The schoole of beastes; intituled, the good housholder, or the oeconomickes. Made dialogue-wise, by M. Peter Viret, translated out of French into English, by I.R.

A DIALOGVE of the schoole of Beastes , Intituled the good householder , or the Oeconomickes . The speakers . Tobias . Theopharstus . Ierome . Tobias ,

THOV TAKEST IN hande a worke ( Theophrastus ) the which shal not be greatly to the honour of men , if thou canst atayne vnto that to whiche thou hast bounde thy selfe . For yf the beastes do better their office accordyng to their nature , then men doe theirs , they deserue more to be called reasonable , then men .

Theophrast .

I doubte not but that at the first sight , many will finde that which I haue sayde to be very strang . But sith that the spirite of God doth sende vs so often tymes vnto the schoole of beastes in the holy scriptures , Men are sent to the schole of Beastes . we may thereby iudge , howe much men ought to esteeme and set by them selues , seeing they vnderstand so euyl their office , that they must be sent vnto the beastes , for to learne of them what they ought to do .

Tobias ,

I pray thee declare vnto vs the places of the holy scriptures , agreing with that matter for to make vs better to vnderstand what is that schoole of beastes , to whiche the spirite of God sendeth vs , as thou saiest .

Theophrast .

First marke , what the Lord sayd by the mouth of Iob , Iob. 21 7. aske the Cattell , and they shal informe thee : The Foules of the ayre , and they shall tell thee : speake to the errth , and it shall shewe thee : Or too the fishes of the Sea , and they shall certifie thee . Nowe seeing that Iob doth sende vs to the beastes , generally for to bee taught by them : I will nowe bring foorth more specially and perticulerly the Doctors & Maisters , which are set forth vnto vs by the worde of God , in this schoole of the beastes which we speake of .

Tobias ,

With which of the beastes wilt thou begin .

Theophrast .

With that which is the least of al. Cood housholders and pollitike men . Thou knowest that men doo greatly esteeme those whiche knowe best to gouerne them selues in this worlde , and which are prudent and wise , to gather together great store of earthly treasures , and for to gouerne wel their house , A Citie , a Cuntrie , or a whole Realme .

Tobias ,

Such men are so much estemed amonge others , that commonly they do not esteeme any other to be wyse , prudent nor good men but onely those .

Theophrast .

It is euen so as thou sayest : But when al shal be wel considered what comparison is there in suche matter , betweene such men and the Authour , and wherein are they to be preferred before the Antes ? The Ante. I doo not yet speake of other beasts , which according to their nature , knowe to prouide althinges for their affayres , as needeth for their conseruation . But I take this same , whiche is the least that may be : And yet neuerthelesse she hath so much industrie , prudence , Prou. 6.6 . and diligence in her , that Solomon was not ashamed to sende the sluggard vnto her schoole . It were a thing incredible , if we had not the experience for a witnes , that such litle beastes , could carie suche heauie burthens as they do , and that they can heape togeather the thinges as they do for their prouision : & to kepe among them such order as they keepe .

Tobias ,

I would to God that men in their behalfe , knewe to keepe so good order amongest them selues . What sayest thou Ierome ?

Ierome ,

Thou shouldest haue yet better occasion to say so as thou sayest , if thou haddest heard that which Plinie and Plutarke , besides other wise men , haue written of the nature of those litle Beastes , and shouldest be yet lesse abashed , Prou. 6.6 . for that Solomon geueth them for mystresses to the sluggarde .

Tobias ,

Thou shalt doe me great pleasure , to declare vnto me what thinges those two Authours haue written , whom thou namedst vnto me but now . For I vnderstand that they were both of them very learned men ; and that they haue written very wel of those matters , of which they haue spoken .

Ierome ,

I wil begin with Plinie , Plini . lib. cap 30. Aristo . lib de animalib . 9 cap. 38 The common wealth of the Ants. and their labours and industrie . who hath written maruelous things . First he confesseth that there is among them , the order and fashion of a common wealth , & a remembrance and care . But amongst al their other workes , is it not a pastime , to see them bite the burthens that they wil cary ? If they bee too great and heauie for them , they turne them selues backewardes , and stay it with their shoulders thrust it forwarde with their hinder feete . And to the ende that the seedes whiche they hyde in the earth , shoulde not growe , and take roote , they byte it before they lay it vp in their Garners and store houses . And if the graynes be too great , and that they cannot easily enter in at their holes , they deuide it in the myddest . If they be moyst or wette with the rayne , they do bring them out and drye them . Also they labour in the night , when the Moone is at the full , and cease and leaue of when she is in the waine . Wherein they declare , that they vnderstande some thing in Astronomie . But what labor & diligence is there in their workes ? And for that that they do fetch and gather their prouision from diuerse places , & that the one knoweth nothing of the other , Plinie liber . 11. & . 30. The faires of the Ants. Plinie witnesseth , that they haue certayne dayes of fayres , for to knowe the one the other . Euery man may thinke what course and what diligence there is then amongst them . But if one mark them nerely , wil he not say , that they speake together , and do aske and answere the one the other ? Do we not see the stones and hard works made smoothe , and holes worne in them thorowe the ofte going too and fro about their worke ? Wherin we may wel knowe how much the diligence and exercise is worthy , and can doo in euery thing . For if the feete of those litle beastes can make hollowe and smooth the hard stones , thorow their ofte going and comming to & fro , what may the continuall labour & trauaile of men do ? It is not then without cause that the Greekes said in a prouerbe , A prouerbe . exercise can doe all thinges . But besides al that , Exercise and diligence can doe all thinges . it is also written of them , that they do burye the one the other , as men do . These thinges make me to thinke , The buriall of the Ants. that the Poetes haue fayned , that the people called Myrmidons , Plinie . lib. 11. Cap. 30. came from the Antes whiche were chaunged into men ? Because of their industrie and labour , Antes turned into Myrmidons . and of that prudence and direction that they haue , which is next to the nature of men . For those people haue ben much esteemed among the Poetes , and chiefely because of Achilles , Achilles homer Ili . whiche was their captayne in the warres of Troy .

Tobias ,

Whiche of all the poetes hath spoken , of that transformation ?

Ierome ,

Ouid maketh a great discourse in his Metamorphoses , in whiche he declareth howe that the people of king Aeacus , being altogether discomfited thorowe the great plague & death , was restored againe by the meanes of the Antes , whiche were chaunged into men , of whiche transformation , he speaketh after this maner , as it is translated into Englishe miter .

Ouid. meta . lib. 7 Hard by vs as it hapt that tyme , there was an Oken tree , With spreaded armes as bare of boughs , as lightly one shall see . This tree ( as al the rest of Okes , ) was sacred vnto Ioue , And sprouted of an Acorne which , was fet from Dodon groue . Here markt we how the pretie Antes , the gatherers vp of grayne . One folowing other al along , in order of a trayne . Great burthens in their litle mouthes . did painefully susteyne . And nimbly vp the rugged barke , their beaten path mayntayne . As wondring at the swarme I stoode , I sayde , O father deare , As many people geue thou me , as Antes are creeping here .

