And nat without a necessary cause princis were in their childhode so
instructed : (ELYOT-E1-P1,29.2)
for it serued them afterwarde for deuysynge of engynes for the warre :
or for making them better that be all redy deuysed . (ELYOT-E1-P1,29.3)
For , as Vitruuius which writeth of buyldynge to the emperour
Augustus sayth , All turmentes of warre , whiche we cal
ordinance , were first inuented by kinges or gouernours of hostes ,
(ELYOT-E1-P1,29.4)
or if they were deuised by other , they were by them made moche better
. (ELYOT-E1-P1,29.5)
Also , by the feate of portraiture or payntyng , a capitaine may
discriue the countray of his aduersary , wherby he shall eschue the
daungerous passages with his hoste or nauie : also perceyue the placis
of aduauntage , the forme of embataylynge of his ennemies : the
situation of his campe , for his mooste suertie : the strength or
weakenes of the towne or fortresse whiche he intendeth to assaulte .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,29.6)
And that whiche is moost specially to be considered , in visiting his
owne dominions , he shal sette them out in figure , in suche wise that
at his eie shal appere to hym where he shall employ his study and
treasure , as well for the saulfgarde of his countray , as for the
commodite and honour therof , hauyng at al tymes in his sight the
suertie and feblenes , aduauncement and hyndrance , of the same .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,29.7)
And what pleasure and also utilite is it to a man whiche intendeth to
edifie , hymselfe to expresse the figure of the warke that he purposeth
, accordyng as he hath conceyued it in his owne fantasie ? wherin , by
often amendyng and correctyng , he finally shall so perfecte the warke
unto his purpose , that there shall neither ensue any repentance , nor
in the employment of his money he shall be by other deceiued .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,29.8)
$Moreouer {TEXT:Moreouer} the feate of portraiture shall be an
allectiue to euery other studie or exercise . (ELYOT-E1-P1,29.9)
For the witte therto disposed shall alway {COM:sic} couaite congruent
mater , wherin it may be occupied . (ELYOT-E1-P1,29.10)
And whan he happeneth to rede or here any fable or historie , forthwith
he apprehendeth it more desirously , and retaineth it better , than any
other that lacketh the sayd feate : by reason that he hath
founde mater apte to his fantasie . (ELYOT-E1-P1,30.11)
Finally , euery thinge that portraiture may comprehende will be to him
delectable to rede or here . (ELYOT-E1-P1,30.12)
And where the liuely spirite , and that whiche is called the grace of
the thyng , is perfectly expressed , that thinge more persuadeth and
stereth the beholder , and soner istructeth {COM:sic} hym , than the
declaration in writynge or speakynge doth the reder or hearer .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,30.13)
Experience we haue therof in lernynge of geometry , astronomie , and
cosmogrophie , called in englisshe the discription of the worlde . In
which studies I dare affirme a man shal more profite , in one wike , by
figures and chartis , well and perfectly made , than he shall by the
only reding or heryng the rules of that science by the space of halfe a
yere at the lest ; wherfore the late writers deserue no small
commendation whiche added to the autors of those sciences apt and
propre figures . (ELYOT-E1-P1,30.14)
And he that is perfectly instructed in portrayture , and hapneth to
rede any noble and excellent historie , wherby his courage is inflamed
to the imitation of vertue , he forth with taketh his penne or pensill
, (ELYOT-E1-P1,30.15)
and with a graue and substanciall studie , gatherynge to him all the
partes of imagination , endeuoureth him selfe to expresse liuely , and
as I mought say actually , in portrayture , nat only
the faict or affaire , but also the sondry affections of euery
personage in the historie recited , whiche mought in any wise appiere
or be perceiued in their visage , countenance or gesture : with like
diligence as Lysippus made in metall kynge Alexander , fightynge and
struggling with a terrible Lyon of incomparable magnitude and
fiersenesse , whom , after longe and difficulte bataile , with
wonderfull strength and clene might , at the last he ouerthrewe and
vainquisshed ; wherin he so expressed the similitude of Alexander and
of his lordes standyng about him that they all semed to lyue . Amonge
whom the prowes of Alexander appiered , excelling all other :
(ELYOT-E1-P1,30.16)
the residue of his lordes after the value and estimation of their
courage , euery man set out in suche forwardnes , as they than
semed more prompt to the helpyng of their maister , that is to say ,
one lasse a ferde than an other . (ELYOT-E1-P1,31.17)
Phidias the Atheniense , whom all writers do commende , made of yuory
