the_o glory_n of_o man_n consist_v in_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o woman_n chapter_n i._o of_o the_o creation_n of_o woman_n and_o her_o perfection_n howbeit_o thucydides_n thucydides_n thucydides_n the_o philosopher_n out_o of_o a_o heathnicke_n humour_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o as_o the_o woman_n ought_v to_o be_v good_a housekeeper_n and_o seldom_o see_v abroad_o neither_o shall_v their_o good_a name_n fame_n nor_o beauty_n go_v far_o than_o the_o threshold_n of_o their_o door_n yet_o worthy_a plutarch_n plutarch_n plutarch_n a_o man_n far_o more_o excellent_a in_o wit_n &_o learning_n treat_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o renown_a woman_n agree_v with_o the_o learned_a gorgias_n leontanus_n and_o â—eontanus_fw-la gorgias_n â—eontanus_fw-la say_v that_o not_o only_o her_o beauty_n but_o also_o her_o rare_a virtue_n good_a behaviour_n comely_a manner_n and_o other_o angelical_a perfection_n shall_v no_o way_n be_v smother_v but_o in_o the_o oration_n of_o learned_a man_n make_v know_v even_o to_o the_o encowragement_n of_o posterity_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o ancient_a roman_n who_o hold_v it_o for_o great_a impiety_n only_o to_o make_v the_o gross_a half_n of_o mankind_n renown_v and_o let_v the_o more_o excellent_a deed_n of_o the_o noble_a sort_n be_v bury_v in_o oblivion_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o my_o slender_a skill_n and_o ability_n i_o vow_v to_o do_v my_o best_a herein_o though_o i_o presume_v nor_o to_o be_v call_v absolute_o the_o author_n hereof_o but_o by_o way_n of_o gather_v together_o and_o true_o translate_n of_o learned_a man_n just_a trial_n and_o sound_a judgemente_n in_o the_o praise_n of_o so_o rare_a glorious_a comely_a wise_a lovely_a perfect_a amiable_a and_o precious_a a_o creature_n as_o be_v woman_n the_o crown_n and_o glory_n of_o man_n even_o the_o mother_n of_o all_o live_a soul_n neither_o will_v i_o speak_v only_o of_o late_a time_n since_o the_o day_n of_o annacus_n or_o deucals_n annac_n deucals_n deucalion_n but_o even_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o first_o creation_n of_o woman_n whereby_o her_o splendent_a brightness_n may_v shine_v the_o clear_a dazzle_v the_o dusty_a deed_n of_o slalow-witted_n man._n now_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n that_o the_o lord_n create_v the_o first_o man_n adam_n even_o of_o the_o dust_n and_o slime_n of_o the_o earth_n breathe_v into_o his_o nostril_n the_o breath_n of_o life_n and_o so_o he_o become_v a_o live_a soul_n be_v innocent_a and_o perfect_o holy_a even_o according_a to_o the_o image_n of_o god._n then_o mark_v that_o man_n be_v make_v of_o a_o dead_a lump_n and_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o the_o earth_n and_o when_o god_n have_v put_v his_o own_o spirit_n therein_o and_o make_v it_o a_o comely_a fair_a yea_o holy_a and_o divine_a creature_n then_o out_o of_o the_o same_o purify_a substance_n he_o make_v a_o more_o excellent_a angelical_a creature_n even_o evah_n the_o woman_n and_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o here_o may_v just_o be_v show_v innumerable_a testimony_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o praise_v of_o woman_n from_o the_o very_a creation_n until_o this_o day_n 1._o that_o every_o work_n of_o god_n exceed_v excel_v and_o outreacheth_a each_o other_o in_o greatness_n and_o goodness_n and_o still_o the_o last_o for_o to_o be_v best_a 2._o that_o man_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o woman_n fall_n by_o neglect_v her_o company_n 3._o that_o the_o woman_n make_v denial_n to_o eat_v of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n and_o be_v overcome_v by_o great_a and_o subtle_a temptation_n and_o that_o man_n very_o impudent_o and_o unadvysedlie_o without_o any_o gaynsaying_a at_o the_o first_o offer_n take_v and_o eat_v and_o so_o very_o rash_o break_v the_o lord_n commandment_n 4._o that_o whereas_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o wyve_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o their_o husband_n be_v not_o mean_v that_o therefore_o the_o man_n be_v better_a than_o woman_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o her_o fall_n 5._o that_o the_o fall_n of_o evah_n be_v great_o to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o glory_n and_o power_n of_o god_n yea_o and_o a_o most_o happy_a fall_n to_o the_o elect_v people_n of_o the_o lord_n these_o i_o say_v with_o thousand_o more_o may_v here_o true_o and_o plain_o be_v prove_v but_o i_o omit_v the_o rest_n until_o my_o second_o