The garden of wysdom wherin ye maye gather moste pleasaunt flowres, that is to say, proper wytty and quycke sayenges of princes, philosophers, and dyuers other sortes of men. Drawen forth of good authours, as well Grekes as Latyns, by Richard Tauerner.

¶ The garden of wysdome , conteynyng wytty and plesaunt sayenges of kynges , philosophers , and dyuers sortes of men .

¶ Agasicles .

AGasicles kynge of Lacedemon beyng demaunded by what meanes a prynce or ruler , maye saufly rule withoute any garde of men , to defende his bodye , Answered : If the prynce so ruleth his subiettes , as a father his chyldren . What thynge coulde be spoken of a panym more ehrystianly ? Certes this sayenge to be true pueth th experience at this day of the most excellent prince our soueraigne lord Kyng Henrie the eyght . Lord god with what inward ioy , with what hartie loue & , reuerence do al his liege subiettes imbrace the maiestie of his gracis person , and not only his liege subiettes , but also euen the very ranke traytours , whiche intended nothyng elles but sedicion , yet the incomparable maiestie of his owne person they coulde not , but haue in wonderous reuerence ? Wherof shuld this come , but by reason that his grace beareth hym so benignely , so gentilly , so louyngly to all his subiettes , that he may very well be called pater patriae , the father of the countrye , or ( to vse the terme of the prophete Esaye ) the noursynge father . Do ye not thynke , that this so excellent a prince , so entier ly beloued of his subiettes , yf it were not rather for feare of foreyn enmies , then of his owne subiettes , myghte ryde & go , whereso euer his hyghnes wolde , without any garde ?

¶ Agesilaus .

AGesilaus that great kyng of the Lacedemonians , when he was asked , by what meanes a manne myghte attayne to haue an honeste name amonges men , Aunswered : If he speake that is beste , and do that is most honeste . What thynge coulde be spoken more briefly ? and agayn , what more absolutely ?

He was accustomed to say , that the office of a capytayne is agaynst rebeiles to vse hardynes , and agaynste his liege subiettes gentylnes ,

When a certayne vnshame fast suter heng styll vpon hym crauyng and sayenge euermore vnto hym : Syr ye haue promysed me , ye haue promysed me . In dede , ꝙ the kyng , I haue promysed the , yf the thyng be lawful that thou askest , but yf not , I sayd it , but I promysed the not . With this propre answere he shoke of , the malapettnes of the suter : But when the felow wold not yet cease crauyng , but aunswered agayne : It becommeth kynges to per fourme what so euer they graunt euen with a becke of theyr hedde . Neuer a whyt more ( ꝙ the kyng ) then it becommeth such as come to kynges , to aske and speake that is lawfull .

One praysed a rhetoricien , bycause he made tryûynge matiers and thynges of smal importaunce to seme weightie & great matters . I , ꝙ Agesilaus , wolde not iudge hym a good shoomaker , whiche for a lyttell fote maketh a great payre of shoes . Undoubtedly in speakyng , the trouth is moste alowed , and he speaketh beste , whose tale is agreable to the matier .

Agesilaus was wont very often to warne his sowldiours , that they torment not theyr prisoners as felons , but saue them as men . Also for chyldren taken in the warres he prouyded , that they shulde be brought togyther into one place , to th intent that they perisshed not at the remouinge of the oost . The same prouisyon and care he had for the decrepite & very aged persons , whiche were taken prysoners , lest ( bycause they were not hable to folowe ) they myght be torne in pecis of dogges and wylde beastis . And this humanitie gatte hym a wonderful beneuolence , not onely of others , but also euen of captiues and prysoners . It is to be feared lest this Panym kynge shall ryse at the great day , & condemne a great nombre of christian prynces & capitayns , whiche spare neyther virgyn , wydow , suckyng infantes , ne decrepit persons , but rauysh , kyll all , bren all , more like Turkes then christians .

¶ Agis .

AGis kynge of the Lacedemonians was wont to saye , that the Lacedemonians oughte not to aske , how many the ennemies be , but where they be . Signifieng , that the victorie hangeth not vpon the nombre of sowl diours , but vppon theyr hardynesse , courage , readynes and celeritie in settynge vppon theyr ennemies . I truste in lyke wise that Englyshemen , when so euer the defence of our countrey shal call vs to warre against our enemies , woll not cowardely aske , howe many they be , but lyke fyerse & hardy champyons , where be they that dare maynteyne any false quarell agaynste oure moste drad soueraigne lorde , and his people ? in full a readines at a becke to runne , whether so euer his maiestie shall commaunde .

When a certayne rhetoricien praysed his science of rhetoryke with hygh wordes , sayeng , that nothyng is more excellent , then an eloquent oration . Then , ꝙ Agis , when thou holdest thy peace , thou arte nothynge worthe . Meanyng that it is moche more excel lent & gloriouse for a man to do worthy thynges , then to haue a tonge ready and swyfte to talke of worthy thynges .

¶ Lycurgus .

Lycurgus , he that made lawes for the Lacedemonians , when he was very desyrous to brynge his countreymen from theyr corrupt and vicyouse maners , vnto a more temperate fascion of liuyng , brought vp . u. whel pes of one kynde , of whiche the one he suffered at home to eate deyntye meates , the other he vsed to lede out in to the fyldes , and to exercyse hym in him rynge . Afterwarde he brought theym bothe forthe into the Gyldhall before all the citizens , and caused to be layde there certayne delycate meates , & also by them thornes and breres : forthwith he put forth an hare . So when eyther of the whelpes ran to that he was accustomed vnto , the one ot the meate , the other vpon the hare : Se ye not , o frendes , ꝙ Lycurgus , these two whelpes , that where as they be of one kind , yet bycause of theyr dyuers bryngyng vp , they be now waxen and are becom farre vnlyke one an other , and howe exercyse is of moche more strength vn to honesty , then is nature ? Assuredly , the thynge that Lycurgus dyd in his citye , is of euery howsholder to be done in his house , and of euery gouernoure in his flocke . Nature ( I woll well ) is a thynge of great myght and efficacye , but surely institution or brin gynge vp , is moche myghtier , whiche is hable to amende , reforme & streyghten a croked and euyll nature , and to turne the same into a good nature . What maner children shal be borne , ly eth in no mans powre , but that by right bryngyng vp , they maye proue good , lyeth in our powre .

Suche citizens as abhorred maryage , and hadde leuer lyue as bachelers , Lycurgus forbad to be presente ta sightes and enterludes , and added also other shames and reproches vnto them , by this crafte dylygently prouydynge , that the citizens shuld imploye them selfes to begette chyldren . For where as it was an vsage and lawe amonges the Lacedemonians , that the yongers sholde gyue moche honoure and reuerence to theyr elders , this honour he plukt from theym , whiche by wedlock wolde not encreace the nombre of the citizens .

Lycurgus beyng demaunded , why he made a law that nothyng shuld be gyuen with a mayde in maryage , answered : Bi cause neither for pouertie none might be lefte vnmaryed , nor for ryches any desyred , but that euery yong man hauyng respect to the maners of the mayde , might chose her only by her virtuous conditions For this same cause he remeued oute of the citye all paynted colours and or namentes , wherwith other women be wont eyther to set forth or to fashyon theyr beutie .

The same Lycurgus , where as he appoynted a certayn age for maydens and also for yong men to marye at , beynge demaunded , why he dyd so , aunswered : To the intent that the yssue born of full growen parentes , & which be of perfyte age , may be stronge and talle .

Demaunded also why he forbadde the man to slepe all nyghte with his wife , but ordeyned that eyther of them shulde the most parte of the daye kepe companye with theyr lyke , the manne with men , and the woman with women and with them also shulde reste all the hole nyghtes , but with his spowse he shulde not haue to do , but by steithe , and shamefastly . Fyrst , ꝙ he , that they myght be stronge in bodyes , accompa nyenge togyther but seldome . Second ly , that loue betwen them may alweys abyde freshe and newe . Thyrdly that they may engendre the stonger issue .

Furthermore in those tymes the chastytie of maried women was so greate and they so farre of , frome the lite demeanour , whiche afterwarde they fell to , that at begynnynge the synne of aduoutrie was thougth impossyble euer to haue chaunced amonges them . And therfore when a certayne auncyent Lacedemonian named Geradas , was asked of a straunger , what punyshment aduoutrers shuld haue amonges them , for he coulde se no lawe made by Lycurgus in this behalfe : He answered : O frende there is none aduowtrer amonges vs . When the other went fur ther & asked , what yf there were any ? Then , ꝙ he , he shall gyue so great an ore , as shal streache his necke ouer the mountaygne of Taygette , and drynk of the floude of Eurota . When the other smyled and sayde , it was impossyble to fynde so great an oxe , And is it not , ꝙ Geradas , as moche impossyble that in our citie shulde be founde any aduowterer , wherin ryches , delytes , pleasures , and all curiouse deckynges of the bodye be hadde in hyghe reproche : and agayne shamefastnes , demurenes , and due obedyence to publyque officers in hygh estymacion and worshyppe ? This Geradas full prudently vnderstode , that vyces coulde not there growe , where no beddes to so we vices in , were suffred ne admytted , and that those thynges lye as ded & despyced , whiche in stede of honour be had in despyte and skorne .

