Philotimus. The warre betwixt nature and fortune. Compiled by Brian Melbancke student in Graies Inne

Philotimus . The warre betwixt Nature and Fortune . An Interlocution of two distressed wightes , whereof the one more hardy , harteneth his fellow . Pandolpho , Periander .

MIne owne best beloued and deare Periander , well mett , long haue I sought the , and fayne would haue founde thée , and glad am to sée thée , swete Periander .

Per.

Pandolpho , more hartely welcome then shall appeare by thy cheare , though better be away then haue so slender entertainment : yet if wishing without hope might encrease my wealth , or sorrow for my want excuse my good meaning , neither should thy paynes bee so coldly rewarded , neither shall my nature bee suspected of nigardize . But shadowes without substance make braū●alne fare , and sayinges beare no seales , but deedes be indented .

Ay me therefore & wellaway , and cursed be my miseries most waylfull wight , whose remedy is patience , and that s a pinching payne , whose comfort is death , which neuer will consume mee . Sometimes it approcheth with his manacing torments , but still prolonges my lyfe to augmente my martyrdome : I canne be no worse , and therefore I feare not : I shall be no better , and therefore I hope not . Well Pandolpho , repose thy selfe in this shady brier , a semelie pallace for so dainty Cates , and in steade of musicke to make vs meriment , recounte our driery destinies as becomes our dole .

Pan.

Good Periander to greue thy self for these trifles , were to preuent me of my purpose , & proue thy self vnkind : for my comming was to lessen thy woes with perswations , and thou sighest as soone as thou seest mee , and to continue our mutuall affection , and thou accountest mee as a straunger . I am of Themistocles his mind that had rather haue a man without mony , then mony without a man . And of Timolites the Graecians , that had rather haue a roote which might hereafter budde and bring forth fruite , then florishing blossomes without a roote , which muste néedes decay and wither .

It is not my belly I make my God , but it is thy good woulde feede and fat me . The Elephant liues by the ayre , the Fishe by the water , and thy Pandolpho semes to reuiue in enioyeing thy presence .

Thou gratest on thy stomacke bycause thou art haplesse , and ratest on Fortune bycause she is spightfull , either slothfully like a sluggard forgetting Philosophie , ( a soueraigne medicine for all such maladies ) or cowardlye like a recreaunte yeelding Fortune the conqueste , a faynte harted crauyne if her force bee not feared .

With what madding moode art thou distraught ( vnfortunate Periander ) when as those distresses which the best haue not escaped , thou alone so scornefullye disdaynest , or the griefe of these casualties which are common to al , thou séelye soule doest wreak on thy selfe ?

If with Quintus Catulus alwayes wise , but once forlorne , thou haddest rather spille thy life , then liue with shame , it is desperate folly . If with teares thou meanest to moue Fortune to pity , as Iphis would with mourning his stony harted louer , as she was deafe & would not heare , so Fortune is blinde and cannot see . If thou art loth the others should be plagued with thy freting pangs , & wilt with Ephigenia offer vp thy selfe , one for all to appease the Gods , though they were well pleased with her swete Sacrifice , yet they haue not vouchsafed a promise to thee for acceptance of thy seruice .

Belike Periander , ( be it spoken by thy fauour ) thou hast some ouerwening surmise of thine owne surpassing qualities , and conferring thy conditions with others misdemeanour , canst hardly brooke these sharp calamities : thou either thinkest thy selfe more worthy then any man to be exempted from these shattering stormes , & that is haughty arrogancy , or els for these brunts that thou art worse then all men , and that is abiect peuishnes , that either the Gods should spare the for thy gifts , & that is selfe loue , or that they repent them of their former graces , and that is broad blasphemy . Cease these sighes , cheare vp thy spirits , seke meanes of mirth , make end of mone . It is an argument of a good man to be afflicted with crosses , but to beare them paciently a type of perfect vertue . Art not thou ashamed Periander , that olde wiues accustomed to pinching , can fast thrée dayes without grudging , That the boies of Sparta may be tried with scourging to knowe their courage , yet neuer tyred with stripes because of smart , Nor the rascall wrastlers at the games of Olimpia , offer to withdrawe their heads from the blocke , or once cry oh at the stroke of the hatchet for feare of reproch , & yet thou , thou I say , whose wit is famous , whose learning excellent , rather a patterne to follow as thou doest seme to others , then fit to take aduise as I doe deme by thee , should be so simple to be blinded , or so weake to be daunted , or once to be dismayed with these vaine toyes ?

Thou art now a stranger from thy natiue soyle , & so was Diogines : to whom when it was scoffingly obiected of one of his enemies , thou art now Diogines an exile from thy country , nay rather ( quoth he ) my country is an exile from me . Was it not a naturall accident , fatally incident to best Athenians , most vnnaturallye to bee bannished from their thancklesse Citties , whome tenderly they had cherished in all their extremities ? much like the snake that Esope speaketh of , which infected him with poyson that pampered her in his bosome . Did Marius a Romaine of renowned reputation , yet hotlye pursued to a forren nation , refuse to to craue aid of his séely clientes , whom earst he had saued & sheilded from death ? But lauish expences and vntimly brauery , haue worn out your welth , & bred vnsemely beggery , & broching your coyn without discretion , it runnes on the lees to your vtter destruction .

Tush man take hart at grace . Was not Cincius a gentleman of large reuenues , so farre miscaried with ouer-lashinge affections , that for stately bower gorgeously trimmed , and sumpteously decked with cloth of Arras , fitte for an Emperour , the gastlye hellishe dungeon muste bee his lodginge , berefte of all sighte and sollace of manne , more fitte for Pluto then Cincius a Gentleman , where bracelettes , and owches , and ringes of Goulde , his amarous ornamentes , muste frée him from fetters and yron chaynes too troublesome Implementes , and so was constrayned by meere necessitye , for stynte of stryfe to sell his patrimonie .

Hard is the choise , and daungerous the chaunce , when either in pining melancholye we muste liue without company , or making league with frendes stande in hazard of trechery . But so swete is the heauenlye sympathye of mindes , and so barbarous sauadgnes to liue in no societie , that we often contracte vs with those we like and trust , and finde them by iust tryall more then villanous traytours . Thy witt was to sharpe not to be courted with frendes , and thy credit to lighte not to be inueigled by deceit . In all these thy bitter plunging perplexities , ( Periander ) I know there is none more corsiue to thy conscience , then that the swearing protestations of thy fawning frendes shoulde turne to falsed faith of trotheles foes : that those which with dailye solliciting sued for thy frendshippe , neyther dying nor liuing but by the doome of thy sentence , shoulde nowe be so farre from redressing thy distresses , their owne vowed Laelius , that they shunne thy presence like some notorious fellons , to the gaulling of thy harte , and discredit of thy person . But these are no nouelties but to such as be nouices , nor greater wonders to moue admiration , then byrdes which in sommer do build their nestes in England , and in breme frosty winter make other coastes their harborow .

Auncient antiquities canne afford like examples , and it is good to follow our forefathers . Did not Naso crye out with scritching and howling , that waters shoulde giue heate , and fyre make colde , and euery source and euery riuer runne backe to his head , and flowe to his welspringe , and all goe astray with a contrary course , backward , preposterous , and quite against nature ? The reason was , because those his familiar companions lincked vnto him by dutiful othes , would neither entreat Caesar to restore him from banishment , nor defeat his enemies of the pursuite of their pray , nor releue his bare liuing amid the wild barren Getes , nor visit his poore wyfe and children at home , with the least supplye of their nedefull wantes . When Gisippus is on the hoigh in his pontificalibus , and poore ●agged Titus lyeth groueling at his gates , how humbly can he begge an almes of his maister , when lofty Gisippus wil not looke a syde ? Doues vse no houses but that be goodly to the vewe , mise haunt no barnes but that be stuffed with the haruest , and no poynt peny no pater noster .

In this matter let me be a mirrour worthy marking : for although I am a man of the meanest making , yet a greate torche may be lighted at a litle candle , and in this thou maist be boulde to behould my aduise , and shewe thy selfe wise , in taking holde of my tackling . I can sitt the whole day long , & make me spoorte at the spyte of the dizarde muffled Godesse , to see what game shee makes at the grefe of her subiects , this day lyfting them vp to her loftiest throne , & to morrowe throwing them downe to her lowest foote-stoole , chopping and chaunging from right hande to lefte , giuing him a fanne in his hande the bore a Scepter before , and laying a yocke on his neck that had a diademe on his head .

I denye the ( Fortune ) & defie thy frowninges , and dare vaunte with him in Tusculans questions , that I haue vanquisht thy vanityes , and intercluded all thy passages , from the approch of my presence . I am poore , so haue I peeres , I am homly , so am I honest . Marcus Curtius , Attilius Regulus , Valerius Publicola , graue in their practises & praised in their graues , liued vertuously at Rome with small scantling of liuing .

Fie Periander , so proper a man withowten manhood , thy stocke so good and thy stomacke so badd .

Thy parents be dead . Death is naturall , and Gods good pleasure , and the Iem of their Ioy , and greueth it you ?

By your folly spendall is your store consumed , and by your God the sendall it may be restored ,

Your frends be fledd . In deede you brought them well vp till they were flidge , and therefore no maruaile though they bee flowne : but thrine you , and they will striue for your frendshipp . There be too many frends that make great semblaunce , and this hath learned thee to discerne their dissemblance .

Per.

Ah peace Pandulpho , thy memorie breeds my mone , and sight of pre●●● times brings sorrow in . I am more greeued with the reckning of my wrongs , then I can be releued with thy waight of thy reasons . Thy councell is Philosophicall , but my folly will not consent , thy physicke is good , but my disease in desperate .

It is no dismall day , no wéeke , no moneth , no one misfalling by chaunce that mangles my mynde , but infinite inconueniences that last all length of time , increasing in nomber as they do in continuance ▪ My feares must be fedd tyll lyfe shall faide , & I am constreined to languishe in anguishe .

As for thee , thou art lesse bound to Fortune for proofe of prosperitye , then behoulding to God for thy pacience in aduersitye .

Entice me not with tales to followe fained fancyes , enforce me not to swymme and shoue me on the shelfe . Delaye workes my decaye , or ease me with ayde , or cease to vpbraide .

Pand.

had he the might that hath the minde , to rescue thee from myserye , thy gaulling wooes should quickly bee appaulde , and s●eringe sorrowes turne to suger songes : but staye my figboye for a daye , which once shall dawne with glimmering streaming golden ●aies , and shedo this cloude of care .

Our fether-footed Phebus , whose glymsing waine wends many a league , to ad fine to his taske , is sore attainte with toyle and swinke , ere he haue paste the heauenlye cope .

First before he take his Iourney , he must waite the houres leasure , who are placed as porters at heauens gates .

The mornyng waye is steepe vpright , so that in coolest of the daye , the steedes haue much a doe to clymbe against the hill .

Amid the Heauens , they girde it out with splayed wynges , and ouer-stripp the Easterne wynds , whose hugye height augments the terrour styll .

The Euening way doth fall plump downe , that Thetis who doth lodge faint Phaeb . within her wyde vaste surges , doth stand in feare , least from the heauen he hedlong downe should glide .

Besides all this , the firmament ay whiskes about with sailes swift recourse , and with his rolling driues the starrs their breper course to shift , yet doth Phaeb . kéepe his beaten path , & doth withstand the stoutest brute .

By blynde bywayes , and vgly shapes of monsters must he treade : betwene the dredefull bulls sharpe horns , against the cruel bow the which the Aemonion archer drawes , against the ramping Lyon armde with greedy pawes and tusks , against the Scorpions venimd clawes , & eke the awry crabs crooked clees he weals his way .

Through all fiue zones directe he must not ride , but out askew a broade by way , that bendeth on the side , conteined within the bonds of three the midmost zones doth ly , which from the Northren beere and Southren pole doth ●lye , that is his ready waye : not mounting ouer hy lest he inflame the heauens , nor drowping ouer low lest he adure the earth , the golden meane is safest : not to the right hand ouermuch leaste he be driuen vpon the wauy sealed snake , nor to much wresting to the least , lest to the Aulter he be pusht that pitcht against it stands .

It is no moment of time that brings mountaines of treasure , but laboure and leasure , prudence and policy , must do the déede .

Iupiter in his moode spared not his owne sonne Vulcane , but by the foote threw him downe from the skyes , wherein the ayer he tumbbled too & 〈◊〉 a whole day through , & fell at last with brused bones in Lemnos i le , at which soule clap he caught his haultyng haunch . Iupiters stéedes of heauenly race , did sometime nede the ierke of golden whip .

The smith cooleth his yron to straight it & strenghthen it , & God corrects thée with his rodd , to make thee recke more of his read . Thou hast heard I am sure , how Phenix , Aiax , Vlisses Achilles , Patroclus , Antomddon , all grecian Lords , haue vppon necessity abased them selues without any muttering to execute the function of sculls , to make the fire , and broche their meate , yea woorse then this .

It is not with thée , as with those who haue defect in the principles of nature , whose paines are no boote to obtaine them blisse , vnlesse some vibootye do happ than by hazarde . Thou art not now to be made of the masse , but to be cast in the mould and burnished a new : thou hast exteriour matter and interiour forme , and if thou haddest a lytle pollishing , thou might be published for perfite .

The heauenly bodies ar sooner healed then mans corrupted carcasses , as wounded Mars immediatly was cured by Peon phisition to the Gods , and Hebes her swéete baines .

Then sith thou hast infusion of celestiall influence , thou maist quickly haue conclusion of these terrene afflaightinges , & God in a tryce can make thee thryce happye .

Those whom vertuous constancie doth controule , saith Horace lib. 3. Odisse 3. are neither remoued with vulgar Rumour , nor greatly fretted with threats of Tyrants : and though that hills and dales should mete , do neuer change their moods . But since that we are heare in this vacation of busines , to imploye our deuoyres to deuoyd our ill plights , I wil recite that a story to the purpose , of Melanthus his inditing and his poore posse .

Per. of Melanthus his , our olde playe fellowe , & now only plaining fellowe ? gramercye by my honestye good Pandol. we shall now bee ouer pearears of his closets close commentaries , which hee hath kept so obscure from all our scanninges , eyther repining the others should reape good of his trauailes , or mistrusting his ability & misconstruing his good qualityes . But I praye you of what or whom is this treatise comprised , or what opportunity had he to compile it ? Pand. two daies agoe I receiued his letters of salutations , not forgetting therein thy recommendations , and therewithall he sent vs this present , as a preseruatiue to preuent vs of ioye-wrack . The contentes of his epistle were these , that he hauing spent his thrifte on that baude Misfortune common to vs three , and hauing cra●ed his braine with the abstruce studie of some intricate quirkes , he thought that the composing of this was a relaxation to his minde , & that it being compassed would be a refection to vs : with this certificate moreouer he gaue me intelligence , that though it might seme a fiction figured by his imaginatiue conceite , yet it was not framed without allusion to a proper subiect . Herein shalt then see decyphred by the princely gallant nature of forw●rd Philotimus , & the pinching galling thwartings of frowarde fortune , and by some pamplets penned to the same effect of the said Philotimus , what bitter debate doth euer abide , betwext good Nature and dame Fortune .

Per.

Good ●an . let vs heare this worke , that will proue vs wise because wee are infortunate , & then perhapps by this wisdome we shall contemne fortune ▪

Pan.

I am pleased .

Per.

then I I hope I shal be eased .

Pandolpho his posie . Sapit qui suflinet ,

The warr betwixt Nature and Fortune . The historye of Philotimus .

NOt farr from the confines of the south parte of Italye , abuts a certaine Cittie surnamed Mantua , neyther contemptible for basenes nor desolate for barrennes , but so well fraughte with trafficke for all affaires , and pleasantly situated for the verdure of the ayre , as both the poore by paines may here finde reliefe , and he that is destitute of other delytes , maye yet haue these obiects to refreshe his senses .

The cheefe-taine and gouernour of this Citye Mantua , was a noble yonge gentleman called Cle●●ritus , who latelye had espoused his long betrothed wyfe , the princelye gallant paragon Lady Castibula , daughter and heire to the Duke of Bononia .

These two imps in their royall ruffe , newelye surprised with vncouth Ioyes , for a longe season and tract of time , during the space of full fiue yeares , with many an imbracing and sporting pastime , ledd such a Lordlye lyfe , as he woulde wishe that can wyshe aright , and you not knowinge it maye possiblye imagine . Of countenaunce and office among their compeares , though rather worthy then willinge to beare any swaye : for competent wealth , of superfluous aboundance , when lesse might haue wrought their setled contentation .

Now , when all thinges were patt for euery purpose , and nothing amisse that might be amended , to the absolute finishinge of a perfite Felicytye , the greatest matter of all , in which the fruite of their laboures , the staffe of their age , the ende of their life were ioyntlye comprised , were all this whyle a wantinge , children I meane , wherein we are as it were regenerated and borne a new , euen budding after death by the springing of our seede , which canonizeth our memorye with euerlusting eternitye , by continuance of their linage , and propagation of our petegree . Which one backwarde let amongest other good successes , was as it were aiarring discorde in a swete Diapason , a prickinge nettle in a pleasant nosegaye , a fowle mayme in a faire man . Yet they measured Gods might not by the aptnesse of their age , nor his fatherly prouidence by present occasion but referring his power to his maiestyes pleasure , neuer repined against his iudgmentes , but praied for his mercy .

So in processe , he which maketh an ende where he doth begin , and plentifully blesseth the perseueraunce in tryall , when fulnesse of tyme had expired her date by Gods predestinate appointment , and téeminge at length was nowe vnloked for , which heretofore had so bene longed for , made them on the sodeyne meruailous fertyle , to the accomplishment of their hope , and aduauncement of his glorye . And where before they were punished with sterile frutlesnesse , they now seme ouer-laden with a burdenous charge .

But as all waters runne in to the sea and it no bigger , and all starrs borrowe light of the Sunne and it no dimmer , and all the Gods doe drinke of Nectar and yet it alwaies ouer floweth : so the n●mber of their children amounting to a multitude , whose great expences must nedes be proportionate to the quality of their calling , they were neither impouerished ( an extraordinary euent ) neither impaired of their welth ( a wonderfull consequent ) But as that Emperour , amonge others that were summoned to his hye assemblye of parliament , espieinge an aged gentleman attended with a troupe of worthye blouds in account xxxi . which by all inquysition were founde to be his sonns , and taking their originall from a worshipfull house , could not for their quantity haue sufficient portions allotted vnto them out of their fathers landes to maintaine a credite requisite to their race : as his hart meltinge on them to sée suche an ofspringe in ieoperdye , of beggerye , made them certain conueyances of his crowne reuenues , to vpholde their porte : euen so Gods omnipotencie yelding such an issue , to the great procurement of their parents pleasure , did not any whitt diminishe their former profite , which still was made auneswerable to the charge of their children . These grew vp and prospered in suche likely forwardnesse , being courtlye brought vp to breake them of rudenesse , and clearklye instructed to furnishe them with knowledge , that manners and learninge marchinge with due equipage in the order of their liues , the precysest carper would iudge them in both exquisite , but in whether of both they would rather exceede ( such resolute expectation was of rare effecte ) that none durste giue his verdit . They were louely and affable to the coursest inferiours , diligent and attentiue to the prescriptions of their rulers , so seruisablye obeysant to their parents behestes , that for rod of correction to controule brainesicke youth , lawfull for parents , and awfull for children , they were mildely nurtured with méeke education , hauing suffitient incitements of their owne inclination .

At whose good disposition I do not greatelye muse , although so good deuotion be lytle in vse : yet is such a blessing worthye to be blazed , where by God both is praysed , and all men are pleased .

Mitio and Demea had but two to looke too , which both were misled with hair-braine lust . A postinge messenger bringing hastye tydinges to Dragoras that his sonns had ouercome at Olimpia , dye Diagoras , dye quoth hee , for thy sonns this daye are both victorious . Such carke they take to tender their yong ones , which are subiecte to euery cross ouerthwart of peruerse fortune , much like him that thought himselfe past perill , when he escaped Scilla , and by and by offended against Caribdis , or him who being flitt from his feuer lurdaines fytt , the next day quaketh with an other qualme : or the dronken besill that is reared from the grownde , and Incontinentlye rusheth into the channell .

These thinges are necessarye briefelye to inferte , whereof a large treatyse were to small auaile , and as greate Indecorum it is to make a longe preamble to a shorte narration , as a war●de with an head bygger then his body .

And now ( Pandolplio ) prepare thy payre of eares to receyue my Historye , distill thy trycklynge teares to bewayle my Tragedye , O let thy hart sweate dropps of bloud to recorde his auentures .

And thou Melpemmone the mournefulst Muse of nyne , if I haue euer daunced to thy dolefull tunes , when the alluringe timpanes of other sportinge Muses coulde not once change my coppie , and shrynd thee for a Saynct in the bottome of my harte , when the seruice I did thee hath turnd me to smart : then deigne to dropp thy heauenly dew , and therewith sprinckle my rudest pensell , not to vaunt of art , for my hart is not so vaine , but to further my pretence in my purposed description , grounded on no gaine , but intending thy glorye .

I requyre no guerdon of the pleasant hedded youthes , whose humour this fits not , nor any rewarde of the comfortlesse wights for whose cause I wryte this , the one I feare me will scarse bestowe readinge , the other is too needye to bestowe any recompence , the toyle shall bee myne , the thancke shall bee thyne , and some profite perhapps shall redoune to others .

Then myghtye Goddesse , if loue haue no leasure to bee troubled with toyes , nor thou no pleasure to meddle with tryffles , yet reiect not the publishinge of his piteous plight , so relygious a Catholycke in thy sacred Cerimonyes , or at least respect the honour of thy portly deitie , which the world shall brute through the brunt of his myserye .

Per.

What horrour Pandolpho affrights my cr●sed hart ? what manner Proaemion is this deuout praier ? me thinkes I seme to heare his wofull plaining voyce , me thinkes I sée him teare his curious tressed locks , & féelingly feele the impression of his sorrowes . Ah God , that thou shouldest make man to thine owne similitude , and giue him ouer without thy purueiance .

Pan.

Warr wing , quoth the huntsman to Bowman his hounde : what Periander , shall the kyndnes to caytyues abate thy courage to God ? art thou such a louinge woorme to succourles creatures , to robb God of his due , which thou oughtest not do , and paye them a debte , which thou owest them not ?

Beware of Ioue and lightning , and fly far from them . Though Venus were assistant to Paris his adherentes , yet for contempte of Iunoes demaunde , both Paris was slaine , and Troy was sacked . Midas for faucines against Apollo , was dubbed for a dolte with a paire of Asses eares . And Phaeton I gesse if he were aliue , would not be to busy with Phaebus his chariott . Purchase not to thy self Lycurgus his scotchlade , who for his rashnes to the Gods gaind a wretched life , and got a painefull death . Vpon the mounteyne of Nisa , Lycurgus aduised the women to doe Bacchus due seruice at his festals , with slips of vines vpon their heades : but he so prickt them forward with his sharpe twible goad , that they let fall their holy crownes , whereat he did reioyce and sport his fill : yea more then this , to disgrace the God himselfe , he thundered out his threats , and caused him to fly to escape his snares : at this offence the Gods did loure , and forthwith did reuenge the same in bereauing Lycu●g of his sight for a certaine tyme , and to punish him aright , and fulfill their will at ful , in setting wreakfull date to his wicked life . Iuno boyling with rancorous hate against the remnaunt Troianes , the good soothfast prophet presaging Helenus , exhorteth Lord Aeneas to win her by submission , least he weaue to himself a web of woe , by his dissolute defiance . To disanul the kings decrée is to be attainted of treason . For Pythagoras schollers to aske a reason of any one article of his doctrine , was accounted amongst them almost heresie , & darest thou impeach Iehoua of fleting inconstancy , not to continue his gracious goodnes , like a treuantlye Poet in framing his fables , that beginneth to lagg in his latter description ? or canst thou conuince him of carelesse regarde , lyke the brutishe serpente that killes his broode as soone as it is borne , and brought into lighte ? Or goest thou about to attach him of ignoraunce in the misticall workemanshippe of all mankinde , which hath made him more perfectlye then Science canne conceyue , euen after the likenesse of his spottelesse Spirit , and softereth him with foode as the earth doth her plants , when hee deserues to bee copsse and caste into the Fyer : and when hee gaddeth without a guide after whooring inuentions , wandering in a laborinth of his imaginations , when his kinne is vnkind , and frendes do forsake him , and he in cold shiuering is readye to famishe , he fetcheth him home vppon his shoulders , ( O carefull shepheard ) and penneth him in the folde with his chosen flocke ( more carefull then a shephearde . ) Shall the pot aske the potter why he fashioneth it so , or the anuile the smith why he striketh it with the hammer , or thou search a reason of Gods seuere punishmente , whose name is in Scripture . I am that I am ( so incomprehensible is his maiestie ) who renders his reason I will that I will ( so vncapable is his wisdome ? ) If any man haue tasted some extraordinary mercies , it was his frée will , not their deserte : if either the gentleman of whome the history mentions , or thou Periander haue felt his heauie hande , it is your merite , not his desire . I reprehend not thy presumption , but reproue thy despayre : for prosperitie puffeth vp with contempt of God his bounty , and aduersity pulleth downe to distrust his fauour , Therefore Periander .

Per.

Peace Pandolpho , stay thy wisdome , thou hast beate the child till he crieth againe , now giue him dugge , and burne the rodde . I was to bold bycause I was blinde , and who so bolde as blinde bayard ? But giue me leaue to recouer this fall , and rashenes no more shall giue me the foyle . Though I was incensed with a too patheticall motion , to vtter that retchlesly , which I nowe repent : yet was I not driuen to hellish desperation , taking Gospel for no Gospell , which promiseth remission . But I will make no apologie for my passed defaulte , least thou thinke it apostacie to persiste in my errour : nowe if it please thée , procéede in the premisses .

Pand.

The recantation of thy sayinges is a requitall for thy scape , and therefore I procéede .

The sequele of Philotimus his history .

OF all this their ioyfull progeny , their first begotten sonne named Philotimus , did both in feature of body , sharpnesse of wit , and towardnes of mind excell the rest . In so much , that as when Iupiter & Iuno were at contention , whether man or woman were more prone to lechery , they elected Tyresias , by whose arbitriment they would be determined , bycause he had bene both manne and woman : so if there were a controuersie , which of the Gods were moste worthy wonder in their excellente workes , I think none more indifferent to decide the matter , then this yong gentleman : in whose courtly complexions ( so swete was Philotimus ) and curteous conditions ( swete louely Philotimus ) the expresse Images of their heauenlye Deities were so liuelye portrayed . And yet if Philotimus shoulde giue his censure , which of their powers he thought most puissant , though he haue felt their mighty operations , and so might iudge : yet doe I weene his best resolution would onely be silence . For as an Vnicorne hauing most strength , doth least knowe it : so he hauing greatest pith , did most pitty himselfe . Notwithstanding that the Gods being corriuals in the framing of him , and neuer one suffering a fellowe cockmate in this ioint labour , they all doing best without comparison it was hard to iudge who did the worst , euen the worst being placed in the superlatiue degrée . Which his parentes marking , and meruailing at it , thought themselues especially bounde to be carefull on him , lest either nature wanting nurture , it should be mard in making , and so the Gods offended with their willfull negligence : or his good disposition being at libertie , hauing no leader but his owne discretion , they mighte reape lesse pleasure in vewing his good lucke , hauing taken no paynes in his bringing vp . They therefore knowing that a younge colte must be vsed to the bitt before he come to the saddle , that sprigs sprout the better if they be lopped , chuse rather to bee niggardes in pinching him of pence , then procure his nicenes with vaine prodigallitie , rather liking a wan looke that comes of moderate diet , and bewrayes a painfull student , then a fresh ruddy chéeke that is died with Bacchus his buries , and breedes suspition of luste .

Well , the Sunne and the Moone and the seuen starres , and all els that I canne name , according in an vnitie , to adorne with their Trinitie this blessed gentleman , he costed and posted with such light-foote spéede , that coting and bording all his coequalles : with whom he was conuersant , he was the gaze at which all eyes did spye , the worst repining , the best enuying , all admiring this vncouth straungnes , and knowing the possibilitie of his wealth by discent of inheritaunce , thought the reuenues of his vertues would be inualuable .

His father seing his diligent industry , frendly and frely counterpeyzd with incredible increase , taking him aside on a certain day , brake with him in these tearmes .

Although I am not ignoraunt , that libertie to the subiect to do what he list , doth cause his losenes and the Princes contempt , that the apprentise made whole factor of his masters Merchaundize without any account , may leaue him in the lashe vnles he be the trustier , and that giuinge the bridle into thy handes , to vse the rayne or the spur at thine owne pleasure , may be a meanes of thy rashnes and my repentaunce : yet knowing that a horse may be brought to the brooke , but will not drinke except he list , that an Oratour may vse his coulors of Rhetorick , but cannot perswade vnlesse you bee pliable , that vertue is voluntarye without constraint : and hoping besides , that Wit can discerne , and Will wil desire , thy contentation , and my consolation , ( which are one in effecte ) I am content to do with thée , as Kinge Henry the 8. of that name in England , did with a Bishop of Canterbury , that is , make you commissioner in your owne cause .

Yet with this caueat , that you deale not with me , as books make mention of S. Beda his boy , who made his blind master preach to stones for a pastime , and so thou trying my gentlenes , abuse it with wantonnes : much like the prelates in Constantines tyme , who countnaunced by his maiestie , as menne of greate dignity , did at lengthe checkmate the Emperours highnes , vsurping his supremacie .

It is ill waking a sleeping dog . There be certain springs in the country of Archadia , whose excessiue colde breaketh all vessells and mettalles , yet the horne of an Asses house kepeth together . In Fraunce , there is a Well of such chilling coldnes , that it wil conuert wood into stone , and yet oftentimes , flakes of flaming fier haue bene sene to issue from it . It is hard for my anger to be incensed against thée , yet may thy stubborne rebellion enkindle my colde choller .

If powdered fish or flesh be soked in salt bryne which is newly made , the brine doth sooner drawe the saltenes out of it , then the fresh water cold : so thy vnwéeldy crookednesse and contemptuous , waiwarde will , maye drawe thee like out of mee in thy he halfe and make regardelesse consideration of thy thriuinge .

It is difficult ( Philotimus ) to quench my queint loue , vnlesse as a torche that is turned downewarde , thy bounden obedience turne to sirly negligence , and impossible to plucke vp the roots of my care , so long as thou hast a braunch of filiall feare .

Yet misconster not these dreads as misdoubting thy wel doing , but take them as a pledge of thy fatherly duty . For as Stratonicus neuer wente to bed without his liuery , ( that is a cup of beare standing by him ) not for that he was alwayes thirsted , but alwaies mistrusting least he should thirst : so I giue thée this charge , not as fearfull for thy fall , but I tell it the at large , as carefull of thy standing . But if once , Well I will stay my selfe till occasion be giuen , for though I cast the a bone to bite on , I would not haue the choked . To make shorte haruest to my séede long a sowing , this I haue to say .

Thou knowest it was a time , when the thrée Aethereall Madams quarrelling about the golden ball , chose Paris for their vmpéere , a shepheard then in Ida , to be iudged by his award , wherof ech of them promising a large rewarde , to corrupte his iudgement , and he intending to get the fairest , snatching at the bayte , got nothing but the hooke , and thinking he had got a goodly yong heafer , it was nothing but the deuill in a cowes hyde , as Richard Farneyeares sonne was once beguiled . Much like , as though Vlisses reioysing in the smoake of his country Ithaca , as a signe of his nere approching , should haue found at his arriuall his country on fyre .

The same Goddesses & their rewardes do I propounde to the , expecting that thy choise will bee charier then his , or if thou aymest at the same marke , come nearer the white .

For true it is & an old said saw , that timely growes the trée the good cāmock will be , & he that will be an old man long , must bée an old man soone , & he that means to be singuler in any kind of trade , must begin betimes to inure himself with it . Therfore Hercules being younge , consulted with himselfe what course to take , and Cato being olde , learning Musick and Gréeke , wished he had begun in his former yeares .

Now therefore discend into thine owne conscience , and deliberate with thy selfe , to which of these thrée thou meanest to dedicate the springing tide of thy springe time .

Whether the firste of all to Pallas , and to liue at the Vniuersity , there to attaine the profound and sound knowledge of the liberall artes .

Or honour sacred Iuno with solemnizing her mariage , where looking to thy tillage , & the grafting of thy plantes , and tenting the pruning of thy ouerspreading trées , thou shalt not onely amplify thy possessions , but as the world goeth now adayes be preferred to promotion : which way if thou canst brooke , I wil prouide such a match , as shall counteruaile the honour of thy house , and the humour of thy yeares .

Or if none of these will fit thy fancie , wilt thou vow thy self to Venus , and court it a while ? where heede must be taken that thou be not to he addy , for there the trod is tickle and the footesteps slippery , where many a proper youth thinking to rise alofte , is magnified til he looke as high as Lincolne , climbing vp by a ladder & an hempten coard , higher the he would by half a yard from the ground .

It is a propertie common to moste youthes hunting at the inhauncing of credit and iolitye , that if they sée some aduaunced to wealth and estimation , rather by casual then vsual meanes , they thinke by imitation , to gaine the like succession , when gapinge for greedinesse with Aesops Dogge , they scatter the meate they haue in their mouthes , while they scratch for the shadowe which deludes them with shew .

As for Pallas , she is dainty , but not squemish , hard to be found , but easy to be intreated , to be farre fetchte & deare boughte , but that we say is good for Ladies .

This pilgrimage will be werysome , and yet it must be warye . For through many a roring wildernesse , and stony scarry rockes shalt thou make thy voiage , where hips and hawes must be thy pittaunce , thornes and brambles thy pallet and cabinet , the fyre to warme thée , the scortching of the sunne : thy clocke to time thée , the scritching of the owle : & then thy pleasant prospecte to recreate thy minde , a vast confused Chaos withouten shape or fourme : bellowing and braying shall be thy musick , teene and melancholye thy desired companions , and when nightes darke mantle ouerhailes the sky , at calme quiet midnight when all things are whust , and nothing now sturring but pale dame Cynthia tugging at her teame to bring the night about , full many a Calcas dreame shall rome in thy head , and Morpheus present the with vgsome sights , where in place of a watch to limit thy rest , either grimme grisly horrour shal breake the of thy sléepe , or a ball in thy hand ( which was Alexanders wont ) shall awake thée falling from the in the beginning of thy slumber .

These are thy iourneyes , this is thy soiourning , troublesome & tedious , lothly & yrksome , but now take heede .

For stalking on with redoubled pace , for slowing no time to abandon the place of this abode , suddeinly vnawares on thy right hand , a flowring meade clad with lusty gréene , ( wherein standes built a regal portly pallace ) presents thine eyes . In this pallace , far from aboue and a lofty vewe , out of a goodly bay window , salutes thy sight the rarest But _____ O Philotimus , now dread and dolour both assaile my hart , I feare the lines that foulers set , lest they ensnare that in their net . For from thence gazeth out the seldomst swete , that euer nature caste within her mould , with lilly white handes , and armes outstretcht , with Iuory necke , and bared brest , & goldylockes flickering in the ayre , her countenance roseall , embellished with alablaster , intermedled yfere with party coulors : the vertue of her thralling lookes so brauely gloste with glimsing grace , that thou wouldest wishe no other bookes to reade or looke vpon .

To thée she rushfullye addresseth her complainte , the trickling teares bedewe her dented cheekes , with many a sighfull signe she pleades for pitty , & cunningly prates ( as she can the feate ) the teares of truth may once appease her plight , Good Sir respect her piteous plaintes , whom Fortune sierre so sore attaintes , that ah for want of ioy she faintes , ( some pitty good master . ) And meaning to plant her brinnish plaints within thy tender eares , hark how the strumpet can straine her voice , to delighte with her deceite . 〈◊〉 ( Disdaine me not without desert , nor leaue me not so sodeinly , so do the stony rocks repulse the waues that rush them violently . ) Thou standinge at the gaze , ( as the Deare they say at the smell of an apple , or rather in a maze , to sée so stout a kite stoupe to thy fist without a lure , thus thou hearing and seing and saying nothing , she will not lose her penny worth for want of good cheaping , but thus againe begins . What trylle the ball againe my Iacke , and be contente to make some play , and I will lulle the on my lappe , with hey be bird now say not nay .

But neuer trust thou these training toyes , and euer restraine thy louing glaunce , treade on the euen path , not once slipte aside , for feare of Had I wist proue a foole .

Thus when with fained tunes she hath chirpt her yelden laies , and perceiues that fauning can force no fancie , she will assay an other way to flap the in the mouth with flimflam floutes , to dash the out of countenaunce , As that for one : It is no fyre that giues no heate , though it appeare neuer so hotte , and they that runne and cannot sweate , are very drye and leane godwot : but since I lende my loue to losse , fancy ( saith she ) farewell , adue dastarde , a calfe be your comfort , goe maske amonge meacockes , a fig for your reasons .

But run thou on without returne , leaste in striuing against the streame thou haply ouerturne , and if her iestes be ioy to her , let her gibes bewray a giglot .

If thou passe these pikes and chaunce to escape scotfrée , as thou maist if thou will , and must if thou doe well , let not the sequele of thy iourney be directed with securitie , but intend a good end , and be watchfull in thy warde , and sticke to thy tackling prouiding for more stormes . For an ague hath many shiftes of fittes . Iupiter hath more liknesses then one wherein to transfourme his feature , and when he cannot speake to Danae in the forme of a man , he will fall into her skirts as a golden shower , to quench the flame of his affection : so coosoning Lust hath many counterfit crankes , & when with Crocadiles teares hardly wrested out , she can not moue thée to ruth , she will make a Metamorphosis of the deuice , & shaping a new coate of an olde blanket , bleare thine eyes ; if she can with stale sale-ware . For listen ( my good sonne ) againe : vnlooked for , the most dulced melody that mynde may imagine , more delicate to thine eares , then hony to thy mouth , which thou wouldest iudg , I dare saye , to be the consorts of the nine Muses , surpassing the modulation of Achilles his viole , which he wan at the ouerthrowe of Aetions kingdome , & farr surmounting the Philosophers harmony , which they forge in the heauens by a measurable motion , & a iust proportion of nomber . There thou shalt sée a squint eied paramour , gingerly trip it , & minionly minse it , with dainty disdaine of any mans loue . The fine diuine concubine , soot nice and coye , ( screuerence on her peticote , ) will scarce looke askaunce , & all this ( Philotimus ) to bring thee to the bent of her bow . For women they say do the which is forbidden them , and fishe bite more eager when the baite is pulled from them , and men then are soonest attatched with loue , when women kepe aloofe with disdainfull dalliaunce . But remember thy lecture my good child , & alwayes shun such bitter sweets . Argos naytheles his hundred eyes , was napt with musicke , & brought to hedd with Mercuries pipe , Vlisses would not once giue eare to Calipso , lest as castles that come to parlie do oftentimes yeald , so he giuing eare should be woon to her whinings . Then do thou resist with defiing alarme , that neuer witching wordes thy marble eares doe charme , stop thyne eares and make no tariaunce , trusse vp thy packquet & trudg on thy way . Play with the nettle neuer see nimbly & it will sting thée , touch the pitch neuer so softly & it will defile thée , & lend but thy listening to her warbling notes , & trust me my sonne , before thou trye it , her chaunting will enchaunt thee .

For harke awhile & I wil decipher to thée these two deludinge trinketters , maugre all their glorious gloss , wherewith they shine so sheene , do but disgrade them of their robes , and they are the moste vnsauourye creatures , Foe filthes , I lothe to thinke of them , and thou wouldest swound , if once thou dyddest see them , our Curtizanes now adayes , may well bee their children , who séeke to coulour their ilfauoured phisnomies , with painted confections of the apothecaries coyning . Well syr , these two of whom I was speaking , in showe are two , in substance one , and if thou art willing to knowe their names , in one word it is Lust : which what a vice it is among Pallaces apprentises ( schollers I meane , whom I cannot but mone ) I am sorrye to knowe , and ashamd to acknowledg : but to set thee foreward in thy attempted enterprise , and teach thee sufficient cosmografie to conduct thee in thy voyage , this I will foreshew thee .

The stormiest blastes are ouerbloune , thy suptelest enemies ouerthroune , onely with one thou hast to incounter , which will make a great value of his smale valure , and boast it out with bumbaste bragges , as ready to picke a quarrell without offence , as swift to take his feete for his owne defence , if he be withstood .

Mary if thy hart fall a kneelinge , foredone with fainting , and thy quailing courage crouch to his gentlenes , your Domine miserere will not reprieue you , for presently you perish : he is not of Cneius pompeius his manlyhode , who embracing Mithridates that laye prostrate at his feete , tould him , it was more honour to saue a King , then slaye a keysar : for all his mercye shalt be cruel martyringes , thirsting after bloud , and quenched with death .

A Gorgon like clowne he is to see too , with gourdy gutts , & a graund liricompaunch , made in the wast like a rowe with calue , a cobler may kepe his shopp in the lower region of his belly : a terrible tartarian bearde he hath , a notable harbour for the crab-louse : a boysterous thundering voyce , good to chyde beggers out of a noblemans court : his nose may be a comfort in distres , and a light in darkenes , and serue for a linder boxe to light a candle at in winter , if he cast vp his nose against the sunne with open chapps , by his teeth may be discerned what is a clock perhapps : his garland is twyned of venemous snakes , his attyre made of poysoned vipers , his assaults be furious , his countenaunce ferefull , no ruth , all rage , doth reigne in his kingdome he is comenly called in one tearme , Despaire .

The waye to delaye the heate of his stomack , is this .

Thou remembrest Maroes mention of the Troiane Aeneas , who after the intombing of his father Anchises , desiring to visit him in the Elysian fieldes , got the prophetesse Sybilla to gyde him his waye , and a sorcering golden spraye of Dianas tree in Sycile , for his pasport to Charon the churlish boteman , to ferye him ouer the lake . By these two he●ps did he atchiue his appoynted purpose : so if thou canst please thy-lyues , lady Pallas , betimes in the morning saying her seruice , with her grace for a preface at dinner and supper , and square thy life to her direction , she will alowe thee two seruaunts , Diligence , and Hope , to attend vpon thee : the one to add hast to thy busines that thou loyter not in the waye , the other to add spéede to thy skudding pace , that hast make no wast . For at the very sight of thy faithfull Hope , this monster Despaire is vtterly vanquished and vanisheth from his houlde .

After this , thou rowest ouer a drenching gulfe , which will purge thy stomacke of ill humours , and make it more fytt for Pallas her fare , where though thou art tossed with whirlinge tempests , yet as long as diligence is thy loadesman , thou néedest no other Palinure . For at length thy roughe tyde will bringe a safe roade : and then enioye thy ioyes , for thine is the victorye , and let thy siluer song , be so triumphe .

Thus thy stormie showers , haue bread fragraunt flowers , thou hast woon goulde , now weare gould , loc what it is to labour ?

Iason aduentured to crosse the seas , and by the meanes of Medea , gained the goulden flece : but if thou doest meane to giue this aduenture , and wilt followe my aduice , my counsayle shall coyne thee no goulden fleece , but a thing more precious , & yet no precious stones , but a thing more worth gould then either of them both .

For loe the royall seate of thy soueraigne Pallas , so well appoynted with all kynde of ordinaunce , and champions in paye to leuy any siege , that shall bee layd against her bulworkes , that neither pollicie by trayns , nor prowes by force , but onely those , which haue deserued it by seruice , & she doth deigne to enterteine can come within her howlde . At the very portall , the first liberall Art , as her function requireth , doth kéeepe the entrance : she examining what profit thou hast prowled by her profession , will admit thee to her house , & so inseueralty , being orderly canuassed a all the Liberall Siences in their offices , if they finde thée correspondent to the dignyty of the place , they will all subscribe to thy supplication . Then hast thou accesse to thy princes Dame Pallas , who after the suruew of thy worthy exployts , will crowne thée with a garland of her owne gréene lawrell , then shalt thou weare the wreath of worship , ( as Sysamis saith in an epistle to Theotimo ) which mauger enuye , and mallyce , and all the spite of fortune , both in lyfe , and after death , shall extoll thy name .

Thus haue I discoursed the whole course thou must take , not vaynly to affright with dreaming illusions , nor to terrifie from learning with displaying the daunger , but that nothing happen vnbethought , without a ready buckler to award the blowe : for store is no sore , vnlesse it be of sores . I haue spent more time in this first argument , because more paines with some expence , & greater pleasure for recompence , are to be found by this then any of the rest .

Pallas hath plaid her parte , now herken Iunoes pageant .

The world my sonne turnes westward , and begins to decline , & men are more froward then in yeares of yore : the longer it lasts the lesse while men liue , the longer it lasts , the lesse godly men be : the one is Philosophie , the other Diuinity , both grounded vpon too true experience . Yt is well therefore to make hay while the sunne shines , when winde is at willto hoyse vp saile , to enrich thy selfe in these vnmellowes yeares , that hereafter taking ease , thy toyling may cease , & thou enioye the frute of thy handes . Vnlesse thou weaue a web for thine owne wearing , thou shalt haue an harde peniworth to buy it else where . Cloth is so deare , nowadaies ( Philotimus ) that commenly they haue two faces foe one hoode , otherwise then it was in the second King Richards time kinge of Britteine , who calling for a paire of hose of the brauest fashion and most sumptuous to put on that day , asked what they cost : one toulde him forty pence , go quoth he , and fetch me a payre of a marcke , wherein thou mayst sée , that either things were cheper , or men wiser then they are now .

Once haue a smattering of the sweete of wealth , and thou wilt neede no persuasion to perseuer in getting . An Emperour of Rome being loth to lose any commodity , that might bee saued , gaue a strayt charge , that euery housholde within the Citie , shoulo saue their vrine , whereof in time he leuied a great some of money : his sonne standing on his pantuffles , and of a more gentlemanlike mynde , then his father ( as moste sonns are nowe a dayes ) secretlye and vnder correction , admonyshed his Father that it was a derogatynge from his maiestyes highnes , to make a gayne of so vyle excrementes , the verye sent whereof was soe lothsome vnto all men . The Emperour perceyuing his sonns nicetye , stood not to debate the matter with excuses , but incontynentlye fetchynge a bagg of goolde out of his closet , helde it to his sonns nose , and demaunded of him howe he lyked the smell : hee aunswered without pausinge , that it was a verye pleasant smell : then hereafter quoth the Emperour , bee not soe hastye to condem the Lawfull and honest gayne of vrine , whereof this commeth . I amplyfye this example to this allygation , for that I neither woulde haue thee deferr opportunitye to profite thy selfe , nor thinke anye meanes too meane , if they be honest

Poetrye , wee saye , is nothinge else , but an heape of forged fictions , beaten out of the braynes of fantasticall fellowes when their heades were intoxicate , and in deede it is true , the moste bee fables , yet parrable-wyse conteynynge greate misteryes ,

Tullye in his booke de Legibus hath these wordes , Phisica ratio haud ineligans inclusa est in impias fabulas , and one commentinge vppon Ouids Metamorphosis , bouldelye affirmeth , that a great parte of the verye scriptures is couertlye handled in these workes , alludinge the Chaos to the worlde made of nothing : the destruction there mencioned to Noye his floud : Deucalion & Perrha that begott men & women by castinge stones behinde them , to Noye and his wife , whereof all nations were deducted : Phaebus and Phaceton to God and Lucifer , Acteon that for séeing Diana naked , was deuoured of his doggs to concupiscence , who seeing by wisdome how farr he hath digressed , tortures himselfe with griefe , so that euery Poeam may well bee moralized to some good meaning , how precise and captious soeuer some of our dimi●utiue diuines are that would not haue them red .

Now this is it I would inferr , the Poets faine that Plutus the God of riches , when he commeth towards a man is hault & lame , cree-ping on with a wearyed pace like an hault mayemed cripple , but when he goeth from him to haue winges like a bird , scouring a pace till he be out of sight

Then take time while thou hast it , the haucke may checke that now coms faire to fyst

When Miltiades the Athenian with ten thowsand Greekes , discomfited 600000 of his enemies the Persians , if he had forseene that his recompence would haue bene repentance , he might haue stauld himselfe with sufficient bootyes , to haue preuented all writs of debte , which were his vtter ruine : but prefering a publicke profite before a priuate benefite , and being but a braunch of his countrye , he was the cause that the whole roote did florish , and he himselfe did wither away : for cast in arrearedge of a certeyne some of monie , he was by his vnkinde , contrimen condemned to perpetuall prison , where dying indurance hee could not be buried , till his sonne toke vppon him to weare his fathers , giues .

It is not the name of gentility will vnbinde the of bondage .

If a man by some misfortune chaunce to be impouerished , alas alas , shal be his pitye , and the comforte they lende him to appease his cares , thou mightest haue done better if God had made thee wiser , but he that will stumble in the midnoone daye , deserues to breake his shins , and he that will beare to beaten with his own rood , merits to do no better , looke to thy thy selfe , I wishe thee well , and so God be with you

Neither will kinn , nor acquayntaunce helpe to heale necessityes , whose frendships are knitt with a true-tones knot made of siluer copper , & when that is spent , they spare their frendship .

Ptolomie & Pompey were nowne carer coosins , while both were as ready to requit as require , but when Pompey was put to flight by Iulius Cesar , and driuen to craue ayde of his olde frend Ptolomie , hee had scarce Iacke drummers enterteynement ; for Iacke was shut out withouten harme , but Pompey was cut shorter by the head than he was , whereof Petolomie making merchandise sould it to Cesar .

Polimnestor was so deare to priam , that in time of warr , when Troie was besieged , he sent his young sonne polidor with monye for his charges , to be fostered of Polimnestor , that if Troye should be sakked all the whole house should not be extinct : but ( ah the wrecth Polimnestor ) when he sée Priams kingdome inuironed on euery side that no rescue could ridd him from his enemies claws , he slew polidor for his money & sett priam at naught , whose eyes afterward Hecuba scratched out with indignation , a vengeaunce more iust , then equall to his fact .

Wheefore let neuer trust betraye thee , where treason is shrowded , nor hope not on frends , where happ is vncerteyne .

Thou seest how Stedfastnes doth fly with winges of often chaung , a flying birde , but seldome séene , her nature is so straung .

We do not vse to set share in the shore , nor plowe the sea furrowes that yelde no corne : but men vse to till the fertill soyle , that giues that it receiues with vsurie and interest , as Hesiodus saith , claw me and I will claw thée , though that thou Homer were with muses nine for ma●s , yet pack pesant from whence thou camst if that thou bringest no pence . Thy ma●ster ( that must be ) Aristotle , I phisicks affirmes the exnihilo nihil fit , if thou hast nothing , thou shalt haue nothing , & that thou hast shal be taken from thee

Grafte my sonne , & grace will growe , begin to gett , and thou shalt gaine .

It is Aristotle in his Ethicks , that a good beginning is more then halfe the worke , of one graine coins the whole eare of corne , if thou hast one vertue saith our ground philosopher , al the rest will easely ensue , hould that thou hast with good husbandrye , & God will increase it with bounteous plenty . Neither would I haue thée a drone to eate the swete that others sweat for , that thou eate the hony , and they hould the hyue , they drawe thou driue , small reason by my faith , when gentlemen lacke grots , that plowmen pinch it out for pence & patch their russet coo●es . but happely the vncertentie of welth & riches , shall seeme a good answere to my importunity , for who knoweth not Cresus his substaunce which notwithstanding was imprisoned as a captiue , shackled with boultes , and faine to yeelde his goods into his enemies handes : and who hath not heard of Scylla his magnificence , which tho was consumed with lice , and his money eaten with mothes ? the merchaunt loseth more in an houre then he gaineth in 20. yeres .

To this I will make a replication , that all reioinders of the defendant shall be barred .

If the state of Fortune be so ticklish builded vpon sande , & subiect to tottering , then with more care ought we to carke for wealth of diuers sorts , that if one faile , an other may preuaile , and make frends by liberalyty , in state of prosperity , that may giue vs hospitality , in time of aduersity and therfore not without great cause , did Alexander bestow gifts on his subiectes , though King Philip his father chid him for it , asking if he would be vassall to his seruaunts , with bribing to win fauour , which they ought him by homage .

In my opinyon he red by rote & mard a good lessone for want of good construction , for neither is there any greater signe of clemencie ( which onely vertue so much commended Pelopidas king of Sparta ) neither more vehement exhortation to be painfull vpholders of present honour , or willing suppliers of future wants , them the abounding of princely bounty .

This was the which made Pomponius Atticus so plausible amonge the Romaines , bycause he disbursed his money most franckly , to take away the wrooting vice vsery , for the common profits fake : & so gratious among the noble men , that euen those who were at odds , Antonius & Brutus , & all in generall , held him most deare .