work_n of_o this_o quality_n which_o if_o this_o be_v jangle_v against_o shall_v short_o compeare_v even_o to_o the_o utter_a shame_n of_o all_o the_o fame-stayners_a of_o woman_n and_o thus_o i_o proceed_v in_o their_o due_a and_o just_a praise_n now_o it_o be_v say_v genes_n 3._o that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v bruise_v the_o head_n 3_o gene_n sis_n 3_o of_o the_o serpent_n and_o by_o this_o seed_n be_v mean_v our_o gracious_a redeemer_n jesus_n our_o saviour_n bless_v for_o ever_o amen_n and_o who_o so_o will_v right_o understand_v what_o woman_n be_v unto_o man_n she_o be_v in_o very_a deed_n the_o first_o &_o chief_a essential_a good_a and_o perfect_a benefit_n of_o god_n unto_o man._n for_o without_o that_o goodly_a creature_n man_n have_v never_o be_v perfect_v but_o in_o more_o miserable_a state_n on_o earth_n than_o any_o beast_n for_o each_o of_o they_o have_v his_o maike_fw-mi for_o his_o solace_n recreation_n and_o procreation_n thus_o to_o conclude_v our_o first_o chapter_n let_v none_o deny_v but_o that_o woman_n be_v man_n equal_a and_o more_o in_o every_o good_a point_n and_o foremost_a parttaker_n of_o every_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o grace_n from_o above_o be_v as_o say_v be_v compose_v both_o of_o the_o more_o excellent_a substance_n and_o quality_n and_o in_o she_o as_o in_o a_o rare_a sumptuous_a costly_a and_o precious_a boothe_n or_o shop_n and_o from_o she_o do_v shine_v the_o beam_n of_o beauty_n comelinehe_fw-ge constancy_n virtue_n prudencie_n piety_n charity_n and_o practice_v in_o good_a manner_n far_o exceed_v gross_a man_n except_o indeed_o in_o strength_n wherein_o he_o exceed_v woman_n mighty_o to_o commit_v all_o manner_n of_o cruelty_n and_o naughtiness_n and_o she_o the_o weak_a vessel_n both_o in_o body_n and_o mind_n to_o commit_v any_o evil_n and_o though_o man_n seem_v to_o brag_v of_o his_o strength_n yet_o let_v he_o know_v that_o what_o man_n hold_v hang_v but_o by_o slender_a twine_n by_o sudden_a chance_n the_o strong_a thing_n decline_v chapter_n ii_o of_o the_o fair_a and_o goodly_a privilege_n grant_v and_o give_v unto_o woman_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n although_o woman_n have_v no_o far_a advantage_n of_o man_n than_o say_v be_v already_o to_o wit_n that_o she_o be_v make_v in_o fair_a paradyse_n and_o man_n there-out_a and_o of_o a_o good_a purify_v and_o livelie_a substance_n and_o he_o of_o a_o gross_a heavy_a and_o dead_a matter_n this_o i_o say_v may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o stop_v the_o injurious_a wicked_a mouth_n of_o such_o calumniator_n as_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n but_o the_o shame_n of_o woman_n and_o yet_o there_o will_v remain_v a_o world_n full_o more_o of_o perfectious_a excellency_n and_o virtuous_a quality_n to_o be_v find_v in_o woman_n far_o excel_v the_o gross_a and_o churlish_a condition_n of_o men._n the_o small_a part_n whereof_o to_o collect_v together_o and_o set_v down_o in_o print_n will_v be_v a_o labyrinthiall_a and_o herculean_a travel_n neither_o can_v all_o the_o paper_n in_o the_o world_n contain_v their_o worthiness_n nor_o the_o world_n contain_v the_o book_n which_o right_o may_v be_v write_v in_o their_o just_a praise_n and_o therefore_o i_o request_v you_o at_o this_o time_n to_o accept_v only_o of_o this_o my_o little_a knot_n draw_v out_o of_o other_o man_n great_a garden_n no_o more_o but_o to_o signify_v unto_o the_o world_n the_o pretence_n of_o my_o good_a will_n if_o possible_o my_o power_n can_v be_v amount_v to_o the_o sphere_n of_o my_o soar_a mind_n then_o for_o brevity_n cause_n harken_v well_o unto_o these_o few_o yet_o notable_a remembrance_n of_o honourable_a woman_n in_o time_n past_a even_o to_o the_o encowragement_n of_o our_o gracious_a matron_n nowadays_o yea_o and_o to_o succession_n hereafter_o together_o with_o a_o strong_a confutation_n of_o all_o graceless_a vilepender_n of_o this_o renown_a sex_n of_o woman_n which_o sort_n of_o man_n may_v fit_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o serpent_n or_o viper_n which_o after_o generation_n have_v receive_v life_n in_o their_o mother_n belly_n gnaw_v and_o eat_v through_o their_o mother_n side_n and_o so_o come_v forth_o whereby_o of_o necessity_n she_o lose_v her_o life_n firstlie_o then_o there_o be_v never_o such_o a_o wicked_a and_o unjust_a deed_n wrought_v by_o all_o the_o woman_n that_o ever_o be_v as_o be_v show_v on_o our_o saviour_n flat_a and_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n counsel_n and_o disposition_n
