Liue within Compasse : In Chastitie .

FIrst my Daughter vnderstand , that Chastity is the beautie of the soule and puritie of life , which refuseth the corrupt p●…sures of the flesh : 〈…〉 onely possessed of those who ke●… 〈◊〉 bodies cleane and vndefiled ; and it consisteth either in sincere virginitie , or in faithfull Matrimony .

The chaste soule is a rich chamber , onely fit for Christ .

The most bountifull God is a chaste and pure Spirit , and therefore aboue all things thou oughtest to call vpon him with chaste prayers .

If the body be not kept pure and vnspotted from whoredome , the Soule can hardly be feruent in deuout prayer .

Pure chastity is beauty to the Soule , grace to the body , and peace to all worthy desires .

Beautie is like the flowers of the Spring , but chastitie like the starres in heauen .

So must the flesh be nourished , that it may serue thee ; so must it be tamed , that it be not proud .

As nothing is more vile than to be ouercommed of the flesh , so nothing is more glorious , than to ouercome the flesh .

Frugalitie is the signe of chastitie .

Chastity is a vertue of the soule , whose companion is fortitude .

Chastity is the Seale of Grace , the staffe of deuotion , the marke of the Iust , the crowne of virginity , the glory of life , and a comfort in Martyrdome .

Idlenesse is the enemy to chastity .

Chastity without charity , is 〈◊〉 without oyle .

Chastity and modesty are suff●… to enrich the poore : And 〈…〉 age , rather make choyce o● 〈…〉 manners , than loosenesse o● 〈◊〉 our with great Lands and rich possessions .

If chastity bée once lost , there is nothing left prayse-worthy in a woman .

The first step to chastity , is to know the fault , the next , to auoyd it .

Where necessitie is ioyned vnto chastity , thence Authoritie is giuen to vncleannesse ; for neither is she chaste which by feare is compelled , neither is shée honest which with néede is obtained .

Doe not say thou haste a chaste minde , if thine eye be wanton : for a lasciuious looke is a signe of an inconstant heart .

Amongst all the conflicts of a Christian soule , none is more hard than the warres of a chaste minde , for the sight is continuall , and the victorie rare .

Chastity with the raines of Reason bridleth the rage of lust .

A chaste eare cannot abide to heare that which is dishonest .

True felicity though hid from mortall eyes , yet is it the obiect of a chaste spirit .

The first felicitie that a chaste woman shall haue after this life , is the rest of her Soule in Christ : the second shall be the immortalitie and glory of her body .

That chaste woman hath got to the height of felicitie , whom no feare troubleth , no pensiuenesse consumeth , no carnall concupiscence tormenteth , no desire of worldly wealth afflicteth , nor any foolishnesse moueth vnto mirth .

A chaste woman is to be measured not by her beauties , but by her vertues .

A woman is the wonder of Nature if shée wrong not Nature .

A chaste woman is an admirable Angell , till shée be drawne by angells to become a Deuill .

Women that are chaste when they are trusted , proue often wantons when they are causelesse suspected .

A virgins heart is like the Cotton trée , whose fruit is so hard in the Bud , that it soundeth like steele , and being ripe puts forth nothing but wooll .

Chastitie is a veile which Innocents adorne , th' vngatherd rose defended with the thorne . O Chastitie the gift of blessed soul●… , comfort in death , a crowne vnto the life , which all the passions of the minde controls , adorne the minde , and beautifies the wife ; that grace , the which nor death , nor time attaints , Of earthly Creatures , making heauenly Saints . Penelope in spending chaste her dayes , as worthy as Vlysses was of prayse . Beleee't , a woman cannot take vpon her with Beauty , Riches , nor with hie nobility , to claime the true deserued praise of honor , if chastitie doe faile by her fragilitie ; for that 's the vertue which defends her honor . Chastitie is strong , when all that wooe it doth resist , and turnes them vertuous too . Vnchaste words vtter'd to a vertuous dame , turne and defile the speaker with red shame . A Wife is like a garment vs'd and torne , A Maid like one made vp , but neuer worne . Gold is not knowne by sight , but by the test : Thought makes not chaste , but tryall proues them best . Misfortune still such proiects doth pursue , He makes a false Wife that suspects a true . Their carriage , not their Chastitie alone , Must keepe their name chaste from suspition .

