An hundred epigrammes. Inuented and made by Iohn Heywood Heywood, John, 1497?-1580? This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A03171 of text S119138 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 13294.5). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 72 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 26 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 A03171 STC 13294.5 ESTC S119138 99854345 99854345 19761 2248510720

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Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A03171) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 19761) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 926:08) An hundred epigrammes. Inuented and made by Iohn Heywood Heywood, John, 1497?-1580? [48] p. In Fletstrete in the hous of Thomas Berthelet, [Imprinted at London : Anno dni 1550] Imprint from colophon. In verse. Identified as STC 13295.1 on UMI microfilm. Signatures: A-C⁴. Reproduction of the original in the Pierpont Morgan Library, New York City. eng Epigrams, English -- Early works to 1800. eebo An hundred epigrammes. Inuented and made by Iohn Heywood. Heywood, John 1550 52 11484 18 0 0 0 0 0 15.68 C The rate of 15.68 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 2005-11 Assigned for keying and markup 2006-01 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2006-04 Sampled and proofread 2006-04 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2006-09 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

❧ An hundred Epigrammes . Inuented and made by John Heywood .

Anno Christi . M. D. L.

To the reader . RYme without reason , and reason without ryme In this conuercion depe diffrence dooeth fall . In first parte wherof where I am falne this tyme , The foly I graunt , whiche graunted ( readers all ) Your graunt , to grannt this request require I shall , Ere ye full reiecte these trifles folowyng here Perceiue ( I praie you ) of the woordes th ententes clere . In whiche ( maie ye lyke to looke ) ye shall espie Some woordes , shewe one sense , another to disclose , Some woordes them selues sondrie senses signifie : Some woordes , somwhat from common sence , I dispose , To seeme one sense in text , another in glose . These words in this work , thus wrought your workyng toole , Maie woorke me to seeme ( at least ) the les a foole . Than in rough rude termes of homely honestee , ( For vnhonest terme ( I truste ) there none here soundes ) Wherin fine tender eares shall offended bee , Those folies , beyng sercht in reasons boundes , Reason maie bee surgin in saluyng those woundes , Turnyng those sores to salues : for reason dooeth gesse , Homly matters , homly termes dooe best expresse . But where all defence standth in exempcion To defend me her in out of folies bandes , So that to redeeme me ther no redempcion . Grauntyng and submittyng foly , that so standes , This last refuge I craue to haue , at your handes , Those folies standyng clere from intent of yll . In lieu or lacke of good wit , accept good wyll ,
The table of this booke . The preface to the reder . An epigramme on this booke of epigrammes . i. Of three sages . ii . Questions answered . iii. Of water wyne and ale . iiii . To muche or to littell . v. Of the senses . vi . Of talkyng . vii . Of heares and wittes . viii . A dronkerd ix , The foxe and the mayde . x. Of an yll gouernour called Iude xi . Vpon geuyng an almes . xii . Of a surfet . xiii . Repugnancie in apparance . xiiii . The ape and the asse . xv . A foole and a wyse man . xvi . Of sight xvii . Feigned newes . xviii . Two arme in arme xix . Of heryng and speakyng . xx . Of witte , will , and wisedome xxi . The wrenne and hyr birdes . xxii . The master and his man xxiii . Vpon penance . xxiiii . Iacke and his father . xxv . Of a dawe . xxvi . Of askyng and shewyng the way . xxvii . A quiet neighbour . xxviii . Of dogges and theues . xxix . A keper of the commaundementes . xxx . Of a nose . xxxi . Lettyng of a ferme . xxxii . Age and youth . xxxiii . A rose and a nettill . xxxiiii . Of the wifes and hir husbandes wast . xxxv . An old wyues boone . xxxvi . A talke of two conies . xxxvii . A prisoner . xxxviii . Two blynd men . xxxix Debilitee of senses . xl . A foolishe husband . xli . A witty wyfe . xlii . Hansom handlyng . xliii . A saiyng of Patche , my lord Cardinals foole . xliiii . Certaine folies . xlv . Of two students . xlvi . A mery woman . xlvii . A lowse and a flea . xlviii . Of him that forgat his Pater noster in Latine . xlix . Of him that could not learne his Pater noster in englishe . l. Of the fist and the hert . li. Of this word , enough , lii . Of table plaie . liii . The cock and the hen . liiii . Chepenyng a face of furre . lv . Biyng of shooes . lvi . A suspicion clered . lvii . Of spite . lviii . Of the letter H. lix . Ill fleeyng of Idilnesse . lx . A toong and a clock . lxi . A herer of a sermon . lxii . A man without witte , strengh , and cunnyng . lxiii . How to wisshe . lxiiii . A doubtfull demaund of choyse . lxv . An olde wydower , and a yong maide . lxvi . Gapyng oysters . lxvii . The iudge and the iuggler . lxviii . Of lookyng . lxix . Of constancie . lxx . Of a face and a witte . lxxi . Of blowing . lxxii . To the flatterer . lxxiii . Of contentacion . lxxiiii . Of waityng . lxxv . Of foreknowlage . lxxvi . The same impugned without chaunge of woordes , except . iiii . or fiue . Mistakyng an errand . lxxvii . Of kepyng an Inne . lxxviii . A wiues defence of hir betill brow . lxxix . The shrewde wyues toonge . lxxx . A fooles tonge . lxxxi . Of glasse and lattise . lxxxii . Tow wisshes for two maner of mouthes . lxxxiii . Of disprayse . lxxxiiii . A discharge from hypocrisie . lxxxv . Of the foole and the gentilmans nose . lxxxvi . A foole taken for wyse . lxxxvii . Thinges to forbeare . lxxxviii . Of medlers . lxxxix . Of dwellyng . xc . Of the milner and the sexten . xci . Of bookes and cheese . xcii . Of heades . xciii . The woodcock and the dawe . xciiii . Of fewe woordes . xcv . Wotyng and wening . xcvi . The same otherwyse . A muche lyke mattier . xcvii . Wysedom and foly . xcviii . Of lacke . xcix . The whethercock , the reede , and the wynde . C. The ende of the table .
An Epigramme on this boke of Epigrammes . I. THis booke maie seeme , as it sorteth in sute , A thin trym trencher to serue folke at frute : But caruer or reader can no waie wyn , To cut frute theron , or compt frute therin .
Of three sages . II. Three maner sages nature doeth deuyse , The sage herbe , the sage foole , and the sage wyse , And who for moste wyle hym selfe doeth accept , Maie matche any sage , the sage wyse except .
