[Page 46] AS I was reading in the delightfull dis­courses of Ieronimus Cardanus his comforts, among many pleasant pas­sages and speciall sentences▪ I founde that he said A man was but his mind either in the value of vertue or vanity of vice. So waying the worth of that conclusion, & knowing that Manhood or Cowardize consistes in the selfe same opinion of the minde, I considered that common quarrels and priuate reuengement of Iniuries receiued, proceeded in a manner from this spring and flowing Fountaine, that euer is fedde and nourished with som setled conceite or other. For the minde is so noble, watchfull, and worthy, that it is neuer vnoccupied whilest the man is a­waken, nor taketh any great rest when the body is a sleepe, (as some dreames and visions manifesteth plaine.) For euen as a cunning Carpēter or Smith, is hammering and heawing some péece of wood or iron, to bring the same to such shape and perfe­ction, as the artificer would haue it: So the minde (the harber of all secretes and mouer of all good and bad motions) can at no season be idle or wax weary of deuises. The Imaginati­ons thereof are so many, and the innumerable conceites therein are so mighty, the fire is of such vehement heat and opera­tion, that it must néedes burne or consume any thing that long remaines in it, so the minde is of such force and power, that it leadeth the man any way it listeth, and shapes al the sences and vitall spirites in what forme or fashion it pleaseth. For the longer the fancies of the head (by rouling to and froe are tired) and at length reposeth themselues in the constantnes of the minde, the more is the mans reason subiect to the mindes reso­lution, and the lesse strength the iudgement hath when it féeles the forces of the body captiuated and compeld to obay the great­nes of the minde. Though learning, education, and good in­structions, be a meane and restraint, that a peruerse mind shall not draw the whole body to destruction, yet the minde being [Page 47] bent to some dangerous determination, hath ouercome all the good causes rehearsed, and brought both the body, reputation, and life, into a shamefull disorder, and made a cruell confusion not onely of the man, but likewise brought a licentious liberty to the minde, experience of proud practises hath proued this ar­gument no fable, but now to talke truely and probably of the minde, what can be named or thought on, (if they be things to be executed) but the minde dare attempt and the man may goe about, it dare aduenture the hazarde of the soule, the losse of life and goods, and the cracking of estimation and credit, if any pur­posed mischiefe hale the minde forewarde to some odious enter­prises, this showes but a weakenes of Iudgement, naughtines of nature, and a most wicked and wilfull disposition of a despe­rate conceite, diuelishly drawen and enclined and carelesly cō ­mitting it selfe to euery kinde of practises and dangerous de­termination.

But now to touch the noblenes of an inuincible minde, that neither Fortune can conquer, power may commaund, nor worldly pompe nor wealth can winne. The true discourse of this minde, craues a writer of a higher knowledge, for the vn­speakeable spirite that keepes life, and breatheth continuall con­stancy in the brest where this minde makes his mansion house, is to be explained and set forth by the profoundest pen man of the worlde, that can lay open like an Anotomy the hidden and secrete partes of the body, especially the diuine nature (closed vp in flesh and bloud) and secrecy belonging to the vertue of this manly and valiaunt minde. Some men there are (and though they boast not much the nūber may be great) that with a strong heart can suffer afflictions, beare burthens, abide disgraces, and in their most torments seeme careles of all the crossings & coun­terchecks is offered them, yet they are armed within to with­stand all outward assaults as it were a fortresse manned with souldiers and munition, throughly to defend it selfe against the power of Princes, & practises of warlike people, yea as they in peace can vse this approued patience, so in the hottest broiles of [Page 48] the warre the hope to ouercome the cruelty of their enemies, doth redouble their courages, and so with a resolute minde, the Cannon they approch, the combate they present, and the pre­sent daunger is presently forgotten, a present matter of great momēt to be in the presence and presented before the vniuersall people placed vnder the cope of the heauens. But yet I can not leaue out the mind they haue of honour in greatest extremities, for minding the preseruation of Prince and countrey, they clap on such a minde as Mucius Sceuola did, that burned his hande in the [...]ire, for missing the killing of Porcena. They care not in like sort for imprisonment, penury, hunger, torting, racking, but can suffer all manner of misery, as want of meat, lacke of liberty, and open aire, and lie on the hard earth or bare strawe, to kéepe their enemies out of the Fort or hould committed to their charge, yea and in respect of the loue they loyally beare to their Countrey, they suffer many a mortall wound, and in the end offer themselues to the death, manifestly to showe, that a man is but his minde, and the minde is it that makes the man, both famous & immortall. Now to the contrary come to the nature and condition of a Coward, whose minde is neuer to do any noble act, for he that can beare the infamy and blot of that name, to be called a Coward, liues carelesse of all other villa­nies, and no reproche, slaunder, shamefull report, fowle fact, or what filthines can be rehearsed▪ may make him blushe, his miserable minde is so monstrous, that all soiles, kingdomes, and countries are alike for him to liue in, and as a countrey cur delightes to gnaw a bone on a midding, so he is fed fatte (among wretches of the world) with folly, beastlines, lewd behauiour, and a number of naughty conditions, neither fit to be followed, nor néedefull to be written of. The studient that mindes no­thing so much as learning, takes such a pleasure and felicity in hearing and reading new deuises and auncient authors, that his Bookes are onely his companions, and solitary places, the swéete soiles of his repaire, and he holdeth time so precious an [...] deere, that he spends in Idlenes no one howre of the day, and [Page 49] hath such glory in gaining of knowledge, shal he makes no ac­count of any other Treasure, (knowing that he that hath ver­tue is next vnto God) nor delighteth in any society or company, but such as are learned, wise, graue and honest, and when long labour and study hath gathered the swéete Sap of Iudgement (as the Bée hath sucked Hony from the flowres) he writeth new volumes, and setteth out such workes and pamphlets, as may merite commendation, and purchase credite and benefite, and be accepted and embraced among all posterities, that mind hath a naturall disposition in all diuine graces, and that mind [...] is as a day watch to the body▪ and stands as a strong Guard to the Soule and euerlasting renown.

The ignoraunt minde that hates education, and despiseth knowledge, is an enemy to himselfe and all common wealthes, most currish and rude of condition, barbarous and sauage, as an vn [...]amed beast, he swels and powts, like a Tode to heare the praise of a good man, and mindes nor loues nothing but block­ishnesse, ribawdry, and corrupt manners, and hath so naughty an inclination, and is subiect to so many defectes and deformi­ties, that this naught and lewde minde is not necessary to bee knowen among men, nor made mention of where noble minds are estéemed.

