Meditations, and resolutions, moral, divine, politicall century I : written for the instruction and bettering of youth, but, especially, of the better and more noble / by Antony Stafford ... ; there is also annexed an oration of Iustus Lipsius, against calumnie, translated out of Latine, into English.

Meditations , and Resolutions , Moral , Divine , Politicall .

Century 1.

Written for the instruction and bettering of Youth ; but , especially , of the better and more Noble .

By Antony Stafford , Gent.

There is also annexed an Oration of Iustus Lipsius , against Calumnie ; translated out of Latine , into English .

AT LONDON , Printed by H. L. and are to be sold by Thomas Saunders . 1612.

To the Right Honourable , FRANCIS , Countesse of Hertford ( Daughter to the Right Honourable , Thomas , Vicount Bindon ) Antony Stafford , wishes the effects of her wishes .

WHat I had a long time sought for in others ( excellent Lady ) and could neuer find , of my selfe , at last I found in you . I meane , Madame , a true definition of Honor : Which , as I first found in you ; so at last I honoured you for it , and will do to my last . And should I not , I were as worthlesse as you are worthy ; sith I neuer in any , but in you , discover'd the height of Blood , of Beauty , of Vertue , of Spirit , and ( which wonder at World , or thou thy selfe wilt be wondred at ) with all these , the height of lowe Humility : Of Humility , Madame , in you to bee admired ; not to be imitated : or if to bee imitated , not to be equalled . I know , your Ladishippe ( in whom Mildness and Modestie haue made a Mariage ) will rather mislike than admit these prayses . Pardon me , Madam ; you should not doe so . For , as Vertue cannot be ouerpriz'd ; no more can she euer be ouer-prais'd .

Were it not the world would thinke that Partialitie did prompt mee , I would yet ad to yor praises ; not that you might reade them ; but that after Ages , by them , might knowe howe faire was the fairer part of fairest you ; and knowing it , admire it ; & with admiration , imitate it . It would be long ( incomparable Ladie ) it wold be very long , before wee shold win any one to belong to Vertue , with the meer praysing her in abstract , should we not praise her in som person gracious in Gods eye , and the Worlds .

I know , Madame , I shall bee prays'd for praising you ; & disprays'd for offring to expresse the infinite honour and seruice I owe you , with so poore a present , so little a labour , as this vnlicked Work . The truth is , Madam , that finding my Booke to haue little spirit , or life in it , I made vse of your Name to make it liue . For , it could not liue long , without your euer-liuing vertues to relieue it . I am so farre from expecting thanks ; as that I humbly craue pardon , for presuming so much to abuse your Name , as to sette it before so weake a Worke. . If I liue , most woorthy Lady , I heer promise you and the Age , a farre greater , and a farre better . If in the meane time I die , I die infinitely indebted . Thus , with my vncessant prayers for your Ladiship , and your thrice honorable Lord , I rest

Your Honors humble , loyall Servant , and vnwoorthy kinsman , Antony Stafford .

TO THE Vnderstander .

VNderstander ( for , to euery Reader I write not ) beholde this Booke with a gentle eye , and entertaine it with fauour . It was penn'd by him who had rather say , Est iudicium in nobis , than est furor in nobis . Winke therefore at the want of witte thou shalt finde ; since it is a worke of iudgement onely . As for the Asses of the Age , I care as little for their censures , as their companies . Though they can pick out good sense , yet they will not ; contrarie to the equity of a Reader ; who , in a place doubtful , should striue to vnderstand , before he cry out , Non sense . They little knowe , that hee , who writes in euery thing properly , shall neuer write anie thing pleasingly . If I were disposed to carpe , I doe not thinke there are ten lines in any booke extant , out of which I would not pick somthing to cauill at . My greatest comfort is , I neuer yet saw any carper that had any iudgement . Which whosoeuer wants , lacks the very salt of wit : without which , whatsoeuer is read , lies rawe , and vndigested . But , that which makes mee most merrie , is , that some of our printed puppies thinke themselues worthy to bee compared with the most authenticke , auncient Authours ; whose wittes they come as short of , as of their workes . I haue heard some of them censure Authours , whome they doe as little vnderstand , as they doe themselues . If they had but some small deale of matter with their manie wordes , they might ( I confesse ) rubbe-out reasonably well , amongst coxcombes , that are capable of no higher matters than themselues . But , as they are , I would intreate them to content themselues with their Iigge-learning : in which when they haue knowne all they can , they then knowe iust nothing ; and , as Seneca saith , operosè nihil agunt . I write not this out of Spleene , for the wrong they haue done mee : for , my spirite is pearcht so farre aboue them , that they cannot fling so high , as to hit it . Doe not I knowe , that these Times let-loose literatores , to set vpon literatiores ? Yes , yes : I knowe it ; and haue put-on a resolution to beare both with the iniquity , and the stoliditie of the Times . Farewell , Vnderstander , and vse mee wel .

The Authors request to the vnderstanding Reader .

THe materiall Faults , escaped , are here vnderwritten . Do me the fauour , to correct them with thy penne , before thou read on .

Page 64. Line 14. for lowest , read least . p. 124. l. 17. for some , read Sense . p 163. l. 5. for not , read nay .

MEDITATIONS MORAL , DIVINE , POLITICALL . ( * ⁎ * )

WHen I consider in what estate Man was created , I cannot but thinke of his folly ; who , through a false hope of knowing good and euill , lost the enough of good hee had , and found too much euil . This makes mee call to minde the vaine ambition of those , who seeke to prie into that vnreuealed ( and therefore inscrutable ) knowledge of the Deity : vppon whom GOD looking down , saies in a pitifull derision ( as hee did to Adam ) Beholde , the men are become as one of vs . This meditation stretcheth-out it selfe , and biddes mee also consider the arrogancie of those , who scorne to erre , or to bee reprehended for their errours , not-withstanding that they see Man to haue erred in the state of Innocencie . I will therefore seeke to knowe my selfe ( the next and surest way to knowe GOD ) and by an humble Confession , begge Remission of my faults . I say , I will confesse them vnto God ; not boast of them to Man .

When I thinke who made me , and wherfore hee made me , I hold my selfe a glorious creature : when I consider of what hee made mee , I then thinke my selfe corruptible and miserable . I will therefore temper the former with the later : so shal I neuer grow too proud , nor too abiect .

When I behold Beauty , it puts me in minde of my Glorification : but withall , I find , that it hindereth much my Mortification . I will therefore , as neere as I can , neuer fix mine eye vpon Beauty ; least by being neuer mortified , I neuer be glorified .

When a man is borne , hee beginnes to die : but when the iust man dies , hee then but beginnes to liue . I will therefore in my beginning thinke of my end ; that in my end , I may reioyce in my better and neuer-ending beginning .

Iob made a couenant with his eyes , least at any time they should looke vpon a Mayde : but , since I cannot make a couenant with mine eyes , least at any time they look vppon a Maide , I will trie if I can make a couenant with my heart , least at any time it desire a Maide .

GOD made Heauen for the good , Hell for the badde : but , he made earth for both . This shewes vs , that while wee liue heere , wee must of necessity conuerse with both . I will therefore lay mine eares open to all ; but , my heart to few .

Our Master hath left vs two Sacraments . One of which tell 's vs that wee are Christians : the other biddes vs liue like Christians . This later is that Tree of Life ; the passage whereto is guarded by no Cherubin , nor by any brandished Sword : but whosoeuer will , may come thither ; and , eating worthily , may liue for euer . When therefore I eate of this Tree , I will remember out of whose bloud it sprang . The memory whereof will suggest vnto mee , that if I eate not this fruit worthily , I am vnworthy to be a branch of the Tree : that is , if I eate not his body worthily , I am then vnworthy to be a member of that body whereof he is the head .

The first murtherer of all mankinde , was also the first Lyer ; two horrible vices , and alike bloudy . For , a man had better bee murthered , then belyed ; haue his person slaine , then his fame . I will therefore flie from a Lyer , as from an Aspe : the poyson of whose tongue is mortall .

Besides our internall , originall , and actuall sinnes , wee haue externall & accidentall crimes layed vpon vs by our families ; but , in my conceit , very vniustly : for , wee haue enough to answere for the first man ; and are no way liable to the debts of his successors . Why should man lay more vpon man , than GOD himselfe doth ? As with him the vertues of my House cannot saue me , no more can the vices of it damne mee . The Law of God shall be with me , aboue the Law of Armes , or the Law of Nations .

Those that serue God only vpon Sundayes , are like seruants extraordinarie ; who come to waite vpon their great Lords , onely vpon great dayes : But I will make euery day my Sabbath ; and will follow my Lord in ordinary , making Charitie my Cognizance .

While the Papists and wee contend which of vs erre most in matters of faith , wee striue who shall erre most in matters of life : so that wee studie at once , who shall beleeue best , and who shall liue worst ; not who shall bee most vertuous , but who most enuious . My chiefest care therefore shall bee , to liue well : so shall I euer bee sure to fare better , than hee who beleeues well , and liues ill .

Two sortes of men I loathe , and detest ; a Foole , and a Carper . Yet , of the two , I would make choyce to holde discourse with the Carper : for , I had rather be misunderstood in all , then not to bee vnderstood at all . I will therefore onely beware of the one : but I will scorne the other .

Laughing is onely proper to man , amongst all liuing creatures : whereas indeede he ought euer to be weeping , in that he euer sinnes ; & the beasts euer laughing , to see man so much abuse his so much reason . O! if a man knew before hee came into the world , what hee should endure in the world , hee would feare his first day , more than his last . I will therfore weepe at mine owne misery , and neuer laugh but at mine owne folly : and since my Master was Vir dolorum , a man of griefes , it shall not be said that I am Vir voluptatum , a man of mirth .

Valour hath many servants going vnder her name : but few of them are her true fauorites . Some snatch courage from her ; and , wanting wisedome to rule it , are disclaimed by her . Others are Giants in their wordes , and Dwarfes in their deedes . She hates him , who speakes more than he dares doe ; and makes him her Champion , who dares do more than he dare speake . I , I : hee is the man with her , who wounds his enemy with his sword ; not with his word . Yet , Christianity vnhorses euen Valour her selfe ; and , deposing her , makes new lawes , and proclaimes him the brauest combatant , who can conquer himselfe : that is , who can ascend so high aboue Nature , as to descend belowe himselfe , and to offer seruice where hee owes reuenge . I will inuoke GOD to endue mee with this supernaturall gift ; and , withall , to deliuer mee from a valiant drunkard , and a valiant foole .

