FOr as muche as the weakenesse of our nature is suche , as wee are more inclined and prone to imitate and followe those thynges that bee hurtfull vnto vs , then those that bee good and profitable . In my iudgemente there is nothyng more meete , especially for yong Maidens then a Mirrhor , there in to see and beholde how to order their dooyng , I meane not a Christall Mirrhor , made by handie Arte , by whiche Maidens now adaies , dooe onely take delight daiely to tricke and trim their tresses , standyng tootyng twoo howers by the Clocke , lookyng now on this side , now on that , least any thyng should bee lackyng needefull to further Pride , not sufferyng so muche as a hare to hang out of order , no I meane no suche Mirrhor , but the Mirrhor I meane is made of an other maner of matter , and is of muche more worthe then any Christall Mirrhor ; for as the one teacheth how to attire the outwarde bodie , so the other guideth to garnishe the inwarde mynde , and maketh it meete for vertue , and therefore is intituled a Mirrhor , meete for Matrones and Maidens , for Matrones to knowe how to traine vp suche young Maidens as are committed to their charge and tuission , and for Maidens how to behaue them selues to attaine to the seate of good fame . For although that a nomber of them before whom this Mirrhor maie come , be braunches sprong from so vertuous a tree , or brookes discendyng from so sweete a Fountaine , as there is no doubte but the braunches and brookes will bee like vnto the breeders . Yet ( the more pitie ) wee see oftentimes proofe to the contrary , the cause whereof can not bee thought to proceade , but by wante of good instruction . As it is not onely euident to bee seen in menne that are reasonable , but in thynges that are reasonlesse , yea ( not straiyng from my example ) in Plantes , for thei by wantyng the continuall care and diligence , that is necessarie for them , are seen to lacke their naturall force and vertue , and finallie become wilde . Likewise the horse by default of well teachyng and trainyng vp , will lose a great parte of his gallant maiestie , whereto naturally he is inclined . So that by how muche the more the likelihoode of any maiden is of vertue , by so muche the more ought there a care and diligence to bee had in conseruyng her , as a thyng precious and of greate valour , and therefore I wishe al Mothers and Matrones not to be so carelesse , as not trustyng any other thyng that thei haue , of little or no estimation at all , but vnder the sauegarde and sure keepyng of carefull and trustie folke , will neuerthelesse committe their children at aduenture to the tuission of suche , as either by too daintie an entreatie , will corrupt their tender myndes , or by too importunate a rudenesse , driue them into vndecent fearfulnesse , yea , per aduenture into disdaine and hate of suche thinges , as ought to be followed and loued . Therefore concerning the Matrone to whom any yong Maiden is to be comitted ( I saie ) she ought what so euer she be , to be Graue , Prudent , Modest , and of good counsell , to th ende that suche Maidens as she hath in tutyng , maie learne her honeste and womanlie demeanoure , and sure she ought especiallie , and aboue all thinges , beware that their tender minds , replenished with deuine beautie and bountie , be not corrupted by seing vndecent demeanours . Touchyng the Maiden desirous of good fame , if she beyng by ▪ Nature of beautifull forme , in deakyng herself by a Christall Mirrhor , will be sure not to suffer ( as before I said ) so muche as a spot , if she espies it vpon her face , the beautie of whiche is moste fraile , and fadeth like a flower in short space : how ought her minde , in whiche is represented the true Image of God , to be kept not onely from greate spotof sinne , but from the lest that is , likewise suche garmentes as be gallant ▪ garnisht with golde , whiche ( notwithstandyng , how gorgeous so euer they be to the eye , are but durt and drosse , ) we see bothe Mothers and Mistresses to be so curious as so nere as they can , they will not permit so muche as a mote to remaine vpon them , and yet God he knowes thei be so necligent , and carelesse ouer their Daughters , and Maidens ( the moste parte of them ) as thei neuer regarde or respect their behauioures , to the ende that if thei be bad , thei maie amende them , or if good so continewe them , but as though the care of their well teaching and traynyng vp , did not appertaine or belonge to them , they let them passe , but alas , what should I talke of Mothers , yea or of Fathers , seyng that for the moste parte , although they them selues be wise , and graue of Iudgement , yet their vertue , and Prudence , is ouercome and blynded by affection , therefore I thinke it more meete and conuement , for Parents to set their Children forthe to be taught , but vnder whom ? vnder euery one that beares the name of a teacher . Noe , but in that respect they are to doe , as if they were to make choise of some Painter , to take in hande to drawe their owne picture , to doe the whiche there is no doubt , but thei would seeke and serche out , so nye as thei could , hym that is moste famous and excellent in that art , and so ought they to doe , and with muche more care in sekyng suche as thei will commit their children vnto , to be instructed , because by their instruction and trainyng vp , they are ▪ foreuer to be made or marde . Now to the ende ye maie knowe the Mistresse meete to take charge ouer children ▪ I will discribe her vnto you by particuler qualities , and so for the orderly the qualities meete to bee taught euery maiden .

Firste , she that doeth take vpon her , too traine vp any young maiden , ought to be indewed with so singuler Prudence , as that ( whiche others can hardly perceiue in longe continuance of tyme ) shee taught by the lookes and behauioure of the Maide , may sone discerne , and see what is to be hoped , and what feared in her , and so preuenting at the beginning by brief ▪ and expedient remedies , that whiche she feareth , shall with milde and Prudent instructions , nourisheing that whiche she hath good hope of bring her in short time to perfectnesse . Moreouer for so muche as there is greater daunger , in that whiche is feared , then profite in that whiche is hoped , our Matrone ought before all thynges carefully to cut from her harte , all that whiche she feareth in her to bee euil . Imitatyng therein the wise and experte labourer , who neuer soweth Corne in any grounde , that he knoweth to bee good and fertile , before he hath first diligently purged and rooted vp suche euell weedes , Thornes and brambles , as are ouer growne therein , whiche dooen , yet she maye not leaue her care and diligence , but after that she hath taken from h●r harte the moste that she can all that , whiche hindereth in her the augmentation of vertue , and therein hath sowen the sedes of the same and seen it spring her seconde care shal bee to take heede , least ( as often tymes yong and tender plantes , not staied with firme and strong proppes , shaken with the blustryng windes , doe fall to the earth , lose their vigor , and in the ende wither and dye ) the vertue that hath taken a little roote in her harte , being shaken somtymes by tempestes of affections , and not hauyng firme and sure proppes to staieit , doe perishe . Whiche thyng that it maye come to passe in short space , will sufficiently appere to hym that is in doubt , by consideryng that not onely in youth , when the seedes of vertue are newe sowen in their mindes , but also in ripe age , when as vertue doeth florishe and increase , there is greate neede of suche , as by their wisedome and instruction maye sustaine and gouerne them , vntill suche tyme as vertue hath taken depe roote in them , and then ( as wee see a strong and sturdie Oke to stande stiffe and immouable against the blustrous blastes of fierce windes ) so in their hartes how boisterous so euer the tempestious blastes of humaine affections doe blowe , it is not to be doubted but vertue will abide without mouyng , or rootyng out ; now because it hath been saied before , that a wise and prudente Matrone ought to knowe that whiche is to bee feared , and likewise hoped for in a Maide , she shall come to the same by graue and wise counsaile , and by vsing the like pollicie that Ulisses did ( who for to gette knowledge of Achilles beyng trained vp in companie of Licomedes daughters in womens attire ) emong many other gallant knackes meete for Maidens , did make shewe of weapons , meete for knightes , whereon Achilles had no soner cast his eyes , but presently he leaft the triflyng toyes of women , and fell too handlyng of them , by whiche Ulisses knew hym . Thus she shall sone perceiue whereto she is inclyned , yet shall she not present vnto her any vicious thyng , in blamyng or detestyng it , but shall sette before her the contrary vertues , geuing high commendation to the good , and vtter dispraies to the bad . Also our good Matrone shal giue her to vnderstande , how goodly a beautie and gallant ornament chastitie is in a young Maiden , and if it apperes that she leues her eare vnto suche praies , and by semblance , desiereth not onely too seeme suche a one , but to bee suche a one , the signes wil be euident , that her harte hath in horroure the contrarye crymes . But if our Matroue , perceiue by signes that she is bent otherwise , then wisely , and prudently ( takyng occasion the most aduisedly she can ) shee shall discource vntoo her , the liues of some renowmed Ladies , who liued vertuouslye , and thereby purchased immortall fame and renowme , but before I passe any farther , I will staye too shew the vse of many vnwise Fathers , who beyng more daintye , and effeminate in followyng their pleasures , then wise and diligent in seekyng the profite of their Daughters , doe giue them , so sone , as they haue any vnderstandyng in readyng , or spellyng , to cone and learne by hart bookes , ballades , Songes , sonettes , and Ditties of daliance excityng their memories thereby , beyng then moste apt to retayne for euer , that whiche is taught theim , to the same maner of order , for the hartes of youth , are therein to bee compared to newe vesselles , whiche for euer will keepe the sauour and tast , of that licore where with it is first filled and seasoned , therefore I would wish our good Matrone to eschew suche vse , as apestilent infection , for no doubt the weake age of youth , and euell conuersation of manye , geues copious , and aboundant matter enough to euill , and muche more then wise Parentes would wish , I am sure without neede to bee taught it so longe tyme before , but in steede of suche bookes and lasciuious ballades , our wise Matrone , shall reade or cause her Maidens to reade , the examples and liues of godly and vertuous Ladies , whose worthy fame , and bright renowme , yet liueth and still will liue for euer , whiche shee shall make choise of , out of the holy Scripture , and other histories both auncient and of late dayes whiche , bookes will not onely delight them , but as a spurre it will pricke and incite their hartes , to follow vertue , and haue vice in horror and disdaine , yea their mindes by that meanes , not onely of those that are growen to ripenes of yeres and strength of nature , but also those of tender and young age , wil be come noble and magnaminous thereby , for you shall neuer repeate the vertuous liues of any suche Ladies as , Claudia , Portia , Lucretia and such like were , but you shall kindle adesire in them to treade their steppes , and become in tyme like vnto them , and too disdayne and haue in horrour those that to the contrarye , pas the course of their liues in wickednesse , and not onely shall our Maiden bee forbidded , to reade anye suche bookes or ballades , as maie make her mynde ( beeyng of it self verie delicate ) more feble and effemynate , but also from all those thynges that any waie maie make her vnworthie of a laudable reputation , emong whiche , it is not to bee thought how hurtfull and daungerous , the acquaintaunce and famyliaritie of yong gossopes is , who vnder couerture , of Ientillitie , gallant attire , and costly ornamentes , or ( whiche is moste infectious ) vnder fained Religion and honestie , doe hide corrupte and wicked maners , and yet suche as are euill maie easely bee knowen , when the aucthoritie of greate personages supporte them , and euen as a disease is then moste contagious , when those that are infected , haue a colour liuely , and moste likely to bee healthfull , so vice hide vnder Ientillitie and honour , and couered with the visor of falce semblance , and feined honestie , doeth hurte muche more , then when the euill life or leude behauiour of suche personages , are discouered and made manifest ; but I thinke it not necessarie , to admonishe our Matrone after the maner of some , to bee so strickte to her Maidens , as to withdrawe theim from the acquaintaunce and familiaritie of children , how bee it that thei be of like age , although that in the same age the seede of Synne no doubt springeth , and the fruite thereof in little time ripeneth , and increaseth too aboundantly , whiche thyng the learned and graue Doctor of greate aucthoritie sainct Ierome sheweth by example of a shamelesse harlot , who more brutishlie then any reasonlesse beaste , would make booste and vauntyng bragges of her lasciuious life , saiyng , that since she could remember in her youngest yeres , the filthie pleasure of fleshe was not daintie vnto her : oh horrible bragge , oh execrable booste , and moste damnable life : well our prudente Matrone to remoue suche detestable dangers from her yong Maidens , shall in nowise permit them , to haue acquaintaunce with kitchine Seruauntes , or suche idle housewiues , as commonly and of custome , doe thruste theim selues into the familiaritie of those of good callyng , and vnder colour of freendlinesse , doe oftentymes woorke greate mischeef , and are therefore to bee auoided and shonned , as infectious diseases , for sure there is no one thing so vnsemely , for a yong maiden of good callyng , or more hurtful to her good fame and name then to bee seen and heard emong suche as I before mentioned , tattlyng , and tellyng of foolishe tales by the fire side , but in stede thereof , I meane of tellyng or hearyng of fables