Page:The Defence of Poesie - Sidney (1595).djvu/13



Hen the right vertuous E.W. and I, were at the Emperours Court togither, wee gaue our selues to learne horsemanship of Ion Pietro Pugliano, one that with great commendation had the place of an Esquire in his stable: and hee according to the fertilnes of the Italian wit, did not onely affoord vs the demonstration of his practise, but sought to enrich our mindes with the contemplations therein, which he thought most precious. But with none I remember mine eares were at any time more loaden, then when (either angred with slow paiment, or mooued with our learner like admiration) hee exercised his speech in the praise of his facultie. He said souldiers were the noblest estate of mankind, and horsemen the noblest of souldiers. He said they were the maisters of warre, and ornaments of peace, speedie goers, and strong abiders, triumphers both in Camps and Courts: nay to so vnbleeued a point he proceeded, as that no earthly thing bred such wonder to a Prince, as to be a good horseman. Skill of gouernment was but a Pedanteria, in