The praise and dispraise of women very fruitfull to the well disposed minde, and delectable to the readers therof. And a fruitfull shorte dialogue vppon the sentence, know before thou knitte. C. Pyrrye.

The praise and Dispraise of Women , very fruitfull to the well disposed minde , and delectable to the readers therof .

And a fruitfull shorte Dialogue vppon the sentence , know before thou knitte .

C. Pyrrye .

man in toga with winged arm

¶ Imprinted at London in Fleetstreete , by William How .

AD CANDIDVM LICTORIM . VItuper at laudatque genus breuis iste libellus , Foemineum legito , commoda multa feras . Perlege non etenim , cuiqueuam res lecta nocebit , Perlege , fortassis lecta iuuare queat . Lecta iuuare queat , fi corde animo reuoluas , Si mea dicta tenes , lecta iuuare queat . Lecta iuuare queat , si laudabilia tent●● , Virtutesque sequi , lecta iuuare queat . Lecta iuuare queat , si quae mala crimina sentis , Euitare cupis , lecta iuuare queat . Lecta iuuare queat , mala si peccata malorum , Te faciunt cautum , lecta iuuare queat . Lecta iuuare queat , videas si exempla bouarum , Visaqueue facta petis , lecta iuuare queat . Quis nisi mentis inops , videat quin gramina terre , Et flores apibus , reddere fructus , humi . Quis nisi continua , sit stoliditate repletus . Omne quin exemplum , scit forè fructiferum . Perlegere ergo velim , quia scripta sequentia prosunt , Delectantqueue animum , non sine fruge bonum . VALE .

To the Reader .

AFter I had finished though simplie and rudelye this little Treatise of the praise & disprayse of Women : I thought it good gentle Reader to declare and explane in some short preface , two principall causes whiche moued me therunto . The one was to the intent , that all those which at any time shall feele themselues entangled with prompte , and tedie enclinacion to vice & euill , and with great slacknes in furderinge that is good and vertuous may by diligent perusing hereof , learne to a voyde and eschew suche greate crimes and greuous offences , as they shall see conteyned and written in theyr disprayse , & seke diligentlie to embrace , and earnestlie to followe those good condicions and laudable vertues , whiche they shall playnlie perceaue to be at large specified , and abundantly set foorth in theyr commendacions . The other is to the ende that the good examples of good and verteous women if no other thing wil moue them to doe that they ought , may incite and encorage them to do that is good & verteous , and bring them to suche confirmitie of honeste life , that they may be had in good reputacion before men , and founde acceptable before God And the euill examples of the wicked , maye teache them to despise and vtterly forsake those things , that are naught and vicious , lest by to much enclining to sinne , and vice , they be counted as caste awayes before the worlde , and in time to come fall into vtter , destruction , for if the preceptes of the good , will not prouoke & styre them to Godlines & spedy reformacion of life , in hope of like rewarde that they haue or if the testimonies of the wicked will not withdrawe or terrifye them from doing enill , for feare of like punishment , surely what then may doe it , I know not . These two considerations ( gentle reader ) did moue me at this time to write the I haue writen , desiring thee to take it in good part such as it is and to esteme my good will & meaning herein , not regarding the rude handeling of the matter fith . I did it in hope to profit many , but surely to hurte none . And wher as I haue made the prayse of women to sounde in suche sorte throughlie , that I mought seeme vehementlie to gainsay my selfe for speakinge so much in theyr dispraise , I did it being moued therto for diuers good considerations , which I minde not to recite , but leaue it vnspoken of willing thee herein to vse thine owne iudgement .

Here beginneth the Disprayse of Women . MY penne prolong no longer time , cut of this longe delaye : And now beginne to writ in time , of that , that I shall say . Take thou some paine a litle space , ne be thou ought ashamde : When thou ofttimes in secret place , with great despite art blamde . Of this thou maist assure thée , none will thy truth diffame : Saue onely those that pricked be , and giltie of the same . Spare not to speake , spare not to write , spare not in wordes to tell : Spare thou no time for to endite , an ougely Monster fell . This Monster is the woman kinde , whose ougelye shape and port : I meane to paint , writ thou my minde , not forcing her report . This woman kinde I know right well , is comelie to the eye : Of perfect shape she beares the bell , I can it not denie . But in her fained couert brest , stronge poison she doth hide : And in her harte , as in a cheft , a deadly stinge doth bide . Which geues an helples hurtfull wounde , as hath ben brought to passe : Much like the snake that vnder grounde , doth lie , and lurke in grasse . She doth annoy by sodden sight , vnlesse thou can beware : And kepes the still in wofull plight , once caught within her snare . Her poison is so swete and pure , and of suche strength and force : That who so doth that same deuoure , is brought vnto his corse . Take hede therfore seke to discerne , b● this that foloweth plaine ; With earnest minde see thou do learne , this monster to refraine . For why ? she is most proude , seruile , cruell without measure : Reason and lawe she doth exile , to haue her wicked pleasure . She doth all thinges without forsight , all godly end despise : In