A reply unto M. Hardinges answerA replie vnto M. Hardinges ansvveare

And by these means the Romaine or Latin speech spread abroad there, and became to be very common, as that which remained still among the Inhabitants, that were of the Romaine kind, and was learned by long use and custom of others, dwelling amongst them, specially in the Cities, where the Romans bare the swe• and government. For these considerations, I think the Latin tongue was there very common.

And by these meanes the Romaine or Latine speache spredde abroade there, and became to be very common, as that which remained stil amonge the Inhabitantes, that were of the Romaine kinde, and was learned by longe vse and custome of others, dwellinge amongst them, specially in the Cities, where the Romaines bare the swe• and gouernement. For these considerations, I thinke the Latine tongue was there very common.

But that it was common to the inward parties of the Country also, and to the uplandish people, amongst whom the old accustomed language is longest kept, as experience teacheth: it is not likely. For though the Nobility, and Cities change their Language, to be the more in estimation, yet the common and base people of the Country, fall not so soon to a change. In this Realm of England after William Conquerors time, by occasion of great resorts of French men hither, and of our Country men into France, also of the French laws, and special favour by the Princes borne• and preferments bestowed upon them that spake French: the most part of the Nobility, Lawyers, Merchants, Captains, Soldiers, and wealthy folk, had skill in the understanding and speaking of the French tongue: but yet the common, and uplandish people spake little or nought at all. Whereof gr•w this Proverb in England of old time, •acke would be a Gentleman, but Lack can no French. The like may be thought of the Latin tongue in Africa.

But that it was common to the inwarde parties of the Countrie also, and to the vplandishe people, amongst whom the olde accustomed language is longest keapte, as experience teacheth: it is not likely. For though the Nobilitie, and Cities change their Language, to be the more in estimation, yet the common and base people of the Countrie, fal not so soone to a change. In this Realme of Englande after VVilliam Conquerours time, by occasion of greate resortes of Frenche men hither, and of our Countrie men into Fraunce, also of the Frenche lawes, and special fauour by the Princes borne and preferrements bestowed vpon them that spake Frenche: the most parte of the Nobilitie, Lawers, Marchantes, Captaines, Souldiers, and welhy folke, had skil in the vnderstandinge and speaking of the Frenche tongue: but yet the common, and plandishe people spake litle or nought at al. Whereof grw this Prouerbe in Englande of olde time, acke woulde be a Gentleman, but Lacke can no Frenche. The like may be thought of the Latine tongue in Aphrica.