and_o her_o greatness_n be_v display_v elizabeth_n queen_n elizabeth_n as_o far_o as_o sun_n and_o moon_n do_v ever_o shine_v god_n mingle_a service_n she_o do_v re-refyne_a from_o romish_a rubbish_n and_o from_o humane_a dross_n she_o year_o make_v the_o pride_n of_o spain_n decline_v france_n and_o belgia_n she_o save_v from_o loss_n she_o be_v art_n pattern_n to_o arm_n she_o be_v a_o patron_n she_o live_v and_o die_v a_o queen_n a_o maid_n a_o matron_n chapter_n iii_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o woman_n who_o god_n have_v make_v the_o first_o mother_n of_o virtue_n and_o instrumental_a finders-out_a of_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o needful_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n marcus_n varro_n varro_z marcus_z varro_z testify_v that_o woman_n be_v the_o first_o instrument_n and_o finders-out_a of_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o needful_a thing_n belong_v unto_o mankind_n to_o wit_n 1._o the_o unity_n and_o fellowship_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o town_n village_n freedom_n and_o congregation_n 2._o that_o woman_n be_v the_o first_o inventor_n of_o letter_n and_o art_n of_o write_v 3._o that_o woman_n be_v the_o first_o in-bringer_n and_o ordayner_n of_o law_n and_o statute_n politic_a civil_a and_o moral_a 4._o that_o the_o comely_a art_n of_o barbarize_v shear_v or_o trim_v of_o man_n head_n and_o beard_n first_o begin_v with_o woman_n in_o sicilia_n and_o bring_v from_o thence_o to_o rome_n by_o tirinius_n rome_n have_v then_o be_v inhabit_v 554_o year_n without_o the_o seemliness_n of_o this_o arte._n 5._o that_o woman_n be_v the_o first_o inventor_n of_o horology_n diall_n and_o clock_n which_o most_o comfortable_o measure_v unto_o we_o the_o day_n and_o night_n into_o 24_o part_n winter_n and_o summer_n then_o next_o unto_o god_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o woman_n be_v it_o say_v that_o no_o more_o excellent_a and_o worthy_a thing_n than_o these_o can_v be_v in_o the_o world_n what_o can_v be_v more_o precious_a unto_o we_o than_o letter_n for_o without_o letter_n the_o life_n of_o man_n yea_o and_o his_o whole_a pilgrimage_n on_o earth_n will_v be_v but_o a_o continual_a death_n and_o a_o oblivious_a burial_n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v without_o letter_n letter_n be_v the_o pillar_n of_o everlasting_a memory_n letter_n keep_v fresh_a to_o our_o remembrance_n to_o day_n what_o have_v be_v do_v so_o many_o thousand_o year_n ago_o letter_n preserve_v all_o thing_n do_v in_o our_o time_n even_o unto_o our_o posterity_n posterity_n for_o ever_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o letter_n socrates_n plato_n aristotle_n cato_n theophrastes_n virgil_n ovid_n cicero_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o goodly_a fellowship_n of_o philosopher_n yea_o most_o holy_a and_o wise_a father_n have_v not_o so_o high_o be_v in_o estimation_n with_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o world_n have_v reap_v such_o great_a beneficial_a knowledge_n as_o it_o have_v please_v god_n next_o unto_o his_o great_a mercy_n by_o their_o painful_a study_n to_o our_o great_a ease_n to_o bestow_v upon_o us._n but_o what_o need_v i_o to_o speak_v of_o mortal_a man_n and_o of_o late_a time_n be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o god_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o his_o miraculous_a wonder_n yet_o extant_a among_o we_o yea_o together_o with_o his_o reveal_v word_n and_o will_n and_o all_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o immortal_a letter_n whereof_o it_o please_v god_n to_o make_v illustrious_a woman_n the_o first_o carmenta_n carmenta_n author_n even_o renown_a carmenta_n or_o by_o some_o writer_n name_v nicostrata_n the_o mother_n of_o evander_n king_n of_o arcadia_n for_o who_o sake_n all_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o love_n and_o honour_v her_o sex_n give_v god_n the_o praise_n who_o have_v lend_v unto_o mankind_n such_o a_o excellent_a exceed_a great_a benefit_n as_o be_v immortal_a letter_n if_o any_o will_v here_o allege_v that_o plinius_n plinius_n plinius_n with_o the_o authority_n of_o epigenes_n will_v maintain_v letter_n to_o have_v be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n yet_o abundance_n of_o ancient_a writer_n be_v of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n among_o who_o be_v the_o worthy_a &_o learned_a theophrastus_n who_o think_v it_o no_o shame_n to_o theophrastus_n theophrastus_n confess_v that_o the_o lady_n leontia_n withstand_v he_o in_o the_o face_n in_o disputation_n before_o a_o assembly_n and_o quite_o