all extremes she doth delight , suche is her wonted guise . Temperate doinges she forceth not , from vertuous men retyre : Her loue to thee is feruent hote , her hate is deadly Ire . When flouth her slouggish limes do shake she lieth as a stone : Or when a toye her head doth take , she hasteth to be gone . When myrth and ioye is gone and past , graue visage comes in place : And makes her like a winters blast , with frowarde frouning face . When she by myrth doth seeke pleasure , all sadnes set a part : Her iocond ioye doth wante measure , nought then may gréeue her harte . Then wanton willes talke doth growe , and laughing with excesse : Both , from her fained harte do flowe , Both are without redresse . Now bolde she is , now doth she feare , now séemes she mad , now wise : Now she doth laugh with pleasaunt there , now teares fal from her eyes . Now she will haue it thus to be , chaunce what may chaunce therebyt Now from her selfe doth dissagre , beginninge to reply . It shall not be as I had thought , no , no , it is not fit : An other waye yet haue I sought , such is her wandering wit . Vnconstancie in her doth raigne , she wauerith full of chaunge . Oft blabbing , talkatiue and vaine double tounged which semeth straunge . Desiring honor , full of threttes , disdainfull , wishing bloud . Still chatchyng what an other gettes couetous , nothing good . Complaining oft , a lyar , enuious , quicke to beleeue a tale , Vnpacient , often tedious , oft dronken with good ale . Oft times she vseth Magickes arte , with baudry her selfe defile , She hath a supersticious hart , she is waywarde , rash and vile . Disceytfull vsing wicked wayes , fine mouthed for daintie meate . Riotouse , full of wanton playes , nought may her minde entreat . She deckes and trims her selfe at ease , her face to beautifie : To frame her talke all men to please , her wittes she doth applye . Hatefull anger she beares in minde , till time do serue her tourne : Some sharpe reuenge for him to finde , who causeth her so to burne . She is vnthankeful , without faith , bolde , spitefull , of frowarde life , In her all goodnesse waxeth colde , she euer stirreth strife . Oftimes if ought deserued be , before thee it is set : And spoke againe , againe to thee , as though thou didst forget . If she offend in any thinge , she commonlie doth vse : By loftie lookes and hie speakinge , her gilty faulte to excuse . She scoldeth , grudgeth , and reiect , all frendship in disdaine : For nought at all doth she respect , but onlye priuate gaine . She sekes to mocke and flatter much , yea priuelie to defame : She reprehendeth ( beware of such ) craftly thy good name . She filles she common peoples eares , with triflinge talke and vaine : Augmentinge whatsoeuer she heares , her mischiefes to maintaine . She fayneth that to come to passe , which neuer was in deede : That not to be which euer was , eche put in others steede . Her tonge she teacheth to intent , meete causes to deceaue : And once made fitte for such intent , deceite doth neuer leaue . Her forginge fayned countenaunce , is redie at her will : In earnest game a daliaunce , to weepe or laugh her fill . From deceite thou can not flee , her craftes thou can not shonne : Such is the hurtefull policie , that she by sleight hath wonne . Though she comit an heynous deede , and thou perhaps in place : Denienge stil she will proceede stubbornly to thy face . What shall I say , thou must beleeue , ( seme it neuer so straunge ) All that she speakes , and not beleeue , if ought her minde doe chaunge . Examples playne and manifest , doe teach , it to be true : For while all vice out of her brest , from time to time doth growe . By reading histories thou shalt finde what cruell bloudy factes : Committed were by woman kinde , delighting in such actes . Reade Ouid , Virgil. Virgill , vnderstande in them it doth appeare : How Medea with bloudyhande , murdered her children deare . How Paris stole the Grecian rape , to Troy , and how that she , Who was in dede of comlye shape ) did willingly agree . And how the Grecians sought the way , Ouid. Meth. lib. 8. to haue her home againe . And there by moued warre to Troye , which warre tenne yeres did raigne . How Scilla her fathers house forsooke , Ouid. Meth. lib. 19. what moued her to doe soe : Her fathers purple heare she toke and gaue it to his foe . How Biblis wicked loue did swell , Ouid. to Cawnus her brother : How she was tourned into a well , hight Biblis and no other . How Deianira to her feare , a poysoned cote did sende , How he therby with euell there , his wretched life did ende . How Hippodame did deceaue , her gentle louinge Father : By marienge without his leaue , causing his death rather . Because he was by spitefull fate , appointed for to die , That day that she receaued her mate , such was his destenie . And how Lauania ( to be shorte ) Gene. 28. most doubtfull warre did sende : Among the youthfull Troyan sorte , which came to vnhappie ende . And how Rebecca with a wile , Math. 14. her sonne and eke her feare : Did quite deceaue and cleane begile , though they most simple were . How Herodias with cruell harte , Gene. 3. did wish Iohn Baptist death : And caused him by deadly smarte , to yelde vp liuinge breath . Also how Eue from ioyfull place , ( alas , alas , the while ) Her posteritie did deface , and cast into exile . Those and sondry more we finde , teachinge vs to beware ; In trustinge of this monstrous kinde , whose mischiefe is not rare . In time therfore take hede and learne , this monster