I vvould, and would not

I WOVLD , And would not . 1. I Would I had , as much as might be had , Of wealthy wishes , to the woldes content : That I might liue , all like a lusty Ladde , And scorne the world , and care not how it went : But eate , and drinke , and sleepe , and sing , and play , And so in pleasures , passe my time away . 2. And yet I would not : for too wealthy then , I should be troubled with a world of toyes : Kinred , Companions , Troups of Seruing-men ; Fashion-Deuisers , Fooles , and Guirles , & Boyes : Fidlers , and Iesters , Monkeys , Apes , Babounes , Drunckards , and Swaggerers , and such trouble-townes . 3. Besides , I should forget to finde the way , That leades the Soule to her Eternall blisse ; And then my state were at a wofull stay , No , I would wish , a better world then this . And in Afflictions , here on Earth to dwell , Rather then seeke my Heau'n on earth , & run to hell . 4. I would I were a man of such deepe wit , As might discerne the depth of e●ery cause : That wherefoere I did in Iudgement sit , I might be held a Note-booke , in the Lawes . My braine might seeme a kinde of miracle : And euery word I spake , an Oracle . 5. And yet I would not , for then , woe were me , I should be troubled wit● a world of Cases : Both rich and poore , would then ●●y Clients be , Some , with their pleasing , some , with piteous faces : And when the Rich had left their briberie , I should not rest for Formap●uperie . 6. I would I were a man of greatest power , That swaies a Scepter , on this worlds great Masse : That I might sit on toppe of pleasures Tower , And make my will , my way , where ere I passe : That Lawe might haue her being from my breath , My smile might be a life , my frowne a death . 7. And yet I would not , for then , doe I feare , Enuy or Malice would betray my trust : And some vile spirit , though against the haire , Would seeke to lay mine honor in the dust . Treason , or Murther , would beset me so : I should not knowe , who were my friend , or foe . 8. No , I doe rather wish the Lowe estate , And be an honest Man , of meane degrees : Be lou'd for good , and giue no cause of hate , And clime no higher , then a Haw-thorne tree ; Pay euery man his owne , giue Reason , right : And work● all day , and take my rest at night . 9. For sure in Courtes , are worlds of costly Cares , That Comber Reason , in his course of rest : Let me but learne , how thrift both spends & spares ; And make enough , as good as any feast . And fast , and pray , my daies may haue good end , And welcome all , that pleaseth God to send . 10. I would I were the fairest , sweetest Creature , That could be painted , with the purest Art : That Arte might wonder at the worke of Nature , How so perfection made vp euery part . That euery Eye that saw mee , might admire mee , And euery heart , heard of me , might desire me . 11. And yet I would not , for then , out alasse , I should be troubled with a world of fooles : When many a simple Idle headed Asse , Would put his wits vnto some Poets schooles , To learne to make a verse to flatter mee : As there were no such louing foole as hee . 12. No , I doe rather wish the louely Browne , Where vertues Beauty makes the Inward faire : Then be the gallant Gazer of the towne , And make mine honor , but a Barbers Chaire : When none that had , with losse of treasure tride me , Once finding my foule Inside would abide me . 13. I would I were an Innocent , a foole , That can do nothing else , but laugh or crie : And eate fat-meate , and neuer goe to schoole ; And be in loue , but with an Apple-pie : Weare a pide-Coate , a Cockes-Combe , and a Bell , And thinke it did become me passing well . 14. And yet I would not : for then should I not Discerne the difference , twixt the good & bad : Nor how the gaine of all the world is got , Nor who are sober , wise , nor who are mad . Nor in the Truth of follies sence to see : Who 's the foole now ? ther 's no such foole as hee ? 15. I would I were a Fidler , and could play , A thousand quauers in a minutes space : And at a Bridale , brauely leade the way , Before the Bride , and giue the Groome , a Grace . That I might shake the head , and stare , and gape , And make a thousand faces like an Ape . 16. And yet I would not : for ten to one My fiddle , or my fingers should not rest : But euery Iacke a Lute would call vpon , Such Moris daunces as doe like him best : And euery wagtaile with a wanton Eye , Would hang vpon me for a Heidegy . 17. I would I were a Cuckolde Wittal Asse , And car'de not who did mount my Hackney Saddle , Yet thinke I haue as true a louing Lasse As ere lay in Swadling Clouts or Cradle : And manerly goe to the Church before her , And would not heare , how many did be whore her . 18. And yet I would not : for then doe I feare , My hornes would be so hard , I could not bide them And when their weight were more than I could beare Alas I know not what to doe to hide them . But euery one would say in bitter scornes , Looke yonder goes a gallant paire of hornes . 19. I would I were the arranst Cuckolde maker , That euer answerde for his Aperne sport : There should not scape a wench , but I would take her And set her to her worke in such a sort That all the world should know , while I had health I would not see an Idle Common-wealth . 