She neuer passeth more for it till hunger doth request The Cat will watch and wayte till she the Mouse hath got And then when she hath fedde her fill a dewe she careth not The Scriuener that takes painâ— with painfull penne to please Espieth not his labour wayed so much the more disease That company which keepeâ— for a long time together By time grows strange as euer they were at first time comming hether The booke that newe is made is more esteem'd of price And better liked on by some then workes of deepe deuice Wherefore the way to haue a thing esteemed well Is secretly to keepe the same and not abroade to tell For why I well perceiue examples put before That friendship failes when fancy findeâ— new liking for her store Wherefore to learne to keepe in secret silent brest It is a poynt of wisedome sure in whom so ere it rest Thus is Desire fedde thus is Desire strange Thus doth Desire giue vs fill and makes our friendes to change Verses written vnto one which had wrote A Curious Commendation of his happie Exchange VVHy dost thou vaunt before thou knowe Why dost thou bragge before thou trie All is not golde that is of glittering shewe Nor trust not that which pleaseth the eye For in the same deceiyte doth rest As proofe doth make it manifest For since thou wrot'st that glorious stile In praise of thy so good exchange A frowarde fit some did compile Which vnto thee did seeme full strange That at the first it did befall Such rough repulse to sleepe withall Wherefore I counsell thus doe giue To frame thy nature now to abyde And see that thou discreete doe liue And fainte nâ—t though some fondly chide For why thou worst so much before You knowe my minde I le say no more Verses written for a requisite remembrance of the earth quake which happened on wednesday the 6. of Aprill 1580â— betwene 5. and 6. of the clocke at night of the same day WHen man doth least accompt of this his end And as he thinkes doth safely sit at rest Then suddenly or euer he be ware Doth Death aproch his corps for to inuest And in a moment all his pompe and pride And glory vaine is quickly laide a side His house the which he takes for his Defence â— And as it were dâ—th make a sure gâ—eunde Presuming that it standeth firme and fast Foundation such not likely to confound By any chaunce except tâ—e ground do fall The which high Ioue hath ready at his call Oh gratious God how wonderful are thy workes Thy secretes not known to mind of man Thou send'st vs signes and tokens of thy wrath And if with grace we rightly do them scanne We may thus thinke and also vnderstand Thy iudgemente day is very ny at hand Yet mercifully thou doest vs all forewarne And wouldest not that we should sinke in sinneâ— But penitently thy mercy for to craue And leaue such leawdnesse as we do beginne Too much to vse alas the more the ruth And God will scourge no doubt for our vntruth Oh sudden mâ—tion and shaking of the earth No blustering blastes the weather calme and milde Good Lord the sudden rarenesse of the thing A sudden feare did bring to man and childe They verely thought as well in field as Towne The earth should sinke and the houses all fall downe Well let vs print this present in our heartes And call to God for neuer neede we more Crauing of him mercy for our misdeedes Our â—infull liues from heart for to deplore For let vs thinke this token doth portend A scourge nere hand if we do still offend Yet neuer was Gods word more diligently Preached vnto vs then it is at this day But out alas what boote is it to heare And presently forget what they do say For he which layes his hand vpon the plowe And turneth backe shall speed you know as how The wantonnesse and lewdnesse now adayes Is much to write therefore it is but vaine To seeme at large the same for to expresse The grauer sorte do much of it complaine And wish there were amendment of ill life Which euery where alas is too too rise Pride is too pearte and falshood florisheth much Deceipte is deepe good Lord how it is vsed Enuy is rife blaspheming doth not want Wel in effect each thing is now abused Lord graunt we may conuert and that with speede For well we know wâ— neuer had more neede Let vs not linger and driue from day to day We haue beene warned sufficiently we know The Lord is angry and not without good cause And though he do but signes vnto vs shew Well let vs thinke if we do thus exceede In sinne so ryfe we shall it feele in deede Amend your liues for the kingdome of God is at hand Mat. 3. None good but God Verses written vnto his friend W. C. of not and nor NOt boysterouse winds of AEolus force caÌ„ stir the hardy rockes Nor wooden wedges can preuaile to cleaue the knotty blocks Not absence he to frendly heartes can any breach procure Nor spiteful spite can do much hurte where frieÌ„dship doth assure Not frowning lookes of frowarde Mars that can my pen restraineâ— Nor doubtfull speach can me reuoke in verse to shew my vaine Not want of good will ready prest shall be one let or cause Nor yet the feare of any man shall make me for to pause Not Time to tarry to deuise some pleasant thing to write Nor yet to proue for to be fine my verse for to indite Not that I thinke my friend he will for rashnesse laugh at me Nor that I stand in doubt if that this thing he take in gree Not that I am a Poet braue for to declare my minde Nor that I haue a curiouse head some pleasant thing to finde Not that my friend is scrupulousse but friendly be will take Nor that he is of Momus sect to mocke that I do make Not that I know my friend will now accept my ragged verse Nor I thinke he will reiect that which I do rehearse Not that the Time doth let me now some farder wordes to vse Nor that I meane in any thing my friend for to abâ— In steade of giftes to thanke thee for Take Yates his gifte of not and nor Verses written vpon the captiouse coniecture of one who not offended THe state of worldly wightes is straunge And â—utall mindes do passe my skill The good haue bad for their exchaunge By cogitations wrong to will The iniury hath small repay Where maiestie doth beare the sway The supreame rule supporteth much Me thinkes it saith why I am hee Men know my nature to be such As scant my like is knowne to be For where I may I croppe I loppe I make them stoupe and vowe their toppâ— But Iustice sittes with sword in hand And Equity with ballance right The cause and truth to vnderstand To deale by equall Doome vpright For sure the Gods they
shewe their wâ—lth and porte The straingest things that could be got of euery kinde and â—orâ—e Which when the King receaued great thankes to them extended Their loyall heart to duetie bent most Princely he commâ—nded But ah a silly soule whom pouertie nere pined Be thought him to present his Prince as duetie hath assigned Not hauing wolth at will ne Iuels that were trimme Tooke vp his handfull of water faire came running towardes him And offered tâ— his Grace as Token to Forshow Though welth he wanted yet of good wil his duetâ—e for to know But note the courteouse kinde of this most prudent Prince This present base not to reiâ—ct nor once it to conuince But tooke it gratefully â—or that he did beholde The true intent of simple soule whom dutie made so bold So Siâ— I earnestly request this at your hand My small present for to esteeme next this to vnderstand My boldnesse to excuse that saâ—cely thus aspire To write so pertely vnto you before my state be hyer And thirdly for to beare my rudenes which hath raised A matter here before your face vnworthie to be praised But forced by good will something for to present Estéeming not the thing it selfe but simple true intent The meaning voyd of fraud composing voyde of guyle For Grossum Caput giues no leaue fine verses to compile But Tryall hath me Told Experience hath me showen That Artaxzerxes kinde in you is easie to be knowne The which did set me on to shewe my true intent Some verses Sir this new yearâ—s â—ime vnto you to present For if that I had skill according to my minde A matter that were worth the sight your worship then should finde But what needâ—s all these wordes as Preface now before To signifie a long discourse to trouble more and more But