Now in generall, let euery particular man here somewhat of himselfe. There are some kinde of men, made of so fine a moulde, whose mindes may not suffer them to here, beholde, touch, or come neare any lothsome or vncleane thing, such mindes disdaines to offend the sight, (which is a cleare candle of life) with vnseemely shoes, and will not haue the Soule defiled with conceiuing of filt [...]y matters▪ that moues a general misliking in the whole Iudgement, and euery part of the body and minde to abhorre the vnderstanding of any foule and infec­tious thing, either ministred by talke, or vttered by vew in o­pen assembly.

Another sort of base minded fellowes haue their onely ioy [...] in fruitlesse babble, foolish fancies and offensiue wordes, that [Page 50] thunders in the aire and corrupts good maners, that fils a house full of clamors and bruite, and makes a fewe Idiots laugh, and many wise men lowre, but these haerbraine tratlers and fanta­sticall minded mates striuing to haue all the talke themselues, (and glorying to here their owne voice) do sodainly become so audacious and bolde, that they are not onely a trouble to the whole company, but likewise a disquietnes to themselues, as apparauntlye falleth out, for when such vaine glorious min­ded marchaunts are knowen and perceiued, they are glad that first can be rid of their fellowship and society.

A graue and modest minded man looks into a statelier kind of life, and skornes to open his mouth but in causes of credite, and matter of great moment▪ and then the wel couched spéeches (and swéete spised sentences) comes flowing from his tongue, as the faire water spouteth from the fountain, a man of that ad­uisednes carries an easy hand ouer the rash multitude, and ga­thers to his minde a greater knowledge of the course of this world, and euen as the persing songs and musicall harmony of the Nightingale reioyseth the hearts of the hearers, so the sweete tempred talke of a wise Orator, drawes the eares of the audience after him, and leades them in a string that haue anye motion and minde of vertue, or can consider the value & worth of such a well minded man.

The merry and pleasant companion in his kinde, beares a­nother disposition, for his minde is so delightfull, that his tonge is like a Taber and a Pipe, prettily playing and gibing on eue­ry mans mannors, and he that carries this minde is continual­ly tuning him selfe (as a Minstrell were tempring and wrest­ing of his Instrument) to pleasure with sports the dumpishe people, that sits listning to heare some straunge pastime, but in this merry minde are many humors that are fedde with some sharpe and bitter conceits, which often turns to ouer bol [...] boor­ding, and yet a well ordered minde can smoothly cast a clowde cunningly on the matter, to auoide all suspition, and to bringe the world in beliefe, a merry fellow for the solasing of his own [Page 51] minde, hath free scope and liberty to ride by his neighbours, and yet keepe euery one cleane from dashing, and he himselfe to be taken as a man, whose mind meanes alwaies to make all the company merry.

A greedy minded groaper of this world, lookes solemnly on all thinges he goes about, and in a surly sort and fashion, stands bending the browes, and frowning at a number of accidents he beholdes, his talke is of bargaines, purchases, buildings, and prises of each thing that commeth to the market, and mindeth so much his priuate gaine and profite, that he forgets both com­mon wealth and countrey, neuer merry but when his money and bags be vnder his Elbow, and alwaies sad when hee must depart with any great sum [...]e and payment, though double be­nefite proceede from the same, a minde ready to doe wrong, and a body neuer apte to doe seruice in warres, nor liue quietly without brabble in peace.

The vnthrift, or more properly called a player at al manner of games sets his minde so earnestly thereon, that he will los [...] meat, sleepe and rest, to winne somewat by gaming, many times practising to packe the Cards, and cogge the Dice, soden­ly moued for a little losse to fall into a great fury, a minde that couets al, and makes no conscience if it be at play to beguile his companion, yet many of them haue such minde to be called fair players, that they are as carelesse what they lose, as they are desirous to gaine, but if the losse be great, full many a raw Pi­geon lies wambling in their stomackes after their first sleepe, and yet waking, they minde nothing more then a reuenge, ey­ther to take a further foile, or giue a greater blowe, and of all the mindes that men are subiect to (before mentioned) there is no minde more to be marked then this in any man, for euen as his losse or gaine is, so are his lookes and countenaunce, and so are his outwarde showes of gladnesse, and his inwarde con­ceites of sorrowe.

The Uenerian, whose minde mastereth his body, and sub­dues all the good parts of the same, his fancies and imaginati­ons [Page 52] flies swifter then the Swallow, and seldome or neuer sa­tisfied with no one conquest or other, goeth drawing like a bloud-hound after a stricken Deere, and taking sent of some sute and finding perssy followes with open mouth, secret traps and chargeable expenses, till minde or body, or both be a weary, and credite be brought in question, or cracked so sore, that good name is past recouery. Then desperately he dare enter into a­ny quarrell of a combate, and put in hazarde and daunger life and goods, and he that puts on this minde, dwels not onely in a great ouer weyning of himselfe, but commonly condemnes all others that are not of the like nature and condition.

The Flatterer that frames his minde to all manner of dis­simulation, can play the Cameleon, to dazell the ei [...]s and vn­derstanding of the wise, and abusing the best sort of people, the base and meanest of degree, are brought quickly to beleeue that subtilty is simplenesse, and great suerty remaines in muf­fled manners, the Flatterer finding his falshood fauoured, so besturres himselfe like a Wolfe among sheepe, and finely feedes on the fattest flocke, and the wily Foxe carries no more crafte in his head, then the fine flatterer beares in his double and de­ceiptfull minde.

The theefe that sets his mind wholy on robb [...]ry, spoyle, and ransacking of the rich, or whosoeuer hee may wrong, gropes out a wealthy mans budget, as a Ratt smells out a rosted peece of cheese, and hauing a wretched minde to liue on such cheats that are gotten by such chaunce, hee chuseth no other trade to trie what his villanous mind will bring him to, or what may hap­pen on a resolute roy [...]ing, which comes to no greater regarde but the reward of a gallows, the ill opinion of good men, and the open paltring exercises of a bad mind.

The Shifter that shuffles vp a borrowing life makes a purchase of picking his Creditors purses, his minde is euer to bee néedy because hee minds neuer to pay peece of his det, and still cryes out of Fortune, when his owne folly plagues him, clai­ming recompence for seruice where no desart (nor ablenes to [Page 53] doe good turne) may pleade in his behalfe, yet by braggs and boastes hee makes a show to haue done manie wonders, hauing no great courage in warres nor good qualitie in peace, but as a gracelesse Grome, glad to shifte and shéeld his féeble abillitie vnder the title of a Souldier, maruelous is that meaning and mischéeuous is that minde that liues and dies both in want of wealth, wit and all manly reputation, a beggerie base minde scarce woorthy the bearing about or harbor in any honest body.

