THE greatest ioy, and sweete [...]t comfort, that a man may haue in this worlde, is a louing, kinde, and honest wife: Contrari­wise, there is no greater plaque, nor torment to his minde then to be matched with an vntoward, wicked, and dishonest Woman. Therefore let him that intendeth to marry, and fye himselfe to that honorable state of life: (being the first bargaine of thrist, and the first step to good husbandry) take all the best Counsell he can in the world in the choyce of a Wife, yet scarce sufficient enough: for being once done it can neuer be recall'd, but eyther lamen­ted too soone or repented too late.

Many be the occastions, that make mariage to haue an vnhappy successe, by which good houses, and great kin­dreds [Page]are brought to ruyne and decay: as the difference between the marryed couple, eyther in yeares, or in call­ing: whereof both arise many quarrels about house-kee­ping and manners of life: therefore the way to liue qui­etly, is to marry equally in all respects.

Touching the difference in yeares, in mine oppinion it is an vnseemely thing to ssee a young woman matched with an olde man, that caryeth a countenance rather to be hir Father then her Husband, and I am verely per­swaded that young and dainty Damsels, got as willing­ly to such husbands, as to their graues: For they are sicke to become widowes in their husbands life time, and to spend their dayes in a most miserable case, for how mo­dest or honest so euer they be, yet some will not sticke to say that they are lewd and wanton, onely by reason of their husbands white beards: Consider I pray you on the other side, what a name, olde wrinkled, and toothles wo­men get, in taking husbands that be young and beardles boyes: and tell me whether the rage of these olde women be not greater, then the young and of good nature, and haue these outward markes, that do betoken a good horse.

I deny not but by the lookes of a woman, a man may gather somewhat of her disposition: but seeing God hath commaunded vs not to iudge altogether by the face of the woman, we must yet vse a more certaine and commodi­ous way, as in the next Chapter following you shall read.

I haue alwaies liked exceeding well of those Marriages which are treated of tr [...]ely, without hiding of any thing, [Page]which after comming to light, bringeth griefe and repen­tance to one of the parties, but neither men nor women now adayes vse that orderly endeuoring so much as they may, to couer the faults as well of the body as the mind. But yet the surest way to deale in the choice of a Wife: I will now report by the example of Olimpia the mother of Alexander. whose saying was, that women are to be married with the eares, before they are with the eyes, which is, that out of the mouthes of diuers people, a con­stant report may come of the parentage, life, and behaui­our of them: But the greedines of the world is so great at this day, that a man will seeke diligently for Oxen and Horse, of a good rase, but careth not though his wife be ill brought by, and worse borne, so that she be rich enough: But be that is wise, will aboue all things haue a speciall regard of the conditions and qualities of his wife, and will note what the life and conuersation of her parents are, remembring the saying, that the Eagle breedeth not the Pidgion, but that alwaies the Cat will after kinde: Yet I will not deny, but that many good and vertuous men haue gotten had and wicked children, and contrari­wise, many wise children haue beene begotten by foolish fa­thers, and we dayly see and know many very honest wo­men haue dishonest Mariots to their daughters, therefore to conclude, let all men, [...]ine with discretion.

But now to passe further in our discourses, those men whom Nature causeth their Children to be fooles, in my Iudgement hapneth not by the birth, but by the bringing vp, the which is the cause that many great heads by long practise, become readie witted. And other who euer in their cradles are sound to haue a quick wit, in processe of time, either through idlenes, or gluttony, or some such mis-gouerment, become slow and dull headed: Now from that consideration, I would come to this, that the father, who through much trauell and trouble, both of body and [Page]minde, hath gotten wealth and honour, though be getteth children of great wit, yet he is so ouer-gone in latherly affection towards them, that knowing he hath prouided for them sufficiently to liue by at their case, he cannot a­bide to see them trauell and labour as he hath done, so that vanquished with a certaine tender effectien, he suffereth them to be brought vp dillicately, and wantonly, and is the cause, that by this idlenes their naturall force decay­eth, and by Custome is quite chaunged into an other na­ture.

Consider this also besides, how that many Children peceiuing and knowing very well, them selues to be thus pampred vp by their Parents, keepe them-selues so much as they way out of the Dust a Sun: neyther care they for applying their thindes, to any cōmendable thing, nor for to seeke to get any more Riches or substance, then that which their Parents haue with great diligence formerly proui­ded for them: but here it may be truely said of them, that they are not vn-like the Crowe who liveth onely by such Fonde as other Beastes a Cattle do usually leane: & surely there is no doubt of it, but if that they were meanely lefte by their parents (as many poore mens Children often are) then would they grow to be exceeding prudent & wise, and then would they be rich & sufficiently able to liue in a Com­mon wealth.

We may dayly sée by experience that for the most part, poore mans children become rich by their owne labour and industry and rich mens children war poore by their necligence and idlenes: which is signified vnto vs by this prouerb or wh [...]le, saying, Riches breeds pride, pride breeds pouertie, pouertie breeds humilitie, humilitie breeds riches, and riches againe brings pride. Therefore the good father must be admonished that he trust not too much in the good­nes of his nature, that he thinkes that not onely suffici­ent to keepe his children good: But beholding them with [Page]an eye, rather aduised then pittifull and fatherly, he must seeke to better their good nature, in stirring them vp to vertuous deeds, for it is not enough to be well borne, but also to be well brought vp.

HEARE will wée now returns againe to our former matter, in the choice of a good Wife, Wée must therefore first of al, be wel and throughly informed of the modest behauiour and of the ho­nest caryage of the Mother all her life-time before, in hepe that if the Mother hath alwayes go­uern her life wel, the daughter will follow hir honest steps and good Nature, and Condi­tions: Yet it is not inough for to know the qualities of the mother, but we must like wise be partly in-sigted into the Conditions of the Father, for it oftentimes falleth out for, that the Children do (most continually) draw some imper­fections from one of them, which the other (doubtles) is clearely voide of.

We must also consider, that if it be true, that Edu [...] ­tion will chaunge nature, it is requisite not onely know whether ones wise be borne of good parents, but also whe­ther she haue beene orderly and well brought vp: which [Page]alwaies commeth not to passe: for there are some who hauing but one Daughter, are so blinded with the ex­treame loue they beare her, that they will not haue her hindred of her will in any thing, but suffer her to liue in all wanton pleasure and dillicasie, which afterwards is the cause of many inconueniences, yet for all that the hus­band must not be discouraged for the too much tendernes of the parents ouer her: For she being yet but young with the helpe of her good Nature, he may casely, like a ten­der twigg, make her straight, if she begin to grow croo­ked, and with graue admonitions reforme her wanton minde: thereby we may gather, that it is better to mar­ry a young girle, then a maide of ripe yeares who is hard­ly brought to leaue her olde qualities, and euill trickes, if she haue but once taken any taste of them in her youth or Childe-hoode.

Yet there are some that are of a cleane contrary oppini­on to mine, who holde it better for a man to take a wife which is well in yeares, and of good discretion (knowing how to order a house in good sort) then to take one of these Infants, newly come from their Mothers pays, whom a man must eyther teach himselfe, or else appoynt an other to be a Gouernour in his house.

Surely some woulde thinke that that man who hauing such a wife, should die for very shame, especially when a­ny straungers should come to his house, to whom he would willingly giue good entertainment, and then his young wife being a sottish, simple Creature, knoweth neyther how to aske a question, nor how to make an answere, nor how in talke to shew hir selfe a wise and gallant wench: there­fore I thinke (if she be not able to performe that) it were best for hir husband to locke her vp, and say that she is sick in her bed because that straungers may not perceiue her qualities and conditions: which if they should see, it would be a great reproach to her.

IN mine opinion, I doe fully per­swade my selfe, that a man shall never finde a young Woman soe vn-toward and wanton, but that lining wel and orderly with him, hee will in a short time chaundge her manners, and frame her to his fancy: But touching this poynt, if we do wel consider how di [...]erēt the opinion of many Husbandes are, and how diuers the Customes of diuers Countreys are, were shall stay to long about this matter: For certainly, some Husbandes are so kinde-harted, that they wish their wiues in any sort for to giue their Friendes Entertainement when they come to their houses, they thinking them-Ielus most happy to haue wiues that know how to behaue them-selues well in that point, and they are glad that the World may knowe, that there shineth in their house soe rare & pretious a pearle and Iewel and one that can performe all things (without tea­ching) to her owne Comfort, and her Husbandes great content.

Now on the other side, there are some Husbandes that [Page]are of this humor, that they thinke it a great dishonour vn­to them, that their wiues should be Skillfull in any thing else, but in sowing, spinning, knitting or other such worke as they haue euer bin trayned vp vnto. And if any straun­ger happen to come to their houses, they eyther run quick­ly them-selues or else send some of their Seruants, to giue their wiues warning to withdraw themselues out of sight, which immediatly they doe, and [...]oe they are faine to bide themselues in a corner vntill such time as their Guests be gone away: Euen no otherwise, but as the Chicken doth when he perceiueth the Byte comming, be flyeth amongst the wordes, or else into some bush or hedg to hide himsealfe in, for feare of further daunger that might ensue.

I woulde not wish any one to dispute, which of these Husbandes doe best. (I meane) Eyther they which shew their wiues, or they that shut them vp when their Friends come to their houses.

Mary I say (in my foolish oppinion) that all the Hon­nour, or all the Blame, that may arise eyther way, falleth not vpon the Wiues head, but vpon the Husbands: But to returne againe to our purpose, a very young wife is ea­sie to be framed to the pleasure of her Husband: And al­though at some times her husband must be faine to be her master to direct her: Yet it both him much good to see his precepts readily followed, and be is praud that he hath fra­med her with his owne hand, to his owne hand, and I think it be for nothing else, that it is counted a double pains to marry a Widdow, but that she must be first made to forget the qualities of her first Husband, and then made to daunce after the pipe of the second, which is a thing hard to be done.

Me thinkes also, that these second mariages, haue the taste of Cole-worts twice sodden, being so much the more hurtfull, if both the partyes haue béene twice maried, and there vpon I am put in minds of a mery tale, that hapned [Page]betwixt two parties being twice maried.

There was a husband, that on a time fell out with his wife, as they sat at dinner together: the wise in despight of the husband gaue halfe the meate that was vpon the table, to a poore man that came to the doore, saying, I giue it th [...] for my first husbands sake.

Now the husband seeing this, tooke the other halfe, and gaue it him also: saying, I giue thee this for my first wiues sake, and so they were faine to dine both with dry bread.

