[Chaucer newly painted] [by William Painter].

CHAVCER new Painted . BY WILLIAM PAINTER . IN Christmas time I needs abroad would walke , Desirous for to heare some merry talke : It was my chance to meet a merry Crew , And what their talke was I will heare tell you . Some tales and iests they had which I le omit , Because they nothing to my purpose fit : But all the ancient Prouerbs that I well Remember , I will truly to you tell . Soone ripe soone rotten , the proverb doth say : And seldome seen , soone be forgotten may : Yet what in youth a man hath most in vre , The same to keepe till death hee shall bee sure . Therefore bend thou the Plant whilst it is young , Lest it in time doe wax for thee too strong ; For if it once vnto a tree doth growe , Thou maist it breake before thou shalt it bowe . Subiects and seruants neuer should withstand , But gladly doe what they haue in command : For why ? the Prouerbe saith : Better or worse , Bee alwaies rulde by them that beare the purse . In high affaires that doth surmount thy state , See that thou meddle not in any rate : For hee shall scarce himselfe from danger keepe , That doth awake a Lyon out of sleepe . Against thy King and Countrey plot none ill , For by some meanes it knowne be surely will ; Examples hereof every day appeares : Besides that , little Pitchers all haue eares . Thinke twise , then speak , the old Prouerbe doth say , Yet Fooles their bolts will quickely shoot away : And one of these two euills comes thereby , Their purse must pay for 't ; or say , tongue thou lye . And more at large the prouerbe this expresse , Which saith , That man which in his drunkennesse Doth kill a man , most commonly we see , When hee is sober , for it hang'd shall bee . Looke ere thou leape , the old prouerbe doth say ; For otherwise thou fall in the ditch may : Yea , you shall neuer any boulder finde To bee , then is old Byard that is blinde . 'T is dangerous to meddle with edg'd tooles : The prouerbe saith : therfore take heed when fooles Set stooles , that you thereat breake not your shins , For sure delay oft times great danger brings . The old prouerbe thus , long agoe did say : That time and tide for no man will not stay . Though Salomon were wise , and Sampson strong , They neither could their yeares one day prolong . Looke to the end before that thou begin , What thou thereby maist either lose or winne , For hast makes wast , the old prouerbe doth say : And praise at night the firenesse of the day . Hee that a Theefe doth from the gallowes 〈◊〉 By him some mischiefe shall be sure to hau●… 〈◊〉 But I thinke none that any 〈…〉 Will goe and take a madde Dogge 〈…〉 Wee see it daily , that both great and small , Will euer thrust the weakest to the wall : And this by proofe to speake I dare be bould , That hee that worst may shall the candle hold . Some euer will pinch on the Parsons side , And cut a large thong off their neighbours hide And where the Stile is troden and made low , There euery one will soonest ouer goe . If some men might but in authority be , Them cruell Tyrants euer you should see : But God to keepe poore silly beasts from harmes , Doth send a curst Cow euermore short hornes . There is one prouerbe that doth thus alledge , Some steal may better then some looke o're th' hedg : For lawes may bee to Spiders webs compar'd , Which Great flies breake , and small ones be in snar'd Goe not to law vnlesse thy cause be right , Especially against a man of might , For why ? the prouerbe saith , As one's befrended , Hee shall bee sure to haue his Action ended . Some men will euer ready haue at hand , An Oliuer for any other mans Rowland . And hee that such men sue shall at the law , May in the end perhaps to get a straw . Some e're their Chickens hatch be , count them will . To such the prouerbe plainely saith vntill , They that the reckoning make without their host , Most commonly their labour proueth lost . But fare and soft doth euer furthest goe , And a slow fire maketh sweet mault also : And hee that leaps e're hee the stile comes at , A broken shin surely hath often gat . The shortest horse you soonest curry may . Thus the old prouerbe long agoe did say . And they that faine would liue at peace and rest , Must heare and see and alwaies say the best . Let none reioyce in others griefe and paine : For why ? the prouerbe telleth to vs plaine : Hee that his neighbours house on fire doth see , Should of the sparkes take heed and carefull bee . By others losse who seeketh his owne gaine , And stormes , by any for to bee gainsaine , The prouerbe telleth vnto all such plaine , A worme that 's troad on sure will come againe . Hee that doth glory in his strength and might , That take no wrong will , nor will doe no right , That prouerbe fits , which saith , the P●…cher long Had to the wel , at length comes broken home . Some say , Hang sorrow , care will kill a Cat , And sorely euery Rogue hath learned that , For they will sweare , e're they will carry coales , Their feet shall fill vp eight of the nine holes . Some say , A bad scuse better then none is : But I an honest man once heard , say this : Finde Hares at any time that no Muces haue , And Knanes no scuses , and I le be a knaue . And one thing more I le tell you now in briefe . That Fish is said to finde but small reliefe , Which to auoide a danger doe desire , Leape forth the pan and fall into the fire . The old prouerbe did long agoe say this : That stopage no time any good law is : And further also the same prouerbe spake , That euen reckoning alwaies long friends make . Harm watch harm catch , the old prouerbe doth say , And that to passe comes almost euery day : For hee that striketh with the sword wee see , Shall