The Enuious minde hides his malice, as smothring smoke lies lurking in wet stubble or strawe, and when his furie bur­steth abroade in flames some whole Famely or houshould is burnt or blemished bee sclaunderous brute, and this stinging & serpenting Snake, being long nourished in the wicked & warme bosome of a hatefull man, bespreads his venome throughout all the vitall parts of the bodie, so that no member nor lyneamīt thereof serues to expresse any goodnesse, and the tongue is al­waies clapping and caueling at euery matter spoken off or mi­nistred only to keepe the cankred mind accustomed in maddnes and malice.

The Princely and noble mind where bounty (the locke and key of loue) is as busie as a Bee in a hiue that brings forth hony for the benefite of others, and the bountifull minde thinketh it selfe dishonored, if it receaue any seruice, good turne, frée gifte or good will, and the same returne not againe with ten times tre­ble fold thankes and reward. For this princelie minde is euer imagining how it may get friendes and make enemies reform themselues from malice, yea furthermore this minde is so ho­norable, liberall, and desirous to win the fauor of good people, that it studies where it may bestow some acceptable gifte, and fastning the same on a gratefull person, this mind remaynes in such [...]ollitie and gladnes as it had wonne a whole world, and setteth more store by a Friend gotten in this manner, than of a hundred enemies ouercome by perforce.

The sparing and niggardly mind that spies out aduauntage of gathering and whording vp riches, spends manie wordes in [Page 54] faire promises (whiles hée cunningly hold [...] his owne) meaning small performaunce of many great offers, and yet in a kinde of vaine glory hee intertaines both the time and the people with trifels that makes a great shew of a franke and free hart, when the minde is miserably bent to saue and gather together ill got­ten goodes to laie vp in coffer and corners for a prodigall son, or a ryotous heyre, whose mind is as much set on spoyling that hee found as the father was enclyned to spare that hee got, but the nigards minde hath such quenchles thirst to drinke vp the drosse and dong of this earth, that no kinde of good Fortune, wordly wealth, or aboundance can moderate and satisfie his co­uetous lust that Lucar hath set on fire, in the flaming dungeon and furnace of his nigardly minde.

The prodigall mind that spends without respect, and giues without regard, as pu [...]t vp in such a pride of it selfe, that it wax­eth imperious, lordly, and loftie in a conceiued conceit of laciui­ous charges, bestowed on the fawners and flatterers of our dayes, whose creeping and currying of fauor, makes our young maister beleeue there is no ende of his spending, and that the more hee flings and casts away, the more good fellows will follow him and the lesse his estimation and riches shall waste & diminish. For in giuing either goodes and landes to the dayly féeders of his prodigall humor, hée thinkes he receiues an euer­lasting renowne, fame, and credit, among the lustie crue of good companions, and his mind carries him so farre into the altituds that he hopes for vnknowne happs and trusts that mountains of Gold, & the conquest of the verie Indians it selfe is alotted to bée his portion, and whosoeuer restraines him from anye peece of his purpose, enkindleth his minde rather to make a soone di­spach of all that hee hath, than to bee long in consuming the mucke and drosse of this world, which a prodigall mind wil nei­ther bee taught how to vse, nor how to consider well off but to his owne liking.

The rebellious minde that séekes but blood, sedition, change of state and gouernement, makes a man runne gadding like a [Page 55] Gosling to listen after news, and alteration of Religion, as nothing could please him but forrayne follies, and strange tyr­ranie, murmuring, and finding faulte with Countries quiet­nesse, and desirous of troublesome seruitude, or at least willing to see some sodaine sturre, and strange accidents. This mis­chieuous and male-contented mind, is swift to sow discord and shed innocent blood, and slow to saue his owne credit & Coun­trey, ready and apt to forget God, and most vnwilling to for­giue any iniurie, a beginner of all brable and contention, and a mayntayner of all execrable acts and enterprises. Now passing ouer the rusticall rable of Rogues, Uacabounds, Ruffi­ans, Roysters, and rancke Rebels, (whose mischieuous minds surmounts all the rest in villanie, filthynes, reueling, rudenes, trecherie, and treasons, the fruites whereof are but beggery, banishment, and wretchednesse, that brings the maislers of that misrule to Tiborne, & a shamefull end,) I come to the malici­ous mindes of our Forrein enemies (many in number) that are so drowned in a deadly desire of hatred, wilfulnes, obstina­cie, papistrie, and old worm-eaten Religion, that they cannot see nor well vnderstand what they goe about. There minds carries them headlong into many hellish & damnable deuises, making account of that which neuer shall be there own I hope, and making their boast of conquest, victorie, & triumph, before they dare fight for it, or attempt manly to trie, who shall finde Fortune most fauourable, & what partie hath God & the right of their side. And further to bee marueled at (a matter most mōstruous in iudgement) they were come into our C [...]astes in ships of great burthen, fraught & filled with great riches, mu­nition, and men, hauing in the same shippes to countenaunce their quarrell numbers of Noble houses, Friers, Priests, En­glish Traytors, Spanish Women, and such like people, as were come to possesse a Country & kingdom that easily should bee gotten, which kingdome is so noblie peopled and furnished that I doubt not but the sight and bare vew of this stoute na­tion shall make the Spaniards abashed, and yet behold (to proue [Page 56] A man is but his mind) our Enemies haue such minds to doe wrong, and haue such hope that they are appoynted to bée the scourge of God, that they saie openly they haue commission to kill man, woman and child, and to saue none aboue the age of seauen yeare old, loe heere is a goodly mind, a goodly commi­ssion, and a goodly sorte of Fooles, that thinks so populous a Countrey as this will be so soone supplanted, a wise companie of wild Geese, that with a little gagling and thrusting out the necke, beleeus to bring to passe so great a matter, you neuer heard of more madder minded men than these are, that came to sit downe in other mens houses, before they knew the good will of their Hosts, and bow déerely they were like to pay for the purchase, ere they shold make their entry, or set their féet on any péece of this Land, and by my troth they goe about a pretty Bargaine to offer the sheeding of so much blood, and especially do bring hither so paltring a Commission, so voide of Christia­nitie, and shall cost so manie a broken head, before any iott or parcell of the same commaundement be put in execution.

