This pleasing little Essay bears the date 1581; and originally appeared under the name of Sir P. Sidney, at the end of the small volume entitled "Cottoni Posthuma, being divers choice pieces of that renowned antiquary Sir Robert Cotton, Knt. and Bart.," published in the year 1651, and edited by James Howell, the popular writer of "Epistolæ Ho-Elianæ.” Anthony Wood, in his Athenæ, inserts the "Valour Anatomized" in his summary of our author's compositions, but adds, that "others say it was written by Sir Thomes Overbury." It has been generally claimed, notwithstanding, on behalf of Sidney, by his biographers; though, as far as we can ascertain, it has never been hitherto reprinted with his Works. VALOUR ANATOMIZED, IN A FANCY. ALOUR towards men is an emblem of ability towards women, a good quality signifying a better. Nothing draws a woman like to it. Nothing is more behoveful for that sex: for from it they receive protection, and in a free way too, without any danger. Nothing makes a shorter cut to obtaining; for a man of arms is always void of ceremony, which is the wall that stands betwixt Pyramus and Thisbe, that is, man and woman: for there is no pride in women but that which rebounds from our own baseness, as cowards grow valiant upon those that are more cowards; so that only by our pale asking we teach them to deny, and by our shamefacedness we put them in mind to be modest. Whereas, indeed, it is cunning rhetoric to persuade the hearers that they are that already which the world would have them to be. This kind of bashfulness is far from men of valourous disposition, and especially from soldiers; for such are ever men, without doubt, forward and confident, losing no time lest they should lose opportunity, which is the best factor for a lover. And because they know women are given to dissemble, they will never believe them when they deny. Certainly before this age of wit, and wearing black, brake in upon us, there was no way known to win a lady, but by tilting, tourneying, and riding to seek adventures through dangerous forests; in which time these slender striplings with little legs were held but of strength enough to marry their widows. And even in our days, there can be given no reason of the inundation of serving-men upon their mistresses, but only that usually they carry their masters' weapons, and their valour. To be accounted handsome, just, learned, and well-favoured, all this carries no danger with it. But it is better to be admitted to the title of valiant acts at least that imports the venturing of mortality; and all women delight to hold him safe in their arms, who hath escaped thither through many dangers. To speak at once, man hath a privilege in valour. In clothes and good faces we do but imitate women; and many of that sex will not think much, as far as an answer goes, to dissemble wit too. So then these neat youths, these women in men's apparel, are too near a woman to be beloved of her; they be both of a trade : but he of grim aspect, and such a one a lass dares take, and will desire him for newness and variety. A scar in a man's face is the same that a mole is in a woman's; and a mole in a woman's is a jewel set in white, to make it seem more white. So a scar in a man is a mark of honour, and no blemish; for it is a scar and a blemish in a soldier to be without one. Now as for all things else which are to procure love, as a good face, |