with the scabbard stricken againe bee . When the Steed's stoln , they 'll lock the stable door , That scarce would euer put it too before : And Faulkners often say , had I but wist , I would haue kept my hauke still on my fist . There is a saying , Happy is that man , By others harmes that take a warning can : And to this purpose hath the prouerbe said , The burned child of fire is afraid . ●…ir words the prouerbe saith makes fooles too faine ●…d further saith , which I thinke is certaine , ●…is farre better for to haue one Torush 〈◊〉 hand , then two that sitteth in the bush . For any kindnesse thou hast done thy friend , Vpbraid him not although hee thee offend : For why ? the prouerbe saith , It is not fit , To giue one roast , and beat him with the spit . The greatest wonder , the old prouerbe saies , Did neuer yet endure aboue nine dayes ; I would that wrath and enuy were like it , That men in ten dayes could them quite forget . But wrath and enuy now is growne so rise , It dwell in house will with a man and wife : And one said , That doth deadliest hatred proue , That commeth from the quenched coales of loue . One that offended was I did heare say , Th' offender in his Pater noster may Perhaps to come ; but did protest indeed , That hee should neuer come into his Creed . I le tell you what I heard say of malice , That hee a very good Informer is , But no way fitting for to make a Iudge . Whereat I crowe he did no little grudge . Some will be angry ere they haue a touch , Yet the old Prouerb plainly teacheth such , Hee that is angry when none offends , Againe must pleased be without amends . And some doe thinke how euer he offends , If he doe pardon craue he makes amends : But the old Prouerb sayes it small relieue , To breake ones head , and then a plaister giue . When for offences any sorrowfull be , Adde not a torment to a misery , But comfort yeeld the penitent and humble , For men say that 's a good horse that nere did stumble . The old Prouerb this long agoe did tell , To halt before a cripple t is not well : For those that vse to mocke we dayly see , Shall for their mocking flowted againe be . A Lyar is counted in a common-wealth , Worse then a thiefe that liueth vpon stealth : And he whose tongue doth cogge and lye apace , Men will with Bolton pray him bate an ace . Truth seekes no corners , the old Prouerbs say , But dares meet Falshood either night or day , Though she by some may wrongfully be blamed . She neuer shall by any be ashamed . And this our swaggering gallants verifie , For whosoeuer shall giue them the lye , Shall with a whole head scarcely goe his way , For it deserues a stab they all doe say . The old Prouerb doth say as I doe find , T is best to sayle with current and with wind , But these of all men ought to be controld , That run with Hayre & with the Hound will hold . Young men that godly are all men delight , But some so close haue playd the hypocrite , Which caus'd this Prouerb I dare vndertake , A young Saint alwayes an old Deuill doth make Young men thinke old men very fooles to be , When old men young men very fooles doe see , And some will other men rebuke and blame , When they themselues are guilty of the same . They that be nought the old Prouerb doth tell , Will measure others by their owne bushell , The mother neuer sought the daughter in The place where she her selfe had neuer bin . Ill may the Ouen speake , and say v●…ill In spitefull sort , a burnd a●…ce is the Kill , Yet you shall heare when women chide and brawle , She that 's a whore will th' other whore first call . When thriftlesse prodigals the couetous blame , And drunkards doe on vsurers cry shame , T is more then time for iustice to come in , When vice thus openly rebuketh sinne . He that a Lyons heart hath , and a Ladies hand , May a fit Chirurgion make in any land , But these two me thinkes bettter doe agree , Hands that be hard , and hearts that bended be . The conetous Viurer whom neuer yet A peny from him any one could get , Except it were vpon a pawne or bill , For he the pan hold by the steale fast will . Like him be greedy Cormorants , which haue , A conscience more insatiate then the graue , Which rake and scrape whateuer they can get , And all 's good fish that comes within the net . These will of no man any kindnesse take , For feare thereof they should requitall make , But like the Hogge that Acornes feed vpon , And neuer looke vp from what tree they come . And if their neighbours any thing would borrow , They 'll alwayes pray them come againe to morrow , But the old prouerb plainly telleth thee , While grasse doth grow the Steed may starued be , And on the morrow if they come againe , He will not sticke to tell them flat and plaine , That charity alwayes doth at home begin , And none by lending any good doth win . Or in plaine words will vtterly denay , And in short termes these words to them will say ; Good neighbour , if you would but such things buy , You should haue of your owne as well as I. When at his doore the poore and lame doe cry , Ere hee 'll relieue them they shall statue and dye , And he 'll say if his friend be in the goale , They that a cold be , let them blow the coale . They say that conscience seuen yeares agoe , Was hang'd , and after buried also , And therefore God helpe rich men they all say , If poore men want they goe abegging may . The Crocodile ne're weepes , I haue heard say , But when he 's hungry , and doth want a prey , Yet though the couetous hath much riches got , Still wants what he hath as what he hath not . The old prouerb did tell this long agone , The cou●… o●…s man doth seldome ought bring home , The fable shewes you how the dog was crost , Which catching