Of the nature and use of lots a treatise historical and theologicalOf the nature and vse of lots a treatise historicall and theologicall
Of the nature and use of lots a treatise historical and theological; written by Thomas Gataker B. of D. sometime preacher at Lincolns Inn, and now pastor of Rotherhith.Of the nature and vse of lots a treatise historicall and theologicall; written by Thomas Gataker B. of D. sometime preacher at Lincolnes Inne, and now pastor of Rotherhith.
Thomas Gataker 1574–1654London: printed by Edward Griffin, 1619
[12], 360 p. · 94k words · STC 11670 · ESTC S102922
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
But let Bernard speak out, and he will speak little to the point. gChess and Dice, saith he, they detest: hunting they abhor: hawking, as the manner is, they take no delight in. And again, hThey live altogether without wines or children, in an Evangelical, or iAngelical perfection, as at other times he termeth it. So that he joineth Chess and Dice together, ⟨p. 218⟩as ksome others also do passing the same sentence upon either: the one whereof the Author that citeth him, approveth, nor doth he utterly condemn the other. And he saith that as well Hunting and Hawking as gaming are alike abhorred of them. To be brief he speaketh of the *Knights of the Temple, a company of persons retired from the world and worldly things, addicted to a monkish course of life, restraining themselves from the lawful use of the good ordinances of God, and affecting a superstitious and more austere manner of carriage then God or his word hath tied any man unto. Their example therefore as it is no precedent to others, so it is no prejudice to any that shall swerve from the same.
But let Bernard speake out, and he will speake little to the point. gChesse and Dice, saith he, they detest: hunting they abhorre: hauking, as the manner is, they take no delight in. And againe, hThey liue altogether without wines or children, in an Euangelicall, or iAngelicall perfection, as at other times he tearmeth it. So that he ioyneth Chesse and Dice together, ⟨p. 218⟩
some others also doe passing the same sentence vpon either: the one whereof the Author that citeth him, approueth, nor doth he vtterly condemne the other. And he saith that as well Hunting and Hauking as gaming are alike abhorred of them. To be briefe he speaketh of the
Knights of the Temple, a company of persons retired from the world and worldly things, addicted to a monkish course of life, restraining themselues from the lawfull vse of the good ordinances of God, and affecting a superstitious and more austere manner of cariage then God or his word hath tied any man vnto. Their example therefore as it is no precedent to others, so it is no prejudice to any that shall swarne from the same.
gSca•cos & aleas detestantur: abhorrent vena•ionem: nec ludicra illa aviu•• rapina, ut assolet, del•ctantur. Ber•. ad m•lit. templ. c. 4.Sca•cos & aleas detestantur: abhorrent vena•ionem: nec ludicra illa auiu•• rapina, vt assolet, del•ctantur. Ber•. ad m•lit. templ. c. 4.
iAngelos terre•os, imò coeli cives c•stit•s facit. Bern. de divers. serm. 3•. & in Cant. ser•. 27.Angelos terre•os, imò coeli ciues c•stit•s facit. Bern. de diuers. serm. 3•. & in Cant. ser•. 27.
kPoenitentiam Episcopo ob scaccorū usum iniunxit Petrus Damian, in Epist. ad Hildebr. quod & à Baronio defenditur annal. tom. 11. an. 1061. num. 42. Vise Vincent spec. histor. l 6. c. 52. & Guil. Pepin. de conf•ss. tract. 2. par. 3. c. 6.Poenitentiam Episcopo ob scaccorū vsum iniunxit Petrus Damian, in Epist. ad Hildebr. quod & à Baronio defenditur annal. tom. 11. ann. 1061. num. 42. Vise Vincent spec. histor. l 6. c. 52. & Guil. Pepin. de conf•ss. tract. 2. par. 3. c. 6.
§ 13. From the ancient Fathers pass we on to lHeathen writers. mTully, say they, objecteth dicing to Catiline and his Complices: nYea when he would spit fire in Antonies face, ohe layeth to his charge that he was a Dicer himself, and his house a common receptacle of such.
§ 13. From the auncient Fathers passe we on to lHeathen writers. mTully, say they, obiecteth dicing to Catiline and his Complices: nYea when hee would spit fire in Antonies face, ohe laieth to his charge that he was a Dicer himselfe, and his house a common receptacle of such.
lProfanos homines audiamus, qui verbi Dei luc• destituebantur•à quibus tamen quid de tam turpi rerum genera sentiendum fit inte•igamus. Dan. de lud al. c. 6.Profanos homines audiamus, qui verbi Dei luc• destituebantur•à quibus tamen quid de tam turpi rerum gener• sentiendum fit inte•igamus. Dan. de lud al. c. 6.
True indeed: Tully in the sixth rank of Catiline's Companions placeth pDicers and adulterers, and filthy folk of all fashion: as else-where also he noteth divers of them to have been qDicers and Drunkards. He taxeth Antony likewise for a common rDicer and a Drunkard: and sa favourer and restorer again of such as for such doings had been condemned: and among other things describing his running riot and ⟨p. 219⟩revelling, he telleth how tby dicing and drinking and other riotous courses he had suddenly wasted and made away all those ample spoils, that upon Pompey the Greats fall had come into his hands; his excess being such and his prodigality so great, that it was able soon to consume the riches of whole realms. Who so readeth but the places shall easily see, what Tully condemneth in either of them and their crew.
