The vncasing of Machauils instructions to his sonne with the ansvvere to the same.

THE VNCASING OF MACHAVILS INSTRVCTIONS to his Sonne : WITH THE ANSWERE to the same .

LONDON Printed by E. G. for Richard Higgenbotham , and are to be sold at his shoppe at the signe of the Cardinals Hat without Newgate . 1615.

❧ CONTENTS . MAchiauels rules do whet the purest wits , And doe expell them from their idle fits : To wise men they shew the worlds follie , With notice of preuenting deeds vnholie ▪ Which is the true intent of the Authors meaning , How euer fooles their iudgements are bestowing . Though the beginning doe of harshnesse tast , And many things are hudled vp in hast : And though there be instruction to ill , Good vnderstanding the same doth kill , And turnes those words vnto the truest sense , Which for those faults doth make a recompence , As the answere by degrees plainly showes , What dutie to vertue each creature owes , Condemne not all till all be throughly past , If first be worst , the best is kept till last .

THE VNCASING OF MACHAVILS INSTRVCTION TO HIS SONNE . COme hether Son , and learne thy Fathers lore , It is not now as it hath beene before , For in my youth would no man read to me That now in age I can deliuer thee , If thou wilt be a man of much esteeme , Be not the same what euer so thou seeme , Speake faire to all , be gentle , curteous , kinde , But let the world know nothing of thy minde , Let slip no time may be for thine auaile , Nor trust no friend , for faith begins to faile : Refuse no gift to fill thy coffers full , The wisest poore man passeth for a gull . Be temperate in affect , sober in talke , And often make a solitarie walke , Tickle conceits commit to memorie , For written lines may lie in ieopardie . Affect no follies , do not quarrels moue , And if thou loue thy selfe , fall not in loue , Haue eare for all men , conferre with few , And count faire words to be but as a dew . Follow the time , finde humors , flatter pride , And praise the Croome ; but only please the Bride . Promise enough , but not performe too much : But with thy betters euermore keepe touch . Striue not with great ones , meddle not with small , For trifles trouble not thy selfe with all . Frequent the Church make shew of great deuotion . And be not bashfull to receiue promotion . Looke big at Beggers , weare thy clothes neate . And spend not too much mony at thy meate . Saue thy Horse charges at thy Cozens stable , And take thy trencher at anothers table . Breake iests on Cowards , but take heed of Knaues . And loue no Bawdes , for they are beastly slaues . Be perfect in Arithmeticks close Art , In all accounts to make a sauing part . Stand not to stare vpon a Peacockes taile , Who if he see his legs will stoope his saile . When Iack-dawes chatter , let their language go , Better be silent then to prattle so . Obserue the Lion , but do not sturre the Beare , And loue the Wolfe , but only for his haire , Learne of the Asse to beare , the Dog to wait , And of the Ape to counterfet conceit . Catch not at flies , they are but Swallowes food , But loue the meat that nourisheth the blood . Feed like a Wolfe on blood , while it is warme He is a foole that feeles anothers harme . Yet seeme as kinde , as she that seemes to crie To see him sicke , that she could wish to die . Take heed of interest , gage no land , And from assurance euer keepe thy hand . Take no mans word , for coine is hard to get , And t is a custome now to pay no debt , Learne to get riches by the beggers purse : The Fox fares best when Geese begin to curse , Worke all the weeke for profit euery way , Keepe conscience only for the holy day . Prie into trades , to traffick , traine and tricke , And liue not by the dead , but by the quicke , And if thou be a Courtier , know thy place : But do not serue for onely shew of grace , But let thy profit answere thy expence , Least want do proue a wofull patience , And thou do proue the prouerbe often told , A carelesse Courtier yong , a Begger old . If that thou be a Scholler and canst preach , And knowest how the vnlearned sort to teach , Let neuer conscience at thy profit knock , But share thy Sheepe , and fleece another flocke , For be thou poore , what e're thy preaching be , Thy Parish will not care a pin for thee . If that thou be a Souldier , serue for fame , But let thy golden pay maintaine the same , For he that spends more then he gets in fight , Will be a begger though he be a Knight . If that thou be a Lawyer know thy right , But keepe thy Client in a cunning plight , For how canst thou a heartie pleading hold , If that thy tongue be not well tipt with gold , And rich attir'd , thou shalt haue roome to stand To plead thy case , what e're thou hast in hand , But barely clad , and in a poore array , Thou maist perhaps haue hearing at doomes day ; For though the Law be right , and Iudge be iust , Yet with the rich , the begger must not thrust . If that thou be a Marchant know thy trade , And of thy wares what reckning may be made , And be not lauish in a leude expence , Least bankrupt proue a bad experience . If that thou be a Crafts-man know thy paines , And let no Alehouse eate out all thy gaines , For if expence aboue thy gettings goe , Thou wilt be quickly in the beggers roe . What saies the craftie Clowne in clowted shooes , Time was ordain'd to get and not to loose . What though the poore lie staruing in the ditch ? It is the dearth of corne makes Farmers rich , Weare not thy shooes too short , nor cloak too long , Vse thy friend well , but do thy selfe no wrong . Abandon fooles , make much of cunning wits , But fauour most , that most thy profit fits , Sit not vp too late , except it be for gaine , For want of sleepe is hurtfull for the braine . Go not to Sea , whiles thou maist liue on land , Least scaping rockes , thou fall vpon a sand . Be sociable in euery company . But haue no hand in any villany , " If thou finde humors to passe reasons race , " Depart in time , let others take thy place , " Such companions better lost then found , " Vaine humored wits cannot be very sound , " Though for thy gaine , thou kindly dost intreat them , " Yet know thy time , when and how to reiect them . Be conuersant with strangers , learne languages , Sound their estates , and note their carriages , Know their seuerall warres , their worth and prizes , But trouble not thy head with vaine deuices . " Doe thou seuerely looke to euery action , " And let their errors yeeld thee satisfaction , " That thou by them maist easily seeke to rise , " In doing this the rich will hold thee wise . Aime still at profit , howsoeuer it growes , Make the winde serue wheresoeuer it blowes , " Then cleerely hoist vp saile , and on apace " Labouring so that thou arriue with grace . " Then welcome home , if crownes thou hast good store , " But wanting that respectlesse euermore . " No pennie no pater noster men crie , " And that pouertie parts good companie . " These prouerbes old , thou seest are very true . " If thou hast wealth , what miserie can insue ? " All men will then grace thee with cap and knee , " and praise thy life , who vile so ere it bee , For t is this wealth this profit and this gaine , That dies the colour euermore in graine . Learne thou the Physitian , and the Lawyers fee And for thy profit speake as faire as hee : Promise the one good speede , the other good health , In any course ti 's good to gather wealth . " Men must not liue these daies by foolish pittie , " In getting coyne , accounted very wittie , Learne all diseases and their seuerall cures , And care not what the patient heart endures , But giue him one day griefe , another ease , Not as his patience , but as his purse doth please , " It is not sighes , nor sobs , nor pinching paine , " Thou must respect , when that thou seek'st for gaine , " Let them greiue , chase , and euermore be fretting , " So thou by them mai'st happely be getting , Learne cards and dice , and euery cheating play , That may bring in thy profit any way . Learne thou to stop a carde , or cog a die , But shift it clenly from the gamesters eye , At ruffe and trumpe note thou the dealers rubs There is no packe without the Knaue of Clubs . " Pittie not when thou hast caught the connie " Oh! how sweet it is to share the monie ? " It makes good cheere , and welcomes many a guest " Vnto a stately house , a stately feast , " And brings content , whiles pittie sits and pines " In griefe and paine , and many hungrie sines , " When louely wealth in Iouiall spirit sings , " Soring aloft with richest golden wings , " Commanding all those vassals poore and base , " And euer seated in the highest place , " With pleasure feeding on the daintiest fare , " And all delights accounted very rare , " With musike sweet , much mirth and iollity , " With gallant sports and merrie company : " Thinke on these , and do but rightly weigh them , " Thrise happie he , so happie hath them . " Be carefull then , that something may come in , " Though some repine thou need'st not care a pin ; " For when those meanes vnto thy coffer sends , " A pot or a pinte makes a foole amendes ; " Yet bestow not this , nor any else vpon him , " Except to gaine some greater matter by him , " Seeke any meanes or course , that may inrich thee , " The richest sort then kindly will imbrace thee . Dandle the childe , grow inward with the Nurse , And thinke no beggerie base that fils the purse . " Be not ouer nice , nor coy ▪ mongst proude ones , " Humor them , and flatter thou the small ones , " That they as instruments may serue thy turne , " Stand farther of when thou begin'st to burne . " Haue conference with