IN setting out of a booke , friendly Reader , this I know , that there is no better a thing to be obserued then order , for except there be an order in all things , all runneth to confusion , but what doe I meane to talke of orders , which am no Scholler , nor haue no learning ; but only a little experience , which God and nature hath bestowed vpon me . As it is vnpossible to build a Chuch without lyme or stone , no more can a workman worke without tooles , yet to auoide idlenesse , somthing I will make of it , although I cannot make it sound to so good a tune as I would , for want of learning , for I was neuer at Oxford but while I baited my horse ; nor at Cambridge but while one Sturbridge faire lasted : wherefore if you doe examine mee concerning learning , I shall answer you as the fellow did the gentleman , who asking him the way to London , a poke full of plumbes sir said he ; or as he which came from a Sermon was asked what he heard there ; he said it was a good Sermon , and the Preacher spake well , but he could not tell one word what hee said , no more can I answer one word scholler-like or according to learning ; yet both at Oxford and Cambridge I looked vpon the Schollers , and they looked vpon me , and so I became a little the older , but neuer the wiser ; wherefore if I should continue tempering this booke so long till I had put it in order , I should resemble those , which doe make their apparell so long of the newest fashion , vntil they are quite out of fashion , or like as the fidlers doe their strings , who wrest them and temper them so long , vntill they bring them out of all time , tune , and reason , least I should doe so I will let it goe with this drafte as it is : but gentle Reader looke not heere to gather grapes of thornes , nor figs of thistles : nor of a wild and a barren tree , nothing else but wilde and barren fruit , yet amongst dust , sometimes there are pearles found , and in hard rockes gold and stones of great price , I haue heere as it were mixed wheat and rye , barlye and oates , Beanes and Pease altogether , now take a little paines to separate that graine which thou likest best for thine owne benefit . I giue thee here a friendly caueat , to prepare thy selfe in a readines , for although thou art at quiet now , yet dost thou not know how soone thou shalt be vrged to take weapons in hand , as my selfe and many others haue beene , when I least thought vpon it , therefore to haue iudgement and skill in weapons is good , although thou neuer haue occasion to vse it . The Prouerbe saith cunning is no burthen , the same mouth which at one time saith , I will liue quietly , for I will make no brawles with any , yet at another time he again will say , oh that I had skill , for then wold I bee reuenged on such a one that hath iniuriously wronged me . Therfore for such a cause be prepared before hand , for if the King were sure that he should neuer haue wars , what neede had he then to prouide armour and weapons , but in the time of peace hee prouideth himselfe ; the wise Mariner prouides in a calme for a storme , for things doubtfull are to be dreadfull . It is better to liue in feare then in security , and to this purpose Tully hath a prety saying which goeth thus ; hee which desireth peace let him prouide for wars , but I feare mee that the tyde will be spent , before I can double this point , and therefore here I will cast anchor , and will ride in this rode something longer then I would , for feare least I cast my barke away on a lee shore , for want of water ; these words of warinesse doe I vse because there are many which no sooner out of the shell , but are cast away like an addle egge .

Therefore I would not haue yong sprigs spoiled in the blosome , I meane I would not haue yong branches or young entereres into the world imbarke themselues in the ship of fooles , for feare least they cast themselues away in a manner , before they haue had any beginning , for I haue knowen many blasted in the budding in a manner , before they came to know cheese from chalke : onely for want of instruction , and likewise some againe haue perished , and yet not for want of instruction , but they haue knowen what was good for them , and yet would not seek it , but haue delaid the meanes , as many delay their repentance , till the latter day , or till it be too late , not much vnlike a sluggard , which rowsing himselfe , and looking abroad in the morning , he seeth that it is high time to rise , yet sluggishly he lyeth downe againe to sleepe , and so forgetteth himselfe ; euen so many perish , some for want of good counsell , and some for lacke of forecasting a mischiefe before it doe light vpon them . It is said that we must not tempt God . Math. 4. but I hold it a tempting of God to presume wholly vpon him for all occasions whatsoeuer , without seeking other meanes which is commonly known , and by God prepared for vs : as if we were sicke men we ought to take the Physitians counsell , and if wounded we must seeke for helpe of a Chyrurgian , if our house be on fire we must powre on water , and if we fall in a ditch , we must not lye still without vsing other meanes besides , saying God helpe vs , but for this and all other things God hath appointed meanes , we must seek and then no doubt God will giue his blessing with it , but wee must not presume how carelesly soeuer we liue , or how desperately soeuer we dye , nothing can hinder vs of our saluation , but so far deceiued I feare me are such , that there is a thunderbolt of mischiefe prepared for their ignorance herein . Our Sauior Christ would not presume so much of the mercy of God the Father , as when he was vpon the pinacle to cast himselfe downe , but hee came downe by other meanes , for the stayres were made for the purpose ; God the father might otherwise haue saued Noah without any Arke if it had pleased him , but Noah had warning that such a thing should be , whereupon he sought a meanes to saue himselfe by making the Arke , therefore he that will not be prepared before hand with oyle in his Lampe , or with skill in his weapons , when there is meanes to be found , he may be shut out of heauen as the fiue foolish virgins were if hee chance to bee slaine suddenly , as many a man hath been , by dying without repentance .

