Certayne chapters of the prouerbes of Salomon drawen into metre by Thomas sterneholde, late grome of the kynges Magesties robes

¶ Certayne Chapters of the prouerbes of Salomon drawen into metre by Thomas sterneholde , late grome of the kynges Magesties robes .

¶ Imprynted at London by Iohn Case , dwellynge in Peter colledge rentes , for Willyam Seres .

Cum priuilegio ad immendum solum ,

To the ryght worshipful , and my singuler good Maister , syr Thomas Spek knyght , one of the gentilmen , of the kynges maiesties most honourable privy chambre , your most bounden seruaunte to commaunde at all tymes , Ihon Case wysheth worshyppe , healthe , and prosperitie , wyth encrease of vertue .

Considerynge the duty and seruice whyche I owe to youre good mastershyppe , I have no lesse then iust cause wyth chearfull & ready herte , to offer the same vnto you . As well for that youre maistershyppe hath not onely shewed manifold benifites to my poore frendes , but also vnto me , beynge one among al other left able to acquite any parte of youre goodnes , my power and habilitie beynge , smalle , myne herte and mynde beynge readye . In token whereof I haue dedicated thys little boke vnto your maistershyppes name , desiering you accordynge to youre accustomed gentlenesse to take the same in good parte , and also for a testimonye , that if I were able by anye other meane to gratifye youre maistershyppe , that I woulde be as ready as any manne lyuyng . The copye of thys boke was deliuered me by a frende of myne beynge sometyme seruaunte vnto maister Thomas Sterneholde , whereby it is to be coniectured , that the same were putte in metre by hym , yet not so parfectly perused , by reason of sodaine deathe , as perchaunce he would haue done , if he hadde longer lyued . Notwythstandynge , I truste your mastershyppe nor any other shall thynke than worthy to lye in a corner , and neuer to appeare abrode . In hope whereof I haue caused the same to be prynted , & haue dedicated the same vnto you , as the fyrste fruites of my good wyll , towardes your maistershippe . Thus desierynge God to prospere you in al worshippe & encrese of vertue .

¶ Your good maistershyps most humble seruaunt at al times to commaunde Iohn Case .

DO al your dedes with good aduice cast in your myndes alwayes the end Wit bought is of to dere aprice , the tried trust take as your frend . For frendes I fynd there be but two , of countenaunce & of effect : Of the one sorte there are inoughe , but fewe bene of the other sect . Also beware the venune swete , of filed wordes and flattery : For to deceive , they be moste mete , that best can playe hypocrisie . let wisdome rule your dede & thought so shal your works be wiseli wrought Who lyst to leade a quiet lyfe , who lyst to rid him self from strife : Geue care to me , marke what I saye , remember well , beare it away . Hold backe thy tong at meate & mele speke but few words , bestow them wel By words the wise man thou shalt espye by words a fole thou shalt sone try . A wiseman can his tonge make cease , a fole can neuer hold hys peace . Who loueth reste , of wordes beware , who loueth wordes , is sure of care , For wordes oftymes , men haue been shent for silence kept , fewe theim repente . Two eares , one tong , only thou hast , into thinges to hear , then wordes to wast A fole in no wise can hi forbeare , he hath two tonges , & but one eare . Be sure thou kepe a stedfaste brayne , lest that thy wordes put y● to paine . Wordes wisely set are worthe much gold the price of rashnes is sone told If time require wordes to be had , to hold thi peace I hold the madde . Talke onely of neadful verities , stryue not for triflyng fantasies . With sobernes the trouthe boult out , affyrme nothing wherin is doubte . Who to this song wil take good hede & spend no mo wordes then he nede . Though he be a fole & haue no brain he shal bi this great wisdome gaine . Speke while time is , els hold the styll , words out of time oft things do spil . Say wel , & do wel , are things twaine twise blest is he , in whom both do raine Say well is sure a worthy thyng , of say wel great goodnes doth alway sprig Saiwel from dowel differ a leter saywel is good , but dowel is better . Say wel is ruled by man somedeale , do wel to god doth wholy appeale . Saywel is good , & doth many please do wel is better , & doth the world ease Saiwel cause mani to scripture cleue for lack of dowel , they quickly leue . If saiwel & dowel , wer ioind in fraim al were wel & wonne , gote were the game Say wel in daunger of death is cold do wel is earnest , and wonderous bold When say wel for feare doth tremble and quake , Do well is ●oconde , and good cheare doth make . Finis .

The prouerbes of Salomon , traunslated into Englyshe meter .

Argumentum . Cha. i. The wisedome of the Lord our God , doth call vpon vs styll : That we ●e farre from wicked men , and folowe not their wyll . My son thi father harke vnto & to hys lore encline . Forsake thou not thy mothers law but sure let it be thine For that shall cause grace plentiful , to lyght vpon thine heade : And on thy necke shall be a chayne , and stande the in good steade . Therfore ( my son ) take thou good hede when synners do the tempte , For thoughe that they do the entyce , to them do not consente . If they shal saye , come thou with vs , let vs laye wayte for bloude : And causeles kyll the innocent , and spoyle them of theyr good . Let vs them swallowe quycke and hole let vs devour them all : As those that slyde into a pitte , so shall they take theyr fall . And we shall costelye ryches fynde , to do therwyth our wyll : And wyth the spoyles the we shal gette we may our houses fyll . Caste in thy lotte amonge vs now , a man of that thou arte : And then we wyll haue all one purse , and thou shalt haue thy parte . But walke thou not with them ( my son ) theyr pathes do thou refrayne : Theyr feete are hasty bloude to shede all yll they do retayne . But all in vaine the nette is layde , before the byrdes eyes : Yet one an others bloude to spyll , much all they do deuise . And they them selues their own dear blud this waye do hurte and noye : And theyr owne Soules do quite depriue of all eternal ioye . Thys is the way of gredy men and thys is all theyr feate : For to beryue his brothers lyfe : his ryches for to gette . Without therefore dothe wisedome call & putteth forth hyr voyce : Behold for in the open streates , to you she maketh noyse . She calleth before the multitude , that all men may hyr knowe . And in the towne gates openly , hyr wordes she doth nowe shewe . Oh folysh men and fonde saith she howe longe wyll ye delyte : And foleishe schole●and ye vnwyse , to wysedome beare suche spyte . Oh turne to my correction , I will my mynde expresse : And I wyl make you vnderstand my wordes both more and lesse . Sence then that I haue called you and ye refuse my name : And haue put forth myne hande also , and ye forsake the same . And al my counsels ye haue hadde , in mockynge and despite . And also my correction , haue set at naught and lyght . Therefore wyll I laughe ioyfully , in your destruction : And mocke you whan the plage you feare shall iustely on you come . And whan that which you fear so much full sodaynly doth fall : And troubles and great heuines , shall come vpon you all . Then when you do vpon me craue , I wyll not heare your mynde : Thoughe you seke me , and that early yet shall you not me fynde . And why ? I saye bycause that you , my knowledge so abhorde : And cast away agaynst my wyll , the feare of God the Lorde . I sayde before they dyd refuse , my counsels euery one : And dyd not cease for to despyse , my good correction . To eat the frute of their owne way the Lord shal them constrayne : With the deuice he shal them fyll , of theyr insensate brayne . And for the fall of the vnwyse , he shall them slaye anone : And eke the wealth of foles shall be , their owne confusion . But who to me that geueth eare , shall dwell safely I saye : And haue inough , and nede not feare by nyght , nor yet by daye .

Argumentum . Cha. ii . It is here taughte that we shuld learne Gods wysedome to obtaine : The wealth also that comth thereof is here described plaine . MI son receiue thou these my wordes , the which shal be right wise And kepe thou my commaundementes , my son I the aduise . So that thine eares may euermore to wysedomes scholes enclyne : Applye thyne herte to vnderstand suche thynges as he diuyne . For if thou after wysedome crye , and styll vpon hys craue : And calleste on for knowledge gyfte bycause thou wouldest hyr haue . And seke for hyr as thou wouldst seke for mony in the dust . And dygge for hyr as treasure that in earth is hydde and trust . Then shalt thou right wel vnderstande , the feare of god the Lorde : And of hys lawe the knowledge find , accordynge to hys worde . For god alone doth gyue to vs , hys wisedome for to speake : Out of hys mouthe doth knowledge spring and vnderstandynge eke . The rightuous men he doth preserue in welfare through his might . He dothe defende the innocent , that walke his way aright , He doth them kepe strayght in hys pathes that they go not astraye : He doth directe hys holy ones , to walke ryght in his waye . If thou be suche , thou shalt then learne by iustice for to deale : With euery man in equitye , throughout the commen weale . In iudgemente ryght thou shalte lykewise all other men excell : And euery good path vnto the , the lord shall shewe full well . If wisedome enter in thyne herte , and knowledge in thy spryte : Then vnderstandyng good counsell , shall the preserue vpryght . That thou mayst so deliuerd be from euery wycked waye : And from those men that froward thinges do alwayes speake and saye . The whych do leaue the way of light and walke in darckenes styll : And which reioyce most iocundly , when they have done full yll . Whyche do delyte in wyckednes . Whose wayes are vyle & vayne : Whose croked pathes ar slaunderouse from them do thou refrayne . That also from the straunge woman deliuerde thou mayste be : And from hys eke that is not thyne : or was not wedde to the. Which speketh fayr , & doth forsake the husband of hys youth : And doth forget the comnaunt made , of God and of hys trouth . Take hede , hyr house enclineth fast to death , as I the tell : Hyr pathes are sure the ready way , that leadeth doune to hell . And they also that go to hyr , shall not come out agayne : Nor take holde of the way of lyfe , I tell the thys is playne . That thou mayst walke in the sure waye whereof I do the tell : And kepe the pathes of ryghtuousnes , then shalt thou do ryght well . For why●the iuste shall euer lyue , in ioye that dothe not cease : The innocente remayne on earth in wealth , and eke in peace . But the vngodly shall be plucte , out of the lande I saye : And wycked men chased shal be , out of the fame for aye .

