V . (ELYOT-E1-H,21.3) THE ORDRE OF LERNYNGE THAT A NOBLE MAN SHULDE BE TRAYNED IN BEFORE HE COME TO THAIGE SEUEN YERES . (ELYOT-E1-H,21.4) Some olde autours holde oppinion that , before the age of seuen yeres , a chylde shulde nat be instructed in letters ; (ELYOT-E1-H,21.6) but those writers were either grekes or latines , amonge whom all doctrine and sciences were in their maternall tonges ; by reason wherof they saued all that longe tyme whiche at this dayes is spente in understandyng perfectly the greke or latyne . Wherfore it requireth nowe a longer tyme to the understandynge of bothe . (ELYOT-E1-H,21.7) Therfore that infelicitie of our tyme and countray compelleth us to encroche some what upon the yeres of children , and specially of noble men , that they may sooner attayne to wisedome and grauitie than priuate persones , consideryng , as I haue saide , their charge and example , whiche , aboue all thynges , is most to be estemed . (ELYOT-E1-H,21.8) Nat withstandyng , I wolde nat haue them inforced by violence to lerne , but accordynge to the counsaile of Quintilian , to be swetely allured therto with praises and suche praty gyftes as children delite in . (ELYOT-E1-H,21.9) And their fyrst letters to be paynted or lymned in a pleasaunt maner : where in children of gentyl courage haue moche delectation . (ELYOT-E1-H,21.10) And also there is no better allectyue to noble wyttes than to induce them in to a contention with their inferiour companions : they somtyme purposely suffring the more noble children to vainquysshe , and , as it were , gyuying to them place and soueraintie , thoughe in dede the inferiour chyldren haue more lernyng . (ELYOT-E1-H,21.11) But there can be nothyng more conuenient than by litle and litle to trayne and exercise them in spekyng of latyne : infourmyng them to knowe first the names in latine of all thynges that cometh in syghte , and to name all the partes of theyr bodies : and gyuynge them some what that they couete or desyre , in most gentyl maner to teache them to aske it agayne in latine . (ELYOT-E1-H,21.12) And if by this meanes they may be induced to understande and speke latine : it shall afterwards be lasse grefe to them , in a maner , to lerne any thing , where they understande the langage wherein it is writen . (ELYOT-E1-H,22.13) And , as touchynge grammere , there is at this day better introductions , and more facile , than euer before were made , concernyng as wel greke as latine , if they be wisely chosen . (ELYOT-E1-H,22.14) And hit shal be no reproche to a noble man to instruct his owne children , or at the leest wayes to examine them , by the way of daliaunce or solace , considerynge that the emperour Octauius Augustus disdayned nat to rede the warkes of Cicero and Virgile to his children and neuewes . (ELYOT-E1-H,22.15) And why shulde nat noble men rather so do , than teache their children howe at dyse and cardes , they may counnyngly lese and consume theyr owne treasure and substaunce ? (ELYOT-E1-H,22.16) Moreouer teachynge representeth the auctoritie of a prince : wherfore Dionyse , kynge of Sicile , whan he was for tyranny expelled by his people , he came in to Italy , and there in a commune schole taught grammer , where with , whan he was of his enemies embraided , and called a schole maister , he answered them , that al though Sicilians had exiled hym , yet in despite of them all he reigned , notynge therby the authorite that he had ouer his scholers . (ELYOT-E1-H,22.17) Also whan hit was of hym demanded what auailed hym Plato or philosophy , wherin he had ben studious : he aunswered that they caused hym to sustayne aduersitie paciently , and made his exile to be to hym more facile and easy : whiche courage and wysedome consydered of his people , they eftsones restored him unto his realme and astate roiall , where , if he had procured agayne them hostilite or warres , or had returned in to Sicile with any violence , I suppose the people wolde haue alway resysted hym , and haue kepte hym in perpetuall exile : as the romaynes dyd the proude kynge Tarquine , whose sonne rauysshed Lucrece . (ELYOT-E1-H,22.18) But to retourne to my purpose , hit shall be expedient that a noble mannes sonne , in his infancie , haue with hym continually onely suche as may accustome hym by litle and litle to speake pure and elegant latin . (ELYOT-E1-H,22.19) Semblably the nourises and other women aboute hym , if it be possible , to do the same : or , at the leste way , that they