<P_24>

<font> Spoud. </font> You have directed me very rightly how to answer
such Parents : (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,24.2)

now I shall be able to shew them where the fault is , & be calling upon
them to redresse this at home . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,24.3)

<P_25>

I shall also indevour to put all this in use , and more as you make the
particulars more fully knowne unto me ; and as I shall finde by triall
the fruit hereof . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,25.5)

But now , that you have thus satisfied me in al these my doubts ; I
$can $not {TEXT:cannot} but demand yet one other point , wherein I
finde another great want , though not comparable to the former ;
because there is not so much use of it : which is about the ordinarie
numbers or numbring . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,25.6)

For I am much troubled about this , that my readers and others above
them , are much to seeke in all matters of numbers , whether in figures
or in letters . Insomuch , as when they heare the Chapters named in the
Church , many of them $can $not {TEXT:cannot} turne to them , much
lesse to the verse . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,25.7)

<font> Phil. </font> This likewise is a verie ordinarie defect ,
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,25.8)

& yet might easily be helped by common meanes , in an houre or two .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,25.9)

I call it ordinarie , because you shal have schollers , almost readie
to go to the Universitie , who yet can hardly tell you the number of
Pages , Sections , Chapters , or other divisions in their bookes , to
finde what they should . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,25.10)

And it is , as you say , a great & a foule want ; because , without the
perfect knowledge of these numbers , schollers $can $not {TEXT:cannot}
helpe themselves by the Indices , or Tables of such books , as they
should use , for turning to anything of a sodaine : although it be a
matter whereof they should have use all their life long .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,25.11)

And to conclude , it is a great neglect , because it is a thing so
easie , as that it may be learned in so short a time , only by most
usuall meanes , as by these following . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,25.12)

For numbers by letters , use but only to appose them , according to the
direction in the Latine Grammar at <font> Orthographia </font> ,
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,25.13)

and they wil do them presently . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,25.14)

As if you aske what I. stands for , what V. what X. what L. &c .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,25.15)

And back againe , what letter stands for one , so what for five , or
for ten . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,25.16)

But especially if you desire to have them very ready herein , cause
them to have these written , & then to practise to read them over often
, until that they can answer any of them perfectly .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,25.17)

Warn them also to remember alwaies , that any number set after a
greater or after the same number , doth adde so many mo , as the value
of that later number is . As , I. set after X. thus ,
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,25.18)

XI. doth make eleven , XV. fifteene . <P_26> XX. twentie .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,26.19)

But being set before , they doe take away so many as they are :
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,26.20)

as I. before X. thus , IX. nine . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,26.21)

If you wish an example more at large , this may serve ;
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,26.22)

let each of them that should learne have a briefe of these , after this
manner , to shew them all the chiefe numbers . {COM:numbers_omitted}
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,26.23)

And thus much shortly for numbring by letters . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,26.24)

For the numbers by Figures , this rule must also bee observed ; That
the Figures doe signifie in the first place so much onely , as if they
were alone , or one time so many . In the second place tennes , or ten
times so many . In the third place , hundreths , or a hundreth times so
many . In the fourth place thousands , or a thousand times so many . In
the fift place ten thousands . In the sixt place hundreth thousands ;
the places being reckoned from the right hand to the left .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,26.25)

As for example , {COM:numbers_omitted} (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,26.26)

These being learned backwards and forwards , so that your scholler be
able to know each of them , to call them , or name them right , and to
finde them out , as the child should finde any letter which he is to
learne : in a word , to tell what any of these numbers stand for , or
how to set downe any of them ; will performe fully so much as is
needfull for your ordinarie Grammar scholler . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,26.27)

If you do require more for any , you must seeke <font> Records </font>
Arithmetique , or other like Authors , and set them to the Cyphering
schoole . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,26.28)

<P_27>

<font> Spoud. </font> This is a defect that I see is most easily
supplied by a very little paine and care in examining .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,27.30)

