The Glory Of Women

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I Have entred upon a matter hitherto un∣heard of, but not disagreeing with truth; boldly I have done it according to my abi∣lity, but not without some blushing: It is to describe the Nobility and Excellency of the Female Sex; I doe confesse boldnesse with shame∣fac'dnesse hath often strived within me; For as I did think it a thing full of ambition and boldnesse, to com∣prize the innumerable Praises, Vertues, and highest Excellencies of women; So it did seem as a childish modesty of wit to prefer women before men: Hence I alledged an Argument, wherefore none hitherto (as I cer∣tainly know) have dared to exalt the eminency of wo∣men above men, when very few dared to write so much as concerning their praises. Therefore I did thinke it a thing full of ingratitude to be silent, even as to envie, and rob so deserving a Sex of its most just, and due praises; so that while I did stick perplexed within my selfe amongst these various and dissonant opinions, I was made more bold in writing, with this wonderfull fear of ingratitude, when as indeed I should have been more bold, had I suppressed such a truth by my silence. I can∣not then but interpret it for a good omen, as if the pro∣vince of this matter had been left and decreed to me

from above, which hitherto the multitude of learned men seem utterly to have neglected. I shall freely therefore declare the glory of women, and their accomplishments I shall not hide; in doing which, far be it from me that I should be ashamed of the argument taken in hand, that if I prefer women before men, I may think I ought to be dispraised for this, as scarcely I can beleeve that I shall be excused, who have composed a matter so sub∣lime with a lower forme of speaking then ought to be, except the streightnesse of time, difficulty of the mat∣ter and justnesse of the cause did defend me, as also, because I have entred upon this worke with no desire of flattery or assentation: therfore I have not so much studi∣ed to adorn my words with Rhetorical fictions, and offi∣cious lyes for praises; as to shew the matter it self by Reason, Authority, Examples, and by the testimony of Holy Writ, and of both Lawes. To you, most Illustrious Margaret (whose other part amongst the most famous women of this age through the whole world, Apollo, Di∣ana, Dies, Aurora, Vulcan, five gods have not sufficient∣ly illustrated, as well for your Nobility of birth, as glo∣ry of your Actions) I appoint this worke: therefore devoted, and dedicated, that the lustre of your Sex may shine forth in you, as in a Sun, who hath ascended to the highest degree, because you have exceeded whatsoever hath bin blazed abroad concerning the praises of the Fe∣male Sex, both in Life and Manners by a present example, and a most faithfull witnesse of the same Sex. Farewel most happily, the Grace, Ornament, and Glory of most Noble women, and Princesses, absolute in all respects.

Henricus Cornelius Agrippa.

TO THE Vertuous and Beautifull Female Sex of the Common-Wealth of ENGLAND.
Illustrious Crowne of the Creation,

OƲt of a gratefull desire to do right to that Sex, to which man∣kind oweth but its all, I both meditated within my self, and read severall Authours, among which happily I met with a subject very sutable to be exhibited to you, It is a Tract of Cornelius Agrip∣pa, a judicious learned Authour, who writes not unfitly of your prai∣ses. I found it in a Roman dresse, but I present it to you in your owne naturall language; I use the Authours owne expressions, and terme you the Crown of the Creation, not unworthily, because if you look in∣to Genesis you shal find that Woman was the last work in the Creation, and so the most perfect and absolute; As we see, when Artificers make an excellent piece, they keep pollishing till the last, as being the perfecti∣on and Crown of it. I cannot disagree in judgement with the Authour, because when I behold your splendor and glittering beauty, I take it as a great confirmation of the opinion: Nor doe you glitter in your out∣ward alone, but also in your inward beauty, which is your Wit, and Ʋn∣derstanding, as appears by your quick and acute Answers; For seldom have I seen Men so subtile in return of Answers, as Women. I will say no more, but this, now you are apprehensive of your own Excellencies, let God have the glory, and esteem of me as