told in suche companie , our Matron shall cause them that are committed yonge into her gouernement , to propounde in the companie of womanlie Maidens , and so nere as she can in her owne presence , pithie questions , and graue sentences , to pose one an other , and sometymes tell the liues of godlie Uirgines , and the Matrone her self to delight theim , who of necessitie ought to be stored with studied demaundes , and wittie argumentes , shall modestly entermeddle her self emong theim , and to theim in whom she sees any desarte , she shall to incourage the other , yeelde commendation , and so make them all striue to attaine to the like , and it would not bee amisse , seyng that the continuall presence of her that is a Maistres , by her greate grauitie and vertuous vsage , doeth rather ingender in a good minde affection of reuerence , then occasion of bold wantonnesse , the whiche more appeareth in youth , then in ripe age , if she made choise emong many of some modest , and well behauoured Maiden , who not onely by vertuous demeanour , shall giue the reste occasion to imitate her vertue , but also bee vnto theim recreatiue , and delightfull in graue and weightie causes , for there be some thinges , whiche sometymes dooe seeme vnto some verie sharpe and noysome , although that of Nature delightfull , and of their proper obiecte doe delight the sences , and dooe moue with singuler pleasure , that age more then any other , whiche thyng if it be truthe , as it certainly seemeth , how muche ought our Matrone to take heede , that it happens not in those thynges , in whiche there is no delight at all . Well , as a wise Matrone should ( seeyng that in children , the strength of vnderstandyng cannot bee so greate , as thei maie alwaies bee troubled with graue matters ) this our Matrone shall ( at least if she will doe well ) entermedle honest mirthe with graue matter . And also if at any tyme there bee any Maiden worthy of correction , lette the Mistresse rather incline in her chastenyng to mildnesse , then madnesse , fauor then furie , and rightly vse the part of a good Phisition , who to cure yong children of their corporall maladies , doe giue them wormewood , or suche like bitter thyng , annointed ouer with Honie , to the ende that thei deceiued by the vpper sweetnesse , maie swallowe doune the wholsome bitternesse , and thereby receiue helpe of their disease . More ouer our good Matrone , shall shewe to her Maidens a modest merie countenaunce continually , and if thei dooe euill rebuke theim in suche sort , as although it be not with bitter wordes , or sharpe stripes , yet thei shall well knowe , thei haue offended greatly , reseruyng crueltie for the laste remedie , and yet the same to bee then also of little induraunce , least that whiche should serue for a remedie vsed to often , becomes scorned and nothyng estemed , as the olde Prouerbe is , To muche of any thyng , is good for nothyng .

Besides when any Maiden is driuen into a tremblyng feare , by her mistresse sodaine sharpe frownyng as no doubt some , beyng of milde and gentill Natures will be sone , our good Matrone shall presently chaunge her sower lowryng into a sweete smylyng , and with gentle and vertuous informations , and cherefull promises put her out of feare , for in no wise I would wishe any too bee ouer pressed by feare , bycause thereby manie become euen simple like fooles , and whereas some parentes bee of opinion that it is necessarie for Maidens , to bee skilfull in Philosophie Morall and Naturall , thinkyng it an honour vnto theim to be thought well learned , I for my part am the contrarie because that by the same , they are made to vnderstande the euelles immynente too humaine life , yea thereby is opened vnto them , the inclynations and pronenesse , whiche naturallie euen from our cradles wee haue vnto vice , whiche knowledge is not requisite to be in young women . Likewise the examples of euill and wicked men , the corrupt liues and lewde customes of those that haue conuersation with vs , the heapes of pleasures , pastymes , delightes , and recreations , and the deceites and guiles of our ghostlie enemie from the whiche we see how the warie wise man can hardlie defende hym selfe ( I leaue the young and tender virgine ) with the protection and armoure of greate learning : too whiche , or against whiche if I should flatly aunswere , that the euell vse of learnyng hath more often tymes beene cause of discommodytie and domage , then the right and laudable vse of it hath beene of profitte and benyfite , I should per aduenture be suspected of some for suche a one as did the same to the derogation , slander , and reproofe of learnyng , whiche thing I vtterly denie , and yet I can alledge infinite examples to proue my proportion , as firste , Roome