the simulachre or image of Jupiter , honoured by the gentiles on the
high hille of Olympus : whiche was done so excellently that Pandenus ,
a counnyng painter , therat admaruailinge , required the craftis man to
shewe him where he had the example or paterne of so noble a warke .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,31.18)
Then Phidias answered that he had taken it out of thre verses of Homere
the poet : the sentence wherof ensueth , as well as my poure witte can
expresse it in englisshe : {COM:verse_omitted} where it is to be noted
, that immediately before Thetis the mother of Achilles desired Jupiter
importunately to inclyne his fauour to the parte of the Troyanes .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,31.19)
Nowe as I haue before sayde I intende nat , by these
examples , to make of a prince or noble mannes sonne , a commune
painter or keruer , whiche shall present him selfe openly stained or
embrued with sondry colours , or poudered with the duste of stones that
he cutteth , or perfumed with tedious sauours of the metalles by him
yoten {COM:sic} . (ELYOT-E1-P1,31.20)
But verily myne intente and meaninge is only , that a noble childe , by
his owne naturall disposition , and nat by coercion , may be induced to
receiue perfect instruction in these sciences . (ELYOT-E1-P1,31.21)
But all though , for purposis before expressed , they shall be
necessary , yet shall they nat be by him exercised , but as a secrete
pastime , or recreation of the wittes , late occupied in serious
studies , like as dyd the noble princis before named .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,31.22)
Al though they , ones beinge attayned , be neuer moche exercised ,
after that the tyme cometh concerning businesse of greatter importaunce
. Ne the lesse the exquisite knowlege and understanding that he hath in
these sciences , hath impressed in his eares and eies an exacte and
perfecte iugement , as well in desernyng the excellencie of them
, which either in musike , or in statuary , or paynters crafte ,
professeth any counnynge , as also adaptinge their said knowlege to the
adminiculation {COM:sic} of other serious studies and businesse , as I
haue before rehersed : whiche , I doubt nat , shall be well approued by
them that either haue redde and understande olde autors , or aduisedly
wyll examine my considerations . (ELYOT-E1-P1,32.23)
The swete writer , Lactantius , saythe in his first booke to the
emperour Constantine agayne the gentiles : ' Of conninge commeth vertue
, (ELYOT-E1-P1,32.24)
and of vertue perfect felicite is onely ingendred . '
(ELYOT-E1-P1,32.25)
And for that cause the gentiles supposed those princis , whiche in
vertue and honour surmounted other men , to be goddes .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,32.26)
And the Romanes in lyke wise dyd consecrate their emperours , which
excelled in vertuous example , in preseruyng or augmentinge the publike
weale , and ampliatinge of the empire , calling them Diui ,
which worde representeth a signification of diuinitie , they
thinkynge that it was excedynge mannes nature to be bothe-4 in fortune
and goodnes of suche perfection . (ELYOT-E1-P1,32.27)
IX . (ELYOT-E1-P1,32.29)
What exacte diligence shulde be in chosinge maisters .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,32.30)
After that the childe hathe ben pleasantly trained , and induced to
knowe the partes of speche , and can seperate one of them from an other
, in his owne langage , it shall than be time that his tutor or
gouernour do make diligent serche for such a maister as is excellently
lerned both-2 in greke and latine , and therwithall is of sobre and
vertuous disposition , specially chast of liuyng , and of moche
affabilitie and patience : leste by any uncleane example the tender
mynde of the childe may be infected , harde afterwarde to be recouered
. (ELYOT-E1-P1,32.32)
For the natures of children be nat so moche or sone aduaunced by
thinges well done or spoken , as they be hindred and corrupted by that
whiche in actis or wordes is wantonly expressed .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,33.33)
Also by a cruell and irous maister the wittes of children be dulled ;
(ELYOT-E1-P1,33.34)
and that thinge for the whiche children be often tymes beaten is to
them euer after fastidious : wherof we nede not better autor for witnes
than daily experience . Wherfore the moste necessary thinges to be
obserued by a master in his disciples or scholers as Licon the
noble grammarien saide is shamfastnes and praise .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,33.35)
By shamfastnes , as it were with a bridell , they rule as well theyr
dedes as their appetites . (ELYOT-E1-P1,33.36)
And desire of prayse addeth to a sharpe spurre to their disposition
towarde lernyng and vertue . (ELYOT-E1-P1,33.37)
