life_n be_v clear_a and_o free_v himself_o from_o his_o prince_n jealousy_n and_o sinister_a suspicion_n of_o he_o herein_o especial_o from_o the_o rumour_n and_o report_n of_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n and_o from_o that_o infectious_a pestilence_n of_o a_o court_n i_o mean_v enuy._n will_v thou_o enlarge_v the_o limit_n of_o thy_o honour_n and_o authority_n than_o hate_n and_o contemn_v the_o common_a people_n affection_n who_o value_v nothing_o almost_o according_a to_o verity_n but_o many_o thing_n according_a to_o their_o own_o opinion_n unindifferencie_n mark_v this_o kind_a courtier_n i_o desire_v thou_o that_o thou_o may_v approve_v these_o thing_n whereof_o there_o be_v extant_a few_o or_o no_o document_n in_o the_o memory_n of_o any_o annal_n chronicle_n say_n or_o ancient_a writing_n of_o the_o wise_a author_n by_o this_o mean_n i_o say_v thou_o shall_v easy_o gain_v credit_n and_o authority_n and_o maintain_v and_o keep_v it_o be_v once_o get_v moreover_o let_v courtier_n take_v heed_n that_o they_o lose_v not_o the_o beginning_n or_o first_o entrance_n into_o favour_n and_o affection_n by_o be_v with_o their_o prince_n at_o unseasonable_a hour_n that_o be_v if_o they_o let_v slip_v and_o do_v not_o always_o watch_v most_o careful_o a_o mature_a most_o fit_a and_o convenient_a time_n but_o this_o we_o have_v already_o at_o large_a discuss_v but_o this_o one_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v not_o hitherto_o admonish_v undertake_v to_o be_v advise_v what_o employment_n he_o undertake_v may_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n be_v here_o pretermit_v namely_o that_o the_o courtier_n not_o be_v heedful_a but_o very_o heedless_a be_v oftentimes_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o own_o downfall_n and_o subversion_n to_o wit_n when_o he_o affect_v and_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o service_n and_o employment_n as_o be_v hateful_a and_o distasteful_a to_o his_o prince_n again_o let_v the_o courtier_n as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v able_a most_o accurate_o tread_v in_o the_o direct_a footstep_n of_o his_o prince_n and_o wisdom_n to_o observe_v his_o prince_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v very_o great_a wisdom_n observe_v most_o diligent_o what_o he_o allow_v what_o he_o disallow_v if_o the_o courtier_n expect_v any_o benefit_n or_o commodity_n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o labour_n let_v he_o be_v assure_v that_o not_o the_o least_o part_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v and_o seek_v for_o out_o of_o this_o foresay_a treasury_n or_o store-house_n as_o i_o may_v so_o term_v it_o let_v he_o also_o be_v hereof_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v no_o better_a prince_n by_o his_o action_n to_o express_v his_o love_n to_o his_o prince_n mean_n to_o purchase_v his_o prince_n grace_n and_o affection_n than_o that_o he_o by_o due_a action_n express_v unto_o his_o prince_n that_o he_o be_v more_o near_o and_o dear_a unto_o he_o than_o his_o own_o life_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v content_a to_o suffer_v death_n itself_o for_o his_o prince_n life_n and_o safety_n whatsoever_o courtier_n be_v of_o this_o mind_n though_o peradventure_o he_o may_v have_v a_o just_a occasion_n for_o some_o private_a respect_n to_o complain_v of_o his_o prince_n yet_o shall_v he_o by_o this_o mean_n easy_o avoid_v and_o put_v away_o froward_a and_o perverse_a speech_n which_o otherwise_o he_o may_v discontent_n to_o cover_v and_o conceal_v discontent_n break_v forth_o into_o and_o shall_v due_o consider_v that_o his_o superior_n be_v of_o he_o always_o reverent_o to_o be_v regard_v true_o he_o spit_v against_o himself_o which_o spit_v against_o heaven_n he_o be_v scarce_o wise_a who_o notwithstanding_o that_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o his_o king_n or_o prince_n be_v extend_v over_o he_o yet_o will_v not_o obey_v he_o but_o the_o great_a power_n of_o a_o prince_n be_v apparent_a in_o this_o that_o with_o his_o word_n only_o he_o can_v take_v punishment_n as_o well_o on_o he_o that_o be_v absent_a as_o present_v as_o well_o of_o a_o fugitive_a traitor_n as_o of_o any_o other_o malefector_n according_a to_o that_o a_o nescis_fw-la long_o as_o regibus_fw-la esse_fw-la manus_fw-la each_o subject_n understand_v that_o king_n have_v long_a hand_n he_o therefore_o shall_v enjoy_v much_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n which_o be_v submissive_o obedient_a to_o his_o king_n or_o prince_n who_o thus_o as_o we_o have_v hear_v be_v able_a even_o by_o his_o word_n only_o to_o manifest_v his_o majesty_n power_n