The pleasaunt playne and pythye pathewaye leadynge to a vertues and honest lyfe no lesse profytable, then delectable. V.L.

A pleasaunte Pathewaye

IT chaunced that on the eleuenth daye . Of the floryshynge Moneth , of lustye Maye , When Titan , into Taurus , hys enterye began , And the younge bloude , of euery creature than , Renued hys strength , and powers dyd reuiue . So that eche thynge nowe , appeared on lyue , Whiche in the stormye wynter , before , Had sustayned , Eolus Isy blastes sore , And that the waterye Snowes , had them so torne , Because , of the vehement rage , of Capricorne . Whiche colde cloudye mystes , once paste theyr waye , Eche thynge , receaued agayne corage , in hys araye , And because the sharpe colde , hys malyce had done , The Mauis endeuoured her selfe , fyrst , her notes to tune . Next after , the pleasaunt Nightingale , tempered her voyce , Which with her mery melody , euery heart , doth greatly reioyce , The Thrushe , the Blackebyrde , and the Grenefinche also . In thys merye sprynge tyme , dyd she we what they coulde do , And then also , the Sunne shynynge verye hote , Caused the crabbed Cockowe , to declare her olde note , In thys freshe tyme , ( I saye ) for my recreation , Into the woodes I walked , to take delectation , Aswell for to heare , the ioyfull byrdes synge , As also to beholde , howe euerye thynge dyd sprynge , And shewe them selues , agayne , alyue in theyr kynde , That in the wynter , were bare , and naked , to the rinde Eche tre budded , and hys leaues gan to sprede , Eche herbe had hys floures , in euerye grene mede , The Primerose , the Violet , were then in their prime , And the swete smellynge coursloppe , florished at thys tyme , The Hauthorne , the Cheritre , and the Damascigne , And eche Aple tre blomed , declarynge good signe , That yf God their swete blossomines , wolde vouchesafe to saue , Great store of fruite , of them we shoulde haue , And thus goynge alone , vnder the woode syde . A fayre aged man , I shortelye espyde , And euen strayght after me , he came a softe pace , I stayed a lytle therwith , thynckinge in this care , Thys olde man semeth , a man of grauitie , And therfore I wolde be very glad , of hys companye . In thys stayinge a whyle , at last he ouertoke me , And with verye graue countenaunce , saluted me gentlye , And with salutation , agayne I dyd hym grete , As to my duetye , I thoughte it moste mete . Good father ( and yf it please you ) sayde I , Tell me , howe farre your iourney , this way doeth lye , And of the same lye , anye thinge neare , I wyl be very glad , you companye to be are , For I haue , at thys tyme , lytle to do , And woulde therfore , learne , some good counsayle of you . And because it is so , I am younge , and frayle , And not as yet instructed , with wholsome counsayle , My lyfe to directe , in tyme for to come , Good lessons , of you , I woulde learne some . Whiche might cause me , for you , hereafter to praye , When I shall folowe the same , an other daye , Gentle sonne , ( quod he ) the trueth to declare , About soure myles hence , my iourney is to fare , And because I am aged , and maye not well go , I take the mornynge with me , for it behoueth me so , And backe agayne to nyght , homewarde , wyll I , yf I can , Nyne myle a daye , is a great iourney , for an aged man , Wherwith , I remembred my selfe , by and by , And behelde the Sunne shyne , so gladsomely , Cleare was the skye , and lightsome was the ayre , And also the waye , sented very fayre , My busynes , in dede ( quod I ) father , lyeth thre myle and more , Along that waye , which ye must go , and therfore , I wyl goe with you softly , and make no great haste , For it requireth none , and this furth on we paste , God thancke you younge man , sayde he : that ye are so kynde , Since ye wyll go with me , and not leaue me behynde , And because your good wyll is , some wisedome to lere , The best counsayle I can geue , ye shall here , And I wyll gladly , geue you the heringe ( quod I ) Therfore when it shall please you , saye on by and by . First good sonne , ye must to me make playne , Where is your dwellynge , and where ye remayne , What state ye are of , and of what disposition , And wherunto your mynde is geuen , in euery condition , Also what is your name , ye muste to me shewe , And whether ye are syngle , or maried I woulde knowe , Before , I can shewe you , my good aduise , Or in any thynge prudently , enstructe you otherwyse . Truely ( quod I ) my dwellynge , is not farre hence , And to a worthye gentle man , of great reuerence , Late seruaunt I was , but he is nowe deceassed , Wherfore of seruyce , I am clearelye released , And touchynge myne age , I am younge it appeares , As yet not passynge , one and twentye yeares , Nitne saue truelye , most men call myne name , Also single , and vnmaried , as yet I remaine , Well then , I perceyue ( quod he ) ye are yet yonge ynough , In vertue to begynne , and so leade your lyfe through , And also at libertie , and without a wyfe , Nor as yet addicte , to any one kynde of lyfe , Further as farre , as I maye or gesse can , Ye were lately as it were , a seruynge man , Nowe whether it be , your mynde , and your wyll , In the trade of seruyce , to continue styll , Or leaue of the same , and by some other meane , To seke otherwayes , your liuinge to sustayne , Thys also to knowe , I earnestlye require , Or els , I can no waye , satisfie your desire , In good fayth ( sayde I ) so more I thrine , A seruaunt I haue bene , aboute yeares fiue , And truely haue serued to my power , Since into seruice , I entered the fyrst hower , Wherin , there is so great , trauayle , and payne , At moste tymes , and so very lytle gayne , And at other tymes also , ydlenes so greate , Doinge nothynge , but settinge , in the feldes , and streate , Wherin , also there is muche great exercise , Almoste , of euery maner , and kinde of vice , Bothe pride , dronckennesse , and also swearynge , By abhominable others , God him selfe tearynge , Suche quarrelynge , fighting , and other abhomination , Wherof , I coulde make , vnto you true relation , Yf it were not odible , for you to heare , As therperience therof , playnlye doeth appeare , That I intende , vtterlye , the same to refuse , And some other , more godly state , of lyuynge to chuse , Wherin I may , spende my tyme , more honestlie , And in the feare of God , lyue more quietlie , Without doubt ( quod he ) thou hast sayde trulye , For besydes , the foresayde noughtenesse , plentye When a man hath , serued , a great tyme , Yf he haue done , neuer so lytle a cryme , Awaye he muste , there is none other remedy , Thus , is he put , to hys shiftes , by and by , And put case , that he in seruyce continue , Vntyll age come , that he can no more doe , Then is he caste of , either to begge hys breade , Or in miserye , to lyue , tyll tyme he be deade , And euermore commonlye , it is sene and harde . Thys to be , of miserable seruyce , the rewarde . And to serue anye man , in the court of renowne , You see , howe soone , they be vp , and downe , But yf it shoulde chaunce you , as it doeth , to verye fewe , Ye shoulde , so in your maisters fauoure , hap to growe , That he myght by some office , or other waye , Get you any good lyuynge , some one daye , Whiche is but a chaunce , and fortune ye maye it call , For they gape them selues , for euerye windefall , Then shall he thynke you , styl to hym bounde , So longe as ye are lyuynge , on the grounde , And yf it chaunce hym hereafter , the lawe to haue offended , You also beynge hys man , are lyke to be apprehended , Then haue ye well , and fayre fished in dede , Your rysynge , was then , in more haste , then good spede , And some , wise men flee commonlye , suche lyuynge to seke , Whiche is first so harde to come by , and after so il to kepe . Wherfore , to applye thy youth , nomore in it , I can not chuse , but greatlye allowe , thy wit , Nowe then ( quod he ) further , what other vocation , Serueth thy mynde thee , or to what occupation , To get thy lyuynge , either by trade of marchaundise , Or by some handye crafte , or arte otherwise . No ( sayde I ) in marchaundise , I haue no skyll , Nor to spende my tyme , therin I wyll , Forasmuche , as the same , is ruled by chaunce , Also , sence I am ignoraunte therof , howe can it me auaunce , And he that by marchandise , wyll get hys lyuynge , Nedeth bothe good credit , and a stocke at the begynnynge , But in me lacketh bothe , for stocke haue I none , And because I was once a seruynge man , my credit is gone , Fewe merchauntes wyll truste , any of that race , Althoughe it were neuer in so honest a cace , Besydes that , I must swere , perioure , and lye , If I wyll , byinge and sellynge occupie , My wares , must be nowe and then , also counterfet , If I intende , by them , anye gayne to get , Throughe which I shall , displease God , and synne , Thus doinge , I shal , a fayre threde spynne , I wyll rather dispise , suche vnhappye wynnynge , As wyll brynge me to hell , at the first begynnynge , You saye well , ( quod he ) and besydes all thys , To be a marchaunt , sonne , another thynge there is , For many marchauntes , of late in thys lande , Haue bene vndone , and brought behynde hande , Whiche neuer coulde , after agayne aryse , Suche is the bryttell state , of marchaundise , Also , sayde I , in any other handye crafte , or science , Trulye to confesse , I haue none entelligence , And thoughe I had , yet is the worlde , nowe in suche penury , That almoste no kynde of craftes man , can lyue therby All kynde of thynges , are nowe waxen so dere , That the lyke hath not bene sene , thys manye a yere , I wyll tell you , ( quod he ) sence tyme , I was borne , And I shal be iuste . lxxx . yeare olde , come to morne , Was neuer , suche misery , necessitie , and nede . Amongest eche estate , in euerye stede , As is euen nowe , at thys presente daye , For though , diuerse tymes past , as I saye Corne hath bene , as dere , here before , Yet of all other thynges , we had plentye and store , But nowe , the price of all thynges , hath lepte , suche a leape , That nother , fode , clothing , nor any other thing , is good cheape , In whome the faulte is , truly I can not tell , But I woulde to God , that all thynge were well , And I tell you younge man , in good earnest , I heartely thancke , my redemer Christ , That my hoore head , is so neare vnto the graue , My unserye , shal be the shorter , that I fele , and haue , But concernynge , our firste communication , It semeth , your mynde is , to none occupation , What then , haue ye good learnynge , any whitte , Perchaunce , to be a priest , ye thyncke your selfe fitte , And surely ( quod he ) yf your callynge be so wel , Then ye do amisse , neuer a del , For to preache , truely Gods worde , and be a minister , Yf your callynge be therunto , ye can not do better , Certaynlye ( quod I ) my learnynge is but small , And to great a matter , it is , for me to medle withall , Well learned he shoulde be , and of Gods callynge , That shoulde occupie , the place of preachynge , But I am bothe verye vnlearned truelye , And also farre vnmete , that place to occupye , You saye well ( quod he ) for ye myght , worke your selfe wo , Yf ye woulde attempte , in at the windowe to go , Or leape ouer the shepecote , not called by God , So might you make , for your owne tayle a rod , With almightie God ( sonne ) is not good , to playe , For he may not , be dallied with , by no waye , Ye might therby , he ape Gods vengeaunce , to you , for your hast , And eternall dampnation , perchaunce , at the last , To be a lawier , then ( quod he ) perchaunce , is thy desire , Therby , thou thynckest , to great ryches , to aspire , Not so ( quod I ) for some learnynge , I doe lacke , Nor neuer , of Sophistrie , or Lodgike , had the smacke , By whiche standeth the chiefest , and principall poynte , As of that , pleadinge science , the best ioynte , All thinges considered , I mynde not that art . Nor euer , hither , coulde it stande with my harte , Certaynelye , sayde he , the lawe is good , if it be well vsed , But nowe , the iustice , of the ryght lawe , is somwhat abused , And manye of their risynge , is by extortion . Wherby , they clinte , to haue , of riches , such portion , And through the same , they almoste are growne , to like obliquie , As the Clergie , at the first fal , were wont to be , And not without a very vrgent cause , They doe , some without right , so writhe , & wrest the lawes , And ( sonne ) in my iudgement , to be playne , Much of their lawe , tendeth to their owne gayne . Wel , then I thincke , ye wyl beyonde the sea go , Your youth in learning , to occupye so , For south ( quod I ) of al the rest I fynde That this most pleasinge , to my mynde , Yf so it were , my liuinge woulde extende , There to kepe me , two or thre yeares to an ende , Wherby I myght , though it were to my payne , Se countreyes , and some knowledge obtayne , But he that goeth thyther , without a good purse , Goeth out of Goddes blessinge , into hys curse , It is good for such men , to go ouer truelye , As entende , the kinges embassatours to be , His graces waightie affaires , there for to do , But I am not lyke , to come therto The trueth for to say , and to be playne . Since there is so much hasarde , and so small gayne , I am not as yet , mynded in thys care , To seke my lyuynge , in so farre a place , Therfore ( quod the aged man ) I agre , For yf ye lacke there , ye shal fall in great miserie , And litle boteth , you ther , to serue anye man then , For they are all , other flawes , or gentle men , Further ( sayde he ) what wilt thou then applie , To lyue in the countreye , by thy lande or annuitie , As perchaunce thou hast , which I doe not knowe , Tel me , that I may , thee , my best counsayle shewe , I haue not ( quod I ) muche liuinge truelye , But that which I haue , lyeth in the countreye , Whervpon , I wyl , yf God hys helpe sende , Quietly liue , and there my lift ende , Nowe I perceaue ( quod he ) thine hole entente , In aringe thee , questions , this time haue I spente , Therfore nowe I wyll shewe thee , in al that I can , My counsayle , how thou mayest best proue , an honest man , Say on ( quod I ) let vs no lenger tyme waste , For since we began , a good way haue we paste , My sonne ( sayde he ) thou semest verye wise , That in thys last case , thy selfe doest aduise , Fyrst God , and godly thynges , I wyl to thee preache , And after in worldly thinges , to my power I wyl thee teache . THE principallest thynge , wherin thou muste entende , Is to haue good respecte , alwayes to the ende , Wherfore , and why , God thee dyd create , And howe , he hath appoynted thee , and in what estate , For to th ende , of thy fyrste creacion , Directe thy lyfe , in euery condicion , Sonne , God brought thee , into the worlde here , For two good causes , as it shall appere , Fyrste , to geue hym thanckes , laude , honour , and glorie , And euermore , to prayse hys eternall maiestie , Aswel , for that it pleased hym , thee to forme and make , And al thinges earthly , to create for thy sake , As also , for that , when thou were lost , by Adams gilte , He woulde not , of hys meare mercy , see thee spilte , But sent hys deare sonne , from hys hygh troue , Into thys wretched worlde , to redeme vs euery one , Where , he toke vpon hym , our nature frayle , In the blessed virgens wombe , for our auayle , And then , here in earth , vs thirty yeares taughte , By his worde , and miracles , which he wonderfully wroughte , And at last , on the crosse , suffred hys bitter passion , Onely to redeme vs , and to obtayne cleane remission , Whiche , his mercy , yf it had not bene the greater , We had remayned , dampned soules , and no better , For thys cause , we are bounde him alwayes to prayse , For from death , synne , and hel , he agayne , dyd vs rayse , Therfore , him to prayse , praye vnto , & wurshyp with feare , Thys , stedfastly , in thy mynde , see that thou beare , For it is the chiefest poynt , of vertue , to laude , and knowe , The creation , of men , and al thynges , that growe , Without thys , other vertues , are nothynge regarded , In lackynge , thys pitie , thou shalte be lytle rewarded , For thys , to all vertues , is th entrye ful playne , Sence , by prayer onely , eche good thyng , of God we obtayne . THE other cause , why God thee hyther broughte , Was that thou shouldest , in worde , worke , and thoughte , Alwayes endeuour , thy selfe to thy power , Hys holye commaundementes , to obaye , euery houre , Whiche because , I thincke , thou doest sufficientlye knowe , It nedeth not me , to repete them , on a rowe , For these two causes , specially , my dere sonne , God , into the worlde , caused thee , to come , These firme foundacions , fixed , once in thyne harte , Then iustice rightlye to embrace , see thou doe thy parte , Suffering no man , to sustayne , any iniury by thee , Or to hurt any creature , by dede , or worde , see thou flee , And so do , to other men , of eche estate , and degree , As thou wouldest , haue all men , shoulde do vnto thee , For this lawe , of dame Nature , euery other lawe , doth excell , Which , yf thou obserue not , in euery poynt , well , Trust me truly ( good sonne ) bothe the Lorde , thou shalt offende , And in heauen , haue no habitarion , at thy lyues ende , Further , any man , for hys honour , his goodes , or good name , Beware , thou hate , not by malice , or disdayne , Also be circumspecte , that neither bribes , hate or loue , Thy heart , from equitie , and iustice , do remoue , For these thre thinges , we see , so blindeth many mens sighte , That their iudgementes , and doinges , are contrary , to right , But thou ( my sonne ) remembre , that once thou shalt die , And for these dedes , yf thou do them , be punished , eternallie , Also , the wicked thirstinge , riches to obtayne , And the vngodly coueting , of siluer , golde , and other gayne , Se thou also ertue , for where couetousnes , doth raygne , There al kynde of wickednes , of force must remayne , Impietie , periurie , rapine , and theuynge , Fraude , crafte , and disceate , with lecherous lyuynge , Quarellynge , & treasons , with murders , and kyllynge , For landes , treasures , and goodes , many men , spillynge , Finallye , no filthier thinge is there , or more detestable I say , Then a man to be couetouse , by any maner of way , For whoso to that vile vice , is once geuen , To the blynde Mole , I maye him wel lyken , Which neither loueth , desireth , or any way knoweth , Any other thynge , then in thys vayne worlde , groweth , The wretche doth not see , howe shorte and how frayle , The life of man is , and how death doth vs assayle , Daylye ready , to strike vs , his bowe being bente , With his deadly , doubtfull darte , then is to late , to repente , He nother spareth , the younge , the olde , or any degre , The riche , the learned , or the man in auctorytie , The Lawer , the Landlorde , or the lacking poore man , that wepith , But withoute any difference , he euery man stryketh , And he is ofterymes nerest vs , we dailie doo see , When we mooste , thincke him , furthest of too bee , But then ( my sonne ) these wordlie ryches here , And these vaine goodes , subiecte , to blinde fortunes power , Doo lytill esteme , nor moche for them care , For these thinges , are none of thyne , whatsoeuer they are , Which either , vnstable fortune , hir pleasure too fulfill , Doth geue , graunte , and plucke awaye , at hir variable will , Or which , when thou dyest , will no lenger abyde , But to seke them newe maisters , awaye soudainly thei doo slyde There bee other goodes , which thou oughtest too acquyze , And morche better ryches , thou shouldest desyre , Which with thee alwayes will remaine , and endure , Of whom neither fortune , nor death , hath power be thou sure These , ought thou too heape vp , for the , night and daye , Then , in dede arte thou happie , and riche , euerye waie , As for the reste , which the common people , followe , and magnifie , Yf thou haue them , as landes , goodes , catailles , or moneye , Lawfullie vse the same , no man can forbide thee , But thou oughtest to vse them , with Iustice , and modestie , And also when thou maiest , pytie the pouertie , And neuer shutte thine eares , at the crye of the nedie , For who so with compassion , wil not hear , the crieng of the poore Shal crye him self , and not be heard , I am sure , By releuinge the poore , thou laiest vp in stoore , A treasure , in heauen , to continue euermore , Which neither canere can corrupte , neither theues , them conuaie , Thus heauely treasure , for worldly trifles , thou shalt haue another daye No man he is , but a Wulfe , that clemencye lacketh , And which , at other mens myserie , no pitie taketh , Or that refuseth too helpe , his fellowe seruaunte here , Seinge wee are all seruauntes , to one Lorde , and maister , But of it shall happen the ( I saye ) a poore man too bee , With pacient hearte , beare , and sustame , the pouertie For the man , that hath moche , wee alwaye well see , Is troubled , and tossed , with cares , aboundauntlie , Also he , to whom fortune , hath of goodes geuen stoore , The hote hastye heate , beginneth to aswage , Then after fally , foloweth , frownynge , frowarde , repentaunce . With sorow , and shame fastnes , bringing great greuaunce , Therfore busily beware of it , and thy mynde so moderate , That this foule vyce , in thy corage , thou dilygently abate , Pacience , is a vertue , of a wonderful strength , And obtayneth , the victory , of eche thing at length , The which godly gyft , who so euer doth wante , In hym all goodnes , and grace , of