Galateo of Maister Iohn Della Casa, Archebishop of Beneuenta. Or rather, A treatise of the ma[n]ners and behauiours, it behoueth a man to vse and eschewe, in his familiar conuersation A worke very necessary & profitable for all gentlemen, or other. First written in the Italian tongue, and now done into English by Robert Peterson, of Lincolnes Inne Gentleman.

The treatise of Master Ihon Della Casa , wherin vnder the person of an old vnlearned man , instructing a youthe of his , he hath talke of the maners and fashions , it behoues a man to vse or eschewe , in his familiar conuersation : intituled Galateo , of fashions and maners .

FOr as muche as thou doste now enter the iourny , wherof I haue allredy ronne forth the better parte ( as thou seest ) I meane the transitorie waye of this mortall life : I haue determined ( such is the Loue I beare thee ) to shewe all the daungerous straights thou must passe : For my experience maketh me feare , that walking that way thou mayst easily eyther fall , or by some meanes or other go astray . To the ende thou maist once , taughte both by my instructions and experience , be able to keepe the right waye , aswell for the helthe of thy Soule , as the commendation and prayse of the Honourable and Noble house thou doest come of . And bycause thy tender Age , is vnfit ( as yet ) to receaue more principall and higher precepts , reseruing them for fytter time , I will beginn to discourse of such things as many men wyll deeme , perchaunce , but trifles : I meane what manner of Countenance and grace , behoueth a man to vse , that hee may be able in Communication and familiar acquaintance with men , to shewe him selfe plesant , courteous , and gentle : which neuerthelesse is either a vertue , or the thing that comes very nere to vertue . And albeit Liberalitie , or magnanimitie , of themselues beare a greater prayse , then , to be a well taught or manored man : yet perchaunce , the courteous behauiour and entertaynement with good maners and words , helpe no lesse , him that hath them : then the high minde and courage , aduaunceth him in whome they be . For these be such things as a man shall neede alwayes at all hands to vse , because a man must necessarily be familiar with men at all times , & euer haue talk & communication with them : But iustice , fortitude , and the other greater , and more noble vertues , are seldome put in vre . Neyther is that liberall and noble minded man , caused euery hower to doe bountifull things : for to vse it often , cannot any man beare the charge , by any meanes . And these valiant men that be so full of hyghe minde and courage : are very seldome driuen to trye their valour & vertue by their deeds . Then as muche as these last , doe passe those fyrst , in greatnes ( as it were ) & in weight : so much do the other surmount these in number , & often occasion to vse them . And , if I could wel intend it , I could name you many , whoe , ( being otherwise of litle account ) haue ben & be styll , muche estemed & made of , for their cherefull & plesaunt behauiour alone : which hath byn suche a helpe & aduauncement vnto them , that they haue gotten greate preferments , leauing farre behinde them , such men as haue byn endowed with those other noble and better vertues , spoken of before . And as these plesaunt & gentle behauiours , haue power to draw their harts & mynds vnto vs , with whome we liue : so contrarywise , grosse and rude maners , procure men to hate and despise vs . Wherby albeit the lawes , haue inioyned no payne for vnmanerly & grose behauiours , as the fault that is thought but light ( & to saye a trueth , it is not greate ) yet we see notwithstanding , that nature herselfe punisheth them with sharpe & shrewde correction , putting them by this meanes , besydes the companie & fauour of men . And truly euen as greate & foule faults , doe muche harme : so doe these lyght , much hurt , or hurte at least more often . For , as men doe commonly fere the beasts that be cruell & wild , & haue no maner of feare of som litle ones , as the gnats and the flyes , & yet by the continual noiaunce they find by them , complaine themselues more of thes than of the other : so it chaunceth that most men do hate in maner asmuche , the vnmanerly & vntaught , as the wicked , & more . So that there is no doubte , but who so disposeth himselfe to liue , not in solitarie and deserte places , as Heremites , but in fellowship with men , and in populous Cities , will think it a very necessarie thing , to haue skill to put himselfe forth comely and seemely , in his fashions , gestures and maners : the lacke of which parts doth make those other vertues lame , and litle or nothing can they work to good effect , without other helpes : wheare this ciuilitie and courtesie , without other releefe or patrimonie , is riche of it selfe , & hath substance enough , as a thing that standeth in speache and gestures alone .

And that thou mayst now more easily learne the way vnto it , thou must vnderstand , it behoues thee , to frame and order thy maners and doings , not according to thyne owne minde and fashion : but to please those , with whome thou lyuest , and after that sort direct thy doings : And this must be done by Discretion and Measure . For who so applieth himself to much , to feede other mens humors , in his familiar conuersation , and behauiour with men , is rather to be thought a Iester , a Iugler or flatterer , then a gentleman wel taught and nourtured : As contrarywise , whoe so hath no care or mynd to please , or displese , is a rude , vntaught , and vncourteous fellowe . For asmuche then , as our maners , haue some pleasure in them when we respect other men , and not our owne pleasure : if we diligently searche forthe what those things be , that most men do generally lyke or dislike : we shall in suche sorte wisely and easily finde out , the meanes & wayes , to choose and eschewe , those fashions and maners , we are to leaue or take , to liue amongest men . We say then , that euery act that offendeth any the common senses , or ouerthwarteth a mans will and desire , or els presenteth to the Imagination and conceite , matters vnpleasaunt , & that likewyse , which the mynde doth abhorre , such things I say bee naught , and must not be vsed : for we must not only refraine from such thinges as be fowle , filthy , lothsome and nastie : but we must not so muche as name them . And it is not only a fault to dooe such things , but against good maner , by any act or signe to put a man in minde of them . And therefore , it is an ilfauoured fashion , that some men vse , openly to thrust their hands in what parte of their bodye they lyst .

Lykwise , I like it as yll to see a Gentleman fettle him selfe , to do the needes of Nature , in presence of men : And after he hath doone , to trusse him selfe againe before them . Neither would I haue him ( if I may geue him councell ) when he comes from suche an occupation , so much as washe his hands , in the sight of honest company : for that the cause of his washing , puts them in minde of some filthy matter that hath bene done aparte . And by the same reason , it is no good maner , when a man chaunceth to see , as he passeth the waye ( as many times it happeneth ) a lothesome thing , that wil make a man to cast his stomacke , to tourne vnto the company , & shewe it them . And much worse I like it , to reache some stynking thing vnto a man to smell vnto it : as it is many a mans fashion to do , with importunate meanes , yea , thrusting it vnto their nose , saying : Foh , feele I pray you , how this doth stink : where they should rather say , smell not vnto it : for it hath an yll sent . And as these and lyke fashions offend the senses , to which they appertaine : so to grynde the teethe , to whistle , to make pityfull cryes , to rubb sharpe stones together , and to fyle vppon Iron , do muche offend the Eares and would be lefte in any case . Neither must wee refraine those things alone , but we must also beware we do not syng , and specialy alone , if we haue an vntuneable voyce , which is a common fault with moste men : And yet , hee that is of nature least apt vnto it , doth vse it moste . So there be some kynde of men , that in coffyng or neesing , Neesing . make suche noyse , that they make a man deafe to here them : other some vse in lyke things , so little discretion , that they spyt in mens faces that stand about them : besydes these there be some , that in yauning , braye and crye out like Asses . And yet such , with open mouth wil euer say and do what they list , and make such noyse , or rather such roaring , as the dumme man doth , when he striueth with him selfe to speake . All these yllfauoured fashions , a man must leaue , as lothsome to the eare and the eye . And a man must leaue to yawne muche , Yawning . not only for the respect of the matter I haue saide alreadye , as that it seemes to proceede , of a certaine werynes , that shewes that he that yawneth , could better like to be els where , then there in that place : as wearied with the companie , their talke , and their doings . And sure , albeit a man be many times disposed to yawne , yet if he be occupied with any delyght , or earnest matter to think vppon : he shall haue no minde to doe it . But if he be lumpishe & idle : it is an easy matter to fall into it . And therefore , When a man yawneth , in place where there bee slouthfull and Idle folkes , that haue nothing to doe , the rest , as you may see many times , yawne againe for companie by & by : as if he that yawned , had put them in minde to doe it , which of them selues they would haue done first , if hee had not begoone vnto them . And I haue many tymes heard learned and wise men say , that A yawner meaneth as much in Latin as a careles and Idle bodie . Let vs then flye these condicions , that loathe ( as I sayd ) the eyes , the Eares , & the Stomacke . For in vsing these fashyons , we doe not only shewe that we take litle pleasure in the company , but we geue them occasion withall , to iudge amis of vs : I meane that we haue a drowsye & heuie nowle , which makes vs yll wellcom , to all companies we come vnto . And when thou hast blowne thy nose , Blowing of the nose . vse not to open thy handkercheif , to glare vppon thy snot , as if thou hadst pearles and Rubies fallen from thy braynes : for these be slouenly parts , ynough to cause men , not so much not to loue vs , as if they did loue vs , to vnloue vs againe . As the Sprite of Labirintho doth testifie ( who soeuer he were that made it ) who ( to quenche that heate wherwith Master Iohn Boccase burned in desyre and Loue of his Lady vnknowne ) tells , Looke in the beginning of Corbaccio . how she cowred her taile ouer the ashes , sytting vppon her heeles , and coughed and spatte out Collops .

It is also an vnmanerly parte , for a man to lay his nose vppon the cup where another must drinke : Dropping of the Nose . or vppon the meate that another must eate , to the end to smell vnto it : But rather , I would wish he should not smell at all , no not to that which he himselfe should eate and drinke : because it may chaunce there might fall some droppe from his nose , that would make a man to loath it : although there fall nothing at all in deede . Neither , by mine aduise , shalt thou reache to any man , that cup of wine wherof thy selfe hast fyrst dronke and tasted : without he be more then a familiar friend vnto thee . And much lesse must thou giue any parte of the peare or the fruite , which thou hast bitten in thy mouth before . And esteeme not light of my talke , for that these things be of little account : For euen light stripes ( their number may be such ) be able to slaye fast ynoughe .

Now you shall vnderstand , there was in Verona , a bishop a wise man , a learned & of a singular good wit by nature , whose name was Giouanni Giouanni . Matheo Matheo . Giberti : Giberti , bishop of Verona . Amongst many good parts that were in him , he was very courtious & liberall , to all gentlemen & noble men that came vnto him , doing them all the honor he could in his house , not with ouer much pompe and cost , but with conuenient entertainement and measure , such as besemed well a man of the Clergie . It chaunced in his time , a noble gentleman called Count Richard , Count Richard . passing that way , to spend a fewe dayes with the Bishop and his householde together : which was thoroughly furnished with honest gentlemen and very well learned . And bycause they found him a Noble gentleman , courteous and well beseene in all good behauiour , they praysed him muche , and made muche of him , saue that one vnmanerly fashion they muche misliked in him . When the Byshop was aduertised of it , consulting with some of his familiars about it ( as he was a wise man in all his doings ) straite they concluded , it should be necessary to let the Count haue knowledge of it : albeit they feared , they should offend him . Upon this , the Count taking his leaue , and redy to ryde away the next morning , the Byshop called one of his seruants vnto him , ( a man of good discretion ) and gaue him in charge to take his horse , to beare the Count company , some parte of his waye : And when he sawe his time , after an honest sorte , to tell him , that which they had determined betwene them selues . The same gentleman that had this charge , was a man well strooken in yeares , very lerned , and meruailous pleasaunt , welspoken , comely , and had muche frequented in his time , the Courtes of greate Princes : who was ( perhaps ) and is , called Galateo : Galateo . at whose request and councell , I first tooke in hand to set forth this present treatise , Ryding with the Count , he found him plesaunt talke ynoughe , and passing from one matter to another , when he thought it tyme to returne to Verona , in taking leaue at parting , with a gentle & cherefull countenaunce , he vsed this speache vnto him . Syr Count , my Lorde yealdeth you many thanks for the honour you haue done him , in that it hath pleased you to vouchesafe his poore house : and that he may not be vnthankfull , for this your greate courtesie shewed vnto him , he hath geuen me in charge , that I must leaue a present with you in his behalfe : and he sends it vnto vnto you with earnest request , that you please to take it in good worthe : and this is the gift . You are a goodly gentleman , and the best manered man my Lorde hath euer seene : So that very heedefully beholding your behauiours , and particularly considering them all , hee findeth no one that is not very comely and comendable , only one vnsemely trycke alone excepted , which you make with your lippes and your mouth together , feeding at your meate with a certaine straunge noyes , vnpleasaunt to all men that heare it . This my Lord willed me to tell you , and prayes you to endeuour your selfe to leaue it , and withall to accept in lewe of a beter present , this louing admonition and councell of his : for he is sure , there is none in the worlde , would make you the like present . The Count ( that neuer wyst of his fault till now ) hearing himselfe reproued , chaunged his countenance a little , but ( as a man full of stomacke ynough ) taking hart at grasse , he said : Tell your Lorde , that yf all the gifts that men wont to geue eche other , were such as his , men should be muche more riche then they are . And for his greate courtesie and liberalitie to mee , geue him many thanks I pray you , and let him be sure , I will not fayle from henceforthe to mend my fault , and God be with you .

Now what shal we thinke this Bishop , his modest and honest company about him would say , Greedy feeding . if they sawe these whome wee see other while , ( like swyne with their snouts in the washe , all begroined ) neuer lyft vp their heads nor looke vp , and muche lesse keepe their hands from the meate , and with both their cheeks blowne ( as if they should sound a trumpet , or blowe the fyer ) not eate but rauon : whoe , besmearing their hands , almost vp to their elbowes , so bedawbe that napkyns , Fyling the napkyns . that the cloathes in the places of easement , be other while cleaner . And to mend these slouenly maners , be not ashamed , many tymes with these filthy napkyns , to wype awaye the sweat that trickleth and falleth downe their browes , Sweating with feeding . their face and their necke ( they be such greedy guts in their feeding ) and otherwhile to , ( when it comes vppon them ) spare not to snot their sniueld nose vppon them . Truly these beastly behauiours and fashions , deserue not alone , to be thrust out of this noble bishops house , that was so pure and cleane : but to be throughly banished all places , where any honest men should com . Let a man then take hede , hee doe not begrease his fyngers so deepe , that he befyle the napkins to much : for it is an yll sight to see it : neither is it good maner , to rubbe your gresie fingers vppon the bread you must eate .

The seruaunts that bee appointed to waite vppon the table , must not ( in any wise ) scratche and rubbe their heades , Precepts for seruaunts . nor any parte els in the sight of their Lorde & Master : nor thrust their hands in any those partes of their body that be couered , no not so muche as make any proffer : as some careles fellowes doo , holding their hands in their bosome , or cast vnder the flappes of their coates behind them . But they must beare them abroade without any suspicion and keepe them ( in any case ) washt & cleane without any spot of durt vppon them . And they that cary the dyshes , or reache the cup , must beware at that time , they doe not spit , coughe or neese : for in such doings , Suspicion is as greate , and offendeth asmuche , as the very deede it selfe : and therefore , seruants must forsee , they geue no cause to Maisters to suspect : For that which might chaunce , anoyeth asmuche , as if it had chaunced indeede .

And if thou do roaste any fruite , or make a toaste at the fyer , thou must not blowe of the ashes , ( if there be any ) for it is an old saying , that , winde was neuer without water . But thou must lyghtly stryke it vppon the the plate , or after some suche sorte or other beate of the ashes . Thou shalt not offer thy handkerchiefe to any man to vse it , albeit , it be very cleane washed : for he to whome thou doest offer it , can not ( perhaps ) awaye with it , and may be to curious to take it .

When a man talketh with one , Breathing in a mans face . it is no good maner to come so neere , that he must needes breathe in his face : for there be many that can not abyde to feele the ayer of another mans breathe , albeit there come no yll sauour from him . These and lyke fashions , be very vnsemely , and would be eschewed , because their senses , with whome we acquaint our selues , cannot brooke nor beare them .

