Skip to main content

Full text of "[Publications]"

See other formats 


UNIV.OF 

TORONTO 


Passionate  J&ornce. 


JOHN  LANE'S 

Eelkftrotfjs  Jlessage,  antf  Ijts.  Pens  Complaint, 

THOMAS  POWELL'S 

of  all  Erafces. 


(Klasse  of  ffioolg  iLoue. 

(BY  JOHN  ROGERS  ?) 


r/6.  u>  j^h  A  fc^,  $ : 

t  o  v 


S  g  r  t  e  &    4    *. 

S  V>2sVies^€>ce.  «s  ~eTN<Uv^( 

TELL-TROTHES  NEW-YEARES  GIFT 


ROBIN    GOOD-FELLOWES    NEWES    OUT    OF    THOSE    COUNTRIES    WHERE 
INHABITES  NEITHER  CHARITY  NOR  HONESTY. 

WITH  HIS  OWNE  INUECTIUE   AGAINST  IELOSY. 


THE   PASSIONATE   MORRICE. 

1593- 


JOHN  LANE'S 

Eom  Eeil-Erotjjs  lE^ssage,  anti  jjts  Pens 

1600. 


THOMAS  POWELL'S 

TOM    OF   ALL   TRADES. 

OR 

THE  PLAINE  PATH- WAY  TO  PREFERMENT. 

BEING 

A  DISCOVERY  OF  A  PASSAGE   TO  PROMOTION    IN  ALL  PROFESSIONS,   TRADES, 
ARTS,   AND   MYSTERIES. 

1631. 


THE   GLASSE   OF   GODLY   LOUE. 

(BY  JOHN  ROGERS?) 
1569. 


EDITED  BY 

FREDERICK  J.  FURNIVALL,  M.A.,  CAMB., 

FOUNDER  AND  DIRECTOR  OF  THE  NEW  SHAKSPERE  SOCIETY,  &C. 


PUBLISHT    FOR 

RTefo  Sjjaftspere 

BY  N.  TRUBNER  &  CO.,  57,  59,  LUDGATE  HILL, 
LONDON,  E.G.,  1876. 


f>R 


no. 


Series  VI.     10.2. 


CLAY  AND   TAYLOR     PRINTERS     BUNGAY. 


CONTENTS. 


Forewords,  ix-xxix 

I.      TELL  TROTHES   NEW  YEARES   GIFT,    1591. 

Introduction,  3-5 

§  I.  Eight  causes  of  Jealousy. 

The  first  cause  of  jealousy  :  ill  assorted  unions  made  up  by  parents,  5-8 

The  second  cause  :  lack  of  authority  in  the  husband  and  respect  for  her  husband 

in  the  wife,  8 
The  third  cause  :  causeless  discontent  on  either  side,  9 

The  fourth  cause  :  husbands  bringing  male  friends  home,  and  then  getting  jealous 
of  them  ;  or  bringing  female  friends,  and  praising  them  too  much,  9-10 

The  fifth  cause  :  wicked  men  sowing  suspicion  between  husband  and  wife,  10 

The  sixth  cause  :  giving  credit  to  false  reports,   10-14;  w'tn  a  merry  Tale  of 

an  old  Trot,  11-14 

The  seventh  cause:  hard  usage  by  husband  to  wife,  or  wife  to  husband,  14-15 
The  eighth  cause  :  lewd  behaviour  in  company,  15 

§  2.  Eight  kinds  of  Jealousy. 

The  first  kind  :  Jasper  Impudencie,  forgetful  of  his  Joan's  previous  favours, 
accuses  her  of  playing  him  false  with  a  rival,  16 

The  second  kind  :  a  young  novice  who  swoons  if  any  one  speaks  to  his  love,  16 
The  third  kind  :  story  of  a  jealous  old  doter,  16-17 

The  fourth  kind  :  husbands  who  surprise  friends  with  their  wives  by  previous 

arrangement  and  then  get  a  divorce,  1 7 
The  fifth  kind:  makebates  who  get  up  scandals,  17 
The  sixth  kind :    liars  who  pretend  not  to  be  jealous  but  publicly  show  that 

they  are  so,  17-18 

The  seventh  kind  :  knaves  in  graine  who  oblige  their  wives  to  serve  as  decoys, 
and  then  suspect  them  of  learning  their  lesson  too  well,  18 

The  eighth  kind  :  husbands  who  are  polite  to  their  wives  before  company,  and 
hang  up  their  fiddles  at  home,  18-19;  with  the  case  of  a  most  notable  ass, 
19-20 

§  3.  Means  of  increasing  Jealousy, 

The  first  means  :  knavish  jealousy  shall  earn  a  good  cudgelling,  20 
The  second  means  :  mistrustful  fools  shall  lose  their  love's  affection,  20-  * 


vi  Contents. 

The  third  means  :  doters'  wives  shall  solace  themselves  with  Jack  the  scullion  at 
home,  and  affect  injured  innocence  in  their  husbands'  presence,  21 

The  fourth  means  :  plotters  of  divorces  shall  be  most  despitefully  entreated  by 
their  new  wives,  21-2 

The  fifth  means  :  backbiters  shall  be  known  for  the  knaves  they  really  are,  22 

The  sixth  means :  liars  who  say  they  are  not  jealous  shall  be  cuckolds,  whether 
they  will  or  no,  22 

The  seventh  means  :  wittalls  shall  lose  their  customers,  or  their  wives  shall  spend 
the  profits,  22 

The  eighth  means  :  mistrustful  husbands  who  only  treat  their  wives  well  in  pub- 
lic shall  have  good  cause  for  suspicion ;  with  a  pretty  jest  of  an  old  doter 
very  well  served,  22 

$  4.  Robin  Good-fellffwe:  his  Invective  against  Jelosy. 

The  folly  of  wilfully  encouraging  jealous  fears,  27-8 

Distinction  between  solicitude  for  the  honour  of  those  you  love,  and  mere  jea- 
lousy, 28-9 

There  is  no  concord  between  love  and  jealousy,  29 

A  loving  wife  will  not  wrong  her  husband  ;  but  if  men  marry  those  they  have 
reason  to  suspect,  let  them  blame  their  own  folly ;  such  mates  often  prove 
more  than  a  match  for  them  in  cunning,  29-30 

If  men  are  unfaithful  themselves  they'll  have  cause  to  be  jealous.     The  different 

types  of  jealous  folks  described,  30-1 
Some  women  take  a  malicious  pleasure  in  their  husbands'  unfounded  jealousy. 

What  does  a  man  gain  by  it?  31 
Vulcan  had  better  have  held  his  tongue,  and  he  might  also  have  remembered  his 

own  infidelity  to  Venus,  32 
Let  men  be  content  to  be  esteemed  happy  in  their  marriages,  and  keep  their 

skeletons  in  their  cupboards,  32-3 

A  husband  ought  not  to  be  unforgiving  even  if  his  wife  has  wronged  him,  and  if 
she  is  incorrigible  he  should  make  the  best  of  his  bargain  rather  than  seek  a 
divorce,  for  the  law  obliges  him  to  give  her  a  maintenance,  which  her  param- 
our would  benefit  by,  33-4 

Kindness  will  forestall  jealousy,  34 

But  harshness  will  only  incite  to  revenge,  and  if  a  woman  means  to  betray  you 
your  vigilance  will  be  baffled,  35 

Besides  she'll  make  such  an  unquiet  house  that  you'll  be  obliged  to  beat  a 

retreat,  36 
If  men  gently  reprove  their  wives  they  will  be  penitent.     A  man  who  rules  his 

own  household  injudiciously  will  scarcely  make  a  good  citizen  of  the  state, 

36-7 

Covetousness  is  a  cause  of  jealousy,  38 
True  love  described.    There  is  a  false  doting  love  which  ends  in  jealousy,  39 


Contents. 


Vil 


How  this  comes  about  detailed,  40 

The  character  of  a  doter,  41 

Description  of  jealousy's  kingdom,  its  chief  city,  scenery,  defences  and  inhabitants, 

41-3 

The  blessings  of  true  love,  43-4 
Epilogue.     To  the  Gentlewomen  and  others  of  England,  45-6 

II.      THE   PASSIONATE   MORRICE,  47-10$ 

Dedication.     To  the  Gentlewomen  and  others  of  England,  49-50 
Introduction,  51 

Eight  couples  of  lovers. 

The  first  couple  of  morris-dancers  :  a  passionate  ass  and  a  peevish  wench,  51-4 
The  second  couple  :  a  lusty  widower  and  a  gallant  wench,  57-8 

The  third  couple  :  a  bachelor  and  a  covetous  widow,  62-3,  69-70 ;  story  of  a 
widow's  abduction,  67-9 

The  fourth  couple  :  a  miserly  churl  and  a  rich  widow,  70-3 

The  fifth  couple  :  a  discreet  young  gentleman  and  an  immodest  damsel,  75 '^I 

The   sixth  couple :    a  coy  dame  and  her  suitors,  8l-2,  85  ;  story  of  a  miser's 
daughter,  83-4 

The  seventh  couple  :  a  prentice  and  a  girl  wearied  of  a  long  engagement  to  him, 
87  ;  story  of  a  gentleman  jilted  by  a  poor  maid,  89-90 

The  eighth  couple  :  a  seducer  and  his  victim,  94-6 

III.      TOM   TEL-TROTHS   MESSAGE  AND   HIS   PENS   COMPLAINT,   107-135 

Dedication,  109 

To  The  Gentlemen  Readers,  1 10 

Tom  Tel-Troth  invokes  the  goose  of  the  Capitol,  m/i  ;  sees  the  ghost  of 
Conscience,  111/19;  invokes  Melpomene,  112/31;  will  recite  the  misdeeds 
which  work  man's  thrall,  113/66;  wishes  the  Pope  were  hanged  on  a  IT, 
114/88;  doesn't  care  for  his  banning,  114/91  ;  upbraids  monks  and  friars, 
114/97-108;  hopes  some  one  will  write  against  them,  114/111  ;  meanwhile 
leaves  their  castigation  to  poets  and  painters,  114/113  ;  puns  on  Cambridge 
and  Oxford,  115/133-34;  bewails  the  wrongs  of  Poetry,  117-18/199-216;  im- 
precates vengeance  on  bad  poets,  118/223-26  ;  describes  the  seven  deadly  sins 
and  their  effects ;  Pride,  119-23/241-366;  Envy,  123-25/367-426;  Wrath, 
125-27/427-92  ;  Sloth,  127/493-534  ;  Avarice,  129-30/535-94  ;  Gluttony,  131- 
32/595-642;  Lechery,  132-33/643-84;  wishes  Sufferance  might  be  seen  in 
England,  127/486;  that  he  could  paint  Sloth,  128/529-34;  warns  misers  of 
their  fate,  130/587-88  ;  wishes  that  he  could  paint  Lechery  and  Chastity, 
J33/667-70 ;  prays  that  he  may  be  chaste,  134/697-700 ;  doesn't  care  for 
carpers,  134/707-8  ;  confesses  that  he's  a  severe  critic,  134/709-14 ;  ceases, 
but  not  for  want  of  matter,  135/715-18;  hopes  you'll  be  amended,  135/720 


viii  Contents. 


IV.      TOM   OF  ALL  TRADES,    137-175 

The  Epistle  Dedicatorie,  139-40 

Introduction,  141-4 

The  Scholar,  144 ;  his  schooling,  144-7  ;  university  career,  147-9  ;  advancement 

in  the  ministry,  149-54 
The  Civilian,  155-6 
The  Common  Lawyer,  156-9 
The  Physician,  159-62 
The  Apprentice,  162-6 
The  Navigator,  166-7 
The  Husbandman,  167 
The  Courtier,  168-9 
The  Soldier,  169-71 
The  Land-Soldier,  171-2 
Your  three  daughters,  172-4 

V.      THE  GLASSE  OF  GODLY  LOVE,   177-189 
Preface,  178 
What  wedlock  is,  1 79 

The  duty  of  the  wife  to  her  husband,  179-80 
What  a  wife  ought  to  be,  180-1 
The  duty  of  the  husband  to  the  wife,  181-3 
What  the  husband  ought  to  be,  183 
What  maintaineth  love  and  quietness  in  marriage,  183-4 
The  commendation  of  chastity,  184-5 

That  married  folk  ought  to  have  chaste  manners  and  communication,  185 
Of  temperance  in  marriage,  185-6 
The  commendation  of  children,  186-7 
How  children  ought  to  be  brought  up,  187 
The  order  of  your  house,  187-9 

Notes,  191 
Index,  202 


FOREWORDS. 


1.  Of  Tell-Trothes  New-years  Gift, 

1593,  p.  ix. 

2.  Of  John  Lane  and  his  Works,  p.  xii. 

3.  Of  Thomas  Powell  and  his  Works, 

p.  xv. 

1.  Loues  Leprosie,  p.  xvi. 

2.  The  Passionate  Poet,  p.  xvii. 

3.  A  Welch  Bayte,  p.  xvii  (Lord 

Southampton,  p.  xx.) 

4.  Direction  for  Search  of  Records, 

1622,  p.  xxi. 

5.  The  Mysterie  of  Lending  and 


Borrowing,  p.  xxiii. 

6.  The  Attourneys  Academy,  1623, 

p.  xxiv. 

7.  The  Attornies  Almanacke,  1627, 

p.  xxiv. 

8.  The    Repertorie    of    Records, 

1631,  p.  xxv. 

9.  Tom  of  all  Trades,  1631  (p.  137), 

p.  xxvi.    (Sir  Edward  Hales, 

p.  xxvi.) 

4.'TheGlasse  of  Godly  Loue,  p.xxviii. 
5.   Thanks  to  helpers,  p.  xxviii. 


§  i.  HERE  are  reprints  of  three  rare  tracts,  of  which  the  first  two 
are  on  the  England  of  Elizabeth's  time  (1593,  1600),  and  the  third  is 
written  by  a  man  of  her  time,  tho'  not  publisht  till  the  seventh  year 
of  Charles  the  First's  reign  (1631).  The  fourth  scrap  is  before  1600. 

The  printing  of  the  first  tract  was  urg'd  on  me  by  my  friend 
Mr  W.  C.  Hazlitt,  because  there  was  only  one  copy  of  it  known  to 
him,  and  that  at  Peterborough  Cathedral  Library,  quite  out  of  the 
way  of  the  ordinary  student.  As  this  tract  dealt  with  the  husband- 
and-wife  question  in  Shakspere's  young  days,  and  mainly  took-up 
the  other  side  (the  woman's)  to  that  which  Shakspere  backt  in 
The  Comedy  of  Errors  (Act  II.  sc.  i. ;  V.  i.  68 — 86),  I  was  glad  to 
recommend  it  to  the  friend  and  fellow-member  of  our  Society1  who 
had  offerd  to  give  us  a  Shakspere's-England  reprint  of  moderate 
size.  Otherwise  its  inner  worth  would  not  have  given  it  so  early  a 
place  in  our  Sixth  Series.  But  still,  for  the  social  condition  of 
England  in  Shakspere's  time,  this  Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift  of 
1593  has  great  interest,  so  far  as  the  family  life  of  the  middle  classes 
is  concernd!  Oddly  enough,  too,  it  does  illustrate  aptly  a  bit  of  the 
last  long  speech  of  Suffolk  in  i  Henry  VI,  V.  v.  48 — 54  (tho'  I 
suppose  that  is  not  Shakspere's),  about  the  young  king's  choice  of 
the  dowerless  Margaret : 

1  He  has  made  it  a  condition  that  his  name  be  not  mentiond. 


x    Forewords.     §  i .  Elizabethan  and  Victorian  Morals. 

Suf.  A  dower,  my  lords  !  disgrace  not  so  your  king, 
That  he  should  be  so  abject,  base,  and  poor, 
To  choose  for  wealth,  and  not  for  perfect  love, 
Henry  is  able  to  enrich  his  queen, 
And  not  to  seek  a  queen  to  make  him  rich : 
So  worthless  peasants  bargain  for  their  -wives, 
As  market -men  for  oxen,  sheep,  or  horse. 

At  p.   6 1-2,  of  Tell-Troth's  Part  II,  The  Passionate  Morrice,  we 
come  on  the  following  passage  : — 

"  Fie,  fie  !  manages,  for  the  most  part,  are  at  this  day  so  made, 
as  looke  how  the  butcher  bies  his  cattel,  so  wil  men  sel  their  chil- 
dren. He  that  bids  most,  shal  speed  soonest ;  &  so  he  hath  money, 
we  care  not  a  fart  for  his  honestie.  Well,  it  hath  not  been  so,  and 
I  hope  it  wil  not  be  long  so ;  &  I  wil  assure  you,  loues  common- 
wealth wil  neuer  florish  vntil  it  be  otherwise.  Why,  it  is  a  common 
practize  to  aske  the  father  what  hee  will  giue  with  his  childe ;  and 
what  is  that  differing  from  cheapening  an  Oxe  ?  And  it  is  as  com- 
mon, that  if  she  be  fat,  it  is  a  bargaine,  but  if  leane,  she  must  stay 
another  customer." 

This  cannot  be  calld  an  advance  on  the  low  part  of  the  earlier 
Paston-Letters  view  of  the  marriage  question.1 

I  do  not  want  to  puff  our  Victorian  time  against  the  Elizabethan. 
We  have  faults  enough,  God  knows.  There  may  be  a  few  beings 
calld  women  now  extant,  who  justify  the  sketches  that  reviews  tell 
us  sensation-novelists  draw,  and  that  prurient  article-writers  affect 
to  denounce,2  but  surely  no  one  can  turn  from  the  cuckoo  cry  which 
the  Lovd s-Labours-Lost  end  song,  and  almost  all  Elizabethan  books 
on  social  life,  echo;  no  one  can  contrast  Shakspere's  doctrine  on 
the  relation  of  husband  and  wife  in  The  Errors  (First-Period)  and 
Taming  of  the  Shrew,  with  Tennyson's  in  The  Princess?  without 


1  There  is  also  proof  of  plenty  of  true  love  in  these  Letters  ;  and  Margaret 
Paston,  the  heroine  of  the  volumes,  is  not  far  from  being  a  model  wife  of  the 
time. 

2  See  my  Ballads  from  Manuscripts,  vol.  i,  p.  2. 


3  There's  nothing,  situate  under  hea- 
ven's eye, 

But  hath  his  bound,  in  earth,  in  sea,  in 
sky: 

The  beasts,  the  fishes,  and  the  winged 
fowls, 

Are  their  males'  subject,  and  at  their 
controls : 

Men,  more  divine,  the  masters  of  all 
these, 


Dear,  but  let  us  type  them  now 
In  our  own  lives,  and  this  proud  watch- 
word rest 

Of  equal ;  seeing  either  sex  alone 
Is  half  itself,  and  in  true  marriage  lies 
Nor  equal,  nor  unequal :  each  fulfils 
Defect  in  each,  and  always  thought  in 

thought, 

Purpose  in  purpose,  will  in  will,  they 
grow, 


Forewords.      §  i.  Shakspere  and  Tennyson.        xi 


feeling  that  enormous  moral  progress  has  been  made  since  the 
Elizabethan  time  in  the  relations  of  the  sexes,  and  of  husband  and 
wife.1 

The  comparison  of  Love's  Labours  Lost  with  The  Princess  is  full 
of  interest ;  and  though  the  contrast  of  the  converse  excluders  of 
the  opposite  sex  in  the  two  works  strikes  a  student  of  both  poets  at 
first  sight,  I  have  never  seen  or  heard  it  alluded-to  in  any  criticism 
of  the  poem  or  play.  The  comparison  of  In  Memoriam  with  the 
Sonnets  has  been  indeed  mentiond,  but  never  workt  out,  full  of  in- 
terest as  the  subject  is.  Victorians  need  not  fear  to  set  Arthur 
Hallam  by  Shakspere's  Will  H.,  or  the  grounds  of  Tennyson's 
affectionate  reverence  for  his  friend,  by  those  of  Shakspere's  love  for 
his. 

Assuming,  then,  that  the  full  description  by  the  unknown  1593 
TELL-TROTHE2  of  the  causes  of  Jealousy  in  English  husbands,  and 


The  single  pure  and  perfect  animal, 
The  two-cell'd  heart,  beating,  with  one 

full  stroke, 
Life. 

The  Princess,  p.  157,  1st  ed.,  1847. 


Lords  of  the  wide  world,   and   wild 
wat'ry  seas, 

Indued    with    intellectual    sense    and 
souls, 

Of  more  pre-eminence  than  fish  and 
fowls, 

Are  masters  to  their  females,  and  their 
lords  : 

Then  let  your  will  attend  on  their  ac- 
cords.— Luciana,  in  Errors,  II.  i. 
(Cp.  Milton's  view. ) 

1  The  views  of  our  narrow-minded  (and  often  caddish)  folk,  as  well  as  those 
of  our  broader-minded  and  more  generous  men,  on  the  Woman-question,  are 
annually  stated  in  the  House  of  Commons,  in  the  debate  on  the  Woman's- 
Suffrage  Bill,  or  any  attempt  to  admit  women  to  the  learned  professions.     Women 
still  wait  for  justice  and  fair-play. 

2  Indouinello,  a  .t ell-truth,  a  tom-tell-troth.— 1598 ;  Florio.     For  the  second 
name  of  the   title,    Robin   Goodfellow  (or  Hobgoblin),   see   Shakspere's  Mid- 
summer Nighfs  Dream,  II.  i.  34,  40,  Cotgrave,  and  Florio : 

Pallet ;  or,  Esprit  folkt.  An  Hobgoblin,  Robin-goodfellow,  Bugbeare. — 
1611  ;  Cotgrave. 

Luiton:  m.  A  Goblin,  Bug,  Robin-good-fellow,  merrie  diuell,  that  vses  to 
mocke,  and  deceiue,  sillie  people. — 1611  ;  Cotgrave. 

Loup-garou:  m.  A  mankind  Wolfe  ...  also  a  Hobgoblin,  Hob-thrush,  Robin- 
good-fellow  ;  also  a  night-walker,  or  flie-light ;  one  thats  neuer  scene  but  by 
Owle-light. — 1611  ;  Cotgrave. 

Lutin  :  m.  A  Goblin,  Robin-good-fellow,  Hob-thrush  ;  a  spirit  which  playes 
reakes  in  mens  houses  anights. — 1611  ;  Cotgrave. 

Lutiner.  To  play  the  Goblin,  or  night-spirit  j  to  keepe  a  foule  rumbling,  or 
terrible  racket  vp  and  down  a  house  in  the  night. — 1611  ;  Cotgrave. 

Fantasma,  a  ghost,  a  hag,  a  robin  goodfellow,  a  hob-goblin,  a  sprite,  a 
iade,  the  riding  hagge,  or  mare. — 1598  ;  Florio. 


xii  Forewords.     §  2.  John  Lane. 

the  relation  of  father  and  daughter,  husband  and  wife,  justifies  the 
appearance  of  our  first  tract,  in  this  volume,  I  pass  on  to  the  second, 
John  Lane's  Tom  Tel-troths  Message  and  his  Pens  Complain^  of 
1600,  when  Shakspere  was  writing,  or  had  just  written,  his  brilliant 
Second-Period  Much  Ado  and  As  You  Like  It. 

§  2.  John  Lane  is  known  to  manuscript  men  by  his  still  unprinted 
completion  of  Chaucer's  Squires  Ta/e,1  and  his  re-telling  of  the 
Romance  of  Guy  of  Warwick,  the  prose  Forewords  to  which  are 
printed  in  the  Percy  Folio  Ballads  and  Romances,  ii.  521-5,  from 
the  Harleian  MS.  5243  in  the  British  Museum.  He  is  not  men- 
tiond  in  Edmund  Howes's  list  of  English  poets  with  "  Willi.  Shake- 
speare gentleman"  (Continuation  of  Stowe's  Annales,  ed.  1615,  p. 

Mani  ...  hobgoblins,  or  elfes,  or  such  misshapen  images  or  imagined  spirits  that 
nurces  fraie  their  babes  withall,  to  make  them  leaue  crying,  as  we  say  bug-beare, 
or  els,  rawe  head  and  bloodie  bones. — 1598  ;  Florio. 

Lemuri,  the  ghosts  or  spirits  of  such  as  dye  before  their  time,  or  hobgoblings, 
black  bugs,  or  nightwalking  spirits. — ib.  And  see  Manduco. 

1  Thus  describ'd  in  Black's  Catalogue  of  the  Ashmole  MSS.,  1845,  col.  91-2  : 

No.  53.  A  small  quarto  volume,  containing  8 1  leaves  of  paper,  gilt  at  the 
edges,  beside  three  on  which  are  written  the  title  and  introductory  pieces :  it  is 
very  neatly  written,  as  for  a  presentation  copy ;  and  the  royal  Arms  are  stamped 
on  the  covers. 

"  Chaucer's  Filler,  beinge  his  Master-peece,  called  the  Squires  Tale,  wch 
hath  binn  given  [up  as]  lost,  for  all  most  thense  three  hundred  yeares  : 
but  now  found  out,  and  brought  to  light  by  John  Lane.  1630." 

On  the  back  of  the  title  is  an  acrostick  (forming  "Maria  Anglic.  C.  M.") 
from  "  The  Muse  to  the  soveraigne  bewtie  of  our  adreadded  sovereign  lord  King 
Charles : "  which  introduces  an  affected  dedication,  followed  by  8  lines  from 
"The  Muse  to  the  fowre  winds,"  by  "J.  L.,"  and  6  lines  to  the  author  by 
Thomas  Windham,  of  Keinsford,  co.  Somerset,  Esq.,  one  of  the  Justices.  On  the 
fourth  page  are  4  stanzas  from  the  fourth  book  of  the  Faerie  Queene  by  ' '  The 
poet  Spencer,  uppon  the  loss  of  that  peece  of  Chaucers."  Then  follow  the 
Description  of  the  Squier  by  Chaucer  (in  his  prologue  to  the  Canterbury  Tales, 
v.  79 — I°°)i  and  "The  Squires  prolog,  as  it  is  in  Chaucer,"  and  "The  Squiers 
tale  as  it  is  in  Chaucer,"  the  text  of  which  on  f.  i. 

The  two  first  parts  of  this  poem,  and  the  two  first  lines  of  the  third  part,  are 
copied  from  Chaucer  ;  at  the  end  of  the  second  (f.  iob)  is  this  note — "Heare 
followeth  my  suppliment  to  bee  inserted  in  place  of  that  of  Chaucer's  which  is 
missing.  J.  L."  This  long  poem,  which  bears  no  just  proportion  to  Chaucer's 
tales,  consists  of  twelve  parts  or  cantos,  to  each  of  which  is  prefixed  a  summary 
stanza  of  4  lines.  At  the  end  are  an  Epilogus  (f.  79b).  "  The  Marchantes  wordes 
to  the  Squier,  and  the  Hostes  wordes  to  the  Marchant  as  they  are  in  Chaucer  " 
(f.  80),  and  "Comparatio,"  f.  8ob. 

On  the  back  of  f.  81,  Ashmole  has  written  an  extract  from  Lydgate's  "  Temple 
of  Glass,"  about  Canace,  the  heroine  of  this  story. 


Forewords.     §  2.  John  Lane's  Tom  Tel  Troth,     xiii 

8 1 1,  col.  2) ;  but,  as  the  friend  of  Milton's  father,  he  is  done  more 
than  justice  to  by  Milton's  nephew,  Edward  Phillips,  who  in  his 
Theatrum  Poetarum,  1675,  thus  describes  Lane  : — 

"  A  fine  old  Queen  Elizabeth  gentleman,  who  was  living  within 
my  remembrance,  and  whose  several  poems,  had  they  not  had  the 
ill  fate  to  remain  unpublisht,  when  much  better  meriting  than  many 
that  are  in  print,  might  possibly  have  gain'd  him  a  name  not  much 
inferiour,  if  not  equal,  to  Drayton  and  others  of  the  next  rank  to 
Spencer ;  but  they  are  all  to  be  produc't  in  Manuscript :  namely,  his 
Poetical  Vision ' ;  his  Alarm  to  the  Poets  [1648]  ;  his  Twelve  Months1; 
his  Guy  of  Warwic,  a  Heroic  Poem  (at  least  as  much  as  many 
others  that  are  so  Entitled) ;  and  lastly  his  Supplement  to  Chaucer's 
Squires  Tale." — 1675,  p.  111-12;  edition  1824,  p.  xxiii.  See  also 
Winstanley's  Lives  of  the  Poets,  p.  100  [which  only  repeats  part  of 
Phillips]. — Hazlitt's  Handbook,  p.  326,  col.  2. 

Besides  the  above,  John  Lane2  wrote 

"  An  Elegie  vpon  the  death  of  the  high  and  renowned  Princesse, 
our  late  Soueraigne  Elizabeth.  By  I.  L.  Imprinted  at  London  for 
John  Deane,  at  Temple-barre.  1603  ;  410,  7  leaves.  Bodleian  (Malone) 
ib.\  and 

"Tritons  Trumpet,  1620."  (Ha/litt.) 

His  Tom  Tel-Troths  Message  is  a  poem  of  120  six-line  stanzas, 
in  which  he  complains  of  his  countrymen's  naughtinesses.  The 
closest  handling  of  his  subject  is  in  pages  119 — 134,  where  he  deals 
with  the  Seven  Deadly  Sins.  This  should  be  compared  with  the 
like  part  in  The  Times  Whistle,  by  R.  C.,  about  1616  A.D.,  edited 
for  the  Early  English  Text  Society  by  Mr  J.  M.  Cowper  in  1871. 

Lane  first  complains  of  the  Pope,  the  Cardinals,  priests,  monks, 
friars,  and  all  'this  popish  ribble-rabble  route,'3  stanzas  14-19,  p. 
113-114.  Then  he  laments  vaguely  the  state  of  'Englands  two 
Vniuersities,'  and  the  Seven  Liberal  Sciences,  p.  115-118,  of  which, 
Grammar  'stands  bondslaue-like,  of  Stationers  to  be  sold,'  1.  149, 
and  Poetry  brings  no  solace  to  country  swains,  who  fancy  more  '  the 
winding  of  an  home,'  1.  208,  while  ballad-makers  pen  '  new  gigges 
for  a  countrie  clowne,'  1.  216,  and  '  bastard  braines'  with  their  base 
rymes  work  Poetry's  infamy,  1.  226. 

1  See  Percy  Folio,  ii.  522,  col.  I,  at  foot.     The  Poetical  Visions  was  to  have 
'  first  and  second  partes.' 

2  Under  A.D.   1572,  Wood's  Fasti  Oxonienses,  Pt.  i,  col.  189,  notes, — when 
speaking  of  John  Lane,  of  Christ  Church,  who  died  in  1578 — "There  was  one 
John  Lane,  a  poet,  about  this  time. " 

3  Compare  The  Image  of  Ypocresye,  &c.,  in  my  Ballads  from  MSS.,  i.  181-266. 


xiv    Forewords.    §  2.  Lane  on  the  Seven  Deadly  Sins. 

Next  come  the  Seven  Deadly  Sins.  Under  (i )  Pride,  Lane  abuses 
the  '  fine-raft  Ruffines,'  st.  42,  p.  1 19 ;  the  dandies  '  full  trick  and  trim 
tir'd  in  the  lookinge  glasse,'  1.  255,  casting  sheeps-eyes  \  &c.,  walk- 
ing with  fantastical  gait,  st.  45,  wearing  long  hair  or  curld  locks,  st. 
46,  resembling  every  shape  like  Proteus,2  and  every  colour  like  the 
chameleon,  st.  47 ;  drest  in  the  snip-snap  jagd  clothes,  st.  48, 
that  in  former  fashions  Chaucer  in  his  Parsons  Tale,  and  so  many 
other  complainers  from  time  to  time  condemnd ;  and  with  wingd 
sleeves,  round  hose,  cloaks  short  and  long,  st.  51,  p.  121.  Then 
the  women  are  scolded  for  their  dress  :  bold  Beatrice  with  her 
wires — that  movd  Stubbes's  wrath — tires,  periwig,  and  caul  (st.  52); 
with  feathers  (which  men  wear  too),  st.  53,  54 ;  pumps,  pantofles, 
corkt  shoes  (st.  55,  p.  122),  and  fans  (st.  56).  The  picture  alluded-to 
in  stanzas  57-8,  of  the  Englishman  set  alone,  in  other  folks'  feathers, 
I  have  not  come  across.3  Andrew  Boorde's  caricature,  given  at  p. 
167  of  my  Harrison,  is  the  only  one  of  the  kind  I  know. 

Under  (2)  Envy,  the  only  special  hits  are  at  the  Minstrels  daily 
striving  with  blind  fiddlers,  1.  398,  p.  124,  the  justling  Jacks  driving 
their  betters  to  the  wall,  1.  400,  and  the  scoffers  '  with  rimes  and 
riddles  rating  at  their  foe,'  1.  405. 

Under  (3)  Wrath,  we  have  the  fights  in  Srnithfield,  the  lines  that 
make  one  think  of  the  sad  death  of  Marlowe  in  a  quarrel  for  a  drab, 
st.  76,  p.  126.  Then  Wrath's  contraries  are  dwelt-on  in  st.  80-1,  p. 
127,  Chaucer's  other  '  vertue  that  men  clepe  pacience  or  sufferaunce ' 
(Remedium  contra  Iram],  being  treated  as  two. 

(4)  Sloth  or  Idleness  has  no  local  colour. 

Avarice  (5)  repeats  Harrison's  complaints  in  his  Description,  II. 
T 8,  p.  296,  &c.,  how  '  She  raiseth  cheape  things  to  the  highest  price,' 
st.  90,  p.  129,  and  specially  'engrosseth  all  the  corne,'  1.  547  ;  and 
leads  to  Usury  (Harrison,  p.  242),  the  two  making  the  proudest 
cavaliers  stoop,  and  penning  '  them  vp  within  the  Poultries  coope,'  in 
gaol,  st.  94.  Avarice  too  leads  to  landlords  racking  the  rents  of 
houses  and  lands,  p.  130,  of  which  Crowley,  Harrison,  my  Ballads 
from  MSS.  i.,  the  Supplications  (E.  E.  Text  Soc.),  &c.  &c.,  complain 
so  bitterly. 

Of  Gluttony  (6)  Lane  says,  p.  131,  that  it  is  allied  to  Lechery 
and  Drunkenness : — 

1  Compare  Laneham  with  the  Ladies,  in  his  Letter  of  1575,  p.  60  of  my  ed. 

*  Compare  Andrew  Boorde,  and  Harrison's  Description,  II.  vii,  p.  167,  &c. 
Also  Stubbes. 

3  Perhaps  it's  in  the  Recueil  de  la  Diversite'  des  Habits,  Paris,  1562  (A. 
Boorde,  p.  323). 


Forewords.    ^  2.  John  Lane.    §  3.  Thomas  Powell,    xv 


This  trull  makes  youngsters  spend  their  patrimonie       60 1 

In  sauced  meates  and  sugred  delicates, 

And  makes  men  stray  from  state  of  Matrimonie 

To  spend  their  substance  vpon  whorish  mates.  604 

Under  Lechery,  the  seventh  and  last  Deadly  Sin,  Lane's  stanza 
109,  p.  132,  evidently  alludes  to  Shakspere's  Venus  and  Adonis,  and 
Lucrece.  He  regrets  the  infection  of  the  French  disease,  st.  no,  p. 
133,  the  wide-spread  cuckoldry  of  his  day,  st.  113,  and  the  'light- 
taylde  huswiues '  showing  and  vaunting  themselves  in  (?)  Shakspere's 
Globe  theatre,  'the  Banke-sides  round-house,'  where  in  1599 — per- 
haps at  its  opening — he  brought  out  his  triumphant  Henry  V.  Then 
Lane  stops,  not  for  want  of  further  matter,  st.  120,  p.  135,  but  be- 
cause his  pen  is  dry.  And  he  affirms,  1.  713-14, 

....  Tom  Teltroth  will  not  lie, 

We  heere  haue  blaz'd  Englands  iniquitie. 

(I  pay  for  the  present  reprint  of  Lane  and  the  extract  from  Prit- 
chard  or  Rogers  at  the  end  of  this  volume.) 

§  3.  Our  third  tract  is  by  a  reverencer  of  Bacon  in  his  distress,  a 
rollicking  attorney  and  Welshman,  Thomas  Powell,  who  seems  to 
have  begun  writing  very  bad  serious  poetry  in  1598  and  1601,  and 
then  turnd  to  chaffing  prose, — still  intersperst  with  scraps  of  bad 
verse, — and  divers  professional  handbooks,  till  he  ended  his  career  of 
authorship  in  1631 x  with  his  Tom  of  all  Trades,  here  reprinted.2  My 
attention  was  first  calld  to  the  last-namd  book  during  my  inquiries 
into  '  Education  in  Early  England,' 3  by  Warton's  extract  from  it  in 
his  History  of  English  Poetry,  §  58,  vol.  iv,  p.  304,  note  3,  ed.  Hazlitt.4 

There  being  no  copy  of  the  first  edition  in  the  British  Museum, 
and  the  second  edition  being  conceald  by  its  title,  I  waited  till  a 
visit  to  the  Bodleian  enabl'd  me  to  read  the  book  there ;  and  I  found 
it  interesting  enough  to  justify  its  reproduction  here.  As  Powell 
was  Shakspere's  contemporary,  his  account  of  how  fathers  then  pusht 
their  sons  and  daughters  on  in  life,  tho'  not  publisht  till  1631, 

1  He  may  of  course  have  seen  through  the  press  some  of  the  later  editions  of 
his  Attourneys  Academy,  &c. 

2  There  may  have  been  two  Thomas  Powells.    But  as  the  one  of  1603-1631 
had  both  a  serious  and  a  humorous  style  in  his  prose,  and  in  his  verse  in  his  prose- 
books,  I  see  no  sufficient  reason  for  supposing  that  he  is  not  the  serious-style 
verse-writer  of  1598-1601. 

3  See  the  Forewords  to  my  Babees  Book,  E.  E.  Text  Soc.  1868. 

4  I  have  also  had  copied  for  the  Society,  Edward  Hake's  Touchstone  for  this 
time  present,  1574,  for  its  bit  about  girls'  education  and  amusements,  partly  quoted 
by  Warton  in  the  same  note.     But  the  rest  of  the  book  is  preachy  and  dull. 


xvi      Forewords.     §  3.  T.  Powell's  Loues  Leprosie. 

covers  Shakspere's  time,  and  enables  us  to  realize  a  bit  of  his  fellow 
countrymen's  being.  Our  Member,  Miss  E.  Phipson  of  Monk  Sher- 
borne,  Basingstoke,  kindly  bears  the  cost  of  this  Powell  reprint. 

Of  Thomas  Powell's  first  publication,  Loues  Leprosie  (W.  White, 
1598),  a  quarto  often  leaves,  only  one  copy  is  known,  that  of  Mr 
Christie-Miller,  at  Britwell.  It  was  reprinted  by  my  friend  Dr  Rim- 
bault  for  the  Percy  Society  in  his  five  "  Ancient  Poetical  Tracts  of 
the  Sixteenth  Century,1  reprinted  from  unique  copies  formerly  in 
the  possession  of  the  late  Thomas  Caldecott,  Esq."  1842.  The 
poem  is  on  the  death  of  Achilles,  through  his  love  for  Priam's 
daughter  Polyxena.  Here  are  three  extracts  from  it,  on  that  love, 
on  Achilles's  fight  with  Troilus,  and  on  Achilles's  death  from  the 
arrow  shot  into  his  only  vulnerable  spot,  his  heel : — 

"  Achilles  loues  Polyxene  :  What  is  shee  ? 
The  lyuing  daughter  of  his  enemie. 
How  shall  he  woe  her,  that  hath  wed  another  ? 
How  shall  he  winne  her,  that  hath  slaine  her  brother? 
His  trophees  and  his  triumphes  she  doth  hate ; 
In  Hectors  death  his  vallor  liued  too  late ; 
Liue  blest  in  this,  that  thow  art  Orpheus  brother : 
Hee  none  of  thine,  nor  Thetis  is  his  mother." — p.  71. 

"  Well  mounted  and  well  met,  they  ioyne  togeather 
Like  flowdes,  whose  rushing,  cause  tempestuous  weather ; 
And  now  their  clattering  shildes  resemble  thunder ; 
The  fire,  a  lightning  when  the  cloudes  do  sunder : 
Long  did  it  thunder  ere  the  heavens  were  bright ; 
So  long,  that  when  it  cleered,  the  day  was  night ; 
A  night  perpetuall  vnto  Priams  sonne ; 
His  horse  was  slaine,  the  day  was  lost  and  won ; 
And  heere  each  one  might  heare  windes  whispering  sound, 
When  earst  the  drums  their  senses  did  confound ; 
Troilus  dethes  chiefe  conquest  from  the  fielde ; 
Wrapt  in  their  colours,  couered  with  their  shielde, 
They  carry  him  to  make  the  number  more, " 
Whose  bleeding  sydes  Achilles  speare  did  gore." — p.  78. 

"  Foorthwith  a  marriage  twixt  them  was  concluded  ; 
Alas,  that  true  loue  should  be  so  deluded  ! 
The  sunne  is  rose,  sees  Thetis  sonne  to  fall 
Vnder  this  false  pretended  nuptiall. 
The  Delphick  oracle  is  now  fulfilde, 
'  Eare  Troy  be  wonne,  Achilles  must  be  kilde.' 

1  i.  The  Doctrinall  of  good  Servauntes.  2.  The  Boke  of  Mayd  Emlyn.  3. 
The  New  Nutbrowne  Mayd.  4.  The  Complaynt  of  a  dolorous  Louer.  5. 
Loues  Leprosie. 


Forewords.     §  3.  T.  Powell's  Welch  Bayte,  &c.    xvii 

This  is  the  day  wherein  they  surfet  all, 

With  blood  of  his  who  made  the  Troians  thrall ; 

And  this  the  day  wherein  he  did  appease 

Vnquiet  soules,  which  earst  could  rmd  no  ease. 

This  day  was  nyght  to  him,  and  day  to  those 

By  whom  vntimely  death  did  heere  repose. 

His  Hues  familliar  starre  doth  shoote  and  gall, 

The  fairest  starre  the  heauens  weare  gracte  withall, 

Euen  when  his  steppes  salute  the  temple  porch 

With  hymmes,  and  Hymaen[e]us  burning  torch, 

A  shaft  from  Paris  hand  did  soone  disclose 

Where  Styx  had  kist  him,  and  how  high  it  rose. 

Where  the  Stygian  flood  did  neuer  reach, 

Deathes  winged  messenger  did  make  a  breach, 

Whence  from  each  veine  the  sacred  breath  descending, 

Polyxens  ioyes  began,  and  his  had  ending. 

Finis."  p.  79. 

Powell's  second  book,  I  have  not  seen.  Mr  Hazlitt  believes 
that  the  unique  copy  from  Heber's  sale  is  at  Britwell,  and  gives  it  as 

"The  Passionate  Poet.  With  a  Description  of  the  Thracian 
lemarus.  By  T.  P.  London,  printed  by  Valentine  Simmes,  dwell- 
ing on  Adliug  hill,  at  the  signe  of  the  white  Swanne.  1601.  410. 
26  leaves." 

Of  the  third  book,  which  is  a  very  rare1  black-letter  quarto 
of  1 6  leaves,  Mr  Henry  Huth  has,  with  his  unvarying  kindness,  lent 
me  his  copy.  It  is  a  tract  written  just  before  and  just  after  Queen 
Elizabeth's  death :  i.  justifying  the  reasonableness  of  her  dealing 
with  Papists  on  the  one  hand,  and  Dissenters  on  the  other  (see  the 
first  two  extracts  on  p.  xviii,  xix) ;  2.  chafiily  describing  the  effect 
produc't  by  the  news  of  Elizabeth's  death,  the  disturbances  likely 
to  arise  from  it,  and  the  quieting  of  them  by  the  happy  proclamation 
of  James  I ;  3.  arguing  that  the  Scotch  and  English  are  of  like 
nature,  and  fit  to  form  one  nation;  in  this,  the  opposite  of  the 
author  of  The  Complaynt  of  Scotland?  and  too  of  Andrew  Boorde 
with  his  "  Trust  yow  no  Skott,  for  they  wyll  yowse  flatteryng  wordes ; 
&  all  is  falsholde : "  see  the  amusing  bits  in  my  edition  of  Boorde  (E. 
E.  T.  Soc.),  p.  59,  note  3,  p.  135-8.  The  title  of  this  third  book  is 

1  It  was  suppress!.     Valentine  Simmes  was  fined  i$s.  4^.  on  Dec.  5,  1603, 
for  printing  it  and  a  ballad.     See  p.  192,  below. 

2  "there  is  nocht  tua  nations  vndir  the  firmament  that  ar  mair  contrar  and 
different  fra  vthirs,  nor  is  inglis  men  and  scottis  men  :  "  for,  in  short,  the  English- 
men are  devils,  and  the  Scotchmen  are  angels.     But  note  Andrew  Boorde's 
"  Also  it  is  naturally  geuen,  or  els  it  is  of  a  deuyllyshe  dysposicion  of  a  Scotysh 
man,  not  to  loue  nor  fauour  an  Englyshe  man."     p.  137. 

SHAKSPERE'S  ENGLAND  :  TELL  TROTH.  b 


xviii     Forewords.     §  3.  T.  Powell's  Welch  Bayte. 

A  /  WELCH  BAYTE  /  to  spare  Prouender.  /  Or,  /  A  looking 
lacke  vpon  the  /  Times  past.  /  Written  Dialogue  wise.  /  This 
looke  is  diuided  into  three  faffs,  /  The  first,  a  briefe  discourse  of 
Englands  Securitie,  while  her  /  late  Maiestie  was  liuing,  with  the 
maner  of  her  proceeding  in  /  Gouernment,  especially  towards  the 
Papists  and  Puritanes  of  /  England,  whereof  a  Letter  written  late 
before  her  death,  speci-/fies,  as  followeth  in  this  first  part.  /  The 
second,  A  description  of  the  Distractions  during  her  /  Maiesties 
sickenesse,  with  the  composing  of  them.  /  The  third,  Of  the  Apt- 
nesse  of  the  English  and  the  Scotte  to  /  incorporate  and  become  one 
entire  Monarchic  :  with  the  /  meanes  of  preseruing  their  vnion  euer- 
lastingly,  added  there-/vnto.  [Scroll.}  Printed  at  London  by  Valen- 
tine Simmes.  /  1603. 

The  extracts  above  referrd  to,  p.  xvii,  on  Elizabeth's  treatment  of 
Romanists  and  Dissenters  follow : — 

"  But  when  about  the  twentieth  yeare  of  hir  raigne  shee  had  dis- 
couered  in  the  King  of  Spaine  an  intention  to  inuade  hir  dominions, 
and  that  a  principall  point  of  the  plotte  was  to  prepare  a  partie  with 
in  the  realme  that  might  adhere  to  the  forreiner,  and  that  the  Semi- 
naries began  to  blossome,  and  to  send  forth  dayly,  priests  and  pro- 
fessed men,  who  should,  by  vow  taken  at  shrift,  reconcile  her  sub- 
jects from  their  obedience,  yea  and  binde  many  of  them  to  attempt 
against  her  Maiesties  sacred  person,  and  that  by  the  poyson  which 
they  spred,  the  humors  of  most  Papists  were  altered,  and  that  they 
were  no  more  Papists  in  conscience  and  of  Softenes,  but  Papists  in 
faction ;  then  were  there  newe  lawes  made  for  the  punishment  of 
such  as  should  submitte  them  selues  to  such  reconcilements  or  re- 
nuntiations  of  obedience ;  And  because  it  was  a  treason  carried  in 
the  clowdes  and  in  wonderfull  secrecie,  and  came  seldome  to  light, 
and  that  there  was  no  presumption  thereof  so  great  as  the  recusancie 
to  come  to  diuine  seruice :  Because  it  was  sette  downe  by  their 
decrees,  That,  To  come  to  Church  before  reconcilement,  was  to  Hue  in 
schisme ;  But,  To  come  to  Church  after  reconcilement,  was  absolutely 
hereticall  and  damnable, 

Therefore  there  were  added  Lawes  containing  punishment  pecu- 
niarie  against  such  Recusants,  not  to  enforce  consciences,  but  to  en- 
feeble and  impouerish  the  meanes  of  those  of  whom  it  rested 
indifferent  and  ambiguous,  whether  they  were  reconciled,  or  no. 

And  when,  notwithstanding  all  this  prouision,  this  poyson  was 
dispersed  so  secretly,  as  that  there  was  no  meanes  to  stay  it  but  by 
restraining  the  Merchants  that  brought  it  in, 

Then  lastly,  was  there  added  a  Lawe  whereby  such  seditious 
priests  of  the  new  erection  were  exiled ;  and  those  that  were  at  that 
time  within  the  land  shipped  ouer,  and  so  commanded  to  keepe 
hence,  vpon  paine  of  treason, 
[sign.  B  4,  bk]        This  hath  beene  the  proceeding,  though  intermingled, 


Forewords.     §  3.  T.  Powell's  Welch  Bayte.      xix 

not  only  with  sundrie  examples  of  hir  Maiesdes  grace  towards  such 
as  in  her  wisdome  she  knewe  to  be  Papists  in  Conscience,  and  not 
in  Faction  and  Singularitie ;  but  also  with  an  ordinarie  mitigation 
towards  the  offenders  in  the  highest  degree  conuicted  by  lawe  :  If 
they  would  but  protest,  that  if  in  case  this  realme  should  be  inuaded 
with  a  forreine  armie  by  the  Popes  authoritie,  for  the  Catholique 
cause,  (as  they  terme  it)  they  would  take  part  with  hir  Maiestie,  and 
not  adhere  to  hir  enemies. 

For  the  other  part  which  haue  bin  offensiue  to  the  State,  though 
in  other  degree,  which  name  themselues  Reformers,  and  we  com- 
monly call  Puritanes;  this  hath  bin  the  proceeding  towards  them. 

A  great  while  when  they  inueighed  against  such  abuses  in  the 
Church,  as  Pluralities,  Nonresidence  &  the  like;  their  zeale  was 
not  condemned,  only  their  violence  was  sometimes  censured. 

When  they  refused  the  vse  of  some  ceremonies  and  rites,  as 
superstitions,  they  were  tollerated  with  much  conniuence,  and 
gentlenes :  Yea,  when  they  called  in  question  the  Superioritie  of 
Bishops,  and  pretended  to  bring  a  Democratic  into  the  church; 
Yet,  their  Propositions  were  heard,  considered,  and  by  contrarie 
writing,  debated,  and  discussed.  Yet  all  this  while,  it  was  perceiued 
that  their  course  was  dangerous,  and  very  popular;  as,  because 
Papistrie  was  odious,  therefore  it  was  euer  in  their  mouthes,  that 
they  sought  to  purge  the  Church  from  the  reliques  of  Papistrie;  a 
thing  acceptable  to  the  people,  who  loue  euer  to  run  from  one  ex- 
treame,  to  another. 

Because  multitude  of  Rogues,  and  Pouertie  were  an  eye-soare, 
and  dislike  to  euerie  man,  therefore  they  put  it  into  the  peoples 
head :  That,  if  Discipline  were  planted,  there  should  be  no  vaga- 
bonds, nor  beggers  (a  thing  very  plausible,)  and  in  like  manner, 
they  promised  the  people  many  other  impossible  wonders  of  their 
Discipline. 

Besides,  they  opened  the  people  a  way  to  gouernment  by  their 
Consistorie,  and  Prasbyterie,  a  thing  though  in  consequence  no  lesse 
praeiudiciall  to  the  liberties  of  priuate  men,  then  to  the  soueraignty 
of  Princes,  yet  in  first  shew  very  popular.  Neuerthelesse  all  this 
(exept  it  were  in  some  few  that  entered  into  extreame  contempts) 
was  borne,  because  they  pretended  but  in  dutifull  maner  to  make 
propositions,  and  to  leaue  it  to  the  prouidence  of  God,  and  the 
authoritie  of  the  Magistrate. 

But  now  of  late  yeares,  when  there  issued  from  them,  as  it  were 
a  Colonie  of  those  that  affirmed  the  consent  of  the  Magistrate  was 
not  to  be  attended ;  when  vnder  pretence  of  a  confession,  to  auoide 
slaunders  and  imputations,  they  combined  themselues  by  classes 
and  subscriptions;  when  they  descended  into  that  vile  &  base 
meanes  of  defacing  the  gouernment  of  the  Church  by  rediculous 
Pusquils  V  When  they  beganne  to  make  many  subiects  in  doubt  to 

1  The  Martin  Marprelate  controversy  began  in  1589. 


xx     Forewords.     §  3.  Powell  and  Lord  Southampton. 

take  an  oath,  which  is  one  of  the  fundamentall  parts  of  Justice  in 
this  Land  and  in  all  places ;  When  they  beganne  both  to  vaunt  of 
the  strength  and  number  of  their  partizans,  and  followers,  and  to 
vse  communications  that  their  cause  would  preuaile,  though  with 
vproare  and  violence  ;  Then  it  appeared  to  be  no  more  zeale,  no 
more  conscience,  but  meere  faction  and  deuision :  And  therefore 
though  the  State  was  compelled  to  hold  somewhat  a  harder  hand  to 
restraine  them  then  before,  yet  it  was  with  as  great  moderation  as 
the  peace  of  the  Church  &  State  could  permitte. 

And  therefore,  Sir,  (to  conclude,)  consider  vprightly  of  these 
matters,  and  you  shall  see  her  Maiestie  is  no  temporizer  in  religion ; 
she  builds  not  religion  vpon  policie,  but  policie  vpon  religion ;  It  is 
not  the  successe  abroade,  nor  the  change  of  seruants  here  at  home 
can  alter  her ;  onely  as  the  things  themselues  alter,  so  she  applieth 
hir  religious  wisdome  to  correspond  vnto  them,  still  retaining  the 
two  rules  before  mentioned,  in  dealing  tenderly  with  consciences,  & 
yet  in  discouering  Faction  from  Conscience,  &  Softnes  from  Singu- 
laritie.  Farewell. 

Your  louing  friend 
T.  P." 

The  Welch  Bayte  is  dedicated  by  Powell  to  Shakspere's  patron, 
Lord  Southampton,  but  oddly  makes  no  allusion  to  that  Lord's 
being  set  free  from  the  Tower  on  James  I.'s  accession.  He  was 
committed  there  for  his  share  in  Essex's  rebellion  in  Feb.  1600-1. 
Perhaps  lines  2  and  4  below  mean  that  his  committal  was  unjust. 

[sign.  A,  back]      A  Prelude  vppon  the  name  of 
Henry  VVriothesly  Earle  of 
South-hampton. 

Euer. 

WHoso  beholds  this  Leafe,  therein  shall  reede, 
A  faithfull  subiects  name,  he  shall  indeede  ; 
The  grey-eyde  morne  in  noontide  clowdes  may  steepe, 
But  traytor  and  his  name  shall  neuer  meete. 

Neuer. 

[sign.Aai    To  the  right  Honorable  Henry   Wri- 
othesly  Earle  of  South-hampton 
Baron  of  Tichfield  :  and  of  the  No- 
ble Order  of  the  Garter. 

Et  golden  artists  practize  quaint  imposture, 

And  study  to  a  semblance  of  perfection, 
Let  Leopers  sweate  to  shew  the  world  their  moisture, 
We  study  not  to  Patrones  for  direction : 


L 


Forewords.     §  3.  T.  Powell's  Welch  Bayte.       xxi 

Vnlesse  the  Honor  that  my  lines  shall  owe, 
Can  both  protect  vs,  and  approoue  them  too. 

And  such  is  thine,  whose  beames  of  Patronage 
Doe  heate  alike  in  Judgement,  and  in  blood, 
Both,  with  pure  fires  deriu'dfrom  parentage, 
Presented  in  the  Arke  of  Fortunes  flood, 

When  Neptune,  and  the  sea  gods  did  abette, 
With  Cynthia  in  her  fullest  veines  aspect. 

Thou  wholesome  Honour,  Chaste  Nobilitie, 

Be  in  protection  mine,  as  Generous, 
Without  distent  though  all  thy  auncestrie : 
It  was  thy  wont,  Thou  canst  not  erre  in  vs  : 
And  for  the  Test  sufficeth  me  to  know  ; 
Thy  Judgement  best  deserues  my  lines  to  owe. 

Your  Lordshippes 
In  all  the  nerues  of  my  ability, 
Tho:  Powell. 

At  the  end  of  the  Welch  Bayte  are  8  lines  of  verse  '  To  the 
vnparaleld  blesst  disposition,  The  Lady  Elizabeth  Bridges ' ;  two  6- 
line  stanzas  '  To  the  noble  Gentleman,  Sir  Thomas  Kneuet ' ;  and 
one  stanza  of  6  '  To  the  Right  Worshipfull  Sir  Edward  Dyer.'  The 
book's  signatures  are  A  i.  2 ;  B,  C,  D,  in  fours,  E  i,  2. 

Though  Powell's  notions  of  girls'  education  are  not  ours, 

"  Instead  of  songes  and  musicke,  let  them  learne  cookerie  and 
laundrie  :  And  instead  of  reading  in  Philip  Sidney's  Arcadia,  let 
them  reade  the  Groundes  of  good  Huswifery.  I  like  not  a  female 
poetesse  at  any  hand  " : 

yet  no  doubt  Mrs  Wm  Shakspere  shar'd  them.  Powell  was  a 
practical,  sharp,  business  man,  with  a  gift  of  racy  speech.  He  was 
evidently  a  searcher  of  Records — see  his  book  on  them,  and  his  ad- 
vice to  a  father,  p.  143  below,  and  specially  his  proposal  to  search  the 
Wills  Office  for  grants  to  charitable  uses.  I  hope  his  readers  will 
take  to  him  somewhat. 

The  fourth  book  of  Powell's  was  a  professional  one  of  78  pages 
whose  title  is  overleaf : — 


xxii     Forewords.     §  3.  Powell's  Search  of  Records. 


DIRECTION  FOR  SEARCH  OF 

RECORDS 


(CHANCERIE, 

Remaining  JTOWER, 

/EXCHEQUER,  with  the 

thereof:  viz. 


in  the 


V 


The  < 


Kings  Remembrancer. 

Lord  Treasurers  Re- 
membrancer. 

Clarke  of  the  Ex- 
treats. 

Pipe. 

Auditors. 


The  < 


First  Fruits. 
Augmentation  of  the 

Reuenue. 
Kings  Bench. 
Common  Pleas. 
Records  of  Courts 

Christian. 


For  the  clearing  of  all  such  Titles,  and  Questions, 
as  the  same  may  concerne. 

With  the  accustomed  Fees  of  Search  :  And 
diuerse  necessarie  Obseruations. 

Cui  Author 

THOMAS  POWELL,  Londino- 
Cambrenfis. 

Cum  tonat  ocyus  Ilex 

Sulphure  discutitur  sacro,  quam  tuque,  domusque. 

LONDON, 

Printed  by  B.  A.  for  Paul  Man,  and  are  to  be  sold 

at  his  Shop  in  Chancerie  Lane,  at  the  Signe  of  the 

Bowie ;  or  in  Distaffe  Lane,  at  the  Signe 

of  the  D0lpAin,  1622. 


Forewords.    §  3.  Powell's  Lending  &  Borrowing,  xxiii 

Powell's  fifth  book  is  a  merry  one  of  34  leaves  : 

Wheresoeuer  you  see  mee,  /  Trust  vnto  your  selfe.  /  Or,  /  THE 
MYSTERIE  /  OF  LENDING  /  AND  /  BORROWING.  /  Seria  J^ods :  /  Or,  / 
The  Tickling  Torture.  / — Dum  rideo,  veh  mihi  risu.  /  By  THOMAS 
POVVEL,  /  London-Cambrian.  /  [4  bits  of  old  ornament I\  LONDON,  / 
Printed  for  Beniamin  Fisher,  and  are  /  to  be  sold  at  his  shop  in 
Pater-noster-row,  /  at  the  signe  of  the  Talbot.  /  1623 

It  is  a  chaffy  rollicking  description  of  the  different  kinds  of  Bor- 
rowers— Courtier,  Inns-of-Court  man,  Country  Gentleman,  and 
Citizen — and  Lenders,  Debtors'  places  of  refuge,  and  debtors' 
shifts  to  avoid  payment.  (For  the  2nd  edition,  see  below,  p.  xxvi.) 

Here  is  the  beginning  of  how  the  Courtier  handles  the  Citizen 
he  wants  to  borrow  money  of,  p.  3  : — 

"  The  Courtiers  method  followes. 

First  he  invites  his  Creditor,  to  a  dish  of  Court-Ling,  with 
Masculine  mustard  plenty. 

Then  shewes  him  the  priuie  lodgings  and  the  new  banquetting 
house. 

Perhaps  the  Robes  next. 

Then  the  great  Magolls  tent  in  the  Wardrobe :  And  so  much 
serues  for  the  first  meeting,  and  to  procure  an  appetite  to  the 
second. 

To  the  second  Meeting  our  Creditor,. is  summoned,  and  brings 
behinde  him  his  wife,  like  to  a  broken  wid.er  glasse  bottle  hanging 
at  his  taile,  and  enters  into  the  Masking  roome. 

Whereat  the  Courtiers  skill  in  deliuering  of  the  Maskers  names, 
vnder  their  seuerall  disguises,  did  purchase  an  euerlasting  and 
indissoluble  citie-consanguinitie  with  his  female  charge,  ouer  whom, 
the  more  sleepy  hir  spouse,  the  more  vigilant  was  my  cousen  courtier. 

And  now  he  hath  made  his  partie  strong  enough  to  visit  my 
citizen,  and  to  borrow  and  take  vp  of  him  at  his  own  home,  in  the 
most  familiar  phrase  that  can  bee  deuised  for  such  like  vse  and  pur- 
pose. 

Then  for  the  quickning,  continuing,  and  inlarging  of  his  credit, 
our  Courtier  pretends  how  he  has  receiued  newes  that  his  feign'd 
kinred  is  very  sicke  ;  and  thereupon  a  takes  occasion  (in  stead  of 
venison)  to  send  her  a  bottle  of  that  famous  and  farre  fetcht  fronti- 
neack :  He  bids  himselfe  to  dinner  the  same  day,  and  there  in  a 
cursorie  way  of  commending  the  art  of  man,  in  matter  of  Manu- 
facture, he  falls  by  chance  vpon  the  remembrance  of  an  extraor- 
dinarie  stuffe,  which  hee  saw  a  great  personage  weare  lately  in 
Court,  not  doubting  but  that  his  cousens  [the  Creditor  or  citizen's] 
shop  did  afford  the  like :  His  purpose  was  to  haue  a  suit  of  the 
same  very  shortly,  if  they  would  but  lay  it  by  for  him  till  his  moneyes 
came  in :  Yet  with  a  very  little  intreaty  so  cleanly  exprompted,  he 


xxiv    Forewords.    §  3.  Powell's  Attourneys  Academy. 

was  persuaded  to  take  it  along  with  him,  but  onely  for  feare  lest 
the  whole  peece  might  be  sold  by  the  foolish  foreman  vnawares 
before  his  returne. 

Giue  vs  old  Ale,  and  booke  it, 

O  giue  vs  old  Ale,  and  booke  it : 

And  when  you  would  haue  your  money  for  all, 

My  cousen  may  chance  to  looke  it" 

This  larky  book  of  Powell's  was  followd  by  his  sober  sixth  : — 

The  /  Attourneys  Academy  :  /  or,  /  The  Manner  and  /  forme  of 
proceeding  practically,  vpon  /  any  Suite,  Plaint,  or  Action  whatso- 
euer,  in  any  /  Court  of  Record  whatsoeuer,  within  /  this  Kingdome  :  / 
especially,  /  in  the  Great  Courts  at  /  Westminster,  to  whose  motion 
all  other  Courts  of  /  Law  or  Equitie ;  as  well  those  of  the  two 
Pro-/uinciall  Counsailes,  Those  of  Guild-Hall  /  London ;  as  Those 
of  like  Cities  /  and  Townes  Corporate,  And  /  all  other  of  Record  are 
diur-/nally  moued  :  /  With  the  Moderne  and  most  vsuall  Fees  of  the  / 
Officers  and  Ministers  of  such  Courts.  /  Published  by  his  Maiesties 
speciall  priuiledge,  /  and  /  Intended  for  the  publique  benefit  of  all  / 
His  Subiects.  /  Summum  hominis  bonum,  bonus  ex  hac  vita  exitus.  / 
Tho  :  Powell  /  Londino-Cambrensis.  /  London,  /  Printed  for  Beniamin 
FisJier:  and  are  to  be  sold  at  his  /  Shop  in  Pater-noster  Row,  at  the 
signe  of  the  /  Talbot:  1623. 

This  is  a  regular  Attorney's  Handbook,  dedicated  to  the  "  Lord 
Bishop  of  Lincolne,  and  Lord  Keeper  of  the  great  Scale  of  England," 
and  with  a  second  dedication  which  does  credit  to  Powell : — 

"  To  /  trve  Nobilitie  /  and  tryde  Learning,  /  beholden  /  To  no 
Mountaine  for  Eminence  /  nor  Supportment  for  his  Height,  /  Fran- 
cis, Lord  Verulam,  and  /  Viscount  St-  Albanes. 

OGiue  me  leaue  to  pull  the  Curtaine  by, 
That  clouds  thy  Worth  in  such  obscuritie, 
Good  Seneca,  stay  but  a  while  thy  bleeding, 
T'accept  what  I  receiued  at  thy  reading : 
Heere  I  present  it  in  a  solemne  straine, 
And  thus  I  pluckt  the  Curtaine  backe  again. 

The  same 

THOMAS  POWELL." 

There  were  later  editions  in  1630,  1647,  &c.  Then  came  in 
1627,  Powell's  seventh  book,  a  professional  one  in  72  leaves  : 

The  /  Attornies  /  Almanacke,  /  Provided  /  &  /  desired  /  For  the 
generall  ease  and  daily  vse  of  all  /  such  as  shall  haue  occasion  to 
remoue  any  /  Person,  Cause  or  record,  from  an  /  inferiour  Court  to 
any  the  /  higher  Courts  at  /  Westminster.  /  By  THOMAS  POWELL.  / 
Summum  hominis  bonum,  bonus  ex  hac  vita  /  exitus. 


Forewords.     §  3.  Powell's  Repertorie  of  Records,     xxv 

London.  /  Printed  by  B.  A.  and  T.  F.  for  Ben :  Fisher,  and  are 
to  /  be  sold  at  his  Shop  at  the  signe  of  the  Talbot  without  /  Alders- 
gate.  1627. 

Next  appeard,  in  1631,  his  eighth  book,  to  which  he  did  not  put 
his  name,  as  not  half  of  it  was  his  own  work.  The  title  is  given  by 
Mr  Hazlitt  in  his  Collections  and  Notes,  i876,a  as 

"  The  Repertorie  of  Records :  remaining  in  the  4.  Treasuries 
on  the  Receipt  side  at  Westminster  [and]  the  two  Remembrancers 
of  the  Exchequer.  With  a  briefe  introductiue  Index  of  the  Records 
of  the  Chancery  and  Tower :  whereby  to  giue  the  better  Direction 
to  the  Records  abouesaid.  As  also  a  most  exact  Calendar  of  all 
those  Records  of  the  Tower  :  in  which  are  contayned  and  com- 
prised whatsoeuer  may  giue  satisfaction  to  the  Searcher  for  Tenure 
or  Tytle  of  any  thing.  London,  Printed  by  B.  Alsop  and  F. 
Fawcet  for  B.  Fisher,  &c.  1631. 

4to,  A — Ee  in  fours,  first  leaf  blank." 

"Dedicated  in  verse  'To  the  Vnknowne  Patron,'  which  is  followed  by  a 
leaf  with  a  somewhat  enigmatical  heading  'To  the  same  Patron  the  great 
Master  of  this  Mysterie  Our  Author  payeth  this  in  part  of  a  more  Summe  due.' 
There  is  also  a  prose  address  to  the  Reader,  in  which  Powell  gives  some  account 
of  the  circumstances  attending  the  publication." 

Powell  says  he  first  thought  of  dedicating  his  book  to  Mercuriej. 
who'd  inspir'd  him  to  write  a  bit  of  verse  again,  but  as  he  can't  find  a 
Patron,  he  dedicates  it  to  an  unknown  one,  whom  Mercury  is  to 
find  out.  The  address  to  the  Reader  follows : — 


To  the  Reader. 

IT  may  be  obiected  vnto  me,  that  the  collation  of  these  things,  is 
not  all  made  vp  and  digested  into  this  fabrique  of  mine  owne 
materials  and  structure,  and  I  doe  ingenuously  confesse  it :  Seeing  the 
Foure  Treasuries  [p.  17 — 120]  were  collected  by  Mr.  Agard,  his 
priuate  notes,  a  man  very  industrious  and  painfull  in  that  kind2;  and 
one  who  had  continual  recourse  vnto  the  most,  &  custody  of 
many  of  the  rest  of  the  same  :  And  the  latter  Callender  of  the 
Records  of  the  Tower  [?  p.  211 — 217],  came  to  my  hands  from  an 
Author  vnknowne,  euen  as  the  Printer  was  drawing  the  last  sheet 
of  the  precedent  worke  from  the  Presse.  I  was  content  to  giue  it 
wharfage,  and  to  let  it  be  layd  on  shore  with  the  rest,  but  very 
vnwillingly;  because  I  had  no  conuenient  roome  left  where  to 
dispose  it,  without  blaming  of  my  Methode,  in  that  it  was  not  layd 

1  Mr  Hazlitt  also  notes  that  "Verses  signed  T.  P.  are  attached  to  Ford's 
Fames  Memorial!,  1606." 

2  See  his  collections  in  the  Public  Record  Office. — F. 


xxvi     Forewords.     §  3.  T.  Powell's  Sir  Ed.  Hales. 

in  his  proper  place,  with  the  rest,  that  is,  vnder  the  Title  of  the 
Tower,  in  the  first  Station :  whereof  I  hope  an  equall  censure,  ever 
resting 

Sub  rostro  Cycanti. 

The  book  is  a  4to  of  2 1 7  pages,  besides  Title  and  four  pages  of 
dedication,  and  describes  where  the  Records  are,  what  bundles  of 
them,  &c.  are  in  the  several  rooms,  and  what  Countries  and  places 
some  of  them  refer  to.     Here's  a  short  extract : — 
"And  now  to  thefoure  Treasuries. 

The  first  is,  the  Treasurie  of  the  Court  of  Receipt.  In  which 
are  Two  of  the  ancientest  Bookes  of  Records  in  this  Kingdome : 
made  in  William  the  Conquerours  time,  called  Doomes-day. 

The  one  Booke  in  Quarto,  containing  the  Description  or  Suruey 
of  Essex,  Norfolke,  and  Suffolke. 

The  other  in  Folio,  being  the  like,  for  all  the  Shires  in  England, 
from  Cornwall,  to  the  Riuer  of  Tyne. 

Here  is  a  Booke  called  the  blacke  Booke,  made  in  Henry  the 
seconds  time,  De  necessarijs  Sca\ca\rij  observandis :  And  in  the  same, 
are  the  Oathes  and  Admittances  of  Officers  inrolled,  and  other 
Notes  of  some  consequence."  [and  so  on]. 

This  was  followd  by  his  Qth  work,  the  last  I  find  under  his 
name,  his  Tom  of  all  Trades  printed  below,  p.  137 — 175.  In  1635 
came  out  a  second  edition  of  both  his  Tom  of  all  Trades  and  earlier 
Mysteries  of  Lending  and  Borrowing,  in  one  little  volume  with  the 
following  title,  no  doubt  written  by  himself: — 

The  Art  of  Thriving.  /  Or,  /  The  plaine  pathway  to  /  Pre- 
ferment. /  Together  with  /  The  Mysterie  and  Misery  /  of  Lending 
and  Borrowing.  Consider  it  seriously.  /  Examine  it  judiciously.  / 
Remember  it  punctually.  /  And  thrive  accordingly.  /  [by  Thos. 
Powell,  Gent,  in  MS.]  Published  for  the  common  /  good  of  all  sorts 
&c  /  London,  /  Printed  byT.Jf.  for  Benjamin  /  Fisher,  and  are  to 
be  solde  at  his  shop  /  at  the  signe  of  the  Talbot  in  Alders-/gate 
street.  1635.  [12°  pages  :  at  p.  121  a  fresh  title,] 

The  /  Mistery  /  and  /  Misery  /of/  Lending  /  and  /  Borrowing  / 
'.By  /  Tho :  Powel,  Gent.  /  London :  /  Printed  by  Thomas  Harper 
for  /  Benjamin  Fisher,  and  are  to  be  /  sold  at  his  shop  in  Alders- 
gate  /  streete  at  the  signe  of  the  /  Talbot.  1636.  [p.  121 — 254.] 


Of  the  Sir  Edward  Hales  whom  Powell  praises  so  warmly  in  his 
Dedication  to  his  Tom  of  all  Trades,  the  Rev.  W.  S.  Scott  Robertson 
of  Sittingbourne  sends  me  the  following  account : 

"  Sir  Edward  Hales  was  the  first  of  his  name  at  Tunstall.1  He 
1  "  I  come  now  to  speak  of  the  Hales,  present  lords  of  Tunstall,  a  family  of 


Forewords.     §  3.  T.  Powell's  Sir  Ed.  Hales,     xxvii 

was  originally  of  Tenterden,  but  marrying  the  Harlackenden  heiress, 
of  Woodchurch,  he  removed  to  her  seat.  He  was  created  a  baronet 
in  1611.  After  the  death  of  his  first  wife  he  married  the  widow 
(nee  Martha  Carew)  of  Sir  James  Cromer  of  Tunstall,  and  removed 
thither.  Sir  James  Cromer  died  in  1613,  and  left  no  son.  One  of 
his  three  daughters,  Christian,  the  youngest,  who  inherited  Tunstall, 
married  Sir  Edward  Hales's  eldest  son  John,  and  thus  the  Hales 
family  became  fixed  at  Tunstall.  John  Hales  died  in  his  father's 
lifetime,  but  his  son  Edward,1  who  was  born  about  1626,  ultim- 
ately succeeded  his  grandfather  Sir  Edward. 

"The  first  baronet,  with  whom  your  author  Thomas  Powell 
was  so  pleased,  died  in  1654,  and  was  buried  in  Tunstall  Church. 
The  present  representative  of  the  family  is  Miss  Hales  of  Hales 
Place,  Canterbury,  whose  name  figured  in  the  statements  of  the 
claimant  to  the  Tichborne  estates.  She  has  very  recently  sold 
her  Tunstall  property." 

great  antiquity  ;  but  as  their  interest  here  is  not  of  so  long  standing,  I  shall  go  no 
higher  than  the  last  century,  beginning  with 

"Sir  Edward  Hales,  Knight,  who  was  advanced  to  the  dignity  of  a  baronet 
1611 ;  he  served  in  several  parliaments,  and  took  part  with  those  that  raised  the 
rebellion  against  king  Charles  I.  He  died  October  6th,  1634,  aged  78.*  This  is 
he  for  whom  the  noble  monument  in  Tunstall  church  was  erected  with  his  effigies 
in  full  proportion  cut  in  marble.  His  wives  were  Deborah,  da.  and  heir  of 
Martin  Lackenden  of  Woodchurch,  Esq.,  and  Martha  the  relict  of  Sir  James 
Crowmer. 

"John,  the  eldest  son  of  Sir  Edward,  by  Deborah  his  first  lady,  married 
Christian,  the  youngest  of  the  daughters  and  co-heirs  of  Sir  James  Crowmer 
aforesaid ;  and  by  this  marriage  was  Tunstall  brought  into  the  family  of  Hales. 
This  John  died  in  the  life-time  of  his  father,  and  left  issue  Sir  Edward  Hales, 
baronet,  a  zealous  royalist,  who  in  his  younger  years  risqued  his  person  and 
fortune  in  the  cause,  insomuch  that  he  was  forced  to  abscond  and  live  beyond  the 
seas  on  account  of  the  great  debts  he  had  contracted  for  the  king's  service.  He 
died  in  France  some  years  after  the  Restoration."  From  the  '  History  and 
Antiquities  of  Tunstall  in  Kent.'  By  Ed.  Rowe  Mores,  printed  in  Nichols's 
Bibliotheca  Topographica  Britannica,  vol.  i.  pp.  33,  34.  (Mores  died  in  1778, 
this  History  was  publisht  in  1 780. ) 

"  This  Sir  Edward  Hales  was  a  commissioner  for  the  survey  of  Aldington  in 
1608,  Sheriff  of  Kent  in  a  year  between  1611  and  1620,  and  M.P.  for  Kent  in  a 
Parliament  preceding  the  Long  Parliament." — Furley's  History  of  the  Weald  of 
Kent,  Ashford,  1874,  vol.  ii.  Pt.  II.  pp.  522,  602. 

1  Sir  Edward  Hales,  the  third  of  that  name,  but  the  first  baronet,  of  Tenter- 
den,  Kent,  was  knighted,  and  on  June  29,  161 1,  was  created  a  Baronet.  He  was 
twice  married,  first  to  Deborah,  only  daughter  and  heir  of  Martin  Herlackenden 
of  Woodchurch,  Esq .,  by  whom  he  had  issue  four  sons,  viz.  John  his  eldest  son, 

*  See  the  cp.  ded.  to  Powell's  Tom  of  all  Trades.  Lond.  1631,  4to. 


XXV111 


Forewords.     §  $.  Thanks  to  Helpers. 


§  4.  The  last  piece  in  the  present  volume,  "  The  Glasse  of  Godly 
Loue,  Wherein  all  married  couples  may  learn  e  their  duties,  each  toward 
others,  according  to  the  holy  Scriptures," — I  was  tempted  to  add 
because  it  made  a  kind  of  Appendix  to  the  Tell-troth  tract  of  1593, 
and  because  it  was  part  of  a  thin  treatise  belonging  to  me,  that  Mr 
Hazlitt  believes  to  be  unique,  but  which  is  unluckily  imperfect.  It 
is  undated,  but  is  printed  by  Richard  Jones,  who  took  up  his  free- 
dom of  the  Stationers'  Company  on  the  7th  of  August  1564 
(Arber's  Transcript,  I.  278),  had  one  press  in  May  1583  (ib.  248), 
and  printed  till  1600.  Whether  the  Glasse  is  by  Thomas  Prit- 
chard,1  the  writer  of  the  first  part  of  the  volume,  or  I[ohn]  R[ogers] 
who  seems  to  have  written  the  second  part,  I  cannot  tell.  It  follows 
the  I.  R.  Discourse.  The  title-page  of  Pritchard's  tract  is  on  p. 
xxix,  opposite. 

§  5.  I  have  now  but  to  thank  the  Librarian  of  Peterborough  Cathe- 
dral for  trusting  his  unique  1593  Tell-troth  to  me ;  Mr  Henry  Huth 
for  his  loan  of  Powell's  Welch  Bayte ;  Mr  W.  G.  Stone  of  Walditch 
for  so  kindly  making  the  Contents,  Notes,  and  Index  to  this  volume ; 
Miss  E.  Phipson  for  paying  for  Tom  of  all  Trades,  and  our  friend 
who  hides  his  name,  for  his  gift  of  the  first  Tell-troth  reprint. 


F.  J.  FURNIVALL. 


3,  St.  George's  Square,  London,  N.  W. 
July  ii,  1876. 


who  married  Christian  one  of  the  daughters  and  co-heirs  of  Sir  Jas.  Cromer, 
knt. ,  and  in  her  right  became  possessed  of  the  manor  of  Tunstall  and  other  large 
estates,  and  died  in  his  [father's]  life-time ;  his  other  children  were  Edward, 
Samuel,  Thomas,  and  a  da.  Christian.  His  second  wife  was  Martha,  da.  of  Sir 
Mathew  Carew,  and  relict  of  Sir  Jas.  Cromer.  He  died  Oct.  6,  1654,  in  his  78th 
year,  is  buried  in  Tunstall  Church.  His  grandson  Edward  (son  of  his  eldest 
son  John)  succeeded  him  ;  this  Edward  was  about  13  years  of  age  at  his  father's 
death  in  1639.  "He  succeeded  his  grandfather  jn  title  and  estate  in  1654  ;  but 
being  most  zealously  attached  to  the  royal  cause,  he  risqued  his.  fortune  as  well 
as  his  person,  in  the  support  of  it ;  by  which  means  he  ruined  the  former,  and  was 
obliged  on  that  account  to  abandon  his  native  country,  to  which  he  never 
afterwards  returned,  but  died  in  France  soon  after  the  restoration  of  K.  Charles 
II."  He  was  one  of  the  three  who  escaped  with  James  II.  in  1688.  Abstract 
taken  from  Hasted's  History  of  Kent,  vol.  ii.  p.  576. 

1  On  '  1628,  July  9,  Thorn.  Prichard  of  Jesus  College,'  Oxford,  was  admitted 
to  the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Divinity.  Wood's  Fasti  Oxon.,  pt.  I  (Athena,  vol.  ii.), 
col.  443,  ed.  Bliss.  But  I  do  not  suppose  that  this  is  our  T.  Pritchard. 


THE    SCHOOLE 

of  honeft  and  vertuous  lyfe'* 

Profitable  and  necessary  for 

all  eftates  and  degrees,  to  be  trayned  in  : 

fmt  (eijeefelg)  for  tfje  pettie  Sefjolto,  tje 

yonger  forte,  of  loth  kindes,  bee  they  men  or 

Women,     by  T.  P. 

Also,  a  laiidable  and  learned 
Difcourfe,  of  the  worthynefTe  of  hono- 
rable SHetilocfce,  forttten  in  tje  fa 

halfe  of  all  (afwell)  Maydes  as  Wydowes, 

(generally)  for  tjjetr  sinjjuler  instruct^ 

on,  to  choofe  them  vertuous  and  honeft 


But  (moft  fpecially)  fent  writte  as  a  lewell 

imto  a  foortfjjj  dSentlefooman,  in  tfje 

time  of  her  widowhood,  to  dire6t  &  guide 

jjer  in  tfje  nefo  election  of  fjer  secontre 

Hi{/band.     By  her  approouedfreend  and 
kinfemen.  I.  R. 

Imprinted  at  London  by 

Richard  Johnes,  and  are  to 
be  folde  at  his  ihop  ouer  againft  S.  Sepul- 

chers  Church  without  Newgate. 


Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift 

Beemg 

Robin  Good-fellowes  newes  out  of  thofe  Countries,  where  tnha- 
tites  neither  Charity  nor  honejly. 


With  his  owne  Inue&iue  againft  lelofy. 


LONDON 

Imprinted  by  Robert  Bourne. 

1  5  93- 


Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift. 


[sig.  A  2] 


Marry,  fir,  now  you  looke  as  if  you  expe&ed  newes :  me 
thinks  I  fee  your  eares  open  to  heare  what  Robin  good 
fellow  will  tel  you ;  &  becaufe  your  defire  dial  not  be 
altogether  fruftrate,  you  (hal,  if  you  will,  be  fomewhat  the 
wifer  before  you  goe.  I  am  aflured  it  is  not  ftale ;  and  were  you  as 
long  in  reading  of  it,  as  the  Senators  haue  bene  in  agreeing  vppon  it, 
I  know  you  would  craue  many  baetes  before  you  had  pafled  the 
mainger.  But  behold,  they  had  the  paine,  and  you  may  haue  the 
pleafure ;  and  I  am  glad  that  it  was  my  fortune  to  meete  with  it  j  and 
doubtleffe  it  was  a  great  haflard,  that  a  worfer  carrier  had  not  hapned 
on  it.  For  thus  it  fel  out :  walking  towards  Iflington  in  a  frouy 
morning,  I  by  chaunce  lighted  into  the  company  of  a  boone  com- 
panion, that  feemed  no  lefle  pleafing  in  fhew,  then  he  prooued  in 
fubftaunce.  A  merry  mate  hee  was,  and  matched  with  one  of  his 
owne  minde,  a  fimple  fellow,  that  marchinge  vnder  the  habbite  of 
true  meaninge,  tels  all  that  he  fees,  and  euery  thing  he  thinkes  to  be 
true :  Tdl-troth  is  my  name,  and  you  may  truft  me  if  you  will,  for  I 
aflure  you,  that  he  that  crediteth  me  moft,  (hall  not  fpeede  worft.  We 
two  matches  mated  by  good  fortune,  Robin  good-fellow  the  one,  who 
neuer  did  worfe  harme  then  correct  manners,  and  made  diligent 
maides  :  and  I,  Tell  troth,  the  other,  who  euer  haue  beene  a  fworne 
enemy  to  lafye  lurdens,  and  a  profefied  foe  to  lack  No-body :  no 
fooner  fettinge  our  eyes,  the  one  on  the  other,  but  knew  each  others 
conditions,  falling  forthwith  into  familiarity.  And  it  being  my  hap 
to  enquire  firft  from  whence  hee  came,  hee  made  it  not  fcrupulous  to 
certifie  his  comming  from  hell,  a  place  (fayde  hee)  that  is  odious,  and 
yet  to  none  but  to  them  that  feare  it :  Mary  (qd.  hee)  Robin  good- 
fellow,  that  could  go  inuifible  from  'his  infancy,  had  it  by  nature  giuen  ['  sig.  A  2, 

back] 


4  Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift. 

him,  that  he  mould  bee  fubieft  to  no  inferiour  power  whatfoeuer,  either 
ruling  or  inhabiting  vnder  the  higheft  elemente,  with  a  generall  pri- 
ui  ledge  to  fearch  euery  corner,  and  enter  any  caftell  to  a  good  purpofe. 
By  libertye  of  which  pattente,  I  croffed  the  riuer  Stix  in  Carons  boat 
without  his  leaue,  giuinge  him  a  patt  on  his  drowfie  pate  for  my 
paflage.  And  from  him  vnknowne,  I  came  to  Cerberus  (that  Lub- 
berly Porter),  who  was  makinge  fafte  of  the  brand  gates,  which  were 
faine  to  bee  opened,  that  the  greate  Magog  with  his  companye  that 
were  fummoned  to  the  Parliamente,  might  enter  without  interruption. 
He  heard  my  trampling,  and  therefore  asked  who  was  there  ?  but 
when  I  would  not  aunfweare,  he  thought  it  was  Lelaps  his  curre, 
bidding  him  to  lie  downe,  and  fo  likewife  I  eafely  entred  the  dungion. 
To  tell  what  I  there  faw,  were  no  newes  :  becaufe  it  hath  beene 
tolde  by  fo  many,  whereof  foome  of  them  haue  not  reported  amifle. 
But  going  on  to  the  mercilefTe  pallace,  the  gates  ftoode  wide  open,  fo 
that  any  might  enter  ther  without  controlement.  With  in  the  great 
Hall  whereof,  were  affembled  the  whole  fociety  of  bad  company,  a 
generall  conuocation  beeing  called  about  the  deciding  of  many 
matters  which  were  not  altogether  perfe&ed.  There  was  a  greate 
thronge,  and  no  little  fturre,  the  feuerall  billes  of  complainte  which 
were  there  exhibited  of  many  matters,  beeing  fo  many,  as  they  would 
require  an  age  to  rehearfe  them,  efpecially  feeing  this  one  matter 
wherof  my  newes  confifteth,  was  a  hearing  and  deciding  feauen 
yeares. 

But  to  come  to  the  matter,  all  the  worft  diuels  being  placed  in 
their  orders  according  to  their  cuftome  (which  is  needlefle  to  fet 
downe,  for  that  I  hope  there  is  none  heere  that  euer  meane  to  be 
partakers  of  any  of  their  Offices)  the  Speaker  vttered  an  Oration  that 
would  haue  made  a  maftie  to  haue  broke  his  collor  with  girning 
thereat,  declaringe  what  a  continuall  profile  lelofie,  aboue  all  other 
vices,  brought  to  that  place,  praifinge  fo  highly  the  commodity  thereof 
as,  in  his  diuelifh  Judgement,  hell  would  be  pafiinge  beggerly  without 
that  helpe.  Manifeftinge  how  eafely  mens  and  womens  mindes  were 
sig.  A  3]  drawn  to  all  corruption  thereby,  with  fuch  a  dilatinge  narration  as 
neuer  an  Orator  in  hell  could  haue  fpoken  more.  After  the  finifhinge 
of  whofe  fuftie  framed  fpeech,  there  was  a  queft  of  enquiry  called, 
whofe  forman  deliuered  a  whole  bundell  of  fcroles  and  papers, 


Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift.  5 

wherein  were  fett  downe  the  caufes  that  helped  lelofie,  with  the 
meanes  that  hindered  the  fame,  as  alfo  the  kindes  thereof,  with 
feuerall  complaintes  made  both  by  men  and  women  that  were  vexed 
with  the  like.  The  which  I  will,  quoth  Robin,  deliuer  vnto  thee  if 
thou  fo  wilt :  whereof,  I  beeing  wonderfull  defirous,  for  Mens  hominis 
nouitatis  auida,  hee  went  on  with  it  as  followeth. 

The  firft  caufe  (quoth  he)  is  a  conftrained  loue,  when  as  parentes  pare«ts 
do  by  compulfion  coople  two  bodies,  neither  refpe6tinge  the  ioyning  a  cause  of 

lelosy. 

of  their  hartes,  nor  hauinge  any  care  of  the  continaunce  of  their 
wellfare,  but  more  regardinge  the  linkinge  of  wealth 'and  money 
together,  then  of  loue  with  honefty :  will  force  affection  without 
liking,  and  caufe  loue  with  lelofie.  For  either  they  marry  their 
children  in  their  infancy,  when  they  are  not  able  to  know  what  loue 
is,  or  elfe  matche  them  with  inequality,  ioyning  burning  fommer 
with  kea-cold  winter,  their  daughters  of  twentye  yeares  olde  or  vnder, 
to  rich  cormorants  of  threefcore  or  vpwards.  Whereby,  either  the 
diflike  that  likely  growes  with  yeares  of  difcretion  engendereth  dif- 
loyalty  in  the  one,  or  the  knowledge  of  the  others  difability  leades 
him  to  lelofie. 

What  is  the  caufe  of  fo  many  houfholde  breaches,  deuorcements,  Rob.Goofd-] 
and  continuall   difcontentmentes,  but  vnnaturall  difagreementes   by  dlgr^s-5 
vnmutuall  contraftes  ?     Will  the  Turtel   change  while  her  mate  is  nature]  of 

,  .      -  „  theSw[anne] 

true,  or  the  Swanne   be  cruell  as  long  as  his  female  is  loyall  ?     If  is,  that  at 

,  ,.  suchtime[as] 

there  be  diuoyalty  betweene  mates  linked  by  their  owne  election  (as  he  sees  an 

rr  n  vnconstan[t] 

doubtlene  there  is),  how  can  vnconuancy  be  condemned  in  thole  that  tricke  to  b[e] 

perfourme[d] 

neuer  had  that  liberty  ?    were    the   hart    as    fubiecl:    to  the   law   as  bv his 

fem[ale,J 

the   body    is,    I    would    thinke    fuch   marriages    lawfull,    but   fince  he  neuer 
the  one  hath  liberty,  when  the  other  is  in  captiuity,  I  know,  Tell  troth,  back] 
(quoth   Robin)  it   will  not   ceafe   to  feeke    reuenge   for  his  bodies     Iwa^ 
flauery,  vnlefle  grace  '  corredeth,  by  fhewinge  what  the  law  of  God     thTfauit 
forbiddeth.     Pretious  Jewels  are  chofen,  and  deere  thinges  loued  ;  but     elmh" 
at  what  price  are  thofe  rated  at  which  are  eafely  obtained  ?     Doubt-     Iw  bee- 
lefTe  at  fo  low  a  reckoninge  as  pipple  ftones  are,  in  comparifon  of    es.the 

with 

pearles;  the  one  had  without  coft  or  trauell,  and  the  other  not  to  be     his  own 
obtained  without  both.     A  lellbn  learned  with  ftroakes,  ftaies  with 
the  fcholler,  when  a  fentence  read  without  regarde,  is  not  fo  foone  in 
at  one  eare,  as  out  at  the  other :  And  loue  gained  with  fighes  & 


6  Te!l-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift. 

ilightes  encreafeth,  when  obtained  otherwife,  it  foone  decayeth. 
Durum  pati  meminiffe  dulce,  &  an  ounce  of  pleafure  ftolne  with  feare 
of  a  pound  of  vnreft,  makes  vs  ftill  to  thinke  on  the  fweetenefie  of 
loue,  and  all  wayes  to  be  ftriuing  to  continue  it,  when  the  contrary 
will  procure  lighte  regarde  thereof.  How  farre  more  delightfome  is 
ftolne  venifon  to  him  that  hath  inough,  then  his  owne  ?  And  how 
pleafant  is  that  meat  in  tafte  which  is  dainty  ?  Thinges  farre  fetchte 
and  deere  boughte,  are  good  for  Ladies  :  and  trifles  will  often  better 
content  then  treafure.  The  Diuels  crye  for  miflike,  but  who  beares 
the  brunt  of  it  ?  The  feete  that  flie  from  it,  not  the  head  that  bredd 
the  baite  j  the  man  can  prouide  for  himfelfe,  when  the  poore  woman 
is  voide  of  all  fuccour,  and  he  will  haue  a  cloake  to  hide  his  mifery 
[i  orig.  his]  when  me  (hall  want  a  cap  to  couer  her l  extremitye.  She  muft  beare 
[*orig.  the  lumpes  and  lowresj  if  happily  {he efcapes  the  blowes,  the  biting2 
woordes,  if  not  worfe,  euen  cruell  hart-breakinges  and  back-beatinges. 
Thus  fhall  the  Fathers  couetuoufnes  be  caufe  of  the  childes  vndooing, 
and  his  harts-eafe  beginning  of  her  woe,  and  ende  of  her  happineffe  : 
his  likinge  meeting  with  her  loathing,  which  fhall  vndoe  her  by 
lelowfy.  Hath  God  by  an  inftin6t  of  nature  ingrafted  loue  fo  farre 
forth  in  vnreafonable  creatures,  as  they  doo  not  onelye  choofe  their 
mates  (as  all  creatures  doe),  but  Hue  faithfullye  to  them,  and  con- 
ftantly  with  them,  fo  longe  as  life  endureth ;  and  fhall  that  priuiledge 
be  taken  from  man-kinde,  whome  onely  he  hath  endowed  with 
reafon  and  difcretion  ?  The  birdes  bringe  vpp  the  yong,  vntill  they 
can  fhift  for  themfelues,  and  then  giues  them  leaue  to  vfe  their 
U  leaf  A  4]  liberty  :  the  beaftes  of  the  fielde  haue  the  felfe  3fame  freedome,  and 
Men  [make]  the  fiflies  in  the  Sea,  no  other  reftrainte;  onely  man  is  iniurious  vnto 
vnnatur[ai]  himfelfe,  by  vnnaturall  vfage  of  his  deerefl  bloud.  They  care  for 

totheirfchil-] 

dre«  by        their  children  vntill  they  be   part  care  :  and  euen  then  themfelues 

t[heir]  J 

matches  freed  from  that  charge,  they  bring  their  young  ones  to  a  greater 
croffe :  geuing  them  forrow  for  their  pleafure,  and  vnrefl  in  fteede  of 
hartes  eafe.  They  doe  not  matche  them  with  the  mates  their 
childrens  eies  haue  chofen,  but  with  the  men  their  owne  greedy  defire 
haue  found  out :  little  fore-thinking  of  their  childrens  after-greeuinge, 
and  their  owne  repenting.  They  regard  not  now  a  dayes  the  old 
fayinge  of  the  wife  man,  /  had  rather  haue  a  man  then  many,  but 
teflify  by  their  doinges  that  they  efteeme  more  of  wealth  then  of 


Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift.  7 

humanity.     They  forget  what  themfelues  haue  beene,  and  will  not 

remember  what  themfelues  haue  done.     Their  coueteoufnefle  choak- 

eth  their  charity,  and  their  worldly  care  keepeth  em l  for  knowinge  p  orig. 

diuinity.    They  abhorre  and  grow  mad  to  heare  their  children  entreat  for  =  from.] 

for  the  maides  that  pleafe  them,  or  for  the  men  their  foules  loue,  but 

tirant  like  they  fay,Jic  volo  Jlc  iuleo,Jlet  pro  ratlone  voluntas  :  I  like 

him,  and  thou  {halt  haue  him  j  loue  this  man  or  I  will  loath  thee. 

This  effe&e  hath  coueteoufnefle  in  the  father  j  and  beholde  what  dif- 

contentmente  it  worketh  in  the  childe. 

He  or  fhee  by  duety  is  bound  to  their  Parentes  commaundement, 
and   for  feare  of  their  difpleafure  are  linked  to  continuaJl  mifery. 
What  faith  the  hulband  to  the  wife,  but,  this  was  thy  fathers  worke, 
to  winne  me  by  his  mony ;  and  fince  hee  hath  his  will  with  the  want 
of  my  weale,  I  wil  not  Hue  alone  in  forrow,  but 2  will  make  thee.  tafte  [» orig.  bnt] 
of  the  fame  fauce.     Thy  Father  hath  his,  and  why  mould  I  not  haue 
mine  ?     So  faith  he,  and  fo  fareth   {hee  :  hee  inuentes  meanes  to 
make  her  mourne,  and  leaues  no  pradtife  vntried,  which  is  like  to 
procure  her  mifery.     They  liue  in  one  houfe,  as  two  ennemies  lie  in 
the  field  :  their  habitation  being  feuered,  like  twoo  campes  that  bee 
ready  for  battell.     Hauocke  is  made  lauifhly,  of  that   their  fathers 
gathered  corruptly,  that  either  being  fpente  lafciuioufly  in  the  com- 
pany of  ftran'gers,  or  licentioufly  in  controuerfies  at  law.     So  great  [3  an-  orlg. 
4  mifchiefe    arifeth   of   coueteoufnefle   in    matches    of  matrimonye.  [4|eafA4> 
Touching  the  faluing  of  which  fore,  it  is  moft  requifite  that  the 
children  mould  haue  their  free  liberty  in  likinge,  as  the  fathers  haue 
had  theirs  in  choofing.     For  as  thofe  matches  are  beft,  wher  there  is 
a  mutuall   agreement  betweene  parentes  and  their  children,  fo  do 
thofe   for   the   moft   part    Joue   beft,   that  haue   the   priuiledge    of 
choofinge  for  themfelues.    My  cheefeft  reafon  may  bee  drawne  from 
contentment  in  loue,  which  is  fatisfied  with  any  thinge,  according  to 
the  faying,  Loue  hath  no  lacke  ;  and  my  old  leflbn,  Selfe  do,  felfe  haue, 
makes  the  patient  often  not  to  complaine  of  a  great  fore,  when  an 
other  will  cry  out  for  no  harme.     Experience  hath  beft  difplayed  it 
to  fome :  and  common  reafon  cannot  but  make  it  knowne  to  all. 
For  who  that  hath  done  him  felfe  an  iniury  will  complaine  thereof, 
for  feare  of  beeing  5accompted  a  foole  ?     Or  what  woman  that  hath  [$&<x-oris. 
burnte  her  finger  will  blame  others  for  the  deede  done  by  her  felfe  ? 


8 


Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift. 


Indiscreete 
gouernment 
the  second 
cause  of 
lelosy. 


[«  sig.  B] 


You  might  haue  tooke  better  heede,  and  It  was  your  owne  fault,  are 
two  fhrode  plafters  for  a  greene  wound :  and  the  minds  of  men  are 
beft  pleafed  with  their  owne  thoughts,  &  women  with  nothing  more 
contented  then  to  haue  their  willes.  When  a  woman  diftruftes  of 
any  helpe  to  come  from  any  part-taker,  fliee  will  bee  glad  to  pleafe 
hir  hufband,  &  they  two  falling  foorth,  {he  (hauing  none  to  maine- 
taine  her  in  her  pride)  will  bee  contented  to  reconcile  her  ielfe  vnto 
him  by  kinde  fubmiflion.  And  where  a  louing  kiffe  will  faue  a  great 
deale  of  coft,  if  there  it  bee  not  vfed,  mony  cannot  be  better  beftowed 
then  in  buying  wit  to  faue  the  next  charges.  But  how  now,  Robin  ! 
thou  haft  beene  ouer  longe  in  thy  digreffion.  I  haue  indeede,  and 
therfore,  frend  Tell-troth,  I  returne  to  my  matter. 

A  fecond  caufe  of  lelocy  fpringeth  from  indifcretion  in  gouern- 
ment, which  is  either  in  one  or  both  of  them  that  are  linked  together 
in  mariage,  neither  of  them  hauing  reafon  to  knowe  what  belonges 
to  either,  or  neither  of  them  difcretion  rightly  to  correct  what  is 
amiffe  in  either.  Loue  will  bee  too  wanton  vnleffe  he  be  whipped 
with  rulhes,  and  ouer  dull  if  his  winges  be  clipped  ;  giue  him  his 
liberty,  and  he  will  runne  at  randum  j  x  fhut  him  vp  in  prifon,  and  he 
will  be  ftarke  mad ;  fo  that  gentle  correction  muft  barre  his  liberty, 
and  mild  chafticement  preuent  his  madneffej  a  wanton  toung  be- 
wraies  a  lafciuious  hart,  and  by  the  vttraunce  of  the  toung,  wicked 
thoughts  are  manyfefted ;  therfore,  either  to  gaze  lafciuioufly,  or  to 
fpeake  wantonly,  may  moue  lellofy.  Modefty  in  a  young  woman  is 
as  a  garland  of  wheat  in  a  ioyfull  harueft ;  and  difcretion  in  a  man 
like  an  oliue  braunch  after  long  difcention  :  me  honoureth  her  huf- 
band  with  a  figne  ot  happinefle,  and  he  contentes  his  wife  with  a 
pledge  of  loue  j  by  his  wifdome  hee  teacheth  her  knowledge,  and  by 
her  obedience  {he  makes  him  glad ;  his  correction  is  as  a  warme  cup 
of  drinke  to  a  cold  ftomake,  and  her  reformation  as  a  fonne-fhine 
daye  after  much  raine.  Peace  flourilheth  where  wifdome  ruleth,  and 
ioy  raigneth  where  modefty  dire&eth.  To  pleafe  the  harte  of  a  huf- 
bande,  is  to  ioyne  vnity  with  the  whole  world ;  and  to  be  in  the  loue 
and  fauour  of  a  wife  is  a  freedome  from  much  care ;  wifdome  there- 
fore in  men  to  gouerne  their  common  wealths,  and  modeftie  in 
women,  are  of  no  fmall  meanes  to  continue  vnity,  and  deftroy 
lellofy. 


Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift.  9 

Another  caufe  is  caufeleffe  difcontentment,  when  the  man  will  gg«. 
lowre  without  occafion,  and  the  woman  fret,  not  knowing  any  reafon,  ^'"hird? 
and  efpecially  when  either  of  them  wil  oppofe  them  felues  againfl 
other,  and  both  of  them  maintaine  their  hartes  pride :  when  a  man 
will  finde  fault  without  caufe,  or  a  woman  complaine  of  two  much 
eafe,  it  fhowes  a  troubled  minde  and  breeds  fufpeft.  He  that  cannot 
be  merry  at  home,  goes  about  to  perfwade  hee  will  be  mad  abroad ; 
and  fliee  that  lowers  on  her  hulband  when  he  comes  home,  fhowes 
me  had  as  liue  haue  his  roome  as  his  company :  where  loue  is,  there 
is  no  thought  of  battell  j  and  there,  what  abfence  hath  hurt,  prefence 
will  heale.  A  kind  and  louing  wife  forgetteth  all  vnkindnefie  by  the 
fight  of  her  beft  beloued,  as  a  child  doth  the  correction  of  his  mother 
by  the  receipt  of  an  apple  from  her ;  and  a  difcreete  hulband  is  no 
longer  difpleafed  then  a  fault  is  a  doing.  Contentment  is  an  excellent 
fauce  to  eury  difh,  and  pleafantneffe  a  finguler  portion  to  preuent 
mifchiefe:  the  head  is  neuer1  euill:  but  either  it  is  2pleafantly  difpofed  l*orig. 

nener] 

or  knauifhly  occupied.  A  merry  countenance  is  a  figne  of  content-  [2Sig.  B, 
ment,  but  froward  wordes  are  mefienger  of  melancholly.  In  what 
the  hart  delighteth,  with  that  it  is  beft  pleafed ;  and  harde  it  is  to  hault 
before  a  creppell.  Afrowne  lodeth,  and  a  fmile  lightneth ;  to  frowne 
therefore  kindly,  is  a  barre  to  lellocy :  but  loading  crabbedly,  men 
vndoe  themfelues  fpeedily. 

Many  men  delighting  in  much  company,  cannot  be  contented  to  [M]ensfoilye 

[the]  fourth. 

tollow  their  defire  abroad  by  vfing  new  familiarity,  but  wil  bring 
daily  grief  vnto  their  houfes,  as  little  regarding  their  difpofitions  with 
whome  they  ioyne  frendfhip,  as  the  occafions  that  may  be  offered  of 
diflike  by  after  repentings ;  fo  that  following  their  pleafure  in  fatisfieng 
that  humor,  they  fall  afterwards  into  a  worfe  vaine,  being  fufpitious 
of  ouer  much  familiarity  to  haue  crept  with  their  acquaintance,  and 
doubtful  leaft  their  copefmates  are  matched  with  them  in  their 
darlinges  bofomes.  When  they  will  begin  fo  to  watch  their  wiues 
eies,  and  dogge  their  frendes  lookes,  as  the  mife  fhall  not  pepe  with- 
out daunger  of  the  cats,  nor  the  filly  women  fpeake  without 
fufpition  of  falfhood,  Others  will  bring  ftrang  women  vnto  their 
wiues  to  welcome :  fpeaking  lauifhly  of  their  beauties,  and  vn- 
decently  in  their  praifes,  they  will  make  comparifon  without  difcretion, 
and  giue  iudgement  without  wifdome.  They  regard  prefent  pleaf- 


10 


Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift. 


[«  sig.  B  2] 


The  ill 
co[un]cell 
of  the 

wicked  th[e] 
fift  cause  [of] 
lelosy. 


Credite 
g[i]ucn  to 
fal[se] 
reportes 
UheJ  sixt. 


ure,  but  care  not  for  future  profit,  not  fo  much  as  thinking  on  the 
chilling  winter  in  the  heate  of  fummer,  nor  of  warre  in  time  of 
peace.  They  confider  not  how  loue  wil  brooke  no  equalitie,  nor 
marriage  allowe  of  the  leaft  vnconftancy  j  and  both  thefe,  though 
themfelues  haue  beene  the  procurers  of  their  own  difcontentment, 
yet  will  they  lay  all  the  burthen  on  their  wiues  backes,  either  plaging 
them  in  beeing  fufpitious,  or  puniftiing  them  by  making  them 
ielious.  The  old  fayng  is,  that  he  which  will  no  pennance  doe,  muft 
fhonne  the  caufe  that  belongs  thereto  :  had  I  wift,  is  a  flender 
remedy  to  remoue  repentaunce,  but  a  manifeft  badge  of  folly, 
efpecially  when  a  man  will  leaue  the  bridg,  to  trie  to  leap  ouer  the 
ditch  and  fall  into  it.  Thought  is  free  5  but  when  the  toung  blabs,  it 
is  figne  the  hart  '  aboundes.  What  an  euident  token  of  folifh  blind- 
nefle  is  it,  for  a  man  to  feeke  many  daies  to  pleafe  his  mind,  when 
afterwards,  hauing  found  and  inioying  it,  he  will  miflike  thereof  in  a 
moment,  by  fight  of  a  new  obiedte  ?  O  !  that  is  a  weake  harte  that 
hath  fuch  a  wandring  eie !  and  hee  is  no  fmall  foole  that  fo  little 
efteemes  of  experience,  as  hee  delighteth  in  the  pra6tife  of  vnknowne 
conclufions.  Might  it  pleafe  them  to  vfe  lefle  wordes  and  more  wit, 
fewer  companions  or  kinder  familiarity,  they  fhould  not  fo  lightly 
enter  the  hazard  of  lellofy. 

Ill  counfell  is  the  next  caufe  of  lellofy ;  wher  by  the  wicked 
(whofe  immaginations  are  only  to  foe  difcentions  by  bruting  euil 
fuppofes,  bred  of  a  fufpitious  braine,  &  vttered  with  colored  hipocrifie) 
labour  to  fette  debate  betweene  true  hartes,  and  to  muffle  in  fufpition 
amongft  thofe  that  are  free  from  thought  thereof.  They  will  ftriue 
to  perfwade  by  liklyhoods,  &  confirme  afcertions  with  falfe  oathes. 
They  will  place  betweene  man  and  wife  a  tree  of  difcorde,  and  plant 
in  peacable  houfes,  rootes  of  variance ;  their  toungs  (hall  be  wagging 
to  wim  them  to  taft  of  the  fruit  thereof,  their  heads  ftudying  how  to 
bring  them  to  like  of  the  pra&ife  of  their  premeditated  mifchiefe. 
They  will  alleadg,  lo  thus  it  hath  proued  by  others,  and  fo  hath  it 
fell  out  vnto  them  for  want  of  fufpition.  Think  on  the  worft  (fay 
they)  for  the  beft  is  not  hurtfull  j  but  thinke  of  them  as  of  the  worft, 
fay  I,  for  they  are  moft  hurtfull. 

And  thefe  make-bates  will  not  let  to  brute  reportes,  though 
meerely  falfe,  to  confirme  their  fayings,  cloking  their  mifchiefe  wilh 


Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift.  n 

the  habit  of  good  meaning,  and  hiding  their  knauery  with  a  {how  of 
puritie.  They  will  tatle  tales  as  if  fraught  with  truth  :  and  vtter 
{landers,  with  proteftations.  They  will  inuent  to  perfwade,  and 
fweare  to  confirme  :  flicking  burres  on  their  backes,  that  were  free 
from  motes;  and  filling  their  heads  with  wonders,  that  before  were  in 
quiet.  They  ioy  to  fet  difcention  in  a  louing  plat,  and  reioyce  to  fee 
debate  betweene  faithfull  frendes  ;  they  hunt  after  controuerfie,  and 
honour  lellofy.  And  becaufe  themfelues  are  old,  they  will  hate  all 
that  are  younger  then  themfelues,  and  fufpect  all,  for  that  themfelues 
haue  loued  l  the  game  :  experience  of  knauery  is  a  peftilent  helpe  to  [*  sig.  B  a, 
lellofy;  and  if  the  mother  hath  loued  to  playe  falfe,  {hee  will  bee  fure 
to  miftruft  the  daughter.  Beware,  for  I  haue  tried:  tis  a  vile  whip  to 
fcourge  a  fearefull  hart  with;  and  perfwafions  from  a  difiembling 
hart  are  wondrous  hurtfull  to  an  vnconftant  louer.  It  is  a  fmall  bit 
that  will  not  make  a  hungry  dogge  gape ;  and  an  vnfauery  morfell 
that  will  not  content  a  longing  appetite.  A  will,  with  a  diuelifh  wit, 
will  pradiie  any  thing;  and  what  is  it  that  they  cannot  effe&e  ? 
Marry,  the  beft  helpe  to  preuent  their  mifchiefe,  is  miibeliefe;  and  the 
readieft  mean  to  trie  truth,  is,  to  fearch  into  their  own  liues.  And  for 
that  you  {hall,  Tell-Troth,  quoth  hee,  the  better  vnderftand  the 
diuelimnefle  of  fuch  creatures  as  are  thefe  makebates,  I  will  tell  thee 
a  merry  tale,  I  haue  hard  there  tould,  of  one  who  was  croft  in  her 
wicked  fufpition. 

There  was  an  olde  trott,  that  in  her  youth  hauing  beene  a  true  [A  m]erry 

tale  [of  a] 

traueller,  and  now  through  her  loofe  life  was  worne  to  the  bones  and  make  [bate. 
paft  all  goodnefle,  dwelled  neere  vntoa  proper  young  woman  matched 
with  a  very  honeft  man.  This  olde  beldame,  being  good  for  nothing 
but  to  keepe  the  cat  out  of  the  aflies,  and  to  prattell  ouer  a  pot  of 
nut-browne  ale,  would  fpend  the  reft  of  her  time  which  was  not  i in- 
ployed  ouer  the  fagget,  in  fitting  at  the  dore  to  watch  what  company 
reforted  to  the  young  mans  houfe  afore  faid.  Whether,  for  that  he 
was  of  a  trade,  did  come  diuers,  fome  to  bargaine,  other  about  other 
bufinefle,  and  amongft  the  reft,  this  man  had  a  frend,  being  a  young 
man,  which  did  often  repaire  thether.  The  olde  cat  hauing  feene  him 
there  twife  or  thrife,  beeing  at  a  certaine  time  amongft  many  of  her 
other  goflbpes,  (like  vnto  her  felfe  in  condition  and  of  her  own 
ftampe  by  antiquity,)  called  this  honefl  mans  wines  name  into  queftion, 


12  Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift. 

fo  fetting  her  worne  chappes  a  wagging,  as  fhe  burthened  her  con- 
fcience  with  the  confirmation  of  her  miftruftfullnefTe  concerning  her 
liuing.  The  reforte  thether  was  her  reafon,  and  the  fight  of  the 
former  younge  man  her  conclufion  for  the  truth  thereof.  Some  of 
her  companions  (ibmewhat  better  difpofed  then  her  felfe)  gaue  their 

(i  sig.  B  3]  judgement  with  fome  tolUeration  concerning  the  fufpeded  difhonefty, 
of  which  fhe  mifliking,  reproued  their  light  of  beliefs  with  a  fbame- 
lefle  interrogation,  howe  fhee  could  bee  honeft,  feeing  fuch  a  one 
doth  reforte  daily  vnto  her,  who  is  like  to  bee  a  wild  youth,  and 
therefore  cunning,  and  fhe  a  young  woman  foone  to  be  inticed :  we 
know  (faid  fhe)  by  experience  the  dealings  of  fuch  mates,  hauing  our 
felues  beene  fully  tried  by  their  flightes :  verily  they  cannot  be  well 
thought  on}  nor  may  fhe  be  liked,  nor  her  hufband  praifed,  for  giuing 

Afires-bir[d,]  fuch  entertainment.     Vpon  which  report,  her  withered  goflipes  gaue 

for  that  she 

sat  continu-  vppe  their  verdict,  that  then  indeede  fhe  could  not  be  honeft :  and  fo 

ally  by  the 

fire  side.  for  that  time  the  court  broke  vppe.  They  gon,  this  wether-beaten 
fieres-bird  could  not  be  fatisfied  with  thus  much,  but  the  chuflfe  her 
hufband  comming  in,  fhee  could  not  chufe  but  tell  him  of  the  com- 
pany that  had  beene  with  her,  and  of  the  talke  that  had  paffed  betweene 
them,  with  a  recitall  of  her  newly  broched  mifchiefe,  affirming  it 
was  great  pittte,  feeing  fhe  was  a  very  proper  young  woman,  and  hee 
an  honeft  man,  a  young  beginner  that  was  like  to  doe  well,  were  he 
not  ouer-reached  by  fuch  companions.  Doubtlefle  (quoth  fhee)  it 
were  good,  and  a  thing  well  pleafing  vnto  god  to  impart  thus  much 
vnto  her  hufband,  peraducnture  he,  filly  man,  miftruft  no  fuch  matter, 
or  is  loth  to  offend  his  wife  by  telling  her  of  it ;  but  if  hee  feekes  not 
prefent  remedy,  howe  is  it  poflible  hee  fhould  efcape  vndoing?  To 
which  fuppofed  impoflibility  hee  agreed ;  I  thinke,  lead  thereunto 
rather  for  feare  then  otherwife,  as  you  fhall  hereafter  gather.  Well, 
fhortly  they  agreed  to  fend  for  the  yong  man,  and  at  his  comming 
fent  for  a  pinte  of  wine,  giuing  him  therewith  to  gnaw,  fuch  cruftes 
of  fmall  comfort,  as  tended  both  to  his  owne  difcredite  &  his  wiues 
difhonefty :  both  their  opinions  concerning  fuch  men  which  refort  to 
his  houfe,  as  they  feared,  rather  to  her  then  to  him  :  as  alfo  the 
reportes  of  other  their  neighbours  that  greatly  pittied  them,  miftruft- 
ing  no  lefle  then  they  had  faide,  confirmed  their  flaunders,  endinge 
their  tittell  tattell  with  perfwafions  to  forewarne  their  wiues  of  fuch 


Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift.  13 

company.    With  which  vnlooked-for  banquet,  the  younge  man,  being 

ftroken  amafed  (and  maruell  not,  fince  it  was  meat l  of  fo  hard  a  dif-  j^g-  B  3> 

gefture),  floode  ftill  for  a  feafon  j  but  after  callinge  his  wittes  together 

(of  which  he  had  no  fmall  neede  being  mated  with  two  fuch  rookes) 

afiured  them  of  his  wiues  conftancye  toward  him,  that  loued  him  moft 

intierly,  and  obeyed  him  moft  duetyfully.     And  touching  the  reforte, 

his  trade  required  cuftomers,  and  not  of  the  worft  fort  (for  he  was  a 

fhoomaker)  5  and  fo  lightly  thanking  them  for  their  protefted  good 

will  (giuing  as  fmall  credit  to  their  prittell  prattell  as  he  had  ftomacke 

to  their  cheere)  he  departed  home,  nothing  lefle  louing,  or  thinking 

worfe  of  his  wife  then  hee  did  before.     But  they,  feeing  their  purpofe  The  nature 

'  [of]  a  Hee 

tooke  fo  little  effecte,  grewe  mad,  efpecially  the  fhe  beetell,  that  in  a  bee[te]ii  is, 

'  with  [th]eir 

great  rage  me  pofted  to  the  tauerne,  where  me  found  fome  of  the  £h°le 

[fo]rce  to  flie 

queft  of  inquiry  aforefaid,  to  whome  fhe  blafed  the  rancour  of  her  Wgainst 

ei[th]er  man 

hart,  mowing  them  howe    fhamefully  their  young  neighbour  was  °os[|^east' 
wronged,  and  difhoneftly  abufed,  through  his  kind  fimplicity.  Where-  C'hJen*- 
vppon  this  honeft  man  was  dubbed  amongft  them  a  wittall;  but  while 
mother  trot  and  her  fellowes  were  defcanting  on  others  honefty,  there 
came  in  a  new  goffip,  and  not  without  newes,  affuring  this  breede-bate 
that  her  huiband  (the  olde  fornicator  that  had  beene  with  his  wife  a 
bate-maker)  was  at  the  flower  de  luce,  a  houfe  of  as  good  refort  of 
honeft  women  as  any  be  in  brid-well,  and  had  fent  for  thether  wine 
and  other  good  cheere;  which  brought  fo  badcheere  to  her  hart,  as  in 
all  hafte  Ihee  did  runne  thether :  where  not  rinding  him,  but  vnder- 
ftanding,  I  know  not  by  what  meanes,  that  hee  was  newe  gon,  fhee 
fals  fo  hot  to  fcoulding  with  the  whipperginne  her  oftice,  as  from 
wordes  they  fell  to  blowes,  fo  as  in  the  ende  our  good  neighbour 
came  home  to  her  hufband  with  a  painted  face,  as  if  fliee  had  beene 
at  her  nuntions  with  cats.     Well,  beeing  come,  loane  Stoomp-foot 
and  Tom  Totty,  fell  to '  thou  knaue '  and '  thou  queane,'  with  other  fuch 
{hamelefle  tearmes,  as  her  hufband,  not  able  to  ouermaifter  her  that 
way,  began  to  beelabour  her  faire  and  handfomely  with  a  faggotftick, 
a  prefent  remedy  to  charme  fuch  diuelifh  tounges.     With  which  Which  was 
noife  (for  doubtlefle  it  was  great,  efpecially  the  longe  toungd  beare  make-bate, 
getting  the  worfe),  the  neighbours  beeing  troubled,  were  2  forced  of  [2  leaf  B  4] 
pitty  to  come  in,  who,  feeing  the  fray  bloody,  feuered  the  knaue  and 
the  queane,  and  fo  parted  the  combate.     But  the  fcoulding  champion 


14  Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift. 

(hauing  good  occafion  to  fet  her  chappes  a-wagging,  that  were  faine 
to  (launder  before,  for  want  of  other  matter)  curfed  the  time  that  euer 
fhee  met  with  fuch  a  whore  mafter  knaue,  telling  the  whole  circum- 
ftaunces  of  the  matter,  with  tearmes  fit  for  women  of  her  owue 
ftampe.  And  her  hufband,  on  the  contrary  part,  forced  to  heare  her 
tale,  requites  it  with  a  iadilh  tricke,  that  me  was  taken  with  before 
time  by  him  in  his  celler  with  a  collier  vpon  two  fackes  of  coales. 
And  thus  both  of  them  that  accufed  others  fo  lately  of  difhonefty, 
were  now  by  all  condemned  for  a  lelious  knaue  and  a  miftruftfull 
baude,  worthy  titles  for  fuch  makebates. 

I  therefore  warne  (quoth  Robin)  both  all  fuch  lelious  goffipes 
as  loue  to  haue  owers  in  euery  mans  bote,  and  could  wifh  that  all 
mens  daggars  belonged  to  their  Iheathes,  and  alfo  thofe  driggell  drag- 
gells  (whofe  wicked  and  lafciuious  liues  haue  wafted  their  bodies  to 
the  bones,  and  yet  not  worne  the  tippes  of  their  tounges)  to  leaue  to 
be  fo  ram  in  their  iudgementes,  or  to  let  their  fhamelefle  inftrumentes 
to  blabb  fuch  vnconfcionable  vntrothes  to  fo  abhominable  an  ende. 
And  I  alfo  councell  both  men  and  women,  lightly  to  regard  their 
backebitings  and  flaunders,  that  by  vncharitable  intermedling  with 
their  doings,  feeke  to  moue  ftrife  and  procure  diflike,  betweene  thofe 
that  loue  faithfully  and  liue  quietly  together,  neuer  giuing  occafion 
of  fufpition  the  one  to  the  other,  feeing  that  flaunders  are  onely  like- 
ly hoodes,  and  no  likelyhood  certaine. 
The  hard  A  feauenth  caufe  proceedeth  of  hard  vfage,  when  as  a  man  will 

vsage  ether 

of  a  man  to-  brutifhly  vfe  his  wife  by  ftrokes,  and  currifhly  barre  her  of  matri- 

wardes  his 

wife,  or  of     moniall  kindnefle.     The  man  that  will  lifte  vp  his  hand  againft  his 

[a]  woman 

towards  her  wife,  is  like  the  horfe  that  doth  fling  out   his  heeles  to  ftrike  his 

husbande, 

MMMntrhl     keeper;  the  one  hauing  a  knauifhe,  and  the  other  a  iadilh  tricke. 

leioif  °f  Will  a  man  of  loue  launce  his  owne  flefhe,  thoughe  fome  of  deuotion 
fcourge  their  owne  backes  ?  Doth  not  the  dog  feare  the  ftafFe  that 
hath  ftroken  him  ?  and  can  a  woman  like  of  the  hand  that  hath  hurt 

l»  leaf  B  4,  her  ?  He  that  calleth  his  brother  foole  in  ' anger,  is  in  daunger  of  hell 
fire :  and  thinkes  the  other  man  that  hatefully  beates  his  wife,  or  the 
woman  that  reuiles  her  hufband,  which  are  neerer  the  one  to  the 
other,  to  efcape  that  furnace  ?  It  is  an  eafie  matter  to  find  a  ftafFe  to 
beate  a  dogge,  but  vnpoflible  to  meete  with  a  dogge  that  will  loue  to 
be  beaten  with  a  ftafFe,  and  as  hard  to  finde  a  kinde  hufband  that 


Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift.  15 

will  hold  vppe  his  hand  in  anger  againft  his  wife,  which  is  as  his 
owne  hart  vnto  him ;  but  it  is  very  eafie,  for  that  they  are  ouer-com 
mon,  to  light  vppon  breakers  of  wedlocke,  that  will  hold  vp  their 
armes,  bend  their  fifts,  and  beat  their  filly  wiues,  at  their  comming 
home  from  bad  women,  loathinge  thofe  that  loue  them,  and  louing 
thofe  that  lothes  them  but  for  aduauntage.  There  was  alfo  inform- 
ation made  of  many,  that  hauinge  vfed  their  wiues  wondrous  ill  all 
their  life  time,  dealing  with  them  as  rigoroufly  as  many  iades  do  with 
the  Oftlers  knauifhly,  that  notwithstanding  their  cruelty  hath  beene 
manifeft  to  the  whole  world :  yet  lying  vpon  their  deathes  bed,  as 
late  as  poflible  they  could,  and  yet  better  late  then  neuer,  haue,  ftroken 
with  penitencie,  confefled  their  faultes  with  forrow,  and  affirmed 
with  proteftations  that  they  know  there  were,  nor  euer  haue  beene, 
more  faithfull,  carefull,  obediente,  nor  louinge  wiues  then  theirs  :  I 
pray  you  what  would  fuch  haue  prooued,  if  they  had  beene  matched 
with  like  kind-harted  men.  Well,  I  leaue  that  to  your  iudgement, 
and  will  come  to  the  laft  caufe  of  lelofy. 

Which  being  not  the  leaft,  is  a  leaud  behauiour  in  company,  when 
by  loofe  trickes  it  may  bee  adiudged  that  nothing  but  oportunity  is 
wantinge  to  their  inciuillity.  But  where  fhame  tames  not,  there 
blame  maines  not.  Afeftred  fore  muft  haue  a  fearching  falue ;  and  a 
fhameleffe  fmile  an  open  frowne.  They  that  carelefly  offende  the 
law  of  modeftye,  muft  not  tafte  of  the  fweete  of  courtefy ;  and  they 
which  refpeft  not  humanity,  fhalbe  troubled  with  lelofy.  Blame 
not  the  childe  that  feares  the  rod,  hauing  felt  the  fmart  therof,  nor 
miflike  thofe  that  fhonne  foure  thinges,  hauing  tafted  of  fuger.  A 
hound  that  knowes  the  game,  delightes  in  hunting;  and  geue  the 
keeper  leaue  to  beftirre  him1felfe  when  a  curre  chafeth  his  deare.  Hee  [*  sig.  C] 
that  fteales  by  night,  efcapes  often  when  the  day-rheeues  is  appre- 
hended j  but  an  impudent  and  defperate  robber  muft  haue  a  fhort 
dome,  for  that  a  plaine  matter  needes  a  fmall  triall.  He  that  feares 
not  the  halter  will  hardly  become  true ;  and  they  that  care  not  for 
fufpe6l,  are  feldome  honeft.  A  ftill  dogge  bites  fore,  but  the  barking 
cur  feares  more.  The  hart  is  the  director  of  the  other  partes.  I  pray 
you  then  what  thinkes  he  that  fhames  not  who  fee  ?  Fy  of  hipocricie, 
but  the  diuell  take  impudencie. 

Thefe  caufes  thus  fet  downe  were  reduced  into  thefe  eight  kindes. 


1 6  Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift. 

Knauifh  and  foolifh  doters  and  fornicators,  backeblters  and  Hers. 
Banknotes  and  hipocrites  :  the  two  firft  kindes  haue  effeftes  from  the 
third,  fourth,  and  eight  caufes,  the  two  fecond  from  the  firft  and  fiftj 
the  fix  and  feauen  kindes,  of  the  fourth  and  fift  caufes  j  and  the  two 
laft  proceede,  of  the  fecond,  third,  and  feauenth  caufes,  of  euery  one 
of  which  there  was  a  feuerall  bil  of  complaint  deliuered,  which  for 
that  they  were  very  tedious,  I  haue  but  onely  brought  awaye  the 
endorcementes  of  them. 

The  firft  was,  that  whereas  lafper  Impudencie  lately  entertained 
into  the  familiarity  of  one  loone,  good  wench,  that  had  vfed  him 
very  kindly  in  fecrete,  had  to  her  great  difcredite,  for  that  fhe  barred 
him  of  that  Priuiledge  in  an  open  aflembly,  called  her  name  and 
fame  in  queftion,  by  accufing  her  of  plaing  faft  and  loofe  (about  a  kind 
glaunce  that  fhee  had  geuen  vnto  an  other,  that  had  better  deferued 
her  fauour),  in  confideration  of  whofe  foolifh  knauery  and  knauifli 
folly,  fhee  defired  redrefTe  againft  him. 

The  fecond  was,  againft  the  folly  of  a  yong  nouice,  that  was  fo 
paflionate  for  the  loue  of  a  maide,  that  he  could  not  fee  any  to  fpeake 
vnto  her,  but  ftraighte  would  fall  into  a  founde  through  lelofy.  An 
other  complained  of  an  old  dotor  of  fourfcore  yeares  of  age,  that  had 
gotten,  through  the  compulfion  of  her  parentes,  her  felfe  in  marriage, 
being  but  two  and  twenty.  Who  through  his  watching,  and  the 
dodging  of  an  old  beldam  his  fifter,  being  in  houfe  with  him,  was  fo 
tormented,  that  if  fhee  were  neuer  fo  little  out  of  both  their  fightes  : 
P  sig.  c,  he  prefently  thought  his  head  be1gan  to  bud,  though  it  were  in  the 
deade  of  winter,  and  woulde  moft  fhamefully  raile  vpon  her.  And 
fhee,  hauing  learned  fome  fubtelty  by  the  old  foxes  craft,  on  a  time 
ftole  foorth  to  her  fathers  to  fupper,  not  making  any  priuy  to  her 
parting,  and  there  flayed  vntill  nine  of  the  clock.  When  comming 
home,  fhee  found  her  hulband  a  bed,  that  had  almoft  fretted  his  hart 
out  for  his  wiues  long  tarrying :  who  no  fooner  faw  her,  but  fell  a 
threatning  of  her,  and  ftricktly  examining  her  where  fhee  had  beene : 
But  fhee,  beeing  well  acquainted  with  that  cuftome,  fained,  that  by 
chaunce,  comming  from  her  fathers,  fhee  met  with  a  younge  gentle- 
man, an  old  frend  of  hers,  that  would  not  be  faid  nay,  but  fhe  muft 
of  force  go  fup  with  him.  And  affirming  that  to  be  true,  fhee  fell 


Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift.  17 

downe  vppon  her  knees  and  craued  his  pardon.  At  the  hearing  of 
which,  yea,  and  before  fhee  had  quite  done  (now  thinking  that  to  be 
certeine,  which  before  he  onely  miftrufted,  being  verily  perfuaded 
that  the  deilinies  hadd  crowned  him  with  a  paire  of  homes  for  his 
New-yeares  gift),  he  fpitted  at  her,  laying  Bridewell  in  her  dim,  and 
the  cart  for  her  trencher  :  not  only  refilling  her  company  for  his  bed- 
fellow, but  driuing  her  out  of  his  chamber  with  a  bedftaffe.  Neither 
contented  with  this,  but  in  all  haft  in  the  morning  hee  trotted  vnto 
her  fathers :  infourming  him  of  many  falfe  tales,  and  amongft  the 
reft,  her  laft  nights  tricke  was  brought  in  for  a  confirmation  of  his 
hard  fortune  in  beeinge  matched  with  fuche  a  one.  But  her  father, 
knowing  that  to  be  falfe,  and  the  other  as  likely,  perfuaded  him  from 
his  lelofy,  which  would  not  be,  notwithftanding. 

The  fourth  kind  defired  iudgement  againft  their  hulbands,  that, 
hauing  beene  married  to  them  the  fpace  of  threefcore  yeers,  and 
growing  wery  of  them,  brought  home  to  their  houfes  yoong  men, 
vnder  the  titles  of  their  kinfmen,  to  haunt  their  companies,  with  com- 
mandment that  they  fhould  vfe  them  as  well  as  them  felues.  Who 
(through  their  ciuill  behauior  deferuing  no  lefTe)  being  on  a  certaine 
time  in  their  chamber  with  them,  were  taken  by  their  hulbandes  with 
other  of  their  copefmates,  that  through  bribes  proued  falfe  wittnefies, 
by  which  the  old  fornicators  procured  deuorcementes,  and  married 
younge  wenches. 

1  As  for  make-bates,  there  was  framed  againft  them  a  bill,  to  the  C1  «ig.  C  2] 
effefte  of  the  tale  aforetould  of  them.  And  touching  their  commo- 
rades  the  liers,  they  were  complained  of,  for  that  in  open  afiemblies 
they  would  fpeake  againft  lelofy,  curling  him  and  his  followers.  But 
beeing  matched  accordinge  to  their  hartes  delire,  with  women  that 
are  moft  faithfull  and  honeft,  enioying  through  them  the  happinefie 
of  a  blefled  eftate,  they,  ouercloyed  with  the  fweete  it  yeeldeth,  and 
wearied  with  the  gainefull  finite  which  arifeth  therof,  will  (for  that 
ther  are  no  occalions  of  lelofy  offered)  themfelues  nourilh  caufers  by 
moft  vnciuill  companions.  Talke  of  lelofy  in  their  company,  they 
wil  vtterly  condempne  fuch  fickell  headed  Bufiardes,  that  vppon  euery 
light  occafion  are  miftruftful  of  their  wiues,  fwearing  and  protefting 
that  they  are  not,  nor  would  bee  of  fuch  a  fufpilious  fociety  for  the 

SHAKSPERE'S  ENGLAND  :   TELL-TROTH.  2 


1 8  Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift. 

world  :  when  their  priuy  checkes  for  their  wiues  modeft  familiarity 
fhall  be  fo  openly  executed,  as  their  adions  fhow  their  tounges  haue 
lyed. 

But  thefe  of  the  fixt  kinde  are  knaues  in  graine,  that  hauing 
lauifht  their  ftockes  leaudly  by  badd  meanes,  and  feeing  their  eftates 
to  grow  weake,  will  feeke  out  wiues,  not  of  the  common  forte  for 
properneffe,  but  fuche  matehlefTe  paragons  as  are  for  neatnefTe  not  to 
be  mated  in  a  countrey.  Thefe  muft  bee  fett  in  their  fhoppes  to  tole 
in  cuftomers ;  vnto  whome,  if  they  mow  not  themfelues  good-fellowes 
by  gentle  fpeeches,  their  houfes  will  proue  to  hoat  for  them.  They 
muft  not  fticke  to  promife  fairely  and  to  kifTe,  fo  they  do  it  clofely  j 
onely  this  prouifo  muft  be  had,  that  they  keepe  them  out  of  their 
mony  boxes  and  clofecubberds.  Which  pra6tife  proouinge  profitable, 
and  thereby  their  eftates  being  amended,  ftraight  falfe  meafure 
is  fufpe6led,  and  thervpon,  this  their  owne  inuention  mifliked 
off.  Then  they  will  fay  that  they  do  more  then  their  commiffion 
alloweth,  though  lefle  a  great  deale  then  in  the  beginning  was  com- 
maunded.  Yea,  thence  after  they  muft  fit  no  more  in  the  fhoppes  for 
feare  of  thunderclappes ;  and  if  perchaunce  once  in  a  moneth  they 
are  there,  in  which  time  it  may  happen  fome  of  their  olde  cuftomers 
to  come  to  renue  their  acquaintance,  priuy  frownes  fhalbe  geuen 
sig.  c  s,  them  l  of  the  wittals  their  hufbandes,  their  chapmen  beeing  in  com- 
panji  and  in  their  abfence,  bitter  woordes,  if  not  bi tinge  blowes. 
Then  fhall  they  not  bee  fuffered  to  looke  on  a  man  without  controle- 
ment,  nor  dare  to  fpeake  to  any  for  feare  of  buffets.  If  any  aske  for 
them,  buying  there,  prefently  they  are  thoughte  to  be  their  wiues 
cuftomers,  and  therefore  fhall  haue  bad  entertainement,  and  be  ferued 
with  the  woorft  ftuffe,  if  any  be  worfe  then  other. 

The  laft  were  cried  out  vppon,  for  that,  whereas  they  are  married 
with  honeft  mens  children,  beeing  beloued  of  them  far  better  then 
they  deferue,  they  will  fhowe  them  fo  much  kindnefle  in  their 
wooing  time,  and  on  their  marriage  day,  as  they  leaue  neuer  a  whit 
for  the  time  following.  For,  hauing  reaped  the  firft  dayes  roft,  and 
beeing  inriched  with  the  profit  thereof,  they  growe  careleffe  of  that 
which  might  infue,  thinking  there  is  no  heauen  but  the  time  prefent, 
nor  any  commodity  like  to  arife  of  the  remnant.  Before  company, 
their  kindneffe  fhall  bee  fo  freely  vfed,  as  when  their  wiues  and  they 


Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift.  19 

are  alone,  noughte  but  bitter  wordes  and  worfe  mall  followe.  Abroad, 
their  behauior  towardes  them  mall  bee  pafling  louing,  mingled  with 
kinde  mirth ;  but  at  home  they  will  fo  lumpe  and  lowre,  as  it  were 
better  to  be  in  hel,  then  to  Hue  in  houfe  with  fuch  hipocriticall 
lelious  hufbandes.  At  feaftes  and  at  affemblies  they  will  vfe  them- 
felues  like  faintes,  affirming  they  are  matched  with  pearlefle  wenches 
for  good  and  honefte  behauior ;  but  in  their  chambers  they  are 
diuels,  fufpecting  fallhood  and  clofe  dealings  betweene  their  deareft 
frends  and  faithfull  wiues.  And  to  make  an  end  of  the  mefle,  I 
will  tell  you  of  an  euidence  giuen  there  againft  a  moil  notable  afle. 

There  was  one  that,  to  (honne  his  predeftinated  fortune,  and  to 
preuent  his  hard  hap  fore-told  him  by  fome  diuell  incarnate,  did 
fearch  to  fee  if  hee  mighte  finde  fuche  an  ill-fauoured  peece  of  fluffe 
as  all  men  els  would  miflike  of,  not  efteeming  how  deformed  fhee 
were,  fo  fhee  brought  money  with  her.  And  at  laft,  Nature  had 
ihapen  a  morcell  for  his  tooth,  fuch  a  matche  as  it  was  impoflible  to 
mate  her,  vnlefle  her  forenamed  mother  had  bene  l  hired  therevnto.  C'sig.  €3] 
Shee  was  beetell-browed,  goggell-eyed,  blobber-lipt,  wry-necked, 
crooke-backt,  and  fplay-footed  :  hauinge  the  huckle  bone  of  her 
breech  burft,  whereby  mee  wente  wriggling  with  her  taile  like  a 
broken  legged  dogge ;  with  fo  fweete  a  breath,  as  a  man  had  beene  as 
good  to  haue  gone  faftinge  into  the  common  gardens  about  London, 
as  into  her  chamber  when  me  was  in  it.  With  this  vnmatchable 
creature  did  this  {tripling  marrie,  fuppofing  it  vnpoflible  that  fhe  that2  [2  Orig.  thaj 
had  neuer  a  good  part  in  her  body,  fhoulde  haue  fo  bad  a  tricke  as  to 
lende  his  muftard  pot  to  others  vfes.  Wherevppon,  Joying  that  hee 
alone  liued  with  an  honeft  woman  (as  hee  thought),  hee  would  laugh 
at  his  neighbours  folly  for  choofing  wiues  to  feme  other  mens 
turnes,  beeing,  by  feeding  of  their  owne  fancies,  cuckold  by  fuch 
as  himfelfe  was,  who  had  notwithftandinge  at  home  for  his  owne 
diet  fuch  an  one  as  would  not  bee  of  others  regarded,  nor  himfelfe 
coutde  fnuffe  it  off.  But  his  tender  crippell,  knowing  that  there  were 
Vulcans  that  woulde  fometimes  looke  into  ftraunge  Smithes  fhoppes, 
and  perfuading  her  felfe  that  Pecunia  omnia  poteft,  did  hire  a  plow- 
man (hee  had,  to  fupplye  fome  wants  in  her  fweete  hartes  abfence. 
Who,  agreed  on  the  matter,  did  fo  clofely  perfourme  their  knauery,  as 
to'  their  thinkinge  the  Diuell  himfelfe  perceiued  not  their  villany. 


20  Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift. 

Well,  foone  after  there  came  certaine  chapmen  to  this  clothiers  houfe, 
(for  he  was  of  that  trade)  to  make  merry  with  him  al  the  Chrift 
mafle  holly  dayes,  in  which  time  they  vfed  this  kinde  crippell  for  his 
fake  fo  familiarly,  as  they  would  ieft  with  her  before  his  face.  Who, 
watchinge  for  a  difhe  from  off  lelofies  table,  feared  his  owne  fhadow 
would  beguile  himfelfe,  and  therefore  would  neuer  leaue,  vntill  by  a 
ihift  he  had  got  them  forth  of  his  doores.  So  played  hee  with  euery 
one  that  came  after  vnto  his  houfe,  warning  his  wife  from  vfing  fuch 
companions  familiarly  :  neuer  mifdoubtinge  Lobb,  his  man,  that  did 
daunce  trenchernore  once  euery  day  in  hts  prmy  kitchiu.  But  the 
deftinies  that  had  fworne  his  horned  dubbing,  to  let  him  fee  the 
fruite  of  his  choice,  and  the  certainety  of  his  fortune,  (for  to-  be  a 
cuckold,  and  know  it  not,  is  no  more  (fayes  fome)  then  to  drincke 
[i  sig.  C  3,  with  a  flye  in  his  *cuppe,  and  fee  it  not,}  brought  him  on  a  time  into 
his  barne  ;  when  thinking  to  finde  his  man  a  threihing,  he  found  him 
a  kiffing  of  his  crippell,  with  fo  plaine  further  euidence  of  his  hard 
fortune,  as  he  killed  both  man  and  wife  ;  and  himfelfe  was  hanged  for 
it  after  war  des. 

Of  thefe  fortes  were  the  billes  of  enditementes,  beeing  pra6lifes 
fo  well  liked  and  allowed  off  by  this  confocation,  as  the  perfourmers 
of  them  were  rewarded  with  the  beft  entertainement  Hell  aftbordes. 
And  laying  plats  to  effeft  further  mifchief,  they  concluded  that, 
by  cutting  one  an  others  throat,  their  kingdome  might  fooneft  be 
enlarged.  To  which  end  they  inuented  thefe  meanes,  which  I  will 
rehearfe  vnto  thee. 

Firft,  that  knauifh  lelofy  mould  be  requited  with  clubbing  iniury  : 
namely,  that  they  that  fhal  abufe  their  loues  with  lauilh  fpeeches,  mail  be 
lubberly  beaten  by  champions,  which  fhall  be  prouided  for  that  pur- 
pofe :  fo  that,  through  knauifh  miftraftfulneffe  and  murthering  reuenge, 
they  may  all  purchafe  Hell.  Then  that  thofe  fooles,  which  (being 
lodgde  in  the  bed  of  conftant  amity,  taking  their  reft  in  Pleafures 
armes :  and  rocked  a  fleepe  louingly,  like  infantes  in  the  cradle  of 
Difporte,  by  their  nurfes  Carefullneffe  &  Security)  toffe  their  loues 
conftancy  fo  lightly  with  ftroakes  of  biting  and  iniurious  wordes,  and 
baule  fo  vnquietly,  ftiowing  moft  ielious  trickes  of  childifhe  miftruft- 
fullneffe,  as  they  force  thereby  their  nurfes  to  bee  carelefTe  of  their 
vndifcreete  quietnefie,  and  to  turne  their  blifTe  into  bane,  That 


Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift.  2 1 

thefe  (I  faye)  for  requitall  of  fuche  foolifhneffe,  (lioulde  bee  cafi 
off,,  neuer  againe  to  tafte  of  the  fweeteneffe  of  their  looues  wonted 
curtefy,  by  which  meanes  they  may  become  defperate  and  hang 
themfelues. 

And  touching  doating  or  dolting  lelofy,  that  their  wines,  to  pay 
them  for  their  fufpition,  fhoulde  not  wander  much  abroade,  nor  giue 
entertainement  to  any  gallants  at  home,  but  to  growe  familiar  with 
their  feruauntes,  and  ioyne  fuch  a  helper  to  their  hufbandes  im- 
perfection as  lacke  the  fcullian  is,  which  mail  neuer  bee  miftrufted. 
And  the  better  to  effede  their  knauery,  it  was  agreed  that  they 
(hould  bee  councelled  that  euer  after  le'lious  complaintes  made  by  ['  leaf  c  4] 
their  hufbandes  to  their  frendes,  they  fhoulde  fitte  withe  them  at 
dinner  and  fupper  for  company,  to  preuente  mifdoubte,  but  fhoulde 
not  eate  a  bit,  nor  drinke  a  droppe,  without  their  kindnes,  for  their 
hufbandes  vnkindnes  did  yeeld  fufficient  teares  to  quench  their  thirfl 
with.  Marry,  in  a  corner  with  iacke  their  partners,  to  fare  as  well  as 
money  and  mirth  could  make  them,  Whereby  it  was  thought  that 
they  would  recant  of  their  lelofy,  and  giue  them  liberty  to  vfe  it  at 
their  pleafure,  fo  far  as  themfelues  might  be  affured  how  much  they 
were  vnhappy.  And  that  fornicators  (after  they  had  obtained  their 
defires  according  to  the  courfe  of  lawe)  Ihould,  ftroking  vppe  their 
crooked  fhankes,  and  belabouring  their  rufty  beardes  with  their 
wetherbeaten  fingers,  feeking  other  wenches,  meet  with  whipper 
ginnies  that  mould  knowe  how  to  vfe  fuch  old  leachers  fo  hand- 
fomely,  (beeing  contented  to  indure  difcontentment,  with  the  thought 
of  the  coine  that  lines  their  olde  bagges,)  as  they  fhall  be  reputed  by 
them  for  as  honeft  women  as  liue,  vntill  the  wedding  day  bee  paft, 
when  in  the  euening  (fore-thinkinge  of  the  fmall  pleafure  is  like  to 
enfue  by  their  paftime)  they  fhal  faine  themfelues  fo  ficke,  as  of  force 
they  will  lye  alone,  or  at  leaft  without  thofe  old  wretches.  So  mail 
they  ferue  them  by  the  fpace  of  a  moneth,  by  which  time  (and  it  is 
no  marueil)  the  churles  will  beginne  to  mifdoubt  fomewhat.  But 
what  fhall  they  care,  feeinge  they  are  miftriffes  of  all  they  haue, 
and  can  keepe  the  chuffes  from  their  owne  ?  When  they  tell  them 
of  their  vnkindnefTe,  thefe  wil  be  ready  to  fpit  in  their  faces,  bidding 
them  to  goe  trott  vnto  their  trulles.  As  for  them  felues,  they  cannot 
abide  fuch  olde  fooles :  their  breath  ftinckes,  they  flauer  with  their 


22  Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift. 

kiflinge,  with  fuche  other  opprobrious  fcoffes,  as  by  their  harde 
fpeeches  and  woorfe  vfage,  they  fhall  make  the  olde  fooles  to  betake 
themfelues  to  their  beades,  confefling  with  fhame  their  fhame- 
lefle  behauiour  towardes  their  late  faithfull  wiues,  and,  curling 
the  caufe  of  this  hapleffe  fortune,  cry  Peccaui,  and  die  quite  dif- 
contented. 