THERE is as yeat, a farre grea­ter inconuenience then all this that hath bin heretofore spoken of, that is, for that ȳ second mar­ring is oftentimes very preiudi­ciall a hurtfull to the Children of the first marriag, which (as God knoweth) are too often put to tri [...] their Stepmothers Crueine, who receiuing the least discontentment (that may bee) at their Husbands handes, soe soone as their Backes are turned a­way, reuendge themselues vppon their Children, and beat them mest pittcously that cannot doe with-all.

Therefore, I thinke, that as it is better for a man to those a young Wife, then one that is yeares, so ought be [Page]likewise, to marry while hee himselfe is young and not to stay till his Hayres war gray: for being both young, they are the like-lier to haue children, and the like-lyer to liue to see the bringing vp of them, and in their olde age, to enioy their seruice and comfort: At which time the Chil­dren may do as mu [...]d for their Parents, as their Parents die for them before in their youth.

But now I must needes confesse, that all this talke is besides the matter: for I haue hetherto spent the time, in a discourse, which tendeth to no other end, but to teach a man to choose a wise that is young, well borne, well brought vp, reasonable rich, indifferent beautifull, of a sound and good iudgement, and of a good wit and capacitie: But we haue not p [...]spoken a worde, of the manner of life betwixt the husband and the wise, as our purpose was to doe.

I THINKE that to liue kindly with ones wife, it is necessarie, that he be well framed to loue her: therefore it is néedefull first to learne, to know her good qualities and con­ditions, and which are the good parts of a woman, whereby men are induced to loue them.

Likewise it is requisite for the Father that loueth his Daughter, before he marry her, to sift throughly the qua­lities, behauiour, and life of his sonne in lawe: For it is a true saying, that hee which lighteth vpon a good Sonne in Law, getteth a good sonne, and be that mateth with an ill one, casteth away his daughter.

Now the hussband knowing the goodnes of his wife, be­ing to liue with her, he must aboue all things, loue her most hartely and vnfaynedly, for so the Lawe of God com­mandeth him For that is the strong foundation, which surely vpholdeth Mariage, and that being neclected by the husband, breedeth him great shame and Infamy: For not in louing that, which be hath with care and diligence got­ten, and once iudged worthy his loue: He manifestly shew­eth himselfe to be vnconstant and fantasticall, and that he were better to be matcht with same fury of Hell, them with a louing wife, if he be of that condition himselfe.

Therefore the Husband ought to accompany his loue with & continuall feare, to loose by his owne fault, the goodwill of his wife, for he cannot giue her a more assured signe of her bonest loue, then in behauing himselfe towards her, in such sort as he woulde haue her vse her selfe towardes him, which doing, he shall be sure to finde her both kinde and louing vnto him.

For let all men be assured, that the greatest part of [...]he faults committed by wiues in this age, take the beginning from the faults of their husbands, who for the most part re­quire of their wiues, such an eract obseruing of the Lawes of Mariage, but they themselues make no accompt of them.

You shall see some husbands, that both in worde and deed [...] will vse such rigor towards their wiues, and vsurpe such superiority ouer them, as is commonly vsed towards [...]auts, and if abroad they by chaunce receiue any iniurie, then their wiues are sure to go to wracke for it when they come home: she wing themselues cowards towards others, and goodly men, towards their poore wiues.

By reason whereof, it is no [...]ar [...]aile, it being ouercome with griefe and rage, they call to the diuels to help them: and that at that instant, some lasciuious mates take occa­sion to tempt her, and hope to attaine her, for that shee is. [Page]then ready to follow whatsoeuer enuy, wrath and despera­tion, shall put into her head.

But on the other side, when the wife knoweth that all the beames of her husbands loue, sayth, and loyalty, shine onely vppon her, holding her more deare then all other earthly thinges, you shall see her consume cleane away in burning flames of loue and cast al her care in thinking and doing, that which she knoweth will please him: And make sure account, that a friend loueth not so well his friend, a brother his brother, or a childe his father, as a wife doth her husband: whereof there ariseth on both sides such assu­rance of trust, and securitie of minde, as maketh them liue in most contented happynes together.

But againe, the assurance of trust, and tranquilitie of minde, possesseth not the harts of all husbands, for I am fully perswaded, that there are a number in the World (though they set a good face on the matter) which doe in hart mistrust their wiues behauiour: this common dist­rust that men haue of their wiues doth truly proceede from the weakenes of loue, which is usuall with most men.

For certainly make this account, that at the gate where suspition commeth in, loue goeth out.

But if perchaunce the Husband haue some occasion gi­uen him to mistrust, let him examine his owne life well, and he shall finde how the occasion came from himselfe, and that he hath not vsed her, as be ought to haue done: but if he begin to repent himselfe, and begin once to regard her as the one halfe of himselfe, he will also begin to banish suspition, and to thinke that he which loueth, is beloued, and that in mutuall loue, raigneth inviolable sayth.

But yet there is a certeine inward spirit telleth me, that this rule before spoken of, is rather praysed then practised.

For he that would obserue it, must let the Reyne lye too l [...]se on the womans necke, and must referr the care of both their good names, onely to her small discretion: which is [Page]not the custome of out country of England, where women are looked too with honest dilligence: This reason bring­eth an olde saying into my minde, which is this.

A dishonest woman cannot be kept in, and an honest woman ought not: But those men that take vpon them the keeping of their wiues honesty, doe thinke the world will iudge the better of them for it: for they thinke that men laugh at those husbands, which giue their wiues the head too much, & they perswade themselues, that if they do not keepe their wiues short, they keepe them not as they ought to doe: Besides, they thinke this with themselues, that the wife seeing the husband take no care of her, will imagin he doth not care for her making (belike) this recke­ning, that no man else will desire her.

THE other sort of men, which willingly giue their wiues their free liberty, perswade them­selues that that is the next way to keep them honest, alledging this reason: that the wife seeing the husband make himselfe master of her honour, is displeased with it, and taketh no more care to keepe it.

But when her honour is committed to her owne keeping, she is carefull of it, as of that which is her owne: besides that we naturelly are destrous of the things forbidden, and we know that shee [...]neth lesse, who hath free power to [...]na [...]. and in troth she is only to be counted houest indéede, who hauing liberty to doe amisse, doth it not.

But now to rid vs out of these diuers opinions, I am [Page]purposed to goe an another way to worke: For as we see oftentimes two porters beare vp together one burthen: so the Husband and Wife being two bodies, ought to vpholde one onely mind and honour: And to beare it vp vprightly: there must be kept such an indifferent measure, that the one haue no greater charge then the other, but that they is an [...] to ech other of them a iust part: taking especiall heede that neither of them draw this way or that way: For if one shrinke backe anything, it is enough to lay the cariage in the mire: I say then once againe, that there is nothing that maketh a more equall coniunction in good liking, then to ex­ercise themselues in faithfull and feruent loue, which once beginning to faile eyther, on the one side, or the other, their honour forth with falleth to the ground.

There is not any man of vnderstanding, but be may soon consider with himselfe, that there is nothing doth more in venom and inrage the wife, then the dishonest life of her husband, for keeping no fayth with her, he must not looke that she should keepe promise with him: For as the saying is, he that doth not as he ought, must not looke to be done to as he would.

And I will say vnto you, that in the iudgement of the wife, the adulterer deserueth so much the more grieuious punishment: by how much more he ought to surmount his wife in vertue, and direct her by his example.

Moreouer the husband must consider what his authori­tie is, and how farr it reacheth ouer his Wife: For some men keepe their wiues in such awe, that they obey them not as their Lord and Maister, but as a Tyrant: so that conuerting Loue into Feary, they make the poore women weary of their liues, and destrous of death.

After which ill vsage, not without iust cause they vere­fie the prouerbe: When their husband goeth about to make earth of them they goe about to make flesh without him: For the husband must not perswade himselfe that he is a­boue [Page]his wife as the Prince ouer his subiects, or the Shep­heard ouer his sheepe, but as the mind ouer the body, which are linked together by a certaine naturall amitie: But rather wée must consider, that man was not made of the woman, but the woman of the man, and was taken, not out of the head, that she should beare rule ouer man, nor out of the feete, that she should be troden downe by him, but out of the side, where is the seate of the heart, to the end he should loue her hartely, and as his owne selfe.

THE Husband likewise must prouide to satis­fie, the honest destres of his Wife, so that neyther by necessuse, nor super fluitie, she be prouoked to dishonesty: and he must remem­ber that ease, and disease, make women of­tentimes vnchast: And for as much as many learned wri­ters haue set downe, the behauiour of the husband towards the Wife, it shall suffice to say, that he must account of his Wife as his onely treasure on earth: and the most pre­tious Iewell he hath in the world.

Therefore he must take heede; that by his fault the price of her, fall not, be must also remember, that there is no­thing more due to the wife, then the faithfull, honest, and louing company of her husband.

He must also vouchsafe, in figne of loue to deliuer vnto her his thoughts and secret councels for many haue found much profit in following their wiues councell: yea a man is happy that hath a louing wife to impart his good fortune [Page]vnto, whose hartie reioycing at it, re-doublesh his ioy: And if he disclose any ill hap vnto her, she lighteneth his griefe, eyther by comforting him louingly, or by helping to beare a part of it patiently.

Now if the husband, chaunce to espy any fault in his wife, eyther in words, gesture, or doings, he must re­prehend her, not reproachfully nor angerly, but as one that is carefull of her honesty, and what opinion others carry of her, and this must alwayes be done secretly be­tweene themselues, remembring the saying, that a man must neyther chide, nor play with his wife, in the presence of others: for the one bewrapeth her imperfections, and the other his folly.

For as dallying in open Assemblies, is to be misliked: So is not a sowre frowning countenance to be liked: For it maketh others to pitty her hard life, that shee leadeth with him.

Therefore, I would alwaies haue them shew them­selues to their wiues, both in speach and countenance, gentle and a miable not making a iest at that reason which is alledged by her, although sometimes, it be cleane con­trary to his minde.

Thus much haue I spoken touching the husband, now will I speake of the charge of the wife: To begin where as Bods Lawe commaundeth the wife, not onely to loue her husband, but besides to be subiect and obedient to him: And therefore they must be put in minde that the sage ma­tron Sara, called her husband Lord and Master.

BVT now me thinkes I heare some say, that those wiues haue good hap, whose husbands are obedient to them, submit­ting themselues to their wiues com­mandement.

I terme that rather mishapp then ill lucke, for that such husbands for the most part, are fooles, doults, asses, beastes, and are commonly termed wittoles, that they beléeue so well, that they make it an ill conscience to mistrust any ill though they see an other and their wife in bed together, whereof it commeth often to passe, that their silly wiues are like a body without a head, and suffer themselues to goe astray.

