The
Commendation
of
Cockes
,
and
Cocke-fighting
.
Chapter
.
I.
IT
is
written
in
the
first
Chapter
of
the
first
Booke
of
Moses
,
called
Genesis
:
that
God
gaue
vnto
man
,
Soueraigntie
,
Rule
,
&
Dominion
ouer
the
fishes
in
the
sea
;
ouer
the
fowles
of
the
aire
;
and
ouer
euery
liuing
thing
that
he
had
made
:
and
behold
,
it
was
excéeding
good
,
and
was
appointed
vnto
man
for
to
doe
him
homage
,
and
to
serue
him
in
all
places
,
and
times
,
in
his
seuerall
and
necessary
vses
and
not
onely
for
clothing
and
sustenance
for
his
bodie
;
but
also
for
recreation
and
pastime
,
to
delight
his
minde
:
as
with
Cocke-fighting
,
Hawking
,
Hunting
,
and
such
like
.
For
honest
recreation
is
not
prohibited
by
the
word
of
God
:
but
rather
tollerated
and
allowed
.
The
Kingly
Prophet
Dauid
,
rehearsing
the
miraculous
workes
of
the
Almighty
,
in
the
104
Psalme
,
saith
,
speaking
of
the
sea
;
there
goe
the
ships
,
and
there
is
that
Leuiathan
,
whom
thou
hast
made
to
take
his
pastime
therein
.
Now
if
the
fish
be
admitted
to
take
their
pastime
in
the
sea
,
and
the
foules
to
sport
them
in
the
aire
?
How
much
more
may
man
(
which
is
the
king
of
Creatures
)
take
his
pleasure
vpon
the
earth
?
for
our
Sauiour
Christ
saith
,
you
are
of
more
worth
,
then
many
Sparrowes
.
And
the
wise
Salomon
verifieth
,
that
this
is
the
portion
of
a
man
vnder
the
sunne
,
to
eate
,
and
to
drinke
,
and
to
make
his
heart
merrie
with
the
moderate
vse
of
the
good
creatures
of
God
.
Diuers
other
places
in
the
Holy
Scriptures
,
tending
to
this
effect
,
might
be
alleaged
,
to
proue
and
maintaine
the
lawfulnesse
of
mirth
and
modest
pastime
:
which
in
all
ages
,
and
in
all
places
whatsoeuer
,
hath
alwaies
bene
both
tollerated
,
and
commended
:
but
I
will
omit
the
recitall
of
them
,
and
proceede
in
my
pretended
description
of
Cockes
,
and
Cocke-fighting
:
which
pleasant
,
and
delightfull
sport
,
is
so
excellent
of
it selfe
,
that
it
meriteth
much
praise
;
and
so
auncient
,
that
it
may
easily
be
prooued
:
it
was
vsed
long
time
before
our
Sauiour
Christs
peregrination
:
for
doe
but
looke
into
Plutarchs
Bookes
,
called
the
liues
of
the
Romanes
,
and
you
shall
find
in
the
story
of
M.
Antonius
,
that
the
Soothsayers
counselled
him
to
beware
&
take
héede
of
Caesar
,
because
his
Cockes
did
alwayes
loose
the
day
,
when
they
fought
with
Caesars
.
And
I
also
reade
,
that
Themistocles
,
that
worthy
,
valiant
and
time-eternized
Conqueror
,
when
he
besieged
the
famous
and
great
Countrey
Dalmatia
,
did
vse
Cocke-fighting
:
for
at
his
beginning
,
and
first
entrance
into
that
enterprize
,
before
he
gaue
any
assault
,
or
made
any
offer
of
batterie
against
the
countrey
:
he
commanded
that
two
Cockes
of
the
kind
,
should
bee
brought
vnto
him
,
and
be
set
downe
to
fight
before
him
,
in
the
open
view
of
all
his
valiant
souldiers
,
whom
he
earnestly
requested
most
seriously
to
behold
and
marke
the
battell
,
which
was
performed
on
both
parts
,
with
such
stout
courage
,
and
magnanimitie
,
that
all
the
spectators
did
admire
,
and
wonder
to
behold
the
dreadfulnesse
of
their
fight
,
the
deepe
indented
woundes
that
each
of
them
had
,
and
in
the
end
with
what
excéeding
great
resolution
,
both
of
them
died
:
which
bloody
battell
was
no
sooner
ended
,
but
Themistocles
commanding
silence
,
began
this
Oration
.
RIght
worthy
Gentlemen
,
couragious
Companions
,
and
my
most
valiant
and
louing
Souldiers
,
it
is
oftentimes
seene
,
that
he
which
is
least
able
to
beare
,
shall
haue
the
greatest
burthen
layd
vpon
his
backe
,
as
appeareth
most
apparantly
by
me
at
this
instant
,
who
being
ordained
&
appointed
to
be
your
Gouernor
,
and
the
chiefe
Generall
of
the
field
;
whereas
many
of
you
are
more
worthie
,
and
better
able
to
haue
supplyed
my
place
,
and
discharged
my
office
,
than
my selfe
am
.
But
since
it
is
my
Princes
pleasure
,
to
preferre
me
to
this
high
preheminence
and
great
dignity
,
although
I
cannot
performe
all
that
is
requisite
to
be
done
,
by
a
man
of
so
great
a
commaund
,
in
such
absolute
manner
as
I
gladly
would
:
yet
will
I
not
faile
to
shew
my
vttermost
endeauor
to
accomplish
,
and
atchieue
whatsoeuer
I
can
.
Now
the
occasion
of
this
our
present
warlike
preparation
,
is
not
vnknowne
to
you
all
,
but
the
means
how
we
shal
bring
to
passe
our
intended
purposes
,
is
vnknowne
to
any
,
and
remayneth
doubtfull
both
to
you
,
and
to
me
:
and
therefore
the
better
to
effect
what
we
doe
intend
,
I
thought
it
not
amisse
,
but
rather
most
necessarie
,
to
present
vnto
your
publicke
view
the
fierce
fight
,
and
cruell
combate
of
these
two
(
late
vndaunted
,
but
now
dead
)
Cockes
,
that
the
sight
of
the
courage
which
they
shewed
in
this
quarrell
,
might
pierce
into
your
hearts
,
and
make
a
déepe
impression
in
your
discréet
considerations
,
that
thereby
you
might
be
the
more
enboldened
and
encouraged
,
than
you
could
haue
béene
by
all
the
words
of
comfort
that
I
can
relate
,
or
by
all
the
examples
of
former
accidents
that
may
be
repeated
.
