Galateo espagnol, or, The Spanish gallant instructing thee in that which thou must doe, and take heed of in thyusuall cariage, to be well esteemed, and loved of the people. Written in Spanish by Lucas Gracian de Antisco servant to his Majesty. And done into English by W.S. of the Inner Temple Esquire. Full of variety, and delight, and very necessary to be perused, not only of the generous youth of this kingdom, but also of all such as are exercised in their gentile education.

CHAPTER, 9. Of Ceremonies. (Book 9)

BY that which we have sayd, you may understand that superfluous ceremonies, are to be avoyded, which were of lesse use, amongst the ancients, then now they are; and this vaine use of them, seems like to the Lyes, and Dreames, which I have be∣fore spoken of, for the much vanity is in them, and wee doe improperly call them ceremonies. For of old, ceremonies were taken, for that solemnity, that the Priests did use at the Altars, in their divine offices, belonging to holy things, that con∣cerned Gods Worship. But now that name hath bin usurped upon, ever since men began, to reverence one a∣nother, bowing, and wreathing them∣selves in their congies, in an artifici∣all manner, in token of their obser∣vance vailing their bonnets, and cal∣ling men Lords, and giving them o∣ther extraordinary titles, Kissing their Hands, as if they were hallowed: And some seeing this custome so new, and

of such importance amongst men, cal∣led it ceremonie, by a new phrase, or manner of speaking, as in like man∣ner we call, eating, and making merry, (in a jeering way) a triumph.

1. Ceremonies then if we looke at the intentions of those that use them, are a certaine vaine expression, of honour, and respect toward him unto whom we doe give reverence, and it consisteth, as well in the coun∣tenance, and gesture, as it doth in our words, stuft with great titles, and high expressions. And I call it vaine, because wee honour to the eye and in outward apperance, those that in our hart we honnour not, and wee neverthelesse use this ceremony to∣wards them that we may not be out of the fashion; and we call one illu∣strious, or such an one my most noble Lord: and doe professe our selves their servants, and creatures, when wee never intend any service unto them. And so such ceremony, may not only be accompted for Lyes: but a certaine falshood, and treachery, and such men as these, doe so pro∣ceede in these illustrious titles, and other ceremonies (which wee for∣merly

spoken of) that never regar∣ding the merits, nobility, estate or quality of the person, they doe give them to any one, what ever hee bee, so that oftentimes you cannot distin∣guish mechanick people, from the nobility, and men of quality, by the manner of converse, and ceremonies, that men use towards them. And as it is true, that anciently, there were set, and distinct titles, appointed for every one, as a Pope, an Emperour, and the like, which men could not omit, without being uncivill to him that had such title; so could they as little bee given to them to whom they belonged not, without disgrace unto them. But now (in our age,) we see that such titles, and expres∣sions of honour may bee used more freely. Because custome is a most powerfull commander, and now it gives us a larger priviledge to use them.

2. That custome which seemes good without, is within idle, and consistes in shewes, without sub∣stance, and in words without signi∣fication: and yet, we may not alter them, but must imitate them, for it

is not our fault, but the fault of the age we live in, yet we must doe it discreetly; in which we are to consi∣der, that ceremonies, and compli∣ments, are performed in three man∣ners, namely for profit, for vanity, for obligation.

First Ceremonie for profit.

3. For profit, we intend every Lye that is spoken, for the particular in∣terest, and profit of him that speakes it, and this is a sinfull fraud, and a dishonest thing, for a man cannot lye honestly, and this sinne doe flat∣terers commit, who (As it is re∣ported of the Chameleon, that hee changeth himselfe into the colour of that place they put him in) so in like manner, transforme themselves into the shape of friends, and are con∣formable to every bodies humour, be it what it will, not to please us, but to gaine something by us, not to give us content, but to cosen us, and though this by chance may seeme a pleasing vice, unto those, that are vaine gloriously given, get for all this, it is (in it selfe considered) abomina∣ble,

and damnable: and therefore a well fashioned man ought not to use it, for if such ceremonies, as these, be but Lyes, and flatteryes, when ever we use them for our owne profit, then surely we doe so often act the parts of naughty, and false-hearted men, and therefore no such ceremonies should be used.

Secondly, Ceremonie for vanity.