Indeed if there were no meanes then if we did with humblenesse come vnto God , no doubt then I say but God would miraculously defend his seruants , as hee did the children of Israel when their enemies were behind them , and the red sea before them , then there was no meanes nor helpe left them , but only in the Lord , but then the Lord stopped not his eares nor shortned not his armes , but gaue them passage with his outstretched arm thorow the red sea , and then againe they being in the wildernesse , there was neither meate nor drinke , and then and there againe the Lord sent them foode from heauen , and he also made the hard rockes gush foorth riuers of water . The Mariner in distresse throweth ouer boord the Marchants goods which are in ship , and yet then finding small hope of life he cutteth down the masts of the ship , and so he throweth them and the sayles ouer-boord , which should be the onely meane to bring them to land , but then these Mariners being bereft of al hope , they rely wholly vpon God , which neuer leaueth in distresse those which trust in him , but then he miraculously doth defend them , and bring them into a safe harbor contrary vnto mans expectation .

So not onely here in this place , but as I goe on I will shew some examples out of the booke of God and from the Philosophers and other Schoole men , and the application to be applied vnto our selues , for there is nothing written but hath beene written for our learning , and of those we are to learne counsell of which haue runne through the brambles , briers , and the mischiefe of the world .

Then be not wise in thine owne conceit , for S. Iohn and Paul saith that the wise are catched in their owne craftinesse . Iohn 9. 13.1 Cor. 3.19 . If the wise are catched what then will become of the ignorant and foolish , not onely of this profession , but of all ethers ; for there are many of all trades which doe thinke their owne wit best , and hating to bee reformed , but I wish such to take heede of ignorance pitfall , least they fall into the springle with the woodcocke ; for who is so bold as blind bayard . But as some men of all trades with small skill doe goe on and liue by their trades and yet in a manner but botchers , euen so I haue often hard many a man say , that with a little skill they haue saued their liues being put vnto tryall , for those which are in danger of drowning will catch at a straw to saue their liues , but for the most part it so falleth out , that if the father or the master be a coward , or vnskilfull in his weapons , then the sonnes of that Father or the seruants of that Master , seldome prooue good soldiers , not much vnlike that saying of the Prophet when the mother is an Hitite , and the Father an Ammorite , the child seldome prooues an Israelite . Ezekiel 45. Then we must not follow or goe on being led on blindfoldly , by a cowardly sort of people , which will say that a good eye or a good heart is all that belongs vnto the defence of a mans body , these are they which professing themselues to be wise , are become fooles . Rom. 1.22 . Or they may be compared vnto those which talke of Robin hood and yet neuer shot in his bow , so this trumpe haue I cast in your way , Then shew not thy selfe worse then a beast , for beast haue wit to find out remedies to couer their griefe . for loath I am to leaue you any starting holes to wind out at , but that you may keepe the high beaten way , least in seeking by-wayes you wander quite out of the way , yet mistake me not in thinking that hereby I seeme to hale thee on for thy owne good , like a beast , for I doe but lead thee with the cords of loue , and wish thee to taste of this my opinion which I haue new broached . And I make no doubt but in tryall it will be no whit distasting vnto thee , for by experience I speake it that aboue all , skill is the key of the worke , as the eye to the body , or as the Captaine to the souldiers , or the pilot to the ship ; if the eye bee darke in walking , the body falleth , if the Captaine be ignorant , then doe the Souldiers march disorderly , or if the Pilot bee vnskilfull , the ship sailes in danger , but as I was about to tell you of a sort of logger-headed asses which further more will perswade their familiar friends , by telling them that skill will doe them no good , for when they haue learned skill and afterwards when they shall haue occasion to vse their weapons , then such dunces will say that skill will be forgoten & little thought vpon . Also they say that a man with a sword will cut off thy rapier at one blow , but I say this is a most cowardly kind of ignorance , for if a skilfull man doe hold the rapier , it is not a hundred blows with a sword can doe a rapier any harme , no although they light vpon him . Therefore those which will perswade any from learning skill with weapons , for the defence of their bodies , may fitly be compared vnto the false Prophets amongst the Iewes , which perswaded them that they should not feare nothing , but peace , peace , peace , when the Assyrians were in a readinesse to cut their throats as in the 6 of Ieremy the 14 , there you may read it , therefore a prouident care ought to bee had , as Iehosaphat did when he feared the Moabits to come vpon him , 2 Chron. 20.3 . Dauid liued securely in Ierusalem , and without feare , which made him forget God , as in the 2. Sam. 11. the whole Chapter is worth the reading ; doth not the wisest man that euer wrote say , that there is a time of war and a time of peace , Eccle. 3.8 . If a man did know what howre the theefe would come , he would surely watch , wherefore be aduised to deale wisely , but not like vnto Pharaoh for he said , let vs deale wisely when he dealt most foolishly Exodus 1.10 . and so we will goe on .

