<P_8>

<heading>

IV . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,8.3)

PROSE . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,8.4)

</heading>

Knowest thou al this , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,8.6)

and yet hast forgotten the` ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,8.7)

art thou the Ass to the Lute ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,8.8)

heare and remembar If thou Looke . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,8.9)

For thy Curars ayde , discover thy wound . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,8.10)

Than I gathering my mynd to his ful strengh , haue I yet nide of
warning ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,8.11)

hathe not the sowernis of Cruel fortune Ouertopt me by her self alone !
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,8.12)

doth not the vow of this place the moue ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,8.13)

Is not this the shop , wiche surist seat in all my inward romes for
the` I chose ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,8.14)

me which by me oft sytting , of science diuine & humain matters thou
disputedst ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,8.15)

was this thy habite ? was this thy Looke ? when with the` I serched
natures secretes ? when to me with ruler thou discribedst the starres
wayes , & framedst our woorkes & wholle trade of lyfe after the trade
of celestiall order . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,8.16)

Shall we receaue such rewardes for obeyeng the` ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,8.17)

When thou thy self this sentence paste of Platos mouth : " that happy
were those common welthes , if eyther wisdom studiers ruld them , or
their Rulers wisdom imbraced . " (BOETHEL-E2-P1,8.18)

Thou by the self same mans mouth didst teache that this was the
necessariest cause , for wyse men to rule the common wellth , leste
that the raynes therof , left to the wicked & harmfull citizens , might
breede the plague & harme to good . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,8.19)

This autoritie I following , which in thy secret leysure thou taughtest
me , made me wish to tourne for Action of com~on Rule .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,8.20)

God & thy self doe witnes beare , which he inspirde to wyse mens myndes
, that no care brought me to magistrate Rule , but common care for all
good men . Whence greate & vnappeased discorde with wicked folkes I
<P_9> had , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,9.21)

And that freedom that conscience libertie {COM:sic} gaue me for to saue
right , I preserved , dispising the $mightie $s {TEXT:mighties} offence
. (BOETHEL-E2-P1,9.22)

How oft have I crossed Conigastus , vsing violence to echo mans weke
fortune ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,9.23)

How many tymes haue I overthrowne Triguyla , In court cheefe officer ,
from his begon & almost ended iniurye ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,9.24)

How oft haue I protected poore men , whom the vnpunished auarice of
Barberous , with infinite slanders vexed , throwing my autoritie
against their perills ! (BOETHEL-E2-P1,9.25)

Never could any man drawe me from Law to Iniury . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,9.26)

I sorowed for the provinces misfortunes , wrackt by private ravins and
publick taxes , no lesse than they that suffered them .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,9.27)

Whan Campania province seemed afflicted through want in tyme of
greatest famyne , & such as could not be exprest , when buying &
selling was forbyd , I began a quarrell against the pretorian Ruler ,
for cause of common good . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,9.28)

I straue with him , the King knowing it , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,9.29)

& wan it that no sale were made . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,9.30)

Paulin the consul , whose goodes the palatine dog with hope & ambition
had deuourde , from the gapers Jawes I drew . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,9.31)

I opposde myself to the hate of Ciprian the bakbyter , that the payne
of the preiudical accusation might not fall to the share of Albinus the
consul . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,9.32)

Have not I , suppose you , sharpned quarrels against me ynough ?
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,9.33)

and ought to have ben defended among the rest , euin them that for loue
of Justice among the Courtiers might haue saued me , by which I should
be safer ; (BOETHEL-E2-P1,9.34)

By what accusers am I now stricken ? of whom Basilius , fallen from
princes seruice , is driven to slaunder of our name , for dettes sake .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,9.35)

When by Kinges Judgement a censure was giuen for banishment , for
Opilion & Gaudensius , for their Iniuries & many wronges , And when
they denyeng to obeye , saued them selves with defence of holy
Sanctuary , & that the King knowing , proclaymde that without they
departed from Ravenna towne at the prescribed daye , they should be
driven out with their forheades marked . What might be thought to
crosse such seuiritie ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,9.36)

but yet in that <P_10> daye , themsellves deferring the slaunder ,
touched me . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,10.37)

What tho ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,10.38)

hath our science deseruid this ? or their forerun~ing condemnaco~n made
their accusers Just ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,10.39)

So fortune was nothing ashamde , if not of thaccused innocency , yet of
thaccusers basenes ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,10.40)

But what is our faulte ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,10.41)

will ye seeke the principall ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,10.42)

we are sayde to wish the Senates surety . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,10.43)

The waye you desire , a sclaunderer , lest he might delay his Lessons
by which he might make me guilty of treason , we are accused to have
letted him . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,10.44)

What then think you , o` pedagogue myne ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,10.45)

shall we deny the facte , that shame the` we might not ?
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,10.46)

but I wolde , & neuer {COM:sic} to {COM:sic} will {COM:sic} , will
leave . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,10.47)

shall we confesse it ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,10.48)

but shall the worke of hindering the sclaunderer , ceasse .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,10.49)

Shall I call it a faulte , to wish the surety of that state ?
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,10.50)

He himself , by his own decrees against me , hath made this vnlawfull ;
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,10.51)

but folie , that lyes euer against her self , the worth of thinges can
neuer change . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,10.52)

Nether-2 Lawfull is it for me by Socrates Rule , to hyde trouth or
graunte a lye . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,10.53)

But thus what it is , to yours & wyse folkes iudgement I leave the
censure , whose manner of matter & trouth , that posterite may knowe ,
to my silent memory haue com~itted . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,10.54)

for as for false supposed lettres in which I am accusde to hope for
Romayne libertie , what bootes it speake ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,10.55)

whose fraude had lyen all open if I might have vsde my accusers
confession , which in all matters beares greatest swaye :
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,10.56)

for what left liberty may be hoped for ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,10.57)

that weld god there were any ! (BOETHEL-E2-P1,10.58)

I had aunswered then as Canius did , who accused by Caius Cesar ,
Germanicus sonne , to be guilty of the coniuration against him : " Yf I
had knowen , thou hadste not knowen . " In which matter , sorow hath
not so duld my senses , to complayn of wicked men for dooiug mischefe
against vertue , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,10.59)

but rather much wonder how they could hope performe it .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,10.60)

For to will the worst , perchaunce might be our faulte ,
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,10.61)

but to haue powre against Innocency , for ech wretch to doo what he
conceaues , god being Looker on , seemes monstrouse . Whence then is a
question not with out cause , of thy familiar : (BOETHEL-E2-P1,10.62)

" Yf there be a god , " quoth he , " whence <P_11> coms the euill ? The
good from whence , yf he be not ? " (BOETHEL-E2-P1,11.63)

