The arte of rhetorique for the vse of all suche as are studious of eloquence, sette forth in English, by Thomas Wilson.

The arte of Rhetorique .

what is Rhetorique .

RHetorique is an art to set furthe by vtteraunce of wordes , matter at large , or ( as Cicero doeth saie ) it is a learned , or rather an artificiall declaracion of the mynde , in the handelyng of any cause , called in contencion , that maie through reason largely be discussed .

¶ The matter whereupon an Oratour must speake .

AN Orator muste be able to speake fully of all those questions , whiche by lawe and mannes ordinaunce are enacted , and appoyncted for the vse and profite of man , suche as are thought apte for the tongue to set forward . Rhetorique occupied aboute all lawes , concernyng man . Now Astronomie is rather learned by demonstracion , then taught by any greate vtteraunce . Arithmetique smally nedeth the vse of eloquence , seeyng it maie be had wholy by nombryng onely . Geometrie rather asketh a good square , then a cleane flowyng tongue , to set out the arte . Questions of two sortes . Therfore an Orators profession , is to speake onely , of all suche matters as maie largely be expounded , for mannes behoue , and maie with muche grace be set out , for all men to heare theim .

¶ Of Questions .

EUery question , or demaunde in thynges , is of two sortes . Either it is an infinite question , and without ende , or els it is definite , and comprehended within some ende .

Those questions are called infinite , Questions infinite . whiche generally are propounded , withoute the comprehension of tyme , place , and person , or any suche like : that is to saie , when no certain thyng is named , but onely woordes are generally spoken . As thus , whether it be best to marie ▪ or to liue single . Whiche is better , a courtiers life , or a scholers life .

Those questions are called definite , Questions definite . whiche set furthe a matter , with the appoynctment , and namyng of place , time and persone . As thus . Whether now it be best here in Englande , for a Prieste to Marie , or to liue single . Whether it were mete for the kynges maiestie , that now is , to marie with a straunger , or to mary with one of his awn subiectes . Questions definite , belong properly to an Orator . Now the definite question ( as the whiche concerneth some one persone ) is moste agreyng to the purpose of an Orator consideryng particuler matters in the Lawe , are euer debated betwixte certain persones , the one affirmyng for his parte , and the other deniyng , as fast again for his parte .

Thynges generally spoken without al circumstaunces , are more proper vnto the Logician , Questions infinite , proper vnto Logicians who talketh of thynges vniuersally , without respect of persone , time , or place . And yet notwithstandyng , Tullie doeth saie , that whosoeuer will talke of a particuler matter , must remember that within thesame also , is comprehended a generall . As for example . If I shall aske this question , whether it be lawfull for Willyam Conqueroure to inuade Englande , and wynne it by force of armour , I must also consider this , whether it be lawfull for any man , to vsurpe power , or it be not lawfull . That if the greater cannot be borne withall , the lesse cannot be neither . And in this respecte , a generall question agreeth well to an Orators profession , and ought well to be knowen , for the better furtheraunce of his matter , notwithstandyng the particuler question , is euer called in controuersie , and the generall onely thereupon considered , to comprehende and compasse thesame , as the whiche is more generall .

¶ The ende of Rethorique .

Three thynges are required of an Orator . Orators bound to perfourme 〈◊〉 thynges .

To teache . To delight . And to perswade .

FIrst therefore an Orator muste labour to tell his tale , that the hearers maie well knowe what he meaneth , and vnderstande him wholy , the whiche he shall with ease do , if he vtter his mind in plain wordes , Plain wordes proper vnto an Oratour . suche as are vsually receiued , and tell it orderly , without goyng aboute the busshe . That if he doe not this , he shall neuer do the other . For what manne can be delited or yet be perswaded , with the onely hearyng of those thynges , whiche he knoweth not what thei meane . The tongue is ordeined to expresse the mynde , that one mighte vnderstande anothers meanyng : Nowe what auaileth to speake , when none can tell , what the speaker meaneth ? Therefore Phauorinus the Philosophier ( as Gellius telleth the tale ) did hit a yong man ouer the thumbes , very handsomely for vsyng ouer olde , and ouer straunge woordes , Sirha ( ꝙ he ) when our old great auncesters and graundsires wer aliue thei spake plainly in their mothers tongue , A Philosophier● wittie saiyng to a yong manne , that soughte to speake darke language . & vsed old language , suche as was spoken then at the buildyng of Rome . But you talke me suche Latin , as though you spake with them euen now , that were two or thre thousande yeres ago , and onely because you would haue no man , to vnderstand what you saie . Now wer it not better for the a thousand fold ( thou foolishe fellowe ) in sekyng to haue thy desire , to holde thy peace , and speake nothyng at all ? for then by that meanes , fewe should knowe what were thy meanyng . But thou saiest , the olde antiquitee doeth like thee best , because it is good , sobre , & modest . Ah , liue man as thei did before thee , and speake thy mynde now , as menne do at this daie . And remember that , whiche Cesar saith , beware as long as thou liuest , of straunge woordes , as thou wouldest take hede and eschewe greate rockes in the Sea .

The next parte that he hath to plaie , is to chere his gestes , and to make them take pleasure , with hearyng of thynges wittely deuised , and pleasauntly set furthe . Orators muste vse delightful woordes , and saiynges . Therfore euery Orator should earnestly laboure to file his tongue , that his woordes maie slide with ease , and that in his deliueraunce , he maie haue suche grace , as the sound of a lute , or any suche instrument doeth geue . Then his sentencies must be well framed , and his wordes aptly vsed , throughout the whole discourse of his Oracion .

Thirdly , suche quicknesse of witte must be shewed , and suche pleasaunt sawes so well applied , that the eares maie finde muche delite , whereof I will speake largely , when I shall entreate of mouyng laughter . And assuredly nothyng is more nedefull , then to quicken these heauie loden wittes of ours , and muche to cherishe these our lompishe and vnweldie natures , for excepte menne finde delight , thei will not long abide : delight theim , and wynne them : werie theim , and you lose theim for euer . And that is the reason , that menne commonly tary the ende of a merie plaie , and cannot abide the halfe hearyng of a sower checkyng Sermon . Preachers not so diligentely heard , as common plaiers . Therefore , euen these auncient preachers , must now and then plaie the fooles in the pulpite , to serue the tickle eares of their fleetyng audience , or els thei are like some tymes to preache to the bare walles , for though the spirite bee apte , and our will prone , yet our fleshe is so heauie , and humours so ouerwhelme vs , that wee cannot without refreshyng , long abide to heare any one thyng . Prechers must sometymes be merie , when thei speake to the people . Thus we se , that to delight , is nedefull , without the whiche , weightier matters will not be heard at all , and therefore hym cunne I thanke , that bothe can & will euer , myngle swete , Deli●●ng nedefull . emong the sower , be he Preacher , Lawyer , yea , or Cooke either hardely , when he dresseth a good dishe of meate : now I nede not tell that scurrilitie , Scurrilitie odious . or Alehouse iestyng , would bee thought odious , or grosse mirthe would be deamed madnesse : consideryng that euen the meane witted doe knowe that already , and as for other , that haue no witte , thei will neuer learne it , therefore God spede them . Now when these twoo are dooen , he muste perswade , and moue the affeccions Affeccions must be moued . of his hearers in suche wise , that thei shal be forced to yelde vnto his saiyng , wherof ( because the matter is large , and maie more aptly bee declared , when I shall speake of Amplificacion ) I wil surcease to speake any thyng therof at this tyme .

¶ By what meanes Eloquence is attained .

FIrste nedefull it is that he , whiche desireth to excell in this gift of Oratorie , and longeth to proue an eloquent man , must naturally haue a wit , and an aptnesse thereunto : then must he to his boke , & learne to be well stored with knowlege , that he maie be able to minister matter , for all causes necessarie . The which when he hath gotte plentifully , he muste vse muche exercise , bothe in writyng , and also in speakyng . For though he haue a wit and learnyng together , yet shal thei bothe litle auaile without much practise . Practise maketh all thynges perfect . What maketh the lawyer to haue suche vtteraunce ? Practise . What maketh the Preacher to speake so roundly ? Practise . Yea , what maketh women go so fast awaie with their wordes ? Marie practise I warraunt you . Therfore in all faculties , diligent practise , and earnest exercise , are the onely thynges , that make men proue excellent . Many men knowe the arte very well , and be in all poynctes throughly grounded , & acquainted with the preceptes , and yet it is not their hap to proue eloquent And the reason is , that eloquence it self , came not vp first by the arte , but the arte rather was gathered vpon eloquence . Rhetorique firste made by wise men , and not wise men firste made by Rhetorique . For wise menne seyng by muche obseruacion , and diligent practise , the compasse of diuerse causes , compiled thereupon preceptes and lessons , worthie to bee knowen and learned of all men . Therefore before arte was inuented , eloquence was vsed , and through practise made parfecte , the whiche in all thynges is a souereigne meane , most highly to excell .

Now before we vse either to write , or speake eloquently we must dedicate our myndes wholly , to folowe the moste wise and learned menne , and seke to fashion , aswell their speache and gesturyng , as their wit or endityng . Imitacion or folowyng the waies of wise men , is nedefull . The whiche when we earnestly mynde to do , we cannot but in time appere somewhat like theim . For if thei that walke muche in the sonne , and thinke not of it , are yet for the moste part sonne burnt , it cannot be but that thei , whiche wittyngly and willyngly trauaile to counterfecte other , muste nedes take some colour of theim , and be like vnto theim , in some one thyng or other , accordyng to the Prouerbe , by companiyng with the wise , a man shall learne wisedome .

¶ To what purpose this arte is set furthe .

TO this purpose and for this vse , Rhetorique , to what purpose it serueth . is the arte compiled together , by the learned and wise men , that those whiche are ignorant , might iudge of the lerned , and labour ( when tyme should require ) to folow their workes accordyngly . Again , the art helpeth well to dispose and order matters of our awne inuencion , the whiche we may folowe , aswell in speakyng , as in writyng for though many by nature without art , haue proued worthie menne , Arte , surer guide , then nature . yet is arte a surer guide , then nature , consideryng we se as liuely by the art , what we do , as though we red a●thyng in writtyng , wheras natures doynges are not so open to all men . Again , those that haue good wittes , by nature , shall better encrease theim by arte , and the blunte also shal be whetted through art , that want nature to help them forward .

¶ Fiue thynges to be considered in an Oratour .

ANy one that will largely handle any matter , muste fasten his mynde , first of all vpon these fiue especial poynctes that folowe , and learne theim euery one . Orators must haue fiue thinges to make them perfect .

j. Inuencion of matter . ij . Disposicion of thesame . iij. Elocucion . iiij . Memorie . v. Utteraunce .

THe findyng out of apte matter , called otherwise Inuencion , Inuencion , what it is . is a searchyng out of thynges true , or thynges likely , the whiche maie reasonably sette furth a matter , and make it appere probable . The places of Logique , geue good occasion to finde out plentitifull matter . And therefore thei that will proue any cause and seke onely to teache thereby the truthe , muste searche out the places of Logique , and no doubte thei shall finde muche plentie . But what auaileth muche treasure and apt matter , if man cannot apply it to his purpose . Therefore in the seconde place is mencioned , the settelyng or orderyng of thynges inuented for this purpose , called in Latine , Dispositio , Disposicion , what it is . the whiche is nothyng els , but an apt bestowyng , and orderly placyng of thynges , declaryng where euery argument shal be sette , and in what maner euery reason shal be applied , for confirmacion of the purpose .

But yet what helpeth it though we can finde good reasons , and knowe howe to place theim , if we haue not apte wordes , and picked sentences , to commende the whole matter . Therefore this poynct must nedes folowe , to beautifie the cause , the whiche beyng called Elocucion , Elocucion , what it is . is an appliyng of apte wordes and sentences to the matter , founde out to confirme the cause . When all these are had together , it auaileth litle , if manne haue no Memorie to contein theim . The Memorie therefore must be cherished , Memorie , what it is . the whiche is a fast holdyng , bothe of matter and woordes couched together , to confirme any cause .

Be it now that one haue all these .iiij , yet if he want the fift , all the other dooe litle profite . For though a manne can finde out good matter , and good woordes , though he canne handsomely set them together , and cary them very well awaie in his mynde , yet it is to no purpose , if he haue no vtteraunce , when he should speake his minde , and shewe men what he hath to saie . Utteraunce therefore is a framyng of the voyce , countenaunce , and gesture , after a comely maner . Pronunciation what it is .

Thus we se that euery one of these must go together , to make a perfecte Oratoure , and that the lacke of one , is an hynderaunce of the whole , and that aswell all maie be wantyng , as one , if we loke to haue an absolute Oratour .

¶ There are .vii. partes in euery Oracion . Oracions in generall , consist vpon seuen partes . j. The enteraunce or beginnyng . ij . The Narracion . iij. The Proposicion . iiij . The diuision or seuerall partyng of thynges v. The Confirmacion . vi . The Confutacion . vii . The Conclusion .

THe Enteraunce or beginnyng , Enteraunce , what it is . is the former part of the Oracion , whereby the will of the standers by , or of the Iudge is sought for , and required to heare the matter .

The Narracion , Narration . is a plain and manifest poynctyng of the matter , and an euident settyng furthe of all thynges , that belong vnto thesame , with a brief rehersall , grounded vpon some reason .

The Proposicion Proposicion . is a pithie sentence , comprehendyng in a smale roume , the some of the whole matter .

The diuision Diuision . is an openyng of thynges , wherin we agree and rest vpon , and wherein we sticke , and stande in trauerse shewyng what we haue to saie , in our awne behalfe .

The Confirmacion , Confirmacion . is a declaracion of our awne reasons with assured and constaunt profes .

The Confutacion , Confutacion . is a dissoluyng or wipyng awaie , of all suche reasons as make against vs .

The Conclusion Conclusion . is a clarkely gatheryng of the matter , spoken before , and a lappyng vp of it altogether .

Now because in euery one of these , greate hede ought to be had , and muche arte must be vsed , to content and like all parties : I purpose in the second boke to set furthe at large euery one of these , that bothe we maie knowe in all partes , what to folowe , and what to eschewe . And first when tyme shal be to talke of any matter , I would aduise euery man , to consider the nature of the cause self , that the rather he might frame his whole Oracion thereafter .

¶ Euery matter is conteined in one of these .iiii.

EIther it is an honest thyng , whereof we speake , or els it is filthy and vile , or els betwixte bothe , and doubtfull what to bee called , or els it is some triflyng matter , Matters in general , stand in iiii . poynctes . that is of small weight .

That is called an honest matter , Matters honest . when either wee take in hande suche a cause , that all menne would maintein , or els gainsaie suche a cause , that no man can well like .

Then do we hold and defende a filthy matter , Matters , filthie . when either wee speake against our conscience in an euill matter , or els withstande an vpright truthe .

The cause then is doubtfull , when the matter Matters , doubtfull . is half honest , and halfe vnhonest .

Suche are triflyng Matters , trifelyng . causes , when there is no weight in them as if one should phantasy , to praise a Gose , before any other beast liuyng ( as I knowe who did ) or of fruict to commende nuttes chefly , as Ouid did , or the feuer quartaine , as Phauorinus did , or the Gnatte , as Uirgill did , or the battaill of Frogges as Homere did , or dispraise beardes , or commende shauen heddes .

¶ Good hede to bee taken at the firste , vpon the handelyng of any matter in Iudgement .

NOT onely it is necessarie to knowe , what maner of cause wee haue taken in hande , when wee firste enter vpon any matter , but also it is wisedome to consider the tyme , Circumstaunces necessary in al causes to bee noted . the place , the man for whom we speake , the man against whom we speake , the matter whereof we speake , and the iudges before whom we speake , the reasons that best serue to further our cause , and those reasons also , that maie seme somewhat to hynder our cause , and in no wise to vse any suche at all , or els warely to mitigate by protestacion , the euill that is in theim , and alwaies to vse whatsoeuer can bee saied , to wynne the chief hearers good willes , and perswade theim to our purpose . Fauoure wynnyng , and affeccions mouyng , when thei are moste necessarie . If the cause go by fauour , and that reason cannot so muche auaile , as good wil shal be able to do : or els if mouyng affeccions can do more good , then bryngyng in of good reasons , it is meete alwaies to vse that waie , whereby we maie by good helpe , get the ouer hand . That if mine aduersaries Aduersaries reasons , when thei shuld best be confuted . reasons , by me beyng confuted , serue better to help forward my cause , then mine awn reasons confirmed , can be able to doe good : I should wholy bestowe my tyme , and trauaill to weaken and make slender , all that euer he bringeth with hym . But if I can with more ease , proue myne awne saiynges , ●ither with witnesses , or with wordes , then be able to confute his with reason , I must labour to withdrawe mennes myndes , Argumentes whom thei shuld chiefly be vsed from myne aduersaries foundacion , and require them wholy to herken vnto that whiche I haue to saie , beyng of it self so iust and so reasonable , that none can rightly speake against it , and shewe theim that greate pitie it were , for lacke of the onely hearyng , that a true matter , should want true dealyng . Ouer and besides all these , there remain twoo lessons , the whiche wisemenne haue alwaies obserued , and therefore ought of all men , assuredly to be learned . The one is , that if any matter Matters , hard to auoide , shuld alwaies bee past ouer , as thoughwe saw them not at al be laied against vs , whiche by reason can hardely bee auoyded , or the whiche is so open , that none almoste can deny , it were wisedome in confutyng all the other reasons , to passe ouer this one , as though we sawe it not , and therefore speake neuer a worde of it . Or els if necessitie shall force a man to saie some what , Good to bee bolde in moste daungier , if otherwise wee cannot escape . he may make an outward bragge , as though there wer no matter in it , euer so speakyng of it , as though he would stande to the triall , makyng men to beleue , he would fight in the cause , when better it were ( if necessitie so required ) to run clene awaie . And herein though a man do flie and geue place , euermore the gladder , the lesse rauyng there is or stirryng in this matter : yet he flieth wisely , and for this ende , that beyng fensed otherwise , & strongly appoyncted , he maie take his aduersary at the best aduauntage , or at the least , werie hym with muche lingeryng , and make hym with oft suche fliyng , to forsake his chief defence .

The other lesson is , that whereas we purpose alwaies to haue the victorie , wee should so speake , that we maie labour rather not to hynder , or hurt our cause , then to seke meanes to further it . Better not to hurte a good matter by euil speach , then to further it by good talke . And yet I speake not this , but that bothe these are right necessarie , and euery one that will doo good , muste take peines in theim bothe , but yet notwithstandyng , it is a fouler faulte a greate deale , for an Orator to be founde hurting his awne cause , then it should turne to his rebuke , if he had not furthered his whole entent . Therefore not onely is it wisedome , ●arenesse in speakyng , and forbearyng to speake . to speake so muche as is nedefull , but also it is good reason , to leaue vnspoken so muche as is nedelesse , the whiche although the wisest can do , and nede no teachyng , yet these common wittes offende muche nowe and then , in this behalfe . The person before whom we speake , must be well marked . Some man beyng stirred , shall hurt more our cause then twentie other . Tauntyng wordes before some menne , will not be borne at all . Sharpe rebukyng of our aduersary or frumpes geuen before some persones : cannot be sufferd at all . Yea , Tyme must be obserued . sometymes a man must not speake all that he knoweth , for if he doo , he is like to finde small fauour , although he haue iuste cause to speake , and maie with reason declare his mynde at large . And albeit that witlesse folke , can soner rebuke that , whiche is fondly spoken , then redely praise that whiche is wisely kept close , yet the necessitie of the matter , must rather be marked , then the fonde iudgement of the people estemed . What a sore saiyng were this ? When a lawyer should take in hande a matter , concernyng life and death , and another should aske how he hath sped , to heare tel that the lawyer , hath not onely cast awaie his client , but vndoen hymself also , in speakyng thynges inconsideratly , as no doubt it often happeneth , that wise men , and those also that bee none euill men neither , maie vnwares speake thynges , which afterward thei sore repent , & would cal backe again with losse of a greate so●●e . Now what a foly it is , not to remember the tyme and the men . Or who will speake that whiche he knoweth will not be liked , if he purpose to finde fauour at their handes , before whom he speaketh , what man of reason will praise that before the Iudges , ( before whom he knoweth the determinacion of his cause resteth ) whiche the Iudges self cannot abide to heare spoken at all ? Or doeth not he muche hinder his awne matter , that wtthout al curtesie or preface made , will largely speake euil of those men , whom the hearers of his cause , tenderly doo fauour ? Or be it that there be some notable faulte in thyne aduersary , with whiche the Iudges also are infected , were it not foly for thee , to charge thyne aduersary with thesame . Consideryng the Iudges thereby maie thynke , thou speakest against theim also , and so thou maiest perhappes , lose their fauour in sekyng suche defence , made without all discrecion . And in framing reasons , to confirme the purpose , if any be spoken plainly false , or els contrary to that , which was spoken before , dooeth it not muche hynder a good matter ? Therefore in all causes , this good hede ought to bee had , that alwaies we labour to do some good , in furtheryng of our cause , or if we cannot so do , at the least that we doo no harme at all .

¶ There are three kyndes of causes , or Oracions , whiche serue for euery matter

NOthyng can be handled by this arte , but thesame is conteined , within one of these .iij. causes . Orations , o● causes of thr●e kyndes , Either the matter consisteth in praise , or dispraise of a thyng , or els in consultyng , whether the cause be profitable , or vnprofitable , or lastly , whether the matter be right , or wrong . And yet this one thyng is to be learned that in euery one of these foure causes , these three seuerall endes , maie euery of them be conteined , in any one of them . And therfore he that shall haue cause , to praise any o●e body , shall haue iuste cause to speake of iustice , to entreate of profite , and ioyntly to talke of one thyng with another . But because these three causes , are commonly and for the moste part , seuerally parted , I will speake of them , one after another , as thei are sette furthe by wise mennes iudgementes , & particularly declare their properties , all in order

The Oracion demonstratiue , Oracion Demonstratiue . standeth either in praise , or dispraise of some one man , or of some one thyng , or of some one deede doen.

¶ The kynde Demonstratiue , wherein chiefly it is occupied .

THere are diuerse thynges , whiche are praised , and dispraised , as menne , Countreis , Citees , Places , Beastes , Hilles , Riuers , Houses , Castles , dedes doen by worthy menne , and pollicies inuented by greate warriers , but moste commonly me● are praised , for diuerse respectes , before any of the other thynges are taken in hande .

Nowe in praisyng a noble personage , Noble personages , howe thei should be praised . and in settyng furthe at large his worthinesse , Quintilian geueth warnyng , to vse this threfolded order .

To obserue thynges . Before his life . In his life . After his death .

Before a mannes life , are considered these places .

The Realme . The Shire . The Toune . The Pareutes . The Auncestours .

IN a mannes life , praise muste be parted threfolde . That is to saie , into the giftes of good thynges of the mynde , the body , and of fortune . Now the giftes of the body , and of fortune , are not praise worthy , of their awne nature : but euen as thei are vsed , either to , or fro , so thei are either praised , or dispraised . Giftes of the mynde , deserue the whole trumpe and sound commendacion aboue all other , wherein wee maie vse the rehersall of vertues , as thei are in order , and beginnyng at his infancie , tell all his doynges , till his last age .

¶ The places whereof , are these .

The birthe , and infancie . Whether the person be a man , or a woman The childhode . The bryngyng vp , the nurturyng , and the behauour of his life . The stripelyng age , or spryng tide To what study he taketh hymself vnto , what company he vseth , how he liueth . The mannes state . Wherunto are referred these . Prowesses doen , either abrode , or at home . The olde age . His pollicies & wittie deuises in behoue of the publique wele The tyme of his departure , or deth Thynges that haue happened aboute his death .

NOw to open al these places more largely , aswell those that are before a mannes life , as suche as are in his life , and after his death , that the reader maie further se the profite , I will do the best I can

The house wherof a noble personage came , The house o● auncestrie wherof a noble personage cometh . declares the state and nature of his auncesters , his alliaunce , and his kynsfolke . So that suche worthy feactes , as thei haue heretofore doen , and al suche honors as thei haue had , for suche their good seruice , redowndes wholy to the encrease and amplifiyng of his honour , that is now liuyng .

The Realme , ii . The realme . declares the nature of the people . So that some Countrey brengeth more honor with it , then another doth . To be a Frenche manne , descendyng there of a noble house , is more honor then to be an Irishe manne : to bee an Englishe manne borne , is muche more honour , then to be a Scotte , because that by these men , worthy prowesses haue been dooen , and greater affaires by theim attempted , then haue been doen by any other .

The Shire or Toune iii. The Shire or Toune . helpeth somewhat , towardes the encrease of honour : As it is muche better , to bee borne in Paris , then in Picardie , in London , then in Lincolne . For that bothe the aire is better , the people more ciuill , and the wealth muche greater , and the menne for the moste parte more wise .

To bee borne a manchilde , declares a courage , grauitie , and constancie . To be borne a woman , declares weakenes of spirite , neshenes of body , and fikilnesse of mynde . iiii . The se●e or kynde .

Now for the bringing vp of a noble personage , v. Educac●on . his nurse must be considered , his plaie felowes obserued , his teacher and other his seruauntes , called in remembraunce . Howe euery one of these liued then , with whom thei haue liued afterwardes , and how thei liue now .

By knowyng what he taketh hymself vnto , and wherin he moste deliteth , I maie commende hym for his learnyng , for his skill in the Frenche , or in the Italian , for his knowlege in Cosmographie : for his skill in the lawes , in the histories of all countreis , and for his gift of endityng . vi . Inclinacion of nature . Again , I maie commende hym for plaiyng at weapons , for runnyng vpon a greate horse , for chargyng his staffe at the Tilte , for vautyng , for plaiyng vpon instrumentes , yea , and for paintyng , or drawyng of a platte , as in old tyme noble princes , muche delited therein .

Prowesse doen , declare his seruice to the Kyng , and his countrey , either in withstandyng the outwarde e●emie , or els in aswagyng the rage of his awne countreymen at home . vii Attemptes worthy .

His wise counsaill , and good aduise geuen , settes furthe the goodnesse of his witte . viii .

At the tyme of his departyng , Tyme of it . departing this worlde . his sufferaunce of all sicknesse , may muche commende his worthinesse . As his strong harte , and cherefull pacience euen to the ende , cannot want greate praise . The loue of all men towardes hym , and the lamentyng generally for his lacke , helpe well moste highly to set furthe his honour .

After a mannes death , After departure . are considered his tombe , his cote armour set vp , and all suche honours , as are vsed in funeralles . If any one liste to put these preceptes in practise , he maie doo , as hym liketh best . And surely I do thynke , that nothyng so muche furthereth knowlege , as daiely exercise , and enuryng our selfes to do that in dede , whiche we know in woorde . And because examples geue greate lighte , after these preceptes are set furthe , I will commende two noble gentlemen , Henry Duke of Suffolk , and his brother lorde Charles Duke Duke of Suffolke , and lord Charles . with hym .

¶ An example of commendyng a noble personage .

BEtter or more wisely can none do , then thei which neuer bestowe praise , but vpon those that best deserue praise , rather myndyng discretly , what thei ought to dooe , then vainly deuisyng what thei best can doo , sekyng rather to praise menue , suche as are founde worthy , then curiously findyng meanes to praise matters , suche as neuer wer in any . For thei which speake otherwise then truthe is , mynd not the commendacion of the perso●e , but the settyng furthe of their awne learnyng . As Gorgias Gorgias . in Plato , praisyng vnrighteousnes , Heliogabalus Heliogabalus Oratours , commendyng whoredome , Phauorinus Phauorinus . the Philosophier , extollyng the feuer Quartaine , thought not to speake as the cause required , but would so muche saie as their wit would geue , not weighyng the state of the cause , but myndyng the want of their brain , lookyng how muche could be said , not passyng how litle should be saied . But I bothe knowyng the might of Gods hand , for suche as loue fables , and the shame that in yearth redoundeth to euil re●orters , will not commende that or those , whiche neede no good praise , but will commende them , that no man iustly can dispraise , nor yet any one is well able worthely to praise . Their towardnes was suche , & their giftes so great , that I know none whiche loue learnyng , but hath sorowed the lacke of their beeyng , and I knowe that the onely namyng of theim , will stirre honest hartes , to speake well of them . I will speake of twoo brethren , that lately departed , the one Henry Duke of Suffolke , and the other Lorde Charles his brother , Henry duke of Suffolke , and lorde Charles his brother . whom God thinkyng ●●eter for heauen , then to liue here vpon yearth , toke from vs in his anger , for the betteryng of our doynges , and amendement of our euill liuyng . These twoo gentlemen were borne in noble England , bothe by father and mother , of an high parentage . The father called Duke Charles , by mariage beyng brother , to the worthy kyng of famous memorie , Henry th eight , was in suche fauour , and did suche seruice , that all Englaude at this houre , doeth finde his lacke , and Fraunce yet doth fele , that suche a duke there was , whom in his life tyme , the godly , loued : the euil , feared : the wise men , honored for his wit , and the simple , vsed alwaies for their counsaill . Their mother , of birthe noble , and witte great , of nature gentle , and mercifull to the poore , and to the godly , and especially to the learned , an earnest good patronesse , and moste helpyng Lady aboue all other . In their youthe their father died , the eldest of them beyng not past .ix. yeres of age . After whose death , their mother knowyng , that welth without wit , is like a sworde in a naked mannes hand , & assuredly certain , that knowlege would confirme iudgement , prouided so for their bringyng vp , in al vertue and learnyng , that ij . like were not to be had , within this realme again . When thei began bothe , to wa●e somewhat in yeres , beyng in their primetide , & spryng of their age , th elder waityng of the kynges maiestie that now is , was generally well estemed , and sucheh ope was conceiued of his towardnes , both for learnyng , and al other thinges , that fewe wer like vnto hym in al the courte . The other kepyng his boke , emong the Cambrige men , profited ( as thei all well knowe ) bothe in vertue and learnyng , to their greate admiracion . For the Greke , the Latine , and the Italian , I knowe he could dooe more , then would be thought true by my report . I leaue to speke of his skill in pleasaunt instrumentes , neither will I vtter his aptnes in Musike , & his toward nature , to all exercises of the body . But his elder brother in this tyme ( besides his other giftes of the mynde , whiche passed all oth●r , and were almoste incredible ) folowyng his fathers nature was so delited with ridyng , and runnyng in armour vpon horsebacke , and was so comely for that feacte , and could do so well in chargyng his staffe , beyng but .xiiij. yeres of age , that menne of warre , euen at this houre , mone muche the want of suche a worthy gentleman . Yea , the Frenche men that first wondered at his learnyng , when he was there emong theim , and made a notable Oracion in Latine : were muche more astonied when thei saw his comely ridyng , and litle thought to finde these twoo ornamentes , ioyned bothe in one , his yeres especially beyng so tender , and his practise of so small tyme . Afterward commyng from the courte , as one that was desierous to be emong the learned , he laie in Cambrige together with his brother , where thei bothe so profited , and so gently vsed themselfes , that all Cambr●ge did reuerence , bothe hym and his brother , as two iewelles sent from God . Thelders nature was suche , that he thought hymself best , when he was emong the wisest , and yet contempned none , but thankefully vsed all , gentle in behauor without childishenes ; stoute of stomacke without al pride , bold with all warenesse , and frendly with good aduisement . The yonger beeyng not so ripe in yeres , was not so graue in looke , rather chereful , then sad : rather quicke , then auncient : but yet if his brother were sette a side , not one that went beyonde hym . A childe that by his awne inclinacion , so muche yelded to his ruler , as fewe by chastement haue doen the like , pleasaunt of speeche , prompte of witte , stiryng by nature , hault without hate , kynde without crafte , liberall of harte , gentle in behauiour , forward in all thynges , gredy of learnyng , and lothe to take a foyle , in any open assembly . Thei bothe in al attemptes , sought to haue the victory , and in exercise of witte , not onely the one with the other , did ofte stande in contencion , but also thei bothe would matche with the best , and thought themselfes moste happie , when thei might haue any iust occasion , to put their wittes in triall . And now when this grene fruicte began to waxe ripe , and all menne lo●ged to haue tast , of suche their greate forwardnesse : God preuentyng mannes expectacion , toke theim bothe aboute one houre , and in so shorte tyme , that first thei wer knowen to be dedde , or any abrode could tell thei were sicke . I neede not to reherse , what bothe thei spake , before their departure ( consideryng , I haue seuerally written , bothe in Latine and in Englishe , of thesame matter ) neither will I heape here so muche together as I can , because I should rather renewe greate sorowe to many , then do moste men any great good , who loued them so well generally , that fewe for a greate space after , spake of these twoo gentle menne , but thei shewed teares , with the onely vtteraunce of their wordes , and some through ouer muche sorowyng , wer fain to forbeare speakyng . God graunt vs also to liue , that the good men of this world , may be alwaies lothe to forsake vs , and God maie still be glad to haue vs , as no doubt the●e twoo children so died , as all men should wishe to liue , and so thei liued bothe , as al should wishe to die . Seyng therfore these two wer suche , bothe for birthe , nature , and all other giftes of grace , that the like are hardely founde behynde theim : let vs so speake of theim , that our good report maie warne vs , to folowe their godly natures , and that lastly , wee maie enioye that enheritaunce , whereunto God hath prepared them and vs ( that feare him ) from the beginnyng . Amen .

The partes of an Oracion , made in praise of a manne . The Enteraunce . The Narracion . Sometymes the confutacion . The Conclusion .

IF any one shall haue iust cause , to dispraise an euill man , he shall sone do it , if he can praise a good man . For ( as Aristotle doeth saie ) of contraries , there is one and thesame doctrine , and therefore he that can do the one , shall sone be able to do the other .

¶ Of an Oracion demonstratiue , for some deede doen.

THe kynd demonstratiue of some thyng doen is this , Oracion Demo●stratiue of a deede . when a man is commended or dispraised , for any acte committed in his life .

¶ The places to confirme this cause , when any one is commended , are sixe in nomber . The places of Cofirmacion . j. It is honest . ij . It is possible . iij. Easie to be doen , iiij . hard to be doen. v. Possible to be doen , vi . Impossible to be doen.

Seuen circumstaunces , whiche are to bee considered in diuerse matters .

The circumstaunces . j. Who did the deede . ij . What was doen. iij. Where it was doen. iiij . What helpe had he to it . v. Wherefore he did it . vi . How he did it . vij . At what tyme he did it .

¶ The circumstaunces in meter . Who , what , and where , by what helpe , and by whose : Why , how , and when , do many thynges disclose .

THese places helpe wonderfully , to set out any matter , and to amplifie it to the vttermoste , not onely in praisyng , or dispraisyng , but also in all other causes where any aduisement is to bee vsed . Yet this one thyng is to bee learned , that it shall not bee necessarie , to vse theim altogether , euen as thei stande in order : but rather as tyme and place shall best require , thei maie bee vsed in any parte of the Oracion , euen as it shall please hym that hath the vsyng of them .

Again , if any manne bee disposed , to rebuke any offence , he maie vse the places contrary vnto theim that are aboue rehersed , and apply these circumstaunces euen as thei are , to the profe of his purpose .

¶ An example of commendyng Kyng Dauid , for killyng greate Goliah , gathered and made by o●seruacion of circumstaunces .

GOD beyng the aucthor of mankynde , powryng into hym the breath of life , and framyng hym of claie in suche a comely wise , Dauid commended for killing Goliah . as we al now se , hath from the beginnyng , been so carefull ouer his electe and chosen , that in al daungers , he is euer redy to assist his people , kepyng theim harmelesse , when thei were often paste all mannes hope . A●d emong all other his fatherly goodnesse , it pleased hym to shewe his power , who ? Dauid against Goliah . in his chosen seruaunt Dauid , that all mighte learne to knowe his mighte , and reken with themselfes , that though man geue the stroke , yet God it is that geueth the ouerha●de . For wheras Dauid was of small statu●e , weake of body , poore of ●irthe , and base in the sight of the worldlynges , God called hym firste to matche with an houge monster , a litle body , against a mightie Gyaunt , an abiect● Israelite , against a moste valiaunt Philistine , with whom no Israelite durst encounter . These Philistines mynded the murder and ouerthrowe , of all the Israelites , trustyng in their awne strength so muche , that thei feared no perill , but made an accompte , that all was theirs before hande . Now when bothe these armies were in sight , the Philistines vpon an hill of the one side , and the Israelites vpon an hill , of the other side , a vale beyng betwixte theim bothe , ●here marched out of the Campe , a base borne Philistine , called Goliah of Geth , a manne of sixe cubites high . This souldiour , when through the bignes and stature of his body , and also with greate bragges , & terrible threatenynges , he had wonderfully abashed the whole armie of the Israelites , so that no man durst aduenture vpon hym , God to the ende he mighte del●uer Israell , and shewe that mannes helpe , with all his armour , litle auaile to get victory , without his especiall grace : and again , to the ende he might set vp Dauid , and make hym honourable emong the Israeli●es , did then call out Dauid , the sonne of Ephrate●●● , of Be●hleem Iuda , whose name was Isai , who beeyng but a child in yeres , did kill out of hande , what ? Dauid killed Goliah . by Goddes might and power , Goliah the moste terrible enemie of all other , that bare hate against the children of Israell . When this mightie felowe was slain , aboute the vale of Terebinthus , where ? About the vale of Terebithus . betwixt both th armies , the Israelites reioysed , that before quaked , and wondered at hym then , whom thei would scant knowe before , & ▪ no doubt this dede was not onely wonderfull , but also right godly . For in battaill to kill an enemie , is thoughte right worthy , or to aduenture vpon a reb●ll , ( though the successe folowe not ) is generally commended : yea , to put one to the worse , or to make hym flie the ground , is called manly , but what shall we saie of Dauid , that not onely had the better hande , not onely bette his enemie , but killed streight his enemie , yea , and not an enemy , of the common stature of men , but a mightie Gyaunt , not a man , but a monster , yea , a deuill in hart , and a beast in body ? Dauids enterprise , honest and godly . Can any be compted more honest , then suche as seke to saue their countrey ; by hasardyng their carcasses , and shedyng of their bloude ? Can loue shewe it self greater , then by yeldyng of life , By what help and by whose ? Alone , & without the help of any manne liuyng . for the health of an armie ? It had been muche , if half a dosen had dispatched , suche a terrible Gyaunte , but now , when Dauid without helpe , beyng not yet a manne , but a boye in yeres , ●lewe hym hande to hande , what iuste praise dooeth he deserue ? If we praise other , that haue flain euill men , and compte them haulte , that haue killed their matches , Dauids enterprise , praise worthy . what shall we saie of Dauid , that beyng wonderfully ouermatched , made his partie good , and gotte the gole of a monster ? Lette other praise Hercules , that thinke best of hym : let Cesar , Alexander , and Hanniball , bee bru●ed for warriers : Dauid in my iudgement , bothe did more manly , then all the other wer able , & serued his countrey in greater daunger , then euer any one of theim did . And shall wee not call suche a noble capitain , a good man of warre ? Deserueth not his manhode and stoute attempte , wonderfull praise ? It vertue could speake , would she not sone confesse that Dauid had her in full possession ? And therfore if well doynges , by right maie chalenge worthy brute , Dauid wil be knowen , and neuer can want due praise , for suche an honest deede . And what man wil not saie , but that Dauid did mynde nothyng els herein , but the saufegarde of his countrey , why ? For the saufegarde of his countrey . thinkyng it better for himself to die , and his countrey to liue , then hymself to liue , and his countrey to die . What gain got Dauid , by the death of Goliah , or what could he hope , by the death of suche a monster , but onely that the loue whiche he bare to the Israelites , forced hym to hasard his awne life : Dauides enterprise , prost●a●ie to hymself and his countrey . Thinkyng that if the Philistines should preuail the Israelites wer like to perishe , euery mothers sonne of theim ? Therefore he hassardyng this atttempte , considered with hymself , the saufegard of the Israelites , the mainteinaunce of iustice , his duetie towardes God , his obedience to his prince , and his loue to his countrey . Dauides enterprise , appered easy to himself And no doubte , God made this enterprise appere full easie , before Dauid could haue the harte , to matche hymself with suche a one . For though his harte might quake , beeyng voyde of Gods helpe , yet assuredly he wanted no stomacke , when God did set hym on . Let tirauntes rage , let hell stand open , let Sathan shewe his mighte , if God bee with vs , who can bee against vs ? Though this Goliah appered so strong , that .x. Dauides were not able , to stande in his hande : yet .x. Goliaths were all ouer weake for Dauid alone . Man cannot iudge , neither can reason comprehende , the mightie power of God . When Pharao with all his armie , thoughte fully to destroye the children of Israell , in the redde sea , did not God preserue Moses , and destroye Pharao ? What is man and all his power that he can make , in the handes of God , vnto whom all creatures , bothe in heauen and in yearth , are subiecte at his commaundement ? Therefore it was no mastery for Dauid , beyng assisted with God , aswel to matche with the whole army , as to ouerthrowe this one man . But what did the Israelites , when thei sawe Dauid take vpon hym , suche a bolde enterprise ? Dauides enterprise , accompted of his frendes , harde and impossible . Some saied he was rashe , other mocked hym to scorne , & his brethren called hym foole . For thought thei , what a madde felowe is he , beeyng but a lad in yeres , to matche with suche a monster in body ? How can it be possible otherwise , but that he shal be torne in pe●es , euen at his firste commyng ? For if the Philistine maie ones hit hym , he is goen though he had tenne mennes lifes . Now what should he meane , so vnegally to matche himself except he were , wery of his life , or els were not well in his wittes ? Yea , and to geue his enemies , all the aduauntage that could bee , he came vnarmed , and whereas the Philistine , had very strong armour , bothe to defende hymself , a●d a strong weapon to fight withall , Dauid came with a slyng How ? with a slyng . onely , as though he would kill crowes , whereat , not onely the Philistine laughed , & disdained his folie , but also bothe the armies thought he was but a dedde man , before he gaue one stroke . And in deede , by all reason and deuise of manne there was none other waie , but deathe with hym , out of hande , Dauid notwithstandyng , beeyng kyndeled in harte with Gods might , was strong enough for him , in his awne opinion , and forced nothyng , though all other were muche against hym . And therefore made no more a dooe , but beyng redy to reuenge in Goddes name , suche greate blasphemie , as the Philistine then did vtter , marched towardes his enemie , and with castyng a stone out of a slyng , he ouerthrewe the Philistine at the first . The whiche when he had dooen , out with his sworde , and chopt of his hedde , cariyng it with , his armoure , to the Campe of the Israelites : whereat the Philistines wer greatly astonied , and the Israelites much praised God , that had geuen suche grace , to suche a one , to compasse suche a deede . And the rather this manly acte , is highly to be praised , because he subdued this houge enemie , when Saul firste reigned kyng ouer Israell , and was sore assaied with the greate armie of the Philistines . Lette vs therefore that be now liuyng , when this acte or suche like , come into our myndes : remember what God is , of how infinite power he is , and let vs praise God in them , by whom he hath wrought suche wonders , to the strengthenyng of our faithe , and constaunt kepyng of our profession , made to hym , by euery one of vs , in our Baptisme .

¶ Examinyng of the circumstaunces

j. Who did the deede ?

DAuid beeyng an Israelite , did this deede , beeyng the sonne of Isai , of the Tribe of Iuda , a boye in yeres , This circumstaunce was vsed , not o●ely in the narracion , but also when I spake of the honestie and godlinesse , whiche Dauid vsed , when he slewe Goliah .

ij . What was doen ?

He slewe Goliah , the strongest Giaunt emong the Philistines . This circumstaunce I vsed also , when I spake of the honestie , in killyng Goliah .

iij. Where was it doen ?

Aboute the vale of Terebinthus .

iiij . What helpe had he to it ?

He had no help of any man , but went himself alone . And wheras Saul offred him harnes , he cast it away , & trusting onely in God , toke him to his sling , with .iiij. or .v. smal stones in his hand , the whiche wer thought nothyng in mannes sight , able either to do litle good , or els nothing at al. This circumstaunce I vsed , when I spake of the easenesse & possibilite , that was in Dauid , to kill Goliah , by Goddes help .

v. Wherefore did he it ?

He aduentured his life , for the loue of his countrey , for the maintenaunce of iustice , for th aduauncement of Gods true glory , and for the quietnesse of all Israell , neither seekyng fame , nor yet lokyng for any gain . I vsed this circumstaunce , when I shewed what profite he sought , in aduenturyng this deede .

vi . How did he it ?

Marie he put a stone in his slyng , and when he had cast it at the Philistine , Goliah fel doune straight . I vsed this circumstaunce , when I spake of the impossibilitie of the thing .

vij . What tyme did he it ?

This deede was doen , when Saul reigned , first kyng ouer the Israelites , at what tyme the Philistines , came against the Israelites . Thus by the circumstaunces of thynges , a right worthy cause , maie be plentifully enlarged .

¶ Of the Oracion demonstratiue , where thynges are sette furthe , and matters commended .

THe kynde demonstratiue of thynges , is a meane wherby we do praise , or dispraise thynges , as vertue , vice , tounes , citees , castles , woddes , waters , hilles , and mountaines .

¶ Places to confirme thynges are .iiii. Places of confirmacion . i. Thynges honest . ij . Profitable . iij. Easie to be doen. iiij Hard to be doen.

MAny learned , will haue recourse to the places of Logique in stede of these .iiij. places , when they take in hand to commende any suche matter . The whiche places if they make them serue rather to commende the matter , then onely to teache men the truth of it , it were wel done & Oratourlike ▪ for seyng a man wholly bestoweth his wit to plaie the Oratour , he shoulde chefely seke to compasse that whiche he entendeth , & not do that onely which he but half mynded . for by plaine teachyng , the Logician shewes hymselfe , by large amplification and beautifiyng of his cause , the Rhetorician is alwaies knowne .

¶ The places of Logique are these . Definition . Causes . Partes . Effectes . Thy●ges adioy●y●g . Contraries .

I Do not se otherwise but that these places of Logique are confounded with thother . iiiij . of confirmacion , Logique must be learned for confirmacion of causes . or rather I thinke these of Logique must first be mynded ere thother can well be had . For what is he that can cal a thyng honest & by reason proue it , except he first knowe what the thyng is , the whiche he can not better doe , then by definyng the nature of the thyng . Againe how shal I know whether myne attempte be easie , or hard , if I know not the efficient cause , or be assured how it maie be doen. In affirmyng it to be possible , I shall not better knowe it , then by searchyng th ende , and learnyng by Logique what is the final cause of euery thyng .

¶ An example in commendacion of Iustice , or true dealyug .

SO many as loke to liue in peaceable quietnesse , beyng mynded rather to folowe reason , than to be led by wilfull affection : desire iustice Iustice commended . in al thynges without the which no countrie is able long to continue . Then may I be bolde to commende that , whiche all men wishe & fewe can haue , whiche all men loue , & none can want : not doubtyng but as I am occupied in a good thyng , so al good men wil heare me with a good wil. But woulde God I were so wel able to perswade all men to Iustice , as al men know the necessarie vse therof : and then vndoubtedly I woulde be muche boulder , and force some by violence , whiche by faire wordes can not be entreated . And yet what nedes any perswasion for that thyng , whiche by nature is so nedeful , & by experience so profitable , that looke what we want , without iustice we get not , loke what we haue , without iustice we kepe not . God graunt his grace so to worke in the hartes of al men , that they may aswel practise well doyng in their owne lyfe , as they would that other should folowe iustice in their lyfe : I for my part wil bestow some labor to set forth the goodnes of vpright dealing that al other men the rather may do therafter . That if through my wordes , God shal worke with any man , than may I thynke my self in happy case , & reioyce much in the trauaile of my wit . And how can it be otherwyse , but that al men shal be forced inwardly to allowe that , whiche in outwarde acte many do not folowe : seyng God poured first this law of nature into mans hart , & graunted it as a meane wherby we might know his wil , & ( as I might saie ) talke with him , groundyng stil his doinges vpon this poinct , that man should do as he would be done vnto , the whiche is nothyng elles , but to lyue vprightly , without any wil to hurte his neighbour . Iustice naturally in euery one of v● . And therfore hauyng this light of Goddes wil opened vnto vs thorowe his mere goodnesse , we ought euermore to referre al our actions vnto this ende , both in geuyng iudgement , and deuisyng lawes necessarie for mans lyfe . And here vpon it is that when men desire the lawe for trial of a matter , they meane nothyng elles but to haue iustice , Iustice what it is , and howe largely it extendeth . the whiche iustice is a vertue that yeldeth to euery man , his owne : to the euer liuyng God , loue aboue al thynges : to the Kyng , obedience : to the inferiour , good counsel : to the poore man , mercie : to the hateful and wicked , sufferaunce : to it self , truthe : and to al men , perfite peace , and charitie . Now what can be more said in praise of this vertue , or what thyng can be like praised ? Are not al thynges in good case , when al men haue their owne ? And what other thyng doeth iustice , but seketh meanes to contente al parties ? Then how greatly are they to be praised , that meane truely in al th●ir doynges , and not onely , do no harme to any , but seke meanes to helpe al. The sunne is not so wonderful to the world ( saith Aristotel Aristotel . ) as the iust dealyng of a gouernour is merueilous to al men . No the yerth yeldeth not more gaine to al creatures , than doth the iustice of a Magistrate to his whole Realme . For , by a lawe , we liue , and take the fruites of the yearth , but where no law is , nor iustice vsed : there , nothyng can be had , though al thynges be at hande : For , in hauyng the thyng , we shall lacke the vse , and liuyng in great plentie , we shal stande in great nede . The meane therfore that maketh men to enioye their owne , is iustice , the whiche beyng ones taken away , all other thynges are lost with it , neither can any one saue that he hath , nor yet get that he wanteth . Therfore if wrong doyng shoulde be borne withal , and not rather punished by death , Wvrong dealyng deserueth death . what man coulde lyue in reste ? Who coulde be suer either of his lyfe , or of his liuyng one whole day together ? Now because euery man desiereth the preseruation of hym selfe , euery man should in lyke case desire the sauegarde of his neighbour . For if I shoulde wholly mynde myne own ease , and folowe gaine without respect to the hinderaunce of myne euen Christian : why should not other vse thesame libertie , and so euery man for hymselfe , and the deuil for vs al , catche that catche may ? The whiche custome if all men folowed , the earth woulde soone be voide for want of men , one woulde be so gredie to eate vp an other . For in sekyng to lyue , we shoulde lose our lyues , & in gapyng after gooddes , we shoulde soone go naked . Therefore to represse this rage , and with holsome deuises to traine men in an order , God hath lightened man with knowledge , that in al thynges he may se what is right , and what is wrong , and vpon good aduisement deale iustly with al men . God hath created al thynges for mans vse , and ordeined man for mannes sake , that one man might helpe another . For thoughe some one haue giftes more plentifully then the commune sorte , yet no man can liue alone without helpe of other . Iustice necessarie for almon . Therfore we shoulde striue one to helpe another by iuste dealyng , some this way , & some that way , as euery one shal haue nede , and as we shal be alwaies best able , wherein the lawe of nature is fulfilled , and Goddes commaundement folowed . We loue them here in yearth that geue vs faire wordes , and we can be content to speake wel of them , that speake wel of vs : and shall we not loue them , and take them also for honest men , whiche are contented from tyme to time to yelde euery man his owne , and rather woulde dye then consent to euill doyng ? From the lesse to the greater . If one be ientle in outwarde behauiour , we lyke hym wel , and shal we not esteme hym that is vpright in his outward liuyng ? and like as we desire that other should be to vs , ought not we to bee likewyse affected towardes them ? Euen emong brute beastes nature hath appoincted a law , & shal we men lyue without a lawe ? The Storke Young Storkes . beyng not able to feede her selfe for age , is fedde of her youngones , wherin is declared a natural loue , and shal we so lyue , that one shal not loue another ? Man shoulde be vnto man as a God , & shal man be vnto man as a Deuil ? Hath God created vs , and made vs to his owne likenesse , endewyng vs with al the riches of the yearth , that we might be obedient to his wil , and shal we neither loue him , nor like his ? How can we say that we loue God , Vnnaturalnes in man towardes God . if there be no charitie in vs ? Do I loue hym , whose mynde I wil hot folowe , although it be right honest ? If you loue me ( saith Christe ) folow my commaundementes . Ihon. ●iiii . Matth. ●ix . 〈◊〉 . ● . Christes will is suche that we shoulde loue God aboue al thinges , and our neighbour as our self . Then if we do not iustice ( wherin loue doeth consist ) we do neither loue man , nor yet loue God . The Wyse man saith : The begynnyng of a good lyfe , is to do iustice . Proner . ●v● . Yea , the blessyng of the Lorde is vpon the heade of the iuste . Prouer. iiii . Heauen is theirs ( saith Dauid ) that do iustly from tyme to tyme . Psal. xcvi . What els then shal we do that haue any hope of the general resurrection , but do the will of God , and lyue iustly all the daies of our life ? Let euery man , but consider with hymself what ease he shal finde therby , & I doubt not but euery one depely waiyng the same , wil in hart confesse that iustice maketh plentie , Profite of iustice . and that not one man coulde long hold his owne , if lawes were not made to restraine mans will . We trauaile now , Wynter & Sommer , we watche , and take thought for maintenaunce of wife & children , assuredly purposyng ( that though God shal take vs immediatly ) to leaue honestly for our familie . Sauegarde had by iustice . Now to what ende were all our gatheryng together , if iust dealyng were set a side , if lawes bare no rule , if what the wicked list , that they may , and what they may , that they can , & what they can , that they dare , & what they dare , the same they do , & whatsoeuer they do , no man of power is agreued therwith ? Gradation . What maketh wicked men ( which els woulde not ) acknowlege the Kyng as their souereigne lorde , but the power of a lawe , & the practise of iustice for euil doers ? The necessitie of iustice . Could a Prynce mainteine his state royal , if law and right had not prouided that euery man shoulde haue his owne ? Would seruauntes obey their masters , the sonne his father , the tenaunt his landlorde , the citezen his maiour , or Shirife●if orders were not set & iust dealyng appoincted for al states of men ? Therfore the true meanyng folke in all ages geue them selues some to this occupacion , & some to that , sekyng therin nothing els , but to mainteine a poore life , and to kepe them selues true men both to God and the worlde . What maketh men to performe their bargaines , to stand to their promises , & yelde their debtes , but an order of a lawe grounded vpon iustice ? Where iustice is executed , vice is exiled . Where right beareth rule , there craft is coumpted vice . The lyar is muche hated , where truth is wel estemed . The wicked theues are hanged , where good men are regarded . None can holde vp their heades , or dare showe their faces in a well ruled commune weale , that are not thought honest , or at the least haue some honest way to lyue . The Egiptians therfore hauyng a worthy and a wel gouerned publike weale , prouided that none shoulde lyue idlye , but that euery one monethly should geue an accompte how he spente his tyme , and had his name regestrede in a Booke for the same purpose . ¶ Aegiptians what order they vsed to banishe ydelnesse . But Lorde , if this lawe were vsed in England , how many would come behynde hande with their reckenynges at the audite daie . I feare me there doynges woulde be suche , that it would be long ere they gotte there quietus est . Therfore the wourse is our state , the lesse that this euil is loked vnto . And suerly , if in other thynges we shoulde be as negligent , this Realme could not long stand . But thankes be to God , we hang theim a pace that offende a lawe , and therfore we put it to their choise , whether they wil be idle and so fal to stealyng , or no : they knowe their rewarde , go to it , when they will . But if therewithall some good order were taken for education of youthe , and settyng loiterers on worke ( as thankes be to God the Citie is most Godly bent that way ) all would soone be well without all doubt . The wyse and discrete persons in al ages sought all meanes possible to haue an order in all thynges , & loued by iustice to directe al their doynges , wherby appereth both an apt wil in suche men , & a natural stirryng by Godes power to make al men good . Iustice easy to be obserued , if wil be not wā●yng . Therfore , if we doe not well , we must blame our selues , that lacke a wil , and do not cal to God for grace . For though it appere hard to do wel , because no man can get perfection without continaunce : yet assuredly to an humble mynde that calleth to God , and to a willyng harte that faint would do his best , nothing can be hard . God hath set al thinges to sale for labour , and kepeth open shop , come who will . Therefore in all ages whereas we see the fewest good , we must wel thinke , the most did lacke good wil to aske , or seke for the same . Lorde , what loue had that worthie Prince Seleueus to maintein iustice , & to haue good lawes kepte , of whome suche a wondrefull thyng is written . For whereas he established moste holsome lawes for sauegarde of the Locrensians , and his owne sonne thereupon taken in adultrie , should lose bothe his iyes accordyng to the lawe then made , and yet notwithstandyng , the whole Citie thought to remitte the necessitie of his punishement for the honour of his father , Seleucus woulde none of that in any wyse . Valer. lib. vi . Yet at last through importunitie beyng ouercome , he caused first one of his owne iyes to be pluckte out , & next after , one of his sonnes iyes , leauyng onely the vse of sight to hymself & his sonne . Thus through equitie of the lawe , he vsed the dew meane of chastisement , showyng hymself by a wonderful temperature both a merciful father , & a iust lawe maker . Nowe happy are thei that thus obserue a law , thinking losse of body , lesse hurt to the man , then sparyng of punishement , mete for the soule . For God wil not faile them , that haue suche a desire to folowe his wil , but for his promise sake , he wil rewarde them for euer . And now , seeyng that iustice naturally is geuen to al men without the whiche we could not liue , beyng warned also by God alwaies to doe vprightly , perceauyng againe the commodities that redounde vnto vs by liuyng vnder a lawe , & the sauegard wherin we stand hauyng iustice to assiste vs : I trust that not onely all men wil commende iustice in worde , but also wil liue iustly in dede , the which that we may do , God graunt vs of his grace , Amen .

