The English Secretary

Of the Partes, Place and Office of a Secretorie

Considering howe many woorthie and excellent men, not onely in our present age, but in manie yeares before vs haue liued, none of all which (though questionlesse furnished with verie great abilitie) haue to my certaine knowledge, euer written ought in our English tongue, touching this title: It maie seeme questionable, how I the most disfurnished of manie others, and subiect thereby to the insight and correction of all others, durst take vppon mee to discourse thereupon, weighing with my selfe the subiect I take in hand, to be of speciall qualitie, and to none so much fitting as to those that bee greatest learned, best aduised, discreetest gouerned, and worthiest ruled, to treate vpon. Nor doe my selfe by such presumption of mine, déem the same to be of lesse moment then it is. Howbeit, as one tied by a former promise, in that my first edition of this present Methode of Epistles, haue nowe taken vpon me (as you see) to write thereupon.

Truth is, that as I am none of those that maie vaunt my selfe of any furniture sufficient to so speciall an end & purpose, yet haue I not bin in some time of the yeares I haue spent, altogither excluded from any fauour or tast therof at all. Neither haue I whollie spent the seasons I haue caried, so vainely, but that at one time or other I haue (not without some considerate aduerting) eyed the demeanours, issues, and dispositions of sundrie humors, by insight whereinto, and some proofe made of that which my selfe haue practised in place of seruice, I am bold in this onelie discourse, to aduenture the performance of that I haue promised.

In the discouerie whereof, my minde is not, nor shall be to prescribe vnto any one, but to deliuer what in mine owne opinion, I haue coniectured to be meetest in such a person. Wel regarding the number of those who enabled by farre better skill, or guided by experience, and their owne proper vertue, can both search and wade further therein, then my poore abilitie may anie waies looke into. For which my purpose is, and shall be in this present discourse, onlie to set forth vnto such, whose vnripened yeers, or want of decernment, haue not yet made them apt vnto so speciall a beeing, and qualitie: what in my plaine conceit, vnto the place and office of such a one, meete and fit to be a Secretorie, maie be thought most consonant and worthie.

To the accomplishment whereof, as the best and méetest induction to such a matter, it shall not bee to slender purpose, to speake first of the name thereof, and to sift out by what meane the partie seruing in such a place, had the originall title to be called a Secretorie. You shall then vnderstande, that as me séemeth, by speciall reason and iudgement, this name Secretorie, importing therein as it doth action of great consequence, doth beare in it matter of more circumstance, then by euerie one is considered, and by howe much the more honourable the place of attendance is, where such a one doth serue, by so much the more beseemeth the partie called vnto such seruice, be a man choice and of worthie estimate, habilitie and iudgement. So then am I not of opinion of the multitude, who holde that the praiseable endeuour or abilitie of well writing or ordering the pen, is the matter that maketh the Secretorie, (albeit the vse heereof is not the least part of manie other things incident to the same office) but that carying with it selfe a purpose of much weightier effect, the person therunto named was as a deriuatiue from that which containeth the chiefest title of credite, and place of greatest assurance that may be reposed, in respect of the affinitie they both haue of trust and fidelitie, each with the other, by great conceyte and discretion, tearmed to bee a Secretorie.

And albeit there happily maie be opinions some waies contrarying vnto this my present deliuerie, touching the originall of this title: yet standing directly assured that they all being laid togithers, must of necessitie conclude on the verie Secrecie, trust and regarde, speciallie imposed on him who beareth the same title: I will boldlie for this cause define, that in respect of such Secrecie, trust and assuraunce required at the handes of him who serueth in such place, the name was first giuen to be called a Secretorie, and that by the etymologie of the verie word it selfe, sounding in true coniecture, quasicustos, or conseruator secreti sibi commissi, a keeper or conseruer of the secret vnto him committed.

By this reason, we do call the most secrete place in the house, appropriate vnto our owne priuate studies, and wherein wee repose and deliberate by deepe consideration of all our waightiest affaires, a Closet, in true intendment and meaning, a place where our dealings of importance are shut vp, a roome proper and peculiar to our selues. And whereas into each other place of the house, it is ordinarie for euery néere attendant about vs to haue accesse: in this place we doe solitarie and alone shut vp our selues, of this we keepe the key our selues, and the vse thereof alone doe onelie appropriate vnto our selues.

And if we should run but into the nature of things secret, and consider by the name, what to such a matter is required, we shall find that of it owne selfe it chalengeth so much, wherby with three things most speciallie it is saide to be fortified, viz. with couertnes, that it be closelie kept from the eyes, eares or vnderstanding of others: Safetie, that securelie it be retained, and laid vp, both with choice respect and tendering: Assurance, that by no mistake, negligence, or defect of the partie hauing charge of such a secrete, it may turne to a preiudice.

Thus then by the concurrence of these, it appeareth that vnto euerie secrete there is required a Closet, and the proper vse of that Closet, is onelie for the couertnesse, saftie and assurance of the secrete: all which considered, let vs nowe see, if you will, what analogie or proportion they haue with our Secretorie.

It hath beene alreadie before alledged, that by the verie etimologie of the worde it selfe, both Name and Office in one, doe conclude vppon secrecie: If so, then in respect of the couertnes, safetie and assurance in him reposed, and not otherwise, the partie seruing in such place may be called a Secretorie. The Closet in euerie house, as it is a reposement of secrets, so is it onelie (as I saide before) at the owners, and no others commaundement: The Secretorie, as hee is a keeper and conseruer of secrets, so is hee by his Lorde or Maister, and by none other to bee directed. To a Closet, there belongeth properlie, a doore, a locke, and a key: to a Secretorie, there appertaineth incidentlie, Honestie, Care, and Fidelitie.

And forasmuch as by the concurrence of these twaine, both Name and Office doe seeme in vsage and account to be of so great waightinesse, and that our Secretorie, as wel in title, as place standeth by such declaration, ioyntlie tied vnto so district an obseruance: let vs now a little further enter into the function and place he beareth in such kinde of seruice, and consider that being in one condition a seruant, he is at the pleasure and appointment of another to be commanded: and being in a second respect as a Friend, he is charilie to haue in estimate, the state, honor, reputation and being of him whom he serueth.

Touching the first of these, in that he is (I meane) a Seruant, it is to be intended, that thereunto belongeth a Superiour, by whose absolute direction, his actions of seruice, are to bee ordered and commaunded. And notwithstanding the reputation, credite, and estate of beeing, to him giuen and allowed by his Lorde or Maister, hee is yet to consider, that the weight and summe thereof acrueth from his onelie fauor, countenance, and good opinion, and that by howe much the more, hee liberallie and of an honourable minde affoordeth vnto him the respectes thereof: by so much the more seriouslie ought hee by all possible endeuours of seruice and industrie, as farre forth as in him is, to studie to conserue and vpholde the same.

And herein seemeth it not fruitlesse to oppose vnto such a ones remembrance, some part of the considerations pertinent and annexed to the state of a seruant, and what dependancie in common reckoning resteth betwéene him, who beareth in his sway the authoritie and rule of a Maister, and the other, who in account that he is to be commanded, carieth a maner of subiection to that partie, who for the time of such seruice, is at his hands to bee reuerenced and obeyed.

In regard of which, wee are to see, that by the title and prerogatiue which euerie maister hath generallie ouer his seruant, there is a certaine linke of dutie, wherewith each one that serueth is strained to his obeysance. There is also by that very name of seruant a kind of fidelitie and trust required, more speciall then that betwéene the sonne and the father, and that of so great efficacy, as whereon (peraduenture) may rest not alonely this disposition of the goods, estate, & principall affairs, but also oftentimes yᵉ life, hazard or vndoing of the person of his said maister.