I have troubled you overlong in this , being in it selfe so very a
trifle , though the want generally be to be blamed .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,27.31)

Now therefore let us hasten unto our profession for the Grammar
Schoolemaster . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,27.32)

For I desire earnestly to be in our own element , as more befitting and
beseeming our place . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,27.33)

<font> Phil. </font> I am very willing to make all the haste that we
can : (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,27.34)

for this I see , that though we neither use digressions , nor needlesse
words ; yet this our conference will prove very long , before that I
can make my mind plain unto you : Unlesse I should be so short , as
either to be obscure , or to omit many things which I take to be very
necessarie : (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,27.35)

But yet before we come to make entrance into the Latine , if we do
keepe order , we are to goe thorow the way of writing , as being more
generall , and which chiefly appertaineth also to our English tongue ;
in respect of our more frequent use of it ; (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,27.36)

I meane chiefely for the writing of our ordinarie hand called the
Secretarie hand , which is almost wholly in use amongst us .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,27.37)

<heading>

CHAP. IIII . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,27.39)

<font> How the Master may direct his Schollers to write very faire ,
though himselfe be no good Pen-man . </font>

</heading>

<font> Spoud. </font> To come therefore unto writing , and the manner
of teaching it ; That which you affirme may be done herein , $can $not
{TEXT:cannot} but be a very great benefit , and a notable grace to
schooles , and also to all learning , if it can be so effected : That
all Schollers in generall may be directed to write commendably , and a
great part of them which are more apt to write very faire ; and that in
the severall <P_28> hands of the learned tongues , as they doe proceede
in every one of them . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,28.42)

For many of the best Schollers have beene wont to write very ill ;
insomuch , as it hath beene a received opinion , as you know , amongst
very many , That a good Scholler can hardly be a good pen-man .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,28.43)

Moreover you shall find very few good writers in Grammar schooles ;
unlesse either they have been taught by Scriveners , or by themselves
marvellous apt hereunto , and very rare , or where the Master doth
apply himselfe chiefly to teach to write . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,28.44)

The want of this , hath bin another part of my griefe :
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,28.45)

for besides the complaint and grudging of the parents ; I have also
seen , after they have bin a great while with me , that they have not
bin able to write so , as to be fit for any trade ;
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,28.46)

but they must after be set to learne of the Scrivener :
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,28.47)

much lesse have they bin able to write a letter to their friends , or
to perform any such businesse with their pen , in any commendable maner
. (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,28.48)

You shall therfore do me no lesse a pleasure , then in the former , if
you can direct me , how to help all these evils , and to attaine to
that dexteritie , whereof you speake . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,28.49)

<font> Phil. </font> I hope to satisfie you herein also .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,28.50)

But first relate unto mee , what courses your selfe have taken , to
teach your Schollers to write ; whereof you have found so little profit
: (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,28.51)

and after I shall adde , as in the former , what I have learned , to
the better effecting hereof . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,28.52)

<font> Spoud. </font> Surely I have done this : (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,28.53)

I have daily set them copies , so well as I could , which hath bin no
small toile unto me : (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,28.54)

or else I have caused some of my Schollers , or some others to doe it .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,28.55)

Also I have made them now and then to write some copies ;
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,28.56)

and it may be , I have corrected them for writing so badly , or guided
some of their hands , or shewed them how to amend their letters .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,28.57)

This I take to be the most that is done in Schooles ordinarily ;
unlesse any do procure Scriveners to teach in their townes : whereof we
finde no small inconveniences . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,28.58)

<font> Phil. </font> I take it to be as you say , that this is all
which is done in most Schooles : (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,28.59)

and hence so many of us have experience of the like murmurings against
us . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,28.60)

Now I will let you see <P_29> plainly , and as familiarly as I can ,
how to help this evill , and to attaine this so great a benefit .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,29.61)