God graunt you your health his fauour and his aide To sheelde you from each fayned friende and make your foes dismaide God graunt accomplishment of that you most desire In what so euer as it be from heart I do require God graunt that Enuie may be voyde of her intent Not to preuaile at any time although that she be bent God graunt Dissimulation may shine like Christall cleare That vnto you each double hearte may easely appeare God graunt that Deepe Deceipte at no time do preuaile God graunt as much as he can graunt God graunt no thing do quaile But all may prosper well approching still to Fame Whose worthie workes haue merrited high prayses to his name Whose happie helâ—ing hand releeuing those that neede Doth winne the way to make you liue â—or euer more in deede Whose dayly deedes in vse abroade do so resounde As passeth my Capacitie or wisdome to expounde Perchaunce your worship will condemne me in this sorte And thinke I write in flattering wise to make a long reporte Not so I doe protest for why I you assure In that offence I guiltlesse am my conscience it is pure And as I scorne the vse of flattering flearing fraude So will I not while I do liue neglecte to giue you laude Desiring still of God as erst I did before Your ioy to ioyne with new yeare now and many other more Thus Sir I humbly ende desiring God of grace Your worship long for to preserue in happie state and case And when your fatall dayes of force must yeeld to clay Then for to rest in heauenly place that neuer shall decay Finis Other verses presented vnto him at new-Yeeres time CLeanthes he whom learnings lore held in such estimation â—s for to find himselfe at schoole he vsed this occupation At morning soone and euening late he water tankards brought Unto those houses of such men by whome hee vauntage cought For being poore vnable was to keepe in place of price Untill he found by taking paine profit in his deuice Whereby he kept himselfe at schoole good letters to attaine And although he was very poore yet this way founde he gainâ— And when he had sufficient according to his will He then presented to those men some workes of better skill Which shewed in him a due Desire his duetie to reserue And also eke an earnest zeale there fauours to conserue Euen so vnto your worship now my simple verse I send My dutie bids me be so boulde the same for to commend Unto your courteous true aspect to construe of the same The which is ment for meere good will more then for any fame For I haue not Cleanthes skill deepe matters to impart But such as comâ— from simple head and eke a faithfull hart Which caused me this newe yeeres Time newelie the same to write They newe arâ— of inuention yet not newe of delight Impute it not good Sir for want of willingnesse in me But want of learning is the cause no better verse you see I cannot glose with gallant phrase my bringing vp was plaine And simple sense inforceth me to write in simple vaine Which I present vnto your view as heeretofore is saide And although not seemely set out yet willingnesse well weighed Shall counteruayle the want of skill that aptly heere might bee But of an Ape impessible it is a tayle to see The Lorde preserue your worship long in health in wealth and peace And graunt all thinges you take in hand may haue there due increase The Lord preuent each fauning foe and faithlesse meaning minde Who vnder shew of simplenesse worke mischiefe in their kinde God graunt vnto you glad new yeere with long and ioyfull life And likewise I doe wish the same vnto your worthie wife Whome you and her the Lorde preserue so humblie I am bâ—und To giue you thankes Sir while I liue for friendship I haue sound Resting at your commandement Iames Yates Verses on friendship VNder the Cope and glittering hue of heauen Are all the ioyes allotted by decree Yet is there none that may compared be Unto a friend that neuer is vneuen But doth remaine all one in constancie But for such friendeâ— as are but friends in sight They doe deceiue incertaine is their trust They proue vntrue they moulder like the dust But ah a friend that standes in friendly right He is a friend as needes confesse I must Now if one finde a faithfull friend in deede Then keepe him still as Ieuell that is rare Be sure on this to haue on him a care For why he will remaine a friend at neede As Triall telles and Trueth doth well declareâ— Verses on false Report OH God hovv false report doth vvinne a man Defame And closely carpeth at his life to bring him vnto blame It lovvring lurkes in Den of Dire Disdainefull Dole And spyes a time to peepe abraod as fire burnes the coale No wight so vvise of vvill so sober in his deedes No one so happy in this vvorld but false reporte him feedeâ— For each day that he riseth frâ—m â—lumâ—ring sleeping bed And thinkes to spend the cheerefull day deuoyde to Anger led Thâ—â— ere that drousic night approach
like a shadow doth decay most true it is in deede Then ere thy breath be spent and past reuoke thy childish toyes And giue thou ouer yet at last that most was once thy ioyes For why fond Will â— thou canst not haue that solely to thy selfe When others may in time it craue as gayned with their pelfe Thou art of yeares to know this well The Hauke whose gorge is full Lakes more delight to shake her bell then on the lure to pull Euen so conceyue this in thy thought for why thou maiest it see The newest things are soonest bought and are still wont to be Then thus consider in thy minde Where thou thy fancie frames Giue leaue let Nature â—howe her kindâ— but publish out no names For Nature she can not digresse I speake not this to faine But euen the truth for to expresse to those who to that vaine Doe seeme so much for to apply their studie in their hearte God graunte in fine such do not trie a close vnhidden smart And thus adue I leaue this verse to scanned be of some Which often times do wordes rehearseâ— when as they might be mume Verses vvritten vpon this vvord vvho doth refaine to faine declared vnto him priuatly by his friende vvhome he ansvvereth thus WHo can refraine where flatterie heareth sway Who doth not Sir Dissemble for sooth the vpright mind Who hath the harmles heart not verteouse meÌ„ I say Who mindeth most mistrust the lewd and truthles kind Who fauours friendlesse fraud the fickl flearring friend Who most rebuketh vice those that wish godly ende A lothsome lise it were if idlenesse were maintained A brutish kinde of trade to fauour a fâ—lthie faâ—t A mischieuous meaning man for most part is disdayned An innocent to sâ—ay were but a cowardes acte A pratler much to be declares but simple sense A drunkardes draught to drinke you grauÌ„t to be offence Well Sir as for offence offenders we are all Aswell the riche as poore the wise as is the foole God graunt we may haue grace for mercy stil to call And with repentant hearts to set a godly dole In place where we may see and willing to amend As we by nature ready are Gods goodnesse to offend Verses vvritten vpon a dreame which was dreamed on Sundaie night the x. of April and written vnto Mistresse F. W. WHen darkesome night approched wasâ— and Phoebus ceast to shine Then went I to my â—asing bed to rest this corps of mine Wherein laide downe before I slept according to my vse I craued pardon for my faultes abounding in abuse Thus when I had bequeath'd my selfe vnto high loue to keepe My heauy eyes inforced me strâ—ight waies to fall asleepe Then Morpheus he was courteous bent to merry make my minde And vnto me this Sundayes night a pleasant parte assignde For lo beholde one of my friendes my thought thus tolde to me That modest mistresse F. W. shoulâ— most welthie married be Unto a proper Gentlâ—man whose Parentes are of fame And he himselfe by due deserteâ— doth merrite euen the same Whose vertuous life from infancie hath wonne him such renowme As Trust me friend I want the skill in order to set downe Well friende quoth I a thousand thankes for this thy happy tale This may preuent the peruers pangues of bitter beyling bale Wiâ—h that I wak'd from slothfull sleepe and to my selfe did say I craue of God with all my heart that Iames may see that day And as this dreame of my deliâ—ht