Discussion Groups / English Usage / January 2007

I wonder if you can help me, please.
I am sending to two groups which may cause a frown or two, because I realise
that to cross is not smiled upon...but my query seems relevant to both, so I
trust that I may not be the cause of strife...;-)

I am studying the Elizabethan period, and I would like to know the terms of
address that would/may commonly be used between people of differing classes
in the period from Elizabeth to James.

I speak Spanish, English and some French (you may disagree about the
English...;-), so that help in any of those languages would be appreciated.

I shall give some examples (but, please, ANY help will be appreciated)

Bishop to lower clergy:
Bishop to upper class/aristocrat:
Bishop to merchant class:
Bishop to lower class:
Lower clegy to middle/merchant class:
Lower clergy to lower class:
Middle/merchant class to lower class:
Upper class to merchant class:
Upper class to lower class:

Would a soldier have needed to use particular forms of dress when speaking
with civilians?
And would a common soul who spoke to a soldier have needed to address him of
a particular way?

I thank you very much for any help you may be able to give to me.

In Spanish there is the Biblioteca Virtual de Cervantes, which is very
useful to isolating instances of usage.
Is there something similar for English Literature?
With a searching ability?
I would like to find some references, please.
And before you say...I would love to read all the contemporary literature,
but, unfortunately, I do not have the time!

Many thanks.

Lana