But it may be lawfull ynough for wicked men , that thursted the blud of
all the senate & all good men , to seeke our wrak , whom they haue
seene defend the good & saue the Senate . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,11.64)

But did we deserue the lyke of the fathers or no ?
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,11.65)

You remember , I suppose , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,11.66)

for what I sayde or did present , you directed me ;
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,11.67)

You call to mynde , quoth I , At Verona , when the King ; greedy of
common fall , did stryve to bring the treason layde to Albinus , to the
Senates order , how I defended then the innocency of all the Senat with
most assurance of my owne danger . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,11.68)

You know all this that true it is I tell , & that no boste I make of
any my prayse . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,11.69)

for thassurance of a graunting conscience diminishith it self in a
sorte , as oft as bosting receauith rewarde of fame .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,11.70)

But you see what end my Innocency hath . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,11.71)

for true vertues rewarde we suffer false factes payne .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,11.72)

for whose manifest confession of wicked facte , euer made all Judges so
agree in seueritie , that eyther the faulte of humaine witt , or
thincertayne state of fortune , may not leave out somewhat ?
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,11.73)

Yf we had bene sayd to haue burned the sacred houses , to haue slayne
the preestes with wicked sworde , & bred destruction of all good men ,
the sentence had punished present confessing & convicted {COM:sic} .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,11.74)

Now allmost fyve hundred thousand paces of , though farre of &
vnwearyed , we are condemnde to death & exile , for our ready indeuors
for the Senates good : (BOETHEL-E2-P1,11.75)

O woorthy men , for such a faulte none of them shall be convinced .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,11.76)

the value of whose guiltynes , they themselves haue seene that brought
it : (BOETHEL-E2-P1,11.77)

which to dym with mixture of som wickednes , they have false belyed me
, to have stayned my conscience with sacrilege for Ambition sake .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,11.78)

And thou thy self grafted in me , all desyre of mortall thinges , from
seate of my mynde hast pluckt , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,11.79)

for vnder thy sight ther was no place for sacrilege faulte ,
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,11.80)

for in to my eares thou didst instill , & to my thoughtes this
pythogorian <P_12> worde , Obey thy God . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,12.81)

neyther did it becom me to seeke the help of vilest spirites , whom
thou hadst framed to such an excellency , that lyk to god thou madest
them . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,12.82)

Agayne , the Innocent closet of my house , resorte of honest frendes ,
my holy lawes fath=r= Symmacus , And for his deedes reuerenced ,
defendes vs from all suspicion of this cryme . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,12.83)

But O mishap , They beleeuid all this cryme , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,12.84)

& for this synne we were confyned , for that we were indewed with thy
lesson , & framed of thy condition : (BOETHEL-E2-P1,12.85)

So bootes it not ynough , that thy reuerence should protecte me , but
that withall thou shouldest be vexed with my offence .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,12.86)

But this is greatest heape to our mishap , that the valuing of most ,
regardes more fortunes event , than causes merit ,
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,12.87)

And Judgith that best prouided , that felicitie recomendith . which
makes , that true waight first leaveth the vnhappy man .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,12.88)

What now the rumors be , how variable , & increasing their Judgmentes ,
to remember , it greeves me . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,12.89)

This only can I saye , that the last burden of fortune is , that
whilest faultes be layde to the wretchedest charge , they are beleeuid
to deserue that is layde to their charge . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,12.90)

And my self bereued of all my goodes , spoyld of my dignities , spotted
in my fame , for benefitt , receaue punishment . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,12.91)

Me thinkes I see the wicked shops of vilest men flowing with Joye &
mirth . And euery wickedst man overlayeng me with new fraudes of
accusation . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,12.92)

I see the good lye down prostrate for feare of my fall , Ech wicked man
bolde vnpunishd to faulte , To doo the which thorow rewardes be styrred
, but Innocent folkes not only of surety , but of defence depriued .
Wherefore thus may I exclaime : {COM:verse_omitted}
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,12.93)

<P_15>

<heading>

V . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,15.96)

PROSE . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,15.97)

</heading>

This when with contynuall wo I had burst out , seeing her with mylde
countenance nothing mooued with my mones : (BOETHEL-E2-P1,15.99)

" when the` , " quoth she , " sad & wayling I sawe , straight a wretch
& exule , I knew the` . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,15.100)

but , how farre of thy banishment was , but that thou toldste , I knew
not . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,15.101)

but thou , how farre from countrey art not expulst , but strayed ,
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,15.102)

yet if thou hadst it rather be thought expulst , thou thy self haste
throwne it . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,15.103)

for that for {COM:sic} other was neuer lawfull than the` , to doo .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,15.104)

for if thou remember from what countrey thou cammest , not guyded as
Athens was , by rule of multitude , but one King & Ruler , that Joyeth
more in subiectes nomber than their expulse : with whose raynes to be
guyded & Justice obeyde , is greatest libertie . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,15.105)

Art thou ignorant of the auncientest law of thy Citie , which commaundz
that no man may be banisht from it , Whoso choosith there to build a
seate ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,15.106)

for who so in her trench & suerty is conteynde , no feare shall haue ,
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,15.107)

nor exul deserues to be . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,15.108)

but who so leaves to will her habitation , wantes allso deseruith ;
wherfore thy Looke , not this place , so much moouith me ,
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,15.109)

nor doo I desyre my shops walles adornid with yuory or glasse , rather
than the seate of the mynde , In which I placed not bookes , but that
that gives them price , sentences of myne owne woorkes .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,15.110)

Thou haste rehersed truth of thy desert for common good ,
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,15.111)

but little hast thou told of nombers greate thou hast receaued .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,15.112)

Thou hast remembred thinges knowen to all , obiected against the` ,
eyther-1 for good or falshode . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,15.113)

Of mischefz or fraudes of thy slaunderers rightly thou haste straightly
touched , that they might the better & farder be knowen with prayse of
vulgare folk . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,15.114)

Vehemently hast thou invayde against the Senates Iniustice .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,15.115)

Of our complaynt haste moned , & bewaylde the wrack of <P_16>
estymations Loste . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,16.116)

The last thy wo agaynst fortune invayed , complayning that she equalled
not desertes rewarde . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,16.117)

In end of thy raging muse , requirste a graunte that the same peace
which ruleth the heauen , might so rule thearth .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,16.118)

But for that a greate heape of affections ouerwhelme the` ,
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,16.119)

& sorow , ire , wo , diuersly distractes the` , such as thy mynde is
now , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,16.120)

as yet thy remedies be no greater . Wherfore easyer lett vs vse a while
, that such as by growing paynes in swelling hath bene hardenid , that
they may beare more sharp receites , with a soft touch be doulced . "
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,16.121)