Once was the world in the first golden age , that learning was in price , and vertue estéemed , when Gratianus aduaunced Ausonias the poet so the consulship for his poetry , when Cincinnatus was taken frm the plow for his vertue to be dictator , when Cato brought Ennius into Italy for his excellencie , whom Scipio Affricanus had in no lesse reputation .

But now we are come to the last age , which as Ouid deuide it , is the 4. and the woorst , squeasye & dogged , & wrought of hard iron .

Without multipling of many words , it is good to be mindfull of the Goddes Iuno , lest as Cyauippus for abhorring Bacchus his rites , was punished of Bacchus with excessiue drunkennes , wherein hee discheueled his owne daughter , of whom he was slayne , or as by Diomedes his wounding of Venus , Aegilia his wife was transported into such an insatiable letchery , that any might haue her chastity , who was not chary of his owne , ( for all her holy-dayes were feasts of Quicunque vult ) : so the refusinge of her league that offers such tr●atyes of peace , incensing her with contemptuous regard , doe afterward feele the battery of her anger , which wil be no lesse then shéere beggery : when thou hartely wishest she would raise her siege , & striking a truce renew her former offer .

As for Venus , I will neyther dispraise her who was once my mistrisse : neyther can I commende her without a paire of lying lippes .

But this I say , aspiring heades haue seldome spéede .

Remember the braue gallantes , that haue spente their purses penniles , worne their coates thredbare , and wroughte their bodies to the bones , to purchase aduauncement , and yet haples , & hartles , haue departed to other mansions , good for blockes in the countrie , that were cast chips in the court .

O howe fewe bee there ( saithe hee in Tusculans questions ) that may hope for Metellus his hap ? all may wish , and most shall want .

The Court resembles the image of Diana in Chios , who was wont to be smilingly glad to those that entred into the Temple , and lowringly sad , to such , as went out .

While Con is with whelpe , and cries ●hink at euery call , they will fawne like a dogge that standes at receite of a trencher , they will smooth the with swete Sir , sooth thy person , and soke thy purse , but when all is gone and nothinge lefte , farewell dagger with dudgin haft : then thou maist go like a dog that hath lost his taile & wander wher thou wilt like a new shorne shéepe , with out more seruice at their commaunds , till thou hast more wooll on thy backe to pay thy next yeares fees .

If a a man should desire an herauld to sift out her pettigrée , and aske of an armourer to blaze her armes , her stock would be found to be the maine sea , wereof she is nothing but the ouerture and of scombe .

Her armes ( as Poets tricke them ) are the head of Capricorne , for her right honourable style . I will goe as nere it as I canne . A yonge Sainct , and an old Deuill , and all at once : with honye in her mouth , and a sting in her tayle , and that for the nonce : a swete swillings , I would the swine had her : trim tram , neither good for God nor m●n : as kind to the as a coosen , and as familiar to all as Tullies Epistles : currant in sound , and counterfeit in stampe : as meeke as a lambe , and as necessary as a mare .

Whether it is better liuing contentedly with thy modicum , augmenting it with industry , or sette all on slee sinke , whether thou shalt haue thine owne or nothinge , iudge you . I commende that sentence , though I hate the traytour that spoke it . ( It is better to be king of a mould hil , then to be subiecte to a mountaine . ) And therefore saide Alexander , if he had not bene Alexander , he would haue bene Diogines for his contented minde . It is good to be at freedome where one may raunge where he wil , rouse when he will , neyther flattering for promotion , neyther fearing displeasure .

I were ill to be Aristotle de natura animalium , I am so in artificiall in the description of Venus , but Socrates by the reporte of Anthony in the bookes de Cratura , saw he was eloquent inough that could open his mind simply , as I haue done .

A man may liue thrice Nestors yeares , thrice wander out Vlisses race , ere be gaine that by seruice , that sometime hath bene a common pencion , or make a iuste annalogy of credit , with his cost .

I deny not but it were good for younge gentlemen to knowe this by triall , if that were all : it would chaine them at home from chaunging for new , and better would they déeme it , to sléepe quietly in homelye cabin without gunshot of daunger , then lie like Princes , be serued like Princes , with such imminent daungers , as Tullye bringes example of one in the fifte of his Tusculanes .

But wit bought with the price of woe , is a litle to deare . Better be wise by other mons harmes , then rue your follye by your owne hurt . Beleue him that knowes it bicause he hath tried it , & tells you the truth , bycause he loues you .

A Disciple of the Philosophers must beleue their principles , how absurd at the first soeuer they seme , neither is he a faithfull Apostle , that will beleue nothing but what he sees , then haue him in one Article of thy beliefe , that hath the in all the peticions of his Pater noster .

Thus thou seest thy fare ( my childe ) fall too where thou likest , make thy choice where thou wilt , of pretty Venus , pithy Pallas , or princely Iuno .

Such as thou bakest , such shalt thou eat , & such as thou takest , such shalt thou stand too .

If thy fancy haue a combat within yt selfe for the election , thou shalt haue a time to deliberate of it , and after consultation deliuer thy mind .

YOunge Philotimus perceiuing his Fathers care , and more then motherly affection towardes him , ( which is an opposite contradiction to the vse of fathers ) and hauing a surrender of so larg a profer , wherein he might prosecute his conceiued determination , being priuely circumspect in priuate conceit , that neither his father should trippe him in any wild vnweldy attempt , nor he misse of the cushion he ment to sit on , made him this answere .

GOod Father , though Aristotle would haue one long a deliberating , and soone to practise , yet you haue no sooner spoken then I am spedde .

To séeke to wade déepe , where the foorbe is shallowe , or to breake downe the hedge , where the way lies open , where none of the first pointes of wisdome , and the very doubte what to doe in a lawfull matter , say our diuines , is a great sinne .

The mistrust in my behauiour you spake on at first , I haue not found in your after spéeches , neither haue I smelt the seuerity of a father , which most children of 〈…〉 .

By howe much the more m●lde you are in your proffer , by so much the more charie will I ●ee at my ●holie . The Lion feares the litle crowing cocke , the stronge and sterne Panther quakes at the presence of an Hi●d , He●aclides the Philosopher by gentle handling , taught a ●●agon to follow him vp and downe , the haggard by luring is 〈◊〉 man●ed .

Neuer any thinge happened more delightsome to mee , then this your kindnes , hony within , and oyle without , the one toothsome , and both holesome .

Where your curtesie grauntes a priuiledge , I hope custome will graunte a pardon , if I happe not to haue the righte sowe by the eare . In all my election , I appeale from mine owne inuention to your iudgement , willing to be disposed at your good pleasure .

For Venus , I am to young to know her sleightes , and to olde to learne them . If I were a gander , I would neuer chuse a goose of that kind . I loue no beare so old brotcht . Let Beautie shutt vp her shop , and trusse vp all her trash , Luxurie hath stolne her finest stuffe , and left her in the lash . I am content to learne of the market folks how the market goes , to teach my self , and instruct others , but not to make an occupation of that profession . It is not enfranchised in the same liberties that other sciences are , in which a man after seuen yeares apprentiship shall be made frée , but at the moste in this he is but a iourneyman , where he may worke for his mistris , crucify his carkas , and serue till he sterue , while grasse is a growing .

It is hard when peace hangs in the ballaunce of war , and my safetie , in my louers honestie .

If I bee zealous in affection , and iealous of her faithe , I smoulder away inwardly , without any remedy : If she make me weare hornes and I not perceiue it , I am noddified of her , and pointed at of others : and so , they crowne a cuckold with a combe , and this is their desire .

Then for any office I gette among honest folkes , I may kéepe the geese on the greene , for breaking their teeth with grazing .

I haue red that Attyla king of Pan●onia , slew eleuen thowsand Virgines at the siege of Colonia : but a man mighte induce mee , without a Sermon pareneticall for exhortation , that hee might séeke bothe where they were and were not , ( as Skoggin did the bare ) and presse an army royall of arrand honest women , to scale the sorttesse of modestie with friday fated scoulds , ere he coulde triumph for halfe such a victory in t●ise so much space .

I could neuer forget a riddle that an olde author of mine proposeth in a paire of verses .

Est arbor in siluis , quae scribitur octo figuris , Fine tribus demptis , vix vnam in ●ille videbis .

This trée is Castanea , from whence take away N , E , A , and there remaines Casta , of which chaste thinges she parson of the parishe maye well tithe the Tenthes to eke forthe his liuinge , and neyther the towne empayred , nor hee enriched by this extortion .

I requeste a fauourable interpretation of my inuectiue ( reuerent Sir ) without glowing of your eares , with my ouerflowing eloquence .

I am not so crooked in nature , as the crabbed ●ld men in Terehee , that thoughte nothinge well done , but that they did themselues : no● so eger as the wolfe , to barke at the mo●●e . I cannot catche : ●e is to busye , that hath an ore stirring in other mens houses , without leaue on their partes , or ●●ille on hi● owne , that correcteth Magnificat , before he can singe T●d●●n , that controles the Court , which is not in his circuits , being neither a courtie● by bringing vp , nor a carter by birth , ●u●● meane man betwixte them both .

I reprehend not the court in generall , nor cannot deuise to amend the Prince , from whence our wellfare is de●●●ed , and to which , our dueties must all retire , as the riuers to the 〈◊〉 . But in great houses be vessels as well of tinne as of siluer , wher God buildes a church , the deuill builds a chappell , and euery commoditie hath his discommoditye , saith the sheph●●●●s olde frende Mantuan .

The serpent lurkes in the grene grasse , the mothes eat the best garmentes , where Bacchus and Ceres be caterers for the house , Venus will haue her gambalde reuels , where delicate dainties be their diet , as becomes a princes maiestie , & sumptuous robes their garmentes , where pride is a vertue of necessity ( as Tullye speaketh of Capitolum , which being made to the most aduauntage , was most beutiful to the vew , & must nedes be so ) ●her ●eaking Venus play the vice to make them sport .

With Iuno I dare not meddle , she is better for my thriuing , and vnfitter for my yeares .

A sword must not be giuen into a childes hand , least he hurte himselfe . He that sets an infant on a greate horse to teach him to ride , may peraduenture saue the charges of a schoolemaster , to teach him his necke verse , and wishe for a surgeaunt , to sette his necke bone .

But with writinge I maye learne to write , with practising of of my tongue become eloquent , & with beginning betimes to gather wealth , quickly grow riche .

Indeed euery thing hath a beginning ( as the parasite told his maister , which said he toke his seruaunt for no liar , and now had sound it contrary ) and therefore we must worke by lyne and leisure , and not leape ouer the stile , before we come at it . No man I trow , will take vpon him to write a volume , before he can set his letters , neither learn his letters before he be of some yeares . To excercise in Rhetoricke ( saith Crassus ) before he haue discipline , wil make him ready to speake , and barbarous in speaking , as he bringeth example of himselfe : and to commit wealth to him which yesterday came out of the shell , & yet hath neyther learned by reading , nor vse ; how to adde to it , neither by either of both , knowes the swéetenes of it , which woulde make him keepe it , doth much in my minde ( vnder correction be it spoken ) resemble him , that leaues his gloue by the way , and bids his spaniel bring it after , that is a rude whelpe , and neuer taught to carry .

A ship cannot surely sayle without an helme , nor any fly without naturall winges : which Bladud kinge of England aduenturing to doe by art , brake his necke . So did the men of Gotam tye their rentes in a purse about an hares necke , and bad her carrie it to their Landlord : how well they were serued , I cannot but smile to thinke , neither at that , but at their follies .

Were it not very absurd for one that hath no skill to begin to build an house , and laye the foundation , saying that by building he would learne to build ? or for maides being scarse borne , to begin to bride it , and say in so doing they woulde learne to wiue it ? I wis it were , and most absurd .

But indeed to giue any great regarde to wealth at all , more then to expell cold , and sustaine nature , is nothing but vanitye . Alas what praise is it to be couetous of that , which makes no difference of good men from bad , saith he in his Ethickes , and to say truth , rather a note of ill menne . For Plutarch I remember hath these wordes . It is very probable that euery riche man eyther hath bene wicked , or the heire of a wicked man , which though it be not true , yet the Philosophers wordes do neuer want their weight .

It is good say you , to be stored with diuers sortes , bycause it is constant in nothing but inconstancie .

Of diuers sorts it néedes not , when one may suffice , of diuers sorts it bootes not , when all is vncertaine .

For the formers proofe , let Marcus Curius serue , a Romane captaine against King Pirrhus and the Samnits , who at the spoyle of any towne , would take no more then he gaue his soldiours , saying he was an euill citezin , that could not liue with that , which satisfied others . When the seruants of the Samnites brought him gold for a present , as he sat séething rapes in an earthen vessell , he refused it , saying , he had rather be Lord of them that owed the goulde , then bée vassaile to the desire of so contemptible pelfe .

For the second , I haue heard this reason alleadged against Aristotle , to proue a terrae motus , that is , an Earthquake , diffused throughout the earth , which he denies . When the parts and the whole ( saith mine authour ) are all of one qualitie , and the partes doth moue , as all may see , the whole likewise may do the same : but the parts of the earth , and the whole lumpy masse are of one nature in respect of firmnes , therfore &c. and since false fortunne say I , is the gouernesse of of all wealth , if one parte is frayle , it is something like that all is fragile .

Epaminondas was wont to forsake all presents , saying , he would doe that was right without rewards , and for rewards he would doe no wrong .

When the kinges fisher laieth her eggs , the seas are calme till they be hatcht , and then with roring fury carries them all a way the ore is made much on for his hide , the Elephant for his tooth , & so shall I for that , which they would wishe my death for .

He that will be welthy , must conforme himselfe to the fashion of the worlde ( saith Plutarch ) looke a man in the face , and cut his throat .

Wealth is the haruest of fortunes flattery , which who so meanes to catch , muste bee as it were a glasse wherin others may sée their conditions , much like an ape , that mops and mowes as his maister doth , to make him sport . He must laugh when they laugh , so shall he be merie , sweare that they aunswere , and that s a good figboy . If with Caligula one speake like a foole in the senate house , he muste saye with Domitian , that his eloquence sheweth him to haue laien with the moone .

The cunning Fowler is cloathed with feathers , the craftye Raunger in a Deeres skinne , Alcibiades was at Athenes a Scholler , at Lacedemonia a Hunter , at Tisapherne a carpet Knight .

But trust me , to gaine all the wine of Calidon , the fishes of Hircany , the dainties of Media , I meane not to make my selfe an open president , for proufe of these matters .

For as well maye he stande still , whom the Deuill driues , as hee leaue of , that once assayes to gather wealth , as you your selfe for-warned .

Sore eies may not vewe the light without a scarfe , nor the credit of cormorauntes shew it selfe without their coyne .

He that bestowes rewards to insinuate himself into frendship , is like Bath-kepers asse , that brought his master fewell home to make fires , and he himself liued with smell of the smoake .

Those second sort of liberall men ( as Aristotle tearmes them ) whom you feede with giftes , gape for them by custome , as they doe for their die● , willing to picke a quarrell , if they be not continued , & readye to caste you of , if you stande néede to them .

If you your self ( deare father ) woulde disclaime in this case , or giue it ouer by non-suite , and on other atturneye reteyned in your roome , I could find him sport by my litle Philosophye , if I were disposed to play with his nose , or cast pearles before swine in steed of brasse .

he might tricke his speech with a few superficiall colours , but all his statly style were not woorth a strawe , & his wiels wayed in right ballaunce , his witt would be found to want waight . It is ill deluing for money quoth phalareus lest one digg so low till he grub vp the deuill , gapers for gudgeons are soone choked : one said to Alcmeon , the way to increase his strength , was to diminish his desire man was made with his face towards heauen , as a token the heauenly matters should be his meditation , & the eyes of beasts turned downward , to seeke nothing but gourmantize , and meate for their bellies .

The question of mariage is abortiue , & therefore must néeds be a weakeling too timely mariage saith Aristo . in his Pol: filles the common wealth full of dwarfes , and women : and therefore he thinkes it good that men should liue sole , till thirtye seauen yeares , and women till 18.

Homer scares me from these matches , who brings in Iupiter and Iuno euer brawling , the Massagets tould Pompey they lay with their wiues but once a weeke , bycause they would not heare their scowldinges in the daye , nor their pulinges in the night .

If my wyfe were nought , I might wish her longe inough at the deuil eare god would fetch her , and if she were good , I should feare eare she died she would be turned into a fury , as Iphanassa the wyfe of Melampus , was for her bewtye by enuious Iuno : it is more agreeable to my yeares to be termed ser boye , then an honest man .

Among all forts of conceyted fellowes , I reuerence the Essenians , as most continent in pleasures , & contented with nifles , for they abhor the company of women , & detest the possession of gold & siluer . Thus Venus is wanton and euer is wanting , treasure is tickle , and a iuell of ieopardy , mariage marrs all , if it be out of season . I vtterly therefore renounce these two Goddesses and ani content with the losse of a double game , to post it ouer to Pallas : yet at our parting blow , to reconcile my selfe with méeke intermission , I hartilie wish they be not offended , and to make sure my attonement without feare , I will deale with them , as the Romaines did with Vulcane : for hauing receiued some hurt of fire , they thought it good to hould a candell before the deuill , and speake him faire while their féete were in his mouth , and giue vnto Vulcan the honour of a God , mary they shut him out of the citie to bannish him their company , that he came no more there : and if that can please them , I can brooke to call them Goddesses , so they release me of their seruice .

Poore Aglus for his vprightnes in small substaunce , was preferred by Solon before the cuffine Craesus . Agesilaus said , he had rather be king in Sparta , then God in Theseus . One goinge about his busines with an haulter in his hand , chaunced to finde monye which a miser had hid , which money he tooke , and layde downe the haulter in the place : the olde huddle missing his monye at his next visitation , toke the haulter and hanged himselfe , and venus herselfe passing by Eurota , was enforced to begg some ayde of Pallas and vse her launce .

I will not blowe retreate to euery trayne , nor be a scholler and a traytour , as Critias was to Socrates , I haue not so soone cast my Philosophers head , neither haue I bene hitherto bathed in Heraclitius his floode , to be chaunged to a new nature .

In olde time they were forbidden to expound oracles which had any botch in their bodyes , and they which would inuest themselues in an house of religion , should impart all their goods , & giue them to the needy , I therefore with a curteous couge , humbly take my leaue of Iuno , and bid Venus adwe with a gentle Vibaccio , nothing dowbting , that as when Hanibal layde seige to the cittie Casilinum , one mouse was sould for two hundred pence and he that sould the mouse dyed himselfe for hunger : So I for greedines to learning in this hard world giuing ouer my claim of welth all at once ( as Antiochus at one push lost all Asia ) shall in time feele sorrow and small beare run full neare my hart .

In deede a leane fee befits a lasye clarke , yet maye I well compare Pallas to Amaltheas horne , which yeelds what frute soeuer one desireth , although , as none knewe the vse of Hercules his poysoned arrowes , but Philoctetes , so none knowes the benefite of Pallas , but her faithfull seruaunts .

It is wrytten of Plautus , that spending all he had in plaiers garments , he was brought to such pouerty . that for liuing hee was faine to serue a baker in turning a Querne , from which when he could bee dismissed he writ comodies . Policrates was so happie , that he sought misfotune by casting a ring he had of inestimable value into the sea , which one finding in a fishes mouth , restored it to Policrates , insomuch that wishing mishap he could not haue it , yet afterward was he hanged by Orontes a persian : notwithstanding I hope that though I renounce my profit , and request in some sort my euill fortune , yet as I shall obteyne what I wish , I meane learning , so I shall misse that I doe not craue , I meane beggerye .

Iustinianus the Emperour descending of so base a stocke that his vncle by the mothers side was a swynehearde , was aduaunced by Pallas to his immortall dignity .

The laboures I shall support ere I come to the port , doe nothing quaile my kindled courage . Euclides could euery night goe to Socrates at Megaera , mount Athos was made nauigable by zerxes , Cesar made two great bridges in one daye , and who hath not heard of Hercules his laboures , why then should I feare so smal a paines .

In a certeyne battaile betwixt the spiders and the flies , the sielie flies seing them selues ouermatched began to plucke in their hornes , where there generall inciting them , bad them decline their eies from their enemies force , and looke to themselues to saue their liues . Catiline in his conspiracie , encouraged his souldiers with this argument-that they should looke on the standard , the siluer Eagle , which was the ould auncient of their mother Rome , and syght for it . A pleasant praye entiseth many a theefe . A louer of Cassandra who was come to ayde Troy for her sake , seing her hayled and dragged by her golden tresses , inflamd no less then Hercules with Dianiraes shirt , flange in headlong amonge their enemies , neither could be restrayned by any feare of death , till he had rescued her .

Cesar at the riuer Rubrico , dowting of his passage , a younge man sodenlye appearing all in whyte apparrell , snatched a trumpet from a stander by , and leaping into the riuer sounded it , by the which instigation Cesar gaue the aduenture to passe the riuer . The Graecians somewhat couwardly in the wa● against the Medeans , seing the shape of Theseus , as Coronell in the vauntward , were by and by incensed te battaile .

All these iointly , & euery one seuerally , I alledge , to show what heat the blazing hew of Pallas ( which methinkes I sée a farr of ) doth bréede in me . Eneas hauing lost Creasa his wife in his escape from Troy , retyred back againe amids ten thousand enemies to séeke her , & when he could not finde her by no pryinge in euery corner , he lifted vp his voyce inuironned on euery side with his foes , & loudlye cried out , Creusa , Creusa , neither euer would leaue ransacking til her ghost appeared to him and tould him she was dead . How often did the said Eneas forrage vpon his enemie Turnus ? how often did Turnus & Eneas trauerse their skirmish for their deare Lauinia ? It is a shame to giue ouer saith Seneca when the thing sought doth recompence the paines . I therefore am purposed with an absolute determination ( my duety to you reserued ) neuer to tire till I haue found the holy land , where pallas houlds her imperiall seate , which happy houre when it shall arriue , them shall I think my selfe in persone glorious , in doctrine wise , in deeds heroicall , vnboweled of griefe , entrailed with vertue , embellished with a memory surmounting mortality .

The lord Cleocritus hearing this munificall speech compiled by his sonne , with such dexterity in spéech , & pregnancie in with ( a right certeine ensigne of a generous hart ) was rapt with admiration , and almost captiuate with so ioious an agony , that he could not couertly conceale it with a guileful dissembling , but at length all repleat with pestring ioyes boulted out these wordes .

A gospell on the mouth ( philotimus ) & gods blessing be euer thy protection for as there was no better token of winter , then to see phocion go shod : so there can be no more manifest marke of valiant magnanimity , carefull for him selfe & his countries behofe , then to see youth hang vp the bitt of wanton tyme , not like the foolish larke , deceiued with swetnes of the call : although as the same phocion was he whom Apollo ment was contrary to all the citye , so this is a contrary guise to the frequented trade of all gréene yeares .

In déede ( philotimus ) though I vn●oulde the whole far●ell of daungers which might seath thy iourney , and teach thee a stopgaliard in the pilgrimage of thy voiage : yet truth it is , as thou of thy selfe art well aduertised in remouinge all offences , whiche might escandalize thy courage . It ●ares with Pallas , as Suetonius writes of Octauius the Emperour , that neuer any ambassadours came in his presence , which at the first sight were not toucht with feare , and after in communicating did not adore and loue him bycause great was the maiestie , wherewith he did receiue them , and after swete were the wordes , wherewith he did dispatch them .

Yet if that wilt not in inconstancy imitate the souldiours of Germanie , whom olde Antiquaries haue regestred to begin their assaults with choller , and continewe the same with fury , and after with requests of collusion , to suffer their sharpe spurrs be blunted , & recalling their intents , fal into a relaps , Thou must follow the Romaine victorers , who in their triumphant celebrations first visited the temples , embruing the aultars with fore-vowed sacrifices , before they vndertoke any other solemnities in their triumphs , reuels in their sports , affaires forthe weale publiques . For as it was inacted by the martiall lawes , to be no lesse then the losse of his life , that entred the captaines pauilion without his leaue for a warrant : so it will be preiudice to his successe , the attem●●s pallas , induced with a toie or emulation , & not inuited by deuotion , first gett her beneuolence with inuocation of hartye praiers , which pallas wil bee so much the more prone to licence ( if your tongue be not too laxatiue , & vtter more then your ha●t can disgest ) by how much the more oportunitye of time is now conuenient

For as alexius afterward emperour spoke in an oration he had to the senate , the sea that now may be spurned , sometime may not be touched , & Coonts that be in season betwixt Christmas & Candelmas , after the prefixed date expired may be vagarant where they wil without any mans eating . Notwithstanding philotimus thy aptnes be quadraunt on euery side , as fit as a die , yet thou art not to learne that a great haruest , must haue a great tillage , the milke must be brused before it be butter , & lastly as to haue is good happ , so to hould fast is a great vertue otherwise thou maist for a time bleare mens eyes with a florishing glose , but at the length when the cock shall crowe , & the day begin to dawne & thou shalt be vrged to publish thy skil , & bring it to light , it wil befall vnto thee as that did vnto Veturnus Turinus , who being about the emperour as one in great fauour , had egres a●d regres , neither hatch before dore , noe meeke before his snow● , to intercept his patene accesse : which such as as had any sute to dispatch with the prince perceiuing , as men the cast water in the sea , sooner to win the hauen , or as fulsum huswiues greasing the fatt sowe in the tayle to make better bacon , so they bribed him that was abundaunt in all possessions , to haue an ende of their long trauersed suits : he somethinge saucie with his liege the Emperour , bycause gaines were sweete , would now & than step into presence , finding communication of other matters , and comminge out of the chamber , would giue them this and that aunswere , thus and soe I haue said in thy matters , and thus and so was I answered the Emperour hauing intelligence of his vilianye , caused a foster to request him to moue the Emperour in a certeyne case , which he promised nothing niggardly , for such courtesie cost him nothing : but all were serued with one hand , hee as the rest , and the rest as young courtiours : by which witnes Turinus conuinced of his guyle before the prince , & other his robberies by exact inquisition found out , he commaunded him to be fixed aloft vpon a stake , and vnder him to be sett gréene wood & wett strawe , which being sett on fire pestered his nose with a most cruell smoake , that in short space thratled him , a crier with a lowd voyce making proclamation , he that soulde smoake , is smouldered with smoacke .

The morrall of this , is an exhortation to thée , to take paines , not suffising thée with the show without matter of substaunce .

Hymeraeus the poete writt against Helen , & not long after recanted : such small persistaunce in thy consaites I would haue thee auoyde , neither as the sunne the nearer it mounts to the pole , the slower it moues , so thou , when thou art gone some degrees neerer learning , growe more sluggish in thy procedinges .

I would not haue thée merchandize degrees , as some are accustomed now a dayes , but win them by labour , & deserue them by learning Iulianus the Emperour buying the empire of the Pretorians , scarce enioied it a xi monethes , when he was deraind , & slaine , & his wife and onely daughter put to exile .

Young Philotimus daunted at his fathers so vehement exhortation , made him with due reuerence this answere .

Too much drought doth shred the leaues , and too much moysture chokes the grasse

If you had giuen me no fore-warning , I had not peraduenture bene so circumspect , & yet to earnest speach doth sometime agarise me . The rude Sythian had rather heare the neigh of an horse , then Orpheus his harpe , & a vaine foole is he that had rather haue a pl●usible peale of the populer sorte , deluding them with a counterfeite show , then with desert to be a king within himself , without this ringing rumour .

If I employ not my indeuour , let me haue the execution of Draco his law , the depriued them of life , which would not labour , or be vsed as the drones of Hetruria , which were reputed as vacabonds , they condemned to exile , & their goods to the fiscall .

I do acknoweledg that now or neuer is the time to be wrought to the rules of litterature . If Mithridates had not spent his primetide in studye , he had not perfectly learned 22. sundrye languages , and there fore was it well prouided amonge the Romaines that no man should beare office till he were 30 yeares olde , alluding to this principle , that his flowring season conteyned in former yeares , should be reteind in attending good discipline : & this haue I already learnd , that though Arist. will not admitt a yong man to be a scholler of morrall philosophie , because he can hardly represse his extrauagant affections , yet he meanes saith my mayster of yong men in manners & not in yeares .

Well then Philotimus aunswered his father , since this is the determynation of thy Imagination , thou shalt haue a cote cut after thyne owne patterne , & go to thy chosen vniuersity .

But bycause as Laelius saith , if one should be rapt into the third heauen , and haue a reuelation of gods intricate secrets , and had no body to impart them too , his holy inspiration would be conuerted to griefe , neyther can we repose our familiaritye , in any mans companye , so well as his which is like our selues , I not wil only prouide a tutor to ouersee you , but allott you a companion to dryue away tediousnes , that as Sulpitius and Litonus were woont to studye one thing , play both at one tyme , and mutually tend their aides ech to other : so he to you and you to him , may enterchaungeblye be abettours to your studyes , hoorders of your secrets , and ministers of your pastimes . A gentleman he is of no base bloud , neither discrepant to thee in nature , nor different in yeares , and thy dayly playfellowe Aemelius , of whom beinge left orphant I am the gardaunt , to bestow as I will .

Philotimus glad of this felowship , bycause of al men he did most fix his fancy on Aemilius , though liuing together they had many iarrs betwixt them , with bonnet vaild , and knee bowed , gréeted well his fathers purueiaunce .

Of all thinges they ment to haue spéedy dispatch , so that philoti . sent to the countrie to take his leaue of his allies and frendes , Cleocritus had in store against his returne , such a tutor . as Phaenix was to peleus sonne , that is , an instructer to science , and a mirrour in good life .

Now you shall vnderstand gentlemen , that as the ripest witts are commonly infraunchised in al follies , so philotimus sauns all care of his late protestation , hauing passed the tearme of 16. yeares , was as forward as the best in accomplishing his humour .

For as the vnicorne is so strong , that he is not taken with any might or power of hunters , but for to take him a maid is set ther he shall come , who opening her lap , the vnicorne leaueth all his fearcenes , & laying there on his head falleth asleepe , & so is taken and thirled with dartes of hunters , as though nature had giuen him no armour to defend himselfe withall : so Philotimus whiche was neuer gind with other parturbation , was by tymes and too timely , enthralled with beautie .

This may be a cause of the small abode in his blisse , the greene blade that shooteth too earely is soone bitt with a black frost .

There was a gentlewoman by stile , but as I haue heard & partly gesse by her slippery dealinges , giuing no peremptory iudgement but by coniecture , a rare iuewell scraped out of a dunghill , gotten by stealth by the wicked aspect of a beggerly micher , when her mothers husband , her father by name , could not sée for hornes growing ouer his eyes . but the fault you will say was not in her , but in her mother , which in shufling the cards shufled in a knaue too many This gentlewoman almost of equall age with noble philo . her father being deceased , was left in ward with a gentleman neare neighbour to senior Cleocritus , vpon which occasion philo . sometimes in company with her , & often conferring her feature with his fancie , felt at length such skirmishes of affection , that he valiantly proued himselfe a carped knihht ▪ and as plato speaketh of the soule which ascending after death vp to the heauens , & meeting with natures semblable to it selfe in all respectes , staies there , & not before : so she seing his posse , correspondent to her velle , met him iust in the mid-way of all his loue , gaue him pat for pat , loue for loue , as longe as he would .

Now sir , Philotimus being comd home , & ready to depart the next morning , sent his page secretlye to his mistris , requesting parly with her before his iourney , the time he would come , should be when all were at rest , about tenne of the clocke in the nighte . The boy dispatched it roundly , & she graunted it willinglye , yet something nicely , as maydens doe their honestie .

Philotimus asking the boy how he had sped , forsooth quoth he , Daunger yonder kepes the doore , and mistris Modesty the house . I knockt so softly at the gates , as if they had bene my graundfathers soule , then comes mistris Antigone with her whispering who is there . I tould her who , and with what arraunde . Assoone as shée had certified hir mistris , she toulde me her mistris woulde haue you come , and in stead of gréene rushes , she would prouide a banquet made of thrée lett is ( letters I would saye ) w , e , ll , which mente by my construction , that you shoulde be well-come .

Aurelia ( for so was this gentlewoman called ) made none priuy to this counsaile but her woman Antigone , who immediatly after these newes , prepared by her mistrisse appointment a very delicate banquet , of such drugs as she had in the house . Philotimus at the time prefined , accompanied with his page , repayred to his castle of health , who being couertlye admitted by Antigone into mistris Aureliaes chamber , found her sadly sitting vpon a bench , with her hande for a pillow to her heauy heade . Philotimus panting for ioye of his close entry into this pallace of pleasure of his mistris residence , and wondering at her powting sadnes , spake in this manner .

All haile my best Aurelia , what meane these dolefull dumpes ? Is all as you would , or do you hope for better ? and receiuing no aunswere or looke of her againe , my mistris quoth he , is in Archimides his contemplation , studying how to entertaine an vnbidden guest , & stepying forward , softly seazed vpo her arme Aurelia quoth he , what study you on , when you studye of nothing ?

She shoaring vp her eyes , as one newly awaked out of a slumber , what Philotimus quoth she , you are welcome home , I pray God be with yow , I am glad to see you merry , I pray you commend me to all my frendes .

Aurelia said Philotimus , is in a waking womans dreame , shee dreames of cheese , and speakes of chalke , speakes of my presence , and craues my absence . But though I come like ill weather , vnsent for , yet farewell frost is not so soone saide . Her aunswere is like Apollo his Oracle , that may not be assoiled but with doubtfull interpretations , and therefore I will assay to anatomize her meaning . I am as welcome to her , as water into a ship , and if I will be gone , Gods blessing be with me shall- be mine almes .

Nay , stay there Philotimus , ( aunswered Aurelia ) Iuno turned them that troubled the head of the fountaine into frogges , therefore recall your ignoraunte Paraphrase , neither note so faste in the margent , without better vnderstanding , least for corrupting the text , some penaltie befall you . But seth I meane to bee angry with you , I will shewe yow the cause of all my garboile . Your late compacted iourney , was not so smothered in , but that I had a litle bird , that brought me newes of it : & when I heard it , I was aggreued , as sicke as a chick , but much more was I angry , when being in your mouth , ( as Plotina said ) you spit me out like a sluttish morsel and being your next neighbour , and of a little acquaintaunce , you woulde not remember all this vacant time , to let me haue notice of your intent , but left me desolate , taking your flight sodeinly , & now when I haue you , you are gone againe by this time :

Alas said Philotimus , the bound must bend , if thou doest but recount the contentes of my goodwill , which I knowe thou hast capitulated in thy memoryall , thou wilte rue the intestine war , which all this while I haue endured in my fancy towardes thee , and the duety towardes my father : at length I am comd to raunsome my selfe from euill suspition , to represent my gratefullnes , and present my seruice to thy good consideration .

Philotimus , I suppose , had the vertue of the herbe Nepenthes in his phisnomy , which could sacke sorrowe , and make his mistrisse as merry as a maide might be , to whom she aunswered in this sort .

If any tongue in the worlde deserue to bee guilded , it is thine Philotimus , for thou canst so portcolize thy faults , that if they be blacke , they are engrayled with blew , and if they be redde , thou makest them white , wherin , as in other properties , so in this thou resemblest the fayre lilie , which being of a scarlet coulor within , is in outward aspect as hory as the snow . But I remit thy crime howsoeuer or whithersoeuer thou wentest , thoughe it were a feritting for other mens conies . One dramme of curtesie with you , maye serue for a whole pounde of discurtesie , I hadde rather be woonne with an apple , then thou shouldest saye I would bee lost with a nutte , a becke of yours , is as good as a Dieugarde .

Philotimus seing his mistrisses melanchilie so soone chewed , & disgested , thus replied . Eyther age or vse hath giuen me mighte to beare your gibes ( Aurelia ) I cannot wishe you lesse then my soueraigne princesse , you are so mercifull , yet by this that yow say , I can turne my selfe from white to red , from red to whyte , you maye imagine , I am no chaunglinge , like the broode of the Cameleon , who can chaunge himselfe into all coulors , sauing red and white .

I will saie to you , as one said to Fabius Cato , who being a man litle in stature , was soone angrie , and soone pleased . Since your chimney is so small , you must beware to lay too much wood vpon your fyre , least your chimney be alwayes smoaky . There Aurelia made a Colon , bringing in her parenthesis , which was this . Whereas we haue offended eche other without desert , lette thy Squire Parmenio allotte what iudgement we shall suffer for our passed trespasses , Philotimus was pleased . Parmenio aunswered . I thanke our Ladies sonne , that I am comed to the preferment of a iudge , were I so euer , I might perhaps preuent my destiny , which my fathers last legacy bequeathed vnto me , and my coate armour blazed by the Herauldes , dothe plainlye prognosticate , for thus say they . Two trées rampant , with a trée iacant , and a knaue pendant , in a gréene feild , is the badge of a younger brother .

Aurelia doth not iudge my conditions by my coate , for then I were to base for this court , but a foxe though he haue not so gawdye a skin as the Leopard , hath more wit then the speckled foole .

Lorde ( quoth Aurelia ) what a monster arte thou , a man in my eyes , and a foxe in my eares ? Parmenio helde on , not hearinge what she said .

If it were the part of a Iudge to respect parcialitie , I shoulde percase remember my maisters Euening brawlinges , and Morning whippinges , which many a time God knowes , poore I doe feele , heare , and vnderstand . But I would you wist , Parmenio hath emulation for trustines , with Anthony the Oratours seruaunt , who being rackte and torturde to giue testimony against his maisters adultery , when he had played faste and louse with a pretty wench , would rather endure to die , then make an Apocalips of his maisters priuities ; therefore with warrantize of my vpright dealing , now to the purpose .

For as much as my maister hath offended you ( mistris Aurelia ) with his vngratefull negligence , and you haue greued my maister with your sinister suspition , wherof the one he hath made auriculer confession , and of the other you are not acquited , I pronounce , that for pour bypartite sinnes , both of you , till to morow morning at six of the clocke , doe penaunce together in a paire of white sheetes .

They both smild at the boyes conceit , and Aurelia not able to vtter one worde for laughing , faintlye foltered out as followeth . O God , O God , O Parmenio , thou doest me so much good I can not abide thée . Alas said he , I hurt you God thanke me , but when coltes crye wyhye , they are commonlye lustye . I will not kicke quot● Aurelia , least I seme to be gauld , but thou art t●o h●sty for a parish priest , that consummates a mariage , before the banes be asked , and bringes vs to bed , before we be married .

Their banquet was ready , the boord couered , and Parmenio & Antigone stoode in steade of sewer and seruitours . Parmenio seing the night ouertake them , and acquainted with his maisters hamour , who had rather haue bene talkinge with Aurelia , then féeding of these viaundes , made so great hast that he spild a broth on her gowne . Very well said Philotimus , so could I haue done my selfe . Me thinkes you should , said the boy , when I doe it before you . Aurelia smiled at his aunswer , and pacifying his maister , toulde him that since the effecte was so good to make them sport , the cause must deserue no reprehension . Nay , quoth Parmenio , you haue no honestie in your victuals . No , ( aunswered Aurelia ) frowning at it , howe than ? No forsooth quoth the boy , neuer an herb called honesty . Thus they merely past the whyle , the page willing to cheare them with iesting .

But my yong Lady was no Epicure at her meat , still staring in Philotimus his face , & ministring meruailes to her selfe of that , which was no noueltie for her to vew .

Parmenio marking howe she plaid bo-péepe , spoke to his maister in this sort . If mistris Aurelia feede on your phismony song , as she doth this nighte , shee will make you looke with a paire of Lenton cheekes : whether it be for sparinge of her cates or no● , I know not , but all this nighte she hath neither other sustenaunce nor taste , but such as come from your amorous countenaunce , to her gloting eies .

I haue hearde saie Aurelia , that the nourishmente is alwayes like the body nourished , and if it be so , I hope there is some sympathy betwixt his lookes and my liking .

Par.

In-deed that which nourisheth , turneth into the substaunce of that which is nourished , and therefore I doubt not , but anone my maister will find the way into your litle substaunce .

Aur.

I trow nay , Philotimus will not do so , he is my best child .

Par.

When you haue borne him , and brought him foorth , yow may lawfully call him child , and he you mother .

His maister thanked him that he was so diligente a broker for his pleasure .

Par.

It is not for disability in you , and that which I say , you must seale , wherin stands the vertue . Princes you know in parliament houses haue their speakers , to declare their pleasures , and case themselues . If you haue a letter of good tidinges , it is no matter what varlet be the carrier , so you know his hand who hath signed it and sent it . mistris Aurelia takes no kepe how great a bragger I be , so you proue your self a valiaunt rider .

Philot.

had done his deuoire , Aurelia was sufficed , & the table taken vp , Antig. & Parmen , cabbished together into a bye lobby where they refreshed themselues with the relicks of their reuersion , and Parmenio plaid his reakes , whose shorte colloquy yow shall heare seiunctly .

Par.

Nowe mistris Antigone , you haue laboured till yow sweate , and I haue toyled till I am drye , therefore if thou be at leysure , I will be so bolde as drinke to you , if you will giue me leaue .

Ant.

I am not at leasure to giue the leaue , but take thee thy choice of a thowsand thankes .

Par.

I haue a su●●e to you , but that I feare the repulse , and a whelpe that firste doth misse of his game , doth neuer after proue woorth an haw .

Ant.

A Butchers curre doth neuer alter his nature , as for water Spanyels , wee haue no neede of them in this place .

Par.

If you haue learnd the eight liberall science . I mean edgging . I will sett a spoke to your ●●gge Antigone , but good my wench , ●ooke with thine eies , and pitty wi●h thine h●rt .

O quoth Antigone , I loue the terribly , but it is a chiefe point of art to dissemble art . I loue thée well , but I trust in God thou shalt neuer knowe it . Parmenio seing himself thus ridden , g●ue her a loue tap vpon the cnéeke , as though he would haue bette her for mocking him , I will beate the bush quoth hee , and then peraduenture I shall catch the birde : for whips and faire wordes are the best to winne women .

Antig.

Indeed , thou art more like a stale to deceiue women , then aproper man to winne them by might , yet such battes will scare the foule away .

But there rest they in their meriment till the nexte morning , and returne wee to Philotimus , who is courting his mistris , recording oulde loue without vpbraiding , & requesting a contracte without resistaunce .

Aurelia although shee were not inferiour to him in fancy , yet did she doubt though she were younge , that youth woulde turne with the wind , for that as Tully saith , they loue ardore quodam adolescentulum , and stoode aloofe in denying his suite , insomuch that Philotimus very pensiuely protested she kild him with obstinacie , their conference I haue described dialogue wise .

Aur.

Hath not she action that kills , and he passion that is kild ? How can it then be , that when as he that loues doth worke , and ●he that is loued suffers , she should kill him ?

Philot.

Nay , rather he that loues suffers , and she workes .

Aur.

But hath not he frée choice , to loue or not to loue ?

Phil.

He hath .

Aur.

Then he killes himself that loues .

Phil.

The woman killes not bycause she is loued , but bycause she loues not againe . For whosoeuer maye saue , and will not , killeth . O Aurelia , be not so sterne to him that hath elected that and none els for his felicitie , lest Nimesis the goddesse , who wreakes all iniuries with sharp reuengment , take my cause in hand , and plague thée , though she helpe not me .

Aur.

What wouldest thou haue me say ?

Phil.

But thrée wordes , that as I am thine , so thou art mine for euer .

Aur.

This is a short song , with a long Epiphonema .

A matter of marriage requires deliberation .

Phil.

But I haue deliberated too long .

Aur.

It is Loue , not Wisdome , makes you thinke thus , and Loue is blind .

Phil.

No , no , my loue sees , for thou doest not seme such a one , bycause I loue thee , but I loue thee , bycause thou arte suche a me .

Aur.

Thou art not wel acquainted with my manners , if thou ●addest worne the shooe , thou mightest iudg wher it would hurt thee . Virginitie is a faire thinge . Is it not a better sighte to sée a freshe Rose in the stalke , then withered in a Gentlemans ●a●●● ?

Phil.

Had you rather haue nothing but flowers in your orcharde , or the flowers falling of , haue your Trées swelle with apples ?

Aur.

But chastitie is a good thinge .

Phil.

Therefore would I marry a chast maide , and it may be a time we shal liue chast , in the meane time we must learne it : or we cannot attaine to all at the first .

Aur.

What ? get virginity with violating of it ?

Phil.

Yea , why not ? Wee learne to abtaine from wyne by drinking litle & litle . If virginity be so laudable , them it is not lawfull to marry , but say not so Aurelia , least like an vnkind ●i●d , the defoile thine owne nest , accuse thy mother of dishonesty , and thy selfe of basterdie .

Aur.

I shall lose my libertie .

Phil.

Nay , thou shalt be Quene , & I King , and we will gouerne our familie . Is not your mind tied to your bodye , yet woulde it not be loosed , bycause it is there willingly .

Aurelia desirous to shift of this talke , found euery crafty hoal● to thrust her head in .

But it may be ( quoth she ) we shall be barren .

Phil.

As though you are not so nowe . And it is better to liue , to die , then neuer to liue at all : If we haue ioy , it shall be double , if griefe , thou shalt beate but a part .

Aur.

Our children may miscarry .

Phil.

That lieth in vs : for if we be good , they will be good . Tigres are not borne of lambes , nor doues of rauens , nor hadde children of parentes that giue good example .

Aur.

These thinges are hard .

Phil.

Bicause they are good , and that is the cause that you are so hard , bycause you are so fayre .

Aur.

Alas Philotimus , why doe we recken our chickens before they be hatcht , and trouble our selues about these matters , which maye time inough be talked on seuen yeares hence ? Wee are too litle , & to yong , for the delightes of marriage .

Phil.

Tush Aurelia , a shorte sacke hath a wide mouth , & yong kids lether will stretch , and well thou knowest , a woman without a man , is like a ship without a stearne , when I haue left my affection here at home , it wil be a cause I shall sit at my study , not wandering abroad with wauering wool gathering thoughts . And as the Dromeda , which runneth a hundreth miles or more a day , canne long continue his course and running withowten meate , and after his tedious iourneyes contentes himself with brousing on the date trée , and a few stones thereof : so can I endure pains all these our vnmellowed yeares , in hope to possesse thée as mine hire .

Aur.

Thou art not like the Crocodile that wantes his tongue . Phil. But I am like him in this , that I would liue either by water or land fo● enioye the. I thinke thou hast the precious stone Sardonix , who hath the propertye to make one lowly and humble in their doinges as thou art . which way lookest thou Aur. not affording me a good countenance ? my I read is dough , if the béest of the nature of the bird Kalader , which when a man hath bene long s●ck , if he shall dye turnes a away her face from him , & if he shall escape death , streth her sight vpon him and behouldeth him chearfully ?

Aur.

tell me this , wold you haue me married to a dead man as you are ?

Phi.

The herb panace can reuiue the dead : the touch of the saphyre can rid the diseased of the greuous sore the Carbuncle : Orphens his harp raysed Euridice his wife from death : and your ●●●ning I know in this poynt wil be as currant as neds , so your ●●nsent be not awanting . I giue you the supremasie of my soule vse it as you list .

Aur:

yea Philotimus the Eagle is called quéene of all other birds , yet she stirth from the litle kinde of swallowe whiche is all black , not daring to fall on her praye till the swallowe fly abroade , and on the contrary , our hollow father the Pope is cleped the seruaunt of seruaunts , yet he ruleth the rost within most parts of Christendome : I now am misteris and you seruaunt , this order wil be inuerted if wee couenaunt th●● .

Neuerthelesse taking this friuolous talke for firme truth of your loyaltye and knowing that the precious stones Ce●idom● , if you will haue them vertuous , must be taken out of the swallowes womb before they touche the ground , and that as one fruite of the figtree ( which beareth fruite three or four times ayeare ) rypeth , another springeth , so thefarest haue must be taken in time , which being grounded vppon long continuaunce , if it some time chaunce to quayle it will springe againe in the same for me , I am contente to yeeld my selfe a vassall to your desire ,

Phil.

Fye pleasure , fye , thou cloyest the withe delyghte . Nowe Priams sone giue plane , thy belens how is stainde , O Troylus weepe no more , faire Coes●d thyne is loth●ye sowle . Nor Hercules thou haste cause to vaunt for thy swete Omphale , nor Romeo thou hast cause to weepe for Iuliets losse , if euer Amelia had saluted your sight , whose bright eye beams like the precious Carbuncle show so many reflexions , that selfe God Cupid god of loue , hath chosen to be blind , lest proper dart at sight of her should wound his brest . O Gods , and fates , and rowling heauens , can I my loues deare loue forget ? God knowes I wish I could requite , but God confound if I forget .

I vsurpe any maistrie ouer thee ? nay if thou wilt so farr debase thy selfe as make me thy fellow we will beare the bridle euenly with equall peyz .

Aur Pertinax in beginning of his reigne thinking that the heauens were a mete burden for none but Atlas , nor the imperiall crowne a congruent garland to none but to those of diuine excellencie , defect whereof he bewatled in him selfe , and the surplusage whereof he admired in others , would haue instauled them Consul Glabrion in the empire , and haue placed him in the chayce of estate . In whose refusall Glabrion persisting aunswered him thus . Thy humble humility which thou showest pertinax , in the lack of merit of the Empire , maketh thee of deseruing sufficient to be inuested in the Empire .

Neither must I insult ouer thy subiection , but in lieu thereof , giue thee a counterpaine of my hart , neither is it proper to our sex to rule , but a property in yours to proffer seruice , and bycause it should not stinke for stalenes , you leaue it of at daye of your mariage .

A picture portrayed in wax showes as faire as one ingrauen in marble , but continewes not so long , thornes beare to the sight as fair flowers as the geliflower , Christall seemes a precious stone till it come to hammering , and it may be , though I hope better , that this loue of yours is good for a flight , and then casts of her bels ,

Phil.

vse not , as you muse , and good inough . It is no shame to luke a fall , but a shamefull fall to lye long . It grieues me not ●hat thou vsest obiections , but gauls me to the hart that thou wilt beleeue nothing . I am no master to clock ill meaninge in ●ire wordes , but thou doest turne me to a manner to loose my tongue for very sorrowe .

Yet will I be as ready to spend my spirits in thy seruice , as am dull to spare my speach in mine owne defence . In hostag● whereof , heere take my hart in habit of my hand , to bestowe at your pleasure , but if you will giue it hospitallity in your brest , I will do as much for you in the like matter , she grasping his hand , he offered to kisse her , which she r●f●sed . It is an euill cold ( quoth he ) that may not lick his owne fingers .

Aur.

I may not kisse , or I must kepe my virginity sound for you .

Phi.

Doth k●ssing impaire virginity .

Aur.

I pray you would you haue me to giue kisses to other men ?

Phi.

No , kepe my kisses for me .

Aur.

You boare me in hand , that the greatest part of your hart is in my custodye . If you lay lips to lips , it may peraduenture all flitt into me .

Philotimus did not day the matter , but vsed that force which vseth to be welcome to all women , when they make resistaunce as though they would not be ouercomed .

Both parties pleased , many an interchaungable oth they tooke , that sooner Zanthus should recule , sooner Harts should feede in the aire , sooner Eagles flie the doues , then they would part with ought but death , whilst any Grashopper should féede on dewe , whilst any Bee should seede on time , whilst any Turtles loue their mates , they woulde not faint in faith , and after death surumours hart should still concomitate corses ghost , and with these words briefely concluded all their mistrust .

Aur.

When loue is ' cloyed , the royle at grass may run , I seate .

Phil.

When hoofe is hole , the hackney still is hyred , thou knowest .

Aur.

When corne is sould the market cleane is done .

Phil.

The Chapmans dayly neede will stul vpholde the market .

Now nights dark mantle gan to auaile , the day bright star , dan Lucifer icleeped , by office forerunner to Radiant Phebus bedecked the skye , and none but it . Now was the dolinge houre comd , wherein Philotimus must departe , for feare of discryinge .

Howe often did they pray the slyding Night , so linger not a whyle ? Howe often did they curse the lyght-some lyefe Aurora , for her quick returne ? sayinge that it was casye to knowe the cause of her earelye rysinge , bycause shee laye withe the ould man Tithonus , but if her louer Cephalus myght haue bene her contemporant , shee had not bene so hastye .

Now like the warblinge larke or other ayerye chyrpinge byrd , whiche all the night is tongue tyed , and descants it at sight of dewye morninge , so shee whiche all the night was as dayntye of a woorde , as Democrytus of a tear sunge in the morninge a songe of three parts , her tongue auouchinge permanent constancye , her eyes bemoninge their hastye partinge , her handes beatinge her tender brest , in remembraunce of longe sequestration .

She which before seemed to warme her selfe at Philotimus his fire , and learne loue of him , nowe her smoulderinge heate burst out to open flame , she whose conduite semed to be stopped or pipes cut of , now gushed out into seas of tears , those handes that thrust him back before , begriped his handes , imbraced his corps , and bound her fast for ay .