and_o authority_n when_o as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n wicked_a malefactor_n and_o ungodly_a transgressor_n do_v not_o a_o little_a provoke_v and_o procure_v to_o themselves_o the_o sharpness_n of_o his_o majestical_a edict_n or_o commandment_n let_v the_o courtier_n therefore_o study_v with_o all_o diligence_n and_o court_n to_o get_v acquaintance_n with_o the_o best_a in_o the_o court_n care_n to_o know_v the_o inclination_n &_o disposition_n of_o his_o prince_n and_o to_o be_v well_o know_v himself_o of_o those_o which_o customary_o be_v near_o about_o he_o and_o so_o shall_v he_o undoubted_o acquire_v the_o end_n of_o his_o honest_a and_o just_a desire_n he_o than_o which_o be_v thus_o resolve_v must_v especial_o depend_v upon_o himself_o and_o his_o virtue_n and_o as_o former_o be_v say_v must_v reverent_o respect_v his_o prince_n special_a favourite_n and_o attendant_n but_o must_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n undiscreet_o discover_v or_o impart_v his_o action_n and_o intention_n to_o any_o let_v the_o courtier_n therefore_o shun_v and_o avoid_v undiscreet_a futillitie_n and_o blabe_a loquacitie_n nor_o must_v he_o unlock_v the_o closet_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o so_o discover_v his_o secret_n no_o not_o unto_o those_o who_o he_o esteem_v his_o most_o intimate_a friend_n and_o familiar_n unless_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n for_o let_v he_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o reward_n of_o secrecy_n be_v safety_n which_o also_o we_o have_v already_o large_o dilate_v now_o therefore_o as_o the_o courtier_n must_v keep_v to_o himself_o other_o to_o be_v secret_a both_o to_o himself_o &_o other_o his_o own_o secret_n so_o also_o must_v he_o not_o like_o a_o barrel_n full_a of_o reave_v and_o cleft_v leak_n out_o on_o every_o side_n or_o like_o a_o prattle_a jay_n tell_v abroad_o the_o secret_n of_o other_o man_n commit_v to_o his_o fidelity_n for_o such_o as_o these_o be_v deserve_o term_v curious_a and_o audacious_a babbler_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v plutarch_n this_o idle_a spawn_n and_o brood_n of_o sycophant_n be_v breed_v from_o the_o family_n and_o tribe_n of_o idle_a and_o curious_a questionist_n man_n for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o ignoble_a and_o degenerous_a condition_n and_o such_o as_o love_v to_o broach_v abroad_o into_o open_a view_n the_o misery_n and_o misfortune_n of_o other_o man_n but_o do_v thou_o kind_a courtier_n refrain_v and_o abstain_v from_o this_o so_o perverse_a a_o molestation_n and_o mere_o pedantical_a a_o vice_n and_o be_v never_o unmindful_a of_o that_o notable_a distich_n touch_v that_o once_o great_a courtier_n te_fw-la cura_fw-la et_fw-la tua_fw-la look_v to_o thyself_o and_o thy_o own_o office_n disce_fw-la meo_fw-la exemplo_fw-la mandato_fw-la munere_fw-la fungi_fw-la et_fw-la fuge_fw-la seu_fw-la pestem_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thou_o own_o charge_n to_o discharge_v learn_v by_o my_o fall_n hate_v like_o a_o plague_n to_o be_v pragmatical_a if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o fee_v a_o man_n exalt_v and_o erect_v by_o his_o honour_v not_o to_o hate_v he_o who_o the_o king_n will_v honour_v prince_n to_o great_a possession_n and_o honourable_a revenue_n let_v we_o also_o attribute_v unto_o he_o due_a honour_n reverence_n and_o respect_n and_o let_v we_o not_o set_v he_o at_o naught_o as_o a_o upstart_n &_o unworthy_a man_n or_o as_o if_o he_o be_v neither_o renown_v or_o noble_a by_o birth_n nor_o adorn_v with_o learning_n or_o any_o excellent_a part_n if_o thou_o hate_v and_o dishonour_v such_o a_o man_n who_o thy_o king_n will_v honour_v and_o dignify_v beware_v that_o thereby_o thou_o incur_v not_o the_o hatred_n of_o thy_o prince_n himself_o but_o peradventure_o thou_o will_v tell_v i_o he_o be_v a_o man_n much_o unworthy_a the_o same_o and_o his_o end_n will_v prove_v it_o true_a put_v case_n he_o be_v so_o and_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o sometime_o it_o may_v be_v so_o yet_o all_o this_o not_o withstand_v i_o wish_v thou_o with_o that_o author_n of_o most_o exquisite_a and_o profound_a judgement_n i_o mean_v tacitus_n to_o use_v these_o and_o suchlike_a speech_n great_a prince_n although_o thou_o have_v elect_v &_o choose_v before_o other_o man_n much_o more_o worthy_a than_o he_o a_o man_n scarce_o know_v unto_o we_o &_o unworthy_a thy_o princely_a grace_n and_o bounty_n yet_o i_o envy_v not_o his_o felicity_n nor_o hate_v he_o for_o his_o dignity_n but_o as_o a_o fellow_n counsellor_n &_o as_o execute_v thy_o great_a affair_n in_o the_o common_a wealth_n i_o honour_v and_o
