Newe sonets, and pretie pamphlets. Written by Thomas Howell gentelman

Newe Sonets , and pretie Pamphlets .

Written by Thomas Howell Gentelman .

Newly augmented , corrected and amended .

¶ Imprinted at London in Flete streete , at the signe of the S. Iohn Euangelist , by Thomas Colwell .

¶ To his approued 〈◊〉 Maister Henry Lassels Gentelman , Thomas Howell wysheth hartely well .

WHen I had first gathered together these fewe simple Sonets , I thought nothing lesse , then to commit so vnskilful a collection of fond phansies , vnto the Printers charge , hauing perswaded my selfe before , that they were growen in a more frutelesse soile , and vnlearned head , then may well answer , either the expectacion of the freindly Reader , either the iudgements of the learned either the freidly eare to which I now commend them , whose chearefull ledes of freindship so●●en ●n me a frutelesse Feilde , do iustly require more profitable , & more plentifull 〈◊〉 then these trifling toyes are . But afterwardes I had purposed to imprinte them , being required e●●sones , by such a freind , to whose earnest request in this matter ( after many denials ) I did seeme ( as reason wold ) partly to yelde ▪ aduenturynge rather the blasing a brode of these few Phansies , to the plaine declaring of my vnlearnednesse and ignorance , then by vnfreindly denial to repel the earnest desiers of such my approued freinde . I thought none more meet to whom I should present than then , vnto you ) my frend good Ma●●er Lasiels ) being a frend faithfull a hartie helper ▪ & a welwiller of mine , not doubtyng , that you will as well accept the purpose of my Penne herein , as I do already conceiue of you by offering the same the only good will of my welmeaning harte . Though they be in deede bare toyes of small effecte , yet take them as chearefull as Lewes once King of Fraunce , accepted the hartie gift of a poore man , but a rude present for a Prince , being only a slender Radish roote , which he yet ( considering not the value of the root but the good will of the geuer rooted in his hart ) highly estemed before all other costly iuels . So if small gifts en crease a good opinion and a good opinion augmenteth loue , and loue by proofe establisheth freindship , and doth ratifie the same , I doubt not then , but that this signe and small gift , or rathe simple shift shal be an occasion to ratifie that good will of yours with , my entent is either to requite if I might , or remember as I can , or at the least wise not to treade it vnder foote as I will not , to shew such ingratitude , the sauadge beast the Lyon woulde not , wher of Aulus Gellius maketh his reporte . Wherfore good Maister Lassels , receaue these my base and baraine labours , which in signe of this new returned yere I geue vnto you , committing it to the iudgementes of the skilful , whose fauour I craue , for that my Pen is not as well perfected as I would wish it , both for the Readers commoditie , and also the pleasure of you my freinde , for whose cause I knowe it shall beare the lesse reproche , and of some more accepted , in doinge wherof I shall confesse a token of your friendship more added to the number of proofs which I haue at sundrie times receyued of you before . Fare ye well .

Your assured freinde Thomas Howell .

TO HIS FAYTHFUL AND Fellow Maister Henry Lassels . SOme prudent heads : with pollicie , do ponder how to please , the freendly man by whose desart , they haue founde healpe or ease , And other some : there be agayne , which valiently doe ●eeke , to do some deed by venture great , that lookers on might like , wherby Dame Fame shuld neuer cease , triumphant Trumps to solid , the pollicie and valientnesse , which hath in them been founde . But I offrancke , and meare good will , and not to gayne the praise , as one that wanth a cunning skill , to imetate their wayes . Do present thes my triflyng toyes , and far vnconning writes : remembryng how the wise man saies , the change of thinges , delites . Which not alone apereth trew , by meates whereon wee feede , but change in all thinges doth renew , the apetite in deede : When as the Uitale spirits be filde , with vewe of learned Booke , the world eyes do willyng craue , on lighter thinges to looke , And Musicke sounde , doth much delight , the eares and minde of man , whose pleasant tunes , so mightie be , that banish cares they can : The cause for which , it hath this gifte , is the varietie , in it contaynde , by learned shifte , of skilfull Hermonie . Doth not the sounde : of homely Pipe , that Shepperds rudely bloe , refresh the hartes : of rusticke route , their simple skill to shoe . Which is sufficient proofe inoughe that change contentes the minde , wherefore I will : pricke on my Plough , some further change to finde By tillinge oft my fruitelesse feilde , whose bare and barin soyle , god knowes hath scarce the power to yeld , one Corne for all my toile , But yet where wanth the finer flower , the coursest sorte doth ease : in like case thinges of litle power , the minde sometime may please , Accept therefore my Lassels trewe , these toyes in freindly part , from him that meanes : to thee nought els , but show of faithfull hart : Use them for change : as Musicke rude , for such is sure their grace , Or els as coursest Flower is vsde , when fine is out of place . Thine till not his owne Thomas Howell .

Iohn Keper Student to the Vpright Reader of these pretie Pamphilets . AS Feilde is none so ill , where fruitlesse weedes do groe , but that some herbe of vertue good , his pearyng flowres may shoe So though in Howels soyle , ilwillers seeme to see , at first nought els but thriftlesse thornes , and Thistles wilde to bee : Yet who shall vew his Feildes , and rightly them peruse , shall see that frutes and frutfull Herbes , do spryng of his sweet muse : For playnly he depayntes , the fits of youthfull loue : whose modest Pen from honest act , no mindefull man will moue . Here learne affects to rule , and youth in care to spende , beware thou mayst by others harmes , how youthly toyes do ende : Here reape , with other frutes , precepts of mortall minde . Are these no Herbs of goodly grace , in fertile Feilde to finde ? Also his fined phrase , shall get deserued prayse , whose cunnyng verse of youthly yeres , graue actes of age displayes . Wysh him more workes to Pen , by this his tried skill : and hope to see by tract of time , more frutes of painfull quill . To Howels happie hande , restore thou thankes for this , and wish him after death to liue , in wittie workes of his . Finis .

IOANNES KEPER OXON . AD tho Howell . AVreamellislui voluuntur scripta Goweri , Chauceri florent acta diserta senis , Sic quoque Chauterida similis captobis honores , Perg●re si vigilans vt modo pergis aues , Vibene c●pisti , nullos male linque labores , Gloria sudore est , desidiāque dolor . Finis .

William Howell . to his Brothers Booke . GO Booke wheras thou maist the best to please : Passe not for curious heads or folish braines , Of learned see thou craue thy greif to ease , With rigour not to iudge wher loue remaines , Go yet I say the best to please , be trew , Care not for them that mend Appelles shew . FINIS .

