The enimie of idlenesse teaching the maner and stile how to endite, compose and write all sorts of epistles and letters: as well by answer, as otherwise. Deuided into foure bokes, no lesse plesaunt than profitable. Set forth in English by William Fulwood marchant, &c. The contentes hereof appere in the table at the latter ende of the booke.

¶The first boke. (Book 1)

Instructions how to endyte Epistles and Letters▪ &c.

THe auncient Poet Lucanus doeth giue vs a verie likely cōiecture that the inuention of Epi∣stles and Letters, was first found forth in the Citie of Memphis, saying thus: Conficitur bibula Memphitis charta papyro. And to describe the true definition of an Epistle or letter, it is nothing else but an Oration written, contei∣ning the mynde of the Orator or wryter, thereby to giue to vnder∣stand to him or them that be ab∣sent, the same that should be de∣clared if they were presēt, where∣of

there be three principall sortes, for some are addressed to our su∣periours, as to Emperors, kings, princes &c. Some to our equalles as to Marchants, Burgesses, Ci∣tizens &c. Some to our inferiors, as to seruants, laborers, &c.

Yf we speake or write of or to our superiors, we must do it with all honour, humilitie & reuerence, vsing to their personages super∣latiue and comparatiue termes: as most high▪ most mighty, right honorable, most redowted, most loyall, most worthy, most renow∣med, altogether according to the qualitie of their personages. And it is to be noted that of superla∣tiue, comparatiue, positiue or diminutiue termes, we must vse but three at once at the most.

Note also that most common∣ly in Epistles & Letters, there be

three necessary points. The first is the salutation of recommenda∣cion, which is made in sundrie maners, according to the pleasure of the enditer, as may well be per∣ceiued by diuers styles hereafter folowing.

The second is the Subscrip∣tion, which must be don according to the estate of the writer, and the qualitie of the person to whome we write: For to our superiors we must write at the right syde in the nether ende of the paper, say∣ing: By your most humble and obedient sonne, or seruant, &c. And to our equalles we may write to∣wards the midst of the paper say∣ing: By your faithfull frende for euer. &c. To our inferiors we may write on high at the left hand say∣ing: By yours &c.

The third is the Superscripcion,

which must be vpon the back syde, the letter being closed, sealed and packed vp after the finest fashion, whereupon must be written his name to whome the letters shold be addressed, & his dwelling place, (if it be not notoriously knowne) placing therwith the name of his dignitie, Lordship, Office, No∣bilitie, Science, or Parentage: And if we write moe than one, the chiefest and permanent dignities must be written first, then the con∣sanguinitie: and afterwarde the mutable dignitie, as for example: To my Lord of such a place, my cousin, Maister of the Requestes of our soueraigne Lord the King. Yf we write to our Superiour, we must vse all honour and re∣uerence without embeseling his name, as to the King our Soue∣raigne Lorde: To our reuerend

Father in God the Bishop of &c. To the high & mighty Lorde, my Lord of, &c. To my Lord of, &c. Yf we write to our equall, we must place in the superscription hys name, and the name of his digni∣tie or office, furnished with an honest and semely positiue or two at the most, correspondent to the maners and dignities of the per∣son, as, to the ryght worship∣full, such a one, Marchant & Citi∣zen of London: To hys most as∣sured, (or trusty friende) suche a one, &c. Yf we write to oure infe∣riour, we may vse in our super∣scription: To his louing sonne, such a one, &c. To his trusty ser∣uant, such a one, &c.

It is to bee noted, that it be∣commeth not an inferior person, speking or addressing his words to his superior, to speke nor write

by the imperatiue, or commaun∣ding, as if one should say thus: Soueraigne King, behold a vali∣ant man, make him knight: Be∣hold such a one, who is a good Clerke, giue him a benefice: but with all humilitie we must say: worthy soueraigne, I assure your maiesty that he is an expert man, pleseth it you to haue him in re∣membrance: Such a one semeth vnto me to be very learned and skilful, it were a charitable deede of your maiestie to prouide for him, and therefore I am bolde to commit him to your remem∣brance.

Yf we addresse our speach to our equall, we must speake with a certaine familiar reuerence, v∣sing positiue and comparatiue termes, and very fewe superla∣tiue,

as wyse, sage, honorable, worshipfull, discrete, renowmed, &c.

Yf we speake to our infe∣riour, we must vse a certayne kynde of modest and ciuill au∣thoritie, in giuing them playne∣ly to vnderstand our intent and purpose. A Marchaunt hauing many seruantes, to his chiefest may speake or wryte by thys terme, you: but to them whome he lesse estemeth, and are more subiect to correction, hee maye vse this terme, thou, or other∣wise at his discretion: Also a Father to his sonne may do the like.

If Epistles or Letters shold be written by fonde, Lunatike, or folkes wythout reason, to suche maner of people it were

were but simplicitie to gyue in∣structions. Yet notwithstanding bycause that thys place remay∣neth vnfurnished, and for that Stultorum infinitus est numerus. I will declare something of that which I haue sene and heard: For some wryte thus, Patrick Spendal, Prince of pouertie: to his Gossip Geffrey Gracelesse, Doctor of Dronckenship sendeth greeting, &c.

Before that we take in hand the material instruments where∣with to write an epistle or letter, we haue to consider these pointes following: to wit, the estate, dig∣nitie, or qualitie of hym vnto whom we write: whyther he bee a publike persō, or a priuat, why∣ther he be rich or poore, a friend or an enemie: also whyther he bee well known vnto vs, or but little.

There bee some of so ouerthwart a nature, that they neuer take plesure to reade any thing that is writen vnto them, be the matter neuer so pleasant and mery: vnto such it behoueth to write succinct¦ly and briefly: But to them whom we know do take plesure to reade letters, we should, and may with∣out danger write amply, properly and eloquently.

When we write to the Spi∣ritualtie, we must reuerēce them, & that by ryght: for such persons are called of God to hygh digni∣ties: and if we request any thyng at their handes, we must humble our selues, gyuing them that ho∣nour and reuerēce which is iustly due vnto them. Yet we must wa∣rily take heede that we exalt them not to much & more than reason would permit, for so might we be

noted of flattery and adulation, and they themselues also might therewithall iustly be offended: therefore let vs take heede that we write not impudently or vn∣aduisedly.

But if we write to our frend, we may make our Epistle or let∣ter, long or short, as we shall thinck best, and as it shall be most delectable: For a frende taketh all things agreably and in good part, and excuseth euery thing that he may reasonably excuse, whereas the enimie cōtrariwise quickly reprehendeth and argu∣eth, yea where there is no fault nor offense. And therefore he that writeth to his enimie, or to a person of small acquaintance, or where he douteth will be small estimation made of his writing,

he must wittily, and first of all declare that loue is iust or chari∣table for some honest cause, with∣out vaūting himselfe, or speaking arrogantly, as to say, I would that you should vnderstand what I am, &c. And then afterwarde to be briefe and circumspect.

And aboue all things we must take heede, that we write not of higher matters, than our vnder∣standing or knowledge may com∣prehend: for thereby are fooles knowne and manifested, euen as they be that presume to dispute of thinges that either they vnder∣stand not, or else haue very litle knowledge in them.

Also we must not write to them that be simple and ignorant by termes that be straunge & vn∣known, for so shold they haue iust occasiō to suspect that we deride

and mock them.

And in fine, reteyne this for a principall, that the fayrest langu∣age that may bee, is the common and familiar speache, and not that of rare and diffused phrases, or inckhorne termes skummed from the Latin, nor of to base termes & barbarous, or termes vnknowne except in certain places, for there is nothing more decent, than to keepe a meane in all things, and nothing more sure than to swim betwene two Ryuers, Nam in me∣dio consistit virtus. And as Horace sayth.

Est modus in rebus, sunt certi deni{que} fines: Quos vltrà, citrà{que}, nequit cōsistere rectū.

A meane there is in matters all, and certeyne bondes are pight: On this syde or beyond the which, nothing can stand thats right.

Furthermore, it is to be consi∣dered,

whether the matter that we write off bee honest, true, or such like: or whether it be slande∣rous, doutfull, obscure. &c. For if the matter of yt selfe bee honest & perfect, then needeth it but small perswasion: but if it bee doubtfull or obscure, it behoueth to make large and euident declaracion: if it be slanderous or vnhonest, then must bee added thereunto agrea∣ble remedies: as Terence doth, ex∣cusing dissolute persones, for he sayeth it is thorough negligence of their parents or for pouertie, or by flatterie. And so likewyse he that would defend a thief, may al∣leage that it was done thorough companie & ill counsel, or through pouertie, or that he was distract of his wittes. Whoso will more circumspectly and narrowly en∣treat of suche matters let them

reade the Rethorike of Master Doctor Wilsō, or of Master Ri∣chard Rainolde.

Moreouer there be sūdry other sortes of Epistles & Letters, for some are theologicall or of Diui∣nitie, as be the Epistles of Plato, of Denys, & of thappostles S Paule, S. Peter, S. Iames, and S. Iohn: other some are of maners and vertues, as those of S. Augustine, S. Hierome, S. Ambrose, Seneca, Cyprian: and other some are of great importance, as of peace, warre, and gouernance: other some of newes: other of Recommendations: other of ad∣monition: other of loue, as be those of Ouid, and of Propertius: other of domesticall familiaritie: and other some are pleasant and ioyfull. But in this litle volume we will onely entreat of the most

vsuall, and of some diffusedly, and the ouerplus shal remaine to the imaginatiō of gentle mindes, who by the skill of their penne, were able to repaire the whole ruine of Rethorike, if there shold happen any destruction or detry∣ment.

Euery Epistle is either of Doc∣trine, of Myrth, or of Grauitie. The Epistle of Doctrine is that wherein are expressed all good and euill things to them that be absent. That of Myrth is, which by plesaunt, long, and famili∣ar language, is made either to comfort, to reioyce, or to get the good wyll and beneuolence of them whome we write vnto.

And that of Grauitie is, when the matter is morall or ciuill, &c.

And all these three sortes doe tend to their proper endes: For whosoeuer writeth of Doctrine, ought to haue regarde to this end & to profit and instruct them vnto whome he writeth: he that wri∣teth of myrth must tend to recre∣ation and pastime, vsing ioyfull & merie language, plesant speache & iestes: he that entreateth of gra∣uitie must haue respect to honor and profit.

Example of an Epistle of Doctrine.

THe Epistle of Doctrine may be certaine, or doutfull in his sub∣stance: certayne when we render a cause, reason, aucthoritie, or opi∣nion of that which we write: doutfull, when we leaue the mat∣ter in suspense or not fully conde∣sended vpon, as if we shold write thus: You haue written vnto me to

certifie you whether that sorcerers do vse to ryde vpon a Byzom, and practise such other like trim trams. For answer: Seing that of many suche like matters there be diuers opinions, I leaue the case euen as it is: For in this matter & other of greater importance, wiser men than I do stand in dout, I will holde my peace, and make you none other answer.

Example of an Epistle of Mirth.

AN Epistle or Letter of mirth, must be endited with plesāt lā∣guage, as to say thus: For newes in these quarters you shall vnderstande that one of oure neighbors is lately re∣torned from Turkie, and hath tolde me for a certainty that y^e great Turke doeth altogether wallow in worldly plesures, wherein he setteth his whole felicitie. And amongst other his pastimes he deli∣teth in Singing and Musicians, whome at the beginning of Winter he sendeth into a certaine cuntry so cold, that their voyces and tunes assone as they are out

of their mouthes do incontinently re∣maine altogether frosen vntil such time that the Winter be paste: And then when the Spryng tyme approcheth, this great Turke accompanied wyth the Ladies and Damsels of his Cuntrey, causeth sundry great feastes and ban∣kets to be made, remayning there til the Sunne war warme. And then be∣ginne the voices and tunes of the yeare past, to vnfryse and thawe, resoun∣ding verie melodiously in the Ayre tho∣roughout the whole Countrey, &c,

Example of an Epistle of Grauitie.

AN epistle of Grauitie, as is before sayd, must bee of Morall or Ciuill matter, ten∣ding to honour: as to say thus. Sir, seing that the publike weale is to be preferred before particular profit, how can we honestly refuse this com∣bat? And if for the maynteining of

the faith of Iesus Christe against the Turke, we ought to spare neither bo∣die nor goodes: what may be sayde of the refusall, delay, or suttle rea∣sons, but that we be cowardes, tray∣tours, wicked heretikes, and worthy of perpetuall reproch? For my parte I will rather quite abandone and put all in daunger, than otherwise: The which I also request and counsell you to doe, to the ende that we may gette euerlasting honour, &c.

The Diuision of an Epistle or Letter.

IT is to bee noted that euerie Epistle conteineth three partes, euen as an Argument doeth, which consisteth of the Maior, the Minor, and Conclusion, which the

Orators ••all the cause, the intent, and the consequence: The cause is in place of the Maior, which mo∣ueth or constrayneth vs to write to an other, willing to signifie vn∣to him our mynde: The intent is in steade of the Minor, whereby we gyue him to vnderstand what our mynde is by Epistle or letter. The consequent or conclusion is of it selfe sufficiently knowne.

The first style or maner wherein the Cause is specified.

SYr you haue written vnto me, and de∣sired me that I would lend you, & send you by your lacky, this bearer, one of my bookes for youre recreacion and pastime. And bicause that I know the greate af∣fection and desire of you, by your Epistle so eloquently composed and endyted, I therefore am constrained, and (by youre letters full of humanitie) compelled to make you aunswer as one, who altoge∣ther is determined to shew you pleasure

to lend, and send you the booke that you demaund: for in so doing I hope that (In casu simili vel maiori,) you will an∣swere me according to my desire, which may engendre betwene vs not onely a mutual loue, but also a perpetuall bene∣uolence, and a continuall good will.

The three foresayd partes must be in euery Letter and Epi∣stle, either couertly or plainely. And a man may also adde to o∣ther necessary and superabundāt clauses, euery thing in as briefe order as may be, and according as the cause requireth & impor∣teth: & it is not nedefull alwaies to write the cause, but it is requi∣sit to write the intent, & the con∣sequence or cōclusion, for the con∣sequence dependeth of the two first the which must be very much either persuading or dissuading.

He that can artificially and workmanlike handle an Epistle,

may begin with the intent, after∣wardes tell the cause, & end with the consequence: or begin with the consequence, after declare the intent, and then the cause, ordring the whole matter as vnto him∣selfe shal seme best & most decent.

The second Style, wherein the Cause is first, afterward the Intent, and then the Conclusion.

THe thing which God and Nature would principally should be desyred with most harty affection,* 1.1 and the which I perceiue to be imprinted in my selfe more than any other thing, (my singu∣lar and perfect frende,) is to know, to learne, and to practise all honesty and humanitie.* 1.2 And bicause that aboue all Orators writing of humanitie, the sen∣tences of Tully are preferred, and by∣cause that he is estemed of all men the Prince of eloquence, (yet notwithstan∣ding partely vnknowne in these quar∣ters,) and notoriously manifested at Pa∣ris, the Fountaine of Science, there∣fore

haue I thought good to write vnto you,* 1.3 as to him whom I accompt my sin∣gular frende, requesting you aboue all the pleasures that you desire to do me: and also that you hope (as I may ima∣gine) that it may be the cause to erect & make me a man of vnderstanding, that it wold please you to send me the booke of Tullie. And in sending, I will not for∣get the recompence of your humanitie, which shall not be defrauded of me tho∣rough ingratitude, &c.

The third Style in this order, the in∣tent, the Cause, and the Conclusion.

I Would,* 1.4 dere frende, that you tooke as great pleasure to lende me the Parado∣xes of Cicero, as I desire to haue them of you, and throughly to peruse them ouer by cōtinual reading, but I haue always deferred to demand them of you, bicause they were nedeful for you in your ordina¦ry lectures.* 1.5 Notwithstanding for y^t I am now aduertised y^t your lecture hath takē end, to your great honor & good renown,

I suppose that the booke is out of your seruice, together also as I vnderstand, it is more corrected than any other. For this cause I request you to send it me:* 1.6 y^e which I hope you will easely performe. And so doing I shall acknowledge the good will which you beare vnto me, in sending me the booke which perchance you loue best, & whereof it may be that you haue most néede: And shalbe bound to lend you what soeuer you shall de∣maund me according to my possibilitie. Promising moreouer bothe my se••e and goods at your commaundement, &c.

The fourth Style in this order, the Conclusion, the Cause, and the Intent.

YOu should do me a great and singu∣lar pleasure,* 1.7 yea and also shold binde me for euer, if it wold please you to a∣grée to my request, the which is nothing preiudiciall vnto you, and vnto me very necessary and profitable:* 1.8 It is to lende me your booke of Rhetorike, for many times when I talke or declare a matter

to the ende to perswade,or disswade or otherwise, I perceiue my selfe so naked and vnfurnished of termes and phrases for the purpose, and such as I accustoma∣bly vse, I apply them so ill, that eueryone is weary, and ceasseth to giue eare vnto me, for the discorde of my speach. But if any do tary to heare the ende, they be ei∣ther poore ignorant women, or else such as deryde me, to my shame, confusion, & great dishonour.* 1.9 Therefore I am con∣strained humbly to require you, that it would please you to lend me your booke of Rethorike, for to haue thereof the co∣pie, to the end that I may auoid such in∣conuenience, which hapneth vnto me through the fondnesse and abuse of my language.

