General and rare memorials pertayning to the perfect arte of nauigation annexed to the paradoxal cumpas, in playne: now first published: 24. yeres, after the first inuention thereof.

GENERAL AND RARE MEMORIALS pertayning to the Perfect Arte of NAVIGATION : Annexed to the PARADOXAL Cumpas , in Playne : now first published : 24. yeres , after the first Inuention thereof .

A BRIEF NOTE SCHOLASTICAL , FOR THE better vnderstanding of the Decorum obserued , ( or , at the least , regarded ) in this present Two-fold Treatise , written vnder the Names of Three diuers Proprieties , States , or Conditions of MAN : Wherby yt may appere , that they are not Scopae dissolutae : or , Du Coq à l' Asne : But , by the will , and Grace of the Highest , thus● Recorded .

First , yt was needfull , for the Vnknown Freend , to declare his Sensible grief , conceaued , to see , and perceiue an honest Ientleman , and Philosopher , by the malice and ignorance of sundry his Cuntrymen , to be almost oppressed , vtterly defaced , and by dangerous reports , greeuously and dammageably discredited . And secondly , to make a mournfull , and dolefull Supplication generall , to all his Cuntrymen , to help the sayd Ientleman to haue Iustice , and due amends , now at the end of his dayes . And all this , is the rather thus endited , that God his great Graces bestowed on him , should ( to God his great glory ) be acknowledged thankfully , and not be suffered any longer to be so craftily , wilfully , and violently trodden vnder foot , or barbarously despised . And it is likely , that , vnleast this Vnknown Freend , haue fauourable audience , and Credit , ( in those things , which in this Aduertisment he declareth : being Sensible , both past , & present : pertayning to the forsayd Ientleman , ) that the Mechanicien his industry , and great zeale , ( vsed in collecting , and penning , from the sayd Philosopher his mouth , the Hexameron Plat Politicall , of the Brytish Monarchie , ) shal be but slenderly , and slightly regarded or wayed : and therby , the same to be found , finally , to les Commodity Publik , auailable . But , yf the same Aduertisement , be earnestly , speedily , vnpartially , & charitably examined , and considered , good hope may arise , that Omnia cooperabuntur ad Vtilitatem Salutemque Publicam procurandam , ac promouendam , expeditissimè & potentissimè . Which , God graunt , Amen .

Trinitas Humana● Homo Dei — 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 — M●ns Anima M●d●a — 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 — Dianoea ●omo Animalis 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 — S●nsus . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 — S●nsus . R●●ormatus . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 — S●nsus . HOMO Philosophus — The In●●●uct●r . — 〈◊〉 the BRYTISH MONARCHY Mech●ni●us . The Mechani●ien o● th● Plat Poli●i●all . 〈◊〉 the BRYTISH MONARCHY Siu● . The Mechani●ien o● th● Plat Poli●i●all . 〈◊〉 the BRYTISH MONARCHY Philosophicus . The Mechani●ien o● th● Plat Poli●i●all . 〈◊〉 the BRYTISH MONARCHY Vulga●●ter Iustus — The vnknown Fre●nd . His Ad●●●tisemen● Introduc●ory .

The Epistle in Meter , ( annexed in the end of this Book , ) was by the Mechanicien sent , after that the vnknown Freend had ( at his own charges , and with his careful Trauail concurrent , ) put the foresayd two Treatises , in Print : & deliuered again into the hands of the sayd Mechanicien , the whole Impression therof . The diuers Intents and purposes of which Epis●le , are easily to be perceiued . Therfore , yf to haue sayd thus much , was necessary , the same also may suffice .

A necessary Aduertisement , by an vnknown freend , giuen to the modest , and godly Readers : who also carefully desire the prosperous State of the Common wealth , of this BRYTISH KINGDOM , and the Politicall SECVRITIE thereof .

LAmentable and irkesome , are these our drery dayes : Veritas ( vt fertur ) Odium parit . A●l ●antùm id fit , apud Veritatis ●sores : ipsi etiam Omnipotenti ex●sos Deo. ( my welbeloued Cuntriman ) Seeing the conditions of to to many , are become such , as , to be to to curious of other * * Cur quidem ●ide● 〈…〉 quae es●●n oculo fratris tui , Trab●m a●tem , quae es● in oculo ●●o , non a●●mad●●●tis ? Math. 7 Mens dooings : As though , they them selues , were superhabundantly perfect : or dwelt in Security , of not beyng at any tyme , hereafter , either surueyed , or controlled for their own .

Nay , seeing the subtilty and impudency of * * Legas & relegas librum Quintum Politicorum Aristotelis . some , is such , that they can , and dare , cunningly and craftily , conuey to them selues ( or , to whom they list ) the Title and Interest of the thanks and commendation , due to other Men : who are not of so brasen visages , as to practise such ambitious fatches for them selues , or to procure such malitious Disgraces , to other : But are of that myldenes of Spirite , as , PATIENTLY TO ATTEND THE END , which shall reueale the VERITY : when , iust gwerdon , shall to euery Man be distributed , accordingly .

And thirdly , Seeing , some are so doggedly violent , and vayngloriously doting , that they can not like , consent , or well suffer any od Man , beside them selues : or , otherwise , then by them selues , to receiue due Salary , either of Credit , Commendation , or liberall Consideration : where , their word or working ( directly or indirectly ) may hinder the same .

Fourthly , how pitifull is the Case , that

As , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . &c.

diuers , of sundry states , haue , ( of Late , ) become so shameles lyers , and to some priuate mens liues , ( thereby ) so dangerous , That , if Credit had bin giuen to them , ( by other , than the light hedded sort ) of such Murders and Treasons , as ( most diuell like ) they haue imagined , and reported to be : and withall , ( wholy , of their own hellish myndes , without any spark or drop of Veritie , ) haue fathered the same vpon the very Innocent ( yea , so much an Innocent , as for any such thought , in his hart , at any tyme , embracing or ●ostering ) : It had bin greatly to haue bin douted that the mighty wrath of God , would not so long haue forborn the iust reuenge ( of so haynous abhominacions ) taking , vpon , aswell such wicked and principall Forgers , as on other the fickle fauourers , or careles sufferers of the same , any whit to preuaile .

Seeing the Prince of Darkenes hath sundry such his Factors : And yet , one 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . other kinde , more wicked and abhominable , than the rehearsed : which are such , as not onely , they them selues , commi● Diuelish horrible facts , but also practise other very fraudulent feats : And all , to their priuate Lucre onely : Chiefly ayding and furnishing vp their own shamefull Credit herein , with the 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Cownterfeting of other honest and learned Men their letters : as , written vnto them , in such their vngodly and vnlawfull affayres : 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ● Coo● . & c● Or , as falsly , reporting their Conferences had with them , to the behoof ( say they ) of such , as are become their miserable and Cosened Clients .

And Sixthly , how , ( almost , without remedy , ) hath the most wily Tyrant , and Insatiable Bludsucker , layd the plat , for a wofull Tragedy contriuing : yf , the power and Iustice diuine , did not bridle his malitious Rage , and Infernall fury ? How , hath he ( I pray you ) insinuated his Credit with some , so far , and so long since : that diuers vntrue and Infamous Reports , by their Sinister information , haue bin giuen vp to such , as haue gathered Records , of those Mens Acts , who dyed in the Cause of Veritie ? And so , the same hurtfull vntruthes , beyng ( yet ) the rather Credited , by reason of the Dignity of the place , wherin they were enstalled , haue seemed , bot● to the foresayd Diuelish Cosener , and also , to the Credulous Cosen ( yea , and to very many others , ) to haue bin a certain kynde of warrant : To the one , without feare , to Counterfet letters , or Discourses , answerable to the foresayd fowle vntruthes , vnaduisedly Recorded . And to the other , without suspition , lightly to Credit any such matter , reported . And , so , hath the Feend Infernall , most craftily , and vnduly , gotten the honest * *

A good Name is more to be desired , than great riches . Prouerb . 22.

A good Name is mo●e worth then precious oyntment . Eccles. 7.

Name and Fame , of one extraordinary Studious Ientleman , of this land , within his Clawes : that , diuers his mere Malitious , and wilfull Enemies , do verily hope , that it is impossible , that this Ientleman , shall , with this English or Brytish State , either ( during his life ) be counted a good Subiect , or a Commendable , ( nay , scarse a Tolerable ) If you will Read his Digression Apologeticall , con●eyned in his Mathematical Preface , to the English Euclide ( Imprinted A●● 1570. ) you may the better vnderstand this point of this brief Aduertisement . Christian : or , any his Acts or Trauailes , all ready past : or , other his intended exploits , of great Importance , shall be , in this Land , acceptable : or , of the people , of this kingdome , receyued : as , by the fauour , light , and Ayde of the Blessed Trinitie vndertaken , inuented , Compassed , and atchieued : but , rather , by wicked and vngodly Arte , to be framed : and , by the help of Sathan , or Beelzebub , to be finished : vnleast , the wise , or the peculiarly chief Authorized , will vse due Carefull , and Charitable Discretion , From henceforth , to repres , abolish , and vtterly extinguish this very Iniurious Report , ( for these xx . yeres last past , and somwhat longer , ) Spred & Credited , all this Realm ouer : Oh , A damnable sklaunder : vtterly vntrue , in the whole , & in euery worde and part therof : as ( before the King of Kings ) will appere at the dreadfull day . it is to wete , That the Forsaid Ientleman , is , or was , Not onely , a 1. Coniurer , or Caller of Diuels : but , 2. A Great doer therin : Yea , The Great Coniurer : & so , ( as some would say , ) 3. The Arche Coniurer , of this whole kingdom .

Before , that the ( mentioned ) Diuelish Cosening was vsed : this sklanderous vntruthe was recorded , publis●ed , and Credited : But , by these new deuised Cosening forgeries , the same , may ( with some ) seeme to be vndoutedly confirmed . Oh Lord , with how tickle and strong Snares , and with how wily Laberinthes , hath the most enuious Traytor , to the honor of our God and Christ , bewrapped and Daunted many a thousand of simple & honest Mens fantazies : inducing them , to Credit this Infamous Report ? To Credit it , ( I say ) in respect of the honorable Seat , wherin , it was , ( very vnaduisedly ) set downe . In dede , euen he : who , at the beginning , * * Esaiae . 14. sayd , Ascendam in Coelum , & similis ero Altissimo : euen he , hath setled this intolerable sklander of the vertuous , among the glorious Renown of the Righteous : to so great hurt , and dammage of the Ientleman ( who , to all other Men , is harmles ) as , neuer to him , by any one Mortall Man , the iust Amends , can duly be made . I would to God , this foresaid sklander , and other Disgracing Reports , to to rashly , and euen then * * Esaiae . 14. recorded , when this Courteous Ientleman was also a prisoner himself : ( & bedfellow , with one Maister Barthelet Greene ) had bin , in due tyme espyed , and vtterly cancelled , and razed out of all Records , wherin they were vnduly , and vnaduisedly ( first ) admitted .

Nerer to pres this Matter in particular , it is nedeles . But , by this , and such like foule ouersight of Man , & Cruell despite of the hellish Enemy , it is come to pas ( among many other great Inconueniences ) that , wheras the said Studious Ientleman , hath at God his most mercifull handes , receyued a great Talent of knowledge and Sciences : ( after his long , painfull , and Costly Trauails , susteyned for the same : ) and both by God , being warned , and , of his owne disposition , desirous , not onely to enlarge and multiply the same , but also to communicate to other : He findeth himself , ( now , at length ) , partly forced , somwhat to yelde to the wickednes of these tymes , ( being not possible to sayl against the windes eye ) : And partly demeth himself ( in Gods Iudgement , ) excusable , not to bestow any more of his Talent & Carefull Trauailes , vpon the Ingratefull and Thankles : Nay , vpon the skorners and Disdainers of such his faythfull enterprises : vndertaken chiefly , for the Aduancement of the wonderfull Veritie Philosophicall : And also , for the State Publik of this BRYTISH MONARCHIE , to become florishing , in HONOR , WEALTH , and STRENGTH : as much , as any thing in him , mought haue bin therto , ( by any means , ) found seruisable .

But , who would haue Solomon in Ecclesias●es cap. 4. So , I turned me , and considered all the vi●lent wrong , that is done vn●er the Sunne : ●nd Behold , the teare● of such as were oppressed : and there was No Man to comfort them : Or , that would deliuer & defend them , from the violence of their Oppressours . thought , that they , who are ( in dede ) of the honester sort , and more charitable : yea , of the wiser , and ( by Office ) mightier ( & some of them , taken for his especial great freends ) would , so many yeres , haue bin so Solomon in Ecclesias●es cap. 4. So , I turned me , and considered all the vi●lent wrong , that is done vn●er the Sunne : ●nd Behold , the teare● of such as were oppressed : and there was No Man to comfort them : Or , that would deliuer & defend them , from the violence of their Oppressours . Careles , or slack , to Ayde , and procure the Innocent , to be Solomon in Ecclesias●es cap. 4. So , I turned me , and considered all the vi●lent wrong , that is done vn●er the Sunne : ●nd Behold , the teare● of such as were oppressed : and there was No Man to comfort them : Or , that would deliuer & defend them , from the violence of their Oppressours . deliuered , from the greuous , and most Iniurious spoyle of his good Name and Fame : and all the inconueniences , depending theron ? Or , who would haue thought , that so great , & so vncharitable Vntruthes , should so vndiscretely haue bin published : by those Men especially , who , otherwise , in woord and life , were very modest , and Circumspect ?

I thought it good , Therfore ( my honest freend and Cuntryman ) to aduertise thee , The chi●f occasi●● of thi● Adu●●tisement giuing . of some parte of the Cause , of the strange maner , of this Treatise comming to thy sight , or reading : As , without the Name , of any certain Author therof : And , without the Name , of the zealous Artificer , who first did sollicite , and collect such matter ( by Dic●ata , as it were ) from this Ientleman . And Thirdly , without my own Name : into whose hands , the sayd Artificer , hath deliuered all the matter , that he could get of this Brytish Ientleman : to the Title of this booke , answerable : yea , and other rare Instructions , also .

For ( vndowtedly ) this BRYTISH PHILOSOPHER , is not 1. only discouraged to labor , or * pen any more Treatises , or bookes , him self , in ARTIFICIALL METHOD , for his vnkinde , vnthankful , disdainfull , and sklanderous Cuntrymen , to vse ( nay abuse : ) but , 2. also , is loth ( and hath great reason , so to be ) to haue his Name , any more , prefixed , or subscribed , to any Treatises , passing from him , either by writing , or by speech .

And , both these Inconueniences , are purposely committed : to auoyd , or , somwhat to preuent hensforward , the farther grief and offence , that might grow to him , and his true freends : to perceiue the former sundry sorts of Caterpillers , and great hinderers of the prosperous Estate , of any Common-Wealth , to knaw vpon the leaf , or flower , of his Commendable Fame : who , would take very quickly an Occasion ( by the forefronts of bookes , garnished with his BRYTISH NAME , ) to fall to a fresh pang of enuious busiosity , impudent arrogancy , and dogged malicious speeches vsing and vttring against the Ientleman : who ( vndoutedly ) wisheth euill to none . And ( perhaps ) though it were very good matter , that should , by him , be contriued and written , and vnder his Name , be published : yet , they would ( in perusing it ) , either peruert their own Iudgements of it , through their vnquieted , and mere malicious fantazie , wilfully bent against him : or , rather , in dede , through their own great Ignorance , would verify the Prouerb : Scientia non habet Inimicum , nisi Ignorantem : as , they did by his Monas Hieroglyphica : * * Aᵒ. 1564. dedicated to the late Emperor Maximilian : wherein , the Queene her most Excellent Maiesty , can be a sacred witnes ( as I haue heard ) of the Strange and vndue speeches , deuised of that Hieroglyphicall writing :

Or , if they liked the matter : then , they would say , that such a Treatise , ( vnder his Name , published ) is not , or was not , of his owne compiling and ordring , as Author therof : but that , some other Man , now liuing , or long since dead , was the only and first Author , of such a good Treatise . And , that m●n●r of malicious Iniury , hath bin very notably d●n● vnto him , for these many yeres past , about his Booke Intituled Propaed●umata Aphorislica : and is , yet , scarce ceased in all corners ( for , it is backbiting worke , and seeketh Corners . ) For , some men , ( And they such , who ought to haue bin honest and discreet , as they are , or were accounted learned ) haue , very enuiously , fathered it , vpon the excellent G●rardus Mercator Rupelmundanus , ( yet liuing at Duysburgh , ) as , to be the only and true Author of those Aphorismes . But , afterward , when that was found a peui●h fable : Then , vpon one Vrso ( who liued many hundred yeres since ) was all the Commendation bestowed , for that Aphoristicall worke contriuing . And then , agayne , after that , vpon one Alkabitius : And at length , with shame enough ( but more will follow ) being driuen from these mere enuious , and spitefull false deuises : yet ( most obstinately and impudently ) they still auouch to diuers Ientlemen , and certaine Noble Men , that some other , or ( in effect ) any Man els , was the Author therof : rather , than they would honestly acknowlege the Truthe , of only this Ientleman his peculiar Industry , and no small skill , vsed in the contriuing and framing of that * * Aᵒ. 1558. In Iuly . First printed . Booke : containing the chief Crop and Roote , of Ten yeres his first Outlandish & Homish Studies and exercises Philosophicall : as , partly in the preface therof , to the Reader , is specified : but more habundantly and purposely , hath that point bin * * Aᵒ. 1574. In August . At Mortlack . proued and testified to some , who were ( before ) fowly infected , with the sklaunderous Opinion , that one Vrso , was the Author of it , and not this honest Brytish Ientleman : as , at an other tyme , will be made more euident : When , a ful declaration , in more conuenient place , may be made , of the mere malicious , very rash , and Brutish Censure , of a certain Doctor , ( yet liuing . ) Who , lately , endeuored him self , to perswade some right worshipfull Ientlemen , that it were good , and behoofull for this Common Wealth , If the sayd Philosopher , were Banished this land , for euer . Bicause , said this Doctor ( but most vntruly : as is now very euident , to Thousands of Men , of this Kingdom , and other ) That , to no Man of this Realm , he did at any tyme , or yet doth , or will , communicate any part , of his learned Talent , by word or writing : But is wholy addicted , to his priuate commodity only auancing , by his own Studies and practises very secret . That Doctor , his name , shall not , here , by me , be disclosed : for that , he hath ( vpon honest Repentance , for his so iniurious & dammageable Intent ) receiued his * * Aᵒ. 1575. In March . At Mortlack . Sentence of free forgiuenes : in the presence of worshipfull witnes , yet aliue .

And when , likewise , the perfect declaration may more aptly be had , of the most Iudas like pranke , of an other Doctor : who ( in the tyme of this Brytan Innocent his Captiuity : and somewhat , before the day of his enlarging , by * * The true Copy of these Letters sent to D. Boner Bishop of London .

AFter our harty Commendations to your good L. the King and Queenes Maiesties pleasures is , you shall cause Iohn Dee , committed to your L. Custody , to be brought before some Master of the Chauncery : and there bound to be of good abearing , and forth comming , when he shall be called for , betwixt this and Christmas next● And therupon to set him at libertie . Wherof we pray you not to faile . And so we bid the same hartily Farewell .

From Grenewich , the xxix . of August , 1555. Your L. louing frendes . Ste. Winton , Cancell . W. Rochester . Thomas Ely. Io. Bourn . Iohn Baker . Francis E. Waldegraue . Engerfeld . letters , sent to his keper , from the Right honorable Priuy Counsail , to KING PHILIP and QVEENE MARY ) did , very ernestly sollicite with the Lord Chauncelor , ( with whom he could do very much ) And with the Bishop of London , ( whom , also , he could half perswade ) that it were requisite , and Iustice , that the sayd Brytan Captiue , were not set at liberty at all : but , should be forthwith committed to PERPETVAL PRISON : And that , vpon such respects , as he , most vnchristianlike and maliciously , had deuised : and very impudently , vpon his Credit with them ( such as it was ) would haue forced , to preuaile . But , God would not suffer the sayd Courteous Captiue , his great freendship and humanity , a few yeres before , vsed toward that Doctor ( in Paris ) so , to be requited , with worse , then Ingratitude . Besides , that the sayd Captiue , could neuer ( nor yet can ) be duly charged , with any word or deed , vttred or done , contrary to the performance of his duty toward his Soueraigne and the higher Powers .

And though I here omit many other great Iniuries , done vnto him , about the bereauing him , of the true and due Title and Interest , in and to his own works , writings and Inuentions , in other places recorded ( And among that sort , omitting that foule Iniury , done to him by one Ioannes Franciscus Offhuysius , whose booke De Diuina Astrorum facultate , was of this Brytan Philosopher , his Inuention , chiefly : As , may be made euident , both by the matter therin contayned , being compared to his Propaedeumata Aphoristica : And also , by the said Franciscus his daily familiar * *

As may sufficiently appeare by these few places taken out of some of his letters .

Doctissimo probaeque Indolis Dnᵒ. Ioanni Deeo , suo Intimo .

OCcupatiuncula me hactenus domidetinuere , &c. Quas de Aeris mutatione , concepisti causas , ne relinquas , ore . &c.

Ex Diuersorio , raptim : 30. Octob. 1553. Tuus , si su●s : I-F van Offhuysen .

And agayne .

Suo charissimo Dnᵒ. Ioanni Deeo .

H●is proximis diebus , &c. Hypothesibus ad Astrologiam confirmandam , quaso , seriò Des ( vt caepists ) operam . Syderum sedes , spero te vteunque certas à me accepturum , saltem eorum qua per nos obseruata fuere quandoque , &c.

Vale . 6. Nouemb. 1553. Tuus Offhuysius .

And agayne .

DOmine , si non queas incommodè carere Ephemeridibus prasentis anni , obsecro , mitte : Et de tuis intelligamus studijs . Ego diligenter planto sydera . Spero , dum tuae creuerint , quas concepisti Hypotheses , aliquid boni seminis nos collecturos . Vale f●elix .

Tuus Offhuysius . Letters solliciting and requesting those & such like Hypotheses Astrologicall , at the said Philosopher his hands : he being , moreouer here conuersant with , and depending vpon this our Brytan Mathematicien , aboue a whole yere . ) Yet I must Note vnto you , euen here , that one of those Iniuries , was aboue all the rest , so Notorious : and withall , so notably well * * M. Steuen and M. William Borowgh , two of the chief Moscouy Pilots ( after the incomparable M. Richard Chancelor his death ) can be sufficient witnesses , also● known , to be an Iniury , that the last yere , a certain Mechanicien , ( being busied about matter of Nauigation ) , calling to his Remembrance the same Iniury : being a fowle and Impudent * * An Iniurious Brag. brag , that an English Mariner , ( now , aboue , 20. yeres sins , had made , to diuers honest men : ●of the new Sea Instrument , newly also , called the Paradoxall Cumpas : As , to haue bin of his Inuention . ) was so inflamed with Indignation against this arrogant Mariner , his abhominable Impudency , ( so long tyme , by this Ientleman , very patiently suffred , ) that he made very earnest request to this Ientleman ( the true Inuentor , of this Instrument Paradoxal ) that , although , all the Iniuries receiued at their hands , who were deemed learned , he would not very sharply reproue : and , but at leysure : yet , that it should be an Act , mete and needfull for him to do , ( being also behoofull for the Common Wealth ) speedily to detect , such shameles Braggers and Crakers : onely sophistically furnished , to outward shew : and that , with other Mens rare Inuentions : but , of them selues , vtterly vnhable to Inuent any worthy Conclusion , to be profitably practised , on Sea or Land .

Which Mechanicien his ernest request , ( by the foresayd Ientleman ) being graunted , was the very chief & first occasion , of these Rare Memorials ( concerning The perfect Arte of Nauigation ) so comming in Record : The volumes of Rare Memorials , by what ●ccasion they became to be written first . after a Mechanicall and vulgar Artificer his blunt maner of penning , and collecting the same . Who , about the Entrance into the matter of Nauigation , finding good * * The brief Argument of the P●ef●ce , or first booke of the Gene●al & Ra●e Memorials . Opportunity , to speake First of a PETY-NAVY-ROYALL , continually to be mainteyned , for manifold great Commodities procuring to this BRYTISH MONARCHIE : ( which , no other way , can be brought to pas : ) and among them all , Perpetuall Politik Securitie , is to be so●ght for : but not ●luggi●h and r●chle● Securitie : which is the ouerthrow of many a noble Kingdom . the PERPETVALL POLITIK SECVRITIE and better preseruation of this famous Kingdom , from all Forrein danger , or Homish disorder , to be the chiefest : and most needfull Publik Benefit : ( and vndowtedly , likely , to ensue therof : ) he was dutifully willing , rather to follow some brief discussing of that very waighty matter , ☜ ( and especially in these dangerous dayes , and Incredible peeuish practises , ful often deuised against the GOOD PEACE , AND PROSPEROVS TRANQVILLITIE of this INCOMPARABLE ILANDISH MONARCHIE : ) then , to fall to the foresayd Generall and Rare Memorials recording , of THE PERFECT ARTE OF NAVIGATION : which , he , ( therupon ) set aside , a while . And wherof , now , only the Second Volume entreateth : vnder this proper Title : The Title and brief Argument of the Second Volume . THE BRYTISH COMPLEMENT , OF THE PERFECT ARTE OF NAVIGATION . For , no vulgar doctrine , or practise , is therin conteyned : But rather the GENERALL COMPLEMENT , and ( almost in particular , ) all that , which hitherto , was wanting : or , which mought be most needfull to so excellent an Arte , and ( to this kingdome ) most beneficiall of all other Mechanicall exercises :

And such is the foresayd Brytish Complement , ( as I do right well know ) that the Contents therof , are aboue the most part of the best learned mens expectations , ( yea , or hope ) of being brought to pas : and all that , in rare , general , and excellent Conclusions of Gubernautik , chiefly . And so great , is the Volume therof , that , to haue it fairely and distinctly printed , with all the Appertenances , it would be , ( in bulk ) greater than the English Bible , of the greatest volume : And yet , the plat of Inuention , Disposition , and recording therof , was finished in les , than 4. monthes space : it is to wete , of September , October , Nouember , and December last . Due Laud and Glory , be , therfore , ascribed to the free geuer of all good and perfect Gifts .

The Third Booke , suppressed . The third Booke , I neither will , or may ( as yet ) say any thing of . The Ientleman his desire was , that it should be vtterly suppressed , or deliuered to Vulcan his Custody .

The Fourth Volume . But , the fourth Volume , I may Iudge it , to be as an Earthly Paradise : A Booke , of as great godly pleasure , as worldly profit and delight : A Booke , for the BRYTISH HONOR and WEALTH ( And that , in diuers maner ) such an one , as neuer , King Ptolomaeus , or Prince Abilfada Ismaël , or any Geographicall or Hydographicall Discouerer did write , or Collect : as I ( for my simple Capacity ) do verily Iudge of it . The Title wherof , is , OF FAMOVS , and RICH DISCOVERIES : The Discourse therof , not only conteineth the Generall Suruey Hydrographicall , of all the whole world , ( and chiefly the rare Euidences for all the partes therof , most Septentrionall ) but also , a particular and ample examination , of King Solomon his Ophirian three yeres voyage : And also , the lawfull and very honorable Entitling of our most gratious and Soueraigne Lady , QVEENE ELIZABETH , ( and so , this BRYTISH SCEPTRE ROYALL ) to very large Forrein Dominions : such , as in , and by the same , duly recouered and vsed , the Course of the Diuine prouidence generall , ☞ in this present Age , will bring to light and life , matter of great Importance and Consequency , both to the Glory of God , and the benefit of all Christendom , and Heathenes . The greatnes of this Volume , is not much les , than of the Second . And one way , it far passeth the Second : For , in the Secret Center therof , is more bestowed , and stored vp , than I may , or ( in this place ) will expres .

The same Volume , was , chiefly , of the Ientleman his own very speedy collecting : And ( by his wil , and order ) hath this Inscription , or Dedication , TO THE MOST WORTHY : And the same Inscription , to be written , or printed in letters of Gold.

And had not the Incredible , and manifold Iniuries , and vndue Disturbances bin , which haue happened to him ( by sundry parcels of tyme ) for the space of three Monthes , and more , ( in Totall summe ) , within the tyme of all these Collections , most speedily and Carefully heaping vp togither , since August last : I am right well assured , that , neuer , in so small tyme , so much matter , of so great Importance , with such syncere and dutifull zeale to pleasure his Natiue Cuntry : had by any Subiect ( BRYTISH or ENGLISH ) bin deliuered from him , by Inuention of his own , or by Circumspect Collection , or discrete Application , out of former or present writers , and Authors .

What is than ( I pray you ) in all his life tyme , to be thought likely , or possible , and in tymes more commodious , to haue bin Inuented : Or , conuerted to better Method of Knowledge , or vse of practise : or notably reformed , by the said Ientleman ? Especially , for the space of these * * In which space of tyme he hath aduisedly spent aboue Thirty Hundred pounds , for learning of worthy Knowledges & Sciences : to the Honor of God aduancing , ( far and nere , ) and the better enhabling of himself to pleasure his Natiue Cuntry aboue all other● Thirty yeres , last past ? In which long tyme of his Tyrocinie , he hath , incessantly , to the vttermost of his power , and hability , followed an extraordinary , and most painfull , and very costly Course of Philosophicall Enquiries making , after the best Verities : The Fruit , and end of Naturall Philosophy , being vsed , as Christen men ought to vse it . which , may yeld , ( by due Considerations of the Creatures , their vertues and properties ) to their Creator and ours , Glory , Praise , & Honor vnspeakable : for his Infinit Goodnes , Wisdom and Power : the euident print , & Demonstrable proof , wherof , the same , ( our God ) , hath bestowed most abundantly , in his own handy-worke , of all his Creatures Creating : all the whole , and vniuersall world ouer , dispersed : nay , rather Filling the whole Cosmographicall frame , ☞ and Orbe : from the Center therof , to the vttermost Circumference of the same : being , to Mortall mans outward eye , vtterly vnsensible .

It will appeare , hereafter , in due tyme , that , greater , furder , and of longer Continuance , hath bin his doings , and very well liked of , Aduertisements and Instructions , in sundry affayres Philosophicall , and Cosmopoliticall , FOR VERITIE , IVSTICE , AND PEACE FVRDERING , than hath , of any Three , of his neerest freends , and most familiarly acquainted Cuntrymen , bin ( as yet ) perceiued .

And this also , I may say of the same Ientleman ( without seeming to flatter him , or any whit to abuse thee , my honest freend and Cuntryman : ) or , he him self , with great Modesty , and no arrogancy , might ( to God his high Glory ) say : That , yf in the foresaid whole cours of his tyme , he had found a Constant & Assistant CHRISTIAN ALEXANDER : BRYTAN , should not haue bin , now , destitute of a CHRISTIAN ARISTOTLE . Alexander . Aristotle .

Any farder , is nedeles , to be disclosed of this Ientleman : whose greuous * * The wordes of a sklander●r , are very wound● and go through vnto the innermost partes of the Body . Prouerb . 18. wounds , ( by dedly sklanders , vpon diuelish Enuy , only : and the same , priuily slasht , and hewed into his Sydes : and nere vnto his Hart ) are not , yet , in the perfect and charitable Chirurgiens , curing . The more Lamentable , will the case be found : and the remedy , to late , thought vpon , I am greatly afraid .

In the mean space ( my louing freend , and vnpartiall Reader ) I am , to aduertise thee , that , as concerning the publishing of the other two great Volumes : though , the Inuentions , and Collections be such , as I sayd , and of great Value : both for the HONOR AND WEALTH OF ENGLAND , and no little furderance of the GLORY OF GOD : yet , ( by Order , taken by him , who hath the chief Interest therin : ) the same , are not to be printed , VNTIL THE PROOF BE PAST , How , this Mechanicien , his zealous , dutyfull , and humble Aduertisement Politicall , ( for the Perpetuall Garde , and furder Seruice , of a PETY-NAVY-ROYALL , A PETY NAVY ROYALL continually to be mainteyned without the Queenes Maiestie , Charges , or any vnpleasant Burden to the Commons . to be mainteined , without any Cost or Charge to the Queene her most excellent Maiestie , or any vnpleasant burden to the Commons , and faithfull Subiects , of this BRYTISH MONARCHIE ) shall be liked of , and accepted : ( for the zeale , and matter , I mean , rather , than for any Rhetoricall polishing bestowed on it . ) Seeing , the same , conteineth in it , such Fragments of Instructions , receiued from the foresaid Philosopher : being , hitherto ( almost ) a * * Exceptis , Excipiendis : a●t illis quidem pa●cissimis . Freendles freend . Why say I , * * Exceptis , Excipiendis : a●t illis quidem pa●cissimis . freendles ? Seeing , a Ientleman , of great Experience in this world , sayd vnto him , in my hering , within these few dayes :

Tu certè Infoelix , at multos inter Amicos . Wherby , it might seme , that he hath many freends . But , for all that , betwene a cold freend , and a faint harted Enemy , is small diuersity . And vndowtedly , a fayned , hollow harted or Hypocriticall freend , is worse , ten tymes , than an open Enemy : And , in very dede , is not to be counted a freend . And , so , may the outward repugnancy of these two sayings , aptly be reconciled .

But , proceding in my former purpose , you may vnderstand this , moreouer : that the Second Booke or Volume , ( to this Preface apperteyning ) will be of more hundred pounds , Charges , to be prepared for the print ( in respect of the Tables , and Figures therto requisite ) : than you would easily beleue . Therfore , though there were no warning , of Attendance to be giuen , to vnderstand the issue of liking or misliking the foresaid , ( zealously collected , and as humbly presented ) Politicall Aduertisement : yet , this matter of Charges , so far passeth my slender hability : and , withall , is so dreadfull to the Printers , for feare of great los therby susteining ( So rare , and few mens Studies , are in such matters employed ) that , delay , on my part , is rather , that way , Constrained : And , ☞ therfore , no Order is to be thought vpon , by me , for the printing therof : * * Till than , TYLL , A COMFORTABLE AND SVFFICIENT OPPORTVNITY OF SVPPLY , DOTH VERY WELL SERVE THERTO .

And before , I bid thee Farewell ( my Cuntryman ) I may yet aduertise thee , of one point more ( whither the sayd Second Volume , be euer printed , or no ) That , therin , is one parcell conteined : so , contriued and Dedicated vnto the AEternall , Royall , and Heroicall Honor , and Renowm of our Incomparable Gracious QVEENE ELIZABETH : that , all the whole world ouer , A strange Monument , Dedicated to the AEternall , and Heroical Renowm of our Queene her most Excellent Maiestie . yea , among the Heathen , as well as Christen : what language so euer they speake , that haue to deale with Hydrography , or Dangerous and long voyages by Sea : euen they , will , most thankfully , and for euer , sing and extoll her marueilous Princely Benefit herein : as , to them , chiefly for her Maiesties sake and Merits , imparted : who , hath bin so constantly fauorable , and so gracious a Soueraign Lady , vnto the Inuentor therof , her most faythfull and obedient Subiect . The richest Pyramis at Memphis , did neuer so far , and so durably spred the Fame and Commendation of the Builders therof , as these TABLES GVBERNAVTIKE , will win , and procure the large loue , and good liking of our Elizabeth , all the world ouer , and while the world endureth , to florish . The English Title therof , is , A Treasor incomparable for the Arte Guberna●tik : and for very many other Experiences . THE BRYTISH QVEENE ELIZABETH , HER TABLES GVBERNAVTIK . And the same , is of many Quires of Paper , conteining .