A Son cannot be saide to owe fidelitie to his parents, for which cause there is also no breach of trust on him to be imposed. If he deale contrarie to the condition of a son, the bond by which he is strained proceedeth of nature, and so are his actions accordinglie held for vnkind, or vnnaturall. But the seruant not linked by nature, is tied in trust, and by contrarying of such trust, or not performing thereof, is held treacherous or vnfaithfull. Besides, so great a predomination hath this name of fidelitie in the harts of a number, that many haue refused to commit themselues in times of hazard to their Children, but rather haue relied themselues wholie on the assurance of their seruants.

And howbeit, most certaine it is, that Nature woonderfullie swaieth manie times in her proper features, yet in this case hath she commonly lesse efficacie then in any others. For as a currant of water loseth his power in being turned backwarde, from his straightened course, but hath forcible passage in the waie that it holdeth: so is Nature in this action of parentes and children, which running forwards from issue to issue, hath mighty operation, but when it should be returned backwarde, hath seldome anie power at all.

Contrariwise, whether it be the honestie of the name that leadeth it, or the common reputation that each faithfull vsage carieth in the eares of good men, or a feruencie of affection, linked properlie to the place where anie trust is reposed, I will not now dispute vpon, but questionlesse, of so charie regarde hath fidelitie alwaies beene accounted, as immediatlie vpon the name of a seruant taken, it seemeth not alone to be vnto the selfe title appropriate, but it is in a manner by the proper allowance thereunto giuen, seuerelie exacted.

Now, albeit this kind of exaction and charge, seemeth in the deliuerie thereof to bee indéed verie great, yet when hee that serueth hath performed all that in such case is to be required: he cannot for this or that alledge, that hee hath effected anie more then whereunto by the verie loyalty of a seruant he was enioyned, nor can hee rightlie or properlie affirme, that by an extraordinarie respect more then he ought, he hath accomplished the same. For that in things whereunto a man is bounde, there can be no gratuitie opposed: but where a man aboue that hee is charged hath further endeuoured, or more worthilie attained, therein of troth, and not otherwise, shineth the greatest praise and glorie vnto him that maie be.

For this cause then doe I saie of our Secretorie, that as hee is in one degree in place of a seruant, so is he in another degrée in place of a friend. A seruant meanlie trained in some Mechanicall Science, sheweth fidelitie to his Maister, in an vpright dealing and disposition of his wares or goodes. Another in like sort hauing the receyte of his Maisters reuenewes, becommeth a faithfull dispenser in his accountes and reckonings. Some on the other side haue asmuch or the like fidelitie in keeping of counsels. Others againe by a termed zeale vnto their masters, haue in recognizing their fidelitie died willinglie for their fauours.

Of all these sortes of Fidelitie, the last as I am sure it hath lesse seeming of credence or supposition of troth in common beléeuing then anie of the others, so is it (you will grant mee,) the most assured and most moouing pittie, prayse and commendation, in all reckoning aboue anie of the others. And that such are and haue beene, I could recite vnto you sundrie remembrances, and one but of late yeares, that in verie sufficient knowledge fell out to be effected, and thus was the circumstance, as my vnderstanding could beare it.

When sir Iohn of Desmond in Ireland, some number of years passed, of a rebellious and cruell minde to the state there being, and principallie to her Maiesty, had solemnly conspired, and most tyrannously sworne the death and destruction of all English men in his Countrey, there happened one Henrie Dauill an English Gentleman to lie, at that verie bloudie pretended season, in the house of the saide Knight, and for two causes of him was thought entirelie to bee fauoured, the one in respect that hee was his Christian Gossip, as they there terme it (a linke strong inough to haue purchased fauour in that Countrey, had it not beene with a most bloudie tyrant) the other, in that hee was a Gentleman both courteous, bountifull and valiant.

This Maister Dauill had at that time onelie an Irish boy attendant vpon him, the time conspired for this murder was at midnight, when all men careleslie were sleeping. About the watch whereof, sir Iohn and his companie entring the Chamber of maister Dauill, wakened him from sléepe, opened the conspiracie, and willed him to prepare him to his lot, assuring him that were it not he had without exception vowed in his heart, and sworn the death of all English men, he could desirouslie, aswell for that he was his Christian Gossip, as for other loue he ought him, haue suffered his life, but all being appointed to die, he must go with the rest.

The boy hauing receiued into his eares the sound of his masters death, and therewith sundrie menacing strokes seeing readie to bee proffered, stirred (no question) by a most zealous Fidelitie, clasped on his masters breast, and with such slender resistance as hee coulde, did beare off the blowes, receyued vppon his owne bodie diuers and sundrie wounds, and doe what they could, no one could pull or remooue him from thence, till fretting rage kindeled in these mercilesse creatures, made them kill the Boy vppon his maister, and his Maister vnder the Boy, both at one instant togithers.

The memorie of this acte, as it is most pitifull in rehearsall, so will it of a number bee thought verie strange. If anie Fidelitie, haue by feruencie beene accounted off, this you will iudge of anie others ought chieflie to be embraced. But yet not this, nor anie of the residue of those partes of Fidelitie by mee alreadie deliuered are such, as in this place I hold meete to be pursued. For howbeit the seruice of our Secretorie is properlie by it selfe with all assurance to be caried, yet doe wee not place him in so meane a degree as that by corruption of coine, he might be held for distrusted nor on the other side would we haue him of iudgement so disfurnished, but that touching the difference of counsels, or tender of his life, he should make a decernment.

In this Boy voluntarilie as hee did, in the verie weakenesse of his yeares, to seeke by death his Maisters safegarde, was no doubt, a thing woorthie to bee admired. But in manifestation of so great loue, and testimonie of so loyall affection, had hee beene by yeares more enabled, it would haue beene thought verie fondlie of to haue done it, without thereby his Masters death might haue beene reuenged, or his life preserued: Els to what end is Fidelitie applied, or what vse at all in reckoning, remaineth there of it?

By discretion to discerne, by vertue to iudge, and by wisdome to resolue, how and which way the efficacie and assurance of all trust and fidelitie ought to be caried, is a thing meetest in all reputation principallie to be obserued. How can there otherwise appeare anie worthinesse, if affections sort to bee equall, or what distinguishment may there be of spirits when mens iudgementes are common.

George Castrioth, surnamed Scanderbeg, the terrour while hee liued, and onlie man able to confound the Turkish forces, during his infancie, hauing bin trained vp with Amurath father to Mahomet the second Emperour of the Turkes (for that in the conquest of Epirus by the same Amurath, the father of Scanderbeg being slaine, and his Signory subdued vnto the Turke, hee was then with others led awaie into Turky a captiue.) When hee arriued to manlie yeares, and serued with great fortune and valour the saide Amurath in his warres: it happened that being in one great battell as generall of the Turkish Armie against the Christians, and fighting against Hungarie, a remorse of conscience tooke him, in that hee being the sonne of a Christian Prince, professed in Christianitie, and vowed to God, should so wickedlie become the confusion of his brethren, and warre against Christ and his kingdome.

And albeit he was neuer vnfortunate in anie fight, and at that time likeliest of al other to attaine the victory, yet regarding the state and maner of the conquest, he faintinglie withdrew, & with great discouragement vnto his people, gaue power vnto the enemy to be at that time a conquerour. Which done, himselfe with a few chiefe and principall persons his associates, tooke themselues together in flight.

In this company, was a noble Gentleman, wise in behauiour, faithfull in counsell, and secret in trust, at that time Secretorie and of counsell to the great Turke. The place of their residence seruing well to the purpose, him Scanderbeg (being of the others assured) tooke onlie in hand to acquaint with his enterprize. And forasmuch as his credence with the saide Amurath was such, as in the repose of his troth, rested both Signet, and warrant sufficient, to put forwarde whatsoeuer direction or commaund in anie the Turkish signories, vpon paine of death to be obeyed, Scanderbeg declaring his wearisomnesse of captiuitie and seruage, desire to visite his kingdome, and liking after that to liue at liberty a christian, and therewithall howe often the Turke had promised to restore him, and yet still brake with him, enioyned the Secretorie to write letters of command in the Turkes name, to the Deputie or rulers of his fathers kingdome, that as their lawfull Prince and gouernour they shoulde then at that instant without more delaie receiue him, and thenceforth renounce and put from them their wonted charge and authoritie.