Here is to be noted that the conclusion is made but in three sortes onely: to wit by Amplifi∣cacion and enlarging, by commi∣seration and pittie, or by Epiloge and briefe rehersall.

By Amplification, as indu∣cing

laughter, or ioy: by commi∣seracion, as in mouing to pitty & pardon: by Epiloge, as in collec∣ting briefly together that which hath ben amply and at large de∣clared in the Epistle before,* 1.10 especi¦ally when it conteyneth many & long partes: And the Epiloge is made to the ende the Readers or the herers be not defrauded of the purpose & conclusion. But this is more decent & conuenient in Epi∣stles, than in Letters, for letters ought to be briefe and short.

And yet bicause this place shall not be left darkely & obscurely, I wil giue more ample intelligence of commiseracion, amplification, Epiloge, & also of demonstration.

Cōmiseracion must be made of swete, pitiful, & humble lāguage, like to a Cōmedie, & must be brief, for it is ynough if a man do but

somwhat moue the Audience to pittie: as to say thus with hum∣ble modestie: wold to God, right worshipfull, that I had wept to you, & not haue prouoked you to wepe: for with great paine can I scarce vtter one onely worde of myne intēt, through the abundāce of teares which my heart causeth to distil from mine eyes, &c.

Amplification is made, when for to moue the Audiēce to honest myrth & somtimes to indignatiō, or sometimes to pittie, there is spoken in augmēting the termes of the Cōclusion, somthing for to encrese the termes & phrases: as to saye thus, Right honorable, I aduertise you that the cause appertayneth to God, and to men of great authoritie. Also, if you wyl not accept this charge you refuse a great goodnesse and

honour which God doeth sende you.

The Epiloge by nature should be briefe, and is made alwayes at the end of the discourse, whē bref∣ly and in sūme, the reasons, & ar∣guments in diuers places disper∣sed, are reduced together to be the better fixed and imprinted in the memory of the Audiēce, as to say, Right honorable, and worship∣ful, what will you that I say vn∣to you? I haue first told you such a thing, and such a thing, &c. and haue proued it by such reasons, &c.

The conclusion demonstratiue is made, as if a man should saye thus: For the excellent beuties of women which are of such Ange∣licall shape, hauing the booke of such ardent liuelyhood, and the speach so gracious, do passingly

enamour the myndes of men.

Furthermore it is to be no∣ted that diuers Epistles may be∣gin with a perfect sentence, au∣thoritie, or common prouerbe: prouided that it be altogether a∣greeable to the purpose that we entend to perswade or disswade: as for Example.

Denys the tyrant, vvriteth to the Burgesses of Naples.

WHosoeuer denieth his soueraigne that which iustly to him is due,* 1.11 is altogether vnexcusable: For the soue∣raigne Lord may and ought for the af∣faires of him and his cuntrey demande ayde of his subiectes, for to cōserue them in peace, seing that for them he daily ha∣zardeth him selfe in a thousand perils of death.* 1.12 Now so it is that I haue deman∣ded of you an hundreth thousand duc∣kats, and ten thousand men, for to make warre vpon the king of Chipre: which demaund you wold not, or else haue dis∣dayned

to vnderstand,* 1.13 much lesse to ac∣complish: 1 waying then the othe that you made vnto me, I thought you wold haue kept promise and fealtie: 2 & con∣sidering also that you are not ignorant of the great necessitie y^t I haue bothe of men & money, for the which I haue oftē sommoned and required you. Therefore seing your infidelitie and rebellion,* 1.14 I ac∣compt you as enimies, and haue deter∣mined to extend vpon you myne indig∣nation and crueltie, euen to the abando∣ning and ransacking of you and your Citie, by fyer and sworde, and generall pillage of all your goods without any fa∣uor or pardō, the which thing you might haue auoyded by loue, fidelitie, and obe∣dience.

An answere to the same in like maner and fo••rme.

THe Law of impossibilitie is so great, most high and redouted soueraigne,

that thereby euery man ought to be, and is lawfully excused and frée of all somo∣ning and request:* 1.15 for there as is not wherewithall, neither dominion nor payment taketh place: according to the common prouerbe,* 1.16 where nothing is to be had, the King loseth his right. And as lōg as we had wherwithal, our good wil, and loyall corage hath alwayes obeyed you, plainely manifesting vnto you our fidelitie and obedience, euen to the very consummation of our goods, and slaugh∣ter of the strong men, and youth of our Citie: in such sort that now we haue no∣thing remaining vnto vs,* 1.17 but onely the good will: Beseching you most humbly to mitigate, and assuage your anger and fury, considering the great pittie and po∣uertie of vs.

Note that in all Letters,* 1.18 or in moste parte of them three things ought to bee obserued: To wit, that the demaunde be iuste, that it bee possible, and to

shew the possibility, assigning the rewarde of the benefit: & if these things be not expresly set, then are they vnderstanded. For if a poore man write vnto a rich, to lend him money, it is not nedeful to declare his demaund to be iust, nor to declare his possibilitie: but it suffiseth to praise the rich man of his vertue & liberalitie, where∣by he helpeth the poore which are succourlesse.

Also he that demādeth to bynd himselfe, nedeth not to speake of the rewarde of the plesure, nor likewise whē the Father writeth to his sonne, or the Master to his seruant, nor when a man writeth to his frende.

And here are to be noted foure things which let & hinder the de∣maundant from being granted.* 1.19

The first is to demand a thing

to great & more thā a man ought wherefore saith Cato, Quod iustum est petito, aske thy duetie and no more.

The second is the tyme: as to demaunde yee in sōmer, or that one should paie an obligation, or rente before the time be expired.

The thrd is the place: as if my debter should owe me. x. pound, to be payde in Paules Church, & I should demaunde it of him in Westminster Hall.

The fourth is the cause: as to demaund that which hath been promised, notwithstanding any thing that is done or sayd within the certain time, & that it be not sa¦tisfied. As for Example: O Lorde Christ I ought to haue and possesse hea∣uen, I am a Christiā, I craue it of thée: truely (he wil say) I haue giuen thée hea∣uen, if it be so that thou accomplish the

will of my Father which is in heauen.

Moreouer if it happen that in Letters it be nedefull to make partes anb diuisions, let it be don with breuitie: and likewise if there be a Narraciō, as of newes frō the court, or of wars, it must be dispatcht very briefly, & plain∣ly, in vsing cōmon termes, with∣out long clauses or parentheses.

Thus hauing now declared & set forth at large most part of the necessary precepts, which belong to the well composing and endy∣ting of Epistles and Letters, (I say necessary, for if a man should make & compose an Epistle well either in English or in any other language, it were good to haue the perfect vnderstanding of all the rules both of Gramar & Re∣thorike:) presently shalbe descri∣bed the Style and fourme of cer∣tain

letters. And first whē one mā writeth for an other, commēding him, to the ende he might obtaine some dignity or prefermēt: & such a letter must containe .iiij. partes.

The first way to get beneuo∣lence is in praising of him vnto whom we write, for his liberali∣tie, his bountifulnesse, his iustice, his vertue &c.

The second waie to purchase beneuolence vnto him for whome we write, is to say that he is mo∣dest, gentle to euery one, & a man not voide of knowledge.

The third is, to make the de∣mand honestly & modestly, which must be deuoide of the foure lets and impedimentes whereof we lately made mention: and in so doing, that it be iust, honest, fa∣cill, and for the which he vnto whom we write may haue either

honor or profit by graunting it.

The fourth, to promise him all seruice and perpetuall obedience, saying that what soeuer is de∣maunded for and in the fauor of such a man, is estemed as though it were for our selfe: as in this Example.

A Letter vvritten to the King, in fauor of one pretending the order of Knighthode.

IT behoueth me not (most Christian King) to write familiarly to your sa∣cred Maiestie, for so might I be noted of presumption and ••olish hardinesse, but considering your benignitie and huma∣nitie, whereby you giue fauor and sup∣portacion euen vnto them that haue ful∣ly deserued it and vnto strangers: For this cause therefore I haue taken auda∣citie to write vnto you vnder hope to obtaine that which I ernestly and most humbly require. It is in the behalfe of such a one, a man bothe wise & valiant,

whereof I attest vnto you by the know∣ledge that I haue had of long time, that his name, armes, and high prowesse are approued of all people, in such sort that (none dispraised) he ought to haue the praise and price aboue all. It is well knowne (worthy soueraigne) what en∣terprises, deliberacions, and subtilties in the feats of warres, he vsed at the ex∣peditiō against the Turkes and Infidels, especially at the voyage of, &c. where he caried away the honour, by the report of men of good reputation and credite that were there present: as namely of such a one, and such a one. He is now deter∣mined & euē redy to depart homewards: But for the great affection that he hath to serue your maiestie (as he promised me) he wold very gladly by you be made Knight, and hath requested me to write for him. And bicause that I consider his demaund to be iust, and very honest, and that it is very decent and conuenable, that he should be preferred in honour, as one that hath rightly deserued no lesse, with great payne and trauail of his bo∣die,

and that this shal be an occasion gi∣uing to other good & valiāt, hardy Cham∣pions to serue you alwayes better and better, waiting for suche lyke or better reward. Therefore do I humbly besech you to haue him in remēbrance: Promi∣sing your maiestie, that aswell I, as he and his, wil render you immortal thāks, beseching God to maynteine & preserue you in your triumphant & quiet raigne.

Note that we are not accusto∣med to speake by thou, nor thee, as diuers other nations whome we call strangers and barbarous people do, except it be in some res∣pects: whereby is easely percei∣ued the loue, the gentle nature, humanitie, curtesie, reuerence, & honour that we haue and beare one to an other: yea euen in wry∣ting & speaking to our enimies, and strangers. Notwithstanding I wil not take in hād to restraine any man by rule or otherwise, to

vse either you, or thou, seing that alreadie many good Oratours haue vsed those termes, as they haue thought best: obseruing as I may rightly cōiecture, the per∣fection of the Latine tong. And likewise the Emperor, the King, the Iudge, & such other persona∣ges, although their persō be sin∣gular, yet they vse these termes, we say, we wil. &c. And the cause is for that they neither say nor do any thīg without coūsel. Bicause therfore that our elders & betters haue so vsed thē, & that they haue ben so obserued time out of minde & together also for other resons, I leaue them to the iudgement of such as haue desyre further to search and finde out the causes of things: for I intend to be briefe.

Hovv to vvrite in a mans behalfe, for a Ciuil cause.

WRiting in a ciuil cause, we must deuide our Letter into foure partes: First to get the be∣neuolence of him vnto whom we write, by praysing of his iustice, or other vertue, agreable to the thing that we would obtayne of him: saying that the good hope that we haue to obtayn the thing that we demaunde of him, doeth moue vs to write vnto him. Se∣condly, to purchase good wil vnto him for whom we write. Third∣ly, to get beneuolēce through the iust cause of the thing whereof we intrete: saying that it is right¦full, easy, playne and profitable, and that thereof may ensue great honor, profit and praise. Fourth∣ly, to open the demaund, reque∣sting that he for whom we write may be had in remembrance, in promising our seruice, &c.

The Example.

THere is in you so great equitie of Iustice, (right excellent and soue∣raigne Iudge) y^t it is manifestly known not onely vnto me, but also to the whole cuntrey: in such sort that euery one may safely without any aduocate, commit his iust cause into your hands, how poore so∣euer the man be, all feare, fauour, or dis∣daine cast asyde &c. For this cause, and for the mutuall loue betwixt vs: good & stedfast hope doth encorage me to write vnto you in the behalfe of one of my frendes, vniustly oppressed by his aduer∣sary, trusting that you will preserue vn∣to him his right. For I aduertise you (my Lord) that he for whome I write vnto you, is my auncient and speciall frende and agréeable to all men through his wisdom and gentlenesse, yea and by his vertues getteth the loue & good will of euery one. And bycause he hath before you my Lord, certaine processe, of diuers wrongs & vexacions done vnto him by his aduersary, as he hath informed me, therefore hath he requested me to write

vnto you in his behalfe, hoping y^t by this meanes, you will be vnto him a iust and fauorable Iudge. For this cause, & for y^t he is my very singular frend, & also for y^t I wold shew him any seruice or pleasure y^t I were able, I most earnestly & harte∣ly besech you to haue him in remēbrāce for this & other his affaires, & processe de∣pending before you. And in so doing, my lord, he hath promised me to be your per∣petual seruāt & daily Orator, praying to God for you & all your frends, & so will all they do y^t loue him, whereby you shal∣be prayed for and praysed amongst many good & worthy men, of whome he hath al∣wayes y^e familiaritie & good acquaintāce

Hovv to vvrite in ones behalfe for an Offence or cryminall Cause.

IN a criminal cause or iust excuse the Letter must be deuided into foure partes. First to get beneuo∣lence by expressing the vncorrup∣cion and equitie of the iudge to whome we write: And as for the offender, to write that he hath al∣wayes lothed & abhorred such a

crime wherof he is accused or no∣ted, & that case may simply be ag∣grauated, howbeit without excu∣sing any thing at al. Secōdly, we must say that although we neuer thought to haue written of any such matters, yet we wer moued thereunto cōsidering the cōmodi∣tie & profit ether publik or priuate or the miserable pitie of him for whom we write, who in all other matters was of good cōuersatiō, in whose persō was neuer found any other notorious fault, allea∣ging his vertues & diligēce: & cō∣sequētly, saying that the man is to be regarded and not the voice. Thirdly to cōmit to memory the praises of the accnsed, recoūting his vertuous acts & good graces. Fourthly, to promise y^t he will no more do any such thing, but y^t frō thēceforth he wil exercise all ver∣tuous acts, offering al seruice &c.

Example.

I Know for a certainty (most vncorrup∣tible Iudge) that you haue always ha∣ted, abhorred, and had in abhomination all sortes of malefactours and euill per∣sons, correcting them, and ministring vpright Iustice, as muche as in you is possible, especially such as through impi∣e••ie are wilfull murtherers of their pa∣rentes, kinsefolkes or neighbours. And for my part (most worthy and rightfull iudge) I do not only require to flee their company, but also detest their cruelty, in such sort (that it is contrary to all huma∣nitie and to the publike weale) that I desire their banishment, imprisonment, or punishment with sharpe Iustice. And although I haue ben instantly desired to write vnto you in the behalfe of such a one, who (as it is sayd) hath committed such a fact &c. & is deteyned in your pry∣sons in daunger of his life, as I am ad∣uertised: although also I thought the re∣quest reasonable, yet would I hot in any wise haue written vnto you (right ho∣norable Iudge,) for so slanderous a mat∣ter,

had I not ben prouoked thereunto by the cōsideration of the vertues which I know to be in him, in such nūber that it were to long to recite them. I assure you (my Lorde Iudge) that this euil ex∣cepted (if an euill it may be called, being done in a mans owne defēse, as I am in∣formed) he hath alwayes shewed him self an honest man, were it for y^e defence of y^e town, or to mayntein iustice, wher∣in he hath not spared his bodie, goods, counsell nor frendes. And when there hath ben any good act in hand, to appre∣hend the body of any offēder, there hath ben no man more hardy, nor that with∣out feare hath more fréely ventured him self in danger, wherby yet many woūds and skarres are apparant in him. And I ensure you (my Lord) that there is no lambe more gentle than hée, nothing more peaceable than he is: And there is in this Towne none more valiant, har∣dy, nor honester man, without dispray∣sing any. My Lord, I consider that for such a case hapned by fortune (as this is whereof I intreate) so many vertues

which are in the man of whom I write vnto you, ought not to be quenched, re∣quiring of their owne nature fauour of grace and iust supportation. Therefore I besech you (my Lord Iudge) to whose pitie and benignitie I entend to direct this Letter, and not to your seuere Iu∣stice, that it wold please you not to haue so much regard to this pitifull chaūce so∣denly hapned, but y^t aboue all you might haue regarde to his youth already wyse, sage, and so full of vertue, that he is be∣loued of many good men, for that he ne∣uer offended but in this matter, and is well willing to amend, and neuer to re∣turne to any such fault: Pleaseth it you therefore to deliuer him: whereof I hū∣bly besech you, to y^e end that he may yet again hazard himselfe, his body, and his goods, in ech iust quarell.

How to request the counsaile of an Aduocate.

TO demaūd fauor in any thing that is called an vncororall benefit, as doctrine, counsayl, &c.