He declareth his greate mishappes , and lamentable sorowes of harte . WHen eache wight wonted is , to take by nature rest , I lie alas through gréeping griefe , and thought so sore oprest , That from my goyng to bead , vntill the time I rise , Sleape once hath skarse the powre to close my wéeping wakefull eyes , In whiche longe lothsome nightes , my Pen full oft I blame , For that the wofull state of me t' indite he doth not frame : Whose youthfull yeares and daies , by nature were not ripe , When cruell fate them cleane cut of , at one most soden wipe : Though life do yet remaine to length my time in teares , Whiche fliyng fame seemes not to cease , to blow in each wightes eares , For singe me oft God knowes , a heauie harte to beare , When outwardly I séeme to shew , a glad and mery chere , And eke a carefull minde , more troublously itost , Then is the shipman on the Sea , in daunger nie the lost : Whose care no greater is , then life and goods to saue , When I of God continually , with humble voyce do craue , That he by death will quite , my grief away expell , And geue to me a place amonge , the saued soules to dwell : Which now longe times haue béen , so tossed with vnrest , That scarse I may the woes sustaine , that lie in wofull brest , To thinke on my mishaps , whiche do me still betide , When happie hap to finde redresse , full fast away doth glide , What greater greife may growe in any honest minde , Then is to wante such wonted wealth , as it some time did finde : Such prouidence for man , doth Fortune oft procure , When smilingly she séemes to trayne , with bayte of golden leure , By meane wherof she will , a canckred poyson lay , Full closely coucht in pleasant bayte , with that poore soule to tray , As I but lately tried , who doth her bayts so taste , That secretly I sup the smarts , whiche cause me pine and waste : Would God when I began , to enter first to life , That present death had pearst my hart , and rid me cleane this strife , So should my Parents not , haue béen at such great cost , To bringe me vp on whom by fate , their great good gifts are lost : Ne yet haue left to me , no whit such wealth at all , Whereby from wealth to miserie , might chaunce a soden fall , But should the same els where , haue well bestowed I say , Which they in leauing vnto me , did naught but cast away , Whose heauie helplesse haps , increasing euery hower , Doth force me wéepe , when others sleape , where fortune doth not lowe ▪ Thus passe I forth the nighte , when wishe doth wante his will , Whom fortune seekes by great despight , most cruellie to spill , And when the dawninge day , I do perceaue and see , And eke how Titan lifteth vp , him selfe in first degree , Whose glorious glyttering beames , doth mooue eache thing to ioy , Saue only I whose haplesse hap , hath wrought all mine anoy : Then from my coutche I creepe , all clad with woe and care , And for to walke in Desart place , my selfe I do prepare , Where none but wofull wights , do wandring wayle their gréefe , Where violence doth vengance take , where neuer coms releefe : Where pleasure plaies no parte , nor wanton life is lead , Where daintinesse no daunger makes , ne finesse once is fead : Where deepe dispayre doth dwell , in owgle lothsome lake : Where feurious feendes do fersly fight , an sorowes neuer slake : Euen there in dolefull Den , I do driue forth the day , Where as my pitious plainte and wo , no time hath once to stay , And then a new I wish , that I had neuer been , To voyde the painefull piteous plight , that now I wretch amin , Within whose troubled head , such thronge of thoughts doth rise , That now on this and then on that , I cease not oft to vise , Amonge whiche thoughts I note , this one that doth ensew , Which as the younge Byrde brought from neast , & put in cage or mew , Doth ioye in that her life , as much as though she might From wood to wood , or feilde to feilde , at pleasure take hir flight , whiche plainly doth declare , a man from byrth brought vp , In meane estate that neuer knew , the taste of wanton cup , Doth holde himselfe so well contente , with his degree , That he in life doth seldome seeke , to craue more greater sée . But I as byrde vnlike , that flew hir timely flight , Throughout the groues and fertill fielde , in ioyes and great delight , Which shall no sooner feele hir selfe , to be restrainde , From her such wonted libertie , as some time she retainde : But forth withall she doth , such inwarde thought conceaue , That yelding vp hir pleasures past , hir life therewith doth leaue , when as the byrde in Cage , with chirpyng cheare doth singe , That neuer knew the place wherein , she had more better b'inge : So I do playnly see , eche wight that wealth hath taste , And afterwardes doth wante the same , with sorow is imbraste , Wherefore sith life apointed was , in me this longe to last , In simplest sorte woulde God I had the same to this time past , Then should I sure haue liude contente with this my pay , Which now because of carefull change in wo do wast away . Finis .

Keper to his frende Howell . WHen surging Seas with raginge blastes be blowen , In whiche is man with ship of troublous saile , He must beware least Hulcke be ouerthrowen : When deathly seas compels weake hart to quaile : So though thou be returnd from Port of blisse , With hoysing waues and windes so hardly tost : Thou maist thy selfe full well assure of this , Thou art not he that first hath had the lost . It is a healpe sometimes in miserie , To haue a sort as felows eke of thrall , Ah many man hath felt the chaunce of thee : When witlesse youth doth range so prodigall . Then hoyse thy sayle and be not ouerblowen , The feare of harmes may not thy stomacke slake . And rise from couche when chearefull light is showen , And draw thee backe from paines of Plutoes lake . Haue stronger hart then simple Birdes on trée , Let manly corps , a manly minde embrace , No woes can helpe : then frende be rulde by mée , Let pacience in quiet breast haue place : For all disease for cares and woes each one , A quiet minde , is only salue alone . Finis .

The restlesse paynes of the Louer forsaken . IN springe time when fresh flowers , in Feilde do florish fayre , When Trees do bud and blosoms beare , when temperate is th' ayre When Byrdes with chirping cheare , when Beastes that be but brute , As course of kinde doth force them forth , through loue begins great sute . Then I whose fansie fed , my sprites to sporte and play , To Forrist fayre of pleasant ayre , began to take the way : As I did passe throughout a valey fayre and gréene , Where Birds did singe and Beastes to runne oft pleasant I had séen . All husht I founde it tho , such silence was there kept , As midnight then if it had béen , and all thinges sounde had slept : Where at amasde I stoode , and listning longe might heare At last a hollow sounding voice , with lowde lamenting cheare . In shrubs harde shrowded by , a wofull wight there lay , Whose carefull corps through pining paine , was welnie worne away : Where powring out his plainte , he curst his cruell fate , That led him forth to hope for hier , where he in fine founde hate . He sight and beat his breast , and bid all men take héede , By him to trust no filed wordes , where as they shew no déede : For filed wordes me fed , to folow fancie so , That like the hooked Fish betraide , I languish now in wo : I looke and longe so : death , she leapes alofte in ioye , Whose subtel sleights alas qd he ) hath wrought all mine anoye : That fie on hir fayre face , fie on her fained there , For hir sake eke alone I bid , fie on all women there . Whereby he lookte aside , and finding where I stoode , Like one that sought to liue alone , from me he fled as woode : For whom such griping greefe , my heauy hart did knawe , That I my selfe there depe de●●de , like linke of Louers lawe . Finis .

The britlenesse of thinges mortall , and the trustinesse of Vertue . TO you faire Dames whose fauoure now doth florish , To you whose daintie daies in ioyes are spent : To you whose corpes Dame nature yet doth poolish , To you whom Cupide chiefly doth frequent , To you I write with harte and good intent : That you may note by this which I do say , How natures giftes soone weare and waste a way . Your loftie lookes the time will plucke full lowe , Your statelie steps Age eke will alter quight , Not one thinge now that doth geue pleasant showe , But time of cuts and forseth to take the flight , Saue Uertue sole in whiche who doth delight , When wealth , when pompe , when beautie shall them leaue , Uertue alone to such will sticke and cleaue . Where is faire Helines bewtie now be come , Or Cressed eke whom Troylus long time serued , Where be the decked daintie Dames of Rome , That in Aur●lius time so florished : As these and many mo are vanished , So shall your youth , your fauour , and your grace , When nothing els but vertue may take place . To vertue therfore do your selues applie , Call Cressids lyfe vnto your youthly minde , Who past her time in Troye most pleasauntly Till falsinge faith to vice she had inclinde , For whiche to hir suche present plagues were finde , That she in La●ers lodge hir life did ende , Whiche wonted was most choysly to be tende . Hir comly corpes that Troylus did delight All puft with plages full lothsomly there lay : Hir Azurde vaines , hir Cristall skinne so whight , With Purple spots , was falne in great decay : Hir wrinkeled face once fayre doth fade away , Thus she abode plagde in midst of this hir youth , Was forst to beg for breaking of hir truth . Lo here the ende of wanton wicked life , Lo here the fruit that Sinne both sowes and reapes : Lo here of vice the right rewarde and knife , That cutth of cleane and tombleth downe in heapes , All such as treadeth Cresids cursed steps , Take heede therefore how you your youthes do spende , For vice bringee plagues , and vertue happie ende . Finis .

The description of his lothsom life , to his friende . LIke as the wofull wight , in Irons colde doth lie , And hopes at Sise to be releast , is then condemde to die : Euen so alas my lot , as contrarie doth fall , As his who lookt for suger sweet , and founde most bitter gaule , My reastlesse labour now I iustly may compare , To Sisiphus that neuer sleapes , or els to T●stius care , For after sturdie stormes , when calme I thinke to finde , More rougher rage a new doth rise , to gripe my greeued minde , And when my carefull case , by meanes I seeke to cure , Most deepist dinte of inwarde wo alas I doo endure . The cause of this my grief yet will I closly keepe , And secretly my sorowes suppe when others sounde do sleape . Finis .

The Louer almost in desperation , moneth his estate . MY carefull case , and heauie pining plight , Constraineth me , against my will to wright , The plungid state wherin I liue and dwell , Doth force me forth my trimbling tale to tell , My heaped woes , all solace settes aside , Whose secrete smarte , alas I fayne woulde hide , But as the subiect Oxe to yoke must yelde , So vanquisht wightes are forst forsake the fielde . My lucklesse lot , denies me all releefe , I seeke for help , but finde increase of greefe , I languish still in longe and deepe dispayre , Yet feare to shew the cause of this my care . I couit nought that reason might denie , I seeke not for to clime the cloudie skie , But what I seeke , if I the same might finde , Then should be easde mine vncontented mine . Finis .

