consume you in a moment . O turne spéedely vnto the Lord , and put not off from daie to daie , least his wrath be hot against you , and he make you pertakers of the plagues of Chore and Abiram . Remember your olde escapes that haue past you , consider of their falls that are decayed by you , and your selues if you haue anie contrition , and compunction of heart , wil lament the generall misfortune with me . Did you arise of nothing ? Were you calde from base degrée to high estate ? From poore seruants wer you made rich masters ? Why , your goods make answere , saying , you haue more then you can well spend , and I deeme the greater your talent is , the more you haue to answere for : but weigh in your selues , howe this greate masse of money grew vnto you : you must count that this Farme came to your handes by the forfayture of such a Lease : this money became yours , by the vertue of such an Obligation : you haue scrapte vp this ready coyne , by making Centum pro cento : nay , you haue vndone these manye poore Gentlemen , onely by iuriching your selfe . Too true it is , ( alas ) ( and wisedome priuately bewaileth it , to looke into your crueltie , and Gentlemenes folly ) that many houses are decayed by your meanes , and that you are Lords of that , which should be the portion of more profitable subiects : whose miserie driueth them to trie conclusions in all places : and both to forsake their Countrey , I pray God not to alter their conscience .

Nay in these extremities that they are driuen into , which of you either reléeueth them ? or comforteth them in their sorrowes ? so farre are you ( you worldlings ) from lessening their miseries , as that ( Perillus like ) you inuent new tortures , to driue them from your doores , calling them varabonds , and bride well birdes who in very truth were your best Masters and setters vp ? but your selues with Perillus shall tast of the engines you haue prouided for others , and the Lorde shall pittie the fatherlesse , and comfort the afflict●d , when that dreadfull daye shall come , in which the heauens shall be opened , and the Sonne of man shall come to iudgement : how will the case then stand with you ? shall your welth then acquite you ? No , no ; the Iudge is not partiall , he is iust in all his dooings , and true in all his sayings . In that day the horrour of your conscience shall condemne you ; Sathan whom you haue serued shall accuse you ; the poore afflicted members of Christ shall beare witnesse agaynst you ; so that in this horror and confusion , you shall desire the mountaines to fall vpon you , and the hils to couer you from the fearfull indignation of the Lord of hostes , and the dredfull condemnation of the Lambe Iesus . When it shal be found out , that you wer rich , yet reléeued none : that you were of wealth , yet comforted none : that you rather replenished the prisons , then released the prisoner : that your life be sound sawced with crueltie , and no one action sauoring of mercie : the Lord shal place you among the goates , & pronounce his Ve against you , he shall thunder out this sentence , Goe you cursed into euerlasting fire , prepared for the diuell and his angeles . This is the reward of wickednesse , this is the punishment of crueltie : look vpon this therefore ( you worldly minded men , ) and consider of these sayings : harden not your hearts , but be you conuerted , reléeue the poore , be harboursome , restore to the owner that you haue wrested from him , and turne , turne , turne vnto the Lord ( I beséech you ) least you perish in your owne abhominations : and to conclude , accompt of me as your wel wisher , who for publike commoditie haue opened your inconueniencs , and for brotherly amitie , counsailed you to call your selues home : and I beséech yo as spéedely reclaime you from your errors , as I doo brotherly admonish you of your escapes . How happie were I that hauing lesse cause , might haue lesse matter to write on ? And haplesse are you , if not won with these warnings , you giue more occasion to be written on : now stay you where you are , & alter your natures , and where you were accustomed to doo ill , now acquaint your selues to follow goodnes ; and then it will thus fal out , that I which exclaimed vpon you for your vices , will then honour you for your vertues : & where in common assemblies your name growes odious , in publike audience , you maye be praised for your good life . The Lord send our Gentlemen more wit , our vsurers more conscience , and vngodlinesse a fall : so Nobilitie shall not decay , but the sinner shal be reclaimed , and wickednes confounded .

FINIS .

¶ THE DELECTABLE Historie of Forbonius and Prisceria .

IN Memphis ( the chiefest citie of Aegypt ) a place most renowmed by reason of the opulencie of the princes that haue gouerned that Monarchie : at such time as Sisimithres was head Priest of the same , & Hidaspes gouernour of the Prouince , a noble Gentleman called Forbonius ( highly accounted of for his vnreprouable prowesse , and among the best sort allowed of for his vnspekable vertues ) made his abode , whose tender yeares not yet subiect to the experience of more riper iudgement ( as the winding Iuie about the stately Oke ) entangled it selfe with many amorous obiects , now allowing this choice , now approuing the person , straight admitting a third . But the fates hauing registred his last opinion in euerlasting & permanent destinie , made his manifolde aspectes ( as yet not stayed ) to light vpon one séemely impression , and to allow of but one onely paragon : yet so sealed they his opinion , as ( if it be true that the gods euer were lasciuious ) I thinke the chiefest commaunder of the Heauens might vouchsafe of such dalliance , and be onely amorous in this , that knowing heauenly perfections to be resident in earthly substance , he would either borrow fire of Venus to make the creature pliable , or carrie fire into the heauens from whence Promotheus first did steale lightning . Fauorable was the climate , that allowing vniuersally to all the creatures it compassed onely , blacknesse , vouchsafed Prisceria ( Forbonius mistres ) such swéet fauor , who borne of noble parents within the citie , ( as of Solduuius , vizeroie of that Prouince adioyning to the citie , and Valduuia , daughter and heire of Theagines of Greece , the copartener of sorrowe with Caricleala , the straunge borne childe of the Aegyptian king : ) not onely match al titles of honour with exquisitenesse of proportion , but also so coupled the perfections of the minde , with the proportion of the bodie , as rather nature might disdaine her industrye , not art repent her of the dowrie she had granted her : this sweet fixed Comet coasted Forbonius affections , who like the careful Marriner , hauing ( amidst the frostie night ) sought for his Loade starre , and at breake of morning ( his eies almost dazled with looking ) found it out : so our noble young Gentleman , hauing past ouer many personages with a slight ouer looke , at last finding out his mistres alotted him by fate , yéelded willinglye vnto importunitie of the Destinies , and wonne altogether to bée subiect , béeing captiued with fancie , hée applyed himselfe wholye to the accomplishment of his desires , and the attainment of his mistresse fauour : and for that the Goddesse of loue is plyable to all benignitie , as not suffering a true seruitour to bée long vnrewarded : it so fortuned , that she prosperously furthered our noble Aegyptian in his purpose , preferring him by opportunitie to the sight of his desired pleasures : for the propinquitie of their abode was such , as that Priscerias chamber windowe , had a prospect into Forbonius garden , by which meanes , the Gentleman in his meditations might beholde his mistres , and Priscer●● ( beeing by the equitie of the destinies prefigurated to straunge misfortune ) might haue occasion to looke , and séeing , might loue : but as this conueniencie was fauourable one waie , so was the frowarde disposition of the parents , vntoward on the other parte . for Solduuius , ( whether lead thereto by appointment , or driuen to the exigent , by some former mallice borne by the progenitors of Forbonius ) had neither a lyking to the youth , nor a longing to haue his daughter marryed : eyther lead by couetousnesse , for that he woulde not stresse his coffers , or by enuie , for that he contemned Forbonius : yet what is concluded secretly amidst the heauens , cannot be circumuented with mans circumspection : for Forbonius as one which depended onely on the fauour of Prisceria , though fortune had hereft him of occasion to inioy , yet would not he be seuered from the benefite to beholde her whom he loued : who warmed with the same fire , in increasing his flame , kindled her owne fancie , & being as willing as the other to procure remedie to her passion , with manye chaunge of coulours , and sundrye swéete aspects , opened that to her seruant , which he wished for in his mistres : who ( with like sorrowes requiting euerie circumstance ) as one willing and borne to attempt : at such time as Prisceria solitarily solaced her selfe at her windowe : in mournefull melodye ( making his Lute tunable to the straine of his voice ) he recorded this Sonet .