Accordyng there unto Quintiliian , instructyng an oratour , desireth
suche a childe to be giuen unto hym , whom commendation feruently
stereth , glorie prouoketh , and beinge vainquisshed wepeth .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,33.38)
That childe saithe he is to be fedde with ambition ,
(ELYOT-E1-P1,33.39)
hym a litle chiding sore biteth , (ELYOT-E1-P1,33.40)
in hym no parte of slouthe is to be feared . (ELYOT-E1-P1,33.41)
And if nature disposeth nat the childes witte to receiue lernynge , but
rather other wise , it is to be applied with more diligence , and also
policie , as chesing some boke , wherof the argument or matter
approcheth moste nighe to the childes inclination or fantasie , so that
it be nat extremely vicious , and therwith by litle and litle , as it
were with a pleasant sauce , prouoke him to haue good appetite to
studie . (ELYOT-E1-P1,33.42)
And surely that childe , what so euer he be , is well blessed and
fortunate , that findeth a good instructour or maister : whiche was
considered by noble kynge Philip , father to the great king Alexander ,
who immediately after that his sonne was borne wrote a letter to
Aristotle , the prince of philosphers , the tenour wherof ensueth .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,33.43)
Aristotle , we grete you well . (ELYOT-E1-P1,33.44)
Lettinge you weete that we haue a sonne borne , for the whiche we gyue
due thankes unto god , nat for that he is borne onely , but also for as
moche as it happeneth hym to be borne , you lyuinge .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,33.45)
Trusting that it shall happen that he , by you taught and instructed ,
shall be herafter worthye to be named our sonne , and to enioy the
honour and substance that we nowe haue prouided . (ELYOT-E1-P1,33.46)
Thus fare ye well . (ELYOT-E1-P1,33.47)
The same Alexander was wont to say openly , that he ought to gyue as
great thankes to Aristotle his mayster as to kynge Philip his father ,
(ELYOT-E1-P1,34.49)
for of hym he toke the occasion to lyue , (ELYOT-E1-P1,34.50)
of the other he receiued the reason and waye to lyue well .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,34.51)
And what maner a prince Alexander was made by the doctrine of Aristotle
, hit shall appere in diuers places of this boke : where his example to
princes shall be declared . (ELYOT-E1-P1,34.52)
The incomparable benefite of maisters haue ben well remembred of dyuers
princes . In so moche as Marcus Antoninus , whiche amonge the emperours
was commended for his vertue and sapience , hadde his mayster Proculus
who taught hym grammer so moche in fauour , that he
aduanced hym to be proconsul : whiche was one of the highest dignites
amonge the Romanes . (ELYOT-E1-P1,34.53)
Alexander the emperour caused his maister Julius Fronto to be consul :
whiche was the highest office , and in astate nexte the emperour :
(ELYOT-E1-P1,34.54)
and also optayned of the senate that the statue or image of Fronto was
sette up amonge the noble princes . (ELYOT-E1-P1,34.55)
What caused Traiane to be so good a prince , in so moche that of late
dayes whan an emperour receyued his crowne at Rome , the people with a
commune crye desired of god that he mought be as good as was Traiane ,
but that he hapned to haue Plutarche , the noble philosopher , to be
his instructour ? (ELYOT-E1-P1,34.56)
I agre me that some be good of natural inclination to goodnes but where
good instruction and example is there to added , the naturall goodnes
must there with nedes be amended and be more excellent .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,34.57)
X . (ELYOT-E1-P1,34.59)
What ordre shulde be in lernynge and whiche autours shulde be fyrst
redde . (ELYOT-E1-P1,34.60)
Nowe lette us retourne to the ordre of lernyng apt for a gentyll man .
Wherein I am of the opinion of Quintilian that I wolde haue hym lerne
greke and latine autors both at one time : $or $els {TEXT:orels}
to begyn with greke , for as moche as that it is hardest to come by :
by reason of the diuersite of tonges , which be fyue in nombre :
(ELYOT-E1-P1,35.62)
and all must be knowen , (ELYOT-E1-P1,35.63)
or elles uneth any poet can be well understande . (ELYOT-E1-P1,35.64)
And if a childe do begyn therin at seuen yeres of age , he may
continually lerne greke autours thre yeres , and in the meane tyme use
the Latin tonge as a familiar langage : whiche in a noble mannes sonne
may well come to passe , hauynge none other persons to serue him or
kepyng hym company , but suche as can speake latine elegantly .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,35.65)
And what doubt is there but so may he as sone speake good Latin , as he
maye do pure frenche , whiche nowe is broughte in to as many rules and
figures , and as longe a grammer as is latine or greke .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,35.66)