The infortunate ende of Cresus Kynge of Lydia , a worthy note for Couetousnesse sake . WHen darkenesse dim the earth did hide , and husht was wood & fielde , when Beasts & Birdes of painted pride , to take their rest did yelde , When Seas and waues of waters wilde , their roring séemde to slake , And eche thing els in silence sat , on sleape their ease to take , Then I whose wakefull troubled head , no quiet rest coulde finde , Lay mewsing how I best might ease , mine vncontented minde : At last I starte from out my bead , and hauing present light , Did finde a Booke whereon I read , to driue away the night , In whiche the life of Cirus Kynge of Persia I founde , Writen by one hight Xenophon , from whence I take my grounde , The wonderous workes and worthy déedes , of Cirus then I read , His regale rule his liberall harte , and how in warres he spead : How he through his beneuolence , not only eache hart won , But kept himselfe thereby more sure , then towne or garison : Who when at any time he stoode , of Golde or men in neede , with wealth and will his people hast , to strength him still with speede : And breif to be suche noble déedes , by Cirus d●●ne I finde , As iustly sure deserued hath , to winne immortall minde , Which I now passe ouer to them , that better can indite , As one who most vnable is , his life at large to write : But only this I note therin , as thinge of wonders prise , A mirrour méete for Maiestrats , to set before their eies . When Cressus he that cormrant Kinge , which ouer Lyde did raigne , Seyng the largenesse Cirus vsde , wilde him his hande restraine : He saide to heape his frendes in wealth , was vnto him great pleasure , If he then chaunst to stande in néede , he tooke them for his treasure : O noble Kynge , woulde God thy life were grauen in Tables of Golde , That Cresus kinde whiche now doth liue , thy bountie might beholde , So should they se what Fame thou wanne , in lands and countries coste , where Cresus Kynge was cleane ●●●sumde , with that he hon●rd moste : Who ended thus his gréedie guttes , were ●●de and set on flote , with glittering Golde that 〈◊〉 was ▪ and powred downe his throte . Finis .

The contempt of Riches . THe state of worldly things , is straunge and most vnstable , Both mirth and wo to man it brings , through Fortune variable , Wherfore I holde him best , that hath sufficiente , That likes the lot which God hath geuen , & therwith stands contente : For they that seeke most highest , them selues for to aduance , Are often seen to be the niest to daungerous mischance : Example by the trée which growes vpon the Hill , That subiect is vnto eache blast , when trees below are still , The higher state always the greater care doth bringe , The greater care the lesser ease , which prooues the meane surest thing , And Hystories deuine vs bidth from cares and woes , And wils vs all to view the byrdes , and Lyllies fresh that groes , The Byrds ne sowe nor reape , and yet do wante nothing , The Lillie eake it doth compare with Salomon the King , Afirming plaine that he in all his princely power , Was neuer decked like vnto the simple Lilly flower : A voyde such care therefore , as quailes the corage ofte , And put thy confidence in him , that sits in Throue a lofte : Contente thy selfe alway , with that he shall assine , Against those whom he doth exalte , se thou do not repine , If riches do increase , be thankefull for the same , If wante of that do chaunce to prease , do not thy Fortune blame , Better it is of bothe , to be contente with ought , With greate and heaped howrdes of golde , then haue vnquiet thought : Did not Diogenes , prefar the shining Sonne , Before the mightie kingdomes great , that Alexander wonne : When this greate conquerour woulde , haue geuen him giftes of golde , He saide like gifte thou canst not geue , as thou from me dost holde . Tho sundrie others mo , whose workes were wonderous wise , I might here name to like effecte , yet let this sayd suffice , For nothing here so sure , that certaine may remayne , Acompte therfore all worldly powre , as transitorie vayne . Finis .

The vnquiet estate of the Louer , wherein is wished redresse . LIke as the Captaine stoute , constrainde is in th' ende , Oprest with powre to yéelde himself , and what he did defende : So I with Cupid caught , am forst at last to yéelde , To you whose vertuous wayes , hath wonne of me both Forte & fielde , I may no longer cloke the scortchinge flames of fire , That still in s●acret breast doth burne , through wante of my desire : But forth it findes away , that hid hath line full longe , And loue doth boldly bid me seeke , to haue redresse of wronge . Sith then in you it lies , on me to worke your will , By mercie for to length my life , by contrary to kill : Let pittie mooue your minde , in humble wise I sue , And seeke to saue the Captiue harte that wisheth well to you . For here I do confesse the only state and stay , Of my led life and eke my death , to rest in you alway : Whose graunte of grace hath powre , to glade my griped brest , Whose stay therof hath like effect , to further mine vnrest . Graunte yea therfore my deare , let nay be out of minde , As I haue vowde to worke your will , till death shall do his kinde : And thus I cease to write , the twenteth parte of greife , That my poore payned harte endures , as yet without releife . Finis .

Liberalitee . ¶ Where wise do suffer wante , And driuen in hard distresse : Cut not thy cantle skante , That maiste their cause redresse . Finis .

Prouidence . TWyse happie is the wight , Whom others harmes doth cause To shonne the snare , of noysome care , That growes by breache of lawes . Finis .

Good aduise , to his faithfull friende . OF Louers restles liues , I li●t not wright , Let learned heads describe their playnfull plight : But plaine in tearmes I wishe thee euen as well , As those that can their tales more trimly tell . Whose friendly meaning if thou wilt receaue , Fyrst flie from Uice and vnto Uertue cleaue : Nexte seeke by honest meanes , such wealth to winne , As may thee helpe what néede thou shalt be in . Counte not thy Chickens that vnhatched be , Waye wordes as winde , till thou finde certaintée : For filid wordes that deeds do neuer yeelde , May well be likened to the baren fielde . Be ware of had I wiste whilst youth doth last , Whose stealinge steps do passe away in hast : Prouide in time , thine aged yeres to chearishe , And let fayre wordes go feede , the fonde and foolishe . Acompte eache thinge , as proofe the same shall trie , Trust not to farre before thou finde cause why : For vnder Flowers so fayre oft poyson lurkes , Whose showe of flagrant smell much mischéefes workes . Take héede least Argus with his crastie Net , And wily subtle sleights do thee be se● : Thus wishinge aye thy wealth , I make an ende , Least tedious talke should nought but thee offende . Finis .

Youth still bewayleth , When naught it auaileth . MY retchlesse rage of wanton youthe , With griefe I do lament : When vnto minde I call the truthe , How I my time haue spent . Finis .

An humble sute to his friende , requesting Loue for Loue . I Saw of late a wofull wight , That Willo wandes did winde to weare : Whose face declarde the painfull plight , Which he through loue then present beare . He lookte a loft as though he woulde Haue fled vnto the starrie skies : But still he stoode , as though he coulde , Not once heaue vs his heauie thées . His feathered handes he flashed foorthe , And thyther fayne he woulde haue ●●ead : But wofullman he was full wroothe , To see his limmes all lade with lead . You are the bright and starrie skie , I am the man in painfull plight : My l●●●es are lade I cannot flie , My corps may not sustaine my weight I read the woes of Sigismonde , The childe of Tanckred Salerne kinge : Her loue to Guystarde did so bounde , She fanced els none other thinge . For riches naught nor for his wealth , Whereof he had but slender store , His vertue was hir only health , She likte that well she sought no more . They had their hoped hap and ioye , If Tanckred coulde content him so , But he by workyng their anoy , Unto himselfe brought deepest woe . You Sigismonde are fayre and bright , Woulde I had Guystardes vertuous life , And Tanckred chaste cleane out of sight , Then woulde I wish for such a wife . I reade how Luna loued one , Of birth but meane of right good fame , By name iclipt Endimione , Whose loue was quite deuoyde of blame : In Laemi Hill it thus befell , She saw him sit all sad alone , T is I ( que she ) I know full well , For whom he mournes and makes his mone : She was not shamde of Laemi Hill , Nor yet of Louers simple state , But straight consents , vnto his will , And him did choose for louing make . O Luna looke vpon thy Loue , Endimion makes his mone to thée , Be not ashamde let pittie moue , And loue me like as I loue thée . Finis .

