of the Palace of Pleasure. He subscribes the
dedicatory Epistle "nere the Tower of London the first of Januarie
1566," using the new style, a fashion recently imported from France.[42]
It must be read as 1565-6 to explain a passage in another Epistle before
the second volume, where he speaks of his histories "parte whereof, two
yeares past (almost) wer made commune in a former boke," concluding
"from my poore house besides the Toure of London, the fourthe of
November, 1567." The two volumes were afterwards enlarged with
additional novels, as will be described under a future head, and with
the completion of this task ends all knowledge of his literary
productions.

[Footnote 42: In France the style was altered in 1564. _Clavis
Calendaria_. Vol I. p. 64.]

It no where appears in the Palace of Pleasure that Painter either
travelled for information, or experienced, like many a genius of that
age, the inclination to roam expressed by his contemporary, Churchyard,

"Of running leather were his shues,
his feete no where could reste."[43]

[Footnote 43: _Bibliographical Miscellanies_, 1813. p. 2.]

Had he visited the Continent, it is probable, that in the course of
translating so many novels, abounding with foreign manners and scenery,
there would have been some observation or allusion to vouch his
knowledge of the faithfulness of the representation, as, in a few
instances, he has introduced events common in our own history.

He probably escaped the military fury of the age by being appointed
"Clerk to the great Ordinance," contentedly hearing the loud peals upon
days of revelry, without wishing to adventure further in "a game,"
which, "were subjects wise, kings would not play at." In the possession
of some competence he might prudently adjust his pursuits, out of
office, to the rational and not unimportant indulgence of
literature,[44] seeking in the retirement of the study, of the vales of
Kent, and of domestic society, that equanimity of the passions and
happiness which must ever flow from rational amusement, from contracted
desires, and acts of virtue; and which the successive demands for his
favourite work might serve to cheer and enliven.

[Footnote 44: This is confirmed by his making the following
observation: "When labour resteth him selfe in me, and leisure
refresheth other affairs, nothing delights more that vacant tyme
than readinge of Histories in such vulgar speache,