WHAT TIME that Flora had clothed the ●arth and braunchesse of the new springing trées , with leaues of liuelye grene and being as it were in the prime of his delightes , had garnished the pleasant fields a newe with fragrant flowers , early on a morning when Phoebus also had spreade abrode his blisfull rayes , and comfortable beames , I with a friende of mine , called Maister Pedro di luxan , deuised how to enioye some part ▪ of that delightfull season , and in the ende concluded to walke , and range abrode in the fieldes , and pleasant Groues , where we were not onelye pertakers with the swéete recording birdes , in the woonderfull workes of the almightie : but were thereby also occasioned , to glorifie the Creator thereof . Thus consuming the time , tyll it was néere Noone , and when the Sunne began to waxe somwhat warme , we determined to go from thence , vnto a worthy Ladies house thereby called the Lady Iulia , where we might rest vs the heate of the day , and as it chaunced , we came in very good time . For euen as we entred the Ladies house , they had newly washed , & were ready to sit downe to dinner , where we founde a ioyfull companie assembled togithers , both Ladies , and Gentlemen , amongst the which , was Madame Iulias daughter , called the Lady Isabella a very faire gentle woman . There was also the Lady Aloisa with many other Ladies , and their lincked Mates , beside M. Lodouic Viues , and an olde Gentleman called M. Erasmus , of whome after we had taken acquaintance , and vsed such courtesie as the time , & place required , we sate all downe orderly to dinner , where there was such exceding chéere , such pleasaunt talke , such melodie , and such swéete chéering of the Ladies , that it was a worlde to sée how mery we were . And being thus in our pleasures , the Lady Iulia deuised with the company in what pastimes we should spende the after noone . Some lyked well of carding , and dicing , some of dauncing , and other some of Chestes , al which were condemned by the most parte , who alleaged that those Pastimes were not aunswerable to the tyme of the yeare , but more méete for Christmas : and therefore such game were fittest , that might be vsed abroade in the fields , as bowling , shooting and such other like . But M. Pedro nothing at all lyking of such deuises , wherein the Ladies should be left out , said that he wel remembred how Boccace & Countie Baltizar with others recounted many porper deuises for exercise , both pleasant , & profitable , which quoth he , were vsed in the courts of Italie , and some much like to them , are practised at this day in the English court , wherein is not onely delectable , but pleasure ioyned wyth profite , and exercyse of the witte . With that all the whole assemblie , both Ladies , and Gentlemen , desired him , for that they were vnskilfull in those deuises , he woulde put some one of them in 〈◊〉 , which he best lyked off , and they all woulde be obedient to his determination . At the first he vtterly refused it , but in the ende at their often intreaties , Maister Pedro 〈◊〉 the pastime . he aunswered , that he would doe his diligence . So in haste the table was taken awaye , and the companye hauing washed , the Ladyes wythdrewe them for a whyle into their Chambers , at whose returne we went al into the Garden , a place marueylous delectable ( wherein was a passing faire arbour , The description of the Arbor . at the entrance wherof , on eche side sprong vppe two pleasaunt trées , whose gréene leaues much delighted our eyes , and were supported wyth two statelye Pillers , curiously painted with diuers deuises . All the whole arbour aboue ouer our heades , and on eche side was powdred with sundrie flowers , and wreathed about with the swéete Bryer or Eglantine , betweene the braunches whereof the chéerefull Sunne layde in his beames , here and there , so that the heate did not molest vs , n●●ther did the Sunne want to chéere vs . 〈◊〉 shall I saye ? It might be called a terrestrial paradise . And when the whole companie were orderly marshalled by M. Pedro on the benches , which were trimly set with Camamile , and Das●●s , he gathered from the top of the Arbour , thrée , or foure braunches of Roses w●●h their greene leaues , whereof he wreathed a Garlande , and demaunded of the whole company , if they woulde consent to his election , and obey whome so●●●r 〈◊〉 dyd choose for their Soueraigne , whereto they all aunswered that they woulde . And then turning towardes the Lady Iulia , The Ladie Iulia chos●n Soueraigne . sayde that he in the name of them all , for sundrye respects presented vnto hir , that garland , and therewith the soueraigntie ouer them for that day . And when he bad set the same vpon hir head , said that whereas they had willed him to deuise their pastime , he thought it best , the company being so apt for that purpose , they should by course eyther rehearse some pleasaunt stories , or debate vpon some such matter as the Ladie Iulia their soueraigne should commaund . And my opinion is , quoth he , forasmuch 〈◊〉 euery thing sheweth nowe a certayne naturall amitie amongst themselues , yea the trées , Plinie . sayth Plinie , hath a naturall instinct of friendship , the swéete flowers , the pleasaunt herbes , declares the same also , that we intreate somewhat of friendship , and bycause no friendship , or amitie is , or ought to be more déere , and surer , than the loue of man and wife , let this treatise be thereof , wherein I woulde the duetie of the married man to be described . For the knowledge of duetie is the maintenaunce of friendship . All the company commended Maister Pedro for his pleasant deuise , & the Lady Iulia standing vp said , that forsomuch , as the souer aigntie , thought not wyth hir wyll , was committed vnto hir with consent of them all , and due obedience promised , I like well quoth shée , of thys which Maister Pedro hath alreadie deuised , touching friendship , and