THE BEGGAR'S APE.  
LONDON. Printed by B. A. and T. Faucet. for L Chapman. 1627.   

THE BEGGAR'S APE.  

ABout that Month whose name at first begun  
From great AUGUSTUS, that Rome's Empire won:  
When the fierce Dog of Heaven, begun to rise  
To bait the Lion in th' Olympian skies.  
Whose hot fire-breathing influence did crack  
With too much heat our aged Grandames back,  
Lapping up Rivers with his blaring tongue  
T'allay the thirst which his proud stomach stung.  
Then did each Creature languish pant and beat  
Under the influence of this horrid heat,  
And I that oft in my low seated Cell  
Had felt the burning of his fury fell:  
Upon a time Aurora shining fair  
Went forth to take the solace of the air.  
And in those Meads beyond the lofty Towers  
Of that white Palace, where the nightly hours  
Have oft been spent in sounds of Music sweet  
And active motion of the nimble feet:  
Where earthly sons by night were seen to move,  
Whilst many hearts were fired with flames of Love..  
There I made choice to walk before the Sun  
Had shown his face, within our Horizon;  
But on those banks by which each turning tide  
Thames lovely Isis with calm streams doth glide,  
I had not walked long ere Days bright King  
TO Olympus top his golden Car did bring:  
Whose Steeds with sting of his free lashes driven  
With such swift speed did gallop through the heaven,  
That Nature's fair productions here beneath  
Did seem to melt under their burning breath,  
The winged inhabitants both of earth and sky  
That too and fro in th' open air did fly  
To Thickets, Woods, and Groves, swift concourse made  
To shroud themselves under their leavy shade,  
The bleating Lamb and little wand'ring Sheep  
That in the open fields before did keep,  
Forsaking their ●…ree laice, all flocking came  
To seek for shelter against Sol's burning flame.  
And l'mongst the rest compelled by heat  
Which on my head did violently beat  
To seek some covert shade strait took my way  
Unto a Grove which near confining lay.  
Where when I came the lofty trees, I clad  
In Summer's pride did cast a cooling shade,  
Under whose leaves from Phoebus' burning rays  
Sweet birds sat singing their Melodious lays,  
There sat I down upon the grassy ground  
A midst those silent shades encompassed round  
By levy trees that Arbour wise did spread  
There goodly arms thick branched above my head,  
But as I there myself did closely shroud  
The cheerful voice of many laughing loud  
All suddenly did penetrate mine ear  
Which did appall my sense with sudden fear  
And casting round about my rolling eye  
Without the wood I chanced to espy  
A ragged crew of folk all set around  
About a sunny bank upon the ground  
They all were clad in rags of Beggary  
Taking no keepe of any faculty  
Or honest calling to rely upon,  
For trade or true profession had they none;  
And now to pass the tedious time away  
With pleasant tales as in the Sun they lay  
Each one in course the other did succeed  
Which much content amongst themselves did breed  
And I to be partaker of their mirth  
Being closely hidden with a hill of earth  
Unheard or seen conveyed myself so near  
That all their chat I un-espied did hear;  
Some told of battles and of bloody fights,  
And some of Ladies and of love's delights  
And some of dire events and Tr●…gicall  
And some of lests and loves sports Comical:  
But amongst the ●…out one well I wot there was  
That all the rest in fluent speech did pass  
Who with good utterance that became him well  
A pretty story of an Ape did tell.  
All which for that it seemeth unto me  
Worthy their view whose thoughts delighted be  
In moral discipline I will unfold it  
And in those terms in which the Beggar told it.   