It  was  further  agreed  vppon,  that  backebiters,  that  will  not  ceafe 

[i  leaf  c  4,  to  blaze  ielious  vntrothes,  (hall  bee  plagued  with  hauinge  l  their 
tounges  pulled  foorth,  or  elfe  woorfe  punifhed  by  loofinge  the 
regardes  of  fuppofed  honefty.  And  all  the  commodity  fuche  ma- 
licious Impes  mail  reape  for  their  knauery,  is,  a  faire  purchafed 
place  called  Bridewell ;  and  for  their  falfe  reportes  they  mail  bee 
fure  of  a  proper  cage  to  finge  in  j  where  their  good  names  dyinge 
with  their  honeftye,  they  fhall  bee  carried  from  thence  in  cartes  of 
reproach,  and  be  buried  in  continual  infamy,  ronge  to  hell  with 
lames  of  whip-corde.  And  the  liers :  they,  becaufe  they  would  not 
be  iellious,  but  cannot  leaue  it,  fhal  weare  homes,  whether  they  will 
or  no. 

But  the  grand  wittalls,  that  will  alure  cuftomers  by  the  fine 
wenches,  and  with  hauing  inriched  themfelues  thereby,  will  turne 
their  knauery  into  villanie.  They  by  their  crabbednefle  fhall  come 
to  extreame  pouerty,  and  then  endeauoring  to  put  in  triall  their  olde 
cuftome,  their  wiues  fhall  either  growe  ftuborne  and  reape  no  profit, 

[» orig.         or  elfe  too  too  liberall,2  fpending  the  remnant  which  is  left,  leaning 

librrall] 

their  hufbandes  as  monylefle  as  witlefle.  As  for  the  laft  fort,  not 
leaft,  whofe  miftruftfullnefle  cut  their  owne  throates,  caufing  their 
[3  orig.  wiues  to  fall  vnto  lewdnefie3  by  ouer  rulinge  them  with  hippocr[i]ticall 
iurifdiclion.  Onely  this  fhall  be  added  vnto  the  forwardnefle  of  their 
diftru6tion,  that  their  halting  dif[fi]mulation  mould  breede  vpftartes  to 
faue  their  fore  forheades  j  and  they,  regarding  to  maintaine  their  owne 
good  names  with  hipocricie,  fhall  thereby  plante  newe  trickes  of 
hufwiuerie  in  their  wiues  confciences. 

Thus,  Tell  troth  (quoth  Robin),  thou  haft  hard  fome  thinge  that 
thou  neuer  hardft  of  before,  which,  when  it  fhall  come  vnto  the 
diuells  eares,  I  knowe  hee  will  bee  monftrous  collericke  j  but  it  mat- 
tereth  not :  it  is  better  he  fhould  fret,  then  humanity  fade.  For  vnlefle 
thefe  his  inuentions  fhould  be  knowne,  how  fhould  they  be  preuented  ? 


Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift.  23 

I  tell  thee  (frend),  howfoeuer  fome  thinke  of  me,  Robin,  as  he  is  a 
good  fellowe  by  name,  fo  is  hee  no  lefle  in  mindej  and  I  fwearevnto 
thee  I  had  rather  fee  the  diuells  dance  the  morice  alone  in  that  fiery 
hellhoufe,  then  a  chriftian  to  foote  it  there,  through  want  of  know- 
ledge of  their  l  inuentions.  O,  tell  troth,  is  it  not  great  pittie  to  fee  fo  C1  sig.  D] 
manye  thoufandes,  through  folly  to  inthrall  themfelues  to  tormentes 
euerlafting  ?  thou  wouldeil  thinke  it  vnpoflible  that  the  hundred  part 
of  them  which  are  there  onely  for  lelofy,  ihould  bee  bred  in  a  world. 
Why,  man,  I  haue  onely  tould  thee  of  the  lelofy  betweene  man  and 
wife,  and  the  louer  and  his  fweet  hart ;  I  haue  not  touched  the 
lelofy  betweene  frend  and  frend,  the  father  and  his  fonne,  the 
mother  and  her  daughter,  yea,  and  betweene  whome  not,  that  are 
ioyned  together,  either  by  confanguinity,  neighbourhood,  by  office,  or 
duety.  I  let  thefe  pafie,  becaufe  I  meane  not  to  meddle  with  them  j 
onely,  becaufe  thou  wanteft  fome  way  to  thy  iornyes  end,  I  will  tell 
thee  a  pretty  ieft,  which  though  it  bee  mifplaced  for  want  of  memory, 
yet  here  it  may  come  in  very  good  tim[e].  And  it  is  of  an  olde  dotor 
that  was  very  well  ferued. 

This  dotor,  who,  though  he  were  a  man  of  fowerfcore  yeares  of 
age  (knowing  himfelfe  vnable  to  fatisfy  the  expectation  of  a  widow 
of  his  owne  flanding),  yet  would  he  needes  marry  with  a  girle  of 
foureteene;  Who,  being  conftrained  thereunto  by  her  freendes  com- 
pulfion,  not  knowinge  what  belonged  to  the  rites  of  matrimony,  was 
contented  to  loue  him  entierly,  and  to  Hue  truely  vnto  him  without 
thought  of  difhonefty.  Yet  fo  ill  conceited  was  this  foolim  dotor, 
and  fo  weary  of  his  happy  eftate,  as  although  he  knew  afluredly  the 

* 

cubbard  was  clofe  fhutt  and  without  any  crannes,  yet  could  he 
neuertheleffe  fufpeft  the  filly  moufe,  and  would  fet  trappes,  hopinge 
to  catche  her,  counfelled  therevnto  by  his  misdeeming  though tes. 
If  Ihee  had  beene  neuer  •  fo  little  out  of  his  fight,  he  thought  it  was 
the  fpring  time,  being  but  Chriftmas  j  to  flay  the  forwardnes  whereof, 
his  froft-biting  wordes  mould  nippe  her.  The  younge  cubbe  at  laft 
(learning  fubtiltyby  the  olde  Fox),  fufpedtinge  there  was  fome  further 
fweete  in  a  marryed  womans  life,  then  as  yet  fhee  had  tafted  off, 
onely  perfuaded  thereunto  by  her  hulbandes  lelofye,  tooke  harte  at 
grafie,  and  woulde  needes  trie  a  newe  conclufion.  The  nexte  day 
beeing  foorth  at  dinner  with  him,  where  were  likewife  many  women 


24  Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift. 

[i  sig.  D,  of  all  degrees,  fhee  amongft  the  reft  chofe  l  forth  an  old  matron  to 
word  foorth]  paffe  away  the  time  with,  which  in  communication,  finding  her  to  be 
of  fuch  a  courteous  difpofition,  as  vnto  her  fhee  made  complaint  of 
the  feruile  bondage  her  frends  had  brought  her  too.  Which  fhee 
pittying  (for  what  hart  fo  hard  as  would  not  pitty  her,  that  wanted 
altogether  contentmente  ?),  gaue  her  fuch  good  councell  as  fhee  her 
felfe  had  tried,  hauinge  beene  peftered  with  the  like  inconuenience, 
though  not  with  fo  many  hart-breakinges  :  whereof  this  younge 
woman  liked  fo  well,  on  the  morrow  fhe  meant  to  put  fome  of  her 
conclufions  in  pra&ife.  And  a  brother  of  hers  comming  home  vnto 
her  the  next  day,  fhe  likewife  fhowed  vnto  him  howe  the  lelofy  of 
her  hufband  increafed,  defiring  him  to  help  her  to  effecl:  a  pradife 
fhe  determined  to  try  j  to  which  he  foone  agreeing,  they  ftole  both 
into  one  of  her  chambers,  there  fpending  the  day  in  fecret  communi- 
cation, How  it  might  bee  beft  performed  j  which  beeing  earneft, 
paffed  away  the  time  fo  foddenly  as  night  was  come  vpon  them  ere 
they  thought  on  it,  fo  that  thereby  he,  forced  to  departe,  was  let 
foorth  at  the  dore  by  her  felfe,  whome  a  maied  fhee  had  (which  the 
olde  dotor  made  more  of  then  of  her  felfe)  did  efpy,  not  knowing  who 
it  was.  But  fhee  had  newes  inough  that  it  was  a  manne,  and  fo  good 
to  her  liking,  as  in  all  haft  her  maifter  muft  be  made  acquainted 
there  with ;  he,  vpon  the  hearing  thereof,  growing  fo  hot,  as  he  did  not 
onely  beate  his  wife,  but  in  a  great  rage  turned  her  forth  of  the  dores, 
reuiling  her  moft  fhamefully.  The  filly  woman  had  no  other 
fuccour  but  to  goe  to  her  brothers  that  was  married,  in  the  fame 
towne  (for  fhe  durft  not  complaine  to  her  father  on  a  foddaine,  he 
was  fo  cruell),  who  receiued  her  kindly,  and  lodge[d]  her  for  that  night, 
becaufe  it  was  fo  late.  And  in  the  morning  betimes  hee  went  with 
her  to  her  fathers,  making  him  acquainted  with  the  whole  matter. 
Who,  after  the  true  fearch  of  the  certainty  thereof,  condemned  his 
owne  folly  for  the  match,  fending  for  the  olde  mifer,  that  was  met 
at  the  dore  pofting  thetherwards  to  complaine.  But  at  his  comming 
his  expectation  was  quite  fruftrated,  for  wher,  according  to  a  former 
courfe  had  in  the  like  pra&ife,  he  looked  to  haue  his  wife  rebuked  & 
['  sig.  D  2.  himfelfe  moned,  l  hee  was  nowe,  not  onely  fharpely  threatened  for  his 
he]  mifufage  towardes  her,  but  alfo  deferuedly  fcoffed  at,  and  driuen  force 

perforce  (becaufe  hee  was  matched  with  his  fuperiours),  to  bee  there- 


Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift.  25 

with  contented.  And  vppon  the  triall  of  the  truth  he  found  himfelfe  fo 
plainely  convi&ed,  as  hee  confeffed  his  faulte,  and  afked  her  forgiue- 
nes,  fewing  for  a  reconfciliation  to  bee  made  between  them.  Which 
done,  they  departed  home,  &  his  wife,  not  forgetting  the  fhame  fhee 
had  indured  by  his  meanes,  fluddied  to  requite  his  villanye,  and 
effected  it  after  this  manner.  Her  hufband  kept  a  proper  man  whome 
he  did  put  in  fo  great  truft,  as  he  hiered  him  for  a  ftale  to  deceiue 
himfelfe  by  wifhing  him  to  trie  his  wiues  conftancy,  Who  dallied  fo 
long  with  the  flame,  as  at  laft  he  was  burnte  with  the  fire  of  defire, 
his  affection  fo  iumply  meeting  with  her  conceipt,  as  within  a  fhorte 
time,  what  by  faire  promifes,  larg[e]  giftes,  and  her  beauty  (three 
notable  baites  to  catch  a  kind  foole  with),  fhe  had  fo  won  him  to 
her  will,  as  he  would  not  onely  reueale  vnto  her  what  fo  euer  his 
wife  maifter  would  fay,  but  alfo  would  euer  by  falfe  oathes  fobbe  him 
vppe  with  a  thoufand  vntruthes  concerning  her  approued  honefty. 
Well,  his  good  reportes  encreafed  but  further  miflike  in  his  maifter, 
with  a  more  earneft  defire  to  finde  her  falfe ;  and  there  vppon  he 
would  teach  his  man  how  he  fhould  further  trie  her,  fetting  downe 
fuch  plaine  plots  as  by  the1  pra6tife  of  them  hee  was  fhortly  after  \*erig.  thy] 
ready  at  any  time  to  doe  his  miftrefle  any  good  turne  in  his  maifters 
abfence.  He  had  fubtill  wit  inough,  and  therefore  they  both  fped 
the  better,  he  prouing  fo  good  a  plaifter  to  her  fore,  as  if  fhe  and  her 
hufband  fel  out  in  the  night,  fhe  with  her  man  would  fport  in  the 
day  time;  and  becaufe  the  olde  foole  was  fo  couetous  as  he  would 
drinke  onely  fmall  beere  to  faue  charges,  they  two  would  courrofe 
whole  gallons  of  wine  at  their  going  abroad,  which  was  often  with- 
out fufpition  to  the  olde  fooles  homes.  Allwayes  at  dinner  and 
fupper  he  mould  haue  her  with  him  to  fhaddowe  miflruft,  but  fhee 
would  not  eate  a  bit  with  him,  becaufe  his  fare  was  fo  bafe,  collour- 
ing  her  nicenes  with  want  of  ftomacke,  and  with  forrow  for  his 
churlifhnes  towardes  her.  With  which  2  difiembling  (for  what  cannot  p  sig.  D  2, 
women  doe  by  teares  ?)  her  hulband,  what  betweene  his  mans  flattery 
and  his  wiues  hipocricy,  was  quite  chaunged,  being  verely  perfwaded 
now  that  fhe  is  a  faint,  repenting  he  euer  miftrufted  her,  &  recanting 
of  his  folly  in  falfly  accufing  her.  For  a  mends  whereof,  hee  con- 
feffed  the  fecond  time  to  her  parents  and  frendes  that  he  had  mofl 
vndeferuedly  ouerawed  his  faithful  wife,  greeued  with  nothing  more 


a6  Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift. 

then  his  hard  vfage  towardes  her,  in  retraining  her,  beeing  young,  of 
honeft  liberty.  In  requitall  whereof,  it  was  lawfull  for  her  with  his 
young  ftf  ipling  to  goe  forth  and  returne  at  her  pleafure,  to  be  in  what 
company  fhe  beft  liked  of,  and  nothing  fufpe&ed,  for  at  this  time  he 
wo'uld  not  let  to  fweare  he  had  the  onely  honeft  woman  in  the 
worlde.  And  if  anye  of  his  frends  had  reproued  him  of  fuch  folly, 
aleadging  that  youth  was  foone  inticed  to  lewdnefie,  his  aunfwere  was, 
hee  cared  not,  and  his  thank es  were  fharpe  wordes.  But  if  his 
neighbours  tould  him  ftiee  kept  bad  companye,  afibciating  other 
women  that  were  good  fellowes,  hee,  forth  with,  would  raile  vpon 
the  reporters  for  (laundering  his  wiues  honefty,  and  would  ftraight 
haue  the  lawe  of  them  for  calling  her  good  name  in  queftion. 
And  thus  liued  this  dotor  as  long  as  the  diftinies  woulde  permit 
him,  at  his  death  leauing  onely  his  homes  for  his  fucceflbrs  por- 
tion. 

.  How  like  you  this,  Tell-troth  ?  you  fmild  at  this  mans  folly,  but 
you  had  more  neede  to  pittie  the  weaknes  of  fuch  as,  onely  led  with 
extreames,  ether  hate  deadly,  or  efFecte  too  too  childifhly.  But  nowe, 
becaufe  thou  art  in  a  manner  at  thy  iourneys  ende,  I  muft  leaue  thee, 
yet,  before  I  goe,  knowe  this  farther  newes.  That  at  my  comming  from 
hell,  the  aflemblie  aforefaid  had  thought  to  haue  broke  vppe,  and  gon 
euery  gouerner  to  his  prouince  to  take  their  pleafures,  beeing  ouer- 
toyled  with  their  tedious  confultations.  But  as  they  were  a  rifing, 
there  came  one  in  fweating,  with  a  fupplication  from  Pierce-Penni- 
lefle,  inforling  them  thereby  to  a  newe  labour.  Which  I  perceiuing, 
and  immagining  it  woulde  bee  long  before  it  were  ended,  beeing 
i  leaf  D  3]  allready  weary  of  their  company,  lefte  that  l  newes  for  the  knight  of 
the  pofte,  and  fo  you  are  wellcome  to  your  iourneyes  ende.  Robin 
good  fellow,  looking  for  no  other  thankes  for  his  company,  but  that 
(frend  Tell  troth)  thou  doft  me  the  fauour  to  publifh  this  my  inue6t- 
iue  againft  lelofy. 

Wherevpon  he  deliuerd 8  vnto  me  a  fcroule  of  paper  with  the 
contents  hereafter  followinge,  and  fo  hee  vanifhed  awaye,  I  know  not 
howe. 

[Large  Coat  of  Arms  in  the  original^ 


ieliuering] 


Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift.  27 


Robin  Good-fellowe  his  Inuectiue 

againft  lelofy. 


He  Poetes  altogether  aymed  not  amiffe  in  their  fiction, 
whereas,  fetting  downe  the  torments  of  hell,  they  affirme 
ther  is  no  torture  that  infli6tes  the  furies  with  more 

f  jfj| 

extreame  cruelty  then   the   fond  conceites  of  a  ielious 


harte ;  and  why  ?  for  that  the  reuenge  of  a  difdainefull  woman  is 
deadly,  and  her  rewardes  for  miflruftfullnefle,  guiftes  of  vnceafinge 
griefe,  which  in  the  ende  woorke  vtter  deftruAion.  The  caufe 
nourilhed  in  men  maketh  the  effe£t  poffible  and  the  pra&ife  intoller- 
able. 

There  is  no  fweete  fo  ftronge,  but  the  delighte  thereof  may  bee  [a]spice,  vt 

/viii  L      i    r       .e  i_  -11  [imme]ritus 

crofled   by  the   contrarye ;  nor  anye  hart  to  nrme,  but  continual!  mis[er]andse 
vnkindnes  maye  remooue  it.     The  tall  oake,  that  waueth  not  with  lus'cajsslduo 

i-  i  i  -ii  [djomitus 

euerye  pufre  of  the  winde,  is  eaielye  throwne  to  the  ground  by  an  ver[b]ere 

tardus  [e]rit; 

extraordinary  tempefl.  The  hardefl  flint  is  pierft  with  often  droppes ; 
and  it  is  not  impofiible,  thoughe  vnlikelye,  that  the  fkie  fhould  fall. 
Are  they  not  woorthy  to  be  nipte  with  the  piercing  flormes  of  a 
biting  winter,  that,  hauing  a  fhelter  to  defend  themfelues  from  fuch 
outragious  wether,  and  knowing  a  tempeft  will  come  which  may 
ouerthrow  it,  negle£teth  neuerthelefle  to  preuent  that  daunger  by 
vnderpropping  the  fame  ?  or  deferue  they  to  haue  their  eftate  pittied 
that  wilfully  feeke  their  owne  vndooing  ?  As  it  is  a  part  of  wife- 
dom  to  forefee  a  daunger,  fo,  not  to  withftand  and  to  endeuour 
to  fruftrate  the  fame  with  reafon  and  forecaft,  is  a  badge  of  extremeft 
folly. 

And  Peccaui  deferuedlye  falles  on  their  backes,  that  wittinglye  Prindpiis 
and  willinglye  incurre  the  haflard  thereof.     If  men  had  no  vnder-  medkina™ 
Handing  of  the  plagues  of  hell  they  would  be  too  too  vitious,  and  their  Cum  mala 
pleafure    could    not    but    bee   their   deftru6tion,  vnlefle   euery  one  conuaiauere 
had  a  hale-backe  for  his  companion.     If  lelofy  be  a  torment  more 


Arte  citae  ve- 
loque  rate[s] 
remoque 
r[e]gnntnr : 
iiifie]  leves 
currufs]  arte 
regend[usj 
amor. 


leaf  D  4, 


28  Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift. 

mercilefle  then  diuelifh  Pluto,  and  his  common  '  wealth  more  greeuous 
then  the  forrowes  of  hell,  I  forrow  to  thincke  that  men  fhould  be  fo 
witleffe  as  to  honour  the  Diuell,  and  fo  carelefle  as  to  delight  in  fuch 
a  weale-publike.  But  be  it  as  it  is,  or  let  it  be  woorfe,  as  it  is  vn- 
pofllble  it  fhoulde,  their  conceites  are  grown  to  be  fo  bafe,  and  their 
enterprifes  fo  beaft-like,  as  for  the  moft  part  they  follow  lelofy  fo 
eagerly,  as  they  conftraine  their  deereft  freendes  to  cut  their  throates 
with  the  knife  they  moft  feare,  when  both  the  euell  it  felfe  and  the 
caule  therof  might  be  remooued,  fo  euery  one  would  ground  their 
loue  vpon  difcretion. 

If  the  practifes  and  proceedings  of  loue  be  fo  forcible  as  they 
bring  death  with  them  to  the  hopelefle  harte,  hee  is  vnwife  that  will 
ftriue  to  encreafe  thofe  affections  which  are  allready  more  then  extra- 
ordinary. Waxe,  by  a  temperate  heat  is  mollified  and  formed,  being 
fofte  to  any  ftiape,  but  through  a  furious  flame  it  either  wafteth  and 
confumeth,  or  els  will  not  be  touched  without  defiling  of  our  fingers. 
The  hartes  of  women  are  like  vnto  waxe,  that,  tempered  by  the 
paffions  of  loue,  are  ready  to  take  the  imprefiion  thereof;  but  if  it 
coole  againe  before  the  printe  of  kindnefle  be  furely  fet  on,  or  if  the 
flame  of  fury  breake  foorth  about  it,  being  fett  on  fire  by  the  coales 
of  mifgouernemente,  to  what  bad  ende  will  the  good  beginning  be 
turned?  and  how  many  hartbreakinges  by  quarrels  and  difagree- 
mentes  will  arife  in  the  fmoother  of  fuch  fmoaky  mifrule  !  Doubt- 
lefle  the  experience  thereof  hath  taughte  too  too  many  to  their  griete, 
and  will  teach  more  to  their  vndooing,  vnlefie  the  fwelling  of  that 
fore  be  affwaged  with  fom  wholfome  medicin.  But  they  that  only 
haue  entertained  the  fuperficies  of  loue,  neuer  harboring  him  in  their 
hartes,  affirme  that  he  and  lelofy  are  brothers,  and  that  the  one  can- 
not bee  without  the  other.  If  they  that  holde  the  fame  for  a 
maxime,  meane  in  the  defence  of  their  freendes  honours,  and  to  be 
lelious  of  their  wiues  good  name  and  reputation,  I  graunt  that  that  is 
moft  kinde  affection. 

But  when  lelofy  arifeth  of  a  foolifh  fondnes,  grounded  with  out 
reafon,  to  bee  remooued  with  euerye  lighte  occafion ;  or  of  miftruft- 
fullnefle  of  the  partye  loued,  without  triall  of  anye  vn2conftancy  j  or, 
laftly,  of  childifh  affedion,  lead  away  with  an  vnruely  appetite,  and 
nouriihed  with  difpayringe  conceites,  concerning  what  is  no!,  and 


Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift.  29 

iudginge  onely  by  Ihadowes  which  remoue  all  hope,  caufing  con- 
tinuall  difcontentment, — that  maketh  the  ielious  mans  cafe  def- 
perate,  and  the  thinge  foolifh. 

There  is  no  concorde  betweene  water  and  fire,  nor  any  medium 
betweene  loue  and  hatred;  for  either  the  hart  fighes  vnder  the 
burthen  of  entiere  affe&ion,  or  groanes  throughe  the  waight  of 
greeuous  diffimulation.  Loue  couereth  a  multitude  of  finneful 
offences,  and  loyalty  recouereth  a  world  of  ouerflipt  infirmities ;  but 
diflike  findeth  rottennefie  in  found  timber,  fpots  in  the  pure  white, 
and  vnkindneffe  in  the  conftant  harte  j  it  engendereth  lelofy,  and 
procureth  enmities ;  it  hatcheth  breakepeace,  and  glories  in  quarrels ; 
all  it  delighte  is  in  findinge  of  faultes,  and  all  it  ioy  to  encreafe 
miflike.  If  it  hath  it  beginning  of  loues  contrary,  yea,  in  nature, 
how  can  there  bee  anye  brotherly  equality  betweene  them  ?  vnlefie, 
vnhappilye,  wee  will  make  the  eye  father  to  both,  that  feeinge 
afwell  good  as  euell,  entifeth  the  hart,  through  corrupt  affections,  to  be 
milled  by  wicked  elufions,  bringing  foorth  baftardes  in  fteede  of  true 
begotten  children  :  For  if  lelofy  be  loues  brother,  it  is  by  corruption 
of  nature  brought  foorth  vnlawfully,  which  may  thus  be  manifefled. 
After  the  eye  hath  chofen  an  obiecl:  which  brings  fo  fweet  content- 
ment to  the  hart,  as  it  highly  delighteth  in  the  fame,  that  prouing  fo 
kinde  loue  and  fuch  feruent  affection  in  both,  as  lawfull  requitall 
makes  a  pleafing  fatisfaftion,  the  eye  receiuinge  kinde  glaunces  for 
amorous  glotinges,  and  louinge  harte-breakinges  for  affectionate  hart 
fighings.  The  eie  beeing  pleafed  with  an  eye,  and  the  hart  contented 
with  a  hart,  they  frolique  both  in  glory  as  long  as  they  reft  in  con- 
ftancie  •,  but  wandring  from  forth  that  fanduary,  the  eie  either  fpies 
another  eie  that  better  pleafeth  it,  and  the  harte  likes  of  another 
harte  that  better  contentes  it,  or  elfe  the  eie  lookes  curifhly  into  his 
owne  hart,  and  fpies  fome  fault  in  himfelfe,  which,  difpleafing,  beget- 
teth  lelofy :  whereby  the  eie  may  be  faid  to  be  originall  and  father  of 
both. 

1  How  is  it  poffible  that  falfhood  mould  be  in  frendfhip  ?  or  can  ['  sig. 
the  hand  beguile  the  hart  that  ruleth  it  ?  no  more  will  a  louing  wife 
playe  falfe  with  him  to  whome  fhee  is  ioyned  both  by  the  lawe  of 
god  and  man,  or  a  frend  crofle  her  louing  exceedinges,  in  whome  his 
hart  delighteth.     That  which  is  bred  in  the  bone  will  neuer  out  of 


Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift. 


Qu[o  tibi] 
formosa[m] 
[si]  non  nisi 
[cajsta 
place[bat]. 
No«  pos- 
s[unt]  vllis 
ista  [coijre 
modis. 


Indig- 
n[ere]  licet, 
iuua[t] 
inconcess[a] 
voluptas. 
Sola 
plac[et]. 
timeo, 
di[ce]re  si 
qua  p[o]test 


t1  sig.  E, 
back] 


the  fleftiej  and  what  Nature  hath  made,  Arte  cannot  marre.  If 
Enuie  hath  a  tricke  with  her  heele,  all  the  diuells  in  hell  cannot  alter 
it.  And  I  maruell  menne  are  fo  foolifhe  as  to  matche  themielues 
with  fuche  women  whome  they  haue  caufe  to  fufpeft.  Doubtlefie, 
either  their  own  life  hathbeene  lafciuious,  by  which  they  iudge  others, 
or  their  meaning  bad  in  chufing  fuch  companions ;  when  nowe,  ouer- 
late  repentinge  of  their  bargaine,  they  light  on  a  worfer  mifchiefe. 
Allthough  the  fox  be  fo  crafty  as  he  deceiues  many,  yet  fometimes 
he  meeteth  with  a  champion  more  fubtill  then  himfelfe.  The  pitcher 
goeth  long  to  the  water,  but  at  lafte  getteth  a  knocke  through  the 
bearers  fault,  and  is  brought  home  broken.  The  lelious  man  feareth 
his  owne  fhadow,  and  looketh  narrowly  vnto  it,  yet  (likely)  at  laft 
commeth  a  fubftaunce,  who  (when  he  thinketh  leaft  on  it)  entereth, 
doinge  him  iuftice,  though  hee  neuer  the  wifer.  It  is  ftraunge  that 
menne  are  fo  foolifh  as  to  feeke  their  owne  vndoiug,  for  affuredly 
looke,  by  what  meafure  they  fell  by,  the  fame  mall  they  receiue  their 
owne,  without  aduauntage.  The  quarreling  mate  fhall  not  complaine 
for  want  of  knockes,  or  the  ielious  man  longe  defire  hell,  when 
the  one  fhall  finde  like  fwafhbucklers  vnto  himfelfe,  and  the  others 
wife  will  not  fticke  to  cut  his  throat  with  the  knife  hee  hath  fo  long 
feared. 

If  mens  loue  be  fimplie  good,  women  cannot  but  affe&ionate  them 
with  like  fimplicityj  but  if  they  playe  falfe  (lelofye  beeing  their 
cloake),  they  will  be  fure  to  keepe  knaues  to  crofle  their  cardes  with. 
In  thefe  dayes  euery  cobler  doth  feare  the  carter,  and  fetes  vppe  his 
whippe  at  his  dore  to  keepe  lohn  Cobbilero  from  his  lattice.  And  I 
pray  you  vppon  what  reafons  fhall  thefe  ielious  trickes  be  difcarded  ? 
Somme  haue  it  by  nature,  and  fay,  '  kit  muft  after  kind,  bee  it  but  in 
fcraping  of  a1  frying  panne.'  Beware  of  naturall  foolles  as  long  as 
you  liue ;  for  a  bad  tricke  ingrafted  in  them,  neuer  leaueth  them 
vntill  he  hath  brought  feauenty  worfe  into  his  roome.  And,  as  for 
the  inuention  of  their  prediceflbrs,  they  muft  needes  goe  to  the  diuell 
with  them  for  companie.  Others  builde  their  knauery  on  other 
mens  miffortune,  that  are  matched  with  loone,  communis  omnibus, 
that  could  play  at  bucklers  fo  foone  as  fhe  was  paft  her  cradell.  Oh, 
fhee  is  a  tall  peece  of  flefti,  and  will  ftand  to  her  tackling  fo  floutly, 
as  the  diuell  himfelfe  fhall  not  get  the  waifters  from  her.  I  counfell 


Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift.  31 

him  that  thinketh  hee  hath  met  with  her  companion,  to  ceafe  to 
greeue  at  it,  and  ftriue  not  to  remoue  that  he  cannot  ftirre,  leaft 
happily  fhee  falls  quit  from  him,  &  neuer  ferueth  him  after.  Manye 
honour  him  of  cuftome,  becaufe  they  hold  their  landes  of  him  by 
homage,  their  prediceffbrs  allwayes  hauing  beene  his  fworne  fubiectes. 
A  pittifull  cuftome,  that  tendeth  to  the  tenauntes  vndoing,  and  a 
title  that  might  very  well  bee  refigned  ouer  and  denied  j  feeing  it 
only  toucheth  free  taile,  or  feruices  vnreafonable  to  be  perfourmed. 
And  a  great  part  obtaine  his  entertainment  by  vfe  and  pradife :  thofe 
are  greene  headed  that  long  for  reformations,  &  would  haue  new 
lawes  inftituted  euery  quarter,  defiring  to  try  new  conclufions, 
whether  it  were  pofiible  for  a  man  to  liue  vnto  himfelfe.  Which  are 
fo  delighted  with  common  cafes,  as  they  make  honefty  a  neceffity, 
thrufting  him  out  of  the  dores  at  their  pleafure,  by  vfing  them  moft 
fhamefully  whome  they  ought  to  loue  entirly.  But  moft  playe 
ielious  parts  of  knauery  and  bad  entention,  meaning  to  make  a 
pra&ife  of  paltry  peuifhnefle  and  knauim  conceiptes.  They  will  be 
ielious  to  try  their  wiues  or  frendes  conftancy,  being  neuer  amamed 
of  their  owne  villany. 

What  mall  I  faye  ?  I  greeue  to  thinke  on  mens  hard  happe,  and  Quidquid 
womens  vnkindnefle ;  the  one  nourifhing  mifchiefe,  and  the  other  cu[pi]mus' 
perfewing,  with  deadly  execution,  the  tormentes  they  fufpe&e  and  ipsaque' 

[fu]rem  cura 

greeue  at.     I  haue  hard  (euen  of  kmde  gentlewomen  reported,  whoe  Moeat : 

^  pauci  [q]uod 

haue  beene   ouer  vexed  with   the   fufpitious   conceiptes   of  ielious  sinM 

al[t]er, 

hufbandes)  that  their  flaunderous  thoughtes  1  concerning  the  fufpefted  amant. 
crimes,  did  not  fo  much  aggrauate  their  owne  griefe  (though  it  were 
intollerable),  as  the  fight  therof  did  encreafe  their  wiues  ioy  and 
delight,  onely  pleafed  with  this  fweet  melody :  That  they  knewe 
themfelues  to  bee  moft  conftant  and  faithfull,  though  fufpe&ed  of  the 
contrarye,  and  their  hufbandes,  defiring  no  more  then  conftancy, 
cannot  content  themfelues  with  their  defired  felicity,  but  greeue  their 
own  foules  with  triphells,  and  eate  vppe  their  owne  harts  through 
fufpition  of  difloyalty.  I  would  but  demaund'what  recompence  a 
ielious  man  receiueth  by  all  his  trauell,  or  what  little  ioy  he  reapes  by 
his  miftruftfullnefle  and  continuall  penfiuenefle  ?  The  loweft  ebbe 
is  counteruailed  with  as  high  a  floode,  and  boyftrous  ftormes  with 
calme  wether  j  the  glomeft  daye  maye  darken  the  funne,  but  not 


Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift. 


:   , 
musiicke] 


[2  sig.  £  a, 
back] 


heigth] 
reus  est, 
niumque 
fauet  ille 
pri,  cui 
itur  victa 
ma  cru- 
a.  rea. 


abate  his  pride ;  and  as  there  are  extreame  droughtes,  fo  fometimes 
falls  the  contrary  by  extraordinary  tempefts.  There  is  no  fowre  but 
may  bee  qualified  with  fweet  potions,  nor  any  doubtfull  malady  that 
may  not  be  allied  with  delightfull  muficke1;  onely  ielious  thoughts 
with  loue  are  vncurable,  and  that  a  corafiue  moft  dangerous  to  mens 
hartes.  It  is  vaine  to  ftriue  againft  the  ftreame,  and  as  foolifh  to  build 
caftels  in  the  aire.  He  that  thinketh  to  catch  the  aire  in  a  bottle, 
deferueth  to  be  laft  at ;  &  he  that  would  ty  vp  his  wiues  or  frends 
honefty  in  a  firing,  to  bee  pitied  :  both  follies  fit  for  inno[c]ents  & 
practizes  without  end.  I  thinke  Vulcans  lelofy  preuailed  him 
nothing,  &  his  catching  of  Marce  &  Venus  in  a  purcenet  as  little, 
except  a  confirmation  of  his  great  grief,  &  an  aflured  knowledg  of 
his  horned  head,  prouing  a  continuall  badge  of  his  infamy.  The 
like  followed  many  others  fufpition,  and  the  like  will  enfewe  of  fuch 
folly.  Vulcan  knewe  that  Mars  was  a  copartner  with  him  in  Venus 
bofome.  And  he  himfelfe  could  not  but  blufh  when  hee  had 
wooed  his  owne  fpoufe  (the  goddefie  of  loue),  in  fleede  of  Briceris, 
his  beloued  paramore.  I  knowe  that  euery  one  hath  his  faulte,  and 
all  deferue  equall  punifhmente ;  onely  Robin  good  fellow  wiihes,  that 
mens  &  womens  prefumtions  may  be  certaine,  and  that  their  fufpefte 
may  bee  built  on  a  fure  ground. 

2  If  men  would  imitate  the  fame  rule,  to  auoide  lelofy,  which 
Cicero  hath  fet  downe  in  his  Offices,  as  moft  requilite  to  maintaine  a 
happy  weale  publike  (alleaginge,  it  was  the  parte  of  mad  men,  to  wijhe 
for  a  gloomy  day  when  the  fonne  Jfiined  mojl  glorioujly  ;  or  to  deftre 
warre  and  turmoyling  troubles,  when  the  common-wealth  Jlouri/heth 
mojl  happily  through  peace  and  tranquillity ;  But,  to  alay  hurly 
burlies  with  councel,  and  to  make  wdrres  ceafe  ly  aduice,  was  greate 
wifedome,) — They  would  not  encreafe  their  owne  greefe  and  forrow  : 
or  rather,  beeing  at  quiet,  and  obtaining  the  height 3  of  pleafure  by 
mutuall  loue  and  affection,  they  woulde  not  (I  fay)  long  after  vnreft, 
or  purfue  troubles,  and  continuall  difquietnes,  with  might  and  maine, 
without  meafurej  feeing  the  obtaining  of  their  owne  defire  is  a 
proofe  of  their  misfortune,  and  the  iudgemente  after  the  verdict  of 
fuch  a  title,  continual  fliame  and  infamy.  The  man  is  happy  that 
is  accounted  happy,  and  none  are  richer  then  thofe  that  be  fo 


Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift. 


33 


adiudged  of.  If,  then,  fame  be  fo  fauourable  as  to  reckon  a  beggar 
equall  with  a  kinge,  is  not  hee  a  foole  which  will  himfelfe  reprooue 
her  of  an  vntrueth  ?  The  prouerbe  adiudges  that  '  an  il  bird  which 
will  defile  his  owne  neft  5 '  and  is  not  he  a  bad  cuckold,  that  will 
regifter  himfelf  one  when  the  clarke  hath  left  him  out  of  fauour  ? 
By  how  much  it  is  better  to  be  one,  beeing  accounted  none,  then  to 
be  none,  and  reputed  one, — by  fo  much  the  more  are  they  behold  - 
inge  to  themfelues  for  the  home  that  blowes  their  lelofy  vntill  it 
flames.  An  extraordinary  fmoake  breedes  fufped  of  a  hurtefull  fire, 
and  many  fparkes  make  men  to  wonder ;  yet  the  harme  of  both  of 
them  is  preuented  by  care  and  diligence. 

I  would  but  know  the  manne  (femper  excipio,  the  wittall)  that 
would  not  be  loath  to  be  pointed  at  with  a  paire  of  homes,  &  yet  I 
know  very  many,  and  haue  hard  of  an  innumerable  company,  that 
haue  made  the  whole  parrifhe,  yea,  the  country,  priuy  to  their  mif- 
fortune  by  defarte  of  them.  Well,  then,  hereafter  if  there  be  any 
that  hath  a  tooting  head,  and  would  not  haue  it  fene,  let  him  keepe 
it  fecretely  to  himfelfe,  and  make  the  beft  of  it.  He  goes  farre  that 
neuer  turnes,  and  fhee  is  a  diuell  that  will  neuer  l  mende ;  and  fince  the  [« leaf  E  3] 
diuell  is  good  to  fome  body,  let  the  ielious  man  make  much  of  her, 
that  the  ihee  diuell  may  bee  good  to  him. 

Sorrow  craues  pitty.  and  fubmiffion  deferues  pardon.    Hee  is  ouer  Flectitur 

tus  voce  r 

hard  harted  that  will  not  be  entreated,  and  diuelifh  that  cannot  gante  de 
forgiue.     If,  then,  vpon  penitent  fubmiffion,  a  man  lhalbe  forced  to 
receiue  her  into  fauour  that  hath  offended,  will  it  not  be  fo  much  to 
his  better  contentmente,  by  how  much  a  few  are  acquainted  with  the 
mifchiefe  ?     That  grief  is  beft  difgefted  that  bringes  not  open  fhame, 
but  a  fpightefull  blow  prooues  a  noted  fcarre.     But  fuppofe  the  worft 
that  can  happe,  imagine  fhee  will  neuer  be  good,  building  vpon  the 
old  fayinge  :  Shee  that  knowes  where  Chriftes  croffejlandes,  will  neuer    Quo 
forget  where  great  A  dwels, — yet  a  man  were  better  to  bee  troubled  imbuta 
with  a  queane  alone,  then  to  bee  forced  to  keepe  both  a  queane  and  semabit 

•  odo[rem] 

a  knaue :  for  as  the  law  grantes  a  deuorcement,  fo  is  it  requifite  it  Testa  diu. 
flioulde  allow  the  woman  mainetenance;  and  what  mall  her  knaue 
lacke  that  me  hath  ?     Whofoeuer,  therefore,  that  is  bound  to  a  bad 
bargaine,  whereof  comes  two  mifchiefes,  either  to  keepe  a  queane  or 

SHAKSPERE'S   ENGLAND  :   TELL-TROTH.  3 


34 


Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift. 


E  duobfus]  to  parte  with  money,  if  he  will  follow  Robin  good  fellowes  councel, 
"[ijmuS'est  let  him  rather  choofe  to  diet  her  in  his  owne  houfe,  then  to  pay  for 
ei[i]gendum.  ^  ^oor(j  Of  frer  an  j  her  louer  jn  a  ftrange  place. 

But  becaufe  it  is  the  beft  labour  to  woorke  the  confufion  of  fuch 
an  ennimy  as  lelofy  is,  whofe  company  encreafeth  multitudes  of  in- 
conueniences,  My  meaninge  is  to  fet  downe  fome  neceflary  helpes 
how  fuch  a  mifchiefe  may  bee  beft  preuented.  And  firft,  I  councel 
euery  one  that  is  enfe&ed  with  fuch  a  plage  to  feeke  to  foreftall  the 
Obsequium  daungcr  thereof,  by  kinde  and  gentle  plaifters.  I  meane,  that  fhee 
domat!LU'  who  hath  a  ielious  hufband,  fubie&  to  the  like  infirmities  before 
leones.  mencioned,  ihoulde  reclaime  him  by  gentle  vfage,  and  ouercome  his 
vaine  fufpition  with  modeft  behauiour,  not  vfinge  any  vnciuill  tricke 
in  difdainefull  manner  before  his  face,  he  hating  the  fame  j  or  vfing 
other  fufpitious  pra&ifes,  onely  to  croffe  him  with  them  ;  and  fo  to 
carry  themfelues  in  all  places,  and  at  all  times,  as  they  may  neither 
giue  caufe  of  offence  vnto  them  or  of  miftruft  vnto  others.  The  like 
meane  ought  to  be  executed  by  men,  that  they  ouerlay  not  their 
[i  leaf  E  3,  [fearej'full  wiues,  brauing  them  with  difdainefull  likelyhoodes  of  dif- 
honeft  behauiour,  but  that  they  difluade  them  from  fufpition  by  the 
contraries,  remoouing  their  ielious  conceites  by  kindneffe  and  louely 
dalliance.  It  is  eafy  to  cure  a  greene  wound,  but  the  daunger  of  a 
feflred  fore  is  mortall.  The  young  tree  will  ftoup,  when  the  old 
flirewd  cannot  bend:  and  new  conceites  are  eafly  remoued,  but 
engrauen  thoughtes  will  not  be  rubbed  forth  ;  and  loue  is  of  fo  great 
force,  as  he  fooner  ouercomes  with  a  faire  word,  then  his  enimye  lhall 
conquere  by  all  his  forces.  Howe  happie  is  that  common  wealth 
where  peace  raigneth,  and  that  family  which  concord  gouerneth,  the 
one  nourifhing  true  amity  amongft  her  fubiectes,  the  other  eftablifh- 
ing  vanity  betweene  man  and  wife. 

What  greater  griefs  then  life  with  dif  content, 
When  dif  content  of  want  of  loue  arifeth  ? 
Loue  hath  no  lacke,  but  allwayes  Hues  content, 
And  any  thing  to  pleafe  his  mind  fufficeth  ; 
Rich  is  true  loue,  abounding  Jlill  withjlore, 
The  lacke  whereof  makes  want  a  grieuous  fore. 


[Fiejctitur 
curfuajtus 

ab  arfbolrs 

ramus: 

[fra]nges,  si 

[vir]es 

experi[ar}e 

tuas. 


Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift.  35 

Thefweete  of  loue  doth  yeeldfofweete  a  toft, 
As  mixt  with  gall,  he  turnes  the  foiuer  tofweete : 
By  him  isjlrength  and  bleffed  weale  imlrajl ; 
By  him  is  harts-cafe  gaind,  and  ioy  mojl  greet. 
Strong  is  true  loue,  whofe  Jlrength  is  kindly  fet : 
To  heape  withfweete,  thatfower  his  ioy  ne  let. 

Thefport  of  loue  is  full  of  ioyfull  fmiles, 
He  cures  all  fores  with  one  mojl  kindejl  falue  ; 
A  pleqjlng  kiffe  his  frowning  rage  beguiles, 
And  one  fair e  word  his  anger  doth  diffblue  ; 
Pleafant  is  loue,  he  ioyes  in  weale  and  woe  ; 
His  rage  with  fmiles,  his  wroth  with  kiffes  goe. 

1  Thus  liueth  loue,  and  no  otherwife  fare  they  that  be  his  followers ;  [« leaf  E  4] 
they  are  neuer  hart  ficke,  becaufe  they  neuer  fufpe&e  j  nor  euer  dif- 
pleafed,  becaufe  for  that  by  themfelues  they  are  not  grieued.  Who 
is  more  tormented  then  he  that  teares  his  owne  flefh  ?  or  who 
deferues  more  griefe,  then  they  that  will  not  vfe  the  remedy  ?  To 
lock  vp  ones  wife,  for  fear  of  fparrow-blafting,  dub  himfelf  a  cuckould 
within  an  iron  cage,  and  to  feeke  to  2  rule  her  by  correction,  when  [*  orig. 

sccke  is  to 

he  cannot  gouerne  himfelf  with  difcretion,  is  to  gather  a  rod  to  beate  to] 
his  owne  breeche.     For  whiles  me  is  lockte  in  her  ftudie,  her  mind  [te°m]mei 

.  ,,  •    /i    i  •         seruare  po 

hath   the   more  liberty  to  muent  a  fit  reuenge  againft  her  going  tes,  licet 
abroad.     What  is  it  they  cannot  effe6te,  if  they  haue  a  will  therevnto  ?  ciaudas 

omnibus 

And  what  woman  is  there  that  liues  without  a  meanes  to  repaye  a  e[x]ciusis, 

\  J  int[us] 

good  turne,  or  to  requite  a  bad  ?     Vfe  them,  therefore,  well,  is  the  aduiter  eri 

Si  sapis  in- 

wifeft  way  to  Hue  quietly :  to  loue  them  entirely,  the  onely  meanes  to  ^"'s6 

dom[i]nfae] : 

bee  long  happy.  vuitus[que] 

•rrv  seueros 

If  (he  meanes  to  deceiue  thee,  her  inuention  is  hard  to  be  pre-  exue- 

Centum 

uented,  for,  watch  her  neuer  fo  narrowly,  me  will  finde  a  time  to  fron[-]te 

occulos, 

performe  her  knauery.     The  filieft  creatures  are  fildome  catcht  in  centum cer[-] 

uice  gere- 

ordinary  trappes :  and  can  women  want  wit  to  fruftrate  a  common  ^a*  Areus> 

*          rr  &  hos  vnu[s] 

ftale  ?     If  it  wer  poflible  to  know  their  thoughts,  it  were  likely  their  |*^i(-t 
pra6tifes  might  be  hindered  j  but  as  long  as  fecreta  mihi  raignes,  the  amor' 
rains  of  their  liberty  are  at  their  own  pleafures.     And  I  thinke  men 
are  belt  at  eafe  when  they  are  fo  pleafed, — at  leaft,  wife  men  are,  or 


2  6  Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift. 

fhould  be,  feeing  their  contentment  hanges  in  their  wills.     For  what 

houfe  is.  in  quiet  where  the  goodwife  is  out  of  patience  ?    If  the  maifter 

bee  angry,  the  fault  onely  lies  on  the  miftrifle  her  necke  j  but  be  Ihe 

moued,  about  goes  the  maides,  away  runne  the  raenne,  and  I  make 

a  doubt  whether -her  hulband  dares  to  out  ftand  her.     I  am  affured 

ihee  will  out  chide  him.     Flatery  is  a  fweet  baite,  and  kindneffe  a 

Quod  licet    wholefome  potion  j  &  nothing  more  then  vnlawfullnes,  enticeth  vs 

est:quod    -yiito  lewdiiefle.     The  delighte  of  fweete  is  taken  away  by  furfiting 

acrius  vrit.    of  fuggar  j  but  who  by  nature  is  not  defirous  of  nouelties  ?     There 

would  not  fo  many  purcafe  Tiborne,  vnlefle  there  were  a  Bull  to 

[i  leaf  E  4,    hange  them ;  nor  fo  many  yeeld  vppe  l  the  pofleffion  of  their  garmentes 

[Fiec]timur  to  the  hangmen,  were  ther  not  a  lawe  to  condemne  them.     And  I 

•entjperj      warrant  you,  there  would  be  fewer  horned   heads,  if  ielious  hartes 

[qu]e  negata  were  fcanter,  wherby  the  praftife  of  watching  might  decay.     Who 

care  [iic]et,  knowes  liberty  better  then  they  that  haue  beene  in  bondage  ?     And 

[mi]nus[.]     whoe,  for  the  moft  parte,  vfeth  it  worfe  then  they  that  knowe  it 

ipsa 

[po]testas      beft  ?     A  mind  ouerladed  with  ioy,  committeth  manye  errours  in  his 

se[ra]ina 

nequi[ti]ae     iolitv* :  &  a  harte  prefled  downe  with  forrowe,  thinkes  of  manye  mif- 

langui[di]ora  J 

facit.  chiefes.  Extreames  are  neuer  good :  and  howe  can  one  fooner  fall 

into  them,  then  being  made  acquainted  with  one  of  them  ?  Hauing 
beene  in  the  dungion  of  difcontent,  and  being  fet  free  to  range  at 
our  pleafure,  we  thinke  we  are  neuer  at  the  territ  of  delight,  before, 
with  Quids  builders,  wee  touch  the  heauens,  fo  imperfect  is  our 
nature. 

Ovtinam  Perfwafions  are  of  great  force  to  moue  women,  whofe  harts, 

[a]rguerem 

[si]c,  vtnon  though  moft  tender,  withftand  nothing  more  then  crabbed  vfage. 

[v]incere 

pos[s]em :    Vowe  loue  vnto  them,  and  they  will  fweare  conftancy  vnto  you  :  and 

Me  mi[s]e- 

rt^m  b^na  ^  perchance  they  make  fome  ouerflip  by  their  deferuing  lelofy,  yet 
es^r"164  grow  not  ftraight  collericke,  but  fay  your  paternofter  before  you 
reprehend  them  for  it ;  in  which  time,  which  is  as  fmall  as  may  be, 
Per  yene-  you  fliall,  by  tempering  your  wit  with  wifdome,  finde  fo  traceable  a 
pueriqtue]  medicine  to  drawe  her  from  a  fecond  fault,  as  her  penitencie  will  take 
cus :  me  non  away  all  fufpition  of  hipocricie.  Say  but  you  are  forrowfull  to  heare 

admissi  cri- 

minis  esse     it,  or  afhamed  to  fee  it,  and,  of  my  word,  her  next  mall  be  an  oth 

reum* 

neuer  to  commit  the  like  folly.  What  a  cheape  fulpena  is  this  to 
drawe  an  anfwere  from  the  coufcience !  When,  paraduenture,  to 
deale  otherwife,  would  come  to  neede  a  writ  of  rebellion.  There  is 


Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift. 


37 


no  afiurance  better  then  that  which  is  made  with  a  fafe  confcience  ; 
and  no  man  Hands  on  a  better  ground,  then  he  that  buildes  on  his 
wiues  word.  If  me  fpeaks  it,  why  mould  we  not  rather  belieue  her, 
then  an  other  that  mould  report  no  more  vnto  vs  ?  Oh,  I  knowe 
what  you  will  fay,  becaufe  me  fpeakes  in  her  owne  defence ;  and  maye 
not  the  other  {launder  vppon  a  malicious  will  ?  What  will  not  the 
diuell  doe  for  aduauntage,  and  what  can  hee  doe  without  his  inftru- 
mentes  ?  To  bee  too  too  cruell  '  breedes  repentaunce,  as  well  as  care- 
leflenes  forerunnes  forrow.  When  tender  droppes  will  pearce  the 
flint,  the  hard  ftele  is  vnneceflarye  ;  and  where  good  counfell  will  cor- 
re£te,  a  rod  were  better  awaye  then  prefent.  They  fay  that  ouer- 
awing  makes  fooles,  and  what  will  they  let  to  doe  ?  It  is  as  hard  to 
get  any  good  out  of  them  that  are  witleiTe,  as  to  force  water  out  of 
a  flint ;  and  yet  I  fay  not  but  that  good  may  be  gotten  of  them ;  but 
with  it,  I  affirme  it  muft  be  by  kind  meanes.  Fy,fy,fweete  hart, 
what  lofe  trickes  are  thefe  !  or  what  immodi/ly  will  this  be  accounted ! 
Will  ftrike  fo  deepely  into  a  reformatiue  confcience,  as  there  mail 
not  neede  out  vpon  thee,  with  fome  beaftly  tearme  of  a  brutilh 
toung  for  a  whit  of  correction.  And  they  will  driue  an  obe- 
dient wife  to  fuch  contrition,  as  there  mail  be  no  thought  of  an 
vnkind  extrution,  either  of  her  out  of  dores,  or  of  her  good  name  and 
fame  from  it  wonted  reputaation.  Why  is  the  hulband  called  his 
wiues  good-manne,  but  becaufe  hee  ought  to  be  a  meane  to  with- 
draw her  from  fuch  imperfections  as  nature  hath  left  in  her  ?  He,  in 
my  iudgement,  can  be  but  a  bad  common  wealthes  man  which  is  an 
ill  hufband,  for,  looke  what  ill  fafhions  raigne  vncorreded  at  home, 
the  like  inormities  mould  reft  in  his  forrain  charge.  For  who  knowes 
not  that  we  haue  the  greateft  care  (if  we  haue  any  at  al)  of  thofe 
things  which  are  neareft  vnto  our  felues  ?  and  why  may  not  I  affirme 
that  fuch  a  one  will  refpe&e  little  a  common  profitte,  when  hee 
regards  fo  lightly  his  owne  priuate  wellfare  ?  Oh,  I  woulde  Robin 
might  be  tedious,  not  troublefome,  hee  would  then  endeauor  a 
further  probability  of  the  ielious  mans  folly,  but  fearing  he  hath 
offended  too  too  much  already,  hee  will  euen  but  Ihut  vppe  his 
remnant  breefely. 

The  fweetejl  flower  whofe  Jlaulkjharpe  prickles  gard, 
Yeeldes  pleafantfent,  through  care,  without  annoy  : 


['  sig.  F] 


Haec  tib[i] 
sunt 

mecu[m], 
mihi  sunt 
communia 
tecum  :  in 
bona  cur 
quisquam 
tertius  ista 
venit  ? 


'sig. 
»ck] 


Nee  blan- 
[     ]atis,  nee 
[eri]t  tibi 
co[mi]s 
arnica, 
[pe]rfer 
&  ob[du]ra : 
pqst[m]odo 
mitis  [eri]t. 

\?orig. 
noysorames] 


38  Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift. 

The  Gooslery,  with  hurtfull  bujhes  ward, 
Surrenders  vp  itfelfe,  through  care  to  ioy. 

1  The  rammifh  hauke  is  tamd  ly  carefull  heed, 
And  will  le  Ir -ought  tojloope  vnto  the  lewre  ; 
Thefercejl  Lyon  will  requite  a  deed 
Of  curtejie,  with  kindneffe  to  endure, 

Whatji/hfo  proud  as  doth  difdaine  a  laite  ? 
Norji/h,  leaft,foule,  nor  fruit,  but  takes  the  mate. 
Thenjince  that  carefpeedes  beft  with  curtejie, 
Vfe  care  and  kindneffe  to  mate  lelofy. 

This  is  Robins  counfell,  a  foueraigne  oyle  of  experience  to  drawe 
away  the  droppinges  of  lelofyes  nofe,  that  fo  much  anoyes  the 
patients  harte.  Which  muft  be  wrought  moft  gently,  laboured  with 
the  perfwafions  of  reafon,  the  effe£te  wherof,  I  warrant  you,  wil  proue 
fo  profitable,  as  either  he  will  be  freed  from  noyfomnes,2  or  haue  his 
nofe  put  out  of  ioynt.  Couetuoufnes  is  a  peftelent  help  to  lelofy  j 
for  how  can  he  that  hath  fet  al  his  loue  on  his  money,  be  drawn  to 
beftow  part  thereof  on  his  wife  ?  No,  of  my  credit,  he  that  hath 
crept  into  that  vaine,  hath  fo  far  crawled  from  honefty,  as  hee  cares 
not  what  iniury  hee  doth.  He  knowes  that  loue  will  afke  coft ;  and 
why  doth  he  loue  the  diuell,  but  to  faue  charges  ?  For  could  he  be 
contented  to  doe  good,  as  he  is  forward  to  worke  mifchiefe,  he  would 
deale  with  loue  better  then  to  locke  him  vp  in  his  coffers.  Oh,  it  is 
a  fweete  thing  to  him  to  diue  vppe  to  the  elbowe  in  a  bagge,  while 
the  kind  man  beftowes  his  time  in  kifles.  But  let  the  other  be 
affured,  that  whileft  this  inioyes  paradice,  he  fliall  be  firming  to  paffe 
through  the  eie  of  an  nedle,  which  mail  proue  vnpoflible.  It  is  a 
gay  thing  to  come  to  dignity,  but  it  is  a  more  benificiall  thinge  to  vfe 
honefty ;  but  whye  doe  I  talke  of  honefty  to  them  that  neuer  meant 
to  enter  eternity  ?  Surely  for  no  other  caufe,  but  for  that  Robin, 
knowinge  the  flauerye  that  is  prepared  for  you,  is  moued  to  pitty,  and 
could  wifti  you  had  care  to  preuente  the  punifliment  of  the  cormor- 
antes  dungion.  But  I  care  not  howe  little  honefty  you  haue,  fo  you 
fhunne  lelofy,  for  I  onely  harpe  on  that  firing  at  this  prefent,  which 


Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift.  39 

I  fay  cannot  bee  a1voided  without  the  entertainment  of  loue,  who  will  [»  sig.  F  2] 
foone  thruft  him  headlong  befides  his  poflefiion. 

Omnia  vincit  Amor,  et  nos  cedamus  amori.     The  paffions  of  loue  Desine 
are  fo  patting  kinde,  as  they  fubdewe  wherefoeuer  they  become,  yea,  mihi)  [vi]tia 

irritar[e] 

afluredlv  they  will  either  conquere  or  kill ;  and  becaufe  life  is  moft  vetando : 

[objsequio 

fweete,  we  will  rather  yeeld  to  affection  then  die  for  lelofy.     Loue  is  v[in]ces 

aptius 

a  pleafing  gout,  which  will  fuffer  vs  no  more  to  be  mifled  by  vnreft,  g56^"0- 
then  the  tormenting  gout  wil  giue  his  patientes  leaue  to  reft  while  co(n]fiteor 
the  paine  is  vnceafing.     And  fuch  a  hartie  dropfie  is  he,  as  he  fwels  £™a  ^da' 
his  criples  affeftions  with  fo  great  kindnefle,  as  theyfing  no  fong,  but  ^™g^lls] 
Ah,  I  loue.     He  is  a  nettle  that  ftinges  the  hart  with  continuall  plea-  manlJ.mcla 
fure ;  and  that  babie  which  lodges  in  womens  and  mens  eies,  on  comhe'stfibi] 
whome  none  {hall  fix  the  fancy  kindly,  that  {hall  not  be  ftroken  with  tetUr[i]que 
a  darte  of  conftauncy ;  hee  is  the  greeuing  woe  that  breedes  continuall  a^tdu" 
ioy,  the  fond  conceipt  that  fattens  faithful  thoughts  in  his  place,  and  turba'63 
that  euill  that  reapes  eternall  good.     To  rehearfe  her  qualities,  were  tuas. 
a  new  worke  for  Robin-good-fellow,  and  to  followe  his  properties,  [ii]tibus 

superas 

not  a  labour  without  profit.     But  his  chiefeft  qualitie  2  is  to  be  kind  homin[es] 

que 

and  his  next  to  be  conftant ;  he  euer  forgiues,  and  ftill  forgetes  faultes.  deosq[ue] 

Nil  opus 

He  delightes  not  in  breed-bates,  nor  doth  he  glory  in  the  quarrells  of  e[st]beiio: 

ve[ni]am 

deereft  frendes,  but  all  his  actions  are  faithfull,  and  all  his  thoughtes  pacem[que] 

rogamus. 

frutfull.  Dandill  him,  and  he  will  fporte  thee ;  fet  him  in  thy  lappe,  [*  ong.  qua 
and  hee  will  comfort  thy  hart ;  Speake  him  faire,  and  hee  will  kifle 
thee  kindly ;  like  him  onely,  &  he  will  loue  thee  euer.  He  neuer  is 
hafty,  but  hee  repentes  thereof  prefently,  paying  for  euery  vnkinde 
worde  a  forrowfull  hei  ho.  As  he  will  be  foone  angry,  fo  is  hee 
ftraight  pleafed,  &  therfore  was  he  fained  to  be  little  in  being  neuer 
long  troubled  with  extreames.  But  there  is  a  certaine  madnefie 
which  men  call  loue,  the  fame  prouing  fo  great  fondnefle,  as  euery 
frowne  of  a  miftrifle  makes  fome  melancholy  a  quarter  after,  and  to 
match  that,  is  foolifli  dotage  fet,  both  fo  hot  pafiions  for  a  while,  as 
they  proue  in  the  end  to  be  loues  greateft  enimy,  euen  peftelent 
lelofy.  The  one  will  die  if  hee  hath  not  his  longing ;  as  for  the  other 
(for  that  hee  is  more  craftie),  hee  hath  3  many  fubtill  meanes  to  [3  sig.  F  2, 

back. 

obtaine  his  defire  :  yet  both  of  them  are  fo  far  from  reafon.  as  they  Catch  word 

man] 

hurt  themfelues  willingly.     Nowe,  to  iudge  howe  kind  they  will  be 


Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift. 


[I]  meane 
the  [de]ath 
of  hyr[spir]it 
or  of  hir 
[lo]ue. 


[P]!nguis 

a[ra]or 

nimiu»z[q]ue 

patens,  [in] 

taedia 

no[b]is 

vertitur,  [et] 

stomacho 

[djulcis  vt 

es[c]a, 

nocet. 


I1  sig.  F  3] 


to  others,  that  be  fo  crabbed  to  themfelues,  Robin  leaues  that  to  com- 
mon reafon.  Yet  becaufe  thefe  two  extreames,  namely,  mad  fondnefle 
and  dottage,  are  the  onely  meanes  to  helpe  lelofy,  I  will  bee  bould  a 
little  to  touch  them. 

The  extraordinary  conceipt  of  obtained  curtify,  moues  fuch  a 
liking  in  the  oner  paffionate  louer,  as  all  his  fences  are  onely  tied  to 
one  obieft,  &  his  whol  hart  dedicated  to  that  faint,  the  fole  miftrifle 
of  his  hart.  As  the  extremity  which  tormentes  him,  is  eafed  with 
nought  except  what  comes  from  her  kindnefle,  fo  his  mad  fittes,  once 
crofled  with  difcourtefie,  breed  that  vncurable  melancholy,  which 
deadly  grife  and  vntimely  death  do  followe.  But  both  of  them  being 
perchance  ftroken  with  the  felfe  fame  arrowe,  Ihot  from  the  vm- 
pertiall  blind  boy  his  bowe,  are  rauifhed  with  the  delighte  they 
conceiue  the  one  from  the  other,  their  thoughtes  beeing  heauenly, 
becaufe  true  to  each  other,  and  their  true  loue  vowed  to  eternity, 
manifefted  by  no  fmall  fauours.  Which  happily  euery  day  more  and 
more  encreafing  frendlhip,  remaines  to  both  with  wifhed  content- 
ment, vntill  vnhappily,  lelofy  (the  profeffed  enimye  to  louers  prof- 
perity)  picketh  a  quarrell  with  one  or  both,  by  falfe  vnconftancy. 
Then  beginnes  our  hot  loue  to  turne  to  burning  coles,  prouing  fuch 
fondnefle,  as  wee  fufpe&e  our  owne  fliadowes.  Wee  gorge  our  felues 
fo  vnreafonably  with  the  delight  of  our  faintes  beautie,  as  wee  caft 
vppe  the  hope  of  their  faithfullnefle.  We  wil  make  them  faintes, 
and  thinke  them  diuells,  louing  them  fo  entirely,  as  our  ouer  much 
makes  them  vnhappy.  Wee  doe  fet  them  vp  in  vndecent  brauery, 
and  fet  them  out  with  foolim  praifes  j  yet,  fhould  any  flrangers  (though 
of  the  familiars  forte)  feeme  to  fue  to  them, — nay,  I  may  truely  fay, 
fpeake  to  them,  it  may  bee  the  better  for  the  men,  but  bee  affured  it 
{hall  bee  the  worfe  for  the  women.  And  now  comes  in  diflimulation, 
by  which  we  moil  pradife  to  vfe  them  kindly,  whome  wee  hate 
deadlyj  to  fpeake  them  faire  to  their  faces,  whome  wee  curfe  behind 
their  backs,  '  and  to  feede  them  with  dainties,  whom  wee  could  wilh 
poifoned.  After  the  felfe  fame  manner  fare  our  wiues  :  they  haue  a 
kinde  dinner  and  a  crabbed  fupper,  fweete  meate  with  fower  fawce, 
and  a  pleafaunt  drinke  with  a  poifoned  potion ;  fo  fonde  extreames 
falling  one  on  the  others  backe,  as  in  a  moment  wee  will  vfe  them 
like  Goddifles  (if  we  doe  not  confeffe  vnto  them,  they  are  no  leffe 


Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift.  41 

vnto  vs),  and  no  otherwife  then  diuels,  fwering  now  we  hate  them  o  fades  & 

oculos  na[ta] 

moft  deadly,  whome  euen  now  wee  protefted  to  loue  molt  dmmely ;  tenere 

me[os] 

fuche  monftrous  vnconftancy  dooth  this  fondnefle  nourifh.  Neither 
fhall  thefe  trickes  be  extraordinary  once  in  feauen  yeares,  but  I  would 
Robin  could  not  avow  that  he  hath  feene  them  perfourmed  on[c]e  euery 
day  in  many  places.  Well,  I  will  leaue  them  to  their  amendes,  and 
touche  as  briefly  the  dotor. 

Who,  after  a  little  pampering  (hauing  perchance  had  his  liberty 
in  good  pafture  for  halfe  a  yeare,  without  exercife),  doth  grow  fo 
frollicke,  as  he  thinkes  himfelf  as  youthfull  as  the  yongeft  nagge, 
though  he  hath  as  many  difeafes  as  a  iade  can  haue.  In  this  brauery 
hee  muft  bee  furnifhed  with  a  gay  faddell,  and  none  vnder  a  ladye 
maye  feme  his  tourne  5  I  meane,  while  his  prouender  prickes,  he  wilbe 
fo  lufty,  as  hee  thinkes  no  woman  too  yong  for  him.  In  which 
vaine,  beeing  thus  couragious,  hee  fpendes  franckly,  and  fettes  him- 
felfe  foorth  in  the  braueft  manner,  fo  that  by  his  hope,  quid  non 
aurum  9  he  will  hap  vppon  fo  vnequall  a  match  (by  praftife  prooued), 
as  after  one  nights  iourney,  he  begins  to  be  iadifhly  tired,  euery  day 
after  growing  miftruftfull.  So  that  as  his  monftrous  defire  hath  bene 
the  meane  to  ioyne  himfelfe  with  fuche  inequality,  fo  mall  his 
knowne  cold  courage  and  her  youthfull  yeares  be  a  line  to  leade 
him  to  lelofy,  Whofe  perfuafions  as  yet  haue  taken  fuch  defired  effect, 
as  at  this  time,  where  loue  feekes  to  builde  his  kingdome,  this  his 
ennimy  (I  meane  lelofy)  neuer  furceafeth  from  armes  vn  till  he  hath 
loue  out  by  the  eares,  being  ftill  accompanied  with  like  bats,  & 
alwaies  followed  by  vnhappy  difcontentment.  His  profperity,  gener- 
ally allowed  off  in  mens  conceits,  is  greedely  followed  by  their  vncon- 
ftant  hartes,  which  loue  nothinge  that  l  is  eternall,  nor  like  of  any  ['  sig.  F  3, 
loue  but  what  wil  alter  dayly.  And  becaufe  I  haue  entred  fo  farre 
into  the  gouernement  of  lelofy,  I  will  prefume  to  wade  a  little 
further  into  his  kingdome. 

In  the  countrey  of  Euery -place  he  raigneth,  a  ruler  as  pernitious 
as  mightye,  and  more  mightye  then  either  vertuous  or  peaceable.  As 
his  kingdome  is  large,  fo  his  fubiedes  are  many,  his  land  beeing 
inhabited  by  people  no  lefle  vnruely  then  himfelfe,  and  his  right 
mainetained  by  make-bates  that  neuer  are  fatiffied,  vntill  their  owne 
bloud  hath  raunfomed  the  delight  of  their  defired  death.  Manye  are 


['  leaf  F  4] 


42  Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift. 

his  aduerfaries,  and  more  his  freendes,  euery  difpofition  drawne  to 
follow  his  humours,  and  defirous  of  his  entertainement,  by  reafon  his 
a&ions  feeme  pleafing,  and  his  caufe  righte  and  profitable.  His 
regimente  is  well  ftrengthned  by  force  of  men,  hauing  ftronge 
holdes,  feeming  no  lefle  delightfull  in  {how,  though  by  experience  it 
prooues  moft  fruitleffe  and  barren.  His  chiefeft  citty  and  feat  of 
pleafure  (accompted  of  his  fubieftes  the  feconde  Parradife)  ftandes  on 
the  top  of  a  high  hill,  called  MiftruftfullnefTe,  at  foote  whereof  run- 
neth the  fwift  riuer  Vnconftancy,  hauinge  this  effede  in  operation, 
that  whofoeuer  inbathe  themfelues  therein,  finde  continuall  altera- 
tions in  their  harts  before  fetled,  and  now  tormented  with  variable 
thoughtes.  In  this  ftreame  are  manye  fandy  fhallowes,  and  as  many 
daungerous  holes,  both  continually  vfed  and  frequented  vnto,  as  well 
by  the  inhabitantes  of  that  citie,  as  alfo  by  all  fuch  who  chaunce  to 
trauell  that  way.  This  citty  hath  his  name  '  Light  of  loue '  maine- 
teined  by  elders,  whoe  are  elected,  not  for  their  wealth  and  wit,  as  in 
other  countries,  but  for  their  envy  and  foolimnefie.  Their  common 
trafficke  is  Exchaunge  of  Loue ;  and  their  profiles,  Difquietnefle  and 
Hate.  The  finite  that  delighte[t]h  their  appetites,  is  Faith-lefie 
Fancies ;  and  the  meates  they  feede  on,  Care  &  Vnreft.  The  fportes 
they  ioy  in,  are  continuall  brawles,  and  the  walkes  they  take  pleafure 
in  watching,  and  hope  of  finding.  All  their  triumphes  are  Con- 
trouerfies  in  law,  and  all  their  turnies,  for  broken  pates,  with  faggot 
ftickes  j  their  feaft  day  is  repentaunce,  and  Death  their  Saboath. 

1This  citie  bearing  the  chiefe  fwaie  for  vnrutinefTe,  hath  fo  difperfed 
her  inhabitaunce  into  the  other  partes  of  the  cuntrey,  as,  for  the  moft 
part,  there  is  neuer  a  cottage  in  lelofyes  common  wealth,  but  harbours 
iourney  men  as  bad  as  their  maifters  in  condition.  His  houldes  and 
caftels  are  both  ftronge  and  many,  being  fortified  with  deepe  caft- 
rauelinges,  and  furniflied  with  all  kindes  of  ingions  fit  for  warre. 
Theire  artillery  for  defence,  fo  wel  placed  on  the  battlements  of  their 
towers,  as  they  wonderfully  and  daungerouflye  annoye  their  ennemy. 
Curfes  and  Banninges  are  the  leaft  fhot  they  carry,  and  a  thoufande 
bitter  wordes  will  do  no  more  then  charge  one  of  them.  The  natures 
of  thefe  people  are  variable,  and  they,  beinge  for  the  moft  parte  falfe 
harted,  are  likewife  defirous  ftill  of  new  freends.  The  enterteine- 
ment  they  will  giue  ftrangers  is  verye  good,  but  the  vfage  of  their 


Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift.  43 

frendes  and  familiars,  efpecially  of  their  wiues  (as  you  haue  hard 
already),  is  generally  too  too  bad.  They,  alltogether  reieding  reafon, 
performe  raftily  what  fo  «uer  they  thinke,  and  effe£te  diueliihly  what 
fo  euer  they  pra6tife.  Their  wills  are  their  lawe,  and  fufpecte  their 
iudge,  their  Judgments  being  as  lawleffe  as  their  lawe  is  wanting 
reafon  and  difcretion.  They  bandy  honefty  as  a  tennis-ball,  and  play 
with  good  report,  as  a  childe  doth  with  an  apple, — the  one  not  being 
in  quiet  vntill  it  bee  eaten,  &  the  other  neuer  fatisfyed  vntill  their 
good  hope  be  quite  extinguiihed.  The  bufy  Ape  comes  not  to  fo 
many  fhrowde  turnes  by  his  vnhappye  trickes,  as  they  come  vnto 
mifchiefe  by  their  troublefome  difpofitions ;  nor  doth  he  deferue  fo 
much  the  whip  to  keepe  him  in  awe,  as  they  merrit  the  halter  for 
bringing  fo  many  vnto  mifery.  For  if  the  law  rewards  him  with  a 
halfe  penny  corde,  that  doth  rob  a  ftranger  of  thirteene  pence  halfe 
penny,  I  knowe  no  reafon  howe  they  can  bee  accompted  lefie  then 
theeues,  that  either  robbe  their  neighbours,  or  fpoile  themfelues  of 
their  good  names.  He  that  killes  himfelf,  fhalbe  buried  by  the  law 
in  the  commons  j  and  why  (houlde  not  he  be  intoombed  vnder  the 
gallowes,  that  not  onelye  cuttes  his  owne  throate,  hafting  thereby 
to  the  diuell,  but  cuts  his  wiues  alfo,  toling  her  thither  for  company  ? 

1  Ah,  foueraigne  loue,  whofe  fweetnejje  falues  thefowre,  t1  leaf  F  4, 

back] 

And  cures  the  woundes  of  euery  dying  hart : 
Thou  kilft  ly  kindnejffe,  if  thou  kiljl ;  JVo  louvre 
Ads  greater  grief e  to  them  thatfeele  thy  fmarte. 

Thou  countes  it  paine  enough,  ly  proof  e  tojinde, 
How  two  kind  hartes  may  fajl  remaine  in  one. 
Thy  captiue  bounds  make  but  a  conjlant  mind, 
And  all  thy  warre  is  for  long  Peace  alone. 

Thou  ties  the  mind,  and  lets  their  handes  goe  free  : 
Thou  woundes  the  hart,  and  neuer  hurtes  thejkinne  : 
Thy  victory  is,  loue  for  loue  to  fee  : 
Thy  greatejl  conquejl,  where  there  is  leajljinne. 

Ah,  fweetejl  loue,  thou  wounds  to  cure  for  aye, 

Whofe  Jharpe Jhort-night*  procures  afweete  long-day.  \*orig. 

shor-nitght] 

Such  is  loues  enuy,  and  himfelfe  no  worfe  an  ennemy ;  hee  fightes 
firongly,  but  to  free  euerlaftingly ;  he  tormentes  happily,  and  cheereth 


44 


Tell-Trothes  New-yeares  Gift. 


Non  mihi 
{mjille 
place«t. 
tn]on  sum 
de[sul]tor 
amo[ri]s  : 
Tu  mi[h]i 
(si  qua 
fi[d]es;  cura 
pe[r]ennis 
eris.  Tecu>»; 
quos 
dcderint 
.niiios  mihi 
fila 

[S]ororum, 
vi[v]ere 
contingat 
teq[ue] 
dolente, 
mori.  i 


E2  sig.  G] 


frowardly ;  and  both  his  fmiles  &  frownes  are  fo  equally  tempered,  as 
his  pleafing  mixture  makes  a  perfect  medley,  which  yeelds  moft 
melodious  conftancy.  One  loue  and  one  life  mall  knit  fo  perfe6t  a 
knott  of  amity,  as  one  death  mall  ende  both  their  ioyes  and  miferies. 
Her  loue  fhalbe  his  life,  and  his  life  her  loue,  mee  mall  endure  no 
torment  without  his  torture,  nor  mall  he  fuffer  any  extreamity  with- 
out her  agony.  His  fickeneffe  fhalbe  her  forrow,  and  her  griefe 
woorfe  then  his  deathes  wound.  Their  care  fhalbe  to  encreafe  each- 
others  hartes-eafe ;  and  their  ftrifes,  which  of  them  mail  exceede  the 
one  the  other  in  courtefy.  Their  dalliaunce  mail  bee  rewarded  with 
darlinges,  whofe  fweete  fauoured  faces  fhal  be  continuall  pledges  of 
their  faithfull  kindnefle.  The  daughters  fhalbee  like  to  their  fathers, 
and  the  fonnes  haue  the  countenances  of  their  mothers.  Their 
encreafe  fhalbe  multiplied,  their  fubflance  doubled  and  trebled,  till  it 
come  to  aboundance,  liuing  fo  longe  as  three  folde  generations  fhall 
make  ioyfull  great  grand-mothers,  and  degrees  of  honour  make  happy 
posterities.  They  fhall  adde  fo  great  a  blefling  to  their  ftore,  as  time 
fhall  not  take  away  the  memory  of  them,  nor  fame  fuffer  their 
antiquitye  euer  to  die.  A  woor[l]d  fhall  ende  with  their  honour, 
neither  fhall  that  world  decay  vntill  their  dignity  be  regiftred  in  the 
true  cronicles  of  eternity. 

Thus  fhall   loues   followers  be   thrife   happy,  and   thus   Robin 

goodfellowes    well-willers,   in    imitating    his    care,   bee    manifolde 

bleffed.     They  fhall  haue  their  hartes  defire,  and  I 

my  wifhe,  which  I  pray  may  happen  to  ' 

both  our  contentmentes ;  and 

fo,  farewell. 

1  A  good  deal  of  the  Latin  side-notes  comes  from  Ovid's  Amores,  book  3, 
elegy  4.— W.  C. 


45 


1  To  the  Gentlewomen  and  others  of  England. 


t'  sig.  G 
back] 


Ourtious  and  lonely  Dames,  forne,  to  winne  your  fauour, 
prouid  fuche  coftly  giftes  as  may  befeeme  your  accept- 
ance 5  and  others,  fo  rare  deuifes  as  a  yeares  trauell  hath 
purchafed ;  but  Tell  troth,  though  as  feruiceable  as  they 
which  are  moft  paffionate,  and  as  amorous  as  who  exceedes  in 
affection,  hath  only  bought  for  you  a  dramme  of  wit,  amounting  to 
fower  pennye  charges  to  pafle  for  a  new-yeares  gift.  The  dedication 
whereof,  I  haue  rather  fubie&ed  to  your  curtefie,  then  to  mens 
patrocinie  j  for  that  your  felues,  being  of  the  pureft  mettall,  and 
hauing  your  hartes  framed  of  the  kindeft  moule,  will  be  both  more 
ready  to  defend  our  good  meanings,  and  witling  to  hinder  that 
hagges  proceedings,  your  wills  will  be  leaft  followed,  and  therefore 
your  wits  muft  be  moft  vfed ;  wherby  you,  whofe  fweete  flowing 
tounges  charme  more  then  the  Orphean  muficke,  muft  ftraine  your 
melodious  notes  to  that  heigh[t],  as  by  your  fingularitie  you  may  make 
lelofie  amamed,  &  by  folemme  vowes,  breake  the  necke  of  fufpition. 
You  muft  difwade  with  wordes,  and  perfwade  by  modeft  behauiour, 
confounding  by  wit,  and  confirming  with  difcretion  j  Following 
Robins  rules  to  preuent  the  diuells  pra£life,  and  making  much  of 
loue,  to  withftand  lelofies  councell.  And  for  that  Tell  troth  tells  the 
truth,  which  by  triall  you  muft  proue,  vfe  Robins  falue  to  heale  your 
fore,  and  performe  his  will  to  inioy  your  weale,  whereby  your  con- 
firmation may  approue  his  cunning,  and  allowe  my  perfumption  in  a 
2  greater  matter.  Robin  hath  here  but  onely  touched  that  generall  [2  leaf  G  2 : 

the  back  of 

knowne  enimie  to  a  quiet  life ;  but  hee  meanes,  by  your  further  this  leaf  it- 

blank.  ] 

fauourable  protection,  fhortly  to  arme  you  againft  many  pettie 
aduerfaries,  which  worke  againft  loues  welfare.  If,  in  the  meane 
time,  your  good  reportes  knocke  downe  the  bufie  carppers,  it  {hall  bee 
a  fufficient  fpurre  to  make  both  Robins  wit  and  my  pen  to  triumph 
in  fpite  of  them,  which  ftiall,  by  wading  further  to  anger  them,  light 
into  that  vaine  which  will  better  content  you.  Vntill  which  time 
(becaufe  I  would  not  be  tedious)  I  will  leaue  you,  fubmitting  the 
wifh  of  your  welfare  to  the  pleafure  of  your  owne  wills. 

%   Yours,  as  he  hath  euer  beene, 

Tell  troth. 


46 


[Mr  H.  C.  Levander  has  kindly  identified  the  side-notes  of  Tell-Troth  by 
means  of  his  Ovid  Index,  and  copied  them  out  as  follows  : — 

Quo  tibi  formosam,  si  non  nisi  casta  placebat  ? 

Non  possunt  ullis  ista  coire  modis. — Ovid.  III.  Am.  IV.  41. 
Indignere  licet ;  juvat  inconcessa  voluptas 

Sola  placet,  Timeo,  dicere  si  qua  potest. — III.  Am.  IV.  31. 
Quicquid  servatur,  cupimus  magis  ;  ipsaque  furem 

Cura  vocat  :  pauci,  quod  sinit  alter,  amant. — III.  Am.  IV.  25. 
'Ferreus  est,  nimiumque  suo  favet  ille  dolori, 

Cui  petitur  victa  palma  cruenta  rea. — II.  Am.  V.  n. 
Flectitur  iratus  voce  rogante  deus. — Art.  Am.  I.  442. 
Quo  semel  est  imbuta  recens  servabit  odorem 
Testa  diu. — Horace,  Epist.  I.  ii.  69. 

[  ...  ex  malis  eligere  minima  oportere  ....      Cic.  de  Off.  III.  i.  3.] 
*  Obsequium  tigresque  domat  timidostyiz  leones. 

Ov.  Art.  Am.  II.  183. 
Flectitur  obsequio  curvatus  ab  arbore  ramus. 

Franges,  si  vires  experiare  tuas. — Art.  Am.  II.  1 79. 
Nee  mentem  servare  potes,  licet  omnia  claudas  ; 

Omnibus  exclusis  intus  adulter  erit. — III.  Am.  IV.  7. 
Si  sapis,  indulge  dominae  ;  vultusque  severos 

Exue.— III.  Am.  IV.  43. 
Centum  fronte  oculos,  centum  cervice  gerebat 

Argus  :  et  hos  unus  saepe  fefellit  Amor.— III.  Am.  IV.  19. 
Quod  licet,  ingratum  est ;  quod  non  licet,  acrius  urit : 

II.  Am.  XIX.  3. 

Nitimur  in  vetitum  semper,  cupimusque  negata. — III.  Am.  IV.  17. 
Cui  peccare  licet,  peccat  minus  :  ipsa  potestas 

Semina  nequitiae  languidiora  facit. — III.  Am.  IV.  9. 
O  utinam  arguerem  sic,  ut  non  vincere  possem  ! 

Me  miserum  !  quare  tarn  bona  causa  mea  est  ? — II.  Am.  V.  7. 
Per  Venerem  juro,  puerique  volatilis  arcus, 

Me  non  admissi  criminis  essereum. — II.  Am.  VII.  27. 
Haec  tibi  sunt  mecum,  mihi  sunt  communia  tecum : 

In  bona  cur  quisquam  tertius  ista  venit  ? — II.  Am.  V.  31. 
Si  nee  blanda  satis,  nee  erit  tibi  comis  arnica; 

Perfer,  et  obdura  ;  postmodo  mitis  erit. — Art.  Am.  II.  177. 
Desine  (crede  mihi)  vitia  irritare  vetando ; 

Obsequio  vinces  aptius  ipse  tuo. — III.  Am.  IV.  II. 
En  ego  confiteor  ;  tua  sum  nova  praeda,  Cupido  : 

Porrigimus  victas  ad  tua  vincla  manus. — I.  Am.  II.  19. 
Blanditiae  comites  tibi  erunt,  Terrorque,  Furorque, 

Assidue  partes  turba  secutatuas. — I.  Am.  II.  35. 
His  tu  militibus  superas  hominesque  Deosque. — I.  Am.  II.  37. 
Nil  opus  est  bello  :  pacem  veniamque  rogamus. — I.  Am.  II.  21. 
Pinguis  amor,  nimiumque  patens,  in  taedia  nobis 

Vertitur ;  et  stomacho,  dulcis  ut  esca,  nocet. — II.  Am.  XIX.  25. 
O  facies  oculos  nata  tenere  meos  ! — II.  Am.  XVII.  12. 
Non  mihi  mille  placent :  non  sum  desultor  Amoris  : 

Tu  mihi  (si  qua  fides)  cura  perennis  eris. 
Tecum,  quos  dederint  annos  mihi  fila  Sororum, 

Vivere  contingat ;  teque  dolente  mori. — I.  Am.  III.  15.] 

*  There  are  several  various  readings  of  the  words  in  Italics. 


[THE 

PASSIONATE  MORRICE, 


A    SEftUEL    TO 


TELL-TROTHES  NEW-YEARES  GIFT,  1593. 


BY  A.] 


49 


[sig.  A  «J 


To  the  Gentlewomen  and  others 

of  England. 


Nee  more  (moft  beautiful  damfels)  I  am  bold  to  prefume 
of  your  wonted  fauour,  thereby  being  lead  to  a  perform- 
ance of  a  vowed  duetie  :  where  a  kinde  zeale  bindeth  to 
offer  the  acceptance  of  a  feruiceable  good  will,  there  a 
careful  1  feare  that  forewarneth  to  incurre  the  hazard  of  offence, 
maketh  the  hart  to  ftagger  betweene  hope  and  defpaire;  hoping 
through  the  kindenes  of  your  gentle  difpofitions,  to  obtaine  a  defence 
againft  iniurious  cauillers,  and  fearing  by  an  ouer-bolde  prefumption, 
to  offer  offence  to  the  affable  fweetenes  of  your  foueraigne  curtefie. 
But  feeing  my  defire  to  bee  pofleffed  of  the  better  cordiall,  makes  me 
hart-ftrong  to  fuppe  of  that  potion  which  is  likeft  to  lengthen  my 
welfare,  the  fame  being  an  affured  confidence  of  your  continual! 
carefulnes,  in  fhrowding  with  your  affe6tion  the  flender  fubftance  of 
my  humorous  Morrice. 

It  is  not  long  fince,  for  Tel-troths  Newyeeres-gift,  I  prefented 
vnto  your  liking  Robin  good-fellow  his  newes,  with  his  inue&iue 
againft  Loues  moft  iniurious  enemie,  leloufie ;  which,  though  it  was 
a  token  to  gratifie  the  day,  yet,  if  with  indifferent  iudgement,  the 
matter  therein  contained  be  confidered  of,  I  doubt  not,  though  it  was 
a  New-yeeres  day  toy,  it  may  proue  a  many  yeeres  helpe  to  hinder 
that  hagges  enterprifes.  The  worke  tooke  his  title  according  to  the 
time  of  his  creation1}  but  {hall  Robins  prefcript2ions  be  followed? 
the  patients  maladie  mall  continually  finde  it  a  gifte  to  fignifie  the 
3  good  beginning,  and  profperous  proceeding  of  many  new  yeeres  vnto 
them.  But  now  to  fend  Tell-troth  packing,  Hone/lie  hath  thruft 
himfelfe  into  your  feruice,  who,  though  at  the  firft  fight  he  may 
feeme  a  crabbed  companion,  yet  let  me  befeech  you  to  ftay  your 

SHAKSPEBE'S  ENGLAND  :   TELL-TROTH.  4 


[*  orig.  crea- 

tiont] 

[2  pt-  orig. 

pr-J 

[3  sig.  A  2, 

back] 


50  The  Epistle. 

cenfure  til  you  baue  throughly  tryed  what  is  in  him ;  and  if  then  he 
Ihewes  not  himfelfe  a  diligent  pleafer  of  your  immortal  vertues, 
memorize  in  the  Cronicles  of  Difdaine  the  fame  of  that  runnagate 
fimplicitie,  and  let  me,  for  his  faulte,  be  banilhed  from  your  good 
thoughts  to  euerlafting  ignominie. 

I  was  rather  defirous  to  trauel  altogether  inuifible,  then  to  haue 
had  a  title  which  might  giue  light  to  the  vnderftanding  of  me  your 
vnworthie  profeffed  Author ;  but  fince  the  higher  powers  denie  me 
that  priuiledge,  I  am  content  to  fubied  my  felf  to  the  opinions  of 
courteous  difpofitions ;  befeeching  you  to  beare  with  my  vaine,  for 
that  the  vanitie  of  this  age  regardes  no  other  j  nor  would  any  be  con- 
tent to  heare  of  faultes,  vnlefle  they  be  tolde  them  in  meriment.     I 
proteft  there  is  nothing  fcandalous  therein,  nor  which  Is  ment  to  offer 
iniury  to  any ;  onely  my  purpofe  is,  that  if  you  mould  know  any  like 
vnto  any  of  thofe  in  difpofition,  that  either  you  forewarne  them  thofe 
monftrous  injurious  vices,  or  accompt  of  them  as  peftilent  foolifh 
wretches.      To  fhun  tedioufnes,  I   commit  my  intention  to  your 
mifticall  confideration,  my  woorke  to  your  courteous  protection, 
my  felfe  to  your  fauourable  opinions,  and  your 
facred  felues  to  the  heauens 
tuition. 

Yours  inferuice  and  qffe&ion 
mofl  loyall,         A. 


THE  PASSIONATE* 

Morrice. 

N  the  moneth  of  March,  a  time  as  fit  for  wooing,  as  May 
is  pleafant  to  fporte  in,  Hone/lie  trauelling,  as  his 
cuftome  is,  to  fearch  fuch  corners  as  good  fellowfhip 
haunteth,  it  was  my  hap,  comming  into  Hogfden,  to  light 
vpon  a  houfe,  wherein  were  met  fuch  a  troupe  of  louers,  as,  had  not 
the  hall  been  wondrous  bigge,  a  multitude  mould  haue  been  forced 
to  ftand  without  dores.  Yet,  though  the  roume  was  fo  fpatious,  as  an 
armie  might  haue  lodged  therein  without  pefterment,  notwithftand- 
ing  it  was  fo  well  filled  at  this  inftant,  as  all  the  place  Hone/lie  could 
get  amongft  them  was,  to  fit  on  the  rafters  on  the  top  of  the  houfe, 
which  fitted  beft  my  humour,  that  defires  rather  to  fee  then  to  be 
feene.  There,  feated  in  my  Maieftie  (as  ready  to  heare  newes,  as  the 
pickthanke  is  forward  to  tell  newes),  I  might  eafely  perceaue  my 
louers  mated,  as  if  they  ment  to  make  Marche  birds,  euery  man 
hauing  his  fweete  hart,  and  euery  couple  their  corner.  There  were 
of  all  fortes,  and  in  many  manners  forted, — fome  batchelers  fewed  to 
widdowes,  others  to  maides;  widdowers  likewife  wooed  fome  maides, 
and  otherfome,  widdowes ;  there  was  age  and  youth  coupled  together, 
equalitie  of  yeares  courting  each  other,  and  diuerfity  of  difpofitions, 
arguing  to  make  a  fympathie. 

2  Amongft  them  I  lent  my  eares  firft  to  a  couple  that  had  chofen 
forth  the  moft  fecret  corner  in  the  houfe,  which  were  not  worft  fitted 
for  yeares ;  for  it  was  a  youth  of  three  and  twentie,  that  had  matched 
himfelfe  with  a  maide  of  eighteene ;  hee,  holding  her  vpon  his  knee, 
with  his  right  hand  clafping  hers,  &  his  left  about  her  middle,  made 
many  proffers  to  win  her  fauour,  and  breathed  many  fighes  to  mew 
his  louej  he  vowed  conftancie  with  proteftations,  and  confirmed  with 


sig.  B, 


52  The  passionate  Morrice. 

othes  the  pleadge  of  his  loyaltiej  he  mewed  her  how  long  he  had 
loued  her  before  he  durft  tel  her  of  his  affedtion,  how  many  iournies 
he  had  made  with  lofle  of  labour,  and  how  many  complaintes  to  the 
God  of  Loue,  not  finding  any  remedie.  Hee  made  her  priuie  to  the 
many  houres  he  had  at  fundrie  times  fpent  in  watching  to  haue  a 
fight  of  her,  fhewing  vnto  her  how  ioyfull  he  were,  had  he,  per- 
chance, but  feene  any  creature  belonging  to  her  fathers  houfe,  yea, 
were  it  but  the  little  dog  that  turned  the  fpit.  '  Many  times  (quoth 
he)  haue  I  lookt  vp  to  the  windowe,  imagining  I  haue  feene  thy 
pi&ure  engrauen  in  the  glafle,  when,  with  long  gafing  to  viewe  the 
true  portrature  thereof,  I  haue  at  laft  recalled  my  felfe,  by  letting  my 
foule  fee  how  mine  eyes  were  deceiued,  in  expecting  that  true  forme 
from  the  glafle,  which  was  onely  pictured  in  my  heart.  Then  would 
I  forrowe  to  my  felfe,  and  power  forth  fuch  paffions  into  the  ayre,  as 
my  heart,  being  ouer  loaded  with  the  extremitie  they  would  force, 
would  conftraine  me  to  fit  downe,  ending  my  fpeeche  with  fuch 
fighes,  as  my  breathed  forrowe  would  no  lefle  darken  the  ayre,  then 
a  miftie  fogge  doth  obfcure  the  fkie.  But  at  laft,  comming  to  my 
felfe,  I  would  returne  home,  locking  vp  my  felfe  within  my 
lodging,  a  clofe  prifoner  by  the  commandement  of  louej  where, 
to  pafle  away  the  time,  I  would  write  paflionate  lines,  amorous 
ditties,  pleafing  fancies,  pleafant  ronddelaies,  and  dolefull  drerelayes. 
Now  would  I  thinke  to  winne  thee  by  letters  j  anon  I  thought  it 
better  to  pen  fpeeches ;  but  fuddainely,  both  mifliking  mee,  I  would 
[•  sig.  B  2]  throwe  l  my  felfe  vppon  the  bed,  fo  long  thinking  which  way  to 
obtaine  thee,  as  in  the  end  I  mould  fall  into  a  llumber.  Yet,  amidfl 
my  reft,  my  thoughtes  concerning  thee  were  reftles  j  For  then  mould 
I  dreame  fometimes  thou  fpakeft  me  faire,  repaying  my  kindenes  with 
fweete  kifles,  granting  my  requefts,  and  forward  to  doe  my  will ;  but 
awaking  from  forth  that  foueraigne  elufion,  looking  to  finde  thee,  I 
fhould  feele  the  bed-poaftes,  that  hard  hap,  turning  my  glad  heart  to 
a  new  bread  forrow,  which  was  the  more  painefull,  by  how  much 
my  dreame  was  pleafing ;  at  another  time,  I  mould  thinke,  that  fuing 
to  thee  for  fauour,  thou  wouldeft  beftowe  frownes,  &  profering  my 
feruice,  thou  wouldft  offer  (kornes.  If  I  fighed,  thou  wouldft  fmile, 
laughing  at  my  teares,  and  ioying  at  my  griefe,  requiting  euery  kinde 
demande  with  fo  cruell  anfwers,  as  if  thy  bitter  words  could  not  force 


The  passionate  Morrice.  53 

me  to  leaue  my  fuite,  thy  {kornefull  farewels  mould  fruftrate  my  wil  j 
offering  to  touch  thine  hand,  mee  thought  thou  profereds[t]  thy  foote, 
and  ftouping  to  catch  that,  being  glad  of  any  thing,  thou  wouldft  in 
a  rage  fling  from  me,  and  leaue  the  doore  barred  againft  me.  There 
fhould  I  fit  till  my  teeth  chattered  in  my  head,  and  my  heart  aked  in 
my  bellie ;  then  fhould  I  lhake  for  colde,  and  figh  for  forrowe  j  when, 
thinking  to  knock  my  legges  againft  the  ground  to  get  heate,  I 
mould  kick  al  the  cloathes  off  me,  being  in  the  end  conftrained  to 
awake  through  colde.  At  what  time  that  colde  fare  would  better 
content  me,  then  the  former  flattering  cheare  did  pleafe  me,  being 
as  glad  it  was  falfe,  as  I  would  haue  been  glad  if  the  other  had  been 
true.  Many  like  to  thefe  did  I  endure  before  my  acquaintance  with 
thee,  not  knowing  any  meanes  how  to  obtaine  the  fame  of  thee, 
vntill  happely  finding  thee  in  a  fommers  euening  at  the  dore,  I  pre- 
fumed  to  enter  parlie  with  thee,  offering  my  felfe  your  feruant,  which 
had  been  a  tweluemoneth  your  fworne  fubieft,  doubting  of  your 
patiewce,  though  you  feeme  to  be  a  patterne  of  pittie.  How,  and 
after  what  order  I  haue  fince  that  time  befought  your  fauour,  your 
felfe  fhall  l  be  my  iudge,  for  I  lift  not  to  rehearfe  my  dayly  fhiftes  to  C1  *s-  B  a, 
fliewe  my  zeale,  my  manyfolde  conclusions  to  obtaine  your  companie, 
my  giftes  to  wooe  the  feruants,  and  my  prefents  to  gaine  your  good 
will.  But  to  be  briefe,  thereby  to  come  to  that  I  like  beft,  one 
whole  yeare  I  loued  thee  before  thou  kneweft  me,  &  three  more  are 
pafled  fince  firft  I  fpake  to  thee  j  yet  then  was  I  as  neare  as  now  I 
am,  and  now  as  farre  off  as  I  was  then.  Say,  therefore,  fweete, 
fince  to  ftay  longer  yeelds  but  little  comfort,  fhall  my  fuite  now  end 
with  the  verdit,  You  loue  me  ? ' 

To  which  long  preamble,  fhut  vp  with  fo  whot  a  conclufion,  fhe 
no  leffe  prepared  herfelfe  to  anfwere  him,  then  Frier  Tuck  vfed  cere- 
monies before  he  fong  mattens.  She  caft  her  eyes  vp  to  Heauen,  as 
if  fhe  had  been  making  her  praiers  to  loue,  fighing  fo  bitterly,  as  I 
thought  hir  placket  lace  would  haue  broken ;  then  to  the  matter  thus 
fhe  anfwered :  '  Alas,  gentle  fir,  I  muft  confeffe  I  haue  found  you 
kinde,  and  you  haue  been  at  a  great  deale  more  coft  then  I  could  wifh 
you  had  5  your  fuite  hath  been  long,  and  my  kindenes  not  much,  nor 
doe  I  hope  you  expe6t  more  at  my  hands  then  you  haue  had,  before 
my  friends  haue  granted  their  good  will.  Maidens  are  modeft,  and 


54 


The  passionate  Morrice. 


I 


orig.  nor] 


muft  not  bee  prodigall  of  their  courtefiej  children  are  bound,  and 
cannot  confent  without  their  parents  counfell ;  pardon  mee,  there- 
fore, I  pray  you,  if  I  fay  I  loue  you  not,  fince  my  father  knowes  you 
not  j  and  thinke  not  much  if  I  defire  you  to  leaue  to  loue  mee,  vntill 
my  mother  giue  me  leaue  to  like  of  you.  At  which  time,  affure 
your  felfe  I  will  bee  as  ready  to  performe  your  will,  as  they  ihall 
be  forward  to  wifh  me  that  goodj  and  thus,  in  the  meane 
time,  I  hope  you  will  reft  fatiffied.'  This  was  a  fhroade  bone 
for  my  paffionate  youth  to  gnawe  on,  that  being  fo  ftrucken  on  the 
head  as  his  heart  aked  therewith,  thought  to  eafe  his  forrowe  with 
this  replie :  'Ah, my  fweeteft  fweete  (quoth  hee),  Thinke  not  on  thy 
fathers  counfel,  feeing  a  greater  friend  craueth  his  deferte,  nor  let  me 
reft  their  leafure  without  pitie,  that  hath  thus  long  remained 
sig.  B  3]  conftant  vnto  athee.  I  loue  thee  not2  for  thy  freendes  fake,  though  I 
loue  them  for  thy  fakej  nor  doe  thou  lothe  me  for  their  pleafure 
that  liues  but  at  thy  pleafure.  But,  fweete  and  foueraigne  of  my  hart, 
as  thy  thoughts  be  not  tied  to  their  wils,  fo  let  not  thy  loue  be  linked 
fo  faft  to  their  liking,  as  their  miflike  mould  end  my  life  by  remouing 
thy  loue.  Say,  my  goddeffe — '  and  therewithal!,  as  he  was  proceeding, 
{he  cut  off  the  reft  with  this  fhort  anfwere :  '  I  befeech  you,  fir,  to 
leaue  off  your  courting,  vnleffe  you  entend  fome  other  conclufion  then 
as  yet  I  can  gather  j  for,  of  my  faith,  loue  you  I  wil  not,  nor  confent ; 
I  dare  not,  without  my  freends  giue  their  confents  firft  j '  and  there- 
upon (he  thrufted  through  the  throng,  and  poafted  out  of  doores, 
leaning  my  paffionate  louer  to  fay  his  pater  nofter  alone  j  where  we 
will  leaue  them. 

What  I  thought  I  will  tell  you,  and  I  hope  you  will  not  doubt  of 
the  matter,  for  that  Honeflie  fpeakes  it.  One  yeeres  loue  without 
acquaintance,  and  three  yeeres  fuite  to  be  neuer  the  neerer  j  either  he 
was  a  bad  lawyer,  or  me  a  monftrous  vniuft  iudge  j  but  be  it,  both  a 
paffionate  Affe,  and  a  peeuifh  wench  were  well  met.  But  marke  his 
folly  and  her  cunning  j  he,  building  Caftles  in  the  aire,  and  fetting 
trappes  in  the  Sunne  to  catch  the  fhadowe  of  a  coye  queane,  was 
pleafed  by  her,  with  wagging  his  bawble  and  ringing  his  bell,  while 
me  pickt  his  pocket  and  cut  his  purfle.  A  proper  peece  of  feruice  of 
a  paffionate  Souldier,  and  a  prettie  fleight  of  a  flattering  Slut  j  I 
would  we  had  more  of  them,  nay,  why  wifh  I  that,  fince  the  worlde 


The  passionate  Morrice.  55 

is  too  full  of  fuch  alreadie  ?  Yet,  of  my  honefty,  fhe  was  as  fitte  a 
match  for  fuch  a  foole  as  might  be  found  in  the  worlde.  A  great 
deale  of  fond  fancie  repaied  with  a  fharpe  fhorte  denial!,  and 
three  yeeres  affection  rewarded  with  an  ounce  of  flatterie,  mingled 
with  a  pound  of  difcurtefie,  a  good  cordiall  to  comfort  fo  kinde  a 
hart.  Oh,  the  fubtilty  of  the  diuell,  that  vnder  the  ftiadow  of  obedience 
couers  the  craft  of  cofonage.  It  is  hotte  loue  that  buildes  on  freendes 
liking,  and  peftilent  affection  that  relies  rather  on  the  mothers  '  loue,  [i  s;g.  B  3, 
then  on  the  Louers  loyaltie.  Such  as  ftands  fo  curioufly  on  their 
Parents  good  will,  hauing  dealt  fo  craftily  without  their  confent,  are 
worthie,  by  Hone/lies  doome,  to  Hand  in  a  Cage,  vntill  either  their 
freends  good  will  be  got,  or  her  fweet  harts  licence  obtained  for  her 
deliuerie.  And  this  is  too  good,  for  that  the  kinde  Afle  wil  too  too 
foone  releafe  her ;  I  thinke  this  punifhment  would  be  worfe  welcome 
vnto  her,  namely,  that  fhe  be  bound  from  mariage,  fo  long  as  fhe 
hath  kept  him  without  his  anfwere,  which  will  fo  pinche  her  prodi- 
gall  defire,  as  either  fhe  will  forfweare  honeftie,  or  neuer  commit  the 
like  knauerie.  Oh,  there  is  a  companie  of  minions  which  delight  to 
haue  many  futors,  that  they  may  bragge  amongft  their  mates  of  their 
diuerfitie  of  louers  j  they  thinke  it  commendable  to  haue  ftore  of 
cuftomers.  But  knewe  they  fo  much  as  I  know,  they  were  better  to 
goe  once  in  a  fortnight  to  Greenes  Cunnyberries,  then  to  haue  fuch 
reforte  to  haunt  their  companies. 

Honejlie  honours  the  confent  of  Parents,  but  abhorres  fuch  loue 
as  is  built  on  their  liking ;  if  there  be  no  remedie  but  that  either  they 
fhall  like,  or  thou  wilt  not  loue,  let  him  haue  thy  Fathers  good  will 
before  he  obtaines  thy  countenance ;  for  doubtles  fhe  that  will  enter- 
taine  louers,  and  repay  their  courting  with  kindenes,  will  care  as  little 
for  her  freends  counfell,  hapning  on  a  mate  fhe  can  fancie,  as  the 
horfe  wil  for  haye,  that  hath  his  manger  full  of  prouender.  And, 
what  is  the  caufe  why  fo  many  flande  fo  curioufly  on  their  freends 
confent  ?  nought,  forfooth,  but  the  prefumption  of  a  double  baite, 
that  being  fure  of  their  countenance,  they  may  be  affured  of  an 
other  dinner  if  their  owne  likes  them  not  j  or  otherwife  to  haue  a 
hole  to  hide  a  Fox  in,  for  that  her  owne  denne  is  not  fecret  enough. 
If  her  Hufband  controlle  her  for  any  mifdemeanour,  or  reproue  her 
of  any  difhoneft  behauiour,  then  on  goes  her  pantoples,  building  the 


56  The  passionate  Morrice. 

reckoning  of  her  honefty  on  her  fathers  countenance,  fo  far  prefuming 
of  his  bounden  duetie  for  the  match  making,  as  if  he  kept  the  keye 
[i  leaf  B  4]  of  l  her  hufwiferie.  Her  long  toung  vtters  large  fpeeches,  ftanding  at 
defiance  vnder  the  banner  of  her  Fathers  defence,  and  his  houfe  muft 
be  her  Caftell  to  keepe  her  from  her  Hulband.  This  is  the  commoditie 
a  man  fhall  reap  by  fuch  a  match ;  and  this  is  their  meaning  that 
would  couer  their  rebellion  with  the  cloak  of  obedience.  Is  not  he 
wel  preferred  that  is  fo  well  married  ?  and  how  can  he  mend  it  ? 
Marry,  no  way  but  this,  that  he  which  is  mated  with  the  like  incon- 
uenience,  to  learne  more  wit  againft  the  next  time,  firming,  in  the 
meane  time,  to  pleafe  both  her  and  her  freends,  fince  he  had  fo 
much  reafon  to  woo  both  her  freends  and  her,  to  be  bound  to  fo  bad 
a  bargaine. 

It  is  follie  (quoth  a  wife  man)  to  be  forrowful  for  things  irre- 

couerable,  and  Hone/lie  thinkes  it  madnes  to  repent  for  deedes  done, 

whereof  her  felfe  is  culpable ;  can  any  man  be  fo  witles  (efpecially  in 

matter  wherein  wifedome  is  fo  much  required)  as  to  doe,  and  wifh 

vndoone  in  a  moment  ?  yea,  doubtles,  Hone/lie  knowes  fuch,  they 

being  the  hotte  fpurres  of  our  age,  that  thinke  euery  day  a  twelue 

jnoneth  vntill  they  be  married ;  and  after  they  are  matched,  euery 

houre  feauen  yeeres  vntill  they  are  parted.     It  was  hotte  loue  that 

will  be  fo  foone  colde,  fome  of  you  will  fay ;  but  I  fay,  if  it  had  been 

hot  loue  (as  it  was  burning  luft),  it  would  not  haue  been  fo  foone 

colde.     For  whereas  the  prouerb  goes,  that  hot  loue  wil  le  foone  colde, 

it  is  ment  by  fuch  affection  as  wants  matter  therby  to  continue  longer. 

For  as  that  is  the  pureft  wood  which  yeelds  the  perfefteft  heat,  and 

the  purer  it  is,  the  fooner  it  wilbe  it  own  deftru6tion,  leauing  the 

fitters  by  without   fire,  vnles  a  frelh  fupply  be  as  neede  requires 

added, — fo  wil  our  hotte  loue  (whofe  kindled  affection  is  come  vnto 

it  perfection,  the  hart  being  on  fuch  a  blaze,  as  euery  part  of  it  is  on 

a  light  flame,)  decay  (as  reafon  and  nature  requireth),  vnles  new 

faggots  of  kindenes  adde  frefh  matter  for  fiering,  the  fupply  thereof 

remouing  all  fufpition  of  want  of  affection.     How  pure  the  loue  is 

where  there  is  fo  light  a  regarde  of  proffered  kindenes,  as  '  my  Fathers 

.2  leaf  B  4,    will,'  or  '  my  Mothers  leaue '  muft  be  a  Spurre  2to  my  liking,  let  euery 

one  iudge  that  knowes  loue. 

But,  in  my  opinion,  as  I  confeffe  that  the  duetie  we  owe  to  our 


The  passionate  Morrice. 


57 


Parents  may  doo  muche  where  the  knowledge  thereof  bindes  to 
obeye  -,  fo  muft  I  confirme  that  loue  is  a  duetie,  himfelfe  binding  to 
fo  great  obedience,  and  tying  with  fuch  ftrong  conuaiances,  as  he 
remoues  all  thoughts  of  lower  dueties  j  I,  tearming  al  dueties  lower, 
for  that  by  commaundement  thofe  dueties  muft  be  reiected  in  refpe6t 
of  the  louing  duetie  that  a  Hulband  lhall  require.  Now,  how  far 
my  nice  Minion  was  from  knowing  this  duetie,  her  coye  demeanour 
and  cunning  behauiour  hath  manifefted.  Yet  how  happie  was  my 
youth  at  laft  to  be  rid  of  fuch  a  monfter  !  And  monfter  may  I 
tearme  her,  in  refpeft  of  her  lewde  behauiour  j  for  was  it  not  much 
better  that  her  inconftancie  mould  haue  beene  knowen  before  he  was 
faft  linked  vnto  her,  then  it  mould  haue  beene  found  when  it 
had  been  incurable  ?  Doubtles  it  was  a  good  caufe  he  had  to 
double  his  orifons  vnto  loue,  for  fo  louingly  preferuing  him  from  fo 
peftilent  a  prittie-bird, — I  mould  haue  faid  pricking-burre,  or  paultry 
bauble. 

BUt  to  come  to  my  fecond  couple,  which  were  feated  oppofite  to 
thefe  in  an  other  corner,  being  a  luftle  widdower  that  was 
courting  a  gallant  wench,  both  of  them  being  highly  beholding  to 
nature  for  her  liberall  (kill  in  their  making,  which  were  thus  placed : 
She  was  fet  down,  ouerlooked  by  him  ftanding  before  her,  hauing 
one  of  his  hands  leaning  on  her  lap,  and  the  other  refting  on  the  wal, 
hauing  therby  (as  I  gefle)  the  more  libertie  to  vfe  his  pleafure, 
in  beftowing  kinde  kifles  and  louing  fauours ;  fo  he  was  feated,  and 
thus  he  began  to  fue :  '  Faire  Maide  (quoth  he),  I  know  my  experi- 
ence to  be  greater  then  your  practife,  for  that  I  haue  tried,  rules  me 
by  reafon  ;  hauing  loued  and  lined  with  my  loue,  vntill  by  the  fates  I 
was  bereaued  of  that  fruit,  fo  well  liked  I  of  my  laft  loffe,  as  my 
former  good  hap  breeds  an  affured  hope  of  the  like  good  fortune, 
that  being  a  helpe  to  further  my  will,  and  a  meane  to  make  a  new 
choife  5  which  change,  what  good  it  fhal  yeeld,  l  your  felfe  ihall  chal-  [>  sig.  C] 
lenge,  whofe  good  reporte  hath  bound  me  to  commence  my  deferts, 
to  receiue  their  cenfure  by  your  doome.  To  boaft  what  I  am,  were 
friuolous,  for  that  your  freends  are  alreadie  priuie  to  my  eftate  j  and  to 
fay  how  well  I  loue  you,  were  booteles,  for  that  women  loue  to  trie 
ere  they  truft ;  yet,  vnles  I  mould  fay  more  then  I  haue  faide,  I 
mould  feeme  to  fay  nothing ;  though  to  fay  more  then  is  fpoken 


58  The  passionate  Morrice. 

already,  were  meerely  foolifh.  For  thus  ftands  the  cafe :  I  haue  made 
choife  of  you  for  my  fecond  wife,  and  haue  already  your  freends  good 
will  3  there  refles  therefore  nothing  but  a  confirmation  of  your  duetie, 
in  agreeing  to  that  they  haue  confirmed : '  thus  comming  to  a  full 
point,  he  clofed  vp  his  period  with  a  brace  of  fmirking  kifies,  which 
wrought  with  his  Louer,  as  a  ftrong  pyll  dooth  with  a  fore  ficke 
patient  j  namely,  they  forced  her  to  anfwere  him  thus  fhrewdely : 
'The  aflurance  of  your  good  fortune,  Sir,  hath  made  you  highly 
beholden  to  her  deitie,  that  dauncing  in  the  morrice  of  good  matches, 
you  mould  be  led  by  her  to  fo  good  hap  j  but,  belike,  it  was  ouer  good 
to  continue  long,  either  her  kindenes  being  ouermatched  with  your 
vnconftancie,  or  your  good  happe  ouer  ruled  by  fortunes  cruelty ; 
They  euer  change,  and  lightly,  neuer  but  for  the  worfe ;  which  the 
rather  feemes  fo  vnto  me,  by  the  fure  knowledge  I  haue  of  your 
fecond  choice,  that  is  fo  far  vnequall  to  your  reported  firft  match,  as 
I  know  your  liking  would  not  remain  long,  or  my  mifliking  would 
come  too  too  foone ;  becaufe  I  am  not  able  to  follow  what  your  firft 
wife  hath  performed,  and  you  will  be  vnwilling  to  beare  with  the 
wants  your  fecond  choice  muft  be  enriched  with.  But,  peraduenture, 
I  miftake  your  meaning ;  for  whereas  I  thinke  you  fue  to  haue  me 
to  your  fecond  wife,  you  feeke  but  to  haue  my  good  wil  to  Hue  with 
my  freends  j  alas,  good  fir,  my  duetie  (as  you  fay)  muft  not  gainfay 
their  pleafure,  nor  will  I,  for  that  matter  j  but  with  all  my  hart,  if  you 
haue  their  licence  for  your  boord,  haue  my  good  wilt  to  obtaine  your 
bed  there  alfo,  for  their  houfe  is  at  their  owne  commaun dement.' 
'  &ig.  C,  '  Then  doubt  I  not  (replyed  he)  to  '  haue  you  for  my  bedfellow.' 
'But  that  doubt  I  (anfwered  me),  for  that  I  know  the  contrary.' 
'  Why  dare  you  (quoth  he)  to  difobay  your  Fathers  commaunde- 
ment ? '  'No  (fayd  me),  fo  it  be  for  my  commoditie.'  ' It  fhall  be 
both  for  your  profile  and  preferment.'  '  Make  me  to  beleeue  that 
(quoth  Ihe),  and  then,  peraduenture,  it  may  be  a  bargaine.'  '  Why, 
woman  (faide  he),  I  deferue  your  better.'  'Take  her  (anfwered  fhe), 
and  I  will  not  be  matched  to  your  inferiour.'  '  Why,  then,  I  fee  you 
do  fcant  loue  me  ?  '  '  I  vfe  it  not  (quoth  fhe),  and  yet  I  fweare  I 
will  mocke  you,  rather  then  marrie  with  you.'  With  which,  being 
highly  difpleafed,  he  beftowed  three  or  foure  crabbed  tearmes,  being 
liueries  of  his  cholerick  long  toung,  and  fo  departed. 


The  passionate  Morrice.  59 

A  fhame  goewith  him,  thought  Hone/lie,  whatfoeuer  fhe  thought, 
and  with  all  fuch  Louers  !  louers,  with  a  halter, — lubbers,  I  may 
better  tearme  them.  What  monflrous  matches  are  fuch  as  are 
fhuffled  vp  after  the  felfe  fame  order  !  Suppofe  fhe  had  beene  feare- 
full,  and  durft  not  to  haue  refitted  the  receipt  of  what  me  lothed ; 
imagine  fhe  had  beene  foolifh,  and  could  not  haue  iudged  of  affec- 
tion ?  thinke  fhe  had  beene  forward,  and  would  haue  beene  glad  of 
any  one  ?  alas  !  poore  wretch,  I  pittie  the  fuppofition ;  what  fhould 
I  haue  faid  to  the  confirmation  ?  I  know  alTuredly  fhe  fhould  haue 
fighed,  whatfoeuer  I  had  faide ;  and  mourning  fhould  haue  been  her 
companion,  what  ere  had  been  my  communication  :  he  would  haue 
daunfl  with  her  portion,  while  fhe  had  drooped  through  want 
of  affedion ;  he  would  haue  loathed  her  company,  for  that  fhe  was 
not  a  dayly  commoditie  j  her  life  fhould  haue  been  like  the  hacknies 
that  are  at  euery  mans  commaundement  for  the  hire,  and  her  ioy  as 
momentary  as  the  florifhing  greene  grafTe  in  luly.  Pitifully  fhould 
fhe  haue  liued,  punifhed  by  him  without  pitie :  and  this  is  my  reafon 
of  the  poffibilitie  j  for  that  it  is  naofl  likely  he  loued  her  not,  &  how 
well  any  body  vfe  them  they  loue  not,  let  them  fpeake  that  fufpeft 
not.  Now,  that  he  loued  her  not,  may  be  proued  both  by  his  kinde  of 
wrong,  careleflye  fuing  vnto  her,  peremptorily  vafurping  her  Fathers  [isig.  Ga] 
authoritie,  which  was  a  band  to  tye  her  to  obedience,  though  a  bad 
meane  to  obtaine  her  curtefie.  For  affection  is  not  to  be  limitted, 
nor  loue  to  be  compelled  j  but,  coratrarily,  hatred  followes  feare,  and 
feare  forerunnes  miflikej  and  how  we  loue  thofe  we  regarde  not, 
iudge  they  that  woo  and  obtaine  not.  But  this  cuflome  is  too  com- 
mon and  ouer  cruell,  namely,  a  wooing  of  freends,  and  a  conflraint 
of  loue,  I  would  not  fay  compelling,  but  for  feare  it  fhould  haue 
been  taken  for  compelling.  Were  Hone/lie  a  luflice,  they  fhould 
either  lye  in  the  flockes  a  fortnight,  or  marry  her  I  would  match 
him  with,  which  fhould  feeke  a  wife  after  this  order.  I  thinke, 
verily,  he  would  rather  flay  his  flint  by  the  heeles,  then  be  bound  to 
the  other  inconuenience ;  and  yet  he  could  finde  in  his  hart  to  binde 
another  to  the  bad  bargaine.  This  is  charitie,  yea,  &  neuer  a  whit  of 
honeflie,  being  fo  farre  from  ciuilitie,  as  the  Millers  craft  is  from  true 
dealing.  Now,  truely  truly,  to  deale  as  we  would  be  dealt  with,  is 
fent  to  the  hedge  a  begging,  and  neighbourly  loue  is  made  a  hacknie, 


6o 


The  passionate  Morrtce. 


C1  Sig.  C  2, 

back] 


being  fo  worne  to  the  bones  with  feeking  a  good  Maifter,  as  his  fkinne 
will  hang  on  the  bufh  fhortely. 

I  haue  heard  a  reporte  of  a  paffing  kinde  man  that  complained  of 
his  wife  at  a  Seffions  for  piffing  a  pot  full,  iudging  thereby  me  was 
difhoneflj  and  that  fame  man  fhortly  after  burying  his  wife,  fued  to 
a  maide,  after  the  manner  aforefaid ;  he  had  obtained  her  freends 
good  will,  and  were  at  a  point  for  the  Maidens  louej  yet  on  a  time 
(he  was  troubled  with  the  head-ake  at  his  being  with  her,  whereof 
he  fo  mifliked,  as  in  the  morning  he  went  to  the  Phifitions  to  haue 
their  opinions  to  what  difeafe  it  coulde  turne,  and  vpon  their  reporte 
left  her.  I  am  aflured  I  haue  erred  in  no  point,  vnleffe  I  haue  mif- 
tooke  the  laft,  putting  the  Phifitions  opinion  in  the  roome  of  his 
owne  bad  meaning  :  it  was  no  difeafe,  indeede,  that  mifliked  or  mifled 
him,  but  it  was  of  the  Fathers  purffe,  not  of  the  Daughters  head  j 
well,  (he  was  well  prouided  for  in  miffing  of  him,  and  if  he  fped  any 
thing  the  better,  let  him  boaft  of  it  5  but  1  Hone/lie  can  iudge  no 
better  of  the  remnant  of  his  companions,  then  his  a6tion  giues  the 
verdict  of  him,  which  is  as  bad  as  may  be. 

But  to  another  that  hapned  on  one  that  had  the  toothake,  with  whom 
he  would  not  marry  for  feare  the  hollownefle  of  her  tooth  fhould 
corrupt  her  breath,  and  fo  annoye  his  colde  flomack.  It  was  colde 
indeede,  and  I  would  fuch  ftomacks  might  be  heated  with  redde 
hotte  gold,  as  cheerfull  as  fcalding  leade.  Well,  to  a  third :  he  liked 
her  parents  wel,  for  that  they  were  honeft  &  godly,  and  as  well  of 
the  maiden,  becaufe  (he  feemed  modeft ;  to  be  breef,  he  could  find 
no  faulte  in  either  of  them,  onely  his  feare  was  that  the  Daughter 
would  be  fomewhat  fhrewifh,  for  that  fhe  had  a  long  nofe,  and 
thereupon  gaue  her.  ouer.  If  her  nofe  had  beene  long  enough,  I 
think  fhe  might  haue  fmelt  a  knaue,  but  I  am  afTured  fhe  knewe  a 
churle,  and  fo  let  her  claime  him  wherefoeuer  fhe  fees  him.  Yet 
one  more  of  the  fame  ftampe,  and  fo  we  will  leaue  them.  This  was 
a  wooer  in  graine,  who  had  gone  fo  far,  as  they  were  at  next  doore 
to  be  afkt  in  the  Church.  The  wedding  apparel  was  bought,  the 
day  appointed,  yea,  and  I  may  tel  you,  many  of  ike  geffe  bid,  only 
there  was  no  affurance,  for  that  he  abhorred ;  but  it  fortuned  that 
before  the  day  there  dyed  a  rich  man  that  left  a  welthie  widdow,  to 
whom  he  made  fo  fecret  loue,  as  he  wonne  her  good  will  within  a 


The  passionate  Morrice.  61 

fortnight  after  the  death  of  his  predeceffour  >  well,  notwithftanding, 
to  faue  his  counterfeit  credit  and  preferue  his  hypocriticall  honeftie, 
he  reforted  dayly  to  his  olde  fweete  hart,  with  whom  vpon  fome  fmal 
reafon  he  fel  at  ods,  vfing  her  fo  vnkindly  in  fpeeches,  as  he  drew 
teares  for  forrow.  Glad  of  this,  though  turning  his  earneft  into  ieft, 
he  called  her  vnto  him,  in  the  prefence  of  many  of  her  Fathers  fer- 
uants  j  then  fwearing  that  if  fhe  tooke  him  not  about  the  necke  & 
kitted  him,  he  would  neuer  marry  with  her  as  long  as  he  liued. 
Which  the.  yong  Gentlewoman  refufed  to  doe,  partely  for  that  he 
had  iniured  her  highly,  but  the  rather  leaft  fuch  fondnes  mould  feeme 
immodeftie  to  the  feruants ;  vpon  whofe  denial,  in  a  great l  fame  he  t1  si&  C  3] 
flung  forth  of  the  doores,  and  in  a  rage  as  if  of  fpight,  within  one 
fortnight  after  he  matcht  with  the  widdowe  aforefaid.  But  to 
tell  you  what  a  life  fhe  lead  with  him,  were  to  hunt  from  the  purpofe  j 
yet  affure  yourfelfe  it  was  fo  bad,  as  the  world  iudged  this  maid 
neuer  better  bleft  then  in  not  being  beftowed  ne  caft  away  vpon 
him. 

Such,  and  of  the  fame  forte,  are  thefe  money- woers,  that  fue  firft 
to  the  Father,  to  faue  labour  j  for,  fpeede  they  will  j  and  if  they  miffe 
in  one  place,  they  knowe  another  where  they  will  practife.  And 
how  can  it  be  iudged  otherwife,  feeing  their  meaning  in  vfing  that 
meane  importes  no  lefle  ?  for,  thinke  they, '  if  I  haue  the  Fathers  good 
will,  the  daughter  will  be  eafilie  wonne j  and  if  I  miffe  of  his,  I  faue 
that  time  and  labour,  in  fuing  to  the  maide,  befides  the  giftes  I  mould 
beftowe.'  Ha,  ha  !  I  haue  him  by  fent :  and  what  thinke  you  of  him  ? 
in  faith,  no  otherwife  then  Hone/lie  beleeues.  You  fmell  a  Foxe  ?  I, 
and  a  ranke  one  too,  whofe  breach  is  fo  ftainde  with  this  gilding 
matter,  as  it  may  eafely  bee  iudged  what  muck  hee  loues.  Alas ! 
good  hearts,  that  are  coupled  with  fuch  bad  mindes,  this  is  loue ;  true ; 
but  what  loue?  couetous  loue,  hatefull  diflimulation,  hipocriticall 
afFe6tion,  and  what  not  that  is  contrarie  to  the  fweete  foueraigne 
loue,  which  fues  for  kifles  and  not  for  coyne,  which  craues  the  heart 
&  nothing  elfej  for  with  it,  al  fhe  hath  is  his;  and  he  that  wil  looke 
for  more,  I  would  he  had  a  halter  j  and  he  mall  not  want  it  in  hell, 
howfoeuer  he  fpeedes  here.  Fie,  fie  !  mariages,  for  the  moft  part,  are 
at  this  day  fo  made,  as  looke  how  the  butcher  bies  his  cattel,  fo  wil 
men  fel  their  children.  He  that  bids  moft  fhal  fpeed  fooneft  j  &  fo  he 


6 a  The  passionate  Morrice. 

hath  money,  we  care  not  a  fart  for  his  honeftie.  Well,  it  hath  not 
been  fo,  and  I  hope  it  wil  not  be  long  fo  j  &  I  wil  afliire  you,  loues 
common-wealth  wil  neuer  florifh  vntil  it  be  otherwife.  Why,  it  is  a 
common  pradize  to  afke  the  father  what  hee  will  giue  with  his 
childej  and  what  is  that  differing  from  cheapening  an  Oxe  ?  And  it 
is  as  common,  that  if  fhe  be  fat,  it  is  a  bargaine,  but  if  leane,  fhe 
muft  ftay  another  cuftomer.  Out,  alas  !  what  loue  is  this  ?  in  faith,  if 
ig.  c  3,  I1  might  haue  fped  better  in  another  place,  come  to  notice  after  I 

ikl 

haue  bought  your  daughter,  me  mail  pay  for  it,  or  I  will  make  dice 
on  her  bones.  A  pittifull  partenerfhip,  where  there  is  no  greater  loue ; 
and  how  can  but  one  of  them  be  vndone  ?  He  will  vfe  her  ill, 
becaufe  he  loues  her  not;  and  fhee  cannot  loue  him  for  not  vfing  her 
well ;  for  whome  we  feare  we  hate,  and  what  then  ?  Hee  will 
praftife  her  ende ;  (he  will  wifh  his  death ;  and  while  they  liue  together, 
it  will  be  fo  full  of  heartbreakings  through  quarrels  and  contentions, 
as  woe  to  them  both,  I,  and  to  the  third  too,  that  was  fo  forward  to 
make  fo  bad  a  matche.  But,  howfoeuer  they  two  fpeede,  I  am 
affured  fhee  will  fpeede  worfe :  as  for  hir  hufband,  he  will  not  want 
excufes  to  defend  his  knaueriej  and  hir  Father  muft  beleeue  him, 
becaufe  of  hir  former  credit  giuen  vnto  him  j  fo  that  contented  flie 
muft  be,  how  difcontented  fo  euer  she  Hues ;  and  beare  it  fhe 
muft,  vntill  her  hart  breake ;  which  happie  day  muft  ende  her  miferie, 
and  fet  my  craftie  wooer  at  libertie. 

Thus  much  for  my  fecond  corner :  arid  now  to  my  third  couple, 
which  were  ciuilly  feated  on  a  benche  together,  they  being,  the  one  a 
batcheler,  and  the  other  a  widdowe,  which  was  wooed  by  him  after 
this  like  order :  '  It  were  follie,  forfeeth  (quoth  he),  to  vfe  circum- 
flances,  fince  you  are  fo  well  acquainted  with  the  like  pra&ize ;  but 
to  leaue  them  and  come  to  the  matter,  which  is  (as  I  thinke)  the  beft 
meane  to  pleafe  vs  both,  you  fhall  vnderftand  that  vpon  the  good 
reporte  your  honeft  life  hath  deferued,  I  haue  conceiued  fo  good 
liking  of  you,  as  I  fhould  thinke  my  felfe  happie  if  I  fhould  fpeede 
no  worffe.'  '  I  thanke  you  (anfwered  fhe)  for  your  good  will ;  but 
furely,  Sir,  I  thinke  you  haue  deceiued  your  felfe.  For,  peraduenture, 
you  imagine,  or  it  hath  been  vntruely  reported,  that  I  am  the  woman, 
which  indeede  I  am  not ;  namely,  ritche,  for  that  my  deceafed  huf- 
band made  fome  fhowe  to  the  world  j  but  if  that  bee  your  thought,  I 


The  passionate  Morrice.  63 

aflure  you  you  are  deceiued.'  '  You  miflake  my  meaning  (replied 
hee),  for  it  is  no  fuch  matter ;  I  re1fpe6t  not  fo  much  your  wealth,  as  ['  leaf  04] 
I  doo  your  matronlike  modeftie  j  my  felfe  is  young,  and  I  haue  a 
trade,  and  am,  I  thanke  God,  of  my  felfe  able  to  maintaine  a  woman. 
But  I  doo  rather  defire  to  match  with  your  like,  then  with  a  younger, 
for  that  you  knowe  better  both  what  belongs  to  a  man,  as  alfo  to  vfe 
thriftely  what  I  get.  And,  moreouer,  my  felfe  is  not  fo  young,  but 
that  I  am  meeter  to  match  with  a  widdowe  then  to  marrie  with  a 
maide,  and  would  be  moft  glad  if  it  might  be  my  good  happe  to 
fpeede  with  you.'  '  I  cannot  tell  (quoth  me)  what  your  good  fpeede 
may  be ;  I  knowe  you  not,  and  therefore  I  hope  you  will  giue  me 
leaue  to  enquire  of  you ;  which  done,  I  will  fend  you  your  anfwere  by 
fuch  a  day;  in  the  meane  time,  I  wifh  you  well.' 

I,  mary,  Hone/lie,  &  what  then  ?  no  marry  thefe :  forth  fhe  went 
to  her  broker,  to  will  him  to  fearch  after  his  fubftance,  vfing  that 
manner  which  vfurers  can  beft  difclofe,  which  is  their  pra&ife  in  put- 
ting forth  their  money.  This  was  a  pafling  commodities  for  what 
better  then  a  ritche  widdowe  ?  but  that  foolifh  enquirie  fpoyled  all  j 
had  fhee  thankt  him  heartily,  defired  farther  libertie,  and  had  made 
fearch  into  his  eftate  fecretly,  {hee  had  mewed  her  felfe  the  wifer ; 
but  fo  bluntly  to  faie,  '  giue  mee  leaue  to  enquire  of  you,'  mewed  as 
bad  bringing  vp  as  might  bee  poffible.  But,  tut !  I  like  her  the  better, 
becaufe  fhe  could  not  diffemble  j  for  {he,  alas !  did  but  followe  the 
common  trade,  dooing  with  the  ape  but  what  fhe  had  feene  done 
before  her.  She  had  heard  her  hufband  inftru6t  his  prentices  to 
make  a  profit,  and  fhe  thought  fhe  might  trie  the  fame  for  her  own 
good.  I  would  fh.ee  and  others  knewe  what  was  good  for  them  j  they 
would  then  rather  refped  the  man  then  money.  But  this  couetouf- 
nes  fpoyles  all,  though  'I  would  I  had  more,'  is  too  much  in  our 
mouthes ;  for,  followed  fhe  not  the  greedie  defire  of  adding  muck  to 
muck,  might  fhee  not  as  well  haue  liued  with  this  man,  that  had  a 
trade  as  good,  yea,  much  better  then  her  hufbands  was,  as  fhee  did 
before  with  him  ?  Shee  had  no  children  $  fuppofe  fhe  had,  they  2  were  f*  leaf  c  4, 
prouided  for  wellj  and  what  greater  charge  woulde  this  haue 
brought  ?  he  had  a  care  to  liue,  or  elfe  hee  would  haue  fought  to 
loue  without  refpe6t;  for  who  knowes  not  that  fhe  is  as  able 
to  fatiffie  a  mans  defire  that  hath  little,  as  fhe  that  hath  much, 


64  The  passionate  Morrice. 

if  we  onely  regarde  pleafure  ?  Take  this  on  Hone/lies  credit,  that 
hee  that  buildes  his  loue  on  fuch  reafon,  as  hauing  little,  hee  will 
chofe  one  that  hath  fomewhat,  wil  proue  a  better  match  vnto  thee, 
then  him  that  brings  mountaines.  Beware  when  loue  is  vpholden 
with  maintenance  ;  if  the  heart  remembers, '  I  am  thus  much  beholden 
vnto  her,  fhee  loued  mee  or  elfe  fhee  would  neuer  haue  matcht  with 
me  j  {he  made  me  a  man,  being  before  worfe  then  nothing ;  how 
much  better  might  fhe  haue  done,  if  me  had  not  been  led  with 
affection,'  and  fuch  like ;  It  will  alfo  remember  the  duetie  this 
kindenes  requireth,  euen  like  for  like,  leaft  the  worfe  crie  fhame  of 
him.  How  happie  fhould  parents  be,  were  this  in  their  remembrance 
at  their  mariges  making  !  how  bleffed  mould  their  children  be,  if 
the  like  practifes  were  vfed  !  and  what  a  florifhing  commonwealth 
would  that  be,  where  equalitie  of  birth  (which  alwaies  fhould  bee 
regarded,  fpecially  on  the  mans  fide)  mould  bee  linked  to  abundance, 
whereby  the  number  of  gentle  beggers  fhould  be  decreafed,  and  the 
mifgouernement  of  wealth  will  be  auoided.  One  man  fhould  not 
haue  his  cofers  ful,  and  twentie  want  it  that  better  deferue  it.  How 
many  able  men  fhould  we  haue  (if  this  were  vfed)  to  ferue  and  fet 
forth  men  for  the  princes  feruice,  where  now  I  am  but  one  man, 
and  I  am  bound  but  to  my  flint,  to  finde  one  mans  charge,  though  I 
haue  fiue  mens  liuings.  But  no  more !  this  is  too  ferious  for  Hone/lie, 
&  I  meruaile  how  I  fell  into  this  vaine,  fince  I  ftudied  to  bee  plea- 
fant.  What,  thinke  you,  did  my  widdowe  after  her  fearch  of 
enquirie,  for  you  muft  thinke  that  the  batcheler  longed  for  his 
anfwere  ?  Marry,  though  fhe  was  not  a  foxe  in  her  fpeeches,  yet 
fhee  proued  no  lefle  in  her  dooing,  for  now  fhee  kept  her  houfe  as 
clofely,  as  hee  dooth  his  holde  craftely.  She  miflikt  of  the  man  :  for 
sig.  D]  what  caufe,  gefTe  you  ?  1  if  you  knew  as  much  as  I  knowe,  you  would 
fweare,  not  for  lack  of  honeftie,  or  becaufe  he  was  vnthriftie.  But 
wil  you  knowe  whie  ?  he  had  not  the  hundreds  lying  by  him,  as  the 
reporte  went  fhee  had  left  her,  and  therefore  fhee  thought  it  needeles 
any  one  fhould  lofe  fo  much  labour,  as  to  fulfill  her  promife  in  carry- 
ing his  anfwere.  Yet,  if  that  were  all,  it  were  well ;  I,  and  it  had 
been  well  for  him  (for  the  failing  of  fhoo  lether)  if  fhe  would  haue 
fpoken  with  him  at  his  comming  to  fetche  it :  But  my  widdowe 
would  not  be  within,  or  elfe  fhe  was  bufie ;  and  thus  was  his  kindenes 


The  passionate  Morrice.  65 

requited.  Now,  fie  of  the  diuell !  is  this  a  meete  reward  for  affeftion  ? 
nay,  fuppofe  it  be  no  more,  the  good  will,  was  it  well  requited  ?  Me 
thinkes  that  if  his  dog  had  come,  hee  deferued  better  entertainement 
then  to  haue  been  beaten  away ;  and  fhee  had  dealt  better  if  fhee  had 
fent  himfelfe  away  with  a  crabbed  anfwere,  then  fo  vnmannerly  to 
vfe  him  by  fleeueles  excufes.  And  well  it  were  if  fhee  had  no 
more  fellowes ;  but  out  vpon  them  !  there  are  too  many  fuch,  whofe 
coye  nicenes  exprefle  their  mifchieuous  fondenes ;  for,  fpeake  they 
will  with  any  man  that  come,  vnles  a  Herald  fore  runnes  the 
fewtor. 

In  my  opinion,  and  it  mall  bee  grounded  vpon  reafon,  fuch  wid- 
dowes  are  worthie  to  fit  while  their  breeches  growe  to  their  feates,  as 
refufe  to  anfwer  all  commers  of  what  degree  foeuer ;  and  becaufe  I 
promift  you  reafon,  this  (hall  be  it.  Who  knowes  not,  that  whofo- 
euer  fues  for  the  like  match,  winneth  a  thoufand  incombrances  with 
his  good  fpeede  ?  for  he  that  knowes  not  that  care  fhal  be  mingled 
with  his  beft  contentment,  fhall  fall  into  a  pitte  before  he  be  ware  of 
it.  And  who,  were  it  not  for  his  foules  health,  would  imbrace  fuch 
an  inconuenience  for  a  little  commoditie  ?  I,  and  the  beft  mariage 
is  but  a  little  commoditie,  in  refpecl:  of  the  continuall  carking  that 
comes  with  it.  If,  then, — as  who  faies  it  is  otherwife  ? — a  man  makes 
fo  great  fuite  for  fo  fmall  hearts  eafe  (refpe6ting  the  earthly  pleafure), 
deferues  not  he  a  good  countenance,  or  at  leaft  a  welcome,  that  longs 
for  fo  bad  a  bargaine  ?  In  my  Judgement,  1  and  it  fhall  iumpe  with  C1  sig.  D. 

'  back] 

mine  opinion,  that  woman  is  much  more  beholden  to  the  man  that 
would  match  with  her,  then  to  her  parents  that  haue  brought  her  vp  ; 
for  they  did  what  ere  they  did,  of  duety,  &  this  doth  what  might  be 
vndone,  of  mere  deuotion.  Why,  thinke  the  beft  you  can,  thinke 
for  your  felues  :  fuppofe  one  that  hath  nothing,  comes  to  craue  your 
loue :  did  he  only  refpeft  your  wealth,  without  his  owne  welfare  (and 
hee  that  thinkes  to  haue  welfare  without  dealing  wel  with  you,  he 
reckens  without  his  hoftefle,  and  fhal  finde  a  new  bil  of  charges),  had 
he  not  much  better  to  hazfard  the  taking  of  a  purfe  by  the  high 
way?  Yes,  doubtles;  for  were  hee  by  that  means  brought  vnto 
miferie,  he  might  haue  death  at  his  cal,  to  rid  him  from  extremitie  j 
but  now  being  grieued  vnceffantly,  he  may  feeke  for  death,  but 
meete  with  the  diuell ;  hope  for  an  ende,  but  feele  the  want  of  it  con- 
SHAKSPEKE'S  ENGLAND  :  TELL-TBOTH.  5 


66 


The  passionate  Morrice. 


tinually.  Yet  come  we  to  one  further  point :  imagine  fome  men 
that  bee  ouer -unruly,  defire  to  haue  accefie  into  your  companie :  if 
you  knowe  them  for  fuch  companions,  I  would  holde  you  vnwife  to 
admit  them  into  your  prefence ;  but  mall  your  hart  but  fay,  I  fufpecT: 
without  trial,  you  cannot  out-runne  the  crime  of  want  of  defcretion. 
It  is  beft,  therefore,  you  that  feare  fuch  reforte,  to  harbour  your 
felues,  during  the  time  of  the  heate  of  the  market,  in  fuch  places  as 
the  countenances  of  your  protectors  (hall  preuent  fufpecl,  and  dif- 
parage  the  pradtife  of  fuch  vndecent  behauiour  j  or  otherwife,  to 
appropriate  vnto  your  houfes  fuch  helpes  as  (hall  bee  likely  to  fore- 
ftall  the  like  mifchiefe.  That  euery  one  may  bee  anfwered,  is 
Hone/iies  meaning ;  for  vnles  they  bee,  they  haue  not  their  due,  nor 
doo  you  fhewe  your  felues  to  be  inriched  with  that  curtelie  which 
widdowes  defcretion  dooth  challenge.  For,  let  me  tell  you,  and 
enfure  as  many  as  knowe  it  not,  that  a  man  mall  finde  more  pleafure 
in  lying  in  the  campe,  being  dayly  threatned  with  the  bullets  of  his 
enemie,  then  in  lodging  with  a  wife,  vnles  his  wifdome  be  the 
greater.  And  I  knowe  you  looke  for  my  reafon  :  then  for  this 
. Da]  caufe,  for  that  their  vnconftancie  '  breedes  more  feare  then  the  mot 
brings  hurt  j  and  their  tender  heart  will  craue  more  gouernement  to 
content  them,  then  the  other  will  afke  forecaft  to  preuent  the  danger 
they  bring  with  them.  For  a  fteele  coate  refiftes  the  harme  of  a 
mufketj  but  what  garment  mall  out  ftand  her  threatning  of  the 
home?  That  man  amongft  Souldiers  is  counted  accurft  that  is 
ftrucken  with  a  great  mot ;  and  that  hufband  thrife  bleft  among 
married  men,  that  is  not  continually  wounded  with  fome  mifde- 
meanor  or  other  he  mall  efpie  in  his  wife ;  well,  I  fay  no  more, 
becaufe  I  am  a  batcheler;  but  Hone/lie  muft  fpeake  the  trueth,  or 
fhame  will  follow  him. 

