Epigrams. by H.P.

EPIGRAMS .

1 Et manibus pedibusque leuis . LAys of lighter mettall is compos'd Then hath her lightnes till of late disclos'd , For lighting where shee little comfort feeles , Her fingers there proue lighter then her heeles .

2 Sic vos non vobis vellera fertis oues . Heard you with what surpassing rich aray , Rutellus ruffled on S. Georges day ? T was pitty , more then spite it should be knowne , That none of all those garments were his owne : So that in stead of what reporte did scatter , He simply was non-suted on the matter .

3 Virescit vulnere Venus . Susan 's well sped , and wears a velvet hood , Why not ? more like , her breeding hath ben good : It 's reason she should rise once in her life , That fell so oft before shee was a wife

4 Qui quondam Lixa , Lanista . T' is said that Whittington was rais'd of nought , And by a Cathath many wonders wrought : But Fortune ( not his Cat ) makes it appeare , Hee may dispend a thousand markes a yeare .

5 Sic ars diluditur arte . Marke but the semblance of Fucatas face , How to the life her picture doth excell : For louely feature , sweete and comely grace , ( Surely the Painter hath done wondrous well ) : But heer 's the doubt , ( both faces made by Art ) Which you would choose to be of best desert .

6 Quam Partus Ventrem sequitur . Ralph hath an Office in reuertion bought , But rues the time that yet no wit hath wrought : Content thee ( Ralph ) for wealth to let it passe , Thou art no worse foole then thy father was .

7 Qualis vita , finis ita . Leno lies sicke and to the Doctor sends , who bids him looke for what he least intends : And being oft to make his will requested , Refuseth , saying , he will die detested .

8 Grata superueniet quae non sperabitur hora. Perswade not Romulus to take a wife , That is to wedlocke sworne an enemy : And euer vowes to leade a single life , Which he accounts most honest purity . Besides a thousand reasons that constraines him , Amongst the rest t' is known whose wife maintains him .

9 Iuueni quid curua senectus ? Silla hath got a wife that 's wondrous old , T' is true : he woo'd her only for her gold : I hope her maides are young and serue for hire , Which is asmuch as Silla doth desire .

11 Quisquis sibi quaerit Egenus . This obseruation seemes ( quoth Fisco ) strange , Why marchants walk in Pauls & knights th' exchāge : Belike the one seeks those their debts should pay , Whiles th' other goes to craue a longer day .

12 Spoliatis arma supersunt . Graund Captain Cosmo liues of coine bereft , Whose Page was wont his purse & coine to carry : Now neither Page , purse , coine , nor ought is left , Saue what hee 's forc'r to pawne at th' ordinary . Thus squint-eyde fortune partiall in her gifts , Puts men of note sometimes to needy shifts .

13 Nec vultus indicat illum . Dicke in a raging deepe discourtisie , Called a lawyer Meere Necessitie The more knaue hee ? admit he had no law , Must hee be flouted at by euery daw ?

14 Plus Moechus omnis amat . Peace , weepe no more ( sweete Sisse ) and all is well , Say I had found thee false thinkst thou i le tell ? No by this iron and steel , ( which plainly showes it , ) An honest Wit-all is no Gull that knowes it .

15 Latet anguis in herba . Hilus hath hid himselfe this year and more , Not in respect of feare to shewe his face : But for herashly in his humour swore , The Sessions-house should no more sift his case : Would you the trueth more plainly vnderstand , He hath ben twice before burnt in the hand .

16 Habet et musca splenem . Mopsus maintaines that banckruptship lesse mooues him , Then such a slaue as for his wiues sake loues him : Though well the weazill woteth to his griefe , He cannot liue without her friends reliefe .

17 Fallentem fama fesellit . Priscus gaue out he went to Prester Iohn , Presuming to haue purchast three for one : But see what lucke his trauailes did beguile , Priscus hath tane the diet all this while .

18 Sictandem vincit inermis . Fell-foughten Furio hath now met his match , And is seuerely sent vnto the gayle , For blurting at Mas-Constable and his watch , Who bids away with him , admits no baile : As who shal know hee 's now the kings Peace-maker That was the last yeare but a kennell-raker .

61 — habet sua Castra Cupido . Faedus hath got his neighbours wife with childe , And yet hath not her husbands bed defil'd : For why , the plot within Moore-fields was wrought , From whence a place was for that purpose sought .

20 Sapiat qui vendit oportet . Ianus doth iesting vse Equinocation Alluding it , as doubtfull words of Art , To hide the couller of his occupation , But to the deuill he bears an honest hart .

21 Est mollis flamma medullas . Cucullus hath disguis'd his former feature , And like Pithagoras transformed shape , Is now ( me thinkes ) become another creature , Halfe french , halfe english , ( pox on such an Ape That imitates all fashions far and neere ) Though 'gainst the haire he buies them ne're so deer .

22 Parturiunt Montes Murem . Dego will drawe and stoutly stand vnto it , Vpon the vtmost of his words brauado : But being vrg'd on equall termes to do it , He basely pockets vp the bastynado .

23. Non omnia possumus omnes Who saies Alcides hath more beard then wit ? Whose place and countenance controlleth it : Pish 't was not meant he should more vnderstand , Then might concerne him to subscribe his hand .