as many as requires it , " And be merrie with those that desire it , " But still be sure , to keepe thy tongue from prating , " Which is most base , and breedeth euer hating , " Trust not to farre , though promises be made , " Least that the substance turne vnto a shade . " Great dangers lie in shewes of seeming kinde , " He is a foole lets all men know his minde : " First trie , then trust , according to thy pleasure , " Be pleasing to all , yet all within a measure . Laugh with the Letcher , at Maidens bashfulnesse , And with the chast , at fleshes filthinesse , And with the Spend-thrift , at the Misers bags , And with the Miser , at the beggers rags . " And with the Glutton , at poore hungrie cheare , " And with the hungrie , at a plenteous yeare . " And with the learned , at a simple wit . " And with the foolish , at a frenzie fit . " And with the crafts-men , when they are deceiuing , " So that something to thee may be sharing , Learne all Religions , be of euery Sect , And chiefly to thy profit haue respect . " Let conscience knock , care not for that at all , " If thou hast coyne , no matter who do fall . For this same conscience is so poore and bare , That most she shifts amongst the beggers share , " Induring hunger , cold , and bitter stormes , " Reprochfull termes , with many hurts and harmes , " Coursely clad , all rags , and worne a sunder , " And worst of all , basely still kept vnder : " In meane estate , help-lesse still remaining , " Of better sorts euermore disdaining . In sum , of what estate so ere thou be , Learne to be rich , for that will hold with thee : " What matter though men point at thy follie , " Thou mai'st with the purest seeme as holie : " With yea and nay , verely and indeed , " With demurest lookes wish them good speede , " Which is a cloake sufficient for thy euill , " Almost able to deceiue the Deuill , " And accuse them , that say thou offerest wrong , " Such cruell deeds to wicked doth belong . " This is the course , in humoring euery sect , " A better meanes thy profit to respect . " Of these pure-ones , learne to dissemble soe , " Thine shall be the profit whose're the woe , Perswade a Slaue he is halfe a Gentleman , Though he drop out of a dripping pan : It is no matter if his purse can beare it , His rascall pride will neuer blush to heare it . " Extoll a foole , and he will still be grinning , " No matter what , so thou by him be winning . Perswade a Clowne , that he is halfe a Knight , And that his wealth deserues the place aright ; And his Maid-marrian with her wain-scot-face , Might be a Lady but for lack of grace , And make her thinke that she is halfe a Queene , Or scarce on earth is such another seene , For vertue , beautie , wit , shape and feature , Though God he knowes that she is no such creature : But if she do applaude it t is no matter , He is a foole , for profit cannot flatter . Time is not now to trifle or dandle : For gaine , fore the Deuill hold a candle : And hold it as a deede that 's wisely done , Or as a prize that 's brauely wone , Commend a Souldier when he is in crownes , And sware a Knight must gouerne ouer clownes , In many a campe how he is Caske did beare , Although poore Coward he did ne're come there . But yet thy flattery be sure so to frame , Thine may be the gaine , though his the shame . " If thou findest him simple with mony store , " I hope thou wilt finde wit to make him poore . " Then smiling say , I pittie your estate , " It is not with you now as t was of late : " But be content no doubt but God will send , " With this depart , his monies thine to spend , " Then see thou meete him not in any case , " Nor come not in where he shall be in place , " Least to expence , he after seekes to driue thee , " Or by some meanes borrowes mony of thee , " Tut : let him shift , say thou thy mon'ies gone , " Care not thou at all , though he make his mone : " But wish him well , as most men now do vse , " Finde any meanes that may thy purse excuse : " Let men be lauish , and commend them too , " Say t' is brauely done , but feede on them too . " Be sure of this , and do 't in any case . " Looke well about , that thou hast time and place , " Least that some Machiauill chance to spie it , " Discloseth all , to gaine something by it . Commend the Lawier , and his studious reading , Admire his iudgements and extoll his pleading , But flatter so , that if he get a fee , Thou mai'st haue out a share as well as hee . " Be plotting so that still thou mai'st be getting ; " Few Lawyers griue at their Clients fretting . " To sue in Forma pauperis t' is in vaine , " When ( most Lawyers ) poore sutors do disdaine . " They must be humored , sued and sought to still , " And all things else obedient to their will : " That this is true , thou daily mai'st behold , " How deerely they esteeme a fee of gold . Follow a Bishop with a world of praise , And make him as the load-starre of the daies , Admire him , and extoll him to the skies ; But so that thou mai'st get a Benefies , A good Vicarage , Cure or some such As will returne thee profit small or much . " Looke too 't in time , strike whiles the iron 's hot , " Vse no delay where wealth is to be got . " You know that seruice is no heritage : " What boot's a man to stand on parentage ? " But looke to the maine chance , ti 's that must hold , " He 's accounted well borne , that hath much gold , " To serue in hope , is but a Beggers fee , " And such rewards most Masters vse you see , " Or after two or three yeares seruice turne thee off , " And for thy seruice done , bestow a scoff . " Or if perhaps , thou serue till thou grow old , " Happie if an Almes-house thine age can hold , " This is the flinty course of this our age , " This is the time brings humors in a rage : " Then list in time , serue not except for gaine , " Let Masters feele the toile of seruants paine : " Serue not those , whose senses haue no feeling , " Or those that with leaden hands are giuing , " Applaude them not with courteous reuerence , " When they are so farre from due beneuolence . " Scorne his blew coate , his cogniscence and all , " That shall reioice in a poore seruants fall . Commend a Marchant , honour his aduenture , Who gets his wealth by danger , not indenture . Commend his trade , his traffike and his truth , The honour of his age , and toile of youth : " Say how you haue heard him much commended , " And with worthy art himselfe defended , " Gainst forraine foes , by Land and Seas , " And smoothly slipt it of himselfe to please : But withall be sure to flatter soe , That to thy purse , some piece of monie groe : Or on his boord , thy trencher to be laid , Or borrowed mony neuer to be paid . And tell ( what-lack yee ) that he lackes no wit , And for his head that he deserues to sit On higher seates then Church-wardens stooles , For he hath more wit , then a world of fooles ; But yet in feeding of his idle vaine , Be sure to pick out some od priuie gaine . " It is a follie then to stand on nicenesse , " For that , at such times is counted basenesse . " Thou must boldly looke vp and seeme merrie , " When profit comes in , who can be wearie ? " Refuse nothing that comes in any way , " It is a bad thing serues not another day . A Rapier , Dagger , Stockings , Bootes or Shooes , Somewhat doth well though beggers must not chuse , " If one giue thee Venison , what needest thou care " How he came by it , so it mend thy fare ? " Stand not to question in any case , " He may thinke thou mean'st to seeke his disgrace , " By telling abroad to strangers vnknowne , " How he had Venison , though none of his owne : " Alwaies looke to thy tongue , no more but mum , " Euer be silent , so any thing come : " Yet know thy time , when to speake , when to spare , " Keeping this course , accounted very rare . Tell Mistris minkes , shee that keepes the shop , Shee is a Ship that beares a gallant top ; Shee is a Lady for her louely face , And her countenance hath a Princes grace , " And that her beautie hath inthrald thee soe , " Except shee yeelds remorse , she workes thy woe : " Then cast thine eye vpon her beautious cheeke , " Protesting that thou neuer saw'st the like : " Her smooth forehead , and her comely dressing ; " Her louely Breasts , cause loues increasing ; " Her Iuorie teeth , her lip and chin ; " Her snow white hand , the like was neuer seene ; " Her leg and foote , with her gate so comely ; " Her apparels worne so neat and seemely . " Thus o're worne with care , thou mai'st seeme to be , " Till thou hast made her proude herselfe to see . " Then she nods the head with smiling fauor , " That thou should'st bestow , such loue vpon her ; Then bite the lip , winke and hang the head , And giue a sigh , as though thy heart were dead ; And shew strange passions of affections sence , That she may pittie loue sirreuerence : " Wishing her selfe worthy of thy fauor , " Which is a meanes to gaine some thing by her . Thus let the issue of this cunning be , That from her purse some profit come to thee , A peece of Sattin , Fustian , or some Stuffe ; A Falling-band , or a three Double-ruffe ; A Hat , a Shirt , a Cloake-cloath or a Ring , Kniues , Purses , Gloues , or some such prettie thing , Some-what hath some sauour , t' is this gaine , That still inuention giues his sweetest vaine . " It cheares a body weake , and comfort sends , " To any one that 's ill or voide of friends , " It brings the infant vp , for want might pine , " Els , Charity small comfort would resigne : " To middle age , it nourisheth the blood , " And giues them all , and all that may be good : " And aged men , it luls them fast a sleepe , " Whose youth tooke care , this