The theater of fine deuices containing an hundred morall emblemes. First penned in French by Guillaume de la Perriere, and translated into English by Thomas Combe.

THE THEATER OF FINE DEVICES , containing an hundred morall Emblemes .

First penned in French by Guillaume de la Perriere , and translated into English by THOMAS COMBE .

LONDON , Printed by Richard Field . 1614.

TO THE HIGH AND MIGHTY PRINCESSE , Ladie Marguerite of France , Queene of Nauarre , and the onely sister of the most Christian King of France .

SEneca the Philosopher ( to whome without controuersie , the learned among the Latines gaue the preheminence for morall Philosophie ) saith in fewe words , but full of substance , that Fortune is neuer at rest ; and further , that she vseth not to giue ioy without sadnesse , sweete without sowre , rest without labour , honour without enuie , and generally no felicitie without his contrary : the which now I perceiue to be verified in my selfe . For whereas shee hath giuen me occasion of ioy in offering mee an oportunity to shew my dutifull reuerence to your royall Maiestie , and also to our famous Citie , by your happy approach thither : thereby she hath made me sad and melancholious , in that she hath so much hastened your said coming , that I had not the leisure to prepare and file these hundred morall Emblemes , accompanied with an hundred staues of verses , expositors of the same : the which in their first inuention ( such as they are ) I dedicate to your most excellent Maiestie . But that your Maiestie may not blame me , in that ( following the errour of the Gentiles and Ethnickes ) I attribute to Fortune that which ( as a Christian writing to a Christian Princesse ) I ought to attribute to Gods prouidence : I say therefore , that your said happy comming depended not any whit vpon fortune , but ( euen as do all other humane actions ) onely vpon Gods prouidence , who ( as it is necessary to beleeue ) doth all things for the best : and that consequently your sayd coming hath not bene to me hastie , but for the best . Wherefore considering the precedent with my selfe , I do presume humbly to present vnto your Maiestie my said Emblemes , although they haue attained but to halfe the number that I intended ; beseeching your Maiestie to receiue them ( such as they are ) according to your accustomed benignitie , and that with so good a will as they are by me your poore seruant offered and presented . Moreouer ( Madame ) it is not onely in our time that Emblemes are in account and singular regard , but it hath bene of ancient times and almost from the beginning of the world : for the Egyptians ( which thinke themselues to be the first people of the world ) before the vse of letters , wrote by figures & images , as well of men , beasts , fowles , and fishes , as of serpents , thereby expressing their intentions , as is written by most ancient authors , Chaeremon , Orus , Apollo , and the like , which haue laboured diligently and curiously to expound the saide hieroglyphicall figures : whereof likewise Lucan maketh mention in his Pharsalie , and Polyphile the author of the Moderns , in the description of his dreame , Clius Rhodiginus in his commentaries of the ancient readings . Alciat hath likewise in our time set out certaine Emblemes , and adorned them with Latine verses . And I ( imitating these abouesaid ) esteem the time wel bestowed , which I employed in the deuising & beautifying of these saide Emblemes : and I shall think my selfe most happy , if the reading herof may yeeld you any honest recreation : praying God ( most noble Princesse ) that he will send you long life and euerlasting happinesse .

Your humble seruant , Guillaume de la Perriere .

To the Reader .

THe more ( gentle Reader ) the conceipt is pierced with the substance and life of that which anie way is obiected , the more wee endeuour to embrace or eschue the good or euill the obiect or subiect proposeth . So that where oftentimes feeling and effectuall words , though neuer so sensible , do passe the Reader without due consideration , pictures that especially are discerned by the sense , are such helps to the weaknes of common vnderstandings , that they make words as it were deedes , and set the whole substance of that which is offered , before the sight and conceipt of the Reader . Therefore for instruction sake is his labour worthilie bestowed , that vndertooke and accomplished the Translation of this booke : contayning precepts and rebukes to our behauiours .

Wherein if the verse be any thing obscure , the Impreses or pictures make it more liuely , and in a manner actuall . For the credite and acceptation of it , let the estimation which it had in the French suffise to grace and commend it Englished : being dedicated vnto the Queene of Nauarre , whose dignity should not haue bene presented with a worke of any small value . Which suppositions and authorities though they make it nothing the better , yet serue they verie worthily to moue thy desire to the triall of the Contents , both by seeing and reading them . Wherein let not the common conceipts of the world withdrawe thy minde , which hateth anything that is bitter , to their flattering delightes : but mooued with thine owne profite , and helpe of thy better part , requite the Translatours paines in reading and obseruing , and thou shalt double his deserts in thine owne profite .

EMBLEME I. According to the time forepast , Be wisely warned at the last .

Ianus is figur'd with a double face , To note at once the time to come and past . So should the wise obserue the passed space . As they may well foresee a chance at last , And with such prouidence direct this race , That in their thoughts both times be euer plaste : Embracing vertue then in euery thing , Themselues to rest and quiet peace shall bring

EMBLEME II. Ven'rie and drinke do now and then Besot some of the wisest men .

We reade when Bacchus faire dame Venus met , They two together walked forth in chase , Forthwith their engines and their snares they set T' intrap the next that should come in the place : And straight Minerua taken in the net , Was holden prisoner in a wofull case . By which is shewne , as we may plaine perceiue That wine and women wisest folke deceiue .

EMBLEME III. Who doth presume aboue his state , Doth still incurre the greater hate .

Thou that in Court doest spend thy merry daies , Sport not with Princes , if that thou be wise : For he that with his owne superiour playes , Shall finde great perils thereof to arise . Meddle with thy match , the antient prouerbe saies On equall play-fellowes no danger lyes . He that presumes to shaue the Lyons skin , Full little knowes what danger he is in .