Questions aunswered . III.

Trust thet any , That truste not many ? ye . Please they any , That serue many ? Nay . Helpe they any , That helpe not many ? ye . Freende they any , That flater many ? Nay . Feare thei any , That doe fraie many ? ye . Kepe they any , That kepe to many ? Nay .

Of water , wyne , and ase . IIII. Water vnder a bote , wyne in a botell , The tone I can beare , thother bearth me well : And where as nother botes nor botels be , Nother can I beare wyne , nor water beare me . But aboue all licour welfare ale ( I saie ) For I with ale , and ale with me wag awaie .
To muche or to littell . V. If that I drinke to muche , than am I drie , If I drinke to littell , more drie am I : If I drinke no whit , than am I driest , To muche , to littell , no whit , nought is the best . Thus drinke we no whit , or drinke till we burst , Yet poore drie soules we be euer a thurst ,
Of the senses . VI. Speake not to muche , lest speche make the spechlesse , Go not to muche , for feare thou go behynde , Here not to muche , lest heryng bryng defnesse . Loke not to muche , lest lookyng make the blynde . Smell not to muche , lest smellyng lose his kynde . Tast not to muche , leste taste mistast thy chaps . Touche not to muche , for feare of after claps .
Of talkyng VII Thy tayle can talke , and knowth no letter . Thy tongue can talke , and talkth muche sweiter But except wisdome were the gretter , Of tongue and tayle thy tayle talkth better .
Of heares and wittes . VIII . Thynne heares and thicke wittes be deyntee . Thicke heares , and thynne wittes be plentee . Thicke heares and thicke wittes be scant , Thinne heares and thinne wittes none want .
A dronkerd . IX . A goose is harnest in hir white feathers , A drunkerd in drinke aganst all weathers , A foole in his fooles hood , put all togeathers .
The foxe and the maide . X. Althouh that foxes haue been seene there seelde , Yet was there lately in Fynsbery feelde A fox sate in syght of certayne people Noddyng , and blissyng , staryng on poulis steeple . A maide toward market with hens in a band Came by , and with the fox she fell in hand . What thyng is it Rainard in your brayn ploddyng , That bringth this buisie blissyng and noddyng ? I nother nodde for sleepe swete hert the fox sayde , Nor blisse for spirite , except the diuel be a mayde . My noddyng and blissyng breedth of woonder Of the witte of Poules wethercock yonder . There is more witte in that cocks only head , Than hath been in all mens heades that be dead . As thus ; by common report this we fynde , All that be dead , did die for lacke of wynde . But that wethercocks witte is not so weake To lacke wynde : the wynde is euer in his beake . So that while any wynde blowth in the skye , For lacke of wynde that wethercock will not dye . She cast downe hir hens , and now did she blis . Iesu ( quoth she ) In nomine patris , Who hath euer heard at any season Of a foxes forgeyng so ●eat a reason ? And while she preised the foxes wit so , He gat bi r hens in his necke , and to go . Whither away with my hens fox ( quoth she ? ) To Poulis pig as fast as I can ( quoth he . ) Betwene these hens , and yonder wethercock I will assaie to haue chekins a flock . Whiche if I maie get , this tale is made goode , In all Christendome not so wise a broode . Maiden ( quoth he ) these hens be forboden Your sight , tyll that wethercock hath troden . Wo woorth ( quoth she ) all craftie inuencions , And all inuenters , that by false intencions , Inuent with intent to blynde or bleare blunt eies , In case as this fox to me doeth deuise .
Of an yll gouernour called Iude. XI . A ruler there was in countreie a fer , And of the people a great extorcioner : Who by name ( as I vnderstand ) was called Iude , One gaue him an as , whiche geft whan he had veude , He asked the geuer , for what intent He brought to him that as . For a present I bryng maister Iude ( quoth he ) this as hither , To ioygne maister Iude and this as togither . Whiche two ioygned in one this is brought to pas , I may bidde you good euen maister Iudas . Macabe or Iscariot thou knaue ( quoth he ? ) Whom it please your master ship , hym let it be .
Vpon geuyng an almes . XII Into a beggers hand , that almes did craue , In stede of one peny , two pense one geue . Whiche done he saide beggar happie thou art , For to thee , my hand is better than my hart . That is ( quoth the begger ) as it chaunceth now , The better for me , and the woorse for yow .
Of a surfette . XIII . A man from a feuer recouered new , His greedy appetite would not eschew . From meate contagious , wherto he had a lust , But one morsell one euenyng , nedes eat he must . Which foorthwith after brought good approbacion , Of his returne into residiuacion . What cause causeth this ( quoth the phisicion ? ) I know ( quoth he ) no cause of suspicion . How be it my wonder is great as can be , By what meane this feuer attacheth me More , for caryng a littell this night last , Than for caryng muche more the night before past . I did eate a capon me euery whit The last night : after whiche I felt no fit . And this night I eete but one bit of fresh beefe , And yet am I shaken with the hourson theefe . Nowe ( quoth the phisicion ) aperth the cause why Capon is holsome , and the beefe contrary . And a litell yll meate geueth sickenesse more foode , Than a littell to muche of meate that is goode . Sir , I thanke you muche ( quoth the pacient ) This lesson shall hensfoorth make me to consent , Whan I shall nedes surfet , by vnruly wyll , Rather to surfet on that is good , than yll .
Repugnancie in apparance . XIIII Muche contrarietee maie seeme to stand Where none is . as by example , my son . In London is the best ale of all England : And yet as good ale in England as in London .
The ape and the asse . XV. The ape and the asse stode , where they beheelde . A course with a greyhound at the hare in a feelde . Thei well perceiuing , the greihound great gron̄d wan As long as the hare and he foorthright ran . And lyke aduauntage they sawe in the hare , Whan she list lightly to turne here and thare . The ape to know whether the assis talkyng , Were any quicker than his asshis stalkyng , Asked the asse : If thou shouldest choose one of bothe , To ren as swiftly as the greyhound yonder gothe , Or turne as light as the hare : whiche one of twaine Wouldst thou in thy choosyng by choise obtayne ? I ( quoth the asse ) beyng at libertee , Will choose none of bothe feates , I may saye to thee . What winneth the dog by his swift footemanship ? Whan the bare at pinche turnth from him at a whip . And what wynth the hare in hir turns so lightly ? The dog outrennyng hir agayne by and by ? Rennyng or turnyng so , ren or turne who will . I will goe softly , or els stand euen still . Howbete to assoyle thy question ( quoth he ) If I should choose one , lyke the hare would I be . For where the dog renneth the hare for to kyll , She turnth for defence , offryng the dog none yll . And better is this part in this case brother , My selfe to defend , than offend an other .