When my memory lookes back , as far as she can see , me thinks it is but yesterday : & yet I know , by course of Nature , my life cannot bee trebbl'd . Now , I haue indured so much misery in my one Yesterday , that I am affraide to thinke of the two To-morrowes .

It is a woonder , to see the childish whining we now-adayes vse at the funeralls of our friends . If we could houl them back againe , our lamentations were to some purpose : but as they are , they are vaine , and in vain . If therfore my friend be good , I will be glad that he is rid of the world : if hee bee bad , I will not bee sorry that the world is rid of him : but , that so wofull a world is like to receiue him . If I haue a friend , whose soule ioyn'd with mine , makes but one minde ; and that at his death , I see , my teares must burst out , or my heart within ; I may then perhaps yeeld to the infirmity of the flesh : yet not so much , that he hath left the world , as that he hath left mee in it .

He is the most miserable of men , who fashions his body and minde according to the opinion of the vulgar ; and he the happiest , who conforms his life to the lawes of a true iudgement . This man knows , that we must heare with many , but decree with few , & ioyning forces with two or three braue retired spirits , hee bandies with a legion of the Vulgar . Hee lookes downe with pitie on the poore Plebeians ; & ( like Xerxes ) bewailes their hard hap , in that none of their names shal liue after a few yeares . Knowing that the eternall substance of his soule was breath'd into him , by the Eternall , he cares for nothing which is not able to hold-out with Eternity . I will therefore despise things momentary : and since I haue ful assurance , that I shall liue in the other world , my deedes shal do their best to make me liue in this .

Now-a-dayes the clothes are spoken to , and not the men : and few haue regard to the riches of the breast ; but , of the backe . He , who in his fashions differs , and degenerates most from his ancestours , is held the most generous Gentleman . The world is grown so sensuall , that the parts of the body are preferr'd before those of the mind ; so that to say , He is a man of good parts , is as much to say , as He is a man of good members . Christ sayes that the body is more worth then the raiment : but some of our Gallants make them clothes more worth then their bodies . With me it shall not be a good argument , to say , I will weare this , because it becomes me ; but , I will weare this , because it becomes a man : and he that speakes to my clothes , and not to me , shall bee answered by my clothes , and not by me .

Some are neuer well , but when they are vnpacking their bosomes with wordes , and whispering their thoughts in the eares of their reputed friends : & at length , thorough the perfidiousnes of som fals brother , they are brought either to die shamefull deaths , or to liue the like liues . If therfore I find my tongue to be so laxatiue , as that it cannot holde , but must needes bewray me , I will locke my secrets deepe in my hart : & if my tongue vnlocke my heart , I will bite it , and beate my heart for not tying my tongue . I will not doe GOD so great a dishonour , as to demy-deifie Man , in making him priuy to my heart and thoughts .

Nothing giues vs delight in this world , but Beauty . We take pleasure in beholding heauen when it is faire , and cleere : but when it is ouer-cast , our minds are clouded , and our bodies ill disposed . Wee loue Vesta better , when her face is smooth , and her colours fresh , than when her beauty is blasted , and her visage wrinkled . For , in Summer euery man lies , with , & vpon his first mother , nuzzles himselfe in her lap , and playes with her dainties ; whereas in the Winter euery man keeps his house : and yet if that be not neate and sweete , we loath that too . One and the samething , being young , delights ; beeing old , displeases . I wil therfore ioy in nothing , more than in Beauty ; nor admire any thing , more than her : yet since she is such an Inchantresse , my bodily eye shall neuer beholde her , but withall my spirituall eye shal be fixt vpon hir Maker ; who made her to feede the sense , not to bewitch the soule : who left her vs , to make vs conceiue how much more excellent is that inconceiueable fairness of the celestiall Canaan . In a word ; shee is but a corruptible type of an incorruptible treasure . And as Christ shal consume Antichrist with the brightnes of his glory : so shall the blasing beauty of the other world , blast the fading fairness of this .

More then many there are , to whom Superstition dictates , that it is pleasing to GOD to weare squalid , and vncleane clothes ; and that the wellfare of the soule consists in the foule keeping of the bodie . Others there are , whom Hypocrisie leades the same way . They both erre : the former , by not knowing the Scriptures ; the later , by transgressing against them : for , Christ commands vs not to looke soure , as the Hypocrites , who disfigure their faces , that they may seeme vnto men to fast . I will therefore wash my handes , and face , and anoint my head ; that my head my Bee anoynted with the oyle of gladnes . And since I cannot endure to see the lodging of my body durty , I will much more haue a care , to keepe the chamber of my soule cleane . When my soule is sadde , my countenance shal be merrie : neither wil I so much care to cast vp mine eyes to heauen , as to lift vp my heart to God ; not so much respecting the throne , as the inthron'd .

Many there are , who neuer serue God , but when hee serues their turne . Hence it comes to passe , that the Sea-man mutters against him , when he hath not a good winde ; & the Plough-man , when he hath badde weather . All this proceedes from nothing , but the imprudency of man ; which accuseth the Prouidence of God , of Improuidency . Before there was any raine at al , what did God then ? Did hee not send a mist vp from the earth , which watered all the earth ? Hee will not haue his power tied to any ordinary meane ; but , will shew vs what hee is , by what he can doe . When therefore mine owne meanes faile me , I will relie vpon God : who is as able to giue mee something , as to make me of nothing ; to keepe me to the last , as to make me at the first .

He that striues to please the intoxicated multitude , labours as much in vaine , as he that sought to put the winds in a bagge . And the reason is , because it is impossible to please the godly and vngodly , the judicial and the vnjudiciall , the sensible & the senselesse , both at once . Neyther Christ , nor his fore-runner could please them . For , Iohn came neyther eating nor drinking ; and they said , He had a diuell . The Sonne of Man came eating and drinking ; and they said , Behold a glutton , and a drinker of wine , a friend to Publicans and sinners . I will therefore take my Sauiours counsel , & seeke to iustifie my iudgement to the children of Wisedome , of whom she is iustified ; and not to fooles , by whom shee is daily crucified .

As many haue hungry stomackes ; but , few disgesting : so many haue apprehending wits ; but , few iudging . Hence it comes to passe , that some are wise in words , & fools in actions . For my part , I had rather it should be said , that I am one of the iudgements of the town , then that I am one of the wits of the towne .

Diuers men propound vnto themselues diuers ends . One makes honor his end ; another , riches : a third hunts after both : a fourth seeks to purchase to himselfe the name and fame of a Schollar ; a fift , of a Souldier , &c. As for me , I wil make the honor of God mine end . So shall I be sure that mine end shall not be dishonourable .

I haue often wonder'd with my selfe , to thinke that Schollars are the most poore of all others ; notwithstanding that they haue the best wits of all others . And my wonder neuer left mee , till I considered , that they car'd not for the things of this world , which the Mothe & Canker could corrupt ; but , laid vp their treasures in the other world : whereas they , who knew nothing , but the things of this world , carkt and car'd most for the world . Some say , that because Salomon vs'd the riches hee had so ill , therfore God would neuer since blesse Schollars with them : But , that is false : for , wee see Kings Philosophers , and Diuines . I wil beseech God , to giue mee an estate equally distant from abundance , and penury . So shall I neuer rise so high as presumption , nor fall so low as despaire : yet of the two , I had rather haue nothing than know nothing ; that my body should want , than my soule .

The Hermits are reprehended , for sequestring themselues from the world : and it is the opinion of many reuerend Diuines , that hee is most valiant , who grapples with the enemy ; that is , who talkes face to face with the wicked . Yet too much relying vpon this Maxime , hath brought many into the iawes of danger ; but , hath fetcht few out . To be a good man in the middest of Sodome , to bee abstemious in Germany , to bee chaste in Italy , all these are hard and rare things ; we seeing many returne absolutely vitious from thence , that almost went absolutely vertuous thither . True it is , that Christ kept company with Publicans : but , as true it is , that hee was without the leauell of temptation . We see one man change nature with another , and put on the disposition of him , with whom hee conuerses . I will therefore not onely shun euil , but the meanes to come to it ; & to auoid hurt , I will keepe my selfe out of shot : neyther will I presume , being but a man , to follow my Master in that which he did as God .

Man consists of two parts ; the body and the minde : that is , saith Lactantius , of heauen and earth . I will therfore not grudge to let my earth go to earth ; that my heauen may go to heauen .

The greatest and most common care men haue , is , to passe away the time . They desire most to passe away that , which is most pretious . O! if they knew what treasure Time offers to their soules , they would looke with a iealous eye vpon the houre-glasse , and sigh at the dropping of euery sand . They abuse & lose Time , the mother of Experience ; and so , lose Experience , the Mother of Wisedome . It is a hard case , when a dying man shall think with himselfe , that he hath left nothing behind him , wherby posterity may knowe , hee did once liue . If that this man ( saith Seneca ) inhabit this world a thousand yeeres , yet can wee not truly say , Hic vir diu vixit , This man liu'd long ; but , Hic vir diu fuit , This man was long . For my part , I had rather the company would passe away , then the time ; except it be such company , as may helpe mee to redeeme the time . And while I liue heere , I will studie so to vse Time , as that I may come to liue there , where is no time .