And though they be of good discretion and vnderstanding yet the world maketh no account of them: whereas con­trary wise, the wise dome, valure and authoritie of the hus­band, scrueth as a buckler, to defend the good name of his wife, who thereby is bad in more reputation.

Yet we see that women are glad to meate with husbands that are gentle natured, and a little foolish, that they may keepe them vnder.

But in my opinion, those which had rather command [Page]ouer fooles, then obey the wise, the like to those that had rather leade a blind man in the way, then follow another hauing his perfect sight, and knoweth the direct way they must take.

But such wiues neede not make boast of their sufficien­tis: For at this day the rate of the certaine women are worne out: and therefore it is best for them to be content to let their husbands weare the brecches.

A man may well giue women this good Counsell, but there be fewe of them that will be so good as follow it: and which seeke not still to beare rule ouer their husbands.

It is a thing reasonable and agreeable to nature, that the stronger should commaund ouer the weaker: yet some women haue the right quality to order things so well that their husbands should be thought to wrong them greatly, if they should finde fault with them.

Where vpon Cato was wont to say to the Romans: we commaund ouer all the world, and wiues commaund ouer vs: and surely there is no doubt, but that many rulers and gouernours of Citties and Countryes, are ouer-ruled by their wiues: But as those women know how in time and place to be obedient to their husbands: So there are some such shameles women, that they will not at any time be commanded, but by their exclamations, scolding and braw­ling, continually: alwayes with-standing their husbands wils, and make a mock at them, playing with them a thou­sand shrewd prankes, which caused a certaine King to say that they were very fooles, that would follow their wiues running away.

This saying puts me in minde of a mery Iest of a hus­band, who, his wife hauing drowned herselfe in a Riuer, went crying along the Riuer side, seeking her against the streame: and being tolde that there was no question, but that she was gone downe with the streame. Alas saith he. I cannot thinke it, for as in her life time she vsed to do eue­ry [Page]thing against the hayre, so now in her death she is sure­ly mounted against the streame.

But to returne againe to our purpose, I will say that the wife as the weaker vessel, must obey the husband, and as men ought to keepe the Lawes of the country: So wo­men ought to fulfill the cōmandements of their husbands, by which deede they become Mistresses of the house.

I could here bring in diuers vertuous women, who clo­thing themselus with humility, haue caused their husbands to cast of pride, cruelty, and other wicked vices: whereby some haue pardoned their enemies, and drawne backe their hands from doing vengeance.

Other some haue vndone vnlawfull bargaines, lest swea­ring, and other vanities: and giuen themselues to deuo­tion, and the health of their soules, they being brought therevnto by the honest and earnest perswasions and in­treatie of their wiues.

But in an other sort, now if the woman sée her husband faile in the loue, which he oweth her, yet she must not do as he doth, but supply vertuously his default: shewing to the worlde, that for her part, she beareth the crosse her selfe, which doing she shall haue double rewad of God, & double praise of the world: wherby you may gather that the breach of honour is committed more to the diligence and trust of the wife, then of the husband, and though the husband offend God as muth as the wife, in violating the sacred band of Matrimony: Yet the wife ought firmely to print this in her hart, and to remember alwaies, that where the husband by his fault doth but a little blemish his credit, the wife altoge­ther looseth her good name, and remaineth spotted with such infamy, that she can neuer recouer her honour againe: nei­ther by any repentance, nor by amendment of her life.

Therefore let a wife woman siop her eares against the alurements of those which lye in waight for her chasti­tie: and to kéept more safely her honestie both in deede [Page]and in worde.

Likewise let her avoide so much as she may, the com­pany of women that haue an ill name: who indeauor by their naughty fashions, and dishonest speeches, to bring others to doe as they doe: and wish with all their harts that all women were like themselues.

But the wife must also know, that it is not sufficient to be bonest, and innocent in deede: but like wise to au [...]de all suspition of dishonesty, and if shee looke well into the matter, shee shall finde small difference (in respect of the world) betweene beeing naught, and beeing thought naught.

Therefore a wise woman will shun all lightnes and va­nity, and keepe her selfe from giuing her husband, or any other, the least suspition in the world, knowing that a woman of a suspected Chastitie, liueth but in a miserable case, and when shee heareth other women ill spoken of, let her thinke in her minde, what may be spoken of her, imagining with her selfe; that when a woman is once in an ill name, whether it be deseruedly, or without cause, she hath much adoe to recouer againe her honour: shee must not beare her selfe, so boldy vpon her honest mea­ning, to thinke that God will alwayes holde his hand ouer her head: For he oftentimes suffereth a woman to be reproued wrongfully, for a punishment of her light­nes and vanity: For it is as common a matter for wo­men to shew themselues vaine and light, as for peacocks to spread their tayles.

Wherefore I may boldely say this, when wee haue once taken all vanity from a woman, a man shall be able to take nothing else from her.

WEE will briefely comprehend the summe of that we haue said and ad­monish the wife, that Chastity ioy­ned with vanity, deserueth no com­mendations at all, but rather yeth open to the saying of King Deme­trius: who hearing a man finde fault with one of bis Concubines. said vnto him: My Concubine is far more modest, then thy Wise: Therefore a woman must take beede, that she giue not men occasion to thinke hardly of her, ryther by her Deedes, Words, Lookes or Apparell.

The mention of this Apparell, now so imboldens me, that I cannot choose, but speake of the abuse which is com­mitted now a dayes in our country in the ornaments and trimming vp of women, who bestow vpon garments all their husbands substance: and in garding and trimming of them, all the Dowry which they brough with them, which maketh me amazed at it: and that which greaueth [Page]me most is to sée howe Husbands not onely consent to such excesse charge, but also are pleased well with the va­nitie which their wiues shew in the Strumpet-like dres­sing of their heads, whereby they make men rather laugh at them, then like of them: and I see not how it is pos­ible for men, to maintayne their Wiues in such costly manner, as they doe now a dayes in England: But that they must let out their mony to Vsurie, and vse other de­ceiptfull words and meanes.

I will not say they keepe their wiues so brane by secret cousening and cut-throate bargaines: And that other­wise they liue poorely, and fare hardly, purging the sinne of pride, with the abstinencie of the mouth making their seruantes dye with Hunger: though women be very curious in their attyre: Yet it is the hayre that they make most adoe about, and there are no sorts of Oynt­ments which they will not proue, to make their hayre of the brauest cullour, in so much that many in going about to alter the the cullour of their hayre, by naughty medi­cines, haue wrought their owne deaths: But their fol­ly this day is so great, that by meanes of such trumpery, when they feele their heads little ake, and their braynes to be a little distempered: yet as murtherers of them­selues, they will not giue ouer this shamefull and deadly practise.

But if they knew wherein consisted the commendation of women, they would sit vp most part of the night, and rise betime in the morning, to bestow all the fore-noone in dressing of their heads and if they would consider with themselues, that those which trim vp themselues least are trimmed vp best.

I haue b [...]ne alwayes of this minde, that those wo­men whose mindes are not decked with vertue, are these which labour aboue others in decking vp their Bodyes, thinking belike to haue as good lucke as the Lapwing, who [Page]though he be but a vile Byrde, and liveth most in durty lakes, and desert places: yet at the mariage of the Eagle, she was honorable aboue all other byrdes, because of the crowne or cap vpon her head, and of her pyed feathers.

But it happeneth to women oftentimes cleane contra­ry: For the multitude of ornaments conereth that little good which is in them by Nature: and the glistering of their Iewels, dimmeth the shining of their vertues: and it is commonly seene, that women, though neuer so honest, are vnsatiable of such triffles: wherevpon it is sayd that mills and women, euer want something.

But it honest women would aduisedly thinke of the matter, they should perceiue that it is not the gilt brydle, that maketh the horse the better, and that by reason of those affected follyes, they liue with suspected honesty.

Let women therefore be carefull, to apparell them­selues so modestly, that they may thereby rather please their Husbands, then make them Iealous ouer them, by attyring themselues lightly: For men will alway suppose that a light minde is lodged in a gorgeous body.

I haue often noted those dames, which are so curious in their attyre, to be very sluts in their houses, and those which neglect such folly, to be very good huswiues: For it is a common saying, that one cannot drinke and whistle altogither: and therefore it is no mar [...]aile, if those which spend all the day in tricking their bodyes, haue no leasure to sée their house well ordered: But let vs make an end of this matter, concluding that it may rightly be said of these costly clad carkasses, that the feathers are more worth then the Byrde.

I Will make short and giue charge to the wife, not onely to avoyde that which may anger her husband, but also to frame her selfe to do that which may please him, for as the glasse is nothing worth which ma­keth a sad countenance séeme ioy­full, or a ioyfull countenance séeme sad: So that woman in my con­ceipt is a foole, who seeing her husband mery, frowneth or lowreth vpon him, or seeing him pensiue, sheweth her selfe pleasant, and therefore let her be resolued to frame her selfe to the thoughts of her husband, and to iudge things swéet, or sower according to his taste.

For the diuersity of minds and manners, is nothing fit to maintaine loue and good will.

Let her also by sweet words, and louing deeds, shew vnto him all the signes of affection she can: Considering that some husbands hauing beene accustomed to the Amo­rous curtesies of other women, wil thinke that their wiues set no great store by them, if they shew them not the like [Page]or greater.

And in any wise let her continue her kindnes towards him, least by fayling of her wont, she seeme to war colde in loue, or by excéeding her custome shee séeme to cullour some crime, whereby she may driue some foolish toy in­to his head, which Iealousie, if by chaunce he be once possest withall, she must labour, by all meanes possible to rid him of it. Not doing as some foolish women doe, who very vn-wisely, and to their owne great hurt, séeke to con­tinue that suspition in their husbands, that others laye stedge to their owne chastitie.

But now me thinkes I beare some aske me this que­stion, whether those women doe well who make their hus­bands priny to it when they are importuned with any vn­lawfull request.

But those women in my oppinion are commonly bla­med, for that there commeth much harme by it, and I thinke it ill done: for thereby she doth not breed quiet, but trouble to her husband, making them doubt, least reuea­ling one loue, she conceale an other: and which is worse it breedeth a quarell betwéene the husband and louer, where­of much mischiefe may ensue.

But a wise woman will alwayes like better that her husband should heare by the report of others: of the repuise which she shall giue her louer, then to make boast of her honesty her selfe

And a wise husband will holde himselfe there with the better content, and be the more assured in his minde of his wiues honest dealing: but to preuent all mistrust, it beho­ueth an honest woman, to she in her selfe so sober and chast in countenance, that no man may be so hardy to assayle her.

For indéede Castles that come to Parly, are common­ly at the poynt to render, but it she chaunce to be set vpon, let her make this answere, which once a vertuous damsell [Page]made vnto her louer, that was this.