THE Turtle pleased with his she compeare , With sweet aspects , and many a turning lure , Describes the zeale in tearmes should well appeare , If nature were so gratious to assure The silly bird with speech as well as I : Who stopt of speech by turnes my woes descrie . And though perhaps my tearmes by distance be , Seaioynd from thee : I wis my mou●nfull mone , Doth pearce thine eares , and Eccho tells for me , In sowre reports : would she and I were one . For whom I liue , and whom I onely loue , Whose sweet aspects my dying fancies moue . And if the aire by yeelding calme consent . Make sweet Prisceria priuie to my suite , Vouchasafe deere sweet , that beautie may relent , And graunt him grace , whom distance maketh ●uter So either hope shall make me climbe the skie , Or rude repulse enforce my fancies flie .

Prisceria not altogether priuie to the report , yet concluding all purposes to hir owne fantasie , conceyuing by his manifolde sighes , aspectes , and motions , wherevnto he applyed his actions , with a solempne sighe , as wishing him present , and a séemely bent , as requiting his curtesie , betooke hir selfe to hir pillowe , where comparing euerye accident together , both of the zeale shée bare to Forbonius , and of the profer he proffered to her , she brake out into these spéeches .

Alasse ( vnhappie Prisceria ) what vntoward destinie hath befallen thée ? That in thy flowring yeares and prime of beautie , thou art become a thrall to vncertaine pleasure , neyther knowing from whence the errour first sprong , nor by what Treacles it may at last bée expelled . If it bée that nature enuying my perfections hath allotted mée this purgatorie , that hauing at free becke all the benefites of Fortune , yet I should with inwarde bondes bée inchained with the holdefast of fancie . Alasse that in prefixing the torment , shée hath not proffered a remedye , or in bestowing an vlcer , hath not vouchsafed a corrasiue . Howe straungely am I martyred , sillye maide that I am ? That by one onelye looke haue conceyued such an impression , as neyther arte can alter with medicine , nor time eate out with continuaunce .

Woe is mee that I loue , yet fortunate am I that I hate not , for by the one , I am depriued of lybertie : by the other , I shall onerpasse the sorrow by surenesse . Yet are thy thoughts more fauorable to thée Prisceria , then the successe in thy loue will be fortunate . Thou louest Forbonius , and why ? for his vertue : yet thy father hateth him vpon olde grudges , with whom when rancour preuayleth , what may be more lookt for , then contempt and denyall ? But Forbonius séeketh Priscerias fauor , not Solduuius friendship : but Prisceria cannot enioy Forbonius , without Solduuius fauor . But Forbonius will by happie marriage conclude all mallice , but thy father hauing an enuious mind , will haue a suspitious eare . Alas why imagine I wonders in my fancy , hoping that those destenies ( which inthralled my affection ) wil subiect my fathers resolutions : since neither reason alloweth me any probablitie to worke vpon , neither hath Forbonius any motion as I sée to compasse ought : well , to the satisfaction of my freend , and to the contentment of my sorrowing hart : my freend shall know my zeale , and I will continue my affection , which being begun with so wonderfull causes , must néedes finish with a miraculous effect .

With these conclusions she fell a sléepe , leauing me to returne to Forbonius , who being tormented with the same furie , and troubled with equall fancie , séeing his light to be eclipsed , I meane his Mistresse vanished , began heauely to complaine himselfe in these or such lyke termes .

Alas you destinies , whose courses are ineuitable : how fortuneth it , that in bestowing casualities in mans life , you prescribe not meanes to preuent misfortunes ? and onelye beginning to fester the heart , prefixe no presidents , whereby the humours may be expelled . If all things are to be referred vnto an ende , what may I wel imagine of my estate ? who intercepted by all occasions , must either finish my misfortunes miserably , or desperately . O loue , iustly maist thou be counted licentious , whereas thou neither prescribest limites to thy selfe , to inthrall : nor meanes to thy subiects to attain libertie . But why exclaime I on him , that hath blest me with a benefit ? as though the fate that made Forbonius happie in louing , cannot establish his successe , as that it shall not be measured by misfortune . I glorie in the benefit of my martirdome , since a certain inward hope assureth me , that diuine beautie cannot be sequested from iust pittie , nor a tried seruice in loue , requited with a disdainfull hate . But foolish man that I am , how maye it be , that in séeking beautie , I labour not to attaine it ? & desiring to enioy a benefit , I attempt not to make triall of my Mistresse bountie ? Why , by last nights becke she vouchsafed some shew of acceptaunce : and that may as well be of reproofe as lyking . ( O Forbonius , ) it is a silly hope that is conceiued by signes , either attempt further , or perswade thy selfe of no sauour . Her father ( silly wretch ) enuieth thée , and thinkest thou to compasse his daughter ? alas , faint hope is this when as those that should build vp , doo destroy : when such as shoulde perswade , doo diss wade : when as he that dooth commaund most earnestly , dooth forbid . But loue hath no respect of consanguinitie , but hauing onely relation to him which he fauoureth , delighteth onely in the possession of his choyce , yet is not Forbonius , sure she loueth : well , I sée he that will be fortunate , must hazard , and that man that will be gracious in his Mistresse eye , must by outward attempts and vnaccustoured purposes , séeke to confirme his happinesse .

Wherevpon ( vpon sundry conclusions ) he inserred thus , that the next day , by certaine rare attemptes , hée would either finish that he had so long sought for , or perish in the perfourmance of his enterprise : and the day seruing to attempt that which he imagined by night , he bethought himselfe of the Cymnosophists of the countrey , among whom remembring one of singular experience , and notable lerning , he resorted vnto him , opening first , how he was inthralled by fancie , how precluded by all occasions especially by the fathers disdaine , next , how some opportunitie serued him , lastly how the agony tormented him , desiring the Philosopher , whose wisedome coulde sée into all causes , to search out the fatall Exigent of his loue . Appollonius ( for so the Gymnosophist was called ) hauing calculated the Gentlemans natiuitie , and séeing some planets retrogate : couering the asperitie of the destenies , with the hidden secrecie of an Artist , discoursed thus .

O Forbonius , if as Socrates did his golde , thou drown thy affections , it would follow that with him thou shuldest enioy frée libertie of thy selfe , and not suffer thy affects to rule thy reason . Art thou bewtiched by Circes ? of a humane shape hast thou gotten a beastly forme ? of a man borne to reasonable actions , wilt thou now swallow an vnreasonable misfortune ? If many cares be the decayers of the minde , if many sorrowes the consumers of the body , better were it by day to studie the lyberall Sciences , then at such time as we shoulde imploye our selues to honourable attempts , to become vnhonourably licentious . Alas Forbonius considering what a louer is , what a louer suffereth , what a louer séeketh , I finde the person idle minded , I finde his patience an insupportable sorrow , I finde himselfe not himselfe , in that he is vnreasonable . The daily actions of a louer are discommendable , the night exclamations so odious , as that they in this conuert nature , who shadowing the world with darknes , limitting each creature his rest , yet they euen in the time labor in out-cries , in which they shuld take conuenient rest . My good friend , the gretest wisdome is to measure euery attempt with his casualties , & if ought happen that may séeme impossible , to cast off the rayne , and suffer it to passe in that forme it was concluded in .