overthrow_v he_o and_o that_o by_o reason_n say_v he_o she_o have_v the_o knowledge_n and_o practical_a use_n of_o letter_n which_o himself_n be_v ignorant_a of_o at_o that_o tyme._n and_o saynct_v hieronymus_n confess_v hieronymus_n hieronymus_n the_o like_a of_o a_o woman_n call_v eustachius_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o his_o great_a mercy_n towards_o woman_n sex_n be_v it_o say_v and_o aristotle_n say_v that_o as_o man_n aristotle_n aristotle_n come_v of_o the_o woman_n even_o so_o do_v all_o good_a thing_n and_o all_o excellency_n in_o knowledge_n of_o science_n learning_n and_o virtue_n proceed_v also_o from_o the_o woman_n unto_o man_n for_o his_o comfort_n and_o therefore_o glory_n be_v to_o god_n for_o she_o to_o proceed_v then_o in_o the_o just_a praise_n of_o woman_n woman_n have_v not_o only_o be_v the_o first_o instrumental_a finder_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v indeed_o the_o royal_a ornament_n of_o mankynd_n inward_a understanding_n as_o be_v letter_n aforesaid_a but_o also_o many_o other_o necessary_n without_o the_o which_o man_n have_v yet_o live_v as_o in_o former_a time_n that_o be_v more_o like_a brute_n beast_n than_o reasonable_a creature_n have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o witty_a help_n and_o painful_a hand_n of_o virtuous_a woman_n for_o not_o only_o from_o the_o creation_n till_o noah_n but_o long_o after_o the_o deludge_n man_n live_v on_o acorn_n root_n bark_n of_o tree_n and_o meal_n of_o such_o like_a thing_n till_o at_o the_o last_o dame_n ceres_n ceres_n ceres_n find_v out_o the_o precious_a grain_n of_o corn_n and_o consequent_o invent_v the_o make_n and_o bake_v of_o bread_n in_o the_o country_n of_o greece_n italy_n and_o sicily_n and_o therefore_o be_v she_o call_v a_o goddess_n yea_o and_o hold_v for_o the_o same_o of_o all_o our_o learned_a poet_n even_o till_o this_o day_n moreover_o it_o be_v soothlie_o say_v of_o the_o same_o dame_n ceres_n that_o she_o be_v the_o first_o ordayner_n of_o good_a statute_n and_o maker_n of_o civil_a law_n without_o the_o which_o no_o kingdom_n commonwealth_n congregation_n or_o household_n can_v stand_v and_o yet_o all_o this_o come_v immediate_o from_o god_n unto_o woman_n and_o god_n make_v she_o the_o destributer_n thereof_o unto_o man_n her_o other_o half_a and_o for_o my_o proof_n concern_v dame_n virgil_n diodere_n ovid._n herodite_n virgil_n ceres_n i_o take_v to_o witness_v worthy_a diodore_n in_o his_o sixth_o book_n ovid_n in_o his_o five_o book_n of_o metamorphosis_n and_o herodote_n the_o father_n of_o all_o historician_n in_o his_o sixth_o book_n and_o therefore_o virgil_n in_o his_o book_n of_o aeneid_n call_v her_o legifera_n that_o be_v lawgiver_n and_o this_o also_o do_v plinius_n maintain_v &_o avouch_v plinius_n plinius_n in_o his_o seven_o book_n of_o natural_a history_n now_o as_o the_o corn_n and_o meal_n make_v &_o bread_n bake_v be_v first_o find_v by_o a_o woman_n dame_n ceres_n as_o say_v be_v so_o isis_n ceres_n isis_n be_v there_o another_o rare_a dame_n call_v isis_n who_o find_v out_o the_o way_n how_o to_o manure_v and_o plough_v the_o land_n and_o short_o after_o other_o virtuous_a woman_n in_o gallia_n have_v invent_v the_o sieve_n and_o some_o other_o in_o spaygne_n the_o bolting-cloath_n as_o say_v plinius_n in_o his_o eyghteenth_fw-mi book_n moreov_a in_o the_o begin_n man_n live_v most_o barbarouslie_o grosslie_n and_o brutishlie_o have_v not_o wherewith_o to_o cover_v their_o nakedness_n but_o the_o shin_n of_o wild_a beast_n and_o bark_n of_o tree_n until_o the_o time_n that_o the_o woman_n find_v out_o the_o make_n of_o cloth_n in_o which_o art_n dame_n tannaquil_n or_o as_o some_o tannaquil_n tannaquil_n call_v she_o caja_n be_v extraordinary_a painful_a and_o expert_a and_o therefore_o be_v call_v the_o goddess_n of_o good_a housewyve_n but_o the_o first_o that_o ever_o begin_v to_o spin_v wool_n be_v a_o comely_a fair_a and_o virtuous_a virgin_n in_o the_o country_n of_o lydia_n call_v arachne_n as_o testify_v plinius_n arachne_n arachne_n and_o ovid_n in_o his_o metamorph._n but_o i_o know_v not_o what_o will_v have_v become_v of_o silly_a man_n have_v not_o dame_n pallas_n find_v our_o flax_n and_o hemp_n and_o pallas_n pallas_n the_o invention_n of_o make_v of_o linen_n cloth_n for_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o without_o linen_n man_n will_v be_v much_o foul_a and_o unclean_a than_o beast_n so_o that_o his_o habitation_n will_v be_v more_o odious_a than_o the_o stall_n of_o auria_n and_o these_o enormity_n be_v all_o prevent_v even_o by_o woman_n