And by and by afterwardes , following on his purpose , he commeth to the transformation of them , and said as foloweth .

Me thought I sawe the selfe same Oke , Ouid meta . lib. 7 with al his boughes and twiges , And al the Pismires creeping still , vpon his taunts and spriges . Which trembling with a sodayne brayde , these harnest folke of threwe . And shed them on the ground about , who on the sodayne grewe . In bignes more and more , & from the earth them selues did lift , And stoode vpright against the tree , and ther withal did shift . Their neygernes , and cole blacke hue , and number of their feete : And clad their lymmes with shape of man , away my sleepe did fleete .

And by and by afterwardes , Ouid him selfe expoundeth and declareth the cause wherfore that transformation was fayned , as I euen nowe declared , and therefore he bringeth in Aecus speaking after this maner .

Ouid meta . lib. 7. And I ( my vowes to Ioue perfourmd , ) my Citie did deuide : Among my newe inhabiters , and gaue them land beside . Which by decease of such as were , late owners of the same , Lay wast , and in remembrance of , the race whereof they came . The name of Emetes I them gaue , their persons you haue seene : Their disposition is the same , that earst in them hath beene . They are a sparing kinde of folke . on labour wholy set : A gatherer , and a horder vp , of such as they do get . These fellowes being like in yeeres , and courrage of the minde , Shal goe awarfare when assoone , as that the esterne winde . Which brought you hither luckely , ( the Easterne winde was it , That brought them thyther , ) turning to the Sotherne coast do flit .

Ouid , hath partly taken the occasion of this fable , because that Myrmex signifieth in Greeke an Ante , Myrmex . of which name it semeth that the name of the Myrmidons is taken , The cause of this fable & of the name of the myrmidons . for the cause which hath beene alredy alledged by Ouid him selfe . And therein Ouid hath shewed , howe muche hee hath esteemed the Antes and their labours , when he did not only compare those men vnto them , which he thought to be most industrious and geuen to labour , but also hath fayned that men were made of the Ants. As though he woulde say , that men are not naturally so industryous and geuen to labour , as the Antes , and that the Myrmidons should not bee so industrious , if they had not beene before Antes , and that they had ben taken from their kynde .

Tobias ,

Seeing that the Myrmidons are called by that name , for the cause thou speakest of , that name cannot by right be geuen vnto the sluggardes , whom Solomon doth send vnto the Ante.

Ierome ,

It is easie to iudge . But seeing that I haue in effect declared , that which Plinie hath written , of the nature of the Antes , it remayneth now , that I do also declare that which Plutarke witnesseth of it . The witnes of Plutarke of the nature of the Ante. For he doth not onely accord with Plinie , in that that he hath written , but also he declareth more specially and particulerly , the great vertues whiche are in these litle beastes , of whom he speaketh after this sorte . Plutat . in opus . But as it is impossible ( sayth he ) to speake worthely ynough of the discipline , and domesticall industrie of the Antes , yet we must not passe without speaking ●omewhat of them . Nature hath no ●reater and more excellent mirror of great and excellent things . For in 〈◊〉 it shineth the signet of all vertue , ●s in a pure litle droppe . That communication that they haue among ●hem selues , is the Image of amitie : ●hat strength and liuelines that they haue in their labours and trauayles , ●s an Image of force and magnanimitie . To conclud , they haue a great manie of seeds and witnesses of temperance , of prouidence & of Iustice . Nowe although that Cleanthes esteemed not that the beastes were endu●…d with reason , yet neuerthelesse , he confessed , that he did see on a tyme ●hat spectacle , that is , that certayne Antes went to an ant-heape , carrying 〈◊〉 dead Ante , from which ante-heape ●ame before them certayne other Ants. ●fterwards when they had as it were spoken together , they went agayne ●n , and did so twyse or thrise . In the ende they brought a worme , whiche was the price as it should seme , for to redeme the dead . The which worme was taken by those which did bring the dead Ante: the which they gaue vnto the others and went their way . But now euery one may know their beneuolence when they meete the one the other : when those that are emptie , geue place vnto those that are laden , that they may passe the more easily : When they deuide into many peeces , a burthen that is too heauie for them eyther to beare or to drawe : The astrologie and Prognostication of the Antes . when they set the corne in the sonne to drye it . It is a signe of rayne , as Aratus esteemeth , when the Ante bringeth out of her hole and denne al her egges , Although that some say that they be not egges , The conseruation of the graines and prouision . but the frute which they bring foorth , when they feele and perceaue that it waxeth mustie . And for that cause they feare least it shoulde waxe rotten . And the care that they haue least their graynes should not spring and grow , surpasseth al mens vnderstanding : And that care also whiche they haue , that their seedes whiche they haue layde vp in their hole and denne , should abyde drye and not rotten , fearing least sodenly they should waxe moyst , and become like mylke , and that being moystened with the moystnes of the place , it shoulde returne agayne into grasse . To the end then that their graynes should not growe and spring : and that so by that meanes they shoulde not loose their nourishment and foode , but that it may continue and they lyue , they bite the nable of the grayne , which is the part by which it springeth and groweth , and gelde it long time before . Nowe some saye that the first descending , and next to the entring in of their holes , is not right and straight foorth , and that there is no other beast which can go in at it : But that it is croked & with many turninges , hauing many crosse wayes , the which is made into their holes and dennes . The one is that , where they make their assemblies & parliaments . The other celle or hole is , that where they laye vp their prouision for al the yeere : And the third is the buriall place for the dead . Beholde that which Plutarke hath written of the Antes .

Tobias ,

Sith that Solomon hath sette foorth for the sluggrdes , Prouerbs . 6. the example of the Ante , I doubt not but that she is very laborious and diligent . But I knowe not whether we ought to beleeue all that whiche Plinie and Plutarke haue written .

Ierome ,

Whether al that whiche they haue written be true or no , I referre me to them-selues . But yet neuerthelesse , I think that they haue not written without some reason that , that they do testifie : Besids experience witnesseth , at the least in some part , the thinges the whiche they do witnesse . But sith that we haue heard their witnesse , let vs now heare what Theophrastus will say more vpon that place , the whiche he hath alredie alledged out of Solomon , touching this mattet .

Theophrast .

