GOd saue my gud Maister and Maistres , the barnes , and all this haly houshade , and shilde you from all doolle and shem , and sende you comforte of all thynges that you waud haue good of : and God and our dere leddie , shilde and defend you from this Peste . Our father whiche art in heauen , hallowed bee your name , your kyngdome come , your will bee doen in yearth as it is in heauen . &c.

Me thinke I doe heare a good manerlie begger at the doore , and well brought vp , how reuerently he saieth his Pater noster , he thoues not GOD , but you hynt , Gods blessing on his hart . I praie you wife , giue the poore man some thing to his diner .

Sir , I will heare hym saie the Lordes praier better , before I giue him any thing .

What a reconyng is this ? Dame doe as I commaunde you , he is poore , wee haue plentie , he is very poore and hongrie , therefore dispatche him a Gods name .

Soft fire maketh sweete Malte , he shall tary my leasure .

Maistres , if you Ie angrie with the saiyng of my Pater noster in Englishe , I wil saie it in Latin , and also my Deprofundis . But so God helpe me , I doe not ken nene of theim beth .

I thinke thesame : soche Carpenter , soche thippes , your curate is some honest man I warraunt you , and taketh moche paine in feding his flocke , as seemeth by your learning . I praie you what countries man be you ?

Sauyng youre honour gud Maistres , I was borne in Redesdale in Northumberlande , and came of a wight riding sirname called the Robsons , gud honeste men and true , sauyng a little shiftyng for their liuyng , God helpe them sillie pure men .

What doest thou here in this countree , me thinke thou art a Scot by thy tongue .

Trowe me neuer mare then gud deam , I had better bee hanged in a Withie of a Cowtaile , then be a rowfooted Scotte , for thei are euer fare and false : I haue been a fellon sharpe manne on my handes in my yong daies , and brought many of the Scottes to grounde in the North Marches , and gaue them many greislie woundes , ne man for man durst abide me luke I was so fell . Then the limer Scottes hared me , burnte my gudes , and made dedly feede with me , and my barnes , that now I haue nethyng but this sary bagge and this staffe , and the charitie of sike gud people as you are , gud maistres ▪ ause I haue many of my sirname here in the citee , that wade thinke no shem on me , yea honeste handcraftie men .

How gote you in at the gates , my good frende ?

Deare sir , I haue many cuntrith men in this faire citee , that came of honeste stocke in our lande , and some a little beyonde vs twentie or threttie miles , that can make pure shifte in the citee , and in the countres ause . I came in ne place but either the persone , Bailie , Conestable , or chief of the parishe is of our countrith borne : and some pure men as myne awne self God ken . Emong whem the Bedle of the beggers beyng a Ridesdale man borne , a gud manne and a true , whiche for ill will in his youth , did fleen the Countree , it was laied to his charge , the driuyng of Kine hem to his fathers byre : But Christe knaweth he was sackles , and liue as honestlie in his age , as his sire did when he was yong , gud maister .

I was borne in the Northe my felowe , and dooe liue here in this citee , I came hether when I was young , and when I was verie poore , but now I am in good case , to liue emong the reste of my neighbours .

Goddes benison on you , and our deare ladies , I come hether purely in mine age , I haue nethyng but wedom .

Geue God onelie thankes , for so is his holie will and commaundementes , that wee should call vpon hym in the daies of trouble , and onely honour hym : wee haue no commaundement to honour our ladie .

I think one woman wade take an other womannes part , doe as it shall please you I am ne clerke , but an ingram man , of smal cideracion in soche arogant buke farles .

What newes in the Countree , as you come by the waie ? Countree man .

Nene , but aude maners , faire saiynges , false hartes , and ne deuocion , God amende the Markette , moche ●oilyng for the purse , deceiuyng of eche other : in the Countree , strief , debate , runnyng for euery trif●e to the Lawiers , hauing nething but the nutshelles , the Lawiers eate the Carnelles , ause moche reising of rentes , causing greate dearthe , mucle pouertee . God helpe , God helpe , the warde is sare chaunged : extorcioners , couetous men and hypocrites dooe mucle preuaile , God cut them shorter , for thei doe make a blacke warlde , euen helle vppon yearth , I thinke the greate fende or his deam will wearie theim all , nene other newes I ken , but that I did see micle prouidence made in the countrée for you in the citee , whiche doe feare the Pestilence . I met with wagons , cartes , and horses , full laden with young barnes , for feare of the blacke Pestilence , with their boxes of medicines , and swete perfumes . O God , how fast did thei runne by hundredes , and wer afraied of eche other , for feare of smittyng .