True indeed: Tully in the sixth rancke of Catilines Companions placeth pDicers and adulterers, and filthy folke of all fashion: as else-where also he noteth diuers of them to haue beene qDicers and Drunkards. He taxeth Antonie likewise for a common rDicer and a Drunkard: and sa fauourer and restorer againe of such as for such doings had beene condemned: and among other things describing his running riot and ⟨p. 219⟩reuelling, he telleth how tby dicing and drinking and other riotous courses he had suddainely wasted and made away all those ample spoiles, that vpon Pompey the Greats fall had come into his hands; his excesse being such and his prodigalitie so great, that it was able soone to consume the riches of whole realmes. Who so readeth but the places shall easily see, what Tully condemneth in either of them and their crew.
pAleatores, adultery, impuri impudicique omnes. Ci•. in Catilin. orat. 2.Aleatores, adulteri, impuri impudicique omnes. Ci•. in Catilin. orat. 2.
qVino & ale• dediti Ibid. 3.
rVino & epulis retentus & alea, fi epulae potius quàm popinae n•minandae sunt. Cic. Philip. 3.
sLicinium Lenticulam de alea condemnatum collusorem suum restituit, &c. Ibid. 2. Hominem. vero omnium nequissimum, qui non du•itaret vel in foro alea ludere, lege quae est de ale• cond••natum▪ qui i• integrum restituit, i• non apertissimè studium suum ipse profitetur? Ibid.
tNihil erat •lausum, nihil obsignatum. apothecae totae n•quissimi• quibusquam condonabantur. alia mimi rapi•bant, alia mim•. domus erat aleatoribus referta, plena ebriorum. totas dies potabatur, a•que id locis pluribus. suggerebantur etiam saepe damna aleatoria, &c. quamobrem desinite mirari haec tam celeriter consumpta. non m• dò unius patrimo•ium q•amuis amplum, ut illud fuit, sed urbes & regna tanta nequitia deu•rare pot•isset. Cic. Philip. 2.Nihil erat lausum, nihil obsignatum. apothecae totae nquissimi quibusquam condonabantur. alia mimi rapibant, alia mim. domus erat aleatoribus referta, plena ebriorum. totas dies potabatur, aque id locis pluribus. suggerebantur etiam saepe damna aleatoria, &c. quamobrem desinite mirari haec tam celeriter consumpta. non m dò vnius patrimoium qamuis amplum, vt illud fuit, sed vrbes & regna tanta nequitia deurare potisset. Cic.
But doth Tully therefore utterly condemn all use of Tables or Dice? Nothing less. He alloweth else-where the use of them uto men wearied with other ordinary labours, or by weather restrained from other exercises abroad: *so that they dote not upon them and so grow excessive in them, as some do upon tennis and other exercises sometimes. But in more special manner he deemeth them very fit recreations, as xanother before for sick and weakly persons, so he yfor old men, grown unwieldy, and past games of activity. As Sidonius also an ancient French Bishop accordingly setteth zthe young-men to tennis and the old-men to Tables: by whose writings also, as aone writing on him well observeth, it appeareth, that blearned men, yea and Divines too, in his time did ordinarily use such kinds of disport: the ⟨p. 220⟩Bishop himself using also both cprivately to play with his familiar friends in his own house as well at Tennis as at Tables; and bearing the Emperor Theodoric also sometime company at that game; whose civill and moderate and courteous demeanour at the same in one of his Epistles he thus very wittily describeth: dAt afternoon hours oft he betaketh himself to Tables: the Dice he catcheth up nimbly; vieweth warily, shaketh cunningly, casteth speedily; calleth for his chance merrily, and expecteth it as patiently: in good casts he is silent, at evil ones he smileth; he is angry with neither, he carieth himself wisely in either: a good chance he scorneth either to fear or to make: the opportunity whereof he refuseth when it is offered him, he letteth pass when it goeth against him: he is neither moved if he be defeated, nor useth covin to defeat: he behaveth himself at game, as if he were at his weapon; his care is all how to win. eWhile he is at play, he setteth aside his royal state: he inviteth those be playeth with, to froliknesse, and freedom, and fellowlike behaviour: to speak as I think, he is afraid to be feared: in a word, he loveth to see them moved, whom he hath beaten in play, scarce believing but that they plaid booty, if they be not throughly angry. And having told how that oft many obtain suites at game of him by watching and taking their time; fI my self, saith he, also when I have a suite to him, am sometime ⟨p. 221⟩luckily beaten by him, and am well content to loose my game to him, that I may gain my suite of him.
But doth Tully therefore vtterly condemne all vse of Tables or Dice? Nothing lesse. Hee alloweth else-where the vse of them uto men wearied with other ordinary labours, or by weather restrained from other exercises abroad: *so that they dote not vpon them and so grow excessiue in them, as some doe vpon tennis and other exercises sometimes. But in more speciall manner he deemeth them very fit recreations, as xanother before for sicke and weakely persons, so hee yfor old men, growne vnwealdy, and past games of actiuitie. As Sidonius also an auncient French Bishop accordin•ly setteth zthe young-men to tennis and the old-men to Tables: by whose writings also, as aone writing on him well obserueth, it appeareth, that blearned men, yea and Diuines too, in his time did ordinarily vse such kindes of disport: the ⟨p. 220⟩Bishop himselfe vsing also both cpriuately to play with his familiar friends in his owne house as well at Tennis as at Tables; and bearing the Emperor Theodorike also sometime company at that game; whose ciuill and moderate and courteous demeanour at the same in one of his Epistles hee thus very wittily describeth: dAt afternoone houres oft hee betaketh himselfe to Tables: the Dice he catcheth vp nim•lie; vieweth warily, shaketh cunningly, casteth speedily; calleth for his chaunce merily, and expecteth it as patiently: in good casts he is silent, at euill ones hee smileth; he is angrie with neither, hee carieth himselfe wisely in either: a good chaunce he scorneth either to feare or to make: the opportunity whereof hee refuseth when it is offered him, he letteth passe when it goeth against him: he is neither moued if he be defeated, nor vseth couine to defeate: he behaueth himselfe at game, as if he were at his weapon; his care is all how to win.
uHomines labour quotidiano assueti, cùm tempestatis causa opere prohibentur, ad pilam se aut ad talos aut ad tesseras conferunt, aut etiam no•um sibi aliquem excogi an• in otio ludum. Cie. de oratore lib. 3.Homines labore quotidiano assueti, cùm tēpestatis causa opere prohibentur, ad pilam se aut ad talos aut ad tesseras conferunt, aut etiam no•um sibi aliquem excogi an• in otio ludum. Cie. de oratore lib. 3.