EMBLEME IIII. In pleasures vaine no time bestow , Lest it procure your ouerthrow .

The Flie so often to the milke pan vseth , That in sweete milke at last her death she taketh : The foole delights in pleasures that he chuseth , So long vntill his ruine he awaketh . But happie he , who so in time refuseth , And all vaine fancies vtterly forsaketh . Such one with heed , and graue & good instruction , Doth wisely shun his perill and destruction .

EMBLEME LV. One bird in hand is better farre , Then three which in the hedges are .

Who doth expect the bals vncertaine bound , And quite permit the certaine flight go by , A player bad at tennis he is found , And gets but seldome any good thereby . So some neglect the true and perfect ground , And for vaine hope do wander quite awry : That with fond enterprises and vaine glory . With diuers troubles haue themselues made sory

EMBLEME VI. Most men do vse some colour'd shift . For to conceal their craftie drift .

Masks will be more hereafter in request , And grow more deare than they did heretofore : They seru'd then onely but in play and iest , For merriment , and to no purpose more : Now be they vsde in earnest of the best , And of such Maskers there abound such store . That you shall finde but few in any place , That carrie not sometimes a double face .

EMBLEME VII . He that doth loue to liue at case . An angry man must not displease .

Who will with sword be foding of the fire , Must looke to haue the sparks flie in his face : They that delight with speech as sharpe as brire To choler others with an humour base , Vnlooked for perhaps shall finde retire , Wordes or else deeds , vnto their owne disgrace . He that will stirre the angry man that s still , Assure himselfe , his hands shall quickly fill .

EMBLEME VIII . It were a foolish senslesse part , With griefe and care to eate thy heart .

The wise Pythagoras hath euer taught , Man should not eat vp his owne proper heart , Nor as a stranger to himselfe be brought To waste his life with sorrow and with smart ; But so himselfe to temper still he ought , That woes and cares may vanish from each part : Sith nothing hinders more a mans wel-fare , Then lingring sorrow , heauinesse and care .

EMBLEME IX . There be some fooles the cords do spin , Wherein themselues be netted in .

Who striues to set a narrow ring and straight Vpon his finger , which too grosse he finds , Like to the foole that bytes at eu'ry bayt , Himselfe with his owne folly often binds . While for felicity some thinke they wait , They fall in bondages of diuerse kinds : But wise men vse their fortitude to shunne Such seruitudes as fooles into doe runne .

EMBLEME X. Vse iustice still with due regard , Respect no person nor reward .

The Prouerb saith , a man must neuer passe Nor peize his ballance with vnequall weights ; As once in Rome a happie custome was , Where equity maintained without sleights , And iustice was the Monarks looking glasse , Till auarice possessed their conceits : Then ciuill discord set their hearts at warre , And caused each man his owne good to marre .

EMBLEME XI . Try well thy friend before thou trust , Lest he do leaue thee in the dust .

Ioin hands with none , nor make of him thy friend Whom first thou hast not proued well and tride : His faith may fleete and saile thee in the end , Whose bad conditions were not first descryde . Know well his life and manners ere thou lend Or giue him trust , if trust in him abide : For he that makes a friend of euery stranger , Discards him not againe without some danger .

EMBLEME XII . Nothing can temper yong mens rage , Till they be tamed with old age .

Youth is too hote , and voyd of care and dread ; The aged cold , and full of doubts and feares : Youth casts no dangers in his hastie head , Where age with foresight warily forbeares . Youth into needlesse quarrels soone is led . Till oft the markes of his owne rod he weares : And then he learns to change the course he run , When he hath seen & known what age hath dun .

EMBLEME XIII . Vnhappie be some that be wise , And fooles sometime to honor rise .

In Thessalie their Asses there be kept With speciall care , faire , plumbe , smooth , fat & ful , Their mangers fild , their stables cleanly swept , Though they be grosse , & thogh their pace be dul So many times sots haue to honour leapt , When wiser men haue had a colder pull . If Asses haue such lucke , what should I say ? Let schollers burn their books , and go to play .

EMBLEME XIIII . In friends this difference sole is tryde , True friends stand fast , the fained slode .

False faith is ouer-peisd with smallest weight , The ballance yeelds vnto the lightest fether : The fained guest will quickly change conceit , And in a trice will hither turne and thither . But the sound friend will neuer sound retreit , Nor stoope his sailes for any force of weather , But constantly his friendship stil doth last , And shine the clearer in the bitter blast .

EMBLEME XV. He that infinenesse would excell , Oft marres the worke before was well .

The Painter that with curious hand and eye , Is ouer-mending euery little line , With to much cunning bringeth all awrye , And marres the worke that was before more fine . So some there be thinking to soare so high , With piercing insearch of things most diuine , That fall so far from knowing that they sought , They do not know themselues so as they ought .

EMBLEME XVI . Search for strange monsters farre or wide , None like the woman wants her guide .

Great monsters mentioned are in stories found , As was Chymera of a shape most wondrous , Girion , Pithon , Cerb'rus that hel hound , Hydra , Medusa , with their heads most hideous , Satyres and Centaures ; all these same were found In bodies strange , deformed and prodigious : Yet none more maruellous in stories read , Then is a woman if she want a head .

EMBLEME XVII . They that want knowledge , do despise The vertues honoured of the wise .

The dirty Swine delights more in the mire , Then in sweete balmes that are of costly price . Some men likewise there be , that do desire , Rather then vertue for to follow vice . The blockish idiots learning none require , But hate euen those that are by nature wise : And hoggish fooles at learning will repine , So long as puddle shall delight the swine .

