SYlla (a Romane Captaine) inten­ding to perswade Bocchus to the be­traying,Salust, in the warres of Iu­gurth. which hee practised, of Iu­gurth, grounded chiefely his per­swasion vpon this point, that a man had neuer friends enough. A thing which common and ordinarie ex­perience maketh so sensible, both to our feeling, & to our sight, that whosoeuer would call in question, or impugne that case, shoulde but shewe himselfe voide of iudgement, and common sense. Therefore it is, that in our French language, there is this common prouerbe: that he which hath a good neighbor, hath a good morning: aduer­sing vs thereby, that hee which mainteineth himselfe well with his neighbors, hath taken the best way that he coulde deuise, for the estate of his particular businesse.

For as there is nothing more grieuous for a man, than to see himselfe pinched by those, at whose hande hee loo­keth for fauour and comfort in his aduersitie. So is there no greater contentment, than to see himselfe so well ten­dred and cherished of his neighbours, as it may bee a wit­nesse of his good behauiour among them. The which thing considered, those learned men,Hesiodus in his booke of workes and dayes. that by their wri­tings haue traced vs out the way of vertue, haue made so great account of the regard that is due to good neighbors, that in some respect, they haue preferred it before the same which is due vnto kinsfolke and allyes. That great and wise Captaine Themistocles, Cicero in his first booke of dueties. shewed sometimes to haue right well vnderstood this point: for causing one of his [Page 2]inheritances to bee solde by the cryer, hee commaunded him to say, and proclaime it alowde (to the intent, hee might put it to greater prise,) that it was well neighbou­red. Nowe, if in particular thinges, the respect of neigh­bourhood ought to bee in such recommendation to vs: how much more I pray you, ought it so to doo, in the dis­posing of matters of state? Who is so ignorant a man, of the affaires of this worlde, that hee knoweth not howe the neighbourhoode of the Bulgarians, caused the ente­ring, and descending of the Turke into Greece, and opened them the way to serse vppon that which they holde at this day in Europe?

The like may bee saide, in the same regard of Italie: for the astaires of the Ʋenctians, Florentines, Geneuoies, and Nea­politans, were not troubled, but by the malice of one of their neighbours: to wit, Lewis Sforce, vsurper of the state of Mi­laine: who for the satisfying of his owne priuate affections, made no conscience to trouble the quiet state, which Ita­lie had so long enioyed by the wisedome of Laurence of Me­dicis: and to make his countrie a pray to the wars and vio­lences of the French-men.

On the contrarie part, if we regard neerely the state of things past, we shall finde, that manie of the greatest hou­ses of Germanie, haue beene by the good foresight, and heartie affection of their neighbours, preserued from the ouerturning, wherewith the common rage menaced them. In the time of our fathers: to wit, in the yeare of our Lord, 1504. Philip Conte Palatine, fell at variance with the Emperor Maximilian; and hauing the end of his case, as little prosperitie, as the enterprise thereof had right: hee was outlawed by the states of the Empire, and brought to a great perplexitie.

But Frederike, Duke of Saxonie, his next neighbour, a Prince of great wit and skill, handled this matter so milde­lie, that all the storme turned into a calme, and pleasant tranquilitie. Wherein, notwithstanding, I thinke not, that Princes can pretend any aduantage vpon the states of Ari­stocratie and popularitie. All men know, how that about fourtie yeares past, Charles Duke of Sanoy inuaded Geneua: [Page 3]the possession and dominion whereof, hee had left to his successors, if they of Frybourge, being neighbors and allya­ted with the Geneuians, had not made him to leaue off, and to let go his pray, which hee had as it were betweene his teeth.

I alleage these familiar examples, and of fresh date, least I shoulde rest too much vppon those of olde time: and speciallie of the common weale of Athens, who alwayes professed to releeue their neighbors, that were cast downe by anie hard ouerthrowe. Whereof the setting vp againe of Thebes, will serue for a sufficient recorde and witnesse, so long as mans life shall haue the good happe to bee in­lightned with the light of good learning. Thus may you see then, verie pertinent reasons, to make vs to vnderstand howe carefullie the states and gouernements ought to be vnderpropped with the friendship and faithfulnesse of their neighbours. But forasmuch as this is a point of great im­portance, so it required a deepe and ripe consideration: for men which are lesse experimented and practised in worldly affaires, doo suffer themselues so much the more easily to be deceiued: specially when vaine outward shewe can apparell and decke her selfe, with the glittering glose of substantiall profite.

And to manifest the matter by example, and by the set­ting downe of one particular deede, to open the way to the deciding of a generalitie, I will speake of that which more neerely concerned the disposement of our owne af­faires. There is no man so blinde, of any vnderstanding, which doth not see and perceiue the poore and misera­ble state wherein the Realme of France, hauing lost his an­cient beautie, is nowe brought at this day, by the long continuance and sharpenesse of ciuill warres. All men con­fesse that shee hath neede of a restoratiue to recouer her a­gaine from so dangerous a disease: neuerthelesse all do not agree vpon the confection, and the ingredients that are now fit and sortable to such a restoratiue. But yet so it fal­leth out, that those which by reason of their dealings in worldly affaires, haue attained to a greater experience than other, do come vnto this point: that according vn­to [Page 4]the order of good Phisitions, the disease is to bee cured by his contraries. And therefore, in as much as the dis­ease of France proceedeth but of vnquietnesse: that there is no better way to establish her againe in her former state of health, than a good and sure rest: an aduice in my iudgement, much better grounded in reason, than plainely discoursed. And that it is so, when question is concerning the quieting of our countrie: that man were too farre ouerseene, which woulde inclose it within the cir­cuit of France: hauing no farther regarde or care, howe farre shee were at oddes, or howe shee fared with her neighbours, so the inhabitantes of the Realme may liue in peace among themselues, and that the fire of ciuill wars be quenched.

And although, I must roundly confesse, that they being brought vppon the falling into the one of the two incon­ueniences: there is no forraine warre, howe harde and daungerous soeuer it bee, which ought not to bee vnder­taken, if by the same countrie it may bee saued from ci­uill warre: yet notwithstanding, the full and perfite pro­speritie of a state consisted in being exempted from both those inconueniences: vnlesse wee doo esteeme our age to bee priuiledged with such a fauour, that wee may haue warre without the appertenances thereof: that is to wit, without miserie and pouertie. They then which procure the quietnesse and welfare of our France, must aime at this marke, that not onely all ciuill broiles bee quenched, but also that shee mainteine her selfe in good order with her neighbours. And speciallie with those, whose ally­ance is most commodious, and most assured vnto her: which is a point in my iudgement, as needefull to ob­taine, as hard to be decided, by reason of the diuersitie of mens affections: and of those which professe to preferre their owne peculiar profite, before the welfare and com­moditie of the common weale.

But yet, if in the handling of this matter, we doo bring none other passion with vs, than the earnest loue of trueth, and of our owne natiue countrie, there would be no great a doo in discussing of this difficultie. And doo [Page 5]not thinke (all account made and rebated, whether it bee considered whole togither, or whether there bee had any particular respect to the present time) that there be any of our neighbours, whereof the alliance be so com­modious and behoofefull to vs, as the same of the English­men. And on the other side, I am of opinion, that he which in matters of state, would treate of the common errors, could not chose a fairer argument, than to show that those which ordinarily do call the Englishmen, the ancient ene­mies of the state and crowne of France, meaning to pur­chase to themselues estimation of learning among the ig­norant, do discouer themselues vtterly ignorant among the learned. And because many Courtiers whome I haue heard discourse of this matter proceede so farre, that they preferre the allyance with Spaine before all others, hauing (as they say) a speciall regarde to the benefite and welfare of France, I will debate that question, which in my iudge­ment hath no better grounde than partiall affection, or on too much superficiall knowledge of the affaires of this worlde. I hope therefore to show by apparant reason, that the alliance with England is to vs much more behoofefull, than the allyance with Spaine: and by the selfe same means to auoide the generall proposition, and to proue that there is no people in the worlde, whose allyaunce is so commo­dious and necessarie for vs, as those or England. And to lay a foundation to mine opinion, I say that whensoeuer que­stion is to be had of allyaunce with any people, regard is to be had chiefely of two thinges: the one, that those whose allyaunce wee preferre, may haue the most occasions and meanes to succour vs: the other, that they haue likewise most meanes to annoy vs, being become our enimies. And which is (I pray you) the people in the worlde, which hath iuster cause to loue vs than the Englishmē? who is so allyed to vs in bloud, conformable in conditions, and brother­like in vertuous inclinations? the which I vnderstande not only to say of the Englishmen, whom we so call at this day, but also of the ancient Britaines, of whom there is yet to be seene a remnant in the country of Walles: who notwith­standing they resemble in manners, customes, and vsages [Page 6]the other people of Englande, yet doo they differ from them in language.Caesar in his first booke of his warres in Gallia. Iulius Caesar, who was the first amongest the Romane Captaines that discouered, and had know­ledge of the state of this Ile: teaching vs, that that one part of the Britains, which bordered vpon the sea, tooke their originall from the Lowe Countries of Germanie: Caesar in his second booke of his warres in Gallia. the same Author hath left vnto vs in writing, that in his time the king of Soyssons named Diuitiacus, had also commanded to the state of great Britaine: and therefore it is no maruell, though the Britaines, (especially those which inhabite a­bout Kent) did agree in humanitie, and in manners of life, with the Gauls.

