Chapter V: Part 5

Thinke you that the intendment heereof can returne credite to your lyuing? Thinke you that by deliuerie of such fruites you may bee reputed a Gentleman? No beleeue mee, it cannot bee, but according to the vnwoorthinesse thereof, it rather shall giue occasion to all that shall heare or vnderstande of it, to accuse, blame, mislike, and vtterlie to condemne you. But what if no manner of suppose at all of dishonestie were left therein, whereby to discourage and withdrawe you from the action, imagining that the purpose thereof were helde meete and honourable, and that to euerie one that could winne his choyce by anie force he might, it were lawfull without discredite or anie censure of law by what meanes soeuer, to compasse the same, do you thinke it a matter sleight and easie for you to performe it? No, no sir, you reckon too wide, you goe beyond the Moone, you are too much deceyued. Know you not the Gentlewoman is worthilie descended, that she hath parents, brethren, vncles, and friendes to keepe her, to rescue her, to defend her? Why sir, is there no more to say, but you will haue her? You must haue her? and by maine force you will take her? You deale with no children I can tell you, nor weakelings as you account of, but men wise, valiaunt, well reputed, and of sound gouernment: who by so much the more iust and right, the occasion is of their defence, by so much the sooner will they, and are able to preuaile against you. I recke not that you haue courage sufficient, that you are hardie, bolde, and aduenturous (the vse whereof being imployed to good and laudable purposes, were I confesse much more effectuall) but herein how euer the case standeth, I see nothing so likelie as an impossibilitie, in somuch as if you be delighted to become infamous, and in the memorie of a shamelesse life to hazard your selfe to a shamefull death, then may you enter into it: once this I knowe, that her can you neuer finde so slenderlie accompanied, that with small force you can carie her, but within a moment alwayes, there will not bee wanting a number that shall bicker for her, from whose insight, you are altogither vnable, if her selfe consented thereunto, to conuey her.

[Sidenote: _Concessiō._]

[Sidenote: _Congeries._]

[Sidenote: _Epanodis._]

[Sidenote: _Erotema._]

But graunting vnto your wilfull imagination, as much in all things as you can desire, suppose you might winne her, conuey her, keepe her, and that the daunger of lawe limited at all no hazarde thereunto, (the contrarie whereof you well knowe, being guerdoned with no woorse then losse of life) doe but yet againe returne to your selfe, and call to minde your birth, your familie, your profession, your maner of liuing: your birth by your parents who were worshipfull, your stocke by the reputation yet helde of the same: your profession, which is Armes: your liuing, a Gentleman. Is it then consonant or agreeing to all or anie of these, to commit any outrage, and that such an outrage, as to any other were not so proper, as to a villaine, a wretch, a rascall, such a one as neither by nature, education, or custome, knoweth to do otherwise? What would you exercise I pray you on her, if you had her? Once you confesse she doth not loue you, then no question, would she ten times more hate you: Your answere I knowe would bee, either by entreatie to perswade her, or by force to subdue her.

[Sidenote: _Dialysis._]

[Sidenote: _Sententia._]

[Sidenote: _Confutatiō._]

The conclusion is friuolous, if being now her supposed wel-willer, you can by no meanes allure her, imagine you then by prayers to conuince her, after you haue once shewed your selfe so extreame vnto her? And if force be it you pretend, it is repugnant to gentlenes, yet (be it you neglect what therein to be considered) assure your selfe her malice neuerthelesse towards you will neuer be quenched. For that of our selues we cannot freelie accept of, we neuer by compulsion can be procured to like of. With you now, the case is quite contrarie, for so imminent euerie way are the perils thereof vnto you, as if her friendes should abstaine it, yet the lawes will punish it, and if no lawes were at all, yet God would reuenge it.

If then you will hearken or vnderstand what is right, you must bee disswaded from these intendments, wherin if my selfe should haue become so graceles, as to haue set in foote with you, iustly we might haue both confessed to haue beene drowned in all vnhappines togithers.

[Sidenote: _Epilogus._]

And nowe good brother, vse I pray you that meanes herein, that with greatest commendation maie beseeme you, weigh with your selfe, that such distemperate motions are not to bee followed, conceyue that _Vertue_, whose seruaunt you were in your first education, forbiddeth you to bee ledde by such sensuall appetites, thinke that honour of Armes which you haue professed, extendeth not it selfe to the frayle and weake subduing of a Womans condition, who by reason of her sexe rather chalengeth at your handes a defence, then anie man-like enforcement: besides, much vnwoorthie should it bee vnto your reputation by violence to dishonour her, whose estimate and account by reason of your liking, you oughte to preferre with all honour. In fine, frame your selfe to doe that vncompelled, which by force you shall bee constrained to wish once to haue perfourmed, so shall you euer doe that beeseemeth you, and giue me cause, as my deare and louing brother euermore to accompte of you. Our former loue and liking willeth mee euermore to greete you, your sister and mine commendeth her heartilie vnto you. Fare yee well, B. this thirteenth of Nouember, &c.

