The English gentlevvoman, drawne out to the full body expressing, what habilliments doe best attire her, what ornaments doe best adorne her, what complements doe best accomplish her. By Richard Brathvvait Esq.

THE ENGLISH Gentlevvoman.

Argument.

Behauiour reflects on three particulars; How to be∣haue her selfe in Company; How in priuacy: That Behauiour most approued, which is clearest from affecta∣tion freed.

BEHAVIOVR.* 1.1

BEhauior being an apt cō∣posure of the body in ar∣guments of discourse and Action,* 1.2 expresseth euery person in so faire a Cha∣racter, that if his brest were transparant, hee could not be displayed fuller. Albeit, some loue to become so estranged or retired rather from the eye of the world, as they haue made it their

highest art and absolutest ayme, to shrowde them∣selues from the conceit or discussion of man: by en∣tring couenant or contract with Dissimulation, to ap∣peare least to the eye, what they are most in heart, Of this stampe was Tiberius, who gloried in nothing so much (neither indeede had hee many demeriting parts to glory in) as in cunningly cloaking his foule purposes with faire pretences, going inuisible, and deluding his Subiects anxious resolutions with a see∣ming good. Sometimes imminency of danger be∣getting an apprehension of feare, will produce this effect: whence it was, that Agrippina in Tacitus knowing her life to be attempted by Ne••o, knew well that her onely remedy was to take no notice of the treason. Neither is it rare to finde a staide looke, and a staid thought in one and the same sub∣iect. But for as much as this is held the seldomest erring Index, euer expressing innocent thoughts the best, and discouering disloyall thoughts the soonest, we are to proceed to such particulars as the Subiect principally reflects on: which are three; Action, Af∣fection, Passion:* 1.3 whereon we purpose so to insist, as what deserues approuement in each of these parti∣culars, may be by our Nobly disposed Gentlewomen cheerefully entertained, carefully retained, and to the improuement of their Fame, the choicest Odour, chie∣fest honour of true Nobility, employed.

VErtue is the life of action,* 1.4 action the life of man: without the former, all actions are fruitlesse: without the latter, all our dayes are vselesse. Now in this one subiect, it is strange to obserue what diuer∣sity of actiue dispositions wee shal finde. Some are employed to the purpose, but they are so remisse in their employment, as they lose the benefit of it.

Others are imployed to no purpose, making a pas∣sing of time a meere pastime, comming as farre short of one vsefull action at their death, as they were in∣capable of it at their birth▪ Others sleepe out their time in carelesse security: saluting the morning with a sacrifice to their Glasse: the Noone with a luscious repast; the Afternoone with a Play or a Pal∣let repose; the Euening with a wanton consort, ac∣coutred with a reere-banket, to belull the abused soule with the sleepe of an incessant surfet. Others haue crept into such an Apish formality; as they cannot for a world discourse of ought without some mimicke gesture or other, which, seeme it neuer so complete to them, appeares ridiculous to the be∣holder. This was Sempr••nia's error, for which she was generally taxed, before euer her honour was publikely tainted. What a tinkling you shall ob∣serue some to make with their feet, as if they were forthwith to dance a Morrice? They are euer in mo∣tion like Puppets, but in actions of goodnesse meere Punies. Their pace is a Pauin in the street; their looke a Lu••e to a lasciuious attempt; They expresse no∣thing by their gesture worthy the image they beare. Besides, who is he, whose iudgement will not taxe these of lightnesse, by these light and vnciuill ap∣pearances? A womans honour is of higher esteeme, than to be thus dis-valued. Light occasions are ma∣ny times grounds of deepe aspersions. Actions are to be seasoned with discretion, seconded by direction, strengthened with instruction, lest too much rash∣nesse bring the vndertaker to destruction. In the Maze or Labyrinth of this life, many be our cares, mighty be our feares, strong our assailants, weake our assistants, vnlesse we haue that brazen wall with∣in vs to fortifie vs against all occurrents, O then, let not the least action betray you to your enemy, for you

haue many; within you, for they are dangerous, because domesticall; without you, for they are strangers, and therefore doubtfull! Let your A∣ctions be your applausiuest Actors; The Scene of your life is short, so liue that your noble actions may pre∣serue your memory long. It was Seneca's counsell to his deare friend Lucilius, that whensoeuer he went about to doe any thing, hee should imagine Cato, or Scipio, or some other worthy Roman to bee in pre∣sence. To second his aduice, which may conferre on your glorious actions eternall praise, set alwayes be∣fore your eyes, as an imitable mirror, some good woman or other, before whom you may liue, as if she ey'd you, she view'd you. You may finde wo∣men, though weake in sexe and condition, yet pa∣rallels to men, for charity, chastity, piety, purity, and vertuous conuersation. Reui•••••• those ancient fa∣milies of Rom••, and you shall finde those famous Ma∣trons, Octauia, Portia, Ca••cilia, Cornelia, make a Pa∣gan State seeme morally Christian. Nor were Nico∣strata, mother to Euander, C••r••ina, Sappho, women lesse famous for Learning, than the other for blame∣lesse liuing. Neither haue our moderne times lesse flourished with feminine worthies, as might be illu∣strated with sundry eminent instances, if I would re∣••lect vpon this Subiect: but this hath beene the Theame of sundry Panegyrick Poems, which makes me more sparing in it: Onely in your behalfe, and to your honour, let me retort their Criticke Censure, who draw from the very Etymon of your name an occasion of error.

Women are woe to men; No, they're the way, To bring them homeward when they run astray.

In a word, conforme your selues to such patternes as are imitable; imitate them in all such actions as are laudable; So liue, that none may haue occasion

to speake euilly of you, if they speake truly. The memory of Dorcas liueth still; Shee was full of good workes and almes which shee did. Yea, euen the very Coats and Garments which shee made, while she was liuing, were showne the Apostle as arguments of he•• industry, memorials of her piety. Hence it was that Saint Ierome, that excellent patterne of holy Disci∣pline, serious professor of Diuine Doctrine, counsel∣leth the holy Virgin Demetrias to eschew idlenesse:

Exhorting her withall, that hauing done her prayers, shee should take in hand wooll and wea∣uing, after the commendable example of Dorcas, that by such change or variety of workes, the day might seeme lesse tedious, and the assaults of Satan lesse grieuous;

concluding his deuout Exhortation, with this definite position.