speke none englisshe but that which is cleane , polite , perfectly and articulately pronounced , omittinge no lettre or sillable , as folisshe women often times do of a wantonnesse , wherby diuers noble men and gentilmennes chyldren , as I do at this daye knowe , haue attained corrupte and foule pronuntiation . (ELYOT-E1-H,23.20) This industry used in fourminge litel infantes , who shall dought , but that they , not lackyng naturall witte , shall be apt to receyue lerninge , whan they come to mo yeres ? (ELYOT-E1-H,23.21) And in this wise maye they be instructed , without any violence of inforsinge : using the more parte of the time , until they come to the age of vii yeres , in suche disportis , as do appertaine to children , wherin is no resemblance or similitude of vice . (ELYOT-E1-H,23.22) VI . (ELYOT-E1-H,23.24) AT WHAT AGE A TUTOUR SHULDE BE PROUIDED , AND WHAT SHALL APPERTAINE TO HIS OFFICE TO DO . (ELYOT-E1-H,23.25) After that a childe is come to seuen yeres of age , I holde it expedient that he be taken from the company of women : sauynge that he may haue , one yere , or two at the most , an auncient and sad matrone , attendynge on hym in his chambre , whiche shall nat haue any yonge woman in her company : (ELYOT-E1-H,23.27) for though there be no perille of offence in that tender and innocent age , yet , in some children , nature is more prone to vice than to vertue , (ELYOT-E1-H,23.28) and in the tender wittes be sparkes of voluptuositie : whiche , norished by any occasion or obiecte , encrease often tymes in to so terrible a fire , that therwith all vertue and reason is consumed . Wherfore , to eschewe that daunger , the most sure counsaile is , to withdrawe him from all company of women , and to assigne unto hym a tutor , whiche shulde be an auncient and worshipfull man , in whom is aproued to be moche gentilnes , mixte with grauitie , and , as nighe as can be , suche one as the childe by imitation folowynge may growe to be excellent . (ELYOT-E1-H,24.29) And if he be also lerned , he is the more commendable . (ELYOT-E1-H,24.30) Peleus , the father of Achilles , committed the gouernaunce of his sonne to Phenix , which was a straunger borne : who , as well in speakyng elegantly as in doinge valiauntly , was maister to Achilles as Homere saith . (ELYOT-E1-H,24.31) Howe moche profited hit to kynge Philip , father to the great Alexander , that he was deliuered in hostage to the Thebanes ? where he was kepte and brought up under the gouernance of Epaminondas , a noble and valiant capitaine : of whom he receiued suche lernynge , as well in actes martiall as in other liberal sciences , that he excelled all other kynges that were before his tyme in Grece , and finally , as well by wisedome as prowes , subdued all that countray . (ELYOT-E1-H,24.32) Semblably he ordayned for his sonne Alexander a noble tutor called Leonidas , unto whom , for his wisedome , humanitie , and lernyng , he committed the rule and preeminence ouer all the maisters and seruantes of Alexander . In whom , nat withstandyng , was suche a familier vice , whiche Alexander apprehending in childhode coulde neuer abandon : (ELYOT-E1-H,24.33) some suppose it to be fury and hastines , other superfluous drinking of wyne : (ELYOT-E1-H,24.34) whiche of them it were , it is a good warnyng for gentilmen to be the more serious , inserching , nat only for the vertues , but also for the vices of them , unto whose tuition and gouernance they will committe their children . (ELYOT-E1-H,24.35) The office of a tutor is firste to knowe the nature of his pupil , that is to say , wherto he is mooste inclined or disposed , and in what thyng he setteth his most delectation or appetite . (ELYOT-E1-H,24.36) If he be of nature curtaise , piteouse , and of a free and liberall harte , it is a principall token of grace , as hit is by all scripture determined . (ELYOT-E1-H,24.37) Than shall a wyse tutor purposely commende those vertues , extolling also his pupill for hauyng of them ; (ELYOT-E1-H,24.38) and therewith he shall declare them to be of all men mooste fortunate , whiche shall happen to haue suche a maister . (ELYOT-E1-H,24.39) And moreouer shall declare to hym what honour , what loue , what commodite shall happen to him by these vertues . (ELYOT-E1-H,24.40) And , if any haue ben of disposition contrary , than to expresse the enormities of theyr vice , with as moche detestation as may be . (ELYOT-E1-H,25.41) And if any daunger haue therby ensued , misfortune , or punisshement , to agreue it in suche wyse , with so vehement wordes , as the childe may abhorre it , and feare the semblable aduenture . (ELYOT-E1-H,25.42) VII . (ELYOT-E1-H,25.44) IN WHAT WISE MUSIKE MAY BE TO A NOBLE MAN NECESSARIE : AND WHAT MODESTIE OUGHT TO BE THERIN . (ELYOT-E1-H,25.45) The discretion of a tutor consisteth in temperance : that is to saye , that he suffre nat the childe to be fatigate with continuall studie or lernyng , wherwith the delicate and tender witte may be dulled or oppressed : but that there may be there with entrelased and mixte some pleasaunt lernynge and exercise , as playenge on instruments of musike , whiche moderately used and without diminution of honour , that is to say , without wanton countenance and dissolute gesture , is nat to be contemned . (ELYOT-E1-H,25.47) For the noble kynge and prophete Dauid , kyng of Israell whom almighty god said that he had chosen as a man accordinge to his harte or desire duringe his lyfe , delited in musike : (ELYOT-E1-H,25.48) and with the swete harmony that he made on his harpe , he constrayned the iuell spirite that vexed kynge Saul to forsake hym , continuynge the tyme that he harped . (ELYOT-E1-H,25.49) The mooste noble and valiant princis of Grece often tymes , to recreate their spirites , and in augmenting their courage , enbraced instrumentes musicall . (ELYOT-E1-H,25.50) So dyd the valiaunt Achilles , as Homere saith , who after the sharpe and vehement contention , betwene him and Agamemnon , for the taking away of his concubine : wherby he , being set in a fury , hadde slayne Agamemnon , emperour of the grekes armye , had nat Pallas , the goddesse , withdrawen his hande ; in which rage he , all inflamed , departed with his people to his owne shippes that lay at rode , intendinge to haue retourned in to his countray ; (ELYOT-E1-H,25.51) but after that he had taken to hym his harpe , whereon he had lerned to playe of Chiron the Centaure , which also had taught hym feates of armes , with phisicke , and surgery , and playeng theron , had songen the gestes and actis martial of the auncient princis of Grece , as Hercules , Perseus , Perithous , Theseus , and his cosin Jason , and of diuers other of semblable value and prowesse , he was there with asswaged of his furie , and reduced in to his firste astate of reason : in suche wyse , that in redoubyng his rage , and that thereby shulde nat remayne to him any note of reproche , he retaynyng his fiers and stourdie countenance , so tempered hym selfe in the entertaynement and answerynge the messagers that came to him from the residue of the Grekes , that they , reputing all that his fiers demeanure to be , as it were , a diuine maiestie , neuer embrayded hym with any inordinate wrathe or furie . (ELYOT-E1-H,26.52) And therfore the great kynge Alexander , whan he had vainquisshed Ilion , where some tyme was set the moste noble citie of Troy , beinge demaunded of one if he wold se the harpe of Paris Alexander , who rauisshed Helene , he therat gentilly smilyng , answered that it was nat the thyng that he moche desired , but that he had rather se the harpe of Achilles , wherto he sange , nat the illecebrous dilectations of Venus , but the valiaunt actes and noble affaires of excellent princis . (ELYOT-E1-H,26.53) But in this commendation of musike I wold nat be thought to allure noble men to haue so moche delectation therin , that , in playinge and singynge only , they shulde put their holle studie and felicitie : as dyd the emperour Nero , whiche all a longe somers day wolde sit in the Theatre , an open place where al the people of Rome behelde solemne actis and playes , and , in the presence of all the noble men and senatours , wolde playe on his harpe and synge without cessynge : (ELYOT-E1-H,26.54) And if any man hapned , by longe sittynge , to slepe , or , by any other countenance , to shewe him selfe to be weary , he was sodaynly bobbed on the face by the seruantes of Nero , for that purpose attendyng : (ELYOT-E1-H,26.55) or if any persone were perceiued to be absent , or were sene to laughe at the folye of the emperour , he was forthe with accused , as it were , of missprision : wherby the emperour founde occasion to committe him to prison or to put hym to tortures . (ELYOT-E1-H,27.56) O what misery was it to be subiecte to suche a minstrell , in whose musike was no melodye , but anguisshe and dolour ? (ELYOT-E1-H,27.57) It were therfore better that no musike were taughte