First of al we must deuide the let∣ter into foure partes: The first conteyneth that he of whome we demaūd, hath power to giue that which we would request of him, for by that meanes he shal not ex∣cuse him selfe by impossibilitie. Secondly, to shew the demaund to be iust & honest, to thende that he excuse not himself, saying that he would do it gladly if the de∣maund were iust. Thirdly, to make the demaund, declaring it selfe to be facile & easie. Fourthly, to promise gold, siluer, or other thing, & perpetual seruice &c. And vpon this point it is to be noted that in this kinde of style and sundry other sortes of supplicati∣ons and demaunds, we must vse humble language, as much as may bee: For humble speache is a great persuasion to obtayne

that which we require and de∣maunde.

The Example.

THe Incredible Eloquence that is in you (right worshipfull Aduocate) shineth in such sort, that there are no O∣rators in Iudiciall actes to be compared vnto you: which thing giueth me sted∣fast hope, that if it would please you to take the charge of my cause and to con∣duct it, I should come to such ende as my heart desireth. The quarel that I haue is iust, and begoon agaynst such a one, myne aduersary, who through deceyte and cauilacion, hath induced me to make a bargaine with him very trublesome & hurtfull for me, whereof I haue ben dis∣missed by the King in his Chauncery, as you may perceiue by y^e specialties which are in my bagge. Therefore haue I this recourse vnto you, trusting of your good counsell and that you will speake boldly for me before the Iudges, to susteyne my good right, whereof I presently write vnto you, hoping that you will willingly

employ your selfe thereunto, after that you haue vnderstanded the matter at large, wherein I haue iust cause, al∣though the aduersary party say the con∣trary. And in so doing as my special trust is, and (as I humbly besech you) I will promise to recompense yeu with honest and lawfull rewarde, the which I will pay you largely, liberally, and inconti∣nently at your pleasure. And so shall you also haue my ayde in your affaires and businesse, and commaunde me as your humble seruant to accomplish the full content of a good heart, to the pleasure of our Lord &c.

Hovv to ansvvere in such a like matter.

IN the answere of a matter cal∣led an vncorporall benefit, that is to say of Doctrine or counsell, the diuision must be made into three parts. First, to get beneuo∣lence: declaring that for the loue that we beare vnto him, we do

gently agree vnto his demaund. Secondly, we must make offer of that which is demaunded and re∣quired, and of other greater mat∣ters, in purchasing good will on the other side. Thirdly, we repete the offer by enlarging & amplify∣ing of seruices, & that we desyre nothing more than to do him ser∣uice, & that we will therein do so well that he shal haue occasion to holde himselfe contented.

The Example.

I Haue receued the letters which it ple∣sed you to write vnto me (my singular & perfect frend) by the which I perceiue the desire, affection, & confidēce that you haue in me, concerning the guiding of your cause, & the matter of the allowing of the kings letters, obteyned for you a∣gainst such a one &c. I aduertise you, that not onely for the good & iust action y^t you haue in this mater, wherunto euery ver¦tuous man ought to shew fauor: but also for the singular loue frō the time of our

youth mutually cōsidered, (my dere frēd) I accord vnto you, not onely for y^e which you require me, but also for all other fa∣uor & seruice, euen as one frend ought to do vnto an other. In such sort y^t you shall not perceiue in me any signe of apperāce to refuse that labour. For I will wholly & altogether endeuour my selfe for you in this affaire, euen as for myne owne: yea you shal vnderstand (God to frende) that I wil do more & better therein than I am able presently to speake or write. Certifying you (my singuler frend) that I am redy to fulfill your desire & cōman∣dement, wherevnto soeuer it shall please you to assigne me, and that nothing shal more reioyce me, than to perceiue by you to haue done any thing that doth please and content you. &c.

How to thanke an Aduocate for a cause by him conducted.

TO render thanks for an vncor∣poral benefit, it behoueth to de¦uide the letters into foure parts. First to get beneuolēce shewing y^t we know not howe to begin to

render him condigne thanks, by reason of our insufficiencie. Se∣condly, the beneuoleuce must be consented vpon the thing: for we must say, that it is very cōmodi∣ous & profitable for vs. Thirdly, we must render thanks after the best maner that may bee, decla∣ring all due recompense, & offe∣ring our selues. &c.

The Example.

I Know not (right wise and learned Aduocate) by reason of the smalnesse of my vnderstanding, how I might ex∣presse or write the fourme to render you condigne thanks and worthy prayse, for the benefit that I haue receiued of you: in that you haue not onely with a good will taken the charge to conduct and fo∣low my processe, whereof I wrote vn∣to you, but briefly haue made expedition therein to my profit, with such apparant diligēce, that you are greatly to be com∣mended, and vnto you belong immortall

thanks & praises, ouer & bisides my recō∣pēce & rewards. What greater ioy could come vnto me, than to be out of care and trouble which I was in for this processe, considering y^e torment & wrōg y^t mine ad∣uersarie offered, & wold haue done vnto me: wherof your careful diligēce hath de∣liuered me, made me ioyful & quiet? this considered, I know not how I may wor∣thily reward you, which notwithstāding I desyre to the vttermost of my power. Nowe seing that I esteme the goodnesse which I haue receyued of you to be per∣petuall and immortall, reason wold that I should render you perpetuall and im∣mortal thāks, which is impossible for me: therefore bicause I can not do it, I offer you my body & goods, my selfe & myne to remaine to you in continuall seruice. &c.

How to request a Corporall benefit.

AS cōcerning the maner howe to demaund corporal things, as a booke, a horse, or such lyke, the Letter must be diuided into foure partes. First, we must get

the good will of him to whome we write▪ by praising his liberali∣ty, and principally of the power & authoritie that he hathe ouer the thing that he is demaunded. Se∣condly, we muste declare our de∣maund & request to be honest & ne∣cessary, & without the which we cānot atcheue to our determinate ende & purpose. Thirdly, that the request is easy to be granted, cō∣sidering his abilitie, and that in a more difficil thing, his liberalitie is ordinarily expressed. Fourthly, to promise recompence, as golde, siluer, or some kinde of seruice.

¶The Example.

I Haue knowen of long time (most re∣noumed Doctor) your zele towardes y^e poore louers of learning & knowledge, which you manifest by imparting to thē, not onely your Doctrine most effectu∣ously & with good corage, but also doe not spare to distribut euē to y^e vnknowē your

temporall faculties, wherein you shew your wysdom and worthinesse, getting therby praise in the world, diuine grace, & innumerable merits. You know (right skilfull Doctor) that I haue a long time sayled in the déepe sea of Theologicall facultie, ordinarily hearing your sacred Lectures, but the want of bookes doeth much hinder me from profiting in that faculty, and I haue no assured recourse, sauing to your liberalitie, without the which I shold be cōstrained to frustrate myne endeuor, & to abandon my studie. The matter is not greatly difficill vnto you to ayde me in this my great affaire & vrgent necessitie, no more than to wil, & may: for you haue in like maner kept diuers other from falling downe, & haue erected them to high dignitie. For this cause I besech you to lend me your boke of Sentēces, that I may escape the pe∣rils of diuers vncertainties & dark igno∣rances: & in so doing I wil not shew my self vngrate towards you, in ministring such thāks & seruice as for me is possible

How to answere, granting a Corporal benefit.

HE that will decently aunswer Letters requiring a corporall thing, must deuide it onely into three parts. First, to get the good wil, declaring vnto him to whom he writeth, that he is affected to please him and to do him seruice. Secondly, it shall be good some∣what to praise the gift & graunt without boasting or vayneglory, declaring that it is not only done for that the graunt is profitable, but for that he perceiueth that such a graunt is acceptable and pleasant vnto him to whome he writeth, and that therefore he de∣sireth to do it for him. Thirdly, in offring the gift or graunt, he de∣clareth him selfe to be readie to do any thing that hee knoweth might pleasure him.

The Example

THe Letters that I haue lately recei∣ued from you (my singular & perfecte frende) haue giuen me great ioye and spiritual recreation: for amongst y^e cares and waighty businesse wherewith you know that I am ordinarily occupyed, I take pleasure and consolacion to heare of your newes, & chiefly that you should be studious, to the end you might attayn to the perfection of a skilfull and learned man, which thing I coniecture wil come to passe, for I sée fewe that in studying are more diligent than you, wherein you employ your selfe by continual vigi∣lacion, not losing one Lecture nor dispu∣tacion. You write vnto me that I shold send you my booke of Sentences: and se∣ing the earnest affection that you haue to profit in lerning, as you haue written vnto me, I do easely and with a good wil condescend vnto you, and fauoring your request I send you by this berer the said booke, to y^e ende that hauing receiued it, you may study at your pleasure and for your profit: which shall be greatly to my contentation, especially if God so graūt

that I may once sée you a worthy doctor in y^e facultie. And I instantly desyre you y^t if in any other matter you haue neede of any thing y^t I may helpe you withall, that you wold not spare me, but cōmand it, and by Gods grace I will acomplish it with a good will. &c.

How to giue thanks for a Cor∣porall gift receiued.

TO render thāks for the gift of a corporall thing receiued, the letters must be deuided into three partes. First to get beneuolēce by reason of the thing giuen. Se∣condly, to get beneuolēce by reasō of our selfe, saying that we haue neither wit strength nor goodes, nor any other thing sufficient to answer vnto the gift, & the good will. &c. Thirdly, to render thāks in the best sort that we can: offrīg al things at his cōmandemēt. &c.

The Example.

COnsidering with my self your great liberalitie (right honorable Doctor) and waying the magnificence of the gift which it hath pleased you to impart vn∣to me, I know not (as one altogether a∣bashed) what thing I eyther might or ought to do: For if I should not render you great thanks for the good turne that you haue done me, I were worthy to be noted of to much ingratitude: or if I should take vpon me to thanke you, all my wordes would not be able to suffice that which my heart willeth & desireth: whervpon I should by good right be re∣prehended of ignorance. This notwith∣standing (worthy Doctor) though I can not set forth in effect, y^t which w^t a good heart I would, for the which I hold my self bound vnto you, let it suffice for this present y^e I cōfesse neither to possesse nor haue any thing which is thank worthy, saue only y^e good will, which w^t his small power doth most hūbly thāk you. Doing you to vnderstād, y^t as long as I shal liue I wil remēber your beneuolēce & libera∣litie, wherin I will employ my prayers

to pray vnto God for youre good prospe∣ritie and helth, for I know none other thing wherin I might better profit you: But if God so prouide for me hereafter that I may, you shal finde me redy to em∣ploy my selfe for you, euen as I know and confesse, that you haue vsed your li∣beralitie towards me. &c.

Here are to be noted six con∣siderations of thankes giuing, which may take place as well in the iudiciall gender as in the de∣liberatiue: for thanks giuing is a kynde of recompense: That is to wit, we must consider the bene∣fit and thing giuen, him that gi∣ueth it, the time, the qualitie, the value that is demaunded, and the authoritie of him that demādeth, together with the facultie of him that is demaunded. Concerning the gift or benefit, ther is to be cō∣sidred whether it be great or smal sumptuous or paynfull, priuate

or cōmon, easy or difficult, much or litle, good or bad. As touching him that giueth, there is to be cō∣sidered his liberalitie, & custom of giuīg. Also for the time, whether we haue extreme necessitie, & that none other of our frēds either did it not, or knew it not, could not or wold not do it, and that without hope of succor as a chāce vnloked for, he did vs that benefit. And as for the qualitie, whether he did it for our profit or his owne, whe∣ther by fortune or of set purpose, whether liberally or by constraint, or otherwise. As concerning the value, it is by comparison, as to consyder what it is that is de∣maunded, how much, considering also the comparisō of that which is giuen, and of that which is de∣maūded. And as touching the au∣thoritie, is to be considered what

maner of persons they be which demaund, for what cause: there is likewise to be considred the facul∣ty of him that is demaūded, as al∣so the facultie of the recompence. Moreouer it is to be considered & noted, that he which demaūdeth recompence hath three common places. The first is Amplificatiō of the benefits & good turns that he hath done, of the paines & los∣ses that he hath had in doing him good & seruing him, & then adni∣chilating and counting nought worth any rewarde that he hath had, as to say thus: I haue ser∣ued you at myne owne proper costes, I haue cōsumed my youth I haue destroyed my selfe for you and yet haue I ben nothing recō∣penced. The seconde by compari∣son as thus: You haue heretofore done me some pleasure, but that

doth nothing approch, nor is not worthy to be compared to the be∣nefit that I haue done you. The third is by remonstration, as for to say thus: do you wel vnderstād that from henceforth there is no man that will do you seruice, nor kepe promise except you satisfy me, & therfore if you do not, I wil declare it vnto euery one. Now he that will deny such benefits done, or at lest not recompēce thē, may ayde him selfe by the three reasons aforesayde in confuting them: first by Amplification, say∣ing thus: A man ought not to giue vnto wicked persons any good or excellent recompence, for the paynes of a villaine are to be made no accompt vppon. By comparyson, saying: If any by their vertues haue hadde anye

benefit, the other vicious may not looke to haue lyke preemi∣nence. By remonstracion, in decla∣ring that the men are more coue∣tous of money than of vertue, & that for a mans money he may alwayes haue seruauntes moe in number, than vertuous. Moreo∣uer recompēce or remuneraciō is made in three sortes, by will, by word, and by deede. By wil when the faculty, the tyme, and oppor∣tunitie are not: and yet there re∣mayneth in the man a perpetuall memory of the good deede which he hath receiued, and wold glad∣ly render pleasure for pleasure, or better. By word, when in giuing thanks for the good turne which hath ben done vnto vs, we binde our selues to do all seruice to our benefactour. By deede, when be∣syde the thanks of words, we re∣compence

the benefactour with goods, with gifts, with seruice, with mutuall loue: or at the least by offring to satisfie.

Thus much haue I thought necessary to be expressed in this place, and now it is time to enter into the style of Missiue Letters vnder the demonstratiue gendre.

Hovv to vvrite vnder the demon∣stratiue gender, in the praise of some bodie.

TO write in the praise or com∣mendation of any man, in such a respect the Letter must be par∣ted and deuided into three parts. First, to declare the insufficien∣cy of our wits, as not able to describe the vertues, merits, and praises, which belong vnto him for whom we write, the which

we must say doeth surmount all eloquent Rethorik, or other ma∣ner of writing. Afterward must be expressed some excuse or cause which moued vs to write. Se∣condly, we must begin to declare one of the vertues of him whom we wold praise, and consequent∣ly with other general causes, say∣ing that of such vertues & grea∣ter, he hath such number that we were scarce able to recyte them in many days. Thirdly, that those things which we haue written are but small matters in compa∣risō of those that we might write & that it is no flattery nor adu∣lacion which we write, &c.

The Example.

ALthough (right honorable Lordes) I haue taken vpon me a thing very vnfit for my rude and small vnderstan∣ding,

that is to expresse by my letters vn∣to you noble Lords, the praises and no∣ble vertues of N. which are such and in so great number, that I know not at whiche of them to begin, for the least which is not little, surmounteth all ma∣ner of writing, & that such a personage can not be counted to much worth, nor be to much extolled & magnified: This notwithstanding according to my simple and rude maner of writing: I haue ven∣tured to write vnto you of his most wor∣thie prayse. In the first place, I promise you, and assure you that amongst the noble, expert, valiant and hardy men, he hath alwayes ben the chiefe: for if there be question of worthinesse as well of body as at weapon, if there be question of strength, and there withall of warfa∣ring prowesse, be it on foote or on horse∣backe, alone or in company, at an assault or in a garison, or if I shoulde speake of Doctrine bothe morall & politike, yea or diuine, in all these and such other things, he as it were a verie mirrour

and spectacle: amongst birds he is an Egle, amongst fishe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Dolphin, and a∣mongst men a very Hercules. For coun∣sayle of the Citie and politike affaires there is not his lyke, who is (and will be) to your Citie no small adornement, whereby you shall get great renowne, and strangers the light of most euident example. And bicause that my to rude vnderstanding knoweth not the maner how to write the tenth part of his ver∣tues, and that my letter sheld be to long and tedious, it may please you to be con∣tent at this present with this small wri∣ting: for I do determine to write vnto you an other time more largely, & what soeuer I write it shal be nothing but mere truthe, deuoide of all faining and flattery: & I aduertise you (my Lords) that so much the more you shall know him, so much the more wil you commēd, praise, honour, and esteme it a great benefit to haue had the ••••••••ledge, ac∣quaintance, seruice, ayde, support, famili∣aritie, frendship confederation, alliance, recourse, & cōpany of such a personage &c.

Hovv to vvrite vnder the Demon∣stratiue gender, blaming or dispraysing another.

TO write in y^e dispraise of a man we must deuide our letter into three parts. First to get good wil vnto our selues, declaring that in deede we do not loue, neither that it is our commō vse to write euill of any man, but that now we are vehemently vrged and constray∣ned there vnto &c. Secondly we must dispraise the party in honest and couert termes, and so placed that it be not playnly perceiued that we speke for enuy or anger, or otherwise: but onely that in very deede the great pryde which is in him doeth cause vs to say it, to thende to abate his presump∣••ion, and to reforme him. Third∣ly we shall excuse our selues to∣wardes him vnto whome we

write, that if we haue written a∣ny thing vnto him, which might displease him, we suppose him to be wise ynough to know the truth, offering. &c.