While I was a maide, I was at the disposition of my parents, but now I am a woman maried I stand at the pleasure of my husband: wherefore I were best to speake to him, and know his minde what I shall doe.

And if her husband be out of the way, let her behaue her selfe as if he were present, and to shew him at his re­turne, in what profitable worke of the house she hath spent her time in his absence, whereby she shall be both the bet­ter liked of, and more commended of him.

A wise husband in deede will take great pleasure in such things, but yet there are some men that are so testy and froward, that they will neuer be content with any thing their wiues can doe: but doe most commonly so take on with them, that they make them wish themselues out of the world, therefore I will teach those poore soules some remedy against that mischiefe.

If her husband be rough and terrible vnto her, she must ouercome him by humilitie.

If he chide and brawle with her, shee must holde her peace for the answere of a wise woman is silence, and she must stay to vtter her minde, till be be appeased; if he be obstinate, let not her be ouer t [...]wart, nor doe as the wo­man did, to whom her husband brought for their supper two Thrushes: but shee would needed say that they were Black-byrds, he replying apaine that they were thrushes: and the holding that they were Black-byrds, he in his an­ger gaue her a bor on the oare, and yet for all that, when the Thrushes were serued to the table, she termed them Black-byrds, wherevpon her husband fell to beating her againe: A weeke after she put him in minde againe of the Black-birds continuing in her obstinacie, till he fell to his olde remedy: But this matter ended not thus, for at the yeares end, she hit him in the teeth, how he had beate her for two Black-byrdes, and hee said it was for two [Page]Thrushes, but she said he was deceaued, and so was well beaten for it againe: But to returne againe to our pur­pose, I will set downe a fewe more admonitions for the wife, how she may continue in loue and goodwill with her husband.

A Woman cannot possible doe any thing that may make her Hus­band more in loue with her, then to play the good Huswife in her house: For it not onely doth him good to see his wife so thriftily gi­uen; but besides hee conceaueth a good oppinion of her honestie, seeing her take such great paines, and exercise her body in workes belonging to her house, whereby she getteth a naturall coullour, and that vertu­ous vermillion, which falleth of neither with sweating, neither with wéeping, nor with blowing, nor with wise­ing: which maketh him deny her no necessary thing be­longing to the house.

Also when he séeth her so carefull to kéepe them in good order which is not the fashion of those light [...]uswiuen, that liue without doing any thing, without caring for husband, children, or any other houshould busines: she wing mani­festly that though her body be in the house, yet her minde is abroad, which foundeth to her owne shame, and the hus­bands great disprofit.

For it is well knowne, when the Mistris is buisied in [Page]vanities, the seruants take litle care of her profit, but looke to their owne matter, as the common saying is, while the mistresse playeth, the maide strayeth, and as the Wife ought busily to looke about her house, so it is vnseemely for the husband to meddle with matters within doores.

But if his hap be so ill to haue a foolish wife, then it stan­deth him vpon to supply her imperfections.

But those men are to be laughed at, who hauing wise and sufficient wiues, will (as they say) set their Hens to brood, season the pot, dresse their owne meate, teach the Chamber-maides, and take their wiues office from her: such husbands offend their wiues much, shewing thereby that either they mistrust them, or despise them.

Besides that they doe much wrong to themselues, and shew thereby their want of humanitie for if they were im­ploid abroad in matters of importance, belonging to men of discretion, they would (being at home) be now desirous rather to take their ease, then trouble their wife and ser­uants in medling with their matters.

Furthermore, they woulde consider with themselues, that the rule of the house belongeth to the wife, and that God hath mate women more fearefull then men, to the end they should be more fit for the wary matching and kee­ping of the house, wherevnto a carefull feare oftentimes is requisite: I deny not but the husband ought to know how matters goe in his house, to prouide abroad for things accordingly, and now & then to correct some faults which his wife perchaunce eyther will not, or cannot.

But it is great reason that she beeing as it were, the sterne of the house) the husband should commit vnto her the whole gouerment of it, as a thing belonging vnto her.

For the rest you must know, that as in aduersitie and trouble true friends are knowne: so the wife cannot by a­ny meanes more surely binde the goodwill of her husband to her for euer: Then by sticking to him faithfully in his [Page]néede and aduersitie, which some women do not, who will gladly be partakers of the prosperity of their husbands, but will not willingly take part of their troubles: Forgetting the example of the fayre and wise wife of Methridates, who for her husbands sake, caused her head to be paled, and fra­med her selfe to ride, and weare armour like a man, and so accompanied him valiantly, faithfully, and patiently, in all his troubles and perils, which gaue her husband won­derfull comfort in his aduersity, and let the world to vnder­stand, that there is nothing so troublesome and gréeuious, but that the two harts of the husband and wife fast linked together, are able to support it, and to passe all griefe and annoy away.

Therefore when the husbands are afflicted with any in­firmitie, eyther of body or minde, let the wiues be ready both in worde and deede to comfort them, whereby they shall see their loue will grow more feruent and faithfull: But now for conclusion, the husband and wife must count all things common betweene them, hauing nothing of their owne in perticuler, no not so much as the body it selfe, and laying aside pride, they most ch [...]refully set their hands to those things that are to be done about the house, belonging to their calling, and to striue in well doing, one to ouer­come an other: whereof will grow such contented quiet­nes as happily prolong their liues to olde age: And by the bonde of loue and concord, they shall giue their children an example, to liue in vnitie one with an other, and their ser­uants to agree together in their busines, and discharge of their duties.

FOR AS MVCH now as I haue made mention of Children and youth, I thinke it fit that from dence forth, according to my de­termination, to speake of the con­uersation that ought to bee be­tweene the Parents and the Chil­dren: For I thinke it a matter very expedient to be set downe, the ordere which they ought to obserue togither, for that euen amongst them, there is not for the most part I found that good agreement, and that discréet dealing which ought to be.

For the world is now come to this passe, that the child is no sooner come to any vnderstanding, but that he begin­neth to cast in his head of his fathers death: as a litle child riding on a time behinde his father, said simply vnto him: Father when you are dead, I shall ride in the saddle, Yea there are many great and knauish children, which wish and worke the death of their fathers.

The sault whereof I know not to whom I shoulde impute it, whether to the fathers, which kéepe not their children in such awe, neyther bring them vp in such sort [Page]as they ought to doe, or to the children who know not how much they are beholding to their fathers: But in my mind I conclude that the childe rather is to be in the fault, who cannot bring any action against his father, though he doe him neuer so great wrong.

First of all therefore will I begin to excuse the father whom some will thinke to be in fault, who ought to haue informed him in his dutie, when he was young and ten­der.

If the father giue his sonne good lessons, and he wil not hearken vnto them, what can he doe more.

If the father offereth Instructions to his child with his right hand, and the childe receyueth them with the left, what fault is the father in? None but this in my opinion) but that he deferreth till euening, to giue him those In­structions which hee shoulde haue giuen him early in the morning, at the sunne rising, I meane whilst he is young euen as it were with the milke of the nurse, not conside­ring that in tender mindes, as it were in war, a man may make what impression he lift.

But I know not how to excuse the children, who after their father hath nourished and brought them vp carefully vnder the learned men, and instructed them in the faith of Christ: in the end run astray, liuing lewdly, bring forth fruit vnworthy their bringing vp.

I matualle not so much, that a child vertuously brought vp sometime falleth out naught, but I count it straunge and as it were against nature, that both the father and the sonne, being both honest men, and for their good dea­ling well spoken of by all men, it shoulde often fall out that they cannot agree together in one house, but liue in continuall strict and variance, and agreeing well in pub­like aff [...]yres, still disagree about houshold matters, where­of I could bring forth many examples.

But this I must say, that the sonne in duty ought to suffer [Page]his father to commaund ouer him, and that he ought to o­bay him, without any resistance: And that their conuersa­tion may frame the better: I thinke it necessarie to coun­sell the father, how he ought to proceede in his fatherly iu­risdiction, that he exceede not the bonds of reason, and giue not his sonne cause to finde fault with him, in his hart, and to thinke himselfe ill dealt withall by him: by meanes whereof, he waxeth colde in the loue and reuerence, he ought to beare to his father.

I cannot forget the olde saying, that few children are like the father, and that many of them are worse, and those that are better, are very rare and thin sowen: there­fore I would willingly search out the cause, why so few Children resemble the Father, and answere to the hope he conceaueth of them.

FIRST it is to be considered that Children bring small or no com­fort to their Parents, if Nature and Fortune be not well temperd in them: For as a fruitful graine sowen in a soyle vnfit for it, bring­eth foorth no increase: So a child that is naturally giuen to lear­ning, will neuer doe well, if be be fet to husbandry: so much it behooueth the father to find out in his Childe-hood, wherevnto he is most inclined.

Therefore it behooueth fathers to vse discretion in this [Page]poynt, that is to finde out the naturall inclination of their children, the which is best done in their Infancy, as the prouerbe is, that by the morning it may be gathered, how all the day will proue after, whether it will be eyther faire or foule.

I thinke this counsell most necessary to be respected by the fathers, who force their Children to enter into trade of life, which is altogether contrary to their mindes, and therefore no maruaile though they receiue small comfort of them: For thereof many times insueth the dishonor of their house, and which is worse great offence towardes God, as when poore boyes are put to study diuinitie, who euen from their mothers wombe desire the warres.

Those fathers that set their children to things contrary to their disposition, are rather to be pittied then blamed: for that happeneth commonly for lacke of taking hade, but those which thrust their children into Colledges be­fore they are of yeares, to choose or refuse that life: Are no doubt greatly to be blamed for that they bring their children too it, eyther through feare, or through false per­swasions: which is nothing else, but to withstand the will of God, and so take from their children that free choyce which God of his diuine goodnes, hath promised them.

Therefore if the father be carefull of the loue and qui­et of his house, let him be also carefull to know whether his sonnes mindes, be giuen eyther to learning, or to ar­mies, or to husbandry, or to marchandize, and when hee shall perceiue he hath drawne him out of the right, let him make him returne into it forthwith, and set him againe where he should be, otherwise let him assure himselfe, that a thing ill begun will come to a worse end.

Seeing we are to search why children oftentimes fall not out according to the good hope of their parents, we [...] haue neede to begin at the milk they sucke in their cradles, for that the nurses milke is of such force, that the vse ther­of [Page]maketh the child take after her, then after the mother which brought him into the world: and when I remember the custome of diuers women in Fraunce, who bring vp their Infants onely with the milke of beasts: I thinks thereof it commeth that diuers of them are so sterce and cru­ell, that by their ill life, many of them shew themselues scarce to be indued with that reason proper to men.