to eschewe , And eke with wisdome to diserne , her wicked witles hew . If thou wilt liue in quietnes , expelling out of minde : All wicked worldlie wretchednes , or if thou seeke to finde . A blisfull happie state of life , and longe therin to dwell , Beware a woman full of strife , auoide her vile counsell . The fearefull byrde him selfe doth keepe , from hauke his deadlie foe : From raueninge woulfe , the seely shepe , from cruell dogge , the Roe . From deceitfull nettes the wilie harte , with spedie flight doth ronne : Why sekest not thou in like parte , craftie women to shonne . The affection of the Cocodrill , is in her subtile eyes : She sekes by arte how to begile , if ought she doe deuise . When teares fal trincling from her eyne faire wordes when she doth faine : Then doth she most of al encline , some mischiefe to obtaine . Trust not her diuers chaunge of hewe , trust not her spotted faith , Trust not her coulored vertue , ( I rede of one that saith . ) A glasse doth wante the sharpe and forme , whiche semeth to appeare ▪ And eke a womans faith is torne , though she thy eyes do bleare . Both good and godly men there were , in olde and auncient time , Most stout of heart , exempt from feare , and voyd of heynous crime . Which by their strength huge monsters flewe , and made wilde giauntes tame . Stronge cities eke they ouerthrewe , and so encreased their name . Yet those by sleight were vanquished , of womans deadly hate : And lamentably finished , their liues of cruell facte . Who hath not reade of Herculous , whose spitefull enuious wife : Did cause him ende remediles , his fatall threde of life . By geuinge him a cote to weare , sprincled with poyso●●●onge : Which semed his tender partes to teare , wherby he su●●red wronge . Whereby also the wretche alacke , soone yelded liuing breath : The putting it vpon his backe , did cause vntimelie death . Of Sampson stronge what néede I speake , Iudges . 16. the scriptures plainlie shewe : How Dalilahe her minde did breake , desirous for to knowe . Where his chiefe strength did most depend , Gene. 19. and when he had her tolde : She brought him to most wretched ende , selling his life for gold . Both Dauid , 3. Reg. 11. Lot , and Salomon , I strike cleane out of minde : With thousandes more that I could name deceaued by woman kinde . If such as those could not auoyde , their subtile craftie bandes : But with theyr pestilence were anoyde , can we escape their handes . No no , for why as I doe here , and as I plainlie see : They are as bad as eare they were , or worse if worse may be . A thousand waies ne do I faine , her wittes she doth extend : With labor , trauell , and great paine , her beautie to amend . Her shinning forhead by arte she sekes , with golden roule to bind : With purple culler on her chekes , and if it want by kinde . She gouerneth her steppes by art , her heare by arte doth place , She tempereth her eyes by arte , her bodye and her face . She seekes by art her selfe to paint , because she would be faire : Her greisly shape she doth anoint , in hope of some repaire . She calleth to remembraunce , how she may bring to passe : To frame her froward countenaunce , by looking in a glasse . And with her lips she simpereth , abrode as the doth goe : Her shoulders eke she tempereth , her fingar and her toe . It is her common wonted vse , with naked brest to walke : Which thinge ( in faith ) is dangerous , for in fewe wordes to talke . It meaneth nought at all but this , ( marke well what I rehearse : ) That where her poison planted is , with greater stroke may perce . I am compelled now perforce , to draw vnto some ende : For if I speake til I be whorce , or if my penne I spende , Vnto the stalke to write my minde , which busly could deuise : To speake more of this hatefull kinde , yet would it not suffice . Such is her craft and her deceite , such be her wicked wayes : Which she doth kepe till death by sleight , doe ende her hurtfull dayes . What thing in earth is found more rare , then is a cole blacke swan , Whom auncient writers doe compare , vnto a good Woman . Eke Salomon saith thus to thee , ( whose wordes be wise and sounde ) A good godlie Women saith he , is scarsly to be founde . Take hede and loke before thou clime , lest sodenly thou slippe : Take hede ( I say ) whiles thou hast time , lest thou doe fele the whippe . Take hede , beware , be not to rashe , lest thou perhaps repent : When thou doost fele the scorge and lashe to late thou maist lament . Like as the litle foolish flye , his pastime seketh out : When he the candell doth espye , and fleing rounde about . At length the seely wretche doth close , him selfe in fyre flame : And so his wretched life doth lose , in seking of his game . Euen so if thou wilt not beware , but willinglie be entrapt : Within the Womans wilie snare , wherin when thou art wrapt . Thou maist not well escape againe , no way is left to saue : Till thou be brought to deadlie paine , to thine vntimely graue . Let this that I haue said suffice , and print it in thy brest : So shalt thou be reputed wise , so shalt thou liue at rest . So shalt thou not at all repent , such well bestowed time , So shalt thou ioy when some lament , by voyding sinne and crime . So shalt thou liue in happie mirth , and happlye ende thy life : So shalt thou happly boast the byrth , which is exempte from strife . So shalte thou this life once past , in ioy and blisse remaine , So shalt thou haue for thy repast , all pleasure voyde of paine . ¶ Here endeth the dispraise of Women .

