VVitts nevv dyall: or, A schollers prize Sherley, Anthony, poet. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription B14568 of text S102910 in the English Short Title Catalog. Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 135KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 51 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 B15782

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 Early English books online text creation partnership. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. B15782) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 177515) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1007:10) VVitts nevv dyall: or, A schollers prize Sherley, Anthony, poet. [100] p. By W. W[hite] for Iohn Browne, Imprinted at London : 1604. Dedication signed: Anthony Sherly. In verse. Printer's name from STC. Signatures: A-M⁴ N² . Reproduction of the original in the Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery.

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 eng eebo VVitts nevv dyall: or, A schollers prize Sherley, Anthony, poet. 1604 101 19501 75 0 0 0 0 0 38.46 D The rate of 38.46 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the D category of texts with between 35 and 100 defects per 10,000 words. 2014-01 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2014-03 Sampled and proofread 2014-03 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2015-03 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

Witts New Dyall : OR , A Schollers Prize .

Imprinted at London by W. W. for Iohn Browne .

1604.

blazon or coat of arms

TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFVLL MY VERY GOOD Brother in Law Tho . Pelham , of Laughton in the Countie of Sussex Esquire , Iustice of the Peace , and one of his Maiesties Deputie-Leiutennants there : And to my deare Sister in Law Marie Pelham his wife .

YOu haue bound me so infinitely vnto you ( deare Brother and Sister ) that I cannot ( for shame ) but make some meanes to pay part of the debt : That which I owe to your exceeding kindnesse towardes mee is very great : yet behold ( presuming you will beare with my good will , at least with my abilitie ) I lay downe no more but this , which is very little : Such portion of Witte as it is , I freely bestow vpon you . This infant of my Braine was begot and deliuered vnder your owne roofe ; it is therefore fittest there to be nurst vp : and for that purpose I sende it to you both . My louing Sister hath been the mother of seuen Children , and therefore knowes the better how to handle this : I pray be neither of you cruell to it , for your good worde , or good looke , makes it prosper ; a frowne kils it . I giue you many thankes for my entertainement at your house at Hawleland , where ( at your cost ) I spent almost a yeere , and at mine idle howers , drew this Picture of Poesie . If the cullours be ill layde on , beare with them , for that I am but newly bound to the trade : yet not bound neither ; for if you like not my workmanship , I will for euer giue it ouer . Thus hoping you will receiue this poore Gift with as free a hand as I send it , I commende you to God . Hawleland this . 18. of October . 1604.

Your most affectionate Brother in Law , Anthony Sherly .
Witts new Dyall : OR , A Schollers Prize .
OF GOD . GOD the Idaea of all good proceedinges , Is that aeternall-Dread Omnipotence , Who breath'd Heauen , Earth and Sea , and all their moouers : Who being made of None , gaue all thinges sence . 2 Out of his Wisedomes depth , he hath not graunted To Man , the praescience of thinges to come : For then his prosperous state would beget Pride , And his Aduersitie become his Doome . 3 As it is meerely an impossible taske , With one and the same eye ( iust at one time ) To behold Heauen and Earth ; so difficult , To embrace GOD , and the worlds golden slime . 4 As GOD is all of Pietie and Pittie , Of soft Compassion , and astonishing Grace : So wee are all of Sinne , and wilfull Blood , That are of Adams Fruit-forbidden Race . 5 If sweld Ambition so puffe vp thy Spirit , That like those Giants thou wouldst ●li●e to Heauen ▪ GOD will flye from thee , and pitch downe thy Pride : But ( beeing humble ) with thy Brest hee 's euen .
OF CHRIST . 1 CHRIST , that aeternall Bishop of our Soules , Who by Propheticke Spirits was promised : By his deare Crimson-sweat vpon the Crosse , Our euerlasting Blisse hath purchased . 2 Christ's most triumphant Resurrection , Is ( to the Dead ) life ; to the Saincts , high Glory ; To Sinners , Mercie : to all , Happines ; Sauing to Death and Hell : they 're onely Sory . 3 If the Sick-man , dreame that the visible Sunne Is hidden or obscurde , it figures Death : So if by corrupt doctrine that Sunne CHRIST , Bee darkned , then it stiffles the Soules breath . 4 As Christ ascended gloriously to Heauen , Vp to his Fathers euerlasting Seate : So shall th'Elect ascend to Christ in State , And mongst the Court of Saincts be chosen great . 5 Christ is the life of Doctrine , who hath power To make Stones brea●he , and beleeue more then Iewes ; Whose Fayths were far more flintie then a Tower Heawen out of Rocke , which moyst in time may bruise . 6 His all amazing Miracles on earth , Clensing foule Lepers ; dispossessing Deuils : Giuing them Eyes that neuer saw their birth : Christ that can heale all Sinnes , did cure all Euils . 7 His bitter Death , mingled with Teares and Gall , The violent Passion of each suffering Veyne , Sweating out Blood and Water ; which did fall To wash our Soules ( and like a Pretious Rayne ) 8 Makes our best partes spring vp as high as Heauen , Vpon Fayths milke-white Tree euer to flourish , Like Fruites of Blessednes , whose Roote was giuen From the blood-guiltie Crosse , which deere drops nourish . 9 Last his most wondrous-blest Ascension , The Immortall Figure of our glorious Ryzing , Strugling with Graues ( like an eclipsed Sunne In warre with Darknes ) to our new Baptizing . 10 When hoarie Sepulchers , and old stooping Tombes , Shall start at the last sound , and shake in sunder ▪ The Dead arize out of their Marble wombes , Burst with the horrour of all-Frighting-thunder .
OF THE HOLY GHOST . 1 THou Holy-Bright and Comfortable Ghost , Not daunting our weake Flesh , but with Saluation Gladding our ransomde Soules , which once were lost Mongst Flouds of sinne ; Redeemd with trickling Passion . 2 Bee nearer to my Heart , then the life stringes , Whereby it neatly hanges by Art aboue . Sweepe ore my Braynes with thy white prosperous Wings And on my Pen sit like a virgin Done , 3 Thou Godfather of Soules , that giu'st vs Names , At the pure Font in Heauen , when we aspire , To be all rebaptized in Glad-flames : Thou our aeternall Portion and Desire . 4 The Holy Ghost is our Caelestiall Guide , To Gods Elect continuall comfort bringing : That through their Soules abundant ioyes may flow , Still with the quire of blisfull Angels singing . 5 His white and comfortable Spirit of Trueth Doth euer graunt to such his helpe and Grace , That haue soft paenitent Brestes to rue their sinnes , And well repent in vertuous time and space . 5 From his full-flowing pittie alwayes springes The Fountaine of true heauenly Ioyes aboue : Hee is the whole worldes blessed Comforter , The onely God of Peace , of Trueth , and Loue , 7 Come Holy Ghost into our labouring Hearts , And purge our Soules from foule infections sin , That thy good Spirit in place therefore may dwell , And dayly let Caelestiall Graces in .
OF ANGELS . 1 ANgels rightly to define , They spring from Heauens sacred line : They are the Messengers Diuine , Our Soules with Blisse they all combine . 2 Of Angels are nine Orders , Nine ministers of Grace : Aeternities rich Borders , Which shine in euery place . 3 Angels , Archangels , Vertues powers , Principalities and Cherubins : With which these three are euer matcht Dominations , Thrones , and Seraphins . 4 Angels are Tutors to the Sainctes , Heauens Herauldes , Gardiants of each soule : They receiue vp our true Complaintes , And all our Vertues they enroule . 5 They haue the charge men to conduct , Grace to preserue beleeuing Sprits , And Wisedome all hartes to instruct , Building vp soules through righteous Merits . 6 Heauen is the Angels habitation , Their eyes are fixt vpon Gods Maiestie , They were the first that had the blest Creation , Their voyces tune caelestiall Harmonie .
OE HEAVEN . 1 HEauen is that Holy land , To which the blessed Pilgrimes trauell : Where milke-white Citties stand , And Rubies strewde as thicke as Grauell . 2 Seelinges of Diamondes , Walles of Amber : Portals of Currall , Saphire Flooers : Such glories shine in Heauens star-chamber , Gates of Gold , and pearly Bowers . 3 Heauen is Maiesties true seate , It is the Angelles dwelling , It is the faithfuls place of rest : T is glorious beyond telling . 4 Heauen is the Iudges purple throne , The fulnesse of delight , The Soules eternall mansion , Where ioyes are still in sight . 5 As Hell is blacke and horrid , Stuft with the fumes and stinke of Deuils , So Heauen has a bright fore-head , Where all things shine , saue onely Euils , 6 Nor eare , nor eye , nor any mortall voyce , Hath heard , hath seene , or can expresse Heauens ioyes . And to conclude there is such depth in height , The more I write , the more I haue to write .
OF WISEDOME . 1 THis is a Vertue generall , All Vertues bow at Wisedomes call : It learnes to rise by others fall , For he that 's truely Wise : is all . 2 He that conquers appetite , Is sure to win , how ere he fight : For t is the greatest victory that ere shon . With Wisedome to beate downe affection . 3 Who without Wisedome enioyes Gold , Will proue a begger ere he behalfe olde : For t is a curse impos'd on Gulles , To waste their coyne on Chea●e● 〈◇〉 T●ulles . 4 Wisedome is that glorious Oliue , That springeth from a Souldiers hart , Bloomes on his tongue , checking his wrath , And beareth fruit in euery part . 5 Wisedome was by Nature got , And by Experience nourished , Brought forth by Learning ( being her lot ) And by the milke of Reading fed . 6 To be secret to thy selfe , Is chiefe ground in Wisedomes Schoole , For that great States-man headlong falles , That trustes a Wise man , or his foole .
OF TRVETH . 1 TRueth is the true Reuealer , The aeternall Crowne of Bliffe : No false and bribd Concealer Of Actions done ▪ amisse . 2 Time and Trueth embraces , They neuer hide their faces : Trueth and Time do bring to light Murthers done at dead of night . 3 Trueth is a Flower that neuer dyeth , A resolute Souldier that ne're flyeth : A perfect Iudge that truly tryeth , And Rich mens golden Fists th . 4 Tru●th scales the Battlements of Heauen , Ill●mineth the shadowed Earth : Discouers secrets , killes Disdaine , And gouerns euery mortall birth . 5 Trueth feareth nothing more then Corners , Shee knowes her Soule cannot be blamde : No Treasons dwell about her brest , Tho naked , shee is ne're asham'de . 6 Trueth is an honest cause , And spurnes corrupted lawes ▪ Shee makes no toylesome wearie iournies Vp and downe to see Atturnies .
OF PRAYER . 1 PRAYER ( as Diuines define it ) Is talke with GOD ; and Intercession To his all pittying excellence , For each intemperate foule transgression . 2 Prayer is the Incense of a sorrowing Soule ▪ It is the Oblation of a paenitent Blood : The Holy Ghost which is our dayly bread ▪ Wee begge in Prayer , our true foode . 3 Prayer is the swiftest and the siluer wing On which our Soules doe flie , Euen to the Court of heauens eternall King : Prayer bringes vs to Gods maiestie . 4 Prayer doth kindle feruent zeale , Foule Sinnes , Plague-sores , Prayer doth heale : Gainst infernall Spirits it warreth , And Hells insurrection barreth . 5 Prayer engendreth Confidence , And Confidence engendreth Peace : It makes a tranquill Conscience , For Prayer bids all Troubles cease . 6 When Prayer ascendes , Then Heauen downe-bendes : What makes amendes , But Godly endes ?