20. And yet I would not : for then doe I doubt , Bride-well and I , should wrestle for the Whippe : And once got in , I hardly should get out : Till I had soundly pay'd for Trully-Trippe , When all the Beggers in the street would whoo me , And do me all the shame , that they could do me , 21. I would I were a most notorious Thiefe , That might affright all true men , where I goe : And when I made demaund , they might be briefe , That in their Budgets doe my busines knowe . And such as trauaile , with concealed treasure , Should be but Stewards , to maintain my pleasure . 22. And yet I would not : for then out of doubt , Some dogge , or diuel , would for Coyne betray me : Some priuy search , would surely finde me out , O● Watch , or Warrant , some way , would way-lay me . And being caught , with Bills , & Clubb●s , & staues , Bee 〈◊〉 , with a crue of beastly Slaues . 23. Then to the Iustice , brought with such a Ioy , As if some Campe , or Castle were surprisde : Who knowing how such Stragglers doe destroy , A world of wealth , hath presently deuisde , Vnto the Iaylers keeping to commend me : Where I must stay , vntill the gallowes end me . 25. No , I had rather leade a quiet life , And feare to looke no true man in the face : Keepe a poore house , maintaine an honest wife , Trauell no further then the Market-place . On Sundayes goe to Church , and home againe , And with my neighbors , drinke a pot , or twaine . 26. I would I were a Iuggler , and could play A thousand p●ankes vpon a Pepper-corne : And draw the witt●s of Wyzardes , so away , They all might wonder at a Bullockes-horne . And with their purses , runne and follow mee , To make them thinke they see , they doe not see . 27. And yet I would not : for then well I know , Some Eye , or other , would my sleights descrye : And to the world reueale my cunning so , I could not answere for my Knauery . But some Curst-queane , would either cracke my crown , Or Constable , would course me out of town . 28. I would I were a Myller , and could grinde A hundred thousand bushells in an houre : And ere my M●ster and my 〈…〉 , B● closely filtching of a bagge of Floure . And send it to my Sweet-hart , for to make , A Pudding-pie , a Pastey , or a Cake . 29. And yet I would not ; least my Thumbes should be Held all too great vpon my towling-dish : And such as did my secret cunning see , Might curse , and wish mee many a bitter wish : And ●ay , when they before the Mill-dore-stand , The Millers-thumb's as broade as halfe a hand . 30. No , I had rather fairely buye my bread , And spend it as I get it honestly : Then scarcely sleepe in quiet in my Bed , When I but thinke vpon my subtilty ; To lay the wench along vpon the Sacke , And steale her meale , e●e she had turn'd her back . 31. I would I were a Taylor , and could cut A thousand yardes of Veluet out in shreads : And in my purse , the money closely put , While simple hearts were beating of their heads , With labours t●yle to keepe a poore estate , Like honest Cutberd , and his bony - Kate. 32. And yet I would not : least by falshoods trade , I should be call'd a stealer , that 's a thiefe : No , in no wise , by such meanes to be made A Master-workman , were too great a griefe . No , Let me rather be an honest youth , That neuer stole a yarde of stuffe in truth . 33. I would I were a Keeper of a Parke , To walke with my bent Crosse-bow , & my hound , To know my Game , and cl●sely in the darke , To lay a barren-Doe vpon the ground And by my Ve●●zon , more then by my Fees , To feed on better meate then bread and cheefe . 34. And yet I would not : least if I be spide , I might be turned quite out of my walke ; And afterwards more punishment abide , Then longs vnto a little angry talke . And cause more mischiefe after all , come to me , Then all the good the Does did euer doe me . 34. No , I had rather bee an honest Keeper , To walke my Parke , and looke vnto my Pales ; And not to play the sluggard and the sleeper , And holde my Land-lord vp with idle tales . Take but my Fees , be merry with my Dame , And so to gaine , and keepe an honest name . 36. I would I were a Collyer , might ●ell Coles , And ●ill my sackes a quarter full of dust : A●d haung emptied them in some darke holes , Sweare out my measure to be full , and iust . Then laugh to thinke when I were gotten home , How I had c●●zen'd a kinde-hearted 〈◊〉 . 37. And yet I would not : least by my blacke face , I might be held a Diuell then in deed : And so to doe my fellowes all disgrace , When many a one the worse for me should speed . No , God forbid , let me be true and iust , While other hide , the Diuell in the dust . 38. I would I were a Gardiner , and had skill , To digge and rake , & plant , and sowe , and slippe : The Caterpiller , and the Mowle to kill , To proyne my Trees , and all my stalks to strippe . And when to plucke my fruite , and sowe my seeds , And how to keep my Gardein cleane from weeds . 39. And yet I would not : for then should I feare , The Thiefe , the Mowle , the Worm , & blasting windes : I should not looke about me any where , But I should finde some crosses in their kindes . My Plants would wither , or my seedes would rot , Or loose in one yeare , more then ere I got . 