WHen the great plage was at London, the yeare 1563. the Quenes Maiestie Queene _Elizabeth_, lay at her Castle of Windsore: Where, vpon the 10. day of December, it fortuned, that in Sir _William Cicells_ chamber, hir Highnesse Principall Secretarie, there dined togither these personages, M. Secretarie him selfe, Syr _William Peter_, Syr _J. Mason_, D. _Wotton_, Syr _Richard Sackuille_ Treasurer of the Exchecker, Syr _Walter Mildmaye_ Chauncellor of the Exchecker, M. _Haddon_ Master of Requestes, M. _John Astely_ Master of the Iewell house, M. _Bernard Hampton_, M. _Nicasius_, and _J_. Of which number, the most part were of hir Maiesties most honourable priuie Counsell, and the reast seruing hir in verie good place. I was glad than, and do reioice yet to remember, that my chance was so happie, to be there that day, in the companie of so manie wise & good men togither, as hardly than could haue beene piked out againe, out of all England beside. M. Secretarie hath this accustomed maner, though his head be neuer so full of most weightie affaires of the Realme, yet, at diner time he doth seeme to lay them alwaies aside: and findeth euer fitte occasion to taulke pleasantlie of other matters, but most gladlie of some matter of learning: wherein, he will curteslie heare the minde of the meanest at his Table. Not long after our sitting doune, I haue strange newes brought me, sayth M. Secretarie, this morning, that diuerse Scholers of Eaton, be runne awaie from the Schole, for feare of beating. Whereupon, M. //M. _Secreta-_ Secretarie tooke occasion, to wishe, that some //_rie._ 176 _A Præface to the Reader._