OF THE SOVLE . 1 THe Soule is an inuisible power , Yet more solid then a Tower : Essence immortall , neere resembling Her Creator ; onely trembling . 2 The Greatest thing of all , In little Roome contayned , Is the Soule within a Man , By Heauen and Vertue gayned . 3 An vndefiled Soule , is Heauen ; Her Vnderstanding , is the Sunne : Her Fayth the Moone , her Vertues Starres : And in this course her Glories runne . 4 Each Soule , is or the Spouse of Christ , Or the Adultresse of the Deuill : Through sanctifie shee towres alost : But sinkes to Hell through deadly euill ▪ 5 All Soules that are , spring from immortall line , But iust mens are immortall and diuine : Th' others di● and damme : but after death , Theirs change for better and farre purer breath . 6 By what name canst thou call a Soule ( Than God ) in a mans body dwelling ? It is a holy wondrous C●arme , All vicious thoughtes and actions quelling .
OF CONCSIENCE . 1 COnscience is to the Wicked an Accuser ▪ A Iudge , a Hangman , and a Rope : But to the Godly , a caelestiall chuser , An Ayde , a comfort , and a Hope . 2 Hell is hung with guiltie Consciences , It is the onely paynt of blacke offences ▪ And this firme line in Brasen leaues enroule , The Conscience is the Hell , that dammes the Soule . 3 The Conscience of many are seard vp With a hot Iron , voyde from feeling sin : Yet at the houre of death , their rent and started , When thousand horrors the soule circles in . 4 Onely those men haue woundes incurable , Whose Consciences are wounded ; And are not toucht with a Repentant spirit . But their sinnes deepely grounded . 5 A wicked Conscience dogges her Maisters heeles , And all Hells torments sensibly it feeles : And all the ougly-damned furies Is a sodden Conscienc●-Iuries . 6 Woe to those that boyle their Soules In Goulden Cauldrons : that weare Palmes , Yellow with Bribes , win Deuils Goales , And sooner will giue stripes , then Almes .
OF LOVE . 1 LOVE is a hony-Poyson , That spreadeth through each Veyne : It disinherites Reason , And woundes the purer Brayne . 2 Loue is an Hearbe that ( in the intrals sowne ) Doth all the members mortifie : A Plague that beeing through Melancholy growne , Doth kill the Hart . and dim the Eye . 3 Loue is Desires vnreasonable excesse , Which in a minute springes : But not so soone departes , vnlesse With losse of greater thinges . 4 The Counterfeit of Loue was drawne Vpon the left side with a Fether , Tickling Youth : and on the right A Scorpion prickt his Veynes together . 5 All Contraries are bred in Loue , It is a bitter sweete ; cold heate : A pleasant paine , these , Louers prooue , Who starue most , seeming most to eate . 6 Loue is bred by Desire , T is nurst vp with Fire : T is weand by Vnkindnes , And sees best in blindnes .
OF HOPE . 1 HOPE is Saluations Neece , T is Heauens best Maister-peece : The aeternall Ground of heauenly Grace , And sure Remooue to a brighter Place . 2 The God of Fooles is Hope , The Merchants conseruation : The Souldiers pay , the Vsurers Rope : The Ambitious mans Damnation . 3 Hope of life is Vanitie , Hope in death is treasurie : Hope in Christ is Victorie : Such Hope endes all miserie . 4 Hope is a passion , But of all the sweetest : Not made for fashion , But for good Soules meetest . 5 Against all Hope to Hope , That 's excellence in deed : A mightie Resolution , To smile , although hee bleed . 6 As in a litle place is layde Great Treasures preseruation : So in the storehouse of small Hope , A boundlesse expectation .
OF CHARITIE . 1 CHaritie is th' indissoluble band Twixt God and vs , whereby we are inflamed With the deare loue of him and his command : And ( for that ) Christians we are rightly named . 2 Charitie is in aduerse state Patient ; in prosperous temperate : In Passions strong , in good workes euer quicke , Whose Almes are full : whose Bountie 's neuer sicke . 3 In midst of Iniuries secure , For much Wrong Charitie can endure : At others sorrowes sorrowing , Lending more , then borrowing . 4 Who dwels ●n Charitie , doth dwell in Heauen , And giuing much , to him is much more giuen : But the most filthy effectes of Briberie , Poyson the fritefull workes of Charitie . 5 The Charitable pittying spirit , Shall both in earth and heauen inherit : Hee is the Beggers prayer , the Souldiers Blood , The Prisoners life , and the Worldes generall good . 6 As a body without soule Enioyes no life , or beeing : So Vertues without Charitie ▪ Haue not their true agreeing .
OF KNOWLEDGE . 1 KNowledge is that Intellect We haue of our Creator , And of his workes that deare respect , Aboue our baser Nature . 2 It is the Storehouse of true Wit , The entraunce of Saluation : Wee differ from all Beastes by it , It is our Confirmation . 3 These couetous Desires from Knowledge flow , The more we know , the more we wish to know : But this the chiefest Knowledge call , To Know thy selfe , then knowst thou all . 4 Iron in Warre Is prefer'd farre Before bright Gold : so in mans health , Knowledge exceedes the boundes of Wealth . 5 As men in nothing differ more from Gods Then when they are leaden-conseyted Fooles : ce'n so in nothing they draw neerer them , Then when they are built vp in learned Schooles . 6 As out of Flowers Bees sucke Hony , As out of Clyants Lawyers Money : So out of Science Knowledge should be suckt , And out of Reading , Vertue should be pluckt .
OF GOODNESSE . 1 GOodnesse is that which in it selfe concludes , A Dignitie , that sauoureth all of Heauen : Of Gods true Vertue , and miraculous worke , To whom a power substantially is giuen . 2 Riches may rotte , Coyne moulder ; Prosperitie alter course , Goodnesse will neuer looke oulder : For how can Good be worse ? 3 Goodnesse is threefold , to three thinges It hath Relation : first the Goodes of Minde , The Goodes of Body , and the Goodes of Fortune : The first goes straight , the two last limpe behinde . 4 But this I wish the world to cote As an especiall pleasing Note , The Goodnesse from an Ignorant man flowing , Is like faire Hearbes vpon a Dunghill growing . 5 A Good-mans wish is Substaunce , Fayth , and Fame ▪ Glory and Grace , concording with the same : The Great-men are not alwayes found the best ▪ But he that 's Good , is alwayes worthiest . 6 Hee that doth Good , is better then the Good which he doth doo : and he that worketh euill , Is ten times worse then his base poysonous blood ; But t is Decreed , some Slaues shall match the Deuill .
OF HVMILITIE . 1 THe Humble-Vertue b'oue all others , Is the nearest kin to blisse : The blessed Saincts are her owne Brothers , Making men and Angels kisse ▪ 2 Hee that without a Lowly Spirit Other Vertues seekes to finde , His labour can not win him merit , He beares but Dust against the Winde . 3 Wouldst thou know what man is happie ? Hence true happines doth flow , That man whose Birth is nobly great , And whose Spirit's Meeke and Low . 4 T is a Vertue of small price , In aduerse Fortune to be Lowly : But who in prosperous state is Humble ▪ Hee possesseth Meekenes wholly . 5 It makes Men looke like Gods , And represent their Maker : The pretious soule of happines , To soft Brestes doth betake her . 6 Humilitis of minde , Stirres vp Affections heate : For hee that 's truely Kinde , Must needes be truely great ,
OF PATIENCE . 1 PAtience and Humilitie Are Twins together borne : The first susteynes all iniurie , The last no state doth scorne . 2 The Conquerour wins Castles , Townes And Citties , with her power : But Patience , which nere quakes at Frownes ▪ Ore'coms the Conquerer . 3 Patience is the Beggars wealth , Patience is the Sickmans health : The Prisoners walke , The Dum mans talke . 4 Patience makes the Bondslaue thinke His Iron Trusse all beaten Gold : And that one day he shall rise , The he be for euer sold . 5 The sweetest salue for Miserie , Is a gentle Brest : The onely wealth to pouertie , Is Content and rest . 6 The Stocke of Patient mindes Cannot be poore : What it desires , it findes , What Emperour more ?
OF COMFORT . 1 COmfort is the Calme of Troubles , Making Wooes to seeme but Bubbles : The soule of quiet , The Hartes chiefe diet . 2 Comfore in this makes our Hopes strong , That violent Griefes do nere last long : Tempests rore but for a season , Time and Tru●h discouer Treason . 3 Comfort is next friend to Pleasure , T' is our onely inward treasure ▪ The stoutest Enemie gainst Care , And Resolutions valiant heyre . 4 In midst of all thy Cares , That hunt away dispayres : Hard Marble with soft drops is wounded , So thy Griefes in time are bounded . 5 Wooes may be mollifyed , straight states may slacke , And heauie Burdens but ee'n touch the backe : And let this thy comfort bee , That greater men haue griefes like thee . 6 Let not the losse of Children mooue thee , Be not aeffaeminate in thine eye : For tho thou loust them , and they loue thee , Thou didst beget them but to dye .
OF OBEDIENCE . 1 VNto Obedience Vertue tendeth , Shee all f●tt Actions comprehendeth : Payes to euery one their due ; Obedience is Religions Glew . 2 That aboue all other Climates , Is a happie Commonweale : Where Subiectes do obey their Primates , And Magistrates with Mercie deale . 3 Obedience is Deuotions Badge , T is Contemplations Seale : The onely true Phisitian Rebellions sores to heale . 4 Hee that knowes how to gouerne well , Knowes how to be obayde : But hee that giues licentious meanes , His state is soone decayde . 5 This is a note infallible , A certaine pretious Obseruations Who Disobeyes his Sire , his Children Will vse his Age in such a fashion . 6 Those Maisters alwayes prooue the best , That haue Obeyde well each behest When they were seruants , onely this is common , None better serues , and rules worse then a woman .
OF CHOYCE . 1 CHoyce is the noblest part of minde , If it be ioynd with Reason : For then it best knowes how to finde , And chooseth all in season . 2 To choose a Wife , bee this your Booke ; An honest eye , a vertuous looke : A modest brow , a silent toung , A rare Wife this , if she be young . 3 If thy Eye choose , the pleasure 's short : If thy Will , the end is woe ▪ If Reason choose , that beares a port , Be rulde by mee , and choose one so . 4 Beautie dyeth , Riches flyeth : Friendes their friendships may disseuer ; Choose a Wise soule , shee le fayle thee neuer . 5 Choose thy Friend not by his Oaths , But by his simple Brest : For he that boastes , his fayth prooues false , The Calmest men are best . 6 Hee that an Apple chooseth by the Skinne , And Women by no other , May haue a rotten bit in one , And a French Core in tother .
OF RELLIGION . 1 RElligion is the seale of Heauen , And the white Roabe of blisse : The Handmayde of Saluation , Aeternities blest kisse . 2 T is Law within vs , Doth greatly win vs : And with faire meanes doth neuer rest , Vntill she make vs amply blest . 3 Relligion is Heauens touchstone , It banisheth all terrors , And with a righteous try all , Discerneth Trueth from Errors . 4 It is the Martirs Chronicle , Of all thinges that are acted well : Sooner the World shall melt ( which Mischiefe craues ) Then Righteous deedes be mufled vp in Graues . 5 Relligion still diuining , Aboue all Vertues shyning , Is that Via Lactea , That leades to the bright Lampe of Day . 6 Religion is that Doue , Made all of simple loue , Which on our soules sits mouing , All blessed deedes approuing .
OF CONSTANCY . 1 FIrme Constancy is the mindes strength , Immouable and fayre , Not puffed vp with prosperous Gale , Nor moude with aduerse Ayre . 2 This vertue in a Woman were most rare , Whose thoughtes being gouernd by the Moone , Seemes in the morning coy and chaste ; But prostituted thrice ere noone . 3 O t were her sexes Iewell , Her pride , her heauen , her soule , For then so many lustfull Bulkes , Should not their brestes controule . 4 If Wiues would put on Constancy , Bawdes would sterue , and Pandars dye : Sonnes and Heires would keepe their Akers , And Brewers sonnes not out-drinke Bakers . 5 A constant spirit , Doth long inherite , His blisse is euer , His hope dyes neuer . 6 Were Virgins Constant , and their owne , They were like holy lands vnknowne , Saue to their Husbands : but such Constant Women T is hard to finde : others more thicke then Yeomen .