to a noble man , than , by the exacte knowlege therof , he shuld haue therin inordinate delite , and by that be illected to wantonnesse , abandonyng grauitie , and the necessary cure and office , in the publike weale , to him committed . (ELYOT-E1-H,27.58) Kynge Philip , whan he harde that his sonne Alexander dyd singe swetely and properly , he rebuked him gentilly , saynge , But , Alexander , be ye nat ashamed that ye can singe so well and connyngly ? whereby he mente that the open profession of that crafte was but of a base estimation . And that it suffised a noble man , hauynge therin knowlege , either to use it secretely , for the refreshynge of his witte , whan he hath tyme of solace : $or $else {TEXT:orels} , only hearynge the contention of noble musiciens , to gyue iugement in the excellencie of their counnynges . (ELYOT-E1-H,27.59) These be the causes where unto hauinge regarde , musike is nat onely tollerable but also commendable . (ELYOT-E1-H,27.60) For , as Aristotle saith , Musike in the olde time was nombred amonge sciences , for as moche as nature seketh nat onely howe to be in busines well occupied , but also howe in quietnes to be commendably disposed . (ELYOT-E1-H,27.61) And if the childe be of a perfecte inclination and towardnes to vertue , and very aptly disposed to this science , and ripely dothe understande the reason and concordance of tunes , the tutor's office shall be to persuade hym to haue pricipally in remembrance his astate , whiche maketh hym exempt from the libertie of usinge this science in euery tyme and place : that is to say , that it onely serueth for recreation after tedious or laborious affaires , and to shewe him that a gentilman , plainge or singing in a commune audience , appaireth his estimation : the people forgettinge reuerence , when they beholde him in the similitude of a common seruant or minstrell . (ELYOT-E1-H,28.62) Yet , natwithstanding , he shall commende the perfecte understandinge of musike , declaringe howe necessary it is for the better attaynynge the knowlege of a publike weale : whiche , as I before haue saide , is made of an ordre of astates and degrees , and , by reason therof , conteineth in it a perfect harmony : whiche he shall afterwarde more perfectly understande , whan he shall happen to rede the bokes of Plato , and Aristotle , of publike weales : wherin be written diuers examples of musike and geometrye . (ELYOT-E1-H,28.63) In this fourme may a wise and circumspecte tutor adapte the pleasant science of musike to a necessary and laudable purpose . (ELYOT-E1-H,28.64) VIII . (ELYOT-E1-H,28.66) THAT IT IS COMMENDABLE IN A GENTILMAN TO PAINT AND KERUE EXACTLY , IF NATURE THERTO DOTH INDUCE HYM . (ELYOT-E1-H,28.67) If the childe be of nature inclined , as many haue ben , to paint with a penne , or to fourme images in stone or tree : he shulde nat be therfrom withdrawen , or nature be rebuked , whiche is to hym beniuolent : (ELYOT-E1-H,28.69) but puttyng one to him , whiche is in that crafte , wherin he deliteth , moste excellent , in vacant tymes from other more serious lernynge , he shulde be , in the moste pure wise , enstructed in painting or keruinge . (ELYOT-E1-H,28.70) And nowe , perchance , some enuious reder wyll hereof apprehende occasion to scorne me , sayenge that I haue well hyed me , to make of a noble man a mason or peynter . (ELYOT-E1-H,28.71) And yet , if either ambition or voluptuouse idelnes wolde haue suffered that reder to haue sene histories , he shuld haue founden excellent princis , as well in payntyng as in keruynge , equall to noble artificers : (ELYOT-E1-H,28.72) suche were Claudius , Titus , the sonne of Vaspasian , Hadriane , both Antonines , and diuers other emperours and noble princes : whose warkes of longe tyme remayned in Rome and other cities , in suche places where all men mought beholde them : as monuments of their excellent wittes and vertuous occupation in eschewynge of idelnes . (ELYOT-E1-H,29.73) VIII . (ELYOT-E1-H,147.76) THE THRE PRINCIPALL PARTES OF HUMANITIE . (ELYOT-E1-H,147.77) The nature and condition of man , wherin he is lasse than god almightie , and excellinge nat withstanding all other creatures in erthe , is called humanitie ; whiche is a generall name to those vertues in whome semeth to be a mutuall concorde and loue in the nature of man . (ELYOT-E1-H,147.79) And all thoughe there be many of the said vertues , yet be there thre principall by whome humanitie is chiefly compact ; beneuolence , beneficence , and liberalitie , which maketh up the said principall vertue called benignitie or gentilnes . (ELYOT-E1-H,147.80) Beneuolence , if it do extende to a hole contraye or citie , it is proprely called charitie , and some tyme zele ; (ELYOT-E1-H,147.81) and if it concerne one persone , than is it called beneuolence . (ELYOT-E1-H,147.82) And if it be very feruent and to one singuler persone , than may it be named loue or amitie . (ELYOT-E1-H,148.83) Of that vertuous disposition procedeth an acte , wherby some thinge is employed whiche is profitable and good to him that receyueth it . (ELYOT-E1-H,148.84) And that vertue , if it be in operation , or as I mought saye endeuour , it is called than beneficence , (ELYOT-E1-H,148.85) and the dede vulgarly named a good tourne may be called a benefite . (ELYOT-E1-H,148.86) If it be in money or other thing that hath substaunce it is than called liberalitie , whiche is nat alway a vertue as beneficence is ; (ELYOT-E1-H,148.87) for in well doinge whiche is the right interpretation of beneficence can be no vice included . (ELYOT-E1-H,148.88) But liberalitie , thoughe it procede of a free and gentill harte , wyllinge to do some thinge thankefull , yet may it transgresse the bondes of vertue , eyther in excessiue rewardes , or expences , or els emploienge treasour , promotion , or other substaunce on persones unworthy , or on thynges inconuenient , and of small importaunce . (ELYOT-E1-H,148.89) All be it some thinke suche maner of erogation nat to be worthy the name of liberalitie . (ELYOT-E1-H,148.90) For Aristotle defineth a liberal man to be he whiche doth erogate accordinge to the rate of his substance and as oportunitie hapneth . (ELYOT-E1-H,148.91) He saieth also in the same place , that liberalitie is nat in the multitude or quantite of that whiche is gyuen , but in the habite or facion of the gyuer , (ELYOT-E1-H,148.92) for he gyueth accordinge to his habilitie . (ELYOT-E1-H,148.93) Neyther Tulli approueth it to be liberalitie , wherin is any mixture of auarice or rapyne ; (ELYOT-E1-H,148.94) for it is nat properly liberalitie to exacte iniustly , or by violence or craft to take goodes from particuler persones , and distribute them in a multitude ; or to take from many iniustly , and enriche therwith one persone or fewe . (ELYOT-E1-H,148.95) For as the same autour saieth , the last precept concerning benefites or rewardes is , to take good hede that he contende nat agayne equitie , ne that he upholde none iniurie . (ELYOT-E1-H,148.96) Nowe will I procede seriously and in a due forme to speke more particulerly of these thre vertues . (ELYOT-E1-H,148.97) Nat withstandinge there is suche affinite bitwene beneficence and liberalitie , beinge always a vertue , that they tende to one conclusion or purpose , that is to saye , with a free and glad wyll to gyue to a nother that thinge which he before lacked . (ELYOT-E1-H,149.98) IX . (ELYOT-E1-H,149.100) OF WHAT EXCELLENCE BENEUOLENCE IS . (ELYOT-E1-H,149.101) Whan I remembre what incomparable goodnes hath euer proceded of this vertue beneuolence , mercifull god , what swete flauour fele I persing my spirites , wherof bothe my soule and body to my thinkinge do conceyue suche recreacion , that it semeth me to be in a paradise , or other semblable place of incomparable delites and pleasures . (ELYOT-E1-H,149.103) Firste I beholde the dignitie of that vertue , consideringe that god is therby chiefly knowen and honoured both-1 of aungell and man . As contrarie wise the deuill is hated and reproued bothe-1 of god and man for his malice , whiche vice is contrarious and repugnaunt to beneuolence . Wherefore without beneuolence may be no god . (ELYOT-E1-H,149.104) For god is all goodnes , all charite , all loue , whiche holy be comprehended in the saide worde beneuolence . (ELYOT-E1-H,149.105) Nowe let us see where any other vertue may be equall in dignitie with this vertue beneuolence , or if any vertue remayneth , where this is excluded . (ELYOT-E1-H,149.106) For what commeth of prudence where lacketh beneuolence , but disceite , rauine , auarice and tyranny ? What of fortitude , but bestely crueltie , oppression , and effusion of bloode ? (ELYOT-E1-H,149.107) What iustice may there be without beneuolence ? Sens the first or chiefe porcion of iustice as Tulli saieth is to indomage no man , onelas thou be wrongfully vexed . (ELYOT-E1-H,149.108) And what is the cause hereof but equall and entier loue ; whiche beinge