Out of Compasse in Chastitie , Is Wantonnesse .

WAntonnesse when it turnes to lust , in a womans bosome , is a desire against reason , a furious and vnbridled appetite , which killeth all good motions in her minde , and leaueth no place for vertue .

Shame and infamie waits at the héeles of vnbridled wantons .

Wantonnesse is an enemy to the purse , a foe to the person , a canker to the minde , a corrosiue to the conscience , a weakner of the wit , a befotter of the senses , and lastly , a mortall bane to all the bodie ; so that thou shalt finde pleasure is the path-way to perdition , and wantonnesse the load-stone to ruth and ruine .

Wantonnesse maketh a woman couet beyond her power , to act beyond her nature , and to die before her time .

Sensuall and wanton vice hath euer these three companions . First , blindnesse of vnderstanding ; secondly , hardnesse of heart ; and lastly , want of Grace and perfection .

Wantonnesse is inseparably accompanied with the troubling of order , with impudency , sloth , and dissolutenesse .

Adultery desireth not procreation , but onely pleasure .

Wantonnesse is a strong tower of mischiefe , and hath in it many keepers and many defenders , as Needinesse , Anger , Palenesse , Discord , Loue , and Longing .

Euery good woman makes not for euery man a good wife , no more than one dish of meat can please all stomackes ; but euery euill woman makes an absolute ill wife , as a drop of Coloquintida marres the whole pot of pottage .

Wanton dwarfe women , or foolish ones , are the worst to make wiues of ; for the first brings forth but a race of P●…ies , and for the latter , there is nothing so fulsome as a she-foole .

Wantonnesse is attended on by riot , and they two impaire health , consume wealth , and transforme a woman to a beast .

Wantonnesse is a sin of no single rank : No ordinary station , that neuer walkes vnattended with a traine of misdemeanors at the heeles .

Corrupt company is more infections than corrupt aire ; therefore let women be aduised in their choise ; for that text of thy selfe that could neuer bee expounded , thy companion shall as thy commentarie , lay open to the world : for it is seene by experience , that if those which are neither good nor euill accompany with those that are good , they are transformed into their vertue . If those that are neither good nor euill consort with those that are euill , they are incorporated to their vice . If the good companie with the good , both are made the better ; if the euill with the euill , both the worse ; for such as the companie is , such is the condition .

There be foure vices a wanton woman is euer most troubled with , sloathfulnesse , carelesnes , vaine curiositie , and nicenesse .

Hate and Disdain shines in a wantons eyes ; Deceit and Treason in their bosome lies . Th' are mad that thinke by any meanes to stay ●… a wantons mind that is disposd to stray . Such is the crueltie of women kind , when they haue shaken off the shamefac'st band , with which wise nature did them strongly bind . t' obey the hests of mans well ruling hand , that then all rule & reason they withstand , to purchase a licentious libertie . But vertuous women wisely vnderstand that they were borne to Humilitie , vnlesse the Heauens them lift to lawfull Soueraigntie . 'T is certaine that the wanton woman neuer Loues Beautie in her sexe , but Enuie euer . There cannot be a greater clog to man , than to be troubled with a wanton woman . 'T is euermore obseru'd 'mongst men , that be she Base or Hie : A wanton eye doth guide her wit , and not her wit her Eye . Loose women doe repine their sinnes to heare , and folly flings , if counsail touch them neare . The foolish and the wanton women vse T' obey them most , who doth them most abuse . A witlesse foole & wanton we may guesse , that leaues the more , & takes her to the lesse . When wantons finely sooth their owne desires , their best conceits do proue the greatest liers .

Liue within Compasse : in Temperance .

ABuse not thy body in thy youth by Surfet , Riot , or any other distemper through an ouer-weening abilitie of strength ; for youth and Nature passe ouer many Infirmities that are growing till their age .

Liue temperately and vertuously , that thou mayst dye patiently ; for who liues most honestly , will dye most willingly : and for thy long dayes and better health on earth , afflict not thy body with too much vnnecessary Physicke , but furnish thy minde in time of plentie to lay vp for it selfe and others in the time of want ; for surely her end shall be easie and happie that death finde with a weake body , but a strong Soule .