{COM:verse_omitted}

<P_17>

<heading>

VI . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,17.125)

PROSE . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,17.126)

</heading>

First then suffre me with questions few thy mynde state to touche , &
it to prooue , that better may I know of thy cure the way ?
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,17.128)

" Ask me , " quoth I , " according to thy will , what thou woldest my
aunsweres be . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,17.129)

" Then she : " (BOETHEL-E2-P1,17.130)

thinkes thou that this world is wheeled by rash & happing chaunce ?
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,17.131)

or dost suppose that Reasons rule is in it ? " (BOETHEL-E2-P1,17.132)

" I can no way think , " quoth I , " that with so rash chaunce , so
certain thinges are moued , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,17.133)

but I know that God y=e= maker hit guides , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,17.134)

nor euer shall com day that from truth of this opinion shall draw me .
" (BOETHEL-E2-P1,17.135)

" Is it so ? " quoth she , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,17.136)

" A little afore this thou hast tolde (BOETHEL-E2-P1,17.137)

& hast bemonde that men were so furr from godes care deprived ;
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,17.138)

for with the rest thou art nothing moued , but that with reason they
were led . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,17.139)

Good Lord , I wonder much , why placed in so right a mynde thou canst
be sick ! (BOETHEL-E2-P1,17.140)

But let vs serch a little hyar : (BOETHEL-E2-P1,17.141)

I wote not what , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,17.142)

somewhat lackes I trowe . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,17.143)

But tell me , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,17.144)

for that thou doutst not the world by god be rulde , seest thou by what
raynes it is guided ? " (BOETHEL-E2-P1,17.145)

" Scarce doo I know , " said I , " the meaning of the question ,
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,17.146)

ne yet can I aunswer thy demandes , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,17.147)

was I ignorant that somewhat lackt ? by which lik cliff of Ramper
shrinking , the woes disease into the mynde is crepte . "
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,17.148)

" But tell me , dost thou remember , what is the end of all , And
whither tended the intent of all nature ? " (BOETHEL-E2-P1,17.149)

" I have hard it aunswered , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,17.150)

but my memory dampt sorow hath made . " (BOETHEL-E2-P1,17.151)

" But whom dost thou know , whence all <P_18> proceedes ? "
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,18.152)

" I know , " quoth I , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,18.153)

" And God is he , " I aunswere . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,18.154)

" How can it be then , that , begynning knowen , the end thereof thou
knowest not ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,18.155)

But this is the fashon of troubles , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,18.156)

& such is theyr wont , that mooue they may a man from his place ,
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,18.157)

but ouerthrowe or wholly pluck vp , they can not .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,18.158)

But this wold I haue the aunswer , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,18.159)

Remembrest thou thy self a man ? " (BOETHEL-E2-P1,18.160)

" What els , " quoth I , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,18.161)

" should I not remember that ? " (BOETHEL-E2-P1,18.162)

" Canst thou tell me , what man is then ? " (BOETHEL-E2-P1,18.163)

" Dost thou ask me this , whither that I know that I am a reasonable
creature & mortall ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,18.164)

I know it , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,18.165)

& that to be I must confesse . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,18.166)

" Then she : " knowest thou not thy self ought els ? "
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,18.167)

" Nothing . " (BOETHEL-E2-P1,18.168)

" But I know , " quoth she , " that the greatest cause of thy disease ,
is to have left to know what thou art . wherfore eyther-3 fully have I
founde the reason of thy sicknes , or a wage to reconcile the` home
agayne . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,18.169)

for being confounded through thy obliuion , thou hast bewaylde thy self
an exul & spoyled of thine owne goodes . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,18.170)

For being ignorant of thy end , thou hast supposde mighty & happy the
wicked folkes & lewde , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,18.171)

& forgetting by what brydle the world is guided , The eventus of
fortune thou supposest with out a guide to run : (BOETHEL-E2-P1,18.172)

Great causes not only to disease , but to ruine to .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,18.173)

But thanked be thy hoste , that nature hath not yet wholly destroyde
the` . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,18.174)

We haue the greatful foode for thy helth , thy true opinion of the
worldes Rule , whom thou belieuest not subiect to chaunce , but ruled
by diuine Reason . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,18.175)

Feare nought therfore . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,18.176)

Allready from this little sparke thy vitall heate is sprong .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,18.177)

but because the tyme is not yet for stronger remedyes , & that the
nature of the myndes is such , that when they haue cast away the true ,
are indued with false opinion , by which a springing darknes of woe
confoundes that true sight , I will assay a while therfore with
lenitiues , & meane fomentations to skant them , that darknes of
deceauing affection remoouid , the shyne of true light mayst obtayne .
" (BOETHEL-E2-P1,18.178)

{COM:verse_omitted}

<P_20>

<heading>

THE SECOND BOOKE . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,20.182)

I . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,20.183)

PROSE . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,20.184)

</heading>

After this , a while she pawsde , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,20.186)

and when my heede by my modest silence she markt , thus she began :
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,20.187)

" If alltogither thy cause of greefe & state I know , thou pynest with
the affection & want of former fortune . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,20.188)

She so much changyth the state of thy mynde , as thou ymaginest
ouerthrowes hit . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,20.189)

I vnderstand the many shaped deceites of her wonder ,
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,20.190)

and so farre exercisith a flattering familiaritie with them she myndes
deceaue , till she confound with intollerable woe , whom without hope
she hath left . Whose nature , conditions , & desert , if thou remember
, thou shalt know that thou hast nether had nor lost by her any thing
ought worth ; (BOETHEL-E2-P1,20.191)

but , as I suppose , I shall not neede to labour much to call these
thinges to thy memory . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,20.192)

For thou art wont when she was present & flattered the` , to invay
against her with manly woordes in chassing her from our doores ,
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,20.193)

with thy sentence invaydst her . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,20.194)

But euery souden change neuer haps without a greate streame of the
mynde . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,20.195)

So doth it bifal , that thou a while hast parted from thy ease .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,20.196)

But tyme it is for thee to drawe & taste som sweeter thing and pleasant
, which passing to the inward partes may make a way for behoofuller
draughtes . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,20.197)

Let persuasion of sweete Rhetorik assist the` , which then goith in
rightest path only-3 , when she leaves not our precepts ;
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,20.198)

and with this musick the guest of our home sowndes now easyer , now
weightyer notes . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,20.199)

What is it , therfore , O man , that hath throwne the` down to wo &
wayle ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,20.200)

Thou hast seene , I beleue , som new vnwonted thing .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,20.201)

