Three [morall] treatises no lesse pleasau[nt] than necessary for all men to read[e,] wherof the one is called the learned prince, the other the fruites of foes, the thyrde the porte of rest.

¶ Three morall Treatises , no lesse pleasaunt than necessary for all men to reade , wherof the one is called the Learned Prince , the other the Fruites of Foes , the thyrde the Porte of rest .

¶ Imprynted at London by Wyllyam Seres , dwellynge at the west ende of Poules at the signe of the Hedghogge .

Cum priuilegio ad imprimendum solum .

To the Queenes highnes OF all the bookes that euer Plutarke wrote , More mete is none , when they haue time & space , For Prynces all to rede and well to note : Then this , whiche heare I offre to your grace . For lyke as he , the good doth iustly praise , The euill their faultes , so , plainlye dothe he tell , And whilst he doth consider both their wayes : He shewes wherein a Prince ought most texcell . That is to saye in learnynge , wytte , and skill , To tame affectes , and folowe reasons lore , Whose steppes doe flethe wayes of froward will : And treades the pathes of iustice euermore . And though this Boke , your highnes oft hath redde , In Grekyshe prose as Plutarke did it wright : My rurall muse , for that , yeat , had no dredde In Englysh verse , agayne the same tendight . Presuminge of the fauor whyche she fownde , When that she sange , what fruites of foes might rys● And that your grace , gaue eare vnto the sownde Of suche rude ryme , as she did then deuyse . Wherfore now harke my liege and souraigne Quene What Plutarke sayeth of Prynces good and badde Who yf he were alyue to Iudge : I wene , Of all the Qu●nes in honour to be had , Your learninge , and your vertues pondred well , He would your grace , should onely beare the bell . Your maiesties most humble Subiecte Thomas Blondeuille .

The learned Prynce . THe Cyrens once made greate request , That Plato wolde vouchsafe to wright such lawes , as he for the thought best , Their state therby , to rule vpright . But Plato tho , dyd cleane refuse , So hard a thynge to take in hande , Who knewe , they woulde good lawes abuse Which had such welth within their lande . For nothing is more hard tentreate , More proude , ne worse to deale wythall , Than is that man , in wealthye state Which thinkes to stande , and fearth no fall . Wherfore it is to harde for suche As others rule , and beare the swaye , To suffer lawes to rule to muche , Lest than , their power should sone decaye . For reason as their Cheffe to take , They doe abhorre : lest Princely might , They should then forced be to make A slaue : to Iustice trueth and ryght . As men alas which doe not knowe , What ●●eop●mp the Spartan duke Sayd to his wife with voyce full lowe , When she obiected this rebuke . For whereas he dyd fyrst of all To royall power , Tribunos adde : She sayd thou bryngst thy Sonne , in thrall , To leaue lesse powre , then thou hast hadde . No rather yet , then aunswerde he I shall hym leaue so muche the more For nowe his powre shall stronger be Then euer myne was heretofore . And thoughe this Prynce hymselfe depryud Of that whiche he to geue thought good : As thoughe small brookes he had deryud Out of a goulffe , or flowinge floud : Remyttynge yet the riguor greate Of royall powre whiche none can beare He dyd auoyde all enuyouse hate : And leadde his lyfe cleane out of feare . Yf reason gotte by wysedomes lore Assist the Prynce : she gardes his health , For ryddynge thill awaye before She leaues the good t encrease his wealth . But many Kynges that folyshe are To masters rude that karue in stone And haue no arte , I may compare So lytle diffrence is or none . For they their Images do Iudge Then best to make : when that they shape them arms & thighes with legges most hudge and ougly mouthes full wyde to gape . Vnprudent kinges euyn so I saye By frowning lokes , bigge voyce , disdayne , and keping closse in , all the daye , Great maiestye do thinke tattaine . Like Images in outward showe Which do pretend some goodly one Yeat inwardlye if you wyll knowe they onely are but earth or stone . In one thinge yeat they disagree . For Images throughe that their waight and heauy poyse , fast stablisht bee : Ne do they moue but stande vp straight . Where foolishe kynges vntaught I saye For that within they are not sounde Ne truly waide they swarue and swaye and oftimes fall vnto the grounde . For why vnles to place thou wylt In suer wise , thy Principall : What euer shall theron be buylt : In breffe must nedes to ruyne fall . But as the Craftsman should forsee His rule be right and trulye made Without all fault before that hee In any woorke do further wade : A Prince likewise ought first to kno Hymselfe to rule and rightlye guyde And then to frame his subiectes so As in good rule they may abyde . For whye it is a thinge vnmete A feble man to take in hande to set vp others on their fete When he himselfe can scantly stande . Ne likewise can it decente be That he should teache whiche hath no skill Or order men in eche degre In whom doth raigne disorder still . Ne should that man commaunde of right Which reasons rule doth not obaye Though fooles him count of greatest mighte Which subiecte is no kynde of waye . The kynge of Perce , did all men take To be hys slaues and lyue in thrall His wife excepte whom he should make His will tobaye , aboue them all . But some perhappes would nowe demaunde Question Who ought to rule a Prynce or Kynge ? answere The lawe as Quene , who doth commaunde Both Gods and men , as Poets synge . I meane not that whiche is exprest , In bokes of paper , wodde , or stone , But reason graft within his brest , To guyde his doinges euerychone . The Kynge of Pearce was wont to haue A chamberlane whome day by day Whan mornyng came he strayght charg gaue That he to him these wordes shoulde saye . Aryse thou Kynge and slepe no more But carefull be to do ryght sone Suche nedefull thynges as heretofore Mesoromasdes woulde haue done . But Kynges that wyse and learned are Haue alwayes one within theyr mynde More prompt to tel them of theyr care Then any man that they can fynde , Polemon sayde that Cupyde was A seruaunt to the Goddes aboue From place to place with spede to passe To seke what dyd yonge laddes behoue . But one more rightly yet might saye Gods ministers that Prynces bee To take the charge of men alwaye And eke their wealth to well forsee . That like as God do lette them haue Those godly giftes which they enioye Some part euyn so they still shoulde saue And wiselye ought the rest temploye . We see the ample heauen howe he , With liquid armes do th earth embrace : Who first sent downe the sedes whiche she With fruit bringes forth in euery place . Some growe by raine , and some by winde , By glittringe starres some norissht are And some the Moone wyth moystures kinde To foster vppe , hath onelye care . And finallye the louelye Sonne Whose shyning beames adorneth all His frendly course doth dayly ronne And shewes like loue to great and small . These godly gyftes yeat can we not Ne rightlye vse ne well enioy Onles also it be oure lot To haue a Prynce Iustice and Ioy . For Iustice is of lawe the ende And lawe the Prynces woorke I saye The Prynce gods lykenes doth portende Who ouer all muste beare the swaye . And neadith not the skilfull hande Of Phidias , or Policlette , Of Miron eke or suche lyke bande Of those that Carue and colours sette . For he himselfe by vertue canne Hymselfe to God moste lyke descrye An Image pleasinge eurye manne And noble to beholde with eye . And lyke as God in heauen aboue The shyninge Sonne and Moone doth place In goodliest wise as beste behoue To shewe his shape and lyuelye grace : Suche is that Prynce within his lande Whych fearinge God , maintayneth ryght , And reasons rule doth vnderstande , Wherin consistes his porte and might . And not in Scepter , or in Crowne , In thunder bolt , or glyttringe swerde , wherby some thinke tobteyne renowne Synce than , they shoulde be greatlye ferde . Wheras in dede , for that they seme That none to them maye haue accesse : They are enuied , and wise men denie Suche porte to be greate foolishnesse . For God offended is wyth those His thundringe power that imitates : But he delightes in suche as chose In clemency to be hys mates . And doth promote them more and more And of his owne benignytye : Doth make them partners of his lore Of iustyce , trueth , and equitye . Whiche thinges in dede are more deuyne Than fyar , light , or phebus course , Than starres that rise or downe declyne Ye endles life it selfe , is worse . For why longe life is not the cause That God moste happy counted is But prince of vertue is the clause Wheron dependeth all his blis . When Alexander sorye was For Clytos death whome he had slayne : Then Anaxarke , suche wofull cas To mittigate : to hym gan sayne . To Clito hapt but Iustice tho , Which doth assiste the goddes alway That what soeuer Princes do , Should rightfull seme without denaye . Which sayinge was ne right , ne good , For where the kinge bewaild his cryme : This semd to egge him in lyke moode , To do like act an other tyme . But if for men it lawfull were Such thinges texamyne as them liste : Full quickly then , it would appeare That Iustice doth not Ioue assiste . For Iustyce euyn it selfe to be , Almightye Ioue we ought to take : A lawe of most antiquitye Which neuer dyd the trueth forsake . The old men also plainlye saye It passeth Ioue his poure and might When ladye Iustice is awaye : A kyngdome for to rule vpright . Who as Hesyode hath vs tought A virgyn is immaculate , A shamefast maide , which neuer wrought But modestlye wyth eurye state . And hereof kinges surnamed are Right reuerent , and dredefull aye : For those in whome doth dwell least feare , Ought to be feared moste I saye . But it behoues muche more a kynge To feare to do , then suffer ille , For of the one the other sprynge , So do so haue is Iustice wille . This Princely feare a Prynce lykewyse Should alwayes haue : Vnwares that lest To hym , for lacke of carefull eyes : With wronges his subiectes be opprest . For so the dogges that watche the folde When they the cruell wolfe do heare : Not for themselues which are full bolde , But for their charge haue onely feare . Epamynond the Theban knight His subiectes tendinge feastes and playe Would all alone both day and night Kepe watche and warde and oftymes saye . That he dyd aye lyue soberlye And watchfull was to that intente That others myght more quyetlye Be dronke , and slepe , as they were bente . When Cezar hadde at vtique towne , to Cato yeuen the ouerthro : the reste vnslayne , then Cato downe Did call : vnto the sea to go . And hauinge sene them safelye shipte and wysht them well to passe the sea : as one with fewer cares beclipte , Retourned home himselfe to slea . By which ensample Cato heare , Doth teache all Princes that be wise , Of what , they should haue greatest feare , And what againe , they should despise . But on the other part beholde Clearchus cruell kinge of Ponte , Howe lyke a Serpente layde in folde In chest closse shut to slepe was wonte . Full lyke Taristodeme therefore Who in his dyninge chamber hadde A closette with a fallynge dore And eke with beddynge fynelye cladde . Wherin his concupyne and he Were wont all nyght to take their rest , And to th intente that none should se Ne come to vexe them in their nest : The mother of the damsell should The stayer cleane from thence remoue And set it , theare against they would come downe next mornynge from aboue . Howe much thynke you would this man flee A Palays , Courte , or Feastynge place Which of hys chamber as you see A prison made to kepe his grace . Thus trew kynges haue no feare in dede But aye for those , on whom they raigne : But Tyrantes for theym selues haue drede Lest for their vice they shoulde be slaine . The greater powre , the greater feare , The more to rule , that they obtayne : The more as foes to them appeare , Wherby they growe in more disdayne . Wyth matter apt all shapes to take And subiect aye to sondry chaunge Of god some would a mixture make and hyde hym theare which is full straunge . But Plato sayith God dwelles aboue And there fast fixt in holy sawes : From trueth he neuer doth remoue Ne swarues from natures stedfast lawes . And as in heauen lyke to a glasse The sonne his shape doth represente : In earth , the light of Iustyce was By hym ordeynd : for lyke intente . Which shape all wyse and happy men To counterfete employe theyr payne Full busuly wyth wysdomes pen The chefeste blis therby tattaine . But nothing can this habit brede In vs so sone , as reasons lore Got out of wysdoms schole in dede : To guyde our doynges euer more When Alexander hadde well tryde The prompt wytte of Diogenes And sene his stoutnes great besyde : He marueyled , and sayde , doutles : If I not Alexander were , I woulde become diogenes , As one that vertue woulde fayne leare : But princely powre dyd hym oppresse . Which would not graunt him time tapply : The thinge so muche estemed aye For lacke whereof he did enuy ? The Cinickes scrippe , and pore araye . Wherewith he sawe the Cinicke made At all assayes more stronge and stouts Than he hymselfe when to inuade Of horse and men had greatest route . Thus in desiar and good will Diogenes the kinge might be And yeat in dede remayning still In princelye state and highe degre . Yea , he , more nede had in this cas To be diogenes aryght : In that he Alexander was An emprour great of powre and might . Who hadde in fortunes seas to stryue With cruell stormes and rockes besyde Wheron his shippe might easlye dryue Onles he had the better guyde . For priuate men of lowe degre That others can offende no waye Thoughe they taffectes oft subiect be Their greues yeat are but dreams I saye . But whereas powre is ioynd vnto Euill ordred life , thear thinke it true That such affectes will cause also Great grefe in dede for to ensewe . The chefest fruit that Dionise Dyd of his empyre take : it was , ( He sayde ) what he dyd than deuise , With spede to haue it brought to passe . A thyng most peryllouse therfore It is , vndecent thynges to wyll : When he that wylleth , euermore Hath powre , the same for to fulfyll . For powre doth malice quickly moue , With euyll affectes the mynd to streke As enuy , wrath , aduowtry , loue , Mens goodes also , and lyues to seke . And then the worde nys soner sayde , But wo to hym that is suspect Toffende in that to hym is layde , For sentence there , must take effect . Of nature , such as searchers be : Do hold that after thunder clapp The lyghtnyng coms , yeat do we se The same before we heare the rapp . The bludd lykewyse before the wound To vs most commonly appeares : For sight doth mete the light ; wheare sound Is fayne to come euin to our eares . In kyngdoms so , some men we fynde Taue suffred eare , th accused were And sentence yeuen to wrath inclynde Before due profe of cryme appeare . For wrath nought hable is twithstand The powre of malice when she list , As is the anker firt in sande Which can the cruell sea resist . Onles that reason with her wayght Presse downe such powre , and kynges abyde To marke the sonne , in greatest hayght Howe he hymselfe doth wysly guyde . For when he mownted is aloft To Cancers ryng , he semes to stay , In that he goeth so fayre and soft Wherby he doth assure his way . But this by dayly profe we knowe Where powre and malyce do abyde : There , malyce nedes , her selfe must showe , And can her face no long tyme hyde . If those that haue the fallyng yll At any tyme take colde I say , They can not stand but stagger styll Which playnely doth theyr grefe bewray . 〈…〉 But only wysshe and dayly craue Of god to graunt , that ouer vs Long tyme of raigne her bygones haue Which is so good and gracious . Finis .