EMBLEME XVIII . Within this picture are displaid , The beauties of a woman stayd .

This picture here doth liuely represent The beauties that may best make women proud ; First by the Tortesse at her feete is meant , She must not gad , but learne at home to shrowd ; Her finger to her lip is vpward bent , To signifie she should not be too lowd : The key doth note , she must haue care to guide The goods her husband doth with pain prouide .

EMBLEME XIX . No man reapes the pleasant graine , But with trauell and with paine .

Out of the thornie and the pricking stem , Riseth the dainty , sweetly smelling rose : Labour and care all pleasures do in hem , And all the wayes of profit do foreclose . Who seekes of knowledge the most precious gem , Must ouer-tosse full many a wearie glose ; And through such prickles he that rose shal gain That many seekes , and very few attaine ,

EMBLEME XX. They that follow fortunes guiding , Blindly fall with often sliding .

You blinded folkes by Fortune set on hye , Consider she is darke as well as ye , And if your guide do want the light of eye , You needs must fall , it can none other be . When blind do leade the blind , they both do lye In ditch , the Prouerbe saith , and we do see : And those that trust to fortunes turning wheele , When they feare least , their fall shall soonest feele .

EMBLEME XXI . An hypocrite is noted still , By speaking faire , and doing ill .

Who beares a sword with honie ouer-spread , May well be tearmed as an hypocrite , That hides the doings of his craftie head , With shew of sweetnes yeelding false delight ; Nath'lesse at last he is discouered , When wisedome brings his subtilties to light , And though his sword be sharp , & cut & prick , A little Bee shall sting him to the quicke .

EMBLEME XXII . A Prince can haue no better part , Then Foxes wit and Lions heart .

The Lyon is of nature stout and strong , Of courage bold , whose fiercenes none can tame ; The craftie Foxe all other beasts among , For subtill policies doth beare the name . So to that Prince those gifts do chiefe belong , That here on earth would purchase endles fame : He like these two must frame his manners fit , For strength a Lion , and a Foxe for wit .

EMBLEME XXIII . No man his minde should euer set , To hope for that he cannot get .

Oft time when fishers plucke their nets to land , And make great boast what fishes they shall get , By hap a Scorpion being there at hand , Comes vp alone inclosed in the net . So in conceit some haue great wonders scand , That durst presume strong Hercules to threat : But when they come to triall and to proofe , Themselues are those will stand most far aloofe .

EMBLEME XXIIII . All things out of order runne , That are without decorum done .

A gold ring set on snout of filthy swine , Great weapons worne by infants yong & greene ▪ The Rogue to brag and boast him with the fine , The foolish Asse that wise himselfe doth weene ▪ All these to order vtterly repine , And euermore to disagree are seene . To keepe decorum this good precept hold , Giue draffe to swine , to men the rings of gold .

EMBLEME XXV . No toile can last without his rest , In euery thing the meane is best .

The bow that 's drawn with ouer hardy strength , Is found more weake then it was felt before . By which we learne , we hurt our selues at length , The while we labour dayly more and more . For sloth corrupts & duls our might & strength ; But too much toyling breeds a greater sore , Consuming courage so beyond all measure , It reaues the body of his chiefest treasure .

EMBLEME XXVI . It is not good in peace or warre , To presse thine enemie too farre .

Beware of quarrels with the desp'rat men , That feare not death , nor weigh anothers life : Good conquerors will giue place now and then To those are vanquished in warlike strife , And let them flie with our pursuing ; when Perhaps they would else turne on them as rife . As did the Andebats in desp'rat wise Run on their enemies with hooded eyes .

EMBLEME XXVII . When death doth call vs at the doore , What ods betwixt the Prince and poore ?

Eu'n as the king , the whilst we play at Chesse , The other men in his subiection be , Vntill the mate be giuen without redresse , And then the king but like the rest we see ; And suffers with the little pawnes no lesse , Then if they had no difference in degree . So high and low , when pleaseth death to strike , The Prince , the poore , are laid in graues alike .

EMBLEME XXVIII . Fortunes blasts cannot preuaile , To ouerthrow dame Vertues saile .

As doth the Tortesse neither feare nor feele The idle stinging of the busie Bee ; For why his shell welnigh as hard as steele , Keepes him as safe within as safe may be : Eu'n so though Fortune on her wan'ring wheele , Turne vp and downe some men of high degree , Yet may a man with wisedome so prouide , To stand so sure , she shall not make him slide .

EMBLEME XXIX . We see it fall out now and then , The worser lucke the wiser men .

We see how Fortune sooner doth prouide For Robin Good-fellow and th' idle mate , Than such as greater labours do abide , Whose good desert she euermore doth hate ▪ In sleepers nets she powreth all her pride , To painfull persons she is still vngrate : She hunts about to make her best prouision , For fooles and dolts , & men of base condition .

EMBLEME XXX . There is no sweet within our powre , That is not sauced with some sowre .

They hurt their hand sometime that hope to gain , And plucke the rose from off the prickling tree ; For why , no pleasure is without some paine , The good and bad together mingled be : Faire weather waxeth sometime foule againe , And after foule faire weather oft we see . Wise men may note by gath'ring of this flowre , None reaps the sweet but he must tast the soure .

EMBLEME XXXI . Men should beware and take great heed , To hazard friends without great need .