OF CHASTITIE . 1 CHastitie is the Soules beautie , The Puritie of life : In these two she frames her Duetie , A Virgin or chast Wife . 2 Her Desires are all vnflesht , In loue , shee loues most purely : Shee not dissembles her affects , Like Puritans demurely . 3 Her body 's not vncleane , She makes not Gulls looke leane , Like an vnoffic'de Deane , That ha's nor Brayne , nor meane . 4 Chastitie and Humilitie Must needes be each the others foe : For if they were not contrarie , Then Chastuie must needes lie low . 5 It is the stampe of liuely Grace Vpon the Minde , not on the face : Deuotions Crowne , A Maydes renowne . 6 The first degree to Chastitie , Is spotlesse pure Virginitie : The second faythfull Matrimonie , But chiefest mute affinitie .
OF WITTE . 1 WITT is the first part of the Soule , Wherein the Mind 's contayned : Most needfull for Direction Of vertuous deedes vnstayned ▪ 2 There are three thinges From whence Witt spinges : The first is Answering , next Inuention , The last is best , quicke Apprehension . 3 Nothing more smooth then Glasse , Nothing more brickle : Nothing more fine then Witt , Nothing more fickle . 4 Wine is Wittes chie●e whetting-stone , But if 't be often set thereon , T will quickly grinde away the Steele , And make your head as wise as your heele . 5 As gainst the streame the Sea-crab swims With her stragling shelly lims : So hastie Witt and desperate Will , Striue against Wisedoms current still . 6 Witt in a Woman is like Oyle Put in a burning flame , It either kindles vehemently , Or puts the blaze to shame .
OF LEARNING . 1 LEarning is the knowledge , Of Science and of Artes , And the Coelestiall Colledge , For the Diuiner partes , 2 Shee 's Vertues sacred Mother , Neece vnto good perfection , High Iudgement is her brother , Which makes the best Election . 3 Learning is olde Ages comfort , The Temperance of Youth , Standing for wealth in pouerty , The ornament of Truth . 4 Bee amongst yong folkes chaste and sober , That they may learne of thee , O precious Iem , And amongst olde folkes diligent , That thou mayest learne more Art from them . 5 Learning is the sap of life , Learning is Religions Iewell , It has the power to end all strife , And worke milde blood in bosoms cruell . 6 Learning the Souldiers Armour is , The Schollers happinesse and blisse , None hates it but those common harmers , Catchpoles , Vsurers , Fooles and Farmers .
OF VERTVE . 1 VErtue is lifes best proportion , In all poyntes greeable to reason , T is the aeternitie in man , The Salt that keepes the soule in season . 2 Vertue goes not by the birth , Nor by the yeares discretion , For there are olde white-bearded Fooles , And wise of yong profession . 3 There are two sortes of Vertuous partes , As writers do define , The one is of the worldlings knowne , The other is diuine . 4 True Vertue is immortall , Possessing endlesse wealth , The onely perfect Counsellor , And Minister of health . 5 Vertue and Knowledge are the steps , Whereby we clime to heauen , Which takes away all humaine lets , And makes our pathes seeme euen . 6 Vertue is the Queene of labours , Opinion Mistrisse of all fooles , Vanity the pride of nature , Contention ouerthrow of Schooles .
OF KINGES . 1 KINGES are the supreame Gouernours And Rulers ouer States : Placed by the Almighties hand , And luckines of Fates . 2 Kinges do seldome liue exempt Of Flatterers to seduce them : Ambition to depraue their bloodes , And Appetites to abuse them . 3 A good King ruleth as he ought , A Tyrant as he will : The first his peoples wealth hath sought , The other all doth spill . 4 The vniuersall fruitefull Schoole , Where happines doth spring . Is the Person , House , and Court , Of a most peacefull King . 5 Firme Subiectes are vnto their King . As winde is to a flame : For the more strength the winde doth fling , The greater is the same . 6 The greater that a Prince is pla●st In dignitie b'oue other , The more he ought t'excell in Grace , His life should haue no Brother .
OF GLADNES . 1 GLadnes is called that Delight , Which tickles our sweete Appetite : But not abyding , Quickly slyding . 2 No sooner doth it come , but passes , Leauing the Sences , traunc'de like Asses : For learne this in Wisedomes schoole , Laughter is but Gladnes foole . 3 Our pleasures are inducers to our woe , Oft hath a tragicke entraunce , happy end : Gladnes with Griefe continually doth flow , Great Mirths vpon great Miserles attend . 4 Immoderate Desires , Delights , and Truls , Haue made , do make , and will make many Gul● ▪ And ( amongst modest vertues ) pleasure Is like a Theefe amidst great treasure . 5 Exceeding laughter in a vertuous face , Shewes like a Harlot in an honest place : It beares the like apparance , forme , and hew , As if a Bawde should sit in a Church Pew . 6 Disordinate Laughter bates the breath , And violent Pleasures beget death : And truely to define fond Laughter , I● is Follies eldest Daughter .
OF LIBERTIE . 1 DEere Libertie is that free happines , Which bringes the Soule to her contented Rest , After the weary pilgrimage of flesh , When the Diuine part strugles to be blest . 2 That 's the true Libertie ; the earthly one , Though Libertie , t is Bondage still : For what 's the World , but a greater Prison , And wee the Bondslaues to our will . 3 Hee is onely the true Free-man , Whose Prentiship is out with sinne : That serues no loosenes , no desire : To set vp shop let him beginne . 4 Mee thinkes t is better weare a broad Hempen Garter , beeing no Debter , Then in a common loathsome Iayle Mocke thy lancke Calfe with golden Fetter . 5 Libertie in the Minde is Bountie , In the Tongue meere Folly : It breedes excesse of sencelesse wordes , As bondage , Melancholy . 6 T is better miserably to die , Beeing in perfect Libertie , Then to liue a prodigall Slaue , And make a Prison hole thy Graue .
OF MEMORIE . 1 THe Heartes owne priuie Key , I will call good Memorie : It keepes all close , and opens all , That Securitie cannot slip or fall . 2 T is Mother to the Muses , Turns thoughts to their best vses : T is Wisedomes light , And the Blindes sight . 3 The Memorie of man , Is like a curious Net , The small thinges it lets slip , But greater thinges doth get . 4 The Minde 's a smooth fayre Table , On which doth Memorie write The occurrents of mans dealinges , With streakes of blacke or white . 5 Blest Memorie tempers all States , It is the Soules white wonder : It delightes Age with long-past Fates , Keepes riotous Youth much vnder . 6 Memorie is an Angell , And Memorie is a Deuill ▪ The Register of happines , And Chronicle of Euill .
OF PEACE . 1 PEace is the Kingdomes Quiet , T is Tumults onely Graue : It buries all Seditions , And leades Warre like a slaue . 2 Ease ▪ Quietnes , Securitie , These are her Handmaydes three : Their Ornaments made of the Spring , Lac'st all with Vnitie . 3 Peace endeth Warre , Honor 's the ioy of Peace : And the onely scarre On Concords brest , is Ease . 4 Peace begets Plentie , Plentie Sloth ; Sloth Drunkennes and Ryot : And those two Vices beget Oth : Thus Wrath springs out of Quiet . 5 From Concord all thinges flow , By Concord all thinges grow : Yet Lust is Concords lazie Ingle , And all thinges waste , when those two mingle . 6 How all thinges vnder Sunne Doe in their Circles runne ! Then with these wordes I aptly cease , Peace begets Warre , Warre begets Peace .
OF WARRE . 1 WARRE is a dreadfull Monster , and is borne , With two strange heads : that head which frights a citty Is Ciuill : Citties yet by it are torne : The wandring head is ghastly too : scornes pittie . 2 That Ciuill feind of Warre , Serpent-like creepes Into a Kingdomes hart , and suckes the bloud : That rough out-landish Diuell , when ere he sleepes , Kills most : turnes Seas into a crimson Floud . 3 Warre that s made eeuen , standes Vpon two Pillers : It has two faire handes , To hold it vp first , then to fight : The one Religion , to 'thers Kingly-right . 4 With Snayle-like slownes , Warre we should beg●n , But when the Sword is drawne ( that Death steps in ) Let Vengeance then fly vpon Swallow-winges , For lingring Battayles shake the Thrones of Kinges , 5 Warre is Gods Whip , wherewith he beates Vnruly Nations ; Warres are but his threates : But when his three Rods walke , Kingdomes take heede , Hee drawes blood then , then is hee vext in deede . 6 The Children Warre begets , haue bloody lookes , And these are they ; Rapes , Murders , Violence : Their handes are barres of Iron , their fingers hookes , They Strike downe Law , and tread downe Innocence . 7 Loose not the blood of men to win that hold , At which an Asse may enter trapt in Gold : Because a Souldiers glory shines as bright , In polliticke conquest , as in bloody fight .
OF CRVELTIE . 1 THe Cruell man is curst from heauen , And on his brow doth beare A marke , because where Mercie dwells , No Crueltie comes there . 2 Where Lawes are broken , there the good Feele wrong , vnles the bad loose blood , For to spare all , is : Crueltie alike , As to spare none : Kinges must both hold and strike . 3 To pardon many for th' offence of one , T is godly pittie , rare Compassion : But for ones fall , numbers to spill , That part 's a tirant's , Butchers so doe kill . 4 Sorrow is lifes sworne enemie , Hee that keepes Sorrow cumpanie , Offers his owne heart Crueltie , And kills his owne selfe certainlie . 5 It 's safer for a Cruell Prince to floore His land with Gold , and leaue his Pallace poore , Than t' haue his Courtiers onely shine , Whilst all his other Subiectes pine . 6 The man can nere be bad , whose brest Weares Pitties goodly Iewell : The woman nere be chast , whose eyes Take glory to be Cruell . 7 I neare saw Cruell Souldier yet , but fell , Much in Heauens danger : bloody hearts are like Recoyling Swordes which at stone walls do strike , And kill the wounder : Crueltie raignes in Hell .
OF FREINDSHIP . 1 TRue Freindship is a golden Chayne , that tyes Two Soules in one ; the Linckes that fasten it , Are Likenes both of body , minde , and yeares , And so conioynd , it neuer can vnknit . 2 Freindes ( after weary absence ) meeting , Are like the sad Earth and the young Spring greeting : The Sunne the Spring , the Spring the Earth does cheere : So parted Loue , is ( when it meetes ) most deere . 3 The Loue , which man vnto a woman beares , Fades as shee fades ; dyes as shee growes in yeares : But Loue of men to men ( like gold ) shines bright , When t is most old : such Loue is infinite . 4 To bee his Freind , whose board is crownd with Plate , Whose bags with Gold , whose voyce does sway a State , Is but a paynted Freind : onely hee 's good , That manfully gainst Fortunes stormes hath stood . 5 Try a sworne Friend , as workemen try their Gold , Esteeme him pretious , if the I est hee hold : But if he alter culler ( feeling heate ) Let rust vpon his borrowed brightnes eate . 6 The Glow-woorme shines in darknes like to Fire , But to a frozen hand no heate she lendes : So some men their protesting Freindes admire , But when stormes fall , they shrinke , their friendship endes . 7 Friendes ( as Musitians vse to tune their stringes ) Must not be broke in peeces if they iarre , But gently handled ; for the Concord springes From Discord , Discord yet doth Musicke marre .