¶ The fruytes of Foes . Newly corrected and cleansed of manye faultes escaped in the former printing .

Anno domini . M.D.LXI .

Cum priuilegio ad imprimendum solum .

¶ Roger Ascham Secretory to the Queenes maiestie , for the latin tongue , in praise of the booke . OF English bokes , as I could find , I haue perused many one : Yet so wel done vnto my mind , As this is , yet haue I found none The woordes of matter here doe rise , So fitly and so naturally , As heart can wishe or witte deuise In my conceit and fantasie . The woordes well chosen and well sette , Doe bryng suche light vnto the sense : As if I lackt I woulde not lette , To bye this booke for forty pense .

To the Queenes highnes SVch Newyeres giftes as most men do prepare To geue your grace , it passeth far my powre . For golde ne pearle , ne such lyke costly ware , Can I possesse : sith fortune styll doth lowre . As she on me hath hereto euer done , Which had me brought at length to great distresse But that the hope , which in your grace alone I alwayes fixt : my griefes did oft redresse . Which hope I say , euen now doth make me bolde Your royall state , with this so small a queyre For to present : yea more , that hope me tolde , From this day forth , I should no more dispeire . For loe , ( saith she ) the golden worlde at hande , And Iustice raignes again within this lande . Your maiesties most humble seruant . Thomas Blundeuille .