When one requyred hym , that he wolde make and ordeyne in the citie a Democracie , that is to saye , a gouernaunce of the people or commons , in stede of the gouernaunce of the lordes : Ordeyne thou , ꝙ he , fyrste a Demoracie in thy house . In fewe wordes he taught , that that fascyon of common weale is not profytable to the citye , which no man wold haue in his owne familie . Certes , a citye or a realme is nothynge elles , then in effecte a great howse .

Demaunded why he inacted a law that in tymes of warres , they shulde oftentymes chaunge theyr tentes and pauylyons : To the entent , ꝙ he , we maye hurte oure ennemies the more . The Lacedemonians bycause they were nymble and lite , remeued with no great busynes theyr oost : where as theyr enemies coulde not do the same , without theyr great incommoditie , and also with longer respyte : for as moche as they caryed about with them so many baggages and burthens .

Demaunded why he ordeyned that the Lacedemonians shuld make their sacryfyce and oblation with small and chepe thinges . Bicause , ꝙ he , we shuld neuer want wherwith to honour god . Who wolde not saye , but that in solemne worshyppynges of god , all royaltie and sumptuouse magnyficence is lyttell ynough ? But this prudente panym vnderstode that god delyteth rather in frugalytie , then in fatte sacryfices , lest vnder pretence of religion ( as in our dayes it was come to passe ) all abomination shulde be maynteyned .

The same Lycurgus beyng asked why he forbadde that the citie shulde be fensed with walles , Aunswered : Bycause that citye wanteth no walles , whiche is fensed not with stones but with men .

¶ Socrates .

SOcrates the Atheniense a great philosopher , and of moste pure liuynge , was wont to teache , that men oughte to absteyne from meates that wolde prouoke the man not hungrie to eate , & from drynkes that wold allure , the not thurstye to dryncke .

He sayd , the veste sawce is hungre , for as moch as it bothe best sweteneth all thynges , and is of no coste . And therfore he him selfe dyd euer eate and dryncke with swetnes , bycause he byd neyther of them , but when he hungred and thursted .

Moreouer he accustomed him selfe to beare hungre and thurste . For at what tymes other men coueted moste to dryncke , then wold he neuer drynke of the fyrst cuppe that was fylled . And when he was demaunded , why he dyd so , he aunswered , bycause he wold not accustome hym selfe to folow his affec tions and Iustes . He sayd , those that excercysed them selfes to chastnes of liuyng , and sobre diette , had both farre more pleasure & lesse sorowe , then they that with moste a doo sought all the pleasures of the worlde : for as moch as the pleasures of intemperate persons , besydes the torment of theyr conscience , besydes theyr euyll name and pouertie , where vnto they be at lengthe broughte , do bryng for the most parte euen to their bodies also more peyne then pleasure . On the contrarie parte , the thynges that be beste , the same be made also most pleasaunt , if thou acquayntest thy self with them .

He sayde , it was an hyghe reproche for a man by seruynge and obeynge wylfully his inordinate pleasures , to make hym selfe suche one as no man wolde be glad to haue for the drudge or slaue of his house .

When he was admonyshed by his frend , that for the feastyng of his gestes , he made very sklender prouysyon : he answered , yf they be good men , it shall be ynough , yf not , more then ynough .

The same Socrates when he was asked , why he hym selfe dyd not gouerne the comon welth , syth he knewe best howe to gouerne it , answered , that he is more profytable to his countries that maketh many good gouernours of the same , then he whiche gouerneth it well hym selfe .

Demaunded by what meanes a man myght attayne to an honest fame , If , ꝙ he , thou studie to be such one in dede as thou wolde be counted in name .

He sayde it was farre vnfyttynge , that where as no man professeth or practyseth any handy craft with out his great shame , onles he hath lerned it afore , yet to the gouernaunce of a common weale , men be admytted & appoynted which neuer employed their wyttes to lernyng .

He was accustomed to saye , that no possessyon is more precyouse , then a trewe and good frende to a man , nor that no greatter frute or pleasure can be any other where taken . And therfore he sayde , that many men do ouerthwartly and clene out of ordre , which beare more greuously the losse of money , then the losse of theyr frende , and whiche crye they haue loste the benefite that they haue conferred and gyuen for nothynge , where as in dede they haue with the same gotten them a frende better than any golde .

He was wont to saye , that he moste resembleth god , whiche nedeth fewest thynges , for as moche as god nedeth nothynge at all .

He sayde , many lyued to eate and drynke , but he contrarily dyd eate and drynke to lyue , for as moch as he vsed these thynges not for pleasure , but for the necessitie of nature .

Suche as bought dearly thynges ouer tymely rype , he sayde despayred , that they shulde not lyue tyll the accustomed tyme of the rypenes of thynges were come . Elles it were great folye to bye thynges bothe worse , and also dearer , where as shortly after , a man may bye the same bothe better and for lesse price . Thus he euermore called backe agayne the desyres of men voyde of reason , vnto sobre iugement .

Also he vsed to saye , he that hath begon a thyng hath halfe done : meanynge halfe the worke is done of hym , that hath ones set vpon it . For there be many that in taryenge and takyng a breath , what is best to do , spende all theyr lyfe vaynly .

Demaunded of a certayne yonge man , whether he iudged it better for hym to marye a wyfe , or not to marye . He answered : Whether so euer thou dost , thou shalte surely repente . Sygnifieng , that bothe syngle life and also wedlocke haue theyr incommodities and displeasures , whiche to beare a manne , muste fyrste arme and prepare hym selfe . Syngle lyfe hathe these incommodyties , solitarinesse , lacke of chyldren , extinguyshement of bloude , a straunger to be thyne heire . Wedlocke agayn hath these , contynuall care , dayly complayntes , vpbraydynge of that she broughte , the heuy lookes of her kynsfolke , the pratlyng tonge of thy mother in lawe , Cukkoldemakynge , the vncertayne proufe of thy chyldren , and other innu merable incommodities . Wherfore here is no such choyse , as is betwene good and euyll , but suche as is betwene the heuyer and the lyter incommodities .

He wolde haue menne craue of god nothynge but good thynges without further addition , where as the people commonly craue ryche maryages , treasures , honoures , kyngdomes , longe life , as thoughe they wolde appoynte god what he oughte to do . But god knoweth beste what is good for vs , & what not .

He wolde that mennes sacryfices , shulde stande them in very lytell or no thynge , bycause god as he nedeth not mennes thynges , so he wayeth rather the myndes of the offerers , then the ryches . For ellys where as the naughtyeste persons do moste flowe in riches , it were very euyll with mankynde , yf god delyted more in the sacryfyces of the euyll personnes , then in the sacryfyces of good men .

Lyke as we commytte the makyng of pyctures or ymages , sayde Socrates , vnto them whome alredye we knowe to haue made verye godly pyctures , so we oughte to admytte none into our amitie & familiare acquayntaunce , but such as we haue espyed to haue borne them selues faythfull & profytable frendes towardes other .

Walkyng about through the market , when he espyed the great multytude of merchaundyse , and thynges that there were solde / he thus was wonte to saye with hym selfe . Oh how many thynges be here , that I haue no nede of , but other men be vexed in mynde , thynkyng thus : howe many thynges do I lacke . Socrates reioysed with hym selfe , that lyuynge accordynge to nature , and accustomynge hym selfe to fewe thynges , he neyther coueted nor yet neded gold , purpull , precyouse stones , gorgyouse hanginges , and the reste of ryche mens delytes , whyche , he was wont to saye , were more necessarye for the playenge of tragedies or enterludes , then for the behoufe of mans lyfe .

He sayde , knowledge was the beste thynge a man coulde haue , & agayne ignoraunce the worste thynge , for as moche as who so euer dothe any vnryghtuose thynge , dothe the same bycause he knoweth not what his duytie is towarde euery man . And they that be stronge of harte , be therfore so , bycause they knowe that suche thynges ought to be done , whiche the common sorte of people iuge to be eschued , and they that be intemperate personnes , are herein deceyued , that they thynke those thynges to be swete , pleasaunt , and combly , whiche be nothynge so in dede . Wherfore the beste thyng in the world ( he sayd ) is the knowlege what thynges ought be desyred , and what to be eschued .