Now , haue I sufficiently ( for this place & tyme ) giuen vnto you ( my courteous Cuntryman ) Aduertisements : which ( I trust ) you will take in good part & thankfully : yf , in your own Conscience , you plainly perceiue● that all my zealous speech , herein bestowed , tendeth to the Aduancement of vertue , and to the great Benefit and Commodity Publik . At an other tyme , I hope to haue Comfort , and conuenient Opportunitie , to impart vnto you , other matter : for your exceeding good Contentation , and great delight also .

And , in the mean space , I trust that this my syncere , blunt , and simple Aduise , shall be some Occasion , that hensforward , this honest Ientleman , shal be fully restored to the Integrity of his duly deserued honest * * Da operam vt Famatua integra sit . Haec enim durabilior quàm Mille Thesauri . Vita quam vis bona , ad breue exiguunique tempus durat : Bonum ver ) Nomen , ad perpetuitatem stabile est . Iesus Sir●cida . cap. 41. Name and Fame : And , also receyue great Publik Thanks , Comfort & Ayde of the Whole Brytish State. To the Honor , Welfare , and Preseruation wherof ( next vnto his duty doing vnto God ) he hath directed all the course of his manifold Studies , great Trauailes , and incredible Costes . As , both , by these his Hexameron Lessons ( First , here , for Security of the same ) spedily Dictated : and also , by very many other his wordes , workes , and writings els : both , in England , and other where , spoken , done , communicated , and published , will , or may abundantly be testified . And , so , Fare you well in Christ , my Courteous , and vnpartiall Cuntryman : And , for a Remembrance , at this our most freendly Farewel , take this heauenly Counsail with thee : Math. 7. Omnia quaecunque volueritis vt faciant vobis homines , sic & vos facite illis : haec enim est Lex & Prophetae .

Which kinde of skantlin , and Measure diuine , being , before hand , and in due tyme , layd vnto all our thoughts , wordes and dedes , may be as a good and familiar Angell vnto vs : to help vs to shonne , and flie from all sklandrous speeches vsing : all malicious , or seditious Libels skattring : and all other vniust , & vncharitable dealings : yea , and from consenting or suffring of the same , where we can , or ought , to redres the Cause .

And , Then , the Glory , and Peace of God , will florish in this BRYTAN MONARCHIE . Ouer which , ( so reformed ) that our most Gracious and Soueraign QVEENE ELIZABETH , may , very many yeres , most prosperously and Triumphantly Raigne , it is ( vndowtedly ) our bounden duty , feruently and full oft , by Prayer , to request at his hands , who is the King of Kings , Almighty . To whose Protection , & furderance also , most hartily , and dutifully , I commende the very waighty Case , of this Common Wealth : not vtterly vnduly , or , ( yet ) out of season ( I hope ) in this first booke ensuing , somewhat Considered of : as , in a * * The first Book here following , is but ( as it were ) a Preface : To the Second , conteyning in it the Art , to this kingdome most beneficiall , if it might be duely vsed . Preface , very nedefull , to the BRYTISH COMPLEMENT , OF THE PERFECT ARTE OF NAVIGATION . And herewith , ( once more ) , I say , Adieu : and well motest thou Fare , my Christian Brother , and syncerely beloued Cuntryman .

Anno , Stellae ( Coelo Demissae , rectaque Reuersae ) Quinto : Iulij verò , Die. 4. ET Anno Mundi . 5540.

TO THE RIGHT WORshipfull , discrete , and singuler fauorer , of all good Artes , and Sciences , M. Christopher Hatton Esquier : Capitain of her Maiesties Garde , and Ientleman of her priuy Chamber .

NOt onely my dutifull good will toward your Worship , and my great desire , to doo some thing beneficiall to this my Natiue Cuntry : But allso , a certain stinging Indignation , agaynst the Impudent Attempt of such , as vse , wrongfully to challendge to them selues , other mens Trauailes , ( and not hable to yeld any Ingenious Inuention of their own ) haue , at this * * An. 1576 Augusti . 1. present , forced me , to doo my Indeuor , for the publishing of this strange Instrument , with the name of the true Inuentor therof , annexed : And humbly to dedicate my simple Industry herein , to your worships protection . Trustyng you will the rather accept the same , beyng ( as it were ) a Crum , to my great Contentation , faln from his plentifull Table , whom ( I am assured ) you doo derely and sincerely , both loue and esteme : as well , of your own most curteous disposition toward all men , with whom your worship hath to doo : as also , for sundry his vertues , and excellent Skill , in many Arts , and Sciences , Wherewith the highest hath very graciously blessed him . For which his habilitie , and Talent , he is all wayes most humbly thankfull , to the onely Author , and giuer , of all goodnes and wisedome . Verely , for these 24. yeres ( at the least ) I haue had the Ientleman in great admiration : As well for his foresayd excellencie in good learning ( so iudged of , long sins , by the learned , in sundry Nations ) As , for his most ready Curtesie in Communicating or conferring to and with such , as duly require his Aduise , Opinion , or Iudgement , in any Science , Arte or Practise , wherein he hath had any speculation or exercise . Such Commendations , as these , allthough they be great , ( and rare , in any Studious Ientleman of this Kingdom , els : ) Yet , neither the same , nor ten tymes as great ( sownding lowd about his eares , for these many yeres past ) haue at any tyme , or yet doo , any one pyns point , puf vp his hart , vayngloriously : but haue , and doo make him more Ioyfully thankfull , to the kingly and free giuer , of such his great Talent : So great , as , Quibus Res notae sunt , & qui illi benè volunt , existimant orationem non esse parem Magnitudini Rerum gestarum , ( As that prudent Atheniensien Gouernor , Pericles , sayd , In oratione Funebri : Commending them , that manfully had spent their liues , in the late warres , then : Thucidides , Lib. 2. ) Alij , ignari , iudicant laudes esse immodicas : quia inuident excellenti virtuti . Laudes enim eò vsque tolerabiles sunt , donec ea dicuntur , quae Auditores se quoque facere posse arbitrantur : Si Maiora dicuntur , Inuident , non credunt .

Therfore , pardon me ( I beseech your worship ) Yf in rehearsing here , and there ( glaunsingly ) some points of his due Commendation , I speak far short of that , which ( farder ) your worship and other , doo , or may know , and more aptly can expres , to Gods glory : for his graces , on that Ientleman , so abundantly bestowed : Who ( I know right well ) doth make no les account of your Worship , then the Iustice of dutifull and perfect Amitie requireth . Which is a thing , very rare ( now a dayes ) any where to be found . And for better proof of the Premisses , ( by your leaue , and with your patience ) I will , here , truly and briefly Note such matter vnto you , as neither ( Withall ) is impertinent to this Paradoxall Instrument , now , first published : nor mete to be let pas ( in a manner ) vnknown , and vtterly vnrecorded .

For , whereas , about , 3. or 4. monthes last past , a vertuous M.M. Lok . Ientleman and Marchant , with zealous Intent , for the Auauncement of God his glory , and the great Commoditie , and honor of this kingdom , procured vnto him , Worshipfull , yea and Honorable Ayde also : to set furth Ships , for a Northwest Discouery : And shortly after , there came abrode , in Print , a little English book , containing some probable reasons , tending to the perswasion of the same Cours and voyage : In the Epistle of which little book , no small pece of Credit ( for the Attempt to be liked of ) was ascribed to M. ●ee his Iudgement , ( as , there , is to be sene ) set down , in his Mathematicall Praeface , with the English Euclide , published : So it came to pas , that it was his wurshipfull freend ( M. Edward Dyer ) his fortune , First , to Aduertise him ( as he told me ) both of the sayd book , by the Title therof : and of his Name , in the foresayd Epistle ( to good purpose ) vsed . Whereupon , he , calling to Remembrance his old Atlanticall Discourses , to the self same purpose ( at the sayd M. Dyer his request ) almost ten yeres sins , set down in writyng : And perusing throughly all reasons and allegations ( both Pro and Contra ) now , in the sayd Pamphlet expressed : did , furthwith , by euery Article therof , in the Margent , Note their value , or imperfection . And , straight way , after that , made a new Collection , for the same voyage , very probable . And thirdly ( the same day ) writ , 18. new Considerations of his own : very pleasant , in probabilitie , for an other voyage of Discouery : ( in respect of Safetie , Nerenes , and Commoditie ) nothing inferior to that , which they , * * They did s●t furth the 12. of Iune last . now , haue vndertaken , God send them good spede .

And , M. Dee , being thus furnished , aswell to maintein probably his former Iudgement ( by M. Gascoyn recited , in the foresayd Epistle ) and intending to geue those his , 18. new and very straunge Articles of Consideration , to him or them , whom he should d●me apt and desirous to furder the sayd Discouery ( no les , then this was by a discrete , carefull , diligent , and constant Procurer , follower and furderer , brought to the present execution ) : And also , purposing freendly to examin , and faithfully to Instruct M. Capitain Frobisher , and M. Christopher Hall , and other , that should haue the chardge about the sayd Northwest Discouery ( As he was , partly by the right worshipfull Sir Leonell Ducket Knight , and partly by M. Frobisher him self , before that , requested to doo ) made , then , no delay , to repayr to the Moschouy house : Where , he found him self courteously and very worshipfully enterteined . And at that tyme of his abode there , and after that , at sundry other tymes , of his Resort , thither , and to their Ships , he proceded so with them , according to his Intent : and pleasured them , so much according to their desire : That he finding them , quick of apprehension , and likely to remaine * *

As ( besides many other thinges ) this letter , may seeme to be a sufficient witnes .

To the worshipfull and our approoued good freend M. Dee , g●ue these with speed .

This 26. of Iune , 1576. I ariued in Shotland in the Bay of Saint Tronio●s in the Latitude of 59 degrees , 46 Minutes .

I with M. Hall make our duti●●ll Commendations to you with as many th●nkes as we can wish , till we be better furnished of farder matters to satisfy our duties for your ●rendly Instruction● : which when we vse we d●o remember you and hold our selues bound to you as your poure disciples , not able to be Scholers but in good will ●or want of lerning , and that we will furnish with good will and diligence to the vttermost of our powers . T●e cause of our stay here , was , to stop a leake which I had in the Micha●ll , and withall ●illed certayne fresh water and by Gods ●race this night according to my Commission I wil depart . This present ●ight I haue a says winde , God be praysed . I haue had sharp weather ●nd ●og● : But all my company continu● with a good courage a● they began at the first . Newes I haue ●one , but my ●arkes sayle very well all : ●ut the Ga●ri●ll hath no fellow , she spa●d● hal●e her Sayles to all men . ●●u● I commit you to God . In last this present afternoone ready to set ●aile .

Your louing frend to vse and commaund Martin Frobisher . Yours to commaund Christopher Hall. Thankfull , for his pithy instructing of them : And they , finding him ( aboue their expectation ) skilfull : And ( more then could be wished for ) Carefull , for their well doing , in this their commendable and honorable Attempt : both the one and the other , became very sorry of their so late acquaintance and conference , for these their waighty affaires furdering : And greatly misliked their want of tyme , The Complement of the perfect Art of Nauigation . sufficient for the Complement and principall pointes of the Perfect Art of Nauigation learning at his hands . Such pointes , ( I meane ) , as needed either great knowledge in the Sciences Mathematicall , and Arts Mechanicall : or expert Skill , of many Causes and effects Naturall ● Such points ( I say ) to their affaires , and the Perfect Art of Nauigation , incident● he very aptly could , & right willingly wold haue dealt with them in : Yf that pinch of tyme , wold haue so permitted . For , it is very euident , by his description of the Perfect Art of Nauigation ( in his foresayd Mathematicall Praeface , declared ) and also , common reason , and dayly experience , will confirme the same : that , not onely , such skill and furniture , as both here is rehearsed , and in that Praeface is specified : But , other also , is most nedefull for him to be fraught withall , that shall be allowed for an exact Hydrographer , Pylot-Maior , Arche-Pylot , or Grand-Pylot-Generall of such an Incomparable Ilandish Monarchy , as , this BRYTISH IMPIRE hath bene : THE BRYTISH MONARCHY . Yea , as it , yet , is : or , rather , as it may , & ( of right ) ought to be : As I haue bene informed by him , who can reasonably declare how :

WHom , also , I haue heard , often and most hartily Wish , A very Commendable Wish of a faythfull Subiect . That all manner of persons passing or frequenting any our Seas , appropriate : and many wayes , next enuironing England , Ireland , and Scotland , might be , in conuenient & honorable sort ( at all tymes , ) at the Commandement and Order ( by Beck or Check ) of A PETY-NAVY-ROYALL , A PETY-NAVY-ROYAL . of Three score Tall Ships , ( or more : ) but in no case , fewer : and they , to be very well appoynted , throughly manned , and sufficiently vittailed .

The Commodit●es ensuing of the Continuall Garde and seruice of the PETY-NAVY-ROYALL . The Publik Commodities wherof , ensuing : are , or would be , so great and many , as the whole Commons , and all the Subiects of this Noble Kingdome , would ( for euer , ) bles the day and houre , wherein , such good and politik Order , was ( in so good Time and Opportunitie ) taken , and established : And esteme them , not onely most worthy and Royall Counsailers , but also Heroicall Magistrates , who haue had so fatherly Care for the Communaltie : and most wisely , Generall Brytish Securitie . procured so Generall Brytish Securitie :

¶ That , henceforward , neither France , Denmark , Scotland , Spaine , nor any other Cuntry , can haue such liberty , for Inuasion , or their mutuall Conspiracies , or Ayds , any way , Transporting : to annoy the blessed State of our Tranquillitie : as , either they haue ( in tymes past ) had : Or els , ☞ may haue , whensoeuer they will forget , or contemne , the Obseruing of their sworn , or pretended Amitie .

¶ Besides that , I report me to all English Marchant● , ( Sayd he ) of how great value to them , and Consequently , to the Publik-Weale , of this Kingdom , such a Securitie were ? Wherby , both outward , & homeward ( continually ) their Marchantlike Ships ( many or few , great or small ) may , in our Seas , and somewhat farder , pas quietly vnpilled , vnspoyled and vntaken , by Pyrates , or other , in time of Peace .

The wisedom and purpose of that most politik Lawmaker , King Minos , may , herein , to vs , be a sufficient Aduertisement . For , * *

Thucidides Lib. prim● . Diodor. Sic. Lib. 6. Cap. 15. Graecorum primus e●t mari● Imperio poti●us .

M●nos , king of C●●te , did Raigne , about 2860. yeres agoe .

Minos , antiquissimus eorum , de quibus audiuimus , Classem habuit . Et dominatus est in maxima parte eius Maris , quod nunc Hellenicum ( .i. Graecum ) voca●ur : Et Regnauit in Cycladibus , & primus Conditor multarum vrbium in illis locis sui● , Cùm inde ei●cisset Cares : & filios suos Gubernatores constituis●et : Ac Praedandi consuetudinem ( sicut consentaneum est ) quantùm potuit , è mari sus●ulit : Idque ob eam cansam fecit , vt vectigalia & Redditus magis ad se peruenirent .

What Abundance of Mony , now , lost by Assurance , giuen , or taken , would by this meanes , also , be greatly out of danger ?

¶ And Thirdly , how many men ( before time of vrgent nede ) wold , thus , be made very skilfull , in all the foresayd Seas , and Sea Coasts : in their Channels knowing , in Soundings all ouer , in good marks taking , for auoyding dangers , in good Harboroughs trying out , in good Landings assaying , In the order of Ebs and Fluds obseruing , and all other points aduisedly learning , which to the Perfect Art of Nauigation , are very necessary : Wherby , they may be the better hable to be diuided and distributed , in a greater Nauy , with charge of Maistership or Pylotage , in tyme of great nede ?

Gubernau●● . For , this Art of Nauigation , requireth a great skill and industry . And , Yf , 2000 yeres since , it was found true , among the Graecians , that Ars est enim Res Nautica , Thucid. Lib. 1. in Oratione Pericl●● . si quid aliud : Nec discitur obiter : Sed ita ex●rcenda est , vt in eam solam , cura intendatur , ne obiter s●mul alia agantur : How much more , now , in our dayes , may it be truly affirmed : When , it is , ten tymes more , ( in particular skill , and ingenious feats ) augmented , then it was , in those dayes ? They of this Nauy , should oftentymes espy or mee●e the Priuy Sownders and Serchers of our Channells , flats , banks , Pyts , &c. And so , very diligently , deciphring our Sea-Coasts : Yea and in the Ryuer of Thames also : otherwhile , vp to the Station of the Grand-Nauy-Royall . And likewise , very o●ten , mete with the abhominable Theues , that steale our Corne , and vittailes , from sundry our Coasts : to the great hinderance of the Publik plenty of England . And these Theues , are , both Subiects and forreyners : and very often , and to to euidently sene : and generally murmured at : but , as yet , not redressed : for all the good & wise Order , by the most honorable Senat of the Priuy Counsayll , taken therein .

¶ Fourthly , how many Thousands , of Soldyers , ( of all Degrees , and apt ages of men ) wold be , by this meanes , not only hardned , well to broke all rage and disturbance of Sea , and endure healthfully all hardnes of lodging and dyet there , but also wold be well practised , and easily trayned vp , to great perfection of vnderstanding all maner of fight and Seruice at Sea ? So that , in time of great nede , that expert and hardy Crue of some Thousands of Sea-soldiers , wold be to this Realme a Treasor incomparable . And , who knoweth not , what daunger it is , in time of great nede , either to vse all fresh-water-Soldyers : Or , to be a fortnight in prouiding a little Company of Omnigatharums : taken vp , on the sudden , to serue at Sea ? For , our ordinary Land-musters , are generally intended , or , now may be spared , to be employed otherwise , if nede be . I think , I haue so hard , out of some book , written De Republica .

¶ How many Hundreds of lusty and handsome Men , wold be ( this way ) well occupied : and haue needfull maintenance : Which , now , are either Idle , or , want sustenance : or , both : In to to many places , of this renowmed Monarchy ?

¶ Moreover , what a Cumfort and Sauegard , will it , or may it be , to the whole Realme , To haue the great Aduantage of so many warlike Ships , so well manned and appointed ( for all assayes ) at all houres , ready to affront straight way , set on , and ouerthrow , any sudden or priuy forreyn Trechery : by Sea ( directly , or indirectly ) attempted agaynst this Impire : in any Coast or parte therof ? For , sudden forrein Attempts ( that is to say , vnknowen or vnhard of to vs , before their Readynes ) can not be done , with great power : For , great Nauies , most commonly , are espyed , or hard somwhat of , and that very certainly , while they are in preparing : though in the meane-while ( politikly ) in diuers places , they distribute their Ships , and their preparations appertaining .

¶ And , by reason of the foresayd Pety-Nauy-Royall , Yt shall , at all tymes , not onely lye in our hands , greatly to displease and pinch the Pety forrein Offender , at Sea : but also ( yf iust occasion be geuen ) on land , to doo very valiant Seruice : and that , speedily : as well , against any of the foresayd forreyn possible Offenders : As , also , against such of Ireland , Scotland , or England , who shall , or will trayterously , rebelliously , or seditiously assemble in Troups , or Bands , within the Territories of Ireland , or England : while , greater Armyes ( on our behalf ) shall be in preparing , against them : Yf , farder nede , be . For , skilfull Sea-Soldiers , are , also , on land , far more traynable to all Martiall exployts executing : and therein to be more quick eyed and nymble , at handstrokes , or skaling : better to endure all hardnes , of Lodging , or dyet : and les to feare all daunger , nere or far : Than the Land-Soldyer , can be brought to the perfection of a Sea-Soldyer . As ( to the same Intent ) the Incomparable , and most expert Graeke Capitain Pericles , in his Oration ( had to the Parlement Senators of Athens ) auowched : Comparing their State , to the State of the Lacedemonians . Saying : * * Thucidid . Lib. 1. Cumque Praesidium alic●bi aduersus nos collocabunt , nocebunt illi quidem : quia excursionibus vastabunt Agros , & recipient Transfugas : Sed non poterunt simul & obsidere nos , & prohibere nostras Nauigationes in ipsorum terram : Vbi eos Classe vexabimus . At nos quidem plus habemus Industriae , ad praelia in terra , ex vsu rei Nauticae : quàm ipsi habere possunt ad Rem Nauticam , ex vsu Militiae Terrestris . Nec facilè erunt periti Rei Naualis . Nam , nec vos ( quanquam à bello Persico , Classe vtimur , & nos exercemus ) satis Idonei estis .

¶ By this Nauy , also , all Pyrats , our own Cuntrymen ( And they to no small number ) wold be called , or constrayned to come home . And then ( vpon good Assurance taken of the reformable , and men of choice , for their good Abearing , from hence forth ) all such to be bestowed , here and there , in the foresayd Nauy . For , good accownt is to be made of their bodyes , ( allready hardned to the Seas ) and chiefly , of their Courages and Skill , for good Seruice to be done at the Sea .

¶ Nynthly , Princes and Potentates , our forreyn frends , or pryuy foes , ( the one for loue , and the other , for feare ) wold not suffer any Marchant , or other , ( Subiects of the Queenes Maiesty ) , either to haue to speedy wrong , in their Cowrts : Or , by vnreasonable delayes , or trifling Shifts , to be made wery , and vnhable to follow their right : And , notwithstanding such our freends , ( or , Priuy foes ) , their Subiects , wold be glad , ( most reuerently ) to become Suters and Petitioners to the Royall State of this Kingdom , for iust Redres : Yf , any kinde of way , they could truly proue them selues , by any Subiect of this Realme , Iniuryed : and they , wold neuer , be so Stowt , Rude , and dishonorably Iniurious to the Crown and Dignity of this most Sacred Monarchy , as , ( in such Cases ) to be their own Iudges● or , to vse against this Kingdom , and the Royall chief Cownsaill therof , such abhominable Terms of Dishonor : as , our to to great Lenity , and their to to barbarous . Impudency , might ( in manner ) Induce them to doo . And , all this , wold come to pas , through the Royalty and Souerainty of the Seas adiacent , or enuiron●ing this Monarchy of England , The Brytish Impire . Ireland , and ( by right ) Scotland , and the Orknayes allso , very Princely , prudently , and valiantly recouered : that is to say , by the sayd Pety-Nauy-Royall , duly and iustly Limited : Discretely possessed : and Tryumphantly enioyed .

¶ Should not forreyn Fishermen ( ouer boldly , now , and to to Iniuriously , abusing our Rich Fishings , about England , Wales , and Ireland ) by the presence , ouersight , power , and Industry of this Pety-Nauy-Royall , be made content , and Iudge them selues well apayd , to enioy ( by our leaue ) some great portion of Reuenue to enriche them selues , and their Cuntryes by : with Fishing , within the Seas , appertayning to our Ancient Bownds and Limits ? Where , now , ( to our great Shame , and Reproche ) , some of them , doo come , ☜ ( in maner ) home to our doores : and , among them all , depriue vs , yerely , of many hundred thousand pownds : which , by our Fishermen , vsing the sayd Fishings , ( as chief ) , we might enioy : And , at length ( by little and little ) bring them , ( Yf we wold deal so rigorously with them , ) to haue as little portion of our peculyer Commodity , ( to our Ilandish Monarchy , by God and Nature , assigned ) as , now , they force our Fishermen , to be conte●ted with : And yerely ( notwithstanding ) doo , at their fishing , openly , and ragingly vse such words of reproche , toward our Prince and Realm , as , no true Subiects hart can quietly disgest : And , besides that , o●fer such shamefull wrongs to the good laboursom people of this Land , as is not ( by any reason ) to be born withall , or endured any longer : Destroying their Nets , Cutting their Cables , to the los of their Anchors : Yea , ●●d oftentymes , of Barkes , Men , and all . And , of these sorte of people they be , which ( other whiles ) by collour and pretence of comming about their feat of fishing , doo subtilly and secretly vse Sowndings , and Serchings , of our Channells , Deeps , Showles , Banks , or Bars , along the Sea Coasts , and in our Hauen Mowthes allso , and vp in our Creeks , sometymes in our Bayes , and sometimes in our Roads , &c. Taking good Marks , for auo●ding of the dangers : And allso trying good Landings . And ( so , making perfect Chartes of all our Coa●ts , rownd about England , and Ireland ) are become ( allmost ) perfecter in them , then the most parte of our Maisters , Loadmen , or Pylots , are : to the dubble danger of mischief in tymes of War : And , allso to no little hazard of the State Royall : Yf ( malitiously bent ) , they should purpose to land any puissant Army , in tyme to come .

And , as Concerning those Fishings of England , Wales , and Ireland : Of their places : Yerely seasons : the many hundreds of forrein Fisherboats , yerely resorting : the diuers sort of fish , there taken : with the appertenances : I know right well , that ( long ago● ) all such matter , concerning these Fishings , is declared vnto some of the higher powers of this kingdom , and made manifest , R. H. by an other honest Ientleman of the Middle Temple . Who , very discretely and faithfully hath dealt there in , and still trauaileth , ( and by diuers other wayes also ) to farder the Weale-Publik of England , so much as in him lyeth .

But , Note , ( I pray you ) this point very aduisedly : That , * * 1. Note . As , By his plat , of our sayd fishing commodities , many a hundred thousand pounds of yerely Reuenue , might grow to the Crown of England , more than ( now ) doth : And much more , to the Commons of this Monarchy , also : besides the inestimable benefit of plentifull vitayling , and relieuing , both England : and Ireland : And beside the increasing of many thousands of expert , hard , and hardly Mariners : And besides the Abating the Sea forces of our forrein Neighbours , and vnconstant freends : And ( Contrarywise ) the encreasing of our own power , and force at Sea : * * 2. Prouerb . Principium , plus quam dimidium totius . So , it is most euident and certain , that Principium ( in this Case ) is , Plus quàm dimidium totius . As I haue hard it verified ( prouerbially ) in many other affairs .

Wherfore , the very Entrance , and Beginning toward our SEA-RIGHT Recouering , And the foresayd Commodities enioying , at length : Yea , and the onely means , of our Continuance therewith : Can be no other , but by the dreadfull presence , and power , ( with discreet ouersight , and due order ) of the sayd PETY-NAVY-ROYALL : being ( whole som tymes , sometyme a parte therof ) at all the chief places , of our Fishings : as yf they were Publik Officers , Commissioners , and Iusticiers : by the Supreme Authority Royall , of our most Renowmed QVEENE ELIZABETH , rightfully and prudently therto assigned .

A Maister Key . So , that , this Pety-Nauy-Royall , is thought to be the onely Maister Key , wherewith to open all Locks , that kepe out , or hinder , this Incomparable Brytish Impire , from enioying ( by many means ) such a yerely Reuenue of Threasor , ( both to the Supreme hed , and Subiects therof , ☞ ) as no plat of Ground , or Sea , in the whole world , els , ( being of no greater quantity ) can with more Right , The marueilous Priuiledge of the Brytish Impire . greater honor , with so great ease , and so little Chardges : So nere at hand , in so short tyme , and in so little danger : any kynde of way , yeld the like , to either , King or other Potentate , and absolute Gouernour therof , whosoeuer . Besides the Peaceable Security , to enioy all the same , for euer . Yea , yerely and yerely , ( by our wisdom and valiantnes duly vsed ) all manner of our Commodities , to arise greater and greater : as well , in wealth and strength , as of forrein loue and feare , where it is most Requisite to be : and also of Triumphant Fame , the whole world ouer , vndoutedly . Also , this Pety-Nauy-Royall , will be the perfect means , of very many other , and exceeding great Commodities , redownding to this Monarchy : which , our Fishermen , with their * * Fisherboates onely could neuer bring to pas our enioying the great blessing of God , appropriat to this Kingdom . Presently . Fisherboats onely , can neuer be hable to Cumpas , or bring to pas : And those , being such , as are more necessary , to be cared for ( Presently ) then wealth .

☞ Therfore , the Premisses well wayed , aboue and before all other , this Plat of a Pety-Nauy-Royall , will ( by Gods grace ) be fownd , A Politik . A. B. C. the playn and perfect A. B. C. most necessary for the Commons , and euery Subiect , in his calling , to be carefully and diligently musing vpon , or exercising him self therin . Till , shortly , they may be hable , in effect , to read before their eyes , the most ioyfull and pleasant Brytish Histories , ( by that Alphabet onely , decyphred , and so brought to their vnderstanding and knowledge ) that euer , to this , or any kingdom in the whole world els , was known or perceiued .

¶ Furdermore , How acceptable a thing , may this be , to the Ragusyes , Hulks , Caruailes , and other forrein rich Laden Ships , passing within , or by any the Sea Limits , of her Maiesties Royallty , euen there , to be , now , in most Security , where , onely heretofore , they haue bene in most Ieopardy : as well , by the Rauin of the Pyrat , as the Rage of the Sea , distressing them : for lack of Succour , or good and ready Pilotage ? What great frendship in hart , of forrein Prince and Subiect : And what liberall Presents , and forrein Contributions , in hand , will duly follow therof , who can not imagin ?

¶ Moreouer , such a Pety-Nauy-Royall , ( sayd he ) wold be in such s●ead : As though , 1. One were appointed , to Consider and listen , to the dooings of Ireland : 2. And , an other , to haue as good an eye● , and ready hand , for Scotish dealings : 3. An other , to Intercept or vnderstand , all priuy Conspiracies ( by Sea to be communicated ) and priuy Aydes of Men , Munition , or Mony , ( by Sea to be transported , ) & to the endamaging of this kingdom , any way , intended : 4. An other , against all sudden forrein Attempts : 5. An other , to ouersee the forrein Fishermen : 6. An other , against all Pyrats haunting our Seas : And therewith , as well to wast and garde our own Marchants Fletes , as they shall pas , and repas , betwene this Realm , and wheresoeuer els they may best be planted , The Marts . for their ordinary Marts keping ( yf England may not best serue that turne ) And also , to defend , help , and direct many our forrein freends , who must needes pas by , or frequent any of those Seas , whose principall Royallty , ( vndoutedly ) is to the Imperiall Crown of these Brytish Ilandes , appropriate .

One such Nauy , ( sayd he ) by Royall direction , excellently well manned , and to all purposes , aptly and plentifully furnished , and appointed : and * * NOW . Now , in tyme of our * * F●elix est ea Res● . quae tempore Pacis , bella tractat . Laurentius Grimalius . ●ol . 71. Libro Secundo de Optimo Sonatore , ad Sigismundum Polonia Regem . Peace , and quiet euery where ( Yet ) , before-hand , set forth , to the foresayd Seas : with their Chardges and Commissions , ( most secretly to be kept from all foes and forreiners ) wold stand this Common wealth , in as great stead , as sowr tymes , so many Ships , wold , or could do , yf , vpon the sudden , and all at once , we should be forced , to deale , ( for remouing the foresayd sundry principall manners of Annoyance : ) we beyng , then , vttorly vnready thereto : And the Enemyes Attemp● , requiring speedy ( and admitting no successiue ) defeating .

¶ To Conclude herein : This Pety-Nauy-Royall , vndowtedly , will stand the Realm in better stead ; then the enioying of fowr such Forts or Townes , as Callys and Bulleyn onely , could do . For , this , will be as great strength , and to as good purpose , in any Coast of England , Ireland , or Scotland , betwene vs and the Forrein foe , as euer Callys was , for that onely one place , that it is situated in . And will help to enioy The Royallty and Souerainty of the Narrow Seas , throughout● and of other our Seas also , more seruisably , then Callys or Bulleyn euer did : or could doo : yf all the Prouisoes hereto appertayning , be duly obserued : Onely Peace with all forrein Princes intended ( by this Nauy ) to be preserued . forasmuch as , we entend , now , Peace onely preseruing : and no Inuasion of France , or any Enemy , on that Mayn , inhabiting : toward whom , ( by Callys , or Bulleyn , ) we need to let-in our Land forces . &c. Much ( I know , ) may be here sayd , Pro , & Contra , in this Case . But , God hath suffred such matters to fall so out : and all to vs , for the best , yf it be so ( thankfully ) construed , and duly considered .

For , when all forrein Princes , our Neighbors : dowtfull freends , or vndutifull People : ( Subiects , or vassals ) to our Soueraign , shall perceiue such a Pety-Nauy-Royall , ☞ houering purposly , here and there , euer ready and hable to ouerthrow any their malitious and subtile secret Attempts , intended against the weale Publike of this most Noble kingdom , in any parte or Coast thereof : Then , euery one of them , will , or may think , that , ( of purpose ) that Nauy was made out , onely to preuent them , and none other : And for their destruction , being bewrayed : as they wold deme . So , that , no one , such forrein Enemy , wold aduenture , first , to breake out into any notable disorder , against vs : Nor homish Subiect , or wauering vassall ( for like Respects ) durst , then , priuily muster , to Rebellion : Or make harmfull Rodes , or dangerous Ryots , in any English , or Irish Marches .

But , such matter as this , I iudge you haue , or mought haue hard of , ere now , ( by the worshipfull M. Dyer , ) and that , abundandy : Seeing , Synopsis Reipub. Brytanicae , was , at his Request ( six yeres past ) contriued : As , by the Methodicall Author thereof , I vnderstand . Note : A secret Policie herein . Whose Policy ( here ) For the Partings , Meetings , Followings , Circuits , &c. of the Ships ( to the foresayd Pety-Nauy-Royall belonging ) with the Alterations both of Tymes , Places , and Number , &c. is very strange to here . So that , in Totall Somme , of all the foresayd Considerations , vnited in one : Yt seemeth to be ( almost ) a Mathematicall demonstration , next vnder the Mercifull and Mighty Protection of God , for a faesable Policy , to bring or praeserue this Victorious Brytish Monarchy , in a marueilous Security : Whereupon , the Reuenue of the Crown of England , and Wealth-Publik , ☞ will wonderfully encrease and florish : And then , therupon , Sea forces ( a new ) to be encreased , proportionally : &c. And so , the Fame , Renowm , Estimation , and Loue , or Feare , of this Brytish Microcosmus , all the whole and Great world ouer , will speedily be spred , and surely be settled . &c.

Truly , I was carryed ( almost , ere I was aware ) and that , very pleasantly , into the Consideration of the manifold and Incredible great Commodities , that may arise to this Kingdom , by A Nauy , such , as I haue ( by good Instruction ) spoken of : whereas , my chief purpose was , and is , to entreat of matters , touching this Paradoxall-Cumpas , and the perfect Arte of Nauigation . But , seeing the word of a Nauy , was so nere , in Sownd , to Nauigation : And seeing , no Nauy ( in dede ) can be dealt withall , at Seas , accordingly , without good skill of Nauigation : ( though Nauigation , may be without a Nauy ) verily , for so good a purpose , and so nere to my matter , I fauored my fantazy , while it somwhat strayed from my principall Intent . And not so , neither . For , my principall Intent and his chiefly , ( whose brief Aduertisements herein I wold gladly make some Remembrance of ) Is , ( as it ought to be , of duty ) to be fownd faithfull , seruisable , Comfortable , and profitable to the Politicall Body of this Brytish Common-wealth : Euery Sub●ect his Duety . Wherof , we all , be Members , by God his mercifull Ordinance . That is to say : All true Subiects , their Chief Intent , and principall purpose , ( in all worldly their affayres , Artes , Sciences , and Studyes , &c. ) ought to be , the procuring , furdering , mainteyning and encreasing of the weal and Commodity Publik , so much as in them lyeth , and as , they decently and dutifully may . And , So , the End of Ends , and yttermostscope of the sayd Arte of Nauigation , is such Publik Commodity , of this whole kingdom intended , and meant : that , from that Publik fowntain , very easily and certainly , may be deriued to euery priuat man , his proportionall parte of delitious Refreshing , and vitall preseruation , in very godly sort , and politik order .