The fruites of Foes . BI Plutarks lore of mortal foes , Learne ye that list some fruit to take , For fruits inough , he doth disclees Wherof I wil , you partners make In olde time past , men only sought , The hurtfull beastes , their foes to kyll , Of other spoyle , they nothyng thought , But so to saue themselues from ill . But others came then afterwarde , Whose sleight was such , those beastes to slay : As they thereto had small regarde , Except they myght obtaine some pray . Their fleshe to eate , they vsde therfore , And with their wolle , themselues to cladde , Their milke and galle they kept in store : To heale suche griefes , as sicke men hadde . And of their hydes , they harnes made , Themselues to arme , on euery syde : That they might aye in safety wade Against all force , that might betyde . Loe thus by foes , no hurt to take , It did not them at all suffise , Except they might such great gaine make : As they themselues could best deuise . If thou therfore , without some hate , Here cannot liue in quiet rest : Inuent some way of such debate , To leaue the worst , and take the best . No tylman can by arte deuise , Eche tree to spoyle , of nature wilde : Nor huntsman eke , be he right wise , Can tame eche beast , that roons in fyelde . Wherfore they haue right wisely founde , The meane tapply such beast and tree , To other vse , which doth redounde , Vnto their great commoditee . The water of the sea , we see , Is salte , and hath vpleasante taste : Yet cheifly thence , I say haue wee , The fishe , our foode , which we do waste . Yea , more then that , thinges of great price , The shipps by sea to vs do brynge , Both pleasant silke , and holsome spice , And many other nedefull thinge . The brightnes of the flaminge fire , Appearing in the Satirs sight : Straight waies , so kindled his desire . That it t imbrace , he toke delight . Prometheus , then loude can crie , Beware he saide imbrace none suche , For that it hath the propertie : To burne all those , that doth it tuche . It was not made to colle , and kisse , But heate , and light , alwaies to yelde : The very meane also it is : Whereby craftes men , their artes doe welde . Hereby therfore , we may perceiue , That of our foe right perilous , In this our lyfe we may receiue , Suche fruites as be commodious . For though some thynges be very ill , To those , to whom they appertaine , Yet vsde they may be , with suche skyll : As losse shall easily turne to gaine . As loe for proofe , some sickly corse For easementes sake , sekes quiet rest . Where some againe , to win their force , To trauell oft , do thinke it best . Diogenes and Crates chaunce , Do well declare , how banishmentes And losse of goodes , doe some auaunce To knowledge great , which them contentes . When Zeno heard , that tempestes gret , In raginge sea , his ship had lost : He mourned not ne yet did fret , But made as though it lytle cost And thus gan say , to fortune tho , Howe dearely doest thou me entreate : Me thus to force , againe to go , In wysedoms schoole , to fynde a seate . Some beastes we see , such stomakes haue As serpentes cause full soone disgeast , Both woode and stone , they also craue Suche kynde of foode , them hurteth least . But some againe , so deinty bene That they oft loth , the finest bredde , And purest wine , that can be sene : Wherwith they myght be alwayes fedde . Euen so fares fooles , that frendship ioyes , Do aye destroye , but to the wyse : Of hatefull strife and spightfull toyes , Great wealth , and gaine , dothe oft aryse . Wherefore , me thinkes , where in thy foe Doth seme to geue the greatest grief : Thou mayst thereof , receiue also Muche greater gayne to thy reliefe . And if thou aske , how that may be , I saye to thee , consider then , What care he hath , thy workes to se , With whom , to whom , what , where , & when . With Linx his eyes , he doth beholde , Thy lyfe , thy frende , and seruaunte aye , Thy dedes , and thoughtes right manifolde , Thy name to harme , if that he maye . Thys profyt eke , by foes we haue Our frendes oft tymes , we doe not minde , They may be sick , and layde in graue , Vnwares to vs , lyke men vnkinde . But of oure foe , both day and night We thinke and dreame , such is our choyse , His grief , or bane , to haue in sight : Which onely doth , our mindes reioyce . If thou be sick , or much in det , Falne out with wife , with mayde , or man , Yea , no mishap can thee beset : But , it , thy foes , eft sone knowe can . Lyke rauening birdes , that putryd fleshe , And not the sounde , far of can smell , So they thy illes , to spye be freshe , And all thy griefes , with eye full fell . What greater gaine may be than this , Hereby to learne , in suche a sort Our life to leade , as none there is : That ill therof may once report . For as sicke men that wary be , In meates and drinkes , that may offende : In wordes and dedes , euen so doe we Take hede that they the best pretende . Wherby we come in schole to dwell , Of customes good , and excellent , For reason rules th affections fell : Wherto our myndes be alwales bent . Yea , through long time , and exercyse , It bredes in vs , such stedfastnes : That learne we can none other guise , But aye to liue in holynes . The townes that long haue bene beset , With enmies stout on euery side : Haue derely learnde , by losses gret , To kepe good watche in euery ride . And eke their lawes and ordinaunce , To execute with iustice aye The humble sort for to aduaunce : The proude to chast , that nyll obay . Euen so fare those that forced bee , Through spightfull foes , both negligence , And slouthfulnes alwaies to flee Whereby they liue without offence . For custome shall them bring with spede , To suche a trade of doyng well , That if they goe as reason lede : In errour none , they can long dwell . When minstrels of one sute and bande In open place doe musicke make : Without all feare , and care they stande , And to their play , no hede doe take . But when their skyll , they doe compare With straungers , that professe lyke art : They sharpe their wittes , and haue great care , That euery one may doe his part . Of instrumentes , and eke of stringes , They seke where they maye haue best choyce , And oft doe proue , how with suche thinges May best agree , both hande and voice . Euen so it fares with him , whose lyfe And honour bothe , muche spighted is By those that sekes , with hatefull strife Hys thinges to blame that be amis . Full ware is he in busines , And eke foresees therof the ende , For when we erre : malitiousnes Regardes the foe , more than the frende . When Carthage was all torne and rent , And Greece subdude , the Romaines thought Themselues full safe , their foes thus shent , They were all gladde , and feared nought . But Scipio did then repreue , In perill most be we ( quoth he ) When no foe is , that may vs greue , Whose feare should make vs slouth to fle , One asked once Diogenes How he might best reuenged bee Of all his ●oes , both more and les , That from all care he mighte be free . Diogenes right wisely tho To him gan saye , no dent of knife Can greue so much thy cruell fo: As for to see thy perfit lyfe . What grudge , what griefe , the common sort Conceiues to see , the go odly horse And coursing dogges , which but for sport , To kepe : their ●●es do litle force . What playntes , what sighthes , & dolfull sownds Their spightfull breastes to heauen do yelde , To see their pleasant garden growndes , Or store of corne to growe in fielde . How much more then , would they lament , To s●e their foe to be full iuste ? In worde and dede , to vertue bent , Of sober life , and free from lust . And eke to budde out of his brest , That fraighted is , with holynes Such domes , and councels , as are best , To ease eche heart in heauynes . The tonges of them , that conquerde Bee , Are bounde from speache , saith Pindarus : And yet these wordes , as you shall see , To all be not approbrious . But only do suche men reproue , As nedes must yelde , vnto their foes , In all those vertues , that behoue , A perfit man for to disclose . For suche thinges faith Dimosthenes Do binde the tonge in torment aye , And stoppes the mouth of them doutles That thinkes more ill , then they dare saye . Enforce to shewe thy selfe therfore , Sith in thy power it doth consist : Thy lyfe to guide by vertues lore , Their wicked tonges for to resist . And when thou wouldst faine put thy foe , In great dispaire , take not the waye By haynous wordes , as others doe , His name to persecute I saye . Ne beastly man , ne filthy foole Doe thou hym call , but rather seke , In suche a sort thy selfe to schoole , That none thy doynges maye misleke . Be true thy selfe , in woorde and dede Be modest styll , and chast also Shewe curtesy in tyme of nede To suche as haue with thee to do . And if it shoulde so come to passe , That nedes , thy foe thou must reproue For any fault : yet in that case , See first thy selfe thou doe wel proue . Examine eke with diligence , Thine inward partes if they be free , From all suche vire and negligence : as in thy foe , thou semste to see . For els perhaps thou maist geue cause , To some ill tonge , that standes thee by : With voyce full soft , to saye this clause , Recited in a Tragedie . Beholde I saye this foolishe man , That takes in hande the woundes to cure Of other men : and yet nought can His owne redresse , I you assure . But if he call thee ignoraunt , Learne wisedome then by industrie Thy faynty heart , if he doe taunt Let stoutnes shew thou wilt not flie . If he thee checke for lecherie , Auoide eche sparke of filthines , Out of thy breast full spedilie , and learne to liue in holines . More foule or grieuous nothing is Then for a man suche faultes to checke As all the shame therof ywis Againe shall turne vpon his necke . For as rebounde of glittering light , The feble sight doth moste offende : Euen so most grieuous is the spight , Which trueth beates back , from whence it wende . The mistie cloudes vnto the winde , that blowes Northeast , doe aye resort , The wicked life euen so we fynde To her doth drawe all ill report . If any man in Platoes sight Had vilye done , straight thence would he , And softly say , may any wight , Such one as he , me force to be ? But when thou haste with wordes of ire Thy foe yprict , for his offence : Beholde thy self , and eke desire Thy lyfe tamende , with diligence . Of spightfull wordes so shalt thou drawe Muche fruite , to thy greate welth and gaine Though some it thinke , ne right ne lawe , To vse such wordes , of great disdayne . The common sort , do laughe , and smyle , When any balde or crooked man , Do others taunt , and oft reuyle , For such defectes , as themselues han . What greater scorne , then woulde it bee , If thou suche faultes shouldst reprehende : As one with worse , might aunswer thee Which thou in no wyse couldst defende . As once , did Leo Bizantine , When one that had a crooked backe , Hym cast in teeth his bleared eyne alas ( quoth he ) this is no lacke . A humaine thing this is , I say , But why alas canst not espye : Howe on thy backe thou bearest alway , That goddesse fell , dame Nemesye ? Nemesis Godd●sse r●uenge . Aduouterer , see none thou call Whilst fouler lust in thee dothe raigne : Ne yet reproue the prodigall , If auarice thy lyfe dothe staine . Alemeon when he did reuile , Adrastus , king : of kin thou art ( Quoth he ) vnto that woman vile : Whiche carft with knife , her husbandes hart . Adrastus then , him aunswerd loe , With that whiche did him touche at quicke Suche beastly wrathe in thee did floe Thy dame to slea ere she were sicke . When Dyonise did Crassus skorne , For that he wailde , his Lampreys cas , By crewell death , then all forlorne , Whiche in his ponde , long fostred was . Then Crassus said , rebuke not mee Sith that from thee no teares did fall The death to see , of thy wiues three Nor felst no grief , therby at all . Who so delightes to checke or taunt , No rybalde , knaue , or foole must bee : With bragging woordes , hymself to vaunt , But rather should from vyce be free . Wherfore , none semes more bound tobay , Apollos woorde ( thine own self know : ) Then those that are most prompt alway To rayle , to iest , to mocke , and mowe . For hap , it may , saith Sophocles , That whilst they taunt , as them likes best : To them again , is said doubtles : That whiche to heare , they couet lest . In tauntyng thus our foes , we finde No litle fruit , but more we gaine , When they likewise , with wordes vnkinde , Our faultes to taunt , do not refraine . Anthistines said well therfore , That lyfe , in safety to encloes Man ought to haue alwaies in store : Right perfit frendes , or bitter foes . For faithfull frendes wyll vs reforme When that we erre : our foes againe Wyll so muche rayle , a●d out of forme , That nedes from vyce , we must abstaine . But syth that now true frendship is Of free speche spoylde , and flattry bent To chatte , and prate of thynges amysse Good counsels eke must nedes all stent . And therefore nothing now remaines For vs to doe : but to abide , The trueth to heare , to our great paynes , By spightfull foes , that nought wyll hyde . When Telephus his festred wounde Could no wise heale : with th enmies speare Which first him hurt louelyfe , him bound , To launce thesame without all feare . Euen so must they of force agree To byde reprofe of spightful foes : Where wanteth frendes their faultes to see , And frankly wyll thesame disclose . Nor in this case , we should behold Our foes intent , when they so rayle , But if such thinges as they haue tolde , Be true in vs , or els doe fayle . Prothemeus of Thessalie A grieuous sore had in his breast : Whiche one that was his enemie , Did cure by chaunce againste his heast . For when he thought to haue him slain , By dent of sword he brake the sore , Which festred was to his great pain , And so hym helde for euermore . Euen so full oft it comes to passe , That wordes yspoke for ill intent , Do greatly helpe , some one that was His fault t amend : ful negligent . But most men when they are reuilde Haue no regarde , if with such vice , As is them tolde , they be defilde : But sekes reuenge , by lyke aduice . Where reason would that suche as are By foes rebukte , for their offence : Should afterward thereof beware , And seke redresse with diligence . Yea , more then that , without desart , Though they vs check , for any thing : To seke yet then , it is our part , The cause wherof the same did spring . And eke to feare lest eare we thought , We haue the same or such lyke don For one suspect , hath many brought To shame , and great derision . As th argiue kyng sir Lacydes , Because he was so nice of gate And eke his heere would finely dresse With finger aye , was poynted ate . And cald a man effeminat , The lyke to Pompey dyd befall , For that he vsde his hedde to scrat : When he no hurt , dyd thinke at all . For none did more then he , despyse Such wanton lust and tendernes , Who aye was bent to enterprise : Thynges great of weight and hardines . So Crassus eke to tell you plaine , Suspected was through suche lyke tale , For that he did as some men fayne , Frequent full oft , a maide vestale . And yet in dede his connyng nas , For any hurt or ill intent : But cer●ain land to hye , in cas , He could obtayne her free concent , Posthumia through mirth and playe , And hauntyng oft without respect Mens company , her name I saye With infamy dyd sore infect . For whiche she cited was t appere , As one that had in lecherie : Abusde her selfe , with kinsfolkes nere : And yet she dyd no villany . Whom though that Spurius , whiche hight Manutius , then bishop hye , Of that ill fame , did cleane acquight , He warnde her yet thus fatherly . Posthumia , sith that thou haste , In holy workes , thy lyfe aye ledde , Lest wanton talke , thy name may waste I counsell thee haue lykewyse dredde . Themistocles , none ill had wrought , When he so often letters sent : To Pawsanye , yet some folkes thought To traye the realme , was his intent . If any man thee charge therefore , With thynges vntrue in euery part , Be negligent no whit the more , Nor lightly let them from thee start . But take good hede , lest thou or thyne , Hath geuen some cause , of suche ill fame , Whiche once founde out , thy selfe enclyne , To learne , thencefoorth to flee thesame . For such ill happes as comes vnwares Do oft times teache , what is for vs , Most mete to doe , in such lyke cares , As Merop saith in writing thus . When fortune did me cleane depriue Of that , whiche I estemed most : To muche more wit I did arriue Albeit full dere it did me cost . By maisters then of cheaper price Whiche be our foes , why should we steke In thynges vnknowen to take aduyce , Whiche with such cost we sometyme seke . For they in vs doe knowe and see A thousande thynges , whiche frendes reiect , Because by loue they blinded bee , Where foes are full of great respect . When Hierons foe did hym reproue , For that his breth did sauer ill : Then to his wife , and best beloue , With spede went he to chide his fill . And sayde to her , why hast thou not , To me declarde this fault of myne ? Because ( quoth she ) I thought god wot , That all mens brethes had bene as thine . Thus may you see , that frendes most deare Our faultes nought can , so soone out fynde As foes that aye , both farre and neare : Fayles not to kepe suche thynges in mynde . One vertue more , and that full goode By foes also we maye obtayne : Whiche is , our tonges in angry moode , By reasons bytte for to refraine . For vertues such wyll not be hadde , Except we learne in tyme to tame , Our fierce affectes , and rageing madde , Wherby oftimes , we come to shame . As loe , beholde , the wrathfull man , For lacke of wyt and temperaunce , His foolish woordes , to stay nought can : Whereof doth spring muche variaunce . This fault therfore , as Plato sayes , Both god and man , dothe chast doubtles : For that the rest at all assayes , It doth excede in peuishnes . But silence is , without all harme , And tonges to heare , that lewdly raue With stoutnes such , it selfe doth arme : As Socrates was wont to haue . Yea rather more as Hercules For as they say , no wordes of spight , Coulde once offende his hardines : But as a flye them wayde so lyght . What thynge therefore more graue may be , Then styll to be , whilst foes do rayle , As when we woulde take hede to fle : Some fearefull rocke , wherby we sayle Besydes all this , thou shalt thus leare , Thy brawlynge wyfe , and chydinge frend Thy brothers faultes with ease to beare , Howe muche soeuer they offend . I only speake of these , I say , Because I do my selfe assure , Thy parentes woordes and stripes alway , Without all grudge thou wilt endure . For what intent dyd Socrates His frowarde wyfe , Zantip by name At home retayne , but patientnes To learne : abrode to vse the same . Muche better wert suche pacience To learne by suffryng aye thy foe : Whose spightfull woordes with ill pretence Do count as wynde , and let them goe . In enmitie , thus you may see , That pacience mylde hath greatest grace But frendship sekes simplicitee And frendly dedes doth most embrace Nor it deserues so great a prayse Thy faithfull frende to gratefie : As it is foule when nede assayes Of frendly helpe , hym to denye . Our foes offence if we set lyght , When iust reuenge in vs doth lye : It demed is in eche mans sight A dede , whiche doth our vertue trye . But most renowne to him is due , Who , as his owne , his foes disgrace With wofull heart doth wayle and rue , And hym to helpe doth hast a pace . And eke his prompt to doe no lesse When that he seeth his wife or chylde , His man or maide in great distresse And praying ayde with woordes full mylde . For stony heartes haue they ywis That would not praise so great a grace : And thinke him worthy all mens blisse , That mercy suche wyll than embrace . When Cesar made the Pictures faire , Of Pompey to be set againe , That downe were caste out of their chayre , Muche praise thereby he did than gayne . For Tully sayde , O worthy wight , By tendring thus , thy foes renowne Thou haste thyne owne , so well yplight : As neuer power shall throwe it downe . Wherefore I say thy mortall foe Which doth deserue to haue great lande Depriue thou not vniustly tho : By spyghtfull meanes , or wicked fraude . Sythe that the more thou doest him prayse , The greater prayse thou shalt obtayne , Besides beliefe , when to dyspraise Thou shalt disposed be agayne . For no man than , wyll iudge or deme , That thou doest hate his personage : But rather as doth best beseme , Dost hate his vice , and yll vsage . The best yet is , that by this way Non enuye shall in vs remayne : Ne shall we grudge to heare men say Our frende to be full iust and playne . Or all men els texcell and passe , In this or that good qualite , Wherat the spightfull hearte alas , Woulde freat , and ryght sore moued be . What vertue than more profitable Or goodly , may our myndes retayne Than this , wherby , we be made hable : To purge the venome of disdayne . In common weales , some ill decrees , Ill custome doth so well approue That thoughe therby some lose their fees : Yet none with ease maye them remoue . In enmite lykewyse we see Be many faultes , as hatefull spight , Of others grieues right gladde to bee Besides suspect both daye and night . The callinge eke of wronges to minde , And many other hurtfull vyce , As frawde , and guyle , and meanes to finde , To traytours traynes our foe tentyce . Which thinges full oft to vse with foes We take it as none ill doutles : And whilst our mindes we so dispose , Our faultes remaine without redresse . For if we neuer vse tabstaine , Against our foes such partes to play : Ill custome shall vs eke constrayne , Our frendes to dresse in like aray . Pithagoras did men denye , To hunt , to hawke , or birde to slea And fishe in net would often bye , To cast againe into the sea . No bruit beast eke , of gentle race Would he haue slayne in any wise Lest fierce affectes we should imbrace Through such a cruell exercise . More goodly , yet it were to flee Such euill affectes throughe sufferaunce And shewing oft our selues to bee Right iust to foes in variaunce . So shall we vse no kynde of guyle Ne fraude with frendes in their affares But shall be playne and thinke it vyle One worde vnkinde , to speake vnwares . When Scaurus at the lawe did sewe , Domitius his mortall foe : Domitius a slaue vntrewe , Had then with him that fled him fro . Whiche slaue forthwith to Scaurus went , His maysters secretes , to disclose , But Scaurus seeyng his intent : His eares full fast , dyd stop and close . And nought would heare against his foe , By suche a wretche , as woulde hym tray , Yea , more he bound hym fast also : And home agayne hym sent straight way . When Cato lykewyse matter sought Against Muren to fortefie Thaccusement late before hym brought , He nothyng dyd maliciously . For suche as after hym dyd goe , ( As was the wont ) to heare and see : If that selfe day , dyd aske hym tho , The matter shoulde discussed be : To whom when he had once sayde nay , They by and by did all depart , And thought it true whiche he did say , Suche faith of hym was in their hart . But Simond saith , as euery larke , Of force must haue his coppid creast : So natures gifte , yf ye well marke , Some spight doth brede , in eche mans breast . For whiche emongest light frendes , it were Right good , as Pyndar doth suppose : Of ill affectes , our myndes to cleare by powring them into our foes . And as a sinke our foes temploy Our filthy faultes to kepe in store , The stenche wherof might els annoy Our faithfull frendes , and grieue them sore . In Syo sprang one tyme suche strife That all the towne in factions twaine Deuyded was : then was in lyfe , Onomadem , a man full playne . And curteous eke to euery wight , Who chaunced on that side to be That wan the fielde by force of fight , To whom he gaue this counsell free . Expell not all ( quoth he ) your dede That did resist : but some retayne , Lest lacke of foes , may hatred brede , Emongst our selues , vnto our payne . Hesiode sayth , wheras lyke arte Nigh neighbored , or kyndred is The good successe of eyther parte , Eche one tenuye it wer amisse . But yf you can none other waye From spight abstayne , accustome than The welthy state and good araye Of those your foes , to curse and ban . For lyke as gardeners good of skyll , The garlyke stronge : by rosis soote Do vse to set , all sauors yll , From them to drawe , euen from the roote . Our foes euen so that do receiue Our frowarde faultes , our mindes full fell Doe ridde of griefe , whiche we conceyue , To se our frendes to prospere well . With foes therfore we should than striue , For honor , rule , and true got gayne , And not to freat when that they thryue , Or more than we , do chaunce tattaine . Ye rather more we should obserue Their doinges all in euery case , And howe they did such thinges deserue , That learne we might them how to passe . Themistocles was wont to tell He could not slepe for thinking on The victorie , that whylome fell Milthiad to , in Marathon . It is a slouthfull grudge and hate , The vertues of thy foes to spight : And none of them to imitate Because thou thinkest they passe thy might . But where as hate thy iudgemente clere Corrupteth not his diligence : And industrie doth then appere , Which driues away thy negligence . But if he seme in Prynces hall , Or common weale , right hygh estate To haue hym got by seruice thrall Or flattring meanes , reioyce thereat . And thinke thy selfe an happy wight , For that thou mayst thy honest lyfe : Compare with his in all mens sight And win great praise withouten strife . For Plato saith , no golde on earth Or vnder earth , ne precious ston : One sparke of vertue can be worth , Whiche passeth all comparison . Ne Solon eke , would chaunge his state In vertue fixt for vain renowne Ne did he care to be check mate With noble men in euery towne . He stemed not the peoples prayse Whose wandryng wyttes are lyke the wynde Nowe heare nowe there at all assayse Their yea , with nay , full sone tonbynde . No worthy state that semes to bee , Can worthy be , in verye dede Except the meanes therto perdee Of worthy actes dyd first procede . But lyke as loue , doth louers blynde Euen so we spye , the faultes of foes Much farther of , than we can fynde The faultes of frendes before our noes Reioyce not than with ioye in vayne Because thy foe doth chaunce toffende , Ne take no griefe without some gaine , To se what good his workes pretende . But ponder well these cases twayne , His vice and vertues both I say And first his vyce from vyce tabstaine And therin passe him farre away . His vertues than thou shalt doe well To imitate in their degree : And though thou canst not hym excell Yet see thou be not worse than hee . Finis .

¶ Imprinted at London by Wyllyam Seres , dwellynge at the west ende of Poules , at the Sygne of the Hedgehogge . Anno. 1561.

¶ The porte of reste .

Lyke as the mightie Oke whose rootes , In th earth are fixed fast : Is hable to withstande eache winde , That blowes most boystrous blast . Euen so eache frowarde Fortunes happe That euer maie betyde : The constant minde with vertue fraught is hable to abyde .