pretious gem to keepe . " Be carefull then how thou keepe this by thee , " Least when thou wantest , it quite forsake thee , " And leaue thee to wander , still reiected ; " My Boy looke too 't and seeke to preuent it . Why tell a Cobler he is halfe a King , When on his patches , he can sit and sing , And knock his last , and whet his cutting knife , There is no Kingdome to a merrie life . " A light heart lightly beares the bell away , " When mightie men findes cares , though clothed gay : But yet in telling of this idle tale , Be sure at least to get a pot of Ale ; " Or something else that hath a feeling sence , " Take any thing as part of recompence : " And seeme very thankfull , till better comes , " Sith many small things ad to greater summes . For this same nothing , brings no world about , Better play small game then be cleane shut out . If that thy Wife be faire , and thou but poore , Let her stand like a picture at thy doore : Where though she do but pick her fingers ends ; Faire eies , fond lookes , will gaine a world of friends . " Taske her not to worke , if she be prettie : " Bid her forbeare , her toyle makes thee pittie : " She may with ease , haue meanes for greater gaines , " With rich rewards , and pleasure for her paines . Play at bo-peepe , see me and see me not ; It comes off well that is so closely got , And euermore say , aye ? well fare the vent , That paies the charges of the house and rent . " Come , come , t is no matter , berul'd by this , " The finest Dames doth some times do amisse : " Yet walke demure , like Puritans indeed , " And early rise to a Sermon for a need ; " And make great shew of deuoutest praier , " When she only goes to meete her louer , " Turning backe , poore foole defires the text , " She tels him any thing that commeth next : " And turning o're the leafe to reade the verse , " Scarse for laughing , one word can rehearse : " But prettily turnes it off with some iest ; " He beares with all , he knowes it is his best . " If that thy wife be old , thy Daughters yong , " And faire of face , and of a fluent tongue : " If by her sutors siluer may be had ; " Beare with small faults , the good will help the bad . " Be not too seuere , time may mend their faults ; " He is a foole before a cripple haults : " Or he that findes a fault where gaine comes in , " T is pittie but his cheekes should e're looke thin : " What though thou know'st that vice do gaine it all ; " Will vertue helpe , when thou begin'st to fall ? " This is no world for vertuous men to thriue ; " T is worke enough to keepe thy selfe aliue . " Let Wife and Daughters loue to make thee wealthie ; " Thou know'st that gold will seeke to make thee healthie . If thy Maid-seruants , be kinde hearted wenches ; And closely make kinde bargins on the benches , " Let them haue libertie , loue and pleasure ; " All these are helpes to bring in thy treasure : " Let them laugh and be merrie , it yeelds content ; Theil'e humor all , till all their coyne is spent . If by their pleasures , may thy profit grow ; Winke at a wanton , who hath not been so . Make loue to twentie wenches in one day ; But let no poore lasse leade thy heart away , " For that 's in vaine , thy labour then is lost ; " Such idle loue , can neuer quit thy cost ; " It brings a charge and sends a heauie clog , " And makes thy life , as seruile as a dog ; " From house to house , thou shalt be haunted then , " And cleane exempt , from the Loue of men . " A plague that 's worse , shee 's iealous euer-more : " This is the true course of a loue that 's poore : " Or if by chance , her Husband wealth doth gaine , " Shee straight growes proude , which is a beastly vaine : " Thus wealth and ease , cannot with such agree ; " Then let them passe my Sonne , be rul'de by me : But where thou find'st , good store of land or gold ; There lay closely to purchase a free-hold . " Clap her a boord , and brauely hoise vp saile , " Shoot her in the poop , Duck haue at thy taile , " The prize is thine owne , thou hast got it faire , " Thou must be briefe then in getting an heire . And be not squemish , at a nice conceipt , That may perswade thee from a pleasing baite . " Stand not like a Woodcocke sneking in the cold , " But set it out , with a grace and be bold : " To make thy selfe simple , with shew of want , " Or that thy meanes at all , grow verie scant , " Godnight Nichole , thy friends will be packing ; " Or by vilde disgrace , thy credit racking . " These are the pleasures of a poore estate , " Be rich then if thou can'st possibly hate , " Keep good clothes on thy backe , and neately weare them , " What want soeuer comes , do not pawne them : " For once being gotten in the Deuils iawes , " He will surely keepe them in with his pawes . " If thy Apparell be something clenly : " Though in thy purse thou hast neu'r a penny : " Men may in some measure yet esteeme thee " And a farther grace , happily giue thee . " Doe not seeme base , though penilesse thou art : " But looke about , of whom to get a part . " Then make much of that , and keepe it closely ; " Seeke for treasure , and keep it wisely : Get all contentment that the world can giue , For after death , who knoweth how we liue . Strange things are spoken , and beleeue the best , And leaue the worst , I leaue thee to the rest . " Stumble not at a straw , nor leape o're a block : " Leaue not things at randome , keep all vnder lock : " Things may be missing , but when t is gone , " It is a common speech that they saw none ; " Be finding still , but let thy losse be small , " Yet haue respect vnto thy selfe with all . " Be not among'st Theeues , but when thou find'st them sharing : " Nor with a miserable wretch that 's sparing . " Come not neere a Brothell house , for letchery , " Those damned Queanes are full of trecherie . " Part not a fray , except thou find'st great reason . " Go not ill sh●d in a winter season . " Be not to forwards to go in the raine , " Except it be for profit or thy gaine . " When sicknesse comes few friends are euer found ; " Looke to thy selfe that thou be whole and sound , " And be not carelesse which way thou dost walke , " Nor care too much with idle braines to talke . Come not within the verdict of a Iury , Nor yet neere a Tyrant in his fury . " Giue faire words to the watch , the 'il let thee passe ; " Giue the Constable thankes , thinke him an Asse . " Promise mony when thou passest through the Gate ; " But on my blessing neuer let him h'ate . " Beare with a Tapster , though his cans be frothie ; " But raile on a Broker whose clothes are mothie . " Carmen and Porters are — approued , " And most Watermen are very dogged , " Yet giue them faire words , if thou canst gaine them , " Else bid Deri — say Lord haue mercy on them . " What though thy Horse , by the Hostler is nipt , " It is a true Hostler , that hath not so been tript . " But to make him amends , run in his score " If thou pai'st him i le counsell thee no more , " Bailiffes and Seriants , keepe without their reach , " And without the verge of a priuie search . " Auoide warrants , they are dangerous things : " Looke to thy profit , that some comfort brings , Plot for a pudding or peece of souce : The slie Cat would not watch but for the Mouse . The Fox would neuer hunt , but for his prey ? And work-men but for gaine , would play all day . It is this wealth , this profit and this gaine : That makes the Labourer sing away his paine . " It makes Widowes forget their Husbands lately dead , " It is the cause they so soone againe doe wed . " If thou wo'st a Widow , in time begin : " Or else thy woing is not worth a pin . " If thou be slow to speake , as one I knew , " Thou would'st assure thy selfe , my counsels true , " He ( to late ) finding her vpon her knees " In Church where yet her Husbands coorse she sees , " Hearing the Sermon at his funerall , " Longing to behold his buriall . " This Sutor being toucht , with inward loue ; " Approched neere , his louely sute to moue , " Then stooping downe , he whispered in her eare " Saying he bore her loue as might appeare " In that so soone he shewed his loue vnto her , " Before any else did approach to woe her . " A lasse ( saith she , your labour is in vaine " Last night a Husband , I did entertaine . " Yet your kinde offer , I take in good part , " And had entertain'd you with all my heart , " If you had come , in any time vnto me , " But he at my Husbands death did woe me : " Then speake in time , if profit comes thereby , " Or else many dangers therein may lie . If thou be rich , and hat'st anothers pride : That he may go on foot , while thou do'st ride . Finde meanes to feed , his swelling humor so , That high conceit may aboue compasse go ; Till Fortunes frownes , his folly so doth checke ; That Male-content may after breake his necke . Then lay in for his Lands , his goods and place ; But still be sure to keepe thy selfe in grace . " There are many rubs twixt thee and the Iacke , " Therefore throw home thy cast and be not slacke : " Yet out-throw it not , least thou loose the cast , " So Standers by will reioice at thy hast : " And betting say , that thou shalt loose the game , " Which is to thy disgrace and vtter shame . " Looke to thy selfe , thou be not wrong'd by any . " Promote thy selfe , though thou displace a many : But if thou be'st not vp , but seek'st to rise , Step by degrees , and in thy steps be wise : " Doe not desire to stride two staiers at once , " Diuers men will suffer thee for the nonce , " And will reioice to see thee breake thy shin , " Then thinke how men reioice when that they win : " Standers by , discerne more then gamsters can , " Disdaine not