Not many years (quoth he) are past and gone  
Since heaven's fair Virgin in her silver throne  
From forth her lap such golden blessings threw  
As if th' old Age again she would renew,  
And at that time the vast world's Forest wide  
Decked in the Summer's coat of Aestas pride  
Did flourish and grow proud in lusty prime  
Beneath the Sunshine of sweet summer's time  
There many jovial trees shoot up on high  
With threatening heads did seem to veil the sky  
Beneath the shade of whose protecting arms  
The Birds sat singing free from sea efull harms,  
The Beasts likewise might all securely go  
About the Forest roaming too and fro,  
For with the Eagle that ●…e climbing bird  
And his consorts they late had made accord,  
And unto peaceful state all things to bring  
As meet it was they made the Lion King;  
And at that season many beasts found grace  
That lived obscure before and in mean place.  
Amongst whom a beast that was of Secrops brood  
Whom of a man jove in his ir●…ull mood,  
Detesting his deceitful guile did make  
So foul a beast that no man could him take  
T'have been a man, yet was it with such skill  
That being a beast a man he favoured still.  
His limbs in lesser space than man's are knit  
Beneath his Eyes his Nose more flat doth fit  
And like the face which c●…abbed age doth spill  
Deep wrink●… frowne-like his front did ●…l;  
There to his Apish limbs ●…re every where  
Thick over grown with sallow coloured hair,  
And 〈◊〉 in land of Ape's Isle, love did place  
There to abide and never show his face  
Amongst us men, where he not long did stay  
Eree 'mongst the beasts lewd pranks he 'gan to play;  
For in the golden Age the world's first spring  
Even in the palace of the Forest's King,  
His witty w●…s he oft in practice put  
Them to deceive; for which his tail w●… cut;  
Exiling him for evermore from thence  
To the Ape I'll again for his off●…e.  
But he that long time there l●…'d all a mort  
His tail being ●…ut, for coming to the Court  
Of better fortunes now 'gan cogitate  
And forth he comes to mend his mean estate,  
His way unto the For●…est strait he takes  
And in his journey this observance makes  
Who lived disgraceful, who in favour were  
And 'bout the Ly●…n who chief Place did bear;  
The golden fleeced Sheep he first did spy  
Pattern of patience, and simplicity  
grazing obscurely amongst the meaner sort  
As being a stranger in the Lion's Court;  
" For who so bears simplicities true badge  
" To live in Princes Courts do seldom fadge.  
And though the silly Sheep contented were  
For that plain honest life, which he did bear  
Yet for his golden Fleece against his will  
He was acquainted with the Courtiers still.  
Fast by the Sheep the humble Ox did graise  
Who for he sought not his estate to raise,  
Was held in base contempt for his meek mind  
" Meekness in Greatness we so seldom find.  
The Ape being glad to see the Sheep's bad case  
And plain simplicity in such disgrace  
Thought with himself as true it was indeed  
That wily wit would stand him in best steed,  
And on his way he forth 'gan wend a pace  
Hoping at Court to find such future grace;  
That in the end he doubted not to bring  
Himself in favour with the Forest King.  
Where when he came himself he did apply  
T'observe all fashions with an heedful eye,  
The first on whom he any notice took  
Was that high horned beast who in his look  
Bears signs apparent of his secret mind  
To wit the Goat, a lover borne by kind  
For he the habit had of all chief sleights  
In wanton loves and Ladies Court delights.  
On which most Gallants now their wits do prove  
To serve their Ladies and their Lemons love.  
But he surpassed them all for he could sing  
In chanting songs, and on the warbling string  
Of Viol sweet thereto divinely played  
The sound of which would charm the chaistest Maid,  
For which he 〈◊〉 of Females so approved  
That they 'boue 〈◊〉 the rest him chiefly loved;  
Yet he with whally eyes and shaggy beard  
And welked horns so Satirlike appeared  
That such a grim faced fellow would affright  
A lewd Faustinaes' self in darkest night,  
Thereto his body did so rankly smell  
That he himself might not abide it well;  
But he that fault did hide with pleasing sent  
Of sweet perfume when ere abroad he went,  
The Ape him oft beheld in passing by  
And in his service would his fortune try  
By means made by the Monkey, his near friend  
Who on the Goat chief servant did attend.  
But lo not long he stood thus all a mort,  
Ere he beheld at entering of the Court  
A troop of Gallants, rushing in the way  
All proudly clad in strange and rich array,  
With wide-big-bason looks they all did gape  
In passing by upon the silly Ape.  
For much pride (full well I wot) they took  
To daunt a stranger with a scornful look;  
Thereto, from fullest mouths they took delight  
With horrid Oaths, the golden Stars to smi●…e,  
Ne gave they due regard, or Reverend love  
Unto the King of Gods the thundering jove,  
But all their Paeans consecrated be  
To drunken Bacchus on low bended knee.  
The chief amongst these that bore supremest sway  
Was the fell Boar, who with the least delay  
Even for a look misdeemed, would hazard life  
In any furious broil or bloody strife.  
With him came many Beasts that did delight  
In sternefull rage, debate, and bloody fight:  
And therefore loved ever for to be  
Together with the Boar in company.  
There came the Tiger, who withouten dread  
Was into any danger headlong lead.  
The wrathful Bear, whom in his fiery rage  
Nought else but blood and vengeance might assuage,  
The Bull and Ram, who both courageous were  
But wanted wit in fury to forbear.  
Amidst this Crew a simple beast there was  
To Court being newly come, to wit, the Ass,  
Whom they with fawning speech and threats withal  
So wrought unto their will, that at their call  
They had both him and his, and sooth to say  
Enriched with golden store, he was fit pray  
For such in Court whose credit waxed bare,  
So witless was he and so void of care;  
For he of late had lest his Country home  
His Sire being dead, and now to Court was come,  
Where all a flaunt, he riots and consumes  
In gold, in silver, silk and sweet perfume●…  
His old Sires, ill-got-goods now goes to wrack,  
Farms, Forests, Fields, he bears upon his back,  
And never deems what Fate will him betide  
When all is spent by his unseemly pride.   

The Ape that had observed with heedful eye  
The stout demeanour of this Company,  
took little liking to this kind of life,  
For he ne loved for to be in strife;  
Ne favour would he with such peril win,  
" But thought best sleeping in the soundest skin.  
Long did he lurk about the Court in vain,  
Before his close intent he could obtain:  
" But he that doth his