A foole and a wyse man . XVI . A foole and a wyse man ridyng one espyde . He asked the horse , that the wyse man did ryde , Whither goste thou horse ? whither goe I ( quoth he ? ) Aske hym that guideth the bridell , aske not me . Whither ridest thou foole ( ꝙ he ) with looke so fell ? Aske my horse knaue ( said he ) what can I tell . Whan fooles ride ( ꝙ he ) that can not rule the raine : Their horses be their herbengers , I see plaine . And whan wise men ride , I right well espie , Them self , not their horse , apoynt where thei shal lie .
Of sight . XVII . Who nedes will looke , and woulde not see , The syght once seen thou lokeste fore , Close vp thine eyes For truste thou me , Muche lookyng so , breedth much eie sore .
Feigned newes . XVIII . From a feelde fought , one of the beaten syde , Ran home , and victorie on his parte he cryde . Whose prince by hym thus enfourmed of this , Made bonfiers and banertꝭ as the vse is . In shorte tyme after all which ioye and coste , The kynge was acertaynde , the feeld was loste . Wherwith he ( in as great hast as great greefe ) Charged the first messenger to make preefe , Where he had this lie , that the feelde wss wonue . My selfe sir ( quoth he ) this lie first begonne . Which for commoditiee vnto your grace And all your subiectes . I brought it in place . Where the truth shold haue broght watching & weping My lie brought two daies of laughing and sleping . And if ye all this yere toke my lie for true , To kepe you merie , what harme could ensue ? Better is ( quoth he ) be it new or stale , A harmelesse lie . than a harmefull true tale . How his lie was aloude I know none that knowth ? But it was at least winke at , I heard of trowth .
Two arme in arme . XIX One said to a nother taking his arme , By licence frend , and take this for no harme . No sir ( saied the other ) I geue you leue To hang on mine arme , but not on my sleue .
Of hearyng and speakyng . XX. Who hereth all And speaketh nought , Chaunce maie so fall He is well tought . Who speaketh all And hereth nought , Fall what shall fall , He is yll tought . Who hereth all , And all bableth , What euer fall He oft fableth . Who hereth nought , Nor nought can speake , Maie soone be thought A body peake . Saie nought , here all , Saie all , here nought , Bothe , none , these fall Extremely wrought . Who hereth ofte And speaketh seeld , Be witte alofte He wynth the feeld .
Of wit , will , and wisdome . XXI . Where will is good , and wit is yll , There wisdome can no maner skyll . Where wit is good , and will is yll , There wisdome sitth all silent styll Where wit and will are both two yll , There wisdome no waie meddill wyll . Where wit and will well ordred be , There wisdome makth a Trinitee .
The wrenne and hir birdes . XXII . Of a nest of wrens late bred in a hedge , Whiche the dam forsakyng , when they were fledge , One saied : Alas mother , what is the why ? That ye draw from vs vnnaturally . Childe ( quoth the dam ) I doe now vnto the , As my dam in my youth did vnto me , Wherby I am blamelesse in that I do , Sens I do but as I haue been done to , Mother ( quoth he ) to deale as ye be delt with , Is not alwaie meete : but this is the pith : As ye would your dam should haue delt with yow , So should ye our dam deale with your birdes now . Why sonne ( quoth she ) thinkst thou me such a foole ? That my chylde shal set his mother to schoole ? Nay , adieu ( quoth she ) and away she is flowne : This childe for this checke refusyng for hir owne . Whiche done , the wren calth his brothers & sisters , And vnto them this lesson he whisters . I see and ye maie see ( quoth he ) by this case , The triall of tauntes out of tyme and place . Wher faire wordis haply my mother might haue won , This taunt maketh hir refuse me for hir son . Whiche maie teache vs all , where euer we cum Rather by silence alwaie to be mum , Than in ought at libertee , or forbidden , To taunt our betters , openly or hidden .
The maister and the man . XXIII . A man , and his man , chaunced late to bee Nie where a crowe stode criyng in a tree . Iames ( ꝙ the maister ) the crowe hath spide thee . Nay by God , he loketh on you maister ( quoth he ) Tauntꝭ ( quoth the maister ) rebound somtyme I see Where I thought to taunt the , thou doest taunt mee
Vpon penaunce . XXIIII . Two men of one man were confest but late , And both two had penance after one rate . Whiche was : eche of them a peny should geue To a peniles man , him to releeue . Th one of these twayue had one peny and no more . Thother , no peny nor farthyng had in store . Thei disclosyng ech to other this case . This peny father drew his purse apase , Saiyng : sens thou art penilesse , I will Geue the this penye , my penance to fulfyll . God thanke the ( quoth the tother ) and sens thow Art now peniles , as I was euen now , For penaunce I geue this peny to the , As freely as euer thou gauest it to me . Well done ( quoth the other ) bere maie we bost , Peny dole delt , without one peny coste .
Jacke and his father . XXV . Iacke ( quoth his father ) how shall I ease take ? If I stand , my legges ake , and if I kneele , My knees ake , If I goe , then my feete ake , If I lie , my backe akthe , If I sit , I feele My hyps ake : and leane I neuer so wee le , Myne elbowes ake . Sir ( quoth Iacke ) pein to exile , Sens all these ease not , best ye hang a while .
Of a daw . XXVI . With a crossebow late in hand readie bent To shoote at a daw in a tree , I went . Saiyng to one by : I will assaie to hit Yonder I see a daw , if she will sit . She is , if she sit , a daw in deede ( quoth he ) But if she sit not , what is she than saie ye ? A daw also ( saide I. ) Than said he , I see , Whether a daw sit , or whether a dawe flee , Whether a daw stand , or whether a daw lie , Whether a daw croke , or whether a daw crie , In what case so euer a daw perseuer , A daw is a daw , and a daw shall be euer .
