Prosopopoia, or, Mother Hubberds tale by Edm. Sp. ; dedicated to the right honourable, the Lady Compton and Mountegle.

PROSOPOPOIA : OR Mother Hubberds Tale. IT was the month , in which the righteous Maide , That for disdaine of sinfull worlds vpbraide , Fled back to heauen , whence she was first conceiued , Into her siluer bower the Sunne receiued ; And the hot Syrian dog on him awayting , After the chafed Lions cruell bayting , Corrupted had th' ayre with his noysome breath , And pour'd on th' earth plague , pestilence , and death . Amongst the rest , a wicked maladie Raign'd emongst men , that many did to die , Depriu'd of sense and ordinary reason ; That it to Leaches seemed strange and geason . My fortune was mongst many other moe , To be partaker of their common woe ; And my weake body set on fire with griefe , Was robd of rest , and naturall reliefe . In this ill plight , there came to visite mee Some friends , who sorry my sad case to see , Began to comfort me in chearefull wise , And meanes of gladsome solace to deuise . But seeing kindly sleepe refuse to doe His office , and my feeble eyes forgoe , They sought my troubled sense how to deceaue With talke , that might vnquiet fancies reaue ; And sitting all on seats about me round , With pleasant tales ( fit for that idle stound ) They cast in course to waste the wearie howres : Some tolde of Ladies , and their Paramours ; Some of braue Knights , and their renowned Squires ; Some of the Faeries , and their strange attires ; And some of Giants , hard to be belieued , That the delight thereof me much relieued . Amongst the rest , a good old woman was , Hight Mother Hubberd , who did far surpasse The rest in honest mirth , that seem'd her well : She when her turne was come her tale to tell , Told of a strange adventure , that betided Betwixt the Foxe and th' Ape by him misguided ; The which for that my sense it greatly pleased , All were my spirit heauie and diseased , Ile write in termes , as shee the same did say , So well as I her words remember may . No Muses ayde me needs heere-to to call ; Base is the style , and matter meane withall . ¶ Whylome ( said she ) before the world was ciuill , The Foxe and th' Ape disliking of their euill And hard estate , determined to seeke Their fortunes farre abroad , lyeke with lyeke : For both were crafty and vnhappy witted ; Two fellowes might no where be better fitted . The Foxe , that first this cause of griefe did finde , Gan first thus plain his case with words vnkinde . Neighbour Ape , and my Gossip eke beside ( Both two sure bands in friendship to be ti'de ) To whom may I more trustily complaine The euill plight , that doth me sore constraine , And hope thereof to finde due remedy ? Heare then my paine and inward agonie . Thus many yeeres I now haue spent and worne , In meane regard , and basest fortunes scorne , Dooing my Country seruice as I might , No lesse I dare say then the proudest weight ; And still I hoped to be vp aduaunced , For my good parts ; but still it hath mischaunced . Now therefore that no longer hope I see , But froward fortune still to follow me , And losels lifted high , where I did looke , I meane to turne the next leafe of the booke : Yet ere that any way I doe betake , I meane my Gossip priuy first to make . Ah! my deare Gossip ( answer'd then the Ape ) Deepely doe your sad words my wits awhape , Both for because your griefe doth great appeare , And eke because my selfe am touched neare : For I likewise haue wasted much good time , Still wayting to preferment vp to clime , Whil'st others alwaies haue before me stept , And from my beard the fat away haue swept ; That now vnto despaire I gin to growe , And meane for better winde about to throwe . Therefore to me , my trustie friend , aread Thy counsell : Two is better then one head . Certes ( said he ) I meane me to disguize In some strange habit , after vncouth wize , Or like a Pilgrim , or a Lymiter , Or like a Gipsen , or a Iuggeler , And so to wander to the worldes end , To seeke my fortune , where I may it mend : For worse then that I haue I cannot meet . Wide is the world I wote , and euery street Is full of fortunes , and adventures strange , Continually subiect vnto change . Say my faire brother now , if this deuice Doe like you , or may you to like entice . Surely ( said th' Ape ) it likes me wondrous well ; And would ye not poore fellowship expell , My selfe would offer you t' accompany In this adventures chauncefull ieopardie . For to wexe olde at home in idlenesse , Is disaduentrous , and quite fortunelesse : Abroad where change is , good may gotten be . The Foxe was glad , and quickly did agree : So both resolu'd the morrow next ensuing , So soone as day appear'd to peoples viewing , On their intended iourney to proceed ; And over night , what-so thereto did need , Each did prepare in readinesse to bee . The morrow next , so soone as one might see Light out of heauens windowes forth to looke , Both their habiliments vnto them tooke , And put themselues ( a Gods name ) on their way : When-as the Ape beginning well to wey This hard adventure , thus began t' advise ; Now read Sir Reynold , as ye be right wise , What course yee weene is best for vs to take , That for our selues we may a liuing make . Whether shall we professe some trade or skill ? Or shall we vary our deuice at will , Euen as new occasion appeares ? Or shall we tie our selues for certaine yeeres , To any seruice , or to any place ? For it behoues ere that into the race We enter , to resolue first hereupon . Now surely brother ( said the Foxe anon ) Ye haue this matter motioned in season : For euery thing that is begun with reason Will come by ready meanes vnto his end : But things miscounselled must needs miswend . Thus therefore I advise vpon the case , That not to any certaine trade or place , Nor any man we should our selues apply ; For , why should he that is at liberty Make himselfe bond ? Sith then we are free horne , Let vs all seruile base subjection scorne ; And as we be sonnes of the world so wide , Let vs our fathers heritage divide , And challenge to our selues our portions dew Of all the patrimony , which a few Now hold in hugger mugger in their hand , And all the rest doe rob of good and land . For now a few haue all , and all haue nought , Yet all be brethren ylike dearely bought : There is no right in this partition , Ne was it so by institution Ordained first , ne by the law of Nature , But that she gaue like blessing to each creature As well of worldly liuelode as of life , That there might be no difference nor strife , Nor ought call'd mine or thine : thrice happy then Was the condition of mortall men . That was the golden age of Saturne old , But this might better be the world of gold : For without gold now nothing will be got . Therefore ( if please you ) this shall be our plot , We will not be of any occupation . Let such vile vassalls borne to base vocation Drudge in the world , and for their liuing droyle Which haue no wit to liue withouten toyle . But we will walke about the world at pleasure Like two free men , and make our ease a treasure . Free men some beggers call ; but they be free , And they which call them so more beggers bee : For they doe swinke and sweat to feed the other , Who liues like Lords of that which they doe gather , And yet doe neuer thanke them for the same , But as their due by nature do it claime . Such will we fashion both our selues to be , Lords of the world , and so will wander free Where so vs listeth , vncontroul'd of any : Hard is our hap , if we ( emongst so many ) Light not on some that may our state amend ; Seldome but some good commeth ere the end . Well seem'd the Ape to like this ordinance : Yet