Argumentum Cha iii. Sure trust in god ought al men haue and not in their owne braine The wicked man thou shalt not feare , ne yet the skorner vaine . MI son , forget not thou my lawe but haue it styl in sight : And let thyne herte obserue my words so shalt thou walke aryght . For sure they shal prolong thy daies thyne yeres , and lyfe also : And beyng the peace and quietnes , and rydde the out of wo. Let mercy nor yet faythfulnes , henceforth from the departe : Bynd them about thy necke ( my son ) and wryte them in thyne herte . And so shalt thou greate fauour wine , of god and eke of men : In vnderstandyng perfitlye , expert thou shalt be then . Wyth all thyne hert to god the lord put confidence and truste : And leane thou not in anye wyse to thyne owne wytte and luste . In al thy wayes haue thou respect vnto the lyuynge lorde : He shall thy doynges order well accordynge to hys worde : Be not to wyse in thy conceyte , but feare god in thyne herte : In haste also from wyckednes , endeuoure to departe . So shall thy nauyll styll ( my sonne ) continue hole and sounde : Thy bones also and body shall , wyth lyuely strength abounde . Honoure the lorde , and to him giue the best of thy substaunce : And thy fyrst frutes of thyne encrease his glory to aduaunce . So shal thy barnes be fylled full , and that wyth plentuousnes . Thy presses all shall ouerflowe , wyth wyne of greate swetenes . The bytter scorge of god thy lorde , ( my sonne ) do not despise : And when thou arte rebukte of hym , faynte not in any wyse . For loke whom that the lord doth loue hys rodde shall on hym lyght : Even as the father whypes hys sonne to knowe hym selfe aryght . Yet doth the lorde neuertheles loue hys aflycted styll : Euen as the father dothe hys chylde , when he hath bete hys tyll . Full well is he therefore I say , the whych dothe wysedome fynde : And vnderstandynge to obtayne , doth sette hys herte and mynde . For marchaundice ther is none such throughout the worlde so rounde . There is no siluer nor yet golde , wherin such wealth is founde . More worth than al the gold on earth , let wysedome be to the : To hyr all thynge thou canste desyre , compared maye not be . On hyr ryght hand attendaunt is longe lyfe , wyth coloure grene : And honour standes on hyr left hand , wyth ryches well besene . Hyr wayes also right pleasaunt are whyche pleasure doth not cease : Hyr pathes lykewyse are nothyng els but vnitie and peace . She is a tre of lyfe to them , that laye holde on hyr ryght : And bleste are they that kepe hyr fast , wyth all theyr power and myght . In wisedome eke the lyuyng Lord full well the earth dyd founde : And with hys word the heauens he made the earthe to compasse rounde . And throughe the wisedome of the lorde the waters brake vp all : The cloudes also pour downe y eraine that on the earth doth fall . My son , lette not these thynges departe at no tyme from thyne eyes : But kepe my lawe and counsels all , by the in any wyse . So shall it be eternall lyfe , the soule for to embrace : Thy mouthe shall be replenished wyth vertue and wyth grace . Then shalte thou be right● sure to walke ful boldely in the waye : Thy feete shall neuer slyppe from the by nyght , nor yet by daye . If thou dost stepe at any tyme , thou nedst not be afrayed : But swetely stepe , and take thy reste , for god wyl be thyne ayde . And thoughe that the vngodly me , rushe in with vyolence : Thou shalt not be afrayed at all , for god is thy defence . The lord wil stand fast by thy syde , and helpe the at thy nede : And kepe the safe , and suffer not , thyne enemies to procede . And such as woulde to other men do good wyth all their herte : And haue therto sufficient , to let is not thy part . And if thy selfe thou able be , thy neyghboure to releue : Helpe him with such as thou maist spare and gladly to hym gyue . Refuse not to do good to them to whome it doth belonge : ●●●yle that thy ryght hand able is to do it them amonge : And if thy frend do aske of the say not , gette thou thy waye : To morrowe come agayne to me , or els some other daye . And then I will gyue the ( thou sayste ) where as thou mayst it nowe : Even out of hande , and if thou wylte , thys god doth not alowe . Intend not to thy neyghbours hurt where he no harme hath ment : And wher to liue in rest and peace he settes his whole entente . Striue not ( my sonne ) with any mā● where as he doth no woo : Nor folowe thou the vniust man , but hye the fast him froo . For whye the way of scorners all . the Lorde doth cleane deteste : And for to talke wyth symple men the Lorde is pleased beste . Create scarcitye the lord doth se●●● wher wycked men abyde : But he doth blesse the godly men and shall for them prouide . The lord shall laugh at skornefull men and meeke them to their face : But to the lowly he wyll gyue , hys goodnes and hys grace . The wyse wyth their possessyons , in honoure shall remayne : But shame is the promocion that folyshe men obtayne .

Argumen. Cha. iiii . Howe sagely and howe fatherly , he doth vs here aduise : That we from euil our hertes refraine and study to be wise . YE children heare your father no● how he doth you exhort : Take hede that you do wisdom● lern● which shal be your confort . And I wyl gyue you good reward and therwythe wyl you fyll : If you wyll not forsake my lawe , but study therein styll . For when I was the onelye sonne , of both my parentes dere : And tenderly beloued was , of father and mothere . Then he taught me full louyngely and vnto me dyd preache : And thus he sayde full oftentymes as I wyll you nowe teache . Se that thou dost receiue ( sayd he ) my wordes into thy breste : And kepe them wel , so shalt thou lyue in perfite ioie and reste . In vnderstadynge busilye , apply thy selfe alwaye : Let not the same depart from the by nyght , nor yet by daye . And wysedome neuer suffer thou , from the for to digresse : If thou loue hyr she shall preserue , and kepe the from distresse . The chiefest point of wysedome is , that thou do take in hande : Before al goodes wysdome to gette , and learne to vnderstande . Make much of hyr & she shall the , promote to power and might : And if thou hyr embrace , she shall to honour brynge the ryght . For she wyl make thyne head truly both good and gracious : And with a crowne shall garnysh it , that is full glorious . My son , therefore embrace with spede the wordes I say to the : So that thy yeares in ioye and peace on earth prolonged be . The wayes of wysedome vnto the I shall make fayre and playne : And in the pathes of equitye , shall leaue the to remayne . So that thou mayste walke wel in them & haue none hinderaunce : And when thou runst , thou shalt not fal , nor haue an euyl chaunce . Of wisedome them sure hold take thou and do not lette hyr god : In kepynge hyr , thou shalt surely , defended be from woo . And in the path come not ( my son ) of the vngodly trayne : Nor walke thou in the wycked waye , of them whose lyfe is vayne . From the yll trade of naughty men , departe thou cleane asyde : And se that thou go farre from them , and kepe the styll awyde . They can not steepe tyll they have done some harme or els mischefe : Nor take their reaste tyll they have wrought to some man wo or griefe . For they do eate the bytter breade of wyllfull wyckednes : And drynke the wine of commen spoyle and all vngodlines . The pleasaunt pathes of godly men appeare bothe lyght and gaye : And to al men more bryght do shyne then doth the lyghtsome daye . But the yll waye of wycked men , to darckenes is comparde : Wherin men fall , or they beware , or els do scape ful harde . My sonne , marke well my wordes th●●●●e that I do to the tel : And to the same thyne eares enclyne , and vnderstande them well . And se that from thy faythful minde , thou letst them not departe : But kepe them styl ful stedfastly , in the mydst of the herte : For they are lyfe vnto al those that chaunceth them to fynde : And health of body eto al suche , as beare them in theyr mynde , My son also kepe well thyne herte for therin resteth lyfe : And put from the a frowarde mouth , and lyppes that causen stryfe . And let thine eyes with diligence , behold that which is ryght : And eke thyne eye lyddes loke before directly in the lyght Marcke well thy pathes , lest that thy fete happe sodainly to slyde : So shall thy gate be sure inoughe , whether thou go or ryde . Turne not asyde on the left hande , For yet vnto the righte : But kepe away from wyckednes , thy fete wyth all thy myght . The perfite pathes the Lord doth knowe that lede the way of lyght : The wycked wayes the lord also considereth aryght . But such as walke in godlines the lorde wyll kepe and saue : And all theyr iourneys prosperre so that they none harme shall haue