and_o philosophy_n needs_o no_o long_o dread_v or_o be_v afraid_a of_o any_o iniquity_n impiety_n or_o gross_a enormity_n which_o like_o hideous_a hydra_n or_o mortiferous_a monster_n the_o court_n may_v feed_v and_o foster_v but_o with_o a_o hardy_a and_o hearty_a courage_n to_o wit_n a_o blotles_a and_o spotless_a conscience_n and_o innocence_n and_o integrity_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n may_v bold_o enter_v into_o the_o palace_n of_o his_o prince_n but_o whosoever_o not_o be_v as_o yet_o enter_v thereinto_o do_v honest_o and_o discreet_o desire_v to_o provide_v for_o and_o to_o forecast_v his_o own_o well_o fare_v and_o future_a felicity_n he_o i_o admonish_v that_o he_o be_v inquisitive_a and_o careful_a to_o seek_v out_o the_o court_n of_o a_o most_o potent_a prince_n or_o monarch_n rather_o couâ—â—s_n to_o live_v in_o great_a couâ—â—s_n than_o of_o a_o infirm_a weak_a and_o less_o puissant_a king_n or_o kingdom_n and_o according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o old_a proverb_n ad_fw-la faelicem_fw-la se_fw-la inflectat_fw-la parietem_fw-la let_v he_o lean_a and_o trust_v to_o a_o strong_a wall_n yea_o and_o let_v the_o courtier_n no_o less_o wise_o and_o willing_o search_v out_o and_o desire_v to_o serve_v a_o most_o prudent_a than_o a_o most_o potent_a prince_n or_o potentate_n for_o this_o be_v a_o maxim_n as_o true_a as_o truth_n itself_o that_o the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o servant_n be_v evermore_o adorn_v and_o illustrate_v by_o the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o their_o master_n let_v he_o therefore_o be_v persuade_v that_o to_o live_v under_o a_o most_o wise_a and_o mighty_a monarch_n be_v not_o thraldom_n and_o servility_n but_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n wherefore_o he_o which_o find_v such_o a_o court_n to_o wit_n a_o good_a a_o great_a and_o a_o gracious_a prince_n a_o prince_n for_o his_o sound_a judgement_n and_o much_o experience_n most_o prudent_a and_o for_o his_o great_a dignity_n and_o authority_n potent_a and_o puissant_a i_o counsel_v and_o advise_v that_o courtier_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o follow_v such_o a_o king_n such_o a_o court._n and_o and_o let_v not_o any_o fleet_a or_o fly_v tale_n so_o move_v thou_o as_o to_o remove_v separate_v and_o alienate_v thou_o from_o so_o good_a a_o prince_n if_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n any_o sinister_a distasteful_a or_o adverse_a accident_n oppose_v or_o oppugn_v thou_o bear_v it_o patient_o harden_v thyself_o against_o it_o industrious_o and_o constant_o and_o doubtless_o time_n will_v in_o due_a time_n demulceate_v mollify_v and_o mitigate_v those_o thing_n which_o former_o seem_v most_o obdurate_a difficult_a and_o intricate_a for_o even_o as_o a_o soldier_n in_o his_o kind_n of_o life_n and_o a_o mariner_n or_o seaman_n well_o season_v with_o skill_n for_o all_o season_n perceive_v danger_n as_o imminent_a as_o evident_a know_v which_o of_o they_o will_v prove_v most_o perilous_a hurtful_a and_o pernicious_a even_o so_o ought_v every_o courtier_n so_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o have_v cast_v and_o contrive_v to_o lay_v the_o platform_n and_o foundation_n of_o a_o courtly_a life_n to_o see_v and_o foresee_v what_o in_o the_o court_n be_v hopeful_a what_o hurtful_a what_o be_v profitable_a what_o unprofitable_a yea_o what_o be_v seasonable_a and_o befit_v and_o what_o be_v unseasonable_a and_o unbefitting_a for_o they_o be_v fool_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v endure_v which_o will_v hope_v beyond_o and_o against_o hope_n that_o be_v be_v altogether_o anxious_a and_o uncertain_a do_v depend_v upon_o a_o obscure_a blind_a and_o hopeless_a hope_n let_v he_o then_o which_o be_v wise_a beware_v of_o this_o lest_o thus_o he_o lead_v and_o mislead_v himself_o and_o other_o and_o indeed_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o he_o who_o with_o such_o vain_a hope_n bring_v himself_o into_o a_o fool_n paradise_n to_o order_n and_o frame_v his_o counsel_n and_o affair_n to_o a_o direct_a and_o desire_a end_n and_o conclusion_n let_v the_o courtier_n therefore_o with_o all_o convenient_a expedition_n endeavour_n and_o desire_n to_o know_v whither_o he_o be_v to_o settle_v his_o hope_n upon_o the_o rise_n or_o decline_a estate_n of_o his_o prince_n moreover_o let_v the_o courtier_n apply_v and_o bend_v all_o his_o power_n so_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v in_o the_o court_n that_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v he_o be_v very_o morigerous_a and_o grateful_o officious_a to_o his_o prince_n but_o yet_o so_o as_o that_o