Orthoepia Anglicana: or, the first principall part of the English grammar teaching the art of right speaking and pronouncing English, with certaine exact rules of orthography, and rules of spelling or combining of syllables, and directions for keeping of stops or points between sentence and sentence. A work in it selfe absolute, and never knowne to be accomplished by any before ... Methodically composed by the industry and observation of Simon Daines schoolemaster of Hintlesham in Suffs.

Certaine briefe Notes, or Directions, for writing of Letters, or familiar Epistles.

ASwell in regard of my promise in the prescri∣ption or Title page; as to satisfie the request of some peculiar friends, finding perhaps the gene∣rall defect (aswell in themselves as others) of some il∣lustrations in this kinde: I have annexed these few di∣rections in generall, for the inditing and writing Letters (as we terme them) or familiar Epistles, intended one∣ly for the benefit of children, women, and persons ei∣ther altogether ignorant in this respect, or discontinued. As for Secretaries, and those who can better help them∣selves, I leave them to their owne practice, and obser∣vations. For to undertake to reduce this confused qua∣lity, faculty, or art, (or whatsoever terme you will at∣tribute unto it) to any certaine method, or classicall precept; or to seek out a radix, consisting of such prin∣ciples, whereon every particular must ex hypothesi de∣pend (would I, or any Secretary more commendably versed in those wayes, attempt it) as we should find it a work no lesse tedious than difficult, and almost impos∣sible (unlesse it were possible to know every private mans occasion) so might we to little purpose and effect frustra oleum & operam dare, since Quot homines, tot sen∣tentiae; and it is connaturall for every one, that is able

to apprehend, to like his owne imagination best. Nei∣ther would ever any of the Latines (who knew too well severall men have their severall occasions) take such a burden upon them, in a tongue more incompa∣rably pure; and times farre more addicted to industry and knowledge, in what concerned both speculation and practice. Macropoedius (I know) shewed a will to do somwhat herein, and prescribed certaine generall rules; but such as would better suit an Oration, than a familiar Epistle, which delights in brevity and plaine∣nesse. The Paradigma's or examples there, be well and commendable; but not consorting the streame of En∣glish Secretaries, more taken with Seneca's succincter stile. But for examples, I referre you to others, since there are every where enough to be had, intending one∣ly to deale by way of Instruction.

In the framing of Letters, we are to have respect to our selves, and the quality of the Person to whom we write. For, as it behoves us not to use alwayes, and to all persons a like phrase, or manner of writing, so ought we to be cautious in the performance of it respectivè, that is, without prejudice to our selves, or derogating from the party to whom it is written. If therefore to our Superiour, or one of rank above us; then are we to frame our stile in a lowly and humble manner, yet (habito scriptori respectu) according to the distance of degree; the worth of both the objects; and the sub∣ject of our Letter. For, it befits not a Gentleman to use those submissive and incroaching termes to one of higher state, and fortunes; which may well become a Peasant to one of farre meaner rank. Neither would we indeavour to insinuate our selves so farre in any o∣ther respect, as when we have some suit to preferre, or

some request to make. And in generall, it is more to∣lerable to be argued of too plaine a stile, (so as I said, it be done with due respect) than by any Rheto∣ricall flashes of elocution, to incurre the censure of a Sycophant, as it is incident and usuall to such as use many words to little purpose, to be either rejected as idle and impertinent; or els suspected of some farther plot, than perhaps the party himselfe is guilty of. Let therefore your Letters of what na∣ture soever, be as succinct as possible may be, with∣out circumlocutions, which be tedious to Persons of quality, and such as have much businesse. And if it be so, as they be replete with matters of con∣sequence; come presently to the businesse of most importance, conveniently introduced: then persist in order: for otherwise, if your Letter be copious, and carries not (as the Proverbe sayes) meat in the mouth, or matter at the entrance, it may hazzard (if not well sollicited) to be cast by, without so much as once reading over, as I have knowne some my selfe among men of worth, who have been much imployed.

