THere liued sometimes in a vast and solitarie desert , a holy & Religious Father , whose chiefest care , and daylie exercise , was with fasting , watching , and praying , continually to serue God . This holy Father was moued on a time with a zealous and hartie desire , to finde out the true & ready way , ( if possibly he cold , ) to true wisdome , and the loue of God . Therefore he resolued with himselfe to trauaile ouer the whole world , if happely he could finde a Master able to instruct and direct him herein . With this resolution he departed from his Cell , and then first beganne his determined journey . Now after this holy Father , ( whome we will call , Desiderius or Desire ) had measured the desert , with a long and wearisome trauaile he first encountred a reuerende old sheepheard : who fedde his flocke , in a pleasant greene meddow , beautified with variety of sweet smelling flowers : with the sight of whome , being greatly comforted : hauing long trauailed , & yet mette with no man , he saluted him in manner following . My louing Brother , now thanked be God who hath directed me to meete you here . To whome the sheepheard returned answere : I likewise am gladde of this our meeting : tel me , what seeke you in this solitary desert ? I seeke quoth Desire a certayne Knight , who as I vnderstand is trauailed this way .

THis Pilgrim , & this Pastor , thus mette togither , Desire attentiuely noted with admiration , the great care , and diligence , which this good sheepheard vsed , towards the flocke committed to his charge , first , he had in his hand a rodde , or wande , on his right side , there hong a scrippe , or bagge : on his feete , he weare wodden pattens , his garment was a long coate ; on his lefte side , at his girdle , there hong a little horne , and on his right side , an other somewhat greater , two great dogges followed him on each side , and fast by , was his homely cottage , fensed & compassed about with bushes , and thornes . The sheepheard , perseauing how attentiuely Desire beheld and noted him , asked of him , the cause thereof : and if he neuer had seene a sheepheard before ? DE. Truely Brother , I haue oft seene manie , but neuer one so well prouided as your selfe , wherefore pardon me : and if it be not troublesome to you , answeare me to that I shall aske of you . SH. You shall not be offensiue to me , if your demandes , be but such as I may answere . DE. Wherefore doe you carrie this staffe in your hande ? SH. I meruaile not a little , why you aske me that , for considering , your selfe are a Sheepheard , as I am , howe can you be ignorant of the vse of it ? I vse this staffe , both for my ayde , and stay , that going vp and downe , with my sheepe , I stumble not and fall : and also , therewith I order and rule my flocke , directing them therewith , to keepe their right way , and prohibiting them , to wander and stray , but to keepe togither , not allowing each one to goe seuerall wayes : for if anie one chance to seuer from my flocke , or to follow after anie other , then my selfe , with this staffe , enforce him & driue him , vntill he vnite himselfe againe to his fellowes . DE. What doe you carry in this Scrippe that you weare ? SH. Foure thinges : A tinder boxe to strike fire , wherewith in colde winter I may warme my selfe , and dresse such meate as serueth my fellowes , and me , also bread , onyons , a box of oyntment , and salt , whereof especially , I oft giue my shepe . DE. Why doe you weare wodden pattens on your feete . SH. To keepe me warme in Winter , when it is Frost , and Snow : for if I should weare more costly , or curious , they would soone be worne out with much going about . DE. What signifieth this long garment that you weare ? SH. This is my habit , without which , no man would know me to be a sheephearde . DE. Whereof is this garment made ? SH. of sheepe skinnes . DE. Might it not bee made of Wolues or other beasts skinnes ? No , for my sheepe would easilie finde that by the smell , and so woulde presently fly away from me : but seeing me cladde in their owne skinnes ; they loue and followe me continually . DE. What haue you in the horne that hangeth on your left side ? SH. An oyntment , wherewith I dresse my sheepe that be infected with the scabbe . DE. What in the bigger , that hangeth on the right side ? SH. A marking stone , whereby I know them from other mens sheepe . DE. For what vse doe you keepe these dogges ? SH. They barke in the night , and keep away the wolues , whereby , both my sheepe be in more safety , and I my selfe take my rest more quietly . DE. Why are you so carefull ouer this your charge ? SH. Because I haue a kinde and bountifull Master , who hath promised me a great rewarde , although I doe it not in regarde of rewarde , but rather for the loue I beare to him .