24 Nimium ne crede colori . Battus beleeued for a simple truth , That yonder gilt-spur spruce and veluet youth Was some great personage or worthy wight , Vntill one told him he was but a knight , A knight ( quoth Battus ) vaith I chud a zworne , He had at least been zum gud gen-man borne .

25 Qui , modo Rusticus , olim . Po-lo peckes vppe a pretty prolling trade , That hath him prouder then his master made : But yet when all is done , the world mistakes him , For not his mony , but the Tailor makes him .

26 Furor arma ministrat . Magus hath studied long to breake a iest Vpon these rimes he doth somuch detest , And can you blame him ? well he may be chiding That hath so often spurgald been with riding .

27 Qui fuit ante Pedes . The case is alterd with Mercutio , Since his preferment to that noble man : What erst he hath been , boots not now to know , Those times are chang'd with him , what 's then was than I dare presume Mercutio doth forget , That euer he a Bill in Pauls did set .

28 Mortalia cuncta caduca . Stella the starre that whilome shinde so bright , Is now eclipsed and hath lost her light : 'T was pitty ( Stella ) that thy starres were such , Better for thee they had not shinde so much .

29 Hic laqueos tendit qui laqueo moritur . Who euer held Mendoza halfe so wise , To haue attempted such an enterprize ? As had not Tyburne soone preuented it , Mendoza would haue learnd but too much wit .

30 Nocet empta dolore voluptas . What cause had Liuia to leaue the Cittie , Where she so florisht vntill now of late , Oh ther 's a fault escapt ( the more 's the pittie ) , Which the Church-wardens would not tollerate , And yet the yeare before , they could dispence , Taking no knowledge of the like offence .

31 Fas est , quod Foemina fingit . Maddam Ventoza can no longer frollicke , For she is troubled with a sore wind-chollicke , Which to the standers by may lesse appeare , Because her fyesting-Curre is still so neare .

32 Quàm bene notus amor . Should Spruso leaue the wearing of his muffe , His golden night-cap and his double ruffe : Yet , manning still one mistrisse , makes him noted Whether to loue or lust hee s more deuoted .

33 Castus erat vultu , monstrat quem facta Cynaedum . Know you not Criticus , our Citties mule , That haunts the harbors of iniquitie ? Yet like a Beadle of disorderd rule , Lasheth at lust to cloake his villanie : Critick 't is not your lookes ( I can assure you ) Shall feare the Surgeon that of late did cure you .

34 Trahit sua quemque voluptas . Wat wills you know how much he skorneth it , To be a pick-purse of anothers wit : But in a pocket bids you vnderstand , He hath a borrowing , deep , and diuing hand .

35 Quid non speramus amantes . Peirce was espoused ere he went a wooing , What should such fooles as he belong a dooing ? His wife ( the wiser ) thought to saue that paine , By getting her a cloake fit for the raine .

36 Faeminae ludificantur viros . Luce had a secret longing to go see Her childe at nurse : for that she dreamt t was sicke , And would by no meanes pacified be , Till she had seene her yongest little Dicke : Full little knowes her husband ( silly groome ) Who by this match ere midnight takes his roome .

37 Omnibus hoc vitium . Pru that had patience to haue borne with any , And lou'd plain dealing , ( witnes all that knows her , ) Is now vndone by bearing one too many , So that you see plain-dealing ouerthrowes her .

38 Senibus voluisse satis . AEsop must yeeld when Rodope will ryde , And take no knowledge where , nor who 's her guide , Yet could the wizard wish her still in sight , Since she at Braynford log'd this other night .

39 Turpe est hoc foenore , lucrum . Lanus hath liu'd this last vacation Vpon his wiues bare Charge without all reason Who since she knew at first her occupation Nere saw worse takings in a Lenten season : Fy Lanus rather shouldst thou her beshrow That would so many burdens vndergoe .

40 Linguam vis nulla domabit . Muns skill in horses doth so much excell , As no man liuing breaks them halfe so well But see , one sillie shrow controls his Art : And worse then all those horses , breaks his hart .

41 Roganti dabitur . Marcus stood musing maugre all his might , Where he should go to lodge this other night : At length the Marshall vnawares comes on him , And volens nolens thrusts a bed vpon him .

42 — Ortus nouus vrbe Britannus . Who braues it now as doth yong Hystrio , Walking in Paules like to some Potentate , Richly replenisht from the top to th' toe , As if he were deriu'd from high estate ? Alas ther 's not a man but may discrie , His begging trade and bastard facultie .

43 Hoc aliquid nihil . Guido hath gained very goodly sutes , That of his labours are the onely fruites : I meane no other sutes then those he weares , Which how to compasse is that Guido feares .

44 Sat saltem sic habeatur . Some say this rabblement of new-made knights , Makes Coaches deere , and chandlers sell their lights : But scarce a Seruingman the more is fed , For foot-boyes onely bring their Sirs to bed .

45 Sequitur inuidia famam . Two Madams once were striuing for the wall , Each standing much on termes of worthines , The one but yong ( howbeit rich withall ) The other auncient , though of substance lesse Said , soft and faire , till time hath tane fruition , Your Ladyship is of the last edition .