Grieue not to groane vnder the hand of sicknesse ; for as sometimes it purgeth the body from intemperate humors , so doth it oftentimes the Soule from more dangerous securitie , and the rather , since there is no perfect health in this world , but a newtralitie betweene sicknesse and health .

The eyes are the instruments of lust , therefore make a couenant with them , that they betray not thy heart to vanitie .

Suffer with those that suffer , be crucified with those that are crucified : so shalt thou be glorified with those that are glorified .

True grace and Temperance doe not lift vp , but humble a good woman ; therefore she is not yet partaker of true grace which doth not walke in humilitie of heart . The streames of Gods grace doe flow downwards , not vpwards .

God creates of nothing , and he repaires of nothing ; that therefore thou maist bée partaker of the Regeneration and Reparation , be nothing in thine owne eyes , that is , attribute nothing to thy selfe , arrogate nothing to thy selfe . Women are weake and fraile ; but iudge none frailer than thy selfe : to be inferiour to all , hurts none , to be aboue any , offends many .

Temperance is an enemy to lust , and last is an euer-waiting seruant to the pleasures of high bloods .

Temperance calleth a womun backe from all grosse affects and carnall appetites , and lets her neither exceed in foolish reioycing , nor in vngodly sorrowing .

Shee is firmely to be accounted temperate , which from the ground of reason can gouerne and bridle the vice of sensualitie , and all other grosse affections of the minde , and passions .

Temperance is the true Peace-maker in all the tumults betweene reason and passion .

When the vntamed passions of a woman haue their full careere , and are neither ouer-ruled with Temperance nor discretion ; then is the soule lost and forsaken , or at least , deformed and miserable ; and the more delicately the body is handled , the more stubbornly it wrastleth against the minde ; for the heauie burthen of the body is onely the oppresson of the soule .

Shee cannot commend Temperance that imagineth the best felicitie to consist in pleasure .

O it is Temperance , with his golden squire Between our passions , measures out a mean , Neither to melt in pleasures hot desire , Nor fry in heartlesse griefe & dolefull teen : Thrice happie shee that stayes them both betweene . O in what safetie Temperance doth rest , When it finds harbor in a modest brest . Of all Gods workes which doe this world adorne , There 's none more faire , more sweet or excellent Then womans body , both for power and forme , Whilst it is kept in temperate gouernment . 'T is harder for to learne faire continence In ioyous pleasure than in grieuous paine , For sweetnes doth allure the weaker sense So strongly , that vnneath it can refraine From that which feeble nature couers fain ; But griefe and wrath that be her enemies And foes of life , shee better can restraine , Yet vertue vaunts in both their victories . Let Wolues and Beasts be cruell in their kinds , But women meeke , and of faire temperate mindes . Though men mindes can couer with bold sterne lookes , Pale womens faces are their owne faults bookes . Those vertues that in women praise doe win , Are sober shewes without , chaste thoughts within ; True faith & due obedience to their make , And of their children honest care to take . They melt with words as wax against the Sunne , So weake in many women's modestie , For what sometimes they most would seeme to shield , Another time vnaskt , poore soules they yeeld .

Out of Compasse in Temperance . Madnesse .

A Mad woman is like a rough stirring Horse , and as he must haue a sharp bit , so must shee haue a sharp restraint .

As a blocke though it be decked with gold , pearles , gems , and precious ornaments , is not to be regarded except it represent the shape of some thing : euen so a woman be she neuer so rich and glorious , yet if shée want obedience , she is of no account or estimation .

Such wiues as would rather haue foolish Husbands whom they might rule , than to be ruled by sober wise men , are like them that would rather lead a blind man in an vnknowne path , than follow one that can both see and knoweth the way directly .

She that forsakes her husband because she dislikes his manners , is like her that forsakes the Honey least the Bee might sting her .

They which sacrificed to Iuno the goddesse of married women , tooke euer the galls from the beasts which they sacrificed ; signifying thereby , that all anger , madnes , and displeasure should euer be farre from married couples .

In three points women and fooles hold small difference ; they are full of vaine affections , they are curious and peeuish to please , and euer wilfull to disobay .

There is no creature that more desireth honour , and worse keepeth it than a mad woman .

The intemperate woman with her lightnesse , and children with their small knowledge , occupy their minds in things present : but vertuous wise women do thinke on that is past , they ordaine for that which is present , and with great study and care prouide for the time to come .