And indeede, if we will take the right thereof by that we finde in writing, none can be said to be more brotherlike, than these two nations. And without proceeding so farre, as to search out euery point by himselfe, I will speake only of the Druydes, who had in olde time the handling of all matters in both these Nations.

These Druydes were Poetes and Priestes, as there was in old time one Hesiodus in Greece. It is a certaine thing that the first among the Grecians which innobled their coun­trie with the knowledge of learning, cōprehended all their doctrinè in verses: as Homerus, Hesiodus, Orpheus, Musaeus, Linus, Plutarch in the life of Thaeseus. Empedocles, Parmenides: yea and euen Pitheus, of whom Plutarch maketh mention. In respect whereof Plato attributed so much vnto Poets, that he called them the fa­thers, and chiefest of wisedome. For the Druydes, were also Mathematicians and Philosophers:Plato in his Lycidas. Cicero in his second booke of the nature of the Goddes which is the cause that I cannot well conceiue what Cicero meant, in compa­ring the Britaines and Scythians together, in respect of ig­norance of the Mathematicall arts.

If he referred him to the record of his familiar friend Tre­batius, euery one knoweth to haue beene such a witnes (as may be gathered out of Cicero his own writings) that liked better to behold a storehouse of victuals, thā the cōtempla­tion of the starres. But it seemeth that Cicero, which other­wise was a man of exquisite iudgement, would verifie the saying of Thales the Milesian, who beeing demaunded of, howe much the truth is different from the vntruth: euen [Page 7]as much (quoth he) as the eyes from the eares: likewise may we say in respect of the matter that we haue in hande, that we finde eyes in Caesar, and eares in Cicero. Now whe­ther the Britaines tooke the knowledge of learning from the Galles, or the Galles from the Britaines: so much it is, that the youngmen of Gauland, (for the more furtherance of their studies transported them into Britaine vnto the Druydes of that countrie, at whose handes they learned the most hidden secrets of Philosophie, and of Mathematicall sciences. If we will stande to the report of Caesars writinges thereof, the Philosophie and doctrine of the Druydes had his beginning in great Britaine: which opinion I willingly imbrace, notwithstanding, that the excellent and rare learned man Petrus Ramus, seemeth to holde the contrarie in some writings of his. Therefore it is no maruell,Ramus in his booke of the manners of ancient Gauls. though so learned a Nation, and so well trayned in good sciences, hath beene indewed with an humanitie answerable to their skill, and whereof our Gaulles haue reaped the chiefe fruite thereof. In so much that Caesar being about to passe ouer in­to Britaine, Caesar in his fourth booke of his watres in Gallia. brought forth no other pretence of his voyage thether, but only that the Gaulles had bin succoured of the Britains in all the quarrels which they had to deale against the Romanes. And if any man thinke that the people which since Caesaers time, haue seised the coūtries of Gallia & Brita­nia, that is to say, the Englishmen & Frenchmen, haue beene knit in looser friendship, or haue lesse cause of mutual inter­taining one an other, he deceiued himselfe as much as hee that is ignorant, how great force is in friendship grounded vpon naturall alliance, whereof the remembrance can not be buried, neyther by processe of time, nor distance of pla­ces. The Citizens of Sais in Aegypt, sayd that their citie was founded by the Goddesse Minerua, as so likewise did the Athenians. In consideration of which allyance, as Plato wit­nessed, the Greekes generally, and the Athenians specially,Plato in his Timaeus. were welcome, and very much made of at Sais. There­fore it remaineth to be considered, howe straightly the Frenchmen are vnited with the Englishmen, and what show of friendshippe they haue made at all times, the one vnto the other: neither is it to be sayde, that they haue [Page 8]had great and long warres betwixt them, yea euen within the remembrance of our great grandfathers.

For by that reason, we must banish friendshippe from a­mong all nations of the earth: and by the selfesame reason we must conclude, that there can be no friendshippe euen among the Frenchmen themselues, the which of late daies haue set vp in their owne countrie, a scafolde of the blou­diest tragedie that euer was heard of. And as touching the warres betweene the Englishmen and the Frenchmen, I hope to show hereafter in dewe place, that so farre it is that that consideration ought to bring any alteration to the friendship betweene them & vs, that in contrarie, it ought rather to he a verie strong inducement vnto vs, to ingen­der some increase of goodwill on our parts towards them. For God hauing giuen them so great aduantages ouer vs, as euery one knowes, it is harde to be saide, whether that noble nation hath shewed hir selfe more valiant in battaile, than milde and gentle after the victorie. Much lesse are to the purpose the rude speeches which may be heard in the streetes, as well in France as in Englande, as among others are these english wordes, Cullion, Frenchdogge: which is the rethoricke of pedlers, coblers, beggars, and other peo­ple of the like stampe, and not the speeches of the honest, and ciuill sort, whereof wee intende to speake in this dis­course: leauing aside all these toyes, let vs speake of the kindely amitie that is betweene these two Nations. In the time of the Emperour Martian and Ʋalentinian, about the yeare of Christ, 449. Witigerne King of great Britaine, being in will to beate backe the Picts and Scots, called to his aide the Angles or Englishmen, who at that time dwelt among the Vites and Saxons: and indeede the Welchmen do still at this day call the Englishmen, Sasses, as if one would say, Saxons, the which hath beene told me for a certainetie by some learned men of that countrie. It followeth then vp­on this discourse, that the Englishmen are come of the Al­maynes, as also are the Frenchmen, according as our Histo­rians do report. And although, that as touching the french Nation, I dare not vpholde that they are descended of the Saxons: yet notwithstanding, the house of the kings, which [Page 9]at this day cōmandeth in France, fetched his originall from thence, as they can tell which haue the most perfect know­ledge of the historie. For Windekinde a Saxon, of the line of the great Windekind subdued by Charlemayne, came into France to the succor of Charles the balde, which was greatly disquieted of the Normans: This younger Windekind, had a sonne named Robert, who so fortunately followed the foot steps of his father, that Charles the bald made him generall of the armie which he sent against the Normans: who at that time spoiled France. This Robert was flaine in battel leauing a son named Otho, who by consent of the Emperor Arnold, had the gouernement of France, during the minoritle of Charles the simple. By the which gouernment neuertheles, he purchased not so great reputatiō, as he did in being the father of Hugh the great Earle of Paris. But Hugh Capot the sonne of this Hugh the great, surmounted the glorie, and renowme of all the aforesayde, as well for making him­selfe the chiefest of the absolute state and gouernement of France, as for leauing a kingly posteritie behinde him, the which stil at this day is yet vpright, deuided into two hou­ses, that is to wit, of Valoys and of Bourbon.

And so wee may conclude, that although the French­men, and the Englishmen,Aristotle in his first booke of his matters of state. Cap. 1. can not be sayde (according to the terme of Charondas) [...], that is to say, liuing to­gether: or according to Epimenides, [...], as if one would say, nourished at one selfe same fire or householde, or as we say in French, men beeing together at pot, and at borde: yet notwithstanding, they may well bee called [...], that is to say, comming of one stocke. And al­beit, that this allyaunce bee of it selfe ynough clarified in the histories: yet is it yet better by conformitie or agree­ablenesse of the conditions of these two peoples, and by good behauiour of the one towardes the other. The Eng­lishmen euen as the Frenchmen are generous, and conse­quently (as Aristotle teacheth) farre from dissimulation,Aristotle in his fourth booke of mo­rall philoso­phie. Cap. 3. hating, or louing openly, gouerning themselues more by truth, than by opinion, louing a great deale more the deed than the showe, free in his speech, desirous of libertie, easi­ly forgetting the wrong to them done: and moreouer he [Page 10]is liberall, ciuill, curteous and gentle: of all vertuous qua­lities, I belecue there are to be found as many cleere & eui­dent testimonies, as there be sentences spoken of their ex­ploytes in historiographers that are not partiall. For as concerning their ciuility, what better witnes therof can we haue then Philip of Commines, who had the experience ther­of himselfe in the behalfe of the lorde of Ʋancler. Philip of Commes. I should speake of a thing too much renowmed ouer all the world, if I should spende too many words in discoursing of their magnificence & liberalitie. Certainely if it be true that He­rodian hath written concerning barbarous men, namely that they are naturally desirous of money,Herodian in the life of the Emperour Commodus. the Englishmen are sufficiently discharged of the blame of barbarousnesse: notwithstanding that some writers being eyther ignorant, or ouermuch partiall, doo disgrace them in that respect. And what neede I to stande long vpon this point, conside­ring that the experience, and record of most noble, and excellent personages, do openly ratisie my sayinges. The late Ʋidame of Charires (who being one of the most liberall noble men of our time, could best speake of liberalitie) said openly, that if there were any Nation in Christendome, more liberall and courteous towarde strangers, than Eng­lishmen are, he was contented to be registred among such as speake vnaduisedly of things they know not. The Vidame that succeeded him as wel in his vertues, as in his heritage, protested oftentimes, that he durst not speak of the huma­nitie, curtesie, & liberalitie of Englishmen, for feare least he should breake open a discourse, whereinto he might more easily enter, thā find the way out againe. Odet the Cardinall of Chastilion, had ordinarily this saying in his mouth, that courtesie had in olde time inclosed her selfe within France, but now it was passed ouer the sea.