DESIRE now grewe into great admiration with him selfe , and was greatly pleased , hearing that this sheepheard did vndertake this charge for loue , and said to him . My brother , considering you conuerse for the most part in these pleasant fieldes , can you certifie me of a certayne Knight which wandereth solitarily , vp and downe alone ? by reason that being expelled his possession by his owne subjectes , he is constrayned to seeke some place of abode where he may rest and settle him selfe . SH. What is the name of this Knight , you enquire after ? DE. He is called , the Loue of God . SH. I knowe right well the place of his abode . And if thou hadst experience to keepe my flocke as I haue , and werte euery way sufficient for such a charge , I would my selfe bring thee to him , that thou mightest not as heretofore wander vp and downe to seeke him , hee loueth sheepheardes , and willingly conuerseth with them . And although he be a noble , and renowmed knight , yet is he notwithstanding the soune of a sheepheard . But perceauing thee , to be a man of a weake , and tender constitution , and vnfitte of thy selfe , to vndertake the charge of my flocke , not able to follow them , though this solitarie desert , I thinke it meete , thou shouldest assay an other journey . DE. What other journey doe you aduise me to take ? SH. First must you passe through this solitarie desert , and not farre hence , shall you finde a faire and stately Monasterie : this Monasterie is inhabited only with Virgins , of whome you shal learne the abode of this Knight : for such is the curtesie , affabilitie , and honest carriage of him , that willingly , he conuerseth with all , that seeke after him . This descourse of the sheepheard , pleased Desire not a little , and the rather , being put in hope , by him to finde out the Loue of God . Who said to him , teach me , I pray you the ready way that I must take : least that perhaps through ignorance , I happe to goe awry . SH. I may not my selfe forsake my flocke , yet will I appoint thee a conuenient companion in this thy journey , who accompaning thee , that by the assistance of God , thou shalt not easely goe out of thy way : take here with thee this my dogge . DE. What is his name ? SH. Good will . DE. Farewell my Brother . SH. And you also , to whome I wish a prosperous journey .

HEre Desire leauing the Sheepheard , vndertoke his journey , accompanied with his dogge ; running by his side : which was no little comfort to him on the way , and now hauing trauailed , many dayes , and nights , he entred on a Sonday , into a most pleasant greene medow , seated in a dry , and rocky soyle , whereat , Desire meruailed not a little , to see so pleasant , and so greene a meddow , lying in so stony , and so barraine a place , ouergrowne aboute , with bushes , and thornes . And entring farther in , he found there builte , a stately , faire Monasterie : the sight whereof , pleased him much . But comming neare , he found the gates shut , and a certayne Virgin standing without , modest as to him seemed , both in her attire , and behauiour : who at the sight of Desires dogge , beganne to be afrayd . Whome Desire comforted , and hidde not to feare , assuring her , his dogge would not hurte her . And meruailing , to see her stand thus alone without , he demanded of her , why shee stoode there , who answeared him , that shee expected the opening of the gates to goe in . Then demanding farther her name of her , she answered , saying ; I am cal-called Vaine-glorie . Now Desire hauing long expected the opening of the gates , and perceuing his attendance to be all in vaine , beganne to call , and knocke at the gate with a hammer , hanging thereat , called Longanimitie , & presently came forth can auncient reuerende man , who opened the gate . This man was called the Feare of God , who was both porter and keeper of all this Monasterie , whome Desire seing , and finding a graue and wise reuerende man , was greatly cheared in beholding him , and after due reuerence done to him , spake to him in manner following . Good Sir ( quoth he , ) my comming hither , is to seeke out a Knight , called the Loue of God . Who as I am tolde , is trauailed through this desert , and hath his abode now in this Monastery , wherefore I humbly desire of you , to know if he be here within or no. At this demand of his , the porter rejoyced , for he loued the Loue of God euen as his owne Brother , & asked of him , why h sought ofter this Knight . DE. I seeke him not only because I am greatly delighted with him , but also because it is very behouefull for me to finde him ; FEARE OF GOD . What ? haue you any thing so secret that you dare not reveale it ? DE. Truely Sir . only I desire his company and conuersation , and wish I were his seruant to attend on him , coueting nothing more than such a Master and instructer , for in all this country , I cannot finde a Master answerable to my minde , although many haue bin willing to entertayne me . But I haue learned from many , that the Loue of god , is a most noble gentle , and bountifull Master : who in that he is rich , often bestoweth great preferments on his seruants . FEARE OF GOD . True it is , he passed , his way accompanied but with fewe , who at this present is not within , but haue patience a while , & I will call a Virgin to you , who is able to direct you , where you shall finde him out .