I speake generally, no rayment, ornament, or habit whatsoeuer, shall seeme precious in Christs sight, but that which thou makest thy selfe, either for thine owne pecu∣liar vse, or example of other Virgins, or to giue vn∣to thy Grand-mother, or thy Mother, no, though thou distribute all thy goods vnto the poore.

See how strictly this holy Father proceeds with his re∣ligious Daughter! Yet was this Demetrias, to whom he addre••••ed this his exhortation, a Noble Lady; not one, whom pouerty did enforce to actions of such ne∣cessity: but one honourably descended, richly en∣dowed, powerfully friended. Let this Lady be your Patterne, her action your direction, her obedience your instruction, that you may share with her in a peacefull dissolution. Entertaine no time without some deuout taske: reflect vpon the Noblenesse of your descent, ennoble it with excellence of de∣sert.

For you must know true honour is not wonne, Vntill some honourable deed be done.

Waste not prodigally the precious Lampe of your life without some vertuous action that may purchase loue. Your time is lesse than a minute in respect of e∣ternity, employ that minute so, as it may eternize your memory. Let this bee your highest taske; to promote the honour of your Maker, esteeming all things else a slauish and seruile labour.

THere is nothing which requires more discreti∣on,* 1.5 than how to behaue or carry our selues while we are enthralled to affection. The Louer is euer blin∣ded (saith wise Plat••) with affection towards his be∣loued. Reason is laid asleepe, while Sense becomes the master Wooer. Whence came that vsuall saying, One cannot loue and be wise. But I wholly oppose my selfe to their assertion, who seeme thus farre trans∣ported with the sensuall opinion of affection. My Te∣net is, One cannot truely loue, and not be wise. It is a Beldam frenzy and no fancy, which giues way to fu∣ry, and admits not reason to haue soueraignty. Yet in this Subiect, Gentlewomen, is your temper best tryed, your discretion most required, and your Pa∣tience, oft-times, most exercised. Looke therefore how you plant it, lest you bootlesly repent it, when it is misplaced.

It is most certaine, there is nothing more impa∣tient of delay than loue, nor no wound more incu∣rable while we liue. There is no exemption, all haue a taste of this Potion, though it haue seuerall degrees of operation.

Looke all about you; who so young that loues not? Or who so old, a comely feature moues not?

Yet what different passions arise from one and the selfe-same Subiect? Heere, Gentlewomen, you shall see some of your Sexe so surprized with affection, as

it bursts out into violent extremes;* 1.6 their discourse is semi-breu'd with sighes, their talke with teares; they walke desperately forlorne, making Launds and desolate Groues their disconso••ate Consorts. Their eyes are estrang'd from sleepe, their weakened ap∣petite from repast, their wearied limbs from repose. Melancholly is their sole melody; They haue made a Contract with griefe, till griefe bring them to their graue. And these poore wenches are much to be pittied, because their owne tender hearts brought them to this exigent; hauing either set their affecti∣ons, where they thought verily they might bee re∣quited and were not, or else where they receiued like seeming tender of affection, but afterwards reie∣cted, what they wished to effect they could not. So as, in time, if continuance of absence reduce them not to a better temper, they fall into a poore Maud∣lins distemper, by giuing raines to passion, till it e∣strange them from the soueraignty of reason. Where∣as others you shall see, though not such kind soules, nor halfe so passionate, yet more discreet in their Choyce, and in the passages of loue more tempe∣rate. These will not deigne to cast a loose looke vpon their beloued: but stand so punctually vpon their termes, as if they stood indifferent for their choyce, albeit constantly resolued neuer to admit of any change. These scorne to paint out their passions in plaints, or vtter their thoughts in sighes, or shed one dispassionate teare for an incompassionate Louer. Their Experience hath taught them better Notions: they wil seemingly fly to make them follow, and so take them by whom they are most taken. They can play with the flame, and neuer cinge their wings; looke loue in the face, and preserue their eyes; con∣uerse where they take delight, and colour their af∣fection with a seeming disdaine. These are they who

can walke in the Clouds to their intimatest friends: make their eyes strangers to their hearts, and con∣clude; nothing more foolish than Loue, if discoue∣red; nothing more wise, if artfully shadowed. But I neither approue the violence of the former, nor in∣difference of the latter. The one interlayeth affection with too much passion, the other with too much dissimulation. These were well to bee so allayed or attempered, as neither too much eagernesse taxe the discretion, nor too much remisnesse argue coole∣nesse of affection. For the former, I must tell them they giue great aduantage to an insulting Louer, to' entertaine Loue with such vehement ardour: it fares with these, as with hot duellists, who fight them∣selues out of breath, and so subiect their relenting force to the command of a better tempered enemy. For the latter, they hold constantly that position in arguments of Loue, as well as in other actions of their life; She knowes not how to liue, nor how to loue, that knowes not how to dissemble. I must tell these, Dissimulation sorts not well with affection: Lo∣uers seldome read Loues Polliticks. Let them ap∣peare what they are with that discreet temper, as they may deserue the embraces of a Noble Louer. In briefe, let such as are too hot in the quest of their desires, attemperate that heat with intermissions: such violence is best rebated by absence. Contrari∣wise, such as are too coole, let them quicken that ea∣sinesse with their more frequent conference, and assi∣duate presence.

VVHat a furious and inconsiderate thing is Woman,* 1.7 when Passion distempers her? how much is her Behauiour altered, as if Iocasta were now to be per••onated? True it is, some with a bite

of their lip, can snppresse an intended reuenge: and like dangerous Politicians, pleasingly entertaine time with one they mortally hate, till oportunity vsher reuenge, which they can act with as much hostility, as if that very moment were the Actor of their iniury. But this Passion neuer workes more tragicke of fearefull effects, than when it streames from Iealousie or Competition in the Subiect where they loue. Whereof wee haue variety of instances euen in our owne Iland, to omit Italy, which is a ve∣ry Theatre of Tragicke Conclusions in this kinde. It is not long since we had one matchlesse President of this stampe.