40. No , I would rather take the Markets happe , And pay my Coyne , & keepe my minde in quiet : And what I bought , to bring home in my lappe , And when I come home , dresse it for my Dyet . Then in my Gardein , watch a Mowle or 〈◊〉 , And haue an other planting in my house . 41. I would I were a Painter of such Art , As like Appelles , might abuse the Eye : And to the life , so set out euery part , That straunge Conceits might bee deceiu'd thereby . And I might vse my pensill in such sort , As all the world should neuer make report . 42. And yet I would not : for then doe I feare , My heart might fall vpon Idolatry : For while my hand were drawing of a haire , I might be rapt into a thought too high . When thinking to behold an Angels face , Forget the diuell in an other place . 43. No , I had rather onely learne to knowe , The difference of my Colours in their kindes : And haue a care , to set my shadowes so , They may not be a hurt to blessed mindes . And vse my pensill , on my cloath , and boord , And for what price I might my paines affoord . 44. I would I were a Merchant of all wares , That I might furnish all both Rich and poore : And what should fall vnto the Beggars shares , I might haue plenty , alwaies at my doore . My shoppe might be a Market of such state , As all the world may stand and wonder at . 45. And yet I would not : for euen doe I feare , I should finde many a Begger in my booke : And when I could my mony not forb●are , I might goe hang my credit on a booke . When if both Towne , and Country came vnto me , In one , or both , some debt●rs would vndo me . 46. No , I would rather be of meane estate , Haue mony alwaies ready in my chest : Be sure to buy my wares at the best rate , And sell good stuffe , and serue my friends the best , And cosen no man , with false weight nor measure , But with true dealing make a poore mans treasure . 47. I would I were a practiser in Phisicke , To know my simples , Compounds , & my waters , To heale the Rume , the Tooth-ach and the Tisicke , The Coughe , olde Aches , & such other matters , That I might by my skill in generall , Be held the Maister of the Vrinall . 48. And yet I would not : for then day nor night , I should haue quiet scarcely in my bed : And in my Conscience haue full many a fright , To heare my Patient suddenly were dead : When by a Vomit , I had burst his heart , Or pur'gde his guttes out through the nether part . 49. No , I had rather bee an Herbalist , To know the vertue both of Hearbs & Rootes , Then be too bolde and desperate Alchymist ; That ofte his weight and measure ouer-shootes , And so , by either want of Care , or skill , In steede of Curing , giue a killing-Pill . 50. I would I were a high Astronomer , That I might make my walke among the starres : And by my insight might fore-see a farre , What were to come , & talke of peace & warres Of liu●s and deaths , and wonder , to ensue , Although perhaps , but fewe doe fall out true . 51. And yet I would not : for then doe I doubt , With too-much study ▪ I should grow st●rk mad : When one Conceit would put an other out , While giddy braines beyond themselues would gad . And seeking for the 〈◊〉 within the Moone , Mistake a morning , for an after-noone . 52. No , I would rather learne no more to knowe , Then of the times and seasons of the yeare : What dayes the Fayres are kept , and how to goe From towne to towne , & euery Sheer , to Sheere . That 〈◊〉 may not their day-note-books slack , And so to make an honest 〈◊〉 . 53. I would I were a r●re and sound 〈◊〉 , And had the Lawes of honest loue by heart : Would not corrupt my Conscience for a million , Nor euer pleade , but on the honest part . Examine strictly , and consider duely , And so giue sentence to the matter truly . 54. And yet I would not : for then might I heare , How Truth gets hatred , for her honest minde : And simple-Fees , doe make but sory che●●e , While true Plain-dealing hath but barely dinde . When such as know the world , and how to vse it , Seeing a Fee come faire , will not refuse it . 55. I would I were a Scriuener , and could pen , All kinde of writings , write all kinde of hands : Be well acquainted with great Monyed-men , And closely deale for all their goods and Lands . And being furnisht fully , to my pleasure , Play them a trick ▪ to make them look their Treasure . 56. And yet I would not : for then I am sure , My Conscience would receiue a Mortall-wound : And such a wound as neuer Arte could Cure , By all the feates that euer s●ri●e●er sound , When if I scap'● mine eares for Forgery , My soule should goe to Hell for Vsury . 57. No , I had rather in a Copy booke Write a good sentence for a Schollers reading : Whereon the parents may be glad to looke , And say , God send their hands a happy speeding . And take my mony on the Saterday For all the weeke , then bid my Boyes goe play . 58. I would I were a Trades man , and could sell My wares by weight , and measure as I list : And had such trickes to make my market well , That I might send home fooles with Had-I-wist . That while poore soules did sit with losses crying , I might growe Rich , with swearing , & with lying . 