The second Ceremonie, (which we sayd men used for vanity) is (as we have formerly sayd) when to make our selves be thought to have bin well educated, (Although wee ayme at nothing but vaine glory therein) we give unto any, greater titles then their due, and wee offend thus by giving too much, that they may doe the like to us: and these, are plaine and noted Flatteryes, so that they that speake, and use them, to this end, besides that they are so ill in them∣selves, are offensive, and troublesome to others: being so contrary to all truth.

Thirdly, Ceremonie for Obligation.

The third manner of Ceremonies, are such as are done for Obligation or for desart, and are not to be omit∣ted, and therefore they that forbeare to use them, doe not onely displease, but doe an injury, and oftentimes it fals out, that by this meanes, hee that is thus negligent comes to be repre∣hended, and to gaine envy, especially when one Citizen, ceases to give such honour to another, as the use is to doe, as in not putting off the hat, nor speaking civilly, in which he doth very ill.

For the force of custome, is very great, and in such cases, ought to be observed, like a Law: and so he that calleth to another by his name being not farre better then he is, doth undervalue him, and commits an un∣civill act in naming him, for hee knowes that in such language, men call unto workemen, and labourers, and although in this place hereto∣fore, and in other Countries, even at this day men may use such meane titles, without undervaluing of any

one: yet wee must not disobey the moderne fashion: but are bound to observe it, as a Law; And therefore it is necessary for us, that we dili∣gently learne, the actions and words, which are at present in use, to give, and receive, by way of salutation, or speaking to any, even in that Coun∣try where wee live. And though in the time of Don Pedro of Arragon, the Admirall was many times called, his Majesty, because it was the cu∣stome of that time, so to doe, yet we ought not, (for all this) to call our King on this manner: if we were now either to speake or to write un∣to him. For such use as our age ob∣serves, such also must we doe. And these I call due ceremonies, because they proceede not from our free will, and pleasure, but because they are become a Law, and common custome. But if by chance they may bee left: one ought not to be so singular, as to oppose, that which is accomp∣ted good behaviour: like some un∣pleasing men, that thinke, that every one owes them respect, and know not themselves how to returne any one a good word, and doe take plea∣sure

to be taken notice of, for these extremities. On the Contrary to these, there are others, so excessive∣ly abounding in good manners, that we may say, they have as much too much, as those others have too little, and they spend all their times, in Compliments, to shew their good breeding, and other like impertinen∣cies. And they dwell so long upon things, (which in themselves are no∣thing) to make them pleasing to o∣thers, that it becomes troublesome, these are made of meere ceremonies, speaking after this manner. Your ho∣nour hath shewed me so much favour, that, I hould my selfe most obli∣ged to serve you, as long as I live. If God please to grant me time for it, I shall bee most prodigall, to spend it in your honours service, and such like stuffe as this. A certaine Bishops Chaplaine, did purposely use such returning of thankes, as these: the Bishop his master, having bestowed certaine benefices, and pensions, up∣on certaine of his servants: to this Chaplaine though he had served him long time, he gave the least benefice: not being worth above eighty Du∣cates

a yeare and that will cure. But when the rest were to give thankes for their pensions, and rewards, some to the value of five hundred Duckats, others to the value of three hundred, and some to the value of foure hun∣dred Duckats: it fell out, that hee that had that but of eighty Duckats, gave the greatest thankes, shewing greater content then all the rest, at which the Bishop (marvailing some∣what) asked him why he gave the largest thankes, this reward which he had bestowed upon him, being the least, and of so little value. Hee answered, that he esteemed it more then if hee had given him one of a thousand Duckates, it being so su∣table to his necessities: he being (as he was by nature, so cholerick, that no master could beare with him; nor indeed was there any servant that he could beare withall, and so that living not being enough to keepe a boy, and too much for him to re∣maine with his Lordship (it being with cure of soules) therefore he gave him so great thankes, for both freeing him from a master, and also from a man. I say therefore some use too

many, and some too few ceremonies.

Of kissing the handes.

1. And although kissing in signe of reverence, is most properly used amongst us, in holy things, as the kissing of reliques, and dead mens bones, yet in our Country also, We have a custome, to say, I kisse your honours hands: I beseech your ho∣nour, to accompt mee for your ser∣vant; and though we shun to speake it usually, yet in saluting, and taking leave, and in our Letters, and Epistles, that we write, wee must use it, and it being growne a custome, we ought not to tie our selves to the old way, nor to wonder at it, like some in∣considerate, and weake men, that speake in this manner, doe you see, who I must call my Lord, And what Lord is he I pray? perchance it is the Curate of the Parish, that I am thus bound to give the Besar las manos unto, &c.