In reading ouer diuers Hystories I thereby vnderstanding the noble acts , and also noting the manly mind of these who liued many hundred yeeres agoe , whose fame shall neuer dye , whereas cowardly dastards which neuer bent their studies in marshall exploits , such I say at their death their fame dyeth with them , and so they are quickly raked vp in the ashes of forgetfulnesse , and buried in the valley of obliuion . So that if a man wold goe search for the pedigree of their gentility , they shall finde it laid vp in a beggars box , or as the Charter of a City written in dust , whereas on the other side the valiant and gallant minded men , although they dye , yet in their life time their manly acts and valiant deedes which they worthily performed , some in the warres and some at single combat , and some at other honorable and laudable exercises , whereby they merited to themselues immortall fame for euer , for to some no exercise nor weapon came amisse as in stead of many examples these two out of the book of God shall be sufficient , Dauid with his sling , ( as Hercules with his Club ) and Sampson with his Iaw-bone or any other weapon which came next to his hand , but loth I am to trouble you with so long an Epistle or Preface , yet for an Introduction to the rest something I must say and most of that which I haue and will say is so necessary as the rest , although it be longer then I would , but we will now to the matter .

Then thus , by reason of diuers errors which are in sundry mens teaching of this noble arte of defence , I therefore being pricked forward by the earnest request of some of my friends , to describe the rules of weapons , which I by my study haue inuented , and by practise brought to perfection , and likewise for my countries benefit , I meane to better the vnskilfull in knowledge , I haue thought it good to open plainly the best grounds , which belongeth to our English weapons , that are now in vse , so far as my simple inuention by great practice hath attained vnto . Another reason which moued me hereunto was where some doe find out many hidden secrets which they bury in the earth againe with their bodies , or else if they make it known , it shall bee to such a faithfull friend as they loue and affect dearely , all writers that euer wrote did write either for profit or pleasure : some to profit others , and some to pleasure themselues ; and some haue wrote common and necessary things for their owne posterity after them ; I write but of common things , yet not so common as necessary , and therefore my meaning is to make my secret study known so plainly as I can vnto all the world , for the benefit of many thousand yet vnborne , for euery man hath or should haue skill in his weapons , the reasons shall follow , as occasion shall serue hereafter more at large ; but as yet I know the greatest number are blinded in an ignorant conceit , I meane such as doe thinke to ouercome their enemies if occasion doe serue by quicknesse of the eye , or by a kind of valorous resolution , which for the auoiding of this and such like abuses , I haue here and there put downe sundry reasons in this booke , although they be not in order , yet take a little paines to seeke them out , for I wrote this booke at such leasurable fits as time would permit me ; now for affection sake some will say it is well done , and others againe will say it is reasonable and indifferent , and so I pray you let it passe , for if I should perceiue it shold goe for starke nought , then should I account my time and labor very ill bestowed ; but yet this I know , if it were ten times worse then it is , yet would it be welcom to a number of my old friends and familiar acquaintance , such as were the cause of this my idle time spending , who were earnest with me for the setting foorth of this worke . Lo this is the anchor whereon my hope dependeth , but yet I make a doubt least that my booke may light into the hands of some enuious mates , who neuer knew me , yet will not sticke to say vpon the very first fight , oh this is such a mans worke , I know well enough what hee could doe , and yet will not fully giue vp their verdit , but onely shake the head , with a wry mouth and a smiling countenance , throwing it from them , and so seeming by their silence that they could further disgrace mee , but will not . Indeed it is a more easier matter for such to find fault with a part of my booke then to amend the whole , but I could wish such learne before they take vpon them to controule , but those which are wise and kind , will accept of my good will , for I haue giuen out this but as a theame ; let a wiser then I rime vpon it , and although it seeme but as it were a glimpse of the noble Art of defence , in regard of the substance , yet some will perceiue day at a little hole ; wherefore trauell further in it , till you find out the substance , like a good Surgion search the wound to the bottome before thou lay a plaster , I meane reade it ouer before thou giue iudgement ; and then play the wise mans part which is to speake little , although he thinke much ; indeed I must confesse a vanity in my selfe and that I haue deserued blame , because so bluntly I haue set foorth such an vnperserued peece of worke , but my reasons in the latter end of the book may a litle excuse me , but in the mean while let it be neuer the worse welcome vntothee , for that it hath my poore name vnto it , I speake this because I know there are some will speake they care not what , to disgrace they know not whom , without rendring any reason at all , out onely out of a dogged humor , or an idle braine , some finding fault with the gards , and some because I haue written of things which belongeth not to the matter or ground of this worke , and some because it is a booke of pictures , accounting a book of pictures fit for children and fools ; to answer such I say when a child or a foole doth looke in a glasse , he doth thinke there is a baby on the other side , but when men of discretion looke in a glasse , they do not think so ; therefore as by the Heathen we may learne many good lessons , euen so a man of vnderstanding may learne wisedome , and gaine experience of a foole ; I wrote not this altogether to pleasure those that are skilfull already , for this booke can steed them but little , for the whole and sound need not a Physition , but the ignorant and vnskilfull may profit by this booke as much if with discretion they take regard in their practise according to my direction , as if my selfe were in person to teach them , but both the skilfull , and vnskilfull , the wise and the foolish may here learne one lesson or other , which they neuer learned before ; yet I know not how euery one will take this my presumption , in aduenturing to set out a booke hauing no learning , yet I pray you reade it ouer first , and then iudge , but yet be slow in condemning mee , for I haue done my good will , now he which can make a simple thing better , he ought so to handle the matter , that although he get credit himselfe , yet condemne not me for shewing the best I could ; therefore so iudge of mee behind my backe as you would haue others iudge of you , but if you iudge well and like well of it , then shall you haue the second part with six weapons more , but I will first see what will become of this first part , let it commend or condemne it selfe , for great braggers cannot better it , nor dissembling specches impaire it , neither will I maintaine for well done , all that I haue done , but if you accept it then I haue all my desire , if otherwise good will shall beare the blame for my presumption : but why doe I make a dought of any euill speeches , which deserus no blame , againe this I know that there is none which standeth in so much need of good words as those which goe about to couer dishonest deeds , wherefore I may say as that great Captaine Marius who hauing occasion to vse a speech before the people of Rome , in his conclusion hee said , although my words are not well set in order I waigh not so much so that my deeds be good .