despiser_n of_o woman_n and_o take_v example_n by_o cyrus_n the_o emperor_n who_o as_o long_o as_o his_o empress_n live_v be_v a_o good_a and_o merciful_a prince_n afterward_o become_v a_o cruel_a &_o unmerciful_a tyrant_n but_o what_o follow_v the_o history_n say_v that_o thomyris_n queen_n of_o scythia_n wage_v battle_n thomyris_n thomyris_n against_o he_o who_o she_o take_v and_o cause_v cut_v off_o his_o head_n and_o for_o a_o reward_n of_o his_o bloody_a cruelty_n she_o put_v his_o head_n into_o a_o vessel_n full_a of_o man_n blood_n say_v satisfy_v now_o thyself_o with_o blood_n which_o heretofore_o thou_o can_v never_o get_v anough_o moreov_a among_o the_o rest_n of_o worthy_a woman_n let_v we_o speak_v somewhat_o of_o jeane_a of_o orleans_n or_o of_o ark_n orleans_n jeane_v of_o orleans_n for_o who_o the_o frenchman_n have_v great_a cause_n to_o praise_n god_n for_o by_o her_o godly_a skill_n and_o willing_a forwardness_n the_o kingdom_n of_o france_n be_v fir_v from_o conquer_a englishman_n who_o have_v imperious_o possess_v that_o kingdom_n above_o forty_o year_n together_o but_o yet_o as_o the_o englishman_n be_v always_o valorous_a conqueror_n so_o also_o have_v they_o ever_o be_v know_v to_o be_v very_o merciful_a enemy_n and_o friendly_a foe_n for_o though_o they_o have_v conquer_v all_o yet_o of_o their_o courtesy_n they_o suffer_v the_o king_n of_o france_n to_o possess_v bourdeaux_n with_o some_o other_o adjacent_a little_a town_n for_o his_o mayntaynance_n whereby_o he_o may_v spend_v every_o day_n a_o sheep_n at_o the_o least_o and_o two_o capon_n beside_o leek_n salat_n etc._n etc._n as_o say_v john_n marconville_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o praise_n of_o woman_n chap._n 7._o now_o i_o will_v not_o lose_v my_o time_n for_o the_o prseut_n to_o argue_v the_o matter_n with_o william_n bellay_v of_o lange_n in_o his_o learned_a book_n deremilitari_fw-la concern_v the_o aforesaid_a jeane_n name_v from_o vacolour_n and_o call_v the_o maid_n of_o france_n or_o the_o maid_n of_o help_n whether_o through_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n or_o by_o witchcraft_n she_o bring_v such_o great_a thing_n to_o pass_v how-so-eve_a true_a it_o be_v that_o france_n by_o her_o mean_n be_v set_v free_a at_o that_o time_n all_o except_o cales_n which_o the_o englishman_n keep_v still_o from_o the_o day_n of_o philip_n of_o valois_n till_o the_o reign_n of_o heurie_n the_o second_o which_o be_v two_o hundred_o and_o eleven_o year_n but_o at_o last_o the_o english_a army_n lie_v in_o siege_n before_o the_o city_n of_o campaigne_n and_o jeane_n make_v herself_o thitherwarde_n to_o relieve_v the_o frenchman_n she_o be_v betray_v by_o john_n of_o luxemburgh_n and_o deliver_v unto_o the_o english_a who_o burn_v she_o to_o powder_v at_o rowane_n in_o the_o month_n of_o may_n 1340._o to_o testify_v she_o have_v do_v good_a her_o deed_n be_v seal_v with_o her_o blood_n and_o therefore_o let_v fortune_n smile_v or_o frown_n be_v still_o content_a in_o all_o essay_n bear_v still_o a_o heart_n true_a bent_n chapter_n vi_o of_o the_o wonderful_a goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o man_n whicth_v he_o have_v wrought_v by_o religious_a woman_n and_o how_o by_o a_o woman_n britain_n first_o receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n it_o be_v manifest_a unto_o all_o man_n who_o be_v not_o bereave_v of_o their_o wit_n and_o altogether_o void_a of_o understanding_n that_o the_o great_a benefit_n under_o the_o sun_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o faith_n and_o true_a belief_n whereby_o we_o come_v near_o unto_o god_n frame_v ourselves_o to_o love_n and_o fear_v he_o and_o so_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o just_a judgement_n and_o tender_a mercy_n and_o this_o great_a and_o excellent_a gift_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v unto_o mankind_n next_o unto_o his_o sacred_a word_n even_o by_o choose_a &_o holy_a woman_n who_o it_o please_v god_n to_o make_v the_o first_o herald_n of_o christ_n glorious_a resurrection_n as_o say_v be_v before_o in_o our_o second_o chapter_n and_o also_o many_o worthy_a ecclesiastical_a writer_n testify_v that_o marie_n magdalene_n martha_n etc._n etc._n do_v first_o publish_v the_o gospel_n and_o preach_v christ_n crucify_a and_o his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n in_o the_o country_n of_o illyrica_n which_o be_v now_o call_v slavonia_n and_o also_o in_o the_o land_n of_o provence_n where_o they_o convert_v the_o people_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o true_a faith_n we_o read_v of_o apollo_n a_o learned_a jew_n of_o alexandria_n