*At alij, quia praeclarè faciunt, v•hementiu• quàm causa postulat delectantur, ut Titius pila, Brulla talis. Ibid.At alij, quia praeclarè faciunt, v•hementiu• quàm causa postulat delectantur, vt Titius pila, Brulla talis. Ibid.
xMartyr in Jud. c. 14.Martyr in Iud. c. 14.
yHabeant alij sibi arma, equos, hastas, •lavam & pilū, nat•tiones & cu•sus: nobis senibus exlusionibus multis ta••s relinquant & tesser•s▪ Cic. de senect.Habeant alij sibi arma, equos, hastas, •lauam & pilū, nat•tiones & cu•sus: nobis senibꝰ exlusionibꝰ multis ta••s relinquant & tesser•s▪ Cic. de senect.
zM•x biperti•is, erat ut aetas, profertur, his pila, hisg tabula Sidon. l. 5. ep. 17. Et de Raenna, ubi peruersa cuncta; Student pila sene, aleae inuenes. Idem lib. 1. ep. 8. Hinc & Augustus in epist. ad Tiberium: Inter cnam lusimus [Greek or Hebrew]. Suet. Aug. c. 71.
§ 14. But to return to our task: gAugustus, say they, got by his dicing a reproach never dying, even to be counted a dissolute man: and hit was reputed a notorious vice in him who was otherwise both a very great, yea and a very good Emperor; but this infamous blot blemished all his other great virtues.
§ 14. But to returne to our taske: gAugustus, say they, got by his dicing a reproach neuer dying, euen to be counted a dissolute man: and hit was reputed a notorious vice in him who was otherwise both a very great, yea and a very good Emperor; but this infamous blot bleamished all his other great virtues.
gBabingt. on Command. 8.Babingt. on Cō mand. 8.
hS••••nius scribit hoc idem pro summo vitio in summo & aliàs op•i•• illo principe •abitum fuisse, ad•ò ut magnis illius virtut•bus foed•m aleae labem asperserit. Dam. de l•d. al. c. 7.S••••nius scribit hoc idem pro summo vitio in summo & aliàs op•i•• illo principe •abitum fuisse, ad•ò vt magnis illius virtut•bus foed•m aleae labem asperserit. Dam. de l•d. al. c. 7.
Suetonius indeed reporteth that Augustus was itaxed by divers for his common dicing; and a rime thereupon made of him to this effect;
kAt sea twice beaten, and his ships lost twice;
To win yet once, all day he plays at dice.
Yet lSuetonius, and so mothers, seem withal to excuse him in part, alleging, that he plaid simply and openly for delight alone, and that even in his old-age too. But nhe had fouler matters that blemished his fame, some oshrewdly suspected by him, some pconfessed even by his friends: and his fault herein was twofold; partly that he was qsomewhat too profuse, and spent more at play then was meet, though rnothing to that, that some of them did, that succeeded him: and partly that he used game ssomewhat unseasonably, as tsome other also of his Successors did, in bestowing usually that time on his sports, that other serious affairs might more justly ⟨p. 222⟩have laid claim to. This was taxed in him, not the game it self simply.
Su•tonius indeed reporteth that Augustus was itaxed by diuers for his common dicing; and a rime thereupon made of him to this effect;
kAt sea twise beaten, and his ships lost twise;
To win yet once, all day he plaies at dice.
Yet lSuetonius, and so mothers, seeme withall to excuse him in part, alleadging, that hee plaid simply and openly for delight alone, and that euen in his old-age too. But nhe had fouler matters that bleamished his fame, some oshrewdly suspected by him, some pconfessed euen by his freinds: and his fault h•rein was twofold; partly that hee was qsomewhat too profuse, and spent more at play then was meete, though rnothing to that, that some of them did, that succeeded him: and partly that he vsed game ssomwhat vnseasonably, as tsome other also of his Successors did, in bestowing vsually that time on his sports, that other serious affaires might more iustly ⟨p. 222⟩haue laid claime to. This was taxed in him, not the game it selfe simply.
iNota•us est •t • lea indulgens Suet. Aug. c 71.
kPostquam bis class victus naves perdidit; Aliquando ut vincat, l•dit assiduè al•am.Postquam bis classe victus naues perdidit; Aliquando vt vincat, l•dit assiduè al•am.
lSuet ibid. Aleae rumorem nullo modo expavit: lusitque simpliciter & palam oblectamenti causa, etiam sene•.Suet ibid. Aleae rumorem nullo modo expauit: lusitque simpliciter & palam oblectamenti causa, etiam sene•.
mCasaub. ad Su• ton. & Greg. T•los. syntag. l. 39. c. 3. § 8.
nPrima inuenta ••iorum dedecorū infamiam subijt. Sutton. Aug. c. 68. Cirsa libidines haesit, ad vitiand•• virgines promptior. Sueton, ibid. c. 71.Prima inuenta ••iorum dedecorū infamiam subijt. Su•ton. Aug. c. 68. Cirsa libidines haesit, ad vitiand•• virgines promptior. Sueton, ibid. c. 71.
oEffoeminatu•, cinaedus ava•ijt: unde in contumeliam eius acceptum illud de Gallo tympanizante pronunciatum, Viden ut cinaed•• orbem digi•o temperet. Suet ibid.Effoeminatu•, cinaedus aua•ijt: vnde in contumeliam eius acceptum illud de Gallo tympanizante pronunciatum, Viden vt cinaed orbem digio temperet. Suet ibid.