duetie of the maried man . Wherefore by the same authoritie , which I haue receyued , I commaunde you Sir , and turned hir towardes Maister Pedro , to performe this charge , which you haue deuised of the maried man , not for that I thinke you to be a better husbande , Maister Pedro is commaunded to describe the maried m● that any of the reast here . But bicause we being yet wholy ignoraunt in this kinde of pastymes , you may as the principall author thereof , instruct vs in the whole circumstance : and agayne , being so well languaged , as you are , we shall haue good sporte , to heare you interlarde our Countrie spéeche with some Spanish trickes . As I doe , quoth Maister Pedro , vtterly denie to be the author of these pastimes , which haue long ago bene else where practised : so might I right well excuse my selfe , both for want of skill , and also of good vtteraunce . But for that I haue in the name of all the rest , promised obedience vnto your L , I wyll not be the first that shall disobey . Wherefore worthie Ladies , and Gentle women , quoth he , if I doubted of your friendlye iudgement , and beneuolence , I woulde craue it at the beginning , but bicause your good hearts and noble natures , Maister Pedro beginneth this Flower of Friendship . haue bene by proofe sufficientlye tryed of me , letting that passe , I will goe briefly to my charge the Flower of Friendship , wherein I will first declare vnto you , the vertues of the matrimoniall estate , which , ( setting virgmitie aside , The commend●tion of mariage . as the purest estate , is both holy and most necessary . It is not vnknowne vnto vs Christians , howe God the Creator of all thinges , made of the rib of Adam his welbeloued Eua , as an helper , whom Adam called bone of my bones , and flesh of my flesh , Gene●●s . 2. so that the almightie instituted this holye ordinaunce of matrimonie in the bliss●full place of Paradice , when man was in his chiefest perfection : and therefore , if antiquitie may giue any worthynesse , what is more auncient than this honorable estate , which God himselfe the founder of all ordayned and consecrated ? What is more honorable , and praise worthie , than this , that Christ wyth his mother in Canaan did not onely with his presence make honorable , but also wyth miracles did sanctifie the same ? What is more iust , than to render that to our posteritie , which we of our predecessors haue before rec●yued ? What thing is more inhumaine , than for man to contemne that as prophane , which the eternall hath halowed , and nature hir selfe bewtified ? christ our Lorde commaundeth that man shall forsake Father and Mother , and cleaue to his welbeloued spouse , and what is more holy , than loue towardes parents , which GOD in the commaundements hath rewarded with the longnesse of lyfe , yet matrimony is preserred before the same , what is then more necessarie than Matrimony which containeth the felicity of mans life , the Flower of Friendship , the preseruation of Realnies , the glorie of Princes , & that which is most of all , it causeth immortalitie . I might here alleage a number of authorities in the commendation of mariage aswell of auncient Doctors and Fathers , as also worthie Philosophers , and graue learned men . But bycause you doubt not therin , and the state doth sufficiently commende it selfe , I let them passe , and will before I procéede any further , The rites of diuers nati●ns in marying . shew you the rytes of diuers Nations , in celebrating this misterie , whereof as some will make you to laugh so other some are to be noted . As for the christian orders they are not vnknowne vnto you . The Romaines . Amongst the auncient Romaines , as Cicero recordeth , were two kindes of mariages , wherby they had also two sortes of wyues , the one more ordinarye , whom they called Matrons , the other were called houswyfes , which were married by conioyning of handes , almost like vnto vs . These dyd they estéeme as their daughters , and had like enheritance of their landes , who bare the rule of their houses , and therefore called houswyfes . But no excesse of the husband might be permitted vnto them . For on the Matrons began they their children . The Babilonians . The Babilonians maried their maides without dowries in this maner . All their maids , which were to be married , were assembled in a place appoynted , and placed orderlye the fayrest first , then the meaner sort , and last the fowlest . The fayrest was gyuen vnto him that would giue most money to marrie with hir , still paying according to their bewtie , more or lesse , till they came to the fowlest , & to them , that woulde mary any of those , was gyuen parte of the money , that was taken for the fayrer sort , paying according to the rate , as they excéeded in foulenesse . The like maner also , was vsed amongst the auncient Venetians , The Venetians . as sayeth Sabellicus , an vnhappye custome was it , quoth the Lady Iulia , & likely that the Flower of Friendship was but weak lye rooted betwéene them of so slender acquaintance : But I pray you tell vs , how the indifferent sorte were maried , that were neyther foule , nor fayre , but louely browne . Mary quoth he , for such amongst the Venetians there was no money either gyuen , or taken , but were maryed for naught . And so perchaunce , quoth a mery gentleman , that stoode by , called maister Gualter of Cawne , were some of the fairest , as they be sometimes nowe a dayes . I haue also redde , quoth Maister Pedro , that in Fraunce , The French men . the Maydens did choose their husbandes in this sorte . The parents calldd a number of young men to a banket whom they thought fittest , & him , to whome the Mayde gaue first water , by that signe she chose for hir husband . In Mauritania , The Mauritanians . as sayeth Diodorus Siculus , there was such store of women , that euery man might haue fiue wyfes , and no lesse than thrée , which also after the