Argumen. Cha. v. All harlottes ●e , thine honour saue thy pe●es spende not in vaine Of thine owne f●oure enioy the fruite , straunge loue also refraine , Mi son giue eare , & that with spede my wisdome folow thou : With good pretence to wisedoms scole thine eares se that thou bow So that thou dost regard alwaye . my ryght and good counsell : And thou thy lyppes may nurtour kepe , lyke wyse in speakynge well . The flattrynge lyppes of wyck●●● , hore●● may well compared be : To hony combes whych do distyll as we do often see . Whole wordes appeare vnto thine eares as smoth as any oyle : But thou art lyke without good hede , to take the shame and foyle . An in the ende the pleasure paste , assured mayste thou be : The bitter taste of wormewood shall more pleasaunt seme to the. And so likewise more sharpe she is , then swerde of stele wel wrought : Which on both sides with cutting edge mans lyfe doth brynge to nought . Forsakte she hath the pathe of lyfe , vnstedfast is hyr waye : So that thou shalt it neuer knowe what euer she doth saye . Hyr fete do leade the way to death hyr steppes do leade to hell : The same be alwayes wanderynge , and in no place can dwel . Geue eare therefore my son alwaye , and herke well vnto me : And on the words of my wise mouth , attendaunte se thou be . Estraunge thy selfe as farre from hir as euer that thou maye : And come not nie hyr dores nor house by nyght nor yet by daye . And do thou not thine honor giue vnto an other one : Nor yet the fruite of thy longe yeres , to suche as be thy fone . That wyth thy ryches other men , theyr houses do not fyll : Nor with thy paynes a straungers house be stufte agaynste thy wyll . Lest that thou mourne , but all to late vpon a wofull daye : When thou haste spent both lyfe & good and be compelde to saye . Alas why did I nourtour hate why dyd myne herte despyse : The learnynge pure that I was taught which woulde haue made me wyse Why was I not obediente , to them that dyd me teache : And harkened not to them the whych so muche to me dyd preache . Wherfore almost all care & griefe , is casten me vpon : In the mydst of the multitude , and congregation . To vse the drinke of thine own wel is sure a pleasaunte thynge : And of the brooke that floweth from , the heade of thyne owne sprynge . Suffer the same to ouerflowe , as ryuers to the bryncke : That water pure the neady may , of them at all tymes dryncke . Yet let them be thyne owne onelye , if nede of them thou haste : And the straunge man kepe well from them if long they may not laste Likewise be gladde of thyne owne wyfe depart thou not hir froo : A louynge hynd thou shalt hyr haue , ● treadely be the Roo . The brestes of hyr se that alwayes . disaunt be to the : And with hyr loue hold the contente so shall you best agre . Wherfore ( my sonne ) why wylt thou haue in harlottes such delyte : And doste embrace thy neighboures wife And dost to hym suche spyte . Remembre that of eche mans lyfe , the trade in the Lordes syght : Apeareth plaine , which he doth iudge accordynge vnto ryght . And of mans steppes with watchfull eies the nombre hath he told : And doth hys wayes with iudgemente tight consider and beholde . The wyckednes of an ill man shall catche hym selfe at laste : And with the snares of hys owne synne he shall be trapped faste . Bycause he woulde not learned be death shal him ouercome : And headlong for hys folyshnes , to Sathan shall he ronne .

Argumen. Cha. vi . Here art thou warned of suretishippe , and douthfulnes to ●●e : Of doctrine false beware the sleygh● and ●●e adulterie . MI sonne if thou a suretye be , or promise for thy frende : Thou haste thy hand so fastened it wil not be vntwind . And bound thou art in thyne own wordes as faste as thou mayste be : And taken art in thyne owne speache , tyll he acquiteth the. Discharge thy selfe for thou arte come into thy neyghbours dette : Seke then all meanes , and se if thou thy neighboure canste entreate . Refrayne thyne eyes from to much slepe and to thy selfe beware : As doth thou doo the blouddy houndes , or byrde the fowlers snare . The lytle ant ( thou slouthful man ) to thyne example take : And lerne of hyr for to be wyse , and purueyaunce to make . For where she hath no gouernour , for maister hyr to learne : Nor wytty kynge vnder whose rule , ●●all holden is the sterne . Yet nature doth in hir this worke wythout any other gyde : In somer tyme wyth busy care , for wynter to prouide . Dew long wylt thou ( oh slougysh man ) in idlenes remayne : And giue the whole to rest and slepe , and stackest to take payne . Go to , go to , stepe hardely , and slumbre out thy fyll : With folded armes lye downe to rest and take thou thyne owne wyl . As one that iourneth by the waye , so pouertye shall come : And also lyke a weponed man , on the shall fiercely ronne . But if thou be industrious , and well thy laboure plye : Thyne heruest shall be plentiful , and yelde abundauntlye . And as the riuers great and dep● , encrease by rage of rayne : So shal thy barnes be stuffed ful of corne , and eke of grayne . And thou shal stand nothyng at al , in feare of anye lacke : The wofull bagge of beggery , shall neuer greue thy backe . A wycked man , and he that is replenished wyth gyle : Doth alwaye seke maliciouslye , wyth lyes the to begyle . He serueth to none vse at all , he flereth wyth hys eyes : And wyth his fingers meneth craft and giues hym selfe to lyes . And he dothe alwayes exercise . Come mischyefe for hys parte : And causer is of muche discorde , throughe malice of hys herte . With hast therefore remediles , some yll shall on hym fal : From him his lyfe shall taken be . ●ven he thynkes lest of all . Sixe thinges there be on earth my son ●hich god doth hate full sore The seuenth aboue the other sixe the lorde doth most abhore . A proud disdainefull loke the lord , doth vtterly refuse : A lyinge tonge wyth filed wordes deceitefully doth vse . The hurtful handes which haste do make the giltles bloud to spyll : And can not els them selues refraine , til they haue done some ill . In hert that doth his euill thoughtes to thys onely employe : which way to worke most wickednes and other men to noye . The fete also which ready be greate synnes for to commite : And in one place can neuer stande till they some mischiefe hitte . A witnes false that doth his lippes deceitfully applye : And couertly hys neighboure greue , with some newe forged lye . The sower of discorde is worse , when brethren doth agre : And he that doth cause louinge frendes greate enmies for to be . But thou my son , my counsels al print sure into thine herte : Do not forsake thy mothers lawe nor laye the same aparte . Commende them to thy memorie , binde them thy necke about : And wher thou goest , lead them with the , then stepe and haue no doubte . And when thou wakst out of thy stepe in them se thou delyte : For my preceptes a lantarne are , and to thy fete a lyghte . In whych thou maiste without peril , passe safely on thy waye : For nurtour is if thou it take , to lyfe a ready staye . The same shal the preserue also , from hyr that lyues amyse : And also from the harlots tonge , ●hich so deceytfull is . Let not hyr beutye the enflame hyr beckes are very hokes : To catche thyne herte into hir snare , through hyr deceytful worckes . To bring a man to begge his bread , it is an harlots guyse : But for the lyfe of honestye , the godly dothe deuise . May any man the stamynge fyre , in hys bare bosome brynge : But that it shall hys clothes burne , and cause his fleshe to wrynge ▪ Or may a man on redde bote coles barefote passe on hys waye : And yet the same him neuer greue : no no , I dare well saye . Euen so I thynke that the same man that doth an harlote see : And vseth hym to touche hyr oft , vngiltye can not be . The there is not despysed of al , that steales for very nede : Dis gredy wombe , & hongry guttes , in hongre for to fede . The vtmost is , if he be found , seuentymes to yelde agayne : Or els to make amendes wythal , his goodes that do remayne . But if thou be in whoredome found with anye neghbours wyfe : Thou plaist the fole , for the dost bryng , destruction on thy life . Thou gettest thy selfe rebuke and shame wherof none can the rydde : Dishonour eke thou purchasest , which neuer shall be hydde . For why●hir husbands wrathful ire entreated can not be : Thoughe thou giue giftes , amendes to make as much as is in the.