I
might
here
take
occasion
to
vnfold
,
and
shew
vnto
you
the
sundrie
shifts
,
and
subtill
euasions
,
which
they
vsed
in
their
fight
,
for
the
eschewing
of
each
dangerous
blowe
interchangeably
passing
betwixt
them
;
but
for
your selues
could
not
but
perceiue
it
,
I
will
let
passe
as
a
thing
not
materiall
to
be
any
more
recyted
And
now
only
as
your
Director
I
aduise
you
,
as
your
Captaine
I
councell
you
,
and
as
your
friend
&
fellow
souldier
I
instantly
exhort
you
,
to
call
to
mind
the
inuincible
courage
of
these
vnreasonable
creatures
:
what
cruelty
they
indured
in
this
conflict
,
how
many
bléeding
woundes
they
susteined
,
neuer
shewing
so
much
as
any
signe
of
yéelding
,
no
not
at
the
very
last
gaspe
of
their
liues
:
when
being
not
able
to
strike
,
stand
,
or
sée
each
other
,
yet
euen
then
they
manifested
their
incredible
valour
,
vntill
the
one
was
left
dead
with
the
blowes
of
his
aduersary
,
&
the
other
not
able
to
liue
,
hauing
obtained
so
doubtfull
a
victorie
:
and
all
this
doubtles
for
no
other
cause
so
farre
as
I
can
coniecture
)
then
for
the
loue
of
their
Hens
Now
therfore
most
heroicall
minded
Gen-men
,
and
couragious
Souldiers
,
if
these
creatures
wanting
the
vse
of
reason
,
who
are
only
guided
by
nature
,
haue
shewed
such
stout
,
vndaunted
and
admirable
courage
for
the
loue
of
their
phéeres
:
let
not
vs
which
are
men
,
indued
with
wisedome
and
vnderstanding
,
and
with
farre
greater
prerogatiues
of
nature
,
then
any
other
inferiour
creatures
,
they
being
subiect
vnto
vs
,
and
made
for
our
vse
:
but
we
hauing
our
natures
much
indéered
,
and
bettered
by
art
,
Let
not
vs
I
say
,
shew
more
cowardize
and
faint
hearted
timorousnesse
,
then
these
silly
fowles
of
the
aire
haue
done
.
I
read
of
many
men
in
former
times
,
which
to
disport
their
Princes
,
haue
entred
into
doubtful
fraies
,
and
most
daungerous
combats
insomuch
,
that
some
of
them
in
those
actions
,
haue
ended
their
liues
by
the
dint
of
their
déerest
companions
swordes
.
Some
haue
consumed
their
dayes
in
trauell
,
and
vndergone
death
in
most
tyrannicall
maner
,
with
great
miserie
,
and
much
extremitie
for
the
good
of
their
countrey
,
sacking
nothing
,
but
fame
for
themselues
,
yet
desirous
to
procure
profit
to
their
natiue
soiles
.
Other
some
haue
suffered
death
for
the
intire
affection
which
they
did
beare
vnto
their
friends
:
diuers
haue
plunged
themselues
into
manifest
and
mighty
perils
for
the
defence
of
their
wiues
and
children
:
and
very
many
haue
béene
more
willing
to
loose
their
liues
,
then
to
loose
their
lands
and
temporall
liuings
:
but
neuer
any
(
I
thinke
)
hath
béene
so
much
subiect
to
cowardize
,
that
they
would
not
fight
to
saueguard
their
owne
liues
.
Yet
this
is
our
cause
now
,
nay
our
cause
is
more
then
so
,
to
animate
vs
vnto
this
conflict
:
for
we
are
commanded
by
our
Prince
(
whom
of
necessitie
wee
must
obey
)
and
challenged
by
our
mortall
enemies
,
who
séeke
the
death
of
our
Prince
:
the
speedy
subuersion
,
and
vtter
ouerthrow
of
our
natiue
Countrey
,
the
ransacking
of
our
substance
,
the
violating
of
our
virgins
,
the
rauishing
of
our
wiues
,
and
lastly
,
the
most
bloody
Massacre
of
all
our
children
and
friends
:
reseruing
our selues
,
to
indure
some
extreame
and
intollerable
tortures
.
Therefore
(
I
beséech
you
)
arme
your selues
with
courage
correspondent
for
such
a
conflict
:
and
let
vs
choose
and
resolue
rather
to
die
valiantly
with
honour
,
then
to
yéeld
our selues
cowardly
to
the
mercie
of
our
mercilesse
enemies
,
who
haue
made
preparation
for
our
generall
destruction
.
These
words
Themistocles
vttered
with
such
vehemencie
of
spirit
,
and
with
such
a
shew
of
vndoubted
valour
,
that
al
the
whole
army
(
which
before
was
somewhat
daunted
and
discouraged
with
the
force
and
multitude
of
their
enemies
)
had
now
(
by
this
instigation
)
so
farre
abandoned
and
chased
away
all
former
feare
,
that
nothing
could
discourage
them
,
for
now
they
séemed
to
disdaine
and
contemne
all
occasions
,
which
might
in
any
sort
dismay
them
:
euery
one
thinking
so
well
,
and
conceiuing
such
a
good
opinion
of
their
Generall
,
that
they
thought
themselues
happie
to
be
vnder
his
gouernment
,
and
déemed
euery
houre
to
be
a
day
long
,
vntill
they
might
buckle
with
their
boasting
aduersaries
.
Whereupon
they
hauing
made
fit
preparation
for
all
their
warlike
prouision
,
they
strooke
vp
an
Alarme
,
sounded
their
trumpets
,
cornets
,
clarions
,
phifes
,
and
other
musicall
instruments
vsed
in
warres
,
with
such
a
triumphant
noyse
,
as
was
able
to
haue
animated
an
effeminate
minded
Souldier
.
And
in
this
manner
they
marched
couragiously
towards
their
enemies
,
whom
they
assailed
so
fiercely
with
such
vnspeakeable
valour
,
that
the
bloody
Massacre
which
they
made
amongst
them
,
(
whom
they
slaughtered
in
great
aboundance
)
was
a
sufficient
witnesse
to
warrant
their
couragious
resolutions
,
they
charging
them
on
euery
side
so
valiantly
,
that
the
fame
of
that
famous
and
heroicall
acte
of
Chiualrie
and
Princely
prowesse
performed
in
that
péece
of
seruice
,
will
neuer
bee
buried
in
obliuion
so
long
as
the
Annalls
of
the
Grecians
remaine
,
or
a
Gréeke
is
liuing
to
record
the
same
.
Chapter
.
II.
LYcurgus
the
law
giuer
of
Lacedemonia
,
counselled
the
Lacedemonians
to
bee
both
as
constant
,
&
as
couragious
as
a
Cocke
is
:
for
this
is
certaine
,
that
he
is
so
constant
to
his
Hennes
,
that
he
will
rather
die
,
then
depart
from
them
:
and
so
couragious
,
that
he
will
neuer
yeeld
vnto
his
aduersarie
,
vntill
death
inforce
him
.
And
Plinie
that
famous
writer
saith
,
That
the
Cocke
loueth
his
Hens
so
entirely
,
that
he
will
take
the
meat
out
of
his
owne
mouth
,
and
then
clucking
them
about
him
,
he
will
bestow
it
most
liberally
and
kindly
among
them
.