the kindnesse of any man . " Thou maist as easily , speake faire words as foule , not ? " Be not a foole , when that thou makest the shot : " Foule words corrupt good manners it is said ; " Of backe-biting slaues euer be affraide , " Regard not their kindnesse , though it be great , " That shall hit thee in the teeth , with a meales meat : " Thinke him not true , that such basenes doth hold , " Who secrets in corners loues to vnfold . " Auoide them in time , their hate is much ; " Yet they will seeme , as though they were not such : " And no doubt giue faire words vnto thy face ; " Alasse , alasse , it is a heauie case . " Preuent them then , and care not for their hate , " It boots not to see the forme where she sate ; " Haddie-wist comes to late , hold time before ; " Runne not to deepe in thy Hostesses score : " Depart in time , when she the shot is making , " And faine some businesse at thy departing : " T is good to offer to pay , when that thou hast it : " If once offered backe , looke that thou keep'st it , " And giue him thankes , vntill the next meeting : " Thus by degrees still thou must be getting . Refuse no seruice be it ne're so base : By any meanes may bring thee into grace , And make no conscience to attend on sin , To keepe the doore , where Deuils dance within , " Mong'st all kinde of people ( for gaine ) men thrust , " Loue no Iron blades they will but rust , " And turne the edge , when thou should'st vse them , " I prethee be wise , and learne to refuse them . Finde a rich Sier , and note his disposition , How he is giuen to basenesse or ambition ; And with thy bending lay his Land aboord , That he may be thy slaue , thou his Lord . " Yet beare in hand as though thou wish't him good : " Ther 's more waies then one , to goe to the wood . If that thy friend doe lacke a little wit , And in his humour frame an idle fit . To take a Wife , and vse thee for his wooing , Speake for thy friend , but for thy selfe be doing : " If thou find'st her worth the catching take her , " If not , let thy friend be sure to haue her . For euery friend , is to his friend a debter : To loue him as himselfe , but not no better , But for thy selfe , if thou hast got a Wife ; Make shew to loue her dearely as thy life . Though for thy quiet , thou could'st be content A little monie were at her buriall spent , And let that charge , be of thy griefe the ground , For many wiues , are better lost then found . " Take heed ( my Son ) how , and where thou do'st woe , " For Widowes are wanton , and Maidens too . " She that hath had many Husbands cannot loue , " She that ne're had none who knowes how she 'l proue ? " Great chance , but yong wenches are tried before , " And middle age , must needs pay the old score . " Old women hold out whiles a stumpe doth last , " Sweet meates to old folkes haue a gracious tast : " But if thou come vnto the second matching : Haue carefull heed , for feare of conicatching , Who in their hole , will vndermine so fast ; The'ill leaue their Lordship like the Land of wast : " For many priuie banquets , must be had , " Which being known , would make a man starke mad . " They must haue pleasure , tut , let the world slide " Sit fast for falling , when thou mean'st to ride , " It is no iesting matter my friend , quoth he , " To ride a gauld Cut , Iaded thou shalt be , " Who will wince and kick , and lie in the dust , " Follow not an old Iade that loueth lust . " That is a plague that 's worse then all the rest , " Though she be rich , yet her filth detest , " Doe not delight , in an old gresie Slut " Whose loue is to fill a greedie gut . " She 'll ne're be satisfied , vntill the earth ; " Receiues her corps , and stoppeth vp her breath , Suspect thy will be wearie of thy will " Then learne to spare , but neuer learne to spill , Part with no coyne but vpon condition , With humble countenance shadow ambition , " Muffle thy selfe sometimes to keepe vnknowne " For by a knaue thou mai'st be ouerthrowne , " Take heede of the Counters , t is a great greefe " To lie in prison without releefe , " Be not a Pandor , for then thou art sham'd " Take heed of a wild Coult that 's neuer tam'd " Yet of all these , if thou canst gaine by them " Haue eare vnto , but be not seene in them " Let simple wits carrie away the blame . " The reproch , the rumours and all the shame , " When thou with slie countenance mai'st be sure " Of some profit let them the paine indure , " Let all be done , with shew of humblenesse : " So shalt thou receiue profit with thankfulnesse . Creep , Crouch , and kneele , vntill thou be aloft . But then , sit fast , for feare thou fall not soft . " The stately Streames that kindly begins to flow " Affords content , in spight of whom sayes no , " The pleasant Spring , faire morn's of pleasure sends " And to each Creature pleasant gifts extends : " The louely Birdes , on branches sits still singing , " Reioicing at those stately flowers then springing , " But see how time turnes backe , and crosseth all " Those dates expir'd , begins a heauie fall , " Those flowing streams , that gaue that kind consent To ebbe is turned , and all their strength is spent . " Those mornes of May , where Flora shin'd so bright " Are now forlorne , made darke by winters night , " Those Birds whose chearefull tunes did pleasure giue " Are now inforst to seeke them holes to liue , " Where mournfull tunes , records their heauie state . " That enuious time , hath altered thus their fate : " Beloulde in this , and all that 's called pleasure , " How it is crost by times euill measure . " Who would seeme rich , although he hath store , " But closely keepe his treasure euermore . " And to himselfe , be euer such a friend : " That to himselfe he may his mony lend , " Be circumspect still , when thou art in grace , " Let not vaine toies , thy honour then disgrace . Be rich I say , nay Boy be rich , and wise : Gold is an actious mettle for the eyes , Why ? rich men haue much mony and gay geare : And goodly houses , and most daintie cheare ; Faire Wiues , fine pictures , plaies and morris-dances ; And many cheates : that come by many chances . Fine Ciuet boxes , sweet perfumes , and waters , And twentie other such kinde of matters . While the poore man , that pines for want of friends : May sit and sigh , and picke his fingers ends , And euery morning wash his face with teares And wipe his blubberred cheekes with sheualed heares , " It is a heauie sence , where coyne is wanting " At such a time of care , friends are scanting , " When needie guests comes to a feast to dine " They must content themselues and drinke no Wine , " Small beere must suffice , aye ? and say t is well , " Wine must be kept , for Diues going to Hell , " This slender care of pouertie is had : Which doth inforce them euer to be sad , And walke abroad , for sorrowes recreation Or starue himselfe , or feed on contemplation : " Sorrowes companion , and all forlorne . " And of euery Creature held in scorne , " His head hanges downe , his armes lockt one in one : " To none but hilles and echoes make his mone . " Resounding care , a heauie dolefull breath . " No better pillow then his mother earth , " Speaking to the aire as to a friend : " That should his miserie some comfort send . Make cursie to the shadow of any food , And glad to get a looke or halfe a word , Blush and fall backe , when gaie folke comes in place And start to looke a Ladie in the face , Talke to the ayre , where no man list to heare him , Or plod alone , where no man will come neare him , " Dispaire is all his food to nourish bloud " A fearefull state , hard to be vnderstood " What grieuous hell is want affecting still : " A hungrie heart , a hungrie soule to kill , " What woe is want , where no man will releeue " A poore distressed soule that still doth grieue . And thus recording of a heauie care , He feeds perhaps vpon a hungrie fare , Till that some good Knight or learned Gentleman That will not be a Machauillian , But can make vse of afflicted braines . And gather profit from their toyling paines , May hap to grace him with his countenance Giue him a blew coate and a cognizance , An old cast doublet , or a paire of boots . Feed him with browne bread small beere hearbes and roots : And now and then perhaps a peece of meate , That scarce a man would giue a Dogge to eate . Or after happily some good seruice done , Make him Tutor , to his yongest Sonne . Laugh at those Beggers , speake in scorne of pelfe : Care thou for nothing but to inrich thy selfe . For truth reports , that dolts of thriftie intreat , If thou be rich , thou quickly mai'st be great , " Why ? then thou shalt be sought vnto and praisd ' , " And many waies to dignities be raisd ' , " Thy name shall be extold by Poets Pen ; " And brauely attended on by Seruing-men . " Bookes shall be dedicated to thy worth : " To aduance thy glorie , thy fame set forth . " Thou shalt be wise , and plac'st in Iustice to , " Though thou want will , all this thy wealth can do . " Thinke no man wise but he that gathers wealth , " And keep the diet that preserues the health . " Doe not with Gluttons feed , though they woe thee , " Nor with Drunkards vse , though they pay for thee , " If thou be with a Glutton at a feast , " He 'll wish thee choked , if thou feed on the best , " And eye thee too , and thinke thou do'st him wrong . " To eat one bit , that to his chops belong , " Let Gluttons grease their dogs alone for thee " They are not for thy profit , take that of me , " Drunkards are vilde , but not so ill as those " Hee like a braue Bully cheares vp his nose " With a rich colour , set with pearles and stones , " Whiles Gluttons