But , Contrarywise , Where priuate wealth and commodity is sought for , before Publik : Or , no publik Commodity at all , cared for , or intended : but onely priuate : Or , where Publik Commodity and Security , is euidently hindred , or , indammaged : There , by great wisdom , any such Common-Wealth , wold speedily be Cured from the Ruinous and Lamentable daunger , to the Strength and life of the Weale-Publik ensuying , of those three kindes of so greuous and venemous wounds , if they be , ouerlong , neglected .

And , as Concerning the former Pety-Nauy-Royall : that I may , aswell Reporte some parte of his Plat , and Considerations , for the Charges thereof bearing and mainteyning , The ernest wish of a dutifull Subiect . as I haue expressed his earnest wish for such a Nauy to be set forth , for the Causes alledged : After this manner , was his entrance into that parte of his discourse . What wold that Noble , Valiant , and Victorious Atheniensien PERICLES , say , yf , now , he were lyuing , and a Subiect of Authority , in this Brytish Kingdom ? What Common Contribution , wold his pithy Eloquence perswade , for the mayntenance of this Pety-Nauy-Royall ? Who , taught by word , and proued in effect , Vnam Pecuniae parandae rationem putandam , Naues quamplurimas habere : Alias verò extra eam rationes , nullius momenti existimandas . And so , effectually perswaded the Atheniensiens , Quòd , NAVES , Diuitias : Diuitias verò , aegestatem ducerent . Which AEnigma of Prudent Pericles , is thus ( in Latin ) expounded out of the Graeke Suidas . Opes igitur in Terra , Inopiam arbitrari : In MARI autem sitas esse Opes , existimare : Nihil aliud est , nisi vnas putare Opes , Naues quam-plurimas : Reliqua , Inopiam iudicare : Cuiusmodi est Pecunia Spectaculorum , & Iudiciorum . Suadet itaque , Omnes in haec factos sumptus , Nauibus esse assignandos . And , syns this matter of the Pety-Nauy-Royall , hath somwhat occupyed myne Imagination , I haue fownd ( Sayd myne Instructor ) by that worthy and excellent Plutarch his Graeke histories , Plutarch in Pericles life . of Notable mens liues , that this Peerles Pericles ( about two thousand yeres sins ) faithfully and ernestly intending ,

Pericles florished An. Mundi , 3537.

About which tyme , Plato was borne .

to aduance the Atheniensien State and Common-Wealth : And to make it , after the best manner , to excell all other , with whom it had , or might haue to doo : perceiued , the only means , to be Such , as , by manifold , and more forcible Arguments , the like , must to this Brytish Ilandish Monarchy be much more auailable , To procure vnto it , Triumphant prosperity : And how ? By Sea Security : And how , that ? By this Pety-Nauy-Royall , in due * * Great wisedom it is , to vse OCCASION when it is present . tyme prouided , and discretely , at Sea mainteyned . For , Pericles wisely vnderstanding , that no other means was so easy , so ready , and so sure , for Athens to atteyn to their wished for Souerainty , among their freends and foes , dwelling about them : But if , they were Lords and Maisters of the Seas , nere and far about them : The marueilous Commodity , of being Lords & Ma●sters of the Sea . he wold not lose any opportunity of fardering his purpose therein , both by Ships preparing , and apt men trayning vp to Sea discipline . And therupon wold not , Imperitis Voluptatibus Ciuitatem delinire : But with such exercises delight them , as , besides other their priuate Commodities growing thereby , The Principall and finall Publik purpose , might also therewith , be brought to greater nerenes . As : Sexaginta autem Triremes quotannis emittere , in quibus multi ex C●●ibus nauigabant : stipendiumque singulis octo * * These eight Atticall Mines , were to be rated of our vsuall and currant mony , now . 25. pown●s : very nere : and other wise , to be named a hundred Crowns , For euery Mina Attica , was of an 100. drachmes . Wherof , 8. made the ounce &c. Minae erat : qui eas pro meditatione , & exercitatione ad Nauticam & Marinam Disciplinam , perciperet . This Pericles , also , by many his victories , was found and tryed , abrode ( on Sea and land ) Vir bello fortis & strenuus : as well , as , a most prouident and Circumspect Cownsailor , at home . Nulla enim incidit ( eo Duce ) ne fortuita quidem Belli offensio . And , Quàm diù in Pace vrbi praefuit , moderatè vsus est Imperio , & tuta Ciuitas erat : Opibusque ac Potentia ( ipso Rempub: gubernante ) praecipuè florebat : As Thucidides witnesseth , and other . And now behold , what followeth ( in Plutarch ) noted , of some parte of that most comfortable frute enioying , which , of the former Ships prepared , And the Citizens to Sea discipline before hand trayned vp , was reasonably expected : Deindè , Magna Classe , optiméque ornata , & instructa , Graecas quidem Ciuitates , quarum ope & subsidio iuuabantur , benignè humanéque tractauit : Vicinis autem Barbaris Nationibus , Regibus & Tyrannis , ostendit Potentiae molem , licentiamque & audaciam , quacunque libitum foret Nauigantium : Maréque totum , sub suam ditionem & Imperium redigentium . O , a Sownd Cownsailor and Couragious Capitain , most mete for the Brytish Sea Royalty recouering . O Pericles , thy life ( certainly ) may be a pattern and Rule to the higher Magistrates ( in very many points ) most diligently , of them , to be imitated . But , albeit , that such a Graeke Pericles , can not , readily , for our purpose , be found out : Yet , it is ( Sayd myne Instructor ) of some graue and expert men , thought probable , that this Politik Deuise , and humble Aduertisement , can not so sone take effect , An humble Aduertisement . as all the States and the whole Commons of this Brytish Impire , may , ( for the manifold and waighty Respects declared ) , both very faithfully desire , and also very quickly be induced , to be , after a most easy manner , Contributary thereunto : vnder the name of A perpetuall Beneuolence , A PERPETVALL BENEVOLENCE , FOR SEA SECVRITY . for Sea Security . For , who is there , of this Kingdom : A true and naturall borne Subiect ( Spirituall or Temporall , ) but very willingly wold : and without any his hinderance , could , yerely forbeare ( to furder and stablish so marueilous a Benefit publik ) The Hundredth Peny , of his Rents and Reuenues : and the Fiue hundredth peny , of his Goods valuation ? And after the same rate , is to be vnderstode of all and euery Fraternitie , The peculier specifying , of the manner of Welth , you may consider in the Act , of the last Subsidie , granted , Anno Eliz. 18. Guyld , Corporation , Misterie , Brotherhood and Communaltie Corporated or not Corporated , within this Realm of England , Wales , and other the Queenes Maiesties Dominions , their goods and reuenues . And that , for onely the first and immediatly next ensuing seuen yeres space . Then , for the second seuen yeres , to pay onely , The Hundred and fiftith peny , of his or their Rents and Reuenues , and the Seuen hundred and fiftith peny of his or their goods valuation , yerely . And after 14. yeres expired , to pay for euer , but the half of the first Contribution . So that , after the first . 14. yeres fully expired , ( after the day of this decree and Act making , ) the Rate to be , yerely , but The Two hundredth peny , of his or their Rents and Reuenues , The two Hundreth peny , of Lands & Rents . And the Thousandth peny of goods , ( for eeuer ) yerely , to be payable . and the Thousandth peny of his or their Goods valuation , for euer , And that , I mean , onely , of all naturall born Subiects , of this our blessed Iland ALBION . So that , such an exact valuation of their wealth and hability , should not hereafter ( in any wise ) be a thing to the Subiects and Commons , praeiudiciall : And a cause of greater Charge , or burden to them , in their Ceasments ( to come ) for any other Publik Seruice , or Commodity , than heretofore , the most generall manner of fauourable * * As , one worthe 500. l● . in goods , to be ceased at 50. li. leuying , of such other Taxes and Subsidies , hath bene vsed . But , Beleue , vndoutedly , After that this SEA SECVRITY ( with that fauour of the Omnipotent King , which he chiefly beareth to Iustice , and Peace : and by the wisdom , and prudency of the higher powers of this Impire ) shall be ones established , and confirmed , in trade of due execution , ( either by means here expressed , or better ) , Vndoutedly , * * O , godly Intent : O long looked for Common wealth . All other extraordinary TAXES , SVBSIDIES , RELIEVES , and LONES , &c. will cease , and vtterly be needles , FOR EVER . Prouided and excepted alwayes , that no man being in the retinue of the Pety-Nauy-Royall , A Prouiso . shall with this Contribution be any thing charged : of what degree , or hability so euer he be . Suerly , Seeing God challengeth the Tenth yerely , and First frutes , continually : in Token of our Thankfulnes toward him , and for Mayntenance of the Leuites , that are of the Spirituall Ministery , Truly : the Tenth of the Tenth , I mean , the Hundredth parte of our Reuenues , As it is a les portion then the other , So will many thowsands , be more willing to geue it , and more truly to Recken it , also , then ( now adayes ) they doo the other : And will Iudge This new Beneuolence , as a gratious , godly , & politik * * A Politik Ester offring . Easter Offring , toward the Repayring and new Strengthning of the fowndation and Walls of TEMPLVM PACIS , or Solomons Temple , ( as it were ) I mean , of the whole Brytish Monarchie : Wherein , by this means , we may , in Peace , ioyfully , all the dayes of our life , and thankfully , serue the King of Kings , and Lord of Hostes : Little dreading , and les feeling the fury of any forreyn Enemies power . And thereby , also , be the better hable to cut of , and speedily to Repres any homish prowd flesh , or Rebellious Carryen . And , as for the Free Denizon , yt is most reasonable and fauourable handling , that he be Contributary herein , The Two hundredth parte of his Yerely Reuenues , and value in Substance : ioyntly esteemed : And the mere Forreyner ( here inhabiting ) to be aunswerable , yerely , for the Hundredth parte of his Substance onely . In their Natiue Cuntry , they know ( and we are not ignorant ) how far greater Sommes , they haue byn Tributary of , yerely : and not , the Thousand part , to their Commodity so auailable , as this will be : And as they also will gladly acknowledge : Yf they haue a faithfull hart : wishing ( as they are bownd in Conscience ) the prosperous estate of this Renowmed Kingdom : Which , so charitably and fatherly , in their necessityes , and half voluntary Banishments , hath receyued them , and still protecteth them : in no les Security , then the true and Naturall born Subiects of this Brytish Impire , are protected in : aswell from all forrein violence , as all other Iniuries within this Land , sustayning . Also , that euery Forreyner or Alien , ( Denizon , or not , ) falling not vnder the generall reckning and order of Contribution aforesayd , and notwithstanding , of the Age of seuen yeres , or aboue , shall yerely yeld to this Contribution , fowr pence , euery one , for a Pety Forreyn Courtesy . Finally , of the wages of all hyred Seruants , the Hundredth Peny , of euery fiue Nobles wages , is to be accownted of , yerely : yf their meat and drink be also allowed them , besides their wages : As most willingly , all Discrete Seruants , English and other , will yeld thereto . That is , of euery fiue Nobles wages clere , receyued , or to be receiued , onely fowre pence to be due to this Contribution , yerely . And of any wages vnder fiue Nobles , nothing to be accownted herein , due . And aswell , for the foresayd forreyner , his or her Pety Curtesy : as also , for all Seruants , their fiue Noble Grote , of Contribution , The Maister , ( or he , or She ) , with whom the sayd Forreyner or Seruant ( or being both ) is or shal be abyding ( at the tyme of Contribution , or Contributions , ) to be charged with the same , for lack of payment therof .

To be playn , and very brief : Who is there , in this whole Kingdom , ☜ so Temperate and Thrifty in his expenses : that dispendeth not , yerely , in very vayn , and vtterly vnprofitable Charges , ( I will not name some , worse , ) the Hundredth part of his yerely Reuenues : and the Fiue hundredth part of the value of his Goods ? Let euery man , vnparcially , examin him self , and his own Case , therein . But , yf we , now , wold leaue of , such vanity , and ( in dede ) folly , and turn that vayn folly to Ripe wisdom : And that superfluous charge , priuate , to wealth publik : We may be iudged to haue geuen an attentife eare , to the Kingly Prophet : and to haue bin obedient , to his Counsayle : Where he sayeth : Declina à malo , & fac Bonum : Inquire PACEM , & persequere eam . Syr , pardon me I pray you : for , though I meddle not with the Mysticall and spirituall sense , hereof : ( for , I am neither Doctor , nor Bacheler of Diuinity : no , nor , of any calling Leuiticall ) Yet , truly , this exposition , or application , is not vtterly vnapt for this our purpose , of seeking wayes to preserue the Peace publik , with all forreyn Princes : And to establish the Security therof , perpetually : So far , as humain policy , may make reasonable account , ☜ of so likely and circumspect meanes , duly executed .

It is an olde Prouerb . A Sword , keepeth peace : So , this Nauy , by his present readynes , and the Secret of his Circuits , Herein consist sundry Secrets . and visitations of sundry forreyn and homish Coasts , obserued : will make the malitious murmurers , and priuy malefactors , of all sortes , to kepe in , and to forbeare their wicked deuises and policies : which , otherwise , against vs , they wold aduenture to execute .

Moreouer , wheras , some are of Opinion , that prety Speede , Spede . were nedefull , in the Premisses ( as the tickle and perillous State of Christendome , is , at this present : ) Truly , in Respect therof , we haue great cause to thank God , for the honest and prudent disposition of some Subiects of this Realm : at whose hands ( till Ships enough for the purpose , might aduisedly be built ) we may , partly buy , and partly hyre , both in number and goodnes , Ships , sufficient , to serue , in this Case , with all Opportunity .

But , as Concerning any of her Maiesties Principall Nauy , ☜ to be among them , now , a● the first , for Cowntenancing of their Credit , or furnishing of their Strength , he wold not presume , to sp●●ke therof : referring ( very dutifully ) such points , to the great wisdomes of the highest Magistrats , to consider of .

And , Certaynly , if any thing , may ( reasonably ) be alledged , as a Hinderance , whereby this Incomparable Ilandish Impire , shall be barred ( yet longer ) from tasting of this most delitious , Comfortable , Cordiall , and preseruatiue frute of * Peace and Tranquillity ( politikly assured : ) of * Wealth and Riches , comming in , abundantly , to Queene and Subiect : And , of right honorable * Renown , and great freendship , procured both nigh and far : Yf any thing ( Sayd he ) may seeme of Importance , that , probably and possibly may hinder this Publik Policy , Three great Douts and Obiections . from being put in execution : The first thing may be , a Certayn Dout , which may arise among the graue Cownsaylers , and circumspect Gardians of this Common-wealth : Whether the Threasor , by the former rate , generally in England leuyed and collected into their hands and order , will be sufficient to counteruaile all Charges , ordinary and extraordinary , to such a Pety-Nauy-Royall , appertayning● or no :

Also , they will , or may dout , whether vittailes will hereby wax scarse , and dere , the whole Realm throughout , or no :

And Thirdly , the Poore and faithfull Commons , will on their part , only dout , of the true , due , and iust vsing and Bestowing of the foresayd yerely Beneuolence : and that , perpetually : according to the very godly and politik Intent of the perpetuall Contribution therof . These three douts , chiesly , being reasonably dissolued , I will return to the Paradoxall-Instrument , and other Nauigation matters , thus , a while , set aside .

The Touchestone of all Subiects wisdom . As for the first : Yf the Touchestone of all Subiects wisdom , that is , the Queene her most excellent Maiestie , and her right honorable and faithfull priuy Counsaill , do like , this Pety Nauy ( for the purposes before rehersed ) to be set s●rth and mainteyned : This Nauy to be nothing chargeable to the Queenes Maie●●ie . So that , the same , become not chargeable to her highnes : but be sufficiently prouided for , by the most easy and voluntary Contribution of her louing and faithfull Subiects , and other , ( in maner , aboue specified : ) Then , it is to be sayd to the Dout of want of Mony necessary : That , yf the foresayd ordinary and vniuersall Beneuolence of England , will not suffice ( Though it will amount , Yerely , to aboue an Hundred Thousand pounds ) And especially , seeing the greatest Charges will be at the first preparations : yf all things be made and bought new : Yt is ( vndoutedly ) to be supposed , that many a Thousand of Men and Women : Yea ( in dede ) the most parte of all the former Contributers , seeing or vnderstanding the first yeres Contribution ( before hand , deliuered ) so well and duly bestowed , toward their Intent performing , wold , presently ( vpon a Second Publik warning , of want , ) of their own honest discretion , become ( agayn ) as Liberall and Beneficiall , ( and , but for this once ) Extraordinary , as onely the Six hundredth peny of their Goods and Reuenues , ioyntly , should be of value . That is , for him that may dispend , by Rents , of Lands , or otherwayes , a Hundred pounds , yerely : and be also , in Goods , worth 500. pounds , to yeld now , in extraordinary Contribution , xx . s. onely : and neuer , after that , any more extraordinary Ayde , to be , in this behalf , or otherwise , required .

Moreouer , in this Case of want , for such a Publik Benefit furdering ( as neuer was the like thereof , to this Brytish Monarchy so probably , assured ) we wold craue , the Charitable and Brotherly Beneuolence ( and that onely for this ones , As for the first setting vp , of the sayd Pety-Nauy-Royall : And , but , according to this most easy , and Second * * Only the Six Hundredth Peny of Reuenues and Goods ioyntly . Rate to be leuyed ) of the Inhabitants of Ireland , Iernsey , Garnsey , the Counties of Northumberland , Cumberland , Westmerland , the Town of New-Castle vpon Tyne , the Bishoprik of Durham : and of all those Cities , Boroughs , and Townes ( onely the Town of Barwick to be excepted herein ) which by any Letters Patents , of the Queenes Maiestie , or of her most Noble Progenitors , ( otherwise ) haue Exemption , Priuilege , & Immunities , from paying any Tax , or Subsidy . &c. And likewise , of the Inhabitants of the Fiue Ports , and euery of their Members : And also of the present Inhabitants within the Liberties , of Romney Marsh. And therupon , good and sufficient Prouiso , A Prouiso . to be made , and established , to all and euery of the foresayd extraordinary Ayders , that this their discrete and voluntary Contribution , shall in no case ( hereafter ) be vnto them any thing praeiudiciall , or dammageable to their Charter or Priuilege of Immunitie .

¶ And this Request , with no little Reason , The Reason , why , of those Exempted and Priuileged Places , an Extraordinary Ayde , is to be requested only this once . may be offred to their Courtesies , to Consider of : Seeing , not onely , it is for the better and more assured Peace and Tranquillitie enioying , ouer all these Kingdomes of England , and Ireland : and for a marueilous and Incredible wealth , and no les Strength , procuring to the same : But also , forasmuch as , all the former , ordinarily exempted of all Taxes , and Subsidies , &c. shall , or may , by the continuall Seruice of this Nauy , and also by the Threasory therof ( hereafter ) be greatly ayded : and that ( peculiarly ) to the lessening both of their ☜ Charges , and also of their ☜ Danger , many wayes : In respect wherof , such Priuileges , Immunities and Exemptions , were first granted vnto them : and continually haue bin , and are confirmed . So that , such their extraordinary Beneuolence , shall not seeme merely giuen : no , nor so chargeable vnto them , as lent Good : But , to be Mony most commodiously ( for their peculiar Causes , and behoof ) somwhat before hand , disbursed .

¶ Also , yf it were presently known , that this Pety-Nauy-Royall , ( vndoutedly ) should , for the foresayd exceeding waighty Respects , very shortly , be consydered of : And with conueniency and Opportunity , furdered to the setting furth , and vse therof : vpon that True and sufficiently warrented Assertion , and declaration : How many godly Aldermen , and other well disposed Marchants , of the City of London : How many a Marchant Venturer , & owner : Yea , how many great Wooll-Maisters , Staplers , and Clothyers , throughout the whole Realm : Yea , and how many other , of all States and Professions , wold very charitably , in their Legacies , Legacies . Remember : or , be contented to be put in mynde , of deuout Contribution , or Legacy , toward the Threasory augmenting , for due mayntenance of the foresayd Pety-Nauy-Royall ?

¶ How many a Bishop , Dean , and Archdeacon , &c. With their own hands , wold ( Extraordinarily ) be example to the Layity , of turning , Liberally , the Mammon of Iniquitie , to the preseruation of Publik Tranquillity : and the mayntenance of the Politik Security therof , against Forreyn fraude and force : and all Homish possible Rebellions ?

¶ But , and if the Incredible great , and manifold Commodities ensuing therof , were but had , a yere , two , or three , in proof : ( O Lord ) What lode wold be layd on , then , among the Godly , wise , and hable Subiects , to the better mayntenance of a bigger Nauy : And of new deuised , more warlik Ships ? How many wold contend with other , vertuously , to excell herein : as zealous Benefactors , to the Weale-Publik ? And so , for euer , to remayn recorded : not in boke onely , with pen and Ink marked : but in the harts of all Brytish , and English Posterity : and in their thankfull memories , deeply Imprinted .

Could the deuout zeale , and Intent of our forefathers , be so Beneficiall to Thousands : And , without any Commaundement , or Request Publik , ( they being then , in darknes , and beclogged with Superstition ) most gladly , be so liberall , to the building of so many fayr Monasteries , &c. Their decking , and Threasory within : and enduing with Landes , abrode ( far and nere ) to their charge , of so many Hundred Thousand pownds , as , now , ( in manner ) are inestimable : And shall we , now , in the clere Sunne shyne of the pure Truthe and Gospell : in the tyme of true Religion , ☞ known , and obserued ( As we will be cownted of , ) Shall we , ( I say ) , be either so ignorant , how to vse our Liberality : Or , so colde in Charity : or so blynde in foresight : Or , so priuatly scraping , and miserably hoording vp : or , so thankles and vnfreendly to the Common State of this kingdom : Where , both , our Ancestors haue receyued their life , mayntenance and wealth : And we our selues , no les : and are most desyrous , that our Childern , Wiues , freends , and Posterity , should enioy as great Commodities , by means of the Publik Society , and the Ciuill Communalty , being preserued in Secure Tranquillity : Shall we ( I pray you ) in vertuous zeale , and Liberality , and chiefly , in these our Respects , of very needfull and certayn , very Godly and great Commodities enioying , be far Inferior to them , in their Respects , such as they were ? We , being in wealth , and Reuenues also , far Richer , now : than they ; then were ? God forbyd : that so great disorder , and lack of discretion , should be to be suspected now , or to be douted of , in the people and Subiects , of this Godly , wise , and rich Kingdom .

¶ And How , can any Man , reasonably doubt of the Hability of so mighty a kingdom , to set furth , and maynteyn most easily , only Three or Fowrscore Tall and Warlik Ships : Where , so many Thowsand Thousands , of folks , are Contrybuters to the Charges requisite ? Seeing , only Forty or Fifty worthy Subiects , of their own pryuate Hability , doo very easily , and ( in manner ) contynually , Maynteyn in trade , at Sea , so many ( and more , ) such tall Ships : And the same , well Appoynted , well vittayled , well Manned : and they , Duly payd :

And chiefly , Seeing Such a Pety-Nauy-Royall , of Threescore Tall Ships , The Pety-Nauy-Royall . and eche of them , betwene eightscore and two hundred , Tun of Burden : And Twenty other smaller Barks , ( betwene 20 , and 50 , Tun , ) may be new made , very strong and Warlike : and all , well vittayled , for Six Thowsand , Six hundred , and Sixty Men : and those Men , Liberally waged : And both Ships , and Men , to all needfull purposes , sufficiently appoynted : and so maynteyned continually , and that , very Royally , FOR EVER : for les , then Two Hundred Thowsand Pownds Charges , YERELY , sustayned . The yeerely Charges of the Pety-Nauy-Royall . Will be les than 200000. Pownds Yerely .

¶ Moreouer , In Respect of farder by-help , toward the Charges maintayning : Yt is not to be forgotten or neglected , that for a while , at the first ( and perchance , now and then , afterward ) this Nauy , is likely to mete with , and to Sease vpon , Diuers Pyrats and Rouers : Pyrats Goods . who , either at broader Seas ( you may ges , where ) or els , nerer hand , haue made Rauening hauock : And now , they , and their Goods , Threasor , Ships , and all , will fall into the hands , of Our Pety-Nauy-Royall , or some parte therof .

Mary , herein , my Instructor , wisheth some Iust and needfull Order to be prouided , and kept inuiolably . That such Ships , Goods , Threasor : &c , should not rashly , greedily , or disorderly be dealt withall . As though , we our selues , also , would be come Parteners with Theeues : where , now , we are BY GOD AND OVR GOOD QVEENE , constituted , as Discrete Iusticers & faithfull Reformers of manifold Wrongs , at Sea , susteyned : And therin , to execute our Charge , asmuch , and as conueniently , as we may :

Therfore , after that such a Pyrat , Ship , and goods , are vnder our safe Custody bestowed : Proclamation : is , so immediatly to be made , that within a Monthe after , ( or six weekes space , at the fardest , ) yt may be published in sundry chief and most frequented Portes , of this kingdom : lying , ( as may vpon sundry Circumstances be gathered ) most apt , and toward the places , either from whence those goods came : or toward which , they were to be caryed : with all such necessary Notice and Aduertisement published , by the Proclamation aforesayd , as may be auaylable to help the true Owners to their goods agayne . Vnic●ique , quod Suum est , tribuatur .

Those taken Pyrats , alwayes , can ( herein ) best Instruct , where , of whom , when , and how , they came by that Booty . The wares them selues , the Marchants Marks , Letters , Bills , Reconings in that Ship or Ships , with those Pyrats fownd , will also geue some light to such Marchants here , as are best acquainted , with men of those quarters and Cuntryes , from whence , such goods came : Or whither they were to be brought . And , so , after the first Proclamation made , euery six weekes after , the Like to be made , in place conuenient , as before : Till a whole Yere and a Day space , be fully expyred , after the Day of the sayd Pyrats taking .

And , yf , within that yere and a Day space , No Claym be made : That , then only , and not before , of All such goods , ( not yet Claymed ) , A prouiso . Sale be made , by Auction Publik . Prouided allways , that of wares , which wold , by such length of tyme , take great hurt , or Perish : ( in good order of Auction , ) Mony be made in due tyme . And then , owt of all manner of that Auction Mony , all Charges , vntill that tyme , sustayned , to be first Discharged : And so , the whole Some therof , remayning : And the Threasor also of Gold , Syluer , and ready Mony , ( Yf there be any , ) is to be distributed , after this manner , ( Yf , is here vsed , for that the whole doth belong to the Prince , by prerogatiue : and therfore it is here half Petitionally , and so , Conditionally reckened vpon : As , by the Queenes Royall bountyfullnes , which is alwayes to be hoped vpon , in Rebus Re●p B●ytanicae necessarys : And the rather herein , Seing none of her Maiesties Ordinary , standing , or certayn reuenue is hereby diminished : nor her highnes at any charges about the getting of these Pyrat● : and l●●ng her Graces Customes are the more encreased , when her Seas are free and safe from Pyrats . Yf it shall by the Higher Powers , be so liked of : )

Diuide the Some , and Value of all , into Ten equall Partes . Wherof 4. are to be allotted to the Threasory of the Exchecquer Royall of our Souerayn : 3. to the Threasory of the Pety-Nauy-Royall : 2. to be shared among the Capitaynes , Souldyers , and Mariners : That is to say , among all the Men of those Ships , which did present an actuall seruice , in the taking and Maistering of the foresayd Pyrat , or Pyrats : and one parte of those Ten , to be Due to the Lord Admirall of England , for the tyme being .

And as concerning the Shares , which are to be parted among the sayd Seruitors of the Pety-Nauy-Royall : This , is Iustice : That ( generally ) it be distributed , according to the proportions of their Monthes wages : one compared to the other . And ( particularly , ) Od * * In hoc , multae pereunt Respublicae : Cum qui Bonus & Strenuu● est ●●r , nihil plus quam Ig●●●●● fert l'ramij . Iacobus ●●manc . Lib 9. De Rep. Cap. 20. Rewarde , owt of the Nauies Threasor , is to be cheerfully and thankfully geuen , to whosoeuer ( at that tyme , ) did most valiant and manfull seruice . And so , for a Second , Third , and Fowrth . &c. Yf it so fall owt .

¶ And of all Goods , Threasor , Mony , and Iuells &c. By meanes of the foresayd Proclamations ( or otherwise . ) Duly challenged : After all former charges , for the preseruing therof hitherto , shall be accordingly payd , by the Lawfull Challendger : And vpon his paying also , only The Tenth of Pyrats Spoyles , truly restored , to be contributed for a curteous recompence . the Tenth of the cleare value , of the so challenged Goods ( the sayd charges Deducted ) Restitution , presently , is to be made to the sayd Challenger : And then , that Tenth , is to be distributed , in manner before express●d : by 4. 3. 2. 1. Yf the same be so liked of , By our Souerayn .

¶ To Conclude then : One other Chapter ( yet more ) hereunto , annexed , will make it most Certayn , that Threasor will not faill vs , for the Royall and Triumphant maintenance , of this our Pety-Nauy-Royall , And , that is : Yf yt wold please the Queene her most gracious goodnes , A Supplication to the Queene her most excellent Maiestie . to be so bountifull to the Commons , as to Geue , Graunt , and Assure FOR EVER , to the Threasory of the foresayd Pety-Nauy-Royall , all that her Right , Title , and Interest to the TENTH of all Forreyn Fishings , within the Royall Limits and Iurisdiction of her BRYTISH SEAS of England and Ireland : where , now , No man , in her highnes behalf , or to her vse , receiueth of any Forreyn Fisherman , any one Peny , in token of their dutifull acknowleging her Royallty , within her due Limits of the foresayd Seas .

There is a dubble Title , and a Third Reason , of this Lawfull demaund : The Titles , are these : Aswell for occupying those Our peculier Seas , and Sea-Coasts , ( to their great Gayn ) otherwise , then as a The vse of the Sea , is Common , but not the Iurisdiction of the Sea . And yet , the same , may be Praescribed : And the Proprietie therof fall to the Title Royall . Vide Cepolam Tractat , de Seru. Rust. Cap. 26. Fol. 95. columna . 2. This is Bartolus opinion , recorded by Cepola . Habentes Iurisdictionem in Territorio Coherente Mari , dicuntur habere Iurisdictionem etiam in Mari Vicino , vsque ad Centum milliaria : & possunt ita Capere & punire Delinquentes in Mari , vsque ad Centum milliaria , Sicut in Terra , in suo territorio . Quod Nota : quia habui de facto pro Venetis contra Ianuenses . Bart. Cepola . Tractatu Rust. Praediorum . Cap. 26. Habentes Iurisdictionem in Terra , habent etiam Iurisdictionem , in Mari & eius Insulis , valde remotis , DVMMODO alteri loco terrestri non sint magis propinqnae : Angelus , in Lege , Insulae Italiae , ff. de Iudicijs , &c. Vide Cepolam Cap. 26. vbi de Confinio in Mari statuendo , aeque vt in Terra . Which commeth nere to the AEquitie of this Philosophicall Iudgment , for the Determining of the Royall Brytish Sea Limits . Common Sea Passage : And also , for that they shall not be , nor ought to be exempt of all Tything , there , toward God his parte : where , with les cost , they receiue greater Benefit , then any Husbandman , of Tylth of the Earth . In Respect ( therfore ) of Gods Glory : the Royall Authority , in our own Coasts , will Induce them , By Right and Might , to Remember both God , and Queene , by whose fauours , they are so greatly benefited , within our forsayd Sea Limits .

Which Limits ( According to the Iudgement of myne Instructor , ) Are , in all places , to be accounted , directly to the Myddle Seas ouer , Betwene the Sea-Shores , of her own Kingdom ( and of all Pety Iles , to the sayd Kingdom appertayning ) and the Opposite Sea-Shoares , of all Forrein Princes : And in all Seas , lying immediatly betwene any two of her own Coasts or Sea-Shoares , the whole breadth of the Seas ouer ( in such places ) is , by all Reason and Iustice , appropriat to her peculiar Iurisdiction and SEA ROYALLTY .

The Proportion of the Equity of this Iudgement , dependeth somwhat vpon the Ciuill Law , concerning Partition or Propriety of Iles growing vp in fresh water Riuers . And it is not vnreasonable , to deme Seas betwene diuers next Kingdoms , to be in like and Analogicall Condicion , in respect of King and King : As fresh water Riuers , are , in Respect of Priuate Subiects , of one Kingdom , whose Grownds are lying on both sydes of the sayd Riuers : Though the Stream and waters therof ( after a sort ) be accownted Common .

Diuers priuate Groundes , haue , through them ( by Praescription so wonne , or otherwise purchased : ) Some , Iter : Some , Actum : Some , Viam : Yet , no man , that , may there lawfully pas , may also lawfully dig , to his gayn ( or otherwise ) In Itinere , Actu , or Via , of that sort , without furder and due licence obteyned . So , all high Wayes , are cownted Common and Publik , to pas in : But , for any Priuat Man , ( though he be a Subiect , ) in any parte therof , to dig for a Quarry of Stone , or myne for Owre , or Stonecoles &c. Yt is not lawfull : though he wold fill it vp again , as well as he found it first . So , here , the Brytish Seas , are Common , and free for all Ships of all Nations to pas in , and vpon : But , as concerning the Fish , vnder the water of those Seas : ( Which Fish , God & Nature , bringeth fauourably within the peculier Bownds & Iurisdiction of Our Royall Precinct : ) No Forrein Subiect , ought , customably , or otherwise ( presumptuously ) therin , to cast Net for the same : or , ( vsually or presumptuously ) to serch , or drag , to his priuate gayn , therin , without the especiall 1. good leaue , of the Maiesty of our Souerayn Queene ( the vndouted Lady and Mistres , of the Sea Coasts next adiacent ) first obteyned : or , generally to be 2. hoped for : * * ☞ Or , at the least , not expresly known to the 3. Contrary .

And herein , we deale , neither Iniuriously or dishonorably . For , we will , to all our Opposite Neighbors , also attribute , allow , graunt and yeld as good Right and Interest , for the other Moyty of the Seas , to their Shore and Coasts appropriat , as we do now challendge , for our peculyar half . So , that , this is most Iust , Conscionable , and Godly : Herein , To do , as we wold be done vnto . Which poynt , tendeth greatly to the Assurance of all good Amity , Iustice , and good Conscience . and peaceable Traffique contynuing , with our faithfull , or louing Neighbors .

And , Seeing Iustice , and God , is on our side , what Shame and discredit ys yt , or may it be , to vs , with all Christen Nations , ( that shall truly vnderstand the Case : ) yf we , like faynt harted and degenerated Meacocks , should , now , NOW . make dainty , shrink , or be afrayd , valyantly to season on , and prudently to enioy , this so manifest Right and possession of our Sea Limits : and that , euery way ? being , in dede ( where they are greatest ) in respect of other Princes late Attempts , and Succes , of enlarging and settling their new deuised Sea Limits : not so great a parte , as a drop of water , is , in respect of a pottle .

Can that Pety Marchantlyke king of Portingall , haue any reasonable Pretence : either , by Law of God , or Man , to inuade and posses : not , Quod nullius in Bonis erat , aut est : The Law : Quod Nullius in Bonis est , Occupanti conceditur . But , many other mens Ancient and lawfull Possessions , and Kingdoms : though they were , ( and some yet be ) Infidels ? And that , in a course much longer , from his own , little , rightfull , and originall Kingdom , than half the world is about , in the greatest Circle : yea , after the shortest Cut or Cours , which any way , they can be brought , to the bounds of their late forced Royallty ? And shall not we , haue the Courage and skill , rightfully to enioy the very Precinct of our own Naturall Ilandish walls , ☞ and Royallty of our Sea Limits , here , at home , and before our doores ?