The Example: vvherin a certain man writeth to Cicero touching the conspiracie of Catyline.

IT is not my custome, (learned Cicero, most renowmed and worthy of honor,) by detracting and speaking euill or bla∣ming of an other, as many do, to go a∣bout to get vnto my selfe praise and re∣nowme, especially when the vices of the other doe touch me nothing at all: in so much that although I my selfe be stande∣red & greatly iniured by myne enimies, I suffer it paciently, and hold my peace. But yet considering with my selfe the great Treasons of Catiline, who not∣withstanding neuer did me any displea∣sure, seing that he was determined as a Traytour, to kéepe the whole Citie and cuntry in subiection, by the ayde and sup∣port of strangers, I coulde not abstayne

my selfe from declaring it vnto you, to the end that the whole being known, ye might giue order, and conuenient reme∣die. I aduertise you (worthy sir, and déere frende) that ouer and aboue the other innumerable vices, pety trafficks, traysons and subtilties that are in him, he communicateth day & night with the cursed, peruerse and wicked rybalds, ruf∣fians, & rascal Roges of the Towne, he prouoketh & corrupteth them with mo∣ney, and other damnable meanes, to con∣spyre with him the destruction of y^e good & noble Burgesses & Citizens: with full determinate purpose to make a generall cōmotion, to kill the wise & learned go∣uernors, to fier theyr houses, to ransack & spoyle their goods, & to do al the execra∣ble wickednesse that is possible. And this is now manifestly & notoriously knowē throughout the whole Citie. For he now declareth himselfe to be such a one euen in open audience, threatning them that are in chiefest aucthoritie, in such sorte that they are constrained to flee, fearing a greater inconuenience: Therfore it is

necessary (my singular friende) to giue politike order, and that brefly, to the end that a greater euill do not ensue. I haue not writte this vnto you for any hatred or enuy that I haue against him, for so should I do wrong to complayne of him, but that which I do is in fauour of the publick weale, & to moue you as a good and diligent Iudge, to redresse it by se∣uere iustice, so far forth as it is nedefull, to thend that we may remayne in ciuill peace and tranquillitie: requiring and beseching you to addresse vnto me your noble desyres that I may accomplish thē according to my possibilitie.

Hovv to vvrite by maner of Com∣plaint or lamentation, for an iniury receiued.

IN such a case we must first get the good wil of him vnto whom we write, by reducing to his me∣mory the cause wherefore we are moued and prouoked to let him vnderstād of our estate. Second∣ly,

we must make honest remon∣stration and reci••all of the wrong that our aduersary hath done vn∣to vs, by reprouing him of ingra∣titude, or some other villanous vice. Thirdly we must require counsayle, comfort, ayde, or de∣maunde his counsayle, offring in lyke maner. &c.

The Example: vvherein Appius vvriteth to Caesar, of iniury done him by Cicero.

THe feruent desire and singular loue which you haue alwayes shewed vn∣to me (most mighty Caesar) doeth con∣straine me to write vnto you my com∣plaint of an iniury which hath ben done vnto me, to y^e end to obtayn of you some comforte, for I suppose that the iniury doeth touch you as well as me, conside∣ring the amitie and frēdship betwixt vs, which through firme & stedfast acquain∣tance ought to be common, as well in

prosperitie as in aduersitie. And bicause that within this moneth I haue sustey∣ned very vncurteous and vnhonest in∣iuries, I could not abstayn from writing vnto you, to the end that you might be a relieuer and comforter of this greuous trouble. You knowe (right renowned Caesar,) the pains, trauels, diligence, and the great perils and dangers, wherein I haue ben for this wicked persō of whom I write vnto you, not onely for to doe him honor, but also profit. And when I was iudge, you knowe in what magni∣ficence he was receiued of the counsel, yet now hath he forgotten all the good dedes & seruice that I haue done him. For not∣withstanding that I my selfe requested him and also caused him to be requested by men of good reputation to defend my cause, and to pleade it before the Senat, yet he refused me, although he employ∣eth him selfe to the like for euery one, yea euen for strāgers, and them that he neuer knew, nor that euer dyd him any pleasure or seruice. Yea and that which

is worse, (to do me greater displeasure) he hath counsayled my aduersary, and found subtilties and cautoles to pleade against me, in such sorte that I am de∣priued of my right: beholde the godly rewardes and recompences wherewith this wicked vngrateful person had paid me, for hauing done him so much plea∣sure and seruice. Vnto thee mighty and puisant Caesar, I haue yet my remedie to appeale, and to moue him of the vn∣iust sentence which hath ben giuen a∣gainst me. Therefore do I humbly be∣sech you that it would please you to ad∣monish him, that if remaining and per∣seuering in his ingratitude he will not helpe me, yet at the least that he doe not hurt me, which thing I trust that in fine he wil doe, if it would please you to ad∣monish or commaund him. And you shall charge me with your affaires as I charge you with myne. &c.

Hovv to vvrite vvhen one frend comforteth another in an iniury receiued.

WHen we write to such effecte we must deuide our letters into three partes. First, saying that we are maruellous sory for that iniury. Secondly, we must shew him that for such an iniurie he ought not to vex himselfe, ad∣ding the cause. Thirdly, to com∣fort him, promising our ayde &c.

The Example: vvherein Caesar com∣forteth Appius, touching the content of the letters here before written.

I Haue receiued thy Letters (right re∣dowted Knight Appius) which haue so much greued my heart that I can not expresse it: yea I should haue sustained the iniury which was done vnto thée more paciently, if Tully had done it vn∣to me: & verily I know how vnhonestly

he behaued himselfe in thy cause, before the Senate, who through corruptions, against God and Iustice, caused thée to lose thy matter: which thing semed vn∣to me very strange at the first sight, to think how he ••urst do it, considering the great good dedes that thou hast done vn∣to him. For by that meanes, in y^e iudge∣ment of all good men, he is greatly boūd vnto thée, and therfore they wold scarce beleue that he would offend thée: But when I perceiued through thy Letters his greate mischiefe, I made it manifest vnto most of them, who are very ill con∣tent with him, and are as much displesed and as sory euen as I my self. But Ap∣pius, when I consider the malice and in∣iquitie of Tully, and that therefore in the ende he shall susteyne more dishonor and damage thā the hurt which he hath done vnto thée doth amoūt vnto, I then reioyce and comfort my selfe. For his ingratitude knowē, euery one wil mock him, and will bewayle thy damage, and by that meanes thy honor shall encrease, and in the ende shal haue victory & glori∣ous

triumph my selfe to reduce him to thy seruice, shewing him his fault. And I promise thée that I will not cease, vn∣till such time that I haue reduced thée victorious, and ioyfull: and therefore I pray thée spare me not in any thing that I may pleasure thée.

Hovv to vvrite a Letter of complaint for a misfortune, demaunding counsell or consolation.

SVch an Epistle or Letter must bee deuided into three partes. First to get beneuolence, decla∣ring that the good loue which we haue together, doeth moue vs to write our fortune, for to haue consolacion & comfort. Secondly we must declare the case. Third∣ly, to demaund counsell, ayde. &c. saying that in him consisteth our onely hope, desyring that we be not defrauded of our intent, offe∣ring our selues. &c.

The Example: wherein a Father la∣menting the death of his sonne writeth to a frende of his.

I Would, my singular and déere frende, had it ben the good pleasure of our lord, that within these thrée days you had ben here with other my frendes, for to see the griefes, lamentations, weepings, and in∣tollerable afflictions that I had and yet haue for the death of my sonne: for if you had ben present, I knowe for a cer∣tentie that you wold not onely haue had compassion, with mée and other my good frendes, but you should also haue muche ayded to haue reléeued me of my mortal griefe. But bicause it is impossible, as∣wel for the time & also for the distance of place betwixt vs, I haue thought good to write vnto you by these presents the do∣lorous and greuous passions that synce that day I doe intolerably susteyne, ho∣ping that for the frendship which you haue hadde with me synce our youth,

the which hath alwayes encreased toge∣ther with our yeres, I might receiue frō you som cōfort. You know well ynough, and are wel aduertised of the pouerties, afflictions, inconueniences, perils and dangers which they suffer in this mor∣tall world that beare charge in the com∣mon weale: and likewise those that in the midst of the multitude of their riches doe liue in tribulations, and are conti∣nually in sorowful & miserable troubles and vexations. But as concerning me, (to make a very heape of my ordinarie afflictions) I had one little sonne, so swete, pleasant, and amiable, in whom I tooke all my comfort and recreation. For his onely presence, or his onely speache, did often resolue me from my great fan∣tasies, taking from me all melancholy, yea he was my onely pastime: but now I poure out teares of sadnesse so much the more, for that I knowe that death hath ben cruell vnto me, who through his enuie hath taken away my sonne, he hath killed my onely hope, my conso∣lation, my lyfe, & him from whome came

all my ioy, and therefore do I now su∣steyne great wrath and melancholy, I know not where to seke comfort, nor what I should doe, or say. And therefore haue I thought best to write vnto you, as to my singular and perfecte frende, to the end that you might wayle with me, & that it might please you to giue me com∣fort, doing as you haue ben accustomed to doe: for you haue many times relea∣sed me from great calamities, through your good councell and reconciliacion.

How one frende should ansvver another, comforting him for his losse.

THe letter must be deuided into three partes. First declaring the griefe that he hath, which he estemeth to be euen vnto himselfe in augmenting it. Secondly to giue comfort by three or foure or moe reasons, concluding that it is good to take comfort. Thirdly to giue a certayne hope, offering

to do all things possible, and es∣pecially for his consolation.

The Example: wherein one frende comforteth another, for the death of his soone.

I Bitterly bewailed (my most singular and perfect frende, and could not keepe in my teares, when I red the Letters which you sent me, making mention of the death of your sonne. And I aduertise you that I was constrayned so to doe for the good loue that of so long tyme hath ben & is betwixt vs two, the which cau∣seth me to feele the lyke dolor and griefe that you haue in losing the presence of a childe so wel taught and of so good a wit, and entrance of good maners, wherfore I maruell not though in him did lye all thy consolation: For I thinke that if our lord should not sende you ayde and suc∣cour in so great a tribulation, you wold be consumed with weping and wailing, and would dye immediately after him.

Notwithstāding through the prouidēce that is in you, you know y^e a man ought not to vex nor greue him selfe beyond the limits of reason, by the which all de∣solacion ought to be chased frō the harts of men: and if it were so that you were deuoide of reason, through the exessiue dolour which you haue suffred to rule in your hart (not considering that your sonne was mortall, that you haue be∣got him mortall, nourished him mor∣tall, & that he is mortally dead, rendring the tribute of nature euen as it is ap∣poynted to euery one of vs) yet should neither my letters nor consolacion serue to no effect. But sith in deede you know well ynough that both yong & olde, yea euen your selfe shall wax rype and dye, ceasse therefore such wéepings and la∣mentations, which better beseeme the fe∣male kynde, than a wise and prudent man, such one as you are, and mitigate your strong passions with stronger rea∣sons, in doing the déede of a vertuous man: employ now your wysdome, se∣ing that it is time & néedefull, to the ende

that euery one, (yea they that know you not) may sée to appeare in your persō the constancie and pacience which you haue tolde them to be in you: I well remem∣ber I haue oftentimes seene you reioyce in prosperitie: and therfore if you shold now shew your selfe otherwyse, you should giue occasion to think that it were your custome at sometimes to reioyce, & afterwards bitterly to sorrowe. The re∣medie against such mutabilities and vn∣constantnesse, is equally to sustaine all prosperous and aduerse fortunes. Ther∣fore at my request, let not so many ver∣tues which are in you, remayne deuoide of pacience. I know that you vnderstand this, and a thousand other good reasons méete for such a purpose, better than I am able to speake or write them vnto you, yea you your selfe haue accustomed to comfort your frendes being in aduer∣sitie. And I aduertise you that this which I write vnto you, is not to instruct or teach you, but only to giue you to vnder∣stand the great good wil that I beare vn∣to you, and that I wold according to my

possibilitie plesure you both with body & goods without sparing of any thing.

Hovv to vvrite letters being in exile, vnder hope to obtaine resti∣tution, ayde, counsell, or comfort.

WE must deuide our Letters into three partes: First, to purchase the beueuolence of the person to whome we write, ho∣ping of his loue and prudence, by the which he may vnderstād, that such a fortune is common to all men. Secondly, to shew the good deedes that we haue done to our cūtrey, or vnto him by whom we are exiled, neuerthelesse not vsing any arrogācie, but to the end that we may euidently shew that we are wrongfully exyled, then shall we declare through whose iniu∣ry it was, as by our enemies. &c. whome we know doe hate vs in

that they shew vs vngratitude & iniury: Afterwards, we must say that we hope to haue vpright iu∣stice, by the whiche we shall ob∣taine honor, and our aduersaries be confounded & punished. Third∣ly we must thereupon demaunde ayde and counsell, recommending vs and our matters to our frend, which we willingly present vn∣to him.

The Example: wherein Cicero, la∣menteth to Lentulus, that for the hatred of Clodius he is exyled.

IT is my custome (my singular frende Lentulus,) when there hapneth vnto me any aduersitie, to haue recourse vn∣to my frendes, for theyr ayde, counsel, or consolation. Therfore vnto you, whom I repute not onely my frende, but aboue all other most especiall, for y^e you esteme

my aduersities to bée yours) I haue thought good to write a misfortun which is hapned vnto me through malyce: to this ende that by your ayde and counsel, I might in so great an euill fynde some comfort and remedy. Euery one kno∣weth, and it is common inough to all men, what great paynes, trauells, and charges, I haue manfully susteyned, to illustrate, defende, and preserue the publike weale, and so doing I haue bestowed not onely my goods▪ but also my time and labour, which leauing vn∣done I might haue profyted in other greate affaires. True it is, that in so doing, I haue obteyned honour, but you know that the wicked doe alwayes ma∣lyce the good, and can not suffer vertue to haue place: for through their wicked steights & subtilties they haue so wrou∣ght that all the profit & commoditie that I deserued, & had of the publike weale, I haue now in one houre lost it al. Against me is raysed vp this wicked & hatred of God & the world, Clodius, vnto whome

I haue done many good déedes, whereof (as vngrate) he will not remember him selfe, but shewing his malice, doth ren∣dre me euill for good, going about to put me to death: for he hath inuēted a thou∣sand fictions and dreames before the Se∣nate, & with his false wicked witnesses lyke vnto him self, hath so wrought that I am banished & sent into exyle: where∣by I am falne into such sorow & griefe, that I esteme the death to be much swe∣ter, and lesse paineful, than to liue in such torment. And certainly it were impossi∣ble for me to liue any longer, if there remayned not vnto me a certayne hope, which cōforteth me, that is, that a tyme wil come, wherin the truth shalbe kno∣wen, and my honor wholy restored, and then shall I haue an ende of these euils. And to the end that you might hastē this time, I pray you herein geue me ayde, comfort and counsell, for of you onely I require and demaunde it, offering vnto you rewarde and gift of me, my family, and goodes, with humble recommenda∣tions.

How to comfort our frend in his exile.

VPon such an occasion we must deuide our Letters into three partes. First, must be declared the griefe that we sustaine for the ad∣uersitie of our frende, which we must say to be cōmon vnto vs by reason of our mutuall loue. Se∣condly, we must get the beneuo∣lence of his person, by praysing his great wisdome and vertue, declaring vnto him the vyces of his aduersary, who through en∣uie hath ben the cause of his exile. Thirdly, we must put him in hope shortly to returne, and to be resto∣red to his honor, with promise to employ our selues to the vtter∣most of our possibilitie.

The Example: vvherein Lentulus com∣forteth Cicero, who through the malice of Clodius vvas exyled.

I Can not giue thée to vnderstand by writing my (singular friend Cicero) nor expresse vnto thée by any meanes what and how great dolour and sadnesse I had when I first conceiued by your let∣ters, that this false and wicked Clodius, through hatred and yll wil had banished and expulsed you out of our worthy Ci∣tie. And certainly my frende, I am not only sory for your aduersitie euen at the very heart, but also when and as often as I remēber that he that hath done so many good déedes to his Cuntry is tho∣rough enuie exyled, then gusheth from myne eyes such a spring of teares and in so great abundance, that by good simi∣litude they may rightly be called a very Riuer, for the great loue that I haue to you. And for a truth, it wold be so cōtinu∣ally with me, if I were not restrayned by thincking y^e through great wrong, & to the great dishonor of them that did it, you are thus exyled. Lord God, it is wel

knowne vnto thē what humanitie & gē∣tlenesse you haue shewed thē, insomuch that to none were he neuer so base, you haue at any tyme refused your paynes & labours, were it for the weale particu∣lar or publick, but with a certeine delibe∣rate benignitie haue studied to please al, without vsing any refusall, disdaine, or arrogancie, which are vertues worthy of great prayse, cōmendatiō, & reward. And yet through y^e enuy of a mischeuous flat∣terer, a seducer of the people, hauing no∣thing misdone, are sent into exile, euen as though you were a Traitor or male∣factor: but y^e violence y^t is done vnto you & the violēce of Clodius wil haue an end, for they can not alwaies endure. There∣fore my dere frend, take vnto you a good corage, & setting a syde sundry small cō∣clusions which can but hurt, haue a good hope, & cōsider y^e till luck can not always cōtinue in one place, for fortune is muta∣ble in hir dedes. Consider y^t you haue yet many frēds, yea & though there were but onely I my selfe, whom I think am not one of y^e least, yet I wold hope by y^e help of god, that within short space y^e malyce

of Clodius should be vanquished and the truth knowne: & for my part I will spare nothing, to the ende y^t in short time you may be restored vnto your former ho∣nours and dignities, and he shamefully deiected and punished.