It  is  wifdome  to  looke  before  lepping,  but  extreame  follie  to  ftand 
vpon  nothing ;  hee  or  fhee  that  makes  many  doubtes,  lhall  neuer 
want  care ;  and  (he  wil  il  rule  a  charge,  that  cannot  charme  a  knaue. 
Speake  the  diuell  faire,  and  he  will  be  fatiffied  j  and  what  woman 
knowes  not  how  to  flatter  ?  It  is  good  to  knowe  vice,  that  we  may 
fhun  that  euill ;  and  as  good  to  trie  the  honeftie  of  wooers,  that  you 
may  not  fpeede  the  worfe.  You  mail  often  finde  a  kings  heart  clad 
in  a  thred-bare  coate,  and  a  fenators  wifdome  harbored  in  a  youthful  1 


The  passionate  Morrice.  67 

head ;  vertue  goes  not  by  birth,  nor  defcretion  by  yeares,  for  there 
are  olde  fooles  and  young  councellers,  counterfeit  knaues  &  crabbed 
churles,  the  one  being  clad  in  a  lambes  fkinne,  and  the  other  kept 
warme  with  Foxe  furre.  Nature  makes,  but  fortune  clothes ;  a  ritch 
knaue  therefore  may  march  in  the  habit  of  a  true  meaning  gentleman, 
when  poore  Hone/lie  muft  goe  as  he  is  able,  bee  it  in  a  mouldie 
caflbck.  I  haue  heard  it  credibly  reported,  that  there  was  a  ritch 
widdowe  fell  here  in  England,  which  had  left  her  lining  enough  to 
maintaine  a  younger  brother ;  and  vnto  her  did  relbrte  fuch  an  one, 
as  had  not  fildome  flung  out  at  a  bootie,  nor  would  haue  cared  much 
if  it  had  been  his  father,  fo  he  had  met  him  in  a  conuenient  place. 
This  young  gentleman  (yet  not  very  young,  for  he  was  about  fortie) 
came  vnto  this  widdowe,  to  craue  her  good  wil,  vfing  as  fpeedie 
tearmes  as  he  J  defired  quicke  fpeede.  Hee  tolde  her  his  name,  fo  [»  sig.  D  2, 

back] 

well  knowne  throughout  the  countrie  for  a  fliifting  liuer,  as  he  fpake 
no  fooner  then  hee  was  well  knowne  vnto  hir.  Whome  me  vfed 
courteoufly,  anfwering  him  after  this  order :  '  I  hope,  gentle  fir 
(quoth  me),  you  will  giue  me  leaue  to  anfwer  you  as  fpeedely  as  you 
bluntly  afke  the  queftion.'  '  And  with  all  my  heart  (replied  hee),  for 
that  is  my  defire.'  '  Then  allure  you  thus  much  (faid  me),  that  if 
theie  were  no  more  men  in  the  world  befides  your  felfe,  I  would  not 
marrie  with  you.'  '  A  fliort  and  fower  anfwere  (quoth  he) ;  yet  let 
mee  aflure  you,  that  onely  fuch  an  one  (naming  himfelfe)  will  haue 
you/  and  fo  tooke  his  leaue,  departing  in  as  good  order  as  mee  had 
in  kinde  manner  vfed  him.  Shortly  after,  at  a  meeting  with  many 
of  his  companions,  he  craued  their  aide,  finding  them  as  forward  to 
performe  any  thing  hee  mould  require,  as  hee  would  with.  Vnto 
whome  hee  fhewed  his  whole  intention,  the  rather  defiring  their 
helpes,  for  that  they  had  been  partners  with  him  in  as  great  hazards ; 
well  agreed  vppon  the  match,  they  rode  towards  the  widdowes  houfe, 
comming  thither  in  the  euening  about  fupper-time,  when  it  was  very 
darke,  whereby  their  companie  coulde  not  bee  defcried.  They 
knockte  at  the  gate,  and  was  anfwered  by  the  porter,  that  being  afked 
who  was  within,  certified  them  according  to  his  knowledge.  Him 
they  fo  hampered,  as  gagde  hee  was  and  bound,  being  laide  forth  of 
the  way ;  which  done,  they  parted  further,  entring  the  hall  with  their 
drawne  fwordes,  where  they  found  all  the  feruants  at  Supper.  They 


68  The  passionate  Morrice. 

had  no  weapons  neere  them  but  bones,  being  vnmeete  inftruements 
to  refill  armed  men  >  and  dogges,  they  were  not  to  be  wonne  by  fuch 
baites.  Therefore,  eafily  one  by  one  they  were  bound  and  laide  on 
a  heape  j  the  wooer  in  the  meane  time,  with  two  of  his  mates,  being  in 
the  Parlor  with  the  widdowe  that  was  garded  with  two  futors,  being 
Gentlemen  of  account  in  that  Country,  he  vnmafked  himfelfe,  for 
[»  sig.D  3]  they  had  al  vifards,  and  tolde  the  widdow  he  was  l  come  for  her  j  at 
what  time  one  of  them  grewe  cholerick,  and  I  thinke  it  was  he  that 
was  likeft  to  haue  fped  beft,  for  he  was  placed  on  the  benche  neereft 
to  her  hart,  and  drew  his  poyniard,  the  beft  weapon  he  had  at  that 
inftant,  makmg  as  if  he  meant  to  darte  the  fame  j,  but  vpon  better 
confideration  had,  he  put  vp  his  Dagger,  and  was  contented  to  be 
bound  with  his  fellowe.  All  of  them  being  bound,  they  got  the 
Widowe  foorth,  and  bound  her  with  a  towel  behinde  one  of  them, 
hauing  before  their  departure  hid  all  the  Saddles,  and  turned  forth 
the  Horfes  out  from  the  houfe.  Ouer  a  long  plaine  they  rode,  &  fo 
through  a  wood,  where,  being  out  of  greateft  danger,  he  himfelfe,  the 
wooer,  got  vp  before  the  widdowe,  entreating  her  to  confider  of  their 
eftates,  not  fo  much  he  himfelfe  refpecting  his  own  weale,  as  he 
regarded  his  freends  welfare,  whome  he  had  drawen  into  that  defper- 
ate  a6tion.  But  it  was  all  in  vaine,  for  agree  fhe  would  not ;  fhe 
fware  rather  to  dye  then  to  confent,  which  feemed  little  to  remedie 
his  affe&ion.  Wei,  in  fhort  time  they  were  come  to  a  place  prepared 
for  the  nonce,  where  they  found  a  good  fire  with  a  Parfon,  and  other 
good  company  affembled  together  about  the  fame  matter.  It  was  a 
wonderfull  rainie  euening,  fo  that  all  of  them  were  throughly  wet; 
but  there  fhe  wanted  nothing  (he  could  defire,  nor  fpared  he  kinde 
words  to  winne  her  good  will,  which  was  fo  long  in  graunting,  as 
before  the  obtaining  of  it,  Hue  and  cry  was  followed  into  that 
Towne.  Whereof  he,  hauing  notice,  came  to  her  with  his  laft  hope, 
willing  her,  that  as  fhe  was  a  woman,  either  then  or  neuer  to  confent 
to  the  fauing  of  all  their  Hues.  When  fhe,  feeing  no  remedy,  but 
either  fhe  muft  relent,  or  they  repent  it :  '  will  you  (quoth  fhe)  be 
good  to  my  boy  Tom  ?  '  for  fhe  had  one  onely  childe  called  Thomas. 
'  To  fay  I  would  (replyed  he),  in  this  extremitie,  might  be  faide  to  be 
but  flatterie,  but  affure  thy  felfe  I  will,  and  much  better  then  I  will 
boaft  on  3 '  vpon  which  agreement,  they  were  foorthwith  maried. 


The  passionate  Morrice.  69 

Soone  after  he  called  her  afide,  and  tolde  her  fhe  was  now  his  wife, 

whofe  credit  was  her  good  regarde  :  '  we  l  fhal,  I  know  (quoth  he),  be  [*  sig.  D  3, 

back] 

brought  for  this  before  the  counfel,  at  which  time,  vnlefle  youvfe  the 
matter  thus  cunninglye,  as  to  arfirme  this  was  your  owne  practife,  to 
fhewe  your  loue,  and  fhun  a  bad  reporte,  we  mall,  notwithftanding, 
fmart  for  it.'  Which  fhe  promifed  to  doo,  and  did  indeede  no  lefle, 
all  them  being  fhortly  after  apprehended,  and  brought  vp  to  anfwere 
it  at  the  couwfell  Table,  where  fhe  tolde  fo  good  a  tale  for  him  and 
his  fellowes  to  the  effect  aforefaide,  as  the  faulte  was  remitted,  and 
they  difcharged.  Now,  that  you  may  vnderftand  how  well  he  re- 
quited this  her  kindnes,  fhe  liued  with  him  a  long  time,  and  yet  lefle 
then  a  dofen  yeeres ;  and  dying,  left  this  good  reporte  of  his  vfage 
towards  her :  namely,  that  neuer  woman  liued  with  a  more  kinde 
man  then  fhe  had  found  him,  with  other  fuch  probable  tokens  or 
the  certainty  thereof,  as  a  Countrie  can  witnes  the  fame.  Him 
felfe  liued  not  long  after  her,  at  his  death  leaning  her  fonne  Thomas 
fiue  hundred  pounds  by  the  yeere,  ouer  and  aboue  his  own  Fathers 
liuing,  which  he  himfelfe  had  purchafed  by  his  good  hufbandrie. 

What  fay  you  to  this  vnthrifte  ?  was  not  fhe  put  to  a  fhrewde 
triall  ?  fhe  was,  and  it  proued  pafling  wel.  Wherfore,  then,  fhould 
yonger  brothers  be  reie&ed,  or  why  they  that  haue  little,  be  vnre- 
garded?  furely,  becaufe  the  hart  is  couetous  and  miftruftfull,  and 
womens  mindes  are  afpiring,  being  neuer  contented.  They  fo  much 
thirfte  after  preferment,  as  often  they  ouer-leape  amendement,  and 
iumpe  iuft  into  a  worfer  predicament. 

Many  looke  fo  long  for  aboundance  of  mucke,  as2  they  fall  into  [20^.  as  as] 
a  quagmire  of  miferies,  hauing  filuer  to  looke  on,  though  wanting 
mony  to  fupply  many  wants  j  hauing  a  faire  fhewe  and  a  fhrewde 
keeper,  one  that  hath  more  then  enough,  &  yet  will  not  part  with 
any  thing  :  Honeftie  knowes  many  of  thefe,  and  they  feele  more  then 
I  can  tell  you.  Who  goes,  for  the  moft  parte,  worfe  fhod  then  the 
Shoomakers  childe  ?  and  who  hath  lefle  money  in  her  purfle,  then  fhe 
whofe  Hufband  hath  moft  in  his  cheft  ?  3But,  for  that  I  am  fome-  [3ieafD4] 
what  ftraied  out  of  my  way,  I  will  return  to  my  firft  widdowe  before 
my  fhooes  be  quite  worne :  My  forenamed  Bacheler,  that  neither  by 
himfelfe  or  his  freends  could  fpeake  with  her  to  know  her  anfwer, 
deuifed  this  conclufion,  to  fend  her  a  Letter  by  a  freend,  not  fo  much 


yo  The  passionate  Mornce. 

for  the  matter  there  in  fet  downe,  as  that  that  might  be  a  meane  to 
entice  her  to  be  fpoken  with,  which,  indeede,  proued  to  fome  pur- 
pofe.  For  to  the  MefTenger  me  came,  and  after  notice  giuen  from 
whome  the  Letter  was  sent :  '  gods  Lord  (quoth  (he),  did  not  my 
freend  giue  him  his  anfwere  ? '  '  No,'  replyed  the  Meflenger  ;  '  for  he 
craues  no  more  by  this  Letter.'  '  Surely  (quoth  me),  I  thanke  him 
for  his  good  will,  but  I  am  not  minded  that  way.'  '  What  way  ? 
(replyed  he),  not  to  marry  ? '  '  Yes,'  faide  me,  '  but  not  with  one  fo 
yong.'  Now  you  {hall  vnderftand  her  fimple  excufe,  cleanly  made; 
for  in  a  mans  iudgement  it  would  not  be  thought  there  was  much 
difference  betweene  their  ages.  And,  as  it  was  gathered  after,  me 
meant  one  way,  and  the  Meflenger  tooke  it  an  other ;  for  {he  meant 
yong  in  fubftance,  though  he  vnderftood  it  for  yeers  j  as,  after  further 
talk,  fhe  plainely  expreffed.  What  mall  Hone/lie  fay  more  of  her? 
in  footh,  nothing,  but  to  pray,  either  for  the  amendement  of  her  and 
her  companions,  or  elfe  that  this  punifhment  may  be  inflicted  vpon 
them ;  that  is  to  fay,  that  they  may  be  fo  haunted,  vntill  they  deale 
better,  as  they  may  not  peepe  foorth  of  their  houfes,  without  as  much 
wondermen[t]  as  the  Owle  hath  that  flieth  in  the  day  time.  And  doo 
they  deferue  lefle  that  make  fooles  ?  it  hath  beene  a  fuftie  faying, 
Qui  moccat  moccabitur,  and,  vntill  that  proue  true  by  pradice,  as  it 
falles  out  true  often  vnlookte  for,  we  that  are  to  fpeed  {hall  neuer 
finde  better.  If  all  men  will  agree  to  Hone/lie,  we  wil  keepe  a 
Cronicle  of  fuch  wenches ;  my  felfe  will  be  fpeak  the  regiftrefhip,  and 
though  it  be  no  great  office,  yet  it  may  doo  much  good.  But  now 
to  a  fourth  kinde. 

Which  were  a  thrife-made,  not  a  threed-bare  Widdower,  and  a  fine 
times  left  Widdowe,  both  of  them  being  fo  much  in  Fortunes  bookes, 
[i  leaf  D  4,  as  they  were  endowed  with  the  l  thoufauds.  They  foone  agreed  vpon 
the  matter,  and  within  a  fliorte  time  were  married ;  vnto  whofe  houfe, 
hauing  heard  them  boaft  of  their  fubftance,  I  often  reforted  to  fee 
what  good  cheere  they  kept ;  I  was  twife  there  together  in  Chriftmas 
time,  but  neuer  could  fee  hotte  meate,  yet  good  ftore  of  cold,  by 
reafon  they  had  had  foure  daies  before  many  guefts.  But  fince  the 
holly  dayes,  hoping  for  hotter  fare,  I  found  him  and  fhe  fet  at  a 
couple  of  red  Herring  &  a  flice  of  barrel  butter :  colde  fare,  as  I 
thought,  for  a  tuefday  fupper.  Alas  !  how  were  the  feruants  dieted, 


The  passionate  Morrice.  7 1 

when  they  had  no  better  ?  I  would  haue  thought  the,  faulte  to 
haue  beene  in  her,  vntill  fhe  faide  vnto  me,  that  fhe  was  forrye  fhe 
had  no  better  fare  for  Hone/lie  ;  when  the  olde  Churle  replied,  '  holde 
thee  content,  wife  j  he  is  welcome,  I  thanke  God  I  haue  this  for 
him ! '  'I  thanke  your  worfhip,'  faide  I ;  though  I  thought, '  I  bemrewe 
the  Churles  hart ! '  But  there  of  force  muft  I  lodge  too,  for  that  I 
had  ouer  farre  home,  and  he  that  had  fedde  me  fo  hungerly,  had 
found  talke  enough  to  keepe  me  with  him  till  midnight.  I  muft 
confefle  I  lay  better  then  I  had  fupped ;  lodgde  in  the  next  Chamber 
to  themfelues,  there  being  nothing  but  a  thinne  wall  betweene  vs. 
After  my  firft  fleepe,  I  heard  them  two  very  lowde,  and  though  I 
did  not  greatly  defire  to  be  a  partaker  of  their  fecret,  yet  I  could  not 
choofe,  vnles  I  had  beene  either  naturally  or  artificially  deafe.  They 
were  at  fo  hotte  words,  as  he  cryed,  '  out  vpon  thee,  old  beggarly 
whore  ! '  with  other  moll  fhamefull  tearmes  ;  fhe  therby  being  forced 
thus  to  complaine :  '  Alas,  that  euer  I  was  borne  to  fee  your  face  j  I 
was  no  begger  when  I  met  with  you,  for  I  brought  with  me  as  good 
as  twentie  thoufand  pounds,  which  now  being  at  your  difpofition, 
you  deale  thus  crabbedly  with  me ;  meeting  together  in  refpect  but 
yefterday,  what  hope  refteth  to  me  of  the  end,  feeing  the  beginning 
is  fo  bad  ?  you  diet  me  with  hardmeat,  and  cheer  me  with  crabbed 
vfage  j  I  can  neither  haue  a  penny  in  my  purfle,  nor  a  good  fhooe  to 
my  foote.  I  greeue  to  heare  my  feruants  repine  thereat,  though  I 
cannot  amend  it,  and  l  for  that  I  tell  you  of  it  which  may  redrefle  it,  [*  sig.  E] 
thus  you  reuile  me."  '  Holde  thy  peace,  olde  whore  (quoth  he),  or  I 
will  make  thee ;  if  they  like  it  not,  let  them  mend  theirfelues,  and 
either  charme  your  toung,  or  I  will  clapperclaw  your  bones  j '  with 
which  cooling  carde,  {he  was  glad  to  be  quiet,  as  I  geffe,  for  I  could 
heare  no  more  of  her  at  that  time. 

Now,  Honeftie,  hauing  leafure  to  thinke  of  what  he  had  heard, 
ftill  harpt  of  the  twentie  thoufand  pounds,  which,  as  I  thought,  was 
meeter  to  haue  made  a  King,  then  to  haue  pleafed  a  churle ;  with  (hat 
I  condemned  his  cruelty,  and  pitied  her  chaunce,  fo  long  thinking  on 
her  hard  fortune,  as  I  fell  a  fleepe,  taking  vp  the  remnant  of  my 
mornings  nap.  Well,  before  I  rofe,  my  olde  carle  was  vp,  and  before 
1  was  ready,  gone  abroad  j  when  fuddenly  com m ing  foorth  of  my 
lodging,  forced  to  pafle  through  his  Chamber,  I  found  the  good  olde 


The  passionate  Morrice. 


t1  sig.  E, 
back! 


woman  medding  teares  fo  aboundantly,  as  I  could  not  but  greeue  for 
company.  But,  feeing  me,  (he  rowzed  vp  her  felfe,  and  would  haue 
fhadowed  her  difcontent  j  yet,  at  laft,  aflured  I  had  heard  the  iarre,  me 
faide  fhe  was  forrie  I  had  beene  difquieted ;  the  which  I  excufed, 
faying,  '  I  was  more  greeued  for  her  then  for  my  difquieting,  for  had 
that  beene  the  worft,  Hone/lie  hath  beene  farre  woorfe  troubled.'  '  Ah, 
good  fir  (quoth  fhe),  this  is  their  fortune  that  are  couetous  j  for  I  had 
enough  left  me  to  haue  liued  like  a  woman,  if  I  could  haue  been  fo 
contented ;  but  aiming  at  dignitie,  hath  been  my  deftru&ion,  and 
longing  after  promotion  hath  brought  me  to  this  miferie  j  my  laft 
Hufband  was  accounted  a  good  houfholder,  and  companion  to  the 
beft  in  the  parifh ;  but  he  being  gone,  and  my  hope  to  become  a 
Lady,  hath  ledde  me  to  this  ill  bargaine.  Ah,  gentle  Hone/lie,  I  was 
no  meane  woman  when  I  met  with  him,  but  he  thinkes,  for  that  I 
haue  turned  my  Cloth  to  filke,  he  hath  made  me  happie.  How 
happie  had  I  beene,  if  I  had  neuer  feene  him  j  but  too  late  it  is  to 
wim,  and  folly  to  complaine,  for  that  it  was  my  owne  choice  that 
hath  matcht  my  felfe  with  fuch  a  churle.  He  clothes  me  in  gay 
1  coates  for  his  owne  credit,  but  with  them  cloyes  me  with  multitudes 
of  difcontentments  ;  abroad  he  is  gone,  and  perchaunce  I  mail  not  fee 
him  till  bed  timej  nor  are  fuch  trickes  plaide  feldome,  when  he 
leaues  nothing,  what  need  foeuer  we  mould  haue  of  any  thing,  but 
what  the  houfhold  prouifion  is,  the  beft  being  no  better  thew  your 
yefternights  fare.  If  he  brings  any  bodie  home  with  him,  we  muft 
run  to  the  Cookes  to  faue  fiering ;  nor  can  a  bit  of  bread  be  eaten 
without  an  account  giuen  to  him  ;  he  fearcheth  euery  corner,  &  chides 
for  euery  candles  end  he  findes  mifplaced  j  and  if,  perchaunce,  he 
happe  on  a  cruft,  he  will  make  as  much  ftirre  as  if  it  were  the  loffe  of 
a  Cow ;  he  will  prie  into  the  greace  pot,  and  hunt  after  the  Tappe 
droppings  :  to  be  breefe,  the  creame  pot  mould  be  ouerlooked  by  him 
euery  day,  once  at  the  leaft,  and  his  fiering  furueied  as  often  j  a 
Cheefe  cannot  be  cut  without  his  leaue,  nor  a  fticke  be  burned  with- 
out grutching.  Nor  doo  I  fo  much  greeue  at  this  in  refpe6t  of  my 
felfe,  fas  for  that  my  feruants  want  their  due,  their  want  being  more 
irkefome  vnto  me,  then  this  fcant ;  for  what  will  they  let  to  reporte  ? 
and  who  can  blame  them  ?  or  who  will  ftaye  in  fuch  an  houfe,  and 
not  without  reafon  ?  fo  that  dayly  difcredit  is  heaped  on  vs,  and  con- 


The  passionate  Morrice.  73 

tinuall  care  for  looking  after  new  feruants,  neuer  from  vs.  This  is 
my  greateft  hart  breake  j  and  my  fute  to  haue  this  redrafted,  is  our 
only  breake-peace.  He  fumes  when  I  informe  him  of  what  I  haue 
heard,  and  ftampes  when  I  tell  him  it  is  not  well  j  nor  wil  I  tel  thee 
all,  for  that  this  is  too  much,  nor  fhouldft  thou  haue  knowne  of  thus 
much  for  me,  except  his  crabbednes  had  made  the  path.  But,  hark  !  he  is 
come  in ;  for  the  paffion  of  God,  hide  thy  felfe !  for  if  he  mould 
know  thou  wert  not  gon,  he  will  miftruft  vs,  and  fmart  I  fhall  for 
vs  both.' 

Now,  the  Diuell  breake  his  necke,  or  God  amend  him,  thoght 
I ;  yet,  for  feare  of  her  harm,  I  was  content  to  be  lockt  vp  by  her 
into  a  clofet,  where  I  was  cowftraind  to  flay,  while  the  teeth  chattered 
in  my  head,  before  we  could  be  rid  of  him.  Well,  at  laft,  by  good 
fortune,  a  companion  of  his  fetcht  him  1  forth  to  dinner,  who,  being  [» sig.  E  a] 
gone,  I  was  let  forth,  an  extraordinary  fier  being  made  for  my  wel- 
come down  j  &  to  make  me  a  mends,  {he  had  fent  a  bracelet  fhe  had, 
of  which  he  knew  not,  to  paune,  prouiding  fo  good  fare  for  my 
Dinner,  as  I  was  not  at  better  all  the  Chriftmas.  But  while  we  were 
eating  of  it,  our  mirth  could  not  be  much,  her  feare  was  fo  great  of 
his  comming  home  j  but  we,  making  as  quick  fpeede  as  our  teeth 
would  let  vs,  after  we  had  doone,  I  thanked  her,  taking  my  leaue 
and  departing.  Wei,  my  backe  was  fcarce  turnde,  when  (he  bid  her 
men  and  maids  to  beftirre  them,  that  the  kitchen  might  be  dreft  vp, 
and  the  remnant  of  our  Chriftmas  fire  to  be  quencht  and  caft  into 
the  priuie,  leaft  his  fearch  mould  finde  out  the  brandes,  and  that 
breede  no  little  difquietnes  to  them  all.  Alas  !  poore  wretch,  thought 
I,  how  much  feruants  are  there  which  liue  at  more  eafe,  and  ftand  in 
lefTe  awe,  then  thou  doofl !  Is  this  a  wiues  portion?  doubtles,  no;  but  a 
iuft  plague  for  couetoufnes  j  for  they  which  cannot  vfe  a  benefite  when 
they  haue  it  to  a  good  purpofe,  mail  want  it  when  they  would,  and 
feeke  it  when  they  cannot  finde  it.  Couetoufnes  fhall  not  efcape 
hell ;  for  how  farre,!  pray  you,  was  fhe  from  it  ?  her  good  daies  died 
with  her  matching  with  him  5  and  if  there  be  any  purgatory  betweene 
vs  and  hell,  fhe  was  in  it,  and  thereby  at  the  next  doore  to  that 
dungeon.  I  would  but  all  couetous  mindes  were  plagued  but  with  a 
dramme  of  the  like  difcontent ;  I  would  haue  theirs  but  a  feauen- 
nights  punilhment,  whereas  fhe  muft  endure,  peraduenture,  feauen 


74 


The  passionate  Morrice. 


[i  sig.  E  2, 

back] 


yeeres  torment.  Hone/lie  thinkes  fuch  a  mefle  of  miferie  would  bring 
them  to  a  banquet  of  happines  at  their  deliuerie  from  that  wretched- 
nes.  If  many  of  our  coye  dames,  that  cannot  be  content  with  any 
thing,  and  are  fo  curious,  as  daily  dainties  feeme  nothing  vnto 
them,  were  but  pincht  a  while  with  her  morfelles,  I  am  perfwaded  it 
would  faue  their  hufbands  a  great  deale  of  charges  in  their  diet  thence 
after,  and  would  make  their  feruants  much  happier,  by  being  freed 
from  much  needeles  labour.  Their  houfes  would  be  pulled  downe, 
and  the  1  delight  of  their  curious  poked  ruffes  would  be  fet  afide  j  they 
would  not  refped  the  fuperfluous  dimes  they  vfe,  nor  regarde  their 
fuperftitious  curiofitie  in  rubbing  the  flowres  of  their  houfes  :  what 
mould  I  fay  more  ?  they  would  vfe  obedience  towards  their  Hufbands 
more,  and  brawling  with  their  feruants  leffe,  they  would  thinke  of 
their  owne  happie  Hues,  &  pittie  others  :  they  would  feeke  to  pleafe, 
and  be  more  eafily  pleafedj  they  would  Hue  contentedly,  and  be 
thankfull  for  fo  great  profperitie. 

The  fifhe  that  hath  beene  ftricken  with  the  hook,  feares  the  baite  j 
the  childe  that  hath  burnte  his  fingers,  dreades  the  candle  ;  the  horfe 
that  hath  beene  punifhed  with  the  fpurre,  fufpe£ts  the  wagging  of  the 
heele  j  and  the  apprehe?ided  theefe  begins  to  thinke  on  the  halter. 
What  delight  brings  fweete  things  vnto  them  that  neuer  tailed  of 
fharp  fauce  ?  or,  what  an  indifferent  opinion  carrie  they  of  profperitie, 
that  haue  neuer  beene  in  miferie?  The  vnridden  Colte  bites  the 
fnaffle,  while  the  olde  horfe  is  glad  to  play  with  the  bit  ;  and  they  that 
are  vfed  to  lhackles,  weare  them  without  much  annoiance  ;  for  that  it 
is  vfe  that  gets  experience,  and  experience  that  brings  profit.  When 
a  curft  Cow  hath  {hort  homes,  harme  is  lefle  fufpefted;  and  if  a 
crabbed  cur  be  mulled,  there  can  be  no  danger.  There  are  both 
baites  to  entice,  and  bobbes  to  make  to  forbearej  allurements  to 
winne,  and  corrections  to  driue  away;  and  he  that  thought  this  to  be 
needefull,  knowes  beft  to  vfe  it,  which  happens  alwaies  to  vrfbrideled 
nouices,  once  good  fpeede  egges  vs  to  a  fecond  aduenture  j  and,  if 
twife  a  theefe  hath  efcaped  the  halter,  he  will  neuer  leaue  vntill  he 
purchafe  tiborne.  '  My  laft  Hufband  was  fo  good,'  makes  fome  fo 
defirous  of  a  fecond,  as  their  haftie  bargaine  bringes  ouerlate 
repentance.  '  Like  will  to  like,'  quoth  the  Diuell  to  the  Collier, 
and  fome  will  neuer  be  fatiffied  vntill  their  mouthes  be  filled 


The  passionate  Morrice.  75 

with  Clay.  He  that  hath  enough,  feekes  for  more,  and  fo  I  carrie 
a  great  countenance,  I  care  not  how  I  am  beloued.  Indeede, 
what  cannot  money  doo,  that  will  buye  any  thing  ?  and  yet  honeftie 
will  purchafe  that  x  which  all  the  muck  in  the  world  cannot  compaffe,  [» sig.  E  3] 
namely,  a  good  report  for  euer.  Who  knowes  not  that  the  couetous 
man  cannot  liue  quietly  ?  and  why  wil  we  not  knowe  that  the  afpiring 
minde  mall  be  brought  lowe  ?  The  loue  of  your  wealth  is  in  your 
owne  hands,  but  the  key  of  your  wit'tes  kept  by  a  higher  guide. 
You  may  chofe  a  ritch  man,  and  hunt  after  an  honefl  (yet  ritches  and 
honeftie  goe  fildome  together),  but  to  fay  it  mail  be  for  your  weale, 
muft  craue  anothers  leaue.  Hee  that  giues  all  things,  can  giue  thee 
both ;  and  if  thou  wilt  tafte  of  his  liberalitie,  built  on  his  charitie,  fufpect 
not,  and  fpeede  well,  feare,  and  fpeede  ill ;  let  therefore  all  thy  care 
be  built  on  his  kindenes,  and  thou  wilt  be  better  contented  with  a 
kinde  begger  then  a  crabbed  churle.  To  take  heede  by  another 
mans  harme,  is  a  louing  warning  j  but  if  thou  wilt  needes  try,  take 
the  hazard.  When  our  neighbours  houfe  is  on  fier,  we  haue  neede 
to  beftirre  vs ;  and  he  that  fits  ftill  at  fuch  an  extremetie,  is  worthie  to 
tafte  of  the  like  miferie.  To  looke  ere  we  lep  is  good  counfell,  yet, 
to  looke  hartely,  and  lep  faintly,  makes  many  to  fall  into  a  ditch 
dangerouflyj  well,  a  word  to  a  wife  man  is  enough,  and  there 
are  few  women  but  haue  ftore  of  wit,  if  they  adde  difcretion  vnto 
it.  Honeftie,  therfore,  wiflies  them  to  vfe  it  fo  well,  as  they  neuer 
fpeede  ill. 

A  fift  forte  now  followeth,  which  was  a  couple  ftanding  in  the 
midft  of  the  company,  both  of  them  being  of  equall  yeares.  He  was 
a  young  ciuill  gentleman,  no  lefle  proper  then  hee  feemed  wife,  his 
difcreet  gouernement  beautifying  both ;  but  fhe,  though  ihee  had  wit 
at  will,  and  was  very  proper,  yet  lacked  fhee  the  other  ftep  to  wif- 
dome,  namely,  difcreetenes  in  her  behauior.  Her  immodeft  foudnes 
gaue  fufped  of  vnciuill  lightnes,  fo  that  her  ouerforwardnes  feemed 
to  ouerlay  her  louers  affedion.  Shee  would  hang  about  his  neck 
before  all  that  company,  as  a  iacke  of  Napes  doth  fitting  on  the  bear- 
heards  moulder,  and  kifle  as  openly,  as  a  dog  fcombers  carelefly.  She 
followed  him  at  heeles  like  a  tantinie  pigge,  and  hong  about  him  as 
if  pinned  to  his  flieue.  He  could  not  ftirre  without  2  her  company,  [2  sig.  £3, 
nor  fcarce  goe  to  make  water,  but  fhe  would  awaite  on  him.  Thus 


7  6  The  passionate  M  or  rice. 

much  did  fhe  not  let  to  doe  openly,  and  therefore  I  had  the  more 
defire  to  fee  how  (he  fpent  her  time  fecretly,  which  was  as  contrarie 
as  might  bee ;  for  whereas  (he  would  bee  mad  merrie  in  his  company, 
in  his  abfence  me  would  be  as  mad  melancholic.  Shee  then  would 
fit  in  a  corner,  as  a  dogge  doth  that  is  crept  into  a  hole,  hauing  done 
a  fhroude  turne,  wetting  her  couch  with  teares  for  the  lack  of  her 
fweet  heart,  as  a  childe  doth  the  bed  for  want  of  a  chamber-pot.  But, 
being  in  a  good  vaine,  fhee  would  pen  paflionate  fonnets,  and,  in  that 
humor  did  I  once  take  her,  when  fhe  had  newly  finimed  this 
amorous  dittie : 


s 


1  Ad  is  the  time  while  my  deare  ioue  is  alfent ; 

Eife  waile  my  miffe,  and  tongue  lewailes  him  wanting  ; 
Heart  lleedeth  teares  that  doo  encreafe  my  torment, 
And  yeelds  forth  Jighes  which  fet  itfelfe  a  panting  ; 
While  he  is  alfent,  fuch  is  my  delight, 
As  is  thefaylers  in  ajlormie  night. 

If  I  chauncejlng,  with  Jighes  my  fongs  le  graced, 
And  in  my  tunes,  my  grones  my  laces  le ; 
Grieuous  complaints  are  for  the  trebles  placed; 
The  meanes  le  teares,  the  tennor  miferie. 
Foure  paries  I  leare,  and  want  thejifte  alone, 
Which  is  my  ioye  that  with  my  Ioue  is  gone. 

When  IJJiouldfpeake,  my  tongue  forgets  it  talking  ; 
When  IJfiould  write,  myjingers  are  lenommed; 
Wnen  IJhould  goe,  my  feete  haue  lojl  their  walking, 
And  euery  part  is  dead,  offence  lereaued  : 
Nor  can  I  tell  what  is  the  caufe  of  this, 
Except  lecaufe  my  heart  with  him  gon  is. 

Thus  dayes  are  nights  to  me,  while  he  is  wanting, 
And  meriejl  fongs  are  plaintesjbr  toy  departed  ; 
[*  leaf  £4]          *  My  mirth  is  mone,  my  forrowe  fuccor  wanting, 
And  fences  gon,  my  lodie  haue  vnharted: 
So  that  I  Hue  aliue,  as  being  dead, 
And  by  hit  alfencefole,  this  death  is  bread. 

After  the  felfefame  order  fpends  fhee  her  well  fpent  time,  yeelding 


The  passionate  Morrice.  77 

fuch  bitter  fighes,  while  fhe  is  fetting  down  the  like  paflions,  as  a 
horfe  doth  hartie  neefes,  that  is  troubled  with  an  extreame  colde. 
Then,  paufing  a  while  on  that  fhe  hath  done,  weighing  the  eftate  of 
her  lamentable  cafe,  fhee  caftes  her  felfe  vpon  hir  bed,  breathing 
againfl  the  fates  the  rancor  of  her  heart,  after  this  manner  :  '  Vuiuft 
and  cruell  fitters,  that  haue  prolonged  my  dayes  to  endure  this 
miferie ;  is  this  the  force  of  your  decree,  to  decreafe  my  ioy  by 
increafing  my  dayes  ?  Haue  you  drawne  to  this  length  the  thread  of 
my  life,  now  to  cut  the  fame  with  fo  fharpe  an  edge-toole  ?  Cruell 
and  vnkinde  are  ye,  fo  crabbedly  to  deale  with  a  poore  virgin,  fuffer- 
ing  me  to  liue  to  endure  this  crueltie.'  There,  making  a  full  point, 
would  fhe  lie  gafping  as  if  fhe  were  giuing  vp  the  Ghoft ;  till  at  length, 
hauing  gathered  winde,  fhee  would  thus  begin  to  murmur  againft 
Fortune :  '  Vnconftant  dame,  fo  much  delighting  in  mutabilitie,  as  all 
thy  ioye  is  to  alter  chances !  How  wauering  is  thy  wheele,  and  how 
vncertaine  thy  fauours!  the  one  flill  turning,  and  the  other  neuer 
remaining  long,  where  fo  ere  they  are  beftowed.  Was  this  the  pittie 
of  your  heart,  to  fet  downe  fo  vnmercifull  a  doome,  as  I  fhould 
alwaies  reft  vnhappie  ?  You  whirle  your  wheele  about  to  pleafe  your 
felfe  with  the  turning,  tofling  thereby  vnto  me  one  miferie  vpon 
another ;  then  eafing  me  of  that  burthen,  to  make  the  next  feeme 
more  difpleafing  vnto  me  j  thou  fhewes  me  my  harts  ioye,  and  fets 
me  on  the  top  of  delight,  to  beholde  the  difference  betweene  weale 
and  woe.  But,  from  thence  thou  throweft  me  as  quickly  downe,  as 
I  was  ioyfully  feated,  letting  thy  wheele  reft  as  ouerlong,  while  I  lie 
in  the  dungeon  of  vnceafing  paine,  as  it  did  too  too  little  ftay  at  the  [iieafE4, 
1  height  of  my  pleafure.  Thou  giues  me  kinde  words  and  cruell  fare,  back'' 
happie  fightes  and  horrible  heart-akes ;  thou  fhewes  me  reft,  and  fees 
me  with  trouble,  fetting  me  at  the  table  of  dainties,  yet  binding  my 
hands  leaft  I  fhould  touch  them,  fo  far  am  I  from  tafting  of  their 
fweetnes.  Vnkinde  and  vnconftant  fortune,  what  chance  had  man- 
kinde  to  be  charmed  to  thy  beck  ?  and,  wherein  are  we  more  vnfor- 
tunate,  then  in  being  forced  to  obay  fortune  ? '  To  which  interro- 
gation, her  felfe  would  anfwere  with  a  flat  mad  fit;  curfing  her 
parents  that  begot  her  j  her  birth  day  wherein  fhee  was  brought  forth  ; 
the  nurfe  that  gaue  her  fucke ;  the  cradle  that  lulled  her  afleepe ; 
death,  for  that  hee  ended  not  her  dayes  j  and  her  felfe,  for  that  fhe 


7  8  The  passionate  Morrice. 

was.  Now  tearde  fhe  her  haire  from  her  head  ;  anon  fhe  vnapparel- 
led  her  felfe  to  hir  fmooke  j  then,  like  a  fpirit  would  fhee  daunce  the 
Morrice  about  the  chamber,  and  foone  foffing  her  felfe  downe  by  the 
fiers  fide,  fit  no  les  fenceles  then  her  aclions  had  been  witleffe,  a  long 
time  refting  as  in  a  traunce.  But,  at  laft,  as  ouerlate  comming  to 
her  felfe,  fhee  would,  looking  on  her  felfe,  feeme  to  bee  afraide  ot 
her  felfe  j  forrowfull  to  fee  the  fruite  of  her  forfaken  reafon ;  and 
rifing,  would  foone  make  her  readie.  Being  readie,  fhee  fell  vpon 
her  knees,  crying  the  Gods  mercie,  and  powring  forth  aboundance  of 
teares,  in  token  of  her  penitencie.  And  after  that,  being  indeede  in 
her  righteft  minde,  fhee  tooke  her  lute,  finging  to  her  fingering  this 
fonnet : 


w 


Hat  looteth  loue,  that  liking  wants  his  ioye  ? 

Grieuous  that  ioy  which  lackes  his  hearts-content ; 
Thejight  offweete  in  tajting  of  anoy, 
Ads  but  more  grief e  to  former  hearts-torment. 

Whatfweet  in  loue  to  Hue  delarrd  of  loue  ? 
Soure  is  thatfweete  as  honny  mixt  with  gall ; 
Loue  with  vnrejl  the  heart  to  paffions  moue, 
Thatjlghingjing,  andjingingjigh  withall. 

sig.  F]  !  While  eyes  leholde  the  pleafure  of  my  heart, 

Heart  ioyes  through  eyes  in  gayning  of  thatjight ; 
But  when  that  pleafure  from  mine  eyes  doth  part, 
Heart  paries  with  ioy,  and  rejls  in  heauie  plight. 

And  tongue  mayjlng  a  hei  ho  for  my  heart, 

That  through  mine  eyes  dothjinde  loth  ioy  andfmart 

Which  mufick  would  bee  fo  metamorphofed,  as,  in  truth,  her 
finging  would  turne  to  fighing,  and  her  playing  to  complaining,  when, 
in  a  rage,  fhe  would  thro  we  her  lute  downe,  beginning  to  dilate  on  her 
loues  vnkindnes,  that  could  be  fo  cruell  to  flay  foure  and  twentie 
houres  from  her.  Now,  found  fhe  fault  with  her  felfe  for  being  fo 
fond  on  him,  that  forbeared  fo  carelefly  her  companie ;  and,  by  and 
by,  in  a  great  rage  fwearing  to  forfake  him,  fhe  fetled  her  felfe  to 
frame  a  rayliiig  letter  for  a  laft  farewell.  But,  before  fhee  had  fcarce 
written  an  vnkinde  worde,  fhe  paufed  on  the  matter,  cafting  both  pen, 


The  passionate  Morrice.  79 

inke,  and  paper  from  her ;  yet,  vpon  her  fecond  aduice,  about  ihe  goes 
with  a  frefh  charge  to  pen  a  crabbed  charme,  and  had  gone  fo  farre 
as  Ihe  had  fet  downe,  Fie,  vnkinde  wretch !  And  there,  againe,  in  a 
doubt  of  going  forward,  or  leaning  the  reft  vndone,  fhee  gnawed  fo 
long  vpon  her  pen  in  ftudying  what  to  doe,  as  fhe  had  eaten  it  almoft 
quite  vp.  But,  at  laft,  with  a  refolution,  (he  played  the  woman, 
falling  into  fo  kinde  a  vaine  of  fcoutding,  as  fhe  had  charged  him 
with  a  thoufand  difcourtefies  for  miffing  one  nights  reforte  vnto  her. 
And,  as  fhe  was  concluding  her  colour,  with  a  proteftation  neuer  to 
defire  to  fee  his  face  againe,  in  came  one  of  her  fitters  with  newes 
that  Mafler  Anthony  was  belowe.  Which  fo  quite  purged  her  of  her 
melancholic,  as  in  a  rage  fhe  rent  the  paper,  and  caft  all  her  anger 
with  it  into  the  fier,  pofting  with  fuch  hafte  to  her  fweete-heart,  as  in 
ftead  of  running  downe,  fhe  tumbled  downe  a  whole  paire  of  ftayres. 
Which  bad  beginning  was  carelefly  put  ouer  with  the  concerned  ioy 
of  his  prefence ;  fhee  entertaining  '  him  with  a  kifle,  for  that  he  was  [i  sig.  F 
not  forward  enough  to  beftowe  on  her  the  like  fauour.  But  ere 
long,  fhee  began  to  perceaue  that  Mafter  Anthonie  was  changed,  being 
nothing  fo  frolick  of  his  kindnes  as  hee  had  been,  and  it  was  no 
maruel.  For  fome  reporte  of  her  fore-ufed  fondnes  was  come  to  his 
eares,  that  being  no  fmall  froft  to  nip  his  former  affe6tion ;  fo  that 
his  onely  comming  was  to  make  that  conclufion  fhe  was  of  late 
imagining,  foone  finifhing  in  wife  and  difcreet  tearmes  that  her  fuf- 
pecl:  was  penning.  Vpon  whofe  departure,  with  the  paune  left  of  his 
refolution,  my  minion  fel  into  a  found,  there  being  fuch  a  ftirre  for 
her  recouerie,  as  what  for  running  for  aqua  vitce,  pofting  for  ale,  plying 
warme  cloathes,  and  fuch  like,  there  was  no  leffe  rule  then  is  in  a 
tauerne  of  great  reforte.  '  Here,  forfooth,'  faith  fhe  that  had  the  aqua, 
'comequicUy; '  'By  and  by/anfwered  fhee,  being  called  that  went  for  the 
ale ;  the  reft  no  other  wife  replying  to  euery  queftion  and  commaunde. 
Well,  at  length  life  was  got  in  herj  though  no  words  could  bee 
drawne  from  her ;  but,  being  got  to  bed,  fhe  fong  ere  long  like  a  bird 
of  Bedlam. 

In  which  fit  I  left  her,  more  pittying  her  peeuifhnes  then  her 
paflionsj  the  rather  lefle  regarding  either,  for  that  I  knew  that, 
violent  fit  would  not  ftay  long.  But,  to  tell  you  what  Hone/lie 
thought  all  this  while,  for  I  knowe  that  is  your  longing ;  and,  if  you 


80  The  passionate  Morrice. 

befhrowe  any  body,  blame  her  for  not  letting  you  haue  your  will 
fooner,  by  keeping  me  fo  long  there  againfl  my  will.  For  vnwilling 
I  was  to  ftay  there  fo  long,  and  as  loath  to  leaue  her  before  fliee  had 
left  at  a  full  point.  That  you  might  know  all,  was  my  wifhj  and 
fince  I  haue  mine  now,  you  mail  not  bee  long  without  your  wil. 
She  neuer  flghed  hartely,  but  I  laught  as  merely,  being  as  often 
readie  to  pifle  my  breeche  for  ioye,  as  me  was  to  fhed  teares,  which 
came  from  her  as  had  at  commandement.  And,  wherefore  was 
Honeftie  thus  vncharitable,  thinke  you,  reioycing  at  his  neighbours 
miferie  ?  Surely,  becaufe  her  felfe  was  fo  foolifh  to  bee  fo  difquietly 
sig.  F  a]  moued  with  nut-fhels :  would  it  not  haue  made  a  l  horfe  breake  his 
halter,  to  fee  her  mumble  to  her  felfe  as  an  ape  mowes  at  his  own 
fhaddow  ?  Doubtles, — may  I  fpeake  it  without  the  fufpect  of  arro- 
gancy  ? — Honeftie  hath  as  much  holde  of  his  ciuilitie,  as  a  mare  hath 
of  her  honeftie ;  and  yet,  I  might  as  well  be  hanged  as  be  kept  from 
being  merry  when  (he  mourned.  A  Camelion  cannot  change  her 
felfe  into  more  kinde  of  colours  then  fhee  would  vfe  change  of 
motions.  Sometimes  fhee  would  walke  with  her  hands  clafped,  and 
her  eyes  caft  vp  to  heauen,  as  if  fhee  were  fent  for,  with  all  fpeede  to 
render  an  account  of  her  paflions.  Anon,  me  would  runne  about  the 
chamber  like  a  hare  that  had  loft  her  way ;  then,  by  and  by,  would 
fhe  houle  like  a  kinde  dogge  that  had  loft  her  matter.  After  that, 
girne  like  a  Monkie  that  fees  her  dinner ;  and  ere  long  be  as  dead  as  a 
dore  naile,  lying  by  the  fier  fide  as  a  block  doth  at  the  backe  of  a 
chimney.  And  this  laft  Jimile  proues  not  worft,  for  fhe  burned  no 
leffe  through  the  cinders  of  too  kinde  affection,  then  the  logge  dooth 
with  the  helpe  of  charke-coles. 

Was  not  this  a  monftrous  fit,  that  had  fo  many  motions  ?  Why, 
if  Hone/lie  fhould  tell  you  how  fhee  would  fometimes  bite  of  her 
owne  nailes,  knocking  the  wall  with  her  feete,  praunfing  on  the 
ground,  and  lepping  of  and  on  the  bed,  you  would  thinke  hee  had 
to  doe  with  an  vnruly  iade.  Fie,  no,  fhe  was  a  mankinde  creature  ! 
and  I  would  not  offend  them  for  a  kingdome ;  but  this  Hone/lie  is 
fuch  a  peftilent  fpie-fault,  as  he  cannot  fee  a  wench  out-ftart  the 
bounds  of  modeflie,  but  ftraight  he  hollowes  the  fight  of  a  ftriker, 
thinking  it  vnpoflible  that  if  fhee  want  maidenly  behauiour,  fhee  can 
haue  womanly  honeftie.  Well,  I  knowe  fome  will  fay  hee  is  a  pick- 


The  passionate  Morrice.  81 

thanke  j  but  were  not  they  ftionne-thankes,  they  would  fpeake  better 
of  Hone/ties  fonne.  But  thus  much  for  Hone/lies  credit j  and  now, 
againe  to  my  cra6t-loue,  that  had  crauled  fo  farre  into  affections 
extremitie,  as  me  had  loft  the  habit  of  her  cuftomers  curtefie.  I  went 
once  more  of  deuotion  to  fee  her,  becaufe  I  left  her  in  fo  extreame 
an  agonie,  and  it  was  l  within  two  dayes  after :  Whome  then  I  ['  sis- F  *» 

back] 

found  clafped  within  a  new  louers  pawes,  as  iocunde  with  him  of 
mine  honeftie,  as  euer  I  fawe  her  pleafant  with  Mafter  Anthonie. 
And  what  thought  Honeftie,  then,  thinke  you  ?  in  faith,  no  otherwife 
then  I  am  affured  you  doe  now.  I  thought  vpon  fuch  fondnes  the 
prouerbe  was  builded,  '  hot  loue  wil  be  foone  colde ; '  but  enough  of 
that  in  another  place,  and  thus  much  more  of  her  at  this  time. 

She  was  as  glad,  I  warrant  you,  of  a  louer,  as  a  weried  iade  is  of 
a  faire  way ;  and  he,  being  tyred,  is  not  more  glad  of  a  ftable,  then  (he 
was  defirous  of  a  babell  j  it  is  onely  for  rime  at  this  inftant,  and 
therefore  let  it  pafle  (I  pray  you)  with  your  fauour  j  but,  whether  it 
doth  or  no,  I  befhrewe  my  name  if  I  get  any  blame.  For  my  tongue 
will  not  amble  out  of  the  trueth,  though  I  mould  digge  out  my  guttes 
with  the  Spurre, '  Beware  leaft  you  offend.'  There  is  one  ftill  at  mine 
elbowe,  and  layes  I  muft  take  heede  how  I  diffemble,  fince  Honejlie 
is  become  a  deitie.  I  would  I  were  not,  or  went  not  fo  vnuilible :  for 
then  I  mould  not  craule  fo  eafily  into  maydens  chambers,  and  heare 
them  boafte  of  fo  many  fauours  beftowed  by  them  on  this  day  ;  fo  many 
kiffes  giuen  to  one  j  another  vnloofing  her  garter,  yea,  and  {he 
thought  hee  went  not  high  enough.  Well,  but  that  I  am  mercifull, 
and  will  not  name  you  that  are  fo  immodeft  as  to  boaft  of  fuch 
lightnes,  for  if  I  fhould,  I  mould  quite  fray  away  many  of  M.  An- 
thonies  companions  from  beftowing  their  affections  on  fo  liberall 
whipfters.  But  I  faye  no  more,  for  fhame,  hoping  I  (hall  haue  no 
caufe  to  fpeake  of  the  like  againe,  you  will  become  fo  ciuill ;  then, 
thus  much  for  you,  and  now  to  another. 

This  way  a  coy  dame,  whofe  nice  ftrangenes  moued  me  not  to  the 
leaft  admiration ;  me  floode  iuft  at  the  doore,  to  whom  not  fo  few  as 
twenty  had  in  my  veine  made  fuite.  They  were  of  fundrie  fciences, 
and  of  all  degrees,  that  had  tooke  the  deniall  of  her,  which  made  mee 
the  rather  to  admire  the  caufe  ;  and,  to  obtaine  my  longing,  I  lodged 
mv  2  felfe  that  night  vnder  her  bed.  When  {he  was  layed,  and  one  of  [2  s;g.  F  3] 

SHAKSPEBE'S  ENGLAND  :  TELL-TEOTH.  6 


82  The  passionate  Morrice. 

her  mothers  maides  with  her,  fhee  began  thus  to  parly :  '  Wot  you 
what,  Nan  (quoth  fhe),  how  many  Tutors  thinkes  thou  haue  I  fent 
packing  to  daye  ? '  '  Not  fo  many  (anfwered  the  maide)  as  you  did 
the  laft  time  you  were  there.'  '  Yes,  faith,  girle,  double  '  (replied  fhe). 
'  And  found  you  fo  many  faultes  in  thefe  (quoth  Nan)  as  you  did  in 
the  other  ? '  '  Nay,  I  trow,  wench  (anfwered  fhe),  I  let  not  them 
pafTe  in  whom  I  difcouer  not  many  ouer-flippes.'  '  And  what  were 
their  faults,  I  pray  you  ? '  quoth  the  girle.  '  Some  of  them  had  ftore 
of  wealth  (anfwered  fhe),  but  little  honeftiej  other  were  honeft 
enough,  but  too  too  hard  fauoured;  fome  had  good  faces  and  bad  bodies; 
other  being  proper,  had  crabbed  countenances ;  fome  were  amiable  for 
fauour,  perfect  of  bodie,  yet  ill  legged ;  other,  which  were  well  legde, 
fhaled  with  their  feete,  or  were  fplafooted ;  and,  to  be  briefe,  they 
that  trode  right,  were  either  clouterly  caulfed,  tree  like  fet,  fpindle 
fhankte,  or  bakerly  kneed ;  onely  there  were  two  exquifitely  fhapte, 
whereof  one  was  too  tall,  and  the  other  too  too  lowe.  Thus  much 
for  their  parts,  and  now  to  their  properties. 

'They  that  were  wealthy  were  meanely  qualited,  and  they  that 
had  many  good  properties  were  moniles  j  fome  had  good  toungs,  and 
fpake  well,  hauing  as  ill  geftures ;  others  were  rich  and  feemed  wife  j 
thofe  I  fufpe&ed  to  be  wenchers.  And,  to  make  as  fhorte  woorke  in 
telling  thee  of  them,  as  I  made  fpeedie  hafte  in  fending  them  pack- 
ing, either  I  miflikte  their  eftates,  fcorned  their  perfonages,  lothed 
their  want  of  qualities,  or  could  not  away  with  their  kinde  of  wooing.' 
'  But  {hal  I  be  fo  bolde  (quoth  Nan)  to  a(ke  you  one  more  queftion  ? ' 
'  I,  twentie,  and  thou  wilt ;  for,  in  faith,  I  haue  no  lift  to  fleepe.'  '  In 
footh  forfooth,  then  (quoth  the  girle),  what  manner  of  man  mail  he 
be  with  whom  you  will  match  ? '  '  Mary,  fuch  a  one  (anfwered  fhe) 
as  fhalbe  the  onely  matchles  creature  in  the  worlde.'  '  But  how  will 
you  meete  with  him  ? '  replyed  Nan.  '  As  he  fhall  light  vpon  me  by 
Fortune.'  '  But  Fortune  is  blinde  (quoth  *  the  wench),  and  may  lead 
him  to  another  in  fteade  of  you.'  '  Yet,  as  fhe  is  blinde  (replyed  the 
other),  fo  is  fhe  a  Goddefle,  a  good  fupporter  of  my  chaunces ;  and  I 
know  my  reporte  is  fet  fo  neere  her  elbowe,  as  fhe  cannot  forget  me 
if  fhe  would.' 

I,  marry,  firs,  you  talk  of  a  wench,  and  what  w[o]ts  this  of  a  proud 
one  ?  is  it  not  great  pittie  butJiature  fhould  haue  compaflion  on  this 


The  passionate  Morrice.  83 

neate  creature,  and  fhape  for  her  a  mirrour  of  meane  worth  ?  Now, 
of  my  troth,  Honeftie  likes  fuch  an  one ;  and  why,  thinke  you  ?  I  will 
tell  you  my  reafon,  and  if  it  iumpes  with  your  conceite,  fay  you  mette 
with  a  kill  Crowe.  I  am  aflured  that  they  that  are  of  my  minde 
mail  efcape  a  great  deale  of  trouble  j  for,  of  mine  honeftie,  if  I  mould 
light  on  fuch  an  one,  I  know  certainely  I  mould  be  quickly  rid  of  a 
neere  milhap,  in  being  preuented  of  matching  with  a  nice  ninnie  by 
a  nice  body  ;  for  not  being  the  paragon  of  the  worlde,  would  keepe 
me  from  marrying  with  the  onely  paltrie  one  of  the  worlde  j  whether, 
then,  thinke  you  fuch  to  be  profitable  members  of  a  common  wealth  ? 
Howfoeuer  you  think,  Hone/tie  hath  faid,  he  thinks  them  hurtfull  to 
none  that  efcape  them,  for  that  their  folly  onely  hurtes  themfelues, 
dooing  good  to  others,  in  the  like  manner  as  he  hath  tolde  you.  Trot 
you,  and  you  will,  to  trye  your  Fortune,  and  runne  to  wooe  fuch 
curious  cuftomers  ;  but  fay  I  bid  you  take  heede,  leaft  you  refift  good 
lucke,  by  being  importunate  to  wooe  them,  with  whome  you  mail 
winne  a  mafle  of  manner-les  Monkiih  trickes.  And  I  fpeak  efpecially 
to  you,  that  hunt  after  monilers  of  modeftie,  defiring  to  haue  the 
maidens  you  would  matche  with,  as  very  matrones  as  your  mothers. 
Beware  you  light  not  vpon  an  ouerwearied,  conceipted  follom-bird, 
being  one  that  hath  beene  fo  curious  to  be  talkte  with  of  any,  as,  hauing 
liued  ouer  long  without  one,  is  become  glad  of  any.  Hone/lie  knowes 
fuch,  and  you  may  be  troubled  with  fuch,  and  how  can  you  thinke 
your  felues  vnworthie  ?  In  faith,  ill  conceited  birds,  if  you  thinke 
your  felues  fo  vnwife,  as  you  are  vnable  to  gouern  a  wilde  wench,  you 
will  l  fhewe  your  felues  more  foolifh  if  you  match  with  a  nice  no-  [i  leaf  F  4] 
maide.  But  what  faide  Hone/lie  ?  be  there  any  fuch  ?  I,  that  there 
are,  ordained,  for  the  nonce,  to  nurture  fuch  noddies.  It  is  as  eafie  to 
be  miflead  by  hypocrifie,  as  it  is  follie  to  truft  to  an  vncertaintie ;  and 
it  is  more  vncertaine  to  know  now  a  daies  whether  a  woman  bee 
honeftly  modeft,  or  knauifhly  coye,  then  whether  a  Smithfeelde  horfe 
will  proue  good  or  iadifh. 

See  how  I  haue  a  tale  by  the  end,  of  a  ninnie  of  my  now  handled 
maidens  qualitie,  which  was  a  Mifers  Daughter  in  the  low  Countries. 
Who  was  fo  proper  a  peece  of  flefh,  as  I  can  tell  you  we  haue  not 
many  Oyfter  women  that  out  goes  her  in  hooke  moulders.  By 
reporte  me  was  a  louely  one ;  but  that  me  was  monftrous  blobber 


84  The  passionate  Morrice. 

lipt,  and  ftoopt  fomewhat  vnreafonably  in  the  vpper  parte  of  her 
backfide ;  but  that  is  no  matter,  her  father  was  richer  then  moft  in 
that  Countrie,  and  why  fhould  not  me  thinke  her  felfe  the  propereft 
of  a  thoufand  ?  of  Hone/ties  word,  fo  by  likelyhoode  ihe  did ;  and  if 
you  fay  not  fo  anon,  then  fay  I  haue  heard  a  lye.  She  thought  her 
felfe  fo  proper,  as  none  vnder  a  Burges  his  eldeft  Sonne  might  fue 
vnto  her,  and  he  too  to  be  no  faultie  gallant  j  for  he  with  all  com- 
mers  mould  be  fo  furely  fifted  by  her,  to  fee  whether  they  trod  their 
fhooes  awry  or  no,  as  the  Miller  doth  the  grift  before  he  mingles 
chalke  amongft  it.  She  would  haue  a  fling  at  their  heades,  to  fee 
whether  they  were  round  like  a  ball,  or  long  like  a  bottell ;  and  fo 
from  euery  parte,  til  fhe  were  paft  the  vndermoft  parte  of  their 
Pantoples.  And,  in  all  of  them  ihe  would  be  fure  to  finde  fome  fault 
or  other,  the  leaft  being  a  fufficient  caufe  to  cut  off  their  proceedings. 
Thus  dealt  fhe  fo  long,  as  at  laft  her  doultifh  age  was  vnawares  come 
vpon  her,  making  her  fuftie  curiofitie  a  fhamefull  mockerie  through- 
out the  Countrie ;  fo  that  the  generall  reporte  of  her  bruted  ignomynie 
made  her  growe  glad  of  anycompanie;  and  now  faine  would  fhe  be  mar- 
ried, though  loth  to  encreafe  her  fhame  by  matching  with  farre  worfe 
[i  leaf  F  4,  then  Ihe  had  refufed  being  offered,  and  1  therefore,  thinking  to  hinder 
the  make-fpeede  of  murmured  ignominie,  with  a  craftie  colour  of  a 
continuing  care  to  couple  her  felfe  to  one  of  Fortunes  darlings,  fhe 
concluded  there  mould  be  a  Lotterie,  and  whofe  chaunce  it  was  to  be 
drawen  by  her  fhould  onely  poflefie  her  withered  felf.  You  muft 
thinke  that  many  were  glad  to  win  her  j  for  whom  almoft  will  not 
wealth  wooe  to  a  bad  bargaine  ?  My  ftorie  reportes  that  of  all  fortes, 
fome  for  paftime,  and  others  for  profite,  put  their  fcrolles  into 
fortunes  budget,  and  on  the  day  when  my  minions  draft  fhould  be 
manifefled,  who  fhould  haue  her  by  lot,  but  fuch  an  one  as  Tom- 
witles  is,  that  will  cry  if  one  offer  to  take  away  his  bable  ! 

A  futable  mate  for  fo  long  a  fearch  j  there  was  but  one  grand 
foole  in  a  Country,  and  fee  how  Fortune  had  kept  her  for  him. 
Now,  fuch  chaunce  follow  like  curious  coye  wenches  j  and  may 
neuer  wifer  perfons  match  with  them.  And  are  they  not,  thinke  you, 
the  meeteft  for  them  ?  For  they  defire  to  haue  them  that  haue  the 
fmalleft  faults,  and  Hone/lie  thinks  it  the  leaft  fault  in  a  man  to  be  a 
foole.  Who  is  more  proude  then  a  foole  ?  and  what  woman  more 


The  passionate  Mornce.  85 

coy,  for  the  moft  parte,  then  fhe  that  hath  leaft  reafon  for  it  ?  The 
Crow  likes  her  own  birde  beft,  though  it  be  the  blackeft  ;  and  would 
not  we  haue  women  thinke  well  of  thej/zfelues  ?  I  pray  you  let  them 
haue  their  willes  j  or  they  will,  whether  you  will  or  no ;  and  if  you 
like  them  not,  you  may  leaue  them  ;  and  with  as  good  reafon  as  they 
will  be  fure  to  deale  fo  with  you,  vnleffe  you  highly  pleafe  them. 
The  AlTe  hath  a  curious  eye,  and  that  makes  his  pace  fo  flowe ;  for 
fhort  legges  will  trippe  at  euery  ftone,  and  what,  (he  is  not  afraide  to 
fall  on  a  ftone  !  And  reafon  too,  but  they  will  neuer  be  happie, 
vntill  Tom  foole  and  his  fellowes  be  banifht  for  throwing  ftones  at 
%them,  which  often  hurt  their  bellies,  whereas  their  falling  breakes  but 
their  knees.  Alas  !  poore  afles,  that  your  eyes  cannot  keepe  you 
from  burthens,  as  they  make  you  ouer-leape  often  vnknowne  dia- 
mondes.  But  what  are  more  pretious  then  pleafing  thoughts  ?  and 
what  fancies  are  more  full  of  pleafure  then  !  thofe  that  moft  extoll  C1  sis- 
our  felues  ?  This  arrogancie  is  an  infectious  peftilence  j  for  we  get 
pride  one  from  an  other,  as  we  purchafe  the  plague  in  a  mortalitie. 
But  once  more  returne  we  to  the  merry  talke  of  our  coye  Maiden. 

After  a  long  progrefie  paffed  in  defcription  of  the  fweet  hart  me 
would  haue,  being  fuch  an  exquifite  proper  qualited  Squire,  as  is 
fcarfe  one  in  a  whole  Countrey,  the  maid  fell  with  her  to  this  point : 
'  Now,  of  my  troth  (quoth  fhe),  by  your  leaue,  I  am  not  of  your 
minde ;  for  fuch  a  matchles  fellowe  is  as  meete  a  baite  to  entice  many 
women  to  doo  his  wife  wrong,  as  a  faire  woman  mail  haue  futors  to 
doo  her  Hufband  a  fhrewde  turne.  And,  therefore,  as  I  would  not 
wifh  to  be  matcht  with  fuch  a  crabbed  peece  of  flefh  as  none  can 
fancie,  fo  defire  not  I  to  holde  a  mark  for  euery  one  to  fhoote  at,  the 
rather  for  that  there  are  fewe  men  which  will  refufe  a  kinde  offer. 
Beware  when  the  woman  wooes  !  if  fhe  be  perceiued  to  be  forward 
to  fome  difpofitions,  fhe  fhall  not  want  the  offering  of  a  bob ;  fo 
that  the  bobbing  bable  fhall  bob  the  foole  with  her  own  curious 
choice.'  Which  knauifh  quip  did  fo  nip  my  Miftres  Daughter  on  the 
head,  as  in  troth  fhe  left  arguing,  and  fell  harde  to  fcolding. 

This  is  bobbing  with  a  witnes,  thought  Hone/lie ;  but  furely  it 
were  pittie  it  fhould  not  be  true  in  fome  cafes  j  and  in  thofe  onely 
would  I  wifh  it  true,  that  ftriue  fo  far  to  out-goe  their  fellowes  in 
fuperexcellent  obie&es. 


86  The  passionate  Morrice. 

Beware  the  Foxe  that  hath  the  fmootheft  fkinne !  it  is  figne  his 
coate  is  olde,  and  his  wit  not  young ;  he  will  be  fure  of  a  goofe  in  ftore, 
when  many  of  his  neighbours  mall  want  one.  I  know  fome,  about 
whome  Nature  hath  beftowed  fo  long  time  in  fliaping  faire  faces  with 
proper  bodies,  as  flie  hath  at  laft  for  hafte  beene  conftrained  to  let 
them  pafie  with  vnperfe6t  hartes.  She  muft  performe  her  ftinte,  and 
a  time  is  limited  her  to  famion  euery  childe ;  by  reafon,  then,  they 
muft  haue  the  pureft  harts,  that  haue  the  vnlikeft  fhapes.  I  know 
what  you  will  fay,  and  therby,  wil  onely  feeme  to  gainfay  Hone/lie, 
[i  sig.  G,  for  that  it  is  a  Prouerbe,  *  Crooked  without,  and  cralled  within.  Of 
troth,  I  muft  confefle,  that  it  is  very  likely,  though  not  alwaies  true 
(for,  no  work-man  but  hath  fometimes  a  mifchaunce  happen  to  his 
moft  curious  worke,  after  the  finifhing  therof,  either  by  a  fall  or 
fuch  like  cafuall  chaunce),  that  a  halting  bodie  hath  a  diflembling 
hart,  and  a  mifhapen  creature  a  crabbed  dilpofition  j  and  we  doe 
finde  it  commonly,  that  vnder  fouleft  afpects  are  hidden  the  faireft 
harts,  though  I  know  women  accompt  blacke  thinges  to  be  of  leaft 
worth.  But  fearch  againe,  and  looke  what  dye  is  more  perfect,  or 
what  will  take  foile  fooner,  then  the  milke-like  white  ?  well,  the 
maidens  propofition  pleafed  Hone/lie  ouerwell,  as  you  may  gefle  by 
my  long  ftay  vpon  it  j  but  I  will  afiure  you  it  difpleafed  no  les  my 
yong  miftres.  Alas  !  it  is  a  little  thing  that  will  not  difpleafe  them 
whom  nothing  can  pleafe :  and  {hall  we  thinke  a  wench  could  pof- 
fibly  pleafe  her  long,  vnto  whom  fo  many  men  were  difliking  ?  Now 
furely  he  mall  haue  a  new  accompte,  that  reckons  on  lefle  then  this; 
namelye,  that  his  matching  with  fuch  a  minion,  which  was  fo  curious 
to  be  pleafed,  will  craue  as  great  care  to  be  kept  pleafed,  as  a  iade 
will  require  arte  to  be  kept  from  tiring.  Nor  doo  I  fay  me  wil  be 
tired ;  I  would  rather  be  driuen  to  affirme  he  ihalbe  iaded,  though 
with  fuch  an  one  as  will  neuer  be  tired. 

But  let  fuch  as  my  Miftres  Many-miflike  is,  take  heede  leaft  by 
their  coye  kindenes  they  kill  their  harts  whome  they  would  gladly 
faue  after,  with  all  their  arte,  and  cannot.  Howeafie  is  it  to  put  that 
away  with  our  little  finger,  which  we  would  willingly  recouer  againe 
with  both  our  hands.  I  haue  knowen  fome  Faulkoners  that  haue 
beene  fo  curious  in  dieting  their  Hawkes,  as  a  nice  curtefan  is  of  her 
fare ;  and  yet  fometimes  they  haue  fearcht  a  whole  day  after  the  kill- 


The  passionate  Morrice.  87 

ing  of  a  carrion  Crowe,  and  mift  of  it  too.  The  faire  laftes  not 
alwaies  j  and  fuch  as  lightly  regarde  a  good  bargaine  when  it  is  prof- 
fered, may  trie  the  market  a  twelue  moneth  after,  and  mifie  of  the 
like  offer.  The  rolling  ftone  gathers  no  mofle,  nor  the  running 
fan'cie  is  worth  the  catching.  They  fhalbe  fure  to  meete  with  a  fickle  I1  sig.  G  a] 
hart  that  match  with  fuch  a  wauering  loue ;  and  an  vnconftant  affec- 
tion is  better  loft  then  found.  And  for  that  I  am  entred  into  the  path 
of  vnconftancie,  I  wil  come  to  a  feauenth  enemie,  which  a  couple 
harboured  that  flood  behinde  the  doore. 

He  was  a  Prentice  that  had  foure  yeers  to  ferue,  which  I  cer- 
tainely  vnderftoode  afterwards,  though  at  that  inftant  I  gefte  no 
lefle  by  his  fearefulnes  to  be  feene  j  wel,  thefe  had  fo  wooed  and 
wonne  the  one  the  other,  as  .fure  they  were,  hauing  remained  fo  by 
the  fpace  of  three  yeers  j  yet  now  there  was  diflike  growen  betweene 
them  j  firfte,  fpringing  from  the  woman,  that  was  difcontented  that 
(he  had  alreadie  loft  fo  much  time,  being  yet  bound  to  endure  a 
longer  flay.  Who  knowes  not  the  certaintie  of  her  prefumption,  con- 
firmed by  an  order  of  the  Cittie  of  London  (which  is,  that  if  any  man, 
ftanding  bound  for  the  feruing  of  yeeres,  entangle  himfelfe  and  marrie 
before  the  tearme  of  his  yeeres  ended,  he  mall  double  his  prentiihip), 
and,  therfore,  muft  me  either  out-ftay  them,  or  binde  him  by  the 
haftie  match  to  feauen  yeers  more  feruice.  Vpon  this  inconuenience, 
miflike  harboured  in  her  bofome,  hauing  tied  that  with  her  toung 
which  me  could  not  loofe  with  her  hands  j  fo  that  mad  melancholly 
me  was  for  the  matche  made  by  her  felfe,  that  tooke  fo  fmall  delight 
therein. 

Now,  I  would  all  might  be  ferued  with  the  fame  fauce,  thought 
Hone/lie,  that  fo  foone  tying  themfelues,  defire  as  foone  to  be  loofed  j 
and,  it  is  great  maruell  when  it  falles  out  otherwife,  efpecially  in  thefe 
daies,  wherin  conftancie  is  made  a  hackney.  Lingring  loue  Ireedes 
ml/like ;  and  how  can  that  loue  be  faithfull  that  is  faftned  with  fo 
flender  a  thong  ?  There  is  a  thing  which  maintaines  the  coherence 
of  two  harts,  which,  if  it  be  long  wanting,  our  loue  will  proue  but 
watrifh  affection  j  I  meane,  that  certaintie  of  an  euerlafting  happines, 
with  an  affurance  of  a  continuall  earthly  pleafure.  There  comes 
many  faire  Horfes  into  Smithfeelde  in  a  twelue  moneth,  which  make 
many  that  2  are  fped  alreadye,  to  wifh  themfelues  vnprouided,  to  p  sig-  G  a, 

back] 


88 


The  passionate  Morrice. 


deale  with  them ;  for  all  men  haue  not  keeping  for  two  Geldings. 
It  is  time  that  makes  a  iade  knowen ;  and  our  knowledge  that  wiflies 
him  further  from  vs.  Many  thinges  muft  alter  in  feauen  yeeres,  for 
that  wonders  happen  in  a  moment.  In  one  day  a  begger  and  a  King 
are  made  equal  j  both  the  pompe  of  the  one,  and  the  poore  eftate  of 
the  other,  being  buried  in  duft.  Loffes  come  fooneft  vnlooked  for, 
and  the  worft  bargaines  are  gotten  with  the  greateft  fearch ;  neede 
raifeth  the  market  j  and  much  enquirie  after  a  commoditie  engenders 
fufpeft  there  is  fcarcitie  thereof.  What  cannot  golde  doo  ?  and  may 
it  not,  then,  eafily  conuert  a  hart  that  longes  after  it  ?  There  are  many 
entiling  baites  that  change  many  mindes ;  &  who  wil  not  ftriue  for  the 
golden  Apple  ?  onely  except  thofe  that  know  they  cannot  get  it, 
though  they  are  deferuing  thereof,  which  impoffibilitie  muft  needs 
hatche  miferie.  How  be  cormorants  more  plagued,  then  by  a  difap- 
pointment  of  their  purpofe  ?  They  that  foreftall  markets,  make  often 
times  but  bad  bargaines,  as  well  as  the  fluggard  that  comes  a  day  after 
the  Faire. 

Is  it  not  folly  to  ftriue  to  keepe  a  wet  Eele  by  the  taile  ?  or  what 
commoditie  arifeth  of  holding  the  Diuell  by  the  great  toe  ?  the  one 
is  ouer-quick,  and  the  other  wonderous  ftrong;  and,  in  Hone/lies 
Judgement,  a  knowne  lofle,  the  fooner  it  comes,  the  lefle  it  greeues ; 
and  better  it  is  to  be  without  company,  then  to  be  matcht  with  an 
enemie.  Slipperie  ware  is  not  the  beft  Merchandize  3  and  what 
requires  more  care,  then  Glafle  that  is  moft  brittle  ?  I  know  you  wil 
fay  a  womans  hart  is  as  tender,  and  that  I  think  no  lefle.  Then,  lince 
we  muft  hazard  our  welfare,  that  are  conftrained  to  deale  with  fuch 
pure  metall,  being  tied  to  that  traffique ;  let  vs  not  beftowe  all  our 
hope  on  a  peece  we  know  muft  ftay  fo  long  by  vs,  before  we  can 
make  profite  thereof.  Hone/lie  is  rather  a  profefled  folicitor  for  a 
woman,  then  a  counfeller  to  a  man  j  but,  for  that  both  men  and 
.  03]  women  are  troubled  with  the  like  difeafes,  let  them  *vfe  my  plafter 
that  like  beft  of  my  knowledge.  Where  loue  ftrikes  the  bargaine, 
their  liking  cannot  ftart  backe  j  but  vnles  he  be  bound  by  his  agree- 
ment, affe&ion  is  a  fickle  fellowe.  What  furer  couenant  then  fetled 
loue  ?  But  they  which  refpe£t  not  their  worde,  will  hardly  regarde 
an  oathe.  Honeftie  is  all,  for  hee  is  the  father  of  conftancie ;  and  a 
fig  for  that  loue  which  muft  be  tied  by  the  lawe !  If  we  fofter  a 


The  passionate  Morrice.  89 

fnake,  fhe  will  fling  vs  by  the  bofomej  and  hee  that  fues  for  an 
enemie,  is  worthy  to  haue  his  pate  broken  with  want  of  honeftie.  A 
tedious  fuite  makes  ritch  lawyers  and  leefing  clients ;  and  a  defire  to 
haue  all,  makes  vs  often  to  loofe  all. 

I  haue  heard  of  a  Gentleman  that  tied  himfelfe  to  a  poore  maide 
after  the  manner  aforefaide,  meaning  to  marrie  with  her  after  the 
death  of  his  father,  for  that  hee  durfl  not  doe  it  while  hee  liued.  Hee 
maintained  her  paffing  brauely,  running  himfelfe  greatly  into  debt, 
through  the  large  expenfes  fhe  lafht  out.  Which  curious  and  ritch 
fetting  forth,  made  many  to  looke  after  her,  which  otherwife  would 
not  haue  thought  on  her.  A  blazing  flarre  prefages  alteration,  as  the 
Aflroriomers  holde  itj  and  doubtles,  a  proper  woman  gayly  ap- 
parelled, breeds  miracles  in  mens  mindes.  A  prancing  horfe  moues 
wondring,  when  a  fare  nagge  onely  pleafeth  the  rider ;  fo  while  fhee 
liued  according  to  her  birth,  few  or  none  regarded  hir  j  but  now  fet 
foorth  as  readie  for  fale,  her  gallantnes  engendred  thoughts  of  fome 
great  portion  to  be  fallen  by  an  vnlooked  for  accident.  Nor  will 
friends  let  to  fpeake,  to  make  a  friend  fpeede  well,  and  hire  of  the 
fame  minde  gaue  forth  that  it  was  fo  indeede ;  vpon  which  reporte 
many  wooers  were  drawne  to  trie  their  fortunes,  and  amongft  them  a 
ritch  farmers  fonne  fet  in  his  foote  to  hazard  his  happe.  Whome  her 
parents  and  friends  fo  well  liked,  being  his  fathers  onely  childe,  as 
they  began  to  perfwade  their  daughter  to  take  it  while  it  were  offered, 
after  this  maner :  'Tut,  wench  (quoth  they),  while  the  grafle  growes 
the  fleed  flames ;  and,  as  foone  goes  the  young  fleare  as  the  l  olde  oxe  p  sig.  G  3, 
to  the  market.  Young  heads  are  fickle  j  and  fuppofe  he  fhould  play 
falfe,  how  fhould  we  remedie  it  ?  Golde  bies  lawe  now  a  dayes ; 
and  may  not  a  bribe  eate  vp  a  fure  title,  as  wee  haue  heard  a  fat  hog 
did  a  poore  mans  glaffe  of  oyle  ?  He  that  can  giue  mofle,  fhall  be 
fure  to  fpeed  befl ;  and  you  knowe,  daughter,  your  father  is  not  able 
to  wage  lawe  againfl  fo  ritch  an  enemie.  Why,  woman,  you  haue 
not  feene  him  this  fortnight  j  and  how  knowe  we  but  he  hath  a  wife 
in  a  corner  ?  By  our  Lady,  girle,  fuch  windefalles  happen  not  often, 
as  is  this  day  put  into  your  mouth.  By  cock  and  pie,  doo  as  you  will, 
but  if  you  doo  refufe  this  proffer,  we  will  denie  you  our  blefling.' 
Which  counfell  flroke  fo  deepe  into  her  confcience,  as  it  fent 
packing  all  the  affection  her  protefled  loyaltie  had  promifed,  and 


9o 


The  passionate  Morrice. 


turned  it  fo  to  the  farmers  fonne,  as  in  fhort  time  hee  maried  with 
her. 

By  that  time,  as  my  minion  had  been  married  three  or  foure  dayes, 
thither  comes  polling  my  out-ioynted  Gentleman :  of  whofe  ftarke 
flaring  mad  difcontentment,  vpon  the  hearing  of  his  willow  guift, 
Hone/lie  lifts  not  to  ftand,  fince  you  can  imagine  it  was  great :  but 
what  remedie  ?  What  wife  man  would  fue  for  a  falfe-hearted  beg- 
ger?  or  what  gaine  mould  be  got  by  the  recouerie  of  a  broken 
pipkin  ?  In  feeking  to  haue  plagued  her,  he  mould  haue  punifhed 
himfelfe,  adding  but  lhame  to  the  lofie  of  a  greater  expence,  and  in 
the  ende,  recouered  a  flap  with  a,  foxe  tale.  Well,  I  pittie  him, 
becaufe  of  his  kindnes  which  was  fo  crofied  ;  but  if  Hone/lie  heares  of 
any  fuch  kinde  afies  hereafter,  he  will  make  as  good  fporte  thereat 
as  the  boyes  doo  at  the  foole  of  a  Morrice.  Are  they  not  worthie  to 
lie  by  the  heeles,  that  purchafe  the  countertenor  with  fo  plaine  a 
prickfong?  I  warrant  you  it  pricl:  and  pincht  him  too  5  but 
his  father  was  the  more  willing  to  releafe  him,  for  that  he  hopte 
that  loffe  had  gaind  him  more  wit.  Hone/lie  could  tell  you  of 
a  thoufand  that  haue  been  ferued  after  the  fame  order,  they  hauing 
promifed  to  ftaye  one  for  another ;  fome  a  yeare,  others  more  or  lefle, 
leaf  &  4]  whereof  fome  haue  had  their  x  hope  found  within  a  fortnight  of  their 
day,  and  then,  thinking  themfelues  neereft  to  haue  their  willes,  in 
come  takers,  putting  their  nofes  quite  befides  the  fweete  fent  of  their 
forefpoken  bedfellowes.  This  can  be  no  fmall  griefe  to  a  kinde,  con- 
ftant  heart,  that  hath,  peraduenture,  refufed  many  good  likely  hoods 
to  (lay  for  fuch  a  light  hufwife.  He  that  will  thinke  himfelfe  fure 
to  a  woman,  or  fliee  that  will  build  on  a  mans  conftancie,  till  the 
parifh  prieft  hath  faide  God  glue  yee  ioye,  and  the  brides  bed  hath 
borne  it  firft  nights  waight,  he  is  not  of  Hone/lies  minde,  though  I 
wifh  it  were  otherwife. 

It  is  as  good  to  bee  a  fibred  of  the  home,  as  to  bee  made  fure  to 
an  vnconftant  heart,  for  they  that  looke  for  les  mail  be  difappointed. 
God  forbid  Hone/lie  mould  fay  it  were  vnpoffible,  that  two  may  loue 
constantly  vnmarried  feuen  yeres  -,  but  he  may  aboue  that  two  fay, 
fuch  are  fcarce  found  in  feauen  ages.  Walke  but  to  Weftminfter, — a 
place,  in  faith,  where  conftancie  is  as  little  vfed  as  wit  in  Bedlam, — and 
yet  there  (I  warrant  you)  you  (hall  haue  your  head  filled  with  tales 


The  passionate  Morrice.  91 

of  vnconftant  louers.  Goe,  likewife,  to  Poules  (a  path  as  well  haunted 
with  hunters  of  honeftie  as  Kemps  head  is  fometimes  peftered  with 
knauerie),  and  blame  Honeftie  if  there  you  heare  not  outcries  of 
wauering  wenches.  Long  lane*  and  broade  ftreetes,  little  cottages 
and  manner  places,  are  at  this  day,  by  report,  bolftred  with  naught  fo 
much  as  with  vnconftant  mindes.  Whereby,  what  through  the 
forrowe  Conftancies  complainte  moues,  and  the  griefe  honefties 
broken  pate  procures,  it  is  great  pittie  wee  fliould  not  haue  many 
knackes  to  knowe  knaues  by,  and  as  many  ligges  to  gird  garifh  girles 
with.  I[n]  peticoate  lane  is  a  pocket  ful  of  new  fafmions,  the  drift 
whereof  is,  that  firft  commers  mould  be  firft  ferued ;  but  they  meane 
no  commers  which  enter  not  the  placket.  In  Shooelane  there  is  one 
that  felles  running  lether,  the  vertue  whereof  is  maintained  with 
liquor  of  a  careles  heart ;  fo  that  hee  or  fliee  that  cannot  play  light  of 
loue,  mall  not  be  cuftomed  there.  Withdrawe  your  felues  lto  Crooked  C1  leaf  G  4, 
lane,  and,  of  Honefties  credite,  you  mall  finde  more  traps  to  catch 
Rats  and  Mice  there,  then  conftant  louers  in  Shordich  Church  at 
midnight. 

What  mail  I  fay,  fince  the  art  of  Cony-catching  hath  foreftalled 
good  inuention  ?  but  fie  on  the  diuell  that  driues  fuch  wits  to  fo  bad 
a  bargaine,  as  to  be  forft  to  fpend  their  time  in  no  better  ftudies. 
They  haue  need  of  good  intelligencers  that  mall  intermeddle  with 
trickes  of  Coning-mifts ;  for  mine  own  part,  I  had  rather  wade  to 
the  middle  in  Loues  whirle-poole,  then  to  the  anckles  m  the  brooke 
of  vnconftancie.  And  yet,  force  perforce,  by  Loues  appoyntment,  I 
muft  haue  a  fling  at  her  followers.  Let  them  flye  to  the  gallowes, 
for  Honeftie,  that  loues  her  fo  well  j  and  my  fling  will  driue 
them  to  a  worfe  place,  vnlefie  they  leaue  her.  Vp  hill  and  downe 
hill  is  a  very  troublefome  labour ;  but  vp  the  ladder  and  downe 
the  rope  ends  many  ones  miferie.  What  fteeper  way  then  to 
the  height  of  afFe6tion?  and  how  many  often  poft  vp  and  down 
betweene  that  and  the  valley  Likings-recantation.  '  I  recant '  now  a 
daies  followes  Loues  heeles  like  his  fhadowe  5  it  is  a  halting  crack- 
halter,  and  a  hurtfull  hinderloue,  and  beft  he  fhall  be  knowne  by  his 
ftumpe  foote.  I  meane  not  a  mifliapen  ledge,  but  a  refting  loue, 
that  either  makes  fuch  a  full  poynt  in  the  beginning,  as  he  can  goe 
no  further,  or  els  ftands  at  a  ftay  two  or  three  quarters,  not  knowing 


92  The  passionate  Morrice. 

whether  it  were  beft  to  goe  forwards  or  backwards.  Extreames  are 
as  daungerous  as  ftretches  :  for,  as  many  ioynts  are  out-fet  or  crackt  by 
the  one,  fo  many  vncurable  hurts  are  receiued  by  the  other.  Honejlie 
thinkes  a  feuen  nights  fpace  is  too  fhort  a  time  to  faften  a  true  louers 
knot ;  but  he  that  out  ftayes  the.  moneth,  may  learne  as  much  in  that 
time  as  is  needfull  to  be  knowne.  A  longer  time  is  pleafing  to  them 
that  haue  barres  to  hinder  their  forwardnes,  but  he  that  may  goe  on 
without  hinderances,  if  hee  aimes  at  a  longer  refpite,  take  it  on 
Hone/ties  word,  hee  workes  but  vpon  aduantage.  They  that  build 
their  affection  vpon  reafon,  are  like  to  remaine  moft  conftant;  for 
sig.  H]  l  where  a  condition  of  profite  binds  the  futors,  there  a  long  day  will 
not  likely  be  broken.  But  this  reafon  craues  wifedome,  the  experi- 
ence whereof  muft  awaite  on  Loues  followers,  the  pra&ife  being 
nothing  but  this,  a  care  in  our  choyce  to  maintaine  the  maiue 
chaunce.  That  is,  that  they  which  haue  little,  doe  fancie  none  but 
fuch  as  haue  fomewhat,  and  they  that  haue  nothing,  either  to  match 
with  fuch  as  haue  enough  to  ferue  themfelues  and  others,  or  els  to  fit 
ftill  in  the  chimney  corner.  Al  muft  meafure  their  liking  according 
to  the  depth  of  their  defire,  to  the  end  they  may  liue  with  content- 
ment, which  will  (I  warrant  you)  nourifh  conftancie. 

Now  followeth  another  fort,  which  are  not  the  leaft  enemies  Loue 
hath,  being  our  common  courting  lads,  who  take  fuch  pleafure  in 
their  pregnant  wits,  and  fo  great  glorie  in  their  readie  tongues,  as  a 
wench  cannot  peepe  forth  the  doores,  but  they  muft  haue  a  fling  at 
her  beautie.  Firft  comes,  ffaire  ladie, God  faue  you';  and  then  followes, 
that  the  fight  of  fuch  a  blazing  Commet  makes  them  ftand  at  the 
gaze,  for  that  fuch  fights  are  feldome  feene.  After,  enfues  their 
application,  falling  from  the  celeftiall  creatures  to  their  earthly  God- 
deffes,  extolling  their  beauties  to-  fuch  a  height,  as,  when  they  can  goe 
no  further,  hauing  forgotten  their  way  backwards,  they  fall  downe 
headlong,  breaking  the  necke  of  Good  reafon.  Then  come  they  to 
the  good  parts  of  their  bodies,  and  from  thence  to  a  fupernaturall 
view  of  their  hidden  vertues,  building  vpon  the  prouerbe,  A  falre 
face  cannot  haue  a  crabbed  heart,  though  many  of  them  find  by  ex- 
perience, but  crabbed  entertainment  to  proceede  from  thofe  their 
celeftial  obiefts ;  yet  the  moft,  what  through  their  quicke  conceipts, 
falfe  proteftations  and  vfuall  reforting  into  their  companies,  bring 


The  passionate  Morrice. 


93 


many  into  fuch  a  fooles  paradice,  as  they  harpe  on  nothing  but 
mariage.  And  maruell  not,  feeing  we  haue  many  fo  forward 
wenches,  that  if  a  man  looke  but  earneftly  vpon  them,  they  thinke 
verely  hee  is  inamoured  of  their  beautie ;  but  flial  he  fpeake,  and  fay 
he  loues  them,  "  my  father,  my  mother,  1  and  all  my  friends  muft  be  C1  sig.  H, 

back] 

made  priuie  to  his  proceedings,  for  I  know  he  will  haue  me." 

Alas!  light  hearts  that  are  lead  away  with  euery  kinde  blaftj 
know  ye  not  that  our  age  flowes  with  fine  wits,  that  muft  borrow 
their  pra&ife  of  fuch  like  patients  ?  Doe  not  many  men  cheapen, 
that  meane  not  to  buy  ?  &  think  you  to  want  fuch  cuftomers  ?  How 
many  come  into  a  Faire  with  neuer  a  farthing  in  their  purfes,  and  yet 
for  fafhion  fake  will  afke  the  price  of  a  coftly  peece  of  worke  !  Our 
tongues  ftand  vs  in  little  charges  for  reparations  j  and  feeing  they 
weare  not,  we  will  not  fpare  to  wagge  them.  But  this  is  beft  knowne 
to  you  women,  whom  nature  bindes  to  the  greateft  practice,  hauing 
giuen  you  no  other  weapon  j  yet,  I  may  tell  you,  men  cannot  want 
that  inftrument,  efpecially  in  their  wooing  matters.  But  did  many  of 
both  kindes  vfe  it  lefle,  both  you  and  they  ihould  fpeede  neuer  the 
worfe,  for  you  fhould  mifTe  of  many  fond  faithles  fpeeches,  and  they 
fhould  march  without  as  many  kinde  hit-home  floutes.  They  mould 
not,  playing  with  the  fire,  be  burnt  with  the  flame,  and  remaine 
helples  through  your  careles  pitie ;  nor  mould  you  be  intrapt  in  the 
fnares  of  their  fmoothe  words,  decreasing  your  glorious  beauty  by 
hopeles  conceites  of  obtaining  your  wimed  happines. 

Many  honeft  mindes  taken  at  their  words,  are  bound  to  bad  bar- 
gaines,  when,  on  the  contrarie  part,  a  crackt  credit  regardes  neither 
his  own  reputation  or  anothers  welfare.  How  eafie  is  a  free  horfe 
tired,  a  good  edge-toole  fpoyled,  and  a  kinde  heart  furfeited  ?  A  dull 
iade  will  rather  be  fpurde  to  death  then  breake  his  pace  -}  and  with  a 
bad  knife  we  may  aflay  to  cut  any  thing,  without  dooing  it  much 
harme ;  but  woe  bee  vnto  that  heart,  whofe  mildenes  makes  it  felfe 
fubie6t  to  a  counterfeit  kindnes.  You  (hall  fighe  forth  your  forrow, 
while  they  fmile  at  their  good  fuccefle  j  they,  building  their  aflurance 
of  being  no  lofers  on  your  good  difpofitions,  that  ferue  for  flables  to 
reft  their  hopes  in ;  your  good  natures  muft  bee  but  roumes  for 
hackmes  that  neuer  knowe  their  mafters,  and  your  kinde  2 hearts  to  psig. Ha] 
ferue  for  mangers  to  feede  their  bad  conceites.  Their  trotting  ihall 


94 


The  passionate  Morrice. 


faften  to  your  heads  heapes  of  proclamations,  the  claufes  whereof 
{hall  breede  thoufand  of  doubted  miferies,  and  ten  thoufands  of  care- 
full  heartbreakings.  Their  counterfeit  frendfhip  fliall  hinder  faithfull 
and  louing  proceedings,  hurting  affe&ion  by  hindring  it  from  it 
defarte,  with  keeping  it  from  receiuing  the  due  of  requitall.  That 
booties  conftancie  fliall  banifli  faithfull  loyaltie  by  crabbed  crofles, 
and  purchafe  to  it  felf,  through  a  haples  conclufion,  a  cart-loade  of 
carefull  extremities.  True-meaning  thereby  fhall  be  deceaued  on 
both  fides,  and  kind-heartednes  plagued  with  ouer-furefet  affecYton. 
Loue  fhal  be  banded  away  with  the  racket  of  diffimulation,  and 
beaten  at  laft  into  the  hazard  Defpaire  by  his  fporting  enemie.  What 
a  great  lofle  will  followe  fuch  a  chafe,  and  how  great  expence  of 
hearts  griefe  muft  enfue  fo  fhroude  a  game,  gefle  you,  that  lie 
condemned  in  the  like  charges.  Onely  Hone/lie  pitties  fuch  a 
paftime  that  ends  with  fo  fmal  pleafure,  and  wil  now  come  to  giue 
you  warning  of  what  he  hath  feene  happen  in  the  like  cafes  of  little 
confcience. 

There  was  one  of  this  focietie  that  had  fo  courted  vp  a  wench,  as 
through  a  potion  of  pleafure  he  had  giuen  her,  her  belly  rofe  like  a 
blowne  bladder.  Belly  round  fhe  was,  fo  that,  through  his  craft,  her 
credit  floode  vpon  cracking;  which  fhe  perceauing,  entreated  her 
phifition,  that  as  hee  had  tailed  of  her  curtefie,  fo  he  would  faue  her 
honeftie,  declaring  that  fhe  was  with  childe,  as  the  truth  was.  '  Of  my 
faith  (quoth  he),  what  care  I  ?  You  might  haue  tooke  better  heede ; 
you  are  beft  to  make  hafte  and  get  a  father  for  it.'  '  I  hope  (an- 
fwered  fhe)  you  will  not  ferue  me  fo ;  are  thefe  your  faire  promifes  ? 
and  can  your  vowes  bee  fo  flightly  pafled  ouer  ?  Haue  you  not 
made  loue  to  me  by  the  fpace  of  a  quarter,  being  vfed  kindly  of  mee, 
and  can  you  finde  in  your  heart  thus  cruelly  to  requite  my  extraor- 
dinarie  fauour,  putting  me  to  fhiftes  in  this  extremitie  ?  Is  it  poflible 
I'  sig.  H  2,  your  profefled  whot  loue  mould  be  fo  foone  cold,  or  that  l  your  large 
promifes  fhould  turne  to  fo  little  performance  ?  I  cannot  thinke  you, 
being  a  man,  can  be  fo  cruell  as  to  cafl  away  a  poore  maiden.' 
'  Away,  beaft  (quoth  he),  thy  perfwafions  are  as  booties  as  thy 
thoughts;  and  I  am  afTured  thou  art  not  fo  foolifh  as  to  build  of  any 
thing  I  haue  faide,  or  of  that  I  haue  done,  but  as  of  a  ie&]  if  thou 


The  passionate  Morrice.  95 

dooft,  it  will  be  a  bad  foundation ; '  and  with  that,  he  flong  forth  of  the 
dores,  leauing  my  maimed-maide  in  a  bad  taking. 

Doe  you  tearme  fuch  dooing  iefting  ?  thought  Hone/tie ;  if 
Chaucers  iapes  were  fuch  ieftes,  it  was  but  bad  fporte ;  well,  a  fporte 
it  was,  though  it  proued  a  fure  earneft ;  and  who  knowes  not  that 
fweete  meates  craue  fowre  fauce  ?  Her  laughing  lye-downe  came  to 
fad  rifing-vp,  a  fhrewde  fporte  to  turne  to  fuch  forrie  paftime  5  and  if 
fuch  an  earneft  penny  cannot  binde  a  bargaine,  nought  wil  holde  the 
like  chapmen  but  a  halter.  Now,  Tiborne  and  Wapping  waite  on 
fuch  for  Porters,  as  poft  to  markets,  fo  to  ieft  with  lac'ft-mutton.  If 
faying  had  been  all,  fhee  had  beene  foolifh  indeede  to  haue  regarded 
a  fooles  fpeeches ;  but,  feeing  he  crept  fo  farre  into  credit  with  her, 
as  he  crackt  her  placket  lace,  how  could  he  of  confcience  call  that 
iefting  ?  Doth  Honeflie  talke  of  confcience  to  Buls  bailiffes,  that 
haue  no  care  of  any  thing  but  to  faue  their  caflbkes  from  being  his 
purchafe  ?  Now,  fie  of  all  the  Beadles  of  Bridewell,  if  they  fpare  fuch 
a  fporter  comming  vnder  their  correction,  without  double  the  dole 
they  punifli  one  of  Baals  common  Priefts  with.  I  would  their  blewe 
coates  might  fall  to  be  Hindes  fees,  vnlefle  they  giue  fuch  foure  luftie 
lames  at  euery  kennell  and.ftreets  corner  they  paffe  by.  Why,  vnder 
the  cloake  of  honeft  fatiffa6tion,  to  allure  an  honeft  minde  to  lewde 
corruption,  is  no  lefle  thefte  then  robbing  of  Churches ;  onely  the 
Clarkes  confent  feemes  in  the  one  to  craue  fome  tolleration  ouer  it 
doth  in  the  other.  Then  you  will  fay  they  deferue  both  to  be  hanged, 
and  fo  would  Honeflie  fay,  but  that  their  chriftianity  merites  charitie. 
But,  of  my  troth,  if  Honeflie  were  a  luftice,  fuch  as  fue  after  the  felfe- 
fame  order,  mould  either  marrie  with  them  they  x  haue  deceiued,  or  [i  sig.  H  3] 
hang  without  them,  my  minion  going  vnpunimed,  for  that  time  in 
hope  of  amendment.  Loue  is  a  kinde  hart,  and  mariage  is  a  fweete 
baite ;  what,  then,  will  not  fuch  promifes  gaine  of  a  faithfull  louer  ? 
This  iefting  turnes  to  lingring  loue,  when  the  weakeft  hath  furfeited 
in  affection.  Sweet  fpeeches  haue  vowed  euerlafting  conftancie ;  and 
running  in  the  pleafant  meddowe  of  kindenes,  it  growes  luftie,  fpend- 
ing  the  remnant  of  his  wooing  to  winne  vnto  fuch  bad  fare ;  courting 
endes  with  fuch  a  charge,  changing  profefled  loue  into  burning  luft. 
Loue  lookes  to  be  maintained  with  kindenes,  and  when  he  hath  got 


. 

back] 


96  The  passionate  Morrice. 

what  wordes  can  affoorde,  then  falles  he  to  iefting,  which  turns 
contrary  to  Chaucers  meaning,  to  the  fatiffying  of  a  leachers  luft  in 
earneft.  But  too  too  much  of  this,  except  it  were  better;  and  once 
more  returne  we  to  our  melancholly  lefte  marde  maide. 

She,  poore  foule,  fet  fo  lightly  by  in  her  fortie  weekes  reckoning, 
fo  thought  on  her  prefent  hard  hap,  as  fhe  quite  forgot  her  accompt, 
wherby  now  fhe  was  in  a  worfe  takiwg  then  before ;  for  if,  being  put 
to  her  othe,  me  mould  mifle  of  that,  his  counter  othe  would  make 
but  a  fo  fo  end  for  her ;  and,  therefore,  thus  me  beftirred  her  felfe  in 
the  matter.  She  made  her  cafe  knowne  to  a  freend,  and,  falling 
downe  vpon  her  knees,  entreated  him,  for  the  paflion  of  our  Lady,  to 
ftand  good  helpe  vnto  her,  to  draw  her  mate  to  marry  with  her. 
Who,  being  a  very  honeft  man  thai  had  fome  care  of  her  credit, 
laboured  fo  effectually  in  the  matter,  as,  what  through  promifes  and  a 
peece  of  money,  he  made  it  a  match ;  fo  that,  what  through  a  little 
honeftie  my  man  was  endued  with,  and  a  peece  of  money  my  maiden 
was  endowed  with,  we  had  a  choptlodgicke.  Now,  woe  vnto  fuch 
wooed  fpoufes,  if  their  mates  want  altogether  honeftie,  and  they  haue 
no  money ;  and  this  might  haue,  perchaunce,  wonne  the  ftanding  in  a 
white  fheete  without  fo  good  a  maifter.  Take  heede,  girles,  how  you 
truft  to  fuch  helpes,  for  Honejlie  can  tell  you  they  are  not  ordinarie. 
It  is  harder  to  finde  one  fuch  in  euery  parifhe  through  a  Countrie, 
1  then  to  finde  a  honeft  woman  in  a  houfe  of  Weftminfters  Hof- 
pitalitie.  Alas  !  how  many  honeft  mens  children  come  to  decay 
through  this  practife  ?  Talke  with  any  corrupted  Virgine;  and, 
excepting  one  amongft  twentie,  if  they  all  not  agree  that  fuch  entice- 
ments were  the  procurers  of  their  miferie,  neuer  beleeue  Honejlie  for 
a  halfepennie.  Beware  if  a  rich  mariage  be  offered  for  a  rewarde  of 
breache  of  honeftie  j  there  are  fewe  that  will  not  confent  to  leacherie 
with  fuch  briberie. 

But  the  opening  of  an  other  wound  remaines,  with  which  loue  is 
hurt  by  his  courting  enemies,  far  they  which  haue  beene  once 
deceiued  by  flatterie,  will  hardly  be  drawen  to  beleeue  finceritie, 
whereby  the  faithfull  futor  is  hindred  from  his  due.  The  beaten 
dogge  fhuns  the  ftick ;  the  tormewted  patient  feares  the  Pothecaries 
drugs ;  the  childe  that  hath  beene  fore  whipt  for  a  fault,  will  feare, 
by  offending,  to  hazard  his  breeche.  Who  is  more  warie  of  his  wel 


The  passionate  Morrice.  97 

fare,  then  he  that  hath  been  in  greateft  extremitie  ?  and  if  loue 
hath  been  wounded  with  a  diflembled  affedion,  he  will  be  afraide  to 
enter  into  an  acYion  from  whence  the  like  forrowe  may  flowe.  What 
giues  greater  hope  of  conftancie,  then  vowed  loyalty  ?  or  what  feemes 
fweeter  then  fugered  flatterie  ?  Affe&ion  fpringeth  of  kinde  vfage, 
and  loue  fettles  on  a  continued  fhewe  of  profefled  zeale,  which, 
being  fure  fet,  cannot  be  remoued  without  great  danger,  except  wife- 
dome  be  a  helper.  What  forrowe  danger  brings,  and  what  care  dif- 
contentment  harboureth,  he  knowes  not.  But  of  the  vnceafing  harts- 
greefe,  with  the  tormenting  foure-fauce  which  feafoneth  the  deftruc- 
tion  of  entire  affe&ioil,  none  can  iudge,  faue  thofe  that  haue  tailed 
thereof;  onely  it  may  be  imagined  by  the  effects  that  haue  followed 
the  like  caufes  (as  by  the  vntimely  death  it  hath  brought  to  fome,  a 
depriuation  of  their  wits  to  others,  languiming  difeafes  to  many; 
namely,  the  greene  licknes,  the  mother,  and  fuch  like ;  and  laftly,  to 
all  mad  melancholye  fits),  that  they  which  are  fauoured  with  the  leaft 
mimap  that  comes  through  want  of  their  longing,  are  rewarded  l  with  [i  leaf  H  4] 
the  loffe  of  a  prefent  wel-fare,  hauing  that  fupplyed  by  a  gifte  of 
fighing  heauines.  Now,  after  the  freedome  from  fuch  a  mifcheefe, 
who  will  not  fweare  to  flie  from  the  like  danger  ?  And  fince  flatterie 
cannot,  without  dangerous  triall,  be  knowen  from  faithfull  freendfliip, 
who  will  not  Ihunne  both,  fearing  to  miftake  the  one  for  the  other  ? 
If  a  kinde  hart  hath  beene  deceiued  by  a  crooked  knaue,  clad  in  the 
robes  of  a  courteous  louer,  me  will  euer  after  miftruft  the  habite,  for 
that  it  is  vnpoffible  to  know  the  hart.  Who  can  forbid  the  Tailor  to 
vfe  his  arte  ?  and  doo  you  thinke  that  any  one  for  an  aduantage  will 
let  to  trie  his  crafte?  The  Diuell  can  change  himfelfe  into  any 
fhape;  and  the  onely  meanes  to  knowe  him  (as  is  faide  before),  is  his 
ftumpe  foote.  , 

Liking  wil  not  be  long  a  dooing;  and  loue  that  followes  is  but 
little,  whereby  he  brings  no  great  harme  ;  but  al  the  mifcheefe  comes 
with  defire,  which  fwelles  the  affections,  and  predominates  ouer  loue 
and  liking ;  he  makes  the  mif-rule,  and  keeps  the  open  Chriftmas ;  he 
defires  the  fporte,  and  maintaines  the  paftime,  fo  that,  though  he  be 
long  in  comming,  and  ftaies  but  little  in  his  Lordftiip,  yet  the  re- 
membrance of  his  iolitie  is  not  forgotten  a  long  time  after.  He 
keepes  his  cuftome  euery  yeerej  and  a  yeere  with  him  is  but  a  Ihort 

SHAKSPERE'S  ENGLAND  :  TELL-TEOTH.  7 


98 


The  passionate  Morrice. 


['  leaf  H  4, 
back] 


fpace ;  fo  that  after  he  comes  to  his  full  age,  he  makes  many  Chrift- 
mafles ;  for  Defire  is  not  fhort  lined.  It  is  therefore  this  lingring  lone 
that  dooth  all  the  harme,  becaufe  by  him  Defire  is  onely  begotten. 
He  that,  beating  the  market,  is  willing  to  buye,  will  not  ftand  long  a 
bargaining  when  he  hath  met  with  his  liking,  for  feare  a  francker 
cuftomer  fteppe  betweene  him  and  his  longing ;  but  if  he  be  careles, 
he  will  not  deale  without  a  good  penniworth.  Very  eafily,  then,  is 
the  mifcheefe  of  repentance  taken  from  women,  feeing  a  true-mean- 
ing futor  may  be  as  quickly  difcerned,  as  a  careles  chapman  may  be 
perceiued.  And  how  fondly  doo  they  entrude  themfelues  into  the 
needles  hazard  of  great  difcontent,  that  will  let  their  loue  runne  fo 
farre  without  reafon,  as  it  l  cannot  be  called  backe  without  great 
greefe  at  the  leaft.  Though  a  buyer  be  not  able  to  giue  the  feller 
his  afldng,  yet  will  he  be  earneft  to  haue  it  at  fuch  a  price  as  he  doth 
offer;  and,  although  this  louing  cuftomer  be  not  of  abilitie  to  anfwere 
thy  freends  expectation,  yet  fhall  he  not  be  forward  to  be  poflefled  of 
thee ;  he  is  but  a  watcher  for  aduantages.  So  that  if  either  his  abilitie 
be  fuch,  as  of  himfelfe  he  can  maintaine  thee,  or  be  thy  poflibilitie  fo 
great,  as  by  his  good  endeuour  he  may  winne  a  liuing,  thy  freends 
good  will,  by  the  pofleflion  of  thee,  thy  affection  is  too  too  colde,  it 
thou  'keepes  him  lingring  without  his  longing ;  and  his  deuotion  is 
fmall,  if  he  be  not  an  vnceafing  futor  for  it. 

And  truely,  in  Hone/lies  minde  (and  pardon  me,  I  pray  you,  with 
whofe  conceipts  it  iumpes  not),  thofe  matches  fhall  profper  beft, 
where  loue  is  rather  refpe&ed  then  wealth  j  prouided  there  be  a  care 
had  of  the  likelyhoode  of  poflibilitie  which  rnuft  come  with  one  of 
them.  But  fhall  one  that  hath  nothing,  ioyne  louing  iflue  with"  an 
other  that  hath,  or  is  like  to  haue  as  little,  he  hauing  no  meanes  to 
make  a  liuing,  he  fhewes  himfelf  to  be  a  foolifh  follower  of  repent- 
ance, and  an  vncharitable  procurer  of  an  others  wretchednes  ?  There 
are  many  good  wits,  that,  wanting  matter  to  worke  on,  wade  into  the 
triall  of  dangerous  conclufions,  which  otherwife  being  imployed,  would 
become  profitable  members  of  a  common  wealth.  All  cannot  be 
heires,  and  many  yonger  brothers  children  are  but  barely  left,  though 
they  haue  had  good  bringing  vp,  which  nothing  hinders  their  gentrie, 
onely,  now  a  dales,  it  is  a  barre  to  their  preferment.  For  men  wil 
fooner  match  their  daughters  with  my  yong  maifter,  a  rich  Coblers 


The  passionate  Morrice.  99 

Sonne,  though  they  be  their  heires,  then  with  a  Gentleman  of  a  good 
houfe,  being  a  yonger  Brother.  Heerby  comes  the  decay  of  ancient 
gentilitie,  and  this  the.  making  of  vpftart  houfes ;  heerby,  thofe  that 
haue  had  good  bringing  vp,  muft  either  goe  to  plough  and  carte,  being 
drudges  to  fuch  drones,  or  their  natures,  difdaining  that,  and  more 
abhorring  to  begge,  leade  them  to  lewde  pra6tifes  to  maintaine  l  the  ['  sig.  I] 
ftate  of  their  birth.  And  did  you,  Fathers,  which  are  to  match  your 
Children,  know  the  hart-breakings  many  parents  (which  haue  beene 
of  your  mindes)  haue  found  by  triall,  then  would  the  feare  of  vnciuill 
behauiour,  which  fpringeth  by  fucceflion  from  their  carterly  pro- 
genitors, turne  your  greedie  defire  of  golden  gaine,  to  a  ioyfull  gaining 
of  your  pofterities  happines. 

But  fie  of  couetoufnes,  that  is  the  roote  of  all  mifchiefe  j  for  men 
that  haue  enough  to  make  their  Daughters  Gentlewomen,  by  match- 
ing them  with  houfes  of  no  fmall  antiquitie,  will,  with  the  defire  they 
haue  therevnto,  wooe  men  of  great  liuing  with  large  offers,  to  match 
their  fons  and  heires  with  them  ;  Who,  being  drawen  therunto,  will 
vfe  them  their  wiues  meetely  well  during  the  life  time  of  their  owne 
and  wiues  Fathers,  for  that  their  eftates  are  by  their  great  portions 
better  maintained,  and  their  beft  freends  thereby  well  pleafed.  But 
let  your  Daughters  beware,  after  your  and  their  Fathers  death  (when 
all  hope  is  taken  away  of  a  further  gaine,  and  a  fearch  made  of  their 
aunceftors  alliance),  for  then,  feeing  the  bafenes  of  your  pettigree,  and 
the  noble  defcents  of  their  predeceflbrs,  that  corruption  of  blood  which 
you,  with  your  corruption  of  money,  hath  made,  and  their  Fathers 
couetoufnes  hath  pnrchafed  to  their  fucceflion,  will  (as  for  the  moft 
parte  it  doth  in  the  like  cafes)  moue  fuch  hartbreakinges,  as  either 
quarrelles  of  diuorcement  or  futes  of  feparation  will  furely  followe. 
When,  on  the  contrary  parte,  if  refpe&ing  gentrie,  thereby  to  aduaunce 
your  houfes,  you  would  match  them  with  Gent,  yonger  brothers  (of 
whom  there  ought  to  be  letfe  regarde,  the  chiefe  houfe  being  main- 
tained), your  Daughters  portions  being  the  onely  maintenance  of 
their  eftates,  would  be  fo  ftrong  a  helpe  to  encreafe  their  affeclion 
towards  your  children,  with  purchafed  happines  to  their  pofterities,  as 
knowing  no  houlholde  quarrelles  can  be  without  charges,  they  willbe 
glad  to  ftudie  to  encreafe  the  fweetenes  of  vnitie,  thereby  to  continue 
euerlafting  profperitie  to  their  following  ages. 


IOO 


The  passionate  Morrice. 


1  Honejlie  knowes  what  the  fairing-monger  will  faye,  when  he  fhall 
heare  of  one  fo  flat  againft  his  opinion  touching  manages,  not  letting 
to  affirme  that  it  is  moft  neceflarie  that  the  confent  of  parents  fliould 
be  laft  fued  for,  and  little  regarded  in  refpect  of  loue,  efpeciallye 
feeing  his  Pamphlet  buildes  fo  diuinelye  on  farre-fetcht  arguments  to 
proue  the  contrarie.  Therfore,  to  preuent  him,  and  to  prouide  againft 
the  great  danger  their  matches-making  procure,  Honejlie  muft  tell  him, 
and  aflure  all  thofe  that  are  of  his  minde,  that  were  the  worlde  like 
vnto  that  wherein  Abraham  liued,  or  were  Fathers  of  thefe  daies  of 
his  difpofition,  his  argument  drawen  from  the  gift  of  Euah  to  Adam, 
by  God,  and  fuch  like,  might  feeme  to  proue  fome  thing.  But,  feeing 
thefe  times  in  effect  are  quite  contrary  to  thofe,  and  the  difpofitions 
of  men  in  our  daies  altogether  difagreeing  to  theirs  of  that  age,  his 
time  had  beene  better  fpent  in  a  worke  to  fome  other  purpofe.  For 
a  little  to  feeme  to  flie  from  my  matter,  and  to  haue  a  fling  at  him : 
how  many  Fathers  now  a  daies  are  there  fo  carefull  of  prouiding  con- 
uenient  mates  for  their  children  at  a  feafonable  time  as  our  great  Grand- 
father Abraham  was  ?  Againe,  how  manye  haue  children  that  are  fo 
obedient  to  bend  their  loue  to  their  Parents  liking  as  was  Ifaac  ?  Oh, 
Sir,  you  are  deceaued,  our  yong  ones  are  of  riper  wits,  and  far  for- 
warder then  Children  were  in  thofe  daies,  and  our  olde  ones  are  of 
more  couetous  mindes,  and  far  forwarder  to  be  drawen  to  their 
childrens  good  $  for  what  greater  good  then  to  enioye  them  they 
loue  ?  and  what  will  offend  our  parents  more  then  to  entreat  that  he 
fent  his  feruant  to  fearch  forth  one  of  his  next  kinne,  not  to  enquire 
after  one  that  had  moft  wealth  j  and  mould  fome  children  entertaine 
no  loue  in  our  time  vntill  their  parents  procured  it,  nor  fue  for  a 
match  before  their  freends  made  it,  it  were  requilite  their  honeftie 
mould  be  great,  or  I  knowe  what  will  follow.  Yet,  againe,  Fathers 
liue  not  now  adaies  ordinarily  aboue  a  hundred  yeeres,  whereby  they 
l»sig.  I  3]  haue  a  long  Ia2fting  gouernement  ouer  their  Children  ,  but  beholde  it 
is  far  contrary,  and  therefore  it  requires  contrary  proceedings.  And 
laftly  (for  that  I  will  not  be  long  at  this  time  in  this  matter),  the  holy 
writ  beares  not  fuch  fway  in  our  confciences,  as  it  workt  wonders  in 
theirs  of  thofe  daies  j  and  therefore,  to  helpe  our  weaknes  in  the  want 
of  that  warrant,  we  muft  vfe  the  meanes — loue — to  drawe  vs  to  that 
euerlafting  happines. 


The  passionate  Morrice.  101 

But  once  more  to  my  courting  companions,  to  make  as  fpeedie  an 
end  with  them,  whofe  haire-braine  fancying  and  fickle  affection  is  no 
fmall  hindrance  to  loues  proceedings.  Hone/lie,  hauing  fet  downe  the 
meanes  to  finde  out  their  knauerie,  hath  alfo  prouided  a  batte  to  beate 
downe  fuch  flatterie,  the  inftruement  to  finde  out  their  diffimulation 
being  a  fearch  into  their  lingring,  and  the  clubbe  to  match  their 
clubbe  feete,  a  loathing  of  their  company.  But  to  come  to  the 
punifhment  I  would  haue  fuch  to  be  plagued  with :  in  my  opinion, 
and  by  Hone/lies  doome,  they  are  worthie  to  be  fet  for  fcarre-crowes 
in  newe  fowen  fieldes ;  and  the  rather  thus  goes  my  Judgement,  for 
that  feeing  they  are  fo  fkilfull  to  doo  harme  in  townes  and  cities,  if 
that  bad-ufed  wit  were  forft  to  be  imployed  about  that  commodious 
doo-good,  they  would  inuent  excellent  meanes  to  preuent  the  Ipoyle 
the  rauenous  birds  commit.  Their  pregnant  wits  and  cunning 
deuices  to  catch  womens  affections,  that  farre  exceede  crowes  in 
reafon  and  difcretion,  confirme  they  would  be  ftrange,  and  therefore 
profitable ;  yet,  becaufe  it  is  fomewhat  too  bace,  though  their  pra6tifes 
are  as  beaftly,  I  will  ende  with  them  with  this  refolution : — That  they 
are  as  worthie  to  ftand  in  white-fheetes  in  Churches,  for  leauing 
women  in  delperate  cafes,  hauing  drawen  them  into  that  fooles 
paradice  of  ouer-paflionate  affection,  as  they  that  poyfon  ftrangers 
bellies;  This  would  make  faithfull  futors  happie,  conftant  louers 
ioyfull,  and  courting  diffemblers  feareful. 

Hone/lie,  hauing  noted  thefe  enormities  harbored  in  lewde  difpo- 
fitions  muffled  into  this  Morrice,  at  laft  lent  1  his  eares,  and  bellowed  [i  sig.  I  a, 
his  eyes,  ioyning  with  him  his  beft  vnderftanding,  to  fearch  into  the 
natures  of  the  remnant,  to  fee  whether  the  multitud  were  mixed  with 
thefe  in  bad  conceits.  But,  behold,  fo  contrarie  practizes  were  per- 
formed by  them,  as  thofe  proceedings  are  difagreeing  to  the  further- 
ance of  perfect  vnitie.  Amongft  thefe  did  I  beholde  Loue  dandled 
with  fweete  mufick,  and  conftant  affection  vpholden  with  modeft 
demeanour.  The  foueraignes  of  Virginitie  difplayed  their  heauenly 
dignitie,  by  the  imperiall  colours  of  matchles  beautie,  grounde  with 
the  Amlro/ian  oyle  of  celeftiall  courtefie ;  and  the  matronly  deities 
proued  their  ethereall  difcreetnes,  in  following  the  heauens  pre- 
fcriptiow  for  Loues  true  imitation.  I  faw  Kindenes  matched  wz'U 
Goodwill,  Affection  linked  vnto  Liking,  &  Loue  embraced  with 


I02  The  passionate  Morrice. 

Loyaltie,  Vertue  leading  them  to  eternall  happines.  They  liked  not 
for  a  moment,  loued  not  vpon  aduantage,  nor  wooed  but  with  a  good 
intention.  Thefe  fhaked  not  hands  with  hatefull  hearts,  nor  vfed 
fmoothe  tongues  with  diflembling  thoughts.  They  courted  not 
kindely,  to  corrupt  mamefully,  ne  protefted  with  vowes,  to  wound 
with  wordes,  and  kill  with  deeds  j  but  hand  and  heart  went  together, 
and  the  tongue  vttered  their  paffionate  conceites ;  their  heart  louing 
them  as  faithfully  as  their  tongue  labored  to  winne  their  courtefie. 
And  you  no  earthly  creatures,  though  ioyned  with  men  for  their 
eternall  good  (you  heauenly  faints,  I  meane,  mafking  in  the  fha- 
dowes  of  terreftriall  fhapes),  you  beautifie  this  crue  with  your  deuine 
motions,  whofe  mindes  are  onely  inritched  with  the  true  wifdome 
that  vpholdes  Loues  welfare.  Your  facred  actions  ayde  his  fimple 
followers,  &  naught  but  your  carefull  kindnes  binds  mens  weake 
affections  from  vnconftancie.  You  make  their  praiers  efFe&uall,  their 
requeft  gayning  through  you  the  fafetie  of  their  longing.  Your  pittie 
brings  them  to  pietie,  and  your  almes  relieues  them  from  the  captiuitie 
of  Defpaire.  Deftrefled  Honeftie  is  foly  harbored  within  your  milke- 
white  bofomes,  and  were  it  not  for  your  bountifull  charitie,  his  end 
sig.  13]  x  would  be  tormenting  beggerie.  Your  allablafter  pappes  do  wholy 
minifter  moifture  to  my  confuming  welfare,  and  from  their  fugered 
teates  doe  I  onely  drawe  my  liquor  of  life,  fo  that  by  your  motherly 
kindnes  to  decaying  Hone/lie,  they  reape  likewife  their  bliffe,  that 
would  giue  mee  my  bainej  recouering  contrarie  to  their  wils  the 
remaynder  of  their  weale.  For  how  marcheth  the  paffionate  fouldier, 
without  you  found  the  alarome  of  his  good-fpeede  ?  or,  how  fareth  the 
amorous  gallant,  except  you  play  the  galliard  of  acceptance  ?  Vn- 
fortunate  eyes,  your  pearcing  fightes  ftial  be  cruelly  curft,  and 
vnnaturall  vfage  {hall  be  offered  to  your  obedient  hearts ;  for  feeing 
and  adoring  celeftiall  obiects,  vnles  their  relenting  pittie  take  mercie 
on  your  deftrefied  abiecls.  And  blafpheming  tongue,  thy  vnbridled 
impudencie  fhall  heape  vpon  thy  owne  back  a  bundle  of  vntollerable 
miferies,  by  being  forced  to  vtter  execrable  flaunders  againft  them  for 
their  hard  hearts,  that  were  purchafed  to  worke  your  hard  happe 
through  your  owne  injurious  follie.  Paffions  of  difcontent  muft 
pleafe  your  fancies,  and  forrowfull  poems  muft  grace  your  mufick  j 
deep  fighes  muft  ftraine  your  heart-ftrings,  and  direfull  forrowe  lu'J 


The  passionate  Morrice.  103 

you  a  fleepe,  when  vifions  of  new  deftrefles  muft  difquiet  your  greateft 
happines,  and  dreames  of  frefh  vexations  forbid  you  the  leaft  eafe. 
You  fhall  fue  in  vaine,  becaufe  you  haue  delighted  in  vanitie ;  and 
hope  without  obtaining,  for  that  your  heart  haue  harbored  diflembliug, 
except  thefe  goddefles,  whofe  goodnes  is  vnfpeakable,  vouchfafe  to 
minifter  a  plafter  of  pitty  to  your  louing  pietie.  It  is  their  courtefie 
that  muft  make  you  chereful,  and  their  good  conceits  muft  cherifli 
your  dying  mirth ;  their  liking  muft  honour  your  affe&ion,  and  their 
gratefull  kindnes  muft  aduance  the  zeale  of  your  protefted  loyaltie. 
It  is  in  their  choyfe  to  change  your  chance,  and  in  their  power  to 
bridle  Fortune ;  for  that  the  Fates,  being  their  fitters,  are  at  their 
calles  to  fet  downe  your  deftinies.  If  they  fay  they  doe  hate  you, 
beware,  for  they  can  hurt  you  j  but  if  they  affirme  they  loue  you, 
ftriue  to  con'tinue  your  prefent  happines,  and  feare  to  lofe  the  prof-  C1  sig.  I  3, 
fered  bleflednes.  Why  are  women  accounted  weake,  but  becaufe 
their  nature  is  pure  ?  Or,  wherefore  are  they  neceflarie,  but  that  men 
cannot  liue  without  their  companie  ?  When  we  are  fuccorles,  they 
comfort  vs ;  being  melancholy,  they  cheere  vs ;  and  they  are  the 
meanes  to  redeeme  vs  from  the  gates  of  hell.  Being  mad,  their 
muficall  tongues  chafe  away  the  euill  fpirits  ;  being  bewitched,  their 
loue  charmes  the  tormenting  diuels ;  and  being  fwallowed  vp  by  the 
gulfe  licentioufnes,  the  heauens  haue  created  them  the  helpe  to 
redeeme  vs  from  that  hellifh  furnace 

Thus  much  for  their  power;  &  now,  a  little  of  their  properties. 
O,  facred  mercie  (neuer  more  honored  then  in  the  pittifull  bofomes 
of  thefe  feminine  deities),  thou  holds  thy  chief  harborow  within  their 
paffionate  bofomes,  &  only  art  nourifhed  in  their  relenting  harts. 
Thou  fingft  within  the  clofets  of  their  pittifull  confciences,  &  reioyceft 
within  the  caftles  of  their  celeftiall  foulesj  thou  liueft  with  them 
fecure,  and  makes  through  them  multitudes  of  miferable  wretches 
pofTeflbrs  of  the  higheft  happines.  Thou  heares  the  fighes  of  fuing 
fweet-hearts,  &  comforts  the  pinching  griefe  of  pining  louers.  Thou 
meditates  of  their  vowes,  and  ftudies  to  requite  their  carefull  affe6tion 
with  kindeft  curtefie.  Thou  pittieft  the  foolifh  maladies  of  fond 
nouices,  &  forroweft  at  the  weaknes  of  many  mens  wifdome.  Thou 
ftriueft  to  do  no  wrong,  that  thou  maift  be  free  from  iniurie ;  and 
labours  to  fhunne  fufpe6t,  that  thou  maift  bee  without  mifdoubt. 


io4  The  passionate  Morrice. 

Thou  ftudieft  to  repay,  that  thou  maift  reape  thy  due;  and  keepeft  thy 
day,  that  thou  maift  bee  well  dealt  with.  Yea,  much  more,  and  fo 
much  the  better  for  man  ;  thou  pitties  them  that  would  fpoile  thee, 
and  forgiues  them  that  would  hurt  thee  j  thou  wifheft  them  well 
that  would  bereaue  thee  of  thy  weale,  &  loueft  them  (which  is  thy 
only  fault),  ouer  entirely  that  efteeme  of  thy  proffered  kindnes  too 
too  carelefly.  Yet  let  difcretiora  haue  the  fecond  place  with  you,  for 
me  guides  them  by  reafon,  and  that  gouerns  men  with  wifdome. 
leaf  1 4]  She  knowes  when  to  charme  with  1  fweete  melodic,  and  when  to  cor- 
rect with  louing  perfwafions  j  {he  vfeth  to  dandle  vertue,  and  reproue 
vice,  to  embrace  good  and  flie  from  euill,  and  willingly  to  fubied 
obedient  imitation  to  holfome  counfell,  as  alfo  dutifully  to  defire 
libertie  from  ftooping  to  injurious  do&rine.  Shee  fearcheth  into  the 
depth  of  fubie&ed  feruife,  and  difcouering  whether  it  be  offered  of 
curtefie,  or  proffered  of  knauerie,  regards  it  according  to  it  value,  and 
rewardes  it  with  it  full  worth.  She  teacheth  to  like  ere  they  loue, 
and  louing  to  encreafe,  or  deminifh  the  heate  of  their  fancie,  accord- 
ing to  the  proportion  of  kinde  coales  that  nourifheth  the  fire  of  their 
affection.  She  perfwadeth  to  launce,  courting  to  the  bones  to  finde 
out  the  danger ;  and  feeing  what  likelyhoode,  either  of  weale  or  woe 
is  likeft  to  enfue  j  fhee  fheweth  them  what  is  good  to  withdrawe  the 
putrified  liking,  and  what  is  holfome  to  preferue  the  found  loue.  And 
fhe  ftudies  to  make  them  happie,  by  wifhing  men  their  welfare  to 
make  them  conftant,  by  endeuoring  to  encreafe  a  fparke  of  loyaltie, 
and  to  make  them  honored  by  inftru&ing  them  in  the  true  rules  of 
modeftie. 

And  now  ftep  in  further,  thou  beautifying  modeftie ;  for  thou 
addeft  no  fmall  renoune  to  their  adored  natures,  nor  doth  thy  bafh- 
fulnes  meanely  adorne  their  highly  prifed  excellencies ;  thy  rofie 
bluffhes  bring  no  fmall  honor  to  their  admired  beauty ;  nor  euer  dies 
that  facred  ftayning  colour,  vntil  by  mans  corruption  that  maidenly 
marke  be  extinguifhed.  Yet  then  (but,  ah  !  that  man  fhould  do  fo 
much  !)  thy  decent  fobrtetie  aduanceth  the  dignity  of  their  womanly 
chaftitie,  and  thy  matronly  behauiour  difplayeth  the  soueraintie  of  their 
motherly  nurture.  Thou  giues  examples  that,  imitated,  preuent  occa- 
fions  of  enticing  offers  to  draw  to  folly,  and  efcapes  the  iniurious  flanders 
of  fufpitious  fearchers,  thai  hunt  after  fhewes  of  fenfuality.  Thou  main- 


The  passionate  Morrice.  105 

taineft  peace  at  home,  efcapeft  fufpedt  abroade,  and  keepefl  thy  louers 
heart  from  harboring  ieloufie,  the  chiefe  procurer  of  greateft  miferie. 
And  thou  gaineft  liking,  and  encreafeft  affection,  receiuing  loue  and 
loyaltie  with  an  affu'red  pledge  of  neuer-dying  conftancie.  Neither  I1  Ieaf  I  4, 
art  thou,  euerlafting  goddes,  a  ftranger  to  mens-helpers ;  for  thou, 
with  all  the  vertues,  waite  vpon  thefe  beautiful  fpe&acles,  and  they, 
with  the  Graces,  extol  thofe  the  earths  miracles.  Their  praifes  are 
vnfpeakeable,  for  that  their  worth  is  vnualuable  and  their  defartes 
vnrequited,  becaufe  through  mans  weakenes  mifprifed ;  but  fuch  and 
fo  great  were  the  adorned  excellencies  of  thefe  humaine  deities,  as 
their  pra&ifes  layde  open  their  princely  courtefie,  and  their  perform- 
ances made  their  louers  happie.  And  men  reioyced  through  their 
faithfull  affection;  ftudying  to  requite  womens  euerlafting  kindnes 
with  the  reward  of  neuer-ceafing  conftancie.  Men  vfed  heauenly 
wifdome  to  obtaine  liking,  and  carefull  behauior  to  confirme  loue 
being  purchafed ;  and  women  were  forward  to  beftowe  modeft  kindnes, 
being  faithfully  dealt  withall,  and  effectually  requited  proffered 
curtefie ;  neither  being  too  too  coye,  or  mewing  themfelues  ouer  for- 
ward to  be  wonne.  But  briefly,  and  fo  to  end  :  euery  one  of  them 
rendred  like  for  like  with  proofes  of  neuer-altering  affection,  they 
thereby  gaining  vnto  themfelu[e]s  the  fugred  fweetnes  of 
celeftiall  amitie,  &  tying  vnto  their  kinde  thoughts, 
the  affections  of  their  well-willers,  with 
euerlafting  conftancie. 


FINIS. 


TOM 

T  E  L-T  ROTHS 

MESSAGE,  AND 

HIS  PENS  COM- 
PLAINT. 

A  worke  not  vnpleasant  to  be  read, 

nor  vnprojitable  to  befol- 

loived. 

Written  by  Jo.  La.  Gent. 
Nidlam  in  correcto  crimine  crimen  erit. 


LONDON. 

Imprinted  for  R.  Howell,  and  are  to  be  sold  at  his  shop, 

neere  the  great  North  doore  of  Paules,  at  the  signe  of 

the  white  horse.     1600. 


TO  THE  WORSIPFULL 

MASTER  George  Dowse,  GENTLE- 
MAN, To.  La.  WISHETH  FRVITI- 

on  of  endlesse  felicitie. 

F  writings  may  quittance  benefits  or  goodwill,  more 
then  common  curtesie,  then  accept,  I  beseech  you, 
these  first  fruites  of  my  barren  braine,  the  token  of 
my  loue,  the  scale  of  my  affection,  and  the  true 
cognizance  of  my  vnfained  affection.  And  for  so- 
much  as  the  plot  of  my  Pamphlet  is  rude,  though  true,  the  matter 
meane,  the  manner  meaner,  let  me  humbly  desire,  though  slenderly 
I  deserue,  to  haue  it  patronized  vnder  the  wings  of  your  fauourj  in 
requitall  whereof  I  will  be, 

Yours  euer  to  command, 
lo.  La. 


[p.  6]  TO  THE  GENTLEMEN 

READERS. 

IVdiciall  Readers,  wise  Apolloes  flocke, 
Whose  eyes  like  keyes  doe  open  learnings  locke  j 
Daigne  with  your  eye-lampes  to  beheld  this  booke, 
And  in  all  curtesie  thereon  to  looke  : 
Thus  being  patronized  by  your  view, 
I  shall  not  be  ashamed  of  his  hew. 

O  graunt  my  suite,  my  suite  you  vnderstand, 
That  I  may  you  commend,  you  me  command. 

lo.  La. 


TOM   TEL-TROTHS 

Message,  and  his  pens  complaint. 


10 


12 


hou  that  didst  earst  Romes  Capitall  defend,          [p.  7! 
Defend  this  sacred  relique  of  thy  wing, 
And  by  thy  power  Diuine  some  succor  send, 
To  saue  the  same  from  carping  Momus  sting : 
That,  like  a  tell-troth,  it  may  boldly  blaze, 
And  pensill-like  paint  forth  a  iust  dispraise. 

M 
Goe,  naked  pen,  the  hearts  true  secretarie, 

Imbath'd  in  sable  liquor  mixt  with  gall, 
And  from  thy  master  these  rude  verses  carrie, 
Sent  to  the  world,  and  in  the  world,  to  all : 

In  mournfull  verse  lament  the  faults  of  men, 

Doe  this,  and  then  returne  heart-easing  pen. 

[3] 

Time  sits  him  downe  to  weepe  in  sorrowes  fell,  [p.  3]     13 

And  Truth  bewailes  mans  present  wickednes ; 
Both  Time  and  Truth  a  dolefull  tale  doe  tell, 
Deploring  for  mans  future  wretchednes.  16" 

With  teare-bedewed  cheeks,  help,  help  therfore, 

Sad  tragicke  muse,  to  weepe,  bewaile,  deplore.  18 

II 

Mee  thinks  I  see  the  ghost  of  Conscience,  10, 

Raisde  from  the  darke  graue  of  securitie, 
Viewing  the  world,  who  once  was  banisht  thence, 
Her  cheeks  with  teares  made  wet,  with  sighs  made  dry  :  a  a 

And  this  did  aggrauate  her  griefe  the  more, 

To  see  the  world  much  worse  than  twas  before.  24. 


1 1 2  Tom  Tel-Troths  Message, 

[5] 

She  wept  j  I  saw  her  weepe,  and  wept  to  see  25 

The  salt  teares  trickling  from  her  aged  eyes ; 
Yea,  and  my  pen,  copartner  needs  would  be, 
With  black-inke  teares,  our  teares  to  simpathize  :  28 

So  long  wee  wept,  that  all  our  eyes  were  drie, 

And  then  our  tongues  began  aloud  to  crie.  30 

K 

Come,  sad  Melpomene,  thou  tragicke  Muse,  [p.  9]     31 

To  beare  a  part  in  these  our  dolefull  cries ! 

Spare  not  with  taunting  verses  to  accuse 

The  wicked  world  of  his  iniquities  !  34 

Tell  him  his  owne !  be  bold,  and  not  ashamed, 

Nor  cease  to  speake  till  thou  his  faults  hast  blamed !  36 

[7] 

I  seeme  to  heare  resounding  Ecchoes  tailing,  37 

Of  misdemeanors  raigning  heere  and  there, 
And  party-coloured  Pyes  on  greene  bowes  pratling, 
Of  foolish  fashions  raging  euerie  where  :  40 

Then  blame  not  my  muse,  what  so  ere  she  say, 

Sith  birds  and  Ecchoes,  mens  fond  faults  bewray.  42 

[8] 

O  world,  no  world,  but  rather  sinke  of  sinne,  43 

Where  blind  and  fickle  Fortune  Empresse  raigneth  j 

O  men,  no  men,  but  swine  that  lie  therein, 

Among  whom,  vertue  wrong'd  by  vice  complaineth  :  46 

Thus  world  bad,  men  worse,  men  in  world,  worldly  men, 
Doe  giue  occasion  to  my  plaintife  pen.  48 

[9] 

Sinne,  like  the  monstra  Hydra,  hath  more  heads,  [p- 10]     49 

Then  heauens  hie  roofe  hath  siluer-spangled  starres, 
And  in  his  lawes,1  mens  soules  to  hell  he  leads,  L1  <"*&•  lawes] 

Where  fierie  fiends  meete  them  in  flaming  Charres  :  52 

This  Pirate,  like  a  Pilate,  keepes  each  coast, 

Bringing  his  guests  vnto  their  hellish  hoast.  54 


and  his  pens  complaint. 

[10] 

If  all  the  earth  were  writing  paper  made, 
All  plowshares  pens,  all  furrowes  lines  in  writing, 
The  Ocean  inke,  wherein  the  sea-nimphes  wade, 
And  all  mens  consciences  were  scribes  inditing  : 
Too  much  could  not  be  written  of  mans  sinne, 
Since  sinne  did  in  the  first  man  first  begin. 


113 

$$ 

58 
60 


But  as  the  .^Egyptian  dog  runs  on  the  brinke 
Of  Nilus  seuen-fold  ouer-flowing  floud, 
And  staying  not,  nowhere,  nowhere  doth  drinke, 
For  feare  of  Crocodiles  which  lurke  in  mudde  : 
So  shall  my  pen  runne  briefly  ouer  all, 
Reciting  these  misdeeds  which  worke  mans  thral. 


61 

64 
66 


Nature,  that  whilome  bore  the  chiefest  sway, 
Bridling  mans  bodie  with  the  raignes  of  Reason, 
Is  now  inforc'd  in  vncoth  walkes  to  stray, 
Exilde  by  custome,  which  encrocht  through  treason 
Instead  of  Art,  Natures  companion, 
Fancie  with  custome  holdes  dominion. 


Quid  could  testifie  that,  in  his  time, 
Astraea  fled  from  earth  to  heauen  aboue, 
Loathing  iniustice  as  a  damned  crime, 
Which  she  with  equall  poised  schoales  did  proue  : 
And  this  pen  in  my  time  shall  iustifie, 
That  true  religion  is  constrainde  to  flie. 


The  two  leafe-dores  of  quondam  honestie, 
Which  on  foure  vertues  Cardinall  were  turned, 
By  Cardinals  degree  and  poperie, 
Are  now  as  heretike-like  reliques  burned  : 
Now  carnall  vice,  not  vertue  Cardinall, 
Plaies  Christmas  gambals  in  the  Popes  great  hall. 
SHAKSPEBE'S  ENGLAND  :  TELL-TROTH, 


[p.  n]     67 

70 
72 
73 

76 
7  8 
79 

8'i 
84 


Tom  Tel-Troths  Message, 


Well,  sith  the  Popes  name  pops  so  fitly  in, 

From  Pope  ile  take  the  Latin  P.  away, 

And  Pope  shall  with  the  Greeke  TT.  then  begin, 

Whose  type  and  tippe  that  he  may  climbe  ile  pray  : 

Pray  all  with  mee  that  he  may  climbe  this  letter  ; 

For  in  this  praier  each  man  is  his  detter. 

[16] 

I  passe  not  although  \vith  bell,  booke,  and  candle, 
His  bald-pate  Priests  and  shoren  Friers  curse  ; 
My  plaintife  pen,  his  rayling  text  shall  handle  : 
Nor  doe  I  thinke  my  selfe  one  iot  the  worse  : 
Yea,  though  my  pen  were  in  their  Purgatorie, 
Yet  should  my  pen  hold  on  his  plaintife  storie. 

['?] 

Oh,  what  a  world  is  it  for  one  to  see, 
How  Monkes  and  Friers  would  religious  seeme  ? 
Whose  heads  make  humble  congies  to  the  knee, 
That  of  their  humble  minds  all  men  might  deeme  : 
These  be  the  sycophants,  whose  fained  zeale 
Hath  brought-in  woe  to  euerie  common  weale. 

[18] 

The  Monkes,  like  monkies,  hauing  long  blacke  tailes, 
Tell  olde  wiues  tales  to  busie  simple  braines  ; 
The  baudie  Friers  do  hunt  to  catch  females, 
To  shriue  and  free  them  from  infernall  paines. 
Thus  Monkes  and  Friers,  fire-brands  of  hell, 
Like  to  incarnate  diuels  with  v§  dwell. 


[p.  12]     8<J 


But  I  as  loath,  so  will  I  leaue  to  write, 
Against  this  popish  ribble  rabble  route, 
Hoping  ere  long  some  other  will  indite 
Whole  volumes  gainst  their  slander-bearers  stout  : 
Poets  and  Painters  meane  while  shall  descry, 
With  pens  and  pensils,  their  hypocrisie. 


90 
91 

94 

96 

97 

100 
102 

[P.  13]     103 

106 
108 

109 

112 
1  14 


and  his  pens  complaint.  115 

[20] 

As  thus  my  pen  doth  glance  at  euerie  vice,  1  1  $ 

Needs  must  I  heare  poore  Learnings  lamentation, 

Which  whilome  was  esteem'd  at  highest  price, 

But  now  reiected  is  of  euerie  nation  :  ffB 

She  loueth  men,  yet  is  shee  wrong'd  by  men  ; 

Her  wronged  loue  giues  matter  to  my  pen.  12,0 

[21] 

Pallas,  the  nurse  of  Nature-helping  Art,  h>-  r*J     *  2  * 

Whose  babes  are  Schollers,  and  whose  cradels,  schooles, 

From  whose  milch  teates  no  pupils  would  depart, 

Till  they  by  cunning  shund  the  names  of  fooles  :  124 

She,  euen  she,  wanders  in  open  streetes, 

Seeking  for  schollers,  but  no  schollers  meetes.  126 

M 

Englands  two  eyes,  Englands  two  Nurceries,  127 

Englands  two  nests,  Englands  two  holy  mounts, 

I  meane,  Englands  two  Vniuersities, 

Englands  two  Lamps,  Englands  two  sacred  founts,  130 

Are  so  puld  at,  puld  out,  and  eke  puld  downe, 

That  they  can  scarce  maintaine  a  wide  sleeu'd  gowne.  132 

[23] 

Lately  as  one  CAME  ore  a  BRIDGE,  he  saw  133 

An  OXE  stand  ore  a  FORDE  to  quench  his  drouth  : 
But  lo,  the  Oxe  his  dry  lips  did  withdraw, 
And  from  the  water  lifted  vp  his  mouth.  136 

Like  Tantalus,  this  drie  Oxe  there  did  stand  : 

God  grant  this  darke  ^Enigma  may  be  scand  !  138 


The  Liberall  Sciences,  in  number  seauen,  Tp-  15]     1,39 

Which,  in  seauen  ages,  like  seauen  Monarchs  raigned, 

And  shin'd  on  earth  as  Planets  seauen  in  heauen, 

Are  now  like  Almesfolkes  beggerly  maintained,  142 

Whilst  in  their  roome,  seauen  deadly  sins  beare  sway, 
Which  makes  these  seauen  Arts,  like  seauen  slaues  obey.  144 


n6  Tom  Tel-Troths  Message, 

E»5] 

Grammer,  the  ground  and  strong  foundation  145 

Vpon  which  Lady  Learning  builds  her  tower  j 

Grammer,  the  path-way  and  direction 

That  leadeth  vnto  Pallas  sacred  bower,  148 

Stands "bondslaue-like,  of  Stationers  to  be  sold, 

Whom  all  in  free  Schooles  erst  might  free  behold.  150 

[*SJ 

Add  Rhetoricke,  adornde  with  figures  fine,  ijji 

Trickt  vp  with  tropes,  and  clad  in  comely  speech, 

Is  gone  a  Pilgrime  to  the  Muses  nine, 

For  her  late  wrong  assistance  to  beseech.  154 

Now  rich  Curmudgions,  best  orations  make, 

Whilst  in  their  pouches  gingling  coyne  they  shake.  156 

[27] 

Logicke,  which  like  a  whetstone  sharpes  the  braine,  [p.  16]     157 

Logicke,  which  like  a  touch-stone  tries  the  rninde, 
Logicke,  which  like  a  load-stone  erst  drew  gaine, 
Is  now  for  want  of  maintenance  halfe  pindej  160 

And  sith  in  Colledges  no  maides  may  dwell, 

Many  from  Colledges  doe  her  expell.  162 

[28] 

Mtisicke,  I  much  bemourne  thy  miserie,  163 

Whose  well-tunde  notes  delight  the  Gods  aboue, 

Who,  with  thine  eare-bewitching  melodie, 

Doest  vnto  men  and  beasts  such  pleasure  moue  :  166 

Though  wayling  cannot  helpe,  I  wayle  thy  wrong, 
Bearing  a  part  with  thee  in  thy  sad  song.  168 

09] 
Arithmeticke,  she  next  in  number  stands,  169 

Numbring  her  cares  in  teaching  how  to  number ; 

Which  cares,  in  number  passing  salt-sea  sands, 

Disturbe  her  minde,  and  still  her  corps  incumber :  172 

Care  addeth'  griefe,  griefe  multiplies  her  woe, 

Whose  ebbe  substracting,  brings  reducing  floe.  1 74 


and  his  pens  complaint.  117 

[30] 

Geoinetrie,  as  seruile  prentise  bound  fp-  *7l     1  75 

Vnto  the  Mother  earth  for  many  yeares, 

Hath  long  since  meated  out  the  massie  ground, 

Which  ground  the  impression  of  her  foot-steps  beares.  178 

Great  was  her  labour,  great  should  be  her  gaine 

But  her  great  labour  was  repaid  with  paine.  180 

[3i] 

Astronomic,  not  least  though  last,  hath  lost  181 

By  cruell  fate  her  starre-embroidred  coate  ; 
Her  spherie  globe  in  dangers  seas  is  tost, 
And  in  mishap  her  instruments  doe  floate  :  184 

All  Almanacks  hereof  can  witnesse  beare, 

Else  would  my  selfe  hereof  as  witnesse  sweare.  186 


But  how  should  I  with  stile  poeticall  187 

Proceede  to  rime  in  meeter  or  in  verse  ? 