death of their husbands within one moneth eyther willinglye buried themselues wyth him , or were perforce executed by the lawe . In the Isles of Canaria , In the Isles of Canaria . there were contrariwise so many men , and so fewe women , that euerye wife might haue seauen husbands , & could not take lesse than fiue . But I trust , quoth the Lady Aloisa , that those men were not so kinde harted , as to be buried with their wyues , as the woman in that other countrie were with their husbandes . I thinke not quoth Mayster Pedro , and I doubt whether those women of Mauritania , coulde not haue béene contented to haue taried behinde their husbandes , had there béene no lawe to haue compelled them . Tush quoth the Lady Iulia , this is farre from your matter . What appertaineth this to the Flower of Friendship ? lady quoth he , I am not yet come to my purpose . But one word more , and I will to my charge . The Chaldeans , The Chaldeans . that honored the fire for their God , had an easie custome : for when they minded to marrie , the Priest kindled the fire in the good mans house , and both the parties touching it , were assured togither , and when any of them mislyked , one of them quenched the fire , and so were they as frée , as euer they were before . In another Countrie the Priest of their Idols enioyed the first nightes pleasures of the Bride , The Scots . as in Scotland the Lorde of the Soyle , hath the first fruites of all the Uirgins , wythin his Lordeship . A number of such lyke customes I coulde recite , but I may not spende longer time in those trifles , What equalitie is in mariage . & the Ladie Iulia desireth to heare of our friendly Flower , whereto nowe I returne , and saye , that equalitie is principally to be considered in this matrimoniall amytie , as well of yeares , as of the giftes of nature and fortune . Pitachus Myteleneus . For equalnesse herein maketh friendlynesse Pytachus Myteleneus one of the seauen sages of Greece , being demaunded of a yong man , whome he should take to wyfe , aunswered , go and learne of the children , that play togither , and they will informe thée . For they had agame among them , wherin they often repeated , take to thee thy peere . Marry not a superiour , sayth Plutarch . Plutarch . For in so doing , in stéede of kinsefolkes , thou shalt get thée maysters , in whose awe thou must stande , and a riche woman , that marieth a poore man , seldome , or neuer , shake off the pride from hir shoulders . Yea , Menander . Menander sayth , that such a man hath gotten in stéede of a wyfe a husband , and she of him a wyfe , a straunge alteration , a wonderfnll metamorphosis . But Licurgus the law maker well considered that , Licurgus . when he ordained that women shoulde be married without dowries , so that then they had nothing to be prowde off , saue onely their vertues , which ought to be accounted the chiefest dowrie . For that which is more excellent , is to be preferred before things of lower valour . Why then for lack of substance , shall a vertuous wife be repelled , Alexander . or for want of wealth , wisedome be reiected ? Alexander , the great Monarch of the whole worlde , shewed his noble courage in nothing more , than in that hée reiecting the riche Barbarian Quéenes , vouchsafed to match with Barcina , daughter of Arbaces , a poore gentleman , but of noble parentage , wherein not riches , but nobilitie adorned with vertues preuayled . Well quoth the Ladie Iulia , I pray you what is he now a dayes that had not rather marie a woman ful of money , wanting vertue & grace , than that hauing vertues , lacketh money . For my parte , it well lyketh me that equalitie , as you say , be obserued , seing equalnesse causeth friendlynesse . But I vnderstande not this kinde of equalitie , wherein you séeme to allow the greatest inequalitie that can be . For Alexander being Lorde of the whole worlde coulde finde no equall match , in respect of his greatnesse . Much lesse Barcina that was so farre his inferiour , both in parentage , and substance . Not so farre his inferiour , quoth Maister Pedro , for the great vertues which abounded in Barcina , and as I sayde before , the onely rychesse to be required in a woman , was in al respects comparable to the great greatnesse of Alexander the great , neyther did she want sufficient parentage , & though not a conquerour of the worlde , yet well knowne to be procéeded from the conquerours own linage , so that a vertuous woman being wise , and of good lynage , wanteth no equalitie on hir parte to counterpeyse the greatest ryches or treasure , that any man can haue . For where vertue aboundeth , all good things doe flowe . And to conclude , I say that great regard ought the man to haue in his choyse , that he may leaue hys childe parentage , which being ioyned to vertues , maketh men perfite . Now for the equalitie in age , I say confisteth likewise in the equalitie of yeares , but not so much as the Philosophers , in times past affirmed . For Aristotle by his reasons , woulde haue the man to be twentie yeares elder than his wife , bycause they might leaue off procreation at one tyme . Hesiodus the Gréeke Poet , & Xenophon the philosopher woulde haue the woman fourtene , and the man thirtie yeares olde , so that there shoulde be sixtéene yeares betwéene them , bicause in that time , the man shoulde be best able to rule his housholde , and the woman taken from euill occasions . Licurgus lawe was amongest the Lacedemonians , Licurgus . that the man shoulde not marry , before thirtie and seauen yeres of age , and women at eightene . What maner of equalitie is this , quoth the Lady Isabella , I woulde neuer marry , rather than to take such olde crusts , whose wiues are more occupied in playstering , than in enioying any good conuersation . You say truth , quoth Maister Pedro , neyther doe I allowe it , yet may I not condemne the auncient philosophers . For in those daies men liued longer , and their natures were much stronger . Therfore by likelyhoode it was at that time more tollerable . But my opinion is , that they differ not aboue foure or fiue yeares . After this match made , and equalities considered , next foloweth , to loue , & to lyke well : For perfite loue knitteth louinge heartes , What loue in mariage shoulde be . in an in insoluble knot of amitie . Loue indifferent serueth not , loue fayned prospereth not . Wherefore it must be true , and perfite loue , that maketh the Flower of Friendship betwéene man and wyfe freshlye to spring . This loue must growe by little and little , and that it may be durable , must by degrées take roote in the hart . For hasty loue is soone gone . And some haue loued in post hast , that afterwards haue repented them at leysure . Wée all séeke the fayrest , the richest , and noblest . But vertues are laide aside , and naught accounted off , we seeke so feede our eyes , and not to content our eares . Why ? quoth Maister Gualter , shal a man choose his wyfe with his eares . To choose with our eares , quoth Maister Pedro , is to inquire of hir vertues , & vyces by reporte whereof you shall vnderstande hir conditions , and qualities , good , & badde . As for that , quoth Gualter , it booteth not . For the best of them all hane their faults . And if she be vertuous , shée wyll looke to be so honored , that hir husbande shall haue the more a do to please hir . And I remember , that a wyse man , I knowe not hys name , being enquired of a friende of his , with whom he shoulde marry , aunswered that hée hadde béene married foure sundry times , first with a faire woman , who was so prowde of hir beautie , that he was faine to please and content hir , least she shoulde dishonour him , the seconde verye riche , whose substance made hir so statelye , that he was forced lyke a slaue to obey hir , the thirde was so vertuous , that he was glad to honor , and reuerence hir , to kéepe hir still in hir vertuous goodnesse , the last was of good lynage , which so exalted hir stomacke , that shée made him hir bondman . Nowe choose , quoth hée , which of these foure thou canst best content thy selfe . You haue made a fayre reason quoth the Lady Aloisa , I neuer knewe that you were so déepelye learned before and all the Ladies woulde haue driuen Maister Gualter out of the Arbor ▪ But father Erasmus sayde that he remembred the lyke thinge of Anaxagoras , and therefore hée was not to be blamed , bycause he did but repete the wordes of a Philosopher . What then , quoth Maister Pedro , it is no parte of my charge to disprayse women , but to speake the best of them , and to plant the Flower of Friendship betwéene them , and their husbands . Wherfore , let loue be rooted déepely in the mans heart towardes the woman : Let the person be sought , not hir substaunce , craue hir vertues , not hir riches , then shall there be a ioyfull beginning , and a blessed continuance in amity , by which all things shall prosper , & come to happie ende . Beware of hatred , be circumspect in loue , which of them first taketh place , doth abide during lyfe . And loue grounded remaineth for euer , which being once gone , al other goodnesse foloweth for companye . The man must beware in chyding when he is newly maried . Therefore to confirme this loue the married man must as much as he can , alwayes abstaine from brawling , lowring and grudging , especiallye , when he is newly married . For if the wyfe first conceyue hate , she will neuer receyue loue againe . The husband then must be mery , and pleasaunt with his wyfe , to make hir the more in loue wyth him at the beginning , so that if afterwardes they chaunce to fall at square , it shall ryse but of a sodayne anger , which will be gone againe as soone , and not of anye olde conceyued malice . There be manye men that boast much , how they be serued , and feared , like Bugges , of their wyues , but they marueylously deceyue themselues . For much better were it , if they were better beloued and lesse feared . For whome the wyfe hateth , in feare she serueth , but whome shée loueth , shée gladly cherisheth . It is good reason , that all women doe labor to stande in the good grace of their husbandes , but much more ought wée men to foresée , that we fall not into the hatred of our wyfes . For if she once fasten hir eyes on another he shall enioy hir in dispite of hir husbands beard . In this long and troublesome iourney of matrimonye , the wise man maye not be contented onely with the Spouses virginitie , The maried man steale away his wyues priuate will . but by little and lyttle must gently procure that he maye also steale away hir priuat will , and appetite , so that of two bodies there may be made one onelye heart , which shée will soone doe , if loue raygne in hir , and without this agréeable concorde , matrimonie hath but small pleasure , or none at all , and the man , that is not lyked , and loued of his mate , holdeth his lyfe in continuall perill , his goodes in great ieoperdie , his good name in suspect , and his whole house in vtter perdition . I will recite two , or thrée examples of those that loued their wyues well , Such as loued well their wiues . Adam . and then I will procéede . The first that loued hys wyfe , was our father Adam , who being set in Paradice , and forbidden on paine of death , one onelye trée in the Garden , to consent and please Eua his wyfe , did notwithstanding eate of it , and dyed . Darius the great King , Darius . being ouercome by Alexander , in all things shewed himselfe stout and inuincible , till he vnderstoode that his wyfe was taken prisoner , who then poured oute of his teares aboundantly , as lamenting for that which he more estéemed than his lyfe , Tiberius Gracchus . or estimation . Valerius Maximus saith , that Tiberius Gracchus finding two Serpents in his bed , sent for the soothsayers to knowe what the straunge chaunce ment , and signified , which aunswered , that if he killed the male serpent , bée shoulde dye before his wyfe , but if the female were first slayne , his wyfe shoulde die before him . He bearing entire loue towardes his wyfe , gaue his owne death to prolong hir life , and killed presently the Male serpent . There be , quoth the Ladie Iulia , fewe such ●●sbandes in these our dayes , or rather none at all . That is the matter quoth Maister Gualter , that your Ladiship is so a fearde to marry , but yet to tell the truth , and shame the Deuill , there be mo suche husbandes , than lyke wyfes if it were well tryed . This 〈◊〉 foole , quoth Madame Aloisa , woulde be well beaten , and banished our companie . For he is still pratling against women , and interrupt●th our pastime . No , no , quoth Maister Pedro , hée increaseth our sporte , and therefore we cannot well want him . But I will shewe you one example more of later yeares , bycause the Ladye Iulia sayeth that none nowe a dayes doe loue their wyfes so well . Baptista Fulgosa recounteth of a certayne poore man , Baptista Fulgosa . and hys wyfe , that were seeking for their sustenance vpon the Sea side . The woman being taken awaye , by certaine Rouers , hir husbande swam in the Sea after hir , desiring the Pirates to take him also , saying , that he had rather be with his wife in captiu●tie , than lacking hir , to liue at lybertie , whereat the Pirates marueiling , receyued them both into their Shippe , and declaring the whole aduenture , presented them to the King of Lunis , who vnderstanding the case , gaue them great commendation , and not onely set them at lybertie , but also sente them home wyth great rewarde .

This maye satisfie to make you vnderstand , that men doe sometimes loue their wyues , & hereby may you also sée of what force the true matrimoniall loue is , wheron let the maried man fasten , and ground all the rest of his doings , and so shall t●ys friendly Flower be planted in a fertile soyle . And as there be certayne sweete herbes , that are great nourishers of this Flower : Weedes that will ouergrow the friendly Flower . so there be certayne poysoned wéedes , that will ouergrowe it , and in the ende vtterly destroye it , if they be not wéeded out by the roote , whereof the first and chiefest is adulterie . For what godlynesse can raygne in that house , Adultery . where harlots beare the rule , whose fruits Salomon doth greatly describe . For if the husband please the wicked woman , he must of force displease hys owne wyfe being godlye , and that iniurie a good woman cannot with anye pacience support . At what time the married man determineth to kéepe a harlot , euen the same houre , doth he set fire to his honestie , destruction to his house , and losse of all , that euer he hath . An honest woman wyll suffer a thousand discommodities in hir husband , so that she be assured , that he is contented with hir , and loueth hir only . What greater crueltie can a man shew vnto his wife , than to kéepe all his raylings , brawlings , and chidings for hir , and another to enioy all his ( good ) conuersation , and pleasures . I doubte which of them hath the greater hart , either he in doing it , or she in suffring it . Can there be any greater disorder , than for the husbande to be merie abrode , and lowre at home , to take from hys wyfe , and gyue to his harlots , to want for his children , and to suffice for his bawdes . The fayth that the woman oweth to hir husbande , the like ●●fidelitie ought the man to repaye vnto his wyfe , and though the ciuill lawe gyueth man the superioritie ouer his wife , that is not to offende , or dispraise hir , but in misdoing louingly to reforme hir . Therefore the abhorring of adulterie increaseth amitie betwene man , and wife , and the chiefest way to ground the Flower of Friendship in matrimonie is , first to roote out the poyson of adulterie . The seco●de wéede that is to be ex●irped is gamnin● , G●●●ing . which though the woman can with more pacience suffer , than this others : yet for his owne sake , let him forbeare it . For what wisedome is it , that a man at one chance of the Dice , hasardeth as much , as the toyle of his whole lyfe hath gottten , and scrapte togither , and small commoditie the gamester reapeth thereby , when he hath best hap , if all his cardes be tolde . For suppose hée wynne , yet is there such cursing , such lying , such brawling , chyding , and swearing , that the Deuill laugheth , them all to scorne . If he lose , he fretteth , and fumeth so , that beside the losse of his thrift , he hazardeth both body & soule , with cursing , and blaspheming . Then if he eyther wynne , or lose , yée sée these his gaines and commodities . I condemne not honest playing for recreation at times conuenient for some small matter , as the persons habilitie is . But what a monstrous thing is it , to consume whole dayes , yea , whole daies and nights in gaming , swearing and foreswearing . For it hapneth often , a daily gamester , a common blasphemer . Wherefore it were no great hinderance to the common wealth , if such kinde of persons were vtterly banished . Riotousnesse and dronkennesse . The third pestiferous wéed is banqueting , and riotousnesse . For dronkennesse , whiche commonly haunteth the ryotous persons , besides that , it wa●teth thy thrifte , consumeth thy friends , and corrupteth thy body doth also transforme thée from a reasonable creture , Socrates . to abrute beast . Socrates compareth the witte , that is ouercome wyth Wyne , vnto a horse that casteth his Maister . What greater reproch can there be to a man , than to be called a common dronkarde , which is as much to say , as a man depriued of all vertues . I could recite many examples , what discommodities haue chaunced to woorthye men by this vice , if the tyme woulde suffer mée . You haue yet day inough , quoth the Lady Iulia. Wherfore we praye you shewe vs some of those examples for our instruction . I am content , quoth Maister Pedro , and séeing you are so willing to heare , I will declare first somewhat of wyne , which by abuse nourished dronkennesse , and by vse is the best liquor of all others . Anacharsis Anacharsis the Philosopher sayde , that the Uyne bare thrée kindes of grapes , the first of pleasure , the seconde of drunkennesse , and the thirde of sorrowe , so that passing the first , which is to drinke it temperately , and delayed , the other two are naught . 