Now heere is to bee spoken and treated of good and godly mindes that peaceably shall possesse their soules in patience, & these patient mindes, are those that sees other men preferd (as the affection of some will haue it so) and beholdes themselues abiects, that neither want, vertue, nor valiance, yea they find few good turnes and suffer many iniuries boastes little of their seruice, and are greatly to be praysed, being men of good years, and experience, and yet of bad Fortune and ability, fauoured of some that can doe but little for them, yet holpen or aided of no one body that haue power to aduaunce them, the men of this minde makes much of a little and seldome comes to any greate portion, and so because mine owne desteny is not the best, and being loath to put on a worse minde then now last I haue spo­ken of, I knit vp all this discourse in these fewe wordes, and thus I bid you farewell. Hoping that the mindes of men, (though they are seuerall in disposition) will now draw all in one yoke to hold out the enemies of our Countrey, and to stand [Page 57] together against all forraine inuasions, and forget all kinde of quarrelling among our selues, that often times hath bred in manie kingdomes ciuile warres and sorrowfull dissentions. The plagues and plaine examples therof being well waighed, will (I doubt not) make our noble Nation be not only mindful of their libertie and honor, but in like manner make vs all of one good mind, resolution, courage, and manhood.

A Discourse of true Manhoode.

AMid the wickednes of a naughtie world quarells, hatred, and headstrong peo­ple, a bridled mind knowes not what pace to hotde, nor steppes to tread, and where madnesse shews furie, & world mayntaynes follye, wise 'al [...]mon (were hee heere) could not reforme the defect of this wilful age, which neither regards God, good Gouernours, nor naturall loue or order.

And where libertie in mans wilfulnes is proclaymed good rule and lawe is not known, and rud rashnes runs so farre be­yond reason, that euery sencible creature doth wonder at, and stands astonied at the stubberne wickednes of mans vnstayed [Page 59] mind, which growes so blood thirstie and eager after life, that it seeketh nothing but death and destruction, in a manner of his owne proper brother, which was horrible in Cain, and may bee odious in all kind of Christians. Among beasts (that wants reason) remaynes no such crueltie. For now a dayes men may not meete without snarring, lostie lookes, bitter wordes, haughty fashions, and froward behauioure, on which stoutnes of stomacke, malice is kindled, contention is breed, and quarrells are set abroach. The accustomed curtesie, sweete conuersation, freindle gentlenes, humane manners, and ciuile humblnes in our common societie, is almost forgotten, brought in contempt, and put out of exercise (if Noble Parsonages shew it not) and in place of the commendable vertues are corrupt conditions and newfangled vices closely crept, to the great disquietnes of many, and commoditie of no one person. And now briefly to come to y^e cause of this my bold argumēt, my short worke shall only touch y^e terrible brawels, that lately (on the shew of manhood) are sprong vp among vs, & nourished to long in the stoute courages of men. A matter more meeter to bee lamented than mayntayned, and a new deuised wilfulnesse that our old Fathers taught vs not, nor scarsely was known, till our youth beganne to trauell straunge Countreys, and so brought home strange manners. It must be graunted and necessarie to bee allowed that weapons shall be worne (alwaies of equall length) and vsed in causes of defence. And further for slaunders, naughtie reports in absence, and present spitfull speaches, men ought for the mayntenance of good name, som­times vse an lawfull manner of correction (this spoken not of the scripture) for the sharpe sworde makes a blunt block­head beware how hee vseth his tongue, and if bold bablers were not snibbed for their sawsines, this world would bee full of talkatiue merchants, and no man would care what he spoke, if wordes should not be wisely set to sale, and in the end of an ill market be dearly bought. For it is not fit that euery man should goe to Law (about a trifle) nor necessarie blood should be [Page 60] shed, whatsoeuer in manhoods behalf I haue spokē: wel: to come to my purposed matter. In the old time the sight of England was daungerous but not deadly, couragious not cruell, valiant but not villanous, and most nobly vsed oftimes without anye great harme, in which season men were as great Conquerors as they be now (let Fraunce and Scotland witnes) as loath to offend as men be at this presens, when rapier fight is more desperate And generally then were as good men, as vali­ant and venturous, as now can bee found, and yet they stoode not vppon such tearmes, and quarrels as men doe now adayes, a thousand iniuries could then bee forgiuen, if they had eased their hearts a little at the sharpe weapon, now life is sought in England for an Italian lie, and nothing but blood and death can pacifie mens furies, men are become such Cockes of the game, they must fight in a sharppe, scrat out each others eyes, and thirst so much for blood, that nothing can mitigate their wrath till one bee out of the world, and the other bée fled God knowes whither. A prettie quarrell that compells men to bée fugitiues, for playing of beastly parts and bringeth such repentaunce as breedeth both beggerie and extremitie of For­tune, and namely when friends shall forsake you, and weeping can not helpe. For whilst law persecuteth the offender, the world is like a Laborinth, & endles is the labor and trouble of that bodie that thinks euery man follows him.

In the olde world when swords of one length and heartes of equal courage did meet, some in differencie debated the matter, and fewe were put to foile, and many were worthely esteemed for their value. And now when the rapier and dagger dispat­cheth a man quickly, neither he liues to heare his owne fame, nor no man liuing can let fall a good word of the quarrell, be­gun of such trifles, maintaind with such terror, and ended with such madnes, not so manly as miserable nor so much praised a­mong the fool hardy, as condemned in the consideration of the wise. And so to come to the right order of manhood, courage, valiancy, and stoutnes of heart, it lieth more in the Iudgement [Page 61] then in the iarring, in the fortitude then in the forwardnes, and restes more in the modesty then in the malice. For anger of it selfe is but a sencelesse monster, an vnreasonable rage, a furious franzie, a distemperate imperfection, a priuy passion of choller, and an open enemy of life. The discouerer of the frailty and naughty nature of man, and the discredite of as ma­ny as cannot maister that outragious disease of the minde.

Then how should the fury of mallice bring forth any other fruict, but such a pestiferous fire, as shall consume the begin­ners of hatred, and the last reuengers of wretched wroth.

For reuenge is like a winde ball the more it is stricken (and remembred with force of hand) the higher it mountes, & makes the more rebound, so that endlesse becomes a quarrell, so long as the exercise of mallice is had in vre, and men with euill disposi­tion goe about to store vp mischiefe.