¶ To the true louers of wisedome Iohn Asteley , mayster of the Queenes Maiestyes Iewell house , and Iohn Harington Esquier Thomas Blundeuille , greeting . WHilst plutarks works , I gaue my self to rede So pleasant fruit me thought , I could none fid As is in that which rightly shewes in dede The waie t appease , and still th unquiete minde . For wheras since false flattring hope with whom I trauelde had , long tyme full painfully , Of comforte voide , alone me leaft to rome The barrein coste of wretched miserye : In stead of helping me the seas to passe Of worldly ioyes , amongst the happy sorte , In ship full fraught with fortunes giftes : as was Her vowe when first to me she did resorte : The restles muse had made my feble brayn The forge of care , and therein daily wroughte Such dulfull domps & d●eadful dreames as cleane From mirth my mind vnto despaire had brought . That boke did yeld such glistring beames Isay . Of comfort great and ioyfull quietnes : As draue those dumpes and sorowes all away My heauy heart which helde in great distres . So as in dede from that time foorth me thought I coulde not chuse but nedes contented rest And though before vaine hope much griefe hadde wrought Yet now to think that al was for the best . Which comfort though it grateful was to me In my conceyt yet did it not suffise : Onlesse that you my faithfull frendes might be Eke partners of the same some kinde of wise . For as the grief of one frende dothe decreace His other frendes , when they therof partake His ioye euen so he shall the more encreace If of thesame , he doth them partners make . Into our tunge therfore this litle quaire I turned haue , and termd the port of rest And wishe eche wight , therto for to repaire with troubled sprite that feeles himself opprest . For as the mariner , in sea whose bote With cruel stormes and tempests hath been beat And drieuen twixt whaues & feareful rocks to flote Though al that while dispaire his mind did freat : Yet when the winds their boistrous blowing ceace And he to hauen is safely come at last He than reioyceth with himself in peace And cleane forgeates al those his daungers past : Euen so eche man within this litle port That shall vouchesafe at times more ydley spente To harborough a while : himselfe to sport When he perceiues his minde to sorow bent : To warrant him I dare be bolde I saie That though he be in passing heauines Yet he thereby shall quickly learne the waie To rid his minde of all vnquietnes . Ne shall he feare the losse in time to come Of frendes , of goodes , of lyfe , or lyke distres But lyue and dye , by helpe of reasons dome In suche assured holde of quietnes : As neyther frowarde fortunes sharpe assaultes , Nor death himself , for all his dreadfull name Ne malice eke with all her forged faultes Shall be of power to ouerthrowe thesame . To you therefore to whom I am muche bounde And tall the rest , lo here nowe for your sake Of this my paine suche fruite as hath redounde In frendly wise I doe a present make . Whose relles though it be not halfe so swete Ne hath suche sappe of eloquence in dede As those thinges haue whereon ( as meates most mete For deintie mouthes ) you wonted are to fede . Yet doubt I not but that vouchesafe you wyll , To take it well in woorth , and speciallye Sithe Budes woordes in all this treatise styll I folowd haue in deede moste faithfullye . Whose stile I founde to be more graue then gaye And harde to turne into our vulguer speche , Yet as it is refuse not when you maye To taste thereof I humbly you beseche . For though it hap not deintye mouthes to please Weak stomakes yet thereby may find much ease .

PLVTARKE TO HIS frende Paccius .

THy letters myne owne good Paccius wherin thou didste exhort me to write sumwhat vnto thee , so well touchynge the quyetnes of the mynd , as also concernynge those pointes in Plato his boke called Timeo : ( which to thy seming neded a more exquisite and plainer declaration : ) Came very late vnto my handes . For euen as oure frende Erotes was ready to take shippe for to sayle towardes Rome they were delyuered to mee in haste , by that good man Fundanus . Whereby I not hauinge time sufficient to write vnto thee according to my wonte and custome of suche thynges as thou didst requyer : nor yet beinge hable to suffer suche a messenger to departe from me with emptye hande : briefly gathered certayne thynges entreatinge of the tranquility of the mynde out of suche Commentaries as I had written in tymes paste concerninge the same . Trustynge that in suche kynde of wrytinges thou wylt not looke for fyne termes and elloquent speach : But onely haue regard to the good doctrine therof , whiche maye helpe to instruct & order mans lyfe . And I thinke it already brought to some good passe . Because that althoughe thou art knyt in frendshyp ( and that not after the common sorte ) with great men and worthy Prynces , and hast also suche knowledge and experience in matters of lawe , as thou geuist place to no man therein : yet for all that thou arte not lyke the tragycall Meroppes puffed vp wyth vayne glorye , or foolyshlye amased at the reioycynge of the people , whiche hath thee in great admiration , extolling thee with infynite prayses . Neyther doest thou forget to haue harde oftimes howe that the shooe be it neuer so gay , can not heale the gowtye foote , nor the gold rynge the dysease in the fynger , nor yet that the ryche Crowne of golde and stone can once ease the payne of the heade . For to whom may ryches , honoure , glorye , or preheminence in Court , serue to put away griefe of the mind , or to leade a quiet lyfe ? But to such , as when they haue these thinges , can rightly vse them , and when they lacke theim , paciently suffer the lacke therof . But howe can that be done ? but onely by reason premeditate , and accustomed immediatlye to reprehende the passyble , and vnreasonable parte of the soule , so often as it brusteth out , and not to suffer it to raunge anye further abrode , and so to be turned out of the ryght way , by the vrgent provocation of vnbrydiled affection . And therefore as Zenophon wylled all men in their prosperitie to haue moste remenbrance of the Goddes , and then , most earnestlye and deuoutly to worshyppe them , to th entent that the goddes beinge therby alreadye reconcyled and rendred more fauourable towardes them , they myght afterwarde when occasion should serue , the boldlyer make petition , and craue the thyng that should behoue them : Euen so al sayinges & wrytinges as be most apte to appease the troubles of the minde , ought amongst men that haue reason to be first hydde and fyxed in the mynd , to the intent that suche thynges beinge prepared of a longe time before , when nede shoulde requier myght serue them to most aduauntage . For as chourlyshe mastyffes be moued with euerye noyse : and yet quieted by one knowen voyce wherunto they be commonlye vsed : Euen so it is very harde for man to quiet the outragious and bestial affectes of the mynd , except he hath some famylyer and accustomed preceptes and lessons redye at hande to styll the feruent rage therof . But suche as thynke that to leade a quyet lyfe , it behoueth not to do many thynges , nor to be muche occupied eyther in priuate or publyque affayres : those wolde make vs to bye the tranquillity of the lyfe full deare . Syth that then , it coulde not be gotten but by slouth and ydlenes , exhortynge euery man therunto as thoughe he were sycke , by that tragycall verse , whiche sayth in this wyse .

Abyde thou seely wretch , and moue not from thy bedde , Wherin thou maiest lye warme , & eke full well befedde .

For yf preuye slouthe be to the bodye a hurtfull Medicine : than sluggishnes , delicatenes , and fayntnes of corage whiche causeth a manne to forsake bothe kyffe , kynne , and country , is lyke wyse as euill a phisicion to heale the sycknes and trouble of the mynde . Moreouer it is repugnaunt to trueth , to say that those men which do least laboure and seldomist trauell abrode , do leade most quiet lyfe . For then women shoulde lyue muche more quietly then men . Because that women for the most part do tarye at home doinge lyttle , and what they do , they do it syttynge on theyr stooles . And yet as Hesiodus saith , thoughe the colde Northene wynde cannot by violence breake in , to blow vppon the younge and tender Damoyselles : yet grieffes , troubles , sorowes , and euyll disposicions of the mynde throughe Ielousy , supersticion , vayne glorye , & suche lyke innumerable vyces do finde the meanes secretlye to creape into their preuye dorters . It is sayd also that Laertes forsoke his Countrey , his house , and the Court it selfe , and liued .xx. yeres in a litle Cottage all alone by him selfe , hauing none other compaignie , but a sely olde woman which serued him of meate and drinke . And yet for all that he had both sorowfulnesse of heart , and heauinesse in countenaunce , to be his compaignions mawgre his head . Yea what wyll you saye if this doyng of nothing , hath oft times disturbed manye mens wits and sences : as you may reade in Homer speakinge of Achilles in thys sort .

Here sittes in shippe , Achilles swift whom Ioue begot To fury bente , refusing firmely nowe to fyght Of all the Lordes & commons eke , esteming not The counsels wise : which cause mans fame to shine full bright He faintes in heart , and yet furthwith to fight oothe crye And moues hymselfe , the feates of cruell Mars to trye .

And therfore he being sore greued to se hymselfe so lost with ydlenesse : in a great rage reproued hym selfe , sayinge in this wyse .

Lo here I sitte , full like a heauye lumpe of clay , This Nauewe great , to kepe in ydlenes alway .

Wherefore Epicurus hymself the fautour and mainteynor of all pleasure and voluptuousnesse woulde not haue those that by nature are ambicious & desirous of glory to geue themselues to ydlenesse : but rather to folowe nature as their guide , & to seke to beare rule & offyce in a common wealthe . For suche menne as be naturally enclyned to bee doyng : cannot quietlye suffer to be depriued of the thynge wherin they moste delyghte . Notwithstandyng he is vnwise that wyll chose suche menne into a common wealth , as cannot moderate themselues and forbeare the rule therof : rather then those that bee hable , bothe to rule themselues and the common wealthe also . Thus then you see it is not meete , to measure the quietnes and carefulnesse of the mynde by multytude or fewnesse of affayres . For it is no lesse trouble and griefe to leaue vndoone that whiche is good and honeste , then to doe that which is nought and vile . But there be some whiche will prescribe & appoint themselues before , to folowe one certain kynde of lyfe , which they take to be voyde of all care & trouble , as to bee husbandemenne , or to lyue vnmaried , or elles to be Prynces and rulers : whiche sort of men how much they be deceyued , Menander dothe playnelye declare , by these wordes here folowynge .

I thinke , O Phania that rytche men whiche haue no nede to borowe vppon vsurye to pay their creditors , do not lye tumblyng and tossyng in their beddes , lamentyng in the nyght season by them selues , and cryinge out full ofte wooe is me : but do sleepe swetelye and quietlye .

But proceading a lytle further , he found the ryche to be no lesse troubled then the poore . For life ( sayeth he ) and trouble ben as it were of one kynd , and borne both at one byrthe . For trouble is compaignyon to the voluptuous and delicate lyfe , and waxeth olde with the poore & miserable lyfe . But as those that be fearefull , of a weake stomake , and not hable to brooke the Seas : when they saile on the Seas , wyll remoue manye tymes out of a lyttle Bote into a great shippe and from thence into a galey , thinckynge therby to be immediatly easid of their griefe , vntyll such time they feele that they profite nothing in so doinge , because that wheresoeuer they go , they cary with them that Chooler & fearefulnes whych is wythin them : Euen so the often chaunge of sondry kindes of life cannot delyuer the mynd from suche grieffes and troubles as these be . That is to saye Ignoraunce , and lacke of Experience , foolishe rashnes , lacke of knowledge and power to vse thinges presente in their due kynde . For these be the thinges that v●xe both ryche and poore , and trouble so well the maryed as the vnmaryed . Nor none other cause then thys doth make suche as haue forsaken the citie for to dwell in the Country : to be wearye againe of the Countrey , and to retourne eftsones into the Cytye . These thinges also cause many men whiche by great helpe and importunate sute , haue placed themselues in kynges Courtes : anone after , to repente their laboure so bestowed . A sicke man as Ion sayeth is a verye vnpleasaunt thinge , for he cannot abyde his wyfe , he blameth his Phisicion and is angry with his bedde . Yf hys friende commeth to vysite him he dothe but trouble hym . And if he departe from hym , he dothe againe offende him . But after that hys dysease begynneth to asswage and to be somewhat more temperate : Then commeth healthe by litle and lytle , makinge all thinges delectable and pleasaunte . In suche sorte that whereas the daye before he dyd lothe newe layde Egges , deintye Brothes , and the fyneste breade that might be gotten : The nexte daye after , can hungerlye eate a peece of common bread , with a few cresses . Of suche importaunce is a good discorse in all chaunges of the life , th onely force wherof procureth the happye lyfe . It is sayed that when Alexander hearde the Philosopher Anaxharcus , affirmynge in disputation , that there were innumerable worldes : he weapte for sorowe . And beynge demaunded by his frendes what iuste cause he had to wepe : he aunswerid . Haue we not iuste cause ( quod he ) to weepe : sythe there be so manye worldes and we be not as yet lordes of one ? But Crates the porely clad Philosopher , contrarywise consumed all hys life to the laste daie in sporte & laughter as though they were all festiuall dayes . Agamemnon likewise kynge of the Micens was not a little troubled , for that he had the rule of so manye men . Of whom Homer talking saieth thus .

Thou knowest righte well Atreus son . That clepid , is Agamemnon Whome moste of all with Labors great Ioues pleasure is , to vexe and freat .