Here beginneth the prayse of Women . C. Pyrrye . I Chaunced once to come in place , where I a booke did finde : Which booke did spitefullie disgrace , the gentle woman kinde . Then thus vnto my selfe I thought , good Lord what man was he : That with such painfull studie sought , disprayse of femenie . How coulde he teache his penne to write , how coulde his hart deuise : Such foolish fansies to endite , that all men may despise . How could his sclaunderous , hurteful tonge the harmeles so difame : How coulde he with a tedious songe , the seely women blame . I thinke he was not of mans seede , that this did take in hand : Against poore wretches to proceede , who could not him withstand . Thus musinge did I syt long time , at last my pen I toke : And so beganne to writ in rime , against that shamles booke . Oh wilfull witles man ( quoth I ) thy pen whie doost thou frame : To write thy minde so spitefullie , not forcing thy good name . But in despite of them dost speake , to whom thou art most bounde : And in most slaunderous talke dost breake their goodnes to confounde . Their labour and their earnest suite , to thee is spent in vayne : For why ? the reape at all no fruyte , but scorne and proud disdaine . Such is thy thankelesse hatefull minde , such is thy cruell harte : Wherin thou shewest thy self vnkinde , in plaing suche a part . I know no good , nor iust cause why , thou shouldest them so dispraise : Whose life I thinke assuredlie , is innocent alwayes . Perhaps thou doost against them prate , because they be to weake : To ioyne with thee in wordes of hate , and so their anger wreake . Perhaps thy foolish fansie sought , some vayne and worldlie prayse : And so did make somthinge of nought , which soundeth to disprayse . Perhaps some one did the displease , in earnest game or iest : And thou thy furie to appease , dost rayle at all the rest . The selfe same thinge or som such like , doth moue thy stonie harte : This deadly enuious stroke to strike , all iust cause set apart . I thinke thou doost not call to minde , in sicknes or in health : How we are holpe by woman kinde , whose care is for our wealth . First ( as thou knowst ) she takes great paine , by trauelinge in bed : And greuous groninges doth sustaine , before she see our head . As long as we poore infantes are , and nought our selfes can geue : So long the woman takes the care , our bodies to releue . When we would eate she makes the pape she geues vs quiet rest : She dandleth vs vpon her lappe , we sucke mylke from her brest . When we do naught but crie and weepe , then will she sing and play : Or els will lay vs downe to slepe , our cryenge so to stay . When we can neyther go nor stand , by reason of our youth : The louinge Woman takes in hande , to helpe vs this is truth . Now when we come to further age , and can both speake and go : The womans paine doth not asswage : she then hath care and wo. In seekinge how she may prouide , to kepe vs still in health : And caring how she may vs guide , to liue in honest wealth . When greuous sicknes doth vs take , she then with busye paine : Some boyled brath for vs doth make , our bodies to sustaine . All kinde of phisicke she doth vse , that may be for our case : No painfull paine doth she refuse , our sorow to appease . She wakes the longe and wearie night , She toyleth in the day : Our safetie is her chiefe delight , She is our onely stay . For in all places where I go , menne geue the onely charge : Vnto their wifes ( the truth is so ) because their wittes be large . Eche thing to vewe and ouerlooke , as neede may her constraine : The baker , bruer , and the cooke , no toyle doth she refraine . She ordereth all , man not a whit , as right and reason will : Because she is of quicker wit , her busines to fullfill . It can not be that we could misse , this gentle Woman kinde : Whose presence is our onely , blisse , and cause of quiet minde . Whose harmles helping hand we néede , in euerie thing we doe : And she is redie by her deede , to put her helpe therto . Her counsell is both good and founde , in matters of great weight : And doubtfull thinges she will confounde , by skilfull wisdomes sleight . The wordes proceding from her brest , are wise and full of skill : All that she doth is for the best , she brydleth witles will . Disdainfull pride she doth abbate , her malice doth asswage : She beareth not in minde long hate , she loueth not to rage . All ill deuise she doth confounde , all rancor doth expell : Of quiet life she sekes the grounde , and long therein to dwell . Vaine triflinge talke she doth refraine , fewe wordes is her desire : From quicke beliefe she doth abstaine , and flee from wreckful Ire . She doth nothing without forsight , of good successe in the ende : All modest meane is her delight , to vertue she doth bend . Her listning eare she doth encline , graue wisdome to attaine ; Against all vice she doth repine , and wickednes disdayne . A lothsome thing is lecherie , to her in déede or thought : A hatefull thing is bauderie , which she doth set at nought . Blasphemous othes she doth despise , false lying doth detest : She doth obey in humblewise , she keepeth her behest . To checke , or taunt , she doth refuse , though why perhaps offende : Her frendly councell she doth vse , our giltie faut to amende . She is of chast and honeste life , true loue in her doth flowe , She is a sober quiet wife , her duetie she doth knowe . All euill thoughtes out of her heade , she seketh to remoue , Good cogitation in their steade , her godly minde doth loue ; With ernest labor and great payne , her liuing