Aur.

Thy hart I feare me is yet a wielidng , but if thou wilt plant it , as thou hast profest , within my brest , doe not doubt but suche grafts of grace will growe of it against thy returne , that for euery corne thou shalt reape an eere of fifty graines . My good Philotimus , remember her that cannot forget thee , thinke of her in absence , who will haue thee and thy personage imprinted in presence .

Phi.

Aurelia , though I were Caluitius f the orgot the names of his most familiar acquaintance , or more forgetfull then the doterd Messala , who forgot his owne name , yet cannot the remembraunce of the be bloted out . thou shalt be my speculation , my meditation , my familiar with whom I will conferr , my ioy in prosperyty , my solace in aduersity , onely thou and euer thou , my sweetest Aurelia .

There he gaue her a ring , in which was ingraued the precious stone the Emeraulde , which might make her mind-fal of him , and recreate her sight withe the greene glosse shee in guerdon , bestowed on him an Amatist , whose force was to driue away al euil thoughts , & sharpen his vnderstanding at his booke : when he behelde the Amatist , I thinke , quoth he , the force of this Amatist hath kept you wakinge all this night . for suche operation also do Lapidaries ascribe to it .

Aur. philotimus Shee had not neede to sleepe , that wakes a quicke corse , lest her ●eame drowsines breede vn●othsome dreames , or sodeyne startinge affright her sleapinge , withe prolonginge tyme , daye drewe on apace that of necessitye he must bee gone . He calde his boye and badd him make readye , and claspinge his misteris betwene his armes , withe his head caste downe into her bosome , dolefullye tooke hls frnidlye farewell .

Phil ,

Myne owne Aurelia . whose ioye I was , whose pleasant sweete conceyts are my delyghte , euen the , so must it bee , I bidd adew , and once againe adwe , I dye to part .

The poore gentlewoman not able to wreste out one worde for weepinge ( for where the fyre is moste the flame is leaste ) At lengthe bespake thyne euer Aurelia , or neuer myne owne , wysheth thee better fare ; then I haue at this present , and my selfe greater care , if it were for thy pleasure .

Thus thrice hee tooke his leaue , and touched the chamber dore , and thrice he did returne , and tooke his leave againe , & when he parted , Lord lothe he parted , and sometime stood , and sametime went , and styll loked backe to passed ioyes .

Permenio ( quoth hee ) howe might I beare this cheeke yet of a prince and not a pawne , and that is my comfort ? a thowsande tymes I curse the houre , wherein I went my saynte to se , & eke ten thowsande tymes I blesse the stoure , wherein I saw so fayre a sight as shee now I haue her , but I may not enioy hertell me thy counsayle permenio .

Par.

Is this your inuectiue agaynste Venus , and your promisse to Palls , that latelye you made to your father , you woulde serue well in stead of a wethercock , to showe a man in what coost the wynde stands , or els I hope you will proue a good Astronomer at your studye , you are so wetherwise , turninge your tayle into euery wynde .

phil.

permenio , thou neither knowest me nor my loue , nor the meaninge of my choyce , Venus is chaunged , then why may not I ? Venus is not Venus , my Aurelia is Venus whom I will worship and adore as the primate of all Goddesses . my fathers propose was , whether I woulde leaue all other thinges and wholye consecrate my selfe to the Court where Venus is Metrapolytane and bears the swaye , which then I denyed neyther yet doe repente . For neyther will I abandon pallas , to bee an hunger-staruen slaue of Venus , neyther can I doe Pallas her righte homage , vnlesse my Venus , the golden Aurelia vouchsafe to be my guyde .

Venus might blush if she were not impudent , and Iuno be ashamed but that she is a Queene , to see or heare Aurelia named .

The graces were not gratious : if they wanted Aurelia , neyther beautye woorth praising , if she were away

Tryumph then you Graces , that you haue such a subiecte , and vaunt no more Venus , but glorye in thy Ladye , shee is the Sonne to euerye gallant wight , the reste but twinclynge starrs to wanderers in the nighte , for her Dame Nature howles and weepes bycause the moulde that cast her shape is lost and gone , nor euer can the like be framed againe .

Such a pearle in a blackamoores eare woulde make him whytt . Suche a paragon woulde cause Galen shake hands with Chastytye , such an Alexis would make Coridon go madd . One word and then nomore , she dead , the world were done .

Par.

I haue heard that a club bound about with oliue is a good cote armour , bycause a violent weapon is ensigned with a marke of peace : aunswerable to this say I , that a litle infirmity couered with warines is verye tollerable . One in Bizantio , which now is called Constantinople , hauing an vrcheon , who by nature is skilfull of the comming of winds north and south , ( for then he chaungeth his denn ) would fore-warne his neyghbours of stormes , from what costs they came , so that beinge an ignoraunt soule , for this one thinge , whiche he concealed howe he cam bye , he was reputed halfe a prophet : you haue redd of the simple fellowe , which coulde not beare any thing in his braine , but desirous to be thought wise , bought certeyne slaues boundmen , whereof some coulde say Homers Iliads by hart , some Sophocles , some Euripides , and at dinners and suppers they should rap them out , which made him be thought learned amonge his gestes , who was in troth a playne doult : if you can counterfaite a face and dissemble your late match , ( though you can hardlye serue Gad and Mammon but be bewraide ) yet you may studye on pallas and practise on Aurelia , and neuer be perceyued .

Phil.

I remember one askinge Hannibal , what his purpose was to do the next daye , when he remoued camp , had this aunswere , that if the cote on his owne backe knewe his intent , he woulde disrobe himselfe and burne it , and I warrant them , let them keepe them selues from fire and water and horse heeles , and I will keepe them from this secrete , if thou canst be closse ,

Par.

I ? as close as a close stoole .

phil.

Fo parmenio , I smell thy lye stinke hither haue not I heard chee sweare an hundred times the falsest lies in the wrrld ? why then shouldest not thou aswell doceyue me as others ?

par.

That periury was for mine honesty . and this fidelitie is for my alleageaunce towards you , hope well and haue well .

philotimus at these words tooke truce with care and put on his holy-day looke that he wore on good daies , & apostles euens . he knocked at maister Aemelius his chamber dore , as thoughe him selfe were newly risen : I would haue brought you a light ( quoth he , but that I was a fraid τ it would giue no light . why said Aenelius is the day so farr spent ? by that time he was attired , all thinges were ready and breakfast prepared , which done after philotimus , Aenelius and senior Mondoldo , and the rest had taken their leaue of the Lord Cleocritus and lady Castibula and their children with others in the house they set forwarde in their iourney .

Here I cannot pretermit to insert the complaynt of the Ladye Castibulā , which ●hee had concealed before her sonnes face , and closelye in her chamber disballassed her selfe of it as ensueth .

Ah thrice vnfortunate is shee , tha●●●nce anhappie mother , & better it is be to a barren couert barron , then a fertile mother of toward children : the one liues in hope to shake of shame in tyme , the other dyeth in doubt to lose the fruition of her wombs fruite if the boye should be sicke , which Iesus forefende , can I bee there too comfort him with myne owne brothes , or see what confections his phisitions do minister ? or if the youthe wante money , which is youthes woont , can I be readye with a freshe supplye to giue a restoritye to his consumption ? No God hee knowes , and that I rue . Bot if I maye haue witt of anye suche matter I shall sende him aungels whiche were no messengers this seauen yeares , who I doubt not but will flye without any winges .

But leaue wee the pensiue mother , whose sonns sure saftye was all her thought , and whose care of her sonne was sometyme comfort to him , not by the cause , but by the effecte .

Philotimus dreaminge on his last nights worke , ryd all the day long heauier then he was accustomed , by a pounde and an haste , and when there was no passage by lande , but they muste imbarke themselues , and launch it out by water , thus did hee leeme to bee conueyde : in shipe fraught with remembraunce of pleasure past , with scaldinge sighes for want of gale , and stedfast hope that was his sayle .

Aemi●●●s asked him how it happened , that he thus was chaunged from a pleasant Phaedrus to a poutinge Cato , and tould him the his frowling made him look as though he had newly comd out Tro phonius his denn ▪ one hearing , said he , the Enatius was dead , & man quarellous , ambitious , & ful of garboyle , said , I marueile how he could intend to dye , considering his busines both night & daye , 〈…〉 that I muse how thou foundest time to be 〈◊〉 when I neuer knew the hitherto to haue one therling thoughte : I cannot deuine what should be the cause , vnlesse you remember some ould quarrell betwixt thee and me . For so it was with them , as it is commonly with brethren that keepe together , them woulde often be brawling about their ●●●ting as and 〈◊〉 kinges . Here Philotimus replyed .

Indeed 〈◊〉 your 〈◊〉 wise , you can 〈◊〉 a thinge assoote as you sée it , see I am as sad as a ꝓ●ikful● of f●the 〈◊〉

If millers may compare with waultmen , ( A●minus ) 〈◊〉 title gnats make collation with great ●●●ints 〈◊〉 that ●●remistocles and Arist●des being at continuall debate : while they liued at home in Athens , sente on a time Ambassadours , in their countries affaires , buried their angers in a tertaine 〈◊〉 the their consentes . The Coceians and M●●●us , 〈◊〉 noble families of Italica , a cittie in one of the prou●●te in Spaine , had ouer betwixt there great contention , till warres were waged t●●●ne the Rompetans and them , and then they vnited them 〈◊〉 in greate frendship . Whatsoeuer we haue h●●e a● home , wee will nowe , when we shall be 〈◊〉 in a straunge ●●●●trie , ●oa●● together like neighbours children .

Their tutor and gouernour , seing their could theere , a hearing none of this talke , assign● them a qu●●●n whereon to dispute , to driue away the time .

The question was this , whether it went botter to take paines in youth afterward to enioye pleasure , or firste to reueil him in the leaze of libertye , and in age bee pinchte for his former sinnes .

The defence of the first parte was giuen to Plulotimus , of the second to Aemilius , the iudgment & arbitorment to their two pages : Philotimus began as followeth .

I féele my head so far 〈◊〉 it this da●● neyther to please my selfe with disputation , or 〈◊〉 we my matter with pith of arguments , that for once I would wishe the property of the fishe M●●●hs , why 〈…〉 there go●●laid to e●●●tare him , retires darken , and taking his 〈◊〉 but leapes ouer .

The hoat stomacke of a goose eateth watry meates , and tastes no lawrell , the Peacock when he hath lost his tayle , hideth himselfe for shame , till it grow againe , and I hauing for the time lost my best ornament , I meane some odde foolish crankatiue conceited humour , and burning within , as cold without as a clock , loue neyther this morning to confer with companye , neither to taste any meat , vnlesse sadnes bee the sauce . Notwithstanding knowing that the crying of the bird Fulica in the morning , betokeneth some tempest to ensue , and that the eating of an Hartes flesh in the morninge , augmentes mans life , I will not yeelde to sorrowes summons , lest it be an Argument of my imminent ill fortune , but bee as hartye as I maye , for the procurement of my solace .

And so much the lesse I neede to doubt , by how much the more I am gardayne of the truth . For truth is like a frende which in most cruell encounters of his frendes misfortune , doth then most frendly bewray himself , or like Hidraes heades , which the more they were coped , the more they grewe , although for a time the Sun may be shadowed with a cloude , the Fire may lye raked in ashes , and Truth may be smouldered with malice , or dared with houering Fraude .

My frendly foe Aemilius , I will not vse many wordes to aggrauate much matter , but comprise as muche matter in as fewe wordes compyled , as shall support & proue a sentence to thée , already approued of all .

I once red these words , of the great matron Mesia Phoenicia , in l●tters she writ to the sacred Senate , touching her Nephewe Heliogabulus . Many times age doeth bringe forth fruite , where reason did not yelde so much as leaues . But I say , neuer shall eld haue leaues of liues pleasure , where they doe not blossome of the fruit of youthes paines . Rapes & Turnups shall be swete if their seedes be soaken in hony water , before they bee sowen : but crooked benumd age shall wast in woes , where the platforme & foundation of ouergrowen yeares , were not grounded with sowre trauaile .

Vices may vanish , but their effectes cannot perishe , the felon may by hap be dismissed from the rope , but the burnt in his hand must by law shew him guiltye , though distemperate harebraine youth escape sensual surfettinges of wine and women , ( whereof Cicero saith that more cast their last gaspe , then dye by course of nature ) yet in after processe they beare the badge of beggery , eat the meat of sorrow , sup the water of affliction , suffer hunger as a Lion , seke their pray as a Lion , ramp abroad like a Lion , and fade with famishment , as seldome doth the Lion .

At a feast , the first seruice is of grosser meate , and the delicate eates reserued till the last . When you breake a colte , you firste beate him for , his wildnes , and afterward being weldy do cherish your hobby .

Though labour be lothsome , yet is it wholesome . Rue is most bitter , yet being eaten fasting it cleares the eye-sight . ● Oliue is not swete , yet a plant of it set , and a yeare or two after an impe of a Rose-tree grafted in it , it will bringe forth a sweete gréene Rose at Christmas . Brimstone & Veruaine are no hony , yet bind them to thine hande or arme , and thou shalte neuer haue the crampe .

It is not with the pleasures of youth , as it is with the Iuniper tree , which will neuer putrify or stinke , and hath his braunches continually grene .

Plinie reporteth , that the byrdes Meropes nourishe their parents in age , as they were nourished of them in their youth . But trust you to your frends , when you haue consumed your flowring tyme in Ryot , and yow shall haue of them exhibition at leaste .

The vertue of the hearbe Alimon is suche , that who so tasteth it , shall not be hungry . Get this , & thou maist p●ay as thou listest , nothing needing to doubt sustentation : but I feare me , you shall sooner find the way to seeke your pray in the night , as doth the bird Hiber , then by your searching get this hearbe .

Aurora men say , is a frend to Muses . In the morning we see , men take their iourneys , at night to repose themselues . In the spring we graft our fruites , and youthes tender braine is most apte for discipline .

In vear , the husbandmen lop their trées , to the intent that afterward they may growe the better : so let youth cut of his disordinate affections , that afterwards hee may prosper , and florishe more gloriously .

The iuice of Betony doth saue from drunkennes , but then it must be drunken fasting in the morning . Fiue or sixe sage leaues at once , taken in time , doe helpe the gowte , but they must be eaten in the ●ointing . The darke of a wallnute tree stamped , and laid all night male or water , will make one perbreake , and this must be locken in the morning .

The roote of a fig tree is sower , and the fruite swete . The emmot and the bée beare burdens in Sommer , to the intente that in boary winter they may kepe their houses .

Was at not better for the two twinties Romulus and Remus , to be rast 〈…〉 their swa●●●●owses , and drenched in the Sea , and by has being found by 〈◊〉 , the Kinges shepheard , and fo●●hered by Laipa his wife , 〈…〉 haue learnd their stocke , & aspire to their kingdome , then like Saturne in his youth to wear the imperiall crowne , & in his age bee ●eaued of it by his owne sonne Iupiter ?

The orle of Tartare taketh of any spot , and the interest of pleasure will repaye all paines and made them quite forgotten .

When your ●●esh is prickle with thornes , washe it in a cloath that is washed in vrine , or with the head of a Lycerd being open the middest , or wi●● the rootes of nettles braid in salte , and pow may drawe them out : so when thou arte supprised with griefes , eyther thinke that thou art as puissant to beare them , as others that thou hast borne , or that they cannot alwayes endure & laste , or that at length heauen ( as the Papistes say ) comes by Purgatory , and thou shalt be comforted .

The plowmans toile hath hope that makes him till : Loue hath a sauce that makes his sorrow swete : and euery long Period hath a Comma . Nemo oft ( saith Tully ) quamuis in rebus turbidis , qui non aliquando animo relaxatur . If thou hast a desire to doe well , thou wilt not start for an Aprill shoure . Hungry dogges eate durtye puddinges , and custome which in continuance remoues all sent of sower , may be a cordiall to a fresh water souliour to stand to his tackle .

I haue red in good authors , that the Birde Lagopus which is sene in the Alpes , and neuer féedeth but where shee is bred , neyther can be tamed ( as Plinie reporteth ) being caught bytimes , in space hath bene taught to féede in other places , and by art contriued , hath bene trained to tamenes . The captaine Masmissa neuer vsing himself to weare a bonnet , would winter and sommer lead his army bareheaded .

Those that walke as they will , wallowing in their beastly sensualitie , perswading themselues that they haue the worlde in a string , are like the ruffian Capaney , who in the conflicte betwene Eteocles and Polinices , tooke an othe , that though there were a conuocation of all the Gods assembled , and all in complete harnesse ready to their resistaunce , yet Thebes , should sacke , burne , perishe , and lye euen with the grounde , when by and by her was stricke from heauen with Iupiters thunderbotte , and so was my greate bragger for wante of good ridinge , laide vnder foote , or like the sluggardes in Syria , who hauing greate store of yron and Siluer , for slouth to séeke it , haue no gaines of it .

Who would be cloyed with all deliciousnes in the world , and haue feare of ensuing misfortune to be his companion ?

In my minde it is better to labour for a time with Castanean , to enhaunce aduauncement , then sweare it out for a trice with Commodus , and wrappe vp his life-warpes woofe with so euill a liste .

I speake of my theame , as Aristides spake of profit . For Themistocles on a time sainge that her had very profitable counsayle for the weale bublick , but such as must be priuately discussed on , not in open audience , the Athenians gaue him Aristides with whom to confer . Themistocles tould him that the nauy of the Lacedemonians which was conueyed to Githeus , might be closelye burnt , which done , the force of the Lacedemonians to be broken , and their hartes discomfited . Aristides returninge with greate expectation to the councell house , aunswered , that Themistocles his counsayle was verye commodious , but withall dishoneste , whereat the Athenians not reputinge that profitable , whiche was not honeste , relected his counsaile not hauinge hearde it .

My sentence is , that the pleasure which is not adiacent to vertue ( as no youthfull pleasure almost can bee ) is to bee fledde and not followed , rather refusinge her follies , then chusinge her defence .

That other sensitiue , is common to beasts , wherof many excelling men in corporall qualities , as an hare in swiftnes , an Elephant in strength , a cat in seing with her stéeming eies , doe likewise , or at least should conceiue more delyghte pertinent to the body .

How far it is to be auoyded of vs , may be knowne by this , bycause those which bewre ye munificall magnificence in contemning wordly trash , and desire to hente honour for their prize , are noted of rashnes , if for pleasure or credit they stretch their hands further then their sleves will reatch , or lashe more out , then the condition or that whereon they , bestow , and other circumstances doe exacte .

Theophrastus in his book De diuitiis , writing many things wel , is reprehended for praising excessiue pompe and charges in popular gyfts .

Demetrius , Phalaraeus blamed Pericles Prince of Grece , for to● muche coste in the entraunce of his buildinges to Minerua .

Quintus Mutius , P. Lentulus , & Syllanus , were subiect to some slaunder , for their glorious gorgeousnes , in the function of their Aed●lships .

Neuer was any man heard of long to prosper , which was sotted in voluptuousnes . Alexander Medices king of the Florentines , was slayne for offering villany to an other mans wife . So was Pasistratus slaine of Harmodius , whose sister he had defiled . And for the same cause Aloysius kinge of the Placentines , Rodericus king of Spain , Appius Claudius , & many others , haue bene deraigned of their potentacies .

The tyrannicall gouernment of Ortagoras and his children at Sicyon , lasted but an hundreth yeares , the Oligarchie of Cypselidae at Corinth , 74. yeares and thrée monethes , of Hieron & Gelon at Syracuse eightene yeares .

When there is intestine war betwixt Reason which by nature is crowned with a diademe of regiment , & seditious affections , which ar constituted to obey the state of Reason , the state of thy being cannot long perseuer , as the vprores twene the tyrants Gelon & Thrasibulus , and also betwixt Dionysius and Dion , doe well declare , whose tumults caused slaughter to their subiects , & woes to themselues .

It is not the outwarde munition of a well it need cittie , or the coniunction of compacted houses , that makes a good incorporate common welth : for then shoulde the whole corporation of Peloponnesus , haue bene encompassed with one wall , and some citties there be so great and huge ( as Babylon , whereof the thirde part knew not , til two parts of the city were sacked & captiuated ) that they cannot possibly be reduced to a good comon weale , No more ( good Aemilius ) is it outwarde sensitiue voluptuousnes , that inuestes a man with the type of true happines , or ennobles his name with any dignitie .

Therefore were the Graecians admonished , and we in them , to conteine their children from vewinge lasciuious pictures , as the pictures of Machaceus & Canace , sonne & daughter of king Acol , which were portrayed doing that foule facte together . Such was Aegistus his the lechers , as he lay with Cli●●nestra , such was Alcides his , which subduing Euritus & his country , was so enthrald to his daughter , that he spunne and carded among her Maeonian maides , and such was that of Mars , deflowring the virgin Astyoche , whereof he begat two twinnes and valiaunt captains Alcalaphus and Ialmen .

From reading wanton poems , as how Iupiter the greatest God tooke vpon him Amphitruo his shape , and lay by deceite with Alcmena his wife , turnd himselfe into a bull , with cristall hornes & dangling d●wlap hanging downe , and defloured Europas , & how he wiled the prety boy Ganimedes from his father , to haue him the subiect of his damnable buggery .

From seing beastly adulterous Commodies , as almost all bée which are extant among vs .

Of suche as Calliphon and Dinomacus , that ioyned this brutish pleasure with honestie , as who shoulde ioyne a man with a beaste . I will not vouchsafe to speake , neyther haue I ( as Plato vsed to saie of the Tyraunt Demetrius ) any leasure to thinke of them .

Howe muche better were it for vs to doe as M. Seius , which sparing from his owne behoofes , gathered corne in store , wherewith in time of dearth , he relieued the cittie , & got himselfe loue , where before he was enuied : so we to measure our mirthe with a moderation , that in time to come , when others founteynes are exhaust , they may deduct from vs some licour of life , especiallye , when wickednes is maintained with as much trauaile & care , as vprightnes in dealing .

A mirrour whereof may Bargulus be , the thiefe in Illyria , of whose toyle & welth , ( speake Theopompus & Vitiatus ) the land porter in Lusitauia , who was so vigilaunt in his affaires , that the Romaine armies were fayne to retire at his assaults . A thiefe doth nede as desperate a mind to scale an house , as a captaine to sacke his enimies rampier . Dionysius the tyrant , Gorgias the tyraunt , Macrinas the tyrant , & Catiline the tirant , if we should commend them , & they of themselues giue reason , they would affirme & sweare , that they passed more trauaile , & found themselues in more perill in defending their tyrannies , then Scipio & Cato in conseruing their common welth .

Wherefore to prefer this pleasure in prime , or make it equiualent to the setled ioyes of age , were to prefer the barke before the trée , to take the shell and leaue the nutt , to eate the platters and leaue the meat they carry on them .

To report at large all the reasons that might ratify my supposition , were to emptye and drawe drye , drop by drop , the riuer Nilus , or to wade the great riuer of Danubie , bycause they are so so many & so common , that it should be tedious to recite them , & lost time to read them .

The consideration of my proofes , I yelde to our canonicall iudges , and the replye to you . Thou feest howe plaine I haue bene in my decaration , as though Tom troth had bene my father , and Simplicitie my mother . For Truth to tell , a simple naked tale , that in it selfe hath noe diuersitie , but alwayes showes one vndisguised face , & neuer fraught with contrarietye , ne is wontike deepe deceite to seeke a shrowding sheet , n● needs to bee with proces pricked , and wrap his words in guilfull eloquence .

Aemilius according to his auncient pleasant manner , aunswered . To be as short , as you were swift , this mynde of myne doth fleet full farr , from that farfetch of thyne : yet so neat haue you bene in trauersing your treatise , that you were able to proue wit in a woodcock .

An horse deserues hay , a sheep fother , and thou a bunch of baies to empaile thy head .

The prouerb goeth , the Apollo his words and Cato his works are worthy praise , he that heares thy Pytho speake , and will do as I bid him , shall not be so mad ( which the scope of thy discourse semes to import ) as if he fall in the myre in winter , not struggle to get out , but saye he will staye till sommer , and then the sunne will drye it vp , that he shall not stick fast . Thus takinge him vp with a double gird for haultinge , he fell to arguinge in this sort .

Those that will lose no time from laboring in their youth , saying that the gods will prouide a repose for champerd elde , ar like the Perseans , whom Diodorus reporteth , to contemne houses , calling them Ins , and in building sepulchers to haue spared no cost with follie , I cannot tell , whether the Perseans were more ouer-seene in their first deuising , or the EgiPtians blamefull in directing their aduice to an imitation : who ar● recorded to haue mansion houses little better then tipling boothes , & some of them to haue bestowed on the worke men , that ingraued their tombes , xx . thowsand talents in garlick , onions and cheese .

These Caterers for pittaunce which they knowe not who shall eate , resemble the delicious men Sybaritae , who vsed to invite their guests a whole yeare before , that neither the bidder might want tyme to prepare fare , nor the guests want leasure , sumptuouslye so adorne and tricke vp themselues in golde and precious siones , when in the meane time perhaps they were both of them woormes meat , or like those fooles , which moyled all the whole yerre , reioycing in this that they should haue a feast in the moneth of february , which was called stultorum feriae fooles holyday .

There is a certeyne Italian historie , the tenor whereof is this : a gentlewoman on amoured of a yong gentleman , whose garish gledi●e perswade a yelding bent of will , sought with good courage to accompany & court her , in place where he might plead with out other iudge then her selfe ▪ her neighbour feets , and other vulgar tonges , so tatled of their priuie conuenticles , that her brethren forth with knewe the counsayle , which they were not called to the yong gentleman on a time in quiet well ycought ( a queint commoditie as he thought ) a lonely with his misteris , her brethren , as the harme of mishap would , tooke him napping as Mos● did his mare , I will not saye betwene my ladyes leggs , they with trenchant blades , bolne with ire , lokinge bigg , lyke Marquesses of all beefe , with griefull eine , clinging about him , protested , they would bowle his bellye , if he did not confine his knauery with other bonds : but to this composition they came , that if he would condiscende to lie a whole yeare within an olde rotten hagg ( who was more like to consume with canker , then pleasure a gentleman ) & do to her as he would to their sister , hee should haue egress and regress with his gentlewoman , and the choyce should be his , with whom he would first begin . When my youth hard this , glad hee was of the one part , but which should be in the first front he knewe not , so shiuering feare flitt too and fro among his flushing vaines .

The Quéene of a compame in a merrie meting of gallants for disporte , hauing this question propounded , gaue resolution , that it was better wisdome to begin with his misteris . & so he should be sure of his ioy : & be better armed to endure the groning crone , partly cloied with former pleasure , partly with remembraunce of his first customer , & who knowes said she whether hee shall liue a yeare or no.

Nothing in mortality is long permanent ▪ of all that I haue heard to be most fortunate in long life ● prosperite iontly , was Argōtonius king of the tartessians , who reigned fourescore yeares & liued an hundred & twenty , which god knowes was soone run . Those that suppose a man cannot liue youthfully in his flowring m●ad , but that in age he shal pen vp his pleasure in repentaunce pounds , ar in the like erroneus opinion as was Commodus , who hearing that certeine gentlemen vpon the bridg of Tiber , were recounting the vertues of M. Aurelius . & lamenting his deathe , out of hand commaunded them to be hurled ouer the bridg into the riuer , asserting , that they coulde not speake well of his father , but that they must speake euill of him , which was his s●nne .

As for those , who thinke a man may not be wanton when he is a yongling , because some haue bene so excessiue , as seeking such as Aiulius of Larina , ( whose trade was to giue yonge men potions to make them lustye ) haue bene daggers to their own throat , or like that prince who for that Quintianus the sonne of a senatour , was detreted of a conspiracie against him , bare such immortall hatred to al the senators , that whosoeuer named himselfe a senator , was helde for a traitoure , or like Brutus , who that all the stock of Superbus and the name of Tarquin● might be abolished , tooke the gouerment from his fellowe Collatinus Tarquinius , that had bene a partner of his counsaile in expelling the kinges . The graue Ephori among the Lacedomonians which were as an anticipation to the kinges , that they should vse no oppression or burden the people with impositions , were all ould men .

Natures hye derree hath appointed , that yong lambes should vse their pastaunce on sunny hills when ould sheepe are lyther and lustles .

Sprigging flowers ar in their baine and tender groweth , better for poesies to delight then medicines for diseases .

Therefore saie I with the yong man in Terence , that those ould men haue left many a good lessone behinde them , for want of learning , that would haue a boye by some straunge metamorphosis conuert into an ould grandsire , vsing an aldermans pace before he can wel gange , and speaking at euery word a sentence of eleauen , when he hath scarcely learned his Christ-crosse-rowes .

No man will lend a lock of haye , but for to gaine a-loade , then why shoulde I take paines all my lyfe , and haue no more assuraunce of my promised profite , but peraduenture yea , peraduen nay , & if I chaunce to gett it , bee glad I haue mine owne , much like a twhackinge thresher , or a thumpinge thatcher , who must plye their bones all the daye , & stand at night with cap & knee before their good maister , for their three halfe-peny hyre .

When I haue slipt the flowere that fairest is of hew , when I haue reapt my crop of corne , I can be content you take the stalke , and make aduantage of my chaffe .

Thou saist that the roote of a figtree is sowre , and the fruite sweet ▪ therefore do wee vse to eate the fruite , referringe the root to other necessaries .

The custome of feasts is ( as you infer for want of other proofes ) to begin with grosse fare , and ende with banqueting dishes . I say , the vsers of such a methode , are not so wise as the priest that eate his best plummes first , and let the woorst bee mending .

It was prophesied to Anceus that he should neuer drinke of his planted vineyarde , whiche hee to falsifie , the grapes beinge ripe and prest , got a bowle of wyne in his hand , asking where his coulde prophets were , that made such a blazon of a false supposition : at that very instant , one running into the house , cryed a maine that the vine yarde was like to bee spoyled , which hee to preuent left his wyne ● there being slaine verified the prophesy , whereupon this prouerbiall adage is grounded , many thinges ar betwene the cup and the lip . Lucius was adopted to the Romaine Empire , but before he had power to commaunde in the state of Rome , he was buried in his sepulture .

Pills ywrapt in sugar yeeld no bitter rellishe , one comming late from warminge himselfe , is bettter able to abide astormie morning : to which two similitudes my theame is Homogeneon that he that hath past his time in iollity , is in better case to match with misery .

The refuser of his meat when he is hungrie , meaninge to take refection another time , deserues no prayse , in meede of his abstenency , but as an enemie to nature , is well worthy to pine .

Such a thinge is pleasure , so glorious in shewe , so noble in name , so effectuall in force , that all thinges , at all tymes in all exploites worke for her hire , bend at her becke , and quaile in their attempts , if she faile their expectation .

Well doth she resemble the Pole articke , which leadeth the ship-maister , and she with the Astronomer the way to all other stars , and therefore must be first in euery ones intention , before he begin the pursuite of his ende .

Verely wise were the inhabitantes of a certaine Cittie bordering a little from the prouince of Machai , in the East partes , which are reported to kepe holy day thrée daies a wéeke .

Neither is the drift of my deuise directed to an Apology of elds vnsauery pleasure , which thou fondlye enduest with with a priuiledge of principallitie . Heauie is their happines , vnlesse they be happie bicause they are so perswaded of themselues ( as Tully speakes of the Epicures ) which lurke all their liues in mourning Tunnes , constituting their felicitie in vaine speculations . How many sporting houres were sorted to the Astronomer C. Gallus , who like the hard old Demea , which neither in the twilighte of day , nor in the edge of any euening , coulde euer be founde idle from his Husbandrie : so neither in the vaile of night , nor the heat of day would lend himself one laughing minute from dimension of his spheares . Doe not you thinke that if Isocrates his Soule might rise again from death , and enter into an other body , as the Pythagoreans sect surmise ( for Pythagoras said that in the Troian warre he was Eupho●bus , Pantheus his sonne , slaine by Menelaus , and that in Iunoes charge at Argos hee did see , and knewe the Target which in his lefte hand there he helde , whose Soule dis●all●s● of that body , did enter this in which he now was ) that he would redeme his mispent time with pleasure , who at ninety and foure yeares of age writ the Oration Panathenaicus ? Muche ioye iwis had Leontinas Gorgias his maister , who in the tracte of an hundred and seauen yeares , neuer fadged in his infinite studies .

The purpose of their conceit , was no pleasaunt contentation , but a pining desire to reach renowne , a vaine toye for so greate toyle .

It is disputed of all the Schoolemen in Philosophy , & of Arist their chieftein , as I haue heard , that nothing is in the intellectua● part which hath not bene conducted thither by the Senses . Of thi● I gather , that your solide pleasure which you doe limitte in the mindes muses is first deriued from the exterior sences , as from their fountaine .

Now you sée how olde ages sences be be-dimmed , in so muche that they haue no tast of their meate and drinke , vnlesse as it is in Zenophons symposion , rorantia et minuta pocula do now & than relieue them , which tast of theirs , is like salt water , which maketh fresh béefe salt , and salt béefe fresh .

Their eies doe looke by a paire of spectacles , like one through a cazement , so that beautie mighte goe a begging for their buying , vnlesse there were some other courts to entertaine our curtizans . When one asked Sophocles whether he did not vse to accompany Venus , no , quoth the oulde dizzard , God forbid , I haue willingly taken my flight from her , as from a shrewde churlish mistris : & Tyresias in his doting daies for varying against Iuno , was strirken blind .

Their eares be closed vp like the serpents with her taile , that neither Naecastron who by his harmony entangled euery one with his loue , nor Amphion who with melodye gathered stones and trées together , that builte the citty of Thebs : nor Arion who so tickled the very fishes , that a Dolphin hearing his musick , tooke him on his backe , being cast on boord , and brought him safe to the shore : nor all these together coulde make a meace of mirth of all the sadde sires in the worlde . Although I reade that C. Duellus in his age , he that first ouercame Poeni by sea , tooke delight in a fife or pipe at certaine times .

For their smelling , they were yll to be poore mens hogges , in this not far differing from Fismenus non Nasutus , who hauing no smell , was hired for a wager to liue a whole yeare in a paire of Iakes ,

Some touch they haue , or els they coulde not bee liuing creatures , yet it is so dull , as maye well geue signification of their blunt wittes .

Thus you sée , that either their pleasure is very sleighte , or els none at all , but onely imaginatiue , like Argiuus his in Horace , who repaired euery day to the Theater , where Comodies & Tragedies were wont to be playd , and though there were none vpon the stage , yet he by imagination made himselfe pastime of no bodies presence .

As Plato in his dispraise of Orators , displaied himselfe for a most eloquent Orator , to the great credit of Rhetorick : so the most eger inueighers against this liege soueraigne youthly pleasure , ar the strongest vnderproppers of her princely state . C. Fabritius when he was in ambassadge with king Pirrhus , reported he had hearde of Theslalus Cyneas that one in Athens accounting himselfe verye wise referred all thinges to pleasure , as to the vltimate ende : which M. Corius , and T. Coruncanus hearing of him , would often wish that the Samnits & King Pirrhus might be so perswaded , that giuing themselues to pleasure , they might more easely be ouercome .

If it conuey such inconuenience with it , as the ouerthrow of townes , and citties , it is better to gorge our selues with the societie of it in the firstlinges of our dayes , when wee haue no charge of importaunce committed vnto vs , then in riper yeares , when our owne credit and country commoditie standes vs more vppon , to haue impediments by her corrupting . For there is no man saith Seneca , but in one part of his age , if he be not intercepted by vnseasonable death , he feles the battery of his perturbations .

Old men are accustomed with great selfe loue , to repeate youthes pleasure , as a recreation to represse sorrowes , and abandon pensiuenes . Louers ( saith the Italian Castalio ) are solaced with lookinge vp to the chamber windowe , whence of yore they haue séene their desired Saints , and old cramped sires in their stoupe gallant age , when the Medium can not bee a meane to receyue the obiect , bicause the Organon of their sence is quite perished , they féede and nourish themselues with the recourse of those blooming daies , when in youth red h●rring was a king : in this propertie , like Tymon of Athens , which being reuiled abroad for his vnsatiable nature , would at his returne home open his cheste where his old golde laye , and comforting himselfe with the sighte of yt set it at his hart , & cast their wordes at his heeles . Except thou thinkest euery man as slothfull as the ropemaker in Plutoes temple , which let his Asse eat vp his rope as he made it , neuer lookinge behind him .

It is said , that an Orator must begin well & end well , bicause these two parts doe tarry best in the Auditors memorie , though hee enterlace the middest with baser matter , but you quite forgetting the precepts of your owne faculty , winde vp your Oration with a palpable errour , inioyning youth not to read Poems , or gaze on pictures , or bee presente at Comodies , till his steppes be staied with ripe iudgement , and faded follies : when as in very déed , we are taught of the best authors to acquaint vs in our first elementes with such prety sleight toyes , as Aesops Fables , and Hesiodus his , which stir our capacities to a readines , & our manners to a conformitie .

Auaunt therefore with this thy drouping sauadgenes , which thou prescribest youth , as a mediation to felicitie . Wherein thy reioicing is like his , which being on the gallowes with a rope about his neck , bad them haue him commended to all his frendes , and desire them to be glad of his welfare , for he was gone to heauen in an halter .

If the perswasion of these fewe words , haue brought you to a comprimise , I haue said ynough : if not , whole volumes wil not retort your stiffe neck , to bring you to my bent . Though I should weary you and my self , with an huddle of more words , yet could I be no more effectuall , then I haue bene in these . A good Painter shadoweth a great counterfeit in a small roome .

My hope is therefore , that as the riuer Zanthus turned the fléeces of all the shéepe that dranke of it into yellow , of what coulour before soeuer they were , or as Parisatis left of to loue Kinge Artazerxes , when he saw the beauty of Cyrus : so thou repeating my reasons after the way of a retreat , wilt be conuerted to an other opinion , louing thy selfe well , but the truthe better , resembling Bellerophon , who being entertayned of Praetus when he left A●gos for slaying of Bellerus , would not at the entisement of Antea , Praetus his wife , defile his bed , more regarding his honesty then his ease , and thinking it villany , so to counteruaile curtesy , though it were her owne entreaty .

Here be a bundle of reasons quoth Philotimus , gathered on a heape like an vrtchin vnder an apple trée , in which thou hast the propertie of an artificiall liar , I meane a good memory Aemilius , ( for so goes the prouerbe ) a good liar must he memoratiue .

Parrhasius painted an erected statyre , and on the top thereof a Partridge , so liuely , that other Partridges pende vp in a cage a litle by it , would often contend to fly to it , as though it had bene a liue bird , to the great wonder of all men . Vpon which occasion , Pasihasius marking the art of the bird so much to bee meruailed at , that it abated the excellencie of the piller , got licence to take it downe : So may I say , that he which shall heare any one part of thy Gration , wil not on the contrary desire to heare any more , neither neede search any further to find out absurdities .

Trust me Aemilius , I should thinke him that could perswade with these reasons of thine , to be instilled with some of Perseus his iugling Diuinitie , that turned Cepheus into a stone , or him that would be perswaded , to be as foolish as Phineus King of Archadie , who at the prouokement of his seconde wife , put out the eyes of his first wiues children .

I am not so austere as the Stoickes , to depriue a man of all affections . I doe disanull the Lacones , whom Arist. 8 , pol. cap. 4. reproues , for bringing vp their children too hardly , with too much paines and trauaill , that made them deuoide of all humanitie , and hardened their hartes with bloud suckyng tyranny . I praise not those labour some and illiberall artes , whom Arist. calles Vanausous & mistharnicas 8. pol. cap. 2. and Tully sordidas & mechanicas . . 1. off . wherewith mens bodies are so●lde and made filthye . I name none , bycause Satyres and open nippinges of imperfections , which in old time , when Lucilius and his crewe writt , was lawfull in Enterludes and writinges , to the shame of the offenders , and the affrighting of others is abrogated , and they that now a daies are in most authoritie , & beare almoste the greatest countinaunce among vs , scrape vp their wealth , as a Cock doth the corne out of a dunghill , and win their renowne be such occupations , yet there was an auncient law in Rome , that a Miller , a Smith , a Baker , and a point maker , might not be a Senatour , I do not commend the violent excercises of those champernours who although they are made straunger by their practises ( as Quintilian saith ) lib. 12 Yet is their naturall growth preuented , abhorring from the likelihood and forme of men .

I like not the custom of the Carthaginians , by which they wore so many ringes in their chaines , in signe of honour , as they had bene at victorious atchieuements , nor that of the Scithians , whtch prohibited any one to drinke of their festiuall quaffing cup , that was troled vpon holydayes , but him that had slaine some enemye , Nor that of the men Iberi , whiche prouided so many ensignes to be erected by the sepulchre of the buried , as they had kylled men . The custome I saye of none of all these should be currant in my kyngdome .

For the cruelty of the sword ( be it spoken by the patience of all ruffians ) is not to be ballaunced with the honour of peace . In deede Sipio wan fame in beating downe citties , but Cato Censorius got immortall memory in reforming the peoples manners by his sharpe penalties . Although Pausanias and Lysander enlarged their countrie territories by valure , yet were they not comparable to Lycurgus his lawes , from whence as from an Oracle , the first deuise of their enterprises , and the discipline of their manners were diligently fetched . Neither was M. Scaurus a ciuil magistrate , inferiour in publicke profite , to C. Marius a warlicke captaine , nor Q. Catulus an officer of peace , to Cn. Pompeius a professed souldiour .

I as far dislike barbarousnes in liuing for defect , as pampred wantones for excesse . Therefore thy misunderstanding , is as foolish as his litterall paraphrase , that reading he must pull out his eie if it offended him , when it was a litle bloudshot plucked it out of his head , supposing if he did not so , that he should go to hell fire

Whereas thou reasoneest , that right pleasure consists in externall sences , bycause they are the conueyers , and as it were the carriers of it to the internall partes , thy proofe is as bad as Vlisses hi●s in the strife betwixt Aiax & him for Achilles his armour . There ●e laies claime that not onelye the title of the armour is claimable , but that the prayse of all Achilles his prowesse , is proper to him , bycause by his despatch the armour was wrought of Vulcane and brought to Achilles , and for that by his wisdome , Achilles was brought to battaile , as who should say , there were a care in the cart or the horse , that should bring the monye and other necessaries from thy father , and that they for the carriage deserue the thankes of thy maintenaunce .

Thou preachest a goodly spell , to infringe the interdiction of youth from hearing of plaies , wherein the intent of thy speech , and the euent of thy speede , maye well couple the in a comparison with that witles courtier in Lodouicus his courte , the eleuenth french king of that name .

for so it chaunced , that Lodouick being troubled with hurly burlies at home , remoued his court to Burgundie , where by hap in his hunting he fell acquainted with one Conon , a silie clowne of those quarters , to whose house ( as great princes take much pleasure in such simple soules ) he straying from his company would often resort and eate rapes . His insurrections appeased in proces , he returned home , Conons wyfe was earnest with her husband ( hoping thereby for reward ) to present the king with some rapes , in remembraunce of ould acquaintaunce . Conon condtscended , tooke his staffe , and filled his wallet : but being hungrie by the way , eat all his rapes sauing one , which comming to the court , and waiting where the king should passe by , he presented to his maiesti . The noble king acknowledged his old hoast , toke his gift well in worth , and commaunded it to be kept among his best iewels , and him to dine at his owne table , and perceiuinge after dinner that Conon wished to be walkinge homeward to Sislye his wife , he gaue him a thowsand crownes in lieu of his rape .

An odd gentleman about the court , seeing so base a present repaid with so ample recompence , thinking with a shift of a nother gift to obtaine the like gaine in coosning the king , bestowed on him a greate horse of no small valuation , imagininge that if the king requited the rapes with a M. crownes , he should bee inriched with greate possessions . His highnes perceiuing the shaded drift , called a counsell of diuers noble men and gentlemen about him , and seriously consulted with them , as of an important matter , what he might bestowe on this curteous gentleman , to make him restitution with amendment ▪ One aunswered this , another that , the gentleman held in hope of goulden dales . At length , the king rounded one in his eare , that he should set him the rape which laye faire wrapt vp in a peece of veluet in his closet which brought , the king gaue it the gentleman , tellings him there was a iewell of a thousand crownes waight , in consideration of his horse : my ioyfull gentleman with knee bent , & hand kissed , and ten thousand humble thankes to his noble lieg Lord , receiued the reward ▪ therevpon he departed the presence , longing to vnfould the veluet , where he looked for mounteines of mynes , which as we say , brought foorth nothing else but a sielie dragled mouse , a worthles poore withered rape . Thus he that wyth his craft would needs be an ingrosser of greate merchandise , was himselfe forestalled of his market , deluded of the king , and deryded of the whole court . So Aemilius , thy wordes and good proofs agree together like harpe and harrowe , thou meanest to kill me , and settest a dagger to thyne owne throate . Thou alledgest Esop , and Hesiodus to the confutatton of me , & they turne contrary to thy selfe confusion . I do not gaine-saye , but honest poeams and fables are lightsome and lawful to euery studious youth , and therefore saith Aeschines , and semblably Cicero in his oration for S.R. Amerinus , that such poetrie was fained to frame our fashions . The vertues of which being praised , is a percing dispraise to these bawdy commodies , more noysome to their auditorye then brothel●●tewes , vnlesse to such , as haue wearied wantonnes with experience , hauing aswell will to leaue the had , as they haue witt to chuse the good .

Thou doest attribute so much to sences , that as Alberna , for wishing all her children might be like in colour to the crowes ( such loue she bore to blacke ) brought forth rauens in her pr●gnancie , so thou for misusing the heauenly minds delight , & yelding all to sence , art cleane deuoid of all vnderstanding , whiche commeth from the mind , and art led onely by sence , like a brute beast .

But meaning no more at this time to build Castles in the aire , nor wast my wordes to a deafe man , Harpocrates the god of silence , a god to whom I haue euer done ear this , and will do euer my bounden homage , shall conuince thy Comus , the god of intemperancie , of hatefull viciousnes in wordes , and hurtfull loosenes in life .

It makes my harte bleede to see thee so wise to wickednes , fearing thy fall , which I will not deuine , and deuising the means to feare thée from falling For me to relinquish such apparant euidence and leane to thy bastardly reasons , were to leaue the hal and come to the kitchin .

I promisse you ( quoth Aemilius ) I doe not doubte but by Euening that wee come to our lodginge , your loftye stomacke nowe haughtie , then hungrie , will be glad to crepe from the hall to the kitchin , and this angrie bleeding with the pearce of my propositions , and with your owne maliciousnes , for the griefe of your ouerthrowe , will be well inoughe staunched with the legge of a Rabbet .

It fareth with me , as it did with the estate of king Onomaus , to whom it was truly prophesied , that duringe the singlenes of of his daughter , he should liue and reigne in triumphant prosperitie , but most vnluckely , as soone as she maried should be depriued of kingdome & life : so I , whiles my arguments were in my owne handes , was by anye mans Iudgement a patron of veritie , but assoone as they were coupled to your constructions , I streightwaie was by your criminal collation , in substaunce superficiall , and in opinion erroneous .

An Oracle pronounced to Pelias , when he should see one barefooted do rites to his fathers ghost , then he should stand in daunger of death , and I meeting with a naked man shall seeme by his brauing to be ouercome .

Whereas you burden mee with impotencie of sence , I aunswere , that I haue as litle as an other , and as muche as I vse : yet thou louest me well , that takest me vp before I fall , to geue me warning of falling .

Notwithstanding , not to halte before a cripple , nor dissemble with my fayned frende , these thy Argumentes resemble Ladies , which are fitt for sheetes , and good for nothing But the Deuill loues al colliers , & thou selflike reasons of thine owne warping , like the rusticke Shepheard in Maroes Aeglogs , which being in in loue with his lasse Phillis , preferred the chessnut trée before all other , bycause she loued it . My sweeting Phillis chessnuts loues , while Phillis the fine shall loue these nuts , ne Venus myrt shal dare compare , or Phaeb his laurell match these nuts .

Euery coulour became Aristippus well ( saith Horace ) the nightingale , neuer wantes Songe , saieth Bacchis in Plautus : neither while you can shape your selfe a shift to shade your knauery , will you euer want proofe for pursuit of this purpose .

Thou arte more dainty in thy phrase , then trusty in thy spéech , and lesse pregnant by pollicie to proue thy folly , then proue with Hostillitie to depraue my meaning . But thy impudent raylings which thou thinkest thy protection , are against thy Inuectiue a sufficient purgation . For a galled Horse neuer wincheth till hee be touched , and a Deare standeth at the bay when he is hard beset , and Menechmus Sosicles then feygned himselfe mad , when hee knewe no other meanes to auoide his harmes . Tullye saith , when the people gaue Gabinius an applaudite vpon the Stage , or else where , he feared least hee had committed some euill , and if thou haddest chirped to my Conclusion , I should haue thought I had not done so well .

I wonder how thou canst assay to shame me with thy railings , and not blame my Tutor , who allotted me my taske . In this me thinks , thou resemblest Aiax his Wife , that losing her Husband in the Shippe called Argos , wished the Firre beames whereof it was made , had neuer bene hewed in the wood Peleius , when as they were not the cause of his Destruction , but the wilde fire throwen into the Shipp : or those that praised one for presenting a Gifte to Diogenes , and mentioned nothinge of Diogenes that merited the gifte , or rather in my Fancie , thou arte moste like Will Summer , which being hurte with anye , thoughe he stoode a Furlonge of him , woulde alwayes strike his nexte fellowe .

The Dogges which were watchers in the Capitoll at Rome , for discrying of Théeues , if they barked at a rightefull occasion , had their ordinary allowance , if they quested in the day time when no filtching could befall , they had their legges broken : the same is inrould of the Géese , which were to giue watchwoord by their gagling : So Philotimus , if thou hast said as thou shouldest , thou art a good goose , if not , I would not haue thy leggs broken , whiche maye stande the in steade ere thou die , to runne from a skirmishe , but I wishe thy Tongue well mauacled , to geue no cause of such mishap .

The firste parte of thy Treatise hath litle reason , the seconde lesse sence , the third scarse any life at all . Thou increasest in thy grosenes , like Fame in Virgill , which is euer the stronger the further it goeth : or like our holy time of Lent , which ( as Cassiodorus recites out of Socrates the ninthe Booke of his Historie ) was first but three weekes , and by litle and litle aspired to forty daies . Thy Argumentes are drawne from the disport called Hopenniho , wherin all must say as one saith , & do as he doth , for all thy confirmation is but an an exhortation to frame an imitation to other mens liking .

We must stand at reuersion of others mens iudgement , and like sielie groomes , gather their crummes when they haue done : As who should say , bycause Apollo Cianeius , and Fulgentius , the Bishop of Emv●is , neuer eate fleshe , nor drunke wine , therefore euery man must be dieted after this manner : because some of the old Seminary , haue betaken themselues to wilful peuishnes , as foolish Hermits , or Ancresses , and deuoutly spend their times in holy Orizous , therefore forsooth we must doe so . This followes as well as that in Beuis of Hampton : Some lost a nose , and some their lip , and the king of Scots hath a ship .

Art thou ignoraunt ( good Philotimus ) to howe many misaduentures our learning is obnoxious : and how feble Memorie , the keeper of it , is loste with age , or perished with a knocke ? Georgius Trapell . A man very learned , quite forgot in his age , euery iott of his learning , as though it had neuer bene he . The Emperour Claudius so halted in memorie , that talkinge in bed with his Wise , incontinently he woulde become vnmindfull of himselfe , and aske for his Wife why shee came not to bed , and hauing done to death a Noble man , the day following , made great inquirie for him , as for a trustie Senator , to determine with other of his Counsaile on contriuersies . Thou wouldee presse vs with burdens till our backes be broken , and then we shall lie in bed and be kept warme : imitating the inhabitaunts of the prouince of Carinthia , who hauing any small mistruste against one for Thefte , straightwaies by their Custome carryed him to Ex - to execution , and the third day after , straightly examine all such as can geue euidence in the case , whether he were guiltie or no : If he were , he hanges on the gibbet till he rotte of by peeces , yf he were not , they bury and honour him with solemne obsequies .

But the way to make a Parrat leaue pratinge , and the leaue tatling , is not with talking to you . I will here pitch my pauileons , neither fkirmishing any more with so desperate a dastarde , nor waging battaile againe , though thou dare me with vrging .

Then belike ( quoth Philotimus ) you are a right noble champion , as glorious as Erastus , that burnt Dianaes Temple , and ran away by the light .

But I am content that thou shalt be the scowld , & haue the last word . I fulfil the Camels humilitie , which then sloupeth & kneleth , when he is charged with a burden .

Now Parmenio , and Clitepho , it restes for you to decide your maisters variannce , with your euen iudgementes without partialitie .

