Of Travel

TRAVEL, in the younger sort, is a part of edu-

cation, in the elder, a part of experience.  He

that travelleth into a country, before he hath some

entrance into the language, goeth to school, and

not to travel.  That young men travel under some

tutor, or grave servant, I allow well; so that he be

such a one that hath the language, and hath been

in the country before; whereby he may be able

to tell them what things are worthy to be seen, in

the country where they go; what acquaintances

they are to seek; what exercises, or discipline, the

place yieldeth.  For else, young men shall go

hooded, and look abroad little.  It is a strange thing,

that in sea voyages, where there is nothing to be

seen, but sky and sea, men should make diaries;

but in land-travel, wherein so much is to be ob-

served, for the most part they omit it; as if chance

were fitter to be registered, than observation.  Let

diaries, therefore, be brought in use.  The things to

be seen and observed are: the courts of princes,

especially when they give audience to ambassa-

dors; the courts of justice, while they sit and hear

causes; and so of consistories ecclesiastic; the

churches and monasteries, with the monuments

which are therein extant; the walls and fortifica-

tions of cities, and towns, and so the heavens and

harbors; antiquities and ruins; libraries; colleges,

disputations, and lectures, where any are; ship-

ping and navies; houses and gardens of state and

pleasure, near great cities; armories; arsenals;

magazines; exchanges; burses; warehouses; exer-

cises of horsemanship, fencing, training of sol-

diers, and the like; comedies, such whereunto the

better sort of persons do resort; treasuries of jewels

and robes; cabinets and rarities; and, to conclude,

whatsoever is memorable, in the places where

they go.  After all which, the tutors, or servants,

ought to make diligent inquiry.  As for triumphs,

masks, feasts, weddings, funerals, capital execu-

tions, and such shows, men need not to be put in

mind of them; yet are they not to be neglected.  If

you will have a young man to put his travel into a

little room, and in short time to gather much, this

you must do.  First, as was said, he must have some

entrance into the language before he goeth.  Then

he must have such a servant, or tutor, as knoweth

the country, as was likewise said.  Let him carry

with him also, some card or book, describing the

country where he travelleth; which will be a good

key to his inquiry.  Let him keep also a diary.  Let

him not stay long, in one city or town; more or less

as the place deserveth, but not long; nay, when he

stayeth in one city or town, let him change his

lodging from one end and part of the town, to an-

other; which is a great adamant of acquaintance.

Let him sequester himself, from the company of

his countrymen, and diet in such places, where

there is good company of the nation where he

travelleth.  Let him, upon his removes from one

place to another, procure recommendation to some

person of quality, residing in the place whither he

removeth; that he may use his favor, in those

things he desireth to see or know.  Thus he may

abridge his travel, with much profit.  As for the

acquaintance, which is to be sought in travel; that

which is most of all profitable, is acquaintance

with the secretaries and employed men of ambas-

sadors: for so in travelling in one country, he shall

suck the experience of many.  Let him also see, and

visit, eminent persons in all kinds, which are of

great name abroad; that he may be able to tell,

how the life agreeth with the fame.  For quarrels,

they are with care and discretion to be avoided.

They are commonly for mistresses, healths, place,

and words.  And let a man beware,  how he keepeth

company with choleric and quarrelsome persons;

for they will engage him into their own quarrels.

When a traveller returneth home, let him not

leave the countries, where he hath travelled, alto-

gether behind him; but maintain a correspond-

ence by letters, with those of his acquaintance,

which are of most worth.  And let his travel appear

rather in his discourse, than his apparel or gesture;

and in his discourse, let him be rather advised in

his answers, than forward to tell stories; and let it

appear that he doth not change his country man-

ners, for those of foreign parts; but only prick in

some flowers, of that he hath learned abroad, into

the customs of his own country.