IN an Iland bounded with the Ocean . there was somtime a Cittie situated , made riche by Marchandize , and populous by long peace , the name is not mentioned in the Antiquarie , or els worne out by times Antiquitie , what it was it greatly skilles not , but therein thus it happened . An old new made Gentleman herein dwelt , of no small credit , exceeding wealth , and large conscience : hee had gathered from many to bestow vpon one , for though he had two sonnes he esteemed but one , that being as himselfe , brought vp to be golds bondman , was therefore held heire apparant of his il gathered goods .

The other was a Scholler , and maried to a proper Gentlewoman and therfore least regarded , for t is an old sayd saw : To learning & law , ther s no greater foe than they that nothing know : yet was not the father altogether vnlettered , for he had good experience in a Nouerint , and by the vniuersall tearmes therein contained , had driuen many a yoong Gentleman to séeke vnknowen countries , wise he was , for he boare office in his parish and sat as formally in his foxfurd gowne , as if he had been a very vpright dealing Burges : he was religious too , neuer without a booke at his belt , and a bolt in his mouthe , readye to shoote through his sinfull neighbor .

And Latin hee had some where learned , which though it were but little , yet was it profitable , for he had this Philosophye written in a ring , Tu tibi cura , which precept he curiously obserued , being in selfeloue so religious , as he held it no poynt of charitie to part with any thing , of whiche hee liuing might make vse .

But as all mortall thinges are momentanie , and no certaintie can bee-found in this vncertaine world : so Gorinius , ( for that shall bee this vsurers name ) after manye a gowtie pang that had pincht his exterior partes , many a curse of the people that mounted into heuens presence , was at last with his last summons , by a deadly disease arrested , wher-against when hee had long contended , and was by Phisitions giuen ouer , he cald his two sonnes before him : and willing to performe the old prouerb Qualis vita finis Ita , he thus prepard himselfe , and admonished them . My sonnes ( for so your mother sayde ye were ) and so I assure my selfe one of you is , and of the other I will make no doubt .

You se the time is com , which I thought would neuer haue aproched and we must now be seperated , I feare neuer to meete againe . This sixteene yeares dayly haue I liude vexed with disease : and might I liue sixteene more , howe euer miserably , I should thinke it happye . But death is relentlesse , and will not be intreated witles : and knowes not what good my gold might doo him : senseles , & hath no pleasure in the delightfull places I would offer him . In briefe , I thinke he hath with this foole my eldest sonne been brought vp in the vniuersitie , and therefore accounts that in riches is no vertue . But thou my son , ( laying then his hand on the yongers head ) haue thou another spirit : for without wealth , life is a death : what is gentry if welth be wanting , but bace seruile beggerie . Some comfort yet it is vnto me , to thinke how many Gallants sprunge of noble parents , haue croucht to Gorinius to haue sight of his gold : O gold , desired gold , admired gold ? and haue lost their patrimonies to Gorinius , because they haue not returned by their day that adored creature ? How manye Schollers haue written rymes in Gorinius praise , and receiued ( after long capping and reuerence ) a sixpeny reward in signe of my superficial liberality . Breefly my yong Lucanio how I haue beene reurenst thou seest , when honester men I confesse haue been sett farre off : for to bee rich is to bee any thing , wise , honest , worshipful , or what not . I tel thee my sonne : when I came first to this Citie my whole wardrop was onely a sute of white sheepe skins , my wealth an old groat , my woonning , the wide world . At this instant ( o greefe to part with it ) I haue in ready coine thréescore thousand pound , in plate and Iewels xv . thousand ; in Bondes and specialties as much , in land nine hundred pound by the yeere : all which , Lucanio I bequeath to thee , only I reserue for Roberto thy wel red brother an old groat , ( being the stocke I first began with ( wherewith I wish him to buy a groats-worth of wit : for he in my life hath reprooud my manner of life , and therefore at my death , shall not be contaminated with corrupt gaine . Here by the way Gentlemen must I digresse to shewe the reason of Gorinius present speach : Roberto being come from the Academie , to visit his father , there was a great feast prouided : where for table talke , Roberto knowing his father and most of the company to be execrable vsurers , inuayed mightely against that abhorred vice , insomuche that hee vrged teares from diuers of their eyes , and compunction in some of their harts . Dinner being past , he comes to his father , requesting him to take no offence at his liberall speach , seeing what he had vttred was truth . Angry sonne ( said he ) no by my honestie ( and that is som what I may say to you ) but vse it still , and if thou canst perswade any of my neighbours from lending vppon vsurie I shuld haue the more customers : to which when Roberto would haue replyde hee shut himselfe into his studdy , and fell to tell ouer his mony .

This was Robertos offence : now returne , wee to sicke Gorinius , who after he had thus vnequally distributed his goods and possessions , began to aske his sonnes how they liked his bequestes , either séemed agréed , and Roberto vrged him with nothing more than repentance of his sinnloke : to thine owne said he , fonde boy , & come my Lucanio , let me giue thee good counsell before my death : as for you sir , your bookes are your counsellors , and therefore to them I bequeathe you . Ah Lucanio , my onely comfort , because I hope thou wilt as thy father be a gatherer , let me blesse thee before I dye . Multiply in welth my sonne by any meanes thou maist , onely flye Alchymie , for therein are more deceites than her beggerlye Artistes haue words , and yet are the wretches more talkatiue than women . But my meaning is , thou shouldest not stand on conscience in causes of profit , but heap treasure vpon treasure , for the time of néede : yet séem to be deuout , els shalt thou be held vyle , frequent holy excercises graue companie , and aboue al vse the conuersation of yoong Gentlemen , who are so wedded to prodigalitie , that once in a quarter necissitie knocks at their chamber doores : profer them kindnesse to relieue theirwants , but be sure of good assurance : giue faire wordes till dayes of paiment come , & then vse my course , spare none : what though they tell of conscience ( as a number will talke ) looks but into the dealinges of the world , and thou shalt see it is but idle words . Seest thou not many perish in the streetes , and fall to theft for néede : whom small succor woulde releeue , then where is conscience , and why art thou bound to vse it more than other men ? Seest thou not daylie forgeries periuries , oppressions , rackinges of the poore , raisinges of rents , inhauncing of duties euen by them that should be al conscience , if they ment as they speake : but Lucanio if thou read well this booke ( and with that hee reacht him Machiauels workes at large ) thou shalt se , what t is to be so foole-holy as to make scruple of conscience where profit presents it selfe .