46 Sic nunquam cessat quo perdat perdere lusor . Aske Ficus how his luck at Dicing goes , Like to the Tide ( saith he ) it ebbes and flowes : Then I suppose his chance cannot be good , For all men knowe , t is longer ebbe then flood .

46 Errantes errare licet . Pandorus spends the day by telling newes Of such his trauails as will make you muse , Nay Sir beleeue it , hee 'l discourse at large . How should he els be fed at others charge .

47 Dant otia iocum . Young master Newcome late of thin's of Court Hath newlie laide aside his Littleton And for his pleasure deignes no other sport , Then these vnsauored rimes to seaze vpon : Which hauing read hee coments on the weather , How iump his law and learning met together .

48 Sequitur vestigia Matris . Maud being mou'd at fourteen yeares to mary , Wisht ( were she tall enough ) , she need not tary : I would her Sister but so wise had been That had a Bastard ere she was fifteene .

49 Duibtat mens conscia recti . Vulcanus wiselie doth himselfe perswade , Some of these Epigrams by him were made : But dares not tell you wherein for his life Least men should play on him , as on his wife ,

50 Quem suspicaueris , ipse . Fuco is fled more for his credit sake , Then to be burdened with so base a deede : Would hee think you such trifles vndertake : Hauing that kindred and so little need ? Damn'd might he be , that euer ment to do it Had not his whore or something vrdgd him to it .

51 Confuetudo est altera natura . Mat in the mood of his distemp'rature , Sweares he must fight to keep his hands in vre . For being wearie of his theeuing trade : What should he do but exercise his blade ?

52 Ingenio pollet cui vim natura negauit . If Nanus had but common guifts of nature , And no arts cunning to his cubit-stature : He neuer could with Ladies come so neere , Nor get his victuals gratis all the yeere .

53 Non caret effectu quod voluére duo . Constant Renaldo who can but commend thee . That still one mistrisse in Reuersion seruest ? She could do little , if not least befriend thee , With gleaning licence for so long a haruest : Gleaning said I ? nay more , to mowe her corne , And catch the Hare , whiles others blow the horne ▪

54 Volucrem sic decipit Auceps . Hydrus the horse-courser ( that cunning mate ) Doth with the buyers thus Equiuocate : Claps on his hand and prayes he might not thriue , If that his Gelding be not vnder fiue .

55 Perdat qui caueat Emptor . Nor lesse meant Promus when that vow he made , Then to giue ore his cousening Tapsters trade : Who checkt for short and frothy measure , swore , He neuer would from thence forth fill pot more .

56 Quod mora tardat abest . See how Silenus walkes accomplished , With due performance of his fathers Page , Looks back of purpose to be honoured , And on each slight occasion gins to rage : You villaine , dog , where hath your stay been such , Quoth he , The Broker would not lend so much .

57 — Latuit benè qui male vixit . Francisco flies , not daring once come neare , Making th' infection to be most his feare : But his Arch-creditor that least beleeues him , Knows t' is his debts more then the deu'll that driues him .

58 Indomitae tandem veniunt ad aratra Inuenca . Lesbia the faire that would be wood of none Hath since been wone by many more then one And like a flower ( whose coullour soone doth fade ) With often wearing prooues a hackney Iade .

59 Probitas laudatur et alget . Say that Caryna keepe a vitling house I hope t is for no vulgar base or meane resort That onely will a Cast of Canns carowse , Or at some game at Cards but idely sport T is knowne her weekly risings and downe-fallings , Equalls her state with some of higher callings .

60 Sequitur post gaudia luctus . Aye me ( quoth Amy ) who would ere haue thought So great a mischiese should arise of nought , Which had she knowne ere she began to swell : Each yard of pleasure should haue prou'd an ell .

61 Tremuit sub pondere Cymba . Had not Formosa verie foule ill luck Who stooping simply but a rose to pluck , Made to the hearers that so loudly knowne , Which neuer yet report before had blown ?

62 Pulchra Semyramidis facies imitata Sepulchrum . Fine Mistris Foetida perfumes her selfe With sweetest odours that she can deuise , More deare and pretious then all worldly pelfe , That nought auaileth when her bewty dies : But this dispaire is very death in thinking That one so faire should haue a breath so stinking .

63 Post dulcia finis amarus . What griefe it was Grace had no better fortune , But that Bridewel must her disgrace importune : And which is worse , if worse it might perplex her ; The Beadle comes behinde her back to vexe her .

64 Par pari reserre decet . Caluus ( to blame ) runs in his Laundresse score And will not pay her scarcely once a yeare : But then his shame is twise so much the more For she hath truely paid him to a hayre .

65 Non omnibus Omphida dormit . What reason is it Omphida should yeeld To any man that 's but a stranger to her ? Thinks he at first assault to win the field ? Tutlet him doe his worst that worst can do her , Had there but cullour beene for such intent , She could allow your weakest argument .

66 Naturam expellere durum . Parcus not sparing cost sweres hee le begin , To enter Commons , in some Chancery Inn , And will no longer once a day be fedde : Thatstill before went supperles to bed .