¶ An Oration deliberatiue .

AN Oration deliberatiue , Oration deliberatiue . is a meane , wherby we do perswade , or disswade , entreate , or rebuke , exhorte , or dehorte , commende , or conforte any man . In this kynd of Oration we doe not purpose wholly to praise any body , nor yet to determine any matter in controuersie , but the whole compasse of this cause is , either to aduise our neighbour to that thyng , whiche we thynke most nedeful for hym or els to cal him backe from that folie , which hindereth muche his estimacion . As for example , if I would counseil my frende to trauaile beyond the Seas for knowlege of the tongues , & experience in forein countries : I might resorte to this kinde of Oration , & finde matter to confirme my cause plentifully . And the reasons which are commonly vsed to enlarge suche matters , are these that folowe .

The thyng is honest . Saufe . Profitable . Easie. Pleasaunt . Harde . Lawful and meete . Praise worthie . Necessarie .

NOW in speakyng of honestie , I may by deuision of the vertues make a large walke . ●onestie comprehendeth al vertues . Againe loke what lawes , what customes , what worthie dedes , or saiynges haue bene vsed heretofore , all these might serue wel for the confirmacion of this matter ▪ lastly where honestie is called in , to establish a cause : there is nature and God hym selfe present from whome commeth al goodnesse . In the seconde place where I spake of profite , Profite howe largely it extendeth . this is to be learned , that vnder the same is comprehended the gettyng of gaine , and the eschewyng of harme . Againe , concernyng profite Profite beareth the name of goodnes , whiche is thre folded . ( which also beareth the name of goodnesse ) it partely perteineth to the bodie , as beautie , strength , and healthe , partely to the mynde , as the encrease of witte , the gettyng of experience , and heaping together of muche learnyng : and partely to fortune ( as Philosophers take it ) wherby bothe wealth , honor , and frendes are gotten . Thus he that diuideth profite , can not want matter . Thirdely in declaryng it is p●easaunt , I might heape together the varietie of pleasures , Pleasures , largely sette out . whiche comme by trauaile , firste the swetnesse of the tongue , the holsomnesse of the ayer in other countries , the goodly wittes of the ientlemen , the straunge and auncient buildynges , the wonderful monumentes , the great learned Clerckes in al faculties , with diuerse other like , and almost infinite pleasures .

The easines of trauaile Eas●nesse of trauaile . may thus beperswaded , if we shew that freepassage is by wholson lawes appointed , for al straungers , & waie fairers . And seyng this life is none other thyng but a trauaile , & we as pilgrymes wander from place to place , muche fondenesse it were to thinke that hard , which nature hath made easie , yea & pleasaunt also . None are more healthful , none more lusty , none more mery , none more strong of body , than suche as haue trauailed Trauaile vnto whome it is ●arde . countries . Mary vnto them that had rather sleape al day , then wake one houre , chosyng for honest labour sleuthful ydlenesse : thinking this life to be none other thyng but a continual restyng place , vnto suche pardy , it shall seme painfull to abide any labour . To learne Logique , to learne the Lawe , to s●me it semeth so harde , that nothyng can enter into their heddes , and the reason is , that thei wan● a will , and an ea●nest mynde to do their endeuour . For vnto a willyng har●e , nothyng can bee harde , laie lode on suche a manne● backe , and his good harce maie soner make his backe to a●e , then his good will , can graunt to yelde and refuse the weighte . 〈…〉 And now where the sweete hath his sower ioyned with hym , it shal bee wisedome to speake some what of it , to mitigate the sowernesse thereof , as muche as maie be possible .

That is lawfull Lawfull . and praise worthy , whiche lawes dooe graunt , good men do allowe , experience commendeth , and men in all ages haue moste vsed .

A thyng is necessary twoo maner of waies . Necessary 〈◊〉 waies taken . Firste , when either we must do some one thyng , or els do worse . As if one should threaten a woman , to kill her , if she would not lie with him , wherin appereth a forcible necessitie . As touchyng trauaile we might saie , either a man must be ignoraunt , of many good thinges , and want greate experience , or els he must trauaill . Now to be ignoraunt , is a greate shame , therefore to trauaill is moste nedefull , if we will auoyde shame . The other kynde of necessitie is , when we perswade men to beare those crosses paciently , whiche God doeth sende vs , consideryng will we , or nill we , nedes must we abide them .

¶ To aduise one , to study the lawes of Englande .

AGain , when we se our frende , enclined to any kynde of learnyng , wee muste counsaill hym to take that waie still , and by reason perswade hym , that it wer the metest waie for hym , to dooe his countrey moste good . As if he geue his mynde , to the Lawes Lawes of Englande . of the realme , and finde an aptnes thereunto , we maie aduise hym , to continue in his good entent , and by reason perswade hym , that it were moste mete for him so to do . And first we might shew hym , that the study is honest and godly , consideryng it onely foloweth Iustice , and is grounded wholy vpon naturall reason . Wherein we mighte take a large scope , if we would fully speake of all thynges , that are comprehended vnder honestie . For he that will knowe what honestie is , muste haue an vnderstandyng , of all the vertues together . And because the knowlege of theim is moste necessary , I will brifely set them furth . Vertnes especiall and chief foure in nō●●e There are foure especial and chief vertues , vnder whom all other are comprehended .

Prudence , or wisedome . Iustice . Manhode . Temperaunce .

PRudence Prudence what it is ? or wisedome ( for I will here take theim bothe for one ) is a vertue that is occupied euermore , in searchyng out the truthe . Nowe wee all loue knowlege , & haue a desire to passe other therin , and thinke it shame to be ignoraunt : and by studiyng the lawe , the truth is gotten out , by knowyng the truth , wisedome is attained . Wherefore , in perswadyng one to studie to Lawe , you maie sh●we hym that he shall get wisedome thereby . Under this vertue are comprehended . Partes of Prudence .

Memorie . Understandyng . Foresight .

THE memorie calleth to accompte those thynges , that wer doen heretofore , and by a former remembraunce , getteth an after witte , and learneth to auoyde deceipt .

Understandyng seeth thynges presently dooen , and perceiueth what is in them , waiyng and debatyng them , vntill his mynde be fully contented .

Foresight , is a gatheryng by coniectures , what shall happen , and an euident perceiuyng of thynges to come , before thei do come .

Iustice .

Iustice Iustice , what it is . is a vertue , gathered by long space , geuyng euery one his awne , mindyng in all thynges , the common profite of our countrey , whereunto man is moste bounde , and oweth his full obedience .

Now , nature firste taught manne , to take this waie , and would euery one so to do vnto another , as he would be doe● vnto hymself . For whereas Rain watereth all in like , the Sonne shineth indifferently ouer all , the fruict of the yerth encreaseth equally , God warneth vs to bestowe our good wil after thesame sort , doyng as duetie byndeth vs , and as necessitie shall best require . Yea , God graunteth his giftes diuersly emong men , because he would man should knowe , and fele , that man is borne for man , and that one hath nede of another . And therefore , though nature hath not stirred some , yet through the experience that man hath , concernyng his commoditie : many haue turned the lawe of nature , into an ordinary custome , and folowed thesame , as though thei were bounde to it by a Lawe . Afterwarde , the wisedome of Princes , and the feare of Goddes threate , whiche was vttered by his woorde , forced men by a ●awe , bothe to allowe thinges confirmed by nature , and to beare with old custome or els thei should not onely suffer in the body , temporal punishement , but also lose their soules for euer . Nature Nature , what it is . is a righte , that phantasie hath not framed , but God hath graffed , & geuen man power therunto , wherof these are deriued .

Religion and acknowlegyng of God . Naturall loue to our children , and other . Thankfulnesse to all man . Stoutnesse bothe to withstande and reuenge . Reuerence to the superiour . Assured and constaunt truthe in thynges .

REligion Religion . is an humble worshippyng of God , acknowlegyng hym to be the creatour of creatures , and the onely geuer of al good thynges .

Naturall loue Naturall loue . is an inward good will , that we beare to our parentes , wife , children , or any other that bee nighe of kynne vnto vs , stirred thereunto not onely by our fleshe , thinkyng that like as we wold loue our selfes , so we shuld loue theim but also by a likenesse of mynde : and therefore generally we loue all , because all bee like vnto vs , but yet we loue them moste , that bothe in body and mynd , be moste like vnto vs . And hereby it cometh that often we are liberal , & bestowe our goodes vpon the nedy , remembryng that thei are all one fleshe with vs , and should not wante , when we haue it , without our greate rebuke , and token of our moste vnkynde dealyng .

Thankefulnesse Thankfulnes . is a requityng of loue , for loue , and wil , for will , shewyng to our frendes , the like goodnesse that we finde in them , yea , striuyng to passe theim in kyndenesse , losyng neither tyme nor tide , to do them good .

Stoutnes Stoutenesse . to withstand & reuenge euil , is then vsed when either we are like to haue harme , and do withstand it , or els when we haue suffred euill for the truthsake , & therupon do reuenge it , or rather punishe the euill , whiche is in the man

Reuerence , Reuerence . is an humblenesse in outward behauor , when we do our dutie to them , that are our betters , or vnto suche as are called to serue the kyng , in some greate vocacion .

Assured and constant truthe is , Assured and constant truth when we doo beleue that those thynges , whiche are or haue been , or hereafter are aaboute to be , cannot otherwise be , by any meanes possible .

That is right by custome , Right by custome . whiche long tyme hath confirmed , beyng partly grounded vpon nature , and partly vpon reason , as where we are taught by nature , to knowe the euer liuyng God , and to worship him in spirite , we turnyng natures light , into blynde custome , without Goddes will , haue vsed at lengthe to beleue , Custome with 〈◊〉 grounde , vn●●dly . that he was really with vs here in yearthe , and worshipped hym not in spirite , but in Copes , in Candlestickes , in Belles , in Tapers , and in Censers , in Crosses , in Banners , in shauen Crounes and long gounes , and many good morowes els , deuised onely by the phantasie of manne , without the expresse will of God . The whiche childishe toyes , tyme hath so long confirmed , that the truthe is scant able to trie theim out , our hartes bee so harde , and our wittes be so farre to seke .

Again wher we se by nature , that euery one should deale truely , custome encreaseth natures will , and maketh by auncient demeane , thynges to bee iustly obserued , whiche nature hath appoyncted .

As Ba●gainyng . Commons , or equalitee . Iudgement geuen .

BArgainyng is , when twoo haue agreed , for the sa●e of some one thyng , the one will make his felowe to stande to the bargain , though it be to his neighbors vndoyng , restyng vpon this poyncte , that a bargain is a bargain , and must stand without all excepcion , although nature requireth to haue thynges dooen by conscience , and would that bargainyng should bee builded vpon Iustice , whereby an vpright dealyng , and a charitable loue is vttered emongest all men .

Communes Commons . or equalitee , when the people by long time haue a ground , or any suche thyng emong theim , the whiche some of them will kepe still , for custome sake , and not suffer it to be fensed , and so turned to pasture , though thei mighte gain ten tymes the value : but suche stubburnesse in kepyng of Commons for custome sake , is not standyng with Iustice , because it is holden against all right .

Iudgement geuen , Iudgement geuen . is when a matter is confirmed by a Parlamente , or a Lawe , determined by a Iudge , vnto the whiche many hed strong men , wil stande to dye for it , without sufferaunce of any alteracion , not remembryng the circumstaunce of thynges , and that tyme altereth good actes .

That is righte by a Lawe , Right by Lawe . when the truthe is vttered in writyng , and commaunded to bee kepte , euen as it is sette furthe vnto them .

¶ Fortitude or manhode .

FOrtitude is a considerate hassardyng vpon daunger , Manhode . and a willyng harte to take paines in bahalfe of the right . Now when can stoutnes be better vsed , then in iust maintenaunce of the lawe , and constaunt triyng of the truthe ? Of this vertue there are foure braunches .

Honourablenesse . Stoutenesse . Sufferaunce . Continuaunce .

HOnorablenesse , Honorablenes is a noble orderyng of weightie matters , with a lustie harte , and a liberall vsyng of his wealthe , to the encrease of honour .

Stoutnesse Stoutenesse . i● an assured trust in hymself , when he myndeth the compasse of moste weightie matters , and a couragious defendyng of his cause .

Sufferaunce Sufferaunce . is a willyng and a long bearyng of trouble and takyng of paines , for the mainteinaunce of vertue , and the wealthe of his countrey .

Continuaunce Continuaunce is a stedfast and constant abidyng , in a purposed and well aduised matter , not yeldyng to any manne in querell of the right .

¶ Temperaunce .

TEmperaunce Temperaunce . is a measuryng of affeccions , accordyng to the will of reason , and a subduyng of luste vnto the Square of honestie . Yea , and what one thyng doth soner mitigate the immoderate passions of our nature , then the perfect knowlege of right and wrong and the iuste execucion appoyncted by a lawe , for asswagyng the wilfull ? Of this vertue there are three partes .

Sobrietie . Ientlenesse . Modestie .

SObrietie Sobrietie . is a bridelyng by discrecion the wilfulnesse of desire .

Ientlenesse Ieutlenesse . is a caulmyng of heate , when wee begin to rage , and a lowly behauior in all our body Modestie Modestie . is an honest shamefastnesse , whereby we kepe a constant loke , and appere sober in all our outward doynges . Now euen as we should desire the vse of all these vertues , so should we eschewe not onely the contraries herunto , but also auoyde all suche euilles , as by any meanes dooe withdrawe vs from well doyng .

¶ It is profitable .

AFter we haue perswaded our frend , that the lawe is honest , drawyng our argumentes from the heape of vertues , we must go further with hym , & bryng hym in good beleue , that it is very gainfull . For many on seke not the knowlege of learnyng for the goodnesse sake , but rather take paines for the gain ▪ Hope of rewarde maketh men take paines . which thei se doth arise by it . Take awaie the hope of lucre , and you shall se fewe take any paines : No , not in the vineyard of the lorde . For although none should folowe any trade of life , for the gain sake , but euen as he seeth it is moste necessary , for th aduauncement of Gods glory , & not passe in what estimacion thinges are had in this worlde : yet because we are all so weake of wit , in our tender yeres , that we cannot weigh with our selfes what is best , & our body so neshe , that it loketh euer to bee cherished , wee take that , whiche is moste gainfull for vs , and forsake that altogether , whiche we oughte moste to folowe . So that for lacke of honest meanes , and for want of good order , the best waie is not vsed , neither is Goddes honor in our first yeres remembred . I had rather ( saide one ) make my child a cobler then a preacher , a tankerd bearer , then a scholer . For what shall my sonne seke for learnyng , when he shall neuer gette therby any liuyng ? Set my sonne to that , whereby he maie get somewhat ? Do ye not se how euery one catcheth & pulleth from the churche what thei can ? I feare me one day thei will plucke doune churche and all . Call you this the Gospell , when men seke onely to prouide for their belies , & care not a grote though their soules go to helle ? A patrone of a benefice wil haue a poore yngrame soule , to beare the name of a persone for .xx. marke , or .x. li: and the patrone hymself , wil take vp for his snapshare , as good as an .c. marke . Thus God is robbed , learnyng decaied , England dishonored , and honestie not regarded . Thold Romaines not yet knowyng Christ , The Romaynes lawes for Churche digni●ees . and yet beyng led by a reuerent feare towardes God , made this lawe . Sacrum sacroue commendatum qui clepserit , rapseritue , parricida est He that shall closely steale , or forcibly take awaie that thyng , whiche is holy , or geuen to the holy place : is a murderer of his countrey . But what haue I said , I haue a greater matter in hand , then wherof I was a ware , my penne hath run ouer farre , when my leasure serueth not , nor yet my witte is able to talke this case in suche wise , as it should bee , and as the largenesse therof requireth . Therefore to my lawyer again , whom I doubte not to perswade , but that he shall haue the deuill and all , if he learne apase , and dooe as some haue dooen before hym . Therefore I will shewe howe largely this profice extendeth , that I may haue him the soner , to take this matter in hand . The lawe Lawe , profitable to the purse . therefore not onely bryngeth muche gain with it , but also auaunceth men bothe to worshippe , renoume , and honour . All men shall seke his fauour , for his learnyng sake : the best shall like his company , for his callyng : and his welth with his skill shal be suche , that none shal be able to woorke hym any wrong . Some consider profite , by these circumstaunces , folowyng .

To whom . When. Where . Wherefore .

NEither can I vse a better order , then these circumstaunces minister vnto me . Circumstaunces , in obseruyng profite . To whom therefore is the Lawe profitable ? Marie to them that bee best learned , that haue redy wittes , and will take paines . When is the lawe profitable ? Assuredly both now and euermore , but especially in this age , where all men go together by the eares for this matter , and that matter . Suche alteracion hath been heretofore , that hereafter nedes muste ensue muche altercacion . And where is all this a do ? Euen in litle Englande , or in Westminster hall , where neuer yet wanted busines , nor yet euer shall . Where●●●e is the lawe profitable ? Undoubtedly because no manne could hold his awne , if there were not an order to staie vs , and a Lawe to restrain vs . And I praie you who getteth the money ? The lawyers no doubt . And were not lande sometymes cheaper bought , then got by the triall of a lawe ? Do not men commonly for trifles fall out ? Foly in many , that go to the Lawe . Some for loppyng of a tree , spendes al that euer thei haue , another for a Gose , that graseth vpon his ground , tries the lawe so hard , that he proues him self a Gander . Now when men bee so mad , is it not easie to gette money emong theim . Undoubtedly the lawyer neuer dieth a begger . Lawyers , ne●●r dy beggers And no maruaill . For an . C. begges for hym , and makes awaie all that thei haue , to get that of hym , the whiche the oftener he bestoweth , the more still he getteth . So that he gaineth alwaies , aswell by encrease of lernyng as by storyng his purse with money , wheras the other get a warme sonne often tymes , and a flappe with a foxe 〈◊〉 for al that euer thei haue spent . And why woulde they ? Tushe , if it were to do againe , thei would do it : therfore the lawyre can neuer want a liuyng , til the yearth want men , and al be voyde .

¶ The lawe easie to many , and harde to some .

I Doubt not , but my lawyer is perswaded that the law is profitable : now must I beare him in hand that it is an easie matter to become a lawier ▪ the whiche if I shal be able to proue , I doubt not , but he will proue a good lawier , & that right shortly ▪ the law is grounded vpon reason . And what hardenesse is it for a man by reason to fynde out reason . That can not be straung vnto him , the grounde wherof , is graffed in his brest . What , though the lawe be in a straunge tongue , the wordes may be gotte without any paine , when the matter selfe is compast with ease . Tushe , a litle lawe will make a greate showe , and therfore though it be muche to becomme excellent , yet it is easie , to get a taist . And surely for getting of money , a litle wil do asmuche good oftentymes , as a greate deale . There is not a word in the law , but it is a grote in the lawiers purse . I haue know ●e diu●rse that by familiar talkyng , & moutyng together haue comme to right good learning without any great booke skil , or muche beating of their braine by any close studie , or secrete musyng in their chamber . But where some say the lawe is very harde , and discourage young men from the studie therof , it is to be vnderstande of suche as wil take no paines at al , nor yet mynde the knowlege therof . For what is not hard to man , when he wanteth wil to do his best . As good slepe , and saie it is harde : as wake , and take no paines .

The lawe . Godly . Iuste . Necessarie . Pleasaunt .

WHat nedeth me to proue the lawe to be Godly , iust , or necessarie , seeyng it is grounded vpon Goddes wil , and all lawes are made for the maintenaunce of iustice . If we will not beleue that it is necessarie , let vs haue rebelles againe to disturbe the Realme . Our nature is so fonde that we knowe not the necessitie of a thyng , til wee fynde some lacke of the same . Bowes are not estemed as they haue bene emong vs Englishmen , but if we were ones well beaten by our enemies wee shoulde soone knowe the wante , and with feelyng the smarte lament muche our folie . Take awaie the lawe , and take awaie our lifes , for nothyng mainteineth our wealthe , L●wes mainteine lyfe . our health , & the sauegard of our bodies , but the lawe of a Realme , wherby the wicked are condempned , and the godly are defended .

¶ An Epistle to perswade a young ientleman to Mariage , deuised by Erasmus in the behalfe of his frende .

ALbeit you are wyse enough of your selfe throughe that singulare wisedome of yours ( most louyng Cosyn ) and litle needes the aduise of other , yet either for that olde fryndshippe whiche hath bene betwixt vs , and continued with our age euen from our cradles , or for suche your greate good turnes showed at all tymes towardes me , or elles for that faste kynred and alliaunce whiche is betwixt vs : I thought my selfe thus muche to owe vnto you if I woulde be suche a one in deede , as you euer haue taken me , that is to saie a man bothe frendly and thankeful , to tell you freely ( whatsoeuer I iudged to apperteine either to the sauegarde , or worshippe of you , or any of yours ) and willyngly to warne you of the same . We are better seen oftentymes in other mens matters , than we are in our owne . I haue felte often your aduise in myne owne affaires , and I haue founde it to be as fortunate vnto me , as it was frendly . Nowe if you wil likewyse in your awne matters folowe my counsail , I truste it shal so come to passe that neither I shal repent me for that I haue geuen you counsail , nor yet you shal forthynk● your self , that you haue obeyed , and folowed myne aduise . There was at supper with me the twelfe daie of Aprill when I laie in the countrie , Antonius Baldus , a man ( as you knowe ) that most earnestly tendreth your welfare , and one that hath bene alwaies of great acquaintaunce and familiaritie with your sonne in lawe : A heauie feast we had , and ful of muche mournyng . He tolde me greatly to bothe our heauinesse , that your mother that moste godly woman , was departed this lyfe , & your sister beyng ouercome with sorow & heauinesse , had made her selfe a Nunne , so that in you onely remaineth the hope of issue and maintenanuce of your stocke ▪ whereupon your frendes with one consent haue offerde you in Mariage a ientlewoman of a good house , and muche wealthe , fayre of bodie , very well brought vp , and suche a one as loueth you with all her harte . But you ( either for your late sorowes whiche you haue in freshe remembraunce or elles for Religion sake ) haue so purposed to lyue a syngle lyfe , that neither can you for loue of your stocke , neither for desier of issue , nor yet for any entreatie that your frendes can make , either by prayeng , or by wepyng : be brought to chaunge your mynde .

And yet notwithstandyng all this ( if you wil folowe my counsaill ) you shal be of an other mynde , and leauyng to lyue syngle whiche bothe is barren , and smally agreeyng with the state of mannes nature , you shall geue your selfe wholy to moste holy wedlocke . And for this parte I will neither wishe that the loue of your fryndes , ( whiche elles ought to ouercome your nature ) nor yet myne aucthoritie that I haue ouer you , shoulde doe me any good at all to compasse this my requeste , if I shall not proue vnto you by moste plaine reasons , that it will be bothe muche more honest , more profitable , and also more pleasaunt for you , to marie , than to lyue otherwyse . Yea , what will you saie , if I proue it also to be necessarie for you at this tyme to Marie . And firste of all , if honestie maie moue you in this matter ( the whiche emong all good men ought to bee of muche weighte , ) what is more honest then Matrimonie , the whiche CHRISTE hym selfe did make honest , when not onely he , vouchesaufed to bee at a Mariage with his Mother , but also did consecrate the Mariage feaste with the first miracle that euer he did vpon yearche ? What is more holie then Matrimonie whiche the creatour of all thynges did institute , did fasten , and make holie , and nature it selfe did establishe ? What is more praise worthie Praise worthie to marie . than that thyng , the whiche whosoeuer shall dispraise , is condempned streight for an Heretique ? Matrimonie is euen as honourable , as the name of an Heretique , is thought shamefull . What is more right , or m●ete , Right and 〈◊〉 to ma●te . than to geue that vnto the posteritie , the whiche we haue receiued of our auncesters ? What is more inconsiderate than vnder the desire of holinesse to escew that as vnholie , which God hym selfe the fountaine and father of al holinesse , woulde haue to be counted as moste holie ? What is more vnmanly than that man shoulde go against the lawes of mankynde ? what is more vnthankfull than to deny that vnto youngelynges , the whiche ( if thou haddest not receyued of thine elders ) thou couldest not haue bene the man liuyng , able to haue denied it vnto theim . That if you woulde knowe who was the first founder of Mariage , you shal vnderstande that it came vp not by Licurgus , nor yet by Moses , nor yet by Solon , but it was first ordeined , & instituted by the chief founder of all thynges , commended by the ●ame , Mariage first made by God . made honourable and made holie by thesame . For at the firste when he made man of the yearthe , he did perceyue that his lyfe shoulde be miserable and vnsauerie , excepte he ioyned Eue as ma●e vnto hym . After man was made , the woman was ioyned vnto hym . Wherupon he did not make the wyfe vpon the same claie wherof he made man , but he made her of Adams ribbes , to the eude we might plainely vnderstande that nothyng ought to be more deare vnto vs than our wyfe , nothyng more nigh vnto vs , nothyng surer ioyned , and ( as a man woulde saie ) faster glewed together . The selfe same GOD after the generall floude , Matrimonie renewed after the floude . beyng reconciled to mankynde is saied to proclaime this lawe firste of all , not that men shoulde lyue single , but that they shoulde encrease , be multiplied , and fill the yearth . But howe I praie you could this thyng be , sauyng by mariage and lawful comyng together ? And first least we shoulde allege here either the libertie of Moyses lawe , or els the necessitie of that tyme : What other meanyng els hath that commune and commendable reporte of Christe in the Gospell , ¶ Na●●re worke allowe● by Goddes worde . for this cause ( saieth he ) shall man leaue father and mother and cleaue to his wyfe . And what is more holie than the reuerence and loue due vnto parentes ? and yet the truthe promised in Matrimon●e is preferred before it . and by whose meanes ? Mary by GOD hym self . at what time ? Forsouth not onely emong the Iues , but also emong the Christians . Men forsake father and mother and takes themselfes wholie to their wyfes . The sonne beyng past one and twentie yeres , is free and at his libertie . Yea the sonne beyng abdicated , becommeth no sonne . But it is death onely that parteth maried folke , if yet death doe part them . Now if the other Sacramentes ( whereunto the Churche of Christe chiefely leaneth ) bee reuerently vsed , who doeth not see that this Sacramente shoulde haue the most reuerence of al , the whiche was instituted of GOD , and that firste and before all other . As for the other they were instituted vpon yearthe , this was ordeined in Paradise : the other were geuen for a remedie , this was appoincted for the felowshippe of felicitie : the other were applied to mannes nature after the fall , this onely was geuen when man was in moste perfite state . If we counte those lawes good that mortall men haue enacted , shall not the lawe of Matrimonie be moste holie , whiche wee haue receyued of him , by whome we haue receiued lyfe , the whiche lawe was then together enacted when man was first created ? And lastly to strengthen this lawe with an example and deede doen Christe beyng an young man ( as the Storie reporteth ) was called to a Mariage , Mariage beautified by a miracle . and came thither willyngly with his mother , and not onely was he there present , but also he did honest the feaste with a wonderfull meruaile begynnyng first in none other place to worke his wounders , and to doe his miracles . Why then I praie you ( will one saie ) howe happeneth it that Christ forbare Mariage ? as though good Seir there are not many thynges in Christe at the whiche we ought rather to meruaile , than seeke to folowe . he was borne and had no father , he came into this worlde without his mothers painefull trauaile , he came out of the graue when it was closed vp , what is not in hym aboue nature ? Let these thynges be propre vnto hym . Let vs that lyue within the boundes of nature , reuerence those thynges that are aboue nature , and folowe suche thynges as are within our reache suche as we are able to compasse . But yet ( you saie ) he woulde bee borne of a Uirgine : Of a Uirgine ( I graunt ) but yet of a maried Uirgine . A Uirgyne beyng a mother did moste become GOD , and beyng maried she did showe what was beste for vs to doe . Uirginitie did become her , who beyng vndefiled , brought hym forthe by heauenly inspiration that was vndefiled . And yet Ioseph beyng her housbande dothe commende vnto vs the lawe of chaiste wedlocke . Yea , howe coulde he better sette out the societie in wedlocke , than that willyng to declare the secrete societie of his diuine nature with the bodie and soule of man , whiche is wonderfull euen to the heauenly Aungelles , and to showe his vnspeakable and euer abidyng loue towarde his Churche : he doeth call hym selfe the Brydegrome , and her the Bryde . Greate is the Sacrament of Matrimonie ( saith Paule ) betwixt Christe and his Churche . If there had bene vnder heauen any holier yoke , if there had bene any more religiouse couenaunt than is Matrimonie , without doubte the example thereof had bene vsed . But what lyke thyng doe you reade in all Scripture of the syngle lyfe ? Mariage honorable . The Apostle S. Paul in the thirteen Chapi. of his Epistle to the Hebrues calleth Matrimonie honourable emong all men , and a bedde vndefiled , and yet the syngle lyfe is not so muche as ones named in the same place . Nay they are not borne withall that lyue syngle , except they make some recompence with doyng some greater thyng . For elles , if a man folowyng the lawe of nature , doe labour to gette children , he is euer to be preferred before hym that lyueth still vnmaried , for none other ende , but because he woulde bee out of trouble , and lyue more free . Wee doe reade that suche as are in very deede chaiste of their body , and lyue a Uirgines lyfe , haue bene praised , but the syngle lyfe was neuer praised of it selfe . Nowe againe the lawe of Moses accurseth the barrenesse of maried folke , and wee doe reade that some were excemmunicated for the same purpose , and banished from the aultar . And wherefore I praie you ? Marie Sir because that they like vnprofitable persones , and liuyng onely to theim selues , did not encrease the worlde with any issue . In Deuteronomie it was the chiefest token of Goddes blessynges vnto the Israelites that none shoulde be barren emong them , Deut. vi . neither man , nor yet woman . And Lya is thought to bee out of Goddes fauour , Lia. because she coulde not bryng furth children . Yea , and in the Psalme of Dauid an hundreth twentie and eight , it is counted one of the chiefest partes of blesse to bee a frutefull woman . Thy wyfe ( sayeth the Psalme ) shal be plentifull lyke a vine , and thy children lyke the braunches of Olyues , rounde about thy Table . Then if the lawe do condempne , and vtterly dissalowe barren Matrimonie , it hath alwaies muche more condempned the syngle lyfe of Bacchelaures . Yf the fault of nature hath not escaped blame , the will of man can neuer wante rebuke . Yf they are accursed that woulde haue children , and can gette none , what deserue they whiche neuer trauaile to escape barreinesse ?

The Hebrues had suche a reuerence to maried folke , Hebrues lawe for maried folke . that he whiche had maried a wyfe , the same yeare shoulde not be forced to go on warrefaire . A Citie is lyke to fall in ruine , excepte there be watchemen to defende it with armour . But assured destruction muste here needes folowe excepte men throughe the benefite of Mariage supplie issue , the whiche through mortalitie doe from tyme to tyme decaie .

Ouer & besides this the Romaines did laie a penaltie vpon their backe that liued a syngle lyfe , yea they would not suffer them to beare any office in the cōmure weale . But thei that had encreased the world with issue , Plutarchus in the lyfe of Cato . had a reward by cōimune assent , as men that had deserued well of their countrie . The olde foren lawes did appoincte pe●●lties for suche as liued syngle , the whiche although they 〈◊〉 qualified by Constantius the Emperour in the fauor of Christes religion , yet these lawes do declare howe litle it is for the commune weales aduauncement , that either a Citie should be lessened for loue of sole life , or els that the countrie shoulde be filled ful of bastardes . And besides this , the Emperour Augustus Augustus Cesar . being a sore punisher of euil behauiour , examined a souldior because he did not marie his wife accordyng to the lawes , the whiche souldiour had hardely escaped iudgement , if he had not gotte .iij. children by her . And in this point doe the lawes of al Emperours seeme fauourable to maried folke , that they abrogate suche vowes as were proclaimed to be kept and brought in by Miscella , Miscella . and woulde that after the penaltie were remitted , suche couenauntes , beyng made against al right and conscience , shoulde also be taken of none effect , and as voide in the lawe . Ouer and besides this , Ulpianus Vlpianus . doth declare that the matter of Dowries was euermore and in al places the chiefest aboue al other , the whiche should neuer haue bene so , excepte there came to the commune weale some especial profite by mariage . Mariage hath euer bene reuerenced , but frutefulnesse of body hath bene muche more . for so sone as one gotte the name of a father , there discended not onely vnto him enheirtaunce of lande , but al bequestes , and gooddes of suche his frendes as dyed intestate . The whiche thyng appereth plaine by the Satyre Poete .

Through me thou art made , I●●enal . an heire to haue lande , Thou hast al bequestes one with another , All gooddes and cattel are come to thy hande Yea gooddes intestate , thou shalt haue suer .

Now he that had .iij. children , was more fauoured , for he was exempted from al outward ambassages . Againe he that had fyue childen was discharged and free from all personal office , as to haue the gouernaunce , or patronage of younge ientlemen , the whiche in those daies was a great charge & ful of paines without any profit at al. He that had .xiij. children was free by the Emperour Iulianus law , not onely from beyng a man at Armes , or Captaine ouer horsemen : but also from al other offices in the commune weale . And the wise founders of all lawes geue good reason why suche fauor was shewed to maried folke . For what is more blesseful than to liue euer ? Now where as nature hath denied this , Matrimony doth geue it by a certaine sleyght , so muche as maye be . Who dothe not desire to be bruted , and liue through fame emong men hereafter ? Now there is no buildinge of pillers , no exectinge of Arches , no blasinge of Armes , tha● dothe more sette forthe a mannes name , then doth the encrease of children . Albinus obteined his purpose of the Emperour Adrian , for none other desert of his , but that he had begote an house-full of children . And therefore the Emperoure ( to the hinderaunce of his treasure ) suffred the children to enter wholye vpon their fathers possession , forasmuche as he knewe well that his realme was more strengthened with encrease of children , then with store of money . Againe , all other lawes are neither agreynge for all Countryes , nor yet vsed at all times . Licurgus Licurgus law against vnma●●ed folke . made a lawe , that they whiche maried not , shoulde be kepte in Somer from the sighte of stage playes , and other wonderfull shewes , and in winter they shoulde go naked aboute the market place , and accursinge theim selues , they shoulde confesse openly that they hadde iustlye deserued suche punishment , because they did not liue accordinge to the lawes . And without any more a doe , will ye knowe how much our olde Auncesters heretofore estemed Matrimonie ? Waye well , and consider the punishment for breaking of wedlocke . Punishmentes appoynted for breaking of wedlocke . The Grekes heretofore thought it mete to punishe the breache of Matrimonie with battaile that continued ten y●●es . The Grecians reuengement for adu●●trye . Yea , moreouer not onely by the Romaine lawe , but also by the Hebrues and straungers , aduouterous persons wer punished with death . If a thiefe payde .iiij. times the value of that which he toke awaye , he was deliuered , but an aduouterers offence , was punished with the sworde . Emonge the Hebrues , The Hebrues stoned Aduouterers . the people stoned the aduouterers to death , with their owne handes , because they had broken that , without which the worlde could not continue . And yet they thought not this sore law sufficient inoughe , but graunted further to runne him thorowe withoute lawe , that was taken in aduoutrye , Lawful for the maried man among the Hebrues to kyll the aduoutere● as who should saye , they graunted that to the griefe of maried folke , the whiche they woulde hardlye graunte to hym that stode in his owne defence for saufegarde of his life , as though he offended more haynously that ●oke a mans wife , then he did that toke away a mannes lyfe . Assuredly wedlocke muste neades seme to be a mooste holye thinge , consideringe that bringe once broken , it muste neades be purged with mannes bloude , the reuenger wherof is not forced to abide either lawe or iudge , the whiche libertie is not graunted anye to vse vpon him that hathe killed either his father or his mother . But what do we with these Lawes written ? This is the lawe of Nature , not written in the Tables of Brasse , but firmelye prynted in oure myndes , the whiche Lawe , whosoeuer dothe not obeye , he is not worthye to be called a manne , muche lesse shall he be counted a Citezen . For if to liue well ( as the Stoikes wittelye do dispute ) is to folowe the course of Nature , what thinge is so agreynge with Nature as Matrimonye ? Matrimonie natural For there is nothinge so naturall not onelye vnto mankinde , but also vnto all other liuinge creatures , as it is for euerye one of theim to kepe their owne kinde from decaye , and throughe encrease of issue , to make the whole kinde immortall .

The whiche thinge ( all menne knowe ) can neuer be dooen , withoute wedlocke and carnall copulation . It were a fowle thinge , that brute beastes shoulde obeye the lawe of Nature , and menne like Gyauntes shoulde fighte againste Nature . Whose worcke if we woulde narowly loke vpon , we shall perceyue that in all thinges here vpon earthe , she woulde there shoulde be a certaine spice of mariage . I wil not speake nowe of Trees , wherin ( as Plinie mooste certainelye writeth ) there is founde Mariage Mariage emonge trees . with some manifeste difference of bothe kyndes , that excepte the housbande Tree do leane with his boughes euen as thoughe he shoulde desire copulation vpon the womenne Trees growynge rounde aboute him : they woulde elles altogether ware barraine . The same Plinie also dothe report that certaine aucthoures do thincke there is bothe male and female in all thinges that the Earthe yeldeth . Mariage emong precious stones . I will not speake of precious stones , wherein the same aucthoure affirmeth , and yet not he onelye neither , that there is bothe male and female emonge theim . And I praye you hath not GOD so knitte all thinges together with certaine lynckes , that one euer semeth to haue neade of another ? What saye you of the skye or firmamente , that is euer stirrynge with contiuuall mouinge ? Mariage betwene the fir●●ament and the earth . Dothe it not playe the parte of a husbande , while it puffeth vp the Earthe , the mother of all thinges , and maketh it fruitefull with castinge seede ( as a manne woulde saye ) vpon it . But I thincke ● ouer tedious to runne ouer all thinges . And to what ●●de are these thinges spoken ? Marye sir , because we might vnderstande that throughe Mariage , all thing●s are , and do styll continue , and withoute the same all thinges do decaye , and come to noughte . The olde auncient and moste wise Po●tes do feyne ( who hadde euer a desire vnder the coloure of fables The fable of Giauntes that fought against Nature . to set forthe preceptes of Philosophie ) that the Giauntes whiche had snakes fete , and were borne of th earth , builded greate hilles that mounted vp to heauen , minding thereby to be at vtter defiaunce with God and all his aungelles . And what meaneth this fable ? Marye it sheweth vnto vs , that certaine fierce and sauage menne , suche as were vnknowen , coulde not abide wedlocke for anye worldes good , and ther●fore they were stricken downe headelonge with lighteninge , that is to saye : they were vtterlye destroyed , when they soughte to ●schue that , whereby the weale and saulfegarde of all mankinde onelye dothe ●onsiste . Nowe againe , the same Poetes do declare that Orpheus Orpheu● . the musician and minstrell , did styrre and make softe with his pleasaunte melodye the mooste harde rockes and stones . And what is their meaninge herein ? Assuredlye nothinge elles , but that a wise and well spoken manne , did call backe ha●de harted menne , suche as liued abroade like Beastes , from op●n whoredome , and brought them to lyue after the mooste holye lawes of Matrimonye . Thus we se plainelye , that suche a one as hathe no minde of Mariage , semeth to be no manne , but rather a Stone , an enemye to Nature , a rebel to God him selfe , seking through his owne ●olye , his last ende and destruction .

Well , let vs go on still ( seynge we are fallen into fables that are not fables altogether ) when the same Orpheus in the middes of Hell , forced Pluto him selfe and all the deuilles there , to graunte him leaue to carye awaye his wife Euridice , what other thinge do we thinke that the Poets meant , but only to set forthe vnto vs the loue in wedlocke the whiche euen amonge the Deuilles was compted good and Godlye . The most wicked can not chose but alow mariage .

And this also makes wel for the purpose , that in olde time they made Iupiter Gamelius , the God of mariage , & Iuno Lucina ladye midwife , to helpe suche women as laboured in child bedde , beynge fondlye deceiued , and supersticiouslie erring in naming of the Gods , and yet not missinge the trueth , in declaring that Matrimonie is an holy thinge , and mete for the worthines therof , that the Goddes in heauen shoulde haue care ouer it . Emonge diuers countries , and diuers menne , there haue bene diuers lawes and customes vsed . Yet was there neuer anye countrey so sauage , none so farre from all humanitie , where the name of wedlocke was not counted holye , and hadde in great reuerence . All nacions euer estemed mariage . This the Thracian , this the Sarmate , this the Indian , this the Grecian , this the Latine , yea , this the Britain that dwelleth in the furtheste parte of all the worlde , or if there be anye that dwell beyonde them haue euer counted to be moste holye . And why so ? Marye because that thinge must neades be commune to all , whiche the commune mother vnto all , hath graffed in vs all , and hath so thorowlye graffed the same in vs , that not onely stockedoues and Pigions , but also the most wilde beastes haue a natural felinge of this thinge . For the Lyons are gentle against the Lionesse . The Tygers fight for safegard of their yong whelpes . The Asse runnes through the hote fyre ( which is made to kepe her awaie ) for safegarde of her issue . And this they call the lawe of Nature , the whiche as it is of most strengthe and force , so it spreadeth abroade most largely . Therfore as he is counted no good gardener , that being content with thinges present , doth diligently proyne his old trees , and hath no regard either to ympe or graffe yong settes : because the selfe same Orcharde ( thoughe it be neuer so well trimmed ) muste nedes decaye in time , and all the trees dye within fewe yeres : So he is not to be counted halfe a diligent citizen , that beinge contente with the present multitude , hathe no regarde to encrease the number . Therefore there is no one man that euer hath bene counted a worthy Citezen , who hath not laboured to get children , and sought to bring them vp in Godlines .

Emonge the Hebrues The Hebrues and Persians had a number of wiues and the Persians he was most commended , that had most wiues , as thoughe the countrey were most beholding to him , that encreased the same with the greatest number of children . Do you seke to be compted more holie then Abraham Abraham . him selfe ? Well , he should neuer haue bene compted the father of manye Nacions , and that through Gods furtheraunce , if he had forborne the companye of his wife . Do you loke to be reckened more deuoute then Iacob ? Iacob . He doubteth nothinge to raunsome Rach●l from her greate bondage . Will you be taken for wiser then Salomon ? Salomon . And yet I praye you what a number of wiues kept he in one house ? Will you be compted more chast● than Socrates , Socrates who is reported to beare at home with zanti●●e that verye shrewe , and yet not so muche therefore ( as he is wonte to ieste accordinge to his olde maner ) because he might learne pacience at home , but also because he mighte not seme to come behinde with his dutye in doyng the wil of nature . For he beynge a manne , suche a one ( a● Appollo iudged him by his Oracle to be wise ) did well ●erceyu● that he was gote for this cause , borne for this cause , and therfore bounde to yelde so muche vnto nature . For if the olde auncient Philosophers haue saide wel , if our diuin●s haue proued the thinge not without reason , if it be vsed euerye where for a commune prouerbe , and almost in euerye mans mouthe , that neither God nor yet Nature , did euer make any thinge in vayne : Why did he geue vs such membres , how happeneth we haue suche luste , and suche power to get issue , if the single lyfe and none other be altogether prayse worthye ? If one shoulde bestowe vpon you a verye good thinge , as a bowe , a coate , or a sworde , al men would thincke you were not worthye to haue the thinge , if either you coulde not , or you woulde not vse it , and occupie it .

And where as all other thinges are ordeyned vpon suche greate considerations , it is not like that Nature slepte or forgate her selfe when she made this one thinge . And nowe here will some saye , that this fowle and filthye desire , and styrringe vnto luste , came neuer in by Nature , but through Sinne : for whose wordes I passe not a strawe , seinge their saiynges are as false , as God is true . For I pray you was not Matrimonye instituted ( whose worke can not be done withoute thes● membres ) before there was anye Synne . And againe , whence haue all other brute beastes their prouocations ? of Nature , or of Sinne ? A man woulde thinke they hadde theim of Nature . But shall I tell you at a worde , wee make that fil●hye by oure owne Imagination , whiche of the owne nature is good and Godlye . Or elles if we will examine matters , ( not accordinge to the opinion of menne , but weye them as they are of their owne Nature ) howe chau●ceth it that we thincke it lesse filthye , to eate , to chewe , to digest , to emptye the bodye , and to slepe , then it is to vse carnall copulation , such as is lawfull , and permitted . Naye sir ( you will saye , ) we muste folowe vertue , rather then Nature . A gentle dishe . As thoughe anye thinge can be called vertue that is contrary vnto Nature . Assuredly there is nothinge that can be perfectlye gote , either throughe laboure , or throughe learning , if man grounde not his doynges altogether vpon Nature .

But you will liue an Apostles life , suche as some of them did that liued single , and exhorted other to the same kinde of life . Tushe , let them folowe the Apostles that are A●ostles in deede , whose office seynge it is bothe to teache and bringe vp the people in Goddes doctrine , they are not able to discharge their dutyes bothe to their flocke , and to their wife and familye . Althoughe it is well knowen that some of the A●ostles had wiues . But be it that Bishoppes liue single , or graunt we them to haue no wiues . What do you folowe the profession of the Apostles , beynge one that is farthest in life from their Uocation , beinge bothe a temporall manne , and one that liueth of youre owne . They hadde this Pardon graunted them to be cleane voyde from Mariage , to the ende they mighte be at leasure to get vnto Christe a more plentifull number of his children . Let this be the order of Priestes and Monkes , who belike haue entred into the Religion and rule of the Essens , ( suche as amonge the Iewes lothed Mariage ) but youre callinge is an other waye . Naye , but ( you will saye ) Christe him selfe hath compted theim blessed , whiche haue gelded theim sel●es for the Kingdome of GOD . Sir , I am contente to admitte the aucthoritie , but thus I expounde the meaning . Firste , I thincke that this doctrine of Christe did chieflye belonge vnto that time , when it behoued theim chieflye to be voyde of all cares and busines of this Worlde . They were fayne to trauayle into all places , for the persecutoures were euer readye to laye handes on theim . But nowe the worlde is so , that a manne can finde in no place the vprightnes of behauioure lesse stayned , then emonge maried folke . Let the swarmes of Monkes and Nun●es sette forthe their order neuer so muche , let theim boaste and bragge their bealies full , of their Ceremonies and church seruice , wherin they chieflye passe all other : yet is wedlocke ( beynge well and trulye kepte ) a mooste holye kinde of life .

Againe , would to God they were gelded in very dede , what soeuer they be , that coloure their noughtye liuinge wyth such a iolye name of geldinge , liuing in muche more filthye luste vnder the cloke and pretence of chastitie . Neither can I reporte for verye shame , into howe filthye offences they do often fall , that will not vse that remedye whiche Nature hath graunted vnto manne . And last of all , where do you reade that euer Christe commaunded anye manne to liue ●ingle , and yet he dothe openlye forbidde diuorcement . Then he dothe not worste of all ( in my Iudgemente ) for the commune weale of Mankinde , that ●raunteth libertye vnto Priestes : Priestes mariage . yea , and Monkes also ( if neade be ) to mary , and to take them to their wiues , namely seing there is suche an vnreasonable number euerye where , emonge whom I praye you how many be there that liue chaste . How muche better were it to turne their concubines into wyues , that where as they haue them now to their greate shame wyth an vnquiet conscience , they mighte haue the other openlye with good report , and get children , and also bringe them vp godlye , of whom they them selues not onelye mighte not be ashamed , but also might be counted honest men for them .