1 (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,29.62)

The Scholler should be set to write , when he enters into his Accidence
; (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,29.63)

so every day to spend an houre in writing , or very neere .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,29.64)

2 (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,29.65)

There must be speciall care , that every one who is to write , have all
necessaries belonging thereunto ; as pen , inke , paper , rular ,
plummet , ruling-pen , pen-knife , &c . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,29.66)

3 (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,29.67)

The like care must be , that their inke be thin , blacke , cleere ;
which will not runne abroad , nor blot : their paper good ; that is ,
such as is white , smooth , and which will beare inke , and also that
it be made in a book . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,29.68)

Their writing books would be kept faire , strait ruled ,
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,29.69)

and each to have a blotting paper to keepe their bookes from soyling ,
or marring under their hands . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,29.70)

4 (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,29.71)

Cause every one of them to make his own pen ; (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,29.72)

otherwise the making , and mending of pens , will be a very great
hinderance , both to the Masters and to the Schollers .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,29.73)

Besides that , when they are away from their Masters <paren> if they
have not a good pen made before </paren> they will write naught ;
because they know not how to make their pens themselves .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,29.74)

The best manner of making the pen , is thus : (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,29.75)

1 (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,29.76)

Choose the quill of the best and strongest of the wing , which is
somewhat harder , and will cleave . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,29.77)

2 (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,29.78)

Make it cleane with the backe of the pen-knife . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,29.79)

3 (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,29.80)

Cleane it strait up the backe ; first with a cleft , made with your
pen-knife : after with another quill put into it ,
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,29.81)

rive it further by little and little , till you see the cleft to be
very cleane : (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,29.82)

so you may make your pen of the best of the quil , and where you see
the cleft to be the cleanest , and without teeth .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,29.83)

If it doe not cleave without teeth , cleave it with your pen-knife in
another place , still neerer the backe : (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,29.84)

for if it be not strait up the backe , it will very seldome run right .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,29.85)

After , make the nebbe and cleft both about one length , somewhat above
a barley corne breadth , and small ; so as it may let downe the inke ,
and write cleane . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,29.86)

Cut the nebbe first slant downewards to make it thinne , and after
strait <P_30> over thwart . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,30.87)

Make both sides of equall bignesse , unlesse you be cunning to cut that
side , which lieth upon the long finger , thinner and shorter ; yet so
little , as the difference can hardly be discerned .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,30.88)

But both of equall length is accounted the surest .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,30.89)

The speediest and surest way to learne to make the pen , is this .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,30.90)

When your Scholler shall have a good pen fit for his hand , and well
fashioned ; then to view and marke that well and to trie to make one in
all things like unto it . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,30.91)

It were good for the learner to procure such a pen made , and to keepe
it for a patterne to make others by , untill he be very perfect in it .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,30.92)

A childe may soone learne to make his pen ; (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,30.93)

yet , few of age do know how to make their owne pens well ; although
they have written long and very much : (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,30.94)

neither can any attaine to write faire without that skill .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,30.95)

Next unto this , cause your scholler to hold his pen right , as neere
unto the nebbe as he can , his thumbe and two fore-fingers , almost
closed together , round about the neb , like unto a Cat's foote , as
some of the Scriveners doe terme it . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,30.96)

Then let him learne to carry his pen as lightly as he can , to glide or
swimme upon the paper . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,30.97)

So hee shall write the cleanest , fairest , and fastest ,
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,30.98)

and also his pen shall last the longer . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,30.99)

In stead of setting of copies , and to save that endlesse toile , let
every one have a little copie booke fastened to the top of his writing
booke , with a strong thread of a span long , or thereabout ; that
alwaies when he writeth , he may lay his copy booke close before him ,
and that the side of the copy may almost touch the line where he
writeth , that his eye may be upon the copie , and upon his letter both
together . And also , to the end that ever when he hath done writing ,
he may put his copie booke into his writing booke againe ; so that the
copie may never be out of the way , nor the Scholler write without it .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,30.100)