When Diogenes the Phylosopher was in the markette amongst others to be solde , and was commaunded by the Cryer which should sell him to rise vppe : He woulde not so doe , but ieasted wyth the Cryer demaunding of him , if he brought a fishe to sell whither he would bydde it rise vppe or not ? So litle he estemed hys mysserable state . Did not Socrates lykewise being in prison fast cheined & fettred , stoodye wisedome and dyspute of phylosophye amongst his disciples and Scholars ? But looke agayne on thother syde howe Phaeton clymyng vp into the heauens , with weeping teares complayned , because that no man would geue him the gouernement of his fathers horse & chariot . As the shooe is wont to be wriethed and turned to serue a crooked foote , and not contrarywise the foote to fitte a crooked shooe : Euen so the state and disposition of the mynde , must make euery kinde of lyfe that is offred , semblable and agreyng to her selfe . Nor it is not custome as some men affirme , whiche maketh pleasaunte the lyfe that they haue chosen as best for themselues : But rather wisedom maketh thesame life best , and moste pleasaunt . Therefore lette vs firste labour to pourge , to purifie , and to make so cleane as is possible , the flowyng fountayne of the tranquilitie of the minde , whiche is within vs , to th intent that we may make all outwarde thinges commyng vnto vs by chaunce : plyant , and apte to serue the purpose , through our patient sufferance . For though thinges doe not succede well accordyng to oure desire : yet it behoueth not vs to be angrie therwith , sithe angre thereto nought appertayneth . Yea , he is to be praised that by arte and pollecy can soonest redresse suche euyll successe . And therefore Plato compared mans lyfe to the dice playe , in the which although the player oughte to desier euery beste caste : yet howe so euer it chaunceth , he muste take skilfull heede to dispose eche caste in the beste wyse that he can , according as the chaunce will beare it . Of whiche two thynges , the one , that is the chaunce of the dye , consisteth not in oure power . But the other lyeth in vs to perfourme . That is to saye if we be wise , to take pacientlye whatsoeuer chaunseth , and tappoynte euery one his right place , in such sort that whatsoeuer chaunseth well , may bee applied to most aduauntage , & that whiche happeneth otherwise to leaste damage . But foolishe men and vnexperte , in knowing howe to liue : be like vnto a diseased body whiche can neither suffer heate nor colde . For in prosperitie they be fresh and gaye , and looke pleasauntlye . But in aduersitie they bende the browes and looke all frowardlye . And therefore both states doe trouble them , yea rather in them both they trouble themselues . And no lesse also bee they troubled in those thinges which of them selues are thoughte to bee good . Theodorus which surnamed is Atheus , was wonte oftetimes to saie , that he reached furth his woordes with the ryghte hande , but they receaued them with the left , euen so fares th ignorant sort , which when fortune many tymes woulde come vnto them on the right side : they moste vndecentlye turnyng themselues awaye , doe place her on the lefte . But muche better doe the wisemen , whiche lyke as bees doe make honie , whiche is of all thynges moste sweete , of Thyme the driest hearb and of most bitter Iuyce : So they of most harmefull thinges doe choose oute many tymes , some thinge that is to them bothe meete and profitable . Whiche thynge is most chiefly to be studied and with much exercise of the minde to bee laboured . For as he that when he had throwen a stone at a snarlyng bitche , and missing her , vnwillynglye by chaunce hit his stepdame : saide vnto hymselfe that his throwe was not altogether euill bestowed : euen so when chaunce chaunceth not according to our desier , we maie amende it , and apply it to some other vse . Diogenes was banished out of his countrey , and yet this had none euyll successe , for the same banishemente gaue hym firste occasion to studie Philosophie . Zenon Citicus being become of a Philosopher , a notable riche merchaunt by misfortune loste all that he had saue one shippe , whiche afterwarde , when he heard that it was also loste by tempeste in the Sea , together with all his monne and marchandise fraighted in the same : he saide .

O Fortune how nobly hast thou dealt with me , thus to driue me vnto the Philosophical hauen , and to weare again that vnaccustomed apparel .

What dothe lette vs then but that we maye take example at these men and followe them ? Haste thou bene depriued of anye office in the citie ? goe then into the countrey , and attende thyne own priuate affayres . Hast thou by importunate sute , labour to creepe into thy Princes fauor , and suffered crepulse therin ? Thou shalt then thereby liue in safetie , & free from al maner of charge and commission of hys affaires . But perhappes contrarywyse , thou art troubled with to manye offyces & wrapte in too many cares : I say to thee that warme water dothe not so muche noorishe and comforte the tender and delicate bodye ( as sayeth Pyndarus ) as honor , and glorie , ioyned with power , and aucthoritie , dothe make laboure to seeme pleasaunt , and easily employed . But thou art offended and grieued because others do talke of thee , or beare thee enuy , or vniustlye slaunder thee : well , this is but a prosperous wynde meete to carye thee vnto the Musis and into th uniuersities . As it chaunced to Plato , at suche times as he was taken vnwares with the frendship of Dionisius , as though it had bene with a cruel storme or tempest . And therfore it helpeth not a litle towardes the quieting of the minde , diligently to note and to marke th examples of the worthie and famous men , whether perchaunce they haue suffred the lyke euyll at anye tyme , through the lyke occasion . As for exaumple , the losse of thy children doeth grieue thee : beholde then the Kynges of Rome , wherof there was not one that left a sonne behind him to enherite the kingdome . Thou canst not paciently endure pouertie : whom then wouldest thou wish to be amongste the Boetians , rather than Epaminondas , or amongst the Romains , rather than Fabritius ? But putte case thy wife bee nought of her bodie . Well , doest thou not knowe that Epigram of Aegides which is in Delphos ? Haste thou not heard also howe that Alcibiades defiled Aegides wife called Timea , and howe she her self was wont to cal the childe that she brought furth Alcibiades , and to whisper in her maydens eares that they lykewise should so cal him ? and yet Aegides was no more letted by this , to proue a right noble and famous man : then Stilpo the Philosopher was letted by the vnchastnes of his daughter , to leade a merier lyfe then all the Philosophers in his tyme . Whyche thing being afterwards cast in his teeth , by one Metrocles : is then saieth he , thys my faulte , or my daughters ? The other answered , that the fault was his daughters , but the euill chaunce and mishappe was his . How can that be ( quoth he ? ) For be not faultes necligent , ouersightes and humain frailties ? The other aunswered , yes in deede . But then ( quoth Stilpo , ) be not the necligente ouersightes the errors also of them that be ouerseen ? Metrocles aunswered , yes certainly . Why then said Stilpo should not th errours be the mysfortunes of those that haue so erred ? By such kind of pleasant talk & Philosophical quietnes he declared the obiections of thother to be no other thing , but the slaunderous talk & vain barkinges of a currish felow . There be many also that be not only moued with the vices of their frendes & kinsfolkes , but also with those of their enemies . For wheras opprobrious woordes , anger , enuy , dishonestie , spightfull ielousie , shuld most chiefly distain those men in whom thei raigne : yet the self same vices trouble also & moue th ignorant sorte , no lesse than the displeasures of theyr owne kinsfolks , or the frowardnes of their frendes & familiars , or the wicked wittes & euil disposed mindes of theyr owne slaues & seruantes , wherwith thou thy selfe also as it seemeth to me , art wont to be moued . For as those Phisicions that be mencioned in Sophocles do purge bitter choler with a bitter medicine : euen so thou art wont to be angry with the diseases & naughty dispositions of other mens myndes , & with like bitternes of thine own mind ( which is litle to thi worship ) to answer them . And therfore those thinges which thou doest , be not done with a gentle & plaine behauior , the meetest instrumente for the purpose , but for the most part after a rough , crooked , and frooward sort ? And as to correct this faulte , is more then thou canst well performe : so it is also in dede not very easy to be done . But if thou couldest applye those thinges to their right vse wherunto they were ordeyned , like as Chyrurgians do their toothe drawing instruments , their launcing kniues , & closinge boocles , and shewe in thy selfe suche meekenesse & modestie euery where according as occasion dothe requier : thou shouldest bee no more offended with the leude behauiour and wickednesse of others , then reioyced within thy selfe with the conscience of thyne owne affection . For thou shouldest thinke it no more vnmeete for suche persones so to dooe : then it is vnnaturall for dogges to barke . But yf thou be so feable and weake of courage that thou wilt suffer thy selfe to bee opprest by other mens euils : nombers of griefes flowynge into thee , as into an abiect place lowe couched & apt to receiue the same , shall ouerwhelme thee , thou miserable man waxinge euery daie more sicker than other . Yea what wil you saye , yf manye of the Phylosophers haue reproued the compassion wherwith we are moued when we see anye man in miserie , affirmyng it to be the parte of a good manne , to helpe his kinsfolkes and neighbours , when they be afflicted with misery , and are by fortune ouerthrowen : but not to be partakers of their sorow , or to yelde to fortune with like subiection of the mynde . Yea and that whiche to euery mans iudgement seemeth a greate deale more straunge . Though we knowe oure selues to haue offended and to bee of a naughtie disposition : yet for all that they wyll not suffer vs to bee sorowfull in our mynd for the same , because those thinges ought to be corrected and amended ( saye they ) without griefe or heauinesse of the mynde . If thinges be thus , consider well whether it bee not a foule thyng for vs to be displeased and angry , whensoeuer any man with whom we haue to do , doth perhappes deale with vs somewhat vngentlye or extremely . But I feare me ( O most frendly Paccius that self loue doth deceiue vs , & that we be not so muche grieued with other mens offences , as pleased with our owne desertes . For the vehement affecting & inordinate folowynge of certain things , or contrarywise th auoiding & abhorring of the same , otherwyse then honestie requireth : dothe breede manye times debate and strife amongst men , and causeth the one to be offended with the other , whilest th one doth attribute to thothers fault , for that he hath bene preuented of this commoditie , or hath fallen into that daunger . But if a man coulde accordinge to the successe of thinges vse to frame himself euery waye in a moderate sort : that man with great facilitie might learne to liue with all men in all places . But nowe let vs returne againe to those thinges , from the whiche we haue for a while digressed . As those that bee sicke of an ague to whom all thinges dooe seeme bitter so soone as they taste thereof , vntyll they see that others without makyng any signe of bitter taste , dooe gredelye eate those meates which they did so lothsomly spit out : do no lenger than attribute the fault to the meate or to the drink , but to them selues & to their sicknes : euen so if we see that others with great quietnes of mind & with a mery countenance , do performe the selfesame thynges which we passe ouer with greate regreate and sorowfull complaintes : let vs then leaue at length to be so muche greued and offended with the thynges themselues . But for to reteygne a constant mynde in tyme of aduersitie , it is verye necessarie and expediente , not to passe ouer with winking eyes those thinges which luckely according to oure desier at any time haue chaunced vnto vs , & so with a meete mixture the euill mishaps , with happye happes to recompense . To recreate our eyes , when thei bee daseled with ouermuch beholding of glistering things , we vse to turne them away , & to behold pleasant grene herbs & floures . And yet our minds we do contrarywise dispose to Melancholy & sorowfull thynges , forceyng it to haue remembraunce of thinges most worthye repentaunce , and by violence we pul it awaye whether it wyll or not from suche thynges as are to be commended & praised . And nowe it commeth to my remembraunce , that to this purpose may be very well applied the sayinge whiche was sometyme spoken againste a curious fellowe that busilye searched after other mens matters nothynge apperteynynge vnto him .

Why a mischief doest thou most spightful man with kites eyes so narrowlye marke other mens faultes , and with the eyes of an Owle blindly passest ouer thine owne .