There are in outragious womens eyes two seuerall sorts of teares , the one of griefe , the other of deceit .

Beautie in womens faces , and outrage in their hearts , are two wormes which fret life , and waste goods .

Mad women for a little goodnes looke for a great recompence , but for much euill no chastisement .

A fierce beast and a dangerous for is an outragious woman to a Common-wealth : for shée hath much power to doe much harme , and is not apt to follow any goodnesse .

A mad woman once defamed beleeues after in no woman vertue , but defameth all to make her owne vice worthie of a companion .

The tongue of a mad woman is a slipperie instrument , nimble to doe mischiefe ; for commonly by it friendship is decayed , worldly riches diminished , the life most miserably wasted , and infamy and immortall paine purchased .

Such a mischieuous euill is the sinne of detraction in the heart of a proud and vnruly woman , that there is neither long familiarilie , accustomed fellowship , nor causes of approued friendship , neither yet any estate or degree that can once bridle them , or stay them from doing infinite mischiefe .

She that is giuen to the vice of detraction , is worthily subiect to the common hatred of men , and to be eschewed of all as a most pestilent infection ; and at her enterance into any place among good women , euery mouth to be either stopped against her , or otherwise opened to hisse her out of doores , as a thing altogether voyde of delight , and filled vp but with danger onely .

Amongst temperate women , madde women are made bright ; but amongst madde women , temperate women are made glorious .

It is a great madnesse in any woman to amuse vpon those things which are farre beyond her vnderstanding .

A faire woman without discretion , is like a faire house and an ●…uill host harbored therein .

Many times of wise maides becommeth foolish wantons , and of foolish wantons , wise maides .

Let euery woman behold her selfe in a Looking-glasse , and if shee appeare beautifull , let her doe such things as become her beautie ; but if shée séeme foule , then let her make good with good manners the beautie which her face lacketh .

As the body being alwayes opprest with labour loseth his strength , and so perisheth ; so doth the minde of a woman oppressed with passions and pleasures of this world , lose the force , lust , and desire which shee had to the rest of eternall life to come .

Excesse of passions may euer hurt , they can neuer profit .

When sensualitie reigneth , ( especially amongst women ) there reason taketh no place .

A madde Woman knoweth things done , but a discreet woman considereth things long before they come to passe .

Praise and indiscretion can neuer be coupled together .

From idle wit there springs a brain-sick will , Which wise men lust , which foolish make a god ; This in the shape of vertue reigneth still , But 't is the onely vice , one worst and odde . Will puts in practice what the wit deuiseth ; Will euer acts , and wit contemplates still , And as from wit the power of wisedome riseth , All other vertues daughters are of will . The heedlesse will true iudgement doth ensnare , Who 's rul'd by it doth neuer want her care . Where womens actions measure no regard , There lawlesse will is made his owne regard . Such is the crueltie of women kinde , When they haue maken off the shame-fac't band , With which wise nature did them strongly binde T' obey the hests of mans well-ruling hand , That then all rule & reason they withstand , To purchase a licentious libertie : But vertuous women wisely vnderstand , That they were borne to base humilitie , Vnlesse the Heauens them lift to lawfull souereigntie . What iron band , or what sharp mouthed bit , What chain of Diamond ; if such might be , ●an bridle womens wrath , or conquer it , ●nd keepe them in their bounds , and true degree ? Craft makes a woman oft appeare in show , Merry and sad , when shee is neuer so . The louely lookes , the sighs that storme so sore , The due of deep dissembling doubtfulnesse , These may attempt , but are of power no more , When beauty leanes to wit & soothfastnes .

Liue within Compasse : in Beautie .

THere is nothing harder for a woman than to know her selfe ; for blinded with beautie and selfe-loue , they flatter themselues in all things .

There is in euery woman two powers , which draw and conduct her ; a desire of pleasure bred in the beautie of the body , and a good opinion coueting onely good things ▪ betweene these two there is continuall strife in women , and when the opinion hath the maistry , it maketh a woman sober , chaste , discreet , & quiet : but when desire getteth the vpper hand , it makes her lustfull , riotous , couetous , & vnquiet .

