Specimens of English literature from the 'Ploughmans crede' to the ...

^^2 XXVII. JOHN LYLY.then in all Europe besids ; more Papists, more Atheists, moresects, more schi[s]mes, then in all the Monarches in the5 world ; which thinges although I thincke they be not true,yet can I not but lament that they shoulde be deemed to betrue, and I feare me they be not altogether false ; ther canno great smoke arise, but there must be some fire, no greatFrame therefore your lyuesreporte without great suspition.»o to such integritie, your studyes to atteininge of such perfection,that neither the might of the stronge, neyther the mallyceof the weake, neither the swifte reportes of the ignorauntbe able to spotte you wyth dishonestie, or note you of vngodlynesse.The greatest harme that you can doe vnto the'»5enuious, is to doo well ; the greatest corasiue that you cangiue vnto the ignoraunte, is to prosper in knowledge; thegreatest comforte that you can bestowe on your parents, is tolyue well and learne well ; the greatest commoditie that youcan yeelde vnto your Countrey, is;c that talent, that by grace was giuen you.And here I cannot choose but giue you thatwith wisedome to bestowecounsel thatan olde man in Xaples gaue mee most wisely, although Ihad then neither grace to followe it, neyther will to giueeare to it, desiring you not to reiect it bicause I did once5 dispise it. It was this, as I can remember, word for word." Descende into your owne consciences, consider withyour-selues the great difference bet^veenstaring and starkeblynde,witte and wisedome, loue and lust : Be merry, butwith modestie : be sober, but not too sullen : be valiaunt, but?o not too venterous : let your attire be comely, but not toocostly : your dyet wholesome, but not excessiue : vse pastimeas the word importeth, to passe the time in honest recreation:mistrust no man without cause, neither be ye credulouswithout proofe : be not lyght to follow euery mans opinion,85 neither obstinate to stande in your owne conceipts : serue