remoued , or cessing , who endeuoreth nat him selfe to take from a nother al thyng that he coueteth , or for euery thinge that discontenteth him wolde nat forthwith be auenged ? Wherby he confoundeth the vertue called temperance , whiche is the moderatrice as well of all motions of the minde , called affectes , as of all actis procedyng of man . (ELYOT-E1-H,150.109) Here it sufficiently appereth as I suppose of what estimation beneuolence is . (ELYOT-E1-H,150.110) Nowe wyll I , accordynge to myne accustomed maner , endeuore me to recreate the spirites of the diligent reder with some delectable histories , wherin is any noble remembrance of this vertue beneuolence , that the worthinesse therof maye appiere in a more playne declaration ; (ELYOT-E1-H,150.111) for in euery discipline example is the beste instructour . (ELYOT-E1-H,150.112) But firste I will aduertise the reder , that I will nowe write of that beneuolence onely whiche is moste uniuersall , wherin is equalitie without singuler affection or acceptaunce of personagis . (ELYOT-E1-H,150.113) And here it is to be noted , that if a gouernour of a publike weale , iuge , or any other ministre of iustice , do gyue sentence agayne one that hath transgressed the lawes , or punissheth hym according to the qualities of his trespas , Beneuolence therby is nat any thing perisshed ; (ELYOT-E1-H,150.114) for the condemnation or punisshement is either to reduce hym that erreth in to the trayne of vertue , or to preserue a multitude from domage , by puttynge men in feare that be prone to offende , dreding the sharpe correction that they beholde a nother to suffre . (ELYOT-E1-H,150.115) And that maner of seueritie is touched by the prophet Dauid , in the fourthe psalme , sayinge in this wise ; Be you angry (ELYOT-E1-H,150.116) and loke that you sinne nat . (ELYOT-E1-H,150.117) And Tulli saith in his first boke of Officis , It is to be wisshed , that they , whiche in the publike weale haue any autoritie , may be like to the lawes , whiche in correctynge be ladde only by equitie and nat by wrathe or displesure . (ELYOT-E1-H,150.118) And in that maner , whan Chore , Dathan , and Abiron moued a sedition agayne Moyses , he praied god that the erth mought open and swalowe them , consideryng that the furye of the people moughte nat be by any other meanes asswaged , ne they kepte in due rule or obedience . (ELYOT-E1-H,150.119) Helias the holy prophete of god dyd his owne handes put to deth the prestes of the Idol Baal , (ELYOT-E1-H,150.120) yet cessed he nat with fastynge , praying , longe and tedious pilgrimages to pacifie the displeasure that god toke againe the people of Israhel . (ELYOT-E1-H,150.121) But to retourne to beneuolence . (ELYOT-E1-H,150.122) Moyses beinge highly entretayned with Pharao kynge of Aegipte , and so moche in his fauour by the meanes of the kynges suster , that , as Josephus saithe , he beinge made capitaine of a huge armye , was sente by Pharao agayne the Ethiopians or Moores , where he made suche exploiture , that he nat only atchieued his entreprise , but also had giuen unto him , for his prowesse , the kyngs daughter of Ethiopia to be his wife , with great abundaunce of riches . (ELYOT-E1-H,151.124) And also for his endeuour , prowesse , and wisedome , was moche estemed by Pharao and the nobles of Egipte ; so that he moughte haue liued there continually in moche honour and welth , if he wolde haue preferred his singuler aduaile before the uniuersall weale of his owne kynred or familie . (ELYOT-E1-H,151.125) But he inflamed with feruent beneuolence or zele towarde them , to redeme them out of their miserable bondage , (ELYOT-E1-H,151.126) chase rather to be in the daungerous indignation of Pharao , to committe his persone to the chaungeable myndes of a multitude , and they most unstable , to passe great and long iournaies throughe desertes replenisshed with wylde beastis and venimous serpentes , to suffre exstreme hunger and thirste , lackynge often tymes nat onely vitaile but also fresshe water to drinke , than to be in the palice of Pharao where he shulde haue bene satisfied with honour , richesse and ease , and all other thinges pleasaunt . (ELYOT-E1-H,151.127) Who that redeth the boke of Exodi shall finde the charitie of this man wonderfull . (ELYOT-E1-H,151.128) For whan almightie god , being greuously meued with the children of Israhel for their ingratitude , for as moche as they often tymes murmured agayne hym , and uneth moughte be kepte by