MEane time , now Desire joyfully expected the comming of the Porter , and Virgin he spake of , & not weighting long , there came to him a modest and seemely Virgin , who saluting him curteously , was in like manner resaluted againe , of whome Desire craued her name , who answered , my name is called Nihili-pensio , because I entermedle not in superfluous & vnnecessary thinges , and demanding farther the name of the Monasterie , shee told him it was the house of Humilitie , because within , there dwelt many virgins , who liued vnder the obedience and rule of humilitie , he againe asked : what maide is that which standeth without the gate , her name quoth she , is called Vaine-glory : who sitteth continually at this gate vntill it be opened , and then , if the Porter be negligent , & looke not strictly to his office , ( but leaue open the gates ) shee presently entreth . Why do you not admit her in said Desire , considering both in speech , habit , & gesture , she seemeth modest , vertuous , & honest . You know not ( quoth the Virgin ) her conditions , I perceaue : For I assure you , shee is a most dangerous beaste , for how much the more modest , & religious she semeth by her externall carriage , so much I holde her , to be more dangerous . What , saith Desire , doth she at any time hurt you ? yea truly said the Virgin , so farre as lieth in her power : her father is a wicked man , called Selfe Loue , her mother as ill , called Selfe Estimation , neither haue we three greater enemies in all the world , and farther , they are enemies to the Loue of God , a Knight who is Master of this Monastery , in which we liue . And that you may farther know , what hurt Vaine-glory doeth vs : I say , so soone as shee entereth in , shee is so gluttenous , and rauening , that first shee goeth into our Orchards , & there deuoureth , and eateth vp al our fruite , which is both faire & good , which is the fruite , wee haue to liue with , neyther haue we more than one tree of it , which carrieth so litle , that hardly are we susteyned therewith , which being taken away from vs , by Vaine-glory , we remaine so poore , that nothing is left vs . And yet worse than this , after shee is once come in , shee is so crafty , and deceitfull , that we cannot expell her , labour we neuer so much , vntill wee call the assistance of our Mother , at whose only sight , shee runneth away : wherefore wee thinke it good , not to admitte her at all , which to preuent , wee purposely keepe this Porter continually at our gate , who is a seuere and sterne man , and still shutteth the gate , that shee cannot enter : whome wee intreate to be circumspect , that when hee admitteth any , hee through negligence , leaue not open the gate . Desire stoode amased , at the discourse of this Virgin , and replied , considering shee is so dangerous an enemy to you , you cannot be too carefull , to keepe her out of your house .