Now , let vs speake of those things which ( without any hurt or anoyaunce to the senses ) offende the minds of most men , before whome they be doone . You shall vnderstand , that The appetites of men , ( throughe a naturall instinct and inclination ) beverie strange and diuers : Some be cholerike & hasty , & may not be satifsied with out reuenge : other doe giue them selues cleane ouer , to pamper the belly : this man sets his delighte in lust and sensualitie : that man is carried away with his couetous desires : and many suche appetites more there are , to which mans mynde is too subiect : but you shall not in any company , easily iudge or discerne betweene them , where and in what , they bee moste affected . For , these matters doe not consist in the maners , the fashions and speache of men : but rest in some other point . They seeke to purchase that which the benefit of mutuall conferrence may yeald them , & that doe ( as I weene ) good will , honour , comforte and pleasure , or some other thing lyke vnto these : & therfore we must neither say or doe the thing , that may giue any signe of litle louing or esteming them , we liue withall .

So that , it is a rude fashion , ( in my conceipte ) that som men vse , to lye lolling a sleepe in that place , where honest men be met together , of purpose to talke . For his so doing , shewes that he doth not esteeme the company , and little rekoneth of them or their talke . And more then that , he that sleepeth ( and specially lying at litle ease , as he must ) wonts ( for the moste parte ) to doe some fowle thing , to beholde , or heare : and many tymes they awake sweating and driueling at the mouth . And in like maner , to rise vp where other men doe sit and talke , and to walke vp and downe the chamber , it is no poynt of good maner . Also there be some that so buskell them selues , reache , streatch and yawne , writhing now one syde , and then another , that a man would weene , they had some feuer vppon them : A manifest signe , that the company they keepe , doth weary them .

Likewise doe they very yll , that now & then pull out a letter on t of theyr pocket , to reade it : as if they had greate matters of charge , and affaires of the common weale committed vnto them . But they are much more to bee blamed , that pull out theyr knyues or their scisers , and doe nothing els but pare their nayles , as if they made no account at all of the company , and would seeke some other solace to passe the time awaye . Theis fashions to , must be left , that some men vse , to sing betwene the teeth , or playe the dromme with their fingers , or shoofle their feete : For these demeanours shewe that a body is carelesse of any man ells .

Besides , let not a man so sit that he turne his tayle to him that sitteth next to him : nor lye fottering with one legg so hygh aboue the other , that a man may see all bare that his cloathes would couer . For such parts be neuer playde , but amongst those to whome a man needs vse no reuerence . It is very true , that if a gentleman should vse these fashions before his seruants , or in the prefence of some friende of meaner condition then him selfe : it would betoken no pride , but a loue and familiaritie .

Let a man stand vppright of him selfe , and not leane or loll vppon another mans shoulder : and when he talketh , let him not pounche his fellow with his elbowe , ( as many be wont to doe ) at euery worde they speake , saying : Did not I say true Sirra , Master . N. It is Master . H. And still they be iotting with their elbowe .

I would haue euery man well appareled , Apparell . meete for his age and calling : for otherwise , they seeme to haue men in contempt that be better attyred then themselues .

And therfore the Citizens of Padua , were woont to take it done of spighte vnto them , when any gentleman of Venice walked vp & downe their citie in his coate , as though he thought him selfe in the countrey . And a mans apparell , would not be made of fine cloathe alone : but he must frame it , all that he may , to the fashions that other men weare , and suffer him selfe to bee lead by common vse : although ( perchaunce ) it be , and seeme to be lesse commodious , lesse gallant , and lesse faire in shewe , then his oulde .

And if all men els , doe weare their heads powled : it shal be an yll sight for thee alone , to weare a longe bushe of haire . And where other men , make muche of their beardes and weare them longe : thou shalt not doe well to cut thine of , or shaue it . For that weare to be ouerthwarte in euery thing : which thou must ( in any case ) beware of , except necessitie require it , as thou shalt heare hereafter . For this singularitie , beyond all other yll customes , makes vs generally spyted of all men . Thou must not then go against common custome in these things , but vse them measureably : that thou maist not bee an odd man a lone in a countrey : that shall weare a long Gowne downe to the foote , where other men weare them very shorte , litle beneath the waste . For as it hapens to him , that hath a very crabbed ylfauoured face , ( I meane suche , as is more harde and sower than most mennes be , for nature doth mostly shape them well in moste men ) that men will wonder and ( with a kinde of admiration ) gape most vppon him : So fares it with them that attire them selues , not as most men doe : but as they are egged by their owne fantasticall heads , with long heare spred downe to their shoulders , their beardes short and shauen , and weare quaiues or greate cappes after the Flaundres fashion : that all men doe gaze vppon them , as wondering at suche , whome they weene haue taken vppon them , to conquer all countries wheresoeuer they come . Let your apparell then , be very well made , and fit for your body : for they that weare rich and coastly garments , but so illfauouredly shaped , that a man would weene the measure had byn taken by another : geue vs to iudge one of these twaine , that eyther they haue no regarde or consideration how to please or displease : or els haue no skill to iudge of measure or grace , or what doth become them .

Such maner of people , with their rude behauiours and fashions , make men with whome they liue , suspect , they doe esteeme them but light . And that causeth them worse welcome whersoeuer they com and yll beloued amongest men .

But there be some besides these , that deserue more then bare suspicion : their deeds and their doings be so intollerable , that a man cannot abide to liue amongest them by any meanes . For they be euer a let , a hurt and a trouble to all the companie , they be neuer redie : euer a trimming : neuer well dressed to their mindes . But when men be readie to sit downe to the table , the meate at the boorde , and their handes washed : then they must write or make water , or haue their exercise to doe : saying , It is too early : we myght haue taryed a while : what haste is this , this morning ? And thus they disquiet all the company , as men , caring for them selues alone & theyr owne matters , without consideration in the worlde of other men . Besides this , they will in all things be preferred aboue others : they must haue the best bed , and best chamber : they must take vppon them the highest place at the table , and be first set and serued of all men . And they be so deintie and nice , that nothing pleaseth them , but what they them selues deuise : they make a sower face at any thing ells . And they be so proude minded , that they looke that men should waite vppon them when they dyne , ryde , sporte , or solace them selues .

There be other so furious , testie & waywarde , that nothing you doe can please them : and what soeuer is said they aunswer in choler , and neuer leaue brauling with their seruants , and rayling at them , and continually disturbe the company with their vnquietnes : vsing such speeches : Thou cauledst me well vp this morning . Looke heere how cleane thou hast made these pynsons . Thou beaste , thou diddest waite well vppon me to Churche . It were a good deede to breake thy head . These be vnsemely and very fowle fashions : suche as euery honest man will hate to death . For , albeit a mans minde were full fraught with all humilitie , and would vse these maners , not vppon pride or disdaine , but vppon a rechelesse care , not heeding his doings , or elles by meanes of yll custome : yet notwithstanding , because his outward doings , woulde make men thinke him proude : it cannot be chosen , but all men would hate him for it . For , Pride Pryde . is none other thinge , then to despise and disdaine another . And as I haue saide from the beginning : Eache man desireth to bee well thought of , Albeit there bee no valoure or goodnes in hym .

It is not long , synce there was in Rome a worthy gentleman , of singular good witt and profound learning , whose name was Vbaldino Bandinelli . Vbaldino Bandinelli . This gentleman was woont to say , that as ofte as hee went or came from the Courte , although the stretes weare euer full of gallant Courtiers , of Prelates and Noble men , and likewise of poore men , and people of meane and base condition : yet he thought he neuer encountred any , that was eyther better or worse then himselfe . And without doubte hee could meete with fewe , that might bee compared in goodnes to him : respecting his vertues , that did excel beyond measure . But we must not alwayes in these things measure men by the Elne : We must rather waye them in the millers scoles , then in the goldsmythes balaunce . And it is a courtious parte , redily to receaue them in to fauour : not bycause they bee woorthe it : but as men doe with coynes , bycause they be currant ,

To go further , wee must doe nothing in their syght whome wee desire to please , that may shewe wee couet , rather to rule and to reigne , then to liue in a familiar equalitie amongest them . For hautines of harte and ambitious disposition , as it kindleth an yll opinion : so it ministreth muche cause of contempte , which in conclusion will so woorke against thee , that thou shalt bee cleane cast out of honest company . But our dooings must rather beare a signe and shewe of reuerence , A lowly minde . meekenes , & respect to the company , in which wee fellowship our selues . So that , what so euer is doone in meete and conuenient time , may hapely deserue no blame : but yet in respect of the place and the persone , it may be reproued well : althoughe for it self , the matter deserue no rebuke . As to brawle and to raile at your seruaunts ( which we haue talked of before ) but muche more to beate them . Because these partes , are asmuche as to reigne and to rule : which no honest and ciuil gentleman wyll vse , in presence of them he doth respect with any reuerence or courtesie . Besydes this , the company is muche offended with it , and their meetinges are broken , and especially , if it be done at the table , which is a place of solace and myrthe , and not of brawle and scolding . So that I must nedes commend Currado Gianfigliazzi for his ciuil behauiour in that he multiplied no words with Chichibio to trouble his guests : Boccacc●o . Cior . 6. nouel . 4. fo. 194. albeit he deserued to be sharply punished for it , when he would sooner displease his master then Brunetta . And yet if Currado had made lesse adoe about it then he did : it had byn more his prayse . For then he should neuer haue neded , to call vppon God , to witnes his threatnings so muche as he did .

But to returne to our matter : it is not good for a man to chide at the table for any cause . Chiding at the Table . And if thou be angrie , shew it not , nor make no signe of thy greefe , for the reason I haue tolde thee , and specially yf thou haue straungers with thee : because thou haste called them to be merry , and this wil make them sad . For , as the sharpe and tarte things that other men doe feede vppon in thy sight , doe set thy teeth likewise on edge : so to see other men vexed and out of quiet , it maketh vs vnquiet too . I call them FROMWARD Fromewarde . people , which will in allthings be ouertwhart to other men : as the very worde it selfe doth shewe . For , Fromewarde , signifieth asmuche , as Shorne against the wooll . Now , how fit a thinge this frowardnes Frowardenes . is , to wyn the good will of men , and cause men to wyshe well vnto them : that you your self may easily Iudge , in that it consisteth in ouertwharting other mens desiers : which qualitie neuer maynteineth friendship , but maketh friends become foes . And therfor let them that desire to be well thought of and welcome amongst men , endeuour themselues to shunne this fault : For it breedes no good lyking nor loue , but hatred and hurt . I would councell you rather to measure your pleasures by other mens willes : where there shal come no hurt nor shame of it : and therin alwayes to doe & to saye , more to please other mens myndes and fansies , then your owne .

Agayne , you must be neither clownishe nor lumpishe : Clownishe and Lumpishe but pleasaunt and familiar . For there should bee no oddes , betweene the Mystell and the Pungitopo : but that the one is wilde : the other growes in gardens . And you must vnderstand , that he is pleasaunt and courteous : whose manners bee suche in his common behauiour , as practise to keepe , and maintaine him friendeship amongst them : where hee that is solleyne and waywarde , makes him selfe a straunger whersoeuer hee comes : a straunger , I meane , asmuch as a forreigne or alien borne : where contrariwise , he that is familiar & gentle , in what place so euer he comes : is taken for a familiar and friend with all men . So that it shal be necessarie for a man , to vse him selfe to salute , to speake , and to answer after a gentle sorte , and to behaue him selfe with all men so : as if hee were their countryman borne , & of their olde acquaintance . Which some can yll skill to doe , that neither giue a man a good countenaunce : easily say , No , to all things : neuer take in good worthe , the honour and courtesie that men doe vnto them ( like to the people I spake of before , rude and barbarous ) neuer take delight in any pleasaunt conceites or other pleasures : but euer refuse it all , what soeuer is presented or offered vnto them . If a man say : Sir , suche a one willed me to commend him vnto you : They aunswere straite : what haue I too doe with his greetings ? And if a man say : Sir , suche a one your friend , asked me how you did : They aunswer againe in choler : Let him come feele my pulse . These carterlyke and clownishe aunswers and maners , and the men them selues that doe vse them : would bee chased and hunted away , out of all good and honest company .

It yll becomes a man when hee is in company , to bee sad , musing , Museing . and full of contemplation . And albeit , it may bee suffered perchaunce in them that haue long beaten their braines in these Mathematicall studies : which are called ( as I take it ) the Liberall Artes : yet without doubte it may not be borne in other men . For , euen these studious fellowes , at suche tyme , when they be so ful of their Muses : should be much wyser to get them selues alone .

Againe , Nycenes and Deyntines . to bee to nyce or to deyntie : it may not be abiden , and specially in men . For , to liue with suche kinde of people : is rather a slauerie then pleasure . And sure there bee som such , so softe & tender : that to liue and deale with such people , it is as daungerous : as to medle with the fynest and bryttelest glasse that may be : So muche they are affrayde of euery light touche . And they wil be as testy and frowarde , if you doe not quickly and readily salute them , visite them , worship them , and make them answer : as some other body would be , for the greatest iniurie that can be donne vnto them . And if you doe not giue them all the due reuerence that may be : they will presently take a thousand occasions to quarell and fall out with you . Yf you chaunce to Master him , and leaue out his title of Honour or worship : he takes that in dougeon , and thinkes you doe mock him . And if you set him beneath as good a man as him self at the table : that is against his honour . If you doe not visite him at home at his house : then you knowe not your dutie . Theis maner of fashions and behauiours , bring men to such scorne and disdayne of their doings : that there is no man , almost , can abyde to beholde them : for they loue them selues to farre beyonde measure , and busie them selues so much in that , that they fynde litle leysure to bethinke them selues to loue any other : which ( as I haue saide from the beginning ) men seeke to fynde in the conditions and maners of those with whome they must liue : I meane , that they should apply them selues to the fansies & mindes of their friendes . But to liue with suche people , so hard to please : whose loue and friendship once wonne , is as easie lost , as a fyne scarfe is lightly caryed away with the winde : that is no lyfe but a seruice : and , besydes that it yealdeth no pleasure , it geues a man greate disdayne and horror . Let vs therefore leaue these softe and wanton behauiours to women .

In speach a man may fault many wayes . Talke and Communication . And first in the matter it selfe that is in talke , which may not be vayne or filthye . For , they that doe heare it , wyll not abyde it : as the talk they take no pleasure to heare : but rather scorne the speache and the speaker both . Againe , a man must not moue any question of matters that be to deepe & to subtile : because it is hardly vnderstoode of the moste . And a man must warely foresee , that the matter bee suche , as none of the company may blushe to heare it , or receaue any shame by the tale . Neyther must he talke of any filthy matter , albeit a man would take a pleasure to heare it : for , it yll becomes an honest gentleman , to seeke to please , but in things that be honest . Nei-Neither in sporte nor in earnest , Holie thinges muste not bee ●easted at . Cicero . Mala & impia est Consuetudo , contra deos disputandi : siue serio sit , ●iue dissimulate . must a man speake any thing against God or his Saintes , how witty or pleasaunt so euer the matter be . Wherein , the company that Giouan Boccaccio hathe brought to speake in his Nouelles and tales , hath faulted so muche : that me thinkes euery good body , may iustly blame them for it . And you must thinke It is not only a token of great detestation & Impietie in a man , to talke in iestinge wise of God : but hee is a wicked & sinfull man , that will abyde to heare it . But you shall finde some suche good men , as will flie asmuche as the plague , the company of such as talke so vnreuerently , and without respect , of the incomprehensible Maiestie of God . And wee must not alone speake religiously of him : but in all our talkes wee must auoyde what wee may , that our wordes may not witnes against our life and our workes . For men doe hate their owne faultes otherwhile , when they see them in another .

Likewise it is vnsauourie , Talke out of time . to talke of things out of tyme , not fitting the place and company : although the matter it selfe , and spoken in tyme , were otherwise both good and godly . We must not then reherse Fryers sermones to young gentlewomen , when they are disposed to sporte themselues : as that good man did , that dwelles not farr hence , nere to S. Brancatio . And in feastes & at table , wee must beware wee doe not rehearse any sorowfull tales , nor put them in minde of woundes , of sicknes , of deathes , of Plagues , or of other dolefull matters . But if another man chaunce to moue suche matter : it shal be good , after an honest and gentell sorte , to exchaunge that talke , and thrust in some other , that may giue them more delighte and pleasure to heare it . Albeit , not long since I heard it said to a worthy gentleman our neighbour , that Men haue many times more neede to weepe then to laugh . And for that cause hee said , these dolefull tales , which wee call Tragedies , were deuised at first , that when they were plaid in the Theatres ( as at that time they were wont ) they might draw fourth teares out of their eyes , that had neede to spend them . And so they were by their weeping , healed of their infirmitie . But albeit it bee good to doe so : yet it will il become vs to driue men into theyr dumpes : especially where they bee mett to feaste and to solace themselues , & not to mourne . For if there be any , that hath suche weeping disease : it will bee an easie matter to cure it , with stronge Mustard or a smoaky house . So that , in no wyse , I can excuse our friend Philostrato , Bocc . G●or . 4. fol 183. In the beginning . for his worke that hee made full of dule and of death , to suche a company as desired nothing more then myrthe . Wee must the rather vse sylence , then discourse of suche sorrowfull matters .

