My first Proofe of our Plenty, I borrow from the choise which is
given us by the use of divers Languages. The Ground of our owne
appertaineth to the old Saxon, little differing from the low Dutch,
because they more than any of their Neighbours, have hitherto
preserved that Speech from any great Forrein Mixture: here amongst,
the Britons have left divers of their Words interspersed, as it were
thereby making a continual claim to their possession. We may also
trace the Footsteps of the Danish bitter (though not long during)
Soveraigntie in these parts; and the Roman also imparted unto us of
his Latine Riches with no sparing Hand. Our Neighbours the French
have been likewise contented we should take up by retail, as well
their Terms as their Fashions, or rather we retaine yet but some
Remnant of that which once here bare all the Sway, and daily renew
the Store. So have our Italian Travellers brought us acquainted with
their sweete relished Phrases, which (so that their Conditions crept
not in withall) were the more tollerable; yea even we seek to make
our Good of our late Spanish Enimie, and feare as little the hurt of
his Tongue, as the dint of his Sword.
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