Besides , thou hast an instance by the threed bare brother here , who willing to do no worng , hath lost his childes right : for who woulde wish any thinge to him , that knowes not how to vse it .

So much Lucanio for conscience : & yet I know not what s the reason , but some-what stinges mee inwardly when I speake of it . I father said Roberto , it is the worme of conscience , that vrges you at the last houre to remember your life , that eternall life may followe your repentance . Out foole ( sayd this miserable father , I féele it now , it was onelye a stitch . I will forwarde with my exhortation to Lucanio . As I said my sonne , make spoyle of yoong Gallants , by insinuating thy selfe amongst them , & be not mooued to thinke their Auncestors were famous , but consider thine were obscure , and that thy father was the first Gentleman of the Name : Lucanio , thou art yet a Bacheler , and soe keepe thee till thou méete with one that is thy equal , I meane in wealth : regarde not beautie , it is but a bayte to entice thine neighbors eye : and the most faire are commonlye most fond , vse not too many familiars , for few prooue frendes , and as easie it is to weigh the wind , as to diue into the thoughtes of worldlye glosers . I tell thee Lucanio , I haue seene four-scoore winters besides the od seuen , yet saw I neuer him , that I estéemed as my friend but gold , that desired creature , whom I haue so déerly loued , and found so firme a frind , as nothing to me hauing it hath béene wanting . No man but may thinke déerly of a true frend , & so do I of it laying it vnder sure locks , and lodging my heart there-with .

But now ( Ah my Lucanio ) now must I leaue it , and to thée I leaue it with this lessen , loue none but thy selfe , if thou wilt liue estéemd . So turning him to his studdy , where his cheife treasure lay , he loud cryde out in the wise mans woords , O mors quam amara , O death how bitter is thy memory to him that hath al pleasures in this life , & so with two or thrée lamentable grones hee left his life : and to make short worke , was by Lucanio his sonne interd , as the custome is with some solemnitie : But leauing him that hath left the world to him that censureth of euery worldly man , passe wee to his sonnes : and se how his long laid vp store is by Lucanio lookyd into . The youth was of condition simple , shamfast , & flexible to any counfaile , which Roberto perceiuing , and pondering howe little was lefte to him , grew into an inward contempt of his fathers vnequall legacie , and determinate resolution to work Lucanio al possible iniurie , here vpon thus conuerting the swéetnes of his studdye to the sharpe thirst of reuenge , he ( as Enuie is seldome idle ) sought out fit companions to effect his vnbrotherly resolution . Neither in such a case is ill company far to séek , for the Sea hath scarce so ieoperdies , as populous Citties haue deceiuing Syrens , whose eies are Adamants , whose words are witchcraftes , whose doores lead downe to death . With one of these female serpents Roberto consorts , and they conclude what euer they compassed equally to sharre to their contentes . This match made , Lucanio was by his brother brought to the bush , where he had scarse pruned his winges , but hee was fast limd , and Roberto had what he expected . But that wee may keepe forme , you shall heare howe it fortuned .

Lucanio being on a time verie pensiue , his brother brake with him in these termes . I wonder Lucanio why you are disconsolate , that want not any thinge in the worlde that may worke your content . If wealth may delight a man , you are with that sufficently furnisht : if credit may procure any comfort , your word I knowe well , is as well accepted as any mans obligation : in this Citie , are faire buildings and pleasant gardens , and cause of solace , of them I am assured you haue your choyce . Consider brother you are yoong , then plod not altogether in meditating on our fathers precepts : which howseuer they sauored of profit , were most vnsauerly to one of your yeares applied . You must not thinke but sundrye marchants of this Citie expect your company , sundry Gentlemen desire your familiaritie , & by conuersing with such , you wil be accounted a Gentleman : otherwise a pesant , if ye liue thus obscurely . Besides , which I had almost forgot and then had al the rest beene nothing , you are a man by nature furnished with all exquisite proportion , worthy the loue of any courtly lady , be she neuer so amorous : you haue wealth to main taine her , of women not little longed for : wordes to court her you shall not want , for my selfe will be your secretarie . Bréefely why stand I to distinguish abilitie in perticularities , when in one word it may be said which no man can gainsay , Lucanio lacketh nothing to delight a wife , nor any thing but a wife to delight him ? My yoong maister being thus clawd , and pufft vp with his owne praise , made no longer delay , but hauing on his holidaie hose hee trickt himselfe vp and like a fellowe that meant good sooth , he clapt hys brother on the shoulder and said . Faith brother Roberto , and ye say the worde let s goe seeke a wife while t is hoat , both of vs together , I le pay well , and I dare tourne you loose to say as well as any of them all , well I le doo my best said Roberto and since ye are so forwarde lets goe nowe and try your good fortune .

With this foorth they walke , and Roberto went directly toward the house where Lamilia ( for so wee call the Curtizan ) kept her hospitall , which was in the suburbes of the Citie , pleasantly seated , and made more delectable by a pleasaunt garden wherin it was scituate . No soner come they within ken , but Mistris Lamilia like a cunning angler made readye her change of baytes that shee might effect Lucanios bane : and to begin she discouered from her window her beauteous enticing face , and taking a lute in her hand that shee might the rather allure , shee soung this sonnet with a delicious voyce ,

Lamilias song . Fie fie on blind fancie , It hinders youths ioy : Faire virgins learne by me , To count loue a toy . When loue learnd first the ABC of delight , And knew no figures , nor conceited phrase : He simply gaue to due desert her right , He lead not louers in darke winding wayes , He plainely wild to loue , or flatly answerd no , But now who lists to proue shall find it nothing so , Fie fie then on fancie , It hinders youths ioy , Faire virgins learne by me , To count loue a toy . For since he learnd to vse the Poets pen , He learnd likewise with smoothing words to faine , Witching chast eares with trothles tungs of men , And wronged faith with falshood and disdaine . He giues a promise now , anon he sweareth no , Who listeth for to proue shall find his changings so , Fie fie then on fancie , It hinders youthes ioy , Faire virgins learne by me , To count loue a toy .