Argumen. Cha. vii . In this he doth all men exhort . to wisedome for to cleaue . he sheweth eke the harlots tricks wherwith she doth deceyve . MI son marke wel mi counsels al & lay them vp in store : Obserue wel my commaundementes by the for euermore . And honoure thou the lyuyng-lord so shalt thou be ryght sure : To rayne in ioyes celestiall , whyche euer shall endure . And other goddes feare not at all , in men haue thou no truste : And this doyng thou shalte be sure to lyue emonge the iuste : Then kepe thou my commaundementes lo , once agayne I saye , Euen as the apple of thyne eye , by whyche thou seest the daye . And eke aboute thy fingers tenne , se that thou do them bynde : And write them in thyne herte with spede , and prynt them well in mynde . And se that thou to wysdome saye thou arte my sister deare : And vnderstandinge cal likewyse thy kynsewoman full neare . For wysdome shall the safely kepe from women that be yll : So that on harlots fyled wordes thou shalt not set thy wil : As I by chaunce sate downe to se the folye of yonge men . And kept me close within mine house and pepte out nowe and then . Beholde I saw a yonge fole passe the corner of the streate : And hyed as faste as he myght goo , and harlette for to mete . And so towarde the harlots house he toke his way full ryght : Thynkynge to scape and not be sene , when it was almoste nyght . And sodainlye there mette wyth him , an harlot proude and bolde : Whyche alwaye set hyr whole delyte , to mocke both yong and olde . For in hyr herte deceyte was hydde , and wantonnes also : Which she declard by hyr attyre , and tokens other mo . Whose feete coulde not abyde within , the house , but ranne about : Now here now ther , in ech blind lane , wythin , and eke wythout . She caught the yong man kissing him , and shamed not to saye : I made a vowe whych to perfourme , I purposed thys daye . Wherfore came I to mete the nowe , and to beholde thy face : And thus I haue by happe the found : my waye as I dyd trace . My house is decte with painted clothes , of Egypte the to please . My bedde dothe smell of Sinamon , of myrre and Aloes . Come ou therfore and let vs lye togyther all thys nyght . And let vs twayne our pleasure take , tyll it be brode day lyght . Mine husbande is not nowe at home he is gone farre awaye : Wyth him he toke the money bagge , and coines not home to daye . And thus with many flattering wordes she dyd hym ouercome : And also throughe hyr lyinge lippes , anon she had hym wonne . Immediatly he folowed hir , muche lyke vnto an oxe : whych ledde is to a slaughter house , where he is kylde with knockes , Or lyke vnto the folysh lambe , that skyppeth in the leese : When that the boucher fetcheth hym , mens appetite to please . He thynketh not howe shamefullye , to pryson he is brought . Where his body suffreth wo , for foly by hym wrought . This harlote vile , of this yong fole so chaunged had hys herte : And had anone wounded to death his liuer with hir dart . That lyke a birde he made greate haste to fall into the gyn : Not knowynge of the fowlers art , vntill that he was in . For loue I speake full fatherlye and counsell the eftsone : Marke well my wordes with diligence obserue them well my sonne . Let not thine hert in harlots snares at any tyme be caught : Be not deceiued , refuse hyr sight hir pathes be very naughte . Hir house my son is the ryght waye that leadeth vnto hell . The chambers of the same to deathe ' , may be compared well .

Argument Chap. viii . The wisemen doeth commend to vs the sonne of god moste hye , Whiche is the worde that al thinges made , and was eternally . How can you saye ( oh mortal men ) that wisedome doeth not crye And prudence eke exalt aloude her voice incessauntlye ? In places all , as in the toppes of hilles that be full stepe , And in the plaine and wide countreis , and valeis that be depe , In common places , and nigh the same in churches and in stretes , And in the gates of Cities great where many people metes . The mightie word , the son of god doeth call vnto mankynde , Which was before the heavens were made and vttreth thus his mynde . O sonnes of men to you I speake and earnestly do crye , My wysedome learne to vnderstand and kepe it faythfullye : Oh herken well , and geue good eare of wayghty thynges & wyse : My lyppes shal speke , mine hert shall styll , much godlines deuyse . My talke shal be on vertuous things wherin I moste delyght . My lyppes abhorre the wycked man for all hys power and myght . My counselles all , and my precepter , be rightuous and strayght ; There is in them no wyckednes , nor any maner sleyght . To suche as do theym vnderstande they be but very playne : And not to harde for theym to kepe , if there of they be fayne . Before gret heaps of worldly goods , chose thou my disciplyne : My doctryne is of greater pryce , then is the golde so fyne . As lyghtsom daies wyth hys bryght beames excelleth the darke night : When that the skies are full of sterres or mone doth giue hyr lyght . Euen so trulye doth wysedome passe , and farre aboue excell . All wordely wealthe : to it nothynge , may be compared well : I whych am the eternall worde , and equall in all myght . To god , which al thinges hath made and created aryght . Assystaunte am , from tyme to tyme , In counsels that are luste : And lykewyse am of al good though 〈◊〉 the geuer when I luste . And he whyche hath the feare of god , sure prynted in hys breaste : Doth hate all vyce , all pryde of herte , and vtterly deteste . The wycked pathes in which to walk yll men haue theyr delyght : The double tonge hys neyghbours hurte which worketh with despite . I onely gyue vnto mans herte , good counsell to deuise : To deale vpright in equitie , and iustice exercyse . All wisedome doeth procede from me as from the very spring , All wordly strength , and fortitude to man alone I bryng . By me the kynges theyr power do take and rule the earth therby , And holsome lawes are stablished , and kept accordingly . By me also all Magistrates the people kepe in awe , And iudges geue their sentences according to the lawe . And suche as do vnfaynedly loue me , I loue agayne , And when they cal , great haste I make to ridde them out of payne . All wordly goodes be geuen to me to do with them my will , And I have power whom that I liste with ioye on earth to fill . And I likewise of heauenly giftes haue plentie and great store , With me dothe grace celestiall , remaine for euermore . No treasure in the worlde so voyde , comparde may iustely be : Unto the fruite and perfecte welthe , whiche do procede from me . The tried golde and siluer fyne , whiche dothe on earth remaine : And stones of price vnto the same , may well be compted vaine . And in the wayes of righteousnes , to walke is my delight : And in the place where iudges do , accordyng vnto right . I do also the godly men . throughe mercye to me call : And plentuously do them enriche , with grace celestiall . With god I haue bene hetherto and was eternally : Before the earthe was created , my father stode I bye . I was begotte longe tyme before the waters dyd surrownde : The earth , or that the myghty hylles were setled on the grounde . I was lykewyse before the flouddes , had made them selues away : Or that the earth or lyttle hylles , were brought vnto theyr staye . And when that god the heauens dyd make , I was euen then at hande : And when the depes he dyd commaund not to surround the lande , And when also the fyrmament , he made as we nowe see : And running sprynges of water pure commaunded for to be . And when that he vnto the seas , assygned a certayne place : And willd the flouddes not to excede , theyr bondes in anye case . And when likewise the earth he made immoueable to stande : I was wyth hym , and to eche thynge , dyd put myne helpinge hande . I dyd reioyce , and daye by day , I dyd delyght in men : Greate pleasure eke I had to be in company of them : Wherefore my sonnes enclyne youre hertes and herken vnto me : Moste bleste he is that in my wayes , delyteth for to be . And doth the same kepe fayethfully , as I to hym haue taught : And spedlye maketh haste to voyde the thynge whych semeth naughte Geue eare , geue eare I say mi sonnes and learne for to be wyse : He is a fole and wycked man , that doth the same despise . And happye is the man that doth , heare me wyth good intent . And he also whose watchfull eyes , on me are alwayes bente . For he that hath obtayned me , of perfite blysse is sure : And God to hym the lyfe wyll gyue that euer shall endure . And who that doth agaynst me synne doth bryng his soule to care . Mine enemies shal of dredeful death be wrapped in the snare .

Argumen. Cha. ix . From sinfulnes the sonne of god , dothe call bothe younge and olde : And sheweth plaine the wyckednes , of ha●lottes proude and bolde . The wisdome high of god aboue , equall with him in might : Whiche from the first beginning was from heauen descended right . And here on earthe the shape of man disdained not to take : Whiche being done , vnto hym selfe a princely house dyd make . Wherin wer wrought of marble fyne pillers bothe large and wyde , The same therby that he might cause for euer to abyde . And then anone great quantitie , of vitailes did he staye , With wholsome metes , & pure good wyne his table dyd he laye . And then sent fourth his handmaides all and gaue them to their charge To bidde all men vnto his house , whiche was so fayre and large . And saide also full louingly . yf any fole there be , Let him resorte vnto myne house and come streight vnto me . To synneful men he spake likewise resorte to me with spede , And of my breade eate you your fill prepared for your nede . And drinke the wyne before you sitte and leave your ignoraunce , Walke in the trace emong the good where wisdome ledeth the daunce . If than thou doest the skornefull man admonishe to repent , Thou doest nothing but work i vain for he wil not relent . He yet amende his wicked life whereby he doth prouoke The iuste and euerlasting god to plage him with his stroke . And in the same iniuriouse , vnto thy selfe thou arte : And wynneth hate : for thy good wyl , he setteth not a farte . But if thou doste , yea bytterlye , rebuke hym that is wyse : He wyll the loue , and at no tyme thy good counsel despise . The wyse man dothe aduertismente , alwaye turne to the beste . And by the same more ready is , all vice for to deteste , For who so doth the rightuous teach of this thynge may be sure : He will make haste lerning to winne , and therin wyll endure . The feare of God the fyrste poynt is , hys wysedome to obtayne . Of wysedome he shall neuer mysse , in whom goddes feare doth rayne . To suche wyl god send ioyful dayes and wyll theyr yeres encrease : And all theyr good wyll multyplye , that they maye lyue in peace . The wyseman doth all yll escape , and nothinge doth he lacke : The skornyng men great synne doth beare vpon hys wofull backe . Of pratynge whores and impudent , it is the mounted guyse . Wyth flattryng wordes and whorish trickes to tyce in the vnwise . A shameles whore of godlines , doth knowe nothinge at all : In open streates shee sytteth downe , that men she may there call . As they do passe from place to place , their busines to do . If anye man do want hys wytte , let hym go hyr vnto : To whom she wyll not stycke to say , and boldely to hym tell : The water that by stealthe is gotte , all other dothe excell . And so lykewyse the stollen breade , although the same be sowre : Muche sweater is then other breade , at large while men deuoure . But in thyne harte my louyng sone print this my saying well , Whoso by her is ouercome descendeth vnto hell . And who that doth contrary wise her wicked waye denye , Unto his soule winth quietnes and saued shal be thereby .