I wyll nat contende who , amonge them that do write grammers of greke ,
whiche nowe all most be innumerable , is the beste :
(ELYOT-E1-P1,35.67)
but that I referre to the discretion of a wyse mayster .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,35.68)
Alway I wolde aduyse hym nat to detayne the childe to longe in that
tedious labours , eyther-1 in the greke or latyne grammer .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,35.69)
For a gentyll wytte is there with sone fatigate . (ELYOT-E1-P1,35.70)
Grammer beinge but an introduction to the understanding of autors , if
it be made to longe or exquisite to the lerner , hit in a maner
mortifieth his corage : (ELYOT-E1-P1,35.71)
And by that time he cometh to the most swete and pleasant redinge of
olde autours , the sparkes of feruent desire of lernynge is extincte
with the burdone of grammer , lyke as a lyttel fyre is sone quenched
with a great heape of small stickes : so that it can neuer come to the
principall logges where it shuld longe bourne in a great pleasaunt fire
. (ELYOT-E1-P1,35.72)
Nowe to folowe my purpose : (ELYOT-E1-P1,35.73)
after a fewe and quicke rules of grammer , immediately , or
interlasynge hit therwith , wolde be redde to the childe Esopes fables
in greke : in whiche argument children moche do delite .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,35.74)
And surely it is a moche pleasant lesson and also profitable , as well
for that it is elegant and brefe , and $natwithstanding
{TEXT:natwithstanding} it hath moche varietie in wordes , and therwith
moche helpeth to the understandinge of greke as also in
those fables is included moche morall and politike wisedome . Wherfore
, in the teachinge of them , the maister diligently must gader to
gyther those fables , whiche may be most accommodate to the
aduauncement of some vertue , wherto he perceiueth the childe inclined
or to the rebuke of some vice , wherto he findeth his nature disposed .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,36.75)
And therin the master ought to exercise his witte , as wel to make the
childe plainly to understande the fable , as also declarynge the
signification therof compendiously and to the purpose , fore sene
alwaye , that , as well this lesson , as all other autours whiche the
childe shall lerne , either greke or latine , verse or prose , be
perfectly had without the boke wherby he shall nat only attaine plentie
of the tonges called Copie , but also encrease and nourisshe
remembrance wonderfully . (ELYOT-E1-P1,36.76)
The nexte lesson wolde be some quicke and mery dialoges , elect out of
Luciane , whiche be without ribawdry , or to moche skorning ,
(ELYOT-E1-P1,36.77)
for either of them is exactly to be eschewed , specially for a noble
man , the one anoyeng the soule , the other his estimation concerning
his grauitie . (ELYOT-E1-P1,36.78)
The comedies of Aristophanes may be in the place of Luciane ,
(ELYOT-E1-P1,36.79)
and by reason that they be in metre they be the sooner lerned by harte
. (ELYOT-E1-P1,36.80)
I dare make none other comparison betwene them for offendinge the
frendes of them both : (ELYOT-E1-P1,36.81)
but thus moche dare I say , that it were better that a childe shuld
neuer rede any parte of Luciane than all Luciane . (ELYOT-E1-P1,36.82)
I coulde reherce diuers other poetis whiche for mater and eloquence be
very necessary , (ELYOT-E1-P1,36.83)
but I feare me to be to longe from noble Homere : from whom as from a
fountaine proceded all eloquence and lernyng . (ELYOT-E1-P1,36.84)
For in his bokes be contained , and moste perfectly expressed , nat
only the documentes marciall and discipline of armes , but also
incomparable wisedomes , and instructions for politike gouernaunce of
people : with the worthy commendation and laude of noble princis :
where with the reders shall be so all inflamed , that they most
feruently shall desire and coueite , by the imitation of their venues ,
to acquire semblable glorie . For the whiche occasion ,
Aristotel , moost sharpest witted and excellent lerned Philosopher , as
sone as he had receiued Alexander from kynge Philip his father , he
before any other thynge taught hym the moost noble warkes of Homere :
wherin Alexander founde suche swetenes and frute , that euer after he
had Homere nat onely with hym in all his iournayes , but also laide hym
under his pillowe whan he went to reste : (ELYOT-E1-P1,37.85)
and often tymes wolde purposely wake some houres of the nyght , to take
as it were his passe tyme with that mooste noble poete .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,37.86)
For by the redinge of his warke called Iliados , where
the assembly of the most noble grekes agayne Troy is recited with theyr
affaires , he gathered courage and strength agayne his ennemies ,