did friendlesse feare reiect So I doe wish if you so please that it may take effect And thus I â—nd my duely done your selfe I doe commend Unto the heauenly Lord of hostes who alwayes you defend Verses vpon feare and Fury FEare is a foe as fury is a friend And selfe coÌ„ceipt is worker of much harme Disdainefull doubts dâ—e bring a man to end And careful cold doth neuer keepe maÌ„ warme Mistrustfull mindes haue euery houre care As much as they can well vprightly beare The quiâ—t minde is neuer trobled muchâ— But tries to take each thing in sober sorte When frâ—waâ—d fancy fretteth and doth gruteh To see her selfe contemned in her sporte Well vaine it is heere much for to reueale In close coÌ„ceipt I will the rest conceale Till Time doth serue according to my minde And opportunitie to open my intent I see yet seeme as though that I were blind I ioy likewise when as I might lament I frame my selfe to vse such play and sporte As others doe which to the place resorte Sighing is signe of sadnesse As myrth is shevve of gladnesse Verses vpon this Theame Silence breaketh many Friendeshippes Written vnto his friende G. P. IF Silence friendship breake then silent for to be Is euen the way to loose a friend as seemeth vnto me For when I call'd to minde how longe my pen did rest From writing to him which deserues as well as doth the best Then saide I to my selfe I am too silent I That to my friend of all this time nothing I doe discrie I doe consider thus he is of courteous kind Hee will haâ—e no ill conceipt I hope within his minde For I must needes confesse I haue not idle Time So much as I had heâ—â—etoforeâ— to write each thing in rune I am inforced nowe to bend both wit and will For to discharge that is my charge and rest in fauour â—till The which God graunt I may for that is my Desire The onely sore I seeke to salue the right I doe require The more of it I muse the more I haue good cause To try which way and what to dâ—e to poâ—der and to pause To print in priuate brest and secrets to conceale For why it is a folly vaine each actâ—on to reueale But whether doe I wend I run beyond my reach What doe I meane to write so much as though that I should teach O no I not so minde but this is my intent Some verses to my very friend my thinkes I must present And thus I you commend vnto the Lord of all Who readie is to heare and helpe those that on him doe call Verses written in a solitary suppose of a doubtfull Dumpe I Sadly sitting in a Dumpe deuysing what to write My Muse could not asorde me thaâ— which should yeelde me delight Because she saw I was dispos'd in solitarie soâ—te With matter voyd of pleasant glee to make a plaine reporte Of priuate passione which procure the inward wo and paine The secret causes of contempt the doleur and disdaine The lingring hope that faintly feedes the mindes of many wightes That passe their time in place where grow but few delightes And yet we seâ— it happens so that in the mid'st of smart They finde some causes of conceipâ—e which doâ— reâ—oyce their heart And trust me true that is the way to mittigate the ill Which other wise might be the causeâ— of wounding of their will To be disposed from delight is meane to moue or
mone To consâ—â—ue of each crosse conceipts is guyder vnto grone Whereâ—ore to vse indifferently the causes of ill lucke Is meane to moue no inwarde hate vpon our thâ—ught to sucke We see by due examples shewed the chaunges of our time We see ther 's none so warely liues that alwayes voydeth cryme We see who most doth frame him selfe to sober sorte of life Is forced though against his will to try and tast of strife The most of all that we do finde as hinderers of good happe Are crooked causes which do come our state for to intrappe The daintie dayes of due delight whereon some trust repose Incertaine are nothing so sure as life and them to lose The featured face which florisheth in beawtie blasing braue Shall wrimpled be when hoary Age commaundes it vnto graue The golden hayre which glittereth and showes so by in hewe Shall lodged be in cloddes of clay and kept from worldly view The listening eares which do delight in tales reporting pleasures Shall become deafe and brought to ground when death doth find his leasure The truthlesse tâ—ngue which doth agree to flatter and to faine Shall feede the wormes as it hath fed a number with disdaine The pleasant nose which takes repast to smell each pleasant sent Shall lose the profit of the same and vnto death relent The fingers that can finely frame to strike the ioyfull Luâ—e Shall cease from pleasure of the same when Death doth Life confute The feete which wonted were to goe and vnto mirth resorte Must be content to rest at home and leaue off former sporte The wanton wight which takes delight to cut it with his blade By tract of Time growes from that vse whein Age doth him inuade The Preacher he which feedes his flocke with ghostly counsell pure Must yeelde to death and be content his pangues for to endure The wise and worthiest wighte of all that euer liued here Must be content to yeelde to Death as plainely doth appeare Thus to conclude we may be bold each one of natures frame Shall taste of Death when mightie Ioue assigned hath the same Verses sent vnto his friend B. M. IN all thy deedes be circumspect Thy secretes not disclose But vnto such in whom thou dost a faithfull trust repose And if thou hast a â—aithfull friend be loth him to offend Accounte thoâ— not of flattering friendes thy eares to such not bend Serue God with faithfull fixed faith and frame thy life so iust As that thy carnall motions do not moue thee vnto lust Conceaue and way well thine estate take not too much in hand Frame thy expences as thou maist liue free from others band In doing this with iust regarde thou shalt auoyd much blame And euery one that markes thy vse will praise thee for the same Verses written for one who espyinge his friends fauour and countenance to be altered from the former fashion to satisfie his request he wrote as followeth I See and dayly spy by open viewe too plaine That those which once estem'd of me begin me to disdaine And much I muse thereat but my ill lucke is cause I stand in doubt and dumpish dreed and somtime in a pause I sigh I sobbe I waile I knocke vpon my brest I tosse me here I tosse me there as one that takes no rest I looke like sillie soule with ruthfull running eye And cast my head oft times abacke good countenance to espy But Lord how coy it seemes and squaimish to the showe I neuer thought that courteouse kind such malice once woulâ— owe. Oh Fortune fickle Dame in whom remains no trust Whose wauering chaunces are no â—taytâ— grouÌ„d vpoÌ„ for iusâ— As thou procurest friendes so thou procurest foes As thou makes â—ich so thou makes poore eueÌ„ as thy pleasure growes As now to day to laugh to morrow for to wâ—epe And those that wake in pleasure sweet at length in dauÌ„ger sléepe Thus vpside down thou roulest the whirling wheele of chauÌ„ce And I accompt them happilesse that most thou dost aduauÌ„câ—â— As for my onely state I blame thee oh of right For sure none the causer was but thou of this my spite Thou broughst my liking first and I was well esteemed And had a contenaunce voyd of hate sâ—lely I was deem'd To be in presence more then euer since I was But now a chaunce against me vnhappely doth passs For why I dare not halfe so boldely now aspire I dare not once presume to warme me by the fire I dare not Parle nowe so bolde as I was wont For if I doe the aunswere comes both sharpe both tarte and blunt And head is hanged downe and eyes doe looke aside And faces of the other sorte are made as they woulde chide Wherfore you flattering flurt Dame fortune by your name A vengeance take thy truthles trade for thou didst cause the same But though in thy dispight yet will I vse my coy And neuer soake my heart with care although they seeme so coy For they are but thy fittesâ— I knowe it very well When pleasantnesse is so disposed such thinges he can expell To which most happy time I trust but not to thee For thou art still of flitting kind and euermore wilt be Verses declaring how each Desirâ— Is satisfied in Time THe