the chiefe Citie and seate of the worldly empire , and victorious ouer all Nationes , I can approue , and bryng in acuthoritie , that it hath been sixe hundreth yeres and more without the knowledge of Letters , and also that from thence all Philosophers by publicke proclamations were exiled , as corruptors of good and vertuous life : Contrariwise , when the studie of Philosophie and Eloquence florished therein , it loste libertie , and finallie fell into the seruitude and obedience of one man . Also the citee of Athens ( whiche aboue all other was named to haue gotte the glorie , and renowme for learnyng , and teachyng of wisedome to the worlde ) at suche time as the Accademia , the Portico , and the Licio was moste celebrated by the frequentation of noble and famous Philosophers , fell into seruitude and subiection , and therfore in the same the vse of Eloquence was prohibited , as a ruine and Pestilence to the publicque weale , and maime to Lawe and Iustice . Likewise Sparta might bee brought in , for that along tyme , whiles it had Eloquence in horrour and hate , thinkyng the vse of it more meete for effeminate and wanton idle men , then for couragious and warlike champions , it florished as cheef of all Grece with greate glorie , but because I haue taken in hande to instructe a Christian Maiden , laiyng aside al other examples , I might bring in the example of our Sauiour , that Rocke of infallible veritie , who vtterly blamed the wisedome of the worlde , as enemie to good life and religion . But my intent is not , neither was it euer , to attribute suche euill as springeth from the mallice of wicked men , and their corrupte nature , to the sacred studie of learnyng , to whiche I haue giuen my mynde so muche as in me laye all my life tyme . But my purpose is to proue that in a vertuous Uirgine , and modest Maiden , suche vse is more daungerous and hurtfull , then necessarie or praise woorthie . Some perhaps will alledge that a Maiden beyng well learned , and able to searche and reade sonderie aucthors , maie become chaste and godlie , by readyng the godlie and chaste liues of diuerse : but I aunswere who can deny , that , seyng of her self she is able to reade and vnderstande the Christian Poetes , too wete , Prudentio , Prospero , Iuuenco , Pawlino , Nazianzeno , and suche like , that shee will not also reade the Lasciuious bookes , of Ouide , Catullus , Propercius , Tibullus , and in Uirgill of Eneas , and Dido , and amonge the Greeke Poettes of the filthie loue ( if I maie terme it loue ) of the Goddes themselues , and of their wicked addulteries and abhominable Fornications , as in Homer and suche like , and to the same also ( seyng that Parentes will be so Ambicious , as they will take delight to see their daughters dispute in Philosophers Schooles ) who can warrant that when it séemes good vnto her , that she will not as well defende the peruerst oppinion of the Epicure , as the same of Zeno , and Chrysippus , there be some that amonge a few learned Ladies , will alledge per aduenture Cornelia to bee excellent , shee that was Mother vnto the twoo Gracchi noble Citezens of Rome , and yet that Ladie as it is knowen that she taught her Sonnes to be no lesse sedicious and violent , then eloquent and learned . So taught she her Daughter ( as some graue authors haue iudged ) to put her husbande to death , in whom the magnificence and Maiestie of that Empire consisted . Unto the Ladies of Lelius was no greater commendacion giuen then they could speake wisely in their Mother toungue . Likewise Portia , the wife of Brutus was not halfe so muche commended , for hauyng learned of her Father , the Doctrine , and decrees of the Stoicall Philosophers ( whiche neuerthelesse no auncient Author affirme ) as she was for kepyng loyaltie and faithe to her husbande , and for beyng of a patient and noble mynde , a meete vertue for the Daughter of Cato , who was her Father . As touching Mantinea , Assiothea , and Lasthemia ( I leaue to talke of Leontium that defended fleshlie pleasure against Theophrastns ) who chaunged their womanlie attire , and entered manlike in to the Schooles of Plato , and there among amorous and Lasciuious youth disputed of the mouyng of Principles and of causes , or Damma , who taught to the worlde the doctrine of Pithagoras her father , or Aspatia , or Diotima , or Thargelia who wer famous in the studie of Philosophie , they I saie neuer got so muche fame by their learnyng , as thei did defame , for their vnhonest and losse liuyng . And sure I suppose there is no Manne of reason and vnderstandyng , but had rather loue a Mayden vnlearned and chast , then one suspected of dishonest life , though neuer so famous and well learned in Philosophie . Wherefore I wish all Parentes too beware and take heede , how