To such as maruayled , why he disputed of good maners euer , & neuer of the planetes and heuenly bodyes , as the other philosophers were accustomed , he answered . Those thynges that be aboue vs , perteyne nothynge vnto vs .

When on a tyme as he went in the stretes , a lewde felowe gaue hym a blowe on the cheke , he answered nothynge elles but that men knewe not , when they shulde come out with theyr salettes on theyr heddes .

The same Socrates , when a verlet spurned hym on the shynnes as he walked , & his frendes that were with hym meruayled he suffred the iniurie so pacyently . What wolde ye haue me do ꝙ he , they mouynge hym to haue the felowe to the lawe . It were a madnesse ꝙ he , yf when an asse shuld hytte me on the shynnes , ye wolde saye vnto me , haue hym vnto the lawe . He put no dyfference betwene an asse and a brutyshe man furnysshed with no vertue , and he thought it a great shame , man not to suffre that thynge of man whyche he wolde suffre of abrute beast .

He was wont to monishe his frend Eschines , whiche was pressed with pouertie , that he shulde borowe of his owne selfe , and shewed hym the waye how , by withdrawyng from hym selfe superfluouse meates and other thynges , accordyng to the common prouerbe Magnum uectigal parsimonia , Sparyng is great rentes or reuenues . Certes , the moste redy waye to encrease a mannes substaunce is , to abate his expenses .

Socrates whenne he hadde suffered his wyfe Xantippa a longe season skowldynge within the house , and at laste for werynesse wente and satte hym before the dore , she beynge more out of pacyence by his quyetnes and gentle sufferaunce , streyghte out of the wyndowe powred downe a pyssebowle vppon his hedde . At whiche thynge , whenne the neyghbours and the passers by hadde good game , Socrates also hym selfe smyled , sayenge . I easyly gessed that after so great thunderynges , we shulde haue rayne .

When his frende Alcibiades marueyled that he coulde suffre in his house so shrewed and skouldynge a woman , as was his wyfe , Xantippa , I ꝙ he , am longe sithens so accustomed herewith all , that I am no more greued ; than whenne I heare the noyse of the whele , that draweth the water vp out of the welle . For this noyse is very paynfull to suche as be not vsed there vnto , but he that is wont dayly to heare the same , is so lyttell dysquyeted therwith , that he knoweth not whether he herde it or not .

Demaunded the same questyon at an other tyme , he aunswered : She teacheth me at home pacyence , that I maye vse when I come abrode . For beynge well practised and vsed to her maners , I shall be the meeter , to suffre other mens fascyons .

Socrates mette Xenophon in a certayne lane , and whenne he behelde the yonge man to be of a verye good natural disposition and wytte , he held out his staffe and stopped hym , that he coulde not passe / wherat when the yong man steyed , he asked hym where sundrye merchaundyse were made & sold , whiche comonly men do vse . Where vnto when Xenophon had redily answered , he demaunded , where menne were made good . When the yongman made answere , that he knewe not . Folowe me then ꝙ Socrates , that thou mayste lerne this . From that tyme Xenophon beganne to be the heater of Socrates .

Socrates rebukynge very sharpely his familiar frend at the table , Pla to greued her with , sayd to his mayster Socrates . Syr had it not ben better to haue chalenged hym of this betwen you and hym secretly ? To whom answered Socrates . And hadde it not ben better Plato , that thou also had deste shewed me of this , betwene the and me secretly ? Thus moste wittyly he repreued hym of the same fault in hym selfe , that he founde in an other .

Demaunded what was the pryncypall vertue of yonge men . Truely ꝙ he , that they attempte nothynge ouer moche . Signifieng that the heate of youth can vnnethes suffre them to kepe measure in thynges .

Lettres which comenly men thinke were inuented to helpe the memorye , he sayde , by occasyon dyd moch hurte the memorye . For in olde tyme menne when they harde a thynge woorthy to be knowen wrote it not in bokes , but in the mynde , by reason of whiche exercyse , theyr memorye beynge establysshed and confermed , they casyly helde faste , what so euer they wolde , and what soo euer any man knewe , he hadde it in a redynesse . But after that the vse of lettres was founde oute , whyle they truste to theyr bokes , they haue not soo greattely studyed to imprynte the thynges in theyr mynde , whiche they haue lerued . Thus it commeth to passe , that the exercyse of the memorye set aparte , the knowlege of thynges is not so fresshe and redy , as it hath ben , and euery man knoweth nowe moche lesse then in the olde tyme they dyd , sythe that so moche we knowe , as we beare in mynde .

He sayde , that men oughte to obey the lawes of the realme or cytte , but women oughte too obey the rytes , vsages and maners of theyr husbandes with whome they lyue . Certes , the rule of the wedded woman is the husbande , and she liueth ryghtly yf he be obedyent to the publique lawes .

Unto Euclides who was very stu dyouse of sophisticall subtilties , he fayde . O Euclides , thou mayste well vse the companye of Sophisters , but the companye of men thou canste not vse . Meanynge that sophistrie is vnprofytable vnto publique affayres & to the comen felawshyppe of man , in whiche who so euer desyreth to be conuersaunt must not playe with his sophemes and quyddities , but fascyon hym selfe to the maners of men .

It was enformed hym of a certayn person that spake euyl of hym behynd his backe . By lyklyhode , ꝙ Socrates the man hath not lerned to speke well . Imputynge the vice of his tonge not to malyce , but to rudenes , neyther iud iudged he that it perteyned any thynge vnto hym what other menne spake of hym , whiche spake not of iudgement but of ignoraunce .

ARISTIPPVS .

ARistippus disciple vnto Socrates , a man surely of a very sharp iudgement and pleasaunt wytte , when he was demaunded what profyte he toke by the studie of wisdom , This profyte , ꝙ he , that with all sortes of men I can frankly and boldly speake . For he neyther feared the mightie , ney ther yet thought skorne of the basest sorte . Bycause he bare a mynde indyfferently free , as well from hope as from feare : for he serued noman , ne yet flat tered any person otherwyse , then his harte gaue hym .

Dionisius kyng of Sicill in whose court this Aristippus was of longe season , asked him how it chaunced , that philosophers do hawnt the houses of ryche men , but the ryche men hawnte not the philosophers houses : To whom Aristippus made answere in this wyse . Bycause philosophers knowe what they lacke , and ryche men know not . The lerned men knowe they can not lyue without money , and therfore they seke vpon the riche men , which be able to gyue them the thyng that they haue nede of . But yf the rych men knew as well that they neded wisdom , they wolde moch rather hawnt the houses of lerned men , For the pouertie of the mynd is moch more wretched then is the pouertie & necessitie of the body , & so moche the more beggerly be the riche men , by cause they vnderstande not , how precious & how necessary a thig they want .

When on a tyme a certayne person rayled vpon him , he sayd neuer a word , but went his waye . But when the ray rayler styll poursued him , sayenge , Why dost thou flee ? Bicause , ꝙ he , thou hast powre to speake euyll , & I haue powre not to heare the. Most wyttyly he noted the mans vnshamfastnes , whiche where as he toke libertie vnto him self to rayle vpon others , he wolde not yet graunt this libertie vnto them to withdraw them selfs , to th entent they might not heare suche shamfull raylynges .

Demaunded , wherin the wyse man differeth from the vnlerned : Sende them bothe , ꝙ he , naked vnto men vnknowen , & thou shalt se. Signifienge that the wyse man caryeth about with him in his breast the thyng that shall commend hym where so euer he goeth . Wherfore yf ye send the lerned & the vnlerned togithers naked into a straunge countrey where eyther of them be a like vnknowen , the wise man vtterynge his treasures shall fynde forthwith both liuynges and frendes , the other naked person shal be scorned for a mad man , and shall be in ieopardye to peryshe for hungre .

It is skase credyble that Bion reporteth of hym , when his seruaunt bearynge a great summe of money in his iourney , was sore pressed with the but then : Cast away , ꝙ he , that is to moch , and beare that thou cannest .

On a tyme as this Aristippus sayled in the sees , and perceyued that the shyppe wherin he was caryed was a pyrates shyppe , he drewe forthe his golde , and began to tell it , and forth with threwe it in to the see , and greuously sighed makynge as though it had fall from hym vnwares , and agaynst his wyll . By this deuyse he saued his lyfe takynge from the pyrates the occasyon of sleynge or byndynge hym .

When Aristippus and Eschines were fallen out , one asked Aristippus Where is now your frendshyp ? Truly it slepeth , ꝙ he , but I wyl awake it . So espyenge a conueniente tyme , he came of his owne mynde to Elchines and sayde : Shall we not incontynent be frendes agayne , and leaue our tryfelyng ? Or shall we rather abyde that we may gyue men occasyon to speake of vs two at alchouses & tauerners ? To whom when Eschines made aunswere , that with all his harte he was contented to be at one agayne . Remember then , ꝙ Aristippus , that where as I am elder then thou , yet I came fyrst to the. Then sayd Eschines : Surely , thou arte a man farre better thenne I am . For of me began our fallyng out , and of the our fallyng in agayne . By this meanes amitie was renewed betwene them .