This I speake not though, utterly to debarre the use of civill Complement, which is both requisite, and no wayes inconvenient, so it be used with discretion, and not (as they say) to make a paine of pastime. Complement therefore is most seasonable, when it ac∣companies either present or visit, I meane aswell in pa∣per as in person. And that alwayes better introduced in the close of a Letter, than at the beginning; un∣lesse the whole subject be onely by way of comple∣ment, and nothing concerning any serious businesse. A thing ordinary, and many times expected betweene

friend and friend, upon occasions of writing offered. And then is afforded liberty of using wit, and readi∣nesse of Genius, to such as be indued with pregnant phantasies; having still a care not to be over-shot by selfe-opinion; least a flash of windy matter produce such bubbles, as carry no other substance, but onely to vapour into ayre; or perhaps turne worse than no∣thing.

If it be to be written to one inferiour or some de∣grees beneath you; be plausible and courteous to win respect and love: but not too familiar: since too much familiarity breeds contempt, especially among people of the meanest sort, most apt in such cases to forget themselves.

If to a stranger of equall rank, shew courtesie in a full proportion, yet cloathed with a petty kinde of state; aswell to avoid all suspition of intrusion, as to shew a kinde of nicenesse in intimating too sodaine fa∣miliarity. For wise men will consider, things easiliest wun, are most easily lost; and he that comes fastest on, goes quickliest off. Give mee the friendship comes slowly by degrees, for that is most likely to at∣taine perfection, and longest to continue, as having the surer ground for a foundation of it.

If to a servant, let love and mildnesse so proceed, as may not loose its distance; for, too much ri∣gour looseth the servant, and too much love the Master; who may easily discerne love from a ser∣vant tempered with a little awe, is alwayes most available to the Master; as acts voluntary go beyond enforcements.

If to a Maister, let the stile be such as may de∣monstrate all obsequy and duty. This I speake

in respect of servants (as servants) in generall: not, but that I know, as there are differences and diverse degrees of Masters, so ought there severall respects to be had to servants, according to their place, and manner of service. For it were absurd to think, that Gentlemen in those places that may befit their rank and fortune, though subject to their masters call, should be tied to the obsequious termes of every pedantique Groome. As first, he that waits voluntary, and at his owne ex∣pence; then Secretaries in their severall ranks; then such as serve in the places of Gentlemen, as Ushers, and the like. Then Clarks to men eminent, and of qua∣lity; and Clarks appertaining to Offices, Factors, and Apprentices (especially about London) men perhaps (as is usuall in that kind) better derived than their Masters. In this respect, I say, ought the servant to consider the relation, or respect to be had, according to his Masters rank, his own person, and the nature of his service. yet generally speaking, all servants (as servants) of what nature or calling soever, ought aswell in writing as otherwise, to shew a kinde of respect extraordinary. Though (as I said) some be tied to termes more incom∣parably strict than others.

If we write to a Parent, our stile and manner of wri∣ting must be such, as may shew all dutifull respect and obedience, exacted from a Child to a Parent, by the Lawes of God and Nature.

If to a father or mother in law, that is by marriage, we will tender our selves in such termes, as may pro∣fesse service and obedience; but not duty: At least, not equall to the former: though I grant, we ought to think our selves tied in a firme obligation of civill, and more than common respect.

If to a child, love and care: But the passionate ex∣pressions of tender affection, better fit a mother, than a father: for men ought to governe their affections by the rule of reason, least otherwise they chance to set a bad example of letting loose the reines of passion, of it self too apt to run out of one errour to another.

In a word, if to a friend, friendly. If to an adversa∣ry, harsh, as you think good, according to the nature of the offence, and quality of the person offending. But not railing, or too invective; which will argue more passion, than judgement or discretion, and be a meanes to make other men suppose a want in you of somwhat might make you rightly capable of an injury.

But if it be to a familiar and intimate friend, you shall be restrained to no other rule, but onely your own ima∣gination, and the best liking of your friend, according as you shall observe his conceits most addicted, or incli∣ned this way or that. Onely take it as a generall and infallible rule, let the body of your letter be succinct and pithy, such as may expresse much matter in few words: and let that be your greatest study by way of inditing: And by the way of writing to have respect to Orthography, according to those rules we have be∣fore prescribed. But to come with a bundle of Cir∣cumquaques, after the manner of the vulgar sort: whose common custome is to begin their Letters thus (Lo∣ving friend, The occasion of my writing unto you, at this present time is, to let you understand, that I should be very glad to heare you are in good health, as I am at the writing hereof, God be blessed therefore, &c.) on in a whole bede∣roule of ribble-rabble is most ridiculous and absurd, in the sight of one which knowes the manner of indi∣ting. For to be glad to heare of their welfare, is im∣plicit

in the title of friend: and to send word of your health, it suffices to tell if it be not so: if not, the other is easily imagined. And so many prayers and thanksgi∣vings as some put in, were better spent in their closet, where no ayre might circumvent them, than inserted in ordinary letters (excepting such as passe betweene man and wife; parent and child) which passing through so many hands, may chance to get infection; or at least exposed to the wind and open ayre, may chance coole their fervour of devotion. But here we likewise exempt Apostolicall benedictions, sent from Ministers (befitting their function and calling, and answerable to the Word of God) who in that rightly imitate the worthy President S. Paul in his Epistles.