Of she wyng the waie . XXVII . Twaine met in a high waie , what , time thei did go , Eche one toward the place the tother came fro . What is my waye ( saide the tone ) I praie the ? Foule ( quoth th other . ) That is il tidyngs ( quoth he . ) I can tell thee better tidynges then this : Thy waie , both faire and smooth as a die is . My tidynges ( quoth he ) is better than thine , But I thinke thy tidynges truer then mine . This is ( quoth the tother ) so well brought about , That it brought and shall bryng me in dout , Whiche one of these twayne is most ill at vew , Good tales that be false , or yll tales that be trew .
A quiet neighbour . XXVIII . Accompted our commoditees , Few more commodious reason sees , Than is this one commoditee , Quietly neighboured to bee . Whiche neighbourhood in thee aperes . For we two hauing ten whole yeres Dwelt wall to wall , so ioignynglie , That whisperyng soundeth through well nie , I neuer heard thy seruauntes brall More than thou hadst had none at all : Nor I can no waie make auaunt , That euer I heard the geue them taunt . Thou art to them , and thei to thee More mylde than muet . mum ye bee . I heare no noise mine ease to breake : Thy buterie doore I heare not creake . Thy kitchyn 〈◊〉 cumbreth not by heate , Thy cookes choppe neither herbes nor meate . I neuer heard thy fyre once sparke , I neuer heard thy dog once barke , I neuer heard once in thy house . So muche as one peepe of one mouse . I neuer herd thy catte once mew . These preises are not small nor few . I beare all water of thy soyle , Wherof I fele no fylthie foyle , Saue water , whiche dooeth washe thy handes : Wherin there none annoyaunce standes . Of all thy guestes set at thy boorde I neuer heard one speake one woorde , I neuer here them cough nor hem , I thynke hense to Ierusalem , For this neighbourlie quietnesse Thou art the neighbour neighbourlesse . For er thou wouldest neighbours annoy , These kyndes of quiet to distroy , Thou rather wouldest to helpe that mater , At home alone fast bread and water .
Of dogges and theues . XXIX . To kepe theues by night out of my house , I kepe doggis to aide me in my yarde , Whose barkyng at stur of euery mouse . By lacke of slepe kilth me in regarde , Theues or dogs than , whiche maie best be sparde ? Murder is the most mischiefe here to gesse , Theues can doe no more , and dogs will do no lesse .
A keper of the commandementes . XXX . If it be ( as it is ) muche commendable To kepe Gods preceptes , geuen Moyses in table : In kepyng the same ( as thou hast pretended ) Thou maiest well be marueilously commended . First for thy hauyng any mo gods but one , Thou kepest within that bound , For god thou hast noue . Hauyng or woorshippyng of god false or true , Thou hast nor worshippest God old nor newe . And as for the committyng of Idolatrie By grauyng to thy selfe any Imagerie , This Twenty yeres daie , in weather hot or coole , Thou handledst no caruyng nor workyng toole . The name of god in vayne thou consentst not till , Thou neuer swerst but for some purpose good or ill , And as for the holy daie , thou doest breake none . For thou wilt rather make twentie , than breake one . Father and mother not dishonourd by thee : For thou neuer comst where any of them bee . And where thou shalt not kyll , to clere the of that , Thou neuer durst abide to fight with a gnat . Than all adultrie or fornicacion Chastitee dischargeth , by this approbacion . All women hardly can beare thee their fauour , To abide thy sight : and in no wyse thy sauour . For stealyng or their , what euer thou hast bene Thy handes at this daie are knowen to be clene . How caust thou stele ought in house , feeld , or streete ? Thou sittest in Newgate fast bound handis and feete ? By false witnesse thou neuer hurtest man for why , Eury woord thou speakst , eury man thinkth a lye . Now to couet in mynde thy neighbours asse , Or his house , when bondage will not let the passe To ride to the tone , or go to the tother , Or in consented thought one waie or other . For to couet thy neighbours maide or his wife , Thou knowing , thei can not loue the for their life , Or of thy neighbours thinges to couet any thyng , Whan couetousnes can no waie bring winnyng , But that lacke of credite , libertee , or loue , Kepth thee from that couetyng can moue , Thou hast to shrewd a wit in desire to dwell , To haue thyngꝭ , from which dispeite doth the expell . Thus in Gods precepts , except thou clere appere , I know not who the diuell can saie he is clere .
Of a nose . XXXI . But for blemishe of a face to loke vpon , I doubt whiche were best , to haue a nose or none . Most of our sauours are more sower than sweete . A nose or no nose , whiche is now most meete ?
Lettyng of a ferme . XXXII . By word without writyng , one let out a farme , The couenauntꝭ wherin the lessee brake a mayne : Wherby the lessor , lackyng writyng , had harme . He saide and sware , he would make promise playne , Without writyng , neuer to let thyng agayne . Husband , cried his wife , that othe agayne reuarte , Els , without writyng , ye can not let a farte .
Age and youth . XXXIII . Though age and youth to gether can seeld agree , Yet once two yong and two olde folke did I see , Agrede lyke lams togither diuers yeres . The storie wherof foorthwith aperes A woman olde , and a man yong wer led , She him for loue , and he hir for good , to wed . A yong woman , and an old man , in like case , Were wed for like cause at the same tyme and place . Into one house these two couples wedded were , And duryng their liues , together must liue there . And thei once aquainted , and one month maried , All their liues after thei neuer varied . Company and condicion these foure folke hold , As nature naturally wylth yong and old : Couplyng them selues to gether thus eury daie Th olde fooles aldaie prate , the yong fooles aldaie plaie .
A rose and a nettill XXXIIII . What time herbs & wedes , & such thingꝭ could talke , A man in his gardeyn one daie did walke Spiyng a nettill greene ( as Themeraude ) spred In a bed of roses lyke the Rubie red . Betwene which two colours , be thought by his eie , The greene nettill did the red rose beautifie . How be it he asked the nettill , what thing Made hym so pert ? so nie the rose to spryng . I plant me with these roses , said the nettill : Their mylde propretees in me to settill . And you , in laiyng vnto me your nose , Shall smell , how a nettill maie chaunge to a rose . He did so : whiche done , his nostrils so pritcht That rashly he rubd , where it no whit itcht , To whiche smart mocke , and wily begylyng , He the same smellyng , saied smothely smylyng , Roses conuert nettils ? Nay , thei be to fell , Nettils will peruert roses rather , I smell .
Of the wifes and hir housbandes waste . XXXV . Where am I least husband ? quoth he , in the waste : Whiche comth of this , thou art vengeable streit laste . Where am I biggest wife ? in the waste ( quoth she ) For all is wast in you , as far as I see .