While this painted sepulcher was shadowing her corrupting guilt , Hiena-like alluring to destruction , Roberto and Lucanio vnder her windowe kept euen pace with euery stop of her instrument , but especially my yoong Ruffler , ( that before time like a birde in a cage had beene prentise for thrée liues or one and twentie yeares at lest to extreame Avarice his deceased father ) O t was a world to see howe hee sometyme simperd it , striuing to sett a countenance on his new turnd face , that it might seeme of wainscot proofe , to behold her face without blushing : anone he would stroke his bow-bent-leg , as if he ment to shoote loue arrows from his shins : then wypt his chin ( for his beard was not yet growen ) with a gold wrought handkercher , whence of purpose he let fall a handfull of Angels . This golden shower was no sooner raind , but Lamilia ceast her song , and Roberto ( assureing himselfe the foole was caught ) came to Lucanio ( that stood now as one that had stard Medusa in the face ) and awaked him from his amazement with these wordes . What in a traunce brother ? whence springs these dumps ? are ye amazd at this obiect ? or long ye to become loues subiect ? Is there not difference betweene this delectable life , and the imprisonment you haue all your life hether too indured ? If the sight and hearing of this harmonyous beautie worke in you effects of wonder , what will the possession of so deuine an essence , wherein beautie & Art dwell in their perfectest excellence . Brother said Lucanio lets vse fewe wordes , and shee be no more then a woman , I trust you le helpe me to win her ? and if you doe , well , I say no more but I am yours till death vs depart , and what is mine shall be yours world without end A men .

Roberto smiling at his simplenes helpte him to gather vppe his dropt gold , and without anye more circumstance , led him to Lamilias house : for of such places it may be said as of hell .

Noctes atque dies patet atri ianua ditis .

So their dores are euer open to entice youth to distruction . They were no sooner entred but Lamilia her selfe like a seconde Helen , court like begins to salute Roberto , yet did her wandring eie glance often at Lucanio : the effect of her intertainment consisted in these tearmes , that to her simple house Signor Roberto was welcome , & his brother the better welcom for his sake : albeit his good report confirmde by his present demeaner were of it selfe enough to giue him deserued entertainement in any place how honorable soeuer : mutuall thankes returnd , they lead this prodigall child into a parlor garnished with goodly portratures of amiable personages : nere which an excellent consort of musike began at their entraunce to play . Lamilia seeing Lucanio shamefast , tooke him by the hand , and tenderly wringing him vsed these wordes . Beleeue me Gentleman , I am very sorie that our rude entertainment is such , as no way may worke your content , for this I haue noted since your first entering that your countenance hath beene heauie , and the face being the glasse of the hart , assures me the same is not quiet : would ye wish any thing heere that might content you , say but the word , and assure ye of present diligence to effect your full delight . Lucanio being so farre in loue , as he perswaded himselfe without her grant he could not liue , had a good meaninge to vtter his minde but wanting fit wordes , he stood like a trewant that lackt a prompter , or a plaier that being out of his part at his first entrance , is faine to haue the booke to speak what he should performe . Which Roberto perceiuing , replied thus in his behalfe : Madame the Sunnes brightnesse daisleth the beholders eies , the maiestie of Gods , amazeth humane men , Tullie Prince of Orators once fainted though his cause were good , and hee that tamed monsters stoode amated at Beauties ornaments : Then blame not this yoong man though he replied not , for he is blinded with the beautie of your sunne darkening eies , made mute with the celestiall organe of your voyce , and feare of that rich ambush of amber colored dartes , whose poyntes are leueld against his hart . Well Signor Roberto said shee , how euer you interpret their sharpe leuell , be sure they are not bent to doo him hurt , and but that modestie blindes vs poore maydens from vttering the inward sorrow of our mindes , perchance the cause of greefe is ours how euer men do colour , for as I am a virgin I protest , ( and there withall shée tainted her cheekes with a vermilion blush ) I neuer saw Gentleman in my life in my eie so gratious as is Lucanio only this is my greefe , that either I am dispised for that he scornes to speak , or els ( which is my greater sorrow ) I feare he cannot speake . Not speake Gentlewoman quoth Lucanio ? that were a iest indéed , yes I thanke God I am sound of wind and lym , only my hart is not as it was wont : but and you be as good as your word that will soone be well , and so crauing ye of more acquaintance , in token of my plaine meaning receiue this diamond , which my old father loud déerely : and with that deliuered her a ringe wherein was a poynted diamonde of wonderfull worth . Which she accepting with a lowe conge , returnd him a silke Riband for a fauour tyde with a true loues knot , which he fastened vnder a faire Iewel on his Beuer felt .

After this Diomedis & Glauci permutatio , my yong master waxed crancke , and the musike continuing , was very forward in dauncing , to shew his cunning : and so desiring them to play on a horne-pipe , laid on the pauement lustely with his leaden héeles , cornetting , like a stéede of Signor Roccoes teaching , & wanted nothing but bels , to be a hobby-horse in a morrice . Yet was he soothed in his folly , and what euer he did Lamilia counted excellent : her prayse made him proude , in so much that if hee had not beene intreated , hee would rather haue died in his daunce , then left off to shew his mistris delight . At last reasonably perswaded , séeing the table furnished , hee was content to cease , and settle him to his victuals , on which ( hauing before labored ) hee fed lustely , especially of a Woodcocke pye , wherewith Lamilia his caruer , plentifully plied him . Full dishes hauing furnisht empty stomackes , and Lucanio therby got leisure to talke , falles to discourse of his wealth , his landes , his bondes , his ability , and how himselfe with all he had , was at madame Lamilias disposing : desiring her afore his brother to tell him simply what she meant . Lamilia replied My swéet Lucanio , how I estéeme of thée mine eies do witnes , that like handmaides , haue attended thy beauteous face , euer since I firste behelde thée : yet séeing loue that lasteth , gathereth by degrées his liking : let this for that suffice , if I finde thée firme , Lamilia wil be faithfull : if fléeting , shée must of necessity be infortunate : that hauing neuer séene any whome before she could affect , she should be of him iniuriously forsaken . Nay said Lucanio , I dare say my brother here will giue his woord forth at I accept your own said Lamilia : for with me your credite is better than your brothers . Roberto brake off their amorous prattle with this spéech . Sith either of you are of other so fond at the first sight , I doubt not but time will make your loue more firme . Yet madame Lamilia although my brother and you bée thus forward , some crosse chaunce may come : for Multa cadunt inter calicem supremaque labe . And for a warning to teach you both wit , I le tell you an old wiues tale .

Before ye goe on with our tale ( qd Mistris Lamilia ) let me giue ye a caueat by the w●y , which shall be figured in a fable .

Lamilias Fable .