I haue made this of bricke and stones , as Augustus said of Rome at the first , but now Rome is built with marble : euen so I wold wish that some expert and learned person or other would pull downe this rude begun worke of mine and build it vp with marble , for the worke it selfe if it were workmanlike handled , deserueth to be written in leters of gold , and to remain for euer , but first it must be twice or thrice distilled as they doe their Rosasolis , for first it is Aquavitae , & then in the second and third distillation , there is bestowed greater charge and more excellent matter ariseth of it .

I haue but roued at skill in weapons , yet I am sure that I haue shot so neere the marke that some will account me for a good Archer , otherwise they would neuer haue beene so important with me to haue me put my directions in writing , and when it was in writing so many desired Copies , that amongst so many friends I knew not which to pleasure first , but especially and aboue all the late high and mighty Prince Henry whom I well hoped that he should haue liued to haue beene the ninth Henry and the tenth worthy of the world , for what did any of the other nine worthies doe , but this good Prince was as likely , if he had liued to haue performed as much as any of them ; for what hath beene done but may be done againe . But as I was about to say , this good Prince had the perusing of this book and earnestly perswaded me to print it , but I had not leisure to finish it before death vntimely tooke him away to my griefe and many more , for all the whole kingdome was nothing but mourning . Death were kind if he tooke none , but those which offended , but oh most vnkind death , for thou in taking away that good yong Prince , hast taken away him which neuer offended , for there was neuer the like seene in one so yong , for his wisedome , learning , and kind curtesie , to all which came to see his Princely selfe , talking so mildly and familiarly to euery one which did so reioyce and glad the hearts of all true and louing subiects , and also caused him in his fame to be spoken of , for Kings and Princes are talked of at poore mens tables , and good words he deserued , as euer any earthly creature did . For besides his skill in Musicke , hee was able by his learning to discourse with any forraine Prince whatsoeuer , also his admirable and well riding of a great horse , and his excellent running at tilt or ring ; likewise his cunning in weapons , for the fight on horsebacke or on foote , and for tossing the pike neuer so many feates seene in any Prince , insomuch that it made strangers stand amazed to behold him ; at a word hee had experience in all artes or sciences , thereby seeming as it were desirous to trust more to his owne valour , if occasion serued , then to the goodnesse of his horse . And so to make an end least of the ignorant I get the name of a claw-blacke , and also another doubt I haue , least vndertaking so difficult a taske , and being not able to discharge it according vnto the dignity and worthinesse thereof , the which I cannot doe , and therefore I will not wade so far in so dangerous a riuer , but that I may easily escape out , wherefore like the finger of a diall I will point , it must be the clocke which telleth you the iust time of the day , I haue drawne his Highnesse in bare colours , and so I leaue the oily colours vnto those which are learned , you may see by a tast what wine is in the butte , and so to our matter againe . Now he which will practise after my direction , thou maist a little the rather attaine vnto that perfect knowledge in the Art or skill with thy weapons hauing an able body by agility to preserue that skill which I haue here in this booke laid open vnto thee , for I did vnderstand many things which my body was not able to performe ; now because many at the first will waxe weary in their practise , yet such wearinesse is ouercome by often exercise , and that new skill once obtained will be such a pleasure to thee , Giue not ouer practice nor reiect not skill because thou canst not be a master of art , or a doctor at the first day , for time must worke and bring al things to passe , for that is well done which is done by leisure , for hast many times makes wast . that it putteth all wearinesse out of thy remembrance , now vntill thou hast skill thou must not thinke it a toyle , but striue continually to ouercome wearinesse : resolue this with thy selfe , that the paine will be nothing so wearisome as the gaine of skill will be delightfull and comfortable vnto thee , and commendable amongst others : I haue made it as plaine and laid it as open as I can expresse by words , because I would haue euery man expert in weapons , considering that skill in weapons is so honourable and so precious a thing , that in my mind it may be preferred next vnto diuinity , for as diuinity prescrueth the soules of those which follow it , from hell and the diuell , so doth this noble and worthy art of defence defend the body from hurts and skars of those which learne it , but those which neither follow the one nor learne the other , the first fort for ought I know may goe throw fire brands in hell , and the second sort may sit in an alehouse , and there shew how many hurts , and likewise tell how many wounds he hath about his body ; for I haue known wany brag of their hurts , and in my conceit they take a pride In that they haue stood so neere the point of a weapon , whereby to receiue wounds , therefore they are willing that the world should know how venturous they haue been , but now in my minde if they had skill they need not bee hurt : wherefore skill is not onely auaileable to preserue and keepe the body without hurts and wounds , but also the vse and practise with weapon , doth driue away all aches , griefes , and diseases , it remooueth congealed blood , and breaketh impostumes , it maketh the body nimble , and plyant , it sharpneth the wit , it increaseth the sight , and procureth strength , and expelleth melancholy and cholericknes , and many other euil conceits , it keepeth a man in breath , in perfect health , it makes him to be of longe life which vseth it , it is vnto him which hath the perfect skil in weapons , a most friendly , & comfortable companion , when he is alone , hauing but only his weapons about him , it putteth him out of all feare , and in the wars and places of most danger it maketh a man bold , hardy valiant , and venturous . wherefore they that are once experienced in the skill of weapons will afterwards to the end of their liues enconrage the vnskilfull to learne still , considering how necessary a thing skill in weapons is , insomuch that God and nature tollerates the practise of this skill in weapons , which is here ment for the defence of mans body , it also preserueth many from murder , also in the wars it may likewise stead a King , gentleman , or any other priuate souldier ; for if in the wars a single combat is desired , as that of Golias , there started out of the army a Dauid who with a godly valour stood in the gap , for the good and preseruation of many mens liues , which no doubt else had perished in that great and dangerous battell . Therefore it behooueth Kings being challenged by their equalls for the safegard and good of their subiects and country , to aduenture and hazard their owne liues in hope of a conquest , so that thereby the wars may cease .