67 Coitum , non oscula laudat . When Kester courted Kate but for a kisse , She coyly told him that he aimd amisse : Thou maist beleeue her ( Kester ) what she said : For halfe the parish knowes shee is no maid .

68 Tunc tua res agitur &c. A iellious Marchant that a Saylor met , askt him the reason why he ment to mary Knowing what ill their absence might beget , That still at sea constrayned are to tary ? Sir ( quoth the Saylor ) make you that so strange , T is done the time whiles you but walk the'xchange .

69 Impar aetas , imparesque mores . It could not be ( me thinks ) imagined That Iulia should haue lost her maydenhead Being so young but that her selfe first told it , to whome and where shee this last lent had solde it .

70 Timidos fortuna repellit . When Miles the seruingman my Lady kist She knew him not ( though scarcely could resist So sweet a youth and well apparelled ) Had not the Dunce himselfe discouered : For this ( quoth he ) , my master bad me say — Which hearing made her frowne and fling awaie : Why thus it is , when fooles must make it knowne , They come on others busines , not their owne .

71 Si nihil attuleris , ibis &c. Planus an honest Swain , but monylesse , Besought a lawyer to be good vnto him : Who either ( gratis ) must his cause redresse , Or promise what he neuer meant to do him , Being asked why he careles lingred it , Made this replie , ex nihilo nihil fit .

72 Similis doctrina libello . Craesus of all things loueth not to buy So many books of such diuersitie : Your Almanacke ( saies hee ) yeelds all the sence , Of times best profit and experience .

73 Frustra , qui sero consulit . Aske not Vincentio now when things are past , Why hee so often sported with his Punck , Or wherfore so much hath bene spent in wast , ( As good you told it to a man that s drunck ) Let it suffice he hath consum'd it all , And ( as you see ) walks like the Prodigall .

74 Non patitur res seria iocum . TIB tooke an oath that Tomisin was no maid , Who angry bad beare record what she said , As good haue publisht it with trumpets blowne , As call for witnesse in a case so knowne .

76 Semel & semper . Celso but newly wedded doth repent , and meanes to be diuorc't incontinent Alas ( poore Celso ) knewst thou not before , She was , and is and will be still a ( — )

77 Mole ruit sua . Questo that quaint and brisk Italian when first his trade for merchandize began , Would so much vndertake more then his owne . ( I thinke of purpose to be ouerthrowne , ) For when t was thought his fulnesse did abound , Euen then he brake for seauenty thousand pound .

78 Satis est ditescere fama . Clitus with Clients is well customed , That hath the lawes but little studied : No matter Clitus , so they bring thee fees ) how ill the Case , and thy aduise agrees .

79 Incidit in Syllam cupiens vitare charibdim . Marcellus museth how to spend that day , Wherein it likes him not to see a play : But then he falls into some place ( I doubt , ) And staies so long till he be fired out .

80 Male parta male dilabuntur . Old Colins sonne is newlie come to age , And may dispend fiue hundred marks a year , But wants the wit to hold his heritage , Which hath been euer yet his Vncles fear : For that his Father got it by extortion : And therfore ill to be a woodcocks , portion .

81 Quid queat esse diu ? Signior Fantasmos ne'r such pleasure found In any thing , as in a deepe mouth'd hound : Small was that pleasure , when vpon one day , He lost his hayre , and hunted all away .

82 Sors vniuersa rotat . Sam swore an oth that those late Lotteries , were meere deceits , and idle mockeries : For of a hundred , if he two did pluck , The standers-by would say t was Cuckolds luck .

83 Olim haec meminisse iuuabit . Grunto lies groaning of a grieuous gout , And would giue thousands to be soundly cured : But all the cunning that his coyne findes out , Cannot expell his paines so long endured : Oh Grunto thou hast liu'd so vnrepenting As scarce two helles sufficeth thy tormenting .

84 Ignoti nulla cupido . Castus of all sinnes makes most conscience , That men should thus with chastity dispence : She that weds him , must haue his maidenhead , At least may chance to bring a foole to bed .

85 Sero sapiunt Phryges . Festus who feasted long on delicates , Now such fantastick fulsome dyet hates : Is it not reason he should spare at last , That hath consumed more then all in waste ?

86 Labor improbus omnia vincit . Now yea and nay quoth mistris Temperance You are to blame to be so vainely giuen , Cannot your eyes vpon a woman glaunce , But they must couet ? sooth you should be shriuen : Fye that you 'l sweare so rashly by your troth , Thinke you I le doo 't wer 't not to saue your oath ?

87 Fouent periuria furtum . Piso hath stolne a siluer boul in iest , For which ( suspected onely ) not confest : Rather then Piso will restore the boull , Bouldly aduentureth to damn his soule .

88 Ne Sutor vltra Crepidam . Philippus flouteth at such ragged rimes , That much distasting , taxe not these his times : Indeed I iudge him much more better seene , In other trades that he hath trayned beene .

89 Aliud simulat aliud agit . Young Mistresse Ioyce her husband doth solicit , To hire a garden-house neere to the fields : Which with her gossip she might weekely visit , ( For something must she haue that comfort yeelds ) I feare this Bower for common recreation , Will proue a place of priuate occupation .