In these times , when men wil lay an imputation vpon one , they will say , He is Morally honest . Certain it is , that hee , who is at no time morally honest , can neuer be religiouslie good . God shewes that hee is our Father by his works , in , and for vs : & we should shewe , that we are his children by our works , to his , & for him . It is not enough , to say with the thiefe , Lord , remember mee , when thou commest into thy kingdome , vnlesse wee remember him here . To belieue Christ , is not enough ; neither is it enough to beleeue in him : for , wee ought as well belieue in his commaundements , that wee must doe them ; as in his promises , that wee shall haue them . Wee reade , that wee should declare our faith by our workes ; that is , our invisible belief by our visible life : but , we no where read , that wee should shewe our workes by our faith . True it is , that the Scripture bids vs , not to giue almes sonante tuba , with our tongues talking of that wee giue ; but , with our harts thinking for whom we giue . No , no : he that glories in his works , shall neuer bee glorified for them . The Publican could not haue done a work so acceptable in the sight of Christ , as was the disclaiming his owne workes . For , as we haue nothing , but from God : so God will haue vs confesse , that we can do nothing without him . I wil haue mercie on my neighbor , that God may haue mercy on mee ; and saue him from momentarie misery , that I may be saued from eternall . Yet , in so doing , will I knowe what I doe ; & wil tell , that I doe it for the discharge of my duty , and to Gods glory ; who hath promised to make mee a great one in heauen , if I relieue but one of his little ones on earth .

Wee reade , that Alphonsus , and Fridericus , Kings of Spaine and Sicily , recouered their long lost health ( being giuen-ouer by the Physicians ) by reading historie : Alphonsus by reading T. Liuius ; and Fridericus by reading Q. Curtius . Two Christian Kings were healed by profane historie . O! if vaine , and vncertaine Annales haue such a miraculous operation : what haue those sacred pages , penned by the hands of Prophets , and Apostles ; & wherin the Spirit of GOD hath expressed the maiestie of God ? All you that are sick , come you hither ; & read heere , where Comfort her selfe offers to cure you . Come hither Lambes , and you may wade : come hither Elephants , & you may swim . Come hither Children , and feed on milke : come hither you tooth'd vnderstandings , & you shal feed on hard meat . Lord let mine eyes lose their light , in beholding this light : and let mee reade that till I die , which can make mee liue , neuer to die .

Nothing torments a man more then ambition . She is the only enemy to Content , and Rebel against Reason . Shee is borne with her eyes cast vp ; that is , comparing her selfe with those , that are aboue her . If shee cast her eyes downe , it is but in scorne of those that are belowe her . If shee should bee pearcht vpon the verie toppe of heauen , yet shee would desire to clime higher . That I may not bee subiect to this aspyring diuell , I will be contrary to her ; and neuer compare my selfe , but with my Inferiours . And if I see no man more contemptible than my selfe , I will yet retaine the maiestie of a Man ; and thinke that I am placed Lord , and King , ouer the Beasts .

There is nothing durable in this world , but grief . As for the word reioyce , it requires , in most toongs , an Ablatiue Case ; and is taken away before it be throughly enioyed . Griefe is a firme and neuer-flitting companion of Man : and it neuer forsakes him ; though all his friends do . The first note man sings , is howling ; and his last , groning . I will therefore moralize vpon this , and think that the all-griefe wee haue in this world , is but a figure of that all-ioy we shall inioy in the next world ; & as a sowre Preparatiue , to make vs relish that sweet food the better .

Friends are threefold ; profitable , delightful , vertuous . The two former are imbraced in this world ; the later ca●sierd . The name of an honest man is growne odious : and the reputation to be such a one , is a clogge to a mans rising . And therefore as one saies , That he had rather be rich , than be accounted so : so a man had better be honest , than be reputed so . In these gayish times , the outward appearance is more looked into , th●n the inward essence 〈◊〉 that of Seneca is 〈…〉 Annulis magi●● quam animis creditur . For my part , I will not make choice of a friend , that hath not all those three accidents vnited in him ; to wit , profit , pleasure , and vertue . But of what profession shall this my friend bee ? A knowing , doing scholar . Hee is the true profitable friend , the onely delightfull , the most trulie vertuous . That he is profitable , appeares in this , that in exchanging with him a demand for an answere , a man shall gaine a secret , worth a Signiory . That he is delightfull , no man will deny , that hath his vnderstanding but once tickled with his discourse . That hee is the truliest vertuous , is easily prooued ; in that other men are in loue with vertue onely by relation : wheras the Scholar , with his vnderstanding part , pries into her fairest partes , and loues her for her selfe onely , without any other base respect . A Merchant loueth a Merchant ; as hoping to gaine by him . A Souldier loueth a Souldier ; as expecting to be rescued by him : but , a Schollar loueth a Schollar ; as desiring to be better instructed by him . I , I : this is loue indeed ; and this is a friend indeed : & he that loues not such a friend , hates himselfe .

It is a thing worthy obseruation , how the vulgar feedes vpon false opinions . For example ; if a man seduce a woman to commit what should be omitted , he is little or nothing defam'd therby , but shee : the seducer is not so much blam'd , as the seduced . If a child consent with a man to commit a villany , I would faine know , whether the child , or the man deserue the sharper censure . If the stronger vessell ouerturn the weaker , which of them causeth the fall ? Some obiect , that a woman should haue more modestie than a man ; & therefore is held more culpable in the breach thereof . That a woman should be more shamefac't than a man , I grant ; that more shame-minded , I denie . A man should not haue a ●earefull blush : but , hee should euer retaine an honest shame . And yet , whosoeuer should maintaine ( against all Ethicks ) that modestie is common ( though not alike common ) to euery age , and sex , he should on his side haue probabilitie : out of which , absurditie neuer yet issued . I haue seene a fellow blush , whose face Age had pleighted , and whose eyes could neither send out light , nor receiue it in . And indeed , it is a thing common to euery man , to blush for error in manners , though not in life . Some will answere , There are men , whom nothing can make blush . To whom I reply , that I doubt not , but there are both men and women , whom Impudencie her selfe hath trained vp ; and , sitting on their faces , beats-backe the blushing bloud . Amongst all the vulgar errors , that of extenuating mans offence is the grossest : and I would I could with reason murther this opinion . Howsoeuer ; if I cannot beat the vulgar from it , yet I will be sure the vulgar shal neuer beat it into mee .

It is an Aphorisme in Physick , that we consist of those things by which wee are nourisht : So also falls it out with the soule . For , if she feed vpon gross ●nd vncleane conversation , shee proues impure : if the conversation bee choice and good , shee growes faire and louelie . Howsoeuer my bodie fare , I will be careful that my soule sucke her sustenance out of what is sweet and good : if it bee otherwise , shee shall not once chew it ; much lesse digest it .

As at som times , meats ; so at som times , discourses are out of season . To discourse in matters of policie , or of controuersie , in the presence of women , is altogether as much out of season , as Oisters in Iuly . Let me therefore consider how , when , and to whom I speak : and if I can speak to no purpose , I will ( if I can ) hold my tongue to some purpose .

There is no such laughing-stock in the world , as the worldling : Hee saith in his heart , There is no God ; and liues therafter : & on the other side , God saith , hee is not his child ; and therefore giues him ouer to his lusts , and permits him so to liue . Hee thinkes the ioy to come vncertaine ; and therfore prefers a present certaine sorrow before it ; beeing afraid to let his body put off his infirmities . Lord take me thither , where I shall not conceiue the griefe I doe heere : by taking mee from hence ; where I cannot conceiue the ioy , I shal haue there .

I cannot but laugh at the vaine wishes of men . One wishes that hee might neuer want mony ; another , that he might euer enioy health ; a third , that hee might neuer die . Not one of my desires shall fight against necessitie : but , I wil rather wish for that which must bee , than wish , that that may not bee , which must bee .

All opinions are not to be told ; but onely such , as either learned men , or else the Church of God haue held before vs . To leaue antiquitie , & cleaue to our own opinions , argues a selfe-opinion , and no wisedom . Some there are , who care not how raw their opinions be , so they be rare . I for my part , had rather wander with company , than alone ; make another mans iudgment my ground , than ground my selfe vpon mine owne iudgement : for I had rather that my Author should be laughed at , than my selfe .

Amongst the diuerse complaints of men , there is none so ordinarie , as that of Age : but , especially women are vext with this old vnwelcom guest ; & had rather cease to be , than cease to be young . Hee that tells a woman , shee hath a wrinkle in her face , giues her a wound in the hart . If her complexion faile neuer so little , her spirit falls with it . Shee feares not Death a whit , but his ordinarie forerunner , Age. Many men also become womanish ; & haue hermaphroditicall minds . If a verdit of women once pronounce them ill-fauor'd , they streight sequester themselues from the world ; as , vnworthy of the world . I care not if my corruptible part rot , so my fairer part fade not : nor passe I so much for the beautie of the Case , as for the glorious splendour of the inclosed Image .

Many trauell : but , few deserue to be stiled Trauellers . To fetch-home apish gestures , queint fashions , new vices , is now becom the proposed end of a Traueller . There is no better sport , than to read some of their written Obseruations . One sets downe , what delicate Wines , and Salats haue been subiect to the command of his palate . Another discouers strange stratagems in a gun-hole . A third , writes out all superscriptions of Hospitals , &c. Phy vpon it ; that a man should goe from home , to goe from himselfe , and returne destitute of the little wit he caried out with him . The wisest of Grecians esteemed him wise , who had seene many Cities , and the diuers manners of men . Euery Carrier can see many Citties , & the different natures of Nations : but , to discern betwixt them , & pick wisdome out of them , that requires the man ; and such a man did Homer require . The reason why wee trauell , is , because all happy wits raigne not vnder one Climate ; and therfore are to be hunted out . Who would not wade a million of miles , to enterchange discourse with a Scaliger , a Lipsius , or a Causabone ? My mind therefore shall trauel more than my body ; when the later rests , the former shall labour : and my care shal be greater to please my Understanding , than my Sense .

It is a common saying , that a continuall companion is a mans shadow . This saying is neuer so true , as when a substantiall fellow hath an Asse , and a shadowe to associate him . And as shadows cannot be seene in darknesse , but by light ; no more can darke and dull vnderstandings discerne this shadow from this substance : for , that cannot bee discouer'd without the light of some bright Intellect .

An Hypocrite thinkes himselfe the wisest of men : but , at last he finds it otherwise . He thinks , that his knauerie is vnseene , because it is vnpunisht : but , hee is deceiued . For , not onely the searcher of hearts sees him , but also men ( who can guesse at hearts ) will at length espie him . For , as hee that weares another mans garment , will at length bee discouered either by the ouer-length , too shortnesse , or ouer-widenesse , or some other default of the raiment : so he that puts on an outward habite of sincerity , of which he neuer had the lowest inward tincture , will in time bee found faulty through the want of some thing , or other , requisite to such a holy professor . I will not therefore dissemble , either with God , or man ; but , professe that liuing , which I will pronounce dying .