well considering of the circumstance , As pausing in great doubt a while he staid , And afterwards with graue advisement said ; I cannot my liefe brother like but well The purpose of the complot which ye tell : For well I wot ( compar'd to all the rest Of each degree ) that Beggers life is best : And they that thinke themselues the best of all , Oft-times to begging are content to fall . But this I wote withall , that we shall runne Into great danger , like to be vndone , Wildly to wander thus in the worlds eye , Without Pasport or good warrantie , For feare least we like rogues should be reputed , And for care-marked beasts abroad be bruted : Therefore I read , that we our counsells call , How to preuent this mischiefe ere it fall , And how we may with most securitie , Beg amongst those that beggers doe defie . Right well , deare Gossip , ye advised haue , ( Said then the Foxe ) but I this doubt will saue ; For ere we farther passe , I will deuize A Pasport for vs both in fittest wize , And by the name of Souldier vs protect ; That now is thought a ciuill begging sect . Be you the Souldier , for you likest are For manly semblance , and small skill in warre : I will but waite on you , and as occasion Falls out , my selfe fit for the same will fashion . The Pasport ended , both they forward went , The Ape clad Souldier-like , fit for th' intent , In a blew iacket with a crosse of red , And many slits , as if that he had shed Much bloud through many wounds therein receiued , Which had the vse of his right arme bereaued ; Vpon his head an old Scotch cap he wore , With a plume feather all to peeces tore : His breeches were made after the new cut , Al Portugese , loose like an empty gut ; And his hose broken high aboue the heeling , And his shooes beaten out with traueling . But neither sword nor dagger he did beare , Seemes that no foes reuengement he did feare ; In stead of them a handsome bat he held , On which he leaned , as one farre in eld . Shame light on him , that through so false illusion , Doth turne the name of Souldiers to abusion , And that which is the noblest mysterie , Brings to reproach and common infamie . Long they thus trauailed , yet neuer met Adventures , which might them a working set : Yet many wayes they sought , and many tryed ; Yet for their purposes none fit espyed . At last , they chaunc't to meete vpon the way , A simple husbandman in garments gray . Yet though his vesture were but meane and bace , A good yeoman he was of honest place . And more for thrift did care then for gay clothing : Gay without good , is good harts greatest loathing . The Foxe him spying , bad the Ape him dight To play his part , for loe he was in sight That ( if he he err'd not ) should them entertaine , And yeeld them timely profit for their paine . Eftsoones the Ape himselfe gan to vpreare , And on his shoulders high his bat to beare , As if good seruice he were fit to doe ; But little thrift for him he did it to : And stoutly forward he his steps did straine , That like a handsome swaine it him became . When-as they night approached , that good man Seeing them wandring loosely , first began T' enquire of custome , what and whence they were ? To whom the Ape , I am a souldiere , That late in warres haue spent my dearest bloud , And in long seruice lost both limbs and good , And now constrain'd that trade to ouer-giue , I driuen am to seeke some meanes to liue : Which might it you in pitty please t' afford , I would be ready both in deed and word , To doe you faithfull seruice all my daies . This yron world ( that same he weeping saies ) Brings downe the stoutest harts to lowest state : For misery doth brauest mindes abate , And makes them seeke for that they wont to scorne , Of fortune and of hope at once for lorne . The honest man , that heard him thus complaine , Was grieu'd , as he had felt part of his paine ; And well dispos'd , him some reliefe to showe , Askt if in husbandry he ought did knowe , To plough , to plant , to reape , to rake , to sowe , To hedge , to ditch , to thresh , to thatch , to mowe ; Or to what labour else he was prepar'd ? For husbands life is labourous and hard . When-as the Ape him heard so much to talke Of labour , that did from his liking balke , He would haue slipt the coller handsomely And to him said ; Good Sir , full glad am I , To take what paines may any liuing wight : But my late maimed limbs lack wonted might To doe their kindly seruices , as needeth : Scarce this right hand the mouth with diet feedeth , So that it may no painfull worke endure , Ne to strong labour can it selfe enure . But if that any other place you haue , Which asks small paines , but thriftinesse to saue , Or care to ouer-looke , or trust to gather , Ye may me trust as your owne ghostly father . With that the husbandman gan him avize , That it for him was fittest exercise Cattell to keepe , or ground to ouer-see ; And asked him if he could willing be To keepe his sheepe , or to attend his swine , Or watch his mares , or take his charge of kine ? Gladly ( said he ) what euer such like paine Ye put on me , I will the same sustaine : But gladliest I of your fleecie sheepe ( Might it you please ) would take on me the keepe . For ere that vnto armes I me betooke , Vnto my Fathers sheepe I vs'd to looke , That yet the skill thereof I haue not lost : There-to right well this Curdogg by my coste ( Meaning the Foxe ) will serue , my sheepe to gather , And driue to follow after their Belwether . The Husbandman was meanely well content , Triall to make of his endeuourment , And home him leading , lent to him the charge Of all his flock , with liberty full large , Giuing account of th' annuall increase . Both of their Lambs , and of their woolly fleece . Thus is this Ape become a shepheard swaine , And the false Foxe , his dog ( God giue them paine ) For , ere the yeere haue halfe his course out-run , And doe returne from whence it first begun , They shall him make an ill account of thrift . Now , when-as Time flying with wings swift , Expired had the terme , that these two iavels Should render vp a reckning of their trauels Vnto their master , which it of them sought , Exceedingly they troubled were in thought , Ne wist what answer vnto him to frame , Ne how to scape great punishment , or shame , For their false treason and vile theeuery . For , not a lambe of all their flocks supply Had they to shew : but euer as they bred , They slew them , and vpon their fleshes fed : For that disguised dog lov'd blood to spill , And drew the wicked shepheard to his will . So twixt them both they not a lambkin left , And when lambes fayl'd , the old sheepes liues they rest ; That how t' acquite themselues vnto their Lord , They were in doubt , and flatly set abord . The Foxe then counsell'd th' Ape , for to require Respite till morrow , t' answer his desire : For times delay new hope of helpe still breedes . The goodman granted , doubting nought their deeds , And bad next day that all should ready be . But they more subtill meaning had then he : For the next morrowes meed they closely ment , For feare of after claps for to prevent . And that same euening , when all shrowded were In carelesse sleepe , they without care or feare , Cruelly fell vpon their flock in folde , And of them slew at pleasure what they wolde : Of which , when as they feasted had their fill , For a full complement of all their ill , They stole away , and tooke their hastie flight , Carried in clowdes of all-concealing night . So was the husbandman left to his losse , And they vnto their fortunes change to tosse . After which sort they wandered long while , Abusing many through their cloked guile ; That at the last they gan to be descried Of euery one , and