she doth get : The foode that doth her life sustaine , is gotten by her swet . Her willinge hart doth not withstand , such as are poore in deede : She stretcheth forth her helpinge hand , accordinge to their neede . Her countenaunce she doth not spare , in comely wise to kepe : And ioye with them that ioyfull are , and mourne with them that wepe . Her trustie tonge doth not disclose , the secretes of thy minde : In hidden hart she doth repose , thy thoughtes to her resinde . Her harmles mouth his closed still , from sclaunderous hurtfull talke : To haue true vertue is her will , and long therin to walke . With wanton : eye she doth not looke , on those that she doth mote , Nor gase ( her fansie for to brooke ) on either side the streete . She lifteth vp her listening eare , till eche mans tale be tolde , If neede require though she doe heare her talke she doth withholde . Her helping hande is very slacke , to doe the thing is ill : Wish fearefull foote she steps not backe , all goodnes to fulfill . In desent order she doth weare , her garmentes on eche side , She goeth not sluttish in her geare , and yet she wanteth pride . She eates her meate in sober wise , to satisfie her neede : She drinckes no more then doth suffice , not vsing to exceede . Wherby she séemes to beare in minde , man liueth not to eate : But for to liue ( by natures kinde ) receaueth he his meate . Abrode she doth not reuell much , till néede doe her constraine : Her self she doth acquaint with such , as vertue doe maintaine . What wilt thou more ? if I should write eche vertue she doth taste : The day and eke the candell light , before my talke should waste . Good godly men haue wrote their minde , in olde and auncient time : Much praysing of this woman kinde , for wanting heynous crime . Which if thou hadst obserued well , I thinke thy grudging harte , Would not so much against them swell , with wordes of deadly smart . I thinke thou wouldest not séeke to spill , their good and honest name : In blowyng of a blast so shrill , with trumpe of blacke diffame . Thou dost well know , but wilt forget , thou seest , but wilt be blinde ; That they are cleare from crime or spote , by deede or inwarde minde . Thy tounge I saye will not confesse , that we to them are bounde : That we oftimes ( truth to expres ) great good by them haue founde . If I did want aucthoritie , to furnish out my cause : Or were it not for flatterie , then would I not long pause . To shewe and set before thy face , good wemen of renoune : Assigninge the their dwellinge place , yet liuing in this towne . But now my minde , my pen shall frame , to set before thine eyes : And speake of those , whose famous fame , by vertue did arise . And doth continewe to this day , and shall for euer last : Though they by death were take away , full many yeares now past . We finde that Ceres did inuent , Ouid. Meth. lib. 5. all graine to ynne and sowe : And for she was to wisedome bent , most people did her knowe . Honors deuine to her they gaue , so did her dedes expresse : With one consent all men did craue , to call her good goddesse . The. A. B. C. Carmenta founde , Iside . lib. 1. ant. 9. wherby we doe endite : Whereby in wisedome we abounde , and learne the things is right . And Pallas the through pured braine , Ouid. in fast . so doth the story tell : Of oyle and wolle first founde the vaine , which is a great iewell . Wherfore they did her then prefer , before Lady Neptune : To geue the name as pleased her , vnto Athenes towne . And Soppbo eke the Poetresse , with harpe to singe did finde , Which doth expell all carefulnesse , out of a carefull minde . The maligne sprite had Saul oprest , and longe in sorow tide : Tull Dauid for to giue him rest , his warbling harpe did guide . Such pleasures we by women haue , wherby we be preserued : Yet thou dost seke them to depraue , who haue it not deserued . Let this for truth in thine hart cleaue , for proue it so I can : As many pleasures we receiue , by her as by the man . But sith Poetrie doth decaye , and is had in despite : I will therfore without delay , set forth in open sight . Examples plaine and manifest , in holy writ founde out : Which being waied in euen brest , this slaunders will confute . To all that read it doth appeare , how Michol Dauids wife : Such trustie loue to him did beare , that she did saue his life . For bloudie Saule , to haue him dead , his messingers did sende : But she founde meanes that Dauid fledde to scape such cruell ende . She through a window let him passe , so that he went his way : And in the bed where Dauid was , an Image did she lay . Wherby king Saule his whole intente , and purpose spent in vaine : To murther Dauid he was bent , he failed to obtaine . Iehosaba did not disdaiue , 4. Reg. 1● . Iehoas life to saue : When Athlia with busye payne , the same did seke to haue . Who kept Ionathas in a well , when foes his death had sought , The wife in Bahurin did dwell , that this good deede had wrought . Ionathas and his fellow eke , this godly wife did hide : That when their enmies did them seke , then were their not espied . The seruauntes that were sent to looke , for them , did aske the wife : Who said they past the water brocke , thus did she saue their life . A mayde was she that did discrye , Eodem . Ahitophels entent : And shewed the conspiracie , that was to Dauid ment . To Ionathas declared she , the thinges before vnknowen : So from the snares escaped he , that erst for him were sowen . When Moyses by the riuers brinke , Exod. 2. was in a basket put : Where he was left to swime or sinke , being there so