Abuses stript, and whipt. Or Satirical essayes. By George Wyther. Diuided into two bookes

ABVSES STRIPT , AND WHIPT . OR SATIRICAL ESSAYES .

By GEORGE WYTHER . Diuided into two Bookes 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

Dispise not this what ere I seeme in showe , A foole to purpose speaks sometime you know .

AT LONDON , Printed by G. ELD , for FRANCIS BVRTON , and are to be solde at his shop in Pauls Church-yard , at the signe of the Green-Dragon . 1613.

To him-selfe , G. W. wisheth all hapinesse .

THou ( euen my selfe ) whome next God , my Prince , and Country I am most engaged vnto ; It is not vnlikelie , but some will wonder , why , contrary to the worlds custome , I haue made choyse of thy Patronage for this booke , rather then the protection of such whose mightinesse might seeme better able to defend it ; especially considering such a Gigantick troupe of aduersaries haue banded themselues against the Truth , that one of them Goliah-like dares raile vpon a whole hoast of Israel . It may be ( I say ) some will wonder , and some scoffe at mee for it ; for which cause ( though to answer them with sic volo had been sufficient : yet to shew I will not like our Great ones stand so much vpon my authority as to make my Will my Reason ) I heere let you know why , and for what causes I haue done it ; the first is this : I could not amongst all men finde any man , in my opinion , so fitting for this purpose , but either my Worke was vnworthy , or too worthie his Patronage . Secondly , it is said ; Obsequium amicos , veritas odium parit : and I doubting my free speech would hardly make a Diapason , pleasing to the eare of a common Mecaenas , thought it best to hold my tong , or speake to my selfe , whose disposition I am better acquainted with . Thirdly , seeing I know but what men appeare , and not what they are ; I had rather indure the Kites tyranny , then with Aesops Doues make the Sparrow-hauke my Champion . Fourthly , if I haue spoken Truth it is able to defend it selfe ; if not , who-ere be my Patron , it is I must answere for it . Fiftly , for asmuch as I know my owne minde best ; I purpose , if need be , to become my own Aduocate . Sixtly , for my owne sake I first made it , and therefore certaine I am I my selfe haue most right vnto it . But seauently , and lastly ( which is indeed the principal Reason ) I haue made this Dedication to thee , poore world-despised Selfe ; euen to put thee in minde , ( seeing thou hast here boldly begun to bid defiance to the Flesh , and vpon iust causes quarrelled with the World ) that thou take heed to thine owne words , and not through basenes of minde or vntowardnes of Fortune ( to thy euerlasting disgrace ) faintly giue ouer so noble a Combate ; If euer aduersitie ( as t is like enough ) oppresse thee , yet remember thy owne sayings , and in despight of outward Destinies haue a care to keepe an vndeiected heart still free for Vertue . Or on the contrary , if euer ( as t is vnlikely ) vnexpected Prosperity bee cast vpon thee , then look to thy selfe , take to thee this poore booke of thine , wherein thou shalt see the dangers of it , and be , perhaps , thereby staid from many a perilous enterprise , which that estate might else driue thee into . Reade it , weekely , daily , yea and howerly toe : what though it bee thine owne ? thou knowest mans nature to bee so vncertaine , and prone to forgetfulnesse , euen in the best things , that thou canst not haue too many Memorandums . The wisest fall , and therefore euery day was Philip desirous to bee remembred that hee was a Man ; thou thinkest I know , still to remaine what thou art , I desire in some things thou maist , but vnlesse thou labour it with diligent watchfulnesse ouer affection , it is at least much to be doubted , if not altogether to bee despaired of ; thou hast seene many by an alteration in their estate beene so metamorphosed , as if they were not the same men , nor of that Nation .

Nay remember it , thou thy selfe , and that but vpon a bare hope , or imagination of some preferment , hast bin puffed vp and exalted aboue measure : consider now then how much more thou hadst beene so and what had become of thee if God had not by dashing those hopes called thee to thy selfe againe ? Alas ! if hee had answered thy ambitious expectations to thy desire , thou hadst bin by this time past recouerie and not thought of this ; but delighted in villany , bin ouer-mastered by passion , rusht into all vanity and presumption ; yet neuer felt any danger , till it were too late to preuent it ▪ Thou hast oft wisht thou hadst bin borne to the like means that others are , which might it haue beene so , now thou seest thou shouldst hardly , or neuer , haue come to the knowledge of those things , that are now showne thee . T is true , thou hast lamented to be crost in thy preferments , but thou seest since that it might haue been thy vndoing if it had not beene so , and maist perswade thy selfe , whether it be now or neuer , it will be to thy good . For tell me , hast thou not often felt , euen when thou wert busiest to preuent them ; fond loue , ambition , reuenge , couetousnesse and such like Passions then to inuade thee ? Hast thou perceiued it I say ? How much more then would they haue beene ready to assaile thee , when quite forgetting them , thou hadst wholly addicted thy self to the things of this world ? Let mee aduise my deare-selfe then , to make vse of this thine owne worke , it will be better to thee then all the world : for this good it may do thee , and to this end I made both ●t and the Dedication thereof to thee , that if euer hereafter the temptations of the world , the flesh & the diuel , or any occasion should make thee to forget this mind that thou art now in : or so blind thy vnderstanding thou shouldst not perceiue thy owne and the Worlds follies as thou now dost ; That if thou shouldst be in that miserable state as many are , to haue no feeling of thy danger : that if thou shouldst bee wofully flattered and haue no friend that dares , or loues thee so well to put thee in mind of thy transgressions .

Then I haue ordained this to shew thee what once thou wert , to touch thee againe with the feeling of thy miseries , and to bee vnto thee that true Friend , which , free from all faigned inuention , shal plainely tell thee , what perhaps should else haue neuer beene brought againe to thy remembrance . Looke then that for thy owne sake thou respect this , how euer to others it may seeme a trifle . Bee carefull of thy actions , for seeing thou knowest the dangerous Passions wherevnto Man is subiect , hast showne his vanities , layed open his Weakenesse , and sharpely taxed his Presumptions : If now thou shouldest wilfully runne thy selfe into the same euilles , the world would vpraid● thee , this Booke , yea thy Conscience accuse thee , God and good-men hate thee , thy fault be more odious and in-excusable , thy iudgement more seuere , and which is worst , thy punishment most intollerable ; I say seeke therefore ( if for no other cause ) so to carry thy selfe , that at least thou maist haue a good conscience before God , for Si Deus tecum quis contrate , but if now hauing made the World thine enemie , exposed thy selfe to the malice thereof , and hauing so many Legions of foes without thee , thou shouldest also , by thy negligence , suffer the inuincible fortresse of a sound Conscience to be crazed within thee , the Di●ell , that is alway watching such aduantages , would quickly possesse it with an vnmercifull troupe of Horrors , Feares , and Desperations , that without Gods miraculous assistance thou wouldest grow wholly past either comfort or recouery .

For all the World cannot defend thee against thy Conscience , but that beeing with hee , thou maist preuaile against all the World . Beware then , doe not like the Zibe●hum yeeld a perfume to sweeten others and be thy selfe a stinking vermine , but let this thy owne worke bee first confirmed by thy life and conuersation , yea let it be a President to thy selfe , for , Tan●i erit aliis quanti tibi fuerit , but if not , I say if the World mis-esteeme either it or thee , yet doe not thou therefore esteeme the lesse either of thy booke or of thy selfe , but rather let them know

That thou hast learned , still thy care , shal be , A rush for him , that cares a straw for thee .

But now , though for these and diuers oother Reasons , I haue to thee my Owne-selfe committed the protection , and made the Dedication of this booke , yet my meaning is not that thou shouldst keepe it wholly to thine owne vse ; But rather seeing it is honourable to giue , ( though none will giue thee any thing ) I haue bestowne this o● thee , that if thou canst in this corrupted age , finde any , whom desert , and thy loue may make so deare vnto thee , or whom● thou art perswaded will gratifie , or but thinke well of thy honest endeauours , thou maist bee liberall to them both of these thy labours and expences . But this I coniure thee to ; be they neuer so great yet flatter not , or if he be a man whom thou knowest the World speakes any way iustly ill of ; either tell him his fault , or leaue him wholly out of thy Catalogue : But because I begin to grow tedious to my owne-selfe , and since I shall haue Opportunity enough to consider with thee what is further needfull without an Epistle , with my prayers for my Prince , my Country , my friends , and my ●wne prosperitie , without any leaue taking , or Commendations of my Selfe ; I heartily wish my owne Soule to fare-well .

Thy Princes , thy Countries , thy friends , and thine i. thine owne whilst Reason masters Affection . GEO. WITHER .

To the Reader .

REaders ; I speake to you that haue vnderstanding ; when these first fruits of my conuerted Muses , shall come to your iudicious censures , Do not look for Spencers , or Daniels wel composed numbers ; or the deep conceits of now florishing Iohnson ; no ; say t is honest plain matter , & there 's as much as I look for . If I haue seem'd to err in any thing suppose me not so obstinate , or wel conceited of my own opinions , but that I may be perswaded by any that shal produce stronger reasons to the contrary . If any thing may seeme to haue a doubtfull interpretation , assure your selues the honestest meaning in it is mine , and although some may think I haue not so wel ioyned things together as I might haue done , I know when you haue considered the nature of the Subiect , & the diuersity of things therin handled , you wil accept my good wil & let my yeeres be an excuse for that & al other ignorant ouer-sights whatsoeuer . Some no doubt will mistake my plainnes , in that I haue so bluntly spoken what I haue obserued , without any Poeticall additions or fained Allegories , I am sorry I haue not pleased them therein , but should haue been more sorry if I had displeased my selfe in doing otherwise ; for I know if I had wrapt vp vy meaning , in dark riddles , I should haue been more applauded and lesse vnderstood , which I nothing desire . I neither feare nor shame to speake the Trurh , and therefore haue nakedly thrust it forth without a couering . To what end were it , if I ( as some do ) had appareld my mind in darke Parables , that few or none might haue vnderstood mee ? I should doe better to be silent ; but if it be more in request I may hereafter be obscure enough , yet in this t is not my meaning , for indeed , if I knew how , my desire is to be so plaine , that the bluntest Iobernole might vnderstand mee . Our Grand-villaines care not for a secret ierk ; well wee may shew an honest wit in couertly nipping them ; but either 't is in vaine cause they perceiue it not , or else ridiculous , seeing they only vnderstand it who will but either malice or flout vs for our labors . Many may dislike the harshnes of the Verse but you know , although it be not stately , yet it we enough befits the matter , and whereas I may seem blame-worthy in mixing Diuinity with Humanity : yet when you haue found my generall ayme ; considered with what reuerent respect I haue done it , and what commendable authorities I may haue for it , I nothing misdoubt your approbation . Those things which concerne my selfe , may seeme childish , nothing pleasing , but you must consider I had a care to please my selfe aswel as others ; and if the World blame mee as to sawcy with her , 't is for want of manners , but her owne fault , that would allow mee no better education . To bee briefe , if I haue any way offended I am so well perswaded you wil mildly conster my errors and infirmities , that I rest wholly , and onely on your sound and incorrupted Iudgements .

* But*

Readers ; I meane you that are no more but Readers ; I make no question if this book come to your spelling , it will haue many halting verses , and disioynted sentenses : for I haue had experience of your insufficiencie : yet haue I striu'd to bee for your sakes I tell you ( because I would if it were possible bee vnderstood ) as plaine ( as they say ) as a pack-saddle , and now the doubt is then fooles will ride me . If they doe certainly , I shall be rough & vneasie for their tendernes . Though you vnderstand them not yet because you see this wants some fine Phrases & flourishes , as you find other mens writings stuft withal , perhaps you wil iudge me vnlearned . Wel ; and right enough . Yet you will be counted but saucy Coblers to go beyond your Lasts . And if that be a fault did not the subiect and your ignorances , require me to be in that sort faulty ? I could with ease haue amended it , for it cost me ( I protest ) more labour to obserue this plainenesse then if I had more Poetically trim'd ii , but for feare if I speake much , I confound your Memories , I will say no more but this , Read and welcome , but Censure not , for your iudgement is weake and I vtterly renounce it .

Valete George Wither .

To Time . EPIGR. 1. NOw swift-deuouring , bald and ill fac't Time , Dost not thou blush to see thy selfe vncloak't ? Oh that I knew but how to laugh in Rime ? Faith I would do it though thou wisht me choakt . Did'st thou but see how thy faire antique shape , Is now transformed to a shapelesse hew : How like thou look'st to some Barbarian Ape , Could'st thou I say with me thine owne selfe view Thou wouldst be Metamorphosed anew , Run quite away , and either all amend , Or wish thy selfe and all things at an end . And yet dispaire not Time , though thou art ill ; The worst that euer yet was knowne to be , T is not ordain'd thou shouldst remaine so still , For I my selfe this age do hope to see : The gloriou'st work that euer Time brought forth , The master-peece , and the most noble act ; In the respect of which 't were nothing worth If all the braue deeds done were but one fact , Romes fall I meane ; I heard it when it crack't . Yea from my Cradle I did still surmize ; I should see Babell tumble Bethell rise ,

EPIG. 2. I Heare there s some aske how I dare so plaine Tax the Abuses that I now see raigne , I muse as much they dare say ill vnto it , Or dare but aske , but how I dare to doe it .

To the Stranger 3. THou that wert so vnhappy first , to breath , Without the compasse of Great Brittans powe● And blest againe that fate did thee bequeath , The knowledge of so rich a tongue as our . If vnderstanding thou dost hap to read , This booke wherein thou seest my nations sham● Yet do not thou against my Country plead , For thine thou know'st doth merit as much blame Our faults are many , this indeed is true ; But were they moe , we were no worse then you .

To the Satyro-mastix . 4. OH Lord Sir y' are deceiu'd I 'me none of tho●● That write in Anger , or malicious spleene , I haue not taken pepper in the Nose , Nor a base forger of false libels beene , Such ones there be indeed , such I haue seene ; I enuy no man for his greatnes I , Nor seeke I any honest mans disgrace ; I ioy in euery ones prosperity , I le not the credit of a dogge deface , My Aduersaery shall not prooue the case . Then stand back sirrah Whip-Iack with your scourge , Do not incense my Satyr for thy life : Hee 's patient enough vnlesse thou vrge , Contentions are now a dayes to rife , And he is very backward vnto strife , But notwithstanding heere he lets thee see , As long as there is cause and reason why : In spight of all that foes to Satyrs be : He shall , if I list taxe iniquitie , It is a matter of necessity . What ? you would faine haue all the great ones freed , They must not for their vices be controld , Beware ; that were a saucines indeed ; But if the Great-ones to offend be bold , I see no reason but they should be told . Yea and they shall ; their faults most hurtfull be , And though I will not put them to that shame , I no iniustice in the matter see , If they were taxed by their proper name , For no sinne can on earth haue her full blame . Then Scourge of Satyrs hold thy whip from mine , Or I will make my rod lash thee and thine .

To the gald Reader . EPIG. 8. SIr , he that s night-gald or hath cornes on 's toes , May blame the Shoomaker and curse his shooes But those that are acquainted with the fault , Can tell the reason wherefore he doth halt ; So thou maist think ( perhaps ) these Satyrs sting thee Where only thy owne guiltines doth wring thee . For if thou wert from these diseases free , Thou wouldst be quiet as some others be . But t is well known a ticklish beast hath tricks And the old Prouerb saith a gold la ●e kicks . But I 'le aduise thee , if thou feele it smart , Be rule by me and play not the fooles part , Keep 't to thy selfe , and there are none shall know , Whether that thou art toucht therein or no , Thou seest thou neither art markt out nor na'md ; And therefore onely to thy selfe art sham'd ; Now if thou stir at best thou shalt but make The Country of thy faults more knowledge take . And ( as indeed it iustly may ) diuine , The worst faults that I write against are thine , Then since to be reprooued seemes a curse , And to be mooued makes the matter worse , Either for to amend thy life haue care , O● like a Pack ! orse and an Asse stil beare .

To the Impartiall Author . CEorge , I did euer thinke thy faithfull breast , Conteind a mind beyond the common sort , Thy very looke and honest heart exprest , And seem'd an aw-full mildnes to import : Poets may vaunt of smooth and lofty straines , Thine with thy subiect fitly do agree ; But then thy Muse a better praise obtaines , For whilst the greatest but time-pleasers be , Thou vnappald and freely speak'st the truth : Not any one for feare or lucre sparing : A vertue rare in age , more rare in youth ; Another Cato , but I think more daring ; Wel maist thou speed in these tempestuous times , Thou soone begin'st to make the world thy foe Yet I so wel do like thy honest rimes ; That I could wish al Poets would write so ; For thou the way of truth so rightly tend'st , I hold them double prais'd whom thou commendst Thy deare friend , TH. C.

The Contents of the first BOOKE . The Occasion . The Introduction , Of Man Offond Loue . Satyr 1 Of Lust. 2 Of Hate . 3 Of Enuy. 4 Of Reuenge . 5 Of Choller . 6 Of Iealousie , 7 Of Couetousnes . 8 Of Ambition . 9 Of Feare . 10 Of Despaire . 11 Of Hope . 12 Of Compassion . 13 Of Cruelty . 14 Of Ioy . 15 Of Sorrow . 16 The Conclusion of the first Booke . THE SECOND BOOKE . Of Vanity . Satyr . 1 Of Inconstancy 2 Of Weaknes . 3 Of Presumption 4 The Scourge Epigramms to the King , &c. and to certaine noble Personages and friends , to whom the Author gaue any of his Bookes .

THE OCCASION . Of this worke . WHen nimble Time , that all things ouer-runs ; Made me forsake my tops and elderne guns Reaching those yeares in which the schoole boyes bragge In leauing off the bottle and the bagg : The very spring before I grew so old , That I had a most thrice fiue winters told , Noting my other fellow-pupils hast , That to our English Athens flockt so fast : Least others for a truant should suspect me , That had the selfe-same Tutor to direct me And in a manner counting it a shame , To vndergoe so long a Schoole-boyes name , Thither went I ; for ( though I le not compare ) With any of them that my fellowes were ; Yet then ( I le speake it to my Teachers praise ) I was vnfurnisht of no needfull layes ; Nor any whit for Grammar rules to seeke , In Lillies Latine , nor in Camdens Greeke . But so well grounded that another day , I could not with our idle students say For an excuse I was ill enter'd ; no : There are too-many know it was not so ; And therefore since I came no wiser thence , I must confesse it was my negligence , Yet daily longing to behold and see , The places where the sacred Sisters be ; I was so happy to that Foard I came , Of which an Oxe , they say , beares halfe the name : It is the spring of knowledge that imparts , A thousand seuerall Sciences , and Arts , A Christall fount , whose water is by ods , Far sweeter then the Nectar of the Gods : Or for to giue 't a title that befits , It is the very Nurcery of wits ; There once arriued , cause my wits were raw , I fell to wondring at each thing I saw And for my learning made a monthes vacation , In nothing of the places scituation : The Palaces and Temples that were due Vnto the wife Mineruaes hallowed crew ; Their cloisters , walkes , and groues all which suruei'd , And in my new admittance well apaid ; I did ( as other idle Freshmen doe ) Long for to see the Bell of Osney to : But yet , indeed ( may not I grieue to tell ? ) I neuer dranke at Aristotles Well . And that perhaps may be the reason why , I know so little in Philosophy . Yet old Sir Harry Bath was not forgot , In the remembrance of whose wondrous shot , The Forrest by ( beleeue it they that will ) Retaines the surname of shot-ouer still : Then hauing seene enough , and therewithall , Got some experience at the Tennisball , My Tutor ( telling me I was not sent , There to be idle , but with an intent , For to encrease my knowledge ) , cald me in , And with his graue instructions did begin To teach : And by his good perswasions sought , To bring me to a loue of what he taught : Then after that he gan for to impart , The hidden secrets of the Logick Art ; In steed of grammer rules he taught me than , Old Scotus , Seton , and new Keckerman . He shew'd me which the Predicables be , As Genus , Species , and th' other three , So hauing said enough of their contents , Handles in order the ten Praedicaments , Then Post praedicaments : with Priorum , Perhermenias and posteriorum : He with the Topicks opens ; and descries Elenchi , full of subtile falacies : These to vnfold ( indecd ) he tooke some paine , But to my dull capacity in vaine : For all he spake was to as little passe , As in old time vnto the vulger was Their Latine seruice , which they vnderstood Aswel as did a horse to do them good , And I his meaning did as neere coniecture , As if he had beene reading Hebrew lecture ; His Infinites , Indiuiduit●es , Contrari's , and Subcontrarieti's , Diuisions : Subdiuisions , and a crew Of tearmes and wordes such as I neuer knew ; My shallow vnderstanding so confounded , That I was grauel'd like a ship that 's grounded ; And in despaire the mistery to gaine , Neglecting all tooke neither heed nor paine , Yea , I remaind in that amazed plight , Till Cinthia sixe times lost her borrowed light , But then ashamd to find my selfe still mute , And other little Dandiprats dispute , That could distinguish vppon Rationale , Yet scarcely heard of Ver●um Personale ; And could by heart ( like Parots ) in the Schooles , Stand pratling , those me thought were pretty fooles , And therefore in some hope to profit so , That I like them ( at least ) might make a show : I reacht my bookes that I had cast about , ( To see if I could pick the meaning out ) And prying on them with some diligence , At length I felt my dull intelligence Begin to open ; and perceiued more , In halfe an houre then halfe a yeare before , And which is strange the thinges I had forgot , And till that very day remembred not , Since first my Tutor read them ; those did then , Returne into my memory agen , ●o that with which I had so much to do , A weeke made easie , yea and pleasing too . But then with that not thoroughly content , ●practis'd to maintaine an Argument , And hauing waded thorough Sophistrie , ●ell vnto reading of Philosophy ; And thinking there the Ethicks not enough , ● also had a longing for to know , The cause of snow , haile , thunder , frost , and raine , ●he lightenings , meteors , and what here 't were vaine For me to speake of ; since I shall but show-it , ●o those that better then my selfe do know-it . Then from the causes of thinges naturall , ●went to matters Metaphisical : Of which when I a little newes could tell , ● ( as the rest did ) vnto wrangling fell . And as the fashion was for to disgrace her , When I oppos'd the truth I could out-face her , ●ut now ensues the worst , I getting foot , ●nd well digesting Learnings bitter Root : ●eady to tast the fruit ; and when I thought ●hould a Calling in that place haue sought , ●ound I was for other ends ordain'd , ●ea to forsake this course I was constrain'd : ●or fortune that full many a boone hath lost me , ●hus in the reaping my contentment , crost me . ●u sir ( quoth she ) that I must make my slaue , ●or whom in store a thousand plagues I haue , ●ome home , I pray , and learne to hold the plough , ●or you haue read Philosophy enough . If wrangling in the schooles be such a sport , Go to those Ploydens in the Inns of Court , For aske your parish-neighbors they can tell , Those fellowes do maintaine contention well ; For Art in numbers you no coile need keep , A little skill shall serue to tell your sheepe : Seeke not the Stars thy euils should relate , Least when thou know them , thou grow desperate ; And let alone Geometry , t is vaine , I le find you worke enough to marre your braine ; Or would you study Musique ? else 't were pitty , And yet it needs not , you shall find I le fit ye : I le teach you how to frame a song , and will Prouide you cares to be the subiect stil : This , Fortune or my Fate , did seem to tel me , And such a chance , indeed , ere long befell me , For ere my yeares would suffer me to be , Admitted for to take the lowest degree ; By Fates appointment ( that no stay can brook ) The Paradise of England I forsooke , And seing I was forc't to leaue those mountaines , Fine groues , faire walks , & sweet delightful fountains And since it might not vnto me be granted , To keepe those places where the Muses hanted , I home returned somwhat discontent , And to our Bentworth beechy shadowes went : Bewailing these my first endeauors lost , And so to be by angy fortune crost , Who though she dayly do much mischiefe to me , Can neuer whilst I liue a greater do me ; And yet in that , ere she procur'd her will , I learnt enough to scorne a Fortune still : Yea vse hath made her enuy seeme so vaine , That I am almost proud in her disdaine : But being back returnd , as I haue said , Hauing a little in the Country stai'd , I there espi'de ( as I had long suspected ) I ( vndeseru'd ) of some was ill affected , And that by those t is thought my friends had been , But though they kept ther mallice long vnseene , And made faire showes as if they sought my good ; Yet they the same of all men most with-stood , For , ( seeming kind ) they often did perswade My friends , to learne me some Mechannick trade , Vrging expence ( perhaps ) and telling how , That Learning is but little made of now ; When t was through mallice , cause they feard that I Might come to vnderstand my state thereby , Exceed their knowledge , and attaine to do , My selfe more good , then they could wish me to : For that , a worse , or some such scuruy end , This selfe-conceited crew did euer bend Their spitefull heads , by secret meanes to crosse My wisht desire , and to procure my losse : But hauing noted this their hollownesse , And finding that meere Country businesse , Was not my Calling ; to auoyd their spight , ( Which at that season was not showne outright ) I to the City often did resort , To see if either that place , or the Court , Would yeeld preferment ; but in vaine I sought , Ill fortune still my hopes confusion wrought . Which though for an ill signe some vnderstood , Yet I presum'd vppon some future good . For though I scarce am wisht so well of some , I hope I haue a happy time to come : Which , when I haue most need of comfort , shall Send me true Ioy to make amends for all ; But say it be not whilst I draw this ayre , I haue a heart ( I hope ) shall nere dispaire ; Because there is a God , with whom I trust , My soule shall triumph , when my bodie 's dust ; But when I found that my endeauours still , Fell out as they would haue 't that wisht me ill , And when I saw the world was growne so coy , To deeme me then to young for to employ : And that her greatnes thought she did not want me Or found no Calling bad enough to grant me , ( And hauing scapt a thrall which I le not touch , Here in this place , for feare I haue too much Spoke on 't elsewhere ; ) I say well weighing this , Together what a foule reproch it is , To be still idle : and because I spide How glad they would be that my state enuide To find me so although the world doth scorne T' allow me action , as if I were borne Before my time ; yet for to let them see In spight of fortune I le employed be ; Casting Preferments too much care aside And leauing that to God for to prouide ; The times abuses I obseru'd and then In generall the state and tricks of men , Wherein although my labour were not seene , Yet ( trust me ) the discouery hath been , My great content : and I haue for my paine , Although no outward , yet an inward gaine . Of which because I can with all my heart , Allow my Country-men to haue a part , And cause I thinke it may do some a pleasure , On opportunity I le now take seisure , And summon vp my Muse to make relation , I may b' imploid ere long , now 's my Vacation .

AN INTRODVCTION . COme then Inuention , and call Iudgement in , Knowledge , and Reason , fie where haue you bin ? Goe whistle off my Muse that wanton plaies , With Epigrams , Loue-Sonnets , Roundelaies , And such like trifling game ; Bid her come on , I haue found brauer prey to seaze vppon . ●ome new inspiring prayer warmes my heart , And addes fresh courage vnto euery part : New blood hath fild vp all my loue-dri'd veines , ● sacred Fury hath possest my braines . And something too there is that swels my breast , ●il that be vtter'd I expect no rest ; For full with matter like a Sibill Nun , I shall grow furious till this taske be done . Then rouse thee Muse each little Hobby plies , At Scarabes and painted Butterflies : Leaue thou such trash , it is not now for vs , To flye for pleasure ; wee le in earnest trusse , But thou lookst dull ; vnfit for lofty things , Thy wanton flight I feare hath tir' de thy wings , Least therefore thou should'st faint , forsake th●efist , And turne thy selfe into a Satyrist ; Not of the roughest , nor the mildestsort , Be most in earnest , but sometimes in sport , What e're thou find to speake be not affrayd , And for assistance craue Iehouahs ayd . Vse all thy art , for why , thou must vnfold , The strangest Nature that was euer told : At ripping vp whereof some smart will be , Yet goe thou foreward still , who dares touch thee ? Diue if thou canst , til thou the bottome sound , Yet not too farre least thou thy selfe confound ; Mistake me not , I meane not thou shouldst goe , To search th' earths center what lies hid below , Or vndermine it for ritch Mineralls Thou shalt not haue to do with Vegetalls , Strange natures haue both Stones , Trees , Herbes , and Plants , Which let him speake of that a Subiect wants , There is an Herb indeeed whose vertues such , It in the pasture only with a touch , Vnshooes the new-shod steed : within the North , The Scottish Iles cald Oreades brings forth Trees , ( or else writers faine it ) from whose seeds , A certaine kind of water-foule proceeds . The Loadstone also drawes the steele vnto it , Yet hath not ginne or instrument to doe it , Rare properties you see , but neither these Nor what lies hidden in the vast wide Seas Meane I to speake off ; I no knowledge haue , What Monsters play with Neptunes boistrous waue , Nor quality of birds , nor beasts I found ; For why their natures may be quickly found , Indeed we may by little inquisition , Find out the bruitish creatures true condition , As for example we for certaine know , The Elephant much loue to man wil show . The Tygers , Woolues , and Lyons we do find , Are rauenous , fierce and cruell euen by kind , We know at caryon we shal find the crowes , And that the roost-cock when t is mid night knowes : By a few dayes experience we may see , Whether the mastife , curst or gentle be ; And many other natures we find out , Of which we haue no cause at all to doubt , But there s another Creature called Man , Note him who wil , and tel me if he can , What his condition is ; obserue his deeds , His speach , his rayment . yea and how hee feedes Try him a month , a yeare , an age , and when You haue so tride him ; say , what is he then ? Retaines he either vnto Praester Iohn , Or else vnto the whore of Babilon : If that you know not which of them to grant , Is he a Brownist or a Protestant ? If in an Age you cannot find out wheither Are you so much as sure that he is either ? Is his heart proud or humble ? know you where Or when , he hates , or loues , or standes in feare ? Or who can say ( in Conscience I think none ) That this mans words , and deeds , & thoughts are one ? Where shall you him so well resolued find , That wants a wandring and a wauering mind ? Nay he of whom you haue most triall , when You see him dying , will you trust him then ? Perhaps you may ; yet questionlesse he leaues you , A mind misdoubting still that he deceiues you . And no great wonder ; for hee s such an else , That euer is vncertaine of himselfe . He is not semper idem in his will , Nor stands on this or that opinion still , But varies ; he both will and wil not too , Yea euen the thing he thinkes and sweares to doe He many times omits . Now God forgiue him , I wonder how another should beleeue him . But this same diuers and inconstant creature , That so contrary is in his owne nature , 'T is him my new-inspired Muse here tries , Whilst he is liuing to Anotomize : T is his abuses and condition , ( Although it be beyond all definition ) I labour to discouer : But aswell I may againe dragge Cerberus from hell : Alcydes toyles were much , yet this is more , Yea if his twise-sixe , had beene twise sixe-score . It is so infinite for to vnfold , Although that I did speake til I were old , Yet should I leaue vnnam'd I 'me sure ee'n than , Many a humor I haue seene in Man . And yet I must needes say in him there be , A thousand times more trickes then I can see . T is wonderfull , and my immagination Is almost ouerwhelm'd with admiration ; Indeed it is , so deep 's mans heart ; but yet , Since either want of yeares , or want of wit , Or lack of worke , or lack of all , hath brought me , To be more heedful , then a number thought me ; Since it some time and study too hath cost me , And many a humor of mine owne hath lost me . Since it hurts none , and since perhaps some may , Be benefitted by 't another day , Although it be a taske that 's not alone , Too huge for to be done by any one , But more then al the world can well dispatch , Yet looke what my weake memory could catch , I le heer relate and nothing of it spare , Saue things vnfit , and such as neeedlesse are . Now some will say t were fit I held my tongue , For such a taske as this I am too young : He ne're had dealings in the world with men , How can he speak of their conditions then ? He cannot they conclude : strong reasons why , Know none how market goes but such as buy ? We see it happens that a shifting Knaue , A sly deceitfull Connicatching slaue , Playing at Cards with some vnskilfull gull , Whose purse is lin'd with Crownes and penniful , May put a nimble feat for to deceiue ; Which though a cunning gamester nere perceiue , He peraduenture may the same descry , That is no player but a stander by : So I aloofe may view , without suspition , Mens idle humours and their weake condition : Plainer perhaps then many that haue seene , More daies & on th' earths stage haue Actors been . And t is no maruaile , for employment takes them , Quite from themselues , and so dim-sighted makes them They cannot see the fooleries they doe , Nor what ill passions they are subiect to : Then who er'e carpe , the course I haue begunne , In spight of them I wil ( God helping ) runne : And least th' exordium hath too tedious bin , My Obseruations loe I now begin .

OF MAN . MOunted aloft on Contemplations wings , And noting with my selfe the state of things , I plainely did perceiue as on a stage , The confus'd actions of this present age , I view'd the World , and I saw my fill , Because , that all I saw therein was ill . I weigh'd it well and found it was the Scoene , Of Villany , of Lust , and all vncleane And loath'd corruption . Seeing which my Mind , ( That by some inspiration ganne to find The place was not in fault for this ) search't on , To find the cause of this confusion . And noting euery Creature , there I found , That only Man was the chiefe spring and ground Of all this vproare ; Yea I soone did see , He there was all in all , and none but he ; Then being also willing for to know , What thing man was , I did begin to grow Yet more inquisitiue . An old Record At last I hapt vpon which did afford Much sacred light . It shewed Man was a Creature , First made by God , Iust , and vpright by nature , In his owne Likenesse . That he was compounded Of soule and body : That this last was founded Of earth : The first infus'd by inspiration , And that the finall cause of his creation , Was to set forth the glory of his maker , And with him to be made a ioynt-partaker Of enldes happines . Growne much amazd , To read this of him for a time I paus'd , And finding now in man no marke or signe , That ere he was a Creature so deuine , I knew not what to thinke , vnlesse the same , Meant any other Creature of that name : But prying further on I there found out , The resolution of my present doubt , I saw the cause of 's fall : How with free-will He fell from his first goodnes vnto ill : I saw how he from happines did slide , Through disobedience and vnthankfull pride : Yea and I found , how by that cursed fall , He was bereaued and quite stript of all That so adornd him ; his first holinesse , Was chang'd to a corrupted filthinesse Then he began to draw a paineful breath , And was a slaue , made captiue vnto Death ; His body was expos'd to labour , sweate , And much disquieting : He got his meat With sorrow , care , and many perturbations , And then his soule grew subiect vnto Passions And strange distemperatures . More-ouer he , So perfect miserable grew to be , That if he had not a Re-generation ; Nothing was left him but meere desperation . Hauing seene this , I made no question than , But this was spoken of the Creature Man Which I sought after : Serching further yet , On some Ap●criphall Records I hit , The workes of wise Philosophers ; from whence , I haue receiued more intelligence Concerning him , for there they do vnfold , Each part about his body , and haue told Secrets of Nature very rare to finde , Besides they haue considered of the Mind : The vnderstanding part , and do relate The Nature of his soule , and her estate : Deepe misteries indeed : But cause that I Cannot diue into that Philosophy , So farre as these . And since I shall but tell , Those things which no men can explane so well As they themselues , I leaue you to their bookes , In which he that with good aduisement lookes , Shal find it largely handled : As for me , I meane to speake but what I know and see By tri'd experience , which perhaps may giue , ( Although I haue but now begun to liue ) Some profitable notes . First I avow , What euer Man hath beene , that he is now , A Reasonable liuing Creature : who Consisteth of a soule and body toe . His Bodye's flesh and blood , subiect to sinning , Corrupting euen in his first beginning , And ful of al vncleannesse : Then his soule , Is a pure lasting substance yet made foule Through th' others filthines : much supprest By diuers hurtful passions which molest And hinder hir proceedings ; yea hee 's this , A Creature that exceeding wretched is , And that he may be sure no fault to want , Vaine , Fickle , Weake , and wondrous Arogazt . And though his nature heretofore were pure , Now nothing is more fading or vnsure . But I le omit at this time to relate , The curses I u'e obseru'd in 's outward state , For though the body , that before the fall Susteind no sorrow , were it ner'e so small : Doth now feele hunger , with heat , thirst and cold , A feeble birth , defects in being old , With thousands more ; and though each gaspe of breath , In misery he draw vntil his death . Yet al this outward change which I do find , Is nothing when I do behold the mind : For there ( as I haue said ) abused passion , Keepes Vmpire , and hath got predomination . Vertues depos'd thence , and Vice rule obtaines ; Yea Vice from Vice there by succession raignes : Thrusting out those that Vertues presence grac't And in their steeds these hurtful monsters plac't Fond Loue , and Lust , Ambition , Emnity , Foolish Compassion , Ioy and Iealousie : Feare , Hope , Despaire , and Sadnesse , with the Vic● Cal'd Hate , Reuenge , and greedy Auarice , Choller and Cruelty : which I perceiud , To be the only causes man 's bereau'd Of quietnesse and rest . And these I found To be the principall , and only ground Of all pernitious mischeefes that do rage , Or haue disturbed him in any age , And therefore I do heere entend to show , Ere I goe farther , what ill humors flow From these fore-named ; yea I will declare , To what abuses most men subiect are Throgh any of them : For when as I tooke view , Although I saw not all , I found a few ; And for because I wil not order breake , I will assunder of each passion speake .

OF THE PASSION . OF LOVE . SATYR. 1. FIrst Loue ; the same I heere the first do call , Because that passion is most Natural ; And of it selfe could not be discommended , Wert not with many a foule abuse attended , Or so much out of measure , as we see , By those in whom it raignes it oft wil be : For looke wher't growes into extremity , It soone becometh Vertues Laethargy , Makes them set light by reasons sound direction , And beares them headlong by vntam'd affection . C●unsels in vain , cause when this fit doth take them Reason and vnderstanding doth forsake them ; It makes them some-time merry , some-time sad , Vntam'd men mild , and many a mild man mad : To fooles it wisdome giues , and makes the witty To shew themselues most fooles ( the more 's the pitty ) Some it makes purblind , that they do not know , The Snow white Cygnet from the cole-black Crow ; That one to gold compares his Mistris hayre , When 't is like foxe-fur and doth think shee 's faire , Though she in beauty be not far before , The Swart West-Indian , or the tawny Moore . Oh those faire Star-like eyes of thine , one saies : When to my thinking she hath look't nine wayes ; And that sweet breath ; when I thinke ( out vppon 't ) 'T would blast a flower if she breathed on 't , Another hauing got a dainty peece , ( Prouder then Iason with his golden fleece ) Commends her vertues that hath iust as many , As a shee-baud that neuer yet had any . Yet sweares shee 's chast and takes her for no more , When all her neighbours knowes she is a — Another he growes carelesse of his health , Neglects his credit and consumes his wealth , Hath found a pretty peat , procur'd her fauor , And sweares that he in spight of all , wil haue her ; Wel let him take her since they are contented , But such rash-matches are the soon'st repented . Then there is one who hauing found a peere , In all thinges worthy to be counted deere ; Wanting both Art and heart his mind to breake , Sits sighing ( wo is me ) and wil not speake . All company he hates , is oft alone , Growes Melancholly , weepes , respecteth none ; And in dispaire seekes out a way to dye , When he might liue and find a remedy . But how now ; wast not you ( saies one ) that late So humbly beg'd a boone at beauties gate ? Was it not you that to a female Saint Indited your Aretophels complaint , With many doleful Sonnets , wa's t not you ? Sure t was saies he : but then how comes it now You carpe at loue thus in a Satyrs vaine ? Take heed you fall not in her handes againe , Sure if you doe , you shal in open court , Be forc't to sing a Palinodia for't . What are your braines dry , or yourblood growne cold ? Or are you on a sodaine waxen old ? To flout at loue , which men of greatest wit , Alow in youth as naturall and fit . What reason haue you for 't els ? what pretence Haue you for to excuse this vild offence ? To him I answer that indeed een'e I Was lately subiect to this malady : Lik't what I now dislike ; employ'd good times In the composing of such idle Rimes As are obiected : From my heart I sent Full many a heauy sigh , and oft-times spent Vnmanly teares . I haue , I must confesse , Thought if my Loue smil'd that no happinesse Might equalize it , and her frowne much worse , ( O God forgiue me ) then the Churches curse , I did ( as some do ) not much matter make , To hazard soule and body for her sake , Hauing no hope sometime I did despaire , Sometime too much built castles in the ayre , In many a foolish humor I haue beene , As wel as others ; looke where I haue seene Her ( whom I lou'd ) to walke , when she was gone , Thither I often haue repair'd alone : As if I thought the places did containe , Something to ease me ( oh exceeding vaine : ) Yet what if I haue beene thus idly bent , Shal be now asham'd for to repent ? Moreouer I was in my child-hood than , And am scarse yet reputed for a Man . And therefore neither cold , nor old , nor dry ; Nor cloi'd with any foule disease am I , 'T is no such cause that made me change my mind , But my affection that before was blind , Rash and vnruly , now begins to find That it had run a large and fruitlesse race , And therevpon hath giuen Reason place . So that by Reason , what no Reason might Perswade me from before ; I haue out-right , Iustly forsaken ; for because I see 'T was vaine , absurd , and naught but foolery , Yet for all this looke where I lou'd of late , I haue not turnd it in a spleene to hate : No , for 't was first her Vertue and her Wit , Taught me to see how much I wanted it ; Then as for Loue , I do alow it stil , I neuer did dislik't nor neuer will ; So it be vertuous , and contain'd within , The bounds of Reason ; but when 't will begin , To run at random and her limits breake ; I must , because I cannot chuse but speake . But I forget my selfe , wherefore am I So tedious in my owne Apologie ? It needed not at all , I le on againe , And shew what kind of Louers yet remaine : One sort I find yet of this louing crew , Whose quality I thinke is knowne to few : These seeke by all the meanes they can to gaine Each Virgins liking : Sometime not in vaine , They do obtaine their wish , but when t is got , Sorry they are and wish they had it not . For peraduenture they haue plac't their Loue , So as it cannot , nor it must not mooue And yet if they should faile for to procure it , 'T would greeue them so they hardly woould endure it . Yea though in shew ( at least ) they haue said nay , Their Loues with like affection to repay , If they perceiu't abate , as it will doe , Both this and that , doth make them sorry too . But he that is with such a humor led , I may be bold to terme a watle-head . More-ouer men in placing their affection , Haue feu'rall humors for to giue direction . Some like the Faire , but there 's not all the grace , She may be faire , and haue a squemish face , Some like the wanton , some the modest eyes , The pace , or gesture some's affection ties . A smile wins one , anothers lookes mooues pitty , The next commends the lasse that 's bold and witty . Againe some loue where they no cause can find , But onely this ; the wench they see is kind . Yea one doth thinke her faire ( another loathes ) Because she seemes so in her gaudy clothes . More sorts there are ; but sure I am , not many That for bare Vertue haue affected any . Wealth many matches makes ; but most can prooue Though it breeds liking , yet it winnes not loue . Then to obtaine his Mistres , one man tries , How he can stretch his wits to Poetize : His Pass●a● to relate his skill he proues , But in this blockish age it little moues ; Nor doe I wonder much true meaning failes , And wit so little in this case auailes , Since dunces can haue sannets fram'd & send them , As their inuentions , when some others pen'd them . Another seekes by Valour to obtaine , His wished prize , but now that trial 's vaine ; The third brings wealth , and if he doe not speed , The womans worth the suing for indeed . Then he that 's neither valorous nor wise , Comes ruffling in , with shamelesse brags and lies , Making a stately , proud , vaine-glorious show , Of much good matter , when t is nothing so . In steed of lands , to which he ne're was heyre , He tels her tales of Castles in the ayre , For martiall matters , he relates of fraies , Where many drew their swords & ran their waies . His Poetry is such as he can cull , From plaies he heard at Curtaine or at Bull , And yet is fine coy Mistres - Marry-Muffe , The soonest taken with such broken stuffe . Another shallow braine hath no deuise , But prates of some strange casts he had at dice , Brags of his play , yea sure it doth befall , He vaunts oft-times of that which marreth all ; But some I note ( now fie on such a man ) That make themselues as like them as they can , Thereby to winne their loues ; they faine their pace ; Order their lookes , and striue to set their face To looke demure : Some wooe by nods , and lookes , Some by their sighes , and others by their bookes ; Some haue a nature must not be denaide , And will grow furious if they be delaide : Others againe haue such a fancy got , If they soone speed then they esteeme them not . When women woo , some men do most affect them , And some againe for wantons doe suspect them : Besides , we see that fooles themselues they make , What toyes they count of for their wenches sake ; One for some certaine months , or weekes , or daies , Weares in his hat a branch of wither'd bayes . Or sweares for to employ his vtmost power , For to preserue some stale-neglected flowre : He weares such colours as for Louers be , Drinks vowed healths vpon his bared knee : Sue's mainly for a shoo-string , or doth craue her , To grant him but a busk-point for a fauour : And then to note ( as I haue seene ) an Asse That by her window , whom he loues , must passe , With what a fained pace , the Woodcock stalks ; How skuruely he sleareth as he walks : And if he ride , how he rebounds and trots , As if his horse were troubled with the bots ; 'T would make one swell with laughing : In a day He makes more errands then he needs that way , Bearing himselfe as if he still espide him , When as perhaps she flouts , or lookes beside him : Nay should I tell you all the Vanitie , I haue obserued in this maladie , I should shame Louers , but I le now be husht , For had I said more I my selfe had blusht : Yet know ; although this passion I haue tyde To loue of women , it concludes beside All whatsoeuer kinde of loues there be , Vnlesse they keep the minde from trouble free , And yeeld to reason : but of such-like louers , My Muse hereafter other feates discouers .