I am of mind without doubt, that the effects of the milke is maruelous, and it is a thing certaine, that if a lambe be nourished with the milke of a Goate, or a Kidd with the milke of a yeaw, the Kidd will haue a very soft hayre, and the Lambe a very rough and barry wooll.

And therefore it is thought that as the childe by reason of the milke, taketh after the complerion of the Nurse.

So the disposition of the minde, fol oweth the compleri­on of the body: and thereof also it commeth, that the daugh­ters of honest women, oftentimes proue altogether vn-like them both in body and minde: so that to deliuer Children from their mothere to nurses, cannot be said so be other then a corrupting of nature.

But if wee should make mention of this first nourish­ment, we should haue spoken of it, when we discoursed of vnfortunate mariages, but I neyther spake of it there, neyther will doe here.

The reason I forbeare to speake of it, is, for that wo­men at this day, are so curious of their comlines, or rather of their vanity, that they had rather to peruert the nature of their children, then chaunge the forme of their hard and round papps.

Whereof it commeth often to passe, that the children fashioning themselues to the humours of their nurses, swarue from the loue and dutie they owe to their mothers, and haue not in them the bloud which moueth then: to o­bey: which is manifest by the example of a bastard in Italy, who returning from the warres laden with the spoyles of [Page]the enemy, had his mother and his nurse comming before him, be gaue to his mother a siluer ring, and to his nurse a chayne of golde, which his mother misliking with, he talde her, she was to blame to doe so, saying: You hore me but nine monethes in your wombe, but my nurse kept me with her seats the space of two yeares, that which I hold of you is my body, which you gaue me scarre donestly, but that which I haue of her proceeded of a pure affection.

And moreouer as soone as I was borne, you depriued me of your company, and vanished me your presence: but she most gratiously receiued me (banished as I was) be­twéene her armes, and vsed me so wel, that she hath brought me to this you see: these reasons with others, stopped his mothers mouth, being ashamed, and made his nurss further in loue with him: but resurne we againe to our matter.

Seeing that diuers women will not be the whole mo­ther of their children they ought at least to be carefull, to choose good nurses and of a good complexion.

For as the first abuse began in setting out their children to nurse: so consequently followed the second, not to res­pect the nature of the nurse.

BVT now let vs goe forward, to shew the occasions of the difference betweene the fathers and their children, holding for certaine, that the difference procee­deth from the trade of life the childe is set too, and therefore I say, that it is not enough for the father to know where­vnto [Page]his child is not naturally giuen: if afterward he in­deauour not to assist him, and carefully to prouide to place him in that Art or Science that he most desires.

Another cause of this difference betwéene the father and the childe, is when the father loueth himselfe better then his child keeping him with him to play withall, without taking any care to set him to masters which may instruct him in Learning, or to the Court, or to those professions, wherevnto his mind is most inclined.

In this many wealthy fathers greatly offend, who beare themselues bolde vpon their goods, and neuer take care for the bringing vp of their children, in learning and vertue, but suffer their wits to be dulled with idlenes, and gluttony, that (as the prouerbe is) they know not chaffe from corne, but grow to haue as good iudgement as the Asse, which iudged the Cuckoes singing, to be more sweets then the Nightingales: but now some will say, that the more the father kéepeth his children about him the more he maketh their manners like to his.

But such men are deceiued, for the life of the olde father is no patterne for the young sonne to shape his doings by: and besides in time he will accuse his father, for that ha­uing oppertunitie to send him abroad to get wealth and e­stimation, he kept him at home, and thereby hindreth his preferment: Therefore those fathers that loue their chil­dren will not by keeping them vnder their wings, hinder their preferment, for in my iudgement the father shewes his child the greater figne of good will, in letting them goe from him, then in keeping him at home, for thereby he pre­fers his childs profit before his owne, and if he loue him as he ought by nature: he must also loue his preferment, and séeke to better his estate, liking better that be should dye like a horse in a battell, then liue like a bogge in the mire.

I haue yet made no mention of fathers, which are in­dued [Page]with learning, sufficient to make his childe partaker of his knowledge, for indéed they be very rare, and if there be any such, yet they will not or they cannot take such paines, nor tye themselues to such a charge, hauing other busines.

Marry if they would vndertake it, there is no doubt but great good would come of it, for that the father would in­struct the child more carefully, and the child would receiue it more haedefully of his father, then of his maister.

For Cato of Rome, himselfe taught his sonne, and brought him to great perfection, without the helpe of any gouernour or maister.

Likewise Octauian Augustus being Emperour tooke no scorne to teach his two adoptine sonnes: but the iniquitie of this our time is sach, that men would count it a mon­sterous thing to see a father being a gentleman to teach his sonne, but the shame of those fathers is greater, who being neither sufficient nor willing to teach their children them­selues take no care to put them out to be instructed by o­thers, such men in my iudgement are very simple, and know not the difference betweene the learned and the ig­norant.

Yet for all that, the abuse of this age is such, that the men of our time, will not haue their sonnes breake their heads with study and in a manner mislike that they should reade, forgetting quite, that the ignorant in comparison of the learned, are worse then dead, and that rich men without learning, are budies without minds, and tearmed by Diogines, sheepe with golden fleects: and therefore they ought to be more carefull to instruct their children in learning, for as the poore are driuen to study by necessity, so the rich are hindred from it by superfluitie: and they con­sider not vntill it be too late, that learning is more necessa­ry for rich men, then for poore: for the rich haue more dea­lings in the world, and haue [...]ore néede of wit then the [Page]poorer sort, for riches are brettle and frayle, and can hard­ly last, without they be kept with great wit and wisdome.

And it is certaine that a man siueth better with a little gotten by labour, then a great deale giuen him by fortune, and those which waxproud through aboundance of riches, shew themselues not to know what happened to the snaile that made his braggs how he had gotten to the top of the pine tree, a little before a tempest blew it downe.

LET vs now goe a little furder, and consider that those which are wise, the richer they are, the bet­ter they will consider with them­selues how riches are gotten with trauell, kept with feare, and lost with griefe: and that he which putteth his trust in them shall be deceiued: for the true riches are those, which cannot be lost being once gotten, and therefore wise fathers will be carefull to bring vp their children in learning, perswading them that they are neuer rich, vntill they be learned.

There are in this age many masters excellent in lear­ning, and yet lewd in life: therefore it is the fathers wise­dome to be very wary in the choyse of them, least what his sonne getteth one way, he looseth an other way, for he must haue as great care to make him vertuous, as lear­ned, and he must haue more care to make him good, then to leaue him riches.

For as one said, if thy sonne be wise and honest, thou shalt leaue him good enough: but if he be a foole, thou shalt leaue him too much: for fooles are not fit to possesse riches.

Now, if the child be not giuen to learning, the Father must not fayle to imploy him some other way: for there is nothing more daungerous then an idle young man: and as the tree that blossometh not in the spring time, bringeth forth no fruit in haruest, so he shall neuer come to liue ho­nestly when he is a man, who is not vertuously exercised while he us a child.

VT amongst the other occasions of the ill successe of children, this is one, when the father is careles, to make them in time to raise themselues from the ground, my meaning is, that the father béeing carefull of his sonnes aduauncement, is many times so curious to see him instructed in worldly mat­ters, that forgetting how the beginning of Wisedome, is the feare of God, be taketh no care at all to instruct him in the Christian Fayth: whereof it commeth to passe that many vnhappy children trayned vp altogether in worldly astayres, and depriued of the true light, cannot sée the right way, but runneth into perdition.

For the wisedome of the world, is folly with God, and it is a thing impossible for him to liue well that knoweth not God.

Therefore I would haue parents to take care both for the minde and body of their Children: but because the minde beeing the more excellent, it is reason to cast out [Page]chéefest care vpon it.

And for that the minde in Infants is like a table booke wherein nothing is written, and like a tender twig which may be bowed euery way, it is cleare, that vertue or vice may be easily planted in it, and for that it is knowne by proofe, that these things are kept best in memory, which are learned in youth: Fathers ought to instruct their Chil­dren in the best thing they can, especially in the feare and loue of God, holding it for a generall rule, that he which knoweth euery thing, and knoweth not God, knoweth no­thing, but if the father be diligent to instruct his children in the Lawe of God, he shall get his ioy by it, that his chil­dren thereby will doe him the more honour and reuerence, knowing that it is gods will they should do so.

But now let vs returne againe to the former occasion of the ill successe of children, to which may be added this, when the father setteth before them a stayned and spotted glasse to looke in, that is, when he giueth them ill example, which the Romanes were very circumspect in, whose mo­desty was so great, that the father would neuer bathe him­selfe in the company of his sonne, for it is counted a great fault in the father, to suffer himselfe to be séene naked by his sonne.

It is no maruaile though Cato put Manlius out of the Senat of Rome, onely for kissing his wife in the presence of his daughter.

Therefore the father ought aboue all things to shew him selfe such before them, as he witheth they should be: for the master doth not them so much good by his instruction, as the father doth them harme by his euill example, for they are by nature lead rather to follow his steps, then their masters precepts

For it is so naturall a thing, for the sonne to resemble the father in wicked qualities, as swearing cursing, and such other vices, that if by chaunce some child doe not fol­low [Page]his father in them but liueth vertuously: yet the world will scarce beleeue that be doth so, by reason of the euill opinion they haue of the father, but rather will thinke that the childe is [...]e [...]re to his vices as well as to his lands: and when they can find no fault with him any way, some one or other will not stick to hi [...] him in the teeth, that he was the sonne of a wicked man.

Likewise it the father be honest and the sonne lewd, the fathers good name is called in question through the sonnes folly.

And many men thinke it vnpossible that the sonne should tread awry, vnles he were by his father led thereto.

And thereupon it is thought, that those men which vse too extreame seueritie towardes their children is not done so much vpon displeasure that take against them, as for the care then haue to maintaine their owne credit.

I would therefore haue all fathers to frame themselues to line well and orderly, as well for their owne sakes, as for the venefit of their children, who seeing vertue shining in their fathers deeds, will haue a desire in all goodnes to follow their steps.

For when children sée their fathers seruants of the house stand renerently waiting vpon him, and ready at the hold­ing vp of his finger, to do his commaundements, they will thereby take example to doe their duile likewise, and not be lesse obedient then leruants and straungers, and besides indeauour to be like to their father in deedes, that they may in time to come receiue the like reuerence of their seruants, as they see their father doe of his: For the father that gi­ueth an ill example to the child, in time shall be had in con­tempt by the child, so that be shall neyther receiue succour of him in his latter dayes, nor at his death, that last duty to close vp his eyes: besides the father liuing disorderly ma­ny times make hand of those goods which his Children should liue by.