On a tyme when he sayled vpon the sees with certayne of his owne countrymen , the shyppe brake & they were caste vpon lande . And when he espyed vpon the shoore certayne mathematicall figures drawn forth in the sande . Frendes , ꝙ he , be of good comforte I see the steppes of men , and enterynge into the nexte cytie , he enquyred out what lerned men were there abydyng , with whom after he had there a lytle whyle talked , they perceyuyng his excellent lernynge and wysdom , with all courtesie entreated not him onely but his companye also , and moreouer vitayled them for theyr retourne . At last when they that came with Aristippus dressed them selfes homewarde , and asked hym whether he wold any thing to his frendes and citezens : Bydde them , ꝙ he , that they studye to gette them suche ryches , as can not peryshe by shypwrecke , but escapeth all haserdes with the owner .

¶ Philip kynge of Macedonie .

PHilip kynge of Macedonie , father to Alexander the greate , a manne of no small wytte , and a greate conquerour , When on a tyme he had purposed to take a stronge castle and holde , and his espyes hadde shewed hym that it was very hard for hym to brynge to passe , yea and impos syble : He asked them whether it were so harde , that an asse laden with golde myght not come vnto it . Meanynge that there is nothynge so stronge , but with golde it maye be wonne .

There were some of his foreyn sub giettes whom he hadde founde not very trustie , which complayned and toke the matier heuely , that his seruauntes called them traytours . To whom Phi lip made this answere . Truly my coum trye men the Macedonians be very homly men and rudely brought vppe , whiche can call a mattok nothyng els but a mattoke , and a spade a spade . Meanyng that in very dede they were traytours . Uplandyshe and homely persons can not qualifie , but call euery thyng by the proper name .

He counsayled his son Alexander , that such as were of any authoryte in the common weale , as well the good as the euyll , he shuld make them his fren des , and that he shulde vse the good , and abuse the euyll . Certes , the chiefe feate of kynges is to reiecte none , but to applye all mens seruyces to the comon profyte .

Sinicythus accused Nicanor to the kynge , that without ende he contynued raylynge vpon hym , when the kynges frendes moued hym to sende for the felowe , and to punyshe hym in example of other , Philyp thus aunswered : Nicanor is not the worste of the Macedonians . It is good therfore to se , whether we haue done our dutye in all thynges or not . So when he had serched out , that Nicanor was greatly impouerished , and yet not rewarded for the seruyce he had done hym in tymes past , he commaunded a certayn gyft to be borne hym home . This done , when agayne Smicythus enformed the kynge , that Nicanor now without ceasynge praysed hym aboue all measure , ye se therfore , ꝙ the kynge , that it lyeth in vs to be well spoken of , or euyll spoken of .

He oftentymes exhorted his sonne Alexandre to gyue good eare to Aristotle his scholemayster , & to employe hym selfe to lernynge and wysdome , lest , ꝙ he , thou myghtest chaunce to do many thynges , which that I haue done , nowe repenteth me . The noble prynce perceyued , that no man withoute lernynge is mete to gouerne a realme , and he was not ashamed to confesse , that through errour he dyd many thynges a mysse , bycause from his chyldhode he was not ryghtly instructed with lernynge .

Syttynge in iugement he had the hearyng of one Machetas mater , but beyng somwhat heuie of slepe , he was not very attentyfe to the equitie of the lawe , and so gaue sentence agaynste Macheta . But when Macheta cryed out and sayde , I appele from this iugement . The kynge angerly ( for it was straunge to appeale frome a kynge ) sayde , to whom doest thou appeale ? Truly ꝙ Macheta , euen vnto thy self o kyng , yf thou wolt awake and heare the matter more attentifly . Then the kynge arose , and after he had wayed better with hym selfe the matter , and vnderstode that Macheta had wrong , the iugemente whiche was gyuen he wolde not reuerse , but the money that Macheta was condempned in , he hym selfe payed .

When on a tyme he was at debate with his wyfe and with his son , a certayne Corynthiane came vnto hym , whom he asked how the Grekes agreed togyther . In dede , ꝙ the Corynthian , thou carest moche how the Grekes agree togyther , when those persones that be most nere vnto the , heare such myndes towardes the. Here the kynge beynge nothynge offended with the Corynthians free tonge , framed hym selfe to his sharpe checke , and layeng downe his angre , felle in agayne with his wyfe and son .

¶ Alexander the great .

ALexander the great , kynge of Ma cedony , and son to the foresayde Philip beynge demaunded , where he layd vp his treasurs , With my frendes , ꝙ he : Signifieng that a manne can laye vp his goodes no where so sauely , as with his frendes : for when nede reqyreth , he is sure to haue them agayne with gaynes .

When he was enformed that a certayne person had rayled vpon hym . Truly , ꝙ he , it is kyngly , when a man doth well , to be reported euyll .

Porus a kyng beyng vaynguished by Alexander , when Alexander after the fylde wonne , sayd vnto hym . How shall I intreate the , Porus ? kyngly , ꝙ he . Agayne Alexander demaundyng hym whether he desyred any thynge elles . All tohyther , ꝙ Porus , is comprysed in this worde kyngly . Alexander marueylynge both at the wysdom and at the noble stomake of the man , enlarged his dominion ouer that it was before .

A certayne Indian whiche was noysed to be so cunnynge an archer , that he coulde shote thorough a ryng , was taken prysoner in the warres , & brought to Alexander . Alexander bad hym shew a proufe of his connynge afore hym . Whiche thynge bycause he refused to do , the kynge beynge angrye , commaun ded he shulde be put to death . As he was ledde awaye , he sayde to suche as led him , that he had not vsed his feate of shotynge many dayes , and therfore he feared leste he shulde haue fayled . When Alexander was enformed herof , that he refused not for spite , but for feare of disworshyp , wonderyng at the mans wytte so desyrous of glorye , he lette hym goo not without a great rewarde , bycause he wolde rather haue dyed , then to haue loste his renoume .

The same Alexander , when at the be gynnynge he satte as iudge in causes concernyng lyfe and deth , stopped one of his eares agaynst the accuser , Demaunded why he did so , The other eare ꝙ he , I kepe hole for the partye defendaunt .

ANTIGONVS KYNG

ANtigonus kynge of Macedonie , when one sayd that vnto kynges all thynges be honest and iuste , Trouth , ꝙ he , vnto Barbarouse kynges , but vnto vs those thynges be only honest whiche be honeste , and those only ryghtefull whiche be ryghtfull . He grauely reproued the flaterours sayeng , which wolde that all thynges sholde be lefull for kynges . For vndoubtedly the kynge is not the rule of honestye and iustice , but the ministre of honesty and iustice . And wold god the eares of chrystian rulers were not tykled with lyke tales , and yf they be , that they wolde with lyke seueritie reiecte them . For what other thynge saye they , which synge them this note , Quod principi placuit legis , habet uigorem : that is to saye : That lyketh the prynce hath the strengthe of lawe ? Whiche saye that the prynce is not bounde to lawes , whiche gyue hym two maner powers , an ordinarie power , and an absolute powre , whereof the one can do what the lawes , pactes , and leages demaunde , the other what so euer it lusteth .

When he harde saye , that certayn kynges conspyred to muade hym and putte hym to deeth : He aunswered , that he wolde dryue them all awaye , as byrdes that pycke vp seedes in the fylde with one stone , and one showte . So lyttell the valyaunte prynce estemed the malyce of his ennemyes .

Thrasyllus a phylosopher of the secte of Cynikes ( whyche were not moche vnlyke to the fryers of oure tyme ) asked an halfepenny of the kynge . That were not gyfte for a kynge , ꝙ Antigonus . Then gyue me an hundred pownde , ꝙ the Cynike . Naye , ꝙ the kynge , it is not for a Cynike to take suche a gyfte . Thus bothe wayes he shoke hym of , whome he estemed worthy of noo benefyte .

After he was recouered of a greuous syckenesse , we are neuer a whyt the worse , ꝙ he , now . For this sycknes hath monyshed vs that we be mortall . How taught the Panym kynge this phylosophye worthy for a chrystyane harte ?

Marsyas the kynges brother had an action at the lawe . He requyred the kynge that the matier myght be hard secretly at home . To whome Antigonus gaue answere in this wyse . If we do nothynge besyde the lawe , it shal be done moche better in open court , and in the face of all the worlde , thanne in . For yf thou knewest thy mater to be naughte , why seweste thou ? yf thou knowest it to be good , why fleest thou the hearynge of the people , and woldest brynge a mater of open court into a secrete chambre .