Thou , yf thou thinkest that toward the` fortune be changed , art
deceaud . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,20.202)

This was euer her manner , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,20.203)

this was her nature . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,20.204)

She hath euer kept <P_21> toward the rather her own constancy in her
mutabilitie . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,21.205)

Such one was she , whan she beguild the` , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,21.206)

& did deceaue with allurementes of false felicitie .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,21.207)

Thou hast vnderstode now , the doutfull face of the blynde Goddesse ,
which though she hyde her self to others , hath made her self to the`
manifest . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,21.208)

Yf thou allow her vse her fashon , complayne not therof ;
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,21.209)

yf thou hatest her treason , skorne her (BOETHEL-E2-P1,21.210)

& cast her of , that so falsely beguylde the` ; (BOETHEL-E2-P1,21.211)

for she that now is cause of thy woe , the self same ought be of thy
quyett . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,21.212)

She hath left the` , whom no man can be sure that will not leave him .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,21.213)

Canst thou beleeue flyeng felicitie precious , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,21.214)

and can thy present luck be deere ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,21.215)

never faythfull in abode , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,21.216)

and when she partes bringes nought but woe : (BOETHEL-E2-P1,21.217)

And yf nether she can be kepte with iudgement , and whan she flyes ,
makes them wretched , what ought els meanith her flight than a show of
a comming calamitie ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,21.218)

For alone-3 it suffisith not to beholde what afore our eyes is sett ,
wisdom the end of all measures . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,21.219)

for her mutabilitie in bothe , nether-1 makes her fortunes threates
feard , nor her beguylinges wisched . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,21.220)

Lastly , thou must paciently beare what so befalles in fortunes Courte
, whan once to her yoke thy neck thou bowest ; (BOETHEL-E2-P1,21.221)

but if thou wilt prescribe her lawe , to byde or parte , whom thou hast
freely chosen thy gouuernesse , shoulst {COM:sic} thou not be iniurious
, and sharp thy luck with thy impatience , which change thou canst not
? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,21.222)

Yf thou woldst throwe the sayles to wynde , not whither will wolde ,
but whither the blast doth dryve , so furr thou goest :
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,21.223)

Yf thou doo lend the forrowes seede , thou must beare with deere yeeres
and barren : (BOETHEL-E2-P1,21.224)

yf to fortunes guide thou hast betaken the` , thou must obey thy Dames
conditions . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,21.225)

Woldst thou stryve to staye the course of a turning wheele ?
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,21.226)

But thou of all mortall men the foolisht , if hap byde , it leavith to
be chaunce . " (BOETHEL-E2-P1,21.227)

{COM:verse_omitted}

<P_22>

<heading>

II . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,22.231)

PROSE . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,22.232)

</heading>

A few woordes wold I pleade with thee on fortunes syde .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,22.234)

Mark thou then whither she call the not in plea .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,22.235)

" Why me , o man ! guilty dost thou make of daily quarrells ?
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,22.236)

What wrong doo I thee ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,22.237)

What goodes from thee haue I drawne ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,22.238)

Pleade thou against me afore any Judge for the possession of thy goodes
& dignities . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,22.239)

And if thou showest that any mortall man haue propertie of any of them
that thou pretendst thyne owne , that thou ask , willingly I will yelde
. (BOETHEL-E2-P1,22.240)

When Nature brought the` out of thy motheres womb , naked of all &
needy , I vp tooke the` , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,22.241)

and nourisht the` with my substance , & that that breedes now thy rage
; (BOETHEL-E2-P1,22.242)

with speedy fauour carefully I bred the` , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,22.243)

and did indue with plenty & glory of all such thinges as were my owne .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,22.244)

Now is it tyme , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,22.245)

now may I , if I list , draw back my hand : (BOETHEL-E2-P1,22.246)

yeld thankes for <P_23> vsing not thyne owne . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,23.247)

Thou hast no lawe for quarrell , as if thyne owne lost thou hadst .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,23.248)

Why sighest thou than ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,23.249)

With no violence haue we vsed the` . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,23.250)

goodes , honour , & all such lyke , of right myne own .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,23.251)

My maydes knowes their Lady , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,23.252)

with me they cum , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,23.253)

& whan I parte , giue place . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,23.254)

Boldly I affirme , if thyne they were that lost thou complaynst at all
, thou hast not lost them . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,23.255)

Am I alone forbyd my right to vse ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,23.256)

To heauens is lawfull to bring thee pleasant dayes , & dark the same
with misty nightes . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,23.257)

To yeare is lawfull - adorne the earthe's face with floures and frute ,
Som tyme with cloudes and coldes confound . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,23.258)

The Sea may with quyet calme be pleased , now terrible by waues &
tempest . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,23.259)

the vnsaciable desyre of men , shall it bynd vs to constancy furr from
our condition ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,23.260)

This is our powre , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,23.261)

this contynuall plan we make . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,23.262)

The wheele by turning Rolle we whirle , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,23.263)

and Joye the lowest change with hyest , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,23.264)

and hyest makes the same to matche . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,23.265)

Com vp & yo=u= will , but on that condition , that ye counte it not
iniury to descend whan the fashon of my dalyauce requires it .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,23.266)

Wert thou ignorant of my conditions ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,23.267)

Knewest thou not Cresus , king of Lydia , a little before fearful to
Cyrus , straight way wretched man bequeathed to flamy heate , defended
from heauen by a mist sent downe ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,23.268)

Dost thou not remember how Paul shed many an honest teare for the
calamitie of Perseus king , whom he tooke ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,23.269)

What does Tragedies clamour more bewayle , than a man turning happy
Raigne by blynde fortune's stroke ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,23.270)

Hast thou not learnt that there lay in Jupiters thressholl twoe
barrells fyld one with yll , the other of good ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,23.271)

What yf thou suckest vp more largely of the better part ?
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,23.272)

What yf I left the` not all alone ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,23.273)

What if this my right mutabilitie haue bred the` cause to hope for
better ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,23.274)

But be not thou amasde , that sett in the common raigne of all other ,
to lyve by thine owne lawe desirest . " (BOETHEL-E2-P1,23.275)

{COM:verse_omitted}

<P_24>

<heading>

III . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,24.279)

PROSE . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,24.280)

</heading>

Yf fortune for her self had spoken thus to the` , thou hadst no cause
to grudge agaynst her , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,24.282)

but if ought ther be wherby thy quarrell by law thou canst defend ,
tell it thou must ; (BOETHEL-E2-P1,24.283)

place to speake we giue . " (BOETHEL-E2-P1,24.284)