all their sleights espied . So as their begging now them failed quite ; For none would giue , but all men would them wyte : Yet would they take no paines to get their liuing , But seeke some other way to gaine by giuing , Much like to begging , but much better named ; For many beg , which are thereof ashamed . And now the Foxe had gotten him a gowne , And th' Aape a cassocke side-long hanging downe ; For they their occupation meant to change , And now in other state abroad to range : For , since their souldiers Pas no better spedd , They forg'd another , as for Clerks , booke-redd . Who passing forth , as their aduentures fell , Through many haps , which needs not here to tell ; At length , chanc't with a formall Priest to meete , Whom they in ciuill manner first did greet , And after askt an almes for Gods deare loue . The man straight-way his choler vp did moue , And with reproachfull tearmes gan them reuile , For following that trade so base and vile ; And askt what Licence , or what Pas they had . Ah ( said the Ape , as sighing wondrous sad ) It's an hard case , when men of good deseruing Must either driuen be perforce to steruing , Or asked for their Pas by euery squib , That list at will them to reuile or snib : And yet ( God wote ) small oddes I often see Twixt them that aske , and them that asked bee . Nathelesse , because you shall not vs misdeeme , But that we are as honest as we seeme , Yee shall our Pasport at your pleasure see , And then ye will ( I hope ) well mooued bee . Which when the Priest beheld , he view'd it neere , As if therein some Text he studying were ; But little else ( God wote ) could thereof skill : For , tead he could not Euidence , nor Will , Ne tell a written word , ne write a letter , Ne make one tittle worse , ne make one better : Of such deepe learning little had he neede , Ne yet of Latine , ne of Greeke , that breede Doubts mongst Diuines , and difference of Texts , From whence arise diuersitie of Sects , And hatefull heresies of God abhorr'd : But this good Sir did follow the plaine Word , Ne medled with their controuersies vaine , All his care was , his seruice well to saine , And to read Homelies on holidayes , When that was done , he might attend his playes ; An easie life , and fit high God to please . He , hauing ouer-lookt their Pas at ease , Gan at the length them to rebuke againe , That no good trade of life did entertaine , But lost their time in wandring loose abroad , Seeing the world , in which they bootlesse boad , Had waies enow for all therein to liue ; Such grace did God vnto his creatures giue . Said then the Fox ; Who hath the world not tride , From the right way full eath may wander wide . We are but Nouices , new come abroad , We haue not yet the tract of any troad , Nor on vs taken any state of life , But ready are of any to make priefe . Therefore , might please you , which the world haue proued , Vs to aduise , which forth but lately moued , Of some good course , that we might vndertake : Ye shall for euer vs your bondmen make . The Priest gan wexe halfe proud to be so praide , And thereby willing to affoord them ayde ; It seemes ( said he ) right well that ye be Clerks , Both by your witty words , and by your werkes . Is not that name enough to make a liuing To him that hath a whit of Natures giuing ? How many honest men see yee arize Daily thereby , and growe to goodly prize ? To Deanes , to Archdeacons , to Commissaries , To Lords , to Principalls , to Prebendaries ; All iolly Prelates , worthy rule to beare , Who euer them envie : yet spight bites neare . Why should ye doubt then , but that ye likewise Might vnto some of those in time arise ? In the meane time to liue in good estate , Louing that loue , and hating those that hate ; Beeing some honest Curate , or some Vicker , Content with little in condition sicker . Ah! but ( saith th' Ape ) the charge is wondrous great , To feede mens soules , and hath an heauy threat . To feed mens soules ( quoth he ) is not in man : For , they must feed themselues , doe what we can . We are but charg'd to lay the meat before : Eate they that list , we need to doe no more . But God it is that feeds them with his grace , The bread of life pour'd downe from heauenly place . Therefore said he , that with the budding rod Did rule the Iewes , All shall be taught of God. That same hath Iesus Christ now to him raught , By whom the flocks is rightly fed and taught : He is the Shepheard , and the Priest is he ; We but his Shepheard swaines ordain'd to bee . Therefore heere-with doe not your selfe dismay ; Ne is the paines so great , but beare ye may ; For not so great as it was wont of yore , It's now adayes , ne halfe so straight and sore . They whylome vsed duly euery day Their seruice and their holy things to say , At noone and euen , besides their Anthemes sweet , Their peny Masses , and their Complynes meet , Their Diriges , their Trentals , and their shrifts , Their memories , their singings , and their gifts . Now all these needlesse workes , are laid away ; Now once a weeke vpon the Sabbath day , It is enough to doe our small deuotion , And then to follow any merry motion . Ne are we tyde to fast , but when we list , Ne to weare garments base of wollen twist , But with the finest silks vs to aray , That before God we may appeare more gay , Resembling Aarons glory in his place : For farre vnfit it is , that persons bace Should with vile cloathes approach Gods maiestie , Whom no vncleannes may approchen nie : Or that all men which any master serue , Good garments for their seruice should deserue ; But he that serues the Lord of hoasts most high , And that in highest place , t' approach him nigh , And all the peoples prayers to present Before his throne , as on ambassage sent Both to and fro , should not deserue to weare A garment better , than of wooll or haire . Beside , we may haue lying by our sides Our louely Lasses , or bright shining Brides : We be not tyde to wilfull chastitie , But haue the Gospell of free libertie . By that he ended had his ghostly sermon , The Foxe was well induc'd to be a Parson ; And of the Priest eftsoones gan to enquire , How to a Benefice he might aspire . Marie there ( said the Priest ) is art indeede . Much good deepe learning one thereout may reed , For , that the ground-worke is , and end of all , How to obtaine a Beneficiall . First therefore , when ye haue in handsome wise Your selues attired , as you can deuise , Then to some Noble man your selfe apply , Or other great one in the worldes eye , That hath a zealous disposition To God , and so to his religion : There must thou fashion eke a godly zeale , Such as no capers may contrayre reueale : For , each thing fained ought more warie be . There must thou walke in sober grauitee , And seeme as Saint-like as Saint Radegund : Fast much , pray oft , looke lowely on the ground , And vnto euery one doe curtesie meeke : These lookes ( nought saying ) doe a Benefice seeke , And be thou sure one not to lack ere long . But if thee list vnto the Court to throng , And there to hunt after the hoped pray , Then must thou thee dispose another way : For there thou needs must learne , to laugh , to lie , To face , to forge , to scoffe , to company , To crouche , to please , to be a beetle stock Of thy great Masters will , to scorne , or mock : So maist thou chance mock out a benefice , Vnlesse thou canst one coniure by deuice , Or cast a figure for a Bishoprick : And if one could , it were but a schoole-trick . These be the waies , by which without reward Liuings in Court be gotten , though full hard . For nothing there is done without a fee : The Courtier needs must recompenced bee With a Beneuolence , or haue in gage The Primilias of