at the shadow the bone lost . Make triall of thy friend ere thou hast need , Lest thou dost faile when thou wouldest speed , And he that friendship shewes thee at thy need , Forget him not for he 's a friend indeed . Deceitfull euer will mistrustfull be , But no mistrust is found in honesty . For honest men thinke all men would as they , What they doe owe be carefull for to pay . What one doth promise may performed be , When two doe promise we it seldome see , For dayly by experience it is found , Betwixt two stooles the taile falls to the ground Some borrow will of Peter to pay Paul , And some will neither lend nor pay at all , And yet this Prouerb euery one doth know , That debt before a deadly sinne doth goe . The old Prouerb did long agoe say this , He that an ill name hath halfe hanged is , Wherefore I wish that all men should for shame , Such courses take they may haue a good name . For wealth hath wings , and it may flye away , And flatterers get friends , the Prouerb say , But I know this , and so I thinke doe you , The christned child may God●…ers haue enow . Parents ought honest courses for take , If no cause else were but posterity sake . For why the Prouerb saith all men vntill , If horse and mare both trot , the foale scarce amble will . And to this purpose is that Prouerb sure , Which at this day is most of all in vre , And I haue heard it oft where I haue gone , That will nere out o' th flesh that 's bred i' th bone . Their tongues at no time should accustom'd be To idle talke , much lesse to ribaldry , For all men know that any thing discerne , That as th' old Cocke doth crow the young doth learne . Some parents in their children so delight , They scarce be well when they are out of sight , But one may loue his house in it t' abide , Though neuer he vpon the ridge doe ride . The Prouerb saith , Giue children while they craue , And Dogges so long as they their tailes will waue , And in the morning you shall plainly she , Your dogges will cleaner then your children be . As parents should not too indulgent be , So they abandon should all cruelty , I le tell you what I heard one say last weeke , That 's a neare collop that 's cut off the fleeke . What thou maist secret keepe neuer disclose , Although it be against thy vtter foes , But not against thy kin of all the rest , Men say that 's an ill bird befiles the nest . Though some both idle and lewd courses take , Their friends should suddenly not them forsake , For why ? the prouerb te'leth all men plaine , That he goes farre that neuer turnes againe . The prouerb sayes , That wind blowes euer ill , When no man profit it doth blow vntill : For fooles oft times prouidge good store of meat , But wise men euer most of it doth eat . Cookes at all times should looke most carefully , There may no fault be in their cookery , For euery asse will say that thereon looke , God sent the meat , but the Deuill sent the Cooke . Some men will vainly spend more at one meale Then would suffice for two by a great deale . Yet the old Prouerb saith , Who wealth will win , Must euer at the tables end begin . The old Prouerb saith thus of Gluttony , The belly is sooner filled then the eye , And that he is no kinder then a Kite , For what he cannot eate hee 'll alwayes hide . The shamelesse Glutton you shall euer see Vnbidden will at euery banquet be . And yet there is a saying in all Schooles , Vnbidden guests should with them carry stooles . The Glutton and the Drunkard surely , One's alwayes hungry , and the other dry : And surely he deserueth double blame , That shall adde fuell to encrease a flame . Some will find fault euen with the fattest Oxe , And some are fed like Apes with bits and knockes , But the old prouerb long agoe said this , What thing is plenty neuer dainty is . The prouerb saith , The more the merrier are , But fewest alwayes doe the better faire , Yet one said it is merriest in the hall , When tongues lye still and beards are wagging all . Wishers and woulders I thinke none haue knowne Two good housholders , nor yet scarcely one , For one said he at no time worse did fare , Then when he sate and wisht for his dinner . There is one prouerb which sayth on this wise , Enough as well may as a feast suffice , Yet one sayd , but I thinke he did but iest , Farre fetcht and deare bought pleaseth Ladies best . When one that 's hungry you at meat doe see , He may eat-much , and yet no glutton be , For the old prouerb long agoe thus spake , Three bad meales will the fourth a glutton make . The prouerb sayth , The fat Sow in the stye , Nere thinkes what ayles the hungry that doth cry : Yet too much pitty the same prouerb say , Bring vnto ruine a great City may . He that accustom'd is to sweare and curse , If one rebuke him hee 'll but be the worse , For the old prouerb saith , It is the tricke , A gauld horse being rub'd to wince and kicke . Some spendeth euery day in the whole yeare In gaming , drinking , and making good cheare , And neuer doe themselues for death prepare , Till he them napping catch , as Mosse did's mare . And then t' will be too late , the prouerb say , When night is come , backe to recall the day , For he that will not wait at dinner time , Must fast vnlesse he with Duke Humfrey dine , Though some long time haue liued poore and bare , The prouerb biddeth such should not despaire , For God did neuer make a mouth as yet , But he likewise prouided meat for it . Yet none should on Gods prouidence so rely , But they must vse their chiefest industry , For from the bridge who in the ditch shall swarue , And shall lye still , may lye vntill he starue . For that old prouerb that doth say to thee , As thou beleeuest thou shalt saued be , Is but a mocke