_Of Epistles Conciliatorie.
Chap. 13_

=After these Epistles |dehorting| and |disswading|, followeth nowe the nexte title |Conciliatorie|, whose vse being preferred in acquiring vnto our selues the acquaintance, friendship or familiaritie of men worthie, haue often their directions as well from those of honourable or worshipfull name or calling, to such as are their inferiours, as otherwise betweene equals, or those that bee accompted familiars: but seldome or neuer is frequented to such as are our betters, for then it looseth the name of |Conciliatorie|, and because of the humilitie thereof séemeth to be |Petitorie|. Touching the first degree of these Epistles, it is likelie, that hee who is much our better, will either of his honour, woorshippe, or gentlenesse, in plainest tearmes alwaies offer himselfe to his inferiours, whome in such sorte hee desireth to bee knowne vnto, or otherwise willinglie woulde repute of. For the others, touching equals or familiars, order therein requireth, that pithily and plainly wee set downe the cause moouing vs to take knoweledge of him wee write vnto, and thereupon to mooue his acquaintance.=

=This, albeit without some assentation, it hardlie falleth with some in their writing to bee caried, yet shall our learner by all possible means indeuour to keepe such |Decorum| herein, that hee gloze not too palpably, least by such means he do incurre a notable suspition of flatterie.=

=If in our selues we do conceiue or find some one or mo things, that are vnto such a one pleasing, or whereof wee may coniecture the regarde to returne vnto him, commodious, or to confirme towards vs a more speciall liking, that shall we modestlie tender, and deuise without arrogancy in some conuenient sorte to be signified. These are the onely precepts in this kind of writing, to be considered, the effectes whereof are in this sort following by their examples deliuered.=

An Epistle Conciliatorie, written
_from one of good accompt to his
inferiour_.

After my verie heartie commendations vnto you. This bearer and my seruaunt whome I greatlie credite, hath signified vnto mee manie matters tending to your great commendation, the reporte whereof, I haue often sithence hearde confirmed by others. And for asmuch as touching mine owne condition, I haue alwaies beene a fauourer of artes, and entirelie accounted of the singularitie of anie one according to his worthinesse, I haue so much the more greatlie desired your acquaintance, as one whome willinglie I would doe good vnto. Assuring you, that if at some conuenient time you will take paines to see mee, I will not onelie (as occasion serueth) bee well content to imploy you my selfe, but also in place of further accompt doe the best I may to recommende you. Meane while I woulde gladlie bee infourmed by the returne of this Messenger, at what time I may expect to see you, according to which I will appoint horses, and send some to accompanie you. And so for this present doe bid you hartilie farewell. From my house of N. this twentieth of April, &c.

_An example Conciliatorie, from one e-
quall to another._

The vniuersall reporte of your excellencie, each where declared, hath mooued mee good M. N. not onelie to admire you for the same, but among a greate manie others, that regarde and especiallie doe accompte of you, hath induced mee also hereby to praie your acquaintance. I confesse sir, sithence I first heard of you, I grewe euen then verie desirous to see and to know you, but being this other daie in companie with sir T. P. I vnderstood howe much for your singular vertue both of the good Knight and Ladie, you were hartilie commended and entirelie fauoured.

This considerate opinion of theirs, hath in my speedie determination egged mee forwarde, and caused me to salute you by these letters, the rather for that I haue sundry times bene enformed with what ioifull and friendlie conceite, you doe entertaine the familiaritie of euerie Gentleman. Little (God knoweth) resteth in mee to pleasure you, the worthines whereof I coulde wish, were as well answerable to your vertue as effectuallie you might haue power in mee to commaunde it. This one thing can I deliuer of my selfe, that since I had first capacitie to discerne of mens conditions, I haue alwaies studied to honour the vertuous, and euermore with reuerence to entertaine their actions. A fauourer I haue still beene of the learned, and a diligent regarder of their excellencies, such as in minde more then wealth wuld wish to be reputed happy, & to my vttermost power gladlie accomplish what might bee deemed most worthie. Such a one if you vouchsafe to like of, I wholie yeelde my selfe vnto you, expecting nothing more then at your conueniente leisure I might finde occasion to see you. Whereunto referring the residue of all my desires, It doe for the present cease to detaine you. London this fourth of Iune, &c.

=To these Epistles might be added two seuerall answers: in both of which there is required a special and wel demeaned modesty, in the one of humility to bee according to his better, in the other of curtesie to gratifie his equall, each of them containing, a submissiue executio of that, in either of their faculties and professions simply to be attributed, the diuersities of both of them not impertinent to these our instructions, I haue in sort following put downe to be considered.=

_An Epistle responsorie answering to the first of these Letters._

It may please your Worshippe, I haue receiued your curteous Letters, and by the same, as also by your messenger haue fullie conceiued of your fauour and louing intendment towardes mee, for all which I can but render vnto you my most humble and duetiful thankes. Touching my selfe, I verie gladlie wish that there were anie thing in mee, whereof you might take pleasure, or wherewith I might anie waies bee enabled to doe you seruice: Such as it is I humblie render vnto your commaunde, and doe pray that in as good sorte as I tender it, you will bee pleased to accepte of it. Your man can witnesse, that as yet I haue some earnest occasions for a while to detaine mee, who otherwise woulde bee well contented foorthwith to waite vpon you. And were I not thereunto especiallie enioined by your good fauour, the importunitie of your seruaunt might happily in such case haue preuailed with mee. It may therefore stand with your good pleasure to pardon mee, one moneth, which tearme beeing expired, I thence forwarde will remaine at the commaunde of none so much as your Worshippe, to whose good acceptaunce I eftsoones doe recommende my selfe in all reuerente duetie. London this of, &c.