It sometimes pleased a young Gen∣tlewoman, whose fortunes had swell'd her high, to settle her affection on a Gentleman of deseruing parts, which he entertained with a generous re∣quitall: nothing was omitted that might any way increase this respect, or second the height of their ioyes. Continuall resort and frequent made them inseparably one: No day so pleasing, as when they were together; No houre so tedious as when they were asunder. But how short is that moment of vading happinesse, which hath in it a rellish of lightnesse, and is not grounded on essentiall good∣nesse! Long had they not thus liued, and sociably loued, but the Gentlewoman conceiued some pri∣uate suspition, that her selfe was not sole soue∣raignesse of his heart, but that another was become sharer in his loue. Neither was this Competitrice, whom shee suspected, any other than her owne at∣tendant, whose Caskets shee secretly opened, where she found a Ring of especiall note, which shee had formerly bestowed on him. This confir∣med her Conceit, changed her reall loue into mortall hate; which shee seconded with this tra∣gicke act: Inuiting him one day to a Summer Ar∣bour,

where in former times they were vsually wont to repose, amidst of an amorous discourse, she casually fixt her eye vpon three Lennets, one whereof picking some priuet leaues purposely to build her neast, flew away, while the two which remained, louingly billed one with another: which she intentiuely obseruing, vsed these words; How tenderly and intimately doe those poore fooles mate it? Were it not pitty they should euer be diuided? Which words she had no sooner vttered, then the Shee-Lennet flew away, and left the Male alone, till an∣other returned: with whom the Hee-Lennet bil∣led, and amorously wooed as hee had done before. Which shee more seriously eying, O, quoth shee, How light these males are in their affection! This may seem•• to you an easie error, but were I Iudge of Birds, it should receiue due censure. Why Lady (replyed hee) These poore Birds doe but according to their kinde. Yea, but what doe ye kind men then, who ingage your loues, interest your selues, empawne your soules to bee constant where you professe loue, and performe nothing lesse than what you professe most. Nor would her long intended reuenge admit more liberty to her tongue; for with a passionate enterbreath shee clozed this speech with a fatall stabbe: leauing so much time to her vnfortunate and disasterous Louer, as to dis∣couer to one of that sorrowfull family the ground of her hate, the occasion of his fall, which hastned on the dolefull Scene of her Tragedy.

Now to al∣lay or abate these passionate furies, there is no better meanes than to enter parley with reason; to chastise all such innouating motions as disquiet the inward repose of the mind; to vse the helpe of such whole∣some instructions, as may attemper the heat of those indisposed and inordinate passions. Anger, being an inflammation of blood about the heart, is such a fu∣ry,

as to giue way to it, is to disclaime reason: much wisedome is then required, mature aduice to bee v∣sed, all assistants of Art and Nature to be employed before this Adder can be charmed. For wee shall hardly see any one more forget themselues, than when they are surprized with this Passion. Some you shall obserue so amazed or entranced, as they become wholly silenced: They cannot vtter an articulate word to gaine a kingdome. Gladly would they ex∣presse their distaste, and menace reuenge, if their tongues would giue them leaue, but wrath hath tyed them to good behauiour. Others are so voluble of tongue, as nothing can passe them vntouch'd, to a∣sperse disgrace on such by whom they hold them∣selues wrong'd. If any infamy (which to that time lay buried) offer it selfe to their memory, how they ioy in the occasion of venting their malice on their persons, be their Calumny seconded with words of fowlest aspersion: Which sort of people the euerli∣uing Pindarus termes persons of vnbounded and vn∣brideled tongues. To remedy which enormities, take along with you these instructions: they will be∣nefit you much in the height and heat of your anger, and allay your passion when it rageth and riseth into hugest distemper. Forthwith, so soone as you shall perceiue your selues moued, restraine your passion; but if you cannot appease nor compose your inward Commotion, at least restraine your tongue, and in∣ioyne it silence, that if it speake no good, it may speake no euill, lest being loose and set at liberty, it vtter what wrath, and not reason dictates: More so∣ueraigne and peacefull it will bee for you to retire from society, make recourse to your Oratory, by re∣commending to your best Physician the cure of this infirmity. Vse likewise this Cordial salue to your cor∣roding soare; the receit is Diuine, if seasonably ap∣plyed,

and will minister you comfort when you are most distempered. So soone as your disquieted minds begin to expostulate with the quality of your wrongs, which your Enemy is apt to aggrauate and exasperate, purposely to hasten your precipitate re∣uenge; propose and set before you all the disgraces which possibly you can suffer, and conferre them with those that were aspersed on your Sauiour: this will prepare you to suffer, teach you to conquer: for Arrowes foreseene menace lesse danger.

Likewise, when you consider the iniuries which are done you by others, you may reflect vpon the wrongs which are done by you vnto others: for the consideration of your owne infirmity, will ex∣act of you towards others an impunity. Weigh with your selues how much others suffer of you, how much God himselfe suffers of you, who, if he should haue inflicted reuenge for euery particular offence, you should haue perished long since. In a word, you your selues are frequently grieuous, and displeasing to your selues: Seeing then you are so distastefull vn∣to your selues, as you must of necessity suffer many in∣iuries and affronts from your selues, repine not at the sufferings which are inflicted by others on our selues.

You are likewise to consider these discommodi∣ties which arise from this Passion; which will arme you with patience, if of your selues you haue any compassion. What auailes it to be reuenged, after our iniury be r••ceiued? Is your woūd by anothers wound to be cured? Or disgrace tendred, by rendring disgrace restored? Besides all this, see what hee obtaineth, who anger obeyeth: 1. He is depriued of the Crowne of glory, and reward of eternity: 2. He becomes a Minister and Instrument of the Deuill: 3. He destroyeth his owne soule, that he might hurt an others body:* 1.8 For a dispassionate or angry person

is like vnto him, who that he may kill his Asse, de∣stroyeth himselfe; or rather like him, who for huge debts which he is not able to discharge, is throwne into prison, and disdainefully refuseth any ones offer to pay his debt for him. For by him, who doth you wrong, is the debt which you owe to God, forgiuen, if with patience you suffer the iniury which is done. Whereas the angry person, who will bee his owne reuenger, telleth God how and in what sort he is to deale with him: that as he suffered not small disgra∣ces from another, so neither should small things be suffered in him by God. As it is written, With what measure you mete, the same shall be measured to you againe. Six other detriments or discommodities there bee which arise from the exorbitancy of this passion.* 1.9 For by Anger is lost;* 1.10 first, Wisedome, while reason becomes blinded. Secondly, Righteousnesse: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousnesse of God. Thirdly, Society, for the Acquaintance of one angry man, is pleasing vnto none. Be not, saith the Wise∣man, a companion with the angry man. Fourthly, Con∣cord: while peace is disturbed. Fifthly, the Light of Truth, because anger casteth the darkenesse of con∣fusion vpon the mind or vnderstanding, from whom God hideth the cheerefull beame of his Diuine knowledge. Sixthly, the Splendor of the holy spirit: vp∣on whom, saith the Prophet, shall my spirit rest, but vp∣on the humble and quiet? that is, vpon the meeke, mild, and compassionate.