¶ Augustus .

OCtauius Cesar Augustus emperour of Rome , when he herde saye , that kynge Alexander , beynge of the age of . xxxii . when he had conquered the most parte of the countreys of the world , doubted what he shulde do all the reste of his life , Won dered if Alexander iuged it not a greater worke , well to gouerne an empyre or lordshyd that is gotten , then to get a great lordshyp . He ryghtly noted the insacyable ambicyon of Alexander , whiche estemed nont other function worthy for a kyng , then to enlarge the limittes of his dominion , where as it is farre , both better and harder to fur nyshe the kyngdome that is fallen to a man , with ryghte lawes and good maners , than by force of armes to ioyn kyngdom vnto kyngdome .

When the rumour of Herodes cruelte cam to Augustus eare , that he had commaunded all the chyldren of Jewrie of th age of two yeares and vnder , to be slayne , and amonges them that his owne son was slayne . It is better , ꝙ Augustus , to be Herodes swyne then son . Herode was a Jewe , and Jewes absteyne from eatyng of swyne fleshe .

When one Paci●●us asked a rewarde of Augustus and sayde it was reapported of euery man that th emperour had gyuen hym money . But thou , ꝙ th emperour , beleue it not . With a mery ieste signifienge that he wolde gyue hym nothyng . The other wayted that th emperour wolde remedie his shame , lest if it were knowen that the reapport were vntrew , he shuld be lawghed to skorne . But Augustus shewed an other remedie .

Augustus made a lawe for aduowtrers , how they shulde be iuged . After warde when a yong man was accused and brought before hym , that he shuld haue to do with Julia th emperours doughter , he was in suche fume that he ran vpon the yonge man , to haue beaten hym . But when the yong man cŕyed out , Thou haste made a lawe , o Cesar , the emperour was so sorye , for that he hadde done , that he wolde eate no meate that daye . So sory he was that he obeyed not in all poyntes the lawe , whiche he had made to other .

Aeertayne Greke was wont thus to seke the fauour of the emperoure Augustus , when he cam downe of his palace , he wold present vnto him som excellent verses . Whiche thyng when he had oftentymes done in vayne , and the emperour sawe he wolde not leaue hym , hym selfe wrote with his owne hande , verye neate verses in greake : and when he esyyed the Greke commyng agaynst hym , he sente it vnto hym by one of his seruauntes . The Greke toke and redde it , and not only with voyce , but also with countenaunce and gesture of body , praysed the verses with great admiracyon . And forthwith approchynge nere vnto th emperour , dyd put his hand into his purse , and plucked out a fewe grotes , & offred them vnto th emperour with these wordes : It is no rewarde for your estate , O emperour , but yf I had more , more wold I gyue . At which wordes , when all th emperours company lawghed ex cedyngly , th emperour called his purse bearer , and commaunded a thousand markes forthwith to be diliuered him .

One whiche was mayster of the horse , whome th emperour had putte out of office , begged a great fee of him vnder this colour : not for the lucre of the money , ꝙ he , I desire this , but that it maye be thoughte I gaue ouer the office of myne own mynde , you beyng other wayes my good and gracyouse lorde . Tell euery man , ꝙ Augustus , that thou hast receyued this fee of me , and I wyl not denye it . Thus pratily he coulde shake of , suche worldly shames chyldren .

Herennius a ryottouse yongman , souldiour in his warres , he commaunded to departe the tentes . The yongman besought hym with moche lamentation and wepynge sayeng : How shall I dare go home agayne , what shall I saye to my father ? Shewe thy father ꝙ th emperour , that I haue displeased the. Bicause the yong man was ashamed to confesse , that th emperoure was displeased with hym , he gaue hym leaue to turne the tale and lay ali the blame on hym .

When Augustus was now fourty and aboue , Cinna a yong man of noble byrth and nephue to Pompey , was appeached of hyghe treason , that he laye in a wayte with his complices to kylle the emperour . It was tolde where , when , and howe they wolde haue executed theyr felonye . For they purposed to haue murthered hym , as he shulde haue sacryficed . The sentence of condemnation was made ready : but in the meane season , while Augustus th emperour ꝑplexly spake nowe this now that , his wife Liuia , comming in , & seyng the case , Do , ꝙ she , that the phisicians be wont to do , which when the accustomed remedies wol not helpe , do assay the contraries . With sharpe ex ecution , thou hast hitherunto done no good , forgiue , Cinna now bewreyed , can not hurt thy lief , thy fame he may helpe . Forthwith he sent for Cinna alone to come speake with hym , & when he was come , he commaunded an other chayre to be set for him . Cinna ( sayd the emperour ) this fyrst I requyre of the , that thou interruptest me not in my tale , a tyme shal be gyuen the to speake . Here when Augustus th emperour had rehersed his manifold benefites towardes Cinna , how he had saued his life , when at his conquest he was founde amonges his enmies , how he had giuen him agayn al his enheritaunce & patrimonie , how moreouer he had promoted him to an highe rowine . he demaun ded of hym , why he purposed to haue slayne him . Cinna beyng therwith sore troubled , th emperour thus ended his communication . I giue the thy life , Cinna , agayn , afore myn enmye , now a conspirour of my deth & a traitour . From this day let amitie begyn betwene vs , let vs contende whether I more faythfully haue gyuen the thy life , or thou dost owe it me . And he offred hym the consulshyp of Rome . Woll ye knowe the ende of this mater ? Cinna euer after loued Augustus best of al men : he made hym his sole heire & executour . Neuer after that tyme any man conspired his death .

¶ Phocion .

Phocion a noble cytizen of Athens was of suche constancie and per fection , that he neuer was seen of any man , eyther to lawghe or wepe . When Demosthenes on a tyme sayd vnto hym : The men of Athens , o Phocion wol surely kyll the , yf they begyn ones to rage : He answered in this wise In dede , they woll kyll me , if they begyn to rage , but the , they woll kyll , yf they ones become sage , and in theyr ryghte wyttes . For Demosthenes spake for the moste parte to currye fauour of the people , and his wordes were more sugered then salted , more delectable then profytable .

Alexander the worthy conquerour demaunded of the Athens men , certayn shyppes to be gyuen hym . Forthwith they asked Phocion his aduyse and counsell in this behalfe : Surely , ꝙ Phocion , my counsell is , that eyther by force of armes ye vaynquyshe him , or be the frendes of the vaynquysher . Brefly he aduysed them to denye nothynge vnto Alexander , vnlesse they trusted to withstande his malyce with force of armes .

¶ Demosthenes .

DEmosthenes the renowmed oratour of Athens , whenne he was spitefully rayled vpon of a certayne felowe : Loo , ꝙ he , I am put in to a contention and stryfe ; in whiche he that is superiour is inferiour , and he that ouercommeth is ouercommen . Undoutedly in knauerye he that hath the vpper hande declareth hym selfe the worste man .

A pore woman had receyued of two straungers money to kepe with this condicion , that she shuld not deliuer it agayn to the one without the other . One of them within a while after fay nynge his felowe to be dead , came in mournynge clothes to the woman , & requyred the money . She thinkynge his felowe to haue ben dead in dede , deliuered it . Forthwith commeth the other felowe and begynneth to sue the woman at the lawe . She beynge now put in vttter despayre , Demosthenes commeth to the barre , and thus defendeth the womans cause agaynste the demaundant . This woman , good felowe , is redy to deliuer the money that ye delyuered her to kepe , but oneles thou brynge thy felowe , she can not do it , for as thou alledgest thy selfe , this condition was agreed vpon betwene you , that the money shulde not be rebayled to the one without the other . By this witty answere he saued the sely woman , & eluded the conspiracie of the fals harlottes , whose purpose was to receyue the same money twyse .

Demosthenes on a tyme sayled to Corinthe , where was Lais the fairest harlot then counted of al women in the world . He desyred to lye with her a night But when she demaunded an excedyng great some of money for one nyghtes lodgynge , he beynge therat astonyed chaunged his mynde , sayenge : I bye not repentaunce so dere . Signifieng , that after dishonest pleasures , repentaunce foloweth at hande .

Dionisius .

DIonisius kynge of the Syracusans , when he perceiued that his son , whom he intended to leaue kyng after hym , had defiled a citezens wyfe : Beyng therwith sore angry , asked his son , whether cuer he founde anye suche thynge in his father . Trouth , ꝙ the yonge manne , for thou haddeste not a kynge to thy father : Neyther thou ꝙ Dionisius , shalt haue a kynge to thy sonne , onles thou leaue these pagiauntes .

When he perceyued that his mother wel striken in age , coueted to marye agayne , He sayd : The lawes of a realme , o mother , maye be broken , but the lawes of nature can not . Signifienge , it is ageynste nature an olde woman past chyld berynge to marye agayne .