Thou louest ( Forbonius , ) better wer it thou didst loath : for by loathing thou canst but be comp●ed vnnaturall , but by louing thou mayst fortune to be vnfortunate . If all thinges be ordered by the higher powers , it is vayne you must conclude to infringe what is concluded on , if the destenies haue appoynted , that Forbonius shall not be happie in inioying Prisceria , Forbonius is not reasonable in suing for Prisceria . Unhappie Paris in Helen , though fortunate in inioying her beautie : but when loue begins with a fading benefit , it endeth with an euerlasting sorrow . The conclusion of a wise man must be , to yéelde to the necessitie of Fate , and to continue contented with that which cannot be altered by succession . Tell me by the immortall Gods , my good friend I beséech thée , what happines conceiuest thou possible to follow , either in enioying thy Lady , or finishing thy loue ? Alas , the greatest swéete is a continuall sower , and after many vnfortunate repulses , a sodain misfortune makes an ende of many a yeares courting . I speake all this to this ende ( my Forbonius , ) because I would preuent that by counsell in thée , which otherwise ( if thou follow thine owne lure ) will be a confusion to thy selfe . Thou comest to me for counsell to compasse loue , and I would confirme thée , that thou shouldest auoyd the occasions of following loue . Thou wouldest by my meanes strayne arte to subdue nature , yet I labour both to direct by arte , and to suppresse by nature . Truly ( my good friend ) looking but to the hidden secretes of nature , I finde thée subiect to manye misfortunes , and no way to be remedied but by one only vertue . Thou shalt ( after long toyles ) compasse that thou hopest for , yet when thy greatest plesures begin to take the originall : euen then shall they finde their exigent . Since therfore the reuolutions of the heuens conclude , that by onely continent forbearaunce , thou shalt be disburdened of many misfortunes , I beséech thée lette this transitorie pleasure be accompted off as it is , and finish vp thy loue with my counsell : so shalt thou be fortunate in preuenting destenie , and continue in happines , wher too much loue may make thee vnluckie .

Forbonius lead by the inconstant opinion of his young yeares , not waying the graue and fatherly councell of Appollonius , aunswered him thus .

O Father , when the wound is giuen , it is ill counsayling how to auoyd the stripe , and when the heart is captiuated , there can be but small recouery by counsell : how wer it possible for me to restrain that in my selfe , which the Gods could not limit in their Deities ? Easie it is for the whole Phisition to counsell the sick patient , but when the extremitie wringeth excessiuely , none bideth the martirdome but the afflicted . O Appollonius my minde measureth not the iniquitie of fate , neyther doo I séeke limits for that , which by no direction can be exterminated from out my heart . So that good father rather respect my present sute , then my future discommoditie , and by your counsell make ende to my sorrowes : whereby it will thus come to passe , that enioying the pleasure I long wish for , I may more boldlye beare the assault of froward fortune when it commeth . If it be onely death , that my enemie Fate threteneth me with , let me enioye this benefit , as for Fortune , I will be friende to her enemie , the which is the graue , and acquaynting my soule but with the onely Idea of my Mistresse , thinke my selfe as happie , as they that haue walkt the Elisian fieldes , a long space to their content .

Appollonius willing to doo him good , yet sorrie hée could not preuaile with his counsaile , at length began thus .

Since my Forbonius thou wilt be ruled by no counsayle , thou must be pertaker of thine owne sorrowe . As for thy request , I will so satisfie thée , as not onely thou shalt at thy pleasure conceiue thy Mistresse minde , but also open vnto her the secrettes of thy heart , by which meanes thou shalt héerein haue accomplishment of thy wish , though in so dooing thou shewe but lyttle wisedome . Wherevpon , resorting to his studdie , he brought foorth a mirrour of notable operation , a practicke in prospectiue , which deliuering to Forbonius , he commended it thus .

O my friend , I deliuer thée that héere to féede thy humour , which was composed to comprehend Arte. In this myrrour thou maist after thou hast written thy minde : taking the Sunne beame , send the reflection to thy mistresse eye , wherby she may as legeably read thy letters , as if they were in her handes , and by thy instructions made priuie to the secrets of thy glasse , retourne thine aunswere in that very forme in which thou sendest . For the rest , I leaue it to your discretions , and good fortune , wishing all things to fall out as prosperouslye in your loue , as you would , and as I wish .

Our noble youth ( In amours ) hauing furnished himselfe of that he sought for , repayred vnto his studie , where deuising in what tearmes he might sollicite his Mistres , at last he cyphered out his sorrowes in this sequell .

THat fancie that hath made me thrall to thy beautie ( sweete Prisceria ) commendeth my submission to thy good grace : beséeching thee to be as fauourable in ministring a remedie , as thy beautie was readie to procure my thraldome . I make no resist in this my louing torment , but onely yéeld my self subiect to the impression . Maye it therefore please thée ( swéete Prisceria ) to be as beneficial in this , as the Gods are in their bounty , who for euery faithfull interatie , returne a gratefull satisfaction . And heerein maist thou sée my faith to be stedfast , since Arte it selfe serueth opportunities , and ministreth me both a meanes to open my hidden sorrowes , and thée a messenger to bewray thy silent secrets . I beséech thée ( by the swéete statues that are builded for the Goddesse that is honoured in Paphos , ) to be as iust in returning fauour , as I am forwarde in bewraying my fancie : so shalt thou haue the possession of him , that is by destinies appoynted thy assured beads-man , and I enioy those plesures , in which I may be only fortunate . Till then I must write my self as I am , The most vnhappiest louer that liueth .

Forbonius .

This cyphered out in faire charecters , and disposed in such termes as his fancie then prefixed him , he tooke his way into his garden , waiting some necessarye opportunitie , to put his purposed attempts in practise , and to bewray his woes to Prisceria : who wounded with the remembraunce of Forbonius perfections , and séeing no waye but his presence a meane to expell sorrowe , betooke her selfe to her accustomed prospecte , and with longing lookes she leuelled at his loue , which was alredie stroken with her beautie .

The Gentleman fitted by these conuenient occasions beganne his Philosophicall demonstration , and taking his aspecte as necessarilye as hée might , hée presented Prisceria with his pensiue submission : who confirmed by so conuenient opportunitie , betaking her selfe with all spéede possible to her studie , and by a becke charging him with no lesse dispatch to giue attendaunce : she gaue annswere to his amorous intreaties with this gracious affabilitie .

THe Climate Forboniurs where vnder I was 〈◊〉 , ( beléeue me ) either hath pre●●gured me the deste●i● to be inamoured by thée , or thée the subiect that shoulde besot me : and truly héerein the working of the Gods are secret , who imploy such thoughts in me , as now by thy letters I finde wrought in thée , making a vnitie in both those hearts , wh● by reason of parents enui●s , are like to finde fatall conclusions . And whereas by necessitie of fate I finde my selfe wholly captiuated to thy pleasures , I doubt not but that God whome wée honour for his brightnesse , and who by his lightening ministreth to our misfortunes , will be fauourable in our procéedings . For me , if thy constancie be such as my true zeale is , I beséech thée by the same Godddesse to succour me , by whome I found my selfe first inthralled and made subiect to thée : meane while I will write as thy selfe , and rest as I am . The most vnhappiest louer that lyueth .

Prisceria .

These conclusions being ministered with the same aspectes they were profered , the two poore couple had no other meanes to noate the effecte of their priuate ioyes , but onely by silent smiles , gracious regardes , and trickelyng teares , and such lyke amorous actions , each one wishing the other , either happie in possessing their delyght , or fortunate , if by death they were reléeued of their sorrowe : and being intercepted by the closure of the euening , they betooke themselues both of them to their restlesse pillowes , concluding vpon many purposes , how to finish their languishing and tormenting martirdome .

Forbonius as one born to attempt , concluded with himselfe , considering how fauourably all occasions fawned vpon him ) to attempt the stealing awaie of Prisceria : who poore soule in carefull dreames imagining of her dayes fancies , was forestaled of all fauour by the vnhappie approch of her father , who furnished with all worldlye policies to preuent what he mislyked , and compasse that he suspected : perceiuing by his daughters solome aspects , some secret sorrow that troubled her , hauing remembred that axiome of the Philosophers , that dreames are the prefigurations of dayes sorrowe , watched his time so néerely , that euen at that verie instant he entered the chamber of his daughter , when drowned in her swéet delightfull dreames , she began at his entrie to cry 〈◊〉 thus . O fortunate Forbonius ! which her father marking verie precisely , and concluding wherevpon the sigh tooke his holde fast , awaking his daughter on a sodaine , verie cunningly compassed her thus .