But it is manifest, that another, that is not used to say my Lord, nor to be called so, may thinke that thou dost it, to affront, or disgrace him:

and when thy estate, and quality is not much above anothers, thou shalt doe ill, if in acting a Cavallero, and a Lord, thou shalt labour to be vaine∣glorious, in undervaluing him, skruing thankes from him by farre fetcht speeches, saying, my Lord, such an one, will doe this very well: and some there are that will goe farther, making their voyce to bee heard: and confident to gaine it, if they can make it passe, like a guilded Pill, with such words as these; my Lord doe this for love of mee, and some∣times with a feigned laughter, and giving them a clap on the shoulder, entreat them they will sing by turne, saying by the faith of an honest man, you have taken mee much, and all these are but stratagems of vaine∣glory.

2. Some also are so studious in these Ceremonies, that they have found out a way, to distinguish betweene thou, and you: and her, and shee, and your worship, making sixe de∣grees of Courtship, so that no Na∣tion did ever advance so farre, for if we marke it, the French make use of ••os, or you, to all degrees, and qua∣lities.

And I cannot now treate of all that might bee sayd from the title of worshipfull above sayd, nor of the greater titles, for this would draw us into a great labyrinth. It sufficeth that though (heretofore) there were a great deale: yet now the ordinary sort or common people have raised it and filled it up with the titles of the Nobility: and that with such might and combination, that the Gentry, and Nobility, magnificoes, and grandes, that used to have these titles, are now robbed of them, and banished from their ancient Country, and Nation. And so, the noble ca∣valleres, and people of quality, seeing this, have profited so farre, as to advance a degree, or two higher, then ordinary, to bee distinguished (especially in their letters) from this generation, that robbes them of their titles.

3. I will heere tell you what hap∣pened, (to this purpose,) to a Gentleman that was a Courtier, who writing a Letter to a private man, with the title of most magnificent Lord, which was the title that be∣longed to himselfe, according to his

condition, he answered him, that hee thought it no Courtship, to put such a title upon him. To which the Courtyer replying, in his Letter, he left a blanck for his Complement, saying, Sir write (your selfe) that Complement, in the voyd place, in my Letter, that likes you best, for which purpose I have sent it blanck unto you subscribed with my Name.

4. There are some others that to shew themselves humble, paint them∣selves out for fooles, and seeke to shew so much extremity of good behaviour, that you can perceive little understanding in them, and though they speake many tongues, yet are they never the wiser, nor can give any content with them: like one that was newly married, that writ to his Wife a Letter of many concepts, and concluded, placing for his Com∣plement, at the foote of his Letter, such an one the meanest Husband of your Ladyship kisseth your hands.

5. Some others there are that by meere carelesnesse, make greater faults in writing, and give either two or three titles more, (whether they be right or wrong) then is needfull,

especially when they need any thing, and call them most illustrious, most renonced, &c.

Of the Title Serenissimo.

This is an appellation belonging unto Princes. Except when it is some∣time used in sport; As a Cavallere did, who because his sonne walked in the night, called him Serenissimo: and being asked the reason, made answer, that being such a lover of the evening dewes (which are called in Spanish Sereno) there had so much of this Sereno, (by this time) fallen upon his head: that hee could not be now called, lesse then Serenissimo. This Title of Serenissimo, was no lesse offensive, to a certaine Citizen; whom a Lord governour of estate, whō all cal∣led Serenissimo, had much vexed. It fell out, that as he was one evening talking with some of his friends, concerning the troubles, the Governour had put him to, they bidding that he should goe out of the dew, that was falling (which in Spanish they call Sereno) because it would doe him hurt, an∣swered, Sirs you say true, if then the

Sereno, will doe me hurt, what thinke you the Serenissimo will doe.

6. Returning now to our purpose. I say, that even as the ceremonies, which are in extremities, are to be avoyded, so ought we not, (on the contrary) so wholly to omit them, that wee should returne to the old custome, for it will shew very ill, to doe like some rustick people, who would have, that those who write to Kings, and great Lords, should begin in this manner, if thou and thy sonne bee well, it is well, I am also in good health: affirming, that in such manner, the Latine Philosophers, did begin their Letters, which they usually writ from Rome.