And albeit the power of Scanderbeg was in that place great, and the Secretorie nothing misdoubted at all his resolution, and therefore feared too much to contradict him in the same, knowing also that if he assented to that demaund, hauing yet libertie to depart, he might timely inough aduertize the Turk to the preuention: yet vsed he neuerthelesse so manie effectuall speeches as for the present he could, to disswade him: which not preuailing, hee assented at last for feare, and wrote as he required him.

The Letters orderlie signed and sealed, as to the importance belonged, Scanderbeg knowing the great wisedome, fidelitie and counsell of the Secretorie, thought it nowe a matter of no small worth, if by any facility he could win him also vnto his companie, to passe in the same iourny, or otherwise if he refused, then déemed he fit that he should not returne aliue, to carrie newes to the Turk of his determined iourney. And therefore first with as manie kinde entreaties and offers of all honour, fauour, estimate, and aduauncement that could be, he assailed him, he proposed also the expectation of his own fortune, valour, power and strength of the euerliuing God whom he serued, that was able to defende them, and all possible meanes that otherwise could bee deuised to mooue him. But none of these in fine preuailing, he lastlie set before his eies, that vpon such refusall, hee for his owne best assurance must be enforced to kill him.

Which maner of spéech, albeit mooued in the Secretorie diuers alterations, yet chose he as the most honestest part, no wayes to defraude the trust in him reposed, especiallie by assistance in his owne person thereunto giuen. And seeing he could by no meanes escape with life, aduised suddenlie rather to die in the handes of Scanderbeg for that he had alreadie done, then in so manifest an action of disloyaltie, to be found a principall actor of treason against his Lord and maister.

Great is the linke of Vertue whereby the mindes of men singular are manie wayes bound, neither falleth it out in those of weake spirite and capacitie to become partakers of the praise due vnto so high and honored excellencie. To men baselie conceyted, there is neither respect of troth, loue, honor, duty, or other matter whatsoeuer, whereby to drawe them from a sensuall appetite or carnall desire of their owne liuing, safetie and commoditie: But to those who are the sworne schollers of vertue, to whom true glory is of price, who solie haue in estimate to make choyce of things worthie: In these it sorteth to be a shame, what others reckon for laud: to them a preiudice, what many hold for gaine, they contemning by a sole vertue and discréete choice of the minde, what is besides or lesse then that which accordeth to the true honor and reputation of well deseruing, cannot content themselues to liue where their credite dieth, despise wealth, where honour is to be pursued, neglect reputation, where loyaltie is not entertained, and expect no fidelitie, where consequently the effects of an honest and woorthie mind, are not principallie to be caried.

As then, by what vse soeuer applied, I do in al things commend Fidelitie and Trust to be performed where by districtnesse it is chalenged: so nowe doe I in the carriage of this our Secretorie, sort him forth properlie from the residue by a difference, for where in persons of lesse conceite, and lower respect, some vsages are commendable, in him they are to bee presumed, as no wayes to bee doubted of: neither is it to be expected, that the mould of such a one should be so subiect to imperfections, as that in common & mean actions he should thinke to be praised: séeing that where any breach of those parts in men lower conceyted might be found, it woulde in them be helde as in comparison a thing no more then might be doubted, but in him would it turne to a most vituperable basenes with such intendments to be spotted.

And as I thus sequester him from the ordinarie vsage of what held to be liked, so doe I againe drawe in him a speciall choice, of things high, and worthie beseeming, aboue others (lesse considerate) in all things to bee carried, and wherein the summe of his fidelitie shall onelie be required. For seeing that by reason of the place wherein hee standeth of imployment, by reason of his supposed education, birth, qualitie, or other decernment, by reason of the waight, more then of common trust, in him diuersly imposed, he séemeth to be a man euerie way proportionate to a farre other end & purpose, then of euerie ordinarie attendant is commonlie required, it must néeds thē be of such a one coniectured, that by far greater skill & measure he be in euery of his actions demeaned, yᵉ with much greater modestie, care, respect, consideration and integritie he doe by such meanes temper all his outward and inward behauiours, and iudgements, as beeing himselfe in reputation a Gentleman, and conuersing among such as haue discretion to deeme of a Gentleman, hee may least of all be touched with anie thing, that lesseneth or il beséemeth anie part of that, which principallie may appertaine to a Gentleman.

And whereas in any other attendant it is a matter praise worthie, to be beautified or aduanced by some one or other speciall vertue or qualitie, in him it is of necessitie, who by how much the more néerer he is in frequentation of any honorable place or calling, by so much the more néedefull is it, that he be accordinglie furnished wherewith in séemelie and laudable sort, to enter and approch the same. And as in the seruice of euery one whatsoeuer, it is specially required, to be endued with all parts of dutifull attendance & loyaltie: so is it for him to excell, and bee different, because in his imployment, trust and otherwise, there is exacted at his hands a far greater scope and efficacie, then wherewith anie other seemeth to be charged by anie proportion or qualitie.

By this measure nowe of Fidelitie, trust or loyall credit of a seruant, in which place our Secretorie, as you see standeth bounden by the first degrée of his seruice, it maie secondlie be coniectured, in what respectiue estate, he ought for the residue of that which to his attendance appertaineth, bee accounted a Friend. The limits of Friendship (as it might bee obiected) are streight, and there can bee no Friend where an inequalitie remaineth. Twixt the partie commaunded and him that commaundeth, there is no societie, and therefore no Friendship where resteth a Superioritie. But I say and affirme, that if it bee true, that the summe of all Friendship taketh his originall of loue, and that the true demonstration of loue groweth by a simpathie of affections, of which affections Vertue is said to be the whole & simple ground, then may this simpathie of affectiōs so groūded on vertue as aforesaid, be turned into loue, notwithstanding yᵉ inequality of estate or condition whereby a man vertuouslie disposed, being seruant to such a one who is honourablie inclined, may in that place of seruice in which he continueth, be reputed in processe of time to become as a friend.

But if we shall goe to the true definition of friendship, you will then saie, that this friendshippe so called and reputed among men, as it is a simpathie of affections firmlie vnited togithers, so is it such a vniting, as wherein what the one coueteth, the other desireth, in respect whereof worlds and life, and all are not desirable, but despised, I would not here be taken, that of any sorts of people that run into all or a number of these like effects, without exception of qualitie, I intend, that they therfore were also to beare the name of friends, for so men vtterly vicious and lewdly giuen, consorting in wickednes, and other base exercises, in which each spendeth his life, or desperatlie dieth one for another, might be reputed as friends, I haue no such meaning, nor is my intent herein to so generall a purpose. But speaking of friendship, I only deale with such, whose actions and sincere desires haue in vertue highest preheminence, for these, not by aduenture, but by a deliberate counsell and choise regard speciallie had, of things valuable and worthy, do accomplish their effects by a most honourable purpose.

To this then I answer, that if the weight of friendship, so consisteth in a simpathie of affection, vniting of hearts, coueting anothers good, and despising all that maie be gained, in respect of the partie befriended: whie yet maie not our Secretorie as well as any other, merit neuerthelesse in this place of seruice at the handes of his L. or master, the name of a Friend? Why should he not therein aswell as anie other haue that power in him planted, whereby to become a Friend? Touching the equalitie of affections, though it is still laid down that therein ought to be no difference, & the commander and the commanded, do yet alwaies make a discordance: I maie neuerthelesse thus much deliuer thereof, that by all common likelihood it is assuredlie to be coniectured, that no one personage of estate, laieth choice vpon such a one to serue so néer about him, and to be in place of so great trust as appertaineth to a man of that reckoning, but ere he long haue vsed him, he bindeth vnto him at least some good part of his affection. For how can it otherwise be thought, but that our Secretorie being one euerie waie so waightilie to be imployed as he is, partaking as he doeth with so manie causes of importance, and vndiscouered secrets and counsels, standing as he must vpon so neere attendance, as hee that is almost (as occasion serueth) euerie minute of an houre to be vsed, but that to his L. or Master, he must of necessitie bee verie charie, and at the leastwise more particularlie then manie others, by a great deale to be beloued.