The Commendation of the meane in all thinges . AS meane in Musicke soundeth best , So meane estate liues most in rest : The higher climde the fall more deepe , The deeper fall the double paine , And pensife paine doth carefull keepe , In man eache liuely lim and vaine , Whiche prooues what change or chaunce do fall , Contented meane excéedeth all . Finis .

I. K. To his friende H. THe high estate is dangerous , The poore degrée is burdenous , The richer sorte are couetous , The néedie soule is dolorous . The youthfull imps are prodigall : The aged thyrst for goods so thrall , The bolder men foolehardye call , The fearefull wights are dastards all , Then ill eschew , embrace thinges cleane , Howell , welfare thy golden meane . Finis .

He lamenteth the vngratefull person for inconstancie . ALas I vnhappie and most wofull wight , Whom Fortune so déeply hath now in despight , That tonge cannot tell ne Pen haue powre to wright , My pittifull playnt and heauie pining plight . How shall I to case me , vnborden my brest , Of these double dolours that breedes mine vnrest , When speeche wanteth powre , when Pen is vnprest , And witte wanteth conning thervnto adrest . This great restlesse rage in my minde doth renew , And where I fayne helpe woulde finde harme doth ensew : But yet was I neuer founde false or vntrew , Which causeth me much more my dolors to rew . She that I did honour , aboue all the rest , To whom I reserued , the harte in my brest , Hath me quite forsaken and broke hir behest , And another taken , to loue and like best . And séemeth now sleightly to beare me in hande , That I was cause only of breatche of hir bande , But truth if me tried full searched and scande , Then trespas in me should she non vnderstande . Wherfore to the Spider I may her compare , That cruelly killeth what s caught in hir snare , For she by like tyranie nothing doth spare , Most spitefully to spoyle thus my carcas with care . Finis .

The shewing of his good Hart. THe Gloue for gadge is rightly geuen , where thinges concluded 〈◊〉 , Wherefore I do accompte therof , more then of golde or fee , Of whiche if I were storde , like Cresus in his time , I vow to thée if thou so woulde , it should be wholy thine , Where to if I with Salomon , in wisdome might compare , And bewtie had like Absolon , whose matche is very rare , Like eloquence to Cicero , in power Caesars peare , Yet would I be as now I stande , your faithfull seruant deare : And thus I rest in Hauen hope , whose bosome doth imbrace Your gloue as you till trackte of time , may purchase further grace . Finis .

The declaration of the vnstablenesse of fickle Fortune . WHere Fortune fauoureth not , what labour may preuaile , Whom frowning fate will needes thrust downe , what shall he win to waile ? With patience to yeelde , for such Ideeme most best , And cast their cares and griefes on him , that rewleth fates behest , Wee see by perfit proofe , that none so Princely goes , But that by will of God the hiest , out of this worlde he floes , Sith then suche fickle force , in mortall might wee finde , Let nothing that shall hap thée heare , to much torment thy minde : For all to liue a like , of this assured Bee , Was neuer yet nor shal be seene , but cache in his degree : As like the Potters pottes , be made to sundrie vse , So some men serue and some are serude , here néedes no fine e●scuse , The labouring man to toyle , that spares ne night nor day , Gets skarce to feede his famely , when some howrde heapes that play , Yet doth he not dispayre , nor yet from labours flie , But liues contente when worldlinges make , of wealth their miscrie , Who gripte with greater greif , if Fortune list to lowre , Then suche as earst did feede at fill , vpon hir fruitfulst flowre : Whiche change full oft hath chaunst , through hir vnconstantnesse , And whom she lately laught vpon , throwne downe remedilesse . Was Alexander greate , that many daungers past , For all his mightie conquestes wonne , not poysned dead at last . A Kynges sonne eke I finde , for Fathers tirannie , Constrainde to worke in Smithes Fordge , by harde necessitie , Suche is the fading force of Fortunes fickle flower , Whose fruitfulst fruite both ripes & rots in lesse space then one hower . Such is hir tickle trust , suche are hir slipper steppes , That what she seemes to sowe in ioye , with sorow oft she reapes . Attribute all to him that ruleth fate therefore : To him I meane whiche lefte the riche , and fed the pinyng poore , For thus do I intende , whilse vit all breath shall last , Though earst I practisde many meanes , which proofe hath tride in wast . Finis .

Themislocles answer , concerninge his Daughter to be maried . THemislocles by whose great skill , th' Athenians longe were led , His only Daughter did bestow , on meane yonge man to wed , Whiche when his freindes did wonder sore , these wordes he did expresse My daughter deare hath wonne ( qd he ) more wealth then ye do gesse : Whom I accompt muche better plaste , when truth I truely scan , Upon a man that money wants , then money wanting man . Finis .

The Lamentation of the wofull man , hauinge for entire Loue no goodwyll . THe time that I began , to enter first to life , Woulde God the sisters three had cut the threade with fatale knife Wolde God that death had béen , with arowes readie bente , To pearce the wofull harte of mine , whiche now with care is spente . Then should I not at all , haue folowed fancies lewre , Whose outwarde showe of suger sweet , is mirt with poyson sowre : As now I am constrainde , by destnie sure I thinke , That still doth finde but bitter tast , yet cannot choose but drinke . Thus I God knowes full oft a heauie harte do beare , ●hen out wardly I seeme to shew a mery carelesse cheare , Desembling eke my case , in hope of happier day , But aye from time to time I finde nought els but my decay . I pine in secret flanies , like ware consumde with fyre , I wishe , but alwaies wante my will , lo this mine only hier : What Paps did geue hir foode , that nought regardes my wo ? What Tiger fearce alas coulde hate , the harte that loued hir so . Great crueltie it is , to slay the yéelding wight , That mercy stil doth sue to haue , and vseth none other fight : But sith my haplesse hap alas must néedes be so , With speede come death to ende my life , and ridde me of this wo. Finis .

The Louer declares his constant harte neuer to forge the thinge that was decreed . SHall any wight preuayle , to bringe to passe by powre , Away to mooue , or rule our loue , that faith hath firt tindewre . Shall either force of friendes , or frowarde frownyng foes , Cause vs forgoe our hoped ioyes , bought with so many woes , No , no , for my parte here , a vowe to thee I make , That first eache torment shall me teare , care I my faith forsake . Finis .

An admonition , concerning the tracte of time . ¶ As time all thinges findes out , So time eache thinge must bide . In time therefore I wishe , That time may well prouide . Finis .

A friendly admonition to his friende , that craued good Counsaile . COndemne no cause till it be throughly knowne , Eche brutish broyle that forth abrode is blowne : Beléeue not lightly , least by some suche acte , Thou chaunce repent of déede informer facte . Accuse no wight of crime till trouth thou trie , Ne credit then thine eare before thine eye : Suche false reporte abrode may often go , As perfit proofe shall finde out nothing so . In iudgement rashe se that thou neuer bee , Deale not in thinges that passe capasitie : Thy porcion spende that some thou haue to spare If thou wilt liue deuoyde of woes and care . Finis .

A pithy Precept . ¶ When youth hath ronne his race , Olde age doth steppe in place : In youth therfore beware , Least age be clad with care . Finis .

Another . ¶ Who wanteth force against his foes to fight , Shall seldom be deuoyde of painfull plight . Finis .

The expressing of his vnluckie happes diuersly chaunced . LYke as the shippe of force doth driue , Which way the winde shall him constraine : So out of natiue soyle I liue , As destnie doth me leade and traine , Now here , now there , now vp , now downe , As Fortune listes , to smile or frowne . And as the horse the rider rides , Of force must take such way as he : With pricking spours doth perse his 〈◊〉 , Shall thinke most first for him to be , So I of force must yelde to bide , Suche hope as fate will me prouide . As I by proofe doo playnly see , Whiche longe haue sought in hope to finde , Some place to ease my miserie : With toyle I toste and troubled minde , By seas by lande , in many a coaste , In daunger ofte , like to be loaste . I wish and wante what should I say ? I seeke and finde nothing at all , I toyle , and still in great decay , I fayne woulde rise , yet still do fall , With sondrie cares I am oprest , But Pen be still , and take thy rest . Finis .