7. We must then know, and ob∣serve, some instructions, and rules, that we may not erre in such things, as these: and first, we must consider the Country wherein wee live: for every custome, is not alike good in every place. For wee may speake in that manner in Italy, as (perchance) the Neapolitanes doe use to doe, whose City is full of men of quality, and of great estate, which notwithstand∣ing, will not sute well, with the

Luqueses, and Florentines, who are (for the most part) merchants, and meane men, and having no Princes, marquesses, nor Barons amongst them, and although the Venetian Gentlemen, use much curtesy, one to another, and flatter one another, by reason of their offices, yet will it not shew well that the common people of Ro••igo, and the Citizens of Assoli should observe this solemnity, to give such respect one to another, up∣on all occasions. For this is the cu∣stome of the Seigniory of Venice: and every one doth in conclusion, of his owne accord, follow the steps of his Lord, and ancient Country, al∣though he knoweth no reason where∣fore.

We ought also in Spaine, no lesse to consider of this solemnity, yet with this caution, that amongst the common people, and poore places, that consist most of labouring people, it is not fit to observe the same style, in our ceremonies, which is used in the great assemblies, especially in the Kings Palace, which would bee to strike the people with admiration. As they report of a Lord of quality,

of this Kingdome, that held it for a custome, when he called for drinke, if it were in the night, that five or six of his servants, should march be∣fore the Cup, with two lighted Torches; But as he did this in a poore village, a man that was but simple, that was there, when hee saw them come towards him, bareheaded, and with such ceremony, he fell downe on his Knees and began to adore the Cup, beating upon his breast, with great devotion. The Lord and they that were with him, bid him rise, And asked him why he did such reverence, who answered: that seeing them (so solemnly) performe this ceremony, hee could not but kneele downe, sup∣posing, that they brought the holy Sacrament, or at least some sacred reliques, and so the Lord was war∣ned, by another mans ignorance, no more to use this ceremony, amongst such ordinary people.

8. Moreover, we ought (as well) to regard the time, as also the age, and condition, of the person, to whom we use these ceremonies: as well as to consider the place, as also to consider our owne age, and con∣dition.

And with poore and meane qualitied people, to be very briefe in our expressions, or at the least to con∣tract them somewhat and not to ex∣presse them to the full, which is well done in the Court of Rome. But in some other places they are accomp∣ted very tedious, especially to those that have much businesse, who wast much time in them. Bee covered sir saith the Judge, that is much per∣plexed, and is scanted of time, to dis∣patch his many businesses. And hee makes answer to him, that speakes to him, (after all his cringes, and scrapes,) (with much gravity) in this manner, my Lord I was very well before. And the other addressing himselfe, to presse the Judge, that is all this time was covered wreathing his body, first on one side, then on the other, and crowching even to the ground, with much vanity, and ostentation, makes this answer. I be∣seech you permit me, thus to doe my duty to you, for I am obliged unto it, and this combate lastes so long, and so much of the stock of time is wasted, that there is scarce left any time for businesse. So that those that

visit Judges, and Ministers of publick offices, that are intangled in govern∣ment, should use brevity, cutting off all Compliments, and Cere∣monies, especially if they be Lords, or persons of quality, to whom we cannot speake so freely, as to others, who are at leasure and voyd of busi∣nesse. But it often falls out, that poore suiters, must long wait their turnes, before their businesses can be heard, waiting at distance, num∣bring the words spoken, and with a desire they may be seene, stand ob∣serving the impertinencies, and meane while cursing them a thousand times, for anger to see how they spend the time, and make them loose their meetings; and so are forced to re∣turne home, disconslate, and with losse of their labours. And some there are so dull, and so incircumspect, that they cannot perceive the signes, that they might take notice of in such officers, whom they thus keepe from businesse, that they are troublesome to them: as in observing, how care∣lessely they answer their questions, and that they make no apologies to them, or give them that applause,

which they would give them, if they did much relish them, or were at lea∣sure. And if (perchance) they tell them, that they must give them leave to finish their businesses in hand, (Though they speake this to them, very civily, and plainlly) they goe from them grumbling, saying that they are growne proud of their of∣fices, and have buried all friendship, and doe shew themselves, to be harsh and ill conditioned men.