If  Poetrie,  the  Queene  of  verses  all, 

Should  not  be  heard,  whose  plaint  mine  care  doth  pierce  ?  190 

Oh  helpe,  Apollo,  with  apologie, 

To  blaze  her  vndeserued  iniurie.  19* 

[33] 

Horace  did  write  the  Art  of  Poetrie,  CP  18]     193 

The  Art  of  Poetrie  Virgill  commended  ; 
Quid  thereto  his  studies  did  applie, 
Whose  life  and  death,  still  Poetrie  defended.  196 

Thrice  happie  they,  but  thrice  vnhappie  I, 

They  sang  her  praise,  but  I  her  iniurie.  198 

[34] 

0  princely  Poetrie,  true  Prophetesse,  199 
Perfections  patterne,  Matrone  of  the  Muses, 

1  weepe  to  thinke  how  rude  men  doe  oppresse 

And  wrong  thine  Art  with  their  absurd  abuses.  202 

They  are  but  drosse,  thine  Art  it  is  diuine, 
Cast  not  therefore  thy  pearles  to  such  swine.  204 


n8 


Tom  Tel-Troths  Message, 


[353 

The  sugred  songs  that  sweete  Swannes  vse  to  sing,  205 

Floting  adowne  Meanders  siluer  shore, 
To  countrie  swaines  no  kinde  of  solace  bring ; 
The  winding  of  an  home  they  fancie  more.  208 

No  marueile  then  though  Ladie  Poetrie 

Doe  suffer  vndeserued  iniurie.  210 

[36] 

Like  to  Batillus,  euery  ballet-maker,  [p.  19]     211 

That  neuer  climbd  vnto  Pernassus  Mount, 
Will  so  incroach,  that  he  will  be  partaker 
To  drinke  with  Maro  at  the  Castale  fount.  214 

Yea,  more  then  this,  to  weare  a  lawrell  Crowne 

By  penning  new  gigges  for  a  countrie  clowne.  2r6 

[37] 

When  Marsias  with  his  bagpipes  did  contend  2 1 7 

To  make  farre  better  Musicke  then  Apollo  : 
When  Thameras  in  selfe  conceit  would  mend 
The  Muses  sweete  songs  note,  what  then  did  follow  ?  220 

Conuicted  both,  to  both  this  was  assignde : 

The  first  was  hangd,  the  last  was  stroken  blinde.  222 

[38] 

And  may  it  happen  to  those  bastard  braines,  223 

Whose  base  rimes  striue  to  better  Poetrie, 
That  they  may  suffer  like  deserned  paines, 
For  these  be  they  that  worke  her  infamie.  226 

Thus  hauing  blazed  false  Poets  in  their  hew, 

Deare  Poetrie  (though  loth)  I  bid  adiew.  228 

[391 
As  Poetrie  in  poesie  I  leaue,  [p.  20]     229 

I  see  seauen  sinnes  which  crost  seauen  Liberall  Arts, 

Which  with  their  fained  shew  doe  men  deceaue, 

And  on  the  wide  worlds  stage  doe  play  their  parts :  232 

As  thus  men  follow  them,  they  follow  men, 

They  moue  more  matter  to  my  plaintife  pen.  234 


and  his  pens  complaint.  119 

[40] 

These  mincing  maides  and  fine-trict  truls,  ride  post  235 

To  Plutoes  pallace,  like  purueyers  proude  j 
Thither  they  leade  many  a  damned  ghost, 

With  howling  consorts  carroling  aloude  :  238 

And  as  one  after  one  they  post  to  hell, 

My  plaintife  pen  shall  their  abuses  tell.  240 

[41] 

First  praunceth  Pride  with  principalitie,  241 

Guarded  with  troupes  of  new-found  fashions  : 

Her  hand-maides  are  Fancie  and  Vanitie : 

These  three  a  progresse  goe  throughout  all  nations ;  244 

And  as  by  any  towne  they  passe  along, 

People  to  see  them  gather  in  a  throng.  246 

Now  fine-ruft  Ruffines  in  their  brauene  [p  21]     247 

Make  cringing  cuts  with  new  inuention  : 

New-cut  at  Gardes  brings  some  to  beggarie, 

But  this  new-cut  brings  most  vnto  destruction  :  2^0 

So  long  they  cut,  that  in  their  purse  no  groate 

They  leaue,  but  cut  some  others  purse  or  throate.  252 

[43] 

Bedawbd  with  gold  like  Apuleius  Asse,  253 

Some  princk  and  pranck  it :  others,  more  precise, 
Full  trick  and  trim  tir'd  in  the  looking-glasse, 
With  strange  apparell  doe  themselues  disguise.  256 

But  could  they  see  what  others  in  them  see, 

Follie  might  flie,  and  they  might  wiser  bee.  258 

[44] 

Some  gogle  with  the  eyes,  some  squint-eyd  looke,  259 

Some  at  their  fellowes,  squemish  sheepes-eyes  cast, 
Some  turne  the  whites  vp,  some  looke  to  the  foote, 
Some  winke,  some  twinke,  some  blinke,  some  stare  as  fast.  262 

The  summe  is  infinite ;  eye  were  a  detter, 

If  all  should  answere  I,  with  I  the  letter.  104 


!  20  Tom  Tel-Troths  Message, 

[45] 

Many  desire  to  foote  it  with  a  grace,  [p.  aa]     265 

Or  Lion-like  to  walke  maiesticall : 

But  whilst  they  striue  to  keepe  an  equipace, 

Their  gate  is  foolish  and  phantasticall.  268 

As  Hobby-horses,  or  as  Anticks  daunce, 

So  doe  these  fooles  vnseemely  seeme  to  praunce.  270 

[46] 

I  will  not  write  of  sweatie,  long,  shag  haire,  271 

Or  curled  lockes  with  frisled  periwigs  : 
The  first,  the  badge  that  Ruffins  vse  to  weare, 
The  last,  the  cognisance  of  wanton  rigs.  274 

But  sure  I  thinke,  as  in  Medusaes  head, 

So  in  their  haires,  are  craulling  Adders  bred.  276 

[47] 

Men,  Proteus-like,  resemble  euery  shape,  277 

And  like  Camelions  euery  colour  faine  j 

How  deare  so  ere,  no  fashion  may  escape 

The  hands  of  those  whose  gold  may  it  attaine  :  280 

Like  ebbe  and  flow,  these  fashions  goe  and  come, 
Whose  price  amounteth  to  a  massie  summe.  282 

[48] 

The  sharp-set  iawes  of  greedie  sheeres  deuoure,  [p.  23]     283 

And  seaze  on  euery  cloath  as  on  a  pray, 

Like  Atropose  cutting  that  in  an  houre, 

Which  weauers  Lachese-like  wrought  in  a  day.  286 

These  snip-snap  sheeres,  in  al  shieres  get  great  shares, 
And  are  partakers  of  the  dearest  wares.  288 

[49l 

When  fig-tree  leaues  did  shroude  mans  nakednesse,  289 

And  home-spun  cloath  was  counted  clothing  gay, 

Then  was  mans  bodie  clad  with  comelinesse, 

And  honour  shrouded  was  in  rude  array :  292 

But  since  those  times  by  future  times  were  changed, 
Thousands  of  fashions  through  the  world  haue  ranged.  294 


and  his  pens  complaint. 


121 


[50] 

Ambitious  thoughts,  hearts  haughtie,  mindes  aspiring, 
Proud  lookes,  fond  gates,  and  what  not  vndescreete, 
As  seruants  waite,  mens  bodie  still  atyring 
With  far-fetcht  gewgawes  for  yong  children  meete  : 
Wherewith  whilst  they  themselues  doe  daily  decke, 
Brauado-wise  they  scorne  to  brooke  the  checke. 


295 

298 

300 


Some  couet  winged  sleeues  like  Mer  -curie,  [p.  24]     301 

Others,  round  hose  much  like  to  Fortunes  wheele 

(Noting  thereby  their  owne  vnconstancie), 

Some  weare  short  cloakes,  some  cloakes  that  reach  their  heele.      304 

These  Apish  trickes  vsde  in  their  daily  weedes, 

Bewray  phantasticke  thoughts,  fond  words,  foule  deedes.  306 


Bold  Bettresse  braues  and  brags  it  in  her  wiers,  307 

And  buskt  she  must  be,  or  not  bust  at  all  : 

Their  riggish  heads  must  be  adornd  with  tires, 

With  Periwigs,  or  with  a  golden  Call.  310 

Tut,  tut,  tis  nothing  in  th'Exchange  to  change 

Monthly,  as  doth  the  Moone,  their  fashions  strange.  312 

[S3] 

It  seemes,  strange  birds  in  England  now  are  bred,  313 

And  that  rare  fowles  in  England  build  their  nest, 

When  Englishmen  with  plumes  adorne  their  head, 

As  with  a  Cocks-combe  or  a  Peacocks  crest.  316 

These  painted  plumes,  men  in  their  caps  doe  weare, 
And  women  in  their  hands  doe  trickly  beare.  318 

[54] 

Perhaps  some  women  being  foule,  doe  vse  [p.  25]     3  rp 

Fowles  feathers  to  shroude  their  deformitie  : 

Others  perchance  these  plumes  doe  rather  chuse, 

From  weather  and  winde  to  shield  their  phisnomie.  322 

But  whilst  both  men  and  women  vse  these  feathers, 
They  are  deem'd  light  as  feathers,  winde  and  weathers.  324 


122 


Tom  Tel-Troths  Message, 


[55] 

Some  dames  are  pumpt,  because  they  liue  in  pompe, 
That  with  Herodias  they  might  nimbly  daunce, 
Some  in  their  pantophels  too  stately  stompe, 
And  most  in  corked  shooes  doe  nicely  praunce. 
But  here  I  doubtfull  stand,  whether  to  blame 
The  shoemakers,  or  them  that  weare  the  same. 


In  countrie  townes,  men  vse  fannes  for  their  corne, 
And  such  like  fannes  I  cannot  discommend  : 
But  in  great  cities,  fannes  by  truls  are  borne, 
The  sight  of  which  doth  greatly  God  offend. 
And  were  it  not  I  should  be  deem'd  precise,  " 
I  could  approue  these  fond  fann'd  fooles  vnwise. 

[57] 
A  Painter  lately  with  his  pensill  drew 

The  picture  of  a  Frenchman  and  Italian, 
With  whom  he  plac'd  the  Spaniard,  Turk,  and  lew  ; 
But  by  himselfe  he  sat  the  Englishman. 
Before  these  laughing,  went  Democritus, 
Behinde  these  weeping,  went  Heraclitus. 


All  these  in  comely  vestures  were  atired, 
According  to  the  custome  of  their  land, 
The  Englishman  excepted,  who  desired 
With  others  feathers,  like  a  lay  to  stand. 
Thus  whilst  he  seeketh  forraine  brauerie, 
He  is  accused  of  vnconstancie. 


Some  call  him  Ape,  because  he  imitates; 

Some  foole,  because  he  fancies  euery  bable  ; 

Some  liken  him  to  fishes  caught  with  baites, 

Some  to  the  winde,  because  he  is  vnstable. 

Then  blame  him  not,  although  gainst  Englishmen, 
This  Englishman  writ  with  his  plaintife  pen. 


323 

328 
330 

33  1 

334 
336 

[p.  26]     337 

340 
342 

343 

346 
348 

349 

352 
354 


and  his  pens  complaint. 


123 


[60] 

But  hush  !  no  more  j  enough's  enough  j  fie,  fie, 
Wilt  thou  thy  countries  faults  in  verse  compile  ? 
Desist  betimes,  least  thou  peccaui  crie, 
For  no  bird,  sure,  his  owne  nest  will  defile. 

Well,  sith  thou  brak'st  his  head,  and  mad'st  a  sore, 
With  silence  giue  a  salue,  and  write  no  more. 

[61] 

The  world  began,  and  so  will  end,  with  Pride  j 
With  Pride  this  poynt  began,  with  Pride  it  ends  : 
And  whilst  in  pleasures  Chariot  she  doth  ride, 
My  plaintife  pen,  page-like  still  by  her  wends. 
Thus  hauing  painted  out  Prides  roysting  race, 
At  this  poynts  end,  a  periods  poynt  I  place. 

[62] 

Now  pyning  Enuie  whining  doth  appeare, 
With  bodie  leane,  with  visage  pale  and  wan, 
With  withered  face,  and  with  vnkeamed  haire  j 
She  doth  both  fret  and  fume,  sweare,  curse,  and  ban  : 

She  fareth  ill,  when  other  men  fare  well, 

Others  prosperitie  is  made  her  hell. 


[p.  27]     355 


She  peepes  and  pries  into  all  actions, 

And  she  is  neuer  well  but  when  she  iarres  : 

She  is  the  mother  of  all  factions, 

She  broacheth  quarrels,  and  increaseth  warres  : 
Anger  is  hot,  and  wrath  doth  roughly  rage, 
But  nothing,  Enuies  heating  hate  can  swage. 


This  Trull  inticed  Pompey  to  contend, 
And  with  great  Caesar  ciuill  warres  to  moue  : 
This  dame  allured  kings  their  liues  to  spend 
In  bloodie  broyles,  and  braules  deuoyd  of  loue  : 
Incensing  subiects  gainst  their  gouernours, 
Sonnes  against  Sires,  Captiues  against  Conquerors. 


36° 
361 

364 
366 

367 

370 

372 

[p.  28]     373 

376 

378 

379 

382 
384 


124 


Tom  Tel-Troths  Message, 


[65] 

As  Iron  doth  consume  it  selfe  with  rust, 
By  eating  which,  it  selfe  it  still  doth  eate, 
So  doth  the  enuious  man  soone  come  to  dust, 
And  doth  consume  himselfe  whilst  he  doth  fret. 
Thus  Enuie  still  conspires  to  end  his  life, 
That  liuing  with  another,  liues  at  strife. 

[66] 

We  reade  that  Enuie  twixt  two  men  did  grow, 
And  that  the  one  of  them  one  eye  would  lose, 
So  that  he  might  pluck  both  eyes  from  his  foe, 
And  plucking  both  eyes  out,  his  eyes  might  close. 
O  who  would  thinke,  a  man  should  beare  the  minde 
To  lose  one  eye,  to  make  another  blinde  ! 


What  trade  so  base  but  there  is  Enuie  in  it, 
When  Minstrels  with  blinde  Fidlers  daily  striue  ? 
What  strife  is  there,  but  Enuie  doth  begin  it, 
When  iusling  lacks,  to  walls  their  betters  driue  ? 
The  truth  hereof  I  shall  not  neede  to  sweare, 
Sith  Hesiode  old  hereof  doth  witnesse  beare. 

[68] 

What  is  the  cause  that  many  mop  and  moe, 
That  many  scoffe,  and  scorne,  and  gibe,  and  iest, 
With  rimes  and  riddles  rating  at  their  foe, 
Flouting  the  base,  and  powting  at  the  best  ? 

What  is  the  cause  ?  the  cause  one  line  shall  show 
Enuie  is  cause,  which  in  mens  hearts  doth  grow. 


385 

388 
390 

[P.  29]     391 

394 

396 

397 

400 
402 

403 


Knowledge,  within  the  hart  of  man  doth  dwell  ; 
And  loue,  within  the  liuer  builds  his  nest  : 
But  Enuie,  in  the  gall  of  man  doth  swell, 
And  playes  the  rebell  in  his  boyling  brest. 
O  would  to  God  men  had  no  gall  at  all, 
That  Enuie  might  not  harbour  in  the  gall  ! 


[p.  to]     409 


414 


and  his  pens  complaint. 


[7o] 

Enuie  and  Charitie  together  stroue 
Which  of  them  two  a  man  should  entertaine  : 
The  one  with  spight,  the  other  sought  with  loue 
The  first  in  gall,  the  last  in  hart  would  raigne  : 
So  long  they  stroue,  that  Enuie  lost  the  field, 
And  Charitie  made  Enuie  captiue  ye'eld. 

M 

Enuie,  adiew,  and  welcome  Charitie, 
The  bond  of  peace  and  all  perfection, 
The  way  that  leades  to  true  felicitie, 
Filling  the  soule  with  most  diuine  refection. 
Enuie  shall  goe,  He  cleaue  vnto  thy  lore, 
Thee  will  I  serue,  and  thee  will  I  adore. 


Next  followes  Wrath,  Enuies  fierce  fellow-mate, 

Attired  in  a  roring  Lions  skin, 

letting  along  with  a  giant-like  gate, 

Which  aye  a  tyrant  terrible  hath  bin. 

A  butcher  like,  within  his  hands  doth  beare 

Their  harts,  which  he  with  woluish  teeth  doth  teare. 

[73] 

Wrath  moued  Herod  with  blood-thirstie  hart 
To  slaughter  infants  from  their  mothers  brest 
Like  lambes  scarce  ean'd,  or  doues  new-hatcht  to  part, 
And  with  Hues  losse  to  leaue  both  damme  and  nest. 
O,  had  King  Herod  knowne  what  would  ensue, 
He  had  not  done  what  he  did  after  rue. 

[74] 

He  shed  their  blood  ;  their  blood  did  vengeance  craue  ; 

They  first  too  soone,  he  last  too  late  did  dye  ; 

They  led  the  way,  he  followed  to  the  graue  j 

Both  they  and  he  a  pray  for  wormes  did  lye. 

Yet  thus  they  differ,  wormes  them  dead  did  eate, 
But  him  aliue,  the  wormes  did  make  their  meate. 


418 

420 

421 

424 
426 

fp-sO     427 

430 
432 

433 

436 
438 

439 

442 
444 


126 


Tom  Tel-Troths  Message, 


[75] 

Wrath  in  Caligulaes  mad  head  did  grow, 
Making  him  wish  that  Rome  had  but  one  head, 
That  he  might  smite  off  that  head  at  a  blow, 
Whose  pompe  he  saw,  like  many  heads  to  spread : 
But  whilst  he  thought  Romes  heads  in  one  to  lop, 
Romes  heads  in  one,  his  flower  of  life  did  crop. 


[p.  3»].   445 
448 


Wrath  is  the  cause  that  men  in  Smith-field  meete 

(Which  may  be  called  smite-field  properly) ; 

Wrath  is  the  cause  that  maketh  euery  streete 

A  shambles,  and  a  bloodie  butcherie, 

Where  roysting  ruffins  quarrell  for  their  drabs, 
And  for  sleight  causes,  one  the  other  stabs. 

[77] 

Wrath  puffes  men  vp  with  mindes  Thrasonicall, 
And  makes  them  braue  it  braggadochio-like : 
Wrath  maketh  men  triumph  Tyrannical!, 
With  sword,  with  shield,  with  gunne,  with  bill  and  pike : 

Yea,  now  adaies  Wrath  causeth  him  to  dye 

That  to  his  fellow  dares  to  giue  the  lye. 

[78] 

Mars  is  the  Chieftaine  of  this  wrathfull  host. 
Whose  embrewd  standard  is  with  blood  dyed  red ; 
Of  many  he  spares  few,  and  kils  the  most, 
And  with  their  corps  his  bloodie  panch  is  fed. 
Tara  tantara,  sa,  sa,  kill,  kill,  he  cries, 
Filling  with  blood  the  earth,  with  scrikes  the  skies. 

[79] 
Wraths  fierce  fore-runner  is  Timeritie, 

And  after  Wrath  Repentance  shortly  followes  : 
The  first  rides  gallop  into  miserie, 
The  last  procures  sadnes,  despayre,  and  sorrow. 
Who  therefore  doe  desire  to  liue  at  rest, 
Let  them  not  harbour  wrath  within  their  brest. 


[P. 


454 
456 

457 

460 
462 

33]    463 

466 
468 

469 

472 
474 


and  his  pens  complaint.  127 

[80] 

Wraths  contrarie  is  Lady  Patience,  475 

Who  conquers  most  when  she  is  conquered, 

She  teacheth  beasts  that  they  by  common  sence 

Might  teach  to  vanquish,  being  vanquished.  478 

Rammes  running  back  with  greater  force  returne, 
And  Lime  most  hot,  in  most  cold  springs  doth  burne.  480 

[81] 

Patience,  a  cosin  hath  calde  Sufferance,  [p.  34]     481 

Neerely  akind,  because  she  is  so  kinde ; 
She  is  most  like  a  Doue  in  countenance, 
And  like  an  Angelt  in  her  humble  minde ;  484 

All  Phaenix-like  she  is  but  rarely  found, — 

Would  God  she  might  be  seene  on  English  ground, —  486 

[82] 

Then  naked  swords  themselues  would  neuer  cloath  487 

With  wounded  skinnes  of  men  whom  men  did  maime  j 

Then  quarrellers  would,  after  quaffing,  loath 

With  stabs  and  strokes  to  kill  or  make  men  lame.  490 

Then,  then  I  say,  swords  might  in  scabberts  sleepe, 
And  some  might  laugh  which  are  constrainde  to  weepe.  492 

[83] 

As  thus  my  pen,  writing  of  Vice,  spares  none,  493 

It  brings  into  my  sight  a  lazie  Gill, 
A  sleeping  sluggard  and  a  drowsie  drone, 
Which  snorts  and  snores,  and  euer  sitteth  still :  496 

Some  call  her  Sloth,  some  call  her  Idlenesse, 

A  friend  to  neede,  a  foe  to  wealthinesse.  498 

[84] 

They  tearme  her  Mother  of  all  other  vices,  [p.  35]     499 

Bearing  a  spawne  of  many  new-bred  sinnes : 
Many  she  lures,  and  many  she  entices, 
Whereof  most  part  is  trapped  in  her  ginnes  :  502 

She  is  the  But  at  which  foule  Lust  doth  shoote, 

And  where  she  toucheth,  there  she  taketh  roote. 


Tom  Tel-Troths  Message, 


[85] 

I  once  did  heare  of  one  Lipotopo 

(Whose  pace  was  equall  with  the  shell-housde  snaile) 

That  to  a  fig-tree  lasily  did  go, 

Whose  broad-leau'd  branches  made  a  shady  vaile  : 
Thither  this  lusking  lubber  softly  creeped, 
And  there  this  lazie  lizard  soundly  sleeped. 

[86] 

But  as  one  Goffo  by  the  fig-tree  went, 
He  wakened  him  from  out  his  drowsie  sleepe, 
And  earnestly  did  aske  him  what  he  ment, 
Vnder  that  fig-tree  all  alone  to  keepe. 
As  thus  he  did  Lipotopo  awake, 
Yawning  and  gaping,  thus  he  idly  spake  : 

[87] 

Good  friend,  it  is  a  paine  for  me  to  speake, 
Because  I  vse  nothing  but  only  sleeping  : 
Yet  vnto  thee  my  minde  He  shortly  breake, 
And  shew  the  cause  of  my  here  daily  keeping  : 
The  cause  is  this/  that  when  these  ripe  figges  fall, 
My  gaping  mouth  might  then  receiue  them  all. 

[88] 

As  thus  he  spake,  Goffo  from  off  the  tree 
Pluckt  a  ripe  fig,  and  in  his  mouth  did  put  it  ; 
Which  when  he  gan  to  feele,  my  friend  (quoth  he), 
I  pray  thee  stirre  my  iawes  that  I  may  glut  it, 
Goffo,  admiring  this  his  lazinesse, 
Left  him  as  he  him  found,  in  idlenesse. 

[89] 

O  would  my  pen  were  now  a  pensill  made, 
And  I,  a  Poet,  might  a  Painter  bee, 
That  picture-like  this  patterne  might  be  laide 
Before  mens  eyes,  that  it  their  eyes  might  seej 
By  which  they,  seeing  Sloths  deformttie, 
Might  flie  from  sloth,  and  follow  Industrie. 


[p.  36] 


505 

508 
510 

511 

514 
516 


520 
522 

523 

526 
$28 

,529 


534 


and  his  pens  complaint.  129 

[90] 

Now  doth  appeare  dame  niggard  Auarice,  [p.  37]     535 

Who,  being  loden  with  gold,  gapes  for  gold  : 

She  raiseth  cheape  things  to  the  highest  price, 

And  in  Cheapside  makes  nothing  chaepe  be  sold,  538 

Which  coyne,  her  chests  rild  full,  fulfill  her  eye, 
•  Whilst  poore  folkes  perish  in  great  miserie.  540 


She  hath  been  troubled  long  with  one  disease,  54  J 

Which  some  a  Dropsie  call,  or  drouth  of  gaine  ; 

She  drinkes  and  drinkes  againe,  yet  cannot  ease 

Her  thirstie  sicknesse  and  her  greedie  paine  :  544 

Still  is  she  sicke,  yet  is  she  neuer  dead, 

Because  her  sicknesse  still  is  nourished.  546 


Her  bodie  grosse,  engrosseth  all  the  corne,  547 

And  of  the  grossest  wares  makes  greatest  gaine  : 

Yea,  Grocers  now  adaies,  as  men  forlorne, 

Auerre  that  they  gainst  her  haue  cause  to  pla'tne  :  550 

Yet  doth  she  Hue,  yet  doth  she  tyrannize, 

Because  her  coyne  her  works  doth  wantantize.  552 

[93] 

This  Auarice  a  cosin-germane  hath,  [p.  38]     553 

Which  many  Londoners  call  Vsurie, 
Which  like  a  braue  comptroller  boldly  saith, 
She  will  bring  England  into  miserie,  $  r<5 

Who,  vnder  colour  of  a  friendly  lending, 

Seemes  of  her  bad  trade  to  make  iust  defending.  558 

[94] 

They  hand  in  hand  doe  walke  in  euery  streete, 
Making  the  proudest  Caualiers  to  stoope  : 
If  with  their  debtors  they  doe  chaunce  to  meete, 
They  pen  them  vp  within  the  Poultries  coope. 
And  if  for  gold  lent,  men  would  counters  pay, 
In  Woodstreets  Counter  there  them  fast  they  lay. 

SHAKSPEEE'S  ENGLAND  :  TELL-TKOTH,  9 


130 


Tom  Tel-Troths  Message, 


[95] 

Now  Charitie,  which  is  the  band  of  peace, 
Is  turned  to  a  Scriueners  scribling-band, 
To  Indenturafacta,  or  a  lease, 
To  racking  houses,  tenements  and  land  : 
All  this  can  gold,  all  this  can  siluer  do, 
And  more  then  this,  if  neede  require  thereto. 


From  whence  comes  gold,  but  from  the  earth  below  ? 
Whereof,  if  not  of  earth,  are  all  men  made  ? 
Like  will  to  like,  and  like  with  like  will  grow  ; 
Growing  they  florish,  florishing  they  fade. 

But  where  are  gold  and  men  ?  in  hell  ;  wher's  hell  ? 

On  earth,  where  gold  and  men  with  gold  do  dwell. 

[97] 

The  prouerbe  old  I  doe  approue  most  true, 
Better  to  fill  the  bellie  then  the  eye  : 
For  whilst  rich  misers  feedes  on  monies  view, 
Sparing  they  Hue  in  wilfull  penurie  : 

Yea,  more  then  this,  they  liue  vpon  a  crust, 
Whilst  in  their  heaped  bags  their  gold  doth  rust. 

[98] 

Come,  plaintife  pen,  and  whip  them  with  thy  rod, 
A.nd  plainly  tell  them  their  Idolatrie, 
Which  make  their  gold  their  loue,  their  life,  their  god, 
Which  with  their  gold  desire  to  liue  and  die. 
Tell  them,  if  to  no  better  vse  they  turne 
Their  gold,  they  with  their  gold  in  hell  shall  burne. 

[99] 
Thus  leauing  Vsurie  and  Auarice, 

As  Sathans  limmes,  or  fire-brands  of  hell, 

As  rauening  wolues  that  liue  by  preiudice, 

Or  greedie  hogs  that  on  mens  grounds  do  dwell  : 

I  post  to  that  which  I  had  almost  past, 

But  nowe  haue  ouertaken  at  the  last. 


[p.  39] 


565 

568 

570 


574 
576 

577 

580 
582 

583 

586 
588 

[p.  40]  389 


594 


and  his  pens  complaint.  131 

[100] 

The  name  of  her  whom  heere  I  meete  withall  595 

Is  Gluttome,  the  mother  of  excesse, 
Which,  making  daintie  feasts,  doth  many  call 
To  eate  with  her  the  meate  that  she  did  dresse :  598 

Who  being  set  to  eate  her  toothsome  meat, 

Eating  doth  eate  and  neuer  cease  to  eate.  600 

[101] 

This  trull  makes  youngsters  spend  their  patrimonie  60 1 

In  sauced  meates  and  sugred  delicates, 
And  makes  men  stray  from  state  of  Matrimonie 
To  spend  their  substance  vpon  whorish  mates  :  604 

That  by  their  lauish  prodigalitie 

She  may  maintaine  her  fleshly  vanitie.  606 

[102] 

With  gobs  she  fils  and  stuffes  her  greedie  gorge,  [p.  41]     607 

And  neuer  is  her  gaping  stomacke  fed, 
Bits  vnchaw'de  in  her  bulke,  as  in  a  forge, 
Kindle  the  coales  whereof  foule  lust  is  bred  :  610 

Thus  doe  we  see  how  lazie  gtuttonie 

Comforts  her  selfe  with  Ladie  Lecherie.  612 

[103] 

One  other  mate  she  hath,  call'd  Dronkennesse,  613 

A  bibbing  swilbowle  and  a  bowzing  gull, 
Which  neuer  drinks  but  with  excessiuenesse, 
And  drinkes  so  long  vntill  her  paunch  is  fullj  616 

She  drinkes  as  much  as  she  can  well  containe, 

Which  being  voyded,  then  she  drinkes  againe.  618 

[104] 

But  when  the  drinke  doth  worke  within  her  head,  619 

She  rowles  and  reekes,  and  pimpers  with  the  eyes  j 
She  stamps,  she  stares,  she  thinks  white  black,  black  red, 
She  teares  and  sweares,  she  geeres,  she  laughes  and  cries  3  622 

And  as  her  giddie  head  thinks  all  turnes  round, 

She  belching  fals,  and  vomits  on  the  ground.  624 


Tom  Tel-Troths  Message, 


Some  men  are  drunke,  and  being  drunke  will  fight  j 
Some  men  are  drunke,  and  being  drunke  are  merrie; 
Some  men  are  drunke,  and  secrets  bring  to  light  j 
Some  men  are  drunke,  and  being  drunke  are  sorie  : 
Thus  may  we  see  that  drunken  men  haue  passions, 
And  drunkennesse  hath  many  foolish  fashions. 

[106] 

Fishes  that  in  the  seas  doe  drinke  their  fill, 
Teach  men  by  nature  to  shun  drunkennesse. 
What  bird  is  there,  that  with  his  chirping  bill 
Of  any  liquour  euer  tooke  excesse  ? 

Thus  beastes  on  earth,  fish  in  seas,  birds  in  skie, 

Teach  men  to  shun  all  superfluitie. 

[f«7] 

Would  any  heare  the  discommodities 

That  doe  arise  from  our  excesse  of  drinke  ? 

It  duls  the  braine,  it  hurts  the  memorie, 

It  blinds  the  sight,  it  makes  men  bleare-eyd  blinkej 

It  kils  the  bodie,  and  it  wounds  the  soule  ; 

Leaue,  therefore,  leaue,  O  leaue  this  vice  so  foule  ! 

[108] 

Now,  last  of  all,  though  perhaps  chiefe  of  all, 
My  pen  hath  hunted  out  lewde  Lecherie, 
Which  many  sinnes  and  many  faults  doth  call 
To  bee  pertakers  to  her  trecherie  : 

Her  loue  is  lust,  her  lust  is  sugred  sower, 
Her  paine  is  long,  her  pleasure  but  a  flower. 

[109] 

When  chast  Adonis  came  to  mans  estate, 
Venus  straight  courted  him  with  many  a  wile  ; 
Lucrece  once  seene,  straight  Tarquine  laid  a  baite, 
With  foule  incest  her  bodie  to  defile  : 

Thus  men  by  women,  women  wrongde  by  men, 
Giue  matter  still  vnto  my  plaintife  pen. 


[p.  42]     62  <J 

628 
630 


640 
642 

[P.  43]     643 


648 
640 

653 

654 


and  his  pens  complaint.  133 

[no] 

Thousands  of  whores  maintained  by  their  wooers,  6^5 

Entice  by  land,  as  Syrens  doe  by  Seas, 

Which,  being  like  path-waies  or  open  doores, 

Infect  mens  bodies  with  the  French  disease  :  658 

Thus  women,  woe  of  men,  though  wooed  by  men, 
Still  adde  new  matter  to  my  plaintife  pen.  660 

[in] 

Whilome  by  nature  men  and  women  loued,  [p.  44]     66  1 

And  prone  enough  they  were  to  loue  thereby; 
But  when  they  Quids  ars  amandi  proued, 
Both  men  and  women  fell  to  lecherie  :  664 

By  nature  sinning,  art  of  sinne  was  found 

To  make  mans  sinne  still  more  and  more  abound.  666 

[112] 

If  that  I  could  paint  out  foule  lecherie  667 

In  her  deformed  shape  and  loathsome  plight, 
Or  if  I  could  paint  spotlesse  Chastitie 
In  her  true  portraiture  and  colours  bright,  670 

I  thinke  no  maid  would  euer  proue  an  whore, 

But  euerie  maid  would  chastitie  adore.  672 


Then  maried  men  might  vild  reproaches  scorne,  673 

And  shunne  the  Harts  crest  to  their  hearts  content, 

With  cornucopia,  Cornewall,  and  the  home, 

Which  their  bad  wiues  bid  from  their  bed  be  sent  :  676 

Then  should  no  olde-Cocks,  nor  no  cocke-olds  crow, 
But  euerie  man  might  in  his  owne  ground  sow.  678 

[114] 

Then  light-taylde  hufwiues,  which  like  Syrens  sing,  [p.  45]     679 

And  like  to  Circes  with  their  drugs  enchant, 
Would  not  vnto  the  Banke-sides  round-house  fling, 
In  open  sight,  themselues  to  show  and  va.unt  :  682 

Then,  then,  I  say,  they  would  not  masked  goe, 

Though  vnseene,  to  see  those  they  faine  would  know.  684 


134 


Tom  Tel-Troths  Message, 


But  in  this  Labyrinth  I  list  not  tread, 
Nor  combate  with  the  minotaure-like  lust  j 
Hence  therefore  will  I  wend  by  methods  thread, 
And  wend  I  will,  because  needs  wend  I  must  : 

Farewell,  nay  fare-ill,  filthie  lecherie, 

And  welcome  vndefiled  chastitie. 

[iid] 

Festa,  I  do  adore  thy  puritie, 
And  in  thy  Temples  will  I  tapers  beare  j 
Thou,  O  Diana,  for  virginitie, 
Shalt  be  the  matrone  of  my  modest  feare, 
That  both  in  one,  both  beeing  Goddesses, 
May  of  my  maden-head  be  witnesses. 

["7] 

O  may  my  flesh,  like  to  the  Ermiline, 
Vnspotted  Hue,  and  so  vnspotted  die, 
That  when  I  come  before  the  sacred  shrine, 
My  vntoucht  corps  themselues  may  guiltlesse  trie  ; 
Then  shall  I  glorie  that  I  haue  bin  taught 
To  shun  the  snare  wherein  most  folkes  are  caught. 

[118] 

Thus  hath  my  pen  described,  and  descry'd, 
Sinne  with  his  seuen  heads  of  seauen  deadly  vices, 
And  now  my  plaintife  pen  hath  verified 
That  sinne,  from  vertue,  mortall  men  entices  : 
If  any  wicked  Momus  carpe  the  same, 
In  blaming  this,  I  passe  not  for  his  blame. 


685 

688 
690 

691 

694 
696 

[p.  46]     697 

700 
702 


Dictator-like  I  must  confesse  I  write, 
And  like  a  Nomothetes  critical!, 
Perhaps  my  pen  doth  crabedly  endite 
In  plaintife  humors  meerely  Cinicall  : 

But  sooth  to  say,  Tom-teltroth  will  not  lie, 
We  heere  haue  blaz'd  Englands  iniquitie. 


706 
708 

709 

712 
7*4 


and  his  pens  complaint.  135 

[xao] 

And  for  because  my  pen  doth  liquour  want,  [P.47i     715 

Heere  (being  drie)  he  willing  is  to  rest, 

Not  for  that  he  doth  further  matter  want, 

For  so  to  thinke,  were  but  a  simple  iest :  718 

And  if  (as  he  hath  not)  he  haue  offended, 

He  hopes  (as  you)  so  he  wilbe  amended.  720 


Finis. 


TOM  of  All  Trades. 

OR 

THE   PLAINE 

PATH-WAY    TO 

PREFERMENT. 

BEING 

A  Discovery  of  a  passage  to  Promotion 

in  all  Professions,  Trades,  Arts,  and 

Mysteries. 

Found  out  by  an  old  Travailer  in  the  sea  of 

Experience,  amongst  the  inchanted  Islands 

of  ill  Fortune. 

Now  published  for  Common  good. 


By 

THOMAS    POWELL. 

Summum  hominis  lonum  bonus  ex  hac  vita  exitus. 


LONDON. 

Printed  by  B.  Alsop  and  T.  Fawcet,  for  Benjamen  Fisher, 

and  are  to  bee  sold  at  his  shop  at  the  signe  of  the 

Tallot  in  Aldersgate-street.     1631. 


[Bodleian  Prtis-marks  .-—4 :  T.  34.  Art,  and  Douce  PP.  202.] 


The  Epistle  Dedicatorie. 

POore  TOM  was  set  on  shore  in  Kent, 
And  to  the  next  good  Towne  hee  went ; 
At  whose  approach  the  Bosseldir 

Kept  a  most  lamentable  stirre,  44 

That  TOM  would  offer  to  returne 
Through  the  good  Towne  of  Syttingborne. 
Hee  askt  him,  If  hee  had  a  Passe  ? 

And  told  him  what  the  Statute  was;  8 

And  like  a  Reverend  Vestry  wit 
Swore  hee  would  not  allow  of  it, 
But  did  advise  him  to  resort 

To  fetch  his  Passe  at  Tonstall  Court.  I  a 

Our  TOM  of  all  Trades  hereupon 
Askt  what  was  his  condition 
Who  was  the  Owner  of  that  place, 

Sofarre  in  all  the  Countries  grace  ?  iff 

For  whom  (as  hee  walkt  on  the  way) 
He  heard  the  poore  so  much  to  pray, 
The  Rich  to  praise ;  And  loth  contend, 
To  whom  hee  was  the  greater  friend.  ao  i 

Didst  never  meets  his  name  there  spread 
Where  thou  thy  selfe  didst  vse  to  tread  ? 
*No  ?  not  Sir  EDWARD  HALES  ?  Quoth  he; 
What  TOM  ofOdcombe  mayst  thou  be  ?  24 

Hee  is  a  man  scarce  spends  a  minute 
But  hath  his  Countries  service  in  it; 

1  page  iii.  z  page  iv. 


140  The  Epistle  Dedicatorie. 

Spends  more  to  make  them  all  accord, 

Then  other  Knights  doe  at  their  loord.  -4  8 

Hee  call'd  him  Knight  and  Barronet, 

Both  wise  and  lust ;  And  what  more  yet  ? 

He  swore  that  if  hee  were  but  mist, 

The  Countrey  could  not  so  subsist.  32 

With  that  our  TOM  repaired  thither, 

Conferrd  Report  and  Proof e  together  ; 

And  found  Report  had  wrong' d  him  much 

In  giving  but  an  out-side  touch, —  36 

A  tincture  of  a  Painters  trade, 

Where  all  was  substance  and  in-layd. 

Then  TOM  resolvd  to  walks  no  farther 

Tojinde  a  Father  or  a  Mother ;  40 

No  other  Patron  would  hee  seeke, 

But  tender  all  at  this  Knights  feete  : 

If  hee  accept  what's  well  intended, 

Our  TOM  of  all  Trades  travailes  ended.  44 

Signa  virtutum  tuarum  longe  lateqwe  f'erens. 

THO:  POWELL. 


[This  text,  though  copied  from  the  Douce  copy  in  the  Bodleian,  has  now  been 
collated  with  4  :  T.  34.  Art.     Variations  in  the  Douce  copy  : — 
p.  137,  1.  4,  It  it  true 
p.  143,  1.  3  from  the  bottom,  gift 

,,       last  line,  incumbent  (with  small  *)• 
p.  144,  1.  2,  Dilecct 

,,       1.  14,  Alchermi 

,,       1.  1 6,  Parsonadge 

,,       last  line  but  2,  inmediately 
p.  146,  last  line  but  2,  Cantiocluerum 

,,       last  line  but  I,  Yf 
p.  147,  1.  4,  Person 

,,       1.  to,  for  Induction. 

,,       1.  12,  peculiar.  ] 


TOM  of  all  Trades: 

OR 

THE   PLAINE    PATH- 
WAY TO  PREFERMENT. 


RINITY  Terme  was  now  ended2;  For  by  description 
of  the  time  it  could  bee  no  other  parcell  of  the 
yeare.  In  that  the  Scriveners  at  Temple-larre  had 
no  imployment,  but  writing  of  blanke  Bonds  and 
texting  of  Bills  for  letting  of  Chambers  in  Chancery- 
lane.  The  Vintners  of  Fleetstreet  discharged  theyr  lourneymen ;  A 
generall  humility  more  then  usuall  possest  the  Cookery  of  Ram-Alley. 
The  Ostlers  of  Holborne  had  more  than  ordinary  care  to  lay  up  theyr 
Ghuests  bootes,  rather  for  feare  of  theyr  slipping  out  of  Towne  than 
for  any  good  observance  towards  them-  And  your  Countrey  Attor- 
neys would  no  longer  by  any  3meanes  endure  the  vnwholsome  ayre 
of  an  Eightpenny  Ordinarie.  Every  one  that  had  wherewith  to  dis- 
charge his  Horse  out  of  the  stable,  strove  who  should  first  be  gone. 
And  amongst  the  rest,  my  selfe  made  shift  for  so  much  money  as 
wherewith  to  abate  the  fury  of  Mistrisse  Overcount  mine  hostesse,  and 
so  I  departed  likewise. 

At  the  top  of  Highgate  hill  I  overtooke  a  Gentleman  of  North- 
amptonshire, riding  homeward,  whom  I  well  knew;  Him  I  saluted 
cheerefully,  and  he  received  me  lovingly.  But  in  travayling  together 
(Me  thought)  he  was  not  Master  of  that  mirthfull  disposition  which 
he  was  wont  to  carry  along  with  him  to  shorten  the  way  betwixt  his 


page  i. 


8  In  June. 


page  2. 


142 


TOM  of  all  Trades;  Or, 


house  and  London.  I  gave  him  to  vnderstand  how  strange  and  not- 
able this  alteration  appeared  in  him  3  And  withall  desired  to  know  so 
much  of  the  occasion  thereof  as  might  be  impartible  to  a  freind  of  so 
small  growth.  To  which  he  answered  thus :  Sir,  I  come  from 
London  (It  is  true),  from  the  Terme  (It  is  certaine  true),  from  London 
and  Terme.  True  and  certaine  in  nothing  but  expences  in  all  things ; 
yet  I  would  have  you  know  that  it  is  neither  the  Thunderclap  of 
dissolving  an  Iniunction,  nor  the  Doomesday  of  a  Decree,  nor  Coun- 
saylors  Fees,  nor  Attornies  Bylls,  in  a  language  able  to  fright  a  man 
out  of  his  wits,  can  proscribe  me  my  wonted  mirth.  It  is  something 
nearer  and  dearer  (my  deare  friend)  that  robs  me  of  that  cheere  which 
used  to  lift  me  vp  into  the  very  Spheare,  where  loue  himselfe  sits  to 
bid  all  his  guests  welcome  right  heartily. 

I  remember  mee  of  Children,  sixe  Soones  and  '  three  daughters, 
of  whom  I  am  the  vnhappy  Father.  In  that,  besides  the  scars  which 
my  vnthriftines  hath  dinted  vpon  their  fortunes,  the  wounds  of  vn- 
equall  times,  and  a  tempestuous  age  approaching,  are  like  to  take 
away  from  them  all  hope  of  outlining  the  low  water  ebbe  of  the  evill 
dayj  all  meanes  of  thriving  by  honest  paynes,  study,  or  industry  are 
bereft  them.  The  common  vpon  which  industry  should  depasture 
is  overlaydj  Numerousnes  spoiles  all,  And  poverty  sells  all  at  an 
vnder  value. 

In  this  case  (Sir)  what  can  be  aduisd  ?     Wherevnto  I  thusreplyed. 

Sir,  I  haue  heedfully  attended  you  in  the  delivery  of  your  per- 
plexed thoughts  concerning  the  care  which  you  have  of  your  children, 
taking  the  true  and  even  levell  of  the  declention  of  arts,  the  distent 
of  trades  &  trading,  the  poverty  of  all  professions,  and  the  des- 
temper,  not  of  ours  only,  but  of  all  Christian  clymates  at  this  present, 
tending  rather  to  a  more  contagion  in  the  generall  ayre  then  a  calmer 
temparament  (for  ought  that  yet  appeareth) :  as  for  the  stormynesse 
of  the  sea  of  state,  forraigne  or  domestick,  let  vs  leave  the  greater  and 
lesser  vessels  that  be  exposed  to  it  vnto  the  proper  Pylates,  Masters, 
and  Marryners,  who  have  the  charge  to  attend  the  line  or  plye  at  the 
tackle;  we  are  but  poore  passengers,  and  may  assure  our  selues  to 
partake  in  their  boone  voyage,  if  they  suc[c]eed  well, — as  they  may  be 
certaine  to  suffer  in  the  same  Shipwracke  with  vs,  if  wee  miscarry. 

1  page  3. 


The  plaine  Path-way  to  Preferment. 


'43 


I  addresse  me  to  give  you  the  best  advise  I  can,  touching  the  prefer- 
ment of  every  of  your  Jsix  sonnes  and  three  daughters,  in  manner 
following. 

It  is  true  in  most  Gentlemen,  and  very  likely  in  you,  as  in  others, 
living  onely  vpon  the  revenew  of  lands,  That  the  height  of  their 
Husbandry  amounts  to  no  more  than  to  cleere  the  last  halfe  yeeres 
booking,  and  borrowing  at  the  rent  day,  That  their  credit  may  hold 
vp  and  keepe  reputation  till  the  next  ensuing  that  againe. 

When  you  dye,  the  eldest  Sonne  claimes  the  inheritance  of  what 
you  leave,  thanke  God  and  nature  for  it,  your  selfe  least  of  all,  and 
your  fatherly  providence  never  a  whit. 

If  you  take  some  course  in  your  life  time  to  make  the  rest  of 
your  Children  some  small  portions  or  estates  out  of  the  whole  of  your 
lands,  It  is  tenne  to  one  but  you  destroy  both  him  and  them  by  that 
meanes. 

For  the  heire,  commonly  striving  to  vphold  the  reputation  of  his 
Ancestors,  He  abates  nothing  of  his  fathers  accustomed  expences 
towards  the  raising  of  those  portions  or  estates  so  deducted.  And 
they,  on  the  other  side,  presume  so  much  vpon  the  hope  thereof,  that 
no  profession  will  fit  them.  To  bee  a  Minister  (with  them)  is  to  be 
but  a  Pedant ;  A  Lawyer,  a  mercenarie  fellow ;  A  Shop-keeper,  a 
man  most  subject  to  the  most  wonderfull  Cracke,  and  a  creature 
whose  welfare  depends  much  vpon  his  Wives  well  bearing  and  faire 
carriage.  What  is,  then,  to  be  done  ? 

Surely  it  would  be  wished,  seeing  God  and  nature  hath  provided 
for  the  eldest,  your  younger  sonnes,  and  your  daughters  especially, 
being  worst  2  able  to  shift,  should  bee  by  you  provided  for  in  the  first 
place,  while  your  Land  is  of  virgin  reputation,  while  it  is  chast,  and 
vndishonested  by  committing  of  single  fornication  with  Countrie 
Creditors,  that  trade  without  sheets  (that  is)  by  Pole  deed,  only  for 
saving  of  costs  j  or,  at  least,  before  it  have  defiled  the  bed  of  its 
reputation  by  prostituting  to  the  adulterous  imbracings  of  a  Citie 
Scrivener.  But  especially,  before  it  grow  so  impudent  as  to  lie  downe 
in  the  Market  place,  and  to  suffer  everie  pettie  Clarke  to  bring  its 
good  name  vpon  Record,  and  charge  it  that  it  was  taken  in  the  very 
fact  betweene  other  mens  sheets, — As  in  this  Statute,  or  in  that 
1  page  4.  2  page  5. 


144 


TOM  of  all  Trades ;  Or, 


Judgment :  Take  heed  of  that  by  any  meanes.  And  bee  sure  to 
match  your  eldest  sonne  when  your  credit  is  cryed  vp  to  the  highest, 
while  your  heire  is  yet  in  your  power  to  dispose,  and  will  bend  to 
your  will,  before  his  blood  begin  to  feele  the  heate  of  any  affections 
kindling  about  him,  or  before  he  can  tell  what  difference  is  betwixt  a 
blacke  wrought  Wastcoate  with  a  white  apron,  &  a  loose  bodied 
gowne  without  an  apron.  Put  him  of  in  his  best  clothes,  (I  meane) 
in  the  assurance  of  your  lands ;  sell  him  at  the  highest  rate.  Then 
dicotomize  the  whole  portion  of  his  wife  into  severall  shares  betwixt 
your  other  children.  Not  share  and  share  like,  but  to  every  each 
one,  the  more,  according  to  their  defects  :  Let  impotencie,  decreptnes, 
ilfavourdnes,  and  incapacitie,  rob  the  other  of  so  much  money  as  they 
have  done  them  of  comlinesse,  activitie,  beautie,  and  wit. 

Put  them  not  into  any  course  of  living  according  to  any  prescript 
order  or  method  of  your  *  owne  election,  But  according  to  their 
inclination  and  addition,  seeing  that  everyone,  by  instinct  of  nature, 
delighteth  in  that  wherein  he  is  like  to  bee  most  excellent.  And 
delight  and  pride  in  any  thing  undertaken,  makes  all  obstacles  in  the 
way  of  attaining  to  perfection  of  no  difficulty. 

Now,  in  the  next  place,  take  heed  that  you  put  off  those  your 
sonnes  whom  you  finde  fit  and  addicted  to  be  bred  in  the  Ministerie, 
or  made  up  to  the  law,  or  to  be  apprentized,  betimes,  and  before  they 
take  the  taynt  of  too  much  liberty  at  home. 

And  when  they  be  put  forth,  call  them  not  home  speedily  to 
revisit  their  fathers  house,  no,  not  so  much  as  Hospitably  by  any 
meanes. 


In  the  first  place,  take  your 

direction  for  the 

SCHOLLER. 

His  Education. 
His  Maintenance. 
His  Advancement. 
The  Free-Schooles  generally  afford  the  best 


F 


Or  his  Education. 


breeding  in  good  letters. 


page  6. 


The  plaine  Path-way  to  Preferment.  14$ 

So  many  of  them  also  afford  some  reasonable  meanes  in  ayde  of 
young  Schollers,  for  their  diet,  lodging,  and  teaching,  given  to  them 
by  the  Founders  or  Benefactors  of  such  Schooles. 

1  Some  of  them  be  of  the  foundation  of  some  Kings  and  Queenes 
of  this  Land ;  and  they  are  commonly  in  the  gift  of  the  King,  or  his 
Provost,  or  Substitute  in  that  behalfe.  Others  be  of  the  foundation 
of  some  Bodies  or  Societies  incorporate  j  And  they  are  commonly  in 
the  gift  of  such  Masters,  Wardens,  Presidents,  and  their  Senior 
fellowes;  such  chiefe  officers  of  any  other  title,  or  such  Master, 
Wardens,  and  Assistants,  or  such  Opposers,  Visitants,  or  Committees 
of  such  bodies  respectively  as  be  appointed  thereunto.  Others  be  of 
the  foundation  of  some  private  persons :  And  they  are,  for  the  most 
part,  in  the  gift  of  the  Executor,  Heire,  or  Feoffees  of  such  Donor, 
according  to  the  purport  of  his  Will,  or  Grant,  or  both. 

Of  every  of  which  severall  kindes  respectively  are : 

Eaton. 

Westminster. 

Winchester. 

The  Merchantaylors  Schoole,  London. 

The  Skynners  at  Tunlridge. 

Sutton's  Hospitall. 

St.  Bartholomews. 

And  very  many  other  the  like. 

Briefly,  few  or  no  Counties  of  this  Kingdome  are  unfurnisht  of 
such  Scholes.  And  some  have  so  many,  that  it  is  disputable  whether 
the  Vniversities,  with  the  Innes  of  Court  and  Chancerie,  have  where 
to  receive  them  or  no. 

Some  of  such  free- Schooles,  againe,  have  SchoPlerships  appendant 
unto  them,  in  the  one  of  the  Vniversities,  or  both. 

To  which,  upon  Election  yearely,  they  are  removeable,  As 

From  Eaton  to  Kings  Colledge,  Cambridge. 

From  Westminster  to  Trinity  Colledge,  Cambridge,  or  Chrisichurch, 

Oxon. 
From  Winchester  to  New  Colledge,  Oxon. 

1  page  7.  *  page  8. 

SHAKSPERE'S   ENGLAND  :   TELL-TROTH.  10 


146  TOM  of  all  Trades ;  Or, 

From  the  Merchantaylors  to  St.  John's,  Oxon. 
And  the  like,  from  many  the  like. 

Some  other  Free-Schooles  have  pensions  for  preferment  of  their 
Schollers,  and  for  their  maintenance  in  the  Vniversitie. 

Some  Companies  Incorporate  (especially  of  London,  having  no 
'  such  pensions  in  certaine)  doe  usually  out  of  the  Stocke  of  their  Hall 
allow  maintenance  in  this  kinde. 

Besides  that,  there  be  many  other  private  persons  (upon  my 
knowledge)  who  doe  voluntarily  allow  yearely  exhibition  of  this 
nature. 

Now  if  you  would  know  how  to  finde  what  is  given  to  any  such 
Free-Schooles,  and  in  whose  disposing  they  now  be, 

Search 

In  the  Tower  of  London,  till  \  (  For  Grants  and  for  License 
the  end  of  Rich,  the  3.  J  (  of  Mortmaine,  inde. 

And  in  the  Chappell  of  the  \        / 
Rolles.  j  And  for  the  like. 

From  thence  till  the  present.   /        \ 

lln  the  Register  of  the  Prerogative  Court,  for  \      r 

i    ,,  •        j    •    j  7     TTs-71    i      T^-        ^  f      \ForsuchGrants 

such  things  devised  by  Will,  ly  King,  Oueene,  >     «? 

orSuliect.  J      {given  by  Will. 

And  sometimes  you  shall  finde  such  things  both  in  the  Tower  and 
the  Prerogative,  and  in  the  Rolls  and  Prerogative  respectively. 

For  the  time  since  our  reformed  Church  of  England  began  here, 

Doctor        -\        f 

F°r  M  fr°m    the 


Search     <  Willets       >       < 

I  0  \        t  any  other. 

^  Synopsis.    J 

Search 

In  divers  of  our  Chroni- )         (  „ 

V        {  For  the  like, 
cles.  )         [ 

Next,  adde  certaine  helpes  for  discovery  and  attayning  thereof. 

First  (if  it  may  be)  procure  a  sight  of  the  Liedger  Bookes,  of 
such  as  in  whom  the  disposition  of  such  things  resteth,  which 
they  keepe  for  their  owne  use. 

1  page  9. 


The  plaine  Path-way  to  Preferment.  147 

Next,  be  acquainted  with  some  of  the  Disposers  themselves. 

Next,  take  the  directions  of  the  Master  or  Teacher  of  such  Free- 
Schooles. 

Especially  to  be  interessed  in  the  Clarkes  or  Registers  of  such 
Societies  as  have  the  disposing  of  any  such  things. 

Also  to  use  means  by  Letters  of  persons  powerfull  and  usefull  to 
such  disposers. 

*For  (indeed)  it  is  not  the  sound  of  a  great  mans  name  to  a 
Letter  in  these   dayes,  wherein  they  are  growne  so  common  and    ) 
familiar  to  our  Societies  (of  London  especially),  can  prevaile  so  soone   1 
as  the  Letter  subscribed  by  the  Lord  Maior,  or  other  eminent  Officer    j 
of  the  Citie,   to  whose  commandement  they  be  immediately  sub-  ' 
jugate. 

Lastly,  if  you  use  the  meanes  least  scene,  most  used,  and  best 
allowed,  together  with  these,  For  discoverie  and  attaining  of  any 
such  thing,  it  will  not  be  besides  the  purpose,  as  I  take  it. 

Noiv  suppose  your  sonne  is  brought  to  the  Vniversitie 
by  Election  or  as  Pensioner. 


e  first  thing  you  must  take  to  your  care  is  :  In  case  he  come 
-L  not  by  election,  but  as  a  Pensioner  to  live  for  the  present  upon 
your  owne  charge,  how  to  procure  him  a  Schollership  in  the  Colledge 
where  you  bestow  him. 

Or  in  case  he  come  elected  into  one,  how  to  procure  a  farther 
addition  of  maintenance  to  him. 

To  bring  him  into  a  Schollership,  place  him  with  a  Senior  fellow 
of  the  house  (as  Tutor),  though  you  allow  to  some  lunior  fellow 
somewhat  yearely  for  reading  unto  him. 

This  Senior  fellow,  if  the  number  of  places  voide  will  beare  it, 
may  nominate  your  sonne  for  one  in  his  owne  right  ;  if  it  will  not 
beare  it,  he  may  call  to  his  ayd  some  and  so  many  suffrages  of  the 
rest,  as,  with  the  speaking  merit  of  your  sonne,  may  worke  your  desire. 

2  Then  how  to  procure  a  pension  for  addytament  of  meanes. 

The  chiefe  skill  is  to  finde  it  out.  being  eyther  in  the  gift  of  some 

1  page  IO.  2  page  II 


148 


TOM  of  all  Trades ;  Or, 


body  Incorporate,  Or  of  some  private  person,  Wherein  the  discovery 
is  to  bee  made  (as  aforesaid). 

If  you  sue  to  a  Company  consisting  of  many  persons  Tradesmen, 
you  must  enquire  who  bee  the  most  potent  Patritians,  and  best 
reputed  Vestrie  wits  amongst  them,  such  as  carry  their  gloves  in 
their  hands,  not  on  their  hands. 

Amongst  an  Assistance  of  many,  onely  two  or  three  strike  the 
stroke,  and  hold  the  rest  in  a  wonderfull  admiration  of  their  extra- 
ordinary endowments.  And  how  to  speake  sensibly  to  these  two  or 
three  is  no  Mysterie;  You  know  they  are  faithfull  fiduciaries  in  the 
election ;  And,  therefore,  you  must  not  presume  to  offer  any  thing 
by  any  meanes.  Onely  you  may  desire  them  to  accept  this  poore 
peece  of  plate,  with  your  name  and  Armes  upon  it,  and  binde  you 
unto  their  love,  in  keeping  the  memory  of  you  hereafter.  Doe  but 
try  them  in  this  kinde,  and  attend  the  successe.  I  tell  you,  this, 
with  a  Bucke  at  the  Renter  Wardens  feast,  may  come  somewhat 
neere  to  the  matter. 

But  for  the  pension  to  be  obtained  of  a  private  person,  the  way 
is  not  the  same.  It  proceedeth  of  the  givers  meere  charity,  and 
must  be  taken  by  the  hand  of  a  desertfull  receiver.  Though  withall 
it  may  sometimes  fall  out,  that  merit  is  made  by  mediation,  especially 
of  some  such  reverend  Divine,  as  he  doth  most  respect  and  frequent. 
For  other,  letters  can  little  prevaile  with  such  persons. 

The  best  note  to  discover  a  man  inclinable  to  allow  such  a 
pension,  is  to  examine  how  wealth  and  charitie  are  equally  and 
temporately  mingled  in  him  j  And  be  sure,  withall,  that  he  be  a  man 
of  some  reasonable  understanding  in  what  he  doth  in  this  kinde. 
For  a  Fooles  pension  is  like  a  new  fashion,  eagerly  pursued  at  the 
beginning,  but  as  scurvily  left  off  in  the  proceeding. 

Your  next  care  is,  in  his  due  time  to  put  on  a  fellowship,  when 
he  shall  put  off  his  Scholarship,  seeing  the  Schollership  keepes  him 
company  no  farther  than  to  the  degree  of  Master  of  Arts,  and  a 
quarter  of  a  yeare  after,  in  those  Colledges,  where  Scholarships  are 
longest  lived,  And  in  some  not  so  long. 

In  some  Colledges  The  Fellowship  followes  the  Schollership  of 
course  j  and  as  the  one  leaveth  him,  the  other  entertaines  him.  But 

1  page  12. 


The  plains  Path-way  to  Preferment.  149 

in  the  most  it  is  not  so,  but  comes  by  Election.  Which  Election 
passeth  by  the  Master  and  Senior  Fellowes,  whereof  every  one  doth 
name  one,  if  the  number  to  be  Elected  will  beare  it ;  or  if  not,  then 
they  passe  by  most  voyces. 

Where  note,  that  the  Master  hath  a  double  voyce,  and  in  some 
places  hee  hath  the  nomination  of  one,  if  there  be  two  places  voyd, 
yea,  if  there  be  but  one  at  sometimes. 

In  Colledges,  the  letters  of  great  persons,  especially]  of  the  Lords 
grace  of  Canterburie,  and  the  Vniversitie  Chancellor,  have  beene  of 
great  prevailance  ;  But  it  is  not  so  now  in  these  dayes. 

1  There  bee  beneficiall  gradations  of  preferment  likewise,  for 
Fellowes  in  their  Colledges ;  as  Lecturer,  Deane,  Bowser,  Vice- 
master,  and  Master.  But,  for  my  part,  I  better  like  and  commend 
those  who,  when  they  find  themselves  fit  to  put  forth  into  the  world, 
take  the  first  preferment  that  is  offered  unto  them,  rather  than  such 
who  live  cloystered  like  Votaries ;  who  have  Sacraments  to  fill  up 
their  places,  be  it  but  to  keepe  out  others,  such  as  use  no  exercise  but 
wiping  the  dust  off  their  bookes,  and  have  an  excellent  activity  in 
handling  the  fox  tayle,  such  as  hold  no  honour  like  to  Supplicat 
reverentijs  vestris ;  And  to  be  head  Bowsier  of  the  Colledge,  as  good 
as  to  be  Chiefe  Butler  of  England. 

These  preferments  of  the  Colledge,  all  but  that  of  the  Master, 
comes  of  course  by  order  and  antiquity.  Therefore,  no  meanes  but 
patient  abiding,  needs  for  the  acquiring  of  them  in  their  due  time. 

I  hasten  to  send  your  sonne  out  of  the  Cloyster  into  the  Common- 
wealth, and  to  shew  you  how  many  wayes  of  Advancement  are  open 
unto  him  abroad,  with  the  meanes  to  discover  and  attaine. 


And  first  for  the  Ministrie. 

First,  for  his  ease,  let  him  looke  no  farther  then  next  to  hand, 
and  enquire  what  benefices  belong  2to  their  owne  Colledge, 
and  are  in  the  guift  of  their  Master  and  Senior  fellowes  (as  most 
Colledges  have  divers  such)  j  and  amongst  them,  which  are  void  at 
the  present,  or  whose  Incumbent  is  not  like  to  live  long.     And  if  he 

1  page  13.  *  page  14. 


TOM  of  all  Trades;  Or, 

find  out  any  such,  than,  if  he  know  not,  after  so  long  continuance 
among  them,  to  speake  in  his  Seniors  owne  Dilect,  let  him  uever 
travaile  beyond  Trumpington  '  for  me. 

More  indigitly,  For  attaining  of  such  a  Benefice,  let  him  enquire 
where  the  Mattens  are  read  with  Spectacles,  or  where  the  good  old 
man  is  lifted  vp  into  the  pulpit,  or  the  like,  and  make  a  way  for 
Succession  accordingly. 

Where  note,  that  many  times  a  fellow  of  the  house  may  hold 
such  a  Benefice  together  with  his  fellowship,  or  a  Pension,  for  incre- 
ment of  livelyhood.  And  such  tyes  as  these  are  commonly  the  bond 
of  matrimony,  whereby  they  are  so  wedded  to  the  Colledge. 

Next,  he  must  clime  vp  to  the  maine  top  of  Speculation,  and  there 
looke  about  him  to  discover  what  Benefices  are  emptie  abroad,  where 
the  Incumbent  lives  only  vpon  the  Almes  of  Confectio  Alchermis ;  Or 
where  one  is  ready  to  take  his  rise  out  of  Sierge  into  Sattin,  out  of 
Parsonage  and  a  Prebendarie  into  a  Deanarie  and  a  Donative,  let 
him  not  be  slow  of  footmanship  in  that  case,  by  any  meanes. 

2  For  Benefices  abroad. 

Benefices  a  broad  are  in  the  gift  of 

The  King  imediately, 

Or  the  Lord  Keeper  for  the  King  : 

Some  Lord  Bishop  : 

Some  Deane  and  Chapter  : 

Some  Bodie  incorporate : 

Some  Parish  : 

Some  Private  Patron. 

You  shall  find  in  the  Tower  a  collection  of  the  Patent  Rolls 
gathered  of  all  Presentations  made  by  the  King  in  those  dayes  to  any 
Church  Prebendarie  or  Chappell,  In  right  of  the  Crowne,  or  other- 
wayes,  from  i.  of  Edward  the  first,  till  the  midst  of  Edward  the 
third. 

The  King  himselfe,  only  and  immediately  presenteth  in  his 
owne  right  to  such  Benefices  as  belong  to  him,  and  are  aboue  twenty 
pounds  value  in  ihejirst  Fruits  Bookes. 

1  Near  Cambridge.  2  page  15. 


The  plaine  Path-way  to  Preferment.  151 

For  attayning  of  any  which,  I  can  advice  you  of  no  better  course, 
than  to  learne  the  way  to  the  backe  stayres. 

The  Lord  Keeper  presents  for  the  King  to  all  such  benefices  as 
belong  to  his  Majestic,  and  are  under  twenty  pounds  value  in  the 
bookes. 

Now  to  know  which  of  these  are  full,  and  who  are  Incumbents 

in  any  of  these,  . 

Search 

The  first  Fruits  Office. 

The  Clarke,  who  hath  the  writing  of  the  Presentations. 

1  The  Lord  Keepers  Secretarie  being. 

Where  note,  that  the  King  hath  used  very  seldome  to  grant  any 
such  living  in  Reversion. 

And  the  Lord  Keeper  now  being,  His  care  is  so  great  in  this,  as 
in  all  cases  of  common  good  to  provide  for  mans  merit,  and  cherish 
Industrie  in  the  growing  plants,  that  no  one  can  offer  unto  him  a 
request2  of  this  kinde  without  trespasse  to  his  good  disposition. 

In  the  next  place,  concerning  Benefices  in  the  Presentation  of  any 
of  the  Lords  Bishops. 

Note,  that  most  Bishopricks  in  England  have  presentation  to 
divers  Benefices  belonging  to  their  Seas. 

For  the  number  and  present  estate  of  these 

Search 

Their  owne  Leidgers. 
Their  Registers. 

Enquire  of 
Their  Auditors. 
Their  Stewards  of  their  Courts. 

And  sometimes  you  shall  light  upon  some  of  theyr  bookes  of  this 
kind,  in  the  hands  of  the  heyres  or  Executors  of  such  as  have 
borne  such  offices  under  them. 

He  that  is  Chaplaine  to  such  a  Lord  Bishop  hath,  for  the  most 
part,  the  best  meanes,  accesse,  and  opportunity,  to  ataine  to  such  a 
Benefice. 

The  commendations  of  such  a  great  personage,  as  to  whom  this 
1  page  1 6.  2  orig.  repuest 


TOM  of  all  Trades ;  Or, 

Patron  oweth  greatest  respect,  especially  for  his  affairing  in  Court, 
may  doe  some  good  in  the  matter. 

The  like  wayes  of  discovery,  and  the  like  meanes  1of  attaining  any 
Benefice  in  the  Presentation  of  any  Deane  and  Chapter,  are  to  be 
used  with  them  respectively,  as  with  the  Bishops. 

With  every  Deane  and  Chapter  are  likewise  divers  Prebendaries, 
to  be  obtained  of  their  gift  after  the  same  manner,  and  by  the  same 
meanes  also. 

The  other  bodies  Incorporate,  besides  those  of  Colledges  and 
Deanes  and  Chapters,  have  many  of  them  (especially  of  London  and 
some  subordinate  Societies  thereof)  right  of  the  presentation  to  divers 
Benefices. 

Also  some  Parishes,  by  prescription,  doe  present  to  their  owne 
perochiall  Benefices.  And  many  Patrons  are  content  to  present, 
according  to  the  approbation  of  the  Parishioners,  upon  their  hearing, 
and  allowing,  and  due  exclamation  of  the  integrity  of  the  life  of  such 
suitors,  and  no  otherwise ;  divers  governors,  and  gradations  of  the 
lands  of  divers  Hospitals,  and  Mesons  de  dieu,  have  like  right  of 
presentation  to  Benefices,  as  have  other  bodies  Incorporate.  And  the 
meanes  of  discovery  and  attaining  are  likewise  the  like. 

In  Parishes  and  Companies  of  Tradesmen  Incorporate,  some  very 
few  rule  the  roast. 

Your  Alderman  of  the  Ward,  his  Deputie,  your  Common 
Councell-man,  Yea,  sometime  that  petty  Epitomie  of  Wardemote 
Enquerst,  that  little  busie  morsell  of  lustice  (the  Beadle  of  the  Ward), 
will  make  a  strong  partie  in  the  election,  if  he  be  put  to  it.  The 
Probotory  Sermon,  that  must  be  made  upon  such  tryall  before  such 
an  Auditorie,  would  be  according  to  the  capacitie  in  generall,  But 
more  2 especially  according  to  the  humor  and  addiction  of  those  whose 
wits  the  rest  have  in  singular  reverence,  As  Mr.  Francis  Fiat,  a 
good  vnderstanding  Fishmonger  (I  assure  you) ;  you  may  give  the 
stile  of  right  worshipfull  to  them,  though  the  best  man  of  the  company 
be  but  a  Wine  Cooper,  and  his  Judgement  better  in  Claret  then  in 
Contioclerum  a  great  deale. 

If  your  sonne  vpon  his  tryall  can  but  fit  their  pallats  smoothly, 
which  is  hard  to  doe,  In  regard  that  they  are  so  hallow  mouthed, 
1  page  17.  2  page  18. 


The  plaine  Path-way  to  Preferment.  153 

let  him  be  sure,  though  he  misse  the  Benefice  for  want  of  prepera- 
tion,  yet  tenne  to  one  but  they  will  straine  themselues  to  bring  him 
in  as  a  Lecturer,  which  is  a  thing  they  reverence  farre  beyond  the 
Parson  of  the  Parish,  by  many  degrees. 

Lastly,  for  private  Patrons  and  the  Benefices  in  their  guifts, 

Search, 
The  Bishops  Register-  : 

for  Institution  and  Presentation. 
The  Archdeacons  Register  : 

for  the  Induction. 
The  Archbishops  Register : 
if  it  be  a  Peculiar. 

It  was  my  chaunce  lately  to  see  a  booke  of  all  the  Benefices 
within  the  Diocesse  of  Canterbury,  with  the  manner  of  their  tything 
in  every  each  one  respectiuely.  In  which  I  find  that  there  are,  or 
should  be,  with  the  Register  of  every  Lord  Bishop,  seaven  Bookes 
kept  for  Entrie  of  the  matters  and  busines  of  their  Diocesse,  of  which 
this  of  Benefices  is  '  the  cheife. 

2  The  like  I  saw  formerly  of  the  Diocesse  of  St.  Davids,  which 
confirmes  mee  in  the  institution  and  custome  of  keeping  the  said 
bookes  also  in  other  Diocesse. 

And  seing  that  severall  private3  patrons  are  of  severall  disposi- 
tions j  some  more  Lucrative  and  Covetous,  Others  more  charitable 
and  religious ;  I  can  give  you  no  other  rule  of  attaining  the  Benefice 
than  this,  viz. 

That  your  sonne  bring  with  him  abilitie  of  learning,  Integritie  of 
life,  and  conformitie  of  behaviour,  according  to  the  order  of  the 
Church  establisht  amongst  vs ;  and  these  shall  make  his  way  with4  the 
good  and  generous  Patron.  But  for  the  other  patron,  it  makes  no 
matter  at  all  for  learning,  and  a  very  litle  for  manners,  or  whether 
he  be  a  man  conformable  or  no.  Truely  he  is  indifferent  j  for  his 
part,  very  indifferent. 

To  such  a  patron  your  sonne  must  present  himselfe  thus  (if  he 
meane  to  be  presented),  according  to  present  necessitie  :  He  must 

1  in  in  orig,          z  page  19.          *  privare  in  orig.         *  whith  in  orig. 


154 


TOM  of  all  Trades ;  Or, 


both  speake  and  prove  liimselfe  a  man  indued  with  good  gifts,  For 
he  shall  have  to  deale  with  a  Patron  of  a  quick  Capacitie,  more 
dexterous  in  apprehension  than  your  soune  or  you  can  be  in  deliverie. 

Be  this  Patron  what  he  will,  your  comfort  is,  the  Benefice  must 
be  fild,  and  that  within  a  limited  time  j  howsoever,  it  is  dangerous  to 
attend  the  ending  of  the  day  in  this  case,  (For  seldome  doth  the 
Clarke  of  the  market  get  any  thing  by  their  standing  too  long  and 
above  their  accostomed  houre.) 

1  Lapse  by  reason  of  Simony,  and  Lapse  for  not  presenting  in  due 
time;  Both  offer  advancement  to  learning;  But  the  first  is  as  hard  to 
discover  as  a  witch,  And  the  second  as  rare  to  find  out  as  a  faithful! 
fiduciarie  or  a  fast  Freind. 

The  degrees  of  rising  in  the  Ministrie  are  not  easier  knowne  then 
practized  by  the  industrious  man. 

Breifly,  if  all  Church  livings  in  England  were  equally2  distributed, 
There  is  noe  one  of  the  Ministry,  if  he  want  not  learning  or  good 
manners,  needs  want  maintenance  or  good  Livelyhood. 

Here  I  could  wish  to  God,  That  it  might  please  the  right  reuerend 
Fathers  of  the  Church  the  Lord  Bishops,  That  they  would  once  in 
every  of  their  times  cause  a  true  Catalogue  of  all  the  Benefices  within 
their  severall  Diocesse,  with  the  names  of  the  Patrons  thereof,  accord- 
ing to  the  last  presentation,  to  be  sent  into  the  office  of  the  Jirst 
fruits,  for  the  better  information  of  all  such  as  deserue,  and  would 
gladly  attaine  to,  some  meanes  of  maintenance,  which  they  may  the 
better  doe  by  hauing  recourse  thither,  there  to  take  notice  of  all 
things  of  this  nature.  For  I  know  that  many  sit  downe  in  their 
wants,  having  good  meanes  to  many  private  Patrons,  onely  for  lacke  of 
knowledge  of  the  same. 

Note  that  it  is  an  vsuall  thing  in  private  Patrons3  to  graunt 
reversion  and  Advowson  of  such  livings. 

My  selfe  intended  heretofore  to  collect  all  such  Benefices,  with 
their  Patrons,  into  a  certaine  CaWender,  for  such  direction  (as  afore- 
sayd),  and  made  some  passage  into  it.  But  the  farther  I  went,  the 
more  impossible  I  found  it.  And  I  am  now  resolved,  that  without 
the  Bishops  assistance  it  cannot  be  done. 

And  so  much  for  the  Ministerie. 
1  page  20.          2  epually  in  orig.         3  Parons  in  orig.          *  page  21. 


The plaine  Path-way  to  Preferment.  155 


The  Lawes  promotions  follow. 

BY 

Civill  Law 

and 
Common  Law. 

FOr  breeding  of  your  youth  in  the  Civill  Law,  there  are  two 
Colledges  of  especiall  note  in  our  Vuiversities  :  the  one  is 
Trinitie-hall  in  Cambridge  ;  the  other  is  New-Colledge  in  Oxford}- 

I  remember  me  not  of  any  Free-Schoole  in  England  that  have 
any  place  appendant  in  Trinitie-hall  in  Cambridge.  But  in  new 
Colledge  of  Oxford,  the  Free-Schoole  of  Winchester  hath  claime  both 
of  Scholarships  and  Fellowships,  the  whole  Colledge  consisting  of 
none  other,  as  I  take  it. 

It  is  to  be  confest,  the  charge  of  breeding  a  man  to  the  Civill 
Law  is  more  expensive,  and  the  way  more  painefull,  and  the  bookes 
of  greater  number  and  price,  than  the  Common  Law  requireth.  But 
2  after  the  Civil!  Lawyer  is  once  growne  to  Maturity,  His  way  of 
Advancement  is  more  beneficiall,  more  certaine,  and  more  easie  to 
attaine,  than  is  the  Common  Lawyers  j  and  all  because  their  number 
is  lesse,  their  learning  more  intricate.  And  they  admit  few  or  no 
Sollicitors  to  trample  betweene  them  and  the  Clyent.  So  that  the 
Fee  comes  to  them  immediately  and  with  the  more  advantage. 

The  Preferments  at  which  they  may 
arrive  are  these : 

Chancellor  to  the  Byshop. 
Archdeacon. 

Commissarie,  where  they  have  Commissarie  Official!, 
fudge,  and  Surrogate. 
Advocate  for  the  King* 
Mr.  of  the  Chancerie. 
The  Kings  Proctor. 
Advocate,  and  Proctor  at  large. 
1  MS.  note  in  the  Art  copy,  rather  Alsoules  by  farre.  2  page  22. 


TOM  of  all  Trades;  Or, 


In  these  Courts,  vi%. 
The  High  Commission. 
The  Delegates. 
The  Prerogative. 
The  Consistorie. 
The  Arches. 
The  Bishops  Courts. 
The  Archdeacons  Courts. 

Chancellors,  Commissaries,  and  Officials  Court. 
The  Admiraltie  Courts. 
The  Court  of  the  Kings  Requests. 

In  times  past 

The  countenance  of  some  Byshop,  especially  of  the  JLord  Arch- 
lyshop,  upon  a  Civilian,  will  much  advance  his  practice  as  an  Advo- 
cate, and  give  him  promotion2  as  a  ludge. 

There  are  under  the  greater  officers  aforenamed  divers  other 

inferiour  Officers :  as 
Register. 

Arctuarie. 
Examiner. 

The  number  of  the  Doctors,  (though  I  finde  them  never  to  have 
beene  limited,)  Yet  it  is  certaine  that  the  time  was  within  memory 
of  man  when  the  house  of  their  Commons  did  commonly  give  them 
all  sufficient  lodging  and  dyet.  And  as  for  the  number  of  Proctors, 
they  were  of  late  times  limited.  How  it  is  now,  I  know  not. 


For  the  Common  Law. 

FOr  breeding  of  Students  at  the  Common  Law,  take  directions 
for  their  method  of  studie  out  of  that  Tractate  which  Mr. 
Justice  Dodridge  did  in  his  time  pen  for  the  purpose.     Onely  (for  my 
part)  I  doe  much  commend  the  ancient  custome  of  breeding  of  the 
younger  Students.     First,  in  the  Innes  of  Chancery  ;  there  to  be  the 
better  prepared  3  for  the  Innes  of  Court.    And  this  must  needs  be  the 
1  page  23.  2  promorion  in  orig.  *  preparded  in  oiig. 


The  plaine  Path-way  to  Preferment.  157 

better  way,  seeing  too  much  liberty  at  the  first  prooves  very  fatall  to 
many  of  the  younger  sort.  I  have  observed,  and  much  commend 
also  the  breeding  of  some  Com'mon  Lawyers  in  this  kinde,  viz. 

That  when  they  have  beene  admitted  first  into  an  Inne  of  the 
Chancerie,  they  have  beene  withall  entred  as  Clarkes  in  the  office  of 
some  Prothonotarie  of  the  Common-Pleas,  to  adde  the  skill  of  the 
Practicke  to  their  speculation.  And  if  a  Student  be  thus  bred,  by 
his  foundation  in  the  one,  and  his  experience  in  the  other,  he  shall 
with  more  facilitie  than  others,  who  step  into  the  Inne  of  Court  at 
first,  attaine  to  an  abilitie  of  practise. 

Besides  other  ordinary  requisite  parts  and  Arts  in  a  Common 
Lawyer,  Skill  in  the  Records  of  all  Courts  of  Record,  and  in  other 
antiquities  of  President,  With  some  Reading  in  the  Civill  Law,  also 
will  much  inable  him. 

The  Common  Lawyer  is  to  be  bred  onely  upon  the  purse.  The 
charge  most  at  the  first.  For  after  he  hath  spent  some  few  yeares 
effectually,  He  may  attaine  to  the  imployment  of  some  private  friends, 
for  advising  with  and  instructing  of  greater  Counsalle,  whereby  he 
shall  adde  both  to  his  meanes  and  knowledge. 

It  is  true,  that  I  have  knowne  some  Attorneyes  and  Sollicitors  put 
on  a  Counsailors  gowne  without  treading  the  same  usuall  path  to  the 
barre  (as  aforesaid).  But  indeed,  I  never  looke  upon  them  but  I 
thinke  of  the  Taylor,  who  in  one  of  his  Customers  cast  suites  had 
thrust  himselfe  in  amongst  the  Nolilitie  at  a  Court  Maske,  where, 
pulling  out  his  Handkercher,  hee  let  fall  his  Thimble,  and  was  so 
discovered,  and  handled  and  dandled  from  hand  to  foote,  till  the  Guard 
2 delivered  him  at  the  great  Chamber  doore,  and  cryed,  "  farewell,  good 
feeble !  " 

If  the  Common  Lawyer  be  sufficiently  able  in  his  profession,  he 
shall  want  no  practice ;  if  no  practice,  no  profit. 

The  time  was  that  the  younger  Counsaile  had  some  such  helpe,  as 

To  le  a  Favourite, 

A  Kindred, 

To  marry  a  Neece,  Cosin,  or  a  Chamber -maide. 

But  those  dayes  be  past,  and  better  supply  their  roomes. 

1  page  24  ;  pages  24,  25  misnumbered  in  orig,  *  page  25. 


158 


TOM  of  all  Trades ;  Or, 


As  fellowes  of  Colledges  in  the  Vniversities  get  pensions  or  Bene- 
fices to  adde  to  their  livelyhood,  So  Barresters  and  Counsailors  of  the 
Innes  of  Court  advance  their  meanes  by  keeping  of 

Courts  of  Manners, 
Lects  and  Barrons, 
Swanimootes  of  Forrests, 
Stannaries, 
Cinque  Ports,  &c. 

By  places  of 

fudges  of  Inferiour  Courts.     As 

London,  and  other  like  Corporations. 

The  Firdge. 

The  Tower  of  London. 

St.  Katherines,  neare  the  Tower. 

Borough  of  Southwarke. 

The  Clinke. 

Wentworth,  and  like  Liberties. 

1  By  office  of 

Recorder  of  some  Co[r]porate  Towne. 
Feodarie  of  some  Counties. 

The  Kings  Counsayle  in  the  Marches  of  Wales,  or  at  Yorke, 
or  fudge,  or  Counsayle  of  some  Countie  Pallatine. 

The  greater  places  of  preferment  for  Common  Lawyers  are 

The  fudges  at  Westminster  and  elsewhere. 
The  next  are  all  the  severall  Officers  of  the  Courts  of  West- 
minster, and  elsewhere. 

All  which  you  shall  finde  set  forth  breifly  in  Smiths  Common- 
wealth of  England,  and  part  in  mine  owne  Search  of  Records.  And 
all  these  together,  afford  suffic[i]ent  maintenance  for  thousands  of 
persons,  who  may  bee  here  well  prouided  for. 

Here  I  should,  and  here  I  could,  for  better  direction  of  yonger 
brothers,  shew  what  meniall  Clarkeships  of  large  exhibition  are  vnder 
the  great  Officers  of  the  Land,  the  Judges,  the  Kings  Counsayle,  and 
other  Officers  which  are  not  elsewhere  publisht.  And  I  know  it 

1  page  26. 


The plaine  Path-way  to  Preferment.  159 

would  open  a  doore  to  many  a  proper  mans  preferment,  especially 
vnder  the  Lord  Keeper,  as  Secretaries  for  Chancerie  busynesse,  and 
Spirituall  promotions,  the  Commission  of  the  Peace,  Injunctions,  the 
Dockquetts.  And  other  the  like  vnder  the  Lord  Treasurer,  as 
Secretaries  for  the  businesse  of  the  Realme  and  the  Custome-house ; 
besides  the  Inlets  to  so  many  preferments  about  the  Customes  and 
Escheators ;  places  vnder  the  Lord  Treasurer,  vnder  the  Chauncellor 
of  the  Exchequer,  Duchie  and  Principalitie  of  Wales,  and  Duchie  of 
1  Cornewall,  as  Seale  keeper,  Secretary,  &c. 

Vnder  the  Master  of  the  Court  of  Wardes,  as  Secretarie ;  vnder 
the  fudges,  as  Marshall ;  Clarke  of  the  Bailes,  &fc. ;  Vnder  the 
Barrons  of  the  Exchequer,  as  Examiner ;  Clarke  of  the  Bailes,  and 
other  Clarkes. 

Vnder  the  Kings  Attourney  Generall,  as  Clarke  of  the  Pattens, 
Clarke  of  the  Confessions  and  entries,  Clarke  of  the  References,  Booke 
bearer.  Vnder  the  Sollicitor  Gen erall :  Clarke  of  the  Patents,  Booke 
bearer.  Besides  many  other  Clarkes  vnder  the  white  staues  of  the 
Court,  and  in  the  Counting  house,  and  many  seuerall  offices.2  All 
which,  with  hundreds  more  that  I  could  name,  with  a  plainer  and 
more  large  deduction,  were  it  not  for  feare  that  what  I  well  intend 
for  generall  good,  would  be  taken  in  offence  for  priuate  preiudice. 
But  for  the  Clarkeships  of  the  Kings  houshold,  examine  farther  the 
Blacke  booke  in  the  Exchequer. 


rrhe  Phisition  followes. 

ANd  heere  I  remember  me  of  an  old  tale  following,  viz. 
At  the  beginning  of  the  happy  raigne  of  our  late  good 
Queene  Elizabeth,  diuers  Commissioners  of  great  place,  being  autho- 
rized to  enquire  of,  and  to  displace,  all  such  of  the  Clergie  as  would 
not  conforme  to  the  reformed  Church,  one  amongst  others  was 
Conuented  before  them,  who  being  asked  whether3  he  would  subscribe 
or  no,  denied  it,  and  so  consequently  was  adiudged  to  lose  his 
benefice  and  to  be  deprived  his  function;  wherevpon,  in  his  im- 
patience, he  said, 

1  page  27.         2  offiices  in  orig.         s  whehter  in  orig.         *  page  28. 


i6o 


TOM  of  all  Trades ;  Or, 


'That  if  they  (meaning  the  Commissioners)  held  this  course  it 
would  cost  many  a  mans  life.'  For  which  the  Commissioners  called 
him  backe  againe,  and  charged  him  that  he  had  spoke  treasonable 
and  seditious  words,1  tending  to  the  raysing  of  a  rebellion  or  some 
tumult  in  the  Land ;  for  which  he  should  receiue  the  reward  of  a 
Traytor.  And  being  asked  whether  hee  spake  those  words  or  no,  he 
acknowledged  it,  and  tooke  vpon  him  the  Justification  thereof ;  'for, 
said  he,  yee  have  taken  from  me  my  liuing  and  profession  of  the 
Ministrie ;  Scholarship  is  all  my  portion,  and  I  have  no  other  meanes 
now  left  for  my  maintenance  but  to  turne  Phisition ;  and  before  I 
shalbe  absolute  Master  of  that  Misterie,  (God  he  knowes)  how  many 
mens  lives  it  will  cost.  For  few  Phisitions  vse  to  try  experiments 2 
vpon  their  owne  bodies.' 

With  vs,  it  is  a  Profession  can  maintaine  but  a  few.  And  diuers 
of  those  more  indebted  to  opinion  than  learning,  and  (for  the  most 
part)  better  qualified  in  discoursing  their  travailes  than  in  discerning 
their  patients  malladies  For  it  is  growne  to  be  a  very  huswiues  trade, 
where  fortune  prevailes  more  then  skill.  Their  best  benefactors,3  the 
Neapolitan,  Their  grand  Seignieur.  The  Sorpego,  their  Gonfollinere ; 
The  Sciaticke,  Their  great  Marshall,  that  calls  the  Muster  Rolle  of 
them  all  together  at  every  Spring  and  fall, — are  all  as  familier  to  her 
as  the  Cuckow  at  Canck-wood  in  May ;  And  the  cure  of  4them  is  the 
skill  of  every  good  old  Ladies  cast  Gentlewoman  j  when  she  gives 
over  painting,  shee  falls  to  plastering,  and  shall  have  as  good  practize 
as  the  best  of  them  for  those  kind  of  diseases. 

Marry,  for  "Womens  griefes  5  amongst  Phisitions,  the  Masculine  is 
more  worthy  then  the  Feminine. 

Secrecie  is  the  cheife  skill,  and  virilitie  the  best  learning,  that 
is  required  in  a  Womans  Phisition.  .But  I  never  read  of  many 
of  those  to  be  long  liued,  or  honestly  wiued  hitherto,  in  all  my 
reading. 

Hitherto  I  speake  nothing  in  disrepute  of  the  more  reverend 
and  learned  sort  of  Phisitions,  who  are  to  be  had  in  singular  reverence, 
and  be  vsefull  to  mankind  next  to  the  Divine.  Indeed,  I  rather 
pitty  them  ;  and  pittying,  smile  to  see  how  pretily  these  young  game- 


1  wrods  in  the  Douce  copy. 
s  benefactor  in  the  Art  copy. 


2  Experiments  in  the  Douce  copy. 
*  page  29.         5  greifes  in  the  Douce  copy. 


The  plaine  Path-way  to  Preferment.  161 

sters,  Male  and  Female,  lay  about  them,  and  engrosse  the  greater  part 
of  Patientrie  in  all  places  wheresoeuer. 

And  here  I  may  more  fitly  say  (God  knowes)  how  many  mens 
Hues  this  abused  opinion  had  of  such  Gamesters,  costs ;  Because  they 
be  not  Masters  of  that  Mysterie,  and  that  science  which  requires  the 
Greeke  tongue  exactly,  all  the  learning  and  skill  of  Philosophic, 
Historic  of  all  sorts  (especially  naturall),  knowledge  of  all  vegetatives 
and  Minerals,  and  whatsoever  dwels  within  the  foure  elements ;  Also 
Skill  in  Astronomy,  Astrologie.  And  so  much  of  the  ludicialls  'vpon  1 
all  manner  of  Calculations  as  may  be  well  warranted ;  with  much  other 
kind  of  learning,  art,  and  skill,  whereof  my  young  travailing  Phisition 
and  trading  wayting  woman  never  heard. 

Their  meanes  of  Advancement  are  in  these  wayes,  viz. 

To  be  Phisition  of  some  Colledge  in  one  of  the  Vhiuersities, 

(as  diuers  Colledges  have  such  places). 
Phisition  to  the  King  or  Queenes  person. 
Phisition  to  either  of  their  housholds, 
Or  to  some  Hospitall,  (as  most  have  such), 
Or  to  some  great  persons  who  may  preferre  them  hereafter, 

and  be  somewhat  helpefull  in  the  meane  time. 
To  a  good  old  Fsurer,  or  one  that  hath  got  his  great  estate 

together  vnconscionably :    For  they  feare  nothing  but 

death,  and  will   buy  life   at  any  rate.     There   is   no 

coward  to  an  ill  Conscience. 

It  is  not  amisse  to  make  way  of  acquaintance  with  Gallants  given 
to  deepe  drinking  and  surfeyting ;  For  they  are  patients  at  all  times 
of  the  yeare. 

Or  a  Gentlewoman  that  would  faine  vse  the  meanes  to  bee 
pregnant. 

Or  your  Lascivious  Lady,  and  your  man  in  the  Perriwigge,  will 
helpe  to  furnish  with  a  foot-cloth. 

2A  Citizens  wife  of  a  weake  stomacke  will  supply  the  fringe  to  it. 

And  if  all  faile,  And  the  Bathe  will  affoord  no  roome ;  Let  them 
finde  out  some  strange  water,  some  unheard-of  Spring.  It  is  an 
easie  matter  to  discolour  or  alter  the  taste  of  it  in  some  measure,  (it 
1  page  30.  »  page  31. 

SHAK6PEBE's  ENGLAND  :  TELL-TBOTH.  11 


162 


TOM  of  all  Trades ;  Or, 


makes  no  matter  how  little.)  Report  strange  cures  that  it  hath  done. 
Beget  a  Superstitious  opinion  in  it,  Goodfellowship  shall  uphold  it, 
And  the  Neighbouring  Townes  shall  all  sweare  for  it. 


The  Apprentice  follow  es. 

THe  first  question  is,  to  what  Trade  you  will  put  your  Son,  and 
which  is  most  worthy  of  choice.  For  the  Merchant,  it  re- 
quireth  great  stocke,  great  experience  in  Forraine  estates,  And  great 
hazard  and  adventure,  at  the  best. 

And  this  is  not  all :  For  it  depends  upon  the  Peace  of  our  State 
with  forraine  Princes,  especially  those  with  whom  we  hold  mutuall 
traffiquej  Or,  who  lye  in  our  way  to  intercept  or  impediment  our 
Trade  abroad.  Besides  that,  in  time  of  Warre,  they  can  hold  no 
certainty  of  dealing,  or  supplying  their  Factorie  in  parts  beyond  the 
Seas.  Shipping  is  subject  ever,  at  the  let  goe,  to  bee  stayed,  Marriners 
to  be  prest,  and  many  other  inconveniences  attend  them  in  such 
times ;  Besides  the  burthen  of  Custome  and  Imposition  which  all 
1States  impose  more  or  lessej  So  that  unlesse  wee  have  peace  with 
such  Neighbours,  there  is  little  hope  in  that  profession  in  the  ordinarie 
and  lawfull  way  of  trading. 

Happily  you  will  alledge  that  some  Merchants  thrive  well  enough 
when  the  warres  most  rage,  and  when  the  streame  of  State  is  most 
troubled.  Some  then  hold  it  to  be  the  best  fishing ;  they  that  gaine 
then  (Sir),  if  they  gaine  justifiably,  gaine  not  as  Merchants,  but  as 
men  of  Warre,  which  occupation  a  man  may  learne  without  serving 
seaven  yeares  Apprentiship  unto  it. 

And  if  they  gaine  justifiably  as  Merchants,  it  must  be  in  some 
generall  stocke  of  a  Society  incorporated,  who  have  purse  to  passe  to 
and  fro  with  sufficient  power  in  the  most  dangerous  times  -}  And  if 
such  Societies  are  tollerable  at  any  time,  it  is  at  such  times.  How 
they  be  otherwise  allowable,  I  leave  to  consideration. 

For  the  Shopkeeper,  his  welfare,  for  the  most  part,  depends  upon 
the  prosperity  of  the  Merchant,  For  if  the  Merchant  sit  still,  the 
most  of  them  may  shut  up  their  shop  windowes ;  Little  Skill,  Art, 
or  Mystery,  shall  a  man  learne  in  Shopkeeping.  A  man  shall  never 

1  page  32. 


The  plains  Path-way  to  Preferment.  163 

in  forraigne  parts,  being  put  to  his  shifts  out  of  his  owne  Meridian, 
live  by  the  skill  of  weighing  and  measuring.  The  most  use  of  ad- 
vantage he  can  make  of  it,  is  to  benefit  betweene  the  Mart  and  the 
Market,  than  which  nothing  is  more  uncertaine,  seeing  there  is  no 
true  judiciall  of  the  falling  and  rising  of  commodities,  And  the 
casualties  that  they  are  subject  vnto,  (especially)  1in  time  of  Warre. 

Take  this  for  a  generall  rule,  that  those  Trades  which  aske  most 
with  an  Apprentice,  are  incertainest  of  thriving,  and  require  greatest 
stockes  of  setting  up.  Amongst  Trades,  give  me  those  that  have  in 
them  some  Art,  Craft,  or  Science,  by  which  a  man  may  live  and  be 
a  welcome  ghuest  to  all  Countries  abroad,  and  have  imployment  in 
the  most  stormy  times  at  home,  when  Merchants  and  Shopkeepers 
are  out  of  use,  (as) — 

An  Apothecarie. 

A  Druggist. 

A  Chirurgion. 

A  Lapidarie. 

A  Jeweller. 

A  Printer. 

An  Ingraver  in  Stones  and  Mettall. 

One  that  hath  skill  in  seasoning  of  Shipwood. 

A  Carpenter  of  all  sorts,  especially  of  Shipping. 

A  Smith  of  all  sorts,  especially  of  Cloches,  Watches,  Guns,  &c. 

A  Planter,  and  Gardner  of  all  sorts. 

An  Enginere  for  making  of  Patars,  and  the  like  Engines  of 
Warre.     And 

Hot  Presses  for  Cloth,  &c.     And 

Engines  to  weigh  any  Ship,  or  Guns  that  are  drowned,  &c. 
Skrues,  &c. 

A  maker  of  all  sorts  of  Instruments  for   Navigation,  Com- 
passes, Globes,  Astrolabes. 

A  Drainer  of  grounds  Surmounded. 

A  Sale-maker,  and 
2  A  maker  of  Cordage,  Tackle,  6°c. 

A  Lymner. 

A  Clothier,  a  Clothworker,  and  a  Dyer. 

1  Page  33-  2  page  34. 


164 


TOM  of  all  Trades ;  Or, 


A.  Taylor,  Shooe-maker,  Glover,  Perfumer,  and  Trimmer  of 

Gloves. 

An  Imbroiderer. 

A  Feltmaker,  a  Glasier,  and  one  that  can  paint  in  Glasse. 
Brieflly,  any  Manufacture  or  trade,  wherein  is  any  Science 
or  Craft. 

Onely  those  Trades  are  of  least  use  and  benefit,  which  are  called 
Huswives  Trades  (as  Brewer,  Baker,  Cooke,  and  the  like),  Because 
they  be  the  skill  of  Women  as  well  as  of  men,  and  common  to  both. 

I  would  have  you  know,  that  the  Maker  was  before  the  Retaylor ; 
and  most  Shopkeepers  are  but  of  a  sublimated  Trade,  and  retayle 
but  as  Attorneyes  to  the  maker.  But  if  the  Maker  (without  dispute 
of  Freedome  in  any  Corporation)  might  set  up  Shop  and  sell  his 
commoditie  immediately,  it  would  be  a  great  deale  better  for  the 
Commonwealth  than  now  it  is. 

Besides,  it  is  no  matter  of  difficultie,  burthen,  or  disgrace,  for  a 
Shopkeeper,  yea,  a  Merchant,  or  a  Gentleman,  to  have  the  skill,  of 
some  one  of  these  Manufactures,  besides  his  Revenew,  or  profession, 
to  accompany  him  what  fortune  soever  may  carry  him  into  Countries 
unknowne. 

To  my  knowledge,  a  great  Earle  lately  of  this  Land,  did  thinke  it 
no  scorne  to  indeavour  the  attaining  of  the  Craft  and  trade  of  a 
Farrior,  wherein  he  grew  excellent. 

:And  when  our  acquaintance  tooke  first  life  with  those  of  the 
Low  Countries,  upon  a  Treatie  wherein  our  Embassador  strove  to 
set  forth  the  worthinesse  of  our  King  and  Kingdome  with  the  Native 
commodities  thereof,  The  Dutch  (ignorantly  conceiving  that  no 
man  could  attaine  to  wealth  without  some  good  occupation  or 
manufacture)  askt  him  what  handicraft  our  King  was  brought  up 
unto,  or  what  trade  he  had  used  to  get  so  much  wealth  withall. 

I  admit  the  Merchant  Royall  that  comes  to  his  Profession  by 
travaile  and  Factory,  full  fraught,  and  free  adventure,  to  be  a  pro- 
fession worthy  the  seeking.  But  not  the  hedge-creeper,  that  goes  to 
seeke  custome  from  shop  to  shop  with  a  Cryll  under  his  arme,  That 
leapes  from  his  Shop-boord  to  the  Exchange,  and  after  he  is  fame- 
falne  and  credit  crackt  in  two  or  three  other  professions,  shall  wrigle 

35- 


The  plaine  Path-way  to  Preferment. 


'65 


into  this  and  that  when  he  comes  upon  the  Exchange,  instead  of 
enquiring  after  such  a  good  ship,  spends  the  whole  houre  in  dis- 
puting, whether  is  the  more  profitable  house-keeping,  either  with 
powder  Beefe,1  &  brewes,  or  with  fresh  Beefe  and  Porridge ;  though 
(God  wot)  the  blacke  Pot  at  home  be  guilty  of  neyther :  And  so  he 
departs  when  the  Bell  rings,  and  his  guts  rumble,  both  to  one  tune 
and  the  same  purpose. 

The  Merchant  Royall  might  grow  prosperous,  were  it  not  for 
such  poore  patching  interloping  Lapwings  that  have  an  adventure  of 
two  Chaldron  of  Coles  at  New-castle  j  As  much  oyle  in  the  Greene- 
land  fishing  as  will  serve  two  Coblers  for  2  the  whole  yeare  ensuing. 
And  an  other  at  Rowsie,  for  as  many  Fox-skins  as  will  furre  his  Long- 
lane  gowne,  when  he  is  called  to  the  Livorie. 

The  Shopkeeper  is  a  cleanly  Trade,  especially  your  Linnen- 
Draperj  which  company  hath  the  greatest  Commonalty,  and  the 
largest  priviledges  of  all  other,  and  yet  they  maintaine  nothing  by 
Charter,  for  (indeed)  they  have  none. 

But  a  manufacture  for  my  money,  especially  if  he  sell  to  the 
wearer  immediately. 

Now,  for  the  better  incouragement  of  men  of  Trade,  Know  that 
in  most  Companies  of  Tradesmen  incorporate  (especially  in  London), 
there  is  provision  made  by  divers  benefactors  of  their  Societies 
deceased  for  the  enabling  and  setting  up  of  young  beginners,  by 
stockes  of  money  remaining  in  the  hands  of  some  few  of  the  chiefe 
of  their  Company  (how  faithfully  disposed  I  leave  to  their  owne  con- 
sideration,) But  surely  the  poorer  sort  complaine  much  of  the  mis- 
imployment  of  it  generally 

There  is  but  one  little  Crevis  to  peepe  in  at  their  dealings,  And 
that  is  betweene  their  Masters  conscience  &  the  Clarks  connivence, 
which  is  so  narrow,  that  you  may  sooner  discern  the  South  Pole 
through  the  maine  Center,  than  discover  their  mysterie. 

Indeed,  in  times  past,  the  Clearkship  of  the  Company  hath  beene 

bestowed  upon  some  ancient  decayed  member  of  the  Company  for 

his  livelyhood.      But  the  Attorney  and  Scrivener,  and   some  petty 

Clarkes  of  the  Citie,  by  the  Letters  of,  &c.  pre-occupy  those  places. 

3And  here  I  could  wish,  for  righting  of  the  dead,  and  releeving 


1  Salt  beef. 


2  page  36 


37- 


i66 


TOM  of  all  Trades-,  Or, 


of  the  poorer  members  of  such  Companies  who  are  kept  in  ignorance, 
That  some  paines  were  taken  in  the  Prerogative  Office,  for  the 
collating  of  all  guifts  of  this  nature,  to  be  publisht  in  print,  that  the 
meanest  might  thereby  be  able  to  call  their  Grand  Masters  to 
account,  if  they  abuse  the  trust  in  them  reposited  in  this  behalfe.  I 
acknowledge  the  youth  of  mine  age  to  be  determined,  And  (God 
knowes)  how  poore  a  remaine  of  life  is  left  in  my  Glasse ;  yet  if  it 
may  please  those  in  whom  the  power  resteth  to  give  me  leave  to 
search  (Gratis)  for  all  Grants  and  guifts  of  pious  use  in  all  kindes 
whatsoever,  I  could  willingly  bestow  that  little  of  my  Lampe  in 
collection  of  these  things,  and  publish  them  to  posterity.  Provided 
alwayes,  that  I  and  mine  may  have  the  prfviledge  of  imprinting  the 
same  for  some  fitting  number  of  yeares  to  come 


The  Navigator 

NExt  to  the  man  of  Trade,  or  rather  equally  with  him,  I  must 
give  the  Navigator  his  due,  for  that  his  profession  is  as  full  of 
science,  as  usefull  to  the  Common  wealth,  and  as  profitable  to  him- 
selfe,  as  any  trade  whatsoever.  If  he  attaine  the  skill  of  knowing, 
and  handling  the  tackle,  the  certaine  art  of  his  Compasse;  the  know- 
ledge of  languages,  and  dispositions  of  forreigne  Nations  where  *  he 
travailes  and  trades,  he  may  rise  from  a  Squabler  to  a  Master,  from  a 
Master  to  be  a  Generall,  honestly,  and  with  good  reputation,  in  a 
short  time. 

The  Nauigator  his  way  of  Advancement 
and  imployment  is,  by 

The  Lords  of  his  Maiesties  pr'ivie  Councellt 
The  High  Admirall, 
Commissioners  for  the  Kings  Navy, 
Chief e  Officers  of  the  Navyes  of  Societies, 

incorporate, 
Private  Merchants  and  the  like, 

With  the  Trinitie  house. 

But  if  he  get  to  be  an  Owner,  he  may  trade  as  free  as  bird  in  ayre, 
1  page  38. 


The  plaine  Path-way  to  Preferment.  167 

as  a  man  of  warre,  or  a  man  of  trade  and  Commerce.  If  he  take 
heed  that  he  intrench  not  vpon  the  incorporated  Companies,  espe- 
cially the  minotaur.  He  cannot  do  amisse  (with  Gods  assistance1). 
He  may  Hue  merrily  and  contentedly,  be  it  but  in  trading  as  a  meere 
Carryer  of  home  commodities,  Imported  from  one  port  to  another 
within  the  kingdome. 

The  Husbandman. 

THe  Husbandman  may  likewise  for  the  happie  content  of  the 
life,  and  the  honest  gaine  which  it  brings  with  it,  be  worthy 
to  inuite  a  right  good  mans  sonne  to  vndergoe  the  profession. 

Your  sonne  whom  you  intend  for  a  Husbandman,  2  must  be  of  a 
disposition  part  gentile  and  rusticke,  equally  mixt  together.     For  if 
the  Gentleman  be  predominant,  his  running  Nagge  will  out  run  the 
Constable.     His  extraordinary  strong  Beere  will  be  too  headstrong  in 
office  of  Church-Warden.     And  his  well  mouthed  dogges  will  make 
him  out-mouth  all  the  Vestrie.     But  if  the  clowne  be  predominant, 
he  will  smell  all  browne  bread  and  garlicke.     Besides,  he  must  be  of 
a  hardier  temper  than  the  rest  of  his  brethren,  because  the  vnhealth- 
fullest  corners  of  the  Kingdome  are  the  mofl  profitable  for  Fermors. 
He  must  especially  aime  at  a  Tenancie  vnder  the  Crowne,  or  some 
Bishops  Sea,  Deane,   and   Chapter,  some   Colledge,  some   Companie, 
some  Hospitall,   or  some   other   bodie    incorporate.      Wherein    the 
Auditor  or  Receiver  must  be  his   best    Intelligencer  and   Director. 
Young  vnthrifts  acquaintance,  when  they  first  arriue  at  the  age  of  one 
and  twentie,  And  good  old  conscionable  Landlords,  that  hold  it  a 
deadly  sinne  to  raise  the  rents  of  their  Grandfathers,  or  hope  to  be 
deliuered  out  of  Purgatorie  by  their  Tenants  prayers,  will  doe  well. 
These  professions  before  mentioned,  be  (as  it  were)   the 
orbs  to  receiue  all  fixed  Starrs,  and  such  dispositions  as 
may  be  put  into  any  certaine  frame. 
But  for  a  more  libertine  disposition. 
Fit  it  with  the  profession  of  a  Courtier. 
For  an  overflowing,  and  Ranker  disposition,  make  him  a 

Souldier. 
1  assistnace  in  orig".  2  page  39. 


i68  TOM  of  all  Trades ;  Or, 

But,  beyond  this,  he  is  a  lost  man,  not  worthy  a  fathers 
remembrance  or  prouidence. 


1  The   Courtiers  wayes  of  advancement 
be  these  : 

BY  the  generall  and  most  ancient  rule  of  Court,  if  you  would 
have  him  to  be  preferred  unto  the  Kings  service  in  the  end, 
And,  in  the  meane  time,  to  have  sufficient  meanes  of  maintenance, 
Place  him  with  one  of  the  White  Staves  of  the  Houshold. 

By  the  more  particular  rule  (if  you  can),  put  him  unto  the  Lord 
High  Steward  his  Service  (who,  amongst  the  white  Staves),  hath  the 
chiefest  hand  in  preferring  to  any  office  beneath  stayres. 

If  the  High  Steward  be  full,  seeke  to  the  Lord  Chamberlaine, 
who  hath  the  chiefe  power  to  preferre  to  the  places  above  stayres, 
and  to  the  Wardrobe. 

And,  if  there  be  no  entrance  there,  then  seek  to  the  Treasurer  of 
the  Houshold,  and  next  to  the  Controller.  The  Master  of  the  Hous- 
hold. The  Coferer,  and  the  rest  of  the  greene  Cloth. 

The  Master  of  the  Horse  preferres  to  the  Avenanarie  and  other 
Clarkeships  offices,  and  places  about  the  Stable. 

The  principall  Secretary  hath  heretofore  had  a  great  hand  in  pre- 
ferring to  the  Clarkeships  in  the  office  of  the  Signet,  and  the  Lord 
privie  Scale  into  the  privie  Seale  office. 

The  Master  of  the  great  Wardrobe  into  the  Clarkeships  and 
offices  there.  The  Master  of  the  Robes.  The  Master  of  the  Jewell- 
house.  The  Keeper  of  the  privie  Purse.  The  Master  of  the  Toyles 
2  and  Tents,  with  some  other  the  like,  have  whilome  beene  the  meanes 
of  preferring  divers  their  followers  into  the  service  of  the  King,  in 
divers  beneficiall  places  and  Clarkeships,  in  their  severall  offices 
respectively. 

The  Lord  Treasurer  without  the  house,  preferres  to  his  Majesties 
service,  in  most  places  in,  or  about  the  Custome-houses,  in  all  the 
parts  of  England. 

And,  besides  these,  I  finde  no  meanes  used  of  old,  for  preferment 
into  the  Kings  service,  for  these  kind  of  places. 

1  page  40.  2  page  41. 


The  plaine  Path-way  to  Preferment. 


169 


The  yeomen  of  the  Guard  were  wont,  to  come  in,  for  their  per- 
sonage, and  activitie,  by  their  Captaines  allowance. 

And  the  Bed-chamber  mens  servants,  ever  were  in  way  to  be  pre- 
ferred for  Pages  of  the  privie  Chamber,  or  Groomes,  or  placed  at  the 
back  staires,  not  of  right,  but  of  custome. 

For  the  Clarkes  of  the  Houshold,  they  were  wont  anciently  to 
rise  by  certaine  degrees,  according  to  the  prescription  of  the  Black 
Booke;  but  how  it  is  now,  I  know  not. 

For  your  better  satisfaction  of  Court  Offices,  their  order  and  Fee, 
Search  the  Blacke  Booke  in  the  Exchequer,  and  in  the  Court ;  And 
for  all  Offices  whatsoever  under  the  King  throughout  the  whole 
Kingdome,  Either  in  Castle,  Parke,  Chase,  Court,  or  house  of  the 
Kings  royalty  or  place  soever,  with  the  then  Fees  of  the  same,  I 
referre  you  to  a  booke,  Whereof  many  hundred  Copies  are  extant, 
which  was  collected  by  the  Lord  Treasurer  Burleigh,  and  Jby  him 
delivered  to  the  late  Queene  Elizabeth  of  famous  memorie.  And  so 
much  for  the  Courtier. 


The  Souldierfollowes. 

ANd  the  question  is  first. 
Whether  the  better  way  of  thriving  is  to  be  a  Sea  Soldier,  or 
a  Land  Soldier  ? 

Questionlesse,  the  better  way  of  thriving  is  to  be  a  Sea  Soldier, 
In  this  Kingdome  of  England,  being  an  Island,  for  that  he  is  more 
vsefull  to  his  Country.  More  learning  is  required  to  be  a  Sea 
Soldier  than  to  be  a  Land  Soldier.  A  Sea  Soldier  is  certaine  of 
victuals  and  wages,  where  the  Land  Soldiers  pay  will  hardly  find  him 
sustenance.  A  Sea  Soldier  may  now  and  than  chaunce  to  haue  a 
snapp  at  a  bootie  or  a  price,  which  may  in  an  instant  make  him  .a 
fortune  for  ever,  where  the  Land  Soldier  may  in  an  age  come  to  the 
ransacking  of  a  poore  fisher  Towne  at  the  most. 

More  valour  is  required  in  a  Sea  Soldier  than  in  a  Land  Soldier ; 
because  the  extremitie  of  the  place  requires  it.  The  Sea  Captaine  is 
exposed  to  as  much  danger  during  the  whole  fight  as  the  poorest 

1  page  42. 


170  TOM  of  all  Trades  ;  OrT 

man  in  the  Ship ;  where  the  land  Captaine  vseth  but  to  offer  his  men 
to  the  face  of  the  enemy,  and  than  retreateth. 

The  way  to  rise  to  preferment  at  Sea,  is  by  the  Admiralls 
Countenance,  and  the  Vice  Admiralls  in  the  Kings  seruice,  or  in 
other  service  by  the  favour  of  great  traded  Merchants,  and  especially 
of  your  l  bodies  incorporate,  and  their  chiefe  Officers :  and  more 
especially  their  President  and  Treasurer  for  the  time  being. 

His  breeding  is  a  matter  of  more  moment  than  his  age  regardeth. 

If  he  be  true  bred,  he  should  be  first  made  a  perfect  Nauigator, 
able  to  direct  the  Sterage  of  their  course,  able  to  know  the  tackle, 
and  appoint  every  Sayler  to  his  charge.  He  should  know  what 
number  of  Saylors,  what  Ordinance,  and  what  munition,  should  be 
requisite  for  a  Ship  of  such  a  burden. 

He  should  be  a  skilfull  Cancere,  and  able  to  direct  the  Gunner*,  to 
say  what  quantity  of  powder  a  Peece  of  such  bore  and3  depth  re- 
quireth,  and  of  what  weight  the  bullet  should  be  where  such  a 
quantity  of  powder  is  vsed,  whether  the  Peece  be  sound  or  hony- 
combed.  He  should  be  able  to  know  and  direct  what  quantity  of 
victuall  should  be  required  for  so  many  men  for  such  a  voyage,  And 
what  quantity  of  powder  and  shot. 

Also  to  ouersee  and  direct  the  Purser  and  Steward  in  the  expence 
of  their  victuall  without  profusenesse,  or  too  much  percemonie. 

Likewise  skilfull  in  all  manner  of  Fire-workes,  and  fitting  Engines 
for  sea  fight. 

Briefly,  he  should  be  so  compleat,  as  that  none  should  be  able  to 
teach  him  in  his  place,  and  he  skilfull  to  controle  every  other  in  their 
places.  He  should  be  courteous  and  louing  to  his  men ;  Above  all 
things,  he  should  be  zealous  of  the  honour  of  God.  See  that  the 
divine  service  be  duely  read  on  board  Evening  and  Morning,  and 
that  swearing  be  severely  punished.  A  Sea  Captaine  is  not  a  place 
for  a  young  4man  to  leape  into  instantly,  and  imediately  out  of  a 
Ladies  Vshership,  a  Great  mans  bed  chamber,  or  a  Littletons  dis- 
cipleship. 

It  is  not  your  feathered  Gallant  of  the  Court,  nor  your  Tauerne 
Roarer  of  the  Citie,  becomes  this  place,  I  assure  you. 

I  find  not  any  Meson  de  dieu  for  relieving  of  mayned  Marriners 

1  page  43.  2  Gnnner  in  orig.  3  ond  in  orig.  *  page  44. 


The  plaine  Path-way  to  Preferment.  171 

only,  but  that  erected  at  Chattam  by  Sir  lohn  Hawkins  Knight,  Trea- 
surer of  the  Navie  of  the  late  Q.  Elizabeth,  wherein  it  was  provided 
that  there  should  be  a  deduction  of  Sixpence  by  the  Moneth,  out  of 
every  man  and  boy  their  wages  in  every  voyage  towards  the  same, 
Which  I  could  wish  were  aswell  imployed  as  collected. 


The  Land-Souldierfolloiues. 

IF  the  Land-Souldier  thinke  to  thrive  and  rise  by  degrees  of 
service,  from  a  Common  Souldier  to  a  Captaine,  in  this  age, 
(alas)  hee  is  much  deceived. 

That  custome  is  obsolete,  and  growne  out  of  use.  Doe  what  he 
can  doe  in  Land-service,  hee  shall  hardly  rise  by  his  single  merit. 

His  happinesse  shall  be  but  to  fill  his  hungry  belly,  and  Satiate 
himselfe  upon  a  Pay  day. 

But  if  hee  be  of  Kinne,  or  a  favourite  to  some  great  Officer,  hee 
may  carry  the  Colours  the  first  day,  bee  a  Lieutenant  the  second,  and 
a  Captaine  before  he  knowes  how  many  dayes  goe  to  the  weeke  in 
their  Regiment. 

The  Land-service,  where  a  man  may  learne  most  experience  of 
Warre  discipline,  is  in  the  Low-Countries,  lby  reason  of  the  long 
exercise  of  "Warres  and  variety  of  Stratagems  there. 

Beyond  that,  Northward,  the  service  is  both  more  unprofitable 
and  more  dangerous,  and  lesse  experience  is  to  be  there  learned. 

The  more  your  Sonne  turnes  his  face  to  the  South,  the  more 
profitable  the  Land-service  is. 

Lastly,  if  hee  have  no  friend  or  kindred  to  raise  him  in  the  Land- 
service,  I  assure  you  that  there  is  no  Law  against  buying  and  selling 
of  Offices  in  the  Low- Countries,  for  ought  that  I  have  read;  Neither 
is  it  markable  amongst  them. 

After  the  Souldier  returnes  home,  it  makes  no  matter  what 
number  of  wounds  hee  can  reckon  about  him. 

All  the  wayes  of  reliefe  for  him  that  I  can  number  are  these  : 

A  poore  Knights  place  of  Windsor ;  If  the  Herald  report 
him  a  Gentleman,  And  the  Knights  of  the  Honourable 
Order  of  the  Garter  will  accept  him. 
1  page  45- 


TOM  of  all  Trades ;  Or, 

A  Brother  of  Suttons  Hospital  j  If  the  Feoffees  have  not 
Servants  of  their  owne  to  preferre  before  him. 

A  Pensioner  of  the  County  $  If  the  lustices  find  him  worthy, 
And  that  hee  was  prest  forth  of  the  same  County. 

Saint  Thomas  in  Southwarke,  and  St.  Bartholmews,  Smith- 
Jleld,  onely  till  their  wounds  or  diseases  be  cured,  and 
no  longer ;  And  that  if  the  Masters  of  the  sayd  Hospitals 
please  to  receive  them. 

For  the  Savoy,  where  Souldiers  had  a  foundation,  I  know  none 
now. 

JAnd  other  Houses  appropriated  for  reliefe  of  Souldiers,  now  in 
use,  I  remember  none. 

For  the  chiefe  are  long  since  demolished,  The  Templarij  are  gone, 
The  Knights  of  St.  lohn  of  Jerusalem  forgotten,  That  famous 
House  upon  Lincolne greene  is  rac'd  to  the  ground,  And  many  the  like, 
now  better  knowne  by  the  Records  than  the  remaines  of  their  ruines, 
with  their  Revenue,  are  all  diverted  from  the  uses  of  their  first 
foundation  to  private  and  peculiar  Inheritances,  which  I  pity  more 
than  the  dissolution  of  all  the  Monasteries  that  ever  were. 

Heere,  you  see,  is  preferment  enough  for  your  sixe  Sonnes,  though 
you  bestow  every  one  upon  a  severall  Profession}  Onely  take  this 
generall  Rule  for  all,  viz. 

To  what  course  soever  your  sonnes  shall  betake  them,  Bee  sure 
that  they  all  have  Grammar  learning  at  the  least,  So  shall  they  bee 
able  to  receive  and  reteyne  the  impression  of  any  the  said  Professions. 
And  otherwise,  shall  scarce  possibly  become  Masters  in  the  same,  or 
any  one  of  them ;  Or  if  they  doe,  It  will  bee  with  more  than  ordinary 
paines  and  difficulty. 


Your  three  Daughters  challenge  the  next  place. 

FOr  theyr  Portions  I  shewed  you  before,  how  and  when  to  raise 
them ;  That  is,  by  the  Marriage  of  your  eldest  Sonne,  or  out  of 
that  part  of  your  personall  estate  which  you  may  spare  without  pre- 
judice of  your  selfe. 

1  page  46. 


The  plaine  Path-way  to  Preferment.  173 

lFor  their  breeding. 

I  would  have  their  breeding  like  to  the  Dutch  IVomans  clothing, 
tending  to  profit  onely  and  comelinesse. 

Though  she  never  have  a  dancing  Schoole-Master,  A  French 
Tutor,  nor  a  Scotch  Taylor  to  make  her  shoulders  of  the  breadth  of 
Bristow  Cowsway,  It  makes  no  matter,  For  working  in  curious 
Italian  purles,  or  French  borders,  it  is  not  worth  the  while.  Let  them 
learne  plaine  workes  of  all  kind,  so  they  take  heed  of  too  open  seam- 
ing. In  stead  of  Song  and  Musicke,  let  them  learne  Cookery  and  ; 
Laundrie.  And  in  stead  of  reading  Sir  Philip  Sidneys  Arcadia,  let  i 
them  read  the  grounds  of  good  huswifery.  I  like  not  a  female 
Poetresse  at  any  hand.  Let  greater  personages  glory  their  skill  in 
musicke,  the  posture  of  their  bodies,  their  knowledge  in  languages,  the 
greatnesse  and  freedome  of  their  spirits,  and  their  arts  in  arreigning  of 
mens  affections  at  their  flattering  faces :  This  is  not  the  way  to  breed 
a  private  Gentlemans  Daughter. 

If  the  mother  of  them  be  a  good  Huswife,  and  Religiously  dis- 
posed, let  her  have  the  bringing  up  of  one  of  them.  Place  the  other 
two  forth  betimes,  and  before  they  can  judge  of  a  good  manly  leg. 

The  one  in  the  house  of  some  good  Merchant,  or  Citizen  of 
civill  and  Religious  government,  The  other  in  the  house  of  some 
Lawyer,  some  ludge,  or  well  reported  lustice  or  Gentleman  of  the 
Country,  where  the  Servingman  is  not  too  predominant.  In  any  of 
these  she  may  learne  what  belongs  to  her  improvement,  for  Sempstrie, 
for  Confectionary,  and  all  requisits  of  Huswifery.  She  shall  be  sure 
to  be  restrained  of  all  ranke  company  and  unfitting  libertie,  which 
2  are  the  overthrow  of  too  many  of  their  Sexe. 

There  is  a  pretty  way  of  breeding  young  Maides  in  an  Exchange 
shop,  or  St.  Martins  le  grand ;  But  many  of  them  get  such  a  foolish 
Crick  with  carrying  the  Bandbox  under  their  Apron  to  Gentlemens 
Chambers,  that  in  the  end  it  is  hard  to  distinguish  whether  it  be 
their  belly  or  their  bandbox  makes  such  a  goodly  show. 

And  in  a  trade  where  a  woman  is  sole  Chapman,  she  claimes 
such  a  preheminence  over  her  husband,  that  she  will  not  be  held  to 
give  him  an  account  of  her  dealings,  eyther  in  retaile,  or  whole  saile 

at  any  rate. 

1  Page  47-  2  page  48. 


174 


TOM  of  all  Trades-,  Or, 


The  Merchants  Factor  and  Citizens  servant  of  the  better  sort, 
cannot  disparage  your  Daughters  with  their  Societie. 

And  the  Judges,  Lawyers,  and  Justices  followers,  are  not  ordinary 
Servingmen,  but  men  of  good  breed,  and  their  education  for  the 
most  part  Clarkely,  whose  service  promiseth  their  farther  and  future 
advancement. 

Your  Daughter  at  home  will  make  a  good  wife  for  some  good 
Yeomans  eldest  Sonne,  whose  father  will  be  glad  to  crowne  his 
sweating  frugality  with  alliance  to  such  a  house  of  Gentry. 

The  youngmans  fingers  will  itch  to  be  handling  of  TafFata ;  and 
to  be  placed  at  the  Table,  and  to  be  carved  unto  by  Mistris 
Dorothie,  it  will  make  him  and  the  good  plaine  old  lone  his  Mother 
to  passe  over  all  respect  of  Portion  or  Patrimony. 

For  your  Daughter  at  the  Merchants,  and  her  sister,  if  they  can 
carry  it  wittily,  the  City  affords  them  varietie. 

1The  young  Factor  being  fancy-caught  in  his  dayes  of  Innocency, 
&  before  he  travaile  so  farre  into  experience  as  into  forreigne 
Countries,  may  lay  such  a  foundation  of  first  love  in  her  bosome,  as 
no  alteration  of  Climate  can  alter. 

So  likewise  may  Thomas  the  fore-man  of  the  Shop,  when  beard 
comes  to  him,  as  Apprentiship  goes  from  him,  be  intangled  and 
belymed  with  the  like  springs,  For  the  better  is  as  .easily  surprized  as 
the  worse. 

Some  of  your  darkly  men  complaine  the  moysture  of  their 
palmes  j  Others  the  Sorpego  in  their  wrists :  both  moving  meanes. 

With  a  little  patience  your  daughter  may  light  upom  some 
Counsailor  at  Law,  who  may  be  willing  to  take  the  young  Wench, 
in  hope  of  favour  with  the  old  ludge.  An  Attorney  will  be  glad  to 
give  all  his  profits  of  a  Michaelmas  Terme,  Fees  and  all,  but  to  wooe 
her  through  a  Crevice.  And  the  Parson  of  the  Parish,  being  her 
Ladies  Chaplaine,  will  forsweare  eating  of  Tithe  Pig  for  a  whole  yeare, 
for  such  a  parcell  of  Glebe  Land  at  all  times. 

And  so  much  for  your  Sonnes  and  Daughters. 
I  now  espy  mine  Host  of  the  Bull  here  in  Saint  Allans,  standing 
at  his  doore  upon  his  left  leg,  like  to  the  old  Drummer  of  Parish2- 
garden,  ready  to  entertaine  us. 

1  page  49.  2  for  Paris  (MS,  note). 


The  plaine  Path-way  to  Preferment. 

Therefore  I  will  here  conclude  with  that  of  the  Poet, 

-Navilus  atque 

Quadragis  petimus  beneviuere,  quod  petis  hie  est, 
Est  Anglis,  animus  si  te,  non  deficit  equus. 


175 


FINIS. 


1  LONDON, 

Printed  by  B.  ALSOP  and  T.  FAVVCET  for 

Ben :  Fisher,  and  are  to  bee  sold  at  his  Shop 
at  the  signe  of  the  Tallot  in  Alders- 
gate-street.     1631. 


[Cuttings  from  Booksellers'  Catalogues,  in  the  Douce  copy : 
1629.     Powell  (Thomas),  Tom  of  all  Trades.     Rare  and  Extremely 

Curious,  zl.  2s. 
68 1.     Do.       neat,  very  scarce,  los.  6d. 

A  copy  of  this  uncommon  Tract  is   priced   4/.  145.  6d. 
in  Ford's  Catalogue.] 

1  page  50. 


THE  GLASSE 

of  godly  Loue. 

Wherin  all   marled   couples 

may  learne  their  duties,  each  toward  o- 
tjjers,  according  to  tfje  {jolg  Scriptures : 


Verye  necessary  for  all  maryed 

men  and  women,  that  feare  the  Lorde, 

&  loue  jjis  late,  to  taue  it  in  tfjeir 

Bedchambers,  daily  to  looke  in  :  whereby 
they  may  know,  and  do  their  duties  each  vnto 

otjjers,  anti  lealie  a  gooljj,  quiet,  antr 

louing  life  toseatfjers,  to  tfje  glorg  of 

©oU,  anti  tfje  gootj  example  of  tjjeir 

Christian  Bretfjeren* 

lames  .1.  See  that  ye  be  not  only  hearers  of  the 
worde,  but  alfo  doers,  leaft  that  therby  yee 
deceaue  your  felues. 

ColoJJians  .3.  Aboue  all  thinges  put  on  Loue, 
which  is  the  band  of  perfection. 


SHAKSPEEE'S  ENGLAND  :   TELL-TKOTH. 


'To  all  Chriftian  men  and  wo 
men  that  are  maryed. 

\0rafmuch  as  the  Diuel  is  mojl  ready  to  make 
ftrife,  where  there  ought  to  bee  moil  loue ;  and  hath, 
with  heddy  wilfulnefle,  concupifcence,  and  ignorance,  fo 
blinded  the  hartes  of  thofe  which  liue  vnder  the  yoke 
of  Matrimony,  that  (as  I  may  iudge  by  their  fruites)  there  be  very 
few  that  leade  their  lyues  therein  according  to  the  lawes  of  Chrifte  : — 
Therfore,  (my  deare  &  welbeloued  Chriftians,  which  profefle  the 
Gofpell)  to  the  intent  that  you  mould  liue  therin,  according  to  your 
profeflion  and  knowledge,  I  haue  here  breefely  and  plainely  fet  forth 
what  it  is,  and  how  you  ought  to  leade  your  lyues  therin,  accordinge 
to  the  Rules  of  the  holy  Scriptures,  fo  that  your  pure  and  godly 
lyfe  may  bee  a  good  example,  and  alfo  make  fuch  afhamed  as  would 
fclaunder  the  holy  Gofpell,  and  profeflburs  of  the  fame ;  yea,  and 
that  their  wonted  worde  (which  is,  '  marke  thefe  new  men  by  their 
lyuinge')  may  found  to  Gods  glory,  to  the  honour  of  his  moft  holy 
worde,  and  praife  of  al  them  in  Chrifl  which  do  profefle  the  fame. 

Farewell  in  the  Lorde. 

L  page  76. 


[This  Glasse  of  Godly  Love  forms  pages  75 — 87  of  my  imperfect 
copy  of  a  tract,  stated  by  Mr  W.  C.  Hazlitt  to  be  unique,  entitled 
The  Schoole  of  honest  and  vertuous  lyfe :  Profitable  and  necessary 
for  all  estates  and  degrees,  to  be  trayned  in  :  but  (cheefely)  for  the 
pettie  Schollers,  the  yonger  sorte,  of  both  kindes,  bee  they  men  or 
Women,  by  T.  P.  [Thomas  Pritchard].  No  date.  The  tract  con- 
tains, p.  47 — 74,  Also,  a  laudable  and  learned  Discourse,  of  the  worthy- 
nesse  of  honorable  Wedlocke,  written  in  the  behalfe  of  all  (aswell) 
Maydes  as  Wydowes,  (generally)  for  their  singuler  instruction,  to 
choose  them  vertuous  and  honest  Husbandes :  But  (most  specially) 
sent  written  as  a  lewell  vnto  a  worthy  Gentlewoman,  in  the  time  of 
her  widowhood,  to  direct  &  guide  her  in  the  new  election  of  her 
seconde  Husband.  By  her  approoued  freend  and  kinseman,  I.  R. 
[John  Rogers].  Imprinted  at  London  by  Richard  Johnes,  and  are 
to  be  solde  at  his  shop  ouer  against  S.  Sepulchers  Church  without 
Newgate.  [1569.]  4to,  black  Letter,  A. — L.  in  fours.  Hazlitt] 


179 


'IVhat  IVedlocke  is. 

>u  ftiall  firft  vnderftande,  that  Wedlocke  is 
an  hie  and  blefied  order,  ordained  of  God  in  Paradife ; 
which  hath  euer  bin  had  in  great  honor  and  reuerence, 
wher[i]n  one  man  and  one  woman  are  coupled  and 
knit  togeather  in  one  flefhe  and  body,  in  the  feare  and  loue  of  God, 
by  the  free,  louing,  hartie,  and  good  confent  of  them  both,  to  the 
intente  that  they  two  may  dwel  togeather,  as  one  flefh  and  bodye, 
of  one  will  and  minde,  in  all  godlynefle,  moft  louingly  to  helpe  and 
comfort  one  another,  to  bring  forth  children,  and  to  inftru6t  them  in 
the  lawes  of  God.  Alfo,  to  auoyde  Fornication  and  all  vncleanenefle, 
and  fo  in  all  honefty,  vertue,  and  godlynefle,  to  fpend  their  Hues  in 
the  equall  partakinge  of  all  fuch  thinges  as  God  {hall  fend  them, 
with  thankes  gyuinge. 

And,  becaufe  that  the  Wife  is  in  fubiedion  to  her  Hufband,  I  will 
begin  with  her,  &  fhortly  declare  what  dutie  and  obedience  fhee 
oweth  vnto  him,  by  the  commaundementes  of  the  Scriptures. 

Ephe.  5.     The  duetle  of  the  Wife  to  her  Hufland. 

SAynSl  Pawle  fayth :  Yee  Wiues,  fulmit  your  felues  to  your  owne 
Huslandes,  as  to  the  Lorde;  for  the  Husband  is  the  Wiues  head,  as 
Chrift  is  the  head  of  the  Congregation. :  Therfore,  as  the  Congregation 
is  infuliefflion  vnto  Chrijle,  likewife  let  Wiues  le  infulieSlion  to  their 
Huslandes  in  al  thinges.  So  that  the  wife  muft  bee  obediente  vnto 
her  hufband,  as  vnto  Chrift  himfelfe ;  whereout  it  foloweth,  that  the 
faide  obedience  extendeth  not  vnto  any  wickednefle  or  euill,  but  vnto 
that  which  is  good,  honeft,  and  cumly.  In  afmuch  as  God  delighteth 
onely  in  goodnes,  &  forbiddeth  the  euill  euery  where,  it  foloweth 
alfo,  that  the  difobedience  that  a  wife  fhoweth  to  hir  Hufband  dif- 
pleafeth  God  no  lefle  then  when  he  is  difobeyed  himfelf.  For  the 
wife  ought  to  obey  hir  hufband  in  all  pointes,  as  2the  Congregation 
1  page  77.  2  page  78. 


!  8o  A  godly  Glaffe, 

to  Chrifte,  which  loueth  Chrift  onely ;  and  aboue  all  thinges,  fhee  is 
glad  and  willinge  to  fufFer  for  Chriftes  fake,  fhee  doth  all  for  the  loue 
of  him  j  Chrifte  only  is  her  comfort,  ioy,  and  all  togeathers  j  vpon 
Chrifte  is  hir  thought  daye  and  night  j  fhee  tongeth  onely  after  Chrift, 
for  Chriftes  fake  (if  it  may  ferue  to  his  glory)  fhee  is  hartely  well  con- 
tented to  die,  yee,  fhee  giueth  ouer  her  felfe  wholly  therto,  for  Chriftes 
loue,  knowing  affuredly  that  hir  foule,  hir  honour,  body,  lyfe,  and  all 
that  fhe  hath,  is  Chriftes  owne.  Thus  alfo  muft  euery  honeft  Wife 
fubmit  hir  felf,  to  pleafe  hir  Hufband  with  all  hir  power,  and  giue  hir 
felfe  freely  and  willingly,  to  loue  him  and  obey  him,  and  neuer  to 
forfake  him  till  the  houre  of  death. 

And  farther  (fayth  S.  Peter:)  Let  the  Wiues  le  in  fubiec~lon  to 
their  Huslandes,  that  euen  they  which  leleeue  not  the  worde,  may 
without  the  worde  be  wonne  by  the  conuerfation  of  the  Wiues ;  while 
they  I eholde  your  pure  conuerfation  coupled  with  feare  ;  whofe  apparrell 
shall  not  lee  outward  with  Irodred  haire,  and  hanging  on  of  Golde,  either 
in  putting  on  of  gorgious  apparrell ;  but  let  the  hid  man  of  the  harte  lee 
vncorrupt,  with  a  meeke  and  quiet  fpirit,  which  fpirit  is  before  God  much 
fet  by^  for  after  this  manner  in  the  olde  time  did  the  holy  Women  which 
trujied  in  God  tire  themfelues,  and  were  obedient  to  their  Huslandes  ; 
euen  as  Sara  obeyed  Abraham,  and  called  him  hir  Lords;  whofe 
Daughters  ye  are  as  long  as  ye  do  well. 

And  Paule,  fpeakingvnto  Tytus  (fayth  hee)  :  Let  the  elder  Women 
le  infuch  apparrell  as  lecommeth  holinejffe,  not  leeingfalfe  accufers ; 
not  giuen  to  much  Wine,  but  that  they  teache  honejl  thinges  to  make  the 
young  Women  fober  minded,  to  loue  their  Huslandes,  to  loue  their 
Children,  to  le  difcrete,  chajle,  hufwifely,  good,  obedient  vnto  their 
Huslandes,  that  the  worde  of  God  le  not  euillfpoken  of. 

What  a  Wife  ought  to  lee. 

HEre  may  you  learne,  that  a  Wife  ought  to  be  difcret,  chafte, 
hufwifely,  fhamefaft,  good,  meeke,  pacient,  and  l  fober  ;  not 
light  in  countenance,  nor  garifhe  in  apparrell,  with  dyed  or  curled 
haire,  painted  nor  pafted,  but  with  a  cumly  grauitie  and  a  fad  be- 
hauiour  of  a  conftant  minde,  true  tongued,  and  of  few  wordes,  with  fuch 
obedience  in  all  godlyneffe  to  her  Hufbande  and  head,  as  it  befeemes 

1  page  79. 


of  the  duties  in  Maryage.  1 8 1 

a  Chriftian  to  haue  vnto  Chrift ;  and  to  the  intente  that  the  Hufband 
in  like  cafe  may  learne  his  duetie,  let  him  harken  what  Sainfi  Pawle 
fayth,  and  take  heede  that  hee  turne  not  his  authoritie  to  tyranny. 

The  dutie  of  the  Husband  to  his  Wyfe. 

HVJlandes,  loue  your  Wiues  (fayth  hee),  as  Chrift  loued  the  Con- 
gregation, and  gaue  himfelfe  tofanffiifie  it. 

Now  muft  you  vnderftande,  that  the  Hufbande  is  the  Wiues  head, 
as  Chrifte  is  the  head  of  the  congregation ;  and  Chrift  flioweth  to  the 
congregation  the  fame  thinge  that  the  head  fhoweth  to  the  bodyej 
for  like  as  the  head  feeth  and  heareth  for  the  whole  body,  ftudieth  and 
deuifeth  for  to  preferue  it  in  ftrength  and  life,  euen  fo  doth  Chrifte 
defend,  teach,  and  preferue  his  congregation.  For  hee  is  the  eye,  hart, 
wifedome,  and  guide  therof ;  fo  ought  Hufbands  (then)  to  loue  their 
wiues,  &  be  their  heads  in  like  manner  to  fhow  them  like  kindenefle, 
and  after  the  fame  fafhion  to  guide  them  and  rule  them  with  dif- 
cretion  5  for  their  preferuacion,  &  not  with  force  or  wilfulnefle  to  intreat 
them.  And  S.  Pawle  faith  farther :  So  ought  men  to  loue  their  wiues, 
as  their  owne  bodies  ;  he  that  loueth  his  wife  loueth  himfelf.  For  no 
man  hath  at  any  time  hated  his  owne  flesh,  but  doth  nourish  and  cherish  it, 
euen  as  the  Lorde  doth  the  Congregation.  Therfore  ought  euery  man 
moft  feruently  to  loue  his  wife,  equally  with  himfelfe  in  al  pointes  j 
for  this  is  the  meafure  of  mutuall  loue  Matrimoniall,  that  either  partie 
haue  nothing  fo  deare  that  they  can  not  be  contented  to  beftow  one 
vpon  another  j  ye,  and  if  neede  fhould  be,  they  fhould  alfo  not  fpare 
their  owne  Hues  one  for  another,  no  more  then  chrift  did  for  his  con- 
gregation. 

xAnd  like  as  when  we  repent  and  beleeue  in  the  promife  of  God 
in  Chrift,  (though  we  were  neuer  fo  poore  finners),  are  as  ritch  as 
Chrift,  &  al  merites  ours ;  fo  is  a  Woman  (though  fhe  were  neuer  fo 
poore  afore  {he  was  maried)  as  ritch  as  hir  hufband,  for  all  that  he 
hath  is  hirs,  ye,  his  owne  bodye,  and  [fhe]  hath  power  ouer  it,  as 
faith  Saincl  Pawle. 

And  if  it  fo  chaunce  that  you  finde  not  your  wife  fo  perfed  in  al 
pointes  as  you  would,  or  as  your  felfe ;  yet  muft  you  not  difpife 
hir,  nor  bee  bitteer  nor  cruell  vnto  hir  for  hir  faultes,  but  gently  and 

1  page  80. 


1 82  A  godly  GlafTe, 

louingly  feeke  to  amend  and  win  hir.  For,  like  as  Chrifte  thought  no 
fcorne  of  his  church,  difpifed  hir  not,  neither  forfooke  hir  for  hir  vn- 
cleanenes  and  finnes ;  fo  fhould  no  chriftian  man  fpurne  at  his  wife, 
nor  fet  light  by  hir,  becaufe  that  fometime  me  falleth,  ofFendeth,  or 
goeth  not  right ;  but  euen  as  Chrift  nourifheth  and  teacheth  his  church, 
fo  ought  euery  honeft  hufbande  (alfo)  louingly  and  gently  to  informe 
&  inftrucl:  his  wife. 

For  in  many  things  (faith  S.  Peter)  God  hath  made  the  men 
ftronger  then  the  women,  not  to  rage  vpon  them  &  to  be  tirantes  vnto 
them,  but  to  helpe  them  &  beare  their  weakeneffe.  Bee  curteous 
therfore,  (faith  hee,)  and  win  them  to  Chrift,  and  ouercome  them 
with  kindeneffe,  that  of  loue  they  may  obey  the  ordinance  that  God 
made  beetweene  man  and  Wife. 

Oh  how  afhamed  be  thofe  men  to  loke  vpon  this  texte,  which 
with  violence  in  their  furye  will  intreate  their  wiues ;  no  beaft  fo 
beaftly,  for  in  the  moft  cruelft  way  is  not  mete,  as  when  the  wife  is 
fad  and  difquieted,  then  with  fpiteful  wordes  and  wanton  fafhions,  fo 
prouoking  hir  to  anger.  Where  it  is  not  the  dutie  of  the  hulband, 
but  rather  afhamed  to  his  owne  head;  like  wife  it  is  worfhip  for  a  man 
to  haue  the  feare  of  the  Lorde  before  his  eyes,  that  he  prouoke  not 
the  plague  of  vengeance. 

Let  vs  therfore  haue  humilitie  in  our  hartes  j  For,  as  a  wife  man 
loketh  well  to  his  owne  goinges,  euen  fo  pleafant  are  the  wordes  fpoken 
in  due  feafon,  which  moueth  the  woman  in  hir  wrath  vnto  patience, 
whereof  Salamon  Jfayth  :  Faire  wordes  are  an  Hony  Combe,  a  refresh- 
ings of  the  minde,  and  a  health  of  the  bones.  For  it  is  feldome  feene 
that  any  beaft  is  found  in  the  cruelft  rage,  that  the  Male  doth  euer 
hurte  his  Female ;  and  how  vnnatural  a  thing  is  it  for  a  man  to  hurt 
his  owne  flefh  and  body !  Who  will  violently  reuenge  himfelfe,  yea, 
on  his  foote,  if  it  chaunce  to  ftumble,  but  wil  not  rather,  if  hee  haue 
an  yll  bodye,  cherifh  it  to  make  it  better  ? 

Thejlrong  (faith  S.  Pawle)  ought  to  beare  thefraileneffe  oftheweake; 
let  onefuffer  with  another  ;  beare  ye  one  an  others  burden,  andfo  shall 
ye  fulfill  the  lawes  of  Chrift :  and  aboue  all  things  (fayth  S.  Peter), 
Haue  feruent  loue  amongjl  you,  for  loue  couereth  the  multitude  of 
faultes.  So  that  loue  in  all  things  and  at  all  times  ought  to  bee  the 

1  page  81. 


of  the  duties  in  Maryage.  1 83 

whole  doore  and  only  inltrument  to  worke  and  frame  all  things  be- 
tweene  man  and  wife. 

What  the  Husband  ought  to  bee. 

BY  all  this  may  yee  geather  and  learne  that  the  man  is  the  head, 
gouernour,  ruler,  &  inftru&er  (with  gentil  wordes  and  good 
example),  the  prouyder,  defender,  and  whole  comforte  of  the  woman, 
and  oweth  vnto  hyr  moft  feruent  loue  and  affe£tion,  all  gentle  be- 
hauiour,  all  faythf ulnes  and  helpe,  all  comforte  and  kindeneffe,  as  to 
him  felfe,  his  owne  flelh  and  body  j  fo  that  vnder  God  there  is  no 
loue,  no  affe&ion,  no  freendfhip,  no  nerenes  of  kin,  to  be  compared 
vnto  this,  nor  any  one  thing  vnder  the  Sun,  that  pleafeth  God  more 
there  man  and  wife  that  agree  well  togeathers,  which  liue  in  the  feare 
of  God.  And  how  can  that  bee  more  liuely  exprefled,  then  in  that, 
that  lefus  Chrift  the  Sonne  of  God,  and  the  holy  chriftian  Church, 
and  the  holy  body  of  them  both,  are  fet  forth  for  an  example  or 
Mirror  of  the  ftate  of  Wedlocke,  or  coniugall  loue  ?  a  more  holy,  a 
more  godly  and  purer  example  could  not  be  mewed.  Undoubtedly 
this  doth  plainely  mow,  that  loue  Matrimoniall  is  moft  highly  ac- 
cepted afore  God ;  and  the  '  contrary  muft  needes  f olow,  that  vnquiet- 
nes,  hatred,  ftrife,  brawling,  chiding,  and  frowardnes  in  Mariage,  doth 
exceedingly  difpleafe  God,  &  is  clearely  forbidden  by  SainB  Pawle, 
where  hee  fayth  :  Let  all  bitternejfe,  Jierceneffe,  and  wrath,  roaringe, 
and  curfedf peaking,  be  put  away  from  you  :  be  ye  curteous  and  louinge 
one  to  another,  and  merciful,  forgeuing  one  another,  euen  as  God  for 
Chriftes  fake  forgaue  you.  Surely  it  is  an  highe  and  pure  loue,  per- 
fe6te  and  conftant,  that  God  requireth  to  be  betweene  maryed  couples, 
and  therfore  ought  they  by  all  wayes,  meanes,  and  labour  to  get, 
maintaine,  and  increaie  this  exceding  loue,  and  to  efchue,  forbeare, 
and  cut  of  all  things,  that  might  occafion  any  parte  of  the  contrary. 