The fittest volume for their writing booke is , to have them in <font>
quarto </font> . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,30.101)

<P_31>

Moreover , the copie bookes would be made thus :
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,31.103)

Not above two inches in breadth ; foure or six copies in a booke ,
halfe Secretary , halfe Roman . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,31.104)

The copie books might be made thus most fitly , as I take it .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,31.105)

1 (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,31.106)

One line of small letters , of each letter one , except in those which
have letters of divers kinds , (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,31.107)

and therein both kinds to be set downe : as {COM:letters_omitted}
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,31.108)

Under the line of small letters would be set a line of great letters ,
after the same manner ; and under them both a line or two of joyning
hand , containing all the letters in them . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,31.109)

Examples of both sorts for the present , untill better can be found ,
may be these . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,31.110)

I meane copies both-1 of Secretarie and Romane , containing all the
letters in them . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,31.111)

For Secretarie thus : Exercise thyselfe much in God's book , with
zealous and fervent prayers and requests . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,31.112)

For Romane thus : AEquore cur gelido zephyrus fert xenia kymbis ?
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,31.113)

Respect not the verse , but the use . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,31.114)

Under all these , may be fitly set in very little roome those
characters or letters , out of which all the rest of the letters may be
framed : as in the small letters in Secretarie , {COM:letters_omitted}
In the great letters , {COM:calligraphy_omitted} .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,31.115)

So under the Roman copies after the same maner .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,31.116)

In the end of the copie bookes , in a page or two , might be set downe
all the hard syllables mentioned before . That by oft writing them over
, they might be helped to spell , and to write true Orthographie .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,31.117)

And after those , the numbers mentioned , to be able to write or to
tell any of them upon the book without it . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,31.118)

Then what scholler soever were not able to tell any of them , after a
little poasing , were well worthy to be corrected .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,31.119)

If such copie books were finely printed , being graven by some cunning
workman , and those of the most perfect and plaine formes of letters ,
that could possibly be procured , in a strong and very white paper ,
one Booke or two of them would serve a scholler neere all his time that
he should never need to change his hand . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,31.120)

<P_32>

The often change and following of divers hands , doth as much hinder
writing , as often change of Schoolemasters doth hinder learning .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,32.122)

Therefore the best is to be chosen at the first , and ever to be stucke
unto without alteration , if it may be . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,32.123)

In the meane time , untill such copies can be had , some would be
procured of the master , to be written by the best Scrivener who can be
gotten , after the manner aforesaid , for each scholler to have one to
fasten to his booke , and to use as before . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,32.124)

Otherwise when for lacke hereof , the Master , or Usher , or some other
Scholler is compelled every day , to write each scholler a new copie ;
it is both an endlesse toyle , and also an extreme losse of time :
beside the inconvenience mentioned , of change of hands , and that few
Masters or Ushers are fit pen-men , to write such copies as were
necessarie . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,32.125)

Lastly , because through want of such copies , schollers do write
ordinarily without direction or pattern , in all their exercises ,
whereby they either grow to very bad hands , or doe profit in writing ,
little or not at all . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,32.126)

This exercise of writing faire , would be practised by all the
Schollers thorow the Schoole , at least once every day , for an houre's
space or neere ; (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,32.127)

and that about one of the clocke : (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,32.128)

for then commonly their hands are warmest and nimblest .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,32.129)

Now those that write exercises , may take the opportunitie of that time
, to write them so faire as they can . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,32.130)

In all writing this generall rule would be observed streightly , to
cause them to strive to make every letter , as like to the copie letter
in all proportion , as the one hand is to the other . And that they
never thinke a letter good , untill no difference can be found between
it and the copie letter , that it $can $not {TEXT:cannot} be discerned
whether is the better . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,32.131)