Now is to be decided euery degrée and manner of a quarrel, and to shew how and in what sort an vniust quarrell may bee offered, and a iust quarrel may be taken, both by law of armes and nature, and by a vsuall custome and manner among men, prouing by antiquities and art military, the matter purposed to treat vppon so that with patience you here out that may bée spoken.

As it is vnfit for a Gentleman (that stands on reputation) to play the ruffian and roister, so it is most vncomely for him to stoupe so lowe, as any way to abase his good calling, with the bad conditions of a rude and rusticall fellowe, by which prero­gatiue the match is vnmeete, the quarrell may be refused, the strife hath no equality, nor no honesty is gotten in brawling with inferiors or fighting with men of so small temperancy and credit, but because most stoutnes and courage (with hazard of life is betweene Gentlemen) and trifles not taken vp growe to great busines, their quarrels are most requisite to be spoken of, redressed, corrected, and brought to better order.

First yée shall finde among Souldiers, (that are of greate mindes) a kinde of stately consideration in all quarrels they [Page 62] take in hand. They taking vppon them in the art military (which well becomes their calling) to maintaine honour, de­fend their countrey and credite, and to fight in no quarrell but Princes right and their owne honest causes, haue set downe by certaine cerimonies, what wordes may touch them, what manner of men they may deale withall, what occasions may force a combate, what scope & liberty pertaines to a iust quar­rell, and what restraines a manly minde from doing iniury to others or harming himselfe.

On which resolution the Souldier sets vp his rest, and com­monly hazards the winning or loosing, of as great thing as life may be worth, not with presumption procured to this danger, but with estimation of his honor haled forewarde (by daun­ger of enemy) to leaue good example to those that comes after him.

But beholde how this aduenture happeneth, regard the cir­cumstance of this hazard, way well what difficulty is aboute the matter, and marke the chiefe points (and groundes of ad­uantage) that breedeth busines, and bringeth forth a combate.

Then must be noted, a simple Souldier (or mercenary man) may not challenge a Captaine, a meane Captaine or Centuri­on may not challenge a Corronell, a Corronell (though lea­der of a regiment) may not challenge a Lord Marshall of the Field, a Lord Marshall (hauing charge of life and death) may not challenge the Lord Lieutenant of the Army. A [...]d all these not onely in time of seruice (for auoiding of mutiny) but at all seasons, are bound and ought to keepe themselues from brawling, (yea though any one be neerely touched) and seeking the combat, except a lie hath passed, a slander is receiued, a blow be giuen, a mans name and credite be foiled, and a quarrell be sought so narrowly that no man can auoide. And yet all these degrees (as their office and honour is) one after another, may without reproche refuse in euery place, the daungering of their liues by priuate quarrell, & not meeting one another by chance (whereon may busines growe) looke what so euer be passed, [Page 63] (villany excepted) There is no kinde of preiudice to any par­tie, but mallice may surcease, and society may reuiue friend­ship▪ and quietnes should of all hands be sought.

Now of matter ministred in despight, spoken to strike dead good name vttered for offence and brauery, let fall to disgrace any person, and maintained with threatnings (daring and o­ther open iniu [...]ies a number) the case of quietnes is altered, and surely no nature can so easely disgest those extremities, but shall finde occasion of dislike, and a great motion of quarrell.

Then must be considered, the cause of those spéeches, the per­sons credite that spake it, & in what presence and place the in­iury was offered, for some places are of such honour, that no di­shonestye may bee suffered in, and some person that speakes iniuries in base company (out of honourable presence) the spea­kers meane calling aunsweres himselfe, for wise men ought to make no more account of a badde fellowes babble, then of the barking of an olde dog, whose teeth are gone and can not bite. An all the common kinde of iniuries are but as men do imagine them, as scoulding of a co [...]queane, railing of a ruffian, taunting of a tosseblade, frumping of fine fellowes, and the brags and threatning of a varlette, all these shamelesse rabble and sencelesse sort of shadowes, are of so small substaunce and credite, that their voices makes but a noise in the aire, like a thunder cracke, that neither brings raine, nor argues any con­stant winde and weather.

There is besides these ordinary causes, (and crooked conditi­ons of people) a number of naughty natures, that neuer will be quiet in countenaunce nor wordes, but either with skrowling like conquerors, or skorning like vices on a stage, they striue with counterfaite courage to ouercome Lions, and to be more terrible then Tigres, snuffing and puffing as all the worlde were too little to containe their great lookes, and disdainefull monstrous manners.

And their tongues are so talkatiue (and filled with follies) that none may speake but themselues, on whose prowde pre­sumptions [Page 64] are many mad disputes wilfully begon and moste wickedly ended. To contend with those glorious Images, is as a man shoulde sound a Trumpet at the roaring of euery bul.

Thus with extraordinary manners, new fangled fancies, olde stubburne nature, and fresh fine cunning, that wisedome condemneth, a good minde may be ouerreached, and a quiet man may be brought in some quarrelous brabble, for the sight and sufferaunce of these shadowes, (whose substance is all in boasting) and the society or contention with such counter [...]aite conquerors, is an open enemy to all the good dispositions of men, and a priuy worker of disquietnes to those that beholdes and heares any peece or iote of those vices before rehearsed, for nothing bréedes more mislike, or offendeth so much euery com­pany, as the continuall brags and audacious manners of the vnbrideled multitude, who are neuer free from quarrels, voide of villany, nor without naughty brabbles a number.

Come now to generall occasions in Court, Countrey towne and so foorth, but principally of Court we ought to haue great­est regard, where not only the Prince hold residens with a con­tinuall maiestie, but likewise by absolute power commaunds obedience, & restraynes Courtiars many wayes from offering of iniuries. For plainely to speake, in Chamber of presence or any place neere (or about a Princes pallace) mens tongues are tyed either to kéepe silence, or ciuilly with reuerence to vse comly wordes, méete for such a place, and voyde of villanye or vicious intents, chiefely of quarrels that may moue mischiefe, and stirre vp disquietnes among the gentle Bees assembled together in a Hiue for the honoring of their king, and publique profite of their estate. The Court is no Cocke-pit to croe in, no shraep for cocking, no seat to be saucy in, no place of conten­tion, nor no soile for brawlers and braggers, that haue currish conditions, and knowes not their duety, but rather a place of royall dignity, princely entertainements, curteous behauiors, and fine and friendly fashions, that with orderly manner may set forth a Princes regality. And though there some one (wan­ting [Page 65] temperance) rashly behaue himselfe and with warme wordes sturre the coales of a wicked quarrell, mens dueties in generall, (by wisedome) should either quench the heat there­of, or cast imbers on the fire, that the fury and flame should not burst out there, nor be disputed of any other where to the pre­iudice of that place, and looke what is offered in open hearing or secret whispering (that may sow seedes of dissention) shoulde be trodden vnder foote, or passed ouer with sporting, among the best iudgements, for feare least a little braunch of spite doe sproute vp on some rash spéeches, and grow out of order, both past remedy, and beyond the bounds of good manner.