hungery soule that wantes of foode his Corpes to fill Is forced forth through pining plainte to remedie his ill And if by happie lotte he lighteth in such place Whereas is foode abundantly to helpe his dolefull case Then you shall see this swaine whom hungers hate had hiâ—t When he in Time hath had Desire doth skorne that ofte he mist The wâ—ght that keepes in Courtâ— and viewes the gallant shewes Of Princes Pallace deerely dect whose eyes it dayly knowes â—steemeth not so much the sight though it be rare As he esteemes a new fond toy where on his eyes may stare What is the cause of this because that he is fill'd And hath enough euen of the sight As much as he hath will'd The Goldsmith that doth worke vpon the Diamond rare Doth not so much esteeme the sight as sequell doth declare The Painter that doth make with pencell in his hand Some passing peece of Portracture like liuely shape to stand At first time when he went with will to learne that art Desire was a mate of his and woulde not drawe a part And marke how he by Time of it hath had his fill He passeth more for greedie gold then he esteemes his skill Thus is Desire at length by Time brought into vre The Painter pleased is with Coyne as well as Portracture The Gentleman that keepes a Hauke for his delight And taketh pleasure for to view the swiftnesse of her flight With spannelles for to raungeâ— the game alofte to spring At length we see he wearily accompteth of the thing The greedy Lyon eke that roareth for her pray Is neuer satisfied vntill Some faultlesse thingâ— she slay And then when she hath fed and fulnesse her inuest
the which O Lord preserue With Seemely Cepter in her Throne thy Gospell to conserue From forraine foe and faithlesse friendes from all that mischiffe workes Lord breake the broode of Enuies wyles in secrecie that loorkes Lay open to her Princly viewe all those that faithlesse be In thought against her Maiestie Lord let her highnesse see We must confesse vnfainedly we haue deseru'd thy ire We dayly lord be prompt to sinne smale goodnesse we require Yet haue compassion on our land and do the same defend From those which vnder shew of friendes their mallice do pretend Unto our Quene which raigned hath this three and twentie yeares In peacable Tranquillitie as well to vs appeares God graunt Her highnesse Nestors yeeres ouer this Realme to Raine Amen Amen for Iesus sake amen we do not faine God preserue with ioyfull life our Gracious Queene Elizabeth In the Commendation of a Godly and Vertuous Matron AS I alone did walke in fieldes I heard a thundering voyce Which did descend from loftie skyes whereof I stood in choyse For to coniecture with my selfe what voyce should be the same It answered me as I it heard I am the flying fame Which farther said take pen in hand and proue thy simple skill To blaze abroad a Matrons life whose minde doth meane no ill Her Vertuous life adorned is with Godly zeale and grace Lucrese if she were aliue she could it not deface No day doth passe this Matrons handes in any idle sporte She to the Church to serue her God in due time doth resorte If any wight shall purchase heauen for Godly life well spent Fame told me that should be she high Ioue did so assent And to conclude if graftes of grace doe growe in any wight Then in the Hinde you may be â—olde they shine with vertue bright Thus much as Fame commanded me I haue heere put in vre With heartie prayers to the Lorde her life may long indure Heauenly Happinesse is Due to the Hinde In the Commendation of a Dame Whose name is Elected with Fame IF skill did rest within my head or Poets cunning art Then would I proue to write her praise agreeing to her parte But Ladies if you doe deride and scorne a willing minde Dame wisedome doth not teach you that but Momus mocking kinde For sooth the gallanist of you all that be of Dians flocke May seeme to let her haue a roome without dispight or mocke For why her fauour is as sweete her Beautie is as saâ—ce As any Dame in Dians Courte I rightly may compare Yea Chaste she liues I tell you true in spite of Cupids ire A Vertuous praise she doth deserue if duety may requireâ— Foelix was not more faithfuller vnto his friend in heart Then she is true vnto her make her vertue hath desert Which long the Lord preserue and keepâ— with his defending hand From faithlesse friendes and fauning foes whose trust doth truthlesse stand Praise is a preferring of the party though needelesse In the Prayse of a vertuous Gentlewoman IF Vertue praise gaine by desert Or constant stay or faithfull minde Good Ladies let me in this part Some thing Declare for faithfull kinde Let not my pen rebâ—ked be Though simple skill doe rest in me But giue me leaue for to declare And speake my minde without offence Such duetie I vnto her beare As trust me this is my petence To write some thing although I see Unablenesse which rests in mee A Lady I obey and serue With heart and minde and onelie will Who hath done more then I deserue For which I am her seruant still To wish her well since wealth is small And wishing is the most of all But if that wishing could aduaunce My wishing should not come behind But wishing is a tickle chaunce Although we wish yet want we find Wherfore to wish it is but vaine When as we wish and not attaine If Courteous nature be on ground It is in her I dare depese Whose grafted Impes of grace are sounde As vertuous buddes at large disclose Whose fragrant life like Woodbine flower May seeme to deâ—ke a Matrons bower I shall not neede to name her name But priuately in fostering brest I meane â—or to obserue the same With former minde and so I rest Whose life I wish whose ioy I craue Till breath from corpes death doth depraue In the praise of Fennill and Woodbine IN garden braue when as I view'd and saw There euery herbe that nature had bedeckt And euery flower so fresh and red as Haw I stoode in choyse of which I should elect Yet coulâ— I none there finde that did me please So much as two by whom I haue found ease And Fennill first for sight hath done me good Whose water Stil'd did ease my pricking eies Reuiu'd my heart cheer'd my fainting blood And made me laugh wheÌ„ head was ful of cries What say you noâ— can you expulsse my clause May I not praise yes sir when I haue cause Yes sure this hearbe I likâ— and like againeâ— And if I had a garden as some haue I would much plant and take therein greate paine To haue in store for such as will it craueâ— Yet some will say that Fennill is to flatter They ouer reache their tongues too much do clattâ—r The Woodbine leafe is good to ease the thorte Or paine in mouth that comes by â—romnies in drinkeâ— I haue it tryed I do not lye for note Seeth thou the leaues in water as I thinke And wash thy mouth and thou shalt finde such â—asâ— As will no doubte the former paine appeasâ— For these same two I pray to God from hearte Their hewes may stand in happie sâ—ate and prime And boysterouse windes may blowe from them apart Who do good though fisâ—ily they clyme As helpe I finde so helpe I ought to praise That helpe may helpe when helpe shall neede alwaies Of a friende in prosperitie and a foe in aduersitie THat morning which so braue doth shine with Phebus glistering face â—are darksome night approched is a shower doth it disgrace And yet Sir Phebus gallant hew in morning did displaye Who seem'd to promise by aspect to burnish out the day Euen so of double harted friendeâ— I rightly do compare Which shewe a pleasant face vntill 〈◊〉 friend be caught in care And then as dimming of the Sunnâ— doth châ—unge the former hue So doth a double faced friend returne againe a new From faithfull friendship which as he by promise should not do But those that can dissemble Sir they know what longâ— theretoâ— But whilest thou art in prosperouse state and voyd of Fortunes lowre Then will they seeme to be thy friendes in pleasant wordes each howre But when Aduersitie that wretch hath caught thee in his snare Their friendship is forgotten then of thee they haue no care Wherefore who trustes a smiling face may chaunce to be beâ—uylde And he that toucheth pich they say shall thâ—rewith be defil'â— A perswation patiently to suffer