OF CVRTEZIE . 1 THe Soule hath Vertues drawne like lynes vnto it , Amongst which number Curtezie is one : When Rage growes strong , this vertue does vndoe it , What wrongs so ere are done , she writes downe none . 2 As Trees by Fruites are knowne , As Gold by th'touch is tryed , As Bels by sound : so noble brestes , Cannot this Iewell hide . 3 That Field is nobly won , That 's without blood : and Hee Conquers foes brauely , that can tame Their heartes by Curtezie . 4 Curtezie like a silken Cloude , Hides faultes , and couers dangers : It makes old Freindes to stand more firme , It drawes new loue from Strangers . 5 As Lute-stringes by a wodden pin , Are straind and stretcht so hie , Till they sound sweetly ; so the heart , Is tunde by Curtezie . 6 When Curtezie and Mildnes meete , ( Being badges of a Soule that 's white ) They make a harmonie most sweete ; The guyltie man findes mercy , Innocence right . 7 As t is the nature of the Sunnes bright beames , To throw his golden fyres through all the world : So from a King Compassion should be hurld , To light on all , and spread in seuerall streames .
OF NOBILITIE . 1 NObilitie's a glittering honor , Which commeth from an Antient liue : It is Posterities rich Banner , It makes men euen in earth Deuine . 2 Nobilitie must be mayntaind By that it first did rize : With Warr , the Acts of Fortitude , And valiant Enterprize . 3 Nobilitie should be liberall , And curteous to the good : Endewed with Vertuous qualities , And of the rarer blood . 4 To come of Noble Parentage , And beare no Noble story , Is rather Defamation , Then Dignitie or Glory . 5 The truest of Nobilitie , Consists not of Possessions , Of Landes Reuenewes , Coyne , or Cloths : But of the best Professions . 6 How euer men rise in degree , Let them be lowly minded : For their Humilitie may rayse them , Although their haps be blinded .
OF POLICIE . 1 POlicie is a sure stead To Valour , in the Warres ; It bringeth Battayles to good end , That else would cause more iarres . 2 Where Kingdomes are well gouerned , There followeth good successe : But Policie not regarded , There 's all vnhappinesse . 3 The meanest Sparrow hath his Neb , The Lions whelpe his Claw : The weakest Thorne his prickle hath , The poorest man his Law . 4 Policie is the heart of State , The life of euery Realme : T is Peaces Roabe of excellence , And the wise Souldiers Helme . 5 Hee that Conquers much , does much ; But hee that keepes , does more : For Policie is such a power , Whom Foes do ce'n adore , 6 That Countey may aboue all other , Be counted happy , rich , and blest , Where euery one enioyes his labour , And by no Ruinous meanes opprest .
OF COVRAGE . 1 COurage is a fiery Humour , Kindling the Ambitious minde With forwardnes in bould attempts : Which scornes to place it selfe behinde . 2 Courage begun with Constancie , Doth selde or neuer fayle , To atchiue attempts most manfully , If Weapons do not quayle . 3 Courage will rather choose to die , Then liue in Captiues thrall : And from his enemie will not flye , Nor yeeld no whit at all . 4 Courage is a coate of Armes , Cowardize badge of Fooles : Courage scapes all hurtfull harmes , When Cowardize sneakes in Schooles . 5 Courage is the first blossome Springing from a Noble spirit : Resolution is her guider , Winning all by Valorous merit . 6 Men of hauty blood and name , Rather seeke long-lasting fame , Then in foolish base-borne strife , To preserue short-lasting life ,
OF FAME . 1 FAME is but an Eccho , An I de fashionde Rumour , Which runneth far from eare to eare , Bred of santasticke humour . 2 Fame is freind vnto the good , And enemy to the bad : For shee doth brute their actes abroad , Wherein their fames are clad . 3 Time is Fames most enemie , Who doth procure her death , And weareth out her memorie , And stops her spreading breath . 4 A slaunder's sometimes sent abroad , It beeing falsely raysed : But after time doth trueth afford , The parti's thereby praysed . 5 Fame that 's got by honesty , Is much to be esteemde : But that which comes by infamie , Is not to be redeemde . 6 Fame ryses like a Bubble , It bringes both ioy and trouble : The readiest path to a good name , Is a good life , thence springes no shame .
OFFICE , or DVETIE . 1 OFfice ( or Duetie ) rightly to define , Is first a knowledge of mans selfe : and then , A Contemplation of the power diuine : Next , loue to helpe our selues and other men . 2 To know our selues , is to know God : dispute No further then : Vertue her selfe doeth ayme To hit that marke : for hee that 's destitute , Of that selfe-knowledge , giues his soule a mayme . 3 Office growes strong by Zeale , Zeale fortifies . Opinion and our holy thoughtes so well , That tho the World and Hell , in Armes do rise , Opinion yet , is found inuincible . 4 If good and worthy Officers you 'le chuse , Let them be be old in yeeres , and graue in lookes : Cunning in Lawes ; but not in Lawes abuse , Because their actions are the peoples Bookes . 5 Let none beare sway , that buyes that Sway with Gold , They for Authority that dearely pay , Retayling it , must haue it dearer sold : Thus Monyed fooles carry the World away . 6 They which sell Offices , sell euen the Lawes , Sell Iustice , Subiectes , and the Common wealth : Euery such buyer , Curses on him drawes : Euery such Seller's gaynes is worse than stealth . 7 The Drum , the Trumpet , and the Canons roaring , The cryes of old and yong-men drownd in blood : The Widdowes wayling , and the Wiues deploring , Should neare be heard , were Officers but good .
OF LABOR . 1 LATOR is the Mindesfood , the Bodyes strengthner , Of Youth the lyfe-blood , and of Age the lengthner : Of Art , the Mistris ▪ ouer Loue the Maister : Vertues increaser , and of Vice the waster . 2 Labor 's a burden , yet as men do sing , In digging Mynes ( because they hope for treasure ) So t is at last no toyle , but rest doth bring : For Labor turnes by practize , to a pleasure . 3 As mongst the Elements , th' ambitious Fire Does highest clyme : so Labor does aspire Aboue the reach of thought : it begets wonder , Makes Vallies Hilles , and Mountaines to lie vnder . 4 As the Suns brightnes makes the night appeare More vgly then it would ; the lazy spirit So gloomy lookes , when th'actiue minde shines cleare : One deserues strokes , tother a crowne does merit . 5 God is a Workeman , and to shew that man , Must not liue idle , God him selfe began To play the Laborer first : it followes then , That they who truely Labor , are Gods men . 6 The sharpest prickles guard the sweetest Rose , And the best gaynes , on the best Labour growes : For standing Pooles are thicke like troubled dreames , When running waters flow with chearefull streames . 7 No Art of fame is wrought , but Labor 's by : No Conquerors Wreath , no Kingdomes Crowne is got , No Land is gouernd , but by Industry : The World it selfe were not , were Labor not .
OF SERVICE . 1 HEe that can truely Serue , Hee knowes Obedience truely : But others heele neare gouerne well , That is himselfe vnruly . 2 To Serue , is to be bond ; Not seruing , wee go free : But bondage , to a man that 's wise , Tasts sweete as libertie . 3 The fruite that Seruice yeeldes , Is loue ; humilitie : Besides such duetie as thou pay'st , Wil be payd backe to thee . 4 Fowre Iewels should each Seruant weare , The first is Willingnes to beare : The second Trueth : third Carefull feare : The last is Scilence : all these fowre are deare . 5 Hee that will Serue must learne to carry A single tongue , but doubly tyde ▪ At the first string hanges Secrecy , At second Scilence , least thy wordes run wyde . 6 Obedience is Deuotions badge , The Seale of Contemplation : Hee that obeyes , and rules himselfe , Does more than rule a Nation . 7 The duetie Seruants pay Their Maisters , is due debt ; Which being denyde , they wrap their Soules In a more dangerous net .
OF LIBERALITY . 1 HEe 's Liberall that doth succour , not that spendes , To spare sometimes is Liberalitie : But hee that giues to all men ( foes and freinds ) That Bountie , turnes to Prodigalitie . 2 Hee that may giue and will not , has a hand Made all of Lead : who ( wanting ) would bestow , His hand is Siluer : hee , whose Purse doth stand Full , and yet free , a golden hand doth owe . 3 When to bestow , where to bestow , And vpon whom , rightly to know , And what to giue : where all these goe , True Bountie in that man doth flow . 4 Bountie is borne with spread and open handes , Free heart , pure tongue : Shee makes her gold-heaps euen , By equall parting them : In earth shee standes On Beggers feete , yet do her Armes touch heauen . 5 Gold is but Earth , Siluer is but the Seede The Sunne begets vpon a barren grownd : Pence are but Siluer drops , yet how these breede ? To giue this base Earth , wee in heauen are crownd . 6 This as a Law in Bounties Court should stand , Hee that receiues , should alwayes hold his hand Aloft ; of thankes to put himselfe in minde : But hee that giues should presently seeme blinde . 7 Nor Gold , nor Siluer , though they 're tempting heapes Doe load our backes , so currant ought to goe , Nor held so precions as the minde that giues : Small Streames are Oceans , where they freely flow .
OF IVSTICE . 1 IVstice is an aequall Gift To each , of Law and Right : Without a Priuiledge or shift , Or ouercome by might . 2 Iustice is fayre Vertues badge , The staffe of Loue and Peace : Which yeeldes to euery one his due , As all thinges do encrease . 3 It is in the Common weale , As Phisicke to the sicke , Which of corruption doth them heale , And touch them to the quicke . 4 Iustice doth condemne that Iudge , That free's a guiltie treason : And who to any beares a grudge , To vexe him without reason . 5 Hatred , Care ▪ and Couetousnes , Canker Iudges Consciences , Makes a true cause be forgotten , And a Iudge Conscience rotten . 6 Iustice is a perfect Knowledge Of good from that is ill : Distributing to each rewards , And so adiudgeth still .
OF LAWES . 1 LAwes are like the Spiders webs , Which catch those Flyes are smallest , And let the great breake through the weaue , Small theeues are hangd , to saue the tallest . 2 The effect of Law begins his course , Especiall in this case , To render euery one his due , And right in euery place . 3 Where Custome for a Law is held , Beeing good , it may endure ; But beeing bad , tho ne're so old , An Error t will be sure . 4 The heart and soule of Common weales , Are good Lawes and Orders : These two beeing truely plac'st and set , Are a Realmes costly Borders . 5 The more are Tauernes , the more are Drinkers ; The more Phisitians , more diseases : The more account Iustice is of , The more suites it appeazes . 6 The Law was made but for this vse , To bridle those that worke abuse : And recke no Awe , Of God nor Lawe .
OF OATH . 1 A Common Swearers Oath , Is not to be regarded : For he will surely breake his Troth , Of whom God is not spared . 2 Hee that takes an Oath , Pawneth his Soule thereon : And hee that breakes his Fayth , Begets Damnation . 3 Oathes do not credite men , But men their Oaths : Those are vnhappy then , That wound their Tr●ths . 4 From Oa●hs and Periurie , Issues forth Treason : That most pe●nitious plague Of Realmes and Reason . 5 The Oaths of wicked men Are writ in Water , For though they deepely swim , No fruite comes after . 6 Fayth giues honour to an Oath , But Oath once broke , dishonours Troth : Oaths in fury spoken , Are with calme teares broken .
OF RICHES . 1 RIches are faire Fortunes goods , Good , if they be well vsed , The Giftes of Heauen powrde vpon Earth ▪ But Hell's , if once abused . 2 The Rich are alwayes vexed With studie to get more ; And greedily are troubled With care , to loose their store . 3 In this life our g●eatest Riches , Is Reason and our soule ▪ Whereby we embrace Righteousnes , And sinfull veynes controule . 4 Hee with Content is alwayes Rich , That neede not beg not borrow : But the Couetous are not such , For they liue still in sorrow . 5 Riches rightly vsed , Breed delight and pleasure : But otherwise abused , They are the damned treasure , 6 For Coyne to want a Maister , It were an vnheard wonder : But Maisters to want Money , They 're seldome found asunder .
