1.25. Of the solemne reioysings at the natiuitie of Princes children.
To returne from sorrow to reioysing it is a very good hap and no vnwise part
for him that can do it, I say therefore, that the comfort of issue and
procreation of children is so naturall and so great, not onely to all men but
specially to Princes, as duetie and ciuilitie haue made it a common custome
to reioyse at the birth of their noble children, and to keepe those dayes
hallowed and festiuall for euer once in the yeare, during the parentes or
childrens liues: and that by publique order & consent. Of which
reioysings and mirthes the Poet ministred the first occasion honorable, by
presenting of ioyfull songs and ballades, praysing the parentes by proofe,
the child by hope, the whole kinred by report, & the day it selfe with
wishes of all good successe, long life, health & prosperitie for euer to
the new borne. These poems were called in Greeke Genethaca, with vs
they may be called natall or birth songs.