Euen so thou happye man , why doest thou so diligently regard thy griefes and euyll mishappes , makyng them alwayes presente and freshe before thyne eyes by continuall remembraunce , and turneste thy mynde from present ioye and prosperitie . And lyke as scaryfyinge cuppes wherewyth Phisitians vse to drawe the foulest bloud out of the flesh : so thou doest gather thy woorst thynges into thy self . Being in that case no better then the marchant of Syo , who though he sold much wyne , yea and that principall good to others : yet sought out alwayes for himself that which was soure and without verdure . Whose seruaunte beyng on a tyme fledde from him was demaunded of one what cause had constrayned hym to forsake his maister ? because ( quoth he ) my maister hauing good thinges in his custody wil take no part therof , but alwaies for himselfe seeketh the woorst . There be many lyke this man , whiche forsakynge the sweetest drinkes doe take them vnto the sowrest and most harshe of taste . But Aristippus did not so , who beinge placed as it were betwixte a paire of ballaunce , would not discende into the heauiest and most preste downe with euils , but mounted vp to the higheste and least chargied with griefe . For when he had lost the plesanteste lordship that he had : he spake to one of those men which showed themselues to be very sorie for the losse thereof and to lament muche his fortune : in thys wise . Doest thou not know ( quoth he ) that thou hast but one litle ferme to liue on , and I haue three manours with the demeanes yet left hole vnto my self ? that is true said the other . Why , then ( quoth he ) should not I be rather sory for thee , then thou for me ? For it is very mad●es to bee sorye for things lost , & not to reioyce in thinges saued . And as litle children when any man , of many thinges taketh but one litle trifle from them doe weepe and crye out castyng all the rest awaie : euen so we being in any one lytle thinge by fortune disturbed : we lament and complaine reiectynge all the rest as vnprofitable . But some man perchaunce would saie what haue we to reioyce in ? yea rather , what haue we not ? This manne hathe greate honour , that manne a faire house , this manne a wyfe , according to his mynde , that manne a faythfull frende . Antipater tarsensis countynge in hys deathe bedde vppon hys fyngers all the good thynges that euer he hadde in hys lyfe tyme : dyd not omytte so muche as hys prosperous sailynge oute of Cilitia vnto Athens . Nor these common thynges oughte to be neglected , yea we ought to make some compt of them . As for that we lyue and bee in healthe also for that we see the Sunne , and that there is neyther warre nor sedicion , that the lande is errable , and the Sea easye for euerye manne to saile on , finally for that it is free for vs to speake , and to keepe sylence to bee occupyed and to bee ydle . But the presence of these thynges woulde gieue vs the greater occasion of quietnesse : if we woulde fyxe in oure mynde the Image of th absence and lacke of the same . Oftentimes admonyshynge oure selues howe greatlye healthe is desyred of them that bee sycke , and peace wyshed for of those that bee troubled with warre . And howe muche the straungyer beynge of lowe degree , desyereth to gette honour and fame in suche a noble Citye , and agayne howe bitter a thyng it is to lose that which was once gotten . For in mine oppinion none of these thynges , or suche lyke , ought to be estemed or wished for , beynge once lost : sithe that nothing is to bee the more regarded for that it leaueth to haue his being : nether yet ought we to possesse these thinges as thinges of excellencye or to kepe them with suche carefulnes , watching them continually least we shoulde be spoiled of them as of thinges of pryce : yea rather though we safely possesse than , yet as transitorie thinges we oughte to neglecte them and litle regarde them . For these thinges ought to be vsed and enioyed with pleasure , and chiefly to th entent that if we should chance to lose them : we might the more quietly and moderately suffer the losse thereof . But many as Archesilaus saith , thinke it labour well bestowed one man to come after another in course and order for to beholde with fixed eye , and minde , the poesies , pictures , & ymages of others : neglecting their owne lyfe , whiche though it hath many consyderacions and aduertisementes and that not vnpleasant : yet they turnyng their eies another way , do rather consider & behold other mens fortunes , lyke aduouterers , whiche abhorring their owne wiues , do couet other mens , leading their lyues in great errour . For it importeth muche towardes the preseruinge of the minde in this constant estate : first for a man to weye and ponder himself and his own peculier thinges , Or if he will not so do then to beholde and to consider his inferiours . And not contrarywise as the common sort doth , to maruaile at those whom fortune dothe extoll and aduaunce to the hyghest degree of honoure and riches , so often as she is disposed to daly and play with them . As for example , suche as remaine bound and cheined in prison , thinke those to bee happy that be discharged and set at libertie . And those that bee set at libertie , compte them happiest that haue bene alwaies free & neuer imprisoned , & they that haue been alwaies free , compt them happy that bee free of the citie . Again those that bee free of the citie , iudge them fortunate that bee riche . The riche , the rulers , the rulers , the kinges , the kings , the goddes , which also be not contente with their rule and kingdome , excepte they haue power to sende downe lightnynge and thunder . So that when they cannot bee equall with theyr superiours : they neuer keepe themselues within their owne precinct . I care not ( sayth Thasius ) for all the riches of that notable riche manne Giges , nor dooe I muche maruayle at them , nor I seeke not to counterfaite the maruailous woorkes of the goddes , nor yet dooe I greately desier to haue rule or dominion . For these thynges be farre from my thoughte and cleane out of my sight , thus spake Thasius . But loe , on the contrarye syde one of Syo , and also another of Galathia , & one of Bithynia , who not contented to haue gotten honor , and offyce of rule amongst his Citizens : doeth yet complayne wyth weepyng teares , for that he is not one of the Senate house , whiche yf thou shouldeste graunte hym , yet it woulde not contente hym excepte he myghte bee also Pretor , nor to bee Pretor , excepte hee myght bee Consull , whiche thoughe at lengthe hee obteygned : yet woulde hee not bee satysfyed , onlesse hee myghte bee firste publyshed and proclaymed . What is thys I praye you , but a tormentynge and a contynuall punyshynge of hym selfe , accusynge Fortune of ingratytude . But the wyse manne , thoughe of so greate a noumber of mortal menne : as we bee that lyue in thys worlde enioyinge the lyghte of the Sunne , and are fedde wyth the fruytes of the earthe : hee seeth one or twoo to excell hym , eyther in honoure or rychesse , yet dooeth not hee for all that fytte lamentynge by hym selfe and wryngynge hys handes together , but rather consyderynge howe well he is dealte wyth , in respecte of an infinyte noumber that bee in myserye : he reioyseth wyth hym selfe and embraceth hys owne estate and condycion of lyfe . At the Playes of pryses , it was lawefull for no manne to procede Mayster of fence , or to bee accompted as vanquerour , excepte he had played wyth euery one that came first to hande , without any choise or eleccion permitted at al. And yet in our lyfe there is suche varietie of thinges , that euery man hath leaue to choose many with whose estate he maye compare himselfe and his estate . And to take therby occasion tencourage hymself , & to shewe himself more meete to be meruailed at of others , then he to maruayle at them , except he be so impudent that he would looke to be fellowe vnto Briareus or to Hercules . And therfore whensoeuer thou liftest vp thy heade to beholde anye noble manne borne a loft in a Chayer on mennes shoulders : cast downe thine eyes by and by to looke also vppon them that beare him . Againe so often as thou shalte maruaile at Xerxes and compt him happy , for that he had suche power to make a bridge ouer the sea called Helles Pontus for him and all his armye to passe : consyder then also the miserable slaues that by stripes of whippes were then forced to digge in the mountain Athos , & to make waie there , for the sea to passe , and howe some of them were mangled and hewed , and loste both nose and eares , by meanes that the bridge beyng broken by rage of sea fell down vpon them , and think that they woulde extoll thee and thy condicion of lyfe with infinite praises . When a certaine frende of Socrates came vppon a time vnto him complainyng that all things in the citie were solde at excessiue pryces , for wyne of Syo was at . xl.s . purple at vi.li. and half a pint of hony at . xx.d . Socrates takyng him by the hande brought him into the storehouse of meale , and told him that he might haue half a pinte of that for a halfpeny , and therefore corne was cheape . Then he led him into the oile seller , and showed him that he mighte haue a pynt of that for two brasse pence , wherefore quoth he all thinges in the citie bee not deare . Euen so if we heare anye man say that our estate is verye poore and miserable , because we bee not consulls or beare some other high office in the citye : we maye aunswer him againe , that oure estate and condicion of life is right excellente and honourable , for that wee haue no neede to begge from doore to doore , nor to beare heauye packes and burthens on oure shoulders as the porters dooe , nor yet lyke Parasites to folowe and to flatter greate menne for a dyner sake . But thoughe wee bee come to suche madnesse that oure lyfe seemeth to depende more of other mennes , then of it selfe : and that oure nature is so degenerate , and wyth enuyous affectes corrupted , that wee bee not so muche reioyced wyth oure owne , as grieued wyth other mennes prosperitye : yet I saye yf thou wouldest not onely beholde the famouse thynges and woorthye to bee seen , that are in those menne , whome thou thynkeste to bee so happye , and to bee as they saye , in goddes lappe : but also wouldest draw back that goodlye fayre vayle , and outewarde showe of theyr glorye , and looke further in : truely thou shouldeste fynde manye of theyr intrayles to bee ryght sower and grieuouse to beholde . When that Pittacus who is yet so famous for the greate wysedom , fortytude , and Iustyce , wherewyth hee was endewed , enterteygned at hys Table certayn gheastes whom he hadde enuyted to hys house : it is sayde that hys wyfe commynge in sodaynlye , ouerthrew the boorde in a greate rage and layed all the meate on the floore , wherewyth hee perceauyng his gheastes to be somwhat moued , sayde thus vnto them . Euerye one of you is grieued wyth some kynde of euyll , and yet I in this kynde of state as you see , dooe alwayes thynk my selfe maruaylouslye well dealte wyth all . Thys manne in the Markette place is iudged to bee fortunate and happye , but so soone as hee commeth wyth in hys owne doores , hee seemeth to bee ( I wyll not saye a wretche or a myser ) but euen verye myserye it selfe . For there , hys wyfe possesseth all , and ruleth al imperiouslye at her owne wyll , wyth whome hee muste contynuallye , fyghte , chyde , and brawle , Yet sayde hee to his gheastes , manye thynges dooe grieue you , but nothing can grieue me at all . The like troubles be incident also to states of honour , to riche men , yea , and to kynges them selues , and yet not marked of the rude & vnlearned sorte , because the courtayne of pride and glorye is drawen before theyr eyes , behinde the which al thinges lieth hidden . And therfore thei hauing regard only to the prosperitie , and not to the aduersitie of other men , doe saye with Homer .

Howe happy was Agamemnon Of all the greekes moste woorthy wight To whom all fate gaue place alon Whilste fortune gaue her childe suche might .

But this straunge kinde of felicitie or happines , did consiste in harnesse , horses , and hostes of men gathered aboute hym , and therefore heare nowe againe , the inwarde voice of his sorowfull mynde , crying oute againste the insolency of suche glory .

In grieuous cares and deadly smart Thus Ioue hath wrapte my woofull hart .

And therefore he compted those most happy that were free from all perill , neuer aduaunced to honor but dyed wythout glorie . With these and suche like kind of discourses , a man by litle and litle pull out of his minde that iniquitie , which is alwaies complaining and blamyng fortune , and eleuate his desperate mynde , whiche whilest it hath others in admiracion : doeth reiect and abase it selfe and al that it possesseth . For truely it doth greatly breake the quiete state of the mind , when a man towardes the atcheauing of anye thing doth force himself aboue his power , and as it were , beareth a greater sayle then his proporcion requireth . For beyng led by a litle reioyceing hope , we rashelye promyse great thinges to our selues , and then if the successe doe not aunswer therto accordingly : we accuse fortune & oure Aungell of vniustnesse and partialitie . Whereas we ought rather to condemne our selues of small discretion , and foolish rashenesse . As though we shoulde bee angrye with Fortune , because we cannot shoote an arrowe out of a plowe , or hunt the Hare with an oxe , & as though some vniust god did hinder those that vainlye wente aboute to hunte the Harte in chariottes , and not to bee rather angry with oure owne madnesse and foolyshnesse in attempting to bryng to passe thinges vnpossyble . The cause of this erroure , is none other , but onely selfe loue , for whylest menne that loue themselues to much : dooe attribute with greate comparyson , the chiefest honour in all places to theym selues : they waxe so headye and so stubburne , that they leaue no enterprise vnattempted . Nor it is not ynoughe for them to be ritch , eloquente and pleasaunt compaignions at the boord , yea to be frended with kinges , to beare rule and office , except they maye haue also the best dogges , the fairest horses , cockes , & quayles , with other like birdes of pleasure , for els they can neuer bee quiete in minde . Dionisius th elder was not contented to be the greatest and most mightie Tiraunt that was in his time , but thinking it al to litle and far vnworthy his estate , because he was not also so good in vercefying as Philoxenus the Poet , nor so eloquent as Plato : he was moued thereby to wrathe whiche ouercame him . And therefore he banished Philoxenus into Latumias & sent Plato to be sold in Aegina . But Alexander did not so , at such time as he contended with Brison , whose chariot should runne swiftest , for ( thei say ) he was highly displeased with Brison , because that Brison to flatter him did not his best , but suffered hym to win the race . Wherefore Homer speaking of Achilles and Vlisses , did verye well to geue eache manne his due prayse in this wise .

Of all the greekes there was not one In chiualrye that could him passe But lawe to pleade suche one there was As hym excelde who was alone .