OF DESIRE OR LVST . SATYR. 2. LVstfull desire , ( although t were rather fit . To some bruite creature to attribute it ) Shall in mans heart retaine the second place ; Because it shrouds her vile deformed face Vnder Loues vizard , and assumes that name , Hiding her owne fault with the others blame : T is a base passion , from the which doth flow Many base humours ; t is the ouerthrow Of all in whom it enters ; 't is an euill , Worse then to be possessed with a diuell : This 't is that oft hath caused publike strife , And priuate discord ; this makes man and wife Grow each to other cold in their affection , And to the very marrow sends infection ; And as Phisicians say , it makes the face Looke wan , pale , yellow , and doth much deface The beauty of it ; and as for the fight It either dums it or bereaues it quight ; It dries the body , and from thence doth sprout Griefes of the stomack , leprosie and gout , With other such ; beside it doth decay Not life alone , but also takes away , Both memory and vnderstanding toe ; So Doctors that haue tride it , say t' will doe . And which way comes that foule disease to vs We call the French , so vile and odious : Is t not by Lust ? Breed not such-like desires , Children begotten by vncertaine Syres ? Strange Generations , beds so oft defilde ; That many a father scarcely knowes his childe ? Or , is 't not hence this common Prouerbe growes , T is a wise child that his oane father knowes ? Doth it not others reputations foyle ? And them e'ne of their dearest Iewels spoyle ? Yes , yes ; and hence a thousand other crimes Doe daily spring , and yet in these our times T is highly made of : yea t is lust doth weare The richest garments , and hath curiou'st fare ; The softest beds it hath for to repose , With sweet perfumes , but sure there 's need of those . Drawne in a coach it visits now and then Some neere acquaintance , mongst the Noblemen ; Yet doth it not the Court alone frequent , But is i th' Cittie as much resident : Where when it walkes the street it doth imploy , Either a Prentice , or a roaring-boy To vsher it along , and few disdaine it , But those vnable for to entertaine it . 'T were much to note the paine that some indure , And cost that they 'le be at for to procure Their beastly wils : There 's many spend their stocks In ruffes , gownes , kirtles , peti-coats , and smocks , For which one 's paid with that shal make him craul , ( If he be friended ) to some Hospitall . Another's quitted for his wel-spent stuffe , By some grim Sergeant with a Counter-buffe : The last it brings , if still that course he followes , First to the Gaole , and so forth to the Gallowes . And what haue you obserued to haue bin The vsuall associats of this sinne ? But filthy speeches , bold fac't impudence . Vnseemely actions , ryot , negligence , And such as these ; yea to procure their lust It makes them into any mischiefs thrust , How hatefull or apparent ere they be , Or put in practise any villanie . Moreouer , where it enters once , the minde , Cannot true rest , nor any quiet finde . We see it also makes them for to craue , Not what is best , but what they long to haue , Yea , Lust hath many mischiefes that ensue it , Which most men see , but few the lesse eschew it : Men rather now , as if t' were no offence , Are growne to such a shamelesse impudence , They vaunt and bragge of their lasciuious facts , No lesse then some , of braue Heroick acts . And not a few of this same humor be , That would be term'd the foes of chastitie . By whom if I see ill , I le sure conceale it , For they themselues will to their shames reueale it : There 's others who disliking so to vaunt , Will , si non castè , tamen cautè grant , For that 's their Motto , they make modest showes , But what they doe in secret , man nere knowes : Some make a Baud of their diuine profession , Like Shauelings in Auricular-confession . Th' other are bad , and sure of God accurst , But of all others , these I deeme the worst . There 's other Gallants would desire but this , Without suspition for to talke and kisse : For other pleasures they do neuer craue them , Nay if they might , they sweare they will not haue them So mean , perhaps : but time brings alteration , And a faire woman is a shrewd temptation : Then many make their fained loue to be A cloake to couer their immodestie : These will protest and vow , and sweare their life Consists in hauing whom they wooe , to wife , Yet if the villaines can their lust fulfill , They will forsweare them and be liuing still : Some doe court all , and not alone doe proue , But for because with all they are in loue , With such deep passion , that they cannot smother , Their hot affection till they meete another : But why will man against himselfe and Reason , Consent to such a Tyrant in his treason ? Why will he so his liberties foregoe To be a slaue to such a monstrous foe ? For what is this same passion We call lust , Is t not a Brutish longing and vniust , And foule desire of the soule , to gaine Some euill pleasure ? Or to speake more plaine , A furious burning passion , whose hot fumes Corrupts the vnderstanding , and consumes The very flesb of man ? then what 's the fact ? What may I terme that vile and shamefull act , But this ; The execution of an ill , Out of set purpose and with a good will , In spight of Reason ? Tell me is t not base ? When men shall so their worthy sex disgrace , To giue their bodies in a deed vncleane , With a foule nasty prostituted queane ? Or in their vnderstanding be so dull As to obserue on idle short-heeld trull ? A puling female Diuell that hath smiles , Like Syrens songs , and teares like Crocadiles . Yet there be some ( I will not name them now ) Whom I haue seene vnto such Puppits bow , And be as seruiceable as a groome , That feares another man will beg his roome : They had beene glad ful oft to please their pride , With costly gifts , and forc't for to abide , Imperious scoffs , with many scornefull words ; Such as the humors they are in , affords And yet for these thei 'le venter Honors , liues ; If they command it ; when for their poore Wiues : ( Though they in Beauty , loue and true delight , Exceed them more then day-time doth the night ) They le scarcely take vppon them for to speake , In any case of theirs their , loues so weake , Yea and their lust doth wrap them in such blindnes They cannot giue them one poore look in kindnes . Moreouer for their lust they haue not laid Base plots alone , like him that was conueyd In a close trunk , because in secrecy , He would ( vnseene ) enioy his venery . I say not only therein haue they retcht , Their damn'd inuentions , It hath also stretcht , Vnto strange lusts , of which I wil not speake , Because I may offend the minde that 's weake , Or least I to some simple one should show , Those sinnes by naming , he did neuer know : And here I leaue : there 's lurking holes such store , This stinking Vermin I wil hunt no more .

OF HATE . SATYR. 3. BVt I haue rous'd another here as bad They call it : Hate ; A worse I neuer had , Before in chase : I scarce can keepe ( insooth ) My selfe from danger of his venom'd tooth . This is the Passion that doth vse to moue , The mind a cleane contrary way to loue ; It is an inspiration of the Divel , That makes men long for one anothers euill , It cankers in the heart , and plagueth most , Not him that s hated , but the hateful host . And yet there s too too many I do know , Whose hearts with this soule poyson ouer-flow : Of which I haue a true intelligence , By the sharpe scoffs and slanders springing thence , For where it rules they cannot well conceale it , But either wordes or deeds , or both reueale it , Were it iust causes that did stil engender This passion in them ; or if they could render , A reason fort 't were somwhat , but their will Carries them on in spight of Reason still . These are their humors , for a slight offence Thei 'le hate th' offender for a recompence . Some malice all that any way excell , In which who thinkes but they do very well , And many haue abhorred ( God amend them ) The stranger that did neuer yet offend them : Which they are not asham'd for to confesse , Yet in their hate continue ner'e the lesse , But though that they can yeeld no reason why , They beare them causlesse mallice , yet can I : Their hearts are il , and it is seldome knowne , That a sweet bro●ke from bitter springs hath flowne : There s some to when they see a man respected More then themselues , though they be not neglected , They inly grudge , and outwardly disdaine , Being alike condition'd as was Caine , Some hate their friends that loue and count them deare , As by the sequel plainely shal appeare ; One that a seeming friendship had profest me , Vpon a time did earnestly request me That I would plainely my opinion shew , What I of his conditions thought or knew ; And that I would without exceptions tel , What acts of his did not become him well . I scorning flattry , with a louing heart , Twixt him and me my mind did soon impart ; And as a friend , that is vnfaigned , ought , Left nothing vnreueald of what I thought , Yea without feare I boldly reprehended , If I perceiud he any way offended , Provided alwayes that I did not swerue , From a decorum fitting to obserue , But marke Mans nature : he perceiuing I Had taken note of some infirmity , He would not haue vnript ; And seeing toe , I espide more then he wisht I should doe Of his ill humours ; ( though I must confesse ) Being my friend I lou'd him nothing lesse ; In steed of thankes and liking for my paines , My company and sight he now refraines ; And for my kindnes like a thanklesse mate , Doth ill repay me with a lothing hate . This one I know , and by that one I finde , That there be many beare as bad a minde , But let vs for their true conuersion pray , For we alasse may very iustly say . Quod nulla est in terra Charitas , Et Odium parit ipsa Veritas . Againe the wicked hates beyond all measure The righteous man , that contradicts his pleasure ; And that 's the fundamentall cause I know , That many men doe hate their teachers so : These common humors are obseru'd of few , Yet may a yong experience find them true . And boldly say that all in whom th' are found , Haue poysoned hearts polluted and vnsound , But they corrupted aboue all the rest , Which hate their friends they should account of best But let Men striue and study to remoue This passion from their hearts and graffe on Loue . Let them not harbor such a hellish sinne , Which being entred marreth all within ; Nor let them thinke my counsell merits laughter , Since Scripture saies , to hate our brother's slaughte●

OF ENVY . SATYR . 4 THen some enuenom'd with an enuious touch , Think eu'ry thing their neighbor hath to much ▪ O Lord say they ( if in the field they be ) What goodly corne , and wel-fed beasts hath he ? ( If in the house ) they neuer in their liues , Saw fairer women then their neighbours wiues : T is pitty shee that puts so many downe , Should be embraced by so rude a clowne : That house is too well furnisht , or doth stand , Better then his , or it hath finer land : This farme hath profits more then his by much , For wood and water he had neuer such . Yea so he grudges inwardly and frets At euery good thing that his neighbour gets : Of these besides there are that when they see , Any beloued , or in fauour be , Especially in Courts , and great mens houses , Then the heart swelleth , and the Enuious rouses , Ne're resting till that like a spightfull elfe , He doe displace them or disgrace himselfe . Now some are in the minde that hate and This , Still goe together and one Passion is ; Indeed , they soule iniurious Humors be , So like , they seeme to haue Affinitee : But if 't were so , me thinks betwixt them both , There should arise more wrangling them there doth , So t is with kinsmen , they enuy the good Of those that are the same in flesh and bloud . But here may be the difference , and it shall Hate doth extend to some , and this ●o all : Yet enuious men doe least spight such as be Of ill report , or of a low degree : But rather they doe take their ayme at such , Who either wel-be-loued are , or rich : And therefore some doe fitly liken these , Vnto those flies we terme Cantharides : Cause for the most part they alight on none , But on the flowers that are fairest blowne : Or to the boisterous winde which sooner grubs The stately Cedar then the humble shrubs : But yet that sometimes shakes the bush below , And moues the leafe that 's Wither'd long agoe : As if he had not showne sufficient spight , Vnlesse it also could orewhelme him quite And bury it in earth ; So I haue found , The blast of enuy flies as low's the ground . And though it hath already brought a man Euen vnto the meanest state it can , Yet t is not satisfi'd , but still deuising , Which way it also may disturbe his rising , This I know true ; or else it could not be That any man should hate or enuy me , Being a creature , ( one would thinke ) that 's plast Too low for to be toucht with enuies blast , And yet I am ; I see men haue espi'd , Some-thing in me too , that may be enui'd ; But I haue found it now : and know the matter . The reason , they are rich and i le not flatter : Yes and because they see that I doe scorne , To be their slaue whose equall I am borne , I heard ( although 't were spoken in a cloud ) They censure that my knowledge makes me proud , And that I reach so farre beyond my calling , They euery hower doe expect my falling : With many a prayer , and prognostication To shew their loue not worthy Reuelation , But what care I ; to quit their good surmising , I doe desire my fall may be their rising . Which say should once be , as I hope t will neuer , I trust to God it shall not be for euer ; And for because I know it cannot be , Much lower then it is , it greeues not me , And where they say my wit augments my pride , My conscience tels me that I am belide : For knowledge of my wants doth greeue me so , I haue small ioy to boast of that I know . But let them scandall as I heare they doe , And see whose lot the shame will fall vnto ; The shafts are aim'd at me , but I le reiect them , And on the shooters too , perhaps reflect them , I care not for their enuy , since they show it ; Nor doe I feare their mallice , now I know it : For to preuent the venome of their throat , I le of this poyson make an Antidote : And their presaging ( though it be abuse ) I hope wil serue me to an excellent vse ; For where before I should haue tooke no heed , Their wordes shall make me circumspect indeed . Yea I wil be more careful to do wel , Which were a plague as bad for them as hel . Some I do know , yea too too well I know them , And in this place do a remembrance owe them , These ; when that through their enuy they intend , To bring one out of fauour with his friend , Wil make as though they some great vices knew , That he is guilty of , and not a few : Thei le shake their heads , as if they did detest The course he followes ; and that not in iest . If to the Father they dispraise the sonne , It shall be slily , indirectly done : And thus ( I hope ) there 's some wil vnderstand , He liues I tel you at a s●cond hand . Should I say al I know , 't would much offend you , But more such children I pray God neu'r send you , With other words of doubt to breed suspition , But dare not ( being of a base condition ) To name them any fault : And good cause why , It may be prou'd vnto their shames a ly ; Now t is a quality I do dispise , As such a one doth him whom he enuies , If therefore any do that loue professe me , Lord from their friendship I beseech thee blesse me , Some crafty ones wil honor to their face , Those whom they dare not openly disgrace : Yet vnder-hand , their fames they 'l vndermine , As lately did a seeming friend of mine ; They 'l sowe their slanders as if they with griefe , Were forc't to speake it : or that their vnbeliefe Were loth to credit it , when 't is well knowne , The damn'd inuention was at first their owne : Some doe not care how grosly they dispraise , Or how vnlikely a report they raise ; Because they know if 't be so false an ill , That one beleeues it not , another will ; And so their enuy very seldome failes , But one way or another , still preuailes : Oh villanous conceit ! an engin bent To ouerthrow the truest innocent ; For well they know , when onee a slander's sowne , And that a false report abroad is blowne , Though they would wipe it out ; yet they can neuer , Because some scar will stick behind for euer . But what is this , that men are so inclind And subiect to it ? how may 't be defin'd ? Sure if the same be rightly vnderstood , It is a griefe that springs from others good . And vexes them if they doe but heare tell , That other mens endeauors prosper well , It makes them grieue when any man is friended , Or in their hearing praised , or commended , Contrariwise againe , such is their spight : In other mens misfortunes they delight ; Yea , notwithstanding it be not a whit Vnto their profit , not their benefit , Others prosperity doth make them leane , Yea it deuoureth and consumes them cleane : But if they see them in much greefe , why that Doth only make them iocund , full and fat ; Of Kingdomes ruine they best loue to heare , And tragicall reports do only cheere Their hellish thoughts : And then their bleared eies Can looke on nothing but black infamies , Reprochful actions , and the foulest deeds , Of shame , that mans corrupted nature breeds : But they must winke when Vertue shineth bright , For feare her lustre mar their weakned sight . They do not loue Encomiastick stories . Or for to read their predecessors glories ; For good report to all men they deny , And both the liuing and the dead enuy : Yea many of them ▪ I do thinke had rather Loose all good fame then share 't with their owne father . The biting Satyr they do only like , And that at some particulars must strike , Or als worth norhing : if they can apply Some part of this to him they do enuy , As well perhaps they may , then thei l commend it , And spite of their ill natures , I that pend it , Shall haue some thank , but why ? not cause they deem Me , or my writing either worth esteem : No , heere 's the reason they thy labour like . They think I meane him , then suppose I strike : Now whose endeauors thinke you prosper should , If the euent of thinges were as these would ? ( No man can answere that , for it 's vnknowne ) Nor parents , no nor childrens , scarce their owne : ( I say ) their owne hand-works are seldome free , But subiect to their proper enuies be : ‛ Witnesse a certaine rich-man , who of late ‛ Much pittying a Neighbours wofull state , ‛ Put to his helping hand , and set him cleare ‛ From all his former misery and feare : ‛ But when he saw that through his thrift , and heed , ‛ He had well cur'd againe his former need , ‛ And grew to pretty meanes , though he no whit ‛ Vnthankfull was for this his benefit : ‛ Yet , being of a nature that did long , ‛ And ioy , to see anothers case goe wrong , ‛ Hauing no second cause ; much grieued now , ‛ That he once helpt him ; all his study's how , 'To ruinate the poore mans state againe , ‛ And make through Enuy his owne labour vaine . I wonder men should so from reason range , Or entertaine a humor that 's so strange And so vnprofitable , tell me why , Should we the honors , or the wealth enuy Of other men ? if we delight to see , Our brethren when in euill case they be , Le ts wish them Riches , Titles , and promotion , T will make them greedy , proud , & choke deuotion , T will plunge them in a flood of misery , In the respect of which , the beggery We thinke so vile , is heauen , Yea I know , It is a thousand more mens ouerthrow Then Pouertie can be . That if we hate , Or would enuy who are in happy state , In my opinion they must not be such That titles haue attaind , or to be ritch ; No , poore men rather , who are combred lesse , And haue indeed the truest happinesse . But be they rich or no , I passe not whether , For my part , I am sure , I enuy neither , So I but reach the glorie I desire , I doe not care how many mount vp higher ; And if I want not , what hurt is'● to me , If I the poorest in the kingdome be ? Yet from this Passion , I beleeue not many Can be exempted , if there may be any : But sure more mischiefe alway doth betide Th' enuious then to him that is enuide ; And they haue often , ( who would then bemone ? ) Lost both their eyes to lose their neighbour one : Yea there is many a periur'd enuious Noddy ; Damnes his owne soule to hurt his neighbours body . But now such men may best by this be knowne , They 'le speake in no mans praise but in their owne , And in their presence but commend a man , They 'l from his worth detract eu'n all they can : So do the foule mouth'd Zoili , spightfull Momes , Whose eyes on euery new pen'd treatise romes . Not for their owne auaile or benefit ; To feed their humors by disgracing it , They rather seeke : and that they 'l disallow Which they would mend themselues , if they knew how : But what are they that keep this censuring court , None I le assure you of the wisest sort ; None of the wisest said I : yet content ye , They are a great way past Ass in presenti ; And think themselues , ( but thought somtime is free ) A great deale wiser then indeed they bee , For howsoeuer their insinuation Hath gain'd a little vulgar reputation , They are but glow-wormes that are briske by might , And neuer can be seen when sunne giues light ; Ill tong'd and enuious , ignorant of shame , And vile detractors of anothers fame ; But let them carp on , what need any care ; Simce they are knowne for fooles without compare ; But fellow Christians , thinke vpon this euill , Know 't is an instigation of the Diuell , Remember 't is a knowne apparant foe To Charitie ; and friendships ouerthrow . A vicious humor , that with Hell acquaints , And hinders the communion of Saints : Consider that , and how it makes vnable , To be partaker of the holy Table . And so I trust you 'l root it from the heart , And , as th' Apostle counsels , lay apart Dissembling , Enuie , Slander , Malice , Guile ; And Euil-speaking as most bad and vile . Chiefely in those men , whose Religion saith , Her mainest piller , is True-loue , next Faith .

OF REVENGE . SATYR. 5. ROome for Reuenge , he 's no Commedian That acts for pleasure , but a grim Tragedian , A foule sterne monster , which if we displease ; Death , wounds and bloud , or nothing can appease ; So wicked that though all good men disdaine it , Yet there are many rashly entertaine it , And hugge it as a sweet contented Passion : But all men act not in one kinde , nor fashion , For one so priuate is , that no man knowes it ; Another cares not , before whom he showes it , Then some of them are fearefull , some are bolder , Some are too hot , and some againe are colder : Oh , I haue seene , and laught at heart to see 't , Some of our hot-spurs drawing in the street , As though they could not Passions rage withstand ▪ But must betake them to it out of hand . But why i th' street ? Oh company doth heart them , And men m●y see their valorous acts and part them . That humor yet , I rather doe commend Then theirs whose fury hath no stay nor end ; Till of their liues they haue bereft their foes , And then they thinke they pay them ; yet who b●● knows ▪ That t is a smal reuenge ? since to be slaine , Is to be free from danger , care and paine . So whilst his enemy lies and feeles no smart , He hath a thousand tortures in his heart . And say his conscience do escape a flaw , He brings himselfe in danger of the Law . If such reuenge be sweet sure I le forgiue , And neuer seeke for vengeance whilst I liue . But oh ( me thinkes ) I heere our Hacsters tel me , With thundring words , as if their breath would fel me : I am a Coward if I wil not fight , True , Cauelieroes you hane spoke the right , And if vpon good tearmes you vrge me to it , I haue both strength and heart enough to doe it , Which you should find ; and yet my mind is still , Rather to defend my selfe then kill . But most men thinke , that he which kils his foe ; Is most couragious : now I tell thee no : For he that hath a heart that fact to doe , Is both a Tyrant and a Coward toe . But how is he a Coward some will aske ? To answer that is but an easie taske , Thus he is one : He hauing by his might , A power on him with whome he haps to fight : Thinkes if he spare his life , in such a case , He one day may reuenge his foule disgrace ; That thought with feare , of future dangers fils him , Which to preuent , he like a Coward kils him . But those that iustly in excuse can say , For present safety , they were forc't to slay , I must count blamelesse . Thou that hast a Foe , Seeke not to be his wofull ouerthrow . Rather if 't may be keepe him liuing still ; I tell thee 't is a necessary ill , ( inimicus amicus ) My selfe haue some , their liues I do no grutch , For they haue done me seruice very much ; And wil do still for wheresoere I goe , They make me careful what I speak , or doe : And when I step aside I here on 't roundly , Or ( as themselues say ) they wil tel 't me soundly . Whereas my friend , til I were quite vndone , Would let me stil in mine owne follies run , Or if he warne me it is so in sport , That I am scarse a whit the better sort . But this same good , I know but few can vse , Because that they do better thinges abuse . Mans nature 's ill , and I haue noted this , If they vpbraided be with what 's amisse They cannot brooke it , but are readier still , For to reuenge that , then amend what 's ill . We must not now our lusty-blouds gain-say , No not so much as in a yea , or nay ; But presently we dye for 't ( if we will ) They haue both hand , and heart prepar'd to kil . Let them but thinke a man to them iniurious , Although he be not so , thei 'le straight grow furious And are so quickly up in a brauado , They are for nothing but the imbrocado : And in this humor they respect not wheither , They be vnto them friends , or foes , or neither ; All are alike ; and their hot choller ends , Not only loue , and friendship , but their friends : I know 't were vaine if I should tel to these The peaceful mind of ancient Socrates : Or if I should Lycurgus vengeance shew , How he behau'd himselfe vnto his foe , ●Twere but in vaine ( I say ) for there 's no doubt , Our watle-headed Gallants would but flout At their wel tempred passions ; since they deeme , None now but fooles , or mad-men , worth esteeme● But what s the cause of their vnbridled rage ? Oh know it is a humor of their age , For to be foolish desperate ; and many Account not of him wil not fight with any On the least quarrel . Therefore most to gaine , A little fame that way , though nere so vaine , Wil put their liues in danger : nay there 's some , Had rather haue it then the life to come , Alas poore men , what hath bewitcht your mind ? How are you grown so sencelesse and so blind , For to affect vaine shaddowes and let slide , The true substance , as a thing vnspide ? ●s Reason in you growne so great a stranger , To suffer an affection of such danger To settle in you ? Bannish't from your breast , And there let Mercy and Forgiuenes rest : ●t is a token of a humane mildnes , But vengeance is a signe of Bruitish wildnes : Not fitting any but the Tyger , Beare , ●r su●h like creatures , that remorslesse teare What ere they light on . Cast it from you then , ●e in condition as in shape y' are men ; And stand vnmoou'd , for Innocence ere long , Will shew her selfe abroad in spight of wrong : And of your Patience you shall not repent , But be auenged to your owne content : Yet some may say the Counsell I haue giuen , Is hard to follow , strict , and too vneuen , And whatsoeuer show I seeme to make , Such as my selfe would hardly vndertake . Know you that thinke so ; I am not afraid . If that it be a burthen I haue laid , To bear 't my self ; Nay , I haue vndergone If this be hard , a more vneasie one : For but of late , a friend of mine in show , Being ( indeed ) a spightfull secret foe , I know not why , ( for I did ne're in ought Wrong him I 'me sure ; no not in an ill thought . ) Yet this man hauing wisely watcht his Time , When I ( a stranger , in another Clime ) Left my owne Country ; did meane while repaire , To my best friends , and with dissemblings faire , And showes of loue and griefe , did there vnfold , The grosest slander , euer Villaine told . A dam'nd inuention so exceeding vile , That gallants 't would haue made your bloud to boile And out of your abused bodies start , I know it would haue broken veines or heart : I say if you had felt that cruell sting , You would haue fret , fum'd , stampt , done any thing Or angry rag'd like mad-men in their fit , Till mercilesse Reuenge , had quenched it : But what did I ? at first I must confesse , I was a little mou'd , who could be lesse ? But when I felt my troubled thoughts begin To ioyne with brutish Passion within , And raise disquiet humors in my brest , I fear'd if I should yeeld 't would mar my rest . And therefore to my selfe I Patience tooke , Which whil'st I haue about me I can brooke Any misfortune . Then that Patience , Grew so much stronger through my Innocence That I forgot both wrong and vengeance too ; Some thinke 't was cause that I lack't Might to doe The hurt I would ; No , it was onely Will For I had power enough to doe him ill ; ●t is well knowne the coward dares not stand T' abide the Vengeance of my wronged hand Were his strength tripled ; Nay were I in bands Of impotencie wrapt , and had no hands , Yet I haue friends ( whom if I had not prai'd And beg'd vnto , to haue their fury stai'd ) Had chopt him , and made dogs meat for my sake Of his vile Carkas ; yea and he would quake , A twelue-month after , had he but the daring , To thinke vpon the vengeance was preparing For that lewd slanderous tale of his ; which he Might better raise on one vnborne then me : Now though that course my Reason did gain-say , I was allow'd Reuenge a better way , Both Law add Iustice , proffer'd me a scourge , To whip him for it , which my friends did vrge : Shewing me motiues to allure me to it : Yet still was I vnwilling for to doe it : For though I might ( beside submission ) gaine , No little summes ; my heart doth much disdaine , For to encrease my substance through his shame , Or raise it with the ruines of my fame : Now for because there 's some may thinke I faine , Or speake a matter fram'd by mine owne braine : Know , this back-biter liues and may doe long To doe me more , and many others wrong : And though I doe not mind to staine my verse , The name of such a Monster to rehearse , For others satisfaction and to grace it , Vpon the Margent here I thought to place it : But that perhaps would Vengeance counted be , Whereas it shall not be reueng'd for me : Yet Gallants you may see I wish you to No other thing , then I my selfe would doe , You heare that I was wrong'd , and yet withstood My owne mad Passion in the heate of bloud : And am not I in as good case as those , That haue reueng'd themselues with stabs & blows In my opinion it is as well , As if that I should pack his soule to hell With danger of mine owne ; and heere remaine , To greeue and wish he were aliue againe ; Nay now t is best , for why , he may repent , And I with a safe conscience liue content : Ther 's some ( perhaps ) misdeem'd my innocence , Because they saw that I with Patience Indur'd the wrong : t is thought that I did know , My selfe in fault , because I tooke it so . Indeed t is true , I let him scot-free passe , What should I doe vnto him ? say an Asse Had strooke me with his heeles ; how should I qui● The harme he doth me ? you would blame my wit If I should kill him ; If I went to law Who would not count me the most asse ? a daw ; The worst of fooles ; I pray what were I lesse , If I had don 't to his vnworthinesse ? One that 's more ignorant of his offence , And seemes as if he had no sparke nor sence Of humane goodnesse : one , whom if I touch , Or offer to lay hands on , t is as much , As if I in my anger would begin To breake the stoole that erst had broke my shin . I knew in this , and that , the case was one , And therefore I did let Reuenge alone : Yet will I note him , for this cause indeed , That other men may know him and take heed : And therefore marke , the greatest feast i th' yeare And ioyfullest his name at full doth beare . A sacred syllable makes the first part ; Which since t is there alone , and not in 's heart : Take it from thence with the ensuing letter , And the remainder will befit him better : Hereof enough ; for why there doth remaine , Some more of these mad humors to explaine , Besides those I first nam'd ; for their brother , They cannot their Reuengefull Nature smother ; And for because they dare not deale with swords : Like valiant Champions fight it out with words . Such fraies haue made me oftentimes to smile , And yet they proue shrewd combats other while , For from such braules do sodaine stabs arise , And somtime in reuenge the quart-pot flies ; Ioyne-stooles , and glasses makes a bustling rumor : Yea this is growne a Gentleman-like humor : But in my mind , he that so wel can fight , Deserues for to be dubd an Ale-house knight : Is t not a shame that men should at their meeting , Welcome each other with a friendly greeting , As I haue seene , and yet before they part , Bandy their swords at one anothers heart ? Wondrous inhumane , the Sauage bore , The wild Armenean heards wil do no more : Sure such beleeue not it is God hath said , Vengeance is his and must by him be paid . For if they did I thinke there would not be , Such caruers for themselues : But we may see , The Diuel doth so much possesse them than , They haue no honest thought of God or Man . As in this Humor you shall see 't explain'd , Two falling out , would fight , but are restrain'd : Yet stil they striue to be each others fall , Which shewes their loue to man-kind none at all : But curbed of their wills through standers by , Forth breakes their fury , and they straight let flye , Such horrid , bloody , fearefull cannon oathes , As theirs no honest Christian eare but loathes , Almost to heare them nam'd they seeme to teare Christs Man-hood peece-meal from him when they sweare For foot , heart , nailes , stil vsing God withall Their foule-mouth'd-rackets like a tennise ball Doth bandy too and fro : His blood and wounds , Set forth their vaunts they think with brauest sounds , And makes the simple people to admire ; Their courage which is but as a flame on fire . Thrice valiant Champions whereby should one gather They haue a thought of God that 's good ? but rather That they are vile blasphemers ; for when they Cannot haue Vengeance they desired , why , As if they scorn'd th' Almighties fearefull rod , Thus thinke they to auenge themselues on God , Who were he not as merciful as iust , Might with a blast consume them into dust .

OF CHOLLER . SATYR. 6. BVt now the cause of mens Reuengefull thirst , Proceeds from rash vnbridled choller first : Which Passion flowes from imbecillity , And brings vs vnto much absurdity : Yea those that are infected with this crime , Are in a manner mad-men for the time : 'T is a short Fury , where-with man possest Resembles most a wild vntamed beast : It makes him foolish , quite besides his wit , Doing and speaking many a thing vnfit . Those men in whom I find this Passion raigne , I haue oft seene to storme for things but vaine , Yea , and as if they had some greeuous crosse Chafe out of measure for a penny losse , And fret as much in loosing of some toy As if therein consisted all their ioy : This too I noted in a Chollerick man , ( Let any one disproue me if he can ) They are not onely apt for to beleeue , Any report that may occasion giue ; But in light matters if they should contend , Would pick a quarrell with their dearest friend : Yea I haue seen where friends , nay more , where brothers That should & haue bin dearer far them others : These I haue knowne in choller e'ne like foes . Mingling sharpe words , with farre more sharpned blows . When they are in their fit they do not spare , Any degree ; No reuerence , nor care Doth then remaine ; Thei 'le speake though they be sure , Their heedlesse words , not foes alone procure , But loose their friends : nor doe they in that case , Respect the Time , the company , nor place : Besides there is this ouersight in some , Where Choller doth the Reason ouercome : They doe not onely blame him that offends , But are displeased euen with their friends , And all that are in presence or in view ; I haue obseru'd it often to be true : Then if that any should but tell these men , Their anger were without iust Reason , then , Although it be so and thy know it right , Their fury is the more increast with spight : They cannot brooke ●ontroule , nor yet can they Endure that a man should nothing say , For then indeed t is presently suspected , He cares not , and his anger is neglected : And in some Masters I haue noted this , Wherein they doe in my conceit amisse : If they but thinke their seruant doth offend , He must not his suspected crime defend , Guilty or no ; but yeild it an offence As if men still were slaues ; but surely hence , Springs this abuse , in whom this humour passes : Choller beares sway , and they are wayward Asses : Who though they haue read some strict rules in Cat● Were neuer Schollers , to diuiner Plato : Oh Anger is a wondrous headstrong Passion , That hath a beastly , frantick operation ; From which , how can we any man release Since we must neither speake , nor hold our peace ? Some will be angry , if they cannot make , Another their opinions for to take . Others haue meanings but they cannot shew them , Yet are displeas'd , with those that doe not know And I haue seene ( that anger may be holy ) them : A good man mooued for anothers folly ; Yet in such cases let not any chafe , But pray ( as I doe ) they may mend and laugh ; Me thinkes they should be men vnfit to weild The sword of Iustice that do basely yeild , Vnto so brute a passion ; yet haue we Some Gouernours that ouer-ruled be By this , and worse affections ; yea some now Haue charge of others , that doe worse know how To guide themselues : the angry Magistrate , To be aueng'd on him whom he doth hate , For priuate causes drawes the publike sword , And all the Rigor that the lawes affoord Must serue his Choller ; such there be , so many You cannot misse one , though I name not any . Now diuers doe affirme such men as be Hasty , ( so they tearme this infirmitie ) Are the best natur'd : who that lesson taught ? If they be best I le sweare the best be naught : Moreouer there be many doe suppose , It is a signe of courage ; what meane those ? Where is their iudgements ? they me thinkes should gather That it were weakenesse did produce it rather , Or else why should the feeble and the sicke , Women and children be most chollerick ? Againe there 's some ( whose iudgement is as rude ) Doe thinke that Anger quickens fortitude : But that 's a vertue surely will deny , With such a Vice to haue affinity : Thou that hast iudgement , tell me , can it be , That Fortitude and Anger may agree ? I thinke it not , for why , the one is steady , And rul'd by reason , t'other rash and heady : The one doth nothing but on consultation , The other cannot take deliberation : And therefore if that we be well aduis'd , It is a humor ought to be despis'd : And though some thence much help may seeme to gather , To whet on Fortitude , it hinders rather : Yea t is a strange vnreasonable Passion , That brings the owner cleane beside all fashion ; Making him speake if ought but discontent him , Yea doe the thing of which he shall repent him , And of a friend if I might chuser be : I 'de rather haue a man that 's mad then he : Some say 't is inflamation of the blood , And may with carefull heed be soone withstood ; But their 's so few that seeke to stop this ill , That most do let it runne at randome stil : And very faintly yeeld to the inuasion Of this wild Passion , on the least occasion , But he indeed that would a medcine find For this disease , must haue a setled mind , Not giuing credit vnto all reports ▪ Nor yet delighting in vaine toyes , nor sports : On dogs , or hawkes his mind must not be set , So much , as for their losse to chafe or fret : He should not fancy fuch fond idle trash , But euer taking heed of being rash ; Athenodorus good aduice embrace , And follow Cotis that wise King of Thrace , Whereby he best shall quench this Passions tinder , And many an Angry fumish fit may hinder .

OF IEALOVSIE . SATYR . 7 BVt though these angry-ones soon breed a braule And are pernicious to conuerse with-all . Not one ●ot better is the iealous-head , That thinks his friend , and 's wife are still a-bed : This Passion , ( as it plainely doth appeare ) Proceeds out of a too-much loue with feare ; Loue in a match procures the highest bliss , That for vs men on earth ordained is : But adde a feare of loosing of our ioy , And that we loue so dearely , 't will destroy All our delights ; and strewing good with ill , Makes that seeme lost which we haue with vs still : Thus doth it often with the Iealous proue , Who carefull in the choosing of his loue , Hath gotten her that is not faire alone ; But modest , wise , and curteous , hating none , Nor yet affecting any but her peere , For which good parts , her husband counts her deere , As well he may , her vertues he 'll vphold , Dares sweare she will not be allur'd with gold . Honor , nor beauty ; but as she is chast So hee 's perswaded will be to the last ; And to himselfe so well he seemes to thriue , He thinkes his owne the happiest choise aliue , 'T is good : Thus for no hurt , he wiued well ; But soft there , there is an after part to tell ; This man when he by daily proofe doth see , His wife no other then a wife should be , It so augments his Loue to that extreame , He knowes not if he be awake or dreame ; Now doth this Loue ( for Loue will euer doe it ) For a Companion take in Feare vnto it ; A feare of loosing what he loues so much ; And then the nature of this feare is such , That it begets suspect ; which creeping in Doth by a little at the first begin To make him doubt his spouse doth loosely liue ; Whereto vpon a slight report to giue Firme credence he seemes loth ; but yet ere long He doth ( but ) think perhaps she doth him wrong , Which if he doe , that one false thought 's enough , To giue all former truths the ouerthrow , And why ? Suspect growes thereupon so great , See thrusts true iudgement , quite besides her seat : Which being done , then straight begins to wane , The good conceit he of his bliss had tane ; For if his friend doth to his house repaire , He thinkes t is onely , cause his wife is faire : But if 't be strangers , he durst pawne his life , There 's some compact betweene them & his wife : Yea though their busines to himselfe he find , He thinks t is b●t a hood to keep him blind ; Then all the sweet he had is turn'd to sowre , Faine would he think well , but hath not the powre ; Much care torments his heart , and yet he will , Be prying farther to encrease it still : Yea , he will seeke , although he truely know , The more he seekes , the more he findes his woe : Beside , suspect receiueth in the head , All things that may be mis-interpreted , And the best thought her vertue 's like to winne Is onely this : It seru'd to cloake her sinne . In briefe , his liking thus he marreth quight , And there he loath's where once he tooke delight ; But wherefore ? Onely cause he doth mistrust , And not on any proofe , that she 's vniust : Vnhappy woman haplesly to wed So meere a sot , and such a Iealous head ; An owle-eyed buzzard , that by day is blind , And sees not things apparant ; yet can find That out which neuer was . The feare to loose The Iewell he aboue all Iemms did chuse , That feare , I say , of wit doth so bereaue him , He thinks that 's gone which means not yet to leaue him : Oh foolish man , that hauing gain'd a bliss , Doost mak 't a curse by vsing it amiss , If iudgement be not blinded in thee ? looke ; Try if thou hast not all this while mistooke : Is not thy wife still faire ? and to the eye Seemes she not yet to haue that modesty , Thou didst commend her for ? Is she not wary With whom she walks , or speaks , or where to tarie ? Is she not still as willing for to please ; As louing toe , as in her former daies ? In shew he sees it , but he thinks 't is fein'd , Out blockish dolt that art most iustly pain'd : Thou but a few supposed shadowes hast , That makes thee to account thy wife vnchast , But many firme substantiall proofes make cleare , That shee 's vnstain'd , and ought to be as deare As e're she was ; Why should an ill in thee Make her seeme so , vnlesse she euill be ? A woman that is faire , shall much be view'd , And haue perhaps vnlook't for fauours shew'd , She shall be courted where she will or no , Nay be resorted to ; and though she show Scarcely so much as common curtesies She shal be censur'd by misiudging eyes , And false reports will fly ; But what of this ? Shall he that hath had triall what she is , And ne're saw ought amiss , shall he , I say , Cast all the good conceit he had away ; And streight grow iealous , trusting the surmise Of the lewd vulgar more then his owne eyes ? It were mad folly ; and yet I doe knowe Some that are thus besotted , more 's their woe . And pitty 't were but they had horned him , Were 't not a greater pitty so to sinne : Should you but sit with such a one at table , To hold from laughter you were scarcely able , To see what note the Iealous wood-cock-takes , Of his Wiues words , and euery looke she makes , In what a feare he eates his meate , and drinks : What signes he vses , how he nods and winks , With twenty scuruy gestures ; though he see No reason he should so suspicious be : Now some haue cause enough , but that 's all one ; Why should men striue to hold what will be gone , Vexing themselues so for anothers ill , Which they can neuer help ? Let him that will : But this is true , to seeke for to restraine A womans will , is labour spent in vaine ; And he that tries to doe it , might haue bin , One of the crew that bedg'd the Cuckow in . Why should a man go put himselfe to paine , As some haue done , a iourney for to faine ? And then at night come lurk about his house , Where , be it but the stirring of a mouse He doth obserue it : wherefore doth he so ? Since if thereby he ought amisse doth know , The greatest good that he shall thereby find , Is more vexation to molest his mind : For then the mischiefe he but fear'd before , Hee 's certaine of , and need not doubt it more : A goodly meed , but sure those wretched elues , Take pleasure in tormenting of themselues ; They hearken , watch , set spies , and alway long To heare some tales or inckling of their wrong : And he that can but whisper some such fable , Shall be the welcom'st guest that sits at table , Though it be ne're so false ; they loue so well To feele the Torture of this earthly hell : But I doe muse what diuell keeps their heart , They should affect the causers of their smart ; Those euer-buzzing-deadly-stinging flies ; Those that of Echoes onely can deuise A formall Lie . What if 't be true they say ? It is a meanes to draw thy loue away From her thou ow'st it to ; and that 's a crime , Cause she must be thy best belou'd a time , Better or worse , be sure thou must abide her , Till from thy selse the death of one deuide her : Then tell me were it not by much lesse paine ; A good opinion of her to retaine ? Could'st thou not be contented by thy will , At least to thinke that she were honest still ? Yes sure in heart thou would'st be glad , Vnlesse that thou wer 't voide of sense , or mad : Why shake off all these claw-backs then that vse Thy soone-beleeuing-heart for to abuse ; For ( trust me ) they , are but some spightfull elues , Who cause they haue not the like blisse themselues Would faine marre thine ; or else I dare be bold , If thou the truth couldst warily vnfold , They are some lust-stung Villaines , that did court Thy honest wife to some vnlawfull sport : And finding her too-chast to serue their turne , Whose euill hearts with foule desires did burne , To spight her ( being far more euill doers , Then Daniels elders , faire Susannaes woers ) To thee they doe accuse her of an ill , Whereto they sought for to allure her will : Nay , this I wish thee whatsoe're he be , That of such dealings first informeth thee ; Beleeue him not what proofes so ere he bring . Do not giue eare to him for any thing : And though he be the nearest friend thou hast , From such like knowledge shut all sence vp fast ; Flye and auoid him as thou wouldst the Diuel , Or one that brings thee messages of euill : Let him be to thee as thy deadliest foe , A fury , or some one thou loathe'st to know ; And be assured what soere he shewes , He is no friend of thine that brings that newes , So if that thou wert his most deadly foe , For any wrong i● were reuenge enough . Now some men I haue noted loue as well , The husbands faults vnto the wife to tell , And aggrauate them to : as if thereby They either meant to feed their Iealousie , Or else stir vp their vnbeseeming hates , Against their guiltlesse well-beloued mates : But of these monsters ( fairest sexe ) beware Of their insinuations haue a care : Beleeue them not they wil coyne tales vntrue , To sow foule strife betwixt your loues and you Out of ill-will : or else heere is my doome , They hope to get into your husbands roome By the aduantage of the discontent They 'll worke in you , But their intent They 'l soe disguise , that you shal neuer spy them ▪ Til you are snar'd too fast for to deny them : But oh you Creatures that for excellence , Haue reasonable for a difference , Auoid this passion ; If your wiues be ill , Aduise them well , but let them haue their will , For curbing makes them worse , and their condition Indeed is such they cannot brooke suspition ; Restraine them not I say , for as the pouder , Being fast stopt makes the report the louder , Sending the bullet with the greatest force , So he ●at seekes to barre a womans course , Makes her more eager , and can ne're out-striue her , But on she wil because the Diuel doth driue her . Let those that are so matcht then patience take , And there are none shal know their heads do ake , But beware chiefely that no false surmises , Or flying tale some enuious head deuises , Make them to wrong their chast and modest wiues , Who haue with vertue led vnspotted liues , For though some stand vnmoou'd for that s the way , To make a woman soonest go astray : But now I think on 't , I do wonder why , The greatest part brand him with infamy , That is a Cuckold ? Since that all men know , It is not his offence that he is so , I neuer heard a reason for t it 'h Schooles , Yet sure t is this , the greatest part are fooles : But now I will conclude these I ealous humors , Which part I found b'experience , part by rumors ; I feele it not , yet know it is a smart That plagues the mind and gripes the very heart , Yet I could wish but for the others sake , Their thought-tormenting-paine might neuer slake ; For there 's none iealous , I durst pawne my li●e , But he that hath defil'd anothers wife .