I haue some of my children forthe , God sende them well to spede .

Maister , why goe you not with theim your self ?

No , youth are apte to take the Plague , and furder , parentes are more naturall to their children , then children to their fathers and mothers . Nature doeth descende , but not ascende : also if the citezen should departe when as the Plague doe come , then there should not onely be no plague in the citee , but also the citee should be voide and emptie , for lacke of the inhabitours therein , therefore Gods will bee dooen emong his people . I doe not intende to flee , notwithstandyng I praie God of his mercie , deliuer vs from this Plague , for if it doe continue GOD knoweth , it will not onely take awaie a nomber of poore people , but many wealthie and lustie marchauntes also .

If soche plague doe insue , it is no greate losse . For , first it shal not onely deliuer , the miserable poore man , woman and barne , from hurte and carefulnesse , into a better warlde : but ause cutte of many coueteous vsurers , whiche be like fat vncleane swine whiche doe neuer good , vntill thei come to the dishe , but wroote out euery plaute that thei can come by . And like vnto great stinking mucle medin hilles , whiche neuer do pleasure vnto ●he lande or grounde , vntill their heapes are caste abrode to the profites of many , whiche are kepte neither to their awne comfortes , nor others , but enely in behadyng them : like vnto cruell dogges , liyng in a Maunger , neither eatyng the Heye themselues , ne suffring the horse to feede thereof hymself . And in sike Plagues , wee pure people haue micke gud . Their losse is our gaine , when thei do become naked , wee then are clethed againste their willes : with their dooles and almose , we are relieued , their sicknes is our health their death our life . Besides vs Beggers , many mee menne haue gud lucke , as the Curate , Parishe clarke , and the bell man , often times the executours be ne losers by this game . And in fine , in my fantasie it is happie to the huntman , when he haue nethyng of the Catte but the sillie skinne . Wee beggers , couet not for the carcas of the dedde body , but doe defie it , we looke for aude caste cootes , dublettes , hose , cappes , beltes and shoes by their deathes , whiche in their liues thei waude not depart from , and this is our happe .

Go thy waies to Antonius Mantuanus gates : For thither , euen within this twoo howers , I did see Maister Antonius Capistranus , solemnelie riding vpon his Mule , with a side goune , a greate chaine of golde aboute his necke , his Apothecarie Senior Crispinus , a neighbours childe , borne here by in Barbarie , and his little Lackeye , a proper yong applesquier , called Pandarus , whiche carieth the keye of the chamber with hym . These are all gone in at the gates to that noble Italian : his aulmner this daie , bicause his maister was very sicke , applied the poore men with the purse , with moche deuocion for the time , being without hope of his Maisters recouerie .

I praie God sende vs many sike praies , for it is merie with vs , when ene mannes hurt , doe turne to many mennes gaines : I will go thither , fare you well gud Maister . I wil drawe nere , and herken what maister doctour will saie , if I might be in place .

Farewell , for thou doest not care , which ende doe goe forwarde , so that thy tourne maie be serued .

How dooe you good Maister Antonius ? Lorde God how are you chaunged ? How chaunceth this ? What is the matter , that you looke so pale ? You did sende for me by your seruaunt Iohannes de Corsica , a gentle yong man , whiche lamented moche for you : and when I heard it , with all speede I came from my other pacientes , of whom I thinke I haue taken myne vltimum vale .

You are welcome Maister dectour with all my harte , now helpe at a pinche : or els neuer , for I doe feare my self verie moche . O● my harte .

I warraunt you man , let me feele your pulse , and then shall I procede to the cure , with Medicine and diete accordingly .

Take your pleasure good Maister Doctour , here is my hande : feele my pulse , and then you shall see myne vrine , and knowe the tyme of my sicknes .

These are no very good tokens , neither in your vrine , pulse , stoole . &c. But I will doe the beste for you that I can doe by art .