they suffer their young Daughters beyng fraile of Nature , to be bolde disputers , and to the ende I maie not be thought naked of examples to proue the contrarie , I maintaine ( seyng it behoueth mee more to contende with aucthoritie then reason ) that where these obstinate defendoures of learning to be meete and necessarie in women , can bryng in one example , I will alledge a nomber to the contrarie . For the Histories as well ancient as of those of late daies are full of the Noble factes and renowmed deedes done by rare and Excellent Ladies , whiche as well for their noble courage and magnanimous harts as for their chast and vertuous liues haue beene and for euer wil bee moste Famous and renowmed in the worlde , and yet had no learnyng , as it hath beene seene , bothe in Sparta , Rome , Persia , Phocia , Chios , Argiua , and dyuers other places , whose names haue beene celebrated in tyme past , and to our tyme present haue leaft behinde them more matter to wright on touchyng their vertue , then euer either Erinua , Sappho , or Corinna , did write them selues of excellent and famous men . And who is it that will denie that it is not more praies and honnour too doe noble deedes , then to write of them , sure I thinke none , I am therefore of this aduise , that it is not mete nor conuenient for a Maiden to be taught or trayned vp in learnyng of humaine artes , in whome a vertuous demeanour & honest behauiour , would be a more sightlier ornament , then the light or vaine glorie of learnyng , for in learnyng and studiyng of the artes there are twoo thynges finallie proposed vnto vs , that is recreation and profitte , touchyng profitte , that is not to bee looked for , at the handes of her that is geuen vs for a companion in our labours , but rather euery woman ought wholelie to be actiue and diligent about the gouernement of her housholde and familie , and touchyng recreation by learnyng that cannot bee graunted her , without greate daunger and offence to the beautie and brightnesse of her mynde ; seyng then that the gouernement of estates and publike weales are not committed into the handes of women , neyther that it is lawfull or conuement for them to wright lawes , by whiche men should bee ruled and gouerned , as Draco , Licurgus , and Numa Pompilius did , neither as professours of Science and facultie , to teache in Schooles the wisedome of Lawes and Philosophie , and seing also that in suche studies , as yeldeth recreation and pleasure , there is no lesse daunger , that they will as well learne to be subtile and shamelesse Louers , as connyng and skilfull writers , of Ditties , Sonnetes , Epigrames , and Ballades , let them be restrained to the care and gouernement of a familie , and teache them to bee enuious in followyng those , that by true vertue haue made little accoumpte of those , that to the preiudice of their good names , haue beene desirous to bee reputed Diotimes , Aspaties , Sapphoes , and Corinnes . For suche as compare the small profit of learnyng with the greate hurt and domage that commeth to them by the same shall sone perceiue ( although that they remaine obstinate therein ) how far more conuenient the Distaffe , and Spindle , Nedle and Thimble were for them with a good and honest reputation , then the skill of well vsing a penne or wrightyng a loftie vearce with disfame and dishonour , if in the same there be more erudition then vertue ; moreouer who is hee that will doubte that the Maide , will not become perfitte and well accomplished ( how be it that it be harde to be beleued , seyng that now adaies they bee wedded and committed to the gouernment of a housholde so young ) whiche in companie , and by the instruction of manie bothe wise and vertuous and by longe experience haue beene taught the manner , how to gouerne a housholde wisely , sure I will neuer condiscende that any Maiden surmounting in her selfe the estate of an actiue wife , or for too name her by one woorde Econemicall , should by climyng vp the Ladder of naturall Philosophie , beyng so difficile , aduenture to get to the contemplation of suche thynges , as rather of idle menne , whiche haue bin many yeres exercised in readyng , is to bee desired then hoped for . But for so muche as the hope of suche thynges are obtained with so greate daunger , and that in all other faculties , whiche are to bee got by practise and knowledge ( hauyng to make choise ) suche are soner chosen , that thei are informed to haue small knowledge , and greate experience , then those that haue great knowledge , and small practise , I thinke it necessarie that Maidens bee committed no otherwise , vnder the care and charge of a wise and prudente Matrone , who by long vse is become skilfull and expert , then if to bee transported into a straunge and farre