Great care would be had withall , to make every writer to keepe even
compasse in the height , greatnesse , and breadth of his letters ; that
no one letter stand either <P_33> too high or too low , be overlong ,
or overshort , nor any way too bigge , or too little , too wide , or
too narrow . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,33.132)

To the end , that they may write of even height ; cause them to rule
their bookes with a ruling pen , and then that they make the body of
each letter , to touch their rules on both sides , I meane both-1 at
the tops and bottomes of the letters ; but not to goe one haire breadth
higher or lower . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,33.133)

Thus by practice the scholler will in time attaine to write very faire
of himselfe without any ruling pen . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,33.134)

That every one may rule their bookes thus , cause them to have each his
ruling pen , made of a quill , somewhat like unto a pen ; but onely
that it is to be made with a nocke in the neb or point of it , like the
nocke of an arrow , the nebs of the nocke standing just of the breadth
of their copie letters asunder , that they may rule their rules meet of
the same compasse with their copies . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,33.135)

The points of the nebs of the ruling pens , must not be made
over-sharpe , nor pressed downe over-hard in ruling ; because they wil
then race the paper , and make it that it will not beare inke .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,33.136)

They are moreover to rule but a few lines at once because the lines
being drawne but lightly , will soon goe out , and not be seene before
that the learners come to write in them . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,33.137)

Also this care must be had in ruling , to carry the ruling pen so even
and straight forward , that both the lines which are drawne by it , may
be seene together ; or else to draw the lines so oft over with the same
, untill that both the lines may be well seene .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,33.138)

This would be observed carefully , untill that time that they can begin
to write even and streight of themselves : (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,33.139)

for the even compasse doth especially grace a hand ,
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,33.140)

and the faire shew of it will cause children to take a delight in
writing faire . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,33.141)

Every scholler who writeth Latine , should have two of these ruling
pens : one for Secretarie , and another for Romane ;
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,33.142)

or else to have one made of iron or brasse , the one end for the one ,
the other end for the other . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,33.143)

Moreover , the books of all the new beginners or enterers , <P_34>
whilst they write letters , would be ruled well with crosse lines ,
with the ruling pens on this manner : (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,34.144)

It is found to direct them very much . {COM:diagram_omitted}
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,34.145)

Thus their books shall be kept faire . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,34.146)

The compasse or the space within the crosse lines , serves to keepe and
guide the body of each letter to make it of a just proportion .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,34.147)

The straight lines direct and guide the childe to make every stroke
straight forward , or up and downe , and also how to frame the head and
taile of each letter . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,34.148)

Thus much for the compasse of the letters ; chiefly in the tops and
bottomes of the letters . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,34.149)

Now that the letters may not be over bigge or over little , set too
neere one another or far off , this may be one good direction ;
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,34.150)

Cause your scholler to draw his lines , on which he will write his
copies , of the very same length with the length of the line of his
copy : (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,34.151)

and then if he writes just so much in his line as is in the copie , it
is very like that he makes his letters of a good proportion , not too
bigge nor too little , and the compasse even , not one over neere , or
far off from another . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,34.152)

But if he write more in a shorter space , then is in like space in the
copy , he either makes his letters too little , (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,34.153)

or sets them too neere one another ; letters , or words , or both .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,34.154)

And so on the other side , if he write lesse in a line , then is in his
copy in the same space , and length , then he makes his letters too
bigge , or too wide asunder . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,34.155)

The letters would be joyned . in every word : yet so , as no one be set
over neere another , but just as the copie , observing <P_35> blacks
and whites , as the Scrivener tearmeth them . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,35.156)

And each word in a sentence , would be set about the breadth of an
<font> a </font> , or an <font> o </font> , from one another .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,35.157)

For writing straight without lines <paren> after that they have
practised this a good while , to write with double lines , ruled with
the ruling pen , and after with single lines </paren> this may helpe to
guide them well ; to cause them to hold their elbow so close to their
side and so steadily , as they can conveniently ;
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,35.158)

for the elbow so stayd , will guide the hand as a rule , especially in
writing fast . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,35.159)