hungrie chaps make clean the bones . " He 'll call his neighbour in , and make him drinke , " A Glutton like a beast , doth beastly stinke , " Of any ill , the least is to be chused : " Yet best of all , when all is quite refused " With good aduice , menage so thy doings : " That thou be not troubled much with loosings . Trauell with ease , take heede of taking cold , And next to God take comfort in thy gold . Commit no secrets to thy second selfe ▪ For neuer yet was Ape but plaide the Elfe : " To womens trust , t' is paine to trust vpon , " Greatest secrets , from them are soonest gone : " Their closets cannot hold a thing forbidden ; " Yet desires to know a thing that 's hidden : " Their nature's very weake , their frailties much ; " Thei 'l loue him very well that is exceeding rich . Set snares for Wodcocks , pitfales for small birds , And catch a foole with nothing but faire words . Kill not a flie and let a flea alone , That sucks the blood , and neuer hurts the bone . File not thy fingers with a filthie slut , And ride not often on a gald backt Cut. " Keepe not a Curre , that no good profit yeelds : " A lurching Dog will range about the fields . Feare not a shadow , but auoide a danger : And keepe not a Iade at racke and manger , " Which will quite eat thee out of house & home ; " Thy selfe remaine a dunce , a very mome , " With ridiculous termes thou shalt be scoft , " Thy lodging cold , in the streetes very oft . Perswade no Prince , from his choice of pleasure , Nor a rich man from his loue of treasure . " For if thou with Monarkes meddle to farre ; " It must perforce procure a mightie iarre , " Or if thou prie but neere a rich mans chest ; To him thou shalt be an vnwelcome guest : But if he be rich , whatso'ere he be , Seeme in thine honour , to be iust as he . If he be poore , then let him beg alone , It is a trade that few grow rich vpon . " The best Beggers are accounted idle ; " Riding a stumbler , hold fast the bridle , " A Souldiers wants these daies hath seldome aide : " To follow warres it makes men much dismaide : " Though ventering life and goods , with losse of limmes : " What rich Domesticall a man esteemes , " At this returne , his worth though were so great ; " Scarse giue a looke , or scarce a bit of meat , " If such worthy men shall want , deseruing this ; " Looke not thou for comfort in distresse . " Keepe thou at home , as home-bred slaues do vse , " Whose cankered hearts , bright honor doth abuse , " And feede on fat , like Lubbers take their ease . " Let those that list attempt to crosse the Seas : " When Diues loue , is only in his wealth : " When toiling Lazers counted nought but filth : Greiuous vnto all horror t' is to see ; " Delight in gold as these else shalt thou be . Learne to know Kingdomes , Nations , and their natures , Their lawes , their iudgements , Male and femall creatures , And how their wealth doth grow , by Warre or peace , And how their quarrels grew , and how they seace . How they may be offended or defended ; And how their states begun , and which way ended ; But in all noates , noate this of all , How thou mai'st rise , whoeuer hap to fall . " Let thy Religion be of what sort it will , " Be thou of that Sect , seeke to humour still . " Do not with a shamefa'st bashfulnesse do it : " But with a manly courage runne through it : " As if to such Sects , thou had'st beene euer bred , " By which meanes thou mai'st be the better fed . If thou hast a partner in thy stock , And both your wealthes , do rest vnder one lock : And if thy partner ride abroad for pleasure , And put thy faith in trust with all his treasure : At his returne , doe vpon quarrels stand , When thou hast got his wealth into thy hand : Say in accounts , he hath deceiued thee Although thou know'st no such matter be : " Seeme exceeding earnest and speake aloud : " No maruell though of late you were so proud : " Must my purse needs be thus at your command ? " T is very true ? you haue made a faire hand : " Thus raile at him that he may shame to heare thee : " Act it well , he may begin to feare thee : When if he will not take what thou wilt giue him ; To course of law , for his best comfort driue him ; Where whiles he railes on thy ill conscience , Thy patience closely will put vp his pence . " Raile thou still on his ill Husbandrie , " So men may thinke , he spent lasciuiously : " Commending thee that thou look'st to 't in time " Raising on him abroad , a grieuous crime . But whatsoeuer honest mindes surmise , Wealth with the wealthy , makes the wealthy wise . Be rich therefore I say , be rich my Sonne For wealth will sway the world when all is done . " If these counsels will not make thee rich " Nor procure thy further profit small or much , " By preuenting mischiefes that may befall thee " What counsell then shall I farther giue thee , " The courses of the world , I shew thee plaine " As in a Mappe , all dangers to refraine , " Which had they beene in time foretold to me " I might auoided that which now I see , " Head strong youth in promotion cannot sit " Their fickle age hath many an idle fit . " Following those humours that please them best , " Which is a hinderance to their quiet rest : " But things foretold , may easily be past . " It is not good to thrust things vp in hast , " Be happie then in learning of this good : " Want is the meanes that partes kind brother-hood . " Thou seest enough , if reason may suffice , " All is laid open heere before thine eyes , " As in a glasse thou rightly mai'st behold , " How thy state stands , if thou wantest gold : " Then on my blessing learne these rules of mine ; " Another day surely it will be thine . FINIS .

THE ANSWER TO MACHIAVELS vncasing . BVt now my Sonne , that thou hast learn'd this lore , Vpon my blessing looke on it no more , Except it be by ill to know the good : But yet take heede it be misunderstood . Be that thou seem'st to be in word and deed , Least pater noster put thee from thy Creed . Faire speech is good , but keepe not a foule minde , For hollow hearts are of a hellish kinde . " Backbiters and dissembling tongues are vilde , " From heauens happinesse by heauen exilde , " Against such horrid deeds is woe pronounc'd , " A wofull state from blessednesse renounc'd . A good beginning makes a blessed end , And hold him for a Dog that hath no friend , " His case is ill when no man will respect him , " But worst of all , when vertue doth neglect him , Receiue no bribes to fill a rustie chest , A quiet conscience is a kingly feast . " Content doth shine where vertuous men do dwell . " A vicious life deserueth nought but hell . " Labour not by vnlawfull meanes to gaine , " When meanes vnlawfull breeds a wofull paine . And t' is a heauie sence in sorrowes rowle , To saue the body , and to kill the soule . Affect the wise , and with the learned talke , And with the learned often make a walke . " And such as thy companions shall be , " Euen such rewards shall be bestowed on thee . " Where grauitie remaines , there still resort , " Where modestie doth dwell , with such consort : " So shalt thou be , beloued still of all , No scandals then shall seeke to worke thy thrall . Remember nothing that thou dost not write , For danger doth but fearefull hearts affright : " And with charitie loue thy neighbour so , " That by no meanes thou seekst his ouerthrow : " Haue carefull eare , to euery man giue right , " Regard kinde words , in kindnesse haue delight ; In honours cause maintaine thy reputation , And hold loue good for reasons recreation . Sooth no ill eares with idle flatterie , Honor the Bride , but do the Groome no rye . Performe thy word , but promise not too much , With rich and poore , be carefull to keepe touch . With great and small be sure to keepe measure , And scorne no trifle , that may do thee pleasure : " For he that scorneth much , deserueth hate , " An infamie that ne're expireth date ; " Such long lasting euils ( my Son ) refraine , What losse so e're it be vnto thy gaine . Frequent the Church with faith and true deuotion , And do not step too fast into promotion ; For farre more griefe is in a headlong fall , Then if thy care , had neuer climde at all . " Be content with such meanes that God doth send , " A patient heart doth gaine a happie end . " Why should'st thou toile thy selfe for pelth , " When death ends all approaching still by stealth , " And crops the blossomes of our whole delight , " By winter stormes , by time and darksome night ? " What bootest then to burthen thus thine age , " With heauie clogs , for which thy soule 's at gage , " Where in woe and thraldome still remaining , " Except by Christ thou purchase thy redeeming . Be wisely kinde to euery qualitie , And euer keepe good hospitalitie . " A miserable house is vilde men say , " Ill gotten goods are quickly spent away : " Those that so neerely scrape their wealth together , " Another throwes it about , and cares not whether . At thy owne charge , keepe thy Horses stable , And seeke no banquet at a beggers table : For a true minde had rather starue then eat , Where Churles and seruants grudge a stranger meate . " Come not to a hungrie house for diet , " Where spies and teltales bring all out of quiet ; " Rather for thy quiets sake , liue with bread , " Then mo●gst talemongers seeke to be fed . " What is thine owne to eate , none can grudge , " A backebiter must needes be a drudge , " Whose owne reports disgraceth him at last , " Cause he himselfe hath made the greatest wast . " Be free from this ; great danger lies therein , " To men offence , to God a grieuous sinne . Iest not with Cowards , for they will but crie , And , as for Bawdes pitty their