Countrie , and would commit our gooddes and Marchaundize to a wise and experte Mariner , makyng little accompte of hym , that onely by information of the Astrolabie , or the Cardes of Ptolomie doe promise vs ( hauyng neuer trauailed from home ) sure sauegarde , it ought to suffice that a Maiden , beyng become wise , by the instruction and teachyng of her prudent Mistres , doeth giue good hope that in tyme when occasion shall serue , she will be sufficient to gouerne a housholde and familie discretely . And yet notwithstandyng al this , I would not haue a Maiden altogether forbidden , or restrained from reading , for so muche as the same is not onely profitable to wise and vertuous women , but also a riche and precious Iewell , but I would haue her if she reade , to reade no other bookes but suche as bee written by godlie Fathers , to our instruction and soules healthe , and not suche lasciuious Songes , filthie Ballades , and vndecent bookes as be moste commonly now a daies sette to sale , to the greate infection of youth , the names of whiche to recite would require a long tyme , and to write a greate volume beyng more pleasaunte then profitable , long then learned , gallant then godlie . Wherefore leauyng theim as vnworthie to bee mentioned , I would haue our Maiden , I meane her that will attire her minde by this Mirrhor to read , ( if she delight to bee a reader ) the holie scripture , or other good bookes , as the bookes of Plutarche , made of suche renowmed and vertuous women as liued in tyme paste , and those of Boccas tendyng to the same sence or some other , nerer to our tyme , and lette her in readyng , consider what she reade , for in theim she shall not onely reade woordes , whiche if thei bee not garnished with good examples , be naught worth . But also godly deedes and holie enterprises of vertuous Uirgines and worthie Women , by whiche she maie increase and augmente her vertue by immytatyng their liues . Lette her reade I saie and with the same print in her minde the liues of suche noble Ladies as liued in Troie , Sabina , Phocia , Argiua , and Rome , for no doubte she shall learne greate example of pitie to her Countrie , by Megestona , Aretaphila , Tolicreta , and by Iudith and Hester . And true loue and loialtie to their housbandes by Lucres , Portia , and Camma , in some to make an ende of strangers , she shall finde example of vertue , Religion , and holinesse in a number of Uirgines , as in Cicile , Agathe , Theodore , Barbara , and infinite other who with the prise of their bloudes , did suffer incredible tormentes , for the profession of a godly faithe . And aboue all for delight , if she loue to bee delighted in vertue , let her reade that worthie booke of Martyres , compiled by that famous Father and worthie man of God maister Foxe . Now to returne to our Matrone , I would wishe her to frame in the mindes of them that she takes to gouerne , a true Religion and pietie , auoidyng wholie superstition , as a capitall Pestilence . I trust that at this presente , in whiche tyme especiallie emong vs here in Englande , where the Gospell is so freely and sincerely preached , I neede not to declare from the beginnyng to the ende , where in the one is different from the other , I meane true religion , from falce superstition , for so muche as I thinke there bee but fewe at least of any age , that are ignoraunt how Religion is a vertue whiche consisteth in mediocritie , the whiche euen as it hath on the one side impietie , whiche is one of the extremities , so hath it on the other side superstition , no lesse pernitious then impietie . Whiche thing I would wishe our Matron to make manifest to our Maiden , emong other thinges appertinente to a Christian , also she shall inforce her to be humble , and lowly of harte , because that humilitie is not onely a Christian and ciuile vertue , but the verie Foundacion and Pilloure of all Christian and ciuile verteous , for it ingendreth in vs , the knowledge of our selues ( as muche as our weakenesse maie or can comprehende ) and therefore it wil giue her the vnderstandyng of gods Sapience , Bountie , and Puissance ( whiche she ought to know to be infinite , not only in creatyng the whole world by admirable ordynance of nothyng , and fillyng and garnishyng it with greate ●●rietie of all thinges , but in conseruyng it in the same beyng by eternall and deuine Prouidence ) and it will not only shewe her that all that whiche maie be in a yong Maiden , but all that whiche maie be in Kinges and Emperours , and all that whiche was in them that in tyme paste sprounge out of the Licio , Portico , or Accademia with fame and renowme to bee wise , in comparison of that whiche God maie or can , and esteeming all that whiche by anie maner of meanes maie in vs haue the name of bounty