Than fayre thes be in show , " quoth I , " (BOETHEL-E2-P1,24.285)

florist {COM:sic} over Retorik and musik , with the honny of <P_25>
ther sweetnes ; (BOETHEL-E2-P1,25.286)

they only delite whan they be hard . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,25.287)

but deeper sense of yll the wretched hath . Wherfore , when these haue
don , to sounde our eares , ingraffed wo our mynde oppressith .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,25.288)

" And she : " (BOETHEL-E2-P1,25.289)

So it is , " sayd she , " (BOETHEL-E2-P1,25.290)

for these be not yet remedyes for thy disease , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,25.291)

but serues for bellowes against the cure of thy resisting sorowe .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,25.292)

for when I see thine , I shall apply such remedyes as shall pearce
deeper . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,25.293)

But leste thou shouldst suppose thy self a wretch , Hast thou forgotten
the tyme & meane of thy felicitie ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,25.294)

I leave vntolde how desolate of parentes , the care of greatest men
fosterd the` , & chosen to affinitie of the cities Rulers , And that
kynde that is of kyndred the neerest ; (BOETHEL-E2-P1,25.295)

first thou wert deere afore thou wert next . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,25.296)

Who wold not haue famed the` most happy with so greate honour of father
in lawe , of wyfes modestie , and seasonable obtayning of a man childe
? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,25.297)

I ouerpasse <paren> for so I will common thinges </paren> dignities
receauid in youth denyed to elder folkes : (BOETHEL-E2-P1,25.298)

it pleasith me , That this is happed to the singuler heape of thy
felicitie . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,25.299)

yf any frute of mortall thinges may beare a waight of blessednes , can
the memory of such a daye be scrapte out by any waight of growing
harmes ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,25.300)

When thou hast seene twoo Consuls at once , thy children , accompanyed
to with nomber of the fathers , & peeples Joye , when they sitting in
the Court as Curules , thou the Orator of kinges prayse , deseruest
thou not glory of wit & eloquence , when amidst them both thou
satisfidest the expectation of consuls with all the rowte , with a
liberall tryomph ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,25.301)

Thou flatteredst fortune , as I suppose , while she stroked the` ,
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,25.302)

and cherisht as her darling . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,25.303)

Thou tokest away the rewarde that to priuate man she neuer lent afore .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,25.304)

Will yo=u= now spurne at her ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,25.305)

hathe she with a heavy eye now strayned the` . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,25.306)

Yf <P_26> thou doo wayen the nomber and trade of plesant & wofull ,
thou canst not yet deny thy self happy : (BOETHEL-E2-P1,26.307)

yf therfore thou thinkst not thy self fortunate for seeming Joyes by
past , no cause why thou thy self a wretch suppose :
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,26.308)

for passe they doo that wofull now be thought . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,26.309)

Camst thou now first into the stage of lyfe , of a souden , & stranger
? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,26.310)

Supposest thou any constancy to be in humayne matters , whan speedy
houre a man himself vndoes ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,26.311)

for tho rare credit of abode owght happing chaunce to have , yet the
last daye of lyfe may serue for fortune that remaynes .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,26.312)

What meanest thou to speake ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,26.313)

Wilt thou leave her dyeng , or she thee flyeng ? "
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,26.314)

{COM:verse_omitted}

<P_27>

<heading>

IV . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,27.318)

PROSE . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,27.319)

</heading>

Than I : (BOETHEL-E2-P1,27.321)

" truth hast thou told me , o` of all vertue the nursse ;
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,27.322)

nor can I blame the speedy course of my prosperitie .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,27.323)

But this is it , that considering , most vexith me , that in all
fortunes aduersitie I finde this most miserable , to haue bene happy .
" (BOETHEL-E2-P1,27.324)

" That thou , " quoth she , " beares payne for false opinion , that
Rightly thou oughtest not on matters themsellves impose .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,27.325)

for if the vayne name of chauncing felicitie mooue the` , Repete with
me with how many & greate thou aboundest . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,27.326)

Yf the preciousest of all thou didst possesse in fortunes Censure ,
that to thy self vnharmd or broken be kepte , canst thou when best
thinges be retaynde , complayne by right , of yll hap ?
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,27.327)

Safe doth remayne Symmachus thy father in lawe , of all mankynde most
worth , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,27.328)

And that with price of lyfe thou careles should not buye ,
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,27.329)

that man made of wisdom and vertue , sure of his own , mones for thy
wronges . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,27.330)

Thy wyfe of modest wit , excelling for her shamfastnes ,
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,27.331)

& that all her guiftes in short I may include , her father lyuith , I
saye , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,27.332)

& keepith thy spirit , though hatyng lyfe , from which deprived , my
self will graunte skanten thy felicitie , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,27.333)

And for lack of the` , with teares & woe pynith .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,27.334)

What shall I speake of thy children Consuls , whose fathers &
grandfathers witt appeerith as their yong yeeres permitt .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,27.335)

Whan then the cheefest care for mortall men is lyfe to keepe , o` happy
thou , yf know thou couldst thy good , to whom such thinges do hap , as
no man doubtes the deerest thinges in lyfe . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,27.336)

Drye vp therfore thy teares . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,27.337)

Fortune hath not yet hated all men , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,27.338)

nether hath to greeuous a tempest ouerwhelmed the` ,
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,27.339)

for Ankers holde remaynes , which nether-3 suffers present comfort nor
comming hope to leave the` . " (BOETHEL-E2-P1,27.340)

" And let them holde , " quoth I , " fast still , I pray .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,27.341)

for they enduring , howsoever the world goes , out we shall wade .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,27.342)

But you see , " quoth I , " how much <P_28> honour we have lost . "
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,28.343)

Then she : (BOETHEL-E2-P1,28.344)

" we will help the` , yf thou be not weary of all thy lott .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,28.345)

But I can not abyde such your delytes as depriued of som of thy
felicitie , wayling & carefull thou complaynst . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,28.346)

for what man is of stayde felicitie , that quarrels not with som degre
of his estate ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,28.347)

Carefull is the condition of mans goodes , which eyther never all happs
, or euer bydes . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,28.348)

This man hath honour , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,28.349)

but his blotted blud shames him . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,28.350)

This man nobilitie makes famous , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,28.351)

but inclosed with neede , rather vnknowen he choosith :
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,28.352)

An other man having both , the sole lyfe bewayles :
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,28.353)

An other for mariage happy , childles keeps his goodes for an others
heire . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,28.354)

Som Joye with children , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,28.355)

with teares bemoanes the faultes of sonne or daughter .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,28.356)

no man therfore easely agrees with his fortunes state .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,28.357)

generall to all , that the vntryed knowes not , thexpert abhorrith .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,28.358)