This matter would require a longer discourse: but I am a Frenchman, and iealous of the honour of my countrie. Plutarch did write,Plutarch in the life of Ci­cero. that the great Rethoritian Molon, ha­uing one day heard Cicero declaiming in Greeke, saide with lamentation, that he bewayled the state of Greece, for that Cicero should carrie away the greatest ornament thereof, namely the cloquence. For mine owne part, although I [Page 11]be as greatly affectioned towardes Englishmen, as the de­sertes of their vertue requireth, yet doth it greeueth me to see them so enriched with our spoyles. Insomuch that Eng­land may at this day, euen of good right, be termed a verie Sanctuarie of all ciuilitie, kindnesse, and courtesie: whereof may be seen the presidents, not only towards their friends, in the time of peace, but also towards their enimies in time of war. Of many examples, I will choose one so notable, as I can not tell whether the like can any where be found in the histories eyther of Greekes or Latins. Among all the battels, that euer were fought in France, the battell of Poy­tiers is most memorable, not onely for the inestimable losse of them that were vanquished, but also much more for the courtesie and gentlenesse of the Conquerours. For the Nobilitie of Fraunce were there hewen in peeces, many Princes and great Lordes were taken prisoners, and name­ly the King John himselfe fell into the hands of the Prince of Wales, who anon after conueyed him into Englande, where he receiued so fauourable and friendly intertayne­ment of King Edwarde father to the Prince of Wales, that he being suffered, vpon his faith, and vpon hostages, to re­turne into France, to set order in his affaires, afterwarde hauing aduisedly considered the intertainement that had beene done vnto him, he found so sweete taste and sauour, in the English courtesie, that he esteemed it more for his honour, to die by so gratious a Prince, than to liue as king of the greatest and mightiest kingdome of Christendome. Porus a king of India, being taken prisoner by great Alex­ander, and being asked of him what intertainement hee looked to receiue, I am a king (quoth he) deale with me like a king. Alexander making a stay thereat, and asking him, if hee desired nothing else: this woorde king-like (sayeth he) comprehendeth all. Whereuppon Alexander had him in great estimation afterwarde, and vsed him as he had required. But this courtesie of king Edwarde ought to be esteemed so much more greater than Alexanders, for so much as Porus had not taken the armes, but beeing con­strained for his owne lawfull defence, whereas contrati­wise, king Iohn would not accept the honorable condition [Page 12]of peace, which the prince of Wales offered vnto him, what­soeuer the Cardinall of Perigort, being sent frō the Pope In­nocent declared vnto him, to moue him to any cōpositiō: but suffering himselfe to be ouermastred by his own choler, he was vanquished by a handfull of men, & lost such a battell on the 19. day of September 1356, as cannot be matched by any other, than by that so much renowmed battell of Cannas, which was like to haue ouerturned the whole state of the Romane cōmon-weale. And although the ciuill wars be ordinarily hādled with so much more a poisoned mind, as the alliance is straighter betwixt thē that are of one coū­trie: yet notwithstanding, if credite may be giuē to the hi­stories, there shal not be foūd any natiō in the world, which in that behalfe be in such & so long a possessiō of modera­tiō,Comines in his 112. chap. & mercifulnes, as the English Nation. Comines who had as much, or more experience of the doings of England, as a­ny Frenchman of his time, sayth that in ciuill wars the cu­stome of that country is, to come out of hand to the battel, & that the chiefe of the part to which the victory inclineth, causeth to be proclaimed a loud, Saue the people. And would to God, that we had vsed the like moderation & mildnesse in our ciuill wars, for then should we haue yet at this day fiftie thousande witnesses of our discention, whose bloud­shed dooth nowe prouoke Gods wrath against our coun­trie of France. Howbeit, for as much as the occasion of loue towardes a Nation, whether it be by naturall affini­tie, or by conformitie of manners, is not a thing that of it selfe deserueth great commendation, vnlesse it be mani­fested by indeuour to bring it to passe: the processe of our discourse requireth to haue this point more narrowly searched, to the ende, that such as call the Englishmen the auncient enemies to the Crowne of France, may learne, eyther to speake better, or else to holde their peace all to­gether, and say nothing, when such matters come in que­stion. I say therefore that the effectes of friendshippe haue beene at all times mutualy vsed betweene both these Na­tions. For leauing a side that which I haue alleadged of Casar, where hee writeth that the Britaines had succoured the Gaulles in all their warres against him.

I will take presidents of later remembrance: that is to say, since one hundred or sixe score yeares past. In the time of king Lewis the eleuenth, Charles Duke of Burgoine being desirous to clip the wings of the same Lewis his deadly foe, called to his aide Edward king of England, his brother in Law, who needed not to be drawen by the eares, to make an entrie into France: whervnto he wanted no pretence. By reason whereof; there was then great likelihood, that if the Duke of Burgoyne coulde haue skilled to wield his pro­speritie, he had either ouerthrowne, or at the least, great­ly shaken the whole state of France. The saide king Lewis, being a prince of more wisedome than hardinesse, conside­ring to what an inconuenience his affaires were brought, wrought so by policie, that a treatie of peace with king Ed­ward was had, which was done at Piquignie. And it may well be said, that then the gentlenesse of king Edward stood France in steede of a great and strong bulwarke, against the violence and heady force of the Burgonians.

Charles the eight, the sonne and successour of the saide Lewis, was so farre fauored from heauen, as to haue occa­sion offered him to requite the said courtesie towards the English nation: and hee was as readie to imbrace such an occasion, as it was happily offered vnto him. Edward, whom we speake off, being deceased, his brother Richard Duke of Glocester, by wicked practises, and vnlawfull meanes, vsur­ped the crowne of England, defrauding his Nephewes of their inheritance. And as the meane of his vsurping of such a state was strange and cruell, so was the manner of his be­hauiour in it much more.

The state of poore England was so miserable, that he sca­ped well, that went cleere with the losse of his goods, offi­ces, and fees.

Many great personages of noble houses, to defend them­selues against such a tempest, fled vnto France. The noblest, amongst them, was the Earle of Richmond: who hauing so­iourned a while in Britanie, finallie determined to recouer with his goods and possessions the libertie of his country. This new Thrasybulus, wāted neither partakers nor friends: for king Charles the eight gaue him aide, wherewith hee [Page 14]entered into England, and there giuing battell with happie successe: he obteined in recompence of his prowesse, the the state and crowne, which hath remained euer since vpon the heads of his posteritie vnto this day. I would not stand so long vppon the commendation of the courtesie of Eng­lishmen, if in our time, that is say, within three-score yeares it had not brought foorth so good and euident ef­fects to our behoofe, as it might argue a blockishnesse in vs to be ignorant of it, and a lewdnesse not to acknowledge it. The realme of France neuer receiued so great a blowe since the battell of Poytiers; as it did at the ouerthrowe of Pauie: where king Francis was taken prisoner.

The Emperor Charles being yet a young Prince, and broi­ling with ambition after so faire victorie, entred into won­derfull hopes, and in manner assured himselfe, that within few yeares the Monarchie of all Europe shoulde bee the in­terpretation of his Plus oultre, that is yet further. And in deede there was great likelihood, that (the forces of France being so ouermastered) hee might haue seene, if not in all,See the histo­rie of du Bel­lay. yet at least in part, the accomplishment of his desires: if God looking vpon our countrie with his pitifull eye, had not touched the heart of Henrie the eight king of England, to slay the course of the Emperor, pursuing with full sailes the steppes of his victorie (An act so much the more to be wondered at, as that king Henrie had not any other cause to do it, than onely his owne princelie disposition, where­with his mind was so kindled, that hee thought more for his honour, to releeue his neighbour that was distressed, than to be a partner with the conqueror of the booty and spoile of him) so as, that it may well be said, that king Hen­rie the eight, next after God, was our deliuerer, and that the Lyon hath plucked vs out of the Eagles clawes. And we must not thinke, that in this behalfe he sought his own profite, or peculiar safetie. For as touching the profite, besides that the euent shewed to bee otherwise, the prote­station that hee made by his king at armes in defying the Emperor, doth sufficiently shew, that the only mark which he aimed at,Theocritus in the praise of Ptolomie. was honour and royal behauiour: wherby as Theocritus affirmed, the great personages of old time haue [Page 15]purchased to thēselues the title of Heroes. And as touching safetie, the Emperor being then greatly affectioned to his vncle king Henrie, was in treatie, for the greater confirma­tion and assurance of friendship, of a marriage betweene himselfe, and the Ladie Marie, king Henries eldest daugh­ter. Moreouer, the Emperor could not haue seised vppon the kingdome of France, without to bee a partaker of it with the Englishmen, for the olde pretence or title that they make of the countries of Guyan, and Normandie: So that all things being well accounted, the Englishmen had no cause to be affraid of the Emperor.

This matter deserued a longer discourse: but I labour to be briefe, that I may speake of Edward the sixt, the sonne of king Henrie. This prince was so aboundantly indewed with vertue, & the feare of God, that he may iustly be called the Iosias of the newe Testament, and the Phoenix of Christian princes. But leauing aside his rare vertues, wherof the most eloquent, cannot speake but too ouer briefly: I will touch alonely that which concerned our nyest matter.