O my Prisceria , let it not seeme straunge vnto thee , to beholde thine aged Fathers vnaccustomable accesse , since he is now perplexed with vnacquainted feares . Alasse my daughter , thy father séeing thée beautifull , is not carelesse of thy comfort , neither can he that laboured to bring thée to lyght , suffer shée to passe thy dayes in loathsome mislyke . At this instaunt when I entered thy chamber , in thy dreame ( as me séemed ) thy soule betokening ( as it shuld séeme ) some daies sorow or plesure , exclaimed thus : O fortunate Forbonius , thou knowest how hatefull the person thou diddest name is to thy father , who if he be fortunate in thy dowrie , I loue him : I shal estéeme him vnfortunate in the fauour thou wilt assure him : who béeing a collop of my ●lesh , wilt not allowe of that , which is loathsome to thy father : O Prisceria Solduuius séeth , and thy secrete dreames bewraie that the fortunacie of Forbonius , is eyther vnfortunate for thy selfe , or not allowable by thy Fa●hers opinion . Thy chaunge of constitution , thy hidden sorrowe , my swéet child made me suspitions , but now the verie true messenger of thy minde confirming me , I must without circumstance conclude , that Prisceria loueth her fathers enimie , that Prisceria desireth Forbonius fauour , and detesteth her fathers choice , which if it be so ; O my daughter , I feare me thy loue will not be so fauourable , as my disdaine bitter , wherefore if thou art intangled , since thou knowest my opinion , forbeare , or if no wisedome will conclude thée within limites , my displeasure shall exclude thée from out all benefit of my fauour . Choose now Prisceria , whether with calme perswasions thou wilt yéeld to my bent , or by vnaccustomed displeasure bée pertaker of thy Fathers wrath .

Upon these conclusions , Prisceria all abashed , shaking of the drowsinesse of her dreaming , made aunswere to Solduuius in these tearmes .

These straunge suppositions , my good Father , argue the slender opinion of your self , who by the vncertainest signs that may be , confirme your opinion as you please . In my dreames you said I called Forbonius fortunate , and may it not bée , that as my tongue vttered that it thought not , your minde immagineth that which is not ? counting euerye lyght shadowe a substaunce , and euery little similitude of truth , an vndoubted demonstration . Did I call thine enimie fortunate ? Truely Father I feare me I might iustly conclude it , for he poore Gentleman little dreameth on displeasures , when at such time as rest should occupie your sences , you most trauaile in your rancour : by certaine tokens as you saie , you conclude , that I am affectionate , and by this silly conclusion of a dreame , you inferre an vndoubted trueth , that I am enamoured with Forbonius , and if perhaps the necessitie of the fates be such , Prisceria shall finde her selfe happie in louing Forbonius , by whose meanes her Father may cease rancour , and take rest , and his daughter satisfied with that she séeketh for , be no farther troubled with dreaming fantasies .

Solduuius perceyuing by these spéeches the certaintie of his daughters affection , as one altogether enraged , calling vp his wise , and raising his seruaunts , left the ●illye maide all amased at his sodaine departure , whereas the olde man exclaiming vppon the disobedience of his daughter , and thundering out many reuenges against poore Prisceria , caused his horses to be saddeled , and perforce ( contrarie to her expectation ) made her bée conuayed to Farnusium , a mannor house of his owne , a place for the solytarinesse more fit for a Tymon , then conuenient for a beautifull Ladie , the onely companie there being shepheards , who vpon the Vast mountaines recorded the praise of the Countrie fauourer Pan , and the rurall amitie betwéene them , and their Countrie lasses . Thus from stately Court , from the regards of her swéet friend , from the plesures that follow the Citie , her companions were rurall maidens , her retinue forlicke shepheardes : whose slight rapacitie not yéelding anie comfort to allaie the Gentlewomans sorrowings , made her ( to her more hart griefe ) continue her pensiuenesse , and sup vp her conceiued sorrow in silence . But to repeat the moane on the other side that amorous Forbonius made , when by certain report he had notice of his mistres departure , were wonderfull , who béeing in himselfe altogether confounded , not knowing where to finde her out which was the onely mistres of his fantasie , Lord with how many sighes breathed he forth his sorrowe , and compassed on euerie side with dispairing ioyes , in the verie same garden where tosore hee repeated his pleasures , hée in these waylefull tearmes recounted his miseries .

Alas vnfortunate Aegyptian , whose faithful affections ar● so immutable , as thy naturall all colour is vnstainable . How iniurious are the destinies ? that graunting thée life , they dayly hasten thy destruction , that vouchsafing thée plesure , they sus●er it not to be permanent : that admitting thée the benefit of beauties good grace , they depriue thée of the possession and blessing of that thou desirest . Alasse what shall befall mée ? when the glorie of my eyes are dimmed ? when the pleasures of my heart are determined ? when she whom I loue néerest , is farther off from my presence ? when the iniurious repulses of the father , makes euery attempt of Forbonius vnfortunate . Wo is me , what way may I imagin to make an end of my miserie ? Should I with dispairing rashnesse finish vp the Catastrophe of my troubles ? Should I béeing bereft of her by whom I liue , dispossesse my selfe of that she most doth like ? Should I in making my selfe onelye fortunate by the alaie of my sorrows , leaue Prisceria to her daily mournings , both to lament my deceasure , & her frow●rd destinie ? no Forbonius , it is but vaine quiet that is to her discontentment , who béeing equally inthralled with thy selfe , will as willingly be pertaker of thy torment as thy self . But why waile I thus in feminine sorow , when my happinesse is to be accomplished by manly attempt ? Solduuius rigour hath caused Priscerias absence , yet cannot the fathers displeasure determine the daughters loue , she liueth to thy wish Forbonius , she loueth to thy weale Forbonius , she wil be constant til death Forbonius , why shouldest thou then leaue her vnsought for , Forbonius ? Attempt vain man , to seke out thine assured , let not the distance of place disanull thy good hap ? Solduuius banishment is concluded within the limites of Aegypt , and since it is so , either Forbonius will attaine her he desireth , or reuenge the vniust rigour of an iniurious Father .

Upon this resolution , as a man quite dispossessed of himselfe , he hasted to Apollonius , recounting vnto him how all things haw fortuned , beséeching him ( not without foison of t●ares ) to séeke but by art where Prisceria was conuersant , and to direct him by counsell , who altogether was confounded with dispaire . Apollonius by exteriour ●●gnes conceiuing the interiour heartes-griefe , and séeing the poore young Gentleman martyred so miraculously , comparing times and reuolutions , attained to the knowledge of her aboad , and concluding in himselfe to comfort him , which almost dispaired , hee spake thus to Forbonius .

My good friend , whence groweth it , that neyther the nobilitie of thy auncestors ? nor thy forepassed attempts ? neither the benefit of thy mistres fauour can confirme thée , but that thou wilt be carefull for that which thou hast alreadie almost compassed . Pluck vp your heart my swéete Forbonius , for thy Prisceria is not farre from ●hée . Farnusium a mannor house of her Fathers , seated East out of this Citie , whereas she is so circumspectly lookt into , that by anie meanes , vnlesse by secret and conuenient pollicie , thou canst come to the accomplishment of thy desire . Thou must therefore attyred altogether like a shepheard , depart this citie , and by some conuenient meanes procure the kéeping of some one Farmers shéepe , which is resident among those mountaines , by whose meanes thou shalt fall in acquaintance with the garden of thy mistres , called Sotto , and hauing conuenient occasion to satisfie thy affection , possesse thy selfe of that thou hast long desired .