And then you shall wante no golde , for though I lacke helpe , yet I want no golde of euery coigne , and siluer also . My warehouses are well filled with wares of sonderie kindes , whiche I doe sell vnto the retalers . Furder I haue wares of most auncient seruice , whiche owe me nothing , both in packes , vessels and chestes . &c. which are not fit for the retalers . Then doe I kepe for shiftes , when any gentilmen , or long suter in the lawe , are behinde hande , and knowe not what to doe : then by good suretees , or assured landes by statute marchaunt . &c. I doe sometyme make .xxx. or . L. in the hundred by yere . I haue diuers soche honeste waies to liue vpon , through the wittie and secrete handlyng of my brokers here in the citee , and my factours , whiche are at Antwarpe . &c. By whom I doe vnderstand the state , and what commoditie is beste . Furder I haue extended vpon auncient landes in the countrie , for the breche of couenauntes That to conclude with you maister doctor , I could neuer haue died in a worse tyme , my businesse is soche . I would of all thinges liue still , for here I doe knowe what I haue , and how I am vsed : but when I am gone , I doe not knowe what shall happen vnto me , nor whom to trust with the whiche I haue gotten with trauell , and obteined by fortune .

Who is able to resiste soche a multitude of Aungelles , I thinke fewe Doctours of Phisike ? But rather then I would dye , I will let flie a thousande more .

That is the waie I assure you , to perfite health : and for that cause the Phisician was ordeined , as it is written . Honour the Phisician , with the honour that is due vnto hym , because of necessitie , for the Lorde haue created him , and he shall receiue giftes of the kyng .

That is a good swete tert for Phisicians , but why doe you leaue out these woordes , in the middes of the matter ? Whiche is : of the moste higheste cometh learning , and so I doe remember , I heard our curate read in the churche , as by chaunce I came in with a Sargeant , to arest twoo Bankeroutes .

What your curate pleased him to read , I care not , for I medle with no Scripture matters , but to serue my tourne : But I knowe that , whiche I haue saied , is written in the Bible .

Bee all thynges written in the Bible true : I praie you tell me ?

God forbidde Maister Antonius , then it would make a fraie emong Marchauntes , for it is written . Psalm. xv . None shall enter into goddes dwellyng , or reste with hym vpon his Mountaine , that lendeth his money vpon vsurie , or to vsurie , whereby to hinder his neighbour : And this is now become the greatest trade . And many bee vndooen by borowyng , and fewe doe lose by lendyng , speciallie men of your worshipfull experience . And how like you this texte ?

Sir , I dooe knowe you dooe not . But so God helpe me , one thyng doeth moche reioyce my harte , in your communicacion .

What is that ?

What is that I praie you ? For I know not myne owne religion .

Commaunde your folkes to departe out of the chamber , and your yong scapes also whiche you haue gotten by chaunce medley , for wante of mariage : for the old prouerbe is , small Pitchers haue wide eares , and the fielde haue iyes , and the wood haue ●ares , therefore wee muste commen closelie , and beware of blabbes .

Well , nowe the doores are sparred , saie on your minde , of what Religion are you ? Be plain with me man .

Herke in your eare sir , I am neither catholike , Papiste , Protestante , nor Annabaptiste , I assure you .

What then ? you haue rehearsed choyce and plentie of religions . What doe you honour ? the Sonne , the Moone , or the starres , Beast , S●one , or Foule , Fishe or Tree ?

Oh. Qui dixit in corde suo non est deus . Well , we differ verie little is this poincte , but if I doe liue , we shall drawe nere to an vnitee : in the meane time , let your Pothicarie prouide some good thinges for the bodie . I praie you open the doore .

Maisters , I praie you call Crispinus hether into the Gallarie , and Leonardus de Montano with hym .

What is your pleasure maister doctour ?

How doe you like this Garden ?

There are plentie of goodly herbes , bothe clensing , healing , losing , binding , and restoring . I neuer did see more choice of sondrie kindes of straunge flowers , moste pleasaunt to the iye , and sweete also . The fine knottes are doen by good arte , Geometrically figured . A swete conduite in the middest , made of fine stone , plentifully , casting forth water , like fine siluer streames many waies . In whiche condite , I did behold by the space of one houre a meruelous thing , the meaning thereof I knowe not .

What was it Crispine ?

The piller was eight foote square , and eightene foote high , with compartementes of connyng Masonrie , curiouslie couered with fine golde . Upon the toppe a Tyger fearfullie , hauing a young child in his armes readie to kill it , the child had a croune of golde vppon his hedde . And in his lefte hande a Globe , figuring the whole worlde and was called Microcosmos , about whiche was written Globus conuersus est .