OF COVETOVSNES . SATYR. 8. BVt of that Passion how mist I to tell , The same that brings her Pedigree from hell ? Cal'd Auarice , a humor vile and base , And yet as common as to haue a face : I muse it scap't , I say , since I le be plaine , I looke not vp but see where it doth raigne ; Many I know , and yet indeed but few , That can this slauish dunghill-vice eschew ; I neither can excuse sex nor degree , Young folks , nor such as middle-aged be : Nay I perceiue them giuen most to craue , When they had need to dig themselues a graue , Like earth-bred moles they scramble in the dust , Not for the treasure that shall neuer rust ; But for vile cankred drosse is all their care , As if the same their summum bonum were . When all that they haue with their labour bought In my opinion is not worth a thought : I haue knowne Chuffs , that hauing well to liue , Yea and sufficient for to lend and giue : Will naith'less toyle , moile , and take more paine , Then a Iewes bond-slaue , or a M●●re in Spaine ; All day they brooke the raine , haile , frost and snow , And then as if they had not drudg'd enough , They lie and thinke all night with care & sorrow , How they may take as little rest the morrow . 'T is strange their minds so much for gold should itch And being gotten that it should bewitch ; It is by nature in a prison pent , Vnder our feet i' th' basest element : And shall we pluck't from dungeons , filth , and mire To giue 't the chiefest seat in our desire ? 'T were want of iudgement , but braue spirits know T is base , and therefore doe account it so . I haue heard those say that trauell to the East , Where this beloued mettaile hath its neast , That in those places where such minerals be Is neither grasse , nor herbe , nor plant , nor tree ; A cursed soile ; and this at home I find , That those which too-much do imploy their minde About that trash ; their hearts are ( I le be bold ) As barraine as the earth where men digge gold . This humor hath no bounds , t is a desire , ( Or disease rather ) nothing can expire ; 'T is hell , for had it all the world , yet , It longs asmuch as if 't had ne're a whit ; A boundlesse gulfe : and I lament their paine Who haue this neuer-quenched thirst of gaine ; So bottomelesse a whirle-poole that receaues Still , yet the self-same roome still empty leaues ; Hee 's mad that food to such a Vulture giues That 's neuer full ; and e'ne as good fill siues That haue no bottome , as for to endeauor , To glut a Monster that will hunger euer : Yet men still striue although it be in vaine ; And though they feele their longing still remaine , They 'l weary out themselues like him that drinks Brine , or salt water , and still thereby thinks To slacke his thirst at last ; though he feel 't more Augmented , at each draught then t was before : Yea , wealth doth as much lessen this desire Of Auarice in men , as flames of fire Alay the heate : besides , though they haue store , This makes them to themselues exceeding poore ; And howsoeuer they may seeme , yet such Vntill their dying-day are neuer rich ▪ They very seldome haue respect or care To promise , or Religion ; thei 'l not spare To wrong their neighbour , friend , or God himselfe , Thereby for to increase their cursed pelfe : They neither reuerence the right of lawes , Nor are they touched with the poore-mans cause : They would be well content to shed their blouds , Loose Soule and Heauen , for to saue their goods : To talke to them of better things 't were vaine , For they are onely capable of gaine ; They neuer liue in true societie , Nor know they friendship , loue , or pietie ; And in a word , those that are thereby led , Neuer doe good till they are sick or dead . And therefore with these vermine I wil place them ▪ That serue to no vse till that we vncase them ▪ I haue obserud ' that such mens children be , Borne many times to greatest misery ; For they haue neither meanes nor education , According to their Kindred , State nor Nation : Whereby we see that they do often run , Into vild actions and are quite vndone ; So then , these greeue to heare they do amisse , But nere consider that their fault it is ; 'T is greedines that makes a man a slaue , To that which hee should for his seruant haue , And teaches him for to esteeme of more , The vicioius-Ritchman , then the honest poore , Alas ! how many are there I could name , Iniurious villaines ; that for to defame , Or wrong another would forsweare saluation , As if they thought that there were no damnation ? Prouided that when they their conscience straine , It be out of a hatred or for gaine : Yea there be idle theeuing rogues a many , That haue no Vertue , nor wil nere haue any : Yet for their wealth shall highly be respected , When honest men their beetters , are neglected , And then●we also see that most men do , Put many worthy titles on them toe , That such base scummes must oft entreated be , With good your Worship , and with cap and knee : But sure the world is now become a gull , To thinke such scoundrels can be worshipfull ; And yet in these dayes , if that men haue ritches , Though they be hangmen , Vsurers or witches , Diuels-incarnate , such as haue no shame , To act the thing that I should blush to name , Doth that disgrace them any whit ? Fie no , The world it meanes not for to vse them so ; There is no shame for Ritch-men in these times , For wealth wil serue to couer any crimes : Wert thou a crooke-back-dwarfe , deform'd in shape ; Thersites like , condition'd like an ape : Didst neuer do a deed a good-man ought , Nor spake true word , nor had'st an honest thought , If thou be ritch , and hap to disagree With one that 's poore ; although indeed hee bee In euery part a man and hath a Spirit That s truely noble , able for to merit Euen praise of Enuy ; yet if thou wilt seem A man far worthier and of more esteeme , Although thou canst inuent no means to blame him Yet I can tel a trick how thou shalt shame him , And that 's but this , Report that he is poore , And there 's no way for to disgrace him more ; For so this Passion doth mens iudgement blind , That him in whom they most perfection find , If that he be not ritch they count him bace , And oft hee s faine to giue a Villaine place . Moreouer the desire to gaine this pelfe , Makes many a braue man to forget himselfe : Some I haue knowne that for their worthy parts , Their vertue and their skill in many Arts , Deserued honor ; and ( if any can Iudge by the outward looke , the inward man ) For to command men they me thought were born ▪ And seem'd a slauish seruitude to scorne ; Yet haue I seene when such as these ( alas ! ) In hope of gaine haue croucht vnto an Asse , Obseru'd a Dolt , and much debas't their merits , To men of vulgar and ignoble spirits ; How many of our finest wits haue spent , Their times and studies in meere complement ? Greasing with praises many a fat-fed Bore , Of whom the world thought too too well before : How many now that followed Mars his troope Whom force of death could neuer make to stoope ? Nay more , how many of our graue Diuines That should seeke treasure not in earthly mines , What store I say of these , against the haire , ( As goes the common prouerbe ) can speake faire , Flatter for gaine , and humor such base groomes , As are not worthy of their horse-boyes roomes ? They wrong themselues , but those are counted wise That now a daies know how to temporize : I cannot brooke dissembling : and I vow , E're I to any golden calfe would bow , Flatter against my conscience , or else smother That which I know for truth , to please another , E're I for gaine would faune to please a clowne , Or feed great fooles with tales of the renowne Of their reputed fathers , when ( God mend them ) Thenselues haue nothing why we should commend them , And ere I le coine a lie , be 't ne're so small , For eu'r a bragging Thraso of them all In hope of profit ; I le giue vp my play , And fall to labour for a groat a day ; And for my clothing in a mantle goe , And feed on Sham-roots , as the Irish doe ; For , what contentment can in riches be , Vnless the body and the mind be free ? But tush what 's freedome ? look where gold beares sway , It takes That Credit , yea and Wit away ; Corrupts the iudgement , and can make the lawes Oft-times to fauour an vngodly cause : Besides , a worldly mind doth so affect , Where wealth abounds , & beares so much respect To those that haue it : that their vice they deeme To be a vertue , and so make it seeme ; For , say they vse extortion , no men more , Vndoe their Country , hurt and wrong the poore , Be damn'd Vsurers , and keep a house , That yeelds not crums enough to feed a mouse : Yet they 'l not say hee 's couetous ; oh no , Hee 's thrifty , a good wary man , or so . Another though in pride he doe excell , Be more ambitious then the Prince of hell ; If his apparell be in part like vs , Italian , Span●sh , French and Barbarous , Although it be of twenty seuerall fashions , All borrowed from as many forraine nations ; Yet hee 's not vaine , nor proud ; what is he than ? Marry a proper , fine , neat Gentleman , Or if he be a drunkard that can swagger , Goe daily armed with an alehouse dagger , Quaffe soule-sick-healths vntill his eyes doe stare , Sing baudy Songs , and rounds , and curse and sweare ; Though he vse gaming , as the cards and dice , So out of measure that he mak 't a vice , Turne his owne house into a filthy stewes , Keep whores , and knaues , and baudes , as that 's no newes Yet if he be a rich man what is he , A rude ranke ruffine if you aske of me , A Ruffin ? Guep Iack sauce-boxe with a wannion , Nay hee 's a merry and a boone companion , This is the Worlds censure . Yet beside , Another qualitie I haue espide ; For those diseases they doe shun the poore , They doe abhor a Rich-man ne're the more : Him I haue knowne that hath disdain'd to sup Water , or beere , out of a poore mans cup , For feare of poysoning , or some thing as bad , Although he knew no malady he had ; And yet haue I , seene the same curious Asse , Pledging a rich-man in the selfe-same glasse : When he hath knowne the party ( if you please I le speakeplaine English ) had the French disease : But as the Prouerb saith , Birds of a feather Will alwaies vse to flock and feed together : I haue oft mused and doe still admire , That men should hurtfull riches so desire , For weigh it well and you shall find it fils , The owner of it with a thousand ill 's , Much worse then these forenam'd : for why we find , It choakes and mar's the Vertues of the mind : Then we perceiue it greatly doth annoy , Vexes the heart , and hinders the true ioy Would else be there ; And as it may appeare , Loads vs with diuers troubles , cares and feare : It makes vs to grow arrogant , vniust , Drawes vnto pleasure , and prouokes to lust : More hopefull for to practise villany , Then for to further vs in honesty , It nere contents the owners that enioy it , And those that haue it many times employ it To corrupt iustice ; or for to allure , Matrons , or Virgins , to an act impure : It hires murthers , and makes men seditious , Full of suspect , and enuie , or ambitious : Yea it breeds claw-backs , pick-thanks , flattery , Makes many theeues and causes periury : It hinders knowledge , for most that haue lands , Liue neither by their wisedome nor their hands . They follow sloath and pleasure , not the schooles , And that 's the reason there 's such wealthy fooles : These are the fruits of wealth ; yet that alone Seemes now the fairest marke of euery one To make his course for ; and which to attaine , Or keep once gotten , we refuse no paine Labor nor danger ; yet it doth appeare , They think that all , which they were plac't for here : Now ther 's a Counterpassion vnto this , Which to speake something of 't were not amisse : Those , subiect therevnto , haue got a fashion , That 's quite contrarie to the former Passion . Fore'ne as greedy men are set on fire , With an vnquenched and a soule desire , Of hourding Riches ( God in heaven amend them ) So doe the other hie as fast to spend them : Their 〈◊〉 diuers ; some vaine-glorious Asses . Consu●n't in gaudy cloathes ; and looking glasses ; Others blowne vp e'ne with the selfe same bellowes Seeke to obtaine the loue of all good fellowes ; These at the Althouse haue their daily pots Though they be there or no. And looke what shots , Are in their chambers spent , be 't nere so many , He doth them wrong that thinks to pay a penny ; These feast at Tauernes their supposed friends , That pay with , Thankes , we nere shall make 〈◊〉 : Yea , and in more things they haue lauish bin , But those are pathes I'uc no experience in , Yet such as they ere many yeares be past , Will wish ( I warrant ) they had held it fast , When for their kindnes and their former cheere , They hardly shall procure a cup of beare . But there must needs be some men prone there to , Or how a diuell shall our sharker doe ? Yet can I not say rightly that these be , From Auarice and greedinesse quite free : For though they doe consume it knauishly , And spend it on vaine pleasures lauishly , They gladly would their euill course maintaine , And therefore ouerslip no meanes of gaine , For they haue vsed ( by their owne confession ) Secret and open Robberies ; Oppression , And diuers tricks which show this spending vice , May haue some reference to Auarice . Others there are , ( but few ) who hauing store , Neglect their wealth , and rather would be poore ; And why ? it stops the way to heauen they say ; Sure being misimployed so it may : And therefore rather then they should abuse it , 'T were good they had it that know how to vse it : For such are lightly weake in resolution , And men but of a simple constitution , Or are by some seducing Villan taught , That their goods ( rather then their good ) haue sought : Now I suppose the man that well obtaines His wealth , and in an honest calling gaines , More wisedome shewes in vsing it aright , Then such a Cynnick as contemnes in quite . Men will be in extreames ; but sure the lesse , Is to neglect wealth , for much greedines , Makes not the body onely , leane and foule , But also spreads infection to his soule , And clogges her so with things of no account , That she is ouer-poyz'd to much , to mount . But those that for to goe astray are loth , Vse their endeuours to auoide them both .

OF AMBITION . SATYR. 9. HEre s yet another cal'd Ambition , Little with men of low condition , But 't is a humor which doth euer search , The stout-high-minded , and doth alway perch In men of spirit . This doth farre surmount , The force of Loue ; It maketh no account Of Nature , nor Religion ; 't is not Law , Nor Conscience , that can keep such men in awe ; Ther 's no estate contents them ; peace and strife Are both alike to them ; yea death and life : Wiues , children , friends , nor none but such as may ▪ Be vnto their Ambitious plots a stay , Shall be respected ; and so they may reape , What they desire , the 'il not stick to heape Murther on Murthers ; yea and think 't no sinne , Be it of strangers , or their nearest kin : They haue such flinty breasts they can out-beard , Danger it selfe , and be no whit afeard ; Proud daring Spirits ; yet we see , confusion , Of such high minds doth prooue the sad couclusion : And he that first was ruin'd by this euill , Was our grand foe which wee doe call the Diuell : For he aspir'd so high , that higher powers , Wrought his iust fall , and now he seeketh ours ; He first infus'd this ill into our brest , For to disquiet and disturbe our rest . This most vnreasonable , strong desire ; This too excessiue longing to aspire To honour and promotion ; which indeed Doth from a sottish ignorance proceed ; It is the wild'st and most disorderd'st passion , And a great enemy to contentation , For whatsoeuer state man hath attain'd T is e ' ne as if that he had nothing gain'd ; For he hath hereby still a farther I cope , And neuer reaches to the end of 's hope ; That which he doth possesse he neere respecteth , But altogether things vnknowne affecteth , And counts them best ; which whatsoe're they Being once gotten too , are not esteem'd : But what 's the reason that they doe abhor , sseem'd , The things possest that they haue labor'd for ? What is the cause I say they doe contemne , ( Or cannot vse ) things hauing gained them ? Sure hence it doth proceed ; they doe not know What the things are that they doe long for so . And they obtaine them oft , e're they haue might , And Reason fit to gouerne them aright : Had many of our reaching Yeomanry , That haue growne wealthy through good husbandry , And some of our proud Gentry , that haue sought Titles , and vndeserued Honors bought ; Had they , I say , before-hand knowne the shame , And beggery that followed on the same , For want to knowing where to they aspir'd They would not haue those Dignities desir'd , And so indeed they might haue walk't the street , And not haue feard the Counters nor the Fleet : Yea and with Good-man haue contented bin , Where now there 's scarce a good man of the kin . Ambitious men wil euer enuious be ; Regarding neither loue nor amity , And though that they may make a goodly shew , With reason it can neuer stand I know , They should be faithfull , or with Iustice deale , Either for Princes or for Common-weale : For why this humor makes them to attend , And all their labours and best counsels spend , In their owne plots ; And so they haue no losse , They care not whose proceedings they do crosse ; Vertuous endeauors this doth also let , Yea makes men many a good thing to forget : And though I 'me loath to speake it I protest I thinke it raignes not in the Clergy least , For they at first shew great humility , While that they are of meane ability : Thei 'l be industrious and take paine to teach , For twise a week shal be the least thei 'le preach : Or in their pouerty they wil not stick For Catechizing , viziting the sick , And such like dutious workes of Piety , As do belong to their society : But if that they can reach a Vicarage , Or be inducted to some Parsouage : Men must content them selues and thinke it well , If once a yeare they heare the Sermon bell : Now if it be a Deanery or so , If not in twelue months it is oft enough , And why ? Alas consider that Deuotion , Is but a busie thing that lets Promotion , And if that they should giue their minds too 't all Who should haue their great places when they fall ? No , no , t were fitter they their ease did take , And se what friendes and Patrons they can make For the next Hierarchy ; or learne how To humor and to please the Great-ones now ; But , if that they in that aduenture speed , Thei 'le be more paineful ; yes , t is like indeed : If they get into their formalibus , And Reuerent Pontificalibus ; 'T is very like I say that we shall heare , They vse the Pulpit once in twise a yeare : Nay and t is wel if it be done so oft , For this Ambition beares men so aloft , They soone forget their duties : and this pride I in the Clergy worst of all abide , In them I hold it the most odious , And no Ambition so pernitious , Eeither for prince , or Church , or common good , Witnesse the beast of Rome and his fou'e broo● Of clyming Cardinals , who from base states , Are gotten to be Kings and Princes mates , Yea their superiors . This the diuel makes , His cheefest engine where withall he shakes Religions soundnesse ; And rends in it chinks , Which he dawbes vp againe with what he think● Shall ruin't all in time ; was it not hence , He had his meanes to mar the innocence Of Romes first Bishops ? yes , the Church grew strong And flourish't while it was supprest with wrong , But when the worthy Emperors embrac't The Sacred Truth ; and with their fauors grac't Their good proceedings ; They then gan to leaue Their humble Nature off : and closely weaue , Vnder a Religious shew ( not a bare Miter It fits not the successors of Saint Peter ) A triple Diadem ; and such a state , That neuer any earthly Potentate Enioy'd the like ( yet all with humble preaching ) A long degree I tak 't , beyond the reaching Of temporall Ambition . But I pray Er'e the first Beast his time be done away , There rise not vp another monster heere 'Mongst our Ambitious Churchmen ; I should feare A second Antichrist , but that I hope They either shall be kept within their scope , Or the last iudgement , whose nigh times vnknowne , Shall cut him off e're he be wholly growne : But more of these I here omit to speake , Because , I thinke there 's no mans sight so weake , But see 's their doings ; yet let none suppose , 〈◊〉 heare meane to defend , or maintaine those That doe our Bishops Callings disalow . Let them that can● for sure I know not how : Nor would I haue the world to vnderstand , That I tax all the Clergy in the land : Or the whole Hierarchy : Think not so ; For why ; this present age doth yeeld , I know , Men that are truely worthy ; I hope many , Yea I am sure few times , since Christ , had any More knowing or more painefull then some few , And whatsoe're men thinke , yet for to show , Though I Satyrically carp at those That follow Vice and are true Vertues foes , I haue not such a spightfull cankred spirit , As to conceale and smother Worth and Merit : For I le for Canterburies Grace be bold , Out of mine owne experience to vphold , That Sea was neuer gouerned as yet , By any one more Reuerent or more fit : For ouer and aboue his Country cares , Wherein he neither time nor counsell spares , Besides Church busines whereto he applies His mind to further it , what in him lies ; I say beside this publick care at large , Few Ministers haue , in their priuate charge , Showne greater paine : that here the truth I tell , London and Lambeth both can witnes well , And thou wert vnhappy London then , When thou didst loose this rare One among men ; Yet thou wert blest againe , thy fate did bring , In place of such a FATHER such a KING , A maine Chruch-piller , and of so great worth , Europe can hardly bring his equall forth : And for them both my Muse will this put downe , ( Who scornes to sooth a King to get a Crowne ) Had she not thought them to be what she saies , She would haue heere disdain'd to sing their praise : But to go foreword , I do wonder why , Men should be subiect to this Vanity For I haue seene those that had ritches store , Great offices , and fauours , no men more , Honor and credit , yea and wisedome to , Yet see what an ambitious head wil doe : Clyming to high they got so low a fall , They forfeited their honors , liues and all . Me thinkes ere they in such an act should stur , T were no't amisse to thinke on Aesops Cur , Who catching but to get a shadow more , Did loose the substance that he had before : I might a while vpon example stand , Of former times ; but that within this land , The present Age , the which I onely view , Can yeeld enough to prooue my saying true : And of so many in this Kingdome showne , I meane at this time to produce but one : And that shal be the late Ambitious plot , The like whereof the world sure yeeldeth not , I meane the pouder treason , and intention , Brought ( had not God assisted ) past preuention : Yet see ere they could clime to their desire , When they were for to mount but one step-higher ( Let God be honor'd for 't ) downe tumbled all , And gaue these hel-hounds a deserued fall : As often as I call to memory , That horrid and detested villany , It makes me sorry such a hellish plot , Should scape vnblas'd to be so soone forgot ; But some good wit ere long I do not doubt , Wil vndertake to paint that action out ; And in it owne true sable colour show it , That children that are yet vnborne may know it : And to make plaine that ruine and perdition , Are the last Periods to conclude Ambition : But to that purpose they may labour spend , And per aduenture all to little end : They wil not thinke thereon , for we may see , How lofty-minded stil there 's many be , With what desires of titles they haue sought them And at how deare a reckoning they haue bought them : But that with other flowes from Vanity , A part essentiall in humanity , Which ( if God grant me leaue ) I meane to chase , But must referre it to another place : Some haue ambitious heads , but cannot rise , Because the want of meanes and friends denies What they aspire vnto : but such are vext , Their mind I know is troubled and perplext Beyond all reason ; Oh strange humor'd men , Your folly you wil leaue I thinke , but when ? Be with your states Content , for do you know Wether you wish be for your good or no ? Oyes thinkes one ; if I could once attaine , Such offices ; or so much wealth to gaine As this or that man hath ; my wish were ended , And such or such a fault should be amended : But this I say , though they may thinke it strange , With the estate the mind doth also change , And when in one thing thou hast thy desire , Thou canst not stay there but must mount vp higher And higher stil , vntil thou dost attaine , Vnto the top or tumble downe againe : Be warned then you that Ambitious are , And for to curbe your passion haue a care : Else at the length , 't wil certainely deceiue you , But you wil haue your wils to which I leaue you .

OF FEARE . SATYR. 10. SOft now ; what Pasion's this that followes next ? Surely I thinke hee 's with a feuer vext , He shakes and lookes so pale ; O me , t is feare ! I le make his humors also to appeare , Since I haue found him . This is he that mar's , All our delight on earth : 't is he that bars Man the right vse of pleasure . And t is he , That was at first ordaind our plague to be , Auoid him you that loue and looke for rest , Let a true courage banish him your brest : For this makes not your bodies only num , Tremblingly cold , deform'd , and pale become . But 't is a passion vgly , grim , and foule , That doth with greefe e'ne clog the very foule : And comes ( if that I faile not in my skill ) Out of a false opinion of some ill , That 's present or to come ; It inly stings , And also for companions it brings Both paine and shame ; and diuers haue I seene , That with this feauer haue sore shaken beene ; Two but of late whose feare so foolish prou'd , Many thereby were vnto laughter moou'd , One came in puffing almost out of breath , As if he hardly had escaped death , And why ? Alas ! he thought a whited post , He on a sodaine saw had beene a Ghoast : And that surmise did such impression take , That though he after saw 't was but a stake , If yet he do but come that way benighted , He is e'ne with the very place affrighted : Th' other came running like a man that 's mad , Oh! he had seene the Diuel that he had , Where in an old house fitting on a block , We lookt and there we found a turky-cock : Thus many feare where cause of feare is none , And make themselues a iest for euery one ; Yea feare hath made a number so affraid , That they haue oft their dearest friends betraid : For this cause onely I do nere intend , To choose a coward for to be my friend , And if that women be not growne so coy , To scorne to take aduisement of a boy , Let them not chuse a coward to their mate , Least they repent it as one did of late : For not far off there dwelt not long agoe ( I le tel a tale that many yet do know : ) A Gentlewoman not of meanest ranke , Whose fauour might haue wel deserued thanke , For that in face and dowry few did match her , Many a gallant tride his wittes to catch her : Who being kept but narrowly at home , So she were gone she car'd not much with whom ; Now see Dame fortune that wil seldome part , Her fauours vnto men of good desert , Brings to the house a fellow that in shew , Seem'd worthy of the prize , but was not so ; Yet hauing opportunity he tries , Gets her good-will and with her thence he flies ; But lo , the Parents quickly mist their daughter , Rais'd all the towne , and following hardly after . Were by meere chance into an old houseled , Where this young couple were new gon to bed : You that haue euer in that pickle bin , Iudge what a case these naked folkes were in . But what did he ? there leaues his new stolne prey , And like a feareful Coward slunke away . Out on such Asses ; how could he for shame , So leaue a woman to beare all the blame ? And for the greefe s●e suffers with her friends , How can the villaine make the whore amends ? I know not : but for playing such a part , 'T is certain be hath turn'd the wenches heart , And she for climing to a Cowards bed , Hath lost her credit with her maiden-head . Such was th' effect of feare . And more , from thence Proceedeth cruelty , impacience , Breach of our promise , with much enuying Together with the hatefull vice of lying ; Murthers and treasons toe ; there s nought so base , So full of villany , shame or disgrace , The feareful would not act with all his heart , To free himselfe from feare of death or smart : Yea some would be contented very well , So they might scape Death , to goe quick to hell Such is their nature ; I my selfe haue seene , Feare bring those euils that had else not beene : As it hath brought the plague on some . Beside , There 's many a one for feare of death hath dyed : And there be diuers haue so careful bin , To rid themselues from feares which they were in ; That as the ship that doth Charibdis shun , They ran on Sylla and were quite vndone ; And why ? alas it is the Cowards error : To think the present danger ful'st of terror : The feare of euil more tormenteth some , Then doth the thing they fear'd when once t is come Men dread what is ; what wil be ; and alas ! Many a thing that nere shal come to passe ; If they did only feare apparant things , That likeli-hood of terror with it brings , As troopes of enemies , or theeues , or treason , Pirats or stormes at sea ; there were some reason Or colour for it then , but they wil quake , At fictions ; at meere nothings ; their hearts ake At their owne fancies : Superstitious , At tales of Fairies , and of Visions , Yea I haue seene some heauy and sull sad , Because of a poore foolish dreame they had : Oh what meanes man that hauing mischeefes store Must in his owne conceit needs make them more ? Thinkes he those wil not grim enough appeare , Vnlesse he apprehend them first by feare ? Sure t is a plague the Diuel did inuent , To work in man a lasting discontent : And taught it Adam , whe revppon he said , I saw my nakednes and was affraid : This is our fault ; but yet I cannot see , A reason why men should so fearefull be : May they not ioy and be as merry still ; With hope of good , as sad with feare of ill ? Sure I think yes ; and wil on hope so feed , No ill shal feare me til t is come indeed , For that which likeliest seemes for to betide me , God in his mercy yet may put beside me . And though much proofe hath bred with in my brest , This resolution , yet of all the rest , This last confirm'd it most , for th' other day , When the hard frost had stopt the Scullers way , And that the flowing Thames with yce was arch't So that the people ouer on it march't , Amongst the rest one bolder then was fit , Wandring beside the path for want of wit : Stept on a peece of yce which with a crack , Rent from the maine , and stopt his going back : The ycie fragment ( 't was a heauy token ) Swam to the bridge where all the yce was broken , The people look't and he for aid did craue , But oh ! there was no power in them to saue ; Which soone conceiuing on his knees he fell , ( I from the bridge perceiu'd him very well ) And lifting vp his handes his ayd implores That sau'd old Ionas without sailes or oares ; And see Gods mercy when he drew so neere , No hope of safegard seemed to appeare And when that he had three times whirled bin , And that the Arch was like to suck him in : Beyond our expectation ( in a trise ) There thrusts betweene a greater peece of yce , Which comming downe as if it scornd to stay , Beat by the lesser for to giue it way , And a while staid it ; but he had beene faine , When that was gone to take his turne againe , Had not , next God , the people stood his friend , And sau'd him by a rope that 's some mans end : So this prooues , men may scape a mischeefe now ; When t is so neere them , they perceiue not how , And I do hope this argument is cleere , That we haue as much cause to hope as feare ; More trembling humors I might here vnfold , Which , some will be vnwilling to be told , And therefore passe them ; but I do protest , This hurtful monster I so much detest , That I am very loath for to omit , Any occasion of disgracing it : Yet do I not alow their resolution , That meerely of a hellish constitution , Haue such obdurate hearts so hard in euill , They neither seeme affraid of God nor Diuell . Such I haue noted to , but truely they , Are in as bad , but a contrary way . They prate and sweare as if they could affright , And make Hobgoblin run away by night , When questionlesse as bold as they appeare , They are perplexed with an inward feare ; Yea I haue knowne a trifle or a blast , Hath made such Champions oftentimes agast . There is a feare that s good , and hinders sinne , Indeed that , euery good man should be in , And there s a feare that keepes a kingdomes state , From ruine , if it be not taine to late ; T is not a slauish terror , that s a crime , No rather 't is a wise fore-sight in time : That makes men very heedfull to fore-thinke Danger to come , and not as we do , winke At our owne nakednes ; as without care , Who spies it , so we see not our selues bare . This feare it is that makes men to prouide Against a storme they may the better bide The fury of it ; this 't is keepes off wrong , And makes a City or a Kingdom strong , And I much doubt the wanting of these feares , Wil make vs smart for 't yet ere many yeares , For since we are become a pretty number , Although we can but one another cumber , Or serue to make a Hubbub , we suppose , There are no nations dare to be our foes , We thinke a wondrous policy we shew , If once in foure years we do take a view , Or count the number of our able men , Flattring our selues there with ; as if that then ; ( Hauing so great and huge a multitude , Though we were nere so inexpert and rude ) There were no cause of feare : but a Realmes might Consists not in the number that must fight , More in their skill , for of good souldiers ten , Will foile a hundred vnexperienc't men , Such as we are : For , 't is a shame to speake , How wonderfull vnfitty and how weake , This ignorance makes most of vs , except Whom braue South-hamptons gouernment hath kept In warlike order ; I doe meane indeed Our Hampshire Ilanders , of whom for need A hundred boyes that nere had haire on chin , Shal from fiue hundred of vp-landish win Both field and Towne : By which it may appeare Good gouernment with profitable feare Within a few short yeares so wel wil thriue , One shal become to haue the odds of fiue : These therefore that haue wisedome for to tell , When they do any thing amisse or well ; Stil in this Passion obserue a meane , And not to feare nor to presumption leane .

OF DESPAIRE . SATY . 11. NO more of feare , for lo his impious brat , Lookes now to be admitted ; this is that ; We call Dispaire , with ghastly looks he stands , And poisons , ropes , or poin-yards fills his handes , Still ready to do hurt ; one step , no more , Reaches from hence vnto dam nations dore . This is that Passion giues a man instruction , To wrest the Scriptures to his owne destruction ; And makes him think while he on earth doth dwel He feeles the very torturing pangs of hell ; It makes men rage , like furies screeeh and houle , With exclamations horrible and foule , Like Monsters more then men . Onely damnation Is in their mouthes ; no mercy nor saluation They seeme to hope for : they extreamely feare Some monstrous shapes which seeme for to appeare Through their imaginations ; and the paine That they in soule and conscience do sustaine , All earthly tortures doth so much exceed , That they haue thought them selues in hell indeed Oh what repentant liues , some vow to liue , If God would but once more vouchsafe to giue Their health and hope againe : then they would spend Their liues , and good , vnto no other end But wholly for his glory : yet there s now Some liuing that haue quite forgot that vow , God giue them grace to looke into their error , Or they wil one day find a double terror , Some in this agony haue little will , To any thing , vnlesse it be to kill , Or make themselues away ; whereto the Diuell , The author and chiefe causer of this euill , ( Vnlesse that God in mercy him preuents ) Is ready to prouide him instruments , I euen quake to thinke what humors be , Attending on this hellish maladee ; And for some cause I mean not here to shew them , But pray that all had grace for to eschew them : Now some do thinke this passion being taken , Can very hardly be again forsaken ; But let none thinke so ; for why ? God in distresse Doth neuer leaue man quite without redresse : Nor can we say that he hath left vs voyd , Of helpe for this , when ere we are anoy'd Through Satans guile ; for pittying our case , He leaues vs hope of fauour and of grace , If wee 'l lay hold on 't ; which to make more cleare , He let his euerlasting loue appeare , In highest measure , by the sacrifice Of CHRIST his sonne for our iniquities ; And also , did not sinne thus make vs blind , For euery greefe of body and of mind , He hath ordain'd a salue : All Christians know ( Or should at least ) the spring from whence doth flow , A pretious liquor that will quickly cure , Our strongest Passions , ( if the cup be pure ) Or if we do not so presume as stand , And lap it here and there with our owne hand , For that s the way to sooth vp many a passion , And the all-only cause of Desperation ; Which from all good-men I do wish as farre , As earth's low center from the highest star , But now dispaire or ▪ , distrust is twofold , One sort of which I haue already told , Being concerning matters of saluation , The horriblest and feareful'st desperation , But th' other is alone of earthly things , Yet mighty disaduantage with it brings , Where it gets entrance ; this makes many loath , To vndertake great matters cause through sloth They do dispaire to reach them ; yea it breeds A carelessnesse in man , and thence proceeds Not a few treasons ; for the breach of law , Makes many times the subiect in such awe , That he dispaires of pardon for his ill ; And therefore not alone remaines in 't still , But being guilty , for to salue one sore Incurs the danger of a thousand more ; And for because he thinkes himselfe vndone , Wil for assurance to Rebellion runne : Besides , there s some dispairing of their cause , And being brought to triall by the lawes , For some offence are obstinately mute : To these forsooth the commons do impute A manly Resolution ; cause thereby , They saue their landes to their posterity ; But sure there is no wise-man wil commend Him that so desperately seekes his end ; And wilfully doth cast away himselfe ( Body and soule perhaps ) to saue his pelfe , To some suruiuors ; where as if he bide On hope , and not dispaire for to be tride According to the lawes , he may be cleer'd , And quitted of the danger he so fear'd , As some haue beene : Besides , if we indure , But a small paine , if we despaire of cure , Ease or amends , 't wil make it seem to be Vnsufferable ; whereas if that we Haue any Hope , the ease we looke to win Will mittigate the torture we are in ; His winter toyle what Ploughman could sustain ▪ If he despaired of his haruest gaine ? And the strong'st army needs must faint and ●ly , If it despaire before of victory . But to conclude it must be vnderstood , Dispaires a Passion that is no time good , 'T is alway hurtfull ; and I can obserue Nothing whereto a man may make it serue , Vnlesse to helpe a troope of coward fight : For could a man lead them past hope of flight , Where they should see there were no remedy , But they must dye or get the victory ; Despaire in that case may giue them the day , That would haue lost it to haue run away .

OF HOPE . SATY . 12. THrice welcome Hope the diuel keep home the tother ( Dispaire & feare ar sitting for no other ) This is the Passion that of all the rest , We haue most reason to esteme of best : For if it be with good aduise applide , A salue it is God did himselfe prouide To ease not onely euery outward greife , But when the very soule doth want releefe , It wil redresse her paine , although it were The shaking of that hideous monster feare : Oh precious Balme ! Yea , if that man had power , To take it to himselfe at such an hower , When black Dispaire doth pinch him , that indeed Would quite expell it ; and he should not need Apothecary drugs . But what can wee , Apply aright and not instructed be , By Gods good inspiration ? Nay , 't is true ; We are so farre vnlike for to pursue The way we should , that we do follow still , The crooked'st path to loose our selues in ill : This needing Hope , we either neuer vse it , Or else for want of knowledge do abuse it : Yea this that of all Passions was the best , Is now as much corrupted as the rest ; We must consider then , Mans hope is double , One true and certaine : th' other ful of trouble , And most vnconstant : the first hope attends Things more immortall , and alone depends , On th' expectation of the certain'st things , And such perfection of true ioy , as brings No trouble with it , This through faith we gaine , And 't is sufficient to make any paine Seeme short and easy ; yea it cheares a man , And t is a help , without the which none can Endure to liue : but now great store there be , Who for because of their infirmity , Together through the bad and weake foundation , They build this hope on , make it in some fashion To be blame-worthy : It , cannot indure , Nor wil it ( without doubting ) make them sure Of what they looke for . Now the other kind Of hope , which I amongst vs men do find , Is of vncertaine earthly things , and this Of no continuance and oft frustrate is ; For the best likeli-hoods that may be showne , And the strong'st humane reasons that are knowne , Are nothing for to ground a hope vpon ; ( Since in the turning of a hand t is gone ) Were all the men on earth procured to Some easie thing that 's in ones power to doe ; And all were well resolu'd to see it done ; Yea , wer 't but one daies work , and that begun , We may wel hope indeed thei 'l bring to passe , So smal a thing as that ; but yet , alas ! None can assure it , for because they know , No warrant from aboue it should be so : And therefore I could wish that euery man , Should take vnto him the best hope he can , In all his outward actions ; but foresee , At least on honest grounds it builded be , And therewith be so well prepared still , That if these doubtfull hopes doe fall out ill , He ne're repine , but tak 't as if the same Had beene expected long before it came ; And since that fickle trust did nought auaile him , Depend on the true hope that shall nere faile him . For that indeed that 's plac'd on wit or strength Is vaine , and most vncertaine ; cause at length , How ere it may seeme sure , it will deceiue him , And when he hath most need of comfort , leaue him . Besides there 's many to this hope are led , By sundry Passions within them bred : As Loue , Ambition , Auarice , and such , 'T is true that these will make a man hope much ; But many thereby into errors run So blindly on , that they are quite vndone , Cause in their mindes , they hopefully expect , A thousand things which they shall nere effect ; For they giue their desires too large a scope , And doe abuse themselues through fained hope , Not hauing plac'd it on a certaine ground ( For then it neuer could be frustrate found . ) But Louers hopes , and such as theirs , are bold , On euery paltry trifle to lay hold . And whatsoe're the Ambitious doe intend , The hopes they haue to bring their plots to end Are drawne from n' other grounds but their affections Which for the most part giue such blind directions , That they , as we may by experience see Together with their hopes oft ruin'd be ; But as this passion is now much abus'd , The next that followes is as hardly vs'd .

OF COMPASSION . SATYR. 13. PItty is knowne a kinde and tender Passion , In it owne nature worthy commendation ; And if Discretion guide it , well may be Of meere alliance vnto Charitie ; If not , it then from vertue quickly swerues , And with the rest a like reproofe deserues : Now some will muse thereat , such as suppose A man through pitty cannot erre ; but those If they haue any iudgement of their owne , Shall say compassion may amisse be showne : Yea , and oft is , which they will quickly finde , Or else I 'le say their Reasons eye is blinde ; First let them tell me , is 't not frequented now , That those the which our Country lawes allow Iurors for tryall , are oft-times compell'd Through a base tender weaknes for to yeeld . Vnto this melting Passion ? sometime by , A personall respect ta'ne by the eye : Sometime for that th' offendor ( it may be , Already hath sustain'd much misery : And thinke they not this Charity and right ? Yet through the Ignorance forgetting quite , Whilest they an ill deserued life prolong , Therein they doe not onely Iustice wrong , But by their indiscreete and fond Compassion , Vnwisely hazard e'ne their owne Saluation ; Then for their need , or cause they much implore , In common pleas they leane vnto the poore , ( If might o're sway them not , ) and that they trust , ( Because they meane well ) may be counted Iust : Are there not some toe , who would faine be deem'd Good Common-wealths men ? yet haue misesteem'd That Order which for wandring rogues was made , ( And as if they allowd their begging trade ) Much pittie those that iustly punisht be , As though it were done void of Charitie ? Yea they haue dar'd to saie thus much and more , There 's no lawes made now , but against the poore : Moreouer , he whose iudgement is so slender , And hath an yeelding heart so fondly tender To stoup vnto this Passion , neither spares The lawes of God nor man ; but rashly dares Peruert them both ; supposing his intent , Shall free him from deserued punishment : These though that God himselfe saies kill ; reply With no alas ? t is pitty he should die : But such as they deserue the selfe same-check He had that spar'd the King of Amaleck : For to say truth as vertuous as it showes , A foolish p●tty quickly ouerthrowes , In War an Army and in peace a State ; And this I le stand to , 't is as bad as Hate , For That and Bribes to such a power is growne , Iustic● can little in some courts now be showne : Yea it is cleere and cannot be withstood , That Pitty sometimes hurts the common good , And more we find that God's therby offended , And therefore man must haue this fault amended , And be perswaded 't is his part to see , How farre this Passion may admitted be ; For seeme how 't will , all pitty is vnfit , Vnlesse Gods lawes and Mans do warrant it : But I haue noted some kind-hearted Asses , Worth laughing at , that all the rest surpasses For foolish pitty : but themselues alone , 'T is preiudiciall too ; or hurteth none ; To these do you but a Tragaedian be , Or else recite some ancient historie ; If that the matter which you do relate Be sorrowfull and somthing Passionate , Though it were done a thousand yeares agoe , And in a Country they did neuer know , Yet wil they weep ( kind-hearts ) as if those men , Were of their friends ; and that thing told , but then Before their eyes in action : nay , vnfold Some new made tale that neuer yet was told , So it be doleful and do represent Some strange and lamentable accident : Although not only ( as I said before ) It be a matter meerely fain'd , but more ; Though that they know it so , they cannot keep Their melting eyes from teares but they must weep I might touch Parents , chiefly in the City , That mar their children by their cockering pitty , But other Passions call me now away ; And yet before I leaue thus much I le say , Those fond-kind Parents that take rods from schooles Haue almost fild the land with knaues and fooles And those that think we need no pitty rue , Let them not hold so stil , for this is true , Fond pitty rests in no true manly breast ; And therefore you that are , or would at least Be counted men ; be not therewith ore ' borne , For t is a Passion that now Women scorne .