Three things a woman ought to hold remarkable , her soule , her body , the substance of this world : The soule first , because it is a thing beautifull , & immortall , made after the shape of God himselfe : The body next because it is faire , and is the case and sepulcher of the soule , and the nearest seruant to the secret spirit : lastly the substance of this world being necessary , and the principall instruments and tools of the body . Let then the eyes of euery womans inward minde first respect the beautie of her soule , then the comelinesse of her body , and lastly , the necessitie of riches .

She that loueth beautie more than vertue , shall either lack that she coueteth , or els lose what she hath got with great paine .

Shée that is in loue with her owne beautie is like one that trauelleth on the Seas ; if she escape the dangers ( which are scandals ) shee is fortunate , but if shée perish , shee is wilfully deceiued .

Trust not beautie , for it neuer payeth what it promiseth .

Beautie in this world is the delight of ●n houre , and the sorrow of many dayes ; ●ut in the world to come , eternall rest and ●ong ioy .

Beautie is of two sorts , as of the body , which is a séemly composition of all the members , wherein all the parts with a certain grace agree together ; and the other of the winde , which is a conueniency meet for the excellency of man or woman , and that wherin their nature doth differ from other liuing creatures ; & as the outward beauty moueth & reioiceth the eies , so this shining in their liues by order & moderation , both in deeds & words , draweth vnto them the hearts of them amongst whom they liue .

Beauty is such a fading good , that it can be scarce possessed , before it be vanished .

The greatest gift that euer heauen bestowed on a woman , is beautie ; for it both delighteth the eye , contenteth the minde , & winneth good fauour of all men .

The beauty of the body withereth with age , and is impaired by sicknesse , but the beautie of the soule , which is innocency and humilitie , can neuer be consumed .

A beautifull countenance is a silent commendations .

The fairest creature that euer Go● created was the world .

Beautie , honor , and wealth , are thre● deepe perswasions to make loue frollick● and men miserable .

In all things diuisible there is something more , something lesse , somethin● equall more or lesse : what can be more equall than beautie or wit ?

The Scorpion if hee touch neuer s● lightly , inuenometh the whole body ; th● least sparke of wild-fire sets the whol● house on a flame , the Cockatrice kils me● with his sight , the sting of loue and beauti● woundeth deadly , the flame of fancy set● all the thoughts on fire , and the eyes of ● louer wounded with beautie , are accounted incurable .

Shée that is an enemy to beautie is a fo●… to nature , and shée that doats on beauti● is a high traytor to nature .

Beauties that should be concealed , too grosly discouered , are faire signes hung out to entice to an vnhospitable Inne .

Beautie without honesty is poyson preserued in a box of gold .

Let not a womans beauty , but her vertue be her dower , for her good deeds will remaine when age hath taken her beautie from her .

Let no woman striue to excell in beautie , but hold the golden meane , which is the true mediocritie and best part of any action , and must be vsed in all things : it containeth the full effects of prudence touching gouernment , and tranquilitie concerning the soule .

Curiositie and extremity banished woman from the first modesty of her nature .

To liue on the mountaines , and haue too much heat , is to be Sunne-burnt ; to liue in the valley and haue too little , is barren ; to hold the meane is euer most fruitfull .

'T is sacred Beautie is the fruit of sight , The curtesie that speaks before the tongue , The feast of soules , the glory of the lights , Enuy of age , and euerlasting young , Pitties commander , Cupids richest throne , Musicke entranced , neuer dully sung : The summe and court of all proportion . And that I may dull speeches least afford , All Rhetorickes flowers in lesse than a word . 'T is beauty that is a womans golden crown , Mans conqueresse , and feminine renowne , Not ioynd with loue , who deare yet euer sold it ? For Beauty's cheape , except loues eye behold it . Beautie is still an Adamant to all , And Natures bush that passengers doth call . Beautie it selfe doth of it selfe perswade The eyes of men without an Orator : What needeth then Apologies be made , To set forth that which is so singular ? O how can Beauty master the most strong , And simple Truth subdue auenging wrong ? O what is he whose youth can say he loues not , Or who so old that womens beauty moues not ? Neuer were cheeks of roses , locks of amber Ordaind to liue imprison'd in a chamber . Heauen made Beauty like it selfe to view , Not to be lockt vp in a smokie mew : A rosie vertuous cheeke is heauens gold , Which all men ioy to touch , all to behold . The ripest corne dyes if it be not reapt , Beauty alone is lost too char'ly kept .