And
moreouer
,
if
any
other
Cocke
doe
chaunce
to
come
within
his
regiment
,
precinct
,
or
libertie
,
to
tread
any
of
his
Hennes
,
hée
will
straight
wayes
encounter
with
his
intruding
aduersarie
,
and
valiantly
aduenture
his
life
with
him
,
be
he
neuer
so
strong
,
or
stout
,
rather
then
yéeld
him
any
iot
or
part
of
his
pleasure
.
Héere
may
all
men
take
occasion
by
this
example
of
the
Cocke
,
to
weigh
and
consider
with
themselues
,
how
louing
and
kinde
they
ought
to
bée
vnto
their
wiues
,
and
how
vigilant
and
carefull
they
should
bée
ouer
them
which
are
so
néerely
,
and
deerely
bound
vnto
them
by
the
Law
of
God
,
as
to
bée
one
flesh
,
one
minde
,
one
faith
,
and
one
troth
:
as
though
both
they
were
but
one
body
:
in
which
course
,
they
are
commanded
by
the
Almightie
,
to
continue
vnto
the
end
of
their
liues
.
Now
this
being
performed
(
as
it
ought
to
bee
)
what
would
it
doe
,
but
worke
this
effect
?
that
as
in
our
Cockes
,
our
wiues
sée
and
know
,
wée
take
exéeding
great
pleasure
and
delight
:
so
it
would
also
incite
,
and
cause
them
to
say
vnto
themselues
,
wée
are
induced
and
perswaded
,
nay
,
in
a
manner
we
are
euen
compelled
,
and
as
it
were
inforced
to
loue
our
husbands
Cockes
,
and
to
make
much
of
them
,
because
they
doe
shew
vnto
them
a
good
and
a
perswasiue
example
,
how
they
should
loue
,
regard
,
defend
,
and
cherish
vs
:
for
they
perceiuing
such
constant
,
faithfull
,
and
vnfained
loue
,
to
be
and
remaine
in
vnreasonable
creatures
which
are
onely
guided
and
gouerned
by
nature
,
will
surely
be
mooued
thereby
,
and
stirred
vp
to
a
farre
greater
loue
towards
vs
,
hauing
more
wisedome
,
reason
,
and
vnderstanding
in
themselues
,
then
all
other
kindes
of
liuing
creatures
.
Now
therefore
,
for
our
owne
parts
,
we
will
doe
this
from
hencefoorth
,
we
will
rather
want
meate
our selues
,
then
the
Cockes
shall
:
and
by
this
meanes
,
we
shall
allure
our
husbands
to
manifest
their
loue
towards
vs
,
and
procure
them
to
continue
it
to
vs
.
Thus
would
our
wiues
say
among
themselues
;
but
to
passe
ouer
that
point
,
we
read
,
that
rash
Isadas
the
Lacedemon
Lord
,
going
out
naked
with
an
host
of
men
against
the
Theban
powers
,
in
which
desperate
attempted
fight
,
he
preuailed
and
got
a
great
victorie
.
Afterwards
,
he
being
asked
why
he
went
foorth
in
that
maner
,
made
this
answers
;
The
crauen
Cock
(
saith
he
)
had
rather
be
couered
in
a
roope
,
than
come
forth
to
fight
,
or
if
of
necessitie
he
be
inforced
,
he
will
sooner
run
out
of
daunger
,
then
endure
it
:
but
the
Cocke
of
the
Game
will
alwayes
be
forward
to
the
fight
,
and
neuer
leaue
it
,
for
any
daunger
that
is
in
it
:
neither
will
he
desire
any
other
engine
,
either
to
defend
himselfe
,
or
to
offend
his
enemy
,
more
then
●ame
Nature
hath
indowed
him
with
;
and
shall
not
I
be
as
valourous
as
a
Coeke
is
?
Thus
did
Isadas
(
by
example
of
the
Cocke
)
answere
to
their
obiection
.
Now
there
are
some
men
which
will
say
,
that
notwithstanding
all
the
courage
that
is
in
our
fighting
Cockes
,
yet
they
are
crowned
but
with
a
combe
:
but
Plinie
saith
,
that
nature
did
crowne
him
with
a
Diadem
:
and
that
his
combe
was
giuen
him
(
as
indéede
who
can
denie
it
)
to
bee
an
ornament
to
adorne
him
,
and
not
(
as
some
fooles
thinke
)
to
be
a
note
of
disgrace
,
and
scandall
to
him
.
Heliodorus
in
his
Ethiopian
Historie
reporteth
,
that
Cockes
were
had
in
such
great
estimation
amongst
the
Egiptians
,
(
whither
Cha●iclea
the
daughter
of
Astyages
the
King
of
the
Ethiops
was
by
théeues
violently
carried
)
that
both
the
Priests
in
Memphis
,
and
most
of
the
people
which
inhabited
néere
to
the
Riuer
Nilus
,
did
kéepe
Cockes
in
their
lodging-chambers
,
to
be
as
an
Allarum
bell
vnto
them
,
to
make
them
to
be
vigilant
and
watchfull
:
the
one
for
that
being
often
wakened
,
they
might
call
vpon
their
Idols
Osiris
,
and
Isis
,
(
whom
they
worship
as
their
God
,
and
their
Goddesse
)
and
the
other
that
they
might
thereby
be
moued
to
make
all
things
sure
,
and
be
stirred
vp
to
defend
themselues
against
robbers
,
and
theeues
,
by
whom
(
in
those
parts
)
they
were
mightily
oppressed
.
Thus
you
may
sée
that
euen
amongst
the
heathens
,
Cockes
were
highly
respected
,
and
much
valued
,
many
hundreth
yéeres
agoe
;
and
no
doubt
but
they
are
so
still
at
this
instant
:
and
in
my
opinion
,
they
deserue
,
and
merite
more
to
be
estéemed
of
all
men
,
then
any
other
fowle
doth
,
for
what
fowle
this
day
liuing
in
the
ayre
,
or
vpon
the
face
of
the
earth
,
is
so
pleasurable
,
and
so
profitable
as
the
Cocke
is
?
I
confesse
that
the
Arabian
Phaenix
is
both
rarer
,
and
chaster
;
but
for
the
vse
and
behoofe
of
man
,
the
Cocke
is
farre
better
.
In
both
of
them
hath
Dame
Nature
done
her
best
,
and
(
to
expresse
great
wonders
in
small
creatures
)
hath
made
them
both
more
excellent
,
and
more
admirable
,
then
any
other
feathered
foules
.
The
Phoenix
is
much
prized
of
many
,
but
not
more
praysed
of
all
then
the
Cocke
is
,
for
the
one
is
not
so
worthy
of
commendations
for
her
rarenesse
and
chastitie
(
which
commeth
of
necessity
,
because
there
is
no
more
of
that
kind
)
as
the
other
is
for
his
courage
and
constancie
,
who
(
though
he
hath
great
societie
)
will
rather
die
,
then
derogate
from
any
of
his
company
,
Master
Michaell
Drayton
,
an
excellent
Poet
,
now
liuing
in
London
,
in
a
Booke
of
his
called
Englands
Heroicall
Epistles
,
speaking
of
the
Phoenix
,
saith
thus
.