Argument . Chap. x. The wise man with the folyshe man is here compared playne , The feare of god commended is and liuing gotte with payne . The wise sonne doth his father fill with gladnes and with ioye , But the vnwise with sorow dothe his mother hurte and noye . And treasure gotten wickedly shall profite thee nothyng , But wisedome shall deliuer thee from death and from his stryng . The lorde wil not his holy ones in honger to abide , But the vngodly kepe he wyll , from their desyre full wyde . An idle hand the thrifty man , doth make bothe pore and bare : But yet the hande in labour quyke the neady crieth from care . The wyseman doth in somer tyme , hyz frutes laye vp in store : That he thereby in wynter cold may helpe him selfe the more . But who so that in haruest tyme a slouggardes parte dothe playe : A fole him sheweth and is compelde , to begge an other daye . With beuty deckt is the bryght face , of euery ryghtuous one : But past all shame the wicked are , wyth their presumption . Of wysedome eke the memory , shall have a good reporte : Euen so the name of wycked men , shall sone to shame resort . A wyse man wyll admonished be and that is signe of grace : A fole wyll rather then he so do , be strycken on the face . Who so that leadeth a gyltlesse lyfe , doth walke a way ryght sure : If thou treadste in the wycked trace , thou she weste thy selfe vnpure : The wycked man beware my sonne , lest he do the some harme . Dute of the mouthe of folyshe men , all wyckednes dothe frame . The ryghtuous mouth dothe make much peace , & is the wel of lyfe : The wycked mouthe contrarye wyse , doth alway sturre vp stryfe . And enuy eke the mother is , of cursed wordes and fell : But loue doth hyde full gentilly the wordes not spoken wel , The lyppes of them that vnderstand of wysedome haue no lacke : But the scourge doth onely belonge , vnto a folyshe backe . Wyse men doth good knowlege kepe more surer then their londe : But nygh to theyr destruction , drawe folyshe men and fonde . The richmans goodes are his stronge holde , wherin hys truste is all . If pouertye oppresse the pore , the rych mans helpe is small : The good is wont to neadye menne , parte of hys goodes to gyue . And of his store his neighbours lack with plenty to releue . But to bestowe in vanities , the wycked do not cease : Such goods as he shuld wel employ vnto hys neighbours ease . Take hede therefore and chastisment receyue wyth all thyne hert : If thou refuse aduertisemente , thou playest a folyshe part . Dissemblinge lyppes are very cause , of hatred and despyte : A Fole he is whyche slaunderouslye , hys neighbours fame dothe byte : Of many wordes & idle talke , offences do aryse . But well is he that can refra●ne , hys tonge from tellyng lyes . The tonge whych is all innocent a noble treasure is : The cruell hart of wycked men delyght to do amyse . The ryghtuous doth with their fayre speach a multitude endame : For to embrace muche godlines And to ●sc●ue all sha●● . And so lykewyse the folyshe menne , are lyghtly caught in snare : Of theyr owne words , & trapped fast or they therof beware . The blessynge of the lorde onely , of ryches sendeth store : Thy trauayle is the instrument wherby he geueth more . If God do not encrease thy corne , and blesse it wyth hys hand : Then shalt thou labour but in vaine in tyllynge of thy lande . A fole in vyce reioyceth styll , for why , he doth not care : Yet neuertheles , I the aduise , of such one to beware : For at the laste wyth misery , the wycked peryshe shall . When godly men shal prospere well , and dreade nothyng at all : Ungodly menne shall vanyshe quyte , and neuer turne agayne : Much lyke vnto an hurlynge storme , mixed wyth haile and rayne . The ryghtuous shall continue styll , and hereof be right sure : In reste and peace of conscience for euer to endure . As vinegre good with his sharpe tast doth set on edge the tethe : And the thycke smoke vnto the eyes , is cause of payne and griefe . A slouthful man and ●●ggysh beast , the good doth so offende : When they in vayne would have hym thryue and he wyl not amend . The fear of god doth blesse the good , and the yeres doth prolong : As for the yeres of wycked men , shall not continue longe . The good doth byde in patience and shall be glade therfore : The wycked shall for all theyr haste , peryshe for euermore . The waies of god doth courage geue vnto all godly men : But suche as lyue in wyckednes , greate feare dothe fynde in theym . The ryghtuous shall at no tyme fall , but stedfastly shall stande : The wycked men shall dwell in lyfe , no longe tyme on the land . The mouthe also of godly men , in wysedome doth delight : The lyinge tonges of frowarde men , againste the trouth doth fight . The ryghtuouse lyppes are occupied in wisedomes talke onely : Ungodly menne abuse theyr tonges , in shame and blasphemy .

Argumen. Cha. xi . To deale vpright here ar we taught , and humble for to be : And mercy eke commended is , ioynd wyth simplicitie . IN the lordes sight , & in his eye it is a thing most vile with subtil weight or mesure false thi neibour to begile But god the lorde contrary wise , in trouthe doth mooste delyghte : It is hys wyll that all men shoulde , with other deale vpryght The equall weyght and balaunce iust , to god ryght pleasaunte be . When that the same vnto all menne , do yelde wyth equitye . Rebuke and shame do folowe pride , in whom that it doth rayne : But where there is humilitie , greate wysedome dothe remayne . Who dothe not hate wyll , herte , nor mind throughout the world so wide The fierce and proude disdainful man whych is addicte to pride : Who doth not loue vnto theyr power the man of humble sprite . The way whych in doinge good to other doth delyght : The symplenes and meanynge true , whych godly men assaye : Doth them directe in holines and in the perfite waye . The wicked craft and wyly sleyghtes whych in the yl are found : Do at the laste cast downe them selues , and laye them on the grounde . The day that God in dome shal sytte to iudge both good and bad : What shall then the goodz vs preuayl , whych in thys world we had . The iustice yet and ryghtuousenesse , whych Christ to man dyd brynge : Frome deathe shall safe deliuer hym , and from hys deadly stynge . The meanynge true of simple menne , shal holde them still vpryght . The wycked trayne shal headlong fal , for al theyr power and myght . The godly folke through rightuousnes deliuerd be at laste The wycked in theyr owne deceyte , shall trapped be full faste . When death arests the wycked man , wyth hys mooste dreadful darte : Hys hope is gone , for on hys goodes , onely he set hys herte . The iuste man is , by the lordes helpe , deliuered from yll : In steede of whome the wycked man , tormented shall be styll . Beware also dissemblynge men , for they wyll sone betraye : Their faithful frend through flattring words what so their mouth doth say But yet the iuste and fayethfull men , theyr knowledge shal defend : From all the snares of fyled wordes , which wycked men intend . If that perchaunce an honest manne , to wealth aduaunced be : If that perchaunce an honeste man , to wealth aduaunced be : The hole citye wherin he dwelth , reioyce as well as he . And if so be a wycked man , do happen to decaye , All men be glade that he so sone is vanished awaye . And so lykewyse thorowe godly men , a citye shall encrease : To which by theyr good gouernaunce is brought both rest and peace . So that the same in noblenes , all other shall excell : As in a ranke of ladies fayre , some one doth beare the bel . But throughe the mouthe of wycked whych honestye do hate : Hole contries and greate regions are set at stryfe and bate . Wherby at length the same be brought to ruine and decaye : And from a fall by no meanes canne , them selues vpholde and stay . Who so that doth hys frende despise , doth shewe but lytle wytte , By thys it semes to lyue on earth , that he is nothynge fytte . The wyse man can euen when he list , from talke hys tong reframe : Wherby he scapes the daungerous yl , of hatred and disdayne ? The flattrynge man and famed frend that doth nothyng but glosse : Of hys deare frende vnfayethfullye , the secretes doth disclose . But faithfull frendes whose doinges are vpryght and also iuste : In no wyse wyl bewraye the thynges committed to theyr trust . And where there lackes a gouernour both politique and wyse . The people whyche be vnder hym , shall fall and neuer ryse . But happy is that region , whose ruler hath the grace : The talke of godly counselours to folowe and embrace , Who so is bound for staungers dets , doth bryng hym selfe to care . And is compeld the same to paye , Thoughe he be pore and bare . But he shall lyue in quietnes , and haue no feare at all : Whych taketh hede by surety shyppe , lest he in daunger fall . A woman whych is gracious , and doth apply hyr minde : To vertuous schole vpon the earth , is sure greate grace to fynde . An idle hande can at no tyme , to welthines attayne . But he is sure the same to wyn , that laboureth wyth payne . The man in whose hert mercy works hym selfe doth profite moste : For mercy from internall payne , doth rydde hys symple gost . The cruell man farre otherwyse , with malice and debate : Euen suche as ought be nere to hym , doth persecute and hate . Of the vaine worckes of wycked men , no profite comth at all : Theyr doynges are not parmanente , but sure to haue a fall . But who so dothe seke ryghtuousnes and practise hyr in dede . Is sure to haue eternall ioye for hys rewarde and nede . And mercy doth prepare the way that leadeth vnto blysse : If thou be geuen to wyckednes , of death thou shalt not misse . The livynge lord doth most abhorre , The man whose hert is yll . And onely bent to wyckednes , with whole entent and wyl . But he doth mooste reioyce in suche , that in hys worde delite : And leade theyr lyues accordyngely , in simplenes of sprite . A woman whych in bewtye doth , all other farre amende : And hath no good conditions , hyr bewty to amende . Unto a rynge of pure good gold , a man may well compare : The whyche a sowe in hyr foule nose , continually doth beare . The iuste menne do reioyce in good , and holines embrace : But bent vnto all filthines , the wycked ronne their race . And some ther be the wyth theyr goods their neighbour doth releue , And yet the same do still encrease , thoughe they do largely geue And some there be contrary wyse that others robbe and pyll : Of ryches greate , yet for al that , they be but beggers styll . The soule of hym mooste blessed is , and neuer shall haue nede : Which in his store with gladsome herte the hongry men doth fede . And so lyke wise he neuer shall , for lacke of drynke decaye : That vnto hym doth reche the cuppe , that trauailth by the waye . The people curse most bitterly , the tyller of the grounde : Which in his barnes no corne at all , will suffer to be founde . In time of derth , althoughe he haue , greate plenty and great store : But kepes it close euen purposelye , to make the price the more . But blest is he in all mens mouthes , that when the corne is skant : Bringeth forth his graine , & suffreth not the market for to wante . He riseth well , and in good time , for good thinges that dothe call : The naughty worckes of wicked men , shall sone oppresse them all . Who so in hys vayne ryches dothe , put confidence and truste . Is sure hereof when he thynkes lest , to fall into the duste . Where as the iust and faythfull man , shall prospere still in peace . Euen as a tre in the sprynge tyme , doth budde forth and encrease . And who the doth through foly bringe hys housholde cut of frame . Shal washe hys goodes , & in the end susteyne rebuke and shame . And then at length for lacke of wytte , and spoylynge that was hys : Against hys wyl the wysemans nede to serue he shall not mysse . The tree of lyfe or heauenvly ioye , is euen the very gayne : And frute that iust & rightuous men , shal repe for all theyr payne .