An olde wiues boone . XXXVI . In olde world , when old wiues bitterly prayde , One deuoutely , as by waie of a boone , Axt vengeance on hir husband , and to hym sayde , Thou woldst wed a yong wife er this weke wer doone Wer I dead , but thou shalt wed the diuell as soone . I can not wed the diuel ( quoth he ) why ( quoth-she ? ) For I haue wedded his dam before ( quoth he . )
A talke of two conies . XXXVII In tyme , whan dom beastis , as wel as birdꝭ , spake ? Two conies their myndes in this mater brake . Were all conies in such case ( said the tone ) That of two wynters weathers we must choose one , Whiche were best choise , frost neuer , & snowe euer ? Or els to choose froste euer , and snow neuer . Frost ( quoth the tother ) maketh vs lustie and fat , And snow lameth vs for leaue . What ( ꝙ he ) for that ? Fortie fat conies be oft kild in one night , Whan leane conies with life scape awaie quight . Ye ( quoth the tother ) but where snow to long lieth , Conies by famin well nie euery one dieth . Better all be fatte , though some die , as lotts fall , Than lynger in leannes , and therby die all .
A prisoner . XXXVIII . In prison , a prisoner condemned to die , And for execucion waityng daylie , In his handes for wormes lookyng on a daie , Smilyng vnto him selfe these wordes did saie : Sens my foure quarters in foure quarters shall stand , Why harme I these seely worms eatyng my hand ? Nought els in this deede do I , but my selfe show , Enemy to the woorme and frend to the crow .
Two blynde men . XXXIX . One blynde man to supper an other bad , Whiche twaine sittyng at such meate as thei had , Me thinkth ( ꝙ this blind host ) this candel burnth dim . So thinketh me sir , saide the blynde guest to him . Wife ( said the good man ) with sorow mend this light . She put out the candell , whiche burned very bright , And chopt downe emptie candelsticks two or thre . So lo : now eate and welcome neighbour ( quoth he )
Debilitee of senses . XL. Wyfe , my hands for feelyng are oft very yll . And as th one hand mendth , thother appeyrth styl . Ye saie so the ( said she ) th one hand feelth euermore Woorse the daie present , than the daie before . Thother hand feeleth by oynctmentes excellent Better the daie before , than the daie present . But how doth your eie sight ? worse & worse ( said he ) For worse this day than yesterdaie , I see the. Though you wer blind ( ꝙ she ) that shold no loue breake , I would your eies were out , so you could not speake . Take hearyng to ( ꝙ he ) thou makst my eares suche , That thou hast made them here enough , and to muche . And goyng maie go to . For where euer I am , I go not an inche from the diuell or his dam. In feith if thou didst ( quoth she ) yet could I well Fynde meane , to fynde out a foole euen by the smell . And here may we here and see , how this tale fitts With my good mans goodly lyms , and good witts ,
A foolishe husband . XLI . Husband , two witts are better than one , clarks saie , To debate mattiers : whiche seemeth true this waie . Whan we two contend , what my wit without thine , To conuince thy selfe , thy wyt conducth myne .
A witty wife . XLII . Iane ( quoth Iame ) to one short demand of myne Answere not with a lie , from that mouth of thyne , And take this nobill Which whan she had tane , Is thy husband ( quoth he ) a cockold Iane ? She stode still , and to this would no woord speake . From which dum dump when he could hir not breake , He axt his nobill agayne . Why ( quoth she ? ) Made I any lie to thee ? Nay ( quoth he . ) Than walke foole ( ꝙ she ) this wager I wyn clere , And thou of my counsaile neuer the nere . Gogs soule ( sware he ) and flang awaie amayne , I will neuer talke with that womon agayne . For as she in speche can reuile a man , So can she in silence beguile a man .
Hansom handlyng . XLIII . Some wonder to see thy handlyng of thingꝭ neate , But it is no wunder as the case stands . The toes of thy feete in handlyng of things feate , Are as hansom as the fingers of thy hands .
A saiyng of Patche my lord cardinals foole . XLIIII . Master Sexten a parson of knowne wit , As he at my lord Cardinals boord did sit , Gredily caught at a goblet of wyne : Drinke none ( said my lord ) for that sore leg of thyne . I warrant your grace ( quoth Sexten ) I prouide For my leg : For I drinke on the tother side .
Certayne folies . XLV .

To cast faire white salte into wyse mens meate , To make them count salt suger , whan they eate , a foly . To beare a man in hande he itchth in eche parte , Whan the man feeleth an vniuersall smarte , a foly . To speake alwaies well , and dooe alwaie yll , And tell men those deedes be doone of good wyll , a foly . Thy lustie limd horse to leade in thy hand , Whan on thy lame lyms thou canst scantly stand , a foly . Of kyks for cage woorke to builde thy house hye , And couer it with lead , to kepe thy house drye . a foly .

Of two studentes . XLVI . Two scholars yonge in the vniuersitee late Kept in thinne diet , after scholars rate , Th one beyng an eater greedy and greate , Thother a weake feeder , said at his meate : Oh this smart small pittans , and hungrie diet , Maketh vs to studie aptly in quiet . Sure ( said the tother ) small meales are induction To th encrease of studie , for deper instruction , This diner shall driue me to studie anon , Where I maie get more meate , whan this is gon .
A mery woman . XLVII . There came by chaunce to a good companie A lady , a wanton and a merie . And though euery word of hir own showde hir light , Yet no mans woords els to hir might that recite : She had all the woords , she babled so fast , That thei beyng weery , one said at the last : Ma dame , ye make my hert light as a kix , To see you thus full of your meretrix . This tricke thus well tricked in the latine phrase , Brought vnto this tricker nother muse nor mase , She nought perceiuyng , was no whit offended : Nor hir light demeanour no whit amended , But still hir tongue was clappyng lyke a paten . Well , said the said man , in language of laten I neuer tolde woman any faute before , Nor neuer in laten will tell them faute more .