a_o eloquent_a man_n and_o mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o although_o he_o be_v already_o well_o instruct_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o aquila_n by_o the_o 26._o act_n 18._o 24._o 25._o 26._o help_n of_o priscilla_n his_o wife_n expound_v unto_o he_o the_o way_n of_o god_n more_o perfect_o than_o ever_o he_o know_v of_o before_o and_o the_o great_a king_n agrippa_n be_v 29._o act_n 26._o 27._o 28._o 29._o but_o almost_o persuade_v by_o paul_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n but_o to_o the_o contrary_a god_n have_v mercy_n on_o good_a lydia_n open_v her_o 15_o act_n 16._o 14._o 15_o heart_n and_o not_o almost_o but_o altogether_o make_v she_o his_o choose_a vessel_n read_v the_o chronicle_n of_o fair_a england_n and_o you_o shall_v understand_v that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o king_n egilbert_n the_o whole_a realm_n be_v infect_v with_o the_o damnable_a heresy_n of_o pelagius_n and_o saynct_v augustine_n come_v thither_o to_o preach_v the_o christian_a religion_n by_o mediation_n of_o the_o queen_n after_o great_a and_o serious_a pain_n and_o love_a entreaty_n the_o king_n give_v ear_n and_o be_v convert_v together_o with_o his_o people_n see_v thus_o do_v england_n first_o receive_v the_o true_a faith_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o woman_n say_v gaguinus_fw-la hermigidus_fw-la king_n of_o goth_n be_v gaguinus_fw-la gaguinus_fw-la infect_v with_o the_o heresy_n of_o arrius_n be_v also_o convert_v and_o bring_v to_o the_o true_a acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n crucify_v even_o by_o his_o wife_n nigegond_n as_o say_v the_o same_o gaguinus_fw-la in_o his_o second_o book_n also_o through_o the_o earnest_a travel_n of_o clotildis_n queen_n of_o perthan_a the_o king_n clowis_n her_o husband_n be_v baptize_v and_o great_o rejoice_v with_o thanksgiving_n unto_o god_n who_o have_v bring_v he_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o that_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o woman_n say_v john_n marconville_n among_o abundance_n of_o other_o worthy_a author_n it_o be_v manifest_a by_o plutarch_n boccace_n and_o symphorian_n champer_v that_o many_o man_n both_o mighty_a and_o wise_a have_v get_v their_o best_a education_n even_o by_o woman_n and_o receive_v from_o they_o next_o unto_o god_n their_o best_a and_o most_o wholesome_a benefit_n as_o well_o concern_v the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o body_n and_o this_o be_v more_o than_o manifest_a on_o flavius_n clemens_n in_o the_o day_n of_o domician_n the_o emperor_n but_o now_o i_o will_v not_o tarry_v upon_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a subject_n lest_o our_o peevish_a disgracer_n of_o woman_n shall_v run_v mad_a and_o altogether_o despare_v of_o their_o pardon_n for_o their_o misbehaviour_n in_o chat_a against_o woman_n trismegistus_n mercurius_n trismegistus_n mercurius_n trismegistus_n du_o consider_v the_o wonderful_a goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o man_n in_o woman_n say_v that_o such_o a_o man_n as_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o way_n show_v not_o his_o full_a endeavour_n in_o the_o honour_n yea_o service_n of_o woman_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v and_o that_o such_o a_o man_n as_o avoyd_v the_o company_n of_o woman_n let_v he_o be_v bury_v quick_a but_o foolish_a senseless_a and_o irregular_a man_n who_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v neither_o by_o reason_n nor_o truth_n to_o shun_v his_o objection_n that_o they_o be_v but_o man_n and_o dead_a long_a ago_o who_o i_o cite_v for_o my_o warrandize_n in_o the_o just_a praise_n of_o woman_n let_v he_o hearken_v then_o what_o god_n say_v unto_o righteous_a abraham_n in_o all_o that_o sarah_n say_v unto_o thou_o 12._o gen._n 21._o 12._o harken_v unto_o her_o voice_n say_v the_o lord_n then_o thou_o that_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o voice_n of_o thy_o gracious_a wife_n i_o deny_v thou_o to_o be_v a_o son_n of_o abraham_n but_o rather_o of_o satan_n the_o enemy_n of_o all_o love_n concord_n and_o good_a counsel_n thus_o do_v we_o find_v that_o woman_n in_o all_o thing_n health_n happiness_n unto_o the_o man_n still_o bring_v and_o yet_o envious_a unbelieve_a man_n his_o harden_a heart_n he_o never_o settle_v can_v for_o to_o implore_v the_o heaven_n to_o be_v so_o kind_a to_o keep_v her_o state_n according_a to_o her_o mind_n chapter_n vii_o of_o the_o wisdom_n learning_n discipline_n and_o good_a manner_n wherein_o woman_n have_v prove_v far_o more_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a than_o man._n the_o