The
Arabian
Bird
that
neuer
is
but
one
,
Is
onely
chast
because
she
is
alone
:
But
had
our
mother
Nature
made
them
two
,
They
would
haue
done
as
Doues
,
and
Sparrowes
doe
.
Now
,
what
doth
the
Doue
,
but
by
his
billing
beget
others
,
or
the
Sparrow
,
(
but
as
the
Cocke
doth
)
by
treading
,
ingender
,
bréede
,
and
increase
his
own
kind
.
And
had
the
Phoenix
a
Phéere
doe
so
with
,
she
would
(
in
short
time
)
grow
to
this
passe
,
to
be
neither
so
chast
,
nor
so
rare
,
as
she
now
is
.
Ioues
armour
bearer
,
the
Eagle
is
euery
way
greater
,
but
no
way
so
good
as
the
Cocke
is
:
for
though
he
be
the
king
of
Birds
,
and
therefore
feared
of
all
,
yet
he
is
a
gréedy
and
a
deuouring
cormorant
that
prayes
vpon
them
,
and
therefore
beloued
of
none
.
Our
Faulkons
,
and
other
swift
winged
Hawkes
will
sore
hye
,
and
sometimes
delight
vs
a
little
:
but
the
pleasure
and
pastime
which
they
make
vs
is
nothing
in
comparison
of
that
which
our
Cockes
yéeld
vs
.
And
yet
Hawking
is
a
sport
of
many
great
Personages
,
and
braue
spirited
gentlemen
,
much
vsed
,
and
mightily
accounted
of
,
and
to
speake
as
I
thinke
:
it
is
a
thing
that
deserueth
both
to
be
loued
,
and
commended
:
yet
Cockes
afford
vs
farre
more
pleasure
,
than
Hawkes
can
,
though
Hawkes
be
ten
times
more
chargeable
,
and
troublesome
,
and
require
ten
times
more
attendance
,
than
our
Cockes
doe
.
Then
séeing
our
fighting
Cockes
are
no
whit
inferiour
to
the
Phoenix
for
vertue
,
to
the
Eagle
in
goodnesse
,
(
though
farre
lesse
in
greatnesse
)
nor
to
Hawkes
for
mans
commoditie
,
profit
,
and
delectable
pleasure
:
but
rather
lesse
chargeable
,
and
ten
times
more
comfortable
.
Surely
we
haue
speciall
cause
,
both
to
be
mightily
addicted
to
them
,
and
also
to
make
exceeding
much
of
them
.
Chapter
.
III.
THe
Apostle
Saint
Peter
,
with
a
vaine
ostentation
,
boasting
of
his
owne
strength
,
told
our
Sauiour
Christ
in
the
Gospel
,
that
though
all
men
forsooke
him
,
yet
he
would
not
leaue
him
,
but
rather
die
with
him
:
so
proud
was
hée
of
his
faith
,
and
so
prodigall
of
his
loue
.
But
Christ
(
who
as
he
saith
himselfe
,
knew
what
was
in
man
,
and
to
how
many
infirmities
fraile
flesh
is
subiect
)
said
vnto
him
;
this
night
before
the
Cocke
crow
,
thou
shalt
denie
me
thrise
;
and
as
he
said
it
came
to
passe
:
for
before
the
cocke
crew
,
he
both
denied
him
,
and
foresware
him
,
saying
,
he
knew
not
the
man
:
but
so
soone
as
the
Cocke
did
crow
,
it
came
immediatly
into
his
mind
,
what
his
master
had
said
,
and
then
instantly
(
as
the
text
sayth
)
he
went
out
and
wept
betterly
.
Thus
you
may
sée
it
verified
out
of
our
Sauiours
owne
mouth
,
that
the
crowing
of
Cockes
was
seriously
noted
,
and
duely
obserued
in
his
time
,
and
also
that
the
voice
of
the
Cocke
was
(
by
Christs
institution
)
ordained
(
like
the
voice
of
a
Preacher
)
to
call
Peter
to
repentance
,
and
to
induce
him
to
powre
forth
teares
out
of
his
eyes
,
to
pacifie
the
wrath
of
God
,
for
his
haynous
offence
..
What
an
vnspeakable
comfort
was
that
Cocke
vnto
Noah
,
which
in
the
time
of
the
deluge
,
suruiued
with
him
in
the
Arke
,
whose
shril-tongued
farre
resounding
voice
(
when
he
crowed
)
was
heard
by
all
the
people
in
the
world
,
at
one
instant
.
And
what
an
incomparable
comfort
are
Cockes
continually
vnto
vs
,
for
in
all
Countreys
they
are
the
Farmers
clocks
,
who
duely
and
truely
declare
vnto
them
,
how
the
night
passeth
,
and
when
the
day
light
appeareth
:
and
for
this
cause
did
the
Swath-rutters
make
great
account
of
Cockes
,
for
when
they
were
enticed
,
and
procured
to
come
into
England
in
the
commotion
time
,
their
wiues
came
with
them
,
and
brought
their
Cockes
at
their
backes
,
which
manifested
an
intire
affection
that
they
bare
vnto
them
,
when
they
choose
rather
to
bring
them
with
them
,
than
any
other
thing
which
they
enioyed
:
if
you
read
the
Chronicles
,
you
shall
finde
this
to
be
most
true
.
But
what
néede
I
to
recite
,
or
alleage
any
circumstance
of
such
antiquitie
,
for
approbation
of
my
argument
,
when
we
our selues
,
by
dayly
experience
,
cannot
choose
but
see
and
perceiue
what
excéeding
great
comfort
and
consolation
all
men
haue
,
or
may
haue
by
them
.
I
remember
that
in
my
young
time
,
I
being
in
bed
with
an
Vncle
of
mine
a
learned
Minister
and
a
zealous
Professor
of
the
word
of
God
,
how
that
after
midnight
,
the
Cocke
crowed
,
whereat
my
Vncle
awaked
,
and
told
me
that
the
voice
of
the
Cocke
did
put
him
in
mind
of
the
passion
of
our
Sauiour
Christ
,
and
then
instantly
hee
fell
to
most
earnest
praying
.