I tell thee plaine and briefe , For that is euer meant of vnbeleefe . Some any kindnesse for their friends would doe , If they were but requested thereunto . And the old prouerb plainly telleth this , That 's a bad dogge that not worth whistling is . I le tell you what I heard one lately say , As he and I were walking on the way , That he surely shall neuer be relieued , That doth conceale the thing wherewith he 's grieued . Faint heart men say nere winne faire Ladies loue , Nor coward did a valiant champion proue , And Robin Red-breast loseth God knowes what , Because that he afraid is of the Cat. When Cannons rore , and bullets thicke doe flye , Who aymes at honour must not feare to dye . I le tell you what I heard one say of late , That 's a hard battell where no man escape . The prouerb saith , The Cat faine fish would eate , But that she 's very loth her feet to wet : But the same prouerb sayes , Who ventures not , Hath seldome time great store of riches got . Men say that barking Curres will seldome bite , And brauling Knaues will euen as seldome fight , Yet you shall euer see the bragging Iacke , Will a great dagger carry at his backe . Some men there are that bitterly will curse The cony-catching cheater and picke-purse , But there 's a saying , Foxes neuer fare More better then when they most cursed are . He that is borne to neither goods nor lands , Must not thinke scorne to labour with his hands , For the old father said , Yea by Saint Marry , That 's a proud horse will not his prouander carry . T is best hay making when the Sunne hath shin'd , And winnowing when in 'th barn doore sits the wind , The prouerb sayes , The Ant that nothing get In Summer , shall in winter nothing eat . He that thrasht in his cloake , being contrould , Said that he did as much as ere he could : Yet the old prouerb plainly telleth this , That idlenesse the mother of mischiefe is . But this prouerb I very well did marke , The Priest forgotten hath that he was Clearke : And Fire and Water , as we daily see , Good seruants both , but cruell masters be . The prouerb saith , Nothing agreeth worse , Then doth a proud heart and a beggers purse , Yet beggers set on horse backe , all men say , Will to the gallowes ride before they stay . There is one prouerb saith , That through enuy Idioes and fooles vntimely deaths doe dye , Yet the same prouerb saith , That begger 's woe That seeth another by the doore to goe . Some men that neither learned be nor wise , We daily see to great promotion rise , Sure t' was of such one said the other day , Giue a man lucke and cast him in the Sea . And some promoted are we daily see , Out of the hall into the kitchen be , And such haue euermore beene said to come Out of Gods blessing into the warme Sunne . A ragged colt oft times a good horse make , Thus the old prouerb long agoe hath spake , An Asse may goe that laden is with gold , Through Princes Courts , and neuer be controld . Let none neglect what he may lawfully By gift or bargaine either wayes come by : For why , the prouerb long agoe this told , Though Summer's hot yet Winter 's alwayes cold . What 's freely giuen thee neuer doe forsake , Nor of the goodnesse neuer question make : For it hath alwayes folly counted beene , To looke a giuen horses mouth within . With them that freely giue make not too bold , Lest they grow weary and their hands withhold , For why the prouerb plainly telleth thee , The freest horse may soonest tired be . Thy goods nor money at no time mispend . Nor carelesly the same to any lend : For the wise father to the sonne did say , Keepe somthing till there comes a rainy day . For if a man to pouerty doe come , His friends and kindred will his company shun : And in such state as any one doth meet you , Hee with like salutations sure will greet you . One that much time and money had mispent , And being asked what hee thereby meant : Answered hee car'd not , hee had Boote on beame , If that his naunt did die before his neame . But the wise prouerbe wish all men to saue Their foule water vntill they fayrer haue , For they that hope by dead men to haue boot , Wee often see goe ragged and barefoot . The thriftles and the prodigall naught set by No little thing nor little quantity : Yet many a little the old prouerb said , Doth make a mickle when together laid . Things of small value the old proverb say , Wise men seuen yeares will carefully vp lay , If in that time it will for nothing fit , Then any way they may dispose of it . Though wicked weeds apace grow many say , Vntoward boyes may good men make one day ; Yet the old prouerbe said e're I was borne , That 's earely sharpe , that after proues a thorne . In trust is treason , the old prouerbe say , For he that trusteth , soone deceiu'd be may : Yet some will trust those that as sure will faile , As hee that hath a quicke Eele by the tayle . Try e're thou trust , the old prouerb doth say , Fast binde fast finde shall surely alway : And hee that hideth neuer doubts in minde , But hee the same at any time shall finde . Though some may one Theefe from the gallowes saue And one knowne lyar may some credit haue . Yet the old prouerbe long agoe thus spake , One swallow yet did neuer summer make . Examples alwaies no good reasons bee , Which makes a many say though foolishly , What 's meat for one , another poyson may , When 'ts ment of swords that both defend and slay . Who cares for no man , none for him will care , And want with many men is a good spare , And the old prouerbe saith , that pouerty Hath oftentimes parted good company . Ill gotten goods are seldome times well spent : And one said lately whatsoe're hee meant : That sweet meat alwaies sower sauce must haue , As hee