I will now passe further to more occasions of the vn­fortunate course of life, betworne the father and the child, whereof there are two that come into my minde: the one is when the father is more then a mother, the other when he is more then a father.

My meaning how he should be more then a mother, is, when he is to blinded that he seeth not the imperfections of his childe, or if he see them, yet is ready to commend them, or to excuse them in such sort, that if his sonne be haughty or hare-brain'd, be termeth him couragious: if he be base-minded, he connteth him modest: if a pra [...]ing boy, he will haue him all Orator and in flattering thus himselfe, he thinkes him the best Childe in the world: with which blindnes, the fathers of one onely childe, are for the most part strucken.

I Must néeder in this place menti­on vnto you a youth of fifterne or sixteene yeares of age, of a ready wit, but otherwise vicious and lewd of life which hapned through the fault of the father and mother, who were so far from correcting him, that they durst not so much as threaten him, nor say any word to him that might displease him: and I remember when he was fiue or fire yeares olde, if any tolde them that [Page]they must rebuke him for some faulte he had done, they would excuse him by and by, saying, he was not yet of age to know his fault: And beeing seauen or eight yeares olde they would nouer beate him, nor threaten him, least through some great feare his bloud should be chase or in­flamed, whereby he might be cast into an ague.

No, at ten yeares olde, they thought not good to trouble nor molest him, alledging that stripes and threats would too much pull downe his courage, and take from him his stout and proud stomacke, and though now for his haugh­ty conditions he be hated of all the whole Cittie yet they leaue not to excuse him still, saying, he must first grow, and then after be wise, and that within few dayes they wil send him to schoole, where he shall learne wit.

But now many a one lookes when hee shall be of age to he hanged o [...] the gallowes, to heare him before the people to lay the fault vpon his father and mother, and iustly curse their foolish lone, and shamefull cockering, at­tempting as one did once, to teare their nose and their eares of with his teeth.

BY this example in the former Chapter reci [...]d, it is verified that a child though of nouer so good a witt, yet beeing ill brought vp proueth too bad, but this great tockering and compassion is pro­per to the mother, who commonly brin­geth vp her children with more tender [Page]affection and discretion: and according to the olde saying, it is an hard matter for a mother to be fond of her children, and wise both together: but yet the right loue, is to beate and correct them when they shall deserue it, for certainely the rod doth not tessen the mothers loue, but rather in­crease it, for if the excesse of loue be to be blamed in the mo­ther, much more is it to be reproued in the father: whese part it is ito examine and correct his childrens faults, assu­ring himselfe the onely way to spoyle them, is to be too much fond and tender ouer them.

But now I must tell you, which be these fathers, that I call more then fathers, in my oppinion they be those, which are too cruell to their children, and beate them con­tinually like slaues for the least fault in the world.

Truely those fathers are to be misliked of all men, for that without any discretion they measure their children by themselues, and require at their hands a matter impossible, whch is to haue them be olde in their youth, not suffering them to inioy that liberty which is alowed to their age and in my minde, they descrue no other name then of Schoole-maisters, for that they cannot manner their children well, vnlesse they haue a rod in their hand: for if they were right fathers they would be content that their children shoulde learne of them nothing else but to refrayne from doing ill, and to vse to doe that which is good and honest, which a childe is brought too, rather by loue then by force: but the authoritie which some vn-wise fathers take vpon them is so great, that without respecting age, time, or place they will heepe their children vnder by force, and make them doe enery thing contrary to nature, yea euen to wear their apparell after the fashion of the good men of the time past.

In this they doe amisse, and hereby they make their children not to loue them harsely, and to obey them ra­ther for feare then affection: And besides, they consider not that the beating without measure, and the keeping [Page]them in continuall feare, is the cause that a man cannot iudge to what manner of life they are by nature inclined Moreouer it dulleth their wits, and represseth their na­turall strength, in such sort that their is no liuely spirit left in them: and comming in any company, they know ney­ther which way to looke, nor what to doe but stand like simple Idiots.

There I giue this counsell vnto all parents, to leaue their butchery beating, and consider rather that for larke of yeares, their children cannot haue perfect vnderstand­ing and experience in thinges, whereby they are to be borne withall when they doe amisse.

I Like those fathers well, that can keepe their children in awe one­ly with shakeing their head at them, or vsing some such like signe and can onely with a word correct them, and make them a­shamed of their fault: yet I am perswaded that there are few fa­thers, that know how to keepe the meane, but they will or­ther be too rough or too gentle to their children, whereof as the one driues them to desperatenes, so the other brin­geth them to wantonnes.

We must thinke that a childe hath giuen vnto him a father and a mother, to the end that of the wisedome of the one and the loue of the other, that meane I speak of might be made, and that the seueritie of the father may be som­what mittigated by the leuity of the mother.

Now this calls to mind an other disagréement betwéen the father and the childe, which is the partiall loue of the father towardes his children: for in my minde it is a great fault that he should loue one more then an other, and that all being of his flesh and bloud, he should cast a merry countenance vpon some of them, and an angry looke vpon other some.

Yet this is the nature of man, that a father loneth not all his children alike, and yet he whom he loueth least, cannot iustly complaine of him: for the in-equality of loue is permitted to the fathers affection.

A father that is a husbandman, hauing one sonne a schol­ler, an other a Marchant, and an other a husbandman, of those three it is a great chaunce but hee will loue the hus­bandman best, for he seeth him like himselfe in life and manners, wherein his other sonnes in duty must be con­tent: for by nature we are led to like those things which resemble vs most: Oh how hard a thing it is for the fa­ther, after partiall loue is once entered into his hart, to giue iustice indifferently.

The greater is the wisedome of the father, who prefer­ring the deserts of his children, before his owne partiall loue maketh his sences yeeld to reason, and sheweth him­selfe in deeds a like towards all.

I will not deny, but the father by his authoritie may distribute his fauours as he seeth good, to one more, to an other lesse, according to the state and doings of his children, for as by gentle vsage he incourageth a child that is well, giuen to doe well so by hard handling, he may bring one that is vntoward to goodnes: Yea if he haue any childe that is past grace, without any hope of recouerie, he may lawfully not onely loue him lesse then the rest, but quite cast him out of his fauour.

But those fathers are greatly to be blamed, who with vniust partiality, and without any reasonable considerati­on [Page]on will vse one child as ligetimate, the other vnlawfull: whereof it followeth, that he which is so meanely accoun­ted of, doth not onely fayle in affection to his kindred, but beginneth to fall to secret warre, with his owne brothers: whereby the father that might establish peace and con­cord amongst his children, shall by his partiality plant a­mongst them a roote of continaull discord: Therefore the father ought to be well aduised how he preferreth in good will one childe before an other, and not to doe it vpon e­uery light occasion

I likewise thinke it a great folly insome fathers, that make some of their children their darling and minion with out seeing any towardnes in them in the world, and let e­uery man to haue knowledge of their fond & causles affecti­on: yet it often falleth out that those children by reason of their wanton and dilicate bringing vp, proue doults and simple sotts: whereas contratiwise those which are ba­nished from their fathers loue, and driuen to shift for them­selues, doe oftentimes by their owne paine and trauell, so aduaunce their estates that they are in better case, then their father or their lawfull brothers, to whom oft-times they afford ayde and succour in their distresses: we may boldely then say, that the in-iustice of the father, bréedeth disagreement betweene his children and himselfe.

But now againe to our purpose: It is commonly seene, and that for the most part those children which are most made of, fall out the worst, and haue many misfortunes: which makes me remember a prety Iest of an Ape that had two young ones at a litter, whereof she loued the one, and cared nothing for the other: which Ape vpon occa­sion was driuen from her den, and hauing taken that which she loued in her armes, and tyed the other at her backe, in running she stumbled and fell howne against the hard ground, and so killed her young one, she had in her armes, and loued so well, but the other which was at her backe [Page]had no harme at all whereby we may see that the Father oftimes doth pennance for his fondnes.

But to returne to our matter, there is yet remaining one occasion of the disagreement betweene the Father and the Childe, which is when the Father will not suffer his Children to come forth of their Infancy, meaning that when eyther thorough the authoritie of olde age, or couet­ou [...]nes, the father (though his Children be growne to mans estate) will alow them neither more liuing nor more liber­ty even they had when they were Children: therefore let al men learne & know that Children now adayes are borne wise, and haue gray haires in youth: and as men liue not so long in these dayes, as they did in times past, so they grow sooner to ripenes of wit now, thē they did here to fore, there­fore I am to aduise the Father (if he tender the well doing of his Childe,) to alow him with discretion, some liberty in matters of the House, suffring him sometime to inuite to welcome & make his companions good cheere, to giue enter­tainment to strangers, and as occasion shal serue to vse the goods of the house to serue his turne, but aboue all things he must still counsell the Sonne to play the good husband, & to see to things about home whereby he may be able to keepe & augment his estate, & keep himselfe frō falling into decay.

Hereof will rise thrée good effects: the first is the loue of the sonne, who seeing his father withdraw himselfe by litle & little, frō the gouerment of the house, to the intent to put him in his roome receiueth therby wonderful countentment, and thinketh himselfe in mind much bound vnto him, & not onely honoreth him, but witheth him long to liue on earth.

The second is the commoditie of the sonne, who by this meanes, after his fathers death, shall haue no neede to seeke counsel at his friends & kinsfolks hands nor to put the orde­ring of his house to the discretion of his seruants, hauing by the foresight of his father, at things long before in his owne hands, so that y ^e gouerment of his house shall not be strange [Page]nor troublesome vnto him, as it is to many, when they haue lost their Father.

The third, is the sweete rest, and content of minde, which the Father inioyeth in his old dayes, both for that he feeleth himselfe ridde from all worldly troubles; and besides seeth his Sonne by his example, gouerne his house orderly: and for my part, I count it the chiefest felicitie in this world, for a man to haue about him a number of goodly Children, which are growne to perfection; whom he may tearme the light of his eyes, and the staffe of his age: and mee thikes it must needes be a greater comfort to the Father to see a proofe of his Childe, and how discreetly he can dispose of his lyuing, and order his houshould, then to doe it himslefe: now when the Father shall be arriued to the hauen of such happinesse, mee thinkes he may ioyfully looke for the last hower of his life, and die most contentedly.

Yet in the holy Scriptures in it written: Giue no autho­ritie ouer thee; neither to thy Sonne, neither to thy Wife, neither to thy Brother, nor to thy Friend: and giue not a­way thy liuing to another, while thou art aliue, least thou afterward repent it: Yet there haue been in time past, and are at this day, many wise Fathers, which depart with their Li­uinges to their Children, and yet incurre no inconuenience by it; mary they doe it in such sort, that they neither bring themselues in subiection to their Children, nor into such case, that they are not able to liue without them.