beggerie : " Lament the wofull state wherein they stand , " And rightly note , the poison in their hand ; " Which soone breakes foorth , and makes the body foule , " But teene times worse , it putrifies the soule . Arithmeticke is in euery trade , But true accounts are to be made : For when the last count reckning is cast vp , Then shall the craftie take their poysned cup , " And tast the iuyce of that they haue deserued , " For which deeds , by doome it is reserued : " Where no woe or horror shall be wanting , " Though gold to them on earth was not scanting . " Desire no gaine , where vice doth lead the ring , " It is a profit that thy paine doth bring . For Lions , Beares , Wolues , Apes , and Asses , Learne them to figure honors looking glasses , And haue a care to carry so thy selfe , No storme may driue thy ship vpon a shelfe . " Many dangers lies hid to thee vnknowne , " No corne comes vp sometimes where seede is sowne . " Enuious men sowes tares the Scripture saies , " A uoide them then and quite forsake their waies : " Let not earths pleasures lead thy heart away , " Which is transitory , will soone decay , " And still doth passe on earth , from hand to hand , " Neuer constant , nor neuer firme doth stand . Swallowes do feed on flies , but light they flie , Whiles Epicures in too much feeding die , " Wallowing in the sinke of sinnes filthinesse , " Loathsome to behold , o're growne with beastlines : " Spuing out the rankor of selfe delight , " Which hath bred a cankor of endlesse spight . By others harmes seeke not thy priuate good , A bloody feast , is an vnkindly foode . And to dissemble loue is such an euill , As neerest shewes the nature of the Diuell , " To feede on blood a Murtherers delight , " If thou dissemble , thou yeelds no man right . " To gaine by others fall a curse growes on , " A heauie case when infants make their mone . " The widowes note is heard , reuenge she cries , " For those ill gotten goods , which made thee rise . To help thy friend , do not forbeare thy hand , And for thy credit , sell both goods and land : " For he that helpes his friend in time of neede , " It is in heauen inrold a friendly deede . " When that with truth of heart t is freindly done , " No deed on earth is like to that my Sonne , " Be constant still in friendship euermore , " And of a true friend make thy chiefest store , " What end wert thou inricht , with goods and lands , " But to the end thou shouldst be free from bands : " Respect it not aboue the heauens pleasure , " Which is the chiefest chiefe of all thy treasure . Denie no friend when he doth friendly craue it , For honest mindes will pay when that they haue it . " A small matter sometimes doth help so much , " That by such meanes a poore man may proue rich , " Which else might bring a man vnto despaire , " When for his helpe , he findeth naught but aire , " At wants instant , be helpfull euermore , " And God will-giue a blessing to thy store . " Be doing this , but doe not boast a whit , " For that dimmes all , and shewes thy lacke of wit : " Or how canst thou haue grace , for this thy good , " If thou backbitest in any angrie moode ? " Reporting this thy kindnesse done to any , " It is not worth a pin though nere so many , " And those that heare it will thinke thou mai'st lie , " When that thou whisperest things so priuilie . Let care of conscience guide thee euery way , To giue thee comfort on the holliday . " Prie not at all in trades to offer wrong , " Such basenesse vnto Rascals doth belong : " Those men deseruing it , are fit for gaine , " And fit'st of all to reape the pleasure of their paine ; " The dead in peace doth rest , yet liue they may ; " In endlesse comfort , and in endlesse ioy . " Kinde charity amongst men , and loue to all , " May make vs readie for this heauenly call : " That liuing here , we die to liue againe ; " In heauenly blisse , euerlasting to remaine . And if thou be a Courtier know thy grace , And seeke in heauen to haue a dwelling place . And if on earth , such seruice profit brings , What shall he haue that serues the King of Kings ? " Let vertues care , so guide thy conscience still , " Thou neerely looke to all , but none to ill ; " What though the prouerbe old be proued true ; " Or that some crosses on this earth ensue ; " Or that the destinies doe frowne on thee , " Or that no rich reward will come neere thee ? " Yet if thou be free from vices folly , " Thou art in heauen as pure a Saint as any . " Which is a Court , where thou shalt haue a place , " Where none shall seeke thine honor to deface . And if thou beest a scholler and canst preach , With simple truth thy simple audience teach : " With feruencie of heart seeke to wooe them . " To Gods true knowledge , seeke still to bring them : " Be not carelesse of a charge so weightie ; " Giuen thee by thy God Almightie . But feede thy flocke , thou hast in hand to keepe , Least that thou proue a wolfe vnto thy sheepe . Feeding on them , that should haue food from thee ; " In bad estate their case is like to be . " Attempt not thou at all a labour so diuine , " Except thou canst this earthly state resigne ; " And liue to loue thy God , thy flock , thy sheepe ; " So will thy care be good thy flocke to keepe . But whatsoeuer heere be thine estate , There is none poore , but he that God doth hate , " Hee 's poore indeed , his case of all is worst ; " No ill so vile , of all ils most accurst . If that thou be a Souldier sucke no blood , To knightly mindes , vnknightly food ; " With conscience let poore Souldiers haue their pay , " Then they will follow thee with loue and ioy : " But if too neerely thou dost pinch or poule , " It may be burdensome vnto thy soule , " And want of pay , is the death of many , " Yeeld them due , and neere accusd ' for any . Of honors title , who doth truly hold , Shall finde it in mercie , not in gold . If that thou be a Lawyer iudge the right , And let no briberie blinde a blessed sight , For thou shalt finde it written in mercies roule , Better a thredbare gowne , then a thredbare soule . " T is pittie that right should be ouercome , " Or pouertie to pleade to want a roome : " Alas how heauie is their case in this , " For want of fees , a rightfull case to misse ? " Yet haue ( thou ) some conscience , be rul'd by mee , " Pittie poore Sutors in necessitie . " Let not mightie men oppresse their right , " Nor ouerthrow their states by power and might . " In doing this , thou shalt haue double fee , " A heauenly Paradice thy reward shall bee . " Besides on earth thy fame shall spread abroad , " What curtesie to poore thou did'st afford , " This cannot chuse , but bring thee into grace , " And by desert obtaine a higher place , " The law is iust , on reason wisely grounded , " Wanting it our state is soone confounded . And if thou be a Marchant , know thy cares , And do not wound thy conscience with thy wares , Least in repentance all too late thou finde , The gaine is lost that feedes a greedie minde . " What bootes thy toile and trafficke on the Seas , " Thy hazard of life , disturbing of thine ease , " Thy boisterous blasts , and stormes so cold , " Which thou indur'st , thy selfe by time made old , " Thy riches , when happy returnes are made , " Those pretious pearles , whose colours neuer vade , " When that thy conscience shall be working so " How thou maist worke thy brothers woe , " By thy ill wares , trusted at such a rate , " By which meanes his paiment oft proues late . " Then to suit of law thy conscience cries , " Hee 's in a heauie case in such danger lies . " But far more worse is thine in time to come , " When that thou dost cast vp the totall summe . " When all deceiptfull gaines to losse shall turne , " Where vicious pleasures shall haue time to mourne . " A measure in gaine with Quiet truly got , " Is a perfect treasure that faileth not . " For truth : light gaines doth make a heauie purse , " Vnconscionable gaines a heauie curse . " Then take thy choice , but wisely chuse the best : " Corrupted hearts euermore detest , " Their wares are braide , yet fairely shewes to th' eye ; " But he that 's rotten at the heart must die . In briefe of what estate so ere thou be , Let truth and conscience euer gouerne thee . Let Clownes clap on their clowted shooes , Seeke thou no earthly gaines the heauen to loose . Let garments fit thy body , not thy minde , And to thy friend , as to thy selfe prooue kinde , " Looke so wisely to euery action , " That it may be thy soules satisfaction . " And doe not seeke to rise by others fals , " Be well prepared when the Angell cals ; " Doe not thou stand on rich mens fauours here , " But loue thy Christ , his loue is passing deare ; " And make the winde serue to a good intent , " And know to what end thy riches are sent . " Hoyse vp saile to heauens happinesse , " Where thou shalt arriue with great blessednesse ; " There thou mai'st be welcome though wanting gold : " And not by earthly wants thy ioyes controld : " No pouertie shall part thee from that societie , " But bring thee to thy ioyes eternitie : " Though wealth doth die the colour here in graine , " In heauen t' is held most base in great disdaine . " Phisitians and Lawyers are men of fame , " And experience doth auer the same ; " Whose labors doth deserue their proper gaine , " No patient can be cur'de without some paine , " If thou dost learne diseases and their cures ; " Be carefull what thy patient endures : " Haue due respect vnto thy cures and be free , " From corrupted thoughts , then happie shalt thou bee . " Delay no cures , but doe thy best for ease , " Which both thy patient , and thy God doth please : " Pittie the