59. And yet I would not : for my Conscience then , Wold make me feele the smart of falshoods woe : When I beheld the ends of faithles men , With what a horror to their Hell they goe . While true plaine-dealing hearts in quiet die , And faithfull loue doth liue Eternally . 60. I would I were a Broker , and for Coyne Tooke any Pawnes , and ●are not what I tooke For interest , nor how I did pou●loyne , So I might get it with the Siluer hooke . W●o were the Thiefe , so ● might buye the wares , Nor who did shift , so I did get the shares . 61. And yet I would not : for then doe I doubt , Some priuate Eyes , would closely prie into me : And some odde Ladde or Landresse finde me out , And for receiuing stolne goods would vndo me . When with the losse of all my goods , scarce hope , To be so happy , as to scape the Rope . 62. No , I had rather trie a better Trade , Whereby to make some honest kinde of gaine : Whereby some better reckoning may be made , Then buy Repentance with so great a paine . Now fie vpon them , Brokers , Bawdes and Theeues , Make poore men weare their Ierkins without sleeues . 63. I would I were a close promoting Mate , To picke a hole in each offenders Coat : And make a shew of seruice to the State , When I would purse vp many a priuy groat : But in great Summes follow my Information , Till I were well paied for a Reformation . 64. And yet I would not : for then euery knaue Would single me out , for a secret friend : And teach me how to play the cunning slaue , To bring my busines to a wretched ende . While hellish Craft with Cloke of heresie , Might hide a world of foule iniquitie . 65. No , I would rather learne my selfe t' amend What is amisse , and so my friends aduise ; Then when I see an other man offend , In secret , seeke his ●uine to deuise . And making shew to seeke the good of all , Set vp my selfe , with many thousands fall . 66. I would I were a Tapster , fill my pot Halfe vp with froth , and make my gaine of drinke : And make no Care , how I my mony got , So I might hea●e my Golde and siluer chinke . Make more of Drunkardes then of better men , By putting off bad licour now and then . 67. And yet I would not : for then should I be , At Call and Checke of euery Iacke and Gill : And many a Lobcocke would looke into me , What drinke I drew , how I my pot did fill : And sometime trust so farre vpon the score , I scarce should put my head out of the doore . 68. No , I had rather runne an other Race , Though for lesse profit , yet for more content : That both with God and man , might be in Grace , Wherein my time might be more happily spent . And rather pay , my penny for my pot , Then cosen twenty people for a groat . 69. I would I were as tall , and stout a man , As euer drewe a sword out of a sheath : That I might see , who durst come neere my Canne , Or speake a word , where I but seeme to breath , Or fortune durst , but crosse me with her wheeles , For feare to see , her braines about her heeles . 70. And yet I would not : for then where should I Bestowe my selfe ? but euery man would flie me : I should be sure to haue no company , Where none that loue themselues , that wil come nigh me , And fortune would be sure to fit me so , That she wold some way seeke mine ouerthrow . 71. I would I were a Trauellor , to passe The Roughest Seas , and card'e for winde and weather : And might arriue , where neuer Creature was , But Beasts , & Birds ▪ that liue & feede together . And tell at home what I abroad haue seene , Where neuer man yet but my selfe had beene . 72. And yet I would not : for I feare , that fewe Would trust my stories , were they nere so true : Words are but winde , and winde is but a Dewe , Farre Trauellers may say that blacke is Blewe . Although perhaps some simple soules may say , Surely , this man hath trauailde a great way : 73. No , I will rather trye my Fortunes heere , And to my best aduantage vse my wittes : Then runne abroad , and buye Repentance deere , Knowing how ofte , vnhappily Fortune ●ittes . When weather-beaten Sailes , with winde , & raine , Scarce make a Sauing - Voyage home againe . 74. I would I were a Player , and could Act As many partes , as came vpon a Stage : And in my braine , could make a full Compact , Of all that pasteth betwixt Youth and Age . That I might haue fiue-shares in euery Play , And let them laugh , that beare the Bell-away . 75. And yet I would not : For then doe I feare , If I should gall some Goos-cappe with my speech : That he would freat & fume , and chase , and sweare , As if some Flea had bit him by the Breech . And in some passion , or strange Agonie , Disturbe both mee , and all the Companie . 76. I would I were a Poet , and could write ; The passage of this Paltry world in time : And talke of Warres , and many a valiant fight , And how the Captaines did to Honor clime . Of Wise , and Faire , of Gratious , Vertuous , kinde , And of the Bounty of a noble minde . 77. But speake but little of the life of Loue , Because it is a thing so harde to finde : And touch but little at the Turtle-Doue , Seeing there are but fewe Byrdes of that kinde . And Libell against leawde and wicked harts , That on the earth , doe play the Diuells-parts . 