And they doe asmuch amisse too , that neuer haue other thing in their mouthe , then their children , their wife , and their nourse . My litle boy , made mee so laughe yesterday : heare you : you neuer sawe a sweeter babe in your life : my wyfe is such a one , Cecchina told mee : of troth you would not beleeue what a wit shee hath : There is none so idle a body , that will eyther intend to answer , or abyde to heare suche foolishe pryttle prattle . For it yrcks a mans eares to harken vnto it .

There be some againe , so curious in telling their dreames Dreames . from point to point , vsing such wonder and admiration withall , that it makes a mans hart ake to heare them : & specially because ( for the most parte ) they be such kinde of people : as it is but labour lost to heare , euen the very best exployts they doe , when they be most awake , and labour most to shew their best . Wherfore we must not trouble men with so base and absurde matter as dreames bee : especially suche foolyshe things , as most tymes men haue . Albeit I haue heard say many times , that wisemen in times past , haue leaft in their bookes many sortes of dreames , conteining matters of deepe knowledge and understanding : it followeth not yet , that wee , the vnlearned and common sorte of people , should vse it in our familiar and common talke . And sure of all the dreames that euer I heard ( albeit I hardly listen to any ) in my conceit , I neuer heard any , that was worth the hearing but one alone , which the good Master Flaminio Tomarozzo M. Flaminio Tomarozzo . a gentleman of Rome did see , a man not vnlearned and grosse : but full of knowledge and singular witte . And thus was his dreame , This gentleman Master Flaminio Tomarozzo , thought he was sitting in a very riche Apothecaries shop , a neere neighbour of his . And after he had byn there a while ( what soeuer the occasion was ) the people were vp in a rore one a sodayne , and fell to spoilyng of all that was in the shoppe . One tooke on Electuarie , another a Confection , some one thing , some another , and presently eate it vpp all : So that within a while , there was neither virell glasse , ertherne pot , wodden boxe , nor any pot els of drugges , that was not emptied broken , or ouerthrowne . But amongest them all , ther was one verye small glasse , full to the toppe of verie cleare water , which many did smell to , but no man would taste . He stoode not there long , but there came in a tall man , an aged and very graue man , to looke vnto . This Aged father beholding this vnfortunate Apothecaries boxes and pottes , and finding some emptyed , some ouerthrowne , and the better parte broken : at lenght casting his eye asyde , he chaunced to see the smal glasse I spake of before , and setting the same to his mouthe , hee dranke it vp so cleane : that he leaft not one droppe . And this doone , he went from thence as the rest did before . Master Flaminio was abashed and marueled muche at this matter . And therefore turning to the Apothecarie he sayed vnto him : Syr , whoe is this that came laste ? and why did he drinke vp so sauourly , all the water in that litle glasse , which all the reast refused . To whome the Apothecarie seemed to make this aunswer . My sonne , this is the Lord God . And the water , that hee alone dranke , and all the reast refused & would not taste as you saw : was discretion : which , you know wel ynough men will not taste of , by any meanes .

Such kind of dreames , I hould well a man may rehearse , and heare with much pleasure and profit . Bycause they doe more resemble , the Cogitations & thoughts of an awakened minde : or better , I shoulde say , the vertue sensitiue : then the visions and syghts of a drowsie head . But those other dreames , without shape , fashion or sense : ( which the moste parte of suche men as we are , bee wont to haue ) would be forgotten cleane , and lost with our sleepe . Howbeit , I doe not deny but the dreames of good men and learned , be better and wiser then theires of the wicked and more vnlearned sorte .

And albeit a man would weene , there can bee nothing in the worlde more vaine then Dreames : yet there is one thing more light then they , and that are Lyes . Lyes . For there is yet some shadowe , and , as it were , a certaine feeling of that which a man hath seene in his dreame . But there is neyther shadowe nor bodye of a trueth in a lye . And therfore we should lesse busie mens eares , and their mindes to harken to lyes , then to dreames , because they bee otherwhile receiued for truethes . But tyme , in the ende , discouers suche pelfe : that lyers , not only doe gayne no credite , but no man vouchesafes to harken vnto them , in otherwise ( as the men that carry no substaunce in their woordes ) then if they had sayde nothing or blowne a litle wynde . Men haue a pleasure to lye otherwhile . And you shal vnderstand , ther be many that vse to lye , not minding any yll purpose in it , or to make their owne peculiar proffit by it , to hurt other men or shame their neighbour : onely they doe it , for a pleasure they take to tell a lye : as men that drinke not , all for thirst : but for a pleasure they take , to taste of the wine . Other some doe tell lyes , to make a vaine glorious boasting of them selues : vaunting and telling in a brauery , what wonderfull exploits they haue doone , or bearing men in hand , they be greate doctours and learned men .

In Silence too , after a sorte , without speache , Lesinges and Counterfectinges . a man may tell a lesynge : I meane with his gestures and grace : as some you shall see , that being of meane , or rather base condition and calling , vse suche a solemnitie in all their doings , and marche so stately , and speake with suche a prerogatiue , or rather discourse lyke Parleament men , setteling them selues , as it were , in a place of Iudgement , proudly prying about them like Peacockes : that it is a very death to behold them .

And some suche you shall fynde , that allthough they bee combered with no more wealthe then easily serues their turne : yet will they neuer appeare vnles their neckes be laden with chaines , their fingers full of rings , their cappes beset with agletts , and euery other parte bespangled , as though they would defie the King of Castiglio . Whose behauiours be full of follies and vaine glorie , which cometh of pryde , growing of vanitie it selfe . So that wee must eschew these faults , as foule and vnseemely things . You shall vnderstand , in many Cities , and those of the best , the lawes doe not suffer , that riche men should go muche more gorgeously attyred , then the poore . For poore men thinke they haue a wrong : when men seeme , but in countenaunce alone , as it were Imperiously to reigne ouer them . So that we must carefully beware we fall not into these follies .

Neither must a man boaste of his Nobilitie , his Honour or riches : muche lesse vaunt of his witt , Glorious bostinge and braggeing . or gloriously reherse to much of his deedes & valiant Actes , or what his Auncestors haue done , nor vppon euery occasion , fall in rehersall of suche thinges , as many men doe . For in suche case , a man would weene , they seeke , either to contend with the Company , ( if they be , or will take vppon them to bee , as good Gentlemen , & of as muche wealthe and worthines , as they bee : ) or elles to ouercrowe them , ( if they liue in meaner condition and calling , then they doe ) And as it were to vpbraide them , their poore and base condition of life .

A man must neither embase , nor exalte him selfe to muche out of measure : Exalting a●d embasing . but rather bury in silence some parte of his merits , then arrogate to muche vnto him . Bycause Goodnes it selfe , when it excedeth muche is euer enuyde of some . And you may be sure , they that embase them selues thus beyond measure , refusing that worship and honour that is but duely their owne of very right : shewe more pryde in this contempte , then they that vsurpe those things , that are not so due vnto them . So that a man perchaunce , might saye , Giotto hath not deserued those Commendations that some beleue , 〈◊〉 Nouel . 5 Go●r . 6. fo. 29● in that he refused to be called Master : being not only a master but without doubt a singular and cunning master in his art in those daies . But be it blame , or praise that he deserued : it is most sure , he that refuseth that which euery man els doth hunt for : sheweth therin , he reproueth or contemneth the common opinion of men . And , to contemne the honour & renowne , which other men gape for so much , is but to glorie and magnifie him selfe aboue other . For asmuche as there is no man ( without he be mad ) will refuse and reiect things that be deare and of price : vnles hee be suche , as hathe plenty and store of those deare and deintye things .

Wee must not boast of those good things that be in vs , nor set them to lyght : for in the one , wee doe vpbraide men their faults : In the other , wee scorne to muche their vertues . But it behoueth euery man to speake his owne praise , as litle as hee may . And if occasion driue him vnto it : it shal be good , modestly to speake the truethe , as I haue told you before .

And therefore , they that desire to doe men a pleasure : must needes leaue one faulte , that is to common with all men : they must not shewe them selues so afraide and fearefull to speake their mindes , when a man dothe aske their aduise . For , it is a deadly paine to here them , & specialy if they be men , in the Iudgement of the world , of good vnderstanding and wisedome . What a fetching about is this , ere they come to that mater ? Sir I beseche you pardon mee , if I doe not say well . I will speake like a gros man as I am : & grosly according to my pore skil . And Sir , I am sure you wil but mocke me for it . But yet , to obey you : & they drawe their words forth so long , & put them selues to suche paine : that , while these ceremonies be a doing , the hardest question that is , might haue byn determined with fewer words and shorter time : bycause they cannot get out of these protestations , when they bee in .

They bee also very tedious to men , and their conuersation & maners are very troublesome : whoe shewe too base and abiect a minde in their doings . And where the chefest and highest place , Abiecte Minde . is apparantly due vnto them : they will euer creepe downe to the lowest . And it is a spitefull buisynes to thrust them vp : For they will straite iogge backe againe , like a resty Iade , or a Nagge that startleth a side at his shadowe . So that , there is muche a dooe with them , when wee meete at a doore . For they will not ( for all you can dooe ) in any case enter before you , but so trauerse their ground , go ba●ke , and so fray and defend with their armes and their handes : that at euery thirde steppe , a man must be ready to wage battell with them : and thus they breake of , all solace and pleasure , and otherwhile , the buisynes they meete aboute .

And therfore , Ceremonies , Ceremonies . which wee name , as you heare , by a straunge terme , as lacking a worde of our owne , bycause our elders , hauing no knowledge of those superstitious fashions , coulde not well giue them a proper name . Ceremonies , I saye , ( in my Iudgement , ) differ not much from lyes & dreames , for their own very vainesse it selfe . So that wee may couple and ioyne them together in this our treatise , sithe occasion serues so fytt to speake of them here , As a good man hath often shewed me : those solemnities that church men doe vse at their Altars , and in their diuine seruice bothe to God and his holy things , are properly called Ceremonies : but after , men did begyn , to reuerence eche other with curious entertaynements , more then were conuenient , and would be called masters and Lords , amongest them selues , yealding bending , and bowing their bodyes , in token of reuerence one to another , vncouering their heads , vsing highe titles and Styles of honour , and kyssing their hands as if they were hollye things : some body , by like considering all these things well , and finding these newe founde curious follyes without any name : thought good to Christen and call them Ceremonies , but sure in a iest as I take it : as to be mery and make good cheare , we terme it in sport , a triumph : which custome , no doubt , tooke not his being at vs , but elles where , as barbarous & straunge : and not long since , from whence I knowe not , transported into Italie : whose deedes being wretched , and effects base and vile , hath gotten encrease and honor , in vayne woords alone , and superfluous titles .

Ceremonies then , if we consider well their intents that vse them : are but vaine shewes of honour and reuerence , towardes him to whome they be doone : framed of semblance and wordes touching their titles and courtious offers . I say vaine : In that we honour men to their face , whome we reuerence not in deede , but otherwhile contemne . And neuertheles , because we may not go against custome , wee giue them these titles : The most honorable Lord suche a one : the Noble Lord suche a one . And so otherwhile wee offer them our humble seruice : whome wee could better vnserue then serue , & commaund then doe them any duety .

Then not Lesinges alone , but also Treacheries and Treasons , shal be called Ceremonies . But because these wordes and these titles aboue rehersed , haue lost their strength : and waste , ( as a man may say of Iron ) their temper , with such continuall occupying of it as we doe vse : we must not so precisely way them as other wordes , nor so strictly construe the meaning of them . And , that this is true , that which allwayes happens to all men , dothe shewe it playne inoughe . For if wee meete with a man , we neuer sawe before : with whome , vppon some occasion , it behoues vs to talke : without examining wel his worthines , most commonly , that wee may not offend in to litle , we giue him to much , and call him Gentleman , and otherwhile Sir , althoughe he be but some Souter or Barbar , or other suche stuffe : and all bycause he is appareled neate , somewhat gentleman lyke .

And as men in tymes past , Titles by Priuilege . were wont to haue vnder the Priuilege of the Pope & Emperour , peculiar & distinct titles of honour , which might not be vntouched , without doing wrong to the priuileged men : nor againe attributed & geuen without a scorne , to them that were no such priuileged persones : So at this daie , wee must more freely vse those titles , and the other significations of honour , like to those titles : bycause Custome the mightiest Lorde hathe largely therewith , priuileged men of our time .

This vse and custome , though so fayre and gallant without , is altogether vaine within , and consisteth in semblance without effect , & in wordes without meaning . But this notwithstanding , Custom must not be altered it is not lawful for vs to chaunge it : but rather , bycause it is not our fault , but the fault of our tyme , wee are bounde to followe it : but yet wee must discretely doe it .

So that wee are to noate , The end why ceremonies be vsed . that Ceremonies are vsed , eyther for a Profit , or for a Vanitie , or for a Duetie . Ceremonies for profit . And euery lye that is told for a mans priuate profit : is a deceite , a sinne , and a dishonest parte : for , in what so euer it bee , A man can neuer honestly lye .

And this is a common fault with flatterers , that counterfet them selues to be our friends , and apply them selues euer to our desiers , what soeuer they be : not bycause wee would haue it so , but to the ende wee should doe them some pleasure , for it . And this is not to please vs , but to deceiue vs . And albeit this kind of fault be , peraduenture , by reason of custome sufferable : yet notwithstanding bycause of it selfe , it is fowle and hurtefull , it yll becomes a gentle man to doe it . For it is no honestie to seeke a pleasure by the hurt of another . And if lyes and false flatteries , may bee termed Ceremonies ( as I haue sayde before : ) so oft , as we vse them for respect of our gain & profit : so oft wee doe hazard our good name and credite : so that this consideration alone , myght moue vs well to leaue all Ceremonies , and vse them no more .

It resteth now that I speake of those that bee done of Dutie , Dutifull ceremonies . and of those that be done of a Vainesse . As touching the first , We must not leaue them vndone in any wise . For he that faileth to doe them , dothe not onely displease , but doth a wrong to him , to whome they be due . And many times it chaunceth , the men come to daggers drawing , euen for this occasion alone , that one man hath not done the other , that worship and honour vppon the way , that he ought . For to saye a trueth The power of custome is great & of much force , Custome is a lawe . ( as I said ) and would be taken for a lawe , in these cases . And that is the cause we say : You : You. to euery one , that is not a man of very base calling , and in suche kinde of speach wee yealde such a one , no maner of courtesie of our owne . But if wee say : Thou : Thou . to suche a one , then wee disgrace him and offer him outrage and wronge : and by suche speach , seeme to make no better reconing of him , then of a knaue and a clowne .

And although the tymes past , and other countryes , haue vsed other maners : let vs yet , keepe our selues to our owne : And let not vs dispute the matter , which is the better of twaine . For wee must obserue , not those , that we Iudge in our owne conceits to be good : but suche , as be currant by custome , & vsed in our owne tyme : as lawes , which we be bound to keepe , thoughe they be not all of the best , tyll suche tyme , as the magistrates , the Prince , or they that haue power to amed them , haue chaunged them to better .

So that It behoues vs , hedefully to marke the doings and speache , wherewith daily practise and custome , Bocc . Nouel . 6 Gior. 5. fo. 259 wonteth to receaue , salute , & name in our owne country , all sortes and kinds of people , and in all our familiar communication with men , let vs vse the same . Peter the King of Aragon . And notwithstanding the Admerall ( as peraduenture the maner of his time was suche ) in his talke with Peter the King of Aragon , did many times : Thou him : Let vs yet saye to our King : Your maiestie : and your highnes : aswell in speache as in writing . And if they haue followed the vse of their time : then let not vs breake the fashions of ours . And these doe I call Duetifull Ceremonies , bycause they proceede not , as we would , or of our free willes : but are layde vppon vs by the Lawes : I meane , Common custome .