THe Foxe on a time came to visite the Gray , partly for kindered cheefly for craft : and finding the hole emptie of all other company , sauing only one Badger enquired the cause of his solitarinesse : hee discribed the sodaine death of his dam and sire with the rest of his consortes . The Fox made a Friday face , counterfeiting sorrow : but concludinge that deaths stroke was vneuitable perswaded him to séeke som fit mate wherwith to match . The badger soone agreed , so forth they went , and in their way met with a wanton ewe stragling from the fold : the foxe bad the Badger play the tall stripling , & strout on his tiptoes : for ( qd he ) this ewe is lady of al these lawnds and her brother cheefe belweather of sundry flockes . To bee short by the Foxes per swasion there would bee a perpetuall league , betweene her harmeles kindred , and all other deuouring beastes , for that the Badger was to them all allied : seduced she yeelded , and the Fox conducted them to the Badgers habitation . Wher drawing her aside vnder color of exhortation , puld out her throat to satisfie his greedy thirst . Here I shoulde note , a yoonge whelpe that viewed their walke , infourmed the shepheardes of what hapned . They followed , and trained the Foxe and Badger to the hole , the Foxe afore had craftely conuaid himselfe away , the shepheards found the Badger rauing for the ewes mur ther , his lamentation being held for counterfet , was by the shepherds dogs werried . The Foxe escaped : the Ewe was spoiled , and euer since betweene the Badgers and dogs hath continued a mortall enmitie : And now be aduized , Roberto ( qd she ) go forward with your tale , seek not by sly insinuation to turne our mirth to sorrow . Go to Lamilia ( qd he ) you feare what I meane not , but howe euer yee take it , I le forward with my tale .

Robertoes Tale .

IN the North partes there dwelt an olde Squier , that had a young daughter his heire ; who had ( as I knowe Madam Lamilia you haue had ) many youthfull Gentlemen that long time sued to obtaine her loue . But she knowing her own perfections ( as women are by nature proud ) would not to any of them vouchsafe fauour : insomuch that they perceiuing her relentlesse , shewed themselues not altogether witlesse , but left her to her fortune , when they found her frowardnes . At last it fortuned among other strangers , a Farmers sonne visited her Fathers house : on whom at the first sight she was enamoured , he likewise on her . Tokens of loue past betweene them , either acquainted others parentes of their choise , and they kindly gaue their consent . Short tale to make , married they were , and great solempnitie was at the wedding feast . A yong Gentleman , that had beene long a suiter to her , vexing that the Sonne of a Farmer should bee so preferd , cast in his minde by what meanes ( to marre their merriment ) hee might steale away the Bride . Hereupon he confers with an olde Beldam , called Mother Gunby , dwelling thereby , whose counsell hauing taken , he fell to his practise , and proceeded thus . In the after noone , when dauncers were verie busie , he takes the Bride by the hande , and after a turne or two , tels her in her eare , he had a secret to impart vnto her , appointing her in any wise in the euening to sind a time to confer with him : she promist she would , and so they parted . Then goes hee to the Bridegroome , & with protestations of entire affect , protests that the great sorrowe hee takes at that which hee must vtter , wheron depended his especiall credit , if it were known the matter by him should be discouered . After the Bridegrooms promise of secrecie , the gentleman tels him , that a frend of his receiued that morning from the Bride a Letter , wherein shee willed him with some sixteene horse to await her comming at a Parke side , for that she detested him in her heart as a base countrey hynde , with whome her Father compeld her to marry . The Bridegroome almost out of his wits , began to bite his lip . Nay , sayth the Gentleman , if you will by me bee aduizde , you shall salue her credit , win her by kindnes , and yet preuent her wanton complot . As how said the Bridegroome : Mary thus saide the Gentleman : In the euening ( for till the guests be gone , she intends not to gad ) get you on horsebacke , and seeme to bee of the companie that attendes her comming , I am appoynted to bring her from the house to the Parke , and from thence fetch a winding compasse of a mile about , but to turne vnto olde Mother Gunbyes house , where her Louer my friend abydes : when she alights , I will conduct her to a chamber farre from his lodging ; but when the lights are out , and shee expects her adulterous copesmate , your selfe ( as reason is ) shall proue her bedfellow , where priuately you may reprooue her , and in the morning earely returne home without trouble . As for the Gentleman my friend , I will excuse her absence to him , by saying , she mockt me with her Mayde in steade of her selfe , whome when I knew at her alighting , I disdained to bring her vnto his presence . The Bridegroome gaue his hand eit shoulde be so .

Now by the way you must vnderstand , this Mother Gunby had a daughter , who all that day sate heauily at home with a willow garland , for that the Bridegroome ( if hee had dealt faithfully ) should haue wedded her before any other . But men ( Lamilia ) are vnconstant , money now a dayes makes the match , or else the match is marde .

But to the matter : the Bridegroome and the Gentleman thus agreedh : e tooke his time , conferd with the Bride , perswaded her that her husband ( notwithstanding his faire shew at the marriage ) had sworne to his olde sweet heart , their neighbour Gunbyes daughter , to bee that night her bedfellow : and if she would bring her Father , his Father , and other friendes to the house at midnight , they should find it so .

At this the young Gentlewoman inwardly vext to bee by a peasant so abusde , promist if she saw likelyhood of his slipping away , that then she would doo according as he directed .

All this thus sorting , the old womans daughter was trickly attyrde ready to furnish this pageant , for her old mother prouided all things necessary .

Well , Supper past , dauncing ended , and the guests would home , and the Bridegroome pretending to bring some friend of his home , got his horse , and to the Parke side he rode , and staide with the horsemen that attended the Gentleman .

Anon came Marian like mistris Bride , and mounted behind the Gentleman , away they post , fetch their compasse , & at last alight at the olde wiues house , where sodenly she is conuayd to her chamber , & the bridegroome sent to keep her company , wher he had scarse deuisd how to begin his exhortation : but the Father of his Bryde knockt at the chamber doore . At which being somewhat amazed , yet thinking to turne it to a ieast , sith his Wife ( as hee thought ) was in bed with him , hee opened the doore , saying : Father , you are hartily welcome , I wonder how you found vs out heere ; this deuise to remooue our selues , was with my wiues consent , that wee might rest quietly without the Maides and Batchelers disturbing . But where s your Wife said the Gentleman ? why heere in bed saide hee . I thought ( quoth the other ) my daughter had beene your wife , for sure I am to day shee was giuen you in marriage . You are merrely disposed , said the Bridegroome , what thinke you I haue another wife : I thinke but as you speake quoth the Gentleman , for my daughter is below , and you say your wife is in the bed . Below ( said he ) you are a merry man , and with that casting on a night gowne , hee went downe , where when he saw his wife , the Gentleman his Father , and a number of his friends assembled , hee was so confounded , that how to behaue himselfe he knew not ; onely he cryde out that he was deceiued . At this the old woman arises , and making her selfe ignoraunt of all the whole matter , inquires the cause of that sodayne tumult . When she was told the new Bridegroome was founde in bed with her daughter , she exclaimd against so great an iniurie . Marian was calde in quorum : shee iustified , it was by his allurement : he being condemnd by all their consents , was adiudged vnworthy to haue the Gentlewoman vnto his Wife , and compeld ( for escaping of punishment ) to marrie Marian : and the young Gentleman ( for his care in discouering the Farmers sonnes lewdnes ) was recompenst with the Gentlewomans euer during loue .