He then thus finding in so noble a place, so honourable an account, our Secretorie being as he ought to be, a man of vertue, and worth, cannot chose on yᵉ other side, but frame his vtmost thoughts correspondent in all things to those particular fauours, his conuersing, his neerenesse and attendance, turneth then to an affection, and this, heated by the dailie encrease of his Lord or maisters liking towardes him, groweth thence to a feruencie, and so each vertue kindled by the others Grace, maketh at last a coniunction, which by the multitude of fauors rising from the one, and a thankfull compensation alwayes procured in the other, groweth in the end to a simpathie vnseparable, and therby by all intendment concludeth a most perfect vniting.

Panutius, the faithfull Secretorie and counsellour to the great Emperour and Philosopher surnamed Aurelius, for the high wisdome, fidelitie, and counsell by him in all his seruices continued towards the Prince during his life time, and euen to the verie entrance of his graue, deserued before manie others, (secrete also in aduice to the said Emperour) to be termed and called by the name of a friend. Insomuch as he onelie daring to speake plainlie, what in others iudgements might séeme to be offensiue, & to perswade faithfullie, what he saw most agreeing to the present extremitie, made the Emperour pronounce himselfe fortunate, to haue nourished one so discreet in his Pallace, and most blessed of all, in that when each failed him in his dying, he onely was found assured vnto him, among all that were liuing.

In this friendlie knot of loue, and that of seruile commaund, remaineth a most notable difference, especiallie for this matter of trust and fidelitie, required in seruice, for, quem metuunt odiunt, whom men feare they hate: well may they for fashions sake please, but this sound kinde of affection is often far from their thought. And yet that there may bee an awed reuerence, aswel in loue as in feare, who doubteth it, yea and that rather far more assured and effectuall then the other. For where this grounded Loue by vertue once staieth confirmed, the humilitie and gentlenesse of the mind is it immediatlie that afterwards directeth the thoughtes, we then doe gladlie honour the more, by how much the willinger we desire to serue, and more firmlie obeie, by how much the more entirelie we stand to be fauored. This friendlie Fidelitie, not vrged or constrained by soueraign command, but of a zeale to weldoing voluntarily embraced; leadeth the reputation and estimate of our Secretory to be receiued as a friend.

As of Fidelity, besides Credit of counsell and riches, there are sundrie other branches, and diuers deserued partes that seriouslie may bee commended, so are there of Friendship. The association of both twaine, combineth and knitteth together all other perfections. Which granted, vndoubtedlie must the partie frequenting so great a place of seruice, proue then to be a person of right speciall commendation, of answerable vertue, nd of noted discretion. For that in doing seruice to his Lorde or maister, it séemeth a matter incident to his accompt, and to the better effecting the name of a friend, that in causes vrgent and néedfull, he be not vnpurueyed in his owne person, wherewith discreetlie, as occasion serueth, both to aduise & counsell (the very efficient matter wherin his enabled discretion may with greatest singularitie be performed) the assurance whereof, by credit of most memorable antiquities, hath not onlie framed that of loyall seruantes, such haue bin entertained as faithfull friendes, but also hath not beene slender occasion manie times, to the preuention of sundrie vehement and dangerous mischiefes.

To accompanie the troubles, miseries, calamities and infortunities of him to whom we are this waies, or that waies in our seruice linked or beholding, or to beare willinglie, and with a sufferable mind for his sake, whatsoeuer in declaration of our vertue seemeth to an honest disposition, to be either incident or appertaining, no man verely denieth, but that they are assured & notable demonstrations of a verie exquisite performance. But what of that? the propertie and excellencie of this vertue is not therefore alwaies in that one only sort to bee caried, neither with the greatest estimate and commendation that thereunto is appropriate, is the worthinesse hereof whollie to be commended.

To preuent mischiefs sometimes, and by a warie foresight and care had of the honor and reputation of our commander, to fence (if need be) the same by a politicke deuise, without preiudice, from any touch of disgrace or dishonour, to disswade or dehort faithfully, from things impeaching or offensiue to their estates or nobility to reueale the hurt they know not, or causes important wherunto they are nothing priuy, to counsaile deuoid of flatterie, and to oppose the good that least harmeth, and the euill that hath neerest remedy: these things as in their seueral considerations, they can as sufficientlie as anie others declare a man to be endued, both with rare knowledge, and right excellent vertue, so who doubteth, but that the most slender of them all, weigheth as déeply as any other in cause of Fidelity. And yet if anie more speciall liking in one thing then other be to be attributed, where comonly men do seem to haue generallie well deserued, then of necessitie must the same greatlie rather insue where euils most preiudicing are foreseene and auoided by politick wisdome, then where vnskilfullie they are entred into, carying in their bosomes, either extreame hazard or ineuitable vndoing.

Much is the felicitie that the maister or Lord receiueth euermore of such a seruant, in the chary affection and regard of whom affying himselfe assuredlie, he findeth he is not alone a commander of his outward actions, but the disposer of his verie thoughts, yea he is the Soueraigne of all his desires, in whose bosome hee holdeth the repose of his safety to be far more precious, then either estate, liuing, or aduancement, whereof men earthly minded are for the most part desirous.

Of all the abuses that haue beene or at this daie remaineth in the attendance of honorable personages, there is no euil so secret or pernitious, as is the venome of flatterie, the couert seating whereof, in men of all ages, humors, qualities and complexions, hath for the most part taken so vehement and deep impression, as it seemeth almost irrecuperable in the greatest sortes and numbers of persons to be auoided. The daliance of this daintie clawback is smooth, the entrance pleasing, the progression subtill, the continuance forcible, but the ende falleth out euermore to bee deceitfull.

Men infected with this kinde of scurrilitie, and basenesse of condition, being in proper designments Curri-fauels of the world, it is no maruell if hauing in common request, all shewes possible of graffed and sound demeanours, they slide manie times into the opinions of the most notable and worthiest, for they haue learned by art to acquaint themselues at the first with all sorts of humors and fashions, and being of their owne dispositions so placable as they be in all things, it is with them a maner of sacriledge, to bee found slacke or contrarious in anie thing, Dicunt? saie they, Dico, aiunt? aio. Finallie, resoluing trustilie to deale no waie, they deuise how it may be possible to frame themselues euery way.

These and such as these impugning the plaine and simple drifts of honest meaning, haue alwayes a face of brasse, wherwith to shooue forward, and to forestall what by the shamefast entendment of anie other, seemeth bashfully to bee pursued, they are still pressing on, and euermore sliding, but if they once get handfast, or happilie be after strained from the hope of that they would, their loue then and attendance immediatlie thereuppon die at one instant togithers.

Iniurious me séemeth, and too perillous is the approaching of these priuate whisperers, whose inward conuersation, as in the verie first conceit and discouerie thereof, it appeareth vnto a man vertuously giuen, to be altogither odious, so vnto him that intendeth purely of himselfe, they are in the seruices of Noblemen euermore most thwarting and malicious, insomuch as if such a one staied with honestie, woulde neuer so faithfullie, simplie and trulie endeuour himselfe by all parts of dutifull care and loialtie, hee shall yet neuer want of those peruerse créepers, that by one cautelous suppose or other, will still be before hand, wherwith if it be possible to disgrace him vtterlie.

That these and such other actions of vilitie, commonlie handled, as they are in honorable places, do become oftentimes barres to good meaning, and stumbling blockes to plaine dealing, there needeth (as I thinke) at this present verie small question. Neither would I be so misled, as to déeme that there wanteth either insight or iudgment in many noble personages to discerne them, for they are discerned &, oftentimes spurned at, I know it right well, but what of that? This beeing also a common practise and occupation of the worlde, smoothlie to slide through all thinges, and to meane trulie in nothing, it is no maruell if by the too double diligence of such men, some one or other happen now and then to be deceiued.