His complaint to the God Cupide , because he with his Darts perseth him alone . OCupid Uenus darlynge deare , Whose powre no mortall might may bide , If once in hande thy bow thou beare , And flaminge forckers by thy side , Why dost thou this lie still and sleape ? When I to thee doo wayle and weepe . Wheare is become thy wonted powre ? Art thou vanquisht and put to flight ? Or els art thou disposde to lowre , On me alone most wofull wight : Say no , say no , Oh I thee pray , And turne the harte breedes mine anoy . In whiche time ●arbes and trées , that Winters winde did weare , Enforce them selues to bud and growe some pleasant fruicte to beare . The litle Byrde that reason wants , doth then with chirping cheare , From twig to twig , and bushe to bushe , greet oft his lotted feare : The flotinge Fish in sturdie streames , that trauels day and night , Doth eke vnto their fancied feares repeare with all their might , The weake and wreatched wormes forgetteth not this day , Whom wée may finde aboute this time faste coplide by the way : As nature hath decreede all these by course of kinde , In thinges that reasons rule doth want , right so hath man asingde , For witnesse of the same in this apoin●ted time , That euery man and woman eke shall haue a Ualentine , In signe of that hir force whiche no wight can subdew , Lo this the only cause I say , that all thinges doth renew : Lo this the cause also , why Fortunes lots be had , Whose hoped hap and haplesse hope , doth make both wo and glad . But I aboue the reast , may Fortune highly prayse , Who hath geuen me the fearest Dame , that liues in these our daies : Suche one I say whom Nature hath , with Uertue so I deckte , That none there is or shall haue powre , hir name once to deteckte : Euen suche a one whom I as Fortune hath asignde , Will alwaies be at hir commaunds , till death shall do his kinde . Finis .

To a proude Dame. THe fem so fonde of vnaduised brayne , That mountes in seate by pride of blinded harte , No prayse may get , but shewes a wisdom vaine , Lo passe degrée in seate by no desart : Be thou content to sit on squared stoole , Least séeming wise thou prooue the fonder foole , It might been sayd by prudent voyce of grace , Presuming Dame retire from stately place . Finis .

The lamentable ende of Iulia , Pompeyes wife . SOre plungde in piteous paines and wofull smarte , Bespred with tr●ckling teares , on death like face , Downe trils the droppes on cheekes , and sighes from harte : To heare and see hir husbandes greeuous case , Thus goes the spouse O wofull Julia , Besprent with bloud , when Pompeis cote she saw . Downe deap she faules , in lamentable sounde , Of sence bereft , so great was Julis straine : The childe conceiued within , with deadly wounde , Untimely fruite came forth with proching paine , When all was doone , for loue hir life she lost , For Pompeyes sake she yéelded vp hir gost . So dead she lay bewaylde with many teares , A Matron wise , a famous ornament , O Cesar had liued full cherefull yeares , If thou with Pompey couldst haue ben content , But Ciuell warres , hath wrought this fatall lawe , To Pompeye death and death to Julia. Ye Matrones graue , and worthy spoused mates , Ye mayden Nymphes , whiche liue in larger partes , O reade and see vewe not and iudge of states : And folow eke such faithfulnesse of harts , Such liuely loue embrace , saith vertue graue , As Julie true for mate hir life she gaue . Finis .

To his frowarde friende . THis is not solom Sophocles , In learned trade which treads , This is not hardie Hercules , That conquerd Hydras heads . Feare not his bousteous vantinge worde , Though he woulde sée me to braule , He will aduise his angrie sworde , On whom his strokes doo fall : Wordes be but winde , to purge his heate , His stomacke to abate , Wherein he shewes his manly feate , When most he seemes to prate , Time may a swage these choloricke fomes , Where Hercles is so bolde , Thinke not good Hercles all are momes , When all thy Cardes be tolde . Wée know the Wood by sight of trees , Wee know the fier is hot , Wee know your power and wise decrees , Though fooles you call our lot , Farewell good hardie Hercules , As hardie as thou arte , Thou maiest be vext with litle Bees , Though greater be thy harte . Finis .

A friendly salutation to his beloued . THese lines vew dearest friende , Wherein I close my harte : Beholde therein my great good will , Prouokte by iust desarte . This simple slender shew Accept , your harte to mooue , For this my harte and golden will , Restore your golden loue . For if greate riches coulde Encopled mates the more , I haue both seen , and liue as now , Wherin I might haue store , But naught I care the welth , Nor yet the gorgeous gaine . My handes and hart I only geue Thee only to obtaine : You only woulde I craue , Before all other wight . Before the fayrest proferde Nimphes , You most do me delight . Whose choyse is now at will , To take or els refuse : And if it lay so much in me , You only woulde I chuse : Accept my proferde loue , As trust by truth may binde , If it thee please I am thine owne , O my approued friende , In worthy state to stay , I will forsake thee neuer . My harte my ioy my only care , I will thée loue for euer : Accepte and vewe these lines , And thinke my hart you see , Beholding eke this menssenger , Somtimes consider mee . Suppose I present were , To talke in friendly parte , But though my body absent be , Yet bounde you haue my parte . Finis .

Complaint of ingratitude . MY Pen in piteous part , Cannot in halfe descrie , The inwarde woes in moning hart , That gripes me secretlie . If outwarde face coulde mone , The woes of inwarde shape , The senslesse trées , and Flintie stone , Woulde rue my haplesse hap . O hart with care opprest , So plungde in penurie , The sobbing sightes of great vnrest , Will cause me wretch to die . Into vntimely graue , Mishap shall me conuaie , The darte of death I néede not craue , I sée no prompter way . Thus I haue plight the paine , Of toyling hand and minde To helpe the grace that can rewarde , Yet shew it selfe vnkinde . I. K. Finis .

After his good fortune , falne into mishap . AH wretches set in wretched vale , Where nought is sure but death so pale : All worldly goods and ioyes so gay , As withred flowres they vade away . When Fortune thée doth hiest extoule , Yet somwhat still doth vexe thy soule , Then vertue craue vayne ioyes despice , For wisdom still shall beare the price . I. K. Finis

A Dialogue touching the matrimoniall degree . SIthe wée are now in pleasaunt place , Where eache may speake his minde at will , And quietly debate the case , Accordingly by simple skill , I meane to reason this with thee , Who will be bounde and may go free . What bandes you meane first let me know , And then I will some answer make , In diuers sence your wordes do grow , And diuersly they may be take , Though commonly they be aplide , To those that are in wedlocke tide . My meaning is as ye do gesse , Now let me heare what you can say , If I shall right my minde expresse , And speake the truth without delay , I thinke him voyde of witte to bée , That wil be bounde and may go free . In wedlocke state , is no such bande , No freedom lost by taking wife , If that the truth b●e rightly scande , She causeth longe and happie life , A verteous wife enlarge thy daies , Of husbands age deuine bookes saies , Who hastes to wyue in hope of that , Maye grope for Eles and catch a Snake , And proue as wise as Pusse our Catte , That sekinge fishe fell in the lake . Let them that list therfore for me , I will not binde and maie goe free . Well then I sée who will contend , If thou so wilfully be bente , I doe fall out to little ende , Take hede therfore leste thou repente , The life thou now calst libertie , Here after through extremitie . The Batcheler most ioyefully , In pleasant plight doth passe his daies , Good feloship and companie , He doth maynteine and keepe alwaies , With Damsels braue he may well go , The maride man can not do so . Though daintie Dames thée now delight , And bewties beames thine eies do blinde , When time shall come of perfit sight , The weddid life thou suerst shalt finde , For God himselfe to auoyde sinne , The weddid state did first beginne . Finis .

Tyme geueth triall . ¶ Though yet to thee it skante appeare , The ende shall showe what truth I beare . Finis .

The Bridle of youth . THe wilde and wanton Coulte , that romes in pasture still , And takes his foode with careles lippes , without restraint of will , Is all vnmeete to serue vpon , till first by perfit guide , With Bit and Bridle stronge he be , from wanton will fast tide : Wherefore eche worthy wight , a rider ●it doth finde , To checke and breake such carlesse Coultes , as shall to them be finde , So likewyse beardlesse boyes , that reasons rule doth shonne , In steede of Rider they by Rod , from vice to grace are wonne , And both vnséemly were , for princely peares to vse , A lacke therefore in such I déeme , as woulde them thus abuse . Finis .