Quoth Lamilia , and what of this ? Nay nothing said Roberto , but that I haue told you the effects of sodaine loue : yet the best is , my brother is a maidenly Batchler ; and for your selfe , you haue not beene troubled with many suiters . The fewer the better , said Lucanio . But brother , I con you little thanke for this tale , heereafter I pray you vse other table talke . Let s then end talk , quoth Lamilia , and you ( signior Lucanio ) and I will go to the Chesse . To Chesse , said he , what meane you by that ? It is a game , said she , that the first daunger is but a checke , the worst , the giuing of a mate . Well , said Roberto , that game yee haue beene at already then , for you checkt him first with your beauty , & gaue your selfe for mate to him by your bounty . That s wel taken brother , said Lucanio , so haue we past our game at Chesse . Wil ye play at Tables then , said she : I cannot , quoth hee , for I can goe no further with my game , if I be once taken . Will ye play then at cards . I said he , so it bee at one and thirtie . That fooles game , said she ? We le all to hazard , said Roberto , and brother you shall make one for an houre or two : content quoth he . So to dice they went , and fortune so fauored Lucanio , that while they continued square play , hee was no looser . Anone coosenage came about , and his Angels being double winged , flew clean from before him . Lamilia being the winner , preparde a banquet ; which finished , Roberto aduisde his brother to departe home , and to furnish himselfe with more Crownes , least hee were outcrackt with new commers .

Lucanio loath to be outcountenanst , followed his aduise , desiring to attend his returue , which hee before had determined vnrequested : For as soone as his brothers backe was turned , Roberto begins to recken with Lamilia , to bee a sharer as well in the money deceitfully wonne , as in the Diamond so wilfully giuen . But she , secundum mores meretricis , iested thus with the scholler . Why Roberto , are you so well read , and yet shewe your selfe so shallow witted , to deeme women so weake of conceit , that they see not into mens demerites . Suppose ( to make you my stale to catch the woodcocke your brother ) that my tongue ouer-running myne intent , I spake of liberall rewarde : but what I promist , there s the point ; at least what I part with I will be well aduisde . It may be you will thus reason : Had not Roberto traind Lucanio vnto Lamilias lure , Lucanio had not now beene Lamilias pray : therefore sith by Roberto she possesseth the prize , Roberto merites an equal part . Monstrous absurd if so you reason ; as wel you may reason thus : Lamilias dog hath kild her a Deere , therefore his Mistris must make him a pastie . No poore pennilesse Poet , thou art beguilde in mee , and yet I wonder how thou couldst , thou hast beene so often beguilde . But it fareth with licentious men , as with the chased Bore in the stream , who being greatly refresht with swimming , neuer feeleth anie smart vntill hee perish recurelessy wounded with his owne weapons . Reasonlesse Roberto , that hauing but a brokers place , askest a lenders reward . Faithles Roberto , that hast attempted to betray thy brother , irreligiously forsaken thy Wife , deseruedly been in thy fathers eie an abiect : thinkst thou Lamilia so loose , to consort with one so lewd . No hypocrite , the sweet Gentleman thy brother , I will till death loue , & thee while I liue , loath . This share Lamilia giues thee , other getst thou none .

As Roberto would haue replide , Lucanio approcht : to whom Lamilia discourst the whole deceipt of his brother , & neuer rested intimating malitious arguments , til Lucanio vtterly refusde Roberto for his brother , & for euer forbad him his house . And when he would haue yeelded reasons , and formed excuse , Lucanios impatience ( vrgd by her importunate malice ) forbad all reasoning with them that was reasonlesse , and so giuing him Iacke Drums intertainment , shut him out of doores : whom we will follow , & leaue Lucanio to the mercie of Lamilia . Roberto in an extreme extasie , rent his haire , curst his destenie , blamd his trechery , but most of all exclaimd against Lamilia : and in her against all enticing Curtizans , in these tearms .

What meant the Poets in inuectiue verse , To sing Medeas shame , and Scillas pride , Calipsoes charmes , by which so many dyde ? Onely for this their vices they rehearse , That curious wits which in this world conuerse , May shun the dangers and enticing shoes , Of such false Syrens , those home-breeding foes , That from the eyes their venim do disperse . So soone kils not the Basiliske with sight , The Vipers tooth is not so venemous , The Adders tung not halfe so dangerous , As they that beare the shadow of delight , Who chaine blind youths in tramels of their haire , Till wast bring woe , and sorrow hast despaire .

With this he laid his head on his hand , and leant his elbow on the earth , sighing out sadly ,

Heu patior telis vulner a factameis !

On the other side of the hedge sate one that heard his sorrow : who getting ouer , came towards him , and brake off his passion . When hee approached , hee saluted Roberto in this sort .

Gentleman quoth hee ( for so you seeme ) I haue by chaunce heard you discourse some part of your greefe ; which appeareth to be more than you will discouer , or I can conceipt . But if you vouchsafe such simple comforte as my abilitie may yeeld , assure your selfe , that I wil indeuour to doe the best , that either may procure you profite , or bring you pleasure : the rather , for that I suppose you are a scholler , and pittie it is men of learning should liue in lacke .