DEsire continuing his speech with this Virgin , asked her who brought her into that goodly , and Religious Monastery , adorned , and shining , with so rare vertues , Two Virgins ( quoth shee ) guided me hither , whereof the one is called Contempt of the world , a Virgin endued with singuler vertues the other called Contempt of her selfe , exceeding the first by many degrees . These two Virgins leading me in , entreated our Mother and Mistris to receaue me , which notwithstanding she had not done , but for the loue of a certayne Knight , which mette vs in our journey , & came in here with vs , who bestowed on me this habite I weare , and admitted me into the society of his Virgins , and had it not beene graunted vs by speciall grace , that , that Knight had entred in hither with vs , I had neuer beene receaued , but had lost my labour . DE. What is the name of the Knight you speake of ? VIRGIN : The Loue of God . It pleased desire much , that the Loue of God was of that account , that so many , and so great thinges where done : only for his sake , and now he beganne more earnestly to Desire his presence , and sayde . DE. Deare sister , tell me what were the parents of these two Virgins , which brought you hither , for it auaileth much to the honesty and reputation of a man , to be borne of honest and vertuous parents , for commonly the tree taketh the vertue from the roote . VIR . I knowe right well their parents names , their father is one of chiefest authoritie in our Princes palace , who is called , To knowe , also I knowe as well their grand-father , whose name is To Consider , who is a wise and discreete man , and one that dischargeth his office dulie : he married a wife called Wisedome . DE. Had the Knight when hee mette you no man in his company ? VIR . Yes , he had a boy with him whom he loueth dearely , this boy is , called the Loue of our neighbour . DE. Can you direct me whither this Knight is gone ? VIR . I coulde direct you , but let vs goe in , and I will bring you to those that can instruct you certainly : but tell me I pray you , why doe you carry this great dogge with you ? DE. He was giuen vnto me by an other , for I my selfe had first but a little whelpe , which I bredde vp in my chaber , vntill I mette a certayne sheepheard that bestowed , his bigger dogge on me , to accompany me through this vast and solitarie desert , in which ( as I was told ) liued many hurtful serpents , & dangerous wild beasts , from which I might bee defended by the assistance of this dogge . VIRG. What is the dogges name ? DE. Good will . VIRG. The dogge surely is a very good dogge , if you knowe howe to keepe him : and assure your selfe , so long as you haue him , he will suffer no ill to befall vnto you , neither neede you to feare , to stray out of your way . DE. But tell me I pray you ? of whome may I enquire , where I may finde this Knight that I seeke after ? VIR . Truely Brother , he dwelleth farre hence , & thou hast a long journey to goe through this desert , before thou canst come to the place of his abode : thou must trauaile at the leaste , seauen dayes journey , for there be seauen Monasteries , seated in this desert , neither is there any other way to passe , but this : yet for the loue of the Loue of God , considering , I see thee so desirous of him , I will direct thee a short way to goe , by the which thou shalt sooner come where he is , wherefore , it is requisite that thou follow my aduise . Desire hearing what see said , rejoyced greatly , but especially , because shee saide shee would doe it for the Loue of God , and saide to her . DE. I will doe , what ere you bid me , so I may finde the Loue of God . VIR . Here , within this desert , there are eight Monasteries , whereof , this which is the house of Humility , is the first , the second , is of Iustice , the third , is of Wisedome , the fourth , of Fortitude , the fift , of Temperance , the sixt , of Faith , the seauenth , of Hope , the eight , of Charity : in this last of Charity , remaineth the Loue of God , and there dischargeth the office of a porter . This whole journey , thou must vndertake , if thou wilt be sure to go the right way , but as I saide , I will teach thee a shorterway , by which , thou mayest sooner come to him : yet notwithstanding , it is of necessity , that thou abide a time here in this Monastery , that thou maist learne , marke , and remember , all our orders , and be acquainted with our Mistris , & all herd daughters , and learned , and remember their names behuiours , & lius . Moreouer , thou must diligently note , al things in this Monastery , & carry to the Loue of God , Certaine rules of ours , for the great loue he beareth to this our Monastery before others , then will he without delay , most willingly receaue thee , the rather , if thou bring letters of commendation from our Mistris . DE. What is the reason , the Loue of God should so preferre you ; considering ( as me seemeth ) you are the poorest , meanest , & fewest in number . VIR . This was the first Monastery that was founded in this Desert , and all the other are depending on this , besides our chiefest founder , & gouernor , the builder , & workman of this Monasterie , maketh his abode and dwelling amongst vs : And although he walke vp & downe this Desert , to visit & keep in order the other Monasteries , yet will he not permit himself to be otherwaies called , then a child of this Monastery , & first of al , we gaue him an habit . desire was so much delighted with the discourse of this virgin ; that he felte his hart inflamed with loue , for he noted her words well , & saide , he desired nothing more , than to spend long time in this place , & with great diligence to note & marke their orders . Then the virgin taking him by the hand said , let vs now goe in .