Moyses from idolatrie , he said to Moyses that he wold destroye them utterly , and make hym ruler of a moche greatter and better people . (ELYOT-E1-H,151.129) But Moyses brenning in a meruailous charite towards them said unto god , This people , good lorde , haue mooste greuouslye sinned , (ELYOT-E1-H,151.130) yet either forgyue them this trespas , (ELYOT-E1-H,151.131) or , if ye do nat , strike me clene out of the booke that ye wrate . (ELYOT-E1-H,151.132) And diuers other tymes he importunately cried to god for the saulfe garde of them , nat withstanding that many tymes they concluded to haue slayne hym , if he had nat ben by his wisedome , and specially by the powar of god , preserued . (ELYOT-E1-H,152.133) But perauenture some , which seke for sterting holes to mainteine their vices , will obiecte , sayinge that Moyses was a holy prophete and a persone electe by predestination to deliuer the children of Israhell out of captiuitie , which he coulde nat haue done , if he had nat bene of suche pacience and charitie . (ELYOT-E1-H,152.134) Therfore let us se what examples of semblable beneuolence we can finde amonge the gentiles , in whom was no vertue inspired , but that only which natural reason induced . (ELYOT-E1-H,152.135) Whan a furious and wylfull yonge man in a sedicion had striken out one of the eies of kyng Licurgus , wherfore the people wolde haue slaine the transgressour , he wolde nat suffre them , (ELYOT-E1-H,152.136) but hauyng him home to his house , he by suche wise meanes corrected the yonge man , that he at the laste broughte hym to good maners and wisedome . (ELYOT-E1-H,152.137) Also the same Licurge , to the entent that theffecte of his beneuolence towarde the commune weale of his countray mought persist and continue , and that his excellent lawes beinge stablisshed shulde neuer be alterate , he dyd let swere al his people , that they shulde chaunge no part of his lawes , untill he were retourned , faynynge to them that he wolde go to Delphos , where Apollo was chiefly honoured , to consulte with that god what semed to hym to be added to or minisshed of those lawes , whiche also he fayned to haue receiued of the said Apollo . (ELYOT-E1-H,152.138) But finally he went in to the Isle of Crete , where he continued and died , commaundyng at his deth that his bones shulde be cast in to the see , lest if they were brought to Lacedemonia , his countray , the people shuld thinke them selfe of their othe and promise discharged . (ELYOT-E1-H,152.139) Semblable loue Codrus , the last kynge of Athenes , had to his countray . (ELYOT-E1-H,152.140) For where the people called Dores whom some thinke to be nowe Sicilians wolde aduenge their olde grudges agayne the Atheniensis , they demaunded of some of their goddes , what successe shulde happen if they made any warres . Unto whom answere was made , that if they slewe nat the kynge of Atheniensis they shulde than haue the victorie . (ELYOT-E1-H,153.141) Whan they came to the felde , straite commaundement was gyuen amonge them that , aboue all thinge , they shulde haue good awaite of the kynge of Athenes , whiche at that time was Codrus . (ELYOT-E1-H,153.142) But he before knowyng the answere made to the Dores , and what commandement was giuen to the army , dyd put of his princely habite or robes , (ELYOT-E1-H,153.143) and in apparaile all ragged and rent , carieng on his necke a bundell of twigges , entred in to the hoste of his enemies , (ELYOT-E1-H,153.144) and was slayne in the prese by a souldiour , whom he wounded with a hooke purposely . (ELYOT-E1-H,153.145) But whan it was perceiued and knowen to be the corps of kyng Codrus , the Dores all dismayed departed from the felde without proferynge bataile . (ELYOT-E1-H,153.146) And in this wise the Atheniensis , by the vertue of their most beneuolent kynge , who for the saulfgarde of his countray willingly died , were clerely deliuered from bataile . (ELYOT-E1-H,153.147) O noble Codrus , howe worthy had you ben if god had bene pleased to haue aboden the reparation of mankynde , that , in the habite and religion of a christen prince , ye mought haue showed your wonderfull beneuolence and courage , for the saulfegarde of christen men , and to the noble example of other princes . (ELYOT-E1-H,153.148) Curtius , a noble knighte of the Romanes , had no lasse loue to his countray than Codrus . (ELYOT-E1-H,153.149) For sone after the begynnyng of the citie there hapned to be a great erth quaue , (ELYOT-E1-H,153.150) and