your Parsonage : Scarce can a Bishoprick for pas them by , But that it must be gelt in priuitie . Doe not thou therefore seeke a liuing there , But of more priuate persons seeke elswhere , Where-as thou maist compound a better pennie , Ne let thy learning question'd be of any . For some good Gentleman that hath the right Vnto his Church for to present a wight , Will cope with thee in reasonable wise ; That if the liuing yeerely doe arise To fortie pound , that then his yongest sonne Shall twenty haue , and twenty thou hast wonne : Thou hast it wonne , for it is of franke gift , And he will care for all the rest to shift ; Both , that the Bishop may admit of thee , And that therein thou maist maintaine I bee . This is the way for one that is vnlearn'd Liuing to get , and not to be discern'd . But they that are great Clerks , haue neerer wayes , For learning sake to liuing them to raise : Yet many eke of them ( God wote ) are driuen , T' accept a Benefice in peeces riuen . How sai'st thou ( friend ) haue I not well discourst Vpon this Common place ( though plaine , not wourst ) ? Better a short tale , then a bad long shriuing . Needes any more to learne to get a liuing ? Now sure and by my hallidome ( quoth he ) Yea great master are in your degree : Great thanks , I yeeld you for your discipline , And doe not doubt , but duly to encline My wits thereto , as ye shall shortly heare . The Preist him wisht good speed , and well to fare . So parted they , as eithers way them led . But th' Ape and Foxe ere long so well them sped , Through the Preists wholsome counsell lately tought , And through their owne faire handling wisely wrought , That they a Benefice twixt them obtained ; And crafty Reynold was a Preist ordained ; And th' Ape his Parish Clarke procur'd to bee . Then made they reuell route and goodly glee . But ere long time had passed , they so ill Did order their affaires , that th' euill will Of all their Parishners they had constrain'd ; Who to the Ordinarie of them complain'd , How fouly they their offices abus'd , And them of crimes and heresies accus'd ; That Pursiuants he often for them sent : But they neglecting his commaundement So long persisted obstinate and bold , Till at the length he published to hold A Visitation , and them cyted thither : Then was high time their wits about to gather ; What did they then , but made a composition With their next neighbour Priest for light condition , To whom their liuing they resigned quight For a few pence , and ran away by night . So passing through the Countrey in disguize , They fled far off , where none might them surprize , And after that long straied heere and there , Through euery field and forrest farre and neere ; Yet neuer found occasion for their tourne , But almost steru'd , did much lament and mourne . At last , they chaunc't to meet vpon the way The Mule , all deckt in goodly rich aray , With bells and bosses , that full lowdly rung , And costly trappings , that to ground downe hung . Lowly they him saluted in meeke wise ; But he through pride and fatnes gan despise Their meannesse ; scarce vouchsafe them to requite . Whereat the Foxe deepe groning in his sprite , Said , Ah! sir Mule , now blessed be the day , That I see you so goodly and so gay In your attyres , and eke your silken hyde Fill'd with round flesh , that euery bone doth hide . Seemes that in fruitfull pastures you doe liue , Or Fortune doth you secret fauour giue . Foolish Foxe ( said the Mule ) thy wretched need Praiseth the thing that doth thy sorrow breed . For well I weene , thou canst not but enuie My wealth , compar'd to thine owne misery , That art so leane and meagre waxen late , That scarce thy legs vphold thy feeble gate . Ay me ▪ said then the Foxe ) whom euill hap Vnworthy in such wretchednes doth wrap , And make the scorne of other beasts to be : But read ( faire Sir , of grace ) from whence come yee ? Or what of tydings you abroad doe heare ? Newes may perhaps some good vnweeting beare . From royall Court I lately came ( said he ) Where all the brauerie that eye may see , And all the happinesse that heart desire , Is to be found ; he nothing can admire , That hath not seene that heauens portracture : But tydings there is none I you assure , Saue that which common is , and knowne to all , That Courtiers as the tyde doe rise and fall . But , tell vs ( said the Ape ) we doe you pray , Who now in Court doth beare the greatest sway . That if such fortune doe to vs befall , We may seeke fauour of the best of all . Marie ( said he ) the highest now in grace , Be the wilde beasts , that swiftest are in chase ; For in their speedie course and nimble flight The Lion now doth take the most delight : But chiefely , ioyes on foote them to behold , Enchaste with chaine and circulet of gold : So wilde a beast so tame ytaught to be , And buxonie to his bands is ioy to see . So well his golden Circlet him beseemeth : But his late chaine his Liege vnmeet esteemeth ; For so braue beasts he loueth best to see In the wilde forrest raunging fresh and free . Therefore if fortune thee in Court to liue , In case thou euer there wilt hope to thriue , To some of these thou must thy selfe apply : Else , as a thistle-downe in th' ayre doth flie , So , vainely shalt thou to and fro be tost , And lose thy labour and thy fruitlesse cost . And yet full few that follow them I see , For vertues bare regard aduaunced be , But either for some gainefull benefit , Or that they may for their owne turnes be sit . Nath'lesse , perhaps , ye things may handle so , That ye may better thriue then thousands mo . But ( said the Ape ) how shall we first come in , That after we may fauour seeke to win ? How else ( said he ) but with a good bold face , And with big words , and with a stately pace , That men may thinke of you in generall , That to be in you which is not at all : For , not by that which is , the world now deemeth ( As it was wont ) but by that same it seemeth . Ne doe I doubt but that ye well can fashion Your selues there-to , according to occasion : So fare you well , good Courtiers may ye bee ; So proudly neighing , from them parted he . Then gan this craftie couple to deuize , How for the Court themselues they might aguize : For thither they themselues meant to addresse , In hope to finde their happier successe ; So well they shifted , that the Ape anon Himselfe had clothed like a Gentleman , And the slie Fox , as like to be his groome , That to the Court in seemely sort they come . Where the fond Ape himselfe vprearing hy Vpon his tiptoes , stalketh stately by , As if he were some great Magnifice , And boldly doth amongst the boldest go . And his man Reynold with fine counterfesaunce Supports his credite and his countenaunce . Then gan the Courtiers gaze on euery side , And stare on him , with big lookes basen wide , Wondring what mister wight he was , and whence : For he was clad in strange accoustrements , Fashion'd with huient deuises neuer seene In Court before , yet there all fashions beene : Yet he them in new fanglenesse did passe : But his behauiour altogether was Alla Turchesca , much the more admyr'd , And his lookes loftie , as if he aspyr'd To dignitie , and sdeign'd the lowe degree ; That all which did such strangenesse in him see , By secret meanes gan of his state enquire , And priuily his seruant thereto hire : Who , throughly arm'd against such couerture , Reported vnto all , that he was sure A noble Gentleman of his regard , Which , through the world had with long trauell far'd , And seene the manners of all beasts on ground ; Now heere arriu'd , to see if like he found . Thus did the Ape at first him credit gaine , Which afterwards he wisely did maintaine With gallant showe , and