Out of Compasse in Beautie , Odiousnesse .

TO exceed Nature or thy condition , is a ryotous excesse in lust , apparell , or other ornament , it is also a part of pride , and contrary to decency and comlinesse .

Excesse of brauery brings a woman of wealth quickly to pouertie , and excesse of beautie to hate and odiousnesse .

They that rather delight to decke their bodies than their soules , seeme women rather created for their bodies than their soules .

As the wéed cannot be esteemed precious for the faire flower which it beareth , so ought no woman to be accounted vertuous for the gay garment shée weareth , or the beauty shée borroweth .

Beautie may be ouerthrowne with age , and apparell consumed with moaths : what folly is it then for women to delight in that which an houre can waste , or a very little worme destroy ?

Raine can neuer cause the Corne to bring forth any fruit which is sowne vpon hard stones , nor speech cannot perswade a proud woman to become an enemy to braue apparell .

Gorgeous garments are markes of pride , and nests of riotousnesse .

As a man would iudge one to be ill at ease which weareth a plaster vpon his face , or one that hath beene scourged to be punished by the Law ; so doth painting betoken in a woman , a diseased soule marked with adultery .

As it is no wisedome in admiring the scabard to despise the blade , so is it meere folly to praise a woman for her brauery , & discommend her for her modesty .

Odious is that beautie which sleepeth not with the face .

If by the ciuill Law the child may haue an action of the case against him which shall deface the portraiture of his father , we may well imagine what action God will haue against those women which by artificiall painting , seeke to correct his workmanship .

Painting hastens wrinkles before old age come .

All kinde of painting , artificiall garnishing , and colouring of haire , was forbidden among the Spartans , despised of wise men , and loathed of good men .

There are three things which cost dearly , and consume quickly ; a faire woman that is vnchaste , a rich garment that hath many cuts , and a wealthy stocke in the hands of an ill husband .

The tongue of a bitter woman pierceth deeper than her eyes .

A painted womans sorrowes , howsoeuer extreme , ought not to be redressed : for being trimmed vp with dissimulation , she should not be beleeued .

A painted womans eyes haue two sorts of teares , the one of sorrow , the other of dissimulation .

False beautie in the faces of women , & folly in their heads , are two wormes that fretteth life , and wasteth goods .

Ill women for little goodnesse looke for great praise , but for much euill no chastisement .

A fierce beast and a dangerous enemy to the common-wealth is a wicked woman , for shee is of much power to doe much harme .

An ill womans heart is full of holes , apt to receiue , but not to retaine .

He that can endure a curst wife , needs not feare the Deuill for his companion .

The closet of a bad womans thought is euer open , and the depth of her heart hath a string that stretcheth to her tongues end .

A painted womans face is a liuer smeared with carrion , her beauty baits of dead wormes , her lookes nets , and her words inticing charmes .

An vnconstant faire woman may bée likened to Prasiteles Picture which hee made of Flora , before which if one stood directly , it seemed to weepe ; if on the left side , it seemed to laugh ; if on the right side , to sleepe .

A sparke of beautie burnes a world of creatures , When it is of sophisticated features . O beauty , still thine Empire swims in blood And in thy peace warre stores himselfe of food . Beautie a begger , fie it is too bad , When in it selfe sufficiency is had : It was not made to please the wandring eie , But an attire t' adorne sweet modesty . If modesty and women once doe seuer , Farewell all fame , farewell all name for euer . O beautie that betrayes thy selfe to euery amorous eye , To trap thy proud professors , what is it but wantons try ? Where through it seldome haps , the faire from meane deceits to flye . Truce , war , and woe , doe wait at beauties gate , Time lost , laments , reports , & priuy grudge , And last fierce loue is but a partiall iudge , Who yeelds for seruice shame , for friendship hate . The Bees of Hybla haue besides sweet honey , smarting stings ; And Beautie doth not want a bait that to repentance brings . The fairest cheeke hath oftentimes a soule Leprous as sin it selfe , than hell more foule .

Liue within Compasse : in Humilitie .

SHee that gathereth vertues without Humilitie , casteth dust against the winde , and loseth her labour .

Happie is that woman whose calling is great , and her spirit humble .