9. Nor doe such ceremonies, be fit young men, which old and grave men may use: nor must meane, and poore people, use such ceremonies, one to another, as Lords, and people of great quality, doe use. And there∣fore, vertuous, and well bred per∣sons, doe strive to avoyd them, as (much as may be,) as being distast∣full: for spending all their time, and studies in such vanities. Neither ought officers, of mechanick offices, or persons of meane condition, to use solemne ceremonies, with Lords, and people of great quality: but ought to approach to, and answer with humility, and plainenesse, unto that, wherein the Lord hath occasion to

use them in, for there seemes more obedience then honour to be required from such mens hands. And there∣fore, that servant was in an errour, that offered his service to his Lord, when as it was his duty, to bee al∣wayes ready, at his command, nor is it fitting, when a Lord stands bare∣headed, for thee to bid him bee co∣vered: nor if he be standing or walk∣ing, within dores, is it fit for thee to bee so bould, as to goe abroad or to sit downe, although hee bid thee: if thou bee of a meaner condition, then he. But when a great Lord, is pleased to set thee above him, to doe thee honour, thou must not bee so bould, to refuse the favour he doth thee.

10. Now I say, that amongst per∣sons of equall ranke or who are but a little distinguished, in their persons, or places: this manner of good com∣pliment, and good cariage, may be used more freely, because, (often∣times) that which wee doe to per∣forme our duty, is received as due and little honour is of us given unto him that deserves it, therefore he that doth a little exceed in that which he istyed

to doe, seemes to bestow a guist more then can be challenged, and doth gaine love thereby and is accounted free∣minded and liberall. And so was a cer∣taine grave Greciā wont to say, that he that knowes, how to converse with, & to endeere great men, drives a great trade: and therefore those that are pleased in Courtship, doe (at this day) use thus to speake. My Lord such an one, when he speakes to his friends, that are better then himselfe, but especially when they talke with Ladies, that are married, or with the Daughters of their equalls, they will say my Lady, and this way make they themselves acceptable, and gaine the good will of all.

11. Thou must then use ceremonies, as a good Tayler doth his cloath, which he cuts out to make garments that makes them rather too long and too large, then too short, and scanty, but he makes them not so bigge, that in cutting out a paire of Breeches, you may mistake them for a Sack, or a Cloake-bag. And if thou shalt use a little tolerable largenesse in thy ce∣remonies, towards them that are some∣what meaner then thy self, thou mayst

bee accompted courteous, but much more, if the person be somewhat better then thy selfe, thou shalt bee held for a well fashioned and pleasing Gentleman. But he that shall extend them in an unreasonable sort, shall but make sport with them, and be ac∣compted for a vaine fellow: and this is the manner of ceremony which we formerly spake of, which proceeds from our owne will, and not from custome, but naturally we may passe our lives without ceremonies, and in them we may plainely see, that all that is not in use, is superfluous, and of those which are received by cu∣stome, wee may say, that they are lawfull jestes or lyes, and wee may also call them vanities, and to noble mindes, that are not pleased with such arrant vanities, it is an odious, and unpleasing thing, to deale in them. Therefore great ones ought to bee more honoured, by their owne workes, then by an others words.

12. It is storyed to this purpose, that a certaine King, called Edipo, being banished his Country, put himselfe under the protection, of King Theosio in Athens, to free himselfe from the

fury, of his persecuting enemies: and being brought before Theosio, hee heard a young daughter of his speake, who knowing her by her voyce only, (hee being blinde for age) did not addresse himselfe to salute Theosio, but overcome with the affection of a Fa∣ther, went presently to make much of his daughter, and having a little remayned so doing, hee besought Theosio to excuse him, and besought his pardon for his neglect. The good, and wise King, forbare not to an∣swer him, but sayd unto him, be of good cheere, Edipo, for I honour not my life, with other mens words, but with mine owne actions. A say∣ing befitting a wise man, and one, that esteemed not fawning, and flat∣tery. Wherefore the flatterer shewes plainely, that he that is pleased with his flattery, is vaine, and arrogant, simple, and of little understanding, by suffering himselfe to be overcome, & vanquished by so light a thing. And vaine and superfluous ceremonies, are plaine and knowne flatteries, so that they that speake, and use them, for profits sake (besides that they be so bad in themselves, having their Foun∣dations

in false, and forged words) they remaine troublesome, and dis∣tastfull, for being so opposite to all truth.