Again, uClaudius, say they, was hereby especially noted to be of a dull and sottish disposition, because he took so much delight in Tables and Dice.
Againe, uClaudius, say they, was hereby especially noted to be of a dull and sottish disposition, because hee tooke so much delight in Tables and Dice.
uClaudius stolidi ingenij indicium maximè ex eo dedit, quod aleae ludo summè delectaretur. Dan. de lud. al. c. 7.
Claudius is indeed noted to have been *a very serious Dice-player, in so much that he wrote a discourse of the game, and used to play by the way as he rode in his Coach, having the Tables so fastened to the seats, that the men might not mingle and the game be marred: whereupon also Seneca in derision of him relateth how that after his decease he should be put in hell to this penance, xto take his dice up with a box that had an hole in the bottom, and so made him still loose his labour. But I find not where his bent and study that way is made a note of his stupidity, neither see I how it should so be, (the game used by him requiring yArt and dexterity for the managing of it) nor if it were, were it any whit material to the point that is here questioned of the lawfulness or unlawfulness of the game in it self.
Claudius is indeed noted to haue beene *a very serious Dice-player, in so much that hee wrote a discourse of the game, and vsed to play by the way as he rode in his Coach, hauing the Tables so fastened to the seates, that the men might not mingle and the game be marred: whereupon also Seneca in derision of him relateth how that after his decease he should be put in hell to this penance, xto take his dice vp with a box that had an hole in the botome, and so made him still loose his labour. But I finde not where his bent and study that way is made a note of his stupidity, neither see I how it should so be, (the game vsed by him requiring yArt and dexterity for the manag••g of it) nor if it were, were it any whit materiall to the point that is here questioned of the lawfulnesse or vnlawfulnesse of the game in it selfe.
*Aleam fludiosessimè lusit: de cuius arte librum quoque emisit: solitus evā in gestatorio ludere, ••a •ssedo alu•oque a•aptatis, ne lusus confunderetur. Sueton. Claud. c. 33.Aleam fludiosessimè lusit: de cuius arte librum quoque emisit: solitus euā in gestatorio ludere, ••a •ssedo alu•oque a•aptatis, ne lusus confunderetur. Sueton. Claud. c. 33.
y[Greek or Hebrew] à Palamede in••ntam [Greek or Hebrew]. Philostratus in •eroicis. Vise quae prius ex Platone, S• ph•cle, Plot. Hesych. alijs. Sed & Ovid, trist l. 2. Sunt alijs s•riptae, quibus alea ludit••, arts.〈non-Latin alphabet〉 à Palamede in••ntam 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Philostratus in •eroicis. Vise quae prius ex Platone, S• ph•cle, Pl•t. Hesych. alijs. Sed & Ouid, trist l. 2. Sunt alijs s•riptae, quibus alea ludit••, artes.
§ 15. Yea but aGobilo, or bCobilo, or cChilo, or dStilpo, or some Spartan or other (for upon his name they cannot accord) coming to Corinth to treat of a league between his Countrymen and them, observing ethe Corinthian Governors (or fthe people generally) to be commonly given to that game, went this way again gwithout conclusion, yea or htreaty of ought; as deeming it a matter both dishonest and dangerous to ⟨p. 223⟩be in league and amity with such idle persons and gamesters as they. And ithe King of Persia, say some, kof Parthia, more truly say othersome, sent Demetrius King of Asia golden Dice for a present, thereby noting his sloth, say some, his childish lightness, say others, that in royal estate tended such toys.
§ 15. Yea but aGobilo, or bCobilo, or cChilo, or dStilpo, or some Spartan or other (for vpon his name they cannot accord) comming to Corinth to treate of a league betweene his Countrimen and them, obseruing ethe Corinthian Gouernours (or fthe people generally) to be commonly giuen to that game, went this way againe gwithout conclusion, yea or htreaty of ought; as deeming it a matter both dishonest and dangerous to ⟨p. 223⟩be in league and amity with such idle persons and gamesters as they. And ithe King of Persia, say some, kof Parthia, more truely say othersome, sent Demetrius King of Asia golden Dice for a present, thereby noting his slouth, say some, his childish lightnesse, say others, that in royall estate tended such toies.
aDan. de lud. al•a c. 7. & Babington on Command 8.
bAgripp. de vanscient c 14.
cJoan. Sarisb. polycrat. l. •. c. 5. Et Pe•r Blesens. Epist. 74. ex Sarisb. in vocula una & alt•ra corrigendas: & Taffin, de emend. vitae l. 2. c. 19 § 7·Ioan. Sarisb. polycrat. l. •. c. 5. Et Pe•r Blesens. Epist. 74. ex Sarisb. in vocula vna & alt•ra corrigendas: & Taffin, de emend. vitae l. 2. c. 19 § 7·
dChaucers Pardoner.
eDuces & seniors populi Indents in aleae. Sarisb. & Blesens. & Taffin.Duces & se•i•res populi Indentes in aleae. Sarisb. & Blesens. & Taffin.
iR•x Persarum talos ad D•m trium r•gem Asiae misit, ignaviam hominis notans. Dan, de lud. aleae c. 7. & Hadr. Jun. aenimad•er. l. 2. c. 4. & Babington on Command 8.R•x Persarum talos ad D•m trium r•gem Asiae misit, ignauiam hominis notans. Dan, de lud. aleae c. 7. & Hadr. Iun. aenimader. l. 2. c. 4. & Babington on Cō mand 8.