force , must be scante , And cruel he must nedes he , and also to strife , ful prone , Which is not the nature , of man , but of beastes alone , The prudent , and good , seketh chiefely for peasse , And fearing greater mischie●●s , wyll beare with the lesse , Lest , that a lytle sparke , might encrease such a flame , That great peryl it were , agayne , to quenche the same , He that nothing wyll suffre , nor his way warde wrath refrayne , Must flee , the company , of al men we see playne , And dwel alone , in the wodes , or mountaynes on hye , Where no man , may trouble hym , nor he no body , But he , that wyll frequent , and dwel amongest men , Must learne , to suffer , dyspleasures , now and then , And brydle hys furye , dissemblynge his yre , And in his secrete brest , quench the hote fyre , Nor in any wyse may , for euery lyght offence , Violate the bondes , of peace , and pacience , But asmuch as he can , forgiue other men , That he offendynge in lyke case , may be also forgeuen , ¶ Further , Gloton ye to ertue , be euer circumspecte , Which with diuerse diseases , the minde , and body doth infecie , Besydes shortenynge mans lyfe , it consumeth his wealth , Vnwarely , as it were , him robbynge by stealth , For dainties , are dere , and dilicates , be costely , Swallowing vp cleane , great riches , quickely , Some men , very rich , by prodigal superfluitie , Haue in short time , deuoured their patrimonie , Dayly pourynge in their bellyes , both house , goods , and lande , Tyll pouertye them pincheth , and they a● broughte behande , I haue knowen , very many , I tel the good sonne , That by laciniouse ryotte , haue bene vtterly vndone , Thou must eate ( I saye ) thy lyfe onely to sustayne , And not lyue , to eate , this is most playne , Ebreite and drunckennes , is also excesses brother , For in whome , rayneth the one , there is also the other , This likewyse must thou fle , yf thou loue thy welfare , Of al other the same , is the most detestable snare , He that this wicked vyce , hath once embraced , All goodnes in him , is clearly defaced , Reason then refuseth hym , and he is left too his wyll , Al synnes haue free entraunce , him then for too spyll , Good sonne , I haue sayd many yeres past , That great Alerander in his drunckennes commaunded in hast , His most deare and familiare frendes to be slayne , By whose helpe and good counsayle as it is moost playne , He had the hole world conquered , who beynge thus dedde , And slepe had expulsed ebriety out of Alexanders hedde , He then so lamented their deathes in wepynge bytterlye , That he was redy for very anguyshe to dye presentlye , Oh fylthy ebrietie , the destroyer of the soule , Oh norysher of vyces , and iniquities all , What thing is it , but thou forcest mannes harte , to fulfyll , Wherby he waxeth bolde , too attempt all that is yll , Quarellynge , stryfe , cruel fraies , thou doest moue , Neyther , regardynge discrecion , honest frendship , or loue , Through the counsaile is opened , and secrettis reueled , The tongue is not then hable , too kepe the same closed , Flee this vyce , my sonne , in all that thou maye , Least it growe , from custome , too nature another daye , The tongue also , thou must learne too moderate , And be well ware , what thou speakest early and late , Be euermore wyllynge , attentify too heare , But speake seldome , as nede shall require , Aboundaunce of talke , is a great sygne of follye , And the busye babler , offendeth continuallye , He that seldome talketh , and then speaketh wyselye , Is worthye much prayse , and approueth too be wittie , One principal point , obserue in thy communication , Whether they be present , or absent , with thy words hurt no man , Nor except it tende too some purpose , speake thou any thing , Leaste men laughe the too scorne , for thy bablynge , Rather holde thy peace , and be euer silent , It hurteth not , neyther shall it thee repent , In daunger , and perell , he remayneth euermore , Experience doth teach vs , and we see euery daye , Some mans landes , and ryches , too be their castynge away , It is no newe thynge , to see this abusion , That dyuerse mennes wealthes , haue bene theyr confusion , Also riche men , are with the burde of their goodes so borne downe , That they haue no minde , to seke , after the celestial mansion , For the more , a man desyreth , riches , and earthly gayne , So much the harder , it is , for him , too heauen to attayne , For looke , where a mans treasure is layde , There is also hys harte , it can not bee denayed , Therefore , pouertye , to some persons , is profytable , Disburdenynge them , of mischeffes innumerable . FVRTHER , pride , of thee , is to be abhorred no lesse , Beynge of stryfe , and debate , the mother , and mistresse , By this , the lawes , ar neglected , and the common welth spylled , And innumerable people , this vayne pryde , hath kylled , With this pestilence , the famouse Rome being once poysoned , By cyuill warre , and oppression , was vtterly destroyed , This monstruous helhound , by alway see thou flee , Yf thou wylt with almyghty God , lyue eternallye , For God , in the lowly , and meke , taketh delectacion , And in the humble spirites , gladly hath his habitacion , Them also , he fauoureth , that are voyde of ambicion , And the proud , swellynge people , he bringeth to confution , Therefore ye people , puft vp with pryde , what profyteth you , Your pride , high names , and vayne styles , forged newe , Which death , doth confounde , and bringeth in subieccion , Your ambisious tytels , of so great a renowne , Some wyll perchaunce say , the common people , we wil please , In couetynge of them , therfore to haue our prayse , Tel me ( I praye you ) what is the iudgement , of the multytude , Ye shall perceaue many tymes , they doo mocke and delude , Or elles speake of affeccion , as some tyme , namynge them wyse , Which are perchaunce , very fooles , rightly to surmyse , And though , the ignoraunt we mocke , God can we not deceaue , Naye , he rather derydeth vs by our leaue , For he knoweth our maners , and our dedes , most secrete , And for them worthelye to punyshe vs he wil not forget , But many , are so blynde , that in their owne thoughte , They beleue , there is no God , & that there remayneth nought Of any man , the breathe , beynge once erpired , Therfore , the present ioyes , of this lyfe , they haue euer desyred , And do dayly wyshe for , deridynge the blisse to come , Haue not they , bestial heartes , vnder mans shape and forme , We s●ke after ryches our pride too mayntayne , Oure lyfe vanely spendynge to seke a synfull gayne , We ponder not the frayltye of our wretched state , Wese not death dayly redy , our pryde to abate , We are so contentlesse from moste vnto leaste , That in oure vocacion we neuer can reste , Wel yf in worldly thynges blynde fortunes gouernaunce , Ruled not without reason at hir owne wil and pleasaunce , As we se she dothe , then all thinges should be wel , The lawes , and iustice , should floryshe , and tiranny expel , But since almighty God , suffereth such thinges to be done . Who if it pleased hym , coulde amende al right soone , Why should we grutche , to suffer the same , To repyne , at Gods wyl , we are greatly to blame , Wherfore , wysedom willeth wyse men , euer to be patient , And taking al thinges , as it commeth , to be content , But thou ( my sonne ) endeuour thy selfe , in al that thou can , Blynde fortune to dispyce , and the vayne prayse of man , Onely studye thou dayly , by al maner of wayes , With vertuouse lyuynge , the Lord for to please , For true honour , and prayse , thou canst not obtayne , Vntyl after this lyfe , in heauen thou remayne , Whiche the good , and iuste , shal enioy there , That with humblenes , and mekenesse , haue led their lyfe here , ALSO , I charge thee , thyne angre to suppresse , And the hote rage , of ire , which causeth great busynesse , Wrathe , worketh wo , and much mischiefe we see , Furye , maketh frayes , and then of necessitie , Foloweth wyde woundes , hurtes and other mayme , In which bluddy bickeringes , oft tyines some men are slayne , For the mynde of man , beynge once , incensed with ire , Is so blyndely oppressed , with that rashe , ragynge fyre , That it neyther can beholde , or iudge any thing a ryght , Reason then ruleth not , and wit hath lost his myght , When after once beynge past , such furiouse rage , Too haue bene quiet , and still , but experience teacheth , That the talkatiue person , oft to his paine repenteth , FINALLY my sonne , a nother thing ther is , Which I haue not to the yet , rehersed ywys , That aboue all the rest , thy lyfe will deface , If in youth too represse it , thou haue not the grace , That is the wanton desyres , of the bodie frayle , With this thy best age , will violentlie assaile , The lewd lustes wherof , see that thou flee , And brydle thou them , before they blind thee , Ther is no thinge too vertue , soo cleane contrarye , As is the wicked concupiscence , of the bodie , Wher vertue too the heauens , striueth too assende , Vyle luste , vaine pleasures , onlie doth attende , Lokinge alwaies , as a beast too the earth grouelinge . The liue lie sprites , both of the minde , and bodie distroyenge , The deuill taketh manie , with his booke and snare , Like a craftie sore , no trauell doth he spare , So he may withhold them , the blisse of heauen too attaine , And after this life , within in hell , too liue euer with paine , These deceates therfore , of Sathan thin enemie , And this detestable poyson , couered ouer with honye , Warely beware of , as moche as thou maye , Least the same repent the , in vaine a nother daye , When thy rype yeres , of discretion , and mans perfect state , Shall clearlie perceaue , all thoughe then to late , Thy wytte , thy substaunce , members , and good name , By a lytill wanton pleasure , consumed to remane , Then shalt thou , as many other ar wont too saie , Oh youth , and lustye yeares , howe ar yee vanyshed awaye , Howe euill haue I spente you wretche that I am , Whether are ye gone , oh vnfortunate man , Yf god of his goodnes , wold estsones restore , The ioyfull ●…uentute , I once had before , If I might once I saye the same againe ebtaine , I wold then tread , the right pathe , of vertue soo plaine , Although the same were , neuer so narowe a waye , I wolde therein walke , and continue night and daye , That there is no thing like vertue , I finde nowe full true , Nor to it , too bee compared , this alas ofte doo I rue , Whiche euer continueth , and alwaye doth endure , Geuing to man , suche worthy prayse , & honor as is sure , She increaseth thy ryches , and thy lyfe doth preserue , Yea after death , she abiding , away wyl not swarue , But I of all other , thincke my selfe most vnhappye , Who by flatteringe voluptuousnes , was dereaued wylfullye , Which