It shal be good that we heare the very words of Solomon himselfe , the better to vnderstande the doctrine , the whiche he woulde geue vs to vnderstand by the same . Prouerb . 6.6 The sluggard sent to the schole of the Ante. Goe to the Emits ( sayth he ) thou sluggard , consider her waies and learne to be wise . She hath no guide , no teacher , no leader : yet in the Sommer she prouideth her meate , and gathereth her foode together in the Haruest . Howe long wilt thou sleepe thou sluggishe man ? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleepe ? Yea sleepe on still a litle , slomber a litle , fold thy hands together yet a litle , that thou mayest sleepe : So shal pouertie come vnto thee as one that trauaileth by the way , and necessitie like a weaponed man . And in an an other place , marke what he speaketh , not onely of the Ante , but also of certayne other litle Beastes , which are not of any great strength . Prou 30.24 There be foure thinges in the earth ( sayth he ) the whiche are very litle : but in wisedome they exceede the wise . The Emmets are but a weake people , yet gather they their meate together in the Haruest . The Conies are but a feeble folke , yet make they their couches among the rockes . The Grashoppers haue not a guide , yet goe they foorth together by heapes ▪ the Spyder laboreth with her handes , and that in the Kinges palace .

Tobias ,

Wherefore doth Salomon set foorth the feblenes of those beastes ?

Theophra .

It is to take from the slugardes and idle persons , The excuse as the sluggardes and slothfull excluded . all the excuses which they might aleadge for to excuse their slugishnes and slothfulnes . For although that these litle beasts are feeble & weak , & that they haue no king nor Prince for to defend and conduct them : yet neuerthelesse , that doth not let and hinder them to do their workes .

Tobias .

Is , that the cause , why hee said , that they had no guide ?

Thophrast .

In speaking the same , he giueth two aduertisementes vnto men , the which are worthy to be noted . For on the one side , he rebuketh them for that they do nothing but thorowe compulsion , and that they cannot yet do their dutie , although they be incited and driuen forwards by many meanes , wherein they haue a great aduantage , which the beastes haue not . For they haue none other master nor mystres to teach them , but the nature which God gaue them , with whiche they doo better keepe their estate , then men doo in that with which they were first created of God . And on the other side , he doth also admonishe the Princes and all superiours , The office of princes not to suffer those to liue idlely whom they haue in charge , & to keepe and defend them . And by that he speaketh of the Conyes , he rebuketh the rashnes and folish hardines of men . Rashnes . And by that he speaketh of the Grashoppers , he rebuketh them of their disobedience towardes their maiestrates . And by the Spider , Disobedience . he admonisheth that those which haue the charge of the common wealth or publicke thinges , Care . ought to be more careful and vigilant .

Tobias .

Me thinks that thou wouldest say that those which are in publicke office , and in Kinges and Princes houses , ought to be more careful and diligent then any other , after the example of the Spider , who is not idle in the Kinges palace . And yet neuerthelesse , those houses are commonly the schooles of the greatest Idlenes that is in the worlde .

Theophrast .

And therfore God doth send them the spiders , for to rebuke and checke them .

Tobias ,

And therefore I thinke that that is the cause wherefore the Spyders are so muche dryuen away with their copwebs , A Prouerbe . wherefore men say in a common prouerbe , That the Spider hath taken vp her lodging with the poore men , & the Goute in the riche mens houses , in whiche she may take best rest .

Theophrast .

Let vs leaue of that matter , and come agayne vnto Salomon , who ioyneth here these foure beasts , who notwithstanding they are but lytle of bodie , yet neuerthelesse they do playnely shewe , that they haue a maruaylous naturall wysedome , by which they passe and excell the same of the wyse men . Then as he woulde that we should learne of the Ante , to be diligent , geuen to labour , and well foreseeing to our affayres : So he sendeth vs vnto the Connies ,

The Connies and that that they do teache vnto man .

A sure dwelling .

that we may learne by their example , not onely to be diligent , and geuen to labour , but also to seeke for a sure & firme dwelling . For notwithstanding that the Connies are without strength and resistance , insomuch that they can doo none other thing , but to flye at the baye and barking of the least Dogge in the worlde : yet neuerthelesse they are such continuall diggers and scrapers , that they bring it to passe in the end , that they do cleaue a sunder and make hollow the stones and rockes , for to lodge them selues therein , and their yong ones with them . And therefore it is sayde in the Psalmes . The rockes are a refuge for the Connies . Psal 104.18 . For they knowe very well howe to make their Caues and dennes , and to finde out fitte and sure places for the same : and they are very diligent for to prouide for their meate and their yong-ones , of which they are so fruitefull , Pli. lib. 8.55 . that sometimes the Balearians were constrayned to demaunde ayde and souldiers of Augustus Caesar , against those , fearing least they woulde destroy their Cuntry , as they haue somtyme destroyed Cities . Nowe seeing that we haue not here any abyding and permanent Cittie , Heb. 13.14 . but do seeke another : where may we find a sure habitation & dwelling , but in the holie Citie of the celestiall Ierusalem , Heb. 2.3 . Apo. 21.22 . Psal. 118.19 . Math. 16.21 . 1. Cor. 11.34 Pro. 18.10 . Ephe. 2.19 . of which God is the wall ? And in the Church of Iesus Christ , which is the house of God builded vpon the sure stone and sure rocke ? For the name of God is a strong bulwarke and a sure forstresse . Wherefore seeing that we haue Iesus Christ the sure stone which is the foundation of the holie Citie of the celestiall Ierusalem , and of the prophets and Apostles we are admonished that we must not be fearefull and cowardes , how great feblenesse soeuer be in vs : But that we employ our selues euery one according to the gyftes which we haue receyued of God , hauing alwaies our refuge vnto that stone and Rocke . Those then whiche put all their trust and affyance in the vayne and brittle thinges of this worlde , and in their ryches , honours , parentages , and in the vayne ceremonies and traditions of men , and in the workes of their handes , are not so wyse and prudent as the Connies , but are those fooles of whom Iesus Christ speaketh , Mat. 7.26 . which builded their houses vpon the Sandes . For sith that they are not builded vpon the worde of God , and that they do not kepe it in their hartes , their building wil fall downe vpon them . The which thing we ought wel to learne , not onely of the Connies , but also of the Moules . For Varro witnesseth , Plin. lib. 8.29 . mart in Apopho . that in Thessalie , a Citie , was ouerthrowen by the Moules : And another in Spaine by the Connies .

Tobias ,

If these litle beastes can ouerthrow and destroy the buildings , edified and builded by men , we may wel know what fortresse one can find whiche can resiste the power & iudgment of God .

Theophrast .