13. There are others, besides these, which also consist in fayned actions, and meere apparances, so that what∣soever they make aparent to you, is a lie, and although their adorning seeme naturall, yet in it selfe it is not so, but onely to delude the sight: as those that being leane make them∣selves seeme fat, and being low, to seeme very tall. This is the fault we now see, for the most part to bee in women, who doe, if not all, yet the most of them thus dissemble. This made a Traveller say, that in Spaine (almost) all the women, were tall, faire, and ruddy, either by nature, or by art. Some others have sayd, that the Spaniard lay all their grounds, or principles, in bare Compliments, and apparances. Therefore, if (by chance) they give thee, a faire good complexioned, and well proportioned wife, yet will shee prove no more then halfe a Wife and without any hayre, so that at the wedding night, it may be

perceived, that halfe of her was made of guilded corke, and though they put her into the bed, yet the other part of the woman which is without the sheetes will be found in the morning tawny, yellow, bald, and ill com∣plexioned, and so is hee thus cosen∣ed in halfe of his Wife. But they will say, shee was seene, as shee was, and that shee hath found her selfe de∣ceived, having discovered, far more defects in her Husband, then was in her selfe: that he was farre lesse, and black, then shee tooke him for. As I have heard tell of one such as these who having married her selfe for advancement and for coveteousnesse of her Husbands wealth, observed, when her Husband went to bed, that hee pulled off a counterfet Nose hee wore, and a glove wherewith hee fastened on an artificiall hand, and last of all, putting his hand to his mouth, pulled out thence a set of artificiall Teeth, and so in this pastime, of her disorderly cove∣teousnesse, both the lovers remayned discontented.

14. But to returne to our purpose, there is yet another sort of ceremo∣nious

people, that make an Art, and trade of it, and keepe a Booke of accompt of their ceremonies name∣ly when you speake to such manner of persons, how your Complement must be passed, or your ground tra∣versed, with a little closing of the eyes, and the head a little cast down; And when you speake to such an one, you must speake smilingly, a little also bowing your head, And how these of greatest quality, must bee placed, in a Chayre with Armes, and he that is of a little meaner rank, in plaine back-chayre, and inferiors upon a bench, although it bee true, that such a punctuall distinction, of giving honour as this, is accompted very offensive, and therefore, none ought to be Judge, to determine, who is more and who lesse noble then a∣nother.

15. As little fitting is it, that cere∣monies, or endeerements, bee sold to any to pay with them the debts we owe unto them, as some Lords doe with their servants, or inferiours to whom they owe mony, whom they pay with ceremonies, giving them leave to stand covered before

then, paying them the wages they owe them, with familiarity, and fa∣vour. By this we may well presume, that those who take pleasure, in u∣sing these outward ceremonies, doe it for pompe, and vanity, if they ex∣ceed the common use, and manner used in them.

16. There are others also that are so fruitlesly ceremonious, that with∣out speaking any thing of substance, doe never leave talking, and that very idlely, and yet with much Courtship, and so much, that it is an obligati∣on, for them to excuse you from hea∣ring them, of these spake hee that summed up the life of Mithridato the Court babler in these verses.

That day hees placed by your side, He makes you melt with scorching heate Of the sharpe torment you abide, In hearing of his cariage neate.

17. These then, place all their di∣ligence, and thought, to order their clappering tongues, and tedious∣nesse of such their impertinencies: hammering the people, (as it were) with their words: with which by rea∣son

of their education they can make a reasonable shew or flourish; But in grave matters, or things of moment, they can shew no wit: and they la∣bour that all their converse be spent, in outward apparances. And if any discourse of good judgement bee moved, they nor relish, nor un∣derstand it. And of these impertinent men, there are an infinite number, that at first sight deceive men, and at the second doe tire them, for then is their sillinesse discovered.

18. One of these Mitridatos was usher∣ing a Lady, and being to goe through a narrow passage, hee stood urging her, that shee would goe first, think∣ing it to bee good manners for him so to doe. The Lady made a stop, desi∣ring him to goe first, because it was his place, who a while refused it, but at last he went on: saying, I had ra∣ther bee thought ignorant then to be too troublesome. To whom the Lady readily retorted thus: goe Sir, for both wayes you may rightly challenge the first place, and so shee answered him as hee well deser∣ved.

19. And to conclude this matter of

ceremonies, I say there are some o∣thers, that are alwayes full of com∣plementall words, and courteous deeds, thereby to supply the defect of their small meanes, supposing, that because there is little substance or profit in their deeds, (if they should also want words and compliments) no body would ever endure them, by reason whereof, they so much ex∣ceede in superfluous ceremonies, that (generally) they weary those that have good judgements: but for all this, every one desires to live, accor∣ding to his owne pleasure, namely with liberty; which is more esteem∣ed of, then any other thing what∣soever.