_A letter responsorie answering to the latter Epistle._

Sir, I haue vnderstoode by your gentle and friendlie letters, not onelie howe much I rest beholding to your good opinion, but also to the curteous Knight, and my especiall good Ladie you write of, to each of whome I haue founde my selfe indebted exceedinglie. Manie waies might I aduertise you howe much I haue to thanke both them and you, which that my desires may appeare answerable to your wishes I doe leaue, till personallie in as present hast as conuenientlie may bee, I see you. I am not altogether ignoraunt of the good partes which by some (vnto your selfe well knowne) hath beene aduertised heretofore vnto me of you, and for which I do most willinglie embrace you. Assuring you yᵗ you haue but preuēted me in this one curtesie, which before my going out of town, I was vehementlie perswaded to haue tendred vnto you, wherein neuerthelesse I rest satisfied, in that by one so well accomplished as your selfe, I haue heerein been so farre foorth conuinced. My busines with his L. resteth I hope vpon a present dispatch, and therefore doe I reckon (by Gods grace) within these verie few dayes to visite you. Meane while, confessing howe much I stande charged vnto your selfe for this sole courtesie, I doe pray that vnto the good Knight, and his La. you will report my right humble dutie: And euen so doe commit you to the Almightie. This of, &c.

_Of Epistles Reconciliatorie.
Chap. 14._

=Nowe after these |Responsorie| Letters, each answering vnto the others tendered courtesies, I thinke it meet to come to the next title, being in order |Reconciliatorie|. The matter whereof importeth a reconciliation to those from whom wee acknowledge in some sort or other to haue beene disseuered, contrarie to the bonde of friendshippe or dutie that therein might bee required, whether by our owne default, or by whose or what defect, as by the circumstance of the action shall bee tendered. In the framing of these Epistles wee shall recorde with our selues, in what league, amitie or dutie, wee haue before time stoode charged or bounde to him to whome wee studie to bee reconciled, thereupon shall wee according to the district obseruation at that instant helde of the same, studie eyther to qualifie, adnihilate, or vtterlie to extinguish the cause of falling of the disseuerance, or breach. Then shall we desire for the considerations thereunto inducing vs, to be retained againe in his wonted fauour or friendlie acceptance. And these as in the examples following may accordingly be suted.=

_An example reconciliatorie, from one friend to another._

[Sidenote: _Exordium._]

[Sidenote: _Parenthesis._]

[Sidenote: _Epitheton._]

[Sidenote: _Epilogus._]

The regarde of our auncient amitie and long continued acquaintaunce, wherein so firmelie and manie yeares wee haue beene knit togithers, will not permit (my good D.) that wee for one slender grudge, (rather by the malice and despite of others enuying our olde friendship, then by anie occasion of our selues, in ill time suggested betweene vs) shoulde in this sort bee disseuered. True it is, that before this time the like breach, or anie thing neare vnto the same was neuer seene betweene vs, but what (mischiefe) shall I nowe tearme it, or imagine to bee the occasion, that in so vnlooked time, and vpon so vnexpected occasion, hath in this vilde sort, giuen meane to vntie vs, betweene whome so great a league of loue, so long confirmed and approoued liking, so manie protestations and vowes haue ere this passed, as that by the force thereof it might well haue seemed wee should neuer haue fallen to this variance. But what cannot enuie doe? What is it that cruell, detestable and inueterate malice cannot performe? Credite mee, my D. for my part I am sorie that euer follie so much maistred vs, as to hearken in any sort to the stirrers vp of such bitternesse. And as my selfe was the first that by admittaunce and allowaunce of those rumours gaue the formost onset, by meanes whereof grewe this discontenting and vnkinde department betweene vs: so will I bee the first that shall endeuour to renue againe our friendshippe by a more iust reconcilement, to the intent the fruites of our vnfained liking becomming by such meanes the more forcible, may render vnto all the worlde a sufficient testimonie, how hard and difficult a thing it is to part those whome (but onelie death itselfe) hath power to disseuer. Bee onelie contented my D. once againe, to restablish that which being a little vntwisted, could neuer wholie be broken. Thy knowne good will, and heartie zeale vnto mee; assureth mee not to distrust the same at thy handes, which thou shalt euer finde to be graffed within me. This euening by Gods grace I meane at our lodging to see thee, whither, and to thy selfe I doe most heartilie commend me.

=This Reconciliatorie being different from that other |Conciliatorie| Epistle, by reason of the argument thereof tending to renue that, which formerlie might by the other before bee intreated for, carrieth the effects thereof as well as it dooth betwéene equals: so from an inferiour person to one who in reputation is somewhat more then his better. Upon presumption of whose fauor, or by negligence of his own dealing, hauing thrown himselfe into some disgrace with such a partie, he may by meanes herein offred, reconcile himselfe in any sort he list of humility. To the furtherance whereof, this example following may bee considered.=

_An Epistle Reconciliatorie, from an inferiour person,
to one that is his better._

[Sidenote: _Narratiō._]

[Sidenote: _Propositiō._]

[Sidenote: _Dichologia._]

[Sidenote: _Antithesis._]

[Sidenote: _Peroratiō._]