daily more augment Through his fine feats and Courtly complement ; For he could play , and daunce , and vaute , and spring , And all that else pertaines to reuelling , Onely through kindly aptnes of his ioynts . Besides , he could doe many other poynts , The which in Court him serued to good stead : For , he mongst Ladies could their fortunes read Out of their hands , and merie leasings tell , And iuggle finely , that became him well : But he so light was at legier-demaine , That what he toucht , came not to light againe ; Yet would he laugh it out , and proudly looke , And tell them , that they greatly him mistooke . So would he scoffe them out with mockerie , For he therein had great felicitie ; And with sharp quips ioy'd others to deface , Thinking that their disgracing did him grace : So whilst that other like vaine wits he pleased , And made to laugh , his heart was greatly eased . But the right gentle mind would bite his lip , To heare the lauell so good men to nip : For though the vulgar yeeld an open eare , And common Courtiers loue to gybe and fleare At euery thing , which they heare spoken ill , And the best speeches with ill meaning spill ; Yet the braue Courtier , in whose beautious thought Regard of honour harbours more than ought , Doth loath such base condition , to backbite Anies good name for envie or despite : He stands on tearmes of honourable mind , Ne will be carried with the common wind Of Courts inconstant mutabilitie , Ne after euery tattling fable flie ; But heares , and sees the follies of the rest , And thereof gathers for himselfe the best : He will not creepe , nor crouch with fained face , But walks vpright with comely stedfast pace , And vnto all doth yeeld due curtefie ; But not with kissed hand belowe the knee , As that fame Apish crue is wont to doe : For he disdaines himselfe t' embase there-to . He hates foule leasings , and vile flatterie , Two fithy blots in noble Gentrie ; And lothefull idlenes he doth detest , The canker-worme of euery gentle brest : The which to banish with faire excercise Of knightly feates , he daily doth deuise : Now menaging the mouthes of stubborne steedes : Now practising the proofe of warlike deedes , Now his bright armes assaying , now his speare , Now the nigh-aymed ring away to beare ; At other times he casts to sew the chace Of swift wilde beasts , or runne on foote a race , Ten large his breath ( large breath in armes most needful ) Or else by wrestling to wex strong and heedfull , Or his stiffe armes to stretch with Eughen bowe , And manly legs , still passing to and fro , Without a gowned beast him fast beside ; A vaine ensample of rhe Perfian pride , Who after he had wonne th' Assyrian foe , Did euer after scorne on foote to goe . Thus when this Courtly Gentleman with toyle Himsefe hath wearied , he doth recoyle Vnto his rest , and there with sweet delight Of Musicks skill reuiues his toyled spright ; Or else with Loues , and Ladies gentle sports , The ioy of youth , himselfe he recomforts : Or lastly , when the body list to pause , His minde vnto the Muses he with-drawes ; Sweet Lady Muses , Ladies of delight , Delights of life , and ornaments of light : With whom he close confers with wise discourse , Of Natures workes , of heauens continuall course , Of forraine lands , of people different , Of kingdoms change , of diuers gouernment , Of dreadfull battailes , of renowned Knights ; With which he kindleth his ambitious sprights To like desire and praise of noble fame , The onely vp-shot where-to he doth aime : For all his mind on honour fixed is , To which he leuels all his purposes , And in his Princes seruice spends his daies , Not so much for to gaine , or for to raise Himselfe to high degree ; as for his grace , And in his liking to winne worthy place , Through due deserts and comely carriage , In what-so please employ his personage , That may be matter meet to gaine him praise ; For he is fit to vse in all assayes , Whether for Armes and warlike amenaunce , Or else for wise and ciuill gouernaunce . For he is practiz'd well in policie , And there-to doth his courting most apply : To learne the enterdeale of Princes strange , To marke th' intent of Counsells , and the change Of States , and eke of priuate men some-while , Supplanted by fine falshood and faire guile ; Of all the which he gathereth what is fit ▪ T' enrich the storehouse of his powerfull wit , Which through wise speeches , and graue conference He daily eekes , and brings to excellence . Such is the rightfull Courtier in his kind : But vnto such the Ape lent not his mind ; Such were for him no fit companions , Such would descry his lewd conditions : But the young lustie gallants he did chose To follow , meet to whom he might disclose His witlesse pleasance , and ill-pleasing vaine . A thousand wayes he them could entertaine , With all the thriftlesse games that may be found , With mumming and with masking all around , With dice , with cards , with balliards far vnfit , With shuttle cocks , mis-seming manly wit , With courtizans , and costly riotize , Whereof still somewhat to his share did rize : Ne , them to pleasure , would he sometimes scorne A Pandars coate ( so basely was he borne ) : There-to he could fine louing verses frame , And play the Poet oft . But ah ! for shame , Let not sweet Poets praise , whose onely pride Is vertue to advaunce , and vice deride , Be with the worke of losels wit defamed , Ne let such verses Poetry be named : Yet he the name on him would rashly take , Maugre the sacred Muses , and it make A seruant to the vile affection Of such , as he depended most vpon , And with the sugry sweet thereof allure Chaste Ladies eares to fantasies impure , To such delights the noble wits he led Which him relieu'd and their vaine humors fed With fruitlesse follies , and vnsound delights . But if perhaps , into their noble sprights Desire of honour , or braue thought of armes Did euer creepe , then with his wicked charmes And strong conceits he would it driue away , Ne suffer it to house there halfe a day . And when so loue of letters did inspire Their gentle wits , and kindly wise desire That chiefly doth each noble mind adorne , Then he would scoffe at learning , and eke scorne The Sectaries thereof , as people bace , And simple men , which neuer came in place Of worlds affaires , but in darke corners mewd , Muttred of matters , as their bookes them shewd , Ne other knowledge euer did attaine , But with their gownes their grauitie maintaine . From them he would his impudent lewd speech Against Gods holy Ministers oft reach , And mock Diuines and their profession : What else then did he by progression , But mock high God himselfe , whom they professe ? But what car'd he for God or godlinsse ? All his care was himselfe how to aduance , And to vphold his courtly countenance By all the cunning meanes he could deuise ; Were it by honest waies , or otherwise , He made small choice : yet sure his honestie Got him small gaines , but shamelesse flattery , And filthy brocage , and vnseemly shifts , And borow base , and some good Ladies gifts : But the best helpe , which chiefely him sustain'd , Was his man Reynolds purchase which he gain'd . For he was school'd by kind in all the skill Of close conueyance , and each practise ill Of coosinage and cleanly knauerie , Which oft maintain'd his masters brauery . Besides , he vs'd another slippery slight , In taking on himselfe in common sight , False personages , fit for euery sted , With which he thousands cleanly coosined : Now like a Merchant , Merchants to deceaue , With whom his credite he did often leaue In gage , for his gay Masters hopelesse dett , Now like a Lawyer , when he land would lett , Or sell fee-simples