We haue yet to note , that besides al that , the Connies may bragge & bost them selues that they haue taught men , the maner to make mynes , holes and caues vnder the ground , for to vndermine and ouerthrowe Townes , Castles and fortresses . And therefore the mynes and Caues that men make vnder the ground , keepeth yet the name of Conies among the Latines . For they cal them Cuniculi , of the same name by which they cal the Connies . wherefore they haue learned vs , howe much we ought to trust to our fortresses , and to the workes of our handes . In like-maner , the men which know not how to keepe order among them selues , and which doo no honour nor reuerence vnto iustice , are not so wyse as the Grashoppers . The wisedome of the grashoppers Plin. lib. 1.29 For notwithstanding that they are without King and gouernour , yet neuerthelesse they kepe an order in flying : And there is among them some forme of iustice , as those whiche God did sende into Egypt , and there was founde good order among them . For they flye by great troupes and companies , and do passe the long Seas and cuntries . And therefore when the scripture woulde signifie a great Armie , it saith sometime that the armie couereth all the earth , as the Grashoppers . Iudges . 6.5 What shal we say then of those men , whom we cannot make to obey iustice , nor to render their dutie , neither towards god nor towards men ? For although that they haue Princes , Maiestrates , and lawes , and which is more , although that they haue God their soueraigne king and father , which neuer ceaseth to teach & learne them by his word , yet neuertheles , they wil not be kept in order . And although that we haue God for king , and that we are vnder his protection , yet neuerthelesse we thinke our selues to be lost , assone as the protection of men and creatures wanteth . Wherin the Grashoppers shew them selues more hardie and curragious then we . The Spiders Pli. li. 11.24 . And what shal we say of the spiders , ought they to geue lesse shame vnto the sluggardes and sleepers , then the Ante ? For notwithstanding that she be but weake , yet neuerthelesse she feareth not to haunte , not onely poore mens houses , but also the kinges and princes Palaces , and to make her webbes in them , turning and winding them now on the one side and now on the other , The weauing of the Spider . and catching al that whiche serue her , for to stretch them out and make them as long as they can be . And although that one do breake & deface her woorkes , and dryue her from one side to the other , yet neuerthelesse she is not so fearefull that she forsaketh her lodging therefore , but returneth daylie to her woorke : Insomuche that men doo not so fast breake them , as she repaireth and amendeth them , setting foorth still newe workes . Wherein she maketh men greatly ashamed , whiche turne them selues from their dutie and office be it thorowe the greatnes and mightinesse of Kings and Princes , or thorowe all the lettes that men may doe vnto them . Let vs also consider what paine that beast taketh to make her threades , for to get her liuing by it . And afterwardes when they are made , what diligence she taketh after her chase ? Let the silke-weauers and also the lynen cloth makers , & the tapestrie makers , and imbroderers , and also all those that make threddes come , and compare their woorke to the spiders webbes , & let them consider in which is most conning . And who hath learned them that occupation ? It was not men , but rather they haue learned of them .

Ierome .

Plinie telleth maruayles of their workes , to weete , how they deuide the labours betweene them , & howe the wyfe spinneth and maketh the webbes and threds , and the husband on the other side chaseth and hunteth for their nourrishment . I thinke that the same was the cause wherefore the poetes haue fayned that Arachne , Arachne transformed into a spider . that good and cunning weauer , was transformed into a Spider , because of her Arte , who was founde to haue followed the Spiders : of which transformation Ouid hath written after this maner .

And when minarue should depart , Ouid meta . lib. 6. with iuice of Hecats flower : She sprinkled her , and by and by , the poyson had such power , That with the touch thereof her heare , her eares and nose did fade : And very smal it both her head , and al her body made . Instead of legges , to both her sides , sticke fingers soft and fine : The rest is bellie from the which , she neuerthelesse doth twyne . A slender threed , and practiseth , in shape of spider still The spinners and the websters craftes : of which she earst had skil . Theophrast .

Let vs leaue of the transformations of the poets , and returne vnto the schoole of the Spiders , to which Salomon sendeth vs . Then if we consider the huswiferie whiche the spider holdeth , Euil huswiues . howe manie euil huswifes shal we finde , which knowe not how to spinne , nor sewe , neither the arte of weauing , nor yet any science at all for to occupie them selues in their houses ? Wherefore such women are not worthie to be compared vnto the Spider , sauing as touching the poyson which they are ful of . Also if men wil glory and boast them selues in hunting , The chase & hunting of men and of the spiders . Plini . lib. 11. cap. 24. Arist. hist. animal . lib. 9 cap. 39. and for that they are so ingenious and wyse that they knowe the meanes to take al kind of beasts , what matter of glorying & boasting haue they more greater then the Spiders ? For what hunters are there more subtil , then the Spider for to lye in waite , and for to trappe and snare the beastes , and to make them to fall into their nettes , or more diligent to lay holde on them ? And yet neuerthelesse she hath neither sinewes nor bones , But a very litle bodie .

Ierome ,

Although it be so as thou saiest , yet neuerthelesse , she hath the industrie to stay & catch sometims litle euets , & lezards , in her nets . And therfore Plutarke saith , is not the worke of the Spiders greatly to be maruailed at , which haue geuen vnto women the pattern for to make their thredes , & vnto the fysher men , for to make their netts . Let one beholde the perfection & the subtilitie of the threde , and the knotes of the webbe that cannot be vnlosed , being as a soft and tender skinne , & glewed together as though it were starched . Furthermore , the dying of the colour declareth some ayrie and troubled thing , to the end it may the better deceiue . Finally , a man would neuer haue beleued that they had been so wel taught to draw together the lines which gouerneth their workes , in somuch , that as sone as there is any praye or captiue , they feele and perceiue it , & in a moment leape out and drawe together their nettes , as doth an expert and conning hunter . And if it were not but , that we see it daylie before our eyes , a man would thinke that it were but a fable . Behold the witnes of Plutark .

Thophrast .

Besides al that which we haue alredie spoken of , they haue yet another great aduantage . For if men wil chase and hunt , there must be many of them , and that they must haue many instrumentes for their hunting , the which wil be great charge vnto them .

Ierome ,

That is very true . And moreouer , Hunters eaten vp by their dogs . they must nurrish and feede a great companie of dogges , the which often-times eate vp their maisters . Euen as the Poets haue written , The transformation of Acteon . that the dogges of Acteon did eat vp their maister , being changed into an hart : of whiche transformation Ouid hath written after this maner . Diana makes no farther threats , Ouid. meta lib. 3. but by and by doth spread : A paire of liuely old hartes hornes : vpon his sprinkeled head , She sharpes his eares , she makes his necke , both slender long and lanke : She turnes his fingers into feete , his armes to spindle shanke . She wrappes him in a hairie hide , be-set with speckled spottes , And planteth in him fearefulnes , and so away he trottes . And afterwardes towardes the ende he saith .

Acteon nowe was ful of care , of sorowe and of griefe : And blamed much his hornes , which did betray him as a theefe . As often as they named him , he sadly shooke his head : And faine he woulde haue ben away , thence in some other stead . But there he was , and wel he coulde , haue founde in hart to see : His dogges fel dedes , so that to feele , in place he had not bee . They hem him in on euery side , and in the shape of stagge : With greedie teeth and griping pawes , their lorde in peeces dragge . So fierce was cruell Phaebes wrath , it coulde not be alayde : Til of his fault by bitter death , the ransome he had paide .

Beholde as touching the faining of the poets . But yet we must not think that it is altogether vaine .

Theophrast .