OF POVERTIE . 1 POuertie's a tribulation , And want of needfull thinges : Which belongs most to our estates , And most of Miseries bringes . 2 The Poore much better liue in health , Then commonly the Rich , And in more safety , wanting wealth , Then those of higher pitch . 3 Pouertie's pleasant to the Wise ▪ They take it in good part : Riches are troublesome to Fooles , Bre●ding their future smart . 4 The humble thoughts that smoake from a poore Cottage , Are oft as sweete a Sacrifice to heauen , As the perfumes in Courtes of Kinges , Without true zeale , and reuerend Duetie giuen . 5 Hee that dyes and leaues his Sonne Poore and Wise , leaues him enough : But hee that leaues a Foole and Rich , Leaues a foule dying snuffe . 6 Poore men are like to litle Shrubs , That by their lownes scape each blast ▪ When Cedars tall are shaken , And bore downe whole at last .
OF MEANE . 1 MEane's the best part of any Action , Contayning full effect Of Prudence touching gouernment , And the Soules best respect . 2 The Meane state with aequalitie , Are alwayes counted best : The safest superioritie , Is life in quiet rest . 3 As Fire is neuer without heate , So extreames haue their crosses : But to the Meane it is not great , That they can loose by losses . 4 As Stormes wyther Flowers , So Pride withers Bowers , Shouders downe Towers , Makes ruinous howers . 5 Mountaines hauing too much heate Of the piercing Sunne , are burned : Vallies are barren , with too litle ; But Fieldes that eeuen are , are adorned . 6 The Meane Roofe of a Swayne , Doth stand more happily , Then the Pallace of a Prince , All hung with Flatterie .
OF COVETOVSNES . 1 THe Chariot of foule Couetousnes , Is mounted on foure wheeles of Sinnes ; Hate , Cowardize , Forgetfulnes of death , Contempt of God : which all beginnes . 2 Drawne by two Horses of the Deuill , Greedie-to-catch , and Hold-fast named : The Coatch-man dryuing it , Desire ; With Vices all enflamed . 3 Couetousnes is recompenest Most commonly with a sonne , That spendeth all his fathers Coyne , And in few howers out runne . 4 The C●uetous are like Rats and Mice , That liue in Mines of Gold ; But not the richer for their Vice , But onely to behold . 5 Gold is compard vnto a Fyer , Whereof a litle's good ; But being too much , it doth require , Great helpe to quench the Wood . 6 Couetousnes is a rancke Vice , Withholding from another , That which of right he ought to haue , Although he be his brother .
OF DECEYTE . 1 DEceyte is cause of foule Ambition , T' is enemie to Right : And seekes by al meanes to ore'throw A meeke and simple spright . 3 Deceytes are traps set by the Wittie , To catch the Simple in : As when a lye hath shew of trueth , Which he sets for his lin . 4 The lightest heades , and sharpest wits , Are aptest to deceaue : Which by their slye and subtill shifts , Their cunning Cobwebs weaue . 5 Craft is most commonly repayde With Subtiltie and Deceite , For the Cunningst many times , Are caught with their owne bayte , 5 The Serpent hidden in the Grasse , Doth often stiag the foote : So vnder shewes of honestie , Deceitefull men will doo te , 6 The speeches of Deceitfull men , Are like to painted Pots , That carry faire inscriptions , When within poyson knots .
OF SLOTH . 1 SLoth is the Sincke which still receiueth The Channels of foule Vice : And with that poysonous rotten ayre , Infecteth sound Aduice . 2 Studie doth aeternize Soules , By faire perpetuall Fame : Whereas the Slothfull ignorant spirit , Is dull , cotrupt , and lame . 3 Sloth is an Euill , Kin to the Deuill : Of all head sins , This Hell most wins . 4 The Bees loath Drones , Art lazie Bones : The Idle Spirit , Gapes for no Merit . 5 Take away Idlenes , Cupid hath no might : His Bow lyes broken , His Torch hath no light , 2 Prosperitie ingendreth Sloth , And Sloth ingendreth Hell : For that 's the onely mansion , Where Slothfull soules do dwell .
OF TREASON . 1 TReason is that damned vice , Hated of God and man : Wherewith all periurde persons Betray what soules they can . 2 Traytors are those mealy Mothes , Which eate the Clothes where they are bred , Vipers that gnaw the Bowels out , Wherein they layde their head . 3 These foure a Traytor make , A light Head , and ambitious Minde , Conscience corrupt , and ill Aduice : Who finde these , Traytors quickly finde . 4 Traytors about Thrones of Princes , Are like Wolues 'bout foldes of Sheepe : For in that court the State and Peeres , From Treason scarce can safely sleepe . 5 There is a note Set downe by Fate , Some Treason loue , But Traytors hate . 6 O foule Treason , Foe to Reason : The Court Canker , And Hels Anker .
OF BANISHMENT . 1 BAnishment is Ioyes Diuorce , When by Violence and force Wee from our Delightes are put , And our pleasurs bard and shut . 2 For sinne , was man to the earth thrust , And became vnhappy dust : But from the earth to heauen sent , That may be cald sweete Banishment . 3 Banishment is Heauens curse , Miseries guyde , and Sorrowes nurse : To all that are Fed by Dispayre . 4 The Water 's nea're without some bubble , Nor Banished men without some trouble : B●autie and Youth once Banished , Are ne're repeald , they 're alwayes dead . 5 There is truely Banishment , Where vertuous deedes are neuer lent : The greatest Banishment to sad men , Is to liue mongst Fooles and Mad-men .
OF RAGE . 1 RAGE is a minutes madnes ; t is a flame Kindled with no fire , yet ( than fire ) worse burning : Kills Frendship , poysons Sence , strikes Reason lame : T is borne in Mischeife , and it dyes in mourning , 2 Rage is by Time appeasd , If Reason beare the stroake : If not , like Powder it burstes foorth , And wildely flyes like smoake . 3 That which in Rage is rashly done , before it comes to end , Begets dishonorable shame , Though Honour it intend . 4 The staggring Drunkard , whose hot brayne Doth boyle in Wines , is not so bad , Nor halfe so like a beast , ( beast tho he bee ) As hee that runnes ( through Anger ) mad . 5 When Fooles and Anger meete together , They 'le make a dangerous weapon of a Fether : But when a Wiseman is with Wrath ore-gon , Like Lightning , now t is fire , and now t is none . 6 When Power and Anger meetes , T is like a Gyants Arme , Giuen to a mad-man ; thunders stroake , Cannot do halfe such harme . 7 Greene Wood is heating long , but set on fire , It is more long in quenching than the dry : So hee that seldome is inflamde with Ire , Burnes , when the howerly Anger soone doe● dye .
OF FEARE . 1 FEare has two Winges , a Blacke one , and a White ; The White flyes high , and shuns Dishonour more Than death or greife : the Blacke wing hangs downe-right And by base Cowardes are his Fethers wore . 2 Hee that Feares God is strong , Who Feares him not is weake : Armd with that Feare we may attempt , Through troupes of Horse to breake . 3 Hee that will Feare God truely , Hee must not Feare him fearefully : But he must Feare him duely , And he must loue him faythfully . 4 Feare , to a tyrants Conscience is a whip , It driues him forward , yet it makes him stay : For he that seekes not to be loude , but feard , Is euen a slaue to those that him obay . 5 The Maister that his Seruant Feares , A heauier yoake of bondage beares , Than does his Seruant ; but his eye , Neuer tastes sleepe , that Feares to dye . 6 Feare standes at both the portals of our eares , And puts backe all perswasions to our good : Hee 's therefore wretched that growes old with Feares , When through his veynes run streames of youthfull blood .
OF HATE , or ENVIE . 1 ENuie's a begger , yet shee shootes at Kinges , Shee 's borne in Hell , yet still shee stares on Heauen , Shee spits out gall , and speakes with Adder-stings , Shee 's out of square most , when she sees all euen . 2 Deepe danger lyes in smoothest lookes , Baytes poysond hang at Siluer hookes : Treasons are writ in gilded bookes , And Hate goes hid in smyling lookes . 3 Enuie is still at Honors backe , Yet Enuie still seekes Honors wracke : Shee 's Vertues fellow , Pouerties slaue , Yet is shee digging Vertues graue . 4 The Enuious man feedes on the daintiest meates , For his owne blood he drinkes , his owne heart eates : Yet surfets neuer , nor is sicke , vnlesse , Hee spyes another swim in happinesse . 5 Enuie does burie men aliue , And puls the dead from graues : Whose bones she gnawes ; if bones shee misse , Their Tombes shee then depraues . 6 Enuie of Pride is eldest daughter , Shee 's Murders mother , Treasons nurse : Shee 's Gloryes canker , Goodnes slaughter , Hells cheife blessing , Heauens cheife curse . 7 Of Vices , Pride goes neatest , Yet Pride ( of Vice ) is greatest : Of Vices , Wrath is boldest : Of Vices , Enuie's oldest .
OF OFFENCE . 1 OFfence is wrong by speach or act , Whereby our life or credit 's crackt ; Done to disfigure the bright face Of Vertues which our actions grace . 2 A vertuous minde takes more offence At a freindes Spightfull word , Than if his bosome should receaue Woundes from an enemies sword . 3 The perfect way to liue at ease And die in good report , Is euery man by Loue to please , And mongst the good resort . 4 Ill tongues do blast a good mans name , That , soone abroad is blowne : Yet Wisemen will not trust the same , Till the true ground be knowne . 5 All false reportes are wilfull lyes : But he that when a Fault is done , Denyes the same , commits it twice , And does in double errour runne . 6 Mans body like an Instrument is strung With seuerall stringes ; and each string playes his part : If any one string iarre , it is the Tongue ; For that being stretcht too hie , does drowne the Heart . 7 To make our eyes , our handes , and Feete , Subiect to Law , were much vnmeete : Those members serue to profitable vses , Onely the Tongue 's a villaine , loues abuses .
OF SLANDER . 1 ON Enuie● tree , Slander ( as fruite ) does grow , And the same venemous luice , that Enuie spreads , Slander drawes vp , and then shee lets it flow , Till through mens eares the poysond rancknes sheads . 2 Detraction , Hate , and Mallice , Are Waighting-maydes to Slander : And to performe her damned lawes , To Princes Courtes they wander . 3 Flattery and Lyes are Slanders slaues , And with swift diligence Run heere and there , yet in the end , Find slauish recompence . 4 As Ratts and Mice do gnaw mens food , So Slander waights to sucke their blood : Yet till they kill vs , Slanderers wee nurse , And tread on Vipers ; those are ten times worse . 5 They that the lyuing dare not wound , Will bite the dead , not spare their bones : And when to feede their spight none's found , Like Dogs they snarle and catch at stones . 6 Three sorts of Murder are there . Killing by Sword , by Hate , by Slander : The last is bloodiest , that ( at once ) kils three , Himselfe , his hearer , and his enemie . 7 Who loues the tongues of Slanderers , Deserues himselfe to lose his eares : But hee whose tongue throwes lyes about , Deserues to haue his tongue puld out .
