A newe ballad composed in commendation of the societie or companie of the porters to the tune of In Edenbrugh, behold / Tho. Brewer.

A newe Ballad , composed in commendation of the Societie , or Companie of the Porters . To the tune of , In Edenbrugh , behold .

At the first went we , as here you see . But since our Corporation , on this fashion . And to our Hall , thus we goe all .

THrise blessed is that Land where King and Rulers bee . and men of great Command that carefull are to sée , 〈…〉〈…〉 is ●nto all extended rich , poore , both great and small , are by his care defended . As plainly doth appeare , by that was lately done , for them that burthens b●are , and doe on businesse runne : the Porters of this Cittie , so●e being men of Trade , but now the more , the more the pitty by crosses are decayde . Yet bearing honest mindes , their charge for to maintaine , as Gods command them ●indes , with trauell and with paine : they all haue wisely ioynd , for that they haue effected , their company to Linde and make it more respected . Now they that were before of meanest estimation , by suite haue sa●ude that sore , and gainde a Corporation : excludes , and shuts out many that were of base esteeme , and will not suffer any such person bide with them . But such as well are knowen , and honest Acts imbrace : among them thei le haue none that haue no biding place : among them thei le haue none ( as neare as they can finde ) but such as well are knowen to beare an honest minde . For now vnto their hall they pay their quarteridge ●owne , attending maisters call , and fearing maisters frowne , there seeking for redresse and right if they haue wrong , there , they that doe trangresse haue that to them doth long . 〈…〉〈…〉 then that they had before , when as the malefactor was on a coultstaffe bore : for th' owner t is much better , but for th' offender worse , to taste this newe made order , then ride a wooden horse . That shame was soone slipt ouer , soone in obliuion drownde , and then againe , another would in like fault be found : not caring for their credit , and trust another time , this orders therefore as a bit to hold them from that crime . They that are rash , and rude , and obstinately runne as their owne willes conclude , and cannot well be wonne to condescend , and stand to orders they haue made , by the Rulers out of hand , haue f●●es vppon them laide . All iarres and braules are bard that mongst them might arise , first commer , first is serude , where as a burthen lyes , if one be ready there he must his profite take : all other must forbeare and no resistance make . Such as haue long bin knowen to vse this bearing trade , and into yeares are growen , ( so that their strengths decayde ) they can no longer labour as they haue done before , the Companie doth succo●r and maintaine euermore . These and a many moe good orders they haue , sure , to make rude fellowes know their stoutnesse , doth procure . but their owne detriment 〈…〉〈…〉 but things will be amiss as oft it hath bin knowen , the number of them is , a thousand fortie one . They all mette together . m●st hansomely arayde , at Christ church , to heare there a sermon , for them made . There markes of Admittaince made out of tinne , they ba●e about their neckes in ribbons : the chiefe , of siluer weare . To haue seene them so , you'● wonder , so many should maintaine themselues , by such a labour , but that , that s got with paine , God doth increase and blesse : for good himselfe hath sed , with paine and wearinesse , we all should get our bread . Thus therefore I conclude , more happie men are they , then many that delude the world , and beare away the swéete of poore mens labour their chests to cram and stuffe , not caring for Gods fauour , so they haue golde enough . Our royall King and Quéene thou King of Kings defend , as thou to them hast béene most mercifull and kinde : thy loue to them increase , blesse all they vndertake : His Counsels counsell , blesse , euen for thy deare sons sake . Tho. Brewer . FINIS .