Pleaseth my honourable good L. It was giuen me to vnderstand about two daies passed by M. R. that your L. should very hardly conceiue of me, in that vpon some vrgent occasion, I delaied to yeeld that testimonie vnto his cause, which in equitie and reason I ought to doe: and the rather, for that by your earnest entreatie and request, I was eftsoones thereunto required. The griefe was not small I sustained thereby, in that hauing receiued many and sundrie benefits by your honourable fauour, whereby diuers waies I remaine in dutie and honestie charged during my life vnto your L. I should stand on so great a hazard, as the aduenture or losse of your good opinion, onely for a matter sinisterly suggested vnto you against mee, without anie maintainable reason. Your L. dooth I hope remember, in my last speeches had with you about the very same matter (albeit before that time, I stoode on some tearmes, doubting the malicious dealinges of the aduerse parties agaynst mee, in reuengment of my plaine and honest testimonie to bee there giuen) yet at the last I concluded, to gather together all the Notes ministring furtheraunce to the cause, and thereuppon to deliuer my true and certaine knowledge according as had beene required. Nowe, what care I haue sithence vsed in the matter, and vppon intelligence had with M. R. howe vehementlie in satisfaction of what might anie wayes content your L. and bee furthering to his right, I haue proceeded therein, I had rather himselfe shoulde deliuer, then I to become a reporter vnto you. Insomuch as I well knowe (howeuer any others haue misinformed your L.) himselfe as a Gentleman, will vppon his woorde assure the truth and certaintie. I did I must confesse at the first vse some delayes in immediate dispatch of the thing, but how and in what manner, and to what end and purpose, let him also relate. Your L. I hope, will therefore bee pleased to do mee that right, as not to be euill perswaded towardes mee, in a case wherein I haue vpon your honourable assuraunce and commaund, entred so farre foorth, as thereby I stande assured to haue purchased vnto my selfe matter ynough of hatred, and by those whome (hauing refused to entertaine as my friendes) I haue inabled sufficiently thereby to become my heauie and bitter enemies. The hatred of whome cannot vnto mee anie wayes become so iniurious as the ill conceyte of your L. should redound to bee of all others most grieuous. For mine owne parte (so much doe I stande on the reuerent regarde and account I beare vnto your L.) as were it not I rest perswaded that vpon the equall deliueraunce conceiued of my willing minde vnto your seruice, you would againe bee reconciled in fauourable and good opinion towards me, I should so farre foorth bee discontented in my selfe, as neuer could I bee at attonement with mine actions, wherein by the least sparke of negligence whatsoeuer, I might thinke to haue ouerslipped anie thing that shoulde become displeasing, or otherwise offensiue vnto your honourable liking. Your L. woonted fauour and bountie giueth mee great expectation of the contrarie, and mine innocencie and true report of maister R. doth also in some sort assure me. Whereupon remaining as he that alwaies thinketh his life no better spent, then for and in your L. vtmost seruice, I humblie surcease, this day of, &c.

_Of Epistles Petitorie. Chap. 15._

=The manner of these Epistles might in another purpose then herein expressed, bee also applyed, as being |Reconciliatorie|, in the behalfe of some other to bee written, as occasion may bee offered, but forasmuch as they in that sort beeing handled, doe for the most part, fall into the |Swasorie|, |Disswasorie|, |Defensorie|, or |Excusatorie| kinde, I deeme it besides necessitie, to write anie further examples thereof, for that when anie such shall bee brought in question, the substaunce and conueyance of the state and cause, may readily thereunto be drawne out of the places before sorted vnto each of those kindes, as in the discourse formerly set forth are at large remembred. In manifestation whereof, let it be considered, that if by an epistle of this title I shoulde endeuour to reconcile a man to his wife, or a woman to her husband, a seruaunt to his maister, or a maister to his seruant: the father to the Childe, the friende to a friende, the neighbour to neighbour, or kinsman to kindred. Needes must I for the compassing thereof shewe some reasons howe and which way to induce these, and therefor must I of necessitie run into diuers perswasions, defences or excuses, in the qualities whereof (by whatsoeuer action I goe about to transpose them) the effectes yet must néedes be concluded. Sufficeth therefore that for these Epistles I haue deliuered sufficiently, and herewith will wee wade vnto the nexte, which in order hereunto are |Petitorie|. And in asmuch as these Epistles are so named, for the earnest |petition| or requests in euerie of them contained, and that the variety of thinges are such to be demanded, and mens conditions so diuers, at whose handes or from whom the same are to be receiued: It therefore falleth out by consequence that according thereunto the maner of the Epistle must needs also be diuers and variable. For some things ther are which fauorably and with great indifferencie, are oftentimes to be graunted, required or obtained, as counsell, aid, patronage, good speeches, natural care and regard, & such other like. Some also and such semblable persons, as for which, or to whom, to aske or sue a certain kind of shame, is in a māer tied, |viz.| in crauing, borrowing, importuning, charging, or to vehement troubling. The stile, order, and deliuery therefore appertaining to either of these must needly be different. Touching then the generality of both, to either of them it is requisite that in the |Exordium|, an indeuour bee vsed whereby to adhibit vnto vs the good will, fauour, or good liking of him to whome wee write. Nexte that therein wee procéede according to our acquaintance with the partie, his estate, credite, or supporte whereby to pleasure vs. Thirdlie, that the cause we take vpon vs to preferre, bee iust, lawfull, and honest. Fourthly, that it be in his ability, or power, counsel, aid, or protection, to prefer or relieue vs. Fiftly, the order or meanes whereby the same may be wrought and accomplished. Sixtly, our gratitude and |remuneration|, worthily tied to the thankefull acknowledgement or requitall of the same. In the first sorte of these, the cause standing fauourable or indifferent, we may the more bolder indeuour to produce or lay forth the aptnes or beseeming therof. In the second, greater modestie, and a more shamefast deliuerance is to be retained, the preferring whereof woulde be best by |insinuation|, the better by couert meanes to wade into the depth of our |petitiō|. In this place a more then ordinarie bashfulnes would bee admitted, which giueth no small furtherance to euerie demaund, as audacious and wainscot impudencie on the other side returneth the greatest impediment in anie thing to be obtained. For no man willingly would do benefit to such a one who in maner goeth about as of duety and not of curtesie to exact the same, and rather as a commaunder then crauer, woulde impudently thrust himselfe to the obtaining thereof. And because the whole course hereof obserued by way of euerie |Petition|, is by inference of many circumstances to be altogither determined, the order as I haue related vnto you before, must be conueyed by places |Swasorie|, resting very often in confirmation of the honestie, goodnes, lawfulnes, and needfulnes of our petition. And if the |Exordium| be happily framed of his person to whom we direct our letters, it shall not be amisse that therein briefly wee capitulate some parte of his vertues, curtesies, humanity, bounty, readines to comfort, pleasure, or doe reliefe vnto any, whereby we may priuately draw his fauour and good acceptance vnto vs: besides, if he haue made vs before time beholding vnto him, we shall gladly acknowledge the same, and declare that being already indebted, we study more thereby to yoke our selues vnto him. If of our owne persons, then shall we lay open, with what great expectation and regard we do in our conceits entertaine the desertes and worthinesse of such a one, modestly preferring what in fauor of him, and common and equall loue or regard hath passed between vs. If of the interchangeable loue, liking and curtesie, whilome resting between our predecessors or auncistors, then the weight and force thereof we shall put forwards accordingly. If of the person of our aduersarie against whom we demaund any assistance, fauor, protection, or remedy, we may infer (if any such be) the common mislike of both of vs towardes him, and how ill he hath deserued at eithers handes and thereupon require aid against him. If of the thing or matter it selfe, the same be to be caried, we shall shew the value, godlines, goodnes, or common benefit of the same, that the matter is vnto him easie, to vs of great importance, and if without arrogancie it may be done, we may inforce some occasions of benefit or other contentment thenceforth to happen vnto him. And if any discommoditie do happily séem to appeare in laying open the same (the liklihood whereof may either alienate his minde, or withdraw his assistance or other liking from vs) that shall we either study to extinguish or otherwise, as much as we may, to qualifie or auoide; By such kind of meanes, behooueth we prepare our selues to the deliuery of our petition, which being in as apt and plaine tearms as may be laid open, we shal by such inforcements (as in moouing affections hereunto, may be deemed pertinent) with greater facilitie procure the same to be effected.=