in his Masters name , Which he had neuer , nor ought like the same : Then would he be a Broker , and draw in Both wares and money , by exchange to win : Then would he seeme a Farmer , that would sell , Bargaines of woods , which he did lately fell , Or corne , or cattle , or such other ware , There-by to coosin men not well aware ; Of all the which there came a secret fee To th' Ape , that he his countenance might be . Besides all this , he vs'd oft to beguile Poore suters , that in Court did haunt some while : For he would learne their busines secretly , And then informe his Master hastily , That he by meanes might cast them to preuent , And beg the sute the which the other ment . Or otherwise , false Reynold would abuse The simple Suter , and wish him to chuse His Master , beeing one of great regard In Court , to compasse any sute not hard , In case his paines were recompenc't with reason : So would he worke the silly man by treason To buy his Masters friuolous good will , That had not power to do him good or ill . So pittifull a thing is Suters state . Most miserable man , whom wicked fate Hath brought to Court , to sue for had-ywist , That few haue found , and many one hath mist ; Full little knowest thou that hast not tride , What hell it is , in suing long to bide : To loose good dayes that might be better spent ; To waste long nights in pensiue discontent : To speed to day , to be put back to morrow ; To feed on hope , to pine with feare and sorrow ; To haue thy Princes grace , yet want her Peeres ; To haue thy asking , yet waite many yeeres ; To fret thy soule with crosses and with cares ; To eate thy heart through comfortlesse despaires ; To fawne , to crouch , to wait , to ride , to ronne ; To spend , to giue , to want , to be vndonne , Vnhappy wight , borne to disastrous end , That doth his life in so long tendance spend . Who euer leaues sweet home , where meane estate In safe assurance , without strife or hate , Findes all things needfull for contentment meeke ; And will to Court for shadowes vaine to seeke , Or hope to gaine , himselfe a daw will try : That curse God send vnto mine enemie . For none but such as this bold Ape vnbiest , Can euer thriue in that vnlucky quest ; Or such as hath a Reynold to his man , That by his shifts his Master furnish can . But yet this Foxe could not so closely hide His crafty feates , but that they were descride At length , by such as sate in iustice seat , Who for the same him fouly did entreat ; And hauing worthily him punished . Out of the Court for euer banished , And now the Ape wanting his huckster man , That wont prouide his necessaries gan To grow into great lack , ne could vp holde His countenance in those his garments olde ; Ne new ones could he easily prouide , Though all men him vncased gan deride , Like as a Puppit placed in a play , Whose part once past , all men bid take away : So that he driuen was to great distresse , And shortly brought to hopelesse wretchednesse . Then closely as he might , he cast to leaue The Court , not asking any Pas or leaue ; But ran away in his rentrags by night , Ne euer stayd in place , ne spake to wight , Till that the Foxe his copesmate he had found , To whom complayning his vnhappy stound , At last againe with him in trauell ioynd , And with him far'd some better chance to finde . So in the world long time they wandered , And mickle want and hardnesse suffered ; That them repented much so foolishly To come so farre to seeke for misery , And leaue the sweetnes of contented home , Though eating hips , and drinking watry fome . Thus as they them complained to and fro , Whil'st through the forest rechlesse they did goe , Lo where they spide , how in a gloomy glade , The Lion sleeping lay in secret shade , His Crowne and Scepter lying him beside , And hauing doft for heat his dreadfull hide : Which when they sawe , the Ape was sore afraid , And would haue fled with terror all dismaide . But him the Foxe with hardy words did stay , And bad him put all cowardize away : For now was time ( if euer they would hope ) To ayme their counsels to the fairest scope , And them for euer highly to aduance , In case the good which their owne happy chance Them freely offred , they would wisely take . Scarce could the Ape yet speake , so did he quake , Yet as he could , he askt how good might growe , Where nought but dread and death do seeme in showe . Now ( said he ) whiles the Lion sleepeth sound , May we his Crowne and Mace take from the ground , And eke his skinne , the terror of the wood , Where-with we may our selues ( if we thinke good ) Make Kings of beasts , and Lords of forests all , Subiect vnto that power imperiall . Ah! but ( said the Ape ) who is so bold a wretch , That dare his hardy hand to those out-stretch ; When as he knowes his meed , if he be spide , To be a thousand deaths , and shame beside ? Fond Ape ( said then the Foxe ) into whose brest Neuer crept thought of honour , nor braue gest , Who will not venture life a King to be , And rather rule and raigne in soueraigne see , Than dwell in dust inglorious and bace , Where none shall name the number of his place ? One ioyous houre in blisfull happinesse , I chuse before a life of wretchednes . Be therefore counselled herein by me , And shake off this vile-harted cowardree . If he awake , yet is not death the next , For we may coulor it with some pretext Of this , or that , that may excuse the crime : Else we may flye ; thou to a tree mayst clime , And I creepe vnder ground ; both from his reach : Therefore be rul'd to doe as I doe teach . The Ape , that earst did nought but chill and quake , Now gan some courage vnto him to take , And was content to attempt that enterprise , Tickled with glory and rash couetise ; But first gan question whether should assay Those royall ornaments to steale away . Mary that shall your selfe ( quoth he thereto ) For ye be fine and nimble it to do ; Of all the beasts which in the forests be , Is not a fitter for this turne than yee : Therefore mine owne deare brother take good heart , And euer thinke a kingdome is your part . Loath was the Ape ( though praised ) to aduenture , Yet faintly gan into his worke to enter , Afraid of cuery leafe that stirr'd him by , And euery stick that vnderneath did ly ; Vpon his tiptoes nicely he vp went , For making noyse , and still his eare he lent To euery sound , that vnder heauen blew , Now went , now stept , now crept , now backward drew , That it good sport had beene him to haue eyde : Yet at the last ( so well he him applyde , ) Through his fine handling , and his cleanly play , He all those royall signes had stolne away , And with the Foxes helpe them borne aside , Into a secret corner vnespide . Whither when as they came , they fell at words , Whether of them should be the Lord of Lords : For th' Ape was stryfefull , and ambicious ; And the Foxe guilefull , and most couetous , That neither pleased was , to haue the raine Twixt them diuided into euen twaine , But either ( algates ) would be Lords alone : For Loue and Lordship bide no paragone . I am most worthy ( said the Ape ) sith I For it did put my life in ieopardy : There-to I am in person and in stature Most like a man , the Lord of euery creature , So that it seemeth I was made to raigne , And borne to be a kingly Soueraigne . Nay ( said the Foxe ) Sir Ape you are astray : For though to steale the Diademe away Were the worke of your nimble hand , yet I Did first deuise the plot by policie ; So that it wholly springeth from my wit : For which also I claime my selfe more fit Than you , to rule : for gouernment of state Will without wisedome soone be ruinate . And where you claime your selfe for outward shape Most like a man , Man is not