Afterwards , looking at the end of the line , as we use to try the
straightnesse of an arrow , they shall see easily where it is crooked .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,35.160)

Practice will bring facility . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,35.161)

These also may be speciall furtherances for the first enterers :
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,35.162)

When the yong scholler $can $not {TEXT:cannot} frame his hand to
fashion any letter ; besides the guiding of his hand , and also the
shewing where to begin each letter , & how to draw it , some doe use to
draw before them the proportion of their letters , with a piece of
chalke upon a boord , or table , or with a piece of black lead upon a
paper ; and then let the child try how he himselfe can draw the like
upon it ; (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,35.163)

and after this to let him to doe it with his pen , following the letter
of his booke . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,35.164)

Or thus ; (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,35.165)

Let him take a dry pen , that $can $not {TEXT:cannot} blot his book ,
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,35.166)

and therewith cause him to follow that letter in his copie , which he
$can $not {TEXT:cannot} make , drawing upon the copy letter very
lightly , & a little turning the side of the pen , where the letter is
small ; but leaning harder upon it where it is full , & there also
turning the broad part of the pen . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,35.167)

Onely warne him to be careful , that he do not hurt the letter in the
copy , by his hard leaning upon his pen , or by the overmuch sharpnesse
of it . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,35.168)

Thus let him follow his copie letter , drawing his pen so oft upon it ,
untill he thinke his hand will goe like unto it .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,35.169)

Then direct him , to try with another pen with inke , whether he can
make one like to that of his copie . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,35.170)

If he $can $not {TEXT:cannot} , let him goe to it with his dry pen
againe , untill that he can fashion one like unto it .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,35.171)

This also is a speciall observation : That the more leasurely the
childe draweth at the beginning , as the Painter <P_36> doth , and the
more lightly , the sooner a great deale he shall learne to frame his
hand to write faire . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,36.172)

This likewise some good Scriveners observe ; to suffer the child to
learne to make but one kinde of letter at once , untill they can make
that in some good sort , then another (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,36.173)

as first <font> a </font> , (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,36.174)

then <font> b </font> . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,36.175)

But especially to begin with those letters , out of which all the rest
may be framed , to make them perfectly , as {COM:letters_omitted} .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,36.176)

For so all the rest will be the easier . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,36.177)

To helpe to write cleane , fast and faire together , call oft on your
schollers to exercise their hands in making of <font> f </font> strokes
, that is , dashes of <font> f </font> , and <font> s </font> thus
<font> f s </font> ; and the stroake of the great C , and B , thus ,
{COM:calligraphy_omitted} (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,36.178)

Also some use to cause the learners , to practise their hands to run
upon the paper , either with inke or without , until they be very
nimble and cunning to glide upon the paper ; and namely , to make
certain rude flourishes . {COM:flourishes_omitted}
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,36.179)

Call on them in all exercises , to be carefull to observe the graces of
letters : as the keeping of great letters , accents , points , as comma
, colon , period , parenthesis , and whatsoever may serve for the
adorning of writing ; and ever more to take a delight in writing faire
: which delight is in each art the one halfe of the skill ; but to fly
all long tailes of letters , and to make all their letters so plaine as
they can : (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,36.180)

the plainer the better . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,36.181)

Beware that you suffer no one to learne a bad hand , or to make any bad
letter , so neere as you are able to prevent it .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,36.182)

For it will be found much harder to teach such to forget their bad
letters and hands , then to teach other which never learned , to write
the good . So that if you teach such , a better hand , after that they
have learned and been long inured to the worse ; although they <P_37>
seeme to have learned to write well , yet unlesse they be holden
continually to practise their good hand each day a little , they will
fall unto their bad hand againe : so great force hath any evill custome
. (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,37.183)

