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The fifth Discourse.
That instruction and good bringing vp are necessarie for all young gentlemen.
SUch as haue noted the singularities of France, among the rest haue set downe that parte of the Nobilitie giuen to iu∣stice and valiauncie, wherewith it hath alwaies bene adorned, not to bee the least, wherein they haue had reason. For if wée consider the tymes past wee shal by the apparant effects which from age to age haue appeared, perceiue that out of this great stocke haue procéeded such excellent men as haue greatly profited and stoode their Coun∣trie in steade. But as all that hath bene is subiect to varietie and chaunge, so hath it fallen out that the most parte of those that haue succeeded in their auncestors goodes, haue not neuerthelesse inhe∣rited their vertue: but rather being halfe buryed in common cor∣ruption, are degenerate and gone astraye from the auncient ma∣ners, whereby is greatly deminished the commendation and good reputation in olde tyme attributed, as well in generall as perticu∣ler, to those that beare so fayre a title.
Now, if wee shall seeke the causes that haue engendred so ma∣ny imperfections in this vniuersall bodie, wee shall finde that the most notable hath bene their small care to see their young Chil∣dren well instructed in honest discipline, though withall I suppose that some haue likewise erred in weening to atteyne thereto, whereof it hath ensued that the beginning being bad, that which hath bene added hath bene of the same.
If the Parents for their excuse doe alleadge that therein they haue followed the custome: that will not iustifie them, considering that in so necessarie occasions they ought to bée directed by the in∣structions of the wise, who did so greatly accompt of this, that to the ende the posteritie should remember it, they haue treated ve∣ry