And in suche things , as carry no euill meaning in them , but rather some face of courtesie : reason would and commaundeth , we shoulde rather obserue common Custome , then dispute and lay the lawe for them .

And albeit , to kisse in shewe of reuerence , of very right appertayneth to the reliques of Saints and there holy matters : yet if it bee the maner of your country , at parting , to say : I kisse your hande : I am your seruaunt : your slaue in chayne . Signori , Io vi bascio la mano . Or : Io son vostro seruidore : Or els : vostro schiauo in catena : you must not disdaine it , more then other . But , In farewelles and writings , you must salute and take leaue , not as reason , but as custome will haue you : and not as men wont in times past , or should doe : but as men vseat this day : for it is a chorlishe maner to say : What greate gentleman is he I pray you , that I must master him : Or : is he becom master parson , that I must kisse his hands ? for he that is wont to be ( Sird ) and like wise ( Sirreth ) other : may thinke you disdaine him , and vse some outrage vnto him , when you call him to his face , by his bare name , and giue him no addition .

And these termes of Seignory , seruice , & duetye , and such other like vnto these , as I haue sayde : haue lost a greate parte of their harshnes , and ( as hearbes long steepte in the water ) are sweetened , and made softe and tender , by reason of muche speache in mens mouthes , and continuall vse to speake them . So that we must not abhorre them , as some rude and rusticall fellowes , full of foolishe simplicitie , doe : that would fayne beginne the letters we write to Kinges and Emperours after this sort . vz. Yf thou and thy children be in healthe it is well : I am also in healthe : saying , that suche was the beginning of the letters , the Latins did write to the magistrates of Rome . If men should liue by their measure , and go backe to those fashions and maners , our first fathers dyd vse : the worlde them by litle and litle , would come so about , that we should feede vppon acornes againe .

And in these Duetifull Ceremonies , there be also certain rules and precepts , we must obserue : that wee may not bee touched with Vainesse and Pride . Vanitie and pryde . And first of all , wee must consider the country where wee doe liue . For all customes be not currant a lyke in all countreys . Respect of countrey . And peraduenture that which they vse in Naples , which is a Citye replenished with gentlemen , of good houses and Lordes of greate power , were not so fitte for Florens and Luke : Which are inhabited , for the most part , with Merchants and plaine gentlemen , without any Prince , Marques , or Barone amongest them . So that the braue and Lordelike manners of the gentlemen of Naples transported to Florence : should be but waste , and more then needes : like a tall mans gowne cast ouer a dwarfe : as also the manners of Florence shoulde be to pinchinge and straite , for the Noble natures and mindes of the gentlemen of Naples . And although the gentlemen of Venice , vse great embracings and entertainementes amongst themselues , and fawne without measure the one on the other , by reason of their offices , degrees and fauours they looke to finde when they meete and assemble and choose their officers : yet for all this , it is not conuenient , that the good men of Rouigo , or the Citizens of Asolo , should vse the lyke solemnities , embraceings and entertainements one to another , haueing no such kinde of cause amongst them : Albeit all that same countrie ( if I bee not deceiued ) is falne a litle , into these kinde of follies , as ouer carelesse and apt inough by nature , or rather learning those maners of Venice their Lady and Mistris : because Euerie man gladly seeketh to tread the steps of his better : although there be no reason for it .

Moreouer we must haue a regarde to the time , to the age , and the condition of him , Time , age , condicion & calling must be respected . to whom we vse these ceremonies , and likewise respect our owne calling : and with men of credite maintaine them : but with men of small account cut them of cleane , or at least , abridge them as muche as wee may , & rather giue them a becke than a due garde : Which the courtiers in Rome can very well skill to doe .

But in some cases these Ceremonies be very combersome to a mans busines , In what case Ceremonies be cumbersome . and very tedious : as , Couer your head , sayes the Iudge , that is busied with causes , and is scanted of time to dispatche them . And this fellow so full of these Ceremonies , after a number of legges and shuflinge curtesis , aunswers againe : Sir I am very well thus . But sayes the Iudge agayne , Couer your head I say . Yet this good fellow tourning twise or thrise to & fro , making lowe conges downe to the grounde with muche reuerence and humilitie , aunswers him , still : I beseache your worship , let me doe my duetie . This busines and trouble lasteth so long , & so muche time is trifled : that the Iudge might very nere haue dispatched all his busines within that space . Then , although it be euery honest mans parte , and the duety of euery meaner body , to honour the Iudges , and men that be called to worship & honour : yet , where time wyll not beare it : it is a very troublesome thing to vse it , and it must be eschewed , or measured with reason .

Neyther be the self same Ceremonies semely for young men , respecting their Age : that ould men doe vse together . Nor yet can it becom men of meane and base condition , to vse the very same , that gentlemen & greate men may vse one to another . And if wee marke it well , we shall find , that the greatest , the best men , & men of most valour , doe not alwayes vse the most Ceremonies them selues , nor yet loue nor looke a man should make many goodly curtsies vnto them , as men that can ill spend their thoughts one matters so vaine .

Neither must handy crafts men , nor men of base condition , buisie them selues to much , in ouer solemne Ceremonies to greate men , and Lordes : it is not lookt for in suche . For they disdaine them , more then allowe than : because it seemes that in such , they seeke & looke , rather for obedience and duetie , then honour . And therefore it is a foule faulte in a seruaunt , to offer his master his seruice : for he counts it his shame , & he thinks the seruant doth make a doubt , whether he is master or no : as if it were not in him to imploy him , & commaund him too . These kinde of Ceremonies would be vsed frankely . For , What a man dothe of duetie , is taken for a debte , and hee finds him selfe litle beholding to him that doth it . But he that dothe more , then he is bound to : it seemes he parteth with somewhat , and that makes men to loue him , and to commende him for a liberall man . And I remember mee well , I haue hearde it sayde , that a worthy Graecian a greate versifier , was euer wont to saye : that He that could skill to entertaine men with a small aduenture , made a greate gayne .

You shall then vse youre Ceremonies , as the tailer shapes his garments , rather to large then to litle : but yet not so , that hee cutteth one hose large inough to make a cloke . And if thou doe vse in this point , some litle gentle behauiour , to suche as be meaner then thy selfe : thou shalt be counted lowly . And if thou doe asmuche to thy betters : thou shalt bee sayde a Gentleman well taught , Vanitie . and courtious . But hee that dothe herin to muche , and is ouer lauishe , shal be blamed as vaine and light : and perhaps worse thought of too : counted a busie body , a fidging fellowe , and in wife mens sight , a flatterer : which vice , our elders haue called , ( if I doe not forget me ) dowble diligence . And there is no faulte in the worlde , more to bee abhorred , or the worsse beseemes a gentleman , then this . And this is the thirde maner of Ceremonies , which simply procedeth of our owne will , and not of custome .

Let vs then remember , that Ceremonies , ( as I haue alwayes sayd ) were not so necessarie by nature , but a man might doe well inough without them : As for example , our countries liued ( it is not long since ) in maner cleane without any . But other mens diseases haue infected vs , with these infirmities and many mo . So that , custome and vse obserued : the rest that is more , is but waste : and such a sufferable leesing , as if it be more in deede then is in vse , it is not only vnsufferable , but forbidden : and so vppon , the matter , a cold and vnsauourie thing to noble mindes , that cannot brouse vppon shrubbes and shewes .

And you shall vnderstand , that trusting my owne skill but little , in wryting this present treatise : I thought good to consult with many , and to take the Iudgement of better learned men then my selfe . And this in my reading I finde . There was a King , they call him Oedipus : Oedipus . being banished and driuen out of his countrie ( vppon what occasion I know not ) he fled to King Theseus Theseus . at Athens , the better to saue him selfe and his life , from his enemies , that mainely pursued him . This Oedipus now comming before the presence of Theseus , by good chaunce hearing his daughter speake , ( whome he knew by her voice , for he was blind and could not beholde her with his eyes ) he was so presently striken with ioy , that , not tarying to doe his allegeaunce and duetie to the King , he did presently embrace , & make much of his daughter before him : his fatherly affection so led him , and rulde him so . But in the end finding his fault , and better aduising him selfe of his doings : he would needs excuse it to Theseus , & humbly prayd his grace to pardon his folly . The good and wise King , cut of his talke , and bad him leaue his excuses , and thus saide vnto him : Comfort thy selfe Oedipus , and bee not dismayd at that thou hast done . For I will not haue my life honoured with other mens woordes , but with my owne deedes . Which sentence a man should haue alwaies in mind .

And albeit men be well pleased , that men doe giue them worship & honour : yet when they find them selues cuningly courted , they be soone weary of it , and also disdaine it . For these glauerings , or flatteries I should say , to amend their knaueries & falsehoodes , haue this fault withall : that these glauering fellowes doe plainly shewe , they count him , whome they court in this sorte , but a vaine , and arrogant bodie , an asse of grose capacitie , and so simple , that it should be an easie matter to bayte him and take him too . And these Vaine and Curious Ceremonies , besides that they be superfluous : so they beare with all a shape of flattery , so slenderly couered , that euery man doth openly see them , and know them plaine : in suche sorte , that they that doe them , to the end to make a gaine , besides that ill that is in them , wherof I spake before : shewe them selues also , gentlemen ill taught , without good maner or any honest fashion .

But there is another sorte of Ceremonious people , who make it an arte and merchandise , and keepe a booke and a reconing of it . One these men ( they say ) they must smile , on such men they must laughe : and , the better man shall sit in the chayr , and the other vppon a lowe stoole : which superstitious Ceremonies , I beleue , were transported out of Spaine into Italie . But our country , hath geuen them but colde entertainement , and as yet they haue taken but slender roote here : for this precise difference of worship , and gentry , is not liked of , with vs . And therefore it is but ill maner , for a man to make him selfe Iudge , which is the better man .

But it is much worse for a man to make a sale of his Ceremonies and entertainments , ( after the maner of harlots ) as I haue seene many gentlemen doe in the court , geuing good wordes and faire countenaunces for a rewarde and recompence , of the goods and the tyme , their seruaunts haue spent in their seruice .

And sure they that take a pleasure to vse ouer many Ceremonies , more then neede : shewe they doe it vppon a lustines and brauery , as men that haue nothing elles in them of any valour .

And bycause these follies are learned with ease inough , and carry withall a litle fayre glose in shewe : they bestowe all their whole mindes none other waye . But graue matters they can not abide to weelde , as things to farre aboue their reache : and coulde finde in their harts to dwell in these toyes and tryfles , as men whose capacitie conceiueth nought of Importaunce : like tender mylkesops that can be are no brunt : or that , beside a glorious outside , haue not mettall inough in them to abide a flea byting . And therfore , they could wishe it worse : that these entertainments and acquaintance with men , should go no further then the first sight . And of these there bee an infinite number .

And some againe be to full of words , and abound to muche in curtious gestures to couer and hyde the defects and faults of their treacheries , and their vile & base natures : For they see , if they should be as baren & rude in their woords , as they be in their deeds & their doings , men would in no case abide them . And to saye a trueth , yow shall finde that 〈◊〉 of these two causes , drawe most men one , to vse these wast and needles Ceremonies , and nothing els : which lightly most men cannot away withall , bycause they be hindered by them , & their meanes , to liue as they would , and lose their libertie : whiche a man dothe preferre aboue any thing ells .

Wee must not speake yll of other men , nor of their doings : althoughe it plainely appere , that men do willingly bend good eare to heare it , as easily moued therto , by the nature of malice and enuy , that pynes at our Neighbours prosperity and rising to worship & honour : for at length men will eschewe the acquayntaunce of Slaunderous Slaundering . people , as much as they shunne the Oxe , that goreth with his horns , or strikes with his feete : making their reconing , that what they tell them of vs , asmuche they will tell vs , of them .

And some ther be , Quareling . that so quarel at euery word , question , and wrangle , Wrangling . that they shew they haue litle skill in other mens natures : Ouerthwarting . for , Euery man desireth the victory should go one his syde : and hates it asmuche , to be mastered in words , as to be vanquished in any other acte that he dothe . So that , willfully to ouerthwart a man , it workethe no Loue and good will : but rather displeasure , ●ancoure and malice . And therfore , he that sekes to be well thought of , and would be taken for a plesaunt and good Companion , must not so redily vse these speaches : It was not so : And , Nay : it is as I tell you . I wil lay a wager with you : But he must rather take payns , to apply himself to other mens minds concerning such things , as haue matter of small importaunce : Bycause the victorye , in such cases , is daungerous : for , the gayninge the cause , in try●●ing questions , doth often loose the Loue of a faithfull friend . And men are so farre out of loue & liking , of such hot fellowes : that they will by no meanes growe acquaynted with suche , least they be dryuen euery hower to bralle , to chide , and to fighte with them for it . And suche kinde of people doe purchase these names : Conquerour . Maister Vniciguerra : Or , Ouerthwarter . Sir Contraponi : Or , Sir Tutte●salle : And sometime : Know all . il Dottor suttile . The subtile Doctour .

And if you chaunce otherwhile , to be intreated of the company to speake your mind : I would haue you doe it after a gentle sort , without shewing your selfe so greedie to carry the bucklers away , as if you would eate them vp for haste . But thou must Leaue to euery man his parte : And bee it right or wronge , consent to the minds of the most , or the most importunate : and so leaue the fielde vnto them : that some other , and not your selfe , may beate and sweat , and chace in the winning of the cause . For these quarelous contentions , bee foule and ill fauoured fashions for gentlemen to vse : and they get them ill will and displeasure of all men for it : and they bee vncomely for their owne vnseemelines , which of it selfe offendeth euery good honest minde , as it may chaunce you shall heare hereafter .

But the common fault of men is such , Counceling and reprouing . and eche man is so infected with this selfe loue and liking of him selfe : that he hath no respect or care to please any man ells .

And to shewe them selues fiue headed , of muche vnderstanding , and wise : they counsell , reproue , dispute , and bralle , to daggers drawing , and allowe nothing els but that they say them selues .

To offer aduyse vnrequested : what is it els but to vaunt youre selfe wiser then he is , whom you do counsell : nay rather , it is a playne checke to him , for his Ignoraunce and folly . And therfore , you must not●● so ; with all your acquaintance generally : but only with your very friendes , or suche whom you are to gouerne & rule : or els , when a man hapely standes in daunger & perill , how muche a straunger so euer he be . But in our common Acquaintance and conuersation , Let vs not busy our selues , and medle to muche with other mens doings . In which fault many doe fall : but most of all , the men of least vnderstanding . For , Men of grose Capacities , consider but litle : And they take no longe time to debate with them selues , as men that haue litle busines to doe .

But how so euer it be , He that counselleth hath euer a good conceite of him selfe . hee that offereth and geueth his counsell : geues vs to thinke , hee hathe this conceite of him selfe : that all the witt is in him , and other poore men haue none at all .

And sure there bee some , that stand so muche in conceite of their wit : that they will be in maner , at warres , with him , that wil not follow the counsell they giue them . And thus they will say . Very well : a poore mans counsell will not be taken : suche a one will doe as he list : suche a one geues no heede to my wordes . As though there were not more Arrogancie in thee , that sekest to bring a man to followe thy Counsell : then there is in him , that followes his owne aduise .

And they doe also make the like fault , Reprouing and correcting of faults . that take vppon them to reproue and correct mens faults , and to geue a definite sentence in all things , and lay the lawe to all men . Suche a thing would not be done : You spake suche woordes : Doe not so : say not so : The wine that you drinke is not good for you : but would be red wine . You should vse suche an Electuarie , and suche pilles : And they neuer leaue to reproue and correct . And let vs passe that ouer , that otherwhile , they busy them selues so much , to purge other mens grounds : that their owne is ouergrowen , and full of thornes and nettles . For it is a meruailous payne vnto them , to heare one that syde .

And as there be few or none , whose mids can frame , to spend their lyfe with a Physition , a Confessour , and muche lesse a Iudge that hath iur●●diction and power to controwle and correct all criminall faultes : so is ther not one , that can take any pleasure to lyue , or make himself familiar with suche Censors : so hard , and seuere . For , euery man loueth libertye : and they woulde robbe vs of it , and get to be our masters . So that it is no good manner to be so redye to corect and giue rules vnto men : we must geue Scholemasters and Fathers leaue to do that . And yet that notwithstanding , experience doth shewe , the childeren and scholers both , do often hide them selues from them , you see .