Finis .

In this chapter doth Salomon , proue all thinges vaine to be : Which raineth vnderneth the sunne , saue onely gods trueth and veritie I Salomon Dauids sonne , kinge of Ierusalem : Chosen by god to teache the Iewes , & in his lawes to leade them . Confesse vnder the sonne , that euery thyng is vayne : The world is false : that man is fraile and al hys pleasures payne . Alas what stable fruite , may Adams chyldren fynd : In that they seke by swette of browes the trauell of the mynde . We that lyue on the earthe , drawe toward our decaye : Our children fyll our place a whyle , and then they fade awaye . Suche chaunges makes the earthe , and doth remoue for none : But serues vs for a place , to playe our partes vpon . When that the restlesse Sunne , westwarde hys course hath runne : Towardes the easte he hyes as faste , to ryse where he begunne . When hoory Bore as hath , blowen forth hys frosen blaste : Then zephirus wyth hys gentle breth , dissolues the yce as faste . Floudes that drynke vp smal brokes and swell by rage of raine : Discharge in seas whych then repulse , and swallowe strayght agayne . These worldely pleasures lorde , so swyft they runne theyr race : That scarce our eies may then discerne they hyde so little space . What hath bene , but is nowe , the lyke hereafter shall : What newe deuise grounded so sure that breadeth not the fall ▪ What may be called newe , but suche thynges in tymes paste , Hath tyme buried , and dothe reuyue , and tyme agayne shall waste . Thynges paste ryghte worthy fame , hath nowe no brute at all : Euen so shal dye such thinges the now , the simple wonders call . I that in Dauides seate , syrte crowned and reioyce , That wyth my septer rule the Jewes and teach them wyth my voyce . Haue searched longe to knowe , all thynges vnder the sunne : To se howe in thys mortall lyfe , a surety myght be wonne . Thys kyndeled wyll to knowe , straunge thynges for to desyre , God hath graft in our gredy brestes , a torment for our hyre . The ende of eche trauayle , fortwyth I sought to knowe : I founde it vayne mixed wyth gall , and burdned wyth muche wo. Defaultes of natures workes , no mans hande may restore : Whyche be in numbre lyke the sand , vpon the salt floude shore . Then vauntynge in my wyl , I gan call to my mind : What rules of wysedome I had taught that elders coulde not fynde . And as by contraries , to trye most thynges we vse : Mens solyes and theyr errours eke , I gan them all peruse . Thereby with more delight , to knowledge for to clyme : But thys I founde an endles worke , of payne and losse of tyme . For he to wysedomes schole , that doth applye hys mynd : The farther that he wades therin , the greater doubte shal fynd . And such as enterprice , to put newe thynges in vre : Of some that sh〈…〉 skorne their deuyse , may we●● them selues assure . Rom●●ensife fansies then , I g 〈…〉 myne herte reuoke : And gaue me to such sporting plaies as laughter might prouoke . But euen such vaine delightes , when they most blinded me : Alwaies me thought a smilyng grace a kynge did yll agree . Then sought I howe to please , my bealy wyth much wyne : To fede me fatte wyth costely meates of rare delites and fyne . And other pleasures eke , to purchase me wyth reste : In so greate choice to fynd the thyng that myght content me best . But lorde what care of mynd , what sodayne stormes of yre , What broken stepes endured I : to compasse my desyre . To builde me houses fayre , then set I al my cure : By pryncely actes thus straue I still to make my fame endure . Delicious gardens eke , I made to please my syght : And graft therin all kynde of fruite , that myght the mouthe delyghte . Lyuely sprynges by conduites , from their olde course I drewe . For to refreshe the fruitful trees , that in my garden grewe . Of cattell greate encrease , I bredde in lyttle space , Bondemen I hadde & gaue them wiues who serued me with their race . Greate heapes of shining golde , by sparynge gan I saue : Furnished with suche thynge of pryce , as fittes a prynce to haue . To heare fayre women synge . sometyme I dyd reioyce : Rauished wyth theyr pleasaunt tumes and swetenes of theyr voyce . Lemmans I had so fayre , and of so lyuely hue : That who so gased in their face , myght well their beuty rue . Neuer erst sate there kynge , so ryche in Dauides seate : Yet styl me thought for so smal gaine the trauell was to greate : Frome my desirous eyes , I hadde no pleasaunt syght : Nor from my herte no kynd of mirth , that myght geue them delight . Whych was the onely fruite , I rept of all my payne : To fede mine eien , and to reioice my hert with al my gayne . But when I made my counte , with howe greate care of minde : And hertes vnrest that I had sought , so wastefull fruite to fynde . Then was I stroken straight , wyth that abused fyre : To glory in that goodly wytte , that compaste my desyre : But freshe before myne eyes : grace dyd my faultes renue : What gentle callynge I had fledde , my ruine to pursue . What ragyng pleasures paste , perill , and harde escape : What frensies in myne heade hadde wrought the liquore of the grape . The erroure that I sawe , that their fraile hertes doth moue : Whych striue in vayne for to compare wyth hym that sittes aboue . In whose moste perfite workes , such craft appeareth playne : That to the leste of them there maye , no mortall man attayne . And lyke as lyghtsome daye , doth shyne aboue the nyght : So darke to me dyd foly seme and wisdomes beames as bryght . Whose eyes dyd seme so cleare , mo●es to discerne and fynde : But will had closed folyes euen , who groped lyke the blynd . Yet death and time consumes , all wytte and wordely fame : And loke what ende that folye hathe , and wysedome hath the same . Then sayde I thus ( oh Lorde ) may not then wysedome cure , The woful wronges & hard conflictes , that foly doth endure ▪ To sharpe my witte so fyne , then why toke I thys payne : Now well I finde thys noble searche , maye eke be called vayne . As slaunders lothsome , brute soundes , folies iuge rewarde : Are put to silence all by tyme , and brought to finall regard , Euen so doth tyme deuoure the noble blaste of fame : Which shuld resound the glory greate that doth deserue the same . Thus present chaunges chace , away the wonders paste : Ne is the wisemans fatall threde , yet lenger sponne to laste . Then on thys wretched vale , our lyfe I lothed playne : When I beheld our fruteles paynes , to compasse pleasures vayne . My trauayle thus I spent , hath me produced loo : An heyre vnknowen shal repe the frute that hym the sede dyd sowe . But wherunto the Lorde , his nature shall enclyne : Who can forknow into whose handes , my goodes I shall resygne ▪ But Lorde , howe pleasaunte swete , semeth the idle lyfe : That neuer charged was wyth care , nor burdened wyth stryfe . And vyle the gredy trade , of them that toyle so sore : To leue to such their trauailes fruite , that neuer swette therfore . What is that pleasaunt gayne , which is that swete releife : That shoulde delaye the bytter taste , that we fele of your griefe . The gladesome dayes we passe , to seke a simple gayne : The quiete nyghte by broken stepes , to fede a resteles brayne . What hope is left vs then , what conforte doth remayne , Our quiete hertes for to reioyce , wyth the fruite of our payne . If that be true who maye , hym selfe so happy call : As I whose fre ● sumptuous spence , doth shyne beyonde them all . Surely it is a gyfte , and fauoure of the Lorde : Liberally to spende our goodes , the grounde of all discorde . And wretched hertes haue they , that let their treasure molde : And cary the rodde that scourgeth them that glor●●●● theyr golde . But I do knowe by proufe , whose ryches beare such bruite , What stable wealth may stand in wast and heapynge of such fruite . LIke as the sterneles boate , that sayles with euery winde : The slipper tope of worldely wealth , by cruell proufe I finde , Skant hath the seede wherof , that nature formeth man : Receiued life , when death hym yeldes to earth wher he beganne . The graffed plantes with payne , wherof we hoped fruite : To rote them vp which blossoms spred then is our chiefe pursuite . And shredde the spraies whose groth , we laboured wyth payne : Eche frowarde threatenynge chere , of fortune makes vs plaine : And euerye pleasaunte trayne of hyr , reioyce our hertes agayne . Aunciente walles to race , is our vnstable 〈◊〉 : And of theyr wether beaten stones to builde some newe deuise . Newe fansies daily sprynge , which fade returnyng moo : And now we practice to attaine that straight we must forgo . Sometyme we seke to spare , that afterwardes we wast : And that we trauayle for to knytte , for to vniosse as faste . In sobre silence nowe , our quiete lyppes we close : And with vnbrideled tonges forthwith our secrete hertes disclose . Suche as in folded armes , we did embrace we hate : Whom strayght we reconcile againe , and banishe all debate : My seede wyth laboure sowen suche sede produceth me : To waste my lyfe in contraries that neuer shall agree . From god these heauy cares , are sente for our vnrestes : And with such burthens for our wealth He fraughteth styll oure breastes . All that the lorde hath wrought , hath bewty and good grace : And to eche thyng assigned is hys propre tyme and place . And graunted eke to man , of all the worldes estate : And of eche thinge wroughte in the same to argue and debate . Whiche acte thoughe it approche , the heauenvly knowledge most : To search the natural course of thinges yet all is labour losse . But the wandrynge eyes : that longe for surety sought , Found the by payne in certayne wealth might in thys worlde be boughte . Who liueth in delight , and sekes no gredy thrifte : But frelye spendes his goodes maye thinke it is a secrete gyft . Fulfilled shall he be , what so the lorde intend : which no diuice of mans witte maye , appayre ne yet amende . Who made all thynges of noughte , that Adams children might : Lerne for to dreade the lord the wrought such wonders in their syght . The grissy wonders paste . whych now are out of mynde : To be renued in our dayes , the lorde hath so assinde . Lo , thus this carefull scourge , doth steale on vs vnware : Whiche when the fleshe hathe cleane forgote he doth againe repaire . When I in thys vayne searche , had wandred fro my witte Beholde I sawe a royall throne , where iustice shoulde haue sytte . In stede of whom I sawe , with fierce and cruel mode : Wher wrong was set that cruel beast and dranke the gyltles bloude . Then thought I thus , the day the lorde shall syt in dome : To vewe h●● 〈◊〉 , & chuse the pure , the spotted haue no rome . Yet by suche scourges sent , that eche agreued mynde : Lyke brute beastes that in their rage and fury by their kinde . His erroure may confesse , when he hath wresteled long . And with suffraunce maye him arme , the sure defence of wronge : For death that of the beste , the carren doth deuoure , Unto the noble kynde of man , presence the fatall houre . The perfecte fourine that god , hath geuen either to man : Or other beast , dissolue it shall , to earth where he began , And who can tell if that , the soule of man assende , Or wyth the body of it dye , and to the groude descende . Wherfore ech gready herte , that ryches ●●kes to gayne : Gather may 〈◊〉〈◊〉 , that springet 〈◊〉 his payne . A ●●cane conuenient wealth , I meane to take in worthe : And wyth an hande of largest in , measure poure it forthe . For treasure spent in lyfe , the body doth susteyne : The heyre shal wast the hoorded gold amased with muche payne . Ne may foresyght of man , suche ordre gyue in life : For to foreknowe who shall enioye , theyr gotten goodes wyth stryfe .