Some will imitate Great men thogh it be in the greatest vices . These are miss-led by opinion . For , as a golden rule , being crooked , cannot measure a thing , so well , as a plaine straight stick : so neither can wee square our actions by the vnruly liues of Princes so fitly , as by the plain , euen , and vertuous courses of the Poor . I will honor Greatnesse : but , I will both honour & imitate goodnes ; and will not hold him good who is great , but him great who is good .

A drunkard is no good secret-keeper . It is the property of a drunkard , to disgorge his bosome , with his stomak ; to empty his minde , with his maw . I will , therefore , not tell a bibber what I would not heare againe ; least I heare of it againe , from those to whom I dare not auouch it againe .

Some say all they hear ; & report that with confidence , which was related to them with doubt . These alwayes purchase laughter ; and now and then peril . I wil not , therfore , tell all I heare : but , I will heare , againe and againe , that which I tell .

Curiosity , and Inquisition , are two great enemies to Wisedome One being demaunded what Caesar whispered in his eare , made answere , that Caesar tolde him , hee would inuent a very strange punishment for such as pried into his words , and actions . This Vice is very incident to young Courtiers : who inquire after the discourses and courses of Ioue & Iuno ; of the King and Queene . I will not aske what I should not aske ; least I hear what I would not heare .

There is nothing so much to bee desired in this world , as health ; Without it , the body cannot trauell ; nor the soule well discourse . Without it , Kings esteem themselues more miserable than Beggers ; and would giue their Kingdomes for an houre of ease . I will vse health , as I do my dearest friend . whome I detaine by all meanes I can : and , going away , I straight deuise how to get him againe .

No vice gets a man so many enemies , as Pride . The humble loath the proud man , because hee is so farre different from their straine : and the haughtie hate him , because hee would equall them . If I bee proud of any thing , it shall bee of my humilitie .

Some make their bellies their gods ; and pray to him that feedes the Foule of the Aire , to feed them with the Foule of the Aire . They are not so much solicitous what they shall weare to-morrow , as what they shall eat to-morrow . For my part , as I will looke to my bellie , that it sterue not ; so I will looke to it , that it stretch not .

No humane study is so profitable , as morall Philosophie . No other study , saith Seneca , can diminish greefes , and subdue Passions ; nor make a man more liberall , more iust , more temperate . Seneca might haue also added , that no other study can fit a man with manners , and a faire behauior . Ferdinand the Emperor , making a speech in a publike assembly , by chance gaue Priscian a fillip or two . Which a Bishop hearing , started vp , and said ; Caesar , you haue forgotten your Grammar : to whom Caesar , And you haue forgotten your Ethicks , Bishoppe . The reply was good ; but , not rough enough for an admonitiō●o rude . From , hence it is that Schollars , defectiue in this studie , are tearmed , by the Vulgar , Meer Schollars ; that is , Pure ●uppies . Before I seeke to know other things , I will ●eeke to knowe my selfe .

Constancy is no vertue , if it be ( might I so speak ) devoted to vice . Change , in the vitious , is as great a vertue , as Constancie in the vertuous . I wil therfore be inconstant to Vice , who is incertaine and instable of her selfe ; & constant to Vertue , who is euer the same , and her selfe .

They say , there is a kind of resemblance between Sleepe and Death . As therefore hee that is wearied with the dayes toyle , doth not grudge to goe to bed , as hoping to rise againe : So I , opprest with the excesse & cares of many dayes , wil gladly sleepe-out that long , slowe-pas't Night . Neither will I think much to goe to my earthly bed ; as knowing that I shall rise againe , and put-on an incorruptible raiment .

Mariage was ordained by God for mans comfort : and yet man often times abuseth it to Gods dishonour , and his owne discomfort . The reason heerof is , because al bodies are not of one constitution : and therefore soules , following the humors of their bodies , haue not all one disposition . When therefore two differing natures meet , & see they are tied one to the other ; they will cut the very thred of life , to be loose , though it be with the loss of their soules . Parents , therfore , do ill , to match those together , betwixt whom Nature hath placed an Antipathy , & a loathing . What a cruell part is it of a Parent , to marry his childe to him that hath most , when shee hates him most ? I pray God , some of them doe not one day giue a deare account of some deare soules , whose faire bodies they haue begotten ; doing perpetuall penance , for placing wealth aboue woorth . Had I a child , that loath'd the man that I lik't , I would sooner send her to the Church-yard to bee buried , than to the Church to be married ; and should thinke , I did her a greater courtesie , to wed her to a Graue , than to Griefe .

There is nothing that man at once glories in , and grudges at , but Seruice . Hee is proud , when hee thinks himselfe the servant of God : and hee is abiect , when hee considers that hee is subiect to his fellow subiects . Hee mutters against God , accusing him of iniustice , for that hee dimmes his bright beginning , with a base succession ; & made him not only to his own glory , but also to augment the vaine glory of men . The very name of King , is as an allarum to stir & rouse vp his envy : and he feares him with the same feare , that he does the diuell . Man is deceiued : for , the Deity is serued not onely in the Deity , but in Magistrates , in Parents , in Tutors ; & in all those , whom hee , that is aboue all , hath placed aboue vs . I will not therefore think I serue God onely , when I immediatly obey his will ; but also , when I obey the wills of those , whom hee wills me to obey : & I wil make a holy vow , of an idle complement ; vowing my selfe the servant of his seruants .

As there are few good Physicians for the body : ●o there are not many for the soule . As those of the bodie let many die , for want of skill : so those of the soule let manie perish , because they knowe not how to apply themselues vnto them . I haue seene an Empirick prescribe a cold remedy for a colde disease ; like those who seek to cure the desperation of Gods mercie , with the declaration of his iustice . As therfore the Physician of the bodie is not esteemed , except hee can giue a reason for what hee does ; no more is the Physician of the soule to be valued , vnlesse hee can giue a reason of that hee saies . GOD hath left to his Ministers , weapons to wound , and balmes to heale ; Keyes to open , & keyes to shut : but , some of them wanting theological prudencie , manage these things amisse . As , therefore , knowing the constitution of mine owne body , I will giue the Physician direction in som things : so , knowing well the ill estate of mine own soule , I will in some things supply the defect and ignorance of my ghostly Physician .

It is a common speech , that Euery man is either a foole or a Physician : that is , he knowes , what does him good , and takes it ; and look what does him hurt , hee refuses it . It fares not so in matters of the soule . For , in those , most are fooles : and few are Physicians ; like children , coueting that which harmes them , and flying that which helps them . I care not if I be a foole in my bodily diet , so I be a Physician for the health of my soule .

It is a thing worthy the consideration ; that thogh the soule be her selfe imprisoned in the body , yet shee cannot endure that her prison should be imprisoned . Of this there is a two-folde reason : first , because shee loues not to be double walled in ; and , secondly , this brings to her mind , her owne imprisonment , with the thraldome , and subiection shee liues in to the Sense . Yet withall , t is a thing remarkable in her , that shee is neuer so glad , as when shee hath giuen her body the slip , & left it imprisoned in the Graue : though at Natures first motion , she was loth to part from it ; as hauing dwelt so long in it . Lord , let my bodie goe to his earthly prison , that my soule may enioy that heauenly liberty . So shall she bee free of Heauen , and free from Earth .

Examples , taken from Great men , hurt more , than if they were taken from Poore . The reason is , because adversitie makes a man know him selfe ; whereas prosperity makes him knowe himselfe too well . Now , it is more safe to follow him , that knowes him selfe , than him that does not . For , as a true knowledge of God , and of his truth , is the beginning of diuine wisedome : so a true knowledge of a mans selfe , is the beginning of humane . I will therfore sooner imitate those whom misery hath tamed , than those whom ioyes haue made wilde .

It is a great follie , to write , and print things foolish . Things foolish I call things lewd , & void of sense . T is strange , that man should not bee content , that onely the present generation should call him foole ; but , that posterity also shold prick & picke him out for one . For my part , I will not impart that knowledge to any man , which may make him forget himselfe ; and ( when hee comes to remember himselfe ) may make him knowe that I forgot my selfe .

All flatterers are odious , and dangerous ; and aboue all others , the Creeper . The first and most pernitious that euer was , was a Creeper , & beguiled the Woman ; who thoght that such a crawler could not haue such craft , as afterward shee found he had . Such Flatterers are poyson to Princes , and oftentimes a bane to the best disposed . Flattery is now-a-dayes admitted into the Courts of Princes : nay , into the bosome of Princes ; not considering that though her ward below , yet shee aymes high , and hits those soonest who lie highest . Those Courts are as happy that want her , as those are cursed & vnhappy that haue her .

As the stomack if it be fedde a long time with one meate , at length loathes the same : so the soule despises ordinary & accustomed discourse . I will therefore feede my soule with varietie ; but , not with confusion .

Euery man thinks , that , which is opposed to the extreamest of his griefes , to be mans chiefe felicity . The poor man iudges riches , the sicke man health , the prisoner liberty , to bee the highest happinesse . I my selfe , when I haue been discontented ( as I haue beene often ) haue thought content to be the best blisse : and I often fall into the relapse , and imbrace that opinion . Hence-forward , I will place my felicity in those things , which may bring me to that neuer fading felicity : and if my soule haue content heere , I will thinke that shee is contented with this world ; and so hath lost the only marke of her immortality .

God lookes for most honour from those , to whom hee hath giuen greatest honor . As Princes haue the highest place vpon Earth ; so should they do the greatest homage to Heauen .

Nothing in this life is so vnsauory as Old-age . The sadnes of mans last dayes , is sufficient to pay him for the folly of the first . The neerer Age comes to her growth , the neerer Beauty is to her bane . For , in this pensiue time , euery thing withers , and groweth old , but Euill : and that retaines his full vigour . Lord , let my soule then flourish when my body fades : and let the concord of my minde fight against the discord of my body .