wysdome , and eloquence , for consultations , and persuations to his
people and army . (ELYOT-E1-P1,37.87)
And by the other warke called Odissea , whiche
recounteth the sondry aduentures of the wise Ulisses , he , by the
example of Ulisses , apprehended many noble vertues ,
(ELYOT-E1-P1,37.88)
and also lerned to eskape the fraude and deceitfull imaginations of
sondry and subtile crafty wittes . (ELYOT-E1-P1,37.89)
Also there shall he lerne to enserche and perceiue the maners and
conditions of them that be his familiars , siftinge out as I
mought say the best from the warst , wherby he may surely
committe his affaires , and truste to euery persone after his vertues .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,37.90)
Therfore I nowe conclude that there is no lesson for a yonge gentil man
to be compared with Homere , if he be playnly and substancially
expouned and declared by the mayster . (ELYOT-E1-P1,37.91)
{COM:insert_helsinki_2_here}
Lorde god , what a notable historie is this , and worthy to be grauen
in tables of golde ; considerynge the vertue and power of beneuolence
therin expressed . (ELYOT-E1-P1,155.94)
For the beneuolente mynde of a gouernour nat onely byndeth the hartes
of the people unto hym with the chayne of loue , more stronger than any
materiall bondes , (ELYOT-E1-P1,155.95)
but also gardeth more saulfely his persone than any toure or garison .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,155.96)
The eloquent Tulli , saithe in his officis , A liberall harte is cause
of beneuolence , al though perchance that powar some tyme lackethe .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,155.97)
Contrary wise he saith , They that desire to be feared , nedes must
they drede them , of whom they be feared . (ELYOT-E1-P1,155.98)
Also Plini the yonger saith , He that is nat enuironed with charite ,
in vaine is he garded with terrour ; sens armure with armure is stored
. Whiche is ratified by the mooste graue philosopher Seneke , in his
boke of mercye that he wrate to Nero , where he saith , He is
moche deceiued that thinketh a man to be suer , where nothynge from hym
can be saulfe . (ELYOT-E1-P1,156.99)
For with mutuall assuraunce suertie is optained . (ELYOT-E1-P1,156.100)
Antoninus Pius , emperour of Rome , so moche tendred the beneuolence of
his people , that whan a greatte nombre had conspired treason againe
him , the Senate being therwith greuousely meued , endeuoured them to
punisshe the said conspiratours ; (ELYOT-E1-P1,156.101)
but the emperour caused the examination to cesse , sayinge , that it
shulde nat nede to seeke to busily for them that intended suche
mischiefe , leste , if they founde many , he shulde knowe that many him
hated . (ELYOT-E1-P1,156.102)
Also whan the people for as moch as on a time they lacked corne
in their graynardes wolde haue slaine him with stones , rather
than he wolde haue the sedicious persones to be punisshed , he in his
owne persone declared to them the occasion of the scarsitie , wherwith
they beinge pacified euery man helde him contented .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,156.103)
I had almost forgoten a notable and worthy remembraunce of kynge Philip
, father to great kynge Alexander . (ELYOT-E1-P1,156.104)
It was on a tyme to him reported that one of his capitaines had
menacing wordes towards him , wherby it semed he intended some domage
towarde his persone . Wherfore his counsaile aduised hym to haue good
awayte of the saide capitaine , and that he were put under warde ; to
whom the kynge answered , If any parte of my body were sicke or els
sore , whether shuld I therfore cutte it from the residue , and cast it
from me , or els endeuour my selfe that it moughte be healed ?
(ELYOT-E1-P1,156.105)
And than he called for the saide capitaine , (ELYOT-E1-P1,156.106)
and so entretayned hym with familiaritie and bounteous rewardes , that
euer after he had hym more assured and loyall than euer he was .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,156.107)
Agesilaus kynge of Lacedemonia , to hym that demaunded howe a kyng
mought most suerly gouerne his realme without souldiours or a garde to
his persone , answered , If he reigned ouer his people , as a father
doth ouer his children . (ELYOT-E1-P1,156.108)
The citie of Athenes from whens issued al excellent
doctrine and wisedom during the time that it was gouerned by
those persons unto whom the people mought haue a familiare accesse ,
and boldly expound their grefes and damages , prospered merualously ,
(ELYOT-E1-P1,157.109)
and during a longe season raigned in honour and weale .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,157.110)
Afterwarde the Lacedemons , by the mutabilite of fortune , vanquisshed
them in bataile (ELYOT-E1-P1,157.111)
and committed the citie of Athenes to the kepyng of xxx of their owne