Affliction TO mortall wightes what praise more due then patiently to beare Such crosses and affliâ—tions as Time doth bring with care For sure it is a happie thing for those that can vphold And Patiently to beare ill happes that Fatall Fates vnfold So shall they finde it best in end as sequell iust doth try And eke aduaunce their name with praise Experience doth not lye But as for such as seemâ— to raue for losse of worldly mucke They are vnhâ—ppie in that case I pittie much that lucke For truth to tell I maâ— be bold I know not which is he That Patiently doth beare his losse for ought that I can see But that he saith â—y on this happe the world doth frowne on me I am not luckie vnto it oh spitfull miserie What mortall man can more be plagu'd then haue such losses still What sorrow comes by this despight alas it is too ill What braules do broile within my heade what griping griues do nippe What yerkes of worldly losse I feele which smarteth like a whippe But worldling thou content thy selfe remember Christ did take A percing speare into his side and all was for thy sake And can'st not thou prouoke thy moode to beare a litle smart And take thy crosse and follow Christ to winne thee heauens Desert And patiently with penitent minde vnto the Lord to pray That he would of his goodnesse greate defend thee night and day Wherefore this my aduise I giue in sicknesse or in health In losse of fame in losse of friendes or losse of worldy wealthâ— Or losse of losseâ— that haplesly vnto thy state may fall In any losse lose not the Lord but on him still do call That it would please him thee to seâ—d in mid'st of hardest happe A merry hearte to praise his name and ioyfull hands to clappe How Time erecteth and destroyeth When Musing minde had Fancie â—eddâ— to cogitate of Time And I beholding then such thingâ— as pleasant were in prime And that the thing is come to passe which I nere thought should 〈◊〉 Then straight waie to my selfe I saide behold now may ye see How Time hath wrought by Tract of Time such things as to the show Did seeme vnlikely for to be as verie well I know For there are some of low degree and Progenie but base Are now come vp and set aloft did not Time do this case Yes surely beliue me now for Time can mountaines moue And Time doth worke much things that séeme vnlikely for to proue Within my time I haue ost seene great things and many straunge And dayly do still more and more as Time doth worke a chaunge For Time will soften flinte so hard by Time some doe aspyre To winne the thing to please the minde and get their heartes desire And if their hearts Desire be got thanke hap and Time therefore If these same two doe faile our friendes our purpose Gets no more As Time hath brought many full lewe that were full high in hap So Time diffused hath their state that Fortune did bewrap She altered hath most Famous thinges that some set vp for Fame And did not thinke of Time I thinks when they began the same But thought it should remaine for aye and Time could not deface Such Monuments as they set vp to get a goodly grace But sooth to tell Time with her Time can euery thing bestowe And those that are so high aloft she can bring downe full lowe Time is Tickle. Of a smiling Countenance beguilding the worlde A Goodly house that seemeth braue and pleasant to the sight With walles set out in goodly forme and windowes trimme of light May chance within for to haue a cracke which is vnseene And yet the world knowes not so much nor workeman as I weene Euen so forsooth such flearing mates that shew a smiling face I may compare them as before for why marke well this case Thou seesâ— them laugh and smile on thee but what doth rest in heart A mocke or tawine behind thy backe I know some playe that part And yet thei le looke so â—aithfully and seeme so true to thee And proffer out such sugred wordes and shew such courtesie I meane in this by speaking faire but not in deedes Perdie â— Wherefore take heede trust not their shew there may be Treacherie An Apple seeming braue tâ— view may faultie be within And Pewterers may play thee false by putting leade in Tin And he that writes may place A. H. where as A. G. should sâ—rue But Truth to tell A. F. were best for some doe it deserue And vnder fresh and fragrant Rose may lye a lothsome Toad For to infect that flowre braue by hauing there aboad Wherefore I count them happy sure that doe not trust the vse Of Fickle flattering flearing friendes in them doth rest abuse Let these examples put before suffice to shewe the kinde Of Truthlesse troth which readie is in each deceiptfull mind No Foe to a Flatterer When as occasion moueth To answere it behoueth WHen vrgent cause doth moue who can withhold his hand The Worme when she is troden on doth seeme for to withstand The Owle of vgly hue doth thinke her birâ—es are best The miser pincheth at his â—â—ast although he bids his ghest The windes that rise in skyes doe threaten surges sore And tatling tales doe moue Debate where none was ment before The valiant Champion Stoute which hath a Victors minde Doth thinke ther 's none so good as he vntill by proofe he find The fop and fauning foole doth like his bable so As for the Tower of great price he will not let it goe The Scholler younge in schoole may proue a learned Clarke The whelpe by Natures kinde we seeâ— is giuen for to barke The Scholler though but young hath wrote this verse to those Which pleaseth for to answere him in Meeter or in prose But trueth for to vnfold some loue to prâ—ttle much And finde three faultes yer mend not one yea Minâ—relles oft be such At euery dog which barkes if one should throw a stone Perchance in end he would haue wisht to let such Curs alone Hard hap causeth sorrowe and breedeth disrest Where griefe is not absent notes solemne are best LIke as the Carren Crowe doth crie against the raine So I which doe foresee my griefe begin for to complaine Or as the snared Hare lyes tumbling in the net So I lye tumbling in my woe which I cannot forget For why no noysome newes doth glad the heart of man But doth reuoke his pleasures all on sorrowes for to skan I see how spitefull Care doth looke out of her bowre And Fortune with her smiling face beginneth for to lowre The mistie cloudes of griefâ— doe dimme my cleerest sight And haplesse hap doth take the place to worke my deepe despight The sweete and pleasant sentes which I was wont to taste Be cleane dismist and put away my pleasures all do wast The fine and flagrant smels which
of no losse Doth Bountie binde her Bounteous liberall hand Or doth she force of coyne to keepe in store No no in deede if truth be iustly skand She rather lettes it flie at loose the moreâ— The Bounteous Dame esteemeth not the shews Of Beauties blaze that glistereth to the eye Some say Deceipt doth rest therin they know Experience telles and triall doth it trie Wherefore to say now as my Theame doth moue Not Beautie sure but Bountie I doe proue Not Beauty sure but Bounty I doe proue In this respect perchauâ—ce I â—hall offenâ— Tâ—e Beautifull Dame to mallice I shall moueâ— Because I seeme her for to discommend And doe preferre Dame Bountie in her place But beare with me my Theame pertaines theretoâ— You gallant Dames whose hue Declares your graceâ— Conceaue no ill for writing as I doeâ— For of my truth if Theame had thus beene saideâ— Not Bounty Sir but Beauty beares the bell I must haue then her praise at full displaâ—d To write wherein Dame Beauty doth excell I hope I haue no Courteous Dame oftended For God doth knowe I neuer so intended A presumption of the Courtesie of Fortune THough Fortune frowne looke with lowring face Upon my state to moue me to dispite Though she oft seeme to galle me with Disgrace And is the cause of dimming my delight Yet I presume as she doth worke annoy In doublâ— wise she can aduance my ioy And though I am thus spent with pensiue brest Conâ—train'â— to lodge the lookes of lowring hue In sullen soile although inforc'd to rest And kepâ— in place where sorrowe doth renewe Yet as the bird doth ioy at her release So will I ioy when cares begin to cease No wight I know but subiect is to Fate Sith Destiny from byrth ordaines it