Add to withall that ech man hath a most delicate sense of his own
felicitie , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,28.359)

and without all hap to his beck , throwen down he is , with any
vnwontid aduersitie , though in leste matters . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,28.360)

Such tryfles they be that drawes from happyest men the top of bliss .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,28.361)

How many be there , supposest thou , that wold think them neerest
heauen , if skraps of thy fortune hap to ther share ?
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,28.362)

This place which thou thy bannishmeut callst , is the inhabitantes
countrey . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,28.363)

so nothing is wretched , but when it is thought so ,
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,28.364)

& blessed is all luck that haps with sufferers ease .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,28.365)

What man is so happy that hath giuen hand to impatience , that wisshith
not his fortune changed ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,28.366)

The sweetnes of mans lyfe , with how many bytternesses is it mixt !
which if they seemid to the enioyer delitefull when he wolde , it is
gon , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,28.367)

therfore he may not keepe it . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,28.368)

The blessednes of mortall goodes plainly is miserable , that nether
perpetually duryth with the contented , nor wholly delites the
afflicted . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,28.369)

Why do ye mortall men seeke outwardly your felicitie within yo=u= ?
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,28.370)

Error and blyndnes confoundes yo=u= . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,28.371)

I will shew the shortly the thressholl of thy felicitie .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,28.372)

Is there to the` ought more <P_29> precious than thy selfe ? "
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,29.373)

" nothing , " quoth I . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,29.374)

" Then if thou be wise , thou shalt possesse that nether thou canst
lose , nor fortune take away . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,29.375)

And that thou mayste knowe felicitie not to stand in happing chaunces ,
considir it this . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,29.376)

Yf happynes be the greatest good of nature lyuing by reason , nor hit
the greatest good that may be taken away , the cause hit doth exceede
that may not so , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,29.377)

It is manifest , that fortunes change can not attayn to the getting of
bliss . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,29.378)

Besydes , whom falling felicitie caryes , eyther knowith her ,
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,29.379)

or seeth her mutabilitie . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,29.380)

Yf he be ignorant , what happy luck can blynde felicitie haue ?
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,29.381)

Yf he know it , he must needes feare to lose that he is sure can not be
kepte . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,29.382)

His contynuall feare then , depriuith his happynes .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,29.383)

or if he haue lost , will he not care for it ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,29.384)

for hit should be a slender good that a man wold easely lose .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,29.385)

And because thou art the same that art persuaded , and holdes it sure
by many demonstrations , mens myndes not to be mortall , and when it is
playne , that chauncing felicitie with bodies death is finished , no
man can doubte , Can this bring felicitie , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,29.386)

but rather all mortall folkes in misery by deathes end is brought .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,29.387)

Yf many we knowe to haue sought the frute of blessednes , not only by
death , but by woes & tormentes , for that how can the present lyfe
make them happy , whom miserable tyme passed could not ? "
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,29.388)

{COM:verse_omitted}

<P_30>

<heading>

V . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,30.392)

PROSE . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,30.393)

</heading>

" But because the fomentations of my reason haue entred in the` , I
suppose I must vse som stronger remedies . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,30.395)

Go to . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,30.396)

Yf now the giftes of fortune be not fleeting & changeable , what is
ther that eyther thou canst make thyne , or if thou seest & perceuist ,
wilt not dispise ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,30.397)

Are riches eyther thyne , or by their nature pretious ?
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,30.398)

what is the golde therof ? but heape of gathered pence ? and such as
shynes more with their spending than with their heapes .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,30.399)

Hatefull men doth Auarice mocke , but bountie noble .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,30.400)

And if it can not byde by a man that is giuen to an other , Than monny
is most pretious , when turnd to others by liberall vse , hath lost the
<P_31> possession . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,31.401)

The same , if but with one abyde , from how many it be pluckt , the
rest it leaves full needy . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,31.402)

The fame therof fills many mens eares , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,31.403)

but Riches not distributed may not passe to many : which when it is don
, they must make poore whom they leave . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,31.404)

O skant & needy riches , which all to haue is not lawfull for many , &
com not to any one without they begger of the rest .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,31.405)

Doo Jewels luster drawe thyne eyes ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,31.406)

Yf any beauty they haue , it is the stones light , not mens ; which I
muse why men so admire . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,31.407)

for what is there that wantes a spirit and lymmes partage , that Justly
may seeme fayre to the myndes and reasons nature ? which tho as
Creators goodes & his diuisions , may draw som later beauty , placed
vnder your worth , no way deserue your wonder . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,31.408)

Doo sick mens palenes please you ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,31.409)

What els ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,31.410)

for it is a fayre portion of a goodly woork . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,31.411)

So somtymes we delite in face of smothest sea : (BOETHEL-E2-P1,31.412)

So doo we vew {COM:sic} the heauen , the starres , sonne & moone .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,31.413)

Doo any of these touch the` ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,31.414)

Darest thou boste at any of their lusters ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,31.415)

Shalt thou be paynted out for the florishing springes sake ?
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,31.416)

or shall thy plenty increase to sommer frutes ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,31.417)

Why art thou drawne with vayne Joyes ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,31.418)

Why dost thou cherish others goodes for thyne ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,31.419)

Fortune shall neuer make those thyne , that nature hath made other
folkes . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,31.420)

The earthes frutes doutles be due to best nourishment .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,31.421)

Yf thou wilt fill the neede that Nature Requires , thou needest not
seeke fortunes plenty . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,31.422)

for with few or little nature is contented . Whose ynough if thou wilt
make to much , that noyfull & vnpleasant to taste will make .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,31.423)

But now , Thou thinkest it beautifull to shyne with diuers garmentes ,
whose show yf it please the eye , eyther they will wonder at nature of
the substance , or the witt of the Craftes man . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,31.424)

But shall the long trayne of many servantes happyn the` , who if they
be of vile condition , it is an yll <P_32> burden for the house , &
most foe to his Lord : (BOETHEL-E2-P1,32.425)

but if good they be , how canst thou sett other mens vertue among thy
goodes ? by which all , It is playne seene , that those thou reckenst
for thy goodes , are none of thyne : In which , if ther be no beauty
got , what is it that thou waylest for losse , or Joyest to haue ?
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,32.426)

If by nature they be fayre , what carest thou ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,32.427)

for such thinges of themselves separated from thy substance should haue
pleased . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,32.428)

for precious they be not to haue com among thy ryches ;
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,32.429)

but because they were precious , thou chosedst rather place them among
them . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,32.430)

Why , lack you fortunes exclamation ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,32.431)