capitaines , which were for their pride and auarice called tyrantes .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,157.112)
But nowe se how litle suerte is in great nombre or strength , wher
lacketh beneuolence . (ELYOT-E1-P1,157.113)
These xxx tyrantes were continuelly enuironed with sondry garisons of
armed men , which was a terrible visage to people that before liued
under the obedience of their lawes only . (ELYOT-E1-P1,157.114)
Finally the Atheniensis , by fere being put from their accustomed
accesse to their gouernours to require iustice , and there with being
fatigate as men oppressed with continual iniurie , toke to them a
desperate corage , (ELYOT-E1-P1,157.115)
and in conclusion expelled out of the citie all the said tyrantes ,
(ELYOT-E1-P1,157.116)
and reduced it unto his pristinate gouernance . (ELYOT-E1-P1,157.117)
What misery was in the life of Dionyse the tyrant of Cicile ? Who
knowing that his people desired his distruction , for his rauine and
crueltie , wold nat be of any man shauen , but first caused his owne
doughters to clippe his berde , (ELYOT-E1-P1,157.118)
and afterwarde he also mistrusted them , (ELYOT-E1-P1,157.119)
and than he him selfe with a brenning cole seared the heres of his
berde , (ELYOT-E1-P1,157.120)
and yet finally was he destroyed . (ELYOT-E1-P1,157.121)
In like wretchednesse was one Alexander , prince of a citie called
Pherea , (ELYOT-E1-P1,157.122)
for he , hawing an excellent faire wyfe , nat only excluded all men
from her company , (ELYOT-E1-P1,157.123)
but also , as often as he wold lie with her , certaine persones shulde
go before him with torchis , (ELYOT-E1-P1,157.124)
and he folowing with his swerde redy drawen wolde therwith enserche the
bedde , cofers , and all other places of his chambre , leste any man
shulde be there hidde , to thentent to sle him . (ELYOT-E1-P1,157.125)
And that $natwithstanding {TEXT:natwithstanding} by the procurement of
his said wife who at the last , fatigate with his most folisshe
ialousy , conuerted her loue in to haterede he was slaine by
his owne subiects . (ELYOT-E1-P1,157.126)
Nowe dothe it appere that this reuerende virtue beneuolence is
of all men , most specially of gouernors and men of honour ,
incomparably before other to be embraced . (ELYOT-E1-P1,158.127)
Kyng Philip , whan he herd that his sonne Alexander used a meruailous
liberalite amonge the people , he sent to him a lettre , wherin he
wrate in this wise : (ELYOT-E1-P1,158.128)
Alexander , what peruerse opinion hath put the in suche hope , that
thou thinkest to make them loyall unto the , whom thou with money
corruptest , consideryng that the receiuour therof is therby appaired ,
beinge trained by thy prodigalitie to loke and gape alway for a
semblable custome ? (ELYOT-E1-P1,158.129)
And therfore the treasure of a gentle countenance , swete answeres ,
ayde in aduersitie , nat with money onely but also with studie and
diligent endeuour , can neuer be wasted , (ELYOT-E1-P1,158.130)
ne the loue of good people , therby acquired , can be from their hartes
in any wise seperate . (ELYOT-E1-P1,158.131)
And here I make an ende to speke any more at this tyme of beneuolence .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,158.132)
X . (ELYOT-E1-P1,158.134)
Of beneficence and liberalitie . (ELYOT-E1-P1,158.135)
All thoughe philosophers in the description of vertues haue deuised to
set them as it were in degrees , hauing respecte to the qualitie and
condition of the persone whiche is with them adourned ; as applyinge
Magnificence to the substaunce and astate of princes , and to priuate
persones Beneficence and Liberalitie , yet be nat these in any parte
defalcate of their condigne praises . (ELYOT-E1-P1,158.137)
For if vertue be an election annexed unto our nature , and consisteth
in a meane , which is determined by reason , and that meane is the
verye myddes of two thynges viciouse , the one in surplusage , the
other in lacke , than nedes must beneficence and liberalitie be
capitall vertues . (ELYOT-E1-P1,158.138)
And magnificence procedeth from them , approchinge to the extreme
partes ; (ELYOT-E1-P1,158.139)
and may be tourned in to vice if he lacke the bridle of reason .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,158.140)
But beneficence can by no menes be vicious and retaine still his name .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,158.141)
Semblably liberalitie as Aristotle saith is a measure
as well in gyuing as in takyng of money and goodes .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,159.142)
And he is only-1 liberall , whiche distributeth accordyng to his
substance , and where it is expedient . (ELYOT-E1-P1,159.143)
Therfore he ought to consider to whom he shulde gyue , howe moche , and
whan . (ELYOT-E1-P1,159.144)
For liberalitie takethe his name of the substance of the persone from