A certayne straunger came to his courte , and sayd , he wolde secretly common with Dionisius , for he coulde shewe hym , how he myghte knowe afore , when any went about to conspire treason agaynst hym . The kyng toke the man vnto hym , and ( all the companye voided ) bad hym say on . Now , ꝙ the felowe , gyue me syr kynge an hundreth pound , that thou mayste be thought to haue lerned the feate of me . He gaue the money and made as though he had lerned it : meruaylyng at the mans subtyll deuyse . For this faynynge was not a lytell profytable to feare his subgettes from conspyrynge his death .

Demaunded of a certayne persone whether he were ydle . God forbyd , ꝙ he , that this thynge shuld euer chaunce vnto me : Meanynge that it was a ryght fowle thynge for heddes and ministers of common weales , not to execute diligently theyr office . But assuredly herin our moste drad soueraygn̄ lorde kynge Henry the eyght , maye be a myrrour and spectacle to all prynces and other inferiour officers . For who euer eyther more prudently , or more vigilauntly hath gouerned a common weale ?

When he harde that one of his sub gettes had hyd his gold in the ground , he commaunded , it shulde be brought vnto hym . But after that the man un beselyng a lytle porcyon of the golde went and dwelt in an other citie and there had bought a pece of grounde , the kynge called hym home agayne , and restored vnto hym al his golde by cause now he began to vse his ryches and lefte to make a thynge profytable vnprofytable .

An excellent player vpon instrumentes he allured with greate promyses vnto hym , & bad hym syng and play in the best wyse he coude , For the more coningly he played and sang , the greater reward he shuld haue . When he had played before the kyng a good sort of dayes very curyously , and the kyng gaue hym nothyng , he began to aske his rewarde . Why ꝙ Dionisius , the rewarde that I promysed the , I haue faythfully payd . How so , ꝙ the felowe ? there was not one peny gyuen me . yes I haue gyuen the , ꝙ the king , pleasur for pleasur , For I haue no les delited the with hope , then thou me with syngyng .

The same Dionisius wonderynge at the excedyng faythfulnes of Damon and Pithias : I praye you , ꝙ he , receyue me also in to your frendshyp . For Dionisius had sette vnto the one a daye of death , and when he desyred leue for a fewe dayes to goo home to his house to sette all thinges in ordre , the other becam his pledge vpon this condition , yf he retourned not at the day sette , his felaw shulde dye for hym . He cam agayne , desyryng rather to dye , then to deceyue his frende . The kynge not onely pardoned the man whome before he had condempned , but also with greate wonder desyred to be the thyrde frend amonges them . Dionisius this mans son was expul sed his realme : So when one sayd vnto hym : What doth thy lernynge now helpe the ? Truly , ꝙ he , thus moche it helpeth me , that I can easyly beare so great a chaunge of fortune . He dyed not for thought , he kylled not hym self , as other men be wont in this case but went to Corynth , & there taughte a grammer schole .

Agathocles .

AGathocles hadde a potter to his father . Now when he had conquered Sicile , and was proclaymed kynge : he was wont vpon his table by his golden pottes to set erthen pottes , and shewyng them vnto the yong men , to saye : Where before I made such pottes ( shewyng the erthen ) now by my vigilaunce & prowesse , I make suche pottes , poyntyng to the golden . He was not ashamed of his former state , but thought it more gloriouse , by vertue to wynne a kyngdom , then by inheritaunce to receyue that is leaft .

Archelaus .

KIng Archelaus , when at a feast one of his familiars , but somewhat vnshamefast , begged a certayne cuppe of hym , commaunded his seruaunt forthwith , to gyue it to Euripides , which also was there present . When the other wondered at this dede Thou , ꝙ the kynge , arte worthy to aske , and not to receyue : but this man is worthy to receyue without askyng .

Themistocles .

THemistocles that noble capitain of the Athenienses , beynge required of Simonides the poete , that in a certeyne mater he wold gyue for his sake a false iugement , answered . Neyther thou shalt be a good poete , yf besyde the measures of musyke thou makest thy verses , neyther I a good ruler , yf I pronounce any thing agaynst the lawes .

His doughter had sundry wooers , but he preferred an honeste man of smal substaunce before a great ryche yong man . His frendes meruelyng why he dyd so : I had rather haue , ꝙ he , a man withoute moneye , then moneye without a man .

Aristides .

ARistides for his iust and true dealyng surnamed the rightuouse , administred the common weale , alwayes trustyng to hym self onely , not sekyug eyther counsayle or ayde of any other . He moche abhorred felaushyps , leste he myghte be at anye tyme inuegled by the force and power of frendes to do any thing otherwyse , then the tenour of iustyce and honestie requyred . Lorde god howe greately dyd this man flee all parcyalytie and factions , whiche for none other thynge eshued frendshyps , but bycause he wolde not by them be enforced to do any thyng that were not ryght , or be constreyned to absteyne from that which he iuged auailable to the common wealth .

He was at variaunce with Themistocles , with whome on a tyme when he was coupled to go in embassage in to a straunge countrey , as they were goyng : Wylt thou , o Themistocles , ꝙ he , that in these mountaynes we laye down our malyce & displeasure ? For yf thou wylt , at our retourne we shall take it agayne . He preferred the common vtilitie afore his priuate affeccyons . For of theyse commonly spryngeth all the destruccyon of mans lyfe .

When the men of Athens , were so sore styred agaynst hym , that they wente about to banyshe hym , by a certayne kynde of condemnation , which they cal led Ostracismus , bycause euery man shulde wryte in a shell , the name of hym , whome they wolde haue exiled ( for so comonly were men of great authorytie them banyshed ) a certayne man of the countrey vnlettered brought him his shelle , and desy red him to wryte Aristides name in it : To whom Aristides sayd : Why good felowe , knowest thou Aristides ? When he aunswered no , but that it greued hym , that he shuld be called rightuouse , Aristides helde his peace , and wrote his name in the shell , and so delyuered it the felowe agayne . So myldly he bare his imuste condemnation . Certes , it was a ryght graue testimonie of an innocent life , that of so great a multitude , there was none , whiche coulde laye to his charge , any other thynge , then the surname of a rightuouse man , which name yet he gaue not hym self , but his frendes , yea the people them selfes gaue him it .

When he shulde go into exile , he helde vp his handes to the goddes , & besought them that they wolde so pro spere the maters of the men of Athens that Aristides shulde neuer come in theyr myndes . For in thynges afflict and troublesom , the people be wonte to flee , vnto excellent wyse and renoumed men : which thynge came to passe . For the thyrde yere after his outlawrie , when Xerxes went about to inuadē Athens , Aristides was called home agayne from his exile .

At a certeyn assemble , wherin Aristides withstode , but in vayne , the rea sons of Themistocles , departynge awaye , with an open and cleare voyce he testyfied , that the matiers and affayres of the Athenienses shulde neuer well prospere , ne go forwarde , onles bothe he and Chemistocles were cast in to preson . He desyred rather to go to preson , then that for the debate and stryfe of two , the common weale shulde be hyndered .

What tyme he sat as iudge to determyn a certayn mater , betwene partie and partie , and the one partie to the enten he wolde kyndle Aristides agaynst his aduersary , made rehersal besyde his matier of many thynges , whiche thother had spoken agaynste Aristides , Aristides interrupting him sayd , Good felowe , let these matiers alone now , & if he hath any thyng hurted the , speke : For at this present time I sytte as iudge to the and not to my selfe .

Chemistocles sayd in a certayne assemble where the citizens were gathered togyder , that he had found out a counsayll , whiche hyghly perteyned to the honour & dignitie of the citie , but the thyng was of such sorte that it myght not be publyshed and declared before them all . Here the people agreed , that he shulde disclose it to Aristides , and yf he alowed it , they all wolde alowe it . Nowe whenne Chemistocles had declared vnto Aristides that he thoughte of burnyng the place where the Grekes shyppes stode ( for so shuld it come to passe , that the Athenienses shulde be rulers and lordes ouer all Grece ) Aristides commynge forth to the people , sayde , Undoubtedly nothynge is more profitable , then the counsayle of Chemistocles , but agayn , nothynge is more vnhonest then the same . Whiche voyce when the people harde , they forbad Chemistocles to make any mo wordes herof . Assuredly here the citizens of Athens ( for in them then was the gouernaunce of the same ) shewed them selfes to be of a wonderfull noble courage , in that they abandoned , and vtterly refused profite ioyned with disworshvp , and therwithall declared also , howe great the authoritie of renowmed vertue is in that they doubted not to commytte the fortune of the hole comen weale , to the iugement of one man .