I beleeue you seeke to beate away beggery with plenty .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,32.432)

But this happes awry , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,32.433)

for ye had neede of many helps to preserve the variety of deere goodes
. (BOETHEL-E2-P1,32.434)

And this is true , that they neede many , that possesse muche .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,32.435)

And agayne they lack leste , that mesure their own abundance by natures
necessitie , not Ambitions greedynes . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,32.436)

But is it so ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,32.437)

Is ther no proper good ingraft in yo=u= of your own , that yo=u= should
seeke it in outward & meane matters ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,32.438)

Is the world so changed , that the diuine Creature for Reason sake
should no otherwise florish , but that it neede possession of dom ware
? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,32.439)

And all other thinges contented be with their owne ,
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,32.440)

but we lyke god of mynde , shall we take the ornamentes of excellent
nature from basse thinges ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,32.441)

nor shall not vnderstand how much therby we Iniure our Creatour .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,32.442)

He wold have vs exceede all earthly things , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,32.443)

but yo=u= throwe your worth among basest stuff . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,32.444)

For if euery mans possession seemes more deere that it is his owne ,
when the meanest thinges your own you judge , to them yo=u= yeld you
with your prising , which not without desert happs .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,32.445)

For this is the state of humayn nature , that then it exceedes all
other , whan it self it knowes , but is made baser than very beastes ,
if to know it self it leave . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,32.446)

For naturall it is for other beastes not know themsellves ,
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,32.447)

In man it is a vice . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,32.448)

How farre stretchith your errour , which doo supposte to be deckt with
other mens ornamentes ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,32.449)

For yf of outward thinges <P_33> any lyke be had , those be praysde
from whence they cam : (BOETHEL-E2-P1,33.450)

but if ought ther be hid or vnknowen , bydes in his own spot .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,33.451)

But I deny that is good , that harmes the hauer .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,33.452)

Doo I saye vntruth ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,33.453)

No , wilt thou saye . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,33.454)

And riches oft haue harmed their owners , whan ech wicked man <paren>
and therfore greedier of others goodes </paren> hath thought him only
woorthyest , that hath $obtaynd golde or Jewells .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,33.455)

Thou that the speare and sword carefully hast feared , if wandering
empty man , of lyfe the path hadst enterd , afore a theefe woldest sing
O beautifull hap of mortall goodes , which when thou hast taken , sure
hath left the` ! " (BOETHEL-E2-P1,33.456)

{COM:verse_omitted}

<P_34>

<heading>

VI . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,34.460)

PROSE . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,34.461)

</heading>

" What shal I dispute of Dignities and rule , wiche you , ignorant of
true worthe and power , with the skies do mache ? wiche happening to
any wicked man , what Etnas fire with brusting flames , or what deluge
suche ruine makes ! (BOETHEL-E2-P1,34.463)

Surely , as I thinke you remember , how Consulz rule , beginar of
liberty , for ther pride our fathers soght to put downe , who for like
faulte out of the citie the name of kings abolisshed .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,34.464)

but if sometime , as seldom haps , honors in Good men be bestowed ,
what elz in them doth please than vsars goodnis ?
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,34.465)

So haps , that honour is not giuen to vertue for her worth , but vertue
esteemd by dignitie . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,34.466)

But what is this , your craved and beautifull force ?
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,34.467)

Do yo=u= not see how earthly be <P_35> the bestes that yo=u= Rule ?
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,35.468)

for euin among the myse , yf ye see any one chalinging rule or
gouuernment aboue the rest , what a laughter doo ye mooue !
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,35.469)

But what if ye haue respect to the body ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,35.470)

what can be weaker than man , whom somtyme the byt of a flye , somtyme
the passage into any secret parte may destroye ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,35.471)

How farre ought any man stretch the Rule but on the body alone and his
circumstances , I meane fortune her self ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,35.472)

will you euer guide ought with free mynde ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,35.473)

& will ye remooue the same sticking to her self by good reason , from
the state of her own quiet ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,35.474)

Whan a tyrant thought to afflicte a poore man with his tormentes to
confesse the knowers of a conspiracy against him , his tongue he byt
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,35.475)

& threw away , throwing it to the face of the wicked tyrant :
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,35.476)

So the torture that he supposde to make stuff for his cruelty , a wise
man made for his vertue . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,35.477)

for what is it that any man can doo to an other , that to be don to
himself can he not beare ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,35.478)

Bucidides , we heare , was wont his guestes to kyll , slayne himself by
Hercules his host . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,35.479)

Regulus cast many prisoners into yrons in the Punik warr ,
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,35.480)

but straight himself sett handes on victorerers chaynes .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,35.481)

Dost thou think his powre ought , what himself may , can not lett that
an other should doo him ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,35.482)

Besides , if euin in Souueraynties & powres , there should be any
naturall & proper good , neuer should they hap to wicked .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,35.483)

for contrarieties seld consorte . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,35.484)

Nature denyes that disagreins be Joyned . Wherfore when playn it is
that many men beare greate office , this is sure , that of their nature
they be not good , wiche stick to wickedst folke .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,35.485)

The greatest worth that fortunes guiftes woorthyest can giue , be such
as in abondant sorte to wicked folkes do hap . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,35.486)

<P_36>

Who so quicknes hath , hit swift a man doth make .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,36.488)

So musick the musicall , phisick the phisician , Retorik Rhetorician
makith , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,36.489)

for the nature of ech thing doth his propertie , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,36.490)

nor is myxt with effect of contrarietie , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,36.491)

And freely expells that is against it : (BOETHEL-E2-P1,36.492)

nether can riches vnsaciable auarice refrayne , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,36.493)

nor makes not free his own , whom vitious lust with vnbroke chaynes ,
holdes bound : (BOETHEL-E2-P1,36.494)

And dignitie on wicked bestowde , not only makes them not worthy ,
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,36.495)

but betrayes & discouers their indignitie . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,36.496)

Why doth it hap so ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,36.497)

You Joye somtyme to falsifie with other name , whose effect shames
themselves . Wherfore nether-3 those riches , nor same powre , nor lyke
dignitie , can by right be called . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,36.498)

Lastly , the same we may conclude of all fortune , that hath nothing in
her as it is playne to be desyrde , not of naturall goodnes , who
eyther neuer accompanyes the good , nor makes them good whom she is
neerest . " (BOETHEL-E2-P1,36.499)

{COM:verse_omitted}

<P_37>

<heading>

VII . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,37.503)

PROSE . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,37.504)

</heading>

Then I : (BOETHEL-E2-P1,37.506)

" Thou thy self knowest that no ambition of mortall thinges did rule vs
. (BOETHEL-E2-P1,37.507)