Doe not allow , that a man should scorne or scoffe Scornes and Scoffes . at any man , what so euerhe be : no not his very enimy , what displeasure so euer he beare him : for , it is a greater signe of contempt and disdaine , to scorne a man , then to do him an op● wrong : forasmuch as wrongs may be done , eyther of choler , or of som couetous mynde or other . And ther is no man will take a displeasure with that , or for that , he doth not set by : nor yet couet that thing , he doth altogether contemne .

So that , a man doth make some accompt of him he dothe wronge : but of him that he scoffes and scornes , he makes no reconing at all , or as litle as may be .

And the Nature and effect of a scorne , The Nature of a scorne or a scoffe . is properly to take a contentation and pleasure to do another man shame and villany : thoughe it do our selues no good in the world . So that , good maner & honesty , would vs beware we scorne no man in any case : wherin they be much to be blamed , that reproue men those blemishes they haue in their person , eyther in woords , as Master Forese da Rabatta did , laughing at the countenaunce of Master Giotta : or in deeds , as many doe , counterfeting those that stutter , haulte , or be crookte shoulderd . And likewyse , they that scoffe at any man , that is deformed , ill shapen , leane , litle , or a dwarfe , ar much to be blamed for it : or that make a gybing and iesting at such follyes as another man speaketh , or the woordes that escape him by chaunce : and with all , haue a sporte and a pleasure to make a man blush : all these spitefull behauiours and fashions , worthely deserue to be hated , and make them that vse them , vnworthy to beare the name of an honest gentleman . Bocc , Nouel . 5 Gior. 6. fo. 29● . ● .

And such as vse to iest at a man , be very lyke vnto these : I meane them that haue a good sport to mocke Mockes . and beguile men , not in spite or scorne , but on a meriment alone . Difference betwen a scorne and a mocke And you shall vnderstand , There is no difference betweene a scorne and a mocke : but the purpose alone and intent a man hath , in the meaning the one the other . For a man mockes and laughes otherwhile , in a sport and a pastime : but his scorne is euer in a rage and disdaine . Although in common speache and wryting , wee take the one woorde sometyme for the other . But He that doth scorne a man : feeleth a contentation in the shame he hath done him : And hee that dothe mocke , or but laughe : taketh no contentation in that he hath done : but a sport , to be merry & passe the time away : where it would be , both a greefe and a sorrow , perchaunce , vnto him , to see that man receaue any shame , by any thing he said or did vnto him .

And althoughe I profited litle , in my Grammar in my youthe : yet I remember that Mitio , who loued Aeschines so muche , that he him selfe had wonder at it : yet other while , toke a sporte & a pleasure to mocke him : as when he said to him self : I will go to giue him a mocke : so that , I must inferre , that the selfe same thing , done to the very selfe same body : according to the intent of him that doth it , may be eyther a mocke or scorne .

And bycause our purpose , cannot be plainely knowne vnto other men : it shall not be good for vs to vse such parts , as bring men in doubt and suspicion , what our intent and meaning is in them : but rather let vs eschewe them , then seeke to be counted Iesters . For , It many times chaunceth , in boording and Iesting , one tackes in sporte , the other strykes againe in earnest : & thus from playing , they come to fraying . So , he that is familiarly mockte in pastime , recons it , otherwhile , to be done to his shame & dishonour , and therat he takes a disdaine . Besides this , A mocke is no better , then a deceyte . And naturally , it greueth euery man to erre and be deceyued . So that , many Reasons ther be to proue , That He that seekes to purchase goodwill , and be well thought of : must not make him selfe to cunning in mockes and Iestes .

It is very true , we are not able , in no wise , to leade this paineful lyfe , altogether without some pleasure and solace : And bycause Iestes do geue vs some sporte , and make vs merry , and so consequently refreash our spirits : we loue them that be pleasaunt , merry conceited , and full of solace . So that a body would thinke , I should rather persuade the contrarie : I meane , I shoulde say : It is conuenient and meete in company , to vse prety mockes , and otherwhile some Iestes and taunts . And without doubt , they that can slint after a friendly and gentle sort , be muche more made of , and better beloued then they that cannot skill or haue no wit to doe it . Howbeit , it is needeful in this , to haue a respect to many things .

And forasmuche as it is the intent of him that doth Iest : to make a sport and pastime at his faulte , whome he doth loue and esteeme , and of whom he doth make more than a common account : it must be well lookte to , that the fault , wherin his friend hath fallen , be suche , as he may sustaine no slaunder or shame , or any harme by any talke or Ieste he makes vppon it : otherwise , his skil doth ill serue him , to make a good difference betweene a pleasaunt Iest , and a very plaine wronge .

And there be some men , Bocc . Nouel . 8 Gior. 9. fo. 430 so short & so testy , that you must , in no wise , be merry , nor vse any iesting with them . And that can Biondello well tell , by Mayster Philippo Argenti in the gallery of Cauiccioli .

And moreouer , It cannot be good to ieaste in matters of weite , and muche lesse in matters of shame . No Iesting in matters of weight or of hame . For , men will weene that wee haue a good sporte ( as the common saying is ) to bragge and boast in our euill : Bocc . Nouel . ● Gior. 6. fo. 294. as it is said , the Lady Philippe of Prato , tooke a singular pleasure and contentation in the pleasaunt & prety aunswer she made , Lupo is the proper name of a man aswell as a wolfe . to excuse her loose and wanton life . And therefore , I cannot thinke that Lupo of Vberti did any thing extenuat or lessen his shame : but rather increaste it greater , by the Ieste that hee made to excuse his faulte , and qualifie the opinion of his cowardly minde . For , where he might haue kept him selfe safe without daunger in the castle of Laterin , wherein he was besieged round about , and shutte vp : hee thought hee had plaide the man good inoughe , in that hee could say at the yealding it vp : that A wolfe doth not loue to be besieged and shutte vp . For , where it is out of time for to laughe , there to vse any Iestes or daliaunce , it hath a very colde Grace .

And further , you shall vnderstand , there be some Iestes that bite , & some that bite not at all . For the first sorte : Bocc Nouel . ● Gior. 6. fo. 288 Iestes and Taunts . let that wise counsell that Lauretta gaue for that point , suffice to teach you : That Iestes must bite the hearer like a sheepe , but not like a dogge . For if it pinche , as the byte of a dogge : it shal be no more a Ieste but a wronge . And the lawes almost in all countries , will , that who saith any villanie vnto a man , shal be greuously punished for it . And , perchaunce , it were not amisse , to prouide with all , some sharp correction for him , that should byte in way of iesting , beyond all honest measure . But gentlemen should make account , that the lawe that punisheth wronges , extendeth as farre to iestes , and that they should seldome or very easily nyp or taunt any man .

And besides all this , you must vnderstand , that a iest , whether it bite , or bite not , if it be not fine & full of wit , men take no pleasure at al to heare it , but rather are wearied with it : or at least wise , if they doe laughe , they laughe not at the iest , but at the iester him selfe , that brings it forthe so colde .

And bycause , Iestes be no other thing but deceites : and deceite ( as a thing that is framed of subtilenes & craft ) cannot be wrought but of men , that haue fine and redy wittes , and very present : therefore they haue no grace in men that be rude , and of grose understanding : nor yet in them alwayes , that haue the best and floweing wittes : as , peraduenture , they did not altogether become Master Iohn Boccaccio .

But tauntes and Iestes be a special redines and aptnes of wit , and quicken the motions of the minde : wherefore they that haue discretion , doe not in this point , consider their will , but their disposition of nature : and after they haue once or twise tried their wittes , and finde them vnfit for suche purpose : they leaue to labour them selues any further in that kind of exercise : that it may not chaunce vnto them , Bocc . Nouel . 2. Gior , 6. fo. 287. that hapt to the knight of the lady Horetta . And if you looke in to the maners of many , you shall easily see , this that I tell you is true : I say , that To Iest or to taunt , is not currant with euery man that will , but onely with them that can . And there be many that for euery purpose , haue in their mouth redy , many of these wordes , which wee call Bicticcichi : that haue no maner of sense or meaning in them . And some , that vse very foolishly and fondly to chaunge Sillables into woords . And some you shall heare speake and make answer , Bycause these speaches haue no grace in our English tounge , I leaue them in the Italian . But our toung hath such absurd iests as plentifully as any other toung . otherwise than a man would lightly looke for , without any wit or pleasure in the world in their talke . And if you doe aske them , Doue e il signore ? they answer againe . Doue egli ha i piedi : and likewise . Gli frae vnguer le mani con le grascia di signore Giouan Boccadoro . Doue mi manda egli ? Ad Arno. Io mi voglio radere , Sarebbe meglio rodere . Va chiama il Barbieri . Et perrhe non il Barbadomanie . Al which be to grose , to rude , and to stale : Bocc . Nouel . 10. Gior. 5. fo. 281. and such were almost , all the pleasaunt purposes and iestes of Dioneo .

But I will not take vppon me at this tyme , to discourse of the best and the worst kinde of iestes , what they be : aswel for that other men haue written treatises therof much more lernedly and better than I can : as also , bycause iestes & tauntes , haue at first sight , a large and sure proofe of their grace or disgrace : such , as thou canst not do much amisse in this point , without thou stand to much in thy owne conceyte , and think to well of thy selfe : for where the iest is prety and pleasaunt , there a man straite is merry , and shewes a liking by laughing , and makes a kinde of admiration of it . So that , where the company geues foorth no liking of thy sportes and conceites , by their mirthes and their laughing : hould thy selfe still then , and iest no more . For it is thy owne faulte thou must think , and not theirs that do heare the : forasmuch as the hearers , as it were allured , with the redye , pleasaunt , and subtile aunswers or questions ( do what they can , will they or nill they ) cannot forbeare their laughing , but laughe in spyte of their teeth . From whom as from our right & lawfull Iudges , wee must not appeale to our selues .

Neither must a man , to make other men merie , speake foule and filthie wordes , nor make ilfauoured gestures , distorting his countenaunce , & disfiguring his bodie . For , No man should , for other mens pleasures , dishonest & dishonour him self . Bocc . Nouel . 10. Gior. 5. fo. 281. It is an arte for a Iuggler & iester to vse : it doth not become a gentleman to do so . It is the beginning of a song . We must not then , imitate the common and rude behauiours of Dioneo . Madonna Aldruda Alzate La coda .

Nor we must not counterfet our selues to be fooles & vnsauorie doltes : but as tune & occasion serueth , tell some pretie tale or some news , neuer heard of before , he that can : & he that cannot , let him hold his peace . For , these be the partes of the wit : which , if they be sodain & prety , giue a proofe & a shew of the quicknes of the wit , & the goodnes of the maners of him the speakes then : which thing doth verie much please men & makes them our louers & friends . But if they be otherwise , they woorke them a contrary effect . For , man would weene the asse would play his parte : or that some hody body & louberly lout would friske and daunce in his doublet . There is another plesaunte kind of communication : Long talke & discourse . & that is when the pleasure & grace doth not consist in one merrie conceite alone , but in long & continued talke : which would be well disposed , wel vttered , & very wel set forth , to shew the maners , the fashions , the gestures & behauiours of them we speke , of so properly & liuely , as the hearer should think that he heareth them not rehearsed , but seeth them with his eyes do those very things he heares them to speak of : which be very well obserued by the gentlemen and gentlewomen both , in Boccace : although yet otherwhile ( if I be not deceiued ) they do affect and counterfet , more than is sightly for a gentleman or gentlewoman to doe , like to these Comedie Players . And to doe this well , you must haue the matter , the tale , or the story , you take vppon you to tell , perfect in your minde : and woordes so redy and fit , that you neede not say in the end : Bocc . Nouel . 2. Gior. 6. fo. 287. That thing , and tother thing : This man , what doe you call him : That matter , helpe me to terme it : And , remember what his name is . For this is iust the trot of the knight of the lady Horetta . And if you doe reherse any chaunce , in which there be many speakers : you must not say : He said and he aunswered : bycause this worde ( He ) serueth for all men . So that the hearer that harkens vnto it , is easily deceiued , and forgets whome you meane . Then , It behoues them that discourse matters at length , to vse proper names , & not to chaunge them after .

And more ouer , a man must beware that he say , not those things , which vnsaide in silence would make the tale plesaunt inoughe , and , peraduenture , geue it a better grace to leaue them out . As to say thus . Such a one , that was the sonne of such a one , that dwelt in Cocomer streete : do you not knowe him ? he maried the daughter of Gianfigliazzi , the leane scragge , that went so much to Saynt Laraunce . No ? do not you know him ? why ? do you not remember the goodly strayght old man that ware long haire downe to his shoulders ? For if it were nothing materiall to the tale , whether this chaunce befell him , or him : all thys long babble , and fond and folishe questions , were but a tale of a Tubbe : to no purpose , more then to weary mens eares that harken to it , and long to vnderstand the end . As peraduenture our Dant hath made this fault otherwhile , where he sayeth : And borne my parents were of yoare in Lumbardie , And eke of Mantuaes soyle they both by country be .

For , it was to no purpose , whether his mother were borne at Gazuolo , or ells at Cremona .

But I lerned once of a straunger , a Rethorician very lerned , a necessarie lesson concerning this poinct : that Men must dispose and order their tale , first with by names , and then rehearse them ( as neede is ) that be proper . For , the bynames alwayes beare the respect of the persones qualitie : but the other are to be vsed at the Fathers discretion , or his whome they concerne .

And therfore , that bodie whome in your thought and imagination to your selfe , you doe conceiue , Bocc . Nouel 6 Gior. 1. fo. 41. might be Lady Couetousnes her selfe : in speache you shall call Maister Erminio Grimaldie : if suche be the common opinion , the countrie hathe of him . And , if there be no man in place where you dwell , so notoriously knowne as might serue the turne fit for your purpose : you must then imagine the case further of , and set him a name at your pleasure . It is very true , that With muche greater pleasure we harken , and better beholde ( as it were with our eyes ) what soeuer is told vs of men of our acquaintance , if the matter be suche as toucheth their maners : then what we doe heare of straungers and men vnknowne vnto vs . And the reason is this : when wee doe knowe , that suche a man is woont to doe so : we doe easily beleeue , he hath doone so indeede : and wee take asmuche knoweledge of him , as if wee were present : where it chaunceth not so with vs , in the case of a straunger .

Our wordes ( be it in longe discourses or other communication ) Must be so plaine , Words would be plaine . that all the companie may easily vnderstand them : and withall , for sounde and sense they must be apt and sweete . For if you be to vse one of these two wordes : you shall rather say , Il ventre : The , Bellie . then L' Epa. And where your country speache will beare it , The Lyuer . you shall rather say : The Paunche . La Pancia , then L' Ventre : Or , il Corpo . The Bellie . For , by these meanes you shal be vnderstoode , The Bodie . and not misse vnderstoode , as we Florentines say , nor be darke and obscure to the hearers . The which thing our Poet , meaning to eschewe : in this very woorde it selfe ( I beleue ) sought to fide out another , not thinking muche of his paynes ( bycause it lyked him wel ) to seeke farre to borrow it els where . And sayd : Remember how the Lorde a man was fayne to be , For mans offence and sinne in Cloyster of virginitie .

And albeit Dant the learned Poet , did set by suche kinde of rules : I doe not think yet , a man should allow well of him in doing so . And sure , I would not councell you to make him your Maister in this point , to learne A Grace : forasmuche as he him selfe had none . For , this I finde in a Chronicle of him .

This Dant , was somewhat proude for his knowledge , scornefull and disdainfull , and muche ( as Philosophers be ) without any grace or courtesie : hauing no skill to behaue him selfe in company .

But to come to our purpose againe : I say , our speache must be plaine : which will be easie inough to doe : if you haue wit to choose those wordes that be naturally bred in our soyle : and with all not so olde with Age , that they are become rotten and withered : and as ouerworne apparell , leaft of and cast a side . Old woordes out of vse , As , Spaldo , and Epa , and Vopo , and Sezzaio , & Primaio . And moreouer , the wordes you shall vse , Gergo is a very doubtfull manner of speache , as it were in Riddles : and very ambiguous . must haue no double vnderstanding , but simple . For by coupling suche wordes together : wee frame that speache that is called Aenigma . And to speake it plainer in our owne language , we call it Gergo . As in this verse : ●o vidi vn che da sette passatoi Fu da vn canto all' altro trapassato .