Can the Portugale King ( by the Popes Authority ) cause the King of Spayn , to make his Nauies and Armados , to forbeare comming within any portion of the East half of the whole world ? ( as , to enioy , or be maister of any Sea , Mayn , or Iland therein : ) And also , will the King of Spayn , be contented , so , to condescend and allow vnto the Portugale , vpon condition , that the other half of all the world ( Westward ) mought be at the like his choys and Iurisdiction ? ( And though , in dede , betwene them two , and before God , this Couenaunt Negatiue , is firm , and inuiolably to be kept : Yet , neither of them , by any law , of God or Man , can farder season on , Note . as their New possessions , but , as we , and other , lawfully , may : That is , where they finde , Quod Nullius in Bonis est , ) Can they , honorably ( Quoth he ) thus presume , and with a Christien , Conscience , Deale , Diuide and Share the whole world , betwene them two only ( quo Iure , quáue Iniuria ) as much as they can : And will not they , ☞ or must not they , and all our opposite Neighbours , be so reasonable , yea and honorable with all , as to alow , like , and commend our wisdoms and Industry , to enioy the skyrts and Purlewes ( as it were ) of our Brytish , naturall , and appropriat Sea Limits ? And that , in the most decent , peaceable , and freendly manner , that Princely Counsaylors harts can deuise , and most discrete Capitaynes , vnder them , can execute ?

Well , ( Sayd he ) my Hope is , that vnder our good Souerayn Elizabeth ( ere long , if it be her pleasure ) the AEquity of this Case , will , A Godly and Politicall Marriage , And the blessed Ofsprings thereof . or may , be maryed , with the Security of the whole State of this Impire : And that they two , will bring furth COMMON 1. WEALTH , INVINCIBLE 2. STRENGTH , AND IMMORTALL TRIVMPHANT 3. FAME : Three most lawfull Brytish Childern , and long wished for , of the true , Brytish , and Christian Druides , they being also , Politicall Philosophers , and not Sophisticate .

Beleue Pericles his Saying , betymes : Thucid : Lib. 1. Pag. 93. Magnum est , enim , potiri Mari . Considerate enim , SI INSVLANI essemus , INEXPVGNABILES essemus . SI INSVLANI ESSEMVS , INEXPVGNABILES ESSEMVS . Note , here , ( I pray you , ) a fowrfolde wise purpose , vnder One golden Saying : to the Brytish Monarchy ( at this Instant ) most aptly , applyable : SI INSVLANI ESSEMVS .

Besides all this : Yt is most ernestly and carefully to be considered , that our Herring Fishings , against Yarmouth chiefly , haue not ( so Notably to our great Iniury and los , NOTE . and the great and Incredible gayn of the Low Cuntries ) bin traded , but from xxxvj . yeres agoe , hitherward . In which tyme , as they haue in wealth , and number of Boats , and Men , by little and little , increased : and are now become very rich , strong , proud , and violent : So , in the Race of the self same tyme running , the Coasts of Norfolk , and Suffolk , next to those Fishing places adiacent , are decayed in their Nauy : to the Number , of 140. Sayle , And they , from Threescore , to a hundred Tun , and vpward : besides Crayers , and other . Wherupon , ( Besides many other dammages , thereby , susteyned publikly : ) These Coasts , are not * * Though of Late in the Vlishing & Low Country Trublesome disorders , Some Few ( by Stealing ouer of vittayles , and other things , from this Common-Wealth ) haue made them selues priuatly rich , and so , Hable to set furth , to Island , and to other places , a Ship or two : who ( before , ) were far vnhable therto , by their own Wealth , and Lawfull trade of Dealing . hable to trade Iseland , as in tymes past , they haue done : to no little los , yerely , to the wealth-Publik of this Kingdom .

But , the Herring Busses , hither , yerely resorting , out of the Low Cuntries ( vnder King Phillip his dominion ) are , aboue . 500.

Besides , an Hundred , or such a thing , of Frenche-men .

The North Seas Fishing , ( within the English Limits , ) are yerely possessed of 300. or 400. Sayle of Flemyngs , so accownted .

The Western Fishings , of Hake , and Pylchard , are yerely possessed by a great Nauy of Frenchmen : who , yerely , do great Iniuries , to our poore Cuntrymen , her Maiesties faithfull Subiects .

Strangers also , enioy at their pleasure , the Herring Fishing of Alamby , Wyrkington , and White Hauen , vpon the Coast of Lancashire .

And in Wales , about Dyfi , and Aberysthwith , the plentifull Herring Fishing , is enioyed by .300 . Sayle of Strangers .

But ( In Ireland ) Baltemore , is possessed yeerly , ( from Iuly to Michelmas ) most commonly , with 300. Say●● of Spanyards : entring there , into the Fishing , at a Streict , not so broad , as half the breadth of the Thames , against White-Hall . Where , our late good King Edward ( the Sixth , ) his most honorable Priuy Counsaill , was of the mynde ( once ) to haue planted a strong Bulwark : for other waighty Respects , as well , as for his Maiesty to be Souerayn Lord of the Fishing of Myllwyn and Codd , there .

Blackrock , ys yerely fished by 300 , or , somtimes 400 , Sayle of Spanyards , and Frenchemen . But , to Recken all , I should be to tedious to you , and make my hart to Ake , for sorrow . &c.

Yet , Surely , I think it necessary , to leaue to our Posterity , some Remembrance of the places , where , our rich Fishings els , are , about Ireland : As at Kilsale , Cork , Carlingford , Saltesses , Dungarwen : Yowghall , Waterford , La foy , The Band , Calibeg . &c. And all , chiefly enioyed , as securely and freely , from vs , by Strangers , as yf they were within their own Kings peculiar Sea Limits : Nay , rather , as yf those Coasts , Seas , and Bayes , ( &c ) were of their priuate and seuerall purchases : To our vnspeakable los , discredit , and discomfort : And to no small danger ( farder ) in these perillous tymes , of most subtle Trecheries , and fickle fidelity . Dictum , Sapienti sat esto .

And , as for Ireland Fishings , some Towardnes of good Pollicy , and somwhat like reason of prouidence , was in the heds of the honorable Counsailors and Parlement Senators to King Edward the fowrth : When , in the fifth yere of his Raigne , this Act , ( among sundry other , ) was established : That no Ship , or other vessell , of any forreyn Cuntry , shall go to Fishing in the Irish Cuntryes : And , for Custome to be payd , of the vessell that commeth from forreyn Landes to Fishing . Farder to vrge , or more particularly to specify the Conclusions , and reasonable Sequeles , as well of the words of the Act , as the Intent of the Act making , is needles , in this place .

Now , then , who can dout , ( to begin withall ) but that it is a most reasonable and freendly Request , of all these forreyn Fishermen , to require , ( with all circumstances of Humanity , Courtesy , and Freendship , therin , and thereto vsed , ) The Tenth onely , Onely the TENTH , of Fish taken by Forreyn Fishermen , within the Brytish Sea Limits , is to be Leuied , Discreatly . of all their yeerly Fishings : by such means , as , most conueniently for them , and to our behoof , best , we may receiue the same : In Token , of their reasonable Acknowledging the ROYALTY of this Brytish Monarchy , in the self same Brytish Seas , and Coasts , to be , by God and Nature established : where , they receiue so great Commodity : and where , from hence forth , no Iniury by any Man of ours , shall be to them done , or offred : But , their thankfulnes to God , ( in respect of Tithe ) and their Freendly duty to the Royall Maiesty , and Imperiall Dignity of our Souerayn Lady Elizabeth , ( within her own Sea Limits ) is , thus , in rightfull , decent , and freendly manner , required .

¶ And here , also , the Third Reason of Demaunding the forsayd Tenth ( * * Supra Pag. 21. Linea . 1 ● before spoken of , ) is to be playnly specifyed : Which is this . Wheras , the Herring Busses , and other Forreyn Fishermen , haue , heretofore , vsed to be at great Charges , with hyring Wafters and certayn Ships ( of their own Cuntry ) appointed Warlike : for their Garde and Defence , in the tyme of their Fishings , within our Brytish Sea Limits : Now ( by the Politik order , and valiant Industrie of her Maiesties Pety-Nauy-Royall , executed ) No Pyrat , Rouer , or Pilfrer , nor any Warryour , in Ship of War : No , nor Executioner of any Letter of Mark , shal be permitted to vse , or haunt any of our Brytish Seas : and therefore , None of these sorts , shall brede vnto the Forreyn Fishermen , any Disturbance , Los , or hyndrance , in the tyme of their sayd Fishings : And , besides this , by the means of the sayd Pety-Nauy-Royall , ( contynually maynteyned at the forsayd Seas , ) all manner of their Merchantlike Ships , at all tymes , may freely and safely pas , and frequent , not only the Brytish Narrow Seas , but also Diuers other Seas : being within , or any thing nere the Walk and Circuits , of the same Pety-Nauy-Royall . Wherfore , In regard of their sayd great Charges * * 1. Sparing : And for such Securitie * * 2. enioying in the tyme of their Fishings , ( Which two points , are by our Pety-Nauy-Royall , supplyed , and to them procured ) : And in regard of the inestimable Los , and Dammage , assuredly preuenting , ( against all Pyrats , Warriers , and all other violence of Man , ) Which , els , might happen to their * * 3. Merchantlike , very rich Laden Ships , Hulks , or other , passing within , or nere the Circuits , which are ( ordinarily and extraordinarily ) of our Pety-Nauy-Royall , to be vsed and frequented : ( Whereby , also , among their own Nation , great Sommes of Mony , oftentymes , lost by * * 4. Assurance taking , may , now , be saued . ) In Regard ( I say ) of these fowr , their great Benefits , by this Pety-Nauy-Royall , receyued : And in regard of the * * Aduerte , quòd sunt tantum 4 Reges , qui ●nguntur : Hierosolymitanus , Francorum , Anglorum & Siculorum . Bart. Cassaneus , F●l . 1●7 . De Gloria , M. Ast. Francorum Rex Regis Angli● est Tributariu●● Anglia etiam Rex , Francia , Legitimo denominatur & insignitur Titul● . Fyfth inestimable Benefit , and Riches , yeerly receyued , of the Fish ● taken within our appropriat Sea Limits . And Sixthly , in respect of the Honor , Reuerence , Priuilege , and * Praeeminence , which ( By Law ) is Due vnto her Royall Maiesty , enioying the Lawfull Possession of the Brytish Sea Royalty ( Though , for a few yeres , last passed , yt hath byn by Pyrats , and other , somwhat abused : ) And * * Aduerte , quèd sunt tantum 4 Reges , qui Enguntur : Hierosolymitanus , Francorum , Anglorum & Siculorum . Bart● Cassaneus , F●l . 1●7 . De Gloria , M. Ast. Franeorum Re● Regis Anglia est re●butarius Anglea et●am Rex , Francia , Legitim● denominatur & insignitur Titul● . Seuenthly , In respect of Gods parte , and their Forrein Tythe , Duly and thankfully paying , of our peculiar Commodities , by them receiued : And that , the rather : Bycause her Maiestie doth geue the same , For the preseruation of So many , of sundry Nations , from the Rauyn of the Pyrat , and mayntenance of Godly Peace , and good Order , in her Royall Sea Circuits . And * * Aduerte , quèd sunt tantum 4 Reges , qui Enguntur : Hierosolymitanus , Francorum , Anglorum & Siculorum . Bart● Cassaneus , F●l . 1●7 . De Gloria , M. Ast. Franeorum Re● Regis Anglia est re●butarius Anglea et●am Rex , Francia , Legitim● denominatur & insignitur Titul● . Eighthly , in Token of their Freendly , Honest , and Iust meaning toward vs : And in token of their syncere and vnfayned making great Account of our sound Amitie , and good Peace with them to be continued : In respect , of all the Premisses , A Couenant very Iust , Freendly , and Commodious , for both Parts . The forsayd TENTH of Forrein Fishing ( as before ) demaunded , and agreed vpon , FOR EVER : may seme , both , on our behalf , and also , on the behalf of all the honest and well aduised Forreiners ( whom it doth , or shall concern , ) to be very reasonably , iustly , and freendly demaunded , decreed , and accorded vpon , FOR EVER : That is to say , so long tyme , as the sayd PETY-NAVY-ROYALL , shall enioy , the ROYALL SOVERAINTY of the BRYTISH SEAS : according to this first Plat , or , some better Institution , thereof .

Note . Yt is also to be known and Noted , for our Comfort herein , toward the Charges of the sayd Pety-Nauy-Royall : That the Tenth , yeerly , of all Forreyn Fishings , Good Cumfort of great Importance . within the Sea Limits , to her Maiesties Royalty appropriat , is aboue an Hundred Thousand pownds , de Claro .

Gwicciardine , in his Description of the Low Cuntry , geueth good Euidence of one portion therof . As , of our Herring Fishing alone : ( what say I , Ours ? Nay , the Flemish Herring Fishings , in our English or Brytish Sea-Coasts . ) For , he recordeth , that the Low Cuntries , make yeerly 490 Thousand pounds sterling , of those Herring , Salted and Barelled : Rebating the Charge of the Salt. By this , you may haue a gros gesse , of farder Reconing .

But , how soundeth this Latin Record , in a true & discrete Brytish Subiects eares : either , in respect of the los susteyned , in Reuenue : or , in Respect of some Disgrace , redounding to them , that can Redres the same : yf , it be amysse ? Est etiam eodem

Sub Principio Autūni .

Olaus Magnus Lib. 20. Cap. 28.

tempore , Copiosissima Halecis Piscatura , in Littoribus Angliae & Scotiae : quae , per Piscatores Flandriae instituitur : á quibus posteà , sortitur Nomen : vt , Romam ille Piscis delatus , Halec Flandrorum appel●●tur . The same Sea , is called MARE Albertus Krantzius lib 4. cap : 20 Danicae Hist. & lib. 1. cap 39 Norm . Hist. &c. BRYTANICVM : And the Sea-Coasts , be called of all Nations likewise LITTORA BRYTANIAE , Littora Angliae : And yet , the Herring , therin taken , are called HALEC FLANDRORVM : Nay , we our selues , call them , Flemysh Herring : Yea , we our selues , being beaten from our own Fishings , and Fishing places , are glad to buy our own Commodity , of Strangers : Against all Reason , Conscience , Law , and good Ciuill Policy .

Yt were a shame , to allege , that they are woorthy to enioy our Fishings , as Lords therof : bycause , they can skill to handle and order the Herring , better , than English-men . We must take hede of that Reason , betimes : For , so , they can do our Wooll , and vndressed Cloth : the more wicked or vnskilfull , are our workmen at home , the whiles : And the les of our wooll , and vndressed Cloth , wold haue bin put into their hands , to try such Maistries therewith : &c. But , to our present purpose returning .

Then , By Gods grace , we may ( comfortably ) thus Answere to this first Dowt , The Answer to the First Dowbt . In the name of the whole Body Politicall . Seeing , Our Reuenues , now , and wealth , are greater , then was our forefathers : And Seeing , we are sufficiently perswaded of the manifold Publik Benefits , such , as neuer hapned to our forefathers ( for all their Incredible foresayd great Charges ) And which , by all humayn coniecture , are like to ensue : not only to our selues , but also to our Wiues , Children , Kindred , Freends : And so , to this whole Brytish Kingdom , vniuersally : both now , and euer , after our dayes : We will ( say we ) be found , through Gods help , ☜ so well aduised , so discrete , so liberall herein , and bountifull , as , aboue all things , this hoped-for Publik Peace , and Generall Security , chiefly requireth , that we should be :

And the Hundred Thowsand pounds , all manner of wayes , to these vses , collected , will amount to be so many , as we throughly are perswaded : ( These last discourses , well considered : and two more , which we , of our selues , with great reason and probability , will annex hereunto ) That , contrary to the first dout , we confidently , now , may trust , that , not onely , for this Pety-Nauy-Royall , a sufficient masse of Threasor , will easily and spedily be contributed : But , great The Politik bestowing of Some of the Ouerplus , of the Pety Nauies Threasor . Ouerplus also , will thereof grow ( ere long . )

And then , it is intended , That 1. a Parte therof , shall be employed toward the Relief of such poore Men , as either by Sicknes , maym , or vnweldynes of age , are to be dismissed from the sayd Nauy : and other , to be taken in , in their roomes . 2. Part , toward the finding of the poore Widdowes , and Orphanes of such Men , as in good seruice , in the sayd Nauy , haue manfully spent their lyues : 3. Parte , toward a sufficient Stipend , for 4 Pety-Pylots-Publik , Fowre Pety-Pilots-Publik . in 4 sundry , and apt Ports of this Iland , to be resident , and ready to serue , Mathematically and Mechanically , with Quadrants , Rings , Chartes , Sea Compasses , Sandglasses , and such other furniture , as to the charge and Seruice of Pylotage , and Maistership in the foresayd Nauy , may be found needfull : each one appoynted to xx Ships : ( or a Quarter of the whole Pety-Nauy-Royall , how great so euer it do grow hereafter : ) To those Ships , I mean , that are to the Coasts , next him , assigned . And those 4 Pylots , First , to be chosen out of them , that haue , allready , become expert at Sea : And then , The Grand-Pilot-Generall , of England . by the Grand-Pylot-generall of England ( for the tyme , being ) to be informed farder , as appertayneth : And that , euery yere , once , by their appointed repayre , made vnto him , at place certayn . Other 4. parte , for Preparation of Store , of things necessary to the sayd Nauy : And eche thing , excellent good , and perfect in his kinde . An other 5. parte therof , to be bestowed toward necessary Hauens , Harboroughes , Ports , Blockhouses &c. mainteyning : or , in most needfull places , new making . And 6. Parte , in building euery yere , some excellent Ships of war , for the foresayd Pety-Nauy-Royall . Some , toward New 7. Forreyn Discoueries making : Foreyn Discoueries . for Gods glory , the Wealth-Publik and the Honorable Renown of this Ilandish Impire . Wherupon , also , dependeth the First of our two discourses , before spoken of . For , so may parte of the Threasory of the Pety-Nauy-Royall , be employed , toward New Discoueries making , that , of all such Discoueries , the half Charges may be Contributed out of the Threasory of the foresayd Pety-Nauy-Royall : And so , likewise , the half clere * Gayn therof comming , to be to the sayd Threasory due , and answered accordingly : by like , and like number of Officers , as are for the rest of the Society of such Discoueries .

Greater Publik Equitie , is in such a manner of New Societies making : and with better order , ☞ and more ayd , may greater things be attempted , than hitherto haue bin : with the Timerous myndes of a Few : and therefore , with their to to straight Allowances , at their first Onset giuing . Wherupo● ( oftentimes ) not only their first Charges haue bin lost : But also , the Attempts discreditted : as of things , either vnlucky , vnlikely , or vntr●e : where , none of all these points , hath bin the occasion of such yll Succes .

By this means , all Marchants , and other , that a●e Partners of Priuileged voyages , shall be , not only vnhindred , of their hoped-for Gayn : Note . but , rather , greatly furdred , to bring that to pas , by Publik Ayd , and to the Benefit Publik , and Priuate also : which , before , with much adoo , could scarse be maistered : to make them ( a few parteners of such Societies ) to become , Priuately , Welthy thereby .

Hereuppon also , the Queenes Maiesties Customes , both owtward and homeward , will greatly be encreased : And all the Commons , and Body of the Realm , will grow in greater loue , with the Marchants Dooings : and better like of the Princes establishing of such Priuileged Societies : When , the wary and carefull Diligence of the Merchant , and the gracious Priuilege of the Prince , shall ( PROPORTIONALLY ) be beneficiall to ONE , A FEW , and ALL. ( Which is the chief Mark , that One , a Few , and All , shold shote at . ) For , so , shall such Dooings , be asmuch auaylable to the Common-wealth , then , as , now they are to the Priuate Lucre of a Few : And that , with Publik Dammage . Seeing , the self same things , which they Bring in , or Deale with , now , be Deerer bought than they were , before any such New Trade or Society , therin Priuileged .

¶ And in like sorte , is to be sayd , in this our Second Discours , of all other ⁸ Homish Discoueries , Homish Discoueries . to be made within the Queenes Maiesties Dominions , of her Brytish Impire . For , most certayn yt is , that there is Naturally * * ☞ couered in the Earth , and vnknown , in these Dominions , so great Riches of Lead , Tyn , Copper , Syluer , Gold , and Diuers kyndes of other very commodious and proffitable Minerall Matters , as might incredibly encrease both the Threasor Royall , and also of all the Partners Publik and Priuate : who , should Proportionally , be at all Charges , about such Minerall Discoueries , to be throwghly and Maisterly executed .

And by the way : How think you ? Doth it not sting the Naturall born Subiects , that Strangers shall be grafted into their places : and their Publik and priuate Parte of Benefit , to be , thereby Cut of ? The Strangers Science , and Cunning , might be recompenced , and their Charges allowed : But , so vnnaturally to deale with the True and Naturall Body Politik , yt is not Necessary : I will say no farder . And , if Strangers , wold not so deale , other , wold : and will be found .

This thing , being once , by due Publik order and Authority , established : Note . How many an Owre , and Myne , ( very rich , ) wold be disclosed and pointed to : Where , they are : and Minerall Examples , of great Cumfort , shewed by diuers Priuate Men ? ( Ientlemen and other ) who , now , will neuer open their Mouthes , to disclose the same : Bycause , in their own Grounds , where their Propriety ( by Gods law , and the Law of Nature ) should be , to them , most beneficiall of all othe● Men : now , ( as the manner , yet , is ) their parte , wold be least , of all other .

But , when , with better Allowance to the Prince , Note . and the Proprietary Owner of the Soyle also , ( where any Gayn may rise by Myning ) and with some great Publik Commodity ( as to the Threasory of the Pety-Nauy-Royall , ) these Minerall and Mettall woorks , shall be followed , Then Then , Priuate Men , will not grudge , though 40 , or an hundred other Priuate Partners , haue great Gayn of their peculiar ground . And therupon ( Say we ) the Commodity , all manner of wayes , ☜ will arise greater , than euer it will do , otherwise , by such Societies , as they now are .

And vpon this Consideration , that , of their Perpetuall Beneuolence , for Sea Security , Some portion therof , shall be employed to such Publik vses , as both the whole Body of the Realm , may vndoutedly haue some sensible and certayn proof , The Industrious Encreasing of the PVBLIK THREASORY , is A Principall Cumfort to the Commons . that their Publik Threasory of the Pety-Nauy-Royall , doth , as proportionally encrease , as any , or a few Priuate Mens Coffers els , before , were , or ( by good order ) mought haue bin , by such Societies , well amended : vpon this Consideration ( Say we ) How gladly , and how readily , ☜ will euery Man be Contributer therunto , after the most easy Rate , and proportion prescribed ? And making this Reconing among them selues , ( ouer and besides all the former marueilous great Benefits Publik , rehearsed : ) Thus , will they , then , say : * * The Frank Speche of the wiser sort of the Communalty . Yea Mary : This , is Common-wealth like , in dede : When , our Common Threasory , is as carefully , and discreetly augmented , by the wisdom and Authority of the Higher Magistrates , and the witty and Circumspect trauailes of our Parteners , ( Marchants , and other , whosoeuer ) As , before , by such Priuileges , All , was intended and procured for the Benefit onely of a few . And chiefly , Seeing , before , the gaynfull wares and things , wherof they were Parteners , were , by their vnhabilities ( not insatiable Couetousnes ) that dealt with those Attempts : or by the manner , as they dealt with them , become very dere : and derer , than before such their Societies established . Reason perfect none can be yelded , why it should so be : But , this Single soule Allegation , is often repeated : The great Charges , which hitherto haue byn layd on their Shoulders , in that peculiar Trade of their Society . &c. And therfore , assone as they are in possession of any thing , to raise Mony on : they think it politikly done , to make presently their Reconing of their whole Charges hitherto susteyned : And so , by and by , to begyn to raise the pryces of their things , higher , than they found them , before their new Societies erected : to hasten , thereby , their discharge , ☞ or Recompence of Dammages ( say they ) as yet susteyned . And so , by that means , the poore Commons , buying the same wares derer , than before : become ( seely Soules ) Contributers to these few Mens priuate wealth amending : But , to the decaying and weakening of the wealth and hability of the Commons .

And therfore , by the prescript of humayn Reason , yt is a more perfect Politicall Ordonance , so , before hand to ease all such disordered Charges , that , both , Rich * * 1. The Intent of these two Discourses in the Commons behalf annexed . 1. Forreyn New Trades , and great Threasor , may substancially and throughly be brought in , and purchased to this Kingdom : publikly , as well , as priuatly : And also , that Gods great Bountifulnes , * * 2. 2. Couertly bestowed vpon this Incomparable Ilandish Monarchy , may , by Publik Ayde also , be so brought to light , handling , and vse , as the whole Commons , hereby , may in their Pety-Nauy-Threasor , become wealthyer : And pryces of such things as ( either one way , ☞ or the other ) are gotten : may be either kept low , or brought low : That , the greatest parte of this Kingdom , ( which are the poorer sort ) may , both , laude and bles God , for the wisdom , Charity , and Iustice , of their Gouernors ( Wherupon also , they will both better loue them : And for very loue , be more affrayd , to di●please them . ) And also , vniuersally , all the Realm ouer , the true and faithfull Blessing and prayer of all honest Subiects , may be concurrent with , and assistant to , all such honorable and Publik Attempts , either 1. Forreyn or 2. Homish : Consider before for the Byhelps to encrease the Threasor Publik , Ten Generall Extraordinary mean● : besides the first Ordinary Beneuolence : for the better succes therof obtaining , by Gods mercy : wherewith , these our two brief Discourses , in this place , shall be finished .

These Ten Generall , and Extraordinary means , of increasing the Threasory of the Pety-Nauy-Royall , in this place , may be thought sufficient , for the probable Dissoluing of the first Dowt .

Answer to the Second Dowt , or Obiection . And , as for the second Obiection , yt is more easy and certayn , to put that point , owt of all Dowt . I mean , as Concerning Scarsity , and Dearth , of Vittailes , suspected or Dowted , by the continuall vittailing of this Nauy . Mary , herein , some forecast must be vsed : as , sundry other , in other points , are . ( But not * * This brief Aduertisement doth expres but some of the principall poynts , most behoofull for the Common-Wealth at this tyme . here to be rehearsed . )

For , as the Men , to Furnish the forsayd Nauy with , are to be chosen , ( and that , with Diuers Considerations ) owt of all Shires , and Coasts of this Realm of England : So , likewise , the vittailes , are , so , to be prouided for , that the whole Realm , may yelde the same : euery parte , according to the fertility of the Soyle : And according to the Store to be reserued , for their Seruice , actuall or possible , ☜ otherwise . And that is very needfull : yf , against forreyn Enemy , we should nede a Mayn Army ( one , or mo , ) by land , any way , toward Coast or Border : or , for the Grand-Nauy-Royall vittailing , in tyme of nede .

And , seeing the Vittailes , shall be so indifferently , or proportionally prepared , all the Realm ouer ( as before , ) How can any one party , in this Publik , and Common-wealths Case , finde him self straightly , vnduly , or vniustly , dealt withall ?

And , as the Vittailes , and Men , should rise , Note this Poynt . ( after a sort ) ioyntly and proportionally , within the places correspondent : Store alwayes to be reserued : as I sayd : ( And such , about the Riuer of Thames chiefly , and within certayn myles therof , And in other Quarters : as , both for the City of London , continually : And the Grand-Nauy-Royall , The Twenty Ports for the Pety-Nauy-Royall . in tyme of nede , may be [ as it hath bin ] seruisable : ) So , should the Ships , receiue those Men and Vittayles in , at Twenty sundry Places , or Ports , in England .

Now , seeing then , this Vittayle , thus orderly and indifferently prepared , out of all Places , is to be bestowed on * * 1. Christen-men : yea , and them , our own * * 2. Cuntrymen : And not , on FORREYNER , SCOT , FRENCH , FLEMISH , DANE , or SPANIARD , &c. And some of them , either Sonnes , * * 3. or Brothers , or Fathers , or Cosens , or Kinsemen , or Singular Freends : Yea , some , Esquyers , some Knights , some Barons : And some of them , Landlords , to sundry of vs at home , here remayning : * * 4. Fourthly , Seeing , this Vittaile is to be bestowed on them , who do , and will aduenture their lyues , in all Casualties and dangers of the Sea : And against all violence of Pyrate , or any open warryor : And that , not , for any their own Priuate Quarrell : But for the Publik Safety , and Security , of all England and Ireland . Not , for thyne , and myne , alone : But , for the Safegard and prosperous Estate , of Millions of Men , Women , and Children , within this Monarchy , on Land : ( and by this means , ) at their ease , quyet , and pleasure , remayning . Considering then , well and ernestly , all those 4 generall Respects : What true and Sound member , is there , of this Common wealth : and faithfull desirer of the blessed Peaceable Security , of England and Ireland , vnder our Souerayn Empres , our most Gracious Elizabeth : who , will not ( in a manner ) be willing , the Charges to be borne ( parte and parte like ) the whole Realm throughout ? wherewith , to bestow meate and drink , on them , continually : that refuse no one day , or a moment ( yf occasion be offred ) to aduenture their hart blud , lyfe , and Lymmes , for vs : And on Seaboord , continually , to endure hard dyet and lodging : for Commodities innumerable , of both these whole Kingdoms ?

☞ But , it is not so meant : as , to haue any farder Contribution of purs , then is before spoken of . But , what is he , ( Yea , what is he , I say agayn ? ) is he , a sound member of the Common-wealth : a faithfull Subiect to our good Queene Elizabeth : or , a Charitable Christian , that either wold ( in this Common-wealths seruice , or at any tyme els ) * * Solomon Prouerb . 11. Qui abscondit Frumenta , maledicetur in populis : Benedictio autem super Caput Vendentium . hide Corn , or other vittayle , from Publik Ayde , and Reliefe● : Or els , wold not be content , to receiue the due value , and reasonable Pryce therof , very gladly ? But , most miserably , wretchedly , couetuously , yea vnchristianly , ( I will not say , Trayterously ) wold desire ( now chiefly ) to enhance the price of Corn , and Vittayles , to the great pinching of the poore at home : And perchance , for a Trayterous means , to hinder the vittayling of the foresayd Pety-Nauy-Royall : or , to make it odious , or doutfully thought of , to some : as though , it were a iust occasion , of prices of Corn and vittayles starting vp : ☞ more now , then before ? O , vayn , blynde , Couetous Miser ( who so euer he be , that is so mynded . ) Thou , and thy like , and that of late dayes , when no Army , or Nauy , hath bin to be vittayled , hast , on the sudden , and in the tyme of great Store , all the Realm ouer , ( euen then ) God knoweth , vpon what wicked Intent , or misconstruing , or light Credit geuing to Coniecture , found in some new Three halfpeny Prognostication : hast , most vnreasonably enhaunsed the Prices of Corn , Butter and Chese : And at other tymes , of Beofs , and Muttons , &c.

I Pray thee , be Reasonable : and think truly : and make Reckening with me , Christianlike ; and like a good Member of this Common-Wealth : And , as a true Subiect , to our Souerayn .

What , may be the The true Cause of Dearth . true cause , of Dearth ( whensoeuer it pleaseth God , to vse that his skourge ? ) Any other thing , but Want of Corne , or Vittayles ? That Want , yf God send yt , is eyther by the Ordinary Causes Naturall , taking effect , according to the Predestined Plat of this whole wordls aeconomie , and contynuance : Or , it is , by Extraordinary Means , of Gods sending : And that , Diuersly , and in diuers tymes , and States of the Corne , or Cattayle &c. These , be true Dearths , vpon great wants of Corn , or Cattayle to be had : Or , at the least , to be had so good , as is behoofull for Mans bodily Sustenance ? All other Dearths , that come not of Want , by Diuine means : are either by 1. Fraudulent Want : As , through Corne , and Vittayles stolne , and Priuily conueyed to our Enemyes , or Fickle freends : for Priuate gayn only : to the hinderance of the Wealth-publik : Or , by falsly .2 Pretended Want : As the Vnchristianlike Practise , of such Caterpillers , and Rauening Wolues : ( Deuouring Come and Cattell ) wold make the Commons beleue . And , when , Abundance and Sufficiency is , to make and Wrast a Dearth : by selling Three Quarters of Wheat , of the very value ( then ) of fowr : And Three Oxen , of the very value of fowr : and so , of Shepe &c. What a Deuouting , and Rauening , is this ? Of eue●y ●owr , to Devoure and consume one : and the same , neuer more to be hard of , in this Common-Wealth ? And this , only , for his most Priuate Gaynes sake , to be Bagged , or Chested vp , for his Idoll , to behold or Delight in , As in his strength , and furniture : ready to mainteyn hym , in other wicked purposes : And ( as God knoweth ) foolish Intents● Pere●ance , with some of that p●●● ( so miserably and diuelishly scraped together ; or violently , in manner , wrasted out of the poore Commons hands , and mouthes ) to be at Charges , to enclose some parte of the Commons , Commons Enclosing . from a poore Village , or Township . With some , to buy his neighbours House , or Farme , ouer his hed : and so , to make him freends , of the Mammon of Iniquity . Nay , Nay , make himself , the Carefull ●reend , and doting louer , of wicked Mammon : The Diuell Infernall , and not of God , nor his Members : Nor the members of the Common-wealth : Yea , many at Thousand of such , as , eche one of them , is more profitable and Comfortable to the Weal-Publik of England , than a Thousand such Mammons dearlings are . I mean the Maryner , the Soldyer ; the Ientleman , Esquyer , and Knight , yea and Baron : now , Tost and Turmoyled at Seas : being the Publik Watchmen , Garde , and Champions , for the most Blessed State of Tranquillity publik , in this Sacred Monarchy , preseruing .

And no les , is the Error and disorder vsed in this Kingdom , of Dard●narie Trade , and Monopolie : two greuous hindrances , to the Weale-Publik . Iacobus Siman●as ; Episcopus Pacensis , sayd very well , in his book De Republica : A ● . 1570. Against our English To To , many Dardana●ies . dedicated to the King of Spayn : Ne oneret●● Annona , & ad●ò r●rum Vaenalium Prae●ià , iniqua sint : animaduertere oportet in DARDANARIOS , qui om●ia praeemunt , vt ea postea Carius vendant . Hi quidem perniciosiss●●m Rebu-publicis esse s●l●nt ● . Vtpo●e genus auarum , & iniusti Lucri Cupid s●i●ian . And agayn . You may also in Vlpian ( Lib. 47. ff. Tit. 11 ) Finde Consideration against Dardinaries .

Multis quoque l●gibus Regijs Occu●sum est Dardanarijs . Sed illa , omniumest op●i●● , & R●bus-publicis v●●lissima , quae vetat , Ne quisquam vnquam frumen●●m ema● , vt vendat . Ea enim esse●tum est , vt res frumentaria , iustis prae●ijs vendatur , & vilitas Annonae Consecuta●it . Quamobrem , plurimùm Re●publicae interest , vt ea Lex Conseruetur : & qui secus fecerit , acerrimè coerceatur .

And as for MONOPOLIE : this , had the same Simancas Noted , out of Z●no his Constitutions .