OF FLATTERIE . 1 A Flatterer such attire doth make him , And puts on such a cunning shape , That from a freind it 's hard to take him : For Flattery is but freindships Ape . 2 Like Sommer Swallowes Flatterers creepe , Close to your Eaues , whilst heat they find : But when within leane Want doth sleepe , They 're fled , leaue onely Durt behind . 3 But where Sunne shines , no Vermine breedes , But where there 's Pray no Vulture feedes : But where there 's Flesh , no Flyes will swarme , No Parasi●e lurkes there , but where t is warme , 4 To haue Rauens eate one , t is no greife , T is no such death to meete a Theefe ; Theeues take but Coyne , Rauens but for dead flesh striue , But Flatterers eate whole men , yea and aliue . 5 Flattery like a golden Pill , Shewes a smooth face , but a rough heart : As trencher-Flyes , their bellies fill , And then they fly : the Flatterer playes that part . 6 The changeable Camelion turnes Into all cullours but to white : So on all Flowers saue honestie , The Flatterer can light . 7 Fire ( as the Rust doth Iron ) doth eate , And destroyes that which giu●s it meate : So Riches , on which Flatterers feedes , Are swallowed by the worme it breedes .
OF BRAVERIE . 1 BRauerie is the Seede of Pride : the Glasse That sets out Fooles : It is a Scale that waighes The Wise-man with a light-braind golden Asse : It is the Harlot bayte , the Vnthrifts blaze . 2 By Brauerie many that are rich , Like ebbing tydes , are quickly poore : Hee that to day coytes Gold away , To morrow begges from doore to doore . 3 As Weedes are not the holsomer For the faire Flowre they beare , No more must Guls be helde for Wise , Because Gay Clothes they weare . 4 Who spendes his Coyne in Brauerie . And gets that Coyne by knauerie , Makes his short life a slauerie : And quickly dyes in beggerie . 5 Three thinges cost deerely , yet are quickly spent ; A Woman faire , and yet incontinent : A Garment rich , with cuts fantasticall : And lastly Wealth , which to a Foole does fall . 6 Who wastes his Siluer , to maintayne the Fashion , And weares in euery lym a seuerall Nation : Reades these three Lessons in the Wood-cockes Schoole , Hee 's his owne foe , Mercers freind , Taylers Foole . 7 Woe to that Beautie that s put off , And sleepes not with the face : And shame attende that Brauerie , That does the backe disgrace .
OF BOASTING . 1 BOasting is parasite to Pride , And braggart-like does set her foorth , And like a Mountibancke does ride , Hung all with toyes , yet nothing worth . 2 Great barkers are no byters , Great frowners are no fighters : Hot wooers are cold speeders , Sharpe Boasters are slow breeders . 3 Good Wits with blushing are put by , Yet blushing is the signe of Grace : When hee steps forward , and climes hie , That can thrust foorth the brazen face . 4 Hee that does bragge of his Nobilitie , Yet basenes loues and inciuilitie , Does him selfe grace to say hee 's nobly borne , But wronges his Ancestors , makes them a scorne . 5 Let no man Boast of Wealth , of Landes , of Honour , Of Birth , of Beauty , or of Princes fauour ; These die like Cowardes : onely Vertues banner , Stayes last in feilde : her flower keepes still the sauor . 6 Beasting is euen the scum of Thought , The Valiant do abhor it : Mongst Souldiers t is the Cowardes badge , And none but Fooles care for it . 7 Great threatnings and great brags are like big windes , They bluster like the thunder ; but are quiet Sooner then lightning , dyes : the baser mindes Feede on vain glorious smoake , it is their dyet .
OF SCOFFING . 1 SCoffes are Witts Arrowes , and are onely shot ▪ At rouers : t is the scum of quicke Inuention ; T is artificiall Wrong : t is Iudgements blot , T is Conceit too much salted , fooles Contention . 2 To Scoffe , and set out Fooling rarely , Makes the face of Witt looke fairely : And for his paynes the Cap may crowne him , But the Scarlet neuer gowne him . 3 Scoffe●s and Adders differ thus , Both equally are venemous ; Saue those that are by Adders stung , Doe curse the Tayle ; in Scoffers , curse the Tong . 4 Wolues hun● not Wolues ; nor dare one Iester ( But so f●r off as London is from Chester ) Me●●e in the s●●●d● his equall if they doe Wa●e heades , one winnes the Coxcombe , if not two . 5 Its better to be borne a Foole , Then to consume seuen yeeres in Schole , Like Learnings prentice , to get Witt , And ( gott ) not well to husband it . 6 Sharpe Bridles tame vnruly Asses , Short Legs can trip downe light-heeld Lasses : And the graue check of Wisemen cooles , The blazing impudence of Scoffing fooles . 7 To whip Vice freely without ostentation , Shewes reading Witt and obseruation : But they that dresse vp lests , for great mens tables , Are mercinary fooles ; giue them the bables .
OF INFAMIE . 1 BLacke Infamie is the liuerie of Vice , It is a dye in grayne ; a Seale grauen twice : A stinking Snuffe , a Spot , that being halfe gon , Children againe with fingers clap it on . 2 A galling Spur is Infamie , Making men gallp to their Graues : In life , it makes them basely stoope , In life , it makes them basely stoope , And after death , it makes them Slaues . 3 O how vnblest , or wicked is that man ! ( Me thinkes his eyes should eu'n disdayne to sleepe ) Whose death ( tho bloody ) makes no ch●kes looke wan : And to behold him liue , euen Beggers weepe . 4 They that do clyme by priuate Sinne , Must fall by open shame : The poore mans Scarre a Hat canhide , Not Hills the great mans Mayme . 5 It stickes a blemish on a Kingdomes brow , To thrust him to base drudgery , that 's fit To rule : when hee that 's good but for a Plow , Or driue a Cart , in Iustice chaire does Sit . 6 Hee that hath once borne Sayle , In tempest of Soule Shame , May after make a sport to see , The Shipwracke of his name . 7 How wretched is the man whose face is seard With Infamie : good men do not beleeue him ; Bad , not obey him : hee 's of no man feard If great in power : If wanting , none releiue him .
OF INGRATITVDE . 1 INgratitude has one hand , no eyes not tongue : T is a dull Instrument , with Gold-wire strung , That neuer soundes : a Lake that downe does drincke Whole Christall streames , and casts them vp like Incke . 2 Alwayes to craue , is shamefull , Neuer to giue is blamefull , To take , yet be Ingratefull , Oh t is a vice most hatefull 3 Better to haue no witt at all , Then haue so much , to vnderstand What t is to take a gift with one , And hide it with the to'ther hand . 4 Hee sowes his Corne on tops of Towers , Hee spendes his Wealth in Caues , That on a man vnthankfull powers Good turnes : Ingratefull mouthes are Graues . 5 An howre ( Times lackey ) soone is spent , Minutes haue shorter liues , Good turnes the shortest : they 're soone old , A Benefite wor'st thriues . 6 They that receiue , yet pay not backe What 's due to him that giues , Resemble water-vessels borde , That holde no more then Siues . 7 The hand that is held out to take , Should presently a quittance make , Or Memorandum ; that when t is full growne , The gift may yeeld more fruite then seed was sowne .
OF DANCING . 1 THe Heauens do tread quicke measures , to the Spheares , The Planets Dance , obseruing time and numbers ; Trees trip before the Winde : thus Dancing weares His badge from Heauen : yet Pleasures die like Slumbers . 2 Dancing and Time are twinnes , at one howre borne , Time is the eldest , being of perfect motion The perfect Measure : Dancing doth Time adorne , And shee to mooue in Measure hath the notion . 3 Dancing may well be cald the Child Of Musicke , and of Loue : For as the feete keepe motion , so The wanton Blood doth moue . 4 The Graces Dance an endles round , With hand in hand , and looking backe , To shew proportion should be found , Eene in our pleasures , which proportion lacke . 5 When Dolphins Dance , and Mermaydes sing , The Seaman feares a storme or death : So Harlots do most danger bring , In sugred words , and sweetest breath . 6 The Dancer and the Madman were at strife , Wherein they differed , and this made them freindes , The Madman is a Madman all his life ; The tother 's madd too , till his Dancing endes . 7 They whose blood itch for Dancing , show More braynes vpon their heeles doth grow , Then in their heades : In Dancing Schooles , With reason , Wisemen play the Fooles .
OF VICE . 1 VICE is Sinnes Page , mishap'te and blinde , It is the Sicknes of the minde : It 's lame , yet valiant ; for it hath bin knowne , By one Vice many Vertues were or'ethrowne . 2 Craft weares the hood of Pollicie , Rashnes the sword of Vallour : Falshood the maske of Honestie , Lewdnes the face of Pleasure . 3 Though Vice some times like Vertue goes , And is for Vertue taken : Yet when her Vizard is puld off , Shee 's hated and forsaken . 4 Where Vice doth sway the Mighty , Inferiors there plot Villany : Where Elders are past Grauity , There Young men are past Honesty . 5 Straight Trees haue crooked rootes , faire faces spots : Straight men haue minds awry , smoothest wood knots , Yet some times the complexion that 's most foule , Has beautifull condition's in the soule . 6 Pride now is cleanlines : the prodigall Is now the liberall ; nice Superstition Goes for Relligion : Rashnes true Vallour call , Thus Vice weares Vertues clothes ; O vile Tradition ! 7 Wayward i' th , Cradle , Childhood full of lying : Youth proude , inconstant , ryotous , Lustes slaue : Age gapes for Gold , euen when it is a dying : Thus from our birth , Vice haunts vs to our Graue .
OF PRIDE . 1 PRide 's the Kings Euill , Beggers Leprozy : Ambitions Ladder , Spawne of Herezy : T is the Diuels Blocke , at which he stumbling , fell From the high battlements of Heauen to Hell . 2 When Pride has euen of Statres made her a Crowne , And that she brags her golden threed is spun : Iust in this heigth of State tumbles she downe , Her web of glory in her Shame is don . 3 Pride followes Courtiers , shee 's the Ladyes Page : In Youth Pride holdes their Glasse , paints them in Ag●● When shee flyes high , this Curse sits on her Winges , Proude men are ne're good Councelors to Kinges . 4 Men that haue States but handfulls hie , Yet thoughts that all are Starry , Liue discontent , and desperate die : Thus Pride her shape doth varry . 5 Enuie and Blood lead to the throne of Pride , Enui's the high'st step , there shee leaps vp first : Where if her foote slip , and she fals beside , Shee clymes by Murder ; yet that Stayre's the worst . 6 Strange is Prides dyet , for feedes on Gold , Her standing Cups are Sculs , with hot Blood swimming , And those she quaffs : shee by mens heades takes hold To rise , and has her owne shauen off : strang trimming ! 7 Great Fires in little roomes , are like Proude Blood In Beggers bosoms : for in stead of heating , There 's burning : and so dangerous is that Flood , Swelling so hie , there 's drowning stead of wetting .
OF PRODIGALITY , or , RIOT . 1 RIOT is Pleasures foole , to make him merry , It dyes a Begger , and is borne a wonder : It digs vp Pence , and bags of Gold does bury : Swels big a while , but falls againe like thunder . 2 No Tirant shewes such crueltie , As Youth in Prodigalitie : For Tirants spare them-selues ; but they , By Riot , make them-selues away . 3 At these sixe Signes the Prodigall dwell , They nothing buy , but all thinges sell : They nothing get , yet still are spending : They borrow not , yet still are lending . 4 Who giues his Purse away , is Prodigall : Who saues two , and giues one , is Liberall : But hee that neither Purse nor Penny giues , A Niggards hand he beares ; It 's Sin he liues . 5 He that does loue to farewel , yet does not loue to spare wel Whose backe loues gay apparelling , whose tongue is euer quarelling , Sets vp cookes shops , & taylors stalls , yet lies Vnder the last of these before he dies . 6 Loose Eyes , loose Wines , loose Purses , Lay vpon man three Curses : Loose Eyes breede lust , loose Purses make men scornd ; But by a Wife that 's loose , the head is hornd . 7 Tauerns , Company , Whores , and Pleasures , Are foure beastes , that eate vp treasures : And when these foure are coacht together , Stop where they will , the Prodigall rides thyther .