Parmenio stepping forth with as graue a grace , as mighte well become Epidicus , Plautus his parasite , thus bespake .

Maister mine Phlotimus , and Senior Aemilius , your discretions , are sager as I suppose , then to sound the depth of your affections , by light flying wordes , which neither canne sinke , because they wante force , nor sticke in your stomackes , bycause they wante weight .

If wordes should way the will , or speech direct the disposition , Atreus for playing a tyrants part in a Tragedie , might well bee demed a manquailer , and Terence for writing his louinge laies should bee impeached for an Adulterer . Corriualls that combat so brauely in their listes , that neither matcheth other , & both surpasse , may triumph that their valure is counted peareles , & embrace ech other for alliaunce of quallities . Were it meete that Ennius excelling in Epicks , shoulde dispraise Cecilius a Comicall Poet , or despite Pacunius for his wofull Tragedies .

Take heede therefore , and be not quarrelons , strife is soone sowen , but hardly weeded out . Impacable Ate the Goddesse of Sedition , throwen downe from Heauen , had wingrs at will to further her spéede , in dispersing discord , but the thrée Sisters Litae , Ioues high ofspring , that vnited peace , which she had dissolued , were left a loose behind her far out of sight , not able to keepe pace with such a swinger .

The singuler art of M. Aemilius , hath left such a sting of admiration within my breste , that I honour him for learning , whom I loued for maners , and assure me of his rarenes , for whiche I euer hoped . His wordes so well couched , his moderate gesture , his countenaunce correspondent to his fil●d Tongue , mighte make him seeme truthfull to those that are fooles , & proue himself wittie to those that are wise .

I thinke it no modesty to prattle further of his praise , or of the credit he hath woonne But to geue plaine specialtie of his curious cunning and augment the prailes of his clerckly worke , I geue Iudgement o● his cause , that it is in déede wronge , and seemes in showe Truth by his learned Apologie . If I haue offended him , I haue also commended him , the one hee deserues , & I looke for no thankes , the other I deserue not , and hee will doe me no iniury .

Clitipho whose censure was by course to follow his fellowes , whose iudiciall maiestie hee thought surpassd modestie , began a tale of Iack a naile , which I am afraid you will not tarry till you haue heard .

It was an halt King , and a blind Quéene , and they got a lame sonne , and he would goe to the nine endes of the world to seeke his fortune , & when he was there , he was there , he met with a pilgrim , God geue you good euen , which is the way to Poclinton , a pokeful of plummes , he clamb vp into a Thistle tree , and cut downe an Hasyll twigge , and broke his heade till it was whole , and when he came home , he was as wise as a Woodcocke .

Here is a drie Tale ( quoth Parmenio ) laughing hartely at it , and well deserues a water potte : What s this to the purpose ?

Nay quoth Clitipho , it is neuer drye speach , when there followeth slauer so fast downe your lips . My purpose is not so profound , but sence may be pickte to proue you a noddie , nor your foolish laughter so sage as your sentences and yet concordant to so opinionate a fondling . Whether thinkest thou better sporte & more absurd , to see an Asse play on an harpe contrary to his sex , or heare the litle Robbin descant his meane note agreant to his kinde ? Thy stately rhetoricke , is such a non sequitur to thy boyish rachalisme , that better I cannot lay ape●t thy absurdityes , then by intrusion of this friuolous fable , lesse liked of Parmenio , and more agreable to his personage .

Thy exhortation to those , that knowe twenty for thy one , is as if thou shouldest bring Owles to Athens . By my troath Parmenio , construe it as thou list , I cannot abide to heare the Deuell talke of holydayes , nor the pezant to preach so diuinelye . But you will prattle no more of his praise . To prattle of his praise , is a pretie phrase , and well compilde I wis . Nor of his woon credite . Take hede what you fay , if he haue woon it , why doth he not weare it ? For you thinke it no modesty , you might haue said duety , but that you are more in loue with modestie , then modestie with you .

My verdite concerning our maisters , is as wide from yours , as both their commendations ar , be-yond our possibilities . Haddest not thou rather being put to thy choyce that thy maister would giue thee a lease to support thy prime with merriment , then serue seauen yeares in laborious drudgery , and then stande to his pleasure what he would bestow ? If thou haddest Parmenio , reuolte from thy resistaunce , if thou haddest not , God sende thee thy choyce .

Permenio not able to disgest this hard meate , and lothe to make broyle or staine his grauity , returned an aunswere in this sorte . That pate of thyne , that can infatuate so well , & make a man sottish if he be but simple , must needs it selfe be well repleat with grosnes . Much like the wels which be in Norwaye , whose licour is so grose , and extreme could , that if wood be cast in them they turne it to yron .

Tell a mare a tale and she will iadishly winch . Lidius curteously bringing bees honye , was for his labour stung of the bées , & I franckly giuing thee my fairest talent , am laughed to scorne of a roperipe rachell .

I haue so far past the bondes of honestly , that if thy vaineglorye bee ioynd to my surquidrie , of an inch it will quicklye extend to an elne Yet had I rather confesse my selfe sorry , for offendinge a foole without a fault , then stand vpon the defence of that , which no man can iustlye finde to be faultye .

As for you Clitipho , your are nothing peuish prowde , an arrogant patch is one , and you an other , if you will not giue ouer your ignominious brawlinges against my modesty , my modestest part I promise you , that for his shamefastnes doth sildōe shew him selfe abroad , will haue an action of the case againste your nose . I will not ride an Asse to death , but thus farewell good nody body .

Their tutor and gouernour partly agreued , yet moued to admiration on euery ones part , more then he would make semblaunce , and fearing the yonge gentlemen would not discontnue their discord , vnlesse his persuations tooke some better order , mutilated their scouldinges , and thus began his counsailes .

Philotimus and Aemilius , since your iudges haue pronounced that both haue done well , and cannot determine whether hath done better , be not angry for the victory , which they will not giue you , but be prest to preserue your gotten credite . I hope that the greate ioy , which your few wordes haue bred mee , shall not faile to further your timely towardnes . It was Democritus his hap walking abroad to take the aire , to mete with protagoras then a badger , bearing a bundle of stix very curiously compacted , towards the Cittie . Democritus musing how a rude and rurall fellowe , could without any knowledge of Geometrie , vse such art in laing these stickes together , desired him to vnfoulde his fardle , and trie if he could with the like method knit his burden together againe . Protagoras fulfilled his will , and vsed the selfe same art in his second binding , which when Democritus saw , by the promptnes quoth he ( my sonne ) which I perceiue in this light matter , I see thou art initiated in the foundation of far weightier sciences , and thereupon taking him from his seruitude , and teaching him Geometrie , Protagoras became so excellent as he did : so say I , with premonition you be not proude , though I praise you to your téeth , that the aptnes whiche I sée in this Disputation of pastim● , giues me courage to conceiue some future felicitie .

For this matter of variaunce , bycause a Kingdome diuided is not long established , and frendes falling out are hardly attoned , be content to claime no interest , but beare the bridle euenly .

Nay said Philotimus , a litle chafed with arguing : It was Solous opinion , that rewardes and punishments were vphoulders of the Citie , and therefore since one must nedes doe best , let your censure of our doinge , geue him rewarde of the best . For an Aristocratia must neuer take place , where the Monarchie may possibly gouerne the whole .

Aemilius as one ex Academica , thinking himselfe able to mantaine any controuersy , and somthinge moued with the indurate stubbornenes of his frend Philotimus , had him proue that , and hent the honour .

Philotimus briefly concluded in this manner , Iupiter hath the dominion ouer all the Gods It is monstruous for one bodye to haue 2. heads : all the members are ruled by one hart : all the parts of the Ship stand vnder one kéele : cranes follow one crane : the heard hath one shepheard : one bushe faith the Prouerbe , can not harbour two Robin redbrestes : more warres haue beene raised , bycause manye woulde commaunde , then by their disobedience which would not be commanded . What fierce fightes were those betwixt Scilla & Marius , Caesar and Pompey , Augustus & M. Antonius , Galba & Othos , Othos & Bytellus , Bytellus & Vespasianus , Seuerus & Iulianus , Seuerus & Albinius ? Tyranie , is worse then vsurping of the péeres , or all the commons aduauncing themselues , and therefore a Monarchie is the best .

Aemilius aunswered : The similitude of God may not be drawne to man . Libertie being the greatest gift , that the Gods bestowe vpon men , by what reason shoulde one mans authoritie take away the libertie of so many men ? One mans iudgement is soone subdued to euill affectes , as one bucket of water is sooner poisoned , then many seuerall vessells . Though one crane guid al , yet not alwayes one & the selfe same Crane , but now this , now that , the comparison of your Shepheard will not hould . For if the flocke be great , the Shepheards must be many . Againe , the whole flock is of a sociable , agreaunt , and vniforme nature , neuer disdayning his fellow , or Lordinge ouer him , neither féeling the yoke of any gouernment . One Cittie hath bene gouerned manye hundred yeares by a Senate , that ruled more quietly then any King , hauing kinges of many Prouinces vnder it .

Philotimus replied : It is not libertie to liue as we list , but by the lawe and ordinaunce enacted by Nature , some to gouerne , as the most wise and vertuous , some to obey , as lesse excellente in giftes . And bycause it semes hard , that one should rule all , the Gods haue promised to rule the hartes of Kinges and Princes , as Vlysses saith in the second of Homers Iliades . He saith also in the same place : Great fame and high renowne , are thinges deaurate , and of weight , if they be marshalled in a King . As it is easy for one vessell to bee infected : so is it easier to finde one absolute man , then a multitude méete for an entire Empice . Euery one of the Kinges that were subiect to that Senate , ruled his seueral Prouince by himselfe , as well as the Senate did all in one . Lastly , there is one chiefe in euerye Senate , to whome the reste doe some obeysaunce , and in whose sentence they stand and rest .

Here Aemilius sawe himselfe in the lapse , and almost drawne drye of all replies , & weried with perturbaunce of this ciuill dissention , with these or such like wordes yeelded himself .

Whether victorie be an appurtenaunce of a rightful cause , or a subtill conueyaunce of thy sleight matter , hath bleared our eyes , I knowe not : or whether enorme causes doe want solyd matter , or a trewantlike barrister must nedes be pitched ouer the peark , now it boots not : but to condiscend to our couenaunt wherwith we are combined , as I graunte me ouercomen in our latter discussion , so I giue thee the Trophees of all our disceptations .

Philotimus , who was euer more couetous to be accounted famous , then willing to heare his land exalted , returned his frendes curtesie in these wordes .

If there bee anye credit in takinge these prayses , whiche I haue receiued , what honour muste bee in the gifte of this credit , which thou hast bestowed ? And since you are so willing to depart with al your glory now of a sodeine , I wil not do like the alehouse clerckes , that deuide the world into foure partes , and take thrée to themselues : for I will not onely make partition of the whole , but binde my selfe gratefull to requite it as I may .

By this time they were come to their lodging , which now they neyther looked for , nor all this while had thought on , where repose they themselues till the next morrow .

The morning following , as they rid parling of such matters as were obuious , Senior Mondaldo , which neuer mispent time vnfruitfully , interrupted their talke with these words .

PHilotimus and Aemilius , sith we haue nothing at this instant , wherewith to bee well occupied , and you were staulled with yester dayes Disputation , I will prescribe you certaine Inductions to be performed at the Vniuersitie , which if you follow , you shall neither repent you of your present attention , nor repine at the prospering of other Gentlemen : and bicause contrary to ordinary , you are grounded in the liberal arts , which is not vsuall to freshmen , when they first come to study , I will set you downe no childishe samplers , as though I mente to impleade you of Ignoraunce , but suche as serue Gentlemen of your estate , and maye beseeme Studentes of a good standing .

First abase not good letters in your imagination : for their art is more behoofull for the gouernement of Gentlemen , then their want is materiall for a priuate Subiect . When Camillus triumphed ouer the Frenchmen the day of his victorye , he wrote these woordes in the Capitoll of Rome : Thou hast bene mother to all Wisemen , & stepdame to all Fooles .

Be studious in your learning , but not sottish in your labours : for moderate paines imploied in due times , increaseth knowledg without bodilye dammage , when intricate endles triuious toylings , plunge the wits , and crucifie the carcas .

Trifle not your times in vaine settes of wordes , but let your greatest trauailes be Philosophicall Institutions : for it is not hard for the Tayler to shape a fitte garment for a straight bodie , but it is impossible for a crooked body to be framd by his art to fit a streight garment . It was one of Socrates his Emblems , that he is eloquent inough , that deliuers his minde plainly .

Amonge all other Artes , forgett not the Mathematikes . for the Etymologie of their name , exhortes you to learne them .

Turne ouer the volumes of auncient histories : for so you being yong without experience , your knowledge shall stretche further then your fathers remembraunce .

Haue a sight in all Languages , though it bee but superficiall : for so you shall be Citizens in all Countreyes , and be able to calculate their condicions and manners : and that which is not specified in some of our Languages , is explaned to the full in an other Tongue .

For preceptes to be eloquent in any one Tongue , I canne assigne you no resolute certeintie : For neither are all Orators taught by one maister , ( saith M. Cicero ) neyther doe they vse the same wayes and meanes . Sweete were the sauce would please ech kind of tast , straung were the veine that some man thoughte not vaine : yet that which is generally receiued of all , is conuenable for you . First in your entraunce to euery Tongue , reade those Authors which ar sound without blemish , as Caesar , Tully , & Terence , in the Latin tongue : for Liuye & Salust , chiefteynes of Antiquaries , being generallie perfitte touching their whole woorks , but mancate here and there with some scattering faults , are not to be neclected of the Students in Eloquence , but to bee diligently read of those that haue iudgement . Secondarily mark their phrase & Elocution , & then that which is commonly lightly regarded , be painfull to make a swete round number . An example of this number , doth Sturmius point out in the beginning of Tully his Oration for A. Cecinna , the verye firste Sentence , of which , bycause Tully speakes somewhat , and Hermogenes at large , I omit to treatise any thing at all .

Of all other thinges , be charie of your companie . For we commonly say , that like will to like , and gather suspition of ones disposition , by his compéeres . When great Scipio came from the warre of the Poeniens , better accompanied with dastardlye michers , then with valiaunt Captaines , one Oruetus a famous Orator said vnto him : of troth , it is greate shame to thée , and small honour to the Senate , that thou hast ouercome the wise Affres , and art so wise thy selfe , & of the bloud of the wise Romaines , & wilte be accompanyed with these Fooles . I say vnto thée , that thy wit is in more perill here in Rome , then thy life was in Affrick . The frequenting of P. Mutius his house , made the young Gentleman P. Rutilius , be thought honest in life , & learned in the Lawe . The smal acquaintaunce , which M , Celius in his youth had with Catiline , was after in a controuersy concerning him nere , somthing preiudiciall to the vprightnes of his cause .

Let your companions be at least your coequalls : for that is comly , insinuating to your betters , if you may without presumption , & affable to inferiours with a sober submission .

Vse the company of your equalls with emulation , bee directed by your betters with imitation , contemne not the basest for any occasion .

Learne wisdome of the auncient , but affect not their grauity : gather wit of the wantons , but detest their corruptions : learne manners at the Court , there are fewe at the Vniuersitie .

These lessons , with a request to print them well in your minds , shall suffice at this time : what bookes you shall reade , & in what order , we wil assigne at our iourneyes end .

Philotimus with a gratious bashfullnes gaue him thankes for his good Lecture , with protestation , that one thinge wherewith hee had comforted him , in sayinge that their procedinges were more forward , then theirs are vsually which come to an Vniuersitie , he either feared was not so , or els much meruailed it should be so . For I haue read said hee , that no man was sufferable to enter Plato his Schoole , vnlesse hee had good knoweledge in the perspections of Geometry , and then I muse why our maisters of Florence , should bee so far ouerseene , to admit eyther Children that be ouer younge for their studies , or ignorant trewants that be too idle to learne , or blockeheaded doultes that haue no capacities .

Senior Mondaldoes aunswere to this , shall be Counsayle , for I thinke it better to rest in the midway , then run my selfe out of breath , & get no goale .

To make recapitulation of all their communication they had by the way , were more troublous to my pen , then now it can in tend , and therefore intermitting all interlacing of many a good discourse nothing vnprofitable , I will bring them now at length to their wished Vniuersitie , where thus muche I can say in the yong Gentlemens behalfe , but in especiall of Philotimus , that in application of his booke , he was as industrious , as if his liuinge had layd on his Learning , and so curious & circumspect in mainteyning of his credit , that he onely was the man , whome all men admired . In all points of learning Philotimus was commended , in all comparisons Philotimus excepted , in all exceptions Philotimus preferred .

His lyfe was more vertuous , then his lyne was noble , and more notorious was his vertue , then the brute of his bloud , and his name better credifed , then his personage acquainted .

In one and the onely thinge that belonges to an Orator , in soueraigntie of stile , & a swete and treatable pronunciation , he exceeded all others of whom I haue read . It is reported of Tullye , that for one sentence brauelye deliuered , all the people at once cast vp their cappes , & gaue a shoute : Then trust me ( Gentlemen ) I doe thinke , that if Philotimus had liued in those daies , & spoken to that people , that at euery Period they had bene amased .

His manners were milde , and very amiable . For though hee were of a cholerick sanguine complexion , whose operation doth vse to make his Subiecte sodeine : yet he coulde so well refraine his choler , and make exchaunge for cheuisaunce of curtesye , that these Sentences were often rowling in his mouth . Arist. saith , that Those are fools , which cannot be angry at an occasion : But Plato saith , that Those are more fooles , which will be angry with out great occasion . I well beléeue Arist. for he seldome lieth , but I will follow Plato , for he thought it sinne to lye .

His body was decently made , & featlye framed , conteyning an absolute constitution , and conuenience of liniaments : his head not a slope cornered , but round & globewise fashioned . His haire auburne or chesten coloure , & so was Hectors : his forehead smooth and vnwrinckled , beautified with comelye eiebrowes , and suche were the browes of Alcibiades , and gallantly garnished with a paire of amiable eies , not hollowe , but delightfully standinge out , cherefull to his frendes , and churlish to his foes , & such saith Heliodorus were the eyes of Theagenes , his cheeks roseall like Phebus rising in the Orientall skie : of stature he was semely , neither dwarfish like a man cut of at legges , nor a lungis like one that standes vpon stiltes , but iust in the middes , wherein consisteth vertue His porte and state of body bolte vpright , his gate framed to comelinesse , not nicely affected , nor curiously counterfayted , as it were plaiers , and disguised masquers , who by a kind of vpstart gate , vnwisely weene to win commendation In communitie of life he was verye jocund , neither to ba●latiue withe flattery , nor to whust with morositie , which Arist. 2 of his Ethicks cap. vii . tearmeth the two extremes of curteous humanitye : familiar in communication with gentle mildnes , seasoned with pleasure and a reuerent grauitie : without pratling and tatling , without biting scoffes or vpbraiding taunts , pleasauntlye conceyted and merry with honestie , vsing therein no filthines or ribauldrie : and as he was most far from malapert scurrility , and scenicall gesture , so was he free from sulleyne sterne seuerity , & stoicall indolency .

This for the most part was his behauiour . In tonge he was sylent , in this resembling Cato Vticensis , which neuer spoke but being vrged : in countenaunce sad , and yet not so sullen as M. Crassus , which neuer but once laughed in all his life . From company solitary , but for this onely cause , for which Sophocles in age would sequester himselfe vz. to quiet his mind with vntroblous contentation and encrease the gifts of knowledg and learning . And as Hermes Prismegistus saith , that Plotin us the philosopher , made as it were to all ornaments of vertue , choose him a secrete place of rest , where he might be far from humaine conuersation , and bestowe his time in diuine contemplation , free and feareles from all the insultes and counterchecks of fortune , and that hee contemned all titles of honour , and all possessions of riches , accounting that true honour and wealthe , whereby a garnished minde doeth knowe the oryginall of it owne authoritie : euen so was Philotimus affected , that trade did he trauerse , and that mediocritie .

For he often would say , that since no man might enter Dianees Temple at Craeta ( where Dedalus hath eternall memorie , for his worthy monuments ) vnlesse he went in stripped & naked , it was probable that none were docile Disciples of learning , but such as cast of the care of worldly pompe .

His diot was moderate , his dreames not vaine & reauing , ioyned with idle talke , as commonly theirs are , which abound with redde choller , whiche Iuuenal well describes in his 7. booke : With grislye dreadfull Dreames by nyghte their heades are vexte , with gastly visions in their sleepe yelad with vgsom shapes . For of choler are enkindled burning Agues , & phantasticall Imaginations , doting of burninge of Townes & Houses , of murthers , of hurlye burlies , when the fumositie of the choller striketh into the braine . The continuance of the disturbance of this , is voyded by vomit , sweate . & euacuation by siedge , which may bee done with Radix pontica , and suche thinges as prouoke vrine , as these hearbes : Alkakengie , Sperage , Gardeyn Parsely , Annyseede , Fenellseede , & by the forbearing of all hot , fat , and swete meates , which are very apt to be turned into choller , except reisons , licoras , and by eating such thinges as will quallify the heat of the bloud . Sléepe also must be prouoked by Lactuce , & sallet hearbs , that doe humect the braine , and all the partes of the body , & Venus , anger , vnseasonable labour , long fasting , must bee auoided , and sckanting our selues of victualls .

His Dreames were suche , as after the firste sléepe , the braine not stuffed with fumes , doe presage some newes approching . As Valentinianus dreaming that he saw his wife altered from her merrie glée , & weare a mourning gowne , the next day had it soe brought to passe by his sodeine death . And Augustus his mother dreaminge that shee broughte forth a Starre whiche illustrated the whole earth , had it verified in the Actes of Augustus .

To prosecute the Chronicle of Philotimus , be on a certeine day , hearing a crew of litigious ruffians , belching out their fuliginous fomentations against him , and insulte with hatefull spite ouer some of his doinges , thinking no body had hearde them , but they among themselues , couertly stood on the other side the wall , and gently and frendly admonished them , as though he had bene one of their owne companions . I beseech you Sirs , speake low , least Philotimus heare , for this is somtime his walk , where he takes the ayre . And arguing on a time on some Sophisticall pointes , with a Gentleman named Papius , who stoode very stiflye to his owne assertion , & ouerheated with chafinge and anger in disputing , condemned Philotimus for an hereticke in Philosophy : then ( quoth Philotimus ) I appeale to Papius when hee is sober , to debate the dissention . Which meeke aunswere appeased Papius , & reuolted him from his errour .

It was natiue to Aemilius his nature , to counteruaile all iniuries with a contrary counterbuffe , and neuer to die in the debt of his trespassours . Herevpon would Philotimus expostulate with him . What if an Asse or an Oxe should kick or spurne thée , wouldest thou thinke it manhood to strike againe ? But I will aduise thée of a good medicine in such a case . Goe to morrow morning , & knéele the downe beside the great Oke in Siloes wood , and looke whatsoeuer it bids thée doe , that doe , and nothing els . Aemilius thinking that Philotimus meant to worke some enchauntment , went thither to sée his deuise , but when he came there , he heard nothing but aniayerie murmure among the Trées : at his returne home , Philotimus asked him what he heard . Aemilius in a pelting chafe , thinking himself derided , aunswered : I heard asmuch speach , as thou hast honestie , and that is asmuch as an egge hath otemeale . Then quoth Philotimus , say to thy complices as is commaunded thée , & that thou sayest is nothing at all , and thōu shall neuer damnifye thy selfe with suche effluence of cholericke sominges . He quoth Aemilius , that will know the construction of your meaning , must coniure for it before , or vse suche hearbes as Cynocephalia , which Apion vsed in calling vp ghostes , to know of them where Homer was borne .

Philotimus his frendship & Aemilius his , by this time was perfit , and as one God could not vadoe that which another did , so what either of them auouched , the other would not disanull .

His ioy was most full euery way , till time it pleased God to visit Mantua , and therein his fathers house with a greuous mortalitye and plagne , whereof ten of his brethren and sisters died , so that onelye one sister named Fuluia ( besids his father and mother ) was suruiuor . Of these newes philotimus heard nothing till the residue were amended , the towne and his fathers house cleare from the plague , when the Lord Cleocritus and the Lady Castibula , meaning to solace their sorrowes with his presence , sent for him home .

About this time was philotimus greatelye troubled in minde , he knew not whye , and the very same night his fathers men came to Florence , he dreamed fearefully . The seruaunts were vnwilling abruptly to shew him these vnwelcom newes , and therefore foretelling Mondaldo and Aemilius , desired them to vse the matter so , as their yong maister might not take it to much to hart . The next day , philotimus rehearsed what fearefull dreames he had , vsing these wordes . If dreames deuine , or heauenly visions be not vaine , and Gods be iust , whom wee may trust , that no errours traine , some luckles hap approcheth .

He feared lest as Sextus was forewarned in his sleepe by a dead man , of the heading of his father , so these apparitions should forhight some drouping daunger

The burning of his right eare stunted him likewise , for that it is one of the parts which Saturne an euil planet gouerneth , & so much the rather he was aggrised , for that he had not heard of long time from his father .

Mondaldo heare tooke occasion to checke him for his dreads , discoursinge what calamities the beste had suffered , and howe peaceblye they had borne them , till withe his pholosophicall catechisinges hee had fortyfyed hys mynde agaynste all all the force of Fortune .

At last Mondaldo , after much talke , demaunded this Question : whether if he had diuers precious Iewells in a Shippe , whereof two or three Gemmes were of more valuation in his accounte , then all the rest , and the Ship should suffer wracke these onelye saued , he would more lament the losse of his Iewells , or reioice at the safetie of his Gemmes . Philotimus aunswered , that though a litle griefe daunt a great deale of ioy , as a litle leauen leauens a great trough of dough , yet if his Gemmes were of such woorth as is supposed , they would be a good comfort to so bitter a corsine . Then quoth Mondaldo , reioyce , that in Gods visitation of thy Fathers house , he hath taken to his mercy tenne of thy Brethren & Sisters , and yet of his great mercies hath lefte thee thy Father and Mother , and thy dearest Sister Fuluia .

At these woordes Philotimus scritched out , & as a distraughte Beolemer , vnuisedly raued against all the highe Aethereall powers . O cruell Gods ( quoth hee ) féede on my frendes , yea féede your gluttie hartes , & ouergorge your gulpinge weasants with my griping smart . In Corses tenne , I tenne times dead , am caried to my Graue .

Here Mondoldo rebuked him , and told him , he knew not with whose folly to counterpeize his frensie , except with Heracleates Dionisius his , who hauing learned of Zeno to be hart-hole in all afflictions , assoone as he felt a litle paine in his reines , bad Discipline adew , & fainted in his sickenes .

Well they directed their Iourney homeward , where after the Lo. Cleocritus , and the Lady Castibula , & M. Philotimus & Fuluia , had in tracte of time asswaged sorrowe , sittinge on a day after Dinner , at the Table with one Telamon his very frend , & other Gentlemen , Cleocritus began to appose Philotimus & Aemilius in their studies , and inquired of them the state of their Vniuersitie , whether yt were , as some boldly would slaunder it , decayed in study , and growen to vnsemely insolencie .

Philotimus aunswered , that it coulde not greatlye bee blamed though it were so , considering the small regard was had of Learning , yet comparing that he had experienced in his time , with that he had heard of others in their time , he thought it was like it selfe at all times : and if there were anye abuses it was not his dutie to tel Schoole tales . Papirius his mother ( quoth he ) demaunding of him what was done in the Senate house , he gibingly answered , that Husbandes mighte haue two Wiues , thinking it lawfull to aunswere that with a lye , that was not méete for her to demaund with modestie . Myrmice the maid of Athens , that Minerua loued so well , for displaying the Ploughe that Minerua made in despite of Ceres , was turned into an Emmot . The same Minerua was aggrieued with Aglauros , for seinge her secretes . The Romaines bearing the Minotaure for their ensigne , hidde the hinder deformed parte , and published that whiche resembled a man : and therefore ( said hee ) if yow be inquisitiue of any crime in Florence , which is rather to bee amended priuatelye , then reprehended publicklye , my aunswere is , Nihil scio , nisi nescio .

Euery one at the Table commended the wittie aunswere of Philotimus , yet Cleocritus willing to be resolued in his question , vrged it to Aemilius , who gaue him this aunswere .

You are not ignorante ( Sir ) what copie not onelye of zealous preachers , expert lawiers , learned phisitions , but also excellent yong men in all arts and tongues , do daily flow from our Vniuersitie . Yet this will I say , which neither can bee hid , for that it is commonly knowen , neither should be hid , for that it requireth reformation , that they haue as litle respect of persons , as any Iudges néede haue . For the veriest stunted foole , distorted criple , rudest loobbin , and the hob-hansomest man maye bee for his fée admitted to their societie . In the cooptations to their Fellow●hipps , in the Commencements for their degrées , not he that best deserueth , but he that hath best frendes , oftentimes hath the most suffrages .

Indéed this must I néedes say , and sigh when I say yf , that if one beautified with frugalitie of wit , and all manner good habits that can be placed in the Predicament of Qualitie , be eyther poore from the beginning , or by some casualtie be impouerished , he shal not onely be debarred of his preferment , but the least falt he can commit , shall bee imputed to him as a notorious crime , & if in word or looke he offend , it shall be cast in his dish in time of his petition .

For the study of Liberall Artes , it is almoste decayed , and in their place Toyes weare an hoode to couer their nakednes .

For our Preachers , though some be most exquisite in life and doctrine , yet knowe I diuers which are so farre vnable to maintaine a controuersie in the Schooles , that sauing a few Catechismes and short Epitomies , which may furnish them with some Diuinitie out of the Pulpit , I thinke they haue litle more Diuinitie then your Lordships mule . In the face of the world they ar searchers of sinnes , exhorters to punishe sinnes , inueighers against the sparing of sinnes , and yet they themselues in priuate corners , and so forth .

And these I warrant you , will sooner be incumbentes in a good Benefice , then they that better deserue by the frugalitye of their knowledge .

An other sort there is , by whose behauiour , you woulde iudge them Metrapolitans of the whole Realme : so sterne they are in lookes , so Maiesticall in pace , carrying vp their ioltes like hoigh headed malt-horses , so sirlye in woordes , so coy of their cappes , contemning their inferiours with a peazantlie despite , and flattering their betters to get them liuinges .

I thinke they would imitate Daies , Vulcans Priest , who was one of the richest of all Kinge Priams subiectes .

And for their lordly minds , it may be , they take warrant out of Plutarcch . For Plutarch in his Problems supposeth , that hence commeth the doing of our hattes , for that , who in auncient time did Sacrifice to the Gods , helde during the saide Sacrifice their cappes on their heades , when Princes and great personages , to doe fitte honour to the Sacrificatour , vncouered their heades , to the intent it might appeare , they reckoned themselues baser them the Gods and in respect of their functions , inferior to the priests .

Let their excuse be this , or what they list , but I hold them accursed that offende in the premisses , thoughe I will not accuse them to bringe my selfe into briers .

Peace for shame ( quothe Philotimus ) what an vnmannerlye Bird art thou to defoile thine owne nest ? I can iustifye said Aemilius , all that I haue said , and more , if néede require . But I had better slaunder them trulye , which is no Slaunder indéede , then flatter them falsely as thou doest . Not so saide Philotimus : For Diogines tearmed Slaunder a wild sauage beast , and Flattery but a tame one .

Telamon & other gentlemen at the table were importunate to heare this matter of Flattery and Slaunder canuassed , and therefore Aemilius began as ensueth against Flattery .

¶ A contention betwixt Flattery & Slaunder whether is the worse . Aemilius against Flattery .

O Most dissembling crafty vice Flattery , not ocularly to be séene , and yet a palpable coosener . Clisophus one of the traine of Phillip king of Macedonia , bycause his maister sometimes had the gouts and halted , he would limpe with him also as a compassionate , and when the kinge was well , he was well , finally what passion soeuer pressed the kinge , he expressed the same in imitation . Nicesias , when he sée the bloud of Alexander gushe out , would exclaime . O what noble bloud is this , it is the bloud of Gods , not of a man . O that gnat which tasteth of this bloud , must far surmount other gnats .

Such an insinuating stinge is Adulation , that Hercules wise and wary , was hood winked with the pleasaunt clawe of Cercopes , and Iupiter incensed with auckward spite against his doughter Pallas and all the Graecian packe , with Thetis her loutinge Flatteries , and humble sticke spéech with touching of his beard , and culling of his necke , & kissing his knées , and teares wrested out with much wringing .

greate men of the world are like great pottes ( quoth Diogines ) which he they neuer so great , you may carrie them about by the eares . But I would they might say as Pindarus saide , that he had already rewarded the trauaile of Flatterers , bycause he had not made them lyars : or would doe , as Diomedes did to the notable Harper , who promising him a talent for playing , and he demaunding it , aunswered : I haue already paid that thy daie . For my eares were but filled with an empty sounde , and I haue tickled thine with a bare promise .

It is good bowing the body to catch others on the hippe ( saieth Aristippus for defence of this faulte : who being reprehended for kissinge the kinges feete , when hee solicited a suite , aunswered , I am not worthy blame for stouping , it is long of him that hath his eares in his heeles . See what Flatterie can doe Philotimus , what say you to Slaunder . Philotimus aunswered .

Philotimus his Inuectiue against Slaunder .

THE Slaunderers , haue as many heades as Hydra to inuente wickednes , as manye legges as Tholus to runne to naughtines , as many hands as Typhoeus to put it in practise , fifty mens voices like Stentor the Graecian , to bee the cole carriers of many a loude lye . They are furious Centaures , by formed Scyllaes , huge Cyclopes , fretting Furyes , monstruous Harpies , as cunning in shooting their fiery venemous shaftes , as the men Abantes were in throwing their dartes , as gredy to deuoure mens credites , as the great Bore of Calidon was to depopulate the fruites , which Bore Diana sente thither , bycause Oneus the Kinge of the Countrie , gaue eche yeare of his first fruites in Sacrifice to all the Gods , and not to her .

A Flatterer can insinuate with weightines of sappy woordes , grauitie of Philosophicall Sentences , and oftentimes make the Truth serue his turne : But a Slaunderer , is an vnflidge nestlinge vnable to flye , an vnnaturall abortion borne before his time , an imperfecte Embryon not able to persiste , without supporting of others .

This Enuious Slaunder , kepes her house in drearye , yrksome , dimmy Den , repleate with loathie stinking filth , and frozen ioye could deuoyd of Fire , and Ayre , yet almost chokte with smouldering smoke : & there she sittes fast gnawing on the fleshe of snakes and toades : there slothfullye she walkes with lumpishe leysure like a snayle , her lippes are euer pattering , her chekes are bolne , her face Saturnian swart , her neuer sleping eies do looke askew , her three rowed teeth are fued with filthy dresse , her goumes are waryish blewe , her festred gall hath made her stomacke greene , and all beuenimd is her spirting tongue .

The hellbound neuer lau●hes vnlesse at others harmes , her body is as leane as any rakes , she freats at others good successe , as if her selfe were harmde , yet seeking to anoy and worke ristresse to other folke , her selfe she doth destroy .

In night , when sunnie streamy lighte is cladde within Hells blacke mournfull wéede , when none doth sée nor heare ( for why ? her face she dare not show , nor once auouch her name ) she stalks to them abroad , that are themselues moste de●elish Hipocrites , & moste suspitious of others demeanour , shee whistles this or that into their patent credulous eares , and forgeth all God wot . If any circumstaunce of where , or when , or whome , may make a probable Argument , she tells it with a grace , and bindes it with an oth . This mandat doth she giue to all her brokers , the at euery iumpe they steale a yard , and at euery Declaration add as much more , and after this she eft returnes from whence she came , and so God send her to the gallowes .

If any say that it is she from whome this tatling is deduct , she stares and startes abacke , and sweares amaine it is not she . Her throateboll swels with puffed veynes , her heart it sweltes with flaming fury , her eyes gan sparckle fire , there standes about her smeared chappes a lothlie foming froth , she poysoneth all she dealeth withall with this infection . That like the bablinge Eccho , they shall neuer restraine their wambling Tongues , but straine them out when others speake , to carpe and cut of the best part of their meaning : she is more venemous then the slimye Serpente Python , with fiery blaring mouth , and forked wagging Tongue : whose combrous harme did meane to charme Latonaes seede .

Now Aemilius what say you to this slaunder , I doubt not but by this time you thinke your flattery a sainct in respect of this deuill .

This question was left doubtfull Cleocritus and the company rise , accounting this small time after dinner well spent .

The vnkindly loue of Telamon to Castibula his frends wife .

NOw ( sir ) vnderstand that Mounser Telamon soiourninge ●nd commoning with the Lord Cleocritus , had suffered his freewill to be witched , and gind with the beautye of Castibula . which though he sawe aduerse to all humanity , yet was the heate of his lust so vnquenchable , that it smouldred reason , and burned with beastlines . He had protracted the disclosure of it hitherto , and perceiued his procrastination to be perilous .

Castibula hauing set sorrowe apart for the death of her children , and relieued almost with her lief ould ioyes , as she walked one daye in her verdurant garden alone , after other ordinarie communication , which he made as it were a portall and preludium to his cause , he boorded her in this sort , yet not in bourde as the consequence giues euidence , but in hard earnest , whiche was the earnest of her death .

Telamon .

O madam the mistris of my hart , I haue a sute , yet am I mute and dare not speake .

Castibula ,

if semely it be , speake on and speed , if not , conceale such suts , commaund ought else .

Telamon .

can that vnséemely be , whose graunt doth saue , or whose deniall spills my life .

Castibula .

I would not with to saue my lyfe with wrongfull meanes .

Telamon .

yet giue me leaue to speake , and liberty to liue .

Cast . I geue you both if eyther I can geue . Say on .

Tel.

I will say on , though loth . For long I mingled bashfull shame with loue , till loue at length surpassed shame . One of the olde Philosophers , Diogines by name , an odde fellowe , and full of quirkes , demaunded on a time of a prodigall youthe an vnreasonable some of money : The youngs man amazed at this impudent begging , asked him what hee meant to craue suche a boone . Truely ( quoth Diogines ) I see thée so riotous in lashing out thy money , that I thoughte if at this time I had not thy rewarde , thy abilitie would not longe too so decay , that it could not though it woulde , yeelde me succour hereafter , and therefore I mente to begge once for all : Euen so good Lady , though my request may seme unpious in vttering , extrauagant from reason , and to taxe my affections with an vnhonest inclination ; yet if your Ladyship afford me not this blisse , the shortnes of my life wil in few daies to ceme preuent all swetenes of medicinable electuaries . Now good Lady , if by this litle yow can iudge the whole , cut of the course of my sequele proces , with present accomplishment of my briefe demaund . The Cat would licke milke , but she will not wette her féete , and I would faine haue , but I dare not craue all .

Cast.

I feare I knowe not what , yet ascertaine mee of my doubt .

Tel.

I néede not at all , thy Deitye hath presaged what it is , and must amende it with thy pardon , if oughte bee amisse . If I should tell thée all my tormentes , which alas I cannot , and thou beleue them , which I feare thou wilt not , thou mightest vaunte that thou haddest the truest Seruaunte in the earthe , and I not doubte but obteine the beste Mistris in the worlde .

Cast .

Iupiter foreshield these dreaded mischiefes .

Tel.

It is is not Iupiter , but Venus , that hath hurte me , and must helpe me .

With that Castibula looking wistly vpon him , in furious rage ●lange hastilye from him . Telamon mistrustinge noe lesse at the firste , and trustinge yet to conclude this wooful Epitasis with a ioyfull Catastrophe , grasped her in the middes with bothe his armes , appaulde at her displeasure , and scarse able to speake , till comd to himselfe , O Lady ( quoth he ) what mean you to shun me , more like the franticke foe , whom fell Erichtho hath in chase with manie her twifold turninges , then one more beloued of him you haue in presence , then euer . Andromache was of Hector ? The Law forbids to doe a man to die before his cause bee heard . Firste lette mee pleade at the barre of your beautie , and then lette your wil pronounce his Iudgement . Doome after death is rigour without reason . O that you had Cassandraes gift , to deserye all secrets of the hart .

Cast .

A Rat is soone iudged by her ranck smel , & Hiena bewraied by her counter fayt call .

Tel.

Bulls bloud of it selfe is contagious and pestilente , but in composition mixte with Eolewortes , is solatarye against an opilation . My bare suile of it selfe bluntlye weighed , semes to auerre against all honestie , but conioyned with the circumstances of my longe smothered loue , and the perill of vtter perishing but ye giue me gale deliuery , it may bee a warning to you to salute yt with a welcome , and not to debarre his reasons of right .

I haue receyued enterteinment at my Lorde your husbandes handes , farre better then by seruice I could demerit , for the which I denie not mee more indebted , then if it had bene lesse I canne euer discharge . And so receiued Paris of prince Menelaus , when he committed the rape of Helen , I am thancklesse to my Lorde , bycause I am thrall to my Lady , and for that which I owe to his manifold good turnes , my libertie is impaund and imprisond to yow . Thinke not me graceles for laying siege to that fortresse which neuer anye before me durst attempte : but thinke me more feruent then other your vassals , which see your beauty peerlesse , & your vertue inuincible . Dan Phoebus angrye that you excelled him in beautie , could no otherwise haue pretexte to minister his malice , but by casting his beames into your radiant eyes , to dazell the lookes of all the beholders : And this is the cause , that all that vewe thée wishe as I doe , but not able to abyde thy glittering glaunce , close vp their eies for feare of blinding , and geue ouer their desires ouercome with necessitie .

Nowe square my loue with a directe line , whiche with no canuassado wil take the repulse . It is natures instigation , to make choyce of that , to whome wee are dearest and beste beloued , then giue me ( O Lady ) O giue me my iustice . And here he pausinge , either in meditation what to say more , or expectation of her pleasure , Castibula aunswered .

Thou lookest I should thank the for thy lawlesse loue , & I looke thou shouldest abate it bycause I am th anckles . Thisbe a Graecian mayde , beloued of Thermutes an Aegiptian Thiefe , wrote in a letter to a frend of hers , that she had rather be hated of the ciuill Graecian , then he beloued of the rude Barbarian : and without offence be it it spoken ( but vnder no correction ) I had rather wish the my capitall foeman , then after this sort to haue the my frend .

It fareth not with women , as with Trophonius his den , into which whosoeuer entred , was without respect of persons , rapte with a fury of diuination : but whosoeuer shall like a woman must not be rewarded with a guerdon of the like . Dost not thou know , that pease sowen in colde grounde turne to tares ? That whea●e sowen in stony ground turnes to darnell ? That there is a kind of Rye , which being caried into Fraunce , chaungeth his graine ? Let either the beastlines of the cause , or the frendship of my hushande , or the honeste affection I haue alwayes borne thée , bee a Supersedias to stay thy suite . Goe not about to gette that with thy toyle , which thou canst not but forgo with shamfull foyle . Thou doest not onelye offende in a monstruous crime , but deseruest a a greuous penaltie for excusing thy crime .

Thy suite a Gods name , spiced with the gleames of of thy stailes loue muste mitigate the odiousnes of thy request . Nay Telamon , the riuer Hypenis descending downe from Scithia , is a water wholesome & sauourie , the whiche after the entraunce of a little salt springe , waxeth so salt and brackishe , that none can drinke of it . Much vertue is blemished with a small spot of vice I haue read in Vitrunius of the riuer Chimera , whose water in taste is very delectable , but parting into two sundrye troughes & channels , the one continueth swete , the other conuertes into bitternes : no otherwise my husband & I as long as we liue in wedlock bandes , shal haue comfort of our frendes , and credit in our countrie , but if I disseuer this swete societie , he shall kepe his honour directed with honestie , and I kindle reproche detected of disloyaltie .

Indéed Mariners commonly sayle by night when other sléepe , for that the winds that come then from the earth , doe calmly fill their sailes : and thou thinkest perhaps that I haue now opportunitie , when my Lord is secure and vnaduised of my fetch . My Lord & spouse hath the vertue of a Diamond , whiche is of power to trie chastitie . But that shall not néede Telamon , for sooner shal my soule to weightles aire ywaste , and time vntwine his date , & azure heauens stande still , ere I recule one inch from thee ( O dearest Cleocritus ) I dare compare with the Ladye Sulpitia , whose husband Lentulus Crustellio being banished into Sicilie of the Romaine Triumueri , , & she kepte diligentlie of her mother that shee should not follow , yet that her faith to her husband might not bee violated , tooke vpon her a seruantes apparell , & with two men & two women stole after him from her mother .

Neuer shall it be said , but there is some Ladye in Italie , which will be as quirie in wedlock rites , as the insulans of Pteleon , who in this point are accounted most religious . If I should commit this abhomination , not to be spoken of , I were more cruel than the widowes of Lemnos , which killed all their husbands , & manye degrées worse then the doughters of Danaus , which al ( saue Hipormnestra , that spared Lincius ) the first night they lay with their new bride-groomes , be reaued them of life . I rather would to shield mine honour , & preuent his shame , like valiaunt Penthisilia , which with her pollar stifly stood in ●roies defence , so venter life & limme .

It is neither a showe of greate pleasure ( thoughe the sweetest poyson pearce the deepest , and faire wordes can soonest deceiue ) nor all the tormentes in the world , no though my soule ( as once was Prometheus his ) were pinchte and gnawne with Vultures strayned talantes , that can reduce me from my constancie .

And canst thou thinke ( Telamon ) that Cleocritus woulde not with eger moode exulterate this iniurye , whom thou knowest to loue me more then lightlye Aristomenes deigned to defende his domes of price , whom he in wars had wonne , and rather chose to dye in their defence , then fylthye men shoulde foyle theyr chastytye : then woulde Cleocritus do greater thinges then that for spousall loued wife or doest thou weene hee should not knowe it ? yes , yes , send sot : canst thou or anye else ent so neere a morsell from him , and hee not feele it ? Eratis a sheepehearde sleapinge on the mountaine amiddes his flocke , was slaine by a a male goate iealous of his mate , withe whiche Eratis moste abhominablye and yet verye closelye had subuerted the Lawes of Nature . It is harde to blynde the eyes of him that loues , who not onelye seethe more then all other men , but also hathe the potence whiche noe other hathe , to see in his steepe and in the absence of his louer .

Restrayne therefore these saluaged cogitations , and sith thou fawnest frendship on my Lorde and husband ( and not vnworthylye ) showe such fidelylye in thy demeanour , as sometime one Alexander did to his frende : who lyinge in naked be● with his frends wife , and by his frends graunt , laide a naked sworde betwyxte them to keepe them asunder .

Thy fayre protestations lye prostrate at my feete , any little preuaile . For I neuer liked an affected finenes in an euill face , nor good wordes in so bad a case .

If then canst bringe vnder thy gaddinge appetits , and submite them to the frendshippe thou owest my husbande , Cariclia was not halfe so glad , that her Theagenes ouercame Ormenes in the race at Pithiaes games , a● I will reioyce that my husbandes deserts , haue daunted the force of thy illegitymate desyres , and as the same Cariclia , rather purposed to receiue that which is destinied to deathe , then by hauinge Alcamones deceiue Theagenes , so shall these handes firste pull out this tonge , or a braundishe blade firste pearce this harte , ere I foyle my name with so soule a consente .

The birde Charadrius , if one that hath the kinge euill soe her healeth him that is so diseased , but dieth thereof herselfe : and I by this remedy rescuing thee from sorrow , shal exalperate my bane with ten thousand griefs . If my beauty which thou saist is glorious , brede these bickeringes to my greate annoy ( as Dionisius and Milesius men famous in the liberall artes , bycause manye prouoked by great report frequented their scholes to learne , for enuie were banished by the Emperour , when he had no occasion to kill them ) then do I wishe that either my beautye had beene lesse and my fortune more , or else that my fortune be agreable to my beauty . It was death among the Delphians to steale away a maide , O then what death deseruest thou , so disloyall a wife ?

Refraine my company for the time , for it may be that often presence setts a fether to the flight of thy affection , or marrye some gentlewoman conuenient to thy callinge , for so thou shalt not maculate the heroicall vertue continency , and maiste by the suauitie of her societie , forget other formes that are not for you , or if both these mislike your humour , carrie the dust about thee , wherein a male sweating hath wallowed , or annoint thy selfe with the stale of a mule , and this thy loue will turne to hate . Follow any of these prescripts aboue pres●●ed , and if thou diest for loue , though I could not loue thee when thou wast aliue , I will honour thee being dead , Neaptolemus slaine at Delphos by Orestes Agamemnons sonne at the altars side , was in adoration of his vertue , and worthy recompence of vnseasonable death , euery fourth yeare in the same cittie duely honoured with a deuout sacrifice . But if thou chaunce to dye at this present , I will not sacrifice to thy soule ( which is superstition ) but I will praise thy loyalty that loued so well , and curse my hard hap that mought not requit it , and so waile thy obit with dolefull teares and himnes , that if sorrowes can do thee honour , thou shalt pass Neoptolemus .

Talemon .

I humblye thancke your ladyship for your honorable curtosie : I am almost as much behoulding to you , as Boristines Adrians horse was to his maister : for this horse being verye ready foe hunting , that he would staye and make ready as dothe a man , when he vnderstoode the chase coming , and therewithall runing very surely downe the hill , and verye swiftlye vp the hill , Adrian loued him so well that when he was dead , he not onely caused him to be buried with solemnizing his obseq●ies with great pomp , but commaunded arich sepulture of marble to be erected for him . Nay madam , better a 〈◊〉 dogge , then a dead Lion . If in my life I obtaine no remorse my pleasure wil be little after my death . O madam your counsaile is not currant , you giue me the deuill to drinke , and bids me beware poison , firste kills me , and then bids me fly death . Deny not your abilitye to the indigent and needye , Cannot she that kills willingly saue if she will ? yes sure you can as quicke and good ; and wilfull will is eke to quicke , to shed my gi●●les bloude .

But I must lige depriued of you and then go seeke for other booties . No sure , hereof be sure , my life were so vn●ure , & though I liue , yet so to liue , were better death endure . When I behould this corps of yours , and your celestiall feature , the windowes of mine eies are glazed with such delight , as ech new face semes full of faults that blazeth in my vewe . Our stately dames in ●ourt , then years do weare about their neckes , to beautifie themselues : but you whom I dostrue , your pearls do weare closed in your mouth , and smiling showe the same . O Lord what foultringe of my tonge I feele , what sodeine vulnes of my wi●t when I begin thy praises . I know the cause . Dame Pallas enuious at thy fame , and full of angrie garboile , hath well forecaste to dash deuice as oft as I indite it . I cannot greatly blame her . for if my Ladies gifts were knowne , Pallas should loose her praise of price .

Were not I than more foolish to abandon thy companye , then the priest Calasiris , which being in loue with Rhodopis , forsooke his countrie gods , his countrie soyle ; and frendes ; and lands , and all , to auoid the concupiscence that might grow other presence .

A Beare blinded becometh fearrer , and I not seeing thee should waxe more eger . These thy medicines therefore , are as much to the purpose , as that good wiues ; who hauing learned of the phisition that her husband must get anappetyte , got him straightwaye an ape and tied it to his bed , thinking that would heale him , or hers who beinge taught to giue her fraude bugloss , gaue him blew glasse that killed him .

If thy husband loued thee not ( the contrarye whereof I knowe ) this were a reuenge , and if he loue thee , the facte shal be pardoned . Tertia Aemilia perceiuing her husbande Scipio African to loue one of her handmaides , dissembled the matter , and would not see it , for that shee would not seme to blame her lord of incontinencie ▪ yea after her husbands decease , she made her free , and married her to one of her freemen : and thy Lords being of as good a nature , why should he not vse thee same manner ? Sweete than , put pleading out of place , and in his roome enstall sweete peace .

Yet if I must réedifye my sute with newe coi●ed soothings , & exemplifie you some by whose imitation you shall not onely be pardoned , but also hent fame by this lite deceite , call to minde the Lady Fiametta , who was so earnestlye courted of a noble man , that shee had no vent to voide his sute , but by the inioyninge of this impossibilitye . If he would exhibit her the sight of a gardeine , odoriferous with the smell of all sorts of freshe fragraunt flowers in the moneth of Ianuarie , shee would yeelde him his borne , and for the gage of it , her faith should be the burrowe . The gentleman forechusing the euent of all hard auentures , before the losse of his Lady ( like Dioclesian , which would rather die of poison by his owne hands ministred , then he would liue depriued of his Empire ) tooke her offer : for performaunce of which , hauing trauerced many a nation to search cunninge & all in vaine , at last met by chaunce with a sorcerer , to whom deploring with vaporous eyes his burdurus taste , and enfeoffing him in a deed of gift in the one moity of his landes for some remedye , the sorcerer both promised and in short space performed this execution . Fiametta seing that shee looked not for a gardeine in this season with herbes , flowers , ar bours , and euery thinge agreaunte , neither able by couenaunt to defeate the gentleman , nor willing by loyalty to defile her husbands bed , tould to her spouse the whole matter . The good man her husband ponderinge the gratefull goodwill of the gentleman , reuoluing eft his endles triuious labours , to which the desire of his Ladye did summon him , bad her with expedition returne to her frende , and paye her promise with supplye of his pleasure .