came from the whipping of a knaue . Change is no robbery thought the Fox in mind , When he the Goose stole leauing the feathers behind To chop and change hard neede constraineth many For needs must taken bee the needy penny . The old prouerbe did long agoe tell this , That no foole like vnto the old foole is : Yet all men say , that horse is nought for saile , That neither whinny can , nor wag his tayle . What men doe loue they hardly will forsake This the old prouerbe long agoe hath spake , The foole sure will not from his bable part , If hee might haue the Tower of London for 't . The wilfull man hath neuer wanted woe . Thus the old prouerbe said full long agoe . And further also the same prouerbe say , The swiftest course is that beside the way . The old prouerbe this long agoe hath told , That wares well bought are euermore halfe sold : And one must learne to creepe e're goe or runne , A match well made is euermore halfe wonne . Some will buy wares of any kind of rate , And then repent themselues when 't is too late : But ther 's a saying bad ware 's alwaies deare : And what was good that n'ere yet lou'd the Frier . Hee that good wares haue wheresoe're he dwell , Once in a yeare hee shall be sure to sell : For the old prouerbe saith as much indeed , That good wine neuer of a bush hath need . Buy not for time those wares that are too deare , For many lose thereby as I doe heare : And some doe buy and sell and liue by ' th losse . And so at length come home by weeping crosse . Chapmen no great care need to take , nor paines , To sell their ware vnlesse it bee for gaines : The prouerbe saith , hee 's neuer chapman bare . That either ready money hath , or ware . Some praise and dispraise will the selfe same wares , And prate and talke of euery mans affaires , When they know neither what is said nor done No more then doth the man that 's in the Moone . Some will make gaine of any wares they buy , Their tongues are so inur'd to cog and lye ; And the old prouerbe saith as much indeed , A crafty knaue doth neuer broker need . Take heed thou neuer keep no companie , But such as honest men are knowne to bee : For why ? the prouerbe saith , a man at Rome , Must bee inforst to doe as there is done . If here against , any should make reply , The prouerbe further telleth them plainly , 'T is daily seene , fowles that bee of a feather , Will flie in troopes and company together . Another prouerbe there is like to it , Which for some cause I will not here omit , That like will to his like by night and day , As once the Deuill did to the Colliar say . Whose foote is alwaies his friends table vnder , If he grow prouident it is a wonder : And to giue counsell it doth seldome boote , Where the blacke Oxe ne're trod vpon the foote . He that hath left him goods and money much , The prouerbe plainly sayeth of all such , It is no mastery for them to swimme , Whom others alwaies holds vp by the chinne . Some will bee proud of any thing done well , To such the old prouerbe doth plainly tell , It was by fortune more then by good wit , A blinde man shooting chanc't a Crow to hit . Against the streame it is in vaine to striue , But they must needs go whom the deuil doth driue And this old prouerbe is too true God wot , That hard need alwayes makes the old wife trot . The prouerb say , Loue is a pleasant thing , When like the Snake it once hath lost the Sting . Sure , 't is not meant the loue of charity , For that lies sicke , pray God it may not dye . I know not whether 't is meant of loue or lust , But loue with loue repaid againe be must : And by experience this I euer found , That hee that lou'd me also lou'd my hound . There is one prouerbe that saith on this wise , Reason and loue lookes through two paire of eyes , But all the Poets doe agree I finde , It neuer saw ought , for it was borne blinde . I heard one once say thus of Iealousie , 'T is pitty loue should keepe it company : Of all kinde natures I may say as much , T is pitty wit should wanting bee in such . This the old prouerbe long agoe hath spake , Bare walls doth euer giddy huswiues make : And hee that marrieth before hee 's wise , Most commonly shall dye before hee thriues , The old prouerbe did tell this long agone , That forward Children seldome time liue long , Wee forward wedlocke may compare thereto , For that vnto a night cap bring a man will doe . Although a woman smile , yet thou must not Straight way conclude that thou a wife hast got , For the old prouerbe plainely this doth show , That two words alwaies to a bargaine goe . Many in chosing wiues deceiued bee , But most in too much praising their beauty : For this most true the old prouerbe doth say , All is not gold that glisters and showes gay . One cannot wiue and thriue both in one yeare , Some say , and yet to marry none need feare : For why ? the prouerb saith all men vntill , A good Iacke alwaies maketh a good Gyll . The prouerb saith , That man that meanes to thriue , Must first aske leaue and counsell of his wife , For as the good man saith , so say all we , But as the good wife saith , so all must be . If maydens any young men doe entice To marry them , or to doe otherwise , The old prouerb still standeth in full force , Which saith , The gray mare was the better horse . When a bad couple maryed be , I feare Men say of them you presently shall heare , It is the wisest way a man can doe , To fill one house , rather then trouble two . Where nere a barrell better Herring is , A man in choosing cannot choose amisse : The man that foxes sold , said vse your skill , The baddest is best , therefore take which you will . He that a widow marries with children three , The prouerb say of foure theeues sure shall