Forbonius concluding his replie with hartie thanks , sodainly departed , & remembring himselfe of one Corbo , a tenaunt of his , which had his mantion house verie conueniently , seated hard by the mannor house of Soldunius , he hastely shaped his iourney vnto him , & making him priue to that he desired , & swearing him to be constant & continue secret , he betooke himselfe to the kéeping of his tenants shéepe , & not forgetting to driue his flocke néere vnto the lawnd wheras Solduuius seruants grased their shéepe , he so demean●ed himselfe , that not onely he attayned the fauor of Sotto which he sought for , but also for his curteous affabilitie was accounted of among y● whol● troup of heards men for the best singer , & the tunablest Musition . His Aeglogs were so delectable , & the deliuery of them so delicate . Whervpon by good fortune it so fel out , that Forbonius vnder the coulourable name of Arualio , was desired by Sotto , to resort vnto the mannor house , who informed him of all that hapned , telling him of the careful demeanour of his sorowing young mistres , who pleased with nothing but with solitarie musicke , pined her selfe awaie with melancholy , & not without cause , ( said he , ) for my old master hath forbidden me the admitting of any one to her presence , not suffering her to passe the limits of my warie eie : nor allowing her to walke without the castel walles for her recreation . For my sake therfore chaunt her some melodie , & resort with me to a conuenieet arbour within our garden , whereas shée walking for her recreation , may perhaps take some delight in thy sorowfull mournings , in that they most fit her fantasie . Forbonius as willing to wend , as he desirous to perswade , accompanied Sotto to Farnusium , wher hauing a place appointed him to apply his Aeglogs , and the Goddesse before him whom he should deuine vpon , hee vnder these secrets described his passions .

AMidst these Mountaines on a time did dwell , A louely shepheard who did beare the bell . For swéete reports and many louing layes : Whom while he fed his flocke in desart wayes , A netheards daughter deckt with louely white , Behelde and loude the lasse Corinna hight . Him sought she oft with many a sweete regard , With sundrie tokens she her sutes preferd , Her care to kéepe his féeding flocke from stray , Whilst carelesse he amidst the lawnes did play . Her swéete regards she spent vpon his face , Her Countrie cates she sent to gaine his grace , Her garlands gaie to decke his temples faire , Her doubled sighs bestowd on gliding aire , Her pleasant kisse where she might steale a touch , Corinnas zeales to Corulus was such . He wanton shepheard glorying in her sute , These signes of zeale to folly did impute : Not waying of her many louing sightes , Her watrie eyes , her secret moane by nights : Her carelesse comfort in her fruitfull ewes , Her monefull Aeglogs full of carefull shewes , But scorning that , ( which might that Godhead moue , Who in a shepheards forme , for Ioues behoue , Did charme the watchman of the heifer faire , For whose behoofe the thunder left the aire . ) He left the place wher● she did loue to bide , And draue his flocke another way beside . Whose dire disdaine ( the God that kindles loue , And makes impressions straungly from aboue Misliking ) strake with fancie at that stower , The silly shepheard wounded by his power . Now sought for that which he tofore did shun , And now the heat of fancie first begun , To straine a yéelding in his restlesse minde : Such are the wounds that passe from fancie blinde , That Corulus will now Corinna wee , Though earst he loathd and scorned so to dooe . Now she that sought with many a swéete aspect , Is sude to now by him that did neglect . Now bountifull is swéete Corinnas grace , Now like the Sunne in welkin shines her face , Her eyes like Gemini attend on ●oue , Her stately front was figured from aboue , Her daintie nose of Iuorie faire and shéene , Bepurfurate with ruddie roses béene . Her cherie lip● doth daunt the morning hiew , From whence a breath so pleasant did insew , As that which laide faire Psiches in the vayle , Whome Cupide woode and wo●d to his auayle . Within the compasse of which hollowe swéete , Those orient ranks of siluer pearles doe méete , Prefixing lyke perfection to the eie , As siluer colde amidst the summers skie : For whence such wordes in wisdome couched be , As Gods from thence fetch their Philosophie : Her dimpled chin of Alablaster white , Her stately necke where nature did acquite Her selfe so well , as that at sodaine sight , She wisht the worke were spent vpon her selfe , Her cunning thus was showde vpon the shelfe : For in this pile was fancie painted faire , In either hand an asure pipe she bare : By one repeating many a swéete consent , By other comfort to the heart she sent . From which a seemely passage there doth show , To strangers pleasures that are plast alow , Like to the forrowe Phaeton did leue , Amidst the welkin when he did receiue , His Fathers charge , and set the world on fire : In this faire path oft paced sweete desire , At euerie turne beholding with delight , That Marble mount that did affect the sight . Of virgins waxe the swéet impression was , The cunning compasse thereof did surpasse , For art concluding all perfections there , Wrote this report , All graces bideth here . Which Cupide spying built his mansion so , As scorning those swéete graces to bestoe O● mortall man , with bowe ibent doth waite , Least Ioue should steale impressions by deceit . And wondring at the 〈◊〉 come●●●ake , In thought concludes it m●●ter for the aire Then mortall mould : next which the stately thies , Like two faire compast marble pillers rise , Whose white dooth staine the daintie driuen snow : Next which the knées with lustie bent below Conioynd with nerues and cords of Amber swéete , This stately pyles with gladsome honour gréete , Such stately knées as when they bend a lite , All knées doo bend and boow with strange delyght . Her calues with stranger compasse doo succéed , In which the asures streames a wonder bréede , Both art and nature therein laboured haue , To paint perfection in her coulours braue , Next which , the pretie ground worke of the pile , Doth shew it selfe and wonder doth beguile , The ioyntes whereof combind of Amber swéete , With corall cords , yéeld bent to seemely féete . From which , whose li●t to lift his gasing eye , Shall greater cause of wonder soone espie . When on the backe he bends his wauering looke , In which the worke and taske Diana tooke , When with Arachne for the prise she straue , Both art and nature there excelled haue . Where from Pigmalions image séemely white , Where close conueiaunce passing Gordians plight , Where louely Nectar drinke for all the Gods , Where euerie grace is stained there by ods . Will not content with gasing looke for more , And spie those armes that stand his sight before , Which for their mould the Aegyptian wonders passe , Which for their beautie staine the Christall glasse , Which in their motion maister natures swéete , Where bl●shing streames present a secrets meete , Will now amazde , conclude at last of this , That in the hands all grace concluded is . Where Nature limits euer fatall time , Where Fortune figures pleasure in her prime , Whence spred those fingers tipt with Iuorie , Whose touch Medusas turne may well supplie , Where to conclude as now the shepheard déemes All grace all beautie , all perfections séemes . Thus Corulus with many secret thoughts , D●aines on her whom erst he set at naughts : And forst by scorch of inward shrowded fire , He séekes for her his fancie did require . Who fraught with woes in secret shrewdes renude , Her silent griefe vnsure of that insude . Her Corulus with warie search at last At sodaine found : and as a man agast At that he saw , drew backe with feare , and than Remembring of his lwoes his sute began : Of wéete Corinna blessed be the soyle That yéelds thée rest amidst thy dayly toyle , And happie ground whereon thou sa●est so : Blest be thy flocke , which in these lawnes doo go , And happie I , but hauing leaue to looke : Which said , with feare he pawsd , and bloud forsooke His 〈◊〉 face , till she that wrought the fire , Restorde the red , and kindled swéete desire . And with a bashfull looke beholding him , Which many months her pleasant foe had bin : She cast her armes about his drooping neck● , And with her daintie fingers dawde him vp . And kissing of his palie coloured face , ( Like as the Gods ) by touch did soone displace The sowre , that alterd the poore shepheards swéete , When thus she gan her Corulus to gréete : O louely shepheard happie be the hower , In which ( I know not by what secret power ) The Gods haue sent thée hether to thy frend , Alas what griefe should Corulus offend ? Whom fairest Nimph might well a liking lend . Thy grasing Ewes with vdders full of milke , With fruitfull ●leece and wooll as softe as silke , Take glory in the fatnesse of this soyle And praise theyr Mastres care and busie toyle : And now accuse thée of thy drooping mone , T is but enough for me to wayle alone For why Corinna onely haplesse is . Poore Corulus at last reuiude by this , Gan sighing silence now to interrupt And banish feare which did his hope corrupt . And thus he said : O Nimph of beauties traine , The onely cause and easer of my paine : T is not the want of any worldly ioy , Nor fruitlesse bréed of Lambes procures my noy , Ne sigh I thus for any such mishap : For these vaine goods I lull in fortunes lap . But other gréefes and greater cause of care , As now Corinna my tormenters are . Thy beautie Goddesse is the onely good , Thy beautie makes mine eyes to streame a flood , Thy beautie breakes my woonted pleasant sleepe , Thy beautie causeth Corulus to wéepe : For other ioyes they now but shadowes be , No ioye but sweete Corinnas loue for me . Whereon I now beséech thée , by that white Which staines the lilly , and affects my sight , By those faire locks whereas the graces rest , By those swéete eyes whereas all pleasures nest : Doo yéelde me loue , or leaue me for to die . Corinna studious for to yeeld reply , With many teares bedewd the shepheards face , And thus at last she spake : O happie place . The which the Gods appoynted for my good . What blessed Nimph within this sacred wood Hath pleaded poore Corinias lawfull cause ▪ Or be they dreames that now my fancie drawes ? O Corulus ne reads● thou sue to me , Nor spend the teares for to accepted be , Since long ore this I would haue bent to bow , If modest feare could well haue taught me how . In happie bonds of Himen I am thine : Ne plead thou grace to her that dooth incline . Thus with a kisse she sealed vp the deed : When as the shepheard glad of happie spéed Embracing her he had desired long , Gan call for grace to her he so did wrong . Confirmed thus with mutuall glad consent , They finisht vp the marriage that they ment . Great was the day , and euery field compéere Delighted in the pleasure of his déer● . Poore I alone in sad lamenting layes , Depriued of the pleasure of my dayes , In carefull tunes in briefe concluding thus : O happie times and planets gracious . When in a mirrour beautie did behold The hidden woes , my muse could wel vnfold● And with a liking looke shape some replie . But woe is me , since fathers crueltie In changed formes hath altred termes of sute , And altering place hath made my Goddesse mut● . Who honouring Pan , may hap the person sée , Whom habit strange perswades it should be me .