We were not guided by the pride of any mortall glory ,
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,37.508)

but wish a ground in our affayres , by which silent vertue should not
growe olde . " (BOETHEL-E2-P1,37.509)

Then she : (BOETHEL-E2-P1,37.510)

" This is that that noble myndes by nature , but not yet brought by
perfection to the vttmost top of vertue , might intice ,
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,37.511)

I meane Gloryes desyre & fame of best actes for common welth : which
how small it is and empty of all waight , consider this .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,37.512)

As Astrologers demonstrations haue told yo=u= , all the Earthes circle
is playne , gettes som meane to know these partes of the heauens face ,
that if it be matched with the greatnes of the celestiall globe , It is
supposde to haue no space , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,37.513)

and it is of this little region of the world almost but the fourth
portion , As thou hast learnd by Ptolome`s graunte , which is inhabited
by vs Creatures knowen . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,37.514)

From this fourth , if in thy mynde thou draw away as much as Sea and
marish couers , and so much as wasted ground by drynes hath distended ,
the straytest roome is left for mans habitation .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,37.515)

If in this so small a point of title we be hedged in & inclosed , what
think we so much of enlarging fame , & name promoting ?
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,37.516)

For what large and magnifick thing hath glory bounde in so straight &
small lymites ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,37.517)

Ad to this that , though but small it self , enuirond is with
habitation of many nations tongues and conditions , that in all trade
of lyfe differs , To which not-2 only-3 no report of ech <P_38> man ,
but not of Cities can com through hardnes of way & difference of speech
, and diuers traffik . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,38.518)

In Marcus Tullius tyme , as he himself in place hath sayde , the fame
of Romayn Empire neuer past Caucasus mounte , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,38.519)

& yet it was florishing , fearfull to the Parthians & to all peeple
inhabiting such places . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,38.520)

Dost thou not see then , how narrow & neere presst glory is , which to
stretch out spred thou labourst ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,38.521)

shall the glory of a Romayn go so furr , as whence neuer Romayn name
hath past ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,38.522)

What , for that the diuers natures of peeple & their orders disagree ?
so that , what among som is prayse , among the rest sett for cryme .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,38.523)

So haps that if any mans prayse delyte , to him the same doth neuer
proffit to many peeple sent . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,38.524)

Is any man content that among his own his glory byde , & Immortalities
fame be tyed in bounties of his own soyle ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,38.525)

But how many noble men in their tymes fayling obliuion of writers have
dasht ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,38.526)

But what proffites writinges ? which with the office a long & dark age
suppressith ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,38.527)

But doo yo=u= think immortality with thought of comming tyme ?
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,38.528)

Yf thou Joyne it with the infinit spaciousnes of eternitie , what hast
thou to Joye of thy lasting name ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,38.529)

For if the abode of one moment , with ten thousand yeeres be compared ,
for that both space is ending , It shall haue , tho a little , som
portion . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,38.530)

But this nomber of yeeres , how oft so euer multiplyed , may not
compare with the vnending lasting . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,38.531)

Somtyme som outward thinges ther be , compard among themselves , haue
ende ; (BOETHEL-E2-P1,38.532)

twixt infinite and ending no comparison may beare .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,38.533)

So is it that the lasting of any longest tyme , if it be matcht with
vnbounde eternitie , not small but none shall seeme .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,38.534)

For without you be ignorant , how rightly to please popular eares &
vayne rumors , & leaving care of conscience & vertue , ask reward , of
other mens frute , <P_39> see how in the myldnes of such an arrogancy ,
how pleasantly a man may be begylde . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,39.535)

For when one once had skornde a man that clothed him not-2 with
Philosophy for true vertues vse , but for proude gloryes sake , & saide
he wold try him whither he were a Philosopher that easely could beare
in patience iniuryes , he tooke upon him to be suffring ,
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,39.536)

& taking the skorne as a raging man : ' Dost thou at length understand
me a Philosopher ? ' (BOETHEL-E2-P1,39.537)

Then nippingly he said : ' I should haue vnderstode it , if thou hadst
bene silent . ' (BOETHEL-E2-P1,39.538)

What meanes it , that cheefest men <paren> for of them I speake
</paren> that seeke thorowgh vertue glory , what hath death to doo with
them after the body is dissolued , at their end ?
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,39.539)

For be it that our Reason it self denyes vs to beleeue that all men dye
, then ther is no glory , when he is not , of whom she speakes .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,39.540)

But if the mynde it self with conscience good dissolued from earthly
gial , all freed seekes heauen , wold she not all earthly thinges
despise , who heauen enioyeng . Joyes earthly thinges to want ? "
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,39.541)

{COM:verse_omitted}

<P_40>

<heading>

VIII . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,40.545)

PROSE . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,40.546)

</heading>

" But lest you shuld suppose against fortune I make an Endles war ,
Ther is a time whan she , the begiling one , somewhat wel of men
desarues : (BOETHEL-E2-P1,40.548)

Euen than whan discouerd , herself she shews , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,40.549)

and maners hers detectz . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,40.550)

Perchanche yet thou wotz not what I say . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,40.551)

Wondar hit is that I mynd tel , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,40.552)

and mening skars with wordes may Expres . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,40.553)

For men I suppose more get by aduerse than lucky fortune ,
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,40.554)

for she euer with shewe of blis , with seming al false , deceues :
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,40.555)

and euer true she is in change , when vnstable she seemes .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,40.556)

The one beguyles , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,40.557)

the other instructes . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,40.558)

This tyes the enioyers myndes with show of lyeng good ,
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,40.559)

the other lovsith them <P_41> with knowledge of frayle felicitie .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,41.560)

This know therfore , for wyndy , fleeting , & ignorant of her self .
The other sober , ready & wise by aduersities exercise .
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,41.561)

At last happy he that drawes the strayeng with deceite from greatest
good , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,41.562)

but aduersitie of tymes retourning them to surest naps , as by a hooke
doth drawe . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,41.563)

Thinkest thou this for lest good , that this Currish & fearfull fortune
hath discouerd the mynde of thy faythfull frendz ,
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,41.564)

The other hath shewed the fellow sure lookes & doubtfull ,
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,41.565)

in departing hath taken hers , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,41.566)

& thyne hath left the` . (BOETHEL-E2-P1,41.567)

With how much woldest thou , in prosperous state haue bought this ,
when thou thoughtest it most ? (BOETHEL-E2-P1,41.568)

Leave to seeke lost goodes , (BOETHEL-E2-P1,41.569)

The preciousest kynde of ryches , frendes thou hast founde . "
(BOETHEL-E2-P1,41.570)

{COM:verse_omitted}