bite_v her_o tender_a corpse_n yet_o nevertheless_o she_o shrink_v not_o a_o jot_n but_o the_o fast_a that_o the_o serpent_n do_v bite_v she_o the_o loud_o she_o cry_v i_o be_o a_o christian_n i_o be_o a_o christian_n look_v up_o and_o call_v earnest_o to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n to_o give_v her_o strength_n and_o patience_n that_o she_o may_v be_v worthy_a to_o finish_v her_o life_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n now_o her_o torment_n last_v so_o long_o and_o she_o endure_v so_o steadfast_a that_o the_o very_a executioner_n stand_v amaze_v and_o cut_v off_o her_o head_n the_o spectator_n bewail_v she_o with_o many_o tear_n and_o many_o at_o that_o same_o hour_n believe_v and_o be_v casten_z inte_fw-mi deep_a dungeon_n another_o virgin_n call_v maxima_fw-la maxima_fw-la maxima_fw-la be_v so_o horrible_o torment_v by_o sason_n prince_n of_o vandal_n and_o yet_o can_v not_o be_v urge_v to_o forsake_v christ_n he_o let_v she_o go_v free_a but_o many_o other_o which_o be_v in_o prison_n he_o banish_v into_o the_o isle_n of_o capsur_n under_o the_o king_n of_o moor_n where_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o afterward_o be_v eat_v with_o wild_a people_n maximine_n be_v a_o cruel_a persecuter_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o take_v his_o chief_a pleasure_n in_o devyse_v new_a torment_a instrument_n to_o perplex_v they_o with_o a_o languish_a death_n but_o he_o be_v not_o busy_a to_o invent_v their_o sorrow_n than_o they_o be_v earnest_o ready_a to_o suffer_v all_o that_o he_o can_v imagine_v but_o especial_o the_o woman_n among_o who_o be_v dorothea_n dorothea_n so_o phronia_n dorothea_n and_o sophronia_n who_o choose_v far_o rather_o to_o drink_v out_o the_o very_a dregs_n of_o the_o cup_n of_o death_n than_o any_o way_n to_o shrink_v a_o whit_n from_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o the_o same_o god_n which_o strengthen_v these_o woman_n in_o all_o kind_n of_o martyrdom_n yea_o and_o in_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n wrought_v also_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o this_o tyrant_n that_o he_o be_v overcome_v with_o the_o constant_a steadfastnesse_n in_o the_o religion_n of_o these_o woman_n in_o so_o much_o that_o he_o cause_v publish_v a_o edict_n and_o proclaim_v through_o all_o his_o empire_n that_o none_o shall_v molest_v they_o in_o any_o thing_n upon_o pain_fw-la of_o death_n thus_o we_o clear_o behold_v the_o extraordinary_a great_a love_a mercy_n of_o our_o god_n towards_o woman_n sex_n who_o have_v still_o so_o mighty_o assist_v they_o even_o with_o his_o divine_a strength_n to_o suffer_v all_o whatsoever_o can_v be_v lay_v upon_o they_o without_o shrink_v unto_o the_o last_o period_n of_o breath_n no_o not_o in_o death_n itself_o and_o thus_o we_o proceed_v the_o church_n historie_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o ancient_a virgin_n of_o alexandria_n who_o the_o persecutioner_n take_v and_o draw_v out_o all_o her_o tooth_n and_o then_o martyr_n a_o virgin_n martyr_n her_o tongue_n also_o and_o bring_v she_o to_o the_o fire_n to_o be_v burn_v quick_a and_o when_o they_o entreat_v she_o yet_o to_o forsake_v christ_n she_o resolutelie_o leap_v into_o the_o fire_n and_o be_v burn_v to_o powder_n about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 251._o about_o which_o time_n also_o be_v a_o religious_a woman_n call_v coïnth_n unnaturallie_o coïnth_n coïnth_n and_o filthilie_o draw_v at_o a_o horse_n tail_n through_o all_o the_o nook_n of_o the_o city_n of_o alexandria_n and_o yet_o continue_v steadfast_a they_o rend_v she_o in_o piece_n with_o ugly_a disguise_v person_n like_o devil_n and_o death_n himself_o socrates_n tell_v that_o a_o temple_n be_v 33._o socrates_n lib_n 6._o cap._n 33._o erect_v in_o the_o town_n of_o edesse_n in_o mesopotamia_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o apostle_n saint_n thomas_n in_o the_o which_o the_o christian_n use_v to_o assemble_v and_o offer_v their_o sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n unto_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n which_o when_o the_o emperor_n valens_n understand_v who_o be_v a_o archenemie_n to_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o a_o accurse_v persuer_fw-mi of_o all_o such_o as_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o jesus_n he_o be_v wrathful_a towards_o modestus_n the_o chief_a captain_n send_v for_o he_o and_o reprove_v he_o very_o sharp_o for_o suffer_v the_o christian_n contrary_a his_o will_n and_o