But now in briefe, I giue the Father to vnderstand, that there is nothing in this world, wherein there ought more care and diligence to be bestowed, then in the bringing vp of Chil­dren, for thereof proceedeth for the most part, either the mayntenance, or the decay of Houses: therefore he must begin in time, to furnish their tender mindes with the feare and knowledge of God, and such good conditions, that they may learne to liue, as if they were still at the poynt to die: that he indeauour to keepe them in obeydience, rather by loue [Page]then feare; and cause them to doe well, rather of their owue accord, then by inforcement: yet how forward so euer they be, hee must not cease to incourage and pricke them forwarde; knowing that there is no Horse, but needeth the spurre; that he suffer them not to be idle, but set in tune to labour, the better to indure it afterward.

That he enter not into rage and impatience with his Chil­dren; tor a good Father vseth Wisedome in stead of Anger, and awardeth a small punishment for a great fauit; and yet is not so foolish pittifull altogether to pardon it, knowing that as by sparing the Rodde he may spill his Child; so by wearing it too much, he make him either dull, or desperat.

That he prouide them of good Maisters to teach them; for young Children must be propped vp like young Trees, least the tempest of Uices either breake them, or bow them crooked.

That he suffer them not in any wise to haunt the company of such people as will corrupt with wanton speaches, and naughtie conditions.

That he be carefull to marke in their childhoode, to what kind of life they are naturally inclyned, that he may disigently set them vnto it: for an vntoward beginning, hath euer an vnluckie ending.

That without iust occasion, he vse no partiallitie amongst his Children, vnlesse he be willing to set them together by the eares.

That in all his doinges, hee shew himselfe graue and mo­dest: and by doing well him selfe, giue his Children an ex­ample to doe the like: that in his olde age when his Sonnes are growen men, thorough couetousnesse, hee witholde not from them reasonable stipendes to liue by: otherwise in stead in honouring him, they will wish him buried.

Finally, that he be so carefull ouer his Children, that at his death, hee feele not his conscience charged in hauing to make account for his necligence in their behalfe: perswading [Page]himselfe, that amongst all the abuses of the world, there is none worse, then a necligent Father: therefore he is mooued by Nature, pricked in Conscience, and bound in Houestie, to haue a great care of his Children.

BUT now to fall from the care of the Fa­ther, I will briefly speake of the duetie of the Child: For all Children ought to know, that by Nature they are bound to honour their Father and Mother: in do­ing so, God giueth his blessing, and pra­miseth the reward of long life; for, next vnto God, there is none more to be honored then the Pa­rents. If the Father be churlish and curst vnto them, let the manifould benefites receiued of him, counteruaile that cru­eltie, and continue them in their duetie.

Let Children take heed of molesting their Parentes any way; but to ouercome them with patience: for they shall ne­uer stude a surer friend, then their Father: and they must al­wayes carry in their mindes, that hee which stubbernly stri­ueth with his Fahter, prouoketh the wrath of God against him, so that he shall neither passe away his life quietly, nor yet make his end honestly: Then let them so behaue themselues, that their Father haue no cause to curse them, and wish ill of them: for God still heareth the prayers of the Father against his Children.

Let them not thinke any seruice sufficient to requite their Fathers goodnesse towards them: for when they haue done their duetie, to the vttermost they can, yet shall they not haue done all which they should.

Lastly, let the sticke to their Parents, in all troubles and aduersitie, assuring themselues, that they which forsake their Parents, shall be forsaken of God: and that is the greatest offence that may be committed.

Let all men be assured of this, that he shall haue the same measure made him by his Children, as hee shall mete to his Father: like as there was a Father, who was driuen out of his owne hause by his Soune, and was faine to take vp his lodging in the Spitie-house; and seeuig his vnkind Sonne vpon a day going by the doore, prayed him for charitie sake, to send him a paire of Sheetes to lie in: The Sonne moo­ued with his Fathers request, was no sooner come home, but he commanded one of his sonnes to carry a paire of Sheetes to the Hospitall to his Graundfather; but the Child deliue­red but one of them, which his father blaming him for, at his returne: hee answered, I will keepe the other for you Fa­ther, when in your old age you shall goe to the Spitle-house, as my Graund-father now doth. Hereby wee may learne, that our Children will deale with vs, as wee deale with our Parentes. And this shall serue to close vp our Discourse, touching this matter.

NOw will I make some particular mention of Daughters; for that the Father is to vse himselfe otherwise towards them, then toward his Sonnes; yet diuers be the maners of bringing vp of Daughters in England at this day: for, same fathers [Page]will not suffer their Daughters to set their foote foorth of doores, not past once or twise in a yeare. Some will allowe them, not onely to keepe company with their friendes and kinsfolke at home in the house, but also to visit their friendes abrode, and to be present at Banquets & meeting of friendes. Some will haue them taught to write and reade, and to haue skill in Musicke: others will haue them learne nothing but to sow and spinne, and gouerne the House: All these diuersi­ties, I will a little touch in this manner.

First, not to suffer a Mayde to go abroad but once or twise in a yeare, is the way to make her become foolish, fearefull, and out of countenance in compante.

Now the other, which goeth abrode euery day with her Mother, and haunteth Feastes and Banquets, melteth away like Ware in the fire; and driuing by little and little the may­denly modesty, out of her lookes and gestures, there appea­reth in her a licencious and wanton behauiour; so that she is rather taken for a Mother, then a Mayde: and if there come no worse of it, the Mother may assure her selfe, that in bring­ing her Daughter so often abroad in publicke places, maketh her thereby lesse prized, and worse bestowed, then otherwise shee might bee.

I say nothing of these that are taught in their Chambers to write, to read, and sing, and neuer come downe into the Kitchin; but I will leaue that charge to the poore Hushands, whose Hause goeth to decay, and all for hauing so learned a wife.

Then if you cast your eyes vpon one of those which can do nothing but sow, & spinne; you shall see in attyre, in talke, and in behauiour, the very figure of a countrie Milkemayde, who will haue as good a grace amongst other women, as a Kit­chenstuff-wench amongst courtly Ladyes.

It behooueth then all discreete Fathers, who are to be­stow their Daughters in Mariage, to consider of what cal­ling [Page]his Sonne in law is like to bee, and so to frame his Daughter accordingly: as, if he purpose to marry her into the Countrey, to bring her vp in Countrey huswiterie. If the Fahter meane to marry his Daughter to a Courtier, he must set her to the Court to the seruice of some great Lady, and must be learned to read to write, to discourse, to sing, to play on Instruments, to daunce, and to be able to performe all that, which belongeth to a Courtier to do: by this meanes many are marryed to great Gentlemen, without one penny dowrie giuen by their Father.

Some (I know) will alleadge, that the Father hath not alwayes his Sanne in law in his sleeue; for indeede Mari­ages are made in Heauen, and are guided by Destenie; so that the Father may be tenne yeares in brewing a matter, which in a moment he may be driuen to change: therefore to conclude this matter touching Daughters, I can giue no fitter aduertisement then this; that the Fathers bestow all their studie and diligence, to bring them vp chast, as well in body as in minde: for a man waigheth it not much to haue the flesh vnspotted, if the minde be defiled; and therefore it is needfull to put into their heartes godly imaginations, that from their inward puritie, there may shine outward modestie; and for that Beautie is a frayle and dangerous thing, those which are beautifull, haue so much the more need of that ver­tue, to keepe their Beautie vnblemished, for Beautie in an vnchast Woman, ferueth to no more purpose, then a golde Ring in a Swines snowte.

OUR Discourses (I perceiue) now braw neare to an end, and we haue no­thing left to speake of, but the Disa­greements that dayly happeneth be­tweene Maisters and Seruantes; of the which I will delate as followeth.

He that will be a Maister & Com­maunder of Families, must as well know how to serue and obey, as to controule and commaunde; for it is not so easie a matter to know how to commaunde, as to be a Maister: and although there be few that take vpon them the right course of a Mai­ster, and can doe that, which belongeth vnto them to doe; yet almost in euery House, Maisters are so vndiscreete, proude, fantasticall, and insolent, that they vse their Seruantes no otherwise, then if they were slaues, speakeing imperiously to them; beeing not content, vnlesse they see them tremble in their presence; vsing no speach vnto them, but full of terri­fying, threatning, and reuiling.

By such maner of dealing, it commeth to passe, that Ser­uantes, though good and sufficient, begin to grow naught, and to waxe coole in good-will, and necligent in duetie to­towardes their Maisters: But those Maisters are more vn­discreete, which brawle and chide with their Seruantes be­fore straungers, whereby in minde they make the straungers thinke they are scarce welcome to their house; and besides, thereby spight their Seruants the most of any thing in the [Page]world: for proofe whereof, when a Seruant seeketh a pas­ster, he neuer inquireth whether he be of an euill life; but whe­ther he be hard to please or no:

But in my minde yet, those are worse, which speake to their Seruantes with their handes; who belike, haue been beaten by their Maisters, whom they serued before time, and there­fore they will reuenge it vpon their Seruantes then beeing. Other Maisters are of this fond humor, that they will haue their Seruants vnderstande their minde, in making onely a signe, as if themselues were dumbe, and their Seruants di­uiners. Some will haue their Seruantes doe three or foure things at once, ot hauing the iudgement to consider, that (as a Sexton sayd) a man can not carry the Crosse, and ring the Belles together. Some are so curious, that if they had a thousand Seruantes, they would trouble them all, and neuer be content; for that none of them all can please them: whose fashion it is euery month to change a Seruant.

Wee haue in London heere, a Gentleman whom I well know, who about sixe moneths since, bestowed vpon a Ser­uant of his, a Liuerie cloake: which since that time, hee hath bestowed vpon foure others, and taken it still from them againe. In this humor be many Maisters now adayes: But to returne to our Philosophicall Discourse againe.

The Maister that often changeth his Seruants, receiueth great dishonour thereby; and withall, sheweth himselfe an impatient man, and hard to please; and besides, spreadeth his secretes and doings the farther abrode: for when a Ser­uant departeth from his Maister, in what sort soeuer it be, whether contented or discontented, hee cannot refraine from reporting where so euer he goe, the life and behauiour of his former Maister: and though with one troth, he mingle a hun­dred lyes, yet there be enough that will beleeue him: and be­sides, the Maister is troubled to tune his new Seruants to his fancie.

AMONGST other ill masters may be comprehended leine so impatient, and so vnreasonable that they wil insoven their [...]r­nants to impossibilities, and to doe such thing, as they are not able to doe, but the worst of all are those who will burthen their seruants wrōg [...]ully with naugh­ty dealing, and therevpon turne them away.