All this needeth no long answer. lThe Corinthian looseness both in that kind and otherwise (which no well minded man will either excuse or defend) might well discourage a Spartan of a generous and warlike disposition from proceeding in a business of such weight as that was: though the story be scarce found in any authentic Author, and the allegers of it vary in their reports. But take it for undoubted, yet neither doth that prove that no Lot in or about game may lawfully be used, which mthe Spartans, as well as nother Greeks, used for the joining of them together, that in certain Games they had for their youth, were to fight either with other; nor that these kinds of Lot Games were not used at all in Sparta, it being noted to have been a common byword with one of their Commanders, that oChildren use to be cozened with Balls and Dice (or Hucklebones then used as Dice) and men cheated with words and oaths.
All this needeth no long answere. lThe Corinthian loosenesse both in that kinde and otherwise (which no well minded man will either excuse or defend) might well discourage a Spartan of a generous and warlike disposition from proceeding in a busines of such weight as that was: though the story be scarce found in any authentike Author, and the alleadgers of it vary in their reports. But take it for vndoubted, yet neither doth that proue that no Lot in or about game may lawfully be vsed, which mthe Spartans, as well as nother Greekes, vsed for the ioining of them together, that in certaine Games they had for their youth, were to fight either with other; nor that these kinds of Lot Games were not vsed at all in Sparta, it being noted to haue been a common byword with one of their Commanders, that oChildren vse to be co•sened with Balls and Dice (or Hucklebones then vsed as Dice) and men cheated with words and oaths.
lLuxus Corinthiacus in vasis & supellectile preti•sa, in re item meretr• ciae in adagiū •l•m abierat: unde & versiculus, [Greek or Hebrew]. Vise Agell. l. 1 c. 8. Aristoph. Plut. & Suet. Aug. c. 71.Luxus Corinthiacus in vasis & supellectile preti•sa, in re item meretr• ciae in adagiū •l•m abierat: vnde & versiculus, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Vise Agell. l. 1 c. 8. Aristoph. Plut. & Suet. Aug. c. 71.
m[Greek or Hebrew]. Pa•san. Lacon.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Pa•san. Lacon.
nVise quae suprae.
o[Greek or Hebrew]. Lysander apud Plut. apophth. addit Dion. Chrys. orat. 74. in prior membro, [Greek or Hebrew], inpasteriore, [Greek or Hebrew], non ut v•lgò [Greek or Hebrew]. Hoc tamen Dionysio T•yran•• tribuit Plutar. dem de fort. Alea. l. 1. Sed & Polycrati alios, alios alijs adscriber• testatur idem sympos. l 9. c. 12. & in vita Lysandri Polycratem ips••• hac in re imitatumex Androclide m•morat.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Lysander apud Plut. apophth. addit Dion. Chrys. orat. 74. in priore membro, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, inpasteriore, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, non vt v•lgò 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Hoc tamen Dionysio Tyran tribuit Plutar. dem de fort. Alea. l. 1. Sed & Polycrati alios, alios alijs adscriber testatur idem sympos. l 9. c. 12. & in vita Lysandri Polycratem ips hac in re imitatumex Androclide mmorat.
For the Dice that the one King is said to have sent to the other; the story is by them much mistaken, much at least misreported. pThe Dice were indeed ⟨p. 224⟩by Phraartes King of Parthia sent to Demetrius, who had sometime bin King of Syria, and a valiant man, as the Parthians well knew, having been qoft beaten by him; but then, surprised by a train, was prisoner in Parthia; where though honourably used, yet desirous of liberty, having twice attempted to break away, and being twice brought back again, he had these Dice sent him, not to tax him of sloth, or for tending such toys, but rto note, faith mine Author, his childish inconstancy, or rather (think I) to show him what he must wholly tend, without attempting of greater matters, unless he grew weary of his life. But admit one King in derision had sent such a present to another: as we read in sour own stories, that the Dolphin of France sent a tun of Paris-balls sometime to Henry the fifth, though without just cause, and with no great good success: yet would not that prove the use of the one to be evil or unlawful, no more then this doth the other. It is indeed an unseemly thing and a great disparagement for a King *to addict himself to either of those or any the like sports, though good and honest otherwise in themselves, twith neglect of State-business and of serious affairs, or uof such other exercises as better beseem his place and person; which hath been xa foul blemish to divers Princes and great personages, ysuch especially as were sprung ⟨p. 225⟩from Parents that had taken the clean contrary courses: In which regard zour royal Sovereign right wisely adviseth that hopeful Prince (that then was, but, to our woe, now is not) his son, leaving the ordinary use of Dice to debauched Soldiers to play at on the Drum-head, and tumbling tricks to Players to win their bread with, to make choice rather of riding, and tilting and hunting and the like, such exercises as best beseem a Prince and 1may further fit him for martial affairs. But yet the evil practise of the former doth no more prejudice any Prince that shall use 2the same exercise of Tennis or Tables in sober and seasonable sort; then the riotous courses of luxurious Princes ought to restrain the royal entertainment of others performed upon just occasion, and agreeably to their estate.