Although the hunters be not in very deede turned into hartes , yet there are a great many of whom one may rightly say , that their doggs haue eaten and deuoured them . And we must not doubt , but that gods iudgment is iust herein . For although the hunters committed none other fault , but in these that they geue vnto the dogges that which woulde nourishe , and feede agreat many of poore people , that fault is great yenough for to prouoke vpon them , not the ire and wrath of Diana , as it is written of Acteon , but that of the liuing God . And further-more , there is yet another euill , whiche is , that the hunters al the while they bestow and loose in hunting , cannot employ them selues to their labour and tilling of their groundes , or to woorke vpon any other their occupation . For after that they are once geuen and addicted vnto it , they despise their housholdes and their affayres and doings , and are not so carefull as they ought to be . Whereby it commeth to passe that afterwards they fal into pouerty & neede . Wherfore one may wel say , that not onely their dogges , but also their haukes & horses haue eaten them , not onely because they haue bestowed al their substance and goods to nurrishe them , but also because that thorowe the occasion of them they are become euil husbandes , and haue lefte and foreslowed their chiefest affayres and busines .

Ierome .

That which thou speakest agreeth well with the exposition , Palepha . de fabul . natra . the which Palephatus geueth of the transformation of Acteon , which we haue spoken of . For first of al he saith , that the poetes geue vs to vnderstande by this fable , that men ought to take heede that they do nothing whiche may displease the gods , and prouoke them to anger . Afterwardes he saith that in times past , all men labored with their hands , & did not their busines by seruants & strange people , but by them selues . And therfore al those whiche were diligent in labour were rich . And the more they busied them selues , the richer they waxed . And on the other side , those that were idle & slothful , & the proud which shunned labour , and were ashamed of it , and which gaue themselues vnto hunting & vnto other pastimes , became pore & beggers , as he said happened vnto Acteon , for the causes before rehearsed . And therefore he was made a common prouerbe , who afterwards did geue matter vnto the fables and faynings of the Poetes .

Theophrast .

There are yet at this day many houses not onely of rich Gentlemen , but also of rich yeomen , and husbandmen , whiche haue been destroyed partely by such meanes .

Ierome .

We may see it before our eyes . And therefore I am of the same aduise with Palephatus . And I doe not think but that the poets haue fained this chaunging of Acteon that great hunter chaunged into an harte , and deuoured by his dogges , but for to signifie the follie of a great many of foolish hunters , which destroy them selues by their hunting and feeding their dogges . And if that be to be condemned in gentlemen , whiche make it a daylie occupation , it is yet more to be condemned in laborers and artificers , when they leaue vndone their workes and busines , for to geue them selues vnto such occupation , whiche wil bring them to beggerie . But let vs returne agayne vnto the Spider , whom we talked of , she is a better housholder , then those are whom we spake of . For fyrst , she lyueth by her hunting , as of her proper occupation , and she leaueth not of her occupation by which she liueth , for to vse any other whiche woulde make her dye with hunger . Agayne , she exercyseth her hunting all alone , and without any cost at al. Moreouer she knoweth the times and the seasons fyt for to take her venison , and the places where she must pytch her nettes . Spiders are Astrologers Plini . lib. 11 cap. 24. Arist. hist. animal . lib. 9. cap. 38.39 . For she is an Astrologer , and knoweth when it wil rayne and the water encrease , then she pytcheth her nettes higher . Also they make their webbs in cloudie and darke wether , not in cleare weather , because that the cloudie wether is best for to take the beastes . And therefore when you see a great multitude of them , they signifie rayne . We may adde vnto these beastes , the silke wormes , The silke wormes . Plini . lib. 11. cap. 22.23 . Arist. hist. animal . lib. 5. cap. 24. of whiche the Philosophers haue also written maruaylous thinges , that is to say ▪ of the maner of making their nestes , and of their wolles and webbs with which they do make men and women braue .

Theophrast .

What is he that will not greatly maruayle of the wisedome of God , when he beholdeth the industrie , the sence and vnderstanding which is in those litle beastes ? For if there be so much in one so litle abodie , as is the same of the Ante or Emet , that with much adoe one can scant perceiue with the eye , let vs thinke what is the wysedome and prouidence of the Creator , whiche hath created them ? Let vs also thinke whether saint Paul had not iust cause to say , Rom. 1.20 that his eternal power and Godhead is knowen by the visible thinges . Where are the Epicures whiche denie the prouidence of God ? The wisedome and prouidence of God , manifested in the little creatures against the epycures . If there be so-much in those litle Ants , and in those other litle creatures , for to preserue and keepe their kinde , what ought it to be in God , for to Preserue his creatures and workes of his handes , and cheefely mankinde , whome he hath created to immortalitie ? Are these wicked epicures worthie to be compared vnto these beastes ? Haue not we iust occasion to sende them to their schoole to dispute with them , and for to learne in the same , for to knowe God , and his prouidence ? What saiest thou to it Tobie ?

Tobias ,

I thinke that we haue as good an occasion as Salomon had , to sende thither the sluggarde .

Theophrast .

Furthermore , if we will compare the Ante and those other beastes which we speake of but now , and also the order of their common wealth , with al that which Plato , Zenophon , Aristotle , and the other Philosophers haue written in their Oeconomickes and politickes , of the lawes , rule and gouernement of houses , families , common-welthes , citties , and kingdomes , and also the most excellent Oeconomikes , and politicks which euer haue beene among men , men shal be found more beastes then they , and more worthie to be sent vnto their schooles , then vnto the scholes of the Philosophers . For the philosophers are many tymes like vnto many preachers , which preach very wel , and speake very earnestly against the deedes of the fleshe , but they worke but euilly , and they are those whiche do the least of that which they teach others . But these schoole-masters to whom the holy ghost sendeth vs by his holy scriptures , are masters which teache their disciples and schollers not in vaine & babling bookes , and which tende al to Pleasure , but in doing them selues that which they teach , for they teach by their owne example . The whiche maner of teaching , hath more authoritie and maiestie , then the other , and hath more vertue to moue and induce men to that whereunto they woulde induce and bring them . And as touching that which hath ben sayde of gods prouidence , the which manifesteth it selfe in the nature the which he gaue vnto the creatures , it manifesteth it selfe , yet better in that , that the least amongest them , are those vnto whom he geueth most industrie and wysedome , to the ende that by the same they may recompence the force and strength whiche is wanting in them . Art not thou of mine opinion frend Ierome .

Ierome .

Experience teacheth vs that thou sayest . But seeing we are entreed into talke of good housholders , I thinke we haue one point to talke of , whiche is very requisite , not onely in al those whiche woulde be esteemed for good housholders , but also in al those whiche woulde be accompted for humane men , and not for beastes more inhumaine then the sauage and brute beastes . The point of whiche I speake , is touching the loue and amitie that the husband & the wife ought to haue together , and touching the care that the one ought to haue the one of the other , The affection of fathers and mothers of families , towardes ther families and in like maner the fathers and mothers towardes their children . For if those vertues be not in fathers and mothers of families , what can their housholdes be ? Now if it be a question of such vertues , al the beastes generally ( as Plutark wittesseth ) do loue entierly that which they ingender and bring forthe , and cherish them carefully . And if there be some of the male kynde which haue not that loue nor care , yet it is alwayes founde in the females , & not onely among the terrestriall beastes , but also among the aquatical & seabeasts . Wherfore seeing we are in hand with the schole of beasts , we may yet send men thither , touching that poynt . For that cause ( but that I feare I shall wearie you ) I could declare vnto you a great manie of examples touching this matter , of many beastes which haue a singular affection and industry in suche matters .