so What happy wight that neuer feeleth hate Or findes the place where Pleasure still doth flow Which place confused hath euer beene to me And still refrain'd that pleasant place to see Before my eyes I veiwe greate heapes of hap Which big doe seeme and yet I take nâ— hould I see how some are lul'd in Fortunes lap And wrapped warme for â—eare of catching cold But I at large vnbraced am you see And open lie to take in Miserie Well as I saide I doe presume on this That Fortunes face at length will change her frowne And all such cares from me she may dismisse Which heeretofore my pleasant state did drowne In wretched waues which moued me to mâ—urne And often say fy of that life forlorne Of Hope TO liue in Hope is helpe But Hope which feedes too long And bringes no helpe vnâ—ll Distresse Is rooted in among ¶ Then fy of lingering Hope That feedes our fancy so Yea fy â—f Hope againe I say When Hope bringes helpe to wo. ¶ I hope I hope in deede I hope what may befall I hope perchaunce more then is cause T is that which marreth all ¶ Yet such are musing mindes To make of Hope a God Which say we Hope all shall be well And nothing shall be od ¶ But ah that helpelesse Hope T is that which I do blame Which hateth helpe and heapeth wo Oh fy on that for shame ¶ Yet â—till to Hope some be In bondage and in thrall By whom they Hope for to haue helpeâ— When so it doth befall Hope is helpe Of a happie exchaunge LEaue of to muse my friendes for to beholde my state I liued once in deepe Disdaine my hearte did burne in hate The Tediouse toyling time of my tormoyling dayes Brought soâ—row inwardly to 〈◊〉 whâ—â—â—â—â—ttes a thousand wayes Mâ—leâ—teâ— so my minde bâ—reaued sâ— my rest As often times I did accounte my selfe to be vnblest And pondering with my selfe how vsuall constraint Inâ—orced me to seeke some meaâ—â— my gréeues for to depaint Then see how â—ortune â—onâ— for me did put in â—re A â—aling out not by Desert for me she did procure Whereby I had iust cause each thing considered right To shake off belles whose sounde wâ—◠〈◊〉 and proue another flight And see if that I could prouide so for my ill As that contempte of my conceipâ—e did not offend me still Not like the mounting Dorre which buzzeth vp on hy And falleth Downe an hâ—mely taâ—â— and all to be doth lye For some do chaunge in hope of better happe and place Yet finde it workes such is ill lucke a lamentable case But I may vaunte and say more then I could before I haue my pleasure but too much and what doth youth wish more Some profit eke withall is matched for her mate The countinance of cheerefull hue me thinkes doth blesse by state The quyetnesse of minde the fearefull feare excluded The fond surmyses of my heade with odiouse othes deluded So much doth me reioyce that all thinges past and donne As to my selfe oft times I say me thinkes I heauen haue wonne For those which alwayes haue beene pent in priuate paine When as they haue release thereof they double thinke their gaine Lo thus I do conclude in this my skillesse stile And thanke the Lord whose goodnesse greate hath holpen my exile Of the Mutabillitie of this world OH wauering world vnconstant and vnkinde Oh drudge to droyle and driuell to the minde Oh toyle oh paine oh how by trauell tost Oh waues of wo that worke so for the most Oh harde to please and ready to offend Oh quicke to sinne and slowly to amend Oh prompt to speake our friend for to disease Oh flacke to helpe but quickly to displease Oh eares to heare each tatling tale vs brought Oh tongue to taunt whereby is mischiefe wrought Oh gruppilouse mindes desirouse to haue gaine Oh hazardes hard which harbors in the braine Oh how we are by â—ickle Fancie led Oh how we seeke to haue our humor fed Oh how we harke and listen vnto tales Oh ignorance how she bringes vs vnto bales Oh how we sigh when as we feele the smart Oh how before we thinke not of that part Oh how this world by Mutabillitie Doth often chaunge and bringes much miserie Many worldlinges be wilfull It is a vaine thing to molest the minde with fortunes Inconstancie MUse not a whit though Fortune frowne And turne thy ioy vnto dispight She setteth vp she pulleth downe She moueth care she brings delight Thus to and â—ro this Dame doth tosseâ— To ouerthrow Our welth to losse From welth to losse is cause of greefe And cause of greefe procures paine And paine is that would haue reliefe And where â—eliefe doth still refraine What thinke you thâ— Some sigh and say Oh fy on wo And wofull stay And wofull stay that onely is The wretched wringer of the witt The thing that lyfe would â—aine Dismisse If Ioue would so alow of it Where Reason failes And Will is Iudge What then Preuailes But Wrath and Grudge But wraâ—h and grudge what life is that Who would Desire there to bee The silly Mouse doth dread the Cat Because she feares her Crueltie Euen so annoyes
Which daily grow Bereaues the ioyes Of some I knowe Of some I know that daily faâ—â— The sower sauce of sorrowes still And yet with griefe they take repast And make a myrth of euery ill For that 's the way As wisedome shewes For to alay Dame Fortunes blowes Dame Fortunes blowes which coopled are With ouerthwartes that glutte the minde And in the stomake make such warre As life doth wish it were Resign'd Yet onely this Remembring still A time there is To end all ill He being very sicke and finding greate courtesie at his betters handes thereupon writeth LEt truth Reporte what Triall findes Conceale no praise where it is due Be bold to laude such courteous mindes As that disdaine not for to view As well the simple as the best With sickenesse when they be opprest Not like the Proude Ambitions wights Which scorne the simple for their race Where wisdome guides there are no sights For moâ—estie supplyes the place And pittie prickes their ruthfull eyes To pittie him in cares that lyes And Doubtles sure for their reward High Ioue some heauenly hap will send Besides their Fame which is Preferd Throughout the soyle where life doth lend And for my parte while life doth well I will not let the same to tell As knoweth God Which sits on hye Who euery secret thought Doth spye If I dissemble Or do faine God graunâ— good hap I neere attaine A Question vnto true Meaning WHere hast thou beene so long Truemeaning to me tell Abroad in world to seeke and search where Faithfulnesse doth dwell What hast thou found him out and where he keepes his hould I He keepes a marrish place that is both moist and colde Who bringeth him his foode firme friendes which neuer fayle And what is that they bring to him Plaine proofe which shall preuaile Why doth he keepe away because men should him craue He saith that fewe now Desire his companie to haue Who is the cause thereof Disâ—embling deepe delight Who doth allure the mindes of men to swerue from faithfull right And doth Dissembling driue Firme faithfulnesse away I. I. Truemeaning markes it well he seeth it euery day Let Flearing flatterie faune Truemeaning is but plaine Yet Truemeaning and faithfulnesse were neuer found to faine Truemeaning cannot glose ne Faithfulnesse deceaue Wherefore Truemeaning and Faythfulnesse of Dissembling take their leaue Written vnto Master S. H. IF wealth agre'd vnto my willing minde To gratify you as I doe Desire Then trust me true some present you shoulde finde For recompence but this I you require For to accept these verses heere in place Which simple be and worthles in their grace I cannot chuse exaction mouing me But write I must yet briefly I intend I am Disposed belike that you should see A fewe verses which I doe commend To your constructioÌ„ vprightly for to Deeme Then courteoâ—sly see that you them esteeme It were a fault to flatter with a â—riend A faulte nay sure a villany that 's more Where Trusty troth abids not to the end Nor promise kept as it was made before If breach thereof be proued then I say Such well deserue to be â—ut from the way Where faithfull friendship walketh voide of And firmenes fixt fond flattery to reiect guile And Deepe disseÌ„bling with her glosing stile Is put apart where Trust doth whole protect Which Trust God graÌ„t vntill our daies do endâ— Trusty to be vnto a faithfull