Againe , Ap● wordes and proper . our wordes would be , ( as nere as they myght be ) aptly and properly applied to that thing we go about to deliuer , & as litle as may be , common to other matters : for , in so doing , a man shall weene , the matter it selfe is openly laide before him : & that it is not expressed with wordes , but pointed foorthe with the finger . And therefore we may more properly say : A man is knowen by his countenaunce , then by his figure or counterfet . Dant . 23. Infer . And Dant did better expresse the matter , when he saide . The weightes That peize the weight doe make the balance creeke , Then if he had saide Crie out and make a noise .

And it is a more proper and peculiar speache to say , The shiuering of an ague , then to call it The colde . And flesh that is Tidie , to terme it rather , Fatte : then Fulsome .

Ther be some woordes more in this place to like effect , which I meane not to stande vppon now : bycause our Englishe tounge cannot hansomely deliuer their perfect meaning . For the Italians haue ( as we haue , and all other Countreis ells as well as wee ) certaine peculiar wordes and termes , so naturally and properly their owne , as it is not possible to expresse them aptly and perfectly in any other Language . And therefore the Author him selfe , fearing , or knowing asmuche in the sense of these wordes , which he hath inferred in this place ( as it were preuenting a blame ) in maner excuseth and speaketh asmuch as I say , as the matter it selfe that insueth doth shewe . For , the Author him selfe following his purpose saithe thus .

I am well assured , if some straunger should , vnhappely for my credite , hit vppon this treatise of mine : he would laughe mee to scorne , and say that I taught to speake in riddles , or els in Ciphers . For as muche as these wordes , be almost so properly our owne , that other countries haue no acquaintance with them : or , if they woulde vse them , yet they cannot tell how to vnderstand them . For , who is it that knowes what Dant ment in this verse .

Gia veggia per Mezzul perdere o Lulla . Dant . 28. Infer .

Sure , I beleeue no man ells but we that are Florentines can vnderstand it . Notwithstanding , for any thing that I haue saide , if there be any fault in this text of Dant : it is not in the wordes . But , if he haue faulted , it is rather in this : that ( as a man somewhat wilfull ) he would take vppon him , a matter harde to be vttered in wordes , and peraduenture vnplesaunt to heare : then that he hath exprest it ill .

It is not then for a man to vse any talke , Talke in a forreigne Language . with him that vnderstandeth not that language you talke vnto him . Nor yet , bycause a Douche man vnderstandes not the Italian tounge , must wee ( for that cause ) breake of our talke , to holde talke with him , to make our selues counterfets , as Maister Brufaldo did , and as some other be woont , that fondly and coldly , without any grace , thrust them selues in to Chat in their language with whome they talke , what so euer it be , and chop it out euery worde preposterously . And many times it chaunceth , the Spaniard talkes Italian with the Italian , and the Italian babbles againe in a brauery and gallantnes , the Spanishe toung with the Spaniard . And yet , it is an easier thing to know , that they both talke like strangers : then to forbeare to laugh at the folish follies that scape them both in speache . Let vs not therfore vse our forreigne language , but when it is needefull for vs to be vnderstoode , for some necessitie or other , that appertaineth vnto vs : And in common vse , vse our owne tounge , thoughe not altogether so good : rather then a forreigne language , better then our owne that is naturall vnto vs . For a Lumbarde shall speake his owne tounge more aptly ( which is , notwithstanding , but base and barbarous ) then he shall speake the Tuscane , or other language : euen bycause he hath not so redily , so proper and peculiar wordes , althoughe he studie much for them , as wee our selues that be Tuscanes .

But yet , if a man haue a respect to them with whome he talkes : and for that cause forbeare & leaue out those singular wordes , ( which I haue spoken of ) and in stede of them vse the generall and common : his talke , by suche meanes , shall haue the lesse pleasure & delight .

Besides this , Woordes that haue no honest meaning in them . it becometh euerie honest gentleman , to eschewe those wordes that haue no honest meaning . And , The goodnes of wordes consisteth either in their sound , or pronouncing : or , in their sense and meaning . For a much as som wordes speake an honest matter , and yet , perchaunce , there is a certaine vnhonest sense perceaued to stand in the pronouncinge of the worde it selfe : Rinculare , is to drawe backwarde , arselonge . as Rinculare : which , notwithstanding , is daily vsed of all men . But if a man or woman should speake after this sorte , & at that verie warning doe it in sight of any ( I meane shuffle backwarde vpon their taile ) then would the grosenesse of the worde plainlie appeare vnto them . But our Palate , throughe Custome and Use , happilie tasteth the wine ( as it were ) and the bestnes of the sense of the worde , and not the Dregges or Leeze . She gaue the Spanish figge with both her thumbes at once . Dant . 25. infer Saith Dant . Fiche , is the thrusting of the thumbe betweene the forefinger : whiche eyther for the worde or the remembrance of somthinge therby signified , is reputed amongste the Italians as a worde of Shame .

But our women , would be much ashamed to speake so : yea to shunne this ambiguous woord , that signifieth a worse matter , they rather say Le castagne . Albeit yet some of them at vnwares , many times , name that vnaduisedly , which if another man had spoken to trie them , would haue made them blushe to heare that remembred in way of blasphemie , which makes them women . And therefore , suche as be , or would be better mannered or taught , 〈◊〉 me take good heede they doe eschewe , not only things vncleane and vnhonest , but wordes also : and not somuche those that be euill indeede , but those that may be , or doe but seeme to be vnhonest , foule & filthie : as some men say these areof Dant . Dant ▪ 17. 〈◊〉 . She blewe large blastes of winde Both in my face and vnder .

Or els these .

I pray thee tell mee where about the hole doth stand .

And one of the Spirits said .

Then come behinde and where the hole is , it may be scand .

And you must knowe , that albeit two , or moe wordes , otherwhile chaunce to tell one selfe thinge , yet the one is more cleanly then the other . As for example , to say : She lay with him : and she satisfied his desire with her person . For this self same speach , if it were in other termes , would be to broad before & to filthie to heare it . And speaking of Endymion , you may more aptly say : Il Vago della Luna : then you can say Il Drudo , althoughe both these wordes doe import and signifie A louer , and a Friend . And a much honester speache is it , if you talke of Aurora , to call , her . Tritons prety gerle and louer , then Concubine . And it better becomes a mans and womans mouth , to call Harlots , women of the worlde ( as Belcolore did , who was more ashamed to speake it then to doe it ) then to vse their common name : Thais is a Harlot . And as Boccace declared that power of whores and boyes . For , if he had termed the males , by their beastly occupation , as he termed the women : his talke would haue byn foule & shamefull . And withall , A man must not alone beware of vnhonest and filthie talke ▪ Base words and Vile . but also of that whiche is base and vile , and especially where a man talketh & discourseth of greate and highe matters . And for this Cause , perchaunce , woorthely some blame our Beatrice , sayeing : To passe throughe Lethes floud , the highest Fates would blott , Yf man mighte taste the Viandes suche , Dant . 30. Purgato . as there dooe fall by Lott , And not pay firste a due repentaunce for his scott .

For , in my conceite , these base wordes that come out of the Tauernes , bee verie vncomely for suche a worthy discourse . And when a man hathe like occasion to speake of the Sunne , it shall not be good to call it The Candell or the Lampe of the world : bycause such woordes do put vs in minde of the Oyle , & the stuffe of the kitchyn . Neyther should a man that is well aduised , Drudo , signifiethe a lasciuious louer . say that Saincte Dominicke was Il Drudo della Theologia : Nor yet talke , that the glorious Sainctes haue spoken suche base and vile woordes : As for Example to say . Dant . 22. Infer . And leaue to scratche whereas the scabs of sinne breake out ,

For they sauour of the dregges , & the filth of the common people , as euery man may easily see .

Againe , in your long & large discourses , you must haue the like considerations & cares , & some more : the which you may more commodiously learne of your Maisters that teache you that arte , that is commonly called Rhetorike .

And amongest other things , You must accustome your selfe , Gentle wordes in Communication . to vse suche gentle and courtious speache to men , and so sweete , that it may haue no maner of bitter taste . And you shall rather say , I cannot tell how to say it : Then say : you ar deceiued : Or , it is not true : Or , you know it not . For , it is a courteous and friendly parte to excuse a mans faulte , euen in that very thing , wherein you know how to blame him . And withall , it doth well , to make the proper and peculiar fault of your friend , indifferent and common to you both : and first , to take one piece to your selfe , and then after , to blame and reproue him for it . Wee were deceiued and failed muche : we forgot our selues yesterday to doe so . Although suche negligence & errour , or what soeuer it be : be altogether his fault and not yours . And Restagnone forgat him selfe muche , when he saide to his companions : If your wordes doe not lie . For , A man should not bring another mannes faithe and honestie in question and doubte . But , if a man promise you any thing , and doe not performe it : it shall not doe well , for you to say vnto him : You haue lost your credite with mee : without some necessarie cause doe driue you to say so , as to saue your owne credite and honestie . But , you shall rather say : You could not do it : Or , you did not remember to doe it : Then , you haue cleane forgotten mee . For , these kinde of speaches , haue some prickles & stinges of Complaint , Anger and Choler . So that , suche as vse them selues to speake suche churlishe and fu●●ishe woordes , are taken for sharpe and sower fellowes : & men doe asmuche shunne their acquaintance : as to thrust them selues vppon thornes and thistles .

And bycause I knowe som , of this naughtie condition & qualitie : I meane some that be so hastie and greedy to speake , that they take not the sense with them , but ouer passe it and runne before it , as the grehound , that doth not pinche by ouershooting his game : therfore I will not spare to tell you that , which may be thought needeles to touche , as a thing to well knowen : and that is , that You shall neuer speake , before you haue first considered & laide the plot in your minde what it is you haue to saie . Parto & n●● Isconciatura . For in so doing , your talke shal be well deliuered and not borne before the time . I trust , straungers will easily beare with this worde : if at least they vouchsafe to read these trifles of mine . And it you doe not skorne my preceptes : it shall neuer chaunce you to say : welcome Maister Agostino , to such a one , whose name is Agnolo , or Bernardo . And you shal neuer need to say , Tell me your name : Nor say againe , I saide not well : Nor , Lorde what doe I call him : Nor to hack and to stutter long together , to finde out a worde , Maister Artigo : no Master Arabico : Tushe , what doe I call him I should say , Maister Agabito . These fonde & foolish behauiours & fashions , paine a man as much to heare them , as to be drawne and haled with cordes .

The voyce would be neither hoarse nor shrill . Voyce and Tounge . And , when you laugh and sporte in any sorte : you must not crye out and criche like the Pullye of a well : nor yet speake in your yawning . I knowe well it is not in vs , to geue our selues a ready tongue or perfect voyce at our owne will and pleasure . Hee that doth stutter , or is hoarse : let him not alwayes bable and gabbe , and keepe a courte alone : let him rather a mend the defect of his tounge with silence , and hearinge : and withall ( if hee can ) with studie diminishe the fault of Nature . It is an yll noyse to heare a man rayse his voyce highe , lyke to a common Cryer . And yet I would not haue him speake so lowe and softly , that he that harkens , shall not heare him . And if he be not heard at that first time he speaketh , he must speake , the next time , somewhat plainer : but yet , not yoape out aloude , that he make not men thinke he is woode and angry with them : for hee shall doe but well , to rehearse that againe he hath spoken , that men may vnderstand what he said .

Your wordes would be disposed , Manner of Speache . euen as the common vse of speache doth require and not vnsorted , disordered and scattered confusedly : as many be woont to doe vppon a brauery , whose maner of talke is more like a Scriuener ( me thinke ) that readeth in his mother tounge , the Indenture he hath written before in latine : then a man that reasoneth or talketh in his Naturall language : as this for example . They drawe by sent of false and fained steps of truth .

Or if a man should preposterously place his wordes thus . Those times did blossomes geue before their time of soothe .

Which maner of speache , may be otherwhile allowed in versifiers : but it is vtterly forbidden in common talke .

And , it behoues a man , not onely to shunne this versifying maner of speache , in his familiar and common discourse , or talke : but likewise eschewe the pompe , brauery , & affectation , that may be suffered and allowed to inriche an Oration , spoken in a publike place . Otherwise , men that doe heare it , will but spyte it , and laughe him to scorne for it .

Albeit perchaunce , a Sermon may shewe a greater cunning and arte , then common talke . But , Euerie thing must haue his time and place . For , he that walkes by the way must not daunce , but goe . For , euery man hath not the skill to daunce , and yet euery man can skill to goe . But , Dauncing is meete for feastes & weddings : it is not to vse in the stretes . You must then take good heede you speake not with a maiestie .

It is thought by many Philosophers .

And suche is all Filocolo , and the other treatises of Maister Iohn Boccace , except his greater woorke , and litle more perchaunce Corbaccio .

I would not for al this , that you should vse so base a speache , as the scum , as it were , and the froth of the meanest and vilest sorte of people , Launderers & Hucksters : but suche as gentlemen should speake & talke , which I haue partly told you before , in what sort it may be done : that is , if you talke of matters that be neither vyle , vaine , fowle , nor lothesome . And if you haue skill to choose amongest the woords of your owne countries speache , the purest and most proper , suche as haue the best sounde , and best sense , touching nor remembring , in no case , no matter that is foule , vile and base : & if you can place your woords in good order , and not shoofle them together at randon , nor yet , with ouer muche Curious studie , file them ( as it were ) one your beades . Moreouer , if you do dispose such things as you haue to say with discretion . And take good hede that you couple not vnfit & vnlikely matters together : as for Example . As sure as God is in Heauen : So stands the staffe in the chimny corner .

And if you speake not so slowe , as if you were vnlustie : nor so hasty , as if you wer hungrie : but as a wise and a temperate man should doe . Likewise , if you pronounce youre woords and your sillables with a certaine grace & sweetnes : not as a Scholemaister that teatheth young Children to read & to spell . Neyther must you mumble them nor supp them vp , as if they were glued & pasted together one to another . If you remember these and such other rules and precepts : youre talke will be liked , and heard with pleasure enoughe : and you shall well maintaine the state and countenaunce , that well besemeth a gentleman well taught and honest .

Besids these , there be some , that neuer hould their tounge . Talkatiue Fellowes . And as the shippe that sayles , doth not presently stand still , by taking downe the sayles : So doe they runne forward , as caried away with a certaine brayde : and loosing the matter of their talke , yet leaue not to babble , but either repeate that againe that is said , or els speake still they cannot tell what .

And there be other so full of babble , that they will not suffer another to speake . And as wee doe see otherwhile , vppon the flowers in the countrie where they thresh corne , one Pullet pull the corne out of the others beake : so doe they catche the tale out of his mouth that beganne it , and tell it them selues . And sure , suche maner of people , induce men to quarell and fight with them for it . For , if you doe marke it wel : Nothing moues a man sooner to anger : then when he is soudainely cut short of his will and his pleasure , be it of neuer so little and small importaunce . As when you gape wide with yawning : another should thrust his hand in your mouth : or when you doe lift your arme redy to hurle a stone : it is soudainly stayde by one that stands behinde you . Euen then , as these doings , and many moe like vnto these , which tend to hinder the will and desire of another ( albeit but in way of sporte & of play ) are vnseemely , and would be eschewed : So in talke and communication with men , wee should rather pull one , and further their desiers , by what meanes we can , then stop them and hinder them in it .

And therefore , If any man be in a redines to tell his tale : it is no good maner to interrupte him : nor to say that you doe knowe it well . Or , if hee besprinckle his tale here and there , with some prety lye : you must not reproue him for it , neither in wordes nor in gesture , as shaking your hed , or scowling vppon him , as many be wont : gloriously vaunting them selues , that they can , by no meanes , abide the taste of a Lye 〈◊〉 ▪ But , this is not the reason of this , it is the sharpenes and sowernes of their owne rusticall & eager Natures , which makes them so venemous & bitter in all companies they come : that no man cares for their acquaintance .

Likewise , It is an illfauoured condition to stop another mans tale in his mouth : and it spites him asmuche , as if a man should take him by the sleeue & hould him backe , euen when he is redie to runne his course . And when another man is in a tale , it is no good maner for you , by telling the company some newes , & drawing their mindes to other matters , to make them forsake him cleane , and leaue him alone . For , it is an vncourtious parte for you to leade and carry away the company : which the other ( not you ) hath brought together .