78. And yet I would not : for then would my braines , Be with a world of toyes Intoxicate : And I should fall vpon a thousand vaines , Of this and that , and well I know not what . When some would say , that saw my Frantick fittes , Surely the Poet is beside his wittes . 79. I would I were an honest Countrey-Wench , That only could make Curtsey , smoile , & blush , And sit me downe vpon a good-Ale bench , And answere wanton Tomkin , with a Iush . And well , Go-too , and How-now ? Pray-away , And for a Tanzey , goe to Stoole-Ball-play . 80 And yet I would not : For then doe I feare , My Louers would be out of loue with mee : If I would not belieue them when they sweare , That I am shee , and I am onely shee , Of all the Maydes , before the Church-house dore ; That hath their harts , and what can I haue more ? 101. No , I had rather be an honest wife , And loue my husband , and looke to my house ; And with my Neighbours leade a quiet life , And keepe a Cat , to driue away the Mouse . Hatch vp my Chickins , pen vp my clocke-Henne , And haue nothing to doe with naughtie men . 102. I would I were the gallanst Courtizan , That euer put a foure-Ear'de Asse to schoole : That I might cleane put downe Maide Marian , And neuer be without my dainty foole . And make my mony baggs come ●umbling to me , And glad to see what seruice they can doe me . 103. And yet I would not : for then doe I doubt , Some Cunstable , or Beadie of Bridewell : By some olde Bawde , would surely find me out , When for his silence , I should pay full well . Or Cart it to the place of youthes Correction , Where chopping Chalke , would quite spoile my Complexion . 104. No , I had rather be an honest Maide , That neuer knewe any loues delight : And of a man , almost to be afraide , Then see me to set my Maider head so light . As for a wicked choise , to chaunge my name , To fit me onely , with a f●e for shame . 105. I would I were a Bruer , and could make My water pay the charges of my Malt : And for small Beere , the price of strong beere take , And helpe a musty Barrell with bay salt . Keepe leaking vessells , stoppe them vp with Clay , The drinke may runne out , when the Earth's away . 106. And yet I would not : for then I should thinke , If I should take good mony for ill Beere : My Customers would curse me for my drinke , And say I solde both that was naught , and deere . And one so driue an other daily fro me , That in the ende they would quite ouerthrow me . 107. No , I had rather truly pay my penny For my full pot of either Ale or Beere : Then seeke that hurt or spoiling of a many , Or to vndoe the poore in a deere yeere . Or make them say , whose trust I doe abuse , Oh wicked Bruer , looke what drinke he brues . 108. I would I were an excellent Diuine , That had the Bible at my fingers ends : The world might heare out of this mouth of mine , How God did make his Enemies his friends . I were so follow'de , as if none but I , Could plainely speake of true Diuinity . 109. And yet I would not : for then ten to one , I should be call'd but a Precizian : Or Formalist , and might goe preach alone , Vnto my holy brother Puritan . And so be flouted for my zealous loue , In taking paines for other mens behoue . 110. No , I had rather reade , and vnderstand The Rules of Grace , that haue the learned led : To know the power of the Almighty hand , And with what foode , the blessed flocke are fed . Rather then with a thundring and long praier , To leade into presumption , or dispaire . 111. I would I were a man of warlike might , And had the Title of a Generall : To point the Captaines euery one their fight , Where should the Vangard , and the Rereward fall . Who should be leaders of the forlorne hope , And who the Entrance to the Army ope . 112. And yet I would not : for then I might see , How discontent might cause a Mutinie : Whereby the Army might in danger be , To be surprized by the Enemy . Or by the losse of men , for honors gaine , To wound my Conscience with a bloody paine . 113. No , I had rather praise the Course of peace , A●d st●●y 〈◊〉 to helpe to holde the same : And ●ow soone quarrells ill begu● may cease , And ho● to keepe acco●d in quiet frame . That olde an● young may liue contented so , That to their graues , may all in quiet goe . 114. I would I were the Miserablest wretch That euer Crambde vp mony in his Chest : That I might learne , but like a dogge to fetch Lambes from the Folde , and Duckelings from the nest . And when I tooke the paines to plucke and pull , Know how to gaine , by Feathers , and by wooll . 115. And yet I would not : least while I did liue ▪ I should scarce trust my selfe with that I haue : I should not heare the word of Lend , nor giue , But only study , how to get and saue . And when I die , haue written on my doore , The Dogge is Dambn'de , that preyde vpon the poore . 116. I would I were the strangest Prodigall , That euer strew'de his mony in the street : That I might make the Beggers m●rry all , When they but sawe the shadowe of my feet . And Churles might chafe , to see me so to throw Away the wealth , that they did scrape for so . 117. And yet I would not ; least when all were gone , My stocke , my goods , my Leases , & my Lands : It sure would breake my heart to looke vpon , My whole estate to be in others hands . And then to hide me in some secret place , Or grieue to death , to thinke of my disgrace . 