〈…〉 Noe was the first that inuented Wyne , thoughe some attribute the same to Ycanus , and some to Dionysius . The first that delayed wine , was Fylona , 〈…〉 borne in Candia , and being so dronke temperately , it quickeneth the wit , it increaseth the strength , it chéereth the harte , it taketh away cares , it causeth colour in the face , it strengtheneth the sin●wes , it helpeth the sight , it fortifieth the stomacke , it prouoketh vrine , it taketh away sorrowes , and to conclude with S. Paule writing to Timothe , 〈…〉 being sicke in his stomacke , counsayleth him to drinke a little wine . But as many discommodities hath it also , 〈◊〉 it be abused , as breeding the gow●e , causing the dropsie , decaying womens beauty , and making them barraine , 〈◊〉 wyth many other much worse . Licurgus the Lacedemonian lawmaker , commaunded , that no man before .xviij. yeares of age , shoulde drinke any wyne , and from thence to fortie he gaue leaue to drynke a verye little , and much delayed , and from fortie vpwardes somewhat more , and lesse delayed . Noe the first drunkarde . As Noe was the firste inuenter of wyne : so was hée first dronken , who was therefore laught to scorne of his owne sonnes . Lot Lot. in his drunkennesse lay with his owne daughters . Alexander Alexander the greate was so spotted wyth this vice , that alwayes in hys dronkennesse , he woulde kyll his déerest friends , and in the ende being dronke , was poysoned himselfe . Marcus Antonius , Marcus. Antonius . an inuincible Romain captayne , being once ouercome with Wyne , gaue himselfe to the pleasure of Cleopatra , and was slayne by Octauius Caesar. Anac●eon Anac●eon . the Poet was so great a bibber of wyne , that he was choked with the huske of a grape . Loe , here you sée the vnhappie ende of those that passe the golden meane , and cleaue to the excesse . If the married man doe weede out these thre daungerous wéedes by the roote , no doubt this Flower will prosper passing well , and yéeld yerely double increase . And as I sayd before , the better to nourishe , and maintaine thys Flower , 〈…〉 there are certaine delicate herbes that must of force be cherished , which bée these . First to be aduised in spéeche , courteous , and gentle in conuersation , trusty and secret in that , wherein he is trusted , wise in giuing counsayle , carefull in prouiding for his house , dyligent in looking to that which is his , suffer able in the importunities of his wife , daungerous , and circumspect in matters touching his honesty and ieolous in the education of his Chyldren . These be excellent herbes , quoth the Lady Aloisa , and rarely founde all in one garden . Wherefore we pray you teach vs how we may plant , and conserue them .

That appertayneth not to my charge , quoth Mayster Pedro , and if it dyd , yet want of skill , and shortnesse of time would not permit me . But I will instruct you in their qualities , which being well considered , wyll proueke the wyse man to séeke after th●m . In doing whereof , as I shall sufficiently discharge my duetie towardes the Lady Iulia , concerning hir commaundement . So I trust to deserue great thanks of al these Ladies . The first delicate herbe that the married man must plante for the preseruation of his frendly Flower , Aduised in speach . is to be aduised in spéeche . For the man that without discretion speaketh more hast●l●e than wisely , for the most parte falleth into errors , much bablyng , declareth a foolishe heade : and a silent person is the exampler of wisedome . First expende with thy selfe , what thou wylte speake , and ponder thy meanyng well . Then note to whome , where , & when thou speakest . The tongue that runneth before the witte , commonlye bréedeth hys Maisters woe . The Philosophers in their scholes , neuer taught a man to speake , but first learned h●m to holde his peace . Salomon saith , 〈…〉 that much talke cannot be without offence , and he that 〈◊〉 refrayne hys tongue is wyse . Two 〈◊〉 Socrates allowed , that shoulde 〈◊〉 one to speake , when he 〈…〉 matter very well , and when necess●●e 〈◊〉 him . Xenoph●n sayeth , 〈…〉 that nature gaue vs two eares , and but one mouthe , to the intent we shoulde heare more than we ought to speake . The second herbe is to be courteous , Courtise in conuersation . and gentle in conuers●●●on . For ye sée , that fierce , and hurtfull beasts , as the Lion , the Serpent , with such lyke , bée abhorred of vs for their cruell curstnesse , when the tractable beastes , as the spa●u●ll , and the grayhound , with others , haue not onelye place in our houses , but we haue sometyme more care to nourishe them vp , than a Christian creature . The married man then must not be rigorous towarde his wyfe . For there will discorde growe by hir inwarde hate , and neuer shall they haue ioy , or peace , if the woman cannot refrayne hir tongue , nor the man suffer . If he want discretion , and she pacience , it will rather appéere the mansion of fooles , than a house of the wise . For at the last , except one of them yéelde vp in tyme , they wyll fall to raging , & so consequently to blowes . Women for the most part , are ●roward of complexion , and tender of condition , whereto the wise husband must haue great regarde , and if he once repr●hende them sharpelye , he must a hundreth folde exhorte them louingly . There are manye occasions , that causeth variance betweene man and wyfe , as for their children , seruants , apparell , and other such housholde matters . In which the good maried man must shewe his wysedome , eyther in turning it to sporte , & dissembling the cause , or aunswering not at all . If so bee he cannot suppresse his anger , let hym then goe and disgest it abroade . For the ende of indignation , is to be ashamed of our selues . And as in a miste a man appéereth greater than in a fayre day , sayeth Diogenes : Di●genes . so appeareth hys vy●●s more in hys anger , and rage , than when he is pacient . The thirde is to be secrete , and trusty in that , wherin he is trusted . To be s●cre● One of the vertues most estéemed in tymes past was secrecie , whereby the wisedome of a man was perfitely discerned . He is diserate that kéepeth well hys secretes , sayeth Socrates . 