are rather gained by experience than by much readng; to the end that, entering into this exorbitanage, thou mayest be the better prepared to shun whose scandalous courses whereunto the world, and the lack of experience, may easily draw thee. And because I will not confound thy memory, I have reduced them into ten precepts; and, next unto Moaes's tables, if thou imprint them in thy mind, thou shalt reap the benefit, and I the content. And they are these following.

When it shall please God to bring thee to man's estate, use great providence and circumspection in choosing thy wife; for thence will spring all thy future good or evil and it is an action of life, like unto a stratagem of war, wherein a man can err but once. If thy estate be good, match near home and at leisure; if weak, far off and quickly. Ixquire diligently of her disposition, and how her parents have been inclined in their youth. Let her not be poor, how generous soever; for a man can buy nothing in the market with gentility. Nor choose a base and uncomely creature altogether for wealth; for it will cause contempt in others, and loathing in thee. Neither make choice of a dwarf or a fool; for by the one thou shalt beget a race of pigmies, the other will be thy continual disgrace; and it will yerke thee to hear her talk: for thou shait find it to thy great grief, that there is nothing more fulsome than a she-fool.

And, touching the guiding of thy house, let thy hospitality be moderate; and, according to the Bicans of thy estate, rather plentiful than sparing,

but not costly; for I never knew any man grow poor by keeping an orderly table. But some consume themselves through secret vices, and their hospitality bears the blame. But baxish swinish

drunkards out of thine house, which is a vice impairing health, consuming much, and makes no show. I never heard praise ascribed to the drunkard, but for the well-bearing of his drink, which is a better commendation for a brewer's horse or a dray-man, than for either a gentleman or a serving man. Beware thou spend not above three or four parts of thy revenues, nor above a third part of that in thy house; for the other two parts will do no more than defray the extraordinaries, which always surmount the ordinary by much: otherwise, thou shalt live, like a rich beggar, in continual want. And the needy man can never live happily nor contentedly; for every disaster makes him ready to mortgage or sell; and that gentleman who sells an acre of land, sells an ounce of credit: for gentility is nothing else but ancient riches; so that if the foundation shall at any time sink, the building must need follow. So much for the first precept.

Bring thy children up in learning and obedience, yet without outward austerity. Praise them openly, reprehend them secretly. Give them good countenance and convenient maintenance according to thy ability, otherwise thy life would seem their bon. dage; and what portion thou shalt leave them at thy death, they will thank death for it, and not thec. And I am perenaded that the foolish cockering of soine parents, and the over-stern carriage of

others, causeth more men and women to take ill courses, than their own vicious inclinations. Marry thy daughters in time, lest they marry themselves. And suffer not thy sons to pass the Alps; for they shall learn nothing there but pride, blasphemy, and atheism: and if by travel they get a few broken languages, that shall profit them nothing more than to have one meat served in divers dishes. Neither, by my consent, shalt thou train them up in wars; for he that sets up his rest to live by that profession, can hardly be an honest man or a good Christian: beside, it is a science no longer in request than use; for, soldiers in peace are like chimneys in summer.

Live not in the country without corn and cattle about thee; for he that putteth his hand to the purse for every expense of household, is like him that keepeth water in a sieve: and what provision thou shalt want, learn to buy it at the best hand; for there is one penny saved in four, betwixt buying in thy need, and when the markets and seasons serve fittest for it. Be not served with kinsmen or friends, or men entreated to stay; for they expect much, and do little: nor with such as are amorous; for their heads are intoxicated. And keep rather too few, than one too many. Feed them well, and pay them with the most; and then thou mayest boklly require service at their hands.

IV.

Let the kindred and allies be welcome to thy house and table. Grace them with thy counte

M

nance, and further them in all honest actions; for by these means thou shalt so double the band of nature, as thou shalt find them so many advocates to plead an apology for thee behind thy back. But shake off those glow-worms, I mean parasites and sycophants, who will feed and fawn upon thee in the summer of prosperity; but, in the adverse storms, they will shelter thee no more than an arbour in winter.

Beware of suretyship for thy best friends. He that payeth another man's debts, sceketh his own decay. But if thou canst not otherwise choose, rather lend thy money thyself upon good bonds, although thou borrow it; so shalt thou secure thyself and pleasure thy friend. Neither borrow money of a neighbour or a friend, but of a stranger; where, paying for it, thou shalt hear no more of it; otherwise thou shalt eclipse thy credit, lose thy freedom, and pay as dear as to another. But in borrowing of money, be precious of thy word; for he that hath care of keeping days of payment, is lord of another man's purse.

VI.

Undertake no suit against a poor man with receiving much wrong; for, besides that thou makest him thy compeer, it is a base conquest to triumph where there is small resistance. Neither attempt law against any man before thou be fully resolved that thou hast right on thy side, and then spare not for either money or pains, for, a cause or two sʊ

followed and obtained will free thee from suits great part of thy life.

VII

Be sure to keep some great man thy friend; but trouble him not for trifles. Compliment him often with many, yet small, gifts, and of little charge. And if thou hast cause to bestow any great gratuity, let it be something which may be daily in sight; otherwise, in this ambitious age, thou shalt remain hke a hop without a pole, live in obscurity, and be made a foot-ball for every insulting companion to spurn at.

VIII.

Towards thy superiors, be humble, yet generous; with thine equals, familiar, yet respective. Towards thine inferiors show much humanity, and some familiarity; as to bow the body, stretch forth the hand, and to uncover the head, with such like popular compliments. The first prepares thy way to advancement: the second makes thee known for a man well-bred: the third gains a good report, which, once got, is easily kept; for right humanity takes such deep root in the minds of the multitude, as they are easilier gained by unprofitable courtesies than by churlish benefits. Yet I advise thee not to effect or neglect popularity too much. Seek not to be Essex: shun to be Raleigh.

IX.

Trust not any man with thy life, credit, or estate; for it is mere folly for a man to enthrall himself to a friend, as though, occasion being offered, he should not dare to become thy enemy.