118. I would I were so neate and Spruse a Noddy , As all in print , might speake , and looke , & walke : And so become for euery idle body , A kinde of ●able , or a Stable-talke . And say to see me , tripping on the Toe , The Fool 's so prowd , he knows not how to goe . 119. And yet I would not : least some Wood-cock-asse , To equall me in my 〈◊〉 : Might paint , and princke himselfe vp in a glasse , And studie counterfeit Gentilitie . And so perhaps put mee into some passion , To see my fashion , growe so out of fashion . 120. No , I will rather wisely looke about me , And weare both what , & how might fit my state : And haue a care within , what were without me , I might not be an Owle , to wonder at . But I might passe through all the Pide-coat-throng , And bee no Taber for an idle-toong . 121. I would I were a Beastly - Epicure , That car'de for nothing but to eate and drinke : And talke of nought but Natures-Nour●ture , And filling vp my Flagons to the brinke . Of lusty swallowes , and of pleasing taste , And make no care how much good meat I waste . 122. And yet I would not : least the world should say , Looke , yonder goes a barrell full of Beere : Who gulls in more good victualls in one day , Then might suffize an honest man a yeere . And ere he dye , it will ( no doubt ) be found , The Beast did burst , & stunck aboue the ground . 123. No , I had rather keepe a better Dyet , And liue with Bread and water all my life : Then in my Guttes to keepe so great a Ryot , And in my S●omacke haue so sore a strife . That I should puffe , and blowe , and swell , & sweat , And be halfe-dead , ere I disgest my meat . 124. I would I were a man of all mens mindes , My Wit were drawne into all kinde of passions : And my Conceyts were all of sundry kindes , My Cloathes made after all-Countrey-fashions . I knew the secret of all Natures-sence , And so of Earth , and all her Excellence . 125. And yet I would not : for then sure should I , Be all too gaz'd at wheresoere I goe : And like the poore bare-feather'd Aesops-Pye , When euery Byrd did her owne-feather knowe . Be followed with many a flowting-lacke , Or Rauens feathers all pull'd from my backe . 126. No , I had rather weare but home-spun-thread , And haue my Cloathes close vpon my Breech : And by my Labours-toyle to get my bread , And vse no other but my Countrey-speech . And rather haue a Foole thinke mee a foole , Then craftie work-men know me by my Toole . 127. I would I were the truest-hearted woman , That euer spake with a most pleasing Toung : And neuer meane to giue offence to no man , Nor neuer thrust into an idle throng . But so haue care of all my Cariage , It may be helpe vnto my Mariage . 128. And yet I would not : for then euery Maide , Within our towne , would stand & laugh at me : And call me Foole , and say I were afraide , To know what in an honest man might be . For shee that will not looke ere shee did leape , Might curse the Trades-man , though his Ware were cheape . 129. No , I had rather be a reasonable , T●ue , Honest , Witty , merry - Bony-Kate , That would not feare the Constable , To see him looke in at our window-Grate . As many We●ches will be now and then , That haue bene medling with too-many men . 130. I would I were the rarest Politician , That euer plotred for preheminence : And of the Doggedst disposition , That euer was in Natures residence . And car'de not how the worlde to Ruine went , So I might onely purchase my Content . 131. And yet I would not : For then doe I feare , Some sudden-Flash from Heau'n would fall vpon me : And all the world reioyce to see and heare , In helples griefe , how I am woe begon me . When I of force should bid the world Fare-well . And Death were sent to summon mee to Hell . 132. No , I had rather keepe the plaine High-way , That leades the soule to her Eternall rest : Then by Illusion , seeke out a wry-way , To hatche my Egges vp , in the Diuells-nest . And with the Worlde , when I had made an ende ▪ To finde in Heau'n an Euerlasting-Friende . 133. I would I were , and yet I would not too , Because I know not that , I know ●ot what : And when I would doe , then I cannot doe , When that would put out this , this put out that , And such strange Fancies would ●y spir●t feede , That in the ende , I should grow mad indeede . 134. Then let me see , if I at least can see , What may be seene , that 's worthie to be seene ▪ Wherein might be , and onely there might bee , That always hath bene , and hath on●ly beene . In true Conceit , in state of Comforts store , Where I would be , a●d say , would not no more . 135. Yea , that 〈◊〉 such a thing indeed to finde , As one mi●●t seeke vntill ●is Eyes were out : With all the st●ength both of ●is heart and minde , And trauell ouer all the Earth about . A●d noting Natures workes , and worth in all , Finde all as nothing , or to nothing ●all . 136. Yet there is something wheresoere it is , And it is some-w●●re , and no-where , but there : Where all is well , and nothing is a●●sse , But yonder , here and there and e●e●●-where . Where the bright-Eyes of Bless●d-Soules may see , Where all the Ioyes of Hearts and Soul●● may bee . 