Likewise
a
man
of
good
worship
credibly
informed
me
,
that
hée
knew
a
Gentleman
,
that
had
many
good
Cockes
of
the
game
which
he
loued
maruailously
well
,
and
wherein
he
tooke
great
felicitie
and
delight
all
his
life
time
;
and
at
the
last
falling
into
a
gréeuous
sicknesse
,
and
lying
vpon
his
death-bed
,
he
requested
his
kinred
and
friends
which
were
about
him
,
to
place
his
Cockes
with
their
Coopes
so
néere
vnto
his
beds
head
as
possibly
they
could
doe
,
which
being
performed
according
to
his
request
,
he
heard
them
crowe
;
whereat
he
sayd
,
now
haue
I
obtained
that
which
I
desired
;
for
these
delectable
voices
shal
be
my
swéete-sounding
trumpets
,
to
admonish
and
put
me
in
minde
of
my
immortall
,
and
celestiall
Iudge
,
before
whome
all
flesh
must
appeare
,
to
receiue
recompence
according
to
their
demerits
,
whether
they
be
good
or
euill
.
Also
our
late
Prince
of
famous
memorie
King
Henrie
the
Eight
,
did
take
such
pleasure
and
wonderfull
delight
in
the
Cocks
of
the
game
,
that
he
caused
a
most
sumptuous
,
and
stately
Cock-pit
to
be
erected
in
West-minster
,
wherein
his
Maiestie
might
disport
himselfe
with
Cocke-fighting
,
among
his
most
noble
and
louing
subiects
,
who
in
like
manner
did
affect
that
pastime
so
well
,
and
conceiued
so
good
an
opinion
of
it
,
not
onely
because
the
King
was
so
addicted
to
it
,
but
also
in
regard
of
the
great
valor
and
incomparable
courage
that
the
Cockes
shewed
in
their
battels
;
the
which
did
inflame
their
hearts
,
that
they
caused
Cocke-pits
to
be
made
in
many
Citties
,
Boroughes
,
and
Townes
throughout
the
whole
Realme
.
To
which
Cocke-pits
resorted
,
both
Dukes
,
Earles
,
Lords
,
Knights
,
Gentlemen
,
and
Yeomen
,
there
to
recreate
and
delight
themselues
with
Cocke-fighting
,
Now
this
is
to
be
noted
that
in
this
pleasant
exercise
there
is
no
collusion
,
deceit
,
fraude
,
or
cozening
tollerated
,
nor
any
vsed
(
as
in
most
other
games
,
and
pastimes
customarily
there
is
,
)
neither
is
there
any
brawlings
,
or
quarrels
suffered
in
those
places
:
but
all
men
,
must
there
vse
ciuile
and
good
behauiour
,
what
degrée
or
calling
soeuer
he
be
of
.
And
also
it
is
there
decréed
vpon
,
and
set
downe
as
an
irreuocable
order
,
that
no
man
by
cursing
banning
,
or
swearing
,
shall
blaspheme
God
,
or
take
his
name
in
vaine
,
but
that
all
of
them
shall
speake
modestly
,
and
deale
according
to
truth
and
whosoeuer
shall
discent
from
it
,
or
do
otherwise
than
is
appointed
,
must
vndergoe
the
punishment
prescribed
by
the
Nobilitie
aforesaid
:
which
lawes
then
instituted
&
ordayned
,
are
yet
to
be
séen
extant
,
both
in
Suffolke
and
Norffolke
,
and
I
hope
wil
still
remaine
and
continue
to
the
end
of
the
world
;
which
good
obseruation
,
hath
induced
many
to
keepe
Cockes
of
the
game
,
and
I
doubt
not
but
that
in
time
,
it
will
incite
a
number
more
,
both
to
bréede
them
,
and
bring
them
vp
,
to
the
intent
,
that
they
may
haue
sport
with
them
to
content
and
delight
themselues
:
for
this
is
most
certaine
,
that
if
euer
any
thing
in
the
world
were
delectable
,
and
pleasant
to
the
heart
of
man
,
and
did
beget
in
him
any
mirthfull
●●●●sance
and
consolation
,
it
was
,
and
is
the
excellent
sport
of
Cocke
fighting
(
as
Themistocles
hath
sufficiently
declared
.
)
And
this
propertie
or
hidden
misterie
,
it
hath
in
it
;
that
whosoeuer
doth
affect
it
,
or
(
as
diuers
good
men
are
)
be
much
addicted
to
it
,
and
then
afterwards
,
either
of
his
owne
accord
,
or
by
any
other
mans
instigation
,
or
perswasion
,
doe
neglect
it
,
and
refraine
it
,
let
him
expect
and
looke
for
no
other
thing
,
but
alwayes
to
be
melancholy
,
sad
,
and
disconsolate
,
and
desirous
to
wander
alone
,
euer
musing
on
the
worst
things
,
and
not
of
the
best
:
but
rather
imagining
euill
,
than
good
.
And
this
I
know
by
experience
,
prooued
by
many
men
of
good
account
,
to
their
hinderance
and
griefe
,
and
to
my
excéeding
great
sorrow
:
and
therefore
I
would
admonish
,
aduise
,
and
counsell
all
men
,
that
take
delight
and
pleasure
,
in
that
delicious
and
pleasant
pastime
,
neuer
to
forsake
or
leaue
it
,
or
to
alienate
themselues
from
it
,
so
long
as
it
shall
please
the
almightie
to
blesse
and
prosper
them
;
for
that
which
I
haue
here
rehearsed
is
neither
fable
,
nor
fiction
,
but
an
vndoubted
truth
and
a
thing
that
is
most
certaine
:
wherefore
I
for
mine
owne
part
,
am
thus
resolued
so
long
as
life
and
health
last
,
and
God
lend
my
limbes
abilitie
,
and
strength
to
beare
me
.
I
will
neuer
abstaine
from
it
,
when
conueniently
I
may
be
at
it
,
nor
neuer
consent
to
giue
ouer
that
heart-pleasing
pastime
.
Chapter
.
IIII.
WHen
Flammius
the
Grecian
in
a
set
battell
,
had
ouerthrowne
and
spoyled
a
huge
army
,
which
the
world-subduing
Macedon
brought
thether
:
It
is
recorded
for
a
most
certaine
truth
,
that
hée
and
his
company
for
ioy
of
that
vnexpected
Victorie
,
showted
so
loude
,
and
so
long
together
,
that
the
clamorous
noise
of
their
exclamation
séemed
to
shake
the
foundations
of
the
earth
,
and
so
deasened
the
eares
of
all
creatures
that
came
within
the
sound
therof
,
that
the
fowles
of
the
ayre
,
were
thereby
inforced
to
fall
downe
to
the
earth
,
and
there
lay
(
as
it
were
in
a
traunce
)
being
amazed
,
and
astonied
at
the
noyse
of
their
ayre-filling
clamors
.
At
which
instant
,
euen
in
the
middest
of
their
excéeding
great
out-cry
:
It
is
said
that
their
Cockes
(
whereof
they
had
aboundance
)
clapped
their
winges
,
and
crowed
so
often
and
so
chéerefully
,
with
such
alacritie
of
spirite
,
as
if
they
had
participated
,
or
had
a
fellow-féeling
of
that
soule-rauishing
ioy
,
which
was
in
their
Maisters
:
wherevpon
Calymachus
sayd
,
that
he
had
rather
heare
Cockes
crowe
,
than
musicke
sound
:
for
(
saith
he
)
the
one
cannot
so
much
content
my
minde
,
as
the
other
doth
comfort
my
heart
.