What  maintaineth  loue  and  quietneffe  in  Mariage. 

ANd  vndoubtedly  there  is  nothing  that  longer  maintaineth  con- 
corde   and    quietnes,   nor   more   increafeth   perfe&e    loue   in 
Maryage,  then  fweet  and  faire  wordes,  gentle  and  freendly  deedes,  and 
with  a  louing  patience  to  take  all  things  to  the  beft.    Freely  to  breake 

1  page  82. 


1 84 


A  godly  GlafTe, 


their  mindes  togeathers,  and  al  things  to  be  kept  fecret,  both1  glad  and 
willing  to  amend  that  is  amifie,  and  aboue  all  thinge,  not  once  one 
to  heare  yl  of  another,  for  5*.  Pawle  warneth  you  that  ye  giue  no 
place  to  the  backebiters,  but  take  them  as  yll  willers  to  you  both, 
though  that  they  be  neuer  fo  nere  freendes  or  kin.  And  God  fayth, 
A  man  shall  forfake  Father  and  Mother,  and  cleaue  vnto  his  Wife,  and 
they  two  shalle  one  flesh,  which  in  like  cafe  is  mente  to  the  Woman. 
Therfore  ought  no  creature  aliue  to  be  in  fuch  efteemation,  credit, 
fauour,  and  loue,  as  each  of  you  with  others.  Alfo,  to  bee  of  a  fober 
and  temperate  dyet,  doth  much  farther  a  good  agreement ;  and  where 
the  contrary  is,  there  is  much  vnquietnefle.  For  Salomon  afkinge  where 
is  woe?  where  is  ftrife?  where  is  brawling?  euen  amongft  thofe  (faith 
hee)  that  bee  euer  at  the  Wine ;  therfore  it  is  moft  cumly  for  chriftians  to 
be  temperate  in  dyet,  tempe2rate  in  wordes,  temperate  in  deedes,  and 
temperate  in  all  things,  fo  that  at  all  times  ye  efchue  al  excefle  and 
furfet,  rage  and  fury,  which  makes  no  difference  betwixt  man  and 
beaft,  and  all  other  things  which  may  breed  any  part  of  vnquietnefle. 
For  Salomon  fayth  :  Better  is  a  dry  morfell  with  quietnejfe,  then  a  full 
houfe,  and  many  fat  cattell  ivith  Jlrife.  Therfore  ought  yee  to 
exteeme  and  imbrace  this  concord  and  quietnefle,  as  the  maintainer 
and  onely  vpholder  of  the  whole  felicitie  in  Mariage,  which  is  engen- 
dred  of  feruent  loue,  faithf  ulnefle,  and  kindenefle,  and  maintained  by 
the  fame,  wherin  ye  ought  continually  to  walke  in  all  chaftenes  and 
purenes  of  liuing,  which  (afluredly)  fhineth  as  a  moft  precious  thinge 
in  the  fight  of  God,  and  in  the  commendacion  of  the  fame,  fayth  : 

The  commendacion  of  Chajlitie. 

SAlomon  in  the  Booke  of  Wifedome :    O  faire  is  a  chaft  generacion 
with  vertue,  for  it  is  with  good  men,  where  it  is  prefent,  men 
take  example  therat,  and  if  it  go  away,  yet  they  defire  it ;  it  is  al- 
wayes  crowned  and  holden  in  honour,  and  winneth  the  reward  of  the 
vndefiled  Battelj  but  the  multitude  of  vngodly  Children  are  vnprofrt- 
able,  and  the  things  that   are  planted  in  whoredome  ihall  take  no 
deepe  roote,  nor  lay  any  faft  foundacion  5  though  they  be  greene  in  the 
braunches  for  a  time,  yet  ihall  they  be  fhaken  with  the  winde,  for 
•they  ftand  not  faft,  and  through  the  vehemency  of  the  winde  they 
1  otig.  doth  2  page  83. 


of  the  duties  in  Maryage.  185 

fhal  bee  rooted  out,  for  the  vnprofitable  braunches  ihall  bee  broken, 
their  fruite  fhalbe  vnprofitable  &  fower  to  eate,  yee,  meet  for  no- 
thing; and  why?  all  the  children  of  the  wicked  muft  beare  recorde 
of  the  wickednefle  of  their  Fathers  and  Mothers,  when  they  be  afked, 
but  t[h]o  the  rightuous  bee  ouer  taken  with  death,  yet  fhall  hee  be  in 
reft. 

Here  may  you  fee  how  vile,  filthye,  and  abhominable,  Adultery, 
Fornication,  and  Bafterdy  is,  and  how  high  in  eftemacion  a  chafte  life 
is  amongft  all  good  and  godly  1folke,  and  efpecially  in  the  fight  of 
God,  to  whom  no  fecreat  finne  is  hid. 

That  maryedfolke  ought  to  haue  chafte  manners 
and  communication. 

ANd  as  a  chaft  louinge  life  in  Mariage  is  moft  commended,  fo 
ought  ye  to  be  of  chaft  manners,  to  haue  chaft  talke,  and  to 
efchue  all  wanton  fafliions,  vnclenly  communication,  filthy  handling, 
and  all  vnfeemelynefie,  and  to  be  the  fpeakers  and  very  doores  of  all 
vertue  and  godlinefle,  for  SainSl  Pawle  fayth  :  Be  yefolowers  of  God 
as  deare  Children,  and  walks  in  loue,  euen  as  Chrift  loued  you,  and 
gaue  himfelfefor  vs  an  offering,  and  afacrifice  offweetefauour  to  God, 
fo  that  fornication  and  all  vncleaneneffe,  or  couetoufne.(fe,  lee  not  once 
named  amongejl  you,  as  lecommeth  SaincJs,  neither  filthy  nor  fooli/h 
talke,  neither  iejling,  which  are  not  cumly,  lut  rather  g'minge  ofthankes: 
for  this  ye  know,  that  whoremongers,  eyther  vncleane  perfons,  or  couet- 
ous  perfons,  which  is  the  worshippers  of  Images,  shall  haue  any  entrance 
in  the  kingdome  of  God  and  of  Chrifte. 

Of  temperance  in  Maryage. 

ALfo,  there  ought  to  be  a  temperance  betweene  man  &  wife,  for 
God  hath  ordained  manage  for  a  remedy  or  medecine,  to  af- 
fwage  the  heate  of  the  burninge  flelh,  and  for  procreation,  and  not 
beaitly  for  to  fulfill  the  whole  luftes  of  the  diuelifh  minde  and  wicked 
flefh ;  for,  though  ye  haue  a  promife  that  the  a6te  in  mariage  is  no 
finne,  if  the  man  receaue  his  Wife  as  a  guifte  giuen  to  him  of  God, 
and  the  Wife  her  Hulbande  in  like  cafe,  as  ye  haue  a  promife  that  yee 
finne  not  when  yee  eate  and  drinke  meafurably  with  thankes  giuinge, 

1  page  84. 


i86 


A  godly  Glaffe, 


yet  if  yee  take  excefle,  or  vfe  it  beaftly,  vilely,  or  inordinately,  your 
miftemperance  make[s]  that  yll  which  is  good,  (beeinge  rightly  vfed, 
and  that  which  is  cleane,yee  defile  through  your  abufinge  xof  it:  God 
hath  not  called  you  to  vncleaneneffe,  but  vnto  holyneffe,  fayth  5".  Pawle)  : 
and  farther  (fayth  hee),  //  is  the  will  of  God,  euen  that  you  should  lee 
holye,  and  that  euery  one  of  you  should  know  how  to  keepe  his  vejfell  in 
holynes  and  honour,  and  not  in  the  lujles  of  concupifcence,  as  do  the 
Heathen  which  know  not  God. 

Alfo,  Sainft  Pawle  willeth  you  that  yee  withdraw  not  your  felues, 
nor  departe  not  one  from  another,  except  it  bee  with  the  good  con- 
fente  of  bothe,  for  a  time  to  fafte  and  to  pray  j  which  faftinge  and 
prayer,  I  would  to  God  were  more  vfed  then  it  is,  not  as  Hipocrites 
were  wont,  but  as  Chriftians  ought,  and  are  commaunded  (almoft)  in 
euery  parte  of  the  Scriptures ;  for  they  that  in  eating  ancf  drinkinge 
fulfill  the  whole  luftes  of  the  flefhe,  cannot  worke  after  the  fpirite  j 
and  as  wee  daylie  and  hourely  continually  finne,  fo  ought  wee  con- 
tinually to  praye  and  call  for  grace.  And  in  all  the  whole  Byble, 
you  fhal  not  finde  a  more  godly  example  of  maryage  (which  I  would 
to  God  all  maryed  folkes  would  reade),  then  that  of  Toliach  and 
Sara,  the  Daughter  of  Raguell,  which  were  knit  togeather  in  faftinge 
and  prayer,  and  oft  vfed  the  fame,  lyuinge  a  godly,  pure,  and  cleane 
lyfe ;  for  the  which  they  obtayned  the  bleffinge  of  God,  and  faw  their 
Childerns  Children  to  the  fifte  generacion. 

The  commendation  of  Children, 

/"""*  Hildren  (vndoubtedly)  is  the  higheft  guift,  and  greateft  treafure 
V_x  of  this  worlde,  and  maintenaunce  of  the  fame.  For  Children 
is  the  very  fure  band  and  laft  knot  of  loue  Matrimonial;  by  the  which 
the  parents  can  neuer  be  clearely  feperated  a  funder ;  In  afmuch  as 
that  which  is  of  them  both  cannot  be  deuided,  feeing  both  haue  parte 
in  euery  one.  And  children  are  their  Parents  cheefe  ioy,  comfort,  and 
felicitie  next  vnto  God  j  their  Hay  and  ftaffe  &  vpholders  of  their  age  5 
and  in  their  children  do  the  Parents  liue  (in  a  manner)  after  their 
death.  For  they  dye  not  all  togethers,  that  leaue  collops  of  their  owne 
flefli  aliue  2behinde  them}  and  by  their  children  (if  they  be  ver- 
tuoufly  and  godly  brought  vp)  then  is  God  honoured,  £  the  common 
1  page  85.  2  page  86. 


of  the  duties  in  Mary  age.  187 

wealth  aduaunced,  fo  that  the  parents  and  all  men  fare  the  better  by 
them.  Your  children  (moft  affuredly)  is  the  very  bleffing  of  god,  for 
the  which  ye  ought  to  giue  him  moft  hartie  thankes,  and  be  con- 
tented, and  with  fuch  as  hee  doth  fende  you,  bee  they  many  or  few, 
Sonnes  or  Daughters.  For  if  they  be  many,  he  wil  prouide  for  them 
if  they  be  faithful.  If  they  be  few,  he  may  fend  you  more,  and  giue 
you  more  ioy  of  one  daughter  then  of  ten  fonnes.  Therfore,  be 
content  with  his  will,  for  hee  doth  all  things  for  the  beft,  and  knoweth 
what  is  befte  for  you  j  giue  him  moft  hartie  thankes  for  fuch  as  you 
haue,  and  be  diligent  to  fee  them  vertuoufly  and  godly  brought  vp  j 
and  in  any  cafe,  fuffer  them  not  to  bee  ydell. 

How  children  ought  to  lee  Irought  vp. 

FOr  they  that  wil  not  worke  (faith  5".  Pawle),  let  them  not  eate  ;  ther- 
f  ore  put  them  to  learne  fame  honejl  Science  or  Crafte,  wherunto 
of  nature  they  be  moft  apt.  For  in  thatjhal  they  mojl  profile  ;  in  the 
which  they  may  get  their  owne  lyuinge,  andferue  the  common  wealth. 
And  aboue  al  thing,  let  them  firft  learne  to  know  God  &  his  moft 
holy  worde,  which  is  the  right  pathe  and  highe  way  to  all  vertue  and 
godlineffe,  the  fure  Shielde  and  ftronge  Buckler  to  defende  vs  from 
the  Diuell  and  all  his  cruell  and  craftie  aflaultesj  giue  them  daily 
godly  and  louinge  exhortacions,  fuffer  no  vice  to  take  roote  in  them, 
but  rebuke  them  for  their  yll,  and  commend  them  in  their  well 
dooinge. 

Prouide  honeftly  afore  hand  for  all  neceflary  thinges,  both  for 
them  and  all  your  houfehold.  For,  faith  S.  Pawle  to  Timothie :  If 
there  bee  any  that  prouideth  not  for  his  owne,  and,  namely,  for  them  of 
his  houfeholde,  the  fame  denyeth  the  fayth,  and  is  worfe  then  an 

Infidell. 

lThe  order  of  your  houfe. 

OF  the  Sparrowes  may  yee  learne  the  order  of  your  houfehold :  for 
as  the  Cocke  flyeth  too  and  fro  to  bring  all  thinge  to  the  neaft, 
and  as  the  dam  keepeth  the  neaft,  hatcheth  and  bringeth  foorth  hir 
yonge,  fo  all  prouifion,  and  whatfoeuer  is  to  bee  doone  without  the 
houfe,  belongeth  to  the  man  j  and  the  woman  to  take  charge  within, 
to  fee  all  thinges  conueniently  faued,  or  fpent  as  it  ought,  to  bring 

1  page  87. 


1 88  A  godly  GlafTe, 

forth  and  nourifh  hir  children,  and  to  haue  al  the  whole  dooing  of  hit 
Daughters  and  women. 

Alfo  be  louing  vnto  your  children,  and  be  not  fierce  nor  cruell 
vnto  them.  For  5".  Pawle  faith :  Fathers,  rate  not  your  children,  leqfl 
they  be  of  a  defperate  minde,  but  with  difcrete  admonitions,  and  with 
your  pure  and  good  example  of  liuinge  (which  is  the  cheefejl  perfwqjion), 
lead  them  to  all  vertue  and  godlynejffe. 

If  all  Parentes  would  vertuoufly  bringe  vp  their  children  in  the 
knowledge  and  feare  of  God,  in  the  practice  &  exercife  of  fome  honeft 
Science  or  Craft,  Then  fhould  we  not  fee  fo  many  ydell  as  bee  j  fo 
many  Vacabondes,  Theeues,  and  Murderers,  fo  many  vicious  perfons 
of  all  degrees,  nor  fuch  vngodlynes  raigne.  But  then  mould  wee  fee 
euery  man  honeftly  get  his  lyuing,  preferring  his  Neighbours  proffite 
as  his  owne ;  then  fhould  wee  fee  all  men  rightly  do  their  duties  j 
then  fhould  loue  and  charity  fpring,  and  all  godlynefle  raigne ;  then 
fhould  the  Lawes  and  Magiftrates  be  willingly  obeyed,  the  common 
wealth  flourifh,  and  God  rightly  honoured,  for  in  this  point  only, 
through  the  grace  of  God,  confifles  the  amendment  of  all  the  whole 
worlde. 

Therfore,  (my  deare  and  welbeloued  Chriftians)  feeing  that  in 
this  bleffed  flate  of  Matrimony,  and  godly  houfeholde  of  hufband, 
wife,  and  children,  confifles  (next  vnder  God)  the  cheefefl  and  highefl 
felicitie  of  this  worlde,  and  maintenance  of  the  fame,  wherein  the 
common  wealth  is  wholly  aduaunced,  and  God  mofl  highly  honoured, 
I  l exhort  you  in  the  name  of  lefus  Chrift,  the  Sonne  of  the  liuinge 
God,  that  you  walke  worthely  therin,  accordinge  to  the  will  of  Chrift, 
which  you  profefle  without  faining,  and  that  you  efchue  all  woorkes 
and  deedes  of  the  flefhe,  which  bee  thefe,  faith  S.  Pawle :  Adultery, 
Fornication,  vncleaneneffe,  wantonneffe,  Idolatry,  Witchcrafte,  hatred, 
varyance,  wrath,  Jlrife,f edition,  fectes,  enuyinge,  murther,  drunkenneffe, 
gluttony,  and  fuch  like  ;  of  the  which  I  tell  you  before,  as  I  haue  tolde 
you2  in  times  pajl,  that  they  which  commit  fuch  thinges  shall  not  inherite 
the  kingdome  of  God.  Therfore,  follow  yee  the  fpirit  and  workes  of 
the  fame,  which  bee,  (fayth  5".  Pawle)  :  Loue,  ioy,  peace,  longefuf- 
fering,  gentilneffe,  goodnejjejfaithfulnejffe,  meekeneffe,  temperance,  and 
fuch  like.  And  yet  once  agayne  I  exhort  you  with  the  exhorta- 
1  page  88.  2  orig.  you  you 


of  the  duties  in  Mary  age. 


189 


cion  of  S.  Pawle :  If  there  be  amongjt  you  any  confolation  in  Chrijl, 
if  there  be  any  comfortable  loue,  if  there  be  any  felowship  of  thejpirit, 
if  there  be  any  compos/ion  of  mercy ,  fulfill  you  my  ioy,  that  ye  draw 
one  way,  hauing  one  loue,  leeing  of  one  accorde,  and  of  one  minde,  that 
nothing  bee  done  through  Jlrife  or  vaine  glory,  but  that  in  meekeneffe  oj 
minde,  euery  one  efteeme  other  letter  then  them  felfe,  and  Jo  shal  you 
leade  a  ioyfull,  quiet,  and  godly  life  in  this  world,  and  after,  through 
lefus  Chrift,  come  to  the  life  euerlajling,  with  God  the  Father,  to  whom 
lee  all  honour  and  glory.  Amen. 

Rom.  10.     If  the  roote  bee  whole,  the 
braunches  Jhall  bee  whole  alfo. 


FINIS. 


IQO 


QUOTATIONS  FROM  THE  BIBLE 


GLASSE  OF  GODLY  LOVE. 


Title  page,  p.  177,  Jam.  i.  22 ;  Col.  iii.  14. 
p.  179,  Yee  Wives,  &c.,  Eph.  v.  22-4. 

p.  1 80,  Let  the  Wives,  &c.,  I  Pet.  iii.  1—6 ;  Let  the  elder  Women, 
&c.,  Titus  ii.  3 — 5. 

p.  181,  Husbandes,  love  your  Wives,  &c.,  Eph.  v.  25  ;  So  ought  men, 
&c.,  Idem.  28-9  ;  his  owne  bodye,  &c.,  I  Cor.  vii.  4. 

p.  182,  For  in  many  things,  &c.,  i  Pet.  iii.  7,  8  ?  Faire  wordes,  See., 
Prov.  xvi.  24  ;  the  strong,  &c.,  Rom.  xv.  i  ;  let  one  suffer,  &c.,  i  Cor.  xii. 
26  ?  beare  ye,  &c.,  Gal.  vi.  2  ;  and  above  all  thinge,  &c.,  I  Pet.  iv.  8. 

p.  183,  Let  all  bitternesse,  &c.,  Eph.  iv.  31. 

p.  184,  A  man  shall  forsake,  &c.,  Gen.  ii.  24 ;  For  Salomon  askinge, 
&c.,  Prov.  xxiiL  29,  30 ;  Better  is  a  dry  morsell,  &c.,  Prov.  xvii.  i  ; 
Salomon  in  the  Booke  of  Wisdome,  Wisdom  iv.  i — 7. 

p.  185,  Be  ye  folowers,  &c.,  Eph.  v.  I — 5. 

p.  1 86,  God  hath  not  called  you,  &c.,  I  Thess.  iv.  7  ;  It  is  the  will  of 
God,  &c.,  Idem.  3 — 5  ;  Also,  Sainct  Pawle,  &c.,  I  Cor.  vii.  5. 

p.  187,  For  they  that  wil  not  worke,  &c.,  2  Thess.  iii.  10  ;  If  there  bee 
any,  &c.,  i  Tim.  v.  8. 

p.  1 88,  Fathers,  rate  not  your  children,  &c.,  Eph.  vi.  4  ;  Adultery,  &c., 
Gal.  v.  19 — 21  ;  Love,  &c.,  Idem.  22. 

p.  189,  If  there  be  amongst  you,  &c.,  Philipp.  ii.  I — 3  ;  If  the  roote, 
&c.,  Rom.  xl  16, 


NOTES. 


p.  xiii.  John  Lane  and  Milton's  father.  "  Besides  these,  there  re- 
mains, as  evidence  of  Lane's  perseverance,  a  long  manuscript  poem  in 
the  Museum  [Royal  MS.,  17.  B.  xv.],  dated  1621,  and  entitled  Triton's 
Trumpet  to  the  Twelve  Months,  husbanded  and  moralized.  In  it  there 
is  a  distinct  allusion  to  the  scrivener  Milton,  in  his  capacity  as  a  musical 
composer.  Here  it  is — specimen  enough  of  all  Lane's  poetry  ! — 

Accenting,  airing,  curbing,  ordering 
Those  sweet  parts  Meltonus  did  compose, 
As  wonder's  self  amazed  was  at  the  close, 
Which  in  a  counter-point  maintaining  hielo 
'Gan  all  sum  up  thus  -f  Alleluiah  Deo" 

But,  more  interesting  still,  another  of  Lane's  manuscripts — that  of  "  Guy 
of  Warwick  " — furnishes  us  with  a  specimen  of  the  musician's  powers  in 
returning  the  compliment.  This  manuscript  had  evidently  been  pre- 
pared for  the  press  ;  and  on  the  back  of  the  title-page  is  a  sonnet  headed 
"Johannes  Melton,  Londinensis  civis,  amico  suo  viatico,  in  poesis 
laudemj"  that  is,  "  John  Milton,  citizen  of  London,  to  his  wayfaring 
friend  in  praise  of  his  poetry."  The  sonnet  is  so  bad  that  Lane  might 
have  written  it  himself ;  but,  bad  or  good,  as  a  sonnet  by  Milton's  father, 
the  world  has  a  right  to  see  it.  So  here  it  is  : — 

"  If  virtue  this  be  not,  what  is  ?    Tell  quick  ! 
For  childhood,  manhood,  old  age,  thou  dost  write 
Love,  war,  and  lusts  quelled  by  arm  heroic, 
Instanced  in  Guy  of  Warwick,  knighthood's  light  : 
Heralds'  records,  and  each  sound  antiquary, 
For  Guy's  true  being,  life,  death,  eke  hast  sought, 
To  satisfy  those  which  prccvarifarij 
Manuscript,  chronicle,  if  might  be  bought ; 
Coventry's,  Winton's,  Warwick's  monuments, 
Trophies,  traditions  delivered  of  Guy, 
With  care,  cost,  pain,  as  sweetly  thou  presents, 
To  exemplify  the  flower  of  chivalry  : 
From  cradle  to  the  saddle  and  the  bier, 
For  Christian  imitation  all  are  here." ' 

1  "  Harl.  MS.  5243-  Mr.  Hunter  was  the  first  to  print  this  sonnet ;  and  also,  so 
far  as  I  am  aware,  to  refer,  in  connexion  with  Milton,  to  Lane's  MSS.  generally." 
—1859.  D.  Masson's  Lift  of  Milton,  i.  42-3. 


Notes  for  p.  xiii  to  p.  6. 

p.  xiii.  John  Lane's  Triton's  Trumpet.  "  Phillips  .  .  omits  '  Triton's 
Trumpet]  undoubtedly  by  Lane,  and  dated  1620,  in  which  the  death  of 
Spenser  in  1 599  is  mentioned,  with  all  the  particulars  of  his  sufferings 
and  poverty,  and  the  vain  wish  of  the  Earl  of  Essex  to  relieve  them. 
('Life  of  Spenser,'  edit.  1862,  p.  cli)."— J.  P.  Collier,  Bibliographical 
Catalogue,  \.  448. — F. 

p.  xvii.  note  I.     Powell's  Welch  Bayte. 
5to  Decembris 

Valentine  YT  is  ORDERED  that  he  shall  presently  bring  into  the  hall,  to  be  used 
Symms      according  to  the  ordonance  in  Mat  behalf.  Thirtie  bookes  of  the  welsh- 
bate.  and  all  the  ballades  that  he  hath  printed  of  the  Traytours  Iqfely 
Arrayned  at  Winchester. 

Valentine  also  YT  is   ORDERED  that  he  shall  pay  xiii  s   iiij  d  for  a  fine   for 
Symms       printing  the   same  book  and   ballad  without  Licence.  And   not   to 
meddle  with  printing  or  selling  any  of  the  same  bookes  or  ballads 
hereafter. 
Arber's  Transcript  of  the  Stationers'  Registers,  iii.  249.     See  also  ii.  837. 

p.  xxiii.    T.  Powell's  Mysterie  of  Lending  and  Borrowing.     Here  is 
"  The  Authors  Inuocation. 

THou  spirit  of  old  Gybbs,  a  quondam  Cooke, 
Thy  hungry  Poet  doth  thee  now  inuoke, 
T-infuse  in  him  the  iuyce  of  Rumpe  or  Kidney, 
And  he  shall  sing  as  sweet  as  ere  did  Sidney  : 
I  am  not  so  ambitious  as  to  wish 
For  black  spic'keale,  or  such  a  pretious  dish, 
As  Dottrels  caught  by  pretty  imitation, 
Nor  any  thing  so  hot  in  operation, 
As  may  inflame  the  Liuer  of  mine  Host, 
To  sweare  I  chalke  too  much  vpon  the  post  : 
My  selfe  a  damn'd  Promethian  I  should  thinke, 
If  with  the  Gods  Scotch-Ale,  or  Meth,  a  drinke, 
The  vulgar  to  prophane,  Metheglin  call, 
Or  drops  which  from  my  Ladies  Lembick  fall, 
In  seuerall  spirits  of  a  fifth  transcendence, 
No,  no,  the  hungry  belly  calls  my  mind  thence  : 
I  wish  not  for  Castalian  cups,  not  I, 
But  with  the  petty-Canons  being  dry, 
And  but  inspir'd  with  one  bare  Qu  :  let  any 
Compare  with  vs  for  singing  (O  Sydany.) 
Thy  Pot-herbs,  prithy,  Robbin,  now  afford, 
Perfume  the  Altar  of  thy  Dresser-boord, 
And  couer  it  with  Hecatombes  of  Mutton, 
As  fat  and  faire  as  euer  knife  did  cut  on  : 
Then  will  I  sing  the  Lender  and  the  Debter, 
The  martiall  Mace,  the  Serieant  and  the  Setter, 
Ruines  and  reparations  of  lost  wealth, 
Still,  Where  you  see  me,  Trust  vnto  your  selfe." 

p.  4, 1.  ii.  Lelaps.  A  dog  of  surpassing  swiftness  given  by  Diana  to 
Procris,  and  by  her  presented  to  her  husband  Cephalus.  See  Ovid's 
Metamorphoses,  vii,  11.  771-93,  for  an  account  of  Laelaps. — S. 

p.  5, 1.  15.  daughters  of  twentye  .  .  to  rich  cormorants  of  threescore. 
Compare  Chaucer's  Merchant's  Tale  of  January  and  May. — F. 

p.  6, 1.  2.  Durum  pati  meminisse  dulce.     Cf.  ^En.,  I.  203.     Danielle 


Notes  for  p.  6 — 32.  193 

in  a  note  to  the  Inferno,  xvi.  84,  attributes  this  quotation  to  Seneca, 
but  does  not  give  a  precise  reference.  See  Lombardi's  Dante,  I.  351, 
ed.  1830.— S. 

p.  6,  1.  7.  Thinges  farre  fetchte  and  deere  boughte.  See  Notes  to 
Stafford's  Examination,  p.  103. — F. 

p.  7,  1.  3,  for :  from,  against  :  '  now  will  I  dam  up  this  thy  yawning 
mouth  for  swallowing  the  treasure  of  the  realm,'  2  Hen.  VI,  IV.  i.  74  ; 
'  and  advise  thee  to  desist  for  going  on  death's  net,'  Pericles,  I.  i.  40. — 
Schmidt. — F. 

p.  7, 1.  6.  Sic  volo,  sic  jubeo,  stet  pro  ratione  voluntas.  Juvenal,  S. 
vi.  223.  The  usual  reading  is  "  Hoc  volo,  sic  jubeo,  sit,  &c." — S. 

p.  8,  1.  4.  women  with  nothing  more  contented  then  to  haue  their 
willes.  Compare  Chaucer's  Wife  of  Bath's  Tale;  Andrew  Boorde's 
Brevyary,  chap.  242,  in  my  edition  of  his  Introduction,  &c.  (E.  E.  T.  Soc.) 
p.  68,  and  note  there. — F. 

p.  10, 1.  9.  had  I  wist  is  a  slender  remedy  to  remove  repentaunce.  "  I 
write  not  here  a  tale  of  had  I  wist  :  But  you  shall  heare  of  travels  &c." — 
J.  Taylor  (Water  Poet),  Pennilesse  Pilgrimage,  Spenser  Soc.  ed.,  p.  132, 
11.  2-3.  "A  wise  man  saith  not,  had  I  wist." — Uncertain  author  in  Tot- 
tel's  Miscellany,  Arber's  ed.  p.  244, — P.  A.  D.  "  When  dede  is  doun,  hit  ys 
to  lat ;  be  ware  of  hady-wyst." — The  Good  Wyfe  Wold  A  Pylgremage  : 
Queene  Elizabethes  Achademy,  E.  E.  T.  S.,  p.  42,  11.  119-20. — S. 

p.  26, 1.  8  from  foot.  '  Knight  of  the  Post.  Properly,  a  man  who 
gained  his  living  by  giving  false  evidence  on  trials,  or  false  bail  ;  in  a 
secondary  sense,  a  sharper  in  general.  "  A  knight  of  the  post,  quoth  he, 
for  so  I  am  tearmed  ;  a  fellow  that  will  sweare  you  any  thing  for  twelve 
pence." — Nash,  Pierce  Penilesse,  1592. 

"  But  is  his  resolution  any  way  infracted,  for  that  some  refractaries 
are  (like  knights  of  the  post)  hired  to  witnesse  against  him?" — Ford's 
Line  of  Life,  1620.' — (Additions  to)  Nares, — F. 

p.  26, 1.  24.  "A  supplication  from  Pierce  Pennilesse."  An  allusion  to 
a  satire  written  by  Thomas  Nash,  entitled  "  Pierce  Penilesse,  his  Suppli- 
cation to  the  Divell ;  describing  the  over-spreading  of  Vice,  and  the 
suppression  of  Vertue.  Pleasantly  interlaced  with  variable  delights,  and 
pathetically  intermixt  with  conceipted  reproofes,"  Lond.  1592  ;  Watts, 
Bib.  Brit.—S. 

p.  29,  1.  12-13.  Three  instances  of  the  genitive  it  in  two  lines  :  it 
delighte,  it  ioy,  it  beginning.  See  too  p.  90,  1.  9  from  foot. — F. 

p.  30, 1.  9-10.  This  proverb  of  the  Pitcher  going  long  to  the  water, 
but  getting  broken  at  last,  is  in  Dan  Michel's  Ayenbite  of  Inwyt,  A.D. 
1340  :  "Zuo  longe  ge>  }>et  pot  to  the  wetere,  )>et  hit  comb  tobroke  horn," 
p.  165, 1.  7  from  foot,  ed.  Stevenson,  for  Roxburghe  Club. — F. 

p.  32,  1.  1 3  from  foot,  it  was  the parte  of  Mad  Men,&c.  A  free  expan- 
sion of  "  Quare  in  tranquillo  tempestatem  adversam  optare  dementis  est, 
subvenire  autem  tempestati  quavis  ratione  sapientis."— Cic.  O/.,  I.  xxiv. 

s—s. 

SHAKSPEEE'S  ENGLAND  :  TELL  TROTH.  13 


194  Notes  for  P-  33— 55- 

p.  33, 1.  17.  a  tooting  head :  one  with  horns,  through  which  men  toot 
or  blow,  the  mark  of  a  cuckold. — F. 

p.  33, 1.  30.  where  Christes  crosse  standes  :  that  is,  at  the  head  of  the 
alphabet.  '  La  croix  de  par  dieu.  The  Christs-crosse-row  ;  or  Horne- 
booke  wherein  a  child  learnes  it.' — Cotgrave. — F. 

p.  36,  1.  3 .  mistrisse  her  necke.  This  absurd  form  of  the  possessive 
case  came  in  from  the  mistake  in  the  masculine,  '  Robin  good-fellow  his 
newes,'  p.  49,  &c.,  as  if  the  genitive  -s,  -es  was  contracted  from  hi-s.  In 
the  second  text  of  Layamon's  Brut  are  many  of  these  genitives  in  his, 
some  of  them  to  feminine  nouns.  They  arose  from  the  scribe  of  that  MS. 
being  very  fond  of  ^'s,  and  putting  h  on  to  the  genitives  in  -is,  which  -is 
was  often  written  apart  from  the  crude  form  of  its  noun. — F. 

p.  36,1.  ii.  nor  so  many  yeeld  uppe  the  possession  of  their  garmentes 
to  the  hangman.  "  There  was  a  curst  page  that  his  master  whipt  naked, 
and  when  he  had  been  whipt,  would  not  put  on  his  cloaths  ;  and  when 
his  master  bad  him,  'take  them  you,  for  they  are  the  hangman's  fees.' " — 
Bacon's  Apophthegms,  No.  69,  Miscellaneous  Writings  of  Francis 
Bacon,  1802. — S. 

P-  39>  L  3-  Omnia  vincit  Amor,  et  nos  cedamtts  amort. — Virgil,  Eel. 
x.  69.— S. 

p.  39, 1.  12.  that  babie  which  lodges  in  ivomens  and  men  s  eies.  The 
reflected  images  of  himself  seen  by  a  lover  in  the  pupils  of  his  mistress's 
eyes,  or  vice  versa. 

Cf.  "  So  when  thou  [Love]  sawst  in  natures  cabinet  Stella,  thou 
straight  lookst  babies  in  her  eyes'1 — Sidney's  Astrophel  and  Stella, 
sonnet  xi.  11.  9-10. 

In  Massinger's  Renegado,  II.  iv,  p.  129,  col.  I,  ed.  Gifford,  1840, 
Donusa  says  to  Vitelli,  "  When  a  young  lady  wrings  you  by  the  hand, 
thus,  Or  with  an  amorous  touch  presses  your  foot,  Looks  babies  in  your 
eyes,  plays  with  your  locks,  Do  not  you  find  without  a  tutor's  help,  What 
'tis  she  looks  for  ? "— S. 

p.  43, 1.  14.  '  Thirteen  Pence  Halfpenny  was  considered  as  the  hang- 
man's wages  very  early  in  the  iyth  century.  How  much  sooner,  I  have 
not  noticed.  "  'Sfoot,  what  a  witty  rogue  was  this  to  leave  this  fair 
thirteen  pence  halfpenny,  and  this  old  halter,  intimating  aptly, 

Had  the  hangman  met  us  there,  by  these  presages, 
Here  had  been  his  work,  and  here  his  wages." 

Match  at  Midnight,  Old  Plays,  vii.  357. 

"  If  I  shold,  he  could  not  hang  me  for't ;  'tis  not  worth  thirteen  pence 
halfpenny." — J.  Day's  Humour  out  of  Breath,  sign.  F.  3.' — Nares. — F. 

p.  55, 1.  22.  Greenes  Cunnyberries,  Robert  Greene's  Coney-burrows, 
alluding  to  his  four  Coneycatching  tracts  :  I.  A  Notable  Discouery  of 
Cosnage,  1591  ;  II.  The  Second  Part  of  Conny-catching,  1591  ;  III.  The 
Third  and  last  part  of  Conny-catching,  With  the  new  deuised  knavish 
arte  of  Foole-taking,  1592.  IV.  A  Disputation  Betweene  a  Hee  Conny- 
catcher  and  a  Shee  Conney-catcher,  whether  a  Theafe  or  a  Whorer  is 


Notes  for  p.  55 — 68. 


195 


most  hurtfull  in  Cousonage,  to  the  Commonwealth.  Discouering  the 
Secret  Villanies  of  alluring  Strumpets.  With  the  Conuersion  of  an 
English  Courtizen,  reformed  this  present  yeare  1 592. — Hazlitt. — F. 

p.  55,  last  line,  then  on  goes  her  pantoples.     "  Such  is  the  Nature  of 

these  nouises  that  think  to  haue  learning  without  labour, that  for 

the  most  parte  they  stande  so  on  their  pantuffles,  that  they  be  secure  of 
perils,  obstinate  in  their  own  opinions,  impatient  of  labour,  apt  to  con- 
ceive wrong,  credulous  to  believe  the  worst,  ready  to  shake  off  their  olde 
acquaintance  without  cause,  and  to  condemne  them  without  colour." — 
Euphues,  p.  47,  ed.  Arber. 

Sander.  .  .  "  Why  looke  you  now,  ile  scarce  put  up  plain  Sander  now 
at  any  of  their  hands  ;  for  and  any  body  have  any  thing  to  do  with  my 
master,  straight  they  come  crouching  upon  me, — '  I  beseech  you  good 
M.  Sander  speake  a  good  word  for  me,'— and  then  I  am  so  stowt  and 
take  it  upon  me,  and  stand  upon  my  pantoffles  to  them,  out  of  all  crie, 
why  I  have  a  life  like  a  giant  now." — Taming  of  a  Shrew,  p.  174,  ed. 
Nichols,  Six  old  Plays. 

"  Stande  thou  on  thy  pantuffles,  and  shee  will  vayle  bonnet."— 
Euphues,  p.  117.— P.  A.  DANIEL. 

p.  68,  1.  7  from  foot,  "willing  her, .  .  .  either  then  or  never  to  consent  to 
the  saving  of  all  their  lives.  Abduction  was  punishable  with  death.  By 
statute  39  Eliz.  c.  9,  principals,  procurers,  or  accessories  before  the  fact, 
were  deprived  of  benefit  of  clergy.  See  Blackstone's  Commentaries,  ed. 
Kerr,  1862,  iv.  231. — S. 

The  preamble  of  the  Act  of  Elizabeth,  passt  in  1 597,  illustrates  the 
story  in  the  text,  and  runs  thus  : — 

"  Whereas  of  late  times  diuers  women,  as  well  maydens  as  widowes, 
and  wiues  hauing  substance,  some  in  goods  mooueable,  and  some  in 
lands  and  tenements,  and  some  being  heires  apparent  to  their  Ancestours, 
for  the  lucre  of  such  substance  bene  oftentimes  taken  by  misdoers,  con- 
trary to  their  will,  and  after  maried  to  such  misdoers,  or  to  others  by 
their  assent,  or  defiled,  to  the  great  displeasure  of  God,  and  contrary  to 
your  Hig[h]nesses  Lawes,  and  disparagement  of  the  said  women,  and 
great  heauinesse  and  discomfort  of  their  friends,  and  ill  example  of 
others  ;  which  offences,  albeit  the  same  be  made  felon  ie  by  a  certaine  act 
of  Parliament  made  in  the  third  yeere  of  King  Henrie  the  seuenth  :  Yet 
forasmuch  as  Clergie  hath  been  heretofore  allowed  to  such  Offenders, 
diuers  persons  haue  attempted  and  committed  the  said  offences  in  hope 
of  life  by  the  benefit  of  Clergie  '  : — Be  it  therefore  enacted  &c."  Chris- 
topher Barker's  edition  of  1597,  sign.  E.  This  edition  contains  two  acts 
more  than  the  Record  Office  one,  namely,  "  26  An  Act  for  confirmation 
of  the  Subsidies  granted  by  the  Clergie.  27  An  Act  for  the  grant  of 
three  entire  Subsidies,  and  sixe  Fifteenes  and  Tenths  granted  by  the 
Temporalitie."  Chap.  7,  '  An  Act  for  the  more  speedie  payment  of  the 
Queenes  Maiesties  debts ',  looks  as  if  Q.  Elizabeth  was  insolvent :  but 

i  Education  the  excuse  for  crime  !    The  doctrine  sounds  odd  now. 


196 


Notes  for  p.  69 — 83. 


'  the  Queen's  debts '  were  debts  due  to  her,  like  '  the  Queen's  traitors ' 
were  traitors  against  her. — F. 

p.  69, 1.  8.  the  counsell  Table.  The  concilium  ordinarium,  commonly 
known  as  the  court  of  star  chamber,  a  branch  of  the  privy  council  which 
assumed  jurisdiction  over  many  offences  cognizable  in  the  ordinary 
law  courts.  See  Hallam's  History  of  England,  vol.  I.  chap.  i. — S. 

p.  69, 1.  8.  she  tolde  so  good  a  tale  for  him,  &c.  If  a  woman  was 
married  by  her  abductor,  she  was  allowed  to  give  evidence  against  him 
of  the  abduction,  contrary  to  the  then  general  rule  that  a  wife's  evidence 
could  not  be  received  against  her  husband.  See  Blackstone's  Comment- 
aries, iv.  231. — S. 

p.  71,  1.  10  from  foot,  cooling  carde.  So  Suffolk  in  I  Hen.  VI.,  V.  iii. 
83 :  "  There  all  is  marr'd  ;  there  lies  a  cooling  card."  Not  Shakspere's. — F. 

A  letter  from  Euphues  to  Philautus  is  entitled,  "A  cooling  Carde  for 
Philautus  and  all  fond  lovers." — Euphues,  Arber's  ed.  p.  106.  "  Card. 
(2)  A  chart.  Harrison,  p.  39." — HalliwelPs  Diet.—  S. 

p.  75, 1.  3  from  foot,  a  tantinie  pigge.  St  Anthony's.  See  Brand's 
Antiquities,  ed.  Ellis,  1841,  i.  200,  note  a,  coL  2.  And  "St.  Anthony's 
church  in  Threadneedle  street,  belonging  to  an  hospital  of  that  Saint,  and 
dedicated  to  St.  Anthony  of  Vienna  as  early  as  Henry  III.  The  found- 
ation was  for  a  master,  two  priests,  a  schoolmaster,  and  twelve  poor 
men.  .  .  The  proctors  of  this  house  used  to  collect  alms,  and  take  from 
the  market  people  lean  or  ill-conditioned  pigs,  which  they  turned  abroad 
with  bells  about  their  necks  to  live  upon  the  public, — whence  the 
saying  an  Anthony's  pig,  and  when  fat,  they  killed  them  for  the  use  of 
the  hospital." — Stowe's  Lond.  p.  190,  in  Nichols's  ed.  of  E.  Perlin,  Descr. 
d'Angleterre  1558,  repr.  1775,  p.  13.  See  the  Index  below,  p.  209. — F. 

p.  82.  To  compare  small  things  with  great,  set  this  page  beside 
Julia's  description  of  her  lovers  in  the  Two  Gentlemen  of  Verona,  I.  ii., 
and  Portia's  of  hers  in  the  Merchant  of  Venice,  I.  ii. — F. 

p.  83, 1.  7.  Smithfield  (or  smooth-field,  an  etymology  sanctioned  by 
Fitz  Stephen,  who  describes  it  as  campus  planus)  was  celebrated  for 
many  centuries  as  a  market,  and  the  cheating  carried  on  there,  more 
especially  in  the  sale  of  horses,  was  long  notorious.  A  '  Smithfield  horse ' 
was  the  cant  name  for  a  particularly  bad  bargain.  Falstaff  tells  us  that 
his  horse  was  bought  at  Smithfield  (2nd  part  of  Henry  IV.,  act  I.  sc.  ii. 
11.  56-7),  and  Pepys  speaks  "of  the  craft  and  cunning  that  I  never  dreamed 
of,  concerning  the  buying  and  choosing  of  horses,"  Diary,  Dec.  4,  1668. 
And  see  under  Dec.  ii,  1668. — H.  B.  W. 

p.  83, 1.  7  from  foot,  a  Smithfeelde  horse.  Smithfield  was  noted  for 
its  horse-fairs  (p.  87, 1.  2  from  foot)  ;  and  at  them,  as  at  all  other  fairs, 
the  buyer  takes  his  chance. 

"  The  Londiners  pronounce  woe  to  him  that  buyes  a  horse  in  Smyth- 
field,  that  takes  a  servant  in  Pauls  Church,  that  marries  a  wife  out  of 
Westminster"  [noted  for  its  stews]. — Fynes  Mory son's  Itinerary,  1617,  Pt. 
3,  P-  53-  On  the  Fair  in  Smithfield,  see  Bartholomew  Fair,  1641. — F. 


Notes  for  p.  83 — 121. 


197 


p.  83, 1.  7  from  foot,  whether  a  Smithfeelde  horse  will  proue  good  or 
jadish.  "heere  [to  Smithfield]  comes  many  Horses,  (like  Frenchmen) 
rotten  in  the  joynts,  which  by  tricks  are  made  to  leape,  though  they  can 
scarce  go  ;  he  that  light  upon  a  Horse  in  this  place,  from  an  olde  Horse- 
courser,  sound  both  in  wind  and  limbe,  may  light  of  an  honest  Wife  in  the 
Stews  :  here's  many  an  olde  Jade,  that  trots  hard  for't,  that  uses  his  legs 
sore  against  his  will,  for  he  had  rather  have  a  Stable  then  a  Market,  or  a 
Race." — London  and  the  Countrey  Carbonadoed  and  Quartred  into 
severall  Characters.  By  D.  Lupton,  1632,  pp.  36-7. — S. 

p.  85,  1.  3.  let  them  have  their  willes  ;  or  they  will,  whether  you  will 
or  no.  Compare  Andrew  Boorde's  Breuiary,  Fol.  Ixxxii.  back,  "  therfore, 
Vt  homo  not  cantet  cum  cuculo,  let  euery  man  please  his  wyfe  in  all  matters, 
and  displease  her  not,  but  let  her  haue  her  owne  wyl,  for  that  she  wyll 
haue,  who  so  euer  say  nay,"  p.  68  of  my  edition,  E.  E.  T.  Soc.  1870. — F. 

p.  91, 1.  2.  Kemps  head.  An  account  of  William  Kemp  will  be  found 
in  Variorum  Shakspere,  ed.  1821,  vol.  III.  p.  197. — P.  A.  D. 

p.  91, 1.  9.  Knackes  to  knowe  knaves  by.  "  A  knack  how  to  knowe 
a  knave,"  one  of  Kempe's  works  ? — P.  A.  D. 

p.  113, 1.  73.  Ovid  could  testify,  &c.  Ultima  ccelestum,  terras  Astraea 
reliquit. — Ovid's  Metamorphoses,  I.  150. — S. 

p.  113,1.  84.  carnallvice .  .in  the  Popes  great  hall.  On  the  lechery  and 
sodomy  seen  in  Rome  by  Andrew  Boorde,  see  my  edition  of  A.  B.,  p.  77, 
with  the  extract  from  Thomas's  History  of  Italye  in  the  note  there. — F. 

p.  1 1 8, 1.  216,  gigge,  jig.  Cp.  in  Arber's  Transcript  of  the  Stationers* 
Registers,  iii.  49,  50,  "  A  pretie  newe  Jigge  betwene  Francis  the  gentle- 
man, Richard  the  farmer,  and  theire  wyves,"  Oct.  14,  1595  ;  and  on  Oct. 
21,  "a  ballad  called  Kemps  newe  Jygge  betwixt  a  souldiour  and  a 
Miser,  and  Sym  the  clown."  "  The  word  'jig'  is  said  to  be  derived  from 
the  Anglo-Saxon  ;  and  in  old  English  literature  its  application  extended, 
beyond  the  tune  itself,  to  any  jigging  rhymes  that  might  be  sung  to  such 
tunes.  The  songs  sung  by  clowns  after  plays  (which  like  those  of  Tarle- 
ton,  were  often  extempore,)  and  any  other  merry  ditties,  were  called 
jigs.  '  Nay,  sit  down  by  my  side,  and  I  will  sing  thee  one  of  my  countrey 
jigges  to  make  thee  merry,'  says  Deloney,  in  his  Thomas  of  Reading." — 
Chappell's  Popular  Music,  ii.  495. — F. 

p.  1 1 8,  1.  230.  Seven  Deadly  Sins.  Compare  'The  Seuen  Deadly 
Sinnes  of  London  :  Drawne  in  seuen  seuerall  Coaches,  Through  seuen 
seuerall  Gates  of  the  Citie,  Bringing  the  Plague  with  them.  Opus  septem 
Dierum.  Tho :  Dekker.  At  London  Printed  by  E.  A.  for  Nathaniel 
Butter,  and  are  to  be  solde  at  his  shop  neere  Saint  Austens  gate.  1606. 
4to,  black  letter,  31  leaves.' — Hazlitt.  Also  Dekker's  '  Belman  of 
London,'  1608  ;  '  Lanthorne  and  Candlelight,'  1609  ;  '  O  per  se  O,'  1612  ; 
'Villanies  discovered,'  1616 ;  and  the  successive  versions  of  his  'Eng- 
lish Villanies,'  1632-48. — F. 

p.  121, 1.  304.  Some  weare  short  cloakes,  some  cloakes  that  reach  the 
heel.  "  In  the  time  of  Queene  Mary,  and  the  beginning  of  the  Raigne 


Notes  for  p.  121 — 129. 

of  Queen  Elizabeth,  and  for  many  yeeres  before,  it  was  not  lawfull  for 
any  man  either  servant  or  others,  to  weare  their  Gowns  lower  than  to  the 
calves  of  their  legges,  except  they  were  above  threescore  yeares  of  age, 
but  the  length  of  Cloakes  being  not  limited,  they  made  them  Cloakes 
downe  to  their  Shoes  .  .  .  ." — Stow's  Annales,  continued  by  Edmund 
Howes,  ed.  1631,  pp.  1039-40. -S. 

p.  121,11.  307-10.  Bold Bettresse,  &c.;  p.  122,1.  333.  fannes  by  truls  are 
borne.  •  "Womens  Maskes,  Buskes,  Muffes,  Fanns,  Periwigs  and  Bod- 
kins, were  first  devised,  and  used  in  Italy  by  Curtezans,  and  from  thence 
brought  into  France,  and  there  received  of  the  best  sort  for  gallant  orna- 
ments, and  from  thence  they  came  into  England,  about  the  time  of  the 
Massacre  of  Paris"  [1572]. — Idem,  p.  1038,  col.  2. — S. 

p.  126,  1.  451.   Wrath  is  the  cause  that  men  in  Smith-field  meete, 

"  This  field  commonly  called  West-Smithfield,  was  for  many  yeares 
called  Ruffians  hall,  by  reason  it  was  the  usuall  place  of  Frayes  and 
common  fighting,  during  the  time  that  Sword  and  Bucklers  were  in  use. 

"  When  every  Serving-man  from  the  base  to  the  best,  carried  a  Buck- 
ler at  his  backe,  which  hung  by  the  hilt  or  pomell  of  his  Sword  which 
hung  before  him. 

"  This  manner  of  Fight  was  frequent  with  all  men,  untill  the  fight  of 
Rapier  and  Dagger  tooke  place,  and  then  suddenly  the  generall  quarrell 
of  fighting  abated,  which  began  about  the  20  yeare  of  Queene  Elizabeth 
[I577-8J,for  untill  then  it  was  usuall  to  have  Frayes,  Fights,  and  Quarrells, 
upon  the  Sundayes  and  Holidayes,  sometimes  twenty,  thirty,  and  forty 
Swords  and  Bucklers,  halfe  against  halfe,  as  well  by  quarrells  of  appoint- 
ment as  by  chance. 

"  Especially  from  the  midst  of  Aprill,  untill  the  end  of  October,  by 
reason,  Smithfield  was  then  free  from  durte  and  plashes.  And  in  the 
Winter  season,  all  the  high  streetes  were  much  annoyed  and  troubled 
with  hourely  frayes  of  sword  and  buckler  men  who  tooke  pleasure  in  that 
bragging  fight  ;  and  although  they  made  great  shew  of  much  furie  and 
fought  often,  Yet  seldome  any  man  hurt  for  thrusting  was  not  then  in 
use  :  neither  would  one  of  twentie  strike  beneath  the  waste,  by  reason 
they  held  it  cowardly  and  beastly.  But  the  ensuing  deadly  fight  of 
Rapier  and  Dagger  suddenly  suppressed  the  fighting  with  Sword  and 
Buckler." — Stow's  Annales,  continued  by  Edmund  Howes,  ed.  1631, 
p.  1024,  col.  I  and  2. — S. 

p.  127,  1.  497.  Idleness f.  See  Andrew  Boorde's  amusing  1515! 
Chapter  of  his  Breuiary,  on  '  an  euyl  Feuer,  the  whiche  dothe  cumber 
yonge  persons,  named  the  Feuer  lurden.'  His  remedy  is  :  "  There  is 
nothyng  so  good  for  the  Feuer  lurden  as  is  Vnguentum  baculinum,  that 
is  to  say,  Take  me  a  stycke  or  wand  of  a  yerde  of  length  and  more, 
and  let  it  be  as  great  as  a  mans  fynger,  and  with  it  anoynt  the  bake 
and  the  shulders  well,  mornynge  and  euenynge,  and  do  this  .xxi.  dayes," 
&c. :  see  my  edition,  p.  83-4,  and  the  Index  to  my  Babees  Book. — F. 

p.  129, 11.  562,  564.  There  were  two  Compters  or  prisons  for  debtors 


Notes  for  p.  129 — 133.  199 

in  the  city  of  London  ;  each  being  under  the  superintendence  of  one  of 
the  Sheriffs.  The  Poultry  Compter  stood  a  few  doors  from  St  Mildred's 
church  until  1817,  when  it  was  taken  down.  Stow  wrote  of  it,  "  this  hath 
been  there  kept  and  continued  time  out  of  mind,  for  I  have  not  read  of 
the  original  thereof."  Wood  Street  Compter  stood  on  the  east  side  of 
Wood  Street,  Cheapside,  and  was  first  established  there  in  1555,  when 
the  prisoners  were  removed  from  the  old  Compter  in  Bread  Street  to  the 
new  one  in  Wood  Street.  The  latter  was  burnt  down  in  the  Great  Fire, 
but  rebuilt  afterwards.  The  prison  was  removed  to  Giltspur  Street  in 
1791.  T.  Middleton  introduced  a  reference  to  the  two  Compters  in  his 
Phoenix — "  for  as  in  that  notable  city  called  Lo'ndon  stand  two  most 
famous  Universities,  Poultry  and  Wood  street,  where  some  are  of  twenty 
years'  standing  and  have  took  all  their  degrees."  Quoted  in  Cunning- 
ham's Handbook  of  London. — H.  B.  W.  Thomas  Nash  also  praisd 
the  Compter  ironically  in  his  '  Strange  Newes]  1592,  (sign.  I.)  : — 

"  Heare  what  I  say :  a  gentleman  is  never  throughly  entred  into 
credit  till  he  hath  been  there  ;  and  that  Poet  or  novice,  be  hee  what  he 
will,  ought  to  suspect  his  wit,  and  remaine  halfe  in  doubt  that  it  is  not 
authenticall,  till  it  hath  beene  scene  and  allowed  in  unthrifts  consistory. 
Grande  doloris  ingenium  !  Let  fooles  dwell  in  no  stronger  houses  than 
their  fathers  built  them,  but  I  protest  I  should  never  have  writ  passion 
well,  or  beene  a  piece  of  a  poet,  if  I  had  not  arriv'd  in  those  quarters. 
Trace  the  gallantest  youthes,  and  bravest  revellers  about  towne,  in  all 
the  by-paths  of  their  expence,  and  you  shall  infallibly  finde,  that  once  in 
their  life-time  they  have  visited  that  melancholy  habitation.  Come, 
come,  if  you  goe  to  the  sound  truth  of  it,  there  is  no  place  of  the  earth 
like  it,  to  make  a  man  wise.  Cambridge  and  Oxford  may  stand  under 
the  elbowe  of  it.  I  vow,  if  I  had  a  sonne,  I  would  sooner  send  him  to 
one  of  the  Counters  to  learne  lawe,  than  to  the  Innes  of  Court  or 
Chancery."  (in  Collier's  Bibl.  Catal.  i.  277.) 

p.  133,  1.  679.  light-taylde  huswives.  Compare  'A  Dialogue  by- 
tvvene  the  commune  secretary  and  Jalowsye,  Touchynge  the  vnstablenesse 
of  Harlottes,'  John  Kynge  [1550-61],  Collier's  Bibl.  Cat.  i.  400. 

"  She  that  is  fayre,  lusty  and  yonge, 
And  can  comon  in  termes  with  fyled  tonge, 
And  wyll  abyde  whysperynge  in  the  eare, 
Thynke  ye  her  tayle  is  not  lyght  of  the  scare  ?  " 

This  is  Hamlet's  '  tickle  o'  the  sere,'  the  sear  being  the  catch  of  a 
gunlock,  which  when  stiff,  makes  you  pull  the  trigger  very  hard,  but 
when  light,  turns  it  into  a  '  hair-trigger,'  one  that'll  go  at  the  touch  of  a 
hair. — F. 

William  Goddard's  Neaste  of  Waspes,  1615,  gives  the  theatres  a  bad 
character  too  (Collier's  Bibl.  Cat.  i.  314)  :— 

"  Goe  to  your  plaie-howse,  you  shall  actors  have, 
Your  baude,  your  gull,  your  whore,  your  pander  knave, 


200  Notes  for  p.  139 — 141. 

Goe  to  your  bawdie  house,  y'ave  actors  too, 

As  bawdes,  and  whores,  and  gulls,  pandars  also, 

Besides,  in  either  howse  (yf  you  enquire) 

A  place  there  is  for  men  themselves  to  tire. 

Since  th'  are  so  like,  to  choose  theres  not  a  pinn, 
Whether  bawdye-house,  or  plaie-howse  you  goe  in." 

As  to  the  round  house,  compare  The  Cries  of  London  (ib.  p.  163,  time  of 

Jas.  I.) 

"  The  Players  on  the  Banckeside, 

The  round  Globe  and  the  Swan, 

Will  search  you  idle  tricks  of  love, 

But  the  Bull  will  play  the  man." 

The  Bull  was  '  The  Red  Bull '  theatre  in  Clerkenwell.  The  Rose  theatre 
on  or  near  Bankside  was  also  round.  See  Norden's  Map,  1593. — F. 

p.  139,1.  7.  Hee  askt  him,  If  hee  had  a  Passe,  &c.  "Any  two 
Justices  of  Peace  may  licence  such  as  be  delivered  out  of  Gaoles,  to  begge 
for  their  fees,  or  to  travell  to  their  Countrey,  or  friends  :  and  may  give 
licence  for  fourtie  dayes  to  a  Rogue,  that  is  marked  [branded  ?]  :  and 
may  make  testimonial  to  a  Servingman,  that  is  turned  away  from  his 
master,  or  whose  master  is  dead  :  14  Eliz.  cap.  5  ;  and  18  Eliz.  cap.  3  ; 
and  27  Eliz.  cap.  11. 

.  .  .  And  they  may  Licence  diseased  persons  (living  of  almes)  to  travel 
to  Bathe,  or  to  Buckstone,  for  remedies  of  their  griefe,  14  Eliz.  cap.  5,  and 
27  Eliz.  cap.  ii." — Lambard's  Eirenarcha,  ed.  1592,  p.  321-2. 

"  Two  such  Justices  may  give  licence  to  Fencers,  Bearewards,  Com- 
mon players  in  Enterludes,  Minstrels,  Juglers,  Pedlers,  Tinkers,  and 
Petite-chapmen,  to  goe  abroad,  so  as  they  shall  not  be  taken  as  Rogues. 
14  Eliz.  cap.  5  ;  and  27  Eliz.  cap.  11." — Idem,  pp.  341-2. — S. 

p.  140,  1.  45.  Signa  virtutum  tuarum  longe  lateque  ferens.  A  remin- 
iscence of  Horace,  Od.  IV.  i.  16.  ? — S. 

p.  141,1.  I.  folk  leaving  town  after  Term.  Compare  Lord  Campbell's 
note  on  p.  23-4  of  his  Shakespeare's  Legal  Acquirements  considered,  1859  : 

"  Even  so  late  as  Queen  Anne's  reign  there  seems  to  have  been  a  pro- 
digious influx  of  all  ranks  from  the  provinces  into  the  metropolis  in  term 
time.  During  the  preceding  century,  Parliament  sometimes  did  not  meet 
at  all  for  a  considerable  number  of  years  ;  and  being  summoned  rarely 
and  capriciously,  the  '  London  season '  seems  to  have  been  regulated, 
not  by  the  session  of  Parliament,  but  by  the  law  terms, — 
'  .  .  .  .  and  prints  before  Term  ends.' — Pope. 

While  term  lasted,  Westminster  Hall  was  crowded  all  the  morning,  not 
only  by  lawyers,  but  by  idlers  and  politicians  in  quest  of  news.  Term 
having  ended,  there  seems  to  have  been  a  general  dispersion.  Even  the 
Judges  spent  their  vacations  in  the  country,  having  when  in  town  resided 
in  their  chambers  in  the  Temple  or  Inns  of  Court.  The  Chiefs  were 
obliged  to  remain  in  town  a  day  or  two  after  term,  for  Nisi  Prius  sittings  ; 
but  the  Puisnes  were  entirely  liberated  when  proclamation  was  made  at 
the  rising  of  the  court  on  the  last  day  of  term,  in  the  form  still  preserved, 


Notes  for  p.  156 — 175. 


201 


that  "  all  manner  of  persons  may  take  their  ease,  and  give  their  attend- 
ance here  again  on  the  first  day  of  the  ensuing  term " 

See  Thomas  Dekker's  'The  Dead  Terme.  Or  Westminsters  Com- 
plaint for  long  Vacations  and  short  Tearmes.  Written  in  manner  of  a 
Dialogue  betweene  the  two  Cityes  of  London  and  Westminster.  London, 
Printed  and  are  to  be  sold  by  John  Hodgets.  1608.  4to,  black  letter,  27 
leaves.' — F. 

p.  156,  1.  19.  "Actuary,  (Actuarius)  Is  the  Clerk  or  Scribe,  that 
registers  the  Canons  and  Constitutions  of  the  Convocation :  Also  an 
Officer  in  the  Court  Christian,  who  is  in  Nature  of  a  Register." — Cowel's 
Law  Diet.,  ed.  1727. 

p.  158,  1.  6.  Swainmootes  of  Forrests.  "From  the  Sax.  swan,  a 
swain,  as  Country-swain,  Boot-swain,  and  gemote,  a  Court  or  Conven- 
tion. The  Swanemote  was  a  Court  held  twice  a  year  [Spelman  and 
Cowel  say  thrice. — S.]  by  the  forest  officers,  fifteen  days  before  Mid- 
summer, and  three  weeks  before  Michaelmass,  for  enquiry  of  the  tres- 
passes committed  within  the  bounds  of  the  forest." — Kennett's  Parochial 
Antiqtiities,  ed.  1695,  Glossary,  s.v.  Swanemotum. — S. 

p.  158, 1.  12.  The  Virdge.  "  Verge,  Virgata,  may  seem  to  come  from 
the  French  Verger,  viridarium,  and  is  used  here  in  England  for  the 
Compass  of  the  King's  Court,  which  bounds  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Lord 
Steward  of  the  King's  Houshold,  and  of  the  Coroner  of  the  King's 
House,  and  that  seems  to  have  been  Twelve  Miles  Compass." — Cowel's 
Law  Diet.  ed.  1727. — S. 

p.  158,  1.  1 6.  The  Clinke.  "Then  next  is  the  Clinke,  a  Goal  or 
Prison  for  the  Trespassers  in  those  Parts,  namely,  in  old  time  for  such 
as  should  Brabble,  Fray,  or  break  the  Peace  on  the  said  Bank  [the 
Bankside,  Southwark]  or  in  the  Brothel  Houses,  they  were  by  the  In- 
habitants thereabout  apprehended  and  committed  to  this  Goal,  when 
they  were  straitly  Imprisoned." — Strype's  Stow,  ed.  1720,  II.  book  iv. 
p.  8,  col.  I.— S. 

p.  159, 1.  9  from  foot.  And  here  I  remember  me  of  an  old  tale.  This 
story  will  be  found  in  Bacon's  Apophthegms,  No.  34,  Miscellaneous 
Writings  of  Francis  Bacon,  ed.  1802,  p.  12. — S. 

p.  163, 1.  12  from  foot.  An  Enginere  for  making  of  Patars.  Grose 
(Military  Antiquities,  I.  p.  402)  gives  an  engraving  of  "  Pierriers,  vulgarly 
called  Pattereros,"  and  says,  "  Chamber'd  pieces  for  throwing  stones, 
called  cannon  perriers  .  .  .  were  about  this  time  [Edward  VI.  reign] 
much  used  in  small  forts,  and  on  shipboard." — S. 

p.  171,1.  I.  Sir  John  Hawkins"1  hospital  at  Chatham.  An  hospital 
for  decayed  mariners  and  shipwrights  was  founded  by  Sir  John  Hawkins, 
in  1592,  in  which  twelve  pensioners  have  each  a  separate  house,  an 
allowance  of  eight  shillings  per  week,  and  an  annual  supply  of  coal  : 
the  management  is  vested  in  26  governors,  of  which  number  five  are 
elective. — Lewis's  Topographical  Dictionary. —  S. 

p.  175, 1.  2.  Na-vibus  atgue,  &c.     Hor.  Epp.  I.  xi.  28—30. — S. 


2O2 


INDEX. 


Abduction  of  a  widow,  story  of  the,  67-9 

Actuary,  the,  156/19 

admiring,  128/527,  wondering  at 

Adonis,  132/649 

Affectionate,  v.a.  30/22,  to  love 

Egyptian  dog,  the,  113/61-4 

akind,/./.  127/482,  related.     See  kinde 

Almanacks  faulty,  117/185 

Ambrosian  oyle,  101,  1.  4  from  foot 

Animals   examples  to  drunkards,  I32/ 

631-36 

Anthony,  Master,  a  discreet  lover,  79 

Apollo,  117/191  ;  118/218 

Appearances,  don't  trust  to  them,  66-7 

Apprentice,  an,  who  marries  doubles 
his  apprenticeship,  87 

Apuleius  asse,  119/253 

Arithmetic  described,  116/169-74 

Astraea,  113/74 

Astronomy  described,  117/181-86 

Atropos,  120/285 

Attornies  dub  themselves  counsellors, 
157  ;  clerkships  of  trading  companies 
given  them,  165  ;  country,  frequent 
eightpenny  ordinaries,  141 

Avarice  described,  129/535-46 ;  her 
misdeeds,  129-30/547-70 

Avenanarie,  168.  "  Next  (to  the  Equer- 
ries) is  the  Chief  Avener,  from  Avena, 
Gates  ;  whose  yearly  Fee  is  40  1.  and 
this  place  with  all  the  following,  are 
in  the  Gift  of  the  Master  of  the  Horse. " 
— Chamberlayne's  Anglue  Notitia, 
ed.  1673,  Ft.  i.  p.  199.  "Avenor, 
Avenarius,  Is  an  Officer  belonging  to 
the  King's  Stables,  and  provides  Oats 
for  his  Horses." — Cowel's  Law  Diet,, 
ed.  1727,  s.v. 

Baals  common  Priests,  95/18 

babell,  a,  81/15,  a  bauble 

baby  in  the  eye,  the,  39/12 

bakerly  kneed,  82/15,  knockkneed.   See 

Hallvweirs  Diet. ,  s.  v.  Bakerlegged 
bandy,  v.t,  43/6 
Banke-sides    round-house,    housewives 

at  the,  133/681-82 
bankrotes,  16/2,  bankrupts 


barrel  butter,  70, 1. 2  from  foot,  salt  butter 

bate-maker,  13/21,  one  who  causes  de- 
bate, or  strife 

Bathe,  the,  Bath,  Somerset,  physicians 
practise  there,  161,  1.  4  from  foot 

Batillus,  118/211,  Bathyllus 

bats,  41,1.  13  from  foot,  bates,  i.e.  strife? 

Bedchamber  men's  servants  made  pages 
of  the  privy  chamber,  169 

Bedlam,  wit  in,  90,  1.  2  from  foot 

Benefices,  college,  to  obtain,  149-50 ; 
abroad,  in  whose  gift,  150  ;  where  to 
search  for,  151,  153  ;  to  obtain,  151- 
54;  book  of,  referred  to,  153  ;  cata- 
logue of,  wanted,  154 

Bettresse,  121/307,  a  woman's  name 
(Beatrice) 

bird  of  Bedlam,  a,  79,  1.  6  from  foot,  a 
crazy  girl.  Old  Eng.  burd,  lady, 
maiden 

Bishop's  patronage  formerly  useful  to 
civilians,  156 

Black  book  in  the  Exchequer  referred 
to,  159,  169 

blacke  wrought  Wastcoate,  a,  144/6, 
a  woman's  garb 

bob,  the  offering  of  a,  85,  1.  8  from 
foot,  mocking,  cheating 

bobbes,  sb.  74,  1.  9  from  foot,  blows. 
Lady  Jane  Grey,  complaining  of  her 
parents,  says  that  she  is  "so  cruellie 
threatened,  yea  presentlie  some  tymes 
with  pinches,  nippes,  and  bobbes,  and 
other  waies  which  I  will  not  name  for 
the  honor  I  beare  them,  so  without 
measure  misordered."  —  Ascham's 
Scholemaster,  p.  47,  Arber's  ed. 

boone  voyage,  142,  1.  2  from  foot,  bon 
voyage 

Bosseldir,  the,  139/3,  Borsholder. " . 

Our  Borsholder  in  Kent,  and  their 
Thirdborow  in  Warwickshire,  be 
Conservatours  (of  the  peace)  also 
within  their  Boroughs.  For  Borow- 
head,  Borsholder,  and  Tithingman, 
bee  three  several  names  of  one  selfe 
same  thing,  and  do  signifie,  The 
chiefe  man  of  the  free  pledges  within 


Index. 


203 


that   Borow   or    Tithing."  —  Lam- 
barde's  Eirenarcha,  ed.  1592,  p.  14. 
Lambarde   derives   the  name    from 
A.  S.  borhes  ealdor.    See  his  Peram- 
bulation of  Kent,  reprint,  1826,  p.  19. 
Bowser,  149/12,  bursar 
braggadochio-like,  adj.  126/458 
brand,  4/7,  brent,  burnt? 
breake-peace,  73/3,  cause  of  strife 
breed-bate,  a,  13/19,  see  bate-maker 
brewes,  165/4,  broth,  pottage 
Briceris,  32/17 
Bridewell,  13/22,  22/12 
Bridewell,  the  Beadles  of,  95/16 
Bridewell  in  her  dish,  laying,  1 7/5 
Bristow  Cowsway,  i73/5>  Bristol  cause- 
way 

brute,  to,  IO,  1.  2  from  foot,  to  bruit 
bulke,  chest,  thorax,  131/609 
Buls,  36/10,  hangmen 
Buls  bailiffes,  95/14 
Burleigh,  Lord,  his  book  on  court  offices 

referred  to,  169 

bussardes,  17,  1.  3  from  foot,  cowards. 
ffalliwelFs  Diet.,  s.  v.  Buzzard 

Cassar,  123/380 

Caligula,  126/445 

Cambridge,  115/133 

Canck-wood,  Cannock-Wood,  Stafford- 
shire, 160/22 

Caneere,  170/14,  cannoneer 

Cardinals  burn  the  cardinal  virtues, 
113/82 

Cards,  new  cut  at,  ruins  men,  119/249 

carterly  progenitors,  99/10 

Castale  fount,  118/214 

Cast  gentlewomen's  doctoring  described, 
1 60 

cast-ravelinges,  42,  line  9  from  foot. 

' '  Ravelins serve  to  cover  the 

Gates  of  the  Town  and  the  Bridges 
"—Bailey's  Diet.,  I. 

Cauls  worn  by  women,  121/310 

Cerberus,  4/6 

Charity's  contest  with  Envy,  125/41  $-20 

charke  coles,  80, 1.  1 1  from  foot,  charcoal 

Charons  boat,  4/4 

charres,  112/52,  chariots 

Chaucers  japes,  95/4 

Cheapside,  129/538 

choptlodgicke,  a,  96/17,  a  marriage? 
In  the  Fraternitye  of  Vacabondes, 
E.E.T.S.  ed.,  p.  15,  and  Romeo  dr> 
Juliet,  III.  v.  150,  choplogic  means  a 
disputatious  person.  Here  there  may 
be  a  facetious  allusion  to  marriage  as 
a  state  in  which  logic  is  chopped  or 
exchanged 


Christes  crosse,  33,  1.  7  from  foot 

chuff,  sb.  12/17,  2I>  1-  4  from  foot. 

"  Choffe  orxhuffe Rusticus." — 

Prompt.  Parv.  Cf.  I  Henry  IV.,  II. 
ii.  94 

Church  livings,  enough  of  them  to 
maintain  the  ministry,  154 

cinicall,  134/712,  cynical 

Circe,  133/680 

Civil  Law,  its  study  costly,  practice 
lucrative ;  fees  come  directly  from  the 
client ;  preferments  in,  enumerated, 
155  ;  courts  of,  inferior  officers  in,  156 

clapperclaw,  v.  a.  71,  1.  II  from  foot, 
to  belabour 

Clerks  of  the  Household  formerly  rose 
by  gradation,  169 

Clerkships  enumerated,  159 

Clerkships  of  trading  companies,  to 
whom  formerly  given,  165 

Cloaks,  fashions  in,  121/304 

closecubberds,  18/13,  sa^es  °f  the 
period  ? 

clouterly  caulfed,  82/14.  "Clouterly, 
clumsy,  awkward." — Halli-wetTs  Diet. 

Cobbilero,  John,  30,  1.  12  from  foot,  a 
name  for  a  cobbler 

collops  of  their  owne  flesh,  1 86,  1.  3 
from  foot,  children.  Cf.  Hen.  VI. 
pt.  I,  V.  iv.  1 8. 

Common  courting  lads,  their  behaviour, 
92 

Common  gardens  about  London  ill- 
smelling  places,  19/22 

Common  Law  students  should  first  enter 
an  Inn  of  Chancery,  156;  become 
clerks  to  a  prothonotary  of  Common 
Pleas ;  know  something  of  Civil  Law, 

»S7 

Common  Law,  preferments  in,  158 
Confectio  Alchermi,  150/14 
congies,  sb.  114/99,  bows 
coning-shifts,  91/23,   coney-shifts,  Le. 

swindles 

cooling  carde,  71, 1.  10  from  foot 
copesmates,   9,  1.  8  from  foot,  17/21, 

intimate  friends.    A.  S.  copest,  chief- 

est,  and  mate  ? 

Corked  shoes  worn  by  women,  122/328 
Corn  engrossed  through  Avarice,  I29/ 

547 
Cornewall,  an  ill-omened  name,   I33/ 

675 

Counsel,  their  former  means  of  prefer- 
ment, 157;  present,  159 

courrose,  v.a.  25,  1.  13  from  foot, 
carouse 

Courtier,  a,  should  be  placed  with  a 
White  Staff  of  the  Household,  168 


2O4 


Index. 


Courtship,  story  of  a  long  one,  89-90 
Coy  dame,  story  of  a,  81-82,  85 
cracke,  sb.  143/22,  ruin? 
crack-halter,    a,   91,    1.  5  from  foot,  a 

gallows-bird 
cract-love,    81/3.    "Cracked-piece,    a 

girl  who   is  no  longer  a  virgin." — 

HalliwelFs  Diet. 

crannes,  23,  1.  1 1  from  foot,  chinks 
Crooked  lane,  traps  there,  91/15 
cryll,  a,   164,  1.  3  from  foot,  a  creel? 

This  is  a  large  wicker  basket  used  in 

Scotland  to  convey  fish  to  market. 

See  Penny  Magazine,  vol.  ix.  370. 
Cuckow,  the,  at  Canck-wood  in  May, 

160/22 

Damsel,  immodest,  story  of  an,  75-9,  81 
Daughters,  how  to  be  portioned,  172  ; 
their  education  ;  should  be  brought 
up  by  their  mother ;  in  whose  house- 
holds to  place  them,  173  ;  with  whom 
they  may  associate  ;  their  marriage, 

174 

Democritus,  122/341 

Diana,  134/693 

dicotomize,  v.a.  144/9,  divide 

disgesture,  13/2,  digestion 

Divine  service  on  board  ship,  170 

Doctor's  Commons,  doctors  of  civil  law 
formerly  lived  there,  156 

Dodridge,  Justice,  his  tractate  on  law 
studies  referred  to,  156 

dooing,  188/1,  management 

Doter,  a,  described,  41 

drerelayes,  52/22,  dreary  lays,  mournful 
ditties 

driggell  draggells,  14/13,  sluts 

Drummer,  the,  of  Paris  Garden,  174,  1. 
2  from  foot 

Drunkenness  a  mate  of  Gluttony,  I3i/ 
613  ;  described,  131/614-24  ;  differ- 
ent effects  of,  132/625-30 ;  evils  of, 
132/637-41 

Dutch,  the,  asked  what  trade  James  I. 
used,  164 

Dutchwoman's,  a,  clothing,  173/1 

egges,  74,  1.  6  from  foot,  incites.    A.  S. 

eggian 

Eise,  76/12,  I  shall  (often  'Ise.') 
Englishman,  picture  of  an,  122/340-46; 

character,  122/349-52 
Envious  man,  story  of  an,  124/391-94 
Envy  described,  123/367-74 ;  her  mis- 
deeds, 123/375-408  ;  caused  war  be- 
tween Caesar  and  Pompey,  123/379-80 
equipace,  i.  e.  a  measured  step,  fashion- 
able, 120/267 


Ermiline,  the,  134/697,  the  ermine 
Every-place,  the  country  of,  41,  1.   6 

from  foot 
evill,  9/1 6,  empty 
Exchange,  fashions  change  monthly  at 

the,  121/312 
Exchange  shops,  girls  bred  in,  173,  1. 

9  from  foot 
Exhibitions,  in  whose  gift ;  where  to 

search  for,  146  ;  to  obtain,  147,  149 
extrution,  37/21,  thrusting  out 

fairing-monger,  100/1 

Fancy,  Pride's  handmaid,  119/243 

Farriery  learnt  by  a  great  earl,  164 

Fashions  change  continually,  120/277- 
94 

Fasting  and  prayer  neglected,  186 

Feather  fans  used  by  women,  121/318 

feeble,  a  name  for  a  tailor,  157,  L  8 
from  foot 

Fellowships,  how  obtained,  149 

Fiat,  Mr  Francis,  a  fishmonger,  152,  1. 
7  from  foot 

fieres-bird,  12/17,  one  who  sits  by  the 
fire.  See  marginal  note. 

Fleet  Street  vintners  discharge  their 
journeymen  after  Trinity  term,  141 

Flower  de  luce,  13/21,  a  tavern 

flung  out  at  a  bootie,  67/10,  robbed  on 
the  highway  ? 

fobbe  uppe,  v.a.  25/14,  delude 

fooles  paradice,  93/1,  Rom.  dr5  Jul., 
III.  ii.  82 

for,  7/3,  from,  against 

Free  schools,  principal,  enumerated ; 
very  numerous  ;  their  kinds,  145 

free  taile,  31/8,  fee-tail,  "Fee-tail,  feo- 
dum  taliatum,  is  that  whereof  we  are 
seised  to  Us  and  our  Heirs,  with 
Limitation,  that  is,  the  Heirs  of  our 
Body."  Cowel's  Law  Diet.,  ed.  1727, 
s.  v.  Fee 

French  borders,  173/6,  a  kind  of  needle- 
work 

Friar  Tuck's  mattins,  53>  !•  9  from  foot 

friars,  bawdy,  114/105 

fustic  framed  speech,  4,  1.  2  from  foot 

galliard,   the,   IO2,  1.   II  from  foot,  a 

dance.     See  HalliweWs  Diet.,  s.  v. 
geeres,  v.n.  131/622,  jeers 
Gentlemen  should  learn  trades,  164 
Geometry  described,  117/175-80 
gesse,  guests,  60,  1.  4  from  foot 
gigges,   118/216,  jigs.     "A  jig  was  a 
ludicrous  metrical  composition,  often 
in  rhyme,  which   was   sung  by  the 
clown,  who  occasionally  danced,  and 


Index. 


205 


was  always  accompanied  by  a  tabor 
and  pipe.  ' — Halliwell's  Diet. 

Gill,  a  lazie,  127/494,  epithet  of  Sloth 

girne,  80/23,  to  grin 

girning,  4,  1.  9  from  foot,  grinning 

Gluttony  described,  131/595-600,  607- 
12  ;  her  misdeeds,  131/601-6 

God  giveyee  joye,  90,  1.  10  from  foot,  a 
marriage  benediction 

Goffo  (Ital.  stupid)  feeds  Lipotopo, 
128/524 

Grammer  described,  116/145-50;  bond- 
slave to  Stationers,  116/149 

Greenes  Cunnyberries,  55/22 

Grocers  complain  of  Avarice,  129/549 

hale-backe,  a,  27,  last  line,  a  hawl-back, 
pull-back 

Hales,  Sir  Edward,  praised,  139-40/25- 
32 

hallow  mouthed,  152,  last  line,  sancti- 
monious 

harborow,  sb.  103,  1.  12  from  foot,  har- 
bour 

harte  at  grasse,  23,  1.  3  from  foot,  heart 
of  grace 

Hawkins,  Sir  John,  his  hospital  for 
sailors,  171 

Hedge-creepers,  i.  e.  petty  traders,  de- 
scribed, 164-65 ;  their  paltry  ven- 
tures, 165 

Heir,  your,  should  marry  early,  144 

her,  for  gen.  s.  36/3 

Heraclitus,  122/342 

Herod,  125/433 

Herodias,  122/326 

Hesiode,  124/402 

hinderlove,  a,  91,  1.  4  from  foot 

Ilindes  fees,  95/19 

his,  for  gen.  s.  49/16 

hit-home,  adj.  93/20 

Hogsden,  51/4,  Hoxton,  Middlesex 

Holborn  ostlers,  when  they  impound 
the  guest's  boots,  141 

hollowes  the  sight,  80,  1.  3  from  foot, 
gives  the  view  holla  ? 

Honesty  comes  to  Hogsden  ;  sees  a 
troop  of  lovers  in  a  hall  there,  51  ; 
describes  them,  51-96;  his  reflections 
on  the  case  of  the  passionate  ass,  55  > 
blames  women  who  appeal  from 
their  husbands  to  their  parents,  and 
folks  who  marry  and  repent,  55~6  J 
considers  love  the  highest  duty,  57  > 
censures  wooers  who  rely  on  parent's 
authority,  59 ;  his  reflections  on  the 
case  of  the  covetous  widow,  63-5  ; 
thinks  women  beholden  to  men  who 
marry  them,  65  ;  for  marriage  is  a 


perilous  state,  66 ;  his  cure  for  fas- 
tidious wives,  74 ;  warning  against 
mercenary  matches,  75  ;  creeps  into 
maidens'  chambers  and  overhears 
their  talk,  8l  ;  advises  suitors  not  to 
be  unreasonable  in  their  require- 
ments, 83  ;  warns  coy  damsels,  86-7 ; 
disapproves  of  long  courtships,  87-9; 
thinks  a  month  long  enough  for  one, 
92  ;  condemns  seducers,  95  ;  warns 
girls  to  beware  of  them,  96;  their 
faithlessness  makes  women  distrust- 
ful, 96-7 ;  yet  they  may  know  if  a 
man  is  in  earnest,  98 ;  counsels 
parents  to  marry  their  daughters  to 
younger  sons  of  good  family,  98-9  ; 
doesn't  consider  the  consent  of 
parents  to  a  match  necessary,  100 ; 
reprobates  inconstant  lovers,  101  ; 
finds  love  amongst  the  multitude, 
101-2  ;  his  praise  of  women,  102  ; 
men  can't  do  without  them,  102-3  J 
eulogizes  their  mercy,  discretion,  and 
modesty,  103-5 
Horace's  Art  of  Poetrie  alluded  to, 

"7/193 

hotte  spurres,  56/19,  impatient  lovers 
Household,  officers  of  the,  appointments 

in  their  gift,  168 
Hue  and  cry,  pursuit  of  thieves,  68,  1. 

9  from  foot 
Husbandman,   character    befitting    a ; 

tenancies  he  should  seek,  167 
Hydra,  the,  112/49 

indigitly,  150/4,  distinctly 

it,  its,  29/12,  13;  94/4 

Italian  purles,  173/6,  "Most  curious 
Purles,  or  rare  Italian  Cutworke." 
The  Needles  Excellency,  by  John  Tay- 
lor, Spenser  Society's  ed.,  Issue  No.  7 

jacke  of  Napes,  75,  1.  5  from  foot,  a 
monkey 

Jasper  Impudencie's  ungrateful  con- 
duct, 1 6 

Jealousy,  an  old  doter's  causeless, 
narrated,  16-17  >  story  of  a  wife  made 
unfaithful  by  her  husband's,  23-6  ; 
remedies  against,  34-8;  his  kingdom 
described,  41-3 

jetting,  125/429,  strutting,  " ,  the 

Normane  guise  was,  to  walke  and/rf 
up  and  downe  the  streetes,  with  great 
traines  of  idle  Serving  men  following 
them." — Lambarde's  Perambulation 
of  Kent,  reprint,  1826,  p.  320 

jumpe,  65/24;  83/3,  coincide 

jumply,  25/10,  aptly 


2O6 


Index. 


Jusling  Jacks  take  the  wall,  124/400 

kea-cold  winter,    5/15.      Cf.    Richard 

III.,  I.  ii.  5 

kill  Crowe,  to  meet  a,  83/4 
kinde,  127/482.     Cf.  Hamlet,  I.  ii.  65. 

See  akind 

kinde  hit  home  floutes,  93/20,  snubs 
knight  of  the  poste,  the,  26, 1.  8  from  foot 

Lachesis,  120/286 

lac'st-mutton,  95  /IO,  superlative  of 
laced  mutton,  a  courtesan.  Two 
Gent.  I.  i.  102 

laftat,  laughed  at,  32/8 

Landed  estate,  your,  shouldn't  be  di- 
vided amongst  your  children,  143 

Land  owners  generally  obliged  to  bor- 
row at  the  rent-day,  143 

Land  soldier,  the,  his  tactics,  170/1 ; 
profession  not  lucrative  ;  his  chances 
of  preferment ;  where  he  should 
serve,  171;  charities  for  the,  171-72 

lasht  out,  89/9,  lavished 

Learning  rejected,  115/116-26 

Lechery  consorts  with  Gluttony,  13 1/ 
612  ;  described,  132/645-48;  her  mis- 
deeds, 132-33/649-66 

Lecturers  more  reverenced  than  parsons, 

153 

leesing,  adj.  89/3,  mendacious 

Lelaps,  4/1 1 

let,  v.n.  26/5,  scruple 

Light  of  Love,  the  city,  42/15 

Likings-recantation,  the  valley,  91,  1. 

6  from  foot 

Lincolne    green,    hospital    for     land- 
soldiers  once  there,  172/15 
line,  a,  41/21,  a  clue? 
Linendraper's  company,  the,  has  greater 
privileges  than   any  other,    but   no 
charter  ;    their  trade  a  very  cleanly 
one,  165 

Lipotopo,  story  of,  128/505-28 
Lobb,  a  serving  man,  his  treachery,  20 
Logic  described,  116/157-62;  expelled 

from  colleges,  116/162 
London,  common  gardens  about,  19/22 
London  inns,  Flower  de  Luce,  Bride- 
well,  13  (see  Fleet  Street,  Petticoat 
Lane,  Poultry,  &c.) 
Long-lane  gowne,    a,    165/12.      Long 
lane  was  "A  Place  also  of  Note  for 
the    sale   of  Apparel,    Linnen,    and 
Upholsters  Goods,  both  Second-hand 
and    New,  but  chiefly  for   Old,  for 
which  it  is  of  note. " — Strype's  Stow, 
I.,  bk.  iii.  p.  122,  col.  2 
loose  bodied  gowne,  a,  144/6,  a  woman's 


garb.    Cf.  Taming  of  the  Shrew,  IV. 

iii-  35 

Love,  true,  described,  39  ;  false,  and 
its  evil  consequences,  39-41 ;  the 
blessings  of  true,  43-4 

Lovesick  damsel,  story  of  a,  75-81 

lubber,  128/509.  Raligaut :  m.  An 
vnweldie  lubber,  great  lobcocke, 
huge  luske,  mishapen  lowt,  ill-fau- 
oured  flaber-gullion.  —  i6n.  Cot- 
grave. — F. 

Lucrece,  132/651 

lumpe,  v.n.  19/3,  be  sullen 

lurdens,  3,  1.  J  from  foot,  lubberly 
churls 

lusking,  128/509,  idle 

Magog,  4/8 

maimed-maide,  95/2 

maine  Centre,  the,  165,  1.  6  from  foot, 

the  earth's  axis 
make-bates,    10,   1.  2  from  foot ;   41, 

1.  2  from  foot.     See  bate-maker 
mankinde  creature,  a,  80,  1.  6  from  foot. 

Cf.  Coriolanus,  IV.  ii.  16 
Manufacturers  should  sell  by  retail,  164; 

their  trade  lucrative.  165 
Many-mislike,   Mistres,   86,  1.  7  from 

foot 

Maro.    See  Virgil 
Married  men,  names  offensive  to  them, 

133/675 

Mars,  32  ;  Wrath's  chieftain,  126/463 

Marsias,  118/217,  Marsyas 

mastie,  a,  4,  1.  9  from  foot,  a  mastiff 

Meander,  the,  118/206 

Medical  profession  not  lucrative ;  skill 
at  a  low  ebb,  160 

Medusa,  120/275 

Melpomene,  112/31 

mens-helpers,  105/5,  women 

Merchant  Royall,  the,  described,  164 ; 
injured  by  petty  trafficers,  165 

Merchants,  their  qualifications  and 
risks ;  some  gain  by  war ;  incor- 
porated societies  of,  162 

Mercuric,  121/301 

Military  art  best  learnt  in  the  Low 
Countries,  171 

milk-white  bosom,  102/18.  Two  Gent. 
III.  i.  250 

Millers,  knavery  of,  59,  !•  3  from  foot ; 
84/9 

Minotaur,  the,  an  incorporated  com- 
pany, 167/3 

Minstrels  strive  with  blind  fidlers,  I24/ 
398 

Miser's  daughter,  story  of  a,  83-4 

Momus,  1 1 1/4;  134/707 


Index. 


207 


Money- wooers,  their  practices  described, 

61-2 

Monks  abused,  1 14/96,  103 
moule,  sb.  45/10,  mould 
Music  described,  116/163-68 

Nan,  82,  a  serving  maid 
Naval  preferments,  how  obtained,  170 
Navigator's,    the    (merchant    seaman), 
attainments  and  way  of  advancement, 
1 66  ;  he  musn't  intrench  upon  incor- 
porated companies,  167 
Neapolitan,  the,  160/19,  lues  venerea 
neeses,  sb.  77/2,  sneezes.  Cf.  Jobxli.  18 
New  College  breeds  civilians,  155 
nice  no-maide,  a,  83,  1.  12  from  foot 
Nilus,  113/62 

noddies,  83,  1.  10  from  foot,  fools 
Nomothetes,  134/710,  a  lawgiver 
Nonconformist,  story  of  an  ejected,  159, 

160 
nuntions,  13,  1.  9  from  foot,  luncheon 

Oaths,  gods  Lord,  70/4 ;  passion  of 
God,  Divell  breake  his  necke,  73/7- 
lo ;  By  our  Lady,  By  cock  and  pie, 
89,  11.  5,  4  from  foot ;  the  passion  of 
our  Lady,  96/11 

ostice,  13,  1.  12  from  foot,  hostess 

othersome,  51,  line  10  from  foot,  some 
others 

out-joynted,  adj.  90/4,  discarded 

Overcount,  Mistrisse,  141, 1.  7  from  foot, 
a  hostess 

over-slippes,  82/7,  defects 

Ovid,  113/73;  II7/I95 

Ovid's  Ars  Amandi  censured,  133/633 

Oxford,  115/134 

Oyster  women's  hook  shoulders,  83,  1. 
2  from  foot  % 

Painted  plumes  worn  by  men,  121/317 

Pallas,  116/148 

Pantoples  or  pantophels  (slippers)  worn 

by  women,  55,  last  line  ;  122/327 
Parnassus,  118/212 
passe  not,  114/91  ;  134/708,  care  not. 

Cf.  2  Henry  VI.,  IV.  ii.  136 
Passing  kind  man,  story  of  a,  60 
Passionate  lover,  story  of  a,  51-4 
Patars,  163/12,  light  guns 
Patience,  Wrath's  contrary,  127/475 
patrocinie,  45/9,  patronage 
Patrons,  private,  of  benefices,  remarks 

on,  153-54  >  grand  advowsons,  154 
Pensions.     See  Exhibitions 
Periwigs   worn    by  women,   120/272 ; 

121/310.    See  also  161,  1.  7  from  foot 
pesterment,  51/8,  embarrassment 


Petticoat  Lane,  new  fashions  there,  91/10 

phisnomie,  121/322,  physiognomy 

Physicians,  diseases  they  treat,  1 60 ; 
their  attainments  and  advancement ; 
should  make  acquaintance  with  gal- 
lants and  immoral  women,  161  ;  find 
a  mineral  spring,  161-62;  for  women, 
their  qualifications,  160 ;  young,  ig- 
norant, 161 

Pierce-Pennilesse's  supplication  to  the 
devil's  parliament,  26 

Pilate,  112/53 

pimpers  with  the  eyes,  131/620 

placket,  91 1 12,  a  woman's  pocket.— 
Halliwelfs  Diet. 

placket  lace,  53,  1.  6  from  foot,  95/13 

plat,  sb.  1 1/6 

Pluto,  119/236 

Poetry  wronged,  117-18/189-210 

Poets,  bad,  impudence  of,  118/211-16; 
punished,  118/217-22 

poked  ruffes  worn  by  women,  74/9 

Pope,  the,  abused,  113,  114 

Poultry,  the,  a  debtor's  prison  in,  I29/ 
562 

powder  Beefe,  165/4,  salt  beef 

pricking-burre,  57/15 

pricksong,  90/16,  "Music  pricked  or 
noted  down,  full  of  nourish  and 
variety." — Halliwetfs  Diet. 

Pride  and  her  attendants  described, 
119/241-46;  her  votaries  satirized, 
119-22/247-352 

prittell  prattell,  13/9,  gossip 

prittie-bird,  a,  57/15 

Proctors  in  Civil  Law,  their  number 
lately  limited,  156 

Proteus,  120/277 

Proverbs  cited  : — I  had  rather  have  a 
man  than  mony,  6.  Love  hath  no 
lacke.  Selfe  do,  selfe  have,  7  ;  he 
which  will  no  penaunce  doe,  must 
shonne  the  cause  that  belongs 
thereto,  IO ;  a  still  dogge  bites 
sore,  but  the  barking  cur  feares 
more,  15;  the  pitcher  goeth  long 
to  the  water,  but  at  laste  ...  is-' 
brought  home  broken,  30 ;  kit  must 
after  kind,  bee  it  but  in  scraping  of  a 
frying  panne,  30  ;  an  il  bird  which  will 
defile  his  owne  nest,  33, 123/358 ;  shee 
that  knowes  where  Christes  crosse 
standes,  will  never  forget  where 
great  A  dwels,  33 ;  hot  love  wil  be 
soone  colde,  56,  81  ;  qui  moccat 
moccabitur,  70 ;  "  Like  will  to 
like,"  quoth  the  Divell  to  the 
Collier,  74 ;  looke  ere  we  lep,  75  ; 
crooked  without,  and  crabbed  within, 


208 


Index. 


86  ;  lingring  love  breedes  mislike, 
87 ;  a  faire  face  cannot  have  a 
crabbed  heart,  92 ;  better  to  fill  the 
bellie  than  the  eye,  130/578 

Pumps  worn  by  women,  122/325 

purcase,  36/10,  purchase 

purcenet,  a,  32/11 ;  "  Purse-net,  a  net, 
the  ends  of  which  are  drawn  together 
with  a  string,  like  a  purse.". — Hatti- 
•welFs  Diet. 

quarter,  a,  39,  1.  7  from  foot,  a  quarter 

of  an  hour 
quittance,  109/1,  acquit 

Rack-rent,  property  let  at,  130/568 

Ram-Alley  cookery,  141/7 

rammish,  38/3,  untamed 

recovered  a  flap  with  a  foxe  tale,  90/11 

Religion  has  left  the  earth,  113/78 

Repentance,  Wrath's  follower,  126/470 

Rhetoric  described,  116/151-56 

ribble  rabble  route,  114/110 

riggish,  121/309,  wanton.  Cf.  Ant.  & 
Cleop.,  II.  ii.  245 

rigs,  120/274,  courtezans 

Robin  good-fellow  meets  Tell  troth ; 
managed  to  slip  into  hell  and  heard 
there  an  oration  on  jealousy,  4 ;  de- 
scribes the  different  causes  and  kinds 
of  jealousy  to  Tell  troth,  5-20 ;  re- 
hearses the  resolutions  of  the  devil's 
parliament,  20-22  ;  desires  Tell  troth 
to  publish  his  invective  against 
jealousy,  and  vanishes,  26 

rookes,  13/4,  slanderers.  See  marginal 
note,  13 

Round  hose  worn  by  men,  121/302 

Rowsie,  165/12,  Russia 

roysting,  123/365,  roistering 

Ruffines,  fine-raft,  their  cringing  cuts, 
119/248;  shag  hair,  120/271 

Scholar,  a,  should  go  to  a  free  school,  144 
Scholarships   enumerated,    foundation, 

145  ;   election,    145-46  ;    at  college, 

how  obtained,  147 

scombers,  75,  1.  4  from  foot,  stercorat 
Scriveners   of   Temple   Bar    have    no 

business  when  Trinity  Term's  over,  141 
Scriveners  scribling-band,  130/566 
Secretaryships.     See  Clerkships 
Seducer,  story  of  a,  94,  96 
Senior  fellows  may  confer  scholarships, 

H7 

shadowed,  72/3,  concealed 

shaled  with  their  feete,  82/13.      "Es- 

grailler,  to  shale,  or  straddle  with  the 

feet  or  legs." — Colgrcwe. 


she  beetell,  13/12.    Seemarginal  note,  13 
Shoe    Lane,    one    that    sells    running 

leather  there,  91/12 
shonne-thankes,  81/1 
Shopkeepers  depend  on  merchants,  162; 

their  gains  uncertain,  163 
Shoreditch  church,  constant  lovers  in, 

at  midnight,  91/17 

shrewd,  the  old,  34/22,  an  old  tough  [tree] 
Sidney's  Arcadia  alluded  to,  173/9 
Simony  as  hard  to  discover  as  a  witch, 

154/10 

Sittingbourne,  Kent,  139/6 
sleeveless  excuses,  65/6 
Sloth  described,  127/494-504 
smirking  kisses,  58/5 
Smithfield,  horses  sold  there,  83,  1.  7 

from  foot,  87,  1.  2  from  foot 
Smithfield  should  be  called  smite-field, 

126/452 
Smith's,    Sir   Thomas,    Commonwealth 

of  England  referred   to,    158,    1.    8 

from  foot 

snip-snap  sheeres,  120/287 
Soldier's  superstition,  66/24 
Soldier,  the  sea,  thrives  better  than  the 

land  soldier  ;  must  have  more  learn- 

ing and  valour  ;  may  make  his  fortune 

by  a  prize,  169  ;  his  preferment  and 

attainments,  170 

Sollom-bird,  83/20,  a  precise  maiden 
Sons,  your,  let  them  choose  their  pro- 

fession ;    don't   keep   them  long   at 

home,  144 

Sorpego,  160/19,  erysipelas? 
sossing  down,  78/3,  plumping  down 
sound,  a,  79>  !•  13  from  foot,  a  swoon 
sparrow-blasting,  35/18,  cuckolding 
Sparrows  examples  to  households,  187, 

1.  6  from  foot 
spie-fault,  a,  80,  1.  4  from  foot,  a  cen- 

sorious person 
Squabler,     a,      166/20,     a     swabber? 

"  Swabber,  a  sweeper  of  a  vessel." 


St  Martins  le  Grand,  girls  bred  there, 

173,  1.  8  from  foot 
St   Paul's,    wavering  wenches  reviled 

there,  91/4 
stale,  a,  25/7.     "Stale,  a  living  Fowl 

put  in  any  place  to  allure  other  Fowls  ; 

a  decoy  Fowl.  "  —  Bailey  s  Diet.  ,  I. 
Statute,  the,  appealed  to  by  the  Bos- 

seldir,  139/8 
stay  his  stint  by  the  heeles,  59,  1.  6  from 

foot,  sit  in  the  stocks  for  the  time 

appointed 
Stoomp-foot,  Joane,  an  old  beldame,  13, 

1.  9  from  foot 


Index. 


209 


striker,  a,  80, 1.  3  from  foot,  a  wencher. 
Cf.  Massinger's  Unnatural  Combat, 
IV.  ii.  p.  54,  col.  2,  ed.  Gifford, 
1840. 

Styx,  the,  4/4 

Sufferance,  cousin  to  Patience  described, 
127/481-84 

Suitors,  hard  to  please,  one  took  fright 
at  a  headache  ;  another  at  a  tooth- 
ache ;  a  third  at  a  long  nose,  60  ;  a 
fourth  wanted  to  be  kissed  in  public, 
60- 1 

Swainmote,  the,  a  forest  court,  158/6 

Swearing  on  board  ship  should  be 
punished,  170 

Syrens,  133/679 

Tailor,  at  a  court  masque,  story  of  a, 

157 

Tantalus,  115/137 

tantinie  pigge,  a,  75,  1.  3  from  foot.  St 
Anthony's  pig,  a  pet  pig.  See 
Halliwett 's  Diet.,  s.  v.  Anthony-pig. 
"Lead  on,  little  Tony— I'll  follow 
thee,  my  Anthony,  my  Tantony, 
sirrah,  thou  shalt  be  my  Tantony, 
and  I'll  be  thy  pig." — Congreve, 
Way  of  the  World,  IV.  xi.— P.  A.  D. 

' ' ,  folk  may  well  talk,  to  see 

you  dangling  after  me  everywhere, 
like  a  tantony  pig." — Isaac  Bicker- 
staff,  Love  in  a  Village,  I.  ix. 

Tarquin,  132/651 

Taverne  Roarer  of  the  Citie,  a,  170,  1. 
3  from  foot 

Tell  troth  meets  Robin  good-fellow,  3 

Temple  Bar,  141 

territ,  36/22,  turret 

Thameras,  118/219,  Thamyris 

thirteene  pence  halfe  penny,  the  hang- 
man's fee,  43/14 

Thrasonicall,  126/457.  Cf.  As  You  Like 
It,  V.  ii.  34 

Timerity,  forerunner  of  Wrath,  126/469 

Tobias  and  Sara  examples  to  married 
folk,  1 86 

tole,  1 8/8,  entice ;  toling,  43/20 

Tom  of  all  Trades  lands  in  Kent,  I39/ 
I  ;  is  advised  to  get  a  pass  at  Ton- 
stall  Hall,  139/11-12;  goes  thither 
and  dedicates  his  book  to  Sir  Edward 
Hales,  140/33-42 ;  leaves  town,  and 
on  Highgate  hill  overtakes  a  gentle- 
man of  Northamptonshire,  141  ;  gives 
him  advice  on  the  preferment  of  his 
sons  and  daughters,  143-74 ;  once 
began  a  list  of  ecclesiastical  benefices, 
but  gave  it  up,  154 ;  would  be  glad 
to  compile,  gratis,  a  list  of  incorpor- 


ated companies'  trusts,  166 ;  insists 
on  the  importance  of  grammar  learn- 
ing for  boys,  172  ;  espies  mine  host 
of  the  Bull  in  St  Albans,  1 74  ;  con- 
cludes with  the  poet,  175 
Tom  of  Odcombe,  139/24.  Thomas 
Coryate,  of  Odcombe,  Somerset,  the 
traveller 

Tom-witles,  84,  I.  9  from  foot 
Tonstall  Court,    the  residence   of   Sir 

Edward  Hales,  139/12 
toothsome,  131/599 
too  too,  37/8,  82/16 
tooting  head,  a,  33/17,  a  budding  head 
Totty,  Tom,  Joan  Stoomp-foot's  hus- 
band, 13,  1.  8  from  foot 
Toyles,  The  Master  of  the  T.  and  Tents, 
1 68,  1.  10  from  foot.     Chamberlayne 
speaks  of  "the  Office  of  the  Tents, 
Toy  Is,   Hays  and  Pavillions.     Two 
Masters,  &c." — AngZia  Notitia,   ed. 
1673,  Pt.  i.  p.  192.     Spelman  says, 

s.  v.  Toile.  " ,  cassis  e  funiculis 

nexus :  quibus  saltuarii  cervos  inter- 
cipiunt,  a  Gall,  toile,  i.  tela"  and  s.  v. 

Haia  " ,  illud  rete  quo  e  campis 

redeuntes   cuniculos    intercipiunt   an 
haye  dicitur."     This  officer  probably 
provided  the  tents,  nets,  and  snares 
used  when  the  king  went  a-hunting 
Trades,  those  which  take  high  fees  from 
apprentices  precarious,  163  ;  most  in 
request  enumerated,  163-64  ;  house- 
wive's,  164 
Tradesmen  who  are  patrons  of  livings, 

how  to  humour  them,  152 
Trading  companies  hold  trust  funds  for 
the  benefit  of  young  tradesmen,  but 
misuse  them,   165  ;  returns  of  these 
ought  to  be  published,  166 
trenchemore,  to  dance,  20/10.    "  But  in 
King  Charles's  time,  there  has  been 
nothing  but    French-more   and    the 
Cushion  Dance,  omnium  gatherum, 
tolly,  polly,  hoite  come  toite." — Sel- 
den's  Table  Talk,  King  of  England, 
Arber's  ed.,  p.  62 
Trinity  Hall  trains  civilians,  155 
Trinity  Term,  people  leave  town  when 

it's  over,  141 

triphells,  31,  1.  6  from  foot,  trifles 
Trott,  story  of  a  slanderous  old,  11-14 
Trulls  use  fans,  122/333 
Trumpington,  Cambridgeshire,  150/3 
tuesday  supper,  a,  JO,  last  line 
Tyburn,  36/10,  74,  1.  4  from  foot 
type,   114/88;  the  top  of  the  II.     Cf. 
'Tipe-stick.     The    piece    of    wood 
which,  reaching  from  shaft  to  shaft, 


SHAKSPERE'B  ENGLAND  :  TELL-TEOTH. 


aio 


Index. 


keeps  the  body  of  a  cart  in  its  place, 
and  prevents  it  from  typing  up  or 
over.  Lincolnshire'  —  Halliwelfs 
Dict.—F. 

umpertiall,  40/12,  impartial 
Uncomely  woman,   an,   married  by  a 

man  for  safety,  19-20 
unharted,  76/22 
Unhealthy  places  most   profitable  for 

farming,  167 
Universities, the,  impoverished,  1 1 5/1 27- 

32 

unkeamed,  123/369,  uncombed 
untollerable,  102,  1.  6  from  foot 
Usurers  good  patients,  161 
Usury  described,  129/553-56;  defended, 

129/557-58 

Vanity,  Pride's  handmaid,  119/243 

Venus,  32  ;  132/650 

Verses  will  be  found  at  pages  34-5, 

37-8,  43,  and  76 
Vesta,  134/691 
vild,  133/673,  vile 
Virgil,  117/194,   118/214 
Vulcan,  19,  1.  5  from  foot ;  32 

waisters,  the,  30,  last  line 
wantantize,  129/552,  warrantize? 
weale-publike,  28/4,  commonwealth 
Westminster,  constancy  little  used  there, 

90,  1.  3  from  foot 
Westminsters  Hospitalitie,  a  house  of, 

96/23 
whereout,    179,  L   7  from  foot,   from 

whence 


whipperginne,  13, 1.  12  from  foot,  21/23, 

unchaste  woman 
whipsters,  8 1,  1.  9  from  foot,   wanton 

girls 
Whores,  evils  caused  by  them,  133/655- 

Widow,  story  of  a  covetous,  62-3,  69-70 

Widow,  married  to  an  avaricious  churl, 
story  of  a,  7°"3 

Widower's  wooing,  story  of  a,  57-8 

willow  guift,  90/5 

Winchester  has  scholarships  and  fellow- 
ships at  New  College,  155 

Winged  sleeves  worn  by  men,  121/301 

winne  unto,  95,  1.  3  from  foot,  attain 

wittall,  a,  13/17.  "  Wittol,  a  contented 
cuckold."— Halliwelts  Diet. 

Wives,  dyed  or  curled  hair,  painting 
and  pasting  unfit  for,  180 

Woodstreet  counter,  a  debtor's  prison, 
129/564 

wooer  in  graine,  a,  60,  1.  6  from  foot 

World,  the,  couldn't  contain  the  record 
of  man's  guilt,  113/55-60 

worship,  sb.  182/19,  honour 

Wrath  described,  125/427-32  ;  his  mis- 
deeds, 125-26/433-62 ;  moved  Herod, 
125/433,  and  Caligula,  126/445; 
makes  men  fight  at  Smithfield,  I26/ 
451 

Yeomen  of  the  Guard,  preferment  of 

the,  169 
Younger  children,  divide  the  portion  of 

your  heir's  wife  among  them,  144 
Youngsters    spend  their  patrimony  in 

gluttony,  131/601-2 


CLAY  AND  TAYLOR,  PRINTERS,   BUNGAY. 


3 


STAFFORD'S 


EXAMINATION  OF  COMPLAINTS. 


A.D.     1581. 


SERIES    VI. 
SHAKSPERE'S    ENGLAND. 


PRESENTED 


BY   THREE   MEMBERS 


THE   NEW  SHAKSPERE   SOCIETY 


THEIR  FELLOW   MEMBERS. 


WILLIAM    STAFFORD'S 

Contjrenokius  or  brief* 

af  cqtap* 


of  &ht*rs  0f  our  Coutttrgmw 

in  t^st  our  ga^s, 

A.D.  1581, 

(OTHERWISE  CALLD 
"A  BRIEFE   CONCEIPT  OF  ENGLISH  POLLICY."} 


WITH   AN    INTRODUCTION   BY 

FREDERIC    D.    MATTHEW. 


EDITED    BY 


FREDERICK    J.    FURNIVALL. 


PUBLISHT    FOR 

Efje  Ttfefo  -Sfjafcspere 

BY  N.  TRUBNER  &  CO.,  57,  59,  LUDGATE  HILL, 
LONDON,  E.G.,  1876. 


[This  treatise  by  "W.  S."  is  assignd  to  WILLIAM  STAFFORD  on  the 
authority  of  Anthony  Wood's  Fasti  Oxonienses,  in  the  2nd  or  posthumous 
edition  of  his  Ath.  Oxon.  (from  his  notes)  1721,  vol.i.  col.  203,  and  the  state- 
ment of  Dr  Fanner  in  his  Essay  on  the  Learning  ofShakspere,  1767,  "  I  have 
since  observed,  that  Wood  is  not  the  first  who  hath  given  us  the  true  author 
of  the  pamphlet." — Variorum  Shakspere,  1821 ;  vol.  i.  p.  346,  note.] 


Stria  VL    jfo.  3. 


K.   CLAY  AND  SONS,   CHAUCER  PRESS,   BUNGAY. 


Ill 


FOREWORDS. 


OF  the  Elizabethan  Tracts  in  the  Condition-of -Tudor- England- 
Series  which  the  Early  English  Text  Society  undertook  at  my 
request  in  1869  (see  Report,  Jan.  1869,  p.  17 — 20),  one  of  the 
earliest  in  date  was  the  present  Examination,  by  William  Stafford,  of 
certain  complaints  of  his  countrymen  in  his  day,  A.D.  1581.  The 
most  important  work  was  Harrison's  Description  of  England,  A.D. 
1577 — 87,  in  Shakspere's  youth,  of  which,  Book  2  appears  with  this 
Stafford.  The  most  amusing1  was  Stubbes's  Anatomy  of  the 
Abuses,  or  notable  Vices  and  Corruptions,  reigning  in  England  in 
1583 — 95  ;  and  a  reprint  of  this,  our  member  Mr  Richard  Johnson 
will  kindly  give  us  this  year.  These  volumes,  together  with  the 
Tell-troth  one — containing  reprints  of  the  unique2  Tell-Trothes  New- 
Yeares  Gift,  and  Passionate  Morrice,  1593,  the  very  rare  Tom  Tel- 
troths  Message,  and  his  Pens  Complaint,  1600,  Thomas  Powell's  Tom 
of  all  Trades,  1631,  and  Thos.  Pritchard's3  unique2  Glasse  of  Godly 
Loue — will  give  a  good  start  to  our  New  Shakspere  Society's  Shak- 
spere s-England  Series,  the  sixth  of  the  eight  Series  plannd  for  it. 

This  Series  may  of  course  run  to  an  almost  indefinite  extent ; 
and  as  the  Early  English  Text  Society  has  only  too  gladly  handed 
over  to  the  New  Shakspere  Society  this  portion  of  its  work,  I  hope 
that  the  new  Society  will  at  least  reprint  the  works  that  the  old  one 
had  undertaken : 

"The  Complaint  of  England,  by  William  Lightfoote,  A.D.  1587. 

"  A  Looking-Glasse  for  Englande.  Wherein  those  enormities  and 
foule  abuses  may  most  euidentlie  be  scene  which  are  the  destruction 
and  ouerthrow  of  euery  Christian  Commonwealth  &c.,  A.D.  1590. 

1  Dekker's   Guls  Home-Book,  1609,  was  not  included  in  the  list,  as  Nott's 
edition  of  1812  (  ?  Halliwell's  of  1862)  was  still  in  the  market ;    but  the  book 
is  now  in  Mr  Henry  Brown's  hands  to  prepare  for  a  new  edition  for  the  New 
Shakspere  Society.     Dekker's  Belnian  of  London,    1 608,   and  Lanthome  and 
Candlelight,    1609,    prig   largely — as   does   the   Groundwork  of  Coneycatching, 
1592 — from  Harman's  Caveat,  1567.     See  the  edition  of  the  latter  by  Mr  Viles 
and  myself,  E.  E.  Text  Soc.  1869,  p.  xiv — xxi. 

2  Believd  so  to  be.  3  Or  John  Rogers's. 


IV 


Forewords.     Books  to  be  reprinted. 


"  The  Mirror  and  Manners  of  Men.  Written  by  Thomas  Church- 
yard, Gent.  1594- 

"  To  the  Kings  most  excellent  Maiestie.  The  Hvmble  Petition 
of  two  Sisters  :  the  Chvrch  and  Common-wealth  :  For  the  restor- 
ing of  their  ancient  Commons  and  liberties,  which  late  Inclosure 
with  depopulation,  vncharitably  hath  taken  away  :  Containing  seven 
reasons  as  euidences  for  the  same.  [By  Francis  Trigge.]  Londini, 
Impensis  Georgii  Bishop.  1604." 

Very  many  lighter  and  more  amusing  tracts  might  be  added  to 
the  list.  The  Committee  will  be  glad  to  hear  of  any  fresh  ones, 
and  of  any  Members  who  will  help,  by  gifts  of  money,  to  present 
Reprints  to  the  Society.1 

1  The  Early  English  Text  Society  has  publisht  the  following  Texts  bearing  on 
the  Language  and  Social  Condition  of  Shakspere's  time  : — 

Hume's  Orthographic  and  Congruitie  of  the  Britan  Tongue,  ab.  1617  A.D..  ed. 

H.  B.  Wheatley.     4?.     1865. 
Early  English  Pronunciati<  n,  with  especial  reference  to  Shakspere  and  Chaucer, 

by  A.  J.  Ellis,  F.R.S.     4  parts,  IDS.  each.     1867,  1869,  1871,  1874. 
Queene  Elizabethes  Achc.demy,  a  Book  of  Precedence,  &c.     Edited  by  F.  J.  Fur 

nivall,  Esq ,  with  Essays  on  early  Italian  and  German  Books  of  Courtesy, 

by  W.  M.  Rossetti,  Esq.,  and  E.  Oswald,  Esq.     13.5-.     1869. 
Awdeley's  Fraternitye  of  Vaccabondes,  1561,  Harman's  Caveat,  1567,  &c.  (de 

scribing  the  different  classes  of  Rogues).    Edited  by  E.  Viles,  Esq.,  and  F. 

J.  Furnivall,  Esq.     "Js.  6d.     1869. 
(Hugh  Rhodes's  Book  of  Nurture,    1577,   Richard  Weste's  Booke  of  Demeanor, 

1619,  and  F.  Seager's  Schools  of  Vertue,  1557,  are  in  the  Babees  Book,  1868.) 
The  Times  Whistle,  and  other  Poems,  by  R.  C.,  A.D.  1616,  edited  by  J.  M 

Cowper,  Esq.  (part  of  this  gives  a  dark  picture  of  the  vices  of  the  time). 

6s.     1871. 
Francis  Thynne's  Embleames  and  Epigrams,  1600,  from  the  Earl  of  Ellesmere's 

unique  MS.,  edited  by  F.  J.  Furnivall,  M.A.     4^.     1876. 

On  the  Condition  of  earlier  Tudor  England,  the  E.  E.  Text  Soc.  has  publisht 
(besides  Sir  David  Lyndesay's  Works)  : — 

Andrew  Boorde's  Introduction  of  Knowledge,  1547,  and  Dyetary  of  Helth,  1542; 
with  Barnes  in  the  Defence  of  the  Berd,  1542-3.  Edited,  with  a  Life  of 
Boorde,  and  an  account  of  his  Works,  by  F.  J.  Furnivall,  M.A.  i&s,  1870. 

England  in  Henry  VIII. 's  Time  :  a  Dialogue  between  Cardinal  Pole  and  Lupset, 
mainly  on  the  Condition  of  England,  written  by  Thomas  Starkey,  Chaplain 
to  Henry  VIII.  Edited  by  J.  M.  Cowper,  Esq.  Part  II.  izs.  1871. 
(Part  I.,  Starkey' s  Life  and  Letters,  is  in  preparation.) 

A  Supplycacyon  of  the  Beggers,  by  Simon  Fish,  1528-9  A.D.,  edited  by  F.  J.  Fur- 
nivall, M.A.  ;  with  A  Supplication  to  our  Moste  Soueraigne  Lorde  ;  A  Sup- 
plication of  the  Poore  Commons;  and  The  Decaye  of  England  by  the  Great 
Multitude  of  Sheep.  Edited  by  J.  M.  Cowper,  Esq.  6s.  1871. 

Robert  Crowley's  Thirty-one  Epigrams,  Voyce  of  The  Last  Trumpet,  Way  to 
Wealth,  &c.,  1550-1  A.D.,  edited  by  J.  M.  Cowper,  Esq.  I2s.  1872. 

The  Complaynt  of  Scotlande,  1549  A.D. ,  with  an  Appendix  of  four  Contempo- 
rary English  Tracts,  edited  by  J.  A.  H.  Murray,  Esq.  icw.  1872-1873. 

Henry  Brinklow's  Complaynt  of  Roderyck  Mors,  somtyme  a  gray  Fryre,  vntc 
the  Parliament  Howse  of  Ingland  his  naturall  Country,  for  the  Redresse  o 


Forewords.     Stafford  on  the  dearness  of  goods.      v 

Stafford's  book  is  not,  like  Harrison's,  a  deliberate  description  of 
the  social  state  of  England  at  its  date  (1581),  but  an  inquiry  into 
the  causes  of  the  dearth  or  dearness l  of  things  then  prevailing.  Of 
the  great  rise  in  prices  since  his  youth,  Harrison  too  complains, 
and  gives  some  interesting  particulars  (pp.  144,  153,  300,  &c.  of  my 
edition).  Harrison  complains  also  of  an  occasional  scarcity  of 
supplies  (p.  302) ;  but  that  there  was  no  general  dearth,  or  scarcity  in 
our  sense,  is  clear  from  the  silence  of  the  chroniclers  on  the  point. 

The  only  notice  in  Stowe  of  a  dearth2  in  any  year  near  1581,  is 

certen  wicked  Lawes,  euel  Customes,  and  cruel  Decreys  (ab.  1542)  ;  and 
The  Lamentacion  of  a  Christian  against  the  Citie  of  London,  made  by 
Roderigo  Mors,  A.D.  1545.  Edited  by  J.  M.  Cowper,  Esq.  9-f.  1874. 

The  Ballad  Society  has  publisht,  for  Tudor  England  : — 

Ballads  from  Manuscripts,  vol.  i :  Ballads  on  the  Condition  of  England  in  Henry 
VIII.'s  and  Edward  VI. 's  reigns  (including  the  State  of  the  Clergy,  Monks, 
and  Friars),  on  Wolsey,  Anne  Boleyn,  Somerset,  and  Lady  Jane  Grey,  with 
Wynkyn  de  Worde's  Treatise  of  a  Galaunt  (ab.  1520  A.D.) ;  ed.  by  F.  J. 
Furnivall,  M.A.,  1860,  1872. 

Ballads  from  Manuscripts,  vol.  ii :  The  Poore  Man's  Pittance,  by  Richard  Wil- 
liams (i.  The  fall  of  Anthony  Babington  ;  2.  the  Life  and  Death  of  Robert 
Devereux,  Earl  of  Essex,  beheaded  1601  ;  3.  the  horrible  Treason  of  the 
Gunpowder  Plot)  ;  Ballads  on  Queen  Elizabeth,  Essex,  Campion,  Drake, 
Raleigh,  Frobisher,  Warwick,  and  Bacon  ;  the  Candlewick  Ballads,  &c. ; 
edited  by  J.  F.  Furnivall,  M.A.,  and  W.  R.  Morfill,  M.A. 

Captain  Cox  his  Ballads  and  Books,  or  Robert  Laneham's  Letter  ;  Whearin  part 
of  the  entertainment  vntoo  the  Queenz  Majesty  at  Killingworth  Castle,  in 
Warwik  Sheer  in  this  Soomerz  Progress.  1575.  is  signified ;  from  a  freend 
officer  attendant  in  the  Court,  unto  hiz  freend,  a  Citizen  and  Merchaunt  of 
London.  Re-edited  by  F.  J.  Furnivall,  with  Forewords  describing  all  the 
accessible  Books,  Tales,  and  Ballads,  in  Captain  Cox's  List,  and  the  Com- 
flaynt  of  Scotland,  1548-9  A.D  (so  as  to  show  the  Literature  on  which  a  man 
of  the  lower  middle  class  in  Shakspere's  time  was  brought  up). 

Jyll  of  Braintford,  The  Wyll  of  the  Deuyll,  Talk  of  ten  Wives,  ed.  by  F.  J.  Fur- 
nivall, M.A. 

1  This  meaning  of  dearth  is  now  lost  in  its  second  sense  of  '  scarcity. '     The 
first  meaning  is  seen  in  Chaucer's  "  Seint  Gregory  sayth,  that  precious  clothing 
is  culpable  for  the  derthe  of  it,  and  for  his  softnesse,  and  for  his  strangenesse  and 
disguising,"  Parson's  Tale,  quoted  by  Richardson,  but  not  in  the  Ellesmere  MS., 
or  Harl.  7334.      "We  should  then  not  only  haue  dearth,  but  also  skarcenes  of 
corne,  that  we  should.be  driuen  to  seeke  it  from  outwarde  parties  and  pay  deare 
for  it."     p.  47  below,  1.  4  from  foot. 

2  The  chief  dearth  in  Shakspere's  time  was  in  1594-5.   And  as  one  cause  of  it 
was  the  great  rains  that  fell  in  May,  June,  July,  and  September,  I594>  and  some 
critics  date  The  Midsummer  Night's  Dream  1594-5,  from  its  supposd  allusion  to 
these  rains  in  II.  i.  88-117,  I  print,  at  the  end  of  these  Forewords,  the  passages 
from  Stowe  relating  to  this  dearth.    King  John  (1595)  is  also  supposd  to  allude 
to  these  rains  and  floods,  from  its  storm  imagery,  its  '  river  peering  o'er  his  bounds,' 
III.  i.  23,  its  'bated  and  retired  flood,'  V.  iv.  53,  &c.  &c. 


An.  reg.  16. 

'574- 


Dearth  without 
Kara  tie 


Bay  salt  deare 


vi    Forewords.    High  prices  in  1574.    Stafford's  book. 

the  following  in  1574, — p.  1147,  ed.  1605  (the  Author's  last  edition) 
— but  the  rise  in  prices  was  only  for  a  short  time  : ] 

"  This  yeere  about  Lammas,  wheate  was  sold  at  London  for  three 
shillings  the  bushell ;  but  shortly  after  it  was  raised  to  foure  shillings, 
fiue  shillings,  sixe  shillings,  and  before  Christmas,  to  a  noble  and  seuen 
shillings,  which  so  continued  long  after  :  beefe  was  sold  for  twenty 
pence,  and  two  and  twentie  pence  the  stone,  and  all  other  flesh  and 
white  meats  at  an  excessiue  price ;  all  kinde  of  salt  fish  very  deere, 
as  fiue  herrings  twopence,  &c.,  yet  great  plentie  of  fresh-fish,  and  oft 
times  the  same  very  cheape  :  bay  salt  at  three  shillings  the  bushell, 
&c.  All  this  dearth  notwithstanding  (thanks  be  giuen  to  God)  there 
was  no  want  of  any  thing  to  him  that  wanted  not  money. 

p.  1 149.  "This  yeare  at  London  after  haruest,  the  price  of  wheate 
began  by  little  and  little  to  fall  from  seuen  shillings  to  three  shillings 
the  bushell :  at  which  price  it  stayed  (little  or  nothing  rising  or  fall- 
ing) all  the  yeare  after ;  but  bay  salt  was  raised  from  three  shillings 
to  foure,  fiue,  and  sixe  shillings  the  bushell,  the  like  whereof  had 
never  beene  scene  or  heard  within  this  realme." 

Stowe's  words  "there  was  no  want  of  any  thing  to  him  that 
wanted  not  money "  may  be  taken  as  telling  the  real  state  of  the 
case  [cp.  p.  32  below].  But  how  about  those  who  did  want  money, 
or,  at  any  rate,  those  whose  money  didn't  go  so  far  as  in  former 
days  ?  Well,  they  grumbl'd.  And  William  Stafford,  acting  as  Doctor 
or  Counsellor,  heard  the  complaints  of  a  representative  of  each  class 
— a  Knight  for  the  land-owners,  a  Husbandman  for  the  farmers,  a 
Merchant  for  the  traders,  and  a  Capper  for  the  artisans — and  gave 
his  opinion  on  the  reasonableness  of  their  complaints,  the  causes  of 
the  high  prices  they  grumbl'd  at,  and  the  remedies  for  these  evils. 
In  the  course  of  this  we  get  much  valuable  light  thrown  on  the  con- 
dition of  England  in  Shakspere's  youth  (see  especially,  p.  28-9,  33-4, 
36,  37,  40,  45,  50-4,  61,63-6,  71-2,  87-91);  and  hence  comes  the 
reprint  of  Stafford's  tract  in  our  Sixth  Series.2  As  Mr  Matthew  has 


1  Stowe  notes  the  high  prices  of  grain  and  food  in  1587  : — 

1587.  The  queenes  maiesty,  foreseeing  the  generall  dearth  of  graine,  and  other  vic- 

lamation  for  tuals,  growne  partly  through  the  vnseasonablenesse  of  the  yeares  past,  partly  through 
the  vncharitable  greedinesse  of  such  as  be  great  corne  maisters,  but  especially 
through  the  vnlawfull  and  ouermuch  transporting  of  graine  into  forraine  countries, 
vnder  colour  of  licence  granted,  by  the  aduise  of  her  honorable  counsell,  published 
a  proclamation  and  booke  of  orders  to  be  taken  by  her  iustices  for  reliefe  of  the 
poore ;  notwithstanding  all  which,  the  excessiue  prises  of  graine  still  increased,  so 
that  wheate  was  solde  at  London  for  8  s.  the  bushell,  and  in  some  other  parts  of 
the  realme,  for  io.s.,  I2.s.  135.  &c. 

2  Stafford  is  quoted  several  times  in  the  well-known  Sir  F.  M.  Eden's  "State 


Forewords.  Base  money  coind,  then  lowerd  in  value,  vii 

dealt,  in  his  Introduction,  with  the  value  of  the  complaints  and  Staf- 
ford's remedies,  I  only  refer  here  to  my  collection  of  extracts  on  the 
Enclosures  in  Tudor  times,  in  my  Ballads  from  MSS.,  vol.  i,  p.  3-56, 
and  to  Mr  J.  M.  Cowper's  editions  of  England  in  Henry  Fill's 
time  and  the  Supplications  for  the  Early  English  Text  Society's  Extra 
Series  (above,  p.  iv,  note). 

As  too  Stafford  agrees  with  the  Merchant  (p.  27-8)  in  attribut- 
ing the  original  rise  of  prices  to  the  debasement  of  our  coin  by 
Henry  VIII,  I  give  here  the  extracts  from  Stowe  relating  to  this 
base  coinage,  its  successive  falls,  and  final  calling-in : — 

In  this  meane  space,  to  wit.  on  the  sixteenth  of  Maie,  proclarna-   .  (A-D.  1544.) 

j      r         -I  i  •  rtt  o  j     -i  (36  Hen.  VIII.) 

tion  was  made  for  the  enhaunsing  of  golde  to  48.3.  and  siluer  to   Base  money 
foure  shillings  the  ounce.     Also  the  king  caused  to  be  coined  base  coined> 
moneyes  in  great  abundance,  which  was  since  that  time,  to  wit,  in 
the  fift  yeere  of  King  Edward  the  sixt,  called  doune,  from  1 2  pence 
to  nine  pence,  from  9  pence  to  6  pence  :    and  in  the  seconde  yeere 
of  Queene  Elizabeth  called  in  to  her  maiesties  mints,  and  there  re- 
fined.— Stowe's  Annales,  ed.  1615. 

The  9  of  July,  the  base  moneies  (coyned  in  the  time  of  King  p;^1^' 
Henry  the  eight,  and  king  Edward  the  sixt)  was  proclaimed,  the  of  the  base 
shilling  to  goe  for  9  pence,  the  groate  for  3  pence :  which  tooke  money 
effect  immediately  after  the  proclamation  was  made. — StowJs  An- 
nales, ed.  1615,  p.  605. 

The  1 7  of  August,  the  shilling,  which  of  late  was  called  downe  to  Second  fail  of 
nine  pence,  was  called  downe  to  6.d.,  the  groat  to  2.d.,  the  halfe 
groate  to  one  penny,  the  penny  to  an  halfe  penney. — tb.1 

of  the  Poor"  1797 ;  and  at  Vol.  I.  p.  89  note,  he  is  cited  as  having  influenced  the 
Legislature  : 

"  In  imposing  restrictions  of  the  exportation  of  wool,  the  Legislature  seems  to 
have  adopted  the  principles  of  a  political  writer  of  the  1 6th  century,  who  says, 
that,  '  in  order  to  make  tillage  as  well  cherished  of  every  man  as  pasture,  the  first 
way  is  to  make  the  wool  to  be  of  as  base  pryce  to  the  breeders  thereof  as  the 
come  is  ;  and  that  shall  be,  if  yee  make  a  like  restraint  of  it  for  passing  over  sea 
unwrought,  as  yee  make  of  corne  :  another  is,  to  increase  the  custome  of  woole  that 
passeth  over  unwrought ;  &  by  that  the  price  of  it  shall  be  abated  to  the  breeders, 
&  yet  the  price  over  sea  shall  be  never  the  lesse.'  A  compendious  or  briefe  examin- 
ation of  certayne  ordinary  complaints,  &c.  by  W.  S.  1581  [p.  44].  This  piece,  in 
which  several  important  branches  of  political  science  (particularly  the  subject  of 
enclosures)  are  ably  discussed  in  a  dialogue  between  a  merchant,  a  knight,  a 
husbandman,  a  capper,  and  a  doctor  of  divinity,  has  been  erroneously  ascribed 
to  Shakespeare,"  &c.  &c. 

1  On  Mary's  new  coinages  in  1553,  Stowe  says  : 

The  4  of  September,  was  proclaimed  certaine  new  coines  of  gold  &  siluer  :       *  *J?r.y. 
a  soueraigne  of  gold  of  30.5.,  the  halfe  soueraigne  15-s.,  an  angell  of  lo.s.,  the 


V11I 


Forewords.     Base  money  calld  in.     Good  coind. 


The  third  and 
last  fall  of  base 
money. 


1561. 

An.  reg.  &. 
New  Comes. 


The  28  of  September  this  yeere  1559,  proclamation  was  made, 
that  the  Teston,  which  at  first  was  quoyned  for  twelue  pence,  and 
in  the  raygne  of  K.  Edward  the  sixt,  had  beene  abated  and  brought 
downe  to  sixe  pence,  should  now  againe  be  abated  and  brought 
downe  to  foure  pence  halfe  peny,  being  of  the  best  sorte  ;  and  the 
two  other  sortes  of  Testons,  being  distinguished  by  seuerall  stamps, 
should  likewise  be  abated,  viz.  the  second  sort  to  two  pence  far- 
thing ;  and  the  third  sort  was  made  of  no  value.  And  by  this  pro- 
clamation the  olde  Groat  was  also  abated,  and  brought  downe  to 
two  pence,  and  the  old  two  pence  was  brought  downe  to  a  penny  : 
these  olde  moneys  being  thus  abated,  the  queene  caused  them  all 
to  bee  brought  into  her  mint,  and  according  to  the  last  valuation  of 
them,  shee  gaue  fine  money  of  cleane  siluer  for  them,  commonly 
called  Sterling  money ;  and  from  this  time  there  was  no  manner  of 
base  money  quoyned  or  vsed  in  Englande, — which  had  beene  vsuall 
and  currant  throughout  this  realme  in  all  former  ages, — but  all 
English  moneys  were  made  of  golde  and  siluer,  which  is  not  so  in 
any  other  nation  whatsoeuer,  but  [they  all]  haue  sundry  sorts  of 
copper  money. — ib.  p.  646,  col.  i,  1.  30. 

The  fifteenth  of  Nouember,  the  Queenes  maiestie  published  a 
proclamation 1  for  diuerse  small  pieces  of  siluer  money  to  bee  currant, 
as  the  sixe  pence,  foure  pence,  three  pence,  2  pence,  and  a  peny, 
three  halfe  pence,  and  3  farthings  :  and  also  forbad  all  forraine 
coines  to  be  currant  within  the  same  realme,  as  well  gold  as  siluer, 
calling  them  into  her  maiesties  mint,  except  2  sorts  of  crownes  of 
gold,  the  one  the  French  crowne,  the  other  the  Flemish  crowne  : 
whereupon,  for  the  space  of  halfe  a  yeere,  was  weekely  brought  into 
the  Tower  of  London,  8000,  10000,  12000,  16000,  20000,  22000, 
pound  of  siluer  plates  :  and  as  much  or  more  in  pistolets,  and  other 
gold  of  Spanish  coines ;  and  one  week,  in  pistolets  and  other  Spanish 
golde,  26000  pound :  all  these  to  be  coyned  with  the  Queenes 
stamps. — Stouts  Annales,  ed.  1615,  p.  647,  col.  i,  1.  50. 

Stafford's  tract  was  reprinted  in  1751,  and  its  editor  tri'd  to 
prove  that  Shakspere  (then  a  youth  of  17,  having  perhaps  not  long 
left  school)  wrote  it,  full  as  it  is,  of  experience,  knowledge  of  life,  and 
thought  on  the  social  condition  of  England,  and  its  causes.  This 
absurd  notion  was  founded  on  the  "  W.  S."  of  the  title-page,  and  on 
Stafford's  having,  in  his  Dedication  to  the  Queen,  thankt  her  for  her 
"  late  and  singular  clemency  in  pardoning  a  certayne  my  vndutifull 
misdemeanour."  This  was  supposd  to  refer  to  Shakspere's  supposd 
stealing  of  Sir  Thomas  Lucy's  deer,  which  must  have  happend,  if  it 
hapt  at  all,  in  1585-6.  The  ridiculousness  of  the  idea  was  exposd 

halfe  angell  5.  s. ;  of  siluer,  the  groat,  halfe  groat,  and  penny.  All  base  coines  to 
be  currant  as  before. — Stowe's  Annales,  ed.  1615,  p.  616,  col.  I,  1.  52. 
1  See  it  in  the  Appendix,  p.  100  below. 


Forewords.     Wm.  Stafford  not  a  Papist  traitor,     ix 

by  Dr  Farmer  in  his  Essay  on  the  Learning  of  Shakspere,  p.  81-4,  ed. 
1821,  and  he  showd,  by  a  reference  to  Wood's  Fasti  O&onienses1 
(Pt  I.  col.  378,  ed.  Bliss),  that  the  'W.  S.  Gent:'  of  1581  was  a 
William  Stafford.  But  that  "vndutifull  misdemeanour"  which 
Stafford  mentions,  evidently  weighd  on  Farmer's  mind,  and  so,  to 
account  for  it,  he  turnd  our  loyal  Protestant  Stafford  of  1581  into  a 
Papist  traitor  or  a  conspirator  of  1587,  absolutely  without  any  reason, 
so  far  as  I  can  see,  except  the  chance  identity  of  name  : 

"  Stafford  had  been  concerned  at  that  time,  and  was  indeed 
afterward,  as  Camden2  and  other  Annalists  inform  us,  with  some  of 
the  Conspirators  against  Elizabeth,  which  he  properly  calls  his 
unduetifull behaviour" — Farmer,  p.  83-4,  ed.  1821. 

I  can  find  no  notice,  in  the  Domestic  State  Papers  of  the  time  of 
Elizabeth,  of  any  William  Stafford  being  concernd  in  a  plot  against 
Elizabeth  till  1587.3 

1  In  Wood's  Fasti  Oxonienses,  pt  I.  (at  the  end  of  vol.  2  of  .the  Athena,  ed. 
Bliss),   col.  378,   under  a  notice  of  William  Stafford  of  Norfolk,  a  student  of 
Christ  Church,  author  of  the  'Reasons  of  the  War,'  1644,  the  writer  says,  "  Be- 
sides this  Will.  Stafford,  was  another  of  both  his  names,  but  before  him  in  time, 
author  of  A  Compendium,  or  brief  Examination  of  certain  ordinary  Complaints 
of  divers  of  our  Country-men  in  these  our  Days,  &c.  Land.  1581." 

2  Camden,  in  his  Annals  of  Elizabeth,  ed.  1625-29,  Book  iii.  p.  192,  says  : 
"  One  William  Stafford,  a  young  gentleman,  and  apt  to  conceive  strange  hopes, 
whose  mother  was  one  of  the  ladies  of  honour,  and  his  brother  Leger  in  France." 
3  Jan.  7.    7.  Confession  of  Leonard  des  Trappes,  concerning  the  causes  of  his  con- 
spiring with  M.  De  Bellievre,  the  French  Ambassador,  and  Mr  Stafford,  to 
kill  the  Queen,  and  the  circumstances  of  his  arrest  and  imprisonment. 

Jan.  9.  10.  "  Micaell  Modye  his  confession  in  the  afternone  the  9  January 
1586."  Touching  his  conferences  with  Des  Trappes  and  the  French  Am- 
bassador for  taking  away  the  life  of  Queen  Elizabeth,  either  by  gunpowder 
or  by  poisoning  her  stirrup  or  her  shoe,  or  some  other  Italian  devise. 

Jan.  II.  15.  "The  true  foundation  and  manner  of  the  horrible  treason,"  or 
William  Stafford's  account  of  his  dealings  with  Mons.  Bellievre,  the  French 
Ambassador,  Des  Trappes,  his  Secretary,  and  one  Michael  Modye,  in  a  con- 
spiracy to  kill  Queen  Elizabeth.  Conferences  between  Stafford  and  the 
Ambassador,  Des  Trappes  introduced  by  Stafford  to  Modye  in  Newgate. 
Discussion  whether  to  kill  the  Queen  by  poison  or  by  laying  a  train  of  gun- 
powder where  she  lieth.  Discovery  of  the  whole  plot,  by  Stafford,  to  Wals- 
yngham. 

Jan.  12.     16.  Abstract  of  the  above,  with  marginal  notes  in  Burghley's  hand. 

Jan.  12.  17.  Notes  of  the  speeches  between  Mr  Stafford  and  Des  Trappes  touch- 
ing the  plot  for  the  murder  of  the  Queen. 

Jan.  II.  18.  Notes  out  of  the  confessions  of  Modye  and  Des  Trappes  relative  to 
tne  plot. 

[an.  14.  21.   Interrogatories,  in  Burghley's  hand,   for  the  examination  of  Des 


x    Forewords.   Wm.  Stafford  not  Lady  Dorothy's  son. 

In  3  Notes  and  Queries,  ix.  375-6,  Mr  B.  W.  Greenfield  of 
Southampton  partly  followd  Dr  Farmer,  and  gave  the  following 
account  of  a  William  Stafford  (2),  who  he  said  was  the  author  of  the 
Briefe  Conceipt  of  English  Pollicy.  But  he  offerd  no  proof  of  the 
identity  of  the  author  with  the  man  whose  biography  he  gave.  To 
me  the  tone  of  Stafford's  book  is  not  that  of  a  man  of  twenty-seven, 
who  afterwards  '  became  a  hanger-on  of  the  court ; '  and  I  think  it 
very  improbable — almost  impossible — that  Anthony  Wood  (who 
baggd  every  possible  writer  and  known  person  as  an  Oxford  man) 
or  his  editor  would  have  left  out  the  fact  of  William  Stafford  the 
author  being  a  fellow  of  New  College,  Oxford1,  when  he  actually 
names  him,  and  distinguishes  him  from  the  man  and  writer  who  was 
his  son,  according  to  Mr  Greenfield.  Till  further  evidence  is  pro- 
duced, I  do  not  accept  Mr  Greenfield's  identification. 

"  This  William  Stafford  was  second  son  of  Sir  William  Stafford 
of  Chebsey,  Knt.  (a  younger  son  of  the  house  of  Blatherwick),  by 
his  second  wife  Dorothy,  daughter  of  Henry  Lord  Stafford,  only  son 
of  Edward,  last  Duke  of  Buckingham.  He  was  born,  March  i, 
1553-4,  at  Rocheford,  Essex,  an  estate  of  the  Boleyns  which  came  to 
Sir  William  Stafford  through  his  first  wife,  Mary  Boleyn,  sister  of 
Queen  Ann  Boleyn,  and  widow  of  William  Gary,  Esq.  In  1564  he 
was  admitted  a  scholar  on  the  foundation  at  Winchester  College 
{Admissions  Book,  Winchester  Coll.}.  In  1571  he  was  matriculated 

Trappes  touching  the  plot  for  the  murder  of  the  Queen,  and  for  the  examin- 
ation of  him  out  of  Modye's  confession. 

Jan.  14.     22.  Translation  of  the  preceding  interrogatories  in  French. 

Jan.  14.     23.  Notes  out  of  the  confession  of  Des  Trappes,  relative  to  the  conspiracy 
to  murder  her  Maiesty.     [All  these  papers  have  been  examin'd  for  me.] 

1588,  Aug.  14?  19.  Certificate  by  the  Lieutenant  of  the  Tower,  of  the  names  of 
the  prisoners  in  his  custody,  with  the  duration  of  their  imprisonment,  the 
Earl  of  Arundel,  three  years  and  four  months,  from  the  1st  of  April,  1585  ; 
Secretary  Wm.  Davison,  one  year  and  six  months,  from  Feb.  14,  1587-  Sir 
Tho.  Gerard,  Thomas  Abington,  William  Stafford,  and  others.  [This  is 
indorsed  by  Burghley  "  2  July  1588,"  but  the  dates  clearly  show  it  must 
have  been  in  August.  On  the  I4th  of  that  month  the  Council  directed  a 
letter  to  Sir  Owyn  Hopton,  Mr  Daniel,  Francis  Bacon,  and  others,  to  com- 
mand the  keepers  of  all  prisons  to  make  a  return  of  the  names  of  the  parties 
remaining  under  their  several  custodies  for  matters  of  recusancy,  and  to  dis- 
tinguish which  of  them  were  Jesuits  or  priests.  Co.  Reg.]  p.  531. 
The  only  earlier  mention  of  a  Mr  Stafford  (not  identifiable  with  ours)  is, 

1581,  July  i.    The  Court.    62.  Walsyngham  to  Burghley.    Stay  in  Mr  Stafford's 
suit.     The  strange  guest  (Don  Antonio)  had  audience  yesternight. 
1  Dr  Sewell,  the  head  of  New  College,  does  not  know  any  tradition  of  the 

College  Wm.  Stafford  having  been  an  author. 


Forewords.    Mr  Greenfield  on  a  Wm.  Stafford  (a),     xi 

a  scholar  of  New  College,  Oxford,  as  a  Probationary  Fellow — not 
being  of  founder's  kin ; — in  1573  elected  actual  Fellow  in  Arts  of 
New  College,  being  then  in  his  twentieth  year  of  age  ;  and  in  1575 
was  deprived  of  his  Fellowship  in  consequence  of  absenting  himself 
from  college  beyond  the  prescribed  time  of  absence  (Registers,  New 
Coll.}.  In  1581,  was  printed  his1  Brief e  Concdpte  of  English  Policy, 
in  which  work  he  '  acknowledges  her  majesty's  late  and  singular 
clemency  in  pardoning  certayne  his  undutiful  misdemeaner.'  His 
widowed  mother,  Lady  Dorothy  Stafford,  being  in  immediate  attend- 
ance upon  the  person  of  the  Queen,  as  a  lady  of  the  bedchamber, 
he  became  a  hanger-on  of  the  court 2 ;  and  his  elder  brother  Edward, 

1  Why  his  ?     Where  is  the  evidence  ? 

*  What  is  the  authority  for  this  statement  as  to  our  W.  S.,  &c.  ? 