Humilitie is a twinne to Chastitie and Nobilitie , and as necessary in a woman as her virginitie .

Nothing can repaire a decayed Chastitie but true Humilitie .

Since the Countrey which a woman desires to dwell in , is high and heauenly , and the way thither Lowlinesse and Humilitie , why then desiring this Countrey , should they refuse the way ?

There are three degrees of Humilitie : the first , of Repentance ; the second , a desire of Righteousnesse ; and the third , the workes of mercy .

Shée that cannot haue what shée would , must be humbly content with what shee can get .

Sufferance maketh women Angels , but pride maketh them Deuils .

Let not thankes waxe old , when gifts are in thy possession .

She that refuseth to buy good counsell cheape , shall buy repentance deare .

Mocke not at any in misery , but by it auoid the like misfortune .

Giue no vaine and vnnecessary gifts , as is Armour to thy maids , Bookes to thy plow-swaine , or Nets to a Student .

Let thy best apparell be Iustice , and thy vppermost garment Chastitie ; so shalt thou be happy , and thy dayes prosper .

Let Vertue be thy life , Humilitie thy loue , Honour thy fame , and Heauen thy felicitie .

Let not thy bounty exceed thy meanes , nor thy free mind thy modesty , kéepe thine eye in equall pace with thine eare , and thy tongue short of thy feet .

Rather liue wal'd vp with an Anchorite , than hous'd with an euill woman .

Be not secure , lest want of care procure thy calamitie ; nor too carefull , lest pensiue thoughts oppresse thee with misery .

Behold thy selfe in a Looking-glasse , and if thou appeare beautifull , doe such things as becomes thy beautie ; but if thou seeme foule , then performe with good manners the dutie which thy face wanteth .

If thy Parents waxe poore , supply their want with thy wealth ; if froward with age , beare patiently with their imperfections .

Liue and hope as if thou wert not to liue a moment .

Neuer wish impossible wishes , for it expresseth but a wanton passion , or a most greedy couetousnesse , both grounded on folly .

To friuolous questions silence is euer the best answer .

Beware what thou grantest in any sort , for inconueniences follow one in the necke of the other .

If thou doubt in any thing , aske counsell of the wise , and be not angry at their reproofe , least ( as Martiall the Poet said ) it be truth that thou louest , not truth .

Shée that talketh much to little purpose , is like him that sailes with a side-winde , and is borne to a wrong shoare .

As a woman without humilitie is vnpleasant , so humilitie without seueritie draweth neare to prostitution .

She only may properly be called a woman that in her behauiour gouerneth her selfe like a woman , that is to say , conformable to such things as reason willeth , and not as the motions of sensualitie requireth .

Where any demand is a iest , the fittest answer is a scoffe .

Rather labour to be deliuered from contempt , than practise to be reuenged .

The eye can neuer offend if the minde would rule the eye , but where there is deuision , there is euer confusion .

Solitarinesse is the onely slie enemy that separateth both woman and man from doing well .

Liking is not alwayes the childe of beautie , but iealousie is euer the busie harbenger to disdaine .

Shee that will needs stirre affections in others , must first shew the same passion in her selfe .

Shee that blameth another , must first be blamelesse her selfe , especially in the matter she blameth another for .

Forbearance of speech is most dangerous when necessitie requireth to speake .

Humilitie is aged , hoary , gray , With looke full lowly cast , and gate full slowe : Who on a staffe his steps doth stay , To whom who comes must euer stoope most low ; For strait and narrow is the way that he doth show . Humilitie to heauen is step and staire , Both for deuotion , sacrifice , and prayer . The bending knee in safetie still doth goe , when others stumble , as too stiffe to bow . Ah , God shield maid , that any one should learne to looke aloft : This reed is rife , that oftentimes great climbers fall vnsoft . In humble dales is footing fast , the troad is not so tickle : And though one fall through heedles hast , yet is his misse not mickle . As on th' vnsauory stock the Lilly's borne , And as the Rose growes on the pricking thorne : So modest life , with sobs of glorious smart , And cryes deuout , comes from an humble heart . More honor 's in humilitie , than safetie is in wals : Ill liuers proue not monuments , saue onely in their falls . Meeknesse this noble vertue and diuine , Doth make a woman still so rare and od , As in that one she most resembleth God . Euer as rage kindleth the fire of wrath , Meeknes to quench it store of water hath .