Some there are which take delight to talke of the arte of defence , and yet haue no insight nor iudgement therein , the prouerbe is verified in such which goeth thus , there are some which talke of Robin-hood which neuer shot in his bowe , I speake this because a gentleman on a time came to my Schoole and would not play by no meanes , yet he was busie with his tongue in teaching others , and in discoursing of seuerall weapons , and seuerall guards , but by his words he bewraied his small iudgement , for his speech founded to no sence nor reason , and so I being weary with hearing him talke so long , and far from the marke which he aimed at , so at length I rounded him in the eare , thus , hold your peace , or else speake softly , for my vsher laughs you to skorne . But we will to our matter againe , and draw to a conclusion of this Epistle , for the necessary vse of weapons . In Luke the twelue there the Lord as it seemeth did thinke them to be more better then a coate vpon a mans backe , he therefore bade his Disciples generally , goe said he , sell your coates and buy you swords , he spake not this to one of them alone , but vnto them all .

Now the Kingly Prophet Dauid teacheth you where to weare your swords , saying gird thy sword on thy thigh , hee doth not bid thee weare it about thy necke in a string , euen so as the Lord in many places of the Bible is said to be of many professions , for he is called a shepheard , a husband-man , a Physition , and Dauid in his 144. Psalme , in a manner calleth him a fenser , for there he faith that the Lord did teach his hands to war , and his fingers to fight : He also faith in another of his Psalmes , I am a worme and no man , and yet I feare not what man can doe vnto me . Other examples bending to this purpose hereafter shall follow more at large , some in one Chapter , and some in another , as they come in my mind , and although it hath been my study and practise this twenty yeeres , yet now I haue vnfolded euery place , and shewed euery wrinkle of these few weapons , so far as my inuention hath attained vnto , and I haue set them downe so large and made them so plaine , as by words I could any way expresse them , so that thou maist learne them in twenty dayes and lesse , if not all , yet enough for the sure defence of thy body , and the rest shall follow in a second booke hereafter , if thou dost friendly accept of this .

In the meane time arme thy mind to these weapons here following , for they are sufficient for thy defence at single combat , also here thou shalt find other lessons no lesse profitable then delightfull , if thou with content peruse them , and so I will hinder thee no longer from that which ensueth , and therefore ending my Epistle with these words of the Frier , who often in his Sermon said the best is behind , so he that readeth but the beginning of a booke , can giue no iudgement of that which enueth ; then read it ouer , and thou shalt not be deluded with the best is behind .