A farewell to his worshipfull friende . T. D. DO bloysterous blastes that blow , compell to hoyse thy sayle , To driue the ship to calmer Port , vnto thy more aduaile . O cease ye froward fluds , returne O ship to stay , For thou in Barke so well befraught , hast al our ioyes away , But since the witlesse windes , haue causde good ship to flee , The selfe same blast shall shortly force , a sorte to sayle with thée , And since thou wilt away , what haplesse hap befell , That doth procéede of inwarde woe , I can but say farewell , Farewell O Justice iust , that didst vprightly stande And eke to rayse the fallinge poore , that hadst prepared hande , Farewel thou friendly hart , that wouldst do dwell alwayes , With towarde minde & plighted paines , that sought thy founders praise Farewell of minde so milde , vpspronge of right degrée , Soms inwarde thoughts vrge outward woes , that finde the want of thée , Farewell thou worthy wight , in guile that canst not faine , That will do well as thou hast don , not one there coms againe , Farewell if néedes it must , so doth our losse befall , Of honest wights though hence ye go , yet haue the hartes of all , Farewell a friend to eche , farewell a foe to none , Lo here in griefe my last farewell , farewell O friende alone . Et puis , & clemens , & carus es omnibus vnus ▪ Nature prudens , conditione probus : Viue Diu , venerande faue , reuerende valeto , He● mihi quod possum dicere , tr●ste vale . Finis .

I. Keeper to his frend . H. HOwell haunte hope bartely , Hir happy hap haue humbly , Hast hardie hart holde honestie , Hir hartie hart I hight to thee . ¶ Finis .

The life of man likened to a Stage playe , where on wee ought warelie to Walke . SIth earth is stage wheron we play ourparts , And deeds are deemd accordyng to desarts , Be warie how you walke vpon the same , In playing your parte win prayse and banishe blame , Remember how your tale once tolde straight way , An other steps on stage his parte to play : Lo whom of force you must geue vp your place , As he that hath all redie runne his race . Your porte , your powre , your wealth and wearing weds , You then must yeelde to such as shall succede : As thinges but lent to play your part withall , Whose heyre shal be euen as desarte doth fall . Not he that plaieth the stateliest parte most prayse , Nor be that weareth ritchest robes alwayes , But he I say that beares him selfe most best , Whether his parte be with the great or least . Take heede therfore and play your part so well , That afterwardes you may in saftie dwell : Grope not to greedely for worldly gayne , The ende wherof is transitory and vayne . But be suffisde with that sufficient is , And seeke the thinges that bryng eternall blisse , So shall you heare not only win great prayse , But after eke enioy most happie dayes . ¶ Finis .

Regard thy end . ¶ Unpleasant is the plight , of that most wofull wight , That seeith with perfit sight , his life from him take flight , And wanteth power and might , to slea and flee such spight . ¶ Finis .

The lamentable historie of Sephalus with the vnfortunat end of Procris . To the tune of Appelles . WHo lust to vewe the heauy happes , Of faythfull louers longe a go , And eke suruaye their after clappes , Muste needes me thinkes lament for woe , If that my hart were framd of flynte From teares yet hardly might it stinte . ¶ I reade some time of Sephalus , A lusty youth of noble blood , Of face and fauor amorus In Natures fauour far he stoode , If neare woulde make a man agaste , To marke hys lymbs and members plast . ¶ So streight , so square , so trym was he , So fayre of forme so wyse and sage , He semde a sample sure to be , And Lantarne to the yonger age , And to conclude , he passed those , That thought they made a goodly glose . ¶ This brute ( as youth will haue a spurte , When lusty blood begyns to broyle , ) Dyd flee from fredom to the courte , Where Uenus only kepes the coyle , Thus reason banisht quite a waye , He warneth will to beare the swaye . Then fancy forced by and by , The wandringe eyes as skowtes to bee , In secret sorte for to espie , Or publykely to marke and see , If any Lady weare in sight , That might deserue this worthie knyght . ¶ But sone alas they haue espyde , The marke wheareat they shot so longe , Faire Procris bewtie is descryde , She blazde so bright her mates amonge , Lo Sephalus doth nowe begynne , His Ladyes fauor fyrst to wynne . ¶ ●ewe daies were past lesse yeares were spent Tyll flattringe Fortune strake the stroke , To loue eche other both were bent , Loue did them both so sore prouoke , What will you more if Fortune saye , Yt shal be thus saye you not naye . ¶ Now nothinge greeued Sephalus , But for to be abrydged fro , His Ladies sight most gloryus What greater greef might any grow Fayre Procris Parents were so hard , That she as Byrde in Cage was barde . ¶ But Sephalus by fyne deuyse , Of wytty hed and wary wyt , Did put in practyse to intyse , His Ladie thence what hap shoulde hit , By letter then he did conclude , That she her kepers should delude . ¶ And to a Forest bye a pace , Which he in letter namd also , Where here he did meane to ●y●● her 〈◊〉 ▪ If that it woulde her pleace to goe , The letters red shee sought his will . In euery poynte for to fulfyll . ¶ And to the apoynted place shee hide , Expectinge still her Sephalus , She gaue the flippe vnto her gyde , Oh tracte of tyme most tedyus , Oh Procris sure thine is the wronge , That Sephalus a bydes so longe . ¶ But neuer is the same to longe , The Prouerbe sayth that comes at last She spyde him in the ende amonge , A sort of trees not makyng hast , His Boowe was bent his arowe fast ▪ In Nut to shoote alredy plast . ¶ She would not call for feare of foes , Nor yet to hym she woulde repayre , Lest that she shoulde the Deere vnroes , That Sephalus had spyde at layre , She geues him leaue to range his fill , Full loth she is his sporte to spill . ¶ The tyme did passe no game was founde , And Sephalus was welnere tyrde , Fayre Procris absence did hym wounde For she was all that he desyrde , Hee stoode not still he trugde about , Lose if he might fynde her out . ¶ Lo fortune brought him nere the place , Where Procris still alas did stande , She blusshed yet to she we her face , She made no sygne but with her hand , She tooke the bowes and them did shake , A fearde to great a noyse to make . ¶ But Sephalus when he espyde , The leaues to wagge and bowes to shake ▪ He thought some beast did there him hyde , And at hys commynge did awake , Wherfore to see he thought it best , If he might fynde him takinge rest . ¶ And as he peeped here and theare , He spyde a thinge of coler darke , And indginge it an ouglie Beare , Dyschardgde hys bowe and hit the marke , Through sturdy stroke and deadly wound , He nayled Procris to the grownde . ¶ Alas vnwares did Sephalus , His Ladie kill and murder thus , Oh greeff of greefs most dolorous , Oh hap of Happs most pyt●ous Deare Ladies steppe your foote to myne To mourne with me your hartes inclyne . ¶ When Sephalus his Precris founde , Imbrude with blood on euery side The arowe stickinge in the wounde , That bleedinge sore did gape full wyde , He curst the gods that skies possest The systers three and all the rest . ¶ And fayntly spake , no Ladie no , You shall not vanishe hence alone , My ghoste alas your frendly foo , Shall wayte your precyous soule vpon , And wyth that worde to ende his lyfe , He ●●ue him selfe with bloody knyfe . ¶ Lo Lordynges , here by take a vewe , And Ladies marke what I shall saye , Eche one to lyfe must say adue , And to the earthe her owne repaye , There is no choyse we see it so , When death doth call we needs must go . Finis .