like an Ape In his chiefe parts , that is , in wit and spirit ; But I therein most like to him doe merite For my slie wyles and subtill craftinesse , The title of the kingdome to possesse . Nath'lesse ( my brother ) since we passed are Vnto this poynt , we will appease our iarre , And I with reason meet will rest content , That ye shall haue both crowne and gouernment , Vpon condition , that ye ruled bee In all affaires , and counselled by me ; And that ye let none other euer drawe Your minde from mee , but keepe this as a law : And hereupon an oath vnto me plight . The Ape was glad to end the strife so light , And there-to swore : for who would not oft sweare , And oft vnsweare , a Diademe to beare ? Then freely vp those royall spoyles he tooke , Yet at the Lions skin he inly quooke ; But it dissembled , and vpon his head The Crowne , and on his backe the skin he did , And the false Foxe him helped to array . Then when he was all dight , he tooke his way Into the forrest , that he might be seene Of the wilde beasts in his new glory sheene . There the two first , whom he encountred , were The Sheepe and th' Asse , who striken both with feare At sight of him , gan fast away to flye , But vnto them the Foxe aloud did cry , And in the Kings name bad them both to stay , Vpon the paine that thereof follow may . Hardly nath ' lesse were they restrained so , Till that the Foxe forth toward them did go , And there disswaded them from needlesse feare , For that the King did fauour to them beare ; And therefore dreadlesse bad them come to Corte : For no wilde beasts should doe them any torte There or abroad , ne would his maiestie Vse them but well ; with gracious clemencie , As whom he knew to him both fast and true ; So he perswaded them with homage due Themselues to humble to the Ape prostrate , Who gently to them bowing in his gate , Receiued them with chearefull entertaine , Thence , forth proceeding with his princely traine , He shortly met the Tygre , and the Bore , Which with the simple Camell raged sore In bitter words , seeking to take occasion , Vpon his fleshy corps to make inuasion : But soone as they this mock-King did espy , Their troublous strife they stinted by and by , Thinking indeed that it the Lion was . He then to proue whether his power would passe As currant , sent the Foxe to them straight way , Commaunding them their cause of strife bewray ; And if that wrong on either side there were , That he should warne the wronger to appeare The morrow next at Court , it to defend ; In the meane time vpon the King t' attend . The subtile Foxe so well his message said , That the proud beasts him readily obayd : Whereby th' Ape in wondrous stomack woxe , Strongly encourag'd by the crafty Foxe ; That King indeed himselfe he shortly thought , And all the beasts him feared as they ought : And followed vnto his Palace hie , Where taking Conge , each one by and by Departed to his home in dreadfull awe , Full of the feared sight which late they sawe . The Ape thus seized of the Regall throne , Eftsoones by counsell of the Foxe alone , Gan to prouide for all things in assurance , That so his rule might lenger haue endurance . First , to his Gate he pointed a strong gard , That none might enter but with issue hard : Then for the safegard of his personage , He did appoint a warlike equipage Of forraine beasts , not in the forrest bred , But part by land , and part by water fed ; For tyrannie is with strange ayde supported . Then vnto him all monstrous beasts resorted Bred of two kindes , as Griffons , Minotaures , Crocodiles , Dragons , Beauers , and Centaures : With those himselfe he strengthned mightily , That feare he neede no force of enemy . Then gan he rule and tyrannize at will , Like as the Foxe did guide his gracelesse skill , And all wilde beasts made vassals of his pleasures , And with their spoyles enlarg'd his priuate treasures . No care of iustice , nor no rule of reason , No temperance , nor no regard of season Did thenceforth euer enter in his minde , But crueltie , the signe of currish kinde , And sdeignfull pride , and wilfull arrogance ; Such followes those whom fortune doth aduance . But the false Foxe most kindly plaid his part : For , whatsoeuer mother wit , or arte Could worke , he put in proofe : no practise slie , No counterpoint of cunning policie , No reach , no breach , that might him profit bring , But he the same did to his purpose wring . Nought suffered he the Ape to giue or grant , But through his hand must passe the Fiant . All offices , all Leases by him lept , And of them all what-so he likte , he kept . Iustice he solde iniustice for to buy , And for to purchase for his progeny . Ill might it prosper , that ill gotten was : But so he got it , little did he passe . He fed his cubs with fat of all the soyle , And with the sweet of others sweating toyle , He crammed them with crums of Benefices , And fild their mouthes with meeds of malefices , He cloathed them with all colours saue white , And loaded them with Lordships and with might , So much as they were able well to beare , That with the weight their backs nigh broken were ; He chaffred Chayres in which Churchmen were set , And breach of lawes to priuie ferme did let . No statute so established might be , Nor ordinance so needfull , but that he Would violate , though not with violence , Yet vnder colour of the confidence The which the Ape repos'd in him alone , And reckned him the kingdoms corner-stone . And euer when he ought would bring to passe , His long experience the platforme was : And when he ought not pleasing would put by , The clocke was care of thrift , and husbandry , For to encrease the common treasures store ; But his owne treasure he encreased more , And lifted vp his lofty towres therby , That they began to threat the neighbour sky ; The whiles the Princes Palaces fell fast To ruine : ( for what thing can euer last ? ) And whil'st the other Peeres for pouertie Were forc't their auncient houses to let lie , And their old Castles to the ground to fall , Which their forefathers ( famous ouer all ) Had founded for the Kingdoms ornament , And for their memories long monument . But he no count made of Nobilitie , Nor the wilde beasts whom armes did glorifie , The Realmes chiefe strength and girlond of the Crowne ; All these through fained crimes he thrust a downe , Or made them dwell in darknes of disgrace : For none , but whom he list might come in place . Of men of armes he had but small regard , But kept them lowe , and streightned very hard : For men of learning little he esteemed ; His wisedome he aboue their learning deemed . As for the rascall Commons least he cared ; For not so common was his bounty shared ; Let God ( said he ) if please , care for the many , I for my selfe must care before else any : So did he good to none , to many ill , So did he all the kingdome rob and pill , Yet none durst speake , nor none durst of him plaine ; So great he was in grace , and rich through gaine . Ne would he any let to haue accesse Vnto the Prince , but by his owne addresse : For all that else did come , were sure to faile , Yet would he further none but for availe . For , on a time the Sheepe , to whom of yore The Foxe had promised of friendship store , What time the Ape the kingdome first did gaine , Came to the Court , her case there to complaine , How that the Wolfe her mortall enemie , Had sithence slaine her Lambe most cruelly ; And therefore crau'd to come vnto the King , To let him know the order of the thing . Soft gooddy Sheepe ( then said the Foxe ) not so : Vnto the King so rash ye may not goe , He is with greater matter busied , Then a Lamb , or the Lambs owne mothers hed , Ne certes may I take it well in part , That ye my cousin Wolfe so fouly thwart , And seeke with slander his good name to blot : For there was cause , else doe it he would not . Therefore surcease good Dame , and hence depart , So went the Sheepe away with heauie heart . So many moe , so euery one was vsed , That to giue largely to the boxe refused . Now when high loue , in whose almighty hand The care of Kings , and power of Empires stand , Sitting one day within his turret hie , From whence he viewes with his black-lidded eye , What-so the heauen in his wide vawte containes , And all that in the deepest earth remaines , And troubled kingdome of wilde beasts beheld , Whom not their kindly Souereigne did weld , But an vsurping Ape with guile suborn'd , Had all subuerst , he sdeignfully it scorn'd , In his great hart , and hardly did refraine , But that with thunder-bolts he had him slaine , And driuen down to hell , his dewest meed : But him avizing , he that dreadfull deed Forbore , and rather chose with scornfull shame Him to auenge , and blot his brutish name Vnto the world , that neuer after any Should of his race be voyd of infamy : And his false counsellor , the cause of all , To damne to death , or dole perpetuall , From whence he neuer should be quit , not stall'd . Forth-with he Mercurie vnto him call'd , And bad him flie with neuer-resting speed Vnto the forrest , where wilde beasts doe breed , And there enquiring priuily , to learne , What did of late chance to the Lion stearne , That he rul'd not the Empire , as he ought ; And whence were all those plaints vnto him brought Of wrongs and spoiles , by saluage beasts committed ; Which done he bad the Lion be remitted Into his seat , and those same treachours vile Be punished for their presumptuous guile . The sonne of Maia soone as he receiu'd The word , straight with his azure wings he cleau'd The liquid clowdes , and lucid firmament ; Ne staid , till that he came with sleepe descent Vnto the place , where his prescript did showe . There stouping like an arrowe from a bowe , He soft arriued on the graffie Plaine , And fairely passed forth with easie paine , Till that vnto the Palace nigh he came . Then gau hee to himselfe new shape to frame , And that faire face , and that Ambrosiall hew Which wonts to decke the Gods immortall crew , And beautifie the shinie firmament , He doft , vnfit for that rude rabblement . So standing by the gates in strange disguize , He gan enquire of some in secret wize , Both of the King and of his gouernment , And of the Foxe , and his false blandishment : And euermore he heard each one complaine Of foule abuses both in realme and raigne . Which yet to proue more true , he meant to see , And an eye-witnes of each thing to bee . Tho , on his head his dreadfull hat he dight , Which maketh him inuisible in sight , And mocketh th' eyes of all the lookers on , Making them thinke it but a vision . Through power of that , he runnes through enemies swerds ; Through power of that , he passeth through the herds Of rauenous wilde beasts , and doth beguile Their greedie mouthes of the expected spoile ; Through power of that , his cunning theeueries He wonts to worke , that none the same espies ; And through the power of that , he putteth on , What shape he list in apparition . That on his head he wore : and in his hand He tooke Caduceus his snakie wand , With which the damned ghosts he gouerneth , And furies rules , and Tartare tempereth . With that he causeth sleepe to seize the eyes , And fear the harts of all his enemies ; And when he list , an vniuersall night Throughout the world he makes on euery wight ▪ As when his Sire with Alcumena lay . Thus dight , into the Court he tooke his way , Both through the gard , which neuer him descride , And through the watch-men , who him neuer spide : Thence , forth he past into each secret part , Where-as he saw ( that sorely grieu'd his heart ) Each place abounding with foule iniuries , And fild with treasure rackt with robberies : Each place defilde with blood of guiltlesse beasts , Which had beene slaine to serue the Apes beheasts ; Gluttony , malice , pride , and couetize , And lawlesnes raigning with riotize ; Besides the infinite extortions , Done through the Foxes great oppressions , That the complaints thereof could not be tolde . Which when he did with lothfull eyes behold , He would no more endure , but came his way , And cast to seeke the Lion where he may , That he might worke the auengement for this shame , On those two caytiues , which had bred him blame . And seeking all the forrest busily , At last he found , where sleeping he did ly : The wicked weed , which there the Foxe did lay , From underneath his head he tooke away , And then him waking , forced vp to rize . The Lion looking vp , gan him avize , As one late in a traunce , what had of long Become of him : for fantasie is strong . Arise ( said Mercurie ) thou sluggish beast , That heere liest senselesse , like the corpse deceast , The whil'st thy kingdome from thy head is rent , And thy throne royall with dishonor blent : Arise , and doe thy selfe redeeme from shame , And be aueng'd on those that breed thy blame . There-at enraged , soone he gan vp-start , Grinding his teeth , and grating his great heart , And rouzing vp himselfe , for his rough hide He gan to reach ; but no where it espide . There-with he gan full terribly to rore , And chauft at that indignity right sore . But when his Crowne and Scepter both he wanted Lord how he fum'd , and sweld , and rag'd , and panted ; And threatned death , and thousand deadly dolours To them that had purloyn'd his Princely honours ! With that in haste , disroabed as he was , He toward his owne Palace forth did passe ; And all the way he roared as he went , That all the forrest with astonishment Thereof did tremble , and the beasts therein Fled fast away from that so dreadfull din. At last , he came vnto his mansion , Where all the gates he found fast lockt anon , And many warders round about them stood . With that he roar'd aloud , as he were wood , That all the Palace quaked at the stound , As if it quite were riuen from the ground , And all within were dead and hartlesse left ; And th' Ape himselfe , as one whose wits were reft , Fled heere and there , and euery corner sought , To hide himselfe from his owne feared thought . But the false Foxe , when he the Lion heard , Fled closely forth , straight-way of death afeard , And to the Lion came full lowly creeping , With fained face , and watry eyne halfe weeping , T' excuse his former treason and abusion , And turning all vnto the Apes confusion : Nath'lesse , the royall Beast for bore beleeuing , But bad him stay at ease till further preeuing . Then when he saw no entrance to him graunted , Roaring yet lowder that all harts it daunted , Vpon those gates with force he fiercely flew , And rending them in peeces , felly slew Those warders strange , and all that else he met , But th' Ape still flying , he no where might get : From roume to roume , from beame to beame he fled All breathlesse , and for feare now almost ded : Yet him at last the Lion spide and caught , And forth with shame vnto his iudgement brought . Then all the beasts he caus'd assembled be , To heare their doome , and sad ensample see . The Foxe , first Author of that treacherie , He did vncase , and then abroad let flie . But th' Apes long taile ( which then he had ) he quight Cut off , and both eares pared of their hight ; Since which , all Apes but halfe their eares haue left , And of their tailes are vtterly bereft . So Mother Hubberd her discourse did end : Which pardon me , if I a misse haue pend ; For , weake was my remembrance it to hold , And bad her tongue that it so bluntly told . FINIS .