This gentleman came of a greate house , this is the crest of his armes , for he descended of the most auncient Romaines I warrant you , he is no vpstrat , assure your self .

I had thought it had rather signified the condicions of a cruell tiraunt , or some bloodie conquerour : which by vsurpacion gettyng the victorie of any commonwealthe ▪ as Landes , Countrees or Citees , eftesones dooe spoile the true heires and owners of the lande , whiche doe weare the croune chaunge the state of the Commons to the worser parte , spoiling theim with sworde and bondage , whiche appeared by these wordes : Globus conuersus est : the worlde is chaunged or tourned .

A good obseruacion : what did you se then ?

I did beholde on the one side the .ix. Muses , with straunge instrumentes of Musike sittyng vnder the hille Parnasus , and the Poetes sittyng vnder the grene trees , with Laurell garlandes , besette with Roses about their heddes , hauyng golden pennes in their handes , as Homer , He●iodus , Ennius . &c. writing verses of sondrie kindes . And Lucanus sa●te there verie highe , nere vnto the Cloudes , appareilled in Purple : saiyng .

And nere them satte old Morall Goore , with pleasaun● penne in hande , commending honeste loue without luste , and pleasure without pride . Holinesse in the Clergie , no tirannie in rew●ers , no falshode in Lawiers , no Usurie in Marchauntes , no rebellion in the Commons , and vnitee emong kingdomes . &c.

Skelton satte in the corner of a Piller , with a froste bitten face , frowning , and is scante yet cleane cooled of the hotte burning cholour , kindled againste the cankered Cardinalle Wolsey : writing many a sharpe disticons , with bloodie penne against him , and sente theim by the infernalle riuers Stvx Flegiton , and Acheron , by the Feriman of helle called Charon , to the said Cardinalle .

Wittie Chaucer sat● in a chaire of gold couered with Roses , writyng Prose and Rime , accoumpanied with the spirites of many Kinges , Knightes , and faire ladies . Whom he pleasauntlie besprinkeled with the sweet● water of the welle , consecrated vnto the Muses , ecleped Aganippe . And as his heauenlie spirite commended his dere Brigham , for the woorthie intombing of his bones , worthie of memorie , in the long sleping chamber , of moste famous kinges Euen so in tragedie , he bewailed the sodaine resurreccion of many a noble man , before their time : in spoiling of Epitaphes wherby many haue loste their inheritaunce &c. And furder thus he saied lamenting .

Lamentyng Lidgate , lurkyng emong the Lilies , with a balde skons , with a garlande of Willowes aboute his pate : booted he was after Saincte Benettes guise , and a blacke Stamell robe , with a lothlie monsterous hoode hanging backward , his stooping forwarde bewailing euery estate with the spirite of prouidence . Forese●ng the falles of wicked men , and the slipperie seates of Princes , the ebbyng and flowing the risyng and fallyng of men in aucthoritée , and how vertue doe aduaunce the simple , and vice ouerthrowe the mooste noble of the worlde . And thus he saied .

Then Bartley with an hoopyng Russette long coate , with a pretie hoode in his necke , and fiue knottes vppon his girdle , after Fraunces trickes . He was borne beyonde the colde Riuer of Twede . He lodged vppon a sweete bedde of Chamomill , vnder the Sinamon tree : aboute him many Shepherdes and shepe , with pleasaunt pipes : greatlie abhorring the life of Courtiers , Citezens Usurers , and Banckruptes . &c. whose old daies are miserable . And the estate of shepherdes and countree people , he compted moste happiest and sure . &c. Saiyng : Who entreth the Courte in young & tender age . Are lightlie blinded with folie and outrage : But soche as entre with witte and grauitee : Bowe not so sone to soche enormitee : But or thei enter if thei haue learned nought , Afterward is vertue the lest of their thought .

Nexte theim in a blacke chaire of Gette stone , in a coate of armes satte an aunciente knight , in Orenge Tawnie , as one forsaken , bearyng vpon his breast a white Lion , with a Croune of riche golde on his hedde : his name was sir Dauie Linse , vppon the mounte , with a hammer of strong steele in his hande , breakyng a sonder the counterfeicte crosse kaies of Rome , forged by Antichriste : And thus this good knight of Scotlande saied , to Englande the elder brother , and Scotlande the younger .