A louse and a flea . XLIII . A lowse and a flea , set in a mans necke , Began eche other to taunt and to checke . Disputyng at length all extremitees Of their pleasures , or discommoditees . Namely this I heard , and bare awaie well . If one ( quoth the louse ) scrat within an ell Of thy tayle : than forthwith art thou skippyng , Lyke Iacke of bedlem in and out whippyng . Halfe an houre after thou darst no where sit , To abide the bityng of one good bit . And whan any man herein shall proue me , His nayles doe ( as a writte dooeth ) remoue me . Whiche nayles once remoued from the mans head , I am streight at feedyng within a heare breade , Where I fed before in my deintie diot . Ye be hardie ( quoth the flea ) I denie not , But how many lise haue abiden by it ? Whan thei woulde haue doone as fleas dooe , flie it . With this the man to his necke his hand caught , The flea skipt away , but the louse he caught . How now ( quoth the flea ) Alas ( quoth the louse ) My head is well serued to serue for sowse : That thus lyke a sowse head , for saw not this greefe , Tyll feelyng hath put peinfull practise in preefe .
Of hym that forgat his Pater noster in Latine . XLIX . An olde homely man at shrift commaundid By his Curate , his Pater noster to bid After long studie , he saide : Master vicker , By Iys c ham a shamd , my wit is no quicker . Ich said it within littell more then fortnight . And now , lyke a beast , cha forgote it quight . Fy on age . In youth Ich had euer suche wit , That what so euer Ich had had to dooe , yet At shrift chad my Pater noster euer more , Whan Ich saide it not twise in the yere before .
Of him that could not learne his Pater noster in english . L. A man of the countreie shriuen in Lent late , ( Accordyng to th iniunction ) his curate Bad him , the Pater noster in englishe saie , Ich can it not maister ( quoth he ) by my saie . Saie a peece of it ( quoth he ) though ye the rest mys , Ich can not one woord of it ( quoth he ) by Iys . And yet master vicar , by gods sacrament , Cha 〈◊〉 about it euer seus last lent . And some of it Ich had in the clensyng weeke . But now whan Ich should saee it , all is to seeke . 〈◊〉 ( quoth the priest ) if your wit be so far decayde , Saie the Paternoster , ye haue alwaie sayde . Nay by the mas ( sware he ) if you wil haue al told , Cha ●●●●rated on the new , cha forgot th old .
Of the fist and the hert . LI. One curst an others hert for a blowe in a fume . Curse not his hert ( quoth one by ) curse his fyst . 〈◊〉 hert ( quoth he ) to mine eare did not presume , But his hert to mine eare did his fist assyst . 〈◊〉 eche lym must frame in feate , as the hert list , 〈◊〉 the hert wilth any lym in any faute to fall . No man blame any man , to blame the hert for all .
Of this woorde , enough . LII . ● 〈◊〉 mery man by his maister at mete set . Me thinkth ( ꝙ the maister ) thou canst no drinke get . Here is enough , though there be none said he . Than art thou not drie . Yes so more I thee , And fain wold drinke . How be thy words true than ? Thus this word enough two waies we may scan . Thone muche enough , thother littell enough . And here is littel enough . His maister lough , Callyng in his wife to discant vpon this . How saist thou wife ? our man in this case is Drie , and wold drinke , and drinke nothing 〈…〉 . And yet proueth he drinke enough by him . Sens he ( quoth she ) proueth drinke enough in store , More than enough were wast . He getth no more .
Of table plaie . LIII . Wife , I will no more plaie at tables with the : Whan we come to bearyng , thou begylest me , In bearyng of thy men , while thou hast any , Eche other caste thou bearst one man to many .
The cocke and the hen . LIIII , A cock and his hen perchyng in the night , The cock at his hour crode loude as he might . The hen heuy of slepe , prayde the cock that he Would leaue of his crowyng , but it would not be . The hen saw . the cock would sticke to his tacklyng , In hir treble voyce , she fel so to cacklyng , That the cock praide hir , hir cacklyng to sease , And he of his crowyng would hold his pease . Nay chorle ( quoth she ) be sure , that will I not . And for thy learnyng hencefoorth marke this knot . Whan euer thou wouldest seeme , to ouer crow me , Than will I surely ouer cakyll the.
Chepenyng a face of furre . LV. Into a skinners shop , while his wife there wrought , In hast ran a gentilman to espie A faire face of fur , whiche he would haue bought . What fur ( quoth she ) would your mastership bie ? Harlots wombs ( quoth he ) know ye any nie ? Harlots wombs ( forsoth ) I haue none ( quoth she ) But ye shall haue knaues shankes mete as can be .
Biyng of shooes . LVI . Whan I at the shoemakers shall shoes assaie , If thei be to littell , thei will stretche ( saieth he ) If thei be to muche , thei will shrinke streight waie . To long , to short , how narrow or wide thei be , All is one matter as he shapth them to me . For maie he once get his shooes on my feete , Without last or lingel his wordes make them meete ,
A suspicion clered . LVII . One to his freend keendly , Gaue monicion freendly , That ill was reported By one , that resorted To hym : whom ( as thei thought ) Entysed him to nought . He thanked him , and saide : My freend , be not afraide . The heryng of that foole Setth me no whit to schoole . I here him , whan he list , And folow him whan me list .
Of spite . LVIII . If there be any , as I hope there be none , That would lese both his eies , to lese his foe one , Than feare I. there be many , as the world gothe , That would lese one eie , to lese their foes bothe .
Of the letter H. LIX . H , is worst among letters in the crosse row , For if thou finde him other in thine elbow , In thine arme , or leg , in any degree , In thy head , or teeth , in thy toe or knee , Into what place so euer H , maie pyke him , Where euer thou find ache , thou shalt not like hym .
Jll fleyng of Jdelnesse . LX. If flight from idilnesse maie be deemed Mayn meane to vertue beyng fled warely : How maist thou than therby be esteemed ? Thou fleest that vice not meanly nor barely , But mainely : scrupulously , and so charely , That in then er idelnesse shal be spied , Thou wilt yet rather be ill occupied .
A tong and a clocke . LXI . Thy tong should be a clock wife , had I gods power , For than would it strike but once in one hower . Yet it might ren ( quoth she ) and strike er the tyme , And shold that clock haue ( as my tong hath ) a chyme ? I beyng sexten , might set the clock foorth soone , To strike and chime . xii . two houres before noone .
A herer of a sermon . LXII . What bringst thou from the sermon Iack ? declare that . Forsoth maister ( quoth he ) your cloke and your hat . I can the good thanke Iacke : for thou art yet sped , Of somwhat in thy hand , though nought in thy hed .
A man without wit , strength , and counnyng . LXIII . Thou art a wight to wonder at . Thy head , for wit , shewth the a wat. Thy bodie for strength shewth the a gnat . Thy voice for tune sheweth the a cat . Dooe , saie , or syng , in any what , Thou art a minion marmsar .