Tobias ,

So that I may take pleasure in it , I am wel assured that Theophrastus will also agree vnto it . For I take you both for my masters . Wherfore I am content to learne of you both , whatsoeuer it shal please you to teach me .

Ierome .

The pygeons . First of all , I will speake of the pygeons , both the male and feemale , because we haue a good example in them , of the Amitie which ought to be betwene the husband & the wife , and of the care that the one ought to haue the one of the other , and afterwardes both of them togeather of the young ones which God geueth them . For the cocke pygeons in this poynt differ from the nature of the male partridges , for the males of the partridges breake their females eges , & fiinally their femals do loose them , because they will not receiue them all the while they hatch : And therefore they forsake them .

Tobias .

Then thou canst not sette them forth vnto vs for an example of good househoulders and good husbands , Euil husbandes . but rather for an example of euill husbands which loue not their wyues , but as the whoremasters their whoores , to wit , for the onely cause of carnal pleasure , that they may haue with them .

Ierome .

And therefore I set forth the male pygeons for a contrarye example . Good husbandes . For they doe take with their females a part of the care and paine , that they must haue of their egges & young . For they kepe the eggs when nede is , Also they feede their young , And when the female tarieth ouer long in the feeldes , they flappe them with their winges , and compel them to come vnto their young .

Tobias ,

All husbandes and wiues , and all fathers and mothers of families , do not agree so well together to bring vp their children , and to keepe in good order their housholdes . For it happeneth often tymes , that the one layeth al the charge vpon the other . For howe many husbandes are there whiche are euill housholders , whiche haue no care at all of their housholdes , neyther of their wyues , and children , but leaue al the charge vnto their wiues ? Howe many also are there of women , that do the like towardes their husbandes . But this is yet worse , when that neyther the one nor the other do their dutie , but let al alone , not caring for any thing .

Ierome .

The swallowes . Plutarke . . The Swallowes also haue this propertie , among other byrdes , that they teach their yong , so that they know howe to cast out their donge from their nest .

Tobias .

I thinke the other byrdes do the like ?

Ierome .

It is very true , that they are not so filthie as men : and their yonge are not so defiled with their doung and fylth , as the yong children are with theirs : But yet neuerthelesse , the Swallowe hath one singuler propertie herein , more then the other birdes haue , if we will geue credite vnto those whiche haue written of the nature of them .

Tobias .

We may better knowe that which the swallowe doth in suche a case , then we may knowe of other byrdes , because they dwel not so nere as the Swallowes .

Ierome .

It is very true . And as touching the industrie to keepe their yong , The partridge . Plutarke . the partridges vse in the same a great subtiltie . For al the while that their yong ones cannot yet fly for their yong age , they accustom them to lye vpon their backes , & to couer them with mosse or leaues , or with some other thing , when the hunters are hard by them : and in the meane tyme they leade the hunters to the other side , and turne and flye as though it were paynefull vnto them , and make as though they could not runne , and they do it so long vntill they haue retyred , and drawen the hunters very farre from their yongones .

Tobias ,

Beholde a great subtiltie , ioyned with a greatloue , and care towardes her yong-ones .

Ierome .

That which we reade of the Hares , The hares . Plutarke . to that same purpose is no lesse worthie to be wondred at . For the hares before they betake them selues to their formes , do carie their yong , one in one place , another in another place : And some-times they seperate them a good forlong the one from the other , to the ende that if paraduenture their come eyther man , or dogge , they are not al of them in like danger . And after that they haue made great scraping with their feete , making a great leape , they keepe them selues there and take their rest .

Tobias .

I would neuer haue thought that the hares had been so wyse and subtyl , to keepe their yong-ones .

Ierome .

The hedge-hogs . If the hare be wyse and subtil in keeping of her yong , the Hedg-hogges are no lesse , not onely for to prouide for theirs , but also for to saue and defend them selues . And therefore , here what Plutarke hath written . First he sayth , that the subtiltie of the Hedg-hogge hath geuen place vnto this prouerbe . A prouerbe of the fox & of the hedg-hog . The Fox hath many wyles , but the Hedg-hogge knoweth one exellent .

Tobias .

It is also sayde that the Cat is more wylie then the Fox .

Ierome .

There is more reason of the saying of the Hedg-hogge . For when the Fox pursueth him , the Hedg-hogge rowleth him selfe ( as men say ) within his prickles , as the Chestnut is enclosed with in his hull . And by that meanes he kepeth him there enclosed , so that he cannot be any whit hurted . But the care & the wysedome , that he hath of his yong-ones , is worthie to be wondred at . For as Plutarke witnesseth , he goeth into the vineyards in the time of cutting , and with his feete he beateth to the ground the grapes , afterwardes he rowleth him-selfe vpon them , and maketh them to sticke vppon his prickles . Plutarke who hath written so , bringeth in a man who witnessed , that he did see it with his eyes . And therefore he sayth , I remember that on a certayne day , we sawe one , that we did thinke that it was a Grape tree , which went , he was so loden with grapes . And when he is entred into his denne and hole , The Astronomie and pronostication of the hedghog . he geueth one part to his yong-ones , & keepeth the other for him selfe . For his hole or borrowe hath two entrings in , the one towards the north , and the other towardes the South winde , the which he stoppeth and openeth , according as he seeth the times do chaunge , as the mariners do the sayles of their shippes . And therfore a certayne man of Cyzicenia , taking good heede thereunto , did get by that meanes , a great renowne , as though he could foreshewe by Astronomie , what windes would blowe .

Tobias .

That man of whom thou speakest , may wel aduaunce & bragg him selfe , that he hath passed master in astronomie , and in the art of prognostications in the schoole of the Hedg-hogge : Seeing that by his knowledge he hath gotten suche a fame among the ignorant .

Ierome ,

Thou sayest true . But sith that we haue spoken of beasts , which are conuersant and dwelling vpon the earth : I will say also some-thing of those which haunt the waters , and lyue there , and chiefely in the Sea , & I will first begin , by a sea byrde , called Halcion . Halcion . faithfullnes ●n houshold . Plutark among others , telleth of his great vertues . For first he saith , that this byrde loueth singulerly his femal : & ioineth not himself with her at certaine times onely , but at al tims of the yeere , and not for that he is so much geuen vnto luxurie : For he neuer hath the companie of any other . But he doth the same thorowe amitie and good wil , as it behoueth husbandes to do . When the male is old , & that he followeth his female with great payne , she taketh care on him , and beareth and nurrisheth him , neuer leauing him behind her . For she carrieth him vpon her shoulders , and leadeth him whether it pleaseth him , and keepeth and cherisheth him euen vntil death .