OF CRVELTY . SATYR. 14. BVt here 's another beares vs farther wide , If we embrace it on the other side ; And therefore whilst we seeke for to beware Of foolish Pitty , we must haue a care Least this do ouer-run vs : t is a thing , Whose very name doth seeme enough to bring , All men in the opinion to confesse , T is an inhuma●e hellish wickednes : A monstrous Passion , so vnfit to rest Or harbor in a reasonable brest That beasts , in whom it rather should remaine , Doe for the greatest part the same refraine : And yet as odious as it doth appeare , Vnlesse men looke to their affections neere , 'T will steale vpon them , and they shall begin , Not only to be quickly snar'd therein , Although at first they doe abhorre it much , ●ut more ; the nature of this Passion 's such , It will begin delightfull ; and it makes So deepe impression in the heart , and takes So sound a root , 't will hardly be displac't , Whilst that the body by the soule is grac't : And yet some doe supposer i● may with ease , Be left or tooke as eu'ry one shall please , But they are wide , like them that ouer-bold , And trusting to their proper strength , vphold , We neede not this same Passion discommend , Nature sufficient is to reprehend That fault ( they say . ) And they detest it so , Reason can neere haue such an ouerthrow , That they should liue themselues for to defile , With any passion that they know so vile : Indeed it is a monstrous villany , And most I thinke can raile at cruelty , Yet let none be so carelesse , for 't is true , The odious vices we doe most eschew , Grow pleasing by degrees : When Hasael Was told what he should doe to Israel , Full little thought he then his gentle heart , Should euer giue consent to act a part , Of such a Tragick Scaene ; and yet we find , He became after of another mind : For our intents and best affections , be Exceeding subiect to vncertaintie : Those we thinke surest ; and vnlesse each hower , We be remembred such a state is our We should forget our selues . Philip , the Sire Of that bold Grecian King that did aspire To be the worlds third Monarch , knew full well Himselfe to be a Man , yet could not tell Whereto he might through humane frailty fall , And therefore wil'd his seruant for to call , Thus at his window ( ere the day began ) Philip , Remember that thou art a man . And e'ne as hatefull as this Passion is , To be remembred so , 't were not amisse , But men are stronger now they thinke then he , And much lesse prone to imbecillitie ; But you that thinke so , and you that vphold This needs no warning , 'pray let me be bold For to demand some questions , since there be , So few as you thinke stain'd with cruelty ; Is he not mercilesse , that without shame Doth rob his neighbour of his honest name By raising false reports ? doth not that Lord , That to his Tenant grudges to afford , What Loue and Conscience giues ? or he that takes , The common profit to himselfe , and makes His owne good of it , when he knowes thereby Many a poore man 's brought to Beggery ? Doth not I say that Landlord hardly deale ? And is he not vnto the common weale . A cruell foe ? some damned Vsurers , That are I thinke the Diuels Treasurers : ( For by the small vse they of riches make They for another seeme their care to take ) Are they not cruell , when they cannot be , Contented with their Statute Vsuree But must encrease their gaines by bribes and guifts , With many subtile and vnlawfull shifts ; Pinching poore debtors till their greedy hands Haue got possession both of goods and lands ? What are out Lawyers that can brooke to see , Christians like Beasts that still a wrangling be , And yet when it lies in their power to part them , Will for their owne gaine vnto discord hart them , Keeping them still at strife by adding fuell To maintaine an ill flame ; Are they not cruell ? Yes verily ; and so are not alone , The mercilesse offenders ; but each one : Who when he doth perceiue that there is need , Is slacke to doe a charitable deed : And what may they be that employ their care , To pamper vp the flesh with curious fare : Largely prouiding for the Bodies good Whilst the poore Soule is hunger-steru'd for food ? They are not cruell ? No , t is like that such That can take pittie on themselues so much , Are mercifull to others . You will say To poison men 't were ill , then what are they That by false doctrine fraught with errors foule , Seeke to enuenome and infect the soule ? Cruell they are ( I know ) you must confesse , But then you 'le say t is not that Cruelnesse You vnderstood ; As if you did suppose , None through this Passion did offend but those That murtherers be : In truth I thinke that this I here recite , not principallest is . For it from other causes doth proceed , Whereas true proper Cruelty indeed , Is when a man delights and longs to see , Or doe , some deed that 's full of Crueltee : Iust such was his that out of a desire , To see how Troy burn't when it was on fire , Caus'd Rome in many places for to flame , And longing to behold from whence he came , Ript vp his mothers wombe ; a passiue right Was also his , that tooke so much delight , For to behold men strangely tortured , That he out of his bounty promised , A large reward to him that could inuent , The cruel'st and vnusuall'st punishment ; Which Phalaris demanding , was therefore , The first that made his Brazen Bull to roare ; And like to this are those mens humors to , That vncompel'd , would make no more a doe To murther , till a Country were vnman'd , Then doth a schoole-boy with a walking wand , To lop downe thistles tops . Now these men be Passiuely cruell in the high'st degree : And though the first rehearsed be not so , Yet thereto they may very quickly grow : Vnlesse they haue oft warning to beware , Since they already halfe-way entred are : Especially the greedy hungry elfe , That would for profit gladly damne himselfe : For Auarice doth harden so the heart ; In any mischiefe he may beare a part . No cruelty the Couetous refraines , Murther nor Treason so he may haue gaines . If that I thought 't would any thing auaile , Against this Passion I could further raile ; But as it raignes in man experience showes ; So that 't is euill there is none but knowes : Wherefore I 'le say no more but onely this , As he is blessed that meeke hearted is : So for the Cruell lightly doth attend , A heauy curse , and a most fearefull end .

OF IOY . SATYR. 15. OF all the Passions handled hitherto , With this that followes I had least to doe : And yet by some small trials I haue had , 'T is better I perceiue then being sad : Yea 't were the greatest blessing that might be , Were 't of it selfe , and from all combrance free : But seldome 't is or neuer ; cause that such , Is our estate ; As if that Fa●e did grutch The vse of simples ; we almost can finde , Nothing to pleasure vs in it owne kind : Neuer could any man as yet obtaine Ioy , but there follow'd either shame or pain : And he no question that 's allowed most , Doth deerely pay for what is quickly lost : But now the reason why mens Ioy so soone Is chang'd to sorrow ; Is because there 's none , Or very few that doe their gladnesse found Vpon a sollid , firme , substantiall ground : But on such subiects as no maruaile tho , It doth receiue so quick an ouerthrow And hath so sharpe a farwel : For one , Ioyes In Dogs , Apes , Monkeis , or some such like toyes , And when they faile , as how can they last long ? Their mirth is finish't ; they must change their song . Some in their honor all their Ioy dooe place , But let them take good heed : for if disgrace , Adde the least motion vnto Fortunes wheele , Sorrow takes place , and little Ioy they feele : Take but away his Substance you destroy The miserable rich mens onely Ioy , And soone by sicknesse that delight 's defac't , Which man in beauty , or in strength hath plac't : Yea all our Ioy in transitory things They being lost , at last a sorrow brings : And therefore I wish men to make their choice , Of that wherein 't were fit for to reioyce , And not in thinges so friuolous and vaine , They must repent them for their Ioy againe . Some do so firmely settle their delight On things vnworthy that they are e'n quite Bereft of vnderstanding when they see , They must of them againe depriued be : But oh you men ( that haue your better parts , Of an immortall frame ) awake your hearts , And from●delight in drosse , and clay , remooue Your Ioyes ; and place them vpon thinges aboue : So shall you still haue cause for to reioyce , And not with sorrow thus repent your choyce . Another fault I in mans Ioy espy , Which I 'le illustrate by this Simily , Looke how those men that being calm'd at Sea , And forc't the leasure of the winds to stay , Halfe starud for food , once cast vpon some shore , Where , of prouision they are seru'd with store : I say looke how those men by taking in , To their weake stomacks that haue fasting bin A little food ; do then begin to faint ; And cause their pallates they do not acquaint , With a spare diet , ( although it wholsome be ) Through former want and their infirmity It workes their bane ; Right so it fares in this , For he that alway in some sorrow is , And tost vpon the boistrous seas of care If for his comfort he be landed there Where Ioy abounds ; His heart , where ( none hath bin Full many a day before ) receiues it in , So out of measure ; that it euen makes The Soule vnquiet , and thereby he takes A Surfet ; whose strong violence is such , The body faints or is endanger'd much . I need not stand on proofes for this , I trow , Since there be many by experience know , At sodaine telling of some newes that 's good , Diuers haue sencelesse and amazed stood . Yea bin so rauisht with the Ioy they tooke , That they haue e'ne their liues and all forsooke , Though flesh be fraile , me thinkes if eu'ry man , Would striue to curbe his nature what he can ; Armes of resistance they might better weild , And not so basely to their Passions yeeld : Yea it befits not him that ought to be , At all poynts fenc't with Magnanimity , To suffer any mischeefe to anoy His mind , through either too much care or Ioy ; But let these passions of each other borrow , He may be sad with Mirth and glad with Sorrow , Much I might speake more ( some perhaps wil say ) But here my Muse is now resolu'd to stay : Yet if heereafter I haue Ioy in store , If it be needfull , I wil tel you more .

OF SORROW . SATYR. 16. OF this said Passion I may knowledge take , And wel say som-what for acquaintance sake , I heare it is complain'd vpon of many , Yet I dare say it seldome hurteth any , Excepting those by whom 't is entertain'd , And such indeed haue with iust cause complain'd : For whilest they keepe it they shall neuer rest , 'T is so vntam'd and troublesome a guest : Yet such a guest , though he his host diseases , 'T is thought he cannot rid him when he pleases . Yet if that man would vse the meanes he might , Sure by degrees he might out-weare it quite ; Yea t is his part and duty . For should he , That must on ●arth Iehouahs Viceroy be ? Should he to whom his soueraigne Lord hath giuen A Countenance for to behold the Heauen ? Should he , I say , blot out this manly grace , And groueling turne to earth his blubber'd face ? It were a shame : yet more shall he that saith , He is a Christian and seemes t' haue faith , For losse of friends ; when there 's no remedy , Be passionate in such extremity , That childish teares not onely staines his face , ( Which may be borne withall in such a case ) But also raues , growes furious , and extends His griefe past reasons limits ; who commends A man for that Say , is it any lesse , Then to deny by deed what words professe ? For who would think which fees how he bewailes , The losse of breath that in a moment failes , That he beleeues , but rather thinke 't is vaine , To hope or trust , the flesh shall rise againe ; Or that there were , as holy Scripture saith , Any reward for them that die in faith . It 's a plaine token of a misbeliefe , When Christians so ore whelme themselues with greef : And therefore though I doe not discommend , The moderate bewailing of a friend ; I wish the Extreame hereof men might despise , Least they doe their profession Scandalize : Beside though as I seem'd to say before , Vnles 't be common , 't is no common sore , Because it hurts but those that entertaine it , Yet were it good if all men could refraine it ; For it not onely makes mans visage be Wried , Deform'd , and wrinkled as we see , Himselfe exiling from the common eye , To vexe and greeue alone , he knowes not why : But also brings diseases with his death , By the vntimely stopping of his breath . ●t makes his friends to loath his company , And greatly hinders his commoditie , For who for dealings in affaires is fit , Vnlesse with good will he attendeth it . And howsoere it seeme , yet surely this , As farre from vertue as bad pleasure is , For as through one one we to much euill runne , So many good things th' other leaues vndone : I wonder that this Passion should touch , The harts of men to make them greeue so much As many doe , for present miseries ; Haue they no feeling of felicities , That are to come ? If that they be in paine , Let hope giue ease ; It will not alwaies raine , Calmes doe the roughest stormes that are attend , And th' longest night that is will haue an end . But 't is still bad thou saist , take 't patiently , An age is nothing to eternitie , Thy times not here : Enuy not though that some Seeme to thee happy ; their bad day 's to come , And if thou knew'st the griefe they must sustaine , Thou would'st not thinke so hardly of thy paine : I must confesse 't was once a fault of mine , At euery misaduenture to repine ; I sought preferment , and it fled me still , Whereat I greeu'd , and thought my fortune ill ; I vext to see some in prosperitie , Deride and scoffe at my aduerstie ; But since aduis'd , and weighing in my minde The course of things , I soone began to finde The vainenesse of them ; these I saw of late In bliss , ( as I thought ) scorning my estate , I see now ebbing , and the once-full tide That ouer-flow'd the lofty banks of pride , Hath left them like the sand shore , bare and dry , And almost in as poore a case as I. Besides , I view'd my daies , now gone and past , And how my fortunes from the first to th' last Were link't together ; I obseru'd , I say , Each Chance and Deed of mine , from day to day , That memory could keep ; yet found I none , Not one thing in my life that was alone : But still it either did depend on some That was already passed , or to come ; Yea , the most childish , idle trifling thing , That seemed no Necessitie to bring ; In that hath the Beginnings oft been hid , Of some the waightiest things that ere I did : But cheefely to abate the excessiue ioying , In worldly things ; and to preuent th' annoying Of any sorrow , this I noted thence , ( And euer-since haue made it a defence For both these passions ) I haue truely seene , That those things wherewith I haue ioyed beene ▪ Highly delighted , and the dearest lou'd , Euen those very things haue often prou'd , My cheefest Care : And I haue found againe , That which I deem'd my greatest losse , or paine , And wherewithall I haue been most anoyd , And should haue deem'd a blessing to auoid ; That which my heart hath ask't for ; and wherein , I thought me most vnhappy ; that hath bin The ground of my best●ioyes : For which cause , I Aduise all men that are in misery To stand vnmou'd , for why they doe not know Whether it be to them for good or no : They ought not for to murmur nor to pine At any thing , shall please the powers Deuine To lay vpon them : for my mind is this , Each sorrow is an entrance into Blisse . And that the greatest pleasure we attaine ; Is but a Signe of some insuing Paine . But to be plainer , this our life 's a toy , That hath nought in it worth our griefe or Ioy : But there are some base-minded dunghill elues , That sorrow not for any but themselues . Or if they doe 't is onely for the losse Of some old crest-falne lade ; But that 's a crosse Past bearing ; be it but a rotten sheep , Or two stale egs , they will such yelling keep , As if thereby had perished a brood , In which consisted halfe the kingdomes good : But I intreat them since it must befall , They would be patient ; who can doe withall ? And also let them of much Griefe beware ; For there 's small ods betweene the same and Care : And they haue heard ( I need not tell them that ) 'T is an old saying , Care will kill a Cat. Then let them take heart , chiefly since they see , None liue but sometime they must loosers be , Which is an ease : for I haue heard them tell , With mates they care not , if they goe to hell . But in good earnest now let vs not runne , Willingly hereinto as we haue done ; Rather auoid it as a hurtfull foe , That can effect nought but our ouerthrow : And yet instead receiue into our breast , An honest mirth , which is a better guest ; And whatso'ere our former griefe hath been , Let vs nere sorrow more , but for our Sinne : Thus with this Passion end the rest will I , Because it ends not till our End is nigh .

THE CONCLVSION . THus haue I labour'd some Effects to show , That doe from mens abused Passions flow ; Which from example of old ages past , And wise-mens Sayings , I might more haue grac't ▪ But that I am resolu'd to tie my Rimes As much as may be to the present Times ; Also I might amongst these here haue told , The bodies Passions ; as Hunger , Cold , Heat , Thirst , and such like ; but their force is seene , And most men haue sufficient carefull beene For to preuent them ; they last not so long , Nor are by much so violent and strong , Or dangerous as these : but if men knew , Or with the eyes of Reason would o're view These foule-bred maladies , as sure they ought , They would with greater diligence haue sought The cure of them , then of such slight diseases ; The which their bodies and no more displeases : But now the reason men disturbed are , For the most part with such preposterous Care Is this ; through their corrupted iudgement they , Doe onely on things seene depend and stay ; Which being most apparant to the sense , So muffles vp the weake Intelligence , And blinds her that she hath no power to see , The better things that more subsisting be ; When if they could conceiue but halfe so well The Soules Estate , they 'd labour to expell All these corruptions , that may cause her woe , All those fell Passions that molest her so : But some men haue in this opinion stood , That eu'ry passion 's naturall and good ; Indeed Philosophers the same doe call , A Motion of the soule that 's naturall ; And in some sort we may not be afraid , For to vphold as much as they haue said : But thus we must distinguish on it then , And make a two-fold Passion in men , Of which , one sort vnto the best aspires , And that alone , things meerely good , desires , Therein reioycing ; moderate , and weake In operation ; and the truth to speake ; We haue it rather by Gods Inspiration , Then bred within vs at our Generation : The other , as th' effects thereof doe show , Doth by our owne corrupted nature grow ; For it is head-strong , rash , insatiate , Wondrous disordred , and immoderate , Of which kind these are , whereof I haue spoken , And they are oft the cause mens sleeps are broken ; That 't is which makes them raue , or greeue , or ioy So out of measure for a trifling toy ; Yea that 't is onely makes them oft so teasie , Their friends seem troublesome , their beds vneasie , And lastly , these are the occasions still , Of all misfortunes , and of euery ill ; Th' effects they doe produce we also see , Contrarie to their expectations be ; For he that hopes , or lookes for to attaine , Great Ioy & Pleasure haps on greefe and paine : But by what meanes may men these passions kill ? Sure not by the procuring of their will , As some imagine . For first it may be , A thing that 's not in possibilitie For to be reacht vnto . But say it were , Will the Ambitious-minded-man forbeare To be Ambitious , if he once fulfill His longing thoughts ? No ; he will rather still , Encrease that passion which first he had Or fall into some other that 's as bad ; For altring the Condition or Estate , The soules vexation doth no more abate , Then changing roomes or beds doth ease his paines That hath a Feuer ; since the Cause remaines Still in himselfe : But how and which way then May these Diseases be recur'd in men ? Why by Philosophy , Counsell , and Reason , These being well appli'd in their due season May do much good . Else seek the Cause whence rise , These hurtfull and pernitious maladies . Let them consider That , and so they may , Cut off the 'ffect by taking it away . But if they cannot the occasions find I le tell them 't is a Basenesse of the mind : Or els a false Opinion that 's in some , Of Good or Euill present or to come . Respecting good things thus : They do desire And are to yehemently set on fire ▪ With coueting what seemes so ; Or anoying , Themselues with an Excessiue Ouer-ioying , In the obtaining . In regard of ill , They are oppressed with some sorrow still ; So that we see if men would goe about , To change their minds , and driue that basenes out Through Magnanimity , ( And note well this , That Passion but some false Opinion is , Fram'd by the will , and drawne by the direction Of Iudgement that 's corrupted by affection ) Me thinkes they might by reasons help confound , The former errors that haue tane such ground , In their weake Hearts , and learne for to esteeme , That which doth either good or euill seeme : ( And in their soules such perturbation wrought ) As things not good , nor ill , and that which ought , ( Being vnworthy ) neither to molest , Nor breed such Passions in their carefull breast . By these and other such like meanes as these , The wise Philosophers in elder daies Kept out those furies , and 't were now a shame , If that we Christians could not doe the same : Hauing besides those helps whereon they staid , A certaine promise of a better ayd , If wee le but aske it : Le ts demand it then , To rid these euils from our soules agen . If that we feele them yet not stirring in vs , Let vs preuent them ere by force they win vs : For 't is more easie ( eu'ry one doth know ) For to keep out , then to expella foe : If any thinke I from my purpose swarue , Cause my intent was chiefly to obserue And not to Teach ; let them not blame me tho ; For who can see his friends lie sick , and know Which way to cure them ? But you 'l say my skill , Cannot instruct you : yet may my good-will Be worth accepting , and the other neither , A thing to be reiected altogether : For , I haue seene when in a knowne disease Doctors with all their Art could giue no ease To their weake Patient ; a Country Dame , Hath with a home-made medicine Cur'd the same : And why not I , in this ? Yes , I le abide it ; Being well vs'd it helps , for I haue tride it : Thus much for that ; but still there doth remaine Some obseruations yet for to explaine ; I haue not done , for I am further task't , And there 's more Humors yet to be vnmask't , Wherein because I will not step astray Nor swerue from Truth a iot beside the way , I 'le say no more ( least men should seeme belide ) Then what my owne experience hath espide ; And then if any frowne , ( as sure they dare not ) So I speake truth , let them frowne still I care not : But if my Muse you should so saucy finde , Sometime to leaue her Notes , and speak her minde , As oft she doth , when she but haps to see , How vaine , or weake , or fickle , most men be ; Yet blame me not , 't is out of the good-will I beare to you , and hatred vnto ill : Which when I see , my purpos'd Course I breake , Because , indeed , I am compel'd to speake : Yet thinke not , though I some where bitter be , I count my selfe from all those Vices free ; Rather imagine 't is to me well knowne , That here with others faults I tell mine owne . The end of the first Booke .

THE SECOND BOOKE . OF THE VANITY . Inconstancie , Weake-nesse , and Presumption of Men.

PRECATIO . THou that Createdst all things in a weeke , Great God : whose fauour I doe onely seeke , E'ne thou by whose sweet Inspiration , I vndertooke this obseruation ; Oh grant , I pray , since thou hast dain'd to show , Thy seruant that which thousands doe not know , That this my noting of mans hum'rous Passion , May worke within Me such an Alteration , I may be for my past offences sorry , And lead a life to thy eternall glorie . Let not Ambition , nor foule Desire , Nor Hate , nor Enuy set my heart on fire , Reuenge , nor Choller , no nor Iealousie , And keepe me from Despaire and Crueltie , Fond hope expell , and I beseech thee blesse , My soule from feare and too much heauines . But giue me speciall grace to shun the vice , That is so common ; Beastly Auarice : Yea grant me power I not onely know , But flye those euils that from Passion flow . Moreouer now Inspire my soule with art , And grant me thy assistance to impart , The rest of mens ill Customes , yet remaining , And his vaine humors ; that by my explaining , They may perceiue how odious I can make them , Blush at the reading and at last forsake them : So let my Muse in this and things to come , Sing to thy glory , Lord , or else be dumbe .