But forsomuch as it is of necessitie; that euerie honorable estate must and ought to bee serued, and that where a multitude good are in attendance, there ensueth cōmonly to be among them some few that are euill, either of an annexed propinquitie or opposition of good and bad, vertue and vice, emulating or rather enuieng as we see the daily progression each of the other, or else for that the world something addicted to peruerse manners, sendeth forth often times such imps of her substance, as become monstrous disturbers of euery honest endeuor. It shall notwithstanding behooue him whatsoeuer, whose end & expectation stretcheth to yᵉ sole desert, that of euerie laudable purpose is rightly to be attained, either in abstaining from anie occasion of blemish to his vertue that may happen, to resolue with himselfe neuer to serue at all, or seruing, at the least wise so to arme his conceiptes for all maner of such like disgraces as that he maie content himselfe in that being but trulie censured as he ought, the ende of his determinations are certainlie to be adiudged honest, albeit his ill hap perchance such, as therby he attain neither liking nor preferment or if either he stand in present, or be in possibilitie to attain fauor, then not to be discouraged in the honest prosequution thereof, by anie practis or enuie whatsoeuer, resting in himselfe firmly assured, that time or the true discernment of him whome hee serueth, shall at length yéeld scope to that, whereunto by true degrees of vertue he sought to haue aspired.

And séeing that in all causes of zeale and loue, where the mind is tied by an entire desire and care of weldoing, to him whom once in conceipt it seemeth to growe chary ouer, the force thereof seldom or neuer passeth lightlie at the first, without some blocke or other laid before it, whereby to hinder or discourage the proceedings alreadie determined, and that so farre forth as one while a man supposing the fidelitie of his seruice might at a time be fully effected and discharged in the requisite deliuerie of some present aduise & counsell, yet terrified perchance, or otherwise disswaded with the resolution, mightinesse, or nobility of his L. or Maister, or fearing to be argued of presumption, or else in setting downe the desire he hath of safegard vnkindlie to be mistaken. It shall not therefore be consonant to this our Secretories place of seruice thereupon immediatly to become silent, or so to suffer the euill which himself clearly séeth, to passe vnregarded, especiallie when the case is either weightie, or neerelie otherwise concerneth his nobilitie whom he serueth, for so should he by a kind of Pusillanimitie, become guiltie of the verie occasion, how great soeuer the same should happen, which somtimes lying in his credit or counsell, to haue impugned, he of a weak disposition abstained neuerthelesse to see preuented. And yet is it not (néeds must I saie and confesse) a matter altogether vntried, that men vaingloriouslie minded, or arrogantlie otherwise intending of their owne proper seruices, notoriouslie oftentimes do fal into this vain of presumption, who pricked on with the credit and fauour to them giuen by their L. or Maister, and foolishly conceiuing thereof to lead their thoughts in a string, do ignorantly or péeuishlie thereupon, take in hande manie times to direct them in their serious affaires or counsels, and controlling in their inward thoughts whatsoeuer is besides or contrarying to their own opinions, do of seruants become sawcie: of men modest, malapert: of aduisers, arrogant: and consequentlie, running into euerie misprision of others, and what else appertaining to a regarde of other mens actions, appeare at length so imperious, as by the sole default of their owne misdemeanours, they are turned at the last quite forth by the elbowes.

The defect hereof, so far discrepant as it is, from the steadie kind of gouernment hereby throughout concluded vpon, needeth not I thinke in the framing of this our Secretory, to be anie further forewarned, who by shaking from his own person anie part of the vilities that in others may seeme chieflie to be discommended, is herein to be ascertained, that in nothing so greatly can the excellent vertue or condition of any man shine, then in not first committing anie action that may appeare vile, or hardlie to bee borne withall, and next in suppressing so much as in him is, whatsoeuer commendation or liking dulie to bee annexed to his owne proper deseruing, wherein humility fréede from all maner of base and seruile purposes, shall then sufficientlie instruct him, that curtesie is a vertue, lowlinesse a thing annexed vnto gentility, to bee proud is a vice, to be contemptuous a filthines, simplicity is found, deceipt to be abhorred, Loyalty a matter in estimation, Flattery to be held abhominable. I will not here dispute how much excellent and néedfull it were vnto their estates, that the neerest attendance of honourable personages, were with men of such vertue and knowledge in this sort frequented, neither carping at sundry enormities, would I therby deuise, to draw forth vnto you a man vnmatchable in qualitie, and whereof the worlde or anie heauen besides, scarce yéeldeth either shadow or propertie, but proposing the worthiest partes which of euerie one absolutelie are fittest to be acquired, I do only endeuour to laie down no other matter or ground, then wherewith men that be speciall are at this date helde to be endued, and such as in all ages heretofore haue been thought meetest to be followed.

What should I lade this discourse with numbred examples vnto you of the great estimate and regard of those, who to kéep their faiths inuiolable to their Lordes, haue some of them beene so iealous of their honours, as for the safegard thereof, haue by great aduisement made a voluntarie aduenture of their dearest liues: some againe with great loue and fauour, entertained and reputed of by their Lordes, and not able in their seruices as they thought, during their life times sufficiently to compense the loue and especiall zeale they beare vnto their Honours, haue afterwards vnto their children beeing in great disgrace with the state present, so fully effected the fruits of their welwishing, as that by the tender accompt, reuerance and loialty to them proposed, they haue right well declared that not vnto times alone of estate & fortune, when little regard of such things might be at their hands expected, their vertues haue been limitted, but chieflie in extremity and times of want, wherin their sundry fruitions, haue bin in most aboundant maner supplied. Others likewise charged on the death bed with the secret affaires of their L. to be kept in speciall care and reckoning from the knowledge of other men, could not by multitudes of fauors, by threatnings, or other large offers whatsoeuer, bee so far seduced, (as when the dead was quite passed and gone out of the world, whereby they néeded not at all to haue doubted) they would yet be led in the least iote of al, to defraud the trust in them reposed, but haue kept the same inuiolable to their vndoubted commendation, and further increase afterward of good liking to a far greater credit.

Infinite are the remembrances that of these, and suchlike occasions are and haue béen dailie recorded, the multitude whereof for breuity I do omit. Contenting my selfe that of these two chief and principall matters of seruice, I haue thus far forth alreadie in generalitie debated, leauing therefore what els to bee considered therein to the known ability of others, I procéed vnto the next part that in the continuance of this discourse was at the first intended. And forsomuch as the exercise of these and such like peculiar vertues and qualities, appertaineth not, as I haue partly before deliuered, vnto men that are of meane spirit, to such as bee naturallie touched with anie bad or vile coercement, capacities that be insensible or ignorant, such as haue want of education, or whose demeanors are to vertue wholie insufficient. Let vs then more particularlie if ye will see what maner a one he ought to be touching his person, habilitie, and condition, that to the worthines and reputation hereof séemeth a man méetest and most allowable to be chosen a Secretory.

For the deliuerie whereof, and the better to finde our Secretory, as neere as either may bee gessed, or framed, such and none other indeed as in true and perfect meaning hee ought to be reputed, we will distinguish the seuerall considerations and respectes of such a one, in three special points sorting to his office, solie and fullie in this place to be considered.

The first shalbe of the person, touching his education or being: the second of his conuersation and order of liuing: the thirde of his sufficiencie, by skill, knowledge, and abilitie wherewith to discharge the place of his calling. Formerlie then touching the regard of his person, it is requisite, that hee be descended of honest familie or parents, the efficacie whereof conduceth not a little to the coniecture of a sound and honest condition: that he haue also had good education, whereby the minde well disposed is often times framed to verie good purpose. That he be of shape & countenance proportianable to those required vertues, forsomuch as commonly ensueth, that Nature in producing of all her creatures maketh in them effects answerable to their seuerall constitutions, as to flowers of most exquisit proportion, she giueth the most excellent fauour; the dog is not shaped like the lion, nor the curre as the Spaniell: the Rennet tree is not as the Crabbe stocke, the one bearing an Apple, wholsome, delicate and pleasing, when it commeth to be tasted: the other putting forth of the knures, no other then the sappe of Vertuyes, when the best of it is inioyed.