Having therfore marked or creased (as we call it) out the paper (which ought to be in folio, or in quarto, that is an whole sheet, or an halfe sheet doubled) and having in the top, after the usuall custome (especially writing to persons of worth and quality) left a sufficient space for a vacuum, and as ample a margent (but that is to be ordered more or lesse, according to the quantity of your paper, and the subject, whereon you are to write) then in the first place are you to order the superscripti∣on, or the title to be attributed as an entrance. For your assistance wherein, you shall (as I said before) have re∣spect to the quality of the person to whom it is writ∣ten, and your selfe; and that whether as an acquain∣tance, or stranger; intimate, or lesse familiar; having relation or dependance either of other, or not; friend, or adversary, &c. and then order your title in this manner.

If therefore it be a Lord (for higher I will not as∣cend, presuming any, to whom these be directed, to

have little intercourse with Emperours, Monarchs, Kings, Princes, Dukes, Marquestes, Earles, &c. or if they have, let them seeke other assistance, or send to us, and we shall do our indeavour to supply their want) if it be so, as he holds his title onely by some place, or dignity, by way of Office or Magistracy, we seldome superscribe any other title than, My Lord, and by the way, still in the body of your Letter, put him in minde of his Lordship, and now and then his honour, &c. If he be a Count, or Baron, by descent of noble pedigree, our title is chiefly, Right Honourable: Right Honourable, and my very good Lord (this from a retainer, or one that hath dependance on his honour) Most noble and illustri∣ous Sir, Right Honourable and renowned Sir, and diverse others to this effect. And from a Gentleman only, My Lord, will suffice. But still we ought in addressing our speech to him, to do it with the attribute of His Honour, and now and then for change we may say, Your Lord∣ship, or, Your good Lordship, from one of meaner rank. To a Baronet, Honoured Sir, as the most usuall and be∣fitting title to such a degree: which is likewise often attributed to other Knights, and somtime to Esquires, and other Gentlemen, by way of Complement. Gen∣tlemen writing to Knights and Baronets, often give onely the title of Sir, and noble Sir; worthy, or most wor∣thy Sir; sometime Most Noble, and the like. But I like the plainest best, especially when one hath much busi∣nesse, and little leisure to complement. The usuall su∣perscription from one inferiour, or of meaner rank is, Right worshipfull, &c. sometime Right renowned, or right worthy Sir, and this comes sometimes as a Rarity from a punie Scholler, as tumbling from his thumping pen. And under the degree of a Gentleman, or a Gen∣tlemans

mate, it behoves in writing to have his or your Worship, by the end along, so often as his speech hath relation to the Baronets or Knights person. From a peasant, your good Worship will not do amisse. But from a Gentleman, ridiculous; as arguing little breeding. One Gentleman or Esquire writing to another, usually attribute onely the title of Sir, especially if strangers, or lesse intimate: if better acquainted, many times some other addition, of Noble, Worthy, Courteous, Gene∣rous, Kinde, and the like, according to their intimacie, affection, and difference of eminency and fortunes. Somtime, if very intimate, more familiar termes, which they ordinarily use in discourse. But from one of a meaner sort, or not a Gentleman, would be thought a sawcinesse, or arrogancy at least, to do so; unlesse from such make-sports, as Gentlemen make use of onely to foole with. From a Tradesman therefore (of the ordi∣nary sort I meane) writing to an Esquire, the title of Worshipfull Sir, or Worthy Sir, or the like, and now and then to pull your Worship out of his pocket (especially if to one any wayes eminent or of quality) is no more than beseeming and requisite. To lesse eminent, or of meane fortunes, or younger houses, Sir, will suffice. The like ought to be observed in farmers, and coun∣trey-people, of meaner rank. Gentlemen of quality, whether Knights, Esquires, or other Gentlemen of worth and fortune, writing to Yeomen of the more substantiall sort, such as go under jurisdiction of the common attribute M^r, and whom such men please to make their companions in table and discourse, if they be any thing intimate, usually begin their title, Honest Thom. Kinde Ieffrey, Good Will such an one, &c. if lesse acquainted, or when they are to be beholding to them