How to wisshe . LXIIII. How may I haue the Gill , whan I wisshe for the ? Wishe not for me Iack , but when thou maist haue me . This is a lesson Gill propre and pleasaunt . For by these words this winnyng Iack maie auaunt , Though Iack be no nere Gill then Iack was before , Yet Iack is nere his wit , by gis , by ten score .
A doubtfull demaunde of choyse . LXV . If thou must chose Hodge , touchyng cockoldry , Whiche woldst thou chose , to know thy self commonly To be taken for one , and take thy selfe none , Or , to be taken for none , and take thy self one ? The best or worst of these twain ( Hew ) tel me whiche Claw wher it doth smart , or tikell , wher it doth iche ? I know small difference herein , Hodge brother , And I ( Hugh ) know as littel in the tother .
An old widower and a yong mayde . LXVI . A widower riche , with riueld face old , Wooyng a faire youg woman , his mynde he told . Bostyng what he had , as wowers doe , that can , Wherin he bosted of a goodly yong man , A soon of his owne , whom god had him sent . Of condicions and qualitees excellent , In this what wooyng this old mans behauour So far foorth had won this yong womans fauour , That in short tale , whan his long tale was doon , She praied him to goe home , and send hir his soon .
Gapyng oysters . LXVII . On whom gape thine oysters so wyde , oysterwife ? 〈…〉 oysters gape on you sir , god saue your life . 〈◊〉 gape thei ? Sir thei gape for promotion . 〈…〉 premote them ) you haue deuocion . Nay 〈…〉 pernicious , To promote Oysters , that be ambicious .
The iudge and the iuggler . LXVIII . To a iusticer a iuggler did complayne Of one , that dispraised his liger de mayne . What thy name ( said the iustice ) Dauson said hee . Is thy father aliue ? Nay , dead sir perdee . Than thou shalt no more be Daus soon , a clere case , Thou art Daw thy selfe now , in thy fathers place .
Of lokyng . LXIX . To saue mine head , whan I vpward cast mine eie , And loke not to my feete : to the ground fal I. Whan I loke downeward to my feete , to take heede , A tyle falne from a house makth my head bleede . And loke I ryght foorth , betwene my feete and hed , Broken head , breke neekee falls , of both I am sped . I thinke it as good , by ought I can deuise , To be starke staryng blinde , as thus to haue eies ▪
Of constancy . LXX . Some saie , thou art inconstant , but I say naie . What though thy wit be wauryng euery waie ? Whose wit like the winde hath been wauring euer , And in vnstedy wauryng doothe perseuer , A constant man I affirme him constantly , For he is constant in inconstancy .
Of a face and witte . LXXI . In thy youth and age these propretees are sprong . In youth thy face was olde , in age thy wit is yong .
Of blowyng . LXXII . What wind can thire blow , that doth not some man please ? A fart in the blowyng doth the blower ease .
To the flatterer . LXXIII . Thy flattryng of me , this foloweth thervpon : Other thou art a foole , orels I am one . Where flattrie aperth , at least : by wise mens schoole The flattrer , or the flattred , is a foole .
Of contentacion . LXXIIII . Is not the poore man riche , that is contented ? Yes , riche by his contentacion consented . Is not the riche man poore , that is not content ? Yes , poore by lacke of contentacion here ment . Than riches and pouertee in mens myndes lie . Ye , but we maie far soner learne ( thynke I ) To thinke our selfes riche , hauyng much riches by , Than make our selfes riche , hauyng no riches ny .
Of waityng . LXXV . I would see a man waite to his maisters mynde , As the weathercock wauth on the wynde . Blow it here or there , blow it low or hie , The wethercocks beke is still in the wyndꝭ eie .
Of fore knowlage . LXXVI . Foreknowlage of thyngs that must fall To man , I thinke it were not best . The fore knowne yll to man , would call Fore felt grefe , of fore knowne unrest . By foreknowen good to man were cest Swete sodain ioye , whiche euer more Comth , whan ioyes come vnknowne before .
The same impugned without change of woordes , except fovre or fiue . Foreknowlage of thyngꝭ that must fall To man I thinke it were the best , The fore knowen yll to man would call Digestion , of fore knowen vnrest By fore knowen good to man , were cest Distemperate ioye , whiche euermore Comth , whan ioyes come vnknowne before .
Mistakyng an errande . LXXVII . Feastyng a freend , the feaster ( whose man did weyte ) Bad him er the last course , fetche the clouted conceyte . What bringst thou here knaue ( ꝙ he ) what hast thou doone ? I haue ( ꝙ his man ) brought here your clouted shoone . Clouted shoone car●e●ly knaue , what dost thou dreame ? Eate thou the clouted shone , fetche vs the clouted creame .
Of holdyng an Jn. LXXVIII . Beyng holden in Newgate , thou canst not bee An Inholder , for thine Iune holdeth thee .
A wiues defence of hir bettill brow . LXXIX . Were I to wed againe wife , I make a vow . I would not wed a wife with a beetill brow . And I ( ꝙ she ) rather would a husband wed With a beetill brow , than with a beetill hed .
The shrewde wiues toonge . LXXX . A dog dame ruleth in degree Aboue a diuell with thee : At lest sower wynd a dog letth flee , Thy nose will stopped bee : But no diuels woord maie make decree To stoppe thy toong I see . Sens thou aperst to be ( quoth she ) A dogged diuell to me , To tame thy diuillishe propertee My toong shall still be free .
A foolis toonge . LXXXI . Upon a fooles prouocacion A wyse man will not talke : But euery light instigacion Maie make a foolis toong walke .
Of glasse and lattise . LXXXII . Where glasiers and lattise makers worke in sight , This one difference in their two feates we fynde : Glas kepeth out the wynd and letth in the light , Lattise kepeth out the light , and letth in the wynde . Of both sortis I wishe , whan I shall wishe any , Lattise makers few , and glasiers many .
Two wisshes for two maner of mouthes . LXXXIII . I wissh thou hadst a littell narrow mouth wife , Littell and littell to droppe out mords in strife . And I wisshe you sir , a wide mouth for the nonse , To speake all that euer you shall speake at onse ,
Of dispreyse . LXXXIIII . All men must be blind and defe er thou preise win . For no man seeth or herth ought to preise the in .
A discharge from hipocrisy . LXXXV . Thou art no birde of hipocricise broode . For thou fleest all thingꝭ , that might shew the goode .