On the seconde square was a faire diall for this Orison , vnto whiche was added the howers of the planettes , vpon thesame was written in large letters of fine golde , Tempora labuntur .

There stoppe and laie a Strawe . For Tempora labuntur , is to saie : by little and little , time dooe slippe awaie . I will hear● the reste of the matter at leasure . What is it a clocke ?

But early daie , skant .viij. of the clocke .

Well I praie you , dispence all thinges in order Contra Pestem , in thesame sorte , bothe noumber of the Simples , Dose and quantitee , euen as you did it yesterdaie , whiche was geuen to Paule .

Sir , I haue spente all my fine Myrrhe , what shall I doe ?

You are a wise manne , put in Quid pro quo , called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Hoc est simplicia que aliorum facultati similium penuria subponi possunt medici consilio . Intelligis ?

Etiam domine Doctor .

Moue te otius , & quicquid agas prudenter agas .

By God he shall paie for the malt grinding , he haue enough , he know none ende of his pelfe , it will come to an euill ende . God sende me more soche cheates . What , me thinke I se twoo men in long gounes , with shorte beardes at the gates , what are thei a Gods name ?

I knowe them verie well , thei are twoo petti fogger in the Lawe , the one is called maister Auarus , a good gentleman , and of a greate house , a man of good conscience , in déede he is my c●sen germaine , on my mothers side : Surelie he can geue good counsaile , and is ●itte to be with soche a manne , as maister Antonius is , in deede thei haue been long acquainted , and will neuer giue ouer vnto the ende .

Who is the other on the lefte hande , he semeth to be a proper gentlemanne and a studious , he is leane , an handsome clenlie man . Methinke he haue on eche side of his goune a bagge , and his hande in theim .

Euery man haue his grace and gesture : I promise you , I durste committe a greate secrete vnto him . Oh he is a peragon .

A constaunte manne by his gesture . Doe you note that ? It is a good signe of a constante man , marke it when you will , he is a wittie fellowe , and one that is in greate estimacion , fit for maister Antonius , his name is Ambodexter . Goe doun● with spede , and saie you haue geuen maister Antonius his purgacion , and this daie he haue no leasure to speake with any man , and also how that he is amended : for , if the curate were here for the soule , wee for the bodie , A blacke sanctus . & Auarus for the purse : here wer but a madde company , we should neuer agree together , but fall into discordes . Dispatche them with spede , fare ye well . I wil goe and cause him to bee letten blood , and kepe him from slepe , then shall he bee purged to morowe in the morning . Bring the pouder against the plague with you .

GOD geue you good morowe gentille maister Auarus : what maister Ambodexter , how fare you bothe ? maister Antonius did moche desire to haue spoken with you , eight howers paste . In deede within this twoo houres , sauyng your worshippes , he hath taken a purgacion , whiche haue caste suche aire abrode , that I was not hable to abide in the chamber , I had forgotten my perfumes , to make all well .

What thinke you of hym , shall he escape or no ? Who is with hym ? I praie you tell me .

None but Doctor Capistranus , whiche also desire your absence , because he haue hym in cure : and truste to make hym slepe after his lacke of rest , and to morowe take your pleasure with hym .

Fare ye well : we haue drawen and ingrossed his bookes , commende vs to maister Doctour , it were a good pastyme , ●o take the foote clothe from his Mule , for .ij. or three houres in pastyme .

I had rather haue the Mule .

What the deuill doeth this doctor here ? If this purgyng wer not , we would clense and erpulse with our resettes , that whiche should serue our tourne well enough .

I warraunt you the Doctour doe make woorke for vs bothe : wee shall bryng our matters to passe in good time , take no care man for the matter , we will preuente the doctor to morowe , when he cometh hether with a presente , and bring him some pretie thinges , wherin he deliteth : we shall finde soche meanes to perswade with him by little and little , to be executors of his will , according to his old promise . Further , he wil take it kindely , that we dooe claime kinred on hym by his mothers side , whiche was a kinde harted woman , and full of metrix , ha , ha , ha . She was in deede of those qualitees , her sonne is like the mother , as seemeth by one in the house .