Hovv to vvrite expositiue letters, cer∣tifying the vvitnesse or notyce of a thing.

WHen we write Epistles or Letters giuing to vnderstād of the witnesse, history, or know∣lege of the witnesse of any thing, we must parte our Letters into three parts. First, to get beneuo∣lence towards our selues, decla∣ring that al is for the loue of Iu∣stice and veritie, to the ende that thinnocent and iust be not opres∣sed, & that for the great loue that we beare vnto him, to whome we write we testifie the truth of that which is demaunded. Secondly,

we must declare the full circum∣stance of the fact. Thirdly we must say, that we haue certifyed that which we know of a veritie, & that if we shall know any more either of y^e or of any other matter, we will gladly shew him plesure.

The Example: vvherin Cicero te∣stifieth vnto the iudge, that Clo∣dius vvas at Rome, the same day that the sacred things of Ʋesta were violated.

I Am requested by you (Iudges of equi∣tie) to say that which I know concer∣ning the cōtrouersie betwene the honest order of the Matrones of the one part, and Clodius, for the violence of the sacred things of the good goddesse Vesta, on the other part, to wit whether the day of the same violēce, Clodius was within Rome. Although (my Lords) y^t I desire not to hurt any person, but desire Iustice and equitie to be rēdred vnto euery one: And

to cause the same to be obserued & kept, I wold rather choose to dye than to con∣ceale the truth: my Lords, I aduertise you that the daye of the sayde violence, towards morning I saw Clodius in the field of Mars, and about seuen of the clock in the Euening, he supped with Pompeus, and almost all the day I sawe him about the Temple of Caesar, and a∣bout three of the clock in the after noone he went hastely into his house, yet not∣withstanding I know not wherfore. &c. This which you desyred to vnderstande of me (my Lordes) I haue written it vn∣to you according to the pure veritie: and if you know any other thing wherein I might doe you seruice, you haue me to cōmaund, and I to obey and do it.

How to certifie some newes lately happened.

TO certifie some nouell or new thing, the Letters must be de∣uided

into three partes. First, we must purchase beneuolence to our selues, declaring that we are in∣clyned to write vnto him, as vnto our frende, of newes which hap∣ned, aswell in publike affaires as in priuate: for we know wel that he taketh pleasure to heare speake of them. Secondly, shalbe de∣clared the history, be it of Bat∣taile or other businesse. Thirdly, we shall say that that which we haue written vnto him was not to haue bin left behinde with∣out aduertisement, promising him that we will not complaine of our labour in wrytinge al∣wayes vnto him lyke newes, prouided, that we know them to be acceptable vnto him.

The Example: vvherein one frende writeth vnto an other of newes of the Court.

I Know (dere & perfect frend) the greate desire that you alwayes haue to vnder∣stand & know the things that are done in this citie of London, for the profit of the publike affairs, wherof you are a ve∣ry piller, and can not long absent your self, but that your absence shalbe lamen∣ted, for the good loue and godly fauour that you alwayes beare vnto the commō¦weale, in such sort, that your heart can not be contented except you be aduerti∣sed by some of your frends of the newes that dayly happen. Therfore to pleasure you, and to doe you agreable seruice, euen as I am bounden, I haue thought good to write vnto you y^e which is lately happened since your departure. Vpon Tewsday last in the morning, newes were spread abrode by a Poast, through out the whole Citie, and euen vnto the eares of my Lordes of the Courte, and of the Citie, that there was in this Citie

great abundance of Ruffians, and other such hurly burlies of wicked people, cal∣led Roages, who in the night time make and commit manie execrable crymes throughout the towne. Through which occasion the counsell assembled, dyd deli∣berate to knowe what was to be done. And after all opinions, there was ordei∣ned a newe watch of the burgesses and inhabitants of the Citie, and that euery one should hang forth Lanterns & Can∣dle light, to giue light in the night, and that vpon great forfeicts: which is done according to the ordinance &c. Moreouer. &c. Thus haue I written vnto you the newes, whiche I know at this present, and if there come vnto my notice any other thing worthy to be knowne, I wil write it vnto you incōtinently, not thin∣king much at my trauel, as well in this, as in other things, by the which I may pleasure you. Recommending me vnto your good honour.

Hovv to aduertise one, of the conditions of ano∣ther.

LEtters to aduertise the condi∣tions or maners of any person must be deuided into three parts. First, we must get beneuolence to the person of whome we write, saying y^t we haue don our diligēce to enquire of the maners, and to haue knowledge of the person, or of the thing wherof we intreate: but if we write of our selues, we must omit the first parte, and in steade thereof purchase beneuo∣lence to our selues, excusing vs yf peraduenture we saye any thing of our selues, that it is not for ar∣rogancy, but euen onely to make vs to be knowne vnto him, that desyreth to vnderstand what we

are: and that done go forwarde with the thirde parte as before. Secondly, we must make recitall of the maners & conditions, &c. Thirdly, we shal say that this is all that we know at this present, of the person or of the thing, be∣ing redy to enquire more and al∣so cause it to be manifested. Offe∣ring our selues &c.

The example: wherein Cicero de∣clareth vnto Caesar, the con∣ditions of Appolonius of Rhodes, Orator.

THere is nothing so difficile, weigh∣tie or paynefull (Noble Caesar) which with a frée heart, for the loue of you, I would not take in hande, throughe the singular and affectuall good wyll the which I doe beare vnto your most noble Maiestie: And thereunto

I féele my self bounden, by meanes of y^e benefits & gratulations y^t you haue done & stil daily do vnto me. You haue writtē vnto me that in all diligence I should enquire of the maners and conditions of Appolonius of Rhodes, and that I wold write vnto you the veritie. I do you to vnderstand, that in the iudgement of all thē that know him he is a singular man, and not onely in Rhetorike, but also in Philosophie, doeth get by his workes an immortal name. And I certifie you, that when he departed from Rhodes he went vnto Athens, and there found not his lyke, in somuch that the Students sayd, that he was a second Pallas, yet once a∣gaine descended from the braine of Iupi∣ter into their Citie. Many other things might I write vnto you of him, but wherefore? For whosoeuer you shal en∣quire of, you shal fynde them to haue the like good opinion of him: so that if you cause him to come to the Citie, you shall do a singular cōmoditie, not onely vnto your self, but also to the whole common weale. And if you will that I shal do any

other thing for you, beholde I am alto∣gether redy to please and obey you, re∣commending me once againe vnto your good grace.

Hovv to vvrite a Proficiat or Con∣gratulation, for an Office, or Dignitie.

WHen a man hath obtained an Offiice or Benefice, or, any other thing by his good fortune, & that we would shew our selues to be ioyfull of it, we must deuide our letters into three parts. First beneuolence to the person vnto whome we write, with commen∣ding of his merits and vertues. Secondly, to declare our affecti∣on by the which we doe partici∣pate of his ioye. Thirdly, to pray vnto God that the same dignitie, office, or fortune may be vnto his profit, and perpetuall praise, offe∣ring

our whole seruice. &c.

The Example: vvherein one frend reioyceth with an other of the office that the king hath giuen him.

I Know not whether vnto me or vnto you, singular frend, I ought to say Pro∣ficiat, for the office which through your vertues and spedy diligence you haue obtained of the king, and I assure you that the profit, honour, yea and glory, if it be lawfull to glorifie in wel doing, are of no smal estimatiō, sith in so yong age, you haue obtayned such dignitie, & sur∣passed the merits of your elders, where∣of I ought muche to reioyce: for from hence forth your vertues shall be mani∣fested, and my honours and profit shall encrease, seing that I haue such a frend, who through the brightnesse of the glo∣rie hapned vnto him, shal driue from me the darkenesse of griefe, and shall cause me to haue good participation of his ho∣nours, ioye and profit. Much good doe it you therefore this dignitie, which you neuer obtained through ambition, but

onely through the vertues that are in you, for the which there are yet greater benefits due vnto you. And as for my parte, it is not without a cause that I re∣ioyce, for the benefits of fortune are com∣mon omongst frends, & causeth the loue which is in both their bodys to haue but one spirite, and in bothe of them is per∣ceiued but one only minde. I besech God that you may still prosper & go foreward frō good vnto better, & that by your ver∣tuous faith you may purchase immor∣tall glory, and as long as you lyue to re∣mayne in his holy fauour and grace

Hovv to vvrite Letters reioycing for oun frendes health, or safe returne.

IF your frend haue recouered his helth, or be safely returned from his iorney, in such a case our Let∣ters must bee deuided into three partes. First, to get beneuolence, of our owne behalfe, for that we were sore affrayde of his sicke∣nesse, or that there should happen vnto him any misfortune or ad∣uersitie

abroade in his voyage. Secondly, to declare the ioy that we haue had of his mending, or returne, praying vnto God to kepe him from all euill. Thirdly, to offer our whole seruice. &c.

The Example: vvherein one frend reioyceth of anothers recoue∣ry to health.

IT is not possible for me to write vnto you, neither is the heart of man able to thinke, (my singular and perfect frende) what sorrow and griefe I had when it was reported vnto me that you were greuously sick, & in great danger, for then me thought that I euen felte your sick∣nesse, through the good wil and loue that I beare vnto you, and wold gladly that my sorow might haue diminished or ea∣sed your passion. But by suche and lyke meanes that I had greate sadnesse, and griefe, for the first newes: I haue now inestimable ioy, for that it is tolde and

affirmed vnto me for a certaintie, that you haue wholly recouered your health and welfare. I giue vnto you the Profici∣at vobis. (my singular frende,) for suche a treasure recouered, and besech our lord that he will preserue and kepe you in as good and long helth, as I wold wish euen vnto myne owne person. And I giue you to vnderstād that I. N. M. and all the rest hereabouts, are (thanckes be giuen to God) in good health and welfare, prest & redy to accomplish all your good requests and commaundement.

How to exhort to vertue and to good maners.

TO exhorte vnto Vertue and goodnesse, bee yt to auoyde griefe, or to get profit, the letters or Epistles must be parted into foure partes. First, to acquire be∣neuolence by reason of the mat∣ter, declaring how worthy it is, how profitable and necessary for

him vnto whome we write, and thē, that it shalbe a worthy praise for euery good man so to doe. Se∣condly, shalbe expressed the thing to be possible and easy to be done. Thirdly, that it is very necessary for him to doe it, and if he doe it not, that there may happen vnto him damage & dishonor. Fourth∣ly, and fynally, to declare what is to be done: and this latter parte may bee placed in such order as shall seme good vnto the endyter.

The Example: vvherein a frende exhorteth a yong man to ob∣taine vertue.

THere is nothing in the world (wittie yong man) that more profiteth aswel to atcheue to common as priuate goods, nor which causeth more to augment and get honor and good renowne, than the

trade of good maners and vertue, for by that meanes the wise, not onely in their houses, haue taken a forme of regiment by good order keping, but also kingdoms and publike affaires are by them gouer∣ned, mayntained, and augmented. Be∣holde the Athemans, the Romains, and diuers other, haue they not alwayes flo∣rished when vertuous and wise men had the gouernmēt of their publike weale? And further I may well say that a man whiche hath vertue in him, doeth shyne with such a grace, that he may easely be exalted and eleuated from base estate in∣to high honor, & get immortall prayse. For this cause, and for the singular loue that I haue vnto you, I haue willingly thought good to moue and stirre vp your corage to the attayning of vertus, con∣sidering the good disposition, and the be∣ginning of a good spirite that God hath endued you withall, whereby you sur∣passe all other your companions: not y^t I do mistrust the courage y^t you haue to study, but more & more to animat you in

your good purpose: Neuerthelesse (my welbeloued) I consider that your studie is somewhat difficil, but I assure you y^t y^e fruite thereof is very profitable, wher∣unto a man may easely attayn without great paine. There resteth but onely to haue a desyre to become a worthy man, and a good corage to study well, especial∣ly in good Sciences, to accustome to good maners, getting wisdome and vertue, & by this meanes shall we please God, be beloued, praysed, and honored of men. Therefore I besech you my frende lose not your yong yeares in ydlenesse, which leadeth the blynde to all gluttenous vo∣luptuousnesse, and maketh a man weak, ignorāt, poore, vnfortunate, full of shame before old age cōmeth, which is altoge∣ther vnprouided for, and to late to be re∣medyed. Moreouer (my well beloued) consider that in this Citie there is great nede of wise men, for to gouerne y^e pub∣like affayres: And if you do your ende∣uor, there is no man liuing that hath a better meane, than you haue, consyde∣ring the place and house from whence

you are descended, and the faculty that God hath giuen vnto you.

Hovv to dissuade our frende from reioycing vnaduisedly or foolishly.

IF we intend to dissuade a man, that he reioice not vnaduised∣ly or that he do not a thing which he thinketh to be good, & is not, then must we deuide our Letters into foure parts, as before. First, shalbe declared the disprofite of the thing, if he doe it, and how it may be hurt full, for that it is vn∣iust and dishonest, not agreable to a good man. Secondly, that he ceasse & desist frō his purpose, de∣claring vnto him what he ought to doe. Thirdly, how easy it is to leaue it. And fynally, how neces∣sary it is to doe that which we counsell him, offring. &c.

The Example: vvherein Cicero dis∣suadeth Curio from reioycing that Caesar is made Emperoure.

THe common opinion of all Philoso∣phers and wise men (worthy knight Curio,) is, that there is nothing more vnhonest, vniust, and pernicious, than to reioyce of the destruction of the publike weale: & he is so much the more worthy to be blamed & dispraised, as to oppresse he would receiue praise, or glorifie him self with priuate vtilitie, sith that for the preseruing of y^e publike weale, we ought to hazarde our selues euen to the very death. And I vnderstand that you reioyce euen to the vttermost for the victory of Caesar, in such sort that it is openly per∣ceiued, and can not therefrom witholde your selfe, wherfore I greately lament your simplicitie for letting your selfe to fal into so great an errour, as to reioyce of your owne ruyne, your parents and frendes, your Citie and the whole com∣mon weale. Therfore I ernestly request and praye you to leaue of this vnconsi∣dered

and immoderate delectation & re∣ioycing. And notwithstanding all this, I haue so good an estimation of you, that you are not deuoide of sense, but that shortly you will perceiue your errour, & conuert this foolish ioy into bitter mour∣ning, considering the euil that foloweth. For lyke good and loyall Burgesses, you shall well think that the libertie of all is conuerted into miserable captiuitie, the which to recouer, euery one ought to ex∣pose him selfe euen to the very abando∣ning of his life. And therefore in all ca∣lamities, miseries and troubles, it is not necessary onely to remedy this your such reioycing, but it is also very conueniēt & decent to bewayle and lament continu∣ally the damage of your cuntrey, of your nation, and of your Citie, whose execra∣ble ruine is now begoon, and from daye to day will greatly encrease through the multiplication of most wicked people, and many other apparaunt myseries and greuous perditions, which will bée executed sooner than you doe thinke for,

the which to auoyde, it were rather to be desired to dye than to lyue. Ceasse therefore to reioyce, and begin to lament your publike weale, and if you haue no pitie of y^e publike weale, yet at the least haue pitie of youre neighbors, and of your owne selfe.

How to write letters exhorting to lamentacion.

BE it for misfortune priuate or publike, the Letter must be de∣uided in foure parts. First, to say that it is bothe iust and honest to beewayle the aduersitie of oure frende, or of the affaires of the publike weale, seing that in such a case the calamities are as it were oure owne. Secondly, to shew the case, thereby to moue lamentation. Thirdly, to exhort to bewayle it. Fourthly that it is necessary so to do, to the end that after the griefe and affliction, re∣medy

may be sought, promising to doe for him. &c.