slidying away , longe since hath lefte me , Wrapped in al my mischiefes , and wofull miserye , For I beinge a younge man , the stewes dyd frequente , And in bancketinge , slepe , and play , my tyme ydlye spente , Nothing then woulde I learne , all study I despised , Abhorring in good science , to be exercised , But nowe therfore ( we worth the tyine ) I well see , My selfe bothe vnlearned , and no lesse di●●amed to be , In pouertie also , and my whole body brused , My wittes altogether dulled , and my sences confused , I haue hither to liued , as one who hath dreamed , Him selfe to be awake , and yet was deceaued , Suche thinges ( sonne ) of some men , we are wonte for to here , That are farre stricken in age , and to their graue draw nere . Which callynge to remembraunce , their lustye yeares past , Do now ( but to late ) bewayle their miserye at the last , Then shuttinge the stable dore , when horses there be none , And now waring wise , when blinde Fortune is gone , Then sekyng a Surgion to heale their rancled sore , When there is no hope of cure , in the same any more , My sonne , therfore take tyme , whyle thou maye , For it neuer retourneth , yf it once vanishe awaye , Neither waylinge , wyl helpe , nor wepynge then remedye , Yf the body be once stricken , with deathes darte deadlye . The medicine is profitable , Phicisione doe saye , That in time is ministred , not slackyng any daye , Wherfore when thyne youth , first to floryshe doth begynne , Then thee behoueth vertue to embrace , and fle from synne , Then oughtest thou to take , the ryght pathe of lyuynge , To good and honest studyes , thy selfe holly applyinge , Then vse thou reason , and gouerue by counsayle thy mynde , While the same is pliaunte , euery waye to wynde , Whoso wyl be wyse , let him be wyse whyle he maye , For to be wise a daye after the fayre , is folyshnes I saye , And therfore he is worthye , hys miserye to sustayne , Bewaylinge the losse , that is neuer to be recouered agayne , NOWE touchinge this worlde , vnderstande plainelye , That the same is veary short , and transitorie , And the hole lyfe of man , wherein we do rurine , In comparison to th eternite , of the woride to come , The trueth wherof , to be truely declared , To one momente of tyme , is not to be compared , And touching the myserye , of the worlde I saye , He is happyer that is gone , then here farre awaye , For marke I pray the , howe infancye cometh oute , Of his mothers wombe naked , without any cloute , And the first thinge he then doth , is wepinge with teares , Because the miserie of this worlde , as I thincke he feares , As I mighte it lyken , to some marchaunt man , Which on some percellous vyage , his waye must take than , And fearing both drowninge , Pirats , and shipwrake , Tremblynge , so daungerous a iourney to take , Eurn so , nature teacheth , the infaunte plainlye , That he then entreth , into the vale of myserie , All other beaftes , that nature bringeth forthe , To their dammes tytt , ronne straight with open mouthe , But man , as soone as euer he is borne , Yf the mother , clothe , and fede him not , he is forlorne , After Infauncie , how longe it is , Or perceueraunce crepyth , in that lityll brest of his , Childhode cometh after , wherofneyther of them both , Can by reason rule them selues , be they lefe or loth , Then what grefe , trauayle , feare , and payne , Suffreth the chylde , or he to iuuentute doth attayne , Then ignoraunte fraill youth , begynneth to aryse , Which leaueth reason , and comonly is ruled by vyce , His strength encreasinge , he putteth away feare , Good warninges , and preceptes , he will then no more heare , Then waxeth he wilde , his younge bloud beinge warme , Geuen to Ire , and Lusse , which doth hym moch harme , Good counsell he refuseth , and is then rashe in all thinge , To the euill enclyned , the good euer ertuinge , Noperel he doubteth , no daunger he doth refraine , So that his fraill luste , he may by anie meane obtaine , No lawe he then feareth , yf there be a toye in his braine , Fewe younge men in that age , from vice can abstaine , Whom either shame fastness , feare , or wisdome , doth constraint , By no spotte of vice , their youth for to staine , Then cometh mans state , graue and sage , By experience , and wisdome , he is taught in this age . Then vnsounde are his slepes , he lanboureth with paine , The liuinge of him selfe , and his house to sustaine , He gathered together , in that state of life , In age to kepe him , his famelie and wife , Onelie caringe for them all , both to cloth and fede , Spendinge this his best age , with miserye in dede , And then wearye rude age , on man fast crepeth , Stealinge vpon him , whether he waketh or sleapeth , Bringinge many discommodites , both of minde , and bodie , His strength taketh his leaue , his freshe colour will not tarye His sences shrincke awaye , his sight waxeth dime , His hearinge dulleth , and his smellinge leaueth hime , Further he is alwaies vered , with one or other disease , No meate him then sauourith , al thinge him displease , Withoute aide of a stafe , his legges him then fale , His witte is then gone , his body shrincheth , waring pale , This euery age , hath his infirmitie , we see , Which of force , we are forced , to suffer parientlie , Which last age , will not leaue him , til he hath broughte , Man to his graue , where he consumeth to noughte , ILET passe , of all other comon perrilles to tell , With which man is beseged , while he here doth dwell , Wherwith a mans life , is so greately enuironed , That it is seldome , or neuer , but by some of them deuoured , Nowe vehemente colde , with I lye snowe greue vs , Then hotte burninge heate , to vs are molestiouse , Th ertremitie , whereof , as is ofte seene , Causeth the ground , wyde open , some licoure to obtaine , Sometyms we are noyed , by so greate wete , and raine , That it ouer floweth , hole contries we se plaine , Hunger , thirst , and also moch penurie , Wyth the wantyng , of necessarie thinges to occupie , Who can declare , in miter , or in prose , The greate and manysolde , nomber of those , Discases , and sickenesses , of euery hinde , Which killeth daylie our bodies , and verith our minde , By battel , and warfaire , some men are confounded , In the seas , and other , waters , many men , are drowned , Other some , by fallinge , catch theyr bane , Orels by crushing , their members , are made lame , Some men , cruell fyre , to ashes doth consume , Many ar chocked , and cruell beastes killeth some , What shal I recite , howe in earth , the liuing manne , Hath no greater enemie , then the sede wherof he came , Of that sede , springeth , al theues , and robers , All murderers , periured , and false witnesse bearers , Fornicatours also , and vile , adulterers , And of mankinde discende , al wicked doers , This man with his weapon , another with his tongue men do kile , The most parte , by fraude , and deceate , worketh ile , O lorde , all men , almoost nowe take delite , At other mens harmes , suche is their spite , The brother , the naturall brother , doth mistrust , The amitie , of frendes , nowe lieth in the dust , The father , his sonne , and the husband his wife , Eche suspecte other , here is a goodly lyfe , Nowe sonne , I haue told the , aswell as I can , The perels , that doo compasse , the life of man , Wherfore thou maiest not , this worldelie pleasure vse Ercept thou intende , eternell life to refuse , And the tyme veary short , that thou here shalt remaine , The trueth wherof , I can well declare plaine , For all though that I am , nowe fowre score yeare olde , Yet the bedroll of my lyfe , when I do vnfolde , I do nowe wel ponder , and perceaue in this case , The same to haue ben , but a veary litil space , And yet to liue myne age , of a hunderith I knowe , One shalt thou not finde , though thou sought them on a rowe Good father sayde I , I thincke you saye true , For I haue scene veary fewe , of th age of youe , Nowe ( quod he ) I haue taughte you , sufficientlie to knowe , First God , your selfe , and the worlde , I trowe , And because quietlie , your lyfe you wolde leade , In the feare , and loue , of God , as ye saide , I coulde wishe , you should prudentlie prouyde , Of some good stocke , a wife with you to abyde , By whome , ye shal , many comodites possesse , More then I can , at this lyme , expresse , For your wife , shall leaue , both father and mother , To sticke to you onely , and to none other , Hyr owne kinred , and frendes doth she leaue , Dayelie , duringe hir lyfe , to you for to cleaue , By hir , shall ye haue , fruite of your owne sede Which shal kepe you in remeinbraunce , whe tyme ye are dede , Obedient , she wil be , and a surrour alwayes , And a ioyfull ioye also , to prolonge your dayes , Eche good thinge , shal be comon , euer you betwene , Your games , shal be one , your lyuinges to sustaine Further , yf age , or sicknes , shal greue you hereafter , She wil be a contynuall , and faithfull helper , By assistinge , ministrynge , and watchinge , you also , Comfortinge , and releuinge you , with the best she can do , And then youre children , which hereafter may florishe , Will do theyr indeuour , you gladely to cherishe , In whom ye shal yet lyue , when life is gone cleane , And your name still on lyue , by them shall remane , Further , to them shall ye leue , youre goodes being gotte , And not vnto straunge heires , which ye knowe not , Besides this , your wise , with hir some what wil bringe Towarde the maintenaunce , of your and her liuinge , Both frendes , and kinsefolke , by hir wil arise , Which maye be to thee profytable , in sondrye wise , Wherfore , a wife you must haue , ther is none other naye , Yf ye meane quietlie , and godlye to liue another daye , Good father ( quod I ) me thinke ye saye well , But of one thinge , I wolde gladlie heare tell , Which waye were best , by your consyderacyon , Howe I myght , haue one , of an honest conuersation , Marye younge man ( quod he ) there lyeth al the matter , In the wittle wisdome , of him that choseth hyr , For I wold not haue the , therin to be begylde , As I was once nere , when I was younge and wylde , Which if it were not , for lacke of time , and space , Thou shouldest plainelis heare , my folly in this case , I pray you ( quod I ) take the paines to declare it , And for lacke of time , and space , do not spare it , Nay not so ( quod he ) for we are now , nere the to the fermers plare Whith whome I entende , to comon a litell space , Touchinge , my busynesse , wherfore I hether came , Which beinge once finished , yf thou wilt thane , Beare me companie , homward , in the waye , I wil declare , al the rest , I haue yet to saye , To the which , I aunswered , that I wold veary galdlye So that he wolde , dispacth his matters quyckelie . Here endeth the first parte .

