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)