Tobias ,

A man shal finde very fewe such wyues , which are so faythful vnto their husbandes , and which haue such care ouer them , and so long .

Ierome .

I do not denie but that we shal find many good husbands & good wyues , who do sufficiently their dutie the one towardes the other , if we wil make comparison with those whiche do euilly discharge their office in suche a case . But those here are very thicke sowen , in comparison of others And after we haue to note , that the beastes which I speake of , haue this more then men : That is , that there is not only some of them in their kind , which gouerne them selues so , but al are so by nature , and followe it without doing any fault , because that they are not corrupted thorowe sin , as the men , which maketh them more beastes , then the beastes . But marke yet more what this author hath writ ten of the care that this byrde hath , to prepare lodging for his yong-ones . The buildings of the Halcion . The mother ( sayth he ) hath such great care ouer her yong-ones , that assoone as she feeleth her selfe great , she beginneth to builde . She heapeth not the claye and lome agaynst the walles , and the myre as the Swallowes do , neither chargeth al her members as the honie bees do , when they make their combs , deuiding their worke & their chambers in fashion , hauing six squares and as many feete : But the Halcion employeth but one organ , & one simple instrument , that is her byll : and not hauing any ayde , the diligence and care towards her yong-ones , ioyned and added to her industrie . O good God , what doth she ? What taketh she in hande ? It is harde to be beleeued of those , which haue not seene it . For she maketh a worke after a newe fashion , much like vnto a shippe , the which cannot be broken neither drowned with the w●ues & surges . For she maketh and tyeth it together , with the bones and prickles of litle fishes , and ioyneth them the one within the other : some right , others crosse : As we see howe cloth is wouen . And after that she hath ioyned and fastned them so together , she bendeth & turneth them round ? And at the last , she maketh it after such sorte , that it seemeth properly that it is a shippe , pycked and narrow in the bottome , and wide aboue , or els a long fishing boate . After that she hath finished it , she bringeth it to the sea shore , & setteth it by the sea-side , and when the sea beginneth to flowe and beat softly agaynst it , it teacheth her to stoppe the holes and ventes , and to amende and make strong that which is weake . Nowe after that al is very strong and sounde , she shutteth it so fast , that neyther stone nor iron can breake it . But in al the woorke there is not a thing more worthie to be maruailed at , then is the dooer of the sayde worke . For it is made after such sort , that none can enter but she onely . The other beastes can neyther see nor perceiue it , yea and the water cannot enter into it .

Tobias ,

Thou tellest me of incredible thinges . If that which thou saiest bee true , the Halcions haue rather taught men the manner to make shippes & boates , then the Halcions haue learned of them the science & knowledge that they haue to builde their houses , as well for them selues as for their yong-ones , the which may flote and swimme vppon the Sea , as the shippes .

Ierome .

I boast not that I haue sene that which I speake of . But Plutarke who hath written it , alleadgeth for witnesse of such things , marriners which dwell in the Iles , haue oftentimes seene the experience of those thinges , which he hath written , Of the foresight & care of the fishes towardes their ftuite and young . aswel of this byrd Halcion , as of the fishes , of which he maketh a great discours . For he praiseth greatly some Seafishes for their foresight , and care that they haue of their fruites and young , aswell in their procreation and birth as in the nourishment , keeping and preseruation of them . And therefore he saith touching this matter : First , that all the fishes which inhabite the Seas neere vnto anye lakes , or into which riuers do come , following the same riuers , do seeke earnestly ( when the time approcheth that they must bring forth thir fruite ) the sweetest waters , and those that haue least saltnes : & they do the same for two causes , to wit , either because that tranquilitie is best for them to yeelde their fruit , or els because that the lakes and riuers are lesse daungerous because of the beastes , and also because they maye best nourishe their fruites . Wherefore many bring forth and cast their fruites in the Eginian sea : For it hath not in it any whalles , but onely little Dolphus , & little sea-calues : And the great riuers that run into it , giue a sweete and gentle temperatenes and most pleasaunt to the fishes .

Tobias

Behold a good foresight , it wanteth a great deale , that men know so well to prouide for their families , in such a case .

Ierome .

And by and by after Plutarke saith . And although that peraduenture that is common vnto all mothers , to haue care of that whiche they haue engendred : yet neuerthelesse the males doe not murther and kill their younge , as Aristotimis hath sayd : But which is more , they take such great care , that they wil not stur from them , and do geather and heap to geather the egs , as Aristotle sayth . There be also some which follow the females , and sprinkle the egges , with the genitall seed , because without the same nothing can growe excellent and perfect , but wil abide imperfect , and wil not growe as it ought to do . Commonly the fishes whiche we call Phyces , Phyces . hauing made as it were a knot of an hearbe whiche we call Algue , put it about their yong , and it defendeth them from the tempestes . But the lampries do beare the bel , The lamprey . and do merite the crowne aboue all other fishes in case of fatherly loue , and indulgence , goodnes and gentlenes towardes their yong-ones . First they do lay their egges , and then the litle ones . But they do not cast forth their yong as other fishes do , but nurrish them in their bellies , as though they engendred them twise : And when they are growen , then they cast them foorth , and teach them to swymme & play about them . And afterwardes they receiue them agayne into their bellies in at their mouthes , and geue vnto them their bodies for to dwell in , geuing them place , meate , and refuge , vntil such time as they knowe that they are able to helpe themselues .

Tobias

If it be so as thou saiest the sea beastes doe surmount and passe the beastes of the earth , in that loue & care towards their fruite & young .

Ierome .

Thou wilt maruaile more of this , that the same Aucthour hath written touching this matter , touching the Tortic of which he speaketh thus . The tortice . The care also that the Tortice hath to nourish & keep her yongons , is worthy of great admiration , for leaping alitle out of the sea , she bringeth forth her yong . And because that she cannot continue long out of the sea , and stay vpon the lande , shee layeth first her egges vpon the sand , and afterwards she couereth them with fine sande , & after that she hath couered them wel , ( as some say ) she marketh the place , and signeth it with her feet , so that she may finde it agayne , or as others say , the femall being ouerturned by her male , printeth vpon the sande , the carecter and forme of her owne shel . After-wardes , whiche is a thing greatly to be maruayled , fortie daies being past she , commeth agayne : for so long time the yong muste bee shut vp . And when the male and female are come , euery one of them knowing their treasure , vncouereth it more ioyfully and cherefully then men vncouer the holes and places in whiche they haue hid vp their treasures . Plutarke calleth the treasure of the Tortice their eggs & their yong , because that there is no man so careful of his treasures , and which loueth them so much as the Tortice loueth , and is careful of her yong .