closely shut . Compassion did the woman moue , when she did heare him wepe : She bare to him suche earnest loue , that she his life did kepe . And like a mother did him find , adopting him her sonne : Beheld the louing woman kinde , this godly dede hath donne . Who caused first let truth be said , 4. Reg. 5. that Naaman had his heale : From leprosie , it was a mayde , for she did first reueale . A godly Prophet to remaine , and be in Israell : Could ease her maister of his paine , and make him whole and well . Wheras the newe Egiptian King , Exod. 12. against t hebrues was bent : Because they did encrease and spring , which thing for to preuent . Commaunded be good midwifes , that were of thebriane line : That they in no case spare their liues , but kill the masculine . Which thing to doe they did refuse , because it was not good : And to the king they made excuse , not shedding giltlesse bloud . The Hebrian wifes O king ( sayd he ) are women stout and strong , Before we com their birth alway , is donne , which is not long . Who killed king Abimelech , 2. Reg. 11. I say who strake him downe , When he his furious moode to wreke sayd seige to Thebes towne . A woman strake him with a stone , and then the seige therby Was geuen vp ( his life once gone ) this is no legend lye . When Haman for to haue annoyde , Ec. 17. the Iewes had fully sought : In that selfe place he was destroyed , that he for them had wrought . For godly Hester founde the meane , to saue the Iewes from death By causing Haman quite and cleane , to yeld vp liuing breath . Of many thousands was not one , 2. Reg. 14. for all the paine they toke : Could make Dauid to Absolon once geue a friendly looke . Vntil the woman did obtaine , as scripture doth recorde : That Dauid cald him home againe and was his gracious Lord . Also we finde that Debora , Iudg 4 a prophetise that was : Did shew the death of Sisara how , when , and in what place . Which thing to her God did declare , with many other cause : To rid the Isralets from care , and eke to iudg their lawes . When Sisara fled from the throng , then Iahel Abues wife ; ( Whom God at that time made so strong did riue his fatall life . A solemne vowe did Iepthath make , Iudges . 1. before the God of might : If that he would his hand so slacke , that he preuaile in fight . Then would he geue an offrings swet , the victorie once donne : Who was the next that he should mete , out of his dores to come . And as he came behold the chaunce , his onely daughter dere : Met him with tymbrells and daunce , but when she drewe him nere . With furye forst his clothes he rent , with visage pale and wan : He semed his promise to repent , and thus his wordes began . Alas daughter thou troublest me , for I with willing hart : Haue made a vow to God ( saith he ) from which I can not start . Then she vnto her father spake , if thou vnto the Lorde : ( My father dere ) a vowe didst make , fulfill by deede thy worde . Euen as thou wilt , do thou by me , thy promise doe not lose : Sith God hath now auenged thee , vpon thy deadly foes . Which wordes into her fathers brest , his troubled thoughtes to stay , Did glide , and he from all vnrest , was worne cleane away . Perhaps sith Iephthath did lament , 1. Reg. 25. had not the woman ben : He would haue falsed his entent , which had be shame and sinne . We read also that Nabigale , by wisdome did asswage : The wrath of Dauid to Naball , for he in kingled rage . Pursued his othe and sought to kill , the great and eke the small ; Not leauing one by his good will , to pisse against the wall . But she to Dauid victuall send , and went her selfe also : Wherby she made him Nabals friend , who was his deadly foe . 3. Reg. 14. Abiah stroken with disease did lye at point of death : And of his sicknes had no case , ne wanted liuing breath . I pray you then who tooke the care , whose was the payne and woe : To know how this yong man should fare , did not the woman goe . Yet verely we went to learne , wher he should liue or dye : And so the prophet discerne , Abihas destenye . When as king Dauid waxed old , 3. reg. 1 though clothes on him were cast , He felt no heat but still was colde , til it be fel at last . One Abisag a Sunamite , was found to kepe him whot : Who cherisht him both day and night , and yet he knew her not . The prophet told to the woman , 4. Reg. 8. the death of seuen yeare , That was to come , not to the man , but she vnto her feare . Did shew the same with willing hart , so they and theirs did passe : And from the dearth did then depart , to go where plenty was . Was not the prophet Eliah sent , 3. re. 17. to haue the womans ayde : Because that in the firmament , the moisture then was staied ? The scripture doth declare it playne , that she Eliah fed : And saue that she did him sustaine , perchaunce he had bin dead . Likewise the godly Sunamite , 4. re. 4 gods prophet did entreate , As ofte as he came in her sight , she toke him breade to eate . Her husbande eke she did require , some place for him to make : And he did graunt her , her desire , his hand he did not slake . Vntill the Prophetes house was downe : his table and bedsteede : He found all thinges when he did come , there redie for his neede . This doe we see that women be , to man profitable : Thus doe we see to iudge of thee , and of thy fonde fable . And though perhaps in sondrye case , by strength thinges were not wrought : Yet such is Gods aboundant grace , to ende the same he sought . And bring to passe by women kinde , according to his will : For that they both with hart and minde , his sayinges doe fulfyll . As we by Iudith may discerne , Iudges . 