In studies whatsoever a man commandeth upon himself let him set hours for it; but whatsoever is agreeable to his nature, let him take no care for any set hours, for his thoughts will fly to it of themselves. Such letters as are written from wise men are of all the words of men, in my judgment, the best; for they are more natural than orations, public speeches, and more advanced than conference or present speeches. SAMUEL DANIEL. 1562-1619. O blessed Letters! that combine in one To do worthy the writing, and to write And tho' books, madam, cannot make this Mind, And touch it so, as that it turns that Way And give the Soul the best Delight that may WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE, Me, poor man, my library Was dukedom large enough. 1564-1616. Tempest, i. 2. Knowing I loved my books, he furnished me, From my own library, with volumes that I prize above my dukedom. Tempest, i. 2. Sir, he hath never fed of the dainties that are bred in a book. Love's Labour Lost, iv. 2. The books, the arts, the acadèmes, That show, contain, and nourish all the world. Come, and take a choice of all my library; And so beguile thy sorrow. Titus Andronicus, iv. I. ALONZO OF ARRAGON. Alonzo of Arragon was wont to say in commendation of Age, that Age appeared to be best in four things old wood best to burn; old wine to drink; old friends to trust ; and old authors to read.—Bacon's Apophthegms, No. 101. : ANTONIO DE GUEVARA. d. 1544. He that lives in his own fields and habitation, which God hath given him, enjoys true peace. The very occasion of ill-doing is by his presence taken away. He busieth not himself in a search of pleasures, but in regulating and disposing of his family; in the education of his children and domestick discipline. No violent tempestuous motions distract his rest, but soft gales and a silent aire, refresh and breath upon him. He doth all things commodiously, ordereth his life discreetly, not after the opinion of the people, but by the rules of his own certain experience. He knows he must not live here for ever, and therefore thinks frequently of dissolution and the day of death. He that lives in the country, hath Time for his servant, and whatsoever occasions offer themselves-if he be but a discreet observer of his hours-he can have no cause to complaine that they are unseasonable. Nothing will hinder him from the pleasure of books, from devotion, or the fruition of his friends. ... More happy then, yea by much more happy than any king, if not nearer to a divine felicitie, is that person who lives and dwels in the country upon the rents and profits of his own grounds. There without danger he may act and speake as it becomes simplicity and naked truth. He hath liberty and choice in all his imployments. In the country we can have a harmelesse and cheerfull conversation with our familiar friends, either in our houses or under some shade; whereas in publick company there are many D things spoken at randome, which bring more of wearinesse than of pleasure to the hearers. But the quiet retyr'd liver, in that calme silence, reads over some profitable histories or books of devotion, and very often -stird up by an inward and holy joy-breaks out into divine praises and the singing of hymnes and psalms; with these sacred recreations-more delightfull than romances, and the lascivious musick of fidlers, which only cloy and weary the ears-doth he feed his soule and refresh his body. The day it self-in my opinion-seems of more length and beauty in the country, and can be better enjoyed than any where else. There the years passe away calmly, and one day gently drives on the other, insomuch that a man may be sensible of a certaine satietie and pleasure from every houre, and may be said to feed upon Time it self, which devours all other things. O who can never fully expresse the pleasures and happinesse of the country-life! what oblectation and refreshment it is, to behold the green shades, the beauty and majesty of the tall and ancient groves, to be skill'd in planting and dressing of orchards, flowres, and pot-herbs, to temper and allay these harmlesse imployments with an innocent merry song, to ascend sometimes to the fresh and healthfull hils, to descend into the bosome of the valleys, and the fragrant, deawy meadows, to heare the musick of birds, the murmurs of bees, the falling of springs, and the pleasant discourses of the old plough-men, where without any impediment or trouble a man may walk, and-as Cato Censorius us'd to say-discourse with the dead, that is, read the pious works of learned men, who departing this life, left behind them their noble thoughts for the benefit of posterity and the preservation of their own worthy names.-The Praise and Happinesse of the Countrie-Life; written originally in Spanish by Don Antonio de Guevara, Bishop of Carthagena, and Counsellour of Estate to Charls the Fifth Emperour of Germany. Put into English by H. Vaughan, Silurist. 1651. JOSEPH SCALIGER. 1540-1609. I wish I were a skilful grammarian. No one can understand any author, without a thorough knowledge of grammar. Those who pretend to undervalue learned grammarians, are arrant blockheads without any exception. From whence proceed so many dissensions in religious matters, but from ignorance of grammar ?— Scaligerana. OLD ENGLISH SONG. O for a Booke and a shadie nooke, With the grene leaves whisp'ring overhede, both of the Newe and Olde; For a jollie goode Booke whereon to looke, |