90 Similes habent labra lactucas . Dick Swash ( or Swaggering Dick ) through Fleetstreet reeles With Sis & Bettrice waiting at his heels , To one that would haue tane the wall , he swore , zounds dost not see my punck and Paramout ?

91 Cito parata Venus . Let Mistris Su be stirring ne'r so soone Shee 'l not be readie vntil afternoone , Nor scarcely then : for why this sommer season , The least Thing makes her sweat beyond all reason .

92 Maxima Tobacchi , maior vis nulla veneni . Cuthbert our Cobler can no more forbeare , To take Tobacco , then to liue vnknowne : He drinkes all whiffes at least , and learnes to sweare By Heauens : his oathes and humors are his owne . But adding hereunto a pot or more , He stands to nothing which he spake before .

93 Enecat amplexu nimio sic Simia foetum . Call Dauus knaue , he straight way drawes his sword , And makes you proue as much or eate your word , But if you call him honest Rogue or Iew , He hugges you then for giuing him his dew .

94 Mala crescunt deteriora . Soto is lately gone to Sturbridge faire , Whose little takings makes him halfe dispaire : T were good some friend of his would tel the Mome His wife hath had takings inough at home .

95 Vwlle placere sat est . Mistrisse Parnella hold's it requisite To keep more maids at home then need requires Aswell to please her husbands appetite , As for a broad she like exchange desires . Thus doe they absent best content each other : That els should be but Baudes to one another .

96 Vilescit diues auarus . Rusus is wondrous rich , but what of that ? He liues obscurely like a water-Rat : And his apparell , which he seldome buyes , Are such as Houns-dich and Long-lane supplies .

97 Nocet empta dolore voluptas . Sisley and Kate are gone to frollick it , Late in the euening with their Tom and Kit , What luck had they to buy their sport so deere , That in the morning must haue whipping cheere .

98 AEger , cui chara libertas . Briseo that gallant yongster keepes his bed , As faining to be sick , but wot you why ? Not of an ague , nor an aking head , No burning feauer , or French maladie : Tush , none of these can halfe so much molest him , As yonder flat-cap foole that would arest him .

99 Quae placuit Domino nupta est Ancilla sodali . Madam Rugosa knowes not where to finde , One chamber-mayde often to please her minde : But yet my Lord so likes their comely car'adge , As he prefers them to his men in mar'adge .

100 Quàm sumus ergo pares . Damon his Dick had not these three yeeres seene , But rather thinks he hath concealed beene : Was it not strange that they so iump should meete , Both at a bawdy house in Turnebull street ?

101 Non est iocosapudica . Mistresse Finetta , for her ready witte , Is much admired and belou'd of many : But this one fault of hers confoundeth it , She will deride , and iesting scoffe at any . Which by an ill accustom'd vse comes on her , Yet there is one that playes as much vpon her .

102 Diuitijs durant firmae pereuntibus Artes . Silus hath sold his Crimson satten sute , And needs would learne to play vpon the Lute , T is well done ( Silus ) for such sutes soone wast , Whereas thy skill in Lutes will euer last :

103 Asperius nihil est humili cum surgat in altum . The world is well amended with Sir Hugh , Since from the time he was a Shepherd swain , And little dreamed then ( I may tell you ) He should be made one of the knightly traine : But ( for his substance answeres not his will ) As good haue dreamt , or been a Shepheard still .

104 Multorum vulnera vincunt . Much moues not Mal: but let the queane bee mou'd , Hee l swear shee 's hot that hath her next approu'd .

105 Frustra sapit qui sibi non sapit . Zant hus that wise and cunning Sophister , Lyes now in Limbo for a small offence : Who when he came before the officer , Had not one word of wit to free him thence : Why thus it fares , when he should best dispute , The Deuill or some ill planet strikes him mute .

106 Aurum volat ocyus Eur● . Mounsier Flemingo , fraught with Angels store , Would see faire London , neuer seene before : Where ( lodging with his mistres but one night , ) Had ( ere he parted ) put them all to flight .

107 Humilis prostrata quadrante . Fine Mistresse Delia defies the man , That proffers lesse to her then golden fees : What think you her some common Curtizan , That will her credit or her custome leese ? In faith sir no : But ere you shall goe hence , Shee will for once accept of eighteene pence .

108 Ingentes vastant coniugia gazas . Musco , that alwayes kept with pollicy , What he had scraped since his infancie : Scarce one year wedded ( for he needs would marry ) Hath taken Ludgate to his Sanctuarie .

109 Cucullus non facit Monachum . Siluanus is become so pure and holy As he accounts all mirth but idle folly , Aske him wherefore , he giues you ghostly reason , But then his whore comes neuer out of season .

110 O infelicaes quos fata sequntur iniqua . Pontus is posting hitherwards apace , To dine with diuers that in Fleetstreet meets him . But see the lucklesse chance of such a case , Assoon as he alights the Sergeant greets him , So that the burthen he should haue de fraid , Was wholly now vpon his Hostesse laide .

111 Vsus promptos facit . This makes Menalcas muze aboue the rest , To see how qnaint my Lady is adrest : For from the girdle vpwards ( durst he sweare , ) She doth the shape of very man appeare .