Roberto wondring to heare such good wordes , for that this iron age affoordes few that esteeme of vertue ; returnd him thankfull gratulations , and ( vrgde by necessitie ) vttered his present griefe , beseeching his aduise how he might be imployed . Why , easily quoth hee , and greatly to your benefite : for men of my profession gette by schollers their whole liuing . What is your profession , said Roberto ? Truly sir , saide hee , I am a player . A player , quoth Roberto , I tooke you rather for a Gentleman of great liuing , for if by outward habit men should be censured , I tell you , you would bee taken for a substantiall man . So am I where I dwell ( quoth the player ) reputed able at my proper cost to build a Wind-mill . What though the world once went hard with me , when I was faine to carry my playing Fardle a foote-backe ; Temporamutantur , I know you know the meaning of it better than I , but I thus conster it , it s otherwise now ; for my very share in playing apparell will not be sold for two hundred pounds . Truly ( said Roberto ) t is straunge , that you should so prosper in that vayne practise , for that it seemes to mee your voice is nothing gratious . Nay then , saide the Player , I mislike your iudgement : why , I am as famous for Delphrigus , & the King of Fairies , as euer was any of my time . The twelue labors of Hercules haue I terribly thundred on the Stage , and plaid thrée Scenes of the Deuill in the High way to heauen . Haue ye so ( saide Roberto ? ) then I pray you pardon me . Nay more ( quoth the Player ) I can serue to make a pretie speech , for I was a countrey Author , passing at a Morrall , for t was I that pende the Morrall of mans witte , the Dialogue of Diues , and for seuen yéers space was absolute Interpreter to the puppets . But now my Almanacke is out of date :

The people make no estimation , Of Morrals teaching education .

Was not this prettie for a plaine rime extempore ? if ye will ye shall haue more . Nay it s enough , said Roberto , but how meane you to vse mée ? Why sir , in making Playes , said the other , for which you shall be well paid , if you will take the paines .

Roberto perceiuing no remedie , thought best in respect of his present necessitie , to try his wit , & went with him willingly : who lodgd him at the Townes end in a house of retayle , where what happened our Poet , you shall after heare . There by conuersing with bad company , he grew A malo in peius , falling from one vice to an other : and so hauing founde a vaine to finger crowns , he grew cranker than Lucanio , who by this time began to droope , béeing thus dealt with by Laminia . Shee hauing bewitched him with hir enticing wiles , caused him to consume in lesse than two yéeres that infinite treasure gathered by his father with so many a poore mans curse . His lands sold , his iewels pawnd , his money wasted , he was casséerd by Lamilia , that had coossend him of all . Then walkt he like one of Duke Humfreys Squires , in a thread-bare cloake , his hose drawne out with his héeles , his shooes vnseamed , least his feete should sweate with heat : now ( as witlesse as hee was ) he remembred his Fathers words , his vnkindnes to his brother , his carelesnes of himselfe . In this sorrowhe sate down on pennilesse bench ; where when Opus and Vsus told him by the chymes in his stomacke it was time to fall vnto meat , he was faine with the Camelion to féed vpon the aire , and make patience his best repast .

While he was at this feast , Lamilia came flaunting by , garnished with the iewels wherof she beguiled him , which sight serued to close his stomacke after his cold cheare . Roberto hearing of his brothers beggery , albeit he had little remorse of his miserable state , yet did séeke him out , to vse him as a propertie , whereby Lucanio was somewhat prouided for . But béeing of simple nature , hee serued but for a blocke to whet Robertoes wit on : which the poore foole perceiuing , he for sooke all other hopes of life , and fell to be a notorious Pandar , in which detested course he continued till death . But Roberto now famozed for an Arch-plaimaking-poet , his purse like the sea somtime sweld ; anon like the same sea fell to a low ebbe ; yet seldom he wanted , his labors were so well estéemed . Marry this rule he kept , what euer he fingerd afore hand , was the certaine meanes to vnbinde a bargaine , and being askt why hee so slightly dealt with them that did him good ? It becoms me , saith hee , to bee contrary to the worlde ; for commonly when vulgar men receiue earnest , they doo performe , when I am paid any thing afore-hand , I breake my promise . He had shift of lodgings , where in euery place his Hostesse writ vp the wofull remembrance of him , his laundresse , and his boy ; for they were euer his in houshold , beside retainers in sundry other places . His companie were lightly the lewdest persons in the land , apt for pilferie , periurie , forgerie , or any villainy . Of these hee knew the casts to cog at cards , coossen at Dice ; by these he learnd the legerdemaines of nips , foystes , connycatchers , crosbyters , lifts , high Lawyers , and all the rabble of that vncleane generation of vipers : and pithily could he paint out their whole courses of craft : So cunning he was in all craftes , as nothing rested in him almost but craftines . How often the Gentlewoman his Wife labored vainely to recall him , is lamentable to note : but as one giuen ouer to all lewdnes , he communicated her sorrowfull lines among his loose truls , that iested at her bootlesse laments . If he could any way get credite on sc●res , he would then brag his creditors carried stones , comparing euery round circle to a groning O procured by a painfull burden . The shamefull ende of sundry his consorts deseruedly punished for their amisse , wrought no compunction in his heart : of which one , brother to a Brothell hee kept , was trust vnder a trée as round as a Ball.

To some of his swearing companions thus it happened : A crue of them sitting in a Tauerne carowsing , it fortuned an honest Gentleman and his friend , to enter their roome : some of them béeing acquainted with him , in their dominéering drunken vaine would haue no nay but downe hee must néedes sitte with them ; béeing placed , no remedie there was , but he must needes keepe euen compasse with their vnseemely carowsing . Which he refusing , they fell from high words to sound strokes , so that with much adoo the Gentleman saued his owne , and shifted from their company . Being gone one of these tiplers for sooth lackt a gold Ring , the other sware they sée the Gentleman take it from his hande . Upon this the Gentleman was indited before a Judge , these honest men are deposde : whose wisedome weighing the time of the braule , gaue light to the Jury , what power wine-washing poyson had , they according vnto conscience found the Gentleman not guiltie , and God released by that verdit the innocent .

With his accusers thus it fared : One of them for murder was worthily executed : the other neuer since prospered : the third , sitting not long after vpon a lustie horse , the beast sodenly dyde vnder him , God amend the man .

Roberto euery day acquainted with these examples , was notwithstanding nothing bettered , bur rather hardened in wickednesse . At last was that place iustified , God warnethmen by dreams and visions in the night , and by knowne examples in the day , but if hee returne not , hee comes vppon him with iudgement that shall bée felt . For now when the number of deceites caused Roberto bee hatefull almost to all men , his immeasurable drinking had made him the perfect Image of the dropsie , and the loathsome scourge of Lust tyrannized in his bones : lying in extreame pouerty , and hauing nothing to pay but chalke , which now his Host accepted not for currant , this miserable man lay comfortlesly languishing , hauing but one groat left ( the iust proportion of his Fathers Legacie ) which looking on , he cryed : O now it is too late , too late to buy witte with thée : and therefore will I sée if I can sell to carelesse youth what I negligently forgot to buy .