Who
would
thinke
that
the
crowing
of
a
Cocke
should
make
a
Lion
quake
?
and
yet
it
doth
so
,
which
is
a
most
strange
&
a
miraculous
thing
,
that
he
,
which
is
the
King
of
beasts
,
of
whome
it
is
said
,
that
the
roaring
of
his
voice
,
will
ingender
feare
in
all
the
beasts
in
the
Forrest
,
and
make
them
tremble
at
the
terrour
of
it
,
should
himselfe
tremble
and
be
terrified
(
like
a
faint-hearted
and
a
timorous-flying
hare
)
with
the
sound
of
a
silly
Cockes
voice
,
yet
of
a
truth
it
is
,
for
of
all
thinges
in
the
world
,
he
cannot
abide
to
heare
a
Cocke
crowe
;
whereey
we
may
most
apparantly
perceiue
,
the
omnipotent
power
of
the
Almightie
,
who
by
the
smallest
creatures
,
can
curbe
,
and
controule
the
greatest
:
as
he
did
Pharaoh
by
lice
,
and
by
the
weakest
confound
the
strongest
,
as
he
did
Holofernes
by
the
hand
of
Iudith
;
Sisera
,
by
Iaell
;
and
great
Goliah
by
little
Dauid
.
We
may
read
in
the
48
Chapter
of
the
Prophecie
of
Esay
,
that
the
Lord
God
,
in
that
place
commaundeth
the
Prophet
to
cry
aloude
,
and
spare
not
to
lift
vp
his
voyce
like
a
Trumpet
,
and
for
this
cause
only
,
to
tell
the
house
of
Iacob
their
sinnes
,
and
Israell
their
offences
.
Now
what
is
it
for
a
Preacher
to
eleuate
,
and
lift
vp
his
voice
,
but
(
as
the
Cocke
doth
)
to
rowze
vp
himselfe
,
and
clap
his
wings
,
that
is
,
to
shake
of
all
ignorance
,
sloath
,
and
negligence
in
himselfe
,
and
then
to
cry
aloude
vnto
others
chéerefully
,
to
vtter
his
voice
with
vehemencie
of
spirite
,
and
to
deliuer
his
message
manfully
,
boldly
,
and
with
a
good
courage
;
as
the
Cocke
did
,
when
hée
crowed
néere
to
Caiphas
house
.
Thus
you
sée
that
of
Cockes
wee
may
learne
many
good
lessons
,
whereof
we
might
make
profitable
vses
if
we
would
rightly
apply
them
vnto
our selues
:
As
first
,
to
be
constant
and
louing
to
our
wiues
,
as
they
are
to
their
Hens
.
Secondly
,
to
be
valorous
and
to
fight
couragiously
against
our
enemies
,
and
(
as
they
doe
)
neuer
giue
ouer
,
but
either
get
the
victorie
,
or
else
die
valiantly
.
Thirdly
,
to
be
vigilant
,
and
watchfull
(
as
they
are
)
and
to
auoide
slouthfulnesse
,
which
generally
raignes
too
much
in
vs
.
And
lastly
,
to
stretch
forth
our selues
,
and
to
straine
our
voyces
in
the
vttering
of
Gods
affaires
.
The
blessed
Apostle
Saint
Paule
in
the
first
Epistle
to
Timothy
,
the
6
Chapter
,
and
the
12
verse
,
chargeth
Timothie
to
fight
,
the
good
fight
of
Faith
,
(
and
consequently
in
him
exhorteth
all
Christians
to
do
the
same
)
whereupon
one
(
interpreting
the
same
text
)
saith
thus
:
as
the
Cocke
of
the
game
,
hauing
receiued
a
hurt
,
or
a
wound
from
his
aduersarie
,
doth
straight
wayes
close
,
and
fight
with
him
,
vntill
he
hath
ouercome
him
,
or
els
be
killed
by
him
:
so
we
being
often
stricken
,
and
secretly
wounded
by
the
slye
insinuating
blowes
of
Sathan
(
our
old
and
continuall
aduersarie
)
should
with
the
sword
of
the
spirit
fight
couragiously
against
all
his
assaults
and
temptations
,
vntill
(
by
faith
and
prayers
)
we
haue
ouercome
them
,
or
by
the
power
and
prouidence
of
God
be
deliuered
from
them
.
Another
thing
now
commeth
into
my
minde
,
which
I
noted
in
the
disputation
,
betweene
Maister
Bannes
and
Stephen
Gardiner
,
Maister
Barnes
preaching
in
London
at
Paules
Crosse
,
compared
himselfe
to
a
Cocke
of
the
game
,
and
Stephen
Gardiner
to
another
;
but
(
quoth
he
)
Stephen
hath
no
spurres
,
signifying
thereby
,
that
(
in
his
opinion
)
Gardiner
was
not
so
well
armed
at
all
points
,
to
endanger
and
offend
his
aduersarie
as
himselfe
was
.
Furthermore
,
it
is
growne
to
be
a
custome
here
amongst
vs
in
this
Realme
of
England
,
that
when
we
haue
any
troubles
,
suits
in
law
,
or
causes
of
weight
in
hand
,
our
especiall
friend
demanding
of
vs
,
if
we
haue
not
solicited
and
made
means
to
such
a
man
to
be
a
Mediator
for
vs
,
or
to
be
friend
vs
in
the
matter
,
we
most
commonly
will
make
them
this
answere
,
I
haue
made
that
Cocke-sure
;
so
rare
,
singuler
,
and
so
excellent
a
creature
is
the
Cocke
,
that
diuers
good
things
haue
relation
vnto
him
,
and
euen
a
multitude
of
things
might
be
spoken
of
him
.
I
remember
I
once
heard
a
Yorke-shire
man
(
that
dwelleth
néere
to
the
borders
of
Scotland
)
say
,
that
he
would
not
giue
a
Cocke
of
the
game
,
which
he
had
in
his
Coope
at
home
,
for
halfe
the
Cowes
the
best
man
in
their
Towne
had
in
his
milking-yard
.
Many
more
things
I
could
repeat
,
and
alleage
for
the
credite
and
commendation
of
the
Cockes
of
the
game
:
but
those
that
are
alreadie
rehearsed
,
may
serue
for
a
sufficient
probabilitie
of
their
vertues
,
courage
,
and
excellent
qualities
,
without
any
further
recitals
,
or
more
testimonies
;
wherefore
I
will
now
proceede
,
and
explaine
vnto
you
the
distinction
,
and
difference
,
which
is
betwixt
them
&
other
Cockes
:
and
withall
make
a
briefe
repetition
of
some
strange
and
most
admirable
battels
,
which
my selfe
haue
seene
,
in
diuers
and
sundry
places
at
Cocke-fightings
,
to
the
great
contentation
,
both
of
my selfe
and
many
others
:
and
therewithall
conclude
,
and
knit
vp
this
little
Treatise
.