The Example: wherein Cicero, ex∣horteth Plautus to lament the oppression of the pub∣like vveale

WE are cōstrained, (my frend Plau∣tus, as well by deuine as humaine right, next to the honour of God to ex∣pose and venture al that we haue for the safegarde of the cōmon weale, the pros∣perities whereof ought not onely to re∣ioyce vs, but also the aduersities thereof ought to cause vs to lament & greuously sorow euen as our owne: yea & further we ought for it to hazard our life vnto all dangers, for to preserue and defend it. This hath caused me to write vnto you, for the miserable state of oure desolate Citie, to this ende that you should la∣ment with me and bewayle our ruine & perdition. And for the first, you should vnderstand that I am dismissed and de∣stitute of the dignities and authorities

wherin I shyned in the Senate, through the malice and iniquitie of Caesar, who causeth himselfe to be called the Monar∣chal Emperour, and hath not onely cha∣sed away the Fathers & Senatours, but also from great and small hath taken a∣way the name of libertie. Who can be of heart so hard, to abstaine himself from teares and lamentations, sith our liber∣tie is thus lost? what resteth there now but that with me & others you bewaile, sorowe, and lament such misfortune. And if it be sayde that it is necessary to aug∣ment my sorow and poure out teares, in such sort that ther may be found some maner of playnt, which may remedy our iniury, by doing some laudable déede, I assure you that with him that wil enter∣prise it, I will not refuse that labour but will hazard in all damages bothe head & life, & wil be one of the formost to haue againe & recouer the liberty lost.

Hovv to dissuade from sorovv.

WHen we write letters dissua∣ding from sorow and lamē∣tation,

we must deuide them into foure parts. First, to declare that it is dishonor and damage in such a case to shew himselfe sorowful, considering that euery wise man ought of dutie to shew him selfe equall, aswel in prosperitie as in aduersitie, and that the matter it selfe giueth no occasion of griefe: and thereto may we adde if we will, a reason by the whiche we may shewe him that to remayne to much in suche sorrow, it were dishonest. Secondly, it behoueth to enforce our selues to conuert the same sorow into ioy. Third∣ly, to shew by good reason that he ought to reioyce. Fourthly, that it is necessary to leaue suche griefe and sadnesse, alleaging some rea∣son for the same purpose.

The Example: vvherein Brutus dis∣suadeth Marcus Antonius, from sorrowing for the death of Caesar.

A Good man of duetie (my frende Marcus Antonius,) ought not one∣ly to loue the prosperitie of the common weale, but with al his power to aduance it, and being aduanced to kepe and pre∣serue it, and also for it to hazard his life euen to the very bludshed, if it so be nedefull: and he that doeth not so, is worthy of great reprehension, and gre∣uous punishment: and certainly it is not laudable, but very detestable and disho∣nest for a particular profit, to consume the publike profit, and he that so doeth ought shamefully to be throwne downe to death, and not worthy to be lamented of his frendes. But bycause I sée that for the death of Caesar, you poure out abun∣dance of teares, therfore can I not choose but much maruell of you, sith you haue always ben a loyall Burgesse, and that not onely the common weale hath ben

through you augmented, but also vnto them y^t haue thereunto ben cōtrary you haue always ben a rigorous hinderer, a straite iudge, & an inuincible defender, more than though they had offēded your owne person. Therefore take vnto you againe your olde custome, and be not greued for the death of so cruell a tyrāt, which death all y^e world ought to desire, and thereof to reioyce, bycause he had ta∣ken away our libertie, and destroyed our publike weale, for his priuate pleasure. Wherfore me thinketh that for such a death you ought rather to reioyce than to sorrow: sith that by the death of so wicked an vsurper we are returned into our former libertie. Deliberate therfore to reioyce your selfe with vs. And take good heede that in our company you be not perceiued to be sad in heart nor in countenance: I assure you that it is ne∣cessary so to doe for the auoyding of sus∣pition in your person, praying you that if you would haue any thing of me, doe but commaund it.

Hovv to vvrite Inuectiue Letters, re∣prehending either frende or enimie, for some cryme, or ignorance.

INuectiue Letters must be deui∣ded into three partes. First, we must get beneuolence of our own behalf, saying that not willingly but by cōstraint we haue written it vnto him, & y^e we haue long time cōcealed it, but bicause he stil cōti∣nueth from euill vnto worsse, we haue thought good not to endure any more of so euil a man, whose wickednesse might do great hurt, if they were not corrected. Secōd¦ly, to declare the matter whereof we will reprehende him, in allea∣ging resons fit for that purpose. Thirdly, if he be our frend, to de∣clare it with gentle language, admonishing him louingly, and shewing the incōueniēces which

might ensue if he should hereaf∣ter doe any such matter. And if he be an enimie, to get beneuolence on our behalf, saying that we doe not disdayne him, nor that wee would any more inuey againste him, to the ende that he shoulde not think that we haue done that through hatred, which in deede we haue vprightly done, still de∣seruing to speake somwhat more amply an other tyme when place and tyme shall serue.

The Example: wherein Cicero in∣ueyeth against Lucius Catilina, who conspyred against the publike weale.

I Know not any thing at this present (Lucius Catilina) wherewith I am more intollerably gréeued, and which is more painefull vnto me, than to haue

knowne, and to haue ben aduertised, by y^e report of diuers through their Letters, that you haue conspyred agaynst your cūtrey, the which to preserue, you ought willingly, and with a noble courage, to choose euen the death: & in asmuch more as y^e publike profit is to be preferred be∣fore the particular, somuch the more is it a wicked & detestable thing vnto him y^e enforceth him self to hurte yt And I as∣sure you, had it not ben for the great af∣fection and loue that I beare vnto you, I would rather haue chosen to haue hol∣den my peace, and to haue passed vnder silence, than to write vnto you of it: but I haue thought good to aduertise you, to the ende that of your self you may iudge and know your fault. What is the fury, rage, or rather diuellishnesse that might moue your heart to consent vnto so hor∣rible and brutish a matter? where is he that durst th••ncke that suche a damnable cryme could be committed by any man? but especially by a Lord, a Burgesse, & a neighbours sonne of the Citie? Are you of the Romaine bloude? dare you vnto

your neighbour, nay rather vnto your selfe, put to your hand for to shed bloud? Doe you take pleasure to heare yong children wéepe? noble dames lament? & good olde men discomfort? when they & euen your owne parentes and frendes, shall sée the death of their Fathers, hus∣bāds, wiues, childrē, their goods spoyled, their houses burnt and desolate? would you haue no pitie of the desolated Se∣nate? Alas, haue at the least pitie vpon the Temples and sacred places, & set all these things before y^e eyes of your reasō, & consider what pitifull ende might fol∣low. You may peraduenture say that I desire dignities, honours, and authoriti∣es: Alas, what authoritie honor, or dig∣nitie, may a man fynde in the cominaltie desolated? in y^e publike weale perished? in teares & depopulation of the Citie? Certainly in my iudgemēt, ther are nei∣ther dignities, honours, nor authorities, but only those which are gotten by ver∣tue, & I know not any thing of greater vtilitie, or greater glory amongest men, thā to be vertuous in y^e publike affaires.

Therefore are you greatly deceiued, if you speake for immortall glory by op∣pressing the publike weale. Take good héede lest hoping and thinkyng to get name of immortall life, you lose not in a moment your temporall life, getting shame, dispraise and dishonour for euer. Thirdly, cast of from you, I pray you, such vnclemency, and apply your selfe to serue the publike weale, which may a∣dorne bothe you and yours with greate and precious ryches, to the end that you being gently reconcyled, may ioyfully lyue with vs, in the quiet peace of the cuntry, to your glory and praise. And so doing you shall fynde me always redy to ayde you to the vttermost of my power.

How to write expugning Letters, either to frend or enimie, for charging vs with a faulte.

LEtters repugning as well to frend as enemie, excusing our selues, or denieng the matter, are made in two sorts: For if it be our

frend that peraduenture doth ac∣cuse vs secretly, it behoueth to vse modest language by maner of ex∣cuse. But if it be our enimie we must defend our selues playnely & frely of y^e cryme by him imposed, & in both sortes we must deuide our letters into three parts. First, we shall say we are to be excused, ei∣ther for that it is not so, or that through imprudencie, malice or enuie, he hath inuented that mat∣ter against vs. Secondly, be it to frend or enimie, we shall say to our frende vnder correction, and to our enimie freely & stoutly that he himselfe may be reprehēded of the like case, or of the very same, yea or else of a greater infamie, saying y^t he ought rat••••r to haue regard vnto himselfe, than to en∣termedle with blamīg a nother.

Thirdly, if the Letters be to our frende and vnder correction, we must promise neuer to returne to commit such a thing: exhorting him likewise to take heede vnto him selfe, for the matter whereof we haue enformed him. Yf it be to our enimie, we shall playnely exhort him to leaue of his detrac∣ting, and that if he cōtinue to say what he will, he shall heare what he wolde not. And if we write vn∣to a third, we must praye him to admonish our enemie to holde his peace, and shall excuse our selues, saying that we would not haue him offended, although we haue spokē yll of our enimie, for it hath not ben for malice or yll will, but onely for to cause his malice and ill report to cease.

The Example: wherein Catilina purgeth himselfe to the Senate of Rome, for the cryme of coniuration imposed against him by Cicero.

IT is always my custome & condition (Notable Lordes and Fathers) to flée wicked detractours, and to haue in great horrour the diff••mers, who like wolues rauish the good renowne of good people: and there is nothing that séemeth vnto me more detestable, more dishonest, nor more abhominable, than in the absence of a man to dilacerate and teare in pée∣ces his honour: and against them doe I manfully fight, this notwithstanding, I can not hinder their Serpentyne & Vi∣perous tonges, from committing such iniuries. In number of whom, and of my flatterers, is this wicked enuious serpē∣tyne Cicero, enimie to God & good men, and to the publike weale, who incessant∣ly inuenteth new dreames against mée. I haue refrayned asmuch as I could to

aunswer vnto his sclanderous lyes, by∣cause I would not be noted as he is, to be a babler, and of dishonest language. And bycause that from day to day his ve∣nom encreaseth & is vomited out from yl vnto worse, vnder your corrections my Lords, & in your presēce, I haue thought good to discharge me of two labours. The one to aunswer vnto him, and to purge my selfe of the crimes by him fals∣ly imposed against me: and the other to giue you to vnderstand and to declare vnto you, his execrable maners, vices, & cursed conditions, to the ende that you might heare and vnderstād his deceitfull and crafty enuies, & not giue credit vnto his words. This wicked enuiour and se∣ducer of the whole publike weale, sayth euery where that I, who (with out boa∣sting my selfe) am loyall, haue conspired against my cuntrey and publike weale: this wicked stranger and sower of all sedition crieth against me, who am a pa∣tron and member of the common weale, that I would destroy it, euen as though the members should destroy the body: is

it credible? ought a mā to beleue it? And neuerthelesse he publisheth it as though it were true. I woulde faine know by what coniectures, or by what signes, he could perceiue it, if he would not say that he had dremed it. But this wicked persō turneth such lyke & other euils as are in him, vpon me. Certes my lords, he is so stuffed with iniquities, y^e he must néedes burst & vomit out his poyson. He neuer did good in this Citie, he neuer loued any, but day by daye he spyeth how he may worke displeasure and damage to some good mā or other. Take héede ther∣fore how you giue credit to this wicked & damnable man: It is not yet long ago since he came into this Citie his féete all dusty, & vnder colour of vanitie, and of a litle Rethorike that he hath, & which he vseth, he hath conuerted a great quanti∣tie of poore people, whom he hath by his arte, fraude and deceyt despoyled of their goods, and by that meanes is growne vp to great ryches. Which way shold there haue come vnto him so many houses, pes∣sessions, seruants, & so lightly as he hath

them, had he not spoyled and robbed the poore people? But by this vnrighteous∣nesse and riches he is become so proude, that he which is but newly come, wolde chase me out of my Citie, and destroy me. And of him surely I could say innu∣merable euils, were it permitted me to speake fréely, and that I douted not to displease you. For many tymes it doth good men more hurt to heare recyted the euill of an other, than it doeth this other himselfe, he being euil & wicked. There∣fore pleaseth it you of your grace, to de∣liuer your poore Citizen and Burgesse, from the false throte of this cursed Ser∣pent.

How to write inuectiue Epistles of contention, rerehending another for ignorance in studie.

EPistles and letters Inuectiue of contention & dispraise, must be deuided into three partes. But in this case there are two ways,

either to write vnto him whome we mynde to reprehend: or else better, to write vnto a third per∣son, as iudge, or arbitratour. First to declare that it is not our vse to moue cōtrouersie, for we demand nothing but peace. Ye and al∣though that we be oftentimes in∣iured by our enimies, & that they say all the worst that they can, yet neuerthelesse we would giue to vnderstand that the insolencie of our aduersaries is so presump∣tuous, and so tending to destroie our estimation, that we can not any longer kepe sylence, but haue thought good to write, to the end that he might be iudge. Second∣ly, to expresse briefly and plaine∣ly wherevpon the controuersie dependeth, afterwardes to recite our reasons, and to cōfirme them, and to confute those of our aduer∣sary.

Thirdly, that we might say many other things, whereof we wil kepe sylence, to the ende that we would not be thought to pro∣cede ratherby enuie, thā to speake the truth: prayīg & beseching him vnto whom we write, to iudge of the ignorāce of our aduersary, re∣cōmending our selues vnto him.

The Example: wherein a certain Bar∣ber writeth to a Doctor of Physick, concerning his aduersary a Chirurgian.

THere was neuer thing more detesta∣ble vnto me, nor which I had more in horrour (worshipfull Doctor) than to see a man reioyce in detractions, and euil reportes of an other, for thereby are wicked people knowne. And although I haue diuers times of many ben iniured, fl••uted, skorned, & dispraised, reporting by me a thousand dreames and lyes, yet haue I always suffred them, & turned y^e deafe eare towards them. And now step∣peth forth a new detracter of me, who by force constraineth me to answere, and to

defende me against his cursed sclaūder, for the sauegard of my estimation, which he thinketh to destroy. And to the ende that I be not accounted so ignorant as hée, I haue thought good to write vnto you, for to giue you to vnderstand that he offreth me euident wroug. This wic∣ked and ignorant Asse crieth and publi∣sheth euery where that it appertaineth not to any man liuing, to meddle with curing of a wound, or vlcer, within the citie, except he be a Chirurgiā, & sworne to the Citie, at the least, if the Chirurgi∣an be not present and assistant to sée the whole cure: but behold his crafte, & how couertly he wold take away the practise gaine, & profit of y^e Barbers. Who is he so ignorant that knoweth not y^t always hereto fore the master Barbers haue ac∣customed to cure all kynde of woundes aswel olde as new? Who is it y^t is so ig∣norāt of the notable & good cures y^t they haue accustomed to doe? wherefore then shoulde they not vse to doe as they haue done, without borowing leaue of the gentlemē Chirurgians? seing that they

doe and haue done their cures very well without their assistance. I would that the ignorant Assehed should know, that that which we doe is better done, & that we vnderstand better the arte of Chi∣rurgery than he doeth, or a great multi∣tude of Asses that call them selues Chy∣rurgians, who haue not the knowledge to apply one only instrument, or to make one incysion right, but all their case is nothing else but sophisticall arguments, which serue to no purpose. Therfore it is necessary that it come to the handy operacion of the Barbers, who vnder∣stand Chirurgerie aswel as they: toge∣ther also that it would be greate coste for the poore pacients, to pay bothe the Barber and the Chirurgian. Secondly, and if I would, I could write vnto you more amply of his enuies and ignorant detractions, but I loue rather to holde my peace, to the ende that it be not sayde that I speake more against him of enuie than to speakethe playne truth. There∣fore you that know the whole, ought to iudge the equitie, and to cause him to

kéepe silence in this matter: wherof I alwayes recommende mée vnto you, wholy offering my selfe. &c.

Hovve to vvrite a Defense in a Contention.

WHen we are accused and re∣prehended by contempt and dispraise, we may defend our sel∣ues by letters or epistles, which must contayne .iij. parts. First, to declare, that we are prouoked to aunswer vnto him that writeth euil of vs, and that it is not our custome to take altercation, espe∣cially of wicked and ignorāt peo∣ple: And were it not for that it would seeme that we accorded to that which he sayth, we woulde not vouchesafe to aunswere vnto their ignorance. Afterward must be declared by maner of recitall, the reasons of the aduersarie, con¦futing

them to oure possibilitie. Secondly, we must shewe by op∣posite, some faults and ignorāces of our aduersarie, which shall be manifest and apparaunt by liuely reasons. Thirdly, to say, that al∣though we coulde expresse many moe imbecillities and faultes in him, yet neuerthelesse we wil not declare them, to the ende that it a∣peare not that we speake against him rather through enuie, thā for the truths sake: saying that we would that hee vnto whome we write, should be the iust Iudge of the matters.

The example: wherin the Chirurgian defendeth himselfe to the Physi∣tian against his aduersa∣rie the Barber.