Thus you see what benefits may bee procured by attempering what discommodities incurred by fo∣string this Passion. Whereon I haue the rather insi∣sted, because I am not ignorant, how the strongest and constantest tempers haue beene, and may be di∣stempered and disparraged by it; much more you, wha••e mainest strength consists in the expression of

that Passion. At all times therefore vse a moderate re∣straint; in the prime of your yeares, when youth sends forth her first promising blossomes, behaue your selues mildly without bitternesse, humbly without haughtinesse, modestly without lightnesse, soberly without childishnesse. The Caske will re∣taine her first taste; the Wooll her first dye. If you shew too much way wardnesse in your youth, small good is to be expected in your age. As you tender your preferrement, seeme milde while you are maids, lest you proue scare••crowes to a young mans bed. Conforme your selues likewise to a nuptiall State, and preserue your honour without staine. Con∣test not with your head for preeminence: you came from him, not he from you, honour him then as he cherisheth the loue he conceiues in you. A domestick fury makes ill harmony in any family. The discord which was hatched and increased towards M. An∣thony by Fulu••a, was euer allayed and attempered by the moderation of Octauia. Be you all Octauia's; the rougher your crosse, the richer your Crowne. The more that iniuries presse you, the more shall your pa∣tience praise you. The Conflict is but short and mo∣mentanie, the Triumph glorious and impa••l'd with eternity. And thus much touching those three par∣ticulars, whereon your Behauior principally reflects; wee are now to descend to the next branch, which shall shew how a Gentlewoman of ranke and quality, (for to such onely is my discourse directed) is to be∣haue her selfe in Company.

SOciety is the solace of the liuing, for to liue with∣out it, were a kinde of dying. Companions and friendly Associats are the Theeues of time. No houre can be so tedious, which two louing Consorts can∣not

passe ouer with delight, and spend without dis∣taste. Be the night neuer so darke, the place neuer so meane, the cheerefull beames of conceiuing con∣sorts will enlighten the one, and their affections mu∣tually planted, enliuen the other. What a Desert then were the world without friends? and how poselesse those friends without conceiuing mindes? and how weake those mindes, vnlesse vnited in equall bonds? So then, loue is the Cement of our life: life a load without loue. Now, Gentlewomen, you are to put on your vailes, and goe into Company. Which (I am perswaded) you cannot enter without a maiden∣blush, a modest tincture. Herein you are to be most cautelous, seeing no place can be more mortally dan∣gerous. Beware therefore with whom you consort,* 1.11 as you tender your repute: for report will brute what you are, by the Company which you beare. Augustus being at a combat, discerned the inclinati∣ons of his two daughters, Iulia and Liuia, by the Company which frequented them: for graue Senators talked with Liuia, but riotous persons with Iulia. Would you preserue those precious odors of your good names? Consort with such whose names were neuer branded, conuerse with such, whose tongues for immodesty were neuer taxed. As by good words euill manners are corrected, so by euill words are good ones corrupted. Make no reside there, where the least occasion of lightnesse is ministred; auert your Eare when you heare it, but your heart especi∣ally, lest you harbour it. To enter into much dis∣course or familiarity with strangers, argues light∣nesse or indiscretion: what is spoken of Maids, may be properly applyed by an vsefull consequence to all women: They should be seene, and not heard: A Tra∣ueller sets himselfe best out by discourse, whereas their best setting out is silence. You shall haue ma∣ny

trifling questions asked, as much to purpose as if they said nothing: but a friuolous question deserues to be resolu'd by silence. For your Carriage, it should neither ••e too precise, nor too loose. These sempring made fac••s partake more of Ch••mbermaid than Gen∣tlewoman. Modesty and mildnesse hold sweetest cor∣respondence. You may possibly be wooed to inter∣change fauours: Rings or Ribonds are but trifles; yet trust me, they are no trifles that are aym'd at in those exchanges. Let nothing passe from you, that may any way impeach you, or giue others aduan∣tage ouer you. Your innocent credulity (I am resol∣ued) is as free from conceit of ill, as theirs, per∣haps, from intendment of good: but these inter∣courses of Courtesies are not to be admitted, lest by this familiarity, an Entry to affection bee opened, which before was closed. It is dangerous to enter parley with a beleagring enemy: it implyes want or weakenesse in the besieged. Chastity is an inclosed Garden, it should not be so much as assaulted, lest the report of her spotlesse beauty become soyled. Such Forts hold out best, which hold themselues least se∣cure, when they are securest. Nasica, when the Ro∣man Common-wealth was supposed to bee in most secure estate, because freed of their enemies, and strongly fenced by their friends, affirmed that though the Achaians and Carthaginians were both brought vnder the yoke of bondage, yet they were most in danger, because none were left, whom they might either feare for danger, or who should keepe them in awe.

How subiect poore Women be to lapses, and recidi∣••a••ions, being left their owne Guardians, daily ex∣perience can sufficiently discouer. Of which num∣ber, those alwayes proued weakest, who were con∣fidentest of their owne strength. Presumption is a

daring sinne, and euer brings out some vntimely birth, which viper-like depriues her vnhappy pa∣rent of life. I haue knowne diuers so resolute in their vndertakings, so presuming of their womanish strength, so constantly deuoted to a single life, as in publike consorts they held it their choycest merri∣ment to giue loue the affront, to discourse of affe∣ction with an imperious contempt, geere their a∣morous suiters out of Count'nance, and make a very Whirligig of loue. But marke the conclusion of these insulting spirits: they sport so long with loue, till they fall to loue in earnest. A moment makes them of Soueraigns Captiues, by slauing them to that de∣seruedly, which at first they entertained so disdain∣fully. The way then to preuent this malady, is to weane you from consorting with folly. What an excellent impregnable fortresse were Woman, did not her Windowes betray her to her enemy? But principally, when shee leaues her Chamber to walke on the publike Theatre; when shee throwes off her vaile, and giues attention to a merry tale; when she consorts with youthfull bloud, and either enters par∣ley, or admits of an enter-view with loue. It is most true what the sententious moral somtimes obserued: We may be in security, so long as we are sequestred from society. Then, and neuer till then, begins the infection to be dispersed, when the sound and sicke be∣gin to be promiscuously mixed. Tempt not Chastity; hazard not your Christian liberty. You shall encoun∣ter with many forward youths, who will most pun∣ctually tender their vselesse seruice to your sha∣dowes at the very first sight: doe not admit them, lest you prostitute your selues to their prostrate ser∣uice. Apelles found fault with Protogenes, in that he could not hold his hands from his Table. Whereas our Damsels may more iustly finde fault with their