For the Dice that the one King is said to haue sent to the other; the story is by them much mistaken, much at least misreported. pThe Dice were indeede ⟨p. 224⟩by Phraartes King of Parthia sent to Demetrius, who had sometime bin King of Syria, and a valiant man, as the Parthians well knew, hauing been qoft beaten by him; but then, surprised by a traine, was prisoner in Parthia; where though honourably vsed, yet desirous of liberty, hauing twise attempted to breake away, and being twise brought back againe, he had these Dice sent him, not to tax him of sloth, or for tending such toyes, but rto note, faith mine Author, his childish inconstancy, or rather (thinke I) to shew him what he must wholy tend, without attempting of greater matters, vnlesse he grew weary of his life. But admit one King in derision had sent such a present to another: as we reade in sour owne stories, that the Dolphin of Fraunce sent a tun of Paris-bals sometime to Henry the fift, though without iust cause, and with no great good successe: yet would not that proue the vse of the one to be euill or vnlawfull, no more then this doth the other. It is indeede an vnseemely thing and a great disparagement for a King *to addict himselfe to either of those or any the like sports, though good and honest otherwise in themselues, twith neglect of State-busines and of serious affaires, or uof such other exercises as better beseeme his place and person; which hath beene xa foule blemish to diuers Princes and great personages, ysuch especially as were sprung ⟨p. 225⟩from Parents that had taken the cleane contrarie courses: In which regard z
pEx Trogi historia Instinus epi•em. l. 38.
qCòm multis congressionibus victor fuisset, repenté circumuentus insidijs aemisso exercitu capitur. Justin. ibid.Còm multis congressionibus victor fuisset, repenté circumuentus insidijs aemisso exercitu capitur. Iustin. ibid.
rTalis abbeys in exprobrationē levitatis puerilis donaetur. Justin ibid.Talis a•eis in exprobrationē leuitatis puerilis donaetur. Iustin ibid.
tPrae•larè Themistocles, Magistratus à ludis & levioribus arcendos, ne respub. ladere videretur: quod à nostris v•tnam audiretur, ut nugis suis reipub. seria anteferrent, Joan. Sarisber. poliaraet. l. 1. c. 4.Prae•larè Themistocles, Magistratus à ludis & leuioribus arcendos, ne respub. ladere videretur: quod à nostris v•tnam audiretur, vt nugis suis reipub. seria anteferrent, Ioan. Sarisber. poliaraet. l. 1. c. 4.
u- uescit equo rudis Haerere ingenuus purr, Venarique timet; ludere doctior s•u Graeco jubeas trocho, Seu mavis v•t••a legibus aleae. Hor. can. l. 3. •de 24.- uescit equo rudis Haerere ingenuꝰ pu•r, Venarique timet; ludere doctior s•u Graeco iubeas trocho, Seu mauis v•t••a legibus aleae. Hor. can. l. 3. de 24.
§ 16. In the last place are Poets produced for the condemning of dice. And Poets indeed, Satirists especially, are the common scourges of the vices and abuses of their times. Neither is it my purpose to be either a Pander to any sin, or a Proctor to plead for it, to excuse or extenuate, much less to justify or acquit any abuse used in game: (let my tongue first cleave to the roof of my mouth, nay let it rather rot to the very root in my mouth, then that I should once attempt ought in that kind;) but to consider only of these games pared from such abuses, as men may, if they will, and I doubt not but many do, use them. But let us hear what these Poets say.
§ 16. In the last place are Poets produced for the condemning of dice. And Poets indeed, Satyrists especially, are the common scourges of the vices and abuses of their times. Neither is it my purpose to be either a Pandar to any sinne, or a Proctor to pleade for it, to excuse or extenuate, much lesse to iustifie or acquit any abuse vsed in game: (let my tongue first cleaue to the roofe of my mouth, nay let it rather rot to the very roote in my mouth, then that I should once attempt ought in that kinde;) but to consider onely of these games pared from such abuses, as men may, if they will, and I doubt not but many doe, vse them. But let vs heare what these Poets say.
When I first read this, I remembered indeed ba Greek Epigram wherein Baths, Wine, and Women, are joined together as Cankers corrupting and consuming mens bodies, and making a speedy dispatch of their lives: which csome turning into Latin, to mend the matter, add withal, that these may as well prove restoratives or preservatives as cankers and corrosives, being used and taken as they ought.
When I first read this, I remembred indeed ba Greeke Epigram wherein Baths, Wine, and Women, are ioyned together as Canckers corrupting and consuming mens bodies, and making a speedy dispatch of their liues: which csome turning into Latine, to mend the matter, adde withall, that these may as well proue restoratiues or preseruatiues as canckers and corrasiues, being vsed and taken as they ought.
b[Greek or Hebrew]. Antholog. l. 1. c. 57.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Antholog. l. 1. c. 57.
Since I find in some obscure Authors somewhat near that which is alleged, of dice, wine, and women: Which admitted for authentical, yet doth no more enforce an absolute and general condemnation of dice, then it doth of the other two, wine and women, that are therein joined therewith; which no wise man or in his right wits will therefore utterly condemn. And yet can there not be more said in that kind of this one, then (I say not Poets alone, but) the Spirit of God it self saith, (not to press ought out of the dApocrypha) of the two other, as well eof women as fof wine. gHowbeit neither are therefore heither the Vines in foreign parts to be rooted all out, or all use of wine to be wholly forbidden us, who yet might live well without it, because by many wine is much abused: nor are women therefore to be abandoned, or deemed ⟨p. 227⟩iEvils, though knecessaries, if many of them, by the abuse of themselves, or others abuse of them, prove as the Spirit of God speaketh: or yet marriage, being lGods own ordinance, in it self no less mhelpful, beneficial and comfortable, then it is nholy, honest and honourable, is to be in that respect any whit the less regarded; but othe use of either limited, the abuses stripped from them, as the rules both of reason and religion require.