THe building of this house much pleased Desire , and he admired the beauty thereof , considering it was playne , without any counterfet : for neither was it builte high , not yet set forth , with any imagery or painting ; but lowe , & conuenient , not founded vpon sand , but on a firme rocke . After Desire had a time attended his deuotions in the Oratory , the Virgin brought him to the chamber of their Mistris , or mother , who receaued him curteously , seeing him vertuous , & deuoted to Gods seruice , and making him sit , said vnto him , what cause my Son hath brought thee , amongst vs , considering we are so poore , so meane , & such abjects ? DE. Lady mother , I seeke after a knight , called the Loue of God . And as I am instructed , I canot finde him , except I make my abode here some time with you : wherfore ( if it be not troublesome to you , ) I desire to liue vnder your obedience , & gouerment . HVM . Your desire and purpose pleaseth me well , but first consider , and weigh with your selfe , what it is that you goe about to vndertake , least hauing once entred , you repent you of your purpose . DE. I beseech God assist me with his grace & helpe , that I may perseuer in vertue , and all goodnes . HVM . I wish the same , & pray to God , to accomplish this good worke , which he hath begonne in thee . But farther , it is requisite , that thou thy selfe endeuour al that in thee lyeth , that God may prosper this thy good purpose . DE. What think you needful for me to do ? HVM . My Sonne , I will tell thee . If thy desire be to remayne here amongst vs , and not to be expelled from hence by my Virgins ; thou must take my yongest daughter , which brought thee in hither , who is called Nihili-pensio , that is , contempt of al vnnecessary cares : & her thou must obey as thy gouernesse or Mistris , to whome , purposly we haue committed the charge , to entertayne strangers , and be the directix of nouices , & whosoeuer refuse to be obedient to her , neuer perseuer in that they vndertake . DE. Most willingly I admit her , and receaue her my gouernesse ; and desire to know of you Lady mother , your name , stocke , conditions , and degree , & how , you come to be mother ouer these Virgins ? For as it is tould me , I must knowe , and learne , the properties , conditions , & state , of all these Virgins vnder your gouerment to the intent , that the better I know them , the more I may loue them ; & that when I shall depart from hence , I may the better be able to answere , & direct those that shal aske , or seek to learne any thing of me . HVM . My name is Humility , my Father , Contempte of him selfe , Knowledge of himselfe , my Grandfather , and his wife is called Knowledge of God . My fore named Grandfather , commeth from a citty , called To marke , and consider what I am , what I haue beene , what I shall be . My Grandmother from a towne , called Consideration of the Loue of God . There are but two wayes , to goe to the country of my Grandfather , & only two gates , whereby to enter in , the first is , Man himselfe , the other All creatures , and men say , no man can enter into either of these gates , but by flying : and that our Lord God himselfe builded this citty , with his owne hands , considering , that none but he , could finishe so commodious , so beautifull , & so firme a building . DE. Would our Lord God , whose majesty , and excellency is so great , put himselfe to the building , of such stony , and clay workes ? HVM . Yea truely , for he is an excellent workeman , and both a stilfull mason , and carpenter , and taketh great delight in making earthen works , & buildings . DE. What is the cause that he doth this , considering that he hath need of nothing ? HVM . Nothing , but his owne goodnes , doth constrayne , or moue him to do this : whence it proceedeth , that he neuer ceaseth to benefit others , neither seeketh he , or studieth with all thinges that he maketh , and goeth about , anie other thing , but the benefit , felicity , and saluation , of all men , the honor and prayse , to himselfe alone reserued . And for this cause , doth he make of so base , and vile a matter , so goodly , and beaufull workes , as he doeth , that the worthines of the worke , being compared with the basenes of the matter , all men might admire him , prayse him , and loue him . DE. I meruail that so excellent a Lord as he is , would seeke for prayse , considering thereby he may be touched with vaine-glory ? HVM . There is nothing lesse to be feared , than that in him , he being so perfit , that no greater perfection can be added to him , and all honor and glory , that can be yeelded to him , cannot be said vaine , being only proper to him ; And how great honor soeuer we can giue to him , yet in regarde of that which beseemeth him , & is due to him ; we can neuer honor him , answerable to his dignitie . And for that cause will he be exalted , and praysed , not that he desireth glory , but because he is most iust , and will , that euery one , haue that which is due to him : then seing all prayse , honor , and glory is due to him alone , being only good , his will is , that all prayse , honor and glory , be yeelded only to him . But if anie other shall seeke or desire after glory , they may iustly be called vaineglorious , because they take it from him , to whome it only appertayneth , and he may truly be called a theefe , that taketh to himselfe , an other mans goodes , against the will of the true owner .

