Why now should that method be omitted in this Historiola of our Malmesbury philosopher? Who though but[1211] of plebeian descent[1212], his renowne haz and will give brightnesse to his name and familie, which hereafter may arise glorious and flourish in riches and may justly take it an honour to be of kin to this worthy person, so famous, for his learning[1213], both at home and abroad.
<Pedigree.>
[1214]... Hobbes, m. ...
|
+---------+----------+
| |
1. Francis Hobbes, 2. Thomas Hobbes, m. ... Middleton, of Brokenborough
obiit sine prole. vicar of Westport. | (vide Camden[1215]).
|
+----------------------------+-----+--------------------+
| | |
1. Edmund Hobbes, m. ... 2. Thomas Hobbes, ..., a daughter, m. ...
| philosophus, obiit
| coelebs Dec. 4, 1679.
|
+--------------+--------------+------------------------+
| | |
1. Mary, m. ... Tirell. 2. Eleanor, m. ... Harding. Francis m. ...
| | Hobbes, |
|
+------------------------+-----------------------+--+---+------+
| | | | |
1. Thomas, a clothier, 2. <Edmund>. When a child
about 23, 1679. his genius lyes to drawing.
He can engrave and something
resembles the philosopher.
I have a lyon of his
engraving.
This heraldique way of expressing a genealogie is most intelligible and makes the best impresse in the memory or fancy; but[1216] will it not be thought here to<o> pompous and affected by his enemies and the nation of critiques? Prescribe Trebate.
My brother[1217] W. A. will set all this right[FF].
<His father.>
[1218]Thomas Hobbes[FG], then, whose life I write, was second son of Mr. Thomas Hobbes, vicar of Westport juxta Malmesbury, who maried ... Middleton of Brokinborough (a yeomanly family).[1219]He was also vicar of Charlton (a mile hence): they are annexed, and are both worth 60 or 80li. per annum.—[1220]Memorandum, Brokenborough also is appendant to Charlton vicaridge—160li. per annum—from Philip Laurence, whose father-in-law was vicar. [[1221]The vicaridge of Malmesbury is but XX nobles per annum = 6li. 13s. 4d.; but Coston and Radbourne belongs to it, which addition is equal to 50 or 60li. per annum.]
[1222]Thomas, the father[1223], was one of the ignorant 'Sir Johns[1224]' of queen Elizabeth's time; could[1225] only read the prayers of the church and the homilies; and disesteemed[1226] learning (his son Edmund told me so), as not knowing the sweetnes of it.
[1227]As to his father's ignorance and clownery, 'twas as good metall in the oare which wants excoriating and refineing. A witt requires much cultivation, much paines, and art and good conversation to perfect a man.