This Prince by the councel of the late duke of Northum­berland, did beare so sound and sincere good will vnto our king, Henrie the second, that if God had prolonged his life, there had gone a linke of allyance betweene these two kings, and Moris duke of Saxon. So that there is great likelihood, that an allyance made betweene three so migh­tie princes, would euen then haue brought the Emperour Charles to the same point, which he tooke afterward: that is to wit, to withdraw himselfe in Castile, into the Abbie of saint Iust. I speake not of the kindnesse that hee shewed to­wards the poore Frenchmen that were driuen to seeke suc­cour, on a time when the profession of Christianitie was no other thing in France, then to giue themselues ouer to pre­sent death: and not onelie we, but almost al nations in Eu­rope were beholding to England, in that behalfe, forasmuch as their exile was relieued by the helpe and comfort of that most holie and happie Edward. Happie (say I) as much in his respect, as that in his sister Queene Elizabeth, he hath so persite a pontraiture of his most Christian, & heroicall ver­tues. Which is the cause, that all they, that in our Europe [Page 16]are indewed with a sound iudgement, are desirous aboue all wordly things, either to be subiect vnto such a Prince, or to liue vnder the subiection of a Prince that resembleth her. But I haue not taken in hande to sounde foorth the praises of Queene Elizabeth, because I am not able to ex­presse her rare vertues according as they deserue: and if I woulde go about to lay them forth particularly, I shoulde neuer haue done. Therefore taking a shortenway, I will say onely, that she hath made shew and proofe of her good will towards France, as often as the state of our affaires haue offered occasion vnto her most gratious maiestie. and specially, she hath shewed her selfe affectioned to con­tinue peace with vs, (being brought thereunto) as well by her owne cleare insight, as by the well aduised and sage counsell of the most vertuous and excellent Lords, Sir Wil­liam Cecill, yet at this day, Lord Treasurer of England, and Sir Nicholas Bacon, of good memorie, sometime Lord Kee­per of her Maiesties great Seale: Men indewed with so high and eminent wisedome, and happily qualified with all kinde of vertue, that they may well be numbred among the most eloquent, which can duely sound out their prai­ses to the posteritie. For my part, I thanke our most merci­full God, which hath so well matched good fortune with so great vertue, in those two English Nestors, as that may be seene in them,Callimachus in Hymno Ionis. the accomplishmēt of the prayer so much solemnized by Callimachus.

Now remaineth to speake of a like vtterance of friend­ship toward vs: howbeit in a verie vnlike case. France hath not in it a greater ornament than the cittie of Paris, nor the cittie of Paris a greater ornament then the exercise of learning, which hath continued there, since the time of Charlemaine: that is to say, since the yeare of our Lord. 792. vnto this day: with such estimation, that in the time of our fathers, to haue studied at Paris, or to be greatly aduanced in the knowledge of learning, were diuers speeches signi­fying the selfe same thing. Now if this bee a great benefite (as indeede it cannot bee denied, vnlesse it bee of a man of smal iudgement) we cannot confesse to haue the same of a­ny other than of English men, except we will (in depriuing them of the praise that is due vnto them) depriue and rob our selues wilfully, of the reputation of men that loue truth and vpright dealing. For Charlemaine was induced to that happie enterprise, by the counsel of Flaccus Albinus an Eng­lish man (proceeding from an Italian stirpe) the which was assisted by two Scots: the one named Iohn Malrosius, the other called Claudius Clemens.

Now like as euill counsel, by Gods iust iudgement doth redound ordinarily to the hurt of him that giueth it: so contrariwise, the author of good and holy counsell is com­monly, hee that first tasted of the fruites thereof. Euen so the Englishmen haue reaped the fruites of the good, and wholsome counsell of Albine and his fellowes: in so much as that the Vniuersitie of Oxford is an impe of the same of Paris. But because we see, that men are so much more incli­ned to things whereunto they are drawne by the conside­ration of that which touched them most neerely: I wil say, that the wellfare of England toucheth vs so nigh, and ours them, that if the one of both these nations bee beaten downe by the stranger, the other may well make her rec­koning, that shee shall not inioy any great rest. It is well knowne, that assoone as Iulius Caesar had taken footing with the Romane power in France, hee thought not to haue well played his part, vntill he had passed into Britaine, to make a broile there. The historie writers haue so clarified this point, that it were superfluitie of speach to proceede anie [Page 18]farther in the discourse thereof. I woulde faine nowe, that some one of these iolly fellowes, our courtiers, which are so affectioned, & make so great a matter of the allyance with Spaine, would shew me the like reasons and ground of their opinion. I am verie well assured that they will not trouble themselues to prooue any natural affinitie betweene France and Spaine, vnlesse they ransacke vp from the Arke of Noe: or else that they will make anie account of that which the Poets report, concerning the faire, and beautifull Bebrice. The which notwithstanding, woulde bee an argument so weake, as euill to purpose, as they know that are skilfull in the knowledg of antiquities, & specially of poetical fables.

Now being entred into this matter, it shal not be imper­tinent to speake of the originall of the Spaniards that are at this day. For we see that the waters which come from a spring where Brimstone is, do alwayes sent the Brimstone: so is it commonly seene, that men do carry printed in their manners and behauiour, the vertuous or vitious qualities, of their ancestors. Thus hauing knowledge of the original, and issue of the Spaniards, that wil be vnto vs a good path­way to the discourse following. About the yeare of Christ. 717. Iulian Earle of Biscay being greatly greeued, and inten­ding to reuenge himselfe of the outrage by him receiued at the hands of Roderike, K. of the Gothes, which had deflowred his daughter, called and drew the Moores to his aid, vnder the leading of Muza Miramamolin their King.

Ʋnder this p [...]text (so sure a thing is it to drawe forraine forces into a countrie) the Moores made themselues ma­sters of all Spaine, sauing Biscay and Austerland: For after their captaines had parted the countrie which they had conquered, they became so manie little kings in Spaine. Since the Sarazins intermingled themselues yet further: insomuch, that if we will take vp the matters further off: that is to wit, from the time of Caesar, wee shal, finde that without speaking of the Romanes, who haue comman­ded most of all Europe, the Gothes, the Vandales, the Moores and the Sarasines, haue beene the Lawgiuers to Spaine. Therefore, if of good right, the Gothes & Vandales are accounted cruel, the Moores faithlesse & reuengeful, & [Page 19]the Sarasins proud, & ful of villanie in their conuersations.

I pray you, what humanitie, what faith, what gentlenes, what mildenesse and ciuilitie thinke wee to find in that son of barbarousnesse? But, to the intent it be not taught, that I will rest vpon bare presumptions, rather then vpon sub­stantiall proofes and arguments: I am contented that this article shall bee cleared by conferring their manners with ours, that is to say, their vices with our vertues, and their villaqueries or knaueries, with our courtesies. To be short, this comparison is such, that if any Rhethorician would bestow his eloquence, making a long and liuelie countermatch, he could not choose in the whole world a subiect more answerable to his purpose, than the compa­ring of our cōditions with the cōditions of this Marranish nation of Spaniards. And to the end it be not thought, that I speak feinedly, for an entry into the deuise of their fairest colour, I will bring them foorth one witnesse which shall make them blush for shame: notwithstanding that they be so shamelesse, that they wil not willingly blush. Whē I shuld onely say, that the witnesse which I intend to bring against them, is a Senator of Ʋenice, yet shoulde I haue sufficientlie qualified it, to purchase him credit among al men of discre­tion and setled iudgement. But I will say yet further, name­ly, that he is an ancient Senator: yea, and so trained vp in the affaires of this world, that the conforming of men to his imitation, is nothing else at this day among the Vene­tians, than to be the verie direct way to attaine immortall renowne, by a most sage and wise ordering of matters of state: to be short, it is that excellent and renowmed perso­nage, Andrew Gritte, who in discoursing before the Senate of Venice, vpon the honorable behauiour of this good Spa­nish race: behold the faire testimonie which he rendereth of their good disposition and nature. The Spanish nation (saith he) is vnfaithfull, ouerrauenous, and vnsatiablest of all other nations. And where is, I pray you, the place of the worlde,Guychardin in Lib. 16. where these infamous Harpyes haue set their feete, which is not defiled with the footsteps of their abho­minable vices?

And forasmuch as in the proofe of a matter, the witnes [Page 20]of one alone, is of no great weight. I will produce yet an other witnesse: that is to wit, Francis of Guichiardine, Histo­riographer:Guychardin in Lib. 16. a man so sufficient, that the verie reckoning vp of his good gifts and perfections, would require and de­serue a whole historie.

Lo here the record which he yeeldeth to the Spanish di­sposition, and loyaltie: The Spanish nation (saith hee, in giuing his iudgement of those reuerend fathers) are coue­tous and deceitfull (and where they be at libertie, and haue meanes to discouer themselues in their kind as they be) ex­ceeding outrageous, proud and insolent. Geryon king of Spaine (if we may beleeue the fables of Poets) had three bodies: and although this bee poeticall deuise, yet will it seeme the lesse strange, by him which shall consider the Spaniards nature throughly: wherein may be seene incor­porated together, a craftie Foxe, a rauenous Woolfe, and a wounding Tygre. And let this be said, in respect of those of that nation, which are least intollerable: for whosoeuer looketh thoroughly into the deepest degree of them: that is to say, into the wickedder and abhominabler sort, then the common be, he shal finde in euerie of them the Cube: yea many times the Sursolide of this ternarie mōster. They shall be found (I say) a filthy and loathsome swine, a thee­uish Howlet, and a bragging Peacocke. As for the fulnesse of their perfection, there shall be found in them a legion of diuels: practising howe to lie, to intrappe, and to deceiue the world.