THis delectable Aeglogue finished by the amorous Forbonius gaue occasions to Prisceria to satisfie the thoughts that then troubled her fantasie . For confounded in her selfe , not knowing what to conclude of that she shepheard Arualio had reported , yet welnigh perswades that the reporter was he she liked off , with a séemely grace , not minding to incurre the lightest suspition , turning toward Forbonius , whose hand was on his half-pe●ie , shée say thus .

Gentle shepheard , that Nimph thou louest shuld alter from womanhood , that considering thy true zeale , & exquisite proportions , would not requite thy loyaltie , with the benefit of her loue . Truly Madame ( aunswered the imagined Arualio , and I thinke my selfe gracious in this , that for her whom I loue I am enioyned this torment , wherevpon t●rning himselfe a side , and drying vp the teares which should bewray his fancie , he was at last knowen by Priscoria , who altogether amazed at the presence of Forbonius , forgerting weln●e the infortunacie she was intangled in , cast her armes about his necke , yet colouring with a séemly disdain to shadow her opinion , and blindfold subtill ●otto , shée sayde thus . Truly shepheard , if I may preuaile with thy mistres , thou shalt not be vnrewarded for this curtesie : & Madame ( said Forbonius ) might I counsell your Ladiship , you should not sorrow for that maye be compassed at your pleasure .

This said , Sotto taking Arualio by the hand , tooke his leaue of his young Mistresse thus : My young Ladie , I as studious of your pleasure as maye 〈◊〉 haue brought you this young shepheard to laugh at , & if his musick like you , you shall haue euery day at the least a lay or two . And héerin shalt thou doo me no small pleasure said Prisceria ? & so with a séemly regard shaping a loth departure , the two shepherds resorted to their flocks , Arualio altogether amazed at his mistres beautie , and Sotto very iocond he had fitted his young Ladies fancy so well : whervpon the old shepheard , turning to our solitarie & distressed Arualio , said thus , What maks thee thus sollom my youthly compéere ? cease to gréeue thy selfe about those thinges that may be compassed , if thou loue , time shal eate out that which Treacle cannot , and thou shalt either be fortunate in possessing hir thou desirest , or in ouerpassing thy passions with good gouernment , leaue loue to those that like her . Arualio not to séeke of curteous humanitie , gaue him this aunswere . O Sotto , it is not the loue that greeueth me , but the meanes to compasse loue : I labour not to attain loue , but to possesse the profits of my long seruice in loue : as for time , it may worke wonders in them that are repulsed : but when Cupid is gracious , and occasions vnfortunate , thinke you that this is not a bitter sowre ? Yea , but answered Sotto , & if it be so Arualio plucke vp thy sprights , and doubt thou not , but if thou prooue dilygent in pleasing my young mistresse , I meane not to be idle , if I may know whom thou likest of . As for that doubt not , said our disguised Forbonius , for since I know by thy onely meanes my loue is to be compassed , I wil not stick in so slight a pleasure to profit , when as by thy meanes I may onely succour my selfe . In such lyke termes passing ouer their werisome walke : At last they betooke themselues each of them to the folding of their sheep , for it was welnie night , and the Sunne was stéeped in the Ocean : whervpon Arualio the shepheard , becomming now Forbonius indéede , hasted him home vnto his Tenaunts house , making him both priuie of his happie ●ortune , and concluding with himselfe howe to performe that he wished for , and for that long trauayle requireth some quiet , he betooke himselfe to rest : where recompencing al his nights wakings , with a quiet sleep : At dawne of day he returned in his counterfeit habite vnto the field , and vnfolding his flocke , he draue them into those pastures , that wer adioyning to Sottos walk : who no sooner spied Arualio , but saluting him very curteously , he earnestly intreated him , ( setting all excuses apart ) to go to Farnusium , and in the best sort that hée might to solace the vnfortunate Prisceria ▪ who onely wayting that occasion , commending his flocke to the ouer-flight of the old man , & accompanied with Saracca the daughter of olde Sotto , he was presented to his desired , within the castle , who by the absence of Sotto , finding all occasions to serue her turne , hauing sent sillye Sarraca about some sléeuelesse arrant , she taking the occasion profered , said thus to Forbonius : Blest be that sweete conceipt of thine ( O my friend ) which to the vnfortunate rigour of my father , hath adapted so conuenient an end . Now maist thou with as great pleasures enioye thy desired , as with déepe perplexities thou hast sorrowed in her absence . Now neither distaunce can seuer vs from imbracing , nor the watchfull eye of my fether , intercept thée of thy wish . Sée héere thy Prisceria , who though the Fates worke neuer so contrarie , will liue to Forbonius , and onely loue Forbonius .

This said , with many kisses com●orting him which was almost ouercome with pleasaunt imaginations , she was returned this aunswere by her most assured fauourer .

O Prisceria , if ouerpressed with manye suspitious thoughts , if made pertaker of the infernall tortures in Phlegeton , if subiect to the punishment of the Daughters of Danaus , or affixed to the torture 〈◊〉 martereth Titius , I should be confirmed by this onely benefit in opinion , and made constant in all misfortunes , yea , euen to ouercome the insupportable trauailes of the sisters , and be enabled with constancie to subdue all torments what so euer , by remembraunce onely of one gratious regard . It is neither thy fathers rancor swéet Prisceria , nor distance of place , nor any one occasion what soeuer , can either sequester me of my hope , nor thee of the possession of thy wished : cast off therefore all doubt of after dole , & assure your self , that as this plesure hath his originall this present instant , so by my meanes ere long it shal be continu●d for euerlasting mamory . Passing the time in such like pleasures , and ministering a remedie vnto each others torments , I cannot tell , whether by the iniquitie of destenie , or otherwise : Solduuius learning out Forbonius departure , and suspitious of his forward attempts , at that very instant arriued at Farnusium , when the two amorous couple , little doubting his sodaine approch , were coasted with this sower , in midst of all their sweete , that the enemie of their plesures euen then entred the Castle , when as it séemed the fates had prefixed them that conueniencie & opportunitie to allaye their long sorrowing . The brute of whose aduent brought to the eares of Prisceria , Lorde how she was confounded in her self , how dismaid was Forbonius at that instant , how at the very time were they both astonied , when most circumspection should be had : so that scarce they had ●en dried vp their teares , when as Solduuius entring the chamber , quicklye discouered the whole counterfaite ( for iealous eyes inflamed with rancour pretermit nothing ) wherevpon the olde man at first , nothing at all deluded by the straunge habite , spying out their procéedings , laying violent hands on Forbonius caused him forcibly to be conueyed to the stronge ●●ower in the Castle , and tourning himselfe to Prisceria , he began thus .