This therefore must be our wisedome , to procure from the beginning the
most excellent copies , for our schollers , whatsoever they cost ; and
to keep them constantly to them : (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,37.184)

they will soone quite the cost both-1 to Master and Scholler .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,37.185)

To the end that any Master may be the better able to teach thus ; let
him either try to attaine this faculty of writing faire <paren> which
much commends a Master </paren> (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,37.186)

or at least , let him labour to be well acquainted with these
directions , or the like : (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,37.187)

and also let him cause his Schollers to observe them constantly ; or so
many of them as need shall require . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,37.188)

And to this end , let him use to walke amongst his Schollers as they
write all together ; & see that they do practise these things duely :
but chiefly that every one have his copy book layed close before him ;
and to marke well wherein any one of them misseth in any letter or
stroke , that it is not like to the copie , there to point him to the
copie , and to shew him where they differ , or to cause him to compare
them himselfe : so to appoint them to be mending their faults , untill
their letters be in all things like the copie letters .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,37.189)

And what letters they make the worst , to make them so oft over , in
some voide place of their booke , or some waste paper , untill those be
as good as any of the rest , and like the copy , as was said .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,37.190)

Amongst others , to looke specially to these three letters together ,
<font> f. g. b. </font> and to <font> m. </font> which being well made
, do grace all the rest , and yet are commonly made the worst of all .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,37.191)

Thus anyone of these Schollers , chiefly one of them who write the best
, may helpe the Master to direct the rest . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,37.192)

By these meanes the Schoole-master may bring many of his Schollers to
be very good pen-men , and all generally to some competent sufficiencie
, to the credit of the Schoole , the good contentment of the parents ,
and the great benefit of the Schollers , though he $can $not
{TEXT:cannot} write well himselfe , if hee can but onely thus farre
forth direct , <P_38> as to cause his Schollers to follow these
observations . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,38.193)

Hereby the Schooles also may be freed from having any need of the
Scriveners , which go about the country , at least , which go under the
names of Scriveners , & take upon them to teach to write ; and doe
ofttimes very much hurt in the places where they come .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,38.194)

For they draw away the mindes of many of the Schollers from their
bookes ; even of all such as $can $not {TEXT:cannot} endure to take
paines , nor have any great love of learning , (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,38.195)

and cause many of good hope to leave the schoole utterly .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,38.196)

Besides that , very often , so soone as ever these Scriveners are gone
, the schollers whom they have taught , do forget what they seemed to
have gotten by them , unlesse they be kept to practise their writing
daily . So that all that cost and time is commonly lost ; besides the
former inconveniences , that sundry by them lose all the learning which
they had gotten . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,38.197)

Also most of the yonger sort , who seem to write faire , and so leave
the Schoole in a conceit of that which they have gotten by the
Scrivener ; yet doe write so false Orthography , as is loathsome to see
, and ridiculous to reade . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,38.198)

For these properties should be joyned together in every pen-man , who
would have any approbation ; to bee able as well to write a good stile
<paren> I meane to indite , and to expresse his mind in some good forme
of words , and true Orthography </paren> as to write faire .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,38.199)

As for the use of Scriveners in the common schooles , it would be this
<paren> if any </paren> ; either to make every scholler his book of
copies , to use after the manner prescribed , untill such printed ones
can be had : or else to set all the schollers in a good way of writing
, for right framing their letters , and the like . To do it only at
such times as the Master shall appoint ; that it may be without any
great hinderance to the schollers for their learning , and warily
preventing all the former inconveniences . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,38.200)

For schooles and good learning being such a singular benefit , and so
great a gift of God to Church and Commonwealth , all hinderances would
be wisely foreseene , and heedily prevented . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,38.201)

<P_39>

These are the special helps which hitherto I have learned , for the
direction of schollers in writing : (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,39.203)

and by these I am assured upon triall , that what is promised in this
behalfe , may be effected through God's blessing .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,39.204)