Briareus (as Homer saith) had an hundred hands:Homers Iliads. ae. who will beleeue that the Spanyard hath any lesse, when it com­meth to catching and snatching. Let him but receiue for a day or two, some Dom diego into his house, & if he change not of aduise, I am contented to grant and confesse, that the Spaniard hath changed his condition: I say, if robberie and theeuerie ought to bee accounted, rather a custome, than naturall in that nation. And if anie man doubt of their sufficiencie in that behalfe: the state of the Low countries will make it so manifest, that he will of his owne accord confesse, that the Bohemians, and Aegyptians, are but small prentises to the Spaniards, in taking and ap­propriating [Page 21]other mens goods to themselues. And surely, he should do them great wrong which should thinke that time hath not made them more cunning in their craft, spe­cially in this latter yeares, wherein the most part of these lustie gallants haue serued their prentiship vnder Don Fer­dinando of Toledo, who was so great and principall a crafts­master in that facultie, that to compare to him an Antoli­cus, or a Verres, Virgillin his first Aeglog. were a falling into the errour of the sheep-heard Tytirus, by comparing of small thinges, to things o­uergreat. But it seemeth to be a thing resonable, to con­ceale the imperfections of that great Captaine, in conside­ration of the excellent partes that are in him.

For by report of his disciples and footement, he is secret, well aduised, and of great forecast. As touching his tacitur­nitie, I doubt not a whit, but that hee is very secret. And likewise there is nothing in his dooings, speciallie in his owne particular and familiar, which may not by him, and his, with more honestie be concealed, than vttered.

As concerning his great wisedome, and cleare insight in matters: he hath giuen such a proofe thereof, in his orde­ring of the affaires of Flanders: that if the sunne should as often want his light in the skie, as his good wit wanted in his head, during that time: we might well conclude, that we were at the last instant of the day, that shall make an end to the thinges of this world. At the least, it is notoriously knowen, that he was so farre destitute of sense, that he was not able to hide, not onely the pilferies & robberies which he had committed vpon the poore people, (for that thing was too much knowen) but his trayterous stealing which he hath committed, euen of his masters treasure. I knowe very well, that his owne creatures, disguising and turning his deedes, say that he is remayned a successor. But setting aside this colour of Castilian rethoricke: I will say flatly, that our french tongue is so barraine, that it hath not any other termes fit ynough to specifie the goodly gouernment of the Duke of Alua, but onely theeuery and robberie of the common treasure. And therefore if he imploy his pol­licie now a dayes as well in playing vpon the lute in Spaine, as he did in playing vpon the harpe in Flanders.

King Philip hath good cause to sende his Seuerino into Ita­ly againe: but howsoeuer the case stand, the king his master hath restrayned his couetousnesse: howbeit not with ri­gor, hauing peraduenture respect to the order of the gol­den fleece, the which, I dare well say, he beareth to no bet­ter end, than because he hath first slaine, and afterwardes deuoured the innocent sheepe of the good shepheard.

For we must not thinke, that he, and the residue of the rakehell Spaniardes, haue any more spared the bloud, than the purses, of the poore people of the Lowe Countries. And why should they not, sith they had commandement so to do. And their Prince was displeased at nothing so much, as that they had not handled them yet more rigorously?

O that thou new Pharao, mightest by thy dolefull death, soone make an ende of the sorrowful sighes of so many de­solate persons!

And if any man thinke, that the difference of Religion, was the very cause of the venemous and spitefull rancour of the Spaniards against the people of the low countries: he showes himselfe to be ignorant, as well of their nature, as of their state and affaires. It is about a hundred yeares ago that they discouered a new world, by the leading of Chri­stopher Columbe, who (in mine opinion) would neuer haue enterprised that voyage, if hee had thought, that the men whom he led thether, should like folke bewitched with the slaber sauces of Circe, haue foorthwith beene transformed into Lyons, Panthers, Tygres, and such other wilde beasts. The Indians and Americans, being sillie soules, vtterly vn­learned and barbarous, might lightly haue beene (by an honest conuersation and holy teaching) won vnto Christ, as appeareth by the Frenchmen, who afterwarde, no lesse wisely than fortunately went that way to worke. But a man may well say, according to the truth, that the new worlde, of India and America, was not so much vnknowen to the former ages past, as the outragious and newe deuised cru­elties, which these diuels incarnate, that came out of Spaine haue practised there. O Turkes, O Scithians, O Tartarians, reioyce ye all as now: sith that there is to be founde at this day a Nation in Christendome, which by their vnhappie [Page 23]cursed behauiour, doo go about to burie the hatred that men beare to your barbarous cruelties. But I tarrie too long vpon so tragical a matter, the which notwithstanding I do with so great griefe, as vpon iust cause.

Therefore leauing that matter, which were able to make euen Democritus to weepe: let vs speake of two pointes, which are such, that whosoeuer heareth them and conside­reth them throughly, must be of a more melancholicke humour, and dumpish disposition than euer was Heracli­tus, if he aan forbeare laughing. The matter concerneth their ciuilitie, and modestie. As touching the first, if any man haue had the happe neuer to haue beene in companie of the Spaniardes, and yet would faine be truely informed of their Gothish ciuilitie, hee could not see a more liuely protraiture, nor a more apparant draught thereof, drawen by the hande of any more happie Appelles, than is the de­scription of whores, which Terence maketh in his Comedie intituled Eunuch, in these wordes.

And a little after he addeth:

That is to say, While they be abroade nothing seemeth more neate, nothing more trimme, neyther more fine. Ad­ding thereunto a little farther: It is a worlde to see them at home, how rauenous, howe sluttish, how nigardly, and how vnwomanly they be alone by themselues, greedie at their meate, and cramming themselues with browne bread and pottage of a day old and more.

I would say more, if that it could be doone without of­fending of the tender and most delicate stomackes. Wee haue here set foorth the Spaniardes in sport, as good Apo­thecaries, that is to saye, to make them to serue vs for laughing stockes at their cost. And who is the man (I pray you) so melancholicke, that could with-holde himselfe [Page 24]from laughing, seeing a porter, a cobler, and a carman, to play the Caualiero: or a Caualiero of Spaine, walking in the fieldes, and carrying the remnant of his dinner in his by­sacke: and doing a thousande such other villanies, of the which the porters, coblers, and carremen of this countrie would be sorrie to haue thought vpon.

The Mathematikes teach, that in the operations of Alge­bar, the most equall is oftentimes reduced to the most vn­equall.

The speeches of the Spaniardes, doo somewhat resemble this diuine Algebricall misterie, if you consider what, or­dinarily this great and stately title of rich Caualiero, that may spende ten thousand ducats a yeare, doo commonly import (being taken a right, and at the very true rate and value) an vnthrift, a rascall, and a vagabonde beggar, ha­uing not scarce thirtie maluedies in his purse, wherwith to haue mended his sockes. In so much that it may well bee said to these Magnifical Don Diegos, Plutarch in the life of Phocion. as a certaine great man of Athens said sometimes to certaine Orators, Your words (saide he) be like to the Cypresse, which beeing great and high, do neuerthelesse beare no fruite.

To make it short, whosoeuer will see the liuely protray­ture of an Attalus, a Suffenus, or a Thraso, without trou­bling himselfe too much in ouerturning the leaues of Mar­tiall, Catullus, or Terence: let him but beholde the grim vi­sage, and stately speech of a Spaniard. And although these Sarrasins race be of such qualities as I haue saide, yet not­withstanding they haue (with the shot of their Pistolets) so well dazeled the eyes of some of our Courtiers, that they be not ashamed to mainteine, that wee are greatly behol­ding to these honest creatures.

For my part (I confesse) I haue not so fine a wit as to con­ceiue the foundation of this obligation, vnlesse they take it in the samesense that Antiochus ment,Cicero in his oration for Deiotarus. when he said, he was greatly beholding to the Romaines, the which hauing short­ned and abridged him of his authoritie & power, had eased him of a great and heauie burthen. Euen so are we behol­ding to the Spaniardes, for easing vs of the tedious toyles, which the gouernmēts of the States of Flanders, Naples, and [Page 25] Millaine, might haue brought vnto vs. And to speake yet farther of their good will towardes vs: Is it not a good re­corde of this heartie loue and Spanish fauour,Looke Froy­sard. the which they vsed in times past vpō our ancesters (according to their cruell nature) to wit, that when they had wonne the battell vpon vs, they killed all the prisoners which they had taken euen when the heate of their bloud & courage was alaid, as Froysarde witnesseth? Would a man haue a more euident in­terpretation than this, of the foresaid testimonie which we alleaged out of Guychardine, saying that this Nation is too too outragious, whē she hath found aduantage to discouer her selfe, such as she is (that is to say) to put off the vizard of her hypocrisie? Also another token and witnesse of their humanitie towards vs, may well be the murthering of our men contrarie to their faith & promise giuen in the land of Florida, about twentie yeares ago. I had almost forgotten to alleage one notable and speciall deede of their cour­tesie towardes vs, namely their imprisoning of Francis our King, of the which hee himselfe did complaine, so much the more surely (as Guychardine reporteth) as the remem­brance of the English courtesie towardes king Iohn, was the more deepely ingrauen in his minde. What recorde of friendshippe is it that the Spaniardes may alleage vnto vs, shall it not bee the succour which they gaue vs, by Henrie king of Castile, in the time of Kinge Charles the fifth,Looke Froy­sard. by helpe whereof he gate the vpper hand of the Earle of Pem­brooke before Rochell? As if the same king Henrie himselfe, had not, reaped the chiefe fruite of that victorie. Or as though his assisting vs in that wise, was not the principall bulwarke of his owne estate.