friend No foe to a flatterer A fancy vpon fortune SIth Fortune doth assigne My ioyes they shall vntwine And cares they shall combine I must contented stand Sith that she is my foe Good lucke to ouerthrowe And haplesse hap to shew I take it at her band I take it at her hand Perforce then I must stand For to abide her band Untill she me release Her subiect and her thralâ—e Her vassaile at her call Her innocent and all So must I hould my peace Though wrong I do sustaine Alas it is in vaine For me for to complaine When Fortune knittes her face But beare it well in hearte Although it be a smart In faith without Desarte More greeuouse is my case But God that sittes on hy And guydes the cloudy skye And doth each secrete spye Respect this ruthfull tale Remember those in care Whose backe is faine to bare Untill their eyes do stare And yet they not availe How long will Fortune frette How long shall I thus sette How long shall sorrowes gette For to bereaue my ioy How long shall pleasure stay How long shall mirth delay How long shall I thus sway In depth of myne annoy Will Fortune neuer smile Will Fortune wrong compile Will Fortune still exile O now I hope and trust That fortune will me pleasure Though not with wit or treasure But quyet life and leasure Lo thus I hope and must A vowe prefixt AS Tracte of Time doth try each tradeâ— And Triall doth disclose the truth And truth is seene where proofe is made And proofe explaineth ioy or ruth So modest minde is bent to beare The mirth the mone the wâ— and care The mirth wâ— easily can vphold The more indifferently to tast The wo is neyther hoâ—e nor colde The cares be as the cause is plac'd Lo one my friend and three my foes My pensâ—ue pen doth new disclose To take each chaunce and act vpright To hearâ— eache speache that shall be tolde To laugh when cause is of delight To smyle when Fancie things behold Thus to behaue and frame thy minde Shall make thee see when some are blinde The sillie soule that droyles in durt And drinkes the dregges of deepe Disdaine Whose simple minde doth thinke no hurt By Patience doth experience gaine And closely doth conuey a smyle To cheere his minde betwene each while Thus neyther for to feare the brunte Nor yet to care for too much toyle But patiently to take thy wunt Till Tracte of Time do giue the â—oyle And like as trees their Blossomes shed So cares be past when man is deadeâ— Patience is profitable A quyet life is sure a world of wealth A meane to mirth a preparatiue for healâ—h WHat 's that hath cha ung'd thy state my friend to me declare What 's that hath eas'd thy feare and toyles of former trade What 's that which makes thee now at libertie from care Doth pleasure now possesse the place which greefe did once inuade No t is a quyet life whiâ—h is the worlde of welth A meane to moue vs vnto mirth a preparatiue to healthâ— For where Discention digges there Sorrow sowes her sâ—edeâ— Where fearefullnesse is founde there pleasantnesse is voyde Where soaking sighes be sonke what passions then it breedes I me report to those which be with those extreemes anoy'd For sure â— quyet life is euen the world of wealth A meane to moue vs vnto mirth preparatiue to health The hearte which haunted is with dayly dreedfull doubtes Is in a prison pent in paine procuring still vnrest And when their happens
to take his due He heares some false reporte in hand which makes his heart to rue But he that bends his eare to euery â—atling tale Shall neuer be without a cause to busie him with bale Aâ—d he shall haue conceipts to coople with his will And some fond fancy put in vse to feede his humour still Wherfore a head that 's stai'd with steady â—amed braine Is vvorth a Masly Mounte of mucke that worldlings seeke to gaine For riches flieth loose where Rashnes rulâ—s the â—and And Right ReasoÌ„ is cut off vvhere Rigor seemes to staÌ„d But vnto false Report that fables feine and finde Esteeme of them no other vvaies but blastes of bootles vvind Put finger in thy eare and harke not to there taleâ— For they are motions mou'd by those that loue to heare of bales So shall each state stand fast and steady on his gound He shall not be accounted wise that folly doth confound So shall he sovv in ease and reape againe in ioy So shall he vvin the wished hap that wresteth downe anoy Wherefore I count him vvise that bridle can his braine And not too rashly ruÌ„ in rage though cause doth him coÌ„straine Verses vnto his Muse. MUse not my minde of worldly thinges Thou sâ—e'st what care to some it bringes The merriest minde from folly free Sometimes conceaues discourtesie Which is the occasion oft of Ire Through frowarde will which kindles fire But if thou wilt liue well at ease And worldly wights seeke for to please Then frame thy nature to this plight In each respect to deale vpright Thou seest my Muse how Fancie â—edes And what Desire in some it breâ—des Thou seest that those which haue bene well Haue not the skill thereof to tell But tâ—inke to get a better place When as they worke their owne Disgrace For why from heauen they chaunge to hell In deepe despite for time they dwell So is our fickle fancie fraught Whom can we blame but tickle Thought The sillie bird that dreedes no ill But singes with ioyfull notes ful shrill Is by the craft of birders arte Ketcht to her paine and carefull smart For why the lime her winges doth charge Who erâ— to fore did fly at large And then she resteth as we see To try the birders Courtesie Euenso if some do thee intrap Thou must needes stay to trye thy hap Wherefore who well can them content Haue seldome cause for to repent For if thou well doe feele thy selfe Chaunge not that life for worldly pelfe You know the ease of quyet minde Is happiest gifte by Ioue assign'd Admit that riches do encrease And then the quyet life surcease What is 't the better for the gilt When fretting fumes sweet rest haue spilt To haue both welth and quyet vaine Oh happie wightes that it attaine Oh golden dayes of quyet state When fortune giues no crabbed mate And on the other side I say O cursed life that euery day Doth not escape from furious fittes Which heates the hearte woundes the wites The merry meane I hould for best Oh happie wightes that it inuest Thâ— labouring man with breade and drinke Liues merrier in mind I thinke Then some which féede on dayntie fare Whose Corpes sufficed yet haue greate care For sure that meate digestes not well Where merrie measure doth not dwell Oh Life most happie still I say That liues at rest and hath to pay And lyeth downe with quyet minde The rest to take that Ioue asign'd Verses vpon the troubles of this Worlde OH troublesome world the worker of wâ—e bale Of bitter biasces of stormes that stint no stryfe Oh hazardes hard which heape vp such a gale In furiouse wise that gréefe is greedy ryfe In vaine with worldly welth is any wight indued If that by mightie Ioue it be not still renewed The cares are greate to cause the minde to muse Of this and that that happeneth oft awrye The Fates be fond that doth vs oft abuse Wherein consisteth a greate perplexetie For whilst with ioyes we seeke to haue relife In meane tune comes some cause of double griefe Thus sharpely shap'd are shimmering shewes that shine To bleare the eyes that very fame would see Such pleasant sightes whose asâ—ect doth incline No wight to wo nor moues to miserie To carke to care to gréefe nor to disease Oh happie wight whom Fortune so doth please But for to tell for truth now which be they My wit is small and cunning it is lesse I cease to speake my sense serues not to say For if perchaunce I should not name aright They would me deeme some mome or doltish wight But this to say the wight that most doth spend His Time in ioy hath some time care among The world is such the best for to offend To reaue their rest that would be free from wrong So some do spend the Wicked World in feares Which for one ioy doth bring a Mâ— cares Verses in declaration of a friend written at the request of P. W. MY Muse did moue me my pen in hand to take In skillesse wise vnsteady to eâ—dyte But sith it is here written for your sake Accept it well and construc it aright For of a friende I do