Iubemus , ne quis cuiuscunque Vestis , vel Piscis , vel cuiuslibet alterius ad victum , Lib. 4. C : Tit. 59. vel al quemcunque vsum pertinentis Speciei , Monopolium audeat exercere : Neue quis , illicitis habitis Conuentionibus , Coni●rare , aut pacisci , vt Species diuers●ram Corporam negociationis , non minoris quàm inter se statuerint , vaenundentur . AEdis●ciorum quoque artifices , aliorumque di●ersorum Operum profess●res , penitus arceantur , pacta inter se Componere , vt ne quis , quod alte● Commissum sit , Opus , impleat : ant iniunctam alteri solicitudinem , alter intercipiut . Si quis autem MONOPOLIVM ausus fuerit exercere , bonis proprijs expoliatus , perpetuitate damnetur Exilij .

Agayn , what Reason hath any Man to go about , by raysing pryce of vittayles , ) to brede opinion in some simple heds , that this Nauy , is occasion therof : And so , to cause misliking of that , by one mean : which by his former Publik Contribution , he pretendeth to be glad and desirous , that it should continually be well mainteyned ? What dubble and hypocriticall dealing were that ? Prouerbium . Altera mann fert Lapidem Panem ostentat altera . With one hand , to offer Bread : and in the other , to hold a Stone , ready to geue a blow therwith , to the Receiuer of that bread ? All such sorts , of Fraudulently or Violently caused Dearths , as , they are very much against the Common-wealth , and Common Comfort , ( to be receiued of Gods mercifull Plenty , or Sufficiency of Corn and Vittayles sent vs : ) So , will they now , ( as the poore Commons are in good hope ) either , for very Conscience sake : Or , for good zeales sake , to the due and Reasonable maintenance , of the foresayd Pety-Nauy-Royall , be vtterly abhorred , eschewed , and very well left .

1. And here , also , the poore Commons wold ( yf they Durst ) make Supplication , The Supplication of the Commons . All , kneeling on Knees , Man , Woman , and Childe : and ioyntly , with one most humble Voyce , Request the Higher Powers , That No more Vittayles ( Corn , or other , ) might , vnder Licence , ( or cullor therof , ) be Transported to Forreyners : or otherwise , ( in this Realme ) by Priuilege to be vsed : Than , as may be best , to the Publik-behoof of all them at home , and for the sufficient and more easy Mayntenance , of those Valiant & worthy Publik Watchmen , lying owt at Seas .

2. ¶ And , furdermore , that in tyme of Excellent Plenty , and good cheap : the Ouerplus of Corn , and other vittayles , may be brought to the next Publik Garners and Stoarhowses , The 20 Publik Garnars , and Stoarhowses . being at , or nere vnto , the foresayd Twenty Ports , to the Pety-Nauy-Royall , assigned . And there , with Publik Mony of the Pety Nauy his Threasor , to be payd for , presently :

3. And from those 20 Garners , or Stoarhouses , only , to be , to places conuenient This Transportation is not Contrary to the first Petition : Vide Infra Pag: 41. Transportable : vnder the Generall * * The Queenes Maiesties Generall Licence , For Transporting of Vittailes by Humble Sute , to be obteyned . Licence , from her Maiesty , before , graunted vnto the Body of the Pety Counsaill , of chief Officers , to the Pety-Nauy-Royall appointed .

4. ¶ And wold , also , make humble Request , that the Incredible Abuses of Purueyers , and Takers of vittayles , and other things , might be more narrowly sene to , and duly reformed .

5. And Fifthly , the selfsame Brytish and English Commons , Man , Woman , and Childe , with wringing hands , most pitifully lamenting a Remediles Inconuenience , and haynous Absurdity , already , and to long , committed : wold , most humbly and dutifully , make Petition , that Presently , such vnparciall prouidence may be vsed : * * Facta , Infecta fieri non possunt . Proinde , ( Serò Saltem ) Sapiant Phryges : Ast , non ninus Serò . That , from hencefoorth , The Priuate Commodity of a few , shall not cause the Braynes of many a thousand , of true and faithfull English Subiects , to fly in the Ayre . Braynes ( say they ) Armes , Leggs , Lymmes , and lyues of the Commons , to be ( as the Case may fall out , which , God forbid , ) solde after a sort : Though , not directly , and willingly : yet Indirectly & vnwillingly ( in respect of our Cuntry-mens Intents therin : ) Seeing the Chiefest Instruments , wherewith to work so wofull a Spoyle and Calamity , are dayly ( almost ) from this Kingdom conueyed : ( No , no , it goeth not so nycely to woork : For , open Markets and Sales , are made of them , in great plenty , ) to such Copemens hands , as , No one of them , doth hartily , and will constantly , or can perpetually , wish our prosperous estate . Nay , such , as , for many yeres , ( almost continually ) some of them , haue gone about , to ouerthrow , and confound , this blessed Brytish Monarchy : And some of them , such a Nation , whose Records , Chronicles , and Histories , both Ancient , and of late dayes , published , do term English-men , Their Ancient Enemies● And , in dede , in hart , do ernestly desire , and constantly But , what should we heap vp VAE SVPRA VAE , in this Case : To declare also , the Hainous Abusing of this Common-Wealth , by carying OVR GVN-POWDER out of this Realm , in maruailous great Abundance ? Wherof , ( and of good SALT-PETER , likewise ) all the stoare we could haue prouided , from beyond the Seas , would haue bin little enough , for most nedefull Martiall Seruice , hereafter to be done therwith . Hope , one day , to handle them so : What thousand crouching Salutations so euer , ( with Monsieur , and , A Vostre Commandement , Monsieur : ) and the like appertenances , of glorious glosing , and depe dissimulation , their great Necessity ( at any tyme ) teacheth them to deuise , and counterfet . A true Lesson , this Olde Prouerb , will be found , in Such : That , which is bred in the Bone , will neuer out of the flesh .

Good God , who knoweth not , what Prouiso is made and kept , in other Common-Weal●s , Against Armour carrying out of their Limits ? * * Though our Frendes may Reasonably be thought worthy to be Holpen With Armour , against our Common Enemy : Yet vnder pretence of such Freendly Dealing , The Common Enemy is not to be Furnished herewith , as Plentifully , as , eyther his Case requireth , or his Purse is hable to reach vnto . Wherof the Right Honorable Priuy Counsaile haue very Wisely geuen warning to the Contrary . And the lyke Consideration , is to be had , for Vittayles Transporting . Such , and to such Places , chiefly , from which , ( possibly ) they may , thereby , receiue great dammage . And shall we , with the most terrible , forcible , and hurtfull kynde of Weapon , and Engyn , furnish both the Infidels , and the Barbarous Princes forreyn , ( though , far from vs , yet to the destruction of Christians , notwithstanding . ) And also , nere at hand , such kynde of people , as , ( which way so euer , the matters in controuersy , fall out , finally ) will be found , an Incredible great Scourge , to this Kingdom , by vnsuspected means : as the wofull Commons , make their pitifull Reconing , already : or greatly do dout : how rude , so euer , some of these people , of them selues , be : And how simple and slender so euer , their presently sene , and known Nauy , is to be regarded .

Therfore , if the Brytish Communalty , may obteyn so much Grace at our Souerayn , and her most Honorable Priuy Counsailes hands : As , to enioy the Benefit of Sea-Security , by means of the foresayd Pety-Nauy-Royall : Then , such Cast-Peces of Iren Ordinances , we shall greatly nede , for our own Ships furniture : And also , other Iren works , diuers wayes . Fewell also , and Ship Tymber ( from tyme to tyme ) we shall haue occasion to vse , more , then els , wold be occupyed . And then , the want of so many Hundred Peces ( of Iren we mean , and not , of Bras to ) as haue bin , of late , from hens transported , will make very euident , the Dubble Dammage , and Treble Danger , possibly , ensuing therof , when , our Enemies , being with our store furnished , we must be constrayned to prouide the like , new : and so , be driuen to tarry a great tyme . And also , to take the fortune of all faults , In Iren Peces , happening . Whereas , otherwise , at leysure , the Principall good Peeces ( in all Respects ) heretofore , continually culled out : And , in * Rupe Tarpeia , of our New Troy , reserued , mought ( without any detriment to the Prince or Commons ) haue now serued our turns very well : And so , the Poore Commons should not haue , One , and the same Awle , twise thrust in their right Eyes . As , to see , and fele agayn , the Incredible Spoyle of Woods , and Forests , as hath bin made , to furder Iren works withall : And yet , ( Notwithstanding , ) Iren to be now , derer , than it was , when , from beyond the Seas , we were chiefly serued therof : And our Iren also ( yet ) worse , then the forreyn Iren . And our Woods , and Forests , already , so destroyed thereby , that Fewell , and Tymber , of all sorts , ( of necessity ) in many places of this Realm , is become , on the sudden , extremely dere : and therupon , * * The Prices of Vittayles , enhanced , by indirect means . Pryces of vittayles , somwhat the higher raysed .

Oh , the Lamentable Spoyle of our woods , sundry wayes : both , contrary to Lawes made , and also , for lack of sufficient Prouiso , and due execution , as wisely and iustly performed , as either Olde Lawes made , or new , deuised , was , and may be , a sufficient Token of wisdom Speculatiue , in Lawmakers heds : Omnis La●s Virtutis , in Actione Consistit● Arist. But the great Rechelesnes , in the Practise ( which onely , should be the great Profit to the Common-Wealth , expected ) doth make vs seme great Hypocrites : in good Lawes making : and keping the Bookes , wherein , the Lawes are recorded : but not obseruing the Lawes , in our Actions Ciuile .

A Nedefull Prouiso , against Vnhable , Vndecent , or Superfluous Buylders . Peraduenture , yf ( among sundry other Ordonances , for preseruation of Wood and Tymber , to be made ) some Prouiso were established , by Act of Parlement , that No man should Buyld , or cause to be Buylt , but with these Three poynts , concurring : First , according to his Habilitie , and not aboue : Secondly , according to his State , or Vocation , and not aboue : Thirdly , according as his Necessary Affaires , and allowable Commodities , The Commodities , of this Prouiso . shall require , and not Superfluously : Therupon , fewer Banckrupts , and more House-keepers , would be found : Les Ambition , and more Charitie , wold be vsed : And , Thirdly , better Cheap of more Store and Choyce of Ship-Tymber , and other , wold be reserued .

The Penalties of the former Transgressors , might be , after this , or , a better manner , Decreed . The Penalties of these three manner of Disorderly Buylders . Of the First , the House and Houses , so built , to be sold , by Auction : And the Tenth parte of the Whole Value , to be contributed , to the Threasory of the Pety-Nauy-Royall . And the other Nyne partes , to be payd to the Creditors : to euery Man , proportionally : so fa● , as the same Auction-Mony will reach : And , yf there be any Ouerplus remayning , the same , to be restored to the sayd Offender . Of the Second , the House and Houses , to be duely valued : And the Fifth Parte , of the Whole Value , to be immediatly Payable : the one half therof , to the Queenes Maiestie her Exchecquer : and the other half therof , to the Threasory of the Pety-Nauy-Royall . Of the Third , the valuation of the Superfluous Houses , or other Buildings , ( beeing duly estimated and rated : ) the Twentith parte therof , to be forfetted to her Highnes Threasory , onely .

Out of which Three manner of Forfets , and Amercements , the Fifth parte of the Forfet , is to be awarded due to him , or them , who truly do geue Aduertisement of the sayd Disorder : and sufficiently doth prou● the same , so to be , as his Aduertisement specifieth .

Now then , how can it stand with the Termes of good Policy , All these great Incommodities Publik , depending vpon our greatly disordred Iren Mynes : And yet , notwithstanding , such Warlike prouision , as , ☜ so Derely to the Commons , is wrought and made therof : For a fewe Mens priuat commodity ( we know not whom ) to be caryed away , far and nere : to our great disfurnishing : And to the furniture and Strengthning of Moore or Moschouite : or other Forreyn Prince : French or Fleming : our Secret Mortall Foes , or vnassured Freends ? In effect : The Sorrowfull Commons , most hartily wishing the Pety-Nauy-Royall , to be duly mainteyned : And most assured , that thereto , will be requisite , not onely , Stoare of such Iren Cast Peces , * * ☜ But also , of Tymber , Fewell , and other Iren worke : ( The * * The Occasion & due Reason ; of this Petition . pryces of all which , being by the foresayd disorders , vnreasonably enhaunsed ) do greatly dout , that either the foresayd things , will , ( by farther disorder , ) become deerer , then they now are : Or els , the Extremity of the pryces , being , then , made more sensible : the simple Multitude , or some other wrangling head , ☜ will Impute all , to this new deuised Policy , of the Pety-Nauy-Royall mainteyning . And therfore , in this place of Consideration of Pryces and Dearth , they wold haue had such a Petition ( as before ) most humbly moued , to the higher States . But no one man dare , ( I know no iust cause why ) vtter , in * * The Vnfayn●●● Zeale of the Publik Commoditie ; Will Animate the Faythfull Subiect to ma●e humble Petition for Red●e● of great Enormities , as yet . Dutifull order , the Tenor of the Premisses , to the higher powers . Though , ( disorderly ) many Thousands do murmur at the matter , in marueilous manner : when , dayly , they finde so many Camps ( as it were ) of Iren Peeces , ready layd to the Forreyn Market : and for Forreyn Nauyes , or Forts furnishing . Deliuering ( thereby ) a Rod , of our own making , into the hands of them , who could finde in their harts , to skourge vs with wyer whips , as God best knoweth : And to bring vs , into farder Inconueniences , then , either Dearth of Tymber , Fewell , Iren , or Vittayles , are to be esteemed . But , vnto God his most Mercifull and Mighty hands , we commit our principall Protection , now and euer .

And Suerly , yf there be any Brytish , or English * * Yf Perele● Pericles be dead , pore Pletho ( as a Passager in the Ship of the Common-welth ) By leaue , doth vtter his Faithfull Care , to the Helm-man , Infra , Pag. 69. Pericles , now lyuing , who conueniently may , and will , both Zealously take to hart , and also Circumspectly , and depely looke into these , and like Matters : ( Nothing fawning vpon Forreyners , Nor to much listening or leaning to their Aduises , or Deuises , best for them selues , and their Purposes : and not for vs , and Ours : Nor fearing Forreyn , or Homish hurt , therefore : Meaning none , him self ) He wolde not make Strange , though the weaker and Imperfecter sorte of People ( Which are so nooselled and embroyed vp to the elbowes , Yea , to their hart rootes , with the Insatiable loue , of To to Priuate Lucre , that , therefore , they care , To to little , for the Publik and Common-Weale , ) He would not ( I say ) be Agast , though such wolde Diuilishly Maligne hym , and Subtily seke his Discredit , and Confusion : as ( in deede ) the Atheniensiens , and other , did , to good Pericles , and other , his like . Yet , for all that , such A Pericles , wold goe forward , so long , as he might preuayle : obseruing the wise Precepts , of Perfect Politik Gouernment . And to such , as fownd them selues greued , by any their Priuate Payne , Hur● , Los , or Chardge , susteyned , by meanes of his Direction or Cownsaill , for Dutifull , and Nedefull Seruice , to be done , to and for the Common-Wealth , ei●he● Militando , ☞ or , Contribuend● , or otherwise , he wold say thus : ( For , so , sayd the True Pericles : ) Thucid. Lib: 2. Non est mihi inexpectata Indignatio Vestra : Intellexi enim me 〈◊〉 e●●que ob caus●● , Vos conuocaui : vt vos admoneam , & reprehendam●●●● vet mi●● Succenseti , vel Rebus Aduersis succumbisis . Eg● enim Iudico , Flo●in●● Patria , ●●ebus esse Priuatis : quám Florentibus● Pri●atis , 〈…〉 Repub: Nam , 〈◊〉 Priuatus tenet Opes , tamen Euersa Patria , simul haec omnia pere●●t●● Bed●in Florente Patria , etiam Pauper Ciuis , saluus esse potest . Quando igitur , Ciuitas , Priuatorum Ciuium Difficultates sustinere Potest : Nemo autem Priuatus vnus , Rempub. Laborantem Sustentare potest : Iustum est , V●●●ersos E I , opem ferro : Et non ( quod vos nunc facitis ) Perterritos Priuatis Iacturis , deserere REMPVBLICAM .

And in the same Oration .

Omnibus autem Imperantibus accidit , vt In praesentia , in odio sint . Praeclare autem facit , qui Inuidiam propter Res Honestas & magnas perfert . Odia autem , non sunt perpetua : Sed praesentem Splendorem , sequi●ur aeterna Gloria .

And agayn : Vos existimatis , tantùm Socijs , vos Imperare . Ego autem affirmo , cùm duae partes Bellantibus vsui sint , TERRA , & MARE : Vos , p●orsus Maris Dominos esse : Of What Impo●tance it is , To be Lords of the Seas . & eius partis Cui nunc Imperatis , & Reliqui Maris : SIHAC CLASSE , quam habetis , PROCEDERE VOLVERITIS . Nec vllus Regum , nec vlla Gens , impedire vos in Mari potest .

In the ATHENIENSIEN STATE , then , yf that were True , Much more , may the BRYTISH IMPIRE Verifie that worde , absolutely , NOW .

O ALBION , O BRYTAN , O ENGLAND , and ( I say ) O BRYTAN , agayn : What is to be hoped , of the Races of those thy true Noble Courages : fraught with wisdom and valiantnes : whose worthy Fame ( most certainly ) is registred all the world ouer ? God forbid , that it should truely be sayd : that Onely now , in our days , None can , None may , None dare : or None will , Carefully , and Faithfully vndertake to do so due seruice to God , so Beneficiall to this Impire , so victorious an exploit for his own Immortall Renown establishing , as , to Merite some parte of a Praeface to the Memoriall of his Triumphant Stile , such , as the Romane Pompeius Magnus , did iustly deserue , in the Romane Impire . Which , with these wordes , by Plin. Lib. 7. Cap. 26. Plinie is diligently recorded : and for euer ( thereby ) and Gratefully remembred : CVM ORAM MARITIMAM PRAEDONIBVS LIBERASSET : ET IMPERIVM MARIS , POPVLO ROMANO RESTITVISSET : Ex Asia , Ponto , Armenia , Paphlagonia , Cappadocia , Cilicia , Syria , Scythis , Iudaeis , Albanis , Iberia , Insula Creta , Basternis : Et super haec , de Regibus Mithridate Atque Tigrane , TRIVMPHAVIT .

Oh , Note . What was the Actuall Praeface , and politik preparatiu● to all these Triumphes ? Was it any other , than , IMPERIVM MARIS , POPVLO ROMANO RESTITVTVM ?

God graunt vs ( therfore ) the verity and fru●e , of this Sea Souerainty , euery way : And that , with all Oportunity .

To Conclude then , ( In this poynt Answering : ) And to end my Conference , with that kinde of People , which either delight in Dearth of Gods sending : or vse ( nay abuse ) Dearth Fraudulently procured by other : Or , will them selues Violently force in , And Counterfet a Dearth : Note the Reasons , wherfore the Vittayling of the Pety-Nauy-Royall can Cause no Dearth of Vittailes . And all , for Priuate Lucre onely : ( which is a poyson to the Body-Politik of this Kingdom ) To those , I confidently affirme : And , Euident and sure it is , that the Mayntenance of the Pety-Nauy-Royall , can cause no one Grayn , or any one pound of Beof , Butter , or Chese : Or any quantity of any other vittayle , to be wanting in this Kingdom : No more , than yf no such Nauy , were to be vittayled .

And the Reason is : No more Men , are now fed at Sea , thereby , than ( yf no such Nauy were ) should and wold be fedd at Land . And the little diuersity , and Changing of the place , of the eating of it ( As from Land , to Sea ) ys not the Cause of any great want . And therfore , ( by Reason , afore declared , ) no Iust cause of any Dearth , thereby growing .

Secondly , the Vittayles are so Proportionally , and discretely from all Quarters and Partes of this Kingdom prouided : and so orderly serued in , as no one Corner therof , is , thereby molested , or left destitute of Corn or vittayle : otherwise , than by their own Iudgements , may very well , in that place ( to so good vse ) be forborne .

Thirdly , True and speedy Publik Payment also , will help to pleasure many Farmars , and other : and be a means , of better cheape buying , commonly . But , olde Custome , yll vsed , of Debentur Bylls , their ouerlong delayed discharge , shall ( here ) vtterly be abolished .

Fourthly , the Pl●●ty● of 〈…〉 ( by Princely * * As , by Licence graunted to the Pety-Counsayle , of the Pety-Nauy-Royall . Priviledge ) duly prouided , and discretely saued , and ordered , in our Twen●y Publik Store-houses and Garners , of the Pety-Nauy-Royall , may in tyme of True Dearth 〈◊〉 not onely be a ●aruellous da●e to this Realm , for the 〈◊〉 Charge of maintayning so many Thousand English or Brytish Subjects as appertayn to the Pety-Nauy-Royall : But also ( by very good reason ) may be deemed , 〈◊〉 and politikly made read● : to be seruisable , for the relief , of many an Hundred of the poore Common● at home : And that , for pryces , tolerable . I mean , the sayd Store-houses , to be peculiarly seruisable euery one of them , to such places 〈◊〉 , as do ●ye most commodiously , or next vnto them , to rece●ue the 〈◊〉 . From some of which places , before ( Ordinarily , and in the tyme of Plenty ) parte of the Publik Prouision , was gathered into the sayd Garn●● , or Store-houses . Which manner of pleasuring the Commons , is very Charitable Iustice .

Fifthly , by the Continuall Sea-Circuits , of this P●●y-Nauy-Royall , ( duly vsed ) we shall , 1. Either , at Sea , be a Terror or Bar , to such , as els ( abhominably ) wold conuey out of this Kingdom , the Publik Relie● of diners sortes of Vittayles . So that , they will not ( hensforward ) lightly attempt that their wicked desire : And thereby , the Commons may the longer tyme ( within the Realm ) enioy the frute of Publik Plenty , lately be●ore florishing : 2. Or , if any ( notwithstanding the vigilant Garde and Circumsp●ction of our Pety-Nauy-Royall , in euery Coast of this Realm ) will ●e so diuelishly aduenturous , as most detestably to disfurnish this Land of the Vittayles : euen then , most nedefull ( and alwayes by God Nature , and Humayn Industry , appropriat , to this Kingdom ) Vndoutedly , we shall very easily intercept , and at Sea , season vpon the conueyed Corn , Butter , Chese , Bacon , Barells or Hog●●eds of Beof in Powlder , &c. of such wilfull Offenders : being , ( by Mans Law , and all good Conscience , ) forfetted and lost , from the late lewd Owners thereof . And then , the sayd Prouision , so ●orfayted , may at the pleasure and order of the Queene her most excellent Maiesty , and her honorable Priuy Counsaill , be distributed by reasonable sale , into that parte , or partes of this Realm , which is known ( at that instant ) to be most destitute . And where , also , the Publik Garners , and appropriated Store-houses of the Pety-Nauy-Royall , can not conueniently ( or , of all the Twenty , the least conueniently ) any longer , supply the want , of their peculyarly assigned Territories .

Moreouer , this forfetted Prouision , by some of the smaller Barkes , of the Pety-Nauy , may very speedily , and with small extraordinary Charges , be carryed , & landed , either in the very place , where ( then ) the Dearth pincheth the Commons , most : or , in any o●her place : from whence , very commodiously , by farder Landish or Inlandish Carriage of it , ( from the Sea side , Or , from any Hauen or Creke , ) it may be brought : ( yea , if nede be ) , into the very Hart , and Myddle of this Alli●n .

And here , it is to be Considered , also : that the Mony , arising of the foresayd Charitable Sale , of the forfet , will , the one half thereof , become due to the Threasory of our Soueraign : And the other half , to the The Threasory of the Common-Wealth . Cofers of the Pety-Nauy-Royall : which is ( in effect ) the Threasory of the Commons , and Common-wealth . And thus , the Priuate disorder of some one , or a few naughty persons , is so prudently corrected , that , ( besides the deserued Penalty , layd vpon the Offenders Backs : and the Publik Terror , thereby procured to the like mynded Misers , ) both the Vittailes them selues , do relieue and pleasure many Hundreds of honest and faithfull Subiects : And the Mony therof , also , is no les profitable to the encreasing of the Threasories , aswell of our most Gracious Queene , as also , of the Pety-Nauy-Royall .

And , Seeing that the accustomed Goodnes , ( yea the most mercifull and Bountifull aeternall prouidence ) of our heauenly Father , is such , appropriated vnto this Ile of Albion , that , by the * * The Fertility of this ALBION . Fertility of the Soyle , and due Industry of Man , employed thereto , it is very plentifully and holesomly hable ( one yere , with an other , and most commonly ) to Vittayle * * Note this Hypothesis . Two tymes so many more , as the Naturall Subiects of this Land are , in multitude , of Men , Women and Children , ( So that , the same , might , by very good Order , be reserued within this Kingdom . ) Who is there then , of any sound reason , or experience , that can dout , that the * * An Argument In●oluble . Necessary Vittayling of the Pety-Nauy-Royall , ( The Men therof , being but a little Parcell , of the whole Body-Politik , of this Kingdom , ) can cause any vndue Want , or Dearth of vittayles ?

Seeing , also , by this Hypothesis , Note . it followeth , that within euery Three yeres , space ( Ordinarily , ) Stoare may be Layd vp , for Six yeres : or , at the least , for Fowr : to maintayn the whole Realm : yea , though , for two yeres together , neither Wheat , not Barly did grow at all , in the same : or , at the most , did yeld ( clere ) but fower graynes , for one , sowed .

And , where I speake , of Corn and Grayn reseruing : I mean , no longer , Store to be made thereof , then ( holesomly ) the same may * *

The Norimberg Secret , ( or other ) of Corne Reseruing well , many yeres , is to be made a great account of .

Vide Theop. ●anosium . in Epist. prafixa Libell● P. Rami de Religione Chris●iana .

serue . Wherein , also , is many a foule fault committed , in this Kingdom : either by the diuelish Greedy guts , ouer long keping back their Corn from the Common Market : or by other , to negligently vsing it , ( in shorter tyme ) reserued .

But , when , Extraordinary plentifull yeres do come , then , may the Publik Threasory , fele the great Extraordinary Benefit therof : ( as , before is told , how : ) And , also , the Ordinary Store , yerely be layd vp , Notwithstanding .

And , here , you may Note : Note . that , very seldom , any Dearth , onely of God his sending , doth continue aboue two , or * * Except that Vniuersall Dearth , in Ioseph his tyme , most Extraordinarily , continuing Seuen Yeres together : as God had foreshewed , that it should : G● . 41. three yeres , togither , continually .

Therefore , I Conclude , that we of this Kingdom , might ( vpon wise Order taken , and inuiolably obserued , ) so enioy continuall Plenty : Or ( at the least , ) Sufficiency of all manner of most nedefull Vittayles : ( And of Corn and grayn chiefly , ) that , the price of Wheat , should not , in any Common Market , arise * aboue a Mark the Quarter : Rye , x.s. and Barly , viij . s . the Quarter . And , So , Proportionally , of Peason , and Beans . And Butter , * * Note this , I pray you . For , it is One of the Chief and best means , to bring the Pryces of all things ( eyther Naturall , or , Artificiall , ) to that Temperament , which is mo●● Commodious , both , for the Buyer , and Seller : And For the Landlord , and Farmer , all the Realm ouer . Not aboue ij . d . the pound : and Chese , not aboue a peny the pound , &c. And here , I vse this phrase , Not aboue : For , rather , the Prices will be les . And thereupon , you may easily Conclude , that all Laboring Men , Handicraft Men , and other , may affoord their Labors , yea , and wares , better cheape . And so , a marueilous number of other Commodities , will therof ensue : wherof , any man of experience , or good iudgement , will sone perceiue the Dependency , or Consequency .

Vnto which peculiar great Blessing of God , our enioying , No certayner , readyer , and easier means , can be deuised , Than , by the Continuall Circuits of our PETY-NAVY-ROYALL : Thereby , ( besides many other Commodities , ensuing ) either keping in , and terrifying the wretched harts of them , who , vnduly wold , ( els , ) proloyn Corn , and Vittailes , out of this Realm : Or catching them by the back , assone as they begin to Cros the Seas , to any forreyn Nation . Of which point , this may suffice to aduertise them , that are faithfully willing , to follow constantly the Redres , and Reformation of the manifolde disorders , herein , continually committed , against the Weale-Publik of this Brytish Monarchy .

An An●●●r to 〈…〉 Wa●t , 〈…〉 , is m●de . And , where the Quantity of Vittayles , before hand , together , at once prouided , Maketh a Shew , of great Waste , either made , or in Danger to be made : ( yf Diligent Regarde therof , be not had : ) Weake ●rayn hath that Man , that wold think Waste to be made , for Laying vp together , in a Fortnights space , so much , as shall not be spent , in Fowrtene Wekes . But , yf there should so much be spent in a Fortnight , as wold duly serue the Nauy Fowrtene Wekes : Then were there Waste , indede : And so , some Want , fondly procured , more , than els is nedefull . Or , yf , vnder Pretence of Beof Powldring , for the Pety-Nauy-Royall , some Fals Iudas wold steale or proloyn A Hogshed , Two , or Six , to send ouer Seas , to Forreyner : And that , for Priuate Lucre : or for a Farder , and Worser Intent , &c. But , that , and such like sowle Disorders , will be left now , ( We Hope : ) or , most Narrowly be sene to : As well in Beof , as Butter , Chese , and Bacon , &c.

And , as for Seeing to , or Sauing of the Vittayles , that they be not lost : Ye nede not Dowt . For , yt standeth them more vpon , than so . And , As for Excessiue Feeding at Sea : Who knoweth not , their Dyet to be but Reasonable , and Sufficient ? With Hunger rather finishing their Meales , than with Vnweldy Carcasses : Ouercharged with Meat and D●ink , As among vs , at home , many a Thowsand is ?

I Omyt also , to speak of the great Ayde of Fresh Vittayles , which the Nauy may haue , sundry Wayes , at Seas : by Diuers kynde of good Fish , ( our Men being sufficiently skilfull , now , at length , to preuent or Cure the Skyrby . ) As Pylchard , Whyting , Haddock , Playce , Sole , Cunger , Herring , Burt , Thornback , Salmon , Bream , Gurnard , Mullet , Mackerell , &c. All , being ( most commonly , ) Better , then we haue them at Land , brought to vs . Which * good Fish , will also , be a Means , of their spending les Flesh , at Sea : And therefore , to Nede the les , from Land .

So that , Yf all things be Duly , and Deeply Wayed : besydes a great number of other the Principall Benefits , Redownding to this Kingdom ( by the foresayd Pety-Nauy-Royall : ) it is rather thought , that the streict Dyet , ( in dede , a moderat , prescribed , and vniform Dyet ) of our Publik freends at Sea , in the foresayd Nauy employed , will be a means of very much Vittayles , and Flesh sauing : and to help toward plenty finding , on Land . For ( As English-mens noted Vice , or Disorder is : ) Of the self same Men , some , wold at their Landish home , or in Alehouses , and Tauernes , eat and drink , more , then Mans nature , behoofully needeth : Or els , some wold be more fine , delicate , and costly in their Dyet , then wisdom and discretion wold Prescribe them &c. So that , No dout , can here remayn , that Dearth can haue Roote , or iust occasion , to rise , or grow in this Kingdom , of this Temperate Dyet , allowed to them at Sea : who , els , ought to haue asmuch , or wold haue costlyer , and more , yf they had continued on Land .

And , while the Consideration of one great Ayd , and Means , A little Digression , against some Mis-Vse of the Fis●ings of the Noble Riuers of Thames , and other , within this Realm . for Flesh to become better Cheap , is in our hands : I think it very needfull , to geue you to vnderstand , that by the wicked Wilfulnes only , and euident fraude , of diuers Subiects of this Realm , There is , yerely , destroyed , more than Fiue Hundred Cart-loads of good fresh Fish , within this our Ile of ALBION . And though , then , not Meat-able , for Man , when they are so destroyed : yet , within short tyme after , they wold be . And likewise , though , not then , likely to amount , in the whole Quantity , yerely , to so many loads : Yet , at the tyme of their being Market-able ( of the Myddle * * This Phrase , of Myddle-Sort Markat-able , is to be vnderstood , neither of them which hard and scant are to be iudged Markat-able : Nor of the ouer growen Fish , and in the Superlatiue Growth ( as a Man might term them , ) But only of them , which , most commodiously are Seruisable : in respect of Profit Publik . sort ) they wold euidently appere , so , to be rated : or rather , far aboue . And neither , any more Charges , nor yet any greater trauaile of Man , is to be employed , for the same sorts of Fish hauing and enioying : both , when they wold be ( as is sayd ) Markat-able : And also , when the foresayd great haboundance of Vittayles , by them , might be enioyed : Than is , when , so abhominably , they are destroyed , and vtterly spoyled .

And , that this brief , and very needfull Aduertisement , may be found the more manifestly true , and duly geuen : You may vnderstand , That , in the Riuer of Thames only ( as my Instructor , by Worshipfull Ientlemen , and other Men of experience , heretofore hath tryed out ) most commonly , euery yere , by the Fishermen belonging to some one small Town ( or within a little Circuit about it , ) there is destroyed , aboue a Thousand Busshels , of the yong Fry , of diuers kindes of good Fish : which , in due tyme of their growth , and by lawfull order , being taken , wold haue byn ●able , to satisfie Two Hundred Thousand Men , one day : Or , Twenty Thousand Men , ten dayes : or , Two Thousand Men , an Hundred dayes , or , Fowr Thousand Men Fifty , dayes . &c.

Which Account , dependeth vpon the Rating of euery kynde of Myddle Markat-able Fish , Note these Hypo●heses . to be ( one with an other ) of Ten tymes so much meat , as , when , they are destroyed in such Small Fry , as we mean of : And also , that a Bushell of such Markat-able Fish , is hable to satisfie 20 English-men , One day , for their sufficient Repaste and Sustenance : ( the Bread and drinke , requisite thereto , being excepted . ) What is , then , ( I pray you ) to be rekened , of the Publik Dammage , of 500. Cart loads , of Fish , ( yerely ) thus destroyed ? How may it ( reasonably ) any longer , remayn vnreformed ? Which 500 , Cartload , ( according to the former Rate of Myddle Markat-able Fish , ) do amount and ryse , of only 2400 Bushels of Fry , yerely destroyed .

But , yf you suppose to be only 30 Trink-Boats : and that euery one of the sayd 30 Trink-Boat Nets , euery day , only for 300 , dayes , in euery whole yere , destroy , but one Bushell of very small Fry : The Somme therof , doth amount to Nyne Thousand Bushels of Fry , so destroyed , yerely . Which Fry , when it should be Myddle Markat-able , wold be , ( one with an other ) of Ten tymes more Meat and Fish , than , when , it is so destroyed . Therefore , the Crafts-men of the Trink-Boats , on the Thames , may , very probably , be accused , conuicted , iudged , and condemned , as the most abhominable yerely Destructioners of Nynety Thousand Bushels of Markat-able Fish.

And , if you abridge me , in the number of the dayes of their Labor , yerely : I will , then , charge eche of their Nets , with destroying dayly , more , than a Bushell of Fry : one day , with an other , euery day of their Labor . And I know ( notwithstanding , ) how much , I kepe me , within my Bounds , yet : How Horrible and Intollerable , so euer , this Fact , doth sound in your eares : who haue not listened to this matter , before now : nor know the Verity therof , yet .