THE SECOND BOOKE . Of the Vanitie , Inconstancie , Weaknes , and Presumption of MEN. OF VANITIE . SATYR. 1. MY Muse , that now hath done the best she can To blaze corrupted Passion bred in man , Goes further here , and meanes for to vndoe , Another knot of ill 's he 's prone vnto ; From which , as out of the main root there growes , All whatsoeuer euill , Mankind knowes , With thousands of bad Humors , of which some , ( Such as to mind by obseruation come ; As also , such as are the proper crimes Of these vngodly and disorder'd times : ) She means to treat off : the chiefe heads be these , ( Consider of them Reader if thou please ) First Wanton , and light-headed Vanity , Next that , Camelion-like Inconstancy . Then , miserable Weaknes ; lastly this , Damned Presumption , that ore-daring is . But ere I doe begin this worke , that I May speake to purpose with sinceritie , Lord I beseech thee help me to explaine , And teach me to contemne the thing that 's vaine , I haue begun in thee this my endeauour , And constancie I craue for to perseuer ; Also my knowledge I confesse is weake , Yet through thy strength and truth I hope to breake These mires of sinne , from which mankind , kept vnder , Must be let loose ( like beds of Eelles by thunder ) Then that I may man's pride the better see , From all Presumption Lord deliuer me . Likewise disperse the foggy mist of sinne , That to my purpose hath a hindrance bin , And th' euill by thy wisedome I perceiue , Lord let thy mercy giue me grace to leaue ; That being free my selfe , I may not coldly , Tax others faults but reprehend them boldly . So hauing for this good assistance praid , My Muse goes forward trusting to thine ayd , To guide me in the Wildernes of Sinne , Great Vanities Suruey : for being in , I see now 't is an intricate Maeander , In which ( I feare ) I shall confus'dly wander : It is a Labyrinth so full of wayes , And seemes so endlesse if my pen o●ce strayes , As doth the Fisherman amazed stand , That knoweth not , which way to row to land , When all alone in some close misty day ; Far from the Hauen he hath lost his way . Knowing he may as well strike vp the Maine , As turne vnto the wished Shore againe ; So I doe feare least this may carry me , Into an Ocean where no Sea-marks be . Because what way so ere my course I bend , There Vanity I see without all end ; Which hath not vnder her Subiection gain'd Such things alone as are on earth containd , Or vnderneath the Orbs of Ayre and Fire , But reaches farther and encroaches higher ; According to his meaning , who said plaine , That all things vnderneath the Sunne were vaine : But now I thinke it may a question be , Whether the Sunne , the Moone and Starres be free , For sometimes false predictions they impart , Or are belyed by abused Art ; But of Man onely here my Muse must tel's Who is by much more vaine then all things els . For Vanity his reason ouerswayes , Not onely on some certaine Monthes or Dayes , But is at all times in him resident , As if it were his proper accident ; Neither doth age , in which he groweth on , Any thing lessen the proportion Of Vanities he had . But in the steed , Of some reiected follies there succeed Others as bad : for we perceiue when boyes , Begin to Man , ( asham'd of childish toyes ) These then leaue off , their former idle chat , And foolish games ; but what 's the cause of that ? For being ill ? No ; rather they contemne Those bad things as not bad enough for them ; And as one poore , playes first for points and pins , Once growing rich leaues that , and then begins To venture Crownes , dislikes not gaming tho He shun the first game as not fit enough , For his estate ; So yong men doe forsake , The rope-ripe tricks , that their first age did take Cheef pleasure in ; not cause they wicked deem them But being men they think 't will not beseeme them ; Then Hounds & Haukes , & Whores a● their delight ; Quarrels and Braules doe fit their humors right , Disordred meetings , Drunken Reuellings , Consuming Dice , and lauish Banquettings , Proud , costly Robes , this is the yong mans Vaine , The which his Elder doth dislike againe , Not since ill neither : But because his yeares , Him vnto other Vanities endeares ; As Selfe Conceit , much Care for worldly pelfe , Heaping vp what he nere enioyes himselfe , Prone to Contentions , much desiring still , Be it his weale , or woe , to haue his will . Extreamely louing lies , and giuen to prate , Yet making shew as if he both did hate : Yea old men boast of what they did in youth , Which none disproouing we must take for truth : And thousands more or else they are belied , Each age is pester'd with ; and yet beside , Vanities●proper vnto each degree , Millions of thousands I suppose there be . Princes haue these , They very basely can , Suffer themselues that haue the rule of man , To be oreberne by Villaines ; so insteed , Of Kings they stand , when they are slaues indeed . By blood and wrong a heauenly Crowne thei 'l danger T' assure their State heere ( often to a stranger . ) They quickly yeeld vnto the Battaries , Of slye insinuating flatteries , Most bountifull to fooles , too full of feare , And far to credulous of that they heare . So giuen to pleasure , as if in that thing , Consisted all the Office of a King . But if heere in my harmeles halting Rimes , Were onely ti'de vnto this Place and Times , And shold of none but of my Soueraigne tell , Spight of her heart she could not speake but well ; For ( I suppose ) the Truth I must confesse . That Vanity no Prince ere harbord lesse Then IAMES hath done ; vnlesse corrupted stories , Rob's former ages of deserued Glories . If any say to sooth I now deuise , His heart I know wil tel his tong he lies , For did I not thinke true what heere I Sing , I 'de not wrong Iustice for to please the King . Great men are vaine toe , In much se●king Fames , With Nimrod and his Mates ; they raise their Names By building Babels ; yea and they suppose , Honour consists in Titles and in showes . They Thraso-like in Parasites delight , That do in presence claw , in absence bite . They vse their Pleasures not as pleasures now , Or Recreations as 't were fit , but how ? 'T is all their care , their cheefe and only ioy , In satisfying which ; they doe employ , Both wealth and wit and all . if they would take Somthing in hand for recreations sake , They are wi●h pleasures so o'recloy● we see , It must be that which their affaires should be , A wondrous Vanity ! And their Care , Is for rich rayment and the Curioust fare ; Pam●ring their flesh when all is but in vaine , For Dust it was and shal to Dust againe . Then since their euils we seeme not to see , In vaine they think that they wel thought of be ; Tush , men their lewdnes cease for to repeat , Why : cause th' are faultles ? no because th' are great● But for their vices though now none dare shew the , ̄ Vnlesse they mend another age shal know them ; And therefore if they count their Honors deare , Let them be Good as wel as Great men heare ; Let them leaue Vanity and not suppose , The World wil euer blinded be with showes , For that great mighty Peere that died so lately , Ere while was mighty , powerful , and stately , He was most croucht vnto and oft implor'd , Yea almost like a Demi-God ador'd ; He onely ( as my selfe haue heard some prate , ) Was the vpholder of the Brittaine State . And all the wit this Kingdome did containe , Some thought was harbor●d in his little braine , Ahd had he liu'd ( if all be true men say ) He might haue wel beene Pater Patriae . But now alas hee s gone , and all his Fame You sees not able to preserue his name From foule Reproach ; but each one breaks his mind Which shewes though they winkt they were not blind In spight of all his Greatnes , 't is wel knowne That store of Rimes , and Libels now are sowne In his disgrace : But I heare diuers say , That they are slanders , ( then the more knaues they That were the Authors ) but if so it be , He were from those vild imputations free ; If that his Vertue 's paid with such a curse , What shal they looke for that are ten times worse ? Wel Nobles I le the Court ere long suruay , And if I find among you such as stray , Through Vanity or Pride ; vnlesse it be , Into some small faults through infirmity , If there be no man that dare taxe you for 't , My Muse shal do it e'ne to make me sport , For though she keepe but a plaine hobling forme , Shee shall haue wit enough to make you storme . I wil not spare you thus , til death do fet yee , But rub you whilst you are aliue to fret yee . Yet do not think ● meane to blaze your shame , In scattered Libels , that shal want a name . No ; I hate that : I le tell the illes you doe , And put my name for witnesse therevnto . Then 't is but fetching me ad Magistratum , And laying to me Scandalum Magnatum , Which though you proue not , rather yet then faile , You were best hang or clap me into Iaile To stay my tongue ; so much you may do to me , And that s the worst I know that you can do me . But whether runnes my ouer-sawcy Pen ? There 's Vanity , besides in Noblemen . The Gentleman , for some repute but Vaine , Beyond his power oftentimes doth straine , Our Yeomen toe that neuer Armes haue borne To Gentillize it makes themselues a scorne ; But their Gaine 's enuy , with a greater charge ; Yet of these fooles the Catalogue is large . Then ere that lesson be halfe taken forth , They must ad Knight-hood or 't is nothing worth : Mony may get it , therefore many sue it , Although with shame and Beggery they ●rue it . And Credit they expect in vaine thereby , For it turnes rather to their infamy ; Because it is bestowne without deserts , And yet in troth our Knights haue done their parts . For most haue well deseru'd it , but as how ? Brauely in field , en'e in a field at Plow . But why looke we in meere Humanity , For that which sauors not of Vanity , Since Diuine matters cannot quite be free , But with the same must oft corrupted be ? Diuines , striue not so much for to impart , The truest Doctrines as to shew their Art : The grace their speach more with vaine words for sound , Then with graue sayings , needful and profound ; But t is a vaine thing , wondrous full of shame , And in my iudgement highly merits blame , To paint o're that whose beautie 's neuer fuller , Then when it shines forth in it proper Colour . Againe they striue what Ceremonies fit And best beseemes the Church , meane while omit More weighty matters ; who that 's wise would stand , Like many wrangling spirits in this land , Vpon such idle Questions as they know , 'T is no great matter on which side they goe ? And such as best in my conceit befits , None but vnquiet and seditious wits . Heeres my Opinion : be they not the cheefe Grounds of Religion , or the same Beleefe Saluation comes by , that men go about By their inuentions for to bring in doubt , So 't be not that they touch , ( as sure they dare not ) Let all the rest go which way 't will I care not , Haue not our Lawyers many vaine delayes , Vnnecessary Writs and idle staies , For to prolong mens suites ? when they might foile , The party faulty e'ne with halfe that quoile , They 'l for their fee relate some pretty tale , Like the wise story of old Iack i'ith vale , Which ( if they once haue thorowly begun ) Vndo them quite that tarry til 't be done . Iack Doe , Dick Roe with whom y 'ad ne're to doe , Thei le bring to help your cause and God knowes who And for your benefit they can affoord , Many a foolish sencelesse idle word . Which they I know will not account as vaine , Since that 't is with a Vengeance brings them gaine . Besides as I suppose their lawes they pen'd , In their old Pedlers French vnto this end The Vulgar should no farther knowledge reach , Then what shall please their Maisterships to teach ; Or else they haue the selfe-fame policie , As the Professors of damn'd Papistry , Who Sacred writ in forraine tongues conceal'd , Least that their knauish trickes should be reueal'd . What can they not in our owne language find , Words of sufficient force t' expresse their mind ? That cannot be denied , but t is a trouble , So easily to counterfeit and double In a knowne Tongue , when th' other but a few , Can vnderstand , but that obstreperous Crew . These make the lawes almost to none effect , Their courses are so wondrous indirect , To them they fauour they delaies can grant , Though Iustice her due expedition want . Sometimes vpon one matter we may see , That sundry iudgments shal pronounced be ; Now there s a motion granted , next day crost , So fee and labour 's to no purpose lost : And stil the Clrent shal be so deluded , That when he hope 's als done there 's nought concluded Nay though we heare the vtmost sentence past , Which by all course of Law should be the last ▪ Why then , I say , ( though all seeme wholly ended ) Yet may the Execution be suspended : And for some trifle , to the poore mans terror , Be cald in question by a Writ of Error . So that the right oft yeelds vnto the stronger , When poore mens purses can hold out no longer . Oh miserable state ! what should we say ? May not the Country think themselues a prey These Rauens liue on ? May we not suppose , By their delayes , and some such tricks as those , They practise only for to cheat and gull ; And on our ruines fil their gorges full ? Yes questionlesse ; for they , Themselues do raise , Vnto this height on other mens decayes , Not their owne Vertu●s ; Oh though't be too late , Yet let me wish that we had kept the State And Simple Innocence we once retain'd , For then we had not of this ill complain'd , Nor yet those moouers of sedition knowne , ( Now to a mony-headed monster growne . ) But since that time is past , we may complaine , Yet must nere looke to see those dayes againe , We haue good Lawes , but they too , seeme in vaine , Since they according to each Lawyers braine , May be now wrested too and fro to make The matter good that he doth vndertake ; I 'le say it plainely , and yet not belye them , There s few but rich-men can haue iustice by them . And pray you iudge now , is not that Law vaine ? Which when it is enacted ( to restraine , Some priuiledge or custome that hath stood As a great hinderance to the publike good ) Should of it Vertue be so slightly gui'd , As by a licence to be disanuld . Moreouer there be some too much to blame , Or poenall lawes are onely lawes in vaine , Made in terrorem tantum , to affright And not for execution of the right : And I may liken them vnto those logges , That Iupiter threw downe to rule the frogges ; At first they come forth with such thundring terror , That we doe tremble to commit an error , But in a day or two they are so still , For ought I see , we may doe what we will , Vnlesse that we be poore ; or some despight vs , Then peraduenture thei 'le go neere to fright vs A tweluemonth after ; if so long they last , Twenty to one then all the furie 's past . Did you but note it you would much admire , To see how strictly Iustices inquire , On daies of sitting , what Abuses raigne , How those they threate that slackly doe complain , How they wil raile and fume , and chafe , and storme As if all evils they would quite reforme Within a moment : But things violent Cannot you know be long time permanent , Nor is their zeale ; for surely ( God amend it ) One twise twelue howers will begin and end it . But why are they so earnest then ? oh know , That the small springs within the dales below , Glide gently on , vntill a land-flood fils Their empty channels from the higher hils . But when thei 'le swell vntill they can discharge , Their Burthens in some plaine to runne at large , So these low Magistrates , would gladly sleepe , And their owne easie crooked Channels keepe ; But when that any Streame of Ivstice showers , And comes downe to them from the Higher powers Then peraduenture the 'le grow big a day , And Iustice shall haue course the nearest waie : Yet in a little space she must be faine , To runne within their winding banks againe . Some falsely haue affirmed Iustice blind , Yet I am sure she knows how to finde ( If that she be disposed for to looke , ) Who giues her daie-workes by her counting books . Nay she knowes Capon , Turkey , Goose or Swan And thee I warrant from another Man What ere thou be : But whilest she sees so plaine , It is no wonder we haue lawes in vaine , Also when Officers doe vndertake Their charge at first , Lord what a quoile they make A drunkard cannot with his capring feete , Cut out Indentures , as he walkes the streete , But he 's straight stockt for 't , or for his offence , By fining to the poore he must dispence . Then those perhaps that slackly doe frequent Gods deuine Seruice , somewhat shall be shent ; And many other goodly deeds thei 'le do , But these grow quickly weary of them toe . Againe , sometimes comes out a Proclamation , Which threatens , on the paine of Confiscation , That no Recusant doe presume to stay Within ten miles o th' Court from such a day , Yet sure 't is notwithstanding ment , that some Should daily to the Presence Chamber come , And shroud within a furlong on 't or two ; Some Great-one's may ; and so I hope they doe , And by their owne Authority no doubt , May keepe the rest from danger thereabout , Pish , they at such a matter will but scoffe 'Cause they know surely how to put it off . Yet I 'le not say it is in vaine ; for why The Printer's sometime set on worke thereby : And 't is moreouer for our satisfaction . Who else might think the State were out of action , But oh you noble English Senators Our Kingdomes Guard , and Princes Counsellors How can you see your labours so mis-vs'd ? Or brooke , to haue your Soueraigne so abus'd ? Doe you suppose that it deserues no blame , To make a Scar-crow of the Regall Name ? And to erect it on some common stall , For to be gaz'd on , to no end at all ? Respect it more ; and vse it not for course Or fashions sake ; but shew it hath some force . Pluck out those Vipers that for feare of harme Their chilled spirits in your bosomes warme : D' ye not perceiue their stings ? No danger feare yet ? Oh 't is apparant let them not shroud neere yee ? For if you doe , 't is doubtlesse the Conclusion , If God preuent not will be your Confusion . Yet all ( for ought I see ) should still remaine , Were there not some , who ( out of zeale to Gaine More then Religion , or their Countries weale , ) Their scuruie base conditions doe reueale , In begging and in rifling of some few ; But they their owne corruptions rather shew Then redresse any . More I here could vtter But I methinkes already heare some mutter , As if I should be sure of R●mes great curse : But then ●'me sure I shall be ne're the worse . Yea , let them go to Rome , curse , ban , & spare not , I 'le sit at home and laugh ; because I care not , But why doe I of Lawes alone complaine , Since all Man deales in , is in some sort vaine ? Religion is with Ceremonies stuft , And with vaine-glory and presumption puft , Now our Almes-de●ds and guifts of Charitie , Are done for shew and with hypocrisie . Yea , als made vaine , for if you would but view Our Vniuersities ; indeed 't is true , There you may yet see , how that heretofore , In better daies , hath been erected store Of Pallaces ; ( whose curious build are still , A faire remembrance of the worke-mens skill ) Which , least that knowledge in the land should fade , Were by the Patrons of good learning made , That there the Muses shelter'd from the rages Of former , present , and succeeding ages Might safely liue and not beholding be To Pyren for his hospitality . 'T is also true , there wants not , to sustaine Their proper needs , nor yet to entertaine Such as desire knowledge , there s enough ; The worthy Founders haue prouided so , But of these profits now why make they stay ? Best sel 't , or let some Courtier beg't away . For publike Guifts are turn'd to priuate vses , Faire Colledges are ful of foule Abuses . And their Reuenues I account as vaine , Because they lazy Dunces do maintaine , Who to themselues do claime the profits , by Nothing but witlesse Seniority . Such as saue Beard ( with reuerence be it spoken ) Of profound learning haue nor marke nor token . Good Founders dreaming not of these Abuses , Gaue them at first to charitable vses ; But we find now all alter'd , and the dues , The which by right vpon desert ensues , Like Offices in Court , are bought and sould , And places may be had , but how ? for gold , There as else-where they now are growne so bad , Without Quid dabis nothing can be had , 'T is strange to see what Auarice can doe , But are the Muses taken with it to ? Oh no ? for they esteeme such gaine a losse , And their high Spirits scorne such earthly drosse ▪ How then ? There are some Cormorants crept in , Who in their youth pretended to haue bin Addicted vnto knowledge : when alas . T is wel seene since that all their purpose was To snort in ease ; augmenting still their store , Til they grow wealthy and their houses poore ; Foule droanes , whose voices must be hir'd with mony Steruing the Bees , while they deuoure the hony . But oh you Birdes of Athens , cleare your Hals And driue those lazy Hornets from your stals . Through them it is men thinke you couetous , They make your groues and walks grow scandalous , But how wil you discerne them ? Marry thus , Since they haue made themselues notorious I le point them out ; And though their heads they shroud As Venus did Aeneas in a cloud , I 'le so vnmask them ; if their eares they show You shal be able to say , there they goe . First note them ; there are some by Bribes and Fees , Can soone passe thorough two or three Degrees : And if they sue for ought are not deni'de it : When better Students must be put beside it . Then there be others who their nests to fether , Can keepe in office nineteene yeares together , Enforcing many vnto penury , To haue wherewith to feed their luxury . Note you not some at fifty winters study , That haue their wits so thin and braines so muddy , They must procure of other men to doe , The excercises they were cal'd vnto ? And sit there not of Dunces pretty store , From Sunne to Sunne at euery tradesman dore ? Huge fat Curm●dgeons ? tell me , I think no , Do Commons of Three halfe-pence feed them so ? Or can such puffes so Humberkinlike set , Into a Pulpit once in seauen yeare get ? Sure if they do , their memorie 's so weake , When they come there they know not what to speake , Nor are they halfe so fit if 't came to proofe . To serue for Pastors as to hang at Roofe , It is no maruaile then that blockish rout , Retaine their places and keep better out , For no good Patron that doth Conscience make , Will vnto them the Charge of soules be take : Because if such , the flock of Christ should keepe , No question they would make but Carion Sheepe . Then they must stay , yet in their stay thei 'le be A plague vnto the Vniuersity . For ouer and aboue the mischeefes nam'd The vice for which the younger sort is blam'd , They are most guilty of ; for forc't to tarry , Through want ; and by their lawes forbid to marry . Thence springs it that the Townes-men are reputed , Thus by a common voyce to be Cornuted : For I haue knowne that such haue daily beene , Where younger scollers neuer durst be seene . And all ( vnlesse that they haue eyes like Moles ) May see those Foxes vse the Badgers holes . Nor hath their lewdnesse in that action staid , But on the place a fouler blemish laid . Which heere Indeed I do forbeare to name , Least it be to the place I loue , a shame ; And for because I feare some spitefull mates , May taxe them with it that such dealing hates , Brought in by them ; for who is so impure , But he that liueth like an Epicure . Oh Mues seeke in time to root these weeds , That mar your Gardens , and corrupt your seeds , And you that are appoynted Visitors , Who ought for to be strict Inqui●●tors , To search the foule abuses of these Times And see them punisht Oh! let these my Rimes Moue you for to reforme this villany ; Or let the hate of damned Periury Stir vp your zeale these euils to restraine If not for loue of good for feare of paine : Which else ( though you set light as at your heele ) As sure as God is Iust , your soules shall feele . Do you not see now all the wondrous Cost Of worthy Benefactors vainely lost , The Lands , Reuenues , Customes , Charters , Rents Which they haue left for diuers good intents Vainely employed ; see the Student poore For whom it was ordain'd stands at the doore And may not enter , whilst the golden Asse , Is quietly admitted for to passe , And shroud himselfe within those sacred gates , Which wer 't not for commodity he hates . You sacred Genii that did once attend Those wel deuoted Patrons to their end ; Although your bodies be entoomb'd in claie , Since you suruiue , because you liue for aye ; Looke downe on your abused guifts and see , be , What oddes twix't th' vse and your good meanings Come and behold how the laborious sits , Sharing some hungry Commons , scarce two bits ; And that but when a double gauday haps Full glad alas at other times with scraps ; While that the Lazy Dunce on dainties feeds ; Oh come ( I say ) if you respect your deeds , And fright them with some ghastly visions thence , They may haue more remorse for their offence . If I could take on me some monstrous forme ; I 'de either make them their bad liues reforme , Or hare them quicke to hell : But I am vaine , Thus for to inuocate , or to complaine , Because I doubt this fault will nere be mended , Vntill all euill with the world be ended . Learning is vaine too , or so made at least , Consider it , I speake it not in iest ; Doe we not see that those who haue consum'd , Halfe a mans age in Schooles , and haue assum'd Degrees of Art , and howrely ouer-looke , Many a leafe , many a wise-mans booke , Still studying to know ; fellowes that can , As they themselues thinke , put downe any man , That dares of Predicables to dispute , Yea such as can to , if need be , refute Knowne Truths ; and that in Metaphisicall , Much more I thinke in matters Naturall , Seeme greatly read . Doe we not see I say ? That these from study being tane away , For some employments in the Publike weale , A man would be ashamed to reueale Their simple carriage ? sooner thei le speak Treason , Then any thing that shall be law , or Reason . Aske their opinions but of this or that , Thei 'le tell a Tale they scarcely know of what ; And at the last you must be well apaid , With This the Poet , or This Tully said ; So other mens opinions shall be showne , But very seldome any of their owne : What is 't to heape vp a great multitude , Of words and sayings like a Chaos rude , For to be able for to bring in Plato , Great Aristotle , with the wiseman Cato : And diuers more , yet like a blockish Elfe , Be able to say nought at all himselfe ? As if it were all well and he had paid it , If he can once say , Such a man hath said it . Then by their actions , who gather can They haue more knowledge then another man ? Since they doe worse absurdities commit , Then thoe that seeme their Iuniors in wit , As if they thought it were enough to know , And not with knowledge vnto practise goe . Those may be learned and of learning p●ate , But for affaires of Country , or of State In my conceit they are as farre vnfit As fooles and mad-men that haue lost their wit ; And notwithstanding all their studious paine , I count their learning and their Knowledge vaine ▪ But thinke not I , hold Knowledge vaine to be , Or all that in the Vniuersitie , Mispend their Times ; vntiftting men to deale About employments of the Common-weale . No ; for I euer this accompt did make , That there are those know best to vndertake , Great Offices ; and surely such as haue Both knowledge and desert : yet shall they saue But their owne credits : Th' other who are knowne To haue no gifts of nature of their owne , For all their knowledge gotten in the Schooles , Are worse by much ods then vnlearned Fooles . Now thou that wouldst know rightly these mens state Goe but a while and talke with Coryate And thou wilt soone be able to maintaine , And say with me that Learning 's somewhere vaine . Then if there were ordain'd no other place , Where now-despised-Vertue should haue grace , She were vaine to , and those that lou'd her best Were to be counted vaine aboue the rest . For they be sure , of these worldly Crosses , And whosoere gaine , theirs must be the losses , Iustice is wanting so ; for if that men Commit an ill , the Law giues smart , but when They doe performe a vertuous deed 't is hard , There 's no Law heere that giues them a Reward . Nay if a man by wrong suspition be , Brought vnto any wofull misery . If he be wrackt and tortur'd so that Death May pleasure him by stopping of his breath : And if at last by proofes it doth appeare , That he of the suspected crime is cleare , Onely he may his life by that meanes saue , But shall no other satisfaction haue . Yea , and he must be glad and well content He hath his life for being Innocent : Whereof he would full glad haue ridden bin , To scape the torments they had plung'd him in , T is meere Iniustice , And I say againe For to be vertuous in this age 't were vaine ; But that it one day shall rewarded be , By heauens chast iustice with eternitie . I will not heere take paines for to reueale The vaine trades crept into our Common-weale : Onely I le say , and so I thinke will any , Would there were lesse , for such there be too many . But I must needesly shew their Sympathy , Who make their treasures and felicitie Of things meere friuolous , As Honour , Srength , Pleasure , and Wealth , & Beauty , which at length , Yea in short time must Fade ; Titles wrong plac't Without desert , are not alone disgrac't , And loose that reputation of their owne , But shame them too , on whom they are bestowne ▪ What Noblenesse of Birth but meerely vaine , Vnlesse that in the linage there remaine , Some noble qualitie ? which in them bred , They haue deriu'd from predecessors dead ? What 's Honor ? but e'ne Smoke and Idle 〈◊〉 ▪ A thing consisting onely in a name ? Which if you take away then you take all , ( For Alexanders glory was not small , ) Yet were he namelesse , what would then remaine , For to inherit Honour for his paine , Since that his best part from the earth is fled , And t'other though remaining here , now dead ? Then if that Honour doe aduantage bring , To Soule nor Body , but doth wholly cling Vnto the name : who Care , or Paines would take If he be wise , such Trophirs for to make Vnto the same , which may inioyed be , By many thousand other men , whilst he Rots ; and which three mens vertues , I 'le maintaine , Grace not so much as one mans vice shall staine ? Wer't onely for a name , that men did well , And stroue in vertues others to excell , What good had Symon the Apostle gain'd More then the wicked Sorcerer obtain'd ? And how should we giue each of them his fame Who liuing , being two , had but one name ? Were outward Honour all that vertue got , He were a wise-man that esteem'd it not . But shee 's the bodies comfort till it die , And soules Companion to eternitie . Vulgar Repute , what is thereby acquired ? Why is 't so glorious , and so much desired ? But I doe chiefely maruell what they ment , That haue prefer'd it before their content . I hold it vaine and wondrous friuolous , Extreamely foolish , or ridiculous , That any man should stand in greater feare , What they doe vnto other men appeare Then their owne consciences ; or striue , ( poore elues ) To seeme to other , God , when to themselues Th' are worse then Diuels ; why , I say , should they With vaine repute be so much borne away ? And why boast men of strength that lasts no longer ? And seeing the brute creatures are farre stronger ; A woman may blind Sampson with her charmes , And little Dauid slay a man at armes , For God doth make , as holy Scriptures speake , Strong things to be confounded by the weake . Then some are vaine in pleasures , like to him , Who for because he in delights would swim , In these his daies to please his fiue brute senses , Made twenty hundred crowns one nights expences ▪ I onely cease for to declare his name , Least he should hap to vaunt vpon the same . But why in Beauty should men glory so ? As well we may perceiue there 's many do ; Since 't is no better then a fading flower , That florishes , and withers in an hower . It could not saue the good King Dauids sonne For being iustly by his foes vndone ; Nay , their 's scarce any that enioy the same Can keepe vnto themselues an honest name . We see moreouer men vaine-glorious grow , In building and apparrell ; als for show ; And yet the Prince that 's gorgioust in array , Must lie as naked as his Groome in clay . And though that men to build so curious be , How worthy of contempt it is we see , In that th' arch-King of heauen , earth and all , Was very well contented with a Stall . What mind are they in who suppose to raise , By such a vanity an endlesse praise ? When as they dayly see by obseruation , Time vtterly decayes the strongst Foundation . Where are those wondrous high Pyramides , That were admired at in former daies ? And of those huge Colossi what remaines ? ( Which to erect now were an endlesse paines ) Nothing almost ; no scarce his name that spent The paine and cost of such a Monument : If that be so , how much more vanity , Is it to hope for fames eternity , By such sleight trifles whose ground-worke needs mending Before the roofe be brought vnto an ending ? Againe some thinke how e're their liues they spend Yet if they can attaine to in the end A glorious Funerall , and be inter'd With idle pompe and show , or be prefer'd In a bald Sermon , for some one good deed They did the Common-wealth for their owne need , Or by their owne , or friends procurement haue On their vnworthy scarce-deserued graue A goodly Epitaph ; they thinke als well ; Alas poore silly men ! what can they tell How long 't will stand , before 't be razed downe ? But say it bide a while , what faire renowne , Can in a peece of carued Marble be ? What can a guilded Tombe then profit thee ? Preserue thy fame ? I know it cannot passe , The wondrous Heape that once erected was , And yet e'ne at this day doth now remaine Not farre from Sarum on the Westerne plaine , Yet who can say directly , ( or what story Doth absolutely mention ) for whose glory That was first founded ? or by whom ? or why ? And if a Deed of such great wonder die , Dost thou suppose by a few Carued stones , Scarcely enough to couer all thy bones To be immortall ? If thou long to liue After thy death , why then let Vertue giue And adde that liuing glory to thy name ; Let her sound forth the Trumpet of thy fame , And it shall last ; for she knowes how to place it ; Nor time , nor enuy shall haue power to race it . I say endeuour to be vertuous heere , So shall thy sacred memory be deere To those that liue , and whil'st thy Body lies , Entomb'd on earth , thy Soule shall mount the skies . But if in pleasure thou hast liued long , And tooke delight in seeking bloud and wrong : When that the euill day shall come to end thee , The curse of the oppressed shall attend thee , Thy soule shall pay for 't ; and the selfe-same Graue Thou for thy Honour didst suppose to haue Shall be thy Shame ; for those that trauell by it Shall often curse it , yea deride , defie it ; And to each other say , There doth he lie , That acted such , or such a villany . Then why should gay clothes be delighted in , Since they are but a badge of our first sinne ? And yet 't is strange to know how many fashions , We borrow now a daies from sundry Nations . Some , but a few , in Irish trouzes goe , And they must make it with a codpeece too , Some ( as the fashion they best like ) haue chose The soruce diminitiue neat Frenchmans hose Another lik't it once but now hee 'll chop , Or chang't as we say for the Switzers slop ; And cause sometimes the fashions we disdaine , Of Italy , France , Netherland and Spaine , Wee le fetch them farther yet , for by your leaues We haue Morisco gownes , Barbarian sleeues , Polonian shooes , with diuers far-fetcht trifles , Such as the wandring English gallant rifles Strange Countries for ; Besides our Taylors know , How best to set apparell out for show . It either shall be gathered , sticht ; or lac't , Else plated , printed , iag'd , or cut and rac't , Or any way according to your will , For we haue now a daies learn'd much vaine skill : But note you when these geu-gaues once be made , And that this cunning Maister of his Trade Must bring it home , Then lies all the iest , To see when the poore slaue hath done his best To mend what faults he can ( for by his trade , He can set right what Nature crooked made ) When he hath fitted to his power , and trickt , Whom he wold please ; when he hath brusht & pickt E'ne till he sweate againe : Yet ( though he spies Scarce any fault ) You Rogue the Gallant cries . A plague confound thee ; looke here how this sits , Zounds 't is a mile too wide ; where were thy wits ? See , this is halfe too long that halfe too short , 'Sbloud I could finde in heart to knock thee for 't . Then for the faults behind he lookes in glasse , Straight raues againe and cals his Tayler Asse , Villaine , and all the Court-like names he can , Why I 'le be iudg'd ( saies he ) here by my man , If my left shoulder seeme yet in his sight , For all this bumbast halfe so big's the right . How is he seru'd ? This day he should haue went , With such a Lord or Lady into Kent : To Hampton Court to morrow comes the Queene , And there should he with certain friends haue bin , Now he shall faile . Villaine go straight and mend it And see with all the speed you can , you send it : Or by my sword the Gallant sweares he will Make thee to wait twise twelu-months with thy Bil If e're he pay thee . Then the other takes it , Carries it home againe : turnes , rubs , and shakes it , Lets it lye still an houre or so , and then As if 't were alter'd beares it back againe ; Then 't is so fit , our Gallant cannot tell That e're he had Apparel made so well . Ere-while , saies he , faith I was anger'd sore , Why couldst thou not haue done it thus afore ▪ With many gentle speeches in amends , And so these two vaine fooles grow quickly friends , What shall Isay of our superfluous fare ? Our beastly , vaine , and too excessiue care To please the belly ? We , that once did feed On homely rootes and hearbs , do now exceed The Persian Kings for dainties ; In those coates A man would think they liu'd with hay and ●a●es , The diet they are growne vnto of late , Excels the Feasts , that men of high estate Had in times past , for there 's both flesh and fish , With many a dainty new deuised dish . For bread they can compare with Lords or Knights , For they haue raueld , manchet , browne and white , Of finest wheate : Their drinkes are good and stale , For Perry , Cider , Mead , Metheglin , Ale , Or Beere they haue great plenty of ; but then This cannot serue the richer sort of men . They with all sorts of forraine wines are sped ; Their cellers are oft fraught with white and red , Be 't French , Italian , Spanish , if they craue it : Nay Grecian or Canarian , they may haue it , Catepument , Veruage , if they doe desire , Or Romney , Bastard , Capricke , Oley , Tire , Muscadel , Malmsey , Clarey , what they will ; Both head and belly each may haue their fill . Then if their stomacks doe disdaine to eate , Beefe , Mutton , Lambe , or such like Butchers meate ; If that they cannot feed on Capon , Swan , Duck , Goose , or common houshold Poultry ; than Their storehouse will not very often faile , To yeeld them Partrich , Phesant , Plouer , Quaile , Or any dainty fowle that may delight , Their gluttonous and beastly appetite . So they are pamper'd whilst the poore man sterues , Yet there 's not all , for Custards , Tarts , Conserues , Must follow to ; And yet they are no let For Suckets , March-panes , nor for Marmalet . Frute , Florentines ▪ sweet sugar meats and spice , With many an other idle fond deuise , Such as I cannot name , nor care to know ; And then besides the tast 't is made for show , For they must haue it cullour'd , guilded , Printed , With shapes of Beasts & Fowles , cut , pincht , indented , So idly that in my conceit 't is plaine , That men are foolish and exceeding vaine , And howsoe'er they of Religion boast , Their belly is the God they honour most . But see whereto this dainty time hath brought vs , The time hath been that if a Famine caught vs , And left vs neither Sheepe , nor Oxe , nor Corne , Yet vnto such a diet were we borne , Were we not in our Townes kept in by th' foe , The woods and fields had yeelded vs enough To content Nature : And then in our needs Had we found either leaues , or grasse , or weeds , We could haue liu'd , as now at this day can Many a fellow-subiect Iris●man . But in this age , if onely Wheate doe rise To any extraordinary prize : Of if that we haue Cheese or Butter scant , Though almost nothing else that is , we want ; Lord how we murmor , grumble , fret and pine , As if we would vpbraid the powers Diuine ; Yea we prouoke God , as sometime the Iewes Did Moses ; and with vs it is no newes . But you that are so like to sterue in plenties , Because you are a little bar'd your dainties , Leaue of your Luxury ; let me intreat ; Or there will come a Famine shall be great : When Soule nor Body neither , shall haue food , Or any thing to comfort them that 's good . We talke of scarcity : yet here there came No want this twenty ages , worth the name Of Famine ; but our gentle God hath bin , Exceeding mercifull vnto our sin . Wheat at ten shillings , makes no dearth of bread , Like theirs ; where once ( we read ) an Asses head , Cost foure-score siluer peeces ; where Doues dong , Was highly pris'd : and mothers eate their yong ; There famine raign'd . Pray in the like we fall not ; If we can fast with Niniue we shall not . But truely much I feare the same , vnlesse We doe leaue off our gluttonous excesse , For though we quaffe and swill much time away , Yet three set Meales will scarce suffice a day To satisfie our lust ; whereas but one , Suffis'd our predecessors , sometime none . It were a worke too tedious to quote The sundry vanities that we may note Sprung from this Greedinesse , as our Long-sitting , A custome rather in my mind befitting Pagans and Epicures , then honest men . But 't is a vse now common growne ; and then This Fo●lery we haue ; we nothing deeme Worthy of our desire , or esteeme , Saue that which we haue either dearely bought , Or far-away from forraine kingdomes brought : Yea notwithstanding here in our land , Those things be better ; and more neere at hand . Yet we out of an idle humor are , Much more affected to all Forraine ware Then to our owne : although the same be best . So that this vainenesse doth not onely rest In meates , and in apparell ; but 't is showne In many things ; we least affect our owne . Our home-made Cloth , now quoddam est inanum , We are for Serges and Perpetnanum ; With other stuffe , as Crow-graine , Chamblets , Rash. And such like new deuised forraine trash . Yea though our natiue country-men excell In any Trade , we like them not so well As we doe strangers : ( and in very deed ) I thinke for vaine inuentions they exceed . And then moreouer when we doe not want Any good wholesome hearbe , or fruit , or plant , That may be necessary , fit or good , Either to serue for Phisick or for food , Yet those we leaue , as if we did abhorre them , And send to seeke in other Kingdomes for them . So while we onely make our vse of them , Our better home-bred Simples we contemne . ( Oh Vanity ) our country yeelds enough , What need we Grecian or Arabian stuffe ? Why send we for them to those Countries thus ? 'T was planted there for them and not for vs : What though it help them of diseases there ? The Climate , yea , and our complexions are So different , for ought that I can gather , Heer 't may not help our griefs , but poison 's rather . My selfe haue heard some Trauellers to say , That which will salue their wounds within a day , That of the farthest Easterne Countries be , Will not recure an Englishman in three . Then sure if we should vse that medicine heere , It would not help nor cure vs in a yeare . Trust me I thinke , this ouermuch respecting Of Forraine Compounds , and the still neglecting Of our owne Symples is the cause that wee So little better for our Phisicke be ; Some in their writings praise Tobacco much , Perhaps the vertue of it may be such As they haue said , where first the simple grew , But if it be replanted heere a new , From it owne soile where natures hand did place it , I dare not with those properties to grace it Which there it had ; nor can the Vertue bide When 't is transported to our region , dri'd . Yet almost 't is a wonder to behold , How generally now both yong and old Suck on that forraine weed : for so they vse it , Or rather ( to speake right ) so they abuse it , In too oft taking , that a man would thinke It were more needfull then their meate or drinke ▪ But what 's their reason ? doe not aske them why , For neither can they tell you that , nor I : Vnlesse 't be this : So they haue seene some doe Forsooth , and therefore they must vse it too . Nay , wonder not ; The Sunne lights not a Nation That more addicteth Apish imitation Then doe we English : Should a stranger come And weare his doublet fastned to his Bumme : Pluck gloues on 's feet , & put his hands in 's shoes , And we are his Rings and Iewels on his toes . And come so tired to our English Court , Attended in some strange preposterous sort ; Most of our Courtiers would make much ado , But they would get into that fashion too . For when they did but happen for to see , Those that with Rhume a little troubled be , Weare on their faces a round masticke patch , Their fondnes I perceiu'd , sometime to catch That for a Fashion . Nay , we cannot name That thing so full of Barbarisme and shame That they 'le not imitate : witnesse this smoake , Which though at first it was enough to choake Or stifle vp the sence ; though 't were vnpleasing In taste and sauour , oftentimes diseasing The takers bodies ; yet like men halfe mad , Not knowing neither what effect it had , Onely because a rude and sauage Nation , Took 't for some vnknowne need ; thei 'le mak 't a fashion , Alas what profit England at thy need , Hast thou attain'd to , by this Indian weed ? What hath it lengthen'd life or maintain'd health Or hath it brought thee more encrease of wealth ? It dries superfluous moistures ; doth't ? indeed Tane with discretion it may stand insteed , And surely it deserues to be excus'd , Being with honest moderation vs'd . But I doe greatly wonder what they ment , That first did tak 't in way of complement . For now it is as common at each meeting , As how d' yee , or , God saue yee for a greeting ; Hee 's no good fellow that 's without the Pox , Burnd pipes , Tobacco , and his Tinder-boxe : And therefore there be some who scarce abide it , Yet alwaies will for company prouide it ; With whom ( though they alone the same eschew ) Thei 'le take it till they spit and cough and spue . Me thinkes they may as well since this thei 'le doe , At all their meetings take Purgations too . There 's not a Tinker , Cobler , shepheard now Or Rascall Ragamuffin that knowes how In a blind Ale-house for to drinke a pot , Or swagger kindly , if he haue it not ; You shall haue some among them will not sticke , To sweare that they are for Tobacco sicke ; When by their ragged outsides you would gather , It were for want of bread and victuals rather ; And so I tak 't ; But now if you deny , Th' Affecting forraine drugges , a Vanity , Yet you , I hope will grant , ( because 't is plaine ) The vsing of Tobacco thus is vaine . I meane in those that daily sit and smoake , Ale●ouse and Tauerne till the windowes roke . And you must yeeld if euer ; Quod nunc sumus , E'ne as the old verse saies , flos , foenum , fumus , Some vainely much acquaintance seeke to get , And often in a strangers cause will sweate . When none ( vnlesse some one for rarity ) Will to their Kinne shew loue or charitie . The loue of men some striue for to attaine , And they haue iust their labour for their paine ▪ For what 's the fauour or the loue of Men ? A thing long getting and soone lost agen , For him I know whose company hath seem'd , In my poore iudgement to be so esteem'd By many , that in show he hath appear'd To be more neerely to their soules indear'd Then their owne brothers ; And sure for the time , ( But that inconancie's a humane crime ) He hath been so ; For when he hath departed , As if his absence inwardly had smarted ; Out of their eyes full oft against their will , I haue seene , sorrow looke , and teares to trill . And yet againe hath my experience seen , The selfe-same man that hath so made of been , Euen of those men he hath been so respected , After some absence either much neglected , Wholly forgotten or they so estranged , As if their loue and good conceit were changed . Which hauing found , I weighed well the end , And thought them vaine that on the like depend . Also methinkes it makes me pretty sport , To note the Vainenesse of the greater sort ; How full of Congees , curtesies , and greetings , Embracements , & kind words they be at meetings . Or else what Me●orandums past betweene , Of great good turnes that nere perhaps haue been , What commendations , and ioyes there be , For one anothers good prosperitie . When howsoeuer they their malice smother , They care not what becomes of one another . To see me well , hee 's glad at heart , one cries , When 't is well knowne that in his heart he lies , Another bids me welcome to my face , When he would leaue my presence for my place . Yea and to sweare it too he will not tremble , Although he knowes , I know he doth dissemble : Which in my iudgement is a Vanity , Too full of shamelesse grosse absurditie , And I much wonder men delight to spend Time that 's so precious to so little end , As to consum 't in idle Complement , And not so much as to a good intent ; Crouching and kneeling , when each peasant knowes Much curtesie , much craft : the prouerbe goes . A quality beseeming men I deem 't , For to be Courteous and I much esteem't , Yet sure without good meaning t is vnfit , And extreame vaine when men are cloy'd with it . When some man's Table 's furnished with store , Of Dainties , that a Prince can haue no more , Hee 'le bid you welcome , though that by your cheere , It doth not ( as hee 'le say himselfe ) appeare , And yet he sees and knowes well that his Bordes , Haue what the Water , Earth , and Ayr affords : With pray d' yee eat , I drink t' yee , nay be merry ; And such like words ; I oft haue beene as weary To thank , to pledge , and say I do not spare , As ere was Sommers of his trotting mare , But now I think of this , I 'le without ieasting , Tell one absurdity l 'ue seene in feasting , Amongst my Countrymen ; when one intends For to be merry he bids home his friends , And for them all things needfull doth prepare , That they may well perceiue they welcome are ; Yea , he would haue them frolick , and 't is good , A signe of loue and honest neighbourhood , But then with all he oftentimes inuites , Som lofty Statesmen or proud neighbouring knights Who all their merriment doth ouerthrow , Because they looke for reuerence you know , And he must be a slaue vnto that guest , Contenting him , though he displease the rest . Now that s his fault , were I as he , my Boord , Should neuer entertaine that Knight or Lord In way of feasting ; that allow'd not me , To be as merry and as blith as he ; Or that through his disdaine would thinke amisse , To beare some iests of mine as I beare his ; For who but fooles would while their guest is baiting Stand with bare heads like Alehouse-keepers waiting ( As if they were some strangers wanted chearing ) In their owne houses ? while they dominering Say what they list ; be therefore rul'd by me , Bid none but equals if you 'le merry be : At least let them be such as can abide , To lay Superiority aside . Moreouer ( if they haue the prouidence To bid their friends & keep these mar-feasts thence ) They are too lauish and doe much deuize , How they the appetite may best suffize . But 't is a signe their vnderstanding's weake , And they haue small good matter for to speake ; It showes a shallow pate and muddy braine , When men haue no discourse to entertaine Their friends withall , but whiffes of smoake or drinke , Or curious fare ; as if that they did thinke They could not shew their honest loue , vnlesse They did abound in gluttonous excesse . But there be many greedy-guts indeed , That will finde fault vnlesse their cates exceed . Such Socrates shewes how to answer best , Who hauing for his friends prepar'd a feast , And hearing one to discommend his store Told him directly , friend there needs no more , For be they vertuous her's enough for such , If otherwise ( quoth he ) there is too much A fitter answere we can neuer finde , For such nice gluttons ; differing in minde From certaine deere and learned friends of mine : Whom , when I late requested for to dine Or sup with me one night ; would not agree , Vnlesse I drest that they appointed me : I will said I , and not a bit beside , Why then ( quoth they ) we charge thee to prouide One dish , no more , we loue not him that crams , And let our second course be Epigrams . Well , that they had with more good mirth & laughing , Then those that had their dainties , & their quaffing , Who can declare that Vanity man shewes , In hearing and reporting idle newes ? The foolish tales , and lies that he doth faine , Are more then any numbers can containe . And now I thinke on that same lying euill , A mischiefe first inuented by the diuell , I cannot chuse but greatly wonder why , Men should delight so in that Vanity . It is not onely vicious and base , But also doth their credits quite deface . And truth out of their mouthe● is mis-esteem'd Because , oft lying , they are lyers deem'd . I meane not any falshood to maintaine , No though they be officious , or for gaine . Yet worst like them , who their wits bo bend To inuent tales vnto no other end . But for to find the company some talke , And cause they loue to heare their owne tonges walke Some I haue knowne ( iudge of their Vanity ) They haue told tales to their owne infamy ; And yet vntrue , 't is like they haue small care Of others credits when they wil not spare To wrong th●mselues : Another crew beside Among these ly●rs I haue also spide , Who , as it may appeare , do like so well , Strange newes , and matters past beleefe to tell , That notwithstanding they do surely know , It makes not only modest eares to glow , But that 't is knowne they lie , yet stil they dare Gainst Truth , their owne , & al mens knowledge swear . Yea , when they may aswell , and speake as right , Sweare that each man is blind , and all Crows white Oh too presumptuous and lewd offence Sprung from a brazen , ●ellish impudence ! Then there 's a number to , that do suppose , All that beyond their little reason growes , Is surely false ; And vainely do vphold That all reports which trauellers vnfold Of forraine lands are lies ; because they see No such strange thinges in their owne parish be , If that I may not terme such fellowes vaine , I 'le say th' are dul and of a shallow braine . And him I count no wiseman that imparts , To men of such base misconceiuing hearts Any rare matter , for their bruitish wit , Will very quickly wrong both him and it . For thus the saying goes , and I hold so , Ignorance onely , is true wisedomes foe . Then thou art vaine that wilt vouchsafe to spend Thy breath , with witlesse fooles for to contend In weighty matters ; when it is well knowne Thei 'le like of no opinions but their owne . Euer disabling what thou dost recite , Yea notwithstanding it be ne're so right . And be their owne case false , and all amisse , They 'le proue it true ; How ? Thus : Because it is . So if there be no more wise men in place , Thou bear'st the shame , & thei 'le haue all the grace . And yet the mischiefe hath not there an end , For tell me , you that euer did contend With such ; is not their wayward disputation A meere confusion and a strong vexation ? I know 't is so ; for I my selfe haue tride it , And since that time could neuer yet abide it ; But let those follow Vanity together With purb●ind ignorance ; and I 'le send thither To keep them company , those that take pleasure In tedious discourse , they be at leasure , And those that loue to heare their owue tong●es walke Or still seeke out occasion for to talke Shall not stray from them : Yet I haue beheld More Vanities which must not be conceal'd . As foolish wishes : Many a silly Asse , Couets those things that cannot come to passe . Another that in wishing is as heedlesse , Desires some trifling bables which are needlesse . Nay , I haue heard , without regard of shame , Such beastly wishes as I blush to name , What damn'd infernall curses can each brother , In euery angry fit wish one another ? When such as these their iesting words thei●e make ye A Pox , a Pestelence and a Murraine take yee . Which if the Lord should in his iustice send them , Their owne vaine wishes wold e're long time and them . Some free-borne men I haue obserued too Who are thought wise , yet very vainely do . These , as if they lackt troubles of their owne For other men are slaues and drudges growne . I tax not such as honestly haue stood In the mainetaining a poore neighbours good . But rather those who are so out of measure Giuen to be for other men at leasure : That they can finde almost no time to bee Emploid about their owne commoditee . Others there are , more knauish , and as vaine , Who seeming carefull of an others gaine , Intrude themselues into their actions ; when 'T is not for any good they wish the men , But for this cause , and sure for nothing more , In each mans boate they loue to haue an oare . 'T is good men looke to their affaires , but yet , I hold it for a vaine thing , and vnfit They should be vexed with such extreame care In following them as I perceiue they are : For vnto me it seemes , the greatest part . Take businesse not in hand now , but in heart . What meane our wealthy Vsurers to hoord More vp for others then they can affoord Vnto themselues ? whereas they do not know Whether it shall be for a friend or foe . Sure such me thinkes should be deseruedly , Recorded for their sottish Vanity . Now as these too well , of the world doe deeme , So others make thereof too small esteeme : As of a thing whose vse were of no weight , But both are led away with Vaine conceit . Then some mans care is , that when this life ends , Hee dying , may be buried with his friends . As if he fear'd his foes had not forgotten To do him mischiefe though their bones were rotten Others extremely are distempered To thinke what men will do when they be dead . And vainely sit , ( More wit God one day send ) Lamenting what they know not how to mend . For worthlesse matters some are wondrous sad , Whome if I call not vaine , I must tearme mad . If that their noses bleed some certaine drops : And then againe vpon the suddaine stops . Or if the babling foule we call a Iay , A Squirrel or a Hare , but crosse the way . Or if the salt fall toward them at table , Or any such like superstitious bable , Their mirth is spoild , because they hould it true That some mischance must therevpon ensue . But I doe know no little numbers bee Seduced with this foolish Vanity : And questionlesse although I discommend it , There wants not some that stoutly will defend it , But all their proofe is onely this , I know By dayly triall they doe finde it so . Indeed 't is true , God often by permission , To see if they will trust to superstition More then to him , doth willingly supply , What they so look't for by their Augury . Then some for to be deemed men of State , Of nothing but the Court-affaires doe prate , If they but come amongst vs Countri-men , Lord what Magnificoes they will be then . Yea though they blow but the Kings Organ-●ellows We must suppose them Earles and Barons fellowes Or else we wrong them : 'T was my chance to light , In a friends house , where one of these that night Tooke vp his lodging ; At the first I deem'd him A man of some great place and so esteem'd him ; And be tooke me for some soft Country gull , Thinking my wit ( as t is indeed ) but dull , But I perceiu'd his pride , I must confesse , And seem'd as If I had a great deale lesse . I made him more fine congees by a score , Then ere he had at Court in 's life before , The worship , and the Honour too I gaue him , But from the charge of either I dare saue him . Yet my high tearmes so pleas'd the Courtiers vaine , That vp he rips me newes of Fra●ce and Spaine , Of Germany , of Denmarke , and of Sweed ; And he had French store , thereof I tooke heed , Then next he tels me all their life at Court , Relates St. Georges showes and Christmas sport , With such like talke ; which I in shew desir'd , And ( as if I had neuer seen 't before ) admir'd : Which he perceiuing falls for to deuise , More strange reports , and tels me sundry lyes , Which stil I wondred at ; and in his talke I noted though his tongue did euer walke He neuer spake of others then the best , For Earles , and Lords , and Ladies were the least I heard him mentioning ; when sure the foole , Is but some seruant to the Groome o' th stoole . But howsoeuer for this once he passes , To shew the Nature of his fellow-Asses , I am affraid 't will be to little end , If I should words and pretious leasure spend , To tel our Gallants what vaine , friuolous , Discourse they haue , and how ridiculous They are at meetings ; I haue been for laughter , Often beholding to them a weeke after . And trust me I 'le not giue a cue so soone , To see an Ape , a Monkey , or Baboone Play his forc't trickes , as I would giue a tester , To come and view them and their apish gesture , When they are either frollick in their Cans , Or courting of their light hee 'ld Curtezans They thinke themselues fine men , I know they do , What will they giue me and I 'le think so to , And yet I shall not sure , do what I can , They haue so little in them that is man . For my few yeares hath noted many fruits Producted in fine silkes and satten sutes Worth obseruation : I could recite , Their braue behauiour in their Mistres sight : But sure thei 'le nere endure 't , they cannot do 't , Yet if I list now I could force them to 't , But I spare them ; they are beholding to me , And may perhaps as great a fauour doe me . But faith I may not , nor I cannot hold Nor keep in all their vanities vntol'd : At least one humorous tricke I must not misse , Which lately I obseru'd ; and that was this . Two lads , of late , disposed to be merry , Met at a Towne not farre from Canterbury , Where though their busines scarce would let them stay , They 'd frolicke out a night , and then away ; So there they sup't and slept , where I let passe To tell their mirth in what good fashion 't was : But as I heard the parish clocke strocke one , Before their merry-mad-conceits were done : And then they went to bed , where I dare say They'd more deuotion for to sleepe then pray . Next morne th' one awaking suddenly vpstart , And lightly gert out such a boystrous — It wak't his fellow , who suppriz'd with wonder , Leapt vp amaz'd and swore he heard it thunder : And where there was a storme or no , 't was sed , The chamber-pot ore-flow'd and drown'd the bed . Then hauing prai'd a curse or two , th' one rises , Yea , of his businesse with himselfe deuises , And therevpon like a considerete man , Sweares he will thence with all the speed he can , Come prethee rise ( quoth he ) and le ts begone , Why goe ( quoth th' other ) I will come anon , Zonnds harke , I thinke the clock striks eight , why when ? Oh soon : enough to breaks my fast by ten . Then Chamberlaine one cals aloud , dost heare ? Come bring vs vp a double Iugge of beere . So either hauing drunke a good carouse , Downe come the Gallants to discharge the house , But taking leaue , oh what d' yee thinke they mist ? Their Hostesse ( pretty woman must be kist ) Then vp she 's cal'd , and in her night attire , Downe claps she on a stoole before the fire ; Where hauing bid her welcome from her nest , Come say ( quoth he ) what Wine is 't you like best ? Truely ( quoth she ) I vse to drinke no wine , Yet your best morning's draught is Muskadine : With that the Drawer's cald to fill a quart ( Oh! 't is a wholesome liquor next the heart . ) And hauing drunk it , whilst their heads were steddy They bad the Hostler make their horses ready Nay ( quoth the Hostesse ) what needs al this hast ? In faith you shal not goe til dinner 's past ; I haue a dish prepared for the none's Arich Potato Pie , and Marrow-boxes ; Yea and a bit which Gallants , I protest , I wil not part with vnto euery guest ; With that the Punies laid aside their cloaks , The glasses walke , and the Tobacco smoakes , Til dinner comes , with which when they are fraught To get on horseback by and by t is naught . As hauing supt'ts good to walk a mile , So after d●nner men must sit a while . But what ? wil they sit idle 't were a shame , Reach them the Tables , they must play a game : Yet set them by againe , for now I thinke They know not when to leaue , thei 'le rather drink A health or two , to some especiall friend , And then ifaith they meane to make an end , Then one calls Drawer , he cries What d' yee lack ? Rogue bring vs vp a Gallon more of sack , When that s turn'd vp , Zounds one wil drinke no more , But bids the Hostler bring his horse to doore : The fellow might performe it without stay , For why ? they had been bridl'd vp all day . Then like good husbands without any words . On went their cloakes , but first of all their swords , But stepping out of dore their Hostes meetes them , And with a full fil'd boule demurely greetes them . This was her pint , but thei 'l giue hir the tother , Which drew the third down and the third another , Vntill these Gallants felt their heads so addle , Their bodies scarce could sit vpright it 'h saddle . Then for to settle their vnsteady braine , They fell to their Tobacco once againe ; At which they suckt so long , they thought no more Of the poore Iades , which they left ty'de at dore ▪ Til that the Sun declinde vnto the West , Then starting vp th' one swore he thought 't were best , That they went thence ; and to his fellow said ; Come we shall be benighted I 'me affraid , What if we be ( quoth tother ) by this light , I know the time when I haue rod all night . By twelue a clocke I le be at home I vow , Yet Hostesse , by this kisse , I 'le sup with you . And so they did , but after supper th' one , Hastens the other that they may be gone ; Nay be aduised ( quoth his copesmate ) harke , Let 's stay all night for it growes pestlence darke . I marry ( quoth the Host ) perswaded be , There 's many Murthers now I promise ye . I le bid my seruants to shut vp the gate , No guest shall goe out of my house so late . No surely ( quoth their Hostesse ) by S. Anne , You may be mischieft , stay and make a man . Well , thei 'le be ruld for once , but swere thei 'le goe The following morning ere the cock do crow . Introth at farthest , ere the day giues light , Then hauing kist their Hostesse ouernight , To bed againe these roystering youngsters went , Forgetting whereto they before were bent . But when the Morne her turne againe did take , And that it grew high time for them to wake ; Then vp they busteld and began to lay The fault from one to t' other , of their stay . For this ( the first said ) we may thanke your sl●th , ( But I thinke therein they were guilty both ) Nay ( quoth the other ) might you haue your will ▪ You 'd drinke Tobacco , and be quaffing stildl Who I ( quoth he ) I weigh it not two chips , I could not get you from my Hostestesse lips . You doe me wrong ( said th' other ) for I sweare , I seldome toucht them , but you still hung there . To beare the burthen he grew discontent , And swore he would not drinke before he went . But cald , Our horses Ostler quickly , and our wands , And sirra Tapster water for our hands : ( Quoth t' other ) you le be ruled yet I thinke ? Prethee let me intreat thee for to drinke . Before th●u wash ; Our fathers that were wise , Were wont to say , 't is wholsome for the eyes . Well he will drinke , yet but a draught at most , That must be spiced with a nut-browne tost . But then 't were good they had a bit beside , For they considered they had farre to ride . So he that would not drinke , a late for hast , Is now content to stay and breake his fast . Which e're 't were ended , vp their Host was got , And then the drunkard needs must haue his pot , And so he had : but I commend my cozen , The Cuckolds one Can , cost the fooles a dozen . But then perceiuing they began to stay , Quoth Guts , my bullies , harke ye , what d' ye say ? Can you this morning on a rasher feed ? Oh yes say they , that 's Kingly meate indeed ; They ask't it , and they had it ; but this cheere , Quickly drew downe a dozen more of beere ; Which being drunk , they had got out of Towne , But that their Hostesse was now new come downe , With whom they spent ere they could get away In kissing and in quaffing halfe that day . And fiue times as I heard they took the paine , To get on horseback and come off againe But at the last iust as the clock strook two , They were the sixt time hors't with much adoo : But then , as 't is the drunkards vse , they sate Tipling some howre and a halfe at gate . So that the night drew on apace and then , Thither came riding other Gentlemen . And meant to lodge there ; they had friendship showne . T' other were stale Guests and their mony flowne . Their honest Host for all their large expence , And former kindnes , quickly got him thence : Yea their sweet Hostesse that so worthy deem'd them , Slunk out of sight , as if she nought esteem'd them . And as most will , except a very few , She left her old Guls to enter league with new , Who at their parting thought for to haue kist her , But were so drunken that they euer mist her . For there they quaft so long they did not know , Which way , nor whether , nor yet when to goe . That some suppose , yea and they think so still , Their horses brought them thence against their will . For if so bee that they had wanted wit , ( To come themselues ) the fooles had been there yet If you 't was made by , read with discontent , You are too blame , none knowes by whom 't was ment There is no cause you should dislike my Rime , That learnes you wit against another time . When others are thus vaine , could you forbeare it ; And note the follies in 't , you would forsweare it ; As kind's your Hostesse seemes , yet this is plaine , Shee 'l flout , and vse the next as wel for gaine . Now what do you vnto these Gallants say , Were they not pretty witty ones I pray ? It may be they wil frowne at this , 't were fit , And I am very sorry for 't ; but yet , One humor more which I haue noted vaine , For to be told of , they must not disdaine . It may anoy them if they do not mend it , Yea notwithstanding they so much defend it , 'T is this ; they too much of their valour vaunt , And so extreamely for vaineglory haunt , That for to get themselues a valiant name , Or peraduenture halfe an howers fame Thei 'l hazard life and limbe , yea soule and all , Rather then in their brauery thei 'l let fall That vaine Repute : Oh silly sencelesse men ! What wil the breath of fame auaile you , when You lye in dust and molded vp in clay ? Perhaps you shall be spoken of a day , In some poore village where your bodies lye , To all the earth besides your fame shall dye . And it may be whereas you looke for glory , You shall but serue for to make vp the story Of hare-brain'd fooles : so how soere some deem you Men that haue vnderstanding wil esteeme you . But yet there is a crew that much anoyes The Common-weale , some call them Roaring-Boys London doth harbour many at this time , And now I think their Orders in the Prime : And flourishing estate . Diuers are proud , To be one of that Brotherhood alow'd . And reason too , for why they are indeed No common fellowes , but they all exceed . They do ; but oh ! Now wherein is it think ye ? In villanies ; for these be they wil drink yee From morne til night , from night till more againe , Emptying themselues like Conduits , and remaine , Ready for more stil : Earth drinks not the showers , Faster then their infernal throat deuoures , Wine and strong liquors : These be they wil sweare , As if they would the veile of heauen teare , And compell God to heare their blasphemy These are the Patrons of all villany ; Whoores Champions ; Deceit and trechery , With the most loathsome vice of lechery , Is all their practise . Thunder when it roares , Ioynd with the raging waues that beat the shoares , Together with the winds most rude intrusion , Make not a noyse more full of mad confusion , Then do these helhounds where they vse to houze Or make their most vnciuill rendeuouze : For a more Godlesse crew their cannot well , Be pickt out of the boundlesse pit of hell . Yet these base fellowes ( whom I must confesse , I cannot find words able to expresse ) Are great mens darlings , ( As some vnderstand ) The absolutest Gallants in this land , And onely men of spirit of our time ; But this opinion's but a vulgar crime , For they which vnderstanding haue , see plaine , That these and all their fauorites are vaine . And sure 't were good if such were forc't to giue , A strict account by whom and how they liue . Thus haue I brought to light as wel's I can , Some of the Vanities I 'ue seene in man . But I do feare in taking so much paine , I haue but showne my selfe to be most vaine ; Because I haue spent time , and reprehended That which will ne're the sooner be amended , But yet there 's hope it may , and therefore I Will say thus much more ; that this Vanity Consisteth not alone in words and workes , It hath tane root within , and also lurkes About the heart ; and if it there be sought , I know it also may be found in thought , And that it is makes one man sit and plot , What is by traffick with Virginea got . What it may cost to furnish him a fleet , That shall with all the Spainish Nauy meete , Or how he may by Art or practise find A nearer passage to the Easterne Inde . When as perhaps ( poore foole ) besides his coate , He is , not worth a Portsmouth passage boate , Nor neuer meanes to trauell so much sea , As from High-ferry to South-hamp on-key . Another wood-cocke is as fondly vayne , And to no purpose doth molest his braine , To study if he were a Nobleman , What kind of carriage would befit him than : How , and in what set wordes he would complaine , Of the abuses that he now sees raigne : Where he would make his place of residence , How he would keep his house with Prouidence , And yet what plenty daily at his dore , Should be distributed vnto the poore , What certaine Sheepe , and Oxen should be slaine , And what prouision weekly to maintaine His Lordly port ; How many seruing-men , He meant to keep , and peraduenture then , What pleasure he will haue , as haukes and hounds , What game he wil preserue about his grownds : Or else he falls to cast what profits cleare , His giftes and bribes wil come to in a yeare . How hee 'le put off his hat , cause people than Shall say he is a courteous Noble-man . Then vpon this againe he falls to plot , How when that he the peoples loue had ' got , If that the King and all his kindred dye , And if none may be found for to supply That Regall office , the respect they beare him , Vnto that Princely dignity may reare him : Then too his thoughtes , on that estate so feed , That he forgets quite what he is indeed , And if a man could hit so iust a time , To come vpon him when his thoughts in Prime : And giue him vnawares a sodaine knock ; Conceit his vnderstanding so would lock , That I suppose because it stands with reason , He would go neere hand for to call out , Treason : For oftentimes mens hearts are so anoyd , With those vaine thoughts whereon they are imploid , That for a time they so forgetfull grow , Nor what they are , nor where , they do not know , But now since you may see there doth remaine , Nothing in man but is in some sort vaine ; And since I must be driuen to confesse , His vanities are great and number-lesse , I 'le go no farther in this large Suruey , For feare Discourse should carry me away ; And peraduenture so I may become , Lesse pleasing , and more tedious to some ; Which to auoyd , though I no end espy , Yet heare I end to treat of Vanity .