OF THE WORLD . 1 THis World 's Gods Church-yard ; t is the Mart wherein Man doth sell man : It is the Caue of sin● It is a Ship tost vpon troubled waues , A Gally , wherein Kinges themselues are slaues . 2 This World is an Exchange , on which do meete , Mixtures of Nations , where they treate vpon The holy League of Gold : of Vsuries fleete : And when the Burse-bell ringes , then are they gon . 3 This World is but a Minutes pleasure , It lastes but as an Vnthrifts treasure : It payes backe treble what we borrow , For howers of Ioy , are yeeres of Sorrow . 4 This World is like a saile , where men are chaynd , With cares calamities ; from whence is gaynd No freedome , till they pay the fees , their breath , So that to liue heere , is a liuing death . 5 This Worlds pleasures are like bubbles In the water , raysed by troubles : And as suddenly they 're made , So more suddenly they fade . 6 To loue this World too deerely , Is to loue Sinne too meerely : So that vnles the World be hated , Wee loue not him , that it created . 7 Who into the Worlds false handes Would put his life ; when hee that standes To day infauour , doth to morrow fall From heigth of blisse , to endles thrall .
OF OVR COVNTREY . 1 OVr Couttrly is ths Cradle generall , Our Childrens Grandam ; Mother of vs all : Shee is the Nurse that feedes vs : to fight for her Our duetie is , t is treason to abhor her . 2 Man is not borne to serue him selfe , For his owne sake he dwels not heere : But for his Countrey , Parents , Freindes , His Kinred , and his Children deere , 3 To some their Countrey is their shame , To haue their Countrey knowne : Shames to their Countrey others are , By vile deedes of their owne . 4 There is no Land so narrow , none so poore , No Countrey has such base-birth layde vpon her , But it can shew some Feildes , or lesse or more , Where euery Noble minde may catch bright honor . 5 How happy is that Kingdomes state , Where ( as a Tirant ) Men the Law do feare : Yet to do wrongs ( by Lawes protection ) hate , But loues , of children to their Countrey beare . 6 As there 's no Musicke without Harmony , Nor perfect loue where there 's no Sympathy : So can no Land bring foorth Ciuilitie , Vnles it florish in tranquility . 7 The loue we beare our Countrey , is not piety ; The loue we beare our Parents , is not charity ; T is duety both : the Law from God was giuen , Hee that hurtes either then , offends gainst Heauen .
OF PHISICKE . 1 PHisicke is Gods Apc , and does striue To make vp men : the dead aliue : It is no meate to liue by ; yet most good when no meate els is sauory to the blood . 2 The Sickman doth not seeke to haue An eloquent Phisition , nor a graue , But Skilfull : Doctors that ne're hold their peace , Infect the Patient with a new Disease . 3 The sound should not the Sick-man scorne , Wee 're Sicke so soone as wee be borne , And need much Phisicke : happy then , Phisitions are , being Gods mongst men . 4 Hee that hath full Golden Coffers , And the pangs of Sicknes suffers : Yet will rather starue and die , Then buy sweete health , sicke let him lie . 5 When the Disease hath desperately run And kild a man , that gaspes for life , not health ; Then to cry out for the Phisition , Is to intreat him to consume our wealth . 6 Phisitions of all men , haue happiest fortunes , If they do well , the Sunne it selfe importunes , Loude Fame to spread it : yll if they commit , The very Earth giues Graues to bury it . 7 They that haue Wealth , yet thinke it doth not thriue , Till Phisicke deale with it : are like those Groomes , That from a Cittie ●o the Burgers driue , And ( like good fooles ) plant Strangers in their roomes .
OF PAYNE . 1 PAINE is Deaths taster , t is the Sawce of Pleasure , The test of Patience ; t is the Surgeons treasure : The Sicke-mans bedfellow , the Sound-mans slaue , The Dogg that bites Age , till it take the Graue . 2 When Aduersities high tyde Drowne all our Hopes , and Fortunes banckes do hyde , Then Loue is at low ebb , and none But true Freinds tarry , till the storme be gone . 3 Though Death be grim , yet when hee 's face to face , True Courage feares him not : but when to die Wee 're sure , yet know not how , that leaues vs bace , No miserie is like to vnknowne miserie . 4 Life and Wretchednes are twinnes , When one is borne , the tothers breath beginnes : They lie together in one bed , Together liue , and are together dead . 5 The Payne of death is Sinne : the Payne Of a Conscience cruelly slayne , Is likewise Sinne : the Payne of Hell Is to be dambd , that 's euer durable . 6 The torment of the Eye is Lust , The torment of the Fongue , ill Wordes : Both with Repentance reckon must , Els doe they fall on double Swordes . 7 Though Sorrow tast like Gall , Sicknes like Death , And Death like Hell ; yet nothing relisheth So sowre , but if with Heauen wee meete , All 's Candyed o're , and turnes to sugred sweete .
OF TEARES . 1 EYes are the Stillatory house of Teares , Teares , Greifes Balme-water : weeping gently weares The Marble in vs : t is the Mildew stayning Our checkes ; if 't be for sinne , t is holly rayning . 2 The Sorrow that 's hie-borne , beares such a sway , Wee must not beat it backe , but giue it way , For t is a furious beast , and sooner dyes By delayed slights , then by extremityes . 3 Minutes are turnd to howres , and howres to dayes , When they 're at Sorrowes spending , Though woe be hard , t is quickly orde , But not so quickly ending . 4 Teares in Strumpets eyes are like Drops which through the Sun-beames strike ; They haue more cunning to beguile , Then weeping of the Crocodile . 5 To mourne sometimes heales mourning , For Greife like great Fyres burning , Kept downe , shew feircer flaming : Sorrow can brooke no taming . 6 Eyes in three waters stand in feare of drowning : First , old mens Teares , when Ioy their hearts sits crowning . Next , that which flowes after the wretched fashion . Third , Womens drops , shed from dissimulation . 7 Sea-Iuy when it waxeth old , The roote of it takes deepest hold ; And when Calamitie lookes gray , Impossible to wash't away .
OF DAY . 1 DAyes are Gods Minutes : t is a yeares long hower . Day is the Queene of Eyes ; Sights paramoure . It is Heauens Glasse : t is the Sunnes siluer Diall , By which himselfe workes , and of time makes triall . 2 Day is Ambitious , for the morrow morning , Takes this dayes honor from him , and adorning ▪ Then doth a next strip him : at last there comes The blacke Day , that takes reckoning of all sommes . 3 Hee that to Day puts off the mending Of his ragde Soule , and still is spending All howers in Vice , which he can borrow , Let him catch Tymes locke , for t is gon to morrow . 4 Of all Arithmeticke , the numbers Of our Dayes , vs most incumbers : Wee tell our Sheepe , our Kine , our Gold : But thinking ne're to die , Dayes are vntold . 5 The Sunne is the Dayes golden Eye , The Eye of heauen 's our Soule : If that be cleere , then like the Sunne , Wee see each thing that s foule . 6 In Egipt doth the Day begin , Then when the Sunne about his taske bath bin . In Persia , when the Sunne doth rise : And thus as one is borne , another dyes . 7 Hee whose thoughts are suncke to hell , Loues with vgly night to dwell : But hee whose eyes from Vice are cleere , loyes when hee sees the light appeere .
OF NIGHT . 1 NIght is the Laborers Pillow , t is the Bed Of liuing death : It is Sinnes ciuill Pander , Suited in blacke : when Darknes winges are spred , Treasons , Lust , Murders , doth with still Night wander . 2 How slow the horses of the Night doe ride , For whom th' oppressed waite ? for Night ( to those ) Makes promise of some rest ; yet when shee 's spide , They wish her gon , then she as slowly goes . 3 What a good Iudge is Night , how full of pittie ; For though her selfe be dumbe , O yet she heares The Prisoners Story , and the Louers Dittie● And their afflictons she in time out-weares . 4 Feare and Suspition are Nights Seruing-men , They waight vpon her , and walke round the streete , Till Sinne and shee , in Darknes caue do meete , Where Light at last peepes in , they vanish then . 5 Looke not bigg , nor swell with scorning , For the breath thou draw'st this morning , May ere Night , from thee be tourning , And thou left cold , past laughing , and past mourning . 6 Darke Nights and deadly Resolutions , Are nimble Cookes that do prepare Godles and bloody Resolutions , For Nights the traitors Armors are . 7 Though thine eyes neuer should behold the Sunne , Though the Moones rusty Chariot should o'rerunne The World with Night , do not thou darknes feare , So long as in thee thou hast Vertues cleare .
OF MVSICKE . 1 MUsicke is Angels language ; t is a Iewell , Stolne from the Spheares ; t is the eares Parasite : T is Loues food , t is dull Melancholies fewell : T is dead to it selfe , yet doth all els delight . 2 Art thou greiu'd , and wouldst be merry ? Lay thy head on Musickes knee , In thine eare shee le tell a Storry , That beeing heard , shall comfort thee , 3 What disproportion is it , and how vile , To heare a man sing well , Yet to liue ill : Alacke the while , T is like a foule cracke in a Siluer Bell . 4 Councell vpon a Foole bestowed , Is lost , as is the sound Of Musicke in a deafe mans eare : Giftes handled ill , are dround . 5 When thundring strokes being rudely giuen , Sweete harmonie doe render , A scoulding Wise , shall pleasing bee , If not , the Diuell must mend her . 6 Trumpets and Drummes Musitions are , Vnto the Dancing-schooles of Warre : The Lute's the Louers consort : then , Call Eloquence the Simphony of men . 7 When Kinges and Subiects liue in quiet , When Loue prepares the Cittie diet , When Housholds sleepe with empty eares , Oh what Melody earth then heares !
OF LIFE . 1 LIFE is no more breath , then a little pin Can with a pricke let foorth ; it is a bubble : It is a play that sadly doth begin , Continues tragicall , concludes in trouble . 2 Life is a pilgrimage , that euery step , Treades on a Coffin , and doth meete Sicknes , Greife , Want : by whom t is forc'de to leap First into Bed , then to a Winding-sheete . 3 It 's better not to Liue , then not to know How to Liue well : to Liue well , is a white Most hard to hit : to dreill , is not so , That 's easie : many hit that marke by night . 4 If a good man desire to Liue , T is that he would be still doing well : If a bad man , the world would giue For Life ; hee feares not Death , but Hell . 5 Life is like Lightning , but a flash , t is gone ; The longest age , is but a blast : yet see ; Hee whom yeares loade , prayes yet hee may liue one : To Liue ( not to Liue well ) wee carefull bee . 6 Hee that Liues ill , and so doth fall , Vnwoorthy is of Buriall : But Tombes of Brasse , should reare their Fame , That dying , l●ft no dying name . 7 Breath that mainteynes Life , endes it : Life workes for Breath , yet spendes it : Death borrowes Life , yet lendes none : Death crackes all Life , but mendes none ,
OF DEATH . 1 DEATH is Gods Haruester : Corruptions Cater : Of all tongues into one , hee 's the translater : Cures all Diseases ; helpes the poore to landes : Fights , trauels ; yet hath neither feete nor handes . 2 Sicknes , greife , want , old age , are armd , and sweare , To ore'run Life ; Death leades this rabble : his Drommes Are made of Sculls : but how , or when , or where , Heele pitch his feild , none knowes ; t is sure he comes . 3 For faire , for foule , young , old , prophane , and holly , Beggers or Kinges , to fly from Death , t is folly : Who flyes him , doth fly after him : and hee flyes Those that follow him : t is long ere Miserie dyes . 4 Death and Sleepe haue both one mother , Sleepe makes Death a younger brother : So like they are , you scarce know him , from him , Saue of the two , Death somewhat is more grim . 5 Heauen hath giuen man a World : giues Wealth . Heauen giues him Beautie , Wisedome , Health . Heauen ( aboue all these Iewels ) giues him Breath : But the best thing , that Heauen giues man , is Death . 6 Hee that dyes in ill condition , Drawes a good life in suspition : But hee that takes his fare-well rightly . Puts men in hopo , hee liude before not slightly . 7 When Officers are sent vpon Deaths errand , And warne you fore him , flye not for thei're warrant , Vnles your Conscience make this proclamation , That after Death , you haue deseru'de damnation .