13. who in dead time of night : Cut of the head of Holiferne , and not by strength in fight . The verteous Susan did not start , from God her louing Lorde : But to his will with willing harte , her doinges did accorde . Wherfore God loued her wondrous well , as scripture doth declare : He raised vp yong Daniell , to plead her cause of care . And proue her to be innocent , before the peoples face : When she was iudged to be brent , in open stret and place . Sara Raguels daughter dere , Tobias . 3. & 6. to seuen maried was : And yet remained a virgin cleare , so god did bring to passe . For he preserued the feminine , because of vertuous life : But strangled were the masculine , in whome all vice was rise . We finde how Rahab did defende , Iosue . 2 the men of Ierico : Wherfore the scripture doth commend , her and her life also . We read that Marie Magdaline , Luc. 7. with pitious weping teares : The feete of Christ , had washed cleane , and wipt them with her heares . And how by her contricion , and by vnfained faith : Of sinne she had remission , for so the Apostel saith . In token man shold be content , Gene. 22. his wife alwaies to loue , God gaue a straight commaundement , to Abraham from aboue . That he shuld folowe Sara , and doe as she assignde : So was expelled by and by , Agar , this doe I finde , This Agar was a strong harlot , yet for repentaunce sake : God did forgeue and quite forgot , the sinnes that she did make . The Angell willed her to goe , againe to know her dame : And he that did her faultes forgo , would multiplie her fame . Againe vnto the house she went , 2. Reg. 13. acknowledging her sinne : Where she by th angelles appointment , was then receaued in . Amon vnlawfullye did vse , hir faire sister Thamare : Fayning sicknes ( O fonde excuse , ) and she therof not ware . Yet long did she lament the chaunce , which was to Amons shame , In token she toke repentaunce , though she were not to blame . And wheras Sichem wickedlye , with Dina of comelye shape : Gene. 34. Comytted and that filthely , most foule and haynous rape . Yet was it not the womans faulte , for she with willing hart : When he began her minde to assaulte , did not that wicked parte . Wherfore gods hand , ( the truth is so ) as scripture doth reherse : This wicked man with foundry moe , by sworde to death did pearse . Micheas mother of promise iust , Iudith . 17. a mirror fitte may be : To proue all women true to trust , how so they seme to the. For she by vowe her selfe did binde , a grauen sculpe to make : Which vowe alwaies she bare in minde , and did it not forsake . Miriam to God did giue the prayse , Exod. 15. for the death of Pharao : Sounding timbrels with pleasaunt noise , both she and diuers moe . This Miriam was a Prophetise , Sister to Aaron : She lauded God in foundry wise , her instrument vppon . Of many moe as yet I can , a true rehersal make : By whose good life the wilfull man , example iust may take . As of good Ruth and Neomy , Ruth . 1.2 . Mach. of her that did obey : Gods will , and from all Idolatrie , did tourne her face away . And strengthned her sonnes to dissente , and suffer for Gods lawes : Declaring his iust iudgment , for this their righteous cause . The women haue most worthy praise , for wisdome and mere pitie : With faith and fortitude alwaies , in most aduersitie . As to two Prophetes hath bene seene , 4. Reg. 22. Luc. 22. I meane Oldah and Anne : With Saba the most worthy Quéene , 3. Reg. 10. to Salomon that came . Reade the new Testamont likewise , there written shalt thou finde : That woman had the exercise , of good and constant minde . Of Christes byrth the misterie , Luc. 1. Elizabeth did beleue : And not the man olde Zachary , whom the angel did repréeue , Great was the loue the woman bare , Ioh. 10. in time of Christes woe : As Magdaline who had great care , and from him did not goe . Though his disciples all were fled , long weping did she sit , And the sepulcre ( he once heade ) oftimes she did visit , She and her compers with oiles pure , Ma●h. 5. to shewe their earnest ; zeale : Sought Christ theu laid in sepulture , in hope they mought him heale . For wel they knews and did beleue , by his owne saienges plaine : That in shorte time he would reuiue , and rise from death againe . For the oile she spent God to her gaue , great praise , when as he sat : At meat , and those men did depraue , who did against her prate . The poore ( said he ) from day to day , amongst you shall remaine : But shortly I must hence away , as I haue told you plaine . Also he did her more esteme , Luc. 11. who did but two mites send : Then the riche man though he did seme , much more then she to spend . No kinde of grace in her was hid , Act. 9. who daily fed the poore : I meane Thabita whom Peter did , from death to liue restore . Ne yet in her than rather woulde , 3. Reg. 3. her child forsake and leaue : Then Salomon asonder should , his partes most tender cleaue . And Pilates Wife did more pitie , the troublous time of Christ : Then all the men who standinge bye , blaspheming did resiste . To whom thinke you did Christe appeare from death when he arose ? In faith for ought that I can here , or ought I can suppose . To Marie Magdaline I read , Math. 27. and to his mother deare : That first he shewed him selfe in deede : this thing in truth is cleare . We seldom finde that Christ did blame , one woman properly : Or any one so fare past shame , so litle set our Sauioure by . As Peter did Christ to denie , Iu● . 