commandment_n and_o give_v he_o charge_n on_o pain_n of_o death_n and_o his_o whole_a posterity_n that_o the_o next_o time_n that_o the_o christian_n covean_v in_o saynct_n thomas_n church_n he_o shall_v murder_v they_o all_o both_o young_a and_o old_a now_o this_o modestus_n modestus_n modestus_n the_o chief_a captain_n be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o send_v private_a advertisement_n to_o the_o christian_n that_o upon_o their_o next_o awonted_a day_n of_o assembly_n in_o saint_n thomas_n church_n none_o shall_v be_v find_v there_o who_o love_v his_o life_n nevertheless_o upon_o their_o usual_a day_n they_o come_v to_o the_o church_n in_o great_a number_n to_o say_v their_o prayer_n and_o modestus_n make_v a_o show_n to_o satisfy_v the_o emperor_n evil_a purpose_n be_v march_v thitherwards_o with_o a_o band_n of_o arm_a soldier_n and_o see_v a_o christian_a woman_n with_o a_o child_n in_o her_o arm_n run_v towards_o the_o church_n he_o call_v she_o say_v unhappy_a woman_n that_o thou_o be_v whither_o be_v thou_o go_v she_o answer_v to_o the_o temple_n of_o saynct_n thomas_n have_v thou_o not_o hear_v tell_v quoth_v he_o that_o the_o emperor_n have_v command_v i_o to_o slay_v all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o temple_n to_o day_n yes_o she_o say_v and_o therefore_o i_o haste_v i_o thitherwardes_o with_o my_o child_n that_o we_o may_v die_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o brethren_n and_o sister_n this_o chief_a captain_n see_v the_o woman_n so_o resolutelie_o bend_v with_o her_o little_a one_o to_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n return_v with_o his_o soldier_n to_o the_o emperor_n tell_v he_o what_o the_o woman_n have_v say_v and_o desire_v rather_o to_o suffer_v martyrdom_n himself_o with_o the_o christian_n than_o to_o work_v any_o thing_n against_o they_o whereby_o the_o emperor_n be_v put_v from_o his_o hellish_a purpose_n the_o archbishop_n of_o saleucia_n have_v a_o sister_n call_v tharbua_n who_o because_o she_o tharbua_n tharbua_n will_v not_o renounce_v the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n be_v bind_v to_o a_o post_n and_o her_o maid_n to_o another_o and_o be_v cut_v in_o twain_o in_o the_o middle_n with_o a_o saw_n and_o never_o shrink_v for_o the_o matter_n and_o under_o the_o reign_n of_o emperor_n adrian_n there_o be_v a_o holy_a &_o wise_a matron_n call_v sophia_n who_o have_v three_o daughter_n sophiâ—_n sophiâ—_n which_o she_o see_v cruel_o execute_v for_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n she_o stand_v by_o and_o give_v they_o cowrage_n to_o the_o last_o gasp_n and_o be_v dead_a she_o bury_v they_o with_o her_o own_o hand_n without_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n give_v great_a praise_n unto_o god_n glory_n and_o thanks_o who_o have_v make_v she_o so_o happy_a a_o woman_n that_o the_o fruit_n of_o her_o womb_n be_v so_o respect_v of_o the_o lord_n as_o to_o account_v they_o worthy_a to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o see_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o i_o nor_o none_o else_o to_o registrate_n all_o the_o steadfast_a &_o constant_a woman_n in_o godliness_n virtue_n wisdom_n learning_n knowledge_n cowrage_n chastity_n and_o many_o other_o excellent_a perfection_n for_o indeed_o such_o a_o task_n will_v fill_v the_o world_n full_a of_o book_n and_o yet_o never_o be_v end_v therefore_o at_o this_o time_n i_o think_v to_o conclude_v this_o my_o little_a essay_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o good_a woman_n with_o the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n of_o the_o maccabee_n we_o read_v that_o two_o woman_n be_v bring_v in_o and_o accuse_v for_o not_o observe_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o gentile_n because_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n they_o have_v circumcise_v their_o little_a one_o which_o hang_v on_o their_o mother_n breast_n they_o hurry_v they_o shameful_o round_o about_o the_o city_n and_o then_o both_o woman_n and_o infant_n be_v throw_v headlong_o down_o from_o the_o wall_n again_o a_o mother_n with_o her_o seven_o son_n be_v cruel_o and_o unhumanelie_o torture_v and_o also_o put_v to_o death_n because_o they_o will_v not_o forsake_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o their_o father_n and_o this_o part_n of_o scripture_n testify_v that_o the_o woman_n be_v marvellous_a above_o all_o and_o worthy_a of_o honourable_a memory_n for_o when_o she_o see_v she_o seven_o son_n slay_v within_o one_o day_n space_n she_o bear_v it_o with_o a_o good_a cowrage_n because_o of_o the_o hope_n