be , Who may go on the ground , and will goe on the ice , Is sure a foole , and the other is scarce wise . When simple swaines fine wiues will needsly take , I doubt they will their heads like Acteous make , If I them wrong , their pardons I beseech , But sure I am most master weares no breech . But all men count it folly for to be , For any one to meddle twixt the barke and tree . I le say no more , but wish all men good wiues , As dearly loue should as they loue their liues . Many kind heart we heare and see daily , Doth make them smart , the more is the pitty , And that none should by knaues deceiued be , I le tell them what one once did say to me . They that deceiue me once I them beshrow , They that deceiue me twice I say the same also , But if they shall deceiue me any moe , For that my selfe not them I will beshrow . Another saying there is like to it , Which for some cause I will not here omit , If that by one I once deceiued be , For that pray God forgiue both him and me . But if I twice shall be deceiued him by , Sure euery man will say the more foole I. But if I thrice by him deceiued be , No man that 's wise for that will pitty me . But this I often times haue heard men say , Him that deceiues him well deceiue you may , But true religion doth no more allow , But deale with all as they should deale with you . But this last prouerb I like worst of all , That men a iewell should plaine dealing call , Saying , he that vse it dye a begger shall . And I had almost quite forgotten this , Too much of one thing good for nothing is . Now giue me leaue to make a little bold , To tell what one in priuate to me told , If you shall iudge it not worth hearing is , Then surely I did take my ayme amisse . There 's time to eate , and time to drinke , And time to speake , and time to thinke , And time to worke , and time to play , And time to sing , and time pray , And time to sit , and time to goe , And time to reape , and time to sow , And time to wake , and time to sleepe , And time to laugh , and time to weepe . Of all things else that 's vnderneath the Sunne , There is a time when it may best be done . Except to sinne , and for that no time is , Wherefore the workers shall be sure of this , A double punishment shall inflicted be , For abusing time , and breaking Gods decree . Some men doe thinke howsoeuer they doe liue , God is so mercifull hee 'll them forgiue , But common reason vnto all men show , That none shall better reape then he doth sow . And some men out of meere simplicity , Will adde a torment to a misery , Euen like to oyle which foolishly was cast To quench the fire , which caused it burne more fast . Some flatter will and humour euery man , To get them friendship and what else they can , Which gotten they 'll not one good word afford , Such yet was neuer good neither egge nor bird . Some make no end whatsoeuer they begin , And some will bargaine whether lose or win , Yet common reason sheweth vnto all , T is better sitting still then rise and fall . Some will both kindnesse and friendship professe , When they indeed doe intend nothing lesse But seeke their owne turnes for to fit and serue , And neuer care though others pine and starue . Some men say there haue beene sweet flowers nigh , A Serpent foule seene for to lurke and lye , And vice hath neuer done more hurt indeed , Then when he came cloathed in vertues weed . He that his bed keepes when the weather is cold , T is pitty but he be a hungry should : And those that haunt Theaters certainly , Shall dance the beggers galliard ere they dye . Some to get money will take any paine , And presently will spend the same in vaine . Euen like the cow that giueth milke great store , And with her foot straight throw it on the flowre . When things are gone t is very hard to say Who haue them , or which way they went away . For men in iudging often iudge amisse , But they that see may alwayes say as t is . No man can surely of a wife be sped , Vntill such time as he to her be wed , For chances oft betwixt the lip and cup ; Doe come before a man thereof can sup. And though a man in imminent danger were , Of helpe he should not vtterly despaire , For twixt the bridge and water some hauefound Such succour , that they scapt and were not drown'd . To erre and sinne is giuen to man by kind , But to perseuer doth shew a beastlike mind . A wise man may walke nye a riuers brim , Where fooles and idiots oft times haue fallen in . Some men that beastlike drunken you shall see , When they be sober for it grieued will be Yet like the dogge that vomits vp his meat , And presently the same againe will eat . Where many paths meet , one may lose his way , And some that many trades haue I dare say , The worst of them will find them bread I thinke , And all the rest will scarcely find them drinke . Some beat the bush and others catch the bird , And some will blowes giue sooner then a word . And some doe yet and did ere I was borne , Make a long haruest of a little corne . And some there be that hath got an ill guise , They are loth to bed , and lother for to rise . I le say no more lest some should be offended , When little 's said it soone may be amended . There was no more that I remember can , Worth writing that was spoke of any man . But some there was that would Tobacco take , Which as it seemed did one offended make . One once , said he , Tobacco seed did sow , I thinke it is the smallest seed that grow , And would to God that it as small leaues bore , Then in this land there would not be such store , For many are so bewitcht it to , That they thereby will quite themselues vndoe . It makes them daily to mispend much time , And neuer haue enough of beare and wine . And