DESIRE . Now Lady Mother , that you haue tolde me your parentage , & stocke , I desire to knowe , how you came to be chiefe Gouernesse of this house : for in my opinion , it is a great honour and dignity , and I my selfe , in time may come to be a gouernour : for there is greate difference , betweene commanding , and obeyinge , Humility hearing what he saide , beganne to weepe , of whome , Desire demaunded the cause of her weepinge . HVM . My Sonne , I cannot conteyne my teares , to see , that outwardly thou seemest clad with the habit of humilitie , and yet inwardly thou appearest naked , & bare , & that in shew , thou semest religious and virtuous ; but in hart , and minde , voyde of virtue , and deuotion . In vaine haue we vsed our passed discourse , seing these thoughtes , and desires of thine , are so cleane repugnant from the wil of my father , & most dearly beloued Lord Iesus , who neither in word , nor deed , euer sought , or desired rule or gouernment , & came not into this world , to be serued , but to serue . From which path who soeuer turneth , and strayeth : walketh the way of damnation , not saluation . But Oh vnhappy & miserable creaturs that we are , to whom it is alotted , to rule and gouerne others : considering how hard a taske we take in hand , if we wil but commaund our selues as we ought . Such honor is in deede but misery , and full of cares , labors , wearines , afflictions , sorowes , dangers , & most horrible feares and which if it be not well ordered & gouerned , is in the end accompanyed with ignominy and shame . Oh ouer heauie burthen of rule & commandement : in which nothing is found , put labor , and trouble , wherein hatred , repining , & il wil is receiued from those that should acknowledg , and yeeld obedience and thanks . If thou remainest any time here amongst vs , thou shalt finde by experience my sayings true . Now , to answere thy demaund , how I came to be gouernesse : I will , for the Loue of God acquaynte thee with the meane . When first , I entered into this house : I purposed and so perswaded my selfe , that I was but a labouring beaste , and the seruant of the other Virgins : and this determination of mine , I so resolued to performe , and imprinted it , deeply in my minde , and hart , continuallie calling it freshly to my minde , and prayinge to God , to make mee still desire it , and that it woulde please him to make mee worthie to bee his Spouse , and so through his appoynte-ment I came to be gouernesse , although of my selfe , I neither would , or desired it . Desire hearing Humilities discourse , thought her a Virgin , of very rare vertue , in that for the Loue of God , shee had so dejected , and debased her selfe ; and perceauing her to be yet a Virgin , vnderstood the Matrimony that shee spake of , to be spirituall , and not carnall , and said . DE. Then I perceaue , who so will be a Superiour , & ruler , must according as you haue done , first humble and debase himselfe . HVM . It is true my Son as by experience thou mayest finde it . DE. And how may I try it ? HV . By seeing those that humble themselues to be exalted : yet , to take heede , that thou humble not thy selfe to that end , that thereby thou desire to be exalted , for so , thou shalt sinne in pride : And pride , & humility are open enemies , and euer oppose themselues , one against the other . For what so euer thou doest , if thou truely humble thy selfe , thou canst not , in the same action , exalte thy selfe . But if thou humble thy selfe , because thou wouldest be exalted , thy shewe , is humble , but thy acte , is proud . And because , the action is to be taken , according to the intent of the mind , such humility is called pride . By which reason , humilitie , may diuersly be termed pride . For if wee haue respect to the action of such a man outwardly , he carrieth a shew of humility , but looking to the end of his humble action , wee shall finde it , wholy to proceed from pride . And to speake properly , humility it selfe , contendeth not with pride , but the spirit of humility , and it is impossible , to haue these two agree in one : for humility is but an act , but the spirit of humility , conteyneth both the act , and the cause , and intention , of humbling , and dejecting our selues .