Who strikes the anuill rudely with his blade , May hap to breake it with too little heed ▪ So he that vseth as a common trade , To presse his friend with too too much indeed , May chance to finde his curt'sie then to fade , When of the same he stands in greatest need . Thus much this Embleme in effect pretends , That ouer boldnes makes vs leese our friends .

EMBLEME XXXII . Great persons should not with their might , Oppresse the poorer , though they might .

Who notes the noble bird that doth command , All feathered fowles subiected to the skies , And hath the Eagles princely nature scand , Which doth disdaine to litigate with flies ; Hereby may weigh and wisely vnderstand , In base contention little honour lies . For he that striueth with th' inferiour sort , Shall with dishonour reape an ill report .

EMBLEME XXXIII . Meddle not with thy ouer-match . Lest thou thereby most hurt do catch .

He that with razor thinks to cut the flint , Doth vndertake a foolish fruitlesse paine , The tender edge making but little dint , Is soone rebated with the rockie graine . With mightie men t were better strife to stint , Than an vnequall quarrell to maintaine : Lest , as you see the razor with the stone , The hurt fall all to you , and they haue none .

EMBLEME XXXIIII . Some that in knowledge diue most deepe , Know least from hurt themselues to keepe .

The Nightingale hath such a daintie note , No other bird the harmonie can mend ; Sometimes to sing she straineth so her throte . That therewithall her song and life doth end . Eu'n so likewise some students do so dote , When others do their prose and verse commend , That to attaine vnto more perfect skill , With studying too hard themselues they kill .

EMBLEME XXXV . The way to pleasure is so plaine , To tread the paths few can refraine .

A labyrinth is framed with such art , The outmost entrance is both plaine and wide : But being entred , you shall finde each part , With such odde crooked turnes on euery side , And blind by-waies , you shall not for your heart Come out againe without a perfect guide . So to vaine pleasures it is ease to go , But to returne againe it is not so .

EMBLEME XXXVI . It s hard to change an old abuse , Wherein the heart hath taken vse .

Who thinks to change abuses waxen old , Is foule deceiued in his inward mind : For they do rather grow more manifold , And still ingender and increase their kind . It were a foolish thing to heare it told , That in a net a man hath caught the wind : For that s impossible to bring to passe , And so is this , both now and euer was .

EMBLEME XXXVII . Herein the chiefest cause is taught , For which the glasses first were wrought .

A woman should , and may well without pride , Looke in a looking glasse ; and if she find That she is faire , then must she so prouide To sute that beautie with so faire a mind . If she be blacke , then that default to hide With inward beautie of another kind . If women would do so , they were but asses That should dislike the vse of looking-glasses .

EMBLEME XXXVIII . Patience brings the minde to rest , And helps all troubles to digest .

The bird in cage restraind from libertie , For all her bondage ceasseth not to sing . But in the midst of all captiuitie , With songs some confort she her selfe doth bring . So when as men do stand in ieopardie , And feele that sorrowes do their senses sting , Yet must they striue to put all cares away , And make themselues as merry as they may .

EMBLEME XXXIX . To be a soldier good indeed , Must of a Captaine good proceed .

Suppose a heard of Buckes should go to warre , And by a lusty Lyon they were led : On th' other side , if that a Bucke compare To beare the standard as the Lyons head ; That onely Lyons force surpasseth farre , With those his Bucks , whose courage he hath bred . So valiant leaders cause faint cowards fight , A coward Captaine mars the soldiers might .

EMBLEME XL. Let honest truth be shield and guard , For hanging is the theeues reward .

When as strong theeues get offices in hand , And care not what by wrong they scrape and pul , The King doth winke , and will not vnderstand : But when he sees that they do once waxe full , He is content their dealing shall be scand , And their authority to disanull . When swelling sponge is crusht , it doth restore And yeeld the liquor it had drawne before .

EMBLEME XLI . From one t' another taunts do go , As doth a ball tost too and fro .

The bail flies backe to him that first did strike , In as great haste , with like great force of arme : So words for words , and blowes for blowes alike Men shall receiue , wher they bring good or harm . As merchats rich great wealth that scrape & pike , Whereby they sit at ease and lye full warme , Giue ownce for ownce , and like for like again : So for one mocke another still we gaine .

EMBLEME XLII . Simplicitie is of small price . And eu'n reputed for a vice .

In Princes courts we see it so fals out , The mildest persons are of least account : Such as be proud , are called braue men and stout , Whose lofty lookes do other men surmount ; They that can cog and foist with all the rour , Are still in prise , and do most praise amount . The simple man is like ( as in these shapes ) A silly Asse amongst a sort of Apes .

EMBLEME XLIII . When one meane failes , then by and by , Another meane we ought to try .

When winds do stifly beate against the saile , Yet Galleys may by the maine force of ore , So much against the spite of winds preuaile , To come with safety to the merry shore . What if one meane or purpose hap to faile , Is that a reason we should trie no more ? This will not serue , what though ? that may be good : Is there no way but one vnto the wood ?

EMBLEME XLIIII . When warres and troubles most molest , The wicked persons prosper best .

To fish for Eeles , they say that haue the skill , Best be the troubled waters and the muddie : So they that take delight in doing ill , To trouble first the state is all their studie ; Then can they best compasse their wicked will , And get most profit when the times be bloudy . Iustice in force , peaceable times and quiet Fits not their fishing , nor can serue their diet .

EMBLEME XLV . Beware of fained flattering showes , For none are worse then friendly foes .

False flatterers are worse then greedie crowes : Crowes onely feed on things that we reiect , The flatterers do oft deuowre those , That are aliue , when least they do suspect . And when they make their fairest glosing shoes , And seeme most soundly friendship to affect , Then suddenly , and ere a man is ware . He is beguil'd and falleth in their snare .