Of this Nynety Thousand Bushels of Fish , if you will account but euery 48 Bushels , ( which make six Quarters , ) to be a Cart loade : the Somme will be 1875 Cart loads , of fresh Fish : which is destroyed , yerely , by the Trink-Nets , only : And that , in the Noble Riuer of Thames , only . Whereby , it is most euident , that my first Assertion , of 500 Cart Loads of fresh Fish , destroyed , in the whole Realm of England , is most vndoutedly true .

So is it , now , also , Probable : that , in all England , by the manifold disorder , vsed about Fry and Spawn , destroying , there is yerely Spoyled , or Hyndred , ☞ the Broode of Two Thousand Cart Loads , of fresh Fish , of myddle Markat-able skantlyn .

The Publik Los yerely caused by the Trink-Boats , Kiddels , &c. is vncredible to them that know not the T●uthe : Or , will ●ot Search , and Examine to the quick , what V●olent , or , rather Frau●ulent Disorder , is therin Practised . The Value , of the foresayd Nynety Thousand Bushels , of fresh Fish , ( one with an other , being rated at fiue Shillings a Bushell ) is Two and Twenty Thousand , and Fiue Hundred Pounds , of Current Mony of England .

Which quantity of Fish , also , ( according to our former Hypotheses ) wold mainteyn , for one day , a Thousand Thousand , and Eight Hundred Thousand Men. Or , Nyne Hundred Thousand Men , two dayes : Or , Three Hundred Thousand Men , six dayes : Or , a Hundred Thousand Men , 18 dayes : Or , Fifty Thousand Men , 36 dayes : Or , 25 Thousand Men , 72 dayes . &c.

And , yf , in the Riuer of Thames , Trinker-men only , do not ( in your Opinion , or , in the estimation and knowlege of them , who are somwhat expert in these Cases , ) seme duly charged , with this Incredible Spoyle , and Dammage Publik : I will allow , vnto you and them , into this Reckening ( to make vp , the full and heaped vp measure , of this abhominable Iniquity ) all the Destruction of Fry , and yong Fish , which the 18 , or , 19 Tymber-Nets , do yerely make : who are fayn , euery two howrs of the Flud or Tyde , to discharge their Nets , for feare of breaking . I will geue you in● also , the Spoyle , which is yerely made with the Engynes , called Kyddels . And they , are in the Thames , aboue an Hundred and Forty . And now , you can not dout , but I haue good reason , to warrant you , that the Destruction and Spoyle of Fry and yong Fish , made yerely , and that * * For , by many other meanes , the Fry and Spawne of Fish is destroyed : as Partely by the Statute made Anno 4 Henrici Sep●i . Cap. 15 , may appere : and Partly , by our dayly Experience , may be pe●ceyued . only , by the Three former vnlawfull Engynes , ( occupyed in the Thames ) doth amount , yerely , to the foresayd Publik los , of 90000 Bushels of Myddle Markat-able good Fish : in the Totall Somme : I mean , when , the same should come to be , of Myddle Markat-able growth . Though , at the tyme of their Spoyling them , they are , in Measure , but Nyne Thousand Bushels .

And , bycause , the 30 , or 31 Trinker-Men , not 1. only , are the chiefest Cause , of the foresayd exceeding great Destruction of FRY , and yong Fish , ( to the Intollerable Dammage Publik , ) but 2. also , lye in the Riuer of Thames , to the great Annoyance , and Cumber ( many tymes ) of the Ships , and Boats , passing betwene London , and Grauesend ( and farder : ) And otherwhile , to the losse , both of Goods and Liues , of many of her Maiesties Louing , and Faythfull Subiects : What discrete Subiect , or true Member of the Brytish , or English Monarchie , is there , who , in his hart , Doth not abhorre this Haynous Enormity ? and will not , with his Voyce , Hartily , Cry owt , and Say : Fy on them , Fy on them : Away with them , Away with them : Who , so abhominably , conuert Mans Meat , to the Feeding of * * Much lyke Disorders , haue heretofore byn vsed , about O●sord Hauen , in the County of Suffolk . Read the Statute made Ann● 4 Henri●● 7. Cap. 21. 1. Swyne : And Otherwhile , 2. Bury some of their vnlawfull Spoyle of Fry , and young Fish , in the Shores of the Thames , and Otherwhere .

God , of his infinite Goodnes , sendeth vs ( Yerely ) Euident Tokens , of the great Habundance , of this kynde of good Vittailes , prepared purposely for this parte , of this Brytish Albion : But , these Trynker-Men , Cast Incredible Much of such a Threasor , before their Swyne , to Battle them withall : And are , ( by that meanes , ) great Hynderers , bot● to the Wealth , and Reliefe Publik : and also , to the Glory of God : Who , wold be Duly Glorifyed , and Praysed of many a Thowsand of the Rich , and Poore , who , should be Serued , Pleasured , and Relieued , with the great Habundance , of the Dyuers sorts of good and wholesome Fish , Swarming in this Incomparable Riuer of Thames ( from the one end therof , to the other , ) in very mayn Skulls : Yf these Publik Enemies of God and , Man , did not ( more than Barbarously , and les than Christianlike , ) vtterly spoyle , and wickedly tred vnder their feet , such a Blessing and liberall Gift of our GOD , and most louing heauenly father , profered vnto vs , and in manner , put into our hands .

Very much , more abhominable , and more vnreasonable , is the wickednes of these Trinker-men , than was the Disorder , heretofore ( and till of late ) committed in Ireland : where , the Inhabitants of diuers Cities and Towns , adioyning nere to Riuers , that do Eb and Flow ( in which Riuers , the Fry of Salmon , Ele , and other Commodious Fish are bred and nourished ) did kepe great heards and numbers of Swyne : which , at low water , they do , or ( till of late ) did lead , of suffer , to fede vpon the Strands , of the sayd Riuers : where they do , or did , destroy great Quantity of Salmon , and Ele Fry : and of diuers other good Fishes : to the great hurt , and hindrance of Fishing : and the exceeding great dammage , of the Common-Wealth . As , by the Act , made against the same , at Dublyn , Anno vndecimo , of our most Gracious Souerayn Lady , Queene Elizabeth , more at large , may appere .

And , at this present , I am the bolder , to expres my Instructor his feruency , against the Trinker-Men , their haynous endammaging of the Publik-wealth of this Kingdom : Seeing , for ( abowt ) an Hundred and Fifty yeres ago , the whole Body of this Realm , by their Parlement Senators , left vnto vs , worthy Record of their vigilant Eye ( to finde out such Offences ) and their Politik Prouiso : by very good Iustice , either to Cut of the Cause , of so greuous hindrance to the Common-wealth : or , discreetly to punish the fact ( so often , as it should be Committed ) with a Hundred Shillings , to be Forfetted , to the King.

In the Second yere , of King Henry the Sixth , these are the wordes of the Statute , to our purpose , prudently established : CAP. XV.

The Statute , against Trinker-Men : for Euer enduring . ITem , it is Ordeined , that the Standing of Nets , and Engins , called Trinks , and all other manner of Nets , which be , and were wont to be fastened , and hanged continually , day and night , by a certayn tyme , in the yere , to great Posts , Boats , and Anchors , ouerthwart the Riuer of Thames , and other Riuers of the Realm , ( which Standing , is a Cause and an Occasion of as great , [ and more ] destruction of the Broode , and Fry of Fish , and Disturbance of the Common Passage of vessels , as be the Weares , Kyddels , or any other Engins , ) be wholy defended , for EVER . And that , euery Person , that so setteth , or fastneth them , from henceforth , to such Posts , Boats , and Anchors , or like thing , continually to Stand , ( as afore is sayd , ) and be duly therof , by the Cours of the Law , conuict : he shall forfait to the King . C.S. at euery tyme , that he is so proued , in Default . Prouided alwayes , that it shall be lawfull to the Possessors of the sayd Trinks , ( if they be of * * Which ( comonly ) are so vnlawfull , that of a Bushell of Wheat , thrown into the Stream nere before the Net : Three Pecks of the same ( or , the half ) may be stayed in the Hose , or Cod therof : as Honest Men , full many , will Auouche . Assise , ) to Fish with them , in all seasonable tymes : Drawing and conueying them , by Hand : as , other Fishers , do other Netts : and not fastning , or tacking the sayd Netts , to the Posts , Boats , and Anchors : continually to Stand , as afore is sayd . Sauing alwayes , to euery of the Kings liege People , their Right ,

Title , and Enheritance , in their Fishings , in the sayd Water .

But , what shall any Zealous Louer of Iustice , and good Publik Policy , say , or think , herein ? Seeing , so long ago , so Iust , sufficient , and easy a Remedy , was prouided , against these Trink-Boats : 1. aswell , for the manifold Cumber , Danger , and Dammage , happening by them , to such , as should , and did pas ( Vp or Down , ) vpon the Thames , by Day : and chiefly in the Dark Nights , and Foggy Weather : As also , against the exceeding great Publik-Dammage , to the Naturall and Ordinary Encrease , of very good Fish , ( of diuers sorts ) wilfully , and very vngodly , procured by the sayd Trinker-men , hath byn , no better regarded ?

And , seeing , 2. Sutes in the Law , haue byn , in our dayes , commenced , and followed ( by vertue of the sayd Act ) against the sayd Trinker-men : And they , therupon Condemned : And yet ( that notwithstanding , ) their vnlawfull Practises , still are continued ?

And Thirdly , Seeing , ( before our Eyes , ) the Dammage to the Common-wealth , and the incredible hinderance to that plenty of Vittailes finding and enioying , which God hath prepared for vs , is , by these Trinker-men procured , more now , than euer before , most vnlawfully , and fraudulently : etiam , cum Calumnia quadam , to the Pitifull Clemency , and the very great Lenity , vsed toward them ?

Therfore , Seeing , ( I saye , ) that Neither the foresayd very good Law , can feare them : Nor , the Amercements , ( as they are vsed , ) do sufficiently pinch th●m : Nor , the manifold iust Complaynts ( besides Costly Sutes , made and had ) against these Trinker-Men , are ( yet , ) of sufficient effect , to the poore Commons , to be vsed herein , according to the Lawes of this Realm : But that , they remayn remedyles , ( yet , ) and are euidently Spoyled ( yerely ) of an incredible great Publik Benefit , by these Trinkerly disordred , and vnlawfull Fishings ( as before is declared : ) How can I , hope , that , vpon this very brief , and simple Aduertisement , of my Instructor , These Trink-Nets shall vtterly , and speedily , be cut of , ☜ without any longer sinister means to be vsed , by any Subiects , to beard , check-mate , or , to deface so commendable and needfull a Statute , as that is , which before is expressed , against the Standing of any Trink-Nets ? But , yet , for all that , such is my Confidence in the goodnes of her most excellent Maiesty : and so , assured I am , her Maiesties hart , to be fraught with pitifull Compassion , on the Lamentable , and due Complaynts , made , of the great and excessiue hynderance , and dammage to her Commons and Subiects wealth and relief : And , likewise , so well , are we acquainted with the most commendable Iustice , executed by her Maiesties most Honorable Priuy Counsaile , when duly and throughly they vnderstand the Causes : That , ( with calling these things , to my Remembrance ) not only , now , my Hope is reuiued : but , also , I dare half warrant the Commons , That Trink-Net-Men , henceforward , shall be vnpartially constrayned , to vse their Trade of Fishing only , according to the Law : and , Not , as they ( most vnlawfully and very vngodly , ) to long a tyme haue done , and very abhominably at this present , they do : Yerely destroying far more Fish , than they send , good , seasonable , lawfull , and allowable , to the Markets . For , the more parte of those , which they send , are Vnseasonable or Vnlawfull Smelts , or Whiting-Mops : Wherin , the Hebber-Boats , only , might sufficiently well , ( or , with much les Publik-dammage ) serue : as the wise and expert , are well assured of it .

Of the diuers , yea the manifold Though all other Abuses be here Vntouched , yet , that vnlawfull Engyn , at Myll Tayles , From Stanes Westward , ( called a B V C K , Wherewith , in some one Night a Bushell of Salmon Fry , is destroyed : ) wold Spedely , and Seuerely , be Abolished . other abuses , of Fishing : or hyndrances to the same , in this noble Riuer of Thames , only : to disclose , rehears , and expres the matter , and manner , particularly , fully , and vnpartially , it doth require a peculiar , and great Treatise .

But , to Conclude this necessary Digression , withall : I may , aptly enough ( and omitting many other , ) Note only two manners of Hyndrances : Which , ( easily , and most quickly ) may be redressed : The one , is , of long tyme vsed , and ( I know not , why , ) permitted : and yet ( notwithstanding ) is a great Hindrance and cause of Destruction , to the Western store of diuers kyndes of good Fishes . I mean , aboue London Bridge● , vpward ( which is Westward . ) And that is , the Fishing with any manner of Net , in the places , which either for a Season , or in the other , which are continually exempted from being Fished in , ( commonly called Seueralls , and Rough places . ) In which places , what vnlawfull , or vndue Subtlery is vsed , to auoyd the Roughs , and Stakes , for feare of hurting , or renting of their Nets , ( and yet , to beat , and punch the Beds , or Skulls of Fish : and by [ in manner ] thundring s●owncing , thumping , and pashing , or , with Chayn drawing vnder the water , &c : to driue the Fish , to their Nets ) may easily be vnderstood , and dayly sene , or nightly hard , and perceiued . But , with all men , of sufficient Iudgement ( in many Respects , ) it may be condemned , as a great hyndrance to the Broode and Store preseruing : and a violent breaking , of the first Intent of the Politik Ciuill Senators : who , made the Ordonances , for such Places Seueralling , or vtterly Exempting , and reseruing vnransakt , and vndisturbed . And though Peter-Men , will make great shew of good Argument , to the Contrary : yet , it is best , to make sure woork : in Circumspectly establishing the Priuilege , and exemption of those peculiarly assigned , and well known places , of Store and Broode : from any manner of Net casting in the same , or any artificiall disturbance , purposely , therin to be vsed , for any Fish taking .

The Second Hyndrance , is the Stinching , Soyling , ( or , rather Beslouening , ) of the Thames : Both Shores , and Channels : Where , the yerely Recours , and far more Plentifull Haunt , than now is , of the Western * * The Seasonable Repayr , of the Western Smelt , is a matter of great Importance : Both , for the very who●esome , and Plentifull Vittayling of Multitudes of all States : And also , for the good help , of many a poore Fisherman , toward his Maintenance , ( for that Season : ) Both for Meat , and Mony , for him , and his Family . Smelt , ( which is the Seasonable , and best Smelt ) was wont to be . Which kynde of Fish , greatly abhorreth such Fylthy grownd . And this new , and to bold Attempt , hath , but of very late yeres , excessiuely , bin enterprised : Not only , ( as I sayd , ) to the great Hyndrance of the best , and most Seasonable Smelt , his annuall Delight , as in times past ( and till , of very late ) to Return , and abyde in great Plenty , for the space of the whole Season , in the Ancient Place of the chief Western Smelt Fishing : But , also , to the causing of many lothsome Sights , horrible Sauours , and infectuous euaporations , of such Dunghill stuf : to no little grief of Sent , and no les danger to the health of very many , of Court , Cuntry , and City : which , either do frequent , or ( now and then ) pas vpon the same Riuer of Thames , betwene the City of London , and Richemond : where ( most vsually ) our Soueraygn , euery yere , doth make some abode .

Betwene which two places , as our Soueraigns , ( Kings and Queenes ) haue very often , and ( almost ) yerely , heretofore , passed by water : So , durst no man , in those dayes , so carelesly , and vnlawfully annoy , and bestinche the Thames : either , Banks or Shores , ( in that Tract of the Riuer , chiefly : being , also , the fayrest and pleasantest passage , of the whole Riuer : ) both , in respect of not offending , either the Eye , or Smell , of the Maiesty Royall : and also , for feare of breaking * *

The Statute .

THat No Person , or Persons , after the first day of August , next comming , do cast , or vnlade , out of any manner of Ship , Crayer , or any other vessell , ( being within any Hauen , Rode , Channell or Riuer , flowing or running to any Port-Town , or to any Citie , Borough , or Town , with in this Realm , or any other the Kings Dominions , any manner of Balast , Rubbish , Grauell , or any other wrack , or Filth , but only vpon the Land , aboue the Full Sea Mark : Vpon Payn , that euery Person and Persons , offending this Act , to lose and forfait , for euery tyme so offending , * Fiue Pounds : the one half to the King our Soueraign Lord , and the other half therof , to such Person and Persons , as will sue for the same , by Byll , Playnt , Originall writ or Information , in any the Kings Courts of Record , in which Action , or Sute , no wager of Law shal be admitted , nor any Essoyne or Protection allowed . Anno 34. Henrici . 8. Cap. 9.

* The Statute against Annoyance , and Infection by Dung. &c.

ITem for that so much Dung and Filth of the yssues and Intralls aswell of Beasts killed as of other Corruptions , be cast and put in Dyches , Riuers , and other waters , and also within many other places , within , about , and nigh vnto diuers Cities , Boroughs and Towns of the Realm , and the Suburbs of them , that the Ayre , there , is greatly corrupt and infect : and many Maladies & other intolerable Diseases do dayly happen , as well to the Inhabitants , and also Dwellers in the sayd Cities , Boroughs , Towns , and Suburbs , as to other , thither repayring , and passing , to the great Annoyance , Domage and Perill of the Inhabitants , Dwellers , Repayrers and Passers aforesayd . It is accorded and assented , &c. Anno. xij . Richardi Secundi . Cap. xiij .

Ordonances , generally prouided , and very duly appliable to the same Case .

And how , either already , it hath offended , or may here after , offend the Eye and Nose , and be dangerous to the health , aswell of the right Honourable , Priuy Counsailers to our Soueraygn , or , of other of the Nobility : or , of the Ladyes and Ientlewemen of the Court : As of very many other also , of all Degrees : any man may easily iudge , that either hath those his two * Senses sound and perfect : or good vnderstanding of * Decorum obseruing , in respect of Cleanlynes and wholsomnes in Publik and Princely Passages : or who hath due and expert * perceiuerance , that , both it is Vnlawfull , and also Needles , in Such Maner to be done , as it is .

And some , haue of late , so much encroached vpon the Patience of the Commons ( in this vndecent and vnlawfull filthy Attempt : ) yea , so far , as , not 1. only , by Scattrings , they haue annoyed the Channels , and Publik Shoares , Though the London 〈◊〉 , may do good to the Weste●n Co●●●ields . Yet THE V●●● MANNER of Publik An●oyance there-with , to Man , and Fish , is neither Lawfull , or Nedefull● And i● but a Late Rusticall Attempt , and Easily , may otherwise be ordered : And those Husbandmen their Land , nothing the L●● holpen , to become Battle , and Fat , Sufficiently . with the sayd Dung : and ( in some places , nere the vsuall Landing of the right honorable Priuy Counsaile , and Embassadors : and of other her Maiesties Subiects , of all sorts ) with the o●ten Recours of the Carts to the Dung boats sides , haue made such Publik Shores , and Stronds , as before , were very clean , hard , and grauelly , to become ( thereby ) very myry , and depe to the knees : and vyly stinking , at the Eb , when the Sunne hath had any power thereon : And chiefly , if the wynde do cary the Noysome Sauour therof , toward any man : But 2. also haue made two kynde of Standing-Leystoofs or Dung-hils : the one immediatly to receiue from Boat the foresayd Filth : And the other , not far of : and nere , or in the High and Publik wayes : or in the Lords waste adioyning . Both which kyndes of new deuised Dung hills , if heretofore , any Law or Policy did permit , or rather , not sufficiently preuent : yet ( notwithstanding that slight permission , or want of Prouiso : better Consideration , aduise , and examining of the matter , will or may finde good Remedy for the noysome Disorder : and establish some sufficient * * As , None of the Foresayd London Stuff , to be layd within 400 Foote of any high way : nor any to Remayn , or be aboue 48 Howres together on any Allowable Wharf , or Leystoof : Made , or Vsed , on , or nere the Thames Banks : And that not aboue the quantity of 4 Cart-Lodes , So to be left Lying at once . By this , or some better and more streict Order , the great Multitude of People which pas on , or by , the Thames Sydes , wold wish some Reasonable Redres , for their more Commodious , and Healthfull Passage , in their Affayres Priuate , or Seruice Publik . Order : aswell , for apt places assigning , or admitting , for certayn Leystooss making : as also , for a very short tyme limiting for such stuf , lying or continuing there , to the great Annoyance , and possible Infection , not onely and chiefly of the nere Inhabitants , but of them also , which do and shall pas thereby : of what Dignity , Degree , or State so euer , they ( he or she ) are : English , or Forreiner .

And , though the Husband-Men , therabout , do greatly allow such kynde of helping their poore and hungry erable groundes : more , now , than in tymes past : yet , this Notable dangerous , and needles annoying of so many . Thousands , of the Queenes Maiesties louing Subiects : ( and that for a very few Husband-mens fansies ) hath not holpen them , to be hable , or ( at the least ) admonished them , to be the more willing , to sell their Corn any better cheap , either at Market , or at Home , to their poore Neighbours , or , to other . And yet ( forsothe ) for their onely Priuate wealth amending , they dare be so bold , or are become so careles , to annoy , and vnlawfully to vex , with lothesome Sights , and vnwholsome Sauours , so many , and so much , as they do . Yea , and that , dayly : and more and more . Farder I will not ( as now ) say , in this vnpleasant matter : though I could .

But , in this point , ( as in many other , ) the poore Commons , and quiet Subiects of her Maiestie , Hope of Amends , and Redres , is very Com●ortable to the Queenes Maiesties very Faythfull , obedient , and Quiet Subiects . do Hope , that some Redres , will speedily ensue . So , that Priuate Gayn , Delight , or wilfulnes , shall not so much either rechlesly , craftily , or violently , deuoure , or bar the PROFIT-PVBLIK : or , be so Noysom , and greeuous , to the poore Commons : Whose Health and welfare , ought , in all good Common-Wealths , to be carefully procured , and constantly maynteined : as much , as any Humayn , or their best Policy , can aduaunce , and preserue the same .

The Third and last Dowt , is of the Due , True , and Iust , Bestowing , of such a Masse of Threasor , which yerely will be , Ordinarily , Contributed : and odly , otherwise , now and then : as by Gift while men are lyuing : Or , by Legacy , after their Decease : and sundry otherwayes . The meaning hereof , is this : That the Threasor Contributed , may sundry wayes be abused . As , Partly , through the corrupt Nature , and very falshood of such , as should in Office haue the fingring of yt : Being not contented with their sufficient Salary , and Due Allowance . Or , by Vndiscrete bestowing some parte thereof : by wasting it to other purposes , or vses , than it is meant , intended , and contributed for : one tyme or other . Or , by fayned Robberyes : or Los , by Negligent Wayes . Or ( perhaps ) the Poore Commons , and Body of the Realm , may ( to Scrupulously ) settle in their Fansyes , A Speciall Dowt herein , which they dare not expressely Declare : As might be , To consider many things , which haue bene , in tymes past , Liberally geuen to vses Publik , and to Gods great Honor : ( As , in those Dayes , Christian Religion , was rated . ) And the same Gifts , then , most circumspectly also , by the best Aduise of Lawyers , ( in Tenor of woords ) ordred : And with many other Circumstances , confirmed : Yet , Notwithstanding all that Assurance , And the Force of Legacy Law : Many a Thousand Pounds Rent , of such Free Gifts , haue byn in our Dayes , by Act of Parlement , turned from the first appoynted Vses : And Therefore , herein also , mought the lyke Alteration be Dowted .

¶ Easily , and Probably , their Fantazies might , An Answer to this Dowt of the Commons . in this their Dowt , be satisfied . First , the Cases are very vnlike . For , there , either withowt Aduise and Consent of the whole State : Or , of a Simple Intent , but Vaynly , ( in Respect of the Means , to obtayn that their Intent , ) such Gifts were First geuen : But , in this our Gift , and Publik Oblation , the whole Realm is priuy : the whole Realm consenting : the whole Realm , ayding : And the whole Realm , certainly feeling the Publik Commodity of Peace , Wealth , and of Blessed Security , thereby , enioyed . And , Seeing the Case so standeth , who can Dout , that euer hereafter , in any Parlement , all the Parlement Senators , or the more parte , will be so much corrupted in their Iudgements : as , either to mislike the Continuall Garde of this Monarchy , by the foresayd Pety-Nauy-Royall : or , to Sollicite it to be layd aside , in parte , or in all : And wold ( notwithstanding ) haue the Commons , the Realm , vrged to the Contynuance of the foresayd Perpetuall Beneuolence : for Sea Security onely , meant , and giuen ?

¶ Secondly , to Preuent the likelyhood or possibility of such dangerous Innouations : No les Wisdom and Prudency , may herein be vsed , than was in Athenes , vpon Occasion , not vtterly vnlike to this : But , ours , for manifold Purposes , to vs , more Commodious , than theirs , could be to them .

The Peloponnesians , being returned homeward from Attica , Thucidides ( Lib. 2 ) recordeth some of the Atheniensiens new Ordonances ensuing : Saying : Post quorum discessum , Athenienses Praesidia & excubias disposuerunt , in Terra , & in Mari , sicut volebant per totum Belli tempus seruari . Et decreuerunt * * Which is , very nere , Six Hundred Thousand FRENCH Crownes : and vnderstanding those Talents to be of Siluer : So , will one French Crown be Rated at 10 Drachms , Atticall in Siluer . Mille Talenta de Pecunia in Arce posita , à reliqua summa segregata , separatim reponenda esse , neque insumenda : sed de Reliqua Pecunia , in Bello sumptus faciendos . Si quis suaderet , vel decerneret , vt ea Pecunia moueretur , aut in alios vsus expenderetur , quàm cùm Hostes Atticam Classe & Nauali Exercitu peterent , & reprimendi essent , Illi Suasori , Poenam statuebant SVPPLICIVM CAPITIS . Et centum Triremes praecipuas atque instructissimas , quotannis , à reliqua Classe seiunxerant , adiunctis singularum Praefectis : Quibus , vnà cum Pecunia illa , ad nullam rem vti fas erat , praterquam , cùm Ciuitas , illa extrema necessitate & Periculo premeretur . The like Prouiso , hath byn in sundry other Realms , established : And in this Kingdom also , ordeyned : And , in this Case , full well , and necessarily , may be .

¶ And , here also , such other Circumspect Considerations of Prouiso , will vndoutedly be had , against all fals and negligent Officers , in any Seruice Publik , ( to the vse and behoof , of the foresayd Pety-Nauy-Royall , appointed : ) That , so sone , as , any of them , shall be sufficiently conuicted of falshood , in their Office , vsed : Rigorous and sharp Iudgement ( according to the greatnes of the fault , ) shall pas against them : and they vtterly be dishabled for euer , From all Publik function of Office , within the Realm of England , and Ireland : vpon a Band of Recognisance , taken of their hands , to that Intent . And the matter , Proces and Conclusion , fully to be Recorded , in two books : with the Offenders Name , subscribed with his own hand : ( As , sundry other things , els , are , for Safety , and Readynes , to be twise , or oftner Registred . ) And if any Officer shall , twise , or thrise , be found a Trespaser , by his own Negligence , or of any vnder him : in any matter of Importance , touching his Office : After due Amends shall by him , or his Suerties , be made , to the Publik Threasory : That Negligent Officer , shall be put out of his Office , immediatly . And , after this , or some better Rate , all F●ults , and Offences of Falshood , and Negligences , and such like , in euery kinde of Officers ( to the Pety-Nauy-Royall belonging , ) shall diligently ( by apt Surueyors ) be sene to , and quikly espyed : narrowly sifted , and duly corrected . So that ( vndoutedly ) such Iustice , being vnpartially , and speedily vsed , shall make , that , ere long , all these Officers , from the lowest to the Highest , shall be tryed , approued , graue , honest , discrete , and circumspect Men : who will deale so iustly , carefully , and diligently , as their Othes receiued , ☞ shall bynde them : And their sufficient Suerties , shall be answearable for : And , as , the whole Commons will hartily request them , for to do : and will , most faithfully promise vnto them , and gladly performe ( vpon their good seruice , and due desert ) such extraordinary Rewards , and so great , as may encourage any Christen Man , to deale truly , and iustly , in so waighty Affaires Publik : And may also reioyce any godly mans hart els , to see excellent Vertue , receiue such Publik Honor , Credit , ☞ and Gwerdon .

¶ To Conclude : who Douteth , but that our King and God , of his Infinite mercy may graunt vs , euen at our first discrete and circumspect Choys , and assigning , to finde all sorts of those Officers , so wise , faithfull , Iust , Carefull , and Diligent : as , it may be accounted his very handy-work , and great Blessing , herein ? Whose Mercifull Prouidence , at no tyme , is wanting in matters Cosmopoliticall , of great importance : and which , also , incomparably surpasseth all Humayn Policie : though the same be most carefully vsed , for matters tending greatly and chiefly to his Glorie , and Honor : as , vndoutedly , this doth . And so , are the Three former Douts , briefly , and sufficiently ( as this place may admit . ) Dissolued , and taken away .

Therfore , Seeing No Dout , or Obiection , ( worthy of Consideration , or , of any Importance , ) is remayning , to the Contrary of that most zealous WISH , or rather , SVPPLICATION , which ( certainly ) is agreable to the Harty Desire , of the most parte of all Naturall , and Faithfull Subiects of this Kingdom , at this very Present : ( vpon our own State , both , in it self , chiefly , and absolutely : And also , in Respect , of our Forrein Neighbors , their vnassured Frendship , being Considered ) : Why should not we HOPE , that , RES-PVBL . BRYTANICA , IEPOΓΛY●IKONBPYT●NIKON on her knees , very Humbly , and ernestly Soliciting the most Excellent Royall Maiesty , of our ELIZABETH , ( Sitting at the HELM of this Imperiall Monarchy : or , rather , at the Helm of the IMPERIALL SHIP , of the most parte of Christendome : if so , it be her Graces Pleasure ) shall obteyn , ( or Perfect Policie , may perswade her Highnes , ) that , which is the Pyth , or Intent of RES-PVBL . BRYTANICA , Her Supplication ? Which is , That , ●TOΛO● Ε●ΩΠΛΙ●MENO● , may helpe vs , not onely , to ● POYPION TH● Λ●● ΛΛEIΛ● : But make vs , also , Partakers of Publik Commodities Innumerable , and ( as yet ) Incredible . Vnto which , the HEAVENLY KING , for these many yeres last past , hath , by MANIFEST OCCASION , most Graciously , not only inuited vs : but also , hath made , EVEN NOW , the Way and Means , most euident , easie , and Compendious : In-asmuch as , ( besides all our own sufficient Furniture , Hability , Industry , Skill , and Courage ) our Freends are become strong : and our Enemies , sufficiently weake , and nothing Royally furnished , or of Hability , for Open Violence Vsing : Though their accustomed Confidence , in Treason , Trechery , and Disloyall Dealings , be very great . Wherin , we beseche our HEAVENLY PROTECTOR , with his GOOD ANGELL to Garde vs , with SHIELD AND SWORD , now , and euer . Amen .

TRuly , I can not here let pas , an other Little Discourse , ( as there are Diuerse , ) of his , much to this Intent . I am not vtterly Ignorant , ( Sayd he , ) of the Humors , and Inclinations , of the People of this ALBION , being ( now ) the greater Portion , of the BRYTISH IMPIRE . For , although , as well through so many Conquests , as also , great Resortings hither , of sundry other Nations , there hath byn made a Maruellous Mixture of People , of Repugnant Conditions : Yet , from Yere to Yere , the Generall Disposition , of the present Inhabitants , doth , much alike , Alter to this great Imperfection : ☞ That is : Though otherwhiles , they know and Taste of the Best : yet , seldome tyme , they do Constantly follow , and continue in the same : I mean now , in Publik Behauiour , Et officijs Ciuilibus : For that , their Ciuile Conuersation , and Industry , in many poynts , is nothing so answerable to the Dignity of Man , As the very Heathens did prescribe Rules for the Gouernment therof . Let CICERO , his Golden Book , DE OFFICIIS , be the Euidence against them , to the Contrary : And that , in those Poynts , by the Heathen Orator expressed , which both greatly are agreable to the most Sacred Diuine Oracles , of our IEOVA : and also , for the Common-Wealths-Prosperity , right Excellent .

I haue oftentymes , ( Sayd He , ) and many wayes , looked into the State of Earthly Kingdoms , Generally , the whole World ouer : ( as far , as it may , yet , be known to Christen Me , Commonly : ) being a Study , of no great Difficulty : But , rather , a purpose , somewhat answerable , to a perfect Cosmographer : to fynde hym self , Cosmopolites : Cosmopolites A Citizen , and Member , of the whole and only one Mysticall City Vniuersall : And so , consequently , to meditate of the Cosmopoliticall Gouernment therof , vnder the King Almighty : passing on , very swiftly , ☞ toward the most Dreadfull , and most Cumfortable Term prefixed :

And I finde ( sayd he ) that if this * * The Brytish Monarchy hath byn Capable of the greatest Ciuile Felicity , that euer was any Particular Monarchy , Els , in the whole world : Yea , so Incomparably , that it might haue Contended , for the Generall Monarchie , with any that hath byn . If requi●ite Policy therto , had byn vsed in Due tyme , an● Constantly Followed . Brytish Monarchy , wold heretofore , haue followed the Aduantages , which they haue had , onward , They mought , very well , ere this , haue surpassed ( By Iustice and Godly , sort ) any particular Monarchy , els , that euer was on Earth , since Mans Creation . And that , to all such purposes , as to God are most acceptable : And to all perfect Common-Wealths , most Honorable , Profitable , and Comfortable .

But , yet , ( sayd he ) there is a Little lock of LADY OCCASION , Flickring in the Ayre , by our hands , to catch hold on : wherby , we may , yet ones more ( before , all , be vtterly past , and for euer ) discretely , and valiantly recouer , and enioy , if not all our Ancient and due Appertenances , to this Imperiall Brytish Monarchy , Yet , at the least , some such Notable Portion therof , As , ( all Circumstances , duly and Iustly appertayning to Peace and Amity , with Forreyn Princes , being offred and vsed ) this , may become the most Peaceable , most Rich , most Puissant , and most Florishing Monarchy of all els ( this day ) in Christendome . Yf A●istotle did Aptly say thus of the Iland of C●●●e : Vide●ur haec Insula ad Principatum Graciae nata , ac praeclare Sita ( Polit. Lib. 2. Cap. 8. ) much more Aptly , may we , Or might we haue sayd it , in respect of all our Opposit Neyghbors and ●arder of , also . Peaceable ( I say ) euen with the most parte of the self same Respects , that good King Edgar had , ( being , but a Saxon : ) And by sundry such means , as , he chiefly , in this Impire did put in proof and vre , Triumphantly . Wherupon , his Surname , was PACIFICVS , most aptly and Iustly . This Peaceable king Edgar , had in his mynde ( about 600. yeres past ) the Representation of a great parte of the self same Idea , which ( from aboue onely , and by no Mans aduise , ) hath gratiously streamed down into my Imagination : being ( as it becommeth me , a Subiect ) Carefull for the Godly Prosperity of this Brytish Impire , vnder our most Peaceable Queene Elizabeth .