And I thinke the bishoppes officers woulde haue procured this matter longe agoe , if they had not founde greater gaiues by priestes lemmans , than they were like to haue by priestes wiues . But virginitie Virginitie . forsothe is an heauenlye thing , it is an Aungels life . I aunswer , wedlocke is a manly thinge , suche as is mete for man . And I talke now as man vnto man . I graunte you , that virginitie is a thinge prayse worthy , but so farre I am content to speake in praise of it , if it be not so praised , as though the iust shuld altogether folow it , for if men commenly should begin to like it , what thing could be inuented more perilous to a commune weale then virginitie . Nowe be it that other deserue greate prayse for their maydenheade , you notwithstandinge can not wante greate rebuke ▪ seynge it lieth in your handes to kepe that house from decaye wherof you lineallye descended , and to continue still the name of your auncesters , who deserue moste worthely to be knowen for euer . And laste of all , he deserueth as muche prayse , as they whiche kepe their maydenhode : that kepes him selfe true to his wife , and marieth rather for encrease of children , then to satisfy his luste For if a brother be commaunded to stirre vp sede to his brother that dieth without issue , will you suffer the hope of all youre stocke to decaye , namely seinge there is none other of your name and stocke , but your selfe alone , to continue the posteritie . I know wel inoughe , that the auncient fathers haue set forthe in greate volumes , the prayse of virginitie , emonge whom , Hierome Hierom● praise vpon Virginitie . dothe so ●ake on , and prayseth it so much aboue the starres , that he fell in maner to depraue Matrimonie , and therfore was required of Godly Bishoppes to cal backe his wordes that he had spoken . But let vs beare with suche heate for that tyme sake , I would wishe nowe , that thei , whiche exhort yong folke euery where , and without respect ( suche as yet knowe not themselfes ) to liue a single life , and to professe virginitie : that thei would bestowe thesame labour , in settyng furth the descripcion of chast and pure wedlocke . And yet those bodies that are in suche great loue with virginitie , are well contented that menne should fight against the Turkes , whiche in nomber are infinitely greater then wee are . And now if these menne thinke right in this behalfe , it must nedes be thought right good and godly , to labour earnestly for children gettyng , and to substitute youthe from tyme to tyme , for the maintenaunce of warre . Except parauenture thei thinke that Gunnes , Billes , Pikes , and nauies , should be prouided for battaill , and that men stand in no stede at all with them . Thei also allowe it well , that we should kill miscreaunt and Heathen parentes , that the rather their children not knowyng of it , might bee Baptized and made Christians . Nowe if this bee righte and lawfull , how muche more ientlenesse were it to haue children Baptized , beyng borne in lawfull mariage . There is no nacion so sauage , nor yet so hard harted , within the whole worlde , but thesame abhorreth murderyng of infauntes , and newe borne babes . Kynges also and hedde rulers , dooe likewise punishe moste streightly , all suche as seke meanes to be deliuered before their tyme , or vse Phisicke to waxe barren , and neuer to beare children . What is the reason ? Marie thei compt small difference betwixt hym , that killeth the child , so sone as it beginneth to quicken : and thother , that seketh all meanes possible , neuer to haue any child at all . The self same thyng that either withereth and drieth awaie in thy body , or els putrifieth within thee , and so hurteth greatly thy healthe , yea , that self same , whiche falleth from thee in thy slepe , would haue been a manne , if thou thy self haddest been a man . The Hebrues Hebrues . abhorre that man , and wishe him Goddes cursse , that ( beyng commaunded to marie with the wife of his dedde brother ) did cast his seede vpon the ground least any issue should bee had , and he was euer thought vnworthy to liue here vpon yerth , that would not suffer that that child to liue , whiche was quicke in the mothers wombe . But I praie you how litle do thei swarue from this offence whiche by●d themselfes to liue barrern , all the daies of their life ? Doo thei no● seme to kill as many men , as were like to haue been borne , if thei had bestowed their e●deuors to haue got children ? Now I praie you , if a man had lande that wer very fatte and fertile , and suffered thesame for lacke of maneryng , for euer to waxe barren , should he not , or wer he not worthy to be punished by the lawes , consideryng it is for the common weales behoue , that euery man should wel and truly husbande his awne . If that man be punished , who litle hedeth the maintenaunce of his Tillage , the whiche although it be neuer so wel manered , yet it yeldeth nothyng els but wheat barley , bea●es , and peason : what punishement is he worthy to suffer , that refuseth to Plough that lande , whiche beyng tilled , yeldeth children . And for ploughyng land , it is nothyng els , but painfull toylyng from tyme to tyme , but in gettyng children , there is pleasure , whiche beyng ordeined , as a redy reward for pai●es takyng , asketh a short trauaill for all the tillage . Therfore if the workyng of nature , if honestie , if vertue , if inwarde zeale , if Godlinesse , if duetie maie moue you , why can you not abide that , whiche God hath ordeined , nature hath established , reason doeth counsaill , Gods worde and mannes worde do commende , all lawes do commaunde , the consent of all nacions doeth allowe , whereunto also the example of all good men , doth exhort you . That if euery honest man should desire many thynges , that axe● moste painful for none other cause , but onely for that thei are honeste , no doubt but matrimonie ought aboue all other , moste of all to be desired , as the whiche wee maie doubte , whether it haue more honestie in it , or bryng more delite and pleasure with it . for what can bee more pleasaunt , then to liue with her , with whom not onely you shal be ioyned , in felowship of faithfulnes , and moste ▪ hartie good will , but also you shal be coupled together moste assuredly , with the company of bothe your bodies ? If we compt that great pleasure , whiche we receiue of the good will of our frendes and acquaintaunce , how pleasau●● a thyng is it aboue all other , to haue one , with whom you maie breake the botome of your harte , with whom ye maie talke as frely , as with your self , into whose t●uste , you maie saufly commit your self , suche ●o●e as thinketh al your goodes to be her charge . Now what an heauenly b●isse ( ●row you ) is the companie of man and wife together , seyng that in all the worlde , there can nothyng be found , either of greater weight and worthi●esse , or els of more st●engthe and assuraunce . For with frendes , we ioyne onely with them in good will , & faith fulnesse of mynde , but with a wife , we are matched together , bothe in harte and mynde , in body and soule , sealed together with the bonde and league of an holy Sacrament , & partyng all the goodes we haue , indifferently betwixt vs . Again when other are matched together in fre●dship , do we not see what dissemblyng thei vse , what falshode thei practise , and what deceiptfull partes thei plaie ? Yea , euen those whom we thinke to be our most assured frendes , as swallowes flie awaie when sommer is past , so thei hide their heddes , when fortune gynnes to faile . And oft tymes when we get a newe frend , we streight forsake our old . We heare tell of very fewe , that haue cont●nued frendes , euen till their last ende . Whereas the faithfulnesse of a wife , is not stained with deceipte , nor dusked with any dissēbly●g , nor yet parted with any chaunge of the world but disseuered at last by death onely , no not by death neither . She forsakes and settes lighte by father and mother , sister & brother for your sake , and for your loue onely . She only passeth vpon you , she puttes her trust in you , and leaneth wholy vpon you , yea , she desires to die with you . Haue you any worldly substaunce ? You haue one that will maintain it , you haue one that will encrease it . Haue you none ? You haue a wife that will get it . If you liue in prosperitee , your ioye is doubled : if the worlde go not with you , you haue a wife to put you in good comfort , to be at your commaundement , & redy to serue your desire , & to wishe that suche euill as hath happened vnto you , might chaunce vnto her self . And do you thinke that any pleasure in al the world , is able to be compared with suche a goodly felowship & familier liuyng together ? If you kepe home , your wife is at hand to kepe your company , the rather that you might fele no werines of liuing al alone , if you ride furth , you haue a wife to bid you fare well with a kisse longyng muche for you , beyng from home , and glad to bidde you well come at your next returne . A swete mate in your youthe , a thankfull comforte in your age . Euery societie or companiyng together , is delitefull and wisshed for by nature of all menne , forasmuche as nature hath ordeined vs to be , sociable , frendly , and louyng together . Nowe howe can this felowship of manne and wife , be otherwise then moste pleasant , where all thynges are common together betwixt them bothe . Now I thinke he is moste worthy , to bee despised aboue all other , that is borne , as a man would saie for hymself , that liueth to hymself , that seketh for himself , that spareth for himself , maketh cost onely vpon himself , that loueth no man , and no man loueth hym . Would not a manne thinke that suche a monster , were mete to be caste out of all mennes companie ( with Tymon that careth for no manne ) into the middest of the sea . Timon a deadly hater of all companie . Neither do I here vtter vnto you those pleasures of the body , the which , wheras nature hath made to be moste pleasaunt vnto man , yet these greate witted men , rather hide them , and dissemble them ( I cannot tel how ) then vtterly contempne them . And yet what is he that is so sower of witte , and so drowpyng of braine ( I will not saie ) blockhedded , or insensate , that is not moued with suche pleasure , namely if he maie haue his desire , without offence either of God or man , and without hynderaunce of his estimacion . Truely I would take suche a one , not to be a man , but rather to bee a very stone . Although this pleasure of the body , is the least parte of all those good thynges , that are in wedlocke . But bee it that you passe not vpon this pleasure , and thinke it vnworthy for man to vse it , although in deede we deserue not the name of manne without it , but compte i● emong the least and vttermoste profites , that wedlocke hath : Now I praie you , what can be more hartely desired , then chast loue , what can bee more holy , what can bee more honest ? And emong all these pleasures , you get vnto you a ioly sort of kinsfolke , in whom you maie take muche delite . You haue other parentes , other brethren , sisterne , and nephewes . Nature in deede can geue you but one father , & one mother : By mariage you get vnto you another father , and another mother , who cannot chuse , but loue you with all their hartes , as the whiche haue put into your handes , their aw●e fleshe and bloud . Now again , what a ioye shal this be vnto you , when your moste faire wife , shall make you a father , in bringyng furthe a faire childe vnto you , where you shall haue a pretie litle boye , runnyng vp and doune youre house , suche a one as shall expresse your looke , and your wiues looke , suche a one as shall call you dad , with his swete lispyng wordes . Now last of all , when you are thus lynked in loue , thesame shal bee so fastened and bounde together , as though it wer with the Adamant stone , that death it self can neuer be able to vndo it . Thrise happie are thei ( ꝙ Horace ) yea , more then thrise happie are thei , whom these sure bandes dooe holde , neither though thei are by euill reporters , full ofte sette a so●der , shall loue be vnlosed betwixt theim two , till death them bothe depart . You haue them that shal comforte you , in your latter daies , that shall close vp your iyes , when God shall call you , that shall bury you , and fulfill all thynges belongyng to your Funerall , by whom you shall seme , to bee newe borne . For so long as thei shall liue , you shall nede neuer bee thought ded your self . The goodes and landes that you haue gotte , go not to other heires , then to your awne . So that vnto suche as haue fulfilled all thynges , that belong vnto mannes life , death it self cannot seme bitter . Old age cometh vpon vs all , will we , or nill we , and this waie nature prouided for vs , that we should waxe yong again in our children , and nephewes . For , what man can be greued , that he is old , when he seeth his awne countenaunce whiche he had beyng a childe , to appere liuely in his sonne ? Death is ordeined for all mankynd , and yet by this meanes onely , nature by her prouidence , myndeth vnto vs a certain immortalitie , while the encreaseth one thyng vpon another ●uen as a yong graffe buddeth out , when the old tree is cut doune . Neither can he seme to dye , that , when God calleth hym , leaueth a yong child behinde hym . But I knowe well enough , what you saie to your self , at this while of my long talke . Mariage is an happie thyng , if all thynges hap well , what and if one haue a curste wife ? What if she be lighte ? What if his children bee vngracious ? Thus I see you will remember all suche men , as by mariage haue been vndoen . Well , go to it , tell as many as you can , & spare not : you shal finde all these were faultes of the persones , and not the faultes of Mariage . For beleue me , none haue euill wifes , Euill wifes happen to euil men onely . but suche as are euill men . And as for you sir , you may chuse a good wife , if ye list . But what if she be croked , and marde altogether , for lacke of good orderyng . A good honest wife , maie be made an euill woman , by a naughtie husbande , and an euill wife , hath been made a good woman , by an honest man . We crie out of wifes vntruly , and accuse them without cause . There is no man ( if you wil beleue me ) that euer had an euil wife , but through his awne default . Now again an honest father , bryngeth furthe honest children , like vnto hymself . Although euen these children , how so euer thei are borne , commonly become suche men , as their education and bringyng vp is . Ielousie vnknowen to wise men . And as for ielousy you shal not nede to feare that fault at all . For none be troubled with suche a disease , but those onely that are foolishe louers . Chaste , godly , and lawfull loue , neuer knew what ielousie ment . What meane you to call to your mynde , and remember suche sore tragedies and doulefull dealynges , as haue been betwixt manne and wife . Suche a woman beyng naughte of her body , hath caused her husbande to lose his hedde , another hath poysoned her goodman , the third with her churlishe dealyng ( whiche her husbande could not beare ) hath been his outer vndoyng , & brought hym to his ende . But I praie you sir , why doo you not rather thinke vpon Cornelia , Cornelia . wife vnto Tiberius Graechus ? Why do ye not mynde that moste worthy wife , of that most vnworthy man Alcestes ? Alcestes wife . Why remembre ye not Iulia Iulia. Pompeyes wife , or Porcia Por●ia . Brutus wife ? Lucretia . And why not Artemisia , Artemisia . a woman moste worthie , euer to bee remembred ? Why not Hipsicratea , Hipsicratea . wife vnto Mithridates kyng of Pontus ? Why do ye not call to remembraunce the ientle nature of Tertia Aemilia ? ●ertia Aemilia . Why doo ye not consider the faithfulnesse of Turia ? Turia . Why cometh not Lucretia and Lentula Lentula . to your remembraunce ? and why not Arria ? A●ria . why not thousandes other , whose chastite of life , and faithfulnes towardes their husbandes could not bee chaunged , no not by death . A good woman ( you will saie ) is a rare birde , & hard to be founde in all the worlde . Well then six , imagine your self worthy to haue a rare wife , suche as fewe men haue . A good woman ( saith the wiseman ) is a good porcion . Prouer. x. Be you bold to hope for such a one , as is worthy your maners . The chifest poyncte standeth in this , what maner of woman you chuse , how you vse her , and how you order your self towardes her . But libertee ( you will saie ) is muche more pleasaunt : for , who soeuer is maried , wereth fetters vpon his legges , or rather carieth a clogge , the whiche he can neuer shake of , till death part their yoke . To this I answere , I can not see what pleasure a man shall haue to liue alone . For if libertie be delitefull , I would thinke you should get a mate vnto you , with whom you should parte stakes , and make her priuey of all your ioyes . Neither can I see any thyng more free , then is the seruitude of these twoo , where the one is so muche beholdyng and bounde to thother , that neither of them bothe wold be louse , though thei might . You are bound vnto him , whom you receiue into your frendship : But in mariage neither partie findeth fault , that their libertie is taken awaie from them . Yet ones again your are sore afraied , least when your children are taken awaie by death , you fal to mourning for want of issue ▪ well sir , if you feare lacke of issue , you must marie a wife for the self same purpose , the which onely shal be a meane , that you shall not want issue . But what do you serche so diligently , naie so carefully , al the incommodities of matrimonie , as though single life had neuer any incommoditie ioyned with it at al. As though there wer any kinde of life in al the world , that is not subiect to al euils that may happen . He must nedes go out of this world , the lokes to liue without felyng of any grief . And in comparison of the life which the sainctes of god shal haue in heauen , this life of man is to be compted a deth , & not a life . But if you consider thinges within the compasse of mankynde , there is nothyng either more saufe , more quiet , more pleasaunt , more to be desired , or more happy , then is the maried mannes life . How many do you se , that hauyng ones felt the swetnesse of wedlocke , doeth not desire eftsones to enter into thesame ? My frende Mauricius , whom you knowe to be a very wise man , did not he , the nexte monethe after his wife died ( whom he loued derely ) get hym streight a newe wife ? Not that he was impacient of his luste , and could not forbeare any longer , but he said plainly , it was no life for hym , to bee without a wife , whiche should bee with hym as his yoke felowe , and companion in all thynges . And is not this the fourthe wife , that our frende Iouius hath maried ? And yet he so loued the other , when thei wer on liue that none was able to comforte hym in his heauinesse : and now he hastened so muche ( when one was ded ) to fill vp and supply the voyde roume of his chamber , as though he had loued the other very litle . But what do we talke so muche of the honestie and pleasure herein , seyng that not onely profite doeth aduise vs , but also nede doeth earnestly force vs , to seke mariage . Necessitee enforceth mariage . Let it bee forbidden , that man and woman shall not come together , & within fewe yeres , all mankynde must nedes decaye for euer . When zerxes zerxes . kyng of the Persians , behelde from an high place , that greate armie of his , suche as almoste was incredible , some said he could not forbeare wepyng , consideryng of so many thousandes , there was not one like to bee aliue , within seuentie yeres after . Now why should not we consider thesame of all mankynd , whiche he meant onely of his armie . Take awaie mariage , and howe many shall remain after a hundreth yeres , of so many realmes , countrees , kyngdomes , citees , and all other assemblies that be of men , throughout the whole world ? on now , praise we a gods name the single life aboue the nocke , the whiche is like for euer to vndooe all mankynde . What plague , what infeccion can either heauen or hell , sende more harmefull vnto mankynd ? What greater euill is to be feared by any floud ? What could be loked for , more sorowfull , although the flame of Phaeton should set the world on fire again ? And yet by suche sore tempestes , many thynges haue been saued harmelesse , but by the single life of man , there can be nothyng left at all . We se what a sorte of diseases , what diuersitee of missehappes doo night and daie lye in waite to lessen the smal number of mankynde . Howe many doeth the plague destroie , how many do the Se●s swallowe , how many doeth battaile snatche vp ? For I will not speake of the daily dyeng that is in al places . Deathe taketh her flight euery where rounde about , she runneth ouer theim , she catcheth theim vp , she hasteneth asmuche as she can possible to destroie al mankynde ▪ & now do we so highly commend syngle lyfe and eschewe Mariage ? Except happely we like the profession of the Essens ( of whome Iosephus speaketh that Essens ha●ed Mariage . they wil neither haue wyfe , nor seruauntes ) or the Dulopolitans , called otherwyse the Rascalles and Slaues of Cities , Iosephus xv●●● cap. li● . ii . the whiche companie of theim is alwaie encreased and continued by a sorte of vagabounde peasauntes that continue , and be from time to time stil together . Do we loke that some Iuppiter shoulde geue vs that same gifte , the whiche he is reported to haue geuen vnto Bees that wee shoulde haue issue without procreacion , and gather with our mouthes out of flowers , the seede of our posteritie ? Or elles do we desier , that lyke as the Poetes feyne Minerua to be borne out of Iuppiters head : in lyke sorte there should children leape out of our heades ? Or last of al doe we looke accordyng as the olde fables haue been , that men shoulde be borne out of the yerth , out of rockes , out of stockes , stones , & olde trees . Many thynges breede out of the yearth without mans labour at all . Young shrubbes growe and shoute vp vnder the shadowe of their graundsyre trees . But nature woulde haue man to vse this one waie of encreasyng issue ▪ that through labour of bothe the housband and wyfe , mankynd might stil be kept from destruction . But I promise you if all men tooke after you , and still forbare to marie : I can not see but that these thynges whiche you wonder at , and esteme so muche , could not haue been at al. Do you yet esteme this syngle lyfe so greatly ? Doe you praise so muche virginitie aboue al other ? Why man , there will be neither syngle men , nor virgines a lyue , if men leaue to marie , and mynde not procreation . why do you then preferre virginitie so muche why set it you so hye , if it be the vndoyng of all the whole worlde ? It hath been muche commended , but it was for that tyme , and in a fewe . God woulde haue men to see as though it were a paterne , or rather a picture of that heauenly habitacion , where neither any shal be maried , nor yet any shall geue theirs to Mariage . But when thynges be geuen for an example , a fewe may suffise , a nomber were to no purpose . For euen as al groundes though they be very frutefull , are not therefore turned into tillage for mans vse and commoditie , but parte lyeth fallowe , and is neuer mannered , parte is kepte and cherised to lyke the ●ye and for mans pleasure : and yet in al this plentie of thynges , where so great store of lande is , nature suffereth very litle to waxe barren : But nowe if none should be tilled , and plowe m●n went to plaie , who seeth not but that wee shoulde al sterue , and bee faine shortely to eate acornes : Euen so , it is praise worthie if a fewe liue syngle , but if al should seke to lyue syngle , so many as be in this worlde , it were to great an inconuenience . Now again be it that other deserue worthie praise that seke to liue a virgines life , yet it must nedes be a great faulte in you . Other shal be thought to seke a purenesse of lyfe , you shal be coumpted a parricide , or a murtherer of your stocke : that whereas you may by honest mariage encrease your posteritie : you suffex it to decaie for euer , through your wilful single lyfe . A man may hauyng a house ful of children , commende one to God to lyue a virgine al his lyfe . The plowe man offereth to God the tenthes of his owne , and not his whole croppe al together : But you Sir , muste remember that there is none lefte aliue of al your stocke , but your self alone . And nowe it mattereth nothyng whether you kill , or refuse to saue that creature , which you onely might saue and that with ease . But you wil folow the example of your sister , and lyue syngle as she doth . And yet me thynketh you shoulde chefely euen for this selfe same cause , be afraied to lyue single . For whereas there was hope of issue heretofore in you bothe , nowe ye see there is no hope left but in you onely . Be it that your sister may be borne withal , because she is a woman , and because of her yeares , for sue beyng but a girle and ouercome with sorow for losse of her mother toke the wrong way , she cast her selfe donne headlong , and became a Nunne at the earnest sute either of folishe women , or elles of doultishe Munkes : but you beyng muche cl●er , must euermore remember that you are a man . She woulde nedes dye together with her auncesters , you muste labour that your auncesters shal not dye at all . Your sister woulde not doe her dutie , but shranke away : thynke you nowe with your selfe that you haue . ij . offices to discharge . The daughters of Lothe Daughters of Loth. neuer stuck at the matter to haue a doe with their dronken father , thinkyng it better with wicked whore dome and inceste to prouide for their posteritie , than to suffer their stocke to die for euer and wil not you with honest , Godly , and ch●ist Mariage ( whiche shal be without trouble and turne to your greate pleasure ) haue a regarde to your posteritie most like elles for euer to decaie ? Therfore , let them on Goddes name folow the purpose of chaist Hippolitus , let them lyue a syngle life , that either can bee maried men , and yet can gette no children , or els suche , whose stocke may be continued by meanes of other their kynsfolke or at the least whose kyndred is suche that it were better for the commune weale , they were all deade , than that any of that name shoulde be a lyue , or elles suche men , as the euerliuyng God of his moste especiall goodnes hath chosen out of the whole worlde to execute some heauenly office , wherof there is a marueilouse smal nomber . But whereas you accordyng to the reporte of a Phisicion that neither is vnlearned , The conclusion . nor yet is any lyar , are lyke to haue many children hereafter , seeyng also you are a man of greate landes , and reuenues by your auncesters , the house whereof you came , beyng bothe right honourable and right auncient , so that you coulde not suffer it to perishe without youre great offence , and greate harme to the commune weale : againe seeyng you are of lustie yeares , and very comely for your personage , and may haue a maide to your wyfe suche a one as none of your countrie hath knowen any to bee more absolute for all thynges , commyng of as noble a house as any of theim , a chaiste one , a sobre one , a Godlie one , an excellent fayre one , hauyng with her a wonderfull Dowrie : seeyng also youre frendes desyre you , your kynsfolke we●e to wynne you , your Cosyns and aliaunce are earnest in hande with you , your countrie calles and cries vpon you : the asshes of your auncesters from their graues make harty sute vnto you , do you yet holde backe , do you stil mynde to lyue a syngle lyfe ? Yf a thyng were asked you that were not halfe honest , or the whiche you could not wel compasse , yet at the instaunce of your frendes , or for the loue of your kynsfolke , you woulde be ouercome , and yelde to their requestes : Then howe muche more reasonable were it that the wepyng teares of your frendes , the hartie good wil of your countrie , the deare loue of your elders might wynne that thyng at your handes , vnto the whiche bothe the lawe of God and man doth exhorte you , nature pricketh you forwarde , reason leadeth you , honestie allureth you , so many commodities cal you , and last of all , necessitie it selfe doeth constraine you . But here an ende of al reasonyng . For I trust you haue now and a good while ago chaunged your mynde thorowe myne aduise , and taken your selfe to better counsell .

¶ Of Exhortation .

THe places of exhortyng Exhortyng . and dehortyng , are the same whiche wee vse in perswadyng and dissuadyng , sauyng that he whiche vseth perswasion , seeketh by argumentes to compasse his deuise : he that laboures to exhorte , doeth stirre affections .

Erasmus sheweth these to be the most especiall places that do perteine vnto exhortation .

Praise , or Commendacion . Expectation of al men . Hope of victorie . Hope of renowme . Feare of shame . Greatnesse of rewarde . Rehersall of examples , in all ages , and especially of thynges lately doen.

PRaisyng Praisyng ● d●ede , is either of the man , or of some deede doen. We shall exhorte men to doe the thyng , if we showe them that is a worthy attempte , a Godly enterprise , & suche as fewe men hetherto haue aduentured .

In praisyng a man , Praisyng a man , the rather to encourage him . we shal exhorte hym to go forwarde , consideryng it agreeth with his wounted manhode , and that hetherto he hath not slacked to hasarde boldely vpon the best and worthiest deedes , requiryng hym to make this ende aunswereable to his mooste worthie begynnynges , that he maye ende with honour , whiche hath so long continued in suche renowme . For it were a foule shame to lose honour through folie , whiche hath been gotte through virtue , and to appere more slacke in kepyng it , than he semed ●arefull at the first to atteine it .

Againe whose name is renowmed , his doynges from time to tyme wil be thought more wonderfull , and greater promises wil men make vnto them selues of suche mens aduentures in any commune affaires , than of others , whose vertues are not yet knowne . A notable Master of fence is marueilouse to beholde , and men looke earnestly to see hym doe some wonder , howe muche more will they looke when they heare tel that a noble Captaine , & an aduenturouse Prince shal take vpon hym the defence , and sauegarde of his countrie against the ragyng attemptes of his enemies ? Therfore a noble man can not but go forwarde with most earnest wil , seyng al men Expectacion of al men . haue suche hope in hym , and count hym to bee their onely comforte , their fortresse , and defe●se . A●d the rather to encourage suche right worthie , we may put them in good hope to compasse their attempte , ●ope of victorie . yf wee showe them that God is an assured guide vnto all those , that in an honest quarell aduenture them selues , and showe their manly stomake . Sathan hym selfe the greatest aduersarie that man hath , yeldeth lyke a captiue , when GOD dothe take our parte , muche sooner shal al other be subiecte vnto hym , and crye Peccaui . for if God be with hym , what matereth who be against hym ?

Nowe when victorie is got , what honour doeth ensewe ? here openeth a large fielde to speake of renowme , fame , and endles honour . 〈…〉 In all ages the worthiest men haue alwaies aduentured their carcases for the sauegarde of their countrie , thynkyng it better to dye with honor , than to liue with shame . Againe the ruine of our Realme shoulde put vs to more shame , Shame foloweth fearfulnesse , when manhode is thought nedeful . than the losse of our bodies should turne vs to smarte . For our honestie beyng stained , the paine is endles , but our bodies beyng gored , either the wounde maie sone be healed , or elles our paine beyng sone ended , the glory endureth for euer .

Lastely he that helpeth the nedelesse , defendeth his poore neighbours , Heauen , the rewarde of hault Capitoines . & in the fauour of his countrie , bestoweth his lyfe : wil not God besides al these , place hym where he shall lyue for euer , especially seeyng he hath doen all these enterprises in faith and for Christes sake ?

Nowe in al ages to recken suche as haue bene right souerayne , and victoriouse , what name gotte the worthie Scipio that withstood the rage of Annibal ? what Brute hath Cesar for his most worthie conquestes ? What triumphe of glory doth sounde in al mennes eares vpon the onely namyng of mightie Alexander , and his father Kyng Philippe ? And now to come home , what head can expresse the renowmed Henry the fifte Kyng of Englande of that name after the conquest ? What witte can sette out the wonderful wysedom of Henry the seuenth , and his greate foresight to espie mischiefe like to ensewe , and his politique deuises to escape daungers to subdewe rebelles , and mainteyne peace ?

¶ Of mouyng pitie , and stirryng men to shewe mercie .

LIkewise we may exhorte men to take pitie of the fatherlesse , Mo●yng of pitie . the widowe , and the oppressed innocent , if we set before their iyes the lamentable afflictions the tyrannouse wronges , and the miserable calamities , whiche these poore wretches do susteine . For if fleshe and bloude moue vs to loue our children , our wyfes , and our kynsfolke : muche more shoulde the spirite of God and Christes goodnes towardes man stirre vs to loue our neighbours moste e●tirely . These exh●rtacions the preachers of God may most aptely vse , when they open his Gospell to the people , and haue iust cause to speake of suche matters .

¶ Of Commendyng .

IN commendyng The maner of commendyng . a man , wee vse the reporte of his witte , honestie , faithfull seruice , painefull labour , and carefull nature to do his maisters will , or any suche lyke , as in the Epistles of Tullie there are examples infinite .

¶ Of Comfortyng .

NOw after al these , the weake would be comforted The maner of comfortyng . and the soroufull woulde bee cherised that there grief might bee aswaged , and the passions of man brought vnder the obedience of reason . The vse hereof is great , aswell in priuate troubles , as in commune miseries . As in losse of gooddes , in lacke of frendes , in sicknes , in darthe , & in death . In all whiche losses , the wyse vse so to comforte the weake , that they geue them not iust cause euen at the firste to refuse all comforte . Comforty●g two waies ●sed . And therefore they vse two waies of chereshyng the troubled mindes . The one is when wee showe that in some cases and for some causes either they shoulde not lament at all , or elles bee sory very litle : the other is when we graunt that they haue iust cause to bee sadde , and therfore wee are sad also in their behalfe , and woulde remedie the matter , if it coulde be , and thus enteryng into felowshippe of sorowe , wee seeke by litle and litle to mitigate their grief . For all extreme heauinesse , and vehement sorowes , cannot abyde comforte , but rather seeke a mourner that woulde take parte with theim .

Therefore muche warenesse ought to be vsed , when wee happen vpon suche excedyng sorowfull , leaste wee rather purchace hatred , than aswage grief .

Those harmes shoulde bee moderatly borne , whiche muste needes happen to euery one , that haue chaunced to any one . As deathe , whiche spareth none , neither Kyng , nor Cayser , neither poore , nor riche . Therefore to bee impacient for the losse of our frendes , is to fall out with God , because he made vs men , and not Aungelles . But the Godly ( I truste ) will alwaies remitte th order of thynges to the wil of God , and force their passions to obey necessitie . When God lately visited this Realme with the sweatyng disease , Sweatyng disease . and receiued the two worthie ientlemen He●ry Duke of Suffolke , & his brother Lorde Charles : I seeyng my Ladies grace their mother takyng their deathe most greauouslie could not otherwise for the duetie whiche I then did , and euer shall owe vnto her , but comforte her in that her heauinesse , the whiche vndoubtedly at that tyme muche weakened her bodie . And because it may serue for an example of comforte , I haue been boulde to set it forthe as it foloweth hereafter .

¶ An example of comforte .

THough myne enterprise maie be thought folishe , and my doynges very slender in busiyng my braine to teache the expert , to gyue counsel to other when I lacke it my self , and wheras more neede were for me to be taught of other , to take vpon me to teache my betters , yet dutie byndyng me to doe my beste , and emong a nomber though I can doe leaste , yet good will settyng me forthe with the foremest : I cannot chouse but write what I am able , and speake what I can possible for the better comfortyng of your grace in this your great heauines , and sore visitacion sent from GOD , as a warnyng to vs all . The Phisician then deserueth moste thanke , when he practiseth his knowlege in tyme of necessitie , and then traueileth moste painefullie , when he feeleth his paciente to be in moste daunger . The souldiour at that tyme , and at no tyme so muche is thought most trustie , when he showeth at a nede his faithfull harte , and in tyme of extreme daunger doeth vse , and bestowe his moste earnest labour . In the wealthe of this worlde what valiaunt man can wante assistence ? What mightie Prince can misse any helpe to compasse his desire ? who lacketh men that lacketh no monie ? But when God striketh the mightie with his strong hand , and displaceth those that were hyghelye placed , what one manne dothe once looke backe for the better ●asemente of his deare Brother , and Godlye comfortynge his euen . Christian , in the chiefe of all his sorowe . All menne communelye more reioyce in the Sunne risynge , then they doe in the Sunne set●inge . The hope of Lucre and expectation of priuate gayne , maketh manye one to bear oute a countenaunce of fauoure , whose herte is inwardelye fretted wyth deadlye rancoure . But suche Frendes , euen as prosperi●ye do●he gette theim , so aduersitye dothe trye theim . God is the searcher of euery mannes thought , vnto whose iudgemente I referre the assuraunce of my good wyll .

And thoughe I can do little , and therfore deserue as little thancke , as I loke for prayse ( whyche is none at all ) yet will I endeuoure earnestlye at all tymes , as well for mine owne discharge , to declare my duty , as at this present to say somewhat for the better easemente of youre grace , in thys your heauines . The passions Passions wo●ke diuerslye of the mynde haue diuers effectes , and the●fore worke straungelye , accordynge to theyr properties ▪ For like as ioye comforteth the harte , nourisheth bloude , and quickeneth the whole bodye : so heauinesse and care hinder digestion , engender euyll humoures , waste the principall partes , and wyth tune consume the whole bodye . For the better knowledge hereof , and for a liu●lye syght of the same , wee neade not to seeke farre for a●ye exampl● , but euen to come strayghte vnto youre grace , whose bodye as I vnderstande crediblye , and partelye see my selfe , is soore appayred within shorte tyme , your mynde so troubled , & youre harte so heauye , that you hate in a maner all lyght , you lyke not the sighte of anye thynge that myght be your comforte , but altogether stricken in a dumpe , you seke to be solitarye , detestinge all ioye , and delitynge in sorowe , wishynge wyth harte ( if it w●●e Goddes will ) to make youre last ende . In whyche youre heauinesse , as I desire to be a comfortoure of youre grace , so I can no● blame your naturall sorowe , if that nowe after declaration of the same , you woulde moderate all youre griefe hereafter , and call backe your pensifenes , to the prescripte order of reason .

And firste , for the better remedye of euerye disease , and troubled passion , it is beste to knowe the principall cause , and chiefe occasion of the same . Youre grace hadde two sonnes , howe noble , howe wittye , howe learned , and how Godlye , manye thousandes better knowe it , then anye one is able well to ●ell it . God at his pleasure hath taken them bothe to his mercy , and placed them with him , which were surelye ouer good to tarye here with vs . They bothe died as your grace knoweth verye younge , whiche by course of Nature , and by mannes estimation , mighte haue liued muche longer . They bothe were together in one house , lodged in two seuerall chambers , and almoste at one time bothe sickened , and both departed . They died bothe dukes , bothe well learned , bothe wise , and bothe right Godlye . They bothe before gaue straunge tokens of death to come . The elder sittinge at Supper , and verye merye , saide soudainlye to that ryghte honeste Matroue , and Godly aged gentilwoman , that most faythful & longe assured seruaunt of yours , whose life God graunte longe to continue : Oh Lorde , where shall we suppe tomorowe at night , whereupon she beinge troubled , and yet saiynge comfortablye , I truste my lorde , either here , or elles where at some of your frendes houses : Naye ( quod he ) we shall nauer suppe together againe in this worlde , be you well assured , and with that seinge the gentilwoman discomforted , turned it vnto mirthe , and passed the reste of his Supper with much ioye , and the same night after .xij. of the clocke , beynge the .xiiij. of Iulye sickened , and so was taken the nexte morning aboute .vij. of the clocke , to the mercye of God , in the yeare of our Lorde . M.D.Li. When the elder was gone , the younger woulde not tarye , but tolde before ( hauinge no knowledge therof by anye bodye liuinge ) of his brothers Deathe , to the greate wonderinge of all that were there , declaringe what it was to lose so deare a frende , but comfortinge him selfe in that passion , saide : well , my brother is gone , but it maketh no matter , for I will go straight after him , and so did within the space of halfe and houre , as your grace can best tell , whiche was there presente . Nowe I renue these wordes to youre graces knowledge , that you might the more stedfastlie consider their time to be then appointed of GOD to forsake this euill worlde , and to liue with Abraham , Isaac , and Iacob , in the Kingedome of heauen . But wherfore did God take two suche awaye , and at that time ? Surelye to tell the principall cause , The cause why God taketh awa● the moste worth●est . we maye by all likenes affirme , that they were taken awaye from vs for our wretched sinnes , and mooste vile naughtines of life , that therby we beinge warned , might be as readie for God , as they nowe presentlie were , and amend our liues in time , whom God will call , what time we knowe not . Then as I can see , we haue small cause to lament the lacke of them , whiche are in suche blessed state , but rather to amende our owne liuinge , to forthinke vs of oure offences , and to wishe of GOD to purge oure hartes , from all filthines and vngodlie dealinge , that we maie be ( as they nowe be ) blessed with God for euer . Notwithstandinge the worckes of God are vns●archeable , without the compasse of mannes braine preciselye to comprehende the verie cause , sauinge that this perswasion oughte surelye to be grounded in vs , euermore to thinke that God is offended with sinne , and that he punisheth offences to the thirde and fourthe generation of all them that breake his commaundementes , beinge iuste in all his worckes , and doinge all thinges for the beste . And therfore when God plagueth in suche sorte . I would with that our faithe might a●waies be staied vpon the admiration of Goddes glorie , througheoute all his doinges , in whom is none euil , neither yet was there euer any guile found . And I doubt not but your grace is thus affected , and vnfaynedlye confessinge your owne offences , taketh this scourge to come from God as a iuste punishmen●e of Sinne , for the amendemente not onelye of your owne selfe , but also for the amendemente of all other in generall . The lamentable voyce of the pore ( whiche is the mouthe of God ) throughout the whole Realme declares full well the wickednes of this life , and showes plainelye that this euill is more generallye felte , the● anye man is able by worde , or by wri●inge at full to set forthe .

When God therfore that is Lord , not onelye of the riche but also of the poore , seeth his grounde spoyled frome the holesome profite of manye , to the vayne pleasure of a fewe , and the earthe made priuate to suffise the lus●e of vnsaciable couetousnesse , and that those whiche be his true membres cannot liue for the intollerable oppression , the soore enhaunsynge , and the moost wicked grasing of those throughout the whole Realme , whiche otherwise myght well lyue with the onelye value and summe of their landes and yerelye reuenues : he striketh in his anger the innocentes and tender yonglinges , to plague vs with the lacke of them , whose innocencye and Godlines of life mighte haue bene a iuste example for vs to amende our mooste euill doynges .

In whiche wonderfull worcke of God , when he receiued these two mooste noble ympes , and his chyldren elected to the euerlastinge Kingedome , I can not but magnifye his mooste glorious name , from time to tyme , that hath so graciouslye preserued these two worthy gentilmenne from the daunger of further euil , and moost vile wretchednes , moost like righte shortelye to ensue , excepte wee all repente , and forthincke vs of oure former euill liuynge . And yet I speake not this , as thoughe I knewe anye cryme to be more in you , then in anye other : but I tell it to the shame of all those vniuersallye within this Realme , that are gyltye of suche offences , whose inward consciences condem●ne their owne doinges , and their open d●edes beare witnes against their euil nature . For it is not one house that shal feele the fall of these two prynces , neither hath God taken them for one priuate personnes offence : but for the wickednes of the whole Realme , whyche is lyke to feele the smarte , excepte God be merciful vnto vs . But now tha● they be gone , thoughe the fleshe be frayle , weake , & tender , and muste neades smart , being wounded or cut : yet I doubt not but your grace lackinge two suche porcions of your owne fleshe , and hauinge theim ( as a manne woulde saye ) cutte awaye frome youre owne bodye , Whe● necessitie ruleth , sorow is nedeles● will suffer the 〈◊〉 with a good stomake , and remembre that sorowe is but an euil remedye to heale a sore . For if your hande were detrenched , or youre bodie maimed with some soubdaine stroake , what profite were it for you to wepe vpon your wounde , and when the harme is done , to lamente still the sore ? seinge that with wepinge it wil not be lesse , and maye yet throughe weping full sone be made more . For the sore is encreased , when sorowe is added , and the paine is made double , whiche before was but single . A constante christian shoulde beare all miserie , and with pacience abide the force of necessitie , shewinge with sufferaunce the strengthe of his faithe , and especiallie when the chaunge is from euyll to good , from woe to weale , what folye is it to so●owe that , for the whiche they ioye that are departed ? They haue taken nowe their rest , that liued here in trauaile : they haue forsaken their bodies , wherin they were bounde , to receiue the spirite , wherby they are free . They haue chosen for sickenes , healthe : for earth , heauen : for life transitorie , life immortall : and for manne , God : then the whiche , what can they haue more ? Or howe is it possible they can better ? Undoubtedly if euer they were happye , they are nowe moste happie : if ●uer they were well , they are nowe in beste case , beynge deliuered frome this presente euyll worlde , and exempted from Sathan , to lyue for euer with Christe our Sauioure .

Then what meane we that not onelye lamente the want of other , but also desire to tarye here oure selues , hopinge for a shorte , vayne , and therewith a paynefull pleasure , and refusynge to enioye that continuall , perfecte , and heauenlye enheritaunce , the whiche so soone that happen vnto vs , as Nature dissolueth this Earthlye bodye . Truthe it is wee are more fleshelye then spirituall , soner fealynge the ache of our bodye , then the griefe of oure Soule : more studious with care to be healthfull in carkasse , then sekynge with prayer to be pure in Spirite . And therfore if oure frendes be stayned with Synne , wee dooe not , or we wyll not espye their sore , we counte theim faulteles , when they are mooste wicked : neither sekinge the redresse of their euyll doynge , nor yet once amendynge the faultes of oure owne liuyuge .

But when oure frende departeth this worlde , and then forsaketh vs when Synne forsaketh him : wee begynne to shewe ouce fleshelye natures , w● wepe , and we wayle , and with louge sorowe withoute discretion declare our wante of Goddes grace , and all goodnes . The folye of such as sorow the want of the●e frendes . For wheras we see that as some be borne , some do dye also , m●nne , women , and children , and not one houre certaine to vs of all oure life , yet we neuer mourne , we neuer w●epe , neither markyuge the deathe of suche as we knowe , nor regardynge the euyll lyfe of those whom we loue . But when suche departe as were either nigheste of oure ky●red , or elles mooste oure frendes , then wee lamente withoute all comforte , not the synnes of their Soules , but the chaunge of their bodyes , leauinge to doe that whiche we shoulde , and doynge that onelye whyche we shoulde not do at all . Wherin not onelye we declare muche wante of Faythe , but also we shewe greate lacke of wytte . For as the other are gone before , either to heauen or elles to hell : so shall oure fre●des and kin●folke folowe after . We are all made of one metall , and ordeyned to dye , so manye as liue . Deathe commune to all . Therfore what folye is it in vs , or rather what fleshelye madnesse immoderatelye to wayle their death whom God hathe ordeyned to make their ende , excepte wee lamente the lacke of oure owne liuinge ? For euen as well we myghte at theyr firste byrthe bewayle theyr Natiuitye , consideryng they must nedes dye , because they are borne to lyue . And whatsoeuer hath a beginnynge , the same hath also an endynge , and the ende is not at oure will whiche desire continuaunce of life , but at hys wyll whyche gaue the begynnynge of lyfe . Nowe then , s●ynge God hath ordeyned all ●o dye , accordynge to his appointed wil , what meane they that woulde haue theirs to lyue ? Shall God alter his fyrst purpose for the onelye satisfiynge of oure folyshe pleasure ? And where God hathe mynded that the whole worlde shall decaye , shall anye man desyre that anye one house may stand ? In my mynde , there can be no greater comforte to anye one liuynge for the lacke of his frende , then to thinke that thys happened to him , whyche all other eyther haue felte , or elles shall feele hereafter : And that God the rather made Deathe commune to all , that the vniuersall plague and egalnes to all , myght abate the fierce●es of deathe , and comfore vs in the crueltie of the same , considerynge no one man hath an ende , but that all shall haue the lyke , and dye we muste euerye mothers sonne of vs , at one time or other . But you will saye : my chyldren might haue liued longer , they dyed younge . Sure it is by mannes estimation they myght haue liued longer , but had it bene best for them thincke you to haue continued styll in this wretched worlde , where Uyce beareth rule , and Uertue is subdued , where GOD is neglected , his lawes not obserued , his worde abused , and his Prophetes that preache the iudgemente of God almost euery where contemned . Euil , to liue emonge the euil . If your children were aliue , & by th aduice of some wicked person were brought to a brothell house , where entisinge harlottes liued , and so were in daunger to commit that fowle sinne of whoredome , and so , ledde from one wickednes to another : I am assured your grace woulde call them backe with laboure , and would with exhortations induce theim to the feare of God , and vtter detestation of al synne , as you haue ful often heretofore done , rather fearing euil to come , then knowing any open faulte to be in either of them . Nowe then , seynge God hath done the same for you him selfe , that you woulde haue do●e for them if they hadde liued , that is , in deliuerynge them bothe from this present euil worlde , whiche I counte none other then a brothel house , and a life of al noughtines : you ought to thanke God highlye , that he hath taken awaye your two sonnes , euen in their youthe , beynge innocentes bothe for their liuynge , and of such expectation for their towardnes , that almoste it were not possible for them hereafter o satisfye the hope in their age , whyche all menne presently hadde conceyued of their youthe . It is thought , and in dede it is no lesse than a great poynct of happines to dye happely . To dye happelye is great happines . Now when coulde youre two noble gentilmen haue dyed better then when they were at the best , mooste Godlye in manye thynges , offendinge in fewe , beloued of the ho●este , and hated of none , ( if euer they were hated ) but of suche as hate the best . As in deede , noble vertue neuer wan●ed cankarde enuy to folow her . And considering that this life is so wretched , that the beste are euer most hated , & the vilest alwayes most estemed , and your .ii. sonnes of the other side beynge in that state of honestie , & trained in that pathe of Godlines ( as I am able to b● a liuely witnes , none hath ben like these many yeres , or at the lest , none better brought vp ) what thinke you of god , did he enuye them , or els did he prouidently forsee vnto them bothe , when he toke them bothe from vs . Assuredly whom god loueth best , those he taketh sonest , accordinge to the saiyng of Salomon : Wisd. iiii . The righteous man ( meaninge Enoch and other the chosen of God ) is sodainely taken away , to the entente that wickednes shoulde not alter his vnderstandinge , and that hypocrisie should not begile his soul. For the craftie bewitching of lies , make good thinges darke , the vnstedfastnes also and wickednes of voluptuouse desire , turne aside the vnderstanding of the simple . And thoughe the righteous was sone gone , yet fulfilled he much time , for his soule pleased God , and therfore hasted he to take him away from amonge the wicked . Yea , the good men of god in al ages , haue euer had an earnest desire to be dissolued . Psal. lxxxiiii . My soule ( quod Dauid ) hath an earnest desire to enter into the courtes of the lord . Yea , like as the herte desireth the water brookes , Psal. xlii . so longeth my soule after the O God . My soule is a thyrst for God : yea , euen for the liuing God , when shall I come to appeare before the presence of God ? Paule and al the Apostles wished and longed for the daye of the Lord , and thought euery daye a thousand yere , till their soules were parted from their bodies . Then what should we waile them which are in that place where we al shuld wish to be , and seke so to liue , that we might be ready when it shal please god of his goodnes to cal vs to his mercy Let vs be sicke for our owne sinnes , that liue here on earth , & reioyce in their most happy passa●e that are gone to heauen . They haue not left vs , but gone before vs to enherite with Christ , their kingdom prepared . And what shuld this greue your grace that they are gone before , considering our whole lyfe is nothing els but the righte waye to death . Life , the right way to death . Shoulde it trouble any one that his frend is come to his iournies end ? Our life is nothyng els , but a continuall trauaill , & death obtaineth rest after all our laboure . Death purchaseth re●t . Emong men that trauaill by the high waie , he is best at ease ( in my mynde ) that sonest cometh to his iourneis ende . Therfore , if your grace loued your children ( as I am wel assured you did ) you must reioyce in their rest , and geue God hartie thankes , that thei are come so sone to their iourneis ende . Marie , if it were so that man might escape the daunger of death , and liue euer , it were another matter : but because we must all dye , either first or last , and of nothyng so sure in this life , as we are all sure to dye at length , and nothyng more vncertain vnto man then the certain tyme of euery mannes latter tyme : what forceth when wee dye , either this daie , or to morowe , either this yere , Death more frendly , the soner it cometh . or the next , sauyng that I thinke them moste happie that die sonest , and death frendely to none so muche , as to theim whom she taketh sonest . At the tyme of an execucion doen for greuous offences , what mattereth who dye firste , when a dosen are condempned together , by a lawe , consideryng thei muste all dye one and other . I saie still , happie are thei , that are sonest ridde out of this worlde , and the soner gone , the soner blessed . The Thracians Thracians . lament greatly at the birthe of their children , & reioyce muche at the burial of their bodies , beyng well assured that this world is nothyng els but miserie , & the worlde to come , ioye for euer . Children by wepyng , declare out 〈◊〉 . Now again , the child newe borne , partly declareth the state of this life , who beginneth his tyme with wailyng , & firste sheweth teares , before he can iudge the cause of his wo. If we beleue the promises of God , if we hope for the generall resurreccion , and constantly affirme , that God is iust in all his woorkes : we cannot but ioyfully saie , with the iust man Iob : Iob. The lorde gaue them , the lorde hath taken them again , as it pleaseth God , so maie it be , and blessed be the name of the lorde , for now and euer . God dealeth wrongfully with no man , but extendeth his mercie moste plentifully , ouer all mankynde . God gaue you twoo children , as the like I haue not knowen happie are you moste gracious ladie , that euer you bare them . God lent you them twoo for a tyme , and toke them twoo again at his tyme , you haue no wrong doen you , that he hath taken them : but you haue receiued a wonderfull benefite , that euer you had them . Lent goodes , muste be restored at the awne●s will . He is very vniust that boroweth , and wil not pay again , but at his pleasure . He forgetteth muche his duetie , that boroweth a iewell of the kynges maiestie , & will not restore it with good will , when it shall please his grace , to call for it . He is vnworthy hereafter to borowe , that will rather grudge , because he hath it no longer , then ones geue thankes , bicause he hath had the vse of it so long He is ouer coueteous , that compteth not gainfull , the tyme of his borowyng : but iudgeth it his losse , to restore thynges again . He is vnthankfull , that thynkes he hath wrong doen , when his pleasure is shortened , and takes the ende of his delite , to bee extreme euill . He loseth the greatest parte of his ioye in this worlde , that thynketh there is no pleasure , but of thynges present : that cannot comfort hymself with pleasure past , and iudge them to be moste assured , consideryng the memorie of them ones had , can neuer decaye . His ioyes be ouer straighte , that bee comprehended within the compasse of his sighte , and thynketh no thyng comfortable , but that whiche is euer before his iyes . All pleasure whiche man hath in this worlde , is very shorte , and sone goeth it awaie , the remembraunce lasteth euer , and is muche more assured , then is the presence or liuely sight of any thyng . And thus your grace maie euer reioyce , that you had twoo suche , whiche liued so verteously , and died so Godly : and though their bodies bee absent from your sight , yet the remembraunce of their vertues , shall neuer decaye from your mynde . God lendeth life to all , and lendeth at his pleasure for a tyme . To this man he graunteth a long life , to this a shorte space , to some one , a daie , to some a yere , to some a moneth . Now when God taketh , what man should be offended , consideryng he that gaue frely , maie boldely take his awne when he will , and dooe no manne wrong . The Kynges Maiestie geueth one .x. pounde another fourtie pounde , another three skore pounde , shall he be greued , that receiued but tenne pound , and not rather geue thankes , that he receiued so muche ? Is that man happier , that dieth in the latter ende of the monethe , then he is that died in the beginnyng of thesame Monethe ? Doeth distance of tyme , and long tar●yng from God , make men more happie , when thei come to God ? By space of passage we differ muche , and one liueth longer then another , but by death at the last , we all are matched , and none the happier , that liueth the longer , but rather moste happie is he , that died the sonest , & departed best in the faithe of Christ . Thinke therfore your self most happie , that you had two suche , and geue God hartie thankes , that it pleased him so sone , to take two suche . Necessitie is lawles , and that whiche is by God appoyncted no man can alter . Reioyce we , or wepe we , die we shall , how sone , no man can tell . Yea , we are all our life tyme warned before , that death is at hande , and that when we go to bedde we are not assured to rise the nexte daie in the mornyng ▪ no , not to liue one houre longer . And yet to se our foly , we would assigne God his tyme , accordyng to our sacietie , and not content our selfes with his doynges , according to his appoynctment . And euer we saie , when any dye young , he might haue liued longer , it was pitie he died to sone . As though for sothe he were not better with God , then he can bee with manne . Therefore . whereas for a tyme your grace , muche bewailed their lacke , not onely absentyng your self from all company but also refusyng all kynde of comforte , almoste dedde with heauinesse , your body beyng so worne with sorowe , that the long continuance of thesame , is muche like to shorten your daies : I shall desire your grace for Goddes loue , to referre youre will to Goddes will , and whereas hetherto nature hath taught you to wepe the lacke of your naturall children lette reason teache you hereafter , to wipe awaie the teares , and lette not phantasie encrease that , whiche nature hath commaunded moderately to vse . To bee sory for the lacke of oure dearest , wee are taughte by nature , to bee ouercome with sorowe , it commeth of oure awne fonde opinion , and greate folie it is , with naturall sorowe , to encrease all sorowe , and with a litle sickenesse , to purchase readie deathe . The sorowes of brute beastes are sharpe , The nature of brute beastes . and yet thei are but shorte . The Cowe lackyng her Caulfe , leaueth Loweyng within three or foure daies at the farthest . Birdes of the ayre perceiuyng their youngones taken from their neast , chitter for a while in trees there aboute , and streighte after thei flie abrode , and make no more a dooe . The Doo lackyng her Faune , the Hynde her Caulfe , braie no long tyme after their losse , but seyng their lacke to be without remedy , thei ceasse their sorowe within short space . Man onely emong al other , ceaseth not to fauour his sorowe , and lamenteth not onely so muche as nature willeth him , but also so muche as his awne affeccion moueth hym . And yet all folke do not so but suche as are subiect to passions , and furthest from fortitude of mynde , as women commonly , rather then men , rude people , rather then godly folke : the vnlearned , soner then the learned : foolishe folke , soner then wise men : children , rather then yong men . Whereupon we maie well gather , that immoderate sorowe is not naturall , Immoderate sorowe , not naturall . ( for that whiche is naturall , is euer like in al ) but through folie mainteined , encreased by weakenesse , and for lacke of reason , made altogether intollerable . Then I doubte not but your grace , will rather ende your sorowe , by reason : then that sorowe should ende you , through foly : And whereas by nature , you are a weake woman in body , you will shewe your self by reason , a strong man in harte : rather endyng your grief by godly aduertisementes , and by the iust consideracion of Gods wonderfull doynges : then that tyme and space , should we are awaie your sorowes , whiche in deede suffer none continually to abide in any one , but rather ridde than of life , or els ease them of grief . Tyme , a remedie for fooles , to take awaie their sorowe . The foole , the vngodly , the weake harted haue this remedy , your medecine must be more heauenly , if you do ( as you professe ) referre all to Goddes pleasure , and saie in your praier . Thy will bee doen in yearth , as it is in heauen . Those whom God loueth , those he chasteneth , and happie is that body , whom God scourgeth , for his amendement . 〈…〉 The man that dieth in the faithe of Christ is blessed , and the chast●ned seruaunt , if he doo repent and amende his life , shal be blessed . We knowe not what we doo● , when we bewaile the death of our dearest , for in death is altogether all happines , and before deathe , The great miserie of this worlde , makes 〈◊〉 of life not one is happie . The miseries in this worlde declare , small felicitee to be in thesame . Therefore , many men beyng ouerwhelmed with muche woe , and wretched wickednes : haue wished and praied to God , for an ende of this life , and thought this worlde to be a let , to the heauenvly perfeccion , the whiche blisse all thei shall attain hereafter that hope well here , and with a liuely faith declare their assuraunce . Your graces two sonnes , in their life wer so godly , that their death was their aduauntage : for , by death thei liued , because in life thei wer dedde . Thei died in faithe , not wearie of this worlde , nor wishyng for death , as ouerloden with synne : but paciently takyng the crosse , departed with ioye . At whose diyng , your grace maie learne an example of pacience , and of thankes geuyng , that God of his goodnesse , hath so graciously taken these your two children , to his fauourable mercy . God punisheth , partly to trie your constancie , wherein I wishe that your grace , maie nowe bee as well willyng to forsake theim , as euer you were willyng to haue them . But suche is the infirmitie of our fleshe , that we hate good comforte in wordes , when the cause of our comforte in deede ( as we take it ) is gone . Impacience without comforte . And me thinkes I heare you cry notwithstandyng all my wordes , alacke my children are gone . But what though thei are gone ? God hath called , & nature hath obeyed . Yea , you crie still my children are dedde : Marie therefore thei liued , and blessed is their ende , whose life was so godly . Wo worthe , thei are dedde , thei are dedde . It is no new thyng , thei are neither the first that died , nor yet the last that shall die . Many went before , and all shall folowe after . Thei liued together , thei loued together , and now thei made their ende bothe together . Alas thei died , that wer the fruicte of myne awne body , leauyng me comfortlesse , vnhappie woman that I am . You do well , to cal them the fruict of your body , & yet you nothyng the more vnhappie neither . For , is the tree vnhappy , from whiche the appelles fall ? Trees , not accursed , because Apples fall from cheins . Or is the yearth accurssed , that bringeth furthe grene Grasse , whiche hereafter notwithstandyng doth wither . Death taketh no order of yeres , but when the tyme is appoyncted , be it earely or late , daie or nighte , awaie we muste . But I praie you , what losse hath your grace ? Thei died , that should haue died , yea , thei died , that could liue no longer . But you wished theim longer life . Yea , but God made you no suche promise , & mete it wer not that he shuld be led by you , but you rather should be led by him . Your children died , & that right godly , what would you haue more ? All good mothers desire , that their children maie die Goddes seruauntes , the whiche youre grace hath moste assuredly obteined . Now again mannes nature altereth , and hardely tarieth vertue long in one place , without muche circumspeccion , & youth maie sone be corrupted . But you will saie . These were good and godly broughte vp , and therefore moste like to proue godly hereafter , if thei had liued still . Well , thoughe suche thynges perhappes had not chaunced , yet suche thynges mighte haue chaunced , and although thei happen not to al , yet do thei happe to many , and though thei had not chaunced to your children , yet we knew not that before , and more wisedome it had been , to feare the worst with good aduisement , then euer to hope , and loke stil for the best , without all mistrustyng . For , suche is the nature of man , and his corrupt race , that euermore the one foloweth soner , then thother . Commodus Commodus was a verteous childe , and had good bringyng vp , and yet he died a moste wicked man . Nero Nero. wanted no good counsaill , and suche a master he had , as neuer any had the better , and yet what one aliue , was worse then he ? But now death hath assured your grace , that you maie warrant your self , of their godly ende , whereas if God had spared them life , thynges might haue chaunced otherwise . In wishyng longer life , we wishe often tymes longer woe , longer trouble , longer foly in this world , and weye all thynges well , you shall perceiue wee haue small ioye to wishe longer life . This imaginacion of longer life , when the life standeth not by nomber of yeres , but by the appoyncted will of God , maketh our foly so muche to appere , & our teares so continually to fall from our chekes . For if we thought ( as we should dooe in deede ) that euery daie risyng , maie be the ende of euery man liuyng , and that there is no difference with God , betwixt one daie , and an hundreth yeres : we might beare all sorowes , a greate deale the better . Therfore it wer moste wisedome for vs all , and a greate poynct of perfeccion to make euery daie an euen rekeuyng of our life , and talke so with God euery houre , that we maie bee of euen borde with hym , through fulnes of faithe , and redy to go the next houre folowyng , at his commaundemente , and to take alwaies his sendyng in good part . The lorde is at hande . We knowe not when he will come ( at mid night , at cocke crowe , or at noone daies ) to take either vs , or any of ours . Therfore , the rather that we maie be armed , let vs folowe the examples of other godly men , and lay their doynges before our iyes . And emong all other , I knowe none so mete for your graces comfort , as the wise and Godly behauiour of good Kyng Dauid . Dauid .ii. Regu●●● .xii. Who when he was enfourmed , that his sonne was sicke , praied to God hartly , for his amendement , wept , fasted , & with muche lamentacion , declared greate heauinesse . But when woorde came of his sonnes departure , he left his mournyng , he called for water , and willed meate to be set before hym , that he might eate . Wherupon , when his men marueiled why he did so , consideryng he toke it so greuously before , when his child was but sicke , and now beyng dedde , toke no thought at all , he made this answere vnto theim : so long as my child liued , I fasted , and watered my plantes for my young boye , and I saied to my self , who can ●ell , but that God perhappes will geue me hym , and that my child shall liue , but now seyng he is dedde , to what ende should I faste ? Can I call hym again any more ? Naye , I shall rather go vnto hym , he shall neuer come againe vnto me . And with that Dauid comforted his wife Bethsabe , the whiche example , as I truste your grace hath redde , for your comfort , so I hope you will also folowe it for youre healthe , and bee as strong in pacience , as euer Dauid was . The historie it self shall muche delighte youre grace , beeyng redde as it lieth in the Booke , better then my bare touchyng of it can dooe , a greate deale . The whiche I doubte not but your grace will often reade , and comforte other your self , as Dauid did his sorowfull wife . Iob Iob. losyng his children , and all that he had , forgatte not to praise God in his extreme pouertie . Tobias Tobias . lackyng his iye sighte , in spirite prased GOD , and with open mouthe , confessed his holy name to bee magnified throughout the whole yearthe . Paule the Apostle of God , reproueth them as worthy blame , whiche mourne and lament , the losse of their derest . I would not brethren ( ꝙ he ) that you should be ignorant , ● . Thessa .iiii. concernyng them whiche be fallen on slepe , that you sorowe not as other doo , whiche haue no hope . If we beleue that Iesus died , and rose again , euen so thei also , whiche slepe by Iesus , wil God bryng again with hym . Then your grace , either with leauyng sorowe , must shewe your self faithfull , or els with yeldyng to your wo , declare your self to be without hope . But I trust your grace , beyng planted in Christ , will shew with sufferaunce , the fruicte of your faithe , and comforte your self with the wordes of Christ , 〈…〉 I am the resurreccion and the life he that beleueth on me , yea , though he wer dedde , yet should he liue , and whosoeuer liueth , and beleueth in me , shal neuer die . We read of those that had no knowlege of God , and yet thei bare in good worth , the discease of their children . Anaxogoras Anaxogoras . hearyng tell , that his sonne was dedde , no maruail ꝙ he , I knowe well I begot a mortall body . Pericles Pericles . chief ruler of Athens , hearyng tell that his twoo sonnes , beyng of wonderfull towardnesse , within foure daies wer bothe ded , neuer greately chaunged countenaunce for the matter , that any one could perceiue , nor yet forbare to go abrode , but accordyng to his wonted custome , did his duetie in the counsail house , in debatyng matters of weighte , concernyng the state of the common peoples weale . But because your grace is a woman , I will shewe you an example of a noble woman , in whom appered wonderfull pacience . Cornelia , Cornelia . a worthy ladie in Rome , beyng comforted for the losse of her twoo children , Tiberius , and Caius Gracchus , bothe valiaunt ientle men , although bothe not the moste honest menne , whiche died not in their beddes , but violently were slain in Ciuill battaill , their bodies liyng naked and vnburied , when one emongest other saied : Oh vnhappie woman , that euer thou shouldest se this daie . Naie ꝙ she , I wil neuer thinke my self otherwise , then moste happy , that euer I brought furthe these two Gracchions . If this noble lady , could thinke her self happie , beyng mother to these twoo valiaunt ientlemen , & yet both rebelles , and therefore iustly slain : Howe muche more maye youre grace , thynke youre self moste happie , that euer you broughte furthe twoo suche Brandons , not onely by natural birth , but also by most godly education , in such sort that the lyke .ij. haue not been for their towardnes vniuersallie . Whose deathe the general voice of all men declares howe muche it was lamented . So that whereas you might euer haue feared some daungerouse ende , you are nowe assured that they both made a most godly ende , the whiche thyng is the ful perfection of a Christian lyfe . I reade of one Bibulus Bibulus . that hearyng of his two children to dye both in one daie , lamented the lacke of them bothe for that one daye , and mourned no more . And what coulde a man doe lesse than for two children to lament but one daie : and yet in my mynde he lamented enough and euen so muche as was reason for hym to do , whose doynges if all Christians woulde folowe , in my iudgement they shoulde not onely fulfill natures rule , but also please God highly . Horatius Puluillus Horatius Puluillus . beeyng highe Prieste at Rome when he was occupied about the dedicatyng of a Temple to their greate God Iuppiter in the Capitoly , holdyng a post in his hande , and hard as he was vtteryng the solempne wordes , that his sonne was dead , euen at thesame present : he did neither plucke his hande from the post lest he shoulde trouble suche a solempnitie , neither yet turned his countenaunce from that publique religion to his priuate sorowe , least he should seeme rather to doe the office of a father , then the dutie of an highe minister . Paulus Emilius Paulus Emilius . after his moste noble victorie had of Kyng Perse , desired of God , that if after suche a triumphe there were any harme lyke to happen to the Romaines , the same might fal vpon his owne house . Whereupon when God had taken his two children from hym immediatly after , he thancked God for grauntyng him his bound . For in so doyng he was a meane that the people rather lamented Paulus Emilius lacke , than that Paulus or any bewailed any misfortune that the Romains had . Examples be innumerable of those whiche vsed lyke moderation in subduyng their affections , as Zenophon , Quintus Martius , Quintus ●●●tius . Iulius Cesar , Iulius Cesar . Tiberius Cesar , Tyberius Cesar . Emperours bothe of Rome . But what seeke I for misfortunate men , ( if any suche be misfortunate ) seyng it is an harder matter and a greater peece of worke to finde out happie men , Let vs loke round about euen at home , and we shal finde enowe subiect to this misfortune . for who liueth that hath not lost ? Therfore I woulde wishe your grace euen nowe to come in againe with God , and although he be angry , yet show you your self most obedient to his wil , consideryng he is Lorde ouer Kynges , Emperours , and ouer al that be bothe in heauen and in yearth , and spareth noone whom he listeth to take , and no doubt he wil take all at the last . His dart goeth daily , neither is any darte cast in vaine whiche is sent amongest a whole armie standyng thicke together . Neither can you iustly lament that they lyued no longer , for they lyued long enough , that haue liued well enough . You muste measure your children by their vertues , not by their yeres . Sap. iiii. For ( as the wise man saith ) a mans wisedom is the grey heeres , and an vndefiled life , is the old age . Happie is that mother that hath had Godly children , and not she that hath had long lyuyng children . For if felicitie should stande by length of tyme , some tree Trees lyue longer then men . were more happy then is any man , for it liueth longer , and so likewyse brute beastes , as the Stagge , The Stagge how long he liueth . who liueth ( as Plinius dothe say ) two hundreth yeares , and more . If we woulde but consider what man is , we shoulde haue small hope to lyue , and litle cause to put any great assuraunce in this lyfe . Man , what he is , concernyng his body . Let vs se him what he is : Is his body any thyng els but a lumpe of earth made together in suche forme as we do see ? A frail vessell , a weake carion , subiect to miserie , cast doune with euery light disease , a man to daie , to morowe none . A flower that this daie is freshe , to morowe withereth . Good Lorde do we not see that euen those thynges whiche nourishe vs , doe rotte & dye , as herbes , birdes , beastes , water , and al other without the whiche we cannot lyue . And how can we lyue euer , that are susteined by dead thinges ? Therfore when any one doth dye , why do we not thynke , that this may chaunse to euery one , whiche now hath chaunsed to any one . We be now as those that stande in battail raie . Not one man is suer of him selfe before an other , but al are in daunger in lyke maner to death ▪ That your children died before other that were of ri●er yeares , we may iudge that their ripenes for vertue and all other giftes of nature were brought euen to perfection , wherby dea●h th● soner approched for nothyng long lasteth that is sone excellent . God gaue your grace two most excellent children , Rype thynges last not long . God neuer geueth for any long tyme those that be right excellent . Their natures were heauenly , and therfore more meete for God then man . Emong frute we se some appels are sone ripe and fal from the tree in the middest of summer● other be stil greene , & tary til winter , & hereupon are commonly called wynter frute : Euen so it is with me● , some dye young , some dye old , & some die in their midle age . Your sunnes wer euen .ij. suche already , as some hereafter may be with long continuance of tyme . Thei had that in their youth for the giftes of nature , whiche al men would require of them bothe scacelie in their age . Therfore beeyng both now ripe , they were now most ready for God . There was a childe in Rome of a mans quantite , for face , legges & o● her partes of his body , wherupon wise men iudged he would not be long liuyng . How could your grace thynke , that when you sawe auncient wisdom in the one , & most pregnant wit in the other meruailouse sobriete in the elder , & most laudable gentlines in the younger , them bothe most studious in learnyng , most forward in al feates aswel of the body , as of the mind , beyng two suche , & so excellent , that they were lyke long to continue with you ? God neuer suffreth such excellent & rare iewels long to enherite th erth . Whatsoeuer is nie perfection the same is most nigh falling . Uertue being o●s absolute cannot long be seen with these our fleshly iyes , neither can that cary the latter end with other , that was ripe it self first of al & before other . Fier goth out the soner , the clearer that it burneth : & that light lasteth longest , that is made of most course matter . In greene wood we may see that where as the fuel is not most apt for burning , yet the fier lasteth longer , than if it were nourished with like quantitie of drie wood . Euen so in the nature of man the mynde beeyng ripe , the body decaiyeth streight , and life goeth away beeyng ones brought to perfection . Neither can there be any greater token of shorte lyfe , than full ripenes of naturall witte : The whiche is to the bodie , as the heate of the Sunne is to thynges yearthly . Therfore iudge right honourable ladie , that euen now they both died , when they both wer most readie for God , neither thinke that thei died ouer soone , because thei liued no longer . They died both Gods seruauntes , & therfore they died wel and in good tyme . God hath set their tyme , and taken them at his tyme blessed children as they be , to reigne with hym in the kyngdom of his father prepared for them from the beginnyng . Unto whose wil , I wishe and I truste your grace doth wholy referre your wil , thankyng hym as hartely for that he hath taken them , as you euer thanked hym , for that he euer lent you them . I knowe the wicked wordes of some vngodly folke haue muche disquie●ed your grace , notwithstandyng God beyng iudge of your naturall loue towardes your children , and al your faithful frendes , and seruauntes bearyng earnest witnes with your grace of the same : there vngodly talke the more lightely is to bee estemed , the more vngodly that it is . Nay your grace may reioyce rather , that whereas you haue doen well , you heare euill , accordyng to the wordes of Christe : Math. v. Blessed are you , when men speake al euil thynges against you . And again consider GOD is not ledde by the reporte of men to iudge his creatures , but perswaded by the true knowlege of euery mans conscience , to take them for his seruauntes , & furthermore the harme is theirs whiche speake so lewdlie , and the blesse theirs whiche beare it so paciently . For loke what measure thei vse to other , with the same they shal be measured againe . And as they iudge so shal they be iudged . Be your grace therfore strong in aduersitie , and pray for them that speake amisse of you , rendryng Gode for euil , Paci●̄ce praise worthie in aduersitie . and with charitable dealyng showe your self long suffryng , so shal you heape cooles on their heades . The boisterouse Sea trieth the good mariner , and sharpe vexation declareth the true Christian. Where battaill hath not been before , there neuer was any victorie obteined . Yow then beyng thus assailed , show your self rather stowte to withstand , than weake , to geue ouer : rather cleauyng to good , than yeldyng to euil . For if God be with you , what forceth who bee against you . For when al frendes faile , GOD neuer faileth them that put their trust in him , and with an vnfained hart cal to hym for grace . Thus doyng I assure your grace , God wil be pleased , and the Godly wil muche praise your wisdom , though the worlde ful wickedly saie their pleasure . I praie God your grace may please the Godlie , and with your vertuouse behauiour in this your wydohode , winne there commendation to the glory of God , the reioysyng of your frendes , and the comforte of your soule . Amen .