and goodnesse compared to that of gods , is moste abhominable wickednesse , and to doe this oure wise Matrone shall set before her all that whiche maie be learned by godlie men , and by daylie instructions shall teache her that our Sauiour Christe , came not into the world to be serued but to serue , and that he saied to his Apostles that were at strife for the highest place , that he whiche was greater then the other should be inferiour , and that he whiche humbled hym selfe should be exalted , whiche is , that they onely were lifted vp that knewe them selues , whiche deuine vertue hath not onely beene laudable amonge Christians . But in Socrates it was a signe of singuler wisedome in that he rightlie adiudged him wise which knewe him selfe to knowe nothyng , and no doubt our Maiden maie casely attaine to this vertue , if our Matrone doe but carefully instruct her , to take heede , not onely too those that bee more noble then her self , and more mightie or more riche , but ( whiche is of more greater importaunce ) to those that bee the moste vertuous and wise , and not vnto the wanton and wicked , as the worlde commonlie vse by whiche she shal finde and reape double profit and commoditie , for she knowyng that in the worlde there bee manie noble Ladies , and riche Dames inferiour to her , shee shall abate in her selfe that whiche before was in her of hautinesse and arrogancie , a vice sure noysome , and takyng heede to the vertuous , shall so muche as it lieth in her , indeuour her self to attaine to the same vertue , whereof she knoweth she hath want . Likewise our Matrone shall shewe to our Maiden how foule , filthie , vnsemely and disorderly a thyng it is , for any woman to learne euery daie of an other woman ( beeyng abroade and seyng theim that are brauest attired ) how to tricke and trim vp them selues after the moste newest and gallantest fashion , to sette out their bodilie beautie ; and will not , but as carelesse , haue respecte to the semely and comely vertues and precious ornamentes of the minde , for which , wise and worthie women are highly accoumpted of . But now adaies it semeth to some , and that to the moste parte , that it is a godly ornament , and a braue settyng out to a yong Maiden , if she emong the rest can she we her self , to be an excellent fine singer , or a cunnyng plaier vppon Instrumentes , whiche thyng , although it bee confirmed by some gallant glosyng reasons : I for my part doe not onely discommende , but iudge that a thing of no little daunger , which ought in all women to be eschewed . For as Musicke if it be vsed to a laudable and good intention , hath no euill in it , but deserueth a place emoug the other Artes , the whiche appertainyng properly to menne , be called Liberall : Yet notwithstandyng , vnder the shadowe of vertue ( as for the moste parte a lother Artes and faculties , bee foolishely acknowledged for vertues ) it beareth a swete baite , to a sowre and sharpe euill . Therefore I wishe our Maiden , wholie to refrain from the vse of Musicke , and seeyng that vnder the couerture of Uertue , it openeth the dore to many vices , she ought so muche the more to be regarded , by how muche the more the daunger is greate , and lesse apparent . I must confesse that the vse of singing and delicate plaiyng vppon Instrumentes and sweete harmonie is necessarie , but for whom ? For those that bee ouerworne with greef , sorowe , trouble , cares , or other vexasion , haue neede of recreation , as Agamemnon had in Homer , and Saule in the holie Scripture , by the Harpe and sweete syngyng of Dauid , who therewith pacified his fierce and furious passions , and reuoked them to a milde and quiete Spirite , but in steade of vsyng it to so good an intention , it is conuerted to a poison , for it is onely at bankettes and feastes , to whiche as if the delicious and sweete meates , did not sufficiently effeminate the myndes of men and women : the excellentest Musitians are called , where to the sweete accordes of sondrie Instrumentes , often tymes artificiall lasciuious songes are adioyned therby , no other wise , then as dried wood beyng laied on the fire with little blowyng , will kindle and burne , to kindle in their hartes the flames of leude affections , that are not yet strongly staied vp by vertue , and by suche newe deuises to burne theim . It is saied , that from the false sweetenesse of the Sirens songes . Ulisses a Prince famous emong the Grekes , and saied to be nourished with heauenly foode , in the verie bosome of Sapiencs Iupiters doughter , could hardly escape , and shall wee then without feare , giue so muche trust to a young Maiden , daintely and tenderly trained vp , that she not onely by hearyng , but by learnyng so wanton an Arte , will not become wanton and effeminate .