A kingdome is as proper to an heire apparaunt by succession , as a wife to her husband by espousall promise . Yet the Inhabitaunts in the Isle of Nerae which bordereth on the riuer Nilus , elect their prince not by regard of parentage , but by a reuerent aspect or representation of personage , and by the opinion of his vertue and valure .

Antiochus the sonne of Kinge Seleucus , fallinge in loue withe Stratonica his fathers wife , and his mother in lawe , and very sicke with concealinge it close to him selfe , had by the pollicie of Eristrates the kinges phisition , his disease bewrayed to his father , the immoderate heate of whose passion Seleucus considering with animaduersion and the daunger immiment to the defeature of his desire , frelye forewent his proper interest , and bestowed his wife vpon his sonne . Then let me atteine thy loue , though I susteine it with sorrow , and depart from it afterward with my annoyaunce .

Whereas thou doest comfort me in mockage , with a promised celebration of magnificall funeralls when I am dead , I sweare , that in lieu of a former beneficence , which I hope for at thy hands , I will not onely publishe thy clemencie whiles I liue , but when thy soule shall leaue thy body as is forefined , thy sepulchre shal be ingrauen with a more glorious epitaph , than that kinges , which was writ in foure pillars , placed vpon the mounteine Arcadio in the Ile of Cipres , so much renowned of M. Aurelius and of him recited . But if my sighes , and sobs , and throws be sowen in vaine , O then Castibula , without Castibula , that of Castibula houldest nothinge but the outward shape , with a conscience more cruell then Gracchus Valerius his , who for his crueltye was in hatred with all the Romiane empire .

As of serpents teeth , which Iason flunge into the grounde , there sprunge a troupe of sterne souldiours with sword & shield , till time the earthly brothers twixt themselues to ciuil combat fell , and fought yf●re a grislye fighte : soe of euerye denyall that you denounce ▪ shall a myllyon of cares arise within my breste , that shall neuer cease to worke ciuill warrs twixt my soule and body , till time w●th fearce combat the one be dispatched .

Stay nymph , and flye me not . The lambes so flye the wolues , the Staggs the Lyons so , the doues so from the goshauks flye , and euery creature from his foe .

It s somewhat from the fraughted boughes to plucke the fruite at full , and somewhat from the tender stalke in prime to take the primrose , I am both yong and youthfull yet , vnspotted of beds pleasure , and would to you , O goddesse you , giue vp my firste fruit offeringes .

The agony of my passions are like the biting of a madde do●ge , whose rancklinge rage endurethe euen vnto deathe , O Ladye showe thy mercye . One snare maye easelye take two byrds , and one Goddesse vsuallye heareth two mens praiers , sweete Lady showe thy mercy . shee that giues quickly , doubles the gift , giue me quicklye , or else I dye presentlye , good Ladye for thy mercye .

Casti .

dye Telamon ? I praye you of what coulour shall your clothe be died ? truste me , if you dye any thinge , I thinke it will be a cote of chaungeable coulor , which I wishe as hartilye as mine owne welfare , and will thanke you for it as for a benefite .

I speake flatlye that thou maist knowe my minde , that thou neither linger in an endeles hope , nor I deceiue thee with painted words . It was enacted by the Lawes and statuts of Rhodes , that none should giue counsaile to destr●ssed wights , nor seeme to tender their miserye with piteous words , vnlesse they had some remedies to asswage their calamities , and plaister the misfortunes that deared the patients . Therefore synce my former aduice coulde not worke withe you , I cannot geue you any more consolation , but leaue you where I founde you , to the Gods their compassion . I will not double withe you in driuinge you of withe faire language , when my meaninge is nothinge more then to disappoynte my appoyntment , and so Imitate the waterman , whiche lookethe one waye , and roweth another .

Meruaile not Telamon , that my curtesse propice euer at your praiers , is nowe founde refractarye in rigour , and vnloked for of you . Lucius Clarus consull beinge sente by the senate to the Oracle of Apollo , to demaunde what the Romaines shoulde doe , beseiged of the Frenchmen , withe manye teares and greate offeringes kneelinge fortye dayes vppon his bare knees could get no aunswere of the God . The cause was , as Apollo afterward tould the Romaine priests , which came of the same message , that Lucius Clarus was an euill man , and besieched a greate demaunde .

Certes though it be meete that brute beasts be chastised by other brute beasts , and the bitinge of a scorpion with the liuer of a scorpion , and hainous faults with smarting corrections : yet I wil not punish you with open penaltie , neither publish your secret crimes , if you will bridle your brainsicke iade withe an hartye paenitet .

Greate and abstruce is the misterie of chastity , which who soe violates , deserueth no lesse torment in euery member , then the whole body is able to tollerate .

When a certaine ship , wherein was the diesse Berecyntthia mother of the Gods , arriued at the port of Hosty , it ran vpon the sand , from whence by the space of four dayes , xxx . M. men were not able to remoue it By chaunce came thither one of the virgins vestals named Rhea , who with her girdle tied to the shipp , drew it to the land as easelye as she would haue drawen a thred from the distaffe : so although my beauty , as you tearme it , bee strong to deteine you in your doting moode , yet let the goodnes of my vertuous chastity , withdraw you from your naughtines to a loue of mine honesty

You saye that one snare maye take two birds , and I resaye , that one garment is not meete for many , neither shall one Castibula fit diuers mens lusts .

It were more brutishnes in thee to defloure thy frendes wife , then Clodius his incest was abhomination , which discheueled his owne sister : and as mad an excuse for me to say I made the partner of my priuities , bycause I loued thee , as Ca●us Blessius his was , which hauing conspired with Tiberius Gracchus to subuert the common wealth , asked forgiuenes of Lenates and Rutilius the consuls , and Ladius which then sat in counsaile with them , bycause he made such acount of Tiberius Gracchus , that whatsoeuer he willed him do , he must needs do it , yea though it were to burne the Capitol . And good cause hath my husband , which now vseth me as a Lady like the ould Romaines , then to houlde me as a slaue as the Barbariens do their wines .

An husband is to his wife like a spider in the middes of her web . For if any part of the saide copweb be but touched with the poynt of a nedle , foorthwith the spider feeleth it : And if the wiues honesty bee neuer so litle cracked , she shal inggle closelye but he will perceiue it .

Trachinus a merchaunt hauing robbed the Phoenicians of their merchaundise , comming ashore , commaunded his men to buye whole dearies of kine , whole heardes of oxen , and swine , and sheepe , to do sacrifice , and make good cheare , and pay for them whatsoeuer was asked at the first worde : so it is an easie matter , but most wicked , to bee liberall of that whiche is not mine owne but my husbands .

( Telamon ) it befits not a gentleman to bath himselfe in these brothell conceites . One of the Marranes of Italy ( for soe were their kings called ) for shuttinge vp his gates by night , that he mighte sleepe surelye and take delight withe his concubine , was depriued of his realme . Neroes scholemaister would often saye : though I knewe that Gods would pardon mee , and men knew no misse of me , yet for the villanye of the flesh , I woulde not sinne in the flesh .

There was a law of the Romaines , that nothing should be denied to women with childe of that they asked : and neuer anye woman longed more for that she saw , then I long for reformation in these thy most horrible detestations .

Therefore good Telamon , let reason be intercessor to freewil , to depose these inexpiable perturbations . I cannot declare that I fele , neither thou fele that I will declare . I am more tormented inwardly at thy sodeine assaults , then those poore creatures were outwardly , which the cruell Alexander Fereas buried quicke , & fastned together face to face : or those among the Scithians which for any great faulte had the Statute extended vpon them , which commaunded them to bee put in the bellies of Horses or Oxen sowen vp againe , & there rot till they were dead for those which came vnder the rodde of the Tyrant Maxentius , of whom Virgil entreateth .

Faustine the wife of Aurelius louinge a Fencer , coulde not bee brought to hate him by any Apothecaries drugges , till one deuised the Fencer should be closly slaine she not witting , & his bloud giuen her warme to drinke as a potion , which indéed immediatly made her loth him : so if nothing can mitigate your affection but my vtter confusion , I rather yéelde to dye , and geue yow a confection of my bloud , then so oppositelye to my foreled life , degenerate from honestie , and derogate from myne honour .

Seneca his wife prosecuted her Husbande with so deare loue , that after Seneca was slaine , shee did not onelye offer to kill her selfe for his sake , if she had not bene staied , but also after the same manner that he was slaine . And let this hastie warninge wreste shee from thy suite , that I would not onely bee as desperate , if any mischaunce should befall my husband , but if it mighte pleasure him , incurre the like at his commaund therefore desiste .

Tel.

As it is death to women , to be denied of that they demaund : so is it naturall to them , to dispise the thing is giuen them vnasked .

Iulius Caesar the Emperour was blamed , bycause ( as the cust●m was ) he rise not vp curteously to the Senate , that saluted him on their knees . And I might impute it to thée for discurtesy , that thou guerdonest not my kindnes with equiualente clemencie . Yet that yow maye knowe , it is not your beautie alone hath bleared mine eies , but your vertues rather , that haue subdued my affection , and that it may be proofe howe well I loue yow , I promisse neuer hereafter to sollicite this suite , but moderate my selfe according to your mind .

This contented Castibula well , who after this vsed his company many a time , & neuer heard word of former toies .

But wicked Telamon went an other way to work . For wheras he saw Castibula vse him more familiarly than all other men , & himselfe in despaire to atchieue his wish , he after some inter●ission of time , indented with 2. cut throat v●cabonds for a 1000 crownes , to w●ite one night for Cleocritus in 1 litle groue , where hee vsed to walke after supper in summer eueninges , and there slay him , and that they mighte knowe when he was alone , he would giue them inckling of it . All these contriuementes were accomplished out of hande , Cleocritus slaine , the murtherers fled , & neuer heard on , neither who , nor wher they were : great search was made , and Telamon moste busye amonge the reste to examine before the Iustices suspected persons , and those who had bene at any oddes with Cleocritus .

But woe begone Castibula misdéemed the worste , and gessed a troth , that selfe Telamon was accersary to his death . But waiting for a time of reuenge saide litle , onely closetting her selfe in her bed-chamber , vexed her mind & body with x. thowsand cares , and in her racking tormentes sc●itche● out these woordes .

O day which ay shall me annoy Castibula , alas Castibula , now straine thy howling Him●es , let grief be-wraied by grisly laies , surmounting seais● Alcyones , and passing Pandions foules , Not Tellus fretting at the Gods to their despite and to our paine , vp-hurld more v●ly monstruous féend ( whom syphon men ar wont to call , whose bloudy pawes purgd Citties boundes , and skowring scourged poore sackeles Soules ) then is this No man Telamon .

O Father of Heauen , why dost thou throw thy ratling boults in vaine vpon the whistlinge woodds , and wilte not deigne to spend one Brande on this pernitious freake , to wreake thy gawly ire ?

My plighte more piteous is , then was Octauiaes earst , whose Sire was slaine , & Mother bere●te of breathinge life , of Brother eke depriued was she by Treason not by guilt . And more vnluckye is Castibula , then was vnfortunate Deianira , whose Father was at last decay , Tydeus her brother a poore exiled Squire , Hercules her husband killed by the shirt that Nessus gaue her to make him loue her ( as he saide ) and Hil her prety boy lefte a poore Orphan .

When slumber sweete in pensiue partes doth reigne , & sleepe in eyes all tired with teares doth rest , I apprehend Cleocritus genial face : me thinkes these armes they claspe their wonted phere , me thinkes his foming foes pursue his flighte , and then me thinkes he doth recoyle a backe ; and fenceth blasing brondes with naked fistes . O state wherein I stand , O present pining paine . O death , no death , but euer dying griefe . With ease Electra I repeate thy case , whose father slaine , thy brother yet might venge : but nothinge canne reuenge this haggishe deuelishe facte .

But be sure ( Cleocritus ) that if Portia , Cato his doughter , and Brutus his wife , hir husband being slaine among the Phillipians , when she could not get a knife to kill her selfe , eate hot coales to reaue her of her life : If Turia the wife of Quintus Lucretius put her selfe in deathes hazard for her husbandes sake : that thy Castibula will not bee saide lagge in as bolde attemptes .

These matters a litle ouerblowen , Telamon began to comfort● her , and tell great tokens of his good will , and though vnworthy of such successe , yet did he craue Cleocritus his succession : Castibula was very tractable , and consented to contract her selfe , thinking this a trick time to worke her téene .

When the matrimoniall rites were pompously consummated in the open congregation , Castibula ( as the Brides are woont ) drunke to her husbande , which drinke shee had prouided for the nouce , and brued it of deadlye poyson : both of them hauing drunken , in Propatulo she vnfolded the primordies of his adulterous sollicitinges , assuring them and her self , that the dart that thirld her husband came from his deuice , and this was all the amerciment she could exact . The Lawe of Talio is a good Lawe quoth she ) and therefore none can attach me of crueltie . What musings and mazinges there were in the Church , what teares and outcryes , cursing Telamon , and playning Cleocritus & Castibula , I will not recite .

Telamon with heauie cheare repayred home , and immediatly dyed . Castibula returned home , cast her selfe vpon her bed , and calling for the remnaunt of her children , Philotimus and Fuluia , bespake .

Come litle Orphans , and take your last congè of your lost mother . You are a small mease left for so great a familie , & therefore my hope is , that I néede not doubt of your good demeanour after my departure . If yow can agrée about the participation of your goods , and lette your goodwill be interchaungeable , it will bee a blisse to your other banes , but if yow disagre and serue strife , your famelie will be ruinated , your substance dissipated , & yow confounded .

Sevlurus Cheronens●s bed-rid , and re●●y to appeare at the Tribunall of death , hauing liued the reuolution of manye a winter , called his Sonnes , ( which were 80 in number , and had euerye one take an arrow & breake it : when they had done , he bad euery one of them take a sheafe of arrowes and breake them , whiche they coulde not doe : Thus yow see ( quoth hee ) that the coniunction of manye in an vniforme vnitie , cannot with ease bee crushed and suffer wrecke , but euerye one singled by himselfe is easely dissolued . The three Horatij marshalling together in the combat , queld their countermarching enemies , but seperated and disioyned , were all one after an other slaine by one of the Curiatii : therefore peace which is the preseruation of all cominalties , and my motherly blessing be with yow both . Lette the ill luck of your parentes , be a patterne to your good life .

Ah Fuluia ( for I seau● Philotimus to his owne discretion , being a man , and Gods good direction , who I trust will man him ) be curteous to all with modestie , and coy of your honestie , but not with disdaine . For many men thinke yow loue them , if yow looke but faire on them , & Pride said olde Briana is the sauce of a foole .

Your father in his life time did not meanely prouide for your marriage , who espoused you here to your frend Aemilius , therefore thanke God of his mercie , obey your husband as your Lord , and onely loue him without countinaunce to other . If any man shall molest you with suche temptations , as latelye the cursed Telamon meant to anticipate mine honour withall , cut him of quickly . For a small disease delayed becommeth desperate , A litle sparke spreading burnes a whole Cittie , and where delay is the trée , daunger is the fruite .

Thus imbracing them both , and kissinge them a 1000. times , and still blubbering on Philotimus his cheekes , with whome shee could not find in her hart to parte , and taking a short farewell of all her other frendes that stoode by , and commending Fuluia to Aemilius , and Philotimus to the counsaile of his Tutor , meaning to make amendes to God with penitencie , for her twifolde murther committed on her selfe and Telamon , praied as followeth .

O Mightie God , most great , most good , that wreakes thy wrath on them that breake thy vowes , forgiue my sinnes . O youre thy precious oyle into my wounded harte , and let the droppes of mercy swage the rigour of my smarte . Thy blessed will I haue despisd , thy lore forlorne , my crooked wil I haue disposed , thy statutes to repeale . But nowe my Lord , my loadstarre bright , my former deedes doe dule my hart , & sorrow doth her selfe submit , to take death for her dowrie : yet not that lasting death ( O Lorde ) O God preuent that preiudice , though merite say Amen to Hell , yet let thy mercie deigne mee heauen . The humble harte hath daunted the proude mind , eke wisdome hath giuen ignoraunce a fall , and triall hath taught the follie could not finde , and penitence hath crueltie her subiacent thrall . Thou that didst graunt the wise king his request , thou that in Sea thy people didst preserue , thou that forgauest the wounding of thy brest , thou that didst saue the Thiefe in state to sterue , wipe out of mind my faultes , and this newe moody facte , and since with faith I flie to thée , and hope by faith to attaine desire , let praiers appease thy righteous ire , and me enioy thy heauenly throne .

Oh God thy name be praised , deare sire I feele thy ghostly conforte , continue it till I be dead . O Death where is thy stinge ? Hell where is thy victorie ? My God will not forsake me . O Sauiour blesse my siely babes , and cheare them with thy grace , and sanctifie their hartes , that they may glorifie thy hestes . I die , I die , swete Lord receiue my soule when I am dead .

Herewithall she yelded breath . Great mourninges were excited in euery corner , and wofull Philotimus swounding thrée or foure times , could scarcely be relieued with life , who in time recouered a litle , compiled these herbycall verses , to bewaile his owne and his sisters piteous plight now left desolate .

When roote is old , or rots by decay , then wo to the braunches . when sun abates , & moone is eclipst , them ay to the lesse stars . How can a blind man goe without some guid for his ayder ? how shal a realme kepe rule , vnles some prince be protector ? Sigh siely hart and dye , sith th' head thy chiefe is erased , sith Gods wil is to worke rhy woes , serue his auowry .

Castibula buried , and Philotimus and Fuluia hauing compounded for the diuision of their substaunce , Fuluia was married to Aemilius , and Philotimus hauking after honour , and desirous to liue with Aurelia , who was nowe a maide of honour to the Duchesse of Venice , would mauger the counsaile of Senior Mondaldo , and all his other frendes , in all hast post it to Venice , & there liue a Courtier . And when his former flagge of defiaunce to Venus was obiected to him , hee alleadged the good Emperour Traians example , who studying most painfullye till hee was sixtene yeares of age , then gaue his Booke leaue to lye shutte , and practised himselfe in other excercises : much more lawfully ( saide he ) may I bee dismissed , who am now full twentie yeares old , or very nere .

He was no sooner arriued at Venice , but he sente for Aurelia , who accompanied with other Gentlewomen , came to him without hunching : at the first meting their sodaine ioy stopped the conduits of their spéech , but at length Aurelia saluted her swete hart . O frende , O swete and my desired frend , these eies they sée , these handes of mine thée touch , yet scarcely can this mind beleue the same , and scarcely can this brused breste susteine the ioy that is inclosed therein . O gladsome glasse wherein I see my self . Philotimus was earneste with them to take a small pittaunce with him at Supper : Aurelia & the company would nedes comstreyne him to take the paines with them . I will not be daintie ( quoth Philotimus ) suche Guests as I be plentie , but easely condiscend .

The Supper they passed with merrie glée , and ioined Mercury to Bacchus , that is , good communication with good cheare , on euery side .

And bycause Philotimus was now to be initiated in the Court , mistris Valeria one of the companye and an auncient seruitour , prefined these preceptes .

Let your apparrell abroad bee robes , though your homelye attire be ragges , be curteous with your hat , though you be currish in your hart , and if the line of your liuing will not reach out , either improue your Landes , and racke your rentes , or court some Lady and coossen her of coine , or flatter your Prince & purloine some good office .

Philotimus aunswered : I wish to clime withouten crime , or not at all : I will not wringe out welth from others , to bringe about mine owne toy will . But you vse me as Clitomachus vsed his Spaniel , who would cast him carrion , to trie his clearnes , as yow geue such counsaile to knowe my honestie .

I had forgot to tell you what graund gretinges were betwixte Parmenio and Antigone , but as I remember these were Antigone her woordes . Old acquaintaunce and new remembrance , welcome to the Towne with a very vengeaunce .

Par.

O Antigone , I can tell you a tale in your eares , will doe you good in your bellie .

Ant.

Yow Sir ? What occupation are you of ?

Par.

A Brewer , if you will lende mee your fatte : and thus they two varnished their their olde vaine , meaninge neuer to leaue it , while their tongues were sharp inough , and their backs broad inough , to cut with their floutes , and beare eche others frumpes .

Philotimus séemed newlye enchaunted with Aurelia , neyther without good show of reason . For what colour appeareth by Phaeb his broken beames directly shining vpon the cloudes , or marke the colour of the morning cloudes before the Sunne doth showe , or or as the cluster & ere the grapes be ripe , with orient purple red are striped here and there such sanguine glowed in her face . In my mind ( quoth Philotimus ) Grea the chamberer of Helen , was not so happie as thy maid Antigone , that may enioy thy companye .

And at his depature , he brake out into this exclamation . With thée is Phaeb in loue more then he was with the nimphe Leucothoe , on thée alone he fastneth those eies , that hee oweth all the world , sometime more rath he riseth in the East , sometimes hee makes it late before hee goe to reste , and for desire to looke on thée , he doth prolonge the Sommer daies . His lighte sometime doth faile amonge , the fancie of his faultie minde infectes his feble sighte , and makes mens hartes afraid by daunting of his shining .

Parmenio his tongue was very fine and voluble to run ouer his masters whole life this time of vacation from his mistris , wherein he showed her that she onelie had the regally & preheminence of his hart to queme at her pleasure .

Trulie I thanke you alwaies ( said Philotimus to him ) for your good remembraunce . I thinke thou kepest a notarie of my doinges . Trust me quoth Parmenio , it is smal reason you should kepe a dog , and barke your selfe .

As they were wending to their lodging , Philotimus doting on his mistris , what saist thou , said he , Parmenio , to my choise of Venus ? It is not that beggerlie whorish Venus , whom Iupiter begot on Dion , but Venus whose maiestie is engrossed among the gods ( as Plato deuides them in his Symposion ) O Parmenio , if thou diddest sée with mine eies , and couldest discerne with my iudgement , the inestimable vertues of Aurelia : then seinge wouldest iudge Aurelia to bee pearelesse , and iudging wouldst honour her as thy princesse .

By my troth quoth Parmenio , if I had no better capacitie to conceiue then you , I would cut of my head , and goe a vowing with my shoulders . Well said Philotimus , it is like to bee a fruitfull yeare when boies be so saucie

Philotimus was in great fauour with Aurelia for the time , & as francke he was as the Princes sonne of Athens , who woulde not enclose his granges , that the fruites thereof mighte lie common to the gathering of the poore , and would neuer walke without a masse of money , to giue to the lame & impotent in the stretes , and kepte an ordinary table for all suche as had no sustenaunce . But two contrary planets can neuer abide iointly in one house , nor prosperitie and prodigalitie long agrée .

In briefe , aspiring Philotimus sparing no horseflesh , had néede for his spéed , and a gulfe for his port . Neither had he landed wher he leueled , neither could he launch towardes his hauen , when his Argent by a straung kind of Alcumisticall art , was countercoyned to open beggerie , and Dauie debte stoode watching with a mace at the doore , ready to arrest him without bale or mainprise of any frend in the world .

One Cornelius a stale hacking Courtier , who had long fed his fancie on Aureliaes well thewed shape , but hitherto had bare commons , for that Philotimus had wiped all the fat from his bearde , gubd Aurelia with golde to make his fare better , and backt Philotimus with rebukes , to ioynt him of his iointer .

Now did Aurelia flie and follow both at once , as euerie waue driues other forth , and it which commeth behinde , both thrusteth and is thrust it selfe : so shee beloued of Philotimus avoideth his demerites , and louing Cornelius pursued his possessions .

Philotimus winding Aurelia to haue munched on this carri● , & mouze no more on his poore meat , trotted to her lodging once or twise , where she would not be sene , flying the lighte bycause shee had done euill , whereupon he wrote this letter following .

Philotimus to his dearest Aurelia .

WOe worth the man whose welth consists in wishing , curst be the wretch who knowes not what to wish him : the one wasts his wind , & rowls a restles stone , the other spends his sprites , and quencheth thirst with teares . But if my chaunce be both , as both God knowes it is , then let all mortall wightes resigne to mee their sighes , and damned soules in Hell , reioice to haue scapt my snares . And why I doe complaine , giue eare , & say your mind . I beard of late a tale , too late , and yet too soone , of falshooode in Aurelia , and Treason to Philotimus . Wherein I quickly wished , & yet I knew not which to wish , that the broker of it had either bene dum , or I the hearer had haply bene deafe .

Is it true Aurelia , that you are reuolted , whose constancie hitherto Brute it selfe hath blushed to blame ? Or is it false Aurelia , you haue reuersed your iudgement , to deface flying Fame with your stedfast faith ? The fame is spred , that yow are sped , and chaungd your pasture for better commons : my mistrust is grounded vpon loue , and may be coniectured by probable surmises .

It was my wil of late to visit thy lodging , wher I found the shrine but not my Sainct : the next day after I came againe , & knockt at the gates till my knockolls were sore , but none would open : yet thinking that gaines would recompense paines in time conuenient ( not vnlike Baalls priests , that thought to wake the stock Baal with vncessant crying ) no longe space after I came againe , & then my mistris was a sléeping .

If our long acquaintaunce , the triall of my seruice , the oth taken betwene vs to confirme our contract , cannot moue you , yet my swete Aurelia , let thy plighted faith by chast Diana , thy couenant sealed in presence of Iuno , thy vengeaunce denounced to the breakers of faith , euen by thine owne wordes to the greate God Iupiter , defende the from periury , the greatest impietie , that maye be committed

What is the action thou commencest against me , excepte too great loue ? Or wherein did I euer offend thy person , excepte with straining my golden string , I haue stretched it so farre till all is broken ? My strongest accusation is a brainsicke prodigalitie , my greatest discredit a few foolish debtes : The one too true an Argument of a good mind , the other a common sicknes which in time may be recured .

My matching with you shall recouer some credit , and your endowment shall stoppe their mouthes . I know how honourablie they thinke of Aurelia , and when I haue something they will graunt me respite , hoping that the interest of my good husbandry in time will be able to disburse their discharge .

The Birde which findes her nest despoiled of her yonge ones , oft lets her food downe fall , much like my selfe , which frustrate of thy presence am much appauld ? O Aurelia , if thine eare bee tied to euery lying tongue , which wisdome forbids , or thou shouldst giue mee ouer in the plaine feilde , which thine honour denies , what a blemishe would it bee to the bruite of thy lignage , or to whom mighte I addresse my greuous complaintes , thou attainted of Treason , but I a captiue catiffe . If it bee knowen that I am defrauded of thée by false suborning wretches , & then to haue nothing , euery one will be snatching glad to get any thinge , and so bring me to worse then nought .

If thy welth be great , it is a gifte worthy such a giuer , if it bee litle , it may bee made more with thy sparinge at home , which is rightly called the greatest tribute , and shal be increased with my labour abroad , which shall be so much the more , by howe much the lesse my substaunce is slender .

For Gods sake Aurelia , pardon my bluntnes in misdoubting thy loyaltie , and blame flying tongues which bréede thy dishonour , and my vnrest , & neuer hereafter let them be of thy court , which are méeter to be counsellours at the market Crosse . Let vs either confer in spéech wherein I will detect the slaunderous reportes that haue gone of thée , or at the worst fall méetinge in minde , send me thine aunswere for a sure testimonie of thy certeintie , which shall bee as welcome to me , as I was bold with you .

Your seruaunt Philotimus was , is , and will . Aurelia to Philotimus , that was once her seruaunt , and is she hopes her frend , sendeth greting .

WOuld destinie yeld to pittie ( my good Philotime ) or abilitie counteruaile hartles sorrow , thy griefes might bee relieued , which I cannot but lament , our loues mighte continue , which necessitie dissolues . But friezing colde adawes the frying heate , weake croned eld benumms youthes lusty lims . The pereles beautie of None such Niceus in time is inuested in Thirsites deformitie , and euerie thinge is turned by time . Golde wasted , yet what so solid , credit defaced , yet what more glorious , frendship forgotten , yet nothing so firme , thus eueri tide doth eb in time . Then curse we our chaunces , that we cannot cure our losses , time beckes , and fortune bendes , and euerie surfet fore-runnes a fast . Fortune hath her fits of frowninges , endure them Philotime , if she bring better , we ar swéetlie deceiued , now force perforce mixeth hony with gall .

As hard it is for faithfull Philotimus , to doubte of sinceritie in Aureliaes loue , as vneasie for me to moderate affection , without vnspeakable tormentes to my loyall breste . Yet muste I turne my Tippet ere I burne my bones , and lacke inlooked for loue to cloy thy gulping gluttonie , ere I cast my selfe away with bootles attempts , & ad heaps of woes to our ioint decay . The vndoubted certificate of thy longe knowen feruencie , doth giue mee a warrantize to tearme thée my frende , and may giue thee a caueat to proue thy selfe trustie , not séekinge thy preseruatiue with poysoning of me .

If I should giue thée my poore portion , too bad to be boughte , & too much to be begd , and solemnize our childish vnaduised contract with a fond celebration of weddinge , perchaunce thou haddest a seruaunt to daunce attendaunce ( as the Gods had wretched Vulcane to minister at their Table ) but the smallnes of your profit which scarse would be any , would quaise the force of pleasure and sauce it with despite .

Nay Philotimus , had Medea suspected that before , whiche too late experience taughte her , that Iasons voiage had bene vndertaken for the lucre of goodes , not the loue of her goodwill , hee had hopte shorter , and shee had sped better , and Euripides had wanted some matter subiect , to vnderproppe his bloudie stile vpon the mounting Stages . Perseus broughte Andromeda from the blacke Indians , I wis with small welth . And what had the Troian for his Graekish rape ? I wis for welth both warre and woe . The worst sort of men , saith Terence his Charinus , be those , which get their profit by others disprofit , & gorge their extorcion by poore mens windefalls . Scylla and Caesar both are noted for Landpyrates , for robbinge Peter to paye Paule , filchinge from others to féede their frends , a verie part of the essence of coosining prodigalitie .

Didst thou neuer read the properties of the pretie Merlin , who holding the Larke all nighte betwene her litle talantes to kepe her warme , assoone as it is morning vnfastens her holde , & lettes her flie , and marking which way she takes her flighte , will not all the day following set winge to that corner ? But hast thou not heard of the crooked natured Trochilus , who bréeding in the mouth of Crocodilus , where hee is nourished , becommeth afterward as they say , the Crocodiles Phisition , I meane Philotimus , vtterlie kills him . The former of these doe all men commend , but the latter they most abhominablie detest .

Alas Philotimus , by what reason should thy eating of grapes , set my téeth on edge , or when thou hast spent thine owne stocke , seeke a new bootie with praing on mine ?

The gleade and the Doue doe not match together , the Lion & the Lambe are not coupled together , equalitie must be in marriage , or else it is not conuenable : the yeare is apportioned into euen parcells , Iustice her ballaunce is of equall peize , & the heauens are moued with an vniforme equalitie , the ship doth whelm or sinke if either side be ouerweied , the right Democritia hath no difference of persons , & the vertuous mean is equally placed betwixt both extreames . Then Philotimus , since thou art a Gentleman by stile , but a begger by misfortune , & I a poore Gentlewoman yet of some liuing , accuse me not of periury , wherin I am sackles , but blame thy mishap , whereof thou art causer .

I pray you be contente to foster your Cuckoes birdes at home , and carrie them not as the Cuckoes vse , to an other birdes nest , to bring forth . Content your self with your owne lot . It is vaine for the Dutchman to wish himselfe an Englishman , or the Thracian an Athenian .

Thou that displeasest thy selfe , how canst thou please me ? Indeede Iupiter and Iuno , Venus and Diana , were called to witnes to my oth , and you had both word and oth , and all but hart . Yet the vniuersallest Axiomes haue their cautions , euerie Obligation hath his condition , and this I added in mine othe , if you were no chaungling : which condicion being broken , I will not enuie thée as an enemie , yet muste minde as I finde without any faining .

Iuno I hope will dispence with mine oth of loue : for she was euer an enemie to Venus .

Venus I doubt not , will be entreated to forgoe the company of sorie wowers , for shee is painted of the Poets euer laughing , as one that loues no mourning .

Diana I dare say , will not be angrie for forsaking sorrow , for she doth nothing but hunt and sport , and in her meriments falls in loue with Endymion .

Iupiter I am sure , will not thinke that I haue offended , for Homer calls him Anculopetis , for speaking one thing , and thinking an other .

Not much vnlike a childe that hauing hurt himselfe with falling , must haue an other bett that neuer came nere him : so yow by your reckles merit losing my loue , accuse an other of falshood in fellowship , you neither know whom , nor wherefore . This is worse then war knaue quoth Tomkins to his shadow : for he seing his shadowe in the nighte , tooke it for one that came to spoile him , to whom , knauing it , and slauing it , hee gaue many a good bang : but you not yet hauing learned the first point of hauking to holde faste , bitterlie raile you know not on whom , & shall haue amendes I cannot tell when .

You bring store of reasons to inueigle me with subtelty , whereof I will not denie the effectuall force , but opposing to them my continencie , I will crosse me from suche blessinges . For as he is more continent , that amid the daintiest banquet can vse his abstinence , then he that refraines bicause he wantes : so if I can shun thy seducing reasons , I shall thinke my selfe more temperate , than if thou haddest showen no reason at all , and I forborne thy companie . For euerie of thy reasons I haue an hundred affections . Therefore desiste Philotimus , and spurne no more againste the pricke .

Orion for offring to defloure Phaebe was slaine by a scorpion . Thou art as insatiable in thy kind , as Arist. philoxenus , that wished himselfe a necke as long as a Crane , to haue his meat long a swallowing .

He that hath serued ten yeares in warre , by the law of Armes may be priuildged from all seruice . And since thou hast plaid the amorous knight so long and so truly , I am now contente to giue thée a discharge .

An Italian Soldiour in Charles the fift his campe , hauing past many offices of credit in Armes , was challenged of a yong Gentleman , a nouice , scarse of two yeares practise , to whom he made this awnswere . When thou haste trod the impression of euerie my steppes , and stied to the seate of my dignitie , and hast combatted with all my perills , I will méete thée in the feilds , otherwise I will not so much embase my selfe , which is as if a Nobleman should fight with a ruffian : so Philotimus , when thou hast redeemed thy morgaged landes , and for thy liuing maiest say to me , well ouertaken , I will matche with thée , and not before .

Yet trust me Philotimus , faine would I helpe , but alas I may not . Thy incrementes wil be my detriments , and thy consumption now is almost past remedie . Cynthia could not call her son Hyppolitus out of Hell , nor Theseus his frende Perithous , nor Aurelia heale her cureles frend . I haue not Venus her skill , that made Phaon of an old man a yongman , nor thou art not a Bacchus to bee twise borne , once of his mother , and once of Iupiters thygh .

If I might haue Alcests lucke , that dying for her husband Admetus was restored to life by Proserpina , I would shewe thée fauour for so litle harme . Yet my good Philotimus , caskes will euer tast of their first licour , and I shal neuer forget our old frendship . And therefore as Antoninus pius when hee coulde not helpe the poore widowes sonne that was condemned to die , wept with her to beare some of her griefe : so though I can doe thée no such good as thou lookest for , I cannot but iointly waile thy woes .

Your frend as she may Aurelia .

As the fire , the more it is blowen the brighter it flames : so he with disperpled locks , and haire discheueled about his shoulders , set fire to his desire , with an vncessant meditation on his almost irrecuperable mistris , wherewith he aunswered as followeth .

Philotimus sendeth health , which he hath not , to Aurelia his mistresse , & wisheth her the mercie she should haue towardes her seruaunt .

THE skilfull that beholde the picture of Aesculapius , commend not the picture , but the painter , we extoll not so much the taste of our meat , as the Cookes cunning that seasoned it , no man estemeth his coine for the stampe , but for the right mettall when it commeth to the touche : neither doe I Aurelia , like thine aunsweres , but commende thy wit from whence they came .

You say you cannot boote me , yet do stumps of old loue stick in your stomacke . Indéed well I knowe , that an hand chafed with flowers will after smell of them , when they are gone , and that some cycatrice of auncient beneuolence will remaine , when loue it selfe is perisht and maimed . Whereby it will fare with mee , as it did with Democritus , who goinge about for sorrowe of his sisters mishap to famishe himselfen , was relieued thrée daies with the smell of newe breade : Or as with the Philosopher whome Oribazius saith in his time he knewe to liue awhile by the sent of honie : and I shall liue by the shadowe of thine olde loue , the substaunce whereof is as good meate for ghostes , as may be .

O Aurelia , what equitie is this , to inchaunte me with thy Angelicke glaunces , & now to depriue me of thy presence ?

I may welll compare thée to the lake of Bytamin , whereof men that passe that way , dare not venter the vewe , much lesse aproch the smell , except Eunuches that bee gelded , which feare not to beholde , neither are indaungered by the smell : And he that gloates on thée , excepte such as faine would and cannot ( as Pythias saith in Terence ) may chaunce either wish his eies were out , or that he had fewer stones by one and an other .

For as at the great earthquake in Antioch , there escaped none sauing one woman and a slaue ) that was not hurte or deadlye wounded : so there be fewe beholders of you , that lose not their libertie , except it be restored by your liberalitie . But as the piller which Traian the Emperour erected in the place named Datia , of woonderfull height and bredth all of one stone , was more admirable to men , and did more enoble his person , then if he had composed it of diuers stones : so you making and taking me your onelie mate without euer chopping and chaunging to any other , shall perpetuate the peace of your mind , & win commendation of vnstained constancie .

Now to the canuasse of thy letters , whom I surueyed diligentlie without delighte , & will aunswere spedelie without despaire .

Could it not suffice Achilles to slay Hector , but to dragge and hayle his bodie throughe the duste ? Was it not sufficiente for Anthony to loppe Tullye by the necke , vnlesse Anthonyes wife did mangle his bodye , and weare his Tongue in her hatte , to worke his greater obloquie ? Was it not inough for thée to vntye our true loues knot with the breache of truce , but to kill mee againe with opprobrious wordes , Si modo qui periit , bis periisse potest ? Your learninge I knowe more then your honestye , and that makes me speake Lattin to couer your dishonestie .

Is it thine , not thée , thy gaines not goodwill , that I doe wowe ? Lie not Aurelia , when thou knowest the truthe . It is a greate shame , and a greater sinne , and almoste coossen to that pleadelesse faulte that cannot be forgiuen , either here or else where . No Aurelia , it is mine hostes not mine Inne that I am a guest for . It is the flocke not their wooll , for whose cause I so sadlie syt whuppinge all the day vnder a hill . Indéede lucre is a lure to much dissembling . But though I am néedy , yet am I not gréedie , but well sufficed with a small sise of welth , and my minds musick were well in tune , if thou wouldest but adde one string of thy consent . The relation of my miserie to the misterie of your welth , was to perswade you not to shrinke in the wetting , but like a Kentish cloth that staines with nothinge , stande inuiolated .

Cupid is blind , and sées no riches . Lycurgus the Law-giuer of the Lacedemonians , commaunded those of his Cittie , that they should offer to the Gods , few thinges in number , and not rich in value . In the law which God gaue vnto the Hebrues , he was so limitted in the thinges he demaunded , & so humaine in the thinges he commaunded , that in order of the sacrifices which they should offer , hee did ordeine that the poore man which coulde not offer a goate , should offer no more but of the haire thereof . The consideration of these gaue me hardines to embolden my courage in this amorous encounter , though I haue no pay to counteruaile the semblaunce of a Captaine : the same efficacie maye humiliate yow , for wante of better Haruest , to take oates in parte of payment .

Paulus Aemilius vanquishing Perses Kinge of Macedonia , rather desired honour then a quarrie of treasure . Anthonio offering to die before the Emperour that soughte his death , was receyued into former grace . Though I were Iris or Codrus , and thou in potencie might match with Rome , in riches with Tyrus , in beautie with Helia , in opulence with Tarence , yet the repulse of my loue without remorse , will shew thee more cruell then all the beastes in the desertes of Affrica , or those of the greate India . India . A wayfaring pilgrim taking a thorne out of a Lions foote , meetinge after with him at the games of Olympia , and beinge brought out to wrastle with him would not vse his furious force but with a gratefull recordance acknowledging his curtesy fawned vpon him . It greues me to exhort thée to square thy imitation to a beastes clemencie : then let thy curtesie be a ready remedy to make me ashamed of my vnegall comparison . As Telephus had nothing to cure his hurt , but the launcing of the speare that gaue him his wound , and as the mind is conceiued with nothinge but the minde : so nothing can counteruaile the value of loue , but an aunswerable conformation of the desired loue .

For which cause , poore vnbegotten wether beaten Qualto , an hobhansom man god wot , & a bow wow to his Lady & mistrisse , seruing a Lady in Italy as a Tom drudge of the pudding house , or a groome to her close stoole , or a seruitour to suche slauerie , asking on a time after the disclosure of his loyaltie , some guerdon requitable in lieu of all his pining thoughtes to win her affections , and pinching paines about her drudgerie , she was contente to imbezle some part of her goods to notifye her larges towardes Qualto . But this , nor anye thinge coulde enforce him to relinquish his suite , sauing the yelding of her battered brest . Wherefore neuer geuing ouer ( which Ouid commaundes vs in his Art of louing ) as small droppes in time pearce the hard marble : so he with vrgent instaunce in his attempted enterprise , gotte her in armes that had his harte in holde , and like a valiaunte waterman setting his ores , was permitted to row in his mistris boat .

But my loue thou knowest is noe wéede for wantons weare , no fancies freake with knackinge fetches , not like a bowe longe bent that in proces weakens , but like the natural motion of an element which in going gathers strength . Thou telst me of Orion , who for offring to defloure Diana , was killed by a Serpent : wherin thou imitates the Deuill in his alleadging of Scriptures , for he neuer bringes out an whole text , but so much as is for his owne enorm intended purpose : and thou takest the halfe seruing thee , & leaues out the moitie making for me , that vtterlie ouerthrowes thy whole prouince . For though Orion were bereaued of this transitorie life , yet that which is more glorious , hee was by imputed eleuation translated into a star .

If as Rams retire to strike harder , soe your loue recule to returne with more vehemencie , I shall thinke , that as the best vines in Germany growe on harde rockes , so the surest loue inhabites the harte hardliest attoned : and as the praise of a Iudge is not giuen to his scarlet gowne , so your good liking is not framed by your lookinge . Then shall I curse the Eclipse of my waininge Iudgemente , that of late haue iudged your demeanour measured by your fauour , an apishe deformitie in clothe of Goulde , and your ill manner , scarse agreable to so greate a Ladye .

Phoebus I knowe doth not alwaies harpe , sometime he shoots , Triacle doth not euer cure , sometimes it poisoneth , and frendes muste not euer loue , but by intermission , sometimes mislike . Iars of necessitie must be among frendes , but thrice woe bee to them by whom they come .

Ah Aurelia , faine would I singe , but furie makes me fret , and rage hath sworne to séeke reuenge of wronge . In dreade & daunger would I passe betwene the stringe and bow , to haue my will on that birdes bushed cage , that doth incense my care . O that I mighte haue a shoote at one of the Deares in his Parke , if yt were but his Harte , Aurelia , it would suffice me .

I knowe there bee vnderminig easinge droppers , that haue wroughte this estraungment betwene vs . But since the Myll will néedes about , the pinne whereon the Mill doth goe , I will assay to strike it out , and so the Myllne to ouerthrowe .

The mind I haue is of gold to serue thée , but of iron to breake their pride , & if I want armour wherwith to fighte , I wante not a minde to abide death .

Thus thou seest Aurelia , I am not like the stripling Pertinax , who vsed to sell his wood so deare , contentious , and pinching , that if they gaue him not his first demaund , did rather leaue his wood vnsould , then abate one blancke of his price . For though I suffer a sower repulse , yet am I contente to awaite thy leysure .

Your most faithfull servaunt Philotimus .

Aurelia at the receipte of these letters , was moued wish a meruailous disdaine of Philotimus , who durst be so boulde as threaten her new frend , his letters she aunswered in these wordes .

I Cannot tel Philotimus , whether thou art better to kepe an hould , or to play a prating begger . For thou & thy purpose sticke together like burres , neither though forbid , wilt euer leaue of thy iangling . Thy commendation of my wit enhaunceth no pride . For the Satyres thought poore Martia to surpasse in musicke , Coridon preferred his oten pipe , before Apolloes siluer Harpe , and Poliphem the blinde Giaunt , thoughte sielie Galataea to excede the beautie of Mars his concubine .

Good simple soule , would you picke a quarrell with them , that as you say , would picke a thanke with me ? Alas pretie figboy , an hasill twigge in your hande , is an whole haulbarde .

Thou arte better to bee a gunner vnder a Ladies targett , then Lieutenaunt of a pitched fielde . Indéed ? And is your barking tongue turnd to biting téeth ? you are now fleshed in impudencie . If you be chafed you shal be walked , if you be hot you may be cooled . A yong colt plungeth at the first pricke , as though he felte no grounde , but being chafed a litle , champes on his bridle & stands still .

The more a sore is rubbed and handeled , the lesse it heales : the more busy you are to be a stickler in your owne cause , that further aloofe am I of : you cannot shift your cards so cleanlie but you ar séene . Doe not tell mee , that I am a whetstone to set euerie daintie tooth on edge , and so clawe an Asse till you haue rid her .

Phisitions vse a contrarie plaister to those patientes , that will not heale with the rules of phisicke , & I must handle you roughly , when faire wordes cannot serue to make a foole faine .

But this I cannot forget , how full of guttes you are , at one blow to kill God haue mercie on his soule . You may if you will , but doe if you dare . Alas good Philotime , thy force of armes bee no force , no harme . Thou art comd of a gentle kind , to gave so wide and not to bite . Indéed you are all hart but head , & that is horns , but if you bee lustie , you may goe louze you . Me thinkes when I heare thee tell of thy valure , I sée ridiculous Bacchus , whome Aristophanes in Canis brings in drunken , marching in Hercules his armour , and saying he would goe downe to see the Tragedies in Hell .

Nay holla squaring Dick , I am no but for euerie boult . Thou doest but chase a shadowe in the sunne when thou followest mee . Though thou sweate bloud , as the Bird Eradius doth in the time of treading , it will sooner bring thée to a bloudy flixe , then to my fauour . I am not so blind , that thou canst make me beleue with a winke , it is midnight at noone day . The birde Osprey is of such whitenes on his brest , that houering ouer the fishpoole , all the fish turne vp their bellies , and so he taketh his pray . Kepe thy faire promises in thy purse , for with mee they litle preuaile , and lesse perswade .

When the Lyon is olde , all the beastes of the feilde condemne him , and as you are too olde a frend to be good , so your heires bée of age to take your place , expecting your resignation .

Thou art like the Apes called Callitrices , which at the newe of the moone reioice , and at the full and waining be triste and sad . You in the beginning of our loue were verie iocunde , and at our diuorcement vse your tearmes of railing . But though the Dragon cannot abide the Panther , yet all other beastes resort to behold his colours , & smell of his odour , and though the Batte hate the light , yet is the light nothing the worse .

When the Eagle hath two or thrée birdes , she castes out one of them , fearing her selfe not to be able to nourish them , whom the Birde Ossifraga receiueth and bringeth vpp , as thoughe it were her owne . Aeneas lost Libye , yet he found Latium . Traian coulde not liue with Domitian the Emperour , yet flyinge to Nola in Campania , he found Plutarch for his maister , Plotina for his wife , and Nerua for his father , who afterward beinge Emperour , adopted Traian to be his sonne . Comfort thy selfe , there bee more maids then Maukin and though thou lose me , thou mayest finde some other . Coridon shal be loued else where , though fonde Alexis doe disdaine .

The serpent cannot blame the Hart though he be his enemie , and his bane , bycause it is natures ordinaunce : neither may the Rauen rightlie accuse the litle birde Easalon for breaking of her egges , bycause their discord is sowen of nature . Neither can the Swan looke for frendship of the Eagle , yet neither of both to bee discommended . The fishes Muges abound aboue measure in loue towards their owne kind and sorte , and liste not medle with the fellowship of others . Minerua turned the haires of Medusa whom she hated into adders , yet who doth obiecte it to Minerua for crueltie ?

Hast thou not heard of the foolish marriage that the Emperour Heliogabalus made betwixt the image of the Goddesse Pallas and the God Heliogabalus , which beinge consummated to the greate laughter of his enemies , and the griefe of the Romaynes to see their Gods defaced , he made them likewise a bed in the middest of the Temple , where they might sléepe together ? Vnder as smal guard and veneration shall our marriage stand , and as litle ioy I feare , should we feele yfere , as did the two vnsensible pictures .

If thou thinkest thy interest bee better in mee , bycause thou hast bene at some cost on me , this I say , that I neuer ment to proue my selfe a noddy with refusing offred gold , neither am I of such power as the Popes holines , to giue a pardon of thy sinnes , for a fewe Peter-pence . Certeine men brought from Graece to Rome a false will of one Lucius Manutius Basilius , a rich man , the legacies whereof that they mighte more easelye compas , they writ in with them two Noble men of Rome , M. Crassus , and Q. Hortensius both expert ciuill Lawiers , and eloquente Oratours . These two Gentlemen , although they suspected it to bee forged , yet notwithstanding knowing themselues giltles of all faultes in the deuise , were well inough contente to bee parceners of his landes .

It is the lawe of armes in many places , that he which is firste in the skirmish , though he submit himselfe , yet being taken , shall be wounded for his offence . Then neither thinke me tirannous for giuing you the glieke , though you were my first frende , neyther imagine your fortune aduerse , neither vexe your selfe with impacable sorrow . That floure must not grow , that can abyde no cold : you may not warme you by a fire , but you must féele the flame : he that hath his beard most curiously washed in the Barbers shop , wil take no snuffe to haue it cast out into the open stréets .

But since sielie manling , thou art so obstinate in straining the faulte to inexorable Aurelia , I will giue thée a specialtie what gard I haue of thée , in shewing thée an electuary against thy loue , which thou being a student oughtest to know better then I , yet arte so busie in bootles busines , going about to gett a Cocke with egge , that thou canst not or wilt not see wood for trees . Reade Cadmus the Milesian , who hath writen a whole booke in the remedies of loue , and that Ouid which hath infected thee with his lasciuiousnes , hath giuen thee a meane to clawe of his itche .

The beast Fiber perceiuing himselfe to be pursued of the hunter , biteth of his stones , which are merueilous good in medicins , and laieth them in the sight of the hunter , knowing by nature that hee is hunted for the same : so ( Philotimus ) I can yeelde , if thou wantest money , and a litle may pleasure thee , to let thee haue of my small store , knowing verie well ( sauing the reuerence of your protestation ( that it is the coine , and not the woman you séeke after . Or I will deale with thee , as a noble man of Rome somtime did with his auncient manor house . This noble man behoulding the follies of Commodus then Emperour , the tyrannies of Perennius vicegerent of the Empire , and the spoiles of the common welth , he both sincere in iudgement , & seuere in life , departed from thence to the countrie of Liguria , to liue in a poore village , where somtimes his father had made his habitacle , & buying that poore cottage , built in the compas thereof a stately building , permitting the old to remaine in the midst , without addition or diminution thereof : and since I must needs condiscend to your importunate entreatie , you shal haue the title of mine old frend now ruinous , as one of whom I haue ere while smackt the rellish of reposed rest , marrie an other platform I haue laid , wheron I purpose to erect an edefice of some more statelie frenship , in whose brests I mean to situate my mantion house .

It is not for mee Philotimus , to deale with him that can carde more in one night , then I & manye a good huswife can spin all the day . Martia , Letus , & Electus , killing Commodus on the night , commaunding certaine slaues to bestowe his bodye at their appointmen , wrapt in an olde seron , wherin the ordure of the stable was woont to be carried out , chose an other before day , to the ende the Empire might haue an owner , and they haue defence vnder his protection : & since I haue forlorne thée , blame mee not thoughe I haue elected an other for mine owne safegard : farewell Philotimus , and be aunswered with reason .

Aurelia your olde frend .

Philotimus reading these letters , was nothinge appaulde , but with confidence of recouerie , aunswered as followeth .

THe Leopard pursues his pray leaping and startling , and if he take it not the third or fourth leape , he stinteth for indignation , & goeth backwarde as thoughe hee were ouercome .