ANone , we spyed , the fermour , at his gate standinge , Who as soone , as he , perceaued vs comminge , Gentillie , saluted vs , callinge hym by hys name , And we did likewise gretchi , with chanckes for the same , With whome this aged man , hauinge a while walked , And concerning his errande , hao with him fully talked , The fermour had vs in , where we had good cheare And taryed the mountenance , of halfe an boure , Then toke we our leaue , of the fermere , And so streight wayes departed , from him there , And when we were homewarde , a prettie waye , To the saide olde man , I began thus to saye , Nowe Sire , and it please you , in your tale to procede , I am moch desirous , to here th ende in dede , Well said , sonne ( quod he ) then giue diligente care , When I was of th age , of two and twentie yeare , Veary lustie I was , and pleasaunte withall , To singe , daunce , and playe at the ball , To runne , to wrastle , to caste the axeltre or barre , Either with hande , or foote , I coulde caste it as farre , And all other feates , as nunblie doo , As any in the towne , Idwelled in thoo Fyne , feate , neate , proper and small , I was then , though I saye it , and faire withall , Yt appeareth no lesse ( quod I ) for you beare your age seare , Well , let passe ( quod he ) suche then was my cheare , And besides all this , I coulde then fynelie playe , On the harpe , mothe better , then nowe farre a waye , By which my minstrelsie , and my faire speache , and sporte , All the maydes in the paryshe , to me did reasorte , Eche loued , lustie Lewes , for so they me named , Not one of them all , my companie refrayned , Paryshe clercke I was then , of the towne there , To helpe the priest to masse , and sing in the quere , With suche liuinge as I had , I lyued withoute care , Wyfe nor child had I none , for whome I should spare , A neighbour ther was , a veary honest man , Dwellinge within the same , our parish than , Which a daughter had that in bewtie did excell , And as then me thoughte , aboue all other bare the bell , Of meane stature she was , and therto well made , Chearefull in contenaunce , and a good fauour hade , A smilinge smoth loke , with a wanton Eye . She was the amiablest damesell , that euer I did set , A fine tongue she also had , and hir woordes could well plate , And in hir communicacion , a veary singuler grace , Modeste , demure , and sadde she appeared , And neuerthelesse famylier , ynoughe , as the tyme required , In hir apparrell trymme , which was euer more white , To haue seen hir on the holye daye , was a goodlie sighte , So womanlie was hir pace , in hir gesture to and froo , Upright as a bolte , and lyke one fleinge did she goo , This maide was come home , but late from the citie , Where she had serued , yeares two or thre , The first tyme I sawe hir , was on a holy daye at noone , Goinge home ward from the church , when seruice was doone , Whose wanton , well fauoured fairnes , so caught me , That earnestlye to loue hir , lightlye she brought me , By whom , I was then strycken , with such a veament pange , That the holie water bucket , from me straight I flange , And great haste I made , ronning swiftlye after , Because I wolde , so gladlie ouertake hir , At last I ouertooke hir , but with moth a doo , Then she me saluted , and I hir also , Hir sister went with hir , who bad me welcome , Sayinge , whether in suche haste , good Lewes , do you rone . In fayth ( quod I ) since you desyre , to knowe , To a neighbours house , who dwelleth here by lowe , The haste that I made , was for your companie , And to knowe what faire mayde , this is truelie , Mary ( quod she ) she is none other , But myne owne sister borne of father and mother , And sister Grace ( quod she ) I pray you , of him acquaintance take , For with his melodie , he doth vs often , mery make , I tell you Grace ( quod she ) he is an honest man , And on his minion harpe , full well playe he can , To the which , this Grace , aunswered , veary sadlye , And I wold be acquainted , with him veary gladlye , And this passed furth , they were nere at home , So then takinge my leaue , I parted them frome , And this , was the first time , of our gretinge , Which was to me , anvnhappie metinge , As ye shall plainlie , here after well perceaue . Before the crueltie , of cruell Cupido , did me leaue , Backwarde I went , where my dinner was dighte , And still by the waye , my harte full fore sighere , When home I was come , to dinner I was sette , My hert was full heauie , no meate coulde I eate , After dynner downe , on my bed I dyd lie , Moch musing with my selfe , what thinge it might bee , That so soudanlie had stricken , my harte with soch woo , And so soone had driuen , my mirth , and pleasure , me froo , No wayr , could my witte , by wisdome deuyse , Howe this sadnesse , and thought , on me should aryse , Except it weare , by beholding the maide , Whose bewtie , and fauour , was euer in my heade , To haue slept faine I wold , but it wold not bee , Yet at the last , a shorte slomber tooke mee , In which slomber , also my thought I dyd see , The damesell , whose fayrenesse , before so perced mee Euensong tyme came , vp then did I ryse , And went to the church , to heare the seruste , My loue , to euensong came not , as I thought that she wolde , Therfore was I sorie , my harte was full colde , At supper , no thinge could I eate , then thought I beste , In time conuenient , to hye me to my neste , No rest could I take , my slepe was cleane gone , My harte was full heauie , and colde as a stone , The morning then came , when gone was the night , The ayre was cleare , the sunne shyned bryghte , Abrode I then walcked , the birdes for to heare , Where a frende of myne , met me and ared , what cheare , Trulye ( quod I ) I am nowe excedinge faints Yet knowe I not the cause , which my harte doth so taynte , God a mend you ( quod he ) and so went his waye , This in miserable case , I passed that daye , And many a daye more , till sheringe tyme came , Hir father shearinge shepe , to his feaste had me thane , Glade was Lewes , tho , thinckinge then shall I speake , At leasure , with my loue , and my minde , to hyr breake , Than shall she knowe , the wo , and the smarte , The heauenesse , and sorowe , of my woful harte , The restles mghtes , and vnquiet dayes , The heauie thoughtes , which troublith me alwaies , I will also then , yf that Idare , The botome , of my minde , to hir declare , Then said I sofcely to my selfe , God lende me , A conuemente tyme , and that he wil sende me , To obtaine at hir handes , suche fauour and grace , That my humble requeste , maye be heard , and take place , What nede lenger processe , the shepe shearinge daye , That I so longe loked for , at last came I saie , To hir fathers house I came , as they were at dyner , Hee had me hartelie welcome , and in the best maner , To the table was I sette , downe on the benche , Where I might sede , ful in me eyes , on the welfauored wenche , Who there serued the table , as then was the gyse , And surelie she wayted in moost womanlie wise , Whiche she wel could do , for as I said before , In the cytic had she bene , of good maner to learne store . Littell meate could I eate , which was noted well than , By the maydes mother , and also by hir good man , What cheare good Lewes , tell me she saide , Ye looke veary sadlie , as one halfe dismaide , What man quod she , where is your mirth become , Me thinckes ye muse , on the man in the mone , Be mery I praye you , and therwith she me kerued . But my harte was hollie , on the maide that serued , And afterward , when dyner was done And the geastes departing , awaye euerich one , I also hauinge rendered theim , thanckes for my cheare , Went homeward , with the companie , that were going there , Beinge both of my purpose , that I came for vnspe●de , And also wourfe at ease , both in my hert and heauie heade , Then , instamed was my lout , and grewe more and more , Whiche was but a litel , kendeled before , The maladye , which before , might in tyme , haue ben healed , Wared nowe incurable , and that well I sealed , My harpe , which was wonte , so swetelie to sounde , Lay nowe vntouched , for me on the grounde , My breast , which before , many solkes , did reiosce , Began cleane to tourne , and horse waxed my voice , My collour , which in tymes past , so lyuelie did apeare , Was vaded awaye , and chaunged his cheare , My legges , whiche were sometyme , nymble to daunce , Was shronken cleane , by this vnhappye chaunce , I was neare a consumpcion , all strength was gon , So hollye was I altered , that I was scarce knowen , At last I consydered , the best waye to procede , If I thoughte , by her helpe , to be cured in dede , Was , that she fyrste , vnderstande shoulde , My woe , and dystresse , and then yf she woulde , Of pytye , and clemencye , relieue my great payne , This waye , to be the best , I thought sure , and playne , For Phisirions , do not vse , to minister remedy , Before , they are instructed , in their pacientes maladye , So it fell , in a mornynge not longe after , That I chaunfed , to walke , throughe the common passure , Where the milche kyne , of the towne , the daye tyme dyd fede , And all the maydens , in the paryshe , did mylke in that stede , Emongest whome , Graces sister , was one there , And therefore , I mynded , to banyshe all feare , And so to make open , and breake hollie to her , The full care , and effecte , of all this hole mattier , But fyrste , certayne wordes , a farre of to proue hir , I would caste out , to see , how this care , would moue hir , And howe she would take it , ere I meant to declare , And vpon the lykynge , of hir aunswere , not for to spare , Thus drawynge nere , I had hir good morowe , What gentyl Lewes ( quod she ) God kepe you from sorowe , Howe do you , what wynde dryue you hether , This mornynge so earlye , and I praye you whether , Are ye thus walkynge , youre selfe all alone , I thincke suerlye , ye haue some pretye one , That causeth you , daylye , to this place to come , Well wanton , well , thoughe not all , yet I knowe some , Losen Iohan ( quod I ) for so was hir name , In iudgynge amysse , ye are greatly to blame , For yf I for loue , reasorte , to any in this place , It is trulye , to you , or to your syster Grace , For surely , you two , of bewtie beare the floure , This iudgement , must I geue , though I dye , within an houre , No Lewes ( quod she ) then ye iudge not well , For there be maydes , a great many that vs do excell , Yet for the gentylnes , I haue alwayes sent , And the honest behauioure , that continually hath bene , In you heretofore , I thincke you worthy to obtayne , As good , and as fayre , as any in this paryshe dothe remayne , Yea , and thoughe she were , myne owne dere syster , I woulde thincke hir , well bestowed , yf ye had her , I thancke you fayre Iohn ( quod I ) that it dothe you please , Vnworthely , me so louynglye to prayse , And yf God my lyfe , any whyle wyll preserue , Youre gentle kyndenes , I trust to deserue , And therwith , as it were musynge , a prety whyle I stayed , What Lewes ( quod she ) me thinkes ye are as one dysmaied , Wheron so study you , a peny for your thoughte , In faythe quod I , if ye knew it , yet were it worth