heauie cares of those in paine , " And be not too greedy to seeke thy gaine : " Let measure guide thy hand in all thy deeds , " Thinke on the greeued heart with paine that bleeds . " Thinke vpon his case , say that it were thine , " How hard it were , for want of helpe to pine . " Learne no vnlawfull games thy state to raise , " That by deceipt may profit thee any waies , " What though thou shift it from the gamsters eye ? " It is beheld by him that sits on high : " He doth behold your dealings euery way , " How securely so ere you thinke you play . " Goods gotten by deceipt , is quickly gone , " By getting so , better nere get none : " But rather well to keep thine owne first learne , " The better how to gaine thou mai'st descerne , " What though this vicious gaine , so vainely got , " With plentie seemes to replenish the pot ? " It is but a feast , or sport that 's passing away , " And the least crosse of all brings it to decay . All Cards and dice , and all such idle play ; From thy delight , discard and cast away : For deale or rub , whose hap so ere it be to haue The knaue of Clubs will euer be a Knaue . Flatter no Mistris Fubs , or Ione a nods Nor honor golden calues nor wodden gods : Nor puffe a pesant vp with rascall pride , A rascall will but like a begger ride . Be carefull of the words that thou dost talke , " And be not desirous with a Knaue to walke : " Be carefull how thou dost thy secrets disclose , " Backbiters are full of wrong thou mai'st suppose : " Doe not with the Letcher seeme to reioyce , " It is but a loathsome and hatefull voice : " But rather perswade them from their follie , " And from the loue of a deed so vnholie . " Do not with spend-thrifts smile at pouertie , " Least thou thy selfe come to necessitie . " Doe not with Epicures reioice and say , " With meaner fare thou couldst not well away . " Nor do not triumph ouer simple wits , " And lament the state of those franzie fits . " Doe not by any meanes learne to deceiue , " That will but vertue from thy conscience driue , " And disanull-thee of thy quiet rest , " Exceeding ioyes , of all things else is best . Aime at no profit with a poisned breath , Left it be paid thee in the second death . " Though conscience here be poore and meanly clad , " No meanes but from the Baggers to be had ; " Yet time shall come , it shall be well respected , " When prodigalitie shall be neglected . " There shall she finde a house adorn'd with state , " When Diues repents but all too late . " There shall she finde fine and daintie cheare , " When Gluttons in horror shall appeare , " Her raiment then shall be euerlasting , " When her foes their bitter cup are tasting ; " Then let conscience gouerne thy state aright , " That thou mai'st behold this euerlasting sight . An honest minde in euery trade doth well , The winde blowes ill that blowes the soule to hell . " Doe not before the Diuell a candle hold , " Seeke no corrupt meanes for siluer or gold . If that thy Wife be faire , be thou not foule , To let her play the Ape , and thou the Owle . " Winke at no faults , it is but miserie , " By bestiall meanes to releeue necessitie ; " If thou be a Husband gouerne so thy Wife , " That her peeuish meanes worke not thy strife ; " Giue her not too much law , to run before , " Too much boldnesse doth bring thy ouerthrow : " Yet abridge her not too much by any meane , " But let her still be thy companion . And to thy Daughter proue a better Sire , Then like a hacknie let her out to hire . " What a greiuous case were this for thee , " To extoll thy selfe to prosperitie , " By such insatiat meanes , a heauie sense , " Deseruing nought but hell for recompence . " Like a kinde father loue thy children deare , " Yet to outward view let not loue appeare , " Least too boldly they presuming on thy loue , " By audacious meanes doe audacious proue , " Seeme not a companion in any case To thy children , learne them know who 's in place ; " That due obedience to thee be done , " The end must needs be good , that 's well begonne . " Thus may thy children be at thy command , " With willing heart , still helpfull at thy hand , " Familiarity contempt doth breed . " By no meanes do thou stoope vnto thy seede : " While the twig is yong , bend it as thou list , " Once being growne , they 'll stubbornely resist ; " Caring not for parents nor their talking , " Commending their owne wits , age is doting . " Looke well to youth , and how their time is spent , " Least thou by leasure afterwards repent : " What though thy childe grow rich , thy selfe grow poore , " Wil t thou afford him reuerence therefore ? " Imperfection to thine age that doth show : " Let children expresse what duty they owe , " And not be blinded with a selfe conceipt ; " To wise men hate , to fooles a pleasing bait . " Let thy care be great , for Childrens good , " It is a charge that 's hardly vnderstood : " Vse no corrections in an angrie vaine , " Which will but vexe thee much , increase thy paine : " And rashnesse euermore repentance cries , " Giue due correction , therein be wise : " The griefe is thine , when children goe astray : " Giue them not too much libertie to play , " Least that they doe to a custome bring it ; " And euer after forbeare to leaue it . " Vrge not with violence thy childrens woe , " As cruell parents many times doe so ; " Which to despaire may careleslie driue them , " When that their care doth carelesly leaue them , " To run at randome shifting as they may , " Alas , it is a heauie case I say . " Let not children vrge their parents vnto ire , " But with duty do what they shall require . " With obedient hearts obedience show , " Such true obedience to them you owe . " Thinke it not a trifle to forbeare it , " When Gods commandement doth require it . " A blessing great , besides he hath reserued , " Whose dutie hath this due deserued . " Honor thy parents , long may be thy daies , " Happie in all , and blessed are thy waies . " Be not stubborne at all , it breeds disdaine , " That which they forbid thee that refraine . " This is the course , that thou their loue mai'st haue . " Wise parents , childrens hurt will neuer craue . " But with fatherly care admonish them so , " That selfe conceipt , worke not thy ouerthrow : " Which now adaies doth raigne too much in all , " No maruell then so many youth doe fall , " When parents counsell is thus reiected , " And their hourely care so much neglected . " Salomon saies , smile not on thy daughter , " Least thou repent it euer after . " Then to sonnes and daughters let care be such , " That thou and they in vertue may be rich . " Seeme not to laugh at any vnseemly iest , " A meane in all , in all is euer best . " And for thy seruants , let no Belly swell , " A baudie house is but an earthly hell . " Keepe not an eye seruant within thy doore , " Which will but seeke to vexe thee euermore . " And scoffingly answere with taunting words , " A beastly tricke is all a Iade affords . " If that thou find'st a tell tale in thine house , " Be watching still as a Cat for a Mouse . " Such seruants can neuer be true nor iust , " Who backbites in secret , such neuer trust . " Much discord by such is bred oft times , " When most themselues deserueth greatest crimes . " Be not familiar with seruants in any case , " But let them with dutie respect their place . " Giue but an inch , they 'll quickly take an ell , " A wise tale to a foole , t is vaine to tell . In Law and Phisicke haue a conscience , In making gaine of thy experience . Least that thy Clients crie and Patients death , Doe make thee crie out in the hell beneath . " Where grieuous horrors shall still affright thee . " Let vertues loue euermore delight thee . " Which is a gaine sufficient for thy store , " A perfect ioy delightfull euermore . By wicked plots doe not proule for pelfe , Let thy soules care be neerest to thy selfe . " So shall all thy waies prosper and be free , " From thraldome want and great necessitie . " No woe shall once approch where vertue shines , " What needes thou care , though vicious men repines . " Their blasts as bubbles , soone doth passe away , " Themselues in little time comes to decay . " If thou be rich abandon wicked pride , And doe not on the horse of Enuie ride , " Least he carry thee with an easie way , " Vnto thy ouerthrow and great decay , Seeke not the well-deseruing to disgrace , Nor put the vertuous spirit out of place . And sooth no humors in an euill minde , For poisned breath is of a poisned kinde : And though to hurt a few to hurt a manie , Be good , yet better not the hurt of any . " What bootes small gaines when greater losse doth fall ? " By such measure , seeke not to get at all . " Be patient and wise in extremity , " Thou mai'st the sooner come to prosperitie . " As gentle dewes , kindly cause flowers to spring , " Patience gaines content , though misery be long . " Let truth in euery thing be thy companion , " And vice ore thee shall neuer get dominion : " Thou hast a bulwarke that defends thee , " And a trustie friend that treasure lends thee : If that thy friend doe trust thee with his loue , Vnto his trust doe not a Traitor proue ; Least he that seeth thy ill gotten treasure , Do pay thee home with an euill meaten measure : " Though thy gaines be small and trauell great , " Thou art certaine to come to iudgement seat , " To receiue a guerdon due to thy deeds , " A blessed food , that blessed creatures feeds : " Neuer wanting but still possest with store , " Which makes thee rich , though seeming ne're so poore , Be faithfull to thy Wife , firme to thy friend , And constant in Religion to the end . " Doe not humor euery Sect for priuate