he_o do_v obedience_n observance_n or_o obedience_n nothing_o with_o prick_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n by_o obedience_n i_o here_o understand_v piety_n or_o a_o honest_a reverend_a and_o religious_a care_n whereby_o we_o heedful_o hear_v and_o dutiful_o finish_v and_o accomplish_v the_o commandment_n of_o one_o lawful_o command_v for_o what_o can_v such_o a_o man_n do_v or_o well_o perform_v which_o be_v not_o of_o a_o quick_a and_o nimble_a hear_n but_o be_v so_o dull_a and_o undiligent_a in_o understanding_n and_o apprehension_n that_o he_o do_v not_o right_o conceive_v nor_o be_v due_o and_o true_o capable_a of_o what_o be_v either_o command_v or_o demand_v be_v thou_o therefore_o good_a courtier_n very_o well_o affect_v to_o this_o virtue_n if_o thou_o desire_v to_o insinuate_v and_o creep_v into_o the_o favour_n and_o affection_n of_o thy_o prince_n think_v with_o thyself_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o unindifferent_a unreasonable_a or_o more_o void_a of_o discretion_n than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o desire_v to_o be_v reverence_v and_o obey_v by_o his_o inferior_n who_o himself_o be_v most_o wayward_a and_o undutiful_a to_o his_o own_o superior_n therefore_o he_o be_v sure_o a_o happy_a and_o fortunate_a man_n who_o unto_o his_o facility_n and_o easiness_n in_o hear_v and_o apprehend_v do_v couple_n and_o conjoin_v promptitude_n and_o readiness_n in_o perform_v but_o always_o with_o this_o proviso_n and_o exception_n that_o he_o undertake_v not_o to_o finish_v or_o effect_v any_o dis-hone_a unjust_a or_o unlawful_a command_n whatsoever_o but_o let_v he_o kind_o and_o courteous_o entertain_v that_o excellent_a say_n of_o aeschylus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d obedience_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o felicity_n let_v the_o courtier_n then_o which_o right_o and_o honest_o desire_v to_o deck_v and_o adorn_v the_o form_n and_o fashion_n of_o his_o life_n in_o the_o court_n and_o to_o make_v his_o prince_n his_o friend_n and_o favourer_n as_o also_o to_o be_v expert_a and_o cunning_a in_o counsel_v himself_o &_o contryve_v all_o his_o action_n and_o affair_n let_v he_o i_o say_v diligent_o ponder_v and_o serious_o consider_v these_o thing_n but_o after_o that_o his_o labour_n have_v be_v with_o prompt_a expedition_n sustain_v and_o conclude_v since_o the_o estate_n and_o condition_n of_o courtier_n be_v very_o slippery_a and_o uncertain_a as_o they_o who_o indeed_o be_v too_o often_o and_o too_o easy_o circumvent_v and_o environ_v with_o the_o fraudulent_a accusation_n and_o malicious_a detraction_n of_o wicked_a man_n let_v the_o courtier_n therefore_o well_o and_o wise_o pardon_n to_o demand_v his_o pardon_n shift_v for_o himself_o and_o provide_v a_o remedy_n against_o they_o let_v he_o i_o say_v in_o his_o first_o entry_n or_o ingredience_n into_o the_o court_n covenant_n or_o compact_a with_o his_o prince_n that_o he_o will_v vouchsafe_v unto_o he_o a_o general_a pardon_n and_o let_v he_o diligent_o take_v heed_n that_o this_o patent_n of_o his_o purgation_n be_v not_o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o time_n subtle_o or_o violent_o take_v from_o he_o now_o as_o touch_v liberty_n and_o freedom_n in_o speak_v speech_n of_o liberty_n of_o speech_n which_o prince_n for_o the_o most_o part_n do_v take_v very_o distasteful_o i_o must_v herein_o also_o admonish_v the_o courtier_n because_o indeed_o they_o be_v but_o few_o which_o free_o and_o faithful_o do_v advise_v admonish_v and_o advertise_v prince_n thou_o therefore_o whosoever_o thou_o be_v which_o will_v show_v thyself_o not_o to_o be_v a_o counterfeit_n false_a heart_a or_o sain_v but_o rather_o a_o faithful_a servant_n to_o thy_o prince_n follow_v not_o so_o fast_o seek_v not_o so_o much_o the_o glitter_a splendour_n of_o fickle_a fortune_n &_o thy_o own_o private_a commodity_n as_o the_o truth_n which_o by_o no_o truth_n truth_n mean_n shall_v be_v conceal_v but_o honest_o reveal_v whensoever_o it_o may_v redound_v and_o be_v conducible_a to_o the_o commodity_n and_o honest_a utility_n of_o thy_o king_n and_o his_o commonwealth_n therefore_o thou_o be_v wise_a wise_o forbear_v to_o speak_v until_o fit_a time_n and_o occasion_n be_v happy_o offer_v unto_o thou_o hear_v what_o solomon_n say_v to_o thou_o mars_n &_o vitâ—_n in_o manu_fw-la linguae_fw-la life_n and_o death_n be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o tongue_n wherefore_o be_v thou_o neither_o a_o futile_a or_o unprofitable_a babbler_n by_o unseemly_a loquacitie_n neither_o contrariwise_o let_v thy_o tacitarnitie_n or_o