And , when a man tells his tale , you must geue good eare vnto him : that you may not say otherwhile , O what ? Or , how ? which is many a mans fashion to doe . And this is asmuch trouble and paine to him that speaketh : as to shoofle against the stones , to him that goeth . All these fashions , and generally , that which may stoppe , and that which may trauerse the course of another mans talke , must be shunned .

And , if a man tell his tale slowe like a drawelatche : you must not yet hasten him forwarde , nor lende him woordes , although you be quicker in speache then hee . For , many doe take that ill , and specially suche , as persuade themselues they haue a Ioly grace in telling a tale . For , they doe imagine you thinke not so well of them , as they them selues doe : And that you would geue them instructions in their owne Art : as Merchaunts that liue in greate wealth & plentie , would count it a greate reproche vnto them , that a man should proffer them money , as if they liued in lacke , & were poore and stoode in neede of releefe . And you must vnderstand , that , Euery man in his owne conceite , thinkes he can tell his tale well : althoughe for modestie sake he deny it . And I cannot gesse how it cometh to passe , that the veriest foole doth babble most : which ouer muche prattle , I would not haue a gentleman to vse , and specially , if his skill be but scant in the matter in talke : Not onely , bycause it is a hard matter : but , He must run in many faults that talkes muche : but also , bycause a man weenes , that , He that talkes all the talke to him selfe , woulde ( after a sorte ) preferre him self aboue them all that heare him , as a Mayster would be aboue his scholers . And therfore , It is no good maner for a man to take vppon him a greater state , than doth become him . And in this fault , not men alone , but many countryes fall into , so cackling and pratling : that , woe be their eares that geue them hearing .

But , as ouer muche babble makes a man weary : so doth ouer muche Silence Silence procure as greate disliking . For , To vse silence in place where other men talke to and fro : is in maner , asmuche a fault , as not to pay your share and scot as other men doe . And as speache is a meane to shewe men your minde , to whome you speake : so , doth Silence againe make men wene , you seke to be vnknowne . So that , as those people which vse to drinke muche at feastes , and make them selues drunke , are wont to thrust them out of their companie , that will not take their drinke as they doe : So be these kinde of mute & still fellowes , coldly welcome to pleasaunt and mery companie , that meete to passe the time away in pleasure and talke . So that , It is good maner for a man to speake , and likewise to hold his peace , as it comes to his turne , and occasion requires .

As an old Chronicle maketh mention . There was in the parts of Morea , a very good workman in the stone : Who for the singular good skill he had in his Art , was called ( as I take it ) Maestro Chiarissimo . Maestro Chiarissimo . This man ( now well strooken in yeares ) made a certaine treatise , & therin gathered together al the precepts & rules of his arte : as the man that had very good skill to doe it : shewing in what sorte the proportions and lineaments of the body , should be duely measured , as well euery one a parte by it selfe , as one respecting another : that they might iustly & duely be answerable the one to the other : which treatise of his , he named Regolo . Regolo . Meaning to shewe , that according to that , all the Images and pictures , that from thensforth any workeman should make , should be squared & lined forth : as the beames , and the stones , and the walles , are measured by the rules & precepts of that booke . But , for that it is a muche easier matter to speake it , then to worke it , or doe it : and besides that , The greatest number of men , especially of vs that be prophane and not learned , haue our senses much quicker then our vnderstanding , and consequently , better conceiue particular things and Examples , then the generall propositions and Syllogismes ( which I might terme in plainer speache , Reasons ) for this cause this worthy man I speake of , hauing regard to the Nature of workemen : whose capacities are vnfit and vnable to weeld the weighte of generall Precepts and rules : and to declare more plainely , with all his cunning and skill : hauing found out for his purpose , a fine marble stone , with muche labour and paine , he fashioned and shaped an Image of it , as perfectly proportioned in euery parte and member : as the precepts and rules of his treatise had before deuised . And as he named the booke , so did he name that Image , and called it by name of Regolo .

Now , ( and it pleased god ) I would I could but one parte of those twoe points , which that noble Ingrauer & worckeman I speake of , had perfect skill and knowledge to doe : I meane , that I could gather together in this treatise , after a sorte , the due measures of this Art I take vppon me to treate of . For , to perfourme the other , to make the second Regolo : I meane , to vse and obserue in my maners , the measures I speake of , framing and forming , as it were , A Visible Example , and a materiall Image of them : it were now , to muche for me to doe . For asmuch as , It is not inough to haue knowledge and Art , in matters concerning maners & fashions of men : But it is needefull withall , to worke them to a perfect effect , to practise and vse them muche : whiche cannot be had vppon the soudaine , nor learned by & by : but it is number of yeares that must winne it : & the best parte of mine be runne fourth alredy , you see .

But for all this , you must not make the lesse reconing of these precepts . For , A man may well teache another the way : although he haue gone out of the way himself . And peraduenture , they that haue lost their wayes , do better remember the hard wayes to fynd : then they that neuer went a misse . And , if in mine infancie , when minds be tender and pliable , like a young twigge , they that had the charge & gouernement of me , had had the skill to smoothe my manners , ( perhaps of Nature somwhat hard and rude ) and would haue polished and wrought them fine : peraduentute I should haue beene such A one , as I trauaile to make thee Nowe , whome I loue no lesse then if thou were my sonne . Nature must be maystered by Reason . For albeit , the power of Nature be greate ▪ yet is she many tymes Maistered and corrected by custome : But , we must in tyme begin to encounter and beate her downe , before she get to muche strength and hardines . But most men will not doe so : but rather yealding to their appetite without any striuing , following it where so euer it leades them , thinke they must submitte themselues to Nature : As though Reason were not a naturall thing in man . But , Reason hath ( as a Lady and Mistris ) power to chaunge olde customes , Reason dothe chaunge olde Customes & helpeth Nature . and to helpe & hold vp Nature , when she doth at any time dec●y and fall . But very seldome we harken vnto her . And that for the moste parte , maketh vs like vnto them whome god hath not endued with Reason : I meane brute beastes , in whome notwithstanding , something yet worketh : not their owne Reasons ( for they haue none of them selues ) but ours : as in horses you see it : which by nature would be euer wilde , but that their ryder makes them tame , and withal , after a sorte , redy & very well paced . For many of them would haue a hard trot , but that the rider makes them haue an easier pace . And some he doth teache to stand still , to galopp , to treade the ringe , and do the carreere : And they learne to doe it all well you see . Then , if the horse , the dog , the hauke , & many other beastes besides , more wylde then these , be guided and ruled by Reason , and learne that which their owne Nature cannot attaine , but rather repugneth : and become after a sorte cunning and skilfull , so farre as their kinde doth beare it , not by Nature , but by custome & vse : how muche then may we thinke wee should excell them , by the precepts and rules of our Reason , if wee tooke any heede vnto it . But , The Senses desire & couer present delightes , what soeuer they be : and can abide no paines , but puts them of . And by this meanes , they also shake of Reason , and thinke her vnpleasant , forasmuche as she sets before them , not pleasure , many times , hurtfull : but goodnes and vertue , euer paynfull , sower and vnsauoury in taste . For , while we liue accord●ing to the Sense , wee are like to the selly sickman , to whom al cates neuer so deinty & sweete , seeme vntoothsome : and he chideth still with his Cater and Cooke , in whome there is no fault at all for it . For , it is the Nature of his disease , and the Extremitie of his sicknes , and not the fault of his meate , that he doth not sauourly taste what he eates . So Reason , which of it sel●e is sweete and sauourie : seemes bitter in taste vnto vs , though it haue no ill taste in dede . And therfore as nice & deintie felowes , we refuse to make any taste of her : & couer our grosnes , with saying that Nature hath no spurres nor raines that can pricke her forth , or hold her backe . Where sure , if an Oxe or an Asse ; or a Hogge , could speake : I beleeue , they could not lightly tell a more fowle & shamefull tale than this . We should be children still all the time of our riper yeares , & in our extreame age : and waxe as very fooles with gray heary heads , as when we were very babes : if it were not that reason , which increaseth in vs with our yeares , subdueth affections in vs , and growen to perfection , transformeth vs from beastes in to men . So that it is well seene , shee ruleth our senses and bridleth our wittes . And it is our owne Imperfection and not her faulte , if we doe swarue from vertue , goodnes , and good order in life .

It is not then true , that there is not a bridell and Master for Nature . Nay , she is guided and ruled by twaine : Custome & Reason , twoe brydles of Nature . Custome I meane , and Reason . But , as I haue tould you a litle before : Reason without Custome and vse , cannot make an vnciuile bodie , well taught and courtious : Which custome and vse , is as it were , bred and borne of tyme . And therefore they shall doe well , to harken betime vnto her , not only for that , by this meanes , a man shall haue more time and leasure to learne to be such as she teacheth , and to become as it were a houshould seruaunt of hers , and one of her trame : but also bycause The tender age , as pure and cleane , doth easily receaue all Impressions , and reteineth more liuely , the colours wherewith she is dyed : then when a man comes to ryper yeares : And also , bycause The things wherein wee haue byn nourished and trained from our youth , doe ordinarily please vs , aboue all other things . And for this cause , it is said that Diodato , Diodato . a man that had a singular good gift & grace of vtterance , would euermore bee the first that came fourth vppon the stage to shewe his Comedie : allthoughe they were all but counterfets vnto him , whosoeuer they were that should haue spoken before him . But he would not his voice should occupie other mens eares , after they heard another man speake . Although , in respect of his doings , it were a greate deale Inferiour to his . Seing then , I cannot agree my workes and my wordes together , for those causes I haue shewed you before , as Maestro Chiarissimo did : whoe had as good a skil to doe it , as he had knowledge to teache it : let it suffice that I haue tould in some part what must be done , bycause I am not by any meanes able to doe it in dede . He that liueth in darkenes , may very well Iudge what comfort it is to enioy the benefit of light . And by an ouer long silence , we knowe what pleasure it is to speake : so when you beholde my grose and rude maners : you shall better Iudge , what goodnes and vertue there is in courtions behauiours and fashions .

To come againe then to this treatise , which growes now to some end : wee say that Those be good maners and fashions , which bring a delight , or at least , offend not their senses , their mynds , and conceits , with whom we liue . And of these , wee haue hitherto spoken inoughe .

But you must vnderstand with all this , that , Men be very desirous of bewtifull things , well proportioned and comely . And of counterfet things fowle and ill shapen , they be as squemish againe , on the other side . And this is a speciall priuilege geuen to vs : that other creatures haue no capacitie , to skill what bewtie or measure meaneth . And therefore , as things not common with beastes but proper to our selues : we must embrace them for them selues , and holde them dere : & yet those , much more , that drawe nerest to the knowledge of man : as which are most apt and inclined to vnderstand the perfection which Nature hath lefte in men .

And albeit , it be a hard matter , to shewe precisely , Bewtie , Bewtie . what maner of thing it is : yet that you may haue some marke , to know her by : you must vnderstand , that Where iointly & seuerally , euery parte & the whole hath his due proportion and measure , there is Bewtie . And that thing may iustly be called fayer , in which the saide proportion and measure is found . And by that I did once learne of a wise & a learned man : Bewtie he said , would consist but of one , at the moste . And Deformitie Deformitie . contrarywise , measured her selfe , by Many . As you may see by the faces of fayer & goodly women . For , the euen lineaments and due proportions of euery of them : seeme to haue byn created & framed by the iudgement and sight of one force alone . Which cannot be thought in them that be foule & deformed . For , when you beholde a woman , that hath , peraduenture , bigge and bowle eyes , a little nose , blubbe cheekes , a flat mouth , an out chinne , & a browne skinne : you thinke straite that that face is not one womans alone : but is moulded of many faces , and made of many peeces . And yet , you shall finde amongest them , some such , whose partes considered alone by themselues , be very perfect to see to : but all set together , be foule and ill fauoured : not for any other cause , but that they be lineaments of many sayer women , and not of one : So that a man would weene , shee had borrowed her partes , of this and that woman . And it may be , that Painter that had all the fayer maides of Calabria , naked before him : had none other intent therein , then to iudge & discerne in many , the partes that they haue , as it were , borrowed heere one , & there another , of one , alone : to whome restoring from eache that was her right : imagining that Venus bewty should be such , and so proportioned : he set him selfe to paint her .

And , you must not think , that this is to be seene the faces , the partes , and the bodies of women alone : but it happeneth more or lesse , in speache , in gestures & doings . For , if you should chaunce to see a Noble woman gorgius and gallant , washing of cloutes in a Riuer by the highe waye side : Althoughe if this were not , you might hapely passe away by her , with little heede to her person or state : yet this would not brook you nor like you , that her seruile doings doe shewe her more than one . For her state should answer her honourable condition and calling . But her woorke is suche , as is meete for women of base and seruile life : & although you shall feele , neyther yll sauour nor sent come from her , nor heare any noyse that should offend you , nor any thing els to trouble your minde : yet the foule and filthy maner of doing it , and the vnseemely act it selfe : will make you muche to loathe it . You must then beware of these fowle and vncomely behauiours , asmuche , nay , more then of those other , I haue spoken all this while . For , it is a harder matter a greate deale , to knowe when a man faulteth in these , then when he faulteth in them . Bycause , It is easie much , we see , to feele then to vnderstande . But yet , it may chaunce otherwhile , that euen that which offendeth the senses , may also offend the minde : thoughe not altogether after one sorte , Apparelling according to the Time . as I haue told you before : shewing you that A man must apparell him selfe , according to the fashions that other men vse : that it may not be thought he doth reproue and correct their doings : The which thing offendeth most men that seeke to be commended : And the wisest men that be , mislike it too . For , the garments of the olde world , haue lost their date , for men of this age and this season to weare . And it is suche an ill shapen sight , to see a man clad with other mens cloathes : that a man would weene there would be a fray betwene the doublet & the hose : their cloathes doe sit , vppon them so vntowardly .

So that , many of those matters I haue spoken of allredy , or peraduenture all , might be aptly rehersed here again : forasmuch as this measure I speake of here , is not obserued in these things : nor the time , nor the place , nor the worke , nor the worker , accorded & fitted together , so well as it should be . For mens minds and fansies doe like it , & take a pleasure and delight in those things . But I thought it good to apply & speake these matters , rather vnder the badge , as it were , of the Senses and desires : then properly assigne them to the minde : that a man may the more easily perceiue them : bycause It is a naturall thinge , for euerie man to feele and desire : but euery man cannot so generally vnderstand , and especially that , whiche we call bewtie , gallantnes or entertainement .

It is not inoughe for a man , to doe things that be good : but hee must also haue a ca●e , hee doe them with a good grace . A Grace , what it is . And a good grace is nothing els , but suche a maner of light ( as I may call it ) as shineth in the aptnes of things set in good order and wel disposed , one with another : and perfectly knit and vnited together . Without which proportion and measure , euen that which is good is not faire : & the fairenes it self , is not plesaunt . And as meates , though they be good & sauourie will giue men no minde to eate them , if they haue no pleasaunt relish and taste : So fares it with the maners of men other while ( althoughe in them selues in no respect they be ill , but foolishe a little , and fond ) if a man doe not season them with a certaine sweetenes , which you call ( as I take it ) Grace , and Comlines .

So that , euery vice of it selfe , without any further matter to helpe it ( it cannot be chosen ) must needes offend a man . For , Vices be things so foule and filthie : that honest and modest mindes , will greeue to see their shamefull effects . And therefore , it shall behoue them that seeke to be well thought of , with their familiar acquaintance , aboue all things els to eschewe vices , and especially those , that be foulest and worst : as Leachery , Couetousnes , Crueltie , and other . Of which , some be beastly , as Drunkennes , and Gluttonie : some vncleane , as Leacherie : other some horrible , as Murther , and such other : all which for them selues , and for the very naughtines , that is properly in them al , all men eschewe more , or lesse : But , as earst I said , generally al , as things of greate disorder , make a man misliked muche of all men .

But , bycause I haue not taken vppon me to shew vnto you , mens sinnes , but their Errors : it shal be no parte of my charge at this time to entreate of the Nature of vices & vertues : but onely of the seemely & vnseemely fashions and maners wee vse one with another . One of the which vnseemely fashions was , that Count Richard Counte Richarde . did vse : of which I tould you before . Which , as vnseemely and vnfitting with those other his good and faire maners hee had besides : that same worthie Bishop ( as a skilfull and cunning Mayster in musicke will ea-aesily here a note out of Tune ) had quickly founde out .