When the Elephants of king Porus , were a litle wounded by the soldiours of the greate Alexander with their weapons called Capidae , & were put in feare they were more hurtefull to their own rulers , & casting them down & tearing them in pieces , ran out of the battaile like shéepe . But I neither mean to be as short as the Leopard in his hastie huntinges , nor so cowardlie as the Elephant in his attempted assaults . And yet I cannot but yéeld to you , and pray to your pleasure for a comfortable remorse . The gray mare is the better horse , especiallie if she be a curtal , it must be as the woman will , when all is said & done . Though Mars were the God & Bellona but a Goddesse , yet she had the preheminence in all martiall attemptes .

But would any man haue iudged you a backeslider , so soone to haue turned your tongue to your taile , and for continuing of your sensuall pleasure , to haue flitted from an old frend to a new flatterer ? As none rould heale Philoctetes poisoned féete , but Machaon , Aesculapius his sonne : so you labour of a disease , that none can heale , but he that will pay for lending of his patiente . It is not my purginge pilles ( which , you saye , woulde poule you of all your coine ) but Cornelius his swete suppositorye , that must minister you phisicke .

It grieues me lesse Aurelia , that you haue giuen me ouer , then that mine innocencie being knowen , as shortly it will , you shall be noted of lightenes and lewdenes . Whereby it will come to passe , that as the name of Iulia among the Romaines , was an ensigne of a common adultresse strumpet : so the name of Aurelia for thy sake , henceforward shall be detested as a note of fraile inconstancie .

Ay me but cast away , Ah deare Aurelia , my power is too weake to make any warre , and yet I can find no peace , I am not scorcht with any fire , and yet no cold adawes my heate : I cannot die as the happie dye , to the ende to liue for euer , but I muste liue , as misers liue , to the end to die for euer .

O that euerie haire of my head were a man for his adherentes sake , who is no good curre , for that he bites behinde , much lesse a whelpe of the princelie Lion , who being chased with houndes or hunters , seeketh no couerte wherein to lurke , but sitteth in the feild where he may be séene , and araieth himself to battaile . I do not leuell by gesse ( as thou dost burden me ) at him , that doth this villanie , but knowe him , and can name him , in this resembling the Lion , who being vulned , taketh such héede , that hee knoweth who firste smote him , and riseth on the smiter , though hee bee in neuer so great a multitude . If there be any poyson prepared in an house , a partridge pende vp in a cage or coupe , will byte and scratch , and crie out , suche Diuination hath shee by nature , and such haue I by Gods predestination to descry mine enemies traines .

Yet take you héede you leane not to harde on a broken staffe . It may be , it is for small goodwill to thée , but for enuie to mee , that he busieth himselfe : muche like the Griphon in the Hypeborian hilles , where being bred plentie of gold and precious stones , as the Smaragde , the Iasper , the Christall , neither hath he vse of them him selfe , neither suffers them to be taken from thence , as diuers good writers affirm : or the Cameleon , who drawing to the goshaukes , against whom his most might standes , they also flie vnto him , & by this meanes he taketh them , wilfully to be deuoured to other beastes . But as the Linx perceiuing that his vrine doth turne in to a precious stone named Ligurius , and naturallie enuyinge yt should be any vse to mankind , hideth it with sand or earth , when he hath pissed , which is the verie cause that it sooner hardeneth , & turneth into a stone : So I doe not doubt , ●ut this labour to put mee out of conceite , may in time after triall of my faithe and his falshood , conuert to my greater grace with thée , & credit with others

You after your scoffing manner put me in the predicament of the Apes Callitrices . Yet those that laugh at me , for triumphing before the victorie , and reckoning my shot before mine hostesse , and thinking I had thy hart before I searched thy reynes , maye déeme thée a light huswife for thy cracked fidelitie . It is no maisterie to deride one in miserie , but it is conuenient to banne the causers of it . Thy vntoothsome tauntes may well compare thee to the sorcering Syrens , who are merrie in tempestes , and heauie in faire weather .

If it be the destinie of him that first wooes you , to bee forlorne , as it was prophesied that hee which firste stepped on the Troian ground , amonge the Graecian host , of neceessitie should be slaine , which was verified in Protesilaus ( though he might vaunte that he was slaine by Hector , and I repine to be vndone by a coward ) Or if as the monster Sphynx slue all that passed by her to the citie of Thebs , if they could not expound her riddle , so you will be the bale of all that cannot display your sleightes : It may fall out that as Laodamia wastfullie mourned for her Protesilaus , or as when Oedipus had giuen Sphynx a solution , she brake her necke for griefe : so thou maiest wishe ere thou dyest for poore Philotimus , and when thy cautele fetches shal be laid open , follow Phillis in the end , though far vnlike her in thy life .

Now then recule with reconciled grace ( my Alderlieuest Aurelia ) a name vnto my soule as swete as balme . The shield of loue , the force of faith , that trustie targe , hath long borne of , and broke the thrustes that mallice at me throwes . Mine onely shield hath long forwarded a sorie man , now quickly lende me yours , or else you doe me wronge . Still are you bounde by faith , though fancie would be frée , still are you fast by othe , though loth to laūe it out . En bon gre take a pouer boy , for I am yet Philotimus . Tenne thousand times a day desire doth liue and dye , faine would I liue to gaine thy loue , or die with griefe to leaue with losse . If Desire thy darling be wayward , lett thy yeelding remorse sing alullibie lullie , if I be in presumption a Giant to sollicite my suite , which am in power a gnat to performe any seruice , yet shal my deuoire doe his endeuour to gratify thy cūrtesie , and worke thy delighte : and know that nettles and egshells are good for somthing , which being burnt together to powder and put in your nose , wil staunch the bloud of wounds or nose . If thou thinkest for my craft I haue a Foxes tongue , or that for my smart I am a thorn in your foote , yet wot you , that a Foxes tongue laide to the sore in thy foote or hand , will vndoubtedly heale it .

Though in your conceite I am knauishly mannered , yet doest thou imagine me apishly witted , and if your fleetinge phantasye thinke me crabbedlie fauoured , a foule ground for your faire counterfeit , you know , may well agrée . When the feild is Argent , and that which occupieth the feild is Sable , that shield is called fairest in feild . Full oft the whitest Doues with speckled Culuers tread , and oft we sée the Turtle browne with Popimay doth wed . If you mislike my droupinge pace , with my ragamuffin vesture , one good word of your goodwill , may make me cast my lothsame slouth , and yet renue my lustie liuerie . The Beares whelpes lie blinde in a confused lumpe , till their deare dams doe licke them : the best Pearles haue no showe , till the Lapidaries cleare them : neither can you vse the beste mettald knife , till the Cutler haue glazd it .

Ambages laid aparte , if thou hadst a counterpane of my tyring languor , or how as waxen torch with sulphur toucht , I burne , I neyther néeded Gracchus his poynaunt eloquence , at whose Oration the whole congregation wepte : nor Symonides his dolefull skill , that inuented the waymenting order of verses tearmed Lyrici , and was excellent in procuring men to teares : nor to be experte in the wofull Elegies , to moue thée to pittie a disconsolate wretch . Who can giue to me a fountaine made of mone , that I may wéepe as much as is my will , & fouse my sorrow vp in swelling teares ? O that I had her loue in linke , that hath my hart in holde . Then woulde shee procure , the Sea seeme calme , the billowes calme , the earth reioice , the ayre to singe , no surge by Sea , no smarte by land I should endure . Plisthenides , thou wert yblest , what cares soeuer did eucroch : For whether windes did tosse thy barke , or surging seas dismaied thy brest , ay thy wedlocke went with thée , with clinching armes thou her embrast . In this thou art happie ( Aurelia ) that thou canst not sée me , for if thou couldst , thou wouldst die for woe , and most vnhappy that thou wilt not sée me , for now thou shalt liue in ignomie .

Mine heire , whom thou saiest hath outgrowen his minoritie , looking for his fathers inheritaunce , wil neither wish to féele the pursuite of the like paine , by patterne of his pear , neither long to be enfeoffed in suche landes . His forefathers name is Loue , his landes are Losse , a common hire for such an heire .

I am tedious in the prolonging of my letters , & eftsoones in their reiteration , bycause that as Paracelsus vsed to say , in euerie naturall thing there is aswell fresh oyle , as salte brimstone , which by art may be extracted : so I hope that in thy flintie stomack there is not onely an harbour of crueltie & disdaine , but some deale also of mercifull curtesie , which by my diligence may be deriued to the behoofe of my distres . In the hardest flint may be found some liuelie sparke of fire , the knottiest piece of boxe may be wroughte to a dudgen hafte , and Aristotle saith , that out of the salte sea fome may freshe water be sifted . Then may I hope , that as these apparaunt impossibilities doe naythelesse worke these prefixed efficacies , so out of thy stonye hearte , maye yet flowe suche water , as may wash and purge my yearnfull woundes . Thinke some and some is honest play .

O let not ( was ) worke all delight , let ( is ) and ( shall ) haue part in pay : commaund , & I will slay my self that yours may be the guilt , but bately bid mee die , and I will die forthwith for ioy , that neuer yet I showed my selfe vngratefull to my mistris . Yet if you will not so , but kepe me still aliue in vexed plighte , for some offence I haue committed , then shew in what , or where , or when , I stumbled in my steppes , when t was my parte to goe vprighte , and as Sceuola when he erred in slaying Porsenna the cruell Tyraunte , and killed his Stewarde for him by a mistake , thrust his hand that did the déed , into the fire for a penaltie , and there consumed it : so the part or member that hath offended thee , shall to make restauration of my loue , and satisfaction for my fault , dearelie abie his leasings . I can endite no more for teares , & it is no doughtie manlie déede to fende my selfe with teares . Thus then noe more by me , for me , but to thy mercies I appeale .

Your trustiest seruaunt Philotimus .

These letters were deliuered by his page , who had much ado to get the returne of an aunswere . For Aurelia wearie of his wooing , and loth to heare of her dealing , and giuen all to her darling , could not spend one vacant houre out of Cornelius his company , scarse to reade his letters , much lesse to aunswere them . But at the boyes impudent entreatie , shee vouchsafed forsooth to write these two lines ensuing .

Aurelia once againe to Philotimus .

A Robe whereof many men must weare the liuereies , must be vsed sparinglie , & not all spent on one : And Aurelia that hath more to serue then you , must not trifle all her time in giuing you attendaunce . When I red thy letters in the presence of Cornelius , and made collation of thy qualities with collection of his properties , onely this I had to say . A puttocke set on pearche faste by a Falcons side , will quickly show it selfe a Kite . If this construction be applied to your stomacke , it will be a good confection to stint your shameles loue . Farewell . I warne you that I see no more of the bastardlie brood of thy letters , which haue neither head nor foote , nor any good substaunce . Thy reasons bee so colde , that they haue frozen my loue .

Aurelia willing to be your frend , and vrged to be your foe . Amor quo serior eo verior solet esse .

Philotimus hauing red his mistris sharpe censure , writ presently without pausinge to his pretie paunce , not so sharplie as shee , but as swiftlie as he could .

IT is a custome of purloining burglairers , to strew pepper in the tract of their steppings , that the bloud hound snuffing it into his nosthrilles , shall not bee able to trace them : so to make me run counter , or giue ouer the chase , you caste mee a fuming fancie , and a flaming fréewill , which whiles I féede on , the game is gone .

There is a Well in Illirica , into which if any thinge be put to coole , or to extinguishe , it smouldringly burns it to verie cinders : There are found certeine stones in a riuer in Pontus , which them take on fire , when the wind is greatest , and by how muche the more they are couered in water , by so muche the fearcer and brighter they burne : & howe it comes to passe I knowe not , but the lesse hope I conceiue of thy liking , the more I desire & craue thy loue . The wallnut trée well bet when his nuts are shaken , beareth more fruit the yeare ensuing : the more you strike iron vpon the stidhy , the harder & tougher the iron is : It is the nature of a wild Irish man , that the worse you vse him , the more seruice he doth you : such & so luckles am I in my cheuisaunee , which hauing féendly foode corsed for loue , & being sourelie rebuked for fawning on thée , am yet as fruitfull in thy loue , as the beaten wallnut trée , as toughe as the iron to beare any blowes , and as mad as the Irishman , to giue loue for lothinges .

For though my wittes be blunted and hoodwinked , the panicle of my braine damped and discrased , and my spirits surcharged with griefes visitation , yet is my hope ancored on thy qualification , & stoutlie indurate against misaduentures .

When thy pricke me daintie Cornelius , shall bee vacased of his vaine vizarde , and disburdened and disballassed of his hypocriticall apparitions , then shall my poore habit bee anteposed his proude harte , and the simplest diet proue the beste Phisicke .

Aurelia , to electe mee to the callinge of thy moste intimate frends , & reiect me to the number of thy greatest foes , were to call me to the roste , and beate mee with the spitte , to shooe my horse , and pricke him in the quicke . But as the Riuer Lycus swallowed vp by gaping of the ground , a great way thence is in an other channell founde : and as the Brooke Erasine amonge the feildes of Arge , one while sinkes , an other while runnes in ouerflowing measure : and Amasane eke in Sycill land doth sometime rise afloat , and sometime sloppeth vp his spring : so will thy faintinge loue recouer with newe recourse , whose pleasure is at this time to geue thy Hawke tyringe , that hereafter he may bee stronger and sharper at his game .

An Asse liueth by the course of nature 30. yeares , and a shéepe but ten , therefore I doubt not but that cowardlie shéepe , will be soone defeated of his hope , aswell as I sielie Asse was deceiued of my trust .

It were hard dealing , if in payment of a good gub of Golde , of full weight and poise , one poore piece somewhat clipped & lighter then his fellowes , may not be foisted in amonge the rest , & passe in pay for currant coine . Good swete , be nat saunce all pittie , but let the right of ready wil my lite poore welth excuse . O how you cut me in calling me Kite , muche like as the thunder cutteth the trée . For as that pearceth the bulke , and neuer hurteth the barke , so though you grieue my hart , you hurt not my manners , but if you can cut me no otherwise , your wittes will rust for wante of good vsage , and that you should cut in such a matter , you had néede go sette them to a grindstone . As all Women bee euills , yet necessarie euills : so thoughe the Kite bee a vermine , yet is she a verie necessarye vermine . The Kite canne wéede the worme , can kill the Moulewarpe , can clense the streates , and sauing the Hens poore progenie , none can accuse him of fellonie .

As the snowie mulberie , that bore before white Lillie leaues , hauing her white beires besprinckled with true louer Pyramus his blod , became all purple blacke : euen so thy faire etheria●hew be stayned with the guilt of sackles blood , shall loose ye the grace and fauour .

The victor hath his price , when he hath run his , race and so let me . Precious stons are tried to be true if they be rubbed with leade , and chaunge not their hewe , for they neuer receiue any other coloure : and gentlewomens loyaltie is then experimented , when neyther want of welth , nor any frowne of fortune , canne worke loues alienation . You say my letters haue neyther head nor foote : then in deede I graunt , they are none of my broode : for I am sure I haue both , I fele by the weight of my head , whych you haue set with hornes , and by the paine in my feete , which I haue got with runing after you .

Thus trusting that you wyll not take my liuerie from me , before it be halfe worn , nor bereaue me of loue in his best prime , I commit you to the protection of the great God Cupid , who I beseech , euen to direct you in your doings , as he ruleth and gouerneth mee and my hart : for my selfe , I pray nothing else but the God and Saint Aurelia giue me their blessing .

Your Seruant Philotimus , who wisheth himselfe as able to be your freend , as he is vnwilling to be your foe . Better late then neuer .

¶ Amor qui prior , eo potior debet esse .

WHen Aurelia se , that neither the wile of faire words , nor that reuile of soule writs , could intrept or let his letters , then as one reading a riddle , or constring an Embleame , she stood in a mamering what mean to make , or how to thwart the cost to shum his gunshot . In this deur both daungeous & doubtful , she ment not to dallye being brought to this baye , nor to delaye iudgement in taking daye , but in fewe woords and those well thewed , to manacle his melancholye and mue vp his looue : wherefore in an abreuiat compendius of this speedie speeche ensuing , she gaue him a generall acquittaunce for all his queint conceits , that his Memoradums and billes of debtes should neuer after be flapt in her mouth .

¶ Aureliaes discharge to all the debenters of her coosninge freende Philotimus .

Fooles & little Dogs , are Ladies play fellowes : A sower sallet may long be eaten without satietie : the conclusion these premises is , that I can once againe vouchsafe to make me sport with the nody Philotimus , and aunswere his displeasaunt vntoothsome letters .

Men vsed to drinke the waters of the brooke Anigrus heretofore , but after what the Centaurs vanquished by her Hercules in fight , did therin washe their woundes , it was abhorred : the well of horned Hammon is at midnight passing hot , and at noonetide passing could : So could I haue brooked thee before I see thy good condicions stand on the condicion of welth , whome in the night , that is in thy scarcity I haue found as hot as Hay haruist , whom in the day , that is , thy prosperity , I haue knowen as could as a Chrismas euening .

You say better late then neuer , and I aunswere , as good neuer as to late . Surcease thy sighes & flattering freaks , they nought preuaile . Bacchus in licknes of a grape beguiled Erigone that suffered rape . Neptune in a Dolphins shape , enforced Melantho to her shame . Then eft I say , & oft before haue wisht , that thou leaue these crouched vowes and orisons , icrested with triple trechery , for as lickelie is that which Didimus writeth , that if one put wooll in his eares , sheepe will follow him , as that a faire woord wrought one Arts forge , canne seduce me to the sequence of your wishe .

Though I enuie thee now , thou shouldest not vye it with malice . It vsed to be the guise of religious hostyers , to drink wine their fil , & ●ate while they listed , and to offer the residue in Sacrifice to their Gods , and to picke the meate as nere as they could - and giue the furbished bones in immolation . The Grecians in , tending to gratulate Aiax for his braue encounter with Hector , rosted a bull , and eate him vp , and presented Aiax with hornes and hide : no worse then this will I deale with you .

Hast thou neuer heard how Homer describe Strife , that though it be basely borne that is take original of a slender cause , yet ●esteth not til she touch the heauen with her head , still keeping her feete below on the earth , and therefore thou maist surmise my hate to be hotter , and shalt miss of thy purpose if thou lookest for better .

It is wholsome for the , Philotimus , to weare hornes . It is a-tried medicine that if the right side of thy head doo ache , a combe made of the right side of a Rames horne , will helpe it , and if the lefte side ache a combe of the left horne will cure that Megrim .

Thou praiest that God & Saint Aurelia will blesse thee , I adioyne , such a Saint God send thee-Disdaine not I say once againe , that want makes me for sake thée , for outward thinges haue great force , loke of what coulour you would haue your chickins be , paint it on the outside of the egges and they will prooue : and if you will haue Venus her looue , you must mainteine her outward brauerie .

Celmus for clinging most faithfullie to Iupiter , became an Adamant : but by my troth ( Philotimus ) I neuer meane to incur the like displeasure , for being too faithfull to thee . For thou art neyther swete for smell , nor seemelie for sight .

Thou askest if I do thee right , and I aunswere , noe , worong , short talke to make , thy tyring lūst no loytring lodge can finde within my brest . A Circes , as I am can set thy ship on sand , I vtterly renounce both thee and thine from henceforward for euer more , if thou seekest to exulcerate thy supposed iniurie , as thy gaule is greater then thy guile , so I hope thou wilt brest for verie malice , ere thou matchest me to doo me harme : at one worde farewell fortie pence , too deare of three shillings , I neuer meane to be at more cost with you .

Thy vowed enemie Aurelia .

Assoone as Philotimus had read these letters hee waxed pale as any box , a shuddering through him strake , euen like the sea which sodenlye with whissing noyse dooth moue , when with a little blast of winde it is but toucht , with driueling and with vapoured eies , and frying fearce with straingie glead , and lyinge groufe vppon his face he still exclamed vppon Aurelia , he meynt his weeping with his blood , where with in stead of brine they were embrued , in this cureles extasie , he left himselfe one min nuts respite to send this Aurelia fainting farewell .

EVen as the snowish swan dooth singe before she dye , vppon Meanders winding bankes , that sheds his straglinge streames and shears the fruitles sande with wrakfull waues , so singe I nowe not notes of ioye but layes of depe lament . I write not , for I thinke my wordes may ought preuaile : For why ? I knowe the haughtie Gods at this my purpose spite . But since my welth , my corps , my fame , and spotles mind , are lost by canckred hap , to wast my wordes I recke it litle cost . New loue remaines for thée ( but not a new Philotimus ) with other troth to be impaund , which thod againe maist breake .

O now I see ( Democritus ) that vaine were they , and moste ridiculous , which derided thee when thou soughtest for Truth in the bottome of a Well . For well knowest thou , how Truth was disperaged immediatelie after the death of our forefathers , and glad for the auoiding of Falshoods sentinels , to seke some litle corner to shroud it selfe in .

And your assertion ( O Laureat Poets ) wherein you affirme , the Mars the God of Discord and sower of all Sedition , was borne of Iuno without the companye of man , semes to mee to beare no small palme . For no offence need be giuen to incense them to ire , they are teastie by nature , and haue disdaine by harte , without the instruction of any Schoolemaister . The Bucke is enclosed in the parke , a bridle ruleth the horse , an hooke catcheth the fish , the Woolfe may be tied , the Tyger may be tamed , onelie this is veritable , a Woman is vntamable : no spurre can make her goe , no bridle hold her backe , no courser sit her , finally she wil neuer forget iniurie , nor giue thankes for benfites .

Would God that it were constituted for a law in Italie , which was a custom among the Brackmans , that euerie Woman which entertained more then one suter in all her life , shoulde haue her bodie deuided and distributed equally to all her louers , so should neither sielie suters be lyrched of their due , nor Woomen so oft haue cause to say , full seldome comes the better , they would not seeke further and fare worse , but stay at home and liue in securitie . Yet for thy sake ( Aurelia ) I had rather waile mine owne wante , then wishe thée that harme , and will rather pray for thy spéedie repentaunce , then curse thy disloialtie that hath spilte all my spéede .

Sir Meleager aduentured to kill a monster for faire Atlantaes sake : but for thy sake I wish , that either Venus had neuer bene bredde , or that I and my swath cloutes had bene drowned in the billowes of Cytharis , from whence shee and her ofspringe is deriued .

On me ye swarth Em●es fling the flames you beare : On me ( O Hecate ) worke thy sorcering tirannies : on me try both your téenes , and for my sake yet spare that wretche Aurelia .

Thou saiest ( Aurelia ) thou wilte neuer bee at more coste with me . God knowes , thy cost was small , and thy curtesie is lesse , but though it be some pleasure to vnthankfull wightes for to obiecte the good forepassed tournes , yet will I pretermit to shewe howe chargeable thy seruice hath bene to me , & dismisse thee from suche reckoninges . Ah Aurelia , farewell for euer : and I pray God giue thée better speede then thou deseruest , and no worse then I wishe thee .

By thine and Fortunes prisoner , Philotimus .

He receiued no aunswere of these his letters , neither did hee looke for any , but restles flung vp and downe , neither seeking conforte , nor findinge anie , but in his agonie traced from place to place , muche like to Bacchus Nunnes , or to Cibeles braine-sicke Nymphes in Ida Mounte he ran , resembling those whom Driades and Faunes doe force to flye . But when he saw himselfe busy bootles , nothing to preuaile , he satte him downe , and entred straight to this consultation .

Forget that pranked paramour pert , and let her goe . Forget her Philotimus . Nay , sooner shall the roaring froathie Seas ymatch the loftie Firmament in height , and hellish Plutoes feltered den , with starbright heauen shall sooner coupled bee , and shining lighte with gloomye shades agree , and with the cleare drie day the drearie night conioyne , and smoaking stifling scaldinge fire conuerte to frostie ysicle snowe , ere I forget , whome I haue forgone , ah dearest Aurelia .

And herewithall the teares ranne downe his chéekes apace . He was dailie troubled with this Quotidian , neither eating nor drinking , nor sléeping , but fed I thinke with Aungells food , and by Gods imputation , dispenced for the time from humaines vsuall conuersation . He spent his time sometime studying howe to recouer wealth to win his Lady againe , sometimes composing Epitaphes for his Tombe , thinking he could not long liue , sometime in Meeters to praise his Aurelia , on whom to thinke it did him good , and sometime in complaining the frowardnes of his fates , among the reste these fewe that followe I thought good to insert .

Who looseth Loue , and conquers care in lieu , who pightes his paines , and pines for want of food , His lossfull lot and crimeles curse I rue , yet would he vew my cause , his case were good . His hap may be to fancy yet else where , ah speme spent , my loue and I am done . Or he may drench and die in deepe despaire , O that I might for bliss enioy that boone . Long haue I seru'd , and well deserud some meede , yet doe doe I sterue with strife and sternefull nayes , My constancie was causer of my creede , that crueltie is curst , that trust betraies . A chearles case must needes cause chilling care , O pale wanhope , when wanton wantes his wish No dastard to be da●de where dole doth deare , as good to fast as feast where dearth's a dish . What mettall can resist the flaming fire ? no heart I thinke can hate those christall eies , How can a bounden thrall retire desire ? The Eagles force subdues ech bird that flies .

These rimes were made in great agony and anguish . But as euerie hill hath his dale , euerie tide his eb , and euerie tempeste his flawe of faire weather , so had he some intermission of hi● sobbinges , though he coulde not haue remission of all his sorrowes . For thus he began to straighten his affections with reasons rule . Though he were in disgrace with Aurelia , and defaced of all his frendes , yet God would either sende remedie , or take him to his mercie . Though his body nothing proportionable to his valure , were not big inough to beat his foe Cornelius , yet did he see that the litle dapper carcasse was the tabernacle of wit , and the louby bones a tipe of a dullard . Though in the ruine of his riches hee were brought to an exigent , and like to be exiled the precincts of his countrey , yet did he reconsolate himselfe with his readinges and experimentes , by which he found that Wit commonly wears a wallet at his backe , when Follies robes be veluets , and to this effect did he frame this pettie Pamphlet , whereof here I make illation .

WHen we haue past the day in the Sea with perrill , the night of death doth take vs in at the porte of health . For who hath a patterne or a lease of his life , or what Obligation in this case may serue , without the performance of manye a condition ? As ofte comes ihe lambe to the market as the elder sheepe , as ofte blastes the bloome as the riper fruite , and Gods ioy in garlands , that be fresh and gréene . Then let youth claime no prerogatiue , where no priuiledge is graunted , but wishe and pray for the comming of his Christ , and watch and warde that he come not vnawares .

I haue alwaies thoughte that the guiltles prisoner with his clogged conscience , lookinge for nothing but his fatal finall sentence at the next gale deliuerie , is not so subiect to the summons of death , as we that are out of circuit of such crimes , & free from the sentence of the bloudie Iudge . This hath euer bene mine opinion , preferring the lingring of a certaine death , before the lasting of an vncertaine life .

And of all other , the sharpest wit ( saith Titleman ) hath the shortest life . Bycause heat , which is the cause of quicknes , hauinge preheminence in the temperature of his bodie , doeth eate vp the naturall moisture which is a sustenaunce to it , and so hauing nothinge to féede on , burnes vp the carcasse . The matter of colde haile is thin and warme saith Arist: warme water sooner fréezeth then colde lycoure saith Velcurie . and I auouche that the hottest constitution ( which by the way , is most pregnant in wit ) is the readiest procurer of cold death . Soone ripe , soone rotten : quickly spent , that s easely gotten : bauin burnes brighte , but it is but a blaze : the flashinge lightening is gone at a gaze : then this is my verdit . As those abortiui which are borne before their time , neuer proue sightlie men : so these forward youthes ( and too forward saith M. Askam ) neuer proue old men .

If any man appose me in what sort of men I déeme this passing worke of wit , for my cocke , I would chuse the litle dapper Dick , take Robbin Hood who list , let me haue litle Iohn . Be not angrie with me if I speake amisse . Aristotle is my authour , & will aunswere all replies : who makinge a bypartite diuision of all kindes of men in his bookes of Pollicie , giueth the burlie boned boūsers ( neither good for man nor woman , vnles it be to lubber-leape them ) the orders of seruitude , and to litle timbred fellowes ( who want in weight , if you poise them by bodies , but readie in wit , and quicke as a Bée ) the gouernment to rule , the one appointing what to doe , like Maister Oiconomus , the goodman of the house , the other taking aime at his maisters mouthe to execute his pleasure , So that the maisters : ●ye fattes the horse , thoughe the Groome of the ●●●le geue him prouander .

The same Arist. assertes the moste fooles to bee mos●e boulde and fierce . Bycause as grosse bloud wherewith he aboundes , increaseth his strength , so it must necessarilie weaken the wit , and make a grossum caput . Contrariwise the tender bloud , from whence thin rare spirites do breath ( as our Philosophers clepe them ) enséebles the body , and kepes it downe , whettes the wit and stunts the stomacke .

Follie aduauncing herselfe in that best book of Erasmus , his Encomion moriae , & bragging her to be the mistris of al noble exploits , will admit none but monsters into her muster : small men are scarse sufficient for a foote garrison to watch the walles , not able to endure one nightes colde , without a well defencing shelter . She leuieth her army of huge boisterous hobs , wel be●eming for their vnderstanders to bee the ofspringe of Giauntes , who not onely will couragiously forrige vppon their enemies , but durste and would for their bignes and follie , lay a seconde siedge to the hould of the Gods .

The politicke Prince Agamemnon was of a middle pitche , & widly Vlisses of somwhat lesse stature , whose woords came forth like winter snow , such store he had , as good Antenor describs him in Homer . Those therefore of hot composition , and of mean rate in stature , liuelye , neate , and nimble , doe , as Virgil speaketh of Bées in the fourthe of his Georgickes , within that little corpes of theirs , right noble stomackes beare .

For though they be not so rash and feareles as they of the other sorte , yet by reading or reason , experience or pollicie , they dare in time doe as much as they , and for the others one matter well compassed with successe , they will bring ten thowsand to happie end , if lucke be aunswerable .

Lycurgus , not one clad with the stuntliest courage of all other , and far beyond Aereithous in strength ( I meane that Aereithous that bare the massy club , wherewith he fighting got such praise , that hee christened himselfe by the name of Clubber ) slue him tho by sleight , to whom he found himselfe inferiour in force , and Ereuthalion that mightie champion , was slaine by good foresight of the wi●e Nestor .

I haue red that in an old smokie authour , which them I thought worthie noting , and here I meane to insert , and this it is in our vulgar tongue . I haue seldome sene a long man wise , or a lowe man lowlie . Nowe this aspiring haughtines is vsuallye ioyned with an excelling wit , whereof it proceedes . For hauing a sharp capacitie wherein he doth most resemble the Gods , he desireth to be seated in some exalted throne , neare to the Gods and therfore saith one of Alexander , if he had had a quantitie of body , measured out to the qualitie of his minde , with the one hande hee had caught the East , and with the other he had raught the West .

I meane not to make an Inuectiue against goodlie corporall men , of whom for my part I thinke very substancially , nor think not , but that as Aristotle saieth , great heades , if they be not too great , haue the best capacities , so great men , if they be not monsters , haue no want of wit . For Paulus Eginetus , I remember , in his first booke De medicina saith , that a verie litle heade is a certaine signe of a weake iudgement , & want in quantitie of braine : and I suppose , that if their frame and match be euen and equall , Nanes and Dwarfes muste needes be topped with such heades .

I can vse no sharpe aunsweres to excuse my selfe to these huge Polyphems , neither haue I any sound argumentes to polishe the praises of such as be of the litle reasonable sise : but this I can aledg drawen from Naturall Philosophie , that the wittiest sconce hath the greatest inclination to Venerie , wherewith beginning to dallye too soone , though for a season it helpe the grouth , yet doth it preuent the naturall grouth , and if Apolloes Phisicke be not wouen with Apolloes wit , cuttes of the course of his yeares , before the fates haue halfe runne their date , vnlesse his peragons had the power of Dan Aurora , who prolonged the youth of her frende Tithonus with supply of her moisture . Yet this may be his comfort , that though hee wante Paris his personage , which is common to manie , hee may haue parte of Achilles his prowesse , which hath fellowship with few , and be endewed with Vlisses his wit , which I will not say , is appropriate to himselfe .

The hilles are not fertile , nor the valleyes barren . The Sun in the highest delighteth in the shadowe which is shortest , & nourisheth the Trée , whose roote groweth deepest , not whose toppe springeth loftiest .

Naythelesse , that seasonable aire , and bréeding vp , and worthie race , may quallifie a coward with courage , and portcolize the pate with pollicie , Aiax Telamon was wont to say , and I assent . And therefore those 9. worthies of the Greekes , who at Hectors challenge to combat with anye one single man , offred themselues to wage battaile , ech of them seuerallie , had not onelie braund boisterous bodies , but well bumbast also with acute pollicie ,

I dare not be too vehement against these champions , bycause as they be fooles , so commonly they bee fortunate , whereas the other sorte their co●riualls in the former comparison , are God knoweth , more loftie then luckie . Which howe it comes to passe I know not , but that we see ragged walles haue painted clothes , when sound marble is naked : a crooked backe must haue a bumbast dublet , when a streight body weares no suche bolsteringes : that ill woodes grow apace , when good hearbes sproute at ease : and that Nick Noddie hath the lucke , when Welladay Wit liues in lacke .

Bellerophon , whose shape , wit , and mind , were more méete for a demy God , then for a mortlinge , whose semine race , and patrie bréede , foreheld deaurate scepters in Ephyra of Argos I le , with how manie forraies of enemies was he afronted , and worse than any driuill assailed with azerd steele , to reaue his life by stealth ? What monsters had he ministred to be his combatantes ? What veins of lanes enforced to thréede , but that God whome he implored to be his gardaine , renforced him with armipotente and impugnable marte , to bringe the palme away , and proue them dastard parnels ? He spending his young yeares with a Kinge in Graece the hight Proetus , had caught ( not cautele of it ) in his loue , the Queene Andia , to whose disloialtie bycause he would not consent , she bare her husband in hand , that he sought her dishonour , & besought him to reueng it with austeritie of punishment . Proetus woulde not murther him in in his owne house , but forged letters of guile , wherwith he sent Bellerophon to his Father in law King Rheon , the Lycian prince , with this tenure , to reiourne the bearers returne from time to time , and by some occasion to put him to death . Rheon to giue good enterteinment to his sonne in lawes entreatie , inioynes this Bellerophon to slay the dire monster Chimere , a ghastfull thing , and for no man to doe , as he supposde . The heade and brest of him were like a Lyon , the middle like a goat , behind like a Dragon , & his breathinges terrible flames : him , after much tiring toyle , Bellerophon slue . That done the Solymes downe he hackt . Then the King appointed him to trye with manie an Amazon : but stil he was so steeld with hardie heart , that he laid the life of these Amazons in morgage with Pluto , for his fauour at such atttempts . At length , to make a sure ende of him , Rheon prouided an ambushment of the Lycians to set vpon him hard by a fountains side , yet all this packed crue Bellerophon murthered . With these daungers vndeseruedlye was noble Bellerophon distresse , thoughe at length it pleased the Gods to innoble his innocencie , & the foresaid king to mount his credit .

This story of Bellerophon I thought méete to restore you , being once before recited by Homer , bycause if Pegasus , the flying horse of Fame were aliue againe , he could not bee better busied , then to carry his renowne through the whole world ▪ suche store make I of it .

I could make you an inuentory of ten thowsand moe , that deseruing well , were méeded as ill , and fill a Pedlers packe with my rehearsalls , but this may suffice for the drift of my declaration , and inough they say , is as good as a feast .

And for the partie opposite how well fooles can fadge , I néede but relate a short alligation .

The cockscombe Phrixus is said to ride in the Sea vpon a golden Ram : the interpretation of which Embleame is , that hee had all thinges ●t will that are in the worlde . A doltishe Asse , and sibles straunger , enioyed riche Phenops wealth , the heritage of whose twaine and onelie sonns , Thoon and Zanthus , was intercepted by slaughter . Megeros the noddie had gathered an hutch full of gold , when his elder brother a learned Phtlosopher , was vrged to beg .

The compiling of this small volume , Philotimus thought some comfort to himselfe , and would sometimes reade it to helpe to rid his melancholye . But nowe by Philotimus his fauour , I must borrow a litle leaue to bestowe on his aduersary Cornelius .

I will you to witt , that this Cornelius had bene a longe louer of one Laida , a gallant courtlie Gentlewoman , and one of Aureliaes fellows . This Laida ( sauing Aurelia ) was compere in heau - to any in the Court , & ( sauing braue Aurelia ) was fancied of Cornelius more then all other . On the other side , shee by disposition was very lighte , and therefore soone enamoured of his gracious personage , couetous of coigne ( as moste women be ) and therefore condiscended to depose to all his interrogatories . Finally she see him more then her match in any thing ( except a litle pelting wit ) and therfore yéelded to be his mate in euerie thing , I except not bed pleasure .

This she did vnder guarde of his oath , which promised that in time conuenient , bridall banes should make amendes for all : but when she see him started from his hartes foredelight , and suche a block as Aurelia laid to stumble at , that neuer thought one straw would lie in her way , she set the hares head to the goose giblings , and Spanyerdlike was as careles as he : marrie she ment not to hurt herselfe with keping her choler close , but sent it wrapt in a scroull to be an eyesore to him .

Laida to Cornelius .

WEre ye so hot in my sacred seruice , that now you ar fled for holy religion ? Adew sir Duns , a botch on your britch , God keepe you from sickenes , till sores haue consumed you .

When I got you , I gaind a flatterer , when I lost you , I f●●n a flincher , what haue I gaind , or what haue I lost , iudge you .

I knowe not whether is better to waile my good weale , that I receiued vnwillinglie of a franticke foe , or smile at his sottishnes , imbracing hardhap , which giues him a serpent , and tels him its fishe . Yet can I not chuse but wéepe , with an onion in mine eye , and an apple in my mouth , & better doe I thinke it to wéepe out mine eies , neuer to sée the like caytiff again , then laugh out my spene at his fickle follie , and hurte my selfe with extremetie of passion .

Hey ho for Lucius , my mind is all on Fabian , Lysiteles is mine onely ioy , Dinarchus want doth make me mone . She is scarcely weather wise , that knows not how vsually the wind doth chaung , from East to West , from North to South : but she is far lesse worldly wise , that stores not a choise for euery chaunge .

He that rides with one girth , may feare to be vnhorst , and shee that féedes on one frende , deserues to liue with leauinges .

I graunt by my folly I was inueigled with deceite , and hope that by patience , I shall be comforted in distres .

The losse of hope abridgeth lamentation , & lighte beliefe hath commonly light loue .

Thou arte more méete for a widowes ioy , which lastes but a moment , then fit to be a maidens phear , whose faith outlastes the heauens in durance .

I haue bene so vndermined and countermined by thy ouerthwart wayes , that Theseus was not more glad of his deliuerye out of the Laborinth , then I reioise to be freed of thy leasing forgeries . When my offence shall come to scanninge , which hath alienated thee so sodeinly from me , thou wilt be found as phantasticall as Nausicles a Merchant in Naucratia , which being in loue with Arsinoe , and often gratulated with her companye , began in processe to loath his Arsinoe , bycause , when shee sunge at his entreaty , her chéekes swelled , and her eyes stared : or like the Wife , which seeing one behaue himselfe valiantlye in a Tournement , fell in loue with him , but when he put vp his Beauer to take the aire , and the Woman comming apace to see him , perceyued yt was her Husbande , she made a mocke at the matter , and cared not for him .

Pray therfore for thy selfe , and so would I do for thée ( although thou not deserue it ) but that the Gods would be offended to pray for so wicked a periured reprobate , that the reckoning of thy new hostesse , be not rackt to a more vnreasonable rate , then was Aristippus his the Athenians , which by the mischieuous meanes of his second marriage was banished his countrey , and his goodds confiscate . But like will to like , saith the old prouerb , a flinching foole , to a fléeting flatterer , and this is true , and trusted of olde , the euer a slouing , slim slam sibi quaerit .

I haue bene more liberall to thee of my maidenlye store , then now I am proude on , & I feare thou arte more prodigall in blabbing it out , then thou hast thanke for : yet good beast , do not boast of thy shamefull gettinge , for I gaue thee that , which then I had not , and thou receiuedst the , which thou tookst not .

I know what I write , when I indite of thy knauery , & thou canst leuell at my meaninge , by the ayme of thy subteltye .

Surely there hath happened a prodigious wonder in thy loue : for whiles thou louedst me , ther was neither Winter , nor Sommer , nor Spring , nor Haruest . Thou diddest loue me from mid-day till hye noone .

Yet I nothing meruaile at it . For I neuer knewe Capon yet loue Hen: neither am I ignorant , why your paramour is so passionate ouer you , she doth it not I warrant you , without consideration : for her ship being fraught , she may take a passenger , and her belly being sped , take thée for aduauntage .

I sée ( Cornelius ) that thou art one of those , that will runne vii . miles to kisse the stake a smock hung on , though thou haste more worke at home , then suche a tinker as thou , canne well botche

I was a threede too course for your spinning , for so you make semblaunce : yet if your wheele had bene stedfast and not casten the bande , my webbe had bene fine inoughe for your slouenlye weare .

Mustard and pepper receyued into the stomacke , hurt nothing at all , but being applied to the outside of the skin , doe blister and inflame . If anye trespas I haue committed against thee , had come from inward malice , thou haddest bene excusable , but being so superficiall , or not at all faultie , yt doth quite condemne thée .

Although the fixed starres shoulde sooner fléete , then I woulde sweare and swerue , yet my reason being at libertie , teacheth patience in aduersitie . The same Ioue whiche giues the Sun his splendent globe , hath giuen the Moone , all as he would , her horned head , yet as the Moone , by how much the more she is distant from the Sunne , by so muche the brighter is illuminated : So , the further I am dissociated from thée , the fitter shall I be to dissolue all follies .

Farewell , and choke of it : for I neuer knew Rouer of any continuance , but at length he rushed against the rocks , and so I trust wilt thou . And as Iuno for spite turning Parrhasis into a Beare , was the cause , that Ioue for amendes , exalted her to bee a neighbour star to the Northren poale : so the inckling of this thy facte , will make my life exact , and estemed among thy betters . I commend mee to thy cogginges , and salute thy ingratitude with an vnhartie gréeting .

Golden loookes are painted hookes . Beware .

Laida , once thine , and now her owne .

These letters were as welcome to Cornelius , as a storme of winde to the moneth of March. For this hee looked and longed for , to be so lightlie forsaken . Immediately hee resente an awnswere , which I imagine was of his writing , and Aureliaes enditing . For when his apparell was of his backe , all his wit was deare of twopence .

Cornelius to Laida .

MY Ladie , swéete Beautie , Sluts whelpe and her darlinge , I g●ete you well . I receiued your letters the firste day of my malice , dated the eightenth yeare of the migne of a s●ould .

When I had red thy ramping stile , I feared thou wert giddy , or in some franticke extasie , & then I recald my th anckles feare , and hopt that thou wert euen so indéeed .

Thou art like Menechmus Subreptus his wife , who thinking an other had bene her husband for their like resemblance , falslie burdened him with her husbands knauerie : and I , bycause I am like my selfe , am slaunderouslye impeached of inconstancie . As the bragging ostentation , of thy accusation , séemes to importe , I now am an other then I was before . For then I was reputed of sufficient honestie , and nowe am descried of much cogging varletrie , so that my good manners are growen out of fashion , and mens good opinion turnd to despaire . If I am not as I was , as thou saiest I am not , but straungely chaunged , I cannot tell how , then praise Cornelius , whose credit is currant , and blame me no whit , for I am not the same .

Thy canckred rancour shewes howe far vnfit thou art to haue a louing spouse , & thy hastie teatishnes , grounded onely on suspicion , bewraies thy starting fancie for euery iealous freake .

Thy husband shall not néede to be Iustice of peace , for his wife will haue a charter to make her Iustice of coram . If he punishe others , and examine them of wronges , thou wilt schoole him , and aske him accountes . I was glad when I see thy vproring brawlinges , that then my being was out of thy reache : else either had I got an odious conquest , in giuing a woman the ouerthrow , or else had suffered a shamefull conflicte , in taking of her the Bastinado . Hast thou not heard of biblinge Phiale , Dianaes Nymph ? her in all pointes art thou like .

But could I depart from her , who hath ( ah ) loued me from the beginning , and who nouer ment but continew to the end ? I dare say ( Laida ) thou louedst me well . Well quoth I ? Yea and so well , that thou couldst haue wished with all thy hearte , a paire of pinsons of my hyde : you are a swete nut , the Deuill cracke you .

I had no cause to doubt thy flinching : for whithersoeuer I had gone abroad , I might haue carried thee in my cap.

Thou knowest ( Laida ) that the lees and dreggs of wine draw alwayes to the bottome : yet if hony bee put into a wine vessell , the lees as ouercomen with the hony , rise vp to the top , and the hony takes their place : euen so , thou , which in foretime hast enioyed the deepest part of my heart , though thou were as soure as lees , assoone as the honnie Aurelia , exhibites herselfe , muste by necessitie brooke to yeeld thy self . Lay the Christall stone against the Sun , and put any thinge nigh it that is combustible , and incontinently it is set on fire : such is the potence of Aureliaes vertue , that whomsoeuer it approcheth , immediatly it inflams him . He that seeth such a game before his eies , and will not lette thee slip , hath small skill in hunting .

As for me , I am not without the stone Tabrices , a stone , whose coulour is consonant to the Christall , which Euax & Aaron , and the old Philosophers say , giueth fauour , eloquence , and honour , to them that vse to beare it about .

Small drinke seemes stronger to one that is fasting , then to one that is full : so Laida , euerye sip of thee seemed to bee sauced with a pound of suger , till I had tasted of Aureliaes banquet , and then it semed to haue neyther tast nor rellish . And no woonder , though thy sweetenes be so soone sowred . For sweete milke , & sweete bloud , and other sweete thinges , are soone altered in concoction , and when the stomacke assayeth to disgest them and can not , then turne they immediately to be sowred : Euen so , thou : But apply this parable to thy selfe , I haue no leysure to intende thée from Aureliaes busines , and any time is loste that is lente a thankles person .

To winde vp all in a short conclusion , this thou haste heard , the hot wines ingendex colde diseases : and this I tell thee , that my scalding loue is turned to cooling hate .

They aee euill horsed , and worse wiued , that ride on coltes , & marrie younge giglittes : both these I will auoyde as nere as I may .

Neither thine , nor his owne , Cornelius .

To auoide all tedious prolixitie , bycause manye more thinges will occur to be spoken on , know you , that Cornelius and Laida , euer after this liued as denounced enemies , sildome meetinge , but he with powting , and she with flowting , incensed manye a knarrie iarre

But poore Philotimus he was tried with alll tribulations , hee was abused of euerie refuce rascall . Cornelius and Aurelia to excuse themselues , accused him of trecheries , of coosenage , of euerye villanie that may be named , which the rather was beleeued , bycause he now was fallen to pouertie , and so constrayned to liue hardly . His creditors were most of them suche , as had wasted the reuenewes of his landes , and nowe were moste importunate for the discharge of his debtes . Philotimus did often sende Cornelius his daring challenge ( though his strength were far inferiour ) to meete him in any conuenient place , which the coward would not be brought to doe .

Thus loaded with more griefe , then can be borne with Geometry ( whereon the bodie of man doeth hange ) and sendinge out more sighes , then can be numbred by Ciphers , or tolde by Arithmeticke ( wherein mans Soule consistes ) the poore forlorne Gentleman entred his chamber , where shutting the doore , hee closelie with himselfe debated his distres in this sort .

Ah Philotimus , thou wretched wighte Philotimus , that canst neither liue with credit , nor die with honour , cursed be the houre wherein thou wast got , a clowde dim that day wherin thou wast borne , damned be the parentes that broughte thee to lighte , and whelmd be the World with fire and brimstone , that with rebellious insurrections , and inordinate commotions , all & euery one haue conspired my decay .

Am I that Philotimus , whose bare worde was wonte to bee of more weight , then ten thousand poundes of some mans money , and now am cald in question of pettie shameles coosenage , which ( O Lord ) thou knowest howe much I abhorre ? Am I that Philotimus , whom all my frendes haue the best floure in their garland , and nowe am caste out for a rotten stinking weede , trode vnder foote of euerie passenger ? O Lord saue my credit from shipwrack , and bringe it to safe harbour , where taken as a wrecke of the Sea by way of escheate , in time it may be knowen howe vnspotted it is . Thou haste all mens hartes in thy handes to dispose at thy pleasure , forget my transgressions , mortifie my affections , and renewe their good opinions , who nowe despaire of mee .

What is becomd of him , that sometime was the Gem of all the Iewells in Athens , then praised of all , to incourage him to vertue , now prased for of some , to restraine him from vice ? Is hee not now thought a sensuall reprobate , deuorced from all pietie , lulde in securitie , giuen vp of God to his palpable lustes , with the bitt in his téeth to flinge where he list , like an harbourcles vacabond , or a brother of Caine ?

My long acquainted frendes , combined to me with egall faith , why fly ye touch , why start ye from me ? If I haue taken stande , why cast ye not forth your wonted lures ? Or if as yet I bee not well mande , why make yee no labour to reclaime me from haggardnes ? Arraigne me at the barre of Seurre iudgement , exaggerate my crimes with amplification , impannell an inqueste of Russet coat Robbins , let Cautle Subteltie be the foreman , & Summum●ius the Iudge , and Cuthbert the cutthroat commense his action , what amercement or penaltie canne they assigne mee , or wherein can they say I haue offended , that should alienate anye man from former liking ? Indeed I haue wastfully spente ( more caytiffe I ) the surrender of my fathers landes , and run my selfe into desperate debtes , and now in stéede of blew coates to waite at my table , haue a couple of Sergeants to attend me through the stretes , that I slip not the collar . But of what sparkles did this heate glow , or from whence did these exspences take their Exordium ? to glut mine owne vnsatiable appetites , or to feede the ve●ues of foisting mates , who neuer helde out fiste while I had a groate , that they puld it in emptie , and now not onely all of them haue abandoned my companie , but some that haue soaken manie an aungell out of my bagge , if they recken but twoo pence that I borrowed ●t theirs , are readie to sende out proces to attache my bodie ?

True is the Prouerbe , saue a Thiefe from the gallowes and he will be the firste shall doe thee a mischiefe . I haue cloathed these ragamuffins , I haue fed these clammed michers , I haue bene their harbinger , when they had not a caue to couche their cockscombes in . I thought their boulstered names had stuffe to show , the praise did hight . I raisde a star whereto direct my course , in whose prospect my tackle faild , my compas brake . I threshed for corne , & all is turnd to chaffe .

O that I had either bene Zopyrus , to haue disciphered their falshoode by Phisiognomye , or they had bene suche as Socrates , to haue chaunged their crooked natures by education . I haue red that if Basil be put ●ouertlie vnderneath the dish where a woman should eate , her queaste stomacke straightway lothes it . O that I had such a vertue to haue staied my frendes falshood . But letters that are made of the powder of Rochalum , can not be red but in cleare water , and those that packe their cogging in a cloake of dissembling , cannot be descried but by a warie forwatch . Adrianus painted grapes so artificially , that birds pecked at them , neither could any descerne them , but with diligent marking . The Hollin tree beareth barke , & berries , the one kills birds , the other féedes them : and such fellowes beare aungells in their faces , and deuils in their deuises , the one enticeth good natures to followe them , the other entangles them in their deceites .

Bycause I haue digged mine owne ground , till I come at the clay , and now aske some licour at my neighbours Well , they not onelie denie me with a snub , but out of my hearing r●●ile without cause , and make ladders on my backe for Slaunder to climbe on .

Erect your Trophees ( Captaines ) you haue got a goodlie conquest , and gained knighthood this day , by bringing a sackles soule into a fooles paradise , as Clytus takinge three or fowre shippes , called himselfe Neptune . When a mans hose be downe , it is easie to kisse him where he sat on Saterday . Your scoffes be out of season , far from the documents of Euangelical Gospellers , which preach both in season and out of season , but taking an holier text then any of you , and affoording a litle more profitable notes .

Hanno with durable paines , taught birdes which he pent in a cage , in time to crie Deus est Hanno , Hanno is a God , & you with craftie forged dealing , haue ( ah Craft ) made the common sorte extoll you to the skies . Bycause you would cast of the yoake that is laid on your neekes to be the meanes of my ruine , you beare them in hande when you are in corners , that as the Salamander is cause of her owne death , by spirtinge out the fire which doeth nourish her : so I with prodigall expences , not procurd bp any of you , haue ruinated my state , & brought it to this stay : & therefore haue I foultred , bycause I followed not you .

Woe to the Géese that haue the Fox for their priest , ay for the Lambes that are nurst of the Wolfe , in the ditch falls the blind that is led by the blind . It is hard to draw water in a drie soile , or fishe out skill from an emptie ponde . As to bee hearde where eares are none , or Lead to be grauen in Marble stone , so harde it is to heare counsell of you , which may accorde with any good .