Héere ( Gentlemen ) breake I off Robertoes speach ; whose life in most parts agraéing with mine , found one selfe punishment as I haue doone . Héereafter suppose me the saide Roberto , and I will goe on with that hee promised : Greene will send you now his groats-worth of wit , that neuer shewed a mites-worth in his life : & though no man now bee by to doo mée good : yet ere I die I will by my repentaunce indeuour to doo all men good .

Deceiuing world , that with alluring toyes , Hast made my life the subiect of thy scorne : And scornest now to lend thy fading ioyes , To length my life , whom friends haue left forlorne . How well are they that die ere they be borne , And neuer see thy sleights , which few men shun , Till vnawares they helpelesse are vndone . Oft haue Isung of Loue , and of his fire , But now I finde that Poet was aduizde ; Which made full feasts increasers of desire , And proues weake loue was with the poore despizde . For when the life with food is not suffizde , What thought of Loue ; what motion of delight ; What pleasance can proceed from such a wight ? Witnesse my want , the murderer of my wit ; My rauisht sence of wonted furie reft ; Wants such conceit , as should in Poems fit Set downe the sorrow wherein I am left : ●ut therefore haue high heauens their gifts bereft : Because so long they lent them mee to vse , And I so long their bountie did abuse . O that a yeare were graunted me to liue , And for that yeare my former wits restorde : What rules of life , what counsell would I giue ? How should my sinne with sorrow be deplorde ? But I must die of euery man abhorde . Time loosely spent will not againe be wonne , My time is loosely spent , and I vndone .

O horrenda fames , how terrible are thy assaults ? but vermis conscientiae , more wounding are thy stings . Ah Gentlemen , that liue to read my broken and confused lines , looke not I should ( as I was wont ) delight you with vaine fantasies , but gather my follies altogether ; and as yee would deale with so many parricides , cast them into the fire : call them Telegones , for now they kil their Father , and euery lewd line in them written , is a deepe piercing wound to my heart ; euery idle houre spent by any in reading them , brings a million of sorrowes to my soule . O that the teares of a miserable man ( for neuer any man was yet more miserable ) might wash their memorie out with my death ; and that those works with mee together might bee interd . But sith they cannot , let this my last worke witnes against them with mee , how I detest them . Blacke is the remembrance of my blacke workes , blacker than night , blacker than death , blacker than hell .

Learne wit by my repentance ( Gentlemen ) and let these few rules following be regarded in your liues .

1 First in al your actions set God before your eies ; for the feare of the Lord is the beginning of wisdome : Let his word be a lanterne to your féet , and a light vnto your paths , then shall you stand as firme rocks , and not be mocked . 2 Beware of looking backe , for God will not bee mocked ; and of him that hath receiued much , much shal be demaunded . 3 If thou be single , and canst abstain turne thy eies from vanitie ; for there is a kinde of women bearing the faces of Angels , but the hearts of Deuils , able to intrap the elect if it were possible . 4 If thou bee married , forsake not the wife of thy youth to follow straunge flesh ; for whoremongers and adulterers the Lord will iudge . The doore of a harlot leadeth downe to death , and in her lips there dwels destruction ; her face is decked with odors , but she bringeth a man to a morsell of bread and nakednes : of which my selfe am instance . 5 If thou be left rich , remember those that want , & so deale , that by thy wilfulnes thy selfe want not : Let not Tauerners and Uictuallers be thy Executors ; for they will bring thee to a dishonorable graue . 6 Oppresse no man ; for the crie of the wronged ascendeth to the eares of the Lord : ney ther delight to increase by Usurie , least thou loose thy habitation in the euerlasting Tabernacle . 7 Beware of building thy house to thy neighbors hurt ; for the stones will crie to the timber ; Wee were laid together in bloud : and those that so erect houses , calling them by their names , shall lie in the graue lyke Sheepe , and death shall gnaw vpon their soules . 8 If thou be poore , be also patient , and striue not to grow rich by indirect meanes ; for goods so gotten shal vanish like smoke . 9 If thou bee a Father , Maister , or Teacher , ioyne good example with good counsaile ; else little auaile precepts , where life is different . 10 If thou be a Sonne or Seruant , despise not reproofe ; for though correction bee bitter at the first , it bringeth pleasure in the end .

Had I regarded the first of these rules , or béene obedient to the last ; I had not now at my last ende , béene left thus desolate . But now , though to my selfe I giue Consilium postfacta ; yet to others they may serue for timely precepts . And therefore ( while life giues leaue ) I will send warning to my olde consorts , which haue liued as loosely as my selfe , albeit weaknesse will scarse suffer me to write , yet to my fellow Schollers about this Cittie , will I direct these few insuing lines .

To those Gentlemen his Quondam acquaintance , that spend their wits in making plaies , R.G. wisheth a better exercise , and wisdome to preuent his extremities .

IF wofull experience may moue you ( Gentlemen ) to beware , or vnheard of wretchednes intreate you to take héed : I doubt not but you wil looke backe with sorrow on your time past , and indeuour with repentance to spend that which is to come . Wonder not , ( for with thée wil I first begin ) thou famous gracer of Tragedians , that Greene , who hath said with thée ( like the foole in his heart ) There is no God , shoulde now giue glorie vnto his greatnes : for penetrating is his power , his hand lyes heauie vpon me , hee hath spoken vnto mee with a voice of thunder , and I haue felt he is a God that can punish enemies . Why should thy excellent wit , his gift , bee so blinded , that thou shouldst giue no glorie to the giuer : Is it pestilent Machiuilian pollicy that thou hast studied ? O peeuish follie ! What are his rules but meere confused mockeries , able to extirpate in small time the generation of mankind . For if Sic volo , sic iubeo , hold in those that are able to commaund : and if it be lawfull Fas & nefas to do any thing that is beneficiall ; onely Tyrants should possesse the earth , and they striuing to exceed in tyrannie , should each to other be a slaughter man ; till the mightiest outliuing all , one stroke were lefte for Death , that in one age mans life should end . The brocher of this Diabolicall Atheisme is dead , and in his life had neuer the felicitie hee aymed at : but as he began in craft ; liued in feare , and ended in despaire . Quàm inscrutabilia sunt Dei iudicia ? This murderer of many brethren , had his conscience seared like Caine : this betrayer of him that gaue his life for him , inherited the portion of Iudas : this Apostata perished as ill as Iulian : and wilt thou my friend be his disciple ? Looke but to me , by him perswaded to that libertie , and thou shalt find it an infernall bondage . I knowe the least of my demerits merit this miserable death , but wilfull striuing against knowne truth , exceedeth all the terrors of my soule . Defer not ( with me ) till this last point of extremitie ; for litle knowst thou how in the end thou shalt be visited .