Thus , the rather to make pre●eptes plaine , I haue added examples at large both for counsel geuyng , & for comfortyng . And most nedeful it were in suche kynd of Oracions to be most occupied , considering the vse hereof appereth full ofte in al partes of our life , and confusedly is vsed emong al other matters . For in praisyng a worthie man , we shal haue iust cause to speake of all his vertues , of thynges profitable in this lyfe , and of pleasures in generall . Lykewyse in trauersyng a cause before a iudge , we cannot wante the aide of persuasion , and good counsel , concernyng wealth , health , life and estimacion , the helpe wherof is partely borowed of this place . But whereas I haue sette forthe at large the places of confirmacion concernyng counsel in diuerse causes : it is not thought that either they should al be vsed in numbre as they are , or in ordre as they stande : but that any one may vse theim and ordre theim as he shall thynke best , accordyng as the tyme , place , and person , shal most of al require .

¶ Of an Oration iudicial .

THE whole burdeine of weightie matters , and the earnest trial of al controuersies , rest onely vpon iudgement . Therfore when matters concernyng lande , gooddes , or life , or any suche thyng of lyke weight are called in Question , we must euer haue recourse to this kynde of Oration , and after iust examinyng of our causes by the places therof : loke for iudgement accordyng to the law .

¶ Oration Iudicial what it is .

ORation Iudiciall is , an earnest debatyng in open assemblie of some weightie matter before a iudge , where the complainaunt commenseth his action , & the defendaunt thereupon aunswereth at his peril to al suche thynges as are laied to his charge .

¶ Of the foundacion , or rather principall paincte in euery debated matter , called of the Rhe●oricians the State , or constitucion of the Cause .

NOT onely is it nedefull in causes of iudgement to considre the scope whereunto wee must leauell our reasons , & directe our inuencion : but also we ought in euery cause to haue a respect vnto some one especial poincte , and chief article : that the rather the whole drift of our doynges may seeme to agree with our firste deuised purpose . For , by this meanes our iudgement shal be framed to speake with discretion , and the ignoraunt shall learne to perceiue with profite , whatsoeuer is said for his enstruction . But they that take vpon theim to talke in open audience , & make not their accompte before , what thei wil speake after : shal neither be well liked for their inuencion , nor allowed for their witte , nor estemed for their learnyng . For , what other thyng do they , that boult out their wordes in suche sorte , & without al aduisement vtter out matter : but showe themselues to plaie as young boyes , or scarre crowes do , whiche showte in the open and plaine feldes at all auentures hittie missie . Definition of a thyng must first be knowen ere we speake o●● mynd at large . The learned therfore and suche as loue to beco●mpted Clerkes of vnderstandyng , and men of good circumspection and iudgement : doe warely scanne what they chefely mynd to speake , and by definition seke what that is whereunto they purpose to directe their whole doynges . For , by suche aduised warenesse , and good iye castyng : they shall alwaies be able both to knowe what to say , & to speake what they ought . As for example if I shal haue occasion to speake in open audience of the obedience due to our souereigne kyng I ought first to learne what is obedience , and after knowelege attained , to direct my reasons to the onely proue of this purpose , and wholly to seke confirmacion of the same , & not turne my tale to talke of Robbyn Hoode , & to showe what a goodly archer was he , or to speake wounders of the man in the Mone , Rouyng with 〈◊〉 reason . suche as are most nedelesse & farthest from the purpose . For then , the hearer lookyng to be taught his obedience , & hearing in the meane season mad tales of archerie , and great meruailes of the man in the Mone : beyng half astonied at his so great straing wil perha●pes say to himself : Now , whether the deuill wilt thou , come in man againe for very shame , & tel me no bytailes , suche as are to no purpose but show me that whiche thou diddest promise both to t●ache & perswade at thy first entrie . Assuredly suche fonde felowes there haue been , yea euen emong Preachers , that talking of faith , thei haue fetcht their ful race from the .xij. signes in the Zodiake . An other talking of the general resurrection hath made a large matter of our blessed Lady , praisyng her to be so ientle , so courtise , & so kynd , that it were better a thousandfould to make sute to her alone them to Christ her sonne . And what needed ( I pray you ) any suche rehersal beyng both vngodly , & nothyng at al to the purpose ? for , what maketh the praise of our lady to the confirmacion of the general dowme ? Would not a man thinke him mad that hauyng an earnest errand from London to Douer , would take it the next way to ride first into Northfolke , next into Essex , & last into Kent ? And yet assuredly many an vnlearned & wittelesse man hath straied in his talke much farther a great deale , yea truely as farre , as hence to Rome gates . Therfore wise are thei that folow Plinies aduise , Plinies counsel for handeling of caus●● . who would that al men both in writing & speakyng at large vpon any matter , should euer haue an iye to the chief title & principal ground of their whole entent , neuer swaruing from their purpose , but rather bringyng al thinges together to confirme their cause so much as they can possible . Yea , the wise & experte men wil aske of themselfes , how hangeth this to the purpose ? to what end do I speake it ? what maketh this for confirmacion of my cause ? & so by oft questionyng either chide their owne fol●e , if they speake amisse ▪ or els be assured thei speake to good purpose .

A State therfore generally is the chief grounde of a matter , A State generally what it is . and the pryncipal poincte whereunto both he that speaketh shoulde referre his whole wit , & thei that heare should chefely marke . A Preacher taketh in hande to showe what praier is , and how nedeful for man , to cal vpon God : Now , he shoulde euer remembre this his matter , applieng his reasons wholy and fully to this end that the hearers may both knowe the nature of praier , and the nedefulnesse of praier . The whiche when he hath doen , his promise is fulfilled , his time wel bestowed , and the hearers wel iustructed .

¶ A State , or constitution what it is in matters of Iudgement .

IN al other causes the state is gathered without contention , and seuerally handled vpon good aduisement as he shal thynke best that professeth to speake . But in matters criminall , where iudgement is required : there are two persons at the least , whiche must through contrarietie , stande and reste vpon some issue . As for example : A seruyng man is apprehended by a lawyer for felonie vpon suspicion . The lawier saith to the seruyng man : Thou hast done this robbery . Nay , ( saith he ) I haue not doen it . Upon this conflicte & matchyng together , ariseth this State , whether this seruing man hath done this robbery , or no ? Upon whiche poincte the lawyer must stande , and seeke to proue it to the vttermost of his power .

A State therfore in matters of iudgement is that thyng , State in Iudgement what it is . whiche doeth arise vpon the first demaunde and denial made betwixt men , whereof the one part is the accuser , and the other part the person , or persons accused . It is called a State because we doe stande and reste vpon some one poincte , State , why it is so called . the whiche must wholly and onely be proued of the one side , and denied of the other . I cannot better terme it in Englishe than by the name of an issue , the whiche not onely ariseth vpon muche debatyng and long trauerse vsed , whereupon all matters ar said to com to an issue : but also elswhere an issue is said to be then and so often as bothe parties stande vpon one poinct , the whiche doth aswel happen at the first begynnyng before any probacions are vsed , as it doth at the latter endyng after the matter hath at large been discussed .

¶ The diuision of States , or issues .

NOW that we knowe what an Issue is , it is nexte most nedeful to showe how many thei are in numbre . The wisest and best learned haue agreed vpon thre onely , and no lesse , the whiche are these folowyng .

The state . i. Coniecturall . ij . Legall . iij. Iuridiciall .

AND for the more playne vnderstandynge of these darcke wordes , these three questions folowinge , expounde their meaninge altogether .

i. Whether the thinge bee , or no. ij . What it is . iij. What maner of thinge it is .

IN the fyrst we consider vpon rehearsal of a matter whether anye suche thinge bee , or no. As if one shoulde be accused of Murther , good it were to knowe , whether anye murther were committed at all , or on , if it be not perfectlye knowne before : and after to go further , and examine whether suche a man that is accused , haue done the dede or no.

In the seconde place , we doubte not vpon the thinge done , but we stande in doubte what to call it . Sometimes a man is accused of felo●ye , and yet he proueth his offence to be but a trespace , wherupon he escapeth the daunger of deathe . An other beynge accused for killynge a man , confesseth his faulte to be manslaughter , and denieth it vtterlye to be any murder , wherupon he maketh frendes to purchase his Pardon . Nowe the lawyers by their learninge muste iudge the doubte of this debate , and tell what name he deserueth to haue that hath thus offended .

In the thyrde place , not onely the dede is confessed , but the maner of doynge is defended . As if one were accused for killynge a man , to confesse the deede , and also to stande in it that he myght iustely so do , because he did it in his owne defence : wherupon ariseth this Question , whether his doing be ryght or wrong . And to make these matters more plaine , I will adde an example for euery state , seuerally .

Of the state Coniecturall . The Assertion . Thou hast killed this manne . The Aunswere . I haue not killed him . The State or Issue .

Whether he hath killed this man or no. Thus we see vpon the auouchinge and deniall , the matter standeth vpon an issue .

Of the state Legall . Assertion . Thou hast committed treason in this facte . Aunswere . I denye it to be treason . State or issue .

Whether his offence done maye be called treason or no. Here is denied that any suche thinge is in the dede done , as is by word reported , and saide to bee .

Of the state Iuridiciall . Assertion . Thou hast kylled this manne . Aunswere .

I graunte it , but I haue doone it lawfullye , because I killed him in mine owne defence .

State or issue .

Whether a man may kill one in his owne defence , or no , and whether this man did so , or no.

The Oration coniectural , what it is .

THe Oration coniectural is , when matters be examined and tryed out by suspicions gathered , and some likelihode of thinge appearinge . A Souldiour is accused for killinge a Farmar . The Souldioure denieth it vtterly , & sayth he did not kyll him . Hereupon riseth the question , whether the Souldioure killed the Farmar or no , who is well knowen to be slayne . Nowe to proue this question , we muste haue suche places of confirmation , as hereafter do folowe .

☞ Places of confirmation , to proue thinges by coniecture . i. Will , to do euill . ij . Power , to do euil .

IN the will muste be considered the qualitye of the man , whether he were like to do suche a dede or no , and what shoulde moue him to attempte suche an enterpryse , whether he did the murther vpon anye displeasure before conceyued , or of a sodayne anger , or els for that he loked by his death to receyue some commoditie , either lande , or office , money , or money 〈◊〉 , or anye other gainefull thinge .

Some are knowen to want no will to kill a manne , because they haue bene fleshe theretofore , passing as little vpon the deathe of a man , as a Bo●her dothe passe for killinge of an Ore , beynge heretofore either accused before a Iudge of manslaughter , or els quitte by some general pardon . Now , when the names of such menne are knowen , they make wise men euer after to haue them in suspection .

The countrey where the man was borne declares sometime his natural inclination , as if he wer borne or brought vp emong the Tindale , and Riddesdale menne , he may the soner be suspected .

Of what trade he is , by what occupation he liueth .

Whether he be a gamester , an alchouse haunter , or a panion emong Ruffians .

Of what wealthe he is , and how he came by that whiche he hath , if he haue anye .

What apparell he weareth , and whether he loueth to go gaye , or no.

Of what nature he is , whether he be hastye , headye , or readye to pike quarels .

What shiftes he hath made from time to tyme .

What moued him to do suche an haynous dede .

Places of Confirmation to proue whether he had power to do suche a dede , or no.

The grounde where the man was slain , whether it was in the hygh waye , in a woode , or betwixt two hylles , or els where , nighe to an hedge or secrete place .

The tyme , whether it was earlye in the mornynge , or late at nyght .

Whether he was there about that time or no.

Whether he ranne awaye after the deede done , or had anye bloude aboute him , or trembled , or stakerde , or was contrarie in tellyng of his tale , and how he kept his countenaunce .

Hope to kepe his dede secrete , bi reason of the place , time , and secrete maner of doynge .

Witnesses examined of his beynge , either in this or that place .

By comparinge of the stxengthe of the murtherer wyth the other mans weakenes , armoure with nakednes , & stoutnes with simplicitie .

His Confession .

An example of an Oration Iudiciall , to proue by Contectures the knowledge of a notable and mooste haynous offence , committed by a Souldiour

AS Nature hath euer abhorred murder , and God in all ages most terriblye hath plagued bloudsheading : so I truste your wisedomes ( mooste worthye Iudges ) will spedelye seke the execution of this mooste hatefull synne . And where as God reuealeth to the syght of menne the knowledge of such offences by diuers likelihodes , and probable coniectures : I doubte not but you beyng called of God to heare suche causes , wyll doe herein as reason shall require , and as this detestable offence shall moue you v●on rehearsall of the matter . The Manne that is well knowen to be slayne , was a worthye Farmar , a good housekeper , a welthye husbandemanne , one that traueyled muche in this worlde , me●nynge vprightlye in all hys doinges , and therfore beloued emonge all men , and lamented of manye when his deathe was knowen . This Souldioure beynge desperate in his doynges , and liuyng by spoyle all his lyfe tyme , came newlie from the warres , whose hand●s hath bene latelye bathed in bloude , and nowe he kepeth this countrey ( where this farmar was slaine ) and hath ben here for the space of one whole moneth together , and by all likelihodes he hath slaine this honest farmer . For , such menflesht vilaynes , make small accompte for kyllinge anye one , and do it they will withoute anye mercye , when they m●ye see their time . Yea , this wretch is bruted for his beastly demeanoure , and knowen of longe time to be a stronge thiefe . Nether had he escaped the daunger of the law , if the kinges free pardon had not preuented the execution . His name declares his noughtye nature , and his wycked liuynge hathe made him famous . For , who is he that hearynge of N. ( the notable offenders name myght here be rehearsed ) doth not thynke by and by , that he were lyke to do suche a dede ? Neither is he onelye knowen vniuersallye to be nought , but his soyle also ( where he was borne ) geueth him to be an euill man : consideringe he was bredde and brought vp emong a denne of theues , emonge the men of Tindale and Ryddesdale , where pillage is good purchase , and murderynge is counted manhode . Occupation hath he none , nor yet any other honeste meanes , whereby to maintayne him selfe : & yet he liueth mooste sumptuouslye . No greater gamester in a whole countrey , no such riotour , a notable whoremonger , a lewderoister emong Ruffians , an vnreasonable waister , to day ful of money , within a seuennight after not worth a grote . There is no man that seethe him , but will take him for his apparell to be a gentilman . He hath his chaunge of sutes , yea , he spareth not to go in his silkes and veluet . A greate quareller , and fraie maker , glad when he may be at d●fiaunce with one or other , he hath made such shyftes for money ere now , that I maruaile how he hath liued till this daye . And now beyng at a low ebbe , & lothe to seme base in his estate , thought to aduenture vpon this farmar , and either to winne the saddle , or els to lose the horse . And thus beynge so farre forwarde , wantinge no will to attempte this wicked deede , he sought by all meanes possible , conuenient oportunitye to compasse his desire . And waytinge vnder a woode side , nighe vnto the hyghe waye , aboute sixe of the clocke at night , he sette vpon this farmer , at what time he was comming homewarde . For , it appeareth not onelye by his owne confession , that he was there aboute the selfe same time , where this man was slayne : but also there be men that saw him ride in greate haste aboute the selfe same time . And because GOD would haue thys murder to be knowen , loke I praye you what bloude he carieth aboute hym , to beare witnesse agaynste hym of hys moost wicked deede . Againe , hys owne confession dothe playnelye goe againste hym , for he is in so manye tales , that he can not tell what to saye .

And often his coloure chaungeth , his bodye shaketh , and hys tongue foultereth wythin hys mouthe . And suche men as he bryngeth in to beare witnesse wyth hym , that he was at suche a place at the selfe same houre , when the Farmar was slayne : they wyll not be sworne for the verye houre , but they saye , he was at suche a place , wythin two houres after . Now Lord , dothe not this matter seeme most playne vnto al men , especially seing this dede was done such a time , and in suche a place , that if the deuyl had not bene his good Lorde , thys matter hadde neuer come to lyghte . And who wyll not saye that this Caytife hadde little cause to feare , but rather power inoughe to doe his wycked feacte , seynge he is so sturdye and so stronge , and the other so weake and vnweldy : yea , seyng this vilaine was armed , and the other man naked . Doubte yon not ( worthye Iudges ) seynge such notes of his former lyfe to declare his inwarde nature , and perceiuing suche coniectures lawfully gathered vpon iuste suspicion : but that this wretched Souldioure hath slayne thys worthye Farmar . And therfore I appeale for iustice vnto your wisdomes for the deathe of thys innocente man , whose bloude before God asketh iuste auengement . I doubt not but you remember the wordes of Salomon , who saith . It is as greate a synne to forgeue the wicked , as it is euill to condempne the innocente : and as I call vnfaynedlye for ryghtfull Iudgemente , so I hope assuredlye for iuste execucion .

The Person accused beynge innocente of the cryme that is layed to his charge , may vse the selfe same places for his owne defence , the whyche hys accuse● vsed to proue hym ●yltye .

The interpretation of a lawe , otherwise called the State legall .

IN boultynge out the true meaninge of a lawe , we must vse to search out the nature of the same , by defining sone one worde , or comparing one law wyth an other , iudging vpon good triall , what is right , and what is wronge .

The partes .

i. Definition . ii . Contrarye lawes . iii. Lawes made , & th ende of the law maker iiii . Ambiguitye , or doubtfulnes . v. Probation by thinges like . vi . Chalengynge or refusinge .

Definition what it is .

THen we vse to define a matter , when wee can not agree vpon the nature of some word , the which we learne to know by askyng the question what it is . As for example . Where one is apprehended for killing a man , we laye murder to his charge : wherupon the accused person when he graunteth the killing , and yet denieth it to be murder : we must straight after haue recourse to the definition , and aske , what is murder , by defininge whereof , and comparing the nature of the word , with his dede done : we shall sone know whether he committed murder or manslaughter .

Contrarye lawes .

IT often happeneth that lawes seme to haue a certaine repugnancie , wherof emong many riseth much contencion , wher as if both the lawes wer wel weied & considered according to their circumstances , thei wold appeare nothing contrari in matter , though in wordes they seme to dissent . Christ geueth warning , & chargeth his disciples in the .x. of Math. that they preach not the glad tidinges of his comming into the world to the Gentils , but to the Iewes only , vnto whom he was sent by his father . And yet after his resurrection we do read in the last of Mat. that he commaunded his disciples to go into all the whole world , and preach the glad tidinges of his passion , & raunsome , paied for al creatures liuing . Now though these .ii lawes seme contrary , yet it is nothing so . For if the Iewes would haue receiued Christ , & acknowleged him their sauioure , vndoutedly they had bene the onelye children of God , vnto whom the promise and couenaunt was made from the beginninge . But bicause they refused their Sauiour , and crucified the Lord of glory : Christ made the lawe generall , and called all men to life that woulde repent , promisinge saluation to all suche as beleued and were baptised . So that the particuler law , beyng nowe abrogated , muste ●●ades geue place to the superioure .

Foure lessons to be obserued , where contrarye lawes are called in question . i. The inferioure law must geue place to the superiour . ii . The lawe generall muste yelde to the speciall . iii. Mans lawe , to Gods lawe . iiii . An olde lawe , to a newe lawe .

There be Lawes vtterde by Christes owne mouthe , the whiche if they be taken accordinge as they are spoken , seme to conteyne great absurditie in them . And therfore the mind of the lawe maker muste rather be obserued , then the bare wordes taken onely , as they are spoken . Christ sayth in the v. of Mathew . Math. v. If thy right eye be an offence vnto thee , plucke him out , and caste him awaye from thee . If one geue the a blowe of thy ryghte cheke , turne to him agayne thy lefte cheke . There be some Eunuches , that haue gelded themselfes for the kyngdome of heauen . 〈…〉 Go , and sell all that thou hast , 〈…〉 and geue it to the poore . He that doeth not take vp his crosse and folowe me , is not worthy of me . In all whiche sentences there is no suche meanyng , as the bare wordes vttered seme to yelde . Pluckyng out of the iye , declares an auoydyng of all euill occasions : receiuyng a blowe vpon the lefte cheke , commendes vnto vs , modestie and pacience in aduersitie . Geldyng , signifieth a subduyng of affeccions , & tamyng the foule luste of pleasure , vnto the will of reason . Go and sell all : declares we should be liberal , and glad to part with our gooddes to the poore and neady . Bearyng the Crosse , be●o●●●eth sufferance of all sorowes , and miseries in this worlde . Now to proue that the will of the lawe maker , is none other then I haue saied : I maie vse the testimonies of other places in the Scripture , and compare theim with these sentences , and so , iudge by iuste examinacion , and diligent searche , the true meanyng of the lawe maker .

¶ Ambiguitee .

SOmetymes a doubt is made , vpon some woorde or sentence , when it signifieth diuerse thynges , or maie diuersly be taken , wherupon full oft ariseth muche contencion . The lawyers lacke no cases , Lawyers . to fil this parte full of examples . For , rather then faile , thei will make doubtes often tymes , where no doubt should be at all . Is his Lease long enough ( ꝙ one ) : yea sir , it is very long , saied a poore husbande man . Then ( ꝙ he ) let me alone with it , I wil finde a hole in it , I warrant thee . In all this talke , I excepte alwaies the good lawyers , and I maie well spare theim , for thei are but a fewe .

¶ Probacion by thynges like .

WHen there is no certain lawe by expresse wordes vttered for some heinous offender , we maie iudge the offence worthy deathe , by rehersall of some other Lawe , that soundeth muche that waie . As thus . The ciuil lawe appoyncteth that he shal be put in a sacke , and cast in the Sea , that killeth his father : well , then he that killeth his mother , should by all reason , in like sort be ordered . It is lawfull to haue a Magistrate , therefore it is lawfull to plead matters before an officer . And thus , though the last cannot be proued by expresse wordes , yet thesame is found lawfull , by rehersall of the first .

¶ Chalengyng , or refusyng .

WE vse this order , when wee remoue our sewtes , from one Courte to another , as if a manne should appele from the Common place , to the Chauncerie . Or if one should bee called by a wrong name , not to answere vnto it . Or if one should refuse to answere in the spirituall court , and appele to the lorde Chauncellor .

¶ The Oracion of right or wrong , called otherwise the state Iuridiciall .

AFter a deede is well knowen to be doen , by some out persone , we go to the next , and searche whether it be right , or wrong . And that is , when the maner of doyng is examined , and the matter tried through reasonyng , and muche debatyng , whether it be wrongfully doen or otherwise .

¶ The diuision .

THis state of right or wrong , is twoo waies diuided , wherof the one is , when the matter by the awne nature , is defended to bee righte , without any further sekyng , called of the Rhetoricians , the state absolute . The other ( vsyng litle force , or strengthe to maintein the matter ) is , when outward help is sought , and bywaies vsed to pur●hase fauour , called otherwise the state assumptiue .

¶ Places of confirmacion for the first kynd , are seuen . j. Nature if self . ij . Goddes lawe , and mannes lawe . iij. Custome . iiij . Aequitie . v. True dealyng . vj. Auncient examples . vij . Couenauntes and deedes autentique .

TUllie in his moste worthy Oracion , made in behalfe of Milo , declareth that Milo slewe Clodius moste lawfully , whom Clodius sought to haue slain moste wickedly . For ( ꝙ Tullie ) if nature haue graffed this in man , if lawe haue confirmed it , if necessitie haue taught i● if custome haue kept it , if aequitie haue mainteined it , if true dealyng hath allowed it , if all common weales haue vsed it , if deedes auncient haue sealed this vp , that euery creature liuyng should fense it self , against outward violence : no man can thinke that Milo hath dooen wrong , in killyng of Clodius , except you thinke , that when menne mete with theues , either thei must be slain of theim , or els condempned of you .

¶ Places of confirmacion for the seconde kynde , are foure . Grauntyng of the faulte committed . Blamyng euill companie for it . Comparyng the fault , and declaryng that either thei must haue doen that , or els 〈◊〉 doen worse Shiftyng it from vs , and shewyng that wee did it vpon commaundement .

COnfessyng of the faulte , Confessyng , what it is . is when the accused person graunteth his crime , and craueth pardon thereupon , leauyng to aske iustice , & leanyng wholy vnto mercie

¶ Confession of the faulte , vsed twoo maner of waies .

The first is , The diuision . when one excuseth hymself , that he did it not willyngly , but vnwares , and by chaunce .

The second is , when he asketh pardone , for the fault doen consideryng his seruice to the common weale , and his worthy deedes heretofore dooen , promisyng amendement of his former euill deede : the whiche wordes , would not be vsed before a Indge , but before a kyng , or generall of an armie . For the Iudges muste geue sentence , accordyng to the Lawe : the Kyng maie forgeue , as beyng aucthour of the lawe , and hauyng power in his hande , maie do as he shall thinke best .

Blamyng other for the faulte doen , Blamyng other , how 〈◊〉 is saied . is when wee saie that the accused persone , would neuer haue doen suche a deede , if other against whom also , this accusacion is intended , had not been euill men , and geuen iust cause , of suche a wicked dede .

Comparyng the fault is when we saie , Comparyng the faulte . that by flaiyng an euill man , we haue doen a good dede , cuttyng awaie the corrupte and rotten member , for preseruacion of the whole body . Or thus : some sette a whole toune on fire , because their enemies should haue none aduauntage by it . The Saguntynes beeyng tributarie to the Romaines , S●guntines . slewe their awne children , burnte their goodes , and fired their bodies , because thei would not be subiecte to that cruell Haniball , and lose their allegiaunce , due to the Romaines .

Shiftyng it from vs , Shiftyng the fault from vs is when we saie , that if other had not set vs on , wee would neuer haue attempted suche an enterprise . As often tymes the souldiour saieth , his Capitaines biddyng , was his enforcement : the seruaunt thynketh his Maisters commaundemente , to bee a sufficient defence for his discharge .

The ende of the first Booke .

¶ The seconde Booke .

NOw that I haue hetherto set furthe what Rhetorique is , whereunto euery Orator is moste bounde , what the causes bee , bothe in their nature , and also by nomber , that comprehende euery matter , & what places serue to confirme euery cause : I thinke it is moste mete after the knowlege of all these , to frame an Oracion accordingly , & to shewe at large , the partes of euery Oracion , ( but specially suche as are vsed in iudgement ) that vnto euery cause , apte partes maie euermore bee added . For euery matter hath a diuerse beginnyng , neither al controuersies , or matters of weight should alwaies after one sort be rehersed nor like reasons vsed , nor one kynd of mouyng affeccions , occupied before all men , & in euery matter . And therfore , wheras I haue briefly spoken of them before , I wil now largely declare them , and shewe the vse of theim in euery matter , that ●ometh in debate , & is nedeful , through reason to be discussed

¶ An enteraunce , two waies diuided .

THe first is called a plain beginnyng , when the hearer is made apte , to geue good care out of hande , to that whiche shall folowe . A beginnyng , what it is .

The second is a priuey twinyng , or close creping in , to win fauor with muche circumstaunce , called insinuacion Insinuacion .

For in all matters that man taketh in hande , this consideracion ought first to be had , that we first diligently expend the cause , before wee go through with it , that wee maye bee be assured , whether it be lawfull , or otherwise . And not onely this , but also we must aduisedly marke the menne , before whom wee speake , the men against whom we speake , and all the circumstaunces , whiche belong vnto the matter . If the matter bee honest , godly , and suche as of righte ought to bee well liked , we maie vse an open beginnyng , and will the hearers to reioyce , & so go through with our parte . If the cause be lothsome , or suche as will not be well borne withall , but nedeth muche helpe , and fauour of the hearers : it shal be the speakers parte , priuely to get fauour , and by humble talke , to wynne their good willes . Firste , requiryng theim to geue him the hearing , and next , not streightly to geue iudgement , but with mercie to mitigate , all rigor of the Lawe . Or in a complaint made , whiche the counsail shall greuously stomack , to exaggerate it the more , if we se iust cause to set it forward . And whereas many often tymes , are suspect to speake thynges of malice , or for hope of gain , or els for a set purpose , as who should saie , this I can do : the wisest will euermore clere themselfes , from all suche offences , and neuer geue any token so muche as in them lieth , of any light suspicion .

In accusyng any persone , it is best to heape all his faultes together , and whereas any thyng semeth to make for hym , to extenuate thesame to the outermoste . In defendyng any persone , it is wisedome to reherse all his vertues first and foremest , and with asmuche arte as maie be , to wipe awaie suche faultes , as were laied to his charge . And before all thynges , this would be wel marked , that , whensoeuer we shal largely talke of any matter , wee alwaies so inuent , and finde out our first enteraunce in the cause , that thesame be for euer taken , euen from the nature and bowelles therof , that al thynges , whiche shall first be spoken , maie seme to agree with the matter , and not made as a Shippe mannes hose , to serue for euery legge . Now whereas any long talke is vsed , the beginnyng thereof is either taken of the matter self , or els of the persones , that are there present , or els of theim , against whom the accion is entended . And because the winnyng or victorie , resteth in three poynctes : Firste , in apt teachyng the hearers , what the matter is , next in gettyng them to geue good eare , and thirdly , ●●re thynges moste mere for euery Orator . in winnyng their fauour : Wee shall make theim vnderstande the matter easely , To make the hearers to vnderstande the matter . if firste of all we begin to expounde it plainly , and in brief woordes , settyng out the meanyng , make them harken to our saiynges . And by no meanes better , shall the standers by , knowe what we saie , and cary awaie that , whiche thei heare , then if at the firste , wee couche together the whole course of our tale , in as smale roume as we can , either by definyng the nature and substaunce of our matter , or els by diuidyng it in an apte order , so that neither the hearers bee troubled with confoundyng of matter , and heapyng one thyng in anothers necke , nor yet their memorie dulled with ouerthwarte rehersall , and disorderly tellyng of our tale . Wee shall make the people attentiue , To make hearers attentiu●● . and glad to heare vs , if wee will promise them , to speake of weightie matters , of wholsome doctrine , suche as thei haue heretofore wanted : yea , if we promise to tell them thynges , concernyng either their awne profite , or th aduauncement of their countrey , no doubte wee shall haue theim diligent hearers . Or els if thei like not to heare weightie affaires , wee maie promise theim straunge newes , and perswade them , we wil make them laugh and thinke you not , that thei wil rather heare a foolishe tale then a wise and wholesome counsail ? Demosthenes therfore seyng at a tyme , Demosthenes tale of the Asses shadowe . the fondnes of the people to be suche , that he could not obtein of them , to heare hym speake his mynde , in an earnest cause , concernyng the wealthe of his countrey : required them to ●ary , and he would tell them a tale of Robin Hode . Whereat thei all staied , & longed to knowe what that should be . He began streight to tel them , of one that had sold his Asse to another man , whereupon thei bothe went furthe to the next Market toune , hauyng with , them thesaied Asse . And the wether beyng somewhat hotte , the first awner , whiche had now sold his Asse , went of that side the Asse , whiche kept hym best from the heate . The other beyng now the awner , and in full possession , would not suffer that , but required hym to geue place , and suffer him to take the best commoditie , of his awne Asse , that he could haue , wherat the other answered and saied , naie by saincte Marie sir , you serue me not so , I sold you the Asse , but I solde you not the shadowe of the Asse , & therfore pike you hence . When the people hard this , thei laughed apace , and likte it very well . Whereupon Demosthenes hauyng wonne theim together , by this merie toye , rebuked their folie , that were so slacke to heare good thinges , and so redy to heare a tale of a Tubbe , and thus hauyng them attentiue , preswaded with them to heare hym , in matters of great importaunce , the whiche otherwise he could neuer haue doen , if he had not taken this waie with hym .

We shall get the good willes of our hearers , To gett● the hearers good will . foure maner of waies , either beginnyng to speake of our selfes , or els of our aduersaries , or els of the people , and company present , or last of all , if we begin of the matter it self , and so go thorowe with it . We shall get fauour for our awne sakes , if we shall modestly set furthe our bounden dueties , and declare our seruice doen , without all suspicion of vauntyng , either to the common weale , as in seruyng either in the warres abrode , or els in bearyng some office at home , concernyng the tranquilitie of our countrey : or in helpyng our frendes , kynsfolkes , and poore neighbours , to declare our goodnes , doen heretofore towardes them : and lastly , if wee shewe without all o●tentacion , aswell our good willes towardes the iudges there , as also pleasures doen for theim in tymes paste , to the outermoste of our power . And if any thyng seme to lette our cause , by any misreport , or euil behauior of our partes heretofore : best it were in moste humble wise to seke fauour , and sleightly to aduoyde all suche offences , laied to our charge .

We shall get fauoure , by speakyng of our aduersaries , if we shall make suche reporte of theim , that the hearers shall either hate to heare of them , or outerly enuy them , or els altogether despise theim . We shall sone make our aduersaries to be lothed , if we shewe and set furth , some naughtie deede of theirs , and declare how cruelly , how vilie , and how maliciously thei haue vsed other men heretofore .

We shall make theim to be enuied , if we reporte vnto the Iudges , that thei beare theimselfes haulte , and stoute vpon their wealthy frendes , and oppresse poore men by might , not regardyng their honestie , but sekyng alwaies by hooke and croke , to robbe poore men of their Fermes , Leases , and money . And by the waie declare some one thyng , that thei haue doen , whiche honest eares would scant abide to heare .

We shall make theim to bee sette naught by , if we declare what luskes thei are , how vnthriftely thei liue , how thei do nothyng from daie to daie , but eate , drinke , and slepe , rather sekyng to liue like beastes , then myndyng to liue like men , either in profityng their countrey , or in tenderyng their awne commoditie , as by right thei ought to do .

We shall gette good will , by speakyng of the Iudges and hearers : if we shall commende their worthy dooynges , and praise their iust dealyng , and faithfull execucion of the law , & tel them in what estimacion the whole country hath them for their vpright iudgyng and determinyng of matters , and therfore in this cause needes must it be that they must aunswere their former doynges , and iudge so of this matter , as all good men haue opinion they wil do .

We shal finde fauor by speakyng of the matter , if in handlyng our owne cause , we commende it accordyngly , and dispraise the attempt of our aduersarie extenuatyng al his chief purposes , so muche as shal be necessarie .

Now resteth for me to speake of the other parte of Enteraunce into an Oration , Insinuacion . whiche is called a close , or priuie gettyng of fauour when the cause is daungerouse , and cannot easely be heard without displeasure .

A priuy begynnyng , or crepyng in , otherwyse called Insinuation must then , and not els be vsed , when the iudge is greaued with vs , and our cause hated of the hearers .

The cause selfe oftentymes is not lyked for thre diuerse causes ▪ if either the matter selfe be vnhonest , and not meete to be vtterd before an audience , or els if the iudge hymselfe by aformer tale be perswaded to take part against vs , or last if at that tyme we are forced to speake , when the iudge is weried with hearyng of other . For the iudge hymself beyng weried by hearyng , wil be muche more greeued if any thyng be spoken either ouermuche , or els against his likyng . Yea , who seeth not that a weried man will soone mis●●ke a right good matter ? Yf the matter be so hainouse that it cannot be hearde without offence , ( as if I shoulde take a mans parte , who were generally hated ) wysedome were to lette hym go and take some other whom al men liked : or if the cause were thought not honest , to take some other in stede therof which were better lyked , til they were better prepared to heare the other : so that euermore nothyng shoulde bee spoken at the firste , but that whiche might please the iudge , and not to be acknowen ones to thynke of that , whiche yet we minde most of al to perswade . Therfore when the hearers are somwhat calmed , we may entre by litle and litle into the matter , and saie that those thynges whiche our aduersarie doth mislyke in the person accused , we also do mislyke the same .

And when the hearers are thus wonne , we may saie , that all , whiche was saied , nothyng toucheth vs , and that wee mynde to speake nothyng at al against our aduersaries , neither this waie , nor that waie . Neither were it wysedome openly to speake against theim , whiche are generally well estemed and taken for honest menne . And yet it were not amisse for the furtheraunce of our owne causes ●losely to speake our fantasie , and so , streighte to aulter their hartes . Yea & to tel the iudges the like in a like matter , that suche & suche iudgement hath bene geuen : And therfore at this time consyderyng the same case , and the same necessitie , lyke iudgement is looked for . But if the aduersarie haue so tolde his tale that the iudge is wholy bent to geue sentence with hym , and that it is well knowne vnto what reasons the iudge most leaued and was perswaded : we may first promise to weaken that , whiche the aduersarie hath made moste strong for hym selfe , and confute that parte whiche the hearers didde most esteme , and best of all lyke . Or elles we may take aduauntage of some part of our aduersaries tale , and talke of that firste , whiche he spake last : or elles begynne so , as though wee doubted what were best firste to speake , or to what parte it were moste reason firste of all to aunswere , wonderyng , and takyng GOD to wittenesse at the straungenesse of his reporte , and confirmacion of his cause . For when the standorsby perceiue that the aunswerer ( whome the aduersaries thought in their mind was wholly abashed ) feareth so litle the obiections of his aduersarie , and is ready to aunswere Ad omnia quare , with a bolde contenaunce : they wil thynke that they themselues rather gaue rashe credite , and were ouerlighte in beleuyng the firste tale : than that he whiche nowe aunswereth in his owne cause , speaketh without grounde , or presumeth vpon a stomacke to speake for hym selfe without iust consideracion .

But if the tyme bee so spente , and the tale so long in tellyng , that a menne b● almost weried to heare any more : than we must make promise at ▪ the first to be very shorte , and to lappe vp our matter in fewe wordes .

And if tyme may so serue it were good when men bee weried to make them somewhat merie , Myrth makyng good at the begynning and to beginne with some pleasaunt tale , or take an occasion to iest wittely vpon some thyng then presently doen.

Or if the tyme wil not serue for pleasaunt tales , it were good to tell some straunge thyng , Straung thinges some tyme nedeful to be tolde at the first . some terrible wonder that they all may quake at the onely hearyng of the same . For lyke as when a mannes stomacke is full and can brooke no more meate , he may stirre h●s appetite either by some Tarte sawce , or elles quicken it somewhat by some sweate dishe : euen so when the audience is weried with weightie affaires , some straunge wounders maye call vp their spirites , or elles some merie tale may cheare their heauie lookes .

And assuredly it is no small con●yng to moue the hartes of menne either to mirthe , or saddenesse : for he that hath suche skill , shal not lightely faile of his purpose whatsoeuer matter he taketh in hande .

Thus haue I taught what an Enteraunce is , and howe it shoulde be vsed . Notwithstandyng I thynke it not amisse often to reherse this one poincte , that euermore the begyn●ng be not ouermuche laboured , nor curiously mad● , but rather apte to the purpose , Enteraunces apt to the purpose . seemyng vpon present occasion , euermore to take place , and so to be deuised , as though we speake all together without any great studie , framyng rather our tale to good reason , than our toungue to vaine paintyng of the matter .

In all whiche discourse , whereas I haue framed all the Lessons and euery Enteraunce properly to serue for pleadyng at the Barre : yet assuredly many of theim ma●e well helpe those that preache Goddes truthe , and exhorte men in open assemblies to vpright dealyng .

And no doubte many of theim haue muche neede to knowe this Arte , that the rather their tale maye hange toguether , where as oftentymes they begynne as muche from the matter , as it is betwixte Douer and Barwyke , whereat some take pitie , and many for werines can skante abyde their begynnyg , it is so long or they speake any thyng to the purpose . ●nteraunces apt for Preache●s . Therefore the learned Clerkes of this our tyme , haue thought it good that al Preachers shoulde take their begynnyng vpon the occasion of suche matter as is there written , declaryng why and wherfore and vpon what consideracion suche wordes were in those daies so spoken , that the reason geuen of suche talke then vtterde , might serue wel to begynne there Sermon . Or els to gather some seueral sentence at the firste , whiche brifely comprehendeth the whole matter folowyng , or elles to begynne with some apte similitude , example , or wittie saiyng . Or lastely to declare what wente before , and so to showe that whiche foloweth after . Yea sometimes to begynne lamentablie with an vnfained bewailyng of sinne , and a terrible declaryng of Goddes threates : Sometymes to take occasion of a matter newly done , or of the company there present , so that alwaies the begynnyng be aunswerable to the matter folowyng .

¶ Of Narration .

AFter the preface & first Enteraunce , the matter must bee opened , and euery thyng lyuely tolde , that the hearers may fully perceaue what we go about ▪ now in reportyng an acte done , or vtteryng the state of a controuersie , Na●ration . i. Brife . ii . Plaine . iii. Probable we must vse these lessons , whereof the firste is to be shorte , the next to be plaine , and the thirde is , to speake likely , and with reason , that the hearers may remember , vnderstande , & beleue the rather , suche thynges as shal be said .

And first whereas we sholud be shorte in tellyng the matter as it lyeth , ●r●uitie howe 〈◊〉 might be vsed . the best is to speake no more than needes we muste , not rauyng it from the botome , or tellyng bytales suche as rude people full ofte doe , nor yet touchyng euery poinct , but tellyng the whole in a grosse summe . And where as many matters shal neither harme vs , nor yet do vs good beyng brought in , and reported by vs : it were well done not to medle with them at al , nor yet twyse to tell one thyng , or reporte that , whiche is odiouse to be tolde againe . Notwithstandyng this one thyng woulde bee wel considered that in seekyng to be short , we be not obscure . And therfore to make matter plaine , Pla●●en●s how it might be vsed . that all may vnderstande it , the beste were first and formest to tell euery thyng in order so muche as is nedeful , obseruyng bothe the tyme , the place , the maner of doyng , and the circumstaunces thereunto belongyng . Wherin good heede woulde bee had that nothyng bee doubtfullie spoken , whiche maie haue a double meanyng , nor yet any thyng vtterde that may make asmuche against vs , as with vs , but that al our woordes runne to confirme wholly our matter . And suerly if the matter be not so plainely told that al may vnderstande it , we shall doe litle good in the reste of our report . For in other partes of the Oration if we be somewhat darke , it is the lesse harme , we may bee more plaine in an other place . But if the Narration , or substaunce of the tale bee not well perceyued , the whole Oration besydes is darckened altogether . For to what ende should we go about to proue that which the hearers know not what it is ? Neither can we haue any libertie to tel our tale again , after we haue ones tolde it , but must streight go furthe and confirme that whiche we haue said howsoeuer it is . Therfore the reportyng of our tale may soone appere plaine , if we firste expresse our mynde in plaine wordes , and not seeke these rope ●ype termes , whiche betraie rather a foole , than commende a wyse man : & again if we orderly obserue circumstaunces , & tell one thyng after another from tyme to tyme , not tumblyng one tale in an others necke tellyng halfe a tale , and so leauyng it rawe , hackyng & hemmyng as though our wittes and our senses were a woll gatheryng . Neither shoulde we suffer our tongue to runne before our witte , but with much warenesse sette forthe our matter , and speake our mynde euermore with iudgement .

We shal make our saiynges appere lykely , and probable : Probalitie how it might be vsed . Yf we speake directely as the cause requireth , if wee showe the very purpose of al the deuise , & frame our inuencion accordyng as we shal thynke them most willyng to allowe it , that haue the hearyng of it .

The Narration reported in matters of iudgement shall seeme to stande with reason , Narration 〈◊〉 iudgement . if wee make our talke to agree with the place , tyme , thyng , and persone , if we shall showe that whatsoeuer we say , the same by al likelyhodes is true , if our coniectures , tookens , reasons , & argumentes be suche that neither in them there appere any fablyng , nor yet that any thyng was spoken whiche might of right otherwyse be taken , and that wee not onely speake this , but that diuers other of good creditie will stande with vs in defense of the same , all whiche reportyng may sone bee lyked , and the tale so tolde , may be thougt very reasonable . Yea , we shall make our doynges seme reasonable , if we frame our worke to natures wil , and seke none other meanes , but suche onely , as the honest and wyse haue euer vsed and allowed , bryngyng in , and blamyng the euil alwaies for suche faultes chiefely , wherunto thei most of al are like to be subiect ▪ as to accuse a spend al , of thefte : a whoremunger , of adulterie : a rash quareller , of manslaughter : & so of other . Sometimes it is good and profitable to be merie and pleasaunt in reportyng a matter , against some maner of man and in some cause . For neither against all men that offend , nor yet against all matters shoulde the wittie alwaies vse iestyng . And nowe for those that shall tel their mynde in the other kyndes of Oratorie , as in the kynde Demonstratiue , Deliberatiue , in exhortyng or perswadyng : Narration in praisyng and counsel geuyng . the learned haue thought meete , that they must also cal the whole summe of their matter to one especial poincte , that the rather the hearers may better perceiue whereat they leauel al their reasons . As if a Clarke do take in hande to declare Goddes hest , he will after his Enteraunce , Preachers what order they vse . tell what thyng is chiefely purposed in that place , and nexte after , showe other thynges annexed thereunto whereby not onely the hearers may g●tte great learnyng , and take muche profite of his doctrine , but he hym self may knowe the better what to say , what order to vse , and when to make an ende .

Some do vse after the literal sense to gather a misticall vnderstandyng , and to expounde the saiynges spiritually , makyng their Narration altogether of thynges heauenly . Some rehersing a texte particularly spoken , applie thesame generally vnto all states , enlargyng the Narration moste Godly by comparyng wordes long agoe spoken , with thynges and matters that are presently done . Notwithstanding the auncient fathers because they did onely expounde the Scriptures for the moste parte , made no artificiall Narration : but vsed to folowe suche order as the plaine text gaue theim . So that if euery sentence were plainely ▪ opened to the hearers , they went not muche farther , sauyng that when any worde gaue them occasion to speake of some vice , they woulde largely saie their mynde in that behaulfe : As Chrisostome and Basile haue done , with other .

The ware markyng and heedie obseruacion of tyme , place , and person may teache al menne ( that be not past teachyng , ) howe to frame their Narration in all Controuersies that are called in Question , and therfore when presente occasion shall geue good instruction , what neede more lessons ? And especially seeyng nature teacheth what is comely , and what is not comely , for all tymes .

Yea what tell I nowe of suche lessons , seeyng GOD hath raised suche worthe Preachers in this our tyme , that their Godly , and learned dooynges , may be a moste iuste example for al other to folowe : aswell for their lyuyng , as for their learnyng . I feare me the preceptes are more in nomber , than wil be wel kepte or folowed this yeare .

¶ Of Diuision .