whom it procedeth ; (ELYOT-E1-P1,159.145)
for it resteth nat in the quantite or qualitie of thinges that be gyuen
, but in the naturall disposition of the gyuer . (ELYOT-E1-P1,159.146)
The great Alexander on a tyme , after that he had vainquisshed Darius
in bataile , one of his souldiours broughte unto hym the hede of an
enemie that he had slayne , whiche the kynge thankefully and with
sweete countenance receiued , (ELYOT-E1-P1,159.147)
and takyng a cuppe of golde filled with good wine , saide unto the
souldiour , In olde tyme a cuppe of golde was the rewarde of suche
vertue as thou hast nowe shewed , whiche semblably thou shalte receiue
. (ELYOT-E1-P1,159.148)
But whan the souldiour for shamefastnes refused the cup , Alexander
added unto it these wordes ; The custome was to gyue the cuppe emptie ,
(ELYOT-E1-P1,159.149)
but Alexander giueth it to the full of wyne with good handsell . Where
with he expressed his liberall harte , (ELYOT-E1-P1,159.150)
and as moche comforted the souldiour as if he had gyuen to hym a great
citie . (ELYOT-E1-P1,159.151)
$Moreouer {TEXT:Moreouer} he that is liberall neglecteth nat his
substance or goodes , (ELYOT-E1-P1,159.152)
ne gyueth it to all men , (ELYOT-E1-P1,159.153)
but useth it so as he may continuelly helpe therwith other ,
(ELYOT-E1-P1,159.154)
and gyueth whan and where , and on whom it ought to be employed .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,159.155)
Therfore it maye be saide that he usethe euery thynge best that
exerciseth the vertue whiche is to the thinge most appropred .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,159.156)
For riches is of the nombre of thinges that may be either good or iuell
, whiche is in the arbitrement of the gyuer . (ELYOT-E1-P1,159.157)
And for that cause liberalitie and beneficence be of suche affinitie ,
that the one may neuer from the other be seperate .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,159.158)
For the employment of money is nat liberalitie if it be nat for a good
end or purpose . (ELYOT-E1-P1,159.159)
The noble emperours Antonine and Alexander Seuerus gaue of the reuenues
of the empire innumerable substaunce , to the reedifieng of cities and
commune houses decayed for age , or by erthe quaues {COM:sic}
subuerted , wherin they practised liberalitie and also beneficence .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,160.160)
But Tiberius , Nero , Caligula , Heliogabalus and other semblable
monsters , whiche exhausted and consumed infinite treasures in bordell
houses , and places where abominacions were used , also in enriching
slaues , concubines and baudes , were nat therfore named liberall ,
(ELYOT-E1-P1,160.161)
but suffreth therfore parpetuall reproche of writars , beinge called
deuourers and wasters of treasure . Wherfore in as moche as liberalite
holy resteth in the geuynge of money , it somtyme coloureth a vice .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,160.162)
But beneficence is neuer taken but in the better parte ,
(ELYOT-E1-P1,160.163)
and as Tulli saieth is taken out of vertue , where
liberalite commeth out of the cofer . (ELYOT-E1-P1,160.164)
Also where a man distributeth his substaunce to many parsones , the
lasse liberalitie shall he use to other ; (ELYOT-E1-P1,160.165)
so with bounteousnes bountie is minisshed . (ELYOT-E1-P1,160.166)
Onely they that be called beneficiall , and do use the vertue of
beneficence , whiche consisteth in counsaylinge and helpinge other with
any assistence in tyme of nede , shall alway finde coadiutours and
supportours of their gentyll courage . (ELYOT-E1-P1,160.167)
And doughtlas that maner of gentilnesse that consisteth in labour ,
studie , and diligence , is more commendable , and extendeth further ,
and also may more profite parsones , than that whiche resteth in
rewardes and expences . (ELYOT-E1-P1,160.168)
But to retourne to liberalitie . (ELYOT-E1-P1,160.169)
What greater foly may be , than that thinge that a man most gladly
dothe , to endeuour him with all studie that it may no lenger be done ?
Wherfore Tulli calleth them prodigall , that in inordinate feastes and
bankettes , vayne playes , and huntinges , do spende al their
substaunce , and in those thinges wherof they shall leaue but a shorte
or no remembraunce . Wherfore to resorte to the counsaile of Aristotle
before expressed . Natwithstandinge that liberalitie , in a noble man
specially , is commended , all though it somwhat do excede the termes
of measure ; yet if it be well and duely emploied , it acquireth
parpetuall honour to the giuer , and moche frute and singuler
commoditie therby encreaseth . (ELYOT-E1-P1,160.170)
For where honeste and virtuous parsonages be aduaunced , and
well rewarded , it sterith the courages of men , whiche haue any sparke
of vertue , to encrease therein , with all their force and endeuour .