But nowe, as the Englishmen are answerable vnto vs in a great number of thinges, as I haue rehearsed before: so haue they tasted of this miserie as well as we: namely, that they haue had to their cost experience of the ouer dange­rous friendshippe of the Spaniardes. For Philip king of Spaine, and at that time king of Englande also, beeing de­termined to haue gotten Callis into his owne possession, occasioned vs Frenchmen, to doo with the Lyons pawe, that which the Spaniards were minded to do by the Foxes [Page 26]tooth. Otherwise the Frenchmen would hardly haue resol­ued them to so dangerous and doubtfull an enterprise as the siege of Callis was.

To make it short, it may well be said, that that Nation of all other in the world, is most affectioned towardes the cō­mon weale of France, that resembled least the Spanish Nati­on. The which thing I conclude so much the more boldly, because I am well assured, that no man will trouble himself to prooue that they haue helped or furthered vs, either in the knowledge of good learning, or in the ordering of our manners. For what light of good learning is to be loo­ked for at the hands of that nation, which during this hap­pie age hath scarce brought forth siue or sixe learned men? This is the cause in mine opinion, why the Spaniardes (as great trauellers as they be) durst neuer passe so farre,Pindarus ode x. Pith. as to the Hiperboreans, for feare (as it is to be thought) least they retayning still their old custome of offering vp of Asses in sacrifice, might haue sacrificed them. As touching the or­dering of our manners, we may well say, that as the Philoso­pher Polianus (by dealing too much with the dreaming do­tages of Epicurus) forgat all skill that he had of Geometry,Cicero in Lucullo. so we by the familiaritie of the Spaniards, haue almost for­gotten the vertues which were most familiar vnto vs, to wit, courtesie and humanitie.

And to what purpose (I pray you) should beare any great good affection to vs that Nation which should take so smal harme by our ouerthrow: or rather which hath alwaies and specially for this last hundred yeres groūded hir own great­nes vpon our abatement. I cut off this discourse of purpose to touch another point of greater importance: namely the meanes which either of the Nations haue to helpe or to a­noy vs withall. I will speake therefore at first of that which concerneth trafficke, and afterwarde of such as touch Martiall actes. All those which knowe both Englande and Spaine, will grant vnto mee, that Englande is much more peopled than Spaine. I speake not proportion for propor­tion, but euen in the whole: notwithstanding that Eng­lande be farre lesse in quantitie of lande: which thing pro­ceedeth of nothing else, than of the temperature of the [Page 27]place. For although Fraunce bee one of the temperatest countries that are knowen: yet neuerthelesse Caesar spea­king thereof, sayeth expressely of Englande, Loca sunt tem­peratiora quàm in Gallia: The places are more temperate then in France. This abundance of people,Pindarus ode 1. Olimp. is a sure argu­ment of the fruitefulnesse of the soyle. Pindarus in a cer­taine place tearmeth Cicilie [...], that is to say, abun­dant of sheepe. And expounding himselfe in an other place, he nameth it [...], that is to say, fat or fruitefull.Pind. Od. 1. Nem. If this argument of that so learned a Poet be well couched, we may well thereupon conclude the fruitefulnesse of Eng­lande, by the great abundance not only of sheepe, but also generally of all cattell which be in it.

Cicero in Lucullo.It may be that here some man will obiect the saying of Cicero in his Oration intituled, De Aruspicum responsis. That is the answere of the birdspellers, for behold how he spea­keth, euen in these wordes:

Stande we as much as we list in our owne conceites, yet neyther in number excell we the Spaniards, nor in strength the Galles, nor in pollicie the Poenians or Cartheginians, nor in sciences the Grecians, nor finally in sharpenesse of natu­rall wit, the Italians and Latines, beeing of this selfe same countrie, and lande that we be: only in godlinesse and reli­gion, haue we outgone all countries and all nations.

But in this place it is easie to iudge, that in this saying Cicero was led rather by his eares, than by his eyes, as well as he was in his former saying, speaking of Astrologers. And that in this discourse, it pleased him to play the part of an other Mirmecides in making a great case of a smal mat­ter. But what neede we to stande so much vpon this point,Plinius lib. 7. cap. 21. seeing that the trafick which we haue with both those coun­tries can easily dispatch that doubt.

We receiue out of Englande, Wooll, Tinne, Fish, and ma­nie other thinges, in great abundance: and in exchange thereof we furnish them with wine, Salt, woade, and di­uerse other thinges: by reason whereof it commeth to passe, that Rochell, Burdeaux, and generally all the sea costes of Normandie, Britaine and Gwyen, are brought to great di­stresse, by ceasing the traficke with the Englishmen.

Out of Spaine (I confesse) we drawe verie good horses of seruice, howbeit, that is but by stealth. And in granting this point (notwithstanding that it go against my heart to do it) I am driuen to confesse the slothfulnes of vs French­men. For if we would keepe the like races of horses, and mares, as are to be seene in Lauedan, our trade with the Spa­niardes might seeme to proceede of pure charitie, because we should relieue them without receiuing any helpe or suc­cour at their handes. For the marchandice of some perfu­med gloues, and such other small baggages, deserueth not to come in any account. And forasmuch as concerne thē, they by reason of the drinesse & barrennesse of their coun­trie, be driuen to borrow of vs, the thing most needfull for mans life, to wit, corne. As for wine they haue sufficient of their owne. Now remaineth the trade or wooll, & of cloth, both woollen and linnen, which amounteth not to the third part of that which our marchants receiue out of Eng­land. And it will not seiue their turne to say, that they may leauie great quantities of corne, from the places which they keepe in Italy, as out of Naples, Cicilie and Millaine: for they that flourish the matter with that faire face, con­sider not, that so to do, were but a stripping of Saint Peter, and cloth Saint Paule. Cicilie is fruitefull, I graunt it, but Malta and the Goze, must be sustained by that fruiteful­nesse, vnlesse they intende to make them selues a pray to the Turkes, by leauing those places vnvictualed. Moreo­uer, a good part of the fruites of Cicilie are imployed in the mayntenance of Italie. And as in respect of Millaine and Lombardie, the carriage is difficult from thence in­to Spayne, that they can by no meanes helpe themselues with the fruites thereof, but that the sauce will stande them in more than the fish is woorth.

As for Naples, Pouil, and Calabrie, for as much as the fruit­fulnesse of them is not verie great, the Spaniard can re­ceiue the lesse succour of them. The like may bee saide in respect of the Low-countries. Some man perchance will thinke it strange, that I should stand so much vppon the vn­fruitfulnesse of Spaine, seing that the great meanes which that nation hath to succour vs with all, are more than suf­ficient to counteruaile that default. Heere must I needes bring to passe the Quolibet, which the Romane Iudges were wont to vse, when they found themselues in perplexitie for the deciding of some matter of importance: that is to wit, Non liquet, It appeareth not so: But this perplexitie of mine, is so much the lesse, because it may easily be resolued by comparing the helpes and meanes of England, with the helpes of Spaine. If we measure these helps and meanes, by the number of souldiers that can set foorth the one or the other of those nations: the experience, that is to say, the verie historie pleadeth openly for the Englishmen. And for proofe hereof, Comynes witnesseth, that the fore mentioned king Edward, sent to the succour of the Duke of Burgoine, fifteene hundred horsemen well mounted, for the most part vppon barbed horses, richly furnished: and also fif­teene thousand archers on horsebacke.