Nothing is so terrible to the greatest part of mortality , as Death . This little leane dwarfe will beard a Monarch , in the midst of his Army ; making him shake , that whilome shook Towers , and made the Earth it selfe tremble with the weight of his Hoaste . Great Alexander was a little childe in this : and though he had often met Death face to face , yet at last he turned his back to him , and would haue hid himselfe from him ; as hoping to be inuisible to his inuisible Enemy . What an absurdity is it in a man to seek to choak Nature ! or to grudge her the voyding of her excrements ! As when I was borne , another died : so I will consider , that when I die , another is borne . If Nature bee wearie of mee , I will bee weary of my selfe : I were a foole if I should not . For , as no man can play vpon a broken instrument ; no more can any soule recreate her selfe with a bad instrumentaliz'd body . If , therefore Life flie from me , I will not flie from Death .

When men are calumniated , they growe angry : and if they be reprehended for any predominant vice in them , they seeke to excuse and extenuate it . I will not do so ; but , will hearken to Epictetus : who wils mee , not to deny the sinnes mine enemy taxes mee with ; but , to reproue his ignorance : in that , being vnacquainted with the infinitie of my crimes , he layes only two or three to my charge ; whereas indeede I am guilty of a million .

As Sin sold the world to Death : so Death bought the world at the hands of Sinne ; it being the will of the heauenly Father , with the death of one to buy euerlasting life for all . Blessed be he then , that died the cursed death of the Crosse , that wee may lead a blessed life without crosses .

Christ himselfe sayes , that Many are called , but few are chosen . Many are call'd Christians , who are not chosen to liue with Christ . Many are in the Church , that are not of the Church : and many visible members there are , which belong not to the inuisible body ; nor receiue their motion from the inuisible Head . We , whose soules look vpon others throgh the dimme spectacles of Sense , doe often times take a Iudas for a Nathana●ll , and ( contarily ) a Simon Peter , for a Simon Magus . Let vs then spare to iudge ; least wee be iudged to bee vniust , by that iust Iudge , at the dreadful day of Iudgment . I , I : this is a 〈◊〉 course ; and this wil I obserue : because I knowe not , whether or no , the Saul I see now , may proue a Paul to-morow .

The world delights in those , that delight in it . The reason therfore , why the world contemnes me , is because it is contemned of mee . So then there must be a mitigation on both sides . To a mitigation I may be brought ; to a subiection , neuer .

The diuell is neuer so busie , as when a man is idle . Hee hath no so fit instrument to worke by , as by Sloth : which is , indeed , the mother of vice . I will therefore abandon this mother ; least in time she bring mee to that father .

Many pray : but , fewe pray aright . Some presume to beg that , which God in his iustice cannot grant : and others againe despaire to craue that , which God in his mercy will not deny . I will not therefore begge all that which I would ; but , all that which I should .

There is nothing in this world , that all men shunne so much , as Basenesse : yet many run into it , because few know the true definition of it . Opinion styles many things base , which Vertue calls bright , and glorious . We see Gentlemen asham'd , and hang downe their heads , when they looke vp to the place , where their Ancestors sate . And why doe they this ? Because they doe not think it any disparagement , to decline from the vertue of their Ancestors ; but , from their riches . If Pouertie take-vp her residence in mee , or change beings with me ; yet shall she neuer make me think my selfe base , so long as Vertue leaues mee anie one sparke of her brightnesse .

The basest griefe of all , is that , which receiues his birth from the death of a Horse or a Cow ; or from the losse of the two too high-priz'd Metalls . Phy vpon it , that a man should hurt his internall substance , for the want of externall . If the Sun and Moone shine vpon mee , I shall thinke they doe me a sufficient fauour ; without presuming to implore their descension in to my pockets : but , if the Sunne and Moone , that is , Gold & Siluer , vouchsafing to make my pockets their Spheres , shall afterwards ( out of their Planeticall inconstancie ) skippe out , and wander from me ; I wil not mourn , and say , I haue lost them : but , that I haue rendred , and sent them backe to him , who sent , and gaue them vnto mee .

Pouertie lyes begging in the streets , and no man pitties her . The reason is , because it is against the nature of man to pittie a common enemy to Mankind . Man should consider , that though Pouertie bee his worldly enemy , yet she is his spirituall friend .

Euery thing hath his fit application : but , few find it . Some , by the extraordinary application of a thing common , will bring the Reader both into admiration and delight . Others againe , by an vnwittie application , make non Sense ; and infuse lothing into the nice stomack of the Reader I wil apply nothing , which may not imply something .

All men cry-out for plaine dealing : but , fewe loue the trade . It is an old Prouerb , that he that vseth it long , shall die a beggar . Sure I am , that hee , who vseth it euer , shall die rich : Hee that ●aw him in secret , wil reward him in secret . Hee shall enter , and inhabite heauen , and partake of that true treasure ; wheras the hypocrite leaues his wealth behind him , and carries his woe with him .

Eating , and drinking too much , are two great vices . Yet , of the two , too much eating is the greater . To drink too much , comes often times from constraint : but , to eat too much , proceeds from a mans inordinate appetite . Hee that is a drunkard , may iustlie blame others : but , he that is a glutton , can iustly blame none but himselfe . I wil , therfore , make my appetite conformable to my digestion : so shal I be sure neither to eat too much , nor too little .

Some fearing their names should die , build houses ; to make posteritie know , that they once were , and were wealthy . This indeede tells the world that they had purses ; but , not that they had pates . He is the man , who trusts not to oftentripping Tradition ; but pleads his owne Cause to Posteritie ; making her confesse , that hee was a man of deeds , thogh not a man of drosse .

A great mans fauor is hardly got , & easily lost . Hee keeps a man to serue his turne ; but , not to obserue his turnings . The greatest part of his followers , are like his horses : they carry him ; and hee guides them . That hors which offers to fling him , or that is not tendermouth'd , hee puts off , as a head-strong Iade . It is better therefore to serue God , who is voyd of all accidents , and humors ; than man , who by them is made voide of reason : and hee that is most vnfit to obserue man , is the most fit to serue God .

The Church militant , labours to bee vnited to the triumphant ; and the triumphant longs for the vnion . Lord then ioyne them ; and let sorrow seuer them no longer .

Nature binds men one to the other ; but , neuer so fast as when she chains them together with the linkes of vertue . Nature may make mee loue my kinred : but , Vertue will make mee doe more .

Hee that hates a man , because he hath some notorious vices , is rash and vnaduised : for , if hee did but looke into the same man , he should find some eminent vertues in him . I will not shunne his presence that hath a good nature , and but one vertue ; as knowing my selfe to be all vitious .

It is an vsuall speech , that nothing is saide , which hath not beene said before . If it be meant , that no words are spoke , which haue not beene spoke before , that is false : and if the meaning bee , that nothing is thought , which hath not beene thought before , that is false too . For , we see that euery day reveales a new secret to the world ; and that for neuer heard-of thinges , wee are faine to faine neuer heard of words . I will rather think all braines are exhausted , than Nature .

Vertue is placed euen in the middest of Vice . Liberalitie , is placed betwixt Auarice and Prodigality ; Valour , betwixt Cowardise & Rashnesse ; Mercie , betwixt Cruelty , and a fond Lenity . Take courage , Vertue : thou shalt once shake-off thy priuation ; and put-on a habit , without reiterated actions .

Hee that meets with a contentious foole , doth wisely in granting all hee obiects : for , it is more policie , to gaine a friend without trouble , than a foe with it .

The same holdes with GOD , that does with great Lords : he loues to be well followed and attended . But , neither desert , nor great friends , can preferre a man to him : onely those whom hee likes , hee chooses . I had rather follow him , than go before Emperours .

A yong man is like a wilde horse ; who , if hee want a curbe , will runne himselfe to death . Those parents , therefore , are wise , who ioyne correction , with direction ; and keepe those in , who else would lash-out .

It is a thing difficult , to finde out the humors of men ; because many dissemble their dispositions . This businesse requires a crafty , and experienced wit : for , deceit is neuer so soon discouer'd as by the deceitfull .

Passion is the onely enemy to Wisedome . He that conquers this enemy , makes Wisedome his friend .

A lingring hatred is badde . Gods children are angry , yet sinne not . My wrath shall go down with the sunne : but , my loue shall endure longer than the sunne it selfe .

Affectation makes a wise man a foole ; but , if it meete with a foole , it makes him an intolerable Asse . In these later , lame times , we see many affect defects ; and to bee proud of that , which indeede they should bee asham'd of . Since Nature hath made me somwhat better than a foole ; let mee beware , that affectation make mee not worse than a foole .

It is a question worth the inquiring into , whether or no , all ostentation bee to be auoided . The Philosophers cried-out , Sume superbiam quaesitam meritis : Assume a pride proportionable to thy merits . And indeede , both Morality , and Policy , perswade it ; for , generally , wee see those vnderualued of all men , who vnderualue themselues . Yet , the word of God is to be obserued , before the obseruations of men .

Commines obserues this in Lewis the XI . that hee would euen toile , to gain any man that might either profit , or hurt him This is an excellent policie ; and little or nothing ( or rather , in nothing ) repugnant to diuinity .

Religion is often made a cloak to villany . But , at one time or other , Villany will cast-off her cloak : and he that is wise , will perceiue and detest it . I wonder , that men do not tremble ( as being before God ) when they dissemble before men .

Nothing should so neerely touch , nor so much moue a Prince , as a base report of his predecessour ; though hee were his vtter enemy . For , though he himselfe lead the life of a blessed Angell ; yet , from some mouthes wherein Calumny cloysters her selfe ) as much imputation shall bee laied vpon him , as can be cast vpon the Diuell ; which , his Successour , in imitation of him , will winke-at . How many ministers of hell , now-adayes not only reuile Gods on Earth , with words , but with written wordes also ? Historiographers may lightly touch the faults of Princes : but , if they raile at their persons , they cease to bee Historians , and become maleuolent Oratours . Princes , therfore , should not imagine that their present fame wil be permanent ; but , should take this prescribed , or som other course : by which , they may as well stoppe the mouthes of the reuealers of their vices , and reuilers of their persons ; as let-loose the tongues that trumpetout their vertues .