Chapter
.
V.
THere
bée
some
men
which
will
commune
with
themselues
and
say
:
we
admire
and
maruaile
much
,
why
these
people
bée
so
zealously
affected
,
and
so
much
in
loue
with
the
Cockes
of
the
game
,
more
than
with
any
other
Cocks
,
imagining
with
themselues
,
yea
,
and
perswading
their
owne
hearts
,
that
their
Cockes
of
the
Dung-hill
,
are
as
good
in
euerie
degrée
,
as
they
are
,
and
make
them
as
much
pastime
as
they
can
.
But
beléeue
me
,
my
honest
friends
,
it
is
neither
so
,
nor
so
;
for
there
be
diuers
and
sundry
kindes
and
sorts
of
Cockes
,
but
for
breuitie
sake
,
I
will
onely
intreat
but
of
thrée
sorts
,
or
seuerall
kinds
:
that
is
,
the
Cockes
of
the
game
,
the
halfe-bred
Cockes
,
and
the
Dung-hill
,
or
crauen
Cockes
.
The
Cockes
of
the
game
are
so
called
,
because
they
carrie
the
credite
away
from
all
other
Cockes
in
battell
,
which
is
the
onely
cause
they
are
so
highly
estéemed
,
and
so
much
valued
as
they
be
;
for
it
is
generally
and
commonly
séene
,
that
the
most
heroycall
and
noble
hearted
men
,
take
greatest
delight
in
those
thinges
which
are
of
most
courage
,
and
greatest
valour
,
and
that
of
all
others
(
in
my
opinion
)
is
the
Cockes
of
the
game
:
as
already
I
haue
sufficiently
declared
.
But
as
for
your
crauen
Cockes
,
the
best
and
chiefest
pastime
,
that
they
will
or
can
make
you
is
,
when
they
are
well
boyled
,
or
stewed
,
and
layde
in
a
platter
with
good
store
of
plumbes
about
them
,
and
then
you
may
assure
your selues
they
will
not
shrinke
for
a
blow
,
but
otherwise
let
them
be
well
matched
,
and
close
coupled
to
Cockes
of
the
game
,
and
I
dare
assure
you
,
they
wil
quickely
take
their
leaue
of
them
,
and
in
most
cowardly
and
base
manner
runne
away
from
them
,
to
your
great
griefe
and
discontentment
.
Yet
notwithstanding
all
this
,
there
be
some
simple
men
,
which
will
report
and
say
thus
of
them
,
they
serue
our
turnes
wel
inough
to
crow
,
and
to
tread
our
Hens
.
Well
,
I
graunt
,
and
beleeue
they
doe
so
,
and
that
is
the
greatest
valour
or
vertue
that
is
in
them
;
but
to
compare
them
with
the
Cockes
of
the
game
,
you
mistake
your
marke
,
and
are
more
than
much
deceiued
,
for
there
is
no
comparison
to
be
made
of
or
betwixt
them
,
nor
any
indifferent
equalitie
in
them
:
for
Moses
sayth
in
the
Booke
of
Genesis
,
that
God
in
the
creation
made
all
thinges
perfect
,
absosolutely
good
,
and
in
their
right
kinde
,
but
most
of
your
Cockes
(
by
grosse
and
irregular
bréeding
)
are
become
imperfect
,
and
so
consequently
prooue
crauins
,
and
cowardly
minded
fowles
:
and
in
that
manner
will
remaine
,
and
continue
in
dispight
of
you
,
doe
what
you
can
to
helpe
it
,
which
causeth
all
men
that
breed
Cocks
.
(
if
either
they
loue
them
,
or
desire
to
haue
any
pastime
with
them
)
to
eschew
and
auoide
them
,
as
much
as
possibly
in
them
lyeth
:
for
what
man
amongst
a
thousand
(
if
he
haue
any
sparke
of
wisedome
knowledge
,
or
vnderstanding
in
him
)
that
doth
bréed
,
kéepe
,
or
nourish
vp
any
creature
whatsoeuer
,
but
will
desire
to
bring
vp
that
which
of
it selfe
is
most
absolute
,
and
of
the
perfectest
kinde
,
and
best
breede
that
can
or
may
be
gotten
,
or
procured
?
Now
lastly
,
as
concerning
your
halfe-bred
cockes
,
which
are
ingendred
by
the
cocke
of
the
game
,
and
of
the
crauen
Hen
,
or
by
the
right
bred
,
and
best
qualified
Hen
,
and
of
the
Dung-hill
and
degenerate
cocke
:
what
will
they
doe
but
euen
when
you
expect
,
and
hope
for
best
of
them
,
and
(
séeing
them
fight
)
thinke
the
battell
to
bee
surely
wonne
on
their
sides
,
deceiue
your
expectation
,
and
frustrate
your
hopes
,
for
if
one
of
them
,
doe
but
chance
to
loose
an
eie
,
or
receiues
any
hurt
,
or
damage
that
seemes
to
be
preiudiciall
to
him
,
then
God
be
with
your
game
,
for
he
is
gone
,
the
house
is
too
hot
,
the
fight
too
fierce
,
and
the
danger
too
great
for
him
to
endure
it
.
Therefore
I
doe
stil
magnifie
,
and
extoll
the
cockes
of
the
game
,
because
their
courage
can
neuer
be
quayled
,
nor
their
hearts
daunted
by
any
wound
,
or
hurt
,
how
déepe
soeuer
it
be
indented
.
For
confirmation
and
proofe
whereof
,
I
will
shew
you
an
instance
.
There
was
a
cocke
about
Shroue-tide
last
,
which
in
the
cocke-pit
in
the
citie
of
Norwich
,
fought
with
a
stronge
,
and
a
stout
aduersarie
,
vntill
such
time
as
both
his
eyes
were
beaten
out
,
his
head
sore
wounded
,
and
shrewdly
battered
,
and
all
his
bodie
most
pitifully
brused
,
and
then
with
the
sudden
astonishment
of
a
sound
blow
,
which
from
his
cruell
aduersarie
he
receiued
,
being
beaten
downe
,
and
lying
for
dead
,
not
stirring
any
whit
,
nor
séeming
otherwise
(
to
the
beholders
)
than
to
be
starke
dead
,
he
suddenly
started
vp
,
contrary
to
all
their
expectations
,
(
when
there
was
offered
twenty
shillings
,
yea
,
twenty
pounds
to
be
layd
to
one
,
that
there
was
no
breath
remayning
in
his
bodie
and
closed
with
his
aduersarie
,
at
whom
he
stroke
most
violent
blowes
,
and
neuer
gaue
ouer
,
vntill
(
to
the
amazement
of
all
the
spectators
)
hee
had
most
valiantly
slaine
him
.