AFter our tale is told , and the hearers haue wel learned what wee meane , the nexte is to reporte wherein the aduersarie and wee , cannot agree , and what it is wherin we do agree . And then to part out suche principall poinctes whereof we purpose fully to debate , and laie theim out to be knowen : that the hearers may plainely see , what we wil say , and perceiue at a worde , the substaunce of our meanyng . Now Tullie would not haue a deuision to be made , of , or aboue thre partes at the most , nor yet lesse than thre neither , if nede so require . for if we haue thre chief groundes wherupon to rest , Diuision of thre partes at the most . appliyng al our argumentes therunto we shal bothe haue matter enough to speake of , the hearers shal with ease vnderstand our meanyng , & the whole Oration shal sone be it at an end . Notwithstandyng this lesson must not so curiouslie be kepte , as though it were synne to make the diuision of fower , or fyue partes , but it was spoken for this ende that the diuision shoulde be made of as fewe as may be possible , that menne may the better carie it away and the reporter with more ease maie remember what he hath to saie . Nowe in praisyng , or dispraisyng , in perswadyng , or disswadyng , diuisions muste also be vsed . As if one woulde enueighe against those women that will not geue their owne chidren sucke , he might vse this deuision . Where as women commonly put their children furthe to nursyng , I will first proue that it is bothe against the lawe of nature and also against Goddes holie wil : ●vomen rebuked that nurse not their owne children . Againe I wil showe that it is harmefull bothe for the childes bodie , and also for his witte , lastly , I wil proue that the mother selfe falleth into muche sickenesse thereby .

First , nature geueth milke to the woman for none other ende , but that she shoulde bestowe it vpon her childe . And we see beastes feede there youngones , and why shoulde not women ? GOD also commaundeth all women to bryng vp their children .

Againe , the childrens bodies shal be so affected , as the milke is whiche they receyue . Nowe , if the Nurse be of an euil complexion , or haue some hidde disease , the childe suckyng of her brest muste needes take parte with her . And if that be true whiche the learned doe saie , that the temperature of the mynde folowes the constitucion of the bodie , needes must it be that if the Nurse be of a naughtie nature , the childe muste take thereafter . But be it , the Nurse be of a good complexion , of an honest behauiour ( whereas contrary wyse Maydens that haue made a scape are commonly called to bee Nurses ) yet can it not bee but that the mothers mylke shoulde be muche more naturall for the childe , than the mylke of a straunger .

As by experience , let a man be long vsed to one kynde of drynke , if the same man chaunge his ayre , and his drynke , he is lyke to mislyke it . Lastely for the mothers , howe are they troubled with sore brestes besydes other diseases that happen throughe plentie of mylke ▪ the whiche Phisicians can tell , and women full ofte haue felte . Lykewyse in speakyng of fastyng , I might vse this diuision . Firste , 〈…〉 godly to fast , because the spirite is more free and ap●er for any good worke . Again it is wholesome , because thereby euill humours are waisted , and many diseases either clerely put awaie , or muche abated of their tira●nie . Lastly it is profitable , because men spende lesse money , the lesse bankequetyng that thei vse . Therfore , if men loue either to be wise , godly , healthfull , or wealthy , let them vse fastyng , & forbeare excesse .

Now vpon a diuision , there might also be made a subdiuision , as where I saie , it is godly to fast , I might diuide go●linesse , into the hearyng of Goddes worde , into pra●yng ●●uoutly , and charitable dealyng with all the worlde .

Again , speakyng of healthe , I mighte saie that the whole body , is not onely more Iustie with moderate fastyng , but al so more apte for al assaies . The learned man studieth better when he fasteth , then when he is full . The counsailor heareth causes with lesse pain beyng emptie , then he shal be able after a full gorge .

Again , whereas the fiue senses , bryng vs to the knowleg● of many thynges : the more apte that euery one is , the mo●e pleasure thei bryng euer with them . The iyes se more clerely , the eares heare more quickely , the tonge rouleth more roundly , and tasteth thinges better , and the nose smelleth euill sauours the soner .

Philosophie is diuided into the knowlege of thynges naturall , 〈…〉 thynges morall , and into that arte , whiche by reason findeth out the truthe , commonly called Logique . Nowe of these three partes of Philosophie , I might make other thre subdiuisions , and largely set them out . But these maie suffice for this tyme .

¶ Of Proposicions .

QUintilian willeth , that streight and immediatly after the Narracion , there should also be vsed suche sentences , as might bee full of pithe , and contein 〈◊〉 them the substance of muche matter , the rather that the hearers maie be stirred vpon the only report , of some sentencious saiyng , or weightie text in the law . As in speakyng largely against extorcion , one might after his reasons applied to the purpose , bryng in a pithie and sentencious proposicion as thus . Those handes are euill that scratche out the iyes : and what other dooe thei , that by force robbe their Christian brethren ? Wo be to that realme , where might outgoeth right Or thus , when rage doth rule , and reason doeth waite , what good man can hope to liue long in rest . Also an act of a realme maie wel serue to make a proposicion . As thus . The lawe is plain : that man shall dye as an offendour , whatsoeuer he bee thatbreaketh vp another mannes house , and seketh by spoyle to vndo his neighbour . Now here is no man● that doubteth , but that thou hast doen this deede , therfore , what nedes any more , but that thou muste suffer , accordyng to the lawe ? In diuidyng a matter , proposicions are vsed , and orderly applied for the better setting furth of the cause . As if I should speke of thankfulnesse , I might first shewe , what is thankfulnesse , Thankfulnes , what it is . next how nedefull it is , and last , how commendable and profitable it is vniuersally ? Thankfulnesse is a kynde of remembryng good will shewed , and an earnest desire to requi●e the same . Without thankfulnesse , no man would do for another . The brute beastes haue these properties , and therefore man cannot want them , without his greate rebuke . Some proposicions are plain spoken , without any cause , or reason added therunto . As thus . I haue charged this man with felony , as you haue hard , but he denieth it : therfore iudge you it , I pray you Sometymes a cause is added , after the allegyng of a proposicion . As thus , I haue accused this man of felonie , because he tooke my pursse by the high waie side , and therfore I call for iustice . 〈…〉 Thus proposicions might bee gathered , nexte and immediately after the rehersall of any cause , and beautifie muche the matter , beyng either alleged with the cause annexed , or els beyng plainly spoken , without geuyng any reason to it at all .

¶ Of confirmacion in matters of iudgement .

WHen we haue declared the chief poynctes , wherevnto wee purpose to referre all our reasons , wee muste heape matter and finde out argumentes , to confirme thesame to the outermoste of our power , makyng firste the strongest reasons that wee can , and nexte after , gatheryng all probable causes together , that beeyng in one heape , thei maie seme strong , and of greate weighte . And whatsoeuer the aduersarie hath said against vs , to answere thereunto , as tyme and place beste maie serue . That if his reasons be light , and more good maie bee doen in confutyng his , then in confirmyng our awne : it were best of all to sette vpon hym , and putte awaie by arte , all that he hath fondely saied without witte . For prouyng the matter , and searchyng out the substaunce , or nature of the cause , 〈…〉 the places of Logique muste helpe to sette it forward . But when the persone shal be touched , and not the matter , we must seke els where , and gather these places together .

i. The name . ii . The maner of liuyng . iij. Of what house he is , of what countre and of what yeres . iiij . The wealthe of the man . v. His behauiour or daily enuryng with thynges . vi . What nature he hath . vij . Whereunto he is moste geuen . viij . What he purposeth from tyme to tyme . ix . What he hath doen heretofore . x. What hath befaulne vnto hym heretofore . xi . What he hath confessed , or what he hath to saie for hymself .

IN well examinyng of all these matters , muche maie be said , & greate likelihodes maie be gathered , either to or fro , the whiche places I vsed heretofore , when I spake of matters in iudgement , against the accused souldiour . Now in triyng the truth , by reasons gathered of the matter : we must first marke what was doen at that time by the suspected persone , when suche and suche offences wer committed . Yea , what he did , before this acte was dooen . Again , the tyme muste bee marked , the place , the maner of doyng , and what hart he bare hym . As th oportunitie of doyng and the power he had to do this deede . The whiche all sette together , that either acquitte him , or finde him giltee . These argumentes serue to confirme a matter in iudgement , for any hainous offence . But in the other causes which are occupied , either in praisyng , or dispraisyng , in perswadyng , or diswadyng , the places of confirmacion , be suche as are before rehersed , as when wee commende a thyng , to proue it thus . Honest to be doen. Profitable . Easie. Necessarie .

And so of other in like maner , or els to vse in stede of these , the places of Logique . Therefore , when we go aboute to confirme any cause , wee maie gather these groundes aboue rehersed , and euen as the case requireth , so frame our Reasones . In confutyng Confutacion . of causes , the like maie be had , as we vsed to proue : if we take the contrarie of thesame . For as thynges are alleged , so thei maie be wrested , and as houses are buylded , so thei maie bee ouerthrowen . What though many coniectures be gathered , & diuerse matters framed , to ouerthrowe the defendaunt : yet witte maie finde out bywaies to escape , and suche shiftes maie be made either in auoydyng the daunger , by plain denial , or els by obieccions , and reboundyng again of reasons made , that small harme shall turue to the accused persone , though the presumptions of his offence be greate , and he thought by good reason to be faultie . Placed of Log●●ue moste nedefull . The places of Logique , as I saied , cannot be spared , for the confirmacion of any cause . For , who is he , that in confirmyng a matter , wil not know the nature of it , the cause of it , th effect of it , what is agreyng therunto , what likenesse there is betwixt that , and other thinges , what examples maie bee vsed , what is contrary , and what can be saied aginst it . Therefore , I wishe that euery manne should desire and seke to haue his Logique perfect , before he looke to profite in Rhetorique , consideryng the grounde and confirmacion of causes , is for the moste part gathered out of Logique .

¶ Of conclusion .

A Conclusion is the handsome lappyng vp together , Conclusion , what it is . and brief heapyng of all that , whiche was saied before , stirryng the hearers by large vtteraunce , and plentifull gatheryng of good matter , either the one waie , or the other .

There are twoo partes of a conclusion , Conclusion , of twoo sortes . the one resteth in gatheryng together briefly , all suche argumentes as wer before rehersed , reportyng the some of them , in as fewe wordes as can be , and yet after suche a sorte , that muche varietie be vsed ▪ bothe when the rehersall is made , as also after the matter is fully reported . For , if the repeticion should bee naked , and onely set furthe in plain woordes , without any chaunge of speache , or shift or Rhetorique : neither should the hearers take pleasure , nor yet the matter take effect . Therfore , when the Oratour shall touche any place , whiche maie geue iuste cause to make an exclamacion , & stirre the hearers to be sory to bee glad , or to be offended : it is necessary to vse arte to the outermoste . Or when he shall come to the repeatyng of an heinous acte , and the maner thereof : he maie set the Iudges on fire , and heate them earnestly against the wicked offendor Thus in repeatyng , arte maie bee vsed , and nexte with the onely rehersall , matters maie bee handesomely gathered vp together .

The other part of a conclusion resteth , either in augmentyng and vehemently enlargyng that , whiche before was in fewe wordes spoken , to set the Iudge or hearers in a heate : or els to mitigate and asswage displeasure conceiued , with muche lamentyng of the matter , and mouyng theim thereby the rather to shewe mercie . Amplificacion is of twoo sortes , whereof I will speake more at large , in the nexte Chapiter . The one resteth in wordes , the other in matter . Suche wordes muste bee vsed , as be of greate weight , wherein either is some Metaphore , or els some large vnderstandyng is conteined . Yea , wordes that fill the mouthe , and haue a sound with them , set furthe a matter very well . And sometymes wordes twise spoken , make the matter appere greater .

Again , when we firste speake our mynde in lowe wordes , & after vse weightier , the fault likewise semeth to be greater As when one had killed a ientleman , thus might another amplifie his mynd . For one slaue to strike another , wer worthy of punishement , but what deserueth that wretche , whiche not onely striketh a manne , but striketh a ientlemanne , and not onely striketh a ientleman , but cowardly killeth a ientlemanne , not geuyng hym one wounde , but geuyng hym twentie . To kill any manne in suche sorte , deserueth deathe , but what saie you to him , that not onely killeth hym so , but also hangeth hym moste spitefully vpon a tree . And yet not content with that , but scourgeth hym , and mangeleth hym when he is dedde , and last of all , maketh a iest of his moste naughtie deede , leauyng a writyng there , aboute the dedde mannes necke . Now then seyng his crueltee is suche , that thouly killyng , cannot content his deuilishe deede , and moste dedly malice : I aske it for Gods loue , and in the waie of Iustice , that this wicked Deuill , maie suffer worthy death , and bee punished to the example of all other . Amplifiyng of the matter , consisteth in heapyng , and enlargyng of those places , whiche serue for confirmacion of a matter . As the definicion , th● cause , the consequent , the contrary , the example , and suche other .

Again , amplificacion maie be vsed , when we make the law to speake , the dedde persone to make his complaint , the conntrey to crie out of suche a deede . As if some worthy manne wer cast awaie , to make the countrey saie thus : If England could speake , would she not make suche , & suche complaints ? if the walles of suche a citee or toune , had a tongue , would thei not talke thus and thus ? And to bee shorte , all suche thynges should be vsed , to make the cause seme greate , whiche concerne God , the common weale , or the lawe of nature . For if any of these three bee hindered , we haue a large fielde to walke in . In praisyng , or dispraisyng , wee muste exaggerate those places towardes the ende , whiche make menne wonder at the straungenesse of any thyng . In perswadyng , or disswadyng , the rehersall of commoditees , and heapyng of examples together , encrease muche the matter . It were a greate labour to tell all the commoditees , and all the properties , whiche belong vnto the conclusion . For suche arte maie bee vsed in this behalfe , that though the cause bee very euill , yet a wittie manne maie gette the ouerhande , if he bee cunnyng in his facultee .

The Athenians Athenians for bad conclusions therfore did streightly forbid by a lawe , to vse any conclusion of the cause , or any enterance of the matter to wynne fauour . Cicero did herein so excell , that lightly he gotte the victorie in all matters , that euer he tooke in hande . Therefore as iust● praise ariseth by this parte , so I doubte not , but the wittiest will take moste paines in this behalf , and the honest , for euer will vse the defence of moste honest matters . Weapons maie bee abused for murder , and yet weapons are onely ordeined for saufgard .

¶ Of the figure amplificacio● .

EMong all the figures of Rhetorique , there is no one that so muche helpeth forwarde an Oracion , and beautifieth thesame with suche delitefull ornamentes , as dooeth amplificacion . 〈◊〉 For if either wee purpose to make our tale appere vehemente , to seme pleasaunt , or to be well stored with muche copie : nedes must it be that here we seke helpe , where helpe chiefly is to be had , and not els where . And nowe because none shall better bee able , to amplifie any matter then those , whiche best can praise , or moste dispraise any thyng here vpon yearth , I thinke it nedefull , firste of all to gather suche thynges together , whiche helpe best this waie . Therefore in praisyng , or dispraisyng , we muste bee well stored euer with suche good sentences , as are often vsed in this our life , the whiche through arte beyng encreased , helpe muche to perswasion . As for example , where it is saied ( ientle behauioure wynneth good will , and clerely quensheth hatered ) I mighte in commendyng a noble ientlemanne for his lowlinesse , declare at large howe commendable , and howe profitable a thyng , ientle●behauioure is , and of the other side , how hatefull and howe harmefull , a proude disdainfull manne is , and howe beastly a nature he hath , that beeyng but a manne , thinketh hymself better then any other manne is , and also ouer good to haue a matche or felowe in this life . As thus , if lowelinesse Lowlinesse . and Charitee maintayne life , what a beaste is he , that throughe hatered will purchace deathe ? If God warneth vs to loue one another , and learne of him to be ientle , because he was ientle and humble in harte : howe cruell are thei , that dare withstande his commaundement ? If the subiect rebell against his kyng , we crie with one voyce , hang hym , hang hym , and shall wee not thynke hym worthy the vilest death of all , that beeyng a creature , contempneth his creatour , beyng a mortall manne neglecteth his heauenly maker , beyng a vile moulde of claie , setteth lighte by so mightie a God , and euer liuyng Kyng ? Beastes and birdes without reason , loue one another , thei shroude , and thei flocke together , and shall men endued with suche giftes , hate his euen christian , and eschewe companie ? When Shepe dooe straie , or cattell doo striue one against another , there are Dogges ready to call them in , yea , thei wil bite them ( as it hath been full often seen ) if twoo fight together : and shall man wante reason , to barke against his ●ewde affeccions , or at the least shal he haue none to checke hym for his faultes , and force him to forgeue ? Likewise if you would rebuke one that geueth eare to backbiters Backbityng . and slaunderers , ye muste declare what a greate mischief an euill tongue is , what a poysone it is , yea , what a murder , to take a mannes good name from hym . We compte hym worthy death , that poysoneth a mannes body , and shal not he suffer the like pain that poysoneth a mannes honestie , and seketh to obscure and darken his estimacion ? Menne bee well accepted emong the wise , not for their bodies , but for their vertues . Now take a waie the thyng , whereby menne are commended : and what are menne , other then brute beastes ? For beastes do nothyng against nature , but he that goeth against honestie , thesame manne fighteth against nature , whiche would that all menne should liue well . When a manne is killed secretly , wee aske Iudgement for the offendour , and shall thei escape without Iudgement , that couertly murder a mannes soule ? That separate hym from GOD , that Iudge hym to helle , whose life hath euer been moste heauenly ? When oure pursse is piked , we make strieght searche for it agayne , and emprisone the offendoure , and shall we not seke recouerye of our good name , when euyll tongues haue stayned it ? If our fame be of more price , then is either golde or gro●es , what meane we to be so carelesse in kepynge the one , and so carefull in kepynge the other ? Fonde is his purpose that beinge in the rayne , casteth his garmente in a Bushe , and standeth naked him selfe , for sauynge the glosse of his gaye coate . And yet what other thing do they that esteme the losse of money , for greate lacke : and counte not the losse of their honestie for anye wante at all ? Thus we see , that from vertues and vyces , suche amplifications maye be made , and no doubt he that can prayse or dispraise anye thinge plentifullye , is able moste copiouslye to exaggerate anye matter .

Agayne , 〈…〉 sentences gathered and heaped together commende muche the matter . As if one shoulde saye : Reuengemente 〈…〉 belongeth to God alone , and therby exhorte menne to pacience : He myghte brynge in these sentences with him , and geue greate cause of muche matter . No man is hurte but of him selfe , that is to saye : aduersitie or wronge sufferinge is no harme to him that hathe a constaunt h●rte , and liues vpright in all his doynges .

He is more harmed that dothe wronge , then he that hath suffereth wronge .

He is the stowter that contemneth , then he is that committeth wronge .

Yea , he gayneth not a little , that had rather suffer much losse , then trye his ryght by contention .

Gaine gotte by fraude , is harme and no gaine .

There is no greater victorye , then for manne to rule hys affections .

It is a greater matter to ouercome anger , then to winne a fortresse or a tower .

There is no greater token of a noble harte , then to contemne wronge .

He that requiteth euill for euill : throughe hatred of an euil manne , is made euyll hym selfe , and therfore worthy to be hated .

He that contemneth his enemye in battayle , is counted a goodman of warre , and a wise .

He that requiteth good for euill , is an aungell of God .

He that mindeth reuengemente , is at the next doore to manslaughter .

God is moued wyth nothynge soner to forgeue vs our● offences , then if we for his sake fo●geue one another .

The requitinge of iniuries hath no ende .

Strife is best ended throughe Pacience

Anger is a madnesse , differing from it in this point only , that anger is shorte , and tarieth not longe , madnesse abideth still .

It is folye to suffer the fome of a horse , or the striking of his fote , and not abyde anye thynge that a foole dothe , or a noughtye disposed felowe speaketh .

No man trusteth a dronkard : And yet seyng the dronkennes of rage , and madnesse of anger , are much more daungerous then surfetinge with wyne : he dothe foly shely that trusteth his owne wytte anye thynge , when he is in a rage . Good dedes shoulde all waies be remembred , wronge doing shoulde sone be forgeuen , and sone be forgotten .

Againe for liberalitye , Liberality commended wyth heapes of sentences . these sentences might serue . It is the propertie of a God to helpe man . He hathe receyued a good turne by geuynge , that hath bestowed his liberalitye vpon a worthye man .

He geueth twise , that geueth sone and chearefully .

God loueth the gladde geuer .

It is a poyncte of liberalitie , sometymes to lose a good turne .

He that geueth to hym that wyll euyll vse it , geueth no good thing , but an euil thing .

Nothyng is more safelye layed vp , then is that whiche is bestowed vpon good folke .

Be not afrayed to sowe good fruite .

Nothinge is better geuen to Christe , then is that whiche is geuen to the pore .

No one man is borne for him selfe .

He is vnworthye to haue , that hath onelye for him selfe .

The thirde kinde of Amplifiynge is when wee gather suche sentences as are communelye spoken , or elles vse to speake of suche thynges as are notable in thys lyfe . Of the first these maye be examples . In lamenting the miserye of wardeshyppes , Prouerbes alleged , helpe Amplification . I might saie it is not for noughte so communely said : I wil handle you like a warde . She is a steppe mother to me : that is to saye , she is not a naturall mother : who is worsse shodde then the shomakers wife ? that is to saye : gentilmens children full ofte are kepte but meanelye . Trotte sire , and trotte damme , how should the fole amble , that is , when bothe father and mother were noughte , it is not like that the childe wil proue good , without an especial grace of God .

Likeryshe of tongue , lighte of taile : that is , he or she that will fare dainetelye , will ofte liue full wantonlye . Sone rype , sone rotten . Honoure chaungeth maners . Enoughe is as good as a feaste . It is an euill coke that can not li●ke his owne fingers . I will soner truste mine eye , then myne eare . But what nede I heape all these together , seynge Heywodes Prouerbes are in prynte , where plentye are to be hadde : whose paynes in that behalfe , are worthye immortall prayse .

Thinges notable Thynges notable or straunge , helpe forward Amplification . in this life are those , the which chaunce to fewe . As this : To see a man of an hundred yeres of age . A yonge chylde as sober as a man of fiftye yeres . A woman that hath hadde .xxiiij. chyldren . A man once worthe three or foure thousande pownde , now not worthe a grote . A yong man fayrer then anye woman . A woman that hath had seuen or eyght husbandes . A man able to draw a yarde in his bow besides the feathers . A man merye nowe , and deade wythin halfe an houre after . There is none of all these , but serue muche to make oure talke appeare vehemente , and encrease the weight of communication . As for example , If one woulde perswade an olde man to contemne the vanities of thys worlde , he might vse the examples of sodayne death , & shew that children haue dyed in their mothers lappe , some in their cradell , some stryplinges , some elder , & that not one emonge a thousande commeth to thre score yeres .

Or be it that some lyue an hundred yeares , beyonde the which not one in this last age passeth , what is there in this lyfe , for the whiche anye manne shoulde desire to liue longe , seynge that olde age bringeth this onelye commoditye wyth it , that by longe liuinge , we see many thinges , that we woulde not see , and that manye a manne hath shortened his life , for wearines of this wretched worlde ▪ Or what thoughe some pleasures are to be hadde in this life , what are they al to the pleasures of the lyfe to come ? Lykewise in speakinge of euill happe , I myght brynge him in that was once worthe three thousande pounde , and is not nowe worthe three grotes , and perswade menne either to set lyghte by riches , or elles to comforte theim , and perswade theim not to take thought , seyng great harmes haue happened to other heretofore , and time maye come when God will sende better . These sentences aboue rehearsed , being largely amplified , encrease much any suche kinde of matter .

●vhat is amplification .

AMplification is a figure in Rhetorique , which consisteth mooste in Augmentynge and diminishynge of anye matter , and that diuers wayes .

The deuision of Amplification .

AL Amplification and diminishynge eyther is tak●n oute of the substaunce in thinges , or els of wordes . Oute of the substaunce and matter , affections are deriued : oute of wordes , suche kindes of amplification , as I wyl nowe shewe , and partly haue shewed before , when I spake of the Conclusion , or lappynge vp of anye matter .

The firste kinde of Amplification is , when by chaunging a woorde , in augmentynge we vse a greater , but in diminishynge , we vse a lesse . Of the firste , this may be an example . When I see one sore beaten , to saye he is slayne : to call a naughtye felowe , thiefe , or hangemanne , when he is not knowen to be anye suche . To call a womanne that hathe made a scape , a commune harlot : to call an Alehouse haunter , a dronkarde : to call one that is troubl●d with choler , and often angrye , a madde manne : to call a pleasaunte gentilman , a raylynge iester : to call a couetous man , a deuill .

Of the latter , these examples shal be : when one hath sore beaten his felowe , for the same manne to saye that he hathe scant touched him : When one hath sore wounded another , to saye that he hurt him but a little : when one is sore sicke , to be saide he is a little crased . Diminution In lyke maner also , when we geue vices , the names of vertue , as when I cal him that is a cruell or mercilesse man , somewhat soore in iudgement . When I call a naturall foole , a playne symple man : when I call a notable flatterer , a fayre spoken man : a glutton , a good felowe at hys table : a spende all , a liberall gentilman : a snudge , or pynche penye , a good husbande , a thriftye man .

Nowe in all these kindes , where woordes are amplified , they seme muche greater , if by corretion Correction . the sentence be vtterde , and greater wordes compared with them , for whome they are vtterde . In the whiche kynde of speache , we shal seme as thoughe we wente vp by stayres , not onelye to the toppe of a thinge , but also aboue the toppe . There is an example hereof in the seuenth action that Tullie made against Uerres . It is an offence to bynde a Citezen of Rome with chaynes , it is an haynous deede to whyppe him : it is worse then manslaughter to kyll him : what shall I call it to hang hym vp vpon a gibet ? If one woulde commende the aucthoritye whiche he alledgeth , he myght saye thus . These wordes are no fables vtterde emonge men , but an assured truth lefte vnto vs by wrytynge , and yet not by anye commune writynge , but by suche as all the worlde hathe confirmed and agreed vpon , that it is autentique , and canonicall : neyther are they the wordes of one , that is of the commen sort , but they are the wordes of a doctour in the church of God , and yet not the woordes of a deuine , or doctoure of the commune sorte , but of an Apostle : and yet not of one that is the worste , but of Paule , that is the best of al other : and yet not Paules , but rather the wordes of the holye ghost , speakyng by the mouthe of Paule . He that loueth to enlarge by this kinde , must marcke well the circumstaunces of thinges , and heapynge them altogether , he shall with ease espye how one thinge riseth aboue an other . And because the vse hereof extendeth largelye , I w●ll largelye vse examples . As thus . If a gentleman and officer of the kinges , beynge ouercharged at Supper with ouermuche dry●ke , and surfetyng with gorge vpon gorge , should vomite the next daye in the Parliamente house : I myght enueyghe thus : O shameful dede , not onelye in sighte to be lothed , but also odious of all men to be hearde . If thou haddest done this dede at thyne owne house beynge at Supper wyth thy wyfe and children , who would not haue thought it a filthy dede ? but now for the to do it in the Parliamente house , emong so manye gentilmen , & such , yea , the best in al England : beyng bothe an officer of the kynges , and a man of muche aucthoritye , and there to caste oute gobbets ( where belchinge were thoughte greate shame ) yea , and suche gobbets as none coulde abyde the smell , and to fyll the whole house wyth euill sauoure , and thy whole bosome with muche filthines , what an abhominable shame is it aboue all other ? It had bene a fowle dede of it selfe to vomite where no suche gentilmen were : yea , where no gentilmen were : yea , wher no Englysh men were : yea , wher no men were : yea , wher no company were at al : or it had ben euil , if he had borne no maner of office , or had ben no publique officer , or had not bene the kinges officer : but being not onely an officer , but a publike officer , and that the kynges officer : yea , & suche a kinges , & doyng such a dede : I can not tel in the world what to say to him . Diuers examples mayebe inuented like vnto this . As thus , againste an heade officer in a noble mans house , I myght enueigh thus . Now Lorde , what a man is he , he was not ashamed beyng a gentilman , yea , a man of good yeres , and much aucthoritie , and the heade Officer in a Dukes house , to playe at dyce in an al●house wyth boyes , bawdes , and verlets . It had bene a a greate faulte to playe at so vile a game , emonge suche vile persons , beynge no gentilman , beynge no officer , beyng not of suche yeres : But beynge bothe a man of fayre landes , of an auncient house , of great aucthoritie , an officer to a duke , yea , and to suche a Duke , and a man of such yeres , that his white heeres shoulde warne him to auoyde all suche foly● , to play at suche a game , with suche roysters , a●d such verlets , y●a , and that in such a house as none come thither but theues , bawdes , and Ruffians : nowe before God I can not speake shame enoughe of him . There is an other kynde of Amplification when vnto the hyghest , there is added some thinge higher then it is . As thus . There is not a better preacher emonge theim all , excepte Hughe Latimer , the father of all preachers . Th●re is no better Latine man within England , excepte Gualter Haddon the lawe● .

Againe , we amplifye a matter not ascendyng by degrees , but speakinge that thinge onely , than the whiche no greater thinge can be spoken . As thus . Thou haste killed thyne owne mother , what shall I saye more , thou hast kylled ●hine owne mother . Thou hast deceaued thy soueraine Lord and kinge , what shall I saye more , thou hast deceiued thy soueraine Lorde and kinge .

Sometymes wee amplifie by comparynge , and take oure grounde vpon the weakest and least , the whiche if they seme greate , then muste that neades appeare gr●ate , whyche wee woulde amplifie and encrease . As Tullie againste Catiline . My seruauntes in good south , if they feared me in such sort , as all the Citezens do feare thee : I would thinke it best for me to forsake my house . Thus by vsing the lesse first , this sentence is encreased , fewe seruauntes are compared with all the citezens , bondmen are compared with free men : Tullie the master , is compared with Catiline the traytour , which was neither lord nor ruler ouer the Citezens : and Tullies house is compared with the Citye .

By comparing of examples , we vse also to encrease oure matter . As thus . Did the Maior of London thrust throughe Iacke Straw beinge but a verlet rebell , and onely disquietinge the Citye : and shall the kynge suffe● Capi●a●ne Kete to liue in Englandes grounde , and ●●ioye the 〈◊〉 of his realme , beinge a most tyrannou● tray●oure , a●d such a rebell as sought to ouerthrow the whole Re●●m● ?

Here is Iacke Strawe compared with Capitaine Ket● the Citye of London , with the whole Realme , the Maio● with the kinge . So that if he which is a priuate person , and hathe no power of deathe , myghte punyshe wyth deathe the disquietynge of a Citye : the kynge him selfe hauynge all power in his hande , maye iustelye punishe hym that seketh to ouerthrowe his whole realme .

The places of Logique helpe ofte for Amplification . As , where men haue a wronge opinion , and thynke theft a greater faulte then slaunder , one myght proue the contrarye aswell by circumstaunces , as by argumentes . And first he might shewe that slaunder is thefte , and that euerye slaunderer Slaunder , a greater off●̄ce then theft● is a thiefe . For as well the slaunderer as the thiefe , doe take away an other mannes possession againste the owners will . After that he might shewe that a slaunderer is worse then anye thiefe , because a good name is better then all the goodes in the worlde : and that the losse of money maye be recouered , but the losse of a mannes good name , can not be called backe againe , and a thefe maye restore that agayne whiche he hath taken awaye , but a slaunderer can not geue a man his good name againe , whiche he hath taken from him . Agayne , he that stealeth goodes or cattell , robbes onely but one man , but an euill tongued man infecteth all their mindes : vnto whose eares this reporte shall come .

Besides this , there are lawes & remedies to subdue theues : but there is no lawe agaynste an euyll tongue . Agayne , all suche haynous Offences are euer the more greuouslye punished , the more closlie , and more craftelye they are committed . As it is thought a greater faulte to kyll one with poyson , then to kyll him with the swerde , and a more haynous offence to commit murder , then to commit manslaughter : we maye gather an argument also from the instrumente or maner of doyng . As a thefe hath done this offence wyth hys hande , a slaunderer hath done it with his tongue . Agayne , by the iudgement of al menne , enchauncement is a notable euill : But they that infecte a prynce or a kinge wyth wycked counsayle , are not they more wycked enchaunters , considerynge they doe as muche as if one shoulde Poyson a conduite head , or a Riuer from whence al men featche their water . And yet they do more , for it is a greater fault to poison the mynde , than the bodie . Thus by the places and circumstaunces , great matter might be made .

By contrraries set together , thynges oftentymes appere greater . As if one shoulde set Lukes Ueluet against Geane veluet , the Lukes wil appere better , and the Geane wil seeme worser . Or sette a faire woman against a foule , and she shal seeme muche the fairer , and the other muche the fouler . Accordyng whereunto there is a saiyng in Logique ▪ Contraria inter se opposita magis elucescunt . That is to say , Contraries beyng set , the one against the other , appere more euident . Therefore if any one be disposed to set fur●he chastitie , he may bryng in , of the contrari● parte , whordome , and show what a fouly offence it is to liue so vnclenly , and then the deformitie of whoredome shall muche sette forthe chastitie : or if one be disposed to perswade his felow to learnyng and knowlege , he may showe of the contrarie what a naked wretche , man is , yea how muche a man is no man , and the life no lyfe , when learnyng o●es wanteth . The lyke helpe we may haue by comparyng lyke examples together either of creatures liuyng , or of thynges not liuyng : As in speakyng of constauncie , to showe the Sonne who euer kepeth one course : in speakyng of inconstaunce to showe the Moo●e whiche keepeth no certaine course . Againe , in younge Storkes Storkes . wee may take an example of loue towardes their damme , for when she is olde , and not able for her crooked bil to picke meat , the youngones fede her . In young Uipers ●ipers . there is a contrary example ( for as Plinie saieth ) they eate out their dammes wombe , and so come forthe . In Hennes there is a care to bryng vp their chickens , is Egles the contrarie , whiche caste out their egges if thei haue any mo then thre : and al because they woulde not be troubled with bryngyng vp of many .

There is also a notable kynde of amplification when we would extenuate and make lesse , great faultes , which before we did largely encrease : to th ende that other faultes might seeme the greatest aboue all other . As if one had robbed his maister , thrust his felow through the arme , accompaned with harlottes , kepte the tauerne till he had been as dronke as a ratte : to say after a large inuectiue against al these offences . You haue heard a whole court roule of ribauldrie and yet al these are but fle bitynges in respect and comparison of that which I shal now show you . Who doth not loke for a maru●ilouse great matter & a most hainouse offence , when those faultes that are thought moste greuouse are counted but fle bitynges in respect and comparison of that whiche he myndeth to reherse ? In like maner , one might exhort the people to godlinesse , and whereas he hath set forthe al the commodities that folowe the same , as in showyng a quiet conscience not gilty of any great faulte , the libertie of spirite , the peace whiche we haue with GOD , the felowship with al the electe , for the seruant of Sathan , to be the sonne of GOD the comforte of the soule , the greatenesse wherof no man is able to conceiue : to say at lengthe , and what can be greater , what can be more excellent , or more blesseful ? & yet al these are smal matters if thei be compared with the blessed enheritaunce of the euerliuing God prepared for al those that liue Godlie here vpon earthe , fastenyng there whole trust vpon Christe aboue , whiche bothe is able , and will saue all those that ca● vnto him with faith . We do encrease our cause by reasonyng the matter and casting our accompt , when either by thynges that folow , or by thynges that go before , or elles by suche thynges as are annexed with the matter , wee geue sentence how great the thyng is . By thynges goyng before I iudge when I see an ●nuiouse , or hasty man fight wi●h an other as hastie , that there is lyke to be bloudshed . As who should saie , can enuiouse , or hastie men matche together , but that they must needes trie the matter with bloudshedyng ? Assuredly it can not be otherwyse but that bloude must appease their rage . Likewyse seeyng two wyse men earnestly talkyng together , I cannot otherwyse iudge but that their talke must nedes be wittie , and concerne some weightie matter . For to what ende shoulde wyse men ioyne , or wherefore shoulde they laie their heades together , if it were not for some earnest cause ? wh●t a shame i● it for a strong man , of muche health & great manhode , to be ouercome with a cuppe of drynke . From thynges ioyned with the cause , thus . A woman hauyng her housbande emprisoned , and in daunger of death , soubdenly steppe before the Kyng and craued his pardon . Bold was that woman whiche durst aduenture to knele before a Kyng , whose housband had so greuously offended . Though wo●en by nature are fearful , yet in her appered a manly stomake , and a good bolde harte , yea euen in great●st daunger . By thynges that folowe , thus , al England lament the death of Duke Henrie and Duke Charles twoo noble brethren of the house of Suffolke . Then may we wel iudge that these two ientlemen were wonderfully beloued , when they both were so lamented .

There is a kynde of Amplifiyng , when in speakyng of .ii. that fought together , wee praise hym muche that had the worse , because we would the other to haue more praise . Consideryng for a man to beate a boye , it were no praise , but for a talle man to matche with an other , that were as talle as hym selfe : that were somwhat worthe . Therfore I woulde haue the Scottes wel praised , whome the Englishmen haue so often vanquished . He that praiseth muche ●he stronghold of Boleine , must nedes thereby praise kyng Henry the .viij. of England , who by martial power , wonne it , and kepte it al his lyfe tyme . Or thus . Suche a one kepes a marueilouse good house , for the worst boie in his house drynkes one and thesame drynke with his master , and al one bread , yea euery one hath his meate in siluer , chamber vessels , and all are of siluer . We iudge by apparel , by armour , or by harnesse what a man is of stature , or biggenes . We iudge by occasion , the goodnes of men , as when they might haue doen harme , thei would not , when they might haue slaine , thei sought rather to saue . From the place where one is , encrease may be gatherd As thus . Beyng euen in the Court , he was neuer moued to gāmyng , beyng at Rome , he hated harlottes , where thereis by report so great plentie as there are starres in the element .

From the tyme thus , he must needes be well learned in the lawes of our Realme that hath been a student this thirtie wynter .

From the age : assuredly , he is lyke to be good , for beeyng but a childe he was euer most godlie .

From the state of lyfe : no doubt but he is honest , for beyng but a seruaunt he lyued so vprightely , as none coulde iustly blame his lyfe .

From the hardenesse of a thyng . That whiche is almost onely proper to Aungels must nedes be harde for man : therefore chastitie is a rare gifte , and harde for man to kepe .

From the straungenesse of a thyng . Eloquence must nedes bee a wonderful thyng , when so fewe haue attained it .

Lykewyse notable aduentures doen by a fewe , are more praise worthy than suche as haue been done by a great nombe . Therfore the battail of Muskelborow against the Scottes where so fewe Englishmen were slaine , and so many Scottes dispatched : must nedes be more praise worthie , than if the nomber of Englishmen had been greater .

Uehemencie of woordes full often helpe the matter forwarde , when more is gatherde by cogitacion , than if the thyng had been spoken in plaine woordes . When wee heare one say suche a man swelled seyng a thyng against his mynd , we gather that he was then , more than half angrie . Againe , when wee heare one saie , suche a woman spittes fier , we gather streight that she is a Deuill . The Preacher thunderde in the Pulpite , belyke then he was metely hoote . But concernyng all suche speaches , the knowlege of a Metaphore , shall bryng men to muche knowlege , ( whereof I wil speake hereafter emong the figures ) and therefore I surcease to speake of it in this place .

We encrease our cause by heapyng of wordes & sentences together , couchyng many reasons into one corner which before were scaterde abrode , to th entent that our talke might appere more vehement . As when by many coniectures and great presumptions we gather that one is an offendor , heapyng them al into one plumpe , whiche before were sparpled abrode , and therefore did but litle good . Amplification by coniectures As thus : To proue by coniectures a murder committed , I might thus say against a suspected person . My Lordes do not weye my wordes and sentences seuerally , but consider them all altogether . If the accused persone here shall receiue profite by this other mans deathe , if his lyfe heretofore hath euer been euill , his nature couetouse , his wealthe most slendre , and that this dead mans gooddes could turne to no mans auaile so muche as vnto this accused person , and that no man could so easely dispatche him , and that this man could by no better meanes compasse his desier , and that nothyng hath been vnatt●mpted whiche might further his naughtie purpose , & nothyng doen th●t was thought needelesse , and seeyng a meete place was chefely sought for , and occasion serued very wel , & the tyme was most apt for suche an attempte and many meanes heretofore deuised to compasse this offence , and greate hope bothe to kepe it close , and also to dispatche it , and besydes that , seeyng this man was seen alone a litle before in the same place , where this other man was slaine , and that this mans voice whiche did slaye hym was hard a litle before in the same place where this other man was slaine , and seyng it is well knowne that this man came home late the same night , and the nexte daie after beyng examined , did answere confusedlie , fearefullie , and as though he were amased , and seeyng al these thynges are partely showed by wittenesses , partely by good reason , partely by his owne confession , and partely by the reporte that comonly goeth of hym , whiche by lyke is not spoken without some ground : It shal be your partes worthie iudges wayng al these thynges together to geue certaine iudgement of hym for this offence , and not to thynke it a matter of suspicion . For it might haue been that thre of foure of these coniectures beyng proued , might geue but onely a cause of suspicion , but whereas all these together are plainely proued by hym , it can not be otherwise but that he hath offended .

It is an excellent kynd of Amplifiyng when thynges encreased , and thynges diminished are both set together , that the one may the rather beautifie the other . As if , when Gods goodnesse towardes vs wee largely amplified , we did streight extenuate our vnthanfulnesse towardes him again . As thus : Seeyng God hath made man a creature vnto his owne likenesse , seeyng he hath geuen hym lyfe , and the spirite of vnderstandyng , endewyng hym with h●s manifolde graces , and redemyng hym not with vile money , but with his owne preciouse bodie , sufferyng deathe , and blodesheddyng vpon the Crosse , the rather that man might lyue for euer : what an vnthankefull parte is it , yea what an hainouse thyng is it for man so ofte to offende , so ofte to wallowe in suche his wickednesse , and euermore for Goddes louyng kyndnesse , to showe hym selfe of all other creatures most vnkynde ?

Lykewyse contraries beyng rehersed and the euil immediatly vtterde after the good , make muche for encrease . As many men now a daies for sobrietie , folowe gluttonie , for chastitie , take leachery , for truthe , lyke falsehode , for gentlenesse , seeke crueltie , for iustice , vse wrong dealyng , for heauen , hell , for God , the Deuill : to whome they will without peraduenture , it Goddes grace be not greater .

¶ Of mouyng affections .

BEcause the beautie of Amplifiyng , standeth most in apte mouyng of affections : Affections mouyng . It is needefull to speake somewhat in this behaulfe , that the better it may be knowne what they are , and howe they maie bee vsed . Affections therefore ( called Passions ) are none other thyng , but a stirryng , or forcyng of the mynde , either to desier , or elles to detest , and lothe any thyng , more vehemently then by nature we are commonly wonte to doe . We desier those thynges , we loue them , and lyke them earnestly , that appere in our iudgement to be goodlie , we hate and abhorre those thynges , that seeme naughte , vngodlie , or harmefull vnto vs . Neither onely are wee moued with those thynges which we thinke either hurtful , or profitable for our selues , but also we reioyce , we sorie , or we pitie an other mannes happe .

And euermore there are twoo thynges whiche moue vs , either this waie , or that waie . The matter selfe whiche doth happen , or is lyke to happen : and the person also whome the matter dothe concerne . As for example : If a wicked wretche haue his desertes , we are al glad to heare it , but if an innocent shoulde be cast away , we thynke muche of it , and in stomake repine against wrong iudgement . If an euil man finde muche fauour , we enuie his good happe , yea it greeu●th vs , th●t any suche shoulde haue suche fauour showed : And not on●ly doe we hate the euil , that are come to any wealth , but also we enuie commonly all suche as come to any preferrement , especially if either they haue been as poore men as we are , or elles came of a meaner house than we haue done . No one man woulde haue any to be better than hym selfe , and euery one enhableth his owne goodnes to deserue lyke dignitie with the best . And whereas some haue go●te before , startyng so●bdeinly from an inche to an elle , we spare not to saie that flattery made theim speede , and though they haue muche gooddes , yet are they cleare voide of all goodnes , and therefore muche good may it do theim , we woulde not come by gooddes in suche sorte to wynne al the worlde ▪ for the Deuill and they ( saie wee ) shall parte stakes with theim one daie . And thus wee can neuer bee content to geue our neighbour a good woorde . Yea though they haue serued right well , and deserued a greate rewarde , wee muste needes finde some faulte with theim to lessen their praises , and saye that though their desertes bee great , yet their natures are nought : none so proude , though fewe bee so hardy : none so enuiouse , though fewe so faithfull : none so couetouse , though fewe so liberall : none so gluttonouse , though fewe kepe suche an house . And thus , thoughe wee graunt them one thyng , yet we will take another thyng as fast againe from them .

Suche a man is an excellent felowe ( saieth one ) he can speake the tongues wel , ●vith praisyng : dispraisyng vsed . he plaies of instrumentes few men better , he fey●eth to the Lute marueilouse swetely , he endites excellently : but for all this ( the more is the pitie ) he hath his faultes , he will bee dron●●e ones a daie , he loues women well , he will spende Goddes coope if he had it , he will not tarye longe in one place , and he is somewhat large of his tongue . That if these faultes were not , surely he were an excellent fellowe . Euen as one shoulde saie : If it were not for liyng and stealyng , there were not an honester man than suche a one is that perchaunce hath some one good qualitie to set hym forwarde . These ●uttes bee to brode , and these barres be ouer bigge , for looke what is geuen to one by commendyng , the same is streight taken away by buttyng . Therfore suche are not to be lyked that geue a man a shoulder of mutton , and breake his heade with the spitte when thei haue doen. And yet this is many a mans nature , especially where enuie hath any grounded dwellyng place , whose propertie is alwaies to speake nothyng of other without reproche and slaunder .

In mouyng affections , and stirryng the iudges to be greued , the weight of the matter must be so set forth , as though they saw it plaine before their ●yes , the report must be suche and the offence made so hainouse , that the like hath not been seene heretofore , and al the circumstaunces must thus be heaped together : Descriptio● of an euil & wicke offence doen. The naughtines of his nature that did the dead , the cruel orderyng , the wicked dealyng and maliciouse handelyng , the tyme , the place , the maner of his doyng , and the wickednesse of his wil to haue doen more . The man that susteined the wrong , how litle he deserued , how wel he was estemed emong his neighbours , home small cause he gaue hym , how great lacke men haue of hym . Now , if this be not reformed , no good man shal lyue saufe , the wicked wil ouerflowe al the world , & best it were for sauegard to be nought also , and to take parte with them , for no good man shal goe quiet for them , if there be not spedie redresse found , and this faulte punished to th example of al other .

Quintiliane coucheth together in these few wordes the ful heape of suche an heauouse matter , by gatheryng it vp after this sorte .

i. What is doen. ij . By whome . iij. Against whome . iiij . Upon what mynde . v. At what tyme . vi . In what place . vij . After what sorte . viij . How muche he would haue doen.

IF one b●e beaten blac●e and blewe , what is d●en . wee take it greuously : but if one be slain ▪ we are muche more troubled . Again , if a slaue or ruffine shall do suche a dede we are displeased , By whom . but if an officer , a preacher , or an hed i●ntleman , should vse any slauerie , wee are muche more agreued . Yea , or if a very notable euill man , commit suche an horrible offence , we thynke hym worthy to haue the lesse fauor . If a sturdy felowe be stroken , Against who● we are not so muche disquieted , as if a child , a woman , an aged man , a good man , or a chief officer , should be euil vsed . If the offence be committed vpon ●pon what mynde . a prepensed mynde , and wilfully , wee make muche more a do , then if it were doen by chaunce medly . At what 〈◊〉 . If it be doen vpon an holy daie , or els vpon ●he daie of Assise , or vpon the daie of a kynges coronacion , or about suche a sol●mpne tyme or if it bee dooen in the nighte , rather then at Noone daies , we make the matter greater , then if it had b●en dooen at another tyme . In what place In the course if one strike a man , it is ●hought greater , then if he should strike hym in the op●n streate . The maner of dooyng also , doeth muche moue the pacience of men as if one should cowardly kill one , After what sorte . and strike hym sodainly ▪ he were worthy greater blame , then if he should manfully set vpon hym : or if one kill his felowe secre●ly with a gunne ▪ he wer worthy more h●tred , then if he killed hym with a sword or if he wounded hym sore , or cruelly mangeled hym , we crie out muche more , then if he had barely killed hym . And las● of al , if his will had been to haue doen muche more then he did : How muche he would . we encrease our anger against his rage muche more , then euer we would els haue doen.

¶ Of mouyng pitee .

Nowe in mouyng pitie , and stirryng menne to mercie , the wrong doen must first be plainly told : or if the Iudges haue susteined the l●●e excremit●e , the best wer to will them to remember their awn state , how thei haue been abused in like maner , what wronges thei haue suffered by wicked doers : that by hearyng their awne , thei maie the better hearken to others .

Again , whereas all other miseries , that befall vnto man , are greuous to the ●are , there is nothing more he●nous , then to heare that the most honest men , are son●st ouerthrowe● by them that are moste wicked , and vertue put to flight , through the onely might of vice . That if the like hath not happened , vnto the hearers of this cause , yet it wer mere to shewe them that the like maie happen , and so require them to geue iudgement in this cause , as thei would doo in their awne , and rem●mber that harme may chaunce to euery one , that perhappes chaunceth to any one . And no doubt euery man remembryng hymself , and his awne case , will loke well about hym , and geue iudgement , accordyng to right .

Neither can any good be doen at all , when we haue saied all that euer we can , excepte we bryng thesame affeccions in our awne harte , the whiche wee would the Iudges should beare towardes our awne matter . He that will stirre affeccions to other ▪ muste first be moued hymself . For how can he be greued , with the report of any heinous acte , either in stomackyng the naughtinesse of the deede , or in bewailyng the miserable misfortune of the thyng , or in fearyng muche , the like euill hereafter : excepte the Oratour hymself vtter suche passions outwardly , and from his harte fetche his complaintes , in suche sort , that the matter maie appere , bothe more greuous to the eare , & therwith so heinous , that it requires earnestly aspedy reformacion ? There is no substaunce of it self , that wil take fire , excepte ye put fire to it . Likewise no mannes nature is so apt , streight to be heated , Heate , causeth heate . except the Orator himself , be on fire , and bryng his heate with hym . It is a common saiyng , nothyng kyndeleth soner then fire . And therefore a fierie stomack , ●auseth euermore a fierie tongue . And he that is heated with zeale and godlinesse , shall set other on fire with like affe●cion . No one man can better enuiegh against vice , then he can do ▪ whiche hateth vice with al his harte . Again , nothyng moyste●h soner then water . A wepyng iye ●r●uoketh m●ysture . Therefore a wepyng iye causeth muche moysture , and prouoketh teares . Neither is it any meruaile : for suche men bothe in their countenaunce , tongue , iyes , gesture , and in all their body els , declare an outwarde grief , and with wordes so vehemently and vnfeinedly , settes it forward , that thei will force a man to be sory with them , and take part with the●r teares , euen against his will , ●o●withstandyng , when suche affe●ciō● are moued , it wer good ●ot to stande long in them . For though a vehement talke maie moue teares , yet no arte can long hold theim . For as Cicero doth saie , nothyng drieth soner , then teares , especially when we lament another mans cause , & be sory with him for his sake

But now that I haue taught men to be sory , I wil attempt again to make them mery , and shewe what learned men saie concernyng laughter , in delityng the hearers when tyme and place shall best require .

¶ Of de●ityng the hearers , and stirryng them to laughter .

COnsideryng the dulnesse of mannes nature , Laughter m●uyng . that neither it can be attentiue to heare , nor yet st●●red to like or allowe , any tale long tolde , except it be ref●eshed , or finde some swete delite : the learned haue by wit●e and labor deuised muche varietee . Therefore sometymes in tellyng a weightie matter , thei bryng in some heuy 〈◊〉 , & moue them to be right sory , wherby the hearers are more attentiue . But after when thei are weried , either with ●●diousnesse of the matter , or heuines of the report : some pleasant matter is inuented both to quicken them again , & also to kepe th●im from sacietie . But surely fewe there be , that haue this gift in due tyme to chere men . Neither can any do it , whom nature h●th not framed , & geuen an aptnes therunto . Some mannes countenaunce will make pastyme , though he speake neuer a worde Yea , a foolishe worde , vttered by an apte manne , or a gesture straungely vsed by some pleasant body , set●es men ful oft vpon a laughter . And whereas some thinke it a trifle , to haue this gift , & so easy , that euery varlet or common iesture is able to matche with the best : yet it appereth that thei , whiche wittely can be pleasant , & when time serueth , can geue a mery answere , or vse a nippyng taunte , shal bee able to abashe a righte worthy man , & make hym at his wittes ende , through the sodein quip & vnloked frsipe geuen . I haue knowen some so hit of the thumbes , that thei could not tell in the world whether it were beste to fighte , chide , or to go their waie . And no meruaile : for wher the iest is aptly applied , the hearers laugh immediatly , & who would glad●y be laughed to scorne ? some can pretely by a word spoken , take occasion to be right mery . Other can iest at iarge , & tel a round tale pleasantly , though thei haue none occasion at that tyme geuen . But assuredly that mirth is more worth , whiche is moued by a word newly spoken , then if a long tale should pleasauntly be told . For asmuche as bothe it cometh vnlooked for , and also declares a quickenesse of witt● , worthy commendacion . There are fiue thynges , whiche Tullie note●h , concernyng pleasaunt talke .

i. What it is to delite the hearers . ij . Whereof it cometh . iij Whether an orator may moue laughter iiij . How largely he maie go , and what measure he must vse . v. What are the kyndes of sportyng , or mouyng to laughter .

Now to tell you in plain woordes , what laughter is , how it stirreth and occupieth the whole body , how it altereth the countenance , and sodainly brasteth out , that we cannot kepe it in : Let some mery man on Goddes name , take this matter in hande . For it passeth my cunnyng , and I thynke euen thei that can best moue laughter , would rather laugh merily when suche a question is put furthe , then geue answere earnestly , what , and how laughter is in deede .

The occasion of laughter , and the meane that maketh vs merie ( whiche is the second obseruacion ) is the fondnes , the filthnes , the deformitee , and all suche euill behauior , as we se to bee in other . For wee laugh alwaies at those thynges , whiche either onely or chiefly touche handsomely , and wittely some especiall fault , or fonde behauior in some one body , or some one thing . Sometymes we iest as a mannes body that is not well proporcioned , and laugh at his countenaunce , if either it be not comely by nature or els he through foly , cannot wel set it . For if his talke be fond , a mery man can want no matter to hit hym home , ye maie be assured . Some iest is made , when it toucheth no man at al , neither the demaunder neither the standers by , nor yet any other , and yet deliteth as muche the hearers , as any the other can do . Now when wee would abashe a man , for some woordes that he hath spoken , and can ta●e none adu●untage of his persone , or makyng of his body , wee either doulte hym at the firste , and make hym ●eleue , that he is no wiser then a Goose : or ●ls wee confute wholy his saiynges , with some pleasaunt iest , or els we extenua●e and diminishe his doynges , by some pretie meanes , or els we cast the like in his dishe , and with some other deuise , dashe hym out of countenance : or last of all , we laugh him to skorne out right , and sometymes speake almost neuer a word but onely in countenaunce shewe our selfes pleasaunt . Mirthe howe many waies 〈◊〉 is moued . But how soeuer we make sport , either the delite is vttered by countenaunce , or by poynctyng to some thyng , or els shewed at large by some tale , or els occasion taken by some word spoken

The .iij question is , whether it standeth with an Orators profession , to delite the hearers with pleasaunt reportes , and wittie saiynges , or no. Assuredly it behoueth a man , that must talke muche , euermore to haue regard to his audience , & not onely to speake so muche as is nedefull , but also to speake no longer then thei be willyng to heare Euen in this our tyme , some offende muche in tediousnesse , whose parte it were to confort all men with cherefulnes . Yea , the preachers of God , Prea●he●s . mynd so muche edefiyng of soules , that thei often forget , we haue any bodies . And therefore , some doo not so muche good with tellyng the truthe , as thei doe harme with dullyng the hearers , beyng so farre gone in their matters , that oftentymes thei cannot tell when to make an ende . 〈…〉 Pla●o therefore , the father of learnyng , and the well of all wisedome , when he hard Antisthenes make suche a long oracion , that he starke weried all his hearers , phy for shame man ( ꝙ he ) doest thou not knowe , that the measuryng of an oracion , standeth not in the speaker , but in the hearers . But some perha●ps wil saie vnto me pascite quantum in uobis est , to whom I answere , estote prudentes . ● . Peter .v. Math. x. And now bicaus● our senses be suche , that in hearyng a right wholsome matter , wee either fall a sl●pe , when we should moste harken , or els are weried with stil hearyng one thyng , without any change , and thinke that the best part of his tale , resteth in ma●yng an ende : the wittie & learned haue vsed delitefull saiynges , and quicke sentences euer ●mong their weightie causes , consideryng that not onely good wil is got therby ( for what is he that loueth not mirth ? ) but also men wounder at suche a head , as hath mennes hartes at his commaundement , beyng able to make theim merie when he list , and that by one worde speakyng , either in answeryng some thyng spoken before , or els oftentymes , in geuyng the onset , beyng not prouoked thereunto . Again , we se that men are full oft abashed , and putte out of countenaunce , by suche tauntyng meanes , and those that haue so dooen , are compted to be fine men , and pleasaunt felowes , suche , as fewe dare set foote with them .