If men in Court were as carefull to keepe peace, as they are desirous to créepe in credite, or common society should attende to no other purpose, but to familiar behauior, friendly affection, brotherly loue, and blessednes of life, you shall behold a mutuall agreement among all kinde of creatures at their first méeting, the birds with their like flées and feedes together, and in theyr manner vse a kinde of reioysing when they encounter one ano­ther, yea and taketh part with their fellowes against all that shall offend them, flocking and crying as they may together in multitudes, to shew their naturall inclination, and how they al doe suffer torment, by the disquietnes of one bird in their com­pany. The Bées séeing but one of their fraternity troubled or angry, fly all in a swarme on euery thing offends them, and vseth such fury for reuenge, that they sting and hum out of mea­sure. The Beasts not onely agree in their fashion, but in like sort takes one anothers part vehemently: and chiefly the very Hogs ioyne in a battaile against those dogs that biteth them. The Fish in the floud swim in skulles arming themselues a­gainst their enemies, and you shall reade in Plinie that among the Dolphins was such amity▪ that a Dolphin being taken pri­soner by a King (and closely kept) there assembled such a number of Dolphins together as is incredible, and they neuer lefte mourning and playning▪ showing by sorrowfull signes the dolour taken for the losse of their companion, by which meanes [Page 66] they recouered him againe of the King.

Thus if Fish, Fowle and Beast, agrée in vnion with a wonderful league of amity, men may blush to behold their own defects and Serpentine natures, that neuer rests hissing, sting­ing and casting out of venome, bred in vaine mindes, and nou­rished in hatefull brests. The reason that man beareth, and the forme and shape of his noble creation, should be an euerlast­ing remembraunce to moue him vnto quietnes, especially the renowne that is gotten by patience and fortitude, should al­waies kéepe reasonable men from rages, and be a bulwarke and target to beare of quarrels, the destruction of life, the hour glasse of death, and the whole consumer of all good credite.

It is to be presupposed that prowd hearts growes so Prince­ly, and euery one (that is quarrelous) would séeme a King or a conquerour, yet Princes take great aduisement before they breake peace, and cunningly put of causes of warre, waying the innumerable troubles, daungers, and losses that pertaines to a quarrell, but the generall number of men runs headlong into mischiefe, casting neither perill nor hazard, as all our life and fame, stood on slashing, cutting, roisting, and striuing for vain-glory. In our Elders daies fighters were called ruffians, and ruffians were so lothsome, that no honest man could abide their company. If seruing men which alwaies should be ciuile, had quiet & sober maisters, such buckelers with pikes, such swords like spits, and such long great daggers should not bee worne The weapon and countenaunce (by maintainers of quarrels) may cause cowards to be bold, and cause corage to catch copper or creepe closely in cornes. And now in the chiefe and highest degree of quarrelling, where see you iarres, questions, brawls, banding, and the rest of disorders, but where some party is ouer great (playing on aduantage) or weapons are not equall, ex­cept it be among noble great mindes, whose valiauncy can nei­ther suffer iniury, nor abide any blemishe of honour. So euen now to them this worke is adressed, the baser sort néedes not my perswasions, nor but of good will and presumption, this nee­deth [Page 67] not I speake of. The whole world is fraught so full of ma­lice, that the least occasion can be ministred, bréedes such great busines, that quarrels are so common (the custome thereof so olde) it séemeth nothing straunge to beholde murthers, odious practises, shamefull poisnings▪ and miserable man slaughters.

In Italy, a simple quarrell but once conceiued, neuer endes till death hath dispatched peraduenture both the parties, and so greedily they goe to take away life, that all the mischiefe can be imagined is put in exercises without delay, taking breath, re­gard of God, feare of law, or shame of the world, so blouddy is the minde, the body sléepes not, till the handes haue done some abhominable outrage. The minde cannot bee in quiet, til open folly & monstruous madnes haue disturbed the whole sences, and brought the life and body in hazard of hell fire, or daunger of worldly shame: these are the fruits of fury. The defects of nature, the miseries of man, and the brutish conditions of the counterfaite finesse in Italy. In Fraunce if a lie may bée brought in by circumstaunces, or a fine quarrell can be sifted out of grosse speeches,, present death followes, or perpetuall hatred is set abroach, wherein murthers are committed, and many a mischieuous act is taken in hand, odious to beholde, and a great horror to heare, but most vnchristianly executed.

And so generally, in all countreys and kingdoms, a quarrell once begon, comes to butchery and bloudshed, and commonly growes after (in many generations and kindreds) to dead­ly foed, and shamelesse slaughters.

A quarrell in property & nature, may be compared to many bigge barrels of Gun-powder, which once set on fire, flames so vehemently, that euery little corne thereof, is throughout con­sumed, and the blast and busines it makes, ouerthrowes houses, beateth downe great buildings, and shakes a whole towne and the walles thereof in sunder. Yea euen as a tennis ball, the harder is stricken the further it flieth, and the oftner it reboun­deth, the more he labors that strikes it: so a sparke of spitefull hatred, being blowen with the busy bellowes of mallice (that [Page 68] kindleth coales which can neuer be quenched) encreaseth such a smoothering smoke and fire, that burnes like the hill of Eth­na, that neuer goeth out, nor wanteth heate, and fume to trou­ble a whole countrey.

And one especiall point is alwaies to be noted (in the naughty nature of a quarrell) that whosoeuer hath done any iniury or giuen a wound or a blow, neuer can auoide daunger and vtter destruction, without some amendes made, crauing of pardon, open repentance, or secrete working of friends, that are wea­ried with the long debating of the matter.

As one good turne doth craue another, so an Iniury demands a quarrell, a quarrell bréedes a thousand offences, offences hardly can bee forgotten, and the more a wrong remaines in minde, [...]he lesse hope is of forgiuing the fault, and the more mis­chiefe is put in proofe and exercise.

And whosoeuer duely considers the ill inclination of people, he shall finde thousands so apt and ready to take in hand a qua­rell, that in some sort it is held a cowardise and a kinde of no courage to put vp a trifle, so many desires to sée bloudshed, so ma­ny sets men agog in vnhappines, and so many goes about with tales and bad deuises, to stur vp strife and contention.