O thou wicked and vngracious mayd , degenerating from the Nobilitie of thy auncestours , and led by vnseemly affections , not directed by the likings of thy tender parents , in what tearmes shuld I accuse thee ? or bewray my sorrowes ? Woe is me , that am inforced to be an eie witnesse of mine owne sorow , & to behold the with mine eyes , that I hate in my heart : Is this the reward of bréeding children ? Is this the benefite that is reapt by issue ? Are these the pleasures that befall Parentes ? O Solduuius , happie hadst thou bene , if either Prisceria had béene vnborne , or thou vnmarried , by the one thou shouldest haue escaped this present miserie , by the other preuented the vntoward sorrow that now confoundeth thée . Is thy loue to be fixed there where I hate ? or shuldest thou be amorous of him who is odious to thy Father ? O vile wretch borne among the Hirean Tygres , which respecting not thy Fathers felicitie , ouerburthenest his olde yeares with vnlooked for calamitie : but if euer iust Gods pittied a lawfull complaint , I doubt not but they that minister iustice to all men , wil wreak the iniuries thou hast done to me .

Thus sayd , he sate down altogether confounded with melancholie . When as Prisceria finding occasion to speake for her selfe , began thus .

Who seeketh O father , to preuent the destinies , laboreth in vaine , and who indeauoureth to alter nature , as he striueth against the streame , so must he perish in his owne ouerwéening : the Gods haue concluded our loue , and will you being a creature séeke to infringe it ? Alasse my father , why should my pleasure be your discomfort ? or that by which I liue , proue that which most you hate ? Doe not you héerein breake nature ? who laie violent hands on your owne flesh , and séeke to alter that by rigor , that was ordained by diuine instinct ? O lette your rancor ouerslip ( my good father ) and 〈◊〉 humble sute preuailed with an honourable minde , cease to hate him whom I loue : and couple vs both together , whom the Gods hauing ioyned in an assured league of friendship , it cannot be but iniustice to alter their proceedings .

Soldu●tius not able to digest the furie of his passion , nor willing to weigh of the submissiue request of his daughter , interrupted her thus : And is it not sufficient or thee ( vaine wench as thou art ) to passe the limites of nature ? but to continue thy error too ? Thinkest thou to compasse me with teares , who without sighes cannot call to memorie thy escape ? no Prisceria , both thou shalt sée , and that varlet shall knowe , that my displeasure wil not be finished but with bloud , nor my anger satisfied , till I haue confounded him , who hath discomforted me . Whervpon flinging on t of the chamber in a great rage , and fastening both boltes and lockes he with his frame resorted to the imprisonned poore shepheard , his capitall enimie Forbonius , whom after he had taunted with these vniust tearmes , he procéeded further to this vniust reuenge : Thou cursed and abhominable caitife , is it not sufficient by the iniuries of thy Father Clunamos , to moue my patience , but that thou in person must violate my daughter ? Thinkest thou that the Gods detest not these iniuryes ? when as with wicked attemptes thou be witchest the daughter , and massacrest the Father ? naie nether in iustice will they pretermit the offence , nor will nature suffer me to beare with thine errour : prepare thy selfe therefore to make him recompence with thy bloud , whom thou hast troubled with thy attempt .

Forbonius confounded with sorrowe , and amazed at this austere iudgement , yet remembring the nobilitie that was alwayes accounted in him , aunswered him thus .

Alth●●gh enraged rancour hath made thée passe the limits o● honour . ( O Solduuius ) yet passe not so farre in thy resolutions , as to staine the dignitie of thy person , with the martyrdome of a guitlesse Gentleman . If I did hate thy daughter , that lyttle enuye that grewe by my Fathers displeasure , might by reason grow to deepe and rooted mallice , but when I loue Prisceria , why shoulde I bée contempned of Solduuius ? It should seeme that loue was not accompted lothsome among the gods , when as prefixing a punishment to all escapes , they prescribe an honour to this : chiefly concluding it to be a vertue : wherevppon thou must conclude , that eyther thou contemnest the decrees of the Gods , or measurest all thinges by thine owne mallice . Thou threatnest me with death ( vaine man ) and I weigh not the dissolution of my bodie : for this I assure thée , as long as I may liue , I will honour Prisceria , and béeing dead , my ghost shall persecute thée with reuenge , and prosecute my affections towarde my best beloued . So Prisceria lyue , Forbonius careth not to dye , the onely memorie of whome shall make mée constaunt in misfortunes , and willing to withstande the brunt of thy crueltie : wherevpon my conclusion is , that if Solduuius for faithful assurance wil become a friendlye allower of Forbonius , he which by reason of the mallice of his Father had once cause to hate him , will now honour him , and that strife which separated two so noble families , shal now be finished in our happy marryage : if this like not , procéede as thou pleasest . In granting mée fauour , thou shalt finde honour , in bereauing mée of lyfe , thou shalt finish all my misfortunes .

The discourse of Forbonius thus ended , Solduuius began thus , after that he had somewhat digested his cholar : Although Forbonius the iniuryes thou hast offered me , together with former displeasures , be sufficient to continue my resolution , yet weyghing with my selfe that it is vaine to alter that which is prefixed by destinye , wonne by reason which directeth all men , and by the tender loue I beare my Daughter , which shoulde preuayle with a Father : I yéelde thée thy loue to inioye in chast wedlocke , and wheres thou lookedst I shoulde bée thy tormentour , loe I am nowe contented to be thy vnlooked for Father . Wherevppon taking Forbonius by the hande , and conueying him to Priscerias chamber , hée confirmed the Gentleman in his former purpose , and his daughter of his assured sauour , vsing these kind of his intention : My daughter , that father that euen now hainously mislikt of thy louer , now gloryeth in thy lyking , & he which whilome hated Forbonius , now vouchsafeth him his son in lawe : wherevpon comfort your selues with mutuall solace , & to morrow we will to the Citie to finish vp the ceremonies . The two louers compassed with incredible pleasures , & not able to suppresse the affections that possessed them , but by breaking out into spéech : they both humbled themselues to aged Solduuius , returning him by the mouth of Forbonius these thanks . O noble gentleman , it may not be expressed by tongue , what I imagine in heart , who by your meanes , of the most vnfortunatest man that liueth , am become the only happie man of the world : notwithstanding this in lew of all fauour I wil returne you , that both by that meanes all priuate quarrells shall cease betwéene our two families , and you registred in our Aegyptian Records , for the onely peace-maker of Memphis . In these I swéete spea●hes ouer passing the daie & night , the next morrow the whole traine po●●ed to Memphis , whereas by the high Priest of the Sun they were solempnly espowsed , and after many sorowes were recompensed with nuptiall pleasure . Now Ladies and Gentlewomen , I must leaue this to your consideration , whether the louers for their constancie are more to be commended , or the olde man for his patience more to be wondered at : I leaue you to fit that conclusion , till you haue read what is written , promising you that if my rude discourse haue wrought you anye pleasure , I will both labor , heer after to serue all occasions , and so fixo my studies as they shall not farre differ from your fantasies : and thus crauing you to winde at an errour , and commend as the cause requireth , I take my leaue : willing to be made priuie if I haue anye wayes trauayled to your contentment .

FINIS .