By the countenance we doe further also iudge of the qualities and disposition of men, insomuch as the verie markes of fauour haue not too many iudgements proued weak discouerers of some peoples good or vntoward conditions, wee haue likewise in euident testimonie, that ill disposed nature confirmed by custom, seldome degenerates from the kind either whence it is sprung, or wherein it hath long time beene nourished.

To mankinde there happeneth in the bodie manie deformities, which arising not by the defect of Nature, so much as by ill vsage of those, who haue had charge ouer them, cannot be amended, but being produced by Nature, doe portend some one or other notable inconuenience: To beautifie such a shape with vertuous and honoured actions, is vndoubtedlie praise worthie, but to accord vnto faire lineaments, portraied with requisite and daintie fauour, a mind corrupt, base, wretched and vile, that of all others is the most greatest and noted deformitie.

Diogenes being of one passing by, rebuked of his preposterous shape, and hard kinde of fauour, aunswered, I with my vertues doe ornifie my shape, but thou with thy lewdnesse disgracest thy fauour.

Touching the iudgement of nature by the outward face, many things might be alledged that diuerslie haue beene decerned, the matter wherof néeding small proofe, more then our owne common experience, I surcease to debate vpon, seeing my meaning is, but out of sundrie apparances to drawe forth the greatest likelihoode, and thence to repose a foundation consonant to yᵉ module or compasse of this my present intendment. Onely let this be laid down for a certaine, that the finest ware receiueth the fairest figure, and purest mettall the brightest colour, the damaske Rose carieth the swéetest fauour, and the most pliable part of vertue, is by greatest obseruance planted in the most proportionate feature.

This being then sufficiently spoken of the person, let vs now go to the Conuersation. This Conuersation séemeth vnto me in three points, or speciall notes to be considered: that is, in the Qualitie, Disposition and order of companie. Touching his Qualitie, it is requisite, that first and aboue all other, he be a man sequestred from all kind of pride, arrogancie or vaine conceiuing of himselfe, for that the infection of these, are steppes vnto all maner of disorder, contempt, malice, and presumption whatsoeuer: that he be not litigious in argument, as one vainlie giuen to contend: that hee bee no ordinarie scoffer, or friuolous deluder of other mens speeches, gestures, reasons, or conditions: that he be no quareler, lewd speaker, priuy carper, slanderer, or sinister backbiter of other mens actions, or laudable indeuours: but contrarie hereunto, that he be in spéech gentle, in gesture friendlie, in lookes familiar, in talke courteous, in argument not obstinate, but giuing place to better opinions, that gladlie of euerie one he do suppose the best, be readie to excuse infirmities, and to salue imperfections, that in ieasting hee become not another Democritus,or in carping a Zoilus, that his tongue, eie, and thoughts, be indifferentlie framed to iudge trulie and impartiallie of euerie one: that of all thinges hee abhorre priuate quarels, and open contentions, and as the rocks of Scylla, doe eschue of anie one absente sinisterlie to speake, or otherwise to enforme against them, for that in these qualities and conditions properlie, each one carieth a decernment of that which néerest appertaineth to a Gentleman.

Now touching his disposition, it is exacted at his hands, that hee bee not a man gluttonous, or that he bee not ouer much subiect to drinking, for drunkennes ouercommeth the mind, dulleth the memorie, enfeebleth the wits, maketh a man forgetfull of himself, the reputation he beareth, and the company wherein he sitteth. Wine saith Ouid, is the discouerer of secrets, & maketh a man often commit, yᵉ which afterwardes turneth to his great preiudice: in wine the regard of a mans selfe, and likewise all others vanisheth, the respect of his credite also and place wherein he serueth: a man giuen much to wine, hath no maisterie ouer himselfe, and is not to be trusted with matters that be important: a man talkatiue and one giuen to wine are both likened togither in disposition, for in the one the strength of the liquor inforceth to speake what he ought not, and in the other the volubility of the tongue, giueth vtterance many times to what it should not: Speech, saith the wise man, is a thing naturally giuen to euery man, but he that ordreth his words by discretion, seeth the way to wisdome.

This vertue of ordring and kéeping the tongue, is vnto our Secretorie not the least of manie other points wherewith he ought especiallie to be charged, in him that is disposed to speake much, it cannot but ensue that his often babbling must néedes at one time or other, giue proofe that hee hath in himselfe as little secrecie as silence. To preuent this inconuenience, wise men haue obserued in nature a most notable and singular prouidence, who to the intent that men by her verie instigation, might be commended to silence, hath giuen vs two eares to heare, and an attentiue conceyte, whereby generallie to debate and consider of all things, and but one mouth to speake, giuing vs in testimonie thereby, that we ought to heare much, to know much, to vnderstand much, and to speake but a little. Besides, that the tongue whereby deliuerance is made, she hath first closed in with our téeth, and them couered againe with our lippes, forewarning still thereby, that nothing ought thence to be discouered in hast, not without especiall regard and district obseruance. For in this case also discréete Nature, after we haue once receyued into our eares the sound of anie thing, she thence preferreth it immediatelie vnto the minde, and thence to the heart to be censured or considered vpon: and last of all vnto the tongue, to whose lot, as last of these it befalleth to bee partaker of it, so ought it from thence carefullie, and not without especiall cause to be deliuered.

The diuine Philosopher foreséeing in man, the manifolde discommodities oftentimes ensuing by loosenes of the tongue, where all others were teachers to speake wel, he only taught his scholers to vse silence, iudging therby, that the vertue of the toung consisted not soly in speking, but how or by what occasion to vse yᵉ same, and vnderstanding first how to restraine the thing, that of it selfe was plyable ynough to bee vsed without measure, they might easilier find mean afterward to speake oftentimes to good purpose, and not to accustome themselues as they did before, to prattle without order or anie good or reasonable parte belonging to discretion.

For this cause Silence, as the first gard of all affaires, beeing either secrete or important, is (vnto men seriouslie occupied or imployed in the same) directly to be commended. Which maner of Silence, as it fullie instructeth in causes serious and of waight, to speake nothing more than néedeth, so conueieth it also into the residue of our behauiours, a modest and choice kind of gouernment, in all actions whatsoeuer, either of question or argument, to bee with discretion pursued.

How much it importeth vnto our Secretorie, to haue notice of the true and perfect vse hereof, who aboue al others ought rightlie to know and discerne, how, where, when, what, and to whom hee ought to speak, and when, and wherein, to be likewise silent: it may by the reasons aforesaid be sufficientlie collected. For ought his speech in troth to be so ordinarie as other mens, who for the moste part limit themselues neither to time, place, occasion, or company, the which in our Secretorie is, and ought to be farre otherwise. And as touching the affaires, secrets or counsels committed to his charge: It is in him principallie to aduert and consider that he is but the closet, wherof another hath both the key, vse and commandement, that he ought therein to be as a thicke plated doore, where through, without extraordinarie violence no man may enter, but by the locke which is the tongue, and that to be of such efficacie, as whereof no counterfeit key shoulde bee able to make a breach, without the selfe same instrument that by the director thereof is alwayes to be caried. By reason whereof, he is of méere trust and fidelitie in him reposed, to become warie of his wayes, and to take the course néedfull, whereby the least occasion of breach thereof may preciselie be auoided.