youthfull Amorists, for that they cannot hold their hands from vnder the Table. It is impossible to come off faire with these light-fingred fooles. Your onely way is to rampire your chaste intentions with Diuine and Morall instructions, to stop the source, diuert the occasion, subiect affection to reason; so may you become Emperesses of that which hath some∣times tyrannized ouer Emperours: By this meanes shall euery place where you publik••ly resort, minister to you some obiect of inward comfort: By this meanes shall Company furnish you with precepts of chastity, inable you in the serious practice of piety, and sweetly conduct you to the port of glory.

PRIVACY is the seat of Contemplation, though sometimes made the recluse of Tentation. From which there is granted no more exemption in the Cell, than in the Court. Heere is the Lawne where Melancholly drawes her line. Heere the minde be∣comes our Mate; Silence, our sweetest Conference: where the retired becomes either the best or worst friend to himselfe. There is none, who euer conuer∣sed with himselfe, or discanted solely with his owne humour, who can bee ignorant of those numerous slights or subtilties, which by that great Tempter (whose long exercise hath made him no lesse subtill in contriuing, than cruell in practising our ruine) are priuate••y shadowed and shrowded, purposely to cir∣cumuent poore man, and leaue him deluded. Dioge∣nes, when he found a young man talking alone, de∣manded of him What he was doing? who answered, He was conuersing with himselfe: Take heed (quoth he) thou c••nuersest not with thine enemy. To you, Gentlewo∣men, I direct my discourse,* 1.12 whose priuacy may ena∣ble you, if well employed, for better things than the

toyes, tyres, and trifles of this age. How many (the more our misery) bestow their priuate houres (which might be dedicated to Contemplation, or workes of piety and deuotion) vpon light-feather'd inuentions, amorous expost••lations, or min••ing of some vnbe∣seeming fashions? How few enter into account with their owne hearts; or so co••secrate their houres to Gods honour, as they make Priuacy their soules har∣bour? The day they spend in visitations; how rare and tedious is one houre reserued for meditation? What a serious intercourse or sociable dialogue is betweene an amorous Mistresse and her Looking-glasse! The poynt or pendent of her feather wags out of a due posture; her Cheeke wants her true tincture; her captious Glasse presents to her quicke eye one error or other, which driues her into a mon∣struous distemper. Pride leaues no time for prayer. This is her CLOSET for LADIES, where shee fits and accommodates her selfe to Fashion, which is the period of her content, while purer ob∣iects are had in contempt. This is not the way to make Priuacy your mindes melody. These employ∣ments should sooner afflict than affect you, because they will sooner distract than direct you. Your spi∣rits will bee reuiued most, when these are valued least. Let me therefore recommend to your choyce, Patternes of more exquisite worth: such whose de∣uotion may be your direction, whose direction your instruction.

Deuout mention is made of zealous Anna, who made recourse to the Temple, offring her incessant prayers, a viall of sweet odours, that she might con∣ceiue a sonne: of whom, to her succeeding memory, the Scripture recordeth, that after her teares so de∣uoutly shed, her prayers so sincerely offred, her re∣ligious vowes so faithfully performed, her counte∣nance

was no more altred; Piety begot in her diuine loue, faith in Gods promise made her beleeue, and zeale to Gods house caused her to perseuere: thus sighing she sought, seeking she obtained, and obtai∣ning she retained a gratefull memory of what she re∣ceiued. No lesse feruour shewed Ester in preferring the suite of her distressed Israelites; what perswa∣siue Oratory, what powerfull Rhetoricke, what in∣ducing reaso••s she vsed, to haue their vniust censure reuersed, their insupportable wrongs redressed, their agrieuances relieued, the incensed King appeased, and them to fauour restored? Shee wooed with teares in her eyes, faith in her heart, almes in her hand; Gods cause was the progresse of her course; shee desired nothing more then how to effect it, which was seconded with a successiue conclusion, be∣cause begun, continued, and ended with deuotion. The like zeale expressed Iudith for her besiedged B••∣thulites; the loue of God had so inflamed her, as no feare of the enemy could amate her; faith armed her with resolution; constancy strengthned her against all opposition. Her armour was prayer, Bethulia's cure her care; holy desires her sole attendants; she enters her enemies pauilion with a zealous confi∣dence; implores the Diuine assistance in her entrance; and discomfits a daring foe with cautelous silence. Her sighes and teares were as the first and second raine; they brought successe to her thirsty soule, and a glo∣rious Conquest to her natiue soyle. No lesse are we to admire the wonderfull deuotion of that teare-swollen Magdelen, who with deuout loue sought her deare Spouse intombed, whose body with obse∣quious Odours she had embalmed before euer he was interred▪ Shee, when his Disciples were de∣parted, left not the Sepulchre of her sweet Master; still shee sate sorrowing and ••ighing, weeping long

and much, rising from her seat of sorrow, her gra••e of griefe; where he was, he is not; and where hee is, shee knowes not: with pio••s teares, watchfull eyes, weary wayes, shee re••isits againe and againe the desert caues of his relinquish'd Sepulchre, ••••∣ping at last to haue the happinesse to behold, whom with so feruent a desire ••hee sought. Now once and againe had shee entred his desolate Tombe: but lit∣tle was all this to her that lou'd so much; The power or efficacy of euery good worke consists in Perseue∣rance. But obserue the comfortable effect of her ef∣fectuall loue! For as much as shee loued more than the rest, and louing wept more than the rest, and weeping sought more than the rest, and seeking per∣seuer'd, allowing her selfe no rest: therefore deserued she to finde, behold, and speake vnto him before the rest. And not onely so, but to become the very first messenger of his glorious resurrection to his Disci∣ples, according as her choyce Spouse had comman¦ded her, and by especiall Commission recommen∣ded to her. Goe, tell my Brethren that they goe into Ga∣lile, there they shall see me. Hence note the fruit of a deuout heart; the incomparable prerogatiue granted to Diuine loue! Nazia••z••n in hi•• Epitaph for his sister Gorgonia, writeth, that shee was so giuen to prayer, that her knees seemed to cleaue to the earth, and to grow to the very ground, by reason of inces∣sancy or continuance in prayer. Gregory in his Dia∣logues writeth, that his Aunt Trasilla being dead, was found to haue her elbowes as hard as horne: which hardnesse shee got by leaning to a Deske, at which shee vsed to pray. Such as these deserue your imitation; for their Vertue••, like sweet Odours, haue sent out a pleasant perfume. They prayed, and obtai∣ned what they prayd for; They liu'd and practis'd what they sought for; They dy'd and enioy'd what they so