Good soules , you haue nothing within , but gutts and garbage , neither hearte , nor liuer , nor any good entrailes . Goe sléepe in a Trunke with Clearchus , catch flies all day with Domitianus , or go to the plough with the Aracosians . You may sooner be Doctors at Dawes crosse , then Sergeantes of the Quoife , and commense Coridons with your clownish conditions , chen be created Counsellours for your pollicie which is none .

Well , the time which was , wil be ( saith Plato ) where he speaketh of hi● great yeare , and I my selfe hope for a yeare of Iubile . The Sun which falleth in the West with Eclipse of his lighte , riseth in the East with his firy garland : high springes may cease from swelling , but neuer drie away . In the meane time though they speake me as faire , as Iudas did Christ the same nighte that he betraied him , can a Gentlemans courage put vp this iniurie ? Shall they spurne and I not kicke ? I wil vse meane and maine , sacke their soules , & ransack their dwellinges , and send them vengeaunce with aduauntage , I will assaile to scale their fort , or els will smell of smoake . The bankes will vndermine , if the Sea flow not ouer , and if my furie haue no vent , my hart will cleaue asunder .

Nay , since they say what they liste , they shall heare what they list not . Though I be an Asse , and borne to beare , yet they shall snaffle my tongue to wrappe it vp in silence . Thy tongue Philotimus ? A goose gagles , and an hen cackles , and wilt thou gaine the game with tatling ?

No , sende them thy gauntlet , challenge the combat , wage battaile , match their mallice , Innocencie beares a shielde to breake their blowes . Pursue the fugitiues , make hauocke of them , haile them by the hairie scalpes vp and downe the stréetes , chop them as small as flesh to pot , let not a parcel of their memory remaine by the remnaunt of their ashes .

O Philotimus , thou hast eaten bulbéefe , and braggest highlie : thou touchest neare , but drawes no bloud . Euery hooked nose is not a conquerour : few curst kine haue long hornes . Where be thy burgonie , thy beauer ▪ thy coller , thy corslet , thy powldringes , thy tasies , thy vollie of shot , thy planted ordinaunce , thy casted mounts , with all thy garrison of well araied souldiours ? A rustie rapier is no trustie rampier . It is not a sharpe sounde , that proues a full battell . A Caesars mind , and a Codrus might , can neuer agrée .

Tush , thou art like a Thiefe , that thinkes euerye Trée a true-man . Thou maiest aswell be feareles , as he that holds the wolfe by the eares : new wine will seaech to finde a vent , and wit will walke where will is bent : when the winde is not in a good coast , we must ship our ●ares and further our course : venter & conquer . Hast thou neuer a knacke in thy so●s heade , neuer a shifting shoo of an Irish Hobbie ? Canst thou not feigne a hotte mouth , when thou hast a cold maw , sound the trumpet of great frendship , and then begin the skirmishe with a false allarme ? If thou canst not compasse thy whole desire , be content with that which may come to passe , flatter for aduauntage , and be not ashamed ( quoth Phormio ) in Terence . Goe burning sighes vnto their frozen hartes , goe breake the yse with pitties painefull dartes : and when they are within thy reach , giue them the cup of bitter sweete , to pledg their mortall foe .

Then maiest thou chaunt thy chearefull chaunce , but interim , thou chats about mooneshine in the water . Thou shalte assoone make musicke with a puddinge and a capcase , as a currant gloze of this deuice . Climbe the Sunne by the beames , and any thing thou saiest , begin to assay it .

Alas , what helpes the diall the blind , the clock the deafe , or wit him that wantes opportunitie ? they hate thée , and shun thée , and will not now heare of thée . Though the Mariner haue cunning to gouerne the vessel , it lieth not in his skil to calme the Seas . It is inough to point to the strawe where the pad lurkes . The smell of the Radish killes the Serpent , and therefore they auoide it : The smell of burnt Penniriall kils fleas , and therefore they cannot abide it : And they , bycause they know thy craft , wil beware of thy traines . Onions and Garlicke sowen neare Roses , though they touch them not , drawe all the grose and sowre moisture into themselues : and thoughe at this time they are not in thy bosome , yet haue they the Art optick to search out thy drifts . They will knowe thy visage by thy vizarde , thy pretended subteltie by thy counterfeit simplicitie .

Well then , sith this is a sauce too sharpe for thy diet , and these be hearbes too strong for thy nose , leaue of this Phrygian melodie that incenseth to battaile , and take the Aeolian harmonie , which appeaseth the tempest ot the troubled mind . Thy taint is past annointing , thy burnt is past balming , no remedie remaines , but death must be surgeon of thy sore . Come death , & throw thy pearcing dart into my panting breste : Death is a porte , whereby we passe to ioy : life is a lake that drowneth all in paine . A chiefe reliefe to conquered men is desperatlie to die . Adew delightes that lulled me asléepe : farewell my ioyes , and dulced bed of rest : swéet were the ioyes that would both like & last : straung were the state exempt from all distres .

Happie was I ( that was a woful word to saine ) ah happie was I , that now am most miser . No miser Philotime , wast thou euer in thy life , and that at this time makes the most miserable . The stricken Deare withdrawes himself to die , and so will I. Brutus will first chuse to make a Cutlers shop of his owne bellye , with his own hands , before he wil fawne for his enemies fauour : Lucrece receiuing a priuate skar , would neuer liue with open scorne : let these be preparatiues to thy spéedie dispatch . Dost thou not remember them , that hearing Platoes Phaedon of the soules immortalitie , cast themselues headlong into the Sea , to ridde them of their liues , and enioy the soules pleasure ?

Auaunt Satan , thou preuailest not . Though thou set me vpon a pinacle , and offer all the kingdomes that are in the world , thou loosest thy labour : my God will defend me from this extremetie . Shall I pull downe this bodely building , that his Fatherly prouidence hath erected to his owne similitude ? No ( saith Plato ) & he after Plato , in his booke entituled Scipioes dreame , A prisoner committed to warde by commaundement , may not shake of his shackles when he liste , nor come out of prison but by authoritie . Sith his Godhead hath bestowed this corporal mancion on a sinfull wretch , and framed me likewise after his caracter , I will not dissolue it as though I mislikt it , but continew his goodnes with thanksgeuing .

Aristotle ouercharging his fantasie , with too subtle a search beyond his wittes reach , did himselfe to die , to his own condemnation & hinderaunce of vs ▪ Iudas & Saul may terrify and edify , iudging themselues by their owne censures , and warning vs all to feare , but with faith . No violence is permanent , and Opinion is sometime of impossibilities : the one may perswade vs that the other slakes griefe , but the other deceiuing with deluding contrariety , shortly returnes to his former recourse . The corruption of one , is the generation of an another . Our miserie in mortallitie , which is but momentany , bee it dispossest without Gods appointment , newly begets , and renewes a fresh , a neuer parting paines in the life to come .

Then let inward spirite better outward spéech ( as Alcibiades speakes of Socrates in Platoes symposium : ) there meaning to commende his maister Socrates , hee compares him to Syleni , as they sat in the Ingrauers shops : for without they were ingraued with pipes and instrumentes , but being ript and opened , they had the Images of Gods . Vlisses could forbeare his maides choakinge checkes for a certaine proofe of suspected probabilities : Etrascus louing thirtie yeares , could not atchieue his harts desired choise , yet at the end , found reward of his mistris . Achilles for a time fair Brysīs did forgo , & yet they met again , them think thou maist do so : the Lord may restore thée to former state , them first seke his kingdom , and all shall be ministred . If he haue giuen thée a bill of diuorcement , neuer to ioine issue with welth nor pleasure , he requires no more seruice but praier for patience , and constancie in this seruice , till thy Audit day in heauen .

It may be , he hath brought thée trom bench to barre , to pleade for thy safetie with care and sobrietie , least being exalted to sit on the bench , thou haddest iudged thy self with dissolute haughtines . As the yongman Tuscus , by Petrarches report , seing his feature , as it were a lawnd for beawties bloudhounds there to draw , which was perillous for his credit , and daungerous for their safetie , thinking rather to make griefe of his gaine , than that should hurt any which could helpe none , all to gashed his face with voluntary knockes , to deforme himselfe , and defraude them .

Far therfore be that from me , which Epiucrus thinketh in Tullies bookes of the nature of the Gods , that nothinge is gouerned by the prouidence of God , bycause saith he , those that be immortall , take no pains , but being idle and vacant , trouble not themselues with any manner medling . No , not a leafe falles to the ground without Gods good leaue . Therefore let euerie parte either in Commodie or Tragedie be willingly plaied , as he shall assigne .

Ah doting Dido , sie pholishe Phillis , vnfortunate Camma , misborne Medea , more cruell then Atropos , to vntwine your fatall threedes . What mente ye to disinherit your lawfull tenauntes for tearme of naturalll life ( your bodies I meane ) more easelie disioynde , then knitt together , as Cato saieth in Tullies Oldage ? Though euery one of you had siluer féete , as Philostratus in Heroicis reportes of Thetydes in these woordes Guropes a thetis : Though you had suche grace in your eies , as Homer reportes of Iuno : Though you had Ioues haire , which hee speakes on in his first Ilias : or braue Achilles his , when Pallas comming downe from Heauen at Iunoes requeste , pulde him backwarde by the golden haire , which Homer calles Zanthen comen . Yet if a man should make Epigrams on your best vertues , your praises would bee as meane , as Euphorbus his the Troians ▪ which Homer did giue him when he was a dying , in whome he bewailed nothinge but his faire ruffe of haire .

Well then , though I am loth to vnloade my deeringe cares to my dearest frendes , and bewray all my wantes whereof I am ashamed , yet it is vertues lore to seeke meanes to liue , and war●e ventering shal giue the onset . I will write to Aemilius , our auncient frendship is yet but memorable , and my good welfare to him is estimable , he is my best frend , & my best belouing brother , and therefore I know he will giue me assistaunce .

Then taking pen in hand , in which for feare the ynke did seme to fréeze , for that he blusht , and was abasht to begge , he wrtt to his brother of all his distresses , contriuing his Arguments into these two heades : That for the indissoluble bond of their sacred sworn frendship , and naturall regard of their neare alliaunce , hee hopte without pausing he would send him purueyaunce , and renewe the state of his passed life with the imparture of his newe reliefe .

His page Parmenio , which neuer departed from him , was the carrier of these letters , and for want of an horse poasted on foote . M. Aemilius was agast at the tenure of these letters , and halfe & more ashamed to reteine such a guest , and so far he was from ayding his ill apaide brother , that he charged Fuluia his Wife , and Philotimus his onely sister , not to meddle with Philotimus .

Nay ( quoth he ) the Crow that hath no care of her owne birdes , will not tender the nestlinges of blackebirdes : the Bée that cannot féede of the swéete of the honysuckle , will hardly make honye of the iuice of the Thistle : hee that seeth not his blemishes in a Christall glasse , will not blot them out by looking in blacke marble : when hemp will not spring in a fertile ground neuer tilled , it wil not grow and flourish in a dried heath : since he could not kéepe pace , when his legges were lithe and léenie , and his horse & footecloth at his commaund , how can he outrun his fellows , when his limmes are all lamed , though you lend him a crutch to leane vpon ? His aunswere he returned in this order .

Aemilius to the luckles Philotimus .

POore soule Philotimus , God sende thée more wit then thou vsest in begging , & to bag better almes , then thou gettest by bragging : but he that spendes all , deserues the like blanke , & a prowde hearted begger , hath sildome proued better . Whilest you studie on the starres with loftie lookes , & scale the skies with taratant tearms , you stumble at a straw for want of good footing , and diue in the ditche , where I feare you sticke faste . Had you craued my helpe with humiliate submission , it had caused your health , and medcined your moning : But you entreate me not , as I am your better , but charge mee with duetie , bycause I am your brother . It followes aswell of our fraternitie , that I disburse money to acquit you of debt , as that Arthemioes nurses son should succéede in the Argiues kingdome , bicause he suckt the same milk that Arthemio did , who deceased intestate without an heire apparaunt . Neither consanguinitie of brotherhood , nor aunciety of acquaintaunce , shall seduce me from my caueates , or reduce me to your cautels . For frendship hath no forme , when his matter is perished ( which is honestie ) and brothers haue fréewil , not custome to constreyne them . By the same steppes you came to beggerie , returne till you come to your mineral of riches , & when you amend , I will chaung my mind . Farewell .

Your frend that was willingly , and vnwillingly is your brother , Aemilius .

These were tidinges vnbethought on of Philotimus , no sooner heard , but taken to heart . Yet though his best ioint were ●rased , he would not for choller deface his other members : though his likliest graft did beare no fruit , he did not condemne & contemne all his plants : though in the fairest goblet he had found poyson , hee would not refuse to drinke in a meaner peece : imitating Hylus the Persian , who defrauded of his Lordships , by his nearest frends , vsed the meanes of alians to obteine a kingdome .

Philotimus then hauing recordation of an olde companion of his in the Court , who frendlie had professed much , and was proficient in nothing ( as occasion gaue proofe ) thoughte , that since there was one ace lefte that mighte doe him good ( though he had mist of that cast , which might haue wonne the game without contradiction ) to trie the dice , which neuer were constant , and consequently with confidence setting pen to paper , writte these fewe lines .

Philotimus to his frend Erogazus .

GOod frend Erogazus , health to thy person , and wealth to thy frendes . O Erogazus , I now must write thée woonders , and craue thée for my Sanctuary . My plentie hath bred me pouertie : my faire and sunnie downye day , hath all beburnt my hewe : my strength hath giuen mee a fall , muche like Narcissus fate , whose too muche beautie was a baite , to catche him in the brooke . My wealth was wearie of his welfare , and neuer deignde to wowe that Ladie Wit , till Woe entistte it neither to despise nor spite her hestes . I am nowe more vncouthly transmuted , from my auncient state , then hee who with looking on Mineruaes naked side , did loose his shape , and was transformed to a Beast .

The blind Poliphemus did not more mournfully and wastfully crie vnto his loued faire Calatea , then I a poore blind forlorne Gentleman both of frendes and affection , doe with dole and despaire , call till I cough , but without an aunswere , to my Ladye Aurelia .

Aurelia ( deare frend ) hath forsaken Philotimus . But why ? God knows , not I , excepte it be for this , to make me a patterne to my péers , of fortunes frailnes & beauties lightnes , and herself a sampler to light huswiues , of loue for liuing , & inconstancie in loue .

My creditors were not so readie to lende mee money , as they are vnreasonable for a sodaine dischardge : in this resemblinge the Epycures stomackes , who hauinge a greate Seruice brought to the table at once , would not eat any meat but hauing euerie 〈◊〉 brought seuerallye by it selfe , like inglun●ous corm●rauntes gu●d vp all : so they in my time of haruest would ●●k me no co●●e , but in the depth of winter , will needes haue a crop .

My landes are morgaged , my demanes leased , my apparell pawnd , nothing wanting in me to the accomplishment of all miserie , but that I weare no giues , with which they thinke to gin me : for my chamber is a prison , and I pend vp in it , out of which I dare not looke , least some euill eie looke on me .

My solace in this agonie is too sorrowfull to recite , & my pleasures want a name , vnlesse Paine bee their nickname . My Lute lies mute , my Cytharin sadde , my Virginalls ( whose quauering notes Aurelia oft hath caused ) being bereft of her that was a virgin sainct as they thought , are iarring out of tune . If Thales ( who with musicke cured the sicke of the plague ) or Zenocrates ( who with melodie helped franticke lunatickes ) should make me harmonie , I should rather thinke the Gods had sent me this ioy for my further paines , then take delighte of their laies with my discordant eares : so oft haue the Gods deluded me with doatinge , so disturbed is my minde with disordinate carkinge .

In this extremetie , I craue thy helpe to appease my creditors , and ease my paines : and though my abilitie be skant to counteruaile your cost , yet inconstant fortune will once batter for better , and then a gratefull mind shall requite with double guerdon . I am not ignorant , how litle thou owest me , nor so impudent to demaund ought of duetie : yet must I commit an inconuenience , to preuent a mischiefe , and for auncient beneuolence , craue your benificence . Few woordes may suffice a willing minde , and one sillable is too much for an vnwilling miser . Farewell ( good Erogasus ) on whom onelie I cast the ancker of my care . I expecte thy spéedie aunswere , and hope for present helpe .

What entertainment these letters of entreatie had , you maye iudge by Erogazus his awnswere , which followeth .

Erogazus to Philotimus .

THe malignant nature of thy entice maladie , doth notify the daunger of thy disease , and warnes vs to decline his perillous contagions . The infected of the plague , doe naturally couet to contaminate others : the Drone depriued of his winges , doth seeke to clippe the Bées of theirs : when the Rauen féeles herselfe draw neare to death , she kils her yongones to leade the daunce : & I suppo●e ( Philotimus ) thou thinkst it a comfort in thy miserie , to haue a companion in extremitie .

If one trea● bar-footed on the bird Drymus , forthwith his skin commeth of , and his legges swell , and they also that handle him which is hurt , lose their skin : the christall waues that beates against the muddie rocke , doe purge the rocke , but do pollute themselues with filth . Alphenor offring to rescue Phedimus and Tantalus ystrick with pearcing shaft yfere , and lying groueling on the ground , was gride himselfe through bulcke , with dint of deadlye dart : your part must be minsed by these comparisons , & your festered wounds you wish me swadle vp , must seeke another surgeon , or remaine without remedie .

Though the Riuer Peneon run in the Lake Titaresis , yet is it neuer mi●ed with it : though for olde acquaintaunce sake I can take paines to sée you brought to the gallowes , I meane to be no partner of your ha●ter .

As the Colt will not be brideled , so the Asse must be spurred : as no rule could raine you , whiles you were in your huffe : so skant must tame you , when you are in your néede .

To beg , is no way to get my frendship . If you wil kepe frends , you must put in practise this old delectorie . Giue , take , seeke , all things , few things , nothing , els you may put your flock in the common , but it shal● hardly find a shepheard , & seeke for an almes , but find Gods seath For proofe whereof , bicause you shal beleue me , I my selfe wil be as prouident to kepe my right , as you were nothing wise to demaund without reason . Farewell good Philotimus , I haue not for you .

Yours if he might , Erogazus .

When Pilotimus , had red these letters , ah wretch ( quoth hee ) that hast no end of thy goods , nor beginning of goodnes , no cause to spende thy money on thy selfe , nor honestie to lende it to thy frendes , that haddest rather reserue thy coyne to a néedeles vse , then deserue well of others , with parting from a pennie : the mothes eate thy money , the wormes wroot thée out , and vtter decay be both your destinies . Now when he sée no truth , neither in louer , nor brother , nor frende , deuided as it were into choller and griefe , he writ this Pamphlet following .

Mihi crede , credendum nemini .

HE whose truste hath wrought him treason , which treason causeles , hath brought him miserie , warns all good natures to beware by his folly , & giues them this pamphlet for a frendly caueat .

Vouchsafe to reade it , though you ride him that made it , and if ( as I wishe ) it be to your benefit , ( which shal be my comfort ) let it not misse to be my bale , which is my custome .

Rifle it to the bottome , though it be but a trifle , fooles bables may serue to make wisemen sport : search it to the sinews , & trie out his entrails , though his stature be smal , his heart may be big : leaue what you like not , & beleue what you list , you haue scope to scape harmles : It is my theames bidding to be dainty in chusing , respect or reiect to your priuate contentmentes .

Thus vnder protection of your frendly beneuolence , & vndoubted ascertaunce of willing attention , I will proue my purpose manifestly , by discoursing dispersedly , through al or the most creatures extant in the world , & least I incur that idiots fault , which intending to write the life of Priamus , began many degrées of with his great graundfathers predecessor , and so spent his pith ere he came to his purpose , to auoide the like , & néedles superfluitie , I begin as followeth .

BE sure to those to whom you plight troth , but be slow to trust any with reposed confidence : for he that makes breach of his passed protestation , is far worse then Pythius the deceitful Siluersmith of Syracusa : and he that trustes too far , though vpon some tryall , is like the foolish Beara●d , which hauing tamde his Beare , will thrust his hand into his iaws , or venter so far within his gripes , that sometimes he is vrged to crie for helpe

ARct seemes the knot , & indissoluble the bond of mutuall good-will twixt the parent & the child . Yet Tullia Tarquins daughter for couetize of the empire , not onely berefte her father of life , but in spite made her couch to be drawen ore his body , and with her trampling Iades brused his corpes . Seruius Tullus was molested of his children : Zan●ppus persecuted his Father Pericles : Oedipus was imprisoned of Eteocles and Polinices : Bassianus sought the death of his father Seuerus .

Although Aristotle say S. Ethicke● , that Loue descendes rather th●n ascendes , that parents loue children more then they requite it , ●et doth not this loue alwayes indiuidually concomitate and follow parentes . Iustinus the abridger of Trogus Pompeius writeth , that the wife of Demetrius for desire she had to reigne , betrayeth one of her sonnes , who was an obstacle to her enterprise , and by that horrible facte dismissing all motherly affection , when another sonne of hers named Grippus had recouered his fathers dominions , she , as though she had bene imbased by this conquest , attempted to embrew her handes in the bloud of him , although it happened most diametrically opposite : for offering him a cup of deadly poison , when he came thirstie from exercise , he of duetiful curtesie desired her to begin , and vrged her so far , that hee founde but great proofes of her intended purpose , wherewith the Quéene being ouercome , poisoned herselfe with the potion which she had prouided for her sonne . Phaenix deflowred a damosell , whom his father Amintor kept in cube , and did affectionat , for which cause , his sire thundering bitter curses , inuoking the fell condemned furies , bequeathinge to his hire the hatefull harmes of Hell , and wishing such a sonne might neuer be sire , or beget babes to be his nephewes , whom he might cherishe in his bosome , he fled from his fathers malediction , and left the hope of all his welth in Hellade , where then Amintor raigned . Meleager , when the turretts of his natiue Cittie Calidon were battered by crewes of Cu●et land , could not , hauing taken a litle displeasure , either be cal●●ed with the Lordes faire offers , or be entreated with the Cleargies prayers , or be induced by his Fathers beseechinges kneeling on his knées , to saue the Cittie , till time , paste time almost , not for their socour sake , but of his owne disposition , the toy tooke him in the head .

If that were lawe nowe , which was lawfull in Sophocles his time , for children to disposesse their doating parentes , we should finde , I doubt not , no small multitude , that with Sophocles his sonnes , would goe about to proue their fathers fooles , that they might enioy their landes and goods . I cannot forget here to insert the condemnation of these children reluctant to nature , by the char●e pietie of the storke to their dams , who relieue them in age with foode , of whom in youth they receyued satiate sustentation : & the godlie duetie of a poore woman , who ( as Valerius writeth ) hauing her mother deliuered by the Praetor vnto the Iayler to be executed in the prison as a malefactour , and a straight mandate giuen , that none should visit her ( sauing that her daughter by the gentlenes of the Iayler , got leaue to come to her , who notwithstanding was narrowlie searched that she brought no foode , bycause he purposed to kill her with famine ) a great while aslaked her mothers hunger with the milke of her brestes : the Iayler merueyling how she liued so long , at length perceiued the honest guile , and reporting the straung fact to the Counsel , procured her pardon .

When the broode of the Pellycane waxeth hore & haughty , they violently smite their dams , and gréeuously wound them . Nero made a funerall corse of his naturall mother , and this Tiger Nero , a straung begotten swaine , was preferred by Claudius to the Imperiall throne , before his owne sonne Britannick .

BRethren descending from the same loynes , hauing copulation of neare consanguinitie , should not , me thinketh , degenerate from kindnes , and turne natiue Loue to defiant Hostilitie . It were straung in these dayes , to see their natures peruerted , but that it hath bene so among our forefathers : yet it was no woonder in their golden daies , for so it hath bene from the worldes first foundation .

Petosiris the Iunior sonne of Calasiris , Priest at Memphis , by guyle ment to defraude his elder brother Thyamis of the succession of his Fathers Priesthood , for the which they sought a combat , or at least should haue fought , if Petosiris his héeles had not serued him better , then both his handes and heart were able to doe . The Empire of Rome being left in euen moytie , to the two brethren Bassianus and Geta , Bassinus to the intente to haue the sole regiment , fraudulentlie butchered his brother Geta. Abimilech slewe thréescore of his brethren that he might raigne alone , when onelie Ionathas by Gods prouision , scapte the sckowring .

Record the quarrells of Marcus and Lucius , Titus and Domitian , Tyberius and Germanicus , Numitor and Amulius , Saturne & Titan , who vpon the point of commaundement & gouernment were not as though they had bene brethren , but mainteined wars as most cruell enimies .

Ouid saith in the first of his Metamorphosis , that the violence of the boisterous winds ( which brothers are by kind ) are so turmoilous and so cruell , that euerie one is pent pur partiewise in sundrie place : and therefore to the gray Morning , and to the realme of Nabathie , and Persis , and other landes far vnderneath the morning starre , did Eutus take his flight : the setting of the Sun , and shutting in of nighte , belong to Zephyr , that braies his balming breath : the blastes of blustering Boreas raigne in Scithia , and in other landes vnder Charlsis wayne : to Auster is appendaunt all the Sotherne coast , who beareth showers and mists continually in his mouth .

FEw Husbandes marrie wiues , vnlesse misled with lust , but with some foretriall of their honest manners , and none there bee after longe time of marriage , but hauinge founde them honest , trust their demeanour : yet giue eare what I wil tell you . When Hidaspes Kinge of Ethiopia had bene married to Persina the terme of ten yeares , who in all this space had not conceiued , and was knowen honest from all other , at length with great ioy she was pregnant by him : in the acte of which generation , Persina looking on the white picture of Andromada naked , brought forth ( contrary to the Aethiopian colour , a child very faire & of singuler beautie : the mother vewing this woonder in her child , & fearing her husband would suspect the wrong , that such a coloured child could not be of his getting , to auoid ignomie , was driuen to this shifte : She laid the yong one forth in a certaine priuate place , exposing her to the vnstable state of fortune , placing her Fascia by her , to declare what she was , and store of riche Iewells , that the finder might foster her : all this done , that the Kinge might not see her , Persina told the kinge that his daughter was dead : see here , how litle Persina credited her husbandes disposition , who neuer had shewed her any vnkindnes , neither could she in herselfe find any cause , that might offend him .

I haue hard of a certaine married wife , who at certaine moones would feigne herself mad , that vnder that pretence she might doe what she list , & accompany whomsoeuer best pleased her humour , her name was Paephaca . Arsace the great kinges sister of Persia , marrying Oroondates a noble Gentleman , and the kinges deputed Lieutenaunt at Memphis , of howe many far inferiour to her calling , was she enamoured ? First of Thyamis , after of Theagines , and of others many mo . This Arsace was accustomed to say that , which most women prasume vpon , that in her greatest trespasses , Oroondates would bee pacified with one flattering welcome , or the least teare wrunge out of her eyes .

Who was more méeke then M. Aurelius , yet who ouermatched with two deceitfuller queans ? If a woman hold an opinion , who can draw her from it ? warne her of her fault , she will not beleue you : giue her counsell , shee will not take it : If you looke at an other , then is she iealous : if you loue her , then she disdaines you : threaten her anone she complaineth : flatter her , she waxeth proud : reioice not in hir , then ar you surly : if you forbeare her , it maketh her bold : and if she be chastened , she turnes to a Serpent : finally a woman will neuer forget iniurie , nor giue thanks for any good déed . Though Claudius were a cruell kinge , Hanniball a méeke king , Alexander a valiaunt kinge , Phillip a wise kinge , yet was Claudius cooled with his wife Agrippina , Hannibal kindled with his Thamira , Alexander his courage abated with Rosane , & Phillips wisdome sotted with Olympias .

Yet Cecilius Balbus saieth , that one obiecting to a Gentleman named Damelius , that hee had a stinking breath , and hee chiding with his wife for not telling him of it before , truelye ( quoth his wife ) so would I haue done , but that I thought all mens breaths had smelt in the sort , & therfore it is like she neuer ioined mouth to any man , and yet it is red , that the wiues of certaine Lacedemonians ( who were taken by the Spartanes , and imprisoned ) comming into prison to them , chaunged apparell , & by that cloake intruded themselues into daunger , and sent out their husbands in habit of women , muffled as though they had wepte for their distressed Husbandes .

Homer saith , that Iuno the wife of Ioue , Neptune his brother , and Pallas his daughter , had conspired to binde his handes , and throw him downe the Heauens , had not Thetis descending , caused Briareus , called Aegeon , the hundred handed Giaunt , climbe vp , who fearcely there resiaunt in their sighte , did so agaste both Seaishe God , and all their route , that Ioue did scape this bickering .

THere is some regard of one kinsman to an other , more then of an aliaunt , or a transmarine straunger : yet would I wish you , to vse your kinsfolks , as on should vse a faire staff made of réede , which he may carrie in his hande , to feare his enemies , but if he leane to it or vse it , it snaps in sunder . If you chaunce to prosper , your kinsfolkes will vse your countenaunce for their credit , and others will fouourably and gently entreate you ( as it was a custome in Rome , none to be put to Iustice , but firste the auncient bookes should be searched , to se if any of his predecessors had done seruice to Rome , whereby the captiue should merite to haue pardon of life : whereupon Marius Consul triumphing of Iugurtha King of the Numidians , and Bochus King of Mauritane , who fauoured and aided Iugurtha , Iugurtha was beheaded in prison , and Bochus saued , bycause the graundfather of Bochus had made learned Orations before the Senate , and profited the common welth with his wise sentences ) but if your welfare impair , then your good kinsfolkes renounce your kinred , least you diminish the copie of their countenaunce . As Antiochus being banished his countrie , comforted onelie with his poore daughter , fellow in his banishment , & after hauing his houses broken downe with an earthquake , and his doughter slaine all in one day , and hearing that an old frend of his was come to the towne , to whom he would ease himself in bewailing his estate , came to him , welcomd him , and began his plaining mone . The other knowing him very well , but seing he could reape no greate reputation by his acquaintaunce , asked him what he was , Antiochus tolde , and wondered he had forgotten , thinking it had bene long of the macerating of his body , which was mishapen with sorrow : truelye quoth the other , I knowe one Antiochus well , a Noble man in Rome , and my especiall frend , but as for this fellowe , I perceiue he is a counterfeit , and therewith commaunded him to be voided his lodging . This is like Gentlemen in our daies , who will hee cozins to all of any port or great report in the whole shire , though their gransires dog scarse leapt ouer their grandames hatch , but if a poore man be in the second degrée , he is not in the catalogue of their genealogie . Tlepoleme Alcides son , slewe his fathers frend Lycimnion , to whom also he was allied in loue , for which fact he fled his countrie .

FRendship which hath bene , or should bee the Sun of all the world , which should giue life and light to all good mindes , is now endarkened , or quite extinguished .

Aeneas loosing his frend Deicoon , quickly forgot him , and got a newe one . Q. Curtius writeth , that Alexander at his returne from Babylon , renewing his accustomed feasting , and inuited by Thessalus his phisition to a banquet , was poisoned by him : but the truth is , that there was treason wrought against him , the chiefe of which conspiracie , was his frend of frendes , Antipater . It is hard to find Senecaes Arthesius , who hauing two frendes , whereof the one was poore , & yet for shamefastnes dissembling his néede , priuelie put a bag of monie vnder his pillow , that his frende might rather finde that hee wanted , with ioy of good hap , then through his good nature being ashamd to aske , should wante that hee needed through his default .

I Néede not admonishe you to giue no credence to Loues wil●s , whom neither law with feare , nor wisdome with discretion , can restraine .

Agorastocles in Plautus not knowing howe to compasse his louer , had counsaile to eircuument Lycus that kept her in this maner : to send Colibiscus his bai●iffe to him , who feigning himselfe to be in loue with her , should giue Lycus a great summe of mony to bee shut vp with her in a chamber , to haue his pleasure : therewhile Agorastocles should enquire at Lycus his house for his seruaunt , and thus he assured himselfe , that Lycus knowing no seruaunt he had but his parasite , whom he supposed he ment , would deny him : then the impastor Agorastocles ●a●●●king hie house , and finding his seruant and his money in Lycus the house , should haue him and his whole house confiscate to him , & by this means should be Lord of his loue .

How loose Loue is , and howe briefly expired , the sequele shall giue specialtie . When Iris the common messinger and purseuant of Ioue came to Helen , in her loued sister in laws faire Laodices shape , & brought her word how it was pacted that Menelaus and Paris should s●int the strife , & were buskling to battaile , Helens mind was sped of her first spouse , & countrie towne , & alienated quite from her louer Paris : & when Venus had in a trice with a slenting sleight shifted out trick Paris in a mislie aire from the camp , and brought Helen to comfort him at his chamber , she bedlemlike began to raue . O would to God my husbands hap had bene to daunt thy vaunting hoighes , thou wontest to vaunt he durst not méete thée in the face , but thou wouldest eate him at a gobbe , which now hast showed a paire of leaden heeles : assay his force no more if thou beest wise , least that it doe thee ill apay .

What fumish brawles , & pettish tetishnes were betwixt Areitho king of Arna , & his pretie bulchion and louing fuds , the fayre glassy eyed Philomedusa , for whose loue not long sith , but euen the day before the bridall , he would néedes dye the louing death , and bequeath his body to the ●irie feast .

As far in loue as Achilles was with Brisis , he could be content in her absence to make sport betwixt a paire of sheetes with his swete hart Diomed , the kings doughter of Lesbos , cleped Phorbe , & this knewe the comicall beldam Misis in Terence his Andria , that lustie crustie loytring loue , as extinct vapoures soone remoues , who gossoping with Lesbia her frende , flattered her in this sorte : It is euen ( Lesbia ) as thou sayest , few true to women shalt thou finde . It is a Prouerbe in Englande that the men of Tiuidal horderers on the english midle marches , haue likers , lemmons , and lyerbies .

THe Gods themselues will nowe and than dispence with deceite , and retaile a fallacie to suche as they can and liste delude .

Iupiter meaning to giue Agamemnon an ouerthrow , sente the God of dreames to him in his sléepe in olde sage Nestors shape , ( whose perswasions he had euer in price ) & subornd him to giue the Troians battaile , vnder protection of Iupiter his warrante : the prince obeyed the vision , but had effect quite contrary , for hee & his garrison were both foyled .

The greene eyed Goddesse with her cokesing words , set Pindarus a gog to infringe the compacte ystricke betwene his confederates & the Pelasgians . Apollo to front Aeneas from death , ridded him out of the battaile , & to abuse the armie , erected his portrayture in his wonted station amonge his soldiers as though it had bene he , about which the knights of Graece & Troians both , that one sort spending their trauails to defend it , the other bending their mights to defeate a senceles thing of life ) made many a widdowe and fatherlesse childe : wrangling cracking Mars did sweare full stoutlie in aide of grekish crews , but the selfe same day he periuredly deard them .

Neither are the heauenly bodyes lind with such minds , as we imagine , nor their strength so rath as surpasseth all puissance of million legies , & not to be thirlde with any thwart . For admit the all the Gods & Goddesses descending from the earth , coulde not haile Iupiter from heauen with a golden chaine fastened to him ( which he insulted of himself ) yet Ephala & Otus the sons of great Oloeus , bound God Mars and imprisoned him the space of 13. moneths , where he had consumed with setters and stinking , had not Euribaea their mother in law besought Mercurius in his behalfe , who stole him a way closelie in a braide .

Iuno her brest with triple headed shearing shaft was hurt by Hercules . Pluto sable God of vaste infernall Tartarum , did giue the hand of selfe same man , a badge of his bloud in Pilie soyle among the murthered carcasses , of which wounde hee was healed by Paean phis●ion of the Gods .

POrtending Sothsaings of gospelling Augures , to whom the Ethnickes were tributorie in deuotion , were superstitious collusions to supplant the credulous , and more authorized by custome , then alowed for commoditie .

When the Graecians were in suspence , whether to march on to giue onset of battaile , at that same stoure , drad flakes of lightning fire were darted down from heauen , which falling at their right handes , were , said Nestor ( and true he said ) accounted certain diuinations of prosperous lucke : yet for all that , their lucke was at that time , to loose both man , moyle , and machins belonging to warre . These presagings be as true , as that , which the schoolmaisters of Padua taught , that in the instant wherein you shall see a Cuckow , not hauing seene anie that yeare before , you shall finde an haire vnder your right foote , if you stand still , & remoue not when you sée her : if this haire be blacke , you shall haue euill lucke that yeare , , if white , good lucke , if gray , indifferent lucke .

Vnreasonable therfore are their assertions , which say , to heare an Heron crie when thou goest on Imbacie , is a signe of spéeding ( and yet this they ground on a place in the tenth of Homers Iliades : ) and theirs which say , to see a blacke Swine before the Sun rise , is a signe of euill lucke that present day ( & this hath his originall from a prouerb of Empodocles .

Then recke not of the Augures , ne yet of ghostly prophesiers . Eunomus prophesie was estemed a touchstone of truth , yet could he not discusse to fly his fate , and scape the fiste of fierce Achilles . Euridomant a prophet not prophane , but iudged a right interpreter by deuine infusion , could not cast his sonns vnluckie fate , Polidus and Abantes his , whom Diomede cut in péeces .

Indéed it was Calchas his cunning , or rather good chaunce , not so much by sanctimonie of prophesie , but as I thinke , in flatterie of the potentates , to hit the truth in vnfoulding a secrete hidde : when the Graekes were in Aulis a towne of Beocie , sacrificing to Iupiter vnder a gréene beach trée , growing vpon a liuelie spring , an hideous Dragon crepte from the Aultars foote , with painted scales like the scarlet grape ( which créeping vp to the lopiest and tallest part of the Tree , where he found 8. yong peping sparrows in the leaues , which hee rauend vp , deuouring the dam also , while she lamented her yongones ) by and by was enrolde in another shape , and of a monstruous Serpent became a stonie rocke : the Graekes amased at this , Calchas calculated , that as the Dragon had deuoured these 9. litle ones , so in 9. years space should they be tired with the proud perucke & pranke Troians , and as the dragon was insensuated , so in the tenth yeare , Saturnus heire would giue them for their hire , the Troian squadrons , and their batled Cittie should goe to sacke and pillage , and as he saide , his saying theed .

AStronomy is a perfect skill . But as Aristotle saith in the 6. of his Ethickes , that Prudens who is the absolutest politicke man , though he be genarally perfite , may stumble in particularities : so the best Astronomers that euer I red , tel most palpable grose absurdities .

Ptolomeus saieth , that hee that is borne , when the Lorde of the 7. House is in the third or ninth degree , and anye euill planet behold him , will sodeinlie die , by falling from some building , or else will die of somthing , that shall fall vpon him .

THe sugrest tranquillitie is soonest transitory : who séekes to mount aboue the mouing skies , their ruine growes , where most they reach to rise : who whilom sat in chaire of high renowne , adowne are headlong hurld to bottomles miserie .

Sardanapalus king of Assiria , one of the richest Monarchies in the world , amid his pompous eleuated royalties , was miserably slaine by one Arbactus : conuenable to this , Cyrus king of Persia , which aswell by meanes of other victories that he had obteyned , as also , that he had subdued Craesus king of Lydia , was waxed of all others most rich and renowned , when he had reigned ful thirtie yeares , was himselfe discomfited , and beheaded by Tamyris Quéene of Scythia .

After Brutus and Cassius the manquailers of Caesar , were , as Plutarth giues specialtie : exiled by Octauian & M. Antonius , they for restauration conspired against their iniurours , and pitched a field Of the faction of these seminaries was M. Varro , a Gentleman of greate honour and fame , who with the other coniurates and adherentes , was likewise discomfited : he then seeing the daunger which he was opposed too , incontinently disrobed himselfe of his owne apparell , taking another habit , who by this transmutation being reputed for a common soldiour , was among other captiues soulde for a vile price to one Barbulas a Romayne Knight . A good while after this , one knowing him discouered him to Barbulas , which without semblaunce to Varro that hee knewe anye thinge , priuatelie procured pardon of Octauian , who franckly enfraunchised him againe , and from that time forth held him in the number of his frendes . After this , Anthonie and Octauian falling out to be capital enemies , Barbulas leaned to Anthonie , and with him was ouerrun in the feild by Octauian , at which euent , dreading the furious wrath of Octauian , hee vsed for his owne safetie , the aboue remembred pollicie of Varro , that is to wit , he did on him the coate of a poore soldiour : Thus M. Varro , for that he had not long seene him , as also for that hee had chaunged his apparell , among other captiues vnknowne bought him for a bond man , but after short time remembring him againe , practised with Octauian , that hee wan him pardon of his prince , and eftsoones possest him of his wonted libertie . So that Barbulas which firste was good Lord and maister , was now at the checke of his vnderlout vassaille : and Varro , which before was a bounden villaine , had now prerogatiue of his awfull maister : which two contrary casuall chaunces , giues vs a certaine certificate how frayle and fragile the loftiest fortune is , and how shortly her smiling lasteth and endureth , in so much that as Philemon , beholding an asse eat figges from of a table , brake into such an extreame laughter , that hee dyed with laughing : or as Philistione a poet comicall , and Denis the tyraunt of Siracusa , with surpassing ioy made sodayne chaunge of life : so wee , not onelie when wee séeme most firmely seated in immutable prosperitie , are sodeinlye beraught of our vnstable happines , but often with the surplusage of aboundant pleasure , as we swine afloat in middest of blisse , do sinke & drench in depth of bale .

The Thebanes banquetting with merry , glee all carelesse , full of chat , had dole of death delt amonge them .

In Baldach a cittie in Armenia the lesse , which lyeth toward the South , there is a prince resident called Calipho , which is among the Moores chiefe gouernour , the king of the Tartars called Alan , hearing that the Calipho which then reigned , was meruellous rich , inuaded the cittie , & tooke it by force , being in it one hundred thowsand horsemen , besides infinite number of footmen , & there he found a great Towre full of gold , siluer and precious stones : Alan appauled at this sight , said vnto Calipho . I much meruaile of thy auarice , that diddest not giue parte of thy greate treasure , to maintaine valiant men against me , knowing I was thy mortall enemye : and perceiuing hee could make no aunswere , well quoth he , bycause thou louest treasure so well , I will thou shalte haue thy fill of it , and caused him to bee sparred faste in the same tower , where hee liued fowre daies , and died miserably for hunger . Prester Iohn warring a long time with Bur , without anye aduauntage of him , sente him 7. yonge Gentlemen to his Court , shewing , as though they departed from Prester Iohn in greate displeasure , and offered themselues to serue the Kinge Bur , who reteyned them as squires and pages in his Court : after 2 years , hauinge groate confidence in them , the Kinge ridinge abroad for his pleasure , tooke the 7. Gentlemen with him , who being the distance of a mile from his Castell , and perceyuing they had opportunitie to execute their purpose , carried him to Piester Iohn , who made him Shepheard two yeares , and afterwards sent him to his Castle with horses and men as a Shepheard .

Niobe , whose father was Tantalus , her mother a sister of the Pleiades , & she the Lady of Phrigia lande and Cadmus palla●e , bewtifull in her body , and endewed with seauen sons , & seauen daughters ( in somuch , that shee repined Latona shoulde haue the honour of the Altar , and not shee ) was barrenned of her twise seauen issue , and shee with sorrowe chaunged into a s●one , where vppon the Mountayne toppe in Phrigia Lande she weepeth still in stone , and from the stone the drearie teares doe droppe .

Might I therefore be so bolde as giue them counsaile , who are heaued vp to the type of dignity , I would wish them often to parlie & practise that , which Cecilius Balbus in his Philosophers toyes , writeth of Agathocles kinge of Sicilia , whose discent being base , would say of himselfe , Though I now be a Kinge , a potter was my sire , Then call to minde thy base estate , before thou gotst thy hire .

REpose not too much affiaunce in monumentes of histories , neither settle your confidence in a bare hearsay , vnlesse your reading be experimented with expresse proofes , and your rumour be raysed from a sure ground .

Auerrois a man in most mens iudgments , whose aduise is worthie to be aduaunced , and whose testimonie is to be taken , reporteth , thot he beheld a poore infortunate patient being beheaded , walke hither and thither in the sight of all the people : which can not be , bycause by heading , the veines are sundered ( the onely organes and sole instrumentes of motion in all liuing creatures . ) It is also written of Dyonisius Areopagita , that his head being stricken of , he went from the place of execution one full league or more . Noe , it is not with them , as with the adders tayle , whiche being stricke of will skippe vp and downe , like the adder it selfe : and farre are they vnlike Philomelaes tongue , which being cutte of , wrigled vp and downe a longe season , as though it had liued .

In the time of Romulus , were séene in the fyrmament , as is written , two Suns at midnoone , which cannot be ( their original being naturall , as it is reputed to be . ) For as the crowne or garland , which is séene vnder the Sun , and is called of the Meteorologians , Halon , is a waterish round clowde , vpon which the Sun beames beating , represente the same showe , so a smooth & equall waterish clowde placed by the side of the Sunne , receyueth his beames like a glasse , and expresseth the Idoll of it in the same fashion : This clowde must not be too neare , for then the Sunne disperseth it : nor too far of , for the the beames will be too feble to bee reflected : but in a competent distaunce : neyther can yt bee at noone day , for the heate will soone dissolue it .

A litle before Galba , Otho , & Vitellius striued for the Romayne Empire , there appeared thrée Suns , which were after thought to be supernaturall prognostications of consequent contentions , but such diuiners were scarse good naturall Philosophers .

For those miraculous wonders , which are in scripture to glorifie Gods name , and found in old Annaleis for the confirmation of the efficacie of Christes passion , I muste and will dispence with my incredulous nature to beleue them .

For the first , all meruailes that God wrought by the handes of Moses and other his seruauntes , of going through the Sea drie , of striking water out of a Rocke , of Manna sent euerie morning , of the Suns course stayed in the Firmament , & many such like .

For the second , that for example , which Eutropius writeth , that at the instant of the birth of Christ , brake vp a springe of oyle in an Inne of Rome , which ran by the space of one whole day . Cammester sayeth in his history , that at the dedicating of a temple to the Goddesse Peace , Apollo gaue oracle , that til a virgin bare a son it should stand , which they thought would neuer be , and therefore that for euer it should persist . This Temple saith he , at the deliuerie of the Virgin of our redéemer , fell and seuered eche péece from other . Eusebius writeth to Theodorus , that a Ship sayling by the Isle Paraxis , a great dreadfull voice admonished a pilot of the ship , that passing by the gulfe Laguna , hee should giue notice that the great God Pan , ( who I thinke , was some captaine maister deuil ) was dead . He fearing to doe this legacion or Imbacie , was forced neuerthelesse by the staying of the ship ( which at his arriuall there arested , and would no further ) to mount vp into the pompe or hinder part of the ship , where he did his embassadge as loude as he could : which wordes vttered , such dolerous lamentatious , and terrible cries were heard , as if Lapithauri & Centauri should howle together with a diuerse deformed bellowing , as huge a noyse , as when high Ioue did let his thunder fly vpon the adder-footed rowte , that battered heauen with hundred handes apéece , the dint whereof the aierie toys of high Olympus brake . Then to conclude , in generaall this I say . The aged man is like the barren soyle , a woman is a réede that wagges with euery winde , no trust is to be found in tender yeares , the surety of all ages is vnfound . Most women be euills ( I might haue said Deuils ) yet deuils without hornes , for these they vse to place in secret corners . And most men , but here will I stay with an abrupt Aposiopasis .

Here I confesse I haue writ somwhat plainly , thinking , that as when curious Euperices & his fellowe , could not agrée about the curing of Crysippus kinge of Trinacria , it was enacted that they should not mingle or compound medicines , but minister them simply as they were : so it is most requisite for redressing these impieties , to correct the worlds Elenchs plainly & sincerely , & not with doubling to bolster his errours . But as Pisistrato the tyrant vsed to say , that Damonidas the philosopher could perswade him any thing , & therefore would neuer permit him to speake in his hearing : Or as Isocrates writes to Phillip , that if he were in presence to pronounce his own oration , he would not doubt of his wished successe : so ( curteous Gentlemen , who shall deigne to reade this treatise ) if I were in place with you , to make manifestation of all the disloyall trecheries which I my selfe haue susteyned ( and you may conceiue by implication ) you would neither iudge me a miscreant for my mistrust , nor exhort me to a reprisell of my former credulitie . But as the Graeks contending after the death of Ipocras & Chrysippus the philosopher , to whether of their doctrines they should rather cleaue as most canonicall , at length were so indifferent that they allowed neither of both : so you shall doe best , if you neither beleue too confidently , nor faithlesly distrust , but be equall intercoursers betwixt both extremities .

AFter the compiling of this patchie pamphlet , which in my conceite was not all the finest web , bycause libertie of affection , not learning and iudgment , laide the loome , he tossinge vp and downe his incurable misfortunes , recalde to memorie his antifrend Cornelius , the originall of them all , to whom he sent this consequent challenge , experimenting if as yet he had got a courage .

Philotimus to the wretched dastard Cornelius .

IF I knewe thy worthy stile , and the dignitie of thy house , I would not steale thy title , nor conceale thy honour . But thy publicke desertes conioyned with the intricate doggednes of nature , would appose the skilfullest Oedipus in their description , and doe parlie me a pardon if I be grauelled .

Thou wilt vaunt perhaps that thou art a gentleman by bloud , and I will graunt ( the worse my hap ) that thou arte a bloudie Gentleman . And yet ( varlet ) if thou wert but a man , thou wouldest neuer haue endured so many manacinges , but once ere now in so eger challenges , haue taken courage to enter the combat . A man said I ? Yes sure , you are as honest a man , as any is in the cardes if the Kinges were out : and as manly a champion , as the Comicall Thraso , who rather thought to feare men with looking big , then meddle with them for feare of hurt .

Though thou hast iniured me , and periured my mistrisse , yet that thou maist know , that a worme frod on will turne rgaine , & that the chips of the trée , which thou wouldst hew downe , may flye in thy face , I dare thée to the feild , and sende thée my gauntlet for a gage of reuenge : appointe the place , and bring none but thy self , & as I am a Gentleman I promisse to méete thee , my selfe single alone , though I graunt me as simple as any one : then shalt thou trie , though Aurelia haue my hart in pawne which I cannot redeme , that notwithstanding I haue a gall which shall gaule the to the reynes , and a bodye to beare thy blowes , and deare thy bones . Farewell patch and coward , ond as spedely as thou darest , proue thy selfe a Capteine .

Philotimus thy foe , and thyne accursed .

THese letters in Cornelius his absence , were deliuered to one of his seruauntes , and by this meanes came to Auraliaes reading , who , had not Cornelius vnbewares showen himself , would to stay this suite , haue returnd a writ of non est inuentus , but since it happened otherwise , that all minght cotton well , this was her rescript in Cornelius his behalf . For as I earst said , he was a gentleman that had great store of small knowledge , one belike conceyued in ignoraunce , and begotten when his father was a litle scared .

Cornelius to the glorious soldiour Philotimus .

O Preclare stratagems , and your erected Trophees , you florish faire , but fight at leisure : you make as couragious a challeng , as if you were Laelius Atticus Dentatus , who was an hundreth and twentie times in battaile , vnto which hee wente alwayes with such courage of minde , and force of bodie , that hee seemed to presume of victorie : but though thou art the prowdest that euer I heard brag , yet art thou not the most prouedst that euer I delt with , though thou art one of those groyling gruntes ( which Perseus speaketh of in his fifth Satyre ) whose cholericke garboyle pipkius full of purging drugges , can neither quench nor quell , & one of that ruffianlike number , that will dragge the Deuill out of Hell for thirtene pence , yet your puffing and snuffing will be well inough snaffled , your choller will be coold & your ire relent .

No féete shall be my fence , nor feare your kilkow chat : though Buten were brag , yet Dares was his match : though Dares were frolicke , yet he found his fellowes : though Teucer with his bow made hauocke in hacking the Troian knights and coronels , yet Hector at length with his heaued codgill , paide him home with heaue and how : the yonker Antilocuus butchered Ecepholus , but for his hire Agenor sente a Iauelin to his bared breste , and laide him loubring on the ground : Dyodorus his soule was sent to Plutoes Courte by Pirus , Thracian prince , hee strake his legge with mightie pibble , and burst ech veine and corde . But what ensued ? Thoas could not blin , but slitt Lord Pirus paunch with téeninge sword , & many a soldier moe in his reueng were dold with deadly swoune , the purple gore whereof did flow as hilly springs are wont to spread .

As Stenhelus , frend to Diomede , was neuer from his back to aid him at néede : so if thou by traines or tretcherie ( for I defye thy manhoode ) shalte doe me a mischiefe , I haue both frends and seruauntes too , the worst whereof will cracke your crowne .