Megabisus perses comming on a time into Apelles shoppe began to talke I know not what of the arte of paynctyng whose vnskylfull pratynge Apelles not suffering : sayde thus vnto him . Before that thou dyddeste vtter thy selfe by thy talke , wee hadde somme good oppynion of thee , beecause thy garmentes of Golde and purple did beautify and set furth thy silence . But nowe the very boyes of my shoppe whiche grinde my coolours , dooe laughe at these thy foolyshe bablynges . Some thinke that the Stoykes do mock vs , for that they doe not onely constitute and ordaine their wiseman ( whiche they faine vnto themselues ) to be prudent , iust , and valyaunt , but also they call hym an Oratour , an Emperoure , a Poet , and fynally a kinge , and yet these glorious men abouesaide , be not ashamed to attrybute al these names to themselues . And if thei perceiue at lengthe that they cannot attayne to them all : they bee immediatelye greued , and dooe take it verye heauelye , Whiche thing how reasonable it is , thei themselues may easily see . Sythe they knowe that the goddes themselues bee contente eache one , with his peculier and sondry name . As this god because he hath the rule of warre and battayle , is surnamed Emialius , and that other because he is God of prophecies , Mantous , & another for that he is God of gayne and lucre Cerdous . Wherfore you shall read in Homer , howe that Iupiter forbad Venus to intermedle with warrelyke affayres as thinges not appertayninge vnto her , and commanded her to take cure and charge onely of matters of weddyng , of bedding , and of pleasure . Beside this some of those thinges whiche seeme woorthie to be desired of vs , are of a contrary nature one to another . As for example it behoueth hym that endeuoureth himselfe to studye eloquence , or any other of the liberal sciences , to be quiet and free from all worldlye affaires . For office in the citie , and the frendship of kinges , are woont to cause muche businesse , and often to cal away the mind from his determinate purpose . Also the aboundaunt vse of wine and fleshe , maketh the body strong and mete to wrastle , but it maketh the mynde weake & frayle . Finally in gathering and heaping vp of riches , a man must vse great diligence t encrease them , and as great carefulnesse in kepyng them . Contrarywise the despising of them , and to set nought by them , is a great helpe and furtheraunce towardes the studye of Philosophy and as it were the first practising of thesame . Wherfore al men cannot haue al thinges . And therfore it behoueth euery man tobay the preceptes of Pittachus , that therby he may learne to knowe himself , and so to consult with nature , & to folow her as his guide , by applying himself to some one certayne thing , rather then by passing from one kinde of life vnto an other , to force nature . The horse is mete for the cart , the oxe for the plowe , the Dollphin for the ship , and the fierce mastife for the wilde bore . For if a manne would be grieued because the mightye stronge Lyon cannot bee lyke a litle fawnyng dogge daintelye fedde in a widdowes lappe : truelye he myghte bee wel compted for a very foole . And he likewyse shoulde not one whit be better , that would take vppon him bothe at one time to wryte of the worlde , and to searche oute the naturall causes of thynges , lyke as Empedocles , Plato , or Democritus dyd : as also attende to embrace an olde woman for rychesse sake as Euphorion dydde . Or elles would bee like vnto those that were wonte to spende the most part of the nyghte in bankettyng and reueling with Alexander , as Medius did , and yet to thynk such plesure to be nothing at al , except for rychesse he myghte bee also no lesse notable then Ismenia , and for vertue , no lesse famouse then Epaminondas . Those that runne for the beste game , bee content with theyr rewarde , and dooe easilye suffer the wrestlers to enioye to theymselues , those Crownes of glorye that they haue wonne . Haste thou gotten Sparta ( sayeth Solon ) to bee thy Countrey ? then adourne it wyth good lawes and ordynaunces . But we would not ( sayeth the same Solon ) chaunge with you oure vertue for youre richesse . For vertue is a stable thynge , and the propertye thereof maye bee possessed . But rychesse are onelye graunted too mannes vse for a time , passinge oft from one to another . Strato the naturall Phylosopher , when hee hearde that Meuedemus had more scholers then he : said , is it so muche to be maruayled at , the more desier to bee washed then to bee annointed ? Aristotle writinge to Antipater said , that Alexander was much to be praised and extolled , not onely for that he had the rule and empire ouer manye nacions : but also for that he had a better opinion then others of thinges appertaignyng to god . And therfore if men would thus perswade with themselues that theyr owne things ought to be reioyced in , to be praised , and not to be so litle set by : thei should not so pine away , in maruailyng at other men . But nowe though there bee none of vs al that thinketh the vine mete to beare figges , nor the olyue tree to brynge foorth grapes : yet do we continually accuse our selues , and with vnthankful satiablenes vexe and greue our selues , yea we be wery of our selues except we maie bee chief , so well amongst the riche as also among th elloquent , at whom in peace , as abrode in warre , aswel amongst the Philosophers as the souldiers , and againe amongst the flatterers , as amongst those that be true , and of a faithfull free simplicitie , and finally so well amongest the couetous sparers , and as the prodigall spenders . And yet we see with oure eyes howe maruaylously well nature dothe teache vs the contrary . For as nature hathe ordeyned sundry wyld beastes to lyue by sondry kindes of foode , and not to bee all fed either with seedes , fleshe , or rootes , but diuers to eate of diuerse meates : euen so likewise the selfe same nature hath geuen to mankind dyuerse kindes of life , as some to be herdmen , some plowmen , some foulers , and some fishers , wherefore it behoueth euery one of vs to take that whiche we perceiue is moste meete for vs , and wholye applyinge oure selues to that , to depart from the possession of those thynges , whiche we know do apperteigne to others . For otherwise Hesiodus should be vnwise to speake in this sorte .

The potter doth himself with potters aye compare And eke the smith his like in arte texcell dothe care .

But nowe menne doe not contende one with another in lykenesse of arte or facultie , but the riche with the eloquente , the nobles with the riche , and the lawyers with the subtile sophisters . Yea , free men , gentlemen , and suche as bee descended of an auncient stocke , bee amased and dooe maruaile so muche at the good successe & promocion , that manye tymes players of merye interludes and commodies on stages , tumblers , and slaues , haue in kinges courtes , that whilest thei thinke all their owne honest qualities not to be estemed : they vexe themselues with great grieffes and sorowfulnesse of mynde , whiche at length dothe kyll them . But howe euerye man hath in his own mynde a storehouse or receptacle , and as it were a flowynge fountayne both of quietnesse and of carefulnesse , and hathe also the vessels ( wherof Homer speaketh ) full of all kynde of good and euyll , not as hee sayeth , layde at Iupyter hys Doore , but placed wythin the soule : the dyuersityes of menne , whiche wee see to bee dyuerslye ruled by affections of the mynde dooe ryghte well declare . For fooles doe not onely passe ouer good thynges whiche be presente , but also dooe neglect those that bee paste . So muche are theyr carefull myndes bente to that whiche is to come . But wise menne contrarywise reuoluing thynges throughe good remembraunce before their eyes , doe cause those thinges that as yet bee not , to bee at hande , yea and to bee presente in deede . Whereas to fooles ( because thynges present do chaunce in a momente , so sodainelye as they can not almoste bee perceyued ) it semeth that we haue nothynge nor that anye thynge apperteigneth vnto vs . And as the Rope-maker whiche is paincted in Pluto hys Temple , for slouth suffreth his Asse that standeth by hym , to eate vp all the corde that hee of hempe hathe twysted : euen so the vngratefull and sluggishe forgetfulnesse of manye , takynge awaye the commodyties receyued of thinges past , and cancellynge all the noble actes and woorthye enterpryses , all the sweete tyme spente in quyete Studye , free from all worldly affaires , all the plesaunt and merie societies and felow lyke liuynge together of frendes , and finallye cleane abolishyng all that parte of the lyfe , that euer was geuen to anye myrthe or pleasure , wyll not suffer ( I saye ) one self life to be made and knit of thynges paste and present : but by seperatyng the life past , from the lyfe present , and agayne the lyfe present from the lyfe to come , maketh for lacke of callyng suche thinges to remembraunce all thinges to seeme , as though they had neuer bene done . Those that in the scholles of Philosophers doe take away th encrease of bodies , affirmyng the substaunce to vanish away by continuall wasting of breath , doo seme to proue that euerye one of vs dooe alter state of body & dayly decay by woordes . But suche as do forgette thynges past , as though theyr memorie failed them , and will not repeat one thing often , those do not in woordes , but in deedes make themselues euery day more miserable and poorer then other . Depending of the time to come as thoughe thynges of a yere paste and of late dayes , yea , and of yesterdaye , apperteigned nothing vnto them : yea , and as thoughe those thinges hadde neuer chaunced vnto them . So that the quiet estate of the mind , is by this meanes disturbed . And as flies creapyng vppon verye smoothe and slippery glasse doe slide , and yet in rough and cranyed places doe easily sticke : Euen so menne doe fal from merye and pleasaunt thinges , and doe take sure holde on the remembraunce of heauye and sorowefull thinges . Yea rather as by report , there is in Olinthios a certaine place called of the propertie thereof Cantharoletron , into the whiche when the great betleflyes bee once entered , they cannot fynde the waye out againe , but after that they haue many times tumbled to and fro and gone oft aboute in vaine , at length doe dye : so men being walowed into the remembrance of misery & aduersitie , cannot afterward help themselues out , nor yet once take breathe . And therfore as painters in their tables are wont with faire glistering coulours , to couer and to ouerlaye those coulours that be duskishe and not to be seen : So it behoueth menne in their myndes wyth thinges woorthye of remembraunce and praise , to presse down and to ouerwhelme all suche sorowfull chaunces as are not to be spoken of . For thinges paste cannot be vtterly abolyshed nor yet dothe it lye in mannes power wholy to beware in time to come . For the armony of this world is so diuers and so variable as is the sound of the harpe or viall . Neither doth manne possesse any thyng that is symple , sincere or pure . But as musicke is made of tunes high and lowe , and grammer of letters , whereof some bee vowelles , and some bee consonauntes , and yet he is neither Musitian nor gramarian , that with either of these or those wil bee offended , but rather that moste aptlye can vse them and compounde them bothe together : so he finally seemeth most wisely to establishe and dyrecte his lyfe , that hath learned discretely to myngle together the chaunces & successes of thinges that be of diuers kindes , & contrary one to another : by recompensinge the haps vnfortunate , with the lucky and fortunate . For the commoditie of mans life will not suffer prosperitie and aduersity to be put a sunder eche one by himself , yea rather it behoueth vs , to make a certain temperature of them bothe , if we purpose to iudge and to determine of them rightly . Wherfore it is not mete to grunt or to grone at eyther of them , and to lye downe as one opprest with a heauye burthen for faintnesse of hart and courage : but rather with the remembrance of better happe , to withstand and to beate back again the force and violence of euery vnlucky chaunce . And by couering the displeasures and incommodityes , wyth the vayle clothe , of pleasures and commodyties , to make the tenoure of the whole lyfe , beyng knytte and compacte of prosperitye and aduersitie : lyke a certayne melodyous concorde tempered by art of musick . Nor there is not ( as Menander thought ) one aungel appointed to man so sone as he is born to be the directer of his life , and as a mayster to teache him to lyue well : but there be rather ( as Empedocles saied ) twoo aungelles and twoo sundry fortunes , to whom he gaue many sundrye names , whiche doo receaue vs al into their powere and tuycion so soone as we come into the world , being immediatly bounde and geuen vnto theim , with lyke lawe and condicion of seruitude . And he sayde that in oure byrthe we receaue the seedes of al these affections . And therfore the waye of oure lyfe is not playne and smoothe , but roughe and full of harde passagies . For the whiche cause , the wise man wysheth the best , and prouideth for the woorste , and vseth both temperatlye , aduoydynge in either parte all extremity . For it is not so ( as Epicurus affirmeth ) that he onelye with pleasure approcheth the tyme to come , whiche careth not whither he lyue so long or not : but those rather receaue most pleasure of riches , honour , power , and dominion , which if nede should bee , coulde take the contrary state and condicion of lyfe in good worthe . For the vehemente desier of anye thing is alwaies accompanied with a certain feare to lose the same , whiche feare appaullith mans mirth and oftentimes interrupteth the same , like a flame of fier restrained by a greater violence of winde . But that man whom reason hath taught boldly wythout feare to speake vnto Fortune in thys wise .

Like as t enioy thy giftes , I would be very glad Euen so to lose the same , I wil be nothing sad :