Out of Compasse in Humilitie , Pride .

PRide perceiuing Humilitie to be honourable , desires oftentimes to bée couered with her garment , for feare least appearing alwayes in her owne likenesse , she should be little regarded .

Immoderate wealth causeth pride , pride bringeth hatred , hatred worketh rebellion , rebellion maketh an alteration and changeth Kingdomes , euen in womens dissentions .

That kind of fantasticke contemplation which tends to solitarinesse , is but a glorious title to proud idlenesse .

The proud conceit of young women , is , that they can speake wisely , when they cannot vnderstand themselues .

When Dogs fall on snarling , Serpents on hissing , and Women on weeping , the first meanes to bite , the second to sting , and the last to deceiue .

As rewards are necessary for well-doers , so chastisements are meet for proud offenders .

Pride is alwayes accompanied with Folly , Audacitie , Rashnesse , Impudency , and Solitarinesse : as if one would say that the proud woman is abandoned of all the world , euer attributing that to her selfe which is not , hauing much more boast than matter of worth .

Pride did first spring in men from too much abundance of wealth , in women from too much trust in beautie , and the flattery of men .

Pride is the mother of Enuie ; strangle her , and her daughter dieth .

She that knowes her selfe best , will euer esteeme her selfe least .

It is hard for a faire woman not to be proud .

A proud woman is like Theocritus his fisherman ; shée onely feeds the vanitie of her fancy with dreames of gold .

If a mans folly make a woman once his equall , her pride will soone make her selfe his superior .

Women be of so tender condition , that they will complaine for a small cause , and for a lesse will rise vp into infinite pride .

There is no creature that more desires honour , worse kéeps it , and sooner loseth it , than a proud woman .

Proud women in mischiefe are euer wiser than men .

It is naturall to a proud woman , to despise that which is offered her ; and death to her to be denied any thing shée demandeth .

Sophocles being asked , why , when he brought in the persons of women , hee made them alwayes good , whereas Euripides made them all bad : Because ( quoth he ) I present women as they should be , and Euripides presented them such as they are .

A proud womans will is like a Sheffild knife , sometimes so sharpe it will cut a haire , and otherwhiles so blunt it must needs goe to the grindstone .

If women be beautifull , they are to be won with prayses ; if coy , with prayers ; if proud , with gifts ; if wonton , with promises ; but if good , with prouidence and vertue .

Those women which esteeme themselues most wise , are euermore the soonest tickled with selfe-loue .

A proud womans mind is euer vncertaine : it hath as many new deuices as a tree hath leaues , for shée is alwayes desirous of change , and seldome loueth him heartily with whom shee hath beene long conuersant .

Trust not a proud woman when shee weepeth , for it is her nature to shed teares when shée wants her will .

A proud woman in her wit is pregnable , in her smile deceiuable , in her frowne reuengeable , and lastly in her death acceptable .

Of grisly Pluto , Pride the daughter was , And sad Proserpina the Queene of hell , Yet doth she thinke her pearles worthy to passe , That parentage with pride so doth she swell ; And thundring Ioue that hie in heauen doth dwell , And wield the world , shee claimed for her fire ; Or if that any else doth Ioue excell , For to the highest she doth still aspire ; Or if ought higher were , then that doth she desire . O pride the shelf close shrouded in the port Of this lifes Ocean , drowning all resort . Pride makes her rounds , for shee hath neuer end , And Soners , for she neuer leaues her noise : She makes her dumps , if any thing offend , And to her idoll selfe , with warbling voice , Sings Hyms & Anthems of especiall choice : And yet prides quire's put to silence clean , Wanting a Base , a Tenor , and a Meane , Pride is the scourge of sin , the Deuils fee , The head of hell , the bough , the branch , the tree . From which doe spring and sprout such fleshly seeds , As nothing else but moane and mischiefe breeds . Such is the nature still of haughtie pride , Can nothing lesse than others praise abide . A proud maid may her owne musitian be , Her heads deuice makes pauens to her heart This hart with lips & pleasures danceth free , All but the measures framing euery part ; Like Organs worthy of so sweet an Art , Her thoughts playes marches on her vaulting mind , And Memory her Recorder stands behind .