I Am aduertised (equall Iudge) to bée accused before you on the behalfe of suche a one, a boasting Barber, who

not only is ignorant in his science, but also in all that a wyse man oughte to know: and I am sory that it behoueth me to answer him, but that which mo∣ueth me, is to the ende that it bée not thought that I consente to his errour, and to purge my selfe before you, that know and vnderstand al things: and to the end that expulsing his olde iniuries, I might set silence to his newe. Fyrst, for that he sayeth, that euer heretofore the Barbers haue accustomed to cure woundes, as wel old as new, and ther∣to hath set forth their goodly cures: Be∣hold & consider the craft & subtiltie, how gloriously he boasteth & vaunteth hym∣self, and riseth vp to suppresse and ouer∣throw the whole arte & facultie of Chi∣rurgerie Is it not wel inough vnderstood and knowne, what peril there is in thin∣king to heale al diseases? & that to make a good operation in suche & other difficile matters, it is needefull that the cause be wel vnderstāded & debated: & to knowe whether that that which is to be cured be a simple woūd, an vlcer, or a fistule,

which is the peccant matter, and what ointement or other medicine is proper for it: and to discerne and vnderstande this thing rightly, what Barber is it (I meane to speake of vnskilfull) that vn∣derstandeth one onely worde of Latin, and with muche a doe scarse good En∣glish? I knowe very fewe that can ex∣pounde the difference betwéene Lepo∣ram, and Lepram, And yet notwithstā∣ding most of their Chirurgerie bookes are stuffed full of Eloquent Latin, and that difficile, yea and the most parte of our Englishe termes, are very farre diffe∣rent from our vulgare and maternall speache, in such sort, that who so fully vnderstandeth not the Latine tongue, yea and also the Greke, can scarse vn∣derstande them. Through which error arise many times sundry inconuenien∣ces. For the asses that are, of all disea∣ses make the Pocke. And this commeth to passe, bicause they will neuer call for the Chirurgian, who in his facultie, is of all men approued, skilfull, learned & very experte, to know howe to discern••

and vnderstande all the pointes of his Arte, without erring or making fault: and contrarily suche ignoraunt which darkely giue credite to their glorious heades, and haue no reason saue onely their propre will and foolishe opinion, and whiche of a deceiptfull argument, make a necessary demonstration, doe giue by their daungerous promises, a very fallible hope, disalowing all good writings, if they bée not conformable to their opinion. Therfore (say I) that he ought to be put to perpetuall silence. Secondly, thus muche shall suffise you, although I might say more, but his ig∣norance can not beare it: For it is kno∣wen to euery one, that thorough their fault they haue committed a thousande euills, and say that they may better kill an hundreth men, thā an other to heale one onely: and therefore take héede of them who maye. Furthermore, I will holde my peace, for it is no great honor to write the imperfections and ignorā∣ces that might be tolde, yea & if I should say more, it wold be sayd, that I speke

more of malice and yll will, than to o∣pen the truth. Thirdly, although I yet kéepe backe many other things, if tyme and place scrued: and although he shall meddle to speake more of mée, yet sir, you may iudge of the whole: for you know wel what part beareth ignorāce and innocencie. Wholly offeryng my humble seruice to you and yours. &c.

Howe to write Domestical and fami∣liar Letters or Epistles.

DOmestical or houshold letters are more in vse than any other forsomuch as of their nature they are very necessary, to let our fren∣des vnderstande of our estate, and of our businesse, be it of helth, pro∣speritie, sicknesse, aduersitie, or a∣ny other domesticall and familiar thyngs: and in such matters the Letters or Epistles must be deui∣ded into thre partes. If we write

of our owne estate, health or sick∣nesse, or of the healthe or sicke∣nesse of an other. First following Tullie, and others, we may (as they do) adde the Latin sentence, Si vales, bene est, ego quidem valeo, If you be in good helth, god be prai∣sed for it, for thanks be to God I am. Secondely, wee shall recite our owne health, or the causes of the amendment thereof, and also the helth or sicknesse of our frend, whiche we shall esteme euen as our owne, gladde of his recouerie or prosperitie, rendring thankes vnto god, who hath so disposed it: & likewise if there be hapned vn∣to vs any fortune or misfortune, we shall write the state therof, be it riches or pouertie, dignitie, or depression, to admonyshe oure friende either to reioyce or sorow with vs.

Thirdly, we say cōmonly: Thus, not hauing wherewith further to enlarge at this present, but besee∣ching the Lorde to keepe and pre∣serue you in his holy tuition: we finish. From such a place. &c. By yours altogither to command. &c. or otherwise, as shal please the en¦diter.

The Example: of a common Style in that case.

IF you be in health and mery, I am ve∣ry glad, for great thanks to be giuen to God on my behalfe, I fynde my selfe in very good health and welfare. You do peraduenture greatly maruell, for that I was wont to write often vnto you, & of late haue deferred so to do, wherof it may be that you woulde accuse me of negligence: howebeit it hath not bene through negligence, for an ague hath so weakened me of late, that I had small hope to haue escaped without treading

the trace out of this worlde into ano∣ther, yea I was brought so low, that e∣uen the Physitions had quite giuen me ouer, and I had no hope saue onely in God, to whose good aide I still commit∣ted my selfe. Secondly, his soueraigne bountie hath brought me to my former helth, notwithstanding it hath not ben without great expense of money: Be∣holde therefore the causes why I coulde not write vnto you, but frō henceforth I will write vnto you more oftener, if God grant me time and space so to do. Thirdly, I shall desire you to write vn∣to me of your prosperitie, and of such a one, assuring you, that if there be any thing that I may do for you, do but cō∣maund me and I will do myne indeuor to accomplish it, God to frende, whome I besech to graunt vnto you your harts desire. From such a place. &c.

How to write other domestical Letters of familiar businesse.

WE must deuide thē into thre partes. First, & Secondly,

as in the other going before. Thirdly, shal be put the conclusi∣on, saying that we haue thought good to aduertise hym of suche businesse, bycause hee is oure ve∣ry friende.

The Example: wherin one Friend ad∣uertiseth an other of the processe that he hath wonne.

IF it bée well with you (my singular friende) then is it very wel with me: For euen as I am (God be praised) in good health, so woulde I desire that it shoulde be lykewise with you. And bi∣cause I know that the loue betwixt vs two, hath alwayes made vs equall in our fortunes, therefore haue I thought good to write vnto you, of my businesse and affaires, bicause in déede you might be the more ioyfull. Secondly, you are aduised of the time, trouble & cost that I was at in the sute that I had against

such a one, and how oftē I haue cursed the houre whensoeuer I heard talke of it, euen ready many tymes to gyue it quite ouer: Yet neuerthelesse by tra∣uel and diligence, and by importunate sute, my good right, vpon Tuisday last, (notwithstanding any clamor that my aduersarie made (to his greate confusi∣on) I obteined sentence to my profite, wherof I render immortall thankes to Almighty God. Thirdly, I know well that of my profite, honour, and ioy, you are as ioyfull as my selfe: and séeing that my aduersities do bryng you deso∣lation, it is good reason, that my pros∣perities should bring you consolation. Therfore I pray you do it to vnderstāde to all our friends there, to the ende that they may participate of oure ioy. And if there be any thing that it will please you to commaunde me, be you well as∣sured, that of me you shall haue an in∣fallible friende. And thus end I at this present, beséeching our Lorde. &c.

How to visit our Frend with Letters, not hauing any great matter to write.

OFten times it chaunceth that we haue no matter to write to our frend, & yet we would gladly visit him with our Letters, spea∣king of him or of his businesse: & such Letters must containe three partes. First, to get boneuolence on our owne behalfe, saying that bicause we loue him, we thought it good to write vnto him, and to recreate him, by communicating vnto hym our Letters, to the end that we may take plesure, in that which he shall write vnto vs a∣gain, cōsidering that there is no∣thing more appropriate vnto frē∣des, than often to write to & fro. Secōdly we shal say that we are in health and good estate, desiring

to know of his helth and prospe∣ritie: praying vnto God to keepe and preserue him from all euill. Thirdly we shal desire him to vi∣sit vs often with his Letters, to this end, that hering of his helth & prosperitie, we may haue cause of consolation, offring our selues &c.

The Example of the Style in that case.

ALthough I haue no mater to write vnto you (my deare friend) for that I knowe not of any newes hereabouts chaunced, yet neuerthelesse the greate loue equall betwixt vs, will not suffer me to lette passe any messanger that I know goeth towards you, without sen∣ding you Letters by him, for I beleue verily that you haue as great ioy to rede my Letters, as I haue to reade yours. Secondly (my friend) you shall vnder∣stand that I and all my familie are (god

be praised) in good health, earnestly de∣siring to know of your prosperitie, and howe all our frendes thereaboutes doe. For I assure you there is nothing vnto vs more pleasant, ioyfull, nor agreable, than to vnderstande of your health, good fortune, and prosperitie: but this cau∣seth loue (my frende,) bicause that from the time of our youth, we haue ben ioy∣ned together with that bande. And ther∣fore my deare and perfect friend, I ear∣nestly request you, that it would please you to visite me often with your Let∣ters, to the ende that notwithstanding the distaunce of the place betwixte vs, our mindes may yet reioyce, & be com∣forted together, praying you with all my heart to commaund me in your af∣faires, euē as he that is always ready to do you seruice, God to frend, to whō. &c.

How to write of some small affaires, businesse or newes.

HAuing a matter of great im∣portaunce to write, yet many

times we ar desirous to write of som smal businesse or newes of li∣tle importāce, & so doing y^e letters must cōtain .iij. parts. First to de∣clare the cause that moueth vs, as in the stile before. Secondly, to salute him gētly, telling some pre∣tie & mery newes. Thirdly, to of∣fer him our seruice, with hartie cō¦mendations vnto him, & others.

The example: wherin one friende vvriteth to an other of cer∣tain small newes.

ALthough it bée long since I wrote vnto you (right dere & perfect frend) yet is is it not for y^e I had forgotten you, but bycause I had not any matter to write vnto you: & therfore hauing now found a trustie Messanger, I haue thou∣ght good to write vnto you these Let∣ters, whereby you might vnderstand, y^e god be praised (who disposeth al things) we are here in good helth, beseching him y^t it be so w^t you, & all our frends there.

I haue bethought me & considered with my selfe, whereof I might write vnto you, and haue founde none other thing, saue onely to certifie you that by the cō∣maundement of the King and the ordi∣nance of the Court, this day was made a great generall Iustice, which was a wonderfull excellent thing to beholde, considering the order that there was kept: you haue heretofore séene but I thincke not so passingly well hand∣led nor better ordred, for surely the cha∣lengers especially with so valiant co∣rage and strength enforced themselues in the Iustice, that wonder it was to sée: and on the contrary side appeared also such manly hearts and boldned sto∣macks, that great commendations ob∣tayned both partes of all the assistants: but yet in fine (after many sturdie stro∣kes on both sides) the chalengers woon the price. &c. Thirdly, if I had knowen any other newes, I would haue writ∣ten them vnto you, praying you that you will still beare me good wil and of∣ten times write vnto me: Recommen∣ding

me especially to you, and to such a one, and to all our other frendes therea∣boutes. Beseching our Lord to send you comfort and health &c.

How to write letters contayning some pleasant Iestes of oure selues, besydes other matter.

THere are yet other sortes of letters: for these before writ∣ten, may be called simple: now testeth there to expresse the com∣position of some mixed Letters, which are of two or moe things. And first we wil shew the style of a mery letter prouoking to laugh¦ter or reioycing: yea and it often∣tymes falleth that in weightye matters, there is to be mingleh some pretie cōceate, be it through iesting of our selues, or of some other. And such Letters must be

deuided into three partes. First, we must pleasantly expresse the mery iestes or conceyte that we entend to vtter (our honesty and reputation still obserued) for that which we write is only to reioice our frend. Secondly, to leaue the iest or mery cōceit, & to change in∣to some other matter, to the ende that it be not sayd, that we be al∣together scoffers. Thirdly, to of∣fer our whole seruice, as in the let∣ters before.

The Example: wherin a Souldier writeth to his Captayne.

IT is no maruell (redouted Captayne) though you make great account of me for if I shold be in any réencōter against our enimies, where it were necessary to part it with blowes, you should sée how I would handle my selfe, yea the grat

feare that I haue of it, doeth make me already trouble and quake, considering y^e I neuer fought but vnder the curtaine, and with the pot and the spiggot: I be∣leue I durst not assault the snayle, if she were armed with hir shell and hornes, for as hardy a felow am I as euer was drawne out of a bowease: yea in such a matter I woulde loue well the sound of the retraicte: and if euer you sawe man of warre play better with a two footed swoord, then say boldly that I am a lyar, for I would runne with the formost to the forewarde of a good Tauerue, there to giue the onset. Secondly (my Captayne) all this I haue written but onely in iest. For in déede to saye the truth (none dispraysed) there is no man in the whole companie, that more wil∣lingly or more coragiously woulde ad∣uenture himselfe in the battayle than I woulde doe. For by the faythe that I owe vnto the King and to you, I haue so much before mine eyes the pu∣blike weale, and haue so much pitie of

the misery and calamytie of the poore people, that at all houres, both day and night, I am purposed to hazard my life in the defending thereof, and repulsing of the enimies, to the ende that folow∣ing the steps of other valiant Champi∣ons, I may purchase honor & renowne. Thirdly, neuerthelesse (valiāt Captain) I pray you not to put your selfe in dan∣ger without a cause, but if you sée that it be nedefull either for your owne de∣fense, or otherwise, you shall fynd in me such facts, as I wil not vtter with mouth always prest and redy to obey your good pleasure and commaundement.

How to write Letters concerning mery iestes or taunts by some other.

IF we would merily taunt him vnto whome we write, or some other of whom we write, it must be done euen as in the style before written, sauing that in the second

part we must ernestly cōtinue on the matter.

The example: wherin Cicero iesteth with Valerius.

COnsidering with my selfe at this pre∣sent, (my perfect frends Valerius) the great negligence that is in you, & that synce your departure you haue written nothing vnto me, I can not excuse you, but to say that you haue the palsey or else the seuer lurden, and that the hands which were wont to write often vnto me, can now no longer holde the penne. If it be so, recommend your selfe to the Saints of Paradise, or if not, learne so write with your féete, euen as you haue well done with your handes. Secondly, although iesting & bourding, yet knowe I not any other thing which might be more gratefull vnto me, or wherin you might doe me more pleasure, than now amongst the great affaires that I haue for the publike weale, to giue me some consolation by your letters, to the ende

that I may be certayne of your health: You know my heart how I loue you, & doe not request any other thing of you at this present, if not that it wold please you to write often vnto me. Thirdly, as for me, if there be any thing wherein I may imploye my selfe to pleasure you, you may command me, euen as him y^e is gladly redy to accōplish your good desyre.

How to write letters giuing generall commission and charge of bu∣sinesse or affayres.

THere is yet another fort of let∣ters, whereby we giue com∣mission or charge of certayne bu∣sinesse generally or particularly, and such letters must contayne foure partes. First, to purchase his beneuolence, saying, that for the loyaltie that is in him, and al∣so the confidence that we haue of his person, and that for the loue

of vs he wil entreat our businesse euen as his owne, therefore haue we deliberated to commit our bu∣synesse vnto him. Secondly, to declare what businesse, and with what persons, and how he hath to doe. Thirdly, to expresse the authoritie that we minde to giue him ouer our busynesse, with all other clauses necessary to the ex∣pedicion or execucion of the same businesse. Fourthly, to promise to take in good parte, whatsoeuer to him shalbe done &c.

The Example: wherein Cicero com∣mitteth to Scipio his authoritie ouer all his businesse in Rome.

I Know not any thing so weighty or so di••••icill, (my more than dere frend

Scipio) yea though death it selfe should follow, that for you I would not most willingly doe. For so willeth the loue & beneuolence that inwardly ioyneth and vniteth vs together: and I doe stedfast∣ly beleue, that you wil do the like for me, whensoeuer I néede. Secondly, the cause that moueth me to write thus vnto you, is y^e I haue much businesse to dispatch at Rome, where personally (for my other affayres, I can not be assistant, & there∣fore it behoueth me to haue some frende resydent there for me, that may take the charge of my affayres. Thirdly, and al∣though that I could commit them to dy∣uers other my frendes, yet notwithstan∣ding I am affrayde in so doing, that I should to much offende you: and should séeme that I would wholly separate my selfe from you, if I shold not commit my causes and affaires vnto you: and lyke∣wise if you desist from giuing me com∣mission of yours, our naturall and mu∣tuall loue might be diminished. Which case to auoyde, I now sende you playne and especiall procuration, in my vrgent

and nedefull businesse: hauing stedfast confidence in you that nothing shall pe∣rish through negligence. And especially concerning the cause and pursuyte be∣twene me and such a one, wherof I pray you, procure spéedy expedition, as know∣ing well the great wrong of the aduerse partie, & my good right, which hath great néede of ayde and succour. Fourthly, I besech you againe to haue my affaires in remembrance, whereof I giue you the charge and playne commission irreuoca∣ble: all which things I would haue you to do and procure, euen as though I my selfe were personally present, and what∣soeuer you shall doe I promise to be con∣tent withall, vnder obligation and bond of all my goods, according as more plain∣ly is conteined in the procuration (or Letter of attorney, which I sende you here withall. And thus fynish I my let∣ter, praying. &c.

How to write letters, giuing particular Commission for some affayres.