It shal be then , necessarie for gentlemen and men of good behauiour , to haue a regard to this measure I speake of : in going , in standing , in sitting , in gesture , in porte , in apparell , in talke , in silence , in rest and in action . For , a man must not apparell him selfe like a woman : that the Attire may not be of one sorte , and the person of another : as I doe see it in some that weare their heads & their beards curled with bodkins , Beardes and Heades curled with bodkins . and haue their face , and their necks , & their hands , so starchte and painted , that it were to muche for a girle , nay harlot , that makes a merchandize of it , and sets her selfe to the sale .

You must smell , Sweete smeles neither of sweete nor of sower : for a gentleman would not sauour nastily like a begger : nor yet should a man carry a sauour and sent about him , like a harlot or whoore . I doe not by this forbid , but you may very well vse some sweete smelles of sweete waters .

Your apparell must be shaped according to the fashion of the time , Apparell according to the fashion & ●●lling . and your calling , for the causes I haue shewed you before . For , We must not take vppon vs to alter customes at our will . For time doth beget them , and time doth also weare them out .

Euery man may applie those fashions , that be in common vse , the moste to his owne aduantage , that he can . For , if perchaunce your legges be very long , and men vse but short garments : you may vse a meane , not to long , nor to short . And if your legges be to small , to greate , or crooked : make not your hosen of to light and garishe a colour , that it may not call men to looke and to gawre vppon your deformitie . Thou must weare no garment that shall be to light , or ouermuche daubde with garding : that men may not say , thou hast Ganymedes hosen , or wearest Cupides doublet . But , whatsoeuer it be thou wearest , let it be fit and well made for thy bodie : least thou seme to braue it , in another mans cloathes .

But with all , thou must in any case respect thy condition or estate . For , A man of the Clergie , must not be attired like a Souldier : nor a Souldier goe like a Player . When Castruccio was in Rome with Lodouico Bauero at a greate Pompe , and triumphe : who was both Duke of Lucca and Pistoia , and Count of Palazzo , and Senatour of Rome : this Castruccio , being Lorde greate Mayster of the saide Lodouico Bauero his househoulde : for his brauery , made him a coate of crimsin , vppon the brest wherof , there was this deuise , in letters of Golde It is euen as God will . And vppon the backe behinde . And it shall be as God will .

I beleeue , you thinke this garment , would haue become Castruccio his Trumpeter better , then it could become him .

And although Kings be free from checke , and may doe what they list : Yet , I could neuer commend King Manfrede , Whoe euer more vsed , to suite him selfe in greene . Wee must then haue a care , that our apparell be not onely wel made for the bodie : but that it be meete for our calling . Apparel acording to the Countrey And withall , it be suche , as the countrie doth vse , where wee liue . For , As in diuers places be diuers measures , and yet bying and selling euery where vsed : So in sundry landes be sundrie customes , and yet euery where a man may behaue him , and apparell him selfe , soberly and comely .

These same feathers , which the Neapolitanes and Spaniardes be wont to weare , and braueries and Embroderies : haue but ill place amongest graue gowned men , & theattires that Citizens doe weare . But their Armour and weapons become suche place a greate deale worse . So that , looke what hapely might be allowed in Verona , would not , perchaunce , be suffered in Venice . For as muche as these gallants , all begarded , and huffing in fethers , & warlike fellowes , would not doe well , in this Noble Citie so peacefull & Ciuil . Suche kinde of people be rather , in maner , like nettles and burres , amongest good and sweete garden flowers . And therefore , they come out of season to men that medle with grauer matters then they doe .

I would not haue a gentleman to runne in the streate , Running and going in the streat and other such gestures . nor go to fast : for that is for lackies , and not for gentlemen to doe . Besides that , it makes a man weary , sweate , and puffe : which be very vnsightly things for suche men to doe . I would not yet haue a man go so softe and demurely , as a maide or a wife . And when a man walkes , it is no good sight to see a man shake his bodie to muche , nor to hold his hands bare and emptie : nor yet cast & sting his armes vp & downe , in such sort as a man would weene , hee were soweing of Corne in the field : nor Stare in a mans face , as if he had spied a mares nest .

Ther be some again , in their gate pul vp their fete as high as a horse that hath the spauen : that a man would think they did pluck their fete forth of bushell . Other againe stampe their feete so harde on the ground : that they make allmoste asmuche noyse as a carte . Another goes as if he were splay footed . And suche a one quiuers with his legges , as he stands . Some other againe , at euery foote , stoope to stroke vp their hose as they goe . And some set their handes to their sides , and iet vp & downe like a Pecocke : which fashions doe muche offend men : not as well , but as ill beseeming a man to vse them . For , if your horse , perchaunce , doe champe and play on the hit , and gape or lill out his tounge , albeit this geue little proofe of his goodnes : yet it commends him well to the sale : and you shoulde finde a misse of it , if it were otherwise : not bycause the horse should be ther fore the worse : but bycause he should shew the lesse courage and pleasure . Now , if it stand so , that Comelines and Grace , be so much made of in beasts , and also in things without life or sense , as experience doth shewe , that , Two things of equall goodnes & comodities , beare not for all that , a like price , if a man doe beholde a finer proportion & bewtie , more in the one then he sees in the other : How muche then more , should it be estemed and commended in men , capable of Reason .

It is a rude fashion for a man to clawe or scratche him selfe , Gestures and Fashions , at the Table . when he sitteth at the table . And a man should at such time haue a very greate care that he spit not at all . Spytting . But if neede inforce him , then let him doe it , after an honest sorte . I haue heard tell , many times , of suche countries that be so sober : that they doe neuer spitt . And what should then let vs , but we may well forbeare it for suche a little while . Greedie Eating . We must also beware we doe not eate so greedily , that wee get the hicket , or belche withall : as some that feede so fast , that they noy the company with it : they blowe and puffe to loude . Scowring of the teethe Likewise , you must not rubbe your teeth with your napkyn , & much lesse with your fingers . For these be trickes for a slouen . Washing the mouthe . Neither must you openly rynce your mouth with the wine , and then spit it fourthe . Neither is it gentleman like , Carrying a Sticke , in the Mouthe . to carry a sticke in your mouth from the table when you rise , like the birde that builds her a nest : or put it in your eare , for that is a Barbars tricke .

And to weare a toothpicke , To weare a Toothepicke about your Necke . about your necke : of all fashions that is the worst . For , besides that it is a bauld Iewell for a gentleman to pull forth of his bosome , and putteth men in mind of those Toothdrawers , that sit one their benche in the stretes : it makes men also to thinke , that the man loues his belly full well , and is prouided for it . And I see no reason , why they should not aswell carry a spoone , about their neckes , as a toothepicke .

It is a rude fashion besides , Chearing at the table . to leane ouer the table , or to fill your mouth so ful of meate , that your cheekes be blowne vp withal : neyther must you by any maner of meanes , giue another man to know what pleasure you take , in the meate or the wine . For yt is for Tauerners and Bousers , to vse suche fashions . And to entertaine men that sit at your table , with these wordes : You eate nothing this morning . There is nothing that likes you . Or , tast you of this or of that : I doe not allowe of these fashions , although they be commonly receiued and vsed of all men . For , albeit by these meanes , they shewe they make much of those they haue inuited vnto them : yet , many tymes , they make men to leaue to eate wher they would . For , it geues them to thinke , they haue their eyes , allwayes vppon them , and that makes them ashamed to feede .

Againe , Carueing . I doe not like it , that a man shall take vppon him to be a caruer of any meate that stands before him : if he be not muche the better man , that is the caruer : that he to whome he carues , may thinke he receiueth some credite & honour by it . For , Amongest men that be of like condition and calling , it makes a hart burning : that he that playes the caruer , should take more vppon him then another . And otherwhile , that which hee carueth , doth not like him to whom it is geuen . And more than this , by this meanes he sheweth , that the feaste is not sufficiently furnished , or at least not well disposed in order , when some haue muche , & other none at all . And the Mayster of the house , may chaunce to take displesure at that , as if it were done to doe him shame . Neuerthelesse in these matters , a man must demeasne him self , as common vse and custome will allowe , and not as Reason & duetie would haue it . And I would wishe a man rather to erre in these points with many , them to be singular in doing well . But whatsoeuer good maner there be in this case , thou must not refuse it , whatsoeuer is carued vnto thee . For it may be thought thou doest disdaine it , or grunt at thy caruer .

Now , Drincking & Carrowsing . to drink all out euery man : which is a fashion as litle in vse amongst vs , as the terme it selfe is barbarous & straunge : I meane , Ick bring you , is sure a foule thing of it selfe , & in our countrie so coldly accepted yet : that we must not go about to bring it in for a fashion . If a man doe quaffe or carrouse vnto you , you may honestly say nay to pledge him , & geueing him thankes , confesse your weakenesse , that you are not able to beare it : or else , to doe him a pleasure , Drincking muche vsed in Graecia : and by So●rates . you may for curtesie taste it : and then set downe the cup to them that will , and charge your selfe no further . And although this , Ick bring you , as I haue heard many learned men say , hath beene an auncient custome in Greece : and that the Graecians doe muche commend a goodman of that time , Socrates , Socrates . by name , for that hee sat out one whole night long , drinking a v●e with another good man , Aristophanes : Aristophanes . and yet the next morning in the breake of the daye , without any rest vppon his drinking , made suche a cunning Geometricall Instrument , that there was no maner of faulte to be found in the same : And albeit they say besides this , that Euen as it makes a man bould and hardy , to thrust him selfe venterously otherwhile , in to daungerous perils of life : so likewise it brings a man in to good temper and fashion , to enure him selfe otherwhile , with the daungers of things not euer chauncing : And bycause the drinking of wine after this sorte , in a vie , in such excesse and waste , is a shrewde assault to trie the strength of him that quaffes so lustily : these Graecians , would haue vs to vse it for a certaine proofe of our strength and constancie : and to enure vs the better , to resist and master all maner of strong temptations .

All this notwithstanding , I am of a contrary mind : and I doe thinke all their reasons to fond , and to foolishe . But , we see that Learned men haue suche art and cunning to persuade , and such filed wordes to serue their turne : that wrong doth carry the cause away , and Reason cannot preuaile . And therefore let vs giue them no credite in this point . And what can I tell , if they haue a secret drift herein , to excuse and couer the fault of their countrey , that is corrupt with this vice . But it is daungerous , perchaunce , for a man to reproue them for it : least asmuch happen to him , as chaunced to Socrates him selfe , for his ouer lauish controuling and checking of euery mans fault . For , he was so spited of all men for it : that many articles of heresies & other foule faultes were put vp against him , and he condemned to die in the end : allthough they were false . For in truthe , he was a very good man , & a Chatholike : respecting the Religion of their false Idolatrie . But suer , in that he drunke so muche wine that same nyght : he deserued no praise in the worlde . For , the hoggshead was able to holde & receiue a great deale more , then his companion and hee were able to take : if that may get any praise . And though it did him no harme , that was more , the goodnes of his strong braine : them the continencie of a sober man . And let the Chronicles talke what they list of this matter , I giue God thankes , that amongest many the Plagues that haue creapt ouer the Alpes , to infect vs : hitherto this worst of all the rest , is not come ouer : that we should take a pleasure and praise , to be drunke . Neither shall I euer beleue , that a man can learne to be temperate , of suche a Mayster as wine and drounkennes .

The Stewarde of a Noble mans house , Inuiting of straungers . may not be so bolde to inuite straungers , vppon his owne head , and set them downe at his Lorde & Maysters table . And there is none that is wise , will be intreated to it , at his request alone . But otherwhile , the seruaunts of the house , be so malepert and saucie , that they will take vppon them , more then their Maister : of which things wee speake in this place , more by chaunce , then that the order we haue taken from the beginning , doth so require it .

A man must not vncase him selfe , A recapitulation of sundrie precepts . Vncasing . in the presence of any assembly . For it is a slouenly sight , in place where honest men be met together of good condition and calling . And it may chaunce he doth vncouer those parts of his bodie , which work him shame & rebuke to shewe them : besides that , it maketh other men abashed to looke vpon them . Washing of hands and combyng of heades . Againe , I wold haue no man to combe his head , nor washe his hands before men . For such things would be done alone in your chamber , and not abrode : without it be , I say , to washe your hands when you sit downe to the table . For , there it shall doe well , to washe them in sight , although you haue no neede : that they with whome you feede , may assure them selues you haue done it . A man must not come forthe with his kercheif , or quaife one his head , nor yet stroke vp his hosen vppon his legges in company .

Some men there be , Gestures of the face and Countenaunce and other partes . that haue a pride or a vse to drawe their mouthes a little awry , or twinckle vp their eye , & to blow vp their cheekes , and to puffe , and to make , with their countenaunce , sundrie such like foolishe and ilfauoured faces and gestures . I councell men to leaue them cleane . For , Pallas Pallas . her selfe , the Goddesse , ( as I haue hearde some wise men say ) tooke once a greate pleasure to sound the flute & the cornet : & therin she was verie cunning . It chaunst her , on day , sounding her Cornet for her plesure ouer a fontain , she spide her selfe in the water : and when she beheld those strange gestures she must nedes make with her mouth as she plaid : she was so much ashamed of it that she brake the corner in peces & cast it away . truely she did but well , for it is no instrument for a woman to vse . And it becomes men as ill , if they be not of that base condition and calling , that they must make it a gaine , & an art to liue vppon it . And looke what I speake , concerning the vnseemely gestures of the countenance and face : concerneth likewise , all the partes and members of man . For it is an ill sight , to lill out the tounge , to stroke your bearde much vp and downe ( as many doe vse to doe ) to rubbe your hands together : to sighe , & to sorrowe : to tremble or strike your selfe , which is also a fashion with some : to reatche and stretche your selfe , & so retching , to cry out after a nice maner , Alas , Alas : like a country cloune , that should rouse him selfe in his couche .

And he that makes a noyse with his mouth in a token of wonder , Mopping or mowing . and other while , of contempte and disdaine : counterfeteth an ilfauouredgrace . And Counterset things , differ not muche from truethes .

A man must leaue those foolishe maner of laughings , Vnseemely Laughinges . groase and vncomely . And let men laughe vppon occasion , and not vppon custome . But a man must beware he doe not laughe at his owne gestes , Laughing at his owne Gestes . and his doings . For that makes men weene hee woulde faine praise him selfe . It is for o-other men to laughe that heare , and not for him that telles the tale .

Now , you must not beare your selfe in hand , that bycause eache of these matters considered a parte , is but a small fault , the hole therefore together should be as light : but you must rather persuade your selfe that Many a litle doth make a mickle , as I tould you from the beginning . And how muche lesse they be , so much the more neede a man hath to looke well in to them : bycause they be not easily perceiued a far of , but creepe in to vs by custom , before we be a ware . And , As light expences often vsed , in Continuance of time , doe couertly waste and consume a greate masse of wealth and riches : So doe these light faultes with the multitude and number of them , in secret ouerthrow all honest and good ciuilitie and maner . So that we must not make a light reconing of them .

Moreouer , Mouinges and gestures of the bodie . it is a nedefull obseruation to bethinke your selfe , how you doe moue your bodie , and specially in talke . For , it many times chaunceth , a man is so ernest in his tale , that hee hath no minde of any thing els . One wagges his head . Another lookes bigg and scowles with his browes . That man pulls his mouth awry . And tother spittes in and vppon their faces with whome he talkes . And som suche there be that moue their hands in suche a sorte , as if they should chase the flies as they go : which be very vnhansome & vnseemely maners to vse . And I haue heard it saide ( for you knowe I haue byn familiarly acquainted with learned men in my time ) that Pindarus Pindarus . that worthy man was wont to saye : that Whatsoeuer it were that had a good & fauourie taste : was seasoned by the hands of the Graces . Now , what shall I speake of them that come forthe of their studies with their penne in their eare : and nibble their hankercheifs in their mouthe , or ly lolling with their legge ouer the table , or spit one their fingers , and of a number of other blockishe gestures and fashions more then these , which cannot be all rehearsed well : nor shal not , I meane , put me to further paines to tel than al if I could . For , there be manie perchaunce will say this is to muche , that I haue said allredie .

FINIS .