success_n he_o do_v the_o more_o negligent_o and_o careless_o put_v in_o execution_n the_o charge_n commit_v to_o he_o in_o his_o commission_n let_v he_o also_o in_o all_o other_o matter_n hate_n and_o avoid_v curiosity_n curiosity_n curiosity_n and_o not_o excruciate_v himself_o with_o care_n for_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o ought_v not_o for_o as_o plutarch_n testify_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d curiosity_n be_v a_o vile_a and_o servile_a vice_n or_o wretchedness_n therefore_o though_o in_o court_n curiosity_n tickle_v and_o entice_a motion_n be_v pleasant_a and_o delightful_a yet_o let_v every_o discreet_a honest_a and_o wise_a courtier_n neglect_n and_o reject_v it_o let_v this_o caution_n also_o be_v careful_o imprint_v in_o the_o mind_n verbosity_n verbosity_n and_o memory_n of_o every_o courtier_n that_o in_o his_o speech_n he_o express_v more_o prudency_n than_o verbosity_n and_o with_o the_o most_o sage_a and_o grave_a to_o be_v brief_a &_o compendious_a in_o the_o handle_n and_o dispatch_v of_o any_o his_o action_n and_o employment_n whatsoever_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o irk_v some_o to_o a_o prince_n nor_o in_o deed_n to_o any_o other_o prudent_a man_n than_o to_o listen_v to_o those_o man_n which_o like_o a_o mighty_a flood_n of_o word_n or_o a_o empty_a barrel_n do_v make_v a_o huge_a sound_a noise_n without_o any_o soundness_n of_o judgement_n or_o discretion_n who_o be_v as_o the_o countryman_n say_v of_o the_o nightingale_n vox_fw-la tantum_fw-la praeterea_fw-la nihil_fw-la nothing_o but_o word_n and_o wind_n moreover_o let_v the_o courtly_a counsellor_n observe_v that_o when_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o intend_v any_o matter_n of_o moment_n opportunity_n opportunity_n with_o 〈◊〉_d prince_n he_o careful_o watch_v a_o â—it_a opportunity_n and_o that_o he_o begin_v the_o same_o from_o some_o new_a grateful_a 〈◊〉_d which_o he_o may_v think_v will_v delight_v or_o give_v content_a to_o his_o prince_n but_o if_o at_o that_o time_n his_o prince_n be_v exercise_v about_o other_o serious_a affair_n let_v he_o desist_v and_o wise_o watch_v a_o more_o seasonable_a and_o convenient_a occasion_n how_o much_o opportunity_n be_v available_a pindarus_n in_o his_o pythies_n do_v excellent_o declare_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d time_n say_v he_o in_o every_o thing_n have_v the_o supreme_a place_n let_v the_o courtier_n therefore_o know_v and_o know_v assure_o that_o such_o be_v the_o validity_n and_o efficacy_n of_o time_n and_o opportunity_n that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o translate_v and_o transmutate_v that_o which_o be_v honest_a into_o dishonesty_n profit_n into_o dis-profit_n and_o a_o good_a turn_n into_o a_o shrewd_a turn_n and_o the_o contrary_n final_o time_n be_v able_a to_o alternate_a and_o quite_o change_v the_o face_n fashion_n and_o nature_n of_o any_o thing_n this_o do_v solomon_n that_o most_o wise_a king_n understand_v and_o teach_v pro._n 15._o laetatur_fw-la homo_fw-la in_o sentemiâ—â—ris_fw-la svi_fw-la &_o sermâ—_n oportunus_fw-la est_fw-la optimus_fw-la a_o man_n have_v joy_n say_v he_o by_o the_o answer_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o a_o word_n speak_v in_o due_a season_n be_v most_o excellent_a but_o enough_o of_o these_o thing_n now_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o the_o undertake_n and_o handle_v of_o any_o public_a employment_n let_v the_o counsellor_n have_v a_o especial_a respect_n caution_n a_o fourfold_a caution_n and_o regard_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o dignity_n which_o he_o may_v safe_o provide_v for_o by_o this_o fourfold_a rule_n and_o direction_n maugre_o all_o the_o malice_n fret_v and_o fur_v of_o all_o his_o envious_a enemy_n first_o of_o all_o let_v he_o endeavour_n what_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o live_v well_o and_o well_o to_o understand_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v a_o most_o luculent_a and_o evident_a argument_n of_o sapience_n second_o let_v he_o administer_v and_o give_v good_a &_o wholesome_a counsel_n to_o his_o prince_n which_o be_v a_o point_n of_o prudence_n three_o let_v he_o both_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n that_o which_o be_v good_a unto_o he_o which_o be_v a_o property_n of_o justice_n four_o let_v he_o delight_n to_o do_v good_a which_o be_v a_o token_n of_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n and_o he_o certain_o which_o be_v arm_v with_o this_o quadruple_a shield_n or_o target_n shall_v not_o easy_o be_v over_o throw_v from_o the_o height_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o dignity_n but_o kind_a courtier_n in_o every_o