NOw my forenamed husband , ( I meane my purpose I vndertooke to humble my self , like a labouring beaste , and the seruant of all men , ) assisted me faithfully , in a certayne conflict I had with an other Lady , and her maidens , of the house of Pride , whose gouernesse was called Pride of life : which daily endeuoureth to scrach out mine eyes , and still brauleth with me : An she bringeth with her , both the vnder gouernesse of her house , called Concupiscence of the flesh ; and her steward , Concupiscence of the eyes . To these three associates , her selfe a lewde maide , both mother , and nurse of them , called Negligence , who beinge often weake , and feeble , is easily ouercome : but sometime she so filleth her selfe , with eating , & drinking , that shee becommeth fatte & strong , and then is shee very dangerous . Shee hath attending on her , a certayne maide , dull , foolish , and will brought vp , called Malice : with whome come hither , three other Maides , Anger , Sloath , & Enuy . And vnto the three last , associate them selues , two other , that is , Naughty Suspition , and Rash Iudgement . All these , are at mortall enmity with me , and still oppose them selues against me , with whome I am daily , to contende , and fight . Therefore , so oft as they enter in here , I with the assistance of my husband , straite driue them out , and force them to flie . And then haue we can other feare , least the Maide which continually watcheth at the gates , I meane Vaine-glory , presently steppe in . For if once , we giu her opportunity to enter , she robbeth vs of the fruite , and benefit which we got , by expelling our other forenamed enemyes : so that then we are barraine of all goodnes , and loose the labour we tooke in our former conflicte . DE. How then chanceth it , that when these other your enemies enter in here , she standing at the gates , doth not also enter . HVM . This is the reason , those other Maydens , vse the benefit of winges , & enter not by the gate , but flie ouer the walles , & often they hide them selues , so secretly in some corner of the house , that when we least suspect them , they walke & wander vp and downe amongst vs , wherefore we are of necessity , to keepe a carefull watch , least suddainly they come vpon vs , and spoile vs vnlooked for . DE. Let vs discourse , yet longer of this matter , and tel me why ? You are at such debate , & contention with them , considering how il a thing it is , to giue such example to worldly men , when they shal see such discord , & dissention amongst Religious persons ; who they knowe , should be gentle , pittiful , & milde , for the Loue of God to all men ? HVM . The cause of our strife , and dissension with them , is al only for that cause , we expel them our house , because they are open and professed enemies , to the Loue of God , who is our chiefe Lord & Master , and whosoeuer is an enemy to the Loue of God , we wil haue neither friendshippe , or familiarity by any meanes with him .