Well since our imbecillity is much, our fury not little, and disposition so stout, that all thinges must be disputed of and dra­wen to the vttermost degrée of dangerous quarrelling: I wish peraduenture vpon some experience, that mildnes might mode­rate the manner of our falling out, and if nothing could qualifie the cruelty of courage, a regard of God, good reputation, iust cause, and honest dealing may be vsed, exhorting all men to looke to life, common society, mutuall loue, and the generall peace of a christian Kingdome. For how so euer the Worlde may imagine of fighting and brawling, the very route and grounde of disorder in a common wealth, is vnreasonable qua­rels, wherein is maintained a kinde of Turkishe tyranny, and brutish boldnesse.

This not spoken beyond the compasse of dutie, nor to the [Page 69] preiudice and hinderaunce of any mans manhood, which may bee as well seene, and vnderstood by the conquering of himselfe (and maistring his owne passions) as in hauing the victorie of others. Which triumph and victorie cannot bée gotten with­out great bloodshed and businesse. Thus Friend worshipfull I haue discoursed a matter worthy treating off, and I hope for the benefite of many: And so farewell.

A Discription or Discourse, that declareth how that by tasting of miseries, men are become happie: written for that souldiers alwayes beares the burthen of sorrow and suffers more calamitie then any other people.

RIght worshipfull, for that calamitie and com­bersome chances, doe seeme intollerable too beare (and for our first fathers offence, they are the burthens of life, and companions of man till the hower of his death) I being of­ten charged with the heauie fa [...]dle of misfor­tunes: haue taken in hand to treate of a trou­bled mynd, and shewe what blessednesse and benefit to the bo­dy and soule this worldly in felicity bringeth.

As the common afflictions of mankind are many in number, and seeme at the first feeling so irksome and weightie, that few can suffer them, or support them. So a multitude of miseries accustometh the mind so long, in the sharpnesse of sorrowes, that a sound iudgement is made the more able therby, to abide the brunte of troubles: and attende for a short season a remedie of misch [...]e [...]e [...], by proofe [...]he troth of this is tried. For let the laboryng man, or ordinarie porter (that daily carries great burthens) be often vsed to lift vp packes: he shall better beare a great burthen, then an other that is fine fingered, shall b [...]e able to heaue a small peece of Timber. And there is none that laboureth so sore, but is sure at one tyme or other, to attaine to rest and commoditie. So that all sorrowes are to be compted, but a sharpe sause to season the appetite, and bring the sweete and delicate dishes into such order, that it glut not the stomacke.

[Page 124]And nowe to consider how all pleasures are possessed, and pro [...]ittes take their begininges. The very issue and originall of those yearthly commodities, springes onely from continuall care and paine: and labourious vexation of body and minde. The greatest glories, and chiefest seates of honour any where, are gotten and compassed by this kinde of calamitie, and the least or most sparkes of mans delite is maintained (and at the length enioyed) by the meane of studious labour, and paine­full exersices.

But herein to be briefe, paine and labour is the portion ap­pointed for man in his pilgrimage, and they that are most per­secuted (so they be not tempted aboue their strength) are most to be thought in fauour with God, and happiest among men: if heauenly graces and correction, be measured by the yearthly vesselles of vanitie, that we carry about, which without cor­rection and refourming, would growe so full of filthe and cor­rupt manners, that they neither could holde good liquor, nor serue to any good purpose.

Doe you not behold that the purest mettall, with ill looking vnto, becometh full of cankers and rust: if it be not scoured, rubbed and roughly handled, his beautie decayeth, and the worth and vallue of it is little, because it hath lost his vertue and estimation. So mans corrupt Nature, were it not serched with sundrie instrumentes (that takes away the dead flesh, and toutcheth the quicke) would putrifie, and waxe lothsome to the whole world and to the creature himselfe, that beares it in his bowells. And for the auoiding of such an inconuenience, calamitie must be tasted, and troubles are necessary,, for the keeping cleane of a spotted conscience, and fraile body puffed vp with Pride, and vanitie of curious conceits.

And so I proue aduersitie, is the bringer home of good spi­rites, and gentill wittes, that wanders after worldly follies, and runnes a gadding beyonde the boundes of measure, to the vtter confines of daunger and destruction. Yea, a little trouble and torment▪ produceth great goodnesse, and bringeth soorth [Page 125] noble bookes, and goodly workes, which the libertie of life, and wantonnesse of pleasure, denies and hinders. As a thing that drawes man from the coueting of Fame, and true searching of immortalitie.

Mans prosperous estate breedes but idlenesse, nourisheth vice, contemnes vertue, and banisheth good studies and lear­ning: albeit some one among the richest, at one season or other, may looke on a booke, fauor writers and giue good speeches of well dooyng. Yet seldome comes any great worke from their handes that are in prosperity. And none in a manner but the afflicted, did at any time hetherto, yeeld benefit to their coun­trey: and knowledge to the vniuersall worlde. Let Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Cleantes, and a number of poore Philosophers (yea princes of education) be witnesse of that I speake, from which Philosophers, the fountaine of noble Arts & Sciences did spring, and aboundantly flow.

The body pampered, bedecked with beautie, full of orna­mentes, and set out to sale like flesh in the Shambelles: Ei­ther would be bought quickly, or will be tainted in hanging too long in the winde. So that as horses doe waxe reistie, for want of good vsage: and cleanest thinges taketh corruption, by lacke of looking vnto (in season). Pleasure and liberty in processe of time, makes a man wild, if callamitie tame not th [...] bodie, and bring the minde in willing subiection.

Sorrow, sadnesse, and other passions of this worlde, that comes by common causes, puttes the wittes and iudgemente to such a plonge, (secret shifte and policy) that all the senses openly makes a muster, to defend the estimation, and vpright body from falling, to which assemblie comes Patience, Reue­rence and Modestie, that the matter is so well taken, iniuries are put vppe, and wronges that haue beene offered, woorkes in a wise head, a world of deuises, wherein vertue gettes vic­torie.

To beare the comfortable crosse of persecution, is the true badge of blessednesse, whereby the seruant is seene to fol­low [Page 124] [...] [Page 125] [...] [Page 126] his maister, and all the vices of man he maistered, or re­formed by the crossyng chances of this worlde, and vertuous operation of calamitie, which miraculously worketh the dis­tempered minde as the hote Fornace tries out the Golde, and the warme fire bringes in temper, and makes softe the hard and coldest Waxe. A deuine secret to them that are chosen, and familiar example to those, that glories in wordly felicitie who knowes the naturall causes of earthly thinges.