Aristides was choson on a tyme , to be tresaurour of the citie , which office when he hadde executed very purely and vncorruptly , yet he was accused of Themistocles , and condemned of extorcion . But through fauour of the most worshypfull and honest citezens , he was not onely released of the amer ciament , which was assesed vpon him , but was appoynted also agayn to the same office . Whiche by simulation euen for the nones , he so administred that omyttynge his former seueritie and rowghnes , he showed hym selfe gentle and facyle , to such as loued to waxe ryche with the detryment of the comon wealth . By whose laboure it came to passe , that the people the thyrde tyme with high fauours assigned eft sones the same office to Aristides .

Then spake he and sayd : For the well executyng of myne office ye condemned me , and now bycause contrarie to equite I haue graunted many thynges to the spoylers of the citye , ye haue iudged me worthy of honour . Certes , this man knew , by what meanes he myghte growe in fauour with the people , saue that he had rather be ryghtuouse , then gloriouse .

When Aristides beynge wrongful ly condemned to dye , was ledde to exe cution , one of his enmyes spat on his face : He dyd nothyng elles but wyped his face , and smilyng sayd to the officer that wente with hym . Admonishe this person , that hereafter he gape not so vnmanetly .

Pericles .

PEricles the Atheniense , to his frend requyrynge hym to beare false witnesse for hym , wherunto was knytte an othe , that is to saye , a perturye , aunswered : he wolde be his frende but vnto the aultre . Signifieng , that so farre forth a man may do pleasure to his frende , as he go not beyonde the boundes of religion and honestye .

When the eclyps of the sonne sodeynly chaunced , Pericles seyng other very many , but in especyall the gouernour of the nauie dismaid and sore astomed therat , with his cloke couered the gouernours face , and asked hym , whyther he thought this to be a straunge token : when he answered no. what difference then is there , ꝙ he , saue that the thynge that nowe causeth this dat kenesse is greatter then my clooke . Meanynge full prudently , that by the comynge betwene of the moone , the sonne is hydde frome vs , euen as the clooke beynge caste betwene , letted the other mens syghte , and that the thynge whiche naturally is done , is no straunge token , or suche monstruouse thynge , as men shuld feare .

Diogenes .

DIogenes a philosopher of the secte of Cynickes , vnto one whiche counsayled hym , that nowe in his age he shulde repose hym selfe , and cease from labour , aunswered : If I ranne in a runnynge place for the maystrie , shulde I when I were now nere the gowle , flacke my runnynge , or rather increase it ? Rightly he iudged that the studye of vertue the nerer one draweth to his ende , is so moch the more to be inforced and hasted , bycause it is a greatte shame , then to ware faynt and colde from an honeste purpose .

He dysalowed the madnes of men , that wolde bye and sell thynges precyouse for least , and agayne the vilest thynges for moost : For an ymage or picture , he sayde , whiche was a very vile thynge , was solde for moche money , where as a busshel of meale , whiche was a ryght precyouse thyng , was bowght for very litle money . The ymage is nothyng necessarye to mans lyfe , but without meale we can not lyue . Wherfore , ꝙ he , it were more conuenient that meale were moche derer than ymages or pyctures . The philoso pher estemed the pryses of thynges by theyr naturall vse , where as the people estemeth them by folyshe persuasyon .

Alexander the great on a tyme came to Diogenes to se hym , and thus he spake vnto hym : I am come , o Diogenes , to helpe the , bycause I se thou lackest many thynges . To whom Dio genes made answere : Whether of vs two is more nedye , I which besyde my scryppe and clooke desyre nothyng , or thou whiche not contented with thyn owne realme , that thy father lefte the , casteste thy selfe in to so many hasardes , to get the a larger dominion , in so moche that the hole worlde semethe skase ynough for thy insacyable coue tyse ?

The superstytion of men that were feared with dreames , he thus mocked : The thynges , ꝙ he , that ye do waking ye nothinge regarde , but the thynges that slepynge ye dreame , ye carefully and busyly serche out .

A certayne rych man vnlerned , but royally cladde , he called a shepe with a golden fleese .

When Diogenes sawe the officers lede one , taken for stelynge a cuppe , out of the treasorie : Lo , ꝙ he , the great theues leade the lyttell thefe . Wolde god this coulde not be truely spoken vpon some christen officers , by whom otherwyles he is broughte to the galowes , whiche haue stolen the value of twenty pens , where they waxe riche with great theftes or pyllages rather and extortions , without punishment .

What tyme Philyp kynge of the Macedonians hadde an armye lyeng at Cheronia , Diogenes came thither , anone he was taken of the sowldiours , & brought to the kyng , which as sone as he sawe Diogenes ( who was vnknowen vnto hym ) cryed out angerly a spye , a spye . To whome Diogenes forthwith aunswered : In dede Phylyp , I am a spye , for I am come hyther to espye thy madnes , whiche not beyng contented with the realme of Macedonie , by thy incrochynge of other mens realmes , puttest thy selfe in daunger to lose both thyn own kynge dome & also thy lyfe . The kyng wonderynge at the mans franke speche , & boulde language , commaunded he shulde escape without any hurte to be done vnto hym .

He said , loue is the busynes of ydell personnes : forasmoche as this affection commonly assayleth those that be giuen to ydelnes and ease . So it commeth to passe , that whyles they loyter in ydelnesse , they falle in to a thynge mooste full of busynes , and yet in the meane season they do no good thynge at all .

He sayde , good men be the ymages of god : For as god is beste , so it is his ꝓpertie to do wel to all men , & to hurte no man . This ymage shyneth and is espted moch better in wise & good men then in carued or grauen stockes and stones . For as moche as god is without bodye .

He sayde couetyse is the mother citie , and hedde of all euyls . Not moche swaruynge from Salomon whiche calleth it the rote of all euylles .

Demaunded , what beast hath the moste venemouse bytyng . If of wyld beastes , ꝙ he , thy questyon be , a backbyter , yf of tame beastes , a flaterer . For a backbyter outwardly pretendeth hatred , but the flatterer inwardly vnder the personage of a frend , hurteth moche more greuously .

Demaunded , what countryman he was , he aunswered , a worldly man . Signyfienge that a wyse man , where so euer in the worlde he be , liueth in his owne countrey .

Diogenes was asked how he wold be buryed , Cast my dead bodye , ꝙ he , in the fyldes without pompe of buryalles . What , ꝙ his frendes , to the fowles of the ayre and to wylde beastes ? No not so , ꝙ Diogenes , but lay my staffe by me , wherwith I may dryue them awaye . Howe can that be ? ꝙ they , thou shalt haue no feelyng A , nd how , ꝙ he , then shall theyr pyckynge and tearyng hurte me , yf I fele them not ?

To the redresse of mannes lyfe he sayde , be requysite eyther feythfull frendes or sharpe ennemyes , bycause the one do aduertyse , and the other repreue vs : So eyther of them by dyuerse wayes but a lyke be profytable , whyle we lerne by them our defaultes and vices .

Aristotle .

ARistotle the phylosopher mayster to Alexander the great , was wont to saye , that the rotes of lernyng were bytter , but the fruytes swete & very pleasaunt .

Demaunded , what thynge waxeth sone olde , he answered , thanke . Meanyng that the remembraunce of iniurye sticketh very fast , but the memorie of a good turne is gone anone .

He was accustomed to saye , that thre thynges be moste necessarie for the obteynynge of wysdome , nature , doctryne , and exercyse .

When Aristotle was informed that certayne lewde felawes hadde rayled vpon hym . As longe , ꝙ he , as I am not with them , let them bete me with whyppes , yf that can do them good . Signifienge that those thynges oughte vtterly to be despised of a wyse man , which do nothynge hurte hym at all , onles he thinketh him selfe hurted .

Demaunded , what a frend is , One soule , ꝙ he , in two bodyes .

He sayd that some men so spare , as thoughe they shuld lyue euer , agayn , other some so spende and lashe out , as though they shuld dye within an houre after .

When Aristotle was asked howe moche the wyse and lerned do dyffer from the vnlerned & ydiotes , he aunswered , so moche as the quycke dyffre from the dead . Meanynge that a man without knowlege is a blocke rather then a man .

He sayd , bewtie is of more strength & efficacie then any epystle or letters to set forth or commend a person .

He had this often in his mouth . O frendes , there is no frend . Meanyng that there be many frendes in name , but fewe or none in dede .

He sayd , noman shuld eyther prayse hym selfe or dysprayse hym selfe , bycause the one vttereth a mans vayne glorie , & the other bewreyeth his foly .

The same Aristotle aducrtysed men to consydre and marke pleasours not commynge but departynge , that is to saye , not before , but behynde . For when pleasures be commynge , with theyr peynted faces they flatter vs , but when they departe , they leue behynde them repentaunce and sorowe .