<font> Spoud. </font> Sir , these must needs be very profitable :
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,39.205)

yet my memory being weake , and they many , I shall hardly thinke of
them , to put them in practice . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,39.206)

I pray you therefore repeat unto me againe in a word or two , which of
them you take to be the principall , and of most continuall use .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,39.207)

<font> Phil. </font> These I take to be the principall , & almost the
summe of all ; and which would ever be had in memory : that the
schollers have good pens , thin ink , faire & good copy books , and
those made fast to their bookes , to have them ever laid close before
them whe~ they are to write faire ; which would be once every day ; and
then all of them together . That they have their bookes ruled strait
and lightly , and that with ruling pens amongst all the yonger sort :
and that therein a care be had , that they ever touch both the lines of
the ruling pen with the bodies of their letters . Also that they have
their faults shewed them , by pointing them to the copy letters ; and
where their letters are unlike to the copy , there to cause them to be
amending them continually , until they attaine to write as faire as it
. To call on them ever to have an eye to the copy , & to have the
fashions of the letters in their minds . To take a delight in writing ;
striving who shall doe the best : to this end , to let their hands
glide lightly on the paper ; to strive to write very cleane ; to make
minimes , and such like letters sharpe at tops and bottomes , or just
to the proportion of their copies : to hold their pens very low : their
elbow something neere their side : to keepe their copies and bookes
faire , unblotted and unscrauled : to have void places , or waste
papers for assaies , &c . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,39.208)

Most shortly , these three are almost all in all ; good copies ,
continuall eying them well , a delight in writing :
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,39.209)

although I thinke it very necessary , that you be acquainted with all
the former directions as they are set downe at large , to use them as
need shall require . You may soone attain the knowledge <P_40> of them
, when you have them written down : (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,40.210)

the labour of learning them will be nothing to you in regard of the
benefit ; and much lesse in regard of the long search and observation ,
which I have used to finde them out . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,40.211)

<font> Spoud. </font> It is true indeed ; (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,40.212)

and I am the more beholden unto you : (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,40.213)

but give me leave this one word ; (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,40.214)

that which you said even now , may seeme to make very much against the
Scriveners . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,40.215)

<font> Phil. </font> Not at all ; (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,40.216)

it only helpeth to redresse the great abuse by some shifters , who goe
under the name of Scriveners ; (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,40.217)

for all good Scriveners have their callings and imployments , wherein
to serve to the profit and good of the Commonwealth , and not unto the
hurt thereof . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,40.218)

This onely may teach us to prevent and avoid those intolerable abuses ,
and hurts to schooles mentioned ; whereof there hath been , and is
daily , so much experience . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,40.219)

<font> Spoud. </font> Sir , I $can $not {TEXT:cannot} but like of your
answer ; (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,40.220)

I my selfe have had some experience of the truth of the complaint :
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,40.221)

it is very necessarie that such evils should be prevented .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,40.222)

Now therefore that you have thus shewed me how to make my schollers
good pen-men , and that they may grow therein , as in their schoole
learning ; and thus prepared the way to our Grammar schoole : let us at
length come to that which hath been the speciall end of my journey ,
and wherein our chiefe travel & imployment lyeth .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,40.223)

And first let us begin with the rudiments of the Grammar , I meane the
Accedence ; wherein our first entrance is . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,40.224)

<font> Phil. </font> Very willingly : (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,40.225)

but first let me acquaint you with certaine generall observations ,
which concerne our whole course of teaching , and whereof we shall have
almost continuall use ; lest we be troubled with repeating them often
after . (BRINSLEY-E2-P2,40.226)

<font> Spoud. </font> It is well advised , that we may doe all things
the most shortly , and in the best and easiest order that we can :
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,40.227)

I pray you therefore shew unto me what those generall observations be .
(BRINSLEY-E2-P2,40.228)