EMBLEME XLVI . The learned liue but poore and bare , When fooles be rich and better fare .

Who giues an asse the bone , a dog the hay , May well be thought an vnwise man I trow : Yet such disorder waxeth now aday , Men care not how their gifts they do bestow . Fooles are set vp in offices most gay , The wiser men come downe and sit below . And now affection reason so doth smother , Men giue to one what doth belong t' another .

EMBLEME XLVII . The child procures his parents ruth , That is not chastis'd in his youth .

The Ape embracing of her yong one hard , Sometimes doth kill it with her being kind . So many parents haue their children mard , When with fond loue and with affection blind , They cannot chastise them with due regard , That in their childhood be not well inclin'd . For when they be growne vp to state of men , They are past mending and correcting then .

EMBLEME XLVIII . Disguised things may seeme most strange , But nature seeld is seene to change .

Bacchus cannot himselfe so well disguise , By clapping on his backe a Lyons skin , But that his flagon and his bolle descries , It is no Hercules that is within . So though a foole haue shew of being wise , By hoarie head , or by a bearded chin : Yet by his talke a man may quickly know , Whether he be discreete indeed or no.

EMBLEME XLIX . The rich men sinne and feare no lawes , When poore are punisht for light cause .

The Spider with her web of rare inuention , Lies close in waite to catch the silly flies ; But with the wasp she dares not moue contention , Whose force the weakenesse of her web vnties . So rich men now against all good intention , Withstand good laws , whose weight on poore men lies , And like the wasp that rends the web in sunder , They rule those laws that meaner men are vnder

EMBLEME L. Malicious fooles worke most disgrace , When they are set in highest place .

Who giues him wine a feauer doth possesse , Augmenteth more the patients present griefe : Wine causeth heate the feauer doth no lesse , Which needs must yeeld the sick but smal reliefe . Eu'n so that Prince doth little skill professe , That sets a foole aloft in office chiefe , Whereas his malice he may best reueale , And do most hurt vnto the common weale .

EMBLEME LI. After youth in trauell spent , Let age be with her home content .

The painfull Pilgrime in his later daies : Without his leaning staffe that cannot stand , Forsaking wife and children goes his waies , To seeke old relicks in a new found land ; Accounting it worth most especiall praise , To tell what iourneyes he hath tane in hand : When he should cut those wings if he did well , And like the Tortesse keepe him in his shell .

EMBLEME LII . With diligence we ought to wayt , To flie the snares of false deceit .

The Eagle then laments her death too late , When as the shaft hath pierced through her brest , Who was selfe cause of such vnluckie fate , By meanes the stem with her own quill was drest . Some men to ill are so predestinate , That though no hurt by others is profest , They wrong themselues by lack of taking heed , And are chiefe cause of their owne euill speed .

EMBLEME LIII . The liues of Princes lewdly led , About the world are soonest spred .

Each little spot appeares more in the face , Than any blemish in the corps beside : The face is plainly seene in euery place , When clothes the carkasse secretly do hide . By which we note , that in a Princes grace . A fault seemes greater and is sonner spide , Than in some man of base and low degree : As in fine cloth the brightest staines we see .

EMBLEME LIIII . The Prince that would beware of harme , Must stop his eares to flatterers charme .

When the wise birder meaneth to intrap The foolish birds within his craftie traine , That he may get more of them at a clap , With prettie pipe his voice he learnes to faine . So flatterers do not display the map Of all their drifts in termes and speches plaine , But with sweet words they couer their deceit , Lest princes should perceiue & shun their bait .

EMBLEME LV. Wit can do with little paine , That strength alone cannot attaine .

A man by force and strength cannot attaine , That which by staid discretion soone is wonne : He that doth pull the taile with might and maine , For all his force hath not so quickly done , The other haire by haire with little paine , In lesser time a better threed hath sponne . Lo here the ods betweene the wife mans pause , And hastinesse of foolish furious dawes .

EMBLEME LVI . More die with surfet at their boord , Then in the warres with dust of sword .

The glut'nous Rau'n deuours the venomd Snake , Which though at first seemes pleasant to his taste , When he doth feele his gorge with poison ake , He rues with death the meate he eat in haste . Hereby we note what heed we ought to take , Lest that we vse excesse in our repast : For gluttony doth more their deaths affoord , Then mightie Mars with his two edged sword .

EMBLEME LIII . The liues of Princes lewdly led , About the world are soonest spred .

Each little spot appeares more in the face , Than any blemish in the corps beside : The face is plainly seene in euery place , When clothes the carkasse secretly do hide . By which we note , that in a Princes grace . A fault seemes greater and is sooner spide , Than in some man of base and low degree : As in fine cloth the brightest staines we see .

EMBLEME LIIII . The Prince that would beware of harme , Must stop his eares to flatterers charme .

EMBLEME LVII . He that is prowdest of good hap , Sorrow fals soonest in his lap .

Iupiter , as the learned Homer writes , Mingleth the good and bad in such a sort , That men obtaine not pleasures and delights , Without some paine to waite vpon the sport . No man with labour wearieth so his sprights , But of some ease withall he may report : Nor no man yet hath euer bene so glad , But he hath had a time to be as sad .

EMBLEME LVIII Vaine hope doth oft a man allure , A needlesse bondage to endure .

Who so to bondage will himselfe submit , And yet hath libertie to liue at will , Is like a Lyon when he doth permit A simple man with threed to hold him still . Some are such fooles , that while in court they sit , And waste their time and all their riches spill : Yet will they stay , although they do not need , And not escape when they may break the threed .