Thus knowyng , that to moue s●orte , is lawfull for an orator , or any one that shall talke , in any open assembly : good it were to knowe , what compasse he should kepe , that should thus be merie . For feare he take to muche ground , and go beyonde his boundes . Iestyng when it should bee spaced . Therfore , no suche shou●d be taunted , or iested with all , that either are notable euill liuers , and heynous offendours : or els are pit●full caitifes , & wretched beggers . For euery one thinketh it a better and a meter deede , to punishe naughtie packes , then to shoffe at their euill demeanoure : and as for wretched soules , or poore bodies , none can beare to haue them mocked , but thinke rather , that thei should be pitied , except thei foolishely vaunt themselfes . Again , none suche should be made any laughy●g stockes , that either are honest of behauiour , or els are generally welbeloued . As for other , we maie be bold to talke with them , & make suche game and pastime , as their good wittes shal geue good cause . But yet this one thyng , we had nede euer to take with vs , that in all our iestyng we kepe ameane , wherin not onely it is mete to auoyde al grosse bourdyng , and alehouse iestyng , but also to eschue al folishe talke , & ruffin maners , such as no honest eares can ones abide , nor yet any wittie man can like well , or allowe .

¶ The diuision of pleasau●t behauiour .

PLeasauntnesse , either appereth in tellyng a rounde tale , Mirthe makyng , twoo waies vsed . or els in takyng occasion of some one worde . The matter is told pleasauntly , when some mannes nature ( whereof the ●ale is tolde , ) is so set furthe , his countenaunce so counterfeited , and all his iesture so resembled , that the hearers might iudge the thing , to be then liuely doen , euen as though he were there , whereof the ●ale was told . Some can so l●u●ly set furthe another mannes nature , and with suche grace reporte a tale : that fewe shal be able to forbeare laughter , whiche knowe bothe parties , though thei would the contrary neuer so fain . Now in ●ount●rf●ityng after this sort ▪ if suche moderacion be not vsed , that the hearer maie iudge more by hymself , then the pleasant disposed man is willyng fully to set furth : it will not be well liked . For he that excedeth and telleth all : yea , more then is nedefull , without al repect , or consideracion had : thesame shal be taken for a common iesture , suche as knowe not howe to make an ende , when thei once b●ginne , beyng better acquainted with bible bable , then knowyng the frute of wisedomes lore .

Pleasantnesse in a saiyng , Pleasauntnes in a ●aiyng . is stirred by the quicke altryng of some one worde , or of some one sentence . But euen as in reportyng a tale , or counterfeityng a manne , so muche is euer naught : so scurrilitie or ( to speake in old plain english ) knauery in iestyng would not be vsed , where honestie is estemed Therfore though there be some wit , in a pretie deuised ieste : ●et we ought to take hede , that we touche not those , whom we would be moste loth to offend . And yet some had as l●u● lose their life , as not bestowe their conceiued iest , and oftentimes thei haue , as thei desire . But shall I say of suche wilful men , as a Spaniard spake of an earnest Gospeller , that for woordes spoken against an Ecclesiasticall lawe , suffered death in Smithe fielde ? Ah miser , non potuit tacere & uiue●e ? Ah wretche that he was , could he not liue , and held his peace ?

Again , to iest when occasion is geuen , or when the iest maie touch al men : it is thought to be against al good maner . Therfore the consideracion of time , Di●ference betwi●te a common ieste● and a pleasaunt wise manne . & moderacion of pastyme , & s●ldome vsyng of drie mockes , euen when nede moste requireth , make a difference , and shewe a seuerall vnderstandyng , betwirte a common iester , and a pleasaunt wise man .

Now the time requireth , to shew what kindes there are of mouyng laughter , & makyng the hearer to be mery : notwithstanding this would first be learned , that out of diuerse pleasant speches , auncient saiynges also maie be gathred . As for example we maie by one worde , bothe pra●se a faithfull seruaunt and if he be naught , we maie also iest of him , & dispraise him . According to that mery saiyng of Nero , vpon his man that was light fingered . I haue one at home ( ꝙ he ) emong all other , to whom there is no cofer lockt , nor dore shut in all my house ▪ meanyng that he was a picklocke , and a false verl●t , and yet these wordes might haue been spoken of a faithfull seruaunt .

We shall delite the hearers , Pleasaunt answeres made , contrary to our lokyng , delite vs muche . when thei looke for one answere , and we make theim a cleane contrary , as though wee would not seme to vnderstande , what thei would haue . As when one commyng from a faire , and beyng asked in good sadnesse of another , howe horses went there . Marie ꝙ he , some trotte , and some amble . And thus beyng deceiued of our lookyng ( for who would haue lookte for suche an answere ? ) we are oft delited with our awne errour . Again , one Pontidius beyng sore greued , that another man had committed aduoutrie came to a frend of his , and saied sadly : Ah lorde , what thinke you sir of hym , that was taken in bedde of late ▪ with another mannes wife ? Marie ꝙ the other , I thynke him to be a very sluggard . Pontidius hearyng him saie so , was abashed at the straungenesse of h●s answere , and lokyng for no suche thyng was driuen to laugh at his awne errour , although before , he was muche greued with th aduouterers moste wicked deede .

One beyng sore greued with the euill behauiour of a certain ●entleman , spake his pleasure largely against hym , whervpon another merie man , dissemblyng to take his part , said he was an honester man then so . Yea ( ꝙ thother ) what one thing hath he , wherby to proue himself honest at al ? Marie ( ꝙ the man ) he hath the kynges pardon , & what saie you to tha● ?

When is it best to dine ( ꝙ one ) to Diogenes ? Diogenes . Mary ( ꝙ he ) for a riche man , when he list : for a poore man w●en he canne .

A nob●e man that whilome kept a chapell , beyng disposed to serue God , went to his closette deuoutely , and made hym self redy to praie , wherupon one came doune in hast , and said to the Chaunter , you muste begin sir. The Chaunter beyng a merie man , answered thus , as though he were angry . Begin ꝙ he ? I will begin with none , e●cept thei begin with me And so made the whole Quier , that then was redy for syngyng , to fall streight a laughyng The whiche is all one , for , syng we , or laugh we , what maketh matter , so we be merie ?

Wordes wordes doubt fully spoken . doubtfully spoken , geue often iust occasion of muche laughter . Ah ( ꝙ a certa●n man ) do you se yonder felowe , & do you knowe him ? Yea , ( quod the other ) I knowe him verye well . I shall tell you sir ( saide the gentilman ) there is not a manne of greater vnderstandinge within this Citye then he is . Tushe it is not so ( quod he . ) No ? ( saide the other ) marcke well the bought of his legge , and you sha●l see hys vnderstand●nge worthye to be compared with the beste , and greatest of them all .

Sometimes it is well liked , whan by the chaungynge of a letter , Chaungyng of a letter , or al●ering parte of a word , or adding a silla●le . or takinge awaye some parte of a worde , or addinge sometimes a sillable , we make an other meaninge . As one saide that meante full vnhappelye , enue●ghynge againste those that helde of Christes spirituall beynge in the Sacrament : some ( quod he ) wil haue a Trope to be in these wordes : This is my bodye : But surely I would wishe the T. were taken awaye , and they had that for their labour , whiche is lefte behinde .

What carye you master Person ( quod a gentilman ) to a Prieste that hadde his woman on horsebacke behynde him , haue you gotte your male behinde you ? No syr ( quod the Prieste ) it is my female .

The interpretation of a worde doth oft declare a witte . Interpreta●●on of a word . As when one hath done a robbery , some wil saye , it is pitie , he was a handsome man , to the which another made answere you saye truthe syr , for he hathe made these shyftes by hys handes , and gotte his liuyng wyth lyght fingeringe , & therfore beinge handsome as you saye he is , I woulde God he were handsomelye hanged .

Sometimes it is delightfull when a mannes word is taken , and not his meaninge . ●vordes tak● and not the meanyng . As when one hadde sayde to an other ( whose helpe he must nedes haue ) I am sory sir to put you to paynes : The other aunswered , I will ease you syr of that sorowe , for I will take no paynes for you at all .

The turning of a word , & deniynge that wherwith we are charged , & aunswering An aunswere from euyll to worse . a much worsse , doth often moue the hearer . There was one Bassus ( as Quintilian dothe tell ) whiche seinge a Ladye called Domitia to be very nighe her selfe , spake his pleasure of her . Wherupon she being greued charged hym wyth these woordes , that he shoulde saye she w●s suche a pyuche penye , as woulde sell her olde shoue for money , ●●udgynge wit●ely re●uked . whereupon he aunswered , No forsothe mad●me ( quod he ) I saide not so , but these were my wordes , I saide you bought olde sho●e , suche as you coulde ge● best cheape for money .

The Hollanders woordes ars worthye rehearsall , who beynge a pore man ( as Erasmus telleth the tale ) had a cow or two goyng in ●he communes , wherupon it happened that an Oxe of a riche mans , who then was Maior of the towne hadde gored the pore mannes cowe , and almoste kylled her . The pore man being in this case halfe vndone , thought notwithstanding by a wittye deuise to get right iudg●ment of master Maior for the losse of his cowe , if he gotte nothynge elles , and therfore thus he framed his tale . A wittie deuised tale to g●t ryght iudgment Sir so it is that my cowe hath gored and almoste kylled your Oxe . What ha●h she ( quod he ) by sainte Marye thou shalte pay for him then . Naye ( quod the poore man ) I crye you mercye , youre Oxe hathe gored my cowe . Ah ( quod the Maior ) that is an other matter , we wyl talke of that hereafter at more leasure

These wordes were spoken of purpose , but now you shal heare what an olde woman spake of simplicitie . In the dotynge worlde , when stockes were saintes , and ●umme walles spake , this olde grandamme was deuoutelye kneling vpon her knees before the ymage of our Ladye . Wherupon a merye felowe asked her what she meante to crouche & knele there . Marie ( quod the olde mother ) I praye to our Ladye , that she maye praye to her Sonne for me : with that he laughed at her ignoraunce . A 〈◊〉 bly●d answere Wherupon she thinkinge that her wordes were spoken amisse , corrected her owne sayinge in this wise . Naye ( quod she ) I praye to Christe in heauen , that he will praye for me to this good Ladye here .

Wordes rehearsed contrarie to that which was spoken , & ( as a man would say ) ouerthwartly answered , ●●ordes o●ert●wartly aunswered . do much abash the opponent , & delite the hearers . As when Sergius Galba being sicke , & therfore ●eping his house , had appointed certaine of his frendes to hear a matter of one Libo Scribonius , Tribune of the people , a man muche noted for hys noughtye and vncleane life : this Libo saide to him in this wise . Good Lorde , when shall wee see you Sir abroade , out of youre Parloure . Marye ( quod he ) when thou kepeste thy selfe oute of an other mannes chambre , meanynge that he was ouer familiar with an other mans wife . Thus we se howe and in what maner pleasaunt sawes are gathered and vsed , vpon the occasion of diuers wordes spoken .

Pleasaunte sporte made by rehearsynge of ● whole matter

THe nature & whole course of a matter being largelye set oute with a comelye behauoure doth much delite the hearers , and geu●th good cause of greate pastime . And this difference is betwene a ●este in a word , and a iest vtterde in a longe tale . That whiche is still deliteful , with what wordes soeuer you tell it , is cont●in●d in the substaunce or nature of a longe tale : 〈◊〉 betwirt a 〈◊〉 in a word , 〈◊〉 a ●est in a long●●ale . that which loseth his grace by alteration of a worde , is conteyned in the nature of a woorde . They that can liuely tell pleasaunt tales and merye dedes done , and set theim oute as well with gesture as with voyce , leauynge nothynge behynde , that maye serue for beautifiynge of their matter : are mooste mete for thys purpose , wherof assuredlye there are but fewe . And whatsoeuer he is that canne aptelye tell his tale , and wyth countenaunce , voyce , and gesture , so temper his reporte , that the hearers maye styll take delyte : him counte I a man worthye to be hyghlye estemed . For vndoubtedlye no man can dooe anye suche thinge , excepte they haue a greate mother wytte , and by experience confirmed suche their comelines , wherunto by nature they were most apte . Many a man readeth histories , heareth fables , seeth worthye actes done euen in this our age , but few can set them out accordingly , and tel them liuely , as the matter selfe requireth to be told The kindes of delitinge in this sorte are diuers : wherof I will set forth many , as hereafter they shall folowe .

Sporte moued by tellinge olde tales .

IF there be any olde tale or straunge history wel & wittely applied to some man liuing , al men loue to hear it of life . As if one wer called Arthur , some good felow that were well acquainted wyth kynge Arthures bok● , and the knightes of his rounde table , woulde wante no matter to make good sporte , and for a nede woulde dubbe him knyght of the rounde table , or els proue him to be one of his kynne , or ●ls ( whiche were muche ) proue him to be Arthure hym selfe . And so likewise of other names , mery panions would make madde pastime .

Oftentimes the deformitie Deformitie of bodye moueth myrthe . of a mans bodye geueth ma●ter enoughe to be ryght merye , or els a picture in shape lyke an other man , will make some to laughe right hartely . One being greued with an other man , saide in his anger , I will set the oute in thy coloures , I will shewe what thou arte . The other beinge therwith muche chafed , shewe ( quod he ) what thou canste : with that he shewed him , ( pointinge with his finger ) a man with a bottell nose , blobbe cheaked , and as redde as a Bouchers bowle , euen as like the other manne , as anie one in all the worlde could be . I neede not to saye that he was angrye . An other good felowe beinge merelye disposed , called his acquaintaunce vnto him & said : Come hither I saie , and I wil shewe thee as verye a lowte as euer thou sawest in all thy lyfe before , with that he offered him at his commynge a stele glasse to loke in . But surelye I thynke he loked awrye , for if I hadde bene in hys case , I woulde haue tolde him that I espied a muche greater lowte , before I sawe the glasse .

In augmentynge Augmentyng or d●minishynge or diminishinge without all reason , we geue good cause of muche pastyme . As Diogenes seynge a pretye towne , hauinge a greate payre of Gates at the comminge in : Take hede quod he , you menne of this towne , lest your towne runne out of your gates . That was a marueylous bygge Gate I trow , or els a wonderfull little towne , where suche passage shoulde be made .

A Frier disposed to tell misteries , opened to the People that the soule of man was so little , that a leuen thousande might daunce vpon the nayle of his thumbe . One marueylinge much at that , I praye you master Frier quod he , wher shall the piper stande then , when suche a number shall kepe so small a roume .

Mirthe is moued when vpon a trifle or a worde spoken , an vnknowen matter and weightye Openynge a weyghtye 〈◊〉 vnknowen ●hynge affayre is opened . As if one shoulde finde fault with some mannes sumptuous buildinge , or other suche thinge : whiche hadde founde muche fa●oure at the same mans hande : an other myght saye , well sir , he that builded this house , saued your worship from hanginge when the time was . A nececessarie note for him thankefullye to remembre the builder of that house , & not slaunderouslye to speake euil of him .

It is a pleasaunt dissembling , Dissemblyng● when we speake one thing merelye , and thyncke an other earnestlye , or elles when we prayse that which otherwise deserueth disprayse , to the shaming of those that are taken to be most honest .

As in speakinge of one that is well knowen to be nought , to saye emong all men that are sene to , there is one that lacketh his rewarde . He is the diligentiest felowe in hys callinge of all other , he hath traueyled in behalfe of his countrey , he hath watched daye and night to further his commune weale ▪ and to aduaunce the dignitye therof , and shall he go emptye home ? Who stode by it at suche a felde , who played the man and cryed , stoppe the thiefe , when suche a man was robbed ? Who seeth good rule kept in suche a place ? can anye here charge him with bawdrye ? Whiche of you all dare saye or can say that euer you sawe him dro●ke , if then these be true , ought not suche to be sene to : and rewarded accordingelye ? For praysinge the vnworthye , I remember once that our worthy Latimer did set out the deuyll for his diligence wonderfullie , and preferred him for that purpose before all the Bishoppes in England . And no doubte , the wicked be more busye and stirrynge , then the children of light be in their generation .

What talke you of suche a man ( say the an other ) there is an honest man ye maye be assured . For if a man had neade of one , he is ready at a pynche , his body sweates for honesty , if you come to him in a hotte sommers day , you shal se his honestye in such sort to reeke , that it woulde pitye any christian soule liuinge . He hath more honestye with him then he neades , and therfore bothe is able and will lende , where it pleaseth him best . Beware of him aboue all menne that e●uer you knewe . He hathe no felowe , there is none suche , I thinke he wil not liue longe ▪ he is so honest a man , the more pitye that suche good felowes shoulde knowe what deathe meaneth . But it maketh no matter , when he is gone , all the worlde will speake of him , hys name shall neuer dye , he is so well knowen vniuersallye .

Thus we maye mockingelye speake well of him , when there is not a noughtyer felowe wythin all . Englande agayne , and euen as well sette out his noughtines this way , as thoughe we hadde in verye dede vttered all his noughty conditions plainelye , and without iestinge . Emonge al that euer were pleasaunte in this kinde of delite , Socrates beareth the name , and maye worthelye chalenge prayse . Sir Thomas More with vs here in England ▪ had an excellent gifte not onely in this kinde , but also in all other pleasaunt delites , whose witte euen at this houre is a wonder to al the worlde , & shal be vndoubtedly , euen vnto the worldes ende . Unto this kinde of dissembling , is nexte adioyn●nge a maner of speache , when wee geue an honeste name to an euyll deede . As when I woulde call one accordingly that is of a noughtye beha●oure , to saye : Ah sirrha , you are a marchant in dede : Wher as I thinke a marchauntes name is honest . Some olde felowes when they thinke one to be an heritique they will saye , he is a gospeller . Some newe felowes when they thinke one a Papist , they wil call him straight a catholique , & be euen with him at the landes ende . Contrariwise some will geue an ●uil name to a good thinge : As a father louynge his Sonne tenderlye , and hauynge no cause to be greued with him , will sometimes saye to him : Come hither sir knaue , and the mother merelye beynge disposed , wyll saye to her swete Sonne : Ah you little horeson , wyll you serue me so . Where as I thyncke some womenne that ofte so saye , wil sweare vpon a booke they are none suche , and almoste I hadde sayde , I dare sweare for some of theim my selfe , if God hadde not forbidden me to sweare at all .

This Kynde also is pretye , when we gather an other thinge by a mannes t●le , then he woulde ●ladly we shoulde gather . When Liuius Sali●ator a Romayne capitaine hadde kepte the Castell of Taren●um losinge the towne to Anni●al his enemye , 〈…〉 and that Maximus therupon had layed siege to the same towne , and gotte it againe by the swerde : then Sali●ator whyche thus kepte the Castell , desiered him to remember , that throughe his meanes he gotte the towne , Why shoulde I not ( quod he ) thyncke so ? for if you had neuer lost it , I had neuer gotte it .

To dissemble sometymes as thoughe wee vnderstode not what one meant , declareth an apte witte , ●nd much deliteth such as heare it . Diogenes 〈◊〉 . was asked on a time what wyne he loued beste to drincke . Marye ( quod he ) an other mannes wyne , meanynge that he loued that dryncke best , that coste him leaste . The same Diogenes likewyse was asked what one shoulde geue hym to lette him haue a blowe at his heade . Marye a Helmet quod he .

One Octa●ius a Libian borne ( as witnesseth ) Macrobius sayde vnto Tullie when he spake hys mynde vpon a matter . Sir I heare you not , I praye you speake owder . No ( quod Tullie ) ? that is maruaile to me , for as I do remember , your eares are well bored thorowe , meanynge that he was nayled vpon a Pillarie , or ●lles hadde holes made in his eares , whyche myght well serue ( as Tullie iested ) to receiue open ayre .

When Mettellus toke muster & required Cesar to be there , not abiding that he should be absent , thoughe his eyes greued him , and said : What man do you se nothing at all ? Yes marye quod Cesar , as euil as I se , I can se a lordship of yours the which was .iiii. or .v. miles from Rome ) declaringe that ( his building was ouer sumptuous , and so howge with●ll , ( muche aboue his degree ) that a blind man myght almost se it . Nowe in those dayes ouercostlye building was generally hated , because men sought by suche meanes to get fame & beare rule in the commune weale .

The like also is of one Nasica who when he came to the Poet Ennius , and askinge at the gates if Ennius were at home , the maide of the house , beinge so commaunded by her m●ster , made aunswere that he was not within . And when he perceyued that she so said● by her maisters commaundemente , he wente straight his waye , and saide on more .

Nowe shortelye after when Ennius ●nnius pleasaunt answer to Nasica came to Nasica and called for him at the dore , Nasica cried out alowde & sayde , Sirrha , I am not at home ? What manne ( quod Ennius ) I heare the speake . Do not I knowe thy voyce ? Then ( quod Nasica ) Ah shamelesse man that thou arte , when I sought thee at thy home , I did beleue thy maide when she said thou wast not at home , and wilte not thou beleue me when I tel thee myne owne selfe that I am not at home ?

It is a pleasaunte hearynge , when one is mocked ● man m●●●ed with the s●me he bryngeth with the same that he bryngeth . As when one . Q. Opimius hauinge an euill name for hys light behauoure had saide to a pleasaunte man Egilius that semed to be wanton of liuing , and yet was not so : Ah my swete darling Egilia , when wilt thou come to my house swete wenche , with thy rocke & thy spindle ? I dare not in good faith ( quod he , ) mi mother hath forbidde me to come to anye suspected house where euil rule is kepte .

Those iestes are bitter whiche haue a hid vnderstanding in them , wherof also a man maye gather muche more then is spoken . A homelye felowe made his woful lamentation to Diogenes in most pitiful sorte , because his wife had hanged her selfe vpon a Figge tree , hopinge to finde some comforte at his hande . But Diogenes Diogenes doggysh aunswe● in despyte of ●omen . hearinge this straunge deede , For the loue of God ( quod he ) geue me some slippes of that tree , that I might set them in some orcharde . The frute liked him well , and belyke he thought that such slippes woulde haue bene as good to dispatche noughtye womenne , as lime twigges are thought mete to catch wild birdes withal

An Archideacon , beyng nothinge so wise as he was welthy , nor yet so learned , as he was worshipfull , asked a yo●ge man once , whether he hadde a good witte , or no. Yes mary sir ( quod he ) your wytte is good inoughe if you kepe it still , and vse it not , for euerye thinge as you knowe is the worsse for the wearinge . Thou sayest euen truth ( q●od he ) for that is the matter that I neuer vsed preachyng● for it is no●hyng but a waistyng of wit●e , and a spen●yng of wynde . And ●et if I woulde preache , I thynke I could do as wel as the best of them . Yea sir ( ꝙ he ) but yet I would ye should ●o● proue is for feare of strainyng your selfe to muche : Why ? Do●●t thou feare that ( ꝙ he ? ) nay thou maist be assured , I w●l neuer preache so long as I lyue , God beeyng my good Lorde . There are ouer many Heretiques , for good meanyng men to speake any thyng now a daies . You saie euen truth ( ꝙ the young man ) and so went forthe , but to tel al , I had neede to haue tyme of an other worlde , or at the lest to h●ue breathe of an other bodie .

An vnlearned Oratour made an Oration on a tyme , thynkyng that he had with his wel doyng deli●ed muche al m●n , & moued them to mercie & pitie , & therfore sittyng doune , he asked one Catulus if he had not moued the hearers to mercie . Yes marie ( ꝙ he ) & that to great mercie & pitie bothe , for I thynk there is none here so hard harted , but thought your oration very miserable , & therfore nedeful to be greatly pi●ied .

Churlishe aunsweres , lyke the hearers some tymes very well . When the father was cast in iudgement , the sonne seyng hym wepe : Why wepe you father ? ( ꝙ he ) To whome his father aunswered : What ? Shall I syng I praie the , seeyng by a lawe I am condempned to dye . Socrates lykewyse beeyng mo●ed of his wyfe because he shoulde dye an innocent and giltelesse in the lawe : Why for shame woman ( ꝙ he ) wilt thou haue me to dye giltie & deseruyng . When one had fal●e into a ditche , an other pitiyng his fall , asked hym , and said : Alas how got you into that pit ? Why , Gods mother ( ꝙ the other ) doest thou aske me how I gotte in , nay tel me rather in the mischief how I shal gette out .

There is an other contrarie vnto this kynd , when a man suffereth wrong , & geueth no sharpe answere at al. As when Cato was stroken of one that caried a chest ( some saie a long ●owle ) when the other said , after he had hit hym : Take hede sir I pray you : why ( ꝙ Cato ) doest thou cary any thyng els .

Folie and lacke of naturall wit , or els wante of honestie geue good matter of myrthe often tymes . When Scipio beyng Pretor had appoincted vnto a certaine Sicilian , one to be his lawyer that was of a good house , and had an euill witte , litle better than half a foole : I praie you ( ꝙ the Sicilian to Scipio ) appoint this lawier for myne aduersarie , and let me haue none at al hardely .

In speakyng against an euill man , ●vishyng . & wishyng somewhat thereupon , a iest may seene delitefull . When an euill man had accused many persons , and none toke any harme by hym but rather were acquited from tyme to tyme , and taken the sooner for honest men : Now would to Christes passion ( ꝙ a naughtie fellow ) that he were myne accuser , for them should I bee taken for an honest man also , through his accusacion , Demonides hauyng crooked feete , lost on a tyme bothe his shoone , wherupon he made his praier to God that his shoone might serue his feete that had stolne them away . A shrewde wishe for hym that had the shoone , and better neuer weare shoone , than steale them so dearely .

Thynges gathered by coniecture Coniectures . to seeme otherwise than they are , delite muche the eares being wel applied together . One was charged for robbyng a Churche , and almost euidently prou●d to be an offendour i● that behaulfe ▪ the saied man to saue hymself harmelesse , reasoned thus : Why ( ꝙ he ) how should this be , I neuer robbed house , nor yet was euer faultie in any offence besides , how then shoulde I presume to robbe a Churche ? I haue loued the Churche more than any other , & wil louers of the Churche robbe the Churche ? I haue geuen to the Churche , howe happeneth that I am charged to take from the Churche hauyng euer so good mind to church dignitie ? assure your selues thei passed litle of the Churche , that would auenture to robbe the Churche . Thei are no Churche men , they are masterlesse men , or rather S. Niclas Clarkes , that lacke liuyng , and goyng in procession takes the Churche to be an Hospitall for waie fairers , or a praie for poore and nedie beggers : but I am not suche man .

Thynges wantyng , Thynges wantyng . make good pastyme beyng aptely vsed . Alacke , alacke , if suche a one had somewhat to take to , & were not past grace : he would doe well enough without all doubt . I warrant hym , he wantes nothyng saieth an other of a couetouse man but one thyng , he hath neuer enough .

Suche a man hath no fault , but one , and if that were amend●d , all were well : what is that ꝙ an other ? In good ( faith ) he is nought .

To geue a familiar aduise in the waie of pastyme , deliteth muche the hearers . Familiare aduise geuyng . When an vnlerned lawyer had been hourese and almost lost his voice with ouerlong speakyng , one Granius gaue him counsel to drynke swete wine could , so sone as he came home . Why ( ꝙ he ) I shall lose my voice , if I do so . Marie ( ꝙ he ) and better do so , then vndo thy cliē● and lose his matter altogether .

But among all other kyndes of delite there is none that so muche comforteth and gladdeth the hearer , Thynges ●●●ken contrarie to expcction . as a thyng spoken contrarie to th erpectation of other . Augustus Emperour of Rome seeyng a handsome young man there , whiche was muche like vnto hymselfe in contenaunce , asked hym if euer his mother was in Rome , as thoughe he had been his bastard . No forsouth ( ꝙ he ) but my father hath been here very often : with that th emperour was abasshed , as though the emperours own mother had been an euil woman of her body

When an vnlearned Phisicion ( as England lacketh none suche ) had come to Pausanias a noble Ientleman , and asked him if he were not troubled muche with sicknes . No sir ( ꝙ he ) I am not troubled at al , I thancke God , because I vse not thy counsaill . Why doe ye accuse me ( ꝙ the Phisicion ) that neuer tryed me ? Mary ( ꝙ Pausanias ) if I had ones tryed the , I shoulde neuer haue accused the ▪ for then I had been deade , and in my graue many daies agone .

An English Phisicion ridyng by the way , & seyng a great company of men gatherd together , sent his man to know what the matter was , whereupon his man vnderstandyng that one there was appointed to suffer for killyng a man : came ridyng backe in al post haste , and cried to his master , long before he came at him : Get you hence sir , get you hence for Gods loue . What meanes thou ( ꝙ his master ) . Mary ( ꝙ the seruaunt ) yonder man shal dye for killyng of one man , and you I dare saye , haue kilde a hundreth menne in your daies : Gette you hence thereore for Gods loue , if you loue your selfe . Examples bee innumerable that serue for this purpose .

A man may by hearyng a loude lye , A lye mocked with a lye . pre●●ly mocke the lye by reportyng a greater lye . When one beyng of a lowe degre and his father of meane welthe , had vaunt●d muche of the good house that his father kepte , of two Be●fes spent wekelie , and halfe a score Tunne of wyne dronke in a yeare , an other good fellowe hearyng hym lye so shamefully : I deede ( ꝙ he ) Beefe is so plentiful at my master your fathers house that an Oxe in one daie is nothyng , and as for wyne , Beggers that come to the doore are serued by whole gallondes . And as I remember your father hath a spryng of wyne in the middest of his Court , God continue his good house kepyng .

Oftentymes we may graunt to an other , the same that they wil not graunt to vs . Grauntyng to o●her thesame , that they wil not graunt to vs . When a base born felowe whose parentes were not honest , had charged Lelius that he did not liue ac●ordyng to his auncesters : yea , but thou doest liue ( ꝙ Lelius ) accordyng to thy elders .

One beeyng a ientlemen in byrthe , and an vnthrifte in condicions , called an other man in reproche begger & slaue . Better be born a begger , than dye a begger . In dede Sir ( ꝙ the poore man ) you are no begger borne , but I feare me ye wil dye one .

An other lykewyse called Diogenes varlet and caitif , to wh●me Diogenes aunswered in this wyse . In dede suche a one haue I been as thou now art , but suche a one as I now am , shalt thou neuer be .

Salust Salust . beeyng a ientleman borne , and a man of muche welth , and yet rather by birthe , noble : than by true dealyng honest : enuied muche the estimacion whiche Tullie had emong al men , and said to hym before his face : Thou art no ientleman borne , and therefore not meete to beare Office in this commune weale : In dede ( ꝙ Tullie ) my nobilitie begynnes in me , and thyne dothe ende in the. Meanyng thereby that though Salust were borne noble , yet he were lyke to dye wretched , whereas Tullie beeyng borne both poore , and base , was lyke to dye with honour , because of his vertue , wherein chefely consisteth nobili●ie .

There is a pleasaunt Pleasaunt di●sem●lyng in outwarde behauiour . kynde of di●semblyng when twoo meetes together , and the one cannot well abyde the other : and yet they both outwardely striue to vse pleasaunt behauiour , and to show muche courtesie : yea to contende on both partes , whiche should passe other in vsyng of faire wordes , and makyng liuely countenaunces : sekyng by dissemblyng , the one to deceiue the other . Checkyng a lyar with an open mocke .

When we see a notable lye vtterde , we checke the offendour openly with a pleasaunt mocke . As when one Uibius Curius did speake muche of his yeares and made hym selfe to be much younger then he was : ( ꝙ Tullie ) why than master Uibius as farre as I can gather by my reckenyng , when you and I declamed together last , you were not then borne by al likelyhoode , if that be true whiche you saie .

When Fabia Dolobella said to thesame Tullie that she was but thirtie yeres of age ( as women by their good willes would neuer be olde ) I thynke so ( ꝙ Tullie ) for I haue heard you saie no lesse , xx . yeres ago .

A Souldiour that thoug●t his estimacion stoude moste in the vertue of his hande gunne , made a marueilouse braggue of it , and said he was able to showte leauel a great deale farther than any one there would beleue hym to saye truth : wherpon he called for his man to beare witnesse of the same , and asked hym whether it were so , or no. In deede ( ꝙ his man ) you say truth , but then you muste remember Sir , you had the wynde with you when you shotte so farre . Belyke he thought , there woulde neuer come suche a wynde again .

¶ Of disposicion and apte orderyng of thynges .

I Haue trauailed hetherto in teachyng the right way to fynde meete matter for euery cause , vsyng suche Arte as my slender witte coulde best yelde . And now , nexte and immediatly after inuention , I thinke meete to speake of framyng and placyng an Oration in order , that the matter beeyng aptely sartelde , and couched together : might better please the hearers , and with more ease be learned of all men . And the rather I am earnest in this behaulfe , because I knowe that al thynges stande by order , and without order nothyng can be . For by an order wee are borne , by an order wee lyue , and by an order wee make our end . By an order one ruleth as head , and other obey as members . By an order Order of what sorte it is . Realmes stande , and lawes take force . Yea by an order the whole worke of nature and the perfite state of al the elementes haue their appointed course . By an order we deuise , we learne , and frame our dooynges to good purpose . By an order the Carpenter hath his Squyre , his Rule , and his Plumme● . The Tailour his mette Yarde , & his measure : The Mason his Former , and his Plaine , and euery one accordyng to his callyng frameth thynges thereafter . For though matter be had , and that in greate plentie : yet al is to no purpose , if an order be not vsed . As for example : What auaileth Stoone , if Masons doe not worke it ? What good dothe clothe , if Tailours take no measure , or do not cutte it out ? Though Tymber be had for makyng a Shippe , and al other thynges necessarie , yet the shippe shal neuer be perfite , till worke men begynne to set to their handes , and ioyne it together . In what a comenly order hath God made man , whose shape is not thought perfite , if any parte be altered ? yea al folke would take hym for a monster , whose feete should occupie the place of his handes . An army neuer getteth victorie , that is not in araie , and sette in good order of battail . So an Oration hath litle force with it , and dothe smally profite , whiche is vtterde without all order . And needes must he wander , that knowes not howe to goe , neither can he otherwyse chouse , but stumble : that gropyn● in the darke , can not tel where he is : Yea he must nedes both leaue muche vnspoken , repeate often , thynges spoken before , not knowing what , nor wher to speake best : that geues hym selfe rather to take the chaunce of fortune , than to folowe the right way of aduised counsell . What shoulde a man do with a weapon that knoweth not howe to vse it ? What though one haue mountaines of golde , what auaileth hym to haue suche heapes , if he cannot tel how to bestow them ? It is not enough to haue learnyng , but it is al to vse learnyng . Therefore because this parte of bestowyng matter , and placyng it in good order , is so necessarie : I will showe what the learned haue saied in this behaulfe so muche as I shall thynke nedeful .

Disposic●on what it is .

DIsposicion ( as Tullie doth define it ) is a certaine bestowyng of thynges , and an apte declaryng , what is meete for euery parte , as tyme and place do beste require .

¶ Diuidyng of Disposicion .

THere are two kyndes of disposyng , and placyng of matter . The one is when we folowe the appointed rule of Rethorique , the whiche nature doth almost teache vs : The other is wholy fasshioned by the discretion of hym that makes the Oration .

Rethorique Rhetorique what it ●ea●●heth , for orderyng of thynges . doeth teache vs , and nature also leadeth vs thereunto , first to speake somwhat before we open our matter , after that to tell the cause of our entent , settyng forthe the matter plainly that al may vnderstand it , then to proue our owne cause by good reason , and to confute all suche thinges as are contrarie to our purpose : last of al , to gather the whole in a somme , concludyng the matter briefely , and so to make an ende . Nowe to place those reasons , whiche shoulde both serue to confirme and to confute , and to tel in what parte of the Oration it were best to vse this reason , and that reason , that the rather wee might proue , teache , and perswade : a right wyse man had nede to take this matter in hande . For euen as the tyme , the place , the iudge , and the matter it selfe shal geue cause : so must a wyse body take his aduantage . Sometymes it shal be expedient to vse no preface at al , or els when the matter is wel knowne , it will be good to leaue the matter vntolde , and streight to seeke the confirmacion , vsyng some stronge reason for the same purpose . Yea sometymes it may do good to neglecte the naturall order , and begynne firste to proue the cause , and afterwarde to tell it better , than it was tolde before .

If the iudge , or the hearers shal be weried with other ●eportes before , it is beste to goe to the matter , and proue it out of hande with as briefe reasons , and as strong as can be gatherde possible . And in prouyng of our matters , we had nede euermore rather to waie our reasons , than to nomber them , and thynke not that then we shall doe beste , when haue the most , but then looke to doe best , when we haue the strongest . And first of al the strongest should be vsed , and the other placed in the middest of the Oration , the whiche beeyng heaped together wil make a good mustar . Argumentes howe they should be digested . And yet this also would be learned , whereas we vsed the best reasons at the first , we shoulde also reserue some that were lyke good , for the later end : that the hearers might haue them freshe in their remembraunce , when they shoulde geue iudgement . The slender reasons that can do lesse good , and yet not all , ( for some may better be omitted ) woulde bee placed in the middest ( as I saied ) that bothe they might bee lesse marked , or beeyng heaped there together , they might doe more good , especially when bothe weightie reasons went before , and weightie reasons also , folowed after . Now a wyse man that hath good experience in these affaires , and is able to make hym selfe a Rhetorique for euery matter , will not bee bounde to any precise rules , nor kepe any one order , but suche onely as by reason he shall thynke best to vse , beeyng maister ouer Arte , rather then Arte shoulde be maister ouer hym , rather makyng Art by witte , than confoundyng witte by Arte. And vndoubtedly euen in so doyng , he shal do right wel , and contente the hearers accordyngly . For what mattereth whether we folowe our Booke , or no , if wee folowe witte , and appoint our selfe an order , suche as may declare the truthe more plainely ? Yea some that be vnlearned and yet haue right good wittes : will deuise with theim selues without any Booke learnyng , what they wil saie , and how muche they wil say , appointyng their order , and partyng it into thre , or foure partes , or more , if neede be , suche as they shal thynke especial pointes , and most meete to bee touched . Whose doynges as I can wel like , & muche commende them for the same : so I would thynke them muche more able to do muche better : if thei either by learning folowed a Paterne , or els knewe the preceptes , whiche leade vs to right order . Rules wer therfore geuen , and by muche obseruacion gathered together , that those whiche could not see Arte hid in another mannes doynges , should yet se the rules open , all in an order set together : & therby iudge the rather of their doynges , and by earnest imitacion , seke to resemble suche their inuencion . Thuse of arte . I cannot deny but that a right wise man vnlearned , shall doo more good by his naturall witte , then twentie of these common wittes , that want nature to help arte . And I know that rules wer made first by wise men , and not wise men made by rules . For these preceptes serue onely to helpe our nede , suche as by nature haue not suche plentifull giftes And as for other , vnto whom nature is more fauorable , thei are rather put the soner in remembraunce , that suche lessons are , then so taught as though thei neuer knewe theim , or els neuer would vse them . And therfore a certain learned man , & of muche excellencie , beeyng asked what was suche a figure , and suche a trope in Rhetorique : I cannot tell ( ꝙ he ) but I am assured , if you loke in the boke of myne oracions , you shall not faile but finde theim . So that though he knewe not the name of suche and suche figures , yet the nature of them was so familiar to his knowlege , that he had thuse of them , when soeuer he had nede . Nowe though this man could well thus doo , beyng of suche notable vnderstandyng , yet it were foly that all should folowe his waie , whiche want so good a wit . And I thinke euen he himself , should not haue lost by it neither , if he had seen that in aglasse , whiche he often vsed to do without knowlege . Man is forgetfull , and there is none so wise , but counsaill maie dooe hym good . Yea , he shall dooe muche better , that knoweth what arte other me● haue vsed , what inuencion thei haue folowed , what order thei haue kept , and how thei haue best doen in euery part . If he like not theirs , he may vse his awne , and yet none dooeth so euill ( I thynke ) but some good maie be got by hym . The wise therfore wil not refuse to heare : and the ignoraunt for want , had nede to seke a will .

¶ th ende of the .ii. b●ke .

¶ The third boke .

¶ Of apte chusyng and framyng of wordes and sentences together , called Elocucion .

ANd now we are come to that parte of Rhetorique , the whiche aboue al other is most beautifull , wherby not onely wordes are ap●ly vsed , but also sentences are in right order framed . For whereas Inuencion , helpeth to finde matter , and Disposicion serueth to place argumentes : Elocucion getteth wordes to set furthe inuencion , & with suche beautie commendeth the matter , that reason semeth to bee clad in purple , walkyng afore , bothe bare and naked . Therfore Tullie saieth well , to finde out reason , & aptly to frame it , is the part of a wise man , but to commende it by wordes , and with gorgious talke to tell our conceipte , that is onely propre to an Orator . Many are wise , but fewe haue the gift to set furthe their wisedome . Many can tell their mynde in Englishe , but fewe can vse mete termes , and apt order : suche as all men should haue , and wise men will vse : suche as nedes must be had , when matters should be vttered . Now then what is he , at whom all men wonder , and stande in a mase , at the viewe of his wit ? Whose doynges are best estemed ? whom do we moste reuerence , and compt halfe a God emong men ? Eloquent men moste estemed . Euen suche a one assuredly , that can plainly , distinctly , plentifully , and aptly vtter bothe wordes and matter , and in his talke can vse suche conposicion , that he maie appere to kepe an vniformitiee , and ( as I might saie ) a nomber in the vttering of his sentence . Now an eloquent man beyng smally learned , can do muche more good in perswading , by shift of wordes , and mete placyng of matter : then a greate learned clerke shal be able with great store of learnyng , wantyng wordes to set furth his meanyng . Wherfore I muche maruaile that so many seke the only knowlege of thynges , without any mynd to commende or set furthe their entend●ment : seyng none can knowe either what thei are , or what thei haue , without the gift of vtterance . Yea , bryng them to speake their mynde , and ●nter in talke with suche as are said to be learned , & you shal finde in them suche la●●e of vtterance , that if you iudge theim by their tongue , and expressyng of their mynde : you must nedes saie thei haue no learnyng . Wherin me thinkes thei do , like some riche snudges , that hauyng great wealth , go with their hose out at heeles , their shoes out at toes , and their cotes out at bothe elbowes . For who can tell , if suche men are worth a grote , when their apparel is so homely , and al their behauior so base ? I can call them by none other name , but slouens , that maie haue good geare , and nether can , nor yet will ones weare it clenly . Barbarous clerkes , no better then slouens . What is a good thyng to a manne , if he neither knowe thuse of it , nor yet ( though he knowe it ) is able at all to vse it ? If we thinke it comelinesse , and honestie to set furthe the body with handsome apparell , and thynke theim worthie to haue money , that bothe can and will vse it accordyngly : I cannot otherwise se , but that this part deserueth praise , whiche standeth wholy in set●yng furthe the matter by apte wordes and sentences together , & beautifieth the tongue with greate chaunge of colours , and varietie of figures .

¶ Foure partes belongyng to Elocucion . j. Plainnesse . ij . Aptenesse . iij. Composicion . iiij . Exornacion .

EMong al other lessons , this should first be learned , that we neuer affect any straunge y●kehorne termes , but so speake as is commonly receiued : neither sekyng to be ouer fi●e , nor yet liuyng ouer carelesse , vsyng our speache as most men do , & ordryng our wittes , as the fewest haue doen. Plaines what it is . Some seke so farre for outlandishe Englishe , that thei forget altogether their mothers language . And I dare swere this , if some of their mothers were aliue , thei were not able to tell , what thei say , & yet these fine Englishe clerkes , will saie thei speake in their mother tongue , if a man should charge them for counterfeityng the kynges English . Some farre iorneid ientlemen at their returne home , like as thei loue to go in forrein apparell , so thei wil pouder their talke with ouersea language . He that cometh lately out of France , wil talke Frenche English , & neuer blushe at the matter . Another choppes in with Angleso Italiano : the lawyer wil store his stomack with the pratyng of Pedlers . The Auditour in makyng his accompt and rekenyng , cometh in with sise sould , and cater de●ere , for vi . s iiij . d . The fiue Courtier wil talke nothyng but Chaucer . The misticall wise menne , and Poeticall Clerkes , will speake nothyng but quaint prouerbes , and blynd allegories , delityng muche in their awne darkenesse , especially , when none can tell what thei dooe saie . The vnlearned or foolishe phantasticall , that smelles but of learnyng ( suche felowes as haue seen learned men in their daies ) will so latine their tongues , that the simple cannot but wonder at their talke , and thynke surely thei speake by seme Reuelacion . I knowe them that thynke Rhetorique , to stande wholy vpon darke woordes , and he that can ●atche an ynke horne terme by the taile , hym thei compt to bee a fiue Englishe man , and a good Rhetotician And the rather to set out this folie , I will adde here suche a letter , as Willyam Sommer himself , could not make a better for that purpose . Some will thinke & swere it to , that there was neuer any suche thyng written , well I wil not f●rce any man to beleue it , but I will saie thus muche , and abide by it to , the like haue been made heretofore , and praised aboue the Moo●e .

Ponderyng expendyng , and reuolutyng with my self your ingent affabilitee , and ingenious capacitee , for mundane affaires : I cannot but celebrate and extolle your magnificall dexteritee , aboue all other . For how could you haue adepted suche illustrate prerogatiue , and dominicall superioritee , if the fecunditee of your ingenie had not been so fertile , & wounderfull pregnaunt . An ynkehorne letter . Now therfore beeyng accersited , to suche splendent renoume , & dignitee splendidious : I doubt not but you will adiuuate suche poore adnichilate orphanes , as whilome ware condisciples with you , and of antique familiaritie in Lincolne shire . Emong whom I beeyng a Scholasticall panion , ●btesiate your sublimitee to extoll myne infirmitee . There is a sacerdotall dignitee in my natiue countrey , contiguate to me , where I now contemplate : whiche your worshipfull benignitee , could sone impetrate for me , if it would like you to extend your scedules , and collaude me in them to the right honorable lorde Chauncellor , or rather Archigrāmacian of Englande . You knowe my literature , you knowe the pastorall promocion , I obtestate your clemencie , to inuigilate thus mu●he for me , accordyng to my confidence , and as you know my condigne merites , for suche a compendious liuyng . But now I relinquishe to fatigate your intelligence with any more friuolous verbositie , and therfore he that rules the climates be euermore your beautreux , your fortresse , and your bulwarke . Amen .

What wise man readyng this letter , will not take him for a very Caulfe , that made it in good earnest , & thought by his ynkepot termes , to get a good personage . Doeth wit reste in straunge wordes , or els standeth it in wholsome matter , and apt declaryng of a mannes mynd ? Do we not speake , because we would haue other to vnderstande vs , or is not the tongue geuen for this ende , that one might know what another meaneth ? And what vnlearned man can tell , what half this letter signifieth ? Therfore , either we must make a difference of Englishe , and saie some is learned Englishe , and oth●r some is rude Englishe , or the one is courte talke , the other is countrey speache , or els we must of necessitee , banishe al suche affected Rhetorique , and vse altogether one maner of language . When I was in Cambrige , and student in the kynges College , there came a man out of the toune , with a pinte of wine in a pottle pot , to welcome the prouost of that house , that lately came from the courte . And because he would bestow his present like a clerke , dwellyng emong the schoolers : he made humbly his thre curtesies , and said in this maner . Ch● good ●uen my good lorde , and well might your lordship vare : Understandyng that your lordeship was come , & knowyng that you are a worshipfull Pilate , and kepes a bominable house : I thought it my duetie to come incantiuantee , & bryng you a pottell a wine , the whiche I beseche your lordeship take in good worthe . Here the simple man beyng desirous to amend● his mothers tongue , shewed hymself not to bee the wisest manne , that euer spake with tongue .

Another good felowe in the countrey , beyng an officer , and Maiour of a toune , and desirous to speake like a fine learned man , hauyng iust occasion to rebuke a runnegate felow , said after this wise in a greate heate . Thou yngram and vacacion knaue , if I take thee any more within the circumcision of my dampnacion : I will so corrupte thee , that all vacacion knaues shall take ilsample by thee . Roper●pe ch●●yng .

Another standyng in muche nede of money , and desirous to haue some helpe at a ientlemanns hand , made his complaint in this wise . I praie you sir be so good vnto me , as forbeare this halfe yeres rent . For so helpe me God and halidome , we are so taken on with contrary Bishoppes , with reuiues , and with subsides to the kyng , that al our money is cleane gone . These wordes he spake for contribucion , relief , and subsidie . And thus we see that poore simple men are muche troubled , and talke oftentymes , thei knowe not what , for lacke of wit and want to Latine & Frenche , wherof many of our straunge woordes full often are deriued . Those therefore that will eschue this foly , and acquaint themselfes with the best kynd of speache , muste seke from tyme to tyme , suche wordes as are commonly receiued , and suche as properly maie expresse in plain maner , the whole conceipte of their mynde . And looke what woordes wee best vnderstande , and knowe what thei meane : thesame should sonest be spoken , and firste applied to the vtteraunce of our purpose .

Now whereas wordes be receiued , aswell Greke as Latine , to set furthe our meanyng in th englishe tongue , either for lacke of store , or els because wee would enriche the language : it is well doen to vse them , and no man therin can be charged for any affectacion , when all other are agreed to folowe thesame waie . There is no man agreued , when he heareth ( letters patentes ) & yet patentes is latine , and signifie●h open to all men . The Communion is a felowship , or a commyng together , rather Latine then Englishe : the Kynges prerogatiue , declareth his power royall aboue all other , and yet I knowe no man greued for these termes , beeyng vsed in their place , nor yet any one suspected for affectacion , when suche generall wordes are spoken . The folie is espied , when either we will vse suche wordes , as fewe men doo vse , or vse theim out of place , when another might serue muche better . Therfore to auoyde suche folie , we maie learne of that most excellent Orator Tullie , who in his thirde booke , where he speaketh of a perfect Oratoure , de lareth vnder the name of Crassus , that for the choyse of wordes , foure thinges should Foure thinges obserued , for choyse of wordes . chiefly be obserued . First , that suche wordes as we vse , shuld bee proper vnto the tongue , wherein wee speake , again , that thei be plain for all men to perceiue : thirdly , that thei be apt and mete , moste properly to sette out the matter . Fourthly , that woordes translated from one significacion to another , ( called of the Grecians , Tropes ) bee vsed to beautifie the sentence , as precious stones are set in a ryng , to commende the golde .

¶ Aptenesse what it is .

SUche are thought apt wordes , that properly agre vnto that thyng , whiche thei signifie , and plainly expresse the nature of thesame . Therfore thei that haue regard of their estimacion , do warely speake , and with choyse , vtter woordes moste apte for their purpose . In weightie causes , graue wordes are thought moste nedefull , that the greatnesse of the matter , maie the rather appere in the vehem●ncie of their talke . Aptnes . So likewise of other , like order muste be taken . Albeit some , not onely do not obserue this kynde of aptnes , but also thei fall into muche fondnesse , by vsyng wordes out of place , and appl●yng theim to diuerse matters without all discrecion . As thus . An ignorant felowe comyng to a ientlemannes place , V●●apte vsyng of apt wordes & seyng a greate flocke of shepe in his pastour saied to the owner of theim , now by my truthe sir , here is as goodly an audience of shepe , as euer I saw in al my life . Who will not take this felowe meter to talke with shepe , then to speake emong menne ? Another likewise seeyng a house faire buylded , saied to his felowe thus : good lorde , what a handesome phrase of buildyng in this ? Thus are good wordes euil vsed , when thei are not well applied , and spoken to good purpose . Therfore I wishe that suche vntoward speakyng , maie geue vs a good lesson , to vse our tongue warely , that our wordes and matter maie still agree together .

¶ Of Composicion .

When we haue learned vsuall and accustomable wordes to set furthe our meanyng , we ought to ioyne them together in apt order , that the eare maie delite , in hearyng the harmomonie . I knowe some English men , that in this poynct haue suche a gift in the Englishe , as fewe in Latine haue the like and therfore , delite the wise and lerned so muche , with their pleasaunt composicion : that many reioyce , when thei maie heare suche , and thynke muche learnyng is gotte , when thei maie talke with suche . Composicion Composicion what it is . therefore , is an apte ioynyng together of wordes in suche order , that neither the eare shal espie any ierre , nor yet any man shal be dulled with ouerlong drawing out of a sentence , nor yet muche confounded with myngelyng of clauses , suche as are nedelesse , beyng heaped together without reason , and vsed without nomber . For , by suche meanes the hearers will be forced , to forgettefull oft , what was saied first , before the sentence be halfe ended : or els bee blynded with confoundyng of many thynges together . Some again will bee so shorte , and in suche wise curtall their Sentences , Faules in composicion . that thei had nede to make a commentarie immediatly of their meanyng , or els the moste that heare them , shal be forced to kepe counsaill .

Some will speake oracles , that a man cannot tell , whiche waie to take theim , some will be so fine , & so Poeticall with all , that to their semyng , there shall not stande one heire amisse , & yet euery body els shall thinke them meter for a ladies chamber , then for an earnest matter , in any open assemblie .

Some wil roue so muche , and bable so farre without order , that a manne would thynke , thei had a greate loue , to heare themselfes speake .

Some repeate one woorde so often , that if suche woordes could be eaten , and chopte in so ofte , as thei are vttered out , thei would choke the widest throte in all England . As thus . If a man knewe , what a mans life wer , no man for any mannes sake , would kill any man , but one man would rather help another man , considryng man is borne for man , to help man , & no to hate man . What man would not be choked , if he chop● al these men at ones into his mouth , & neuer drouke after it ? Some vse ouermuche repeticion of some one ●etter , as pitiful pouertie praieth for a peny , but puffed presumpcion , passeth not a poynct , pamperyng his panche , with pestilent pleasure , procuring his passe porte to poste it to Hell pytte , there to be punished with paines perpetuall . Some will so sette their wordes that they muste be fayne to gape after euerye worde spoken , endinge one worde with a vowell , and beginninge the next wyth an other , whyche vndoubtedlye maketh the talke to seme mooste vnpleasaunte . As thus Equirie assuredlye euerye iniurye auoydeth . Some will set the carte before the horse , as thus . My mother and my father are both at home , euen as thoughe the good man of the house ware no breaches , or that the graye Mare were the better Horse . And what thoughe it often so happeneth ( God wotte the more pitye ) yet in speakinge at the leaste , let vs kepe a natural order , and set the man before the woman for maners sake .

An other cominge home in haste after a long iourney , sayeth to hys manne : Come hither sir knaue , helpe me of with my bootes and my spurres . I praye you sir geue him leaue firste to plucke of youre spurres , ere he meddle wyth your bootes , or els your man is like to haue a madde pluckinge . Who is so folyshe as to saye the counsayle and the kynge , but rather the Kinge and his counsayle , the father and the sonne , and not contrary . And so likewise in al other as they are in degree firste , euermore to set them formost .