neuer any good that I did heare It one man did this fiue and thirty yeare . Beside the charge it putteth men vnto , There is about it such a deale of doe , First one must cut it , and then must it dry , And then a while acooling let it lye . Then pipe and stopper both must be ready , And then a coale to light it presently , Which they hold in a little payre of tongs , A pipe case also hereunto belongs , And then a boxe you alwayes ready see , To put vp that that shall vntaken be , Which made of leather is , and gilt brauely , And so there are be made of iuory , And some of siluer are , and some of tinne , And some of horne , which are not worth a pinne . And some of plate are made , and some of brasse , For those of paper good for nothing was , And some affect it so as many say , That they will take it riding on the way , And such must euer haue in readinesse A tinder box , or else a burning glasse . This charge and trouble daily doth proceed , By taking of that stinking Indian weed . Would all mens like mine from it were turned , Then ere they take it would it should be burned . When I saw none would , I did vndertake Before them all this answer for to make : Saying , Sir if you spoke had by aduice , These speeches might haue well beene spoke at twice , For I my selfe some good haue had thereby , Which I le conceale lest you should thinke I lye . And for the charge you say thereby arise , ●…t is not great to those men that be wise . 〈◊〉 things abused should be vsed no more , Tobacco then should company haue store , ●…or bread is daily giuen to dogges and beares , Which serue for nought but h●…nder mens affaires : And if that corne to mault conuerted be , That 's so abused it would pitty one to see , For many will more like to beasts then men , Drinke more in one day then would serue for ten , And some in one month spend more in good cheare Then would suffice the best part of the yeare . And some will haue a gay suit on his backe , Though hee and all his houshold victualls lacke : And yet I thinke for all this great abuse , You 'll say there is of these a lawfull vse . So worldly wealth who so too much desire , Shall find it of the nature of the fire , Whereof a little doth at no time harme , But oft times good cold bodies for to warme . When as great flames the body scorch and burne , So too much wealth oft times to woe doth turne , But time , and place , and quantities required , Before that any thing should bee desired : For if there dung should in your Chimnye lye , You out of doores would throw it presently : And if there fire should on the dunghill be , You soone would fetch it into your chimney . Yet both of these are good in places fit , And this is all that I will say of it : Who good finds by it may sometimes it vse , And whom it hurts , from taking I le excuse . Then store of Apples in the fire was laid , And Ale was gone for as the good wife said . Then one that was there in the company , Said masters , if you will be ruled me by , Who will not sing , read riddle , nor tell tale , Shall neither taste of Apples nor of Ale . Whereto the company agreed all , And to begin the lot thus out did fall , They at the rowes end would their Riddles tell , Which I must read that neuer well could spell . There was a coale whereon one ashes cast , Which if he had with bellowes giuen one blast , It quickly would haue burn'd into a flame , That one might well haue warmed them by the same The second said , now marke what I shall tell , There be three men in towne where I doe dwell , The one hath been my neighbour dwelling long , Who when he was in 'th wright was then in 'th wrong The other dwels right ouer me againe , Whose ioy was greatest when he was in paine . The third , of long time I know certainely , Hath wisht that both his wife and hee might dye . Now , since the reading you haue put to mee , I le tell you what I thinke these for to bee . The first doth meane a poore mans Sonne I know , Which halfe a yeare to schoole did neuer goe , For had he had but learning to his wit , Sure many should haue profited by it . And you that last spoke of your townes men three , I le tell you what I thinke them for to bee . I doubt your neighbour takes too much delight , In some lewd louer that is named Wright . And hee that dwells right ouer you againe , Doth loue another that is named Paine . And for the third , a foole may well know this , That hee a Dyar by profession is . They that sat next did not much time prolong , But presently each of them sung a song : To tell the tunes I thinke it me behoue , The first is , Liue with mee and bee my loue . The second is if I bee not deceiu'd , Mad Tom of Bedlam , of his wits bereau'd . Who doth these dayes of ours not see Most lamentable for to bee , When great offences sore doe rage , Whom iustice can no whit asswage : From euill temptations night and day , Deliuer vs Lord wee thee pray . It endlesse were to goe about , With colours for to paint them out : But I wish all men should abstaine , From those which chiefest now doe raigne . From euill temptations , &c. The poore mans faults compare I may , To spots in Images made of clay : But faults in great men to behold , Like staines in statues are of gold . From euill temptations &c. But as no man can safely ride , Too neare vnto a riuers side , So they that with bad men conuerse , Oft times cannot but bee the worse . From euill temptations &c. For as the Syrens pleasant song , The hearers death doth hasten on So hee that enuy entertaines , Can haue no ioy vnmixt with paines . From euill temptations , &c. When as the Crocodile most doth weep , Doth most desire the silly sheepe . So doth the flatterers double tongue His dearest friend