EMBLEME LIX . He that to thrift his mind would frame , Must not delight to follow game .

It is no time to sit still then at play , When as the house doth burne about our eares , Who were in flames , and would not run away , Were wondrous stout , or very void of feares . But wisedome bids vs shorten long delay , And to preuent the cause of future teares : Sith if too farre we suffer dangers rome , T is long againe ere they be ouercome .

EMBLEME LX. A man of courage and of spright , No foolish threatning can affright .

Who thinks to feare the Lyon with a maske , May proue conclusions , but preuaile no whit : For why , his force a stouter strength doth aske , Ere that his courage can be quaild with it . So some we see do set their tongues to taske , And with great words that run beyond their wit ▪ They thinke to conquer hardie men and stout , That of vaine brags do neither dread nor doubt .

EMBLEME LXI . The man whose conscience is vnpure , In his owne mind he is not sure .

The wicked man whose faults are manifest , Seemes like the Hare still full of feare and dread He dares not sleepe nor take his quiet rest , For doubt before some Iustice to be led . The honest life who leades is better blest : He euermore secure may keepe his bed , The while the wicked studie and deuise , Like fearefull Hares to sleepe with open eyes .

EMBLEME LXII . Where Cupid list to play the knaue , He makes the Asse to brag and braue .

When Cupids stroke tickles the inward vaines , Oh what a power he hath to change the mind ! He makes the niggard carelesse of his gaines , The clowne a Courtier , and the currish kind . Briefly , his wondrous graces where he raignes , In Cymon ou● of Boccas you may find ; The little lad , his Lute can finger so , Would make an Asse to turne vpon the toe .

EMBLEME LXIII . It is a point of no small cunning , To catch Occasion at her coming .

Behold Occasion drawne before your eies , As though she still were fleeting on her waies , Which image so Lisippus did deuise , With knife in hand to cut off long delayes . Her locks before bids hold ere that she flies , Her wings do shew she can abide no staies : And by her bald she tels vs at the last , There is no hold behind when she is past .

EMBLEME LXIIII. The praise of beauty is but small , Where vertue is not ioynd withall .

By mens proportions we can hardly guesse , Or know precisely whether they haue wit : For who can tell what graces they possesse , Although their members out of order sit ? Some heads are great , and some againe be lesse , That to their bodies do not aptly fit : Yet not proportion nor the bodies stature , But education setteth foorth the nature .

EMBLEME LXV . The fairest shape of th' outward part , Shewes not the vertues of the heart .

The stately Cypresse in his outward show , Is straight and tall , in colour fresh and greene ; Yet on the same no wholesome fruit doth grow , Or that to serue for nourishment is seene . In such bare titles many men do flow , That in their liues but barren still haue bene : Who in experience well may seeme to sute The Cypres tree that yeelds no wholsom fruite .

EMBLEME LXVI . Annoint the Lawyer in his fist , And he shall pleade eu'n what you list .

Some Lawyers waxe so deafe they cannot heare , Or at the least they cannot vnderstand , Except your money do so plaine appeare , That palpably they feele it in their hand . Giue right or wrong , your case they say is cleare ; As you would haue it , so it shall be scand . When double fees do walke , and money flees , A man would think their hands were ful of eies .

EMBLEME LXVII . Let fire or sword their choler wreake , A constant heart can nothing breake .

Like to the Stith I count the constant hart : The Stith endures the heauie hammers beat , And doth not shrinke nor yeeld in any part ▪ Though smiths lay on & thump it till they sweat . Eu'n so should men in chances ouerthwart , When paines increase & fortune seemes to threat , Yet in their course with constant purpose run , And still persist till they haue honour wonne .

EMBLEME LXVIII . When youth is in his flowring prime , He cares not how he passe his time .

Redeeme the time , time dearer is then gold , And time once gone can neuer be reclaimed , He need begin betimes that would grow old , If time be lost , our life is likewise maimed . Yet greene yong heads disdaining to be told , As though more priuiledge of yeres they claimed , Do seem to pul the weights with all their sway , And waste their time , and haste their dying day .

EMBLEME LXIX . He that himselfe is void of wit , In a wise man despiseth it .

Some say , the Camell will not stoope to drinke , Till he hath first defil'd it with his feete . So in our time rude people vse to thinke , That perfect eloquence is most vnmeete : In whose dull heads this reason will not sinke , That eloquence should proue a thing so sweete ; Such is their folly , and their sense so blind , They count this gift but of the basest kind .

EMBLEME LXX . Greedie gaping after gaine , Will make a man take any paine .

The hope for gaine , and thirst for worldly goods Compels a man to venture rocks and seas : Neither can waters deepe , nor raging floods , Cause any kind of perils to displease : Men scrape out goods out of the myrie muds , For lucres sake , all labours seeme but ease : And to prouide themselues of things they lack , There be wil swim with burdens on their back .

EMBLEME LXXI . There is nothing can be more deere , Than Time , if we could keepe it heere .

The fleeting time doth quickly steale away , Which once let passe , returneth not againe , Therefore t is good to take Time while we may , Lest afterward we rue our losse in vaine : Time tarrieth none , the Prouerbe old doth say , Then vse it well the while it doth remaine : For those that leade their liues in belly-cheare , Do leese their time , of al things else most deare .

EMBLEME LXXII . In time all things shall be reuealed , That are most secretly concealed .

Greene fruits and floures do ripen by the Sunne , Whose raies bring forth their beautie and their smel : Eu'n so when youth with time is ouer-run , Though it were greene , and though it often fell , Yet riper yeares will mend all errors done , And make men liue more vertuously and well : And time doth change and alter mens behauior , As by the Sunne the flowers mend their sauor .