Tobias .

It is sayd in a common prouerbe , A prouerbe . that those that come from farre , haue greater libertie to tell what they list , then others . And because that one cannot easily gainesay that which they speake , they haue the greater licence to lye . We may say the lyke of those which speake of the sea and of the Sea beastes , vnto those which knowe not what they are .

Ierome .

I require thee not that thou shouldest beleeue as the Gospell , al that I shall rehearse vnto thee of Aristotle , Plinie and of Plutarke , and of such other . But yet neuerthelesse I do not thinke , but that those worthie men hauing written those things that they haue written , but that there are some things therein trew , & that they haue had some experience , or els some good witnesses thereof . For seing that they were learned men , and of great aucthoritie , and renowme , we must not thinke that they haue written at all aduenture , for to cause them selues to be mocked at , knowing wel that their writinges shoulde be well examined by many learned men , and which haue tryed and proued the thinges , whereof they haue written . Wherefore we must not by and by reiect as fables , all that which we our selues haue not sene , & which is straunge vnto vs . For God is maruailous in his creatures and in his workes , the whiche he woulde not haue them to be altogether couered and kept secret . And therefore he would be serued of the Painims , which haue enquired of the secretes of nature , for to manifest vnto vs many of his maruailes , to the ende we might alwayes haue more matter to glorifie him in them , and in his prouidence . And therefore to conclude this matter , I wil yet declare vnto thee , touching this matter , that which Plutark hath written of the sea-keyne , The sea-keine . after this sorte . The sea-kyne ( sayth he ) do bring foorth their young vpon the sande : And when they waxe something great , they carrie them into the sea , as for to taste of it , afterwards they bring them agayne vpon the sande , and do so many tymes , vntyll such time as they know that they can helpe them selues , & to take pleasure in the sea . Quintilian saith , that if one would fill at ones , a Phiole or glasse whiche hath a narrowe necke , Quintillian . instit . reth● ▪ lib. 1. and would powre in at once the liquore that he would put into it , it will not enter , but will sprinkle abroade heere and there . But if one would fill it by litle and litle , and as drop by drop , he shall fill it easiely , and shall loose nothing of that hee powreth into it , Quintilian vseth this comparison for to giue vs to vnderstand , that it is requisite to vse such beginning , The meanes that we must vse in teaching . in the instruction of those whom we haue to teach , and chiefely of young children . For they cannot comprehende at once all that one can teach them . Wherefore we must goe by litle and litle . On the other side , it is in lyke maner very harde to vse them selues sodainely to one thing , to the which they haue not been vsed vnto , and chiefely when it is newe and strange . Wherefore it behoueth to keepe meanes , and to do by litle and litle that , that one cannot doe at once .

Tobias .

There be a great many which haue not yet that discretion & wisedome . For they would haue those with whom they haue to doe , should be perfect at the first dashe , and that they shoulde knowe in one day or in one moneth , that which they cannot vnderstande them selues in a yeere . There are also many fathers , the fault of fathers and mothers towardes their children . whiche make their children to dispayre , because they presse and charge them aboue measure , and require of them more then they are able : As also to the contrary , there are others which haue not such care and diligence to teach their children , as they ought , nor to keepe them vnder good discipline , but let them haue so much their wil , that they are quite marred and spoyled .

Ierome .

And therefore we shall haue iust occasion to sende the first to the schoole of the sea-kyne . For they are more calues then the kyne and bullockes . I say asmuch of the maisters of schools , which know not to teach their scholers , by good methoode , and order . As touching the other which endeuour them selues nothing at all to teach their children , I sende them vnto the schoole of the Crocodiles , Crocodile . if that beaste were not so cruel , But yet neuerthelesse take away the crueltie , yet she declareth that she wil not suffer her yong-ones , except they haue courage , and except they will robbe and steale . And therefore the mother kylleth him , which at his first going foorth , he neither stealeth nor deuoureth , eyther a frogge , or a snayle , or some litle grasse , or some other such thing which commeth before him . On the contrary , she loueth the coragious , and loueth them , as Plutarke saith , not with a foolishe affection , as the foolishe mothers doe , but thorow iudgement , as the most wysest of the worlde haue vsed to do . Although that that crueltie of the Crocodile is to be dispised : yet neuerthelesse this is to be praysed , that the mother is not so foolishe ouer her yong-ones , that she supporteth them if they be other then they ought to be according to their kinde . But we haue spoken sufficiently of the nature of beastes , vpon the matter of good and euil housholders . It nowe remaineth that we make an ende of this matter , except Theophrastus wil say anoother thing for the confirmation hereof . The instruction of saint Paull vnto fathers and mothers .

Theophrast .

I haue no other thing to say at this time , but that Saint Paul geueth a very good rule vnto fathers and mothers , & vnto al those whiche haue charge of children , yea in a fewe wordes , when he sayde ? Ephe. 6.4 . Ye fathers , prouoke not your children to wrath , but bring them vp in instruction and information of the Lorde . And in another place , Collo. 3.21 . ye fathers prouoke not your children to anger , least they be discouraged . By these words he geueth the fathers and mothers wel to vnderstande , what moderation they ought to vse towardes their children , aswell to the ende they be not altogether discouraged , and in dispaire , as also to the ende they mar them not thorow to great libertie . For when he admonisheth them to bring them vp in instruction & information and correction , he geueth them to vnderstand that they ought not to bring them vp in idlenesse , and to let them doo what they list , but to holde and kepe them vnder feare and correction . Whereupon we haue to note that he sayth not onely , bring them vp in instruction & information , but he addeth , of the Lorde . For there be agreat many , whiche are very good housholders , for to cause their children to learne , siences , artes and occupations , for to become of some good countenaunce in the worlde , and for to get them great honours and riches , or at the least wise howe to get their liuing : But they make none accompt , to bring them vp in the feare of God , and in the trewe knowledge of him and his worde , without which , as we haue alredie saide from the beginning , that men are more beasts than the brute beasts . And therefore , he that wil shewe him selfe a good housholder and a good father , hauing trew care of his children must begin there . For it is not written without cause . Psal 111.10 . Pro. 1.7.9.10 Galoa . 1.16 . That the feare of the Lorde is the beginning , the foundation and head of al wisedome , and he can neuer faile to do well , & please God , which doth feare him . And as touching that which Ierome sayde of the Crocodile , there are many which follow her example , and many more then is needefull . The children of the Crocodile . For if their children be not cruell and rauenors , as they are , they thinke them not to be their lawfull children , but disauowe and forsake them , as though they were not of their blood . But we must not require of our children , that they may be like vnto vs in our vices , but that they & we may be trewly reformed after the image of God , and that we may rule al our life after the rule that he hath set foorth vnto vs in his worde .

Ierome .

Behold a verie good conclusion , vpon which I thinke that Toby wil willingly stay him selfe with vs .

Tobias .

I shoulde doe wrong if I shoulde resist it .

FJNJS .