OF IN CONSTANCY . SATYR. 2. YEt there s another property in men , That meanes to set my Muse to work agen , In constancy , and that no other is , Vnlesse I vnderstand the same amisse , But an vnsetled humor of the mind , Which so vnstable is it cannot find By any study that Opinion , Of which it dares to be resolued on . 'T is meere Irresolution and Estranging For what is purpos'd by a fickle changing . But since this vice I meane for to detect , Women I know will earnestly expect To be sore raild'on , but I le gently vse them , Because I see their consciences accuse them , And notwithstanding they deserue much blame , Yet I le not tax them by their proper name , So they will think I also meane them , when I vse no more , but this bare name of Men : And though their faults I seeme not to vpbraid , Cause nothing of them is directly said ; Yet they , I hope wil nere the more disdaine , To be thought fickle , proud , and weak and vaine . But now for men ; whereas I did complaine , He both in Dee● and Word , and Thought was vain●● So I in this ( I see ) the like may doo , Since he in all these is inconstant to . And first it is a wonder for to see His actions how mutable they be ; He labour's now , and 's altogether set Vpon the world how he wealth may get , Vpon a sodaine ; then he thinkes to mend it , Hee 's in a humor then he meanes to spend it : Somtime he is consenting with the Diuell , And ready to do any act that 's euill . The which , perhaps , repenting , some diuine Or heauenly matter doth his thoughtes refine . So that he is resolu'd to spend that day , In reading what Gods holy Prophets say ; Whlch in his mind it may be worketh so , He leaues it , and wil to a Sermon goe ; Where by the way a Bill he doth espy , Which showes there 's acted some new Comedy Then thither he is full and wholly bent , There 's nothing that shall hinder his intent , But ere he to the Theater can come , He heares perhaps the sounding of a Drum : Thereat he leaues both Stage-play and Deuotion , And wil forsooth go see some idle motion ; Ere he gets in his rouling wandring eyes , Beholds some Fencer prest to play his prize . Faith then there is no remedy hee 'le see 't ; But e're he can get halfe-way o're the street Some very neere acquaintance doth salute him , Who for a miser would perhaps repute him , Vnlesse he kndly offer to bestow The wine or beere at least , before he goe ? Well then he will ; but while they do deuise , What wine to haue , perhaps they heare the cryes , And howling which the eager Mastiffes make , When they behold a Bull or Beare at stake . Oh , on a sodaine then they will be gone , Thei 'le see that first and come and drinke anon , But iust as he out of the T●●ern● peepes , Some gallant Lasse along before him sweepes : Whose youthfull brow adorn'd with beauty trim And louely-making doth so rauish him , As if that he were bound for to attend , He leaues Play , Fencer , Wine , Bull , Dogs , and Friend . By which we see his mind doth alwayes vary , And seldome constant on one subiect tary . But stil that thing with most desire is sought , Which happens for to be the last in thought . One while he likes best of the Country sport , Anon prefers the pleasure of the Court . Another while his mind is all in Spaine , Then beyond Nilus , and straight heere againe . Now he thinkes highly of a single life , And hateth Marriage as full of strife : And yet e'ne in the turning of a hand , Hee 's glad to make a Ioynture of his land , And woo with much intreaty to obtaine , A wife which he did but of late disdaine . One while he zealously professeth Christ , But shortly he becomes an Athe-ist , In Turkey he will Mahomet adore , Among the cursed Pagans can implore A Carued stone ; In Rome he hath profest The worship of that Antichristian Beast ; And yet in England heere with vs he grants No sound Religion but the Protestants . And not alone according to the place , Can these Camelions alter thus their case ; But for a shift themselues they doe apply , To answere both the Time and Company . Gallants shall find them Formall , young men Wild ▪ Plaine men shall think them Simple , old men Mild. And for the time with Edward they wil be , ( I le warrant ) Protestants , as wel as he . And when his Sister Mary comes to Raigne , They can be Papists easily againe . Nay I do feare me though we haue had teaching , And almost threescore years the Gospels preaching Vnconstant mankind is so prone to ill , ( And to be changing hath so good a will ) Too many both of old men and of youth , Might soone be drawne for to forsake the truth . Let vs but note , and 't will be strange to see . What contradictions in our actions be . Sometime the same we do with Trophees raise , That we did but a while before dispraise : Nor can we alway in one passion keepe , But often for one thing reioyce and weepe . Is 't not a signe of humane ficklenesse , And a true note of our vnsetlednesse , When not alone some one , or two , or few , But a great number , a selected Crew , Pickt out of all estates , and they the wisest , The vnderstandingst , yea and the precisest Of a whole Empire , and when these ( I say ) Haue argu'd pro & con , from day to day , From week to week to haue ( perhaps ) enacted , One Law or Statute , yet when als compacted , And euery thing seemes clearely done and ended Then to haue somthing in 't to be amended ? Yea and when this is done , and the Records , Fram'd in their plain'st and most effectuall words , T' expresse their meaning , and they thinke it plaine ▪ Yet at next reading 't is dislik't againe . This yeare they make a Law , repeal 't the next , Then re-inact ●t , and then change the text ; Either by taking from , or adding to , And so they haue an endlesse work to do . But some may tel me that thus stands the case , They must haue both respect to time and place And that no Law deuis'd by humane wit , Can be for euery place and season fit : All which I yeeld for truth indeed ; but then , We must confess 't a misery in men , That he ( Camelion-like ) must haue a mind , With euery obiect vnto change inclin'd . I might speake of the ficklenesse I see , In mens External fortunes for to be : For this day he hath friends , to morrow none , Now he hath wealth , and in an hower 't is gone , Some in their youth there be haue all things store , And yet do often liue til they are poore . Again , there 's some in youth at begger States ; Become in age for to be Potentates . Some are of Kings made slaues , and Kings againe , Whilst other with the contrary complaine , For poore Eumenes of a Potters sonn , By fickle fortunes help a Kingdome wonne ; But for him such a dyet did prouide , That shortly after he of hunger dy'd . I many such examples might inferre , But that would wast more time and make me erre From my intent , who purpose to relate , The ficklenes of man , not his estate . Moreouer , hee 's a Creature knowes not how , To do an act which he shall long allow , Or think of wel himselfe ; he cannot tell , What he would haue , nor what he would not , wel . For peraduenture he is now content , To do what he wil in an hower repent , He does , and vndoes what he did before , Is discontented , and with no man more Then with himselfe ; In word hee 's fickle to , For he wil promise what hee 'le neuer do . If that he tels me he wil be in Pauls , I 'le go looke for him in the Temple-hals , For soonest to that place resort doth he , Whereas he saies or sweares he wil not be . Oh! had there beene in wordes a constant trust , I needed not to haue done as now I must . I should haue had no cause to haue bewail'd , That which I once thought would haue neuerfaild But since 't is thus , at nothing more I greeue , Then that vnconstant wordes made me beleeue , Were promises worth trust , what needed than , Such written contracts betweene Man and Man ? And wherefore should they make so much ado , To haue both hands and seales to witnes too ? Vnlesse it be for proofes to make it plaine , Their wordes are both inconstant , false , and vaine . To morrow he wil earnestly gaine-say . What stoutly is affirm'd by him to day : Yea truely hee 's so wauering and vniust , That scarce a word of his deserueth trust . But as a creature of all good forlorne , Sweares what 's deni'd , and straight denyes what 's sworne That I suppose , in troth and do not mock , Hee 's flt for nothing but a weather-cock . Then that same thought that 's likeliest to remaine , Another that s vnlike puts out againe . For Appetite , not reason , guides him still , Which makes him so inconstant in his Will . Had he a sute at first but made of leather , And cloathes enough to keepe away the weather 'T were all his wish ; wel so let vs grant , And ten to one he somthing else will want . But sweares that he for more would neuer care , Then to be able to haue cloth to weare , Which if he get , then would he very faine , Reach to haue silkes , for cloth he faith is plaine , And so his wishes seldome would haue stay , Vntill that he hath wisht for all he may . But though from this infirmity there 's no man , That I can well except it is so common , Yet surely I most properly may cal 't Or tearm 't to be the common peoples fault ; Think not I wrong them , for if it may not be , A fault for to digresse , you soone should see Their nature and condition ; for I hate it : And now I think vpon 't I wil relate it . Tax me who list ( I care not ) heere I le breake , My course a while , I may not chuse but speake , Somthing , I say my Muse of them must tell , She cannot beare it any farther well . And yet expect not all , for I 'le but shew , Of many hundred thousand faults , a few . And to be breefe : The Vulg●r are a rude , A strange inconstant hare-braind multitude : Borne too and fro with euery idle passion , Or by opinion led beside all fashion , They stil desire newes , and to a song , Or a bald Tale thei 'l listen all day long . Soone weary of a good thing , and they try , To al reports how they may adde a lye ; Like that of Scoggins crowes : and with them stil , Custome hath borne most sway and euer will : And good or bad , what their forefathers did , Thei 'l put in prastise to , ( else God for bid ) They are seditious and much giuen to range , In their opinions , and desiring change , For if their Country be turmoyld with warre , They thinke that peace is more commodious farre , If they be quiet they would very faine , Begin to set the warres abroach againe ; I wel remember when an Irish presse , Had made a parish but a man the lesse , Lord what a hurly burly there was than ! These warrs ( say they ) hathe cost vs many a man , The Countrey is impouerisht by 't and we , Rob'd of our Husbands and our Children be , With many lamentations : But now peace , Hath made ●●ellonaes anger for to cease , Their euer discontented natures grutch , And thinke this happy peace we haue too much , Yea and their wisdomes beare vs now in hand , That it is warres that doth enrich the Land : But what are these ? not men of any merit , That speak it from a bold and daring spirit , But lightly some faint-hearted brauing momes , That rather had be hang'd at their owne ●omes , Then for their Countries welfare for to stay , The brunt of one pitcht battell but a day , Of such as would distract with feare become , To heare the thundring of a martiall drum . They cannot keep a meane , a naughty crime , Nor neuer are contented with the time . But better like the state they haue been in , Although the present hath the better bin , E'ne as the Iewes , that loathing Manna , faine Would be in Egypt at their flesh again , Though they were there in bondage ; so do these , Wish for the world as in Queene Maries dayes ; With all the blindnes and the trumpery , That was expeld the land with Popery ; Why ? thinges were cheap , and t was a goodly m●ny . Wen we had foure and twenty agges a penny . But sure they ate them stale for want of wit , And that hath made them adle-headed yet . Then this ( moreouer ) I haue in them seene , They alwaies to the good haue enuious beene , Mild men they reckon fooles and do vphold , Him to be valiant that is ouer-bold : When he with wisemen is and euer was . Counted no better then a desperate Asse . He that doth trust vnto their loue , shall find T is more vnconstant then the wauering wind , Which since my time a man that many knew , Relying on it : at his death found true . Then they haue oft vnthank fully withstood , Those that haue laboure ▪ for the common good . And being basely minded euermore , Seeke lesse the publick then the priuate store . Moreouer such a Prince as yet was neuer , Of whom the People could speake well of euer , Nor can a man a gouernment inuent them , How good soeuer that shall long content them . Their honesty as I do plainely find Is not the disposition of their mind : But they are forc't vnto the same through feare , As in those villaines it may wel appeare . Who hauing found so vile vngodly cause , If there be any meanes to wrest the Lawes , By tricks or shifts to make the matter goe As they would haue it , all is well enow : Although the wrong and 〈◊〉 they proffer , Be to apparent for a Iew to offer . They know not Iustice , and oft causles hate , Or where their should not are compassionate , As at an execution I hau● seene , Where Malefactors haue rewarded beene , According to desert ; before they know , If he accused , gui●ty be or no. They on report , this hastie censure giue ; He is a villaine and vnfit to liue : But when he is once arraign'd and found Guilty by Law ; and heauily led bound Vnto the Scaffold , then they doe relent , And pi●ty his deserued punishment . Those that wil now braue gallant men be deem'd ▪ And with the Common people be esteem'd , Let them turne hack-sters as they walke the street , Quarrell , and fight with euery one they meet ; Learne a welsh Song to scoffe the Brittish bloud Or breake a iest on Scotsmen , that 's as good , Or if they would that fooles should much admire them , They should be Iugglers if I might desire them : But if they want such feates for to be glorious Make Ballets and they shall become not orious , Yet this is nothing if they looke for fame , And meane to haue an euerlasting name . Amongst the Vulgar let them seeke for gaine With Ward the Pirat on the boisterous Maine , Or else well mounted keepe themselues on land , And bid our wealthy trauellers to stand , Emptying their full cram'd bags ; for that 's a tricke Which somtimes wan renoune to cutting Dicke . But some may tell me , though that such , It doth not goe against their conscience much : And though there 's boldnes showne in such a case , Yet to be Tost at Tyburns a disgrace , No , 't is their credit , for the people then , Wil say , 't is pitty they we e●proper men . With many such like humors base and naught , I do perceiue the common people fraught , Then by th' opinion of some it seemes , How much the Vulgar sort of men esteems O 〈◊〉 or learning : Certaine neighbouring swaines , ( That think none wise-men but whose wisdome games ; Where knowledge be it morall or diuine Is valued as an Orient-pearle with swine Meeting me in an euening in my walke , Being gone past me , thus began their talke . First an old Chuff , whose roofe , I dare be bould , Hath bacon hang's in 't aboue fiue yeares old . Said : That 's his sonne that●s owner of the grounds That on this pleasant beechs mountaines bounds , D' ye marke me neghbors ? This sa●e yong mans vather Had a bin my zunne I hud a hangd him rather Assoone as he perze●u'd the little voole , Could creepe about the house , putten to schoole , Whither he we t●not now and then a ●purt , As 't had beene good to keep him from the durt ; Nor yet at leasure tim s , ( that 's my zunnes stint ) Vor then 〈◊〉 deed there had beene reason in'te B●t vor continuance and beyond all zesse A held him too 't sixe dayes a weeke no lesse That by S. Anne ie was a great presumption It brought him no● his end with a Consvmption : And then besides he was not so content , To putten there where as our childers went : To learne the Horne booke , and the Abcee through , No that he thought not learning halfe enough , But he must seeke the Country all about , Where he might find a better Teacher out . And then he buies him ( now a pips befall it ) A vlapp●ng booke , I know not what they call it , T is latine ●ll , thus it begins ; In speech , And hat 's in English , boy , beware your breech , One day my Dicke a leafe on t with him brought , Which he out of his fellowes booke had ra●g ●t , And to h● s Mother and my selfe did read it , But we indeed did so extreamely dread it , We gaue him charge no more thereon to looke , Vor veare it had bin of a coniuring booke , If that you thinke I iest goe aske my wife , If ere she heard such ●ibberish in her life , But when he yonn had cond the same by heart , And of a meny moethe better part ; He went to Oxford , where he did remaine , Some certaine yeares , whence hee 's returnd againe , Now who can tell ( it in my stomack stickes ) And I doe veare he has some Oxford tricks . But if it be zo : would he had ne●e come hether , Vor we shall still be sure of blustring weather . To what end comes his paine and vathers cost ? Th' one's charges , and the tothers labour lost ; I warrant he so long a learning went , That he almost a brothers portion spent : And now it nought auailes him : by this holly , I thinke all learning in the world a folly , And them I take to be the veriest vooles , That all their life time doe frequent the schooles , Goe aske him now and see if all his wits , Can tell you when a barly season hits . When Meddowes must be left to spring , when mowne , When Wheate , or tares , or rye , or pease be sowne . He knows it not , nor when t is meet to fold , How to manure the ground that 's wet or cold : What Lands are fit for Pasture , what for corne , Or how to hearten what is ouer-worne . Nay ; he scarce knowes a Gelding from a Mare , A Barrow from a Sow , nor tak she care Of such like things as these ; be knowes not whether , There be a difference twixt the Ewe and Weather , Can he resolue you ? ( No nor many more ) If Cowes doe want their vpper teeth before ; Nay I durst pawne a groat he cannot tell , How many legges a Sheepe hath very well , Is 't not a wise man thinke yee ? By the Masse , C ham glad at heart my zunnes not zuch an Asse , Why he can tell already all this geare , As well almost as any of vs heare . And neighbors : yet I 'le tell you more ; my Dicke , Hath very pretty skill in Arsemetricke . Can cast accouts , writes his name , & Dunces daughter , Taught him to spell the hardest words it 'h zauter . And yet the Boy I le warrant yee knowes how , As well as you or I , to hold the Plow , And this I noted in the vrchin euer , Bid him to take a Booke he had as lether , All day haue drawne a Harrow ; truth is so , I likt it wel although I made no shew Vor to my comfort I did plainly see , That he heoreaster would not bookish Bee , Then when that hauing nought at home to do , I sometime forct him to the schoole to goe , You would haue greeud in heart to heare him whine , And then how glad he was to keep the swine , I yet remember ; and what tricks the Mome , Would haue inuented for to stay at home You would haue wondred ; But 't is such another , A has a wit in all the world likes Mother ; Yet once a month , although it greeues vs than , H'ele looke you in a books do what we can ; That Mother , Sister , brother all we foure , Can scarce perswade him from 't in halfe an howre , But oft I thinke he does it more of spight , To anger vs then any true delight . Vor why ? his Mother thinks as others do , And I am halfe of that opinion too . Although a little learning be not bad , Those that are bookish are the so ●nest mad . And therefore since much wit makes vooles of many , I hil take an order mine shall ne're haue any . By r Lady your the wiser ( quoth the rest ) The course you take in our conceit 's the best , Your Lonne may liue in any place i th land , By his industrious and laborious hand , Whilst he ( but that his parents are his stay ) Hath not the meane , to keepe him selfe a day , His study to our sight no pleasure giues , Nor me●●es , nor profit , and thereby he liues So little thing the better , none needt doubt it , He might haue been a happier man without it . For though he now 〈◊〉 speake a little better , It is not words you know will free the debter . Thus so ne whose speeches shew wel what they be , For want of matter fell to talke of me . Of whom , though somthing they haue said be true Yet since insteed of giuing Act her due , They haue disgrast it ; Notwithstanding I , Haue not the knowledge that these Dol●s enuy , Or can so much without incurring blame , As take vnto my selfe a Schollers name . Yet now my reputation for to saue , Since I must make account of that I haue , I le let you know though they so lightly deeme it , What gaine 's in knowledge , and how I esteeme it , As often as I call to minde the blisse , That in my little Knowledge heaped is . The many comforts , of all which the least , More ioyes my heart then can be well exprest . How happy then thinke I are they whose soules More wisdome by a thousand parts in rowles ; Whose vnderstanding-hearts are so diuine They can perceiue a m●ll●ou more then mine , Such haue content indeed : And who that 's man And should know reason is so sencelesse than To spurne at Knowledg● , Art , or Learning ; when That onely showes they are the race of men ? And what may I then of those Peasants deeme , The which of wisdome make so small esteeme ? But that indeed such blockish sencelesse logges , Sprang from those clownes Latona turn'd to frogs ; Alas , suppose they nothing can be got By precious stones , cause swine esteeme them not ? Ot do they thinke , because they cannot vse it , That those which may haue Knowledge wil refuse it ? Well , if their shallow coxcombs can containe A reason when It s told them , I 'le explaine , How that same little Knowledge I haue got , Much pleasures me , though they perceiue it not : For first thereby ( though none can here attaine For to renew their first estate againe ) Apart reuiues ( although it be but small ) Of that I lost by my first fathers fall . And makes me man , which was before ( at least ) As haplesse , if not more , then is the beast That reason wants ; for his condition still , Remaines according to his Makers will . They neuer dreame of that , and then by this , I find what godly , and what euill is ; That knowing both , I may the best ensue , Aud as I ought the worser part eschew , Then I haue learn't to count that drosse but vaine , For which such Bores consume themselues with Paine : I can endure discontentments , crosses , Be Iouia●l in want , and smile at losses : Keep vnder Passions , stop those insurrections , Rais'd in my Microcosmus by affections . Be nothing greeued for aduersitie , Nor nere the prouder for prosperitie . How to respect my friend I partly know , And in like manner how to vse my foe . I can see others lay their soules to pawne , Looke vpon Great-men , and yet scorne to fawne . Am still content , & dare whilst God giues grace , E'ne looke my grimmest fortunes in the face . I feare mens censures as the char-coale sparks , Or as I doe a toothlesse dog that barks ; Th' one frights children , ' other threats to burne , But sparks will die , and brawling curs returne . Yea I haue learn't that still my care shall be , A rush for him , that cares a straw for me . Now what would men haue more ? are these no pleasures ? Or do they not deserue the name of treasures ? Sure yes ; and he that hath good learning store , Shall finde these in 't besides a thousand more . O● but our Chuffs thinke these delights but course , If we compare them to their Hobby-horse : And they beleeue not any pleasure can , Make them so merry as Maid-marian . Not is the Lawyer prouder of his fee ▪ Then these will of a Cuckooe Lordship bee . Though their sweet Ladies make them father that , Some other at their Whitson ales begat ; But he whose carriage is of so good note , To be thought worthy of their Lords fooles coate . That 's a great credit , for because that he , Is euer thought the wisest man to be . But as there 's vertue where the Diuil's precisest , So ther 's much knowledge where a fool 's the wisest , But what meane I ? let earth content these moles , And their high'st pleasure be their summer-poles , About the which I leaue them for to dance , And much good do 't them with their ignorance . So this I hope will serue for to declare , How rude these vulgar sort of people are . But herevpon there 's some may question make , Whether I onely for the Vulgar take , Such men as these ; To whom I answer , no , For let them hereby vnderstand and know , I doe not meane these meaner sort alone , Tradesmen or Labourers ; but euery one , Be he Esquire , Knight , Baron , Earle or more , Yet if he haue not learn'd of Vertues lore , But followes Vulgar Passions ; then e'ne he , Amongst the Vulgar shall for one man be . And the poore Groome , that he thinks should adore him , Shall for his Vertue be preferd before him . For though the world doth such men much despise , They seeme most noble in a wise-mans eyes . And notwithstanding some doe noblest deeme , Such as are sprung of great and high esteeme , And those to whom the Country doth affoord The title of a Marquis or a Lord , Though 't were atchiued by their fathers merits , And themselues men but of dunghill spirits ; Cowards or fooles ; ( And such as euer be Prating or boasting of their Pedigree ) When they are nothing but a blot or shame , Vnto the noble house from whence they came . Yet these ( I say ) vnlesse that they haue wit , To guide the Common-wealth , as it is fit They should ; And as their good fore-fathers did , How ere their faults may seeme by Greatness hid , They shall appeare ; And the poore Yeomans sonne , Whose proper vertue hath true honour won , Be plac't aboue him : But Nobilitie That comes by birth hath most antiquitie Some thinke ; and tother ( if at all They yeeld as noble ) they an vpstart call , But I say rather no , his Noblenesse That 's rais'd by Vertue hath most worthinesse . And is most ancient , for it is the same , By which all Great men first obtaind their Fame ; So then I hope 't will not offend the Court , That I count some there with the Vulgar sort , And outset others ; yet some thinke me bold , Because there 's few that these opinions hold . But shall I care what others thinke or say ? There is a path besides the beaten way ; Yea and a safer , for heere 's Christs Instruction , The broadest way leads soonest to Destruction . And truely no opinions deceiue , Sooner then those the Vulgar sort receiue , And therefore he that would indeed be wise , Must learne their rude conditions to despise , And shun their presence ; for we haue bin taught , Diseases in a presse are quickly caught . Now Satyr leaue them till another time , And spare to scourge the Vulgar with thy rime , If any thinke thou hast digrest too long , They may passe ouer this , and doe no wrong . But in my former matter to proceed , Who , being mans Race is so much freed From ficklenes , that he is sure to finde Himselfe to morrow , in that very minde Hee 's in to day ? though he not onely know No reason wherefore he should not be so , But also though he plainly do perceiue Much cause he should not that opinion leaue : May no man do it ? who then iustly can Be forced to rely , or trust in Man Whose thoughts are changing , and so oft amisse , That by himselfe , himselfe deceiued is ? Who is so sottish as to build Saluation On such a feeble tottering foundation As Man ? who is 't that hauing a respect , To his soules safety , will so much neglect That precious assurance , as to lay His confidence on that false peece of clay , Which being fickle , merits farre lesse trust , Then letters written in the sand , or dust ? Do they not see those they haue soundest deem'd , And for their constants writers still esteem'd , All wauering in assertions ? yea but looke , And you shall finde in one , and the same booke Such contradiction in Opinion , As shewes their thoughts are scarce at Vnion . Where finde you him that dares be absolute , Or alwaies in his sayings resolute ? Ther 's none ; I by my owne experience speake , I haue a feeling that we men are weake , Whereon much musing , makes me inly mourne , And grieue at heart , that I a man was borne . ( Yet herevpon I do desire that no man , Would gather that I long to be a woman , ) Alas ! how often had I good Intendments And with my whole heart vow'd and sworn amendments Yea purpos'd that , wherein I once thought , neuer Vnconstancy should let me to perseuer ? And yet for all my purpose and my vow , I am oft alter'd ere my selfe knowes how : But therefore since it is not I alone , Or any certaine number that is knowne , To be vn-stable ; but e'ne all that be ; Since none ( I say ) is from this frailty free , Let vs confesse it all , and all implore Our nere repenting God ; that euermore Remaines the same , we may be ( as we ought ) More certaine both in Word , and Deed , & Thought That he will keep vs from Inconstancy , Yea from all damned , lewd Apostasie ; But howsoeuer our affections change , And we in slight opinions hap to range : Yet , pray his Truth in vs be so ingraued , Continuing to the end we may be saued .

OF WEAKNES . SATYR. 3. BVt oh looke here ; for I haue surely found The Maine chiefe Root , the very spring and Ground . Of our Inconstancy . It is not Chance That so dis-ables our perseuerance : But a base Weaknesse , which to terme aright , Is meerely a priuat● on of that might , Or a detraction from that little power Which should be in those limbs and minds of our : We boast of strength ; but tell me , can our daies Affoord a Milo , or a Hercules ? Can all the world , ( and that is large enough ) A match for Hector or Achilles show : Haue we a Champion strong enough to weild This Buckler ? or Sir Aiax seauen-fold-Shield ? I thinke we haue not : ( but I durst so grant , There be some liuing shall with Aiax vaunt . ) Nay , now in these daies it is doubted much , Whether that any former age had such As these fore-named ; but indeed our faith Binds vs to credit , that as Scripture saith There was a Samson , who could fright whole hosts , And rent downe Azaths barred gates and posts , Whose mighty Arms vnarm'd could bring to passe , E'ne with the rotten iaw bone of an Asse , A thousands ruine ▪ and yet 't will be long , Er'e he shall thereby proue that Ma● is strong . For first , the strength he seem'd to haue , was known , To be the Spirit of God , and not his owne . And then his proper weaknesse did appeare , When after his braue actiheihad wel-neare , Been dead for thirst ; whereas if he in spight Of Nature had been able by his might , Out of this little Stony-rocke to wring , To quench his present thirst , some flowing Spring , As did a Stronger one : or if his power Could haue compel'd the melting clouds to shower For present need , such plenteous drops of raine , He might haue had no cause for to complaine , Or craue more aid . Sure then we might at length , Be brought for to beleeue that Men had strength ; But ne're till then . Hee 's mighty that can make The Heaueus , Earth , & Hell with 's breath to shake . That in his spheare the Suns swift course can stop , And Atlas with his burthen vnder-prop . He that with ease his massy globe can rowle , And wrap vp Heauen like a parchment scrowle ; He that for no disease or paine will droop , Nor vnto any plague infernall stoop . He that can Meat , and Drinke , and sleepe refraine , Or hath the power to dye , and rise again● , Hee 's strong indeed ; but he that can but teare , Or rent in two a Lyon , or a Beare , Or doe some such like act , and then goe lye Himselfe ore-come by some infirmitte , How ere with vants he seemes his deedes to grace , He is both miserable , weak , and base , What Creature is there borne so weake as Man , And so vn-able ? tel me , he that can . Or if that they could number'd be by any , Count his disease and what hath so many ? Or else what creature is there if he be In bone and flesh of the same quantity , So fraile as Man ? or that can worse sustaine . Hunger or thirst or cold or heat or paine ? Sure none ; and yet in Histories we find , Til Luxury hath weakened thus mankind , They weare much stronger ; could indure the heat , Trauel a long time without Drink or meat , And their best dainty was no costlier thing Then a wild-root or water from the Spring . With which small Commons Nature was content : Yea in our Climate people naked went ; And yet no question felt as little cold , As we wrapt vp in halfe a dozen fold They had no wast-coats , night-caps for their heads , Nor downy pillowes nor soft feather-beds They scorn'd as much to haue such thinges about them As we in this Age sc●rne to be without them . Their heads some stone bare vp their brawny sides , With ease the hardnes of the earth abides . Gluttonous fare that so the pallat pleases , Nere fild their bodies full of foule diseases Nor any pleasing liquors with excesse , Made them grow weak through beastly drunkennes . No lust-prouoking meats made them vnchaste . Nor vnto carnall copula●ton haste , For I am in the minde they ne're requir'd it , Till Nature come to herfull strength , desir'd it , And that it is alone which made them be More stout , more strong , and brauer men then we . It was a noble care in them indeed ; but how Are we become such Dwarfes and Pigmies now ? How are our limbs so weake and feeble growne ? I thinke I need not tell it , 't is well knowne , Nice tender breeding , which we well might spare , Much drunkennes and our luxurious fare : Which ads not strength , as some doe vainely say But rather takes both strength , and health away . Yet chiefely this same imbecility , Comes by too soone and frequent venery . A beardlesse Boy now cannot keep his bed , Vnlesse that he be of his Night-geere sped , And many Giglets I haue married seene , Ere they ( forsooth ) could reach eleuenteene . Nay 't is no wonder we are growne so weake , For now the 'r matching brats ere they can speake ; And though we yet say that the men are stronger , Yet he ( I thinke ) that liues but so much longer , The reuolution of an age to see , Will say that men the weaker vessels be . But now our strength of body , which indeed , Deserues no more respect then doth a reed , Is not the strength of which I meant to speake , For we are yet another way too weake . Our minds haue lost their magnanimitie , And are so feebled through infirmitie ; That either to be resolute we care not , Or else because of some base feare we dare not , Where can we finde almost a man so hardy , Who through his weakenesse is not somtime tardy , To speake the truth ? or to declare his minde ? Though he doe many iust occasions finde . He 'le wink at 's friends offence , and passe it blindly , Least ( peraduenture ) he should tak 't vnkindly . And if it be a Great man that offends , Shew me but him that boldly reprehends , And i 'le admire him ; Nay wee 'l rather now Bend our endeuour and our study how To sooth and fawne ; or to their lewdnes tell , That all they doe ( be 't nere so bad ) is well . Their very looks and presence we so feare , As if that they some monstrous Cyclops were , Which makes them worse . But howsoe're they trust Vnto their might , I 'le tell them ( for I must ) Although they threaten , and can slanders make Of iust reproofes , my heart shall neuer quake T' informe their Honors , thus'tis censur'd by men , If they be Great-ones , Tanto maius crimen ; One knowes the Truth , but dares not to defend it , Because he heares another discommend it . Yea diuers follow Vertues wayes but coldly , Because they dare not doe a Good thing boldly And doe we not perceiue that many a man Fearing for to be ●earm'd a P●ritan , Simply neglects the meanes of his saluation , Though it be needfull , and worth commendation ? Some cannot well endure this or that : Others distempred with I know not what Shew an exceeding frailty : Few can brooke With any patience , that men should looke Into their Actions ; and though they should loue them , They rather hate them for 't that doe reproue them . Is there a man so strong , that he forbeares Choller or Fury , when by chance he heares , Himselfe reuil'd , reproched and disgrac'd ? If there be such a one , he shall be plac'd Amongst the Worthie , with the formost three : For in my iudgement , none more wothy be To haue renowne for strength , then those that can , On their rebellious Passons play the man . This Weakenes I do also find in men , They know not their owne happinesse till then When they haue lost it : And they doe esteeme Men for their wealth , and them most blessed deeme That are most rich ; supposing no man more Accursed or vnhappy , then the poore . Some basely doe comdemne each strange report To be vntrue , because it doth not sort With their weake reasons . Some againe will be , Astonished at euery nouelty . But too much wondring doth discover plaine Where ignorance and frailty both remaine . Is it not weakenesse when some petty losses , Some hindrance in preferment , or such crosses Shall make men greeue ? is it no weakenesse when , Aduersitie shall so disquiet men That they should not with patience sustaine , Or vndetgoe a little crosse and paine ? Yes questionles it is ; or were they strong , They would so arme themselues gainst greefe and wrong That no disastrous , or il hap shold fright them Though Fortune did the worst she can to spight them . Nor would they those , as the vnworthiest deeme , To whom dame Fortune doth most froward seeme ; But rather such as all their life time be , In quiet state and from disturbance free . For ●he oft giues what their base longing craues , Because she scornes to vexe deiected slaues , I haue knowne braue men , braue at least in shew , ( And in this age now that is braue enow ) That in appearance for bold champions past And yet haue basely yeelded at the last . Besides there 's many who thought scorne to droop , By Fortunes power haue been made to stoop , And with discredit shamefully left vndone , What they with honor at the first begun ; And their weake hearts ( which frailty I much hate ) Deiected , haue growne base with their estate . Whereas ( me thinkes ) the mind should neuer be , Subiect to Fortunes frownes not tyrany . But here through weaknes , some , offence may take That I of fortune should recitall make : For they by Fortune say there s nothing done , But all things are both ended and begunne , By Gods appointment . I confesse indeed , That he knowes all , and all hath fore-decreed : In the respect of whom I cannot say , Ought comes by chance ; respecting vs I may . So they are answer'd ; But how can men be , So ouer-borne with this infirmitie ? As those who are in euery matter led , By Parasites and Apes : where is their head ? I meane their will , their reason , and their sence , What is become of their intelligence ? How is t that they haue such a partiall care , They can iudge nothing true , but what they heare Come from the tongue of some sly sycophant . But for because they strength of iudgement want , Those that themselues to flatterers inure , I haue perceiued basely to endure For to be plainely soothed , mock't and flouted , Made coxcombs to their faces , yet not doubted That they were highly reuerenc't , respected , And by those fauning Parasites affected And why forsooth ? they often heare them prate , In commendations of their happy state ; Yes , and they tell them that they vertuous be , Wise , Courteous , strong , and beautifull to see , When if the eye of reason were not lockt They plainly might perceiue that they were mockt . For what is t else , when they are prais'd for many Goodly conditions , that had neuer any ? This frailty also merits to be blam'd When fearefull of reproach we are asham'd , Our ignorance in those things to explaine , Wherin , t were fit more knowledge to attain 'T is weaknes also when a bargaines bought , For to dispraise the penniworth as nought , And tell what might haue beene , or fondly prate , Of Counsel , when he sees it is too late , Nor is it any lesse to seeke to stay , Him that we know doth hasten on his way , O● be importunate , for that which will ▪ Be nothing for our good , yet others ill : Also , to be affraid for to gainesay , What men doe know vntrue , or to delay The right of any matter to declare , Because they feare they vnbeleeued are : For notwithstanding Truth doth oft bring blame , It may be freely spoken without shame Diuers more waies of which I needs must speake , There s many men doe shew themselues but weake : In some but lately I obserued this , And must needs say their nature euill is ; If friends to them haue any kindnes showne , Or entertainments willingly bestowne , That they confesse they are indebted for it , Yet such is their condition ( I abhor it ) If that those freinds do hap to take the paine , To come somtime and visit them againe , In meere good will , because these weake ones see They cannot then so well prouided be To bid them welcome as their loues require , ( Though more then loue their loues did ne're desire ) A foolish Shame so blinds them that they shall ( For giuing them to much ) haue naught at all ; Yea for because they want excessiue fare , Or some such things for which their friends neere care , ( Though by their will it other wise had beene ) They neither will be knowne at home nor seene . Which doth not onely shew impiety , But hindereth loue , and barres society , Yet now the greatest weaknesse that I finde , To be in man , is ignorance of mind , It makes a poore man hee 's scarse good for ought , If rich men haue it , they are worse then nought . For hauing riches store , and wanting might , Or strength of mind to vse the same aright , T is arrogancies and ambitious fuell , It makes them Couetuous , Inconstant , Cruell ; Intemperate , Vniust and wonderous heady , Yea in their actionsrude , and so vnsteddy They cannot follow any sound direction , But are still carried with a wild affection , This is their nature : ( it is quickly noted ) If they to honour be by hap promoted Then they grow insolent , beyond all reason , Apt for Ambition , Quarrels , Murthers , Treason : Or any villany , that followes those , Who doe the summe of happinesse repose In worldly glory : But if Fortune frowne , And from her fickle wheele once cast them downe , Then their deiected hearts againe grow base , They are impatient of their present case : Raue or run mad , and can doe nought poore elues , Vnlesse it be goe hang or drowne them selues . Moreouer the same weakenes that proceeds , From ignorance , this mischife also breeds ; It makes men will conceited of their will , Which they will follow be it nere so ill . And they thinke all things needs must fall out bad , Wherein their wise aduise may not be had . But heere 's the hell : to them all Counsell's vaine , Cause they all others wisedome doe disdaine , And wholly on their owne deuises rest , As men perswaded that their owne are best : But as all such are weake , e'ne so I say Is euery one that rashly doth repay Vengeance in anger ; Or that 's male content Oft ; or oft mooued and impatient : Or those that iudge of Counsels by th' euent , Or that perswade themselues , if their intent Be good and honest , that it doth not skill If that the matter of it selfe be ill ; Which were it true then Dauid might complaine , That Vzzah for his good intent was slaine . Others againe thinke Superstitious Rites , To be the seruice in which God delghts . But since I 'me forst my mind of them to speake , I must needs say their iudgements are but weake : The like I must of them who disesteeme , All forraine customes , and doe onely deeme Their owne , praise-worthy ; As also such as do Thinke those things best they cannot reach vnto ; Yet in the vulgar this weake humor 's bred , They 'l sooner be with idle customes led , Or fond opinions such as they haue store , Then learne of reason or of vertues lore , We think that we are strong , but what alas ! Is there that our great might can bring to passe , Since though we thereto bend e'ne all our will , We neither can be good not wholly ill . God giues vs needfull blessings for to vse them , Which wanting power to do we oft abuse them , Some hold them wise and vertuous that professe , An heremitall solitariness : But it proceeds from imbecillity , And for because through Non-ability , Those thinges they cannot well in dure to doe , Which they indeed should be inur'd vnto : Besides , they wrong their Country , and their friends . For man ( saith Tullye's , ) borne to other ends Then for to please himselfe ; a part to haue , The common-weale doth look , and parents craue A part ; so doth his friend ; then deales he well That closely mewd vp in a carelesse cell Keepes all himselfe ; and for a little ease , Can in his Conscience find to rob all these ? I say hee 's weake , and so againe I must , But add withall , hee 's slothfull and vniust : Then as hee 's vaine that precious time doth spend , In fond and idle pleasure to no end : So are those weake , that with contempt disdaine All plesure and delights on earth as vaine ; And though they would be zealous thought , & wise I shall but count them foolishly precise ; For Man hath cares ; and pleasures mixt with-all Are needfull ; yea both iust and naturall . We are no Angels that our recreation , Should consist only in meer Contemplation : But we haue bodies to , of whose due pleasure , The soules must find sometimes to be at leasure For to participate ; but in this kind , Though some find fault , we are not much behind Then t is through humane weaknes , when that we Of a good-turne will soone forgetfull be , And readier to reuenge a small offence , Then for that good to make a recompen ● And so 't is also when that we eschew , Or shunne them vnto whom from vs is due Both loue and mony ; this because their owne Th' other cause friendship at our need was showne : But 't is well seen there 's many so abhor , To be in presence with their Creditor , That ( thankless elues ) though he be still their friend . They rather would desire to see his end : He 's weake , to that 's not able to withstand , Any vnlawfull or vniust demand , As well as he that knowes not to deny , Seruing-mens kindness , or pot-curtesie . Some simple fellowes , cause that silken-fooles , ( That had their bringing-vp in Bacchus schooles . ) In show of loue , but daine to drink vnto them , Think presently they such a fauour do them , That though they feele their stomack wel nigh sick Yet if to pledge these kind ones they should sticke : Or for a draught or two , or three refuse them They thinke in conscience they should much abuse them Nay there be some , and wisemen you would thinke That are not able to refuse their drinke , Through this their weaknesse ; though that they be sure 'T is more then their weake stomacks can indure , And why ? oh 't is the health of some great Peere His Maisters , or his Friend he counteth deare ; What then ? if that the party vertuous be , He 'le not esteeme of such a foolery ; If not , who er 't be , this is my mind still , A straw for 's loue , his friendship , or good will , Some muse to see those that haue knowledge gaind And to Degrees of Art in Schooles attaind , Should haue opinion stuft with heresie , And in their action such Simplicitie As many haue , At first , without a pause , As meere a Boy as I may tell the cause : Is t not , the reason their acquired parts , And knowledge they haue reacht vnto by Arts Is growne a M●tch to great , and farre vnfit , For to be ioyned with their Naturallwit ? 'T is so ; and they insteed of rightfull vsing Draw from their leraning errors , by abusing . Plaine Reason should , and euery man that 's wise Knowes though that Learning be a dainty prize , Yet if that Fate with such a weakling place it , Who hath no helpes of Nature for to grace it : Or one , whose proper Knowledge , is so small , He is beholding to his Booke for all ; It onely breeds , ( vnlesse it be some Treasons ) Cripled Opinions , and prodigious Reasons . Which being fauour'd brings in the Conclusion , Publike Dissentions , or their owne Confusion . For I may liken Learning to a Shield , With a strong Armor , Lying in a field : Ready for any man that hath the Wit To take it vp and arme himselfe with it , Now if he be a man of strength and might , That happens on that furniture to light He may doe wonders ; As offend his foe , And keep himselfe and his , from ouerthrow . But if a weake and feeble man should take These instruments of Mars ; what would they make , For his aduantage ? Surely I should gather They would goe neere to ouerthrow him rather : For they would loade him so , a man more strong Although he be vnarm'd , may doe him wrong . So he , that is depriu'd of Natures guifts , With all his Learning , maketh harder shifts , Through his owne weakenes , & incurs more shames ; Then many that want Art to write their Names . We haue some Fellowes that would scorne to be Term'd Weake I know , especially by Me , Because they see that my vngentle Fate , Allow'd me not to be a Graduate . Yet whatsoeuer they will say vnto it , For all their scorning I am like to doe it . And to be breefe they are no simple fooles , But such as haue yauld Ergo in the schooles , Who being by some men of worship thought , Fit men by whom their children may be taught , And learnd enough for that they are allowd The name of Teachers , whereof growing proud , Because perhaps they heare that now and then , They are admired at by the seruing-men ; Or else by reason somthing they haue said , Hath beene applauded by the Chamber-maid ; They therevppon suppose that no man may . Hold any thing for truth but what they say : And in discourse their tongues so much wil walke , You may not heere a man of reason talke ; They are halfe Preachers , if your question be , Of matters that concerne diuinity ; If it be law ; I 'le warrant they 'l out-face , A dozen P●oydens to maintaine their case : But if it be of Physick you contend , Old Galen and Hypocrates may send For their opinion ; nay , they dare professe , Knowledge in al things , though there s none know less : Now I should wonder they preuaild so much , Did not the Common-people fauour such , But they are knowne although their verdit passes , Proud Dogmatists , and self-conceited Asses ; Whom I may tearme ( though I cannot out-scold them Weake simple fooles , and those that doe vphold them : Moreouer some , ( but foolishly precise , And in my iudgement , far more weake then wise , ) Misiudge of Poetry , as if the same , Did worthily dese●ue reproach and blame ; If any booke in verse they hap to spy , Oh , out vpon 't , away , pr●fane they cry , Burn't , reade it not , for sure it doth containe Nothing but fables of a lying braine ; Al-as● take heed , indeed it oft pollutes The out-side of thy false-vaine glorious sutes ? And to the blinded people makes it plaine , The Coulour , thou so counterset'st will staine . Because we see that men are drunke with wine , Shall we contemne the liquor of the Vine ? And since there 's some that doe this Art misuse , Wilt therefore thou the Art it selfe abuse ? 'T were meere iniustice : For Diuinitie Hath with no Science more affinitie Then this ; and howsoe're this scruple rose , Rime hath exprest as sacred things as prose ; When both in this age and in former time , Prose hath been ten-times more profane , then rime ; But they say still that Poetry is lies , And fables , such as idle heads deuise , Made to please fooles : but now we may by this Perceiue their weaknes plainely what it is : Yea , this both weake and ignorant doth proue them , In that thei 'l censure things that are aboue them : For , if that worthy Poets did not teach , A way beyond their dull conceited reach , I thinke their shallow wisedomes would espy , A Parable did differ from a lie . Yea , if their Iudgement be not quite bereft ; Or if that they had any reason left , The precious Truths within their fables wrapt , Had not vpon so rude a Censure hapt ; But though that kind of teaching some dispraise , As there 's few good things lik't of now adaies : Yet I dare say because the S●riptures show it , The best e're taught on earth , taught like a Poet : And whereas Poets now are counted base , And in this worth-lesse age in much disgrace ; I of the cause cannot refraine to speake , And this it is ; mens Iudgements are growne weake , They know not true desert ; for if they did Their well deseruings could not so be hid , And sure if there be any doth despise Such as they are ; it is cause he enuies Their worthines ; and is a secret foe To euery one that truely learnes to know : For , of all sorts of men here 's my beliefe , The Poet is most worthy and the chiefe : His Science is the absolut'st and best , And deserues honor aboue all the rest ; For 't is no humane knowledge gain'd by art , But rather 't is inspir'd into the heart By diuine meanes ; and I doe muse men dare , Twixt it and their professoins make compare . For why should he that 's but Philosopher , Geometrician , or Astrologer , Physitian , Lawyer , Rhetorician . Historian , Arithmetician , Or some such like , why should he hauing found The meanes but by one Ar● to be renown'd , Compare with him that claimes to haue a part And interest almost in euery Art ? And if that men may adde vnto their name , By one of these an euerlasting fame , How much more should it vnto them befall , That haue not onely one of these , but all As Poets haue ? for doe but search their works And you shall find within their writing lurks All knowledge ; if they vndertake Of Diu●ne matters any speech to make , You 'l thinke them Doctors ; if they need to tell The course of starres , they seeme for to excell Great Ptolomey ; entend they to perswade , You 'l thinke that they were Retoricians made : What Law , what Phisick , or what History Can these not treat of ? Nay what mistery Are they not learn'd in ? If of Trades they write , Haue they not all tearms and words as right As if he had seru'd an Apprentiship ? Can they not name all tooles for workemanship ? We see t is true ; If once they entreat of wars ? Of cruell bloudy fraies ? of wounds ? of scars ? Why then he speaks so like a souldier there , That he hath beene begot in armes thou 'lt sweare : Againe , he writes so like a Nauigator , As if they had seru'd Neptune in the water , And thou wouldst thinke he might of trauaile make As great a Volume , as our famous Drake ; Old Proteus , and Vertumnus are but Apes . Compar'd to these , for shifting of their shapes ; There is no humorous Passion so strange , To which they cannot in a moment change : Note but their Drammaticks and you shall see They I speake for euery sex , for each degree , And in all causes as if they had beene , In euery thing , or at least all things seene . If need be they can like a Lawyer prate , Or talke more grauely like a man of State ; They 'l haue a Tradesmans tongue to praise their ware , And counterfet him right ( but they 'le not sweare ) The curioust Phisicians ( if they please ) Shall not quoine words to giue their patients ease So well as they ; And if occasion vrge , They 'l Choller , yea and Melancholly purge Onely with charmes and words ; and yet it shall Be honest meanes and meerely naturall ; Are they dispos'd to gossip't like a woman , They 'l shew their tricks so right , that almost noman , But would so thinke them : Virgins that are purest , And Marrons that make shew to be demurest , Speake not so like chast Cynthia , as they can , Nor Newbery so like a Curtezan ; They 'l giue words either fitting for a Clowne , Or such as shall not vnbeseeme a Crowne ; In show they will be chollerick , Ambitious , D●sperate , Iealous , Mad , or Enuious , In sorrow , or in any Passion be ; But yet remaine still , from all passions free . For they onely to this end exprest them , That men may see them plainer , and detest them . But some will say that these haue on the stage , So painted out the vices of this age , That it not onely tels that they haue bin , Experienc't in euery kind of sinne , But that it also doth corrupt , and show How men should act those sins they did not know , Oh hatefull saying , not pronounc't by chance , But spew'd out of malicious Ignorance ; Weigh it , and you will either thinke these weak , Or say that they doe out of enuy speake : Can none declare th' effect of Drunkennes , Vnlesse they vsed such-like bestlinesse ? Are all men ignorant what comes by lust , Excepting those tht were themselues vniust ? Or thinke they no man can describe a sin ? But that which he himselfe hath wallawed in ? If they suppose so , I no cause can tell , But they may also boldly say as well They are apprentices to euery trade , Of which they find they haue descriptions made , Or for because they see them write those things , That do belong to rule best , say th' are Kings : As though that sacred Poesie inspir'd , No other knowledge then might be acquir'd By the dull outward sence ; yes , this is Shee That showes vs no● alone all things that be , But by her power laies before out view , Such wondrous things as Nature neuer knewe And then whereas they say that men are worse , By reading what these write , 't is their owne curse , For is the flower faulty cause we see , The loathsome spider and the painefull Bee , Make diuers vse on 't ? No it is the same , Vnto the spider though she cannot frame , Like sweetnes as the Bee thence ; But indeed I must confesse that this bad age doth breed , Too many that without respect presume , This worthy title on them to assume , And vndeseru'd base fellowes , whom meere time , Hath made sufficient to bring forth a Rime , A Curtaine ligge , a libell or a ballet , For Fidlers or some Roagues with staffe and wallet To sing at doores ; men only wise enough , Out of some rotten old worme-eaten stuffe , To patch vp a bald witlesse Comedy , And trim it heere and there with Ribaldry Learn'd at a baudy house ▪ I say there s such , And they can neuer be disgrac't too much , For though the name of Poet such abuses , Yet they are enemies to all the Muses And dare not sort with them for feare they will , Tumble them headlong downe Parnassus hill : Why then should their vsurping of it wrong That Title which doth not to them belong ? And wherefore should the shame of this lewd , crew Betide them , vnto whom true honors due ? It shal not ; for how ere they vse the name , Their works wil show how they do merit fame ; And though it be disgrac't through ignorance , The generous will Poesie aduance : As the most Antique Science that is found , And that which hath been the first root & ground Of euery Art ; yea that which only brings Content ; and hath beene the delight of kings ; Great IAMES our King both loues & liues a Poet , His bookes now extant do directly show it , And That shall adde vnto his worthy name , A better glory , and a greater fame Then Britaines Monarchy ; for few but he , I thinke will both a King and Poet be ; And for the last , although some fooles debase it , I 'me in the mind that Angels do imbrace it : And though God giu 't heere but in part to some , All shall hau 't perfect in the world to come . This in defence of Poesie to say I am compel'd , because that at this day , Weaknesse and Ignorance hath wrong'd it sore ▪ But what need any man therein speake more Then Diuine Sidney hath already done ? For whom ( though he deceas'd ere I begu● ) I haue oft sighed , and bewaild my Fate , That brought me forth so many yeeres too late , To view that worthy ; And now thinke not you Oh Daniell , Draiton , Iohnson , Chapman how I long to see you with your fellow Peeres , Matchlesse Siluester , glory of these yeeres . I hither to haue onely heard your fames And know you yet but by your workes and names : The little time , I on the earth haue spent , Would not allow me any more content : I long to know you better that is the truth , I am in hope you 'l not disdaine my Youth . For know you Muses Darlings , I le note raue , A fellowship amongst you for to haue : Oh no ; for though my euer willing heart , Haue vow'd to loue and praise You and your Art ; And though that I your stile doe now assume , I doe not , nor I will not so presume ; I claime not that too-worthy name of Poet ; It is not yet deseru'd by me , I know it . Grant me I may but on your Muses tend , And be enrould their Seruant , or their Friend . And if desert hereafter worthy make me , Then for a Pellow ( if it please you ) take me . But yet I must not here giue off to speake , To tell men wherein I haue found them weake , And chiefely those that cannot brooke to heare , Mention of Death but with much griefe and Fear● For many are not able for to take That thought into them , but their soules will quake ▪ Poore feeble spirits , would you nere away , But dwell for euer in a peece of Clay ? What find you heere wherein you doe delight , Or what 's to seeing that 's worth the sight ? What ? doth the heauens thy endeauors blesse And wouldst thou therefore liue for to possesse The Ioy thou hast ? seek't not ; perhaps to morro● Thou l't wish to haue di'd to day , to scape the sorro● Thou then shall see , for shame take stronger Hearts And adde mo●e courage to your betteer Parts ; For Death 's not to be feard , since t is a Friend , That of your sorrowes makes a gentle end . But here a qualitie I call to minde . That I amongst the Common-people finde , This 't is , a weake one to ; when they perceiue A friend neare death , and ready for to leaue This wretched life ; and if they heare him say Some par●ing words , as if he might not stay , Nay say not so ( these comforters reply ) Take heart your time 's not come , ye shall not die ; What man , and grace of God you shal be stronger ; And liue no doubt yet , many a faire day longer . Thinke not on Death ; with many such like words , Such as their vnderstanding best affoords : But where is now become this peoples wit ? What doth their knowledges esteeme more fit Then death to thinke on ; chiefly when men be About to put off their Mortal●tie ? Me thinkes they rather should perswade them then Fearelesse to be resolu'd , to die like Men. For want of such a resolution stings At point of Death ; and dreadfull horror brings , ●e'ne to the soule ; cause wanting preparation , She lies despairing of her owne saluation ; Yea and moreouer this full well know I , He that 's at any time afraide to die , ●s in weake case , and whatso'ere he saith , Hath but a wauering and a feeble Faith . But what need I goe farther to relate , The frailty I haue seene in Mans estate ? Since this I haue already said makes cleere , That of all Creatures , God hath placed here , ( Prouided we respect them in their kind ) We cannot any more vnable finde ; For of our selues we haue not power to speake , No nor to frame a thought , we are so weake . Against our bodies eue'ry thing preuailes , And oft our knowledge and our iudgement failes ; Yea if that one mans strength were now no lesse , Then all men doe in generall possesse . Or if he had attaind to ten-times more Then all Gods creatures ioyn'd in one before ; Yet would his power be eauen then so small , When he stands surest ; he 's but sure to fall ; 'T is onely weakenesse that doth make vs droupe , And vnto Crosses and diseases stoupe : That makes vs Vaine , Inconstant , and Vnsure , Vnable any good things to endure : It brings vs to the seruile base subiection , Of all loose Passion , and vntam'd affection : It leads vs and compels vs oft to stray Both beside Truth , and out of Reasons way . And lastly we , and that because of this , Either doe Nothing ; or do all amisse . Which being so , we may with Dauid then , Confesse that we are rather Wormes then men .