P.  S.  Mr  Greenfield  has  since  been  good  enough  to  send  me  the  following  letter, 
dated  Cranbury  Terrace,  Southampton,  25  July,  1876,  which  fails  of  course  to 
identify  our  author  with  the  William  Stafford  it  describes  : 

"  I  know  not  whence  Dr  Bliss  derived  his  authority  for  identifying  the  author 
'  W.  S.'  with  William  Stafford.  But,  accepting  that  assertion,  I  see  no  reason 
to  doubt  that  he  was  a  son  of  Lady  Dorothy  Stafford.  The  internal  evidence  in 
the  '  compendium ' — which  I  have  quoted  in  my  article  in  Notes  and  Queries,  viz. 
his  ackowledgment  of  the  Queen's  clemency  towards  him,  is  strongly  in  favour  of 
the  author's  being  a  hanger-on  of  the  Court,  and  coupling  this  with  all  that  I 
show  respecting  Lady  Dorothy's  son,  William  Stafford,  as  a  Winchester  College 
Scholar  and  New  College  Fellow,  leaves  little  [?  all  imaginable]  room  for  doubt  on 
the  subject.  As  to  Anthony  a  Wood's  silence,  there  is  no  force  in  it.  Note,  that 
a  Wood  is  altogether  silent  about  this  William  Stafford.  What  I  have  said  about 
his  Winchester  and  New  College  career  is  altogether  new,  and  the  result  of  my 
own  research,  and  may  be  implicitly  relied  on  as  fact.  To  what  I  have  said  in 
Notes  and  Queries  respecting  his  part  in  the  proceedings  of  Des  Trappes,  I  may 
further  refer  you  to  the  State  Papers  in  the  P.  R.  O.,  Domestic  Series,  Vol.  197, 
No.  15,  for  January  1586-7,  in  which  William  Stafford  identifies  himself  with  the 
Stafford  family  [but  not  our  book]  and  with  the  Court ;  for  he  writes,  as  his 
reason  for  desiring  to  go  secretly  into  France,  '  I  was  discontented  upon  some 
dislike  which  my  Lord  of  Leicester  had  conceived  of  me,  and  that  I  had  rather 
live  there  poorlie  than  remain  here  despised  of  so  great  a  man.'  The  French 
ambassador,  in  his  reply  to  Stafford,  says,  .  .  .  'but  in  any  wise  you  must  con- 
tinue in  your  brothers  favour  lest  you  be  suspected.'  Here  is  direct  allusion  to 
his  elder  brother,  Sir  Edward  Stafford,  who  was,  at  the  time,  our  Ambassador  to 
Paris. 

"  I  doubt  whether  Anthony  a  Wood  knew  who  '  W.  S.',  the  author  of  the 
Compendium,  was.  .  .  .  [But  his  assertion  is  the  only  ground  for  trying  to  turn 
W.  S.  into  Lady  Dorothy  Stafford's  son.] 

"Again,  another  reason  for  his  omission  in  Wood's  'Fasti'  is  that  William 
Stafford  does  not  appear  to  have  been  at  Oxford  long  enough  to  have  taken 
a  University  Degree.  No  regularly  kept  Register  was  extant  at  Oxford  be- 
fore 1574,  which  may  further  account  for  his  omission  by  Anthony  a  Wood. 
My  data  are  taken  direct  from  Wykham's  two  Colleges  at  Winchester  and 
Oxford." 


xii    Forewords.     Mr  Greenfield  on  a  Wm.  Stafford  (2). 

in  1583,  was  knighted  and  sent  as  ambassador  to  the  court  of 
France. 

"  In  January,  1586-7,  he  disclosed  a  plot  against  the  queen's  life, 
projected  by  Mons.  Destrappes,  a  servant  of  the  French  ambassador 
(compare  Harl.  MSS.  36,  f.  357,  and  288,  f.  170-1,  with  Camden's 
Annals,  8vo,  1630,  pp.  105-6)  ;  but  he  was  imprisoned  in  the 
Tower  for  the  part  he  took  therein  ;  from  whence,  under  date  of 
March  19,  1588,  he  writes  to  Sir  Francis  Walsingham,  Secretary  ol 
State  (Harl.  MS.  286,  f.  179). 

"  He  presented  to  the  library  of  Winchester  College  the  following 
seven  works1  :  firstly,  on  Aug.  22,  1601,  Concordanticz  Bibliorum, 
being  a  concordance  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  after  the  Latin  Vulgate, 
fol.  1600,  and  '  The  Common  Places  of  Dr  Peter  Martyr'  translated 
by  Anthonie  Marten,  one  of  the  Sewers  of  hir  Maiesties  most  hon- 
orable Privy  Chamber,' fol.  London  1574:  secondly,  on  Feb.  21, 
1609,  a  copy  of  Cranmer's,  or  the  Bishops'  Bible, — in  compliance 
with  the  injunction  of  his  mother,  to  whom  it  belonged,  and  who 
gave  it  to  him  at  the  time  of  her  death,  which  happened  on  Sept. 
22,  1604.  This  copy  of  the  English  translation  of  the  Old  and  New 
Testaments,  black-letter,  fol.  1541,  is  in  five  parts,  separately  bound, 
in  thin  covers  of  vellum  ;  and  each  part  having  a  separate  title-page, 
that  of  Part  I  only  being  wanting.  On  the  outer  sides  of  each  cover 
is  stamped,  in  gold  lettering,  '  Dorothie  Stafforde.'  At  a  sale,  in 
August  1857,  at  Messrs  Sotheby  and  Wilkinson's,  a  complete  copy 
of  this  edition  of  Cranmer's  Bible  sold  for  90  /.  Thirdly,  on  May 
30,  1612,  A  General  Historic  of  the  Netherlands,  by  Edward  Grime- 
ston,  fol.  London,  1608.  This  and  the  two  following  works  bear  his 
autograph  written  on  the  title-page  thus  :  '  W.  Stafforde ' — A  Gene- 
ral Inventorie  of  the  History  of  France  to  the  Treaty  of  Vervins  in 
1598,  by  Ihon  de  Serres ;  translated  by  Edward  Grimeston,  fol., 
London,  1607 ;  The  General  Historie  of  the  Turks,  by  Richard 
Knolles,  fol.,  London,  1603;  and  Tortura  Torti  by  Lancelot 
Andrews,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Ely  (being  an  answer  to  the  treatise  ot 
Cardinal  Bellarmin  on  King  James's  Defence  of  the  Right  of  Kings), 
4to,  London,  1609. 

"About  the  year  1593  he  married  Ann,  daughter  of  Thomas 
Gryme  of  Antingham,  Norfolk ;  after  which  time,  he  resided  chiefly 
in  Norfolk.  He  died  on  Nov.  16,  10  Jac.  1612  (Inq.  P.M.  i  Car. 
p.  i,  No.  97),  leaving, — with  a  daughter  Dorothy,  who  became  the 
wife  of  Thomas  Tyndale,  Esq.,  of  Eastwood  Park,  Gloucestershire, 
and  ancestress  of  the  Tyndales  of  Bathford,  Somersetshire — an  only 
son,  William  Stafford,  who  was  born  about  Sept.  30,  1594;  became 
a  student  of  Christ  Church,  Oxford,  and  was  made  M.A.  March  5. 
1617-8.  On  the  death  of  his  uncle,  Sir  John  Stafford,  Knt,  s.p.  in 
1624,  he  succeeded  to  the  estate  of  Marl  wood  Park,  in  Thornbury, 

1  Why  didn't  he  present  too  his  own  tract,  if  he  wrote  the  Briefe  Conceipt  ir 
1581? 


Forewords.     Our  Wm.  Stafford  not  identifiable,   xiii 

Gloucestershire,  under  the  limitations  of  the  royal  grant,  dated  June 
5,  26  Eliz.  1584,  of  that  property  to  Lady  Dorothy  Stafford  for  her 
life,  with  remainders  :  firstly  to  her  younger  son  John,  and  his  issue  ; 
then  to  her  Son  William,  and  his  issue  male ;  then  to  Sir  Edward 
Stafford,  Knt.j  her  Son  and  heir  apparent,  and  his  issue  male ;  then 
to  the  heirs  of  the  body  of  the  said  Lady  Dorothy  (Pat.  Roll,  26 
Eliz.  p.  1 6).  He  was  the  author  of  a  little  pamphlet,  entitled 
'  Reasons  of  the  War,  or  an  orderly  and  plain  narration  of  the  be- 
ginning and  causes  of  the  War,  with  a  conscientious  Resolution 
against  the  Parliament  Side,'  printed  in  1644.  The  issue  of  this 
William  Stafford  became  extinct  in  the  male  line  on  the  death  of 
his  grandson  Edward  Stafford,  Esq.,  s.p.,  who  died  at  Constantinople 
in  August  1720.  (Decrees  enrolled  in  Chancery,  12  Geo.  I.  p.  39.) 
B.  W.  GREENFIELD,  Southampton." 

Stafford's  tract  was  also  reprinted  in  the  ninth  volume  of  the 
Harleian  Miscellany. 

As  to  Stafford's  rank  or  profession,  he  calls  himself  Gent[leman] 
on  his  title-page ;  and  he  elsewhere,  as  his  Doctor,  takes  the  charac- 
ter of  a  layman.  If  he  was  really  one,  we  must  admit  that  in  his 
Doctor's  last  long  speech,  p.  91-7,  he  was  speaking  dramatically ;  for 
surely,  only  as  a  parson  could  he  have  there  utterd  what  he  does, 
or  proposd  a  General  Council,  with  a  representative  appointed  for 
the  Whore  of  Babylon  (the  Pope,  p.  99),  as  the  best  means  of  set- 
tling the  religious  differences  in  England.  He  says  but  little  of  himself 
in  his  Dedication,  p.  3-4  below.  I  can  find  no  further  trace1  of  him. 

For  bearing  the  cost  of  the  present  Reprint,  the  Society  is  in- 
debted to  the  Rt.  Hon.  the  Earl  of  Derby,  Secretary  of  State  for 
Foreign  Affairs,  &c.,  and  one  of  the  Vice-Presidents  of  the  New 
Shakspere  Society.  But  Lord  Derby  is  in  no  way  responsible  for 
the  choice  of  the  book,  or  any  of  the  opinions  expresst  in  the  original 
edition  or  this  Reprint.  He  was  good  enough  to  leave  to  me  the 
application  of  his  money  gift ;  and  he  will  not  see  the  present  edition 
till  it  is  issued  complete.  In  the  name  of  all  our  Members  I  thank 
Lord  Derby  for  his  present  to  us.  May  other  Members  soon  follow 
the  example  of  him  and  Prince  Leopold ! 

To  my  friend  and  colleague,  Mr  F.  D.  Matthew,  for  his  valu- 
able Introduction,  and  to  my  friend  Miss  Isabel  Marshall,  for  her 
indexes,  my  thanks  are  hereby  returnd. 

F.  J.  FURNIVALL. 

3  St  George's  Sq.,  N.W.,  July  10,  1876. 

1  I  assume  that  he  was  not  the  '  Wm  Stafford,  B.  D.  1537,'  who  '  was  prior  of 
the  Dominicans  at  Stamford,  and,  with  8  friars,  surrenderd  that  house  to  the 
King,  7  Oct.  1538.'— Cooper's  Ath.  Cant. 

SHAKSPKRR'S  RMG-UND  :  STAFFORD.  ^ 


xiv        Forewords.     Rains  and  Dearth  in  1594-5. 


Extracts  from  Stowe  as  to  the  Rains  and  DcartJi  in  1594-5. 

Stow's  Annales,  continued  by  Edm.  Howes  to  1614,  ed.  1615, 
p.  768,  col.  2  : 

(36  Eliz.  A.D.  1594.)     This  yeare  in  the  moneth  of  May,  fell 

Great  raynes        many  great  showres  of  rayne,  but  in  the  moneths  of  June  and  July, 

much  more :  for  it  commonlie  rained  euery  day,  or  night,  till  S. 

James  day,  and  2  dayes  after  together  most  extreamely,  all  which 

notwithstanding,  in  the  moneth  of  August,   there  followed  a  faire 

haruest,  but  in  the  moneth  of  September  fell  great  raynes,  which 

Bridges  at  raised  high  Waters,  such  as  stayed  the  carriages,  and  bare  downe 

a^ware  boranned     Bridges,  at  Cambridge,  Ware,  and  elsewhere,  in  many  places.     Also 

downe^  the  price  of  grayne  grew  to  bee  such,  as  a  strike  or  bushell  of  Rie 

Price  oT^raine      was  so^  for  5-s->  a  bushell  of  Wheat  for  sixe,  seauen,  or  eyght  shil- 

?reate,  when        lings,  &c.,  for  still  it  rose  in  price  :  which  dearth,  happened  (after 

plenty6"  s  the  common  opinion)  more  by  meanes  of  ouermuch  transporting,  by 

our  owne  Marchants  for  their  priuate  gaine,  than  through  the  vnsea- 

sonablenesse  of  the  weather  passed. 

1595.                 This  yeere,  by  meanes  of  the  late  transporting  of  graine  into 
&oatheV0vfict°i™i.    forraine  countries,  the  same  was  here  growne  to  an  excessiue  price, 
as  in  some  places  from  14  shillings  to  4  markes  the  quarter,  and 
more,  as  the  poore  did  feele ;  for  all  things  els,  whatsoeuer  was  suste- 
nance for  man,  was  likewise  raised  without  all  conscience  and  rea- 
son.    For  remedie  whereof,  our   marchants   brought   backe  from 
Danske  much  Rie,  and  some  Wheate  (not  of  the  best)  but  passing 
Disordered          deare,  yet  serued  the  turne  in  such  extremitie  :    Some  prentises  & 
ied-   other  yoong  people  about  the  citie  of  London,  being  pinched  of  their 
victuals  more  then  they  hadde  beene  acciistomed,  tooke  from  the  market 
people  in  Southwarke,  butter  for  their  money,  paying  for  the  same 
but  three  pence  the  pound,  whereas  the  owners  would  have  had  5 
pence.     For  the  which  disorder,  the  sayd  yoong  men,  on  the  twenty- 
seuen  of  June,  were  punished  by  whipping,  setting  on  the  pillorie, 
and  long  imprisonment 

Dearth  of  vie-  In  this  time  of  dearth  and  scarcity  of  victuals,  at  London,  an 

hens  eg  was  sold  for  a  peny, — or  three  egs  for  two  pence  at  the 
most, — a  pound  of  sweet  butter  for  y.d.,  and  so  the  like  of  fish  or 
flesh,  exceeding  measure  in  price  :  such  was  our  sins  deseruing  it.1 

1  The  price  of  pepper,  raisins,  and  wine,  in  1598,  we  get  from  a  passage  on  p. 

786,  col.  I  : — 

An.  reg.  40.  This  yeere,  against  Christmas,  Pepper  was  solde  at  London  for  eight  shilling- 

Pepper  8.s.  the      the  pounde,  a  matter  then  much  noted  .  .   .  Also  raysons  was  this  yeare  sold'. 

for  six  pence  the  pounde  :  Gi'Scoine  wine,  two  shillings  eight  pence  the  gallon., 

and  sweete  Wines  for  foure  shillings  the  Gallon,  &c. 


Forewords.     Rains  and  Dearth  in  1594-5.        xv 

ib.  p.  782,  col.  i.     An.  reg.  39.     A.D.  1597.     This  Sommer,  by  A  Dearth  of 
reason  of  much  rayne,  and  great  floods,  come  waxed  scant,  so  as  in  c 
London  wheate  was  sould  for  tenne  shillings  a  bushell,  and  Rye  for 
six  shillings,  and  Oate-meale  at  eight  shillings  a  bushell. 

In  this  moneth  of  August,  the  price  of  Wheate  at  London  fell   Great  prizes  of 

-  ...     .  ....  ,       ,  ,  ....  T->  •        r  •          bred  Corne. 

from  xui  shillings  the  bushell,  to  tenne  shillings  :  Rie,  from  nine 
shillings  to  sixe  shillings,  and  so  to  three  shillings  two  pence  ;  but 
then  arose  againe  the  late  greatest  price. 


p.  xi.    William  Stafford  (2),  Lady  Dorothy  Stafford's  son.    The  first  letter  from 
him  among  the  Domestic  State  Papers  is  dated  June  10,  1585,  at  Dieppe. 
"Win.  Stafford  to  Secretary  Walsingham. 

"  Pray  stand  my  friend,  and  excuse  me  to  my  mother,  who,  though  without 
cause,  will  be  very  angry  with  me  for  this  sudden  departure.  I  am  now,  as  ever, 
at  your  command,  and  there  is  no  other  man  living  to  whom  I  am  beholden.  If 
I  should  live  to  see  my  blood  shed  in  your  cause,  I  should  think  it  but  some 
recompence  for  the  great  good  I  have  received  at  your  hands."  [Mrs  Green's 
abstract.]  Vol.  of  Addenda,  Elizabeth,  Domestic  State  Papers,  p.  144. 

In  the  first  part  of  Stafford's  confession,  speaking  of  his  conversation  with 
Chasteauneuf,  the  French  Ambassador  to  England,  and  his  (W.  S.'s)  desire  to  go 
to  France,  he  says :  "  He  promised  me  letters  of  credit  to  those  who  would  do 
me  good,  but  said  I  must  continue  in  my  brother's  favour,  lest  I  should  be 
suspected." — Ibid.  p.  200.  That  his  brother  was  Sir  Edward  Stafford,  the  English 
Ambassador  in  France,  appears  from  the  account  of  the  conference  with  the 
French  Ambassador  about  the  discovery  of  the  plot,  ibid.  p.  200. 

A  letter  from  Henry  Smith  to  his  brother  Thos.  Wilks  at  the  Hague,  Jan.  26, 
1587,  speaks  of  the  "new  conspiracy  discovered  of  late;"  and  goes  on  to  say 
that  "  Lady  Stafford  and  Drury  are  commanded  from  the  Court,  and  it  is  thought 
they  will  hardly  be  re-admitted." — Ibid.  p.  203. 

A  letter  from  Wm.  Stafford  to  Walsingham  (making  further  disclosures), 
dated  the  Tower,  igth  March,  1588,  shows  that  Stafford  was  then  still  in  prison 
(Harl.  MS.  286,  f.  179).  A  certificate  by  the  Lieut,  of  the  Tower,  in  August, 
1588  (p.  x,  note,  above),  shows  he  was  among  the  prisoners  then. — Ibid.  Vol. 
215,  14  Aug.  1588. 

In  Stafford's  confession  or  account  of  his  dealings  with  the  French  Ambassa- 
dor and  others  as  to  the  plot,  in  conversation  with  Des  Trappes,  one  of  the  plot- 
ters, the  latter  urges  :  "  Mr  Stafford,  if  yo«  wold  vndertake  this  matter,  whoe  live 
so  discontentedlie  as  you  doe,  and  not  likelie  anie  way  to  enioye  the  favor  and 
reward  due  vnto  your  personne ;  "  and  goes  on  with  the  argument  that  he  would 
gain  the  good  will  of  all  the  Queen  of  Scots'  allies,  and  a  pension  from  the 
Pope. — Ibid.  Vol.  197,  1587  (15),  fo.  31. 

From  a  list  "of  all  such  prisonners  as  remaine  under  my  chardge  and  ciis- 
todie,"  sent  in  by  the  Lieut,  of  the  Tower.  ?  14  August,  1588. 

"January  15,  1586.  Williaw  Staffoord  &  Mychaell  Moodie  gent,  prisonners 
one  yeare  vij  monthes  for  practising  with  the  French  ambassador. " 

William  Stafford  was  connected  with  the  Queen  through  his  father's  first  wife, 
who  was  Mary  Boleyn,  sister  to  Anne  Boleyn  the  Queen's  mother. 


XVI 


INTRODUCTION 

BY 

FREDERIC  D.  MATTHEW,  ESQ. 

IN  all  statements  of  grievances  it  is  necessary  to  make  allow- 
ance for  exaggeration,  and  this  tract  is  no  exception  to  the  rule. 
When  we  come  to  examine  closely  the  troubles  of  the  different 
states  whose  members  take  part  in  this  dialogue,  we  do  not  discover 
any  very  substantial  wrong.  The  general  complaint  is  of  '  dearth,' 
but  dearth  is  used  throughout  only  in  the  sense  of  high  prices. 
The  capper  has  to  pay  high  wages ;  the  merchant  finds  a  rise  in 
the  goods  he  imports,  and  the  gentleman  in  those  he  buys ;  while 
the  husbandman  suffers  from  enhanced  rents,  and  from  the  high 
price  of  implements  and  clothing.  In  the  discussion  we  find  that 
the  only  one  who  has  a  distinct  loss  to  show  is  the  Knight ;  part  of 
whose  lands  are  still  let  on  old  leases,  so  that  his  income  is  not 
increased  in  proportion  to  the  general  advance.  On  the  other  hand 
we  see  evidence  that  at  least  a  part  of  the  community  was  thriving, 
since  comforts  and  luxuries,  formerly  uncommon,  were  now  widely 
sold  and  used  (p.  51).  The  smaller  conveniences  of  civilized  life, 
such  as  glass,  china,  and  earthenware,  watches,  and  ornaments  of  all 
sorts,  were  in  the  hands  of  people  whose  fathers  would  not  have 
dreamed  of  indulging  in  such  extravagance.1  Serving  men  were 
fewer,  since  the  gentry  no  longer  needed  a  private  guard,  but  they 
were  better  fed  and  clothed  than  they  had  been  (p.  64).  More  was 
spent  than  formerly  on  the  building  and  adornment  of  houses,  and 
on  furniture  and  hangings  (p.  66).  Such  signs  of  prosperity  might 
be  delusive.  A  splendid  court  and  an  extravagant  nobility  may 
exist  among  a  struggling  and  impoverished  people.  But  wages  had 
risen,  while  provisions  do  not  seem  to  have  been  high ;  at  least  in 
relation  to  other  things.  "  These  many  yeares  past,"  we  are  told, 
' '  we  had  Corne  good  cheape  inough,"  and  there  was  no  scarcity  of 
meat  (p.  43). 

Iri  these   complaints,  where  high  prices  and   costly  living  are 
1  Compare  Harrison's  England,  Book  2,  chap.  12,  p.  239,  &c.,  N.  Sh.  Soc. 


Introduction. 


xvn 


equally  prominent  grievances,  we  recognize  a  kind  of  talk  familiar 
enough  to  our  own  ears.  In  our  time  the  gold  discoveries  in 
Russia,  America  and  Australia  have  raised  prices  and  altered  some 
relations.  Persons  with  fixed  incomes  have  suffered,  and  grumbling 
has  not  been  confined  to  them,  but  is  often  to  be  heard  from  those 
who  on  the  whole  have  benefited  by  the  fall  in  the  precious 
metals.  A  diminution  in  the  exchangeable  value  of  coin,  such  as 
has  marked  the  past  40  years,  was  going  on  in  the  i6th  century, 
and  it  must  have  been  felt  more  painfully  then  than  now  ;  since,  not 
only  was  there  the  disorganization  and  discomfort  which  accom- 
panies all  social  changes,  but  there  was  also  a  positive  loss  to  the 
country  as  the  new  state  of  things  was  forced  upon  it.  For,  in  one 
point  there  is  a  great  difference  in  the  circumstances  of  England 
now  and  then.  At  present  the  mercantile  position  of  England  is  such 
that  the  new  gold  has  flowed  from  the  producing  countries  direct  to 
us,  and  through  us  to  the  rest  of  the  world.  In  the  i6th  century, 
the  first  European  country  to  receive  the  new  treasure  was  Spain  : 
thence  it  spread  over  the  continent,  and  came  at  last  to  us,  mostly 
through  Flanders.  Now  it  is  evident  that  for  purposes  of  inter- 
national trade,  the  nearer  you  are  to  the  source  of  new  treasure,  and 
the  sooner  prices  rise,  the  better.  If  goods  have  gone  up  in 
Flanders  while  they  are  still  at  their  old  price  in  England,  we  must 
send  over  our  cheap  goods  to  buy  their  dear  ones.  In  time,  prices 
will  find  their  level,  but  meanwhile  we  are  trading  at  a  loss.1  This 
was  the  state  of  things  in  the  i6th  century,  and  the  change  in  prices 
was  accordingly  worse  for  Englishmen  then  than  it  has  been  in  the 
1 9th. 

There  is  one  class  of  men  whose  spokesman  would  have  been 
more  welcome  to  us  in  this  conversation  than  to  the  well-to-do  and 
respectable  company  assembled  at  the  vintner's.  A  shrewd  repre- 
sentative of  the  country  labourer  might  have  had  more  solid  griev- 
ance to  dilate  upon  than  any  mentioned  here.  The  inclosures 
which  are  so  strongly  blamed,  while  they  were  raising  the  value  of 
the  returns  from  the  soil,  were  pressing  hard  upon  the  labourers 
and  cottars.  It  must  be  remembered  that  inclosure  was  not  exactly 
the  same  thing  then  as  now.  At  present  it  means  usually  bringing 
into  cultivation  waste  or  rough  pasture.  At  that  time,  although 
proprietary  rights  over  land  were  well  defined,  yet  the  effects  of  the 
ancient  holding  in  common  were  much  more  evident  than  in  our 
day.  In  many  places  the  small  proprietor  had  his  plots  of  land 

1  Compare  the  remarks  of  the  Doctor  on  keeping  down  prices  (p.  83). 


xviii  Introduction. 

scattered  about  the  common,  as  they  had  been  assigned  to  his 
ancestor.  No  hedges  protected  them  from  cattle  ;  indeed  it  would 
have  been  as  difficult  to  fence  them  as  it  would  be  now  to  do  the 
same  thing  for  the  holdings  of  the  French  peasant  (pp.  46  and  86). 
When  the  common  was  to  be  enclosed  it  was  necessary  to  get  rid 
of  these  tilled  lands,  and  the  lords  of  manors  were  not  always  scru- 
pulous as  to  the  means  by  which  they  accomplished  this  object.1 
Moreover,  the  peasant  driven  out  of  his  holding  found  it  difficult  to 
get  work  for  himself  and  his  family ;  since  the  pastures  employed 
but  few  hands,  and  ploughs  were  being  laid  down  on  every  side 
(p.  1 6).  Still  it  is  not  to  be  supposed  that  the  results  of  inclosure 
were  altogether  bad.  The  large  demand  for  wool  and  leather  made 
grazing  profitable,  while  the  increase  of  stock  raised  largely  the 
return  of  corn  on  the  lands  still  under  tillage  ;  "  one  Acer  bearinge 
as  much  Corne  as  two  most  commonly  were  wont  to  do."  It  is  easy 
to  imagine  that  in  many  cases  small  bits  of  arable  in  the  hands  of  a 
poor  man  who  had  no  stock  were  an  unprofitable  possession,  which 
he  was  not  unwilling  to  sell  to  his  wealthier  neighbour.  We  may 
judge  that  the  process,  in  spite  of  individual  hardship,  was  on  the 
whole  beneficial,  by  our  author's  own  words,  "  we  see  the  countryes 
where  most  Inclosiers  be,  are  most  wealthy,  as  Essex,  Kent,  North- 
amptonshyre,"  &c.  (p.  40). 

When  we  come  to  Stafford's  views  as  to  the  causes  and 
remedies  of  existing  evils,  we  find  a  curious  mixture  of  acute- 
ness  and  prejudice.  Naturally  enough  he  believed,  as  every  one 
did  then,  that  it  is  desirable  to  gather  as  much  gold  and  silver 
into  the  realm  as  possible.  He  would  gladly  prevent  its  export- 
ation, but  is  shrewd  enough  to  recognize  that  no  laws  can  prevent 
its  going  where  it  is  most  called  for.  On  the  currency  he  shows  a 
sanity  which  is  not  to  be  met  with  in  all  modern  writers  on  the 
subject.  In  pointing  out  how  the  debasement  of  the  coin  raised 
prices,  and  still  more  in  his  clear  statement  of  the  purpose  of 
coinage  (p.  60),  his  explanations  are  admirable.  His  comparison 
with  the  town-seal  on  cloth  is  true  and  to  the  point.  But  immediately 
afterwards  we  find  him  straying  into  doubtful  paths,  led  away  by  his 
horror  of  paying  foreigners  for  work  that  could  be  done  at  home. 
If  we  cannot  sell  only  for  hard  cash,  he  thinks,  we  should  at  least 

1  Ergo  ut  unus  helluo  inexplebilis  ac  dira  pestis  patrise,  continuatis  agris, 
aliquot  millia  jugerum  uno  circundet  septo,  ejiciuntur  coloni,  quidam  suis  etiam, 
aut  circumscripti  fraude  aut  vi  oppress!  exuuntur,  aut  fatigati  injuriis  adiguntur 
ad  venditionem.^—  Utopia,  lib.  I. 


\ 


Introduction. 


xix 


get  in  return  for  our  produce  something  of  intrinsic  value  as  to  raw 
material.  To  pay  foreigners  for  mere  work,  even  though  they  do  it 
better  and  cheaper  than  we  could  at  home,  is  a  waste  of  treasure. 
Worst  of  all  is  it  when  we  sell  to  foreigners  our  raw  material  and  buy 
it  back  manufactured.  This  discussion,  besides  being  curious  as  an 
early  statement  of  the  theories  which  were  to  govern  our  mercantile 
legislation  for  more  than  two  centuries,  is  interesting,  as  showing  the 
advantage  of  a  large  scale  of  manufacture  and  a  trained  body  of 
workmen,  even  before  the  introduction  of  machinery.  Only  superior 
skill  and  a  more  economical  use  of  labour  can  have  enabled  the 
Flemings  using  our  own  wool  to  undersell  us  in  our  own  markets. 
Stafford's  proposal  to  neutralize  their  advantages  by  Customs  duties, 
so  as  at  once  to  lessen  our  most  profitable  trade  and  make  our  cloth 
dearer,  seems  in  curious  contrast  to  the  sensible  advice  that  he  gives 
as  to  free  trade  in  corn.  But  the  contrast  is  only  apparent :  in 
both  cases  he  is  a  shrewd  empiric,  trying  a  quick  way  to  ends  he 
desires.  He  is  nearer  the  mark  when  he  attributes  our  weakness  in 
manufactures1  to  the  narrow  exclusiveness  of  the  trade  guilds. 
These  bodies,  which  served  a  good  purpose  in  their  first  growth,  and 
which  as  yet  showed  no  signs  of  the  splendid  uselessness  that 
awaited  them,  were  already  tainted  with  the  common  vice  of  cor- 
porations ;  regarding  as  their  first  object  the  selfish  interests  of  their 
members,  so  that  in  their  care  for  monopoly  they  refused  oppor- 
tunities of  improvement.  The  strangers  who  "  were  better  workmen 
than  were  any  in  the  town "  received  no  welcome  from  a  guild, 
which  cared  more  for  its  privileges  than  the  advancement  of  its 
craft ;  while  close  organization  prevented  the  individual  master  from 
using  the  skill  of  the  new  comers  to  forward  his  private  interest. 
The  smaller  the  community  the  more  fatal  was  this  exclusiveness. 
Great  cities  like  Ghent  or  Bruges  might  have  activity  enough  in 
their  staple  trades  to  ensure  advance  and  improvement,  but  a  manu- 
facture in  the  hands  of  a  few  monopolists  must  fall  into  routine  and 
decay.  It  was  here  rather  than  in  alteration  of  the  Customs ;  in 
greater  freedom,  not  in  more  restriction,  that  there  was  a  chance 
for  England  to  outstrip  the  continental  manufacturers.  When 
religious  persecution  drove  its  victims  to  our  shores,  they  brought 
with  them  instruction,  which  far  more  than  repaid  the  hospitality 
they  received. 

1  It  is  to  be  noticed  that  he  says  that  the  French  are  better  off  for  manufac- 
tures than  we  are  (p.  70),  and  that  he  counts  among  the  things  which  we  must 
import,  iron,  steel,  and  salt. 


xx  Introduction. 

One  other  point  deserves  notice  as  showing  how  this  dialogue 
reflects  the  current  thought  of  the  time.  When  the  husbandman  is 
made  to  attribute  the  advance  in  prices  to  the  gentlemen  who 
"  raise  the  price  of  their  lands,  and  take  pastures  and  farms  into 
their  hands,"  he  is  not  speaking  merely  at  random,  or  from  the  pre- 
judices of  his  order,  but  giving  utterance  to  a  widespread  opinion. 
Thus  we  find  in  Brinklow's  Complaint :  "  This  inordinate  inhansing 
of  rentys,  which  is  sprong  up  within  fewe  yerys  past,  must  nedys 
make  all  things  deare,  as  well  pertaynyng  to  the  back  as  to  the 
belly,  to  the  most  gret  dammage  of  all  the  kyngs  subjectys,  landyd 
men  only  except.  Yea,  and  evyn  thei  themselves  were  more 
welthyer  whan  their  landys  went  at  the  old  pryce.  For  why? 
Thei  bye  all  things  the  dearer,  &c." x  What  shows  most  the  hold 
of  this  opinion  is  that  the  Doctor,  who  backs  up  the  Knight  in  his 
reply  to  the  husbandman  on  this  point  (p.  35),  himself  gives  way  to 
the  same  fancy  later,  when  after  ascribing  the  rise  in  prices  to  the 
debased  coinage,  he  is  posed  by  a  reminder  that  the  coin  has  been 
restored  (p.  82).  It  is  only  then,  and  almost  unconsciously,  that  for 
a  moment  he  hits  upon  the  true  cause  of  the  '  dearth  ' ;  "  the  great 
store  and  plenty  of  treasure,  which  is  walking  in  these  parts  of  the 
world  far  more  in  these  our  dayes  then  ever  our  forefathers  have  sene 
in  times  past"  (p.  82).  Here,  at  agreement  with  him,  I  may  leave 
Stafford  to  speak  for  himself.  To  call  him  a  scientific  economist 
would  be  extravagant ;  he  was  not  two  centuries  in  advance  of  his 
time ;  but  his  speculations  are  always  acute,  and  in  the  course  of 
them  he  tells  as  much  of  the  England  of  his  time. 

1  Brinklow's  Complaint,  p.  10. 


A  COMPENDI- 


ous  or  briefe  examina- 
tion of  certagne  oriunarg  com* 

plaints,  of  diners  of  our  country  men 
in  thefe  ourdayes:  which  although 
are  in  some  yart  bnixvst  &  fri- 

uolous,  yet  are  they  all  by  way  of  dia- 
logues tljrougf)to 


By  W.  S. 

Gentleman. 


M  PR    N      ED 


at  3Lonoon  in 

•neere  vnto  Saincte  Dun- 
0t0ne0  OThurch, 
mas  Marfhe. 


Cum  Priuilegio. 


n  the  back  of  the  original  Title-page  is  a  cut  of  the  arms  of  Queen  Elizabeth, 
of  which  my  friend  Mr  G.  E.  Cokayne,  Lancaster  Herald,  has  kindly  given 
me  the  follmving  blazon  :  "  Quarterly,  \st  and  ^th,  France,  viz.  Azure,  three 
fleurs  de  lis,  or;  2nd  and  yd,  England,  viz.  Gules,  three  lions  passant 
guardant,  in  pale,  or;  the  whole  surrounded  with  the  Garter,  surmounted 
with  the  Crown  of  England."  The  letters  '  E.  R.'  are  placed  underneath. 
I  haveift  thought  it  worth  while  to  get  either  this  or  the  elaborate  frame-work  of 
the  original  Title-page  itself  copied  and  cut.  The  present  Title-border  is  there- 
fore not  a  facsimile,  but  is  made  up  of  the  ornament  so  frequently  seen  in 
Elizabethan  books.  The  old  initials  in  the  tract  are  from  those  us'd  in  my 
Andrew  Boorde  for  the  Early  English  Text  Society.— -F.  J.  F.] 


TO    THE    MOST    VER-     '--^.« 


tuous  and  learned  Lady,  my  most 
fceare  anfc  £oueraigne  Urincrase  ELI- 

ZABETH, by  the  Grace  of  God, 

Of  England,  Fraunce,  anil 
Ireland  :  Defendrefie  of  the 
Fayth.  &c. 

\Hereas  there  was  neuer  anye  thinge  hearde  of  in 
any  age  paft  hetherunto,  fo  perfectly  wrought 
and  framed,  eyther  by  Arte  or  Nature,  but  that 
it  hath  at  fome  time,  for  fome  forged  and  fur- 
myfed  matter,  fuftayned  the  reprehenfion  of 
fome  enuious  perfons  or  other  :  I  doe  not  much 
meruayle,  moft  mighty  Princefle,  that  in  this 

your  fo  noble  &  famous  a  gouernment,  (the  Glory  whereof  is  now 
longe  fithence  fcattered  and  fpread  ouer  the  whole  face  of  the  Earth,) 
there  are,  notwithstanding,  certayne  euill-difpofed  people,  fo  blinded 
with  malice,  and  fubdued  to  their  owne  parciall  Conceiptesj  that  as 
yet  they  can  neyther  spare  indifrerente  Judgements  to  conceyue,  or 
reuerent  tongues  to  reporte  a  known  truth,  touching  the  perfection  of 
the  fame.  But  for  thefe  men,  as  they  are  (no  doubt)  fufficiently  re- 
futed by  the  teftimonies  of  their  owne  cowfciences  :  fo  are  they  moft 
certainely  condempned  by  the  common  confent  of  all  fuch  as  are  wyfe 
or  indifferent.  And  although  this  be  of  itfelfe  fo  cleare  and  manyfeft 
that  it  cannot  bee  denied,  yet  could  not  I  forbeare  (moft  renowmed 
foueraigne)  being  as  it  were  inforced  by  your  Maiefties  late  &  fingular 
clemency  in  pardoninge  certayne  my  vndutifull  mifdemeanour,  but 
feeke  to  acknowledge  your  gracious  goodneffe  and  bounty  towardes 
me  by  exhibiting  vnto  you  this  fmall  and  fimple  prefent  :  wherein  as 
I  haue  in2deuoured  in  fewe  wordes  to  aunfwere  certayne  quarells  and  *  leaf  *»,  back) 
obie&ions  dayly  and  ordinarily  occurrent  in  the  talke  of  fundry  men, 
fo  doe  I  moft  humbly  craue  your  Graces  fauourable  acceptation 


4  The  Epistle. 

thereof :  proteftinge  alfo  with  all  humility,  that  my  meaninge  is  not 
in  the  difcourfe  of  thefe  matters  heere  difputed,  to  define  ought  which 
may  in  any  wife  founde  preiudiciall  to  any  publicke  authority,  but 
only  to  alleadge  fuch  probability  as  I  coulde,  to  ftop  the  mouthes  of 
certayne  euill-affe&ed  perfons,  which  of  their  curiofity  require  farther 
fatiffa&ion  in  thefe  matters,  then  can  well  Hand  with  good  modefty. 
Wherefore  as  vpon  this  zeale  &  good  meaning  towards  your  eftate,  I 
was  earneftly  moued  to  vndertake  this  enterprife,  and  in  the  handlinge 
thereof  rather  content  to  fhewe  myfelfe  vnfkilfull  to  others,  then  vn- 
thankfull  to  you  :  fo  prefuminge  of  your  auncient  accuftomed  clem- 
ency, I  was  fo  bould  to  commit  the  fame  to  your  gracious  protection, 
fully  perfwading  and  afluring  myfelf,  that  it  would  generally  obtayne 
the  better  credit  &  entertainment  among  others,  if  your  Maiefties  name 
were  prefixed,  a[n]d  it  were  a  moft  rich  lewell  and  rare  Ornament  to 
beautifie  and  commend  the  fame.  God  preferue  your  Maiefty  with 
infinit  increafe  of  all  his  bleffings  beftowed  vpon  you,  and  graunt  that 
your  dayes  of  life  here  vpon  the  earth  may  be  extended  (if  it  be  his 
good  will)  euen  far  beyonde  the  ordinary  courfe  of  Nature :  that  as 
you  haue  already  fufficiently  rayghned  for  your  owne  honour  and 
glory  to  laft  withall  pofterities :  fo  you  may  continew  and  remaine 
with  vs  many  more  yeares,  euen  to  the  full  contentation  (if  it  may  fo 
be)  of  vs  your  louing  fubiefts,  and  to  the  perfect  eftablifhing  of  this 
florifhing  peace  &  tranquillity  in  your  common  weale  for  euer. 

YOVR  MAJESTIES 
moft  faythfull  and 
louing  Subie6t 
W.  S. 


LA  Table  of  thynges 

most  notable  contained 
in  this  Bovke. 

Hat  no  man  is  a  ftraunger  to  the  Common- 

wesle  that  he  is  in.  i.a  [p.  u] 

That  of  many  heads  is  gathered  a  perfeft  coun- 

fsyle.  i.b  [p.  12] 

Thst  euery  man  is  to  be  credited  in  his  owne 

arte.  i.b  [p.  12] 

Why  the  Booke  is  made  by  way  of  dislogue.  2.3  [p.  12]' 

The  fumme  of  the  whole  Booke.  2.3  [p.  13] 

Thst  men  are  not  borne  to  themfelues  onely.  3.3  [p.  15] 

The  complaint  of  Inclofures  by  hufbandmen.  3.b  [p.  15] 

The  complaint  of  dearth  of  viduall  by  artificers.  3-b  [p.  16] 

The  complaint  of  the  decay  of  townes  by  Marchauntmen, 

and  of  all  other  common  eafements.  4.3  [p.  16] 

That  many  fuperfluous  charges  3re   layde  downe,  snd   yet 

neuer  the  more  plenty.  4.3  [p.  16] 

Of  desrth  of  outward  msrchaundife.  4.3  [p.  16] 

Of  dearth  of  all  kinde  of  vi&uall.  4.3  [p.  17] 

Thst  Inclofures  fhould  not  be  the  caufe  of  this  desrth.       4.b  [p.  17] 
Thst  Gentlemen  feele  moft  griefe  by  this  desrth.  4.b  [p.  17] 

The  complaint  of  craftefmen  agsinft  Gentlemen  for  taking 

of  fearmes.  4-b  [p.  17] 

The  craftrmns  complsint  that  hee  cannot  fet  men  3-worke 

for  the  dearth  of  viduall.  5.3  [p.  18] 

The  Gentlermns  complaint  how  he  cannot  kepe  like  coun- 

tenauTzce  as  he  was  wont  to  doe.  5.3  [p.  18] 

Why  Gentlemen  doe  gieue  ouer  their  houiholdes.  5.b  [p.  19] 

Why  Gentlemen  doe  take  fearmes  to  their  handes.  5.b  [p.  19] 

A  complaint  againft  Sheepe.  5-b  [p.  19] 

The  Doctors  compkint  for  men  of  his  forte.  6.a  [p.  19] 

A  complaint  againft  learned  men.  6.3  [p.  20] 


6  The  Table. 

Why  learning  mould  be  like  to  decay  hereafter.  6.b  [p.  20] 

Whether  a  common  weale  may  bee  well  gouerned  without 

learning.  <5.b  [?•  2I] 

That  the  learned  haue  alwaies  had  the  fouerainty  ouer 

the  vnlearned.  7-a  [?•  2I] 

Whether  a  man  may  be  wife  without  learning.  7. a  [p.  21] 

That  learning  fupplieth  the  lacke  of  experience,  and  that  ex- 
perience is  the  father  of  Wifedome.  7. a  [p.  22] 
The  wonderfull  gyftes  that  we  haue  by  learning.  8. a  [p.  23] 
That  there  is  no  faculty  but  is  made  more  confumate  by 

learninge.  8.b  [p.  23] 

How  Caefar  excelled  al  other  captains,  by  reafon  of  his  great 

learning  ioyned  with  his  prowefle.  8.b  [p.  24] 

[i  leaf  **iij,  l  That  knowledge  in  morall  Philofophye  is  mofte  neceflary  for 

a  Counlailour.  9. a  [p.  24] 

What  makes  learned  men  to  be  fo  few.  9-b  [p.  25] 

That  yonge  fludients  be  alwaies  ouer-hafty  in  vttering  their 

Judgements.  9-b  [  p.  25] 

That  Pythagoras  commaunded  filence  to  his  difciples  for  a 

time.  9-b  [p.  26] 

That  Plato  commaunded  that  no  man  ignorau/zt  in  geometry 

ihould  enter  his  fcoole.  lo.a  [p.  26] 

What  harme  may  come  if  they  be  fuffered  to  iudge  in 

thinges  to  whome  that  doth  not  appertaine.  lo.a  [p.  26] 

That  it  is  not  learning  fufficient  to  know  tongues  and 

write.  lo.a  [p.  26] 

Why  learning  mould  decay.  xo.b  [p.  27] 

That  euery  ftate  fyndes  himfelfe  grieued.  n.a  [p.  27] 

That  marchaunts  can  befl  faue  themfelues  in  euery  altera- 
tion. 1 1. a  [p.  28] 
Of  our  old  coyne  exhaufted.  i  i.a  [p.  28] 
Whether  it  made  any  matter  of  what  mettal  the  coyn  be 

made.  n.b  [p.  28] 

What  men  are  moft  pinched  by  this  fame  dearth.  n.b  [p.  29] 

That  the  prince  hath  moft  lofte  by  this  vniuerfall  dearth,  n.b  [p.  29] 
What  dauwger  mould  it  be  to  the  Realme  if  the  prince  mould 

want  treafure  in  time  of  neede.  la.a  [p.  29] 


The  Table.  7 

How  the  Queenes  maieftie  cannot  haue  treafure  when  her 

fubie&es  haue  none.  i2.b  [p.  30] 

A  recapitulation  of  the  common  grieues.  13.3  [p.  30] 

•T 

h3t   it   is  s   msruailous  dearth   that   comes    in  t] 

time  of  plenty.  13-b  [p.  32]   dialogue, 

The  occafion  of  this  dearth  is  laide  to  the 

Gentlemen.  14.3  [p.  32] 

How    from    the   Gentlemen    it    is    laide    to 
the  hufbandmen.  14.3  [p.  33] 

The  Gentlemens  excufe  3nd  reafonable  offer.  14.3  [p.  33] 

The   Hufbsndmsn   refufeth,   and   puts    ouer    the   fsult   to 

ironmongers  and  clothiers.  14-b.  [p.  34] 

If  all  land  were  absted  in  their   rent,  whether  this  dearth 

woulde  be  remedied.  15.3  [p.  34] 

That  it  were  not  expedient  that  ftrsungers  fhould  fell  their 

wsres  desre,  3nd  we  ours  good  cheape.  i$.a  [p.  34] 

Another   offer  of  the   Gentlemsn   imde   to   the   huftmnd- 

rmn.  1 5. a  [p.  34] 

Whether  if  the  hufbsndmsn  were  forced  to  abate  the  price 

of  hys  ftuffe  :  this  desrth  fhould  be  then  smended.       1.5-b1  [p.  35]   ['^Jr-  M 
The  ftrsungers  t3ke  but  money  currant  euery  where  for  their 

wsres  th3t  they  haue  ouer  their  exchaunge.  i6.b  [p.  37] 

That  ftraungers  and  all  marchauntes  brings  thinges  that  be 

befte  cheape  to  them,  and  deareft  with  vs.  i6.b  [p.  37] 

What  thinge  is  of  that  forte.  17.3  [p.  37] 

He  thst  felleth  good  chespe,  &  buieth  deare,  fiial  not  lightly 

thriue.  i7.b  [p.  38] 

It  is  not  poflible  to  keepe  our  treafure  from  going  forth  of 

the  realm  if  it  be  in  more  eftimation  elfwhere.  i7.b  [p.  39] 

That   the   desrth   rofe   neither  3t  the  gentlemsn    nor   the 

huibandmans  handes.  iS.a  [p.  39] 

Permutstion  of  things  before  coyne.  18.3  [p.  39] 

A  complsint  3g3inft  sheepemsifters.  i8.b  [p.  40] 

That  Inclofures  is  occafion  of  defolation,  &  wesking  of  the 

power  of  the  reslme.  i8.b  [p.  40] 

Reafons  to  defend  Inclofures.  i8.b  [p.  40] 

What  kinde  of  Inclofures  is  hurtfull.  19.3  [p.  41] 


8  The  Table. 

Whether  that  that  is  profitable  to  one  may  be  profitable  to 

all  other,  if  they  vfe  the  fame  feate.  19.3  [p.  41] 

Euery  commodity  muft  be  fo  aduaunced,  as  it  be  not  preiu- 

diciall  to  other  greater  commodities.  ip.b  Tp.  42] 

No  man  may  abufe  his  ovvne  things  to  the  preiudice  of  the 

common  vveale.  2o.a  [p.  43] 

How  inclofures  might  be  remedied  without  cohercion  of 

lavves.  2o.b  [p.  43] 

That  a  like  reftraint  of  vvoll  should  be  made  as  is  of  corne,  or 

none  to  be  fent  ouer  vnwrought.  21. a  [p.  44] 

Reafons  why  the  huiband  should  not  be  at  liberty,  as  vvel  as 

other,  to  fell  his  wares.  2i.b  [p.  45] 

That  by  breeding,  the  hufband  hath  moft  clere  gaines.  22.3  [p.  46] 
That  profit  aduaunceth  all  faculties.  22.b  [p.  46] 

That  fome  are  to  be  allured  by  rewardes,  and  fome  other  with 

ftraight  paynes  forced  in  a  common  vveale.  22. b  [p.  47] 

The  lefle  honor  or  profit  is  geuen  to  any  Arte,  the  lefie  it  shal 

be  frequented.  23.3  [p.  47] 

Profit  will  make  hufbandmen  more  occupied,  &  thereby  more 

plenty,  and  confequently  better  cheape  of  corne.  23-b  [p.  48] 

Whether  the  Queenes  cuftome  mould  be  minimed  by  re- 
ftraint of  Wooll  vnwrought.  24.b  [p.  jjo] 
How  flraungers  fetcheth  from  vs  our  great  commodities 

for  very  trifles.  25-a  [p-  5°] 

Our  delicacy  in  requiring  ftraungers  vv.ares.  25.3  [p.  51] 

The  increafe  of  Haberdafhers  and  Mylleners  ouer  they  were 

wont  to  be.  2^.b  [p.  51] 

How  the  Straungers  finde  an  eafier  way  to  get  Treafure  by 

things  of  no  V3lue  then  by  any  Mynes  of  gold  3nd  filuer.  2j.b  [p.  51] 
How  ftrsungers  finde  their  people  with  our  cowzmodityes.  25. b  [p.  52] 
Why  ftrangers  may  aforde  Wares  by  them  made,  better  then 

we  may  the  fame  made  heere,  and  yet  that  it  were  better 

for  vs  to  buy  our  ovvne  though  they  be  dearer.  26.3  [p.  52] 

The  moft  durable  &  vniuerfall  profit  is  more  to  be  efteemed 

then  short  3nd  particuler.  26.b  [p.  53] 

Whether  fuch  reftrsints  do  touch  the  leagues  made  with 

outward  princes.  26.b  [p.  53] 


The  Table. 


9 


No  league  is  to  be  chearished  that  is  not  for  the  common 

vveale.  27.3  [p.  53] 

A  worthy  example  to  be  folowed  in  vfing  of  ftraungers.  27.3  [p.  54] 
What  harmes  come  and  may  come  by  the  alteration  of  the 

coyn.  27.b  [p.  55] 

That  the  fubftsnce  and  quantity  is  efteemed  in  coyne,  and 

not  the  name.  28.b  [p.  56] 

That  the  neceffity  of  mutuall  traffique  &  commodity  of 

exchaunge  made  coyne  to  be  deuifed.  29.3  [p.  57] 

Why  Golde  and  Siluer  were  the  ftuffe  moft  meeteft  for 

Coyne  to  be  ftricken  in.  29.3  [p.  57] 

Why  Gold  and  Siluer  are  efteemed  afore  all  other 

mettals.  3°-a-  [P-  58] 

Why  Siluer  and  Gold  were  coyned.  31.3  [p.  60] 

Somtime  brafle,  iiluer  &  gold,  were  weighed  before  coine 

made.  31. a  [p.  60] 

What  lofle  comes  of  lofle  of  credence.  3i.b  [p.  60] 

What  do  ftraungers  bringe  vs  for  our  treafure  &  chief  com- 
modity. 32.3  [p.  61] 
How  our  old  coine  may  be  tranfported,  &  the  Prince  &  her 

officers  not  ware.  32.3  [p.  62] 

We  deuifed  the  readieft  way  to  driue  awsyour  treafure.  32. b  [p.  62] 
Why  things  within  the  Realme  should  be  fo  deare.  32. b  [p.  63] 
Some  haue  gaynes  by  the  alteration  of  the  coyne.  33.3  [p.  63] 

Who  haue  lofle  by  the  alteration  of  the  coyne.  33.3  [p.  63] 

Of  excefle  in  sppsrell.  33. b  [p.  64] 

In  peace  looke  for  vvarre.  34-b  [p.  65] 

Of  excefle  in  buildings.  3.5.3  [p.  66] 

How  the  slterstion  of  the  coyne  shoulde  bee  moft  lofle 

to  the  Prince.  35. b  [p.  67] 

Whether  all  our  Woolle  were  expedient  to  be  foulde  ouer 

vnwrought.  36.b  [p.  69] 

Myfteries  are  to  be  incresfed  rather  then  minished.  37.3  [p.  69] 

Of  three  forts  of  Myfteries.  37. b  [p.  71] 

One  bringeth  out  our  tresfure.  3j.b  [p.  71] 

Another  fpendeth  that  they  get  in  the  fame  countrey 

againe.  38.3  [p.  71] 


IO 


The  Table. 


The  table  of 
the  third  di- 
alogue. 


The  thirde  forte  bringeth  in  -rreafure,  and  therefore  moft  to 

bee  chearished.  38.3  [p.  71] 

Myfteries  doe  inriche  countreys  that  be  els  barren.  38. b  [p.  72] 

Alliaunces  with  ftraungers  are  to  be  purchafed  and  kept.  39.3  [p.  72] 
Whether    great    Armyes    were    as    neceflary    here    as     in 

Frauwce.  39.3  [p.  73] 

A  lefle  griefe  would  not  be  holpen  with  a  greater  fore.  39-b  [p.  74] 

he  common  grieues.  4o.b  [p.  75] 

The  originall  caufe  in  euery  thing  is  to  be 

fearched.  41.3  [p.  76] 

Diuerfe  fortes  of  caufes  there  be.  41. b  [p.  76] 

Howe   one   thing  is  csufe  of  the   other,  & 
that  of  the  third.  42.3  [p.  77] 

The  ftraungers  aunfwere  touching  this  dearth.  42.b  [p.  78} 

That  the  alteration  of  the  coyne  wss  the  very  caufe  of  the 
dearth,   3nd   confequently   of    other    griefes    which   fol- 
lowed. 43  .b  [p.  80] 
How  Inclofures  might  be  remedied.  46.3  [p.  84] 
Of  townes  decayed.                                                                47 -b  [p-  86] 
The  ocean" on  of  the  decay  of  townes.  48.3  [p.  87] 
That  arte  is  to  be  moft  cheriffhed  in  a  towne,  that  bringeth 

moft  to  the  towne.  49.3  [p.  88] 

Townes  are  enryched  with  fome  one  trade.  49.3  [p.  89] 

The  occafion  of  fyfmes  in  matters  of  Religion.  51.3  [p.  92] 

The  faults  on  the  parte  of  the  Isytye.  53. b  [p.  96] 

How  thefe  fyfmes  might  be  remedied.  54-b  [p-  98] 

The  byshop  of  Rome  is  no  indifferent  man.  55.3  [p.  98") 


FINIS. 


II 


A  Briefe  conceipte  touching          [*>!.•] 

THE  COMMON  WEALE 

OF  THIS  REALME 

OF  ENGLAND. 

0  NSIDERING  THE  diuerfe  and  fundry  com- 
plaints of  our  countreimen  in  thefe  our  daies,  touch- 
ing the  great  alteration  of  this  common  wealth,  within 
the  compafle  of  thefe  few  yeres  lately  paft,  I  thought 
good  at  this  time  to  fet  downe  fuch  probable  difcourfe 
for  the  occafion  hereof,  as  I  haue  hearde  oftentimes  vttered  by  men  of 
founde  learnyng  and  deepe  iudgement.  And  albeit  I  am  not  one 
to  whome  the  confideration  and  reformation  of  the  fame  doth  efpe- 
cially  belong ;  yet,  knowing  my  felfe  to  bee  a  Member  of  the  fame 
Common  weale,  and  to  further  it  by  all  the  wayes  that  poflibly  I 
may,  I  cannot  recken  and  account  my  felfe  a  meere  ftraunger  to  this  NO  man  js 

matter :  no  more  than  a  man  that  were  in  a  Shippe,  which  being  in   straunger  to 

the  commorc- 
daunger  of  wracke,  might  fay,  that  becaufe  he  is  not  (percafe)  the   weale  he  is 

maifler  or  Pylate  of  the  fame,  the  daunger  thereof  doth  pertayne  no-   !: 
thing  at  all  to  him.   Therefore,  hauinge  nowe  fuftycient  leafure  from 
other  bulineffe,  mee  thought  I  coulde  not  apply  my  ftudy  to  a  better 
end  then  to  publifhe  &  make  relation  of  fuch  matters  as  I  haue  hearde 
throughly  difputed  herein. 

Firft,  what  thinges  men  are  moft  grieued  with  j  than,  what  mould 
bee  the  occafion  of  the  fame ;  And  that  knowne,  how  fuch  greues 
may  bee  taken  away,  and  the  ftate  of  the  Common  weale  reformed 
agayne.  And  albeit  yee  might  well  fay,  that  there  be  men  of  greater 
wittes  then  I,  that  xhaue  that  matter  in  charge,  yet  Fooles  (as  the  [i  Foi.  i,  back] 
Prouerbe  is)  fometimes  fpeake  to  the  purpofe :  and,  as  many  heads, 
fo  many  wittes ;  and  therefore  Princes,  though  they  bee  neuer  fo  wyfe 
themfelues,  (as  our  moft  excellent  Prynce  is,)  yet  the  wifer  that  they 
be,  the  moe  counfellers  they  will  haue,  (as  our  noble  and  gratious 
Queene  doth  daily  make  choyfe  of  more,)  for  that  that  one  cannot 


12 


Of  many 
heades  is  ga- 
thered a  per- 
fect coimsell. 


That  euery 
man  is  to  be 
credited  in 
his  owne 
arte. 


[*Fol  2] 


Why  the 
Booke  is 
made  by 
way  of  Dia- 
logue. 


A  briefe  Conceipt 


perceaue,  another  doth  difcouer  j  the  giftes  of  wits  be  fo  diuerfe,  that 
fome  excelles  in  Memory,  fome  in  Inuention,  fome  in  Judgement, 
fome  at  the  firft  light  ready,  &  fome  after  long  confederation  ;  & 
though  each  of  thefe  by  them  felues  do  not  feuerally  make  perfit  the 
matter,  yet  when  euery  man  bryngs  in  his  gyfte,  a  meane  witted  man 
may  of  all  thefe  (the  beft  of  euery  mans  deuife  being  gathered  to- 
gether) make,  as  it  were,  a  pleafaunt  and  perfe6t  Garlonde,  to  adorne 
and  Decke  his  head  with  all.  Therefore,  I  would  not  onely  haue 
learned  men,  whofe  Judgements  I  would  wyfhe  to  bee  cheyfly  e- 
fteemed  herein  ;  but  alfo  Marchaunt  men,  Hufbandmen,  &  Artificers, 
which  in  their  callinges  are  taken  wyfe,  freely  fuffered,  yea,  and  pro- 
uoked  to  tell  their  Aduyfes  in  this  matter.  For  fome  poyncles  in 
their  feates  they  may  difclofe,  that  the  wyfeft  in  a  Realme  cannot 
vnfoulde  againe.  And  it  is  a  Maxime,  or  a  thinge  receyued  as  an  in- 
fallible verity  among  all  men,  that  euery  man  is  to  bee  credited  in  that 
Arte  that  hee  is  moft  exercyfed  in.  For  did  not  Apelles,  that  excellent 
Paynter,  confider,  that  when  hee  layde  forth  his  fyne  Image  of  Venus 
to  bee  feene  of  euery  man  that  pafl  by,  to  the  intent,  he  hearing  euery 
mans  Judgement  in  his  owne  Arte,  might  alwayes  amend  that  was  a 
myfie  in  his  worke,  whofe  Cenfures  hee  allowed,  fo  longe  as  they  kept 
them  within  their  owne  Faculties,  and  tooke  not  vppon  them  to 
meddle  with  an  other  mans  Arte ;  fo,  percafe,  I  may  be  aunfwered  as 
hee  was,  yet  I  refufe  not  that,  if  I  paffe  J  my  compafle  j  but,  for  as 
much  as  moft  of  this  matter  contayneth  Pollicy,  or  good  gouern- 
ment  of  a  common  weale,  beinge  a  Member  of  Philofophy  moral, 
wherein  I  haue  fomewhat  ftudyed,  I  mall  bee  fo  bolde  with  my  coun- 
treymen,  who  I  doubt  not  will  conftrue  euery  thinge  to  the  beft,  as  to 
vtter  my  poore  and  limple  cowceipt  herein,  which  I  haue  gathered  out 
of  the  talke  of  diuers  and  fundry  notable  men  that  I  haue  hearde 
reafon  on  this  matter ;  and  though  I  mould  herein,  percafe,  moue  fome 
thinges  that  were  openlye  not  to  bee  touched,  as  in  fuch  cafes  of  dif- 
ceptacion  is  requifite,  yet,  hauinge  refpeft  to  what  ende  they  bee 
fpoken,  I  truft  they  can  offend  no  man ;  for  harde  were  it  to  heale  a 
foare  that  a  man  woulde  not  haue  opened  to  his  Phyfition,  nor  yet  a 
furfet  that  a  man  woulde  not  declare  the  occafion  thereof.  Therefore, 
now  to  goe  to  the  matter,  vppon  boldnefle  of  your  good  acceptation, 
that  kinde  of  reafoning  feemeth  to  mee  beft  for  boultinge  out  of  the 


of  English  pollicy.  13 

truth,  which  is  vfed  by  waye  of  Dialogues,  or  colloquyes,  where  reafons 

bee  made  too  and  froe,  as  well  for  the  matter  intended,  as  agaynft  it. 

I  thought  beft  to  take  that  way  in  the  difcourfe  of  this  matter,  which 

is,  firft  in  recounting  the  common  and  vniuerfall  grieues  that  men 

complayne  on   now  a   dayesj  fecondly,  in   boulting  out  the  verye   The  suwme  of 

caufes   and  occasions  of  them;  thirdly  and   finally,  in  deuifinge  of 

remedies  for  all  the  fame.     Tb  refore,  I  will  declare  vnto  you  what 

communication  a  Knight  had  betweene  him  &  certayne  other  perfons 

of  late,  about  this  matter,  which,  becaufe  it  happened  betwene  fuch 

perfons  as  were  Members  of  euery  ftate  that  finde  themfelues  grieued 

now  a  dayes,  I  thoughte  it  not  meete  to  bee  forgotten,  to  lett  you 

vnderftand  that  the  perfons  were  thefe :    A  Knight,  as  I  fayde  firft,  a 

Martchaunt  man,  a  Doctor,  a  Hufbawdman,  and  a  Craftes  man.    And 

firft,  the  Knight  rehearfed  the  communication  in  this  manner  en- 

fuinge : — 


[FoL  2,  backj 


Knighte. 


Marchaunt 


Knight 

Marchauwt. 

Knight. 


[i Fol.  3] 


14  A  briefe  Conceipt 

*» 

THE   FIRST   DIA- 

LOGVE. 

|Fter  I  and  my  Fellowes,  the  Lattices  of  peace  o; 
this  Comminalty,  had  the  other  day  declared  the 
Quenes  highnes  commiffion  touching  diuers 
matters,  &  geuen  the  charge  to  the  enqueft ;  I, 
being  both  weary  of  the  heate  of  the  people  & 
noyfe  of  the  fame,  thought  to  fteale  to  a  friendes 
houfe  ofmyne  in  the  towne,  which  felles  Wyne, 
to  the  intent  to  eate  a  morfell  of  meate,  for  I  was  then  fafting,  taking 
with  me  an  honeft  hufbandmaw,  whom,  for  his  honeft  and  good  dif- 
cretion,  I  loued  very  wellj  whither,  as  we  were  comne,  &  had  but 
fkant  fit  downe  in  a  clofe  Parloure,  there  comes  me  in  a  Marchaunte 
man  of  that  city,  a  man  of  eftimation  and  fubftaunce,  and  requires  the 
fayde  Hufbandman  to  goe  and  dyne  with  him ;  nay,  (quoth  I)  hee 
wil  not,  I  truft,  now  forfake  my  company,  though  he  mould  fare  better 
with  you. 

Than  (quoth  the  marchaunt  man)  I  will  fend  home  for  a  pafty  of 
Venifon  that  I  haue  there,  &  for  a  friend  of  mine,  and  a  neighbor,  that 
I  had  bid  to  dinner,  and  wee  fhalbe  fo  bolde  as  to  make  merry  with- 
all  heere  in  your  company ;  &  as  for  my  gueft,  hee  is  no  ftraunger  vnto 
you  neyther.     And,  therefore,  both  he  of  yours,  &  you  of  his  com- 
pany, I  truft  wilbe  the  gladder. 
Who  is  it  ? 
Do6lor  Pandotheus. 

Is  he  fo  ?  on  my  fayth,  he  fhalbe  hartely  welcome,  for  of  him  we 
fhal  haue  fome  good  communication  and  wife,  for  he  is  noted  a 
learned  and  a  wife  man.  And  immediately  the  Marchaunt  fendes  for 
him,  and  he  comes  vnto  vs,  &  bryn'geth  wyth  him  an  honeft  man,  a 
Capper  of  the  fame  towne,  who  came  to  fpeake  with  the  fayd  Mar- 
chaunt ;  than,  after  falutations  had  (as  yee  knowe  the  maner  is)  be- 
tweene  me  and  maifter  Do6tor,  and  renewinge  olde  acquayntaunce 


of  English  pollicy. 


which  had  bene  longe  before  betweene  vs,  we  fat  all  downe;  and  when 
we  had  eate  fomewhat  to  fatiffie  the  fharpnefle  of  our  ftomackes, 

On  my  fayth,  quoth  the  Dodor  to  me,  yee  make  much  a  doe, 
you  that  be  luftices  of  the  peace  of  euerie  Countrey,  in  fitting  vpon 
Commiflions  almoft  weekely,  and  in  caufinge  poore  men  to  appear 
before  you,  and  leauinge  theyr  husbandry  vnlookte  to  at  home. 

Surely  it  is  fo.  Yet  the  prince  muft  be  ferued,  and  the  common- 
weale,  for  God  and  the  prince  haue  not  fent  vs  the  poore  lyuinges 
that  we  haue,  but  to  doe  feruice  therefore  abrode  amonges  our 
Neygh  hours. 

It  is  well  if  yee  take  it  fo,  for  nature  hath  grafted  that  perfwafion 
in  you,  and  all  other  that  followes  the  cleare  light  of  Nature.  As 
learned  men  haue  remewibred,  faying,  we  be  not  borne  onely  to  our 
felues,  but  partely  to  the  vfe  of  our  Countrey,  of  our  Parentes,  of  our 
Kinffolkes,  and  partly  of  our  Friendes  and  Neyghboures  j  and,  there- 
fore, all  good  vertues  are  grafted  in  vs  naturally,  whofe  effe&s  be  to 
doe  good  to  other,  wherein  we  fhewe  forth  the  Image  of  God  and 
man,  whofe  property  is  euer  to  doe  good  to  other,  and  to  distribute 
his  goodnefle  abrode,  lyke  no  Ny garde  nor  enuyous  of  any.  Other 
creatures,  as  they  refemble  nothing  of  that  godly  Image,  fo  they  ftudy 
no  common  vtility  of  other,  but  onely  the  conferuation  of  them 
felues,  and  propagation  of  their  owne  kynde.  Wherefore,  if  we  looke 
to  be  reckned  moft  vnlyke  them,  being  moft  vyle,  and  lykeft  to  God, 
being  moft  excellent,  let  vs  ftudy  to  doe  good  to  other,  not  preferring 
the  eafe  of  this  Carkaffe,  which  is  like  the  Brute  beaftes,  but  rather  the 
vertues  of  the  minde,  wherein  we  be  lyke  God  him  felfe. 

1Then,  (fayd  the  Hufbandman)  for  all  your  paynes,  (meaning  by 
me)  &  all  oures  alfo,  I  would  yee  had  neuer  worfe  Commiflions  in 
hand  then  this  is.  So  wee  had  loft  more  dayes  workes  at  our  Huf- 
bandry  then  this. 

Why  fo  ? 

Mary,  for  thefe  Inclofures  doe  vndoe  vs  all ;  for  they  make  vs  to 
pay  dearer  for  our  lande  that  we  occupy,  &  caufes  that  we  can  haue 
no  lande  in  manner  for  our  money  to  put  to  Tyllage ;  all  is  taken  vp 
for  Pafturo ;  for  Pafture  eyther  for  Sheepe,  or  for  Grafinge  of  Cattell ; 
in  fo  much  that  I  haue  knowne  of  late  a  dozen  ploughes,  within  lefle 
compafle  tb^n  fixe  Myles  about  mee,  layde  downe  within  this  feuew 


Doctor. 


Knight. 


Doctor. 

Plato. 
Cicero. 


That  men  are 
not  borne  to 
themselues 
onely. 


Husband, 
[i  Fol.  3>  back] 


Knight. 
Husband. 


Complaynt  of 
Inclosures  by 
Husbandmen. 


i6 


A  briefe  Conceipt 


Capper. 

Complaynt  of 
dearth  of  vit- 
tayle  by  Arti- 
ficers. 


Marchaunt. 
['  Fol.  41 


Complaynt  of 
townes  by 
Marchaunt  men 
&  of  all  other 
common  ease- 
'nentes. 


Many  superflu- 
ous charges 
layde  downe 
and  yet  neuer 
the  more  plen- 
ty- 


Dearth  of  out 
vvarde  Mar- 
chaundize. 


yearesj  and  where  three  fcore  perfons  or  vpward  had  their  liuings, 
now  one  man  with  his  Cattell  hath  all,  which  thinge  is  not  the  leaft 
caufe  of  former  vprores ;  for,  by  thefe  Inclofures  many  doe  lacke 
lyuings,  and  be  ydle,  &  therefore  for  very  neceflity  they  are  defirous  of 
a  chaunge,  beinge  in  hope  to  come  thereby  to  fomewhat,  and  well  af- 
fured  that  howe  fo  euer  it  befall  with  them,  it  can  bee  no  harder  with 
them  than  it  was  before ;  more  ouer,  all  things  are  fo  deere,  that  by 
their  day  wages  they  are  not  able  to  lyue. 

I  haue  well  the  experience  thereof,  for  I  am  fayne  to  geue  my 
lourneimen  two  pence  in  a  day  more  than  I  was  wont  to  doe,  and 
yet  they  fay  they  cannot  fufficiently  Hue  thereon.  And  I  know,  for 
truth,  that  the  beft  hufbande  of  them  can  faue  but  litle  at  the  yeares 
end  j  and  by  reafon  of  fuch  dearth  as  yee  fpeake  of,  wee,  that  are  Arti- 
ficers, are  able  to  keepe  but  fewe  or  no  Prentizes,  like  as  wee  were 
wont  to  doe;  and,  therefore,  Cityes  which  were  heretofore  well  in- 
habited and  wealthy  (as  yee  know  euery  one  of  you)  are  now,  for 
lacke  of  occupiers,  fallen  to  great  pouerty  and  defolation. 

So  bee  the  moft  part  of  all  the  townes  of  England,  LonMon  onely 
except;  and  not  onely  the  good  townes  are  fore  decayed  in  there 
Howfes,  Walles,  Streates,  and  other  buildinges,  but  alfo  the  countrey  in 
their  high  wayes  &  Brydges;  for  fuch  pouerty  rayneth  euery  where,  that 
few  men  haue  fo  much  to  fpare,  as  they  may  geue  any  thing  to  the 
reparation  of  fuch  wayes,  brydges,  and  other  common  eafements  ; 
and,  albeit  there  bee  many  thinges  layde  downe  now  which  before 
time  were  occafions  of  much  expences,  as  May  games,  Wakes, 
Reuels,  wagers  at  {hooting,  wreftling,  running,  and  throwing  the 
ftone  or  barre,  &  befides  that,  Pardons,  Pylgrimages,  Offrings,  and 
many  fuch  other  thinges,  yet  I  perceyue  wee  bee  neuer  the  wealthyer, 
but  rather  poorer;  whereof  it  is  longe,  I  cannot  well  tell,  for  there  is 
fuch  a  generall  dearth  of  all  things,  as  before  .xx.  or  .xxx.  yeares 
hath  not  bene  the  like,  not  onely  of  thinges  growinge  within  this 
Realme,  but  alfo  of  all  other  Marchaundize  that  wee  buy  from  beyond 
the  Sea,  as  Sylkes,  Wynes,  Oyles,  Woode,  Madder,  Yron,  Steele, 
Waxe,  Flaxe,  Linnen  cloth,  Fuftians,  Worfteddes,  Couerlets,  Carpets, 
and  all  Hearfes,  &  Tapeftry,  Spyces  of  all  fort ;  and  al  Haberdalher 
ware,  as  Paper,  both  white  &  browne ;  Glaffes,  afwell  drinckinge  and 
looking,  as  for  glafinge  of  Windowes  ;  Pinnes,  Needles,  Kniues,  Dag- 


of  English  pollicy. 


gers,  Hats,  Cappes,  Broches,  Buttons,  and  Laces.  I  wot  well  all  thefe 
doe  coft  nowe  more  by  the  thyrde  parte  than  they  did  but  fewe 
yeares  agoe;  than,  all  kinde  of  Vi6tayle  are  as  deere,  or  dearer  agayne, 
&  no  caufe  of  Gods  parte  thereof,  as  farre  as  I  can  perceaue,  foi  I  neuer 
fawe  more  plenty  of  Corne,  grafle,  and  Cattell  of  all  fortes,  than  wee 
haue  at  this  prefent,  and  haue  had  (as  yee  know)  all  thele  twenty 
yeares  paffed  continually,  thanked  bee  our  Lorde  God ;  if  thefe  In- 
clofures  were  caufe  thereof,  or  any  other  thinge  els,  it  were  pity  but 
they  might  be  remooued. 

Synce  yee  haue  plenty  of  all  thinges,  of  Corne  &  Cat1  tell,  (as  yee 
fay)  then  it  fhould  not  feeme  this  dearth  mould  be  longe  of  thefe  In- 
clofures,  for  it  is  not  for  fcarcenefle  of  Corne  that  yee  haue  this 
dearth,  for,  thanked  bee  God,  Corne  is  good  cheape,  and  fo  hath 
bene  thefe  many  yeares  paft  continually.  Than  it  cannot  bee  the 
occalion  of  the  dearth  of  Cattell,  for  Inclofure  is  the  thing  that  nour- 
ifheth  moft  of  any  other ;  yet  I  confefle  there  is  a  wonderfull  dearth 
of  all  thinges,  and  that  do  I,  and  all  men  of  my  forte,  feele  moft 
greife  in,  which  haue  no  way  to  fell,  or  occupation  to  lyue  by,  but 
onely  our  laudes.  For  you  all  three, — I  meane  you,  my  neyghbour 
the  hufbandman,  you,  maifter  Mercer,  and  you,  goodman  Capper, 
with  other  Artificers, — may  faue  your  felues  meetely  well.  For- 
afmuch  as  all  thinges  are  deerer  then  they  were,  fo  much  doe  you 
aryfe  in  the  pryce  of  your  wares  and  occupations  that  yee  fell 
agayne.  But  we  haue  nothing  to  fell,  whereby  we  might  aduaunce 
the  pryce  thereof  to  counterualue  thole  things  that  we  muft  buy 
agayne. 

Yes,  yee  rayfe  the  price  of  your  Landes,  and  yee  take  Fermes  alfo 
and  paftures  to  your  hawds  (which  was  wont  to  bee  poore  mens 
lyuings,  fuch  as  I  am),  and  haue  geuen  ouer  to  liue  onely  vpon  your 
Landes. 

On  my  foule,  yee  fay  truth  (quoth  the  Marchaunte),  and  the 
Capper  alfo  fayd  no  lefle ;  adding  thereto,  that  it  was  neuer  merry 
with  poore  Crafts  men  fince  Gentlemen  became  Grafiers ;  for  they 
cannot  now  a  dayes  (fayde  he)  finde  theyr  Prentizes  and  feruauntes 
meate  and  drynke,  but  it  coft  them  almoft  double  afmuch  as  did  be- 
fore time;  wherefore,  where  many  of  myne  occupation  and  other 

like,  heretofore  haue  dyed  rych  men,  and  bene  able  to  leaue  honeftly 
SHAKSPERE'S  ENGLAND  :  STAFFORD.  2 


Dearth  01  ai. 
kinde  of  vit- 
tayle. 


Knighte. 

['  Fol.  4,  back] 


That  inclosu- 
res  be  not  the 
cause  of  this 
dearth. 


That  Gentle- 
me»  feele  most 
griefe  by  this 
dearth. 


Husband. 


[Capper] 

The  co#?playnt 
of  craftes  men 
against  Gentl^ 
men  for  taking 
of  Farmes. 


i8 


A  briefe  Conceipt 


['  Fol.  5] 


The  craftes- 
mans  cow/playnt 
that  he  cannot 
set  mew  a  work 
for  the  Dearth 
of  victayle. 


Marchauwt. 


Knight. 


The  Gentle- 
mans  cowzplaynt 
how  he  can- 
not keepe  lyke 
countenaunce 
as  he  was 
wont  to  doe. 


[a  Fol.  5,  back] 


behynde  them  for  theyr  Wyfe  and  Children  j  and  befides  thai,  leaue 
fome  notable  bequeftes  for  fome  good  deede,  as  to  the  making  of 
Brydges,  &  repayring  of  high  wayes,  all  which  thinges  goe  to  wracke 
now  euery  where.  Alfo,  fome  were  wont  to  buy  Land,  eyther  for  to 
helpe  the  poore  beginners  'of  th'occupations,  yea,  fome  time  they 
had  fuch  fuperfluity  as  they  could  ouer  fuch  bequeftes  leaue  an  other 
Portion  to  finde  a  Pryfte,  or  to  founde  a  Chauntry  in  fome  pariihe 
Church  ;  and  now  we  are  fkant  able  to  line  without  debt,  or  to  keepe 
few  feruaunts,  or  none,  except  it  be  one  Prentiz  or  two.  And 
therefore  the  Journeymen,  what  of  our  occupations,  and  what  of 
Clothyers,  and  all  other  occupations,  being  forced  to  be  without  worke, 
are  the  moft  parte  of  thefe  rude  people  that  maketh  thefe  vprores 
abrode,  to  the  great  difquiet,  not  onely  of  the  Queenes  highnes,  but 
alfo  of  her  people.  And  neede  (as  yee  knowe)  hath  no  booty. 

It  is  true,  yee  knowe  likewife  what  other  notable  a6ts  men  of 
myne  occupation  haue  done  in  this  City.  Before  this,  yee  knowe  the 
hofpitall  at  the  townes  ende,  wherein  the  freemen  decaied  are  re- 
leaued,  how  it  was  founded,  not  longe  agoe,  by  one  of  our  occupation, 
fuppoling  therby  that  the  city  (hould  be  much  releaued,  which  then 
was  in  fome  decay ;  and  yet  it  decayeth  flill  euery  day  more  and  more ; 
whereof  it  mould  be  longe,  I  cannot  well  tell. 

Syr,  as  I  knowe  it  is  true  that  yee  complayne  not  wztAout  caufe, 
fo  it  is  as  true  that  I  and  my  forte,  I  meaue  all  Gentlemen,  haue  as 
greate,  yea,  and  farre  greater  caufe  to  complayne  then  any  of  you  haue  ; 
for,  as  I  fayd,  nowe  that  the  pryces  of  thinges  are  fo  ryfen  of  all 
handes,  you  may  better  lyue  after  your  degree  then  wee,  for  you  may 
and  do  rayfe  the  pryce  of  your  wares,  as  the  prifes  of  vittayles,  & 
other  your  neceffaries  doe  ryfe ;  and  fo  cannot  we  fo  much,  for  though 
it  bee  true  that  of  fuch  landes  as  come  to  our  handes,  eyther  by  pur- 
chafe,  or  by  determination,  and  ending  of  fuch  termes  of  yeares,  or 
other  Eftates,  that  I  or  mine  auwceftors  had  grawzted  thera  in  time 
paft:  I  doe  eyther  receyue  a  better  fine  than  of  olde  was  vfedj  or 
enhaunfe  the  rent  thereof,  being  forced  thereto  for  the  charge  of  my 
houlholde  that  is  fo  encreafed  ouer  that  it  was ;  yet  in  all  my  2life 
time  I  looke  not  that  the  thyrde  parte  of  my  lande  fhall  come  to  my 
difpofition,  that  I  may  enhaunce  the  rent  of  the  fame,  but  it  malbe  in 
mens  holding,  either  by  leafes,  or  by  copy  graunted  before  my  time, 


of  English  pollicy.  19 

and  ftill  continuing,  and  yet  like  to  continue  in  the  fame  ftate  for  the 
moft  part  during  my  life,  and  percafe  my  Sonnes ;  fo  as  we  cannot 
rayfe  all  our  wares,  as  you  may  yours,  and  as  me  thinketh  it  were 
reafon  we  did;  and  by  reafon  that  we  cannot,  fo  many  of  vs  (as  yee  whyGentie- 

c      .  ,.  ,  ,  men  doe  geue 

know)   that  haue  departed  out  or  the  couwtrey  or  late,  haue  bene  ouer  their 

•  i  i  housholdes 

dnuen  to  gme  ouer  our  houlhoulds,  and  to  keepe  either  a  chamber  in 
London,  or  to  wayte  on  the  Court,  vncalled,  with  a  man  and  a  Lac- 
key after  him,  where  he  was  wonte  to  keepe  halfe  a  fcore  of  cleane 
men  in  his  houfe,  and  xx.  or  xxiiii.  other  perfons  belides,  euery  day 
in  the  weekej  and  fuch  of  vs  as  doe  abide  in  the  countrey  ftill, 
cannot  with  two  hundreth  li.  a  yeare  keepe  that  houfe  that  we  might 
haue  don  with  CC.  markes  but  xvi.  yeares  paft.  And  thearefore  we 

are  forced,  either  to  minifhe  the  third  part  of  our  houfehoulde,  or  to  Why  Gentle- 
men doth  take 
raife  the  thirde  part  of  our  reuenewes;  and  for  that  wee  cannot  fo   Farmesinto 

their  handes 

doe  of  our  owne  landes,  that  is  allreadye  in  the  hands  of  other  men, 
many  of  vs  are  enforced,  either  to  keepe  peeces  of  our  owne  Landes 
when  they  fall  in  our  owne  pofieffion,  or  to  purchafe  fome  Farme 
of  other  mens  landes,  and  to  ftore  it  with  fheepe,  or  fome  other 
cattell,  to  help  to  make  vp  the  decay  of  our  reuenewes,  and  to  maine- 
tayne  our  oulde  eftate  with  all,  and  yet  all  is  litle  ynough. 

Yea,  thofe  fheepe  is  the  caufe  of  all  thefe  mifchieues,  for  they   Husband, 
haue  driuen  hufbandry  out  of  the  countrey,  by  the  which  was  increafed 
before  all  kinde   of  victuals;    &  now  all  togeether,  fheepe,  {heepe,   Complaint  a- 
fheepe.     It  was  farre   better   when   there  were    not   onely   fheepe 
ynough,  but  allfo  Oxen,  Kine,  fwyn,  Pig,  Goofe,  &  Capon,  Egges, 
Butter  &  Cheefe;  yea,  and  breade  Corne,  and  Make  come  ynough, 
befides,  reared  alltogether  vpon  the  fame  lande. 

Then  the  Doctor,  that  had  leaned  on  his  Elbowe  all  this  l  while  Doctor, 
mufiug,  fat  vp  and  fayd,  I  perceaue  by  you  all  three,  that  there  [1  FoL  ^ 
is  none  of  you  but  haue  iuft  caufe  to  complaine. 

No,  by  my  troth,  except  it  be  you,  men  of  the  church,  which  Capper, 
trauaile  nothing  for  your  lyuinge,  and  yet  haue  inough 

Yee  fay  troth  in  dede,  we  haue  leaft  caufe  to  co/wplaine  :    yet  yee   Doctor, 
know  well,  we  be  not  fo  plewtious  as  we  haue  bene,  the  firft  fruits  & 
tenthes  are  deducted  of  our  liuings ;  yet  of  the  reft  we  might  Hue  well  The  Doctors 
ynough,  if  we  might  haue  quietnes  of  minde  &  confidence  withall.   meTof  h?s  f°r 
And,  albeit  we  labour  not  much  with  our  bodies  (as  yee  fay,)  yet  yee  calling 


2O 


A  briefe  Conceipt 


Capper. 

Complaynt  a- 
gainst  learned 
meu. 


Knight. 

[*  orig.  houe] 

Doctor. 
Capper. 
[2  Fol.  6,  back] 

Doctor. 


Why  learning 
should  be  like 
to  decay  here- 
after. 


know  we  labour  with  our  mindes,  more  to  the  weaking  of  the  fame 
then  by  any  other  bodily  exercife  we  fhould  do,  as  we  may  well  per- 
ceue  by  our  complexions,  how  wan  our  colour  is,  how  faint  and 
fickely  be  our  bodyes,  &  all  for  lacke  of  bodily  exercife. 

Mary,  I  woulde  if  I  were  of  the  Queenes  counfell,  prouide  for  you 
well  a  fine,  fo  as  you  mould  neede  take  no  difeafe  for  lacke  of  exercife ; 
I  woulde  fet  you  to  the  Plough  and  Carte,  for  the  deuill  a  whit  of 
good  yee  doe  with  your  ftudies,  but  fet  men  together  by  the  Eares, 
fome  with  this  opinion,  &  fome  with  that,  fome  holding  this  way, 
&  fome  an  other ;  and  that  fo  ftifly,  as  though  the  troth  muft  be  as 
they  fay,  that  haue  the  vpper  hand  in  contention ;  &  this  contention 
is  not  alfo  the  leaft  caufe  of  former  vprores  of  the  people,  fome  hold- 
ing of  the  one  learning,  &  fome  of  the  other.  In  my  minde  it  made 
no  matter,  though  we  had  no  learned  men  at  all. 

God  forbid,  neighbour,  that  it  Ihould  be  fo ;  how  mould  the  Prynce 
haue  couTzfailers  then ;  how  fhould  we  haue  chriftian  religion  taught 
vs 5  how  fhoul[d]  we  know  the  eftats  of  other  realmes,  &  haue l  con- 
ferenc[e]  with  them  of  al  cow  try  es,  except  it  were  throug[h]  learning, 
&  by  the  benefit  of  Letters  ? 

Care  not  therefore,  goodmaw  capper ;  yee  mail  haue  few  ynough 
of  learned  men  within  a  while,  if  this  world  hold  on. 

I  meane  not  but  I  would  haue  men  to  learne  to  wryt  &  reade, 
yea,  &  to  learne  the  languages  vfed  in  cou/ztreies  about  vs,  that  we 
might  write  our  mindes  to  them,  &  they  to  vsj  yea,  and  that  2wee 
might  reade  the  holy  fcriptures  in  our  mother  tongue ;  &  as  for  your 
preaching  (except  yee  agree  better),  it  made  no  matter  howe  litle  wee 
had  of  it,  for  of  dyuerfity  thereof  cometh  thefe  diuerfities  of  opinions. 

Then  yee  care  for  no  other  fciences  at  all,  but  the  knowledge  of 
tongues,  and  to  wryte  &  reade ;  and  fo  it  appeares  well  that  yee  be 
not  alone  of  that  mynde,  for  nowe  a  dayes,  when  men  fendes  their 
fonnes  to  the  Uniuerfities,  they  fuffer  them  no  longer  to  tary  there, 
then  they  may  haue  a  litle  of  the  latin  tongue ;  &  then  they  take  them 
away,  &  beftow  them  to  be  Clarkes  with  fome  man  of  Lawe,  or  fome 
Auditor  and  Receyuer,  or  to  be  a  Secretary  with  fome  great  man  or 
other,  and  fo  to  come  to  a  lyuing,  whereby  the  Uniuerfities  be  in 
maner  emptied,  and  as  I  thinke  will  be  occafion  that  this  Realme 
within  a  fhorte  fpace  will  be  made  as  empty  of  wife  and  pollitique 


of  English  pollicy. 


21 


men,  and  cowfequently  barbarous,  and  at  the  laft  thrall  and  fubieft  to 
other  Nations  whereof  wee  were  Lordes  before. 

God  forbid  that  we  that  bee  Gentlemen  (houlde  not  with  our 
pollicy  in  warre,  prouide  that  we  come  not  in  fubie6tion  of  any  other 
nation  j  and  the  ftoutnefie  of  Englyfhe  heartes  will  neuer  furFer  that, 
thoughe  there  were  no  learned  men  in  the  Realme  at  all. 

Well,  an  empyre  or  a  Kingdome  is  not  fo  muche  won  or  kept  by 
the  manhode  and  force  of  men,  as  it  is  by  wifedome  and  policy, 
which  is  gotten  chiefly  by  learning;  for  wee  fee  in  all  kindes  of 
gouernaunce,  for  the  mofl  parte,  the  wyfer  forte  haue  the  foueraygnty 
ouer  the  rude  &  vnlearned,  as  in  euery  houfe  the  moft  expert,  in 
euery  City  the,  wifeft  &  moft  fage,  and  in  euery  common  weale  the 
moft  learned,  are  mofte  commonly  placed  to  gouerne  the  reft ;  yea, 
among  all  nations  of  the  worlde  they  that  be  polytique  and  ciuile  doe 
mayfter  the  reft,  thoughe  their  forces  be  inferior  to  the  other.  The 
Empyres  of  the  Greekes  &  Romaines  l  doe  declare  that,  among  whom, 
like  as  learning  and  wifedome  was  moft  efteemed,  fo  the  Empyres 
were  fpread  wideft,  and  longeft  did  continue  of  all  other.  And,  why 
mould  you  thinke  it  ftraung,  that  you  might  more  be  vanquiihed  than 
the  other  were  before  time,  that  reckened  themfelues  as  ttoute  men  as 
you  be,  yea,  dwellers  of  this  realme,  as  the  Saxons  laft  were  by  the 
Normands,  and  the  Romaines  by  the  Saxons  afore  that,  &  the  Bryt- 
tons  by  the  Romaines  fyrft  of  all. 

There  may  bee  wyfe  men  ynough,  though  they  bee  not  learned. 
I  haue  knowne  diuerfe  mew  very  wife  &  politique,  that  know  neuer  a 
letter  on  the  bookej  and  contrary  wife,  as  many  other  learned  men  that 
haue  bene  very  Idiots  in  maner  for  any  worldly  pollicy  that  they  had. 

I  deny  not  that,  but  I  fay  that  if  fuch  wyfe  men  as  yee  fpeake  of 
had  learninge  to  their  wits,  they  had  bene  more  exellent.  And  the 
other,  that  yee  call  fo  fimple,  had  bene  foolyfhe  if  they  had  had  no 
learninge  at  all.  Exercyfe  in  warres  maketh  not  euery  man  meete  to 
bee  a  Captayne,  though  hee  trauayle  in  it  neuer  fo  longej  nor  there  is 
no  other  fo  apt  for  the  warre,  but  with  experience  and  vfe  he  is  made 
mere  perfit ;  for  what  maketh  olde  men  commonly  more  wife  than  the 
younger  forte,  but  their  greater  experience  ? 

Yea,  experience  helpeth  much  the  wit  of  men,  I  cowfeffe.  But 
what  doth  learning  thereto  "" 


Knight. 


Doctor. 


Whether  a  com- 
mon weale 
may  be  well 
gouerned 
vyithout  lear- 
ning. 


[i  Fol.  7j 

That  the  lear- 
ned haue  al- 
way  the  soue- 
raignty  ouer 
the  vnlearned. 


Knighte. 


Doctor. 


Whether  a 
man  may  be 
wyse  without 
learning. 


Knight. 


22 


A  briefe  Conceipt 


Doctor. 


['hat  learning 
supplieth  the 
lacke  of  expe- 
rience, &  that 
experience  is 
the  father  of 
Wysedome. 

[i  Fol.  7,  back] 


orig.  fitfty) 


[3orig:  Cosmo- 
gragraphy] 


[4  Fol.  8] 


If  yee  graunt  mee  that  experience  doth  help,  then  I  doubte  not 
but  yee  will  graunt  mee  anon,  that  learninge  doth  alfo  help  much  to 
the  increafe  of  wifedome  5  let  that,  then,  be  fet  for  a  fure  grounde 
that  experience  doth  further  wifdome,  &  take  it  as  it  were  the  father 
of  wifedome,  &  memory  to  be  the  mother.  For,  like  as  experience 
doth  beget  wifdome  as  a  father,  fo  memory  nourimeth  it  as  a  mother ; 
for  in  vaine  fhoulde  experience  be  had,  if  the  fame  were  not  kept  in 
remembraunce.  Then  if  I  can  fhew  you  that  both  expedience  and 
alfo  memory  are  holpen  and  furthered  by  learninge,  then  yee  muft 
needes  graunt  me,  that  learning  furthers  wit  and  increafeth  it  j  yee 
cowfefle  the  experience  of  an  olde  man  maketh  him  wifer  than  the 
younge,  becaufe  hee  fawe  mo  things  then  the  other.  But  an  olde 
man  feeth  but  onely  things  of  his  owne  time,  &  the  learned  man  feeth 
not  onely  his  owne  times  experience,  but  alfo  that  befell  in  a  great 
many  of  his  aunceftors,  yea,  fince  the  worlde  began.  Wherefore,  he 
muft  needes  haue  more  experience  then  the  vnlearned  man,  of  what 
great  age  fo  euer  he  be,  there  fo  many  cafes  as  he  feeth  in  all  that  time 
to  haue  happened,  coulde  not  fo  well  be  remembred  of  any  man,  as  it 
is  kept  in  memory  by  wrytings ;  and  then  if  the  vnlearned  man  once 
forget  the  thinge  hee  fawe,  hee  neuer  lightly  remembers  it  againe ; 
where  as  the  learned  man  hath  his  booke  alwayes  to  call  him  to 
remembraunce  of  that  hee  fhould  els  forget.  Therefore,  as  he  that 
liueth  a  hundreth  yeares  muft  needes  haue  more  experience  then  hee 
that  liueth  fifty2,  fo  hee  that  feeth  the  chaunces  of  the  worlde  as  it 
were  in  a  table  paynted  afore  him  of  a  thoufand  yeres,  muft  needes 
haue  greater  experience  then  he  that  liueth  but  a  hundreth.  Alfo  he 
that  trauaileth  many  farre  Countryes,  hath  more  experience  than  other 
of  like  age  that  neuer  goeth  out  of  his  natiue  countrey.  So  he  that  is 
learned,  feeth  by  Cofmography3,  hyftories,  and  other  learnings,  the 
right  maner  &  vfage  of  euery  countrey  in  the  world,  yea,  of  many  moe 
then  is  poffible  for  one  man  to  trauayle  through,  and  of  thefe  that  he 
trauaileth  much  better,  doth  he  learne  there  by  imall  taryng,  then  the 
other  (by  longer  experience)  that  are  all  together  and  wholly  vn- 
learned, and  confequently  more  wit,  being  in  capacity  and  memory 
both  els  equipolent ;  &  now  I  am  forced  to  confider  the  maruaylous 
gyftes  that  we  haue  by  learning,  that  is,  how  learning  fupplyeth  vn4tc 
man  the  greateft  lack  that  fome  Wryters  haue  complayned  of,  to  be 


of  English  pollicy.  23 

in  man  kinde,  that  is,  the  breuity  of  Age,  the  groflenefie  &  wayght  of  The  wonder- 

full  gyftes  that 

body  :  where  in  the  firft,  diuerfe  beaftes,  as  Hartes  and  many  other,   we  haue  by 

learning. 

and  in  the  laft  all  Byrdes,  doe  excell  man ;  for  where  it  is  deemed  man 
to  liue  aboue  a  huradreth  yeares  or  theare  aboutes,  by  the  benefite  of 
learning,  he  hath  the  commoditye  of  the  life  of  a  thowfand  yeares; 
yea,  two  or  three  thowfandes,  by  reafon  hee  feeth  Me  euents  and  occur- 
rewts  of  all  that  time  by  Bookes.  And  if  he  mould  haue  liued  him 
felfe  by  all  that  fpace,  then  coulde  he  haue  had  nothinge  els  to  his 
commodity,  but  that  experience  of  things,  the  reft  had  bene  but  tra- 
uayle ;  which  experience  he  hath  nowe  by  letters,  and  without  any 
trauayle  in  manner  at  all,  and  without  the  daungers  that  he  might 
him  felfe  haue  bene  in,  if  hee  had  liued  by  all  that  fpace.  As  to  the 
other  poynte,  that  wee  be  not  fo  agill  and  light  as  fowles  &  Byrdes 
of  the  Ayre  bee,  as  that  wee  might  fturre  from  on  place  to  an  other, 
wee  haue  the  commodity  through  learning  that  wee  mould  purchafe 
by  fuch  Peregrinations,  as  well  as  wee  mould  if  wee  might  flee  from 
one  Countrey  to  an  other  like  Byrdes,  and  yet  with  lefie  trauayle  and 
daunger.  May  wee  not  through  Cofmography  fee  the  fituation, 
temperature,  and  qualities  of  euery  Countrey  in  the  Worlde,  yea, 
better  and  with  lefie  trauayle  then  if  wee  might  flee  ouer  them  our 
femes;  for  that  that  many  other  haue  learned  through  their  great 
trauayles  &  daungers,  they  haue  left  to  vs  to  be  learned  with  eafe  & 
pleafure.  Can  wee  not1  allfo  throughe  the  fcience  of  Aftronomy  \iorig.  nonj 
knowe  the  courfe  of  the  Pianettes  aboue,  and  theyre  coniun6tions  and 
Afpe£tes,  as  certaynely  as  if  wee  were  amonge  them  ?  yes,  furely  that 
wee  may :  for  tell  mee,  how  came  all  the,  learned  men  heare  to  fore  to 
the  exa&e  and  perfit  knowledge  thereof?  came  they  not  to  it  by  cow- 
ference  &  marking  of  circumftances  ?  (yes  in  deede),  fo  thai  out  of  their 
writings  we  learned  it;  2and  to  the  knowledge  whereof  by  fight  [* Fol.  8,  back] 
onely  wee  could  neuer  attayne,  though  wee  were  as  agill  as  any  Byrde. 
What  is  there  els  profitable  or  neceflary  for  the  coniun6l  of  mans  life  That  there  is 
heare  in  earth,  but  in  learning  it  is  taughte  more  perfectly  and  more  Fs°macie  more' 
compleate  thaw  any  man  can  learne  onely  by  experience  all  dayes  of  his  fearning/ 
life  ?  no  not  fo  much  as  your  Feate  in  warre,  fir  Knight,  no,  nor  your 
Feate,  good  Hufbandman,  but  that  either  of  them  are  fo  exactly  taught 
and  fet  forth  in  learning,  as  that  neither  of  you,  both  though  yee  be 
neuer  fo  perfect  in  the  faid  Feates  but  might  learne  many  poyntes 


Knight. 
Doctor. 


How  Caesar 
excelled  all  o- 
ther  captaines 
by  reason  of 
his  great  lear- 
ning ioyned 
with  his  pro- 


Li  Fol.  9] 

[2  orig.   Veteri- 


That  know- 
ledge in  moral 
philosophy  is 
most  necessary 
for  Counsai- 
lor. 


24  A  briefe  Conceipt 

moe  than  euer  yee  faw  before,  by  experience  in  either  of  them,  as 
you,  fir  Knight,  in  Vigetius,  and  you,  good  Hulbandman,  in  Columella. 

I  fay  agayne,  might  wee  not  haue  that  in  our  Engliih  tongue,  & 
reade  them  ouer,  though  we  neuer  went  to  fchole  r 

Yea,  well  ynough,  and  yet  ihoulde  yee  bee  farre  from  the  perfe6t 
vnderftanding  of  them,  except  yee  had  the  help  of  other  fciences,  that 
is  to  fay,  of  Arithmetique,  in  difpofinge  and  ordering  your  men  j  and 
Geometry,  in  deuifing  of  Engines  to  winne  Townes  and  Fortrafles,  & 
of  Brydges  to  pafle  ouer,  in  the  which  Cce/ar  excelled  other  by  reafon 
of  the  learning  that  hee  had  in  thofe  fciences,  and  did  wonderful  1 
feates  which  an  vnlearned  man  coulde  neuer  haue  done;  and  if  yee  had 
warre  ouer  the  Sea,  howe  coulde  yee  knowe  towards  what  Coaftes  yee 
be  Sea  dryuen,  without  knowledge  of  the  latitude  of  the  place  by  the 
Poale,  and  the  length,  by  other  ftarres  ?  and  you,  good  hufband,  for  the 
perfection  of  the  knoweledge  of  hulbawdry,  had  neede  of  fome  know- 
ledge in  Aftronomy,  as  vnder  what  afpedt  of  the  Planets,  and  in  the 
entry  of  what  figne  by  the  Sunne  &  Moone,  it  is  time  to  Eare,  to 
Dourage,  to  Sowe,  to  Reape,  to  Set,  to  Graffe,  to  Cut  your  Wood, 
your  Timber ;  yea,  to  haue  fome  Judgment  of  the  Weather  that  is 
like  to  come,  for  Inning  of  your  Corne  and  Grafle,  and  houfeinge  of 
your  a  Cattell ;  yea,  of  fome  part  of  Phifick,  called  Feterinaria,2  where 
by  yee  might  knowe  the  difeafes  of  your  Beaftes,  &  heale  the?w. 
Then,  for  true  meafuringe  of  lande,  had  yee  not  neede  of  fome  know- 
ledge in  Geometry,  to  bee  a  perfit  hufband  ?  Then  for  building,  what 
Carpenter  or  Mafon  is  fo  cunning  or  expert,  but  hee  might  learne 
more  by  readinge  of  vitruuius,  and  other  wryters  of  Architecture, 
that  is  to  fay,  the  fcyence  of  building?  and  to  pafle  ouer  the  fciences 
of  Logicke  &  Retorique,  whereof  Me  firft  trauayleth  about  the  difcuf- 
ciow  of  the  true  reafon  from  Me  falfe,  the  other  aboute  Me  perfwafion 
of  Mat  is  to  be  fet  forth  to  the  people,  as  a  thinge  to  them  profitable 
and  expedient,  whereof  a  good  and  perfit  counfaylor  might  want 
neyther  j  well,  tell  mee  what  couwfayl  can  bee  perfit,  what  common 
weale  can  bee  well  ordered  vprighte,  where  none  of  the  Rulers  or 
Counfaylors  haue  ftudied  any  Philofophy,  fpecially  the  parte  that 
teacheth  of  manners,  (the  other  part  of  Phylofophy  I  pafle  ouer  now, 
which  teacheth  of  natures,  and  is  called  phyficke,)  what  part  of  the 
common  weale  is  neglected  by  Phylofophy  morall  ?  doth  it  not  teache, 


of  English  pollicy. 


firft,  how  euery  man  fhoulde  goucrne  him  felfe  honeftly ;  Secondly, 
how  he  fhould  guide  his  family  wifely  and  profitably  ?  And  thirdly, 
it  fheweth  how  a  Cyty  or  a  Realme,  or  any  other  common  weale 
Ihould  bee  well  ordered  and  gouerned,  both  in  time  of  peace,  and  alfo 
warre.  What  common  weale  can  bee  without  either  a  Gouerner,  or 
Counfaylors,  that  fhoulde  bee  expert  in  this  kinde  of  learning ;  this 
confirmeth  the  poynt  that  wee  now  talke  of;  [if]  men  experte  in  this 
Science  were  confulted  and  followed,  the  commen  weale  {houlde  bee 
ordered,  as  fewe  fhould  haue  caufe  to  complayne ;  therefore  fayd 
Plato,  that  diuine  Philofopher,  that  happy  is  that  Commonweale 
where  either  the  Prince  is  a  Phylofopher,  or  where  a  Philofopher  is  the 
Prince. 

I  had  weened  before,  that  there  had  bene  no  other  Iear1ninge  in 
the  world,  but  that  thefe  men  had,  that  be  Doctors  of  Diuinity,  or  of 
the  Lawe,  or  of  Phificke  j  whereof  the  firft  had  all  his  cunning  in 
Preaching,  the  fecowd  in  matters  of  the  fpirituall  lawe,  and  the  third 
in  phificke,  &  in  looking  on  difeafed  mens  water ;  mary,  yee  tell  me 
now  of  many  other  fciences,  very  neceffary  for  euery  common  weale, 
which  I  neuer  heard  of  before :  but  eyther  there  be  fewe  of  thefe 
Doctors  that  can  (kill  of  them,  or  els  they  difclofe  but  litle  of  their 
cunning. 

Of  truth  there  be  to  fewe  of  them  that  can  ikill  of  thefe  fciences 
now  a  dayes,  and  of  thofe  there  be  too  fewe  of  them  that  are  efteemed 
any  thing  the  more  for  their  knowledge  therein,  or  called  for  to  any 
counfell.  And  therefore  others,  feeing  thefe  Sciences  nothing  efteemed 
or  let  by,  they  fall  to  thofe  fciences  that  they  fee  in  fome  pryce,  as  to 
Diuinity,  to  the  Lawe,  and  to  Phificke ;  though  they  cannot  bee  per- 
fit  in  any  of  thefe,  without  the  knowledge  of  the  fciences  aboue 
touched ;  and  therefore  it  is  ordayned  by  Uniuerfities,  that  firft  men 
fhould  bee  Bachelers  and  Mafters  of  Artes,  ere  they  fhould  come  to 
Diuinity ;  and  thefe  Artes  bee  the  feuen  liberall  fciences,  as  Grammer, 
Logique,  Rhetorique,  Arithmetique,  Geometry,  Muficke,  and  Aftrono- 
my ;  and  now  they  {kip  ouer  them,  and  fall  to  Diuinity  by  and  by, 
before  they  haue  gotten  or  purchafed  them  any  iudgment  through  the 
forefayd  fciences,  which  maketh  them  to  fall  to  thefe  diuerfities  of 
Opinions  that  ye  fpeake  of;  for  all  beginners  in  euery  fcience  be  very 
quicke  and  ouer-hafty  in  geuing  their  iudgment  of  thinges  (as  expe 


Plato. 


Knight. 

[i  Fol.  g,  back] 


Doctor. 


What  maketh 
learned  men  to 
be  so  fewe. 


Younge  studi- 
ents  bee  all- 
vvaies  ouer 
hasty  in  vtte- 
ring  their  iudg- 
ments. 


Pythagoras  cont- 
maunded  silence 
to  his  disciples 
for  a  time. 


['Fol.io] 


Plato  co/#mau»- 
ded  that  no 
man  ignoraunt 
in  Geometry 
should  enter 
his  schoole. 


What  harme 
may  come  if 
they  bee  suffe- 
red to  iudge  in 
things  to  Who»» 
it  doth  not 
appertayne. 


That  it  is  not 
learninge  suffi- 
cient, to  know 
the  tongues,  & 
to  vvryte. 


Fol.  10,  back] 


•2.6  A  briefe  Conceipt 

rience  teacheth  euery  man)  j  &  then,  when  they  haue  once  vttered 
their  iudgmentes  &  opinions,  they  will  fee  nothing  that  will  fouwde 
contrary  to  the  fame,  but  eyther  they  will  cowftrue  it  to  their  owne 
phantafy,  or  vtterly  deny  it  to  be  of  any  authority.  Pythagoras,  to  his 
fcholers  that  came  to  learne  his  prophane  fciences,  commaunded 
filewce  for  feuen  yeares,  that  by  all  that  Ipace  they  fhould  be  hearers 
onely,  and  no  reafoners :  and  l  in  this  Diuine  fcience,  euery  Boye  that 
hath  not  red  fcripture  pafl  halfe  a  yeare,  ftialbe  fuffered,  not  onely  to 
reafon  and  enquire  of  things  (for  that  were  tollerable),  but  to  amrme 
newe  and  flraunge  interpretacions  vpon  the  fame,  neuer  heard  of  be- 
fore. What  ende  of  Opinions  can  there  bee  while  this  is  fuffered  ? 
Alfo  Plato  forbad  any  man  to  come  to  his  fchoole  that  was  ignoraunt 
in  Geometry  j  and  to  this  highe  fchoole  of  Dyuinity,  he  that  knoweth 
not  his  Grammer,  much  lefle  any  other  fcience,  fhall  be  admitted  at 
the  firft;  I  fay  not  to  learne,  for  that  might  bee  fuffered,  but  to  iudge  j 
and  there  commeth  in  the  thinge,  that  the  fame  Plato  fayeth  to  bee 
an  onely  caufe  fufficient  to  ouerthrowe  a  whole  Common  weale 
where  it  is  vfed,  that  is,  when  they  take  on  them  the  iudgment  of 
things  to  whom  it  doth  not  apertayne, — as  youth,  of  thinges  belong- 
inge  to  olde  men,  children  ouer  their  fathers,  feruaunts  ouer  their 
maifters,  and  priuate  men  ouer  their  Maieftrates ;  what  Ship  can  bee 
longe  fafe  from  wracke,  where  euery  man  will  take  vpon  him  to  bee  a 
Pylate  ?  what  houfe  well  gouerned,  where  euery  feruaunt  will  bee  a 
maifter  and  a  teacher  ?  I  fpeake  thus  much  of  the  commendation  of 
learning,  not  onely  becaufe  I  heard  my  freind  heere  (the  Capper)  fet 
litle  by  learninge,  but  alfo  that  I  fee  many  nowe  a  dayes  of  his  opinion, 
which  care  nothinge  for  any  other  knowledge,  but  onely  that  they 
may  wryte  and  reade,  and  learne  the  tongues  j  whom  I  can  refemble 
well  to  thofe  men  that  efteemeth  more  the  Barke  then  the  Tree,  the 
Shale  more  then  the  Kyrnell ;  wherefore,  they  feeme  to  take  the  bright 
Sunne  from  the  Earth,  that  would  take  away  learning  from  vs ;  for 
the  fame  is  no  more  neceffary  for  the  increafe  of  all  thinges  on  earth, 
then  is  learninge  for  the  increafe  of  Ciuility,  Wifedome,  and  Policy 
amonge  men.  And  afmuch  as  reafonable  men  doe  excell  all  other 
creatures  by  the  gyft  of  Reafon,  fo  much  excelleth  a  learned  man 
2  any  other,  through  the  polilhing  and  adorning  of  Reafon  by  thefe 
Scyences 


of  English  pollicy.  27 

Of  my  fayth,  I  am  glad  it  was  my  chaunce  to  haue  you  in  my  Knight, 
company  at  this  time,  for  of  a  wife  man  a  man  may  alwayes  learne. 
But  mee  thought  yee  fayde  lately  to  my  neighbour  the  Capper,  that 
wee  mould  haue  learned  men  few  ynough  within  a  while,  if  the, 
world  did  continue.  What  ment  yee  thereby,  and  what  Ihould  be  the, 
caufe  thereof? 

I  {hewed  you  all  ready  one  great  caufe  of  the  fame  ;  that  was,   Doctor, 
where  I  mewed  you  that  moil  men  were  of  that  opinion,  that  they 
thought  learning  ynough  to  write  &  readej   another  caufe  is,  that   why  learning 

should  decay. 

they  fee  no  preferment  ordered  for  learned  men,  nor  yet  any  honour 
or  eftimation  geuen  them,  like  as  hath  bene  in  time  paft.  But  rather 
the  contrary,  the  more  learned,  the  more  troubles,  Joffes,  &  vexations 
they  come  vnto. 

God  forbid  !    How  fo  ?  Knight. 

Mary!  haue  you  not  feene  how  many  learned  men  haue  bene  put  Doctor. 
to  trouble  of  late,  within  this  xx.  or  xxx.  yeares,  &  all  for  declaring 
their  opinions  in  thinges  that  haue  ryfen  in  controuerfie  ?  haue  you 
not  knowne  when  one  Opinion  hath  bene  fet  forth,  and  who  fo 
euer  fayd  againft  that  were  put  to  trouble ;  and  fhortly  after,  when 
the  contrary  opinion  was  furthered  and  fet  forth,  were  not  the  other 
that  profpered  before,  put  to  trouble,  for  faying  their  mindes  againft 
this  latter  opinion  ?  &  fo  neither  of  both  parties  efcaped,  but  eyther  firft 
or  laft  hee  came  to  bee  hit,  of  whether  fide  foeuer  hee  were,  except  it 
were  fome  weatherwife  fellowes,  that  coulde  chaunge  their  opinions 
as  the  more  &  ftronger  part  did  chaunge  theirs ;  and  what  were  they 
that  came  to  thefe  troubles  ?  the  fingulareft  fellowes  of  both  parties  j 
for  there  came  no  other  to  the  concertacion  of  thefe  things,  but  fuch, 
who  feeing  in  fteede  of  honour  and  preferment,  difhonour  and  hin- 
deraunce,  recompenfed  for  a  reward  of  l learning)  will  any  either  [iFol.n] 
put  his  childe  to  that  fcience  that  may  bring  him  no  better  fruite  than 
this?  or,  what  fcholer  (hall  haue  any  courrage  to2  ftudy  to  come  to  \?orig.  co] 
that  ende  ?  the  rarity  of  fcholers  and  folitude  of  the  Uniuerfities  doe 
declare  this  to  be  truer  then  any  man  with  fpeach  can  declare. 

Then,  I  perceaue  euery  man  findeth  himfelfe  greeued  at  this  time,   Marchau/n. 
&  no  man  goeth  cleare,  as  farre  as  I  can  perceaue.    The  Gentleman, 
that  hee  cannot  lyue  on  his  Landes  onely,  as  his  father  did  before ;   That  euery 
tie  Artificers  cannot  fet  fo  many  a  worke,  by  reafon  all  rnaner  of  himself"  gree- 


[Debasing of 
our  coin.] 


Doctor. 


That  Mar- 
chauntes  best 
saue  themsel- 
ues  in  euery 
alteration. 


Of  our  olde 
Coyne  exhau- 
sted. 

[i  orig.  Opp- 
nion] 


Knight. 


Doctor. 

[2  Fol.  n,  back] 


Whether  it 
make  any  mat- 
ter of  what 
mettall  the 
Coyne  bee 
made  of. 


[Rise  in  prices : 
Cap,  T.\d.  to 
30^. ;  shoes,  f>d. 
to  ij  ;  horse 
shod,  (>d.  to  iod. 


28  A  briefe  Conceipt 

viftayle  is  fo  deere;  the  Hufbandman,  by  reafon  his  Lande  is  deerer 
rented  then  before ;  then  we  that  bee  Merchaunts  pay  much  deerer 
for  euery  thing  that  commeth  ouer  fea ;  which  great  derth  (I  fpeake 
in  comparifon  of  former  times)  hath  bene  alwayes,  in  a  maner,  at  a 
flay,  euer  after  that  bafenefle  of  our  Englifh  Coyne,  which  happened 
in  the  later  yeares  of  Kyng  Henry  the  eyght. 

I  doubt  not,  but  if  any  forte  of  men  haue  licked  themfelues 
whole,  yee  bee  the  fame ;  for  what  oddes  fo  euer  there  happen  to 
bee  in  exchaunge  of  thinges,  yee  that  bee  Marchaunts  can  efpy  it 
ftraight ;  for  example,  becaufe  yee  touched  fomewhat  of  that  Coyne, 
as  foone  as  euer  yee  perceiue  the  price  of  that  enhaunfed,  yee  by  and 
by  what  was  to  bee  wonne  therein  beyonde  feaj  raked  all  the  olde 
Coyne  for  the  mofl  parte  in  the  Realme,  and  founde  the  meanes  to 
haue  it  caryed  ouer,  fo  as  litle  was  lefte  beehinde  within  this  Realme  of 
fuch  olde  Coyne  in  a  very  fhorte  fpace,  which,  in  my  Opynion,1  is  a 
great  caufe  of  this  dearth  that  hath  bene  fince  of  all  things. 

How  can  that  be  ?  what  maketh  it  to  the  matter  what  forte  of 
Coyne  we  haue  among  our  felues,  fo  it  be  currant  from  one  hand  to 
another,  yea,  if  it  were  made  of  Leather  ? 

Yea,  fo  men  commonly  fay,  but  the  truth  is  contrary,  as  not  onely 
I  coulde  proue  by  common  reafon,  but  alfo  the  2proofe  &  experience 
hath  already  declared  the  fame ;  but  nowe  wee  doe  not  reafon  of  the 
caufes  of  thefe  griefes,  but  what  flates  of  men  bee  grieued  in  deede  by 
this  dearth  of  things ;  and  albeit  I  heare  euery  man  finde  him  felfe 
grieued  by  it  in  one  thinge  or  other,  yet,  confidering  that  as  many  of 
them  as  haue  wares  to  fell,  doe  enhaunfe  as  much  in  the  pryce  of 
thinges  that  they  fell,  as  was  enhaunfed  before  in  the  prices  of  things 
that  they  muft  buy ;  as  the  Marchauwt,  if  hee  buy  deere,  hee  will  fell 
deere  againe;  fo  thefe  Artificers,  as  Cappers,  Clothiers,  Shomakers, 
and  Farmers,  haue  refpecl;  large  ynough  in  fellinge  their  wares  to  the 
price  of  vidayle,  Wooll,  &  Iron,  which  they  buy.  I  haue  fene  a  Cap 
for  xiiii.  pewce,  as  good  as  I  can  get  now  for  ii.  millings  fixe  pence : 
of  cloth  yee  haue  heard  how  the  price  is  ryfen.  Now,  a  payre  of 
fhooes  coft  twelue  pence,  yet  in  my  time  I  haue  bought  a  better  for 
fixe  pewce.  Now,  I  can  get  neuer  a  horfe  fhooed  vnder  ten  pence  or 
twelue  pence,  where  I  haue  alfo  feene  the  cowmon  pryce  was  fixe 
pence.  I  cannot,  therefore,  vnderftande  that  thefe  men  haue  greateft 


of  English  pollicy.  29 

greife  by  this  common  and  vniuerfall  dearth,  but  rather  fuch  as  haue 

their   Lyuinges  and   Stypendes  rated   at   a  certaynty,   as,   common  What  men  are 

moste  pinched 

Laborers  at  eight  pence  a  day,  Journeymen  of  all  occupations,  ferumg  by  this  common 

men  to  forty  failings  a  yeare ;    and  Gentlemen,  whole  landes  are  fet 

out  by  them  and  their  Aunceftors,  either  for  lyues  or  for  terme  of 

yeares,  fo  as  they  cannot  enhaunce   the  rentes  thereof,  though  they 

would,  and  yet  haue  the  pryce  enhaunfed  to  them  of  euery  thing  that 

they  buye.     Yea,  the  Prince,  of  whom  wee  fpeake  nothing  of  all  this     That  the 

Prince  hath 

while,  as  Ihe  hath  moft  of  yearely  Reuenewes,  and  that  certayne,  fo   moste  losse  by 

this  common 

mould  (hee  haue  mofte  lofle  by  this  dearth,  and  by  the  alteration   Dearth. 

fpecially  of  the  Coyne ;  for,  like  as  a  man  that  hath  a  great  number  of 

feruaunts  vnder  him,  if  he  would  grau/zt  that  they  mould  pay  him 

pinnes  weekely,  where  before  they  payde  him  pence,  1 1  thinke  he   ['  Fol.  12! 

mould  be  moft  loofer  himfelfe ;  fo  wee  bee  all  but  gatherers  for  the 

Prince,  and  of  that  which  commeth  to  vs,  wee  haue  but  euery  man  a 

poore  liuinge ;  the  cleare  gaynes  commeth,  for  the  moft  part,  to  the 

Prince,    now  if  her  highnes  doe  take  of  vs  the  ouerplus  of  our  gettinges 

in  this  bafe  Coyne,  I  reporte  me  to  you,  wether  that  will  go  as  farre 

as  good  Money  in  the  Prouifion  of  neceflaries  for  her  felfe  and  the 

Realme.     I  thinke  plainely  no,  for  though  her  grace  might  within 

this  realme  haue  thinges  at  her  owne  price,  as  her  grace  cannot  indeede 

without  great  grudge  of  her  Maiefties  fubie&s ;  yea,  fince  her  Maiefty 

muft  haue  from  beyonde  the  Seas  many  thinges  neceflary,  not  onely 

for  her  graces  houmold,  and   Ornaments   afwel  of  her  perfon  and 

family  as  of  her  horfes,  which  percafe  might  bee  by  her  Grace  fome-   what  daunger 

what  moderated ;    but  alfo  for  the  furniture  of  her  warres,  which  by   theUReaime  if 

no  meanes  can  be  fpared,  as  Armor  of  all  kindes,  Artillery,  Ankers,   shouid'vvant 

Cables,  Pitch,  Tarre,  Iron,  Steelej  (yea,  I  iudge  farther)  fome  Hand-   timcofneede. 

gunnes,  Gunne  poulder,  and  many  other  thinges,  moe  then  I   can 

recken,  which  her   Grace  fometimes  doth  buy  from  beyonde  the 

Seas,  at  the  prices  that  the  ftraungers  will  fet  them  at.     I  pafTe  ouer 

the  enhaunfment  of  the  charges  of  her  Graces  houfhoulde,  which 

is  common  to  her   Grace  with  all  other  noble  men;  therefore,  (I 

fay,)  her  Maieftie  mould  haue  moft  lofle  by  this  common  dearth 

of  all  other ;   and  not  onely  lofle,  but  daunger  to  the  Realme  and 

all   her   fubie&s,  if   her  Grace  mould  want   Treafure   to   purchafe 

the  iaide   prouifion  and  neceflaries  for  warre,  or  to  finde  Souldiers 


Capper. 

[iFol.  12,  back] 
Doctor. 


Howe  the 
Queenes  Ma- 
iesty  cannot 
haue  Treasure 
When  her  sub- 
iects  haue 
none. 

To  what  pro- 
fit the  new 
Mint  is  like. 


Knighte. 


Doctor. 


[zorig:  coumni- 
cation] 


Knight. 
[sFol.  13] 


A  recapitulati- 
on of  the  com- 
mon griefes. 


30  A  briefe  Conceipt 

in  time  of  neede,  which  pafleth  all  the  other  priuate  lofles  that  wee 
fpeake  of. 

Wee  heare  fay  that  the  Queenes  Maieflyes  mint  maketh  vp  her 
lofles  that  way,  by  the  gaines  which  (he  hath  by  the  Mint  an  other 
way;  and  if  that  be  to  fhorte,  fhee  fupplieth  that  lacke  by  Subfidies 
and  impofitions  of  her  l  Subjects,  fo  as  her  Grace  can  haue  no  lacke,  fo 
longe  as  her  Subiects  haue  it. 

Yee  fay  well  there, '  fo  long  as  the  Subiects  haue  it,'  fo  it  is  meete 
the  Queene  fhoulde  haue,  as  long  as  they  haue  it ;  but  what,  and  they 
haue  it  not?  for  they  cannot  haue  it  when  there  is  no  Treafure  left 
within  the  Realme;  and  as  touchinge  the  Mint,  I  coumpte  that  profit 
much  like,  as  if  a  man  woulde  take  his  woode  vp  by  the  rote  to  make 
the  more  profit  thereof  at  one  time,  and  euer  after  to  lofe  the  profit 
that  might  growe  thereof  yearely ;  or  to  pull  the  wooll  of  his  fheepe 
by  the  roote.  And  as  for  the  Subfidies,  howe  can  they  be  large  when 
the  Subiects  haue  litle  to  departe  with?  &  yet  that  way  of  gatheringe 
treafure  is  not  allwayes  moft  fafe  for  the  Prynces  fuerty ;  and  wee  fee 
many  times  the  profits  of  fuch  Subfidies  fpent  in  the  appealing  of  the 
people  that  are  mooued  to  fedition,  partely  by  occafion  of  the  fame. 

Nowe  that  it  was  our  chaunce  to  meete  with  fo  wife  a  man  as  yee 
be,  Maifter  Doctor,  I  would  wee  did  go  thorough  with  the  whole 
difcourfe  of  this  matter,  &  as  hetherto  wee  haue  enfearched  the  very 
fores  and  grieues  that  euery  man  feeleth,  fo  to  try  out  the  caufes  of 
them;  and  the  caufes  once  knowne,  the  remedy  of  them  might  be 
foone  apparent;  and  though  we  be  not  the  men  that  can  reforme 
them,  yet  percafe  fome  of  vs  may  come  in  place  where  wee  may 
aduertife  other  of  the  fame  that  might  further  and  helpe  forward  the 
redrefle  of  thefe  thinges. 

A  Gods  name,  I  am  content  to  beftowe  this  day  to  fatiffie  your 
pleafurs,  &  though  this  2  communication  (percafe)  fhould  doe  no  great 
good,  yet  it  can  doe  no  harme,  I  truft,  nor  offend  no  man,  fith  it  is  had 
betwene  vs  heere,  a  parte,  and  in  good  maner. 

No,  what  man  fhould  be  angry  with  him  that  were  in  an  houfe, 
and  efpied  fome  faulte  in  the  Beames  or  Rafters  of  the  fame,  and 
would  enfearch  the  default,  &  then  certifie  the  good  man  of  the  houfe 
thereof,  or  fome  other  dwelling  therein,  afwell  for  his  owne  fauegarde 
as  for  others  ?  but,  forafmuch  as  wee  haue  thus  f arre  proceeded,  as  to 


of  English  pollicy.  3 1 

the  findinge  out  of  the  griefes,  which,  as  farre  as  I  perceaue,  ftandeth 

in  thefe  poynds,  (that  is  to  fay)  dearth  of  all  things  in  comparifon  of   [Evils :  dearth 

r   J  J '  enclosures,  lack 

the  former  age,  (though  there  be  fcarfenes  of  nothinge),  deiblation  of   °f  w?rk> . 

divisions  in 

Countryes  by  Inclofures,  defolation  of  townes  for  lacke  of  occupations  religion.] 
and  Craftes  j  and  diuifion  of  Opinions  in  matters  of  Religion,  which 
haleth  men  to  and  fro,  and  maketh  them  contend  one  againft 
another.  Now,  let  vs  goe  to  the  Garden  vnder  the  Vyne,  where 
hauing  a  good,  frefhe,  and  coole  fitting  for  vs  in  the  fhadow,  there 
wee  may  proceede  farther  in  this  matter  at  leafure.  And  I  will  be- 
fpeake  our  Supper  here  with  myne  hoft,  that  wee  may  all  fuppe  to- 
gether. A  Gods  name !  (quoth  euery  one  of  the  reft  of  the  company), 
for  wee  are  weary  of  fitting  here  fo  long.  And  fo  wee  all  departed 
to  the  Garden. 


A  briefe  Conceipt 


[Fol.  13,  back] 


Knight. 


That  it  is  a 
maruaylous 
Dearth  that 
commeth  in 
time  of  plenty. 


Doctor. 


Husband. 
[i  Fol.  14] 
The  occasion 
of  this  dearth 
is  layde  to  the 
Gentleman 


THE   SECOND   DIA- 

logue,  wherein  the   caufes   or 

occqftons  of  the  fay  d,  grief  es  are  en- 
creafed 

I  Hen  we  had  walked  vp  and  downe  in 

the  fayd  Garden  a  prety  whyle,  I  thought  long 
till  I  had  heard  more  of  the  fayde  Do6tors  com- 
munication ;  for  hee  feemed  to  mee  a  very  wife 
mare,  not  after  the  common  fort  of  thefe  Clarkes 
which  can  talke  nothing  but  of  the  faculty  that 
they  prof effe :  as,  if  they  be  Deuines,  of  diuinity  j  Lawyers,  of  the  lawe ; 
&  Phifitions,  of  phificke  onely ;  this  man  fpake  very  naturally  of  euery 
thinge,  as  a  man  vniuerfally  feene,  that  had  ioyned  good  learning  with 
good  wit ;  and  therefore  I  defired  him  and  the  reft  of  our  faide  com- 
panions, to  reforte  againe  to  the  matter  that  wee  left  at,  and  firft 
to  difcourfe  &  fearch  out  what  mould  be  the  caufes  of  the  faide 
common  and  vniuerfall  dearth  of  all  thinges  (in  comparifon  of  the 
former  age),  faying  to  the  Do6tor  thus:  I  maruayle  much,  maifter 
Doctor,  what  mould  be  the  caufe  of  this  dearth,  feeing  all  thinges  are 
(thankes  bee  to  God)  fo  pleretifull.  There  was  neuer  more  plenty  of 
Cattell  then  there  is  nowe  of  all  fortes ;  and  yet  there  is  fcarfity  of 
things  which  commonly  make  dearth.  This  is  a  maruaylous  dearth, 
that  in  fuch  plenty  commeth,  contrary  to  his  kinde. 

Syr,  it  is  (no  doubt)  a  thinge  to  be  mufed  vpon,  and  worthy  of  In- 
quifition ;  let  mee  heare  euery  one  of  your  opinions,  and  than  yee  fhali 
heare  myne. 

I  thinke  it  is  longe  of  you,  Gentlemen,  that  this  dearth  '  groweth, 
by  reafon  yee  enhaunfe  your  lands  to  fuch  a  height,  as  men  that  liue 
thereon  muft  needes  fell  deare  againe ;  or  els  they  were  neuer  able  to 
make  their  Rent. 


of  English  pollicy.  33 

And  I  fay  it  is  long  of  you  Hulbandmen,  that  wee  are  forced  to  Knight, 
/ayfe  our  Rents,  by  reafon  wee  muft  buy  fo  deare  all  thinges  that  wee 
haue  of  you,  as  Corne,  Cattell,  Goofe,  Pigge,  Capon,  Chiken,  Butter  From  the  Ge«- 

,  tlemen  it  is 

and  Egges.    What  thinge  is  there  of  all  thefe  but  that  yee  fell  it  nowe  layde  to  the 

Husbandmen. 

dearer  by  the  one  halfe  then  yee  did  within  thefe  xxx.  yeares  ?  Can- 
not you,  Neighbour,  remember,  that  within  thefe  xxx.  yeres,  I  could  [Great  rise  in 

prices  lately.] 

in  this  towne  buy  the  beft  Pigge  or  Goofe  that  I  could  lay  my  hand 
on  for  foure  pence,  which  now  cofteth  twelue  pewcej  a  good  Capon 
for  threepence  or  fourpence,  a  Chiken  for  i.d.,  a  Hen  for  ii.d.,  which 
now  cofteth  mee  double  &  triple  the  money  ?  it  is  likewife  in  greater 
ware,  as  Biefe  &  Muttow. 

I  graunt  that :  but  I  fay  you  &  your  forte,  men  of  landes,  are  the   Husband, 
firft  caufe  heereof,  by  reafon  you  rayfe  your  landes. 

Well,  if  yee  and  your  forte  will  agree  thereto,  that  ftialbee  holpen;   Knighte. 
vndertake  that  you  &  your  forte  will  fell  all  thinges  at  the  price  yee 
did  xxx.  yeares  agoe,  &  I  doubt  not  to  bringe  all  Gentlemen  to  lette 
vnto  you  their  landes  at  the  rent  they  went  at  xxx.  yeares  paftj  and 
that  the  fault  is  more  in  you  that  bee  Hufbandmen,  then  in  vs  that  bee 
Gentlemen,  it  appeareth  by  this, — all  the  landes  of  the  Realme  are  not 
enhaunfed,  for  fome  haue  takings  therein,  as  Leafes,  or  Copies  not  yet 
expyred,  which  cannot  bee  enhaunfed  though  the  owners  would  ;  and*  The  Gentele- 
fome  Noblemen  and  Gentlemen  there  bee,  that  when  their  landes  be   and  resonable 
at  their  difpofition,  yet  they  will  enhaunce  nothing  aboue  the  olde 
rent,  fo  as  a  greate  parte  of  the  landes  of  the  Realme  ftand  yet  at  the 
olde  rent ;  and  yet  neuerthelefle  there  is  none  of  your  forte  at  all,  but 
felleth  all  things  they  haue,  dearer  then  they  were  wont  to  doe  by  the 
one  halfe.     And  yet  thefe  Gentlemew  that  doe  enhaunfe  their  rentes, 
doe  not  enhaunfe  it  generally  to  the  l  double  j   though  I  confefle  that  [«  Fot.  14,  back] 
fome  of  vs  that  had  landes  either  gieuen  vs  by  the  Kings  highnefle, 
that  belonged  heretofore  to  Abbeyes  and  Priories,  and  were  neuer 
furueyed  to  the  vttermoft  before,  or  otherwife  defcended  to  vs,  haue 
enhaunfed  any  of  them  aboue  the  old  rent,  yet  all  that  amounteth  not 
to  halfe  the  landes  of  the  Realme. 

How  fay  yee  ?    hee  fayeth  well  to  you  nowe  j    will  yee  fell  your   Doctor, 
wares  as  yee  were  wont  to  doe  ?    and  hee  will  let  you  haue  his  lande 
at  the  rent  yee  were  accuftomed  to  haue  it.     When  the  hufbandman 
had  pawfed  a  while,  hee  fayd  : 

SHAKSPERE'S  ENGLAND  :  STAFFORD.  3 


34 


A  briefe  Conceipt 


Husband. 

Doctor. 
Husband. 

The  husband- 
man refuseth, 
and  putteth  o- 
uer  the  faulte 
to  Iron  Mon- 
gers, and  clo- 
thiers. 

Doctor. 


Husband. 
Doctor. 


Fol.  15] 
If  all  Landes 
were  abated 
in  their  rent, 
whether  this 
dearth  vvoulde 
be  remedied. 


That  it  vyere 
not  expedient 
that  straun- 
gers  should  sel 
deere  and  wee 
ours  good 
cheape. 


Knight. 
A  nother  offer 
of  the  Gentle- 
man made  to 
the  Husband- 
man. 

Husband. 
Knighte. 


If  I  had  the  price  of  euery  thing  that  I  muft  pay  for  befides  1  ike- 
wife  brought  downe,  I  could  be  content  j  els  not. 

What  thinges  bee  thofe  ? 

Mary,  Iron  for  my  Plough,  Harrowes,  and  Cartes ;  tarre  for  our 
fheepe  j  mooes,  cappes,  linnen  &  wollen  cloth  for  my  meany,  which 
if  I  fhould  buy,  neuerthelefle,  as  deare  as  I  doe  nowe,  and  yet  fell  my 
wares  good  cheape,  though  my  rent  were  thereafter  abated,  except  the 
other  thinges  aforefayd  might  bee  abated  in  pryce  together,  I  could 
neuer  lyue. 

Then  I  perceaue  yee  muft  haue  the.  pryce  of  other  things  qualified, 
as  well  as  the  rent  of  your  land,  ere  yee  can  aford  your  ware  good 
cheape. 

Yea,  (but  fir)  I  thinke  if  the  lande  were  brought  downe,  that  the 
pryce  of  all  thinges  would  fall  withall. 

Graunt  that  all  the  Landlords  in  this  realme  woulde  with  one 
afient  agree,  that  theyr  landes  fliould  bee  in  theyr  Tenaunts  handes,  at 
like  rent  as  they  were  at  xx.x.  yeares  agoe ;  yee  fayd  afore  yee  coulde 
not  yet  fell  your  wares  as  good  cheape  as  yee  might  xx.  yeares  paft,  be- 
caufe  of  the  pryce  that  is  rayfed  in  other  thinges  that  yee  muft  buy  ; 
and  if  ye  would  fay  that  thofe  men  fhould  be  driuen  againe  to  fell 
thofe  wares  that  yee  buy,  firft  better  cheape,  and  then  yee  will  fell 
yours  thereafter,  I  pray  you,  how  might  they  lbe  compelled  to  doe 
fo?  they  be  ftraungers,  and  not  within  obedience  of  our  foueraigne 
Lady,  that  doe  fell  fuch  wares,  as  Iron,  Tarre,  Flaxe,  and  other ;  then 
confider  mee,  if  yee  cannot  fo  compell  them,  whether  it  were  ex- 
pedient for  vs  to  fuffer  ftraungers  to  fell  all  their  commodities  deere,  & 
wee  ours  good  cheape  j  if  it  were  fo,  than  it  were  a  greate  enryching  of 
other  countreyes,  and  impouerifhinge  of  our  ownej  for  they  (hould 
haue  much  Treafure  for  theirs,  and  haue  our  commodities  from  vs  for 
a  very  litle ;  except  yee  could  deuife  to  make  one  pryce  of  our  com- 
modities among  our  felues,  and  another  outwardes,  which  I  cannot  fee 
how  it  may  bee  ? 

Nay,  I  will  make  my  Neighbour  heere  another  reasonable  offer, 
if  hee  refufe  this  :  let  my  Tenauntes  rent  bee  increafed  as  your  pay- 
ment is  increafed  after  the  rate,  and  yet  I  am  contented. 

What  meane  yee  by  that  ? 

I  meane  this :  yee  fell  that  yee  were  wont  to  fell  a  foretime  for 


of  English  pollicy. 


35 


xx.  groates,  now  for  xxx. ;  let  my  rent  bee  increafed  after  that  propor- 
tion and  rate,  that  is,  for  euery  xx.  groates  of  olde  rente,  x.  (hillinges, 
and  fo  as  the  pryce  of  your  wares  rifeth;  and  yet  I  doe  but  keepe  my 
land  at  the  olde  ftent. 

My  bargayne  was  to  pay  for  my  holde  but  vi.  poundes  xiii.  fhil- 
linges  iiii.d.  of  yearly  rent,  and  I  pay  that  truely ;  yee  can  require  no 
more  of  mee. 

I  cannot  much  lay  agaynft  that ;  but  yet  I  perceaue  I  Ihallbe  ftill 
a  lofer  by  that  bargayne,  though  I  cannot  tell  the  reafon  why ;  but 
I  perceiue  yee  fell  dearer,  that  yee  Hue  on,  and  I  good  cheape  that 
which  is  my  liuing  ;  helpe  mee,  mayfter  Do&er,  I  pray  you,  for  the 
Hufbandman  driueth  mee  to  the  Wall. 

Mary,  but  mee  thinketh,  touching  the  matter  yee  did  reafon 
of,  you  draue  him  to  his  Ihiftes ;  that  is,  to  confefle  that  this  dearth 
rifeth  not  at  your  hand.  And,  though  hee  doe  de1fend  him  felfe  for 
his  paymente  to  you  by  a  colour  of  lawe,  yet  hee  feemeth  to  cowfefle 
thus  much,  that  the  lawe  compelleth  you  to  take  litle  for  your  land, 
&  that  there  is  no  lawe  to  reftrayne  him,  but  hee  may  fell  his  wares  as 
deere  as  he  lifteth.  It  is  enough  for  your  purpofe,  that  yee  tooke  in 
hand  to  proue  that  this  dearth  rofe  not  firft  at  your  hande  ;  but, 
whether  (the  pryces  of  thinges  increafing  as  they  doe)  it  were  reafon 
yee  did  rayfe  your  wares  (which  is  your  lande),  or  to  bee  payde  after 
the  olde  rate  when  yee  did  fette  your  land;  if  yee  bee  compelled  to 
pay  for  your  prouifion  after  the  newe  rate,  wee  will  talke  of  that  here- 
after; or,  let  that  bee  confidered  of  other  wife  men;  but  now  let  vs 
fee,  if  the  Hulbandman  were  forced  to  fell  his  thinges  good  cheape, 
whether  all  thinges  mould  bee  well  then.  Our  Englime  Coyne  being 
fuppofed  to  be  bale,  and  of  no  fuch  eltimation  in  other  countreies  as 
within  our  owne  Realme,  (as  for  the  moft  parte  it  hath  beene)  before 
that  it  was  reftored  by  our  noble  Prince,  which  now  raygneth ;  put 
the  cafe  this,  that  this  hulbandman  mould  bee  co/remaunded  to  fell  his 
wheate  at  viii.d.  the  buftiell,  Rye  at  vi.d.,  Barely  at  iiii.d.,  his  pig  and 
goofe  at  iiii.d.,  his  capon  at  iiii.d.,  his  Henne  at  i.d.  ob.;  his  Wooll  at 
a  marke  the  Todde ;  Biefes  and  Muttons  after  the  olde  pryces  in  time 
paft  haue  beene;  hee  hath  then  enough  to  pay  his  Landlord,  as  hee  had 
in  time  paft ;  his  Landlord  agayne  hath  as  much  rent  as  hee  was  wonte 
to  haue ;  and  the  fame  when  the  price  is  fo  fet,  will  goe  as  far  for  the 


Husband. 


Knight. 


Doctor. 

[«  Fol.  15,  back] 


Whether  if  the 
Husbandman 
were  forced 
to  abate 
the  prices 
of  his  stuffe, 
this  dea[r]th 
should  be  thew 
mended. 


[Even  if  the 
Husbandman 
were  orderd  to 
sell  at  old  prices 
and  the  Land- 
lord to  take  his 
old  rent, 


[•  Fol.  16] 

could  foreign 
wines,  glass  for 
windows,  &c. ' 


be  bought  at 
like  low  prices  ?] 


Knighte. 


Doctor. 


Knijrht. 


36  A  briefe  Conceipt 

fayd  wares,  whereof  the  pryces  be  thus  fet  as  fo  much  of  olde  Coine, 
paide  after  the  olde  wont  would  haue  done;  all  this  is  yet  well ;  heere  is 
yet  neither  Lord  nor  Tenaunte  grieued ;  well,  let  us  goe  farther  :  The 
Hufbandman  muft  buy  Iron,  Salt,  Tarre,  Pitch;  and  fuppofe  hee 
fhould  bee  alfo  forced  to  reare  vp  Flaxe  on  his  owne,  and  that  pryces 
of  cloth,  both  Linnen,  &  Woollen,  &  Leather,  were  fet  after  the  rate. 
The  Gentleman  muft  buy  Wynes,  Spyces,  SiPkes,  Armour,  GlafTe  to 
glaze  his  houfe  withall ;  Iron  alfo  for  Tooles,  Weapones,  and  other 
Inftruments  neceflary,  as  Salt,  Oyles,  &  many  other  diuerfe  thinges, 
more  then  I  can  recken  without  fu/rame ;  whereof  they  may  in  no 
wife  want,  as  Iron  &  Salt,  for  of  that  which  is  within  the  realme  of 
both,  is  not  halfe  fufficient  for  the  fame ;  Oyles,  Tarre,  Pitch,  and 
Rozyn,  whereof  wee  haue  none  at  all ;  and  without  fome  other  of  the 
faid  commodities  wee  could  liue  but  grofly  and  Barbaroufly,  as  with- 
out Wynes,  Spyces,  &  Silkes,  thefe  muft  be  brought  from  beyonde  the 
Seas ;  fhall  wee  buy  them  as  good  cheape  after  the  rate  ?  A  man 
would  thinke  yes ;  for  when  ftraungers  fhould  fee  that  with  lefie 
money  then  they  were  wont  to  take  for  thefe  wares,  they  may  buy  as 
much  of  the  commodities  of  this  realme  as  they  were  wont  afore  with 
more  money,  they  will  bee  content  to  take  the  lefle  money  when  it 
goeth  as  farre  as  the  more  went  before,  and  fo  fell  their  wares  as  good 
cheape ;  (as  for  an  example)  if  they  fell  now  a  yard  of  Veluet  for  xx.s. 
or  xxii.s.,  and  pay  that  for  a  Todde  of  Wooll,  were  it  not  as  good  for 
them  then  to  fell  their  Veluet  at  a  marke  a  yard,  fo  they  had  a  Todde 
of  Wooll  for  a  marke  ? 

I  would  thinke  fo,  for  thereby  hee  fhould  be  at  no  more  lofle 
then  hee  is  now.  And  fo  the  like  reafon  may  feme  for  Iron,  Wynes, 
Salt,  Spice,  Oyles,  Pitch,  Tarre,  Flaxe,  Waxe,  and  all  other  outwarde 
commodities. 

If  I  mould  afke  you  this  queftion,  whether  they  fhould  bee  com 
pelled  by  a  lawe  to  fell  theyr  wares  fo  or  no,  what  could  yee  fay  ? 

It  maketh  no  matter  whether  it  were  fo  or  no;  &  I  think  they 
cannot,  becaufe  they  be  out  of  the  Princes  Dominion,  and  at  liberty 
whether  they  will  bring  any  thing  to  vs  or  no ;  but  feeinge  they  may 
haue  all  thinges  heere,  as  good  cheape  at  that  price  they  fell  for  lefle 
money,  as  they  had  before  for  the  greater  price,  they  will  willingly 
bring  their  wares  and  fell  them  fo. 


of  English  pollicy.  37 

1  Thereof  I  doubt,  vpon  the  former  fuppofition  of  our  bale  Coyne ;   Doctor, 
for  I  thinke  they  would  fell  (till  at  the  higheft  as  they  doe  now ;   or  [I  FoL  l6'  hack] 
bring  nothinge  at  all  to  vs.     For  yee  muft  vnderftand  they  come  not     The  strauwgers 

will  take  but 

alwayes  for  our  commodities,  but  fometimes  to  fell  theirs  heere,  know-   money  currant 

euery  Where 

ins  it  heere  to  be  beft  vendible,  and  to  buy  in  other  countreyes  other  for  thir  ware 

J  that  they  haue 

commodities,  where  the  fame  is  beft  cheape;  and  fome  times  to  fell  in   °"  their 

charge. 

one  parte  of  the  Realme  their  wares  that  bee  there  moft  defired,  and 
to  goe  to  fome  other  parte  of  the  realme,  for  the  commodities  that 
be  there  moft  abundaunt  and  beft  cheape,  or  partly  of  our  Countrey  8c 
partly  of  another;  and  for  that  purpofe  Coyne  vniuerfally  currant  is 
moft  commodious,  fpecially  if  they  entewd  to  beftowe  it  in  any  other 
place,  thera  where  they  were  vnladen  of  their  marchaundize.  Now,  if 
our  coyne  were  not  fo  alowed  in  other  places  as  it  is  heere,  the  ftrauwger 
ihould  be  at  greater  lofles  if  he  fhould  take  our  coyne  for  his  wares,  fo 
as  he  had  leauer  bring  his  wares  to  other  places  where  hee  might 
haue  Coyne  currant  in  all  places  for  it,  that  he  might  beftowe  when 
and  where  he  lift.  If  they  would  looke  but  for  our  wares  for  theirs, 
thinke  yee  that  they  would  not  ftudy  to  bring  vs  fuch  wares  or  ftuffe 
as  fhould  be  beft  cheape  with  them  and  moft  deare  with  vs. 