naught , My thinckes quod she , ye are chaunged in euery race , What , hath any mayde , rauyshed your hart , from his place , Tel me ( she sayd ) and my best counsayle ye shall haue , With all that I can do as God my soule saue , Oh ( quod I ) my harte is wrapte full of woe , Yet haue I no faythfull frende , it to showe , I shal tel you Lewes ( quod she ) what so euer ye saye , To me , thincke it sure , vnder locke , and kaye , For euer herynge it , by me spoken agayne , Ercepte the same be , for your profyte playne , Well , since ye wyl nedes know quod I my careful myserye , Ye shall heare the same , in fewe wordes playnlye , So it is , that , that sayre swere blossome , your syster Grace , Hath holly , my loue , and harte , in suche cace , That neyther wandrynge , nor walkinge , whether so euer I go , Neyther playinge , nor workynge , what so euer I do , Neyther wakynge , nor watchynge , any tyme , or space , Neyther restynge , nor slepynge , in any maner place , But at all tymes , and euermore continuallye , Hir amiable countenaunce , restreth in my mynde daylye , No pleasure , me pleaseth , my mirth is amated , No ioyes , my delyte , my lyfelynesse is abated , No musycke , me reioyseth , theyr soundes , are vnswete , No pastymes , I passe on , as at this tyme vnmete , No worke , is well wrought , now vnder my handes , Nor I am nothing , as I was , before I entered loues bades , So that I well knowe , I am lyke to sustayne , Deathes darte , very shortely , if I do not obtayne , The rather , hir loue who now hath the measure , Me to slaye or reuyue euen at hir owne pleasure , Whiche I would she dyd shortly for the ease of my payne , By the darte of cruel deathe deuorynge me cleane , Nowe haue ye hearde all quod I , and more as I saye , Then euer to any other I tolde before this daye , Wherin I shal desyre you to playe an honest parte , For the spedy quietynge of my poore wretched harte , Marie ( quod Iohan ) now I perceaue very well , Of your sadnes , and sorowe , there is no meruel , That hath such an Impostome bredynge in your brest , Which worketh you wourthely full waywarde reste , No wonder it is though ye loke wan and pale , For loue hath made you drincke a draught of sower ale , I toke you neuer so tender , so soone to be caughte , With the louely linckes of loue which are so quickly wrought , Ye were wont before this tyme alwayes to saye , That they were very fooles that to loue did obaye , And that it was impossible any wyse man to be , So earnestly set in loue in any degree , But that when he would alwaies , well he myghte , Full easelye put the same out of his heade quite , But now ye are caught in the same nette , Which in tymes past ye greatly did neglecte , When ye sawe any louer , ye laughed him to scorne , But loue hath now brought you to scole to learne , And suerly quod she , to deme in myne entent , Ye haue worthely of loue deserued this punyshment , Welquod I , to a man that is falen in mysery and woo , Good comforte behoueth , and not chidynge soo , My faulte I confcsse , what nedeth more , I desyre youre good counsayle for curynge of my sore , Whiche waye I maye best by youre good aduyse , Atcheue this so doubtefull and daungerouse an enterprpse , Well Lewes ( quod Iohan ) nowe that I knoo , What woman she is that worketh you this woo , Let me alone , I wyll fyrste moue this mattier , Sone at nyght in bed , I wyll earnestly at hir , As ye shall perceaue here by this tyme to morowe , Other ease or increase of all youre hole sorowe , Therefore in the meane tyme , be of good cheare , And I wyll dilygently worke in youre cause I sweare , Whereof I thanked her , sayinge gladlye I woulde , Hir gentylnes consyder , yf euer I coulde , And hauynge once kist hir , I toke my leaue thane , This departinge from hir , whome warde I came , The morowe nerte after , I came estesones to the same place , To heare yf I were lyke to obtaine any grace , Iohan was not then come , I stayed a lytle whyle , At last not farre thence I sawe hir commynge ouer a style , With hir pail in hir hande , then I went hir to mete , And gentyllie saluted hir , she did lyke wyse me grete , Eyther death and double sorow ( quod I Iohan ) do you brynge , Or lyfe to reuyue me whiche am nowe dyinge , Neyther of them bothe ( quod she ) but hope haue I broughte , Thereby partely to fede and relieue youre heaupe thoughte , Then saye on ( quod I ) and nomore tyme waste , That happy hope to heare I gladly make haste , Pester nyghte beynge bothe ( quod she ) in oure bed layed , I tourned me towardes my syster , and euen thus I sayde , Oh Iohan ( quod I ) I then wyshed me in youre place , To haue declared my selfe to hir my hole cace , Youre wyshe was but voyde ( quod she ) but harke what I tell , I ared Grace how she dyd , and she sayde very well , Howe so euer you do ( quod I ) lye nowe at youre case , I knowe other some are as yll at ease , Whiche for you and for youre sake to be playne , Muche mysery , myschiefe and care do sustayne , Whiche greueth me muthe , for synce the worlde began , God neuer created a more honester man , And he is lyke for youre loue as far as I can gesse , Shortely to dye , suche is hys deadlye distresse , For my loue ( syster Iohan ) quod Grace to me then , In this paryshe I am as yet knowen of very fewe men , And fewer do I knowe , then howe maye it be , That any man is vexed so for loue of me , Who is it I praye you , once name hym to me , And then yf I knowe hym , I wyll tell you quod she , Nay syster Grace ( quod I ) that shal not be , Before fyrste some promyse ye make vnto me , That ye shall not at the fyrste kyll his harte cleane , By geuyuge hym a naye , or by any other meane , Of vnkyndenes on youre behalfe , but ye shall yf ye can , Braunte hym youre loue , before an other man , For I wyll assure you yf ye perfertly knewe , His good gentle behauioure bothe honest and true , Whiche is so pleasaunte a parson to synge and to daunce , And is skylled in instrumentes for youre pastaunce , So well can shote , wrestel , and leape so lyghte , So handesome a man in euery mans syghte , And besydes this more sorowe hath sustayned , For youre sake , and is also so cruelly payned , That deathe to hym were a greate deale sweater , Then to lyue as he doth he thynketh it muche better , And yf in youre defaulte ye shoulde suffer hym to dye , For lacke of youre loue what prosyte therby , Shoulde ye receaue , nay rather yt myght name you , A murderer I saye whiche would greately shame you , And whome should ye kyll no enemy pardye , But a moost true louer who loueth you hartelye , Well ( quod my syster ) to loue hym ye shall pardon me , For I wyll do nothynge in that matter trulye , But this promyse to graunte to you I am contente , At the fyrste tyme no naye he shall haue I concente , Therefore tell me hys name wythout any delaye , And then ye shall heare what I wyll further saye , It is ( quod I ) Lewes the cleare he of the townr , Who for youre sake in mysery is tossed vp and downe , Why syster Iohan than sayde she vnto me , I thoughte ye would not of all other sucrlye , Haue moued me to this lyghtnes I saye , But rather haue perswaded me if I had bene bent that waye , Why Brace ( quod I ) I meane no dishonestye , For he would haue you to be hys wyfe very gladlye , So muche the more quod she , it is to be borne , But I tell you nowe as I tolde you beforne , I wyl as yet , neyther loue hym , nor any other , By other perswation of syster or brother , Also ye might wel thincke , me very hasty syster Iohan , If I should be a louer so soone as I came home , And yf he loued me so earnestly as ye haue tolde , To haue moued me him selfe before this tyme he would , But he thought of his desyre hym selfe to be sure , When you to be his broker he fyrste dyd procure , And very late it is quod she , therfore fall to your rest , And herewith medle no more in earnest or iest , Not one worde more quod Iohan , of hir get coulde I , For to slepe she gaue hir where she slept by and by , And thus haue I ( Lewes ) for you broken the mattier , It behoueth your selfe next to attempte her , And spare not to speake , yf ye mynde for to spede , Who trusteth to obtayne , must put away orede , But suerly ( Tewes ) synce she now knoweth that she loued is , She is not therof a lytle proude I wysse , Alasse sayde I then , I would I were ded , Then should be at ease , bothe my hart , and myne hed , Vnlucky fortune I may it call , Which forceth me to loue one amongest all , Who neyther regardeth my woofull dystresse , Neyther wyll coumforte me by any word of kyndnesse , Well quod Iohan , it may be that she wyll heare , Your selfe muche better then me a messengere , And hether to morowe shal she come to mylke in my stede , For I must taly at home to brue and bake brede , And to speake to hir then ye nede not my counsayle , For ye are wyse ynoughe to tell your owne tale , And in the meane whyle ye shal be sure , I wyll do my best your way to procure , Thus parted we then withcut wordes any moo , I to the churche , and she homewarde dyd goo , The next mornynge came which I thought very lenge , And no meruayle , for my payne was so stronge , Then to the common pasture I tymely me hyed . Where my onely hartes luste on mylkynge I spyed , I mended my pace , and at the laste to hir came , I had her good morowe , she said welcome yonge man , Howe do you said I , myne owne swete harte , Your loue hath caused me with much sorow to smarte , So depely is engraued in me the bewty of your face , Your pleasaunt tonge , & behauiour myne owne loue Grace , The seature , the propernesse of youre body fyne , And your louely countenance hath so perced myne yen , That I am hollye yours , hellye in euery condicion , To loue you , and serue you , with humble submission , Abydynge your pleasure , and wyll to sustayne , So longe as lyfe within me shall remayne , In consyderacion wherof I desyre to obtayne , Nothynge but good loue , for true loue agayne , Younge man quod she , I am sory of your woo , And muche more sorye that ye set youre mynde so , As to me to beare such loue , and good wyll , Wherin I feare your tyme ye shall spyll , In hopynge for a thynge ye cannot obtayne , Which at length wil brynge to you double payne , And as for me I meane not yet to marye , I am younge ynoughe , I thancke God I can tarye , And also I wyl , for ought I yet knowe , Yeres two or three truly to shewe , Neyther would I , ye should thincke I do not esteme you , For truly to iudge I can none otherwyse deme you , But for youre behauioure , qualities , and honestye , Ye are worthy to haue one muche better then I , Oh bewtyfull Grace ( quod I ) yf Grace wyll shewe any grace , I pray you that it may appeare in this my heauy cace , And not to confounde me wyth suche a cruel naye , Neyther so mercyles with your wordes me vtterly to slaye , And suffer not thus pitie , and mercy to be banyshed , From a creature so fayre by God , formed , and fashioned , Neyther denye not your name , in any tyine or place , But accordynge to your name , shewe me some grace , Sir ( sayde she ) what nede longer processe to make , There semeth in you follye , suche heuynesse to take , For me that am not nowe to mary dysposed , Neyther to whome before this tyme your loue ye dysclosed , In dede to you