for any courtesie, then it will not be amisse to hang on their noses, as spectacles, at first entrance, M^r such, or such an one, &c. writing to any kinde of Scoggin, or hanger on, or the like, then nothing but Dick, Thom. &c. I prethee do such a thing, &c. To an ordinary yeoman or tradesman, Goodman, &c. is a good begin∣ning. But alwayes let Schollers and younger Brothers give the highest of his attributes to any wealthy man, for 'tis the money, and not the man they are to respect and court. But in personating a Letter from one to ano∣ther under the degree, or at least the title of a Gentle∣man, he will be accounted more woodcock than wise, that shall study any other complement, than to begin with the ordinary title appropriate to them, and so per∣sist. The same kinde of common title appropriate to the Person, is to be used in civility, when we write to one we hold as an adversary, as to a Knight of what sort soever, Sir such an one, &c. To an Esquire, if much above our rank, it is decent to say Sir, if not the same that to a Gentleman. If to a Gentleman of what rank or nature soever, M^r such an one, putting in his surname. If under, then Goodman thus or thus; or from a Gentleman to one much inferiour, Iohn, Thomas, Ri∣chard, So and So, &c. And thus much for titles or su∣perscriptions. This is usually placed in the first cor∣ner in the margent space, above the body of your Let∣ter. But I had like to have forgot the Ecclesiasticall ti∣tle of Reverend Sir, or Most Reverend, &c. according to their worth and dignity. Having therefore thus in∣stanced the severall sorts of Superscriptions, we will now come to the Subscriptions, (for the body of a Let∣ter can be reduced to no precise or particular rule, without too much needlesse labour and innovation)

and in generall, we have already said what we deter∣mine.

The same generall rule therefore, that ties you, in the superscription and body of the Letter to have re∣spect to the party to whom you write, and your owne individuall person, ties you to the same con∣ditions in the subscription, and indorsement, or outward superscription, which wee bee still to treat of.

To a Baron therefore, or to a Lord, wee u∣sually subscribe thus. Your honours most humble ser∣vant, My Lord, Your eternally devoted Honourer, and thrice humble servant. Your Lordships most faithfull and most humble servant. Your Lordships till death, Your Lordships to command, Your Honours most obli∣ged, &c. diverse of this sort. Subscriptions indeed as common as Hackney horses on Dunstable rode, to meaner persons than Barons, or Knights either, onely leaving out Honour and Lordship. But Your thrice humble servant, and the like, I have often heard from such as (I presume) understood not the word.

From Gentleman to Gentleman, if equall, and acquainted, then Your assured friend to serve you, Your truly respective friend, or the like. But if lesse acquainted, or different in degree, There is so much service professed, as they forget all friendship. Nothing then but Your servant, Your humble servant, Sir, at your command, and the like innumerable, which I leave to observation and practice. Onely take this by the way, that one of inferiour ranke writing to a person eminent in degree above him, by the Lawes of our best Secretaries, shall commonly write his name

at the foot of all the Letter, or paper, be it never so large, and the contents never so small, to shew his acknowledgement of distance. The other subscri∣ption about middle distance, betweene the body of the Letter, and the name. And that either double or single, as occasion is offered of your expression, and the quantity of space, or void paper. Sometime they make it in a treble space, by interposing My Lord, or Sir, or noble, or worthy Sir, and the like, according to their degree. From an inferiour per∣son to a Baronet or Knight, Your Worships most hum∣ble servant, Your Worships to command in all due re∣spect, and the like. The same is to bee observed in one of meane ranke, to an Esquire, especially if of worth, or any wise eminent. To or between men of ordinary quality, whether under the title of Gentlemen, Citizens and tradesmen, or the like, the usuall subscription of Your loving friend, Your very loving friend, Your assured, Your faithfull, Your true, (and sometime, Your respective friend, for change, or where the party written to hath the odds in estimation) is most commendable. In briefe notes, no more but Yours, N. N. To a Gentleman of ordinary quality from an inferiour person, Your ser∣vant, Yours to command, &c.

