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IN doing also of our Duetie and ser∣uice, we must alwayes be prudent and wise, that it maye the rather be ac∣ceptable vnto them, vpon whome it is bestowed: least our trauell, our laboure, and our coste, be scoffed at and derided. And touching this matter, sixe things there are of vs to be obserued. We must sée before hande, that our s••ruice be profytable vnto them, vpon whome we
doe bestowe our seruice: for, he that in seruice attempteth hurtefull and displea∣saunte things, doth not only therby, not doe any good at all, or duetifull seruice: but rather bringeth with him, muche harme and destruction. It must therfore be both orderly done, and in due season, and at a conuenient time, for, benefites vnseasonable, or things bestowed out of due time, are not to be receyued or taken in such good part, as Erasmus Ro∣ter. witnesseth: To offer fréely and of our owne accorde, and not to stay or tarye, vntill we be moued or called vnto: for, being therevnto constrayned throughe any crauing of pouertie, and so, to helpe and to do good: it then shal the rather ap∣peare, howe we doe iustlye deserue to haue but small commendation & prayse. Therfore do the comō people say: That thing is very dearely boughte, which is attained vnto or purchased by much sute or by praiers. And although in our pro∣mises, yt things which we do promise, be of high value and price: yet may we not defer the performance of such promises:
For (in such things) fond delaying of the time, maketh the shew of our dueties to be both vnthankful and tedious. Due∣ties, and al maters of seruice, must wil∣lingly be done and spéedily, and not as is the maner of an Asse, which otherwhiles is enforced to drinke: neyther ought we to be as is the beaste Testudo, slouthfull or créeping in our attemptes: or as the Aceassei is, that gaseth vp for the Moone. Things should be as wel and faithfully done, as though the matter were in déed our owne: yea, and that more faithfully is our friendes matter to be executed or preferred than our owne: for then is she∣wed forth the brightnesse of oure fayth∣full and true friendshippe. Thyngs de∣termined, or that ought to be done, shold be done eyther friendlye and courteous∣lye, or else fréelye omitted and let passe. For, suche Dueties or Seruices are they alwayes thoughte to bée, as the minde of the doer is alreadye bente. That seruice is thanke worthye, why∣che is done from a thankefull and wil∣ling minde: but that whiche by enforce∣ment
is done, or against the wil, is vtter∣lye voyd of delyght, and not to be thank∣fully taken. If through riches thyngs are to be done, we must do them so much the more franckely, largelye, and boun∣tyfullye: For the grace of the former good tourne, perisheth and quite va∣nisheth awaye, vnlesse it be agayne re∣newed or requited with some newe and louely benefite.
Era••mus.
Snaile. •…•…ceassei.