Must nedes I saie trusting in himself enioy thinges present with pleasure , nor cannot be often vexte with feare , in remembring of any losse that maye ensue . When Anaxagoras hearde that his sonne was dead : he saide . when I did bigette hym I knewe well that he shoulde dye , & to that end I brought him vp . This affeccion of Anaxagoras oughte aswel to be folowed of vs , as to be maruailed at . For euerye one of vs , to anye mishappe that chaunceth , maye immediately saie thus . I knewe right well , that the riches whiche I possesse , were but lent me for a time , and not bounde to me by any necessity , and that I had but onely the vse of them . And I was not ignoraunt that thei whiche gaue me power and aucthoritie , might also take it from me , if they liste . I knewe my wyfe to be honest , and yet a woman also . And fynally it was not hydde from me , that my frende was a man , whiche is a beaste ( as Plato sayeth ) whose nature wil be easily corrupted . Truely he that will make compte of his affectes after this sorte and wyll buylde before in his minde suche kynd of Bulwarkes and fortes of reason : though any thinge perhappes shall afterwarde chaunce against his desyer or peruersely : yet shall it not chaunce sodaynlye or vnlooked for . Because he wyll neuer saye ( as the common sorte dooeth ) that I woulde neuer haue thought it , or that I hadde a better hope , thynkyng that this could neuer haue come so to passe . Yea suche a manne I saye , shall alwayes bee hable to putte away the waueryng of his hart , beatyng and quiuering for feare , and to brynge it by and by from trouble and vexacion , to reste and quietnesse . Carnēades was wonte to putte menne moste in remembraunce of aduersitye , when they were in greatest prosperitie . Beecause that all thynges that come sodainlye and vnlooked for : bee naturally apte to bee receyued with griefe and trouble of the mynde , and as it were with faintynge and soundyng . And nowe to confyrme that whiche hath bene sayde with some exaumples . Fyrst howe smal a porcion is Macedonye of the Romaine Empyre ? And yet when kynge Persis hadde loste it , he didde not crye out only of Fortune with foule complaintes : but also semed to manye others to bee the myserablest manne and moste vnfortunate that euer was . But beholde on the other syde Emilius , who departyng out of the prouynce , after that he had once vanquished Persis , and yelded vppe to his successor all the rule and power that he had bothe by Sea and lande : was receyued wyth crownes of glorye and greate reioycing . For al men in the tyme of doing sacrifice , did extoll him with praises vp to the heauens , and that not vnworthely , yea moste woorthely . For this man had alwayes in remembraunce , how that the Empire was geuen him but to vse for a tyme . But Persis contrarywise , was depryued of his kingdome by a sodayne chaunce and vnlooked for . And truely it seemeth to me that Homer by a goodly exaumple hathe very well taught vs , howe muche more grieuous sodayn strokes be , then others . For Vlisses beyng come home againe out of a straunge countrey , wept to see the sodayne deathe of his dogge . And yet sytting by his lamentynge wife , didde not wepe at all . For he being many times towardes comming home , conceiued before in his mind , th image of his weping wife . And so that affection whiche wythoute doubte , in a sodaine woulde haue bruste out : he by laysure subdued , and by hardening his heart before , broughte it cleane vnder his rule and power . But he was somwhat troubled with the sodein death of his dogge , because that in so sodayne a thing he hadde not tyme to restrayne the force of his affection . And to speake brieflye , partlye suche thynges as chaunce otherwise then we desier : be intollerable & grieuous to suffer by nature , and partly a corrupte oppinion and naughtye custome of oure selues hath taughte vs to be grieued therewith . And that is the greatest parte , against the whiche , it should be well done , to haue alwaies ready at hand this sayinge of Menander . Thou neuer sufferest any outragious thynge , excepte thou suppose it so to be . For what needest thou to care , so long as it pyncheth not thy fleshe , nor toucheth thy lyfe , as for exaumple . The lowe byrth of thy father , the whoredome of thy mother , to be depriued of the honour of the highest seate , or to be iniured , in that the glorie of the victory is taken from thee : what dooe these thinges I saye apperteigne to thee ? For thoughe all these thynges were so in deede : yet nothynge letteth thee , but that thou mayest bee well , yea and verye well dysposed both of body and soule . Now against such thinges as naturally somewhat offend vs as sicknes , misery , & death of oure frendes , we ought tobiect this saying , wo is we . But why woe is me syth we haue suffered nothing , but that whiche apperteygneth to man . For there is no talke or saying , that doeth more quickly reproue the passyble parte of the soule , when it is drawen out of the right waye by vnbrideled affections : then that sayinge which doth admonishe vs , and put vs in remembraunce of the vniuersall and naturall necessitie , and of that which must nedes be , with the whiche necessitie man is noryshed vppe and wrapt in it , at the tyme of his byrthe and fyrst knyttynge of his bodye , whiche one knotte is onelye subiecte to fortunes assaultes , and al the reste of natures gyftes whiche be chiefest and of most valewe , he may safely possesse withoute daunger . When Kynge Demetrius had taken the cytie of Megara , it is sayde that he demaunded Stylpo the Philosopher , whether he hadde loste anye of hys goodes or not ? To whom Stylpo answered . That he sawe no manne takynge awaye anye thynge of his , for ( saieth he ) though fortune hathe suffered vs to bee robbed and spoyled of all the reste : yet wee haue some thynge lefte in vs , whiche the Greekes can neyther beare nor dryue awaye . It is no reason therefore , so muche to despyse and to reiecte nature , as though she had no iote of fortitude nor of sufferaunce and therefore not equall in force , to Fortune . But sythe wee knowe ryghte well that , that parte of manne which is to fortune subiecte , is a verye small porcion of vs , and lytle to bee regarded , beyng so brittle and so softe that it yeldeth at the fyrste to euery lytle poushe : and that we be lordes of the better parte , wherein as in a strong holde all good thynges be placed : yea , and wherein also , true glorye , scyences , and all studies apperteigninge to vertue haue their beyng : whiche cannot be taken awaie nor euer perishe by anye vyolence : it becommeth vs ( I saye therefore ) to bee in mynde vnuincible , and to truste in oure selues , fearynge nothynge that is to come . And to saye to fortune , that whiche Socrates fainynge to haue spoken vnto Anitus and Melitus his accusours , spake in deede to the Iudgies . Anitus and Melitus maye well take my life from me , but hurt or damage thei can do me none . For though Fortune may oppresse manne with diuers dyseases destroye his goodes , and accuse him to the Tiraunte , or to the people , yet she cannot make hym an euyll manne , or a cowarde , or false hearted and faynte of courage or malicious , and specially he beyng a good manne , and endued with manlynesse and stoutenesse of courage . And finally she can not take away the right constitucion and disposicion of the mind , whiche doth help manne more to passe his lyfe , then th art of sailing doeth the mariner to passe the seas . For the sterne man be he neuer so expert , can no more stil the raging sea or represse the violence of the boysterous winds , then to take hauen where as he list , so oft as he desireth to come from sea to shore . No nor yet can his art performe this , that he being taken in a sodain tempest maye constantly and without feare escape such necessity . But onely it helpeth thus much that so long as he despaireth not but that arte maie take place , he gathereth in hys sayles aswel as he can , and so floteth with the tempest , wheras the cowardly maryner sitteth wryngynge his handes together , and whilste the maste of the ship lyeth drowned by violence of windes in the sea , he trembleth & quaketh for feare . But the quiet mind in a wiseman , both bringeth healthe to the bodye by the meanes of continency , good diete & exercise ( whyche thinges dooe aswage and cleane take awaye the cause and matter of sicknesse ) & also if there be afterward perhappes any occasion of trouble whereuppon mannes mind doth run as vpon a rocke in the sea : he hoyseth vp sayle , and as ( Esclapiades saith ) quickly passeth thesame . But fooles not so muche for desier of life as for feare of deathe , dooe hang on the bodye by the hands closed lattys wise one finger with in another : euen as Vlisses did hang by the wild figge tree when he feared the dangerous goulfe called Caribdis roaringe vnderneath him , who ( as Homer writeth ) being sodainly taken in the sea of Sycelye , was brought to such case that by meanes of the violence of the winde driuing him hither & thither , he could nether go forward nor backward , nor yet as the prouerbe saieth , as one that holdeth a wolf by the eares : was hable what for wearines , & for thūhandsomnes of the place , to holde the tree any lenger , and yet durst not let it go for feare of the terrible monster . Truely if a man woulde by some meanes searche oute the nature of oure soule , and think with him selfe , that by death we passe from this life to a better , or at the least not to a woorse : certainly that man in despisinge deathe , shoulde prepare for himselfe no smal prouision , to conduct him in his iourney towardes the quietnesse and tranquilitye of the mynde . For he that as well by force of vertue whiche is proper and peculyer to manne , may liue pleasantly , as also by meanes of other thinges not apperteygnyng to manne , but geuen besides nature being of great power & farre passing our own proper thinges : maie be of such bold spirite and courage , that he maie saye to himself , I maie depart , yea I saye euen at the firste instant , and by gods leaue when I will my selfe : Howe I pray you , or when maie we thinke that any grieuous thing indissoluble or troublous , can chaunce to this man ? But whosoeuer he was the fyrst spake this famous and renowmed sentence , O Fortune I haue preuented thee , and taken vppe before all thy wayes and passages bee they neuer so strayghte : truelye that manne seemeth not to haue encouraged and boldned himself by strong buildings fast barred and surelye locked : but rather by Philosophicall decrees and testimonies of wise men which be common and easie for all menne to haue , yea and readie at hande to all those that shall vouchesafe to receaue them . Neyther oughte we to take awaye our credite from suche thinges as be consecrated to the memorie of vs & of our posteritie , nor yet to dispair or to mistrust our selues as vnhable euer to folow any parte thereof . But as wee ought to haue them in admiracion , & as it were by a certain inspiration of god to be amased at them : so also it behoueth hym that prepareth himself to folowe thesame , too make such a showe of himselfe that in beginning first with smal thinges , he maye afterwarde attempt greater and greater , & so at length atchieue to the highest . But we must take hede in ani wise that we forget not to consider these thyngs before , nor yet be greued to reuolue them often in our mind & to think of them with all our hart , whych thyng is not , vneasy to be done . For as the dilicatenes of the minde , whych being occupied in euery litle trifle and thinges of smal weight , is woont by a naughty sufferaunce to withdraw it self from vnplesaunt thinges for to folow things of plesure : dothe annoy vs and infect vs with a certain slouthful diliciousnes & tendernes : euen so , if a man would behold in his mind th image of sicknes , labor , trauail , banishment , & such other like , & commaund in him self the force of his wit & reason , diligently to discusse eache thing that is to be pondered by it self : that man , that man , I say , with out doubt , should quickly find those thinges that seme greuous & horrible , to be in dede vain & for the most part not to be regarded , and finally to threaten more outwardly , than thei can performe inwardly . But the common sort doe feare this saying of Menander . There is no man that may glory so muche of himselfe in his lyfe time as to saye , that I wyll not suffer this , or that . And no maruayle why , sythe they knowe not howe muche it helpeth towardes th aduoiding of heauines , taccustom themselues to behold fortune with a froward countenance , & with a fierce looke , & not to be geuen to effeminate thoughtes & wauering delites , which being nourished in darkenes , & abashed at euery glistering light of hope , do yeld to euery trifle . Albeit Menander might be answered thus . A man ought not to say , I wil not in my life time suffer this , but rather ought to saie , I wyll not whilst I liue do this . As I wil not lye , I wil not vse subtil craft in deceauing men , I will not defraude them of their ryght , I will not maliciouslye lay waite to take them in a trap . For sithe this thing consisteth in our power , it must nedes be a very great helpe to those that do further them selues tobteigne quietnes of minde . Contrarywise a wicked conscience is in the soule , like a wounde in the bodie , & it causeth repentance , which continually fretteth and tormenteth the soule . For where as reason is wont to take away all other griefes and heauines , this naughtie conscience ( I saie ) causeth repentaunce for shame to prouoke it selfe of the owne accorde , and as it were eagerlye to byte and to teare it selfe in pieces . And as the colde of a colde ague , or the heate of a burnynge feauoure dooeth muche more vehementlye and grieuouslye afflicte the bodye , then anye other outwarde heate or colde . Euen so the griefes and sorowes that come vnto vs by chaunce , be easier to suffer , then those that by our owne folye dooe breede in oure selues . This sayinge also which euery man when he hath done any mischief is wont with weaping teares to howle out . There is no manne to bee blamed for thys , but I my selfe : maketh the wounde whiche is greuous of it selfe , muche more greuous and dothe pearce it deper . For neyther goodlye buyldynges , nor aboundaunce of golde , nor yet noblenesse of byrthe or great Empire , nor fynallye , pleasaunt speache , eloquence , or promptnes of tounge , can brynge suche stylnesse and pleasaunt quietnesse of lyfe , as the mynde that is free from pensyuenesse and lyueth by it selfe , farre of , from wycked thoughtes . Whiche mynde hauyng in it self a cleare and pure fountain of lyfe ( whereby I meane an honest dysposition and vertuous behauyoure from whence all commendable doynges dooe spring ) as a thing encouraged I saye by some inspiracion of god , doth bringe furth all her doinges in myrthe and pleasure , with the continuall remembrance whereof she is onely fed , being to her a great deale sweter & much more assured , than the hope wherof Pyndarus speaketh , which ( as he saith ) dothe nourishe olde age . And as the swete gardein plots ( as Carneades was wont to say ) though thei be spoiled of their pleasant shrubbes , the rootes being cut or pulled vp , do yeld for al that a certain sweete smel long time after : euen so honest doings , do leaue in the mind of a wyseman , a certain remembrance which is alwaies pleasant & freshe . With the which remembrance the inward mirth being watered , as it wer wi●h a continual running brooke , is alwais greene & bringeth furth yonge shootes & springes to the great shame of those that do oft lament & blame this lyfe , affirminge it to be a counsel house of mischief , & a certain assemble of banished folkes , into the which the soules be sent a way from aboue , as though thei wer banished out of their countrey . Truely I cannot but iudge this saying of Diogenes moste worthy of remembraunce . Who espying a stranger on a time in Lacedemony gorgeously arraying himself against a festiuall daie , sayde thus , what ( quoth he ? ) Is not euery daye to a good man a festiuall daie ? yes truely ( if we consider thinges wel ) most festiuall & ioyful . For the world is no other thyng but a holy temple , & moste meete for God . And into this temple , man at his byrthe tyme is admitted , not to beholde ymages made by mans hand , & withoute sence or feling : but to behold the Sunne the Moone , & the Starres , from whence our life toke her first beginning & mouing , which thinges the prouidence of god gaue vs to beehold , to th entent that such thinges as be subiect to the outward sences , mighte bee ( as Plato saith ) ymages & examples of those thinges which are to be comprehended and vnderstanded by the minde . Adde hereunto the floudes continually bringing fresh water and earth , which nourisheth bothe plant & beast . It behoueth our lyfe therefore , that wil truelye beginne to celebrate this noble feast & goodly sight , to be ful of mirthe & quietnes . And not to tarie for the feaste of Saturne , of Bacchus or of Pallas ( as many doe ) whiche dooe abyde these and suche other feastyuall dayes when they approche with greate expectacion , and fynallye beynge come they receaue them and the playes celebrated in the same , with much reioyceing . And for their pleasures sake , they paie also hier to players of Interludes , to Minstrels and to Tumblers , that in those daies they maie delyght themselues , the more wantonly with bought mirthe . But what can bee a more vndecent thing then this , that during suche playes , we can sit quietly , kepinge a maruaylous styll sylence , attendynge to nothynge but to that onelye . For neyther dooeth any manne lamente whylste hee dooeth Sacryfyce , nor yet whylste hee beholdeth the plaies of Apollo , no more then hee that sytteth at Saturnes feaste , complayneth for hunger . And yet suche solempne feastes , as God is aucthour of , and as it were rynge leader , we manye tymes defyle and vyolate , by passynge theym ouer with lamentynge , wyth bitternesse of hearte , and wyth myserable lyuyng . And thys also is verye vnseemelye for vs to bee delyghted wyth the melodious noyse of Organes , and with the swete syngynge of byrdes , and wyllynglye to beholde beastes whylste they playe together , and leape too and fro . And agayne to bee offended wyth theyr loude howlynge , terryble roarynge , and cruell lookynge . And yet we seynge oure owne sorowfull heauye and frowarde lyfe , drowned in noysome affectes , in troubles and cares inexplycable , be not onelye vnhable to craue casemente for oure selues and space to breathe : But also vnwilling to heare those that would exhorte vs thereunto . To whose admonyshmentes if with eares vnoccupied and wel pourged we would attende , we● should both vse thinges present according as they bee , withoute feare of reproofe , and also wee shoulde quiete oure selues wythe pleasaunt remembraunce of thinges paste . And finally hauynge an assured and ioyfull hope alwayes before oure eyes , wee should boldly aproche thynges that are to come .

¶ Imprinted at London by Wylliam Seres dwellyng at the West end of Poules at the Sygne of the Hedgehogge , the vii . daye of Iune . An. domini . 1561.

¶ Cum priuilegio ad imprimendum solum