TRVTHS COMplaint ouer England . MY mournfull Muse Melpomine drawe néere , Thou saddest Ladie of the sisters thrée , And let her plaints in paper now appéere : Whose teares lyke Occean billowes séeme to bée : And should I note the plaintiffes name to thée ? Men call her Truth , once had in great request , But banisht now of late for crafts behest . Amidst the rest that set their pen to booke , She pickt me out to tell this wofull tale , A simple Poet , on whose workes to looke , The finest heads would thinke it verie stale : Yet though vnworthie , to my friends auaile I take the toile , and praie my Muses aide : To blazon out the tale of Truth dismaide . Such time as Phoebus from the couloured skie , Did headlong driue his horses t'ord the West , To suffer horned Luna for to prie , Amidst the duskie darke , new raisde from rest , As I in fragrant fields with woes opprest : Gan walke to driue out melancholy griefe , Which in my heart at that time had the cheefe . It was my hap fast by a riuers side , To heare a rufull voice lamenting thus , You ●●lling str●ames , euen as your waues diuide : So breakes my heart with passions perillous , Which faine I would vnto the world discusse , Were anie héere for to recount my moane , Whose wofull heart for inward griefe doth grone . Which sayd , the cast her dewed eyes as kance , And spying me , gan rowse her héauie head , And praide me pen her sad and heauie chance , And she recounted it that present sted , I did agrée , and graunting Truth me fed : With these reportes which I set downe in vearse , Which gréeues my Muse for sorowes to rehearse . Whilome ( déere friend ) it was my chaunce to dwell , Within an Iland compast with the waue , A safe defence a forren foe to quell . Once Albion cald , next Britaine Brutus gaue , Now England hight , a plot of beautie braue , Which onely soyle , should séeme the seate bée , Of Paradise , if it from sinne were frée . Within this place , within this sacred plot , I first did frame , my first contented bower , There found I peace and plentie for to float , There iustice rulde , and shinde in euerie stowre , There was I loude and sought too euerie howre , Their Prince content with plainnesse loued Trutli , And pride by abstinence was kept from youth . Then fl●w not fashions euerie daie from Fraunce , Then sought not Nobles nouells from a farre , Then land was kept , not hazarded by chaunce , Then quiet minde preserud the soile from iarre , Cloth kept out colde , the poore reléeued werre . This was the state , this was the luckie stowre , While Truth in England kept her stately bowre . Iustice did neuer looke with partiall eyes , Demosthenes was neuer dum for golde , The Princes eares were ope to pesants cries , And false suspect was charely kept in holde , Religion flourisht , liuings were not solde For lucre then , but giuen by desart , And each receiud , & preacht with zealous hart . Then learning was the Loadstone of the land , Then husbandman was frée from shiftes of lawe , Then faithfull promise stoode in stéed of band , The Drones from busie Bée no Mel could drawe , Then loue , not feare , did kéepe the state in awe : 〈◊〉 then did flourish that renowmed time , 〈◊〉 earth and ashes thrusted not to clime . Foras the horse well mand abides the bit , And 〈◊〉 his stop by raine in riders hand , Where mountain ca lt that was not sadled yet , 〈◊〉 headlong on amidst the fallowed land , Whose fierce resist scarce bends with anie band : So men reclainide by vertue , tread aright , Where led by follies mischiefes on them light . Use masters all , vse nurtereth mortall wayes , Use , vse of good , continues happie state , Use , vse of mée , made England then haue praise , But since abuse hath banisht me of late . Alasse the while , there runnes another rate , Which while by sad insight I looke into , I sée the want of those that haue to doe . And yet I sée not Sodome : some are good , Whose inward bowels dayly melt in mone , To see how Britane now is raging wood , Hard hearted , flintie minded , all in one , Bent to abuse , and leauing me alone . Alonely lead with carelesse shew of peace , Whereas secure regard doth sinne increase . Some , some there be whom zeale hath swallowed vp , First , blessed Prince , of whom I finde reléefe , Some noble péeres that tast errors cup , Some godly Prelates in the Church are chéefe , Same Lawiers lead by zeale , lament my gréefe . Some Merchants follow God , not swallow golde , Some countrie Swains loue truth you may be bolde . Yet as great store of Darnell marres the séed , Which else would spring within a fertile field : And as the fruitfull bud is choakt by wéede : Which otherwise a gladsome grape would yéeld , So sometimes wicked men doe ouerwéeld , And keepe in couert those who would direct , The common state , which error doth infect . Yet Truth must neuer alter from his name , Good Prince sayd I. ye good : what of her selfe ? And that is good , for Princes that doe frame . Themselues to priuate good , doo subiects good , Yet that 's not that same goodnesse I would name : Good Prince , good people , that 's the good I craue , Of Princes goods , that goodnesse would I haue . For as the great commaunder of the tides , God Neptune can allay the 〈…〉 , And make the billowes mount on either sides : When wandering kéeles his cholar would displease : So Princes may starre vp and some appease , The commons heart to doe : and to destroy That which is god , 〈◊〉 this ▪ which threates anoy . For common state can neuer sway amisse When Princes liues doo leuell all a right , Be it for Prince that England happie is , Yet haplesse England if the fortune light : That with the Prince , the subiects sée●● not right , Unhappie state , vnluckie times they bée , When Princes liues and subiects disagrée . I know not I whence come these wayward woes , Whóse sodaine showes portend this sodain change , Yet dooth mis doubt such sodaine feares disclose , As Truth this present doubts the sequell strange : When stable head , let s stailesse members range , I feare me : as the buildings trust to sand , So euery blast will stroy with turne of hand , When as in Court by proud contempt I sée , A fashion feedes the fancies now a dayes , When as in Court promotions passed be By selfe opinion : oft the wise man sayes , The turnes are strange , and fauour soone decayes : And those whom fortune windeth now a floate , By change of fauour , soone may change their coate . When as election dooth but passe by sence , Then must I deeme the world is fed by showes : When garish beautie causeth vaine expence , It 〈◊〉 the man should sée , but little knowes , Repentaunce is the fruite by louing growes : So when in Court nought but such pleasures be , Repentaunce must ensue we well may sée . But leauing Court , where though the bramble groes , Yet zealous care there sents her selfe I see , I doo in Court but now complaine of those , Who practise that that sits not their degrée : Whose vaines by powre full oft corrected be : But now such colours cloake each bad pretence , That showes doo hold the wise in some suspence . But I poore I though gréeud at courtlike scapes , Lamenting there the lauish vaine expence , Haue farther cause abroad to note escapes , Where craft dooth kéepe true meaning in suspence : And wily worldlings couer their pretence : With holy shapes , and in a holy coate , Dooth flattry praise those men that swim a floate : In Nobles traines , who sées not strange mis déemes , Where each dooth gape and catch at priuate gaine , And fleece the Lord , who though he blindfold séemes , By oft attempts dooth barre them of their vaines , The painfull wretch who toiles with often paines , He hath faire words , when flattrie sucks the sweete . Thus showes take place , and Troth 's trod vnder féete . In England gistes can compasse each reproofe , The bad for gold may soone be counted good , The wicked gainer for the states behoofe , The blindest buzzard to giue hea●enly food , The faintest heart in warlikst place hath stood : And who giues most , hath now most store of farmes , Rackt rents , the Lord with golden fuell warmes . And Iustice so I feare by power is led , The poore may crie , and gladly créepe to crosse , The rich with wealth , the wealthie now are fed , The simple man now onely be●●●s the losse , The Lawier he the golden crownes doth tosse , And now hath fées at will with cap and knée , And each man cries , good sir come plead for me . O swéete the time , when neither folly might Mislead your hopes , nor alter olde decrées . O happie Truth when as with swéete delight , She laboured still for conscience not for fees . O blessed time , when zeale with bended knées , Gan blesse the heauens , that bent their powres diuine , The English hearts to wisedome to encline . But now refusd , disdaind , and set at naught , Inforst to séeke for rest in place vnknowne , I wayle poore wretch , that no redresse is sought : But well I wot , my gréefes are not mine owne , Some beare a part and helpe to waite my mone , But all in vaine : such colours now are made , That those would mend the misse , doo daunce in shade . This said , be wetting all the place with teares , And from her eyes expelling flouds of mone , Her louely lockes bespred about her eares , She waude her wings as willing to be gone : And after pause , she soard away anone , And thus she said : You Ilanders adieu , You banisht me , before I fled from you . Lenuoy . Beléeue me Countrimen this thing is true . FINIS .