I tolde it not ( said I ) but your syster I meued , Wysedome wylleth men to go where they may best be relieued , I durst not before ( quod I ) not knowynge how ye would take it , Truly ( quod the ) euen as I do now I would haue cleane forsake it , And Lewes this follye to leaue I could wyshe you styll , By wysedome to be ruled and flee from your wyll , Fynallye I desyre you to take it for the best , That I here not your sute , nor graunte your request , Oh Grace ( quod I ) since it is your pleasure to spysme , I shal abyde youre mercy to saue me or kyll me , Youre harde harted harte I praye God once to mollefye , Some compassion to graunte me before that I die , And thus God be with you my loue moost vnkynde , Fare well gentle Lewes ( quod she ) God alter your mynde , And sende you to put away this sanry quietlye , Whiche hath brought you in this wofull myserye , Thus away went I then halfe in dispayre , My hearte greatly vexed betwene hope and feare , Within two dayes after I met with hir syster Iohan , To whome I shewed and made my heauy mone , Declarynge to hir al the wordes that were , Betwene me and my loue Grace hir syster , Well quod Iohan I wyshe that this next nyghte , With your harpe ye holde your waye to oure house right , And there vnderneth our chamber wyndowe , In syngynge and playinge let hir heare what ye can do , Your melodie may cause her stobbourne harde harte , To loue you parchaunce , it maye hir so conuerte , And this maye ye easelye doo withoute any ylle , For of bothe oure parentes ye haue the good wyll , And thus geuynge Iohan thankes for hir counsayle so good , Home warde I hyed me , in haste by the roode , My harpe for to tune , and some ditie to make , The whiche I myghte synge and playe for hir sake , The night at laste came , and when the clocke had runne nyne , Thether I went with my harpe as I thought it was tyme , For as thesomer season required twilight it was thane , When to hir fathers house that I came , A bedde were they all , no sturrvnge herde I , My harpe oute of his cace I pluckt by and by , And strake vp suddenly a very pretye rounde , Whiche my harpe then newe stringed meryllye dyd so unde , Another daunce or two , I then also played , Whiche beynge once fynyshed , I sodenly stayed , And this ballet hereaster I began for to synge , My harpe hare the note , which merely did rynge , Oh my loue Grace , Youre bewtyfull face , Hathe perced so my breff , Youre countenaunce mylde , With youre tonge so wel fylde , Is causer of all myne vnrest , Not Troylus of Troye , By Cresside hysioye , In loue was euer so set on syre , Neyther Piramus the younge , By the loue of Thisby so stronge Or burnte in suche hote desyre , Neyther Hercules the myghtye , By Dianiras bewtye , Was at any tyme so ouercome , Neyther Sampson the stronge , With loue was so wronge , Of Dallida the wicked woman Neyther that wofull Dido , Eneas loued so , As I do nowe loue you hartely . For in good faythe , Yt wyll be my deathe , Excepte yt extende your mercy , And when this ballet was fully ended , My comforte was neuer the more amended For no aunswere at all would she to me saye , Yet without any whit playinge a while did I staye , At last hir father bad me good nyghte , So did hir mother and hir syster full ryghte , And gaue my harty thankes for that my payne , But no farewel of Grace coulde I obtayne , Then home strayghte I wente full sadlye agayne , Where I languished all that nyghte , in terrphle payne , And thus continued by the space of a moneth , And then one of oure neyghbours to me straighte commeth , And of hys owne good wyll vnmoued there , Offered to me his onely daughter and heire , Whiche in good lande after hym shoulde spende , Fyue markes by the yere vntyl hir lyues ende , And the damesell was also indifferente fayre , And sure a good huswyfe as after dyd appeare , After thankes for hys good wyll , I then to hym sayde , My mynde he shoulde knowe vpon the syghte of the mayde , What wyll ye more , she lyked me well , And was contented to take me wherby it fell , That shortely after maryed we were , And haue louyngely lyued hitherto together , And haue nere runne oute oure course as ye shall lykewyse do , Yf God graunte you space to lyue thereunto , Suerly it appeareth quod I , ye haue a good memorye , Whiche can the tyme of youre youthe declare so perfectlye , And for this youre longe tale nowe I thancke you good father , But for your loue Grace whose chaunce was to haue hir , Marte quod he afterwarde within lesse then a yere , She toke a seruynge man agaynste hir frendes wyll there , Betwene whome was nothynge but chydynge and stryfe , Brawlynge and fyghtynge all her longe lyse , And beggers bothe they became at the laste , She was an yll huswyfe , and he spente as faste , So that they were compelled within yeres one or two , Wanderynge a beggynge bothe for to goo , Whiche greued me muche when theyr myserie I knewe , And then somewhat I relieued them for myne olde loue true , THIS haue I tolde thee ( my sonne ) for this entente , Because thy follye hereafter thou myghtest preuente , And not to loue one before hir maners thou do knowe , But fyrste knowe hir , then loue hir , and so it wyll growe , To berve good purpose , ende , and effecte , And all other vayne hastye lour se thou neglecte , And when thou meanest a wyfe for to chuse , My counsayle in this cace se that thou vse , Fyrste hir mothers maners learne yf thou can , And hir fathers also whether he be an honest man , For commonly the chyldren them selues do enclyne , To theyr parentes condicions as strayght as a lyne , Further enquyre of the neyghbours dwellynge there aboute , Of what honestie she is by the voyce of the route , Or yf there be any honest woman dwellynge nere , Sende hir closely thither , hir bothe to se and heare , Whether she be fayre , and of bodye cleane , Or diseasyde or sicklie by any maner of meane , For ( sonne ) no man wyl bye horse , oxe , cowe , or calfe , But he wyll fyrste be full sure they shal be sounde and safe , Muche more circumspecte a man ought to be in choice of his wyfs , With whom he must liue all the dayes of hys lyfe , Who yf she be vncleane or infected with any kynde of dysease , All thy children of nature shal haue the same sicknesse , Also cause the same woman dilygentlye to knowe , Yf she be folyshe neyther can spynne nor sowe , For in these thynges I saye eche woman that is chaste , Wyll exercyse hir selfe , and no tyme ydellye waste , For ydelnesse is the norysher of vyces all , And the same causeth the mynde in muche myschiefe to fall , This ydlenesse many welthy fayre cities decayeth , Fysthye luste , also ydelnes euer followeth , Yf eyther chaste Pennellope or fayre Lucresse , Had spente their tyme syttinge at home in ydelnesse , And not geuen them selues to weuynge , and spynnynge , In their husbandes absence from the begynnynge , Of a thousande woars whiche daylye to them came , They should suerly haue concented to some one man , But touchynge the serche of hir lyfe and modestie , These thinges thy selfe maiest muche better espye , For all people nowe are waren so vniuste , That fewe shalt thou fynde whome thou maiest truste , Yt is nowe the maner of many to deteaue and lye , Fewe are there to be founde of credit worthye , Therfore yf thou wylt haue thy purpose take effecte , It be houeth the therein to be carefull and circumspecte , And sonne , herein lyeth all youre marrynge and makynge , Yf ye be not warelye wyse in youre wyfe takynge , Consyderynge no small tyme ye together shall remayne , But euen tyl death shal seperate the lyues of you twayne , In all other cases rashenes , and hast is but follye , But in this matter may it bring intollerable myserye , Therfore this choice of thy wyfe fyrste ponder wittelye , That thou repent not hereafter when it is past al remedye , But if it happen the as it dothe to many other moo , That thy wyfe thou shalt mary perchaunce be a Shrewe , Fyrste gentlye warne hir , and with louynge speche , Do thy best hir to chasten , and mildely hir teache , And often hir fauour by fayre meanes to obtayne , Enbrace hir wyth kysses to reconcyle hir agayne , Thus by gentylnesse yf thou can do thy best hir to tame , Whiche yf it wyll not hir in nowyse reclayme , Then sharper medecines thou must put in vre , By threates , feare , and chidynge to bring hir to thy lure , Whiche yf she regarde not nor stande yet in awe , The laste helpe of all is that strokes must then followe , Nowe concernynge the conseruacion of thy wyfes chastitye , I wyll not muche speake in that matter trulye , But this may I saye , and I dare vndertake , That oft a wyse man an honest woman dothe make , I coulde herein tell thee more , but I wyl not nowe , For I leaue the same hollye to the discrecion of you , Yet to learne this one lesson , I would haue the ( good sonne , ) Neuer let thy fancie or desyre after any other to ronne , But in wedlocke be to hir as faithfull and true , As the Turtel which neuer wil chafige hir make for a newe , For there is no one thinge thy wyfe wyl take more greuouslye , Nor any other thynge vereth hir spirites so vehemently , Nor of nothynge desyreth she so soone to be reuenged , As in that one poynte if hir husbande haue offended , Then waxeth she hote incensyd with yre , With dispyte and malyce then hir harte is on fyre , In which their furiouse rage some seke the waye than , In lyke sorte ( if they may ) to deceaue their good man , Beleue me ( sonne ) sewe of them will kepe their honestie , Yf their husbandes in suche wyse do lyue abrode visiouslye , Further thy children hereafter see thou vp brynge , In vertuouse excercyse and also good learnynge , Teache theim to feare God and the to obaye , And euer kepe them in obedience as muche as thou maye , For they wyll euer waxe bolde as nede shall requyre , But not alwayes so humble as thou wouldest desyre , Therfore whyle they are younge and tender of yeres , Is bothe their helpe , and vndoynge , as it oft apperes , Muche paynes muste thou take in godly instructynge theim , Yf thou purpose they shal euer proue honest men , Lause them al euel company to exchue continually , For iuste he cannot be that is conuersaunte with the vngodly , One shepe hauyngs a peryllouse pocke , Of force muste enfecte all the hole flocke , Thy daughters alwayes with shamefastnes vprere , For it is the fairest flower all women can were , Let them neuer be ydle but alwayes doynge , With the whele , the distafe , or with the nedle sowynge , For the welfare of this sexe standeth in their honestye , Which when they are ydle , is then in most ieoperdye , And at their ripe yeres do it not ouer slyde , Some honest husbandes for theim to prouyde , Be not bitter ( good sonne ) to thy seruauntes at any tyme , Neither punyshe theim with rigoure for euery cryme , There is a meane to be obserued in correccion I saye , By whiche thou maiest cause them thee both to loue & obaye , And althoughe fortune hathe poynted the their mayster to be , He myght lykewyse haue made a seruaunte of the , And what hereafter may fall no man knoweth his chaunce , For the hole state of mans lyfe dependeth in ballaunce , I haue knowen dyuerse men , bothe riche and welthye , That afterwarde haue fallen in suche myserye , That full fayne they haue bene to