For , EADGARVS PACIFICVS , Regni sui prospiciens Vtilitati , pariter & Quieti , Quatuor Millia * * FLORES HISTOR: Radulfus Cestrensis hath 4000 only . Consider the probable Agreement of these Two Place● , afterward , in the Margent . And of these Two words there , STATVIT , and CIRCVMNAVIGAVIT . And to that STATVIT , doth this word CONSTITVIT somwhat answer● . Octingentas sibi Robustas congregauit Naues : E quibus , Mille Ducentas , in Plaga Angliae Orientali : Mille Ducentas , in Occidentali : Mille Ducentas , in Australi : Mille Ducentas in Septentrionali Pelago * * FLORES HISTOR: Radulfus Cestrensis hath 4000 only . Consider the probable Agreement of these Two Place● , afterward , in the Margent . And of these Two words there , STATVIT , and CIRCVMNAVIGAVIT . And to that STATVIT , doth this word CONSTITVIT somwhat answer● . Constituit : Vt ad Defensionem Regni sui , contra Exteras Nationes , bellorum Discrimina sustinerent :

O wisdom Imperiall : most diligently , to be Imitated . Videlicet , PROSPICERE : to Foresee : O Charitable Kingly Parent , that was touched with Ardent Zeale , for Procuring the Publik-Profit of his Kingdom : Yea and also , the Peaceable enioying therof . O , of an Incredible Masse of Threasor , a Kingly Portion , yet , in his Cosers , remayning : Yf , then , he had , ( or late before , ) any warres : Seeing no Notable Tax , or Contribution Publik , is ( Historically ) mentioned , to haue byn , for the Charges hereof , leuyed . Yf , in Peace , he him self , florished so wealthyly . O marueilous Politicall and Princely Prudency , in tyme of Peace , to Foresee and preuent , ( and that , most Puissantly and Inuincibly ) all possible malice , fraude , force , and mischief Forreyn . O most discrete Liberality , to such excellent good vses , powring out his Threasor , so abundantly . O faithfull English People ( Then ) and Worthy Subiects , of such an Imperiall and Godly Gouernour . O your True and willing Harts , and blessed ready hands ( Then. ) So , to Impart such Abundance of Vittayles , for those Huge Nauies mayntenance . So , ( I say ) as , neither Dearth or Famine , seemed ( fondly ) to be feared of you , for any intollerable want , likely to ensue , thereby . Nor , prices of Vittayles , complayned of , to be vnreasonably enhansed , by you : finding , for their great Sales , so good and rare Oportunity .

This Peaceable KING EDGAR , was one of the perfect Imperiall Monarchs of this Brytish Impire : and therfore , thus , his Fame remayneth ( for euer ) Recorded : ANGLICI ORBIS BASILEVS , FLOS , ET DECVS AEDGARVS , non minus Memorabilis Anglis quàm Cyrus Persis : Romulus Romanis : Alexander Macedonibus : Arsaces Parthis : And why not , ARTHVRVS ●RYTANIS ? Bycause King ARTHVR his Name Se●e , was a Thorne in the Saxons eyes , of those Dayes : and his Name reher●ed , was Odible to their Ea●es : Who●e Ancestors were by that Bryti●h Arthur● 12 times , ouercome in Battaile . Carolus Francis : Anno vitae 37 mo . Regni sui , cum Fratre , & póst , 21 mo . Idibus Iulij , obijt : & apud GLASCON . Sepelitur .

O Glastonbury , Glastonbury : the Threasory of the Carcasses of so famous , and so many rare Persons , ( * * Charta Regia Henries Sec. Quae olim MATER SANCTORVM dictaes : & , ab alijs , TVMVLVS SANCTORVM : quam , ab ipsis DISCIPVLIS DOMINI , aedifica●●m fuisse , Venerabilis habet Antiquorum Authoritas . ) How Lamentable , is thy case , now ? How hath Hypocrisie and Pride , wrought thy Desolation ? Though I omit ( here ) the names of very many other , both excellent holy Men , and Mighty Princes ( whose Carcasses are committed to thy Custody ) , yet , that Apos●le like Ioseph , That Triumphant BRYTISH ARTHVR , And now , this Peaceable , and Prouident Saxon , King Edgar , do force me , with a certayn sorrowfull Reuerence , here , to Celebrate thy Memory .

Radulphus Cestrens . This Peaceable King Edgar , ( as by Ancient Records may appere : ) His Sommer Progresses , and Yerely chief pastymes , were , The Sayling rownd about this Whole I le of Albion : Garded with hys Grand Nauy of 4000 Sayle , at the least : parted into 4 Equall Partes , of Pety Nauies : eche , being of a Thowsand Ships . For , so it is Anciently Recorded . Idem quoque AEDGARVS , 4000 NAVES CONGREGAVIT : ex quibus , omni Anno , post festum Paschale 1000 Naues ad quamlibet Angliae partem * * Note STATVIT● and CIRCVMNAVIGAVIT : which declareth two orde●s of 〈◊〉 a●d so may the Totall Some of 4●00 be also True. He S●yling wi●● h●s NAVY ROYAL● , o●●00 Ship● , 〈◊〉 t●e othe● Sta●●●●●ty 〈◊〉 Sa●yes● 〈◊〉 MATHEVS WESTMONASTER . sayth 4800 sib● Ro●●●tas Con●●e●au●● Naue● . So t●at he did gather 〈…〉 : And ●lso aff●●meth t●e Partition into 4 equal P●rts : And nameth the ● Stati●n● : a● ot●e● , doo other●ise speake● of t●e Seruis●ble Al●er●t●o● of ●heir Stati●ns So that one with the other Conferr●d , and imper●e●t ●oniectures of t●e Writers b●●n● So●●at h●●pen , the V●●●y seem●th ro● to be to●ched . Statuit : Sic , AEstate Insulam * Circumnauigauit . Hyeme verò , Iudicia in Prouincia exercuit . Et haec omnia , ad sui Exercitium , & ad Hostium fecit Terrorem .

Could , and would that Peaceable , and wise King Edgar , before nede ( as being in Peace , and Quiet , with all Nations , about hym ) And Notwithstanding , mistrusting his possible Enemies , make his Pastymes , so Royally , Politically , and Triumphantly : with so many Thowsand Ships : And at the least , with ten tymes so many Men , as Ships : And that , yerely ? And shall we , being not assured of such Neighbours ●rendeships , as may become , to vs , as Cruell and Tyrannicall Enemyes , as neuer King Edgar neded to Dread any the like : And they , as many , and Mighty Princes , as neuer King Edgar coped with the like ? Shall we ( sayd he , ) not Iudge it , some parte of Wisdome , to Imitate carefully , in some little Proportion , ( though not with so many Thousands , ) the prosperous Pastimes of Peaceable King Edgar , that Saxonicall Alexander ? Yea , Prosperous pastimes , those may be iustly cownted , by which , he also made euident to the whole world , that , As he wisely knew the Ancient Bownds , and Limits , of this Brytish Impire : So , that he could , and wold , Royally , Iustly , and Triumphantly * * Vsus rei , melior re ipsa . Enioy the same : Spite of the Diuell , and Maugre the Force of any Forreyn Potentate : And , all that , so Highly , and Faithfully , to the glory of God , finally , ☜ intended , and brought to pas : As the Wisest , and Godlyest Prelats , and Cownsailors of those Dayes , ( so cownted of , and recorded , ) could best aduise or direct him : Or ( Perchance , ) but sincerely Commend , and Dutifully encourage him , in : He being , of himself , so bent : As , purposing , first , Inuincibly to Fortify the Chiefest and Vttermost Walls of his Ilandish Monarchy , The C●ief Walls of t●is Ilandish Monarchy , ought to ●e P●udertly 〈◊〉 , Valiantly Garded , and Diligently , by Sea-Spye and Watchman , to be kept in Security , from all Sudden Approche , of the ●nemy by Sea . against all Forreyn Encombrance possible : And in that Fortification Furdering , and Assuring , to trust best his own Ouersight , and Iudgement : in yerely vewing the same , in euery Quarter therof : And that , ( as it were ) for his Pastime Imperiall , also , in the Sommer Tyme : to the ende , that afterward , In all Securitie , he might , in Winter tyme * * Vacate , & Videte quoniam Ego sum Dominus , Psal: 45. ( VACARE : ) be at conuenient Leysure , On Land : chiefly , to set furth Gods Due Honor : And Secondly , to Vnderstand , and Diligently to Listen to the Causes and Complaynts , of his Commons . For , ( As Mathaeus Westmonastariensis , of him , to his Immortall Commendation , hath left vs a Remembrance : )

Habebat autem * * That is : Beside his Yerely Sea Progres . praetereà Consuetudinem , per omnes Regni Prouincias transire : Vt intelligeret , quomodo Legum Iura , & suorum Statuta Decretorum , à Principibus obseruarentur : Et , ne Pauperes à Potentibus praeiudicium passi , opprimeren●ur , d●ligenter inuestigare Solebat . In * * By this foresayd Nauy , mainteyning . vno , FORTITVDINI , In altero , IVSTITIAE studens : Et Reipub. Regnique Vtilitati consulens , in Vtroque . Hinc , HOSTIBVS circumquaque TIMOR , Et AMOR omnium erg● eum ex●reuerat SVBDITORVM .

Thus , we see , how , in * * Take tyme , while Tyme is : for Tyme will away . Opportunity , this Peaceable Edgar , procured , to this Impire , such prosperous Security : That his true and faithfull Subiects , all manner of wayes , ( that is , at home , and also at Sea , both outward and inward , ) mought peaceably , Safely , and Securely , employ their wits and trauayles , for the marueilous enritching of this Kingdom , and pleasuring very many other : Carrying forth , the Naturall Commodities of this Land , abounding here , aboue our necessary vses : ( and due Store reserued ) : And likewise ( agayn ) , Furnishing the same , with all necessary ( and not superfluous ) Forreyn Commodities : fet from far , or Forreyn Cuntryes . This , was , in dede ( as before is Recorded ) a Kingly Prouidence : Kingly Prouidence . Reipub. Regnique Vtilitati Consulens , &c. Besides which great Vtility and Profit publik , foresene : and by this means , enioyed : he him self , vsed most gladly the Aduantage of that Security , in ministring of Iustice : Or causing the same to be executed , all his Kingdom ouer : Not Squeymi●hly , frowningly , or skornfully shunning the ragged and tattered sleue of any * * Herem , our Souerayn Elizabeth is a most g●●cious Charitable , and Carefull Iusticer . Suppliant , holding vp to him a simple soyled Bill of Complaynt , or Petition , and that , homely contriued : Or , afrayd at , and Timerously hasting from , the sickly Pale face , or feeble Lymmed Suter , extremely constrayned , so , to speak for him self : Nor , partially smoothering his own Conscience , to sauor , or mayntein the fowle fault , and trespas vnlawfull , of any his Subiects : How Mighty , or Necessary so euer , they ( els ) were : But , diligently made Search , least , Pauperes , à Poten●ibus pr●eiudicium passi , opprimeren●ur .

☞ Thus , did Publik - 1. Security , from ●orreyn foe , abrode : And True 2. loue , of his own Subiects , garding him , at home : And the 3. Heauenly Spirite , directing all his godly Purposes : Cause Iustice and Equity , in all Quarters of this ALBION , to florish . For which , his Peaceable and prosperous Benefits , at the Eternall King his ha●d , obtayned : he became , not Insolent , or declyned to Tyrannic●●l Regiment ( as some Princes , in other Cuntries haue made their lyues , ●●●cotragicall , ☞ ) But with all his foresayd Inuincible Sea Strength , aboundant Wealth , Triumphant Peace : with Security , and Ius●ice , ouer all his Monarchy preuayling : his hart , was continually , and most ●ealously bent , to set forth the Glory , Laude , and Honor of the Almighty Creator , the Heauenly and euerlasting King : By such principall and Princely means , as , ( then , ) were demed , to God , most acceptable : And such , as many Monuments , yet , to our dayes , remayning , do of him vndoutedly Testify : As this , for one : Ex Charta Fundationis Ecclesiae Cathedr●lis Wigorniae . ALTITONANTIS Dei largis●ua Clementia , qui est Rex Regum , Ego AEDGARVS Anglorum Basileu● , omniumque R●gum Insularum , OCEANIQVE * * Al●e● BRITANNIAM . BRITANNIANI Circum●acentis , Cunctarumque Nationum quae infra eam includuntur IMPERATOR & Dem●●us , gratias ago ipsi Deo Omnipotenti , Regi m●o , qui meum IMPERIVM sic ampliauit & exaltauit super Regnum Patrum me●rum : * * Note now ou● Ancient Li●i●● , by this S●xon King Possessed . But the Br●tish Arthur had enlarged them much farder before his dayes : As by good Records● and Forrein Testimonies , in an other place is declared . Qui , lic●t Monarchiam t●tius Angliae ad●p●i sint , à tempore ATHELSTANI , ( qui primus Regnum Anglorum , & omnes Nationes quae Britanniam incolunt , sibi Armis subegit , ) Nullus tamen eorum , vlira eius Fines , Imperium suum dilatare aggressus est . Mihi autem concessit Propitia Diuinitas , cum Anglorum IMPERIO , ●omnia Reg●a Insularum OCEANI , cum suis ferocis●imis Regibus , vsque NORVEGIAM : maximamque Partem Hiberniae , cum sua Nobilis●ima Ciuitate Dublinia , Anglorum Regno subiugare . Quos etiam omnes , meis Imperijs colla subdere ( Dei fauente gratia ) coegi . Quapropter , & Ego , CHRISTI Gloriam & Laudem exaltare , & eius Seruitium amplificare deuotus , disposui :

Christi Gloria , & Laus .

A● Dom. 964. Regni AEDGARI 6. 〈…〉

& per meos ●ideles Fautores , Dunstanum videlicet Archiepiscopum , AEthelwoldum , & Oswaldum Episcopos , ( quos mihi Patres Spirituales , & Consiliatores elegi ) magna ex parte , secundum quod disposui , effeci . &c.

And agayn , this , in an other Monument .

A. Omnipotentis Dei &c. ●VNDATIO Ecclesia Cath●●rali●●●iens●● . Ipsius Nutu & gratia suffultus , Ego AEDGARVS , Basileus Dilectae Insulae ALBIONIS , subditis nobis sceptris Scottorum , Cumbrorum , ac Brytonum , & omnium circumcirca Regi●num , quteta Pace * * Note here , how he was in S●●u●●ti● of good Peace , with all Forreyn Princes , his Neyghbours : and yet vsed that Huge Nauy progre●●es , Yerely . perfruens : studiosus sollicitè de laudibus Creatoris omnium occupor addendis : Ne nunc Inertia , nostrisque diebus ( plus aequo ) seruitus eius tepescere videatur . &c. Octauo * * He reckneth his Raygne euen from the Death of his Father : by reason of his Brothers Disorder , ( ●uen at the Day of ●is Coronation● ) V●i●e●sa●ly , of the whol● State , mislyked . And the●eupon was that Phrase vsed , regno su●●um Fra●r● & p●st . &c. in ●is ●p●taph Exp●e●●ed . decimo mei Terrent IMPERII Anno &c. Anno Incarnationis Dominicae . 973.

Ego AEDGARVS , totius ALBIONIS Basilcus , hoc Priuilegium ( tanta roboratum Authoritate ) Crucis Thaumate Confirmaui . &c.

So that , by all these Rehearsed Records , it is most euident , that the Peaceable King Edgar , was one of those Monarchs , in whose hands ( if life had sufficed , ) the * * The P●eeminence and P●●u●●●dge by GOD , and NATVRE , A●propriat to this BRYTIS● MONARCHY , is Incredible : and will be yet , for a While● Incredible Value and Priuilege , graunted by God and Nature , vnto this Brytish Monarchy , might haue byn peaceably purchased : In such sort , as the very Blessing and fauour of the Diuine Trinity , hath layd means , for our Industry to Attayn to , and enioye the same , by .

And though sundry other valiant Princes , and Kings of this Land , I could recite , which , in tymes past , haue either by Intent gone about : or , by wise and valyant exployt , haue meetly well prospered , toward this Ilandish appropriat Supremacy atteyning : Yet , Neuer , any other reasonable Means was vsed , Note this : For it is SVMMA SVMMARVM . ( Without any Controllment , ) to be Fran●ly Aucu●hed . or by Humayn wyt , and Industry , can be contriued , to all purposes Sufficient , But onely , by our SEA-FORCES preuayling : And so , by our Inuincib●● enioying All , within the SEA-LIMITS , of our Brytish Royallty , Conteyned .

To which Incredible Politicall Mystery atteyning , No easyer , readyer , or perfecter Plat and Introduction , is ( as yet ) come to my Imagination , than is , The Present and Continuall Seruice , of Threescore , good , and Tall , warlik Ships , with Twenty smaller Barks● and those 80 , THE BRYTISH , SEA-LEGION . Ships ( great and small ) with 6660 apt Men , furnished : and all , singularly well appointed , for Seruice , ( both on Sea and Land ) faithfully and diligently , to be done , in such Circumspect and Discrete Order , As , partly , I haue in other places declared : and farder ( vpon good Occasion Offred ) may declare .

This Grand Nauy , of peaceable king Edgar , of so many 4000 : As they are recorded of the sm●llest Number● Thousand 1. Ships : And they furnished with a * * That , is but 25 Men , for ●uery of those Ships , ( one , with an other . ) but most certayn it is that th●y wer● ve●y many mor● Men. Hundred Thousand 2. Men , ( at the least ) : with all the Finall 3. Intents of those Sea-forces , ( so Inuincible , ) 4. Continually maintayned : the 5. Order of Execution of their Seruice : The Godly & Imperiall 6. Succes , therof : are , ( in a maner , ) Kingly lessons , and son● , Propheticall Incouragements , to vs left : * * Euen Now. ( Euen now ) to be as 1. Prouident for Publik Security , as he was : To be as 2. Skilfull of our Sea-Right , and Royall Limits : And wisely to finde our selues , as Hable to Recouer and 3. Enioy the same , as he was : who , could not chose , but with the Passing and yeerly Sayling about this Brytish Albion , with all the Lesser Iles , next adiacent , round about it : He could not chose ( I say ) But by such Full and * * Note this Ancient Peaceable Possession , for the Lawfull Title to our Sea Limits of the Brytish Monarchy : Peaceable Possession finde him self , ( according to right , and his harts desire ) the True and Souerayn Monarch , of all the Brytish Ocean , enuironing any way , his Impire of Albion , and Ireland , with the lesser Ilands , next adiacent . With Memoriall wherof , ( as with one very precious Iuell Imperiall , ) he adorned the Title and Crown of his Regality : As ( with the Testimony annexed of the States and Nobles of his Impire ) to Commit to perpetuall Memory , The Stile of his chief worldly Dignity , in this very Tenor of woords ( before , also , Remembred : ) NOTE The Queenes Maiesties Royalty ouer the BRYTISH OCEAN SEA , round about the BRYTISH IMPIRE . EGO AEDGARVS , ANGLORVM BASILEVS , omniumque Regum Insularum , OCEANIQVE BRITANNIAM * * Al●●● 〈…〉 CIRCVMIACENTIS , Cunctarúmque Nationum quae infra eam includuntur , IMPERATOR ET DOMINVS .

What nede we , now , any better President : than of a King , so * * Iustitia & Pax ●sculatae sunt : Psalm. 84. Iust , as Edgar was , to learn , how Iustly , our Plat , for the Pety-Nauy-Royall is Prescribed , and layd owt ? And , of a King , so * * Iustitia & Pax ●sculatae sunt : Psalm. 84. Peaceable , as Edgar was , ( And Therefore , Surnamed PACIFICVS , ) To learn those Princely Policies , which not onely stand with the Due Termes of Forreyn Peace , and Amity present , Royally preserued : But , also , cary with them , ( Triumphantly ) The Deadly Darte , and Hedding Axe , ineuitable to all forreyn Offenders , and Homish Rebells ?

SOMWHAT MORE , he sayd herein : ( which I here purposly omit : ) But very much , is to be sayd , in the Premisses : ( As by my sayd Instructor , I perceiued not long synce : ) which , to you , or other , in conuenient Tyme and Place , ( and after his manner ) he him self , can best expres : 1. AS WELL of the Fowr conuenient Places , for the AERARIVM PVBLICVM , or Pety-Nauy-Exchecquers , to be in : ( as , LONDON , YORK , WEST-CHESTER , and BRISTOW : ) Both in respect of Safe Custody , of the Publik-Threasor : And also in respect of the Conuenient Distances , from our Twenty Portes : And from the Fowr Chief Quarters , and the Hart also , of this ALBION : So that , Both to the sayd Exchecquers , and from them , all Payments , and Caryages , requisite , may be conueniently made : 2. As also , of his Plat , and IDEA De Officijs , Or , De Muneribus Militum Naualium , & Nautarum , of the PETY-NAVY-ROYALL : In tyme of Peace , In tyme of Dowtfull Inclination Forrein , and in the Tyme of Open War : And that , eyther Ordinary , or Extraordinary , for the Day , for the Weke , for the Monthe , for the Quarter , and for the Yere . 3. Likewise , for the Certificat , of the Affaires , and State , of the PETY-NAVY-ROYALL , to be sent wekely , or Oftener , to our Gracious Soueraign , and her most Vigilant Priuy Cownsailors , from the Pety-Nauy his Grand-Gouernor , in Tymes Suspicious , or Dowbtfull : And but euery Fortnight , Once , in Tymes of Assured Tranquillity : And that , by some of our Smaller Barkes : And to One of the Assigned Twenty Portes , being next to him , at that Instant . And there , the sayd Messager , with the Smaller Bark , to Attend and Receiue from the Queenes Maiestie , and her Honorable Priuy Cownsaile , their will and pleasure : Answerable to the forsayd Certificat : And such farder Direction , as to them semeth for that Tyme , to be most Expedient . 4. Fardermore , of the Prerogatiue-Prouiso Royall , very Sufficienly to be made , That the Grand-Gouernor , and All and euery of the Sea-Soldiers and Mariners , of the Pety-Nauy-Royall , with their Ships , shall come-in , and be in their Assigned Ports : Within any one Fortnight Space , after the Day of their Receiuing the Expres Charge , and Sufficient Warrant , from our Soueraign , to that Intent : Vnles , Contrary , or Raging Storme , and Tempest , Cause , and Force , longer Delay . Wherein , the FAITHFVLL COMMONS , do nothing Dowt of the Prouident-Circumspection of the Higher Powers , to Forsee , that Such Dutifull Repayre and Attendance of the Grand-Gouernor , with all his Charge , ( as is here specifyed , ) shall be Nothing Dammageable , or Preiudiciall , to the Prosperous Continuance of the Pety-Nauy-Royall , those his waighty Seruyces , which partly before are spoken of , and other , which ( Yet ) are to be spoken of . For , Respub. Omnis , Sua quaedam habet ARCANA .

5. There remayne also , to be Declared , the Reasons , why my Instructor doth Wish , and Aduise , Parte of the Publik-Threasory , to be bestowed vpon some Two , or Three Honest Men , who should be Skilfull in Far-Forreyn-Languages : As , in the Sclauonian , or Moschouite , the Arabik Vulgar , the Turkish , the Tartarien , the Chiny Language , the Canadien , and the Islandish , &c. For that , ( within these few yeares next following , ☞ ) with Men of all these Cuntries , and farder , Great Affayres are by some of our Cuntry-Men to be handled : Yf God contynue his Gracious Direction , and Ayde thereto , as he hath very Cumfo●tably begonne : and that , by means not yet published .

6. And some also , of the sayd Pety-Nauy-Threasor , he did Assigne , for a good Stypend geuing to an Excellent Enginer , aswell for Matters of Fortification , as also , for Inuenting of Weapons , or Engyns , Offensiue , or Defensiue , by Land , or Sea : And likewise , for Engyns of Seruice , for Profit-Publik , otherwise : By Land , and Sea : Either aboue Grownd and Water , or vnder Grownd and Water , &c.

7. Moreouer , some Parte to be bestowed on Fowr Christian Philosophers , Skilfull , or to become Skilfull , and also Excellent : both in Speculation , and also Practise , of the best Manner of the Ancient and Secret Philosophie : which is not Vulgar : but , Vndowtedly , which may be most Comfortable , and Profitable , ☞ to Some , of Courteous KALID , his Disposition , &c. By which Titles of Matter , left Vnspecifyed hitherto , It may Euidently appere , that my Instructor hath ( as it were , ) but opened the Doore of his Philosophicall and Politicall Brytish Furniture : to be Fauorably vewed of them , whose Insight , is Sharp , and Profound : Whose Zeale , and Care also , for the State-Publik of this Monarchy , to become most Christianlike Happy , ( in all Respects , ) is Ardent , and not Luke-warme .

Seeing then , NO KINGDOM , in these Dayes , hath more nede of a PETY-NAVY-ROYALL , and to be Continually at Sea maintayned , for the Respects aboue rehearsed : No Kingdome , hath apter TYMBER for Shipping : And thereof ( YET ) store enough : No Kingdome , hath Skilfuller , and more SHIP-WRIGHTS : No Kingdome , hath Subiects better HABLE , and which more willingly will be Contributary for the sufficient Setting forth , and mayntenance of such a PETY-NAVY-ROYALL , continually , at Sea ( and that , for the former Respects : ) No Kingdome , hath better store of APT and willing MEN : as well couragious Ientlemen , as other : very manfully disposed , to furnish the foresayd Nauy with , for all kynde of purposes : No Kingdome , hath better , or more Hauens , and HARBOROVGHS , ( and those , round about it ) to Succour a Nauy in , from Dangers , or Distres of Sea : No King , nor Kingdome , hath , by Nature and Humayn Industry ( to be vsed ) any , more LAWFVLL , and more Peaceable Means ( made euident ) wherby , to become , In wealth , far passing all other : In Strength , and Force , INVINCIBLE : and in Honorable estimation , Triumphantly Famous , ouer all , and aboue all other : Than this hath :

And , ( To be brief ) Seeing No Kingdome , is more Discrete , and willing to Vse the * * FRONTE Capillata , post , est Occasio , Cal●a . Opportunity , of any exceding great and Publik Benefit procuring to the same , than this Brytish Monarchy , is , or May be : Our hope , then is , That , vpon the Vniforme , Brotherly , Willing , and Frank Consent , of all States , of Men and People , of this Incomparable Realme of England : to this Godly , Politik , and most Commendable Means : to 1. preserue Amity and Peace , with all Forreyn Princes : And to Garde this State-Publik in 2. Security , from taking Iniury of any , or by any , ( Fraudulently , or Forcibly , ) And to 1. kepe our own hands and harts , from Dooing , or Intending Iniury , to any Forreyner , on Sea or Land : Our Hope is , ( sayd he , ) That vpon this Godly 1. Intente , Discrete 2. Couenant , and Publik Contributary 3. Oblation : the Omnipotent 4. Author of Heauenly Peace , will so bend down his Mercifull and gratious Eyes , vpon vs : and so manifestly stretch forth his Almighty hand to Bles , Furder , and Prosper the foresayd Oblation , with all the Purposes and Commodities therof expected , and likely to ensue : that , all we may , with the Kingly Prophet Dauid , ( both old and yong , Rich and Poo●e , ) most ioyfully , and Triumphantly , ( IN PERFECT SECVRITIE , ) Syng , PSALM● 147. Lauda HIERVSALEM Dominum , Lauda Deum tuum SION . Quoniam confortauit Seras Portarum tuarum : Benedixit filijs tuis in te . Qui posuit fines tuos PACEM , Et adipe Frumenti satiat te . &c. Non fecit Taliter omni Nationi . O Hierusalem , prayse the Lord : Prayse thy God , O Syon . For , he hath Strengthened the Barres of thy Gates , And hath blessed thy Children within thee : He hath made all thy Borders PEACE : And with the good Nutriment of wheat , doth satisfy thee . &c. He hath not done thus , to euery Nation , els : Prayse we all , the Lord therefore .

Amen .

SOmewhat , I haue now sayd , ( quoth my Instructor ) in this PETY NAVY MATTER : to discharge me of my Duty , to the COMMON-WELTH , herein : And very sory I am , that I know not , as much , as this most waighty Case requireth , to be * * Speede. Speedily known : And that I am not able , aptly and Duly to Order and expres so much , as I already know . And most of all , I Dowt , that some men will stick to performe , or shrinke to prefer , or be Careles to amend this Simple Plat: of me , speedily , zealously , and vnartificially * * Anno Domini 1576. Augusti prinus sex di●bus : And therefore , this Treatise in other places , is called Hexameron . deliuered to the pen , and very Briefly , expressed .

Moreouer , ( Sayd he ) if it should not be taken in worse parte , of OVR SOVERAIGN , than , of the Emperour of Constantinople , Emanuel , the syncere Intent , and faythfull Aduise , of Georgius Gemistus Pletho , was , I could ( proportionally , for the occasion of the Tyme , and place , ) frame and shape §. §. Though in sundry points , my Instructor did mislike Gemistus opinion : sometymes not the soundest for the Peloponnesians commoditie : & somtimes greatly repugnant to the order most nedeful for this Brytish Policy : Yet , much therof , might be a good Aduise for the framing of an Analogical Ciuile consideration , in respect of the Intent , by Gemistus regarded . very much of Gemistus those his two Greek Orations , ( the first , to the Emperor , and the Second to his Sonne , Prince Theodore : ) for our BRYTISH ILES , and in better and more allowable manner , at this Day , for our People , than that his Plat ( for Reformation of the State , at those Dayes , ( could be found , for Peloponnesus , auaylable . But , Seeing those Orations , are now published : both in Greek and Latin , I need not Dowbt , but they , to whom , the chief Care of such causes is committed , haue Diligently selected the Hony of those Flowres , already , for the Common-Wealths great Benefit . But , Gemistus sayd very well , THEN :

GEORGII GEMISTI PLEthonis de Rebus Peloponnesi , ORATIO . 1.

BEllum quidem cum Italis , Peloponnesum tenentibus à praestantissimis filijs gestum , magna cum Laude , et Emolumento confectum est , ( Imperator Auguste : ) Cùm & plurima maximéque opportuna illorum Dominia , nostram in potestatem , longo post tempore redierint : & ipsi , cùm reliqua nobis omnia cesserint , tùm in vniuersum se nobis obtemperaturos receperint . Quibus ex rebus , vobis quidem hoc pacto Imperium & confirmantibus & augentibus , decus et gloria : nobis autem , SECVRITAS nascitur , & Vtilitas : Maiorúmque in posterum consequendorum , ( Si Deus permiserit ) Occasio . Mihi verò , * * Circa Annum Domini , 1400. nunc ea tibi exponere in mentem venit , quae multis de Causis arbitror , si obseruentur , multum his rebus esse profutura : siue negligantur , magnam Salutis partem detractura . Ac primùm de ipsa Regione , quanti sit vobis facienda , pauca quaedam dicam : non tàm quòd vestrum erga ipsam studium non videam , quàm vt ipsa recto ordine procedat Oratio . Etenim , Nos quibus Imperatis , Graeci genere sumus : vt partim , è Sermone , partim ex auita Disciplina constare potest . Graecis verò vix vlla magis familiaris reperiri possit Regio quàm PELOPONNESVS , & quaecunque iuxta hanc ad Europam spectant , quaeque adiacent Insulae . Hanc enim Terram , quantùm humana potest memoria recolere , ijdem semper à nullis antè possessam incoluerunt Graeci : Nec Aduenae eam occuparunt , eiectis aliis , ipsique nonnunquam ab alijs eiecti : sed contrà , semper hanc Regionem tenuerunt Graeci , nec deseruerunt vnquam . Iam , inter omnes huius Regionis partes , Peloponnesum , praecipuas ac nobilissimas Graecorum gentes protulisse traditur : ex eaque Graecos profectos , maximas ac praeclarissimas quásque res gessisse . Quid qúod magnae quoque istius ad Bosporum sitae * * Constantinopolis . Vrbis , ( quae vestra nunc est Regia , ) terram hanc , qui rectè rem consideret , quasi Matrem , non iniuria dixerit . Nam & qui antè , Byzantium incoluerunt , Graeci fuerunt ac Dores : ( Dores autem , Peloponnesios esse , Nemini dubium est : ) Et qui posterioribus Saeculis illustrem illam ex Italica Roma deduxerunt Coloniam , tamque praeclaro Byzantium auxerunt Additamento , non sunt à Peloponnesijs alieni . Siquidem , vt AEneadae & Sabini pari Iure permisti , Romanam Vrbem foelicissimam incoluerunt , Ita Sabini censentur Peloponnesij de Lacedaemonijs profecti . Quocirca , nec his de causis parui facienda tàm vobis , quàm nobis , est haec Regio : Quandoquidem & maximè propria , curanda sunt maximè : Et haec omnium est maximè Propria . Et , si de ipsius virtute , qua nulli Terrae cedit , dicendum est , vt ea quae de Anni temporum temperie , deque Terra nascentium , & omnium ad vitam pertinentium prouentu dici possint , nunc omittam : AD SECVRITATEM sanè , ☞ nullam non Regionem haec superat : cum & Insula pariter tanta sit , & Continens . Nec difficulter possint eius Incolae , si rectè suppetentibus vtantur adiumentis , cum apparatu minimo , si quis inuadat , repellere : Tùm ad alios , vbi videatur ipsi , accedere : itaque Regionis terminos non leuiter augere . Praetereà , nunc Montium munimenta , qui per totam porriguntur terram , & vbique ( Arcium instar ) eminent , sic vt hostes , etiamsi Campestri solo forte potiantur , tota tamen excidant Regione . Quo fit , vt non tàm familiaritatis , quàm virtutis ipsius causa curanda videatur haec Regio : " Quandoquidem possessiones potiores , potius etiam studium solent requirere . Iam cùm omnibus , qui inter Graecos censentur , haec impendit Cura , tùm Regibus maximè , quibus vniuersi Tutela , prae caeteris , est commissa . Neminem porrò superiorum Regum , propius quàm Te , haec Res attingit . Nam & cùm Itali ditionem hanc tenerent , in eaque longo tempore Regnassent , soli eam vestrae Familiae Principes recuperarunt . ☞ Et ipse Tu , praeter alia multa magnáque Beneficia , praeclarum illud atque ingens Opus nuper erexisti , ducto per Isthmum Murus per Isthmum ductus . Muro : maxima & praestantissima Perpetuae Salutis occasione . Quocircà vos decet , cum priorum Beneficiorum collocatione , haec etiam consequentia coniungere : quò simul & ipsi rerum praeclararùm augmento studere videamini , & ipsa à vobis ante collata beneficia , perpetuitate Consequentium , salua permaneant . Neque parùm , tùm SECVRITATIS , tùm Emolumenti , magnae quoque isti vrbi ( vt arbitror ) haec Regio rectè constituta adferet : id quod , hoc quidem loco pluribus explicare superuacaneum nobis videtur . Ac studium quidem summum hanc mereri Regionem , satis à me , quantùm res postulat , demonstratum existimo : Quam autem c●piam diligentiam , cum prioribus vestris coniungi Beneficijs , quaeque harum rerum corrigendae potissimùm videantur , quoque illae pacto compositae , plurimùm sint fructus allaturae , nunc aperiam : si ea priùs , quae in his minus rectè habent , explicuero . Primum itaque . &c.

And agayn :

Quocirca , priusquam tale quid eueniat , Pag. 213. Decet nos , dum in Tuto Sumus , & quae minus rectè videntur se habere , corrigere : & , quantùm Liceat , Necessaria praeparare : ne , Si quis fortè casus accidat , eum difficulter feramus . Nam , in ipso quidem discrimine , ☜ non satis commodè correctionem , si quae requirunt , recipiunt . &c.

SECVRITATEM denique vniuersis praestant Milites , Pag. 214. & Praefecti , quique alij alias Reipub. partes curant : singulaque tùm parua , tùm magna conseruant : & praecipuus REX , omnibus Imperans , omniáque gubernans , & conseruans &c.