Guychardine Lib. 12.In our time king Henrie the eight, at his first comming downe into Picardie to ioyne with the Emperor Maximi­lian (the first of that name) at the siege of Terwane, brought with him fiue thousand horsemen, and aboue fortie thou­sand footemen, of whom fiue and twentie thousand were Englishmen, and fifteene thousand were Lance knights: What can bee said of the like in the behalfe of the Spanish nation? The Emperor Charles and his sonne king Philip, are the princes that haue most absolutely commanded in Spaine, and yet for all that, neither of them both could euer leuie a greater power of men of warre, than eight thousand naturall Spaniards, and yet the most of them were foote­men. For as concerning the horsemen, the Spaniard may be compared vnto a sworde fish, who hath a good blade, and cannot helpe himselfe with it. The like may well bee said, that the Spaniards haue verie good horses, but they [Page 30]serue them with it, more to traffike with their friends, than to fight with their enimies, to withstand them. But because that the remembrance of late things may serue very much to discourse this doubt, I will set downe a record so cleere & euident, that whosoeuer will take vpon him to aduance the forces of the Spaniards, shal haue no better foundation to ground himselfe vpon, than either an ouerlight beliefe, or else an head-strong wilfulnesse. During the reigne of K. Francis the second, at what time the great men of France were in verie euil plight among themselues. K. Philip wrote a letter to the K. which was read before his priuy counsell. I cannot wel tel in what language it was written, but surely the contents thereof sauored much of the Spanish phrase: for hee protested, that if any remoouing came againe in France, hee woulde aide the King his brother with an armie of fiftie thousand men. A while after, both the time and occasion offered themselues verie well, for him to per­forme that which he had so solemnly protested: for France was beaten downe with the storme of ciuill warre. And although our miseries did cause well-neere as manie fountaines of teares, as there be townes in France. So that they ministred occasion vnto King Philip to reioyce that hee had so fit an occasion to accomplish his promise. Let vs see therefore howe hee discharged himselfe thereof. He was required to sende succour to the king his brother, who was about to stablish againe the Romish religion in her former state. Nowe to the intent hee might not seeme be­hinde, in good will and friendship towards his brother, hee gathered certaine troopes of those vertuous and religious persons, which liue in the straights of the mountaines Py­renees, by taking the gold without vewing it, and the siluer without telling it: and yet were not they to the number of fiftie thousand, as he had promised, but onely vnto two thousand: so that it was easie to iudge vnto all Arithmeti­cians, that this good prince, when hee made this foresaide protestation, hee reckened his helpes and meanes by the rule of false position. As touching the behauiour of these braue and valiant souldiers, if a man considered them throughly, they represented I cannot tell what image, of [Page 31]the olde forworne age of the world,Thucidides, lib primo. during the which (as witnessed Thucidides) robbing and stealing was no shame. The contemplation of these goodly qualities made the Ro­mish Catholikes so much the more lorie for the losse of these honest men: for hauing incamped them vppon the banke of the riuer of Tard, those Amazones of Mountauban, issuing out diuers times vppon them, slewe a great sort of them without confession and penance for any other sinne, than onely of that, which is termed temeritie and ouersight of warre. But nowe for as much as in making comparison diuers things one to another,Aristot. lib. quinto Ethie. the proportion of Geome­trie beareth far greater sway than the proportion of Arith­metike: that man should not transgresse much the bounds of reason, which should take vpon him to iudge of these two nations (in matters of warre) rather by the valor and wor­thines, than by the number, for oftentimes a smal number of men do ouermaster a great armie, and treade them vn­der foote. I am exceeding sorie, that I cannot produce bet­ter presidents of the English prowesse, than the great & sin­gular victories which they haue gotten vpon vs: howbeit that our valiant ancesters in those battels, wanted nothing lesse then corage and good will. The Englishmen can glorie of nothing more, than that they ouercame such enimies, as were most valiant: in somuch that the Poets & history wri­ters, which haue set out their prosperitie, haue not at anie time cōcealed our valiantnes. To be short, the manhood & prowesse of our ancesters, deserued not to be ouercome of any but of such enimies as could skil to ouercome, euen vi­ctory it self: that is to say, the fury & outrage, which is wont to accompany the victorious armes. Let the Carthaginenses boast as much as they list of their successe of Cannas: for yet if they go about to prefer it, before the battel of Cressie, they shal but shew thē, either too much affectioned to thēselues, or else ouer smally skilled in the knowledge of the historie: whereout we may gather, that in the said renowned battell (which was fought in the yeere 1346. there were slaine on our side, aleuen princes, fourscore barons, a thousād & two hundred housemen, & more then thirty thousand footmē. Also the battel of Poytiers (wherof I haue spokē heretofore) [Page 32]yeeldeth the like record, both of the English manhood in getting the victorie, and of their courtesie and mildnesse in knowing how to vse it moderately: the which thing cau­seth me to speake the more freely of their prowesse and vertue. And to confesse the more plainely, that the small number of fighting men which were on their side, haue made their victories the more renowmed and notable, it were against reason, that in this comparison I shoulde re­quire the Spaniards to furnish me with the like presidents, of their owne prowesse and valiancie: for they be dischar­ged of so doing by the rule of right, which saith, that no man is bounde to the performance of thinges that are vn­possible.

Againe, I am afraid I should bee counted a forger of Pa­radoxes and incredible tales, if I should say that the Spani­ards are not stout men of warre, vnlesse I had so cleare and euident proofe thereof, that to denie the same were a wil­full shutting of a mans eyes, least hee shoulde not see the brightnesse of the sunne at high noone. And to the intent to wade deeper into this matter, and to speake of the ef­fects by their causes. I say that if nature hath not altered the ordinarie course of her working, the Spaniard cannot in any wise be accounted among the warlike nations.Aristot. in his vij. booke of matters of state. cap. 7. The nations which dwell in cold countries (as Aristotle saith) are indewed with a more hautie and stout courage than o­thers, but of wit not so quicke and sharpe: and therefore they loue more their libertie, but are lesse able to wielde the sterne of soueraintie ouer their neighbours. Contrari­wise the nations of Asia haue a more waking wit, but ha­uing a baser courage, they yeeld more willingly their necks vnder the yoke of bondage: and therefore he concludeth that the Greeks, as holding the meane betweene extreame heat, and extreame cold, are indifferently partakers of both these complexions. Now, as his proposition is grounded vpon a good consideration, so all men of good vnderstan­ding will alwaies vphold the same: And I dare well say, that in the applying thereof, the loue of truth gaue place to the loue of his countrie: for the most Northerne part of Greece, is of foure and fortie degrees, which is the eleuation [Page 33]of that quarter where Constantinople standeth, as also is the eleuation of the mountaine Pyrenees, which separate France from Spaine. Therefore parting the fiue and fortith degree which is the verie bounde of temperatnesse: marking the midst of France, wee may well say that our countrie is more temperate than Greece. And although England bee as much or more Northerly than any part of France, yet notwithstā­ding, because it is enuironed with the Occean on all sides,Pind. ode 1. Nem. the colde is nothing so excessiue there, as it is in France, as Caesar hath verie wel noted. And therefore it is easie to con­clude, that by reason of the situation of the place, the Eng­lishmen are both warlike and also wise, that is to say, tho­rowly furnished with whatsoeuer is necessarie to the go­uernement of the ciuill life. For the strength of the bodie is no lesse required in executing,Cicero in his Oration for M. Marcellus. than the finenesse & liue­linesse of wit is in deuising, as saith very wel the Poet Pinda­rus.

And it wil not serue to say, as Comines doth, that the Eng­lishmen be verie cholerike, a passion which aboue al others troubleth mens iudgements, specially when they be at the point to resolue thēselues: for that might take place in the time of Comines, when Englishmen were not yet so well po­lished, as they haue bin since, by the knowledge of good learning. But since that by the liberality of K. Edward wee haue seene two Athens in one England onely, (that is to wit, Cambridge and Oxford) it were hard to iudge whether that so mighty a realme, hath bin more plentifull in fruites of the earth, then in fine subtill, and most excellent wits, meet for the managing of matters of state.Machiauell in his booke of a Prince. It is about three or foure score yeares past, that the Italians made to the Frenchmen, the same reproch, that Commines doth to the Englishmen: namely that they could not skill in matters of gouernmēt. But since the time that king Francis replenished France with [Page 34]learned men, by the meanes of the Professors, the which from al parts he caused to come to Paris: the Italians should flatter themselues too much, if they thought that in the handling of politike affaires, the Frenchmen should be any whit behind them. And it is therefore that Peter Rame (a man whose renowne flieth daylie thorough all the coasts of the worlde) had such a minde to commend in his familiar talke, the great liberality, and other excellent vertues of K. Edward and queene Elizabeth, that hee neuer thought to haue found so meete a matter, whereon to bestow his won­derfull eloquence, as to discourse the nature and heroicall vertue, whereof he described a true and liuely portrature, in the doings and behauiour of those two princes. But the desire which I haue, with the fit meane which is offered me to shew that the Spaniard is no warlike man, maketh mee to be somewhat shorter in discoursing of the wisedome of the Englishmen. I thinke that the reason which I haue al­ledged out of Aristotle, is sufficient enough to displace the Spaniards out of the roome which hee pretendeth to haue among warlike Nations. Neuerthelesse, if any man had ra­ther to referre himselfe to the experience, than to his Phi­losophicall reasons, I haue but too many meanes, where­with to content him, if he be a man, that will admit reason for payment. I say therefore, that before this last hundred yeeres, the Spanish nation was had in no reputation, for feats of armes. And for proofe thereof, I report me to the witnesse of histories: I say more, that since that time, looke howe often the princes of Spaine haue grounded the chiefe force of their armies vppon bands of the Spanish nation, so often haue they alwayes receiued some great blowe or ouerthrow. The battel of Rauenna, and Serizoles, in Lombar­die, do sufficiently verifie my saying. On the contrarie part, if they had aduantage against vs, as they had at Pauia, at saint Quintins, and at Graueling, they ought to thanke the Almaines and Englishmen for it. Verily, I confesse, that vnder the wise conducting of the Emperour Charles, they were brought to a certaine orderly discipline, which they continue, and shall continue so long as it shall please God to vse their seruice, for executing of his rightful vēgeance: [Page 35]for it is hee that both' giueth, & taketh vertue, to and from men, and when he listeth, as the Poet Homer hath very wel noted saying.Hom. Iliades.