Ouer and besides all this, it shall further appertaine to the disposition of this our Secretorie, that in shewing himselfe affable to all, he doe not either by reason of his birth, qualitie or estimate that he hath of his L. or maister, goe about to abuse or wrest the simplicitie of any one to a bad end or purpose, but rather enforce himselfe gladlie to vnderstande the sutes of the meanest, and to giue them aide and furtherance to his vttermost: herein shall hee not a little aduance the honor of his L. or maister in preferring the iust and lawfull petitions or complaints of the poore, & in helping them to yᵉ spéedie dispatch of that, wherwith by reason of their simplicitie, they oftentimes are greatlie incumbred. It behooueth also so much as in him is, that he auoid all kind of intemperancie, eyther of choler or too much furie, that hee dispose not himselfe to vile or vnbeseeming tearmes of basenes or surquedrie, that hee with the two extreames of couetousnes or prodigality be not touched, that naturallie he do incline to good, and hate the badnes of any, that he abhorre flatterie as a Toad, and giue himselfe of anie particular action, either to be vtterlie silent, or els to speake trulie.

Lastlie now, touching the third point of these thrée, consisting in order, appertaining to companie: Néedfull it is that our Secretorie haue in speciall remembrance the auncient saying, that common experience giueth to all men for approoued, which is, that Such as a man of himselfe is, such alwayes are they with whome he conuerseth.

If therefore of his owne mind and disposition a man endeuoureth to bee good, and so to liue and be accounted of, him then beseemeth chieflie to haue respect to the companie hee holdeth. For which occasion, the Philosopher aduiseth, that men being good, doe choose to haue familiaritie with men that are best, to the intent that by the societie of them, their Vertue may haue encrease, and themselues learne to become better. The corruption of young men, by nothing so much accrueth, as by the slender respect they haue of those with whome they do accompanie, for that it resteth assuredlie out of doubt, that the euill example and encouragement of one vile and ill disposed person, hurteth more a great deale oftentymes in one dayes companie kéeping, then seuen yeares endeuour afterwards, maie release by anie good instruction. Herein also the rather resteth vnto our Secretorie, a most principall regard thereof to be had, forsomuch as not the conuersation alone, wherein he is choiselie to be affected, dependeth therupon, but the matter also of his ouerthrow and discredit, for who séeth not in often apparance, that men simply conceited, and of their owne proper instinct verie well giuen, are more discredited and condemned many times, by occasion of the company wherinto they haue aduentured, then of anie apparant euill that in their owne persons rested publiquelie to be decerned.

Hereunto accordeth the proofe of all common societie, wherein men onely of those that know them are iudged as they be, but in generall reckoning, are euer censured according to the goodnesse or badnesse of those, with whom they liue familiarlie. It followeth therefore, that Who so will no euill doe, must doe nought that longs thereto, for in good men it is not alwayes inough of themselues wittinglie not to haue committed anie euill, but hee that desireth to be good indeed, ought not so much as to become an occasion or slander of euill. If men would but throughlie enter into the weight of their estates, and trulie consider with themselues what of dutie appertaineth to verie reputation indéede, they would not then think it ynough to be in this credite, or that place, or thus countenanced, or that waie enriched, arming themselues onelie thereby with vainglorious titles, but therewith would also deepelie imprint, that them likewise behooued by certaine especiall insight had into their owne wayes, so to order and direct themselues, as therby deseruedlie they might beare the selfe same account whole and vnblemished, which in opinion they haue caried, the which cannot anie wayes bee, without in all their outward and inward actions, they doe beare an especialleie to the matter of their owne credite. And what one thing is there in the world (to him that by true degrées of vertue endeuoureth to be aduaunced) more charie then the account and estimate had of his name and fame? What one good more excéeding, nay what life can be more precious? Much therefore ought the regarde hereof be in choice vnto our Secretorie, as that which as an action most singular I haue iudged fit to be exposed in this place vnto him.

Hitherto haue we endeuoured in person and behauiour to find a man méet and conuenient to the purpose hereof, wherein my intent hath béene not to omit anie thing which to that place and calling might anie wayes be adiudged necessarie. Now the circumstance of these procéedings leadeth vs next to consider of our Secretories abilitie.

In this consideration, it falleth out, that for asmuch as his Office and place, calleth him altogither, or for the most part to the handling of deepe and weightie affaires, wherin his capacitie shall sundrie wayes be exercised, and his wits throughlie tryed, it behooueth he therefore be furnished with Skill and knowledge accordinglie, whereby the better to be adapted, vnto the ordinarie vsage and employment thereof. To this end it befitteth that he bee well studied, especiallie in the Latine tongue. It is likewise conuenient that herewithall he haue a ripe and quicke conceit, aptlie to receiue, what on a sudden shall be to him deliuered, and that he retaine with himselfe a sound and good memorie, for the conseruation of those things that vnto his charge shall daylie bee committed. He ought for his owne furniture and instruction to bee a man not altogither vnexperienced, to be well languaged, to bee sufficientlie read in Histories and antiquities of times passed, to haue notice both by reading and conference, of the situations, customs, maners & conditions of men, cities, countries, & common weals, to haue familiaritie with strangers, and men of diuers nations, whereby the better to bee ascertained of their humours, behauiours, and dispositions: and wiselie to worke vnto himselfe a peculiar insight into their estates, counsels and iurisdictions, béeing there withall warie that this association with such kind of people, worke not vnto himselfe, or the affaires wherewith he shall bee credited anie matter of preiudice.

Now is it a matter often séene, and in common vse almost to be found, that a great many of men otherwise discréete, learned, experienced, and for their seueral callings questionlesse of very good deliuerie, and euery way to be deemed sufficient, some also that in the Greeke and Latine tongues are verie well studied, and are also with the vse of forraine languages laudablie indued, that notwithstanding haue not in themselues the facultie and vse of well writing, nor can orderly, & vpon a sudden lay down without much adoe, and that many times also in very preposterous maner when it is done, what to anie extraordinarie purpose seemeth to bee thought meete and conuenient. Some againe in whome there is lesse Skill, greater Ignorance of learned knowledge, and farre meaner application euerie waie, wherewith to bee enabled with sufficiency, haue neuerthelesse a Conceipt so rife, and are in wit so prompt and capable of any thing laide before them, as by and by there wanteth not (though in truth when they haue done, they cannot learnedly answere for it) neither inuention nor imitation, wherewith in very commendable sort to performe what them seemeth good, on a sodaine to deliuer in writing.

What shoulde be the cause hereof, I cannot else déeme, but onlie a méere instinct of Nature, who seuerallie poureth her giftes in their creation vnto euerie one, whereunto others (exempted from that proportion) doe seldome by anie Art or Studie reach vnto, yet is Exercise no doubt in those that haue any fauour of learning, hereunto a great furtherance: But he that in this place must bee applyed, how learned so euer he bee, must a little giue place vnto his Schooles, and frame his penne and order of practise to pursue that forme of writing, which plainest meaning and aptest speech, hath in common deliuerie, the indeuour whereof howe difficult the same will bee to one beeing rife in discourse, my selfe haue had some priuate testimonie, notwithstanding Vse and continuall Practise I knowe, is that which in time ouermaistreth all things.

To the beautifying then of this part of our Secretorie, it is néedfull that he be somewhat therein ayded and furthered by Nature, to the intent his inuention to euery seueral occasion, may be the more easie and proper, and that without any often blurring or enterlining which commonlie happeneth to those, in whom long studie seemeth so hardly to hew out their labours, as if by a manner or kinde of inforcement, the same from a hard rock were violently to be drawne forth and caried, which Bluntnesse, as I maie tearme it, of Conceite, is not in this part of seruice in anie wise to be admitted. Neither am I for all this ignorant, how manifoldlie it often befalleth vnto diuerse the readiest wittes, that at some one time more then at another, they haue lesse abilitie, and much harder is their deliuerie a great deale, in matters exquisite to be performed, then vsuallie otherwise is by ordinarie triall vnto them accustomed: the occasions whereof may be diuers, whereby the sences are manie wayes dulled, as by too much replexion of meates and drinkes excessiuelie taken, by too great studie and often musing, driuing therby into a melancholie passion, by motions too intemperat, happening vnto the mind: and finally, vpon sundrie other instincts and occasions, which I cease to remember, all which being offensiue as they are, vnto the necessarie regarde of this our Secretories attendance, it standeth him greatly vpon by all possible meanes to represse them, to the end that his wittes being as néere as by endeuour can be compassed, alwaies in one self state and readinesse, he maie not in times suddenlie requiring effectual and present dispatch, appeare any waies disfurnished, of that which at his handes, is and must of necessitie in this place bee required.