_An example of an epistle Petitorie written on the
behalfe of another._

[Sidenote: _Exordium._]

[Sidenote: _Narratiō._]

[Sidenote: _Allegoria._]

[Sidenote: _Epilogus._]

The studie and great desire wherewith (sir) I see you bent continually to the vniuersall aid and benefit of al men, and for which to your great praise you haue generally well deserued, and deseruedly are euerie where reputed, hath mooued me in the behalfe of this poore man to become a petitioner vnto you. About two moneths since, hee had dealings with a neighbour of yours, touching a farme which he was for tearme of yeares to take at his hands, and notwithstanding a promise and graunt thereof to this bearer made (in consideration whereof he paide him then in hand a good parte of his money) the iniurious cormorant glutting him selfe with extorting from the pouertie of this and manie others, hath sithence that, not onelie passed a demise thereof in writing to another, but goeth about to defraud the poore man of his money, the sum whereof is the whole patrimonie, riches, and stocke of himselfe, his poore wife and familie. And for so much as without the countenance of some one fauouring the poore mans right, hee is like to bee ouerborne with the weight of the other, and so consequently to bee vndone: I haue thought good to make thus bolde to pray your lawful fauour in his furtherance, that by your authoritie and meanes, some honest satisfaction or ende may be therein to his behoofe had. You shall doe an act verie charitable, in dealing for such a one, for the procuring of whose right, his heartie praiers for your safety shall witnes wel the comfort you shall do him therein. I am perswaded your speach and aid may herein preuaile verie much, as a thing which with great facilitie you may cause to bee dispatched. And for my self, as I shal at no time rest vnmindful of my request tendred vnto you herein, so shall I not faile in what I may to the vttermost of my power to satisfie you, by whatsoeuer possible requitall. And euen so with my heartie commendations, I doe bid you farewel. R. this twelfth of Aprill.

_An example petitorie in the nature
of Reconciliatorie, from a sonne
to his displeased
father._

[Sidenote: _Metaphora._]

[Sidenote: _Exordium._]

[Sidenote: _Epitheton._]

[Sidenote: _Ecphonesis._]

[Sidenote: _Periphrasis._]

[Sidenote: _Metanoia._]

[Sidenote: _Antithesis._]

If floods of teares sealed with harde and bitter sighes, if continuall sorrow and neuer ceasing care, if consuming griefes not of a diseased bodie, but of a pestred mind, might haue rendred sufficient and assured testimonie, whereby to perswade your laden eares surcharged by this time with the weight of my incessaunt and continuall cries: the intollerable woes wherein I liued, secluded from the right and name of a sonne, and barred quite from the sweete and gentle tearme of a louing and kinde father, hadde ere this time giuen meane of recouerie, to my daunted and dismayed spirites, and kindled in mee some wan hope, one day to haue founde an houre so happie, wherein by a right conceite conceiued of my vnkindlie pleasures, or conuinced by the importunity of those who haue pittied my euils, your naturall care might in some sorte or other haue bin renued, to the redresse of all my fore wearied and heauie groning mischiefs. But infortunate as I am, that for all the humble suit so manie times presented in these and such like blubbered lines, so hardened is the mind of him I write vnto, that whilome hauing bin a deare and louing parent, I may not heerein dare to tender, or so much as once put forwarde vnto him, the appellation of a gratious and pittifull father. If it haue so pleased vnto your grauitie, in such seuere manner still to deale with me, and that the hatefull shewe of my ill desertes, is yet become of so loathed and detestable recordation, in this verie season vnto you: then as (before time) eftsoones doe confesse my letters vntimelie to haue approched vnto you: but if the long detained grace, by whose heauie want (your sonne might I say?) nay, the forlorne and despised issue of your aged yeares (for so I am now forced to say) is perforce driuen almost into a desperate conceite and mislike of his liuing, may by the least sparke of expectation, be annexed to the most vehement effects of his prostrate and meekest submission, then groueling vppon the lowest ground, and humbling my highest imaginations to the deepest bottome, wherein your implacable displeasures haue hitherto beene coueted, as meekely and with as penitent speeches, as anie grieued and passionate minde can vtter: I do beseech you sir, that at the last you will receyue (not into your accustomed fauour) but to your common and ordinarie lyking, the most disgraced of all your children, and pardoning the disobedience wherein hee dared once so far foorth to prouoke agaynst him, the weight of your knowne anger, vouchsafe hee may nowe againe bee of your familie, though not partaking with your children.