As , on the one side , it sauours much of indiscretion , to remember a man of any thing by which hee hath either done himselfe disgrace , or receiu'd it from others : so , on the other side , it is a point of Wisdome , to put one in minde of any action of his brauely performed ; of any speech of his vtter'd with the astonishment of the audience ▪ or of any Office in the Common-wealth , which hee hath vndergone with honour , and with augmentation of his reputation . Hee that delights to displease men , will at length reape no great pleasure .

Humility may bee without honour : but , honour cannot be without humility : if it bee , it is but bastard . There is no surer way than this , to finde-out bastards , father'd vpon the Nobility .

100

It is foolish , to bragge of riches , or any external thing , in the company of others . For , the better sort will thinke it done in enuy , and emulation of them : and the worse will take it done , in contempt of them . He that brags of things without , hath but little within .

101

If the Miser did but looke into what he does , hee would neuer bee so miserable . He is euer solicitous ; and hath scarce one happy houre in the course of his whole life . He hoords and layes-vp , not knowing who shall enioy it : and oftentimes they enioy it , who lay it out as fast ; not caring what become of it . So that it plainly appeares , the whole life of an Vsurer is nothing but misery and vexation . O that a Cormorant did knowe , how many beautiful bodies starue , & how many substantiall soules faint , for want of his cash ! hee would not onely willingly part with all his pelfe , but sel his owne body to solace their soules . But , indeed , he is not so much to be blamed : because , whereas charity begins at home in others , crueltie beginnes at home in him : & he almost starues himself , that others , whom hee suffers to starue , may not take exception . Euery-one is not guilty of this Vice . The Prodigall hath such vse for his mony at home , that he can put none to vse abroad . Some get by the vse of their mony : he loseth by the vse of his .

To Vertue .

O Great , & glorious Goddesse of the good ; thou suter , and thou wooer of the wicked ; thou , without whom the mightiest Monarchs are but poore , & miserable ; and with whom the basest Begger is great , and mighty : thou Mistres of so many mild Martyrs ; thou Gouernesse of all sweet dispositions ; thou beginner , continuer , & perfecter of all honorable actions , Vertue ; to thee I consecrate this little languishing Work , together with all the humble indeauors of my soule . Gracious Mistresse , as thou hast hitherto hardned mee against all the buffets of hard-fisted Fortune , and armed mee against the kicking of Asses , and the hissing of Geese : so giue me still encouragements to maintaine thy cause against thy black-visag'd enemy , Vice . And seeing thou art a Mistres of many seruants , I must not only remember my self , but beseech thee also , to remember all those that suffer for thy sake . Giue an end to their miserie : least misery cause their end ; and so thou be destitute of seruants : for , the next Age ( take the word of thy deuoted ) will not afford thee many . Make much therefore , make much of those , who by thee are made more than earthly : let them adorne earth yet a while ; and let vs a little longer triumph in them heer , before they themselues triumph in heauen . The world hath need of them , bright Empresse : The world hath neede of them ; in that pretious precepts neuer shine so much , as when they are set in examples ; nor examples , as when they are sette in curious creatures .

The Philosopher saith , that , if the world had the full view of thee , thou wouldest so dazle the eyes of Mortalitie , that admiration would lay it in a transe . But , some cannot behold thy essence : and therefore , we were much to blame , if we should not honour thee much in those , in whom wee see euen a little of thee . But , if we see almost all thee , in som other selfe of thine ; then pardon vs , if we giue you both alike worship . As I began , so I end with my selfe ; and beseech thee once more , that I may be no more : I meane , that my massie part may fall , before my ethereall fall into any thing base , or belowe the height of that blood , which hath runne through the veines of so many valiant & truly honorable persons . If thou grant this , great Goddesse , I will then make this my Motto ,

Virtute tutè .

An Aduertisement from the Translator , to the Reader .

WHosoeuer shall come to the reading of this Oration , let him know , that it is not translated like Quae genus , to teach any man to construe . I haue not rendred verbum verbo : but , verba verbo ; and in some places , verbum verbis . As in Printing , many faults vsually escape in the first Proofe : so many errors in the first Edition . I confesse , through haste , I haue not alwayes closely followed the Authors steppes . If euer it be reprinted , all shall bee redressed . In the mean time , it may bee well vnderstood , though it bee ill translated . I had neuer vndertaken it , had it not been written against Calumny : who hath wronged mee ; and may heereafter , more , than euer Fortune did , or can doe . No , no : I had rather contemplate a thousand lines , than turn one ; the taske beeing more noble : Sith , as Aristotle saith , Deus , si qua felicitate gaudet , gaudet contemplatione . Besides ; I plainely see , that the only thing which hath brought Scholars out of request , hath been Translating . Let these suffice .

An Oration of Iustus Lipsius , against Calumny .

THis day , this day , am I to speake of Calumny , and to draw and lugge this Vice into the light . Thou God , who art goodnesse , brightnesse , and all loue , bee a light to the steps of my dimme Intellect , and lead me against a vice , of all vices the greatest enemy to thee . Moue my minde and tongue , that I may instill innocency and humanity into Humanity ; winning men to shew honesty , peace , & charity , in their liues , discourses , and writings . Calumny I heere define to be , a guilefull , priuie wounding , and diminishing of anothers fame , either in word , or with penne . Calumny is so called a caluendo : which ( being an olde , and obsolete word ) implied as much , as to abuse , or deceiue . For , Calumny , in generall , lieth , and beguileth ( as heereafter I will shew ) and deriues her authority from lying , and deceiuing . The Graecians named her 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ; and that , verie properly : because shee pearces , stickes , & strikes-through , with the all-harming dart of her venom'd tongue . So that Calumny hath two proposed ends : the one , to deceiue ; which the Latines consider'd : the other , to hurt ; which the Graecians oft obserued . O Vice of Vices ! and yet in these Times what is more frequent ? what more inseparable companion of publique , and priuate ruines ? I may yet adde , and ask , what hath beene more neglected by moderne , and antient Writers ? Wherefore , since there is not any one found ( to my knowledge ) who hath written of it , or against it ; I hope , this Treatise of it will not bee vnprofitable to you , nor inglorious to mee , who first beginne to lay it open , and to explane it with my plaine stile . Three principall things then there are , from which the present discourse must be deriu'd . First , I will shew how filthy , and loathsome Calumny is ; secondly , how pernicious ; thirdly , how to be auoided . Whilst I seuerally discourse of these , somewhat amply , and acutely , I shall desire this faire Audience , not onely to lend mee their minds , but their eares ; and to fill and guide the sailes ( as I may say ) of my Oration , with the Zephyrus , or gentle gale of their loue-breathing thoughts .

As for the filthiness of Calumny , it cannot bee more cleerely prooued , than by this two-folde argument : to weet , that it selfe , and all those in whom it dwels , are most loathsome . The persons , that harbour it , are branded with these three markes ; base , idle , pratling : So truely , by mee termed base , that I deny not only any good , but any indifferently good , or lofty spirit , euer to haue been blemisht with this blot . Examine the olde , and these our moderne Times , and you shall neuer reade , see , or heare , that any haue beene prone to this vice , but onely sad , and maligne natures , envying others and distrusting themselues ; whom melancholy Saturne hath blasted with his starre . Did you neuer see little , cowardly dogs barke at guests , that durst not bite beasts ? Why , such are these worser sort of men ; who are borne onely to hurt and vexe the harmelesse . I say , they are borne to that end ; because they doe so leane , and incline to this vice , that they are neuer quiet , but when they haue made others vnquiet . Their second marke is Idlenesse : than which nothing is more apparent ; since the first sparke , and tinder of Calumny , is Sloth : for , no man will haue leasure to enquire into other mens affaires , who is deteined by his owne . In sluggish , and dronish people , this godlesse Goddesse takes-vp her lodging , and there laies the foundation of her kingdome . Hee that denies this , let him but a little frequent the Palaces of Princes , and places of Pleading : in which , occasion & matter of Calumny is daily , and aboundantly , sowen by those , who make this their only businesse , To walke and talke . Whatsoeuer is publikely , or priuately done , is there censured , and scourged . The Prince , & his Counsellours are said to doe amisse : one man is said to haue done this ; another man to haue spoken that . To conclude ; no report of any man can stand with them vnblemisht , and vnslandred . And if wise , and experienced men did this , I could the better beare with it : but , now , men not only most idle , but also most ignorant , do busie themselues in those things , to whose height , their sense , and vnderstanding will not reach . As in a ship an vnskilful passenger is not to bee endur'd , that teaches , & chides the Mariners , when he himselfe will lend hand neither to the Rudder , nor to the Ore : so also , vnto vs , these emptie vessells must needes bee molestfull , which sound most , and haue least liquor in them . To be briefe ; their last marke is prattling . And , indeede , how should they be other ? since it is proper to these babblers , not only to speak much , but much euill . Haue any of you at any time ranked your selues with those head-strong vntamed people , who haue , as Pindar saith , vncurbed mouthes ? If you haue ; tell me , was not the greatest part of their talke not onely of some body , but against some body ? surely , it was . For , they vent things , both heard , and vnheard ; mingling things true and certaine , with things vaine , and vncertaine . And , as in a lake of Iudaea , call'd Asphaltes , nothing sinks ; but whatsoeuer is cast-in , swimmes vpon the surface of the water : so , nothing goes to the bottome of their bosomes ; all things keep the toppe , and slote ouer . But , to say the truth , how should they fauor others , when they cannot spare themselues ? For , it is the nature of this disease , to make them raile against themselues , when they haue nothing to speake against others . As in an extreame & long dearth , our bodies , for want of nourishment , feede vpon themselues : so falles it out with them .