Oh
strange
action
oh
stout
heart
,
and
vndaunted
minde
,
who
would
imagine
such
great
courage
should
bee
in
so
small
a
creature
,
or
almost
beléeue
(
but
that
their
eies
may
dayly
behold
,
and
see
it
)
that
such
dreadlesse
feare
,
scorning
valour
,
should
remaine
in
a
cocke
.
Tell
me
(
I
pray
)
you
that
make
as
much
account
of
a
sqeaking
Castrell
,
or
a
scuruie
Hobbie
,
as
you
doe
of
a
good
Hawke
?
you
that
thinke
euerie
Dunghill
crauen
,
to
be
as
good
as
a
cocke
of
the
game
;
tell
me
(
I
say
)
when
did
you
euer
sée
any
of
your
base-bred
Cockes
shewe
such
courage
,
or
doe
such
an
admirable
action
?
surely
neuer
,
neither
shall
you
euer
knowe
any
of
them
performe
the
like
.
Thus
you
may
sée
by
this
one
instance
,
that
they
are
not
so
good
,
as
the
other
are
,
but
farre
inferiour
to
them
:
and
therefore
who
(
but
rough
hewen
clownes
,
and
rusticke
Corridons
)
would
bréede
and
bring
vp
crauens
,
when
he
may
haue
of
the
right
kinde
.
Chapter
.
VI.
AMongst
many
other
Battels
fought
,
and
diuers
great
exployts
done
by
Cockes
of
the
game
in
sundry
places
,
giue
me
a
little
leaue
(
I
pray
)
to
report
vnto
you
,
what
credite
a
Cocke
of
mine
owne
bréeding
(
whome
I
called
Iipsey
)
wonne
at
Saint
Edmunds-Burie
in
Suffolke
,
where
he
plaid
his
prize
so
excellently
,
and
fought
so
couragiously
,
that
after
many
admirable
,
and
almost
incredible
acts
atchieued
by
him
,
diuers
Gentlemen
&
my
verie
good
friends
,
in
commendation
of
him
caused
his
picture
to
be
drawn
&
painted
vpon
a
cloth
.
Wherevpon
these
,
or
the
like
words
were
written
.
O
noble
Iipsey
,
such
a
Cocke
art
thou
,
As
Burie
Towne
,
did
nere
containe
till
now
.
Wherefore
to
praise
thy
worth
and
spread
thy
fame
,
We
make
this
shewe
in
honour
of
thy
name
.
So
soone
as
the
painted
cloth
was
thus
finished
,
the
cocke
was
put
into
a
prettie
fine
cage
,
which
two
men
carried
betwixt
them
,
the
cloth
being
borne
a
good
distance
before
them
,
and
in
this
manner
hauing
the
waights
of
the
Towne
with
vs
,
the
trayned
Souldiers
,
the
Cocke-masters
,
and
diuers
others
:
we
marched
too
and
fro
,
throughout
the
whole
towne
:
which
being
done
,
we
returned
to
the
Cocke-pit
againe
,
where
the
Cocke
was
no
sooner
set
downe
,
but
all
the
Souldiers
discharged
their
péeces
ouer
him
,
which
we
thought
would
haue
daunted
&
discoraged
him
for
euer
:
yet
notwithstanding
all
the
noyse
they
made
,
he
was
nothing
dismaide
,
but
in
the
verie
middle
of
the
volley
of
shot
,
he
clapped
his
wings
and
crowned
,
which
was
as
much
valour
,
as
I
,
or
I
thinke
any
of
the
companie
euer
saw
in
a
Cocke
.
I
doe
assure
you
this
is
most
certaine
,
and
the
said
Towne
and
Countie
will
auouch
the
same
.
Also
no
longer
agoe
,
than
the
4
day
of
May
1602
,
at
a
Cocke-fighting
in
the
Citie
of
Norwich
aforesayd
,
a
Cocke
called
Tarlecon
(
who
was
so
intituled
,
because
he
alwayes
came
to
the
fight
like
a
Drummer
,
making
a
thundering
noyse
with
his
winges
)
which
Cocke
hauing
there
fought
many
battels
,
with
mighty
and
fierce
Aduersaries
:
and
being
both
wearied
with
long
fighting
,
and
also
verie
hardly
matched
,
at
the
length
he
had
his
eyes
both
of
them
beaten
out
of
his
head
,
his
spurres
broken
off
,
and
his
bill
brused
,
and
rigorously
rent
from
off
his
face
,
so
that
their
remained
no
hope
of
him
,
but
that
he
should
bee
instantly
killed
,
and
so
of
necessitie
loose
all
the
wagers
that
he
fought
for
,
yet
behold
a
rare
and
miraculous
wonder
,
a
most
admirable
seldome
or
neuer
seene
accident
;
for
all
this
he
fought
still
most
stoutly
with
his
Aduersary
,
and
would
neuer
shrinke
from
him
,
or
giue
him
ouer
,
vntil
he
had
(
which
to
all
men
there
present
séemed
to
be
an
impossibilitie
)
most
couragiously
slaine
him
.
Oh
inestimable
stoutnesse
!
oh
inuincible
valour
!
oh
miraculous
magnanimitie
!
oh
more
than
Lion-hearted
fowles
!
who
doth
great
not
admire
at
their
vndaunted
and
naught-dreading
mindes
:
or
who
hath
euer
séene
,
or
heard
,
or
read
of
so
great
courage
in
any
liuing
creatures
in
the
world
,
as
is
in
them
.
Whhat
is
he
,
or
where
liues
he
(
that
beares
the
true
minde
of
a
man
,
that
would
not
loue
them
,
feed
them
,
cherish
them
,
and
make
much
of
them
,
if
they
did
vnderstand
,
and
know
the
manifold
vertues
,
and
excéeding
great
valor
that
is
in
them
?
man
neuer
kept
,
the
world
neuer
bred
,
the
earth
neuer
bare
more
exquisite
and
worthy
to
be
beloued
creatures
,
than
Cockes
are
.
Many
more
commendations
,
than
I
haue
rehearsed
may
be
giuen
vnto
them
,
and
many
farre
more
excellent
things
might
be
spoken
of
them
,
both
in
regard
of
their
nature
,
nurture
,
vertues
,
qualities
,
and
courage
,
than
either
I
haue
expressed
,
or
am
any
way
able
to
expresse
sufficiently
:
Wherefore
I
am
resolued
to
leaue
that
Herculean
taske
,
for
some
more
blessed
brain
to
take
in
hand
:
and
onely
content
my selfe
with
that
,
which
I
haue
already
done
,
not
doubting
,
but
that
in
time
,
this
illiterate
and
imperfect
Embrion
,
will
intimate
and
allure
some
of
Apolloes
sacred
heires
,
some
of
Thamisis
swéet
singing
Swans
,
some
heauen-inspired
soule-enchanting
Poet
,
to
carroll
forth
at
full
,
in
high
and
heart-pleasing
straines
,
their
due
and
well
deserued
praises
:
which
thing
I
would
be
most
glad
of
,
and
will
hartily
pray
for
.
FINIS
.