112 Musae spernuntur egenae . Faunus for feates of fencing beares the Bell. For skill in musick on each instrument , For dancing , caruing , and discoursing wel With other sundry gifts more excellent ▪ But striuing still to make his credit stronger , The Taylor will not trust him any longer .

113 Sic transit gloria mundi . I Pray Sir , did you note on Sunday last , How richly Rubin was apparrelled ? Well may he be compared to a blast , or lik'd to one that 's metamorphosed . For the next morning ere the day did dawne , All that he wore , and more , was laid to pawne .

114 Nocte latent mendae . What meaneth Rosamond to walke so late , When no man can discerne her face or feature : ( But by her habit may preiudicate , She is some faire , or rather famous Creature : ) Oh good Sir vnderstand thatin the darke , One man of twenty may mistake the marke .

115 Crede quod habes & habes . Lorellos wife is lately brought to bed , ( as luck would haue it , of a goodly boy , The hopefull issue of her maiden head , And onely Iewell of the fathers ioy : Then who would doubt the tyme or once but note it When t is as like him as himselfe had got it

118 Crescit amor precio . How like you Darkis in her deepest Ruffe ? Seemes she not now as propper as the best ? You thinke you may commaund her , marry muffe ? Shee scornes the motion , fough , that were a iest : Because she sold her wares so cheape of late , Must they be alwaies prised at one rate ?

119 Fronti nulla fides . Gallus that greatest Roost-cock in the rout , Swels now as big as Bacchus did with Wine : Like to a Hulke , he beares himselfe about , And bristles as a Boare or Porpentine . T is not his locks that makes him looke so big , For all men knowes he weares a periwig .

120 Fortuna multis nimium dedit . Now fie vpon thee Coward Nemius , That oft hast puld thy Ladies slippers on : Yet still wert bashfull , not so venturous As once so much her leg to looke vpon . Were I thy father and thou heyre to mee , I should for certaine disinherit thee .

121 Degeneres animos timor arguit . Mounsier Montanus is no little man , Of vnapprooued valour to his foe : Perswade , or wooe him with what words you can , Hee le be reuenged all the world must know . But when he found one with his wife in bed , For feare or shame he durst not shew his head .

122 Cri●●ibus coelare studet sua crimina Maechus . When Cacus was accused of a rape , For stealing secretly to his maids bed : He hardly could the doome of law escape , Had hee not thus the matter couloured , That tooke his oath ( nor did he sweare amisse , ) He went not into hir bed , for 't was his .

123 Redit orbis in orbem . Young Codrus Land-lord to his fathers rents , Which happy time ( long lookt for ) did expire , Addresseth him with those habiliments , As least beseemes the son of such a Sire . And thus he gallants it some yeare and more , Vntill his Tenants thrust him out of doore .

124 Male parta peribunt . Brutus , that braue and compleat Caualier , Who thus of late in Fleetstreet florished : Thought then no pleasure or expence too deare : But see how soone the case is altered : As that constrained to forsake the streete , He now betakes himselfe vnto the Fleete .

125 Noctes atque dies patet atri Ianua Ditis . The times are waxen dead with Dalila , Who since the Terme hath felt but little sturring , Then was she sought-to more then Helena , When Gallants gallopt with their Coaches hurring : But now she speakes with all that please to call , Loe thus her trade doth Termely rise and fall .

126 Sine fuco pulchra venustas . Mistris Morinda is more coy then wise , But faire she is , and that most richly faire : Her husband beares it out ( let that suffice ) And all defects is able to repaire . But yet I wonder they should so excell , That haue been bankrout , all the world can tell .

127 Negat ofcula gratarogata . Priscilla proues most dainty of a kisse , When she intreated , woo'd , and courted is : Lord how she simpring sits , and minceth it ! In very deed Sir , shee le not eate a bit . As full of manners as of modestie , True , if her vertue be hypocrisie .

128 Prodit se lumine Luscus . Luscus that once lay with his Mistresse maide , And ( fearing much to haue the matter knowne ) Went to his fellow , whome he friendly praide , To counsell him as were the case his owne : He that ( more cunning ) knew what should be done , Tooke this aduantage for his better speede , To finish that which th' other had begun : But then alas she prou'd with child indeed : And made the Woodcock ( who did first bewray it ) Stand to the reckning , that could better pay it .

129 Se fugit Adulter a custam . Nisa , who from her window glaunst her eies , Saw Mopsus come , as fast as foot could trot : For ioy whereof , vpon her bed shee lies , As who should think , she slept and saw him not . T was very strange , vnlesse shee meant herein , Her eyes should not be open to her sinne .

130 Ostendit hadera vinum . A scoffing mate , passing along Cheap-side , Incontinent a gallant Lasse espied : Whose tempting brests ( as to the sale laid out , ) Incites this youngster thus to gin to flout , Lady ( quoth he ) is this flesh to be sould ? No Lord ( quoth she ) for siluer nor for gold , But wherefore aske you ? ( and there made a stop ) To buy ( quoth he ) if not , shut vp your shop .