the deadhest wrong . From euill temptations , &c. The strange Camelion that by kind , Can change her colour with her minde The Lyer can as readily , Of one lye make you two or three . From euill temptations , &c. As Boreas rough breakes Ships in twain And causeth flames to burne amaine : So doth the Tale-bearer hatred sow , Where loue and friendship else would grow . From euill temptations , &c. From Wolues the worst of all ill beasts , A man in house may safely rest : But from backe-byters deadly sting , No house can safe secure him . From euill temptations , &c. As oftentimes sweet flowers nie , Haue Serpents foule beene seene to lye , So in a coat full gay hath beene , A trecherous heart full often seene . From euill temptations , &c. But as wee read , once Balaams Asse , More wiser then his Master was : Euen so are they that dangers shunne , More wise then they that to them run . From euill temptations , &c. As Elephants strong in waters deepe , The weake ones doe from danger keep , I would all men would learne of them , To pitty their poore bretheren . From euill temptations , &c. What christian heart can thinke vpon , The wicked liues of many a one , And not with Christ our Sauiour deare For them shed many a mournfull teare . From euill temptations , &c. But such as purposely entend , Their sinfull courses to amend , God with his Spirit assist them so , That they from grace to grace may grow . From euill temptations , &c. Now as a friend I all men will , Good men no harme to doe vntill : And when to speake you are inforst , Of bad men neuer speake the worst . Like to our selues Lord grant wee may , Our neighbors loue both night & day . THE pleasant life of Shepheards , hath euer yet been deemed , Amongst all Swains to take least paines and yet the best esteemed . But now may they waile , both in mountaine and dale , where last their flockes were feeding , For now dead they be , scarce one of twentie is left that 's worth the heeding . And if the liues of Shepheards , considered be aright , All men must say both night and day , they liue in blisfull plight . But now may they waile , &c. Fayre Flora in the Spring time , first offereth vnto them , The earths sweet flowers through Aprills showers , before all other men . But now may they waile , &c. When Phoebus in his highest , with hottest beames doth thine , He soone will hie , him downe to lye , in shade vnder the Pine . But now may they waile , &c. And if Apollo chanceth , with raine to coole the heat , His Pine will serue for to preserue , him likewise from the wet . But now may they waile , &c. Whilst hee rests thus defenced , both from the raine and heat , His pretty Lambes vpon the lands , doe sweetly eate their meat . But now may they waile , &c. If any goe astray , in 't meadow or in 't graine : His little Dog will at first word , Soone fetch them forth againe . But now may they waile , &c. When Autumn's fully ended , and hay and corne in barne , His flockes may goe both to and fro , and neuer commit harme . But now may they waile , &c. Then hee with his faire Phillida , vnder a willow tree , May sport and play each day by day with mirth and melodie . But now may they waile , &c. And when that hoary Hyems . begins his raigne to hold . A firre bush tree prouide will hee , to keepe him from the cold . But now may they waile , &c. Thus haue you heard recited , the blisfull Shepheards plight : But I aduise no man to praise , a faire day before night . But now may they waile , &c. For many Shepheards now , are forced hereunto , In raine and heat their bread to get , or else a begging goe . Therefore may they waile , both in mountaine and dale , where late their flockes went feeding , For now dead they bee , scarce one of twenty is left that 's worth the heeding . The next of all it came to mee by lot , To pay my penny to make vp the shot : I neither sung had , riddle , nor good tale , Yet faine I would the apples tast and ale . Then presently into my minde it came , That I before had made an Annagram , Which I them told in the stead of a tale . And by that meanes I tasted of the ale . There bee nine Letters in the Alphabet , Which vntill death I neuer will forget , They to my minde doe giue so much delight : And which they bee I briefely will recite . The I , alwaies some ioyfull thing presage : The O , bids youth prouide against old age : The N , good newes doth euer to vs tell : The E , bids none let enuy with him dwell : The C , to all men charity doth show : The L , to all is louing where it goe . The A , is alwaies amiable to behold : The R , said he by reason ruld bee would : The K , doth keepe the key of knowledg so , That no euill thing into the house can goe . If I the reason hereof should not tell , I seeme to marre should what I haue made well , But I may boldly tell it without shame , It was the Anagram of my mothers name . The last man whom by lot it vnto came , Said he also would tell an Anagram , Which here I le briefly shew vnto your view , I lik't it not , no more I thinke will you . The w presageth double woe , The y nought else but yealousy doth show , The f is flattering false vnto his friend , The e thinkes euill whatsoeuer it pretend , Thus you may see that w , y , f , e , Doth bring a man from wealth to misery . If euery man were minded like to me , Then surely they would maried neuer be , Then said I , Sir , if you 'll not be offended , Your Anagram you shall heare soone amended . The w doth worth and wealth presage , The y bids youth prouide against old age , The f is faithfull and doth friendship show , The e from euill bids all make hast to goe . Thus you may see that w , y , f , e , ●…ild wench may a good wife make one day .