I hope I may cal this booke a booke without any offence , for the collier he calleth his horse a horse , and the Spanish Iennet is but a horse . Now as this art is called a Noble arte , and not so named vnfittingly , being rightly vnderstood , for there is no art nor science more to bee preferred before this , for that there is none that iumpeth in equality , nor that matcheth in singularity or that hath so many sundry subtill deuices and ingenious inuentions , as this noble art of defence hath . Now hee that doth but read of this art , yea although he read neuer so much , yet without practise and by experience in triall , it will be vnperfect , for how can perfection be attained but by practise , and therfore it also behooueth thee to vse practise with sundry men , and so to make vse of the diuersity of each mans skill , and then for thy benefit , like the wise physition who of many simples maketh one compound , or as the bee which by her serious industry gathereth vertue from sundry sorts of hearbs and flowers , & therof maketh her hony , she is not therefore to be condemned of enuy , but rather to be commended of all .

Neither doe I write this booke altogether to profit those inlearning that which they before wanted , but only to set them and other willing minds a work which by arte and learning can better swim through such a deepe riuer then I can , it should haue been better if my learning had been answerable to my wil , yet hoping that the wise will rather winke at small faults , then rashly reproue that which may profit the simple , for all haue not skill and cunning alike , I am perswaded that some will the rather passe it ouer with patience , although it be but only for affection to the arte , and so hoping that this my worke may bee profitable to all , for so it can no way be hurtfull to none , but if you chance to meete with this booke after he hath serued out the apprentiship of seauen yeeres , if God grant me life so long you shall see him in double apparell , and then you shall haue iust cause to say that his master hath fulfilled his couenants , for I wish all men well , and euery one an increase of skill in all laudable and profitable arts or sciences , and so with this long entry into a little parlor , I leaue you to him whose seate is in heauen , and whose foot-stoole is the earth . And rest ,

MOst noble brethren by profession , and brethren in Christ by Religion , wishing all health and happines to all them of the noble Art or Science of Defence ; and as your profession is noble , so in brotherly loue , I doe earnestly request you all to vse it in that noble fashion , as the name or title requires , the rather , & for because you are men , not onely noted and talked of , but often looked on and more pointed at , then any other ordinary men are , of what profession soeuer . Also it is the worlds wonder , to set a man of ciuill gouernement vsing this profession herefore I pray you consider with me alittle , that we are as a Beacon set on a hill , or like a candle in a candlesticke ; then let not your candle be made with a great wike , and no tallow , but let him be so mixt with both , that your light may so shine before men , that they seeing your discreet gouernement and good behauiour may ( by your good examples ) reforme many ill infirmities which they see in themselues . Alas , I pray you consider and remember , that as the tree groweth , so he falleth ; we are not borne for our selues , but for our Countrie : and if we doe no good , though wee doe no harme , then better it were that wee had neuer beene borne . The figge tree in the Gospell , is said to trouble the ground , because he bare no fruite , and therefore better an addle Egge then an ill Bird ; for a good and a godly life , hath a good and a godly end , and an vngodly life hath an vngodly end : and therefore most happie dieth that man , of whom the world doubteth not of his saluation , although the world is giuen to speake well and charitably of the wicked when they are dead , and yet it may be they thinke in their mindes they are gone to hell ; then call to minde , and wisely consider of this , and also of your end , and in what great ieopardie your liues stand ; for he that to day is well , lustie , and strong , may the next day , nay , the next houre , haue his life taken sodainely from him at vnawares , when he least thinketh on is , for many of this profession doe not liue out halfe their daies , for there is many waies to bring a man to his end , some by quarrelling when they haue no cause , and so are stabbed sodainely , and some by drunkennesse , as you shall heare anone ; for I could write of many which came to their ends , and yet died not all in their beddes , nor all in the warres , nor all at the gallowes , and yet many of them haue gone these waies : for there are wicked and euill angells which are the wayters , and doe attend vpon an vngodly life , for Death respecteth no maner of person , for be doth assault the skilfull so well as the ignorant , the wise so well as the foolish , and therefore it is good for euerie man to bee prepared and in a readinesse , and then hee neede not to feare to say , Come Lord Iesus , come quickely ; to day or to morrow , or when thou wilt , and with what manner of death soeuer , so it come by thine appointment .