〈…〉 But he is not wise that dis●●uereth them . 〈◊〉 . The good Cato repented him but of thrée things that he did during all his lyfe . First , for disclosing a secrete to a woman , the seconde , for sayling by sea , when hee might haue gone by land , and the last , for consuming one whole day , without doyng some profitable déede . A marueylous example of secrecie , Anaxagoras . was shewed in Anaxagoras , who wyth other conspired to kyll a tyraunt , and being betrayed , and by the tyraunt put to most cruell tormentes , not sufferable , bit off his owne tongue , bicause he woulde not discouer that , which he promised to kéepe secret . The lyke is reported of a woman in Athens , bicause she would not bewraye a conspiracie , wherein hir husbande was a parte . It is happie , quoth the Ladie Aloisa , that some women haue bene secrete in tymes past . For you men say now a daies , that women can kepe no counsayle . Sée I pray you , quoth Maister Gualter , how soone this Lady had gotten holde of that sentence , whiche so little serueth hir purpose . For I trust it was an easy mater for that woman to kepe silence when shée wanted hir tongue . Whereto the Ladies woulde haue replied , but Ma●ster Pedro interrupted them , and sayde , that hée dyd not condemne , althoug he the most parte were not tongue tyed , and so there be , quoth he , some men that be open ynough . But I would haue thys married man to embrace secrecie as a vertue , and thynke it is a great shame not to be so secret as a woman . The fourth , is to be wise in giuyng counsayle , 〈…〉 which is not euerye mans office , but such as be of good yeares , that haue séene , and heard much . Counsel●lers must be wise , lerned , vertuous , of good iudgement , & without affection . 〈…〉 〈…〉 The office of the husbande is to bryng in necessaries : of the wife , well to kepe them . The office of the husband is , to go abroad in matters of profite : of the wyfe , to tarye at home , and sée all be well there . The office of the husbande is , to prouide money , of the wife , not wastfully to spend it . The office of the husbande is , to deale , and bargaine with all men , of the wife , to meddle or make wyth no man . The office of the husband is , to giue , of the wyfe , to keepe . The office of the husbande is , to apparell him as he can , of the wyfe , to goe as shée ought . The office of the husband is , to bée Lorde of all , of the wyfe , to giue accounte of all , and finally I saye , that the office of the husbande is , to mainetayne well hys liuelyhoode , and the office of the woman is , to gouerne well the housholde . And as the man may not deny his wyfe thinges , that muste be graunted of necessitie : so he ought not to graunt hir thinges of prodigalitie , & superfluous . For as great disorder is it to graunte the one , as to denye the other . The sixte is , that the married man accompany no defamed persons , and in any case that he harbour them not . For many men blame their wyues for yll life , To accompa●y no def●●●d p●rs●ns . when they themselues are the causers therof , for maintaining such companions , whereby he himself doth hardly escape infam●e , and these good fellowes doe seeke to créepe into greatest friendlshippe with the husband , to the intent they may haue ●●●ter oportunitie with hys wyfe . Yet maye he vse his tried friende or n●●re kinsman familiarly , as well in his owne house , as else where , hauyng alwayes regarde to the olde sa●ing , that a man may sh●w 〈◊〉 wyfe , and his sword to his friende , but not to farre to trust them . For if therby gr●w vnto him any infamie , let hym not blame his wyfe , but hys owne negligence . The seuenth herbe of marue●lous vertue is , to be sufferable in the i●portunities of his wyfe , 〈…〉 sometimes dissemblyng , and in t●ifling matters consentyng vnto ●ir . For if all thinges that women craue , shoulde be graunted , all thinges that they finde fault withall , shoulde be amended , & all thinges that they are agrieued with , should be redressed , Sampsons strength , the patience of Iob , and the wysedome of Salomon were all to little . For some men , whose misshaps are to be lamented , are matched with such sainctes , that deuise naught else , but howe to vexe , and molest their husbands . Socrates . Socrates pittied thrée sorts of men . The first was , a good man in the handes of a curst shrewe , the seconde a wise man , vnder the gouernaunce of a foole , and the last was a liberall man in subiection to a couetous caytife . I thanke you for this , quoth Mai●ter Gualter , this is the truest tale you tolde to daye , and hitherto , you haue but flattered these Ladies . Not so , quoth master Pedro. For I spake nothing heretofore but the truth , neyther speake I this nowe generally agaynst all women . For that were slaunderous vnto them . I do but touch some shrewde wyues . Tush , quoth maister Gualter , they be shrewes all , and if you giue the simplest of them leaue to daye to treade vpon your f●●te , to mo●row she will treade vpon thy head . Be not angrye , I praye you , quoth Maister Pedro. For I giue no such leaue , but I say that for quietnesse sake , & for the increase of amitie , the maried man must sometime dissemble , and in