22 oftimes in open place : For which offence Christ openlie , did blame him to his face . And where the scribes maliciously , Ioh. 8. to Christ had brought a whore : He saued the woman graciously , and said do soe no more . Which thing to mans rebuke did founde , but tell me if thou can : Did he the like as thou hast found , at any time for man ? Likewise the wife of Cananie , Math. 15. whose daughter was possest : With a deuill , on Christ did crie , to geue her daughter rest . To her Christ answered not againe , to th end all men mought see : What constant faith did still remaine , vnto the femine . We finde at the Womans request , and at a nedefull time : Christ being at a solemne feaste , turned water into Wine . Also at the Womans insteance , Ioh. 2. raysed Lazar whole and founde : Who then ( such was Gods sufferaunce , ) lay foure dayes vnder grounde . And he be wayled tenderlye , to them that him oft fedde : Martha the one , the other Mary , for this their brother dead . I neuer yet as I am ware , did reade that he did make , Such sorowe or once toke care , for any one mans sake . Thus women be not cast awayes , by scripture proued playne : Nor th●se that were of auncient daies , nor they that yet remaine . As I for witnes coulde report , a thousand more as yet : But to thensent I may be shorfe , I will their names omitte , I mought repet Lucrecia , Ouid. in fast . lib. ● . of chaste and honeste life : Here mought I speake of Porcia , and of Vlisses wife . With sondrye moe but as I say , and as before I spake : I minde as brieflie as I may , some ende hereof to make . Wherfore do thou thy minde refer , olde auncient bookes to vewe : Then shalt thou see that women were , vertuous , constant and true . Then shalt thou learne to be ashamde , of this thy foolish fact : In that thy spitefull pen was framde , poore women to detract . For though that Eue did first transgresse , whose faulte brought vs in thrall : Yet Mary did the same redresse , and therby losed all . But sith some women wickedly , did ill in sondrie case . Wilt thou therfore so spitfullie , blame all with shamles face ? It foundeth muche to thy great blame , all fortes to reprehende ; Because that some without all shame , did wilfullie offende . For as eche tree that yet doth last , geues not his fruite a like : But some geue passing pleasaunt tast , and some we doe mislike . Or as eche clothe is not like bad , for some is fine , some corse : Some light of color , and some sad , some good , and some far worse . Or as eche man is not alike , for some are thicke , some small : Some pacient , some cholerike , some short , some other tall . Semblablie of woman kinde , we al are plainlie taught : That some are of most vertuous minde , and other some are naught . Wherfore if righteousnes should skan , and iudge in this one point : She would condemne as well the man , so durst I lay a wint . Seke not sherfore thine owne reproche , thy name do not consume : On others faltes doe not encroche , nor yet against them fume . For of saint Paule this maist thou learne , Rom. 2. it doth no man beseeme : Worse of an other to descerne , then of him selfe to deeme . What creature liuing vnder sky , fish , foule , worme , or best : But with his kind continually , doth liue at quiet rest . Saue man alone who being rude , outragiously doth speake : And raile against his symlitude , his furious moode to wreake . It seemeth then a great abuse , such frowardnes to haue : Yea , it is in maner maruelous , the selfe same to depraue . Whom most we ought to laud and loue , great foliy sure it is : So sclaunderously them to reproue , whom we not long can misse . Wherfore all ye , that this do se : Iudge them to be most worthy prayse . The truth to tell , I knowe it well : They do expell , all wicked wayes . With hand and to , they do forgo : We find it so , thinges vndiscrete . With earnest mind , this woman kinde , Her selfe doth binde , to vertue swete . Beare them good will seke not to spill : With voyce so shrill , their honest name . For they maintaine , all goodnes plaine , And so obtaine , most famous fame . Seeke not to scorne , their faith vntorne , Which hath forlorne , all doublenes . But rather proue , their stedfast loue : And so remoue , all doubtfulnes . Be true of hart , take thou their part , And as thou art , a stronge defence . So they most meke , will euer seke : To do the leke , in recompence . Farewell adewe , loue woman kinde : For they be true . of hart and minde ,

Explicit .

A fruytful short dialogue vppon the sentence , knowe before thou knitte . W. I will not knit before I knowe , C. Care not for long delaye : W. And so I shall doe best I trowe ? C. It is the wisest waye . W. The knot vnknowen I may repente , C. But then it is to late : W. Whiche way mought I this il preuent ? C. If ignorance you hate . W. Encline my hart therto I muste , C. Suche wisdome now is rare : W. Repentance then néede not I trust , C. Then shall you flie from care . W. Can no man lose the knote once knit ? C. Once knit it must abide : W. Good sage aduice therfore is fit , C. Your wordes for truth are tride . W. Examples can you here find out ? C. Examples yea great store . W. Som of them dwelling here about ? C. Remaining here a score . W. Such as by hast haue found the lost . C. Preuenting foe their care : W. The turning spit who eates the rost C. You yf you can beware . W. New hastie bandes adew , farwel , C. Remember time trieth truth : W. God graunt I folowe good councell ? C. Then call to minde your youth . W. Yf I doe not I shall bewaile . C. In that you say the best : W. Repentance then will not preuaile , C. Euen so then seeke for rest . FINIS .