131 Caelum non animum mutat , quae trans mare curr● , Naye fie how strange you make it mistris Iane , Will you not know your quondam tried friends ? Remember since you lodg'd in Cart-her lane Shall former kindnesse merit no amends ? I say no more : well may you change your name : But once a whore , you should be still the same .

114 Spernit gens rustica Musas . What tell you me of Porcus Pesant Groome , That scrapeth vp together so much thrift , Which he obscures within some desart roome , And basely liues vnknowne by any shift . His lookes are Characters of his discent , Sprung from the loynes of some mechanick Syre , That neuer knew what ciuill vsagement , But to be onely rich doth still aspire : Spurre such a one in ought but in his trade , And you shall see how soone he 'le proue a Iade .

115 Nemo omni parts Beatus . T is plainly known that our young knight Sir Adam . had his beginning from an auncient name . Who ( though not rich ) may make his wife a Madam that brings hir dowrie to maintaine the same . Say that the Herrald cannot blaze him forth : Must knight-ship therfore be of no more worth ?

134 Pari Iugo dulcis tractus . When Caecus had been wedded now three daies , And all his neighbours bad , God giue him ioy . This strange conclusion with his wife assayes , Why till her marriage dâye shee proou'd so coy : ( Quoth he ) we man and wife in manner were , a month before : then could we haue repented ? Alas ( quoth she ) had I not cause to feare , How you might conster it , had I consented ? Fore God ( quoth lie ) t was well thou didst not yeeld . For doubtlesse then my purpose was to leaue thee . Oh Sir ( quoth she ) I once was so beguild , And thought the next man should not so deceiue me Now out alas ( quoth he ) thou breedst my woe : Why man ( quoth she ) I speake but quid pro que ,

135 I ndor est sua damna referre . Peter hath lost his purse but will conceale it , Least she that stole it , to his shame-reueale it .

139 Quos ego ? sed motos praestat &c. Flaccus giues out ( because the world shall knowe it ) How bitter shortly he intends to write Threatning therein to firk his fellow Poet , Gainst whome he beareth such reuenging spite : But soft ( quoth Flaccus ) should I say hee s poore ? Oh no : least others talke as much of me , Or shall I tell him that he loues a whoore ? Tush therein likewise we both iump agree . Faith , Flaccus doubtles will his spleene recall : As good bee friends and neuer write at all .

140 Diues quis stultus habetur ? T is true that Symon ( simple though you think him ) Knowes how to execute his fathers trade , Which ( no disprayse ) may with that substance linck him , As quickly shall amend what nature made , Do not your most fooles thriue exceeding well , That haue but wit inough to buy and sell ?

138 Cupit meretrix pudibunda videri . Who brutes it , Mistresse Parnell is no maide , and will not answer such discourtesie : She scornes the very worst that can be said , And stands so much on her virginity . As flatly to their teeth she doth retort it , Presuming none so vile that will report it .

139 Impar Impares odit . Sotus hates wise-men , for himselfe is none : And fooles he hates because himselfe is one .

140 De●●rare est periurare . Dacus hath damn'd himselfe on due regard , From Tauernes , plaies , Tobacco , and from wine , Swearing he le liue like Iohn of Paules church yaard , At least will sometimes with Duke Humfrye dine . T were well done ( Dacus ) had'st thou power to do it . But Dice and Drabs ( I feare ) will hold thee to it .

141 Frustra times qui sperat nihil . Tush hang it : haue at all ( sayes Curio ) Comes not deuze ace , assoone as six & three ? Who would not rather halfe his lands forgo , Then be out dar'd by such a one as he . Damne me I le venture all vpon a cast , Wert not as good turne Rogue at first as last .

142 Poculo iunguntur Amici . A health ( saith Lucas ) to his loues bright eye , Which not to pledge , were much indignity . You cannot do him greater curtesie , Then to be drunke and damn'd for companie .

143 Clero struit impia fraudes , When Rose had reck'ned her ful time at large , She then bethinketh whom to nominate , That might partake with hir insuing charge , At length with wisedome more considerate , She gesseth none mongst all the rest so fit , As is the parish priest to father it .

143 Sapiat , qui Diues , oportes . T is knowne how well I liue , sayes Romeo , And whom I list I le loue , or will dispise : Indeed it 's reason good it should be so , For they that wealthy are , musts needs be wise : But truly to describe and set thee foorth , Thou ow'st thy belly more then thou art worth .

144 Natura paucis contenta . Mecus is now become a frugall Syre , That spends no more then nature doth require : And yet his wife will prooue a Traueller , Although but once a yeere he lye with her .

145 Nil gratum , ratione carens . Paulus a Pamphlet doth in prose present , Vnto his Lord ( The fruites of idle time : ) Who farre more carelesse , then therewith content Wished it were conuerted into rime , Which done and brought him at an other season , Said , now'tis rime , before nor rime nor reason .