137. ●ut wher●s this same , where ? that wold be known , And wh●re is this same knowledge to be ●ound ? And where is such a seede of Science sowne ? And where is such a blessed piece of ground ? And where is such a Blessing to be sought , That for that worth , se●● al the world at ●ought ? 138. Where all the pride of Beawtie is put downe , What Natures Reason , must subscribe to Grace : And wit and will , may wander vp and downe , And Vertue onely keepes a Glorious pl●ce , Where shee alone vnto her Seruants showes , Where a●l the com●ort of the spirit goes . 139 Yea , there alone the heart and soule may finde , The sacred summe of their Eternall-Sweete : Which gladdes the soule , the spirit , and the minde , Where all the Graces do toegther meete . And all together , doe agree in one , To sing in Glorie to thei● GOD alone . 140. What ? neither great , nor wise , no● Rich , nor faire ? What would ● be then ? might I as I would : I would not be a Moate amidst the Ayre , Nor yet a Mowle , to digge within the ground . Nor Byrd , nor Beast , that can but eate , and sleepe , Nor like a Baby , can but laugh and weepe . 141. Nor like a Bowby , without wit or sence , Not like a Baboune , for a Bearardes whippe : Nor like a Lowse , in beggars Residence , Nor like a Flea , that can but leape and skippe . Nor like a worme , but to be troden on , Nor like a Gue-Gaw , to be gaz'de vpon . 142. Nor would I be a Byrd within a Cage , Nor Dogge in Kennell , nor a Bore in Stye : Nor Crab-Tree-staffe , to leane vpon for Age , Nor wicked Liue , to leade a Youth awrye . Nor like a Flooke , that floates but with the Fludde , Nor like an Eele , that liues but in the mudde . 143. Nor would I haue the Crane picke out mine Eyes , Nor Pyes , nor Parats , teach me how to prat● : Nor fill my Pawnche too-full of Wood-cock-pyes , Nor haue M●dge-Howlet make me watch too-late . Nor let the Cu●kooe learne me how to sing , Nor with a Buzzarde , make too Lowe a wing . 144. Nor would I bee a C●tte , to hunt a Mowse , Nor yet a Ferret , to goe hunt a C●ny Nor yet an Ao● to stand and looke a Lowse , Nor yet a Sh●epes-head , to be solde for mony . Nor yet a Hawke , to se●ze vpon a Ducke , Nor yet a Nars● , to giue a Baby sucke . 145. Nor would I write vpon the death of Dogges , And say here lyes a good olde-stinking Curre : Cut Rusty face● out of rotten Logges , Nor of an Owles-skinne , make an Ape a Furre . Nor teach a Byrde to whistle in a Cage , Nor be a Ministrell at a Marriage . 146. Nor teach a Cat , to hunt a Mowse drye-foote , Nor a young Squyrrell ho● to clime a Reede : A skarre-cr●w in a Garde● how to shoote , Nor a blinde-Harper , how a Song to reade . Nor how a Fle● may scape the Fingers endes , Nor how a Lowse may liue among her Friends . 147. Nor would I be a Golden Alchymist , To studie the Phylosophers fa●re stone : And feede a sight of Fooles , with Had-I-wist , To weepe for S●luer , when theyr Golde is gone . Poope Noddy , neuer was there such an other , To make a Couzen of a simple Brother . 148. Nor would I be a Foole when all is done , To weare Pyed Coats , Turn-spit , & eat fat-meat : Follow my Master , dandle his young Sonne , And tell my Mistris , who the Foole did beat . That she might chide her Wenches euery one , For medling with her Foole , when she was gone . 149. Nor sing new-Ballads , nor make Countrey-games , Nor set vp sights , were neuer seene before : Nor walke among my c●ue of Cursed-Dames , And bee a Pander to a Paltry-Who . No , Pandarisme is so poore a Trade , That none but Beggars , bargaine for a Iade . 150. No , I would not bee any one of these , Nor any of this wretched worlds delight : I would not so my spirits comforts leese , To haue mine Eyes bew●tcht from heauenly light . No , I would haue an other World then this , Where I would seeke for my Eternall-Blisse . 151. And till I come vnto that Glorious place , Where all Contents doe ouercome the heart : And Loue doth liue in Euerliuing-Grace , While greatest Ioy doth feele no smallest smart . But GOD is all in all , to his beloued , The Sweet of soules , that sweetest soules haue proued . 152. To tell you truely , what I wish to bee , And neuer would be other , if I could : But in the comfort of the Heau'ns Decree , In soule and bodie , that I euer should . Tho●g● in the world , not to the world to liue , But to my GOD , my seruice wholly giue . 153. This would I be , and would none other be , But a Religious seruant of my God : And knowe there is none other God but he , And willingly to suffer mercies Rod. Ioy in his Grace , and liue but in his Loue , And seeke my blisse but in the heauen aboue . 154. And I would frame a kinde of faithfull praier , For all estates , within the state of Grace : That carefull loue might neuer know despaire , No ●eruile feare might faithfull loue deface . And this would I both day and night deuise , To make my humble spirits Exercise . 155. And I would arede the rules of sacred Life , Perswade the troubled soule to patience : The husband , Care , and Comfort to the wife , To Childe and seruant , due obedience . Faith to the friend , and to the Neighbour peace , That loue might liue , and quarrels all may cease . 