Quòd si quid sanè aliud , melius pariter et facilius , ab alio subijciatur , Pag. 218. illud sequendum erit . Contemnenda certè res ista non est : nec in hoc statu prauo , simul & periculoso , reliquenda . Atqui nec melius nec vtilius quenquam , quid aliud , eo , quod à me prolatum est , reperturum aio : Neque difficulter ad effectum id perduci posse : aut potiùs , difficulter , hoc in statu , res istas diutius , absque magno periculo & incommodo , durare posse . Tuum porrò duntaxat , Imperator , praecipuum oportet accedere calculum . Neque difficulter facies , vt , cùm ipse Rebus presis omnibus , quae optima simul ac Iustissima videantur , ac tùm publicè , tùm priuatìm omnibus vtilissima , constituas . &c.

Atque Ego quidem quae fore vtilia censeo , quibúsque de Causis , dixi : Et , vt , eadem etiam praestantissimis filijs tuis , hac Orationis forma exposui : ita , Tuum praecipuè requirunt Calculum : quem , tanquam ab aliquo sortita Numine . , simul & honesta videantur , & ad exitum perducantur : Faxit autem Deus , vt eum qui & prosit , & vndecunque rectè se habeat , Calculum feras .

ANd Bycause , in Gemistus , his Second Oration , to Prince Theodore , ( this Emperour his Sonne ) there are many thinges , ( In my Instructor his Opinion ) woorth the knowledge and Consideration : and not vtterly vnapt for this place : And for that , it should be a Disgrace , so to mangle the whole matter , and a hynderance to the vnderstanding therof : to break of , the particular Notes , so often , from the other Circumstances of woords , and Sentences annexed in the course of the same Oration , as thinges fall owt , Notable : And bycause , this way , the very whole * Text of the sayd Oration , may easier be had , than from beyond the Seas , ( as they are , ) in Greeke and Latin prynted : I thought it some Reasonable Cause , why , I should , here , set down the same Oration , whole : that , whosoeuer should mete with the MEMORIALS of these Discourses , nede not want the same , if it be to his Liking .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 GEORGII GEMISTI PLEthonis ad Principem Theodorum de Rebus Peloponnes : Oratio Posterior : GVLIELMO CANTERO , Interprete .

Elisabetha Regina

Atque hoc primum est existimandum , nec priuatis hominibus , nec Rebuspub . vel in maximis difficultatibus , de meliori fortuna esse desperandum . Siquidem permulti sunt in integrum restituti . Nam & Tròiani , qui cum AEnea , capta à Graecis patria , in Italiam sunt ex Phrygia delati , ita prosperam deinde sunt experti fortunam , Vt , cùm Romam paulò post vnà cum Sabinis , de Lacedaemonijs profectis , pari iure permistis , incoluissent , ab hoc principio maximum pariter & praeclarissimum obtinuerint Imperium . Et Persae , post Alexandri Graecorumque dominium , Cùm à Romanis esset euersa Macedonum potentia , non leuiter & ipsi Parthorum ope suas recuperarunt Vires : sed vt etiam contra Romanos , qui tum erant potentissimi , bellum gesserint : & vt nonnunquam superati fuerint , ita postremò splendidam reportarint victoriam : ex eáque multis annis Tributum quoque Romanis imperarint . Quocirca nec nos decet nosmetipsos abijcere , vel de Salute desperare : Sed cùm & ipsi post has aerumnas meliora speremus , illud etiam omni diligentia considerare , quibus modis ad SECVRITATEM aliquam res nostrae reducantur , & meliorem pro facultate nostra statum nobis comparemus . Vt autem meliorem sibi statum vel Ciuitas vel Gens aliqua firmiter , ( quantùm quidem res humanae ferunt , ) comparet , non alia res efficit , quam REIPVBL : EMENDATIO . Nulla siquidem alia Ciuitatibus est vel faelicitatis vel infaelicitatis causa , quàm Resp. rectè vel secus constituta . Quòd si qua Casu rectè se Ciuitas habeat , id firmum non est , ac leui de causa potest immutari . Plerunque autem , vel bona † † 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Rep. conseruantur & crescunt Ciuitates : vel contrà , corrupta , & ipsae collabuntur ac pereunt . Nam & communiter Graeci non antè latissimè patentem obtinuerunt gloriam , quàm Hercules Amphitryonis F. Iniustitia Sublata , bonam Reipublicae constitutionem , virtutisque studium ipsis conciliauit . ( Siquidem ante Herculem quidem non valdè fuit celebre Graecorum genus , cui Danai , & Cadmi , ex Barbaria aduenae , imperarent : post Herculem autem , multas Graeci magnâsque tùm à Graecis , tùm à Barbaris retulerunt victorias : ) & Lacedaemonij non antè vel Graecorum facti sunt Principes , quàm à Lycurgo praeclaram illam Reip : constitutionem acciperent : vel Principatu pulsi exciderunt , quàm eandem negligerent , ac tum sibi Maris imperium vindicarent , qui terram eatenus tenuerant : tùm equitatu minimùm valerent : quem vt alebant ditissimi quique , ita belli tempore , alijs , cum armis qualibuscunque tradebant : tùm sociis non clementer amplius imperarent . Quocirca sunt à Thebanis deuicti , ductu Epaminondae , qui Doctrinam Doctrina Pythagorica Rebuspub . ●t●lissima● Pythagoricam non segniter perceperat . Philippus quoque ab hoc Epaminonda , cum Thebis Obses degeret , institutus , Graecorum Princeps euasit : nec non eius F. Alexander , cùm Philippi patris , tum Aristotelis insuper institutione , & Graecorum Imperium , & Asiae Regnum superatis Persis sibi comparauit . Quinetiam Romani ad maximum Principatum , Reip. bonitate peruenerunt : nec prius res illorum labi coeperunt , quàm Remp. immutassent . Saraceni denique isti olim quidem parua quaedam erant Arabum pars , & Ron●nis ferè parebant : Postquam verò mutata Rep. leges quasdam ferri sibi passi sunt , quae vt non ad aliud quicquam , saltem ad Ciuitatum augmentum & bellicas victorias viderentur conducere : Primùm Gentilium Arabum nacti sunt Imperium , deinde Romanorum dominio maximam & potissimam ademerunt partem : tum Africam sibi adiecerunt : postremò Persas in suam redegerunt potestatem . Sed & aliae Gentes aliquot , horum vtentes moribus & ritibus , foelicitate frui videntur . Atque adeò isti , qui nobis plurimùm praestiterunt , Barbari his vtentes legibus maxima potentia polluerunt . Eodem ferè pacto , si quis reliqua consideret , & Gentes & vrbes reperiet ex bonis vel malis Rebuspublicis , recte se vel secus habuisse . Quare , si hoc videbitur considerandum , quibus modis tùm ad Salutem perueniamus , tùm potiorem statum nobis comparemus : Emendanda duntaxat est Respublica , prauis institutis in rectiora commutatis .

Iam , cùm sint multa quae Rempub. constituant , eamque singula vel meliorem vel peiorem efficiant , nimirum quae plurimis & potissimis constabit melioribus , proba futura est Respub. quae ijsdem peioribus , improba . Ac primùm , quia Rerump . tria sunt genera , Monarchicum , Oligarchicum , & Democraticum : Pluresque item singulorum species , quibus vel corrigitur vel corrumpitur Resp. Prudentissimi sanè quique Monarchiam , Consultoribus optimis et legibus probis , MONARCHIA ijsque ratis vtentem , cunctis praetulerunt .

Consultores . Ac de Consultoribus quidem , primùm , Eruditorum hominum laudatur moderata Copia . Nam & vulgus , quoniam difficulter inter se intelligunt , multosque habet indoctos , temerarios plerunque fert calculos : Et qui paucissimo constant numero , cùm Priuatim sectentur Lucrum , praua dant ferè Consilia . At qui simul & moderato numero fuerint , & non indocti , cùm vt alius aliud consideret , atque in medium proferat , ita Communi vtilitate communiter ducantur , optimi erunt ac certissimi Consultores . Deindè hoc requiritur , vt mediocri sint fortuna , nec vel ditissimi vel pauperrimi : siquidem illi , prae diuitiarum studio , nihil ferè suadent aliud , quàm vnde Lucrum ipsis aliquod proueniat : hi , prae inopia , nihil spectant aliud , quàm vt Necessitati subueniant suae . At qui se mediocriter habent , Communem potissimum Salutem curant . Ac de Consultoribus quidem , hactenus .

Leges . Leges verò , probae sunt , vt vno verbo dicam , quae sua singulis , tùm in Vrbe , tùm in Gente quauis , officia definientes , alienis negotijs vetent se immiscere .

Rustici . Atque in omni ferè Ciuitate , Primum & maximè Necessarium est , et Numerosissimum , Rusticorum genus : Agricolarum videlicet , Pastorum , quique alij Terrae fructus proprijs manibus colligunt . Alterum est Opisicum genus , Mercatorum , Institorum , & similium : quod primis illis ac reliquae Ciuitati inseruit : Opifices . dum Opifices quidem Supellectilem humanae vitae necessariam , Mercatores . in medium producunt : Mercatores autem , quae singulis Regionibus vel desint vel supersint , de vna in aliam transferendo Exaequant : & quoniam alij suis coguntur rebus vacare , ipsi hanc Prouinciam suscipiunt : Institores . Institores denique , de Rusticis quidem , vel Mercatoribus emunt vniuersa : requirentibus autem singulis , quandocunque & quocunque velint numero , Laborers . diuendunt . Nonnulli etiam corporis vires elocantes , nunc his nunc illis ministerium exhibendo victitant . Postremum est Principum genus , Principes . qui vel Vrbem , vel Gentem totam conseruant , atque custodiunt . Quorum , vt supremus est Rex , REX . ita post illum , alij alias Vrbis vel Gentis sortiti partes , ritè conseruant . Cùm enim hoc omnibus persuaderi nequeat , aequitatem absque iniuria sectandam esse , nec tendendas cuiusquam bonis insidias : Nonnulli autem , vel primi vel secundi generis , omissis operibus suis , aliorum inhient laboribus : Contra hos , instituti sunt , ex amicis quidem , Iudices , Iudices . & reliqui Praefecti : ex inimicis verò , Milites , Milites . & horum Duces . Quibus , cùm tanquam publicae intentis custodiae , aliundè suppeditanda essent necessaria , Tributa Rusticis , in Dimensum Publicorum Custodum , imperata sunt : Merces pariter et Praemium Custodiae futura . Tributorum Origo . Atque haec Tributorum est origo .

Cum porrò , tria haec prima sunt hominum in vrbe genera , propria quaedam singulorum esse debent officia : quae quidem proba Lex obire quemque iubet , nec inter se confundere . Principes igitur nullum subeant Ministerium , quandoquidem Imperio maximè contrarium est ministrare . Sunt autem inter Ministeria , cùm alia quae recensuimus , tum Institoria & Mercatura . At Prin●ipem i●bet Lex , nec Mercaturam nec Institoriam facere , nec aliud quicquam non liberale tractare . Similiter à Vulgo secernantur Milites ; ac Seruatores à seruandis : & illi quidem ab omni Collatione liberi Militent , ac Populum tueantur● Hi verò suas res agentes idonea , simul nec grauia Principum & Militum delectorum Dimenso , Tributa pendant . Maior verò pars Exercitus & potior , Ciuium sit ac domesticorum , non Peregrinorum : siquidem raro fidi sunt Peregrini , multisque mutationibus : interdum pro Seruatoribus atque Custodibus hostes existunt . Domestici verò si rectè curentur , magis firmi sunt atque fidi . De Rusticis autem plerique militiae assueti , per coniugationes diuidantur , eorumque alterutro communibus ferè laborante sumptibus , vicissim alter laboret , alter militet : sic vt pariter et familiae suae curam & Salutis Communis ijdem , quantum fieri possit , gerant . Separentur autem in exercitu Pedites ab Equitibus : Peditibus quidem in Turmas sub Ducibus , Equitibus autem in Alas sub Magistris relatis , quò confestim possint , vbicunque fuerit opus , ordine adesse . Neque simul vtraeque Copiae , Terrestres ac Nauales , cogantur : verùm alterae semper , eaeque * * Marke this ●i : for , i● our ●landish State , certainly and euidently , our greater adua●tage and le● cos● and en●omb●ance is to kepe our P●blike and v●iuersall Garde in a Na●y at Sea . As before is aboundantly pro●ed . And GEMISTVS his earnest desire to pre●er the Land force● , and Land Sold●ers maketh him to speake not so aptly and ●auorably as the Case might admit o● skilful Sea-men and Mar●ne●s : who alone are not the worker● of great vi●●orie● at Sea without the Sea Soldiers ●o●●stry and valiantnes concur●ent . For his Cuntry , and at that Tyme ( perhaps ) it was be●●●o , to refuse the maintenance o● a Nauy . And after this maner , are many things in this oration : which● at that Tyme , and in that Place , wer● fo● th● Peloponnesian● more cruisable and commodious , than the like we●e to be demed for this ●●●te . ●or , all , ●●re , ●ontained , is not to be of ●● allow●d , or im●●ated : But here and there , t●e Idea ge●erall , is to be answered with due application , particularly , for our Cuntry , and these our Dayes . Si id Vrbis & Gentis atque etiam Regionis patiatur Natura , potiùs terrestres : ne cum vtrisque simus inferiores , neutros vincamus . Ac praestat longè * Terrestribus Copijs in militum ac Ducum virtute , quam Nautarum ac aliorum hominum † † 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . vilium arte fiduciam ponere : ac terra potitos , indidem necessaria nancisci , quàm peregrè petere : relictisque Mari proximis locis , nisi cogat extrema necessitas , soli cum vicinis bello vacare : quàm pluribus , tùm cum vicinis , tùm cum exteris . Iam c●m Tributorum tria sint minimùm genera , Primum Seruitus , deinde certa siue pecuniae , siue aliarum rerum summa , tùm quaedam rerum nascentium pars : Grauissimum quidem Tributi genus est Seruitus , quippe quod non opes arripiat , sed corpora : nec paruam ipsis praebet exactoribus molestiam , quorum praesentiam quotannis requirit : certa verò summa , praeter seruitutem , magnam etiam habet inaequalitatem , dum & necessariò penditur , et saepènon pro opibus : quando nec facilè sit opibus cuiusque Tributum exaequare , nec singulorum opes eandem semper obtineant magnitudinem . ( Eadem quidem per partes quotannis saepiùs à pluribus exacta , longè maiorem difficultatem parit . ) Rerum autem nascentium quaedam pars cùm seruitutis minus habet , tùm quouis alio Tributo , tantundem quod efficeret , multo leuior est , ipsa temporis ratione , ( quandoquidem , quo tempore fructus à singulis colliguntur , de ipsis petitur fructibus : ) nec non aequalitatem habet maximam , dum quisque pro opibus persoluit : quo fit , vt optimum sit hoc Tributum , cùm & leuissimum sit , vt diximus , & aequissimum : & , si cum aequitate exigatur , Reipubl. vtilissimum .

Quae porrò aequitas hîc locum habeat , hinc licet animaduertere . Terrae fructus tria potissimùm requirunt , Operas , Sumptus operis praebendos , ( vt boues , vineas , Armenta , et similia ) & horum Custodiam . Quapropter etiam Tribus iure debentur , Operis , sumptuum Dominis , ac denique Custodibus vniuersorum et Seruatoribus , quos Reges , Principes , aliosque Praefectos diximus . Rustici ergo , qui suis laborant sumptibus , cùm liceat ipsis quocunque loco , terram quouis pacto colere , duabus fruentes partibus , altera operis , altera sumptibus debita , Tertiam Reipubl . et Custodibus vniuersorum praestent : omni alia Collatione quacunque omnique ministerio vacantes . Atque hoc sit iustissimum Tributum , Praemium simul ac Dimensum publicis ministris futurum . Ac de Tributis quidem hactenus .

Viuendi porrò ratio , cùm reliquorum Ciuium , tùm Praefectorum maximè , non sumptuosa , sed moderata sit : sic vt peregrinas quidem vestes et nugas alias negligant : ad Bellum autem sint omnes compositi , quique huc pertinent apparatus , diligenter procurent : quos quidem , c●m aliò sumptus transferuntur , diminui oportet ac deteri .

Terrae fructus nemini liceat , quocunque velit , nisi alteram partem pro vectigali pendat , euehere . Ad socios quidem , euehere liceat . Sin quis ferro , vel armis , vel alia re necessaria velit mutare , nihil pendat .

Moneta nec improba nec peregrina vtamur : ne videamur etiam praua & aliena vti Republica . Siquidem non paruum in Republica momentum habet Monetae ratio .

Sontes ne Barbarico more mulctentur , vt post mulctam minimùm deinceps peccent . Nam qui videntur insanabiles esse , eos de medio praestat auferentes , animam corpore liberare , qua non recte nouit vti : quàm illos mutilantes , hanc tùm corpori mutilo atque inutili , tùm reliquae Ciuitati alligare .

Atque hae quidem probae sunt Reipubl. Leges , aliaeque similes : Caput autem horum est omnium , de Deo rectè & publicè et priuatim sentire , maximè autem haec tria : Primùm , esse Deum quendam praestantissimam omnium Naturam : deindè , hunc & homines curare , et res omnes humanas tùm magnas , tùm paruas regere : tùm arbitrio suo cuncta illum rectè iusteque semper administrare , nusquam ab officio deflectentem , vel alia de causa , vel hominum donis delinitum , quibus non indigeat . Quae cùm ita se habent , consequitur illud , vt in cultu sacra donariaque modo & pietate adhibitis offerant , velut inde bonum omne proficisci fatentes : nec vel minùs praestantes , aut duarum , aut alterius saltem duarum impietatis formarum opinionem sibi comparent : vel nimio sumptu , & priuatas domos & Rempubl . perdentes , quasi donariorum quicquam proficeret magnificentia : nec amplius quid offerre , sed redimere visi , tertio se impietatis generi obstringunt . Has demum sententias publicè priuatimque confirmatas , necessariò virtus & honesti omne studium sequitur .

At vitium quoduis et maxima mortalium peccata , de contrarijs nascuntur sententijs . Semper enim existunt nonnulli prauis opinionibus imbuti : & vel nullum esse prorsus Deum arbitrantes , vel vt sit , res tamen humanas negligere : vel denique vt sit atque curet , corrumpi nihilominus posse , sacrisque ac donarijs delinitum , nonnunquam ab officio deflectere .

Ab his enim duabus inter se contrarijs de Deo sententijs , tanquam fontibus , duo procedunt vitae genera , plurimùm inter se dissidentia : quorum alterum virtutem vel solum , vel summum ponit bonum , alterum Voluptatem .

Etenim cùm Hominis natura , partim Diuina sit , partim humana , ( quod omnibus & Graecis & Barbaris vel aliqua praeditis mente visum fuit ) Diuinitatem quidem Animo , humanitatem autem exprimente Corpore . Qui quidem Diuinitatem Ducem secuti , cùm rectè de cognata natura senserint , tùm ad virtutis normam vitam omnem direxerint , Boni sunt omnis inter homines Auctores : qui verò mortali ac ferina parte ducti , cùm de Deo secus senserint , tùm ad voluptatem retulerint omnia , magnorum contrà sunt Auctores Malorum .

Inter hos Medij sunt , & qui Gloriae student , & qui Diuitijs : cùm simulacrum illa sit virtutis , hae voluptates concinnet .

Et in eorum quidem numero , qui virtutem sunt amplexi , cùm alij saeculis omnibus extitere , tum Amphitryonis F. Hercules , quem diximus bona reipubl. constitutione virtutisque studio Graecis conciliato , celeberrimos illos reddidisse , cùm sibi primùm ipsi virtutem crebris laboribus & certaminibus comparasset : Lycurgus item Lacedaemonius , qui fratre Rege sine liberis mortuo , cùm Coniunx , quae grauidam se norat , ad ipsum se , fetu abolito , Regnum vnà cum Matrimonio delaturum recepisset , re non concessa , quoniam Iustitiae repugnabat , fratrisque filio tum vita conciliata , tum paterno dominio restituto , aliquanto pòst tempore Legislator à suis constitutus , praeclara illa Reip. constitutione introducta , celeberrimam ipsam vrbem cùm inter Graecos tùm inter Barbaros reddidit : Alexander quoque Rex Macedonum , qui per virtutem simul & animi magnitudinem , Graecorum Princeps effectus , ipsis pariter & Macedonibus , Asiae comparauit imperium :

Nec non inter Barbaros , Persa Cyrus , qui Persas suos virtute propria cùm tyrannide M●dorum liberauit , tùm & horum & Asiae reliquae dominos constituit .

In altero verò numero cùm alij recensentur , tùm Alexander Troianus , Priami filius , qui in Dearum iudicio , vitaeque generum electione , tùm Iunone contempta , virtutis Praeside , tum Auctore gloriae Minerua , Venerem voluptatis Deam praetulit . Quapropter neglectis tùm Regno à Iunone concesso , vita cum virtute et foelicitate coniuncta : tùm à Minerua oblata victoria bellica , vita gloriosa : Helena verò Lacaena Tindarei F. Menelai Atridae coniuge , praemio tam iniqui iudicij accepta , tanquam voluptatis colophone , vt corpore omnium pulcherrima , sic animo turpissima & adultera , cum hac sese simul & Patriam pessundedit . Sardanapalus item Assyrius , qui per Mollitiem et luxum , Asiae Imperium Assyrijs quidem suis ademit , Medis autem concessit : Nec non de Romanis Nero , qui cùm alijs grauibus ac nefandis perpetratis , tùm occisa matre , seipsum quoque tandem malum malè perdidit . Nam Patriam cupiebat quidem , sed prae Romanorum virtute , nondum poterat euertere . Ac saepè plures existunt huius generis , tum inter Principes , tùm inter Priuatos , alij grauiùs alijs peccantes : in his etiam illi , qui Iustitiam quidem et Veritatem & Bonum Commune pro vmbris ducunt , auro autem & similibus inhiant : foelicitatem quidem in vestibus , auro , argento , luxuque quotidiano ponentes , Propriam vero simul & liberorum , et Patriae totius Libertatem , ac SECVRITATEM negligentes . Quidam etiam donec auro & similibus , res caret , ac per se consideratur , vehementissimè Iustitiam & Veritatem defendunt : Sed simul atque vel aurum , vel Auri quid simile micuerit , mox & lingua ligatur , & os obturatur , ac de Iustitia quidem silent : Ad contraria verò , omnis illa conuertitur vehementia . Siquidem ab his & huius generis hominibus , cum reguntur Respub. semper sunt infoelices , quando ne probissimae quidem latae leges habentur ratae , sed omnia temerè permiscentur . Leges Ratae . Non enim tantùm probas leges requirunt Respubl . sed etiam ratas : quales quidem per virtutem Principum existunt : quam , tria praecipua Pietatis genera diximus consequi .

Postquam autem alia re nulla , quàm Salute , nunc indigemus , ( non enim nos latet , quò res ex amplissimo Romanorum Imperio deuenerunt , quibus duae tantum in Thracia relictae sunt vrbes , et Peloponnesi pars aliqua , ac si qua restat etiam Insula , ) Salutem autem Ciuitatum duntaxat è proba Republ. diximus proficisci : Respubl . nobis & legibus praestantissimis et Moderatoribus quàm fieri poterit optimis erit emendanda . Etenim quantò res nostrae peiori sunt loco , & infirmiores cum potentioribus hostibus committimur , tanto magis Rempubl . potiorem decet nos opponere , quae reliquorum exaequet imbecillitatem .

Quibus autem rationibus optima constituatur Respub. iam diximus : potissimis quibúsque & ad rem praesentem maximè pertinentibus expositis , ijsque non valdè difficilibus . Quae enim res ex vnius voluntate effectum suum vel sortiuntur , vel amittunt , non debent pro valdè difficilibus haberi . Vnius porrò voluntatem , tuam potissimùm iudico . Etenim si tibi , qui Princeps noster es , & maxima polles potentia ; praeclarae alicuius rei gerendae Deus amorem inspirauerit , cùm virtutem atque honestatem exactè secteris , non difficulter hae res constitui poterunt , nec ampliùs erit de salute nostra desperandum . Siquidem in hoc posita omnia sunt , ex eoque vel Salus nostra , vel Pernities dependet . Etenim si quam rem praeclaram & magnam cupias gerere , nihil vel praeclarius vel maius tùm Salute Gentis , tùm Regni SECVRITATE facilè repereris . Haec autem non nisi probae Reipubl. constitutione parantur . Ea porrò non alia ratione , quàm quae modò fuit à nobis exposita , componitur : quamque omnes vbique laudatae sunt Ciuitates secutae . Ac si duntaxat ipse volueris , & hoc fueris animo , nullo negocio socios operis inuenies : probiores quidem primos muneribus destinans , reliquos autem benefactis & mulctis corrigens : ac duobus his , tùm cupiditate bonorum , tùm contra peccantes ira rite vsus . Siquidem nec absentia bona cuiquam licet adipisci , nisi cum labore desideret : nec praesentia seruare , nisi rationi ira obtemperet .

Ac Reipubl. Constitutionem , si videtur , à Consultoribus ordire : Consultores● eosque tibi cùm alijs , tùm numero instructissimos , quemadmodum praecepimus , constitue . Siquidem hinc aequum est incipere : cumque maiori parti visum quid fuerit , ita demùm rerum mutationem & emendationem aggredi . Neque illos lateat , quanto res nostrae versentur in discrimine , quantumque salutis indigi simus : nec eam nisi emendata Republ. possimus consequi . Nam & qui aegrotant , si consueta viuendi ratione laeduntur , non aliter sanantur , quàm cùm hac omissa , commodiorem deligunt .

Deindè , maiorem exercitus partem expurga : diuisis bifariam Peloponnesijs : in Militantes , & Collationem pendentes , prout singulorum feret ratio : sic , vt non ampliùs ijdem simul et Militent et pendant . Etenim nec teipsum pariter et gentem seruare poteris , nisi hostes deuiceris : nec hostes deuincere , nisi exercitum potiùs beneuolum & animosum , quàm copiosum habueris . Difficulter autem , pendens Exercitus , beneuolentiam simul & animos conseruat : sed vtrumque , ferè , perdit .

Praefecti quoque secernantur à Mercatoribus : Praefecti . & cunctis quidem imperetur , ne Mercaturam vel Institoriam deinceps exerceant : sed se pro Praefectis gerant , Reipubl. custodiam et salutem procurantes , non seruilia obeuntes officia , & quidem nequam seruorum , qui ponderibus iniustis & quacunque re alia miseros Rusticos damno afficiunt . Sin etiam de Mercatoribus aliqui fuerint ad Magistratus euecti , ij vel relicta Mercatura , si fuerint idonei , munere fungantur : vel loco moueantur . Oportet enim haec secerni , non Praefectos cum Mercatoribus permisceri , nec Milites agros colere , nec Rusticis communem salutem committi : quae sunt omnia Reipubl. prauissimae , quaeque nihil vnquam magnum vel praeclarum gesserit . Enimuero nec Asinis ad Equorum vtimur opera , nec Equis ad Asinorum : adeoque nec Equis ijsdem ad omnia , verùm alijs bello , alijs ad sarcinas . At hoc discrimen , in hominibus multo magis obseruandum erat . Tributis quoque multis istis , crebris , & inaequalibus sublatis , illud omnium loco repone , quod rerum nascentium Tertiam diximus aequissimè complecti partem , leuissimum pendentibus & Reipublicae vtilissimum idem futurum . Nam propter hoc Tributum , nec temerè quis aufugiet , nec ab exactoribus iniuriam accipiet , dum illi pendentibus quamplurima volunt attribuere , quo videlicet simul Tributum crescat . De his autem Hilotis , primùm tuae familiae , quot videbitur opus , selige : reliquos deinde Praefectis et Militibus primarijs , quanto voles numero concede . Tum verò cogantur singuli pro Hilotarum asscriptorum numero Clientes alere , seruos videlicet militares : ne pecuniam publicam temerè profundant : quaeque hostes in votis habent , vt Salutis Communis impensae turpiter dissipentur , ipsi videantur procurare .

Haec quoque Naturae consideres licet Exempla . § § This , Notwithstanding : Difference and excellency of rich and curiously wrought apparell is alowed by God , to the glorious state of Princes Courtes , Math. 11.2.8 . Luke . 7. d. 27. Aquila Rex quidem est Auium , & Iòui fuit olim consecratus , minime tamen varias aut fulgentes habet Alas . Pauo contrà varius quidem est & fulgens , sed minimè Regia natura . Pluresque Aues aliae Pauone longè viliores , colorum sunt varietate distinctae . Quare videtur , qui vestibus praetextis ac similibus * * To be proud of apparell , is most Pecock-like : but without pride , due difference , is most nedefull in a Common Wealth : & the Soueraigne Prince of any Realme , therin to exc●ll his Subiects incomparably : chie●ly in the day●● of Triumphes , Feastes , 〈◊〉 nities , &c. The Scriptures Diuine do yeld v● examples : and other histories plentifully . superbit , tanquam Pauonis pulcritudine gloriari . Iam illud specta , sitne honestius ac iucundius , huc praecipuè tendentem , & bello quantùm licet consulentem , moderato tùm vestitu , tum reliquo viuendi modo , hostes quidem contemnere , de Imperio autem ac Regno Securum esse : an veste praetexta inuolutum , tremere , et hostes metuere . Quòd si porrò Pastores essetis , vtro modo lac impenderetis ? Vtrùm partem quidem alteram ipsi consumeretis , altera verò canes robustos aleretis , qui à ferarum insidijs Ouile defenderent : vt eo conseruato tùm Pastores esse , tum fructibus diù frui possetis : an hoc neglecto , partem quidem alteram ingurgitaretis & vestimenta prolueretis , altera verò , Canum robustorum loco , Maelitaeos catellos & vulpes aleretis , aut Vrsos , vt voracissimas Bestias , ita parùm intentas custodiae ?

Huc igitur omne studium conuerte , nihil omittens neque praetexens , siue quid aut priorum Regum alicui , aut ipsi tibi aliter olim fuit visum , siue quibusdam non est res placitura : sed cùm omnia mouens , tùm nihil non ad Communem salutem pertinere visum tentans , ☞ quando ne Medici quidem sua semper possunt seruare decreta , sed cum omnia mouent , tum nihil ad sanitatem pertinens omittunt , ac secant etiam , vel vrunt , manumque interdum vel Pedem insuper ob salutem totius corporis abscindunt . Horum siquidem ipse quaedam , si videbitur , cum liceat , perages : nonnulla ab Augusto Imperatore , & Patre , Salutis Publicae causa postulabis . Neque tibi ille difficulter ea concedet , cùm huc spectare cognouerit , Ingenium simul & Impetum diuinum admiratus . Caeterum his , quae maximè & proximè videntur ad Salutem tendere peractis , reliqua sine vlla difficultate deinceps , quaecunque ad Reipubl. virtutem & ornatum pertinent , assequeris : ac tandem optimam omnino Rempubl . nobis constitues . Quanto quidem maior tibi à nobis habetur honor , tantò etiam iacturam fore credes maiorem , si quid secus euenerit . Enimuerò te potissimùm Salutis Communis decet curam gerere , nihil Cunctantem , nec differentem . Siquidem nec licèt cunctari , cùm sit prae foribus periculum : nec alioqui tale negotium conuenit differre . Nec imperitè videtur Hesiodus dicere :

SEMPER AT IGNAVVS CVM NOXIS PRAELIA MISCET .

AND with this pithy peece of wise warning , by HESIODVS ( very aptly to our present purpose ) recorded , I will end this first Treatise : falling out , in very good Oportunitie , to be in stead of a Preface , for the better vnderstanding and enioying the rest of the RARE MEMORIALS ensuing : collected , according to the Title prefixed . For which Preface , being thus , ( though with more zeale than cunning ) finished , I yeld thanks most humbly to the Omnipotent Spirit of Veritie , the Spirit of all Comfort and Bountifulnes : which Directed & enclined the Minde and Tongue of my Instructer , thus to prefer the SAFETY AND POLITIKELY ASSVRED PEACE VNIVERSALL , OF THIS BRYTISH KINGDOM , before any other Lucre , or Honor , Publike or Priuate : As , without which PEACE AND TRANQVILLITY , neither the COMMONS : nor , the LORDES SPIRITVALL OR TEMPORALL : no , nor yet our most GRACIOVS ELIZABETH , can atteyne to the excellent Scope , and perfection of Ciuill State : vnto which , both , by the Law of God and Nature : and also by Humaine Policy , all sound Common-Wealths , and Bodies Politike , ought to direct all their Actions Ciuill .

And I beseche you ( Right Worshipfull Sir , ) not onely to take these my speedy Trauailes and Collections in good parte , your selfe : But also , to whom so euer , you will deliuer any one of the Copies , ( wherof , only one Hundred are to be printed , by the warning of my Instructor : ) You would be my Carefull Orator , to this purpose chiefly : That my good will , and exceding zealous Intent herein , dutifully to pleasure this BRYTISH MONARCHI● , might be thankfully accepted : and so , my simple & very faythfull Trauailes , to be rewarded . And finally , that you would very earnestly request * * Hac , magnorum hominum sunt : H●c , apud Maiores nostros factitata : Hac genera Officiorum qui persequuntur , cum summa ●tilitate Reipublic● y , magnam ipsi adipiscentur & Gratiam & Gloriam . Cicero . Offic. lib. 2. them , ( for the COMMON-WEALTHS CAVSE , ) Speedily , Circumspectly , and Paradoxally to vewe this plat . And then , to amend the Imperfection : and to Supply the wants thereof : ( the better now to be espied , by these few warnings , ) and prosperously , to farder some pithy Extract made of the whole matter : So much , as they , both by their Politike skill , and auailable Authority , best can : And , THEN , shall the foresaid PSALMODY , most aptly and hartily , of all true BRYTISH AND ENGLISH SVBIECTS , be song : Lauda HIERVSALEM Dominum , Lauda Deum tuum SION . Quoniam confortauit Seras Portarum tuarum : Benedixit filijs tuis in te . Qui posuit fines tuos PACEM , Et adipe Frumenti satiat te . &c. Non-fecit Taliter omni Nationi .

Prayse we all the Lord therfore . Amen .

Finished , Anno Domini . 1576. Augusto Mense .

Notes, typically marginal, from the original text

Notes for div iazg-e10640

PRINTED AT LONDON BY IOHN Daye , Anno 1577. In Septemb.

Cum Priuilegio Regiae Maiestatis .

TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFVL M. CHRISTOPHER Hatton , Esquyer , Capitayn of her Maiesties Garde , and Ientleman of her Priuy Chamber . YF Priuat wealth , beleef and deere , To any Wight , of Brytish Soyl : Ought Publik Weale , haue any peere ? To that , is due , all Wealth and Toyl . Wherof , such Lore as I ( of Anno. 1576. late , ) Haue lernd , and for Security , By Godly means , to Garde this State , To you I send , now , carefully . Vnto the Gardians , most wise , And Sacred Senat , or Chief Powr , I durst not offer this Aduise , ( So homely writ , ) for fear of Lowr . But , at your will , and discreet choyce , To keep by you , or to imparte , I leaue this zealous Publik voyce : You will accept so simple parte . M'Instructors freend did warrant me , You would so do , as he did his : That E. D. Esq. Redy freend , can witnes be , For Higher States , what written is : Of Gratefulnes , due Argument . Yf greeuous wound , of sklandrous Darte , At length to cure , they will be bent , M'Instructor , then , will doo his parte , In ernest wise , I know right well : No Merit shall forgotten ly . Thus much , I thought , was good to tell : God graunt you Blis , aboue the Sky .