[Sidenote: _Epilogus._]

This sole benefite and last request if my burthened soule may obtaine at your handes, happilie I may then liue as comforted by the hope of that whereunto a buzie and carefull endeuour may once peraduenture enable me, otherwise dying in the ouerflowing of my desperate and continued griefes, I pray at Gods handes I may obtaine that by mercie, which cruell destinie in my life time could neuer win vnto me, by all possible intreatie. My submissiue dutie answerable to the regarded place of your fatherlie authoritie compelleth mee to attend with all humblenesse the resolution of your clemencie. In the hope whereof, resting my decayed and ouerwearied imagination, I liue till the receyt of your knowne lyking do ascertaine, in what sort may please you to repute me.

=The stile of this Epistle is vehement, because the passions of him from whence it came were vehement, and is deduced as you see from the nature of |Reconciliatorie|, which aswell for the submissiue & lowest tearmes it beareth, as also for the vrgent petition therin contained, I haue rather chosen to place among yᵉ |Petitorie|. The part of |honest| herein deliuered, is passed in wordes méekest & of great obedience, wherein he studieth by all possibilitie to mittigate towards himselfe, the too much seueritie of his father. The |Exordium| is carried by |Insinuation|, expressing the vehement affects and surcharged conceits of a mind more then ordinarilie grieued. The |Possibilitie| resteth in the father, which commonlie by nature is with some more facilitie then estranged diffcultie, entreated towards his sonne. The meane to compasse it, is the mitigation or satisfaction of the iust mislike of a father, whose charged authoritie affecteth nothing so much as obedience in children. Thus are the places required herein, in sort as you see performed. And for because within any one title, there is no one thing affoording matter more plentifull, or with vse more commonlie frequented, then is this |petitorie| kinde, (insomuch as whatsoeuer containeth any speciall request, is hereunder included) I will sort you downe so many examples of all sorts, as that there shall not faile herein wherewith sufficientlie to instruct whatsoeuer in the like occasion is or ought to be required.=

_An Epistle Petitorie, wherein is craued trauell and counsell
to be assistant vpon vrgent occasion._

[Sidenote: _Exordium._]

[Sidenote: _Narratiō._]

[Sidenote: _Petitiō._]

[Sidenote: Possibilitie.]

As one greatlie emboldned by the forwardnesse of your woonted courtesie and liking euer bent towards me, I haue dared (Sir) once again vpon presumption of the like, hereby to intreate you, wherein you may see in what degree of affection I do intertaine you, in that not contented, I haue alreadie so manie and so often times vsed you, I doe by such meanes endeuour solie to make my selfe wholy and to none other so much as beholding vnto you. My man hath returned me from London, how by more then common celeritie I haue in my suite beene preuented by my aduersarie, whereby it is like, my cause standing vpon so great a hazard, it will goe verie hard with mee. Nowe if your woonted counsell, and friendly assistance bee not speedilie ayding, both the hope of benefit, charge and expense thereof will be lost vtterly? In regard whereof, these may bee in as earnest maner as is possible to intreate you, that vpon the attendance of my man, I may (as woontedlie) vse you. Your counsell ioyned with a little trauell may greatlie profite me, and now more then at any time else, exceedinglie pleasure mee. Wherein if it may please you to yoke mee further vnto you by the waight of your courtesie: I shall not onelie endeuour by all possibilitie to requite it, but also your selfe shall not faile at anie time to finde such a one of mee, as of whose trauaile, industrie, or what other abilitie to pleasure you, you may account of assuredlie. I haue by certaine other Letters mooued my L. to haue fauourable consideration touching mee, which as I am informed, his L. hath receyued. What els to bee performed heerein, my man shall make knowne vnto you. And thus doubting as little of your friendship herein, as of mine owne thankfull disposition, prest alwayes to the vttermost to requite you, I doe heartilie bid you farewell, D. of this, &c.

_An other of the same._

Sir, I am so bolde in my great necessitie, vnder assurance of your forwardnes to do me good, to entreate your especiall ayde and furtherance in two things, the one whereof this bearer shall instruct you in, the other your selfe can best tell, for that I made you at my last speech acquainted with the same. Both of which consisting in your labour and deuice, I am of opinion that none then your selfe can fitte the occasion better. And trulie such is the force of imprisonment, as contrarie to that you haue woontedly knowne in me, mine vnderstanding is quite decaied, and forworne with my libertie, and where the spirits are so distuned, it must needes follow, the memorie can sounde nothing but discord.