146 Haesitat in dubijs ars stupefacta malis . Vrbanus that committed an offence With a young country lasse ( poore silly foole ) To salue his credit , soone conueyes her hence , Vnto a Garden-house , or vaulting-schoole . Where now ( vnloaden of that lucklesse ill , ) And all dispatched ( saue the houshold charge : ) The goodman-Bawd , or Pander , ( which you will ) Brings him no Ticket but a bil at large . Item for Pipkins pap & other things , Amounting all to twentie marke or more : And this alowd into his eares he rings , pay Sir ( quoth he ) for shame discharge your score , Vrbanus loth to be proclaim'd a gull , Was willing to compound in any wise : But yet not tendring his demaund at full , Said he had seene the Lyons once or twise . The Lyons ( answers he , ? that may be true , But think you thence to meritany prayse ? Each Lobcock may those Lyons dayly view , Haue you not seene the Dragons in your dayes ? No ( quoth Vrbanus ) that I must confesse , Then ( said the Pander ) you must pay no lesse .

147 Meretrix inimica quieti - Philo is wondrous iealous of his wife , And vrgeth termes of shrewd suspition : But knowes not him the cause of this his strife , Yet will hee yeeld to no condition . For more he vexed is that knowes it not , Then if you horn him to his face God wot .

148 Vinitur ex rapto &c. Lieftenant Lentulus liues discontent , And much repineth at the want of warres : For when his credit , coyne , and all is spent , What should he do , but idly curse the starres ? Content thee Lentulus with thine estate , That wert not idle when thou sto'lst the plate .

149 Turpe se●ilis amor . Old doting Claudus doth in hast desire , With beautious young Penelope to wed , Whose frozen appetite is set on fire , Vntill the match be throughly finished . Indeed as good dispatch , as make delay , That must be horned on his wedding day .

150 Laesus amor in surorem vertitur . Where hath Sir Iohn so long beene resident , Leauing his pensiue Lady all amort ? Who will not say ( woe worth the time mispent ) For griefe where of she hath no list to sport . But leaue her not againe in such a plight , Least ( out of mind ) she proue more out of sight ,

151 Nullus ad amissas ibit amicus opes . Heard you not yet of Captaine Ferdinand , That was so wont to swagger and carowse ? He lodgeth now no longer in the Strand , But is remoued thence to such a house : Where all his best acquaintance that he knowes , Will not redeem th' one halfe of what he owes ,

152 Ingenium natura dedit queis non dedit vti . Nay see if Momus yet can ceasse to flout , How should he choose ? his meere conceits are such : T is good sir : I le not say you are a lout , But may not one presume to think as much ? I feare when we haue both done all we can , The best will scarce proue good Gramarian .

153 Patria est vbicunque . Braue minded Medon can no more endure , To liue in England then to brooke the lye : Tut your temptations cannot him allure , He scornes them as an idle mockerie - Vrge him no more , I tell you t will but grieue him . For heere his meanes no longer may relieue him .

154 Hoc tibi sorte datum . Nay ( good Sir ) giue vs leaue at least to know you , Was not your father once a man of trade ? You now are riche : I know , who may . beshrow you , That for your sake , were yonger brothers made , Hearke in your eare , t is not the wealth you haue , Can shield you from the scandall of a —

155 Alea nil moderabile suadet . When Milo meanes to spare , then spends he most : Let him but come where sport or gaming is , His humor cannot hold till all be lost , And neuer thinketh he hath done amisse . For thus resolued , Milo cares not whether He pay th' one halfe , or lye for all together .

156 Velle placere sat est . Fie , would you offer Winifride that wrong , Thus to attempt her Virgin chastitie ? Well wotteth she , you cannot loue her long , And ( which is worse ) the world maye it espie . Which is the thing that makes vs looke into it Or els ( you know ) how easie t wer to do it :

157 Et genus et pr●auos iactant ignobile vulgus , Sir , can you tell where young Pandorus liues , That was surnamed here the Prodigall ? He that so much for his silke-Stockings giues , Till nought is left him to buy bootes withal . Oh blame him not to make what shew he can : How should he else be thought a Gentleman .

158 Auro cedit honos . Bindo hath lost his Bess● 〈◊〉 ●nowes not where , And ( frantick ) seekes her all the streete throughout : Take courage Bindo , and be of good cheere , Tomorrow shalt thou finde her , ther 's no doubt . Tomorrow came : deseru'd she to be shent , That brought him home inough to pay his rent ?

159 Magni constabit parlla voluptas . Hand off sir Sauce-box , shee 's no meat for Grooms Or common wights of base-borne parentage Alas , your leane expence fits Ale-house roomes , That with Maid-Malkin holdeth equipage , Because Sir Tristram late intreated me , You therefore think to doe as much as he .

160 Sapiunt quaecunque probantur . ●e make our Epigrams , as men taste Cheese , ●hich hath his rellish in the last farewell : 〈◊〉 as the purest liquor hath his leeze , 〈◊〉 may you harshly end the tale you tell , The Tayle ( of all things ) some men ayme at most , Those that had rather fast , may kisse the post And ther s an end .

THus haue I waded through a worthlesse taske , Wherto ( I trust ) ther 's no exceptions tane : For ( meant to none ) I answere such as aske , 't is like apparrell made in Birchin Lane : If any please to suite themselues and weare it , The blame's not mine but theires that needs will beare

Abijcis ista ferus ? moritur mea Musa dolendo : Accipis ista libens ? Illa quod optat habet .