But I s [...] it would be to [...] long to rehearse all the imper­fections which be in such masters: Therefore I will passe to the occasion of the di [...]a [...]r [...]ment betweene the Mastre and the Seruant. which commeth by those Seruants that know not bow to serue and obey, I meane by the vnfit to serue. no [...] onely sooles not ignorant asses, but also [...]isho­nest and h [...]a [...]sh companions who though they are suffici­ent to performe any thing comm [...]ted to their charge, yet they haue some notable fault, whereby their master hath [...]st cause to put them away, but it is as hard a matter to s [...]de Se [...]uants without faults, as drop st [...] pattents with­out thirst, and though then faults he innumerable yet their chiefest ornaments, are the three properties of a Dogge, to wit the gullet, for that they are Gluttone, barking: For that the master can doe nothing, but they will presently report it abroad: Fiting, which is so naturall vnto them, [Page]that let their master doe neuer so well by them, yet they will not sticke to call him vngratefull, and to speake the worst worde in their belly by him, this vice is accompani­ed with lying (a thing of all others most bace) but this is to be vnderstood of the bace and ras [...]all fort, for it is not to be said, but as there are good masters, so likewise there are good seruants.

But now to take away all disorder, it is requisite, that the good Master and the good Seruant be matcht togither: For if they be not both good, it is hard for the wisedome of the one, to supply the want of discretion in the other: Here we must needs call to minde, that the golden world being gone, the Master and seruant must both thinke, that some faults must be borne withall on both sides: Which conside­ration the Seruant not onely ought to haue, remembring that it is his duety, to submit himselfe to the will and plea­sure of his Master: But the master much more: knowing that Seruants being for the most part of bace cōdition and naturally inclined to doe ill, will not haue that fidelitie, diligence and affection towards him, as he would haue to­wards any prince that he should serue, and considering that it were better for him to winke at some faults in his Seruants, then to disquiet himselfe in going about to re­forme them.

THERE are some Seruants, I know who in their Masters presence, looke as though butter would no: melt in their mouth, but out of their sight they will play their parts kindely: Yea and will not sticke to make [Page]moes at their maister behinde his backe: [...]nt the master must not in any wise, suffer his seruants to commit ey­ther in worde or deede, any fault, whereby God himselfe, or his neighbour may be dishonoured: giuing them to vn­derstand, that he will entertaine no naughtynesse in his House, but that he hatet [...] it mostally: whereby though he be not able to roote out, their wickednes, yet at least bee will doe his best endeau [...]our to make thee honest, and to feare God.

Touching some other naturall imperfections of small importance, as to be rude, soolish, vndiscreete, crasty for­getfull, quarelons, spightfull, negligent, and such like, they ought to be borne withall, if they cannot be reclay­med from them: Though for my part I thinke such Ser­uants better lost then found, and the house it [...] worse, that they are in, yet I know some honest Gentlemen, who so long as their seruauants are trusty and faithfull, care not though they be soolts or [...]esters to make them merry.

There are likewise some Masters who when their Seruants take their pleasure of them with mockes and scoffes, rather take pleasure in it, then seeme angry with them: [...]ike as he, who called his Seruant King of fooles, who answered, I would to Bed I were King of sooles, I would net doubt then, but I should beare Rule euer him, which is better then my selfe: This Seruant was without doubt profitable vnto him, or else be would not haue taken this scoffe at his bandes: but for all that all Masters are not so make minded, to be serued with such men, nor all Seruante so happy to meet with such masters: Therefore I will set downe some such order, that the Master and the Seruant may liue and continue long time quietly together.

FIRST of all I thinke it necessa­rie, that be which doth desire to be well serued require in his ser­uant three speciall thinges, that is to say, loue, loyaltie, and suffi­ciency, & such a one that a master shall eastly come by, which will shew himselfe, to be a good and looing Master, following the commaundement of the wise man, loue him whom thou noutishest, and he shall be forced to loue thee againe, if Masters will but thinke that Seruants are men, and their humble friends, they shal win their good wils and incourage them to do diligent seruice, but withall I hold well that the master keepe his state and degree, to loue them well, but not to imbrace them, for being haile-fellow well met with his Seruant, he should shew himselfe too low mindrd, and not fit to commaund, and to be as it were a seruant with seruants, which would redound to his reproach, besides, he should soone perceius that too much familyarity would breed contempt and therefore men of Iudgement will behane themselues with their seruants in such fort, that they will nerther make them too sawey, by ouermuch familiarity nor to fearefull by ouermuch seueritie: For in no wise let a master be terrible to his seruant, least in forwning stil vp­on him, he make him thinke that neyther he loueth him, [Page]nor liketh of his seruice, which is the way quiterd disco [...] ­rage him: And yet in giuing good countenance to his Ser­vant, be must be wary to obserue fit time and place, for as it beformeth the master abroad in the presence of straun­gers, to cast a graue and sad looke vpon vis seruants, so it is his part being at home in his owne house, to looke more pleasantly vpon them, and to speake more familiarly vnte them which is thing they loue of life, and are thereby incouraged to doe him good seruice.

YOV sée héere then that a maister may with his honour shew curtesie to his seruāts, and thereby get their gadwil and loue, pet must be not perswade himselfe that his seruants ought to discharge him of al his busines, but that he must take part with them & consider that it is no easte matter to gouerne seruants, and that the greater number be shall haue, the greater wil be his trouble to guide them, for there falls out many houshould quarrels and contentions where there are many seruants: he must also thinke, that there is no seruant so well framed to the seruice of other Masters, but that he must be faine to re­ceiue new lawes of his new lord: and therefore he must not thinke that at the first bash, his seruant is made to his bowe, but he must leasurely and patiently, let him vnder­stand his mind & to speake fraely vnto him, as well to make him leaue his olde fashions which perchance be liketh not, as to frame him to his owne fancy. And if I were to take a serūat, I would rather choose a fresh-water sowler, which neuer had serued, thē one accustomed of lōg time to seruice.

For those which haue serued in many houses, haue for the most part gotten the vse of some ill quality, which they will barely be brought to leaue, but one that is but rawe in seruice, sheweth himselfe more tractable more gentle, and more fit for all manner of seruice, & the master commonly will be the better pleased with his goodwill then with the o­thers skill for it is a thing too hard to chaunge the manners of an old seruant, and yet a master for a time must be faine to vse great patience, and take great paine with a young seruant, but yet to avoide the more trouble, let him be su [...]e to chase one of a good wit, and fit for seruice.

This brings into my mind a pleasant story of a Spanish Gentleman that had one day good tryall of the good wit of a new come seruant, which Gentleman hanging sent his o­ther seruants about other busines, after be had mate [...]un dresse vp the house be willed him to couer the table, which be did, and though that day he dyned alone in his chan [...]er, yet his seruant set two trenchers on the the table, and two stooles, the one against the other, the Gentleman sayd no­thing to it, but suspecting the meaning of his new come man, attended the end of the play: meate being brought in, so soone as his man bad giuen him water, he washt and sat him downe, which he bad no sooner done, but his man ha­uing likewise washt, sat him down right ouer against him: the Gentleman being naturally eluen to be mery kept his countenance, and let his man alone hauing eaten a while friendly together, the man began to thinke him, how his master might perchannce be a thirst: wherevpon be sait, master, when you will orinke, I pray you make curtesie to commaund me, whereat the Gentleman lought so har­tily, that the poore foole knowing his fault, rose to fetch him drinke, but would fit downe no more.

But now to returne againe to our matter, that Master who will be well serued, must not be sparing of his speech, as well to commaund what he will haue done, as gently to instruct his Seruant in that wherein he is ignorant, by [Page]telling him of his fault.

Therefore if he will haue his seruant carefull and dili­gent in his seruice he must likewise himselfe be carefull a­bout his busines for there is nothing that more awaketh the seruants then the diligence of the master, as one the o­ther side it is impossible, the Seruant should be diligent if the Master be negligent: And therevpon it is said, that the eye of the master fatteth the horse to which purpose a Phi­losopher being askt which was y ^e way, to make land bring good store of corne, answered, for the master to walke often about, which is to sae it himselfe without trusting to his seruants: Moreouer he must vse his authoritie in such sort, that he may be better serued with the turning of his eye, then others are with threatning words.

But now when the master knoweth he hath gotten the loue and fidelitie of his seruant, he must be carefull in any wise to keepe it, where vnto there is nothing of more force, then to vse him curteously: ayding him in his troubles, vi­siting him in his sicknes, and bestowing on him when oc­casion shall serue, that which shall cost the master little, and pleasure the seruant much: Therefore let him not for­get to reward the good seruant, and keepe him alwayes a­bout him as a pretious thing, remembring that there is nothing in this life, more necessarie then a good Seruant: Let him be to thee as thine own soule, take not scorne some­time to beare his reasons, and gouerne thy selfe according to his faithfull adutie, for that there haue beene found ser­uants, which haue more profitted their maisters house, then his Brothers or Children haue.

Likewise giue charge to the Seruant, this lesson to con­clude, that be take beede of failing into the common error of Seruants, who like a new broome which sweepeth the house cleane serue diligently at the first, but after grow slothfull, that is not the way to get fauour, for not be which beginneth well is worthy of recompence, but he that con­tinueth in well doing: for the maister will looke that his [Page]seruant should rather heate, then coole himselfe in seruice.

Let the Seruant also take beede, that [...]e goe not about to creepe in credit with his Maister, by fla [...]terie and hypo­crisie, but to serue and obey him with an unfayned ha [...]t, for by fayned words, men gather an argument of saith­les deeds: whereby his Maister be [...]msh to sos [...]en him, and to thinke that he had more neede to be ouer looked, then instructed: But in any wise let not the Seruant forget to doe his faithfull and true fatent, not for f [...] are, but for du­ties sake: But that seruice is aboue all other ill bestowed, which is not well accepted: and there is no greater grefe to a mans minde, then to serue and not to please, there­fore when after certaine proofe, he seeth that bee cannot frame himselfe to his Maisters fancy, let him sake to depart rather from him with his goodwill, then with his ill.

And when he seeth that he is in his Maisters bookes, let him there holde him, saying in his bart, happy is be, who serueth the happy, and not seeke to channge, remembring that the rowling stone gathereth no mosse.

Then let there be no want found in him, of loue, of re­uerence, of faithfulnes, of diligence, of readynes, and of secretnes: let him not accompt of his owne life, being in his Masters seruice.

But to conclude, there is one seruice which excéedeth all the other, which is the seruice of the King of glorie: and those seruants which enter into that kind, of ser­uice, doe (no doubt) loue well both the maister and the seruice: In which blessed Seruice, the Lord of all Lords make vs all dili­gent seruants. Amen.