deliberation_n and_o consultation_n inconvenience_n inconvenience_n which_o appertain_v to_o public_a business_n consider_v well_o whence_o either_o great_a or_o lesser_a inconvenience_n may_v arise_v and_o make_v choice_n as_o the_o chief_a of_o that_o determination_n whence_o the_o small_a discommodity_n do_v accrue_v and_o which_o come_v near_a to_o the_o law_n and_o write_a word_n of_o god_n let_v the_o courtier_n settle_v his_o abode_n here_o as_o in_o a_o most_o exquisite_a smooth_a and_o plain_a way_n namely_o that_o he_o meditate_v and_o muse_v on_o the_o most_o excellent_a thing_n that_o he_o speak_v the_o best_a and_o but_o few_o thing_n that_o he_o execute_v and_o perform_v the_o most_o singular_a and_o substantial_a thing_n and_o these_o all_z such_o as_o may_v be_v most_o honest_a lawful_a and_o beneficial_a either_o to_o the_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n such_o a_o man_n as_o this_o may_v easy_o be_v discern_v to_o differ_v from_o the_o form_n figure_n and_o similitude_n of_o a_o servant_n or_o slavish_a vassal_n neither_o shall_v he_o be_v of_o necessity_n constrain_v to_o take_v all_o he_o needs_o from_o the_o casket_n of_o a_o woman_n nursery_n other_o not_o to_o rely_v too_o much_o upon_o other_o or_o from_o the_o brain_n and_o invention_n of_o some_o courtly_a chaplain_n for_o what_o have_v near_a relation_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o servant_n and_o bondman_n than_o mere_o to_o depend_v and_o rely_v upon_o simple_a woman_n or_o ecclesiastical_a courtier_n in_o courtly_a affair_n what_o be_v more_o base_a and_o abject_a than_o lest_o we_o shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o our_o office_n and_o preferment_n to_o consent_v and_o subscribe_v to_o the_o opinion_n and_o purpose_n of_o other_o though_o never_o so_o wicked_a or_o unequal_a yea_o and_o that_o sometime_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o salvation_n oh_o woe_n oh_o shame_n alas_o what_o pen_n what_o tongue_n be_v able_a to_o express_v how_o shameful_a gross_a and_o grievous_a it_o be_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v thus_o mancipate_v and_o beslave_n himself_o to_o other_o that_o whatsoever_o wrong_n and_o injustice_n they_o allow_v we_o must_v approve_v whatsoever_o impiety_n or_o dishonesty_n they_o affirm_v to_o be_v good_a we_o must_v say_v and_o swear_v it_o be_v so_o let_v courtier_n in_o this_o case_n call_v to_o mind_n that_o notable_a and_o remarkable_a example_n which_o theodorick_n afrus_n have_v leave_v as_o a_o pattern_n to_o posterity_n who_o command_v all_o such_o gnathonical_a sycophant_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n say_v si_fw-mi deo_fw-la fidem_fw-la non_fw-la seruastis_fw-la quomodo_fw-la homini_fw-la sinceram_fw-la conscientiam_fw-la seruabitis_fw-la if_o you_o be_v not_o faithful_a to_o god_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a you_o can_v be_v faithful_a to_o man_n mark_v this_o i_o pray_v thou_o good_a courtier_n and_o thou_o whosoever_o thou_o be_v who_o heaven_n have_v advance_v to_o i_o know_v not_o what_o sceptre_n palace_n court_n kingdom_n and_o empire_n he_o certain_o which_o be_v not_o faithful_a to_o god_n or_o by_o such_o deceivable_a and_o fraudulent_a mean_n get_v a_o crown_n or_o a_o kingdom_n have_v undoubted_o subject_n scarce_o faithful_a and_o a_o kingdom_n scarce_o constant_a or_o durable_a to_o he_o and_o in_o stead_n of_o renown_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o majesty_n which_o he_o seek_v for_o find_v nothing_o but_o a_o mere_a shadow_n smoke_n and_o vanity_n ay_o of_o set_a purpose_n here_o let_v pass_v a_o most_o terrible_a and_o lamentable_a example_n which_o alas_o not_o many_o year_n since_o do_v true_o teach_v we_o and_o the_o very_a fact_n itself_o of_o the_o murderer_n do_v apparent_o prove_v to_o be_v most_o true_a which_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o do_v but_o touch_v by_o the_o way_n for_o to_o desire_v either_o to_o rip_v up_o or_o rub_v over_o a_o fresh_a the_o memory_n of_o which_o say_v most_o sad_a example_n be_v to_o do_v nothing_o else_o than_o to_o renew_v our_o grief_n sorrow_n and_o lamentation_n and_o to_o touch_v that_o ulcer_n wherewith_o that_o most_o prodigious_a monster_n of_o man_n have_v strike_v this_o whole_a christian_a orb_n yea_o we_o and_o all_o good_a man_n with_o a_o most_o detestable_a unhappy_a and_o unlucky_a blow_n but_o to_o the_o purpose_n fly_v o_o fly_v i_o beseech_v thou_o good_a courtier_n this_o infamous_a blemish_n yea_o this_o dishonest_a and_o dishonourable_a stain_n afore-named_n seek_v not_o dainty_a delight_n by_o such_o dangerous_a endeavour_n to_o uphold_v the_o nobility_n of_o thy_o ancestor_n do_v not_o