It is not then learning alone (as you see) that is able to make a man meet to this kind of practice and study, but naturallie to be besides indued both with wit, vnderstanding, and memory whereby to lead and conueie those necessarie euents, that in this place are dailie to be frequented, and therewith to haue likewise care and regard, with modest and discreet maners and behauiours to preserue and keepe the same forces, whereby he may be the more readilie prouided (as I said before) for all times and purposes. Neuerthelesse, how much needful it is to that place more then ordinarilie to bee learned, yea with the greatest abilitie and perfection (if it were possible) to bee also euerie waie adorned, I haue alreadie sufficientlie laid downe before hande, and still do propose the waight thereof, as a respect amongst others to be most especiallie imbraced.

In this maner haue we by sundrie degrees endeuoured to lead along our Secretory vnto his appointed Place and Office, wherein we haue first discoursed largelie of the function hee beareth, respectiuelie touching his seruice: next to frame him both in Person, Birth, Education, Qualitie, Disposition, Conuersation, and Abilitie, a man meete for that purpose. It now resteth, that as the finall determination of this labour we deliuer vnto him his office. Of this then the parte especiall and intendment most principall, consisteth, (as by experience is found) in the vse and exercise of the Pen, the Wit and Inuention togethers. The abilitie so exactlie before required, and discoursed vpon, is herein nowe to be put in practise. To the execution of this office, it is requisite the Secretory, be for the perfection of his hand, in the varietie and neat deliuerie of his letters in writing, singularlie to be commended, that he haue with himselfe also therein a verie readie vse, quicke, and speedie conueyance for dispatch, that warilie he giue heede to obserue the order, methode and forme to him from his Lord or master deliuered: forasmuch as in discharge hereof he is vtterlie to relinquish anie affectation to his own doings, or leaning herein to anie priuate iudgement or fantasie. His pen in this action is not his owne, but anothers, and for this cause the matter to him committed are to depend vpon the humor of his commander, and not vpon his own or any others directions.

Hereof is he excéedingly to becom studious, and a zealous imitator in all thinges, to the intent that knowing the effects of his Lord, with what ends and purposes they are caried, & vnto what forme and maner of writing he is speciallie addicted, he may the more easilie and with better contentment discharge that part of his seruice, wherein by continuall occurrents he shall haue occasion daily to be imploied.

He is in performance of this charge, to bee a man watchfull, diligent, carefull, industrious, not giuen to ease, to auoid all occasions of slouth, to the end, (as I said before) by continuall exercise of his wits, to retain his spirits apt, & his memory fresh. For Idlenes of it selfe is the proper nourishment of manie other euils, the hinderer of each good purpose, and the deformed monster of al humaine exercises. Whilest Idlenesse attacheth the bodie, it giueth scope to ill thoughts, occasioneth distemper, maketh vnweldie to labour, breedeth wearisomnes of vertuous exercises, entiseth to vanities, corrupteth with pleasures, and feedeth a man with trifles. If therefore there shall bee anie time vacant of affaires vnto our Secretory, (as all seasons are not alike wherein still to be occupied) the same shall he deuise, either in pleasant recreation to bee spent or in some other honest exercise or studie, wherein whatsoeuer is not improper vnto a gentleman, shall be to him in speciall choise and as an action fittest of all others to be receiued.

His office is likewise to entertaine all maner of suters vnto his Lord, to conceiue and vnderstand of their seuerall occasions, and how much or how little, they or anie of them do import, to answer the dispatch of the greatest with as much facilitie as he may, and those of lesse moment with discretion to remooue, and put backe, to the ende the walkes and passages of his Lorde be not with the vaine and friuolous demeanors of fond people too often encumbred.

He ought also to haue regard to times and places conuenient wherein to mooue his Lord vpon anie speciall or vrgent occasion, or in which he is to prefer vnto his presence or hearing, the person or cause of any one. To see that the same returne not offensiue vnto his priuate liking, that the furtherance thereof bee not in times when hee is soly disposed to particular studies, or that he is otherwise busied in matters of estate or counsell. To consider first of the qualitie of euerie sute, and condition of the partie as neere as he maie be informed, ere he take vpon him to acquaint his Lord with the parts thereof, and accordinglie, if he see cause, in his owne person to answere the same: for it is not seemelie he should trouble his Lord vpon euerie light or ill beséeming suggestion. To be circumspect in the dispatch of euerie thing to him deliuered, and in matters of weight and charge, to be also prouident and wary, heedfully intending to the safe disposing of whatsoeuer requisite, from the eyes or knowledge of anie other, whereunto none so much as himselfe ought to become priuy.

He is likewise to auoid all maner of delaies, and not to accustome himselfe in any wise vnto negligence, for that the vse hereof in ouerslipping of small trifles, induceth manie times, to pretermit things of larger circumstance, and of farre greater moment. It standeth him vpon in the exercise of his office to bee alwaies as neere and as readie as may bee, in his ordinarie attendance, for so much as being vpon a sudden to bee vsed, it is needfull he be alwaies at hand, and is intended that his absence cannot therefore anie long time be spared. In conclusion, it is meetest in all things, that so far forth he bee addicted vnto his present seruice, as that in respect thereof hee become vtterlie sequestred from all priuate regarde or affection of anie thing, sounding to his owne appetite. Finallie, being a man fauored or entirelie reputed of in his office, hee may not for anie friendship, corruption or gaine whatsoeuer, by anie sinister practise, colour, or meanes, go about to abuse the countenance and credite to him giuen, by his Lord or maister, nor couertlie thereby suggest, or informe any thing, wherewith the good opinion of himselfe may afterwards be hazarded, or by the graunt or assent of his Lorde thereunto giuen, there maie iust cause acrue, whereby thereafter a great deale lesse he may deserue to be trusted.

In these particularities haue I at last concluded, & brought to ende the sum of all my former trauell. The Secretory is nowe accomplished & by all respectes, circumstances, and inducements that maie bee, confirmed both in person and office: much haue I to require of the generall perusers hereof, that I bee not anie wayes therein mistaken, for that passing immediatelie to the publique notice of all, there is no doubt but the verie particularities there of, shall speedilie be therewith censured of all. My request is, that the skilfull and best experienced, will of their owne good conditions, not otherwise misdeeme thereof then what in equall trueth maie bee vnto them tendered, nor that the wise and discreetlie minded will haue other conceipt of me, then as my weake abilitie sought herein at their hands to haue at the first deserued.

Touching any others lesse able to speake or giue sentence in the cause, as my will and desire is, fauourablie to be regarded of the whole in generall, so if anie one more of selfe-liking then of Skill, will either carpe at, or peremptorilie reiect the labour by me vndertaken, let him first consider with himselfe, how much easier it is to finde fault with a thing by another alreadie finished and done, then for himselfe by priuate endeuour to accomplish the like: so shall he find, that men at all times see not into all things at once: and in proofe hereof become assured, that hee, as I shall sooner in the performance of anie labor, make our selues obiects of euery common opinion, then with such account to deliuer our trauels, as that we may stand ascertained of their own deserts, that they may be pleasing to all men.

And forasmuch as it resteth yet a thing doubtfull, how well or euill, till the perusing this slender trifle of mine may of all sortes be measured, I will in the meane time (as manie others before me haue done) affie my selfe in the hope and expectation of the best Glad if in the conueiance hereof, there may by my willing endeuour, arise anie pleasure or profite to anie, which being the intention of me solie desired, I passe foorth this (as the residue) of the best and aptest fauourers thereof, to be entertained.

FINIS. A. D.