The wise therfore talkinge of diuers worthye menne together , will firste name the worthiest , and kepe a decent order in reportynge of their tale . Some ende their sentences all alike , makyng their talke rather to appeare rimed meter then to seme playne speache , the whiche as it muche deliteth beynge measurablye vsed , so it muche offendeth when no meane is regarded . I hearde a preacher delityng much in thys kynd of composition , who vsed so often to ende his sentence with wordes like vnto that whiche wente before , that in my iudgemente , there was not a dosen sentences in hys whole sermon , but they ended all in ryme for the most part . Some not best disposed , wished the Preacher a Lute , that with his rimed sermon he myght vse some pleasaunt melodye , and so the people myghte take pleasure diuers wayes , and daunce if they liste . Certes there is a meane , & no reason to vse any one thinge at all times , seynge nothinge deliteth ( be it neuer so good ) that is alwayes vsed .

Quintilian likeneth the coloures of Rhetorique to a man●es eye sighte . And nowe ( quod he ) I woulde not haue all the bodye to be ●ull of eyes , or nothinge but eyes : for them the other partes shoulde wante their due place and proporcion . Some ouerthwartelye sette their woordes , placynge some one a myle frome his felowes , not contented with a playne and ca●ye composition , but seke to sette wordes they can not tell howe , and therfore one not likynge to be called and by printe published Doctoure of Phisike , woulde neades be named of Phisike Doctour , wherin appeared a wonderfull composition ( as he thought ) straunge vndoubtedlye , but whether wise or no , lette the learned sitte in iudgement vpon that matter .

An other . As I rose in the mornynge ( quod one ) I mette a carte full of stones emptye . Belike the manne was fastinge , when the carte was full , and yet we see that throughe straunge composition this sentence appeareth darke .

Some will tell one thinge .xx. times , nowe in , nowe out , & when a man would thinke they had almost ended , they are ready to beginne againe as freshe as euer they were . Such vayne repetitions declare both wante of witte , and lacke of learninge . Some are so homely in all their doynges , and so grosse for their inuention , that they vse altogither one maner of trade , and seke no varietie to eschewe tediousnes .

Some burden their talke with nedelesse copye , and will seme plentifull , when they shoulde be shorte . An other is so curious and so fine of his tongue , that he can not tell in all the worlde what to speake . Euerie sentence semeth commune , and euerye worde generallye vsed , is thought to be folyshe , in his wise iudgemente . Some vse so manye interpositions bothe in their talke and in their writinge , that they make their sayinges as darke as hell . Thus whan faultes be knowen , they may be auoyded : and vertue the soner may take place , when vice is forsene , and eschewed as euill .

Of Exornation .

WHen wee haue learned apte woordes and vsuall Phrases to sette forthe oure meanynge , and can orderlye place them without offence to the eare , we maye boldelye commende and beautifie oure talke wy●h diuers goodlye coloures , and delitefull translations , that oure speache maye seme as bryghte and precious , as a ryche stone is fayre and orient .

EXornation Exornation . is a gorgiousse beautifiynge of the tongue with borowed wordes , and chaung of sentence or speache , with muche varietie . Firste therfore ( as Tullie saythe ) an Oration is made to seme ryghte excellente by the kinde selfe , by the colour and iuice of speache . Ther are .iij. maner of styles or endi●inges , Thre mane● of stiles or endi●inges . the great or mighty kind , when we vse great wordes , or vehement figures :

The smal kinde , when we moderate our heate by meaner wordes , and vse not the most stirring sentences :

The lowe kinde , when we vse no Metaphores , nor translated wordes , nor yet vse any amplifications , but go plainelye to worke , and speake altogether in commune wordes .

Nowe in all these three kindes , the Oration is muche commended , and appeareth notable , when wee kepe vs styll to thatistyle , whiche wee firste professed , and vse suche wordes as seme for that kinde of writinge most conuenient .

Yea , if we minde to encrease , or diminish : to be in a heate , or to vse moderation : to speake pleasauntly , or speake grauelye : to be sharpe , or to be softe : to talke lordlye , or to speake finelie : to waxe auncient , or familiar ( which al are comprehended vnder one of the other three : ) we muste euer make oure wordes apte and agreable to that kinde of stile , whiche we firste ganne to vse . For as frenche hodes do not become Lordes : so Parliament Robes are vnfitting for Ladies . Comelines therfore must euer be vsed , and all thinges obserued that are most mete for euery cause , if we loke by attemptes to haue our desire .

There is another kind of Exornacion Exorna●ion ● by coloures of Rhetorique . that is not egua●ly sparpled throughout the whole oration , but is so disseuered & parted , as starres stand in the firmament , or floures in a garden , or prety deuised antiques in a clothe of Araise .

What a fygure is ?

A Figure is a certaine kinde , either of sentence , oration , or worde , vsed after some new or straunge wise , muche vnlike to that , which men communely vse to speake .

The diuision of Fygures .

THere are thre kindes of figures , the one is when the nature of wordes is chaunged from one signification to an other called a Trope of the Grecians : The other serueth for woordes when they are not chaunged by nature , but only altered by speaking , called of the Grecians a Scheme : The third is when by deuersity of inuention , a sentence is manye wayes spoken , and also matters are amplified by heapynge examples , by dilatynge argumentes , by comparinge of thynges together , by similitudes , by contraries , and by diuers other like , called by Tullie Exornacion of sentences , or coloures of Rhetorique .

By all whiche Figures , euerye Oration maye be muche beautified , and without the same , not one can attaine to be counted an Oratoure , thoughe his learninge otherwise be neuer so greate .

Of the fyrste vse of Tropes .

WHen learned and wise menne gan firste to enlarge their tongue , Tropes how they wer fyrst ●ounded . and sought with greate vtteraunce of speache to commende causes : they founde full ofte muche wante of wordes to set out their meanynge . And therfore remembrynge thinges of like nature vnto those wherof they spake : they vsed suche wordes to expresse their minde , as were most like vnto other . As for example . If I shoulde speake against some notable Pharisee , I might vse translation of wordes in this wise : Yonder man is of a croked iudgment , his wyttes are clowdie , he liueth in deepe darkenes , dusked altogether wyth blynde ignoraunce , and drowned in the raginge sea , of bottomeles superstition . Thus is the ignoraunte set out , by callinge hym croked , clowdye , darke , blinde , and drownde in superstition . All whiche wordes are not proper vnto ignoraunce , but borowed of other thinges , that are of lyke nature vnto ignoraunce . For the vnskilfull man hath his wytte set oute of order , as a mannes bodye is set out of ioynte , and therupon it maye be sayde to be croked . Likewyse he maye be called clowdye , for as the clowdes kepe the Sunne shinynge from vs , so dothe his Ignoraunce kepe him blindefolde from the true vnderstandinge of thinges . And as when the eyes are oute , no manne can see anye thinge : so when perfecte iudgemente is wantinge , the truthe can not be knowen . And so likewise of all other . Thus as necessitye hath forced vs to borowe wordes translated : so hath time and practice made theim to seeme moost pleasaunt , and therfore thei are mucht the rather vsed . Yea , when a thynge full ofte can not be expreste by an apte and mete woorde , we do perceyue ( when it is spoken by a woorde translated ) that the likenes of that thynge whiche appeareth in an other worde , muche lighteneth that , which we woulde most gladly haue perceyued .

And not onely do menne vse translation of wordes ( called Tropes ) for nede sake , when thei can not finde other : but also when they maye haue mooste apte wordes at hande , yet wyll they of a purpose vse translated wordes . And the reason is this . Menne counte it a poynte of witte to passe ouer suche woordes as are at hande , and to vse suche as are farre f●tcht and translated : or elles it is , because the hearer is led by cogitacion vpon rehearsall of a Metaphore , & thinketh more by remembraunce of a word translated , then is there expreslye spoken : or elles because the whole matter semeth by a similitude to be opened : or last of al , bicause euery translation is commenly , & for the most part referred to the senses of the body , & especially to the sense of seing , which is the sharpest and quickest aboue all other . For when I shal saye that an angrye manne fometh at the mouthe , I am brought in remembraunce by this translation to remember a bore , that is fightyng vseth muche foming , the whiche is a fowle and lothelye sighte . And I cause other to thinke that he brake pacience wonderfully , when I set out his rage comparable to a bores fominge .

An other beinge offended wyth checkes geuen , will saye , I maruaile sir what you meane to be euer snarringe at me , wherein is declared a brutishenes , consideringe he speaketh biting wordes , as muche without reason & as vncomelye , as a dogge dothe , when he snarreth , the whiche wee see is nothing semely . There is nothing in all the worlde , but the same maye haue the name of some other worde , the whiche by some similitude is lyke vnto it . Notwithstandinge there ought muche warenesse to be vsed in chosyng of wordes tanslated , that the same be not vnlike that thing , wherunto it is applied , nor yet that the translation be vncomely or suche as may geue occasion of any vncleane meaning .

A Trope .

A Trope Trope what it is . is an alteration of a word or sentence from the proper signification to that whych is not proper .

The diuision of Tropes .

Tropes are either of a word , Deuision of Tropes . or or a longe continued speche or sentence .

Tropes of a worde are these .

A Metaphore or translation of wordes . A worde makinge . Intellection . Abusion . Transmutation of a word . Transumption . Chaunge of a name . Circumlocution .

Tropes of a longe continued speache or sentence are these .

An Allegorie , or inuersion of wordes . Mountinge . Resemblinge of thinges . Similitude . Example .

What is a Metaphore .

A Metaphore Metaphora is an alteration of a woorde from the proper and naturall meanynge , to that whiche is not proper , and yet agreeth therunto , by some lykenes that appeareth to be in it .

An Oration is wonderfullye enriched , when apte Metaphores are gotte and applied to the matter . Neither can anye one perswade effectuouslye , and winne men by weyght of his Oration , withoute the helpe of woordes altered and translated .

The diuer●itye of translations .

FIrste we alter a worde from that which is in the minde , to that which is in the bodye . As when we perceyue one that hath begiled vs , we vse to saye : Ah sirrha , I am gladde I haue smelled you oute . Beinge greued with a matter , we saye communelye we can not digest it . The Lawyer receiuing money more then neadeth oftentimes , will saye to his Client wythout any translation . I fele you wel , when the pore man thinketh that he doth well vnderstand his cause , and will helpe him to some good ●nde . For so , communelye we saye , when we knowe a mans minde in anye thinge . This kinde of mutation is muche vsed , when we talke earnestlye of any matter .

From the creature wythout reason , to that whyche hathe reason .

THE seconde kinde of translation is , when we goo from the creature wythout reason to that whiche hathe reason , or contrarye from that whiche hathe reason , to that whiche hath no reason . As if I shoulde saye , such an vnreasonable brawler , did nothinge elles but barke like a Dogge , or like a Fore . Women are saide to chatter , churles to grunte , boyes to whyne , and yonge men to yell . Contrariwise , we call a Foxe false , a Lyon proude , and a Dogge flatteringe .

From the lyuynge to that whyche hath no lyfe .

FRom the liuynge to the not liuynge , we vse many translations . As thus . You shall praye for al men dispersed throughoute the face of the earthe . The arme of a tree . The syde of a Bancke . The lande cryeth for vengeaunce . From the liuinge , to the not liuing : Hatred buddeth emonge malicious men , his wordes flowe out of his mouthe . I haue a whole world of busines .

In obseruing the worke of Nature in al seueral substaunces we maye finde translations at wyll , then the whiche nothinge is more profitable for anye one that myndeth by hys vtteraunce to stirre the hartes of menne either one waye or other .

A worde makinge word making . called of the Grecians Onomatopeia is when we make wordes of oure owne mynde , suche as be deriued from the nature of thinges . As to call one Patche or Cowlson , whom we see to do a thinge folyshelye , because these two in their time were notable foles . Or when one is lustye to saye Taratauntara , declaringe therby that he is as lustye , as a Trumpette is delitefull , and styrringe : or when one woulde seme galaunte , to crye hoyghe , whereby also is declared courage . Boyes beynge greued will saye some one to an other , Sir I wyll cappe you , if you vse me thus , and withholde that frome me whyche is myne owne : meanynge that he will take his cappe from him . Againe , when we see one gaye and galaunte , we vse to saye , he courtes it . Quod one that reasoned in diuinitie wyth his felowe , I like well to reason , but I can not chappe these textes in scripture , if I shoulde dye for it : meaning that he coulde not tell in what chapiter thinges were conteyned , althoughe he knewe full well that there were suche sayinges .

Intellection .

INtellection Intellection . called of the Gretians , Synecdoche , is a Trope , when wee gather or Iudge the whole by the parte , or part , by the whole . As thus . The king is come to London , meaning therby that other also be come with him . The Frenche man is good to kepe a Forte , or to skyrmishe on horsebacke , wherby we declare the Frenchmen generally . By the whole the part , thus . All Cambridge sorowed for the deathe of Bucer , meaninge the most parte . All Englande reioyseth that pilgrimage is banished , and Idolatrye for euer abolished : and yet all England is not glad , but the most parte .

The like phrases are in the Scripture , as when the Magians came to Jerusalem , & asked where he was that was borne Kyng of the Iewes . Herode starte vp beeyng greatly troubled , and al the citie of Ierusalem with hym , and yet al the Citie was not troubled , but the most part . By the signe we vnderstande the thyng signified , as by an Iuie garlande , we iudge there is wyne to sel. By the signe of a Beare , Bul Lyon , or any suche , wee take any house to be an Inne . By eatyng breade at the Communion , wee remember Christes death , and by Faith , receiue hym spiritually .

¶ Abusion .

ABusion , Abusion . called of the Grecians Catachresis , is when for a certaine proper woorde we vse that whiche is most nighe vnto it : As in callyng some water , a fishe ponde , though there be no fisshe in it at all : or elles when we saie , here is long talke , and small matter . Whiche are spoken vnproperly , for we cannot measure , either talke , or matter by length , or breadth .

¶ Transmutacion of a worde .

TRansmutacion Transmuta●ion . helpeth much for varietie , the whiche is when a woorde hath a proper signification of the owne , & beyng referred to an other thyng , hath an other meanyng , the Grecians cal it Metonymia the whiche is diuerse waies vsed . When we vse the au●●hor of a thyng , for the thyng selfe . As thus . Put vpon you the Lord Iesus Crhiste , that is to say , be in liuyng suche a one , as he was . The Pope is banished England , that is to saie , al his superstition , and Hypocrisie , either is , or shoulde be gone to the Deuill by the Kynges expresse will , and commaundement . Againe when that whiche doeth conteyne , is vsed for that whiche is conteined . As thus . I haue dronk an hoggeshead this weeke : Heauen may reioyce , and hell may lament , when olde men are not couetouse . Contrarywise , when the thyng conteined is vsed for the thyng conteinyng . As thus . I praie you come to me , that is to say , come to my house . Fourthely , when by the efficient cause , the effecte is streight gatherde thereupon . As thus . The Sonne is vp , that is to saie , it is day . This felowe is good with a long bowe , that is to saie , he shouteth wel .

¶ Transumption .

TRansumption is , when by digrees wee go to that , whiche is to be shewed . As thus : Suche a one lyeth in a darke doungeon , now in speaking of darkenesse , we vnderstand closenesse , by closenesse , we gather blackenesse , and by blackenesse , we iudge depenesse .

¶ Chaunge of name .

CHaunge of a name , is when for the propre name , Antonomasia . some name of an office , or other calling is vsed . As thus : the Prophete of God saith : Blessed , are they who●e synnes be not imputed vnto them , meanyng Dauid . The Poete saieth : It is a vertue , to eschew vice , wherein I vnderstande Horace .

¶ Circumlocution .

CIrcumlocution is , periphrasis a large description either to sette forth a thyng more gorge●uslie , or els to hyde it , if the eares cannot beare the open speakyng : or when with fewe wordes we cannot open our meanyng , to speake it more largely . Of the first thus . The valiaunt c●urage of mightie Scipio subdued the force of Carthage and Numantia . Henry the fifte , the most puissaunt Kyng of Englande , with seuen thousand men toke the Frenshe Kyng prisoner with al the flower of nobilitie in Fraunce . Of the seconde , When Saule was casyng hymselfe vpon the grounde , Dauid toke a peece of his garment , tooke his weapon that laie by hym ▪ and might haue staine hym . Suche a one defiled his bodie with suche an euill woman . For the thirde parte , the large commentaries written , and the Paraphrasis of Erasmus englished : are sufficient to showe the vse therof .

¶ What is an Allegorie .

AN Allegorie is none other thyng , but a Metaphore vsed throughout a whole sentence , or Oration . As in speakyng against a wicked offendour , I might say thus . Oh Lorde , his nature was so euill , and his witte so wickedly bente , that he ment to bouge the shippe , where he hymselfe sailed , meanyng that he purposed the destruction of his owne countrie . It is euill puttyng strong wine into weake vesselles , that is to say it is euill trustyng some women with weightie matters . The English Prouerbes gatherde by Ihon Heywood helpe wel in this behaulf , the whiche commenly are nothyng elles but Allegories , and darcke deuised sentences . Now for the other fower figures because I mynde hereafter to speake more largely of them , and Quintilian thynketh them more meete to be placed emong the figures of Exornacion , I wil not trouble the reader with double inculcation , and ewyse tellyng of one tale .

¶ Of Schemes , called otherwyse sentences of a worde and sentence .

I Might tary a longe tyme in declaryng the nature of diuerse Schemes , Scheme what it is . whiche are woordes or sentencies altered , either by speakyng , or writyng , contrarie to the vulgare custome of our speache without chaungyng their nature at all : but because I knowe the vse of the figures in word is not so great in this our tonge , I wil run them ouer with asmuche haste as I can .

¶ The diuision of Schemes .

STraunge vsyng of any worde or sentence contrarie to our daiely wont , is either when we adde , or take away a sillable , or a word , or eucrease a sentence by chaunge of speache contrarie to the commune maner of speakyng .

¶ Figures of a worde .

THose be called figures of a word , when we chaunge a worde , and speake it contrarie to our vulgare and daily speache . Of the whiche sorte , there are sixe in nom●er .

i. Addition at the first . ij . Abstraction from the first . iij. Iuterla●yng in the middest . iiij . Cuttyng from the middest . v. Addyng at the ende . vi . Cuttyng from the end .

OF Addition . As thus . He did all to berattle hym . Prosthe●●s . Wherein appereth that a sillable is added to this worde ( rattle . ) Here is good nale to sel , for good ale .

Of Abstraction from the first , thus . Apheresis . As I romed al alone , I ganne to thynke of matters greate . In whiche sentence , ( ganne ) is vsed , for beganne .

Interlacyng in the middest . As. Relligion , for religion . ●penthesis . Cuttyng from the middest . Syncope . Idolatrie , for Idololatrie . Addyng at the end . Proparalepsis Hasten your busines , for , Haste your businesse .

Cuttyng from the end . A faire may , Aporope . for , maide .

Thus these figures are shortely sette out , and as for the other Schemes , whiche are vtterde in whole sentences , and expressed by varitie of sreache : I wil set them forth at large emong the coloures & ornamentes of Elocution , that folowe .

¶ Of coloures and ornamentes to commende and sette forth an Oration .

NOW , when we are able to frame a sentence handsomly together , Coloures of Rhetorique . obseruyng number and kepyng composition , suche as shal lyke best the eare , & do know the vse of Tropes , and can applie them to our purpose : than th ornamentes are necessarie in an Oration , & sentences woulde bee furnished with moste beautifull figures . Therfore to th ende that they may be knowne , suche as most commende and beautifie an Oration : I wil set them forthe here in suche wise as I shal best be able , folowyng the order whiche Tullie hath vsed in his Booke made of a perfite Oratour .

¶ Restyng vpon a poyncte .

WHEN wee are earnest in a matter , Commor●●io . and feele the weight of our cause , wee rest vpon some reason , whiche serueth best for our purpose . Wherin this figure appereth most , & helpeth muche to set forthe our matter . For if we stil kepe vs to our strongest holde , and make ofterecourse thither , though we be dryuen through by-talke to go from it nowe and than : we shall force them at length , either so auoide our strong defence , or elles to yelde into our handes .

¶ An euident , or plaine settyng forthe of a thyng as though it were presently doen.

THis Figure is called a description , or an euident declaration of a thyng , 〈…〉 as though we sawe it euen now doen. An example . If our enemies shall inuade , and by treason wynne the victorie , we al shal dye euery mothers sonne of vs , and our Citie shal be destroied sticke & stoone . I see our children made slaues , our daughters rauisshed , our wifes caried away , the father forced to kil his own sonne , Description of outrage after ● battaile . the mother her daughter , the sonne his father , the sucking child slaine in the mothers bosome , one standyng to the kuees in anothers bloude , Churches spoiled , houses pluckte doune , and al set in fier rounde about vs , euery one cursy●g the day of their birth , children criyng , women wailyng , and olde men passyng for v●ry thought , and euery one thynkyng hymselfe most happy that is first ridde out of this worlde , suche will the crueltie be of our enemies , and with suche horrible hatred wil they seeke to dispatche vs . Thus where I might haue said , we shal al be destroied and saie no more , I haue by description sette the euill forth at large . It muche auaileth to vse this figure in diuerse matters , the whiche whosoeuer can do , with any excellent gift , vndoubtedly he shal muche delite the hearers . The circumstaunces wel considered in euery cause , geue muche matter for the plaine opening of the thyng . Also similitudes , examples , comparisons from one thyng to another , apte translacions , and heaping of allegories and all suche figures as serue for amplifiyng , do muche commende the liuely settyng forthe of any matter . The miseries of the Courtiers lyfe might well be described by this kind of figure . The commoditie of learnyng , the pleasure of plowe men , and the care that a Kyng hath . And not onely are matters set out by description , but men are painted out in their colours , yea buildynges are set forth , Kyngdomes , and Realmes are portured , places , and tymes are described . Diuersitie of natures . The Englishe man for feedyng , and chaung of apparel : The Duytche man for drynkyng : The Frenche man for pryde and inconstaunce : The Spāyard for nymblenes of bodie , and muche disdaine : The Italian for great witte and pollicie : The Scottes for boldenes , and the Boeme for stubbornesse .

Many people are described by their degree as a man of good yeres is compted sober , wise and circumspect : a young man wilde , and carelesse : a woman bablyng , inconstant , and redy to beleue al that is tolde her .

By vocation of life , a souldiour is counted a great bragger , and a vaunter of hymselfe : a Scholer simple : a russed coate , sadde and sometymes craftie : a courtier , flatteryng : a citezen , ie●tle .

I● describing of persons there ought alwaies a commelinesse to be vsed , Description of persone . so that nothyng be spoken whiche may be thought is not in them . As if one shall describe Henry the sixth , he might cal hym ientle , milde of nature , ledde by perswasion , & redy to forgeue , carelesse for wealthe , suspectyng none , merciful to al , fearefull in aduersitie , & without forecast to espie his misfortune . Again for Richarde the third I might bryng hym in , cruell of harte , ambiciouse by nature , enuiouse of mynde , a depe dissembler , a close man for weightie matters , hardie to reuenge , and feareful to lose his high estate , trustie to none , liberal for a purpose , castyng still the worst , and hoping euer the best . By this figure also we imagine a talke for some one to speake , and according to his person we frame the Oration . As if one should bryng in noble Henry the .viij. of most famouse memorie to enueigh against rebelles , thus he might order his Oration . What if Henry th eight were alyue , & sawe suche rebellion in this Realme , would not he say thus , and thus ? yea me thynkes I heare hym speake euen now . And so set forth suche wordes as we would haue hym to saie .

Some tymes it is good to make God , the Countrie , or some one towne to speake , and loke what we woulde say in our owne person , to frame the whole tale to them . Suche varietie doth muche good to auoide tediousenes , for he that speaketh al in one sort though he spake thinges neuer so wittely shal sone wery his hearers . Figures The vse of figures . therfore wer inuented to auoide sacietie , and cause delite : to refresh with pleasure & quicken with grace , the dulnesse of mans braine . Who wil loke of a whit waul an houre together , where no worke manship is at al ? Or who wil eat stil one kinde of meate , & neuer desire chaunge ? Certes as the mouthe is daintie : so the wit is tickle , and wil sone lothe an vnsauery thing .

¶ A stop , or half tellyng of a tale .

A Stoppe is , when we breake of our tale before we haue told it . Precisio . As thus . Thou that art a young man of suche towardnes hauyng suche frendes to plaie me suche a parte , wel , I will saie no more , God amende all that is amisse . Or thus . Dothe it become the to be , shal I tel al , Naie , I wil not for very shame .

¶ A close vnderstandyng .

A Close vnderstandyng is , when more may be gatherd than is openly exprest . Significatio plus ad intelligēdūque dixeris . A naughtie fellowe that vsed muche robbery , founde hym selfe greeued that the greate Oratour Demosthenes spent so muche oyle wherby he watched from tyme to tyme in compassyng matters for thy commune weale : In dede ( quoth ) Demosthenes Demosthenes . darke nightes are best for thy purpose , meanyng that he was a great robber in the night . O●e also beeyng set in a heate , because another had contraried hym for the choise of meates , was muche more greued when he gaue hym this tauut . You may boldely ( ꝙ he ) speake for fishe eatyng , for my maister your father hath many a time & ofte wipt his nose vpon his sleeue , meanyng that his father was a fishemonger .

¶ Shorte sencences .

THen shorte clauses , or sentences are vsed when we speake at a worde , Distincte concisa breuitas . parte of our minde , and nest after speake as briefely againe , vsyng to make almost euery worde a perfite sentence . As thus . The man is sore wounded , I feare me he will dye . The Phisicions mistrust hym : the partie is fledde , none persueth : God sende vs good lucke .

¶ Abatyng , or lessenyng of a thyng .

WE make our doynges appere lesse , when with wordes we extenuate Extenuatio● and lessen thesame . As when one had geuen his fellowe a sound blowe , beyng rebuked for the same saied he scante touched hym . Likewise , when two haue fought together , to say that the one had his legge prickte with a sworde , when perchaunce he had a great wounde .

¶ Wittie iestyng .

MAny pleasaunt ientlemen are well practised in merie conceited iestes , 〈◊〉 . and haue both suche grace and delite therin , that they are wonderfull to beholde , and better were it to be sharpely chidde of diuerse other , then pleasauntly taunted by any of them . When a ientleman of great landes & small witte had talked largely at a supper , and spake wordes scant worth the hearyng , an other beeyng muche greeued with his foolie , saied to hym : Sir I haue taken you for a plaine meanyng ientleman , but I know nowe , there is not a more deceiptfull bodie in al Englande : with that , other beyng greeued with the young ientlemans foolie , boldely began to excuse hym for deceipt , and therfore said , he was to blame to charge hym with that fault , consideryng his nature was simple , and few can say that euer he was craftie . Wel ꝙ thother , I must nedes say he is deceiptful , for I toke hym heretofore for a sober wittie young man , but now I perceiue , he is a foolish bablyng felowe , & therfore I am sure he hath deceiued me like a false craftie child , as he is : with that they al laughed , and the ientleman was muche abashed . But as touchyng sharpe tauntes , I haue largely declared them in place , where I treated of laughter .

¶ Digression , or swaruyng from the matter .

WE swarue sometymes from the matter vpon iust consideracions , Digressio ab ●e non longa . makyng the same to serue for our purpose as wel as if we had kepte the matter stil. As in making an inuectiue against rebelles , & largely setting out the filth of their offence , I might declare by the way of a digression , what a noble countrie England is , how great commodities it hath , what trafike here is vsed , & howe muche more nede other Realmes haue of vs , than we haue neede of them . Or when I shal geue euidence , or rather declame against an hainouse Murtherer , I may digresse from the offence doen , and enter in prayse of the deade man , declaryng his vertues in moste ample wyse , that the offense doen , may be thought so muche the greater , the more honest he was that hath thus been slaine .

Notwithstandyng this would be learned , that ( when we make any suche digression ) thesame maie well agre to the purpose and be so set out , that it confounde not the cause , or darken the sense of the matter deuised .

¶ Proposicion .

PRoposicion is a short rehersall of that , Proposicio quid sis dicturus . wherof we mynde to speake . I will tell you ( ꝙ one ) there is none hath a worse name then this felow , none hath been so often in trouble , he maie he fautelesse , but I can hardely beleue it , there are enow that will testifie of his naughtinesse , and auouche his euill demeanour to bee suche , that the like hath not been hard heretofore .

¶ An ouer passage to another matter .

WHen we go from one matter to another , we vse this kynde of phraise . Seiunctio as eo quod dictum est . I haue tolde you the cause of all this euill , nowe I will tell you a remedy for thesame . You haue heard of iustification by faith onely , now you shal here of the dignitee of workes , and how necessary thei are for euery christian body .

¶ Of commyng again to the matter .

WHen wee haue made a digression , Reditus ad propositum . wee ma●e declare our returne , and shewe that whereas wee haue roued a litle , we will now kepe vs within our boundes . In this kynd of digression , it is wisedome not to wander ouer farre , for feare wee shall werie the hearers , before we come to the matter again . I knew a preacher , that was a whole houre out of his matter , and at length remembryng hymself , saied , well , now to the purpose , as though al that , whiche he had spoken before , had been litle to the purpose , whereat many laughed , and some for starke wearinesse wer fain to go awaie .

¶ Iteratyug and repeatyng thynges said before .

WHen a man hath largely spoken his mynd , Iteratio . he may repeate in fewe wordes , the somme of his saiyng . As if one should be charged with felonie , that is a man of welth and honestie , he might thus gather his mynd together after a long tale told . First I wil proue there is no cause that I should steale , again that I could not possible at suche a tyme steale , and last , that I stole not at all .

¶ The conclusion , or ●appyng vp of matter .

THe conclusion , is an apt knittyng together of that , whiche we haue said before . Rationis apta conclusio . As thus . If reason can perswade , if examples maie moue , if necessitee maie helpe , if pitee maie prouoke , if daungers foreseen , maie stirre vs to be wise : I doubte not but you will rather vse sharpe lawes , to represse offendours , then with dissolute negligence , suffer all to perishe .

¶ Mountyng aboue the truthe .

MOuntyng aboue the truthe , is when we do setfurthe thynges excedyngly & aboue all mennes expectacion , meanyng onely that thei are very great . Veritatis superlatio , atque●●aiectio . As thus , god promised to Abraham , that he wold make his posteritee , egual with the sa●des of the yearth . Now it was not so said , that there should be so many in deede , but that the nomber should bee infinite . For , whether we shall vnderstande those , to bee the children of Abraham , that came of his stocke in fleshe , or els take them for the children of Abraham , that haue the faithe of Abraham : wee shall neuer proue the nomber of men , to bee e●uall with the sandes of the sea , though wee could reken all that haue been , from the beginnyng of the worlde . Therfore in this speache , wee muste vnderstande there is a mountyng , called of the Grecians hyperbole : we vse this figure muche in English . As thus . He is as swift as a swallowe , he hath a belly as bigge as a barrell , he is a giaunt in makyng . The whole Temmese is litle enough to serue hym , for wasshyng his handes . In all whiche speaches wee mounte euermore a greate deale , and not meane so as the wordes are spoken .

☞ Askyng other , and answeryng our self .

BY askyng other , and answeryng to the question our self , Rogatio . we muche commende the matter , and make it appere very pleasant . If I would rebuke one that hath committed a robberie , I might saie thus . I wonder what you ment to commit suche felonie . Haue you not landes ? I knowe you haue . Are not your frendes worshipfull ? Yes assuredly . Wer you not beloued of them ? No doubt you were . Could you haue wanted any thyng that thei had ? If you would haue eaten gold , you might haue had it . Did not thei alwayes bidde you seke to them , and to none other ? I knowe thei did . What euill happe had you then , to offende in suche sorte not goyng to your frendes , whiche would not se you want , but sekyng for that , whiche you should not haue , endaungeryng your self by vntrue dealyng , to fele the power & strength of a law , when otherwise you might haue liued in sauegard ?

The like kynd of writyng is also vsed , when we make another body to speake , and yet not aske them any question at al. As when D. Haddon had comforted the duchesse of Suffolkes grace for her children , and had said thei wer happly gone because thei might haue fallen hereafter , and loste that worthy name , whiche at their death thei had : at last he bringeth in the mother , speakyng motherlike , in her childrens behalfe of this sort , and answereth still to her saiynges . But al these euilles wherof you speake ( ꝙ she ) hadde not chaunced : Yet suche thynges doo chaunce . Yet not alwayes : Yet full ofte . Yet not to al : Yet to a great many . Yet thei had not chaunced to myne : Yet wee knowe not . Yet I might haue hoped : Yet better it had been to haue feared .

☞ Snappishe askyng .

WE doo aske oftentymes , because we would knowe : we do aske also , Percontatio because we woulde chide , and sette furthe our grief with more vehemencie , the one is called Interrogatio , the other is called Percontatio . Tullie enueighyng against Catiline , that Romaine rebell , beginneth his oracion chidingly , questio●yng with Catiline of this sort . How long ( Catili●e ) wilt thou abuse our sufferaunce ? How long will this rage and madnesse of thine go aboute to deceiue vs ?

☞ Dissemblyng or close iestyng .

WHen we iest closely , and with dissemblyng meanes , grigge our felowe , Dissimutatio , alia dicentis ac significanti● when in wordes wee speake one thyng , and meane in hart another thyng , declaryng either by our countenaunce , or by vtteraunce , or by some other waie , what our whole meanyng is . As when we se one bostyng himself , & vain glorious , to hold him vp with ye and naie , and euer to ad more to that , whiche he saieth . As I knowe one that saied hymself , to be in his awne iudgement one of the best in all Englande , for triyng of metalles , & that the counsaill hath often called for his helpe , and cannot want hym for nothyng . In deede ( ꝙ another ) Englande had a sore losse , if God should call you . Thei are all Bungelers in comparison of you , and I thynke the best of theim , maie thanke you for all that he hath : but yet sir your cunnyng was suche , that you brought a shillyng to nyne pence , naie to sixe pence and a grote to two pence , and so gaue hym a frumpe , euen to his face , because he sawe hym so folishe . A glorious ientleman that had twoo seruauntes , and belike would be knowen not onely to haue them , but also to haue mo , said in the presence of a worshipfull man , I meruaile muche where all my seruauntes are ? Marie sir ( ꝙ one ) that thoughte to hitte hym home : thei wer here al two , euen now . Thus he closly mockt hym , and worthely . For , the nomber is not greate , that standeth vpon .ij , and ( all ) is to muche , when we speake of so fewe .

¶ Doubtfulnesse .

DOubtfulnesse is then vsed , when we make the hearers beleue , Dubitacio . that the weight of our matter causeth vs to doubte , what were best to speake . As when a kyng findeth his people vnfaithfull , he maie speake in this wise . Before I begin , I doubt what to name ye . Shal I call you subiectes ? You deserue it not . My frendes ye are not . To cal you enemies wer ouerlitle , because your offence is so greate . Rebelles you are , and yet that name doeth not fully vtter your folie . Traitors I maie call you , and yet you are worse then traitors , for you seke his death , who hath geuen you life . Th offence is so great , that no man can comprehend it . Therfore I doubt what to call you , except I should call you by the name of theim all . Another . Whether shall I speake , or holde my peace ? If I speake , you will not heare , if I holde my peace , my conscience condempneth my silence .

¶ Distribucion .

DIstribucion , Distributio is when we apply to euery body , suche thynges as are due vnto them , declaryng what euery one is in his vocacion . It is the duetie of a Kyng , to haue an especiall care ouer his whole realme . It is th office of his nobles , to cause the kynges will to be fulfilled , and with all diligence to further his Lawes , and to se iustice doen euery where .

It is the part of a subiect , faithfully to do his princes commaundement , & with a willyng hart to serue him at al nedes .

It is th office of a bishop to setfurthe Gods worde , & with all diligence to exhort men to all godlinesse . It is an husbandes duetie to loue his wife , & with ientle meanes to rule her . It is the wifes office , humbly to submit her self to her husbandes will . Seruauntes should be faithfull to their maistres , not onely for feare of a law , but also for conscience sake . Masters should vse their seruauntes accordyngly , paiyng theim that , whiche is due unto them . A father should bryng vp his children in the feare of God . Children should reuerence their fathers with all submission . It is also called a distribucion , when we diuide the whole , into seuerall partes , and saie we haue foure poynctes , whereof we purpose to speake , comprehendyng our whole talke within compasse of thesame .

¶ Correccion .

COrreccion , Correctio . is when we alter a woorde or sentence , otherwise then we haue spoken before , purposyng therby to augment the matter , and to make it appere more vehement . Tullie against Verres , Tullie against Uerres . geueth a good example . We haue broughte before you my Lordes , into this place of iudgement , not a thefe , but an extorcioner and violent robber , not an aduouterer , but a rauisher of maides , not a stealer of churche goodes , but an errant traitor , bothe to God and all godlinesse : not a common ruffin , but a moste cruell cut throte suche as if a man should rake hell for one , he could not finde the like . Again , if one would enueigh against bacbiters , after this sort . Thou hast not robbed hym of his money , but thou hast taken awaie his good name , whiche passeth all worldly goodes , neither hast thou slaundered thyne enemie , but thyne awne brother , & frende , that meant thee well , and hath doen thee pleasures : nay thou hast not slandred him , but thou hast slain hym . For a man is halfe hanged , that hath lost his good name . Neither hast thou killed him with the sword , but poysoned hym with thy tongue , so that I maie call it rather an enchanting , then a murther . Neither hast thou killed one man alone , but so many as thou hast brought out of charite , with thy moste venemous bacbityng Yea , and last of al , thou hast not slain a man , but thou hast slain Christe in his members , so muche as laie in thee to do . But of this figure I haue spoken heretofore , where I wrote of amplificacion .

¶ Reieccion .

REieccion Reiectio . is then vsed , when we lay suche faultes from vs , as our enemies would charge vs with all , saiyng it is foly to thynke any suche thyng , muche more to speake it : or els to saie , suche a mannes worde is no slaunder , or it nedeth not to talke of suche toyes . Or thus . Who wold thinke that I would doo suche a deede ? Or is it like that I would do suche a dede ? Antony charged Tully , that he was the occasion of ciuill battaill . Nay ( ꝙ Tullie ) it is thou , it is thou manne and none other , that settes Ceasar on worke , to seke the slaughter of his countrey .

☞ A Buttresse .

A Buttresse is a fe●se made for that , premunitio whiche we purpose to hold vp , or go about to compasse . As thus . I hope my lordes , bothe to perswade this man by reason , & to haue your iudgement in this matter . For wheras it is a sore thyng to be iustly accused , for breaking frendship , then assuredly if one be wrongfully slandred , a man had nede to loke about him

☞ A familiar talke , or communicacion vsed .

COmmunicacion Communicatio . is then vsed , when we debate with other , and aske questions , as though we loked for an answer , and so go through with our matter , leauyng the iudgement therof to their discrecion . As thus . What thinke you in this matter ? Is there any other better meanes to dispatche the thyng ? What would you haue doen , if you were in thesame case ? Here I appeale to your awne conscience , whether you would suffer this vnpunished , if a man should do you the like displeasure .

☞ Descripcion of a mannes nature , or maners .

WE describe Descriptio the maners of men , when we set them furthe in their kynd what thei are . As in speakyng against a coueteous man , thus . There is no suche pi●che pe●y on liue , as this good felowe is . He will not lose the paryng of his nailes . His heire is neuer rounded , for sparyng of money one paire of shoen serueth hym a .xij. moneth , he is shod with nailes like a horse . He hath been knowen by his cote this .xxx winter . He spentones a grote at good ale , beyng forced thorowe companie , and taken short at his worde , wherevpon he hath taken suche conceipt sins that tyme , that it hath almost cost hym his life . Tullie describeth Piso for his naughtines of life , wonderfully to heare , yea , worse then I haue setfurth this coueteous man . Read the Oracion against Piso , suche as be learned .

☞ Error .

ERrour Erroris inductio . is , when wee thinke mu●he otherwise then the truth is . As when we haue conceiued a good opinion of some one man , & are often deceiued , to saie , who would haue thought , that he euer would haue doen so . Now of all menne vpon yearth , I would haue least suspected hym . But suche is the world . Or thus . You thinke suche a man a worthy personage , and of muche honestie , but I will proue , that he is muche otherwise : a man would not thynke it , but if I do not proue it , I will geue you my hedde .

☞ Mirthe makyng .

I Haue heretofore largely declared , the waies of mirth making , & therfore I litle nede to renue them here in this place In hilaritatem impulsio

¶ Anticipacion , or Preuencion .

ANticipacion , Ante occu●patio . is when we preuent those wordes , that another would saie , and disproue theim as vntrue , or at least wise , answere vnto them . A Godly Preacher enueighed earnestly against those , that would not haue the Bible to bee in Englishe , and after earnest probacion of his cause , saied thus : but me thynkes I heare one saie . Sir , you make muche a dooe , aboute a litle matter , what were we the worse , if we had no scripture at al ? To whom he answered : the scripture is left vnto vs by Goddes awne will , that the rather we might knowe his commaundementes , & liue therafter al the daies of our life . Sometymes this figure is vsed when we saie , we will not speake this or that , & yet doo notwithstandyng . As thus . Suche a one is an Officer , I will not saie a briber . Righte is hyndered throughe might● , I will not saie , ouerwhelmed . Thus in saiyng we will not speake , we speake our mynde after a sort , notwithstandyng .

¶ A Similitude .

A Similitude Similitudo is a likenesse when .ij. thynges , or mo then two , are so compared and resembled together , that thei bothe in some one propertie seme like . Oftentymes brute beastes , and thynges that haue no life , minister greate matter in this behalfe . Therefore those that delite to proue thynges by similitudes , must learne to knowe the nature of diuerse beastes , of metalles , of stones and al suche , as haue any vertue in them , & be applied to mannes life . Sometymes in a worde appereth a similitude , whiche beyng dilated helpeth wel for amplificacion . As thus . You striue against the streme , better bowe then breake . It is euill runnyng against a stone wall . A man maie loue his house wel , and yet not ride vpon the ridge . By all whiche , any one maie gather a similitude , and enlarge it at pleasure . The prouerbes of Heiwode helpe wonderfull well for this purpose . In comparyng a thyng from the lesse to the greater , Similitudes helpe well to set out the matter . That if we purpose to dilate our cause hereby with poses and sentences , wee maie with ease talke at large . Similitude enlarged . This shall serue for an e●ample . The more precious a thyng is , the more diligently should it bee kepte , and better hede taken to it . Therfore tyme , ( consideryng , nothyng is more precious , ) should warely bee vsed , and good care taken , that no tyme bee lost , without some profite gotten . For if thei are to be punished , that spende their money , and waist their landes , what folie is it , not to thynke theim worthie muche more blame , that spend their tyme ( whiche is the chifest treasure that God geueth ) either idlely , or els vngodly ? For what other thyng doeth manne lose , when he loseth his tyme , but his life ? And what can bee more deare to man , then his life ? If wee lose a litle money , or a ryng of golde with a stone in it , we compt that greate losse . And I praie you , when wee lose a whole daie , whiche is a good porcion of a mannes life , shall wee not compte that a losse , consideryng though our money bee gone , wee maie recouer thesame again , but tyme lost can neuer be called backe again . Again when we lose our money , some bodye getteth good by it , but the losse of time turneth to no mannes auayle . There is no man that loseth in anye other thynge , but some bodye gayneth by it , sauynge onelye in the losse of time . Yea , it hathe saued the lyfe of some , to lose al that they hadde . For riches be the occasion sometimes of muche mischiefe in this lyfe , so that it were better sometymes wastefullye to spende , then warely to keepe : by the losse of time , no man hath profited him selfe any thing at all . Besides this , the better & more precious a thing is , the more shame to spend it fondly . Though men kepe their goodes neuer so close , and locke them vp neuer so fast , yet often times , either by some mischaunce of fyre , or other thinge , they are lost , or els desperate Dickes borowes nowe and then againste the owners wille , all that euer he hathe . And now though the owner be vndone , yet is he not therfore dishonest , considerynge honestye standeth not in wealthe or heapes of money : But the losse of tyme , seynge it happeneth throughe oure owne folye , not onelye dothe it make vs wretches , but also causeth menne to thinke that wee are paste all grace . A wonderfull kynde of infamie , when the whole blame shall reste vpon none other mannes necke , but vpon his onelye that suffereth all the harme . Wyth money a manne maye bye lande , but none can gette honestie of that pryce : and yet with well vsinge of tyme , a manne not onely might get him muche worshippe , but also myghte purchase himself a name for euer . Yea , in a smal time a man might get greate fame , and liue in much estimation . By losinge of money wee lose little elles : by losynge of time , wee lose all the goodnes and gyftes of GOD , whiche by laboure might be hadde .

Thus a Similitude myghte be enlarged by heapynge good sentences , when one thinge is compared wyth an other , and a conclusion made therupon .

Emonge the learned menne of the Churche , no one vseth this figure more then Chrisostome , whose writynges the rather seme more pleasaunte and swete . For similitudes are not onelye vsed to amplifie a matter , but also to beautifie the same , to delite the hearers , to make the matter playne , and to shewe a certaine maiestye wyth the reporte of suche resembled thinges , but because I haue spoken of similitudes heretofore in the boke of Logique , I will surcesse to talke anye further of this matter .

☞ Example .

HE that myndeth to perswade , muste neades be well stored with examples . Exemplum And therfore muche are they to be commended whiche searche Chronicles of all ages , and compare the sta●e of our elders , with this prese●te time . The historye of Goddes boke to the christian is infallible , and therfore the rehearsall of suche good thinges as are therin conteyned , moue the faythfull to all vpright doinge and amendmente of their lyfe . The Ethnicke aucthoures styrre the hearers , beynge well applyed to the the purpose . For when it shall be reported that they whiche hadde no knowledge of God , liued in a brotherlye loue , one towardes an other , detested aduoutrye , banished periures , hanged the vnthanckefull , kepte the ydle withoute meate , tyll they laboured for their liuynge , suffered none extorcion , exempted Brybers frome bearynge rule in the commune Weale : the Christians muste neades be ashamed of their euyll behauiour , and studye much to passe those , whiche are in callynge muche vnder theim , and not suffer that the ignoraunte and Paganes lyfe , shall counteruayle the taughte chyldren of God , and passe the Christians so much in good liuynge , as the Christians passe theim in good learninge . Uneguall examples commende muche the matter . I call theim vneguall , when the weaker is brought in againste the stronger , as if chyldren be faythfull , much more ought menne to be faythfull . If wome●ne be chaste , and vndefiled : menne shoulde muche more be cleane , and wythoute faulte . If an vnlearned manne wyll do no wronge , a learned man and a preacher muste muche more be vprighte , and liue without blame . If an housholder will deale iustlye with his seruauntes , a Kynge muste muche the rather ●eale iustelye with his subiectes .

Examples gathered out of histories and vsed in this sort , helpe muche towardes perswasion . Yea , brute beastes minister greate occasion of righte good matter , considerynge manye of theim haue shewen vnto vs , the paternes and ymages of diuers vertues .

Doues Doues seyng an hauke , gather all together , teachynge vs none other thing , but in aduersitie to sticke one to another .

Craynes Craynes in the nyght haue their watche , warninge vs neuer to be carelesse , for if their watche faile them , they al neuer leaue tyll they haue killed that one Crayne , teachyng vs that no traytours are worthye to liue vpon earth . The watche for his safegarde , and because he woulde not slepe : holdeth a stone in his fote , the which falleth from him , when he beginneth to waxe heauy , and so he kepeth him selfe s●yll wakyng . Wherby wee maye learne that all menne in their vocation shoulde be right ware and watchfull . The Henne clocketh her chickens , feadeth them , and kepeth theim from the Kyte . Womenne must clocke their children , bring them vp well , and kepe them from euill happe . Nowe I myght in speakinge of some odious vyce , largelye sette oute some example belonginge to the same , and compare it with o●her by heapinge of Chronicles , and matchinge of thynges together .

The vnthankefull Vn●hankeful●nes how euil it is in this age ( whereof there is no small number ) can not haue enoughe saide againste theim . And therfore I am minded to saye somewhat againste theim , to the vtter abhorrynge of all suche vnkynde dealynge . For he that is vnthankeful , and for herty loue , sheweth cankard hatred : wanteth all other Uertues , that are required to be in manne . The chiefe perfection and the absolute fulfillyng of the Lawe , standeth in the loue which manne oweth first to God , and nexte to his neighboure . Lette a 〈◊〉 haue fayth that he may be able to translate mountaines ( as saint Paule sayeth : ) yea , let his haue neuer so good qualities , or be he neuer so politique a manne for the saulfegarde of his Countrey , be he neuer so wise , so ware , and so watchful : yet if he wante Loue , he is nothynge elles but as a soundinge brasse , or a tinckelinge Cymbal .

Nowe he that is churlishe and vnthankefull , muste neades wante loue , and therfore wanteth he all other goodnes . The Persians therfore seyng the greatenes of this offence and that where it rested , all vyces for euer were banished : prouided by a law that suche should suffer death as felons , which were founde faultye with vnthankefulnes . Vnthankefulnes punyshed by the Pers●●s with death

And yet I can not see but they deserue rather an exquisite kynde of Deathe ( suche as fewe haue sene , or fewe haue felte ) then to suffer lyke Deathe with other , that haue not like offended wyth them .

But nowe because this offence is an euill most odious , and the principal occasion of all other mischiefe , I will set forthe three notable examples , the one of a Dragon , the seconde of a Dogge , and the thirde of a Lyon ( whiche all thre in thankefulnes , if that be true whiche is reported of theim wonderfullye exceaded , ) and the rather I seke to set theim oute , that the wycked herebye maye well knowe what they theim selues are , when bruite Beastes shall sette theim al to schole .

There was a manne ( as Plinie writeth ) whiche fostered vp a yong Dragon , Thankfulnes of a Dragon who seynge the same beaste to waxe wonderfull greate , feared to kepe his Dragon anye longer within his house , and therfore he put him out into a wylde Foreste . It happened afterwarde that the same manne traueylinge on hys iourney throughe the Foreste , was besette with thieues . And nowe beynge in this distresse , and lokinge for none other ende but deathe , made ( as lothe to departe ) a grea●e showte and an outcrye : strayghte vpon whose noyse , and at the knowledge of his voyce , the Dragon came to him in all the haste possible . Wherupon the theues beinge greatelye afrayed , ranne cleane awaye to saue theim selues harmeles . Thus throughe the thanckefulnes of a Dragon , this mans life was saued .

The dogge of the Romaine Fuluius is more wonderful This Fuluius traueylinge by the waye , was slayne wyth slaues that laye in wayte for him . Thankefulnes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Hys Dogge seynge his master deade , laye by him for the space of two dayes . Wherupon when the manne was missinge , and searche made for him : they founde him dead , with his Dogge liynge by him .

Some marueylinge to see the Dogge lye there by hys deade master , stroke him , and woulde haue driuen him from the deade corse , and coulde not : some seynge suche kindenes in the Dogge , and pitiynge him that he should lye there without meate , two or thre dayes before : cast him a pece of flesh , wherupon the Dogge strayghte caried the meate to his masters mouthe , and woulde not eate anye whitte him selfe , thoughe he hadde forborne meate so longe before . And last of all , when this deade bodye shoulde be caste into the riuer , ( according to the maner of the Romaines ) the Dogge leapt in after , and holdynge vp his maister so longe as he coulde , did chose rather to dye with him , than to liue without him .

The Lyon ( wherof Appian the Grammarian doth speake ) is also straunge for his kindenes , and almost incredible . Thankefulnes of a Lyon . A seruaunte that hadde runne awaye from his master , and hidde him selfe for feare in a caue , within a greate woodde , toke a thorne out of a Lions fote , whiche then came to him for succour as he lay there . Now when he had done , the lion to requite his good turne , brought suche meate to the caue , as he coulde kyll in the woode . The whiche meate the Seruaunte rostynge againste the Sunne , ( beynge in the mooste hotte countrey of all Affrica ) did eate from time to time . At length yet being werye of suche a lothesome lyfe , he left the caue , & came abrode , by meanes wherof , he was taken again , and beinge a slaue to his master ( who hadde power of life & deathe ouer him ) he was condempned to be cast to the wylde beastes at Rome , there to be deuoured of a Lyon . The pore caytife stode pitifullye in the sighte of thousandes , euer iokinge when he sholde be deuoured . It happened at thesame time , when this felow was thus adiudged to dye : that the same Lyon was taken , whose foote he healed in the wood . When the Lyon was putte to him , he came firste very terribly towarde this felowe , and immediatly knowyng what he was , stoode styll , and at length fauned gently vpon him . The felow at firste being amased , began to take harte vnto him afterwardes , as halfe knowing him likewise , and thus they began bothe to take acquaintaunce th one of thother , & played together a good space withoute all daunger , wherupon the people beynge amased , muche wondered at the straungenes of this thinge . And standinge thus astonied , they sente to knowe of the slaue , what this matter shoulde meane . Unto whom this poore wretche opened the whole thynge altogether , euen as it happened . When the people hearde this , they not onely reioysed much at the sight therof , but also they made earnest request to his Master for his lyfe . His master marueylinge as muche as anye of them , at suche an vnwonte kyndenes : gaue him not onelye hys life , but also his fredome . And nowe to the ende he myght haue somewhat whereupon to lyue , the people gaue hym a ●ee for terme of his lyfe . The felowe by and by gotte him a ●●●e and a coler , and caried the Lyon vp and downe the citye in suche sorte , as huntesmenne carye a Greyhounde , or a Spaniell , the people styll wonderynge , and sayinge euer as he came bye : Beholde a manne that hath cured a Lyon , behold a Lyon that hath saued a man .

The whiche example , the more straunge it is , the more ashamed maye they be that are vnnaturall , and maye learne kindenes of a bruite Beaste . For suche menne beynge ouercome with kindnes by Beastes , are worsse then Beastes , & more mete rather to be tormented with Deuils , then to liue with men .

Of enlargynge examples by copye .

ANd now because examples enriched by Copy , helpe muche for Amplification : I will geue a taste , howe these and suche lyke Histories maye be encreased .

And for the better handelynge of theim , nedefull it is to marke well the circumstaunces : that beynge well obserued and compared together on bothe partes , they maye the rather be enlarged .

As thus . Example enlarged . That whiche bruite Beastes haue doone , shalt thou being a man seme not to haue done ? They shewed them selues natural , and wilt thou appeare vnnaturall ? Nay they ouercame nature , and wilte thou be ouercome of them ? They became of beastes in bodye , men in nature , and wilt thou become of a manne in bodye , a Beaste in nature ?

They beinge withoute reason , declared the propertye of reasonable creatures , and wilte thou beinge a man endued wyth reason , ap●eare in thy doynges altogether vnreasonable ? Shall Dogges be th●nkefull : and menne , yea , christian menne wante suche a vertue ? Shall wormes shewe suche kindenes : and menne appearre gracelesse ? It had ben no matter if they had bene vnthankefull : but man can neuer escape blame , seinge God hathe commaunded , and Nature hathe graffed this in all menne : that they shoul●e do to other , as they woulde be done vnto . Agayne , they for m●ate onelye sh●wed them selues so kinde : and shal man for so many benefites receiued , and for such goodnes shewed , requite for good will , euil dedes : for hartie loue , deadlye hatred : for vertue , vyce : and for life geuen to him , yelde death to other ? Nature hath parted man and beast : and shall man in nature be no manne ? Shamed be that wretche that goeth agaynst nature , that one ye hath the shape of a man , and in nature is worse then a beast . Yea , worthye are all suche ra●her to be torne with deuils , then to liue with men . Thus an example might moste copiouslye be augmented , but thus muche for this time is sufficient .