If a man might aske wherefore was man made, sent from the highest dignitie of pleasures, to this lowe dongion of sor­rowes, and base soile of seruitude. It may be aunswered: Adam was thrust out of Paradice, for offence he had committed, and for that he was formed out of the earth, on the race of the earth he should get his foode and liuing, as a vessell ordained to beare all manner of liquour, that is put into it: and as a Creature condemned to tast and feele tormentes, sorrowes, and troubles, wherein man sees Gods mercie, and his owne infirmities. And refusing to beare and suffer, what is laied vpon him, hee seemeth to holde an other course then God hath appointed, and so seeketh that he cannot attaine. For since the earth was cur­sed, it neuer could bring forth but cares, and griefe of minde: The onely fruit and painefull portion, that was from the be­ginning, prepared for al Adams children and posteritie.

Now some will replie and say, that the rich and wealthy of the worlde, that may wallow and tumble on their treasure: Haue builded such bulwarkes against the assaults of fortune, that no troubles can touch them, nor make them yeeld to the common calamitie of our life, but who soeuer so thinketh, is vtterly deceiued. For ritches is not gotten nor kept, but with much care and labour, and where it is possest, it bringeth daun­ger, dread, disdaine and a thousand euills with it: Tempting man to riot, and lasciuious liuing, and leadeth the soule to per­dition, by a number of infinite follies, except a speciall grace doe vphold it, it runneth headlong into hell, and looketh sel­dome vnto heauen. And commonly when men doe grow ritch, they surfet so often with bankettes or bibbing, that they are [Page 127] full of deseases, and so shortens their daies.

Which libertie of life, and boldnesse in abuses (that springs on aboundance, the roote of disorder) puffes them vp in Pride, pampers them in pleasures, and blindeth so their iudgements, that they neither can sée who deceiueth them, nor finde out the right way of heauenly felicitie. And yet the [...]latterie of one, and falsehood of an other about them, bréedeth such businesse, and raiseth such stormes (where quietnesse is looked for) that the ritch mans house is neuer without blonder, brabble, and brau­linges. So that vnder the calmest shewes & ciuilest manners, lurketh terrible tempestes, and fearefull suspitions, which in that kinde is a domesticall calamitie, and miserie incurable.

And so al the iollitie and pompe of the earth (enioyed by en­heritaunce, or purchased by fortune) are accompanied with paine, enterlarded with dolloure, & mixed with vnquietnesse, and may bee compared to a rotten painted wall, that vnder faire collours, hath many a foule fret, which deceiueth the eies of them that lookes on it▪ or giues those a great ouerthrow that leaneth against it. But this is no proofe y^e riches is cause of sor­row, but this rather shews that sorrow care, & many misfortunes doth follow riches, & pouertie (so it be not bare indigence) is void of hazard, frée from fortunes mutability, & coumpted most hap­py, in comparison of the goodnes that belonged to a blessed life.

God, in beholding the vices of many, and sées some bent to estéeme villanie, or offence: doth cut of their dayes by soddaine mischances (or on a set purpose, through the Deuine power) because their euill shall not hurt the good. And regarding the other sort that will, or may amend: leaues them to the touche of their consciences, with good respite and leasure to repente, sending them miserie, trouble, and disquietnesse onely as a re­straint and bridle, to plucke them from vices. And so calami­tie may bee accompted a precious purgation: and prosperitie may be iudged a Pestilent desease, which encreased, or begun by disordered life, is rather to be called a calamity, & sickenesse of the soule, then a health of the minde, or good renowme to the [Page 128] bodie.

Many great personages, being ouercome with the casual­ties of this world, and mutabilitie of fortune, haue after their fall into persecution, taken all thinges in good part, and made but small ado, nor account of their state when aduersitie appro­ched, and béene often time as glad to vse the libertie of minde, in a serui [...]e sort, as they were well pleased, when their bodies tooke most pleasure, and had the world at commaundement. For of necessitie stormes followe calmes: and callamitie either last or first, dooth visitte an earthly vessell. For some come to Kingdomes from induraunce, and some fall to miserie from wealth and honor. Dyonisius was glad to keep a Schole, after hee had lost his Empire, and Andronico of Athens when his Countrey was subdued by the Romans, was faine to serue sundry miserable Maisters: and after led a Lyon about Rome, to the end of his dayes. But though I brought a Tyrante and and Infidell, to shewe that calamitie must bee tasted: so could I rehearse many Christen princes, that calamitie hath touched, and made them as happy by those crosses they haue borne, as some others are blessed that makes boast, that haue neuer suf­fered torment.

Calamitie is like a supplyng salue that heals a sore Can­her. A pretious preseruatiue, to keepe the head from surie of folly. A gentill medicine to reforme an infected conscience. A bitter draught of drinke: that purgeth a stout corrupt stomake: A sowre sirope or sauce that seasoneth a lewde appetite. And the sweete Salte of mans felicitie, without the which no life can be well seasoned.

Who feeles himselfe afflicted, hath cause to conceiue hee is not forgotten (where fauour is most to be desired) and be that is let alone, to followe his owne pleasure, walkes as a caste-away, and hath nothing to reioyce of. For his bad spirite leads him to distruction, and his good Angell hath forsaken his com­panie, which is a signe he is giuen ouer, to his naughty incli­nations, and is suffered to slide or fall downe right, when the [Page 119] afflicted by a speciall grace, is kept from stumblidg.

The horse that findes the Bridle caste in his necke, runne [...] out of order about the wild field: And such as loueth lewde li­bertie, and will not be bri [...]e [...]ed, good order runnes from them, and foule reproch wa [...]es at their héeles. And if they chance to happen in any hazard, the sodainnesse of the mischiefe breaketh their hart, or the woundering of the worlde, makes the wicked a wearie of his life. But such as [...]lamitie by cust [...]me hath re­claimed, taketh aduersitie as a qualifier of cursed conditions, and being content to kisse the Rodde of perturbation, are made children of promes, and inheritours of the land they haue long looked for.

So blessed bee those babes then, who in the trouble of their soules possesseth quietnesse, and makes account of calamitie, to be the perfit way and good meane to felicity and good hap. The feeling of such a scourge and visitation, lately sent me (who gatte great benefitte by his trouble) made me write this trifling treatise of calamity.