In fine, sir it is in you to doe me good, and to make me by this onlie action for euer beholding vnto you, wherein if I may so farre foorth presume of your fidelitie, assure your selfe, that if euer God giue mee libertie, A. C. to none so much as to you shall be yoked in courtesie. Good M. D. the matter hereof requireth some haste, wherunto I most heartilie entreate you. Fare ye well, this of, &c.

_A Letter responsorie to the same._

Good M. C. needelesse were it you should entreate mee in that, wherein you haue founde mee alwayes most willing, and such whome with small perswasions you may induce to a farre greater purpose then what in your last letter is required. The Messenger I haue appointed to morrow morning to returne againe to my lodging, at which time I will not faile to finish, what in the best sort I can conceiue to bee vnto your occasions furthering. Hard will it bee for mee to accomplish that, wherein your selfe seeme so vnperfect, for that the dullest conceyte forged from the most distempered of your imaginations, cannot but sounde farre better tunes then the ripest of my inuention is anie wayes able to deliuer. Neuerthelesse, such as it is, or so much as (by dislike of your owne) you haue will to account of, that will I prepare to your view, and put forward to your good speed, thinking it better by deliuerie of a grosse deuise to satisfie the demaunde of a friend, then by concealing the simplicitie therof to bee censured as vncourteous. In conclusion, it is (sir) lawfull for you to vse mee to the vttermost, and fittest to our confirmed league of amitie, that (in whatsoeuer) you should imploy mee, wherein I desire you conceiue no more, then such as I intend to become, and you shall assuredly find me, viz. yours, &c.

=Here must I note vnto you the last of these Epistles |Petitorie|, in which is neither |Exordium| nor |Narration|, but formost of all the petition, and afterwards the parts folowing, the like whereof you may perchance finde hereafter. For that where practise and skill hath enabled a man to doe well, there is no necessitie that such should bee tied to rule, who being of sufficient knowledge and capacitie are able to discerne what is méetest, and accordinglie to direct the square of their owne doings, sometimes one way, sometimes another, as in the intendment thereof, may to the present occasion séeme most conuenient and readie. And as in this one Letter, so may the learner light vpon many others being different also from the obseruation herein deliuered, & somtimes abruptly entring into the matter without any limitation at all, one other example whereof shall bee next hereunto deliuered, the first beginning of which, declareth the meane of accomplishment of the request, before the petition declared, whereunto by imitation the vnskilfull may not rashlie enter, without good aduisement of what in the performance is meete to be considered; The method of which is in this sort pursued.=

_An example Petitorie, concluding a briefe request and curteous
remembrance of a thing before time promised._

Nowe is the time (wherein if your pleasure bee) you may perfourme what erst you haue promised. I therefore desire you as heartilie as I may, that your intent, being to doe me good, you will nowe execute the same. And albeit I doubte not of your willingnesse herein, whose curtesie hath not beene straunge towardes mee: yet rather enforced by mine owne necessitie and continuall remembraunce of my vnprouided estate then by anie other misgeuing, I prepare these lines, sollicitours of your expected promise, which bearing in their fronte a token of oportunitie, woulde praie you not to let slippe occasion, but with as much speede as willingnesse to accomplish the same. Remembring howe manie waies I am beholding vnto you, I remaine in accompt of your curtesies, rather studious to thinke on them, then anie waies able to requite them, &c.

_Another example of the like effect._

[Sidenote: _Exordium_, by comparison.]

[Sidenote: _Insinuatiō._]

[Sidenote: _Peroratiō._]

Even as a bold begger, the more he is relieued, the more he still presseth forward vpon the bounty of those, whom he supposeth to fauor him: so fareth it with mee, who hauing eftsoons enioied your trauel to my no small benefit, am neuertheles so shameles as stil to importune you in the same. I haue, sir, I cōfesse, by your good means recieued sundrie fauors at the hands of my Lord, which I cannot, nor euer shall be able to requite vnto you, the matter of my suite notwithstanding hetherto depending before his honour, I neither can nor may so farre foorth withdrawe my selfe, but I must needes nowe and then solicite you, as the Gentleman by whose onelie curtesie and perseuerance in woonted care and good affection towardes mee I do liue, and so liuing, continue my daies and yeares with such assured respecte, as hee that hath sworne and vowed in himselfe neuer to forget you. It doeth sir, so much stande mee vpon the procuring of his L. letter in my behalfe, for the indifferente triall and hearing of my cause, as without (in speciall and earnest speeches the same be directed for mee to the Iustices and Commissioners) I am in greate despaire howe the case will goe with mee. It is you therefore that must helpe mee herein, and by your onelie meanes I must bee warranted in this action, the intendment whereof furthering so much vnto right and cause of equitie as it doeth, I hope his L. vpon your motion will the easilier condiscende vnto. This is that I require at your handes, and to the speedie dispatch whereof I may not cease to importune you. Whereon concluding for the present, I doe heartilie bid you farewel, &c.