Yea,  no  doubt  that  is  the  policy  of  all  Marchaunts.  Knight. 

What  ftuffe  is  that,  trowe  you  ?  Doctor. 

Mary,  Glafles  of  all  fortes,  paynted  Clothes,  &  Papers,  Orenges,   Knighte. 
Pippens,  Cherries,  perfumed  Gloues,  and  fuch  like  tryfles. 

Yee  fay  well,  they  will  percafe  attempt  vs  with  fuch  &  fuch   Doctor, 
thinges  as  are  good  cheape  with  them ;  it  cofteth  but  their  labours 
onely,  and  their  peoples,  which  els  mould  be  idle;  yet  thefe  thinges  be  That  straun- 
fome  what  after  the  price  in  other  places  vendible  as  well  as  heere.   Marchauntes 
But  when  wee  feele  the  lacke  of  Iron,  Steele,  Salt,  Hempe,  Flaxe,  that  bee  best 

.,  /•     i      i-    i  /-  chape  to  them, 

and  iuch  other,  fuch  light  wares  as  yee  fpeake  of  will  not  be  de-  and  deerest 

fired  heere,  2but  reie&ed,  and  thefe  other  looked  for.     what  other  pFoi.  17] 
things  els  will  they  bring,  trowe  you  ? 

Percafe  yee  meane  Silkes,  Wynes,  and  Spyces?  Knight. 

No,  not  that,  for  thofe  bee  in  good  price  els  where.  Doctor. 

What,  then,  mould  they  haue  to  vtter  to  vs,  that  is  beft  cheape  with  Knight. 
them  and  deereft  with  vs  ? 

Brafle,  for   it   Ihould   go   with   them   but   for    Brafle   in   dede,  Doctor, 
and  therefore   good   cheape,  and  heere  with  vs   a   great  part   for 


A  briefe  Conceipt 


Knight. 
Doctor. 

Knighte. 
[']  Doctor. 


[  Base  coin 
made  abroad, 
and  exchangd 
for  English 
goods.] 


[*Fol.  17,  back. 
Catch  word 
like  o.] 

Glauci  & 
Diomedis 
permutatio. 


He  that  selles 
good  cheape 
and  buieth 
deere  shall  not 
lightly  thriue. 

Knight. 


Doctor. 


Siluer,  and  therefore  deere  with  vsj  and  that  they  would  bringe 
vnto  vs. 

How  ?  in  braffe  Pots,  Panes,  and  other  Velfel  of  Brafie  ? 

Not  fo ;  no  man  would  take  fuch  Stuffe  but  for  Brafle  in  deede. 

How  then  ?  l  Then  the  Do6tor  tolde  rnee,  that  it  was  in  Coyne 
made  beyonde  fea,  like  in  all  thinges  to  our  Coyne,  which  they 
brought  ouer  in  heapes ;  and  when  they  fee  that  efteemed  heere  as 
filuer,  they  bringe  that  for  our  commodities,  as  for  our  Woolles,  felles, 
Chefe,  Butter,  Cloth,  Tinne,  and  Ledde,  which  thing  euery  man  will 
be  glad  to  fell  for  the  moft  they  can  get}  and  beinge  offered  of 
ftraungers  more  of  our  Coine  then  they  may  get  within  the  countrey, 
they  will  fell  them  to  ftraungers  rather  then  vs,  with  whom  the  price 
is  fet  j  then  ftraungers  may  aforde  that  Coine  good  cheape,  for  they 
make  it  them  felues,  and  the  Stuffe  is  good  cheape  that  they  make  it 
of,  and  fo  they  will  geeue  thereof  for  our  fayde  commodities,  as  much 
as  yee  will  afke.  Then,  though  they  made  not  fuch  Coyne  them- 
felues,  yet,  feeing  they  muft  pay  more  for  our  wares,  or  els  no  man 
would  bring  them  to  them,  when  hee  may  haue  as  much  at  home  of 
his  neighbours,  the  ftraungers  muft  needes  haue  a  confideration  of  that 
in  the  price  of  the  fayd  outwarde  marchauwdize  that  they  fell,  &  alfo 
holde  them  deerer.  And  thus  by  the  one  way  they  may  exhaufte  our 
cheife  commodities,  and  gieue  vs  brafle  for  them,  where  with  wee 
cannot  buy  fuch  2  other  like  neceflary  commodities  againe  as  wee 
fhoulde  want,  if  they  were  not  plenty  within  our  Realme.  Much  like 
the  exchaunge  that  Homer  fayeth  Glaucus  made  with  Diomedes,  when 
he  gaue  to  his  man  his  golden  Harnefle  for  Brafen.  But  the  other 
way  they  muft  needes  bee  brought  to  fell  theire  wares  deerer  to  vs,  and 
then,  if  this  hufbandeman  and  Gentleman,  and  fo  all  other  within  this 
realme,  fhould  be  compelled  to  fell  their  thinges  good  cheape,  and  yet 
buy  all  thinges  deere  that  cometh  frome  beyonde  the  Sea,  I  cannot  fee 
how  they  fhould  longe  profper  j  for  I  neuer  knewe  him  that  bought 
deere  and  fould  good  cheape,  and  vfe  it  any  long  fpace,  to  thriue. 

There  may  be  fearchers  made  for  fuch  Coyners  as  yee  fpeake  of, 
comming  in,  and  punifhments  deuifed  therefore  j  and  for  goinge  forth 
of  Vi&ayles  alfo,  that  none  {hall  pafle  this  Realme. 

There  may  be  no  deuife  imagined  fo  ftronge,  but  that  yee  may  bee 
deceaued  in  both  thofe  points,  as  well  in  fuch  coyne  Vrought  in  as  in 


of  English  pollicy. 


39 


carted  forth;  for  many  heades  will  deuife  many  wayes  to 
get  any  thinge  by  ;  &  though  wee  bee  enuyroned  with  a  good  Poole, 
(that  is,  the  Sea,)  yet  there  is  to  many  Pofterns  of  it  to  gett  out  and  in, 
vnwares  of  the  maifter.  Whofoeuer  hath  but  a  prety  houfe,  with  any 
Family  of  his  owne,  and  but  one  Gate  to  go  forth  and  come  in  at, 
and  the  maifter  of  the  houfe  neuer  fo  attentiue,  yet  fomewhat  lhalbe 
purloined  forth ;  much  more  out  of  fuch  a  large  Realme  as  this  is, 
hauinge  fo  many  wayes  and  Pofterns  to  goe  forth  at  and  come  in.  And 
yet  if  ftraungers  Ihoulde  bee  content  to  take  but  our  wares  for  theirs, 
what  fhoulde  let  them  to  aduaunce  the  prices  of  theire  wares,  though 
cures  were  good  cheape  vnto  them?  and  then  {hall  wee  be  ftill  lofers, 
and  they  at  the  winning  hand  with  vs,  while  they  fell  deere  and  buy 
good  cheape,  and  confequently  enrych  themfelues  and  impouerifhe 
vs.  Yet  had  I  leauer  aduaurace  our  l  wares  in  price  as  they  aduaunce 
theirs  (as  wee  no  we  doe),  thoughe  fome  bee  loofers  thereby;  but  yet 
not  fo  many  as  mould  bee  the  other  waye.  And  yet,  what  bufinefle 
ihoulde  there  bee  in  making  of  prices  of  euery  trifle?  for  fo  it  woulde 
bee,  if  the  price  of  any  one  thinge  bee  abated  by  coramaundemente ; 
and  therfore  I  cannot  perceaue  that  it  maye  bee  remedied  by  either 
of  you  both  (I  meane  you,  Gentleman,  &  you  good  hufbandman) ;  for 
if  it  rofe  at  either  of  your  hands,  fo  it  might  be  remedied  likewife  at 
the  fame,  by  releafing  the  thing  againe  at  either  of  your  handes  that 
was  the  caufe  of  this  dearth.  But  if  either  you  mould  releafe  your 
rente,  or  you  the  price  of  your  Victayle  to  the  olde  rate,  yet  that  coulde 
not  compell  ftraungers  to  bringe  downe  the  price  of  theirs,  as  I  haue 
fayde;  and  fo  longe  as  their  commodities  be  deere,  it  were  neither 
expedient,  nor  yet  could  yee  (though  yee  woulde)  make  your  com- 
modities good  cheape  (except  yee  can  deuife  a  waye  how  to  Hue 
without  them  &  they  with  out  you),  which  I  thinke  impoflible,  or 
elfe  to  vfe  exchaung  of  ware,  for  ware  without  Coyne  (as  it  was  be- 
fore Coyne  was  founde),  as  I  reade  in  the  time  of  Homer  it  was,  and 
alfo  the  Ciuile  lawe  doth  affirme  the.  fame,  which  were  very  comber- 
fome,  and  would  require  much  cariage  of  ware  vp  and  downe,  where 
nowe,  by  the  benifit  of  Coyne,  a  man  may  by  thofe  tokens  fetch  the 
wares  that  hee  lacketh  a  far  of,  without  great  trouble  of  cariadge;  and 
hard  were  it  readily  to  finde  all  wares  that  the  one  hath  to  pay  the 
other,  of  equall  value. 


It  is  not  possi- 
ble to  keepe 
our  Treasure 
from  going 
forth  of  the 
Realme,  if  it 
be  in  more  e- 
stimation  else 
where. 


['  Fol.  18] 


That  the  d[e]arth 
lose  neither  at 
the  Gentleman 
nor  Husband- 
mans  hand. 


Permutation 
of  thinges  be- 
fore Coyne. 


Husband. 


Doctor. 


Capper. 

[i  Fol  18,  back] 

Complaynt  a- 
gainst  sheepe- 
maisters. 


Doctor. 


That  Inclo- 
sures  is  the  oc- 
casion of  deso- 
lation &  vvea- 
k ing  the  pow- 
er of  the 
Kealme. 


Knighte. 


Quod  in  corn- 
mum  possi- 
cletur,  ab  om- 
nibus negli- 
gitur. 

Reasons  to  de- 
fend Inclosures 
0  Fol.  19] 


4o  A  briefe  Conceipt 

If  neither  the  gentleman,  nor  I  may  remedy  this  matter,  at  wofe 
hands  lieth  it  to  bee  holpen  then  ? 

I  will  tell  my  mynde  therein  herafter  ;  but  firft  let  vs  boulte  out 
the  caufe  of  this  Dearth.  And  therefore  let  mee  learne  what  other 
thing  mould  be  the  caufe  thereof. 

Mary!  thefe  Inc[l]ofures  and  great  Paftures  are  a  great  caufe  of  the 
fame,  Whereby  men  do  turne  the  erable  lande,  1beinge  a  liuing  for 
diuerfe  poore  men  before  time,  nowe  to  one  mans  hand  j  and  where 
both  Corne  of  all  forte,  and  alfo  cattell  of  all  kinds  were  reared  afore- 
time, now  there  is  nothing  but  onely  (heepe.  And  in  fteede  of  C.  or 
CC.  perfons  that  had  their  liuing  thereon,  now  bee  there  but  three  or 
foure  Sheepherds,  and  the  Maifter  onely,  that  hath  a  liuing  thereof. 

Yee  touch  a  matter  that  is  much  to  be  confidered,  albeit  I  take  not 
that  to  bee  onely  the  caufe  of  this  dearth  at  this  time;  but  this  I  thinke 
in  my  minde,  that  if  that  kinde  of  inclofing  doe  afmuch  increafe  in 
xxx.  yeares  to  come  as  it  hath  done  in  xxx.  yeares  paft,  it  may  come 
to  the  great  defolation  and  weaking  of  the  ftrenght  of  this  realme, 
which  is  more  to  be  feared  thera  dearth,  &  I  thinke  it  to  bee  the  moft 
occafion  of  any  thinge  yee  fpake  yet,  of  thefe  wilde  &  vnhappy  vp- 
rores  that  hath  bene  among  vs;  for  by  reafon  of  thefe  Inclofures  many 
Subieftes  haue  no  Grounde  to  Hue  vppon,  as  they  had  before  time, 
and  occupations  be  not  alwayes  fet  a  worke  all  a  like,  and  therefore  the 
people  ftill  increafinge,  and  their  liuings  diminifhing,  it  muft  nedes 
come  to  pafle  that  a  great  part  of  the  people  fhalbe  idle  and  lacke 
liuinge,  for  hunger  is  a  bitter  thing  to  beare.  Wherefore  they  muft 
needes,  whan  they  lacke,  murmur  agayne  them  that  haue  plenty,  and 
fo  ftirre  thefe  tumultes. 

Experience  ftiould  feeme  to  proue  playnely,  that  Inclofures  mould 
bee  profitable  and  not  hurtfull  to  the  common  weale;  for  we  fee 
the  countryes  where  moft  Inclofiers  be,  are  moft  wealthy,  as  Eflex, 
Kent,  Northhamptonmyre,  &c.  And  I  haue  hearde  a  Ciuilion  once 
fay,  that  it  was  takera  for  a  Maxime  in  his  lawe  (this  faying),  'that 
which  is  poiTefled  of  many  in  common,  is  neglected  of  all ' ;  &  expe- 
rience fheweth  that  Tenaunts  in  common  be  not  fo  good  hufbandes  as 
when  euery  man  hath  his  parte  in  feueralty ;  alfo,  I  haue  heard  fay, 
that  in  the  moft  countreyes  beyonde  the  Sea,  they  2knowe  not  what  a 
common  grounde  meaneth. 


of  English  pollicy. 


I  meane  not  of  all  Inclofures,  nor  yet  all  commins,  but  onely  of 
fuch  Inclofures  as  turneth  cowzmon  &  erable  fields  into  pafture,  and 
violent  Inclofures  of  commins  without  iuft  recompence  of  them  that 
haue  right  to  commen  therein  j  for  if  lande  were  feuerally  enclofed, 
to  the  intent  to  continewe  husbandry  thereon,  and  euery  man  that 
hath  right  to  commen  had  for  his  portion  a  piece  of  the,  fame  to  him- 
felfe  inclofed,  I  thinke,  no  harme,  but  rather  good,  fhould  come  there- 
of, if  euery  man  did  agree  thereto ;  but  yet  it  woulde  not  be  fodaynely 
done,  for  there  be  many  poore  cottages  in  England,  which  hauing  no 
lands  of  their  own  to  Hue  one,  but  their  handy  labour  and  fome  re- 
frelhing  vppon  the  fayde  commens,  which  if  they  were  fodaynely 
thruft  out  from  that  commodity,  might  make  a  greate  tumulte  and  a 
diforder  in  the  common weale ;  and  percafe  alfo,  if  men  were  fuffred  to 
inclofe  their  grounds  vnder  the  pretence  to  keepe  it  ftill  in  tillage 
within  a  while  after  they  woulde  turne  all  to  Pafture,  as  wee  fee  they 
doe  nowe,  too  faft. 

If  they  finde  more  profit  thereby  then  otherwife,  why  fhould  they 
not? 

I  can  tel  why  they  fhould  not,  wel  ynough,  for  they  may  not  pur- 
chafe  thewzfelues  profit  by  that  which  may  be  hurtfull  to  other ;  but 
how  to  bring  them  that  they  would  not  fo  doe,  is  al  the  matter  j  for  fo 
long  as  they  finde  more  profit  by  pafture  then  by  tillage,  they  will 
ftill  inclofe  and  turne  erable  land  to  paftures.  (quoth  the  Knight)  That 
well  may  be  reftrained  by  lawes,  if  it  were  thought  moft  profitable  for 
the  common  weale,  but  all  men  doe  not  agree  to  that  poynte. 

I  wot  well  they  doe  not,  and  therefore  it  were  hard  to  make  a 
lawe  therein,  fo  many  as  haue  profit  by  that  matter  refifting  it.     And 
if  fuch  a  lawe  were  made,  yet  men,  ftudying  ftill  of  there  moft  profit, 
woulde  defraud  the  lawe  by  one  meane  or  other. 

I 1  haue  heard  oftentymes  much  reafoning  in  this  matter,  and  fome, 
in  maintenaunce  of  thefe  Inclofures,  would  make  this  reafon :  euery 
m[a]n  is  a  Member  of  the  commonweale,  &  that  which  is  profitable  to 
one  man  may  be  profitable  to  another,  if  he  would  exercife  the  fame 
feate.     Therefore,  that  which  is  profitable  to  mee,  &  fo  to  another, 
may  be  profitable  to  all,  and  fo  to  the  whole  cowzmonweale.     as  a 
greate  Maffe  of  Treafure  confifteth  of  many  pence,  and  one  peney 
added  to  another,  and  fo  to  the  thirde  and  fourth,  &c.,  maketh  vp  a 


Doctor. 


What  kinde  of 
Inclosures  is 
hurtfull. 


[Poor,  without 
land.] 


Knighte. 


Doctor. 

Whether  that 
which  is  pro- 
fitable to  one 
may  be  profita- 
ble to  all  other 
if  they  vse  the 
same  feate. 
Knight. 


Doctor. 


Knight. 

['  Fol.  19,  oack] 


Doctor. 


[Enclosures 
profit  one  man, 
hurt  many.] 


Knight. 


Doctor. 


Euery  commo- 
dity muste  bee 
aduaunced  so 
as  it  be  not 
preiudiciall  to 
other  greater 
commodities. 


Knight. 
[i  Fol.  20] 
Doctor. 


Knighte. 
Ztoctor. 


[If  all  grew 
Sheep  instead 
of  good  Men, 
England  would 
be  the  prey  of 
her  foes.] 


42  A  briefe  Conceipt 

greate  fomme ;  fo  doth  each  man  added  one  to  anothere  make  vp  the 
whole  body  of  a  common  weale. 

That  reafon  is  good,  adding  fome  what  more  to  it :  true  it  is,  that 
that  thing  which  is  profitable  to  each  man  by  himfelfe,  fo  it  be  not 
preiud[i]cial  to  any  other,  is  profitable  to  the  whole  common  weale,  and 
not  otherwife  $  or  elfe  ftealing  or  robbing,  which  percafe  is  profitable 
to  fome  men,  were  profitable  to  the  commonweale,  which  no  man 
will  admit :  but  this  feate  of  inclofinge  is  fo,  that  where  it  is  profitable 
to  one  man,  it  is  preiudiciall  to  many ;  therefore  I  thinke  that  reafon 
fufHciently  aunfwered. 

Alfo,  they  will  laye  forth  another  Reafon,  faying,  that  that  which 
is  our  owne  cowzmodityes  {hould  bee  alwayes  aduaunced  as  much  as 
might  be,  and  thefe  flieepes  profit  is  one  of  the  greateft  commodities 
wee  haue  j  therfore  it  ought  to  bee  aduaunced  as  high  as  it  may  bee. 

I  coulde  aunfwere  that  argument  with  the  like  reafon  as  I  did  the 
other ;  true  it  is,  we  ought  to  aduaunce  our  owne  commodity  as 
much  as  wee  can,  fo  it  bee  not  to  as  much  more  the  hinderaunce  of 
our  other  commodities.  Or  elfe,  where  as  the  breede  of  Coneyes, 
Deere,  and  fuchlike,  is  a  commodity  of  this  Realme ;  yet,  if  wee 
flioulde  turne  all  our  erable  grounde  to  nouriflie  that  commodity,  and 
giue  vp  the  Plough,  and  all  other  commod[i]ties  for  it,  it  were  a  great 
folly. 

'They  will  fay  agayne,  that  all  Groundes  bee  not  meete  for  flieepe. 

It  is  a  very  ill  Grounde,  but  either  it  ferueth  to  breed  flieepe  or  to 
feede  them  vppon  j  and  if  al  that  is  meete  either  for  the  one  [or  other], 
were  turned  to  the  mayntenaunce  of  Sheepe,  and  none  other  thinge, 
where  {hall  wee  haue  our  other  commodities  growe  ? 

All  cannot  doe  fo,  though  fome  doe. 

What  fliould  let  them  all  to  do  that  wicn  they  fee  fome  do?  yea, 
what  fliould  better  encourage  them  thereto,  then  to  fe  them  that  do  it 
be  come  notable  riche  men  in  fliort  time  by  the  doing  thereof  ?  And 
then  if  euery  man  fliould  do  fo,  one  following  the  example  of  another, 
what  fliould  enfew  thereof,  but  a  meere  folitude  and  vtter  defolation 
of  the  whole  realme,  furniflied  onely  with  Sheepe  and  Sheepardes, 
in  fteed  of  good  men,  whereby  it  might  be  a  pray  to  the  enemyes  that 
firft  would  fet  vpon  it  ?  for  then  the  flieepe  Mayfters  &  theire  Sheep- 
herds  could  make  no  refiftaunce  to  the  contrary. 


of  English  pollicy. 


43 


Who  can  let  them  to  make  their  moft  aduauntage  of  that  which  is 
their  owne? 

Yes,  mary !  men  may  not  vfe  their  owne  thinges  to  the  damage  of 
the  commonweale;  yet  for  all  this  that  I  fee,  it  is  a  thinge  moft 
neceflary  to  bee  prouided  for,  yet  I  cannot  perceue  it  flioulde  bee  the 
only  caufe  of  this  dearth,  for  this  Inclofinge  and  greate  grafinge,  if  it 
were  occafion  of  that  dearth  of  any  thing,  it  mufte  bee  of  Come 
cheifly,  and  nowe  thefe  many  yeares  paft  we  had  Corne  good  cheape 
inough.  And  the  dearth  that  was  then  moft,  was  of  cattell,  as  Biefes 
and  Muttons  j  and  the  broode  of  thefe  are  rather  increafed  thendimin- 
ifhed  by  Paftures  and  inclofinges. 

Why  mould  men  be  then  fo  much  offended  with  thefe  Inclofures? 

Yes,  &  not  without  great  caufe,  for  thoughe  thefe  many  yeares  paft, 
through  the  great  bounty  of  God,  we  haue  had  1much  plenty  of 
Corne  whereby  it  hath  beene  good  cheape,  one  Acer  bearinge  as  much 
Corne  as  two  moft  commonly  were  wont  to  do, — yet  if  thefe  yeares 
had  chaunfed  to  be  but  meanely  fruitfull  of  Corne,  (no  doubt)  we 
mould  haue  had  a  great  dearth  of  Corne,  as  wee  had  of  other  thinges. 
And  then  it  had  bene,  in  a  maner,  an  vndoing  of  the  poore  Commens. 
And  if  hereafter  there  fhoulde  chaunce  any  barren  yeares  of  Corne  to 
fall,  wee  mould  bee  afluered  to  finde  as  greate  extremity  in  the  price  of 
Corne,  from  that  it  was  wont  to  bee,  as  we  finde  now  in  the  prices  of 
other  victayle.  And  fpecially  if  wee  haue  not  ynough  to  ferue  within 
the  Realme,  which  may  happen  hereafter,  more  likely  then  in  time  paft, 
by  reafon  that  there  is  much  lande  fince  turned  to  pafture ;  for  euery 
man  will  feeke  where  moft  aduauntage  is,  &  they  fee  there  is  moft 
aduauwtage  in  grafing  and  breeding  then  in  husbandry  and  tillage,  by 
a  great  deale.  And  fo  longe  as  it  is  fo,  the  Pafture  mail  euer  incroch 
vpon  tillage,  for  all  the  lawes  that  euer  can  be  made  to  the  contrary. 

And  how  thinke  yee  that  this  might  be  remedied,  then? 

To  make  the  profit  of  the  plough  to  be  as  good,  rate  for  rate,  as 
the  profit  of  the  Grafier  and  fheepe  maifter  is. 

How  coulde  that  be  done  ? 

Mary,  I  conie£hire  two  manner  of  wayes,  but  I  feare  me  the 
deuifes  (hall  feeme  at  the  firft  bluih  fo  difpleafaunt  vnto  you,  ere  yee 
confider  it  throughly,  that  yee  will  reie6t  them  ere  yee  examyne  them ; 
for  we  talke  now  to  haue  things  good  cheape  5  and  then  if  I  fhould 


Knight. 
Doctor. 


No  man  may 
abuse  his  own 
things  to  the 
preiudice  of 
the  common 
weale. 


Knighte. 

Doctor. 

L1  Fol.  20,  back] 


[The  late  large 
harvests  have 
alone  stopt  the 
undoing  of  the 
poor.] 


Knight. 
Z?octor. 

Knighte. 
Doctor. 

How  Inclosi- 
ers  may  be  re- 
medied with- 
out constraint 
of  lavvss. 


44 


A  briefe  Conceipt 


Knighte. 


Doctor. 

I'Fol.  21  ] 

Knight. 
Doctor. 
Knighte. 
Z>octor. 


Knight. 
Doctor. 

[Make  grazing 
pay  less,  or 
tillage  more.] 


Knight. 
Doctor. 


That  a  like  re- 
straint of  wool 
shuld  be  made 
as  is  of  Corne, 
or  none  to  be 
sent  ouer. 


[Export  of  corn 
to  be  as  free  as 
that  of  wool.] 


Marchaunt. 


mewcion  a  meane  thai  mould  make  fome  thinges  deerer  for  the  time, 
I  fhoulde  bee  anon  reie&ed,  as  a  man  thai  fpake  againft  euery  mans 
purpofe. 

Yet,  fay  your  minde  and  fpare  not,  and  though  your  reafon  at  the 
firft  feeme  vnreafonable,  yet  we  will  heare  whether  yee  can  bring  it 
to  any  reafonable  ende. 

Remember  what  we  haue  in  hand  to  treate  of,  not  how  the  prices 
of  thinges  onely  may  bee  broughte  downej  but  ahow  thefe  Inclofures 
may  bee  broken  vp,  and  husbandry  more  vfedj  of  the  prices  of  thinges 
we  fhall  fpeake  heere  after.  [Kn.]  Wee  wil  remember  well  that. 

What  maketh  men  to  multiply  paftures  &  Inclofures  gladly  ? 

Mary,  the  profit  that  groweth  thereby. 

It  is  very  true,  and  none  other  thinge.  Then  finde  the  meanes  to 
doe  one  of  thefe  two  thynges  that  I  {hall  tell  you,  And  yee  {hall  make 
them  as  glad  to  exercife  tillage  as  they  doe  nowe  Paftures. 

What  be  thofe  two  thinges  ? 

Mary,  either  make  as  litle  gaynes  to  growe  by  the  Paftures  as 
there  groweth  by  the  tillage,  Or  els  make  that  there  may  growe  as 
much  profit  by  tillage  as  did  before  by  the  Paftures,  and  then  I 
doubt  not  but  tillage  fhall  be  afwell  cheriftied  of  euery  man  as 
Pafture. 

And  how  may  that  be  done  ? 

Mary,  the  firft  way  is  to  make  the  wooll  to  be  of  as  bafe  pryce  to 
the  breeders  thereof  as  the  Come  is  j  and  that  fhallbe,  if  yee  make  a 
like  reftraint  of  it  for  pafling  ouer  Sea,  vnwrought,  as  yee  make  of 
Corne  j  another,  is  to  increafe  the  cuftome  of  Wooll  that  pafleth  ouer 
vnwrought.  And  by  that  the  price  of  it  {halbe  abated  to  the  breeders, 
and  yet  the  price  ouer  Sea  {hal  be  neuer  the  lefie ;  but,  that  which  is 
increafed  in  the  price  thereof  on  ftraungers,  {hall  come  to  the  Queenes 
highnefie,  which  is  as  profitable  to  the  Realme  as  though  it  came  to 
the  breeders,  and  might  relieue  them  of  other  fubfidies.  Thus  farre 
as  touchinge  the  bringing  downe  of  the  price  of  Woolles  j  now  to 
the  inhaunfinge  of  the  price  of  corne,  to  be  as  good  to  the  hufband- 
man  as  wooll  mould  be;  and  that  might  be  brought  to  pafle  if  yee  wil 
let  it  haue  as  free  paflage  ouer  Sea  at  all  times,  as  yee  haue  now  for 
Wooll. 

By  the  firft  two  wayes,  men  woulde  fend  lefle  wooll  ouer  fea  then 


of  English  pollicy. 


45 


they  doe  nowe,  and  by  that  way  the  Queenes  l  cuftome  fhould  be  [' Foi.  si.  back] 
dyrninifhed ;  by  your  latter  way,  the  pryce  of  Corne  fhould  be  much 
enhaunfed,  wherewith  men  would  be  much  grieued. 

I  wot  wel  it  would  bee  deere  at  the  firft,  but  if  I  can  perfwade   Doctor, 
you  that  it  were  reafonable,  it  were  fo }    and  that  the  fame  could  bee 
no  hinderaunce  to  the  Realme  vniuerfally,  but  greater  profit  to  the 
fame,  then  I  thinke  ye  would  be  content  it  fhoulde  be  fo  j  and  as 
touchinge  the  Queenes  cuftome,  I  will  fpeake  afterwarde. 

I  graunt,  if  yee  could  fhewe  me  that.  Marchauwt. 

I  will  affay  it,  albeit  the  matter  be  fomewhat  intricate ;  and,  as  I  Doctor 
{hewed  you  before,  at  the  firft  vew  would  difpleafe  many ;  for  they 
would  fay, '  woulde  yee  make  Corne  deerer  then  it  is,  haue  wee  not  dearth 
enough  els  with  out  that  ?  Nay,  I  pray  you  finde  the  meanes  to  haue 
it  better  cheape,  if  it  may  bee,  it  is  deare  enough  already ',  and  fuch  other 
like  reafons  would  bee  fayd.  But  now  let  the  hufbahdman  anfwere 
fuch  againe :  '  Haue  not  you  Grafiers  rayfed  the  price  of  your  Woolles 
and  Felles  ?  and  you  Marchauwtmen,  Clothiers,  and  Cappers,  rayfed 
the  price  of  your  marchaundize  and  wares,  ouer  it  was  wont  to  bee  in 
manner  double  ?  Is  it  not  as  good  reafon,  then,  that  wee  fhould  raife 
the  price  of  our  Corne?  what  reafon  is  it  you  fhould  bee  at  large,  and 
we  fhould  be  reftrayned?  Eyther  let  vs  all  be  reftrayned  together,  or  els 
let  vs  bee  all  at  like  liberty.  Ye  may  fell  your  Wooll  ouer  Sea,  your 
Felles,  your  Tallow,  your  Cheefe,  your  Butter,  and  your  Leather, 
(which  ryfeth  all  by  grafing)  at  your  pleafure,  and  for  the  deereft 
peny  yee  can  get  for  it  j  and  wee  fhall  not  fell  out  our  Corne,  except  it 
bee  at  x  d.  the  bufhel,  or  vnder,  that  is  as  much  to  fay,  as  wee  that  be 
hufband  men  fhall  not  fell  our  ware,  except  it  be  for  nothing,  or  for  fo 
litle  as  wee  fhall  not  be  able  to  Hue  thereon."  Thinke  you  if  the  huf- 
bandman  here  had  fpoke  thefe  wordes,  that  he  did  not  fpeake  them 
fomewhat  2 reafonable?  [aFol.  22  j 

I  thanke  you  with  all  my  hart,  for  ye  haue  fpoken  in  the  matter  Husband. 
more  then  I  could  doe  my  felfe,  and  yet  nothing  but  that  is  moft  true. 
Wee  felt  the  harme,  but  wee  wift  not  what  was  the  caufe  therof ; 
many  of  vs  fawe  well  longe  agoe,  that  our  profite  was  but  fmall  by 
the  Plough,  &  therefore  diuerfe  of  my  Neighbours,  that  had  in  time 
paft  fome  two,  fome  three,  fome  four  Ploughs  of  their  owne,  haue 
layde  downe,  fome  of  them  part,  and  fome  of  them  all  their  Teemes ; 


Reasons  why 
the  Husband- 
man should 
be  at  like  liber- 
ty as  other  to 
sell  his  wares. 


46 


A  briefe  Conceipt 


That  by  bree- 
ding the  hus- 
band hath  most 
cleare  gaynes. 


Capper. 


[i  Fol.  22,  back] 
Doctor. 


That  profit  ad- 
uaunceth  all 
faculties. 


Honos  alit 
Artes. 


and  turned  either  part  or  all  their  erable  ground  to  Pafture,  and  there 
by  haue  waxed  very  riche  men.  And  euery  day  fome  of  vs  inclofeth 
Come  part  of  his  ground  to  Pafture  j  and  were  it  not  that  our  grounde 
lyeth  in  the  common  fieldes,  entermingled  one  with  another,  I  thinke 
allb  our  fieldes  had  bene  enclofed,  of  common  agreement  of  all  the 
townefhip,  longe  or  this  time.  And  to  fay  the.  very  truth,  I,  that  haue 
enclofed  litle  or  nothing  of  my  grounde,  coulde  neuer  be  able  to  make 
vp  my  Lords  rent,  were  it  not  for  a  litle  herd  that  I  haue  of  Neate, 
fheepe,  fwyne,  geefe,  and  Hennes,  that  I  do  reare  vpon  my  grounde ; 
Whereof,  becaufe  the  price  is  fomewhat  round,  I  make  more  cleare 
profit  then  I  doe  of  all  my  come ;  &  yet  I  haue  but  a  very  bare  liuing, 
by  reafon  that  many  thinges  doe  belong  to  husbandry  which  bee  now 
ex[c]eedinge  chargeable  ouer  they  were  in  time  paft. 

Though  this  reafon  of  maifter  Do6tors  here  doth  pleafe  you  well  that 
be  hufbandmen,  yet  it  pleafeth  vs  that  be  artificers  nothing  at  all, 
which  buy  moft  both  breade-corne  and  malt-corne  for  our  penyj  and 
whereas  ye,  maifler  do6tor,  fay,  that  it  were  as  good  reafon  that  the 
Hufbandman  mould  reyfe  the  price  of  his  corne,  and  haue  as  free  vent 
of  the  fame  ouer  fea,  as  we  doe  and  haue  of  our  wares,  I  cannot 
greately  deny ;  but  that  yet  I  fay  that  euery  man  hath  neede  of  corne, 
but  they  haue  not  fo  much  of  other  wares. 

1  Therefore,  the  more  neceflary  that  corne  is,  the  more  be  the  men 
to  be  chearifhed  that  reareth  it  j  for  if  they  fee  there  bee  not  fo  much 
profit  in  vfinge  the  plough  as  they  fee  in  other  feates,  thinke  ye  not 
that  they  will  leaue  that  trade,  and  fall  to  another  thai  they  fee  more 
profitable  ?  As  yee  may  perceiue  by  the  doings  of  this  honeft  mans 
neighbours,  which  haue  turned  there  erable  lande  to  pafture,  becaufe 
they  fee  more  profit  by  pafture  then  by  tillage.  Is  it  not  an  old  fay- 
ing in  Latin,  Honos  alit  artes  ?  that  is  to  fay,  profit  or  aduauncement 
nourifheth  euery  facultie  j  which  fayng  is  fo  true,  that  it  is  alowed  by 
the  common  iudgement  of  al  mew.  Wee  muft  vnderftand  alfo,  that 
all  thinges  that  mould  bee  done  in  a  common  Weale,  bee  not  to  be 
forced,  or  to  be  conftrayned  by  the  ftraight  penalties  of  the  lawe,  but 
fome  fo,  and  fome  either  by  allurement  and  rewardes  rather.  For 
what  lawe  can  compell  men  to  be  induftrious  in  trauayle,  or  labour  of 
body,  or  ftudious  to  learne  any  fciewce  or  knowledge  of  the  mynde  ? 
to  thefe  thinges  they  may  be  well  prouoked,  encouraged,  and  allured ; 


of  English  pollicy. 


47 


if  they  that  be  induftrious  and  paynefull,  bee  rewarded  well  for  their 
paines  j  and  bee  fuflered  to  take  gaynes  and  wealth  as  rewardes  of 
their  laboures,  and  fo  likewyfe  they  that  be  learned,  be  aduaunced  and 
honoured  accordinge  to  their  forwardnes  in  Learning ;  euery  man  will 
then  ihidy,  either  to  bee  induftrious  in  bodely  labour,  or  ftudious  in 
thinges  that  pertaynes  to  knowledge.  Take  thefe  rewards  from  them, 
&  go  about  to  coTTzpell  them  by  lawes  thereto,  what  man  wil  plough 
or  digg  the  ground,  or  exercife  any  manuall  art  wherein  is  any  paine  ? 
or  who  will  aduenture  ouer  feaes  for  any  Marchau/zdife,  or  vie  any 
facultie  wherein  any  perill  or  dauwger  mould  be,  feing  his  reward 
fhalbe  no  more  then  his  that  fits  ftill  ?  But  yee  wil  percafe  auwfwere 
me,  that  all  their  reward  fhal  not  be  takew  away,  but  part  of  it.  Yet 
then  yee  muft  grauwt  me,  that  as  if  all  thefe  rewardes  were  taken  from 
them,  all  thefe  faculties  muft  1decaiej  fo  if  part  of  that  reward  be  min- 
ifhed,  the  vfe  of  thefe  faculties  fhall  minifh  withall  after  the  rate,  and 
fo  they  fhal  be  the  lefle  occupied,  the  lefle  they  be  rewarded  & 
efteemed.  But  now  to  our  purpofe :  I  thinke  it  more  neceflary  to 
deuife  a  meane  how  hufbandry  may  be  more  occupied  rather  then 
lefle ;  which  I  cannot  perceiue  how  it  may  be  brought  to  pafle,  but  as 
mew  do  fe  the  more  gaines  therein,  the  gladder  they  will  occupie  that 
feate ;  and  this  to  be  true  (that  fome  things  in  a  common  weale  muft 
be  forced  with  paines,  and  fome  by  rewards  allured)  may  appeare  by 
that  which  the  wife  and  politique  fenatour  Tully  wryteth :  faying, 
that  it  was  the  wordes  of  Solon,  which  was  one  of  the  feuen  wyfe  men 
of  Greece,  and  of  thofe  feuen  the  onely  man  that  made  lawes,  that  a 
common  weale  was  holden  vp  by  two  things  chiefely,  that  is,  by  reward 
and  payne ;  of  which  words  I  gather,  that  men  fhould  be  prouoked 
to  do  good  deedes  by  rewardes  and  preferments ;  and  to  abftaine  from 
ill  doinges  by  paines.  Trowe  you,  if  hufband  men  be  not  better 
chearyihed  or  prouoked  then  they  be  to  exercife  the  plough,  but  that 
in  procefle  of  time,  fo  many  ploughes  wil  be  layd  downe,  as  I  feare 
me  there  be  all  ready,  that  if  one  vnfruitefull  yeare  fhall  happen 
amonge  vs,  as  commonly  doth  once  in  feuen  yeares,  we  fhould  the« 
not  onely  haue  dearth,  but  alfo  fkarcenes  of  corne,  that  we  fhould  be 
driuen  to  feeke  it  from  outwarde  parties,  and  pay  deare  for  it. 

How  would  yee  haue  them  better  chearifhed  to  vfe  the  plough  ? 

To  let  them  haue  more  profit  by  it  then  they  haue,  &  liberty  to 


That  some 
thinges  are  to 
be  allured  by 
rewardes,  and 
some  other 
with  straighte 
paynes  forced, 
in  a  common- 
Weale. 


Fol.  23] 


The  lesse  ho- 
nor or  profit  is 
geuen  to  any 
arte,  the  lesse  it 
shalbe  freque«- 
ted. 


Tullius  in 
Ep.  ad  att 


Knight. 
Doctor. 


48 


A  briefe  Conceipt 


[Free  Trade  in 
Corn  needed.] 


[»  Fol.  23,  back] 


Knight. 
Doctor. 


Profit  will 
make  husband 
.  en  more  oc- 
cupied, &  there 
by  more  profit, 
and  consequewt- 
ly  better 
cheape  of 
corne. 


Knight. 


Doctor. 


[Husbandmen 
sure  to  keep  a 
stock  of  corn  in 
hand.] 


Fol.  24] 


fell  it  at  all  times,  &:  to  all  places  as  freely  as  men  may  do  other  things ; 
but  then  (no  doubt)  the  price  of  corne  would  rife,  fpecially  at  the  firft, 
more  then  at  lewgth ;  yet  thai  price  would  prouoke  euerie  man  to 
fet  the  plough  in  the  grounde,  to  Till  wafte  grounds,  yea,  &  to  turne 
the  lands  that  is  now  enclofed  for  pafture,  to  erable ;  for  euery  man 
will  the  gladder  follow  'that,  wherein  they  fee  the  more  gainesj  and 
thereby  muft  nedes  enfue,  both  greater  plenty  of  corne  within  the 
realme,  and  alfo  much  treafure  mould  be  brought  into  the  realme  by 
reafon  thereof;  And,  befides  that,  plenty  of  all  other  victuall  en- 
creafed  amonge  vs. 

That  would  I  faine  heare  you  declare  howe. 

Ye  haue  heard  that  by  this  free  vent  and  fale  of  corne,  the  huf- 
bandmans  profit  is  aduauncedj  then  it  is  fhewed  that  euery  man 
naturally  will  follow  that  wherein  he  fees  profit  enfue ;  therefore 
men  wil  the  gladder  occupy  hufbawdry  j  &  the  more  doe  occupie  huf- 
bandry,  the  more  plenty  of  Corne  muft  nedes  bej  And  the  more 
plenty  of  corne  there  is,  thereof  the  better  cheape ;  And  alfo  the  more 
will  be  fpared  ouer  that  which  {hall  fuffice  for  the  realme.  And  then, 
that  may  bee  fpared  in  a  good  yeare,  fhall  bringe  vs  againe  either 
corne,  or  els  the  commodities  of  other  countreis  neceflary  for  vs. 
Then  the  more  husbandry  there  is  occupied,  the  more  vniuerfall 
breede  mould  be  of  all  victuals  of  Neate,  Sheepe,  Swine,  Geefe, 
He/mes,  Capows,  &  Chickens ;  for  al  thefe  are  reared  much  on  corne. 

If  men  Ihoulde  fell,  when  a  good  feafonable  yeare  is,  all  that  is 
ouerplus  when  the  Realme  is  ferued,  what  fhoulde  wee  doe  if  a  barren 
yeare  fhoulde  happen,  when  no  ftore  of  corne  is  left  of  the  good  yeare 
before  ? 

Fyrft,  ye  mufte  confider  that  men  will  bee  fure  they  will  keepe 
inoughe  to  finde  themfelues  within  the  realme,  ere  they  fell  any  forth 
of  the  fame ;  and  hauing  libertie  to  fell  at  their  pleafure,  doubte  yee 
not  but  they  had  leuer  fell  their  corne  two  pence  or  three  pence  in  a 
bufhell  better  cheape  within  the  realme,  then  to  bee  at  the  charge  of 
cariage,  and  perill  of  aduenture,  in  fending  it  ouer,  and  fell  it  dearer, 
except  it  be  for  much  more  gaines.  And  thus  men  beinge  prouoked 
with  luker,  wil  keepe  the  more  corne,  loking  for  a  deare  yeare  in  the 
countrey,  whereby  muft  needes  be  great  ftore ;  2and  though  they  did 
not  fo,  but  mould  fell  ouer  fea  all  that  they  might  fpare  ouer  thai 


of  English  pollicy.  49 

ferues   the  realme  when  the  yere  is  plentifull  j  yet,  by  reafon  that   [Free  Trade  in 

Corn  would  so 

through  the  meanes  aforefaid   moe  Ploughes  are  let  aworke  then   increase  the 

growth  of  corn, 

would  fuffice  the  Realme  in  a  plentifull  yeare  :  if  a  fcarce  yeare  mould  that  we  should 

have  plenty 

fal  after,  the  corne  of  fo  many  ploughes  as  in  a  good  yeare  would  be  even  in  a  scarce 
more  then  enough  in  an  vnfruitefull  yeare,  at  the  leafte  would  be  fuf- 
ficient  to  finde  the  Realme ;  &  fo  mould  the  Realme  be  ferued  with 
enough  of  corne  in  a  fcarce  yeare,  &  in  a  plentiful  yere  no  more  then 
inough,  which  might  be  fold  ouer  for  great  treafure  or  greater  com- 
modities 5  where  now  in  a  plentifull  yeare  we  feeke  to  haue  but  af- 
much  as  may  fuffice  the  Realme.  Then  if  a  fcarfe  yeare  Ihould  hap- 
pen, we  muft  needes  lacke  of  our  owne  to  ferue,  and  mould  be  dryuen 
to  buy  from  beyond  the  fea;  and  then,  if  they  were  as  enuious  as  wee 
bee,  might  not  they  fay,  when  we  requyred  any  corne  of  them,  (that 
feing  they  could  get  none  from  vs  when  we  had  plenty,)  why  Ihould 
they  let  vs  haue  any  corne  when  wee  haue  fcarfitie  ?  Surely  common 
reafon  would  that  one  region  mould  helpe  an  other  when  it  lackes ; 
and  therefore  God  hath  ordeyned  that  no  countrey  mould  haue  all  [God  has  or- 

datnd  that  one 

commodities:  but  that  which  one  lackes,  an  other  brings  forth;  &  that   country  should 

help  another.] 

that  one   countrey  lacketh  this  yeare,  another  hath  plenty  thereof, 
commonly  the  fame  yeare,  to  the  intent  men  may  knowe  that  they 
haue  neede  one  of  anothers  helpe,  &  thereby  loue  and  focietie  to 
growe  among  all  men  the  more,     but  here  we  would  doe  as  though 
we  had  neede  of  no  other  countrey  on  earth,  but  to  Hue  all  of  our 
felues ;  8c  as  though  wee  mighte  make  the  market  of  all  things  as  wee 
lift  our  felues.     For  though  God  is  bountifull  vnto  vs,  &  fends  vs   [We  can't  live 
many  greate  commodities,  yet  wee  coulde  not  line  without  the  com-   countries' 
modifies  of  others.    And,  for  example,  of  Iron  and  Sake,  though  wee 
haue  competently  thereof,  yet  wee  haue  '  not  the  thirde  parte  to  fuf-   [i  Fol.  24,  back] 
fice  the  Realme,  and  that  can  in  no  wife  be  fpared  if  yee  wil  occupy 
hufbandry;  then  tar,  rozyn,  pitch,  Oyle,  and  fteele,  wee  haue  none  at 
all;  and  for  Wynes,  fpyces,  lynnen  cloth,  filkes,  &  coloures,  though 
we  might  liue  indifferently  without  thew,  yet  far  from  any  ciuility 
mould  it  be,  as  I  deny  not  but  many  things  wee  might  haue  heere   and  we  ought  to 
fufficiently  that  wee  buy  now  from  beyond  fea,  and  many  things  wee   themTreely"] 
might  fpare  wholly ;  whereof,  if  time  will  ferue,  I  mall  talke  more  here 
after.    But  nowe  to  returne  to  the  firft  poynte  I  fpake  of  before  :  to 
bee  one  of  the  meanes  to  bring  hufbandry  vp,  that  is,  by  baling  the 
SHAKSPERE'S  ENGLAND  :  STAFFORD.  4 


5<D  A  briefe  Conceipt 

eftimacion  of  wooll  &  felles.  Though  I  take  not  that  way  to  bee  as 
good  as  the  other,  for  I  doe  not  allowe  that  meane  that  may  bafe  any 
of  our  commodities,  except  it  bee  for  the  inhaunfing  of  a  better  com- 
modity; but  if  both  commodities  may  bee  inhaunfed  together,  as  by 
the  laft  deuife  I  thinke  they  might  be ;  I  allowe  that  way  better, 
neuerthelefle,  where  as  yoi>  (brother  Mercer)  fhewed  afore,  that  either 
by  reftraining  of  wooll  and  other  commodities,  till  they  were  equal 
within  the  Realme  after  the  rate  of  the  corne,  or  iuhaunfing  the  cuf- 
tome  of  wooll  and  other  the  fayd  commodities,  till  the  price  befide 
the  cuftome  of  the  fayd  commodities  were  brought  like  to  the  corne 
whether  the  in  proportion,  the  Quenes  cuftome  fhoulde  bee  diminifhed  j  I 
should  be  di-  thinke  not  fo,  for  the  one  way,  as  much  as  flie  fhoulde  haue  for  the 

minished  by  re-  . 

straint  of  woii      more  wooll  at  litle  cuftome  ventred  ouer,  fo  much  mould  we  haue 

vnvvrought. 

for  the  lefle  wooll  at  a  greater  cuftome  ventred.  And  the  other  way, 
as  much  as  her  Grace  fhould  lofe  by  her  cuftome  of  wooll,  fo  much 
or  more  mould  her  grace  winne  by  the  cuftome  of  Clothes  made 
within  the  realme.  But  one  thing  I  doe  note  by  this  later  deuife, 
[We  must  keep  what,  if  they  fhould  take  place,  we  muft  doe,  that  is,  if  wee  keepe 

the  balance  of  ...  ..     ,. 

trade  with  within  vs  much  of  our  commodities,  wee  mult  ipare   many  other 

foreigners  equal.] 

things  that  we  haue  now  from  beyonde  fea,  for  wee   muft  alwayes 

[i  Foi.  25]  take  heede  that  wee  buy  no  more  '  of  ftraungers  then  we  do  fell  them, 

for  fo  we  mould  impouerifh   our  felues  and  enrich  them.     For  hee 

were  no  good  hufband  that  had  no  other  yerely  reuenewes  but  of  his 

hulbandry  to  Hue  on,  that  would  buy  more  in  the  market  then  he 

felles  againe.     And  that  is  a  pointe  that  wee  might  faue  much  by 

our  treafure  in  this  realme,  if  wee  would.     And  I  maruell  no  man 

takes   heede  to  itj  what  number  firft  of  trifles  comes  hether  from 

beyond  the  fea  that  wee  might  either  cleane  fpare,  or  els  make  them 

Howestraun-       within  our  realme,  for  the  which  wee  either  pay  ineftimable  trea- 

vs  our  great          fure  euery  yere,  or  els  exchaunge  fubftantiall  wares  and  neceflary 

for  very  trifles.  .  . 

for  them,  for  the  which  we  might  receaue  great  treafure.  Ot  the 
[Foreign  knick-  which  fort  I  meane  as  well  looking  glafles  as  drinking,  and  alfo  to 
could  well  do  glaze  windowes,  Dialles,  Tables,  Gardes,  Balles,  Puppettes,  penners, 
e.]  '  Inkehornes,  Toothepickes,  Gloues,  Kniues,  Dagges,  Owches,  Brouches, 

Agglettes,  Buttons  of  filke  &  filuer,  Earthen  pots,  Pinnes  and  Pointes, 
Hawkes  belles,  Paper  both  white  and  browne,  and  a  thoufand  like 
thinges  that  might  either  be  cleane  fpared,  or  els  made  within  the 


of  English  pollicy.  5 1 

realme  fufficient  for  vs ;  and  as  for  fome  thinges,  they  make  it  of  our 
owne  commodities  and  fend  it  vs  againe,  whereby  they  fet  their 
people  a  worke,  and  doe  exhaufte  much  treafure  out  of  this  Realme : 
as  of  our  woll  they  make  Clothes,  Cappes,  and  Kerfeis ;  of  our  felles 
they  make  Spanifh  {kins,  Gloues,  and  Girdels ;  of  our  Tinne,  Salt- 
fellers,  Spoones,  and  Dirties ;  of  our  broken  Linnen,  clothes  and 
ragges ;  Paper  both  white  and  browne.  What  Treafure  (thinke  yee) 
goes  out  of  this  Realme  for  euery  of  Thefe  thinges  ?  and  then  for  all 
together,  it  exceedes  myne  eftimation.  There  is  no  man  can  be  cow- 
tented  now  with  any  other  Gloues,  then  be  made  in  Fraunce  or  in 
Spayne ;  nor  Kerfie, but  it  muft  bee  of  Flounders  die;  nor  Cloth, but 
French  or  Fryfeadowe ;  nor  Ouche,  Brooch,  or  Agglet,  but  of  Venice 
making,  or  Millen;  nor  Dagger,  Swearde,  l Knife  or  Gyrdle,  but  of 
fpanifti  making,  or  fome  outward  countrey,  no,  not  as  much  as  a 
Spurre  but  that  is  fetched  at  the  Millener.  I  haue  heard  within  thefe 
xl.  yeares,  when  there  were  not  of  thefe  Haberdalhers  that  felles 
french  or  Millen  Cappes,  Glafles,  Kniues,  Daggers,  Swordes,  Gyrdels, 
and  fuch  thinges,  not  a  dofen  in  all  London ;  &  now  from  the  tower 
to  Weftminfter  alonge,  euery  ftreate  is  full  of  them,  and  their  flioppes 
glitter  and  ftiyne  of  Glafles  as  well  drynking  as  looking;  yea,  all 
maner  of  veflell  of  the  fame  ftuffe, — paynted  Crufes,  gaye  Daggers, 
Knyues,  Swordes,  and  Gyrdels;  that  it  is  able  to  make  any  tewzperate 
man  to  gafe  on  them  and  to  buy  fomewhat,  though  it  ferue  to  no 
purpofe  neceflarie.  What  neede  they  beyonde  fea  to  trauaile  to  Pe- 
rowe,  or  fuch  farre  countreies,  or  to  trie  out  the  fandes  of  the  ryuers  of 
Tagus  in  Spaine,  pa£lolus  in  Afia,  and  Ganges  in  India,  to  get  amonge 
them  after  much  labour  fmall  fparkes  of  gold ;  or  to  digge  the  deepe 
bowels  of  the  earth  for  the  mine  of  Siluer  or  Golde,  whera  they  ca« 
of  vile  claie  not  farre  fought  for,  and  of  pryple2  ftones  and  Feme  rootes 
make  good  Golde  and  Siluer,  more  the«  a  great  many  of  Siluer  and 
Golde  mines  would  make.  I  thinke  not  ib  litle  as  a  hundreth  thou- 
fand  poundes  a  yeare  is  fetched  of  our  Treafure  for  thinges  of  no 
valure  of  themfelues,  but  onely  for  the  labours  of  the  workers  of  the 
fame,  which  are  fet  a  worke  all  on  our  charges.  What  grofnes  of 
wits  be  we  of,  that  fe  it,  and  fuffer  fuch  a  continual  fpoyl  to  be  made 
of  our  good  and  treafure  by  fuch  meanes !  and  fpecially  that  will  fuf- 
fer our  owne  commodities  to  goe  and  fet  ftraungers  a  worke,  and  then 


Our  delicacy 
in  requiring 
straungers 
Wares. 


[Foreign  goods 
that  are  the 
fashion  in 
England.] 


Fol.  35,  back] 


The  encrease 
of  haberdash- 
ers &  mileners 
ouer  they  were 
wont  to  h« 


[Glittering 
glasses,  &c., 
tempt  buyers.] 


How  the  strauw- 
gers  finde  an 
easyer  way  to 
get  treasure  by 
thinges  of  no 
value,  then  by 
any  mynes  of 
gould  or  sillier. 
[2  pybble, 
pebble.] 


[What  asses  we 
are,  to  spend 
;£ioo,ooo  a  year 
in  foreign 
nonsenses  !] 


How  straun- 
gc-rs  finde  their 
nation  with 
our  commodi- 
ties, and  on 
our  costes. 


['  Fol.  26] 


[Why  don't  we 
make  up  our  own 
materials?] 


Knight, 


[Foreign  work, 
tho'  doubly  taxt, 
sells  cheaper 
than  ours  does.] 


Doctor, 


Why  strauttgers 
may  aforde 
wares  better 
cheape  made 
by  them,  then 
we  may  the 
same  made 
here,  &  yet 
that  it  were 
better  for  vs  to 
buy  our  ovvne 
though  they 
were  dearer. 


[An  English 
Paper-maker 
undersold  by 
foreign  paper 
imported. 


The  latter  should 

have  been 

heavily 

customd.] 

[2  Fol.  26,  back] 

Knight. 


5  2  A  briefe  Conceipt 

to  buy  thewz  againe  at  their  handes ;  as  of  our  Woll  they  make  and 
die  Kerfies,  Frifeadowes,  broade  Clothes,  and  Cappes  beyonde  fea,  & 
bryng  them  hether  to  bee  folde  againe  ;  wherein  I  pray  you  note 
what  they  doe :  they  make  vs  pay  at  the  ende  for  our  owne  ftuffe 
againe.  Yea,  for  the  ftrauwgers  cuftome,  for  their  worke1manfhippe 
and  colours,  and  laftely  for  the  fecond  cuftome  in  the  retourne  of  the 
wares  into  the  realme  again ;  where  as,  by  working  the  fame  within 
the  realme,  our  owne  now  fhould  be  fet  a  worke  at  the  charges  of 
ftraungers,  the  cuftome  fhould  be  borne  all  by  ftraungers  to  the 
Queene,  &  the  cleare  gaines  remaine  within  the  Realme. 

If  yee  ponder  fuch  thinges  and  other,  which  goeth  ouer  Seayerely 
from  vs  for  the  fame,  yee  fpeake  to  litle  by  as  much  againe;  but  one 
thinge  I  haue  marked,  that  albeit  it  is  true,  that  though  ftraungers  buy 
their  woll  deare,  &  pay  twife  cuftome,  that  is,  both  at  going  out  of 
the  wooll,  and  when  it  retournes  in  clothes  or  cappes,  yet  the  fame 
lhalbe  better  cheape  then  that  which  is  made  within  the  Realme, 
whereof  that  mould  come,  I  would  faine  knowe. 

Whether  it  come  of  our  floth,  or  of  our  chargeable  fare,  or  of  our 
idlenes,  which  we  Englifhmen  vfe,  percafe,  more  then  other  nations, 
I  knowe  not;  yet  it  were  better  for  vs  to  paie  more  to  our  owne 
Countreymeu  for  thefe  wares,  then  to  ftraungers  lefTe;  for  how  litle 
gaines  fo  euer  goeth  ouer,  it  is  loft  to  vs  cleare;  but  how  much  fo  euer 
the  gaines  is  that  goeth  from  one  of  vs  to  another,  it  is  all  faued  with 
in  the  Realme;  and  a  like  reafon  as  you  make  now  heere,  Once  a 
Booke-feller  made  mee,  when  I  afked  him  why  we  had  not  white  and 
browne  paper  made  within  the  realme,  afwell  as  they  had  made  be- 
yond the  fea  ?  Then  he  aunfwered  mee  that  there  was  paper  made  a 
while  within  the  realme.  At  the  laft  the  man  perceiued  that  made 
it,  that  he  could  not  aforde  his  paper  as  good  cheape  as  it  came  from 
beyond  the  fea,  and  fo  he  was  forced  to  lay  downe  making  of  paper  ; 
and  no  blame  in  the  man,  for  men  will  geue  neuer  the  more  for  his 
paper  becaufe  it  was  made  here;  but  I  would  eyther  haue  the  paper 
ftaied  from  comming  in,  or  fo  burdened  with  cuftome,  that  by  that 
time  it  came  hether,  our  men  mighte  aforde  their  paper  better  cheape 
then  ftraungers  might  do  2theires,  the  cuftomes  confidered. 

There,  ye  fpeake  a  thinge  that  the  Queenes  Atturney  would  not 
agree  vnto ;  for  if  fuch  ware  were  made  within  the  realme,  then  the 


of  English  pollicy. 


53 


Queenes  cuftome  fhould  be  leffe,  by  reafon  that  litle  or  no  fuch  wares 
mould  come  from  beyond  the  Sea. 

If  the  Queenes  Atturney  did  regard  as  well  the  profit  that  mould 
come  after,  as  that  which  is  prefent  afore  the  eyes,  hee  would  agree 
to  this  well  inough ;  for,  by  this  meanes,  ineftimable  treafure  mould 
be  faued  within  the  real  me  5  and  then  it  could  not  growe  to  the  profit 
of  the  fubie&s  j  but  it  muft  needes  growe  alfo  to  the  profite  of  the 
Queene,  for  the  wealth  of  the  fubie&es  is  the  profit  of  the  Queene ; 
and  in  mine  opinion  they  doe  not  befle  prouide  for  her  Graces  profite, 
that  procureth  onely  a  prefente  commoditie,  but  rather  that  com- 
modity that  may  longeft  endure  without  griefe  of  her  fubie6ts. 

You  would  haue  a  lawe  made,  that  no  fuch  ware  mould  be  brought 
from  beyond  the  fea  to  be  foulde  heere,  of  fuch  things  as  could  be 
made  heere  as  wel  as  there. 

Yea,  forfooth !  fo  would  I  wifhe. 

I  was  once  in  a  Parlyament,  when  fuch  a  thinge  was  mooued,  but 
onely  for  Cappes,  that  none  made  beyond  fea  fhould  bee  fould  heere 
within  the  Realme,  and  then  it  was  aunfwered  by  a  greate  wife  man, 
that  it  was  to  bee  feared  leaft  it  touched  the  league  made  betwene  the 
Princes  highnefle  &  fome  forraigne  Prince;  what  thinke  you,  then, 
would  haue  bene  laid,  if  yee  would  haue  moued  a  lawe  to  be  made  of 
our  wooll,  our  Tynne,  our  Led,  and  Hydes,  beyond  fea,  {hould  haue 
bene  fould  heere  ? 

I  cannot  tell,  whether  that  mould  touch  the  league  or  no,  nor 
whether  any  fuch  league  be :  but  I  fay  to  you,  tliat  I  think  it  a  mar- 
uaylous  league  that  fhoulde  let  vs  to  make  lawes  to  binde  our  owne 
fubie&s,  that  might  be  profitable  to  them ;  *  and  if  there  were  any 
fuch  league,  I  had  leauer  it  were  broken  then  kept,  which,  being 
broken,  fhoulde  doe  vs  good,  &  being  kept,  mould  doe  vs  harme ;  and 
I  fuppofe,  that  when  wee  enter  any  league,  the  fame  is  ment  to  be  for 
our  weale,  and  not  for  our  hinderaunce;  wherefore,  that  league  would 
not  be  efteemed  that  might  hinder  our  common  weale. 

What  if  they  would  make  a  like  lawe  beyonde  the  fea,  that  wares 
made  within  this  realme  mould  not  bee  foulde  there,  as  they  made  of 
late,  when  wee  deuifed  a  lawe  that  no  Wynes  fhoulde  bee  caried 
hether  in  flraungers  bottomes. 

Yet,  fhould  they  be  enforced  rather  to  diifolue  their  law  then  we 


Doctor 


The  most  dura- 
ble &  vniuersal 
profit  is  more 
to  be  esteemed 
then  short  and 
particular. 


Knight. 

Doctor. 
Knight. 


Whether  our 
restraints  doe 
touch  the 
leagues  made 
with  other 
Prynces. 


Doctor. 


[i  Fol.  27] 

No  league  is 
to  be  cheri- 
shed that  is 
not  for  the  com- 
monvveale. 


Knighte. 


Doctor. 


54  A  briefe  Conceipt 


[English  ours  j  for  our  ftuffe  is  neceflary  for  them  that  is  made  here  :  as  cloth, 

Leal  her,  Beire,  tallow,  butter,  cheefe,  pewter  veflel,  &c.  Theirs  bee  to 
vs,  more  to  ferae  pleafure  then  neceflity  :  as  Tables,  Cardes,  perfumed 

and  imports.]  Gloues,  Glaffes,  gaily  Pots,  Dyalls,  Orenges,  Pippens,  and  Cheries ; 
yee,  their  chiefe  commodities  might  be  better  fpared  of  vs  then  re- 

A  worthy  ex-       tayned  of  them  :  as  wynes,  filkes,  fpices,  yron,  and  Salt.     I  would  to 

followed  in          God  wee  woulde  followe  but  the  example  of  a  poore  Hauen  towne, 

vsing  of  strau«- 

gers.  that  I  heard  of  it  to  do  of  late,  heere  in  the  Marches  of  Walles,  called 

[The  Caer-  Carmarthen,  when  there  came  a  certayne  Veffell  thether  out  of  Eng- 

marthen  Bayliff 

who  refused  to       land,  all  Laden  with  Appells,  which  aforetime  was  wont  to  brynge 

let  English 

app'es  them  good  come,  the  towne  commaunded  that  nonne  ihoulde  buy  the 

fayd  Appells  vpon  a  great  payne,  and  fo  the  Bote  ftoode  fo  long  in  the 
Hauen  without  fale  or  vent,  till  the,  Appells  were  putrified  and  loft. 
And  when  the  owner  demaunded  of  the  Bayliffe  of  the  towne,  why 
he  had  flayed  his  fale  and  vent  ?  the  Bayliffe  aunfwered  againe,  that 

be  exchang'd         the  fayd  veffell  came  thether  to  fetch  the  beft  wares  they  had  in  the 

for  Welsh  friezes  f 

and  wool.]  countrey,  as  Fryzes,  brode  Clothes,  &  wooll ;  and  in  fteede  thereof  hee 

ihould  leaue  thera  in  their  countrey  but  appells,  that  {hould  be  fpent  & 

LI  Fol.  27,  back]  wafted  in  lefle  then  a  weeke.  And  fayd,  'bring  vnto  lvs  corne  or 
malt  as  yee  were  wont  to  doe,  whereof  the  countrey  hath  need,  and 
yee  fhall  be  welcome  at  all  times,  &  yee  mail  haue  free  vent  and  fale 
thereof  in  our  Porte  ' :  thinke  yee  that  the  cities  of  London,  South- 
hampton,  Briftowe,  Chefter,  and  other  moe,  might  they  not  learne  a 
good  leffon  of  this  poore  Welch  towne  in  this  doing  ?  Might  not  they 

[Why  don't  we      fay.  when  fhippes  full  of  Orrenges,  Pippens,  or  Cheries  come  in,  that 

imitate  the 

Welshmen,  and      jf  they  would  agayne  take  Plummes,  Damozins,  and  ftrawberries  for 

refuse  to  change 

them,  they  flioulde  haue  free  exchaunge  ?  and  when  they  bring  in 
Glaffes,  Puppets,  Rattles,  and  fuch  like  thinges,  they  mould  haue  like 
trifles  for  them,  if  any  fuch  were  to  bee  had  within  this  Realme,  as 
there  bee  many ;  but  if  they  come  for  our  "Woolles,  for  our  Clothes, 
.mr  cloths  and  Kerfeyes,  Corne,  Tinne,  Ledde,  yea,  our  Golde  and  filuer,  and  fuch 

metals  for 

foreign  rattles,       fubftantiall  and  neceflary  thinges,  let  them    bring  in  againe   Flax, 

KC..  but  consent 

to  do  so  for  good   Tarre.  Oyles,  Fyflie,  &  fuch  like.     And  not  to  vfe  them  as  men  doe 

flax,  fish,  &c.  ?]  J  J 

litle  Children,  geue  them  an  appell  for  the  beft  Jewell  that  they  haut- 
about  them.  And  thus  wee  are  empouerifhed  of  our  treafure  &  chiefr 
commoditie,  and  cannot  perceaue  it ;  fuch  is  the  fineneffe  of  ftraunger- 
wits  and  the  grofnes  of  ours ;  yet  it  were  more  tollerable  if  wee  did 


of  English  pollicy. 


55 


no  more  but  chearifhe  their  deuifes  thai,  be  ftrauwgers  ;  but  we  haue  in 
times  paft  deuifed  our  felues  many  other  wayes,  to  our  owne  im- 
pouerifhment,  and  to  exhauft  our  treafure.  And  now  I  mufl  come  to 
that  thinge  that  you  (brother  Mercer)  touched  afore,  which  I  take  to 
be  the  chiefe  caufe  of  all  this  dearth  of  thinges  (in  companion  of 
former  times)  and  of  the  manif[e]ft  impoueriminge  of  the  Realme, 
and  might  in  fhort  time  haue  ben  thai  deftru6tion  of  the  fame,  if  it 
had  not  bene  the,  rather  remedied,  that  is,  the  bafing  or  rather  the 
corrupting  of  our  coyne  &  treafure  j  whereby  we  deuifed  a  way  for 
the  ftraungers,  not  only  to  buy  our  Gold  and  filuer  for  brafle,  and  to 
exhauft  this  realme  of  treafure ;  but  alfo  to  buy  our  chiefe  commodi- 
ties Mn  maner  for  naught ;  yet  it  was  thought  this  mould  haue  beene 
a  meane,  not  onely  to  bryng  our  treafure  home,  but  to  bring  much  of 
theirs ;  but  the  experience  playnly  declared  the  contrary,  fo  that  it 
were  but  a  very  Dullerdes  parte  now  to  be  in  any  doubt  thereof. 

Forfooth,  and  fuch  a  Duller d  am  I  in  deede,  that  I  cannot  per- 
ceaue  what  hinderance  it  mould  be  to  the  realme  to  haue  this  mettall 
more  then  that  (for  our  Coyne),  feeing  the  Coyne  is  but  a  token  to 
goe  from  man  to  man,  &  when  it  is  ftricken  with  the  Princes  feale  to 
be  currant,  what  maketh  it  the  matter  what  mettall  it  be  made  of, 
yea,  though  it  were  but  Leather  or  paper  ? 

You  fay  but  as  moft  fort  of  men  doe  fay,  and  yet  they  bee  farre 
wide  from  the  trueth,  as  men  that  doe  not  cowfider  the  thinge 
groundly ;  for  by  that  reafon  God  would  neuer  fend  dearth  among  vs, 
but  the  Prince  might  quickely  remedy  it.  As,  if  Corne  were  at  a 
Crowne  a  bufhell,  the  Prince  might  prouide  Crounes  enowe  for  him 
felfe,  and  alfo  his  fubie&s,  made  of  brafle,  to  pay  for  the  fame ;  and  fo 
to  make  it  as  eafy  for  him  and  his  fubie&es  to  pay  a  Crowne  of  fuch 
mettall  for  a  bufhell,  as  it  {hould  be  for  them  now  to  pay  a  penny  for 
the  fame ;  and  as  the  pryce  of  Corne  doth  rife,  the  Prince  might  raife 
the  eftimation  of  his  coyne  after  the  rate,  and  fo  keepe  the  coyne  al- 
wayes  at  one  eftate  in  deede,  though  in  name  it  mould  feeme  to  rife. 
As  for  example,  fuppofe  Wheate  this  yeare  to  be  at  a  grote  a  bufhell, 
&  the  next  yeare  at  two  grotes,  the  Prince  might  caufe  the  grote  to  be 
called  viii.d.  j  and  if  the  bufhel  rofe  to  xii.d.  the  bufhel,  he  might  raife 
the  eftate  of  the  grote  to  xii.d. ;  and  fo  whether  it  were  by  making  of 
coyne  of  other  mettalles  then  be  of  pryce  receaued  among  all  men,  or 


Of  the  coyne, 
what  harme 
might  haue 
grovvne  of  the 
alteration  of  it. 


[The  chief  cause 
of  all  our  evils  is 
the  debasing  of 
our  coin.] 


Fol.  28] 


Knight. 


[Coin  may  well 
be  any  metal, 
leather,  or 
paper.  ] 


Doctor. 


[Argument 
against  a 
currency  not 
based  on  gold  or 
silver.] 


56  A  briefe  Conceipt 

by  enhaunfing  the  price  of  the  olde  coyne  made  in  mettalles  of  eftima- 
tion,  the  Prince  might,  if  your  reafon  were  true,  keepe  alwaies  not 

L'Fol.  28,  back]  onely  corne,  but  alib  all  other  vi&ualls  and  neceffaries  for  Jmans  life, 
alwayes  at  one  price  in  deede,  though  in  terme  they  mould  vary ;  but 
yee  may  fee  dayly  by  experience  the  contrary  hereunto,  for  when 
God  fendeth  dearth  either  of  corne  or  of  other  things,  there  is  neither 
Emperor  nor  King  can  help  it,  which  they  would  gladly  doe  if  they 
might,  as  well  for  their  owne  eafe  as  for  their  fubie6tes ;  and  might 
foone  doe  it,  if  your  reafon  afore  touched  might  take  place ;  that  is, 
if  either  they  might  make  coyne  of  what  eftimation  they  would,  of 
vile  mettalls ;  or  els  enhaunce  the  value  of  coines  made  in  mettalls  of 
price,  to  what  fumme  they  would.  Yet  a  man  at  the  firft  blufh 
woulde  thinke  that  a  Prince  in  his  realme  might  doe  this  eafily,  & 
make  what  coyne  he  would  to  be  currant,  and  of  what  eftimation  it 

The  substau«ce     pleafed  him  :  but  he  that  fo  thinketh  marketh  but  the  termes,  &  not 

and  quantity  is 

esteemed  in          the  thinges  that  are  vnderftanded  by  them,  as  if  a  man  made  no 

coyne,  &  not  ' 

the  name  difference  betwene  vi.  grotes  that  made  an  ownce  of  liluer,  &  xii. 

grotes  that  made  in  all  but  an  ounce  of  Siluer ;  by  the  grote  of  the 
firft  forte,  the  fixth  parte  of  an  ounce,  and  by  a  grote  of  the  other 
forte  is  the  twelfth  part  of  an  ownce  of  filuer  vnderftanded ;  and  fo 
there  muft  be  as  much  difference  betwene  the  one  grote  &  the  other, 
as  is  betwene  two  and  one,  the  whole  thing  &  the  halfe,  though 
either  of  both  be  called  but  vnder  one  name,  that  is,  a  grote  ;  we  muft 
confider,  though  gould  &  filuer  be  the  mettals  coramonly  wherein  the 

[Wares  are  the      coyne  is  ftricken  to  be  the  tokens  for  exchaunge  of  thinges  betwene 

subject  of  ex-  ...  .  .-, 

change,  tho'          man  and  man,  yet  it  is  the  wares  that  are  necefiary  for  mans  vfe, 

under  the  name  . 

of  coin.]  that  are  exchaunged  indeede  vnder  the  outward  name  of  the  coynej 

and  it  is  the  raritie  &  plenty  of  fuch  wares  that  makes  the  price 
thereof  hier  or  bafer.  And  becaufe  it  were  very  combrous  and  charge- 
able to  cary  fo  much  of  the  wares  that  we  haue  aboundance  of,  to  ex- 
chaunge for  the  wares  that  we  want,  alwayes  both  for  the  weight  of  our 

[2  Foi.  29]  wares,  and  alfo  for  that  they  could  not  be  ca2ried  fo  farre  without  perifh- 

ing  of  the  fame,  nor  proporcioned  fo  euew,  as  there  fhould  be  always 
neither  more  or  leffe  brought  of  our  wares  thew  were  equiualewt  with 
other  wares  that  we  receiue  j  therefore  were  the  mettalles  of  gold  & 

Ansto.  lib.  5  filuer  deuifed  as  wares  of  litle  weight,  moft  in  value,  &  leaft  combrous 
to  cary,  and  leaft  fubiecl  to  detriment  or  hurt  in  the  cariage  thereof; 


of  English  pollicy.  57 

And  may  be  cut  and  deuided  in  mofte  pieces  and  portions,  without  any  That  the  neces- 

sity  of  mutual 

loife,  to  bee  as  the  mean  in  Wares  to  exchaunge  all  other  wares  by.   traffique  and 

commodity  of 

And  if  the  thing  were  to  be  new  deuifed,  neceflity  would  caufe  vs  to   exchau«g  made 

Coyne  to  bee 

deuife  the  fame  way  againe.     For,  put  the  cafe  there  were  no  vfe  of  deuised. 

money  amonge  vs,  but  onely  exchaunge  of  wares  for  wares,  as  fom- 

times  I  do  read  hath  ben  ;    we  might  at  a  time  haue  fuch  plenty  of   Horn.  F.  de 


things  in  our   realme,  as,  for  example,  of  corne,  wolles,  &  Felles, 


Cheefe  &  Butter,  and  fuch  other  commodities,  as  were  fufficient  for  ne.  Li.  i. 

vs  ;  and  there  fhoulde  remaine  with  vs  fuch  great  ftore  that  wee  could 

not  fpend  it  in  our  needes,  nor  keepe  it  longe  without  perifhing.  Would 

not  we  be  glad  to  exchaunge  that  abu/zdance  of  thinges  thai  could 

not  abyde  the  longe  keeping,  for  fuch  wares  that  woulde  abyde  the 

keeping  ?  which  we  mighte  exchaunge  againe  for  fuch  wares  as  I  re- 

hearfed,  or  any  other  as  neceifary,  whew  fcarfity  of  the  fame  mould 

happen  amonge  vs.     Yea,  verely  wee  fhoulde   ftudy  to  haue  in  that 

exchaunge  fuch  wares  as  would  go    in    leaft  romth,  and  continue 

longeft  without  perifhing,  and  be  caried  to  and  fro  with  leafl  charge, 

&  be  moft  currant  at  all  times  and  at  all  places.     Is  not  Gold  &  Siluer1   \iorig.  Silt 

the  thinges  that  be  moft  of  that  forte,  I  meane  moft  of  value,  moft   Why  Gold  & 

light  to  be  caried,  longeft  able  to  abide  the  keping,  apteft  to  receiue   the'stuffe"^! 

any  forme,  marke,  &  mofte  currant  in  all  places,  &  moft  eafely  de-   c^!neeto°bee 

aided  into  many  pieces  without  lofle  of  the  ftuffe  ?  In  fome  of  thefe 

poynts  I  confefle  precious  Stones  do  excel  both  Siluer  &  Gold,  as  in   [Precious  stones 

not  so  fit.] 

value  or  lightnefle  of  cariage  ;  but,  then,  they  may  not  be  deuided 

2  without  perifhing  of  the  fubftaunce;    nor  put  agayne  together  after   [2Fol-  29,  back] 

they  be  once  deuided,  nor   many  of  them   abide  fo  many  daungers 

without  perifhing  of  the  matter,  nor  yet  receiue  any  marke  or  ftampe 

eafely,  nor  be  fo  vniuerfally  eftemed  ;  therefore  they  be  not  fo  meete 

for  Inftruments  of  Exchaunge  as  Siluer  and  Golde  be,  or  els  they  for 

their  pieces  and  lyghtnefle  of  cariage  might  be.     And,  becaufe  Gold 

and  Siluer  haue  all  thefe  commodities  in  them,  they  are  chofen  by   publica  mew- 

common  afTent  of  the  whole  world,  that  is  knowere  to  be  of  any  ciuil-   s"ra- 

tth. 
ity,  to  be  inftruments  of  exchaunge  to  meafure  all  things  by,  moft  apte 

to  be  either  caried  far  or  kepte  in  ftore  to  receiue  for  thinges,  whereof 
we  haue  abundance,  and  to  purchafe  by  them  agayne  other  thinges 
which  wee  lacke,  when  and  where  we  haue  moft  neede.  As  for  ex- 
ample, if  there  were  no  coyne  curra«t,  but  exchaunge  of  thinges,  as  I 


[Convenience  of 
a  metallic 
currency.] 


Knight. 

Doctor, 
[i  Fol.  30] 

Knight. 


[The  merits  of 
Silver  ] 


Doctor. 


Why  Golde,  & 
Syluer  are  este- 
med  afore  al  o- 
ther  mettalles. 


58  A  briefe  Conceipt 

fayd  fometime  there  was;  let  this  cafe,  that  a  Man  had  as  much  corne 
in  one  yere  as  he  could  not  well  fpend  in  hys  houfe  in  foure  yeares 
after,  and  perceiued  that  hee  myghte  not  keepe  it  fo  longe,  or  till  a 
deare  or  lltarfe  yeare  flioulde  come  ;  and  if  he  did,  much  of  it  fhoulde 
perifh,  or  all ;  were  it  not  wifedome  for  him  then  to  exchau«ge  the 
ouerplus  of  that  corne,  for  fome  other  ware  that  might  be  longer 
kept  with  out  daunger  of  waft,  or  deminilhing,  for  the  which  he 
myghte  at  all  times  haue  either  Corne  againe  at  his  neede,  or  fome 
other  neceflarie  thinge  ?  Yeas,  no  doubt,  if  there  were  no  vfe  of  Siluer 
or  Golde,  he  would  haue  Tinne,  brafle,  or  Leadde,  or  fuch  other  like 
thing  that  would  abide  the  keeping  with  leaft  detriment,  and  would 
defire  to  haue  that  thinge  moft  that  were  in  leaft  weight,  moft  in 
value,  and  in  leafte  daunger  of  wearing  or  perifliing,  &  mofte  vni- 
uerfally  receiued,  wherein  Gold  and  Siluer  excefles  all  other  mettalles. 

What  makes  thefe  Mettalles  to  bee  of  more  value  then  other  ? 

No  doubt  their  excellencie  aboue  other  mettalles,  both  ain  pleafure 
and  vfe;  partly  the  rarity  of  them. 

What  be  thefe  qualities  ?  If  yee  prayfe  the  Gold  for  his  weight 
or  plyablenes,  Led  doth  excel  it  in  thefe  pointes ;  if  yee  commend  his 
colour,  Syluer  by  many  mens  iudgementes  (whofe  colour  refembleth 
the  day  lyght  for  his  clerenefle)  pafleth  him.  And  Herroldes  preferres 
it  in  Armes,  becaufe  it  is  furtheft  of  feene  in  the  Fielde,  nor  neuer 
feemes  other  colour  but  his  owne,  be  it  neuer  fo  farre  of;  where  all 
other  fhall  feeme  blacke  farre  of,  and  fo  loofethe  ftrengtheof  theyrowne. 

As  much  as  the  Led  approcheth  the  Golde  in  that  point — I  fpeake 
of  weight  and  pliablenes — it  is  caft  behinde  it  in  other  qualities  farre 
more  commendable,  as  in  colour  it  either  pafleth  Siluer,  by  fome  other 
mens  iudgementes,  becaufe  it  refembles  the  colour  of  the  celeftiall 
bodies,  as  the  Sunne  and  Starres,  being  the  moft  excellent  thynges  that 
commeth  vnder  the  view  of  the  bodely  fences  of  man ;  or  it  is  equiva- 
lent to  it  in  armes.  I  know  not  how  much  it  is  efteemed ;  well  I 
wote  Prynces  blafe  their  armes  moft  with  that  colour,  whether  it  bee 
for  excellency  of  the  fame,  or  for  that  they  loue  the  mettall  it  is  made 
of  fo  wel,  I  cannot  tel.  But  now  to  efteeme  theyr  other  qualityes  : 
Golde  is  neuer  wafted  nor  confumed  by  fire;  yea,  the  more  it  is 
burned  the  more  puerer  it  is ;  which  ye  can  fay  of  none  other  met- 
talles. Then  it  weares  not  lefle  by  occupying,  it  defyleth  not  the  thing 


of  English  pollicy.  59 

it  toucheth,  as  Siluer  doth,  with  which  ye  may  draw  lynes,  whych  is  a   [The  merits  of 

Gold  over 

declaration  that  the  ftuffe  falleth  away,  albeit  wryters  do  maruell  that   Silver.] 

it  fhould  draw  fo  black  a  line,  being  of  that  brightnes  and  colour  it 

felf.    Then  there  is  no  ruft  nor  fcurfe  that  diminiflieth  the  goodnes  or 

wafteth  the  fubftaunce  of   Gold ;  it  abides   the  freating,  and  licours 

of  Salt  &  Vinegar  -without  damage,  which  weareth  any  other  thing  j 

it  needes  no  fire,  ere  it  be  made  Golde,  as  others  require ;  it  is  Golde  as 

tbone  as  it  is  foundej  it  draweth  without  wooll,  1as  it  were  Wollj  it  is   [iFol.  30,  back] 

eafily  fpred  in  leaues  of  maruailous  thinnes ;  yee  may  adorne  or  guild 

any  other  mettals  with  it,  yea,  Stones  and  Timber  j  it  is  alfo  nothinge 

inferiour  in  commodity  of  making  veflels  or  other  Inftrumentes  to  fil- 

uer,  but  rather  puerer,  cleaner,  and  more  fweete  to  kepe  any  liquor  in. 

Next  him  approcheth  Siluer  in  commenda[ti]ons,  as  in  clennes,  beauty,   [The  uses  of 

Silver. 

i'weetenes,  and  lightnes.  And  it  ferues  not  onely  to  make  veflels  and 
other  inftrume/zts,  but  it  is  alfo  fponne,  but  not  without  Woll,  as 
Golde  may  bee,  though  they  could  not  doe  it  aforetime,  but  with 
Gold  onely,  as  I  haue  hearde  j  church  Veftures  were  made  onelj  of  it  is  now  spun 

into  Church 

Gold  then,  and  now  of  late  of  this  Siluer,  being  fpon  with  filke  and   vestments.! 

guilte,  they  counterfeite  the  olde  excefle  of  clothe  of  Golde  and  tyfliie. 

Now  to  fpeake  of  other  mettalls,  yee  fee  what  vfes  they  ferue  for, 

whych  if  thefe  were  away  mould  bee  more  efteemed.    Then  I  toulde 

you  the  raritye  commends  the  fayd  mettals  of  Golde  and  Siluer  yet   [The  scarceness 

J  ...  of  Go'd  and 

more  thew  this.     For  as  they  do  excel  in  qualities,  fo  Dame  nature   Silver  makes 

them  valuable. 

feemes  to  haue  layde  them  vp  in  a  further  warde,  then  her  other 
giftes,  to  mew  vs  that  all  fayre  things  be  rare,  and  that  the  fayreft 
thinges,  as  they  be  hardeft  to  be  attained,  fo  they  be  moft  to  be 
efteemed.  If  a  Glafle  (as  Erafmus  fayth  wel)  were  as  rare  as  filuer,  Wer^  Glass  as 

scarce  as  silver, 

it  mould  be  as  deare  as  nluer,   and  not  without  caufe ;    who  could  it  'id  be  as  dear.] 

glafe  a  Window  with  filuer  fo  as  he  might  keepe  out  the  iniury  of  the 

weather,  and  yet  neuerthelefle  receiue  the  commodity  of   the  light 

through  the  fame  to  his  houfe,  as  with  glafle  he  might  ?    And  fo  I 

might  commend  other  things  for  their  vfe  afore  Gold  or  Siluer,  as 

Iron  &  fteele,   with  whom  yee  may  make  better  tooles  for  many 

neceflary  vfes  then  with  Gold  or  Siluer ;  but  for  the  vfes  that  we  talke 

of,  Siluer  and  Golde  do  clearely  excel  al  other  mettals.     I  pafle  ouer 

that  matter.     Thus  I  haue  mewed  fome  reafon  why  thefe  mettals  of 

Golde  &  Syluer  are  growen  in  eftimation  aboue  other. 


6o 


A  briefe  Conceipt 


Knight. 
['  Fol.  31] 


Why  Gotde  & 
Siluer  were 
coined. 


Doctor. 


Plini  lib.  33 
Cap.  3. 


Sometime 
brasse,  siluer  & 
Gold  were 
weighed  be- 
fore Coyne 
made. 


Inst.  de  test 
ord.  §.  i. 


[Coin  markt 
to  guarantee 
its  weight.] 


a  Fol.  31,  back] 


Why  losse  co?«- 
meth  of  cre- 
dence. 


1  Why  doe  Kynges  and  Princes  ftricke  thefe  mettalles  and  other  with 
a  Coyne  ?  but  becaule  they  would  haue  that  coyne,  of  what  value  fo 
euer  it  be,  to  beare  the  eftate  that  the  come  pretewdeth,  which  they 
did  in  vaine  if  they  could  make  the  mettal  that  beareth  that,  to  be 
neither  better  nor  worfe  in  eftimation.  Then  I  had  as  liefe  haue  fmal 
gadds  or  plats  of  Siluer  and  Gold,  without  any  coyne  at  al  to  go 
abroade  from  man  to  man  for  exchaunge. 

Surely   the   time   was   fo,  (euen   amonge   the    Romaynes,  when 
neither  brafie,  liluer,  nor  golde  was  coined ;)  but  were  efteemed  onely 
by  the  weight.     And  thereof  to  this  day  remayneth  thefe  vocables  of 
coynes,  as  Libra,  Pondo,  Dipondius,  as  Solidus,  Denarius,  wordes  of 
waightes,  that  afterward  were  geuen  to  coynes,  pretending  ike  fame 
weights.     Alfo  the  common  officers  that  waighed  thefe  rude  mettals 
were  called  Libri  pendes,  whereof  we  haue  mencion  made  in  the 
Ciuile  lawe  j    but,  becaufe  in  great  traffique  &  affembly  of  buyers,  & 
fuch,  it  was  tedious  to  tary  for  the  weighing  of  thefe  Mettalles,  and 
trying,  it  was  thought  good  that  the  Princes  fhould  ftrike  thofe  met- 
tals with  feueral  markes,  for  the  variety  of  the  weights  they  were  of, 
to  affure  the  Receiuor  the  fame  to  be  no  lefle  then  the  weight  it  pre- 
tended.   As  for  playner  example,  they  ftrake  the  pounde  weight  with 
the  marke  of  the  pound,  and  two  ouwce  with  the  marke  of  the  ounce, 
and  fo  after  the  variety  of  the  weights  of  other  pieces  variable  markes ; 
whereby  began  the  names  of  Coynes,  fo  that  the  people  needed  not  to 
bee  troubled  with  the  weighing  and  trying  of  euery  piece  j  beinge  af- 
fured  by  the  marke  of  the  Prynce,  that  euery  piece  contayned  the 
weight  that  was  fignified  by  the  marke  fet  on  euery  one  j  the  Prynces 
credite  was  then  fuch  amonge  their  fubie6ts  as  they  doubted  nothinge 
therein.     As  foone  as  they  attempted  to  doe  otherwife,  that  is,  to 
marke  the  halfe  pound  with  the  marke  of  the  pound,  &  the  halfe 
ounce  with  the  marke  of  the  ounce,  2a  while  their  credite  made  thofe 
coynes  currant.     As  I  read  among  the,  Romaynes  practized  more  then 
once,  but  affoone  as  it  was  eipied,  the  two  pieces  of  halfe  pounds 
went  no  farther  then  the  one  piece  of  a  whole  pound  went  before. 
And  at  length,  as  much  as  they  wonne  at  the  firft,  they  loft  at  the  laft 
in  payment  of  their  rentes,  cuftomes,  and  duties.     And  fo  the  nearer 
Eaft,  the  further  from  Weft.  And  they  confequently  loft  their  credite; 
much  like  as  I  haue  knowne  certain  townes  in  England  to  haue  done 


of  English  pollicy.  6 1 

which  were  wont  to  make  their  clothes  of  a  certayne  bredth  and  length,   [Some  English 

towns  stampt 

and  to  let  their  feales  to  the  lame :  while  they  kept  the  rate  truly,   their  full- 
measure  cloths 
ftraungers  did  but  looke  on  the  feale,  and  receaue  theyr  ware,  wherby   with  a  seal;  and 

buyers  bought 

thefe  townes  had  great  vent  of  theyr  clothes,  and  confequently  prof-   by the  seai  only.] 
pered  very  well.  Afterward,  fome  in  thefe  townes,  not  contented  with 
reafonable  gaines  contynuall,  and  deliering  more,  Deuifed  clothes  of   [Then  some 

scamps  put  the 

lefle  lengthe,  bredth,  and  goodnefle,  then  they  were  wont  to  bee,  and   seal  °n  short- 
measure  cloths.] 

yet  by  the  commendation  of  the  feale  to  haue  as  much  Money  for  the 

fame  as  they  had  before  for  good  clothes,  and  for  a  time  they  gat 

much,  and  fo  abafed  the  credite  of  theyr  Predeceffors  to  theyr  finguler 

Luker,  which  was  recompenced  with  the  lofle  of  theyr  Pofterity .  For 

after  thefe  Clothes  were  founde  faulty,  for  all  their  feales,  they  were   [The  cheat  was 

not  onely  neuer  the  better  trutted,  but  much  lefle  for  theyr  Seale,   then  the  seal 

.  discredited  even 

yea,  though  their  Clothes  were  well  made ;  for  when  theyr  vntruth  good  cloths.] 

and  falihoode  was  efpied,  then  no  man  woulde  buy  theyr  clothes,  till 

they  were  enfearched  and  vnfoulded,  regarding  nothing  the  feale ;  and 

yet  becaufe  they  founde  them  vntrue  in  fome  parte,  they  miftrufted 

them  in  other ;  and  fo  would  geue  lefle  for  thofe  clothes  then  for  any 

other  lyke,  hauing  no  Scales  to  the  fame,  whereby  the  credite  of  the 

faid  townes  was  loft,  and  the  townes  vtterly  decayed.     Dyd  yee  not 

fee  that  our  Coyne  was  difcredited  immediately  vpon  the  alteration  of 

it,   in  the  late  yeares  of  King  Henry  xthe  eyghte,  fpecially  among  [iFol.  32] 

Straungers,  whych  euer  before  defiered  to  ferue  vs  afore  all  other  Na-   [So  our  base  coin 

was  soon  found 

tions,  at  all  our  needes,  for  the  goodnes  of  our  Coyne  ?  And  then  they   out,  and  then 

foreigners  'ud 

would  let  vs  haue  nothing  from  them,  but  onely  for  our  commodities:   only  take  our 

products,  wool, 

as  Wooll,  Felles,  Tallow,  Butter,  Cheefe,  Tynne,  and  Ledde  :  &  where   cheese,  tin,  &c., 

in  exchange  for 

before  time  they  were  wont  to  brynge  vs  for  the  fame,  either  good   their  s^ss- 

J     <  paper,  buttons, 

Golde  or  filuer,  or  els  as  neceflary  commodities  agayne ;  then  they  &c-^ 

lent  vs  eyther  fuch  trifles  as  I  fpake  of  before  :  as  Glafles,  gaily  Pots, 

tennice  Balles,  Papers,  Gyrdels,  Brouches,  Buttons,  Dyalles,  and  fuch 

light  ware  that  ftandeth  them  in  no  charge  or  vfe,  or  els  (if  it  be  true 

that  I  haue  heard,  and  as  I  tolde  you  in  your  eare  before)  they  fent  vs 

Brafle  for  our  Treafure  of  Golde  and  filuer,  and  for  our  fayd  com-   What  doe  stra»- 

modities;  I  warrant  you, yee  fawe  no  Golde  nor  Siluer  broughte  ouer   farourTn*- 

vnto  vs,  as  it  was  before  vfed,  &  no  maruayle ;  to  what  purpofe  fhould   commodities6? 

they  bring  filuer  or  Golde  thither,  whereas  the  fame  was  not  efteemed  ? 

Therefore,  I  haue  heard  fay  for  a  truth,  and  I  beleeue  it  the  rather  to 


[Debasd  English 
coin  imported 
from  abroad.] 


Knight. 


Doctor. 

How  our  olde 
coyne  may  bee 
transported,  & 
the  Prince  or 
her  officers  not 
knowing  of  it. 
[i  Fol.  32,  back] 

We  deuise  the 
rediest  way  to 
driue  away 
our  treasure. 


Knight. 


Doctor. 


Knight. 
Doctor. 
Knight. 
Doctor. 
Knight. 

Doctor. 


62,  A  briefe  Conceipt 

bee  true,  becaufe  it  is  likely,  that  after  that  our  Coyne  was  baled  and 
altered,  Straungers  counterfeited  our  Coyne,  &  founde  the.  meanes  to 
haue  greate  Maffes  of  that  tranfported  hether,  and  here  vttered  it  well 
for  our  olde  Golde  and  filuer,  as  alfo  for  our  chiefe  commodities, 
which  thinge  I  reporte  mee  vnto  you  what  inconuenience  it  might 
bring  vnto  this  Realme  if  it  were  fuffered,  in  a  fmall  compaffe  of 
time  ? 

There  be  fearchers  that  myght  let  that  matter  well  ynough,  if  they 
be  true,  both  for  flaying  of  fuch  falfe  Coyne  to  come  in,  and  of  our 
old  Coyne  to  goe  forth. 

I  fayd  fo  to  the  man  that  tolde  mee  the  fame  tale  that  I  tolde  you 
euen  now.  And  he  anfwered  me,  there  were  many  wayes  to  deceaue 
the  Searchers,  if  they  were  neuer  fo  true,  as  by  putting  of  the  fayde 
Coyne  in  their  fhippes  balafl,  or  in  fome  veffelles  of  Wyne  or  other 
Lyquor,  tranfpor'ted  either  vnto  vs  or  from  vs.  then,  euery  Creake  in 
this  Realme  hath  not  fearchers ;  And  if  they  had,  they  bee  not  fuch 
faintes  as  would  not  bee  corrupted  for  money.  Befides  this,  was  there 
not  made  proclamations  that  the  olde  coyne,  fpecially  of  Golde, 
fhould  not  be  currant  here  aboue  fuch  a  pryce?  was  not  that  the 
rediefl  way  to  driue  away  our  golde  from  vs  ?  euery  thing  will  goe 
where  it  is  mofl  efleemed,  and  therefore  our  treafure  went  ouer  in 
heapes. 

I  belieue  well,  that  thefe  were  meanes  to  exhaufl  the  olde  treafure 
from  vs,  which  yee  haue  reiectedj  but  how  it  fhould  make  euery 
thing  fo  deare  among  our  felues,  fince  the  time  (as  yee  fayd  it  doth), 
J  cannot  yet  perceaue  the  reafon. 

Why  ?  doe  yee  not  perceiue,  that  by  reafon  hereof  wee  payde 
dearer  prefently  for  euery  thing  that  we  haue  from  beyonde  the  Sea, 
then  wee  were  wont  to  doe  before  ? 

That  cannot  be  denied. 

By  howe  much,  thinke  you? 

By  the  thirde  parte,  well  maner  of  things. 

Mufl  not  they  that  buy  deare,  fell  deare  agayne  theyr  wares  ? 

That  is  true,  if  they  intend  to  thriuej  for  he  that  felleth  good 
cheape  &  buyeth  deare,  fhall  neuer  thriue. 

You  haue  your  felfe  declared  the  reafon  why  things  within  the 
Realme  proued  after  that  time  fo  deare ;  for  wee  mufl  buy  deare  aii 


of  English  pollicy.  63 

things  bought  from  beyond  the  fea,  &  therefore  wee  muft  fell  agayne   Why  thinges 

within  the 

as  deare  our  things,   or  els  wee  make  ill  bargaynes  for  our  femes,   reaime  should 

be  so  deare. 

And  though  that  reafon  maketh  it  plaine,  yet  the  experience  of  the 
thing  maketh  it  playner j  for  where  yee  fay  that  euery  thing  bought 
beyond  the  fea  is  commonly  dearer  by  the  third  parte  then  it  was, 
do  yee  not  fee  the  fame  proportion  rayfed  in  our  wares,  if  it  be  not 
more? 

What  lofle  haue  wee  by  this,  when  wee  fell  our  commodities  as   Knight, 
deare  as  wee  buy  others  ? 

1 1  graunte  to  one  forte  of  men,  I  accompt  it  no  lofle;  yea,  to  fome   Doctor, 
other   a  Gayne  more  then  any  lofle,  and  yet  to  fome  other  fort  a  '-1 
greater  lofle  thew  it  is  profit  to  that  other ;  yea,  generally  to  the  vtter 
impoueriihing  of  the  Reaime,  and  weaking  of  the  Queenes  maiefties 
power  exceedingly. 

I  pray  you,  what  be  thofe  forts  that  yee  meane  ?  And  firft  of  thofe   Knight, 
that  yee  thinke  Ihould  haue  lofle  thereby  ? 

I  meane  al  thefe  that  Hues  by  buying  and  felling ;  for,  as  they  buy   Doctor 
deare,  they  fell  thereafter. 

What  is  the  next  fort  that  yee  fay  would  win  by  it  ?  Knight. 

Mary,  all  fuch  as  haue  takinges  or  Fearmes  in  theyr  owne  manur-   Doctor, 
ance  at  the  olde  rent :  for  where  they  pay  after  the  olde  rate,  they  fell    Some  had 

'    l  *  gaynes  by  the 

after  the  new ;  that  is,  they  pay  for  theyr  lande  good  cheape,  and  fell   alteration  of 
all  things  growing  thereof  deare. 

What  forte  is  that  which  yee  fayde  Ihould  haue  greater  lofle  here-   Knight, 
by,  then  thefe  men  had  profit  ? 

It  is  all  Noblemen,  Gentlemen,  and  all  other  that  liue  either  by  a   Doctor, 
ftented  rent  or  fiypend,  or  doe  not  Manure  the  ground,  or  doe  occupy 
no  lining  or  felling. 

I  pray  you  perufe  thefe  fortes  as  yee  did  the  other,  one  by  one,   Knight, 
and  by  courfe. 

I  will  gladly :  firfte,  the  Noblemen  and  Gentlemera  lyue  for  the   Doctor, 
mofl.  part  on  the  yerely  reuenues  of  their  lands  and  fees  geuen  them 
of  the  Prynce.     Then  ye  know  he  that  may  fpend  now  by  fuch   Who  had  losse 

.  by  the  altera- 

reuenues  and  fees  CCC.li.  a  yere,  may  not  keepe  no  better  port  then   tionofCoine. 
his  father,  or  any  other  before  him,  that  could  fpend  but  nigh  CC.li.j 
and  fo  yee  may  perceiue  it  is  a  great  abatement  of  Mans  Counte- 
natmce,  to  take  away  the  thirde  parte  of  his  liuingj  and  therefore 


64 


A  briefe  Conceipt 


['Fol.  33,  back] 


[Some  gentle- 
men give  up 
their  country- 
houses,  and  get 
chambers  in 
London.] 


[tzrf.  now  won't 
go  so  far  as  8rf. 
of  old.] 

[Yeomen's  wages, 
— 4os.  a  year, 
and  zod.  a  week 
board  wages, — 
are  doubled.] 


Knight. 
[Servingmen.] 


Doctor. 

[Servingmen's 
dress  of  old.] 


Of  excesse  in 
apparell  and 
fare. 

[Servingmen's 
gay  dress  now.] 


l2Fol. 


[Masters  strive 
whose  retinue 
shall  be  most 
gay.] 


gentlemen  doe  ftudy  fo  much  the  increafe  of  their  Lands  and  en- 
haunfing  of  their  Rentes,  and  to  take  Fearmes  and  paftures  to  their 
owne  handes  as  yee  fee  they  doe,  and  all  to  feeke  to  maintayne  their 
countenaunces  as  their  predecei^fors  did,  and  yet  they  came  fhorte 
there  in.  Some  other,  feeing  the  charges  of  houfeholde  encreafe  fo 
much,  as  by  no  prouifion  they  can  make,  it  can  bee  holpen,  geue  ouer 
their  houiholdes,  and  get  them  Chambers  in  London  or  aboute  the 
courte,  and  there  fpend  their  time,  fome  of  them  with  a  feruaunt  or 
two,  where  he  was  wont  to  keepe  thirty  or  forty  perfons  daily  in  his 
houfe,  and  to  doe  good  in  the  Countrey  in  keeping  good  order  and  rule 
among  his  neighbors.  The  other  forte  be  euen  Seruingmen,  and  men 
of  Warre,  that  hauing  but  their  olde  ftented  wages,  cannot  finde  them 
felues  there-with  as  they  might  afore  time,  without  rauin  or  fpoile. 
And  ye  know  xii.d.  a  day  now  will  not  go  fo  far  as  viii.  pence  would 
aforetime.  And  therefore  yee  haue  men  fo  euill  willing  to  ferae  the 
Prince  now  a  dayes,  from  that  they  were  wont  to  bee.  Alfo,  where 
xl.  fhillinges  a  yere  was  honeft  wages  for  a  Yeomen  afore  this  time, 
and  xx.  pence  a  weeke  borde  wages  was  fufficient,  nowe  double  as 
much  will  fkante  beare  their  charge. 

That  is  longe  of  theyr  excefle,  afwell  in  Apparell  as  in  fare,  for  now 
a  dayes  Seruingmen  goe  more  coftely  in  apparell,  and  looke  to  fare 
more  daintely  then  their  maifters  were  wont  to  doe  in  times  paft. 

No  doubt  that  is  one  great  caufe  of  the  greater  charge  of  houfe- 
holde. For  I  know  when  a  Seruingman  was  content  to  go  in  a 
Kendall  coate  in  Sommer,  and  a  frife  coate  in  winter,  and  with  a 
plaine  white  hofe  made  meete  for  his  body,  And  with  a  piece  of 
biefe,  or  fome  other  dime  of  fodde  meate  all  the  weeke  longe  :  Now 
he  will  looke  to  haue  at  the  leaft,  for  fommer,  a  coate  of  the  fineft 
cloth  that  may  bee  gotten  for  money,  and  his  Hofen  of  the  fineft 
Kerfey,  and  that  of  fome  ftraung  die :  as  Flaunders  die,  or  french 
puke,  that  a  Prince  or  great  Lord  can  weare  no  finer,  if  he  weare 
cloth.  Then  their  coates  fhalbe  garded,  cut,  &  ftitched ;  and  the 
breches  of  their  hofe  fo  drawen  with  filke,  that  (he  work2manfhip 
mall  farre  pafie  the  pryce  of  the  ftuffe.  And  thys  thing  is  not  re- 
ftrained  as  it  fhould  be,  but  rather  cherimed  of  the  Maifters,  on  ftriuing 
with  the  other  who  may  bee  moft  proude,  and  whofe  retinue  ma} 
goe  moft  lauifh  &  gay  for  a  time  of  fhowej  whereas  through  fucli 


of  English  pollicy.  65 

excefle  they  are  fayne  all  the  reft  of  the  yere  to  keepe  the  fewer  fer- 

uauntes.    And  fo  in  excefle  of  meates,  they  fare  at  fome  tymes  in  the   [Excess  in  food 

now.] 

yeare,  that  in  the  whole  yeare  after  they  keepe  eyther  no  houfes  at  all, 

or  if  they  doe  it  fhalbe  very  fmal.     Like  excefles  afwell  in  apparell  as 

in  fare  were  vfed  in  Rome,  a  litle  before  the  declination  of  the  Enipyre, 

fo  as  wyfe  men  haue  thought  it  was  occafion  of  the  decay  thereof. 

And,  therefore,  Cato  and  diuerfe  wyfe  fenatours  at  that  time,  would 

haue  had  lawes  made  for  reftrainte  of  fuch  excefles ;  and  for  that, 

through  the  infolencie  of  fome  that  maintained  the  contrary,  the  fame 

were  not  duly  executed,  much  pride  enfued  there,  and  of  pride,  diuilion; 

and  through  deuifion,  vtter  defolation  of  the  cowzmon  weale.     I  pray 

God  this  Realme  may  beware  by  that  example,  fpecially  London,  the 

head  of  the  empyre,  where  fuch  excefles  (by  reafon  the  Wealth  al-   [London  goes  to 

moft  of  thys  Realme  is  heaped  vp  there,  as  the  Corne  of  a  Field  into  a  excess  in  dress 

1  and  food.] 

barne)  be  moft  vied ;  for  in  other  parties  commonly  of  thys  Realme, 
the  lawe  of  neceflity  keepes  men  in  a  good  cafe  for  exceeding  either 
in  apparell  or  fare.  I  thinke  wee  were  as  much  dread  or  more  of  our 
enemies,  when  our  Gentleme/z  went  limply,  and  our  Seruingmen 
plainely,  without  Cuts  or  gards,  bearing  their  heauy  Swordes  and  [Light  swords 

for  heavy,  and 

Buckelers  on  their  thighes,  in  fted  of  cuts  and  Gardes  and  light  daunf-  white  rods  for 

spears,  are  now 

ing  Swordes:  and  when  they  rode,  carying  good   Speares  in  theyr   can-i'd :  men  are 

7  *        so  effeminate.] 

harads,  in  ftede  of  white  rods,  which  they  cary  now,  more  like  ladies 
or  gentlewemen  then  men)  all  which  delicacyes  maketh  our  men 
cleane  effeminate  &  without  ftrength. 

We  may  thanke  our  longe  peace  &  quiet  within  the  realm,  that   Knight 
men  be  not  forced  to  ride  fo  ftrong.    It  was  a  troblous  l  world  as  well   [*  Foi.  34.  back] 
within  the  Realme  as  without,  when  men  went  and  rode  as  you  do 
fpeake. 

What  can  you  tell  what  time  or  how  fone  fuch  a  world  may  come   Doctor, 
again  ?     Wife  men  do  fay,  that  in  peace  men  mult  looke  and  pro- 
uide  for  warre,  and  in  warre  again  for  peace.     If  men  might  be  al-   in  peace,  looke 

for  warre. 

waies  fure  of  peace,  then  needed  no  man  to  keepe  men  at  all.     But 
lith  it  is  otherwife,  and  that  the  iniquitie  of  men  is  fuch  as  they  can- 
not bee  longe  wythoute  Warre,  And  that  we  recken  heere  in  Englande   [The  strength  of 
our  chiefe  ftrength  to  be  in  our  Seruingmen  &  yeomen,  it  were  wife-   Servingmen'and 
dome  to  exercife  them  in  tyme  of  peace,  fomwhat  wyth  fuch  apparell, 
inre,  and  hardenes,  as  they  mufte  needes  fuftayne  in  time  of  warre, 

SHAKSPERE'S   ENGLAND  :    STAFFORD.  6 


66 


A  briefe  Conceipt 


[ '  orig.  deticacie] 


Knight. 

[Men  can  only 
bear  light  armour 
now.] 


[2  orig.  a  a] 

[New  fine 
houses.  1 


Doctor. 


[Building  good 
for  the  realm.] 

[3  Fol.  35 ;  ntis- 
nniiiberd  36] 
[4  orig.  neigh- 
bouos] 


Of  excesse  in 
building. 


Knight. 


[Did  not  the 
taking  of  the 
Church 

Revenues  by  the 
Crown  send 
much  money 
abroad  ?J 


then  the  fame  fhall  bee  no  nouelty  to  them  when  they  come  to  it ; 
and  theyr  bodies  mail  bee  ftrong,  and  harder  to  beare  that  that  they 
were  fomewhat  accuftomed  withall  afore.  Let  this  that  I  fay  be  of  no 
credite,  if  delicacie1  and  tewdernes  was  not  the  moft  occafion  of  the  fub- 
duing  of  the  greateft  Empyres  that  were. 

Surely,  ye  fay  very  wel,  and  that  which  foundeth  to  good  reafon. 
I  muft  needes  alowe  that  I  haue  found  true  my  felfe,  for  my  men  are 
fo  tenderly  vfed  in  time  of  peace,  that  they  can  not  away  with  any 
heauy  armour  in  time  of  warre,  but  either  fhirts  of  Maile  or  Coates  of 
linnen  ragges,  which  a2  fliotte  may  perhaps  deceyue  vs.  Then  what 
faye  you  by  our  buildinges,  that  wee  haue  here  in  Englande  of  late 
dayes,  far  more  exceffiue  then  at  any  time  heretofore  ?  Doth  not 
that  impouerifh  the  Realme,  &  caufe  men  to  keepe  leffe  Houfes  ? 

I  fay  that  all  thefe  thynges  be  tokens  &  Ornamentes  of  peace, 
and  that  no  doubte  is  caufe  of  lefle  Houflioldes,  nth  the  buildings  and 
trimming  of  thofe  houfes  fpendes  away  that  that  fhould  be  otherwife 
fpewt  in  houfhold.  But  it  doth  not  empouerilh  the  Realme  at  all,  for 
all  the  expences  of  buildings,  for  the  moil  part,  is  fpent  amonges  our 
felues  &  3 amonges  our  neighbours4  and  Countreyrnen :  As  amongs 
Carpenters,  Mafons,  and  Labourers,  except  men  will  fall  to  guilding 
or  peinting  of  thefe  Houfes.  For  in  that  much  treafure  may  be  fpent, 
and  to  no  vfe.  Alfo  the  Arefes,  Verderers,  and  Tapiftry  workes,  where- 
with they  bee  hanged  commonly,  conueieth  ouer  into  Flaunders  &  other 
ftraunge  Countreyes  (where  they  be  had  from)  much  of  our  Treafure. 

Syr,  yet  I  mufl  remember  you  of  one  thing  more,  which  men  do 
fuppofe  to  be  a  great  occafion  of  the  fpendinge  of  the  treafure  abroade ; 
&  it  is  where  there  is  comen  to  the  crown  of  late  yeares  much  lands, 
by  reafon  of  Monafteries,  colleges,  and  Chauntres  diflblued,  which 
men  fuppofe  hath  bene  the  caufe  two  maner  of  waies,  that  there  is 
lefle  treafure  abroade  in  the  Realme.  One  is,  becaufe  the  reuenues  of 
the  fayd  places,  diflblued  heretofore,  were  fpent  in  the  countrey,  and 
went  from  hand  to  hande  there,  for  Vittayle,  cloth,  and  other  thingesj 
and  now  are  gone  to  one  place  out  of  the  countrey.  Another  is,  that 
diuers  men  whych  had  any  ryches  or  wealth,  vttered  the  fame,  to  buy 
perfelles  of  the  fayd  diflblued  landes,  lying  commodities  for  them ; 
whereby,  one  way  &  other,  the  whole  riches  of  the  countrey  is  fweeped 
away. 


of  English  pollicy.  67 

Truth  it  is,  alfo,  that  it  wringed  the  countrey  abroad  for  the  time, 
and  had  kept  it  fo  ftill  if  the  Kynges  Maieftye  had  not  difperfed  the 
fame  lands  abroad  among  them  in  the  countrey  againe ;  but  after  thai 
his  highnes  departed  with  a  great  deale  of  thofe  pofleflions,  part  by 
gift  and  part  by  fale,  treafure  hath  and  will  encreafe  againe,  abroad, 
afmuch  as  euer  it  was,  if  it  be  not  letted  by  other  meanes ;  fo  that  I 
take  that  to  be  no  great  caufe  of  the  dearth  that  we  haue,  for  the 
foyle  is  not  taken  away,  but  the  pofleffion  thereof  is  onely  tranfferred 
from  one  kinde  of  perfons  to  another. 

Then,  to  retourne  to  the  matter  of  the  Coyne  where  wee  l  [l]ef t,  I 
haue  heard  your  conceipte  how  the  alteration  thereof  within  our 
Realme  did  fome  Men  no  harme,  as  Buyers  and  fellers :  fome  other  it 
dyd  good  vnto,  as  Farmors  that  had  Lande  at  the  olde  Rent ;  and 
fome  other,  as  Gentlemen,  men  of  warre,  feruaunts,  and  all  other 
lyuing  by  any  rated  or  ftented  cent  or  ftipend,  were  great  lofers  by  it. 
But  I  heard  you  fay  it  was  fo  much  withall  to  the  lofle  of  the  Prynce, 
that  it  might  be  to  the  great  perill  of  the  whole  Realme  in  procefle  of 
time.  I  meruayle  how  it  fhoulde  bee  fo,  for  I  hearde  wife  men  fay,  that 
the  Queenes  hignefle  Father  did  winne  ineftimable  great  fummes  by 
the  altera[t]ion  of  the  Coyne. 

So  it  was  for  the  time,  but  I  liken  that  gaines  to  fuch  as  men  haue 
when  they  fell  away  their  Lands,  to  haue  the  greater  fome  at  one 
time,  and  euer  after  to  loofe  the  contynuall  increafe  what  fhould 
grow  therof.  For  you  knowe  al  the  treafure  of  this  Realme  muft 
once  in  few  yeares  come  to  the  Prynces  handes  by  one  meanes  or 
other,  and  from  thence  it  fhould  goe  abrode  againe  to  the  Subiecls. 
As  all  Springes  runneth  to  the  Ocean  Sea,  &  out  of  it  are  they  fpred 
abroad  againe ;  then,  as  they  came  into  the  kings  coffers  at  the  firft  in 
good  mettall,  they  came  forth  in  fuch  as  you  haue  heretofore  feene. 
And,  albeit  it  feemeth  at  the  firft  viewe  to  empouerifhe  but  the  fub- 
ieds  only,  at  length  it  empouerifheth  alfo  the  Prynce ;  and  then,  if  the 
Prince  fhould  want  in  time  of  warre,  fpecially  fufficient  treafure  to 
pay  for  armor,  weapons,  tacklinges  of  fhippes,  gunnes,  and  other  ar- 
tillary,  necefiary  for  the  warre,  and  could  by  no  meanes  haue  of  the 
fubie&es  wherewith  to  buy  the  fame,  what  caufe  fhould.  the  Realme  be 
in  ?  Surely  in  very  euill ;  &  therefore  thefe  Coynes  and  Treafure  be 
not  without  caufe  called  of  wyfe  men,  Nerui  lellorum,  (that  is  to  fay) 


Doctor. 

[No,  it  only 
transferred  the 
possession  of  the 
land  from  one 
man  here  to 
another.] 


Knight. 

['  Fol.  35,  back] 


[How  did  Henry 
VII I.'s  debase- 
ment of  our 
Coin  injure  the 
Country?] 


Doctor. 


How  the  alte- 
ration of  the 
Coyne  should 
be  most  losse 
to  the  Prince. 


[How  can  the 
Prince  buy 
armour  and 
artillery  from 
abroad,  with 
base  coin  ?1 


68  A  briefe  Conceipt 

rcoin  the  sinews  the  Synowes  of  "WaiTe.     And  that  is  the  greateft  dauwger  that  I  doe 

of  War.]  . 

confider  fhoulde  growe  for  want  of  treafure  to  the  Prince  and  the 

['  Foi.  36]  Realme;  lfor  though  a  Prynce  may  haue  what  coyne  he  will  currant 

within  hi*  Realme,  yet  the  ftraungers  cannot  be  compelled  to  take 

them.     And  I  graunt,  if  men  might  liue  within  themfelues,  all  to- 

[We  can't  have     gether  without  borowinge  of  any  other  thing  outwarde,  we  might 

coTn,  °o  long'as     deuife  what,  coyne  we  wouldej  but  fince  wee  muft  haue  neede  of 

we  want  to  buy  .  i     i  r  n    r-  i  •  r 

foreign  goods.]  other,  and  they  or  vs,  wee  muft  frame  our  things,  not  after  our  owne 
phantafies,  but  to  followe  the  common  market  of  all  the  worlde  5  and 
wee  may  not  fet  the  price  of  things  at  our  pleafure,  but  follow  the 
price  of  the  vniuerfall  Market  of  the  World.  I  grau«t,  alfo,  that 
Brafle  hath  bene  coyned  ere  this  j  yea,  &  Leather  in  fome  places. 
But  euer  I  reade,  that  was  at  an  extreme  neede,  which  thinge  is  not  to 
bee  followed  as  an  example,  but  to  be  efchewed  as  longe  as  poflible 
may  be.  And  if  our  treafure  be  farre  fpent  and  exhauft,  (as  it  hap- 
ened  in  the  later  yeares  of  Kinge  Henry  the  eight,)  I  could  wifh  that 
any  other  order  were  taken  for  the  recouery  of  it,  then  the  deprauing 
of  our  coines,  which  ferueth  the  Prince  but  a  litle  while,  for  fome 

[Stafford's  two  prefeiit  Ihifte,  and  hindred  him  a  longe  time  afterwardes.  I  am  per- 
fwaded  that  within  our  Realme  treafure  might  bee  foone  recouered 

i.stoptheimport-  by  thefe  two  meancs  :  firft,  if  we  forbad  the  bringing  in  and  felling  of 
fo  many  trifles  as  I  before  reherfed  to  be  brought  vs  from  beyond  the 
fea,  &  that  nothing  made  beyond  the  fea  of  our  owne  commodities 

2.  forbid  the         mould  be  fould  heere.     And  fecondly,  if  we  forbad  that  none  of  our 

unvm>ught?w'  commodities  fhoulde  pafle  vnwrought  ouer  fea,  which  being  wrought 
here,  and  foulde  ouer,  mould  bring  in  infinite  treafure  in  ihorte 
time. 

Knight.  Mary,  and  there  yee  bee  contrary  to  the  opinions  of  many  a  great 

wife  man,  which  thinke  it  better  that  all  our  wooll  were  fould  ouer  fo 

[No  clothiers       vnwrought,  then  any  Clothiers  fhoulde  be  fet  a  worke  withall  within 

wanted  here.]  this  realme. 

Doctor.  That  were  a  ftraunge  thing,  in  myne  opinion,  that  any  man  fhoulde 

[*Foi.  36,  back]     thinke  fo;  and  what  fhould  mooue  them  to  be  2of  that  opynion,  I  pray 

you  ? 

Knight.  I  will  tell  you.    They  take  it,  that  all  infurre&ions  &  vproares,  for 

lUnempioyd         the  mofl  parte,   do  rife  by  occafion  of  thefe  clothiers  j   For,  when 
cause  of  all  clothiers  lack  vent  ouer  fea,  then  is  a  great  multitude  of  thefe  clothiers 

insurrections.] 


of  English  pollicy.  69 

idle  j    And,  when  they  be  idle,  then  they  aflemble  in  companies  and 

murmur  for  lack  of  liuing,  and  fo  picke  one  quarrell  or  other  to  ftirre   Whether  all 

our  Woll 

the  poore  cominalty,  that  bee  as  idle  as  they,  to  a  commotion.     And,   were  expedie«i 

tobesouldo- 

fometimes  by  occafion  of  warres,  there  muft  needes  bee  fome  ftay  of  uer  vnwrought. 

Clothes,  fo  as  they  cannot  haue  alwayes  lyke  fale  or  vent ;  at  euery 

which  time,  if  the  fayd  Clothiers  mould  take  occafion  of  commotion, 

they  thinke  it  were  better  that  there  were  none  of  them  in  the  Realme 

at  all,  and  confequently,  that  the  woll  were  vttered  vnwrought  ouer 

fea  then  to  haue  it  wrought  here. 

So  it  may  feeme  to  them  that  confidereth  one  inconuenience  and  Doctor, 
not  another.  Surely,  whofoeuer  hath  many  Perfons  vnder  his  Gouern- 
aunce  fliall  haue  much  a  doe  to  gouerne  them  in  quietnefle ;  and  hee 
that  hath  a  greate  family,  mail  haue  fometimes  trouble  in  ruling  of 
them.  It  were  but  a  meane  Pollicy,  eyther  for  a  Prince  to  deminiihe 
hys  number,  for  a  Maifter  of  a  Houfe  to  put  away  hys  Seruaunts,  be- 
caufe  he  would  not  haue  any  trouble  with  the  gouernaunce  of  them ; 
he  that  would  fo  doe  might  be  well  refembled  to  a  man  that  mould 
fell  his  land  becaufe  he  would  not  bee  troubled  with  the  accompt  of 
it.  I  thinke  it  meete  that  we  did  not  onely  encreafe  the  feate  of  [We  want  our 

cloth-making 

clothing,   but  alfo  intend  diuers  other   mo  feates  and  occupations,   trade  incrcast, 

and  more  trades 

wherby  our  People  might  bee  fet  a  worke,  rather  then  take  away  any   brought  in.] 

occupation  from  them ;  fpecialty  fuch  as  clothinge  is,  that  fettes  fo 

many  thoufandes  a  woorke,  and  enryche  both  Towne  and  Countrey. 

Where  it  is  occupyed  in  Venice,  as  I  haue  heard,  and  in  many  other 

places  beyond  Sea,  they  rewarde  and  chearifh  euery  man  that  bryngs 

in  '  any  newe  Arte  or  mifterye,  whereby  the  people  might  be  fet  a   [i  Foi.  37! 

worke,  with  fuch  thinges  as  moulde  both  finde  their  workemen,  and   Mysteries  are 

.  .       .    to  be  encrease[d] 

alfo  bring  fome  treafure  or  other  commodity  into  the  Countrey.  Ana  rather  than  di- 
fliall  we  contrarywife  labour  to  deftroy  our  beft  and  moft  profitable 
trade,  which  is  by  clothing  ?  I  would  know  what  thinge  els  might 
bringe  vs  treafure  from  ftraunge  parties,  or  wherewith  moulde  fo 
many  of  our  people  be  fet  a  worke,  as  haue  nowe  their  lyuings  by 
clothing,  if  that  occupation  were  layde  downe  ? 

Mary!  wee  might  haue  treafure  ynough  from  outward  Parties  for   Knighte. 
our  Woolles,  thoughe  nonne  were  wroughte  within  the  Realme ;  And, 
as  for  an  Occupation,  to  fet  our  Clothiers  a  worke,  they  mighte  bee   [Set  Clothiers  to 

ploughing.] 

fet  to  the  Plough  and  husbandry,  and  that  mould  make  husbandry  to 


70  A  briefe  Conceipt 

be  the  more  occupied,  &  grafing  lefle,  when  all  thefe  people  that 
nowe  doe  occupy  clothing  mould  fall  to  husbandry. 

Doctor.  As  to  the  firft  that  yee  fayd,  that  Wooll  is  fufficient  to  bring  in 

treafure ;  if  it  were  (as  it  is  not  in  deede,)  yet  that  Feate  were  not  for 
the  Weale  nor  for  continuaunce  of  the  Realme.  For  when  euery 

[if  every  one  mau  would  fall  to  breede  fheepe,  and  to  increafe  Wooll,  and  fo  at 
length  all  other  occupations  fhould  bee  fet  a  fide,  and  breedinge  of 
Iheepe  onely  occupied ;  then  yee  knowe  that  a  fewe  fheepe  maifters 
would  ferue  for  a  whole  Shyre ;  &  fo  in  procefle  of  time  the  multi- 
tude of  the  fubie6ts  fhould  be  worne  away,  and  none  lefte  but  a  fewe 

we  should  have      Shecpherds,  which  were  no  number  fufficient  to  ferue  the  Prince  at 

no  men  to  defend  i    r       i         i  •  i  /-  T->  •  i 

the  realm.  necdc,  or  to  deicnde  this  realme  from  Enemies.     As  to  the  other 

And  if  Clothiers 

turnd  Husband-     parte  of  your  tale,  whereby  yee  woulde  that  thefe  Clothiers  fhoulde 
starve.]  fall  from  that  occupation  to  hufbandry ;    how  coulde  fo  many  added 

to  them  that  occupy  hutbandry  already,  get  their  lyuinge  by  the  fame, 
when  they  that  .bee  hufbandmen  nowe  haue  but  a  fmall  Lyuinge 
thereby  ?  And  if  yee  woulde  fay  to  mee  that  they  fhoulde  haue  at  all 
['  Foi.  37,  back]  times  free  vent  and  full  Sale  of  l  their  corne  ouer  fea,  then  commeth 
the  fame  inconuenience  in  that  ye  thought  to  auoide  before,  by  put- 
ting them  from  clothing.  For  fome  yeres  it  fhould  happe/z  either  for 
warres,  or  by  reafon  of  plenty  in  all  partes  beyond  the  Sea,  that  they 
fhould  haue  no  vent  of  their  corne,  and  then  be  dryuen  to  be  idle,  and 
confequently  for  lacke  of  liuing  to  aflemble  together,  and  make  like 
vproares  as  ye  fpake  of  before. 

[in  France  are  They  haue  in  Fraunce  more  handy  craftes  occupied,  and  a  greater 

an^the'artfsans     multitude  of  Artificers,  then  we  haue  here  by  a  greate  deale  :  and  for 

make  rows,  .-  .  , 

but  no  one  wants   all  that  they  haue  made  many  greate  fturres  and  commotions  there 

me^  before  this,  yet  they  will  not  deftroy  Artificers;  for,  they  know  that 

the  higheft  Prynces  of  them  all,  without  fuch  artificers,  could  not 

maintaine  their  eftate.     Doe  not  all  theyr  toules,  cuftomes,  taxes,  tal- 

lages,  and  fubfidies,  chiefely  growe  by  fuch  artificers  ?  What  king  can 

maineteine  his  eftate  with  his  yearly  reuenues,  onely  growing  of  his 

landes  ?    For,  as  many  feruaunts  in  a  houfe,  well  fet  a  worke,  gaines 

euery  mara  fomewhat  to  their  maifter  :  So  doth  euery  artificer  in  a 

who  are  the          Realme  ech  gaine  fomewhat;  and  altogether,  a  great  mafle  to  the  king 

riches  of  the  ,  .  , 

land.]  &  his  realm  euery  yeare  it  bnngeth. 

Knight.  And  now,  becaufe  we  are  entred  into  communication  of  artificers, 


of  English  pollicy.  7 1 

1  will  make  this  diuifion  of  them.     Some  of  them  doe  but  conuey  Th«e  sortes  of 

Artificers. 

money  out  of  the  countrey ;  Some  other,  that  which  they  get,  they 
doe  fpend  againe  in  the  countrey.  And  the  third  forte  of  Artificers 
is  of  them  that  doe  bring  in  Treafure  into  the  countrey.  Of  the  firft  fi.  Middlemen 

importers.] 

fort,  I  reckera  all  mercers,  Grocers,  Vintners,  Haberdafhers,  Milleners, 

and  fuch  as  doe  fell  wares  growing  beyond  the  fea,  and  do  fetch  out   One  brlngeth 

out  our  Trea- 

our  treafure  for  the  fame,  which  kinde  of  artificers,  as  I  recken  them   sure. 

tollerable,  yet  not  fo  neceffary  in  a  common  Weale  but  they  might 

be  beft  fpared  of  all  other.     Yet,  if  we  had  not  other  Artificers  to 

bringe  in  as  much  treafure  as  they  doe  Jcary  forth,  we  mould  be  greate  C1  Foi.  38,  «/&- 

mtmberd  34] 

loofers  by  them.  Of  the  fecond  forte  bee  thefe  Shoemakers,  Tailours, 
Carpenters,  Mafons,  Tylers,  Bouchers,  Brewers,  Bakers,  and  Vi&ailers  A  nother  Spe«d 

that  they  get 

of  all  fortes,  which,  like  as  they  get  their  liuing  in  the  countrey,  fo  in  the  same 

countrey  a- 

they  fpend  it  j  but  they  bring  in  no  treafure  vnto  vs.     Therefore,  we  gayne. 
muft  chearifh  well  the  third  fort.     And  thofe  be  Clothiers,  Tanners,   The  thrid  sort 
Cappers,  and  Worftedmakers,  onely  that  I  knowe,  (which  by  their   sure,  and  there 

*  fore  must  be 

mifteries  &  faculties)  do  bring  in  any  treafure.     As  for  our  wolles,   cherished. 

felles,  Tinne,  Ledde,  Butter,  and  Cheefe,  thefe  be  commodities  that 

the  ground  beares,  requyring  the  induftrye  of  a  fewe  perfons ;  and  if 

wee  fhoulde  onely  truft  to  fuch,  and  deuyfe  nothing  els  to  occupy  our 

felues  with,  a  few  perfons  would  ferae  for  the  rearing  of  fuch  thinges, 

and  few  alfo  it  would  finde ;  and  fo  mould  our  realme  be  but  like  a 

grange,  better  furnilhed  with  beaftes  then  with  men,  whereby  it  mighte 

be  fubie6te  to  the  fpoile  of  other  nations  j  aboute  whych  is  the  more 

to  be  feared  and  efchued,  becaufe  the  countrey  of  his  owne  kinde  is   t°u,r  land  bri»gs 

'  forth  food  for 

apte  to  bringe  forth  fuch  thinges  as  bee  for  encreafe  of  cattell,  then  for  ^'j^ff1' 
fuch  thinges  as  be  for  the  nourifhment  of  men.  If  Pomponius  Mela  Pomp.  Me. 
be  to  be  beleeued,  which,  defcrybing  thys  Jlande,  fayeth  thus  :  Plana, 
ingens,  &  ferax :  fed  eorum,que  pecora,  qucLm  homines  lenignius  alant ; 
That  is  to  fay,  'it  is  playne,  large,  &  plentifull.  But  of  thefe  things 
that  nourifheth  Beaftes  more  kindely  then  men.'  So  many  Foreftes, 
Chafes,  Parkes,  Marfhes,  and  wafte  groundes  being  more  here  then 
moft  commonly  elfwhere,  declare  the.  fame  not  to  bee  all  in  vayne 
that  hee  affyrmes.  It  hath  not  fo  much  erable  Grounde,  Vynes, 
Otyues,  Fruites,  and  fuch  as  bee  both  moft  neceflary  for  the  foode  of 
men.  And  as  they  requyre  many  hands  in  their  culture,  fo  they  finde 
moft  perfons  foode,  as  Fraunce  and  diuerfe  other  Countries  haue. 


.'  Fol  38,  backj 


[New  trades 
wanted  in 
England.  ] 


Mysteries  doe 
enrich  coun- 
tries that  be 
els  barren. 


ISee  how 
f  landers  and 
Germany  are 
enricht  by  their 
manufactures.] 


Knight. 

[2  Fol.  39] 
Doctor. 


Aliaunce  with 
straungers  are 
to  be  purchased 
and  kept. 


72  A  briefe  Conceipt 

Therefore,  as  much  grou/zde  1as  is  here  apte  for  thefe  things,  would  be 
tourned  as  much  as  may  be  to  fuch  vfes  as  may  finde  mofte  perfons. 
And  ouer  that  townes  and  Cities  would  be  replenifhed  wyth  all  kinde 
of  Artificers,  not  onely  clothyers,  which  is,  as  it  were,  our  naturall  oc- 
cupation, but  with  Cappers,  Glouers,  Paper-makers,  Glafiers,  Paynters, 
Golde-fmithes,  blacke-fmithes  of  al  fortes,  Couerlet-makers,  needle- 
makers,  pinners,  and  fuch  other ;  fo  as  we  mould  not  onely  haue 
inough  of  fuch  thinges  to  ferue  our  Realme,  and  faue  an  infinyte 
treafure  that  goeth  now  ouer  for  many  of  the  fame ;  but  alfo  might 
fpare  of  fuch  things  ready  wrought  to  be  folde  ouer,  whereby  we 
Ihould  fetch  againe  other  neceflary  commodities  or  treafure.  And  this 
fhoulde  both  replenifh  the  Realme  of  People  able  to  defende  it,  and 
alfo  faue  &  wiune  much  treafure  to  the  fame.  Such  occupations 
alone  do  enrich  diuers  countreyes  that  be  else  baren  of  them  felues. 

And  what  riches  they  bringe  to  the  Countries  where  they  be  well 
vfed,  the  Countrey  of  Flaunders  and  Germanic  do  well  declare, 
where,  through  fuch  occupations,  it  hath  fo  many  &  eke  fo  wealthy 
Cities  thai  it  were  almoft  incredible  fo  litle  grounde  to  fuftaine  fo 
much  people.  Wherefore,  in  my  minde  they  are  far  wide  of  right 
confideration,  thai  would  haue  either  none  or  els  lefle  clothing  wit/tin 
this  Realme,  becaufe  it  is  fome  time  occafion  of  bufines  &  tumultes, 
which  commeth  for  lacke  of  vent.  There  is  nothing  euery  way  fo 
co/wmodious  or  neceflary  for  mans  vfe,  but  it  is  fometimes,  by  ill  hand- 
ling, occafion  of  fome  difpleafure,  no,  not  fier  and  water  that  be  fo 
neceflary,  as  nothing  can  be  more. 

Yea,  mafter  Doctor,  we  ftand  not  in  like  cafe  as  Fraunce  or  Flaun- 
ders that  yee  fpeake  of  j  if  they  haue  not  vente  one  way,  they  may 
haue  it  another  way  allwaies,  for  the  firme  land  is  rounde  about  them 
in  maner.  If  they  bee  at  warre  with  one  Neyghbour,  they  will  bee 
friendes  with  another,  2to  whofe  Countreyes  they  may  fende  theyr 
commodities  to  fell. 

So  may  wee  bee,  if  wee  were  fo  wyfe  to  keepe  one  Friende  or 
other  alwayes  in  hande.  Who  will  bee  fo  mad,  being  a  Priuate  man, 
but  hee  will  be  fure  to  doe  fo?  Let  wyfe  men  confider  what  Friendes 
this  Realme  hath  had  in  time  part.  And  if  they  bee  nowe  loft  or  in- 
tercepted another  way  fince,  let  vs  purchafe  other  for  them ;  or  els 
geue  as  litle  occafion  of  breache  with  our  Neyghbonrs  as  may  bee. 


of  English  pollicy. 


73 


The  Wyfe  man,  as  I  reme/nber,  fayth  in  Ecclejiaftes :  Non  eft  lonum 
homini  effejblum. 

Alfo,  in  Fraunce  they  haue  diuerfe  Bandes  of  men  in  Armes,  in 
diuerfe  places  of  the  Realme,  to  reprefle  fuch  Tumults  quickely  if  any 
mould  arife.  If  wee  had  the  like  heere,  wee  might  bee  boulde  to 
haue  as  many  Artificers  as  they  haue. 

GOD  fworbote1  that  euer  wee  (houlde  haue  any  fuch  Tyrauntes 
come  among  vs ;  for,  as  they  fay,  fuch  will  in  the  Countrey  of  Fraunce 
take  poore  mens  Hennes,  Chikens,  Pigges,  and  other  prouifion,  and 
paye  nothinge  for  it,  except  it  bee  an  ill  turne,  as  to  Rauifhe  hys 
Wyfe  or  his  Daughters  for  it.  and  euen  in  like  manner  fayd  the 
Marchaunt  man  j  adding  thereto,  that  hee  thought  that  woulde  rather 
bee  an  occafion  of  Commotions  to  bee  ftirred,  then  to  bee  quenched. 
For  (as  hee  fayd)  the  Stomaks  of  Englifhe  men  woulde  neuer  beare  to 
fuffer  fuch  Iniuries  and  Reproches,  as  hee  heard  that  fuch  vfed  to  doe 
to  the  Subie6ts  of  Fraunce,  which  in  reproche  they  call  Pefaunts. 

Mary,  the  Pry  nee  might  reftrayne  them  well  ynough,  for  doing 
Outrages,  vpon  great  paynes. 

What  if  it  were  fkant  in  his  power  to  do  ?  the  Romaines  had  fome- 
times  fuch  men  of  armes  in  diuerfe  places  for  defence  of  the  Empyre, 
it  was  thought,  that  at  length  it  ouer2threwe  the  fame.  lulius  Ccefar 
doth  that  declare  j  and  many  times  after  that,  when  the  Emperors 
died,  the  men  of  warre  ere6ted  what  Emperor  they  lyfted,  fometime 
of  a  Slaue  or  a  Bondman,  contrary  to  the  election  of  the  Senate  of 
Rome,  being  chiefe  Cou/zfaylors  of  the  Empyre,  till  the  whole  Empyre 
was  cleane  deftroyed ;  it  is  not  for  commotions  of  Subie6ts  that 
Fraunce  alfo  keepeth  fuch,  but  the  ftate  and  neceffity  of  the  Coun- 
trey, which  is  enuironed  about  with  enemies,  and  neither  fea  nor  wall 
betwene  them,  againft  whofe  Inrodes  and  inuafion  they  rnayntayne 
thofe  men  of  warr  of  neceflity.  They  would  faine  lay  them  downe, 
if  they  durft,  for  feare  of  their  neighbours.  And  fome  wyfe  men 
among  them  haue  fayd  and  written,  that  the  fame  men  of  Armes  may 
bee  the  deftruftion  of  their  Kingdome  at  length.  And  betide  that  the 
largenefle  of  our  Dominion,  or  Situation  of  the  fame  towarde  other 
Countreyes,  doth  not  require  fuch  men,  nor  yet  the  reuenewes  of  this 
realme,  is  able  to  make  vp  the  like  number  with  Fraunce.  And  then 
if  we  fhould  make  a  leffe  number,  wee  fhould  declare  our  felues  in- 


Knight. 

Whether  great 
Armies  bee  as 
necessary  heere 
as  in  Fraunce. 


Husband. 

[*  Gods  forbodc, 
God's  forbid- 
ding, p.  74.] 
[Tyranny  over 
the  poor  in 
France.] 


Marchaunt. 

[French 
'  Peasants.'] 

Knight. 
Doctor. 

[2  Fol.  39,  back 


[France  must 
keep  troops ; 


and  yet  they 
may  destroy  the 
country.] 


74 


A  briefe  Conceipt 


A  lesse  griefe 
vvould  not  be 
holpen  with  a 
greater  sore. 


Knighte. 


Doctor. 


Knight. 

Marchauwt 
&  Capper. 

Knighte. 

[*  Fol  40,  mis- 
numberd  36] 

Doctor. 


feriour  in  power  to  Fraunce,  to  whom  wee  haue  bene  hitherto  counted 
Superiour  in  fuccdfles,  through  the  ftouteneffe  of  our  Englime  hartes. 
And  therefore  I  would  not  haue  a  fmall  fore  cured  by  a  greater  griefe, 
nor  for  auoydinge  of  populer  fedition,  which  happeneth  very  feldome 
and  foone  quenched,  to  bring  in  a  continuall  yoake,  &  charge  both  to 
the  Prince  and  the  people. 

You  fay  well,  and  fo  as  I  can  fay  no"  more  againft  your  fentence, 
but  yet  I  would  wime  your  faying  coulde  fatiffie  other  men  as  well  as 
it  doth  mee. 

Well,  it  is  nowe  tyme  to  make  an  ende.  I  haue  troubled  you 
heere  with  a  tedious  and  longe  talke. 

I  could  be  content  to  be  troubled  longer  of  that  forte. 

And  fo  coulde  wee,  though  it  were  all  this  day,  but  for  troubling 
of  your  felfe,  gentle  maifter  Do6tor. 

1  Yet  the  moft  necefiary  poynte  which  we  fpake  of  is  yet  behinde, 
that  is,  how  thefe  thinges  may  be  remedied ;  And  therefore  we  will 
not  goe  from  you,  till  wee  haue  hearde  your  aduice  herein. 

A  Gods  name,  I  will  fhewe  my  phantafie  in  that  part;  But  let  vs 
tirft  goe  to  fupper.  And  fo  wee  went  together  to  our  Supper,  where 
our  Hofte  had  prepared  honeftly  for  vs. 


[?•  73 >  *•  7-     G°&  sworbote.     Compare  in  the  Percy  Folio  Robin 
Hood,  &c.,  p.  1 8,  1.  59,  vol.  i., 

''Now  Marry,  godsforbott"  said  the  Sheriffe, 
"  that  euer  that  shold  bee." 

The  phrase  occurs  again  in  p.  30, 1.  64;  p.  393, 1.  1230.  "Fore- 
bedynge  (or  forbode,  or  forefendynge).  Prohibido,  inhibido." — 
Promptorium,  ab.  1440  A.D.] 


of  English  pollicy. 


75 


THE   THIRD   DIA- 

logue,  wherein  are  deuifed 

fome  remedies  for  the  fame 
grief es. 

Fter  wee  had  well  refrefhed  our  felues  at 

fupper,  I  thought  long  til  I  had  knowne  the 
iudgement  of  mayfter  Doctor  about  the  remedies 
of  the  thinges  aboue  remembred,  how  he  thought 
they  might  bee  beft  redrafted,  and  with  leaft 
™  dauwger  or  alteration  of  things.  (And  therefore 
I  fayd  vnto  him  thus :)  Since  yee  haue  declared  vnto  vs  (good  mai- 
fter  Doftor)  our  difeafes,  and  alfo  the  occafions  thereof,  we  pray  you 
leaue  vs  not  deftitute  of  conuenient  remedies  for  the  fame.  You  haue 
perfwaded  vs  full,  and  wee  perceaue  it  well  our  felues,  that  wee  are 
not  now  in  fo  good  ftate  as  wee  haue  bene  in  times  paft.  And  you 
haue  mewed  vs  probable  occafions  that  hath  brought  vs  to  that  cafe, 
therefore  now  wee  praye  you  fhewe  vnto  vs  what  mighte  remedye 
thefe  our  griefes. 

When  a  man  doth  perceaue  his  griefe,  and  the  occafion  alfo  of  the 
fame,  hee  is  in  a  good  way  of  amendment.  For,  knowing  the  occa- 
fion of  the  griefe,  a  man  may  foone  auoide  the  fame  occafion ;  and 
that  being  auoyded,  the  griefe  is  alfo  taken  away.  For  as  the  Phylo- 
fopher  fayth :  Sullata  caufa  tollitur  effeftus.  But,  let  vs  briefly  re- 
count the  griefes  and  then  the  occafions  thereof,  and  thirdly  goe  to  the 
inquifition  of  the  remedies  for  the  fame.  Firft,  this  vniuerfall  J  dearth, 
in  comparifon  of  that  former  age,  is  the  chiefeft  griefe  that  all  men 
complaines  moft  on.  Secondly,  Inclofures,  &  turnyng  of  erable 
Grounde  to  pafture.  Thyrdly,  decayinge  of  Townes,  Townefhippes, 
and  Villages ;  and  laft,  deuifion  &  diuerfitie  of  opinions  in  religion. 
1  he  occafions  or  caufes  of  thefe,  although  I  haue  before  diuerfely 


[Fol.  40,  back] 


Knight. 


[Pray,  Doctor, 
tell  us  the  reme- 
dies for  our 
country's  ills.] 


Doctor. 