To an adversary, Yours as you use me. Yours to use, but not abuse. Yours if you please; if not, mine owne. Yours as I see cause. Yours when not mine owne, and the like, as your judgement, and the occasion offered shall suggest.

To a servant under hire, from a Gentleman of ranke, onely his name. To such as are tyed to lesse servile conditions, or from Masters which are of

meaner degree, Your loving Master, Your very loving Master, Your assured &c. To a retainer only, or volunta∣ry waiter, Your loving friend, N. N. &c. To a parent, Your dutifull, Your most dutifull, or, Most dutifull and re∣spective, Dutifull and most obedient, till death, &c. whe∣ther sonne or daughter. To a child, Your loving father, Your affectionate mother: Affectionate is likewise much used between friend and friend, especially Lovers. Your truly carefull, &c. diverse in this kinde, which we leave to observation. And thus much for subscriptions.

Having thus written or subscribed your Letter, date it from such or such a place, and set down the day of the moneth, and (if much distance interposeth the writer and the party written to) the yeare, after the usuall man∣ner of dating. The place allotted for the date is in the margent space, just under the superscription, or title, a little beneath the body of the Letter. This done, fold up your Letter after a decent order, and seale it. To a person of quality we usually propose it in a large fold, kept very faire. To others at your owne discretion, es∣pecially of equals. Now therefore onely resteth, that we say somwhat of indorsements, or outward super∣scriptions, and so commit them to the Post.

Your title on the indorsement to a Lord shall be, To the right Honourable, Thomas (or whatsoever other Christian name) Lord such or such an one, adding the highest of his titles, at such a place, these present. To the right honourable and his very good Lord, of or from one of any dependance. To the right honourable and most noble, Most renowned, Right illustrious, &c. multitudes of Epithetes in this kinde. To a Baronet from a Gen∣tleman, To his most honoured friend, Sir N. N. and Much honoured and most noble friend, Most worthy, Very noble,

Renowned, &c. as you 〈◊〉〈◊〉 think fit. The same we com∣monly use to any other Knight: but especially to a Ba∣ronet is appropriate the title of Honoured. From a per∣son of meaner quality, To the right worshipfull, Sir N. N. at such a place, &c. If in any familiarity, To the right worshipfull and his most honoured friend, &c. From an inferiour person, To the right worshipfull and most wor∣thy Sir N. N. or the like, leaving out friend. From one Esquire or Gentleman to another, various, in respect of intimacy, degree, affection, or courtesie: To his no∣ble friend: To his worthy, approved, much respected, much esteemed, much honoured; and to meaner, Very loving, &c. From an inferiour person to an Esquire or Gen∣tleman of worth, To the worshipfull: The rest he may take out of the precedent Epithetes. From a Gen∣tleman to such an one, To his loving friend, &c. To a parent, To my most endeared &c. Father, Or Mother: To a child, To my loving sonne or daughter; To my deare, or tenderly respected, or beloved, may do well enough from a mothers affection. From one inferiour person to an∣other, To my loving, To my very loving, To my approved friend, and the like of this sort best befits. To an ad∣versary, For Sir such an one at such a place, For M^r, or Goodman so or so: For Tho. For Richard, &c. accor∣ding to the quality of the writer, and the person writ∣ten to. Onely setting his name with his common attri∣bute, the place whither it is directed, with For, instead of To his, or my &c. And now I think it will be time to conclude, for the Carrier is in hast.

This therefore shall suffice to satisfie our present purpose concerning this subject. Onely take this by way of peroration.

1 Let your Letter be kept faire, without blots, or

soiling, especially to one of superiour rank.

2 Be cautious, by way of Orthography, to write true English.

3 And lastly, (what I have often instanced) let your Letters be succinct and pithie; A quality incommen∣dable estimation and practice among our moderne Se∣cretaries; and no lesse pursued among the ancient La∣tines. For who in his familiar Epistles more succinct than Cicero? In Orations, and otherwise, who more profuse? The rest I leave to observation, easily enough to be acquired, since many of our Secretaries have a singular faculty in that kinde. This I have written for such as want instructions; for those that be better able to help themselves, I shall be glad and thankfull to be instructed by them. Non omnia possumus. I confesse it incident to humane imperfection, and to my selfe most peculiar. But Nihil est pudoris vel discere, vel melius ad∣discere. At least alwayes so reputed by me.

S. D.

Laus Deo.

FINIS.