A freindly admonishment to 〈◊〉 freinde to choose a wife . HEre liue in loue : for thy behoue , let reason rule thy choyce : so shalt thou weare : Ulisses eare , to shun the Syrens voyce , Beware and care : before thou stare , on womens painted eyes , like Crocodiles : with poysoned smiles , they will thee cleane disguise , If thou to catche : intendst a match , to liue in mariage sporte : first marke and heare : what fame she beare , amonge the wiser sorte , For market men : can tell thee then , how doth the market go , if well thou heare : then draw thee neare , and be in sute not ●●o , In womens mindes : are diuers winds , which stur their Aspin funge , to prate and chat , they know not what , by that much strife is sprong , But take thou heede : and euer dreede , to matche with carters kinde , for carters seede , is base of breede , whose maners ill wee finde , They will deuise : both tales and lies , to bring thy house to square : no honest man ( if that she can , ) with hir shall credit beare , Such rusticke kinde : such faults will finde , when they desarue the blame and wil be proude : and scould full loude , not passyng for hir fame , The seruants good : from meate and foode , she will debar with paine : and yet complaine , as though thy gaine , by them were spent in vaine , To blinde thine eyes : she will haue spies , to bringe thee tales and lies , as though for thrift , good huswiues shift , she doth for thee deuise , When she in deede , her selfe will feede , and take her priuate gaine , and make the weare kyng , Midas eare , as though she tooke the paine , But in hir Wyne , she will diuine , and blab the secretminde : to such hir mates : as chats and prates , according to hir kinde , By this I say , a foole in play , by hir thou shalt be made : and all the towne : will call thee clowne , which ridest on such a Jade , Agayne a mayde , of honest trade , if thou wilt seeke to haue : though riches want : yet like the Ant , by trauell will she saue . An still enough , thy man at plough , and all thy seruants els , shall of h●r meate , both drinke and eate , no toyes nor lies she tels , In quiet rest , she maketh nest , to lodge thy weary bones : 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 keepe , in quiet sleepe , from all deepe sights and grones , Amonge hir maydes , with honest trades , she puts hir hande in vse : and alwaies dreades : hir husbands deedes , with scoldyng to abuse , Besides all this : thou shald not misse , but haue an honest fame : for such a wife : is chaste of life , and like Ulisses dame , He is a cokes : and worthy strokes , whose wife the Breeches beare : a Cuckolds hoode , to do him good , deserueth he to weare , Take heede therfore : and keepe in store , this short admonishment : Least had I wist : alas I mist , then doest to late repent . Finis .

The Louer deceaued , writes to his Ladie . To the tune of in ●re●● when dedalus . WHo wold haue thought that face of thine , had ben so ful of doblenes Or eles within those Cristall eyne , had rest so much vnstablenes , Thi face so fair thi look so straung , who wold haue thought so ful of chaung But truth it is as most men saye , in Cutlers blade is had much craft , Who chepneth thine & make no saye , maie buy on broken in the hast , And then repent and saye as I , lo what it is , to truste the eye . In sleper hold who can put trust , or iudge a glas of sure me●tall , Thou art to blame to seme so iuste , and prooue so false in the triall , But sith thou arte so false in deede , best plucke the vp & fyyll the seede , So yonge in yeares , so old in crafte , some petie it is that thou so arte , More petie it is that nature grafte , so good a face with a false harte , But since thou art in such a case , to sell thy selfe and hide thy face . The Ducke vntaught of verie kind , doth swime & diue after the Dame , And thou like wise of s●iper mynde , dost show of whom thy nature came , Thou foundest in thy mothers papes , to bait with craft thy pleasant trapes , So as the new & false doth please , the changing mind within her graft , So doth the old and true dissease , her subtill wittes and preiuie crafts And say true man trust not to much , y ● ●alfe reward that cometh of such . Farewell for euer and this my last . Finis .

In vttringe his plaint , he declareth the vncertainty of fained frendship . To the tune of winters 〈◊〉 returne . IF teares maie trie my troth , that trickle downe my cheekes , or if my good will may be knowen , by profe of daies or weekes . Then doe I wronge receaue , where frendship craue I moste , and where in deed in euery storme , my vessell hath ben toste , And through the tempestes all , my Shippe hath safly sayld , and yet no Seas could shake my Barke , my hope hath so preuaild , Oh helpe ye Courtiers now , and Soldiers euery ech one , to wayle my present heuy fate , my Fortune fled and gone , And curse this wicked world , wherin most frindes do fainte , and namely such as tracte of time , hath taught their toungs to painte Which promyse more by wordes , then will or workes performes , such haue the curnels eaten all , and I coumpte them the wormes , That guawes the hartes of men , in peeces euery daye , and such alas haue led my Shippe , a wery wilksome waie , From whence if I retorne , I shall but wander still , and fynd noe path to tread vpon , that can content my will , Heare haue I hoyst my sayle , as hye as wind can blowe , here had I trendes whose nod or becke , a world might ouer throwe , And still my staienge staffe , did stand by one alone , whose gentle hart is now become , as hard as Marble stone , To me the case is such , that mishap thus is myne , when I am worne vnto the bones , he letts me starue and pyne , He lettes me sinke or swyme , and shifte by slight of brayne , as though my head so gamesome were , to set on euery maine , Since frendshipe feble growes , and men can causles chaunge , and wil this daie familliar be , and tourne to morrow straunge , I will goe seke my happes , through fludes and salt Sea fome , and rather perishe on the Rockes , then thus to starue at home , Amongst my cheefest frendes , a mid my natuie soyle , wher neuer yet in anye poynt , I suffered blot or foyle , Where all the world might saie , I sucte vp many a wro●nge , where well a way some other thinke , I poore man liue to longe , Where let my trueth be tried , I craue but small reward , and where when fortune doth me right , the prince maie me regarde . Finis .