to_o fish_n with_o the_o froward_a in_o the_o water_n of_o wilful_a obstinacy_n contention_n or_o dissension_n and_o indeed_o what_o other_o effect_n do_v difference_n in_o religion_n bring_v forth_o but_o that_o even_a subject_n also_o be_v at_o variance_n and_o utter_a defiance_n one_o with_o another_o let_v the_o courtier_n i_o say_v understand_v and_o know_v this_o let_v he_o free_o and_o faithful_o put_v his_o prince_n in_o mind_n of_o this_o namely_o that_o this_o anchor_n can_v so_o easy_o be_v move_v but_o that_o the_o whole_a ship_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n must_v needs_o be_v remove_v and_o assure_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o hatred_n for_o the_o most_o part_n do_v inhabit_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o common_a people_n through_o dissension_n and_o difference_n in_o religion_n towards_o those_o who_o they_o hold_v and_o esteem_v either_o perverse_a or_o adverse_a therein_o nor_o be_v they_o afraid_a to_o do_v harm_n and_o injury_n to_o those_o who_o they_o imagine_v &_o suppose_v hereby_o to_o hurt_v even_o god_n himself_o now_o whensoever_o the_o courtier_n confer_v with_o his_o prince_n concern_v these_o and_o such_o like_a matter_n of_o great_a moment_n let_v he_o endeavour_n to_o use_v a_o reverend_a respective_a and_o moderate_a kind_n of_o speech_n and_o not_o uncomely_a or_o unseem_o alter_v his_o countenance_n for_o doubtless_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o gesture_n and_o demeanour_n can_v but_o be_v very_o acceptable_a delightful_a and_o forcible_a in_o a_o prudent_a prince_n yea_o and_o thereby_o thou_o shall_v as_o it_o be_v even_o set_v before_o he_o a_o mirror_n or_o look_v glass_n wherein_o to_o contemplate_v and_o behold_v thy_o modest_a mind_n and_o sweet_a conversation_n it_o be_v almost_o unutterable_a how_o much_o it_o concern_v every_o excellent_a affability_n and_o courteous_a behaviour_n in_o a_o courtier_n most_o excellent_a courtier_n to_o be_v both_o by_o natural_a disposition_n and_o artificial_a acquisition_n fashion_v and_o make_v sit_v in_o the_o allure_a and_o delight_v man_n with_o his_o external_a carriage_n and_o behaviour_n whosoever_o therefore_o be_v by_o the_o goodness_n of_o nature_n or_o art_n best_o garnish_v and_o furnish_v herewith_o and_o can_v with_o speedy_a expedition_n bring_v his_o affair_n to_o a_o perfect_a end_n and_o final_a conclusion_n such_o a_o courtier_n whensoever_o occasion_n be_v offer_v wherein_o he_o may_v without_o all_o thrasonical_a brag_n manifest_a and_o declare_v the_o efficacy_n and_o power_n of_o his_o wit_n and_o learning_n ought_v ever_o most_o circumspect_o and_o considerate_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o as_o for_o example_n if_o he_o be_v to_o undertake_v a_o business_n of_o great_a import_n and_o consequence_n with_o his_o prince_n let_v he_o very_o attentive_o listen_v thereunto_o not_o be_v defatigate_v or_o tire_v with_o any_o other_o affair_n lest_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v seasonable_a and_o mature_a become_v hereby_o unseasonable_a and_o immature_n that_o which_o thou_o will_v have_v acceptable_a prove_v unacceptable_a and_o lest_o thou_o find_v that_o which_o shall_v be_v profitable_a and_o commodious_a unprofitable_a &_o obnoxious_a unto_o thou_o let_v he_o therefore_o if_o he_o be_v wise_a as_o be_v form_n er_o advise_v diligent_o observe_v a_o fit_a time_n and_o opportunity_n lest_o he_o both_o suffer_v his_o talk_n to_o be_v unperfect_v and_o his_o patience_n and_o hope_n prove_v vain_a and_o be_v fond_o frustrate_v for_o this_o be_v ever_o as_o sure_o as_o sure_o may_v be_v in_o the_o court_n camp_n and_o whole_a condition_n of_o a_o man_n life_n that_o hope_n &_o reward_n be_v ever_o most_o anxious_a and_o uncertain_a which_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v it_o be_v very_o fit_a and_o convenient_a to_o correct_v and_o rectify_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o art_n and_o perspicuity_n of_o wit_n and_o understanding_n what_o herein_o i_o have_v affirm_v be_v true_o confirm_v by_o one_o who_o so_o ever_o he_o be_v both_o most_o learned_a and_o very_a well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o variety_n and_o vicissitude_n of_o courtier_n condition_n vita_fw-la quid_fw-la est_fw-la hominum_fw-la nisi_fw-la spes_fw-la incerta_fw-la metusque_fw-la haec_fw-la inter_fw-la dubij_fw-la vivimus_fw-la &_o morimur_fw-la o_o what_o be_v man_n life_n but_o hope_n fear_v anxious_o between_o both_o which_o we_o doubtful_a live_v and_o die_v not_o much_o unlike_a unto_o this_o be_v that_o elegant_a distich_n vita_fw-la quid_fw-la est_fw-la hominum_fw-la