Bathsheba's instructions to her son LemuelBathshebaes instructions to her sonne Lemuel

¹It is though that the wife hath sufficiently performed her duty, if she do safely preserve and keep those things which her husband hath brought in. But the holy Ghost teacheth us, that it is the wives duty to provide those things wherewith the family is fed; and not such things only as are near at hand, but which also are brought from far countries: from whence he showeth, that she fetcheth them in merchants ships; because she bringeth her food from far. Wherein seemeth some doubt, how a woman being by nature and calling, limited to keep home, should fetch her food from far. Whereto I answer, that she fetcheth her food from far, not by travelling into foreign Countries, or passing the seas, but by sending the works of her hands into strange Countries, from whence she may receive either Corn or other merchandise in exchange; and those things which at home are not to be had, she may fetch from other places commodiously. But those things, when they are spoken of the Queen, what woman is there, ⟨p. 35⟩which ought in regard either of her own, or her husbands honour, to be freed from the duty of procuring those things which may be of use, not only for her self, but for the nourishing also of her whole family. So as not the least part of the pomp and magnificence of the King, may seem to depend on the providence and labour of his wife and Princess: by which means also cometh great freedom unto the subjects, from tributes, taxes, subsidies, and other exactions. We read that amongst some profane heathen people, the revenues of a whole province hath been allowed to the Kings & Emperors wives, to buy them pins & trifles.

¹It is though that the wife hath sufficientlie performed her duty, if shee doe safely preserue and keepe those things which her husband hath brought in. But the holy Ghost teacheth vs, that it is the wiues duety to prouide those things wherewith the familie is fed; and not such things onely as are neere at hand, but which also are brought from farre countries: from whence hee sheweth, that shee fetcheth them in marchants ships; because shee bringeth her foode from farre. Wherein seemeth some doubt, how a woman being by nature and calling, limited to keepe home, should fetch her foode from farre. Whereto I answere, that shee fetcheth her foode from farre, not by trauelling into forraigne Countries, or passing the seas, but by sending the workes of her hands into strange Countries, from whence shee may receaue either Corne or other marchandize in exchange; and those things which at home are not to be had, shee may fetch from other places commodiouslie. But those things, when they are spoken of the Queene, what woman is there,