auoyde vyle beggerye , By seruyce to lyue in great callamitie , What we are & haue bene we knowe , but what after we shal be , We are ignoraunte therof suche is oure vncertayntye , In thy fyrste kepynge of hduse be not to sumptuouse , Neyther in foode nor apparell to laciuiouse , For at thy pleasure thou mayest the same alway amende , When God aboundaunce of substaunce hereafter shall sende , But it woulde be to thy shame , yf thou shouldest aslake , The fyrste honnest porte thou diddest vpon the take , Often call home thy neyghbours , but most suche as are poore , To dyne and suppe with the , let some of them be sure , The Lorde thy table shall blesse the more , And for suche liberallitie he wil encrease thy store , Go not to lawe with them , nor be no extoretoner , Finyshe their causes yf thou maiest , and be no bearer , In no mans mattier but in all that thou caune , Set quietnesse and concorde betwene man and man , But in wranglinge matters be in no wyse no medler , Whiche myghte get the an yll name , and no man the better , Further yf thou fynde a man of an approued honestye , That feareth God , and is geuen to good vertues hollye , Of whome moste men sayewell , for his good lyuynge , That is no drunckarde , quarrelloure , nor delyteth in striuig , But quyet sober , and learned in sapience , Beynge of good iudgemente , and also of good experience , This mans frendshyp seke buselye to obtayne , For then a faythe full frende there is no greater gayne , But er thou hys amitie earnistlie embrace , Learne howe he hath vsed hys other frendes in lyke cate , For suche as his behauioure hathe bene to other moe , Truste me ( sonne ) he wylorder the euen so , And when thou once haste him thy frende vnfeynedly , Then seke to continue in frendshyp dillygentlye , Let no lyght , dyspleasure , the same breake or decaye , But beare with hym rather in all that thou maye , Of all treasure the chefest that God dothe in earthe sende , Is a man to haue alwayes a sure and stedfast frende , Furthermore yf sycknesse shall vere the or thyne , Se thou minister remedye to the same betyme , Or euer the same do augment and encrease , The soner shal it mende , and the grefe be the lesse , For lyke as fyre when it is fyrste begonne , With a lyttel water wyl be quenched full soone , But yf it be suffered to contynue stylle , And a whyle to burne euen at his owne wyll , Then the flame wyl be raysed in suche a great rage , That hole welles and conduictes can scarce it aswage , Euen so euery malladye at the fyrste entraunce , Maye be easely cured without great greuaunce , This fyrste poynt of phisycke learne thou of me , Yf the sycknes be hote , colde , or moyste , the remedy must be contrarye , If ouer much laboure , and trauayle be the cause , Then by ease , and rest from the same , thou must pause , And yf the same come by ouer muche ease and rest , Then exercyse and moderate laboure is best , Yf it be by superfluitye of drincke or meate , Then abstmence is the best remedie thou can get , And yf nede requyre a phisicion then call , Or a surgion , but good diet is the best lieche of all , The surgion is nerte , for phisicions do kyll , The moste part that put their truste theim vntyll , For where by happe some one they do saue , A hundred for hym they sende to theyr graue , ALSO my sonne this laste precepte thou muste learne , Which dilygently to obserue I the earnistlye warne , Be prepared alwayes , and euermore full redye , Deathe to enbrace where he striketh soudenlye , Yea euen in his moost Lust and welthiest tyme , Let the remembraunce of hym be styll before thyne yene , He assaulteth men comonly when they thinke of hym lest , Fearcelye inuadynge them in their moste quietnes and rest , He draweth euer nexer with his ineuitable darte , Daylye percynge euery age of man to the harte , Howe often dothe death strike the younge lustye man , And beryeueth hym of hys best yeres we se nowe and than , Oh howe great are the trauayles and payne , That a man in this lyfe with payne dothe sustayne , Howe shorte is our tyme and the same also so varyable , That nothynge in this lyfe can be founde stable , With what innumerable pylles are we beseged , Whiche by this oure frayle nature can neuer be resyted , What we oure vayne pleasures wherin we so truste , Euen poysoned with galle and cankered with ruste , What are we owretches but duste of the ayre , As bryttell as glasse seme it neuer so fayre , Moste lyke to a shadowe in a sonnye daye , Which when the cloudes are alost sodenly vanyshe a waye , Lyke as a flower whiche florisheth in the mornynge dew , And at nyghte is withered and hathe vaded his hewe , For thoughe we are now alyue , and lustye in euery mans sight , Fayre , amiable , pleasaunte , full of corage and might , Yet perchaunce er Ppheabus hath once his course ronne , Deade carcasses we may be and vyle meate for the worme , What prosyteth vs then our great sommes of monye , Heaped together by extorcion and bryberye , Golde , stones , Iewels , or implement most preciouse , Landes , houses , or vyllages , be they neuer so sumptuous , Eyther worship honour , or lordely auctoritie , Rule or dominion or worldely dignitie , Whiche maketh many men so proudely to looke ouer all , As thoughe they were to the goddes coequall , Seinge death endeth althynge , and we wretches wyth mysery , Lyke duste and shadowe consume so sodenly , Semge all oure pryde and glory is so sone extinguyshed , And oure tyme so quickly gone neuer to be recouered . O lyfe so vayne so fugitiue and frayle , Whome suche a nomber of daungers and persilles do assaslle . O lyfe that arte so shorte , and vncertayne , Most lyke vnto smoke , a man can the licken , Nowe this man dyeth an other after hym , I to daye perchaunce , and thou to morowe betyme , So a lyttel , and a lytle , eche man dothe dye , Euen lyke a butcher hauynge shepe and bestes many , Of whiche some to daye he kylleth downe ryght , And other some to morow in the morning , or at nyght , The nerte daye other moo go to the blocke , And so forthe tyll consumed be all the hole flocke , Thus death dayly remember but feare not the same , For of it selfe it is good and worthye no blame , Deathe fynysheth all paynes , death endeth all care , Death daungers dissolueth , and putteth away feare , To the poore , to the prisonner , and to the comfortlesse , To the condemned , and to the miserable captyue in dissresse , To the bondeman , slaue , spoyled , and Lazar impotente , To them that are on the racke , and in greuouse tormente , Deathe is imbraced and hartely welcome , To suche and many other of lyke state and condicion , To good men , death neuer can come vnware , Whiche euer against his commynge them selues do prepare . Whose lyfe hathe contynued in ryghteousnesse , And whyche haue remayned in faythe , mercy , and godlynesse , To them no dysproffit is deathe but aduauntage , Althoughe it take them in theyr mooste flouryshynge age , Thus yf thou be good receaue deathe gladlye , For it is a passynge oute of this vale of myserye , Then shalte thou render to the earthe and againe to hir sende , Thy body whiche but for a tyme she did vnto the lende , And if thou ponder with thy selfe in thy minde discretlye , What dammage or hurte can death do vnto the , She spoilleth the of thy riches perchaunce thou wylt saye , But then riches wantest thou none by no kynde of waie , Nor anie other thing els thy soule shall desyre , But from pouertie to riches thou then semest to aspire , For he of all other is the richeste in dede , Nor that hathe mooste but that fewest thinges doth nede , To leaue thy wyse , childerne & frendes , is a miserable thinge , Yea , but it wer much more miserable to se than die than liuinge , And it wyll not be longe but they shall folowe the , When the lorde shall also call for them accordinglye , And these worldly riches and pleasures are none of thine , But lent to the as it weare for a litle tyme , Naked camest thou hether and naked must thou hence go , Therfore for terrestriall trifles sorowe not so , This world is as it were a certaine great feaste , Where vnto euery man is bidden as a geaste , Where for a while duringe the Lordes pleasure , We haue the fruition of this vayne worldlye treasure , Vpon this condicion that we be alwayes ready , At his commaundement to giue place and departe gladlye , And to suffer other men that after vs shall come , Of the same feast to receaue like fruition , What wight wyl not willinglye leaue this lothesome lyfe , Whiche is so wicked disceatfull and so full of strife , Where no fayth , no pietie , nor any iustice , Remaineth neither any quietnes or peace , Wher all kinde of Sinnes euermore do raigne , Where the brother is comonly the brothers bayne , Where the sonne ofte wisheth for his fathers shorte lyfe , The woman hir husbande , and the husbande his wife , Whereche body catheth & snatcheth what he can , Beinge dissemblers and wourkers of fraude euery man , That this worlde maie wourthelye well be named , A denne of theues being with pillinge and polling enflamed , Of luste and boredome what should I make mencion , Wherwith the hole earth is fylled with like abhominacion , That chastifie is banyshed and virgynitie defaced , And the honorable sacrement of Matrimonie nothing regarded In which wicked worlde also are of parels so many , Of labors and sicknes suche a nombre and sondery , Where fortune onelye ruleth without all reason , Wher no man of him self can be assured any season , What good man will not nowe leaue this world gladly , Whiche is hollye compassed with such vntollerable mysery , Wherefore great follye it is death for to feare , Seinge it endeth the myseries we sustayne here , And consyder also that departynge from mortallitie , By death thou enterest into thy region of eternitie , Therfore my sonne let thy lyfe be godlye , So shalte thou not stande in any feare to dye , Fyrste in thy health , hollye set in good staye , By wyll , al thy worldly affaires as nere as thou maye , That in thy sicknes thou be not with them troubled , Nor thy mynde then from godlynesse by them encombred , And euery nyghte before thou goest to thy rest , To confesse to God thy synnes with harty repentaunce is best , And humblye aske mercy with hope vnsaynedly , Preparynge thy selfe then holly to dye , And so thy soule to the Lorde moost humblye betake , Which on the crosse suffred his passion for thy sake , Thus shal not soden death vnprouyded the fynde , Yf thou beare well this last lesson in thy mynde , This my rude counsayle yf thou followe in euery condicion , As I trust thou wylt accordynge to myne expectacion , Thou shalt well walke in the right pathe waye than , Whiche as I erste sayde leadeth to the lyfe of an honest man , And now sonne my former promyse beynge performed & done , To the place where we met we are nere eftesones come , I thancke you gentle father sayd I for your holsome counsayle , I neuer herde tolde a more verteouse tale , I beseche almyghty God to graunte me the grace , The same to obserue in euery poynte and cace , And the same Lorde of hys goodnes rewarde you gratiouslye , That hathe taken suche paynes to enstructe me verteouslye , Fare well my good sonne quod he Christ be thy guyde , And so departynge from hym home warde I hyed ,

FINIS .