EMBLEME LXXIII . A traitor and a flattering friend , Say that they neuer do intend .

The flatterers and traitors both be such , That with their words their thoughts do not agree . For till iust triall bring them to the tuch , They seeme in shew most faithfull friends to bee : But little will they do , professing much ; And inwardly from friendship they do flee ; Who when their heart behind they do conuay , They beare in hand their tongue another way .

EMBLEME LXXIIII . With some light thing when thou needs must , Trie thou thy friend before thou trust .

We proue at first if that a pot will hold , With water , not with wine of any kind , To th' end the losse the lesse we may behold , If in the bottome any hole we find . So ere to trust a stranger ye waxe bold , Tell him the lightest secret of your mind , Whereof small danger growes another day , If he againe your secret should bewray .

EMBLEME LXXV . Reason bids vs haue a care , That others harmes make vs beware .

In Affrica if Lions hanged there , Do terrifie the rest that them behold , Why do not theeues and robbers likewise feare , That still commit most wicked acts for gold ? And Magistrates that such great office beare , By like examples feare to be too bold : For they may know , except they do amend , By such lewd liuing they may haue like end .

EMBLEME LXXVI . We purchase nothing by our play , But beggery and our decay .

They that do vse to hazard much at play . And venture all their substance at a cast , Do often fall into so great decay , That they become meere beggers at the last : And then on others they are faine to pray , Or liue of spoile , and others goods to wast ; When as their owne before with better thrift , Would well haue seru'd their turn at eu'ry shift .

EMBLEME LXXVII . All those that loue do fancie most , But lose their labour and their cost .

Fond loue is chiefly likened to a siue , In which the more you poure the water in , The more is spilt , by letting thorow driue , And you no neare then when you first begin . Eu'n so for loue when yong men frankly giue , Till oft they leaue themselues not worth a pin : When all is spent , and they liue by the losse , They turne againe at last by weeping crosse .

EMBLEME LXXVIII . A woman is of such a kind , That nothing can content her mind .

Who so a ship would vndertake to store , And furnish her with all that she doth lacke : He needs to haue his purse well lin'd before , And shall find worke enough to hold him tacke . Yet women are as chargeable , or more , Who still are wanting one or other knacke : So that who would be troubled all his life , May bost be troubled with a ship or wife .

EMBLEME LXXIX . A thousand dangers dayly grow , Of foolish Loue , as louers know .

Alas that men should follow Venus trace , And take delight to play on Cupids bits , Who casteth downe from high estate to base , And makes men counted wise , to leese their wits . None but vnhappy wretches void of grace , Do euer fall into such franticke fits : Vpon repentance fire he puts the Still And blowes the coles , where nought but teares distill .

EMBLEME LXXX . The fruite of loue is very strange , It hath so many kinds of change .

The fruits of Loue are diuers in effect , Some good , some bad , some withered , some are , greene , Some sweet , some soure , som wholsom , som infect , And some are secret , some are plainely seene : Now in regard ; to morrow quite reiect : Oft in prosperitie ; and then in teene : They change as often , and do alter soone , Eu'n as vnconstant as we see the Moone .

EMBLEME LXXXI . In all his stockes blind Loue doth set The graffes of griefe , our hearts to fret .

If any man a perfect Gardiner lacks . Here shall he find one of no common skill , For sundry graffes , for knots and prettie knacks , He neuer will be idle by his will . What euer he doth set or sow , will waxe , And all your stocks with some plants he will fill : But with the rest he graffeth alwaies chiefe , The choaking peare of anguish and of griefe .

EMBLEME LXXXII . Vngratefull men breed great offence , As persons void of wit or sence .

The Oke doth suffer the yong Ivie wind Vp by his sides , till it be got on hie : But being got aloft , it so doth bind , It kils the stocke that it was raised by . So some proue so vnthankfull and vnkind To those on whom they chiefly do rely , By whom they first were called to their state , They be the first ( I say ) giue them the mate .

EMBLEME LXXXIII . It is a point of great foresight , Into our selues to looke aright .

We reade how in Phoenicia long ago , The people raisd this figure vpon hie , Whereas the same might make the fairest show , And men obserue what it did signifie . The Serpent in a circle painted so , Thus much doth teach to vnderstand thereby , That in the world there is no greater art , Then man to know himselfe in euery part .

EMBLEME LXXXIIII . On others some presume to pray , And fall themselues into decay .

The Faulcon sometime greedie of her pray , Finds her owne foote fast tide vnto the tree : So are there some lay waite on others way , That are themselues the first that harmed bee . Who digs a pit for other mens decay , May fall therein himselfe we often see , And feele the plagues in his own person then , Which he ordaind to punish other men .

EMBLEME LXXXV . Who labours that to bring to passe , That cannot be , is but an asse .

The cannon charg'd with lesse then doth behoue , The heauie bullet farre off cannot throw ▪ And none hath seene the weighty windmil moue If one but with a paire of bellowes blow . This shewes we should in euery action proue With due proportion how each thing should go ▪ As wise men neuer will attempt the thing , That first they know to passe they cannot bring .

EMBLEME LXXXVI . The Prelates life should shine as cleare , As lampe on mountaine doth appeare .

The Prelates vertues ought to shine so bright , As doth a lampe set on a mountaine hie , From whose good deeds should issue such a light That other men might see and walke thereby . Through his example when it is not right , The silly people oft do walke awry ; And then the Lord whose vengeance none withstands The bloud of those requireth at his hands .