Since I finde in some obscure Authors somewhat neere that which is alleadged, of dice, wine, and women: Which admitted for authenticall, yet doth no more enforce an absolute and generall condemnation of dice, then it doth of the other two, wine and women, that are therein ioyned therewith; which no wise man or in his right wits will therefore vtterly condemne. And yet can there not be more said in that kinde of this one, then (I say not Poets alone, but) the Spirit of God it selfe saith, (not to presse ought out of the dApocrypha) of the two other, as well eof women as fof wine. gHowbeit neither are therefore heither the Vines in foraine parts to bee rooted all out, or all vse of wine to be wholy forbidden vs, who yet might liue well without it, because by many wine is much abused: nor are women therefore to be abandoned, or deemed ⟨p. 227⟩iEuils, though knecessaries, if many of them, by the abuse of themselues, or others abuse of them, proue as the Spirit of God speaketh: or yet mariage, being lGods owne ordinance, in it selfe no lesse mhelpefull, beneficiall and comfortable, then it is nholy, honest and honourable, is to be in that respect any whit the lesse regarded; but othe vse of either limited, the abuses stript from them, as the rules both of reason and religion require.
dDives eram dudum, me fecerunt tria m•dum, Alea, vina, venus, tribus his sum factus egenus. Carm. Proverb & Guil. Pepin. de conf•ss tract. 2. par. 3. c. 6.Diues eram dudum, me fecerunt tria m•dum, Alea, vina, venus, tribus his sum factus egenus. Carm. Prouerb & Guil. Pepin. de conf•ss tract. 2. par. 3. c. 6.
gSiracid. 26.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, & 25.15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28. quod cùm in Anglia à ministro Caluinista legeretur, mulierem è coetu exclamasse, Verbum illud non Dei esse, sed Diaboli, refert seriò Bellarm. de verb. De• l. 2. c. 15.
h[Greek or Hebrew]. Pla•. de audiend. poet.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Pla•. de audiend. poet.
i[Greek or Hebrew]. Euripid. [Greek or Hebrew]. Sophocl. [Greek or Hebrew], Menaud. [Greek or Hebrew]. Eurip. [Greek or Hebrew]. Menau. apud Stob. par. 2. c. 71. Et idem Menaud. [Greek or Hebrew]. Sed & tragicè nimis Cancrinus, [Greek or Hebrew]. apud Athen. l. 13.
While he is at play, he setteth aside his royall state: he inuiteth those be plaieth with, to froliknesse, and freedome, and fellowlike behauiour: to speake as I thinke, he is afraid to bee feared: in a word, he loueth to see them moued, whom he hath beaten in play, scarce beleeuing but that they plaid booty, if they be not throughly angry. And hauing told how that oft many obtaine suites at game of him by watching and taking their time;
I my selfe, saith he, also when I haue a suite to him, am sometime
⟨p. 221⟩
luckily beaten by him, and am well content to loose my game to him, that I may gaine my suite of him.
•
•
•
M•x biperti•is, erat vt aetas, profertur, his pila, hisg tabula Sidon. l. 5. ep. 17. Et de Ra•enna, vbi peruersa cuncta; Student pila sene•, aleae inuenes. Idem lib. 1. ep. 8. Hinc & Augustus in epist. ad Tiberium: Inter c•nam lusimus 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Suet. Aug. c. 71.
aJo. Savar. not. ad Sidon.Io. Sauar. not. ad Sidon.
bHinc ad Saloniū, Quamdiu a•tritas tesserarū quondam jactibus manus contra jus fasque sibi vendicant instr•menta Cereali•? Sidon. l. 8. ep. 8. Et de Lampridio rhetore; Aleae, spherae noniuxta deditus, &c. Ib. ep 11. Hinc & in Ferreoli, quē collaudat, aedibus spharisteriū, aleatoriū, bibliotheta, Idenl. 2. •p. 9.Hinc ad Saloniū, Quamdiu a•tritas tesserarū quondam iactibꝰ manꝰ contra ius fasque sibi vendicant instr•menta Cereali•? Sidon. l. 8. ep. 8. Et de Lampridio rhetore; Aleae, spherae noniuxta deditꝰ, &c. Ib. ep 11. Hinc & in Ferreoli, quē collaudat, aedibus spharisteriū, aleatoriū, bibliotheta, Idēl. 2. •p. 9.
cIn hui•• nemori• opacitate, cùm me meus Hecdicius illustrat, pilae vacan.us; sed hoc donec arborū imago contractior aleatorium ill•c l•ssis consumpto sphae•isterio faciat. Sidon l. 2. •p. 2 & ep. 17. l. 5. Pilae primus ego signiferfui, qui mihi, ut nosti, non minus libro c•m• habitur. frater meus Domnicius tesseras ••p••at, quatie•atque, quo veint cl•ssico ad pyrgū v••aeb•t alcatores.In hui•• nemori• opacitate, cùm me meꝰ Hecdicius illustrat, pilae vacan.ꝰ; sed hoc donec arborū imago cōtractior aleatorium ill•c l•ssis consumpto sphae•isterio faciat. Sidō l. 2. •p. 2 & ep. 17. l. 5. Pilae primꝰ ego signiferfui, qui mihi, vt nosti, non minus libro c•m• habitur. frater meꝰ Domnicius tesseras ••p••at, quatie•atque, quo veint cl•ssico ad pyrgū v••aeb•t alcatores.
dHoris meridlanis vir• tabula cordi est: tesseras colligit rapidè, inspi•it solicitè, volit argu••, mittit instanièr, •oculanter compellat, patienter expe••at; in bonis jactibus tacet, in malis ridet, in neutris irascitur, in utrisque philosophatur: secundas fastidi• veltim•re vel facere; quarum opportunitates spernit oblatas, transit oppositas: sine motu cuaditur, sine colludio •uadit. Putes illum & in calculis arma tractare: solae est illi curae viucendi. Sidon. lib. 1. epist. 2.Horis meridlanis vir• tabula cordi est: tesseras colligit rapidè, inspi•it solicitè, volit argu••, mittit instanièr, •oculanter compellat, patienter expe••at; in bonis iactibus tacet, in malis ridet, in neutris irascitur, in vtrisque philosophatur: secundas fastidi• veltim•re vel facere; quarum opportunitates spernit oblatas, transit oppositas: sine motu cuaditur, sine colludio •uadit. Putes illum & in calculis arma tractare: solae est illi curae viucendi. Sidon. lib. 1. epist. 2.