The 〈…〉 Keeper to his friend Howell . OF late when Primrose gan to peare , on Medows bancke so green , When Daises whit & Rose full red , most chearful al were seene , A lustie wight of sturdye blood , in chiefest times of might , I sawe to ride with corage hie , on Palfray trimly dight , A Courtier right in brauest weede , of purest silks so gay , with curious Chayne of goodly golde ▪ so clad in courtlike ray , Of liuely yeres , as fresh as Flower , a fine yonge man he was : of manly minde not caring ought , how daies or yeres dyd passe . Not ought did want that might prefer , the greatest ioylitie : for hart and hands , both legges & limmes , were then in soueraigntie , As thus he rode incoradge bolde , as well him semde full braue : he met in Feild an aged man , well ny his ghastly graue . Of coulor pale with writhed browes , and wrinckled face to note , who leande vnto his feble staffe , with slender leggs god wot , Most homlie was his ragged ray , as man that carde for none , of lims so leane in hungrye corpes , a simple soule alone , This lustie youth when once he sawe , where such poore man abode , he plies his spurs to horses sides , and fast he thither rode , And askde from whence & what he was , and what was Fortunes rage , why toyle of youth could not prouide , for this gray hored age . This aged man when he behelde , that lustie lad so nie , he lifted vp his croked corps and gasde with white of eye , And pointed vp his shaking hands , that nought were els but bones , with feble voice and sobbing sighes , thus poures he out his mones , Welcom good sonne , I wish thee well , in these thy timely yeres : and God encrease by hys decre , thy life in happie cheares . But 〈◊〉 haue seen and tride to true , that those that run thy race : though youth be braue , yet age shall wayle , in most vnhappy case . For I in times haue serude in Courte , as braue as brauest of all : but witlesse yoath , could not for see , ill haps , that might befall , I wayle my case , and rue the men ▪ that run the selfe same way : whose endes will chaunce a like to mine , lest forwit , will , do stay , Wherfore yonge man , take heede betime , least folly worke thy paine . youth stands not still , for times do fleete , as fluds do flow amaine : And since thou art a seruitour , this learne of aged man , a miserable life thou ledst , if toyles with fruites thou scan . Of seruing men therfore will I , declare the state to thee . that thou forewarnde by me mayst learue , to flee that misere . When first thou comst to seruice trade , it s●mth full sweet a far but warie be , most sweet to men , all unexpert , is war . And eke this talke that I declare , by preofe I know it true : would God I had not seene it tride , my haplesse hap to rue . Beware by me , in present youth , who was in ioylitee : he happy is whom others harms , do warie cause to bee . Thy mayster first will thee accept , and loue thee passyng well : when lust●● Age and limmes of youth , and riches doo excell : As longe as thou canst beare thy charge , thy proper costs to spe nde , which thou to honour well thy Lorde , dost liberally extende , As longe as thou with m●ncy storde , or qualities art freight , most ●ay●e thy maister speekes to thee , most ioyfull is his plight : 〈◊〉 chearefull peares his pleasant face , all times continually : And still he saith , he full is bent to help , and chearish thee . ●ayr words they say , make fooles to faine , trust not swet promise kind before the deedes agree to wordes , which thou by proofe shalt finde . For though thou be , in fauour greatst , yet coms a sudden blast , that Maisters loue , may turne to hate , as one dispisde at last . ●till shalt thou plie , both carks and cares , for maysters worthy state : to ride , to r●● , in heate and colde , at times both er and late , In perels plungr and dangers greate , thou fealst continuallie : thy life thou dost aduenture oft , for Maisters cause to dye , When others ●●●ape in quiet bedde , thou ridst in nightes that be , in shewres and 〈◊〉 to do the thyng , that Lorde commits to thee . 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of● 〈◊〉〈◊〉 swordes , in groues and bushie place , 〈…〉 for Masters cause , thou runst in painfull race . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 in presence be , to shewe thy diligence , 〈…〉 is , but all thine owne expense . 〈…〉 addresse , both here and theare to goe : 〈…〉 and 〈◊〉 to talke and ●●yle , this is thy endles woe , 〈…〉 , now mistris speakes , now vp and downe goe now , 〈…〉 thou theare , at all commaundes be thou . Yet when thy Maister likes thee well , thy 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 and thus betwene Caribdis rockes , thou ●ailst in doubtfull state ▪ Yf both thee loue , t is but for times , they stande 〈◊〉 , for maister geues , his eare perhaps , to fau●inge 〈◊〉 . And then a preuie foo● maye worke , a treuthles ●ale to ●ell : that fauour fleeth , and maister 〈◊〉 , whom late he loued full well ▪ O cruell tonge , O masters fonde , that so will bende 〈◊〉 eares , to cause a faithfull seruantes ●ar● , to m●ne in 〈◊〉 c●e●re● . But thousande wayes besides may ●rowe , displeasurs great in place , that shall thee bring from ioyfull hart , into a dolefull case . This is the surest certaintie , of seruice that maie fall , this is the wofull haps of men , in place illiberall . At beck thou art , to come and goe , a bondage t is yee see . wh● wilde li●●●t 〈◊〉 seruitude , if well he may go free ? The crouked clowne , with all his ●oyle , fealth not one halfe thy paine , to whom the tylled soyle restores , for laboures gratefull gayne . But thou for fruites so 〈◊〉 deserued , by longe applied care , perchaunce may get but only hate , not one good worde to spare . O Barraine lande , O frutelesse feilde , to bringe a fort to woes : for when they hopde to haue rewarde , nought els but hatred groes . What man can iudge of such a soyle , that hath both eyes to see , but that he will accompt the ende , a mortall misere : If once thou hapst away to be , when maister cals thee well , what checks thou hast at thy retorne , I neede not here to tell . Yea oft we see for absence small , though cause full great appeare , thy maister taunth , and maistris frownes , as Heg of Hell she weare . And once if thou from fauour fall , then laboureth flatteryng spies : to hoyse thee out of fauour cleane , by lewde and knauish lies . And commonly this thing doth hap , when youth and goods are spent , for then to driue thee of in deede , his minde is fully bent : And soone will he geue credit then , to those that thee depraue : alas for all our carkes and cares , this is rewarde wee haue , When faithfull man hath thus long serued , in truth of tried hart : in th end shall vice ingratytude , retracte his iust desarte , O youth beware , O men be wyse , what foole so blinde is hee . that will spende out his youthfull yeres , such seruingman to be ? A seruyngman , what mome will loue , their names are adsous , their life abhorde as wicked waies , and trade most impious , This will the hellish sclaunderous lipps , of honest man report , and though the seruinge man be good , yet rayles the enwous sort : When thus is spent thy golden youth , and many goodly yeres : and left the waies of surer life , where greater fruites appeares : When spent be goods both stock and store , and all in seruice eare : and liued longe at charge of freinds , whose bagges for thee go bare . Then comth on thee displeasures great , at one vnhappy howre . that maister hates whom well he loued , & turnes thee out his dowre . Then age with charge and toyling paines , so many yeres of trust , are now at once on sudden lost , and all is layde in dust : Thus thou for toyle and great expense , hast smaller rewarde to take : now age draweth on and all is spent , and all men thee forsake , And thou art left in beggers state , that were in youth so fine , what miserie is like to this , what woes then like to thine ? In hope , some liue to be preferde , for worke to haue his gaine , but hope may misse , though wide he gap , he gapeth perchaunce in vaine Where one wee see to be preferde , three liue for lacke as staruid . and other eke shall haue the fruites , that they haue well deseruide . And this is cause that I ol●e man , am poore whom none regarde , for I haue felt for seruice longe the maisters short rewarde , What greater plagues or woes can be , then lost deserued meede , and Lorde to turue his seruant of , in time of greatest neede : Of seruice longe this is the ende , as still by proofe ye see , for faithfull harts of seruants true , these are rewardes that bee . For longe expense and charge of frein●s , this is rewarde againe , for lost of time in golden youth , this is the tried gaine . For toyling paines and labours longe , this fruitelesse endes that bee : alas this is the death of some , when Lordes ingrate they see , But cheefe when age , doth once appeare , that labour none they haue , the mistres cries what makst thou heare , be packing doting knaue : So are they like vnto the Dog in Hunt that runs his race , who hath in youth been well esteemde , and liuide in careles case , But when in age he weried is , that hunting all is past . go hange , they crie the cursed our , this is roward at last . This is the ende , this is rewarde for paines and lost of age : O learne yonge man that seruice then , in none inheritage . A signe of this of youth ill spent , an aged man am I , alas no refuge is for me , O death nowe let me die . O wretched state , O cruell course , O port of penurie , O pitte of pagnes , O pesilent race , O sincke of miserie , O witles wates O frutles factts , O badge of beggers state , O plumpe of paines O endles woes . O man infortunate . Retire my sonne this race to run , that life vnsertaine is , who liues in state of Seruitours , liues still in doubtfulnes . What is the cause , ingratitude , withdrawes the helpyng hande , since seruing weights by dayly toyle , are praise of noble band , What is the state of noble troope , if saruants haue no powres , alone is knowen a princely porte , by traine of seruitoures ? By seruice dew is well distinct , of state the right degrees : as seruants serue in hoping harts , and crouch with humble knees . Where are the men more courteous , then men of seruice free : what men are more of comely corps , then Courtly seruants be ? Who knowes the course and trade of men , but seruants daily care ? who are more feate or trim traind vp , then manerd seruants are ? Who stronge or tall of personage , but men of seruants route ? who beares the cares & bront of wars , but seruants arms so stoute : What then of more necessitie , then seruitours full trewe : why then shall they haue ill rewards , in th end their states to rewe ? Lo here good sonne I haue declarde , some part of thy degre : be ware be times , hereafter say , that I haue tolde it thee : Then came this courtly Courtier , wherin his prayse redownes , and gaue vnto this aged man , for helpe full twentie Crownes , And saide till death in mindefull brest , this counsall will I graue , and eke in time I hope by wit , thereof the fruites to haue , I thanckes restord withe hartye loue , which tongue dooth faint to tell : god thee preserue in happie dayes , O ●ather deare farewell : Fare well ( quoth he ) with thousande thankes , & God thy iorney speede which thus hast helpe my aged yeres , in times of greatest neede , Thus sayd : that aged man full glad , with lingring steps on went. and laith his corps in plesant shade , of Oken tree to bent : For tonge with talke now werie was , and hart for gift was glad ; wherefore he went to recreat , his limmes that weaknesse had , And laying downe his bodie weake , he layde his Staffe him bye , and leande his head on Elbow bare , and closde his sleeping eye . Finis .

Howell to his freinde keper . THe seruynge state which you reiect , By open cause that you detect , Deserues so great a prayse in deede , As great contempts cannot exceede . Who serues not God is voyde of blisse , In noble seruice freedom is , And he that hath cleare eyes to see , Perceaues that all men seruants bee . For Princes greatst serue God aboue , And men them serue in God by loue , As God geueth gifts who him regards , So Lord his seruant true rewards . What greate rewards of Maisters be , By seruice got wee dayly see ? Some Knights be dubde for their awards , To greater state , thence forth prefarde . And eke wee see in meaner sort , The Lords that keepe the stately port , Theire seruants keepe in ioylitie , And them prefar to dignitie . If seruants then receaue their meede , And eche man seruant is in deede , In this disprayse of them so prest , Include your selfe emongst the rest . They are preferd , why say ye noe , Their Maisters gifts do dayly growe , Exalt therfore good Courteours , And eke the courte of Seruitours . Finis .

keeper his answer to . H. FReind Howe I hope thou quietly , To serue thy Lord most faithfully , No man to much can prayse such men , No Maister good depraues my pen. I speake of Maister Couetous , Unkinde , vniust , vncourteous , Unsweet , vnmeet , to serue at all , Not good , not iust , not liberall . Therfore ye take my worde amisse , All saruants are most true it is : Yet I do gesse by inwarde moode , All seruants serue not Maisters good . Finis .

¶ Imprinted at London in fleetstreet beneath the Conduyt . at the signe of S. Iohn Euangelist by Thomas Colwell .