DESIRE was greatly pleased to heare , how great confidence Humility had , in the Loue of God , and desired of her , to instruct him , by what meanes and helpes they ouercame , and expelled : those dangerous Maydens , their professed enemies . HVM . I would willingly doe it , but because I am not yet fully acquainted with thy nature , life , conditions and minde , but only goe vpon conjectures and imaginations ; I rest yet doubtfull , whither I may instruct thee herein or no. For considering the contrariety , and difference of mens natures , the sweetest hony , tasteth not sweet to all men . DE. What soeuer I seeme in shewe to your iudgement : or what opinion soeuer you haue of me : yet I wholy submit my selfe to your will , and yeelde me to be ordered by your direction , only desiring to be instructed by you , what meanes to vse , to finde the Loue of God . HVM . Vpon that condition I will satisfie your desire , and will impart and make knowen to you my exercises , and course of life . First that holy purpose , and determination of myne , which I spake of before , hath made me Mistris of the whole world , so long as I shall contemne , and despise it . And Mistris ouer my owne body by fasting , and discipline , and by my voluntary and willing humility ? I say , not only Mistris and commandresse ouer my ghostly enemy , but ouer all the world and yet farther which is greatest Mistris and commandresse ouer my selfe , for when the world seeth me to labour , and endeuour , with all my diligence to please the Loue of God , it repugneth me and all my family , yet I still reteyne , peace and tranquillity with my forenamed husband . Now Desire , greatly admired the vertue and force of him , whome Humility so often had named her husband , and said . DE. I beseech you Lady Mother , instruct mee by similitudes that I may more playnely conceaue your meaning . For I am but of dull and slowe concepte , and by examples I shall better conceaue your sayings . This request of Desire pleased Humility well , finding that by acknowledging this owne dulnesse , he was now become both modest and humble , wherevpon she saide to him . HVM . So soone as I see , any of my before named enemies enter in hither , I thus behaue my selfe , if it be the first which is Concupiscence of the flesh . I foreknowe already her conditions , and behauiours , which are to be exceedingly giuen to gluttony , and to pamper her body by excesse of eating & drinking . Therefore first I take from her all kinde of delicate diet , neither do I allowe her , her fill of ordinary meate and drinke ; And because I am not strong enough of my selfe , to tame and master her , in regarde that my domesticall seruants assist her , I vse others helpe , and place on my right hand . Gods grace , which may strengthen and defende me from this dangerous enemy . I also craue the ayde and assistance of my husband , and then say to her . Sister , I haue my selfe despised my flesh , and make no better accompte of my selfe than of a labouring beast , and beasts seeke not after dairity and decliate fare , but only that , as may be sufficient to sustayne nature , and are content with that , which is allowed them , by the discretion of their Master . And if the Master finde him to be wanton and deuouring , he musleth him , that he neuer eateth , but when & what in his discretion he shall like of . And so Sister , in this respect I am content to be vsed and ruled like a beast , besides the Loue of God , hath giuen me a bridell , which is made of Sobriety , that I cannot eate but at wonted times , and that I desire not , or looke to haue any other meate , or more daintely dressed then such as ordinariley is set before me , and therewith I satisfie and content my selfe . Farther the Loue of God hath enjoyned me to this also , if I will serue and please him as I ought , to eate temperately , and moderately , and only for necessary sustenance , of that , what soeuer it be that is set before me : & that for good manners I alwayes leaue some what in the dish , thereby to shewe that more is allowed me , then I can well eate . For when all is eaten that is sett before vs , it is as much as if you shoud say , my allowance is not sufficient for mee , neither am I content therewith , therefore I desire to haue more set on the table . And yet farther this rule is giuen mee to obserue for the Loue of God . That I would and should desire lesse to bee allowed mee , and the same worse dressed , then the allowance of my Sisters : and alwaies to wish something to be wanting about me , & therein to rejoyce for the Loue of God . By these & like meanes , this malepert wanton maide is ouercome , and driuen away from olesting me . But when againe shee shall prouoke and sturre me , to wanton pleasure , not only by my owne flesh , but also by others . I then fly from her , as fast as I can secluding my selfe from al such company , as may allure or entice me to pleasure or concupiscence . And against this assault , I find that to seclude my selfe from company , is a present remedy and most soueraigne preseruatiue . Neither , doth this enemy assault me only in my body , but in my soule also , by suggesting many ill thoughts . Against which also I vse , the remedy of flight and hide my selfe , either in some corner of a rocke , or els in some vnfrequented and solitary place , and there settle all my thoughts and cogitations , vpon my most sweete Sauiour IESVS , calling to minde his most holy life , his passion , torments , and most bitter death . Also meditating vpon the cruell torments of Hell , the seuere and iust Iudgement of Almighty GOD . My owne departure from this miserable world , and that of necessity I must appeere before the Iudgement seate of God : there to giue accompt of al my thoughts , wordes , and deeds . By these and like means , I ouercome , and put to flight , this forenamed maiden , who is the Lieuetenant of the castle of Pride .