_Of Epistles Commendatorie.
Chap. 16._

=Much more might bee handled in this kinde, the method whereof is one of the most ordinarie of any sortes of Letters that are indited, for that the greatest number of directions are commonlie concluded in this matter, the requests wherof doe either especially concerne the writer, or are otherwise to be respected in the behalfe of some other. The occasion of which hath caried herein the plentie of so many examples, that by manifesting the diuersities of their orders and vses, the learner might not wante wherein to bee directed, and choice of varietie wherewith to be delighted. Now, besides these hereby alreadie deliuered, there are letters also yᵗ might be suted vnder this forme, which from Noble men or others, are many times written in fauor of sundrie persons, containing requests in their behalfs to be performed, which not withstanding the difference of estates in that the same doe for the most part passe vnto their inferiours, yet séemeth the nature thereof to be |petitorie|, but in a different order of these to be altogether pursued. Insomuch as neither agree-eth it, to vse like circumstances of humilitie and entreatie, nor of pleasures or curtesie, as in the other are required: but rather a necessarie supposall and assurance of their demandes to be hearkened vnto, in respect that of their honours, reputations, or credites, it is intended they will require nothing, but that with reasonable toleration may be liked of. But the vse of such kinde of directions in choise of both, I rather hold pertinent to the title |Cōmendatorie|, for that whatsoeuer is therein written, in fauour eyther of the person or of the cause, may in respect of the honour or reputation of those from whome they come, bee better déemed in sorte of a curteous recommendation, then otherwise by or vnder anie title of humilitie or submission: for these causes I haue thought meete to adioine immediatelie hereunto, the same Epistles |Commendatorie|, beeing so nearelie combined with those of |Petitorie| as they are. The vse whereof are not neuerthelesse so farre forth caried, but that from an inferiour to his superiour, in some causes and vpon sundrie accidentes, the same are deriued. The places appertaining vnto these kindes of Epistles be as in the |Petitorie| are alreadie declared, chiefely when the same, intendeth to a cause or person preferred to be fauoured. In which, when it concerneth the person, we must beware that in the credible deliuerie of whatsoeuer tending to his praise or preferment, we doe it either by warrant of our owne knowledge, or by such certaine report of others, whose opinion we deeme will not bee misled. And if neither of these doe fall out to be knowne or beleeued, then shal we shew what information wee haue besides our owne opinion, or peraduenture no other assurance at all but our owne simple liking. Petitions also are frequented in requiring fauour to these causes, wherein standeth in highest regarde the state, countenance or authoritie of him, from whome the letter is framed, who accordingly thereunto may desire that the rather at his request, or vpon his sute, or for his sake, or in regarde of his liking, the person may bee accompted of, or the action furthered. Besides, it may bee added to the increase of a more speedie performance, the loue, (if anie be, or the occasion thereunto sorting) we owe to him we commende, or in whose fauour we write, either solie for himselfe, or conueyed from his friendes, his parentes, the consideration of his charge of wife, children or seruantes, the wrong offered, benefite to be attained, or whatsoeuer other matter to bee deemed requisite or conuenient. Nowe from whence or out of what instigations, the matter of such commendation is to bee drawne, you haue in the generall chapters of this booke alreadie at large. The circumstances of which, and whatsoeuer else hereby forewarned, shall in the ensuing examples bee more at large deliuered.=

An example commendatorie, wherein
_is recommended to a noble man from his in-
feriour, the conditions and behauiours
of a person_.

[Sidenote: _Narratiō._]

[Sidenote: Cōmendation of the party.]

[Sidenote: _Petition._]

[Sidenote: _Peroratiō._]

It may please your Lordship, This Gentleman the bearer hereof, with whome a long time I haue beene acquainted, and of his qualities and good behauiour haue had sounde and large experiment, hauing beene a good time a sutor vnto mee, to mooue his preferment vnto your Lordships seruice: I haue nowe at the last condiscended vnto, aswell for that I know your Lordship to be now presentlie disfurnished of such a one, as also that there shall hardlie be preferred vpon a sudden any one so meete as himselfe to supplie that place. And thus much by your pardō and allowance dare I assure vnto you, yᵗ if it may please you in credit of my simple knowledge and opiniō to imploy him, you shal find that besides he is by parētage discended from such, as of whome I knowe your Lordship will verie well accompt of, hee is also learned, discreete, sober, wise, and moderate in all his actions, of great secrecie and most assured trust, gouerned in all companies accordinglie: finallie, a man so meete, and to this present turne so apt and necessarie, as I cannot easilie imagine howe you may be serued better. Pleaseth your L. the rather for the great good will I beare him, and humble duetie I owe vnto you, to accept, imploie, and accompt of him. I nothing doubt but your L. hauing by such means giuen credit to my choice, shall finde him such, as for whose good seruice, you shall haue further occasion to thinke well of mee for him. Whereof nothing doubting, I doe refer both him and my selfe in all humblenesse to your best and most fauorable opinion, from my house in B. this of, &c.

_A Letter responsorie to the same._

After my verie heartie commendations vnto you. Sithence the receipt of your last letters and recommendations of P. B. into my seruice, I haue had small occasion either to write or send vnto you till this present. And for so much as vpon your certaine notice deliuered vnto mee in fauour of his preferment, I helde my selfe so well assured in all thinges of his behauiour, as I doubted not thereupon to receiue him in place of greatest fidelitie, I haue thought good heereby to let you vnderstand, what great pleasure I haue taken in his diligent attendance, assuring you that for manie vnexpected qualities, which I haue prooued to be in him, I doe woonderfullie well like of him, and that with so good affection, as I intend not to omit anie thing that may tend to his aduauncement. In beholding him oftentimes mee thinkes hee manie wayes dooth resemble his father, who in sounde troth, I doe suppose, might haue beene intertained with the best for his well deseruing. This bearer shall enforme you of some especiall causes, concerning my affayres in the Countrey, whom I doe pray you to conferre with, and to affoord your trauell for his present dispatch, which I will not faile heartily to requite vnto you. For your care had of my wants, and diligent supply of such a one I do many times thanke you, and haue promised in my selfe for the same to become a debter vnto you. And euen so I do bid you hartilie fare wel. From the Court this of, &c.

_An other Epistle Commendatorie of the sort
before deliuered._