[The  ills  are, 

1.  Dearth. 
['  Fol.  41] 

2.  Inclosures, 
and  turning 
Arable  into 
Pasture. 

3.  Decay  of 
Towns. 

4.  Religious 
Differences.] 


76  A  briefe  Conceipt 


[The  Doctor's       declared  after  the  diuerfitie  of    mens   myndes  and   opinions.     Yet 

heere  I  wyll  take  out  of  the  fame  5  But  only  fuch  as  I  thinke  verely 

The  original!        to  be  the  very  iuft  occafions  in  deede.     For,  as  I  (hewed  you  before, 

thin"!  i's"toUbey       diuers  men  diuerfly  iudge  this  or  that  to  be  the  caufe  or  occafion  of 

thys  or  that  gryefe ;  and  becaufe  there  may  be  diuers  caufes  of  one 

thinge,  and  yet  but  one  pryncipal   caufe  that  bryngeth  forth  the 

thinge  to  pafle  :    Let  vs  feeke  oute  the,  caufe,  omitting  all  the  meane 

caufes,  whych  are  driuen  forward  by  the  leaft  oryginall  caufe.     As  in 

[Analogies  of,        a  preffe  going  in  at  a  ftraight,  the  formoft  is  driuen  by  him  that  is 

narrow  passage ;    nexte  hym,  &  the  next  by  him  that  followes  him,  and  the  thyrd  by 

fome  violent  and  ftronge  thinge  that  dryues  hym  forwarde,  which  is 

the  firft  and  pryncipall  caufe  of  the  puttynge  forwarde  of  the  reft  afore 

him.     If  he  were  kept  backe  and  ftaied,  al  they  that  goe  afore  would 

flay  withal.     To  make  this  more  plain  vnto  you  :  as  in  a  clocke  there 

2.  a  clock ;  and     be  many  wheeles,  yet  the  firft  wheele  being  ftyrred,  it  dryueth  the 

next,  and  that  the  thyrd,  £c.,  till  the  laft  that  moues  the  Inftrument 
that  ftryckes  the  clock;  So  in  making  of  an  houfe,  there  is  the  Mayfter 

3.  the  building      that  would  haue  the  houfe  made,  there  is  the  Carpenter,  &  there  is  the 

ftufFe  to  make  the  houfe  with  al ;  the  ftuffe  neuer  ftirres  till  the 

Workeman  do  fet  it  forward ;  the  workeman  neuer  trauailes  but  as 

the  maifter  prouoketh  him  with  good  wages  :  and  fo  he  is  the  prynci- 

[The  original        pall  caufe  of  thys  houfe  making.     And  this  caufe  is  of  the  learned 

•efficient.']  called  'efficient' ;  as  that  that  bryngeth  the  pryncipal  thing  to  effect. 

Perfwade  this  man  to  let  this  buildyng  alone,  and  the  houfe  lhall  neuer 

come  to  pafle,  yet  the  houfe  can  not  bee  made  wythout  the  ftufFe,  and 

[i  Fol.  41,  back]     worke1men ;    and  therefore  they  be  called  of  fome  caufizjine  quibus 

non,  and  of  fome  other  Materiales  &  Formates;   but  all  commeth  to 

one  purpofe.  It  is  the  efficient  caufe,  that  is,  the  pryncipall  caufe,  with- 

Diuerse  sortes       out  remouing  of  which  caufe  the  thing  that  cannot  be  remedied.    And 

bee.  becaufe  that  it  was  grafted  in  euery  mans  iudgement,  that  the  caufe  of 

any  thing  being  taken  awaye,  the   effe6te   is  taken   away  withatl ; 

[.The  primary        Therefore  Men  tooke  the  caufes  of  thefe  thynges  that  we  talke  of 

cause  to  be 

distinguisht          wythout  Iudgement,  not   difcernmg  the  pryncipall  caufe  from  the 

from  secondary 

causes.]  meane  caufes,  that  by  taking  away  of  thefe  caufes  that  bee  but  fecond- 

ary,  as  it  were,  they  were  neuer  the  neare  to  remedy  the  thing  they 

Cic  top.  went  about.     Much  lyke  the  wyfe  of  Aiax  that  loft  her  hufband  in 

5-  £/fC  fhippe  called  Argos,  wilhed  that  thofe  Firre  beames  had  neuer 


of  English  pollicy. 


77 


bene  felled  in  Peleius  wood,  whereof  the  fayd  fhippe  was  made,  when 
that  was  not  the  efficient  caufe  of  the  looting  of  her  huibande,  but 
the  wild  fire  caft  in  the  faid  fhippe,  which  did  fet  it  a  fyre.  Such 
caufes  as  they  be,  be  called  remote,  as  it  were  to  farre  of ;  fo  they  bee 
alfo  idle  and  of  no  operation  of  themfelues,  without  fome  other  to  fet 
them  a  worke.  And  percafe,  I  (whyle  I  degrefie  fo  farre  from  my  mat- 
ter) fhalbe  thought  to  goe  as  far  from  the  purpofe  j  yet  to  come  to  our 
matter,  and  to  apply  thys  thai  I  haue  fayde  to  the  fame.  Some  thinkes 
this  Dearth  beginnes  by  the  tenaunt,  in  felling  his  wares  fo  deare ;  & 
fome  other  by  the  Lord,  in  reyfing  his  land  fo  high.  And  fome  by 
thefe  inclofures.  And  fome  other  by  the  reyfing  of  our  coine,  or 
1  alteration  of  the  fame.  Therefore,  fome  by  taking  fome  one  of  thefe 
things  away,  (as  theyr  opinion  ferued  them  to  be  the  pryncipall  caufe 
of  this  dearth)  thought  to  remedye  this  dearth  j  But  as  the  tryall  of 
the  thyng  {hewed,  they  touched  not  the  caufe  efficient  pryncipall ;  and 
therefore  theyr  deuife  tooke  no  place  :  and  if  they  had,  the  thinge 
had  ben  remedied  forthwith,  for  that  is  proper  to  the  pryncipal  caufe, 
that  as  foone  as  it  is  taken  away,  the  efFecl:  is  remoued  alfo.  2Yet  I 
confefle  al  thefe  thinges  rayfeth  together  with  this  dearth,  that  euery  of 
them  fhould  feeme  to  be  the  caufe  of  it  j  neuerthelefle,  that  is  no  good 
proofe  that  they  fhould  bee  the  caufes  of  it,  no  more  then  was  the  fteeple 
made  at  Douer 3  the  caufe  of  the  decay  of  the  Hauen  of  Douer,  be- 
caufe  the  Hauen  began  to  decay  the  fame  time  that  the  Steeple  began  to 
be  builded.  Nor  yet,  though  fome  of  thefe  becaufe  of  the  other  in  deede, 
yet  they  be  not  all  the  efficient  caufes  of  this  dearth.  But  as  I  haue  fayd 
before,  of  men  thrufting  one  another  in  a  thronge,  one  dryuing  another, 
and  but  one  firft  of  al,  that  was  the  chiefe  caufe  of  that  force ;  So  in 
this  matter  that  we  talke  of,  there  is  fome  one  thing  that  is  the  orygin- 
all  caufe  of  thefe  caufes ;  that  be,  as  it  were,  fecondary,  and  makes 
them  to  be  the  caufes  of  other.  As  I  take  the  reyfing  of  al  prifes  of 
victuals  at  the  hulbandmans  hand,  is  caufe  of  the  rayfing  of  the  rent 
of  his  land.  And  that  Gentlemen  fall  fo  much  to  take  fearmes  to 
theyr  hands,  leaft  they  bee  driuen  to  buy  theyr  p[r]ouifion  fo  deare,  that 
is  a  great  caufe  againe  that  Inclofure  is  the  more  vfed ;  For  Gentle- 
men hauinge  much  land  in  their  hand,  and  not  being  able  to  weilde 
all,  &  fee  it  manured  in  husbandry,  which  requyreth  the  induftry, 
luboure,  and  gouernaunce  of  a  greate  many  of  perfons,  doe  conuerte 


[Remote  causes 
need  not  be 
considerd.] 


Sublata  cau- 
sa tollitur 
effectus. 


[!  orig.  altera- 
tion] 


[The  principal 
or  efficient  cause 
of  the  Dearth 
has  not  yet  been 
toucht.] 


[2  Fol.  42] 


[Tenterden 
steeple  and 
Dover  harbour.] 

[3  ?  Tenterden.] 


How  one 
thing  is  cause 
of  another,  & 
that  of  the 
third. 


[Is  the  chief 
cause  of  the 
Dearth  in  the 
Merchant  ?] 


Marchaunt. 
[i  Fol.  42,  back] 


Doctor. 


Marchaunt. 


The  straungers 
aunsvvere  tou- 
ching this 
dearth. 


[That  because 
our  coin  was 
debasd, they 
wanted  more  of 
it  for  their 
goods.] 


Knight. 


78  A.  briefe  Conceipt 

mofte  of  that  Lande  to  Paftures,  wherein  is  requyred  both  lefle  charge 
of  Perfons,  and  of  the  which  neuerthelefle  commeth  more  clean 
gaines.  Thus  one  thyng  hanges  vpon  another,  and  fets  forwarde  one 
another,  but  one  firft  of  all  is  the  chiefe  caufe  of  all  this  circuler  mo- 
tion &  impulfion.  I  fhewed,  ere  while,  that  the  chiefe  caufe  was  not 
in  the  hufbandman,  nor  yet  in  the  Gentleman.  Let  vs  fee  whether  it 
were  in  the  marchaunt  man.  It  appeareth  by  reafon  that  all  wares 
bought  of  him  are  dearer  now  far  then  they  were  wont  to  be ;  the  huf- 
bandman is  dryuen  to  fel  his  commodities  dearer,  now  that  the  matter 
is  brought  to  maifter  marchaunt,  how  can  yee  auoyde  the  caufe  from 
being  in  you? 

1  Sir,  eafily  ynough ;  for  as  wee  fell  now  dearer  al  things  then  wee 
were  wont  to  do,  So  wee  buy  dearer  all  thinges  of  ftraungersj  and 
therefore  let  them  put  the  matter  from  vs,  for  we  will  disburden  our 
felues  of  this  fault. 

And  they  be  not  here  to  make  aunfwere;  if  they  were,  I  woulde 
afke  them  why  they  fell  their  wares  dearer  nowe  then  they  were  wont 
to  doe? 

Mary!  and  to  that  I  hearde  many  of  them  aunfwere  ere  this 
(when  they  were  afked  that  queftion)  two  manner  of  wayes.  One 
was,  they  felled  in  deede  no  dearer  then  they  were  wont  to  do ;  fay- 
ing for  proofe  thereof,  that  they  would  take  for  theyr  commodities 
as  much  and  no  more  of  our  commodities  then  they  were  wont  to  do. 
As  for  our  tod  of  woll,  they  would  gieue  afmuch  Wyne,  Spice,  or 
Silke  as  they  were  wont  to  geue  for  fo  much.  Yea,  for  an  ounce  of 
our  filuer  or  golde,  as  much  ftuffe  as  euer  was  geuen  for  the  fame. 
And  their  other  anfwere  was,  that  if  we  reckened  they  did  fell  their 
wares  dearer  becaufe  they  demaunded  moe  pieces  of  our  coyne  for  the 
fame  then  they  were  wont  to  do,  that  was  not  their  fault,  they  faide, 
but  cures,  that  made  our  pieces  lefle,  or  lefle  worth  then  they  were  in 
times  paft.  Therefore,  they  demaunded  the  moe  pieces  of  them  for 
their  Wares :  faying,  they  cared  not  what  names  wee  woulde  gieue 
oure  coynes,  they  would  confider  the  quantity  &  right  value  of  it,  that 
they  were  efteemed  at  euery  where  through  the  world. 

Then  I  would  haue  anfwered  them  there  of  this  forte.  If  they 
came  hether  but  for  our  commodities,  what  made  it  the  matter  to 
them  what  quantity  or  value  our  coyne  were  ?  If  fo,  they  might  haue 


of  English  pollicy.  79 

as  much  of  our  commodities  for  the,  fame  as  they  were  wont  to  do.   [Then  let 

foreigners  take 

If  they  came  againe  for  our  filuer  and  golde,  It  was  neuer  lawf  ull,  nor  our  goods,  and 

let  our  coin 

yet  is  expedient  they  mould  haue  any  from  vs.     Wherefore,  I  would  alone.] 
thinke  that  was  no  caufe  why  they  mould  fell  theyr  wares  dearer  then 
they  were  wonte  to  doe. 

xThen  he  might  haue  aunfwered  againe,  that  it  chaunfed  not  all  Doctor, 

wayes  together,  that  when  they  had  wares  which  we  wanted,   we  ^  Fol>  43-' 
had  againe   al    thofe   wares    thai   they  looked  for.     And   therefore 

they,  hauinge  percafe  more  wares  neceflary  for  vs  then  we  had  of  fuch  [But  suppose 

p  /•      i     n     rr      'hey  don't  want 

wares  as  they  looked  tor,  would  be  glad  to  receiue  of  vs  fuch  fturre   so  much  goods 

of  us  as  we  do  of 

currant  in  molt  places  as  might  buy  that  they  looked  for  elfe  where  them, 

at  their  pleafure ;    And  that  they  will  fay  was  not  our  coyne.     And 

as  for  our  lawes  of  not  tranfporting  ouer  fea  any  Gold  or  filuer, 

they  pafied  not  thereof,  fo  they  mighte  haue  the  fame  once  con- 

ueyed  them  j    As  they  had  many  waies  to  haue  it  fo,  which  I  haue 

before   remembred.     Finally,  hee   might  fay  that  we  had  not  in 

deede  our  coyne  in  that  eftate  our  felues,  that  by  the  name  they 

pretended,  but  efteemed  both  the  value  &  quantity  of  the  ftuffe  it 

was  made  of.     For  if  they  had  brought  vnto  vs  halfe  an  ounce  of 

filuer,  wee  would  not  take  it  for  an  ounce  j  nor  if  they  brought  vs 

brafle  mingled  with  Siluer,  we  woulde  not  take  it  for  pure  Siluerj  and 

if  wee  woulde  not  take  it  fo  at  their  handes,  why  ihoulde  they  take  it 

otherwife  at  ours  ?    Then  they  faw  no  man  heere  but  woulde  rather 

haue  a  cup  of  filuer  then  of  brafle,  no,  not  the  maifter  of  our  mints, 

though  they  would  otherwife  perfwade  the  one  to  be  as  good  as  the 

other.     Wherfore,  feing  vs  efteeme  the  one  in  deede  better  then  the 

other,  as  all  the  world  doth  befide,  why  fhould  they  not  efteeme  our  why  should  they, 

coine  after  the  quantity  and  value  of  the  fubftaunce  thereof,  both  after  take  our  defcasd 

,  .  coin  as  pure  ?] 

the  rate  it  was  efteemed  amonge  vs,  &  alfo  euery  other  where?  And 
fo  as  in  moe  pieces  now,  there  is  but  the  value  that  was  in  fewer 
pieces  afore,  therefore  they  demaunded  greater  number  of  pieces,  but 
yet  the  like  value  in  fubftaunce  that  they  were  wont  to  demaund  for 
their  wares.  Now  let  vs  fee  whether  now  goeth  the  caufe  of  this 
matter  ?  from  the  ftraungers ;  For  me  thinkes  he  hath  refonably  ex- 
cufed  himfelfe  &  put  it  from  him. 

2  By  your  tale  it  muft  bee  in  the  coyne,  and  confequently  in  the   Knight. 
Kinges  highnes,  by  whofe  commaundement  the  fame  was  altered.  °'  43>  ba 


8o 


A  briefe  Conceipt 


Doctor. 


[Henry  VIII. 
debasd  our  coin, 
thinking  that  it 
'ud  be  a  benefit 
to  the  realm  ; 
but  it's  been  a 
great  loss.] 


Knight. 
Doctor. 


That  the  alte- 
ration of  the 
coyne  was  the 
very  cause  of 
this  dearth,  and 
consequently 
of  other  grief, 
euer  since  that 
time. 


[i  Fol.  44] 

[The  debase- 
ment of  our  Coin 
was  the  original 
cause  of  the 
Dearth.] 


Knight. 


Yea,  percafe  it  goes  further  yet  j  yea,  to  fuch  as  were  the  firfi 
counfailours  of  that  deede,  pretending  it  Ihould  bee  to  his  highnes 
greate  and  notable  commoditye,  whych,  if  hys  grace  mought  haiu. 
perceiued  to  haue  ben  but  a  momenta  in  profit,  and  continuall  lollc 
both  to  his  highnes  and  alfo  his  whole  Realme,  Hee  with  his  people 
might  haue  ben  eafly  reuoked  againe  from  the  practife  of  that  fimple 
deuife.  But  as  a  man  that  entendeth  to  heale  an  other  by  a  Medicine 
thai  he  thinketh  good,  though  it  prooue  otherwife,  is  not  much  to 
be  blamed ;  no  more  was  the  kinges  maiefly  in  any  wyfe,  (in  whole 
time  this  was  don,  which  is  not  to  be  fuppofed  to  haue  intended 
thereby  any  lofle,  but  rather  commoditye  to  himfelfe  and  his  fub- 
ie6ts)  to  be  herein  reprehended,  albeit  the  thing  fucceeded  befide  the 
purpofe. 

Then  yee  thinke  plainely  thai  this  alteration  of  the  come  was  the 
chiefe  and  principall  caufe  of  this  vniuerfall  dearth  ? 

Yea,  no  doubt,  and  of  many  of  the  fayd  grieues  that  we  haue 
talked  of,  by  meanes  it  beinge  the  oryginall  of  all ;  and  that  befide  the 
reafon  of  the  thing  being  plaine  inough  of  it  felf,  alfo  experience  & 
proofe  doth  make  it  more  playne.  For  euen  with  the  alteration  of  the 
coyne  began  this  dearth ;  and  as  the  coyne  appayred,  fo  rofe  the  prices 
of  thinges  with  all  j  &  this  to  be  true,  the  few  pieces  of  olde  coyne 
which  afterward  remained  did  teftefiej  for  yee  Ihould  haue  for  any  of 
thai  fame  coyne  as  much  of  any  ware,  either  outward  or  inward,  as  euer 
was  wont  to  be  had  for  the  fame.  For  as  the  meafure  is  made  leffe, 
there  goeth  more  number  to  make  vp  the  tale  j  and  becaufe  this  rayfed 
not  together  at  all  mens  handes,  therefore  fome  hath  greate  lofles,  and 
fome  other  greate  Gaynes  thereby,  and  that  made  fuch  a  generall 
grudge  for  the  thinge  at  the  firfte  time.  And  thus  to  conclude,  ll 
thinke  this  alteration  of  the  Coine  to  haue  ben  the  firfl  originall  caufe 
that  ftrauwgers  firfl  fould  their  wares  dearer  to  vs,  and  that  made  all 
Farmors,  and  Tenaunts,  that  reared  any  commodity,  agiane  to  fell  the 
fame  dearer.  The  Dearth  thereof  made  the  Gentlemen  to  rayfe  their 
rents,  &  to  take  Farmes  to  their  handes  for  their  better  prouifion,  and 
cowfequently  to  inclofe  more  Groundes. 

If  this  were  the  chiefeft  caufe  of  the  dearth,  as  of  very  good  pro- 
bability (by  you,  maifter  Do6tor)  heeretofore  alleaged,  it  mould  feemc 
to  bej  how  co/rameth  it  to  pafie  (where  as  you  fay,  if  the  caufe  be  rt- 


of  English  pollicy.  8 1 

moued,  the  effect  is  alfo  taken  away)  that  the  pryces  of  all  thinges  fall 

not  backe  to  theyr  olde  rate,  whereas  now  long  fithence  our  englifh   [ButQ.  Eliz. 

has  restord  our 

coyne  (to  the  great  honour  of  our  noble  Princefle  which  now  raigh-   Coin  to  its 

original  purity.] 

neth)  hath  bene  again  throughly  reftored  to  his  former  purity  and 
perfection  ? 

In  deede,  fir,  I  muft  needes  confefle  vnto  you  (although  it  may   Doctor. 
feeme  at  the  firft  fighte  to  difcredite  my  former  fayinges  in  fome 
parte)  that,  notwithftanding  that  our  Coyne  at  this  prefent  day,  yea, 
and  many  yeares  paft,  hath  recouered  his  aunciente  goodnefle,  yet  the   [True.    And  th; 
dearth  of  all  thynges,  which  I  before  affirmed  to  haue  proceded  of  continues.] 
the  decay  therof,  to  remayne  and  continue  ftill  amongft  vs.     Where- 
fore as  your  doubte,  herein  moued  very  aptly  and  to  the  purpofe,  is 
well  worthy  the  confideration,  fo  doe  I  accompte  it  of  fuch  difficulty, 
that  perhaps  it  would  not  be  thought  to  ftande  wyth  modefty   to  vn- 
dertake  without  farther  ftudy  prefently  to  diffblue  the  fame. 

Syr,  I  pray  you  for  this  time  omit  the  pleadinge  of  modefty.     I    Knight, 
vnderftand   wel   ynough   by  your   former   talke,  that  you   are  not 
vnprouided  of  fufficient  ftore  (without  farther  deliberation)  to  fatiffie 
vs  withall,  in  greater  matters  (if  neede  were)  then  thefe. 

Well1,  I  am  content  (becaufe  you  wyll  haue  it  fo)  to  2yeelde  to   Doctor, 
your  importunity.  I  will  vtter  f ranckely  vnto  you  myne  Opinion  here-   £j 
in,  but  vnder  proteftation,  that  if  you  like  it  not,  yee  reie6t  it,  impart- 
ing likewife  with  mee  your  owne  Phantafies  and  ludgementes  in  the 
fame.     I  fynde  therefore  two  fpeciall  caufes,  in  myne  Opinion,  by   [Two  causes  of 

f  11  •   ?  n  7  «•        •  •  'ne  dearth  of 

meanes  or  the  which,  notwztAftanding  that  reftitution  made  in  our   thinges.] 
coin,  the  aforefayd  dearth  of  things  (in  refpe£t  of  the  former  age) 
remayneth  yet  among  vs.  The  firft  is,  that  whereas  immediately  after   [x.  The  dehas- 
the  bafenefle  of  our  Coyne  in  the  time  of  kyng  Henry  the  eight,  the   by  Henry  vn 
prices    of  all  things    generally  among   al    forts   of  people    rofe;    it   prices.] 
muft  needes  happen  here  withal    (as  yee  know)  that  our  gentlemen, 
which  lined  onely  vpon  the  reuenues  of  their  lands,  were  as  neare  or 
nearer  touched  (as  is  before  proued)  with  the  fmarte  hereof  then  any 
other,  of  what  order  or  ettate  fo  euer.     Thys  therefore  being  takera  as 
moft  true,  the  Gentlemen,  defirous  to  mayntaine  theyr  former  credite 
in  bearing  out  the  Porte  of  theyr  Predeceflbrs,  were  driuen  of  neceffity 
as  often  as  whenfoeuer   any  Leafes  deuiled   for  terme  of  yeares  by 
therwfelues  or  their  Aunceftors  were  throughly  expyred,  &  fel  into 
SHAKSPEEE'S  ENGLAND  :  STAFFORD.  6 


82 


A  briefe  Conceipt 


[The  raising  of 
prices  raisd 
Rents  on  Lease 


This  raisd  the 
price  of  food, 
and  all  other 
articles.] 


[i  Fol.  45] 

[If  we  want  our 
old  pen'orths  or 
prices,  we  must 
get  Rents 
lowerd.] 


[2.  The  great 
increase  of 
money  in  our 
days,  from 
India,  &c.] 


[Some  years 
ago  a  man  with 
£3°  or  £40  a 
year  was 
thought  rich. 
Now  he's  con- 
siderd  next 
door  to  a 
beggar.] 


Knight. 


theyr  handes,  not  to  let  them  out  agayne  for  the  moft  part,  but  as  the 
rents  of  them  were  farre  racked  beyond  the  old ;  Yea,  this  rackynge  and 
hoyffing  vp  of  Rentes  hath  continued  euer  fince  that  tyme,  vntill  this 
prefent  day.  Hereupon  the  hufbandman  was  neceflarily  inforced, 
whereas  his  rent  was  now  greater  then  before  (and  fo  continueth  vnto 
this  day),  to  fel  his  Vi&ayles  dearer,  &  to  continue  the  dearth  of  them; 
and  likewife  other  artificers  withall,  to  maintaine  the  like  proportion 
in  theyr  wares  j  wherefore  as  this  dearth  at  the  fyrft  time  (as  I  faid  be- 
fore) fprange  of  the  alteration  of  the  coyne,  as  of  his  firfte  and  chiefeft 
efficient  caufe,  fo  doe  I  attribute  the  continuance  of  it  hitherunto  and 
fo  forwarde,  partely  to  the  racked  and  ftretched  rentes,  which  haue 
lafted,  yea,  and  increafed  euer  fince  that  time  hetherunto,  &  fo  are  like 
to  continue  I  'know  not  how  long.  Now  if  we  would  in  thefe  our 
dayes  haue  the  olde  pemiyworthes  generally  reftored  among  vs  agayne, 
The  reftoring  of  our  good  Coine,  which  allredy  is  paft,  (&  before  the 
improued  rentes  would  only  of  it  felfe  haue  been  mrficient  to  haue 
brought  this  matter  to  pafle,)  will  not  ferae  in  thefe  our  dayes,  except 
withall  the  racked  rentes  bee  pulled  downe,  which  poflibly  can  not  be 
without  the  co?«mo«  co/zfent  of  our  landed  mew  throughout  the  whole 
realme.  Another  reafon  I  conceiue  in  this  matter  to  be  the  great  ftore 
&  plewty  of  treafure,  which  is  walking  in  thefe  parts  of  the  world  far 
more  in  thefe  our  dayes  then  euer  our  forefathers  haue  fene  in  times 
paft.  Who  doth  not  vnderftand  of  the  infinite  fu/nmes  of  gold  & 
filuer,  which  are  gathered  from  the  Indies  &  other  countries,  and  fo 
yearely  tranfported  into  thefe  coftes  ?  As  this  is  otherwiie  moft  cer- 
taine,  Ib  doth  it  euide/ztly  appeare  by  the  common  report  of  all  aun- 
ciewt  men  liuing  in  thefe  daies.  It  is  their  conftant  report,  that  in 
times  paft,  &  within  the  memory  of  man,  he  hath  beene  accounted  a 
rich  &  welthy  man,  &  well  able  to  keepe  houfe  among  his  neighbors, 
which,  all  things  dilcharged,  was  clearely  worth  xxx.  or  xl.li.j  but  in 
thefe  our  daies  the  man  of  that  eftimation  is  fo  farre  in  the  common 
opinion  from  a  good  houfe-keeper,  or  man  of  wealth,  that  he  is  re- 
puted the  next  neighbor  to  a  begger.  Wherefore  thefe  ii.  reafons 
feemed  vnto  me  to  contain  in  them  fufficient  probability  for  caufes  of 
the  continuaunce  of  this  generall  dearth. 

Yea,  but  (fir)  if  the  increaf  of  treafure  be  partly  the  occafion  of 
this  continued  dearth,  then  by  likelyhoode  in  other  our  neighbors  na- 


of  English  pollicy. 


°  '  45>  back-' 


tions,  vnto  whom  yearly  is  conuaighed  great  ftore  of  gold  and  filuer, 
the  pryces  of  vi6tayles,  and  other  wares  in  like  forte,  rayfed  according 
to  the  increafe  of  their  treafure. 

It  is  euen  fo  ;  and  therefore  to  vtter  freely  mine  opinion,  as  I  ac-  Doctor. 
courapt  it  a  matter  very  hard  for  the  difficulties  aboue  reherfed  to  re- 
uoke  or  call  backe  agayne  all  our  Enaglifh  wares  vnto  their  old  prices, 
fo  doe  I  not  take  it  to  be  eyther  profitable  or  conuenient  for  the 
Realme,  excepte  wee  would  wiflie  that  our  commodities  mould  bee 
vttered  good  cheape  to  ftrauwgers,  and  theirs,  on  the.  other  fide,  deare 
vnto  vs,  which  could  not  be  without  great  impoueriming  of  the  Com- 
mon weale  in  a  very  fhorte  time. 

Now  that  you  haue  fo  well  touched  the  occafion  of  this  dearth,    Knighte. 
and  what  is  to  be  hoped  or  wilhed  of  the.  fame,  fo  fully  that  I  am  well 
fatiffied  withall,  I  pray  you  fhewe  me  the  remedies  of  thefe  great  In-   [Pray  tell  me  the 

remedies  for  the 

clofures,  whereof  al  the  realme  complaineth  of  fo  much,  and  hath   Enclosures  of 

Common  lands.  ] 

complayned  long  vpon.  For  you  haue  well  perfwaded  how  it  is  a 
meane  of  greate  defolation  of  this  realme,  and  that  is  longe  of  the 
great  profit  that  men  haue  by  pafture,  ouer  that  they  haue  by  tillage, 
that  they  turne  fo  much  to  pafture.  Now  I  woulde  fayne  heare  how 
it  might  bee  remedied  againe  ;  for  I  haue  hearde  this  matter  of  long 
time,  &  often  reafoned  vpon  afwell  in  Parliament  as  in  Cou/zfayles,  & 
yet  fmall  remedy  found  therefore  that  tooke  effecl. 

If  I  then,  after  fo  many  wife  heades  as  were  in  thofe  Parliaments   Doctor. 
and  Counfayles,  would  take  vpon  me  to  correct  (as  they  fay)  Magnifi- 
cat, &  to  finde  a  remedye  for  this  thinge  which  they  could  neuer  doe, 
I  might  bee  reckened  very  arrogant. 

Yet  tell  your  phantafie  therein  ;  for  though  you  mille  of  the  right   Knight. 
meane  to  reforme  that,  it  ihall  bee  no  more  ftiame  for  you  to  doe  fo, 
then  it  was  for  fo  many  wife  men  as  yee  fpeake  of  to  mifle. 

You  fay  truth,  and  fince  I  fpeak  nothing  in  this  part  that  I  would   Doctor. 
haue  taken  as  it  were  for  a  law  or  determined  thing,  but  as  a  certayne 
motion  for  other  wife  men  to  cowfider,  &  to  admit  or  reie6t  as  to  their 
better  reafon  (hall  feeme  good  ;  therefore,  as  yee  haue  boldned  me  al- 
ready with  your  patience  to  fay  thus  farre,  I  will  not  fpare  to  declare 
my  minde  in  2this.     But  ftill  I  muft  keepe  my  grounde  that  I  spake   [2Foi.  46] 
of,  that  is,  to  try  out  the  effe6tuall  caufe  of  thefe  inclofures,  and  then, 
by  taking  away  of  the  caufe,  to  redrefle  the  thinge. 


84 


A  briefe  Conceipt 


Knight. 


Sublata  cau- 
sa tollitur 
effectus. 

[A  doctor  gives 
a  purge  for  ague 
to  clear  out  its 
cause,  the 
choler.J 


Doctor. 


Knighte. 


Doctor. 
[Avarice  is  the 
chief  cause  of 
Enclosures.] 
How  Inclosu- 
res  may  be  re- 
medied. 


[r.  Lessen  the 

profit  of  grazing, 

or 

2.  greaten  that 

of  tillage.] 

Omnes  sunt 
lucri  cupidi. 


L'Fol.  46,  back] 


[There's  more 
profit  now  by 
grazing  than 
tillage.] 


I  pray  you  doe  fo ;  for  to  mee  it  feemes  very  reafonable  that  ye 
fay,  and  agreeable  to  that  I  heard  a  good  Phifition  tell  mee  once,  when 
I  was  ficke  of  an  ague :  when  I  afked  him  why  he  gaue  me  purgations 
that  made  me  yet  weaker  then  I  was,  being  weake  inough  allredy, 
faying  hee  had  more  neede  to  gieue  me  thinges  that  mould  make  me 
fironger ;  Then  he  anfwered  me  that  choler  was  the,  caufe  of  my 
ficknes,  and  that  hee  gaue  me  thofe  purgations  to  auoyde  this  humour, 
which  being  the  caufe  of  my  difeafe  once  taken  away,  the  ficknes 
mould  bee  ridde  from  me  withall.  And,  therefore,  I  pray  you  vfe 
your  accuftomed  order  in  this  matter,  and  tel  the  caufe  of  thefe  In- 
clofures. 

I  (hewed  you  before  in  our  communication  in  the  Garden,  the 
thinges  that  I  thought  to  be  the  caufe  thereof,  and  partly  the  remedy 
of  the  fame. 

So  did  other  men  among  vs  tell  theyr  f anfie  as  then ;  but  now  we 
pray  you  tell  which  of  all  thofe  caufes  ye  take  for  the  neceifary  and 
efficient  caufe  of  this  matter. 

To  tel  you  plaine,  it  is  Auarice  that  I  take  for  the  principall  caufe 
thereof}  but  can  we  deuife  thai  all  couetoufnes  can  be  taken  from 
men  ?  No,  no  more  then  we  can  make  men  to  be  without  wealth, 
without  gladnes,  without  feare,  and  without  all  affections j  what  then? 
we  mufl  take  away  from  men  the  occafion  of  their  couetoufnes  in  this 
part ;  what  is  that  ?  the  exceeding  luker  that  they  fe  grow  by  thefe  in- 
clofures  more  then  by  their  hufbandry.  And  that  may  be  done  by 
any  of  thefe  two  meanes  that  I  will  tell  you  :  Either  by  the.  minim- 
ing  of  the  luker  that  men  haue  by  grafing  j  Or  els  by  aduauwfing  of 
the  profile  of  hufbandry,  til  it  be  as  good  and  as  profitable  to  the 
occupiers  as  grafing  is ;  for  euery  maw  (as  Plato  faith)  is  naturally 
couetous  of  luker.  And  that  wherein  they  fee  *  moft  luker,  they  will 
moft  gladly  exercife.  I  (hewed  you  before,  that  there  is  more  luker  by 
grafing  of  x.  Acres  to  the  occupier  alone,  then  is  in  the  tillage  of  xx. 
And  the  caufes  thereof  be  many :  one  is,  that  grafing  requires  (mail 
charge  &  fmall  labor,  which  in  tillage  cowfumes  much  of  the  mews 
gaiwes ;  though  it  be  true  that  the  tillage  of  x.  acres  brings  more  gaines 
generally  amonge  the  maifter  &  all  his  mainy,  then  the  grafing  of  xx. 
acres.  Another  great  caufe  is,  that  whatfoeuer  thing  is  rered  vpon 
grafing,  hath  free  vente  both  ouer  this  fide  &  alfo  beyond  the  fea,  to 


of  English  pollicy.  85 

be  fold  at  the  higheft  penny.     It  is  contrary  of  all  thinges  reared  by 

tillage,  for  it  requires  both  great  charge  of  feruaunts  &  of  labor.  And   [Causes  of  til- 

alfo  if  any  good  cheape  be  of  corne,  it  paieth  fcant  for  the  charge  of  tefiy.1 

the  tillage.    And  then  if  the  market  doe  arife,  either  within  the  Realme 

or  without,  the  poore  hufband  malbe  fo  retrained  from  felling  his 

corn,  that  he  neuer  after  mall  haue  any  ioy  to  fet  his  plough  in  the 

ground  5  which  maketh  euery  man  forfake  tillage  and  fall  to  grafing, 

which  bringeth  in  all  thefe  Inclofures. 

Now,  what  remedy  for  that  r  Knighte. 

Mary  !  as  for  the  firft  poynt,  that  is,  touching  the  vnequal  charges   Doctor, 
of  tillage  and  grafing,  that  can  not  be  holpen  in  all  pointes,  by  reafon 
the  nature  of  both  reapes  the  contrary.     Therefore  the  latine  tongue 
calles  the  one,  that  is,  pafture,  pratum,  that  is  as  much  to  fay  as  para-   Pratuw  quasi 
turn,  ready.     But  the  other  thinge  might  be  remedied,  that  the  huf-   Paratum- 
bandman  might  haue  afmuch  liberty  at  all  times  to  fel  his  corn,  either   [There  should 
within  the  Realme  or  without,  as  the  grafier  hath  to  fell  his ;   which  on  the  sale  of 
would  make  the  hufbandmen  more  willing  to  occupy  theyr  plough. 
And  other,  feeing  them  thriue,  would  turn  theyr  pafture  to  tyllage. 
And,  though  it  enhaunfe  the  market  for  the  time,  yet  woulde  it  caufe 
much  more  tillage  to  be  vfed,  and  confequently  more  Corne,  which  in 
time  of  plentye  within  this  Realme  might  bringe  in  much  treafure  j  & 
in  time  of  fcarfity  would  fuffice  for  the  realme,  as  I  fhew1ed  you  before.   C1  Fol.  47] 
And  thus  with  luker  they  mould  bee  entyfed  to  occupy  the  Plough, 
yea,  &  with  other  priuileges.    I  haue  red  that  in  this  realme  fometime   [Once  the 

plongh-ta.il  was 

there  was  fuch  a  lawe,  as  a  man  that  had  trefpafled  the  lawe  of  mif-   a  sanctuary.] 

aduenture,  mought  haue  taken  the  Plough  tayle  for  his  fain&uary. 

Alfo  that  occupation   was  had  fo  honourable  amonge  the  Romalns, 

that  one  was  taken  from  houlding  the  plough  to  bee  Confull  in 

Rome,  who  after  his  yeare  ended,  thought  no  fcorne  to  refort  to  the 

fame  feate  againe.    What  occupation  is  fo  neceflary  or  fo  profitable 

for  mans  life  as  this  is  ?    Or  what  miftery  is  fo  voyd  of  all  craft  as 

the  fame  is  ?  &  how  litle  it  is  regarded ;  yea,  how  much  is  it  def-   [Husbandry  is 

.  -    ,      ,  ,      .,      .    .  now  despised. 

piled,  that  many  in  tneie  daies  repute  them  but  as  villains,  pefaunts,  or   Farmers  are 
flaues,  by  whome  the  proudeft  of   thewi  haue  their  liuings.     So  that  viUamsJ 
I  maruaile  much  there  is  any  (feing  fuch  a  vility  &  contempt  of  the 
thing)  will  occupy  the  feat  of  husbandry  at  all ;  For  as  honour  nour- 
iftieth  all  fciences,  fo  difhonor  muft  needes  decay  thew.     And  there- 


86 


A  briefe  Conceipt 


[  Honour  hus- 
bandry ;  give  it 
profit ; 


put  a  double  tax 
on  pasture,  and 
on  exported 
wool.] 


[Thus  grazing 
would  be 
discourag'd  and 
Enclosures 
broken  down.] 


Fol.  47,  back] 


f  Again,  keep  up 
the  old  system 
of  mixing  land 
ownd  by 
different  people. 
This  obliges  all 
to  keep  their 
lands  open.] 


Marchauttt. 


Of  Tovvnes 
decayed. 


Doctor. 


fore  if  ye  will  haue  hufbandry  encreafed,  ye  muft  honor  &  cherifh  it ; 
that  is,  to  let  them  haue  honeft  gaines  thereby ;  &  fince  that  gains 
mall  come  into  youre  countrey,  why  fhould  you  be  offended  there- 
with ?  Another  way  is  to  abate  the  commodity  of  grafing,  as  when 
any  taxe  is  requifite  to  be  graunted  to  the  Prince,  if  lands  be  charge- 
able thereto,  to  charge  one  aker  of  paflure  al'much  as  two  of  erable. 
Or  els  to  burden  wolls  &  fells,  &  fuch  things  as  are  reared  by  grafing, 
that  paffe  to  the  partes  beyond  the  fea  vn  wrought,  wit h  double  tallage 
ouer  any  corn  tra/zfported ;  and  by  enhaunfing  the  profite  of  tillage, 
and  abaling  of  the  profite  of  grafing,  I  doubt  not  but  hufbandry  would 
be  more  occupied  and  grafing  much  lefie ;  And  therby  thefe  inclo- 
fures  to  be  broken  vp.  Alfo  there  is  one  thing  of  old  time  ordeined 
in  this  realme,  which  being  kept  vnaltered  would  helpe  hereunto 
alfo ;  that  is,  where  men  are  enter  cowminers  in  the  ccwimon  fields,  £ 
alfo  haue  their  portions  fo  ewtermedled  one  with  another,  that  though 
they  would,  they  could  not  enclofe  any  part  of  the  fayd  fields  fo  long 
as  it  is  fo.  JBut  of  late,  diuers  men,  finding  greater  profite  by  grafing 
then  by  hufbandry,  haue  founde  the  meanes  either  to  buy  their  neigh- 
bors partes  round  aboute  them,  or  els  to  exchaunge  with  them  fo 
many  acres  in  this  place  for  fo  many  in  another,  whereby  they  might 
bringe  all  theyr  landes  together,  and  fo  inclofe  it.  For  the  auoiding 
whereof,  I  think  verely  that  it  was  fo  of  olde  time  ordeined,  that  euery 
Tenaunt  had  his  lande  not  all  in  one  parcell  of  euery  field,  but  enter- 
laced  with  his  neighbors  landes,  fo  as  here  mould  bee  three  acres,  and 
then  his  neighbour  mould  haue  as  many ;  &  ouer  that,  he  other  iii.  or 
iiii.,  and  fo  after  the  like  rate  be  the  moft  partes  of  the  copy  holdes 
that  I  doe  know  in  this  couwtrey ;  which  I  thinke  good  were  ftill  fo 
continued,  for  auoyding  of  the  fayd  enclofures.  And  thus  farre  as 
touching  that  matter. 

Now  that  you  haue  well  declared  your  opinion  in  thefe  matters  of 
the  common  dearth  and  enclofures,  I  pray  you  tell  vs  your  minde 
what  fhould  be  the  occafion  of  the  decay  of  the  good  Townes  of  thi* 
realme,  &  of  all  Bridges,  Highwayes,  and  hofpitalles ;  and  how  the 
fame  may  be  remedied  and  releeued  againe.  For  that  thefe  hufband- 
men  &  dwellers  of  the  countrey  finde  not  fo  great  lacke  in  the  fieldes 
abroade,  but  Citizens  and  Burgefes  finde  as  much  within  theyr  walles 
Since  I  haue  begon  to  take  vpon  me  to  tell  my  phanfie  in  all  thefe 


of  English  pollicy.  8  7 

things,  I  will  goe  through.     In  mine  opinion,  the  good  occupations   luring  back  to 
heretofore  vied  in  the  fayd  Townes  were  occafion  of  theyr  wealth  in   old  Trades  ] 
times  paft,  and  the  laying  down  of  thofe  occupations  againe  is  the 
caufe  of  the  decay  of  the  fame  townes.     Wherefore,  if  fuch  occupa- 
tions may  be  reuyued  againe  in  the  fame,  they  would  recouer  theyr 
former  wealth  againe. 

I  beleeue  that  well,  that  the  decay  of  the  occupations  was  the  de-   Marchaunt. 
cay  of  thefe  townes ;  but  what,  I  pray  you,  was  1  the  occafion  of  fuch   t1  Fo1-  48] 
decay  of  the  occupations  r 

I  will  tell  you :  while  men  were  contented  with  fuch  as   were   Doctor, 
made  in  the  market  townes  next  vnto  them,  then  were  they  of  our   The  occasion 

of  the  decay  of 

Townes  &  Cities  well  fet  a  worke ;    as  I  knewe  the  time  when  men   our  Townes. 
were  contented  with  Cappes,  Hattes,  Gyrdels,  and  Poyntes,  and  all    [Of  old,  folk 

J  *  were  content 

manner  of  garmentes  made  in  the  townes  next  adioyning ;   whereby   wit>j  c°ul'tr>" 
the  Townes  were  then  well  occupied  and  fet  a  worke,  and  yet  the   &c- :  now.n° 

J  poor  man  is  so, 

money  payd  for  the  fame  fluffe  remayned  in  the  countrey.    Now,  the   and 
pooreft  younge  man  in  a  countrey  cannot  be  content  with  a  lether 
gyrdle,  or  lether  poyntes,  Kniues  or  Daggers,  made  nigh  home.     And 
fpecially,  no  Gentleman  can  be  contente  to  haue  eyther  Cappe,  Cote,   no  gentleman  is 

with  country- 

Dublet,  Hofe,  or  fhyrte,  in  his  countrey,  but  they  muft  haue  this  geare   made  clothes. 
come  frora  London ;  and  yet  many  thinges  hereof  are  not  there  made,   AH  must  come 

....  .  .,  -  from  London, 

but  beyond  the  fea ;  whereby  the  artificers  of  our  good  townes  are  and  are  often 

made  abroad.] 

idle,  and  the  occupations  in  London,  and  fpecially  of  the  townes  beyond 

the  feaes,  are  well  fet  a  worke,  euen  vpon  our  coftes.     Therefore  I   [We  should  stop 

this  :  either 

would  wifh  fome  flay  were  deuifed  for  comming  of  fo  many  trifles   make  trifles  here, 

or  else  not  use 

from  beyond  the  Sea,  and  fpecially  of  fuch  things  as  might  be  made   them.] 

here  among  our  felues ;  or  els  might  bee  either  all  fpared,  or  els  lefle 

vfed  amonge  vs ;  as  thefe  drinking  and  looking  glafles,  paynted  clothes,   [Foreign  trifles.] 

perfumed  gloues,  daggers,  kniues,  pines,  pointes,  agletes,  buttons,  and 

a  thoufande  other  thinges  of  like  forte.  As  for  filkes,  wines,  and  fpice  : 

if  there  came  lefle  ouer,  it  made  no  matter.    But  fpecially,  I  would  that   [None  of  our 

own  products 

nothing  made  of  our  commodities,  as  wolles,  felles,  and  tinne,  fhould    (wool,  tin,  &c.) 

should  be 

be  brought  from  beyond  the  fea  to  be  folde  here,  but  that  all  thofe   imported.] 

fhould  be  wrought  within  this  realme.     were  it  not  better  for  vs  that 

our  owne  people  were  fet  a  worke  with  fuch  thinges  then  ftraungers  ? 

I  am  fure  xx.    thoufand  perfons   might  be  fet  a  worke  within  this  [This  would  set 

20,000  people  to 

realme,  that  are  fet  a  worke  beyond  fea  with  thofe  thinges  that  now   work.] 


88  A  briefe  Conceipt 

[» Fol.  48,  back]  be  made  beyond  the  Sea,  and  l  might  be  made  here ;  (might  not  the 
Prince  bee  glad  of  any  ayde,  whereby  hee  might  finde  X.  M.  perfons 
through  the  whole  yeare,  and  burden  his  treafures  with  neuer  a  penny 

[We  might  make    thereof?)    I  think  thefe  things  might  be  wrought  here,  not  onely  fuf- 

all  kinds  of  cloth 

and  clothes          hcient  to  fet  fo  many  a  worke  and  ierue  the  realme,  but  allo  to  lerue 

other  parts,  as  all  kinde  of  Cloth  and  Kerfey,  Worfteds,  Couerlets,  & 

Carpets  of  tapeftry,  Caps,  knit  Sleeues,  Hofen,  Peticotes,  and  Hattes  -, 

also  paper,  then  Paper,  both  white  and  browne,  parchment,  velam,  and  all  kinde 

ail  leather  goods,   of  Leather  ware,  as  gloues,  poyntes,  gyrdles,  fldns  for  lerkins ;  and  of 

chessmen ;  and     tinne  all  maner  of  vefiell,  and  alfo  all  kinde  of  glafles,  and  earthen 

pots,  tennice  balles,  cardes,  tables  and  chefies,  lince  we  will  needes 

all  iron  tools.]       haue  fuch  things  j    And  Daggers,  kniues,  hammers,  fawes,  chefells, 

axes,  &  fuch  things  made  of  yron.     might  not  wee  bee  amamed  to 

take  all  thefe  things  at  ftraungers  hands,  &  fet  fuch  a  multitude  oi 

[Ail  the  money      their  people  a  worke  as  I  fpake  of  now,  whofe  finding  &  wages  we 

for  these  now  .  _,.,., 

goes  abroad.]  doe  beare  now,  where  all  this  profit  might  bee  faued  within  the 
Realme,  where  it  mould  not  goe  from  vs,  but  returne  to  vs  againe 
from  whence  it  came  ?  And  in  fettinge  vp  of  thefe  occupations,  I 
would  haue  them  moll  preferred  and  cherifhed,  that  bring  moft  com- 

[Three  sorts  of      modity  and  treafure  into  the  countrey  j  as  yee  muft  confider  three 

traders.] 

fortes  of  occupations :  one  that  carieth  out  the  treafure ;  the  fecond 

fort,  that  as  it  carrieth  none  forth  of  the  countrey,  fo  it  bringeth  none 

in,  but  that  it  getteth  it  fpendeth  in  the  countrey ;  the  third  bringeth 

[i.  importers       in  treafure  to  the  countrey.     Of  the  firft  forte  are  Vintners,  Milleners, 

send  our  money 

away.  Haberdalhersj   thefe  galley  men,  Mercers,  Fuftian  Sellers,  Grocers,  & 

Pothecaries  that  felleth  vs  any  wares  made  beyond  the  Sea,  for  they 

2.  other  trades-    doe  but  exhauft  the  treafure  of  the  Realme.     Of  the  fecond  fort  are 

men  spend  their 

earnings  in  the      Vi6taylers,  Inhoulders,  Bouchers,   Bakers,  Brewers,    Taylors,    Cord- 
country.]  _     J 

winders,    Sadlers,    Carpenters,    loyners,    Mafons,    Blacke    Smythes, 

OFoi.  49]  Turners,  and  2  Hoopers ;  which,  like  as  they  conuey  no  money  out  of 

the  couwtrey,  fo  they  bringe  none  in ;  but  where  as  they  get  it  they 

[3.]  fpend  it.     Of  the  thyrd  fort  bee  thefe  clothiers,  cappers,  worfted- 

That  arte  is  to 

be  most  chea-       makers,  Pewterers,  Tanners,  which  bee  all  that  wee  haue  of  any  arte 

nshed  in  a 

toyvne  that          which  I  can  nowe  recken,  that  brings  into  the  realme  any  treafure. 

bnnges  most 

to  the  towne.  Therefore  thefe  artes  are  to  bee  chearifhed,  whereas  they  be  vied, 
and  where  they  bee  not,  they  would  be  fet  vp ;  and  alfo  other 
fciewces  moe,  as  making  of  glaffes,  making  of  S  vords,  Daggers, 


of  English  pollicy. 


Kniues,  and  all  tooles  of  Iron  and  Steele ;  alfo  making  of  pinnes, 
poynts,  laces,  thred,  and  all  maner  of  paper,  and  parchment.  I  haue 
heard  fay  that  the  chiefe  trade  of  Couentry  was  heretofore  in  making 
of  blew  threde,  and  then  the  towne  was  riche  euen  vpon  that  trade  in 
manner  onely;  and  now  our  thredde  comes  all  from  beyond  Sea. 
Wherefore  that  trade  of  Couentry  is  decaied,  and  thereby  the  towne 
likewife.  So  Briftow  had  a  great  trade  by  making  of  poyntes,  and 
was  the  chiefe  mifterie  that  was  exercifed  in  the  towne.  And  albeit 
thefe  be  but  two  of  the  lighteft  faculties  that  are,  yet  were  there  two 
great  townes  chyfly  mainteined  by  thefe  two  faculties  aboue  rehearfed. 
I  heard  fay  in  Fenice  (that  moft  floriming  citie  at  thefe  daies  of  al 
Europe),  if  they  may  here  of  any  cunning  craftes  man  in  any  faculty, 
they  will  finde  the-  meanes  to  allure  him  to  dwell  in  their  citye  j  for 
it  is  a  wonder  to  fee  what  a  deale  of  money  one  good  occupyer  doth 
bringe  into  a  towne,  though  he  himfelfe  doth  not  gaine  to  his  owne 
commoditye  but  a  poore  lyuing.  As  for  example,  what  money  one 
Worftedmaker  bringes  into  the  towne  where  he  dwelles,  and  how 
many  haue  lyuings  vnder  him,  &  what  wealth  he  brings  to  the  towne 
where  he  dwels,  truly  I  can  not  fufficiently  declare,  for  by  a  few 
worftedmakers  the  fame  townes  they  haue  are  growen  to  great  wealth 
&  ryches.  So  of  Clothing  and  Capping.  But  where  other  cities  do 
allure  vnto  them  good  workemen,  ours  will  expell  1them  outj  as  I 
haue  knowen  good  workemen,  as  well  Smythes  as  Weauers,  haue 
come2  from  ftrauwge  parties  to  fome  Cityes  within  this  Realme, 
attending  to  fet  vp  theyr  craftes,  and  becaufe  they  were  not  free 
there  (but  fpecially  becaufe  they  were  better  workemen  then  were 
any  in  the  Towne)  they  coulde  not  bee  fuffered  to  worke  there. 
Such  incorporations  had  thofe  Mifteries  in  thofe  Townes,  that  none 
might  worke  there  in  their  faculty,  except  they  did  compounde  with 
them  firft. 

And  doe  you  thinke  it  reafonable  that  a  ftraunger  mould  bee  as 
free  in  a  City  or  Towne  as  they  that  were  prentifes  there  ?  then  no 
man  would  bee  Prentice  to  any  occupation  if  it  were  fo. 

I  fayde  not  that  they  {hall  haue  commonly  lyke  liberty  or  Fraun- 
chifej  but  as  one  crafte  makes  but  one  particuler  companie  of  a 
Towne  or  City,  fo  I  would  haue  the  weale  of  the  whole  City  rather 
regarded  then  the  commodity  or  Fraunchife  of  one  craft  or  mifterry ; 


[Fresh  trades 
to  be  started.] 


[Coventry  has 
lost  its  making 
of  blue  thread ; 
and  Bristol  its 
making  of 
points.] 


Toyvnes  are 
enriched  with 
some  one  trade. 


[Venice  entices 
skilld  workmen 
to  it.] 


[See  what 
money  one 
Worstedmaker 
brings  to  a 
town  !] 


['  Fol.  49,  back] 


["  orig. 
comemonj 
[We  foolishly 
drive  strange 
skilld  workmen 
out  of  our 
towns.] 


Capper. 


Doctor. 


9° 


A  briefe  Concelpt 


[Very  clever 
workmen  should 
not  only  be 
made  free  of  any 
town. 


but,  in  a  decay- 
ing town,  should 
be  given  house- 
rent,  and  lent 
money.] 


['  Fol.  50] 


I2  off] 


[Makers  of 
goods  for  export 
should  be 
encourag'd.] 


[Middlemen 
sellers  of  imports 
only  live  on 
their  customers, 
and  do  more 
harm  than 
good.] 


[Every  town 
should  stamp 
the  goods  made 
in  it  with  its 
own  mark.] 


for,  though  commonly  none  mould  be  admitted  there  to  worke  but 
fuch  as  are  free,  yet  when  a  finguler  good  workernan  in  any  miftery 
comes,  which  by  his  good  knowledge  might  both  enftru6te  them 
of  the  Towne  being  of  the  fame  faculty,  and  alfo  bringe  into  the 
Towne  much  commodity  betide,  I  woulde  in  that  cafe  haue  priuate 
Liberties  and  Priuileges  gieue  place  to  a  publique  weale ;  and  fuch  a 
man  gladly  admitted  for  his  excellency  to  the  Freedome  of  the  fame 
Towne,  without  burdening  of  him  with  any  charge  for  his  firft  entry 
or  letting  vp.  Yea,  where  a  Towne  is  decayed,  and  lackes  artificers 
to  furnifh  the  Towne  with  fuch  craftes  as  were  either  fometimes 
exercifed  well  there,  or  might  bee  by  reafon  of  the  fituation  and  com- 
modity of  the  fame  Towne,  I  woulde  haue  fuch  craftes  men  allured 
out  of  other  places  where  they  bee  plenty,  to  come  to  thofe  Townes 
decayed  to  dwell,  offering  them  theyr  Freedome,  yea,  theyr  houfe 
rente  1free,  or  fome  ftocke  lent  them  of  the  common  ftocke  of  fuch 
townes ;  and  whera  the  towne  is  wel  furnifhed  of  fuch  Artificers,  then 
to  flay  the  cowzming  in  of  Foreners.  But  while  the  towne  lackes  en- 
habitauntes  of  artificers,  it  were  no  policy  for  the  reftauration  of  the 
towne  to  keepe  of2  any  ftraunge  artificers ;  for  the  moft  parte  of  all 
townes  are  mainteyned  by  craftes  men  of  all  fortes,  but  fpecially  by 
thofe  that  make  any  wares  to  fell  out  of  the  countrey,  and  brynges 
therefore  treafure  into  the  fame :  As  clothiers,  cappers,  worfted- 
makers,  hatmakers,  poyntmakers,  pinners,  painters,  founders,  fmythes 
of  all  fortes,  cutlers,  glouers,  tanners,  parchment  makers,  gyrdlers, 
pourfers,  makers  of  paper,  thredmakers,  turners,  bafket  makers,  and 
many  other  fuch.  As  for  the  mercers  and  haberdafhers,  vintners,  and 
grocers,  I  cannot  fee  what  they  doe  to  a  towne,  but  fynde  a  liuinge 
to  v.  or  vi.  houfholdes,  and  in  fteade  thereof  empouerifh  ten  times  as 
many.  But  fince  men  wil  needes  haue  filkes,  wine,  and  fpice,  it  is  as 
good  that  men  do  fpend  theyr  money  vpon  fuch  in  their  owne  towne 
as  to  be  dryuen  to  feeke  the  fame  further.  As  for  the  reft  of  the  ar- 
tificers, like  as  I  faid  before,  euera  as  they  take  no  money  out  of  the 
Countrey,  fo  they  bryng  none  in  j  as  Taylours,  Shoemakers,  Carpen- 
ters, loyners,  Tylers,  Mafons,  Bouchers,  vittailers,  &  fuch  like.  Alfo 
an  other  thinge  I  recken  woulde  helpe  much  to  relieue  oure  Townes 
decaiedj  if  they  would  take  order  that  al  the  wares  made  there  fhould 
haue  a  fpeciall  marke,  and  that  marke  to  be  fet  to  none  but  to  fuch 


of  English  pollicy.  91 

as  be  truely  wrought.     And  alib  that  euery  Artificer  dwelling  out  of  [Country  arti- 
all  townes  (fuch  as  cawnot,  for  the  commodity  of  their  occupations,  be   affiliated  to  some 

town.] 

brought  to  any  towne  to  enhabite,  as  Fullers,  Tanners,  and  clothiers,) 

fhould  bee  limitted  to  bee  vnder  the  direction  of  one  good  Towne  or 

other,  and  they  to  fell  no  ware  but  fuch  as  are  firft  approued  and  fealed 

by  the  Towne  that  they  are  lymited  vnto.  And  by  thefe  two  meanes, 

that  is  to  fay,  fy[r]fte  lby  flaying  of  wares  wrought  beyond  fea,  which   ['Fol.  50,  back] 

might  be  wrought  within  vs,  from  comming  in  to  be  fold  :   Secondly,   [Stafford's  3 

Remedies  for 

by  reftraining  of  our  wolles,  tiune,  felles,  &  other  commodityes  from   the  Decay  of 

Towns.] 

parting  ouer  vnwrought;  And  thirdly,  by  brynging  in  (vnder  the 
correction  of  good  towns)  artificers  dwelling  in  the  countreies,  making 
wares  to  be  fol[d]e  outward,  &  thefe  wares  to  be  viewed  and  fealed  by 
the  towne  feale  before  they  fhoulde  bee  foldej  —  I  woulde  thynke 
oure  Townes  myght  be  foone  reftored  to  theyr  auncyent  wealth,  or 
farre  bettered  if  they  would  follow  this. 

Now  wee  pray  you  go  to  the  laft  matter  ye  fpake  of  :   how  thefe  Knight. 
diuerfities  of  opinions  may  be  takew  away,  which  troubles  the  people   [What's  the 

remedy  for  our 

very  fore,  and  makes  great  fedition  and  deuifion  among  them,  and  in   Religious 

J  .  Differences  ?J 

maner  makes  debate  beetwene  neighbour  &  neighbour,  the  Father  and 

his  Son,  the  Man  and  his  Wyfe,  which  is  yet  more  to  bee  feared  then 

all  other  the  forefayd  loffes  of  wordly2  goods.    For  if  wee  were  neuer   [2  worldly] 

to  poore,  and  did  neuertheleffe  agree  amonge  our  felues,  wee  fhoulde 

lycke  our  felues  hoale  againe  in  fliort  fpace. 

Yee  fay  truth  :    with  concord,  weake  things  do  encreafe  &  waxe   Doctor 
big  ;  And  contrarywife,  with  difcorde  ftrong  thinges  waxe  weake.  And 
it  muft  needes  be  true  that  truth  it  felfe  fayth  :  'Euery  kingdome  de-   Concordia 
uided  in  it  felfe  fhal  bee  defolate.'     Wherefore  I  cannot  forbeare  to 


fhewe  you  my  poore  opinion,  how  fo  great  a  mifchiefe  as  this  is  may   discordia 
bee  auoyded  out  of  this  our  common  Weale  ;  &  ftil  I  will  vfe  one  trade,   iabuntur. 
as  in  feeking  out  the  oryginall  caufe,  and  by  takinge  awaye  of  that  to 
thew  the  remedye.    I  take  the  chiefe  caufe  hereof,  afwel  the  finnes  of  [The  sins  of 
them  that  be  the  minifters  of  Chrifts  holy  word  and  mifleries,  as  of  La'yme'nfare  the 
you  that  bee  the  flocke.     And  firft,  of  ours,  that  haue  fwarued  alto-   Religious 
gether  from  their  due  courfe,  order,  and  profeflion,  to  all  kinde  of 
liberality,  not  onely  to  3the  bafenes  of  lay  men,  but  far  inferiour  to  [sFol.  51] 
them  in  pride,  couetoufnes,  and  fuch.     Wherefore  yee  lay  men,  fee- 
ing in  vs  no  excellency  in  our  maners  in  deede,  thinke  vs  vnworthye 


[While  Ministers 
livd  up  to  what 
they  preacht,  all 
men  obeyd 
them.] 


The  occasio«  of 
the  scysme  in 
matters  of  reli- 

eion. 
s  the  sin  of 
Ministers  ;  and 
unless  they 
reform,  schism 
'11  not  cease.] 


Knight. 


Doctor. 

[i  Fol.  51,  back] 


[We  clergy  have 
been  beaten  ; 
but  with  little 
good  result. 


How  many 
more  of  us  live 
in  our  parishes 
now  ?] 


92  A  briefe  Conceipt 

to  bee  your  Leaders  and  Paftors,  or  to  whofe  do6lryne  yee  fhoulde 
gieue  credence,  whome  yee  fee  in  lyuing  far  difcrepant  from  the  fame. 
And  therefore  ye  take  vpon  you  the  iudgment  of  fpirituall  thinges,  to 
whom  it  doth  not  appertain.  As  one  inconuenience  draweth  euer 
another  after  him,  for  fo  long  as  the  minifters  of  the  church  were  of 
thofe  maners  &  conuerfation  agreeable  with  theyr  doAryne,  So  long 
all  men,  yea,  the  greateft  prynces  of  the  worlde,  and  the  wyfeft  mew,  wer 
contewt  to  beleue  our  do6trine,  &  to  obey  vs  in  things  concerning  that 
foule  j  and  fince  we  fel  from  the  perfection  of  life,  we  grew  out  of 
credit,  &  the  holy  do&rine  of  Chryft  fuffered  flaunder  by  our  finfull 
liuing.  So  we  haue  gieuen  the  fyrfte  occafion  of  this  euil,  &  yee  haue 
taken  it  as  an  inftrumewt  to  worke  this  fcyfme  withal.  And  though 
both  do  euil  therin,  yet  the  remedy  ought  to  begin  at  the  roote  of 
this  mifchief,  which  I  take  to  bee  in  the  minifters  &  paftors  fpirituall. 
And  to  be  playne  with  you,  and  no  more  to  difiemble  oure  owne 
faultes  then  I  haue  done  yours,  except  wee  reforme  our  felues  fyrft, 
I  can  haue  no  great  truft  to  fee  this  generall  fcyfme  and  deuifion  in 
religion  vtterly  taken  away ;  it  may,  percafe,  wyth  authority  be  for  a 
time  appeafed,  but  neuer  fo  as  it  fprynge  not  againe,  except  wee  re- 
forme  oure  felues  fyrft. 

Mary !  and  I  thinke  yee  haue  ben  wel  difciplined  &  corrected  al- 
ready, fo  as  yee  had  good  caufe  to  bee  reformed,  as  by  taking  much  of 
your  pofleffions  from  you,  and  in  burdeninge  of  your  benefices  with 
fubfidies,  as  well  annuall  as  proportional,  and  other  wayes.  What 
other  reformation  would  yee  haue  more  ? 

Yea,  no  doubte  wee  haue  had  beatinge  inough,  if  that  would  haue 
ferued,  but  fome  maifters  with  litle  beating  will l  teach  theyr  fchollers 
better  then  other  with  more  ftrypes  can  doe ;  and  agayne,  fome  fchol- 
lers will  be  reformed  with  lefle  beating  then  other.  So  you  and  we 
doe  now  :  you  in  beating  inough,  but  litle  teaching ;  and  wee  agayne, 
little  regarding  the  ftrypes,  doe  learne  as  litle.  For,  notwithftanding 
thefe  punimments  that  we  haue  had,  the  reproches  and  reuilinge,  and 
opening  of  our  faultes,  fee  how  many  of  vs  haue  reformed  our 
felues,  yea,  fo  much  as  in  our  outwarde  duties,  whereunto  we  are 
bound  both  by  gods  lawe  and  our  cannons  lawes  and  decrees ;  how 
many  moe  of  vs  haue  reforted  to  our  benefices  to  be  refident  thereon, 
which  not  onely  by  the  fayd  lawes,  but  alfo  vpon  greate  penalties  wee 


of  English  pollicy.  93 

are  bounde  vnto  by  the  lawes  of  this  Realme  !   How  many  lefle  now   [The  sins  of  the 

English  Clergy.] 

then  before  hatte  ftudied  to  heape  Benefice  vpon  Benefice,  when  wee 

bee  fcante  able  to  difcharge  one  of  them !  what  better  triall  or  ex-   [Non-residence, 

.    .  ,  ,          Pluralities,  want 

amination  is  there  nowe  in  admittyng  of  minilters  of  the  church?   Of  care  in 

ordaining  men, 

What  more  exa6te  tearche  is  made  by  our  Bimops  for  worthy  men  to   and  in  holding 

Visitations. 

be  admitted  to  the  cure  of  foules  ?  What  better  execution  of  our  can- 
nons and  decrees  doe  our  Bimoppes,  Deanes,  and  Archdeacons  in  their 
vifitations  now,  then  they  did  before  ?  Yea,  what  better  hofpitality, 
refidence,  or  miniftration  eyther  of  the  word  or  of  their  other  duties, 
doe  our  prelates  and  Byfhops  now,  then  they  did  before  ?  doe  they  not  Bishops  lurk  in 

•  mansions, 

lurke  in  theyr   manfions  &  manour  places  far  from  theyr  cathedral   coming  only 

»  •  once  a  year  to 

churches  as  they  were  wont,  and  fcant  once  a  yeare  will  fee  their   cathedrals] 
principall  church,  where  they  ought  to  be  continually  refident  ?  be 
they  not  in  a  maner  as  vnmeete  for  preaching  the  word  of  God  as  euer 
they  were,  for  all  thefe  plagues  that  God  fendes  to  them  ?    But  they 
are  fo  blynded,  that  they  cannot  fee  wherefore  they  be  thus  punilhed, 
&  conftrue  it  to  be  for  other  caufes,  as  by  the  couetoufnes  of  lay  men 
in  defiringe  theyr  Poireflions  by  a  hatred  concerned  agaynfte  them, 
for  not  obteyning  theyr  purpofe  2at  men  of  the  Churches  hand2.    Or  [«Fol.  52] 
for  that  they  cannot  abyde  the  correction  of  the  church,  or  fuch  other   men2's  hands'!]0 
caufes  as  they  immagine  with  thewfelues ;   And  thinke  that  the  in- 
dignation againft  them  Ihortly  will  flake  of  it  felfe.     But  I  pray  God 
it  doe  not  rather  encreafe,  as  I  feare  me  it  will,  except  we  amend  vs 
the  rather.    How  can  men  be  content  to  pay  the  tenth  of  theyr  goods 

which  they  gette  with  theyr  fore  labour  and  fweate  of  theyr  browes,   [Who  likes  pay- 
ing us  clergy 

when  they  can  not  haue  for  it  againe  neither  ghoftly  comforte  nor  tithes,  when  we 

do  nothing  for 

bodely?  what  layman  will  be  anything  fcrupulous  to  keepe  thofe  'em?] 

tythes  in  his  owne  handes,  when  hee  fees  vs  doe  nothing  more  then 

hee  for  it  ?  what  credite  w[i]ll  any  man  gieue  to  our  doctrine,  whom 

they  fee  fo  light  in  lyuing  ?  what  reuerence  will  they  gieue  our  per- 

fonnes,  in  whofe  manners  they  fee  no  grauity  ?    But  to  patie  from  thefe 

matters  to  others.     There  be  moft  godly  ordynaunces  made  by  our 

lawes   by  au&ority  of   Counfayles  generally,  that   all    Archdeacons  [Archdeacons 

fhould  vifite  in  perfon   yearely  theyr  precin&es.     The  Bifliop  euery   bilk  the  laws.] 

three  yeares  to  fee  the  whole  Diocelfe,  what  is  to  be  reformed  either 

priuately  or  generally,  that  priuate  faultes  might  be  reformed  forth 

with,  and  the  generall  at  the  next  Synode ;   and  therefore  they  haue   [Procurations.; 


94 


A  briefe  Conceipt 


I  The  sins  of  the 
Knglish  Clergy.] 
[Bishops  take 
the  money  for 
Visitations,  but 
never  visit. 


They  take 
money  too 
for  holding 
Synods,  but 
never  hold  'em.] 


C1  Fol.  52,  back. 

Catchword 

Whereby] 


[And  yet 
reformation  was 
never  more 
needed  than 
now.] 


[Good  laws  we 
have ;  but  we 
won't  keep  'em. 


Then  laymen 
should  make  us.] 


[  If  we  Clergy 
want  schism  to 
cease,  let  us 
reform 
ourselves.! 


theyr  procurations.  Vifite  they  doe  not  in  perfon,  as  they  ought  to 
doe,  but  by  deputies,  more  for  theyr  procurations  then  for  any  reforma- 
tion. The  money  is  furely  gathered,  but  the  caufe  wherefore  it  wa* 
geuen,  nothinge  kept ;  the  ftipend  is  exacted,  and  the  worke  wherefort- 
it  was  due,  vndon.  Then  is  there  another  good  ordenauwce  and  godly, 
abfolued  after  the  like  forte ;  where  euery  bilhop  mould  yerely  keepe 
a  finode  in  his  diocelle  of  all  euangelicall  perfows,  and  euery  arch- 
bifhop  a  fined  for  his  whole  prouince  euery  thyrd  yere,  that  if  any 
thing  occurred  in  the  dioceffe  worthy  reformation,  it  might  be  referred 
to  the  prouinciall  congregation,  if  it  were  either  donbtfull  to  the 
bimop,  or  could  not  be  reformed  without  greater  au6tority  then  the 
Bifhoppes  alone.  l Where  bee  thefe  finodes  now  kept?  yet  they  re- 
ceiue  euery  yere  theire  finodals  of  the  poore  priefts ;  of  fuch  good  or- 
denance  &  godly  there  is  nothing  kept,  but  that  which  is  their  owne 
priuat  commodity,  which  be  the  procurations  &  finodals  ;  the  other 
part  wherefore  that  charge  was  laid  is  omitted  ;  the  burdera  remaineth, 
&  the  duty  is  taken  away ;  yet  better  it  were  that  both  the  one  &  the 
other  were  taken  away,  then  to  haue  the  good  parte  taken  &  the 
worfe  to  remaine.  If  they  will  fay  that  there  needeth  nowe  a  daies 
no  fuch  vifitation  nor  fynods,  then  there  needed  neuer  none  of  them, 
for  moe  thinges  to  bee  reformed  among  vs  were  neuer  then  be  now, 
nor  reformation  neuer  more  neceflary.  But  our  prelats  would  fay 
they  dare  make  no  lawes  in  fuch  finods  for  feare  of  penurye.  what 
neede  any  mo  lawes  made  then  they  haue  already  ?  what  Ihould 
let  them  to  put  thefe  in  execution  that  be  already  made,  fpecially 
fince  they  haue  the  aide  of  the  temperal  lawes  thereto  ?  are  there  not 
ftatutes  made  in  parliament  for  refidence,  and  for  reftrayning  of  plu- 
ralitie  of  benefices,  which  had  neuer  neede  to  haue  ben  made,  if  wee 
would  haue  put  our  lawes  in  execution  ?  Are  not  we  worthy  to  haue 
other  men  to  correfte  and  reforme  vs,  when  we  can  not  reforme  our 
felues  ?  Is  it  maruaile  that  wee  bee  out  of  credence,  when  our  life  and 
conuerfation  is  contrary  to  oure  owne  lawes  and  profeflion,  and  that 
the  religion  of  them  fuffereth  flaunder,  offence,  &  reproche,  which 
through  our  defaults  lhalbe  once  required  of  our  hands  ?  Therefore, 
if  we  wil  haue  this  fcifme  taken  away  from  chriftes  church,  let  vs  firft 
reform  our  felues  &  put  our  lawes  in  execution,  as  in  reforting  to  our 
benefices  to  keepe  refidence,  and  in  contentyng  our  felues  wyth  one 


of  English  pollicy.  95 

Benefice  a  piece,  and  wyth  the  lyuinge  that  is  appointed  to  vs  for  our   [The  sins  of  the 

miniftration,  without  deuifing  of  other   extraordinary  &   vnlawfull 

gaines.     For  what  is  more  agreeable  with  reafon,  then  a  man   to 

fpende  his  tyme  where  he  hath  his  lyuing,  and  to  do  his  office  for  that 

he  hath  the  benefite  of?  xAnd  feeing  euery  benefice  is  a  mans  liuing,   [iFol.  53] 

— &  if  it  be  not,  it  might  be  amended  til  it  be  a  competent  liuing,  and 

euery  one  requireth  one  mans  whole  charge, — What  reafon  is  it  that   Propter  of- 

one  man  mould  haue  two  mens  liuinges,  &  two  mens  charge,  where   ^cium  d*- 

tur  benefi- 

he  is  able  to  difcharge  but  one  ?    Thew  to  haue  moe,  &  difcharge  the   cium. 

cure  of  neuer  a  one,  is  to  farre  agaynft  reafon.    But  fome,  percafe,  will 

fay,  there  be  fome  of  vs  worthy  a  greater  preferment  then  other,  &  one 

benefice  were  to  litle  for  fuch  a  one.    Is  there  not  as  many  degrees  in 

the  variety  of  benefices  as  there  is  in  mens  qualities  ?  Yes,  forfooth,   [We  have  bene- 

.—      ,,.  ,,  -  _  fices  from  1000 

there  is  yet  in  this  realme  (thanked  be  God)  benefices  from  M.  markes   to  20  marks  a 

year,  for  men 

to  xx.   markes   a  yeare  or  lundry  values  to  endow  euery  man  with,   according  to 

their  capacity.  ] 

after  his  qualities  and  degree.    And  if  a  meane  benefice  happen  to  fal, 

let  euery  man  be  contented  therewith  til  a  better  fal.     And  if  he  be 

thought  worthy  of  a  better,  let  him  leaue  the  firft  and  take  the  better, 

for  the  meaneft  Benefice  is  a  fufficient  liuinge  for  fome  man,  which 

ihould  be  deftitute  of  a  liuing,  if  that  benefice  and  other  like  fhould 

be  heaped  vp  together  in  great  mens  hands.     Yea,  I  doe  knowe  that  [The  poor  clergy 

men  which  haue  fuch  meane  benefices  be  more  commonly  refident,   more  than  the 

and  keepe  better  hofpitality  on  the  fame,  then  they  that  haue  greater 

benefices.  It  is  a  cor/anon  prouerbe, '  Its  meary  in  Hall  Whan  Beardes 

wags  all.'  Nowe  looke  throughe  a  whole  Diocefle,  you  {hall  not  finde 

xx.  perfons  refident  that  may  difpende  xl.  1.  a  piece ;  nor  for  al  the   [We  haven't  20 

f  •  T-»-         rf  f  resident  Parsons 

benefices  in  a  Diocefle,  the   fourth  perfon   refident  ouer  the  fame,  with  £40  a  year. 

What  temperal  office  is  fo  far  abufed  as  thefe  be  that  be  fpirituall  Not  i  Parson  in 
and  of  greater  charge  ?  I  pray  God  fend  our  Prelats  Eyes  to  fee  thefe 
Enormities ;  for  it  ihoulde  feeme  that  they  are  fo  blinded  that  they 

cannot  fee  them.     And  then  I  doubt  not  but  all  delayes  fet  a  part  if  the  Bishops 

they  will  reforme  them:  and  if  they  do  not,   I  pray  God  fend  our  this,  i  hope  to 

J  God  the  laity 

Maieftrats  temperall  the  minde  to  reforme  thefe  thinges  with  their   will.] 
feculer  power.     And  to  ftudy  for  the  reformation  2of  them,  rather  [2  Foi.  53,  back] 
then  for  theyr  poffeffions,  Chriilian  Princes  beare  not  their  fwords  in 
vayne;  nor  yet  is  it  fo  ftraunge  a  thing  to  fee  Chriftian  princes  reforme 
the  Prelates  that   fwarue  from  their  duties.     Thus  far  be  it  fpoken 


g6  A  briefe  Conceipt 

touching  the  reformation  of  them  that  be  mynifters  of  the  Church. 
[The  presump-      Now  to  fpeake  of  that  is  to  be  reformed  of  our  parte  that  bee  of  the 

tion  of  ill- 

infprmd  laymen     laytve.  yee  muft  viiderftand,  that  al  that  geue  them  felues  to  the  know- 

in  judging 

religious  ledge  of  any  faculty,  are  commonly  fubiecl:  to  eyther  of  two  vices  (as 


Cicero  de  *^a*-  Srea^  clarke  Tally  doth  report)  :  the  one  is  to  take  thefe  things 

offi.  Lib.  i.         /^at  we  knowe  not  for  things  knowne,  or  as  though  we  knewe  them  ; 
for  avoyding  of  which  fault  men  ought  to  take  both  good  fpace  and 
great  diligence  in  confideration  of  things,  ere  they  come  to  geue 
The  faultes  in       iudgement  of  the  fame  j  the  other  vice,  to  beftowe  too  great  a  ftudy 
fahy^ar[<>«;rhe       anc^  labour  about  obfcure  and  hard  thinges  nothing  necefiary.     Let  vs 
dutye-1  now  confider,  and  thofe  faults  be  not  among  you  at  thefe  dayes,  ye 

be  all  now  ftudious  to  knowe  the  vnderftanding  of  holy  fcripture. 
And  well,  for  there  can  be  no  better  defire,  more  honeft,  nor  more 
neceflary  for  any  chriftian  man  ;  but  yet  doe  yee  not  fee  many  younge 
men  before  they  haue  either  taken  any  longe  time,  or  any  good  dili- 
gence in  the  confideration  or  ftudy  of  fcripture,  take  vpon  then*  to 
iudge  of  high  matters  being  in  controuerfie,  geeuing  to  quicke  aflent 
eyther  to  their  owne  inuention,  or  to  other  mens,  before  they  haue 
corafidered  what  might  be  fayd  to  the  contrary.  And  this  fault  is  not 
[All  young  onely  feene  in  men  ftudious  of  the  knowledge  of  fcripture,  but  alfo  in 

chUeekIy,s  whether    younge  ftudeiits  of  all  other  fciences  :    {hall  ye  not  finde  a  ftudent  in 
Law,1VGrammar,     the  lawe  of  the  realme,  after  he  hath  bene  at  the  ftudy  of  the  lawe  not 

or  any  other  ... 

science.]  paft  in.  yeares,  more  ready  to  afloyle  you  a  doubtfull  came  of  the 

lawe,  then  either  he  himfelfe  or  another,  after  that  he  hath  ftudied 
the  law  xii.  or  xiiii.  yeares.  Yea,  no  doubt,  fo  it  is  in  a  young  Gram- 
marian, Logitian,  Rethoritian,  &  fo  of  al  other  fciences.  Therefore 

I  *  Fol.  54]  Pythagoras  forbade  his  Schollers  to  x  fpeake  the  firfte  v.  yeares  that 

they  came  to  him,  which  leflbn  I  would  to  God  yee  would  be  cowtent 
to  obferue,  before  yee  gaue  any  iudgement  in  matters  of  holy  fcripture. 

INo  one  ought      And  then  I  doubt  not,  but  after  vii.  yeares  reading,  ye  would  by  col- 

opmion  on  Bible    lation  of  one  place  with  another  of  fcripture,  finde  a  greater  difficulty 

'lifficulties  till  .          .         , 

he's  read  for  7  therein  then  yee  doe  now,  &  bee  more  fcrupuloufe  to  geue  an  aun- 
fwere  in  high  thinges  then  yee  be  now  ;  and  this  harme  commeth  of 

[Evils  of  rash  rame  iudgement  in  that  part,  that  when  a  man  hath  once  vttred  his 
opinion  in  any  thinge,  he  will  thinke  it  a  great  ihame  for  him  to  bee 
brought  from  that  he  hath  once  affirmed  for  truth.  Therefore,  what 
fo  euer  he  readeth  after,  he  conftrueth  for  the  mayntenaunce  of  his 


of  English  pollicy.  97 

opinion ;   yea,  and  wil  force  that  fide,  not  onely  with  his  wordes  and 

perfwafions,  but  allb  with  that  powre  and  authority  that  he  hath,  and 

will  labour  to  bring  other  to  the  fame  opinion,  as  many  as  he  can,  as 

tnough  his  Opinion  (houlde  bee  the  more  true,  the  moe  fauorers 

that  he  may  get  of  the.  fame.     By  fuch  meanes,  if  we  feeke  but  for  [Truth  doesn't 

the  truth,  that  is  not  to  bee  iudged  to  be  alwayes  on  the  beft  fide  that   most  votes.] 

getteth  the  ouer  hand  by  power,  authority,  or  Suffrages  extorted,    it  is 

not  like  in  the  difceptacion  &  inquifition  of  the  truth,  as  it  is  in  a  fight 

or  a  wreftling ;  for  he  that  hath  the  ouer  hand  in  thefe  thinges,  hath 

the  victory;   and  in  the  other,  hee  that  is  fometimes  put  to  filence,  or 

otherwife  vanquifhed  in  the  fighte  of  the  worlde,  hath  the  victory  and   [Why  should 

-  i    i  r         i       i  seekers  for  the 

conqueft  of  truth  on  his  fide.     Since  wee  contend  but  for  the  know-  Truth  split  into 

ledge  of  the  truth,  what  fhoulde  wee  deuide  our  felues  into  factions 

and  parties  ?  but  let  the  matter  be  quietly  difcufTed,  tryed,  and  ex-  As  Constaw- 

amined,  by  men  to  whom  the  iudgement  of  fuch  things  appertayneth.  l^eat'did  in 

And  prouide,  in  the  meane  time,  that  neyther  party  do  vfe  any  vyolence  the  time  of 

agaynft  the  other  to  bringe  them  by  force  to  this  or  that  fide,  vntill 

the  whole  or  moft  part  of  them,  to  whom  the  difcufcion  of  fuch 

things   appertayneth  vnto,   l  doe   freely  confent   and    determine   the  [i  Foi.  54,  back] 

matter.  That  is  the  onely  way  to  defcide  fuch  controuerfies;  and  fince  [Letaliques- 

.  .  tions  be  discusst 

this  contencion  muft  once  haue  an  ende,  it  were  better  take  an  end   by  experts,  and 

the  majority 

be  times,  then  too  late,  when  percale  more  harme  flial  haue  enfued  of  decide.] 
this  daungerous  Scifme,  as  hath  already  done  in  other  parties,  euen  be- 
fore our  Eyes,  And  in  like  thinges  hath  before  this  time  bene  feene, 
of  fuch  fort  as  it  is  too  lamentable  to  bee  remembred.     what  lofie  of 
Chriftian  men,  what  diminilhing  of  the  Chriftian  fayth,  what  con- 
tinuall  warres  hath  the  Faction  of  the  Arrians  bene  the  occafion  of? 
did  it  not  feperate  and  feuer  at  length  all  AJia  and  Affricke  from  the 
Chriftian  fayth  ?  Is  not  the  Religion,  or  rather  the  wicked  fuperfticion, 
of  the  Turke  grafted  ouer  this  Arrian  Sect  ?  did  it  not  take  his  founda- 
tion  thereof  ?    As  there  is  no  dyuifion  more  daungerous  then  that   [The  only  way 
which  groweth  of  matters  in  Religion,  fo  it  were  moft  expedient  and   is  to  have  a.8'0' 
neceifary  to   bee  quikely  remedied,  which  cannot  bee  done  by  any   Council.] 
other  way  then  by  a  free  and  generall  counfel,  that  hath  bene  al- 
wayes from  the  time   of  the  Apoftles,  who  firft  tooke  that  remedy 
(euen  to  their  dayes)  the  onely  way  to  quiet  and  appeafe  all  contro- 

nerfies  in  religion.     And  no  doubt  the  holy  Ghoft,  as  his  promife  is, 

sHAKsrKiu-;'s  ENGLAND:  STAFFORD.  7 


98 


A  briefe  Conceipt 


[No  doubt  the 
Holy  Ghost  '11 
come  to  it. 
Yet  the  Bp.  of 
Rome  ,'or  Pope) 
is  a  difficulty.] 


How  this 
•icisme  might 
be  remedied. 

PFol.  55] 

[Our  rows  are 
on 

i.)  the  pay  of 
the  clergy,  or 

2.)  points  of 
Religion. 


Let  the  Clergy 
settle  (2),  and 
the  secular 
Bowers  (i).] 


[How  to  deal 
with  the  Bp.  of 
Rome.] 


The  Bishop  of 
Rome  is  no  in- 
different man. 
[but  the  Whore 
of  Babylon.] 


Knight. 

Marchauwt, 
Husband, 
&  Capper. 

Doctor. 


wilbe  prefente  in  euery  fuch  aflembly  that  is  gathered  together  by  no 
force  or  labor  of  any  affection.  But  now  wee  will  fay,  thoughe  wee 
would  for  our  partes  fet  a  fide  parciality,  and  be  indifferent  and  vfe  no 
cohercion  to  get  numbers  &  voyces  that  fhoulde  fauour  our  partes, 
who  can  promife  that  the  Byfhoppe  of  Rome  and  other  Prelates  would 
doe  the  fame  ?  Surely,  if  yee  did  fay  fo,  yee  fayd  a  great  matter,  for 
they  be  men,  &  much  more  fubiecl:  to  affe&ions  then  yee  be.  But  I 
fhalbe  bolde  after  my  manner  to  tell  my  minde  herein,  afwell  as  in 
other  thinges.  I  take  all  thefe  matters  that  be  now  a  dayes  in  cowtro- 
uerfie  to  be  of  one  of  thefe  fortes  :  that  is,  either  touching  the  profits 
and  emolumentes  of  the  Prelates  &  Mynifters  Jof  the  church,  or 
touching  pointes  of  religion.  As  touching  thofe  articles  that  concerne 
religion,  I  would  wilhe  that  they  had  onely  the  difcufcion  thereof, 
which  ought  and  haue  vfed  alwayes  to  haue  the  iudgement  of  the 
fame ;  &  as  touching  the  articles  that  concerne  the  profits  of  Ecclefi- 
afticall  perfons,  I  would  haue  thefe  left  to  the  difcufcion  of  the  feculer 
powers,  becaufe  it  concerneth  feculer  thinges  onely ;  where  no  man 
neede  miftruft,  but  that  the  Maieftrates  will  prouide  an  honorable 
liuing  for  that  kinde  of  men  that  ferueth  fo  honorable  a  roume  as  the 
miniftration  of  Gods  holy  word  and  his  Sacraments.  Furthermore  I 
woulde  wifhe  in  thinges  touching  the  byfhop  of  Rome,  &  his  iurifdi[c]- 
tion,  that  he  fhould  be  fet  a  part,  &  fome  other  indifferent  perfons 
chofen,  by  chriftian  Princes,  to  dire6t  or  be  Prefidentes  in  the  Coun- 
fayle,  while  his  matter  is  in  handlinge  (if  it  pleafe  Chriftian  Princes 
to  houlde  a  counfayle  with  that  Whore  of  Babylon,)  for  no  man  is 
meete  to  be  a  Judge  in  his  owne  caufe.  Here  I  haue  but  briefly 
touched  the  fummes  of  things  after  my  fimple  phantafie,  referringe 
the  alowing  or  reie6ting  of  all  or  fome  of  them  to  your  better  iudge- 
ment. 

I  am  forry  that  it  is  fo  late  that  wee  muft  needes  depart  nowe. 

And  fo  bee  wee,  in  good  fayth ;  but  wee  truft  ere  you  departe  the 
towne,  to  haue  fome  communication  wyth  you  agayne. 

I  will  bee  glad,  if  I  tarry  in  the  towne.  But  as  yet  truly  I  knowe 
not  whether  I  fhall  remayne  here  beyonde  too  morow  morning,  which 
if  I  do  (in  any  thing  that  my  fimple  iudgement  will  reach  vnto  you) 
you  lhall  heare  my  farther  opinion  ;  in  tlie  meane  time,  I  pray  you  fo 
to  thinke  of  mee  as  of  one  that  if  I  ha'je  fpoken  any  thing  which  may 


of  English  pollicy.  99 

bee  preiudiciall  to  the  commonweale  any  way,  I  am  ready  to  reuoke   [The  Doctor's 

willing  to  yield 

it,  and  to  yeelde  to  the  Judgement  of  any  other  man  that  can  ihew   to  any  wiser 

*  Doctor  of  the 

how  all  thefe  griefes,  or  the  more  part  of  them, l  may  bee  remedied  by   Social  Evils  of 
any  other   better  meanes ;  for  I  know,  of  many  a  thoufande  in  this   [i  Foi.  55,  back] 
lande  I  may  worfte  fpeake  in  fuch  a  wayghty  matter.     And  fo  here 
for  this  preiente  I  take  my  leaue  of  you  all. 

And  thus  wee  departed  for  that  time  ;  but  on  the  morrowe,  when   Knight. 
I  knewe  maifter  Do6tor  was  gone  out  of  the  towne,  I  thought  not 
meete  this  communication  mould  bee  loft,  but  remembred  at  the  leaft   [I've  set  down 

shortly  the 

in  mine  owne  priuate  booke,  to  the   intent,  as  opportunity  fhoulde   Doctor's 

reasons.] 

ferue,  I  might  brynge  forth  fome  of  his  Reafons  in  places  where 

they  might  eyther  take  place  or  be  aunfwered  otherwife 

then  I  could.     And  therefore  I  haue  noted  the 

fayd  communication  briefly  of  this  forte, 

as  you  fee. 


FINIS. 


IMPRINTED 

at  SLontion  in  jfteetstreate, 

neere  Vnto  Sain&e  Dun- 
0t0nes  (Ehurch,  bg  Tho- 
mas Marfhe. 


APPENDIX. 


[P/?OCLAMAC/ON  FOR  THE  ABASSING  OF  COYNES.] 

[March,  1561.] 
\_Ashm.  MS.  1148,  leaf  39$.'] 

By  the  Quene. 

A  LTHOUGH  the  Quenes  Maiestie  had  determyned  (aftre 
jt\.  the  tornyng  of  the  base  and  copper  moneyes  to  fyne  Sterling 
moneyes,  Whiche  to  hir  greate  honor,  and  the  weale  of  the  Realme 
was  ended  aboutes  Michellmas  last)  to  have  forboren  for  the  ease  of 
hir  people  from  the  amendment  of  the  vallue  of  the  same  fyne  moneys, 
for  some  convenyent  tyme,  and  with  some  kynde  of  moderation 
therein  :  Yet  is  hir  Maiestie  nowe,  vppon  many  and  necessary  cawses 
newely  happened,  moved  and  induced,  though"  to  hir  owne  private 
greate  chardge,  to  alter  this  hir  former  purpose,  bothe  for  the  tyme 
and  the  moderation  in  the  doing  thereof.  Whereof  emonges  other 
cawses,  the  rashnes  of  a  greate  sorte  of  people,  shewing  their  wytt 
owte  of  season,  and  the  covetoosnes  of  a  greater  sorte,  are  the  princi- 
pall :  the  one  by  spredding  thorougSe  the  realme  of  rvmors  that  frome 
one  markett-daye  to  an-other  the  money  shold  be  decryed,  meanyng 
thereby  to  prevent  vnseasonably  and  vntymely,  hir  Maiesties  Determi- 
nation, (for  staye  whereofe  hir  Maiestie  gave  ordre  by  proclamation, 
but  as  it  nowe  appereth,  not  thereby  remedyed,  by  reason  the  same 
rvmors  were  before-hand  vniuersally  spredd  and  dryven  into  mens 
heades  by  sinistre  meanes) ;  the  other  sorte,  taking  hold  of  thes  rumors, 
and  onely  vppon  covetoosnes  furdering  the  same,  have  allredy  vniuer- 
sally enhaunced  the  prices  of  all  thinges  to  be  solde  for  money,  accord- 
ing to  the  rate  as  thoughe  the  moneys  were  allredy  decryed.  And 
nowe  for  that  it  is  evydent  that  the  vniuersall  expectation  for  the 
decrye  of  the  money,  is,  by  meanes  of  these  former  rvmors,  so  con- 
stantly and  depely  setled  in  mens  heades 3  and  thereaftre  the  prices  of 
all  thinges  so  highly  enhaunced,  that  vntill  the  moneys  be  in  dede 


APP.]     Lower  Values  of  Base  Coin,  March  1561.      101 

brought  to  the  vallue  at  the  whiche  they  were  entended  and  ought  to 
be,  not  onely  the  meaner  sort  of  people,  as  laborers  in  husbandrye, 
handycraftes-men,  and  suche  like,  but  also  all  serving-men,  Soldiers 
and  others,  lyving  onely  by  pention  or  wages,  and  therewith  bying  their 
victell  and  sustenaunce  ;  shalbe  pytefully  oppressed  with  vnreasonable 
prices  and  derth.  Therefore  hir  Maiestie,  having  compassyon  of  their 
estate,  for  the  releffe  of  theym,  and  for  the  remedye  of  suche  a  will- 
full  Derth,  and  consequently  with  one  dede  (that  hereafter  of  neces- 
sitie  ought  to  haue  followed)  to  make  suche  a  fynall  certeyn  end  and 
honorable  establishment  of  the  state  of  the  moneyes  of  this  realme, 
as  hathe  been  long  wished,  and  is  never  hereafter  to  be  chaunged  ne 
altered.  By  the  advise  of  hir  Counsell  and  of  many  other  noble, 
wyse,  and  expert  men,  Dothe  declare,  and  by  this  proclamation  dothe 
ordeyne;  that  all  maner  of  moneys  now  curraunt  within  this  realme 
shall,  aftre  this  proclamation,  be  vallued  and  curraunt  as  hereafter  fol- 
loweth.  And  so  shall  remayne  withowte  chaunge,  being  in  very  dede 
the  Standard  that  hathe  contynewed  and  remayned  in  this  realme, 
sence  the  sixt  yere  of  king  Edward  the  fourthe,  her  Maiesties  greate 
grandfather,  and  so  all  the  tymes  of  king  Edward  the  fifte,  king 
Richard  the  thirde,  and  king  Henry  the  viith,  and  so  forthe  vntill  the 


xvjth  yere  of 


Of  king  Henry  the  eight,  hir  Maiesties  father, 


whiche  is  so  ryche  and  good  as  none  canne  be  better  for  the  state  of 
this  realme  thereby  to  florish  and  growe  in  wealthe  and  good  ordre. 
First,  the  Moneyes  of  gold  shalbe  curraunt  as  followed!  : 


ffyne  )  ,™ 
gold|The 

Souerayne 
Royall 
Angell 

iThat  was  ) 
curraunt  ; 
r/,,-        i 

XXX  S. 

XV  S. 
X  S. 

\ 

Shalbe    ) 
curraunt  >   • 

for          1 

XX  S. 

xs. 

vj  s.  viij  d. 

half  Angell 

*v*             / 

vs. 

\ 

1U1               / 

iij  s.  iiij  d. 

1  Souerayne 

That 

Ixxs. 

!  Shalbe  \ 

xiijs.  iiijc 

Crowne  )  « 

half  souerayne 

was  cur- 

xs. 

cur-     I 

vj  s.  viij  d 

gold   j£ 

Crowne 

raunt 

vs. 

raunt   ( 

v  s. 

half  crowne 

for 

ij  s.  vjd. 

for     J 

xx  d 

Straunge  \  JJ  j  ^che  crowne)    (  That  was  |     j 
Fold       1  H  i  J*urgundion         >  <  curraunt    > 
*        (  crowne                J    f       for        ) 

vjs 

vjs 

!(    Shalbe  }    I  iiij  s.  ) 
|  curraunt  >   j  iiij  s.  j 
(for       )    ' 

Secondly,  the  Moneyes  of  Siluer  shalbe  curraunt  as  followeth : 


ffyne  v 

r  CT"  (  « 
ling    >  ^3 

Sil      \P 
uer     ' 

Shilling 
half  shilling 
Quarter  shilling 
Three  half  pence 
Three  farthings 

1  That  was  } 
<  curraunt  > 
(       for        ) 

xij  d.      v 
vjd.     1 
iij  d.       f 
jd.ob.  \ 
ob.  q.  ' 

Shalbe  \ 
curraunt  > 
for       i 

viij  d. 
iiij  d. 
ijd. 
jd. 
ob. 

And  forasmuche  as  there  be  three  other  peces  of  siluer  moneyes 
curraunt  in  this  realme,  that  is  to  saye,  a  grote,  twoo  pence,  and  a 


102     Base  coin  to  be  changed  for  sterling,  1561.    [APP. 

penny,  the  which  cannot  be  reduced  to  any  good  and  even  rekoning 
one  by  one,  Hir  maiestie  meanyng  that  no  person  shold  take  more 
harme  by  theym  then  by  hir  other  moneyes,  Dothe  ordeyne  that  three 
of  the  same  grotes  shalbe  curraunt  for  eight  pence,  and  three  of  the 
saide  peces  of  twoo  pence  shalbe  curraunt  for  a  grote,  and  three  of  the 
saide  pence  shalbe  curraunt  for  twoo  pence,  And  for  that  the  quantytie 
thereof  in  the  realme  is  not  greate,  and  yet  cumbersom  to  the  people  to 
paye  one  by  one,  Hir  maiestie  is  pleased,  betwixt  the  end  of  the  next 
moneth  and  novembre  following,  thoughe  it  shalbe  to  hir  pry  v ate  chardge, 
to  delyver  at  hir  mynt,  for  every  of  the  saide  three  peces,  asmuche  other 
fyne  moneys  as  the  same  be  nowe  vallued  by  this  proclamation. 
And  all  this,  hir  maiestie  wold  to  be  accepted  of  all  good  naturall 
subiectes,  as  one  of  the  principall  actes  tending  to  the  recovery  of  the 
auncyent  fame  and  wealthe  of  this  realme ;  and  that  no  credytt  be 
gyven  to  malitioose,  busye,  and  envyoose  persons,  that  either  of  ignor- 
aunce  or  malice  shall  deprave  this  noble  acte  :  Wherein  hir  Maiestie 
evydently  susteyneth  at  this  present  so  greate  a  burden  in  hir  present 
treasure,  as  (were  it  not  for  respect  of  the  cowmen  weale)  ought  not 
to  be  by  hir  Maiestie  borne.  But  hir  principall  care  is,  with  godes 
grace  and  speciall  assistaunce,  to  preferre  allwayes  the  weale,  suertie, 
and  honor  of  this  Realme,  before  hir  owne  pryvate  weale  or  estate/. 

Gyven  at  the  Palace  of  Westminster,  the  daye  of  Marche,  the 

fourthe  yere  of  hir  Maiesties  reigne.   1561. 

God  save  the  Queue. 


[Endorsed : — ]     Proclamacion  for  the 
Abassing  of  Coynes 


103 


NOTES.1 


p.  x.     A  learned  acquaintance  at  New  College  writes  : 

"  As  far  as  my  own  observation  goes,  I  should  certainly  agree  in 
considering  that  '  the  tone  of  W.  S.'s  book  is  not  that  of  a  man  of  27.' 
One  phrase  which  is  put  into  the  Doctor's  mouth,  '  these  40  years '  (I 
forget  the  exact  context  [p.  5 1  below]  )  would  hardly  have  come  naturally 
from  a  writer  who  had  not  seen  30.  Nor  can  I  see  sufficient  evidence 
to  identify  the  William  Stafford  of  New  College  with  the  '  Conspirator  ' 
of  1587 

"  The  Briefe  Conceipt  is  not  in  our  College  Library  ;  nor  is  it  appar- 
ently among  the  books  given  to  Winchester  College  Library  by  W. 
Stafford." 

The  passage  my  correspondent  alludes  to  is  on  p.  5 1  below,  where  the 
Doctor  says  :  "  I  haue  heard  within  these  xl.  yeares,  when  there  were 
not  of  these  Haberdashers  that  selles  french  or  Millen  Cappes  .  .  .  and 
such  thinges,  not  a  dosen  in  all  London."  If  we  may  identify  our  W.  S. 
with  his  Doctor,  this  settles  that  he  was  not  Lady  Dorothy  Stafford's  son, 
specially  when  it  is  confirmd  by  other  like  sayings  by  the  Doctor,  on 
p.  27  (haue  you  not  scene  how  many  learned  men  haue  bene  put  to 
trouble  of  late,  within  this  xx.  or  xxx.  yeares) ;  p.  28  (where  he  speaks  of 
the  old  prices  of  caps,  shoes,  and  horse-shoeing) ;  p.  40  (if  that  kinde  of 
inclosing  doe  asmuch  increase  in  xxx.  yeares  to  come,  as  it  hath  done 
in  xxx.  yeares  past  .  .  . )  ;  p.  64  (where  he  contrasts  the  old  wages,  &c. 
with  the  new,  and  says,  "  I  know  when  a  Seruingman  was  content  to  go 
in  a  Kendall  coate  in  Sommer,"  &c.) ;  p.  68  (where  he  refers,  as  having 
livd  in  them,  to  '  the  later  yeares  of  King  Henry  the  eight,'  who  died  Jan. 
28,  1547) ;  p.  8 1  ('our  Coyne  at  this  present  day,  yea,  and  many  yeares 
fiast,  hath  recouered  his  aunciente  goodnesse');  p.  86,  87,  89,  &c.,  all 
implying  that  the  speaker  was  old.  But,  as  I  have  noted  in  my  Fore- 
words, W.  S.  may  be  speaking  only  dramatically  through  the  Doctor 
(cp.  'ours,'  'yee  laye  men,'  p.  91  ;  p.  92,  &c.)  If  so,  we  must  notice 
that  W.  S.  identifies  himself,  the  writer  of  the  treatise,  with  the  Knight, 
on  p.  32,  p.  75,  and  in  the  last  paragraph  of  the  book,  p.  99,  "  therefore 
I  haue  noted  the  sayd  communication  briefly  of  this  sorte,  as  you  see." 
If  then  the  Knight  represents  William  Stafford,  he  was  probably  older 
than  the  Doctor,  for  not  only  does  he  refer,  near  the  top  of  p.  33,  to  his 
buying  pigs  and  geese  30  years  ago,  but  near  the  foot  of  the  page  he  pro- 

1  The  Notes  and  Indexes  are  mainly  by  Miss  Isabel  Marshall  of  Bedford. — F. 


1 04  Notes. 

bably  implies  that  he  had  Abbey  or  priory  lands  given  him  by  Henry 
VIII.  in  or  soon  after  1532  A.D.  But  the  safer  plan  is,  no  doubt,  to  rely 
on  the  general  tone  of  the  book,  to  which  I  appeald  at  first ;  and  I  do 
not  think  many  readers  will  differ  from  the  conclusion  of  my  correspond- 
ent and  myself  on  the  point  of  the  author's  not  being  a  man  of  27. — F. 

p.  xii.  William  Stafford  and  the  Popish  Plot.  Mr  Greenfield  sends 
me  a  further  note  (29  July  1876),  which  is  interesting,  but  contains  no 
evidence  as  to  the  authorship  of  the  Briefe  Conceipt : — 

"  The  difference  between  us  as  to  the  author  of  the  '  Compendium ' 
is  narrowed  to  a  question  of  likelihood.  I  think  the  balance  is  in  favour 
of  the  son  of  Queen  Elizabeth's  Lady  of  the  Bedchamber. 

"  Excuse  me  for  suggesting  that  you  do  not  seem  to  understand  the 
part  which  William  Stafford  played  in  the  project  of  Des  Trappes. 
This  branch  of  the  Stafford  family  was  strictly  Protestant,  of  the  Calvin- 
istic  type.  In  the  reign  of  Mary,  Sir  William  and  his  wife,  with  their  eldest 
son  and  daughter,  migrated  to  Geneva,  where  their  youngest  son — after- 
wards Sir  John  Stafford,  Kt. — was  born  and  baptized  in  Jan.  1555-6, 
John  Calvin  being  the  godfather. 

"  William,  their  second  son,  was  not  a  popish  plotter.  He  may  have 
been  an  intriguer  and  informer  of  Walsingham's.  The  political  morality 
of  that  age  was  not  what  it  is  now.  Plot  was  met  by  counterplot. 
Elizabeth  and  her  Lords  of  the  Council  '  knew  well  how  to  throw  the 
responsibility  of  odious  measures  upon  their  instruments.'  Success  was 
rewarded,  whilst  failure  was  disowned  and  not  unfrequently  punished. 
The  system  of  spies  and  informers  was  at  its  height  ;  and  Walsingham, 
as  Secretary  of  State,  employed  both  largely. 

"  January  1 586-7  was  a  very  critical  time  for  the  Queen  and  the  minis- 
ter. The  Babington  conspiracy  had  only  just  before  been  stamped  out.  It 
had  been  preceded  by  those  of  Somerville  in  1583  and  Throgmorton  in 
1 584,  besides  a  general  commotion  of  opposite  religious  parties.  In  1 584 
the  Earl  of  Leicester  organised  the  association  '  against  popish  con- 
spirators] which  was  mainly  to  strengthen  Elizabeth's  hold  over  the 
Scottish  Queen's  liberty  and  life.  More  recently  the  commission  for  the 
trial  of  the  Queen  of  Scots  had  pronounced  sentence  of  death  against 
her.  Pretexts  were  sought  for  justifying  Elizabeth's  signing  the  warrant 
of  execution.  The  King  of  France  had  sent  over  M.  de  Bellievre  as  a 
special  envoy  to  intercede  for  Mary's  life.  He  had  discharged  his 
mission  before  the  end  of  December,  and  was  now  demanding  his 
passport  of  return,  which  he  received  on  14  January  1586-7.  Such  are 
facts.  Need  I  paint  the  effect  of  the  situation  upon  an  aspirant  for  court 
favour  ?  The  hope  of  reward,  if  he  succeeded  in  implicating  any  of  the 
members  of  the  French  embassy  in  a  plot  for  getting  rid  of  Elizabeth 
and  saving  the  life  of  Mary  ? 

"  Whether  he  were  a  volunteer,  or  an  agent  of  Walsingham's,  the 
effect  of  success,  or  failure,  would  be  the  same.  Stafford  tells  us, 
however,  that  Walsingham  directed  him  to  go  on  with  the  affair. 


Notes. 


105 


"  The  statements  of  Stafford  and  Des  Trappes  as  to  who  first  took  up 
the  project  of  assassination  are  contradictory.  Anyhow,  Walsingham 
could  not  have  believed  that  Stafford  was  in  earnest,  even  if  it  emanated 
from  Stafford  :  otherwise,  we  may  be  sure  he  would  not  have  come  out 
of  the  Tower  alive.  As  it  was,  Stafford  failed  in  committing  any  of  the 
French  embassy  in  a  plot,  and  of  so  adding  a  justifiable  pretext  for 
Elizabeth's  signing  the  warrant  for  the  execution  of  Mary.  Hence  it 
became  colourably  necessary,  for  the  credit  of  Elizabeth  and  her  minister, 
to  imprison  Stafford.  So  much  as  to  Stafford's  doings  in  this  matter. 

"  With  regard  to  the  author  of  the  Compendium,  I  think  Dr  Bliss's 
assertion,  viz., '  Besides  him'  (W.  Stafford,  M.A.,  of  Ch.  Ch.  in  1618) 
'  was  another  of  the  same  name,  but  before  in  time,'  &c.,  must  be 
restricted  in  its  application  to  an  Oxford  Student,  and  not  generally. 
This  construction  strengthens  the  claim  I  make  for  the  Fellow  of  New 
College  as  the  author  of  the  Compendium." 

p.  xiii.  Note  that  our  Wm.  Stafford  had  studied  Moral  Philosophy; 
p.  12,  1.  26-7.— F. 

p.  12.  Image  =•  representation.     Cp.  Hamlet,  III.  ii.  248. 

p.  14.  "  there  comes  me  in."  This  is  another  of  the  so  common  instances 
of  what  Grammarians  call  the  Ethic  Dative,  found  constantly  in  Greek. 
It  occurs  in  Shakspere  over  and  over  again  :  Two  Gent,  of  Verona,  IV. 
iv.,  "  he  steps  me  to  her  trencher  "  ;  "  he  thrusts  me  himself  into  the 
company"  ;  &c.,  &c. 

p.  2 1 .  "  There  may  be  .  .  that  they  had"  Cp.  Love's  Labour  Lost, 
I.i.  71. 

p.  23.  compleate.  This  may  be  an  example  of  the  adverbial  inflexion 
in  -e  common  in  Chaucer.  See  Morris,  Introduction  to  Prologue,  p.  xl. 
There  is  another  instance,  uprights,  on  p.  24. 

p.  24.  to  ear.     Cp.  All's  Well  that  Ends  Well,  I.  iii. 

p.  27.  esteemeth.  "  The  plural  of  the  pres.  indie,  ending  in  -eth  was 
the  ordinary  inflexion  for  all  persons  in  the  Old  English  Southern  Dia- 
lects."— Morris,  Int.  to  Chaucer's  Prologue,  p.  xxxviii. 

p.  33,  1.  6  from  foot  :  any.  Is  this  for  many,  or  a  use  of  any  =  some  ? 

p.  34.  Meany  :  cp.  Chaucer,  meyne*,  Knts.  Ta.  1. 400  ;  Nonnes  Priests 
Ta.  1.  573.  Mod.  French  menu. — I.  M. 

As  meine  is  one  of  the  words  that  Stanihurst  calls  '  Chaucer  English,' 
I  take  the  opportunity  of  reprinting  all  he  says  on  the  English  talkt  in 
Ireland : — 

"  Howbeit  to  this  daie,  the  dregs  of  the  old  ancient  Chaucer  English 
Old  English  in  are  kept  as  well  there  fin  Wexfordl  as  in  Fingall,  as  they 

Weisford  and  ..  .J  at  r 

Fingall.  terme  a  spider,  an  attercop  ;  a  wisp,  a  wad  ;  a  lumpe  of 

bread,  a  pocket,  or  a  pucket ;  a  sillibucke,1  a  copprous  ;  a  faggot,  a 
blease  or  a  blaze,  for  the  short  burning  of  it  (as  I  iudge) ;  a  physician,  a 
leach  ;  a  gap,  a  shard  ;  a  base  court  or  quadrangle,  a  bowen,  or  rather 
(as  I  doo  suppose,)  a  barton  ;  the  houshold  or  folks,  meanie;  sharpe, 
1  Sillybauk,  a  syllabub.  Lincolnshire. — Halliwell's  Gloss. 


io6  Notes. 

keene  ;  estrange,  vncouth  ;  easie,  eeth '  or  eefe  ;  a  dunghill,  a  mixen.  As 
Bater.  for  the  word  '  bater,'  that  in  English  purporteth  a  lane, 

bearing  to  an  high  waie,  I  take  it  for  a  meere  Irish  word  that  crept 
vnawares  into  the  English,  through  the  dailie  intercourse  of  the  Eng- 
lish and  Irish  inhabitants.  And  whereas  commonlie  in  all  countries 
the  women  speake  most  neatlie  and  pertlie,  which  Tullie  in  his 
third  booke  De  oratore,  speaking  in  the  person  of  Crassus,  seemed  to  have 
obserued  :  yet  notwithstanding  in  Ireland  it  falleth  out  contrarie.  For 
The  pronun-  the  women  haue  in  their  English  toong  an  harsh  &  brode 

tiation  of  the          ,.,..  ..  ...          ,.  .  •  ,  i- 

Irish  women.  kind  of  pronuntiation,  with  vttenng  their  words  so  peeuishhe 
and  faintlie,  as  though  they  were  halfe  sicke,  and  readie  to  call  for  a  posset. 
And  most  commonlie,  in  words  of  two  syllables  they  give  the  last  the 
accent :  as  theysaie,markeat,  baskeat,  gossoupe,  pussoat,  Robart,  Niclese, 
&c  :  which  doubtles  dooth  disbeautifie  their  English  aboue  measure. 
And  if  they  could  be  weaned  from  that  corrupt  custome,  there  is  none 
that  could  dislike  of  their  English." — 1586.  Richard  Stanihurst,  The 
Description  of  Ireland,  Holinshed's  Chronicle,  1587,  vol.  ii.  p.  II,  col.  i, 
1.  28— 58.— F. 

p.  37.  Brass  money. 

French  Soldier.  Est  il  impossible  d'echapper  la  force  de  ton  bras  ? 

Pistol.  Brass,  cur  ! 

Thou  damned  and  luxurious  mountain  goat, 
Offer'st  me  brass  ? — Henry  V.,  IV.  iv.  17 — 21. — P.  A.  Daniel. 

p.  40.  "  Men  do  turne  .  .  .  but  only  sheepe."  This  passage,  with  those 
on  p.  46  and  p.  80,  is  strong  evidence  of  the  existence  of  the  Old  Teu- 
tonic Arable  Mark.  See  Maine's  Village  Communities,  Lect.  III. 

p.  49.  "  Surely  common  .  .  men  the  more."  Compare  with  this  the 
following  passage  from  the  official  letter  given  to  Sir  Hugh  Willoughby 
and  Sir  Richard  Chancellour  in  1553,  when  they  set  out  on  their 
famous  voyage  of  discovery.  It  is  quoted  in  the  Introduction  to  Adam 
Smith,  from  Hakluyt,  Vol.  III.  p.  231  :  "  For  the  God  of  Heaven  & 
Earth,  greatly  providing  for  mankinde,  would  not  that  all  things  should 
be  found  in  one  region  to  the  ende  that  one  shoulde  need  of  another  ; 
that  by  this  means,  friendship  might  be  established  among  all  men  and 
every  one  seek  to  gratifie  all .  .  ." 

p.  50.  foreign  trifles  exchanged  for  English  valuables.  Compare 
Harrison,  Book  II,  chap.  9,  p.  235,  col.  2,  ed.  1587  :  "  I  think  no  nation  can 
haue  more  excellent  &  greater  diuersitie  of  stuffe  for  building,  than  we 
maie  haue  in  England,  if  our  selues  could  so  like  of  it.  But  such  alas  is 
our  nature,  that  not  our  own,  but  other  mens,  do  most  of  all  delite  vs  ; 
&  for  desire  of  noueltie,  we  oft  exchange  our  finest  cloth,  corne,  tin,  and 
woolles,  for  halfe  penie  cockhorsses  for  children,  dogs  of  wax  or  of  cheese, 
twopennie  tabers,  leaden  swords,  painted  feathers,  gewgaws  for  fooles, 
dogtricks  for  disards,  hawkeswhoods,  and  such  like  trumperie,  whereby  we 
»  A.S.  ea$e,  e%e. 


Notes.  107 

reape  iust  mockage  and  reproch  in  other  countries."  See  too  chap.  10, 
p.  236,  col.  1,1.  50,"  one  trifling  toie  not  worth  the  carriage,  coaming  (as 
the  prouerbe  saith)  in  three  ships  from  beyond  the  sea,  is  more  woorth  with 
vs,  than  a  right  good  iewell,  easie  to  be  had  at  home."  And  chap.  I,  p. 
221,  col.  i,  1.  27,  "  And  it  is  so  sure  as  God  liueth,  that  euerie  trifle  which 
commeth  from  beyond  the  sea,  though  it  be  not  worth  three  pence,  is 
more  esteemed  then  a  continuall  commoditie  at  home  with  vs,  which  far 
exceedeth  that  value."  Also,  Book  II.,  chap.  19,  p.  323  of  my  edition. — F. 

p.  51.  the  Millener :  the  dealer  in  goods  imported  from  Milan.  The 
name  has  narrowd  into  that  of  the  maker  or  seller  of  ladies'  bonnets, 
hats,  caps,  &c. — F. 

p.  51.  glasses  :  on  the  general  use  of  glass  drinking  vessels,  see  Har- 
rison, Book  II.,  p.  147  ;  and  Falstaff  in  2  Hen.  IV.,  II.  i.  155,  "  Glasses, 
glasses  is  the  only  drinking."  Also  F.  Thynne's  Emblems,  &c.  p.  62,  1. 
8,  "glasse  vessells  for  banquettinge  are  dailie  had  in  pryse." — F. 

p.  51.  vile  elate,  &c. :  the  silex  and  potash  to  make  glass  of.— F. 
.p.  51.  pryple  (pebble]  stones  and  Feme  rootes.     Compare  Harrison,  p. 
147 :  "  The  poorest  also  will  haue  glasse  if  they  may  ;  but  sith  the  Vene- 
tian is  somewhat  to  deere  for  them,  they  content  themselues  with  s:ich  as 
are  made  at  home  of  feme  and  burned  stone" — F. 

p.  52.  Wool  exported,  and  wrought  abroad.  Compare  Harrison, 
Book  III.,  chap.  10,  p.  236,  ed.  1587  :  "  Some  of  them  [foreigner  traders] 
can  saie  without  anie  teacher,  that  they  will  buie  the  case  [  =  skin]  of  a 
fox,  of  an  Englishman  for  a  groat,  and  make  him  afterward  giue  twelue 
pence  for  the  taile.  Would  to  God  we  might  once  wax  wiser,  and  each 
one  indeuor  that  the  common-wealth  of  England  may  flourish  againe  in 
hir  old  rate,  and  that  our  commodities  may  be  fullie  wrought  at  home  (as 
cloth  if  you  will,  for  an  example)  and  not  caried  out  to  be  shorne  and 
dressed  abroad,  while  our  clothworkers  here  doo  starue  and  beg  their 
bread,  and,  for  lacke  of  dailie  practise,  vtterlie  neglect  to  be  skilfull  in  this 
science." — F. 

p.  64.  Excesse  in  apparell  and  fare.  Compare  Harrison,  Book  II., 
chapters  7  and  6,  p.  167 — 172,  p.  144 — 155. — F. 

p.  64.  "  Countenance"  fair  shew.  Cp.  Measure  for  Measure,  V.  i., 
"  Unfold  the  evil  which  is  here  wrapt  up  in  countenance" 

p.  97.  "  hee  that  is  sometimes  .  .  truth  on  his  side."  There  is  a 
passage  similar  to  this  in  J.  S.  Mill's  Essay  on  Liberty,  ch.  ii.  p.  16, 
People's  Edition. 


io8 


ARCHAIC  WORDS  AND  FORMS. 


A,  to,  p.  27. 

A  doe,  to  do,  p.  1 5. 

Aduyses,  p.  12,  L  12,  opinions.    Fr. 

avis. 

Afore,  before,  p.  22. 
Agayne,  prep,  against,  p.  40, 1.  12 

from  foot. 

Agglettes,  tagged  points,  p.  50. 
Appayred,  grew  worse,  p.  80. 
Areses,  pieces   of   Arras    tapestry 

hangings,  p.  66. 
Assay,  p.  45,  try. 
Assoyle,  resolve,  explain,  p.  96. 
Assuered,  p.  43,  sure. 
Away,  for  do  away,  p.  66. 

Basing,  p.  49,  cowering. 

Ben,  p.  80,  been. 

Biefes,  p.  35, 1.  4  from  foot,  oxen. 

Booty,  remedy,   p.    18 ;    same  as 

Boote,  Chaucer's  Prologue,  1. 424. 
Bouchers,  p.  71,  butchers. 
Bread-corn  and  malt-corn,  p.  46. 
Broode,  sb.  breeding,  stock,  p.  43, 1. 

10. 
But,  only,  "liveth  but  a  hundreth," 

p.  22. 

By,    during,    "lived    by    all    that 

space,"  p.  23,  and  p.  26. 
By,     on,    "lived     by    their     day 

wages,"  p.  1 6. 
By  course,  in  order,  p.  63. 
By  likelihood,  p.  82,  probably. 
By  means  it  being,  p.  80,  by  means 

of  its  being. 


Can,  know,  p.  25. 
Censure,   p.    12,  line 
criticism. 


21,   opinion, 


Chargeable,  p.  46,  expensive. 

Cheape,  sb.  p.  35,  bargain,  price. 

Chearished,  p.  47.  Fr.  cherer,  to 
cheere,  to  cherish,  &c. 

Ciuilion,  p.  40, 1.  7  from  foot,  one 
learned  in  the  Civil  Law. 

Civile,  p.  21,  civilized. 

Civility,  p.  26,  civilization. 

Cleane,  p.  19,  proper,  neat,  well  ap- 
pointed. 

Close,  p.  14,  private. 

Come  in  place,  p.  30. 

Commodities,  commodiously,  con- 
veniently :  "  lying  commodities 
for  them/'  p.  66, 1.  3  from  foot. 

Competently,  p.  49,  enough. 

Compleate,  p.  23,  completely. 

Conceipt,  conception,  idea,  p.  67. 

Concertation,  p.  27,  conference,  p. 
20,  23,  comparison. 

Conjunct,  p.  23. 

Conservation,  p.  15,  preservation. 

Considered  of,  for  by,  p.  35,  1.  25  ; 
consider  me,  p.  34. 

Countenance,  'fair  shew,'  state,  p. 
63,  p.  64,  and  note. 

Cut,  slasht,  p.  64, 1.  6  from  foot. 

Damozins,  p.  54,  damsons. 

Dearth,  dearness,  p.47,1.4from  foot. 

Declination,  decline,  p.  65. 

Devise,  p.  12.  Fr.  "De-vis:  m. 
Speech,  talke,  discourse,  a  con- 
ference or  communication."  — 
Cotgrave. 

Disceptation,  p.  12, 1.  7  from  foot. 
Fr.  "  Diceptation  .  .  disputation, 
contention,  arguing,  debating,  rea- 
soning, about  a  matter." — Cotgr. 


Archaic  Words  and  Forms. 


100 


Discussion,  distinguishing,  p.  24. 
Dispend,  p.  95,  spend. 
Displeasaunt,  p.  43,  1.  3  from  foot, 
displeasing. 

Eare,  to  plough,  p.  24,  and  note. 

Eke,  p.  72,  also. 

Enhaunse,  p.  28,  raise. 

Ensearch,  p.  30,  1.  3  from  foot, 
search  out,  seek  for. 

Enter-comminers,  p.  86,  inter-com- 
moners. 

Entermedled,  p.  86,  intermixed. 

Equipolent,  p.  22,  of  equal  power. 

Erable,  p.  41,  1.  15  from  foot, 
ploughable,  arable. 

Estats,  states,  condition,  p.  20. 

Esteeme,  p.  58,  estimate. 

Evangelicall,  p.  94,  preaching  the 
gospel. 

Exercise,  tillage,  practise  it,  carry  it 
on,  p.  44,1.  15. 

Feate,   p.    12,  1.    13 ;    p.   41.    Fr. 

"faict :  m.  A  fact,  act,  motion,  .  . 

also,  an   allegation,  proposition, 

argument,  or  article,  in  pleading." 

— Cotgrave. 
Feate,  manufacture,  trade,  p.  46,  p. 

69,  1.  19. 

Fetched  at,  p.  51. 
For,  before  infinitive,  for  to  helpe, 

p.  1 8,  like  Fr.  pour  aider. 
Treating,  p.  59,  fretting,  biting. 
Fryseadowes,  p.  51,   ?  Frisian  fine 

cloth. 
Furniture  of  her  warres,  equipment 

for  them,  p.  24. 

Carded,  braided,   ornamented,    p. 

64, 1.  6  from  foot. 
Gardes,    braidings,    ornaments,   p. 

65,  1.  19,  20. 

Gettings,  earnings,  p.  29. 
Goeth   clear,   is   free  from  blame, 

p.  27. 
Good,  better,  best,  used  as  a  term 


of  comparison,  "  good  cheap,"  a 
good  bargain,  p.  34  et  passim. 

raffe,  graft,  p.  24. 

roundely,  p.  55,  fundamentally. 
Growing  of,  proceeding  from,  p.  70. 

Haleth,  p.  31,  haul,  pull. 
Handy  labour,  p.  41. 
Hath  bene,  p.  40,  have  beea 
Have  in  charge,  p.  n. 
Him,  it,  p.  82. 
His,  gen.  its,  p.  81. 
Holde,  p.  35, 1.  5,  holding,  farm. 
Holpen,  p.  33,  helped. 
Hoyssing,  p.  82,  hoisting. 
Husband,  farmer,  husbandman,  p. 
32,  &c. ;  p.  40,  1.  4  from  foot. 

Image,  p.  12,  picture. 

Impulsion,  p.  78,  impulse. 

In  maner,  p.  21  ;  in  manner  for,  p. 

1 5  ;  maner,  welt  :    "  well  maner 

of  things." 

Inning,  p.  24,  getting  in. 
Intend,  p.  69,  1.  20,  devise,  create. 

Lay  forth,  bring  forward,  p.  42. 

Least,  p.  77,  lest. 

Leaver,  p.  37,  rather. 

Let,  hinder,  p.  94  et  passim. 

Licked  themselves  whole,    p.    28, 

91. 
Longe  of,  result  of,  modern  vulgar 

along  of,  p.  1 6. 
Luker,  p.  48,  lucre,  money,  gain, 

profit. 

Maintenaunce,  in,  of,  p.  41,  in  sup- 
port of. 

Manurance,  holding  or  handling  (?), 
p.  63. 

Manure,  p.  63,  p.  77,  to  cultivate. 
Cp.  Othello,  I.  iii.  328  :  "  sterile 
with  idleness  or  manured  with 
industry." 

Meane,  p.  41,  means. 

Meany  (mainy,  p.  84),  household, 
following,  p.  34,  p.  64,  and  note. 


I  IO 


Archaic  Words  and  Forms. 


Member  of  Philosophy,  p.  12. 

Minish,  p.  19. 

Misterye,  p.  69,  trade,  business. 

Moe,  more,  p.  22. 

More,  greater,  p.  32, 1.  1 1  from  foot. 

Mought,  p.  80,  might. 

Move,  p.   12,  1.  8  from  foot,  touch 

on,  discuss. 

Muttons,  p.  35, 1.  4  from  foot,  sheep. 
Myne,  p.  68,  my. 

Neare,  p.  76,  nearer. 

Non,  not,  p.  23. 

Nor,  no,  p.  21,  double  negative,  like 

Fr. 
Noted  a,  for  noted  as  a,  p.  14. 

Occasion,  take,  p.  69. 

Occupied,  carried  on,   practist,  p. 

47,1-  1 8. 
Occupier,  p.  89. 
Occurrents,  occurrences,  p.  23. 
Of,  p.  46, 1.  5,  by. 
Of  my  faith,  p.  27  ;  of  all  hands,  p 

18,  for  on. 

On,  complain,  for  of,  p.  13. 
Ordered,    p.   27,    1.    10,   arranged, 

made  accessible. 
Other,  for  others,  p.  15. 
Over,  besides,  in  addition  to,  p.  8. 
Owches,  p.  50,  ornaments,  jewels. 

Paines,  punishments,  p.  47. 

Pass  my  compass,  p.  12,  go  beyond 
my  limit. 

Paynefull,  p.  47,  1.  i,  trouble-taking, 
laborious. 

Penner,  p.  50,  1.  5  from  foot,  pen- 
case. 

Percase,  perchance,  perhaps,  p.  41, 
1.  13,  &c. 

Perfit,  perfect,  p.  23. 

Peruse,  p.  63,  examine. 

Phantasies,  fancies,  p.  68. 

Physicke,  Physics,  p.  24, 1.  2  from 
foot. 

Plentious,  well  to  do,  p.  19. 


Poulder,  powder,  p.  29,  1.  5  from 
foot. 

Prety  while,  a,  p.  32. 

Provoked,  p.  12, 1.  1 1,  p.  47, 1.  8  from 
foot,  calld  on,  stirrd  up. 

Puke,  French,  p.  64,  1.  7  from  foot. 
'  Explained  by  Baret,  a  colour 
between  russet  and  black.  "  Chi- 
dro  scuro,  a  darke  puke  colour," 
Florio,  p.  97.' — Halliwell's  Glos- 
sary. 

Pull,  p.  30,  pull  up,  pluck  out. 

Purchased,  procured,  p.  25. 

Pylate,  p.  26. 

Rear  corn,  to  grow  it,  p.  46. 
Refreshing,  sb.  p.  41. 
Remember,  remind,  p.  66. 
Reporte  me,  I,  p.  29,  I  appeal  (to 

you). 

Resemble,  compare,  p.  26. 
Resemble,  to,  of,  p.  15. 
Respect,  to  have,  to,  p.  28 
Rise  at  your  hand,  p.  35,  1.  20,  rise 

from,  be  caused  by,  your  hand. 
Romth,  space,  p.  57. 

Scripture,  hath  not  red  scripture, 
p.  26,  studied.  Cp.  Fr.  Scavoir 
moult  d'escripture,  to  be  learned, 
or  skilfull  in,  or  well  acquainted 
with,  most  bookes. 

Scene,  a  man  universally,  p.  32, 
cultured. 

Selled,  p.  78,  sold. 

Set  by,  p.  25,  26,  to  value. 

Sette,  lease  at  a  fixt  rent  :  "  sette 
your  land,"  p.  35;  "price  is  so 
set,"  p.  35. 

Shale,  p.  26,  husk,  shell 

Shiftes,  p.  35,  1.  14,  turns,  tricks. 

Should,  p.  22,  37,  would. 

Sith,  p.  30,  since. 

Skant,  scarcely,  p.  14. 

Slake,  p.  93. 

Smarte,  p.  81. 

Sorte,  of  that,  p.  74,  in  that  way. 


Archaic  Words  and  Forms. 


in 


Spake,  p.  32,  spoke. 

Sparkes  of  gold,  p.  Si- 
Spoke,  p.  45,  spoken. 

Stay,  at  a,  p.  28,  at  a  fixt  level,  per- 
manent. 

Stent,  sb.  p.  35,  1.  4,  stop,  point. 

Stented,  fixt,  stopt,  limited,  p.  63, 
66. 

Stricke,  strike,  p.  60. 

Subjection  of,  subjection  to,  p.  21. 

Such  who,  p.  27. 

Suerty,  p.  30,  safety. 

Sweeped,  swept,  p.  66. 

Taken,  p.  12,  considered. 

Tallage,  p.  86,  1.  8,  duty,  tax.     Fr. 

"  faille :    f.  A  taske,  or  tax  ;    a 

tallage,    tribute,     imposition."- 

Cotgrave. 

Taryng,  p.  22,  tarrying,  remaining. 
Than,  then,  p.  11,  14,  17. 
That  that,  that  which,  p.  23,  66. 
That,  for  those,  p.  23 ;    for  that 

which,  p.  22  ;  for  what,  p.  12. 
This,  adv.  thus,  p.  35. 1.  7  from  foot. 
Thorough,  p.  30,  through. 
To,  in  addition  to,  p.  23. 
Trade,  p.  91. 
Travaile,  p.  21. 
Trespass,  break  (the  law),  p.  85,  1. 

13  from  foot. 
Trimming,    ornamentation  applied 

to  houses,  p.  66. 

Understanded,  understood,  p.  56. 
Uprighte,  uprightly,  p.  24. 
Use,  p.  38,  to  be  in  the  habit  of. 
Uttered,  p.  69,  1.  8,  put  forth,  ex- 
ported, sold. 

VERBS. 

Infinitive  Mood,  used  for  Sub- 
junctive. 

Societie  to  grow,  p.  49. 
to  the  intent  to  eat,  p.  14 ;  to  the 

intent  to  continue,  p.  41. 
in  hope  to  come,  p.  16  ;  ground  to 
sustaine,  p.  72. 


Used  for  Modern  dependent  Indic- 
ative Clause. 

"  I  .  .  confess  .  .  that, .  .  yet  the 
dearth  .  .  to  remain  and  con- 
tinue" p.  8 1  ;  "to  assure  .  .  . 
the  same  to  be,"  p.  60. 

Used  for  Present  Participle, 
have  given    over    to  live,   p.    17  ; 
heard  of  it  to  do,  p.  54. 

Past  Participle  in  -en. 
are  growen,  p.  59. 
is  comen,  p.  66. 

Indicative  Mood,  Present  tense,  3rd 

pers.  plural,  ending  in  -eth. 
Esteemeth,  p.  26,  note. 
Conueieth,  p.  66. 
Standeth,  p.  31. 

Sing,  number  after  plural  nouns, 

&c.: 
some  excelles,   p.   12  ;    other  that 

followes,  for  others  who  follow, 

p.   15  ;  inclosures  .  .  .  causes,  p. 

15  ;  men  sendes,  p.  20,  &c. 

Verderers,  p.  66,  ?  Fr.  "  Ouvrage  de 
verdure,  Forest  worke  ;  or  flour- 
ish! worke,  wherein  gardens, 
woods,  or  forests,  be  represent- 
ed."—  Cotgrave. 

Vente,  p.  84,  last  line;  course. 

Ventered,  p.  50,  sold.  Fr.  vente, 
sale. 

Vility,  p.  85, 1.  3  from  foot,  vileuess. 

Wall,  driveth  me  to  the  wall,  puzzles 

me,  beats  me,  p.  35. 
Weaking,  weakening,  p.  40,  1.  17. 
Weild,  p.  77,  1.  3  from  foot,  wield, 

manage . 

What,  p.  1 8,  which. 
Whether,  p.  79,  where,  whither. 
Which,  p.  14,  who. 
Whom,  p.  21,  those  with  whom. 
Wist,  p.  45,  knew. 
Would,  p.  41,  should. 


112 


INDEX. 


Ajax,  wife  of,  76,  77 

Apelles,  12 

Apples,  cargo  of,  at  Carmarthen,  54 

Arable,    scarcity  of,  discussed,  40 — 42, 

84 ;  remedy  proposed  and  discussed, 

43—50,  84—86 

Architecture,  use  of  writers  on,  24 
Arians,  97 

Aristotle,  his  opinions  on  gold  and  sil- 
ver currency,  56,  57 
Arithmetic,  uses  of,  24 
Army,  standing,  discussed,  73 
Arte,  man  to  be  credited  in  his  own, 

12  ;  what  artes  are  to  be  encouraged, 

88 

Artes,  the  seven  liberal  sciences,  25 
Artificers,   their    grievances,     16,    27  ; 

three  sorts  of,  71,  88  ;  foreign — to  be 

encouraged,  89 — 91  ;  country — to  be 

subject  to  some  town,  91 
Astronomy,  its  uses,  24 
Author,  member  of  philosophy,  moral, 

12 ;    his    reasons  for,   and   plan   in, 

writing  this,  1 1 — 13 

Balance  of  trade,  50 
Barley,  price  of,  35 
Barr,  throwing  the,  1 6 
Benefices,  93,  95 
Bristowe,  its  chief  trade,  89 
Buildings,  increase  of,  66 

Ccesar,  24,  73 

Cap,  price  of,  28 

Capon,  price  of,  33,  35 

Cappes,  restraint  on  import,  in  Parlia- 
ment, 53 

Carmarthen,  its  treatment  of  foreign 
apples,  54 

Carrying  trade,  law  concerning,  53 

Cato,  would  restrain  excess,  65 

Cause  and  effect,  76,  77 

Chickens,  price  of,  33  • 

Church  revenues,  results  of  confiscation, 
66 

Cicero,  his  opinions  quoted,  15,  47,  76, 
96 

Civil  Law,  39,  40,  60 

Clergy,  complained  of,  91  ;  their  faults 
and  how  they  may  be  remedied,  92 
-98 


Clothiers,  supposed  danger  of,  to  com- 
monwealth, 68,  69 

Coin,  debased  :  first  used,  28  ;  injurious 
to  princes,  67 ;  why  should  it  matter 
what  sort  of,  we  use  among  our- 
selves ?  injurious  to  foreign  trade,  37  ; 
is  it  cause  of  dearth  ?  79,  80 ;  false  : 
suspected  utterance  of,  by  foreigners, 
38,  61,  62 ;  old :  exportation  of, 
forbidden,  and  current  value  re- 
duced, 62  ;  Roman,  60 

Coinage,  use  of,  60 

Columella,  24 

Commodity,  staple,  of  country  to  be 
encouraged,  42 

Common  fields,  40,  86 

Commonwealth,  great  alteration  in,  of 
late  years,  II  ;  danger  to,  if  prince 
wants  treasure,  29,  67  ;  no  league 
adverse  to,  to  be  cherished,  53 ; 
foreign  alliances  advantageous  to,  72 

Community,  classes  of,  how  affected  by 
rise  in  prices,  63  ;  condition  of,  64,  67 

Complayntes,  of  husbandman,  14,  17; 
of  capper,  16 — 18  ;  of  knight,  17 — 
20 ;  of  doctor,  19 — 20  ;  recapitula- 
tion of,  31,  75  ;  primary  cause  to  be 
sought,  75—77 

Corn,  free  export  of,  advocated,  44,  45, 
85  ;  free  trade  in,  49 

Cosmography,  use  of,  22,  23 

Country,  condition  of,  1 6 

Coventry,  chief  trade  of,  89 

Currency,  preferable  to  baiter,  39 ; 
effects  of  debased,  55  ;  necessity  of 
fixed  value  for,  55,  56,  60,  6l  ;  ad- 
vantages of  gold  and  silver,  57  ;  must 
be  regulated  by  reference  to  universal 
market  of  world,  68 

Dearth,  its  first  appearance,  28,  55  ; 
who  suffer  most  from,  29  ;  its  pecu- 
liarity, 32 ;  suggested  reasons  for,  dis- 
cussed :  (i)  rise  in  rents,  32 — 35  ; 
(ii)  rise  in  prices,  33  —  36  ;  (iii)  inclo- 
sures,  40 — 43  ;  (iv)  importation  of 
trifles,  51;  efficient  cause  of,  80 ; 
causes  of  continuance,  82 

Diomedes,  38 

Divinity,  how  studied,  26,  96.  See 
Religion. 


Index. 


Dover,  77 

Efficient  cause,  76 

Endowments,  18 

England,  state  of,  at  this  time,  16  ;  de- 
scription of,  by  Pomponius  Mela,  71  ; 
compared  with  other  countries,  72, 

73 

Erasmus,  59 
Essex,  40 

Experience,  use  of,  21,  22 
Extravagance  in  dress  and  fare,  64,  65 

Flanders,  prosperity  of,  discussed,  72 
Foreign  craftsmen,  English  jealousy  of, 

89 
Foreign  trade,  influence  on  prices,  36 — 

39  ;  in  trifles,  51,  61  ;  discussed,  54, 

68,  87 
Foreign  work,  cheaper  than  home,  why  ? 

52 

Foreigners.     See  Strangers. 
France,  condition  of,  70 
Free  trade  in  corn,  its  advantages,  49 

Ganges,  gold  found  in,  5 1 

Gentlemen,  their  grievances,  17 — 20,  27  ; 
condition  of,  63,  64  ;  does  cause  of 
dearth  lie  with  ?  32—34,  39 

Geometry,  use  of,  24  ;  Plato  required 
knowledge  of,  26 

Germany,  prosperity  of,  72 

Glaucus,  38 

Gold,  its  uses  and  qualities,  58,  59 

Goose,  price  of,  33,  35 

Griefs.     See  Complayntes. 

Harvests,  plentiful,  43  ;  fail  every  seven 
years,  47 

Hen,  price  of,  33,  35 

Homer,  38,  39 

Horse-shoeing,  price  of,  28 

Husbandman,  his  grievance,  15 — 17» 
28  ;  does  cause  of  dearth  lie  with  ?  33 
— 35,  39  ;  condition  of,  45,  48 

Imports,  lists  of,    16,  37,  49  ;    foreign 

manufactures,  50 
Inclosures,  complained  of,  15  ;  question 

of,  discussed,  40,  41  ;  a  cause  of,  77  > 

efficient   cause  of,  84;    where  there 

are  most,  46 
Income,  what  was  formerly  a  sufficient, 

19,  82 
Iron,  insufficiency  of,  in  country,  36 

Justices  of  Peace,   15 
Kent,  40 


Knight.     See  Gentlemen. 

Labourers,  wages  of,  29 

Lands,  rent  mostly  stationary,  33  ; 
owners  farm  their  own,  8l,  82  ;  dis- 
tribution of  church,  66 

Learned  men,  scarce  ;  why,  25 

Learning,  advantages  of,  to  common 
weal  discussed,  20 — 23  ;  little  valued 
now-a-days,  26 ;  causes  of  decay  of,  27 

Logic,  what,  24 

London,  gentry  flock  to,  64 ;  extrava- 
gance of,  65 

Luxury,  growth  of,  64,  65 

Manufactures,  home,  to  be  encouraged, 
53,  68,  87  ;  what  may  be  carried  on 
in  England,  88 

May  games,  16 

Merchant,  his  grievances,  1 6,  17,  28 ; 
always  best  off,  28  ;  policy  of  foreign 
and  others  considered,  36,  37  ;  does 
cause  of  dearth  lie  with?  78.  (See 
Harrison's  opinion  in  his  Description 
of  England,  p.  131.) 

Mint,  30 

Music,  one  of  seven  liberal  arts,  25 

Nations  which  gain  the  mastery,  21 
Noblemen,  condition  of,  63,  64 
Northamptonshire,  40 

Opinions,  diversities  of,  accounted  for, 
25  ;  remedies  suggested,  91 

Pactolus,  gold  found  in,  51 

Paper,  foreign,  cheapest,  52 

Pastures,  increase  of,  I5>  40,  46,  84  ; 
must  supersede  tillage,  43  ;  cause  of 
profit  in,  84  ;  advisable  to  tax,  86 

Perowe,  gold  in,  51 

Philosophy,  moral,  knowledge  of,  useful, 
24,  25  ;  author  member  of,  12 

Physick,  knowledge  of,  useful,  25 

Pig,  price  of,  33,  35 

Plato,  15,  25,  26,  84 

Pliny,  60 

Plough-tail,  a  sanctuary,  85 

Pluralities,  93,  95 

Pomponius  Mela,  71 

Prices,  rise  in,  28,  33,  64 ;  influence  of 
one  article  on  others  demonstrated, 
34  ;  effects  of  compulsory  lowering 
of,  35,  36 ;  influence  of  foreign,  on 
that  of  home  commodities,  62,  63 

Princes,  wisest,  have  many  counsellors, 
1 1  ;  suffer  from  dearth,  29  ;  do  they 
gain  or  lose  by  alteration  of  coin  ?  29, 
67 


SHAKSPEBE'S  ENGLAND  :  STAFFORD. 


8 


Index. 


Procurations,  93,  94 

Produce,  Raw,  exported  and  returned 
worked,  51,  52;  home,  should  be 
manufactured  at  home,  52,  87 

Proverbs : — Fooles  sometimes  speake  to 
the  purpose,  II  ;  As  many  heads, 
so  many  wittes,  II  ;  Its  merry  in 
Hall  whan  Beardes  wags  all  95 

Pythagoras,  26,  96 


Religion,  divisions  concerning,  lamented, 
25 — 27,  91 ;  late  persecutions  of 
learned  for,  27  ;  two  great  errors  in 
those  who  study,  96  ;  how  truth  is  to 
be  sought,  97  ;  general  counsel  pro- 
posed, 97  ;  subjects  of  controversy,  98 

Rent,  relation  to  prices,  etc.,  18,  32 — 
35  ;  effect  of  lowering,  35  ;  racked 
rents,  82 

Restraints,  advocated,  52,  53  ;  whether 

'    our,  touch  leagues  with  foreigners,  53 

Retorique,  what,  24 

Revels,  16 

Roman  army,  73 

Rome,  excess  in,  65 

Rye,  price  of,  35 

Salt,  insufficiency  of,  in  country,  36 

Sciences,  seven  liberal,  25 

Scripture,  ignorant  interpretation  of,  26 

Searchers,  38,  62 

Serving  men,   condition  of,  64 ;  wages 

of,  29 

Several  holdings,  40 
Shoes,  price  of,  28 
Silver,   preferred  by   heralds,   58 ;    its 

good  qualities,  $8,  59 


Solon,  47 

Stamp,  every  town  to  have  its  own,  for 

its  goods,  91 
Stone,  throwing  the,  IO 
Strangers,  does  chief  cause  of  dearth  lie 

with  ?  78 

Students,  young,  character  of,  25,  26,  96 
Subsidies,  30 
Synods,  94 

Tagus,  gold  sought  in,  51 

Tillage.     See  Arable. 

Towns,  causes  of  decay  of,  87  ;  sug- 
gested remedies  for,  89 — 91 

Trade,  value  of,  to  princes,  70  ;  balance 
of,  advocated,  50.  See  Foreign. 

Treasure,  increase  of,  in  country,  82 

Tully.     See  Cicero. 

Universities,  20,  25  ;  rarity  of  scholars 
at,  27 

Velvet,  price  of,  36 

Venice,  69,  89 

Veterinaria,  knowledge  of,  useful,  24 

Vigetius,  24 

Vitruvius,  24 

Wages,  rise  in,  1 6,  64 

Wakes,  16 

Warre,  to  be  provided  for,  65,  66 

Wheat,  price  of,  35 

Window  glass,  50 

Wool,  is  export  of  un  wrought,  to  be  re- 
stricted ?  44,  50,  68  ;  worked  abroad, 
$2  ;  price  of,  35 


D 


R.    CLAY   AN1>   SONS,  ,CUAUCKR    PRESS,    BUNOAV. 


PR 
2388 
L6 

ser.6 
no.   2-3 


New  ^hakspere  Society, 
London 

cPublications-, 


PLEASE  DO  NOT  REMOVE 
CARDS  OR  SLIPS  FROM  THIS  POCKET 


UNIVERSITY  OF  TORONTO  LIBRARY