156. Pray for the health of all that are deceased , Confession vnto all that are Conuicted : And patience vnto all , that are displeased , And comfort vnto all , that are afflicted . And mercy vnto all , that haue offended , And Grace to all , that all may be amended . 157. Pray for the King , the Queene , & Countries health Their Royall issue , and their Peeres of Estate : The Counsaile , Cleargy , and the Common-wealth , That no misfortune may their blisse abate . But that , th' Almighty so his Church will cherish , That not a member of his Loue may perish . 158. Wish King , to haue King Dauids heart , And euery Queene , the Queene of Shelaus wit : And euery Councell Salomons best part , Of vnderstanding , for a kingdome fit . And euery Lady , faire Rebeccaes face , And euery Virgin , the wise Virgins Grace . 159. And euery Souldiour , Iosuahs true spirit , And euery Scholler , Aarons eloquence : And euery Miser , wicked Diues merits , And euery poore man , Iobs true patience . And euery Lawyer , Maries heau'nly minde , And euery Merchant of Zacheus kinde . 160. Doe not with Esaw , hunt for venizon , And sell thy birthright for a messe of pottage : Lest Iacob steale away thy benison , When Isaach falls vpon the yeeres of dotage . But be a Ioseph in the time of neede , To good olde Iacob , and his blessed seede . 161. Be Abraham in obedient sacrifice , And follow Lot in his loues holines : Like Salomon , be in thy Iudgement , wise , And Ionathan in friendships faithfulnes Like Henoch make thy Ioy of heauenly loue , And with Eliah liue in Heau'n aboue . 162. And diet not with Holofernes drinke , But follow Iudith , in her ioyfull strength : Let Dalila , not make stout Sampson winke ; Lest the Philistines fall on thee at length . Nor Sal●mon be led with Pharaohs Childe , Lest by the flesh , the spirit be beguilde . 163. Be both a Priest , a Prophet , and a King , A Priest , to make thy selfe a Sacrifice : A Prophet , to declare the way to bring The blessed Spirit , vnto Paradise . A King to rule thy selfe , with such direction , Thy Soule may keepe thy body in subiection . 164. Know what , and how , & where , & when to speake , Be fearefull , how thou doest thy God offend : A vertuous vow , take heed thou doest not breake , And mercies pleasure willingly attend . Holde backe thy hand from all vnlawfull Action , And weane thy Spirit , from vngodly Faction . 165. Flatter not folly , with an idle faith , Nor let earth stand vpon her owne desart : But shew what wisedome in the Scripture saith , The fruitfull hand , doth shew the faithfull hart . Beleeue the word , and thereto bend thy will , And teach obedience for a blessed skill . 166. Chide sinners , as the father doth his childe , And keepe them in the Awe of louing feare : Make sinne most hatefull , but in words be milde : That humble patience may the better heare : And wounded conscience may receiue reliefe , When true repentance pleades the sinners griefe . 167. Yet flatter not the foule delight of sinne , But make it loathsome in the ●ie of Loue : And seeke the hart with holy thoughts to winne , Vnto the best way , to the soules behoue . So teach , so liue , that both in word and deede , The world may Ioy thy heau'nly rules to reade . 168. Heale the infect of sinne , with oile of Grace , And wash the Soule , with true Contritious teares : And when Confession shewes her heauy Case , Deliuer faith from all Infernall feares . That when high Iustice threatens sinne with death , Mercy againe may giue Repentance breath . 169. Sit not with Sathan , on the Horse of pride : But see sweet Iesus sitting on an Asse : Better on foote , then sowly so to ride , As with the Diuell into hell to passe . There is no meane , but either heau'n or hell , For on this Earth must no man euer dwell . 170. Time hath a course , which nature cannot stay , For youth must die , or come to doting Age : What is our life on Earth ? but as a play , Where many a part doth come vpon the Stage . Rich , poore , wise , fond , faire , fowle , & great & smal . And olde , and young , death makes an ende of al. 171. Where he that makes his life a Comedy , To laugh and sing , and talke away the time : May finde it in the ende a Tragedy , When mournefull Bells doe make no merry chime . When sad despaire shall feare Infernall euill , While Sinne and death , are Agents for the diuel . 172. But doe not Raue , nor Raile , nor stampe , nor stare , As if thy care would goe to cuffes with sinne : But shew how mercy doth Repentance spare , While working faith , doth heau'nly fauour winne . And loues obedience to the law doth proue , The chosen Soule , that God doth chiefly loue . 169. Thus would I spend in seruice of my God , The lingring howres of these fewe daies of mi●e , To shew how sinne and death are ouertrod , But by the vertue of the power diuine . Our thoughts but vaine , our substance slime and dust , And onely Christ , for our Eternall trust . 174. This would I be , and say , would not , no more , But onely not , be otherwise then this : All in effect , but as I said before , The life in that lifes kingdomes loue of his . My glorious God , whose grace all comfort giues , Then be on Earth , the greatest man that liues . FINIS .