OFtentimes yt happeneth that we commit, and giue charge

of some particular busynesse: and such letters must be diuided into foure parts, euen as the other be∣fore written. Howbeit in the se∣cond part we must expresse one or moe businesse and affayres by or∣der, in euery article, the things that we would haue dispatched being particularly shewed, plain¦ly and manifestly.

The Example: wherein Appius constituteth Cicero his recey∣uer in Sicilia.

THe perfectnesse of fidelitie that I haue in you, (my loyall friende Tul∣ly,) and the which you vse towardes all your frendes, as I haue alwayes perfectly perceyued it, doeth giue me no small hope, (together the loue and beneuolence wherwith we are vnyted) that your wysedome and liberall huma∣nytie, taketh great pleasure to employ it selfe aboute my busynesse, if I com∣mit any vnto you. Secondly, and to

the ende that I giue you to vnderstand, what businesse I intend that you doe for me at this present, you shall know and vnderstand, that in your prouince I haue hadde to doe for the Senate of Rome and that great summes of money remayne due vnto me by dyuers of my creaditours thereaboutes. And seing that I am at this poynt assured of the good will that you beare vnto mée, I haue thought good to constitute you my procurour or attourney, to receyue of such a one, so much: and of such a one, so much. &c. Whereof I sende you the cedules and obligations. Thirdly, and if any of them or any other wyll resyst you, and refuse or delay the payment, I gyue you power and aucthoritie to constrayne them by all wayes of Iu∣stice, euen as I might my selfe, if I were there personally present. Fourth∣ly, whatsoeuer you shall doe for me, I promise you to be content therewith∣all, & bynd me by the procuration which I sēd you by this bearer, with y^e billes & writings seruing to that effect. I commit

the whole vnto you, certefiyng you that in me you haue a frend prest and ready to do whatsoeuer you shall commaunde him. From Rome the. &c.

How to write certaine myxed Letters.

YEt is there another sorte of Letters conteyning entermix∣ed matters, whiche are to be de∣uided into two parts onely. First, to declare the most necessary busi∣nesse. Neuerthelesse we must al∣ways begin with some honest preamble, lyke as if we write to our frende, saying though we bee occupied and busyed with many affayres, yet we intend to visit him with our letters. Secondly, to declare particularly and plain∣ly our intent. And if peraduēture it behoue vs to aunswere letters receiued from our frende, in such

a case for the preamble we shall say that we haue receiued his let∣ters, the which were very com∣fortable vnto vs, and that we in∣tend orderly to giue aunswere: in the ende whereof we may wryte that which we will besyde, offe∣ring as in the other before. &c.

The Example: wherein Cicero writeth to Curio concerning his businesse.

I Haue by this bearer receued your let∣ters (my singular frende Curio) wher∣by I greatly reioyced whē I vnderstoode the good health & prosperitie that is with you and yours: yet notwithstanding I was something sory when I sawe my selfe accused of negligence, for that I haue not written vnto you so often as you desired & as I ought to haue done. And certainly I cōfesse that I am great∣ly to be blamed, for in deede I was not very much busyed, and am very glad

that I know that my letters do so great∣ly comfort you: promising you that from henceforth there shal passe no messāger, but I will visit you with my writings, and will neuer thinke it any labour to write vnto you, so long as I may plea∣sure you. Secondly, you write vnto me that I should certifie you of your busy∣nesse, in what state they are: I assure you that day and night I go about to dis∣patch them, but the craftinesse of your aduersaries is so great, that I am forced to deferre, attending the good houre to breake and frustrate their malyce, the which notwithstanding; I beseche God to mayntaine you in your honour and dignitie. And where as you will me to sende you my bookes of the lawe, I would gladly doe it, but for the occasion of these troublesome tymes, I thinke it néedeful to tary til things be more peace∣able, and than will I satisfie that which you desyre, that is to say, you to com∣maunde, and I to obey. &c.

Hovve to vvrite Letters contey∣ning diuerse and sundry matters.

LEtters conteining many sorts of matters may be deuided in∣to asmany parts as they cōtaine sundry matters: and we must be∣gin with the most principal part, alwayes obseruing the rules be∣fore written, and afterward the most necessary, and so consequent∣ly euen vnto the ende, so that the whole be finished in order & by ar∣ticles: howbeit it is good to place in the beginning some preamble fyt for the matter: and fynally to offer as before. Note also, that if there be question bothe of our frendes affayres and our owne, then is it decent to begin wyth those of our frendes, and after∣wardes

to speake of our owne, thereby to giue him to vnderstād that we haue his affaires as∣much or more in remembraunce than our owne.

The example, wherein Tully writeth to Pompilius of comforting, graue and domestical matters.

I Vnderstande (my very perfect frende Pompilius) by Letters receyued from some of our frendes, that your valyant Father is deceassed out of this world: & this know ye, that in as much as we are firmely ioyned together in frendeship, therfore it is very heuy for me to suffer, yea I esteme it euen as myne owne ad∣uersitie, as frends ought to do. But whē I consider how well borne he was, and that he came in maryage with noble and sage parents, & by his vertues got such dignities and authorities as can not be recyted: yea and moreouer (which is al∣most impossible) that he was alwayes

in fauour both with the Lords and the people, that he hath runne his course of nature, and that he is godly depar∣ted, I finde no cause to lamēt, but with all my heart to render thanks vnto god, that hath giuen him so many giftes of vertue in this worlde, and then after many yeares, hath called him frō dark∣nesse to his cleare light. Secondly, let vs now speake of other matters: you shall vnderstande that it is reported vs euen to the whole Senate, y^t the french men prepare a great host against oure common weale, and haue alreadie ouer runne our fields, therefore is it conde∣scended, that manfully and with a good courage we shall go against them. And this to doe is established by Pompeius, who in wisedome, counsell, and war∣fare authoritie, hath none like vnto him for to conduct oure armie. Therefore I counsell you to leaue Cumane, and to come into this Citie, duryng the expe∣dition of this warre, for to auoyde the hurt that might come vnto you. Third∣ly, you write vnto me that I should re∣ceyue

money of youre detters, I wyll doe it willingly: But during this tu∣multe, I determyne nothyng in the Senate, nor elsewhere, vntyll that thyngs bée more quiete: and I dare boldely write vnto you, that yf you come hither, you may get honour and profite: and you shall sée what dyly∣gence I haue vsed towardes your cre∣ditours, and to magnifie youre name: assuring you that I am wholly at your commandement.

How a Prince faithfully certifieth the vvorthie qualities of a man.

ALl, or moste parte of the styles before written, are addressed eyther to oure superiours, equal∣les, or inferiours, whiche mighte seeme to suffise for thys lyttle woorke: yet neuerthelesse, by∣cause I woulde haue the gen∣tle

Readers, to vnderstande that I delyte to expresse aboundance of Stiles, I haue thought good to recite some stiles, whiche wri∣ters and learned men haue accu∣stomed to vse, following therein the example of diuers good Ora∣tors. And the first stile shall be a letter of fidelitie, to wit, VVhen a Prince writeth to one or to many the veritie and truth of a thing, e∣uen as it is, giuing perfect notice that it is so: and such letters must containe three partes. Fyrst, the Prince putteth his name, his ti∣tle, and other qualities agreable to hys hyghnesse. Secondely, muste bee placed the discourse or entraunce fitte for the purpose, whereof wee intende to write. Thirdely, to purchase beneuo∣lence to the thing, or to the person wherof we write, causyng credite

to be giuen thervnto: expressing the very truth of that which we commende, or the vertues of the person.

The Example: wherein the Duke of Ʋenice certifieth the vvisedom and science of G. A.

AVgustine, by the grace of God. &c. To all them that shall see these let∣ters, helth and comfort. Secondly, the Maiestie of a Prince, & his magnificall authoritie is not onely to punishe & cor∣recte vices, but with his whole power he ought to deiect & chase away all vici∣ous persons: and euē so likewise ought he of Iustice and honestie, the good and vertuous, full of Sapience and studie, not onely to amplifie with goodes and honour, but also in all thyngs to gyue them support, fauor and praise. Third∣ly, and for that it is many yeares agoe since we haue perfectely knowne Geor∣ges Alexander Doctor very experte and skilfull, as well in the Greke as in the

Latine tongue, yea loued, estéemed and honoured of all men, for the grauitie of his eloquence: wherfore besides the be∣nefites that we haue shewed him, it is yet our minde, that by our faithful wit∣nesse, the vertues whiche are in him, should be knowne vnto all men, and by your relation to be magnified. And ther∣fore we recommende vnto you the sayde Georges Alexander, in al his affaires: for that citie or towne, may thinke it selfe very happie, wherein he shall vouchsafe to abide, for the excellent doctrine that is in him. And if there be any seruice or plesure done vnto him for our sake, we estéeme it euen as if it were done vnto our self, and for the same will giue per∣petuall thankes. In witnesse whereof wée haue sealed this with oure Seale manuell. Youen here the such a day &c.

How a great prince writeth of peace or warres &c.

THere is an other sort of letters when a great Prince writeth

generally to all, or to a vniuersi∣tie, a towne, a Citie, a countrey, a communaltie, or to some publike person, as to entreate of peace, warres, apointment. &c. And such letters must be deuided into three partes. Fyrste, the name of the Prince, and al his titles, with sa∣lutation. Secōdly, the cause mo∣uing wherefore we write, decla∣ring that it is iust, honest, & pro∣fitable, the which we shall proue as well by reasons as to depresse oure aduersarie, and to desire al∣wayes to maynteine Iustice and equitie. Thirdly, the matter that wee intende, be it of peace, or of warre, or of some other greate matter, and lette the conclusion be tendyng to oure purpose, con∣taynyng the fynall clauses, agre∣able & necessary therevnto, accor∣ding to the rules before written.

The Example wherin the Empe∣rour maketh peace vvith the kyng of Hun∣garie.

FRederike by the Diuine grace, Em∣peroure of the Romanes, of Austrie, of Syrie, Duke of &c. and Counte of. &c. To Mathieu king of Hungarie. &c. sen∣deth gréeting: Although that there bée many reasons the whiche mighte pro∣uoke vs to make warre agaynst thée, m••e than are to be founde, that doe persuade vs for to make peace wyth thée, the whiche were to long to re∣cyte, neyther also shall it be néedeful for asmuch as thou doest vnderstande them well ynoughe: yet to the ende that to thée and thyne it maye appeare that there is in vs more Liberalitie, gentlenesse, and humanitie, than de∣syre of reuengement, againste youre ingratitude, wée haue thoughte good to make peace wyth thée, to thys end, that oure warres beyng thus ceassed,

our people and thine, being sore weri∣ed and trauailed, may returne to their houses in their desired peace, to restore their goodes so dispersed and wasted. Thirdly, and for this cause I certifie by these presents, that from henceforth se∣cludyng all discorde and simulation, which heretofore mighte haue bene be∣twixt vs, we will with thée make and establishe firme and stedfast peace, by the formes and conditions passed and accorded betwene our ambassadoures. Wherfore we admonish you, that thou and thine be prest ioyefully and with a good will, to receiue this desired peace, and to kepe it on your parte inuiolated, euen as we haue enioyned to ours, and as we our selues minde to doe: to the ende that thou mightest know the good that we would thée in well and faith∣fully keping this peace, and causing it to be kept and obserued without inter∣ruption,

How a noble man writeth Letters for the promotion of a man.

WHen any Lord or noble man writeth for the promotion of a man, or that he writeth to him, whome he mindeth to preferre, or to another to prouide for hym of whom he writeth, such Letters are to be deuided into .iij. partes, as before. First hee putteth hys name and his titles, with briefe salutation. Secondly he getteth beneuolence to the person, whom he mindeth to preferre, by pray∣sing him of some particular ver∣tue, saying that therfore he deser∣ueth to be had in fauor and esti∣mation with all men. Thirdely, hee getteth beneuolence to hys own person, saying that for those causes he is moued to shewe him fauoure and commoditie: after∣wards

he addeth to take in good part the good will, for such a be∣nefite or thing gyuen, is not suf∣ficient to rewarde suche vertues, offring. &c.

The Example, vvherin the Counte of Pauie, vvriteth in the promotion of A.

IOannes Galeas Maria, by the grace of God Countie of Pauie, and Lorde of Gennes, to Angelicke sendeth gréeting: Secondly the excellent melody and in∣credible harmonie of Musicall science, wherein thou excellest not onely the o∣ther Singers of our Chappell, but al∣so there is none whiche may be compa∣red vnto thée, with other great and in∣numerable vertues, for the whiche of all people both priuatly and publikely, thou art renowmed, praised, estéemed, & reuerenced: Such things I say, do pro∣uoke and incline me to beare thée good will, to ayde and succoure thée in thy desires, euen as customably wée doe to

our seruauntes and familiar acquain∣taunce, to the ende to stirre and moue other to well doyng, when they sée the vertuous to be rewarded and honored. Thirdely, and to the ende that more playnly may appeare to you the greate affection and loue that we beare thée, we doe constitute thée to receiue in the Coūte of Aquedoace, the fruits, rents, profites, and reuenues due vnto vs, the whiche wée doe fréely giue thée by these presentes, and so doe declare and com∣maunde it: willing thée gently to re∣ceiue it, which is too litle to bée compa∣red to thy vertues, trusting hereafter, if we be of power and abilitie, that thou shalte perceiue howe wée desire the ad∣uauncement of our good seruantes by magnifying their vertues, offring &c.

How a prince ecclesiastical or tempo∣rall, writeth Letters forbidding a thing.

WHen a prince ecclesiastical or tē¦porall writeth to one or to ma∣ny, cōmādyng & forbidding not to

finishe a thing alreadie begon, or not to take in hande a thing alre∣die pretended: Such letters con∣taine .iij. partes. Firste his name and his titles, with salutation. Secondly, he declareth to vnder∣stande, that hee vnto whome hée writeth, hath enterprised, and purposeth to finish a thing which he would not haue him to execute shewing the causes and reasons, either true or like to be true, dis∣suading from the doing of such a thing. Thirdly, he placeth his cō∣maundemente and inhibition in briefe termes, and well to be vn∣derstanded, euen as it appertay∣neth vnto a prince, adding therto iniunctions and royal thretnings if it be gaynsayd or withstanded: the which threatnings neuerthe∣lesse ought to be moderated with humanitie, and not ouercharged

with rigour, to the end that tho∣rough too great rigour, it be not perceyned, that the Prince spea∣keth of choler or anger, the which a wise man ought not to do: and then to set the day and date. &c.

The Example: wherein the Pope forbiddeth king Ferrand the building of a Castle.

INnocent Bishop, seruaunt of the ser∣uaunts of God, to our sonne Ferrand, king of ••ouill•• helth & apostolicall bene∣diction. Secondly, by y^e Letters of oure Reuerend brother the Cardinall of S. Peter ad Vincula, by oure commaunde∣ment gouerner of the Fielde Picenine, and Legate, we haue had vnderstāding that in the endes and borders of the kingdome of ••ouill•• towards our fielde Picenine, whiche belongeth to vs, thou wilt breaking the appoyntementes and concordes made betwéene vs, buylde strong places and Castles, as he sayth,

hée knoweth by the reporte of dyuers people, worthie of credite, who doe say, that they haue seene thy prepara∣tions: and as thou knowest, suche ma∣ner of newe buyldings, especially e∣rected vpon the Front of the Sea coast, where they may giue greate occasions of euyll dooyng and hurte, are things whiche of their owne nature, induce a man to suspition, and to thynke some euyll conspiracie. Wherefore we can not but greately doubt, leaste thou in∣tendest some treason agaynste vs.

Thirdly, wée therefore wyll thy maie∣stie, to desist from buyldyng suche Ca∣stles and Fortes agaynste vs, if thou wylt with vs haue peace and perpetu∣all tranquillitie. But if peraduenture thou wilte not ceasse, then vnderstande thou for a certaintie, that we shall be constrayned to repulse the iniurie, that thou wouldest doe vnto vs, followyng those meanes whereby it is lawfull to put away iniurie. Howebeit we haue a confidence that thou wylte doe no∣thyng

that myghte bée preiudiciall vnto vs, the whiche no good Kyng may nor ought to doe.

Youen at Rome &c.

Here endeth the firste Booke.

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Notes

• * 1.1

  The Cause.
• * 1.2

  The Intent.
• * 1.3

  The Con∣clusion.
• * 1.4

  The Inteut.
• * 1.5

  The Cause.
• * 1.6

  The Con∣clusion.
• * 1.7

  Conclusion.
• * 1.8

  Cause.
• * 1.9

  Intention.
• * 1.10

  Why the Epiloge is made.
• * 1.11

  A Confir∣mation.
• * 1.12

  An other Confirma∣tion which is in forme of the Mi∣nor.
• * 1.13

  Two other reasons, cō∣firming and augmēting that which goeth be∣fore.
• * 1.14

  Conclusion.
• * 1.15

  The Minor.
• * 1.16

  A prouerbe.
• * 1.17

  The Con∣clusion.
• * 1.18

  A three fold cōsideration to be had in all Letters.
• * 1.19

  4. things to be noted.