long time sigh'd for. You are taught to Enter your Chambers and be still▪ Still, and yet stirring still. Still from the clamours and turbulent insults of the World; still from the mutinous motions and innoua∣tions of the flesh. But neuer still from warring, wrast∣ling, bickring and embattailing with the Leader of those treacherous associats, tyrannous assazinats. O should you consider what troopes of furious and im∣placable Enemies are euer lying in ambuscado for you; how many soule-tempting Syrens are warbling notes of ruine to delude you; what feares within you, what foes without you, what furies all about you; you would not suffer one graine of sand to drop through the Cruet, without a dropping eye; not one minute passe vndedicated to some good em∣ployment, to preuent the fury of such desperate as∣sailants. Make then your Chamber your priuate Theatre, wherein you may act some deuout Scene to Gods honour. Be still from the world, but stir∣ring towards God. Meditation, let it be your compa∣nion. It is the perfume of the memory; the soules rouzer from sinnes lethargy; the sweetest solace in straits of aduersity. Let it bee your key to open the Morning, your 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to close the Euening. What an argument of indisc••••tion were it for one, amidst vari∣ety of choyce and delicious viands, to discourse of vanity, and suffer himselfe to famish in the presence of such plenty? This is your case, if amidst so many soule-solacing dainties of spirituall comforts, you diuert your eye, by fixing it on these Obiects of earth: and repose not your selues in those fragrant borders of Diuine Contemplation; which, by how much they are more frequent, by so much they be∣come more sweet and redolent. Surely, there is no∣thing that relisheth more sweetly, tasteth more daintily, with-draweth your mindes from the

world more speedily, strengtheneth you against the temptations of your enemy, excites or exerciseth you in euery spirituall duty, as the soule-rauishing Contemplation of the Supreme Deity. All other Ob∣iects are vanity. They may play vpon your fantasie, and so delude you; but being weakely grounded on pitty, they can neuer suffice you. Taske your selues then priuately, lest priuacy become your enemy. As mans extremity is Gods oportunity, so the Deuils oportunity is mans security. Let not a minute bee mis-spended, lest security become your attendant. Be it in the exercise of your Needle, or any other manuall employment: attemper that labour with some sweet meditation tending to Gods honour. Chuse rather with Penelope to weaue and vnweaue, than to giue Idlenesse the least leaue: Wanton Wooers are time-wasters. They make you idolize your selues, and consequently hazardize the state of your soules. Let not their Lip-salue so annoynt you, as it make you forgetfull of him that made you. Be you in your Chambers or priuate Closets; be you retired from the eyes of men; thinke how the eyes of God are on you. Doe not say, the walls encom∣passe mee, darkenesse o're-shadowes mee, the Cur∣taine of night secures me: These be the words of an Adulteresse: Therefore doe nothing priuately, which you would not doe publikely. There is no retire from the eyes of God. I haue heard of some, who for want of more amorous or attractiue Obiects abroad, haue furnished their priuate Chambers with wanton pictures, Aretine tables, Sibariticke stories. These were no obiects for Christian eyes: they conuay too inordinate an heat from the eye to the heart. Eye no obiect which may estrange you from thought of your Maker. Make euery day your Ephemerides. Let your morning imitate your purposes for the day, the

day second what your morning purposed, the Eue∣ning examine your mornings purpose, your dayes purchase. And so I descend to the next branch: how you are to behaue your selues in publike, which should be by so much more punctuall, for as much as the world is more Stoicall.

VVOmen in sundry Countryes,* 1.13 when they goe into any publike concourse or presse of people, vse to weare vayles, to imply that secret in∣screened beauty which best becomes a Woman, Bash∣full modesty. Which habit our owne Nation now in latter yeares hath obserued: which, howsoeuer the intention of the wearer appeare, deserues approue∣ment: because it expresseth in it selfe Modest shame∣fastnesse, a Womans chiefest Ornament. I second his opinion, who held it for diuers maine respects, a custome very irregular and vndecent, that Women should frequent places of publike resort, as Stage-playes, Wakes, solemne Feasts, and the like. It is Occasion that depraues vs; Company that corrupts vs. Hence it was, that some flourishing States, hauing eyed the inconueniences which arise from the vsuall resort of Women to Enterludes and other publike So∣lemnities, published an expresse inhibition against such free and frequent meetings. Had Hippodamia neuer wandred, shee had prou'd an Hypemnestra, and had neuer wantoned. Had Dinah neuer roaued, shee had prou'd a Diana, and had neuer beene rauished. Yet farre be it from me, to be so regularly strict, or Laconically seuere, as to exclude Wom••n from all pub∣like societies. Meetings they may haue, and im∣proue them, by a Ciuill and Morall vse of them, to their benefit. They may chat and conuerse with a modest freedome, so they doe not gossip it. For

these Shee-Elpenors, and Feminine Epicures, who sur∣fet out their time in an vnwomanly excesse, we ex∣clude them the pale of our Common-weale. Be they of what state soeuer, they are staines to their Sexe for euer. Especially such, who carouse it in deepe healths, reioyce at the colour of the wine, till it sparkle in their veines, inflame their bloods, and lay open a breach to the frailty of their Sexe. For preuention whereof, we reade that kinsmen kissed their kinswomen to know whether they drunke wine or no, and if they had, to bee punished by death, or banished into some Iland. Plutarch saith, that if the Matrons had any necessity to drinke wine, either because they were sicke or weake; the Senate was to giue them licence, and not then in Rome nei∣ther, but out of the City.