And although the Spaniards surpasse all other nations of the world in vaine and foolish boasting, when they fall in question of their owne prowesse and valiance: yet do they labor to surmount themselues in this shamelesse bragging, when they come to speake of their wealth and riches. And forasmuch as this is the chiefe foundation of their imagi­natiue greatnesse, I will stande somewhat the longer vppon this point, and I will make it to bee knowne, that if they had the thirde part of the riches which they imagine to haue, they should be three times richer than they bee.Theophrast. [...]. The Aegyptians reported in their histories, that in the temple of Iupiter, there was a piller made of foure Emerauds, contei­ning euerie of them fourty cubits of length, whereat Theo­phraestus iested verie pleasantly, and with good reason. Such like accounts are to be found in the histories of the Spani­ards, concerning the Ile of Zipangrie, where these good fel­lowes would faine make vs to beleeue that flies cary staues pyked on both ends. As touching the treasure of Perou, to the intent men might vnderstand, that their reports are set downe by imitation of Lucians true tales: they seeme not to haue forgotten any thing vntold, sauing that in the Ca­binet of king Atapaliba, they founde a whole hundred of Diamonds, euery of them as big at least as an Ostriches egge. But setting aside these lies, which cannot be beleeued but of such as beleeue the reall veritie of Metamorphose, or transformation of Ouid:

Let vs consider, that these riches come not into the king of Spaines coffers, like grasse in a medow, that is to say, without any cost: but contrariwise, that the fetching [Page 36]thereof costeth him very deere. Let vs consider farther, that other nations, and specially the Frenchmen, haue learned the way to Perou, who fearing perhaps, least the Spaniards might perish vpon sea by being ouerladen, do diuers times of pure charitie and good will, yeeld them so much seruice, as to take some part of their burthen into their ships (yea so gratious and friendly be our Frenchmen) that they com­pell the Spaniards, whether they will or no, to receiue the effectes and proofes of so charitable courtesie. Besides all this, the Indians begin to wax shrewd lads, and to make no more so much account of glasses, pinnes, and such other spanish gifts: peraduenture bicause some body hath made them to tast this saying of Sophocles. Sophoc. in Aiax.

And albeit, all other causes wanted, is it possible that the possession of a thing so euill gotten should continue long? Thinke we that there is any Indian, in subiection of the Spaniards, which in his speach crieth not out a thou­sand times a day,Aristophanes in Pluto. this sentence of Aristophanes.

Aristotle saith, that a countrie is possessed and helde by a tyrant in the same manner that mens bodies are with an agew.Aristotle in his fist booke of Metaphi­sickes. cap. 23. What a number of sighes and grones, thinke wee do the wretched Americanes (so long tormented with that feauer of the Spanish crueltie) cast forth, which mount vp to the eares of him that holdeth the sterne of the matters of this world? Thinke we that Gods hand is shortened, so [Page 37]as he cannot in dew time execute the threatninges which he hath vttered by the mouth of his prophet against these murtherers, robbers and wasters?Esay. 33. Where is the state in the worlde, be it neuer so flourishing, that can bee exempted from decay, and vtter ouerthrowe? Which is the wisedome and counsell, what the force, that can defend it, from the hande of the liuing God? Mischiefe runneth a pace, from house to house, sayth Euripides, Euripides in Electra. in most richest and exqui­site wordes.

The same (and with much better reason) may be sayde of Monarchies also, wherein we may see from day to day,Hesiodus de oper. & dieb. the accomplishment of this threatning, which is so wisely set downe by Hesiodus speaking of Iupiter,

Which thing dooth take place specially then when the finnes, as well of the people, as of the Magistrate, in forceth God to breake his patience. The Mathematicians hold o­pinion,Vitellius, li. 4. that the increasing of the greatnes of things, which are exceeding great, maketh them to seeme to come neere vnto our sight: notwithstanding that in very truth, they come nothing neere at all.Theox. 129, But the case standeth farre o­therwise, where God is moued with mens sinnes: for the [Page 38]heaping of them vp one vpon an other, not only approch­eth, but also preaceth them into the sight and presence of the liuing God, who oftentimes punisheth the people by the king, and the king by the people, whose iustice is not ruled by the same square that directeth the iudgements of men, and of common-weales. Wherein (according to the opinion of the Lawyers) Noxa caput sequitur, Penaltie pursu­eth the head. Thereof we haue a manifest and notable exam­ple in Abimelech king of Gerar, who in excusing of himselfe vnto Abraham, vsed these wordes: what haue I done vnto thee?Caius lib. 20. & vltimo. D. de Noxal. Action. Genesis. 20. and wherein haue I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom this great sinne? Now if Abimelech do call adulterie a great sinne, what name shall we giue to that whereof no better description can be giuen than to liken it vnto the example set downe by Suetonius in the life of Claudius in the xxvi. chapter of his booke.Suetonius. And if any man thinke this speech to be ouer darke, let him but read that which is written by the Lawyer Paulus, lib. 39. vn­der the title, Si quis D. de ritu nuptiarum, concerning the ce­remonie of Mariage, and he shall vnderstand my meaning plaine ynough: but this is not all, for there are yet in this behalfe, other sorts of wickednesses, as much or more abo­minable than the other, which they thinke to keepe verie secret, as if the saying of the Poet Musaeus should not take place, as well in one age as in an other.

Now then, if we esteeme Gods iustice to be vnchangea­ble, let vs knowe, and be well assured, that God will visite so great and cursed kinds of wickednes, which may with more honestie than ease, be concealed: and shall (how long so euer he forslow it) make to feele his vengeance vnto the Spaniard and his king.

To be short, the time will come ere long, and shall not stay, that this wicked Nation, which for these hundred yeares, hath made a trade of pilling and praying vpon o­thers: shall be made a pray and bootie vnto other Nations. The time (I say) drawes neere, wherein eyther the Indians, or else the king of Spaines Lieutenantes themselves shall rebell against him, and shall become executors of Gods wrath against the couetousnesse and crueltie of their owne Nation.

Now remaineth to be considered the third and last point of this discourse, that is to wit, whether of these two Na­tions being become our enimies, hath most meanes to an­noy vs: this point may well be ended, by reason of that which hath beene treated in the former article, which con­cerned the meanes which eyther of those Nations haue to succor vs with all: yet notwithstanding such is the case, that if the Englishmen should happen to set foote in France, and specially in Gwyen, it would be so hard for vs to stay a great part of the Nobility and gentlemen from taking their part, as to burie the remembrance of the good turnes and plea­sures, which their houses haue receiued heretofore at the handes of the kinges of Englande, especially considering that the Charters of the greatest houses of Guyen, are as manie witnesses, or rather as many authenticall recordes to prooue howe much they bee bound to remember the kinges of England. Moreouer, comming at hande with the Englishmen, euery one knoweth that they haue good di­ches, large and deepe, and they which can not be dray­ned.

On the contrarie part, according to the opinion of that great Captaine the Admirall of Chastillion, it will bee no lesse easie than expedient vnto vs, to ouer-come the Spaniardes, if wee warred vpon them as we ought, that is to say, if we would cut off the riuer at the spring head, by setting vpon thē at home in their owne countrie: which is a [Page 40]land very easie to be entred into, being both vnfurnished of strong Townes, and also which can not but very hardly be succored from Germanie. Whereas contrariwise, our armie should be backed by the countries of Languedocke, and Gas­coyne, both of them well stored of victuals and men of war, in so much that that quarter may at this day be called in France, the storehouse of Mars. Therfore although I should proceede no further, and adde nothing else, yet notwith­standing the causes heretofore set downe, being well consi­dered, do conclude sufficiently of themselues, that to pre­ferre, or to match in equalitie, the allyance with Spaine, to the allyance with England, is an open shewing of our selues to be vnnaturall and vnkinde to our allyes. It is (I say) a shewing of our selues to be blockish, and vnable to discerne the nature that matcheth iump with ours, from the nature that is cleane contrarie to it. It is (I say againe) a manifest setting and opposing of our selues against the benefite, and welfare of our countrie.

The Spaniardes (as we haue saide) be couetous, guilefull, proud, and rauenous. Shall we change then, the franke liberalitie, into a slauish and vnsatiable couetous nigardli­nesse? shall we change the generositie of the Lyon, into the malice of the Foxe? Shall we (I say) become of gentle, ar­rogantes and disdamefull, and of milde and meeke, cruell and rauenous? Shall we so bereaue our selues of the ver­tues that haue purchased vs so great reputation thorough the whole worlde, as that there shall remaine no more vnto vs, but only the bare name of Frenchmen?

And yet if we consider throughly the nature of the Spa­niarde, the miserable exchange whereof I speake will e­uer more be noted as a manifest and sure recorde of our ouer great plyantnesse, in making so great account of that Nation, which after the manner of the iuie hath alwayes made those to fele the most pernitious effects of their most hurtfull malice which haue beene most straightly lynked vnto them.

Now for as much as prayer is counted for a duetie of an honest man towardes his Countrie, I pray vnto God, O France, that thy preseruation and increase, may be a conti­nuall [Page 27]mirror of his goodnesse and wisedome, shining forth in the gouernement of the great states and kingdomes. And that to the same end, he may open thy eye lids, so as thou mayest haue the skill to discerne the poyson mingled with honnie, whereby they go about to set forwarde the ouerthrowe and vtter abolishment of thine honour and greatnesse.