Of the foole and the gentilmans nose . LXXXVI . One gentilman hauing an other at meate , That guest hauing a nose deformd foule and great . The foole of that house , at this tyme standyng by , Fell thus in hand with that nose sodainly . Nose autem , a great nose as euer I sawe . His master was wroth , & cride , hense with that daw . One saide : talke no more of great noses ye foole , Lest ye be talkt with all in the whippyng schoole . The foole warnd of great noses no more to speake , To mend that faut , this way these wordes did breake . Said I , this is a foule great spittell nose ? By r ladie I lyed , it is a faire littell nose . Will not that foole be had hence ( ꝙ the maister ? ) Thou wilt foole ( ꝙ one ) be walkt with a waster , If thou speake of any nose great or small . The foole at third warning , mindyng to mend all , Stept to the boord againe criyng as he gose , Before God and man , that man hath no nose . The foole was feakt for this : but what of that ? The great raut here to note , he amended nat : Which is this : Not the wise , but the foole ye see , In clukyng of one faute , makth fautes two or three .
A foole taken for wise . LXXXVII . Wisedome and foly in the ( as men sean ) Is as it were a thyng by it selfe soole : Among fooles thou art taken a myse man , And among wyse men , thou art knowne a foole .
Thynges to forheare . LXXXVIII . Displeasures that fume and fret Good to forgeue and forget All othes , what , whan , and where , Better forbeare than forsweare . Other mens liuingꝭ all , As good forsteale as forstall , Not at botom , but at brynke , Better foresee , than forthynke .
Of medlers . LXXXIX . To feede of any frute at any feast , Of all kyndis of medlers , meddell with the least . Meddel not with great medlers . For no question , Medlyng with great medlers , makth yll digestion .
Of dwellyng . XC . Betwene Ludgate & newgate thou caust dwel neuer , For in Ludgate or Newgate thou must dwell euer .
Of the milner and the sexten . XCI . The milner tolth corne , the sexten tolth the bell , In whiche tollyng , tollers thriue not a lyke well . Thone tolth with the claper , thother in the hoper . Thone sauerth of syluer , thother soundth of coper .
Of lokes and chese . XCII . No two thyngꝭ in all thingꝭ can seme onely one : Because two thyngs so , must be one thyng alone . How be it redyng of bookes and eatyng of chese . No●… thingꝭ for some thingꝭ , more like one than these . The talent of one chese in mouthes of ten men , Hath x. different tastꝭ in iudgement most times when . He saith t is to salt , he saith t is to freshe , He saith t is to hard , he saith t is to neshe . It is to strong of the reuer , saith he . It is saith he , not strong enough for me . It is saith an other , well as can bee . No two of any ten in one can agree . And as thei iudge of chese , so iudge thei of bokes . On lokers on whiche , who that narowly lokes , Maie loke for this : Seith he , that booke is to long , T is to short saith he . Nay , saith he , ye saie wrong , T is of mete length : and for fine phrase or faire stile : The like of that boke was not made this good while : And in touchyng the truth inuincibly wrought . T is all lies , saith an other , the booke is nought . No booke , no chese , be it good , be it bad , But preyse and dispreyse it hath , and hath had .
Of heades . XCIII . Some heads haue taken two heads better than one : But ten heads without wit , I wene as good none .
The woodcock and the daw . XCIIII . A woodcock and a dawe set vpon a playne , Bothe shewde comparison eche other to disdayne . Back , ꝙ the wodcock : Straw for thee , ꝙ the dawe . Shall wodcocks kepe dawes now in dredfull awe ? None awe ( quoth the wodcock ) but in behauiour Ye ought to reuerence woodcocks , by your fauour . For what cause ( quoth the daw ? ) For your long bils ? Nay ( ꝙ the wodcock ) but lords will by their wils Rather haue one wodcock , than a thousand dawse . Wodcocks ar meate , daws ar carren , wey this clause . In dede sir ( said the daw ) I must needes agree , Lords loue to eate you , and not to eate mee . Cause of daws curtesis , so , if wodcocks thus gather . Ye shal haue curtsy : For thus I woulde rather Be a daw , and to wodcocks curtesy make : Than be a wodcock , and of dawes curtesy take . I were a double daw , had I not leuer , Birders should ( in their birdyng endeuer ) Take vp gins , and let me go , whan thei get me , Than set gins to get me , for lordis to eate me .
Of few woordes . XCV . Few words shew men wise , wise men doe deuise , Whiche is oft tyme true , and oft other wyse . In some case silence maie as stifly stand With follie , as with wisedom , wisely scand .
Wottyng and wenyng . XCVI . Wottyng and wenyng , were those two thingꝭ one , Who could wot him selfe wise like the , I wene none .
Other wise . I would geue the best fardell in my packe , To be as wise as thou wenest thou art Iacke . And to be as wise as I wot thou art . What would I geue trowest thou ? wat ? not a fart .
A muche like mattier . XCVII . Tom , thou thinkst thy selfe wise ye what of that Hewe ? Thou thinkst thy self wiser than I. Ye tom , trewe . It seemth ( said a third man ) by this deuise , No maistrie for fooles , to weene them selfes wise .
Wisedome and foly . XCVIII . Thy wisedom and foly both , nay no one Can be conteined in volumes great nor small . Thy wisedom beyng none , occupieth place none , Thy foly beyng all , occupieth place all .
Of lacke . XCIX . One lacke of late in the saw wee , Whiche lackth not now , for this we see , Thou hast lackt lacke of honestee : But now that lacke lackth not in thee .
The wethercocke , the rede , and the wynde . C. The wethercock and the reede comparyng late Their seruice done to the wynde , fell at debate . The wynde ( ꝙ the wethercock ) wyndth no where , But streight bolt vpright I stand waityng there . Forsoth ( said the reede ) & where the wynd is found , At euery blast I bow downe to the ground . Surely said the wynd , the waityng of the tone , And curtesie of the tother I take both one . And none of both good , but rather yll to me : For whan I ofte in corners secrete would be , Other the croked courtsy of the reede , Or wethercocks waityng , bewraith me with speede , As life is to me , in suche seruyng pretence Single negligence , as double diligence . The weathercock and the reede , beyng both blanke , Ech told hiself , much seruice may haue small thanke .
FINIS .

JMPRINTED AT LONDON IN FLETSTRETE IN THE HOVS OF THOmas Berthelet .

Cum priuilegio ad imprimendum solum .

Anno dni . 1550.