With thee I ioyne yong Iuuenall , that byting Satyrist , that lastly with mee together writ a Comedie . Sweet boy , might I aduise thee , be aduisde , and get not many enemies by bitter wordes : inueigh against vaine men , for thou canst do it , no man better , no man so well : thou hast a libertie to reprooue all , and name none ; for one being spoken to , all are offended ; none being blamed no man is iniured . Stop shallow water still running , it will rage , or tread on a worme and it will turne : then blame not Schollers vexed with sharpe lines , if they reproue thy too much liberty of reproofe .

And thou no lesse deseruing than the other two , in some things rarer , in nothing inferiour ; driuen ( as my selfe ) to extreme shifts , a litle haue I to say to thee : and were it not an idolatrous oth , I would sweare by sweet S. George , thou art vnworthy better hap , sith thou dependest on so meane a stay . Base minded men all three of you , if by my miserie you be not warnd : for vnto none of you ( like mee ) sought those burres to cleaue : those Puppets ( I meane ) that spake from our mouths , those Anticks garnisht in our colours . Is it not strange , that I , to whom they all haue beene beholding : is it not like that you , to whome they all haue beene beholding , shall ( were yee in that case as I am now ) bee both at once of them forsaken ? Yes trust them not : for there is an vpstart Crow , beautified with our feathers , that with his Tygers hart wrapt in a Players hyde , supposes he is as well able to bombast out a blanke verse as the best of you : and beeing an absolute Iohannes fac totum , is in his owne conceit the onely Shake-scene in a countrey . O that I might intreat your rare wits to be imploied in more profitable courses : & let those Apes imitate your past excellence , and neuer more acquaint them with your admired inuentions . I knowe the best husband of you all will neuer proue an Usurer , and the kindest of them all will neuer proue a kind nurse : yet whilest you may , seeke you better Maisters ; for it is pittie men of such rare wits , should be subiect to the pleasure of such rude groomes .

In this I might insert two more , that both haue writ against these buckram Gentlemen : but lette their owne workes serue to witnesse against their owne wickednesse , if they perseuere to maintaine any more such peasants . For other new-commers , I leaue them to the mercie of these painted monsters , who ( I doubt not ) will driue the best minded to despise them : for the rest , it skils not though they make a ieast at them .

But now returne I againe to you three , knowing my miserie is to you no newes : and let mee hartily intreat you to be warned by my harms . Delight not ( as I haue done ) in irreligious oathes ; for from the blasphemers house , a curse shall not depart . Despise drunkennes , which wasteth the wit , and maketh men all equall vnto beasts . Flie lust , as the deathsman of the soule , and defile not the Temple of the holy Ghost . Abhorre those Epicures , whose loose life hath made religion lothsome to your eares : and when they sooth you with tearms of Maistership , remember Robert Greene , whome they haue often so flattered , perishes now for want of comfort . Remember Gentlemen , your liues are like so many lighted Tapers , that are with care deliuered to all of you to maintaine : these with wind-puft wrath may be extinguisht , which drunkennes put out , which negligence let fall : for mans time is not of it selfe so short , but it is more shortned by sinne . The fire of my light is now at the last snuffe , and for want of wherewith to sustaine it , there is no substance lefte for life to feede on . Trust not then ( I beseech ye ) to such weake staies : for they are as changeable in minde , as in many attyres . Wel , my hand is tyrde , and I am forst to leaue where I would begin : for a whole booke cannot containe their wrongs , which I am forst to knit vp in some fewe lines of words .

Desirous that you should liue , though himselfe be dying : Robert Greene . .

Now to all men I bid farewel in like sort , with this conceited Fable of that olde Comedian Aesope .

AN Ant and a Grashopper walking together on a Greene , the one carelesly skipping , the other carefully prying what winters prouision was scattered in the way : the Grashopper scorning ( as wantons will ) this needlesse thrift ( as hee tearmed it ) reprooued him thus :

The greedy miser thirsteth still for gaine , His thrift is theft , his weale works others woe : That foole is fond which will in caues remaine , When mongst faire sweets he may at pleasure goe .

To this the Ant perceiuing the Grashoppers meaking , quickly replyde :

The thriftie husband spares what vnthrift spends , His thrift no theft , for dangers to prouide : Trust to thy selfe , small hope in want yeeld friends , A caue is better than the deserts wide .

In short time these two parted , the one to his pleasure , the other to his labour . Anon Haruest grew on , and reft from the Grashopper his woonted moysture . Then weakly skipt hee to the medowes brinks : where till fell winter he abode . But storms continually powring , hee went for succour to the Ant his olde acquaintance , to whom hee had scarce discouered his estate , but the waspish little worme made this reply .

Packe hence ( quoth he ) thou idle lazie worme , My house doth harbor no vnthriftie mates : Thou scorndst to toile , & now thou feelst the storme , And starust for food while I am fed with cates . Vse no intreats , I will relentlesse rest , For toyling labour hates an idle guest .

The Grashopper foodlesse , helplesse and strengthles , got into the next brooke , and in the yeelding sand digde for himselfe a pit : by which hee likewise ingrau'de this Epitaph .

When Springs greene prime arrayd me with delight , And euery power with youthfull vigor fild , Gaue strength to worke what euer fancie wild : I neuer feard the force of winters spight . When first I saw the sunne the day begin , And dry the Mornings tears from hearbs and grasse ; I little thought his chearefull light would passe , Till vgly night with darknes enterd in . And then day lost I mournd , spring past I wayld , But neither teares for this or that auailde . Then too too late I praifd the Emmets paine , That sought in spring a harbor gainst the heate : And in the haruest gathered winters meat , Preuenting famine , frosts , and stormy raine . My wretched end may warn Greene springing youth To vse delights , as toyes that will deceiue , And scorne the world before the world them leaue : For all worlds trust , is ruine without ruth . Then blest are they that like the toyling Ant , Prouide in time gainst winters wofull want .

With this the Grashopper yéelding to the wethers extremit , died comfortles without remedy . Like him my selfe : like me , shall all that trust to friends or times inconstancie . Now faint I of my last infirmity , beseeching them that shall burie my bodie , to publish this last farewell written with my wretched hand .

Foelicem fuisse infaustum .