this case ought to consider , that if his wife be foolish , it little helpeth to aunswere hir , and lesse profiteth to reforme hir , but if she be wyse , one worde will suffice . For it is a certaine rule , that if a woman will not be still with one word of hir husbande , she will not be quiet with as manye wordes as euer the wysemen did write , nor with so many stripes , as a man is able to gyue hir . The wyse husbande therefore I say , and affirme , must , to preserue this pleasaunt Flower , deale with his wyfe , rather by subtilitie , than by crueltie . The eyght is to be circumspect in matters that concerne his honestie , 〈…〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and not to be ieolous of his wyfe . The Stoike Philosophers saye , that ielousie is a certayne care of mans mynde , least another shoulde possesse the thing , which he alone woulde enioye . There is no greater torment , than the vexation of a iealous mind which euen as the moth fretteth the cloth , doth consume the hart , that is vexed therewith . Two kinde of persons are commonlye ●ore sicke in this disease , eyther those that are euill themselues , or they that in their youth haue gone astraye , supposing that as other mens wyues haue done towardes them , so will theirs doe towardes others , which is vanitie to thynke , more follye to suspecte , and greatest foolishnesse to speake of . For as some lewde women be dissolute : so likewise women there be , honest , and very circumspect . If the wise be to be suspected , let the man worke as secretly and closely as he can , to reprehend hir , yet all peraduenture will not aduaile . For , trust me , no wisdome , no craft , no science , no strength , no subtiltie , yea , no pacience sufficeth to enforce a woman , to be true to hir husbande , if she otherwise determine . Therefore to conclude to be ieolous , eyther néedeth not , or booteth not . The ninth , and laste herbe , is to be carefull in the education of hys children . For much better were they vnborne than vntaught . To be carefull in education of his children . Diogenes being enquired what were best for a man to doe to be in fauour of the Gods , and beloued of the people , answered , that to be in the credit with the people and fauourd of the Gods , a man ought to do thrée things , the first to reuerence , and honor much the Gods , then to bryng vppe hys children in due correction , and last to be thankefull to his benefactors . What a●aileth riches , possessions , to be fortunate , to haue thy wyfe wyth chylde safely delyuered , & thy childe well nourished , if afterwardes by ill trayning , & for want of education he become vicious ? The monarch of Macedon Philippes Sonne , Alexander being asked why he honoured more hys mayster , than his father , said , that his maister gaue him lyfe euerlastyng , and his Father lyfe but for a time . There came once before the wyse Solon a Father with his sonne , one accusing the other , the father complayned of the disobedience of his Sonne , and the sonne accused the father of his ill bringing vppe , which was the cause of his disobedience , Solon . Solon well considering the case , determined that bicause the Father had not brought vp his sonne in due correction , hée should therefore after his death , be depri●ed of his sepulchre , which was very rigorous in those dayes , and the sonne for hys disobedience was disherited . I assure you , quoth Maister Lodouic , that same was an excellent iudgement of the wise Solon , and if it were put in vre at these dayes , there would be many fathers to lye without graues , and as many sonnes put from their inheritance . The more pittie , quoth maister Pedro , and I thoughte to haue sayde more therein . But the sunne is so much declined , that it is more than tyme to vnburden these Ladies of this tedious talke , and I feare me , I haue alreadye troubled them to long . Not so , quoth the Ladye 〈◊〉 . For sooner should we wante the day light , than good will to heare you ; though the day were so long againe . You s●y your pleasure , quoth Maister Pedro , ●ut nowe to knit vp this Flower of matrimoniall amitie , and friendshippe , touching the office of the man , I saye , that he must aboue all thynges haue the feare of God before hys eyes , which with the rest well considered , and put in execution , no doubt he shall enioye the fragrant sauour thereof . Then rose vp the Ladye Iulia , with the whole company , giuing my friend m●yster Pedro greate thankes , wishyng that there were many such husbands , and therewith she tooke the garlande from hir head , and sayd , turning hir towards mayster Pedro , that she would surrender vnto him agayne the authoritie which shee of him receyued wyth that charge , that he shoulde the next daye bestowe it on some other in that place . For I shall not bée in quiet , quoth shée , till I haue hearde the married woman prescribed in lyke sorte , as you haue done the maried man , neyther can this Flower well prosper , or bée perfite , except the woman also put to hir helping hande . Whereto mayster Pedro aunswered , that in the woman was to be required great helpe for the preseruation of this friendlye Flower . Yet will I not , quoth hee , take the authoritie from you . But if you list to departe wyth it to some other , you shall your selfe to morrowe resigne it to whome it pleaseth you , and in the meane time he willed hir to leaue the garlande , and hir authoritie in the place , where shée receyued it , which she did , and then went we out of that most pleasaunt arbour into the Garden , where we tooke our leaue of the Ladies and gentlemen , who were very loth to haue left our company . But maister Pedro had so apointed , that we coulde not tary . Therfore promising to come againe the next day , we went home the same daye wée came in the morning , where the Nightingale saluted vs with such swéete melodie , that wée were at the ende of our iourney before wée were ware .