When one blamed hym bycause he gaue his almoyse to an euyll man . I pytyed , ꝙ he , not the maners , but the man . Assuredly a good man succourreth also the wycked in necessitie : For this duetie we owe , thoughe not to the merites of hym that is holpen , yet to nature . Also it is possyble he maye be good , which now is euyll .

Thales .

THales beyng demaunded what is oldest of all , aunswered , God , why so ? bycause he was without begynnyng . Demaunded what is fayrest of all , he aunswered , the world , for it is the worke of god , and nothing can be fayrer than it . What greatest ? place , for it receiueth al : what swiftest ? the mynde , for it runneth through all the thoughtes of man : what strongest ? necessitie or destyney , for it passeth all : what wisest ? time , for it findeth out al.

He sayde there is no difference betwene lyfe and deathe , bycause they be bothe naturall alyke , and death is no more euyll then is the byrthe of man . And when one asked hym , why he then dyed not ? he answered agayne , euen bicause there is no difference . For if I shulde rather desyre the one then the other , so shulde I make a difference .

Demaunded what thynge were harde , He answered , a man to knowe him selfe . Undoubtedly the people iudgeth nothyng easyer then this . For we see other mennes thynges better then oure owne , & euery man is a flatterer of hym selfe . Agayne whan Thales was demaunded what thynge is easye , he aunswered , to gyue good counsell to an other man .

When he was asked howe a man myght most easyly beare his mysfortune . If , ꝙ he , he wolde behold his enmyes pressed with greater mysfortunes . For many men by the contempla cyon of other mens felicite and welth make theyr calamytie more greuouse vnto them .

When Thales was demaunded how a man myght best and most iustly lyue : If , ꝙ he , the thynges which he rebuketh in others , he commytteth not the same hymselfe .

Solon .

SOlon the sage was wont to say that tyrauntes frendes be very lyke vnto castynge counters , whiche be sette at the pleasure of the caster of accomptes , otherwhyles worth many thousandes , otherwhyles very lytle , other whyles nothyng .

Demaunded how it myght be that least wronge myghte be doone amonges men : If , ꝙ he , they that suffere not the wronge woll be as sore greued therwith , as they that suffred it in ded for vndoubtedly who so euer transgresseth the lawes , hurteth not one con moner nor subiecte , but the commone weale , as moch as in hym is . But now while when other be hurted , we ( though we be common officers appoynted to se due corretion for vices ) eyther sytte styll or reioyse also therat , withoute doubt we gyue audacitie and boldnes to very many to commytte all kynde of myschyef , because eyther for folysh pytie or for lacke of christyan charitie thynkyng the mater apperteyneth nothyng to vs , we woll not see the good lawes of good princes executed vpon offenders .

Pittacus .

PIttacus made a lawe , that they whiche commytted any cryme in theyr dronckenesse , shulde haue double punishment .

He allowed victories gotten without shedynge of bloude . For suche as were gotten with moche bloude of the citesens he iudged no victories .

He was wont to saye to suche as went about to be maryed . Equalem tibi ducito , Marie thy matche or felowe . For he had lerned by experyence what incommodities commonly chaunce by ouer hyghe mariages .

Antisthenes .

ANtisthenes the Atheniense being demaunded what maner lernyng is moste necessarye , aunswered , to vnlerne euylles . For that thyng is not onely fyrst , but also moste harde .

He sayd that vertue is a thynge of workes and that it nedeth not many wordes nor moche lernynge .

He sayd a wyse man lyued not after the lawes ordeyned of men , but after the rule of vertue . Meanynge that thynges be not therfore to be done or eschued , bycause the lawes bydde or forbydde the same , but bycause the self rayson telleth , that this is honest , this dishonest . Agayne the lawes prescrybe not all thynges , but the rule of vertue techeth euerywhere what is ho nest , and what otherwyse . Certes , a constreyned vertue is no vertue .

¶ Anacharsis .

ANathacsis the Scythian sayde , that a vine beareth thre cloisters , one of pleasure , an other of dronkenes , the thyrde of displeasure . Signifyenge , that a moderate vsynge of wyne is pleasaunt , bicause it slaketh the thyrste , a larger vsynge gendreth dronkennes , & most large vse of wyne causeth stryfe , murther , and dyseases .

A certayne man of Athens vpbray ded him , bycause he was a Scythian borne . My countrey , ꝙ he , is to me a reproche , but thou arte a reproche to thy countrey .

Demaunded what in a man is the worst thyng , and what the best , he answered , the tonge . Meanyng that the selfe same parte of a man bryngeth most vtilitie , if it be with ryght reason gouerned , and agayne is most peryllouse and hurtfull , yf otherwyse .

This Anacharsis was accustomed to saye , that it were better for a man to haue one frend moche worth , then many frendes nothynge worth .

He was also wont to say , that lawes be lyke spyders webbes , wherin the weakest and most feble beastes be chat ched and stycke faste , but the strongest breake out . So lawes do by nde the poore and meane persons , but the ryche cobbes escape vnpunysshed .

¶ zeno .

ZEno Cittieus to a certayn yong man which was alwayes pratlyng , sayd , I trowe ( good felowe ) thy eares be fallen into thy tonge . Declaryng herby , that it shulde be a yong mans propertie to heare moche & speake lytell .

Demaunded what is a frende , he aunswered an other I. Signifyenge that an entier and hartie frende no les loueth his frend then hym selfe .

Kynge Antigonus to such as won dered why he made so moche of zeno , aunswered , bycause where as he hath receyued moch of me , yet he lyueth neuer the softer a lyfe . When he harde that he was dead , he syghed , sayeng : What a loker and examiner of my life haue I now lost ? Forzeno was a man of most sharpe tugement , & most farre from all flatterie . Zeno was a man of moste sharpe iudgement , and most farre from all flatte rie .

Zeno had a bond man which imbeseled awey certaine thinges from him : he commaunded he shulde be whypped : When the bond man excused him self vnder this colour sayeng , It was his destiney that he shulde steale : whiche destyney it laye not in hym to withstande . It is also , ꝙ zeno , thy destiney to be whypped . The seruaunt alledged the necessitie of destyney to the excuse of his fault , zeno retourned that necessitie also to his punishment , that that was also his destyney .

A yonge man whose tongue neuer stinted babblyng , he toke vp with this propre sayenge : For this purpose we haue two eares & but one tonge , that we shuld heare very moch , and speake very lytle .

¶ Cleanthes .

CLeanthes was so desyrous of lernyng , beynge a very poore man that he was gladde to drawe & carye tankerdes at nightes and marninges , to th intent he might get wherwith to fynde hym selfe to schole in the dayes . In so moche that on a tyme he sayde to his familiars , when he had gotten a lyttell money , by such occupations , and throwynge it down . Loo Cleanthes is hable to fynde at schole an other Cleanthes , yf hym lusteth .

When one dyd hytte in his teath , that he was very fearfull . Therfore , ꝙ he , I synne very lyttel . Undoubted ly suche fearfulnesse is good , whiche frayeth men from fowle thynges , and maketh them ware and circumspecte .

When he reasoned with a certayn yonge man , whome he sawe , was not very attent , ne ready to heare hym : He asked , whether he perceyued what he sayd , when the yonge man sayd , yea , why then , ꝙ he , perceyue not I howe thou doste perceyue .

¶ Isocrates .

ISocrates the Rhetoricien , who was so fearefull and tymorouse of nature , that he durste neuer make oration openly in presence of the people , beynge demaunded why , sythe he hym selfe was not able to make air oration in an assemble of people , he yet taught other : Bycause whetstones , ꝙ he , them selfes can not cutte , yet they make knyfes and weapons sharpe & able to cut other thynges .

Demaunded , what maner thynge is rhetorike , he aunswered , To make of lytell thynges great , and of great thynges lytle .

When Isocrates sawe one Sopho cles the wryter of Tragedies folowynge after a very fayre person , with whose beutye he was taken in loue : he sayde . O Sophocles , a man oughte not onely to kepe his handes continent , but also his eyes . A sayenge , truely , not vnworthie for a chrysten man .

Philoxenus .

PHiloxenus on a tyme beynge at supper with kynge Dionisius , when he espyed that a Mullette fyshe of an excedynge bygnes , was set at the kynges mease , where as a very lytle mullette was set before hym , he toke the litle mullet and layde it to his eares . At which dede when Dionisius the kyng had great meruayle , and demaunded the cause , why he so dyd : In my handes , ꝙ he , is Galatea , concernynge whome , I fayne wolde haue asked certaine quetyons of this fyshe . And he sayth , he knoweth as yet lytle or nothynge , by reason of his tender age , but he hath a great graundfather he sayth , whiche lyeth nowe in youre dysche , who can tell very moche of the mater , yf I myghte talke with hym . The kynge beyng herwith delyted , and made mery , sente hym his Mullet .

¶ Here endeth the fyrste boke .