I haue now sufficiently discoursed vnto you of the Minions of Calumny : I will therefore ( as order requires ) bring her selfe vpon the Stage , with her owne true countenan e . I confesse , all vice to be detestable , vglie , and loathsome ; but , this aboue all other : which doth not onely reigne in filthy people , but is also begotten , and borne of loathsome Parents . The Poets faine their Chimaera to haue three bodies . They fain : but , I dare sweare , that to the composition of Calumny , the mixtion of three vices is necessarie . For , Lying , and Enuy are her Parents ; and Curiositie , her Nurse . Consider , with your selues , what a faire infant this must needes bee , which receiues her beeing from three such foule vices . I said , and said truly , that Lying was her father ; because it inspires and animates Calumny : which without Lying , languisheth , hauing neither life nor soule . What Backbiter was euer yet content with the naked truth only ? which of them was euer yet pleased to call a figge a figge ? And , indeede , hee cannot choose but doe so ; in that hee hath no power to hurt , nor can attaine to his proposed end , if he keep himselfe within the limits of truth . Therefore hee addes to euery thing and as that sound of neighbouring Valleies ( which wee call Eccho ) returnes wo or three words , for one : so he doubles things heard , and seene . Haue I in a word or two complained of any man ? hee wil say , I haue sharply accused him . Haue I made doubt of any thing ? hee will say , I haue carped at all . Haue I my selfe some doubtfull speach , or sentence , hee wil choose the worse sense . In a word ; as the Physicians say of their cupping glasses , that they draw-out nothing but the most impure blood of all : so I may more truly say of a Slanderer , that he neither attracts , nor receiues any thing vnto him , or into him , that is not euill . But , I would hee did detract onely : for , oftentimes , he addes , and reports those things to haue been done , & spoke by vs , which we neuer so much as dream'd of . As Spiders , with a woonderfull Art , bring-foorth threds and cobwebs , out of their bodies : so , hee begets , and weaues subtle snares with his wit . I haue truly & sufficiently shewed , that Lying is the Father of Calumny : it now resteth that I proue Envy to be her Mother ; who in the malignant wombe of her wit , conceiues , beares , and at last brings forth this impious infant . This is easily proued , by the maners and deeds of Calumniators : for , they sildome drawe that fame-defacing weapon vpon base people , & men of their owne coate ; but , vpon those whom they see to excell others in vertue , in learning , or in some other thing worthy admiration . As Runners doe not looke backe for the laggers , but striue to out-strip the formost : so , Calumny pursues the better sort .

It was obserued in the sportes of old , that Bulls would roare , and wex enrag'd at the sight of any redde , or purple thing ; which , notwithstanding are the most faire of all colours : the like may be seene in these men ; whose rancor is stirred vp by Vertue .

Last of all , I added , that Curiositie was the Nurse of Calumny . And that , very truly ; sith she seeds and fosters this Damsell with the long sought-for meat of speeches and rumors . Take her from Calumny , and what can she doe ? Shee will straight wex weak , faint , & emptie ; hauing more will , than power to hurt . For , shee hath matter ministred to her , by Curiosity : who , dwelling neuer at home , but ranging alwaies abroad , enters not onely the houses , but the minds of all men ; beeing euer watchful , neuer sleeping . It is she , it is she , that gathers reports together , & vents them to him that next accosteth her , saluting him thus : Giue me your hand . What news ? What 's done at Court ? How stand the affaires of England ? How , of France ? What doth Titius ? What doth Seius ? These things , & other of like nature , dooth she pry into , & meddle with ; yet neuer growes ful , nor satisfied . But , as a putrid and scabbed limbe delights to bee scratcht , and rubb'd : so she itcheth for sharpe and opprobrious speeches . Neither onely hath shee itching , and greedy eares , but quicke & pearcing eyes : which when shee opens , what is it shee sees not ? Yea , euen those things which shee sees not . She then searcheth into things revealed , and vnreuealed . Tiberius , the Emperour , is reported to haue beene so quick-sighted , that he could see as well in the night , as in the day : but , this may more fitlie bee said of Curiosity ; in that , neither darknesse , nor solitude , can keepe-out her all-searching sight . Doost thou shut thy doores ? she will pearce throgh them . Doost thou tie-vp thy tongue ? shee will prie into thy bosome . Doost thou shun the societie of men ? shee wil neuerthelesse find thee out . As Flies , and such little creatures , can by no meanes be kept-out ; no more can shee , by any Art . Shee is sole Queen of that Familie of the Curio's , whom the Comick Poet verie wittily thus paints forth ; They haue a great care of other mens affaires . They would seeme to knowe all things ; but , indeed , know nothing . They know what the King whisperd in the eare of the Queene ; and what Ioue discoursed of with Iuno . Nay , which is more ; they know things which neuer were , nor euer shall be .

By this time , I am sure , you euidently perceiue the vglinesse of Calumny ; which lodgeth in base , filthy persons , and hath like Parents ; begotten by Lying , brought forth by Envy , & broght vp by Curiositie . Come on now , and follow mee to the Mischiefe that attends her : which I thoght good to make the second part of my race . And before I runne it , pause with mee awhile , and refresh your minds .

The Mischiefe in Calumny , is Forcible & Variable : & that so great ( I auerre it seriously , without an Hyperbole ) as I find the like in no other vice . I say , Forcible , because she wounds deeply , & priuily . Variable , in that ( for the most part ) she neither leaues any thing , nor any body , vntouched . Let vs handle euery one of these by themselues . That she wounds deeply , the holy Prophet wil witnes with mee , crying-out ; Their teeth are darts and arrowes : and their tongue is a sharpe sword . Neither is there any great difference betwixt the words of this diuine man , & of that Spartan , who being demaunded whether , or no his sword were sharp enough , replyed , More keene than Calumny ; intimating therby , that no edge of iron and steele , could compare in keenenesse with the edge of the tongue . What cannot this touch ? or what toucheth it , that it toucheth not to the quick ? As that subtill force of Lightning pearceth through euery thing : so , nothing can be so closely shut , nor so far remooued , but Calumny wil burn through it . And this she doth the more effectually , in that shee doth it priuily , and ( as I added ) by treachery . How can a weapon bee avoided , that is not seene ? The clowds forewarne vs of the ensuing tempest ; smoake of the ensuing fire ; a Spy , of the approach of the Enemy : but , the mischiefe that comes from a Calumniator , is sudden , and vnexpected . Doost thou thinke hee threatens ? he then flatters . Doost thou take him for thine enemie ? he will induce thee to belieue that hee is thy friend ; and will first tie thee with the snaring praises of his tongue , and then with the same will wound thee . And as a Scorpion , if thou handle him , will seeme to play with thee , till hee get opportunitie with the winding of his taile to sting thee : so , when thou fearest little hurt from a Calumniator , hee hath then already harmed thee . O detestable deceite ! which my Historian ( as from an Oracle ) notes , when hee saith , A mans greatest enemies are his greatest praisers . Giue me poyson openly , and I will beware of it : but , if you cunningly mingle it with my meate , or drink , how can I shun it then ? The same may bee said of Calumny : which may truly be called , poysoned hony . It is not a thing difficult ( saith singular Salust ) to a stout and valiant man , to conquer an assaulting enemy ; but , good men neuer suspect , and therfore neuer go about to shun hidden & vnknown dangers . How Forcible and violent the Mischief is which proceeds from Calumny , hath sufficiently beene proued : you shall now heare how Variable or diuers it is . It doth hurt ( as I said before ) in most matters , and to most persons ; a thing more remarquable in Calumny , than in any other vice . It hurts not one , or two ; but , many : If I be lustfull , two only are contaminated with the impurity of the crime . Say , I am couetous : it may be I cheate three , or foure of their money . If I be drunke , perhaps I wrong some man with blowes , or with words . But , with Calumny it is far otherwise : for , shee spares no Age , sex , nor order ; and may rightly be called a publique calamity , and the Phaeton ( if I may so say ) of the Earth's circle . Who was euer so happy , or so wise , that could brag hee was safe from her reach ? There was neuer any . Her tearing teeth are whetted to hurt all men ; but , those most , who are of most merit .

He that excells in any thing , is sure to be troden-downe by her . As they , who pull-downe houses , doe first take a way the pillars : so , Calumny ( desiring to destroy Mortality ) first seekes to supplant those , vpon whom the publique good is builded . Prudent , honest , and learned men , are her proclaimed enemies : whose fame shee sometimes shakes with the engines of reproach ; and sometimes , againe , seekes to ouerthrow it with the cunning vndermining of suspicion . Neither onely doth she iniure & wrong sundry men ; but , in sundry matters also . Nor is there any thing deare and pretious to a man , but she will be sure with her wiles either wholly to bereaue him of it , or very much to empaire it . Doe riches delight thee ? She will , if she can , dispossesse thee of them . Dost thou reioice in great titles , and honours ? Of those shee will depriue thee . Dooth any man place his felicity in his friends ? Here shee will imploy her vttermost art , and strength ; and will seuer Laelius from Scipio , Pylades from Orestes . What is so pretious to a man ▪ as his fame ? which to good men is aboue all goods , and life it selfe . For , riches , and life , are things brittle , and flitting ; our goods going often away before vs , & our liues alwaies with vs : but , our fame is that which doth eternize vs ; that only remaines , when we are rotten . Why , this fame , this treasure of the wise , this life-enlightning gemme , Calumny dooth daily seeke to obscure , and vtterly to deface . For , because shee cannot hurt Vertue it self ( the Chiefe-good in vs ) she seekes to ouer-cloud , and lessen vertuous actions : which are , as it were , the shadowes , not the very images of Vertue . But , why talke I of men , and humane affaires ? O good God! shee neither spares thee , nor thy heauen . For shee will finde in diuine matters also something to debate of ; by which she may offend not only thine , but thee . It is thy decree , thy sanction , that the secrets of the minde be reserued for the moderatour of the minde : neither are the strings of the heart , to be plaied vpon by any , but by him that made them . But , Calumny violates this Law : for , now-a-dayes ( O hatefull daies ! ) shee directs her eyes , and tongue hither ; prying into this inmost Temple . Shee cries-out , that this man is not vpright in his gouernement ; that a second is not valiant ; that a third is a close fellow , and not open enough . In a word ; what remaines , but that the thoughts , & meaning of our mindes be summon'd to appeare before this calumniating Iudgement seate ? Homer , the true Prince ( in my iudgement ) not of Poets onely , but of all other men ( I vnderstand Profane ) faines a certaine Goddesse , which he calleth Ate ; from whom all offence & mischiefe took their sourse and deriuation . Vnder the couer of which fiction , I assure my selfe ( as certainely as I now speak and breathe that he intended to touch & twitch Calumny . For , thus he describeth her :

A mischieuous Goddesse ( I interprete him summarily ) which offendeth all :

Which toucheth not the earth ; but , walks vpon the heads of men ,

And hath hurt Iupiter himselfe .