intende to treate What is a friende right well I can repeate For to declare by iust probation true What is a friend and what a friend should be A friend standes firme in causes olde or new He flitteth not as fickle friendes we see He keepes his oth he fosters eke no guyle He laugheth not with face of craftie wile A friend is fraught with faith and fastened stay A friend kepes close that is to him disclosed A friend heares not that may his friend betraye But he declares vnto his friend Deposed A friend in woe which sayleth not at need A friend so found I call a friend in deede A friend doth mourne and languish in his heart A friend lamentes when as his friend doth fall A friend doth muse to helpe his friende in smart A friend doth marke and to his minde doth call How to Disnull the dolours of Disdaine which he perceaues do put his friend to paâ—ne Loe this my friende if that thou finde by Tryall That firme and fâ—st is kept a vow once made Thou canst not then procure a wronge Denyall But that he is a friend of friendly trade If such you finde keepe him and be not straunge For fickle friends for euery folly chaunge I hope this shall suffise to satisfy This your request I write it not for gaine But glad if that herein I do discry Such wordes as do lay open verie plaine The friendly factes of those whose friendly lore Doth winne them praise and so of this no more Verses vpon Hope declared by Motion and Answere Motion My hope is helpe which lendes my minde reliefe Though care be cause Some times to force my griefe Aunswere As griefe doth gripe and moues the heart to meane So hope is help'd by priuie thoughts
alone Motion By thought alone is that soone help'd indeede Ten thousand thoughtes shall then my fancy feede Aunswere Well if thou thinke with fastened minde and stayâ— Thy thought will helpe in thinking what there may Motion With time comes thingesâ— vnlike at first to proue So hope of Time when dolours doe thee moue Aunswere Such counsells good I take in friendly part And yeeld you thankes with willing minde and hart Verses written at the Departure of his friende W. â— When hee went to Dwell at London THe abâ—ence of a friend is griefe vnto the hart The presence of him worketh â—oyâ— and putteth backe the smart So will my onely Will the absence now of thee Doth make me waile in woful wise to thinke that it should bee But when thy friendly Corpes shall present be to view Then shal I ioy as now I mourne that absence makes me rue But well I must content my dolefull minde with this We subiect are to fortunes lore as certaine true it is Yet this I doe persuade that absence hath no force A faithfull friend to make vnkinde that were without remorce I doe not thinke that Will will so his friend forget But will remaine in former will and be not ouer set By any light conceipte which doth procure vnrest To bring disdaine whereas delight should build within the brest No no I am disposed to speake this by the way But Trust me Will beleeue me now I doubt not as I say For I am firmely fixt thy friendship will not faile Although that absence might procure the same for to preuaile Well for a vauntlesse vow accept this at my hand As I haue beene so will I beâ— good Will so vnderstand Verses sent vnto Master P. W. to Cambridge IF gratulations Sir from secret faithfull heart May at your handes accepted be and taken in good part Or if a barren verse wherein doth rest no skill May yeeld vnto you such delight as Motions mou'd by Will Then Sir as Time outweares the length of euery life Which bringeth some in happy blisse and some in dole and strife So Time oft takes in hand a matter of erection And though at first it seeme vnlike in fine it hath perfection When this considered is me thinkes it hath a grace Which oft delightes the dolefull minde and yeeldes it some solace And though Sir I presume to take in hand the penne I knowe full well to whom I writeâ— and what conceaue I then I streight persuade my selfe as Triall hath me tolde That there doth rest in Courteous brâ—sâ— receypts tenne thousand folo Which waied who would not then inforce his doltish braine To wryte his verse to such a one who neuer will disdaine The basenesse of the same though sound it doe of paine Whose â—aten pipes doe ioy such mates as handle Flayle and Sawe Your friendes are all in health your foes God graunt them foyle And figge for those that wish you ill let grumbling snudge goe moyle A letter I you sent wherein I did discharge To write effect of your request and fathers speech at large Concerning Master B. who nowe in Cambridge Towne By fauours letter there receiued God graunt he so sit downe As when he ryseth vp all wildenesse be exilde Which is the grounde of gracelesse greeâ—e where mischiefe seemes to buylde Thus Sir I rest your owne with true and faithfull hart Crauing of God that you may liue a life deuoyde of smart Other verses written vnto him vvhen hee was at Iâ—svvich With a Caueat vvhich was in Printe sente at the same Time IF will doe wish not want can holde me backe Although I finde my cunning is but small Or if I should Discourse what I doe lacke As I haue cause if well to minde I call Then might I cease and be content to stay The skillesse verses which I ofte displaye I faine would frame some cunning in my â—â—â—le And Poet like to notefie my minde I haue desire such matter to compile As may content although in Trueth I fâ—nde I want Dame learning which is the chiefest thinge Praise to procure and credit for to bringe But what meane I to be obedient Unto obliuion so vyle a thinge Why do I cease so longe for to present That to withold which I of right should bring Belike it is because the chaunged state Hath chaung'd my Muse and put in feaâ—e of rate Some other matter Differing from the first Auoyding sadnesse workes a sudden feare A sudden chaunge from that which was the worst Doth suddenly discharge the minde of care And on the sudden seemeth such delight As moueth mirth more then I can resite But Sir if I should breake my inwarde hearte In secrete sort as I do it inuest I must haue Time for that I would imparte But I do hope that this among the rest Shall simply serue as Toaken which I sende My Truth and troth to you for to commend With vowes to vaunte the loyall loue I beare To you and all that is Sir of your name It were but vaine for I Dare iustly sweare You do I hope so construe of the same My duetie donne to you and all the rest I you commend to him which is the best Prouyder for all men who alwayes prosper your proceedings A caueat conuenient for younkers to see How fickle Dame Fancie doth chaung her degree DRaw neere you Impes of youthfull race respect my wordes a while Beware in Time turne from that place where Fancie most doth smile Let not the shew of smyling lookes encourage thee to lust Least thou be tooke with poysoned hookeâ— where most thou put'st thy Trust. Dost thou not see it is not rare to vse deceiptfull wayes For if thou rightly wilt compare and marke well the delayes Thâ—n shalt thou finde such craftie vaine such soothing voyd of truth As puts each honest heart to paine and turnes their mirth to ruth The modest mind which markes the loreâ— and state of this our time Doth inwardly in hearte deplore tâ— construe of each crime Committed thorow follie fond The mother of Debate Which makes no acompt to keepe the bond of Truth or trustie state Yet marke how foolish wanton Will by Fancie brought a sleepe Will seeme to playe the noddey stillâ— in daunger more to creepe When as by proofe sufficient it plainely doth appeare How Lewdenesse leanes to theire intent and it some will not heare Though in their eares it sounded be eke each day in their sâ—ght They blynded are they can not see and why then shall I write For sooth because they sensâ—esie seeme being lulled so in lust And yeâ— they Prudently esteeme the factes of some vniust And in theire heart do sacrifice profoundly and deuout As though in deede that might suffise to bring their fetch about Alas a lack I mourne I waile I sigh I sob to see That foolish fancie shâ—uld preuaile to winne the chiefe degree In mortall mindes which are but clay and flesh the wormes to feede And