OF PRESVMPTION . SATYR. 4. SOft heedlesse Muse thou no aduisement tak'st , Wast not of Men that last of al thou spak'st : It was : and of the weakness● too of men , Come then with shame now and denie 't agen , Reca●t : for so the matter rhou didst handle , Thou maist be curst for t , with Bell Booke & Candle : Is mankind weake ? who then can by their powers , Into the Aire hurle Palaces and Towers ? And with one blaste'ne in a moment make , Whole Kingdomes and braue Monarchies to shake . Or what are they that dare for toaspire , Into Gods seat ; and if it might be higher : That forgiue sinnes as fast as men can do them , And make Iehouah be beholding to them ? I 'ue heard of such ; what are they ? would I wist ; They can make Saints they say of whom they list : And being made , aboue the Stars cāseat them Yea with their own hands make their Gods & eat them Ha ? are they men ; How dar'st thou then to speake , Such B●asphemy to say mankinde is weake ? I tell thee this Muse , either Man is strong , And through thy babling thou hast done him wrong , Or else beyond his limits he doth erre , And for presumption puts downe Lucifer : Is t so ? Nay then I prethee Muse goe on , And let vs heare of his presumption : For I doe know , cause I haue heard him vaunt , That he 's a Creature proud and Arrogant : And it may be he is not of such might As he makes show for ; but vsurps some's right ▪ There 't goe's indeed , for though he be so base So weake , and in such miserable case , That I want words of a sufficient worth , To paint his most abhorred vilenesse forth : Yet such is also his detested Pride , That I suppose the Diuell is belide By euery man that shall affirme or say He is more proud ; for doe but marke I pray : This Creature man ; did Natures powerfull King , ( God , that of nothing framed eu'ry thing ) M●uld out of Clay ; a peece which he had rent , E'ne from the Earth the basest Element : And whereas he might haue beene made a Thrall , Yea and the very Vuderling of all ; That God with title of Chief Ruler grac't him , And as a Steward ouer all things plac't him : Gaue him a pleasant garden for to till , And Leaue to eate of eu'ry tree at will . Onely of one indeed he did deny him , And peraduenture of that one , to try him ; But see his insolence ; though God did threat Death if he eate , and though that God was great , And so exceeding Iust , that he well knew , All that he threatned doubtles would ensue : Thogh God were strong , & could , had man bin prouder ( Pore clay-bred worm ) haue stampt him into pouder● Yet ( not withstanding all this same ) did he Presume to tast of that forbidden tree . A rash beginning , but he sped so ill , D' yee thinke he held on this presumption still ? To heare he had left that offence 't were newes , But Cain and Nimrod , Pharaoh and the lewes , Shew'd it continued ; and grew much more , Rather then lesser ▪ then it was before ; Caine in his murther , and his proud replie ; Nimrod in that he dar'd to build so high ; Pharaoh by boldly tempting God , to shew His sundry plagues to Egypts ouerthrow ; And many waies the last ; but what need I , Recite examples of Antiquitie ? Or for to taxe old ages for that crime , Since there was nere a more presumptuous time Then this that 's now ; what dare not men to doe , If they haue any list or minde thereto ? Their fellow creatures they doe much contemne , Vaunting that all things were ordain'd for them ; Yea both the gladsome daies and quiet nights , Sun , Moone , & Heauen , with those glorious lights , Which so be spangle that faire azure roofe , They thinke were onely made for their behoofe : When as alas their poore and weake command Cannot extend so farre for to withstand The least Starres force ; and them and their estate , Sunne , Moone , and starres too , do predominate . Before our fall indded we did excell , All other creatures that on earth did dwell , But now I thinke the very worst that be , Haue iust asmuch to boast vpon as we . Our soule 's defil d ; And therefore if in Sence We place our worth and cheefe prehemmence , T is knowne that there be diuers Creatures then Will haue the vpper hand ; for they passe men ; And though we still presume vpon 't , t is vaine , To challenge our old Soueraingty againe ; For when that we from our obedience fell All things against vs also did rebell , Lyons and Beares , and Tigers sought our blood The barren earth deny'd to yeeld vs food : The clouds raignd plagues , and yet dare we go on , We find such pleasure in Presumption . But for because there 's some do scarcely know , How we do in that fault offend ; I le shew . First , when that they new worshippings inuent , And cannot hold themselues so well content With that which God doth in his word ordaine , As with inuentions of their owne weake braine , It seemes they think their fancies to fulfill , Would please him better then to haue his will . Next I doe reckon them , that ouer-bold , Gods sacred Legend haue at will contrould , And maugre his grand-curse some places chang'd Added to some , and some againe estrang'd ; Then those great masters I presumptuous deeme , That of their knowledge doe so well esteeme , They will force others , as the Papists doe For to alow of their opinions to , Yea though it be a meere imagination , That neither hath good ground nor iust foundation Some will be prying though they are forbidden , Into those secrets , God ment should be hidden . So doe some students in Astrologie , Though they can make a faire Apologie ▪ And so doe those that very vainely trie , To finde our fortunes by their Palmistrie ; These doe presume , but much more such as say , At this or that time , comes the iudgement day . Or such as aske , or dare for to relate , What God was doing ere he did create Heauen and Earth ; or where he did abide , How and by whom , he then was glorifide . But those that into such deep secrets wind . A slender profit in their labours find ; For to make knowne how highly they offend , A desperate madnes is ofttimes their end . Yet such their nature is , thei le not beware , But to be prying further still they dare , For sure that longing can no way be flaid , Which well the Poet seemd to know , who said , Man , what he is forbidden still desires , And what he is denide off , most requires . Rather then many will a man gainesay , They dare make bold with God , they thinke they may Because it seems they deeme him not so strong , Or so well able to reuenge a wrong . Some such great power to themselues assume , And on their owne strength doe so much presume , They seldome doe for Gods assistance craue , As if it were a needlesse thing to haue ; Which is the cause that often the conclusion Proues their owne shame , their hindrance & confusion ; In Praying , men presume , ( Vnlesse they be , With eu'ry one in loue and charitie : ) Or if in their Petitions , they desire Such things as are vnlawfull to require ; Death 's their reward , we know , that break the law , But neither that , nor yet damnations awe Keeps vs from sinne ; a thousand God-heads more , Then one we make , and dare for to adore Our owne hand-works ; the Sabboth we disdaine , And dreadlesse take the name of God in vaine : If but by his Lords hand an Irish swere , To violate that oath he stands in feare ; Least him of both his lands and goods he spoile , For making him the instrument of guile : And yet dare we ( poore wormes ) before his face , ( Respecting whom , the greatest Lords are base ) Both sweare , & forsweare ; vsing that great Name At pleasure , without any feare of blame : Why should not we as well suppose that he , Who in our hearts would haue no fraud to be , Will miserable , poore , and naked leaue vs , Yea , of those Blessings and Estates bereaue vs We now hold of him , If we thus contemne , And still abuse his sacred name , and him ? But men secure in wickednes per●ist As if they could please God with what they list ; If they can , Lord haue mercy on them say , And mumble some few prayers once a day , There needs no more ; nay , surely there be such , That thinke it is enough ; if not too-much : But what 's their reason ? God made all the man , Why should he haue but part allow'd him than ? He in their seruice nothing doth delight , Vnlesse it be with all their strength and might , With their whole heart , & soule , and that way toe , As he appoints them in his word to doe : Some men their are who hope by honesty , By their Almes-deeds , and works of Charity To win Gods fauour , and for to obtaine Saluation by it ; but their hope 's in vaine : Also , their 's others cause they haue the faith , For to beleeue 't is true the Scripture saith , Since they haue knowledge in Religion , And make thereof a strict profession : Or doe obserue the outward worship duly , Do think that their in they haue pleas'd God truely . Now these are iust as far as th' other wide , Or they Gods worship doe by halfes diuide , And for his due which is e'ne all the heart , Do dare presume to offer him a part ; But th' one must know he will not pleased be , With a Religion that wants honestie : And th' other that as little good will doe , His honest shew without Religion toe ; If this be so , ( as so it is indeed ) How then wil those presumptuous fellowes speed ? Who thinke ( forsooth ) because that once a yeare , They can afford the poore some slender cheare ; Obserue their Country feasts , or Common doles , And entertaine their Christmas wassaile boles , Or else because that for the Churches good , They in defence of Hock-tide custome stood ; A Whitsun-ale , or some such goodly motion , The better to procure young mens deuotion : What will they doe , I say , that think to please , Their mighty God with such vaine things as these ? Sure very ill ; for though that they can mone , And say that Loue and Charity is gone As old folkes do , because their banquetings , Their antient-drunken-summer reuelings Are out of date ; though they can say through teaching , And since the Ghospell hath had open preaching , Men are growne worse ; though they can soon espy A little mote in their owne neighbours eye Yea though that they their Pater noster can , And call their honest neighbour Puritan ; ( How ere they in their owne conceits may smile , Yet they are presumptuous , weake , and vile ; Also in this abhominable time , It is amongst vs now a common crime , To flout and scoffe at those which we do spy , Willing to shake off humane Vanity ; And those that gladly do themselues enforce , Vnto a strict and more religious course , Then most men doe ; although , they truely know No men are able to pay halfe they owe ( thought Vnto their God , ( as though their wisedomes He migh be serued better then he ought , They count precise and curious more then needs , They try their sayings and weigh all their deeds : A thousand thinges that they well do shal be , Slightly past ouer as if none did see : But one thing ill done , ( though the best does ill ) They shal be certaine for to heare of still ; Yea not with standing they can daily smother , Millions of ten times greater faults in other : Who are so hated or so often blam'd ? Or so reuil'd , or scorn'd ? or so misnam'd ? To whom do we now our contentions lay , Who are so much term'd Puritans as they That feare God most ? But t is no maruaile men , Presume so much to wrong his children ; when As if they fear'd not his reuengefull rod , They can blaspheme and dare to anger God . Now by these wordes to some men it may seeme , That I haue Puritans in high esteeme ; Indeed , if by that name you vnderstand , Those that the vulgar Atheists of this land , Do daily terme so ; that is such as are Fore-named heere ; and haue the greatest care To know and please their maker : then 't is true , I loue them well ; for loue to such is due : But if you meane the busie headed sect , The hollow crew , the counterfeit Elect : Our D●gmatists , and euer-wrangling spirits , That doe as well contemne good workes , as merits : If you meane those that make their care seem great To get soules food , when 't is for bodies meate , Or those all whose Religion doe depend , On this , that they know how to discommend A Maygame , or a Summerpole defie , Or shake the head , or else turne vp the eye ; If you meane those , how euer they appeare , This I say of them ( would they all might heare ) Though in a zealous habit they doe wander , Yet they are Gods foes and the Churches slander ; And though they humble be in show to many , They are as haughty euery way as any . What need I here the lewd presumptions tell Of Papists in these daies ? t is knowne to well : For them there of each peasant now conuinces , In things as well concerning God as Princes , Other ▪ I find toe , that doe dare presume , The Office of a Teacher to assume ; And being blind themselues and gone astray , Take on them to shew other men the way . Yea some there be , who haue small guifts or spirit , No kind of knowledge , and as little merit ; That with the world haue made a firme cōiunctio● ▪ Yet dare to vndergoe the sacred function Of Christ his Pas●or . Yea such is their daring , That neither for their Charge nor Duty caring , Insteed of giuing good and sound Instruction , They lead themselues and others to Destruction . We read that Ieremy and Moses both , To vndertake their charge were wondrous loth : ( The greatnes of the same so much appal'd them ) Yea though that God himselfe directly cal'd them : But our braue Clarkes as if they did condemne , The two much bashfull backwardnes of them : Or else as if themselues they abler thought ; Those Diuine Callings , haue not onely sought Without respect of their Ability , A C●ristian Conscience or Ciuility , But being of old Simon Magus tribe , Purchase it often with a hateful bribe ; Which showes that they such places do desire , Not for the good of others but their hire : But Patrons feare yee neither God nor hell ? Dare ye the Churches patrimony sell For filthy lucre , in despite of Law Sacred or humane ? Pedants dare yee ? hah ? Dare you buy 't of them ? by Gods help , vnlesse This villany ere long , haue some redresse , I le find a meanes , or else let me haue blame , To bring some smart , or else eternal shame Vpon you for 't ; it may be you do sent it , But all your pollicy shall not preuent it : What do you look for Hell and your D●mnation ? Wel you shall haue it by Impropriation ; I know now you haue enter'd Simony , You le double damne your selues with Periury . For , they as oft together may be seene , As is the chilling feauer and the spleene , But oh deare Countrymen be more aduis'd , Thinke what God is he may not be dispis'd . Could you well weigh his Iustice and his power , How many infinites it passeth ouer : And knew his iudgements we would not dissemble An outward fained reuerence ; but tremble And shake with horror ; you 'd not dare to venter Sanctum Sanctorum so vnfit to enter ; His Churches good you rather would aduance , Then rob it thus of her inheritance ; Or make the same ( as men stil vnbeleeuing ) Like to a house of Merchandise and Theeuing . You to whom deeds of former times are knowne , Marke to what passe this age of ours is growne , Euen with vs that strictest seeme to be , In the professing Christianity ; You know men haue been carefull to augment , The Churches portion and haue beene content To adde vnto it out of their estate ; And Sacriledge all Nations did so hate That the meere Irish who seem'd not to care , For God nor Man had the respect to spare The Churches profits ; yea their heed was such That in the time of need they would not touch , The knowne prouisions , they daily saw , Stor'd vp in Churches : in such feare and awe The places held them ; though that they did know The thinges therein belonged to their foe : But now the world & mans good natures chang'd From this opinion most men are estrang'd ; We rob the Church , and what we can attaine By Sacriledge and theft is our best gaine : In paying dues the refuse of our stock , The barrennest and leanest of our flock Shall serue our Pastor ? whom for to deceiue We think no sin ; nay further ( by your leaue ) Men seeke not to impropriate a part Vnto themselues : but they can find in heart T' engross vp all : which vile presumption , Hath brought Church-liuings to a strange consumption And if this strong disease do not abate , 'T wil be the poorest member in the State ; No maruaile though in steed of learned Preachers , We haue beene pester'd with such simple Teachers Such poore , mute , tong-tide readers , as scarce know Whether that God made Adam first or no : Thence it proceeds , and ther 's the cause that Place And Office at this time incurs disgrace . For men of iudgement or good dispositions , Scorne to be tyde to any base conditions : Like to our hungry Pedants , who 'le engage , Their soules for any curtold Vicarage . I say there s none of knowledge , wit , or merit ▪ But such as are of a most seruile spirit , That will so wrong the Church as to presume , Some poore-halfe-demi-Parsnage to assume In name of all ; no , they had rather quite Be put beside the same , than wrong Gods right , Well , they must entertaine such Pedants then , Fitter to feed swine , then the soules of men : But Patrons thinke such best , for there 's no feare They will speake any thing they loath to heare ; They may run foolishly to their owne damnation , Without reproofe or any disturbation ; To let them see their vice they may bee bold , And yet not stand in doubt to be contol'd : Those in their houses may keepe priuate Schooles , And either serue for Iesters or for fooles , And will suppose that they are highly grac't , Be they but at their Patrons table plac't : And there if they be cal'd but Priests in scoffe , Straight they duck down and al their caps come off , Supposing it for to be done in kindnes , Which shows their Weaknes & apparant Blindnes . Moreouer 't is well knowne that former time Held it to be a vild presumptuous crime ; Such men in sacred Offices to place , Whom they knew toucht with any foule disgrace : Or to allow those whom they did suspect , To haue an outward bodily defect : But be they now not only crooked , lame , Dismembr'd , and of the vnshapeliest frame That euer Nature form'd ; though they be blind , Not in sight onely , but as well in mind , Though they be such who if they come to shreeuin● Might confess murder , whordom , slander , theeuing And all damb'd villany ; yet these men will be Admitted to the sacred Ministry : But most of vs do now disdaine that Place , Accounting it vnworthy , meane , and base ; Yea like to Ieroboams Priests , we see , They of the lowest of the people he : And though we know , the Israelites allow'd God the first-borne for his ; we are so proud , Vnlesse they either do want shape or wit , Or seeme for worldly busines vnfit : Few thinke Gods seruice worthy the bestowing Their Child about it ; or such duty owing Vnto the same ; but rather that Vocation They count a blemish to their reputation . But where 's your vnderstanding , oh you men ? Turne from your bruitish dulnes once agen , Honour Gods Messengers for why t is true , To them both Reuere●ce and Honour 's due ; Think what they are and be not still selfe-minded , Suffer not reason to be so much blinded ; If not for loue that you to Iustice beare , Yet follow her ( although it be ) for feare : And see that this presumption you amend , Or looke some heauy plague shal be your end . Then it is also a presumptuous act , With knowledge to commit a sinfull fact Though ne're so small ; for sin 's a subtill else , That by degrees insinuates it selfe Into our soules ; and in a little space , Becomes too-huge a Monster to displace ; Yea , it is certaine that one sinne , though small , Will make entrance great enough for all ; And what is 't but presumption to abuse , And without-feare and reuerence to vse Gods sacred Word ; yet we that Christ professe , Thinke it no fault , or that there 's no fault lesse : Else sure we would not in our common talke , Let our loose tongues so much at randome walke , We would not dare our Iests of that to make , At vttering whereof the Heauens shake ; For if God had reueal'd his Gospel newes , To vs as heeretofore vnto the Iewes He did the Law ; who heard him to their wonder Speaking through fearefull fiery flames and thunder , We would more dread in any euill fashon : To vse that sacred meanes of our suluation Our cursed Pagan vnbeleeuing foe , I meane the Turke , more reuerence doth show In those his dam'nd erroneous Rites then we In the true worship : for 't is knowne that he Wil not so much as touch his Alcharon , That doth containe his false Religion With vnwasht handes ; nor till he hath o'rewent All that his vaine and confus'd rablement Of Ceremonies vs'd ; much lesse dares looke , On the Contents of that vnhallowed booke ; But we in midst of all our villany , In our pot-conference and ribaldry , Irreuerently can the same apply , As if 't were some of Pasquils Letany : But soft my Muse in her perambulation Hath hapt vpon an Excomunication : And though that her Commission she wanted Yet she made bold to search wherefore 't was granted Which if you would know too , why it may be , Some were so pleas'd because they lack't a fee : For , had the Officers bin wel contented , They say the matter might haue been preuented ▪ But you that haue the wisdomes to discerne When abuse is ; pray tel me , I would learne ; Misuse we Excommunication ? You know it is a Separation From God ; and a most fearefull banishment , From the partaking of his Sacrament And good mens fellowship ; a sad exile , ( Perhaps for euer , at the least a while ) From the true Church ; and ( oh most horrid euill ) A giuing of Men ouer to the Diuell . And therefore was ordain'd in better times , Onely for such who in their hainous crimes With hardned obstinacy did persist , As may appeare : but now we at our list , As if the same but some slight matter were , For euery trifle to pronounce it dare ; And peraduenture to , on such as be , More honest far , and better much than we : But since my Muse hath her endeauour done To note how men into this fault do run ; I will be bold to let you vnderstand , One strange Presumption noted in our land Worth the amending ; and indeed 't is this Readers pray iudge how dangerous it is ; We seeing God hath now remooued far , From this our Country his iust plague of war , And made vs through his mercy so much blest , We do in spight of all our foes yet rest Exempt from danger ; by vs it appeares , Through the great blessing of these quiet yeares , We are so feare-lesse care-lesse and secure In this our happy peace and so cock-sure As if we did suppose or heard it sed , Oul● Mars were strangled or the Diuel dead ; Else can I not beleeue we would so lightly , Esteeme our safely and let passe so slightly Our former care of Martiall discipline , For excercises meerely Feminine : We would not see our Armes so soild in dust , Nor our bright blades eat vp with cankred rust , As now they be ; our Bowes they lye and rot , Both Musket and Caliuer is forgot , And we lye open to all Forraine dangers For want of Discipline 't is knowne to Strangers Though weel 'e not see 't ; Alas will not our pleasure , Let vs be once in seauen yeares at leasure To take a muster and to giue instruction ? No rather Pleasure will be our destruction ; For That first caus'd the Law , that now preuents , And barres the vse of Pouder-instruments To be enacted ; why ? for to preserue An idle Game , the which I wish might sterue Amids our plenty , so that with their curse , The land and people might be nothing worse , Cause for that trifle to the Realmes abuse , The hand-gun hath been so much out of vse Scarce one in forty if to proofe it came , Dares or knowes how for to discharge the same : Oh valiant English we are like to hold The glory that our fathers had of old . But sure I think some vndermining hand , That studies for the ruine of the land , Is cause of this , in hope thereby at length , To weaken ours and let in forraine strength ; What , do we think cause theirs a truce with Spaine , That we are safe ? Alas that thought is vaine , Our dangers rather more ; for while they dar'd , To proffer wrong they found vs still prepar'd ; The profitable feare that we were in Preuented danger that might else haue bin . But now the cause of former feare is gone , We haue not only let all care alone , But also are so drunken with delights , And drownd in pleasure that our dulled sprites Are so o'reclog'd with Luxury ; we droope , More fit for Venus then for Mars his troope ; That if our foes should now so ventrous be , For to inuade the lan● , vnlesse that wee , With speed amend this error , heere s my mind , The way to worke our ruine thei 'le soone find ; For iust the Troians last nights watch wee keepe , Who then were buried all in ●ine and sleepe . We read when Cato should a Captaine chuse , For the Panonian fight , he did refuse His kins-man Publius , cause that from the war He often had return'd without a scar , And went perfum'd ; but if such faults as these , Displeasd the Censor , sure then in our dayes He scarcely would in towne or country find , A man with vs according to his mind , Such is our daintinesse ; Besides to strangers , ( As if there were no cause to doubt of dangers ) We do not only our great ritches show , ( A shrewd temptation to allure a foe : ) But we moreouer plainely do declare , By fond apparell , too superfluous fare , Much idlenesse and other wanton parts , That we haue weake effeminated hearts ; Which being knowne are sure a great perswasion , Vnto our enemies to make inuasion . But we do say in God's our only trust , On him we do depend ; well so we must , And yet we ought not therefore to disdaine , The lawfull meanes by which he doth ordaine , To worke our safety then , for that s a signe , We rather lou'd to tempt the powers deuine , Then trust vnto them ; worthy Brittaines then , Leaue this presumption , once againe be men , Not weake Sardanapali ; leaue those toyes To idle women , wanton Girles and boyes : Vnto your foes I wish you could betake them , Or vnto any so you would forsake them . Let Martialists that long haue beene disgrac't Be lou'd againe and in our fauours plac't : Count not them rogues ; but rather such as can So much degenerate themselues from Man , In tire and gesture both , to womanize , Goc call a Parlament and there deuise An act to haue them whipt now ; oh 't were good , A deed well worthy such a noble brood , Meane while let 's trim our rusty armes and scoure , Those long vn-vsed well-steeld blades of our : We shal not do the spiders any wrong , For they haue rent-free held their house-room long In Morians , Helmets , Gauntlets , Bandileres ; Displace them thence , they haue had all their years : And giue it such a lustre that the light , May dimme the Mooncshine in a winters night ; Away with idle Cithernes , Lutes , and Tabers , Let knocks requite the fidlers for their labours , Bring in the Warlike Drum , 't will musicke make ye , That from your drousie pleasures will awake yee : Or else the hartning trumpet , that from farre , May sound vnto you all the points of warre : Let Dances turne to Marches ; you ere long , May know what doth to rankes and files belong , And let your thundring shot so smoke and rore , Stangers may tremble to behold the shoare , And know you sleep not ; But now to what end Do you suppose that I these words do spend ? Beleeue me I 'me not male content with Peace . Or do desire this happy time might cease , I would not haue you foule Seditions make , Or any vniust warres to vndertake ; But I desire you leaue those idle fashions , That haue beene the iust fall of many nations ; Looke well vnto your selues and not suppose , Cause there s a league with Spaine you haue no foes : For if Warres euer make this land complaine , It wil be through some Truce it had with Spaine : But heere I bid you once againe beware , Delay not time but with all speed prepare , Repaire your forts againe , and manne them well , Place better Captaines in them ; I can tell Some are growne Couetous and there 's no trust To such as they ; that vice makes men vniust : They pocket vp the wages of their men , And One poore soldier serues alone for Ten : Look to the Nauy-royall , wer 't wel scan'd , I doubt it will be found but simply man'd : The Pursers study ( if some not belie them ) Onely which way they may haue profit by them ; But see vnto it you to whom 't belongs , See the Abuses done , redresse the wrongs : And oh ! renew the forces of this land , For there 's a fearefull bloudy day at hand , Though not foreseene , a bloudy day for some , Nor wil the same be long before it come . There is a tempest brewing in the So●th , A horrid Vapor forc't from hell's owne mouth . 'T is spread already far into the West , And now begins to gather to the East ; When 't is at full once it will straight come forth To shoure downe all it Vengeance on the North : But feare not little Ile thy cause is right , And if thou hast not cast all care off quite , Nor art secure , why by that token then Thou shalt driue back that threatning storme agen ▪ Through Cods assistance for to ruine those , By , and amongst whom , first of all it rose : But if that still thou carelesse snorting lye In thy presuming blind security , Tak 't for a signe that now thy sinnes are ripe , And thou shalt surely feele the death-full stripe Of that ensuing ill , vnto thy shame , And extirpation of thy former fame : But yet I hope this ouer-fight will end , And we shall this presumptuous fault amend : I hope I say and yet I hope no harmes , To see our English youth trick't vp in armes ; And so well train'd that all their foes shall heare No newes from them but Horror , Death , and Feare ; Yea and their march , like Iehues King of Iury , Shal shew they come with vengeance speed & fury , I would we could as easily forsake , Other Presumptions , and that we could take But halfe the care and dilligence to arme Our soules , in danger of a greater harme : Would we the holy weapons could assume Of Christian war-fare , and not stil presume To leaue our better parts all open so , For the aduantage of the greater foe Then Rome or Spaine : oh would wee could begin , To feele the danger of Presumptuous sinne ! Which soon would be , if we would once be brought For to consider with an equall thought , Our base Beginning and infirmity , Our wauering and wondrous misery : And with this wretched poore estate of our , Gods infinite and al-sufficient power : His Iustice , with his hatred vnto ill , And threatnings if we disobey his will . Or else remember he did still behold And see vs when we sin'd ; for who so bold , Vnlesse depriu'd of grace then to offend ? But it should seeme we our endeauors bend To anger God , for we of sinne complaine , Yet with our will sinne in his sight againe . Say , wer 't not a presumption very great , If comming to a King one should intreat A pardon for some murther , and yet bring The bloudy blade with which he did that thing He would haue mercy for ? & whilst hee 's speaking , Sheath it againe with bloud and gore yet reaking , In the Kings sonne before his fathers face , And yet stil bide as if he hop't for Grace : Should we not thinke him mad ? sure yes ; yet we Cannot that madnes in our owne selues see : For we dare come before th' almighty King To sue for pardon for our sinnes ; yet bring The selfe same bad mind still , conceiuing murther Against his children to prouoke him further . And looke what ill is but in thought begun , With him 's all one as if the same were done , It is no maruaile that no humane law , Can keepe our ouer-daring hearts in awe : Since that we do so little dread the rod , Of such a powerfull and so iust a God : And if in mans and Gods owne sight we dare , So searelesse sinne without respect or care , It seemes that we do little conscience make What mischeifes by our selues we vndertake : Or think it no Presumption to commit , Somthing alone in our owne sight vnfit ; Oh grosse and ignorant ! why that s the worst , Of all presumptions the most accurst And fulst of Danger . Silly man take heed , Do not before thy selfe an euill deed ; For when God wil forgiue and man forget , Thy owne ill Conscience will oppose and set Her selfe against thee ; tell thee thine offending , And keep thee back from euer apprehending Grace of forgiuenesse ; neither wil affoord The smallest comfort of the sacred word : But rather to thy sad remembrance call , Each saying that may serue to prooue thy fall : And though that fire wondrous torture brings Vnto the body , yet when conscience stings Nor fire nor sword , nor hell it selfe can yeeld , Aworser to ment ; God defend and shield Me from the like ; and giue me grace to feare , So , that I may preserue my Conscience cleare In all my actions : And then I shall be , In better case a thousand fold then he That vnto wealth and honour hath obtaind , With a craz'd Conscience that is blurd and stain'd : Alas how easie wert to climbe or mount To worldly Reputation and Account ? How soone could I if I had an intention For to contriue or plot a damn'd inuention Get golden heapes ? yea and so priuily , That though t were done by craft and villany , I by the blinded World would yet be deem'd Perhaps more honest ; but much more esteem'd Then now I am ; But God forbid that I Such base vaine trash and dunghil stuffe should buy At such a rate ; for there 's no Iewell dearer , Nor any losse a man can haue goe nearer Then peace of Conscience ; which for to be true , The ancient Poets very wisely knew , And therefore fain'd their F●ries , with intent , For to declare the inward punishment Of guilty mindes ; which sure they might do well , For there is in them Diuels , yea and hell , With all her torture ; what else was the cause , Nero who knew no God nor feared lawes , When he had kil'd his mother tooke no rest , But thought he saw her comming to molest And plague him for 't ? What made him to surmise He was still tortur'd in such hellish wise That furies did to his appearance scorch His liuing body with a burning torch ? Wast not his Conscience that had priuy beene Vnto the fact ? was not the cause within His owne bad selfe ? If t were let 's to amending , Of our presumptuous sinnes , and bold offending , If neither in regard of God nor men , Oh le ts for feare of our owne Conscience then . Yet there 's another thing which wert wel weighd Our rash presumption would be som-what staid . The End of life ; with the ne're-ending paine , God for presumptuous sinners doth ordaine , Could we note that , with deaths vncertaine times , And how it takes men acting of the crimes Euen in the very nick of their offence , And beares them , ere they can repent them , hence , To such a place where nothing shall appeare , But all the Gastly obiects of grimme feare : Whereas each sense shall seuerally sustaine , The miserable smart of endlesse paine : The tender feeling shall in euery part , Be subiect to th' intollerable smart Of hellish flames , commixt with chilling cold , Tortures beyond conceit , not to be told ; The dainty mouth , that had the Curioust tast , And of the choysest cates still made repast , Shall be fild vp , yea belly , throat and all , With filth more loath-some then the bitterest gall The once perfumed Nostrill , there shall drinke , Foule noysome smels : beside the sulpherous stinke Of choaking flames ; and there the listning eare , Fed with the sound of pleasing Musicke heare , Shall change it for the wofull screeching cry Of Damned soules , that in hels torture lye ; Whose hydeous howlings can by no defence , Be kept from percing that amazed sence : And then while they shal trembling thinke to flye From those amazements that do seeme so nigh , To there the feareful'st obiects of the sight , Their quite despairing mindes shall more affright , For garish formes of foule mishapen fiendes , And vgly Bugs for euermore attends , To thwhart each looke . But if this do not make , Thy ouer hardened heart ( oh man ) to quake : If this relation be too weake to win , Or to reclaime thee from thy wonted sinne ; Reader , if this do no impression leaue , So that thou canst not any feare conceiue Through this description ; thinke vpon t at night Soone in thy bed when earth 's depriu'd of light I say at mid-night when thou wak'st from sleepe , And lonely darknesse doth in silence keep The Grim-fac't night . And but immagine then , Thou wert borne all alone to some darke den And there set naked ; though thou felts no paine , Yet seeing no way to get out againe , If thou shouldst in that naked loneness heare , Some yelling voyce , or some strange noyse drawne●● With threatning ; or but calling on thy name ; Oh with what Patience couldst thou bide the sam● But if withall , thy wandring eyes should marke , And now and then see pearing through the dar● Some monstrous visages , or vgly faces Which shold make proffer of some rude embr●●● And smetime seeme as if they would begin With griping pawes to ceize thy trembling ski● Or , but suppose that in thy Chamber there , Where cannot be the hundreth part of feare : ( Because to thee the place well knowne will be And thou must haue wherewith to couer thee ) Yet there I say suppose thou shouldst behold Nor such grim obiects as are heere foretold , But Onely heare the dolefull voyce of men Complaining in the darke ; And now and then Behold the ghastly shape of friends long dead , Wrapt in their sheetes as they were buried , Or else from out thy Chamber floore to rise A troupe of bony , pickt Anatomies Come pointing to thee , as if thou wert he That must ere long their bare companion be : Then thou wouldst feare I know , and think on him Whose might & fearful power thou didst contemn Thou wouldst consider better of the feare , And hellish horror I haue mention'd heare . That Dungeons estate thou would'st conceiue , And somewhat thy presumptuous actions leaue ; Thou wouldst not so cast all thy care behind thee , But watch thy self for feare least death shold finde thee , Doing some il ; nor wouldst thou thus delay , Times of repentance still from day to day : But oh ! show should I hope that this I plead , Will worke in them that shall but barely read What I haue writ ? Since I my selfe that know , And haue some inward seeling of that woe For get my selfe ; I thought when I shall be From such , and such like cares and troubles free , Then wil I all my vanities forsake , A better course of life I le vndertake , And only seeke the glory of his name By whom I liue ; That day ere long time came ; Then I had other lets ; but if that they , As I did seeke they might were once away , I would indeed my duty better doe : Well , so it pleas'd God I orepast them too ; Yet somthing hindred still that I could neuer In my intended Christian course perseuer . But euer found vnto my griefe and sorrow , That I was bad to day and worse to morrow : But oh ! thou God that knowst my hearts desire , Do not ; oh do not at my handes require My youthfull sinnes ; though that my flesh be fraile , And my affections often do preuaile : Seeing thou knowest the weake estate of man , And what a little his small power can ; Accept my will , and let thy blood suffice , To quit the rest of mine iniquities , But now , because I haue obseru'd such store , I needs must tell a few presumptions more . Some in contemning others wisdome , show , That they presume themselues do all things , kno● But that vile selfe-conceit nere raised any , Certaine I am it is the fall of many : Others ( and they in this kind too offend , ) On their owne Memories too much depend : Such I haue heard so confidently speake , As if they had no thought that men were wea● Yea those though twenty men haue all gaine-said What they affirmed , were not yet affraid , Their owne bare affirmation to out-face , With sundry oathes : such wondrous trust they place In their remembrance ; yea my selfe ere now Haue beene oft-times more rash for to anow What I thought truth ; then ere I le be againe : For what I deemd to be so sure and plaine , That I not onely stood in 't to my might , But would haue paun'd my life 't had been the right That to my shame , I haue my selfe alone , Found to be false when all the rest were gone . Which greeu'd me so that I le nere more rely Or trust so much to mine owne memory . But what may I terme those , who for a name , Or for to get some vile prepostrous fame ; Will desperately for the nonce begin , To put in action some vngodly sinne That all men loath ; and only as they say , For to be talkt of . What are such I pray ? Presumptuous , vaine , or weake , or all that 's bad , The last I thinke and ten-times more then mad ; Yet we haue gallants , and great store of such , That in their great Brauadoes care not much What villanies they doe ; But 't is their humor , Only to fill mens mouthes with idle Rumor . And cause they know the Vulgar sort do deeme them , Youths of great Spirit , and do much esteeme them , But amongst wise-men they are sure to gaine . Reprochfull shame and wel deseru'd disdaine , Yet for to adde some fame vnto this story : We will bequeath them Erostratus glory . Nor haue our old men left that humor yet , For though through feeblenesse they are vnfit To put in practise their old tricks againe , Yet for to show they like them , and would faine , Thei 'le often with a lie or two recite them , And the rememberance doth so much delight them That whereas they ought rather to repent , And with a grieued heart for to lament Their former follie ; They with Ioy and Laughter Seeme to approu't in those that shall come after . Yet there 's a crew the which my Muse wel knows , To them she here a Memorandum owes And yet no Commendations , for they are But busie fellowes that doe boldly dare Take on them in their comments , for to finde The secret meaning of each Authors minde . And to apply that in particular That should extend to all in generall : And in this little booke perhaps they can , Say here I ment one , there another man ; And by their names they wil not stick to shew them , When as perhaps I nere so much as knew them . So from my honest meaning they will reare them A slander for some priuat grudge they beare them But though these are so bold , yet I beleeue , Or hope at least ▪ no men of wisedome giue Credit to any such interpretations , That are but false imaginations ; Since each of these what stile soere he craue , Doth show him a presumptuous foole and knaue , But heare all you that are quite voyd of care , What you presume in : chiefly you that dare , Maugre Gods threates , go foreward to fulfill , Your naughty , rash , vnbridled hare-braine will ; As if you thought that you your selues made all , And that indeed there were no God at al. Know this , ere long time it shall come to passe , That you shall houling sit and cry , alas : Cursing your births and miserable state , With sad repentance when it is too late , Vnlesse you now take time . Oh wormes ! oh men ! Forsake your follies , oh forsake them then , What wil you do else when that seiz'd by death , Ready to draw the latest gaspe of breath : When as you are so weak that you would faine , But cannot mooue your tongues for to complaine ? What would you do if then their should appeare The Authors of most miserable feare , Your guilty Consciences , and there vnroll To your remembrances the dreadfull scroll , Of your Presumptions , and with all present , ● vision of th' infernall punishment , ●repar'd for such ? And if in that bad case , You should behold him you esteemd so base ●t with such power , that at each frown he makes ●he earth doth tremble and the heauen shakes : What would you doe ? Oh any thing I 'me sure , ●o paine there is but you would then endure To scape his wrath if you do not dispaire , Then wil you beg , entreat , and promise faire ; Or any thing , if so it were you might Returne to life againe ; then you would quite Alter your doings , then forsooth you 'l be A patterne vnto all posterity . You would be humble , meeke , deuout and chaste But now there s time , and then it may be past : Yet I my selfe haue heard those that haue vow'd , Much in their anguish , and God hath allow'd A longer time , yea hath vouchsaft to saue And giue them life againe e'ne at the graue : And yet haue these forgot their former paine And turnd vnto their owne ill wayes againe : Which hauing seene , this for vs men I 'le speake , Not without griefe ; though nothing be so weake : Yet we are in our owne conceits so tall , That for presumption we do out-passe all : And if so be that this same hardning sinne Do seaze vpon the heart once and get in ; My mind is this 't will nere be purg'd thence well , No not with all the feares and pangs of Hell .