EMBLEME LXXXVII . In euery thing aduise you first : Take the best , and leaue the worst .

In Poets pamphlets fables fond we find , Yet in those fables wisedome they inuent ; The morall still hath sense of other kind , How ere the verse do colour their intent : But to the letter who himselfe doth bind , May misse the matter that therein is meant : As vnder leaues that hang on crooked vines , Lie hid sweet grapes that make the costly wines .

EMBLEME LXXXVIII . No surety in a womans minde , Her fancie changeth with the winde .

A womans constancy is euen as sure , As if one held an Eele fast by the raile , Her faith nor loue do neuer long endure , But fleete away as Sunne doth melt the haile : As many authors , Greeke and Latine pure , Haue left in writing for out more auaile , That womens words mens cares do so delight , They make them oft beleeue the crow is white .

EMBLEME LXXXIX . No shade of enuy can obscure , The light of vertue shining pure .

When as the Sunne stands iust aboue the head , The bodie shewes but short and slender shade ; Eu'n so when vertue her bright beames doth spred The smoke of enuy soone away doth fade . Vertue doth make men liue when they be dead , Though enuy brag , & thogh she draw her blade , In spite thereof yet vertuous men shall gaine Honour and praise , for euer to remaine .

EMBLEME XC . A worde once spoken though in vaine , It cannot be recald againe .

It is too late to catch the bird againe , That once hath bid her keepers hand adue : So when a man le ts slip a word in vaine , His speech once past is not recald anew ; For words will flie from mouth to mouth amaine Whereof great quarrels oftentimes ensue . Therefore be wise , and in your speech preuent , To speak such words as you may chance repent .

EMBLEME XCI . None waxe more proud we lightly see , Then beggers raisd to high degree .

Bucephalus was then in chiefest pride ▪ When he had felt rich armour on his backe , And onely Alexander him might ride , When no man else could hold him any tacke . Hereby we note a ahing that oft is tride , How such as are but base and in great lacke , When to new honor by good hap they grow , Their old acquaintance they disdaine to know .

EMBLEME XC . Loue and feare are chiefest things , That stablish Scepters vnto kings .

A Prince that would his fame should stil increase , And honour to resound in euery place , He shall assure his Scepter with more ease , If that his subiects loue and feare his face . A Dog and Hare two enemies to peace , One loues , the other feareth in like case : Yet better peace to Princes neuer springs , Then when like Dogs and Hares men serue their kings .

EMBLEME XCIII . He that would loade a happie life , For vertue let him chuse his wife .

Some do not care how nor with whom they linke , If fading beauty please their wanton eye : Others so they be fingring of the chinke , Care not how soone their hand be in the pie ; But a wise man doth warily forethinke , That both those courses run too farre awrie : That this nor that , is neither here nor there , The chiefest choice is chusing by the eare .

EMBLEME XCIIII . No kind of friend will longer stay , When riches once are gone away .

The lyce do shun the place where they were bred When life to leaue the carkasse they do find : So when mens fortune failes and waxeth dead , And when their wealth and riches do vnwind , We see the flatterers away are fled , From those to whom the same were earst inclind . This shewes that in aduersity and need , T is hard to finde a trustie friend indeed .

EMBLEME XCV . When thou for ayd to God dost pray , To helpe thy selfe thou must assay .

When thou shalt trauell on the tedious way , And see thy Asse fall loden in the mire , First for the helpe of God prepare to pray , That succours all that do his helpe require ; But in the meane time ceasse not to assay , With thy owne hands to draw him from the mire . For he that would the helpe of God attaine , To helpe himselfe must take a little paine .

EMBLEME XCVI . A wanton woman and a light , Will not be tam'd by art nor might .

With greater ease the Dolphin is restrained , Then wanton women bridled of their will , Who from their purpose cannot be constrained . They are so full of craft and subtill skill : Wel may they boast what guerdon they haue gained , That can subiect their wiues vnto their will ; For oft the ayer of a womans smocke , Withstands alone the bonds of chast wedlock .

EMBLEME XCVII . Constancie hath most renowne , When crosses most do beate vs downe .

The more that Saffron troden is with feete , The more it still doth flourish on the ground : So when with troubles vertuous minds do meet , The more opprest , the stronger they be found . Where vertue is , there may we plainest see 't , In those whom cares & woes do compasse round : And when aduersity doth most assaile , By striuing then aloft to beare their saile .

EMBLEME XCVIII . Who so to studie doth incline , The hardest wit it shall refine .

Though childrens wit be not so ripe and quicke , As vnto others nature doth impart , Paine wil helpe out where nature seemes to stick , And they great maisters made of many an art ; Eu'n as the Beare doth into fashion licke , The lump she laid without proportiond part ; For man is made againe by reasons helpe , As is new moulded the mis-shapen whelpe .

EMBLEME XCIX . When some thinke most themselues in peace , Their dangers oft do most increase .

When Hercles had ordaind to take his rest , And from his former labours him withdrew , Hydra that monstrous seuen-headed beast Against him came , his troubles to renew . Euen so when vertue hath her hire possest , And once attained vnto honour due , Some chance or other by fowle enuy growes , And still new troubles and new trauels sowes .

EMBLEME C. The hand that idlenesse detests , Doth hoord the money in the chests .

Behold how Diligence as she were wroth , Sits in her charriot with a scourge in hand , And whippeth Idlenesse now for her sloth , That of her need before time had not scand : The little Ants take paines and draw them both , Which giues vs this thereby to vnderstand , That lest we labour with the little Ant , We still are like to liue in wo and want .