eCùm ludendum est, regiam sequestrat tant•sper s•ueritatem. H•rtatur ad ludum, libertatem, communionemque: dicam quod sentio, times ti•eri: denique •bl•ctat•r cammotion• super••i, & tunc demum credit sibi •on cess•sse collegam, cùm f•dem fecerit victoria suae bil•• alie•a. Ibid.
fTunc ego etiam aliquid observaturus f•eliciter vin•or, quando mihi ad h•c tabula perit, ut causa saluetur. Ibid.Tunc ego etiam aliquid observaturus f•eliciter vin•or, quando mihi ad h•c tabula perit, vt causa saluetur. Ibid.
••
•
pAdulteria exercuisse ne amic• quidem negant. Ibid. c. 69.
qNosquinquat•ijs satis jucundè egimu•: lusimus enim per omnes dies: ego perdi•i viginti millia num•iûm ••o nomi•e: sed cùm eff••sè inlus•• liberalis fuissem, ut soleo plaerumque. Augustus apud Sueton. c. 71.Nosquinquat•ijs satis iucundè egimu•: lusimus enim per omnes dies: ego perdi•i viginti millia num•iûm ••o nomi•e: sed cùm eff••sè inlus•• liberalis fuissem, vt soleo plaerumque. Augustus apud Sueton. c. 71.
rQuadring•nis in punctum H.S. aleam lusit Nero. Suet. Ner. c. 30.
sAc praeterquam Decembri mense, alijs quoque fos•i• professisque dicbus. Suet. Aug c 71 quibus negotia magis tractari solent, quàm ludus talarius exerteri. Phil. Beroaeld.
tQuoti•s o•iū esset, alea se obleclabat, etiā profestis di•bu•. &c. Suet. Domitian. c. 21.Quoti•s o•iū esset, alea se obleclabat, etiā profestis di•bu•. &c. Suet. Domitian. c. 21.
•
kRegi Demetrio à rege Partborum tali aur•i sunt da••, ut notaretur in eo levi•as p•erilis qui in maiesiate regia l•uibus intendebat. Joan Sarisber. l. 1. c. 5. & Pe•r Bl•s. epist 74 & Agrip. c. 14. & Chaucers Pardover.Regi Demetrio à rege Partborum tali aur•i sunt da••, vt notaretur in eo leui•as p•erilis qui in maiesiate regia l•uibus intendebat. Ioan Sarisber. l. 1. c. 5. & Pe•r Bl•s. epist 74 & Agrip. c. 14. & Chaucers Pardouer.
•
••
•
•••
•
our royall Soueraigne right wisely aduiseth that hopefull Prince (that then was, but, to our woe, now is not) his sonne, leauing the ordinarie vse of Dice to deboshed Souldiers to play at on the Drum-head, and tumbling trickes to Plaiers to win their bread with, to make choise rather of riding, and tilting and hunting and the like, such exercises as best beseeme a Prince and
the same exercise of Tennis or Tables in sober and seasonable sort; then the riotous courses of luxurious Princes ought to restraine the royall entertainment of others performed vpon iust occasion, and agreeably to their estate.
•
x[Greek or Hebrew] de Hegosilocho Rhodio Theopomsus hist. l. 16. apud Athenaeum l. 10. quem & l. 12. argum utum hoc copiosiss•mè persequentem vides•s.〈non-Latin alphabet〉 de Hegosilocho Rhodio Theopomsus hist. l. 16. apud Athenaeum l. 10. quem & l. 12. argum utum hoc copiosiss•mè persequentem vides•s.
y[Greek or Hebrew]; Plus. de aud poet. Et Simocat. epist. 13. [Greek or Hebrew].〈non-Latin alphabet〉; Plus. de aud poet. Et Simocat. epist. 13. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉.
zJacob. Rex [Greek or Hebrew] lib 3.Iacob. Rex 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 lib 3.
1Idem ibid. Vise & Rob. Valturi•m dear milit. l. 4. c. 4.Idem ibid. Vise & Rob. Valturi•m dere milit. l. 4. c. 4.
2Tò [Greek or Hebrew]. Xenoph. Cyripaed. l. 1. [Greek or Hebrew]. Ashen lib 1. Venatione ferarum nos exerceri ad similitudin•m bectieae disciplinae. Cic. de nat. deor. l. 2. Vir acer in bellis, & venatu memorabili semper inclytus, &c. quo duratus so, lem & puluerem bellis Persicis tulit. Trebel, in Odenat•.Tò 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Xenoph. Cyripaed. l. 1. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. A•hen lib 1. Venatione ferarum nos exerceri ad similitudin•m bectieae disciplinae. Cic. de nat. deor. l. 2. Vir acer in bellis, & venatu memorabili semper inclytꝰ, &c. quo duratus so, lem & puluerem bellis Persicis tulit. Trebel, in Odenat•.
〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Euripid. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Sophocl. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, Menaud. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Eurip. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Menau. apud Stob. par. 2. c. 71. Et idem Menaud. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Sed & tragicè nimis Cancrinus, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. apud Athen. l. 13.
k[Greek or Hebrew]. Philem. apud Volat•r. l. 30. [Greek or Hebrew]. Menand. [Greek or Hebrew]. Susarion apud Stob. par. 2. c. 67.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Philem. apud Volat•r. l. 30. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Menand. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Susarion apud Stob. par. 2. c. 67.