spes_fw-la &_o formido_fw-la futuri_fw-la multum_fw-la tristitiae_fw-la laetitiaeque_fw-la parum_fw-la alas_o what_o be_v life_n hope_v fear_v of_o future_a thing_n whence_o little_a pleasure_n much_o displeasure_n spring_v assure_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o all_o good_a man_n whether_o courtier_n noble_n commons_z yea_o all_o of_o we_o of_o what_o so_o ever_o condition_n we_o be_v do_v spend_v our_o space_n and_o term_v of_o life_n in_o good_a hope_n and_o ill_a hap_n moreover_o that_o courtier_n which_o hope_v after_o great_a courtier_n a_o good_a observation_n for_o courtier_n matter_n in_o the_o court_n can_v never_o make_v any_o great_a progress_n therein_o if_o he_o can_v brook_v and_o be_v impatient_a of_o contumely_n or_o know_v not_o how_o to_o endure_v scoff_v taunt_n or_o mockery_n let_v he_o therefore_o with_o patience_n undertake_v this_o journey_n and_o weave_v the_o web_n of_o this_o life_n with_o these_o manner_n &_o demenor_n namely_o let_v he_o please_v all_o man_n part_n with_o what_o he_o have_v observe_v the_o time_n and_o season_n let_v he_o learn_v to_o cover_v &_o discover_v his_o nature_n yea_o let_v he_o turn_v and_o wind_n himself_o hither_o and_o thither_o which_o way_n soever_o occasion_n require_v to_o be_v sorry_a with_o those_o that_o be_v full_a of_o sigh_n merry_a with_o those_o that_o be_v full_a of_o mirth_n grave_n with_o old_a man_n and_o grateful_a to_o young_a man_n and_o unless_o the_o courtier_n be_v skilful_a in_o this_o art_n he_o can_v neither_o grow_v great_a nor_o long_o continue_v therein_o but_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a be_v those_o court_n of_o king_n wherein_o no_o man_n endeavour_n either_o by_o honesty_n learning_n or_o industry_n to_o ascend_v the_o step_n to_o honour_n and_o dignity_n but_o where_o all_o man_n either_o lawful_o or_o unlawful_o by_o right_a or_o by_o wrong_n they_o care_v not_o how_o no_o man_n by_o his_o own_o merit_n or_o desert_n strive_v to_o attain_v unto_o dignity_n power_n and_o preferment_n endeavour_v not_o thou_o kind_a courtier_n to_o creep_v into_o office_n and_o authority_n by_o any_o other_o mean_n than_o only_o by_o virtue_n and_o laudable_a course_n if_o thou_o receive_v a_o repulse_n and_o another_o inferior_a unto_o endowment_n patience_n in_o the_o court_n be_v a_o excellent_a endowment_n thou_o both_o by_o lineage_n virtue_n and_o learning_n be_v prefer_v before_o thou_o yet_o notwithstanding_o take_v it_o patient_o &_o with_o a_o content_a mind_n and_o do_v not_o revenge_v thy_o own_o quarrel_n by_o impious_a wrath_n or_o perfidious_a and_o nefarious_a treachery_n it_o be_v very_o behooveful_a for_o a_o wise_a courtier_n to_o follow_v evermore_o the_o most_o mighty_a and_o powerful_a personage_n and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o very_a tract_n and_o footstep_n of_o the_o most_o favour_v and_o fortunate_a but_o ever_o with_o this_o caveat_n that_o he_o do_v it_o not_o otherwise_o than_o will_v stand_v with_o honesty_n or_o equity_n let_v the_o courtier_n never_o hunt_v after_o oâ—_n eager_o desire_v of_o honest_a the_o suit_n and_o desire_n of_o a_o courtier_n must_v be_v honest_a his_o prince_n any_o such_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v have_v without_o infamy_n and_o ignominious_a disgraâ—e_n with_o whatsoever_o show_n or_o veil_n of_o honesty_n or_o utility_n they_o may_v seem_v for_o a_o season_n to_o be_v overspread_v and_o cover_v peradventure_o it_o may_v seem_v pleasant_a delicate_a and_o delightful_a be_v varnish_v over_o and_o garnish_v with_o a_o beautiful_a and_o probable_a colour_n of_o profit_n or_o pleasure_n but_o it_o can_v long_o continue_v so_o for_o it_o will_v quick_o be_v turn_v to_o shame_n and_o bitterness_n it_o may_v perchance_o as_o i_o say_v before_o admit_v some_o certain_a mantle_n of_o modesty_n or_o cloak_n of_o honesty_n and_o so_o deceive_v and_o delude_v thou_o but_o be_v assure_v that_o quod_fw-la per_fw-la se_fw-la turpe_fw-la nunquam_fw-la erit_fw-la honestum_fw-la that_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v filthy_a or_o shameful_a can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v honest_a let_v the_o courtier_n therefore_o take_v heed_n that_o he_o delight_v not_o or_o delude_v not_o himself_o with_o good_n ill_o get_v which_o will_v in_o the_o end_n undoubted_o turn_v to_o his_o own_o destruction_n let_v the_o courtier_n also_o especial_o consider_v and_o meditate_v this_o one_o thing_n improbum_fw-la atque_fw-la hominem_fw-la infamem_fw-la aliquando_fw-la habuisse_fw-la latendi_fw-la fortunam_fw-la nunquam_fw-la fiduciam_fw-la that_o notwithstanding_o that_o the_o wicked_a and_o dishonest_a man_n may_v cover_v