Answer me now truly , and on your word . Was there euer any Painter , with a curious and artificiall pencill , or Oratour with plentifull Rhetorick , who with more light and propriety , hath marked-out the true genuine forme of odious Calumnie ? I thinke , neuer any . Hee telleth you , that shee offendeth all . Iust my doctrine ; that all men , in all places , are endangerd by her . She toucheth not the earth . True : for , shee sildom aimes 〈◊〉 base , earthy , and lowecreeping spirits : but , as it followeth in the verse , shee walks vpon the heads of men ; to wit , shee directs her flight to the highest matters , & most eminent persons . In conclusion ; shee hurts Iupiter himselfe : ( Who makes question of it ? ) either in casting Calumnie and aspersion vpon diuine and holy actions ; or in not suffering Religion herselfe to goe free and vntoucht of her venomed tooth . These are but the villanies , wherewith shee sports her self in priuate ; beeing nothing in comparison of those which she commits publiquely , & in the Courts of Princes . For , here is her proper & true throne : heere shee plaies the wanton , and curuets within her circle . But , time so straitens mee , that I cannot chase & pursue this subiect in all particulars .

Briefely , thus : Whatsoeuer deceit , oppression , or villanie hath beene in any Age , or in any Court whatsoeuer , it flowed first from this head , from this fountaine . What was it , that allured Alexander to murther so many of his deer friends , but Calumnie ? that banished Socrates from his naturall life , Rutilius from his natiue Cittie , but Calumny ? that fed , as it were , with new blood , and gaue life to Tiberius , Caligula , and Nero , and so many monsters of Kings , but this hateful Calumny ? And , not to speake onelie of former Times , this Age , this miserable Age , doth sufficiently testifie , that those flights , those slaughters , those generall calamities , those Seas , & inundations of miserie , vnder which wee grone , haue no other birth , sourse , nor Generation , but from the Riuerets of Court-Calumnie . Are your soules grieued , that these arrowes of sedition stick in the bowels of the Common-weale ? Calumny fixt them there . That the fire of Ciuill warres hath burned , now so many yeers ? Calumny did first kindle it . And we neuer see , or haue seene , any wickednesse whatsoeuer , but infused and diffused from this poysning Fountaine . Subiects against their Princes , Princes against their subiects , are first stirred-vp , kindled , prouoked , & enflamed ( as it were ) by this fanne of words . And as the Seas , naturally calme , by the wind grow swoln and enraged : so , many Princes , of good & gentle dispositions , are set on fire by these matches .

You see now the Forcible & Variable Mischief , attending Calūny . Which mee thinks our old Christians did well vnderstand , when they named the father of all sinnes , or rather Sinne it selfe ( that Monster from Hell ) by a Greek word , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ; a Detractor , or one which is accustomed to calumniate : thinking ( it seems ) that our most malitious enemy could not bee made known by a word of more malice . Neither did the ancient Lawgiuers , with less iudgement , consider her vnbridled and ouer-mastering violence . Who , when they restrained all other vices with lawes and punishments ; to this one ( which I wonder at ) they made waie for her Cariere ; giuing her free scope to be hurtfull . For , number vp all the Nations in the world ; I am deceiued , if you name one , that ( with any sanction or penall Law ) hath bridled & supprest it . The Athenians , I confesse , were wont to inflict Pecuniary punishments vpon such offenders : the Romans burnt them in the foreheads heads with the letter K. But , let not this lead anie man into error : for , they were onely such as practic'd it in Courts of Iustice , and in publike accusations . What then ? were they either so blind , as not to see this mischief ? or so foolish , as seeing it , to giue it allowance & approbation ? Neither of these : but , with great iudgement & discretion they held any vice vnpunishable , which they thought vncurable .

Small Riuers are withstood with bayes and sluces : but , what Mountaines can resi●t a common Deluge ? Calumny hath made an inundation ouer all the earth : and lurkes close in the marrow of ill dispositions and wicked natures ; beeing no longer esteem'd-of as a fault ; but as a custom . What shold they do then ? Why , like wise and discreet Physicians : which do not rashly handle with their fingers a Canker , or the Plague . So as the greatnesse and diffusion of the euill , hath giuen it this freedome and enlargement : neither was it euer tolerated , but through despair , But , least I shold weary-out my selfe , and detain you with too long an Oration , I will guyde my ship to her Port or Hauen , and come to the third and last part ; namely , the Auoyding of Calumny : which if any man so vnderstand , as hoping to be secur'd against all Calumny , he deceiues himselfe , & requites that of mee , which was neuer in the power of man . Let not Thales onely , that Fauorite of Wisdome , but euen Wisdome her selfe , vndertake this task , they can neuer performe it . What shall wee doe then ? I can onely succor thee with two bucklers , to repulse and giue abatement to the violence of her charge . The first of which is Innocence : the other , Patience . Whosoeuer would avoid the bytings of this mischiefe-breathing Goddesse , let him aboue any thing arme himselfe with Innocence : and indeed they , which liue in integritie of life , warines of speech , modestie of actions , why should they fear her ? For as no filth doth easily adhere to smooth & wel polished places : so , no abusiue speeches can settle themselues on vnblemisht deedes . This hath bin oftentimes a good remedie : I shouldly , if I should say alwaies . I know well that Tully writes , as fire cast into water , is in an instant extinguished : so , a false accusation on a chast life . I wold to God , those wordes were as true , as wittie : for , how manie men , euen of the purest and most immaculate conuersation , haue beene wounded by this Calumny , and will euer be so ! How many haue beene wounded , euen to the letting-out of the best blood , and iuice of their reputation ! Neither is it any maruaile . For , Calumny ( as I said before ) supports her selfe by Lying . And she may doe it safely ; because shee hath but one iudge : and that one , such , as ( for the most part ) neuer enquires further ; but , belieues at first . Wherefore , a certaine flatterer of a King , saw further into this matter , than did the forenamed Orator : who was wont to say , that nothing was to bee spoken against any man : for , said hee , though the wound may be healed , the scarre will remain . A shrewd speech : but ( belieue mee ) very wittie ; and which takes his originall , and credite from our owne natures . For , it is grafted in the dispositions of many men , not onely to giue open , but credulous eare , to al whispering reports : and the more willinglie , if they treat of any wrong done , or to be done .

Hee , whose chance it is to be spotted , will hardly wash himselfe cleane againe : for , the suspicion will remaine , though the crime doe not . And therfore I did not vnwisely , to paint out Patience for the buckler , wherewith the innocent might defend themselues . The vse of Patience consists in bearing vneuitable Calumnies courageously , & with a high crest . Varro was wont to say of an ill wife , That either a man must endure her , or ridde himselfe of her . Do thou the same heere ; tolerating , what cannot be taken-away . What said I ? thou shouldst bear them ? nay , rather despise them . As a courageous Souldier scorns the weak darts , that ( like haile ) make a light ratling round about his Helmet : So doth the wise , and fortified man , all scoffes , and derisions . For , what can they take from him ? His good name ? That will euer be good , amongst good men . Can they robbe him of his Vertue & his Wisedom ? Those are no way subiect to the will of man . To conclude ; when all these carping detractours haue spoke , and done their vttermost , this man of men ( with a true and lofty courage ) cries-out , All that is mine I carry with mee . But , thou wilt reply , that the meere colour and appearance of Infamie is to be feared . If thou be guilty , feare it : if not , why fearest thou ? Apply it not to thy selfe ; and all is well . Diogenes , the Cinicke ( a man of a towring wisedome ; who therin not only exceeded men , but almost equalled euen the Gods themselues ) was wont to say , when the people mockt him ; They deride me : yet , I am not derided . Do thou the like : and so heare all those scoffes and iests , broken ( directly ) vpon thee , as if they had aymed at some other . Calumniatours neuer lightly contemne or scorn any man , that hath not first contemn'd himselfe . Marcus Cato ( that Roman Socrates ) hauing receiued a blow from one , and the party comming afterwards to giue him satisfaction , and to intreat pardon ▪ he sent him away only with this answere ; I assure thee , I remember no such matter . O worthy man , beyond other men ! who thought it a greater glory , not to regard an iniurie , than to pardon it . And , indeede , if wee iudicially examine them , how smal are those things , that do so much trouble vs ! For the most part , no deeds at all ; but onely a fewe trifling wordes , whose chiefest strength consists altogether in the interpretours construction . Refuse to vnderstand them ; and , withall , the scoffer hath lost the whole purpose and fruit of his contumely . These ( gentle Auditours ) are the safest weapons against Calumny : not those , which the vulgar fight withall ; Memory , and Reuenge . As in trauelling , if a dogge , or horse dash mee , I am nothing mov'd at him , nor striue to doe the like to him ; but rather , rubbe it off : so should wee doe here ; accounting of them as of Curres , and Iades : whose iniuries proceede not from iudgement ; but , from froward passion

But , here I ende ; taking down , and folding together , the sailes ( as I may say ) of my Oration . You haue heard three things concerning this Vice : the Filthinesse of it ; the Mischiefe ; and the Remedy against it . I beseech you , in the name of the immortall God , to banish farre from your tongues , and eares , this infectious plague . For , he offends , not onely that vtters Calumnies ; but , he that heares them with approbation . And as it is impossible to handle hot iron , with out harme , and danger : the like also befalls vs , in giuing assistance to these fierie tongues . I knowe well , they will insinuate , and fawne vpon you ; making a shew of Ioue in their countenance , & of mildnesse in their words : but , belieue mee , they are Aspes , and Vipers ; which blowe-in their poyson , through soft and deceitfull kisses . These I hold not worthy of admonition ; but rather , of dire imprecation : and therefore , I pray , with DAVID ; Confound the lying lippes , O God , that speake against the Righteous .

FINIS .