Macrobius saith, that there were two Senators in Rome chiding, and the one called the others wife an Adulteresse, and the other his wife a Drun∣kard; and it was iudged, that to be a drunkard was more infamy. Truth is, they might ioyne hands as mates of one society, for I haue seldome seene any one subiect to Ebriety, preserue long vntainted the honour of their chastity.

Now for publike Employments, I know all are not borne to be Deborahs, to beare virile spirits in feminine bodies. Yet, in chusing the better part, you may fit and accommodate your persons to publike affaires, well sorting and suting with your ranke and quality. Claudia and Priscilla were nobly descended, yet they publikely resorted, where they might be re∣ligiously instructed; and no lesse publikely instructed others in those principles wherein they were infor∣med. It is said of the Vestall Virgins, that they first learned what to doe; secondly, they did what they had learned; thirdly, they instructed others to doe

that which they had both done and learned. For this, the rich Saban Queene left her owne Region to heare the Wisdome of King Salomon. Surely, how∣soeuer some, no lesse properly than pregnantly, haue emblematiz'd Woman by a Snayle: because shee still carries her house about her, as is the property of a good House-keeper; yet in my iudgement (where∣in I ingenuously submit to others censure) a modest and well Behaued Woman may by her frequent or re∣sort to publike places, conferre no lesse benefit to such as obserue her behauiour, than occasion of profit to her priu••te family, where shee is Ouerseer. I haue seene some in these places of publike repaire, expresse such a well-seeming State without Apish formality, as euery action deserued imitation of such as were in their Company. Their Conceits were sweetly tempered without lightnesse; their iests sauory, yet without saltnesse; their discourse free without nicenesse; their answers milde without tartnes••e; their smile pleasing, mixt with bashfulnesse; their pace gracefull without too much actiuenesse; their whole posture delightfull with a seemely careles∣nesse. These are such mirrors of modesty, patternes of piety, as they would not for a world transgresse the bounds of Ciuility. These are Matrons in their houses, Models in publike places. Words spoken in sea∣son, are like apples of gold with pictures of siluer: So oportunat••ly are their words deliuered, so seasona∣bly vttered, with such vnaffected eloquence expres∣sed, wheresoeuer this sweet and well-tempered dis∣cretion is seated. Whereas others there be, whose indiscretion makes discouery of an Ocean of words, out a drop of reason. They speake much, but ex∣pr••sse little; their conceits are ••uer ballased with harshnesse; their iests ••oisted in with too much dul∣nesse; their discourse trimmed vp with too much

nea••nesse; their answers leauened with too much sowrenesse; their lookes promising too much light∣nesse, or vnlo••iable peruersenesse; their pace either too q••icke or too slow in dispatch of businesse; their whole posture an indisposed frame of irregular ab∣surdities. But to draw in our sayles, touching the prosecution of this branch; our reproofe shall re∣flect vpon two sorts especially, whose deuious course drawne by an indirect line, may seeme to deserue re∣prehension worthily. The first are such, who giue too easie raines to liberty; making Pleasure their Vocation: as if they were created for no other end, than to dedicate the first fruits of the day to their Glasse; the residue to the Stage or Exchange. These, no sooner haue they layd their Artificiall Complexion on their adulterate faces, than they grow sicke for their Coach. They must visit such a Lady, or what, perchance, is worse, such a Lord. A minute now in their Chambers seemes a moneth. Shall wee display one of these in her colours? The Play-bills must be brought her by her Pentioner: her eye views and reuiewes, and out of her feminine iudgement culls out one from among them which shee will see, purposely to be seene. Much shee obserues not in it, onely she desires to be obserued at it. Her Behauiour in a Box, would make any one thinke shee were a Bee in a box; shee makes such a buzzing and rusling. This is her daily taske, till death enter the Stage and play his part; whom shee entertaines with such vnpreparednesse, as her extreme act presents obiects of infinite vnhappinesse:

As it sometimes fared with a Gentlewoman of our owne Nation, who so daily bestowed the expence of her best houres vp∣on the Stage, as being surprized by sicknesse, euen vnto death, she became so deafe to such as admoni∣shed her of her end, as shee clozed her dying scene

with a vehement calling on Hieronim••.

So inap∣prehensiue was shee of death at her end, because she neuer meditated of death before her end. Now for the second sort, they are meere Antipodes to the for∣mer; These are onely for profit, as the other were for pleasure. These become so wedded to the world, as they afflict their spirits, macerate their bodies, e∣strange themselues from offices of Neighbourhood, to improue their reuenewes, by discouering their too much prouidence to the world. And these are commonly such, as are matcht to Schollers, whose contemplation hath taken them from the world, and recommended the mannagement of their estate to their wife. Now to both these sorts let me addresse my instruction: As I could not possibly approue of the former, because they made pleasure their businesse: so I cannot commend these, because they make not their businesse a pleasure. Let these take heed, that they incurre not that miserable insensibility, which I haue heard sometimes befell to a World••ing of their sexe:

Who approaching neere her hauen, and entring now her last Conflict with Nature, was, by such as stood about her, earnestly moued to recommend her selfe to God, tender the welfare of her soule, and to make her saluation sure; thus briefly, but fearefully answered, and forthwith departed: I haue made it as sure as Law will make it.* 1.14 Or as we read in a booke entituled The Gift of feare, how a Religious Diuine comming to a certaine Vsuresse, to aduise her of the state of her soule, and instruct her in the way to saluation, at such time as shee lay lan∣guishing in her bed of affliction; told her, how there were three thi••gs by her to bee necessarily performed, if euer shee hoped to be saued: First, she was to be contrite in heart; secondly, shee was to confesse her sinnes; thirdly, shee was to make

restitution according to her meanes. Whereto shee thus replyed; Two of those first I will doe willingly: but to doe the last, I shall hold it a difficulty; for should I make restitution, what would remain•• to raise my chil∣dren their portion? To which the Diuine answered; Without these three you cannot be saued. Yea but, quoth shee, Doe our Learned men and Scriptures say so? Ye•• surely, said the Diuine. And I will try (quoth she) whether they say true or no, for I will restore no∣thing.

And so resoluing, fearefully dyed, fearing pouerty temporall, more than eternall, which shee was of necessity to suffer, (without Gods infinite in∣terceding mercy) for preferring the care of her po∣sterity, before the honour of her Maker.

To be short, the former sort deserues reproofe, for making pleasure their vocation; the latter for barring businesse all recreation. A discreet temper will mode∣rate both these; the first, by holding pleasure a pa∣stime, and no businesse; the last, by applying a cure to an incessant care, and immixing some pleasure with businesse, to attemper it, lest it incline to heauinesse. Both which, equally concurring, are euer conferring to the labouring mind, inward quietnesse.

