[225.] As the use of Latin waned, a knowledge of modern languages became increasingly important. The attitude of continental gentlemen on this point is indicated by a Spanish Ambassador in 1613, to whom the Pope's Nuncio used a German Punctilio, of speaking Latin, for more dignity, to him and Italian to the Residents of Mantua and Urbino. The Ambassador answered in Italian, "and afterwards gave this reason for it: that it were as ill a Decorum for a Cavalier to speak Latin, as for a Priest to use any other Language." (Winwood Memorials, vol. iii. p. 446).
[226.] Fynes Moryson had a great deal to say on this subject. In particular, he instances the Germans as reprehensible in living only with their own countrymen in Italy, "never attaining the perfect use of any forreigne Language, be it never so easy. So as myselfe remember one of them, who being reprehended, that having been thirty yeeres in Italy hee could not speake the Language, he did merrily answer in Dutch: Ah lieber was kan man doch in dreissig Jahr lehrnen? Alas, good Sir, what can a man learne in thirty yeeres?" (Itinerary, vol. in. p. 379).
[227.] A Method for Travell, B 4, verso.
[228.] Court and Times of James I., vol. i. p. 286.
[229.] Amias Paulet to Elizabeth, Jan. 31, 1577. Cal. State Papers, Foreign.
[230.] By Cesare Nigri Milanese detto il trombone, "Famose e eccellente Professori di Ballare." Printed at Milan, 1604.
"In twenty manere coude he trippe and dance
After the schole of Oxenforde tho,
And with his legges casten to and fro."
The Milleres Tale, 11. 142-4.
[232.] Ellis, Original Letters, 2nd Series, vol. iii. p. 214.