I feare that damosell will marre all together : she doeth rule the rost , she ware th● ke●es . He can neuer haue her out of his sight yet Reinold his man thinketh hymself , in more estimacion with her , then his maister .

The last yere I counterfeeted a sickenes of purpose , as I can when I lust , I framed my Phisicion to my phantasie , no manne thought that I should haue liued twoo dayes , when I was alone I laughed . You remember whom I made myne executor , euen Antonius Mantuanus , I then prouidentlie by three thynges , did foresee this tyme and cause . The first was , his greate surfeictes in banquetyng : the seconde , his watchyng at Chesse and Cardes , the third you knowe what .

Well , well , be as be maie is no banning ▪ I doe feare many thinges . First the medicines maie chaunce recouer him , then wee shall haue nothyng . Well , Reinolde and the damosel be euer in presence , and watch him : she cheares her maister with a louing countenaunce . Reinold saies , that he hath doen true seruice a long time . &c. Well , I smelle an other padde in the strawe : when all this is doen , the curate is a craftie Rhetorician , well can he perswade and reherse Gods vengeaunce , threates and plagues , by examples moste fearfull , like thonderboltes , describing the scalding hous of hel , ve , ve , ve , with the storie of Diues and Pauper , and the daie of iudgement , reading the Homelie of death , criyng out al is but vanitie , vanitie , and vexacion of minde , damnacion , except repentaunce , and true confession from the harte , restitucion of wronges , he will kepe a stire , and bring our cosin into a fooles paradise . It is he that will raise vp all the beggers in the toun : he wil crie , geue with your own hand , for the daie you are a man , to morowe yearth & ashes .

A craftie villaine . First , let vs be sober , and seme to bée sorowfull for him , desiring nothing but onely his life . If he stand in great daunger , the doctor shall haue his leaue , and tary no longer with him , in whom I thinke he haue no hope to recouer , let him be well rewarded . Secondly let Reinold be sent into the countree , to the debtours for money : tell hym it shall tourne to his greate profite , and how his maister doeth intende to take him as his sonne , and will trust none but onely hym , to fetche the money in the countree . Thirdly , I will seme to fantasie the minion , wishyng her to bee my wife , alledging what broken slepes she hath caused me to haue , and the cause of my commyng hether onely for her staie . Then I wil practise for the keies of the greate blacke cheste , and of the steele caskette . Fourthlie , maister Curate shal be gently saluted with a Barnardes blowe , wee will commende him , wee will praie with him , and also receiue the Communion with our cosin , that he maie haue a good opinion in vs , and deliuer hym a bagge with fiue pound in pence to geue to the poore , in whose absence , peraduenture our Scribe and wée shall frame the wille : how like you this practise ? If this will not serue , I haue a shifte of descante in store , that I learned in Bosomes Inne .

The Deuill take altogether , so that wée had the gold , practise this I praie you : you haue a good witte , by my troth I could not slepe all this night for this matter , if you were not , I could doe nothyng , but stande like a shepe .

I warrant you , I haue had long experience in this trade , euerywhere within this Realme , I can doe the like with the helpe of Auarus , whiche is a verie good penne man , close and honest , he writeth sonderie handes , Pettie foggers , sitte for the Pillerie . and is a liuelie grauer of Seales hymself , also is a kinde harted fellowe : for he will not sticke to lende his frend an othe if néede doe require .

The worlde is full of starting holes , men maie skant knowe how to trust men now a daies , but for the good report that I doe heare of this honest felowe , I will be glad to haue his acquaintaunce . I knewe diuerse of his kinsmen .xx. yeres ago : GOD haue mercie of all Christen soules , it was then a mery worlde , and will neuer be so good againe , vntill this Gospellyng Preachers haue a sweating sickenes in Smithfieled , and their Bible burnte , well , would some wer at libertée for their sakes . Well , wel .

Oh I doe remember that reuerent mortified father , that holy man bishop Boner , that blessed catholique confessor of Rome , if he were againe at libertée , he would not dailie to make them , but trimly would reste these felowes , and after burne theim , you knowe his workmanship verie well .

He is my cosin Germain , and Per●urus that honest felowe , was his boie , & brought vp with him in his youth , and your graundfather did penne his prologue , in the booke called De vera obedientia , when as thei laughed merely , Honeste felowes . saiyng thei had rather put to their handes , then either their heddes or hartes , wise men , wise men .