COmplexion inclosed in a box, giues no tincture to the Cheeke, nor morall precepts vnapplyed, beauty to the minde. Thus farre haue we proceeded in directions of Behauiour; insisting on such remar∣kable obseruances, as might better enable you in each particular. Wee are now to lay before you, vp∣on serious discussion of the premizes,* 1.15 how that Be∣hauiour is to be most approued, which is clearest from affectation freed.

Apes are catcht in Desarts by imitation. Would not you be caught by indiscretion? Imitate nothing

seruilely, it detracts from your gentility. I haue noted some of our Chambermaids take vpon them such an vnbeseeming state, when they came to visit their poore friends in the Country, as they punctually re∣tain'd both gate and garb of their mincing Mistresses in the City. To their Parish-Church they repaire to be seene and showne; where if any of these ciuilized Iugs chance to be saluted by the way, hauing quite forgot both broome and mop, with a scornefull eye they will not sticke to returne this maiesticke an∣swer: We thanke you my good people. It is discretion that appropriates to euery peculiar degree their pro∣per distinction. Many things will beseeme the Mi∣stresse, which agree not with the quality of the Maid. But in no degree will that Behauiour seeme comely, which affectaion hath introduced, be it in Court, City, or Countr••y. You shall see many, pur∣posely to couer some naturall blemish or deformity, practise that which makes them appeare farre more vnseemely. Here one indents with her lips to sem∣per, that shee may hide the want or greatnesse of her teeth. Another contracts with her Tayler, lest Nemesis should bee seene sitting on her shoulder. A third weares her Gowne with a carelesse loosenesse, to couer or colour her bodies crookednesse. This, with Fabulla, buyes an artfull Periwig to supply her art-fallen haire. That enazures her seered veines, embolsters her decayed brests, to purchase a sweet∣hart. What an affected state this generally-infected state assumes, purposely to gaine a popular esteeme? Suruey our streets, gaze on our windowes; you shall ••ee gazers to entertaine your eyes with variety of phantasticke Behauiours. But these are none of Vertues followers. Would you bee prayse-worthy? Vertue to her selfe is her chiefest prayse, her choy∣cest prize. There is nothing comparably precious to

a Continent soule. Affectation shee will not admit, for her habit; both her Habit and Behauiour are pro∣per and not enforced; natiue and not apishly intro∣duced. Shee cannot wooe a wanton Louer with a dissembled blush, nor promise more with an out∣ward presence, than shee resolues to admit with a spotlesse Conscience. Outward semblances, if light, shee holds apparant blemishes to her life. Her life, as it is a line to her selfe, so shee would haue it a light to others. Lacides, Prince of Argos, was accounted lasciuious onely for his sleeke lookes, and mincing gate. So Pompey, because hee vsed to scratch his head with one finger, albeit very Continent and modest. Beleeue it, though your Person be the Booke, your Behauiour is the Index. Which will require a large Comment, if it expresse it selfe in ought proba∣bly incontinent. Now, for as much as nothing bet∣ter seemes you, more commendably adornes you, or more absolutely accommodates you, than what is natiue and vnaffected, so it be by Education seasoned: be your owne Women; dis-value all apish formality; resort not to the Temple to take a patterne of some new fashion: modest discretion blusheth at such ser∣uile imitation. What you see in another, may be∣come them, which would not become another. The Asse in the fable seeing the dogge fawne and leap vp∣on his Master, thought it would beseeme him, but sorting not with his nature, it got him a beating for his labour.

Now to distinguish betwixt an enforced and vn∣affected Behauiour, it is most easie; the very first blush will discouer the one by the other. You shall ob∣serue these who are tyed to affectation in this kinde, set their looke, gate, and whatsoeuer else may con••ferre a phantasticke grace on their vsurped Behauiour, so punctually, as if they had entred a solemne Con∣tract

with eye, face, hand, foot and all, to hold con∣stantly their dimension, to beget in the beholder a more setled admiration. Whereas contrariwise, these whose free, genuine, and generous demeanours ex∣presse themselues lesse strictly, but farre more come∣ly; scorne to tye their affections to these seruile re∣straints. They hold it farre more sutable with an I∣talian Pantomime, who professeth hope of profit vp∣on the Stage, to confine them to these regularities, than discreet Women, whose honour is their honest Behauiour: and whose praise it is, to bee exemplary to others in goodnesse, and not others Apes in imita∣ting their phantasticke fashions. To conclude then this Obseruation; as you are generous by birth, dote not on that which is most ridiculous on this Stage of earth. Approue your selues chaste Virgins, conti∣nent Wi••es, discreet Matrons, honourable Wid∣dowes, in your vertuous and modest demeanour. Preserue that eternally, which giues accomplishment to Gentility. Your Educations (as may be presuppo∣sed) haue so beautified you, as the garbe you retaine is most proper vnto you. The Hyaene is a dangerous beast: yet her subtilty and cruelty take life from af∣fectation and imitation. Desire you to bee so Behau'd, as others may admire you •• In your choyce of Beha∣uiour, inure your selues to what is neatest, not what is newest. Inuention in subiects of this kinde, doth more harme than good. So behaue your selues, that too much curiosity may not taxe you of pride, nor too much maiesty of State: Modesty mixt with hu∣mility will temper both these, and make that Beha∣uiour which appeares in you, so well become you, as if it were borne with you, and not affectiuely deriued from others to you.

Notes

• * 1.1

  BEHAVIOR
• * 1.2

  Obseruat. 2.
• * 1.3

  Behauiour re∣flects on three particulars.
• * 1.4

  ACTION.
• * 1.5

  AFFECTION.
• * 1.6

  BEHAVIOR
• * 1.7

  PASSION
• * 1.8

  Greg.
• * 1.9

  Ibid. lib. 5.
• * 1.10

  Moral▪ cap. 31.
• * 1.11

  How to be∣haue her selfe in Company.
• * 1.12

  How to be∣haue her selfe in Pri••a••y.
• * 1.13

  This branch might seeme included in our former discourse of Company; but that reflected on persons, this on af∣faires.
• * 1.14

  D•• Done Ti∣moris.
• * 1.15

  That Behauior most appro∣ued, which is clearest from affectation freed.