Thinkest thou , I will so far debase my self , as to debate a quarrell with thée by dinte of sword ? In faith Sir no. The greyhound sente to Greate Alexander by the kinge of Albania , hauinge an Hart , a Bore , and a Beare , brought to him , lay still wagging his tayle , not vouchsafing to looke on them , but hauing a Lion brought leapt at him and strangled him , and seing a great Eliphant , seemed to reioice at the bignes of him , and after two or thrée questings rowsing himselfe , slue him .

But thy father thou wilt say , was a ndble man , and therefore thou my equall : admit thy fathers honour , and aduerte what I will say , if an Asse were borne of Pegasus , being an Asse what cause hath he to compare with any horse ? If you loue discorde so well , beware you accord not to wear an hempton cord . For after a collar comes an haulter .

The winsing kickenest Iade that will not abide to be shod , if you put but a lile round f●intstone in one of his eares , and then holde the eare hard , is very quiet , and if you put in eyther eare one , you shall haue him as milde as a shéepe : so if a man should but whisper in your eare , and tell you he would méete you in suche a place , you would singe , I feare me , a palinodie .

Let Pluto send thee peace of mind , and stay thy moodie manacings , and as in yeares and welth thou wantst of me , so yéeld thy nauale forces . Gainst him its best to fight and animate thy mind whose pith thou canst withstand and mate his might : remember well my wordes , and tender their performaunce .

Vlisses wished to haue forehayde the Lycians Prince Sarpadon , but Gods they would reserue that fact for some more worthy champion :

You straine no curtesie to call me knaue , as one that hath a déepe insight in a knaue , and thinke no scorne to call me patch : I giue you to vnderstand , that your patches clothes be worne , and the ragges sticke in your téeth . Desist Philotimus , for it will not bee thy lucke to resist Cornelius . When thou arte wiser in thy challenges , and fitter to fight , I will be readier to aunswere them , and not disdaine the victorie .

Thine as thou his Cornelius . Hazard dwelles next hardines .

It grieued Philotimus to the heart , that he could not hurt Cornelius by neither wile nor weapon , and this hee though not the least addition to the heape of his miseries . But he quoth Philotimus , that will néedes be a shéepe , cannot greatly grudge to be bitten with a Fox , and since the coward dare not manfullye méete me in the feild , let him thinke it no villanie though I catch him by a traine . But as the water floweth , when it is at lowest eb : so one Archaretos who had often sought for Philotimus his frendship in his prosperitie , and still was set at nought of the coy Philotimus , til time of aduersitie , was now a soueraigne solace to all his stéering sorrowes .

This Gentleman Archaretos keping in the countrie , hearde of Philotimus his hard haps , and howe his creditors on the one side ment perpetually to imprison him , and his enemies on the other to dispatch him out of the way , and nowe this he thouhht a verie conuenient time to showe his loyaltie to Philotimus , of whose recouerie he had good hope . Wherefore finding a meanes at his owne charges for Philotimus to auoide these daungers , he writ to him this epistle .

¶ Archaretos to Senior Philotimus .

THe recordation of that amitie wherewith I once affected thée , when thou not regardedst it , & the consideration of true loues propertie , which is not to relente for any vnkindnes , moues me in thy miserie to animate thee with comforte , and to proffer thee such aide as my abilitie can affoord . The vine which we sée growes about the elme , wil not wither and leaue to grow when the elme doth die , but after the elmes decaying keepes his growth as before , and with clasping about it embraceth his elme . Certes , the fine golde conserueth his quallities in the quicke furnace .

It maye bee , that as the Rauen-leaueth her yongeones for thrée daies , till she see whether their colour be congruent to hers : so thou laidest aloofe for time of tryall , which mighte bee a touchstone to trie my promis : howsoeuer the matter was , whether disdaine tooke delight in dalliaunce , or procrastination was for som purpose , let that slip : in thore daies I wearied thee with my wel-willing , and yet I am not tired to procure thy wellfare .

I professe to thy person ( Pilotimus ) that as I haue euer bene enemie to none , so haue I only frend to one . When I hard of thy ruinous destinies , I could not hold my handes from shaking , nor my lunges from sighing , nor mine eies from weping , so that I thought , as it is the greatest nigardize of all nigardizes , when a man may doe much and will doe litle , so it is the greatest infortune of all infortunes , when a man may doe litle and would doe much .

It is indeed impossible to make sinewes of bloud , of veynes to make bones , of a craggie rocke a plaine way , and to geue absolute counsaile in a case without c●ntrolment : so that I cannot tel whether is more dolorous to me , thy vnhappie heauines almost past propitiation , or my debilitie and impotencie , insufficient to helpe thée .

Augustus dreamed on a night how he was warned by Phillip his phisition , that he should be killed in his pauilion , wherevpon he auoyded , and in very déede the nexte day after , the soldiers of Brutus entering his tentes , stabbed many holes with their puncheons in his couch , thinking he had bene there . Before the battaile against the Phillippians , a certaine soldiour thought in his sléepe that Iulius Caesar bad him tell Octauius , he should fight the luckier , if he carried something about him that Iulius had worne whiles hee was heade gouernour : Octauius vnderstanding this , got the ringe wherewith he vsed to seale letters , and the same he wore , and ouercame his enemies . These presidentes endoctrine great matters . He that hath bene brought vp with flesh , cannot feede on bones : and you whose burgeyning and springing tyme hath bene nousled among the wisest in Italy , wil think your gold soone chaunged to copper , to bee shored and propped vp with my Paradoxes .

Notwithstanding here thou séest the two regall Emperoures directed by their seruantes , and so dyrected , as they had cause to thanke the Gods for their mercifull prouision , and to rewarde their seruantes for their luckie perswasions . So it is Philotimus , if thou wilte take a little paines at my entreatye and for thyne owne ease , I would haue the come the tenth of this moneth to the house of one Carnus , in a litle village named Merio , distant from the Citie about thrée leagues , there I will méete thée , and tell thée suche traynes , as by inquisition I haue founde to bee layde for thée . We will confer by what meanes thou maiest shun them , which is onely by flying . Howe and when that flight must bee , I will then showe thee , and furnishe thee with such money as may relieue thy necessity . Returne mee an aunswere by this bearer what then wilt doe . In the meane time the Gods of their goodnes geue thee that thou desirest , and then haue I all , I doe desire .

Thyne to vse Archaretos .

Philotimus without pawsing resent him these wordes .

Philotimus to his most faythfull frend Archaretos .

NEuer was trauaile more toothsome to thee , nor legacye sente with quicker ambassage , then the deliuery of thy letters was consolation to me , which shall bee accomplished with acceleration .

If thou haddest seene which thou sawest not , what sorrowes I susteynd , then shouldest thou know , which thou knowst not what solaces surprise me .

My spirite was betwixt the Anuile and hammer , readie to be throwen into Vulcans flames , and thou haste swaged my rages greater then the furies of Bacchus his priests , & conducted my esperaunce to a restfull paradise .

Bycause I cannot thanke thee as I thinke of thee , take ( Archaretos ) the whole Alphabet of letters , and coyne suche thankes by their coagmentation , as possibly thou canst by the ayde tf thy eloquence . Then think , that faine I would vtter those in words , and doe mutter much greater in secrete thought .

Doubt not ( Archareios ) but I wil come to the place of appointment , & if my lasie leggs were ioyntles , and for that should deny to make this voiage , my hearte would repute and holde them for rebells , and substitute my handes to be their vicegerentes .

In the meane season , I meete thee in minde , and greete thy person with ten thowsand salutations , whiche , bycause they are neyther so many as thou deseruest , nor so hartelye written as I doe wishe them , I leaue space of paper for the to write more , making a signe where I cannot singe . Farewell Archaretos , whose bountie hath quayled my disquiet . And as Possidonius saieth of the rainbow , that it is a glasse wherin we may see the Sun , bicause in it are his beames refracted , by whose reflection more manifest apparition of his clearenes is séene , so those that haue not earst knowen thee shall vew thy magnificence in mee , and with ferlye himnes herrie thy praises .

Thy poore frend to commaund to his small power , Philotimus .

NOw Sir , Philotimus began to recounte Archaretos his letters , & to take account of his passed life , howe he should deserue his passing goodwill : hee pondered what might bee the cause of the renuing of his goodwill , which hee thought had bene obsolete and abolished . I muse quoth he , yet know not , I meuaile , yet cannot coniecture . He was guilty of former contempt , in regard of Archaretos , and fearfull of present guile , to rewarde his proud haughtines : he did well know his méeknes in maners , yet did he feare least he mocked his miseries : he had proued his true meaning in the effect of his dealinges , yet doubted least his perswasions were a mean to deceiue him : he had experienced his frendly affection , yet did expect that Archaretos being expert of his pouertie , would be procurde by this allurement to repay his peuishnes . Alas ( quoth he thus quoting these surmises ) will hee worke me this despite , because I haue despised him ? he may if he will , but the valure of his might is nothing the more . The streyuing of a gnat is not swallowing of a cammell : an action got in law by a false inquest , is no lawfull commense , nor lawdable conqueste : it is easie to striue with him that sitts in the stockes , and small manhood of a capteine to breake the skull of a dead man : laugh not when other mens houses be on fire , least the glaring sparkles light on thine owne . Pentheus for mocking an olde blinde father had a cold prophesie verisied on him . I haue heard , that the hardest blocke commeth soonest to a knocke , & that the common est flowter as one without escapes , may be a cunning skogin in his own conceit , but shall become a common scoffe to all that knowe him . But I am impudente in coniecting the worste , bycause I nowe am impotent , and haue reiected his goodwil . Though honour harborow that vs but for on houre , yet homely honestie will kéepe her old nest : though my currishnes be a signe that hee should delude me , yet his constancie hath sined to perpetuitie of loue . Howe can it be that he should seeke meanes to bereaue mee of breath , who studieth to strengthen and lengthen my life ? No no , his frendship is firme , & my affection shal be reciprocal : he endeuoreth to broch a better tap to make my beare go better downe , & therfore I wil not say nay , but assay to drinke , apply me to his pleasure , and be correspondent to his counsaile . Vpon this confidence of Archaretos his fidelitie , Philotimus at the day prefixed repaired to the foresaid place : what their méeting communication & the drift of their conference was , I wil giue you notice by their mutual colloquy , which I haue enterlaced dialogue wise .

Archaretos . Philotimus .

PHilotimus , my wished frend , and welcomde guest , how dost thou ?

Phil.

O Archaretos my sauiour , ill to all , and worst to my selfe : all the world is otemeale , and my poke left at home . I will not say to to thee as the olde begger man saide to his dame , God sende you your health as longe as I liue , but I wish that his life may be set on a long last , whose loue hath eased the wrenching of my heart , and that his prosperitie may neuer quaile , whose comfort , as a cullisse , preserueth my weale .

Deare Archaretos , forget and forgeue my passed ingratitude : for then for want of yeares & good discretion I could not discerne my frendes ( as whelpes cannot see till they bee nine dayes olde ) and nowe for shame I coulde eate mine owne eares ( as Aiax after the slaughter perpetrated in his madnes ) at the recouerie of his wits killed himselfe .

Philotimus , quoth Archaretos , ingrate men men indéed deserue hate , yet would I bee loth to minister you cumber for a medicine of comfort , or followe your hresident of former mallice , since I mean to giue you preceptes of new goodwill . Thy hot choller I perceiue is turnd to cold coals , and the remnaunt of the ashes vtterlie dispersed : though therefore I cannot appease thy paines with pleasure , yet will I please thee if I can with my presente parlie , and though I cannot effectually furnishe thy wantes , yet will I most faithfully further thy wish .

Alas ( good Philotimus ) my feare did euer deuine this hap , though my well wishing impugned my presagings . But a man shal hardly be deceiued , where his heart doth fully aduertise him . For neither did Silla erre in that whiche hee prophesied of Iulius Caesar , neither Ptololomeus faile , in that he foredeemed of Alcibiades : bicause the one depriued Rome of her libertie , & the other depraued the glorie of Graece .

The Romaines puissance could not be infringed or brought to expuguation , either by the Carthagenians or the Frenchmen , the Huns or the Epirotes , the Sabines , the Samnites , or the Etrurians , but by reckles pride , and licentious liuing , it was remunerated with vtter ruine . I speake it to this purpose ( Philotimus ) bicause if thou haddest bene as warie in thy life , as thou art wise in thy learning , or as frugall in expences , as thou waste frolicke in thy sportes , thy state had bene firme , thou haddest néeded no frendes , and all then too Well , had not now turned to Woe .

But no man is borne without a blemishe , and the Gods themselues had their imbecilities . Saturne was peuishe , Iupiter adulterous , Apollo wanton , and Titan enuious : Alexander was furious , Archidamus ambitious , Demetrius vicious , Hannibal periured , Traian a wine bibber , and Homer a vaine talker . Then ( my good Philotimus ) since as I hope thou art penitent for preter ouersights● , be not dismaied in thy selfe , nor despaire in thy fortune .

But first of all I straightlie inhibit you for your better thriuing , neuer once to enterteine one thoughte of Aurelia . Mamea was prowde , Medaea cruell , Martia contumacious , Poplia vnchaste , Myrrha malicious , Domitia rashe : Assiria complayned of her scandale Semyramis , Armenia of Pincia , Graece of Helen , Germany of Vxodonea , Rome of Agrippina , Spayne of Hecuba : but all these iointlie with euerie their seuerall faults , may not compare with thy compéere Aurelia , of whose wickednes thy testimonie is a perfect proofe .

Muse not Philotimus , that I dehorte thee from loue , and perswade thee to libertie : for I haue red more in Hossienus that instructeth to giue counsaile , then in Ouid that learneth to be enamoured : and more shalt thou profit in following a Stoycke , then in practising the toies of coy Dorcatius .

Philotimus aunswered . My dearest Arcaaretos as I had rather pledge thee in water then anye other in wine , so one sillable of thine shall more perswade mee , then the sage sentences of anye other . The woordes of the Philosopher Theomastes , did more preuaile with some of the Graeciaus , then the huge armies of king Phillip , and more effectuall ( good Archaretos ) are thy gentle exhortations , then the threatening tormentes of any calamities .

But alas this haste thou hearde , and I haue tryed it , that the cruell beast Loue , doth suffer herselfe to be taken with a threed , but will not be thrust away with a percing launce . In this case I remit you to Hermogenes , to Tesiphontes , and to Plutarch , who haue spent much time in writing of Loues remedies , and yet at length haue bene vrged to say and confesse , that it is a more incurable disease in the mind , then the goute or plague is in the bodie . Let Ouid say what him pleaseth , Nigidius what he dreameth , Samocratius what he thinketh , but in fine , they shall finde it harder to get a salue for this sore , then for the Alcumistes by their art and creticke daies , to find the Philosophers stone & the Quintiscence of nature . Nay ( Archaretos ) these thrée vsurping phisitions , died persecuted and banished from their natiue countrie , not for the offences they committed in Rome , but for the loues they attempted in Capua .

Oh how many times did Hercules desire to bee deliuered from his loue Mithridata , Menelaus from Dorrha , Pirrhus from Helena , Alcibiades from Sabina , and M. Antonius from Cleopatra , whom they would neuer not onely forsake , but with them or for them yeelded to death ? Good counsell and affection agre like iron and clay , which by no meanes can be brought to sticke together ,

Though I were as light of foote as an Hinde , as swift as Polite , Priams son , or as spéedie as the coursers of Eumelus , yet could I neuer leape ouer suche a blocke as is Loue , or ouerrun suche a mate as is Affection , or kepe pace with that precise iniunction , the prohibites all fancies .

But yet me thinketh that a deniall to any of thy requests must needes be a prescription to my honestie . And therfore since thou art no otherwise to me then Solon was to the Athenians , Lycurgus to the Lacedemonians , Asclepius to the Rhodians , Numa Pompilius to the Romaynes , and Phoroneus to the Aegiptians , impera & impetra apud me , demaund and commaund , and I will obey .

Archaretos made replication in this maner . Indeed ( Philotimus ) Lactantius Firmianus saith , that the common wealth of the Sicyonians endured longer then either that of the Graekes or of the Aegiptians , or the Lacedemonians , or the Romaynes , bycause in seuen hundreth and fortie yeares , they neuer made new lawes , nor brake their olde ones , so that constancie in good matters is euer commendable .

But he that continueth his suite to her , that flyeth faster from him then the hare from the horne , is much like one of the Mirundins ( who at Peleus his praiers were turned again to men ) which was so enamoured of the Suns brightnes , that incessantlye hee perseuerd in trauaile and labour , meaning to meete it at the end of the world , there to embrace it and enioy his pleasure .

Thou art now to leaue the confines of thy country , and with a spéedie perigrination , and diligent inuestigation , to seeke a mantion in some other soyle , and therefore thy heart muste be on thy halfpenye , and thy minde deuorced from the contemplation of Aurelia . And yet thou must be of a bon couragio : for no place is a banishment to vertue saith A Milo : I haue no place of abode , said Socrates , but am a citezin of the worlde : whithersoeuer thy pilgrimage shall conducte thée , we are all in the compasse of one heauen , protected with the prouidence of one God , and once shall be vnited with one consolidation .

So neare neighboures are wee all , that euen our Antipodes whose dwelling is opposite to vs , are daily traded too for erchaūg of traffique . Alezander wept , that there were no more earthes for him to conquer but this litle one : Alas saieth Scipio Affricanus , how base a thinge is populer glorye , which is comprised in the earthes limitation .

I cannot tel ( Philotimus ) what place is best for thée to soiourne in , bycause thou art furnished for any kind of seruice , neither can I allot thée any residence , bycause like a snayle I haue euer kept my home : but search and find , and if thou wilt vouchsafe to lette me know of thy staying , I will not be slacke to ayd thée with necessaries . Let no imaginary conceit of thy great paines appaule or dismaye thée , for when thou arte once inured with them , thou shalt find small difference betwixt thy good laboures , and the daly sports of the greatest potentates . Arsaciades his pastime king of the Bactrians , was to knit nets : Artaxarxes his , to spin : Arthabanus his king of the Huns , to arme for rattes : and Viantus his , king of the Lydians , to fish for frogges : vaine pleasures God wot , and far from right contentation .

Philotimus bespake . O Archaretos , no durance of daunger can affright me . For her sake ( whom from henceforward I will not once remember ) I ●urst vndertake Orestes his voiage , that follothe Nymphes into Hell : or Hercules his enterprise , that for his frendes cause brake the gates of Hell , and bound the Giant Aetna , and the triple headed dog Cerberus , and entered combat with the triple-bodied Pluto . But nowe farewell deare Countrie , adew gallant courtiers , farewell swete Aurelia for euermore . I will accomplishe thy pleasure Archaretos , and seeke an harbour for my self in some forrein nation , wher I shal neuer once heare of these , ah forefined miseries .

From 5 yeares to 5. the Samnits did solemnize their Lustra , from 4. to 4. the Graekes did celebrate their Olympiades , from 7. to 7. the Aegiptians did renue the Temple of Iris : from ten to ten the Romaines visited their God Apollo at Delphos : but I am for euer abandoned my countrie , whose ioyes these eyes shall neuer renew . The teares trickled downe Archaretos his chéekes , & Philotimus his spéeche was interrupted with extremitie of griefe . At length Archaretos recomforted him , hasting him forward to his iourney for feare of preuentions , hee appointed him well with gold and iewells , such as might well pay his charges till time of better prouision .

Alas good Philotimus , ( saide Archaretos ) these are not thy garnished garmentes , thy cloth of tinsell and gold , thy braceletts & chaines , & thy newe fashioned nouelties .

Well ( quoth Philotimus ) though I cannot go with the fashion , yet doe I followe the fashion : for in yeares of yore , before pride was in prime , when the purse was riche and the apparell poore , this was the guise . Here they gaue ech other the Bazelos manus , whose dolorous departure ( Gentlemen ) pardon me though I describe it not , bicause I want an heart to attempt it , and words to vtter it . Yet I will not forget to recounte you certaine verses , which Philotimus writ immediately before his voiage , and Archaretos afterward found in the chamber wher they communed , and these they were .

Might mournfull wailing end my daies , or pinching careful woe surcease : Then hope might haue his wished death , or life enioy his wonted ease . But welth is wast , and kin vnkind , all luckles haps denie my ioy , So direfull griefe must euer last , and lingring life augment annoy . In pleasant May-moone of mine age , I meane the lustie gallant prime , Where golden pleasure beares the sway , and youthfull sportes doe passe the time : Euen then alas poore wretched wight , my gladsome myrth was heauy mone , My new sprung Rose did scarcely bud , wher straightway blasting all was gone . Yet mauger frowning fortunes spite , my swetest ( l ) is euer one , Not neare by byrth but deare by loue , and sure more faithfull neuer none : His will is still as erst it was , no froward chaunce can chaunge his choise , In lieu where of fame sound his praise , with most triumphant ioyfull voice .

Philotimus , tooke his iourney towardes the borders of Graece , inquiring warily as he wente , what were the affaires of euery Iland , & what were the conditions & enterteinment of the segniors of those territories , meaning , as occasion should serue , to imploy himselfe in some conuenient seruice . I neede not recite to you the pensiuenes of this pilgrimage , when as he truly thought that whatsoeuer was about him , was a circumference of daunger , and he himselfe a center of calamitie . But this knowe , that hee was afflicted with those casualties which commonly are wont to befal to all infortunate straungers , when they trauaile in forrein nations without any protection : that is , to be spoyled of his money , to be infected with diseases , and tossed from poste to piller , like an esp●al or runnagate . When he was robbed of that litle substaunce which he had , destitute of frendes and acquaintaunce , ashamed te beg , and detesting to steale , hee was vrged to relieue his gréedy hunger with the wild fruites of the wildernes , and to take vp his lodging in some secrete caue or vault , or amid some shrowding shrubs , or vnder some trée .

As Heliodorus Aethiopicus reportes , that in Aegipt a litle from the riuer of Nylus , there inhabited certaine heardmen , whiche expelled all the righte owners of the soile , & liued themselues with rauine and theuedome : so Philotimus was nowe hit into a place , which a crewe of like companions had longe haunted , vsurping those quarters sole to themselues . The gardeine & Roy of these fellows , was one Toxilus , who with his lieges hauing one night raunged abroad for their pray , at their returnement to cabbin in a caue which siely Philotimus had fore-possessed .

Toxilus entering the caue , and finding him lye groning , beating his brest , with sobs and throwes , & dismayde almost amazde at this sight started aback , and churlishly asked him what wight he was .

Philotimus aunswered : a wight scarse worthy naming , whose woes can none expresse , & at Toxilus his importunitie disclosed himselfe . The thiefe thought this a fitt occasion to encrease their crewe with so méete a copes mate , and hereupon vnfoulded the whole packe of his conspiratoures and their intentes , with these perswasions to entice him .

The prince of Syracusa sacked the Temple of Proserpina at Locris , and spoyling her treasure made a mockage at his thefte . Thyamis a noble mans sonne defeated of his priesthoode , became a captaine of theuish heardmen , such good fellows as we : Paris was an arraunt thiefe both of women & of welth : It was the lawe of Armes among the Ethiopians , and whether it be there yet , or els where at this day , I know not , that the soldiour might take all , or whatsoeuer it pleased him , of that he found about his prisoner whom he caught : The Persian king did neuer goe abroad with open face , but with some lawne or silkin scarfe , muche like this vale of mine : Aegeon spronge of Gods their race , doeth scoure the Seas , and soules the trafficke of the trading merchauntes : Haste thou not hearde this precepte of Lycurgus , where the Lyons skin will not serue , sow the Foxes to it , that is to interprete it , where honest force will not auaile , vse fraude and falshood , & set conscience to sale . We are honest inough my frende , as far as our wealth will serue , and are no worse then they that borrowe money , but that wee giue no obligations when to pay it againe , what saiest thou man ?

Philotimus looking wistly on him , with a deepe sigh aunswered .

I cannot testify in wordes , how much I detest thy wayes , nor verefy that for good , which thou inuertest for guile : ech queachye groue , ech craggie cliffe with sedge and loftie oysiers , & this same sprinting spring that s courbo about with pebble stones , inueighs against your facte .

Hoorde in minde that story , and store well that horrour , which Iupiter at his procuration , and secrete visitation of the earth , extended vpon the ingluuious rauenour Lycaon .

When Ioue came downe from heauen , and had entred the harbourles house of late th' Archadian king , suche time as twilighte on the earth began to bringe dim darkenes , he gaue a signe that God was commen , whereat Lycaon made a sport , and scoffingly said , he ment by open proofe to sée what wight of weight he was .

Besides he cut the throate of one that lay in hostage with him , which was an Epyrote , wherof he part did rost , and part did slew , which when it came to boord , forthwith with dire reuenging flame Ioue ouerthrew the house vpon the ownees head : who seing this , appauld with feare , slipt out of doores into the wilde and desert wooddes , where all alone endeuoring ( but in vaine ) to make his moane , he fell a howling , wherewithall for dery rage he ran out of his wits , still setting bloud abroch , and practising his wonted luste of slaughter on poore and lielie cattaile .

His garmentes turnde to shaggye haire , his armes to rugged pawes , his skin is hoarie gray , his shape turnd to a wolues , his lookes still grim with glaring eies , his cruell hearte still showes it selfe in outward shape .

Thus was one house destroied quite .

Nor he alone shall bee condemned by rigorous doome , but for such like , did Ioue ( as Naso saieth ) summon all the Gods to his court of parliament , which then he kept in princely pallace amid the Heauens : A Pallace gorgeous in apparaunt sight , on stately pillers builded high of yellow burnisht golde , beset with sparkling carcbuncles : the roofe was framde of yuory , the siluer twisolde doo●es did caste a radiant light : And there a perfect plat of all the world did Vulcan draw , of surges that embrace the earth with winding waues & of the surefast centrie ground , & of the whéeling heauen it selfe : there firye foming Ioue in purple robes and roial throne of Emerauldes fresh and grene did sit , the Chrisolites & gems wherof did geue a shéere and shining light .

Seest thou not yen milke white pathe that crosse the welkin wendes ? ( wee commonly call it Galactaea ) yen is the stréete that to the Courte of whome I speake , doth leade . Euen yonder thundering Ioue remaines , and yonder did he call his Court , and yonder did he sweare by Stix , leaning vpon his thrée-tind mace ( when dreadfully he shooke his bushie lockes , wherewith hee made both Sea and land , and Heauen it selfe to quake ) that all the ympes of suche like spitefull Carnes , as this Lycaon was , that francke their flesh on that they filch , and gulpe vp bloud for beare , should smart of Lycaons whip , or worse perhaps : For Lycaon thou knowest , was coosin germaine to high Ioue . O what a wickednes it is to cram the maw with maw of man ( as Cyclopes wont to do . )

I take you for no Christians , and therefore I vse to Ethnicks the authoritie of Ethnickes , which notwithstanding were not so irreligious as you , to make honesty arbitrary , and in their choise whether they should vse it or no. Libeus was honoured of the Sycilians , Ceres of the Rhods , Diana of the Ephesians , Belus of the Palestines , Delphos of the Argiues , Iuno of the Numydians , Venus of the Thebanes , and Berecinthia of the Thebans : Which Gods were so deuoutly worshipped of their country nations both with daily oratories and rich offeringes , that all men had this Plerophotiā and full perswasion , that ech worde from their God was deemed an oracle , and euery offence to their God , a corsiue to their conscience .

Those that deale with fortune , must entreate her , not force her , not get wealth by stealth , for that wil not prosper , but labour honestly for it , for so it will thriue . The Augusts are said to begin in Caius , and the Caesars to ende in Nero : which giues vs to vnderstand , that of vertue ensueth all good thinges behoofull , and by vice doe decay all former prosperities .

Ah sirrha quoth Toxilus , now I remember the saying of the pleasant Philosopher Mimns , Qui cum lasso samilico loquitur r●xa● quarit , He that helpes a begger out of the ditch shal be stung with his lyce . But I perceiue a wrangling tongue is the best language thou hast . Yet Toxilus and his company aggrizd at these words , neither able to reply against them , nor willing to applye them to their amending , left him as they found him : what became of them , I neither am very certaine , neither néede you to doubt knowing their demeanour .

Philotimus thanked God , that he had deliuered him from those temptations , and prayed to his mercy , ouer to safeconduct him from such suggestions . But as decayed Vear renues her vert grene leaues , and as the naked Serpent recouers his scalie finnes , and euerye wasted thinge doth weare to former state : so Philotimus began to make reiteration of his sorrowes , neuer hauinge respite but for a greater spite ensuing , nor ceasing to sighe but for encreasing his sobs . When Io was transmute of Ioue into an Hefars forme ( to bleare Ioues spouses eies , that she mighte deeme , no dame he had defloured , but onely that a beaste was pasturing in the feild ( she rued this bestiall chaunge of hers with dankishe feare , and by and by assaying to complaine , shee lowed out , which did her so affray , that oft she started at her noise : vnto her father Inachs bankes shee did repaire apace , where ofte the lithie Nymph had played her iocundary reakes : now when shee looked in the streame and saw her horned head , she was agast and from herselfe would all in hast haue fled , and when she thought to lift her handes vnto her head for helpe , she saw she had no handes at all : in steade of costlye couch and deare bought downe , she satte a nightes vpon the ground , and on such grounds , whereas sometime was not so much as grasse , and oftentimes she was compelled to drinke on muddie oasye pits , and for her food on croppes of trées and bitter wéedes to brouze : euen such , and much alike was the life of Philotimus . His sound reboundes into the wood , and thus he mournes .

Ye greedie gripes , forbeare to tire on Titius growing-hearte : O Tantal , that indeuorest to drinke the shuning water , & Danaus daughters , that seeke to fill your tubs that haue no brinkes , and Ixion , that dost draw in that incessant wheele , and Sisyphus with thy rowling restles stone , waile ye no more , worke yee no more , your taskes and sorrowes euery ech one are fallen vnto my lot . O God , alas .

O Maiaes sonne , Cyllemus sweete , and nephewe vnto Atlas , who with thy charming rod and pipe , bringst thinges asléepe , & fetchest soules from Hell , asswage my woes , assist my brain with rest , and driue away those terrours wherewith my minde is tortured . And as the drinkers of the Riuer Salmacis , or of the lake of Aethiop , doe quite forgoe their memorie : or as Melampus Amithaons son , deliuered kinge Praetus his daughters by his charmes and hearbes , from being mad : so thou vouchsafe this gratious boone , and yéeld no such recourse of thoughtfull passed state , ( vnto my woes a nourishment ) but let it now surcease and ende , and woes decay with famishment .

In Pallene there is a people , the which by diuinge thrise three times in Triton lake , become all fethered , and take vppon them the shape of birdes . Faire Phaetuse and Lampetie the daughters of the Sun and Clymen , bewraying salt brine teares , and still be wayling brothers death , were ouergrowen with slender barke , and turnd to trées ( of which saide trées in guard of their goodwill and mone , flow gummie teares that Amber men doe call , which hardened with the Sunne , and falling from the boughes into the brooke , doe serueas thinges of price to decke our Ladies wrests , and weare about their neckes ) so rather then I spende my dayes in spitefusl dole , conuert me good Mercurie , to some Tree or stone , that may doe the seruice , or Aurelia some vse .

Now brighte Hyperion was in middes of skie , and searde the feild with fierie rayes , so that for very languishing heate Philotimus was constreynd to seeke a shade .

Not verie far of , there was a valley thicke with Pineapple & Cipresse trees , that armed were with prickes , and in the furthest end thereof , there was a pleasaunt boure vaulted with the leauy trees : by nature it was wal● with flint and pommy halfe about , and on the righte side of the same a liuelye springe with christall streame full freshly flowed out , whereof the vpper brimme was grene with grasse and matted hearbes .

Here did Philotimus , that swet and swelted almost , reste himselfe to refreshe his weakned limmes , and here he gan afreshe to repeat his miserie , which he could neuer repel from his recording memorie .

Into this valley had an olde Shepheard ( whose name was Laurus ) forced with heate , brought his flocke , and hee sitttinge vnder a pineapple tree , was reading on an old motheaten booke .

The shepheard hearing a lamentable sounde , traced the voice till he had started Philotimus , whom he found sitting vnder a Cipresse trée , leaning on his lefte hande , sometimes beatinge his héeles against the ground , sometimes knocking his head against the Trée , sometime heauing his displaied handes to heauen , calling for mercie and reuenge , the one to pacifie his mood , the other a meede for his enemies crueltie . When his rage was asswaged , and he had fed his fill vpon this estasie , Laurus something more emboldened then before , geuing him a tap on his shoulder with his sheepehooke , saluted him after this manner .

My Sonne , God speede thy studie , and breede thy quiet , augment thy patience , or lessen thy penaunce : and if thy griefe maye be tolde , and my rudenes accepted , bewray it to me , I will betray thée to none : credit mee a straunger ( good yongman ) I will bee as true to thee as the begger to his dishe . What haste thou trespassed against thy selfe , thus to tormente thee without cause or reason ? Declare ( good Sonne ) and doubte not : conference is conuenable to subdewe direfull melancholie , and difference of talke makes diuersitie in thought . A slender poale canne supporte a large vine , and my sleighte abilitie maye assiste thy debilitie . Open to me thy state , and hope to be bestad . A shepheards scrippe is stuffed erewhile with better fare then bacon : a graish weede doeth vaile sometimes a gayer witte then veluet : a gray goose weare becoms a wearied minde , but doeth not proue a goosish sot benummed man : an hoarie heade doth hoorde both sores and salues for euerie crased minde . Nowe of fellowship saye , and vnfolde thy dismall dristresses as wee sit in this cooly shade .

Philotimus seing his frendly talke , countnaunced by a reuerent aspect of grauitie , saluted him after this forme .

Haile worthy shepheard what ere thou arte , of greater woorth then Laure I thinke , if Laure himselfe did heare . But since you are importune to heare my importable destinies , I will neyther be captious to misconstrue your good meaning , neither ingrateful to deny a kind demaund , that one an argument of a peuish mind , the other a consequent of a peruerse iudgment : then my case standeth thus .

If pleasures be in painfulnes , if ioyes accord with carefulnes , if mirth may be in miserie , if banishment bee libertie , then am I most pleasant , most ioifull , most merie , most frée : but ay lady mercy , I am quite the contrary .

I am a captiue clapt in chaines of care , lapt in the lawes of lethall loue , & as the dogge all onely for the taste doth gnawe the bone : so forth I drawe this irked life with fancies vaine repaste . My corsiues comfort is but this , that as a siedged forte with forrein force , for want of ayde must yéelde at laste : so this my corps thus courst with cares , for want of ease shall quickly fade .

I haue frendes ( or had frendes ) whom if good nature had taught to goe vpright , when they learned to hault of wayward will , I had not bene a president of mischiefe , nor néeded present counsell , I had bene better aduised , then now to néede aduertisement , my winged desire had not bene clogged with despaire , neyther had I had this clue of care to worke my warpe vpon .

My fame had not fayled , nor my fortune quayled , nor this bloom of my blame , bred of the séede of their shame . My Courtiers stéede had not bene turned to a Colliers cut , nor passed welth to present wante : I had not bene expelled from mine owne countrie , nor here exposed to the wrecke of fortune .

Not to make a profound parable of a plaine brobleme , nor to be nyce in concealing that , which all the world doth know , I will disclose some part of my follies , which haue bene the close procurers of my fall .

I loued a Lasse ( alas why did I so ? ) which made full manye a swearing promisse , that I should bee the platforme , where shee would plante her gooodwill , and the onelye ground where shee would graft her grace . But as I was a sottish Asse to beleeue a faithles trull : so she made me an horned Ox to harnish my loue .

Why ( quoth the shepheard , meaning to driue him out of his dumpes ) it is a pointe of a good gardener to plante in the highest ground , and therefore did she choose thy head to graft her slips in .

Good shepheard ( quoth Philotimus ) be not too gamesome in so heauie a case : for play is turned to earnest , where game maketh losse , and these merie conceites make but cholericke melancholy . marmalet is no meat for mowers , nor pleasure a pastime for distressed men : if thou liste to heare my state , listen a while to the tenure of my talke .

I was once a pleasant moate in my mistrisses eye , whiles I had a beame in mlne owne not to discerne her dealinges : she then had a golden tongue ( as Berosius had for his eloquence ) when my purse was so prowde , that the lyning was siluer : I then see her louely when my candle burnt bright , and now stinke in her nosthrils like loathlie snuffe , when my light is extinct . When my wealth was first broched , I was sweete to her taste , but since it came to the dregs , she shuns me like poyson . When the hony dew of gold did droppe vpon her fingers , and fortune flowed with full streame , then was I worthye to be maister of her barge , but ah nowe . Yet I wish her longe prosperitie , and my present death .

Truely ( quoth the shepheard ) and for thy sake ( though I haue as litle acquaintaunce with thée , as thou haste credit with her ) I wish with all my heart , she were with Charles the fourth Emperour of that name . Yet I request not thy death before his time : for I hope thou shalt eat of the goose that shall tread on her graue . But I perceiue thou art no good Grammarian , that preferr est the feminine gender to the masculine , and thy mistrisses loue before thine owne safetie . Mee thinkes her goodwill that will not bee warmed at any fire , should quickly aslake thy feruente affection , and since I could not support her lacke , I would learne of reason to suppresse my loue .

Shepheard , said Philotimus , in this she is qualifyed like Satyrus , who embracing fire was not scortched , neither can my smoldering heat enkindle any warmth in her .

Laurus replied .

Thou séest ( my sonne ) shee is a star that will not come within the compasse of thy Sphear , and therefore beate not thy braines about this bootles Astronomy . The sweete trée Ebenus is good & pliable in his proper nature , but being cut or hewen , turneth to a stone . When her téeth doth loose the knot that her tongue tyed , thou art enlarged and at libertie , as thou wert before this bond . Naytheles , I would not haue thée misconstrue my words , for it is not my purpose to miscontent thy mind : & indéed I censure of thee , the honour should rather eternish thee for thy martial hardines , then that thou shouldest doe her homage for her pranked haughtines , & I doe rather perswade me , that thou deseruest a better than she , then I can brooke to heare thee commend suche a retrograde dissembler . These sighinges in her absence can small deale profit thée , whose instance in her presence could not preuaile . Therfore tender thy state and forget her .

Philotimus looking vpon him , neither backward nor forward , but like the picture of the sielie man Dulius , pitifully God knows , and verie wistlie , sighed out these wordes .

O father shepheard , whiles thou endeuorest to staunch a veine in my liner , thou lettest me bloud in the very heart : thou cuttest the grasse , whereof I meant to make my hay , which though it now be a common for others to graze in , yet I loue it the better , bycause it might haue bene my frehold . She is the braunch , the roote , and the tree , she is my head , my bodie , & my soule , the firste A. of my crosrow , and the last letter of my learning , without her I am not , she is all in all , and all in euerie parte . O Aurelia , deare Aurelia , What ( shepheard ) doest thou thinke my minde a rowle of ware to receiue the impression of inhumaine disloialtie ?

I know Bucephalus cannot be bridled without Alexhnders consent , nor the Crocodile , tied to a Tree without Caesars enforcement , nor Aurelia be cōyed by any perswasions but her Cornelius his : Yet if I were able , I had rather giue thee a wedge of Golde to make a locke for thy lips , then thy tongue should be a pickelocke to open the least part of her euil dealings , whose wished welfare is sacred to me , and whose subtle practises shall be secret to thee .

If I had Gyges his facultie , to goe vnseene into my country , it were ynough for me but to vew her .

I confesse that by her meanes I am a scorne to the beste , and a scum of the worst , I expect no good by her , but suspect a propagation of my misfortunes : yet nowe to forsake her after my longe loue , were to buy fish and giue it to the dogges , and to take thy barren counsaile in these affaires , were as if a calfe should sucke a bull . O shepheard , muche water passeth besides the mill that the milner seeth not , and much hath happened within the compas of thy experience , whereof thou tookest litle keepe . I will commend the for a cunning shepheard when I know thy skill , & will thanke thee for thy curtesie , but not take thee for a counsalour .

The good shepheard quietly aunswered . My good child , bicause I doe see thee so vncapable of good counsaile , in steade of a Rose to yeelde a swete sauour , I was a thorne in thy nose to stirre the vp to sence , I spoke sharplie , but ment fatherly . Be yet of good cheare ( my sonne ) behind the doore standes the wall , and Tyme holdes the glasse of thy good fortune . But in the meane season , I doe so much the more lament thy casualties , for that thou and I haue bene birdes of one feather , payed tribute to one Caesar , & bene fellowe soldiours in the same legar : so that hee which hath my misaduentures , and is enthralled with thy presente state , maye vie the paire for sorrowe , whatsoeuer the stake be .

Notwithstanding , though thou whose state was once extolled , arte nowe controuled of checkmate spite , and diuested from thy throne , despaire not tho as a miscreaunt , nor destruste thy possibilitye . Ofte haue I seene as vnluckye a Burrowe harboure a Connye : Ofte haue I knowen , as vnskillfull as great humilitie , as I vnaduisedly sollicite my suite . So it is my good seruaunt , that my prouident care to preserue my state , & thy sober discretion in all thy dealings , induce me to thanke thée for thy trustie pollicie , and to craue thée for my phear and lawful husband . Yet I beséech thee impute not this to lust ( for such perturbations are placed in my preterpect tense , but refer it to the vertue of thy good demeanour , which hath a force attractiue , to drawe all heartes to it . What saiest thou man ? If my breach of maners haue staind my art of wooing , then bee thou a mannerly maid for me , and say nay and take it .

I aunswered her in these or the like wordes .

My good mistris , your meritorious charitie hath so long relieued me , and your present curtesies offer mee suche kindnes , that for the one you may challeng me to be your vassal , & with the other you haue stricke mee into a maze . Wherefore I aske forgiuenes on my knées , if I do not accomplish your reasonable commaund , and whiles I liue I will punishe my vntowardly minde , that is not submissiue to your good meaning .

Yet this I will tell you , which perhaps you haue heard : when the Moone which is the lowest planet , is in coniunction with Saturne which is the highest planet , there can no good natiuitie issue from them : when Winter marries Summer , write it vp for a woonder , and when an old grift in a yonge plante fructifies good fruite , the yeare will pippins be preseruatiue from the plague : The greenenes of my youth , and the grauitie of your yeares , are discordes in descante , and therefore can they neuer make good musicke . I am meeter for your seruaunt then your soueraigne , and you fitter for my mistris then to be my fellowe . If I were phantasticall ( good mistris ) your clemencie and good nature coulde withdraw loue from other obiectes , and allure it to your selfe : but I haue vowed singlenes and wil be true votarie , for what cause , God and my conscience best knowes .

At this time we brake of , she telling me , that shee doubted not but I would be better aduised , and I aunswering , that I wished I could satisfie her expectation . Manye colloquies had wee about these matters after this , but her earnest instaunce wrought but my resistaunce , and my waiwardnes , her goodwill . At length with much adoe , and many entreatings , I got leaue to be manumitted of her seruice with her good liking .

Her reward at my departure was very bountifull , and though my abilitie were too slender to make requital , yet was my gratefull hearte not vnwilling to bee thankfull ..

Then in the progreffe of my trauaile , my meditation was , what course of life to take . And since my lignage was obscure , & my parentage but base , I would néedes haue enterprised some exploite , with the atchieuement of which , I might haue bene to my posteritie an originall of true gentilitie . Amongst the rest , the soldiours profession I most honoured , and though I had bene trayned vp in learning , and neuer seene a lined campe , yet did I thinke that my reading with a litle experience , would affoord me such knowledge as would suffice a soldiour . Machaon and Podali●e the sonnes of Coronis , two excellent doctors in phisicke , were Coronels of the Tricenses , Ithomenienses , and Occaliens , that came to Troy with thrise ten sayle . Could not I then for a néede , marshall the battaylons and phalanges of footemen , and raunge the soldiours with good disposition ? place the chariots in the front , the choise footemen in the rereward , and the weake ones in the middest ? O braue , when bloudie trumpe to battaile soundes , and lustie neighing horse bestirres him on the ground .

But when I looked backe to see my selfe and the feblenes of my sielye carcasse , alas poore man ( quoth I ) thou arte more like to fight with a Crane , as Homer in the third of his Iliades saieth that the Pygmyes doe , then attayne by thy valure to anye notable conquest : surcease from this deuise I wishe . Nay , Diana in her trayninge chase delightes , Minerua in her chattering armes doeth march , Apollo in his siluer-sounding cordes disportes , yet none of these are my content . The fragrant fieldes , the rurall lawnes , where Zephyrus inspires the fruitfull earth , and doeth attire eache bushe with budde and bloomie braunch , where the purple Colum●ine , and the oriente cowsloppe , the daffadillie and the pretie lillie , the dazie and the violet , do may in aray , shal be my pallace and my paradise .

After all my consultations had bene accomptant to my reason , this was the foote of my determination . I met with an olde auncient shepheard , with whose tranquillitie of life ( being seiunged from all humaine troubles ) I was much delighted . Him I endeuored to serue , and after his decease , the small flocke which hee kept in his life , was mine by his bequest after his decease . The residue of my life haue I ledde euer since in this vocation , where at my pleasure I could studie good authours , & be contemplatiue when I list , and my mansion house is yonder litle cottage , which thou seest stand amid the trées . My name as thou rightly gessedst at the first , is Laurus . Now , if thou canst either brooke my kinde of life , or accept the néedines of my cheare , I wil either make thée a companion in my callinge as longe as I liue , or geue thee whiles thou listest , suche entertainment as I canne .

Philotimus his humour was frankly fedde with this discourse of the shepheard . Laurus ( quoth he ) I gratulate thy presence , and am glad to sée thée , much haue I heard of thée which now I will not repeate , and I thinke my selfe happie that I haue met with thée But as for thy life , I rather admire it then meane to imitate it . For a candle put vnder a bushell , is light in vaine , and a talent hid , is to small purpose . If thou canst giue me knowledge of anie Court nere at hande , or any nobleman that wil vouchsafe me his seruice , I shall thinke my self much beholden to thée . Truly quoth the shepheard , in good time : for not manye leagues from hence , doeth soiourne a famous and vertuous Gentleman , the prince of this prouince : whose peaceable pollicie and diuine gouernment , I cannot rightly match , but with that most renowned regiment of the worthye Queene ELIZABETH , nowe Queene of England , whose royall excellencie ,

Ah Laurus ( quoth Philotimus ) there holde , least in talking of Elizabeths maiestie , thou beest ouerwhelmed with her glorie .

Her vertues muste bee adored with sincere contemplation , but cannot be recensed without abridging of her praises . If thou shouldest magnifie her highnes with the eloquence of Tully , and euerie of these hilles , wherwith thou art enuironed , should Eccho forth ten thowsand voices , thy wordes would be wasted in the prologue of her praises , & the Ecchoes die for ioy to heare her name expressed . There is no vacum of her fame in rerum natura , all the world ringes of it .

Well then ( quoth Laurus ) although I am not imbued with an autorchye of facultie , to praise her as I would : yet doe I not want a true lieges loyaltie , to pray for her maiestie with an interminate deuotion . And since the prince of whome I speake , is in the Positiue degree of her Superlatiue , thou shalt not nede to doubt of his wisdome in deciphering thy good qualities , nor of his clemencie to vouchsafe the seruice .

To morrow next there is sollem hunting in the parke here adioyning , at which sport the prince wil be present : and to morrow the Moone is in coniunction with Iupiter , at which time I haue red , that it is prosperous to sollicit any suite to a nobleman . There by mine aduise thou shalt exhibit thy complaint in some prety piteous premeditated oration .

O ( quoth Philotimus ) shall I an vncouth straunger , so abruptly present my selfe to a mightie prince ? so I should rather seeme to checkmate modestie , then challenge meede .

Tush dastard ( replied the shepheard ) auaunt despaire : craue in hope , and haue in ha● , oft hast thou heard it , and nowe shalt thou trie it , that fortune most vsually fauoures the venterous .

That night Philotimus lodged with Laurus , and the morning following all yelad in grene , semblable to his griefs which were euer fresh and grene , he paced forward to the parke , where after a delicate banquet , whereto the prince was inuited in a coolye pauished arbour , after the game , Philotimus in due time prostituting himselfe before his feete , and makinge as though hee had some straung newes to vtter , thereby to moue his attention , deliuered this speech ensuing

If I were as shamfast ( renowned prince ) as modestie perswades my yong grene yeares , or if your honour did strike such an horrour to my fainting heart , as is wonte to be common in humble suites , and partly thought commendable in such abiected creatures as my sielie selfe , where now I féele the scant of skill to bewray my wailfull case , & thereunto to moue your mercifull remorse , it would also force a want of will , amyd your weightie affaires to vse this careles babling , ( whereof God knows you can but make full course account ) to take warie héede , and not to enterprise by rusticke spéech , so foolish hardye bolde attempt , to awake my wits and lull my tongue asléepe .

But alas ( my Lord ) sharpe miserie learnes bold pollicie , better sollicite a kinge , then alwayes liue a begger . The cowardlye champion hembd in with listes doth often conquer , he , on whom pouerty hath so incroched , that scarse he can moue him out of his standing , but pinching neede doeth catch him by the backe , must of necessitie strayne curtesie with modestie .

Yet I sée my ambition aboue my condicion , and a Pharisies desire passe a Publicanes desert , and can it preuaile with haulting héele to striue to hoppe against the hill ? Can the sluggish snayle with creeping pace euer reache the Castles tower ? Will the lustie Ship with top and top gallant , all fléeting away with flanta galanta , vaile bonnet to the boate so farre vnderneath her , so tost through her weakenes with euerie tempest ? O happie I if this may be : and it pleaseth swete Hope to sende foorth an Eccho and tell mee It may be . The mounting kite doeth sometimes seaze on homelie pray , Phoebus for all his heauenly throne vouch safes to lende his comfortable lighte , aswell to the valleys as to the mountaines . Then to my matter . And bycause my colours shall not fade or soyle , I will painte out my selfe with the oyle of Truth .

I am a Gentleman borne in Italy , descended from the lignage of a noble house : in my infancie and primetide of my youth , I was addicted to good letters , and trayned vp in Florence in the studie of the sciences : and after that by my parentes decease I was inuested in their inheritaunce , I followed the Court , & did attend vpon the Dukes grace of Venice .

And Hinc illae lachrimae , from thence came these miseries . For there , not being vrged with any impositions of the Duke , but inclined to prodigallitie of mine owne wastfull nature , I made dilapidations of all my parentes reuenues , and quite consumed all my possessions : then being ashamed in my néedie beggerie , to staye any longer in my countrie , and partly afraied of my gréedie creditors , least they should extende the rigour of their extremitie , I abandoned my natiue soyle , séeking good fortune where I could finde her : and as Cadmus directed this iourney that way towardes which his staffe fell : so I made my voiage thither , whither it pleased God and destinie to guide me . Now ( most puissant Prince ) if my secrete instincte of diuination doe not deceiue me . I hope vnder your fauourable protection , here to house my selfe in a safe harbour . Surmise not I moste humblie beseech your maiestie , that I come as a sentinall within your dominion , neyther suspect me of any trecherie , that maye bee preiudice to your personage . For if by this faire pretence I intend any other thing then to doe your highnes moste duetifull seruice , and partlye to renue my decayed state by your royall bountie , then I wishe and pray , that presently in your presence , the Gods moste miraculously worke my confusion . Not muche I owe to manie , and litle more I owe to some , but moste of all , and all it selfe , shall I owe to your highnes , if you vouchsafe me your most regall seruice . I am not harnished with a complete faculty in al misteries , to execute any function with facilitie , but ( be it spoken without offence to any of your subiectes ) imploye me at your pleasure abroad or at home , and if my daily diligence be inferiour to anye mans , ( although my might be much like hers whose wealth was but a mite ) then let me loose my due reward , and dye the death of a villanous traytour . Thus loth any longer to trouble your highnes with my bablatiue eloquence● , and to keepe my selfe in suspence of your wished aunswere , I surcease my prating , praying God to preserue you , and expecting the resolution of your maiesties determination .

The noble Prince seemed to take delight in his spéech , which God knowes was framed with small studie , and taking him by the hande made him stande vp , speaking as followeth .

Wee sée ( my frende ) that in the shallowest water is hidde

Per.

I haue also red which thou addest not , that if they see not within seauen dayes after , they are blind for euer : & thou knowest how long I haue borne my crosses : yet I professe to thée Pandolpho , that I was neuer better comforted with a cullisse in my sickenes , then my mind was cheared with this storie of Philotimus . And therefore I beseeche thee , commend me hartelie to the swete selfe of good Melanthus , and tell him , that if I might enioy his company together with thine , I should be restored to half my former happines .

Pand.

I will ( good Periander ) and now that I know thy mind , we will not long be absent from thee . In the meane time good night my swete frende , and as thou canst comfort thy selfe , and I will pray for both our prosperities .

Per.

Ten thousand good nights my good Pandolpho , and so many thankes for this present curtesie , & so many wishes for thy next company .

FINIS .