Domine deus salutis uicae . O Lorde vpon whose wyll , dependeth my welfare : To call vpon thy holy name , sins day nor night I spare . Graunte that the iuste requeste , of thys repentaunt mynd : So perce thyne eares the in thy sighte , some 〈…〉 fynd . My soule 〈…〉 full , with griefe 〈◊〉 paste : My restles b●dye doth consume , and death approcheth faste . Lyke them whose fatall threde , thine hand hath cutte in twayne : Of whom there is no farther bruite , whyche in theyr graues remaine . Oh lorde thou haste me caste , headlonge to please my foo : Into a pytte all bottomeles , wher as I playne my woo . The burden of thy wrathe , it doth me sore oppresse : And sondry stormes thou hast me sent of terrour and distresse . The faythful frendes are fledde , and banished from my syght : And suche as I haue helde ful deare , hath set my frendshyp lyght . My duraunce doth perswade , of fredome suche dispaire : That by the teares that bayne my brest , myne eye lyght doth ●ppayre . Yet dyd I neu●● care , thyne ayde for desyre : With humble hert & stretched handes for to appeare thyne ire . Wherfore dost thou forbeare in the defence of thyne ? To shewe suche tokens of thy power , in syght of Adams lyne . Wherby eche feble hert , with fayth myght be so fedde : That in the mouth of thine elect , thy mercies might be spredde . The fleshe that fedeth wormes , can not thy loue declare : Nor such set forth thy faieth as dwel , in the lande of dispayre . In blynde endured hertes , lyght of thy lyuely name : Can not appeare ne can not iudge , the bryghtnes of the same . Nor blasted may thy name , be by the mouthe of those : whom death hathe shitte in silence so , as they 〈…〉 , The lyuely 〈…〉 , that in thys worlde delyght : Nor be the trumpe that muste resownd , the glory of thy might . Wherfore I shall not cease , in chiefe of my distresse . To cal●on the tyl that the slepe , my wery bones oppresse . And in the morning eke , when that the slepe is fledde : With flouddes of salte repentaunte teares to washe my restles bedde . Wyth in thys careful mynde , burdened wyth care and grefe : Why dost thou lorde appaese , that shoulde be hys relefe . My wretched state beholde , whom death shall strayghte assayle : Cast not from the th aflicted styll , that neuer dyd but wayle . The breade lo , of thyne ire , hath trode me vnder feete : The scourges of thyne angry hande , hath made death seme full swete . Lyke as the roringe waues , the sonken shyppe surrounde : Greate heapes of care dyd folow me , And I no succoure founde . For they whom no mischaunce , coulde from my loue deuide : Are forced to my greater grefe , frome me theyr face to hyde .

Inte domine sperauf . In the lorde haue I hoped , let me not fele the blame : At any time I the beseche , of disapoynted shame . But me defende and kepe , deliuer as I truste : Now throughe thy mighte without the which there may no man be iust . Geue eare and rydde me sone , my fortresse before me : In whose defence thou shalt me saue , if I defended be . For thou are wont to be , myne holde and my succour : And for my 〈◊〉 be thou both , my guyde and 〈◊〉 fortour . Thou shalt vntangle me . from snares that they have hydde , To take me with : for wythout the my selfe I can not rydde . Into thy cure I shall , betake my simple sprite : Thou hast and shalt deliuer me , most iust in thy behyght . Alowed I haue not them , that fettes their endes in vayne : Mine onely hope bothe all and some , in the doth sure remaine . Let me ( oh lorde enioye ) thy mercies oft assayde : By troubles for thou didest regard , wherin my life was stayed . And hast not suffred me , with enmyes power be paynde . But rather hast thou set at large , my steppes that were restraynde , Rewe o●●ne now ( oh good lord ) at hand● my da●●n●●r loo : Mine eye , my life 〈◊〉 my fleshe , alas doth fre●● for woo . Moste of my dayes and yeres , in troubles wasted are : My strength decaieth , my bones do quaile such mischefe me doth marre . Dreade of my many foes , hath made my frendes to swarue , And they me abhorre wythout cause , of whom I good deserue . I am cast as forgote , as dede in death doth steru● : As a broken potte of whom the shardes , for nothing more can serue . I hearde the assembles saye , and threaten woo and stryfe : As thoughe it semde by one consente , I were not worthy life . But I oh lorde in the , settynge my sure beliefe : D● knowe thou art , what me befall , my god and hole reliefe . My ●●me is in 〈…〉 , shal ensue . Deliv● 〈…〉 ntes power , which doth my lyfe pursue : Shewe yet thy frendly chere , vnto thy simple slaue : Accordynge to thy natyue ruthe , thou me defende and saue . Imputed for no mocke , lorde let it be to me : That in my neede myne onely healpe , I seke onely at the. The wicked hath the mocke , and holde theyr peace in hel : Buried mought althey be now , of further helpe that tell . And let that mouth be dombe , that wountes his lyppes to lyes : Speakynge slaunders of the iust man wyth proude disdainefull cryes . What plenty and what wealth , hast thou layd vp for those : That honour the , that hope in the for whom thou dost disclose . All openly at eye , 〈◊〉 full many a no 〈◊〉 : That Adams line 〈◊〉 much and lerne ●hre●r to drede . Thou dost bestowe them ryght , afore thy looke and face : Whych is debarde from wycked men , they may not haue that grace . Where thou dost them defend , from threates of mighty power : From venim tonges thou dost them hyde within thy pleasaunt bower . Farre aboue all landes , thy mercies I have founde : And wondrous worckes in my defence as citye walled rounde . I haue thought me or thys , farre caste out of thy syght : But yet euen then thou heardeste my voyce my prayer day and night . Love ye therfore the Lorde , hys goodnes whych do taste : The symple for he doth defend , rewardes the proude as fast . Be of good cheare all ye , that hope of 〈◊〉 good turne : For he wil 〈◊〉 stil your hertes that trust in his returne .