EPILOGVS . SO in some measure I haue now made knowne . What foule abuses Time to me hath showne And what man is : I haue explain'd some Crimes That I haue noted in these present times . Then though I haue beene stil accounted idle , This showes I haue not giuen time the bridle To run away vnmannag'd ; But did vse it Then best , when I seem'd most for to abuse it ? Here sinfull man thou maist behold in part Thy miserable state and what thou art : Thy Passions , thy vanities heere see , In part I say for all there cannot be : Thy wauerings and thy frailties I 'ue explain'd , With thy Presumption , yet nothing fain'd ; If thou hast read it , then I hope thou know'st , Though thou seem'st bad , thou art worse then thou show'st And I do trust thy wretchednesse espide , Will quell thy most intollerable pride ; I mus'd a while thou wert so prone to sinning , But 't was thy fault I see from the beginning : And as the Lord himselfe once said , so stil , T' immaginations of thy heart are ill : That s one maine cause ; then to performe an euill , Thou hast the pronenesse of the flesh , the Diuell , With bad examples of his instigation , Besides the worldes rash approbation : But yet would I not haue thee think , oh man ! That I with Tymon the Athenian Desire to make thee so much feele thy woe , To goe and hang thy selfe ; I meane not so , Or for to driue thee thereby to dispaire , 'T is not my purpose , my intent's more faire : This I would haue thee doe , since flesh is fraile , And Sathan will be busie to preuaile : With heed and care watch ouer thy affection , And in thy doings follow this direction . First see if 't be thy flesh that mooues thee to Those thinges the which thou art about to doe , Next to consider well it doth behooue thee , What kind of men they are that do approoue thee : For true it is as I haue oft beene taught , What flesh desires , and most approoues is naught . And since they thrust thee forward vnto euill , Thou hast an ill heart , proud flesh , and the Diuill With bad example . Learne oh man to season , Thy hart with sacred , thoughts , with truth & reason Thy flesh with labour ; and with fasting tame And t wil not be so subiect vnto blame ; Preuent the Diuels baits and his temptations , With earnest prayers and good meditations , And see thou heed to thy companions giu'st , Since thou wilt be as these with whom thou liu'st ; Yea since thou art so subiect vnto sinne , Shun all occasions that may draw thee in , So when thy God shall see thou hast a will , And true desire for to amend what 's ill , He will accept it for his sonnes deare sake , And thee more willing , and more able make ; Yea should thy Sinnes more red then scarlet grow , Yet he would make them whiter then the snow . Thy now blacke soule , were it thrice more defilde , As innocent as is the new borne child : And thy most miserable body , farre More glorious then is the brightest Starre : But if thou , without care or heed , dost leane Vnto those lusts of flesh that are vncleane ; If thou take pleasure and delight to doe them , Quite giuing ouer thy desire vnto them , They both in soule and body toe , will make thee So fowle a Leaper that God will forsake thee ; His holy Angels and his Saints abhor thee , And onely Diuels make entreaty for thee ; Yea thou must in Gehynnon waile with them , That are excluded new Ierusalem .

The end of the second booke .

THE SCOVRGE . MY Muse I purpos'd to haue rested heere , And so she should indeed , but that I feare A gentle warning wil not now suffice To make men leaue off their iniquities : Yea , I do know their negligence so great , T is not enough for to perswade or threat : And therefore I me resolued ere I part , To giue them a remembrance to their smart , And though full loath , cause their ill natures vrge I le send abroad a Satir with a scourge , That to their shame for this abuse shall strip them , And being naked in their vices , whip them : And to be sure of these that are most rash , Not one shall scape him that deserues a lash , But some will kick , now let them kick & spare not , So he may come and Ierk them well I care not ; For be they rich , or poore , or weake , or strong , I le make him finde them that delight in wrong , Not in despight , to make reuengefull rumors ; Rather in sport to mock the worlds base humors ; But least I make my Prologue ouer-large , ‛ I le let my whipping-Satyr know his charge : First though he haue but little manners got ; Bred in the woods ; where many vse them not : Yet will I send him to suruey the court , And dance the Witch to make his king some sport . Doe Satyr , goe , thou shalt not be disdain'd , Loue without merit hath bin entertain'd , And so many thine ; that Progenies the most , Yea all indeed of which the world can boast , And that so worthy : ( 't is a wondrous matter ) Commend it how thou wilt thou canst not flatter . If thou maist get their fauour that 's the best , There is no cause why thou should'st feare the rest The good will help but neuer hurt , then care not , Although the wicked would offend they dare not . First lash the great ones , but if thou be wise , In generall and doe not speciallize : Yet if thou do , so wisely let it be , None may except but those that faulty be . Now peraduenture some will rage or storme , But that 's no matter thou art freely borne ; And though their eies spark fire , and they look big Be thou as sterne , thou need'st not care a fig ; And tell them plainely ' t is not all their shew , Can make them think them better than they know ; 'T is not great words , nor yet a large possession , Shall free them from the scandall of oppression , Thogh they can now , to get themselues a name , Build Babell vp a new , and quickly frame Such loftie Pallaces as if they ment , To threaten heauen from the batlement . Who wonders at it ? none I thinke ; and why ? Who is so mad to tel them that , not I ? Yet Satyr looke that thou before thou part , Giue them one ierke to make their Honors smart , Their Stately houses say are things but vaine : An age or two shall rot them downe againe ; And for their vice if there be none dare show it , Say I haue vow'd to make the world to know it , Then t is not toombes nor yet a heape of stones , Shall make men thinke the better of their bones , No , it shall speake their Auarice and pride , Which those they scorn'd and wrong'd , shall then deride . So let them go their Soueraigne to attend , And those that be not at the best , amend : Search on for more ; but if thou hap to finde Any among them of the female kinde , Women or Angels , bad or good ; thine eyes Shall not looke toward their infirmities . What ere some say , no man will , or can , Wrong him ( I le warrant ) that 's an honest man , For they are good and surely would be still , Wer 't not that men did often make them ill : Those that are angry with them let them show it , I le say th' are Vertuous for because I know it . Mens faults I tell , so may he womens too That 's plagu'd by whores , with whom he had to doe . These if thou hap to see , I charge thee skip , And search in euery office with thy whip ; There , there are those that for their priuate store Make both th' exchequer & the commons poore , Extortion doth maintaine their brauery , Yet lay not open all their knauery , But tell them they a new account must bring , That lash perhaps their guilty soule will sting . Thou shalt in Court another troope espy , Such as in show are full of honesty , Faire tong'd ; but he that such fine followers wants Is happy ; for they are but Sycophants , Dissembling ▪ Villaines : do but note them well , And thou wilt say they are the brood of hell . For pluck away their fain'd fidelity , And they are e'ne a heap of villany : To make them smart these wordes to them commend That beggery and shame shall be their end . Yet thou shalt find depending on the Court Some that wil ieast to make their betters sport , But sift them , I durst pawne a brace of testers , If truth were known they are more fooles then Iesters And so they are suppos'd , although indeed , They are more knaues then fooles ; but take thou heed Come not within the compasse of their Bable , Then call them knaues as lowd as thou art able ; If thou come thither at some publike show , As there thou shalt be whether they will or no , Remember that thou make a shift to creepe Neere to the place where they the Re●els keep . There stand a while vnseene , and do no more , But note those fellowes that do keep the doore , If thou perceiue some , as some will do then , Keep out a many worthy Gentlemen , And let a Laundresse or a Scoundrel passe , Giue him a ierk and tell him hee 's an asse ; But least thou spy what may make thee asham'd , Or speake of that for which thou maist be blam'd , Leaue thou the Court if thy owne ease thou pitty , And come a while to walke about the Citty ▪ As soone as there thou ent'rest thou shalt meet Great store of Gallants pacing out the street : A part from dice , or fence , or dancing come , And peraduenture from a whore-house some , Those are goodfellowes that will frankly spend , While land will last or any man wil lend ; And yet to see ( more fooles the world had neuer ) They are so proud as if 't t would last for euer , And though these lightly cannot haue a worse , Or deadlier sicknes then an empty purse Which wil ensue , yet tell them they must meete At the Kinges-bench , the Counter , or the Fleet , Then step vnto the Lawyers , peraduentnre They 'l by some Writ command thee not to enter : Yet feare them not but looke and thou shalt spye , Vnder their gownes a messe of Knauery . Pluck off their mask of law that clokes their drifts , And thou shalt see a world of lawlesse shir●s ; But tell them there s a iudge wil not be feed , And that perhaps wil make their conscience bleed ; Then tell the Scriueners as thou passest by : That they were best to leaue their forgery , Or else , why is 't their eares do scape so well , The Diuell meanes to beare them whole to hell ▪ Tell the Phisitions if thou meet with any , Their Potions & their Drugs haue murther'd many For which thou would'st haue lasht , but dost delay them Because the diuel means himselfe to pay then ; But if thei 'l proue conclusions , bid them then , Try't on themselues and not on other men : Desire the Brokers that they would not yaune , After the forfeit of anothers pawne , It is their right by law thei le say , t is true , And so 's their soule , perhaps , anothers due ; But sting them if their conscience quite be fled , Then shall they pay what they haue forfeited : Entreat the Tailor next , if that he can , To leaue his theft and proue an honest man ; If that he think the matter be too hard , Knock him about the noddle with his yard , If he bee ritch and take the same in snuffe , Tell him his substance is but stolen stuffe And that the Iay would hardly brook the weather , If eu'ry Bird should take away her feather . So hauing whipt him , let the Priest go shrieue him , And if he haue authority forgiue him : Go warn the Crafts man that he do not lurke All day at ale-house , and neglect his worke , And then suruey the ware of euery trade , For much , I tell thee , is deceitfull made , Which if thou find I charge thee do not friend it , But call him knaue , and bid him go and mend it , Oh see if thou the Marchant-man canst find , For hee le be gone at turning of the wind , Bid him keep touch , or tell his worship how His heart wil tremble when the Seas are tough , Desire him to , if he doe trauaile thither , Where Conscience is , that he would bring some hither , Here 's little ; some wil haue it ; if none will , He shall gaine by it though he keepe it still ; If he bring none , 't were Charitie , I thinke , To pray some storme might make his vessell sinke ; Looke in their ships , for I haue knowne deceit Hath bin in both the Owner and the fraight , Yea note them well , & thou shalt finde their bookes Are ginns for wood-cocks made like tenter-hooks : Well they are ritch , the Marchant wealth obtaines And cares not how , so he encrease his gaines ; Yet least his wealth may hap to make him proud , Satyr I pray thee , tell him this aloude To make him smart , that whilst he like a mome , Playes fast abroad , his wife pla●es loose at home ; Nor shall his ill-got masse of wealth hould out But he or his become a banquerout : Now to thy rest , t is night ; but here approaches A troupe with torches hurried in their Coaches , Stay and behold , what are they ? I can tell , Some bound for Shoreditch , or for Clarken-well : Oh these are they which thinke that Fornication , Is but a youthfull sportfull recreation : These to hold out the game , maintaine the back With marrow pies , potato-rootes and sack : And when that Nature hath consum'd her part , Can hould out a Luxurious course by art : Goe stop the horses quickly least thou misse And tel the Coachmans wanton carriage this , They of their guide must be aduised well , For they are running downe the hill to hell . Their Venery will soone consume their stocks , And bring them to repentance with a poxe . So other crimes committed without light , Let such reueale as see like Owles by night : For many men a secret fault can finde , But in apparant rougeries are blind Or else they will not see ; but thou wertst best Leaue whipping and betake thee to thy rest ; If in an Inne it be , before thou sup , Will that the Tapster call his maister vp And bid him kindly , since he giues thee lodging , To vse plaine dealing and detest all dodging . Dissembling's naught , hard rekonings they ar wors● Light gaines ( they say ) will make a heauy purse . And let them not ( this fault is very rife ) Make any guest familiar with his wife . For many men ( they weare but what they should ) Do make their wiues more wanton then they would . Thereby they gaine , their Innes are wel frequented But such ill courses are too late repented ; So schoole him well and do thy whip refraine , And send him to his other guests againe . Then thou shalt see the nimble Tapster flie , Still yalling , here , anon sir , by and by , So dilligent , till thou thy selfe acquaint With his ●ly tricks thou 'lt ●'take him for a Saint . But I suppose that they haue tane an oth , Neuer to ●●ll a pot but halfe with froth ; And there 's an old shift if they leaue it not , There must be something added to the shot . But wilt thou swagger with him for it ? no , But take him as he is and let him goe , Now for most hostlers if thou hap to try them . Knaues thou maist say they are and not belie them , For they deceaue the poore dumb traueling beast , And for the same deseru'd a ierke at least ; Yet do thou spare them , for there is no doubt , Some guest will finde a time to pay the lout . Well , hauing rested and discharg'd thine host , I le send thee downe , into the country , Post ; For I haue bus'nes , no man would beleiue , With whom d'ye thinke ? e'ne with the vnder-Shreeue Tell him thou heardst ( and that 's a fault indeed ) That in some causes he is double-feed . And that moreouer he deserues a Portion , With those that are indited for extortion . Yea and for other things as well as that , Tell him the country tearmes him he knowes what ▪ A● which if he make light as if he care not , Whip him in conscience soundly for 't , and spare not Now for our Knights ; their much formality , Hath made them leaue their hospitality , Yet , le●t they should be angry say no more , This age hath made a number of them poore ; And that some toe ( or else they are belied ) Haue begger'd their posteritie with pride , And since thou art so neere them doe not cease Vntill thou see our Iustices of peace , There try if thou canst get but so much fauour , To bind the Country to the good behauiour , And tell them how thou hast informed been , That they haue granted Warrants vpon spleene ; Are partiall , and haue ouer-sway'd by might The poore mans cause that 's innocent and right : If this thou finde be true , thou hast permission ; To lash , or put them out of the Commission ; The Cunstable if he were bid , I wiss , Be good in 's office , 't were not much amiss : For he , they say , a many meanes may haue , If so he be dispos'd to play the knaue ; See how he deales and makes thy message known , For he hath stocks and whipping-posts of 's owne : There are Church-wardens to , I shame to see How they runne into wilfull periurie , Partlie in fauour and in part for feare , They wink 't at much disorder in a yeare ; But if thou hap to take them in the lurch , Ierke them as euill members of the Church ; If they reply , offenders are so friended Though they present , 't is little thing amended , Yet tell them 't is their duty to discharge , Their consciences in euery thing at large ; Which if they doe , ill doers shall be sham'd Or the corrupted Visitors be blam'd And prethee tell the B. Chancellor , That thou art sent to be his counsellor : And will him if he meane not to be stript , And like a schoole boy once againe be whipt , His worship would not so bad minded be , To peruert iudgement for a scuruy fee . Then next go tell the reuerent good maisters , Thou and the Clergy needs must fall at wasters : Faith thou shalt find their Doctorships perhaps , Disputing of their Surplesses and caps , About the holy Crosse , and Gowne , a Hood , Or some such matters for the Churches good , But tell them there are other thinges to doe , A great deale fitter to be lookt into . And if they please to go their Visitation , There 's waightier matters looke for reformation , Yea say there s many an infirmity , Which they both may and ought to remedy . But touch them with remembrance of their place , And they perhaps will alter then the case , Then bid those Dunces in our Colledges , That they prouide them good Apologies : For 't is reported lately they haue borh , Betooke themselues to Venery and sloth , And seek not learning only as they should , But are back friends to many a man that would 'T were fit they made a publike recantation , And were wel whipt before a Congregation . Sole auing them their wits for to refine , Thou shalt be bold to looke on the Diuine ; They say , hee 's growne more carefull of his stock , His profits and his tithes then of his flock : Now if thou find report hath not belied him , With a respect vnto his Calling chide him , I had almost forgot our ciuill Doctors ; I pray thee warne them and their lazy Proctors , They would not vse to make so many pauses , Before they do determine poore mens causes , And let them not suppose their fees are small , Since they at last wil get the Diuell and all , There be Court Barrons many in the way , Thus maist thou to the Guardians of them say , Their policy in raising fines and rents , Hath put poore men beside their Tenements : And tel them , let them answer if they can , Their false Court-roles hath vndone many a man ; Say thou hast seene what to their place belong'd And knowst , ofttimes both Lord & tenants wrong'd Yet spare thy whip ; for why ? the peoples curse , Already hath prepared them a worse , So when that thou hast punisht vices slaues , And roundly Ierk't the Country petty-knaues , Then march we to the Camp to bloody Nero And tel the ruftling shuffling Caualero ; He whose hard-heart can brooke to rob or spill , His friend or foe , to ruine , wound or kil , Tel him , I say , there is a misery Must follow to reuenge his cruelty ; And see that thou the Ruffaines courage quaile , Or lash him till the stock and whipcord faile ; Walke but the round , and thou maist hap to catch , The carelesse souldiers sleeping in their watch , Or in a march perhaps thei le goe astray , But if thou see them in their best aray , And without leaue and warrant roming out , To fetch some desperate booty there about , Remember them ; and for their stout brauado's , Let them be wel prefer'd with bastinadoes , Then bid the Captaines in their Garisons , Not lay to paune their rich Caparisons , Nor come vppon the score til they are forc't , To be disarmd for payment , or vnhors't , Nor keepe the soldiers hire , least they be faine , To make an insurrection or complaine , For that indeed prooues oftentimes the cause , They do so much transgresse the Martiall lawes ; Yea tel him 't is a scandall to be drunke And drowne their valour , or maintaine a Punk ; Then if he mend not for to blot his fame , In steed of honor whip him for 't with shame , Then lastly there are selfe-conceited wits , Whose stomacks nought but their own humor fits , Detractors , Critticks ; who en'e at the best , Do bite with enuy or else snarle at least , And in thy progresse if discern'd thou be , 'T is out of question they wil snap at thee , To spight them then the waie 's not to out-brawle them , But say thou car'st not , & that lash wil gaule them : Now Satyr leaue me to my selfe alone , Thou hast thy message and thou maist be gone , Whip any that shall offer to withstand thee , In executing that which I command thee ; And yet so , ho , ho , ho , come back againe , Be sure that thou do vnderstand me plaine : First note ; I from my Scourge do here except , The Guard by whom the kingdomes peace is kept The vertuous Peeres : Alas ! I nothing grutch them , And on my blessiing see thou do not touch them : And if in all our offices there s any ; That is an honest man amongst so many ; Him did I euer meane that thou shouldst spare , Because I know that such a one is rare ; Physick and Law I honor both ( God blesse it ) With euery vertuous man that doth professe it , I do not ayme at such as they , nor when I flout our Gallants , meane I Gentlemen , Such worthy Brittaines as maintained be , According to their fashion and degree : No , those I loue ; and what can I lesse doe , Since I of them am wel-beloued to ; To blame all Marchants neuer was my will , Nor do I think all Trades-mens work is ill ; My meaning must not so be vnderstood , For the last shooes I had were very good ; Yea and so farre am I from such a thought , Thou shouldst against the vertuous doe ought , That if thou but an honest Tapster see , Tell him I wish we might acquainted be ; And I 'le that Hostler loue which in amends , Will vse my horse wel , that we may be friends ; And to be breefe good Satyr vnderstand That thou maist not mistake what I command : 'T is not my meaning neither do I like , That thou at this time shouldst in speciall strike , Because my hatred might appeare as then , Not to the vice , but rather to the men ; Which is not so , for though some malice me with eu'ry one am I in charitie ; And if that thou doe euer come to sight , And bring thy yet concealed charge to light ▪ I wish it might be tooke as 't was intended : And then no vertuous man wil be offended : But if that any man doe thinke amiss , Vpon my life that partie guiltie is ; And therefore lash him , so get thee out of dore Come what come will , I 'le call thee back no more : So , now he 's gone the way that I direct him , I wonder how the world will now respect him , If that she maruaile why he was not bolder , Perhaps he may be when that he is older ; He hath too smooth a chin , a looke too mild , A token that he is not wholly wild ; But may I reach the yeares of other men , If that this loose world be not mended then , I le send a Satyr rougher then a Beare That shal not chide and whip , but scartch & teare . And so I 'le teach him he shall be too strong , For all your Paris-garden dogs to wrong . This Satyr hath a scourge , ( but it wants weight , Your Spanish whips were worse in eighty-eight , ) That shall not onely make them howle for paine , But touse them , till they hold their peace againe : Now if the world , frowne vpon me for 't , Shall I be sorie ? No , 't wil mend my sport ; But what if I my self should hap to stray , Out of my bounds into my Satyrs way ? Why then ; and that 's as much as I need doe , I giue him leaue to come and lash me toe . So now my Muse a resting time requires , For shee 's or ' wearied and her Spirit tires . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 FINIS .

Certaine Epigrammes to the Kings most excellent Maiestie , the Queene , the Prince , the Princesse , and other Noble and Honorable Personages , and friends to whom the Author gaue any of his bookes .

To the Kings Maiestie . EPIGRAM. 1. LOe here ●read Sou'raign and great Brittans King First to thy view I haue presum'd to bring , These my Essaies ; On which but ge●ly looke , I do not make thee Patron of m● booke : For 't is not sit ●ur Faiths-Desender ( still ) Take the protection of each trifling quill ; No ; yet because thy wisdome able is , Of all things to make vse ; I g●ue thee this : The Picture of a Beast in Humane shape , 'T is neither Monkey , nor Baboone , nor Ape , Though neere Conditioned ; I haue not sought it brought it In Affrick Deserts ; neither haue I Out of Ignota terra : those wild lands , Beyond the farthest Magalanick strands Yeeld not the like ; the Fiend liues in this Il And I mu●'d that you spied not all this while That Man-like Monster . But ( alas ) I saw , The looke of Maiestie kept him in awe ; He wil not , for he dares not before thee Shew what ( indeed ) he vses for to be ; But in thy presence he is meeke , demure , Deuout , chast , honest , innocent , and pure : Seeming an Angell , free from thought of ill , And therefore thou must needs so thinke him stil. But for because thy Soueraigne place denies , The sight of what is view'd by meaner eyes : This I haue brought thee , with much care and paine , 'T was like to haue bin forced backe again : So loath the world was , that thou should'st view , The Portrature that I haue drawne so true ; Yea yet , ( I feare ) she findes her selfe so gal'd , That some wil study how to haue 't recal'd ; But t is too late ; for now my Muse doth trust , When thou hast seen 't thou wilt approoue what 's iust . And if I may but once perceiue , or heare , That this sounds pleasing in thy kingly eare , I le make my Muse for to describe him fuller , And paint him forth in a more liuely cullour : Yea I wil to the worlds great shame vnfold , That which is knowne , but neuer yet was told ; Meane while great King a happy Monar●h raigne , In spight of Rome , the Diuel , Hel , and Spaine .

Another to his Maiesty . EPIGR. 2. AS he that feedes on no worse meat then Quailes , And with choice dainties pleaseth Appetite : Wil neuer haue great list to gnaw his nailes , Or in a course thin diet take delight , So thou great King that still dost ouerlooke , The learned workes , that are most deepe , most rare ▪ Canst not perhaps these my rude Satyrs brooke : Thou dost not for such sharp fang'd Critticks care : Oh do not yet thy selfe so much estrange , From wonted curtesie to others showne , A Country dish doth often serue for change , And something heere is worthy to be knowne . Sharpe sauce giues sweetest meat a better tast ; And though that this to many bitter be , Thou no such sicknes in thy stomack hast , And therefore 't will be pleasing vnto thee : What though I neither flater , fawne , nor sooth , My honest plainenesse shall more truely praise thee , Then those that in Court language filed smooth , Striue vnbeleeuing Tropheis for to raise thee , My loyall heart cannot so well impart , The loue it beares your Maiesty as other●s : The want of Time , Encouragement and Art , My purpose in the Embrio still smothers . Obscurity , Grosse-Fates , and want of Meanes , Would haue made Romes great Maro harshly sing ▪ But if once Caesar to his musique leanes , His tunes through all the world will sweetly ring ▪ And why are English wits so perfect growne ? But for because thy kingly hand peruses , Their wel tun'd Poems ; and hath bounty showne , Yea it is thou giust light vnto their Muses . Oh! had I such a Star for Pole to mine , I 'de reach a straine should rauish all the Nine .

To the Queenes Maiesty EPIGR. 3. DAughter , Wife , Sister , ' Mother to ' In Posse . a King ▪ And Empresse of the North , enrich your Name ; Yet do you chastity and wisedome bring , Bounty , and curtesie to make vp true fame . Which ●ince ( faire Queen ) my Muse hath vnderstood , She 's bold into your presence to intrude , Assured , honest meanings that are good , Shall find acceptance there , though they seeme rud● , Looke and behold the Vanities of men , Their Misery , their Weaknesse , and their Pride , Daigne to suruey this booke ( I say ) and then , When you haue each particular espi'de : Thinke with your selfe , how highly blest you be , For to enioy a Prince that both knowes how , To keepe himselfe , from such fell Passion free , And make so many mad-wild creatures bow , Indeed here 's Vices tablet plainely made , Not veiled ouer , or obscurely drawne ; T is in a colour which shall neuer fade , That men may blush , on such a hag to fawne ▪ But if your Grace will fauour what I sing , Though Vertue be in durance I le erpreeue her That now despised Nimph to honour bring , Set al her hidden beauties forth ; and giue her So sweet a looke , and such a deft attire , Men shal grow loue-sick and burne with desire .

To CHARLES Prince of Wales . EPIG. 4. SEE here faire Of-spring of the royall Stem , What all the world almost is subiect to ; Behold it so , thou truely maist contemne , And from thy heart abhorre what others doe , Now is the fit and only time to season , That young , rare-vnderstanding breast of thine With sacred precepts , good aduise , and reason ; But there 's no doubt thou wilt to good incline , Inheritance , great Prince , will make it thine : And were Mans nature , yet more prone to fall , Soe to be borne , and so taught , helpes all .

To the Princesse . EPIG. 5. SWeet Princesse ; though my Muse sings not the glories , Of faire aduenterous Knights or Ladies loues : Though here be no Encomiastick stor●es , That tender hearts , or gentle Spirits moues , Yet in an honest homelie Rustick straine , She shews the Creature ( such may you nere know ) Forgiue her though she be seuere , or plaine , Truth that may warrant it commanded so . Yea view it ouer with beleefe ; but than , I am afraid you will abhor a man . And yet you need not ; All deserue not blame , For that great Prince that wooes for to be yours If that his worth but equalize his fame , Is free from any Sat●r here of ours . Nay they shall praise him ; for though they haue whips To make the wicked their offences rue , And dare to scourge the greatest when he trips , Vertue shall still be certaine of her due . But for your sake ; ( if that you entertaine him , ) Oh would he were ( a man ) as I could faine him Yet sweet Elizabeth : that happy Name , If we lost nothing else by loosing thee ; So deare to Eng●and is , we are to blame If without teares and sighes we parted be ; But if thou must make blest another Clime ; Remember Our ; and for that ; though I vse , A crabbed subiect and a Churlish Rime , Daine but to be the Mistris of my Muse ; And I le change Theames , and in a lofty stile , Keepe thee aliue for euer , in this I le .

To the Lords of his Maiesties most honorable Priuy Counsell . EPIGR. 6. MOst Honor'd Lords ; I heere present this book , To your graue censures , not to shew my Art : Nere did you on so rude a matter looke , Yet t is the token of an honest heart , I did it not to please , nor flatter any , Nor haue I made it for the thirst of gaine : For I am sure it wil not humor many , And I expect much hatred for my paine . Here somthing you may see that now requires , Your care and prouidence to haue 't amended : That 's the maine poynt to which my Muse aspires , And whereto I haue all my labour tended : It may be there be some out of their hate , Will mis-interpret what is plainely ment ; Or tax me as too saucy with the State , In hope to make me for the Truth be ●hent , Yet know Great Lords , I do acknowledge heere , It is your wisdomes that next God maintaines , This Kingdomes good ; And from my heart I beare● A reuerent respect vnto your paines . I do not , as such faine would haue it seeme , Presume to teach your wisedomes what is best , I do not my owne knowledge so esteeme , Vile selfe conceit I from my heart detest . But for because I know the percing'st eye , Can neuer into all abuses see ; And since the greatest in Authority , May not behold some-time so much as we : What therefore I haue thought to be amisse And worth amending I haue told it heere : I know your Honors wil be pleas'd in this , Though some ( it may be ) cannot rage forbeare . But if there 's any take this writing badly , Had it told all , it would haue vext him madly .

To Henry Earle of South-hampton . EPIGR. 7 SOuth-hampton ; since thy Prouince brought me forth● And on those pleasant mountaines I yet keepe ●ought to be no stranger to thy worth , Nor let thy Vertues in obliuion sleepe . Nor wil I ; if my fortunes giue me time : Meane while read this , and see what others be ; ●f thou canst lik 't , and wil but grace my R●me , ●wil so blaze thy Hampshire springs and thee , Thy Arle , Test , Stowre , and Auon shal share Fame , Either with Humber , Seuerne , Trent or Thame .

To William Earle of Penbrooke . EPIG. 8. THou whom respect of kin makes not vniust , True Noble Spirit free from hate or guile ; ●hou whom thy Prince hath for thy care and trust , ●●ac't for to keepe the entrance of this I le , ●e heere th' abuses of these wicked Times , ●haue expos'd them open to thy view : ●hy iudgement is not blinded with like crimes , 〈◊〉 therefore maist perceiue that all is true . ●Take't , though I seeme a stranger , yet I know thee ; ●nd for thy vertues Penbrooke , this I owe thee .

To the Lord Lisle , Lord Chamberlaine to the Queene . EPIGRAM. 9. BEing a Sidney and so neere allied , To him whose matchlesse rare immortall pen Procur'd of Fame to haue him deifide , And liue for euer in the hearts of men : The loue my soule hath euer borne that name , Would certainely perswade me for your sake ; In honest seruice to aduenture blame , Or any open dangers vndertake , Yet shall not that your titles , nor your place , Your honours , nor your might , nor all you haue , Cause me to flatter for reward or grace ▪ Fortune shall neuer make my mind a slaue , But seeing that your Vertue shines apparant , And honorable acts do speake your praise : Since Good Report hath giuen forth her warrant , Which none so much as by himselfe gaine-saies , That ( and naught else but that ) compels my Muse , To sing your worth and to present her Owne , If this imperfect issue you 'le peruse , I le make her in a better forne be knowne , And teach her , that is now so rude and plaine , To soare a pitch aboue the common straine ,

To the Lady Mary Wroth. EPIGR. 10. MAdame , to call you best , or the most faire , The Vertu'st and the wisest in our daies : Is now not commendations worth a haire , For that 's become to be each hus-wifes praise . There 's no degree , below Superlatiue , Will serue some soothing Epigrammatists : The Worst they praise , exceeds Comparatiue , And Best can get no more out of their fists . But , Arts sweet Louer ; ( vnto whom ! know , There is no happie Muse this day remaines ; That doth not for your Worth and bounty owe , Euen himselfe , his best and sweetest straines . ) Vouchsafe , to let this booke your fauour finde , And as I heare haue Mans abuses showne , I le with like iust , and vncorrupted minde , So make your true vnfained Vertues knowne , While others false praise , shall in one's mouth be , All shall commend you , in the high'st degree .

To Sir Thomas Ridgeway , Knight Barronet , Treasurer of Ireland . EPIGR. 11. SIR , you first grac't and gratifi'd my Muse , Which nere durst try til then what she could do That which I did vnto my selfe was newes , A matter I was little vs'd vnto : Had you those first endeauours not approou'd , I should for euer more haue silence kept ; But now your good encouragement hath moou'd And rous'd my Spirits , that before time slept ; For which I vow'd a guift that should be better : Accept this for 't , and i le be still your debtor . Here you shall see the Images of men , More sauage then the wildest Irish kerne : Abuses whipt and stript , and whipt agen , I know your Iudgement can the Truth discerne , Now so you will thinke well of this my Rime , I 'ue such a mind yet to Saint Patrickes Ile , That if my Fate and Fortunes giue me time , I hope for to reuisit you a while , And make those sparkes of honour to flame high That rak't vp in Obliuions cinders lie .

To his Father . EPIGR. 12. OThers may glorie that their Fathers hands Haue scrapt together mighty summes of gold Boast in the circuit of new purchast lands , Or heards of cattell more then can be told . God giue them ioy ; their wealth I le nere enuy , For you haue gotten me a greater store , And though I haue not their prosperitie , In my conceit I am not halfe so poore . You learn't me with a little to content me , Shew'd how to bridle passion in some measure ; And through your meanes I haue a Talent lent me , Which I more valew then all Indies treasure ; For when the al-most boundlesse patrimonies , Are wasted ; those by which our great ones trust To be eterniz'd : when their Ceremonies Shall be forgotten , and their toombes be dust ; Then to the glorie of your future line , Your owne and my friends sacred memorie , This litle , poore , despised , wealth of mine , Shall raise a Trophee of eternitie , Which fretting enuy , nor consuming time , Shall ere abolish or one whit offend : A toplesse Statue that to starres shall clime , Far greater then your Art shall comprehend : But I must needs confesse t is true , I yet Reape little profit in the eyes of men : My Tallent yeelds small outward benefit , Yet I le not leaue it for the world agen , Though 't bring no gaine that you by artful sleight Can measure out the earth in part or whole ; Sound out the Centers depth , and take the height , Either of th' Artick , or Antartick pole : Yet t is your pleasure , it contentment brings , And so my Muse is my content and ioy , I would not misse her to be ranckt with Kings , How euer some account it is a toy , But hauing then ( and by your meanes ) obtaind ▪ So rich a patrimony for my share : For which with linkes of loue I 'me euer chaind , What duties fitting for such bounties are ? Moreouer Nature brought me in your debt , And still I owe you for your cares and feares : Your paines and charges I doe not forget Beside the interest of manie yeares : What waie is there to make requitall for it ? Much I shall leaue vnpaid doe what I can : Should I be then vnthankefull ? I abhorre it , The Will maie serue when Power wants in man : This booke I giue you then , heere you shall finde Somewhat to counteruaile your former cost ; It is a little Index of my mind ; Time spent in reading it , will not be lost ▪ Accept it and when I haue to my might , Paid all I can to you ; if powers diuine Shall so much in my happi●es delight , To make you Grandsire to a sonne of mine : Looke what remaines and may by right be due ▪ I 'le pay it him as 't was receiud from you . Your louing Sonne . George Wither .

To his mother . EPIG. 13. VNgrateful is the child that can forget , The Mothers many paines , her cares , her feares , And therefore though I cannot pay the debt , Due for the smallest drop of your kind teares ; This Booke I for acknowledgement do giue you , Wherein you may perceiue my heart ▪ my mind ; Let neuer false report of me more grieue you , And you shall sure no iust occasion find , Loue made you apt to feare those slanders true , Which in my absence were but lately sowne : It was a motherly distrust in you , But those that raisd them are false villaines known For though I must confesse I am indeed , The vilest to my selfe that liues this time , Yet to the world ward I 'ue tane such heed , There s none can spot me with a hainous crime . This I am forct to speake , you best know why , Wherer's that man liuing that dare say I lye .

To his deare friend Maister Thomas Cranly . EPIGR. 14. BRother , for so I call thee , not because Thou wert my Fathers , or my Mothers sonne , Nor consanguinity , nor wedlock lawes , Could such a kindred twixt vs haue begun , We are not of one blood , nor yet name neither , Nor sworn in brotherhood with ale house quarts We neuer were so much as drunke together , T was no such slight acquaintance ioynd our harts But a long knowledge with much trial did it ( Which for to chuse a friend are good directions , ) And though we lou'd both well at first , both hid it , Till 't was discouered by a like affections . Since which , thou hast ore-gon me far in showing The Office of a friend ; do 't stil and spare not , Lo heere 's a Memorandum for what 's owing ; But know for all thy kind respect I care not , Vnlesse thou 'lt show how I may seruice do thee , Then I wil sweare I am beholding to thee . Thine G. W.

To his louing friend , and Cousen-German , M. WILLIAM WITHER . EPIGR. 15. IF that the Standerds of the house bewray , What Fortunes to the owners may betide : Or if their Destinies , as some men say , Be in the names of any signifi'd ; T is so in thine for that faire antique shield , Borne by thy Predecessors long agoe , Depainted with a cleere pure Arg●nt field , The innocency of thy line did show . Three sable Crescents with a Cheueron gul'de Tel's that black fates obscur'd our howses light ; Because the Planet that our fortunes rul'd , Lost her owne lustre and was darkned quite : And as inded our aduersaries say ; The very name of Wither showes decay . But yet despaire not , keep thy white vnstain'd , And then it skills not what thy Crescents be What though the Moone be now increas't , now wain'd Learne thence to know thy lifes inconstancy , Be carefull as thou hitherto hast beene , To shun th' abuses Man is tax't for heere , And then thy soule , that 's now ecclips'd with sin , When Moone and Sun are darkned shal look cleere And what soer'e thy English name may threat , The ᵃ Haruests sonne the Greekes entitle thee , Ere thou shalt want , thy ᵃ H●re wil bring thee meat , And , to kill care , her selfe thy make-sport be , Yea yet ( though Enuies mists do make them dull ) I hope to see the wained Orbes at full .

For the better vnderstanding of this Epigram , note that his Armes are in a field argent a Cheuron , Gules betwixt three crescents sable , his name accord●ng to the Greekes is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , and his Crest is a Hare with thre● wheat eares in her mouth .

To his Schoole-maister , Maister Iohn Greaues . EPIGR. 16. I Feuer I doe wish I maie be rich , ( As oft perhaps such ilde breath I spend ; ) I doe it not for any thing so much , As for to haue wherewith to pay my friend . For trust me , there is nothing grieues me more Then this ; that I should still much kindnes take , And haue a Fortune ( to my mind ) so poore , That ( though I would ) amends I cannot make : Yet for to be as thankefull as I maie , Snce my estate no better meanes affords , What I in deed receiue , I doe repaie In willingnes , in thankes and gentle words . Then though your loue doth well deserue to haue Better requitals then are in my power ; Knowing you 'l nothing vltra posse craue , Here I haue brought you some Essaies of our : You may thinke much , perhaps , since ther 's so many Learn'd Graduates that haue your pupils beene ; I who am none , and more vnfit then any , Should first presume in publike to be seene : But you doe know those horses in the teeme , That with their worke are ablest to goe through , Seldome so forward as blind Bayard seeme , ( Or giue so many twitches to the plough ) And so though they may better ; their intent Is not , perhaps , for to be fooles is print .

To the captious Reader . WHat thou maist say or thinke , it is no matte But if thou busily imagine here , Since most of these are mighty , that I flatter ; Know , sacred Iustice is to me so deare , Did not their Vertues in my thoughts thus ra●●ther To get an Empire by them I 'de not praise the●●

FINIS .