gaine , " It is a greiuous sinne , a greeuous paine ; " Against the holy Ghost a sinfull deed , " Then vse it not , what euer be thy need : " Religion is sacred pure diuine , " It is a heauenly map , a heauenly signe . " It is that burning lampe that shines so bright , " Being with truth receiued , a true delight . " Seeke not thou to depraue religious truth , " Least thou increase thy paine and endlesse ruth . " For chiefest learning thereon is grounded , " And all errors from thence quite confounded . Be rich and wise , in this good wit my boy , That death nor hell , nor Diuell can destroy . " Let thy chiefest pleasure be to seeke that gaine , " That afterwards may neuer turne to paine . " Who so , but for the present time doth care , " Oft times is inforst to be poore and beare , " And when those present pleasures past and gone " As much the nere , if he had ne're seene none . " Then Time to accompt doth call that folly , " Checking him for all those deeds vnholy . " How he his time , so loosely spent in vaine , " Which being spent , can ne're be had againe . " Then with ifts and ands he begins to say , " Had I knowne this , fore time had past away , I had preuented that which now I finde , But time is past , and thou tookst hold behinde . " Where nought remaines but a scull death portraiture , " ( As Time doth passe , ) it is of all most sure . " To spend this precious time it is a woe , " Without regarding how the houres do goe . " When time makes full the houres of times accompt , " Asking how much the totall doth amount . " Then all ill times by time vntimely spent ; " Shall by that time , haue time then to repent . " But all too late , sith time was once refus'd , " And time so deerely lost , so much abus'd . " The date is out , 't is true : the Clocke hath strooke , " Time kindly offered all when all forsooke . " This gem of worth most pretious is to youth . " But their selfe-wils hates knowledge of the truth , " Which should bring their tender age vnto blisse , " The right way to that perfect happinesse . " Which would shew then how they should spend the day , " With due respect , how to spend the time away ; " Not by idlenesse , or foolish fansies , " Subiect to many vicious mischances . " Which luls their age with pleasure fast asleepe , " Such pleasures they were better loose then keepe . " Tell thou the Clocke , as houres doth passe away , " And thinke how time doth turne all flesh to clay . Serue God , thy King , be to thy countrie true , Liue till thou diest , then bid the world adue . " But liue in that sort , that thou diest with fame , " That after death men giue thee a good name . " Which as Cronicles may last for euer , " In liuing thus thy life endeth neuer . " Ifto thy King thou prouest vntrue , vniust , " Who will afterwards giue thee any trust ? " Then to thy Prince , giue due obedience , " And to thy betters seemly reuerence . " So shall thy fame on earth be had in store , " And heauenly blessings giuen thee euermore . " Ifto Countrie thou hast a tretchers heart , " Thy words are worse then a deepe venom'd dart . " Swine eates the flowers , then nusles vp the roote , " And none but beastly mindes will surely doo 't . " Or offer to spoile that , by which they 'r bred , " Or betray the Country , in which they 'r bred . " How manifest it is , of such mens liues , " How their courses euermore basely thriues . " Some themselues vntimely death doth bring , " Others , in griefe of conscience still mourning . " Some wandring heere , some there in wofull griefe , " Others pining in streetes , and wants releife . " Some starke mad doth run , quite distract of all , " Others , in vaine , for comfort out doth call . " Some , in forraine Countries desires a place , " But gnawing conscience brings them to disgrace . " Some with audacious face doth faine excuse , " But God cries vengeance gainst so vilde abuse . " Some to Magistrates will sue for fauour , " But poysned hearts doth of poyson sauour . " And all that to such vildnesse bends their courses , " Are left comfortlesse without remorses . Machiauels rules let Machiauels read , Loue to thy God , his spirit be thy speede . " His loue is richer then siluer or gold , " His home is Paradice the surest hold . " His promise is sure , for euer iust , " And t' is the surest hope that thou canst trust . " Thy Ancor being cast vpon that shore , " Thy cable will hold fast for euermore . " Loue not the world , to leaue true vertues loue , " Least to thy destruction , it after proue . " The worlds loue , is but faire fansies flower , " Though seeming rich , yet wanting richest power . Taxe no mans name in any euill matter , But like a Christian pray for euery creature . " Charitably wishing well to men , " The like rewards shall come to thee againe . " Let no mans name at all be wrong'd by thee , " The worsest euill , euer thine will be . " When infamies thou raisest on thy brother , " Be sure , gainst thee thou shalt receiue none other . " Such measure as thou meatest to thee is giuen , " He liues vprightly that keeps all euen . " But by good indeauour it may be gain'd , " Hate Vice , the only meanes it is obtain'd . " To be free from euill speech , a Christians care , " Be a louer of Vertue , Vice forbeare . Be sorrie for the euill thou hast done , And go on with the good thou hast begunne . " A heart that 's penitent true comfort findes , " To finde remorse , the heauenly Lawes it bindes . " If thou beginnest any good , then proceed , " Thou shalt finde it to be a blessed deed . Pray for thy faith , that it may faile thee neuer , So if thou diest , yet shalt thou liue for euer . " Then shalt thou be brough to vertues pallace , " To receiue the true comfort of thy solace . " And for thy paine thou didst indure heere , " Thou euermore shalt finde a plenteous yeere . " Where neither hunger cold nor any want , " Shall hinder ioyes , or make thy pleasures scant . " This is the benefit of a vertuous life , " This is true vertues force , to end all strife . " This is vertues garden full of flowers , " Though on earth she had many pinching houres . " This is vertues path , rightly leades to blisse , " This is vertues gift , his friends doth neuer misse . " This is vertues harbor voide of cares , " This is vertues bountie who neuer spares , " This is vertues pallace , adorn'd with state , " This is vertues gift , neuer comes too late , " This is vertues Parke , infoulds her Deare , " This is vertues care , who will not loose a haire , " This is vertues armes , incircling round , " This is vertue , which now her right hath found , " This is vertues walkes , whose aire 's euer sweete , " This is vertue her friends doth kindly greete , " This is vertues Citty , whose gates are fast " Gainst all that of her name made spoile or wast , " This is vertues banket house , feeding all , " This is vertue that heares the poore mans call , " This is vertue that lou'd her parents kind , " This is vertue that loue to all resign'd , " This is vertue , releeuing friends in want , " This is vertue whose loue was neuer scant , " To any one that pouertie did respect , " Who neuer will such kindnesse once reiect , " But kindly seeke , such kindnesse to requite , " And all her friends shall haue their due and right , " No cankered churles shall seeke to crosse her of her will " But in her place , she remaines as Empresse still . " Then seeke ( my Son ) to serue this Goddesse pure diuine , " Be houerly offring gifts vnto her sacred Shrine , " Doe not leaue her seruice , for the worlds treasure , " Esteeme her paine aboue the chiefest pleasure , " Her paines are short , her ioyes for euer lasting , " Her loue is deare , her hate to sorrowes hasting , " With reuerence ( my childe ) kneele for her grace , " Sue by petition in any case . " And neuer rest till thou hast got her fauour , " And it will be double worth thy labour ; " For thou such a Mistris shalt haue of her : " That for her seruants good none comes neere her : " She giues her Seruants old good meanes to liue , " When Vice her seruants out of doores doth driue , " She helps her Seruants in sicknesse and in health , " On such preferments she bestowes her wealth . " Then be true Seruant to such a Mistris , " Who at all times with willing heart releeues distresse . " Be mindefull of my words , giuen out of loue , " And happy to thy Father thou wilt proue . " What in the beginning I did declare , " Was but to shew thee what vaine courses are , " That by the knowledge of them thou mightst beware " How thou art caught in any vicious snare . " Make vse of them , and wrest them to the best , " And thou shalt finde it yeelds thee quiet rest . " By any meanes do not to vaine humours grow , " Least that it quickly seeke thy ouerthrow . " Yeeld praise to God , in his Lawes seeke to liue , " And at his pleasure he will all things fitting giue . " If thou find'st any thing written heere " That may to thy comfort any way appeare , " T' is all that I craue , or heart requireth , " Who only for thy chiefest good desireth . " If thankes thou wilt bestow thou seemest kinde , " If vnthankfull , thou hast a churlish minde , " Sith all my labour is only for thy good , " Desiring that it be well vnderstood : " Which if thou doest , thou shalt be still my Sonne , " Be true of heart what misery soeuer come . " First to God giue praise , to Prince and Country true , " Thy Parents reuerence , and so my Sonne adue . " Machiauels rules deny , yet vse them as thy pleasure , " False hearted friends defie , in all haue equall measure . " Vse all these to good intent , and boldly say , " Thou maist with Vertue , euermore keepe holiday . FINIS .