Wherfore nexte to the helpinge and relieuinge of a communaltie , the
great part of liberalitie is to be emploied on men of vertue and good
qualities . (ELYOT-E1-P1,161.171)
Wherein is required to be a good election and iugement , that , for
hope of rewarde or fauour , under the cloke of vertue be nat hidde the
moste mortall poisone of flaterie . (ELYOT-E1-P1,161.172)
XI . (ELYOT-E1-P1,161.174)
The true discription of amitie or frendship . (ELYOT-E1-P1,161.175)
I haue all redy treated of beneuolence and beneficence generally .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,161.177)
But for als moche as frendship , called in latine Amicitia ,
comprehendeth bothe those vertues more specially and in an
higher degree , and is nowe so infrequent or straunge amonge mortall
men , by the tyrannie of couetise and ambition , whiche haue longe
reigned , and yet do , that amitie may nowe unethe be knowen or founden
throughout the worlde , by them that seeke for her as diligently , as a
mayden wolde seeke for a small siluer pinne in a great chamber strawed
with white russhes , I will therfore borowe so moche of the gentle
redar thoughe he be nigh wery of this longe mater , barrayne of
eloquence and pleasaunt sentence , and declare some what by the way of
very and true frendship . Whiche perchaunce may be an allectife to good
men to seeke for their semblable , on whom they may practise amitie .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,161.178)
For as Tulli saieth , Nothinge is more to be loued or to be ioyned to
gether , than similitude of good maners or vertues ; where in be the
same or semblable studies , the same willes or desires ,
(ELYOT-E1-P1,161.179)
in them it hapneth that one in an other as moche deliteth as in him
selfe . (ELYOT-E1-P1,161.180)
But nowe let us enserche what frendship or amitie is .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,161.181)
Aristotle saieth that frendship is a vertue , or ioyneth with
vertue ; whiche is affirmed by Tulli , sayenge , that frendship can nat
be without vertue , ne but in good men onely . (ELYOT-E1-P1,162.182)
Who be good men , he after declareth to be those parsones , whiche so
do beare them selfes and in such wyse do lyue , that their faithe ,
suertie , equalitie and liberalitie be sufficiently proued . Ne that
there is in them any couetise , wilfulnes , or foole hardinesse , and
that in them is great stabilitie or constaunce ; (ELYOT-E1-P1,162.183)
them suppose I as they be taken to be called good men
, which do folowe as moche as men may nature , the
chiefe capitayne or guide of mannes lyfe . (ELYOT-E1-P1,162.184)
Moreouer the same Tulli defineth frendship in this maner , sayenge ,
That it is none other thinge , but a parfecte consent of all thinges
appertayninge as well to god as to man , with beneuolence and charitie
; and that he knoweth nothing giuen of god except sapience
to man more commodius . Which definition is excellent and very
true . (ELYOT-E1-P1,162.185)
For in god , and all thinge that commeth of god , nothing is of more
greatter estimation than loue , called in latin Amor ,
whereof Amicitia commeth , named in englisshe
frendshippe or amitie ; the whiche taken a way from the lyfe of man ,
no house shall abide standinge , no felde shall be in culture .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,162.186)
And that is lightly parceiued , if a man do remember what commeth of
dissention and discorde . (ELYOT-E1-P1,162.187)
Finally he semeth to take the sonne from the worlde , that taketh
frendshippe from mannes life . (ELYOT-E1-P1,162.188)
Sens frendshippe can nat be but in good men , ne may nat be without
vertue , we may be assured that therof none iuell may procede , or
therewith any iuell thinge may participate . Wherfore in as moche as it
may be but in a fewe parsones good men being in a small nomber
, and also it is rare and seldome as all vertues be
communely , I will declare after the opinion of Philosophers ,
and partly by commune experience , who amonge good men be of nature
moste apte to frendshippe . (ELYOT-E1-P1,162.189)
Betwene all men that be good can nat all way be amitie ,
(ELYOT-E1-P1,162.190)
but it also requireth that they be of semblable or moche like maners .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,162.191)
For grauitie and affabilitie be euery of them laudable
qualities , (ELYOT-E1-P1,163.192)
so be seueritie and placabilitie , (ELYOT-E1-P1,163.193)
also magnificence and liberalitie be noble vertues ,
(ELYOT-E1-P1,163.194)
and yet frugalitie , which is a sobrenesse or moderation in liuinge is
, and that for good cause of al wise men extolled .
(ELYOT-E1-P1,163.195)
Yet where these vertues and qualities be seperately in sondry parsones
assembled , may well be parfecte concorde , (ELYOT-E1-P1,163.196)
but frendshippe is there seldome or neuer ; (ELYOT-E1-P1,163.197)
for that , whiche the one for a vertue embraceth , the other contemneth
, or at the leste neglecteth . Wherfore it semeth that wherein the one
deliteth , it is to the other repugnaunt unto his nature ;
(ELYOT-E1-P1,163.198)
and where is any repugnaunce , may be none amitie , sense frendshippe
is an entier consent of willes and desires . (ELYOT-E1-P1,163.199)
Therfore it is seldome sene that frendship is betwene these parsones ,
a man sturdie , of oppinion inflexible , and of soure countenaunce and
speche , with him that is tractable , and with reason persuaded , and
of swete contenaunce and entretaynement . (ELYOT-E1-P1,163.200)
Also betwene him which is eleuate in autoritie and a nother of a very
base astate or degree . (ELYOT-E1-P1,163.201)