after there remayned a great dell or pitte without botome , whiche to beholde was horrible and lothsome , (ELYOT-E1-H,153.151) and out of it proceded suche a dampe or ayre , that corrupted all the citie with pestilence . Wherfore whan they had counsailed with suche idols as they than worshipped , answere was made that the erth shuld nat close untill there were throwen in to it the moste precious thinge in the citie ; whiche answere receiued , there was throwen in riche ieuels of golde and precious stone ; (ELYOT-E1-H,153.152) but all auailed nat . (ELYOT-E1-H,153.153) At the laste , Curtius , beinge a yonge and goodly gentilman , consideryng that no riches throwen in profited , he finallye coniected that the life of man was aboue all thinges moste precious ; (ELYOT-E1-H,154.154) to thentent the residue of the people mought be saued by his only dethe , he armed hym selfe at all pointes , (ELYOT-E1-H,154.155) and sittyng on a courser , with his swerde in his hande redy drawen , with a valiaunt and fierce courage enforsed his horse to lepe in to the dell or pitte , (ELYOT-E1-H,154.156) and furthwith it ioyned to gether (ELYOT-E1-H,154.157) and closed , leuynge onely a signe where the pitte was ; which longe after was called Curtius lake . (ELYOT-E1-H,154.158) I passe ouer the two Decius , Marcus Regulus , and many other princes and noble men that for the weale of their contraye died willingly . (ELYOT-E1-H,154.159) And nowe wyll I speke of suche as in any other fourme haue declared their beneuolence . (ELYOT-E1-H,154.160) Xenophon , condisciple of Plato , wrate the life of Cyrus kyng of Persia most elegantly , wherin he expresseth the figure of an excellent gouernour or capitayne . (ELYOT-E1-H,154.161) He sheweth there that Craesus , the riche king of Lidia , whom Cyrus had taken prisoner , subdued his countray , and possessed his treasure , saide on a tyme to Cyrus , whan he behelde his liberalitie , that suche largenesse as he used shulde bringe hym in pouertie , where , if he lysted , he mought accumulate up treasure incomparable . (ELYOT-E1-H,154.162) Than Cyrus demaunded of Croesus , What treasure suppose ye shulde I nowe haue , if durynge the tyme of my raigne I wolde haue gadred and kept money as ye exhorte me to do ? (ELYOT-E1-H,154.163) Than Cresus named a great some . (ELYOT-E1-H,154.164) Well , said Cyrus , sende ye some man , whom ye best truste , with Histaspa my seruaunt ; (ELYOT-E1-H,154.165) and thou , Histaspa , go about to my frendes (ELYOT-E1-H,154.166) and shewe them that I lacke golde towarde a certayne businesse , wherfore I will they shal sende me as moche as they can , and that they put it in writinge and sende it sealed by the seruant of Cresus . (ELYOT-E1-H,154.167) In the same wise Cirus wrate in a letter , and also that they shulde receiue Histaspa as his counsailour and frende , (ELYOT-E1-H,154.168) and sent it by hym . (ELYOT-E1-H,154.169) Histaspa , after that he had done the message of Cyrus and was retourned with the seruant of Cresus , who brought letters from Cyrus frendes , he saide to Cyrus , O sir , from hensforthe loke that ye take me for a man of great substaunce . (ELYOT-E1-H,155.170) For I am highly rewarded with many great gyftes for bringing your letters . (ELYOT-E1-H,155.171) Than Cyrus , at the houre appointed , ladde with hym kynge Cresus in to his campe , sayinge to hym , Now beholde (ELYOT-E1-H,155.172) here is our treasure , (ELYOT-E1-H,155.173) accounte , if ye can , how moche money is redy for me , if I haue nede of any to occupy . (ELYOT-E1-H,155.174) Whan Cresus behelde and rekened the innumerable treasure , whiche in sondry partes were laide aboute the pauilion of Cirus , he founde moche more than he said to Cirus that he shuld haue in his tresure , if he him selfe had gadred and kept it . (ELYOT-E1-H,155.175) And whan all appiered sufficiently , Cirus than said , Howe thinke you , Cresus , (ELYOT-E1-H,155.176) haue I nat tresure ? (ELYOT-E1-H,155.177) And ye counsailed me that I shulde gadre and kepe money , by occasion wherof I shuld be enuied and hated of my people , and more ouer put my trust to seruantes hyred to haue rule therof . (ELYOT-E1-H,155.178) But I do all other wise ; (ELYOT-E1-H,155.179) for , in making my frendes riche , I take them al for my tresure , (ELYOT-E1-H,155.180) and haue them more sure and trusty kepers bothe-1 of me and my substance , than I shuld do those whom I must trust only for their wagis . (ELYOT-E1-H,155.181)