OF MAN . 1 MAN is Gods Maister-peice , the stampe of Heauen , ( Currant to passe with Angels ) hee 's that King To whom the whole World for a Court is giuen : Hee hath all , yet alas ! himselfe is nothing . 2 The birth of Man was full of wonder , Mans fall more dreadfull was then thunder : His Spilling none but Diuels desirde it , His Sauing , Angels e'ne admirde it . 3 Man is the freshest Flowre , the goodliest Tree : Man is the Sifted earth , the puritie Of life elixirated ; hee 's all beautie , All strength , all blisse ; and yet all miserie . 4 Man keepes the World in feare , beastes wild and grim , Fawne at his feete : Hee curbes in Seas , drownes Landes : Spurnes Cities downe , buildes Kingdomes with his hands , Hee conquers all , yet litle greife beates him . 5 Two Horses draw the wagon of the Soule , ( Our body ) cald Opinion and Desire : Opinion being well reynd , doth Vice controule , But when the tother 's backt , we are wilde as fire . 6 To that first stuffe of which each creature 's made , It must returne , Man being but clods of earth ( Layde well together ) into earth must fade , The Soule will vp to Heauen , there was her birth . 7 Measure a Man from head to foote , His Armes straight out , giue iust that measure : Whence draw a Circuler line about , Hee 's a round tower , where the heart lyes ( lifes treasure . )
OF WOMAN . 1 A Woman is Gods Pencell , which hee takes To draw a Man by ; Shee 's the mould of life : Shee is an Angell ; Shee 's earthes heauen , shee makes New worlds in Men ; yet sets those worlds at strife . 2 Trust not still a Womans eyes , Shee most dissembles when she cryes : Teares as redily she powres , As Aprill doth when he raynes Flowers . 3 What goodly Angels Women weare , If Golden Angels could not buy them ? Fooles ! their beauties were too deare , But that too many come too nie them . 4 A face that 's faire and in shew holly , Yet when eyes wincke , doth looke at folly : O t is a worme that suttly fr●ts ; Shee weaues most fine , but dangerous nets . 5 None then a Woman more doth hunt for Honor , Yet when high State is throwne vpon her , None ke●pe it worse , for their desires are strong To get good things , but not to hold them long . 6 Faire Womens eyes are lures for Fooles , Their wordes are Bookes , too hard for Schooles : Their kisses netts , a Wise-man spies them , Yet the Wisest hardly flyes them . 7 A Woman blacke , or browne , or wouen Of homely stuffe , which none will weare : If she be chast , shee 's comelier farre , Then she that s wanton , and sold deare .
OF MARIAGE . 1 MAriage is Gods Indenture which he drawes Twixt Man and Woman : t is lifes Obligation ; It is Loues Piller : t is the Chayne of Lawes ; T is the good euill , the bitter delectation . 2 Wedlockes hell , is when the husband throwes His srownes , his brawles , his curses , and his blowes , On his Wiues head : yet spendes the amorous charmes Of smiles and kisses in a Strumpets armes . 3 Women are such dangerous rockes , And cast away so many , That Young men yet should come neere none , No● old men go to any . 4 Husbands two dayes of pleasure haue , The first , is when the wife doth bride it : The second , when she weds her Graue : That s the glad day , though men do striue to hide it . 5 Wee wish for Mariage , and for Age , Accompting both a treasure : But when they 're ours , they make vs rage , And yet repent at leasure . 6 Giue not thy Wife the Line , for if to day , Thou lendst her leaue vpon thy foote to tread , ( Vnles thou hat'st thy life ) thrust her away , To morrow els shee le trample on thy head . 7 This Axiom oft hath past in Schoole , Nor does the rule yet varry . T is safer with a quiet Foole , Then wittie Scold to marry .
OF CHILDREN . 1 CHildren are Mariage seedes , and when they 're borne , They 're like new Waxen lights made to burne cleerly After their Parentes liues to snuffes are worne : Children are ware cheape sold , but bought most deerely . 2 The losse of Dignitie , the losse of Gold , The losse of Freindes ; or all these three to hold , With ioy or sorrow , touch not so the blood , As Children doe , let them be bad or good . 3 Does thy Sonne riot ? Digs his youth thy Graue ? Beates he thy sydes ? layes he thine eyes in Brine ? Steales he ? sweares ? kills he ? Is he hot Lustes slaue ? Thou neare didst whip these : then these faultes are thine . 4 Children that are alwayes sleeping , neuer weeping , euer eating : Children that are alwayes playing , neuer praying , neuer beating : Children that are alwayes lying , and for crying , leaue the schooles : Children that be such , turne Asses , and their Parents turne to fooles . 5 If thy Sonne be let to run , And ne're be brought to taming : Heele prooue a Colt , thy selfe a dolt , His wildnes is thy shaming . 6 When Snow lyes on thy Fathers head , Thinke but what hee for thee hath done : And ( though thou wish the Graue his bed ) T will make thee prooue a thankfull Sonne . 7 Art rich ? and are thy Parents poore ? Hast fed'em ? cloathd'em ? dryed their teares ? And set them safely on deathes shore ? Oh happy man ! thou hast seene golden yeares .
OF YOVTH . 1 YOuth is Loues heire ; it is Lifes honor , T is Beauties mistris , yet shee waights vpon her : It is a flowre fresh blowne : us the best clothing That Kinges can weare ; t is any thing , t is nothing . 2 Weake honesty , Lacke ; what an Army threates thee ! Gold , Libertie , delitious Meates , Apparell , All these strike at thee : but ( of all ) Youth beates thee , When none dare touch thee , Youth maintaines the quarrel . 3 Good God! how much a gray head and a greene ( Beeing both of one stuffe ) differ in the moulding : The greene head bowes to Beautie , Shee 's his queene : The gray , is euer Vertues face beholding . 4 None but Changeable Suites do fit Inconstant Youth ; he loues light braynes , light wit , Light lookes , light eies , light loue , light hearts , light purses , Yet at last all these lights , beare heauie curses . 5 Youth like the Pine-trees flower , Growes and dyes in an hower : For Cullour t is excelling , But t is a Weede in smelling . 6 Then Youth there 's nothing fayrer , Then Beautie nothing rarer : Yet nothing's sooner staler , Brittle Glasse is not frayler . 7 The father that buildes houses , and heapes treasure , Sleepes not for telling bags ; yet hath no leasure To build his Sonnes minde well ; Sets a great Frame On rotten postes ; one blast o'returnes the same .
OF OLD AGE . 1 OLd Age is the last Hill , that Life climes ouer , And then it rests : It 's Wisedomes roabe new-worne : T is Wormes meate halfe enough ; t is the white couer Of Youth and Beauties booke , whose leaues are torne . 2 Sicknes and Age , a paire of Crooches are , On which Life walkes , and meetes that Officer That arrestes all ; into whose layle being got , Kinges lye on executions , till they rot . 3 An Old-man euery morning should lay by A Coffin and a Sheete : for Steele beeing wasted , There 's no more edge : at Sun-set day doth dye : And when gray haires come first , Death next is tasted . 4 Study in Youth to liue well , Practize in Age to die well : Hee that 's so happy well to die , Hee suffers Death most willingly . 5 Though Loue ( when Age is come ) hath spent his blazing , The Cinders yet , being not fully dead , At Beauties tree , an Old-man may be gazing , By Youth it must be climbd , and gathered . 6 In a mans life there doth appeare The fowre strange faces of the yeare ; Child-hood the Spring , Youth Sommer showes , Like Autumne Manhood , Age like Win●er goes . 7 If Youth were wise , and Age were strong : If without Women , wee could make Men , This World ( where Weedes haue growne too long ) Would turne to Paradice agen .
OF DRONKENNES . 1 Dronkennes is the Bawde to Lust ; a Fire that kindles Rage , It maks yong-men like old-men doat , & a stark foole of age T is beauties blaster , strengths decayer , memories vndoer : Intices men to kisse her lippes , yet kill them comming to her . 2 Wine is a crafty Wrestler , and will cast The big-boue-guard of Kings ; the sturdy Clowne , And nimble-footed Taylor hee trips downe : None stand against him if he once get fast . 3 A Dronkard is a Child , and scarce can speake , Yet has he many tongues : what secret lyes , Within the sober man , out all doth breake To swim in bowles , els vp in fumes it flyes . 4 Wine turnes a man into a beast , It makes the Strong-man weake , The wise a foole , the foolish madd : Lawyer dumbe , dumbe to speake . 5 The Vine three Grapes doeth beare , The first doth sweetely tast , The second , somewhat sharpe ; but Gall And Poyson's in the last . 6 More men are drownd in Wine , then Water : Wine makes of Men a greater slaughter Then can the Sword : against the Sword by might Life may be sau'de ; from Wine there is no flight . 7 Wine is the Earths heart-blood , Who shed it then , ( And such are Dronkards , ) Those are bloody men .
OF DIVELS . 1 Diuels are the Lords of hel ; Gods slaues , & mens deceiuers Brokers of Sinne , of blisse enuious bereauers : Fishers they are , and ( so they fill their net , That none breake foorth ) they care not whom they get . 2 The Fisher-man of Heauen doth angle With a small Line , and few he takes : Hels Fisher-man meetes them in shoales , And still his wide Nets , wider makes . 3 The reason why there hanges more waight Vpon the Diuels golden baite , Than vpon Gods , is , the Diuels Hooke is smooth , And the bayte sweete to tempt the lickerish tooth . 4 Satan hath seuerall Snares , for seuerall creatures , The Vsurer is caught in nets of Gold , Youth in the soft embracements of faire Features , With Dignities he lymes th' ambitious old . 5 At that great Sessions , where all Soules shall stand , Quitt or condemd , the Diuell shall audience haue , And giue in euidence , because his hand Was readier to catch Soules , then ours to saue . 6 Great Markes are sooner hit , then lesser Whites ; Great Worldlings , are the Butts at which Hell aymes : And vpon those the Diuels Arrow lights Sooner , then on the Meeke : they are no Games . 7 The Diuell against vs bringes three Accusations , Which like three Clubs do beate vs downe : the first , Are our euill Wordes : next , euill Imaginations : And last , our euill Workes ; the last is worst .
OF HELL . 1 HELL is Heauens Iaile , whither she sends blacke soules , It is the land of Darknes , and of Feare : Of Horrour and Dispaire , ( whose throat stil houles ) Angels of light keepe Heauen , light Angels there . 2 So full of glory and so full of blisse Is Heauens Star-chamber : that more horrour t' is To looke at loyes and loose them , then to yell With ghastly shrikes , in euerlasting Hell . 3 As in a Kingdome ( where th' infection Of Warre , of bloody Insurrection , Hath like a I lague raind long , ) Rapes , Murder , All 's out of tune ; so there 's in Hell no order . 4 What Misery is in Hell , torment hath end Without end : death hath no death , payne breedes payne , For end hath new beginnings : life doth lend Death double life , woes there do spring againe . 5 Hell is a Maze , most hard to tread , To enter easie , and without a thred ; But got in , t is a parlous doubt , If ere there be a passage out . 6 T is sure there is a Hell , yet where , none knowes : Yet euery where it is , ( holy Writ showes ) Where Heauen is not : though now it priuate been , One day t will burst ope , be both felt and seene . 7 Hell is that blacke Feild whither must be brought , Armies of soules , with whom foule Sinne hath fought , And conquerd : Death the victors Crowne will weare , His Standerd is aduanc'de already there .
FINIS .