The saiynge of Poets and all their fables are not to be forgotten , Poeticall narrations profitable . for by them we may talke at large , and winne men by perswasion , if wee declare before hande , that these tales were not fayned of suche wise menne without cause , neither yet continued vntyll this tyme , and kepte in memorie without good consideration , and therupon declare the true meanynge of all suche writinge . For vndoubtedlye there is no one tale emonge al the Poetes , but vnder the same is comprehended some thinge that perteyneth eyther to the amendemente of maners , to the knowledge of trueth , to the settynge forthe of Natures woorcke , or elles to the vnderstandinge of some notable thynge done . For what other is the paynefull trauayle of Ulisses discribed so largelye by Homere , but a liuely picture of mans miserie in this life .

And as Plutarche sayth ▪ and likewise Basilius Magnus : In the Iliades are described strengthe and valeantenes of the bodye : In Odissea is set forthe a lyuelye Paterne of the minde .

The Poetes Poets vnder cul●ures shew muche wisdome . were wise men , & wished in harte the redresse of thinges , the whiche when for feare they durst not openly rebuke , thei didde in coloures paynte theim oute , and tolde menne by shadowes what they shoulde do in good south : or els because the wycked were vnworthy to heare the truth , they spake so , that none myght vnderstande , but those vnto whom they pleased to vtter their meaninge , and knewe them to be menne of honeste conuersation .

We reade of Danae Danae the fayre damosel , whom Iuppiter ●empted full ofte ; and coulde neuer haue his pleasure , tyll a● lengthe he made it raine golde , and so as shee sate in her chimney , a greate deale fell vpon her lappe , the whyche shee toke gladly , and kepte it there : within the which gold Iuppiter him selfe was comprehended , wherby is none other thynge elles signified , but that women haue bene , and wyll be ouercome with money ▪

Likewise Iuppiter fanseinge the fayre maide Isis Isis could not haue his will , till he turned him selfe into a fayre whyte Bull , whiche signified that beautie may ouercome the best .

If a manne woulde speake agaynste couetous Caytifes , can he better shewe what they are , then by settynge forthe the straunge plague of Tantalus , Tantalus who is reported to be in Hell , hauinge water comminge styll to his chynne , and yet neuer able to drynke : and an apple hangyng before his mouthe , and yet neuer able to eat ?

Icarus Icarus . woulde nedes haue wynges and flye contrary to nature , wherupon when he hadde them sette together with ware , and ioyned to his syde , he mounted vp into the ayre . But so sone as the sunne hadde somewhat heated him , and his waxe began to melte , he fel downe into a greate Riuer , and was drowned out of hande , the whiche water was euer after called by his name . Now what other thing dothe this tale shewe vs , but that euerye man should not meddle with thinges aboue his compasse .

Midas Midas . desiered that whatsoeuer he touched , the same might be golde : wherupon when Iuppiter hadde graunted him his bounde : his meate , drinke , and al other thinges turned into gold , and he choked with his owne desire , as al cocouetouse men lightely shal be , than can neuer bee content when they haue enough .

What other thyng are the wonderfull labours of Hercules , Hercules laboures w●at they signi●●ed . but that reason shoulde withstande affection , and the spirite for euer should fight , against the fleshe ? We Christians had like fables heretofore of ioyly felowes , the Images wherof were set vp ( in Gods name ) euen in our Churches . But is any man so mad to thynk that euer there was suche a one as S. Christofer S. Christofer what he signified . was paincted vnto vs ? Mary God forbid . Assuredly when he liued vpon earth there were other houses builded for hym , then we haue at this tyme , and I thynke tailers were muche troubled to take measure of him for makyng his garmentes . He might be of kynne to Garganteo , if he were as bigge as he is set forthe in Antwerpe ▪ But this was the meanyng of our elders ( and the name self doth signifie none other ) that euery man should beare Christ vpon his backe , that is to say , he should loue his brother as Christe loued vs , and gaue his body for vs : he shoulde tra●●ile through hunger , colde , sorowe , sickenes , deathe , and al daungers with al sufferaunce that might be . And whether should he trauaile ? to the euerliuyng GOD ▪ but how ? In darkenes ? No forsouth , by the light of his word . And therfore Sainct Christofer beyng in the Sea , and not well able to gette out ( that is to say beyng almost drouned in synne , & not knowyng whiche waie best to escape ) an Heremite appered vnto hym with a lanterne & a light therein , the whiche dothe signifie none other thyng to the Christian but the true woorde of God , whiche lighteneth the hartes of men , & geueth vnderstandyng to the youngelinges ( as the Prophet doth saie ) . Againe , Sainct George S. George on horse backe . he is set on horsebacke & killeth a Dragon with his speare , whiche Dragon woulde haue deuoured a virgine , whereby is none other thyng ment but that a Kyng and euery man vnto whom th execution of iustice is committed , should defende the innocent against the vngodly attemptes of the wicked , and rather kill suche deuilles by marcial law , than suffer the innocentes to take any wrong . But who gaue our clargie any suche aucthoritie that those monsters shoulde bee in Churches as laye mens Bookes ? God forbadde by expresse worde to make any grauen Image , and shal we be so bolde to breake Gods wil for a good entent , and call these Idolles laie mens Bookes ? I could talke more largely of examples , & heape a nomber here together , aswell of Ethnike Aucthours , as of other here at home : but for feare I should be tediouse , these for this tyme that suffise .

¶ Of Fables .

THe feigned fables , such as are attributed vnto brute beastes , would not be forgotten at any hand . For not onely they delite the rude & ignoraunt , but also they helpe muche for perswasion . Apologi . And because suche as speake in open audience haue euer moe fooles to heare them than wise men to geue iudgement : I would thynke it not amisse , to speake muche accordyng to the nature and fansie of the ignoraunt , that the rather thei might be wonne through fables , to learne more weightie & graue matters ▪ for al men cannot brooke sage causes , and auncient collacions : but wil lyke earnest matters the rather , if some thing be spoken there ●mong agreyng to their natures . The multitude ( as Horace doth say ) is a beast , or rather amonster that hath many heades Fables ▪ how nedeful they are to ●eache the ignoraū●e . and therefore like vnto the diuersitie of natures , varietie of inuencion must alwaies be vsed . Talke altogether of moste graue matters , or depely searche out the ground of thynges or vse the Quiddities of Dunce to sette forth Gods misteries : & you shal see the ignoraunt ( I warrant you ) either fal a slepe , or elles bid you farewel . The multitude must needes be made mery : & the more foolish your talke is , the more wise wil they counte it to be . And yet it is no foolishnesse , but rather wisedome to wynne men by tellyng of fables to heare of Gods goodnesse . Undoubtedly fables well sette forthe , haue doen muche good at diuerse tymes , and in diuerse commune weales . The Romaine Menenius Agrippa allegyng vpon a tyme a fable of the conflicte made betwixt the partes of a mans bodie , and his belie : quieted a marueilouse stirre that was lyke to ensewe & pacified the vprore of ●ediciouse rebelles , whiche els thought for euer to destroy their countrie . Themistos●es perswaded the Athenians not to chaunge their Officers , by rehersyng the fable of a scabbed fore . For ( ꝙ he ) when many flees stode feedyng vpon his rawe fleshe , & had wel fedde themselues , he was contented at anothers persuasion , to haue them slapte away : whereupon their ensewed suche hungry flees afterwardes , that the sorie fo●e beyng al alone was eaten vp almost to the harde boone , and therefore cursed the tyme that euery he agreed to any suche euil counsel . In lyke maner ( ꝙ Themistocles ) if you will chaunge Officers , the hungry flees will ea●e you vp one after another , whereas now you liue beyng but onely bitten , and lyke to haue no farther harme , but rather muche welth and quietnesse hereafter , because they are filled , and haue enough , that heretofore suckte so muche of your bloud .

Now likewyse as I gaue a lesson how to enlarge an example , so may fables also in lyke sorte be sette out , & augmented at large by Amplification . Thus muche for the vse of fables . Againe , sometymes fei●ed Narrations and wittie inuented matters ( as though they were true in deede ) helpe wel to set forwarde a cause , & haue great grace in them , beyng aptely vsed & wel inuented . Luciane passeth in this pointe : & sir Thomas More for his Eutopia can soner be remembred of me , then worthely praised of any according as the excellencie of his inuencion in that behaulf doth most iustly require .

¶ Digestion .

DIgestion Digesti● . is an ordely placyng of thynges , partyng euery matter seuerally . Tullie hath an example hereof in his Oration whiche he made for Sextus Roscius Amarinus . There are three thynges ( ꝙ Tullie ) whiche hynder Sextus Roscius at this tyme , the accusacion of his aduersaries , the boldenes of them , and the power that they beare . Eruscus his accuser hath taken vpon hym to forge false matte● , the Roscians kinsfolke haue boldly aduentured , & wil face out their doynges , & Chrisogonus here , that most can do , wil presse vs with his power .

¶ A whisht , or a warnyng to speake no more .

A Whisht , is when we bid them holde their peace that haue least cause to speake , and can do litle good with their talkyng . Reticen●i● . Diogenes beeyng vpon the Sea emong a number of naughtie packes in a greate storme of wether , when diuerse of these wicked felowes cried out for feare of drownyng , some with fained prayour to Iuppiter , some to Neptune , and euery one as they best fantaised the goddes aboue : ●iogenes . whishte ( ꝙ Diogenes ) for vp Gods mother , if God hym selfe knowe you be here , you are lyke to be drowned euery mothers sonne of you . Meanyng that they were so nought , and so fainedly made their prayour to false Godes without mynde to amende their naughtie lyfe , that the lyuyng God woulde not leaue them vnpunished though they cried neuer so fast . Wee vse this figure likewyse , when in speakyng of any man : we saie , whisht , the woulfe it at hand : when the same man cometh in the meane season , of whome we spake before .

¶ Contrarietie .

COntrarietie Contentio . is , when our talke standeth by contrarie wordes , or sentences together . As thus wee mighte despraise some one man . he is of a straunge nature as euer I sawe , for to his frende he is churlishe , to his foe he is ientle : geue him faire wordes , and you offende hym : checke hym sharpely , and you wynne hym . Let hym haue his will , and he will flye in your face : kepe hym shorte , and you shal haue hym at commaundement .

¶ Fre●nesse of speache .

FReenesse of speache , Liberavox is when wee speake boldely , & without feare , euen to the proudest of them , whatsoeuer we please , or haue list to speake . Diogenes herein did excel , and feared no man when he sawe iust cause to saie his mynde . This worlde wanteth suche as he was , and hath ouer many suche , as neuer honest man was , that is to say , flatterers , fawners , and southers of mennes saiynges .

¶ Stomake grief .

STomake grief , Iracundia . is when we will take the matter as hote as a tost . We nede no examples for this matter , hote men haue to many , of whom they may be bould and spare not , that fynde them selues a colde . Some tymes we en●reate earnestly and make meanes by pra●er to wynne fauour . Deprecatio Somtymes we seke fauour by speakyng well of the companie present . Cōcilia●io . As. Thorowe your helpe my lordes this good deede hath been done . Laesio . Some tymes we speake to hurte our aduersaries , by settyng forth their euil behauior . Purgatio . Sometymes we excuse a fault , and accuse the reporters . Optatio . Sometymes we wishe vnto God for redresse to euil . Sometimes we curse the extreme wickednes of some pastgood roisters . Execratio . In al whiche I thynke neither examples neede , nor yet any rehersal had been greately necessarie , considering al these come without any great learnyng , sauing that for apt bestowing , iudgement is right nedeful .

¶ Of figures in sentencies , called Schemes .

WHen any sentence vpon the placyng , or settyng of wordes , is said to be a figure : thesaied is alwaies called a Scheme , the whiche wordes beyng altered , or displaced , the figure streight doth lose his name , and is called no more a scheme . Of this sorte there be diuerse , suche as hereafter folowe .

¶ Doublettes .

DOublettes , Geminatio verborum . is when we reherse one and thesame worde twise together . Ah wretche , wretche , that I am . Tullie against Catiline inueighyng sore against his traiterouse attemptes , saith after a long rehersed matter , and yet notwithstandyng all this notouriouse wickednesse : the man liueth stil , liueth ? Nay mary he cometh into the counsel house whiche is more . An other : Darrest thou showe thy face , thou wretched theef , thou theefe I saie to thyne owne father , darrest thou looke abrode ? Thus the ofte repeatyng of one worde doth munhe stirre the hearer , and makes the worde seeme greater , as though a sworde were ofte digged & thrust twise , or thrise in one place of the bodie .

¶ Alteryng parte of a worde .

ALteryng parte of a word , Pau●um immutat 〈◊〉 verbum . is when we take a letter , or sillable from some word , or els adde a letter , or sillable to a worde . As thus . William Somer seyng muche a do for accomptes makyng , & that the Kynges Maiestie of most worthie memorie Henry th eight wanted mony suche as was due vnto hym : And please your grace ( ꝙ he ) you haue so many frauditours , so many conueiers , and so many deceiuers to get vp your money , that they get al to themselues . Whether he said true , or no , let God iudge that . it was vnhappely spoken of a foole , & I thynke he had some Scholemaister : he shoulde haue saied Auditours , Surueyours , and Receauours .

¶ Repetition .

REpetition Repetitio a primo . is when we begynne diuerse sentencies one after another with one and thesame worde . As thus : When thou shalt appere at the terrible da●e of iudgement before the high maiestie of God , where is then thy richesse ? where is then thy deintie faire ? where is then thy great band of men ? where are then thy faire houses ? wher are then al thy landes , pastures , parkes , & forestes ? I might saie thus of our soueraine lord the Kynges maiestie that now is . Kyng Edwarde hath ouerthrowne idololatrie : Kyng Edwarde hath bannished superstition : Kyng Edward by Gods helpe hath brought vs to the true knowlege of our creation : Kyng Edwarde hath quieted our consciencies , & laboured that al his people should seeke healthe by the death and Passion of Christ alone .

☞ Conuersion .

COnuersion Conuersio● eiusdem in extremum . is an ofte repeatyng of the last worde , & is contrarie to that which went before . When iust dealing is not vsed : welth goeth away , fryndship goeth away , truth goeth awaie , all goodnes ( to speake at a worde ) goeth awaie . Where affections beare rule , there reason is subdued , honestie is subdued , good wil is subdued , & al thinges els that withstande euil , for euer are subdued .

¶ Comprehension .

COmprehersion , Conuersio in eadem . is when bothe the aboue rehersed figures are in one kynd of speakyng vsed , so that bothe one first worde must ofte be rehersed , & likewise al one last worde . What winneth the hartes of men ? Liberalitie . What causeth men to aduenture their lifes , and dye willyngly in defence of their masters ? Liberalitie . What continueth the sta●e of a Kyng ? Liberalitie . What becometh a woman best , Silence b●cometh a wom●n best . & first of al ? Silence . What seconde ? Silence . What third ? Silence . What fourth ? Silence . Yea if a man should aske me til dowmes day , I would stil crie , silence , silence , without the whiche no woman hath any good gifte , but hauing thesame , no doubt she must haue many other notable giftes , as the whiche of necessitie do euer folow suche a vertue .

¶ Progression .

PRogression Progressio standeth vpon contrarie sentences which answere one another . If we would rebuke a naughty boie , we might with commendyng a good boie , say thus . What a boie are thou in compar●son of this fellow here . Thou sleapes : he wakes : thou plaies : he studies : thou art euer abrode : he is euer at home : thou neuer waites : he stil doth his attendaunce : thou carest for no body : he doeth his dutie to al men : thou doest what thou ca●st to hurt al , & please none : he doth what he can , to hurte none , & please all .

¶ Lyke endyng , and lyke fallyng .

THen the sentences are said to ende lyke , when those wordes do end in like sillables , which do lacke cases . Similite● desinens , similiter cadens . Thou liues wickedly , thou speakes naughtely . The rebelles of Northfolke ( ꝙ a most worthie man that made an inuectiue against them ) through slauerie , slew Nobilitie : in dede miserably , in fashion cruelly , in cause deuilishly .

Sentencies also are said to fal like , when diuerse wordes in one sentenc●e ende in lyke cases , & that in ryme . By great trauaile is got muche auaile , by earnest affection , men learne discrecion .

These .ij. kyndes of Exornacion are then most delitefull when contrarie thynges are repeated together : when that ones again is vtterde , whiche before was spoken : when sentencies are turned , and letters are altered . Of the first this may be an example : Where learnyng is loued , there labour is estemed : but wher sleuth is thought solace , there rudenes taketh place . A Kyng is honoured , that is a Kyng in dede . wil you drink or you go , or wil you go or you drinke . There is a diffrence betwixt an horsemilne , & a milnehorse . He is a meter man to driue the Carte , than to serue in the Courte . Through labou● cometh honour , through ydell lyuyng foloweth hangyng . Diuerse in this our tyme delite muche in this kynd of writyng , whiche beeyng measurably vsed , deliteth muche the hearers , otherwyse i● offendeth , and werieth mens eares with sacitie . S. Augustine Augustine . had a goodly gifte in this behaulf , & yet some thinkes he forgot measure , and vsed ouermuche this kynde of figure . Notwithstandyng the people were suche wher he liued , that they toke muche delite in rimed sentences , & in Orations made ballade wise . Yea thei were so nyce & so waiwarde to please , that excepte the Preacher from tyme to tyme coulde ryme out his Sermon , they woulde not long abide the hearyng . Tacitus Tacitus . also sheweth that in his tyme , the iudges & sergeauntes at the lawe were driuen to vse this kynd of phrase both in their writyng , & also in their speaking . Yea great lordes would thynk themselfes contempned , if learned men ( when they spake before them ) sought not to speake in this sorte . Rymed sentences vsed without measure . So that for the flowyng stile , & ful sentence , crepte in mynstrelles elocution , talkyng matters altogether in rime , & for weightinesse & grauitie of wordes , succeded nothyng els but wantonnesse of inuencon . Tullie was forsaken , with Liuie , Cesar , & other : And Apuleius , Ausonius , with suche mynstrell makers were altogether folowed . And I thynke the Popes heretofore ( seeyng the people folie to be suche ) made al our Hymnes & Anthemes in rime , Rymes made , to mocke the simple . that with the singyng of men , plaiyng of organnes , ringyng of belles , & r●nyng of Hymnes , & Sequencies the poore ignoraunt might thinke the Harmonie to be heauenly , & verely beleue that the Angels of God made not a better noise in heauen . I speake thusmuche of these two figures , not that I thinke folie to vse them ( for thei are pleasaunt & praise worthie ) but my talke is to this end , that thei shoulde neither onely , nor chefely to vsed , as I know some in this our time do ouermuche vse them in their writynges . And ouermuche ( as al men know ) was neuer good yet . Yea a man may haue ouermuche of his mothers blessyng if she wil neuer leaue blessyng . Therefore a measure is best , yea euen in the best thynges . And thus farre for these .ij. figures .

¶ Egual members .

EGuall members are suche , when the one halfe of the sentence answereth to the other , Pa●ia pa●ibus rela●a . with iust proporcion of nomber , not that the sillables of necessitee , should be of iust nombre , but that the eare might iudge them , to bee so eguall , that there maie appere small difference . As thus . Lawe without mercie , is extreme power , yet men thorowe folie , deserue suche iustice . Learnyng is daungerous , if an euill man haue it . The more noble a manne is , the more ientle he should be . Isocrates passeth in this behalfe , who is thought to write altogether in nomber , kepyng iust proporcion in framyng of his sentence .

¶ Like emong themselfes .

SEntences are called like , when contraries are set together , Similia inter se. and the firste taketh asmuche as the other folowyng : and the other folowyng taketh asmuche a waie , as that did , whiche went before . As thus ▪ Lust hath ouercome shamefastenesse , impudencie hath ouercome feare , and madnesse hath ouercome reason . Or els sentences are said to be like emong themselfes , when euery part of one sentence is eguall , and of like weight one with another As thus . Is it knowen , tried , proued , euident , open , and assured that I did suche a deede ? Another . Suche riote , Dicyng , Cardyng , pikyng , stealyng , fighting , ruffines , queanes and harlottes , must nedes bryng hym to naught .

¶ Gradacion .

GRadacion Gradatio . is when we reherse the worde that goeth nexte before , and bryng another woorde thereupon that encreaseth the matter , as though one should go vp a paire a staiers , and not leaue til he come at the toppe . Or thus . Gradacion is when a sentence is disseuered by degrees , so that the worde , whiche endeth the sentence goyng before , doeth begin the nexte . Labour getteth learnyng , learnyng getteth fame , fame getteth honour , honour getteth blesse for euer . Another . Of slouthe cometh pleasure , of pleasure cometh spendyng , of spendyng cometh whoryng , of whoryng cometh lacke , of lacke cometh thefte , of thefte cometh hangyng , and there an ende for this world .

¶ Regression .

THat is called regression , Regressio . when we repeate a worde eftso●es , that hath been spoken , and rehersed before , whether thesame bee in the beginnyng , in the middest , or in the latter ende of a sentence .

In the beginnyng , thus . Thou art ordeined to rule other , and not other to rule thee .

In the middest , thus . He that hath money , hath not geuen it and he that hath geuen money , hath not his money still : but he that hath geuen thankes , hath thankes still , & he that hath them still , hath geuen them notwithstandyng .

In the latter ende , thus . Manne must not liue to eate , but eate to liue . Man is not made so the Sabboth , but the Sabboth is made for man . If man do any filthy thyng , and take pleasure therein : the pleasure goeth awaie , but the shame tarieth still . If manne do any good thyng with pain , the paines go awaie , but the honestie abideth still .

¶ wordes loose .

WOrdes louse are suche , Dissolutnm which as are vttred without any addicion of coniunccions , suche as knitte woordes and sentences together . As thus . Obeye the Kyng , feare his lawes , kepe thy vocacion , doo right , seke rest , like well a litle , vse all menne , as thou wouldest thei should vse thee .

¶ Out criyng .

OUt criyng is when with voyce we make an exclamacion . Exclamatio Oh Lorde , O God , O worlde , O life , O maners of menne ? O death , where is thy styng ? O hell where is thy victorie ?

¶ Oft vsyng of one worde in diuerse places .

CAn he haue any mannes harte in hym , or deserueth he the name of a man , that cruelly killeth a poore innocent man , who neuer thought hym harme .

¶ A cause geuen to a sentence vttered .

I Feare not myne aduersarie , because I am not giltie . I mistrust not the Iudges , because thei are iuste , the quest will not cast me , the matter is so plain .

¶ A cause geuen to thynges contrary .

BEtter it were to rule , then to serue : For , he that ruleth , liueth : because he is free . But he that serueth , cannot be saied to liue . For where bondage is , there is no life properly .

¶ Sufferaunce .

TAke your pleasure for a tyme , and do what you list , Permissio . a tyme will come when accompt shal be made . When thynges cannot be , that we would haue , we should will that , whiche we can haue . Pacience is a remedy for euery disease .

¶ A doubtyng .

SHall I call hym foole , Dubitatio . or shall I call hym varlet , or bothe ? Another . What made hym to commit suche a robberie ? Lacke of money , or lacke of wit , or lacke of honestie ? I doubte whether to call hym a foolishe knaue , or a knauishe foole . When muche matter was here in Englande , for callyng the Pope , supreme hedde of the Churche ( ꝙ a Spanyarde , A Spaniardes dou●te . that whilome was of the Popes courte in Rome ) you doubt muche here in England , whether the Pope be hedde of the churche or no , and greate variaunce there is emonges you , at the whiche foly of yours I doo muche maruaill , for we doubte muche at Rome , whether he be a member of the Churche at all , or no.

☞ Reckenyng .

REckenyng , is when many thynges are nombred together . Dinumeratio . There is no streat , no house , no man , no child , no shop , no lodgyng in all this toune , but he hath been in it . There is no stone , no Diamond , no Saphire , no Rubie , no Christall , no Turcasse , no Emerode , but he knoweth theim perfectly . By this figure we may enlarge that , by rehersyng of the partes , whiche was spoken generally , & in fewe wordes . This maie be an example . Suche a ientle man beyng an vnthrifte , hath spent all that euer he had . Thus the sentence Sentence amplified by seuerall rehersyng of thynges . maie be ampli●ied , if we shew particularly what he had , and tell seuerally how he spent it . Loke what enheritaunce came to him ( whiche was no small thyng ) by the death of his awn kinne , and his wifes kinsfolk : What dower soeuer he had by mariage of his wife , which by report was very greate thyng Whatsoeuer he got by executorship : Whatsoeuer the kinges Maiestie gaue hym . What booties soeuer he gotte in warre fare , looke what money he had , what plate , what apparell , what householde stuffe , what lande and Lordeshippes , what Shepe , goodes , Parkes , and Medowes , yea , whatsoeuer he had , moueable , or vnmoueable , his house , and all that euer he had : he hath so spent in fewe daies , so wasted it , & made suche hauocke of all together , emong the beastly compagnie of filthy queanes , emong abhominable harlottes , with banquetyng from daie to daie , with sumpteous reare suppers , with drinkyng in the nighte , with dain●ees and delicates , and a●l suche swete delites , with Dicyng , Cardyng , and all maner of gamenyng : that he hath now left neither crosse nor crucifixe , no not a dodkin in all the worlde , to blesse hymself with al. Thus these wordes ( he hath spent all his goodes in riot ) are dilated , and sette furthe at large , by rehersyng seuerally euery thyng , one after another .

¶ Reasonyng a matter with our selfes .

THen wee reason the matter with our selfes , Disputatio when we aske questions of our selfes , and answere therevnto . As thus . Howe came this good felowe by all that he hath ? Did his father leaue hym any lande ? Not a foote . Did his frendes geue hym any thyng ? Not a grote . Hath he serued in any vo●acion , to heape vp so muche wealth ? No●e hath liued more idlely . Doeth he not leane to some noble man ? Yea , but he neuer receiued more then .iiij. marke wages . How then cometh he by all that euer he hath , liuyng without labour , hauyng no frendes to helpe hym , hauyng so litle to take vnto by all outwarde apparaunce , and spendyng so l●berally , and owyng no man a grote in all the world ? Assuredly , it cannot be otherwise , but that he cometh naughtily by moste of that , whiche he hath Another . Seyng thou art so basely borne , so poore in state , so smally learned , so hard fauoured , and hast no witte at al , what meanest thou to vaunte thy self so muche , and to make suche bragges as thou doest . What doeth make thee to waxe so proude ? Thy stocke wherof thou diddest come ? Why manne , thei are very base folke . Thyne awne wealth ? ●ushe , thou art as poore as Iob. Thy learnyng ? Marie thou neuer camst yet where any learnyng did growe . Thy beautie ? Nowe in good sothe , a worse fauoured manne can there not be vpon yearth again . Thy witte ? Now God he knoweth , it is as blounte as may bee . What other thyng then , is all this thy braggyng , but plain madnesse .

¶ Resemblyng of thynges .

REsemblyng of thynges , is a comparyng or likenyng of looke , with looke , shape , with shape , and one thyng with another . As when I see one in a greate h●ate , and fiersely set vpon his enemie , I might saie , he lette flee at hym like a Dragon . Or thus . He lookes like a Tyger , a man would thinke he would eate one , his countenaunce is so ougle . He speakes not , but he barkes like a Dogge : he whettes his tethe like a Bore , he beates the grounde with his foote , like a greate Horsse : he is as raumpyng as a Lion . By this figure called in Latine Imago , Imago . that is to saie an Image , we mighte compare one manne with another , as Salust compareth Ceasar and Cato together , or we mighte heape many men together , and proue by large rehersall , any thyng that we would , the whiche of the Logicians is called induccion .

¶ Answeryng to our self .

WE are saied to answere our self , when wee seme to tell our self , Sibi ipsi responsio . what we will do . Phedria in Terence beyng muche troubled and out of quiet , because he was not receiued of his woman , but shutte out of dores , when he was moste willyng to se her , made as though he would not come to her afterwardes , nor yet se her at all , when she did moste iently sende for hym . And therfore beyng in his anger , thus he saied : Well , what shall I dooe ? Shall I not go , not euen now when she sendes for me , of her awne accorde ? Or shall I be of suche a nature , that I cannot abide the despitefulnesse of harlottes ? She hath shutte me out , she calles me again . Shal I go to her ? Naie I will not , though she entreate me neuer so faire .

☞ Order .

ORder Ordo . is of twoo sortes , the one is , when the worthier is preferred , and set before . As a man is sette before a woman . The seconde is , when in amplificacion , the weightiest wordes are sette last , and in diminishyng , thesame are sette formoste . With what looke , with what face , with what harte dare thou do suche a dede ?

☞ Brief describyng , or circumscripcion .

CIrcumscripcion , Circumscriptio . is a briefe declaryng of a thyng . As thus . He is free , that is subiect to no euil . It is a vertue to eschewe vice .

There are diuerse other colours of Rhetorique , to commende and set furthe a sentence , by chaunge of wordes , and muche varietee of speache , but I had rather offende in speakyng to litle , then deserue rebuke in saiyng to muche . Forasmuche as close silence maie so●er be pardoned , then immoderate bablyng can want iust blame , & therfore thus an ende .

¶ Of memorie .

AS I haue labored to set out thother partes of Rhetorique , in suche ample wise as I thought moste nedefull so it standeth me in hand , not to slacken myne endeuor , now that I am come to speake to memorie . For , though man haue vnderstandyng and iudgement , whiche is one parte of wisedome : yet wantyng a remembraunce to apply thynges aptly , when tyme and place shall best require : he shal do but small good with al his vnderstandyng . And therfore it is said not without reason , that thesame is memorie to the mynde , that life is to the body . Now then what els must thei do that esteme reason , and loue knowlege , but cherishe the memorie from tyme to tyme , as an especiall and souereigne preseruatiue , against th infeccion of cankard obliuion . The faulkners saie , it is the first poyncte of haukyng to hold faste . And yet I cannot thinke otherwise , but that in al good learnyng also , it is best & moste expedient , euermore to hold fast . For , what auaile good thynges , if we cannot kepe theim , if wee receiue them in at one eare , and let theim out as fast again at the other eare ? A good thriftie man will gather his goodes together in tyme of plentie , and laie theim out again in tyme of nede : and shall not an Oratour haue in store good matter , in the cheste of his memorie , to vse and bestowe in tyme of necessitee ? I doubte not , but all men desire to haue , a good remembraunce of thynges , the whiche what it is , how it is diuided , and howe it maie bee preserued , I will shewe in as fewe woordes as I can .

☞ what is memorie .

MEmorie Memorie what it is . is the power retentiue of the mynde , to kepe those thinges , whiche by man●es wit are conceiued , or thus . Memorie is the power of the mind that conteineth thynges receiued , that calleth to mynde thynges past , & renueth of freshe , thynges forgotten .

¶ The place of memorie .

THe Phisicians declare , that in the former parte of the hed , lieth the common sense , the whiche is therfore so called , because it geueth iudgement , of al the fiue outwarde senses , onely when thei are presently occupied aboute any thyng . As when I heare a thyng , or see a thyng , my common sense iudgeth , that then I doe heare , or se thesame . But the memorie called the Threasure of the mynde , lieth in the hynder parte , the whiche is made moste perfect by temperatnesse , and moderacion of qualitees in the brain . For where humours excede or want , there must nedes ensue muche weakenesse of remembraunce . Children Children and old men haue but euill memories . therefore beyng ouer moyst , and olde menne ouer drie , haue neuer good memories . Again , where ouer muche cold is , & extreme moysture , there is euer muche forgetfulnesse . Therfore it auaileth greatly , what bodies we haue , and of what constitucion thei bee compacte together . Hot and moys● bodies sone conc●iue . For suche as bee hotte and moyste , do sone conceiue matters , but thei kepe not long . Again , thei that bee colde and drie , Colde and drie kepe thynges sure . dooe hardely conceiue , but thei kepe it surely , when thei ones haue it . And the reason is this , heate beyng chief qualitee , dooeth drawe thynges vnto it ( as we maie se by the Sonne ) the whiche notwithstandyng are sone after dissipated & resolued . Again , who hath seen a print made in water of any yerthly thing ? Then though heat and moysture together , drawe thynges vnto them , yet ( we se plainly ) thei cannot long hold theim . But when the brain is cold and drie , thynges are therfore the faster holden , because it is the propertie of colde and drought , to thicken all thynges , and to harden theim faste together , as we see the water through coldenesse , is congeled , and softe thynges are frosen oftentymes , almoste as harde as a stone . So that moysture , through heate beyng chief qualitee , doth drawe : and drought through coldnesse , whiche is chief contrary to heate , dooeth harden and make thynges fast together . But now how dooe wee knowe , that the memorie Memorie in the latter part of the hedde . resteth in the latter parte of the hedde ? No doubte , experience hath proued , and confirmed this to be moste true . For , there hath been some , that beyng hurt in that place , haue vtterly forgot their awne name I do remember one man , that ( beeyng hurte in that place , at the insurreccion of the Lincolne Shire men , xv . yeres past ) could not deuise the makyng of some Letters , in his Crosse rowe , when he tooke penne and ynke , to write to his frende , whereas before that tyme , he wrote bothe faste and faire , and was learned in the Latine . And therefore when he wrote , he would stande musyng a greate while , before he could call to his remembraunce , howe he vsed to make a . P. a G. or suche another letter , whereupon diuerse muche marueiled what he would haue , or what he ment at the first tyme . For beyng greued , and willing to aske help , he could not vtter his meanyng , for lacke of remembraunce , and yet his tongue serued hym well otherwise , to vtter whatsoeuer came in his hedde .

¶ The diuision of memorie .

MEmorie Memorie diuided . is partly naturall , and partly artificiall . Naturall memorie is , when without any preceptes or lessons , by the onely aptenesse of nature , we beare awaie suche thynges as wee heare . Wherein some heretofore , did muche excell , and greatly passe all other . As Themistocles , Themistocles . who had so good a memorie , that when one proffered to teache hym the arte of memorie , naye by saincte Mar●e ( ꝙ he ) teache me rather the arte of forgettyng . Declaryng thereby that his memorie was passyng good , and that it was more pain for hym , to forgette suche thynges , as he would not kepe , then hard to remember suche thinges as he would knowe .

Mithridates Mithridates also hadde suche an excellente memorie , that whereas he was Lorde and ruler ouer .xxij. straunge countries that spake diuers speaches one from an other : he was able to talke wyth euerye one of theym in their owne countrey language .

Likewyse Cyrus Cyrus . Kynge of the Persians , hauinge a greate armye of menne , knewe the names of all his Souldiours .

Cyneas Cyneas Ambassadoure for kinge Pyrrhus , called euerye one by his name that was in the Parliamente house at Rome , the seconde daye after he came thither , the number of them beyng foure times as many as they ●e , that belonge vnto the Parliament here in Englande .

Iulius Cesar Iulius Cesar . is reported that he coulde reade , heare , and tel one what he should write , so fast as his penne could runne , and endite letters hym selfe altogether at one time .

Thus we see that naturallye menne haue hadde wonderfull memories , as contrarywise there haue bene hearde of as straunge forgetfull wittes . Some hathe not knowen his right hande from his lefte . An other hath forgotte Forgetful wittes . his owne name . An other hath caried his knyfe in his mouth , and hath runne rounde aboute the house sekinge for it . An other hath tolde a tale halfe an houre together , and immediatly after hath forgotte what he spake al that while .

Cicero telleth of one Curio , that where as he woulde make a deuision of three partes , he woulde either foget the thirde , or make vp a fourthe , contrarye to his firste purpose and entente .

This I remember beinge a boye , Belike thys man had the arte of forget●tinge . that where as a preacher hadde taken vpon him to set forthe the .xij. Articles of our beliefe , he coulde not in all the worlde finde oute paste nine . So that he was fayne to saye , he was assured there was twelue , where soeuer the other thre were become , and he doubted not but the hearers knewe theim better then he did , and therfore he woulde for his parte saye no more , but commit them all to God , and those nine ( thought he ) were enoughe for him at that time , to set forthe and expounde for their vnderstandinge . Pre●erua●ion o● Memorie .

Nowe the beste meane bothe to mende an euil memory and to preserue a good , is firste to kepe a diet , and eschewe surfites , to slepe moderatelye , to accompanye with women rarelye , and laste of all to exercise the witte with cunnynge of manye thinges without Booke , and euer to be occupied with one thinge or other . For euen as by laboure the witte is whetted , so by lithernes the witte is blunted .

But nowe concerning the other kinde of memorye called artificial , I had nede to make a long discourse , considering the straungenesse of the thinge to the English eare , and the hardnes of the matter , to the ignoraunte & vnlearned . But firste I will shew from whence it hath beginning , and vpon what occasion it was first inuented , before I aduenture to declare the preceptes that belonge vnto the same .

The firste founder of the arte of Remembraun●e .

THE inuention of this Arte is fatherde vpon Simonides , Simonides , ●i●st aucthoure of the Arte of remembraunce . for when the same manne ( as the fable recordeth ) had made in behalfe of a triumphant Champion called Scopas , for a certaine summe of money a Ballade , suche as was then wonte to be made for Conquerours : he was denied a piece of his rewarde , because he made a digression in his songe ( whiche in those dayes was customablye vsed ) to the praise and commendation of Castor and Pollur ( who were then thoughte being Twinnes , and gotte by Iuppiter to be Goddes ) of whom the Champion willed him to aske a porcion , because he hadde so largelye set forthe their worthye doynges . Nowe it chaunced , that where as there was made a great feast to the honour of the same Uictorye , and Simonides had bene placed there as a geiste , he was sodainely called from the table ▪ and told that there was two yonge men at the dore , & bothe on horsebacke whiche desiered moste earnestlye to speake with him oute of hande . But when he came out of the dores , he sawe none at all , notwithstanding , he was not so sone out , and his fote on the thresholde , but the Parlour fell downe immediatlye vpon theim al that were there , and so crusshed their bodies together , & in such sorte , that the kinsfolke of those whiche were deade , comming in , and desierous to burie them euery one according to their calling , not onely could they not perceiue them vp their faces , but also they coulde not discerne them by any other marke of any parte in all their bodies .

Then Simonides well remembringe in what place euerye one of theim did sitte , tolde theim what euery one was , and gaue them their kinsfolkes carkases , so many as were there Thus the arte was first inuented . And yet ( thoughe this be but a fable ) reason might beat thus much into our heades , that if the like thinge had bene done , the like remembraunce might haue ben vsed . For who is he that seeth a dosen sit at a table whom he knoweth verye well , can not tell , after they are all risen , where euery one of them did sitte before ? And therefore be it that some man inuented this tale : the matter serueth well our purpose , and what nede we any more ?

What thinges are requisite to get the Arte of Memorie .

THey that wyll remember manye thynges and rehearse them together out of hande : muste learne to haue places , and digest Images in them accordingly

A Place what it is .

A place is called anye rowme apt to receiue thinges .

An Image what it is .

An Image is any picture or shape , to declare some certayne thing therby . And euen as in waxe we make print with a seale so we haue places wher liuely pictures must be set . The places must be greate , Places vowe they must be . of small distaunce , not one like an other , and euermore the fifte place must be made notable aboue the rest , hauinge alwayes some seuerall note from the other , as some antique , or a hande pointing , or suche like , that the rather hauinge a greate number of places , we might the better knowe where we are , by the remembraunce of suche notable and straunge places . And thus hauynge theim well appoynnted , wee muste kepe theim freshe in oure memorye , and neuer chaunge them , but vse them styll , whatsoeuer we haue to saye . But the ymages we may chaunge as the matter shal geue iust cause , vsinge suche as shall serue beste for the knowledge of thinges .

The whiche Images muste be sette forthe as thoughe they were stirring , Images how they must be . yea they must be sometimes made raumping , and last of all , they muste be made of thinges notable , suche as maye cause earnest impression of thinges in our mind . As a notable euill fauoured man , or a monstruous horse , suche as sainte Georges horse was wonte to be , or any such like , helpe well for remembraunce .

i. The places of Memory are resembled vnto Waxe and Paper . ij . Images are counted lyke vnto letters or a Seale . iij. The placing of these Images , is like vnto wordes written . iiij . The vtteraunce and vsing of them , is like vnto readynge .

ANd therfore as we do reserue paper , and yet chaung our writynge , putting out wordes as occasion shal serue , and settinge other in their rowme : so may we do for the Images inuented , chaunge our pictures ofte , and reserue the papers still . Some gather their places and ymages oute of the crosse rowe , beginninge euerye letter with the name of some Beaste , and so go thorowe the whole , makyng in euerye beaste fyue seuerall places , where the impression of thinges shal be made , that is to saye , in the Heade , the Bealye , in the Taile , in the former parte of the legges , and also in the hinder part . So that bi this meanes , there shall be gathered , an hundreth and fiftene places .

Some againe will set their places in his heade or bodye wi●h whom they speake . As to make the nose , the eyes , the forheade , the heere , the eares , and other partes , to serue for places . And for makinge places in anye house , churche , or other rowme , this lesson is also geuen , that wee enter oure firste places alwaies vpon the right hande , neuer returning backe , but goynge on styll as I might saye in a circuite , til we come to that place where we first beganne . But first before the Images be inuented , the places muste be learned perfitelye , and therfore one geueth counsayle that we should go into some solitary place where no company is , and there make our places , walking vp and downe foure or fiue times and callyng styll to our remembraunce what and where the places are . And not onely to do this once or twise , but to laboure in it two or thre dayes at seuerall times , vntil we shal be able to tel our places vpon our fingers endes .

And nowe to make this harde matter somewhat plaine , I will vse an example . My frende ( whom I toke euer to be an honest manne ) is accused of thefte , of aduoutrie , of ryot , of manslaughter , and of treason , if I woulde kepe thes● wordes in my remembraunce , and rehearse them in order as they were spoken , I muste appoynte fiue places , the whiche I hadde neade to haue so perfectlye in my memorye , as coulde be possible . As for example , I will make these in my chamber . A dore , a windowe , a presse , a bedsteade , and a chimney . Now in the dore , I wil set Cacus the thefe , or some suche notable verlet . In the windowe I will place Venus . In the presse I will put Apitius that famous glutton . In the bedsteade I will set Richard the thirde kinge of England , or some like notable murtherer . In the chimney I wil place the blacke Smythe , or some other notable traytoure .

That if one repete these places , and these Images twise or thrise together , no doubte , though he haue but a meane memorie , he shal carye awaye the wordes rehearsed with ease . And like as he maye do with these fiue woordes , so maye he do wyth fiue score , if he haue places freshe in hys remembraunce , and do but vse him selfe to this trade one fortenight together .

Therfore thoughe it seme straunge and folyshe to them that knowe it not , yet the learned haue taken this waye , & doubte not but maruayles maye be done , if one haue places readye made for the purpose , and haue them freshe in his remembraunce . For what other thinge els do they that appoynt ymages in certaine places made for that purpose , but write ( as a manne woulde saye ) vpon Paper , that which is spoken vnto them ? What maketh the olde manne ( that for lacke of naturall heate and moisture , scante knoweth hys right hande from his lefte ) remember in the morning where he layed his purse all nyght , but the beddes heade , whyche lyghtlye is the appoynted place for all mennes purses , especiallie such as be wayfairers , and haue but little store .

Shall some gentilman playe blyndefolde at the chesse , and can not a learned man be able to rehearse vp a score or two of straunge names together ? A Neteherde hauinge the charge and kepynge of .xviij. score heade of beastes in a wyld Fenne , that belonge to diuers menne , will not onelye tell , who be the owners of al suche cattell , but also he wil shew a manne twise a weeke where anye one is feading , and if he wante one amonge the whole , he will tell immediatly what it is , and whose it is that is wantynge . Then fonde are they that counte the Arte of Memorye so harde , seynge they will neither proue the hardenes of it , nor yet blowshe at the matter , when they see pore neteherdes go so farre beyonde them . Howe many thinges dothe Memorie conteine marueylous to beholde , and muche more would , if we were not altogether slouthful , and as carelesse to kepe , as we are to gette , good thinges I meane , not goodes of thys world . Euerye Artificer hath through exercise and laboure , an artificiall memorye , sauynge the learned man onely , who hath most nede of it aboue all other .

When we come to a place where we haue not bene many a daye before , we remembre not onely the place it selfe , but by the place , we call to remembraunce manye thinges done there . Yea sometimes a window maketh some remember that they haue stollen in their daies some thing out of it . Sometimes a chimney telleth them of manye late drinkinges and sittinges vp by the fire . Sometimes a bedstead putteth them in remembraunce of many good morowes , sometimes a dore , & sometimes a parler . Thus we se places euen without images , helpe oft the memorye , muche more then shall we remember , if we haue both places and Images .

But nowe because I haue halfe weried the reader with a tedious matter , I will harten him agayne wyth a merye tale . At the time of rebellion in Northfolke , there was a priest emong al other adiudged to dye vpon a gibet in a grene place , a little from the hyghe waye side . This Prieste s●inge the place of his laste ende , stode a whyle musinge wyth him selfe , and saide to the companye there . Now Lord God what a thinge is this . God graunt al rebels lyke remembraunces . It comes to my remembraunce nowe that aboute fourtene yeres paste , I was merye here vpon thys Bancke wyth an other Prieste , and wallowynge me downe vpon the grasse , I said these wordes : Haec requ●es mea in seculum seculi , hic habitabo quoniam elegi eam . The whiche Sentence beynge a Psalme of Dauid , is nothinge els in Englishe , But this is my restynge place for euer and euer , here shall be my dwellynge , because I haue chosen it . And nowe ( quod he ) I finde it to be ouer true , so that I thinke it be Goddes wyl I should dye , and therfore I take it in good worthe , and thus I desire you al to praye for me . Thus we see that the place brought hym in remembraunce of a sentence spoken .xiiij. yeres before .

Therfore this knoweledge is not to be neglected , no thoughe we do contemne it , yet we haue the vse of it . For if we be fully disposed to remember a thing , we do call vp the memorye , and styrre it to mynde thynges lyke thereunto . As if one be called Wingefeld , and I feare to forget this name I might remembre the winge of a byrde , Remembraunce bi thinges like and a grene feld to walke in . Sometymes we remember the whole , by kepyng in mynde some parte of a word . As when one is called Crowcroft , I myght by remembring of a Crowe , the rather mind his name .

notwithstanding ther be some ( emong whom is Erasmus ) which like not this arte of Memorie , but saye it rather hindereth , then helpeth a mans wit . And yet Tullie the greatest Oratour emong the Romaynes , did wel alowe it , and proued it good by a naturall reason . For where as we knowe some thinges ( sayeth he ) onelye by vnderstandynge , and some by the sence of seynge , those we kepe best in our mindes whiche we knowe by sight , & haue marked with our eyes . As for example . When I se a Lyon , the ymage therof abideth faster in my mind , them if I should heare some report made of a Lyon Emong all the senses , the eye sight is most quicke , & conteineth the impression of thinges more assuredly , than any of the other senses do .

And the rather when a manne bothe heareth and seeth a thinge ( as by artificiall memorye he dothe almoste se thinges liuelye ) he dothe remember it muche the better . The sight printeth thinges in a mannes memorye , as a seale doth prynce a mannes name in waxe . And therfore heretofore Images were sette vp for remembraunce of Sainctes , to be laye mennes bokes , that the rather by seinge the Pictures of suche menne , they might be stirred to folowe their good liuynge . The whiche surely hadde bene well done , if God had not forbidden it . But seinge thinges muste be done not of a good entente , but euen as God hath commaunded , it is well doone that suche Idolles are cleane taken oute of the churche . Marye for this purpose wherof we nowe write , they woulde haue serued gayly well . Thus the arte is sone tolde , but the practise of it is all . And therfore if one desire to excell herein , let him take paynes to gather his places together , and kepe them well in remembraunce , prouinge by halfe a score , how he shall be able to vse a hundreth . And no doubte , but time and exercise shall make him perfecte .

For the beste arte of memorye that can be , is to heare muche , to speake muche , to reade muche , and to write much . And exercise it is that dothe all , when we haue saide al that euer we can .

Of Pronunciation .

PRonunciation is an apte orderinge bothe of the voyce , Vtteraunce it is . countenaunce , and all the whole bodye , accordynge to the worthines of suche woordes and mater as by speache are declared . The vse hereof is suche for anye one that liketh to haue prayse for tellynge his tale in open assemblie , that hauing a good tongue , and a comelye countenaunce , he shal be thought to passe all other that haue the like vtteraunce : thoughe they haue much better learning . The tongue geueth a certayne grace to euerye matter , and beautifieth the cause in like maner , as a swete soundynge Lute muche setteth forthe a meane deuised Ballade . Or as the sounde of a good instrumente styrreth the hearers , and moueth muche delite , so a cleare soundyng voice comforteth muche our d●intie eares , with muche swete melodie , and causeth vs to allowe the matter rather for the reporters sake , than the reporter , for the matters sake . Demosthenes therfore , Demostenes saiyng of pronunciation . that famouse Oratour beyng asked what was the chiefest point in al Oratorie , gaue the chiefe and onely praise to Pronunciation , being demaunded , what was the seconde , and the thirde , he stil made answere , Pronunciation , and would make none other aunswere , till they lefte askyng , declaryng hereby that Arte without vtteraunce can dooe nothyng , vtteraunce without Arte can dooe right muche . And no doubte that man is in outwarde apparaunce halfe a good Clarke , that hath a cleane tongue , and a comely gesture of his bodie . Aeschines . Aeschines lykewyse beyng banished his countrie through Demosthenes , when he had redde to the Rhodians his owne Oration , and Demosthenes aunswere thereunto , by force wherof he was bannished , and all they marueiled muche at the excellencie of the same : then ( ꝙ Aeschines ) you would haue marueiled muche more if you had heard hymselfe speake it . Thus beyng cast in miserie & bannished for euer , he could not but geue suche great reporte of his most deadly and mortal ennemy .

¶ The partes of Pronunciation .

PRonunciation standeth partely in fashionyng the tongue , and partely in framyng the gesture .

The tongue , or voice is praise worthie , if the vtteraunce be audible , strong , and easie , & apte to order as we liste . Therfore they that mynde to gette praise in tellyng their minde in open audience must at the first beginnyng speake somwhat softely , vse meete pausyng , and being somewhat heated , rise with their voice , as the tyme & cause shal best require . Thei that haue no good voices by nature , or cannot wel vtter their woordes , must seeke for helpe elswhere . Exercise of the bodie , fastyng , moderacion in meate , and drynke , gaping wyde , or singyng plaine song , & counterfeityng those that do speake distinctly , helpe muche to haue a good deliueraunce . Demosthenes beeyng not able to propronounce the first letter of that Arte whiche he professed , but would say , for , Rhethorique , Letolike , vsed to put litle stones vnder his tongue , & so pronounced , whereby he spake at lengthe so plainely as any man in the worlde coulde doe . Musicians in England haue vsed to put gagges in childrens mouthes that they might pronounce distinctely , but nowe with the losse and lacke of Musicke , the loue also is gone of bringyng vp children to speake plainely . Some there be that either naturally , Faultes in pronunciation or through folie haue suche euill voices & suche lacke of vtteraunce , & suche euil gesture , that it muche defaceth all their doynges . One pipes out his woordes so small through defaulte of his wynde pype , that ye woulde thinke he whisteled . An other is so hource in his throte , that a man woulde thynke he came lately from scouryng of harnesse . An other speakes , as though he had Plummes in his mouthe . An other speakes in his throte , as though a good Ale crumme stacke fast . An other ratles his wordes . An other choppes his wordes . An other speakes , as though his wordes had neede to be heaued out with leauers . An other speakes as though his wordes shoulde be weyed in a ballaunce . An other gapes to fetche wynde at euery thirde woorde . This man barkes out his Englishe Northrenlike with Isay , and thou ladde . An other speakes so finely , as though he were brought vp in a Ladies Chamber . As I knew a Priest that was as nice as a Nonnes Henne , when he would saie Masse , he woulde neuer saie Dominus vobiscum , but Dominus vobicum . In like maner as some now wil say , the Commendementes of God , blacke vellet , for Commaundementes and blacke veluet . Some blowes at their noistrelles . Some sighes out their wordes . Some synges their sentencies . Some laughes altogether , when they speake to any bodie . Some gruntes lyke a Hogge . Some cackels lyke a Henne , or a Iack Dawe . Some speakes as thoughe they shoulde tel a tale in their sleeue . Some cries out so loude , that they would make a mans eares ake to heare them . Some ●oughes at euery worde . Some hemmes it out . Some spittes fier , they talke so hotely . Some makes a wrie mouthe , and so they wreste out their wordes . Some whynes lyke a Pig . Some suppes their wordes vp as a poore man doth his porage . Some noddes their head at euery sentence . An other winckes with one iye , and some with both . This man frowueth alwaies when he speakes . An other lookes ●uer as though he were mad . Some cannot speake , but thei must go vp and doune , or at the lest be stirryng their feete as though they stode in a cockeryng Bote. An other wil plaie with his cappe in his hande , & so tel his tale . Some when they speake in a great companie , will looke al one way , as I knewe a reader in my daies , who loked in lyke sorte when he redde to Scholers , whome one thought to disappoint of suche his constant lookes : and therefore against the nexte daie he painted the Deuil with hornes vpon his heade in the selfe same place where the Reader was wont alwaies to looke , the whiche straunge monster when the reader sawe , he was half abashed , and turned his face an other way . Some pores vpon the grounde , as though thei sought for pynnes . Tullie telles of one Theophrastus Tauriscus , who is saide to declaime arsee versee . Some swelles in the face & sill●s their chekes ful of wynde , as though they would blow out their woordes . Some settes forth their lippes two ynches good beyonde their teeth . Some talkes as thoughe their tongue went of patyns . Some showes al their teeth . Some speakes in their teeth altogether . Some leates their wordes fall in their lippes , scant openyng theim when they speake . There are a thousand suche faultes emong menne bothe for their speache , and also for their gesture , the whiche if in their young yeres they be not remedied , they will hartely be forgotte when they come to mans state . But the rather that these faultes may be redressed : I haue partly declared heretofore the righte vse of vtteraunce , and nowe I mynde by Goddes helpe to shewe the right vse of gesture .

¶ Wat is gesture .

GEsture is a certaine comely moderacion of the countenaunce , Gesture what it is . and al other partes of mans body , aptely agreeyng to those thynges whiche are spoken ▪ That if wee shall speake in a pleasaunt matter , it is meete that the loke also should be chereful , and al the gesture stirryng thereafter . The heade to be holden vpright , the forehead without frownyng , the browes without bendyng , the nose without blowyng , the iyes quicke and pleasaunt , the lippes not laid out , the tethe without grennyng , the armes not muche cast abrode , but comely set out , as time , and cause shal best require : the handes somtymes opened , and sometimes holde together , the fingers pointyng , the brest laid out , and the whole body stirryng altogether with a seemely moderacion . By the whiche behauiour of our body after suche a sorte , we shal not onely delite men with the sight , but perswade them the rather the truth of our cause .

Q. Hortensius had suche delite to vse comely gesture , Hortensius . & had suche grace in that behaulfe : that I doubt whether men had a greater desire to see hym , than they had to heare hym . His countenaunce so wel agreed with his wordes , and his woordes were so meete for his contenaunce , that not onely he did please the iudgement of his hearers , and contented their mynde : but also he pleased their iyes , and delited their eares , so muche as could be wished .

Tullie saith well : The gesture of man , is the speache of his bodie , and therfore reason it is , that lyke as the speache must agree to the matter , so must also the gesture agree to the mynde . for , the iyes are not geuen to man onely to se , but also to shewe , and set forth the meanyng of his mynde , euen as vnto a Bore are geuen briselles : to a Lyon , the taile : to a horse , his cares : whereby their inclinacions and soubdeine affections are sone espied . When we see a man loke redde in the iyes , his browes bent , his teeth bytyng his vpper lip , we iudge that he is out of pacience . Therefore as we ought to haue good regarde for the vtteraunce of our wordes , so we ought to take hede that our gesture be comely , the whiche bothe beyng wel obserued , shal euerease fame and gette estimacion vniuersally .

But heare an end . And now as my wil hath been earnest to doe my beste : so I wishe that my paines may bee taken thereafter . And yet what needes wishyng , seeyng the good will not speake euill , and the wicked can not speake well . Therfore beyng staied vpon the good , and assured of their ientle bearyng with me : I feare none , because I stande vpon a saufe grounde .