Miserere mei deus . For thy greate mercies sake haue mercy lorde on me : For thy goodnes do cleane away , my greate impuritie . My misdeades put away , and eftsone● make me cleane From synne and all impuritie , the for to serue agayne . For nowe I do confesse , my faultes done vnto the : And myne offence is neuer from , the presence of myne eye . To the , euen I to the , have done thys fore offence : And this misedede , I shew my fault , not ferynge thy presence . But if thou wylt vouchsafe , of thys me now to ease : And geue thy worde to me , I shal not the displease . Then named shalt thou be , a god both ius●●●●● true : Most constaunte 〈◊〉 promises not chaunging them a 〈◊〉 . Yea then I say thou shalt , be counted iuste in dede : Condemning them that wil not turne and call for helpe at nede . All thynge is knowen to the , and nothyng from the hydde . Even how of synne I hadde no lacke when I was conceyued . For why ? to it also , my mother was in thrall : And when that I conceyued was by hyr I hadde my fall . And though it were not small , which by hyr then I hadde : Yet in the trouth is thy delight , whyche wisedome make me glade . If thou ( oh lord ) wylt clense , and purge me fro my sinne , With I sope washte I shal be cleane , a newe life to begynne . If thou wilte putte awaye , my synne , and me renc●●e : Then shal I be that was once blake , as w●yte as is the knewe . When thou shalt me reioyce , and drawe to mirth agayne . Then wyl my bones be voyde of wo , which thou somtimes didst paine . Thy face for thy names sake , do turne from mine offence : And for thy mercyes greate I craue , preserue me now from thence . Oh Lorde make cleane myne herte , that I in me reserue : And that thy sprite wythin my brest , alway may me preserue . For thy benignitie , forsake me not ( or lorde ) He take away thy blessed spirite , lest that I be abhorde . But rather graunt to me , ●●e confort of thy hande : Ar● wyth thy sprite as principal 〈◊〉 me to wythstand . If that thou wylt thys graunte , then in●ers shall I tell : Their life how that they shal appoint in ioye 〈…〉 o well . And those that ouerthrowen , and thral to sinne be made : They shall repent and turne agayne , by seynge of my trade . Oh aucthour of myne health , from murder make me free : Thy rightuousnes mi mouth shal tel and praise it certaynly . Release my tonge oh Lorde , wherof thou hast the cure . That then it may declare abrode , thy prayse , and eke thy power . If that I shoulde applye , in presence for to brynge : The outward sacrifice , oh lord , it woulde please the nothynge . He yet wylt thou regard , as thoughe thou hadst respecte : The offeryng the the heate doth 〈◊〉 , whych we to the direct . The sacrifice wherwyth , the lorde is pleased son It is the sprite 〈◊〉 peni●●nt , that 〈…〉 none . It is the herte of trouthe , with dolour stroken sore : Thou canste not Lorde despise these twayne no not for euermore : To Sion lorde alwayes , declare thy gentlenes : Ierusalem the walles therof , againe may haue redresse . The sacrifices then , shal be pleasaunte to the : Whych shall declare as tokens true , our inwarde puritie . I meane the purged offeryng , and eke oblation : On aulters when we , calues shal laye , thy name to call vpon .

Againste nigardy , and riches . No wyght in thys worlde , that wealth can attaine : Unlesse he beleue , that all is but vayne . And loke howe it commeth so leue it to god : As tydes vse theyr tymes , to ebbe and to floo . Thys mucke on the molde , that men so desyre , Doth worcke them much woo , and moue them to ire . With griefe it is gote , with care it is kepte : Wyth sorowe sone loste , that longe hath bene repte . And wo worth the man , that fyrste dolue the molde : To fynde out the myne , of syluer or golde . For when it laye hydde , and to vs vnknowen : Of stryfe and debate , the seede was not sowen . Then lyued men well , and held them content , Wyth meate drinke and cloth , wythout any rent . Their houses bu●●●ore , to 〈…〉 selues in : For cas●e●s and toures , were then to begyn . No towne had his wall , they feared no warre : Nor enemyes hoste , to seke them affare . So ledde they their lyues , in quiet and reste : Tyll hoorde began hate , from east vnto weste . And golde for to growe , a lorde of greate price : Whych chaunged the world from vertue to vyce . And turned all thynge , so farre from his kynde : That howe it should be , is ●orne out of mynde . For 〈◊〉 beare nowe , the 〈◊〉 and the brute : And onely ●he cause , of all our pursuite . Whych maketh amonge vs , suche 〈…〉 . And shall tyl we seke , the ryght way agayne . When mariage was made , for vertue and loue : Then was no diuorce , goddes knotte to remoue . When iudges would suffer , no brybbes in their syght : Their iudgementes were then accordynge to ryght . When prelates had not , possessions nor rent : They preached the trouthe , and truly they went . When men dyd not flatter , for fauoure nor mede : Then kynges herde the trouth , and howe the worlde yede . And men vnto honour , throughe vertue did rise : But all thys is 〈◊〉 , 〈…〉 a●y my●●● For mony 〈◊〉 all : and 〈◊〉 a god : 〈…〉 ●ot to be , for Ch●●●●●●bode . And bade th●●●● should , take nothyng in hande : But for the lordes loue , and wealth of the lande . And willes vs full oft . that we should refrayne . From wrestyng hys wyll , to make our owne gayne , For couetous folke , of euery estate : As hardly shall enter , wythin heaven gate . As thorowe a nedles eye , a camell to crepe : Why do these mad men , then hoorde vp and kepe . Yea more then may serue , the● selues to suffyce : As though ●●fite blysse , shoulde that waye ary● , But if they woulde 〈◊〉 to synke in their br●●● What trouble of mynde what vnquiet reste : What mischiefe , what hate , thys money doth brynge : They woulde not so toyle , for so vile a thynge . For they that haue muche , are euer in care : Whyche way to wynne , and how for to space : Their slepes be vnsound , for feare of the thiefe : The losse of a lyttle , doth worke them much griefe , In sekynge their lacke , they want that they haue : And subiecte to that , which should be their slaue . They neuer do knowe , whyle ryches do raygne : A frende of effe●● , 〈…〉 that doth fame . For flatterers sake , where 〈◊〉 doth dwell : And 〈◊〉 at the loureth , they bide them farewell . The poore do●● them curse , as oft as they want : In hauynge so muche , to make it so skante . Theyr children sometyme , do wyshe them in graue : That they myght possesse , that ryches they haue . And that whyche they wynne , wyth trauaile and strife : Oft tymes as we see , doth cost them theyr lyfe . Lo , these be the fruites , that ryches brynge forth : Wyth many other moo , which be no more worth . For money is cause , o●●●●ther and thef● Of battell of bloddeshedd● whych should god we●●●●● Of rauyne , of wrot●●● of false wytness 〈…〉 Of treason conspired 〈◊〉 and eke of forw●●●●nge . And for to be shorte , and knytte vp the knotte , Fewe mischefes at al , that money makes not . But though it be ill , when it is abused : Yet neuertheles , it may be well vsed . Nor I do not fynde , that men be denide : For sufficient thynges , them selves to prouide . Accordynge as god , hath put them in place . To have and to holde , a tyme and a space . So it be wel wonne , and after well spente : For it is not th●●●s , 〈◊〉 that ●ntent . And 〈…〉 , 〈…〉 skyll : 〈…〉 me●e , to vse at 〈◊〉 wyll . As priestes shoulde not take , promotions in hande : To lyue at theyr case , lyke lordes of the lande . But onely to fede , gods flocke with the trouthe : To preache , and to teache , wythout any slouthe . Nor folkes shoulde not nede , greate ryches to wynne . But gladely to lyue , and for to flee synne . Hys will for to worcke , that is theyr soules health : And then may they thynke , they lyue in much wealthe : For in this vaine worlde , 〈◊〉 be 〈◊〉 in : nothyng but 〈◊〉 mischief● and synne . Temptation , vntrou●●● contention and 〈◊〉 Then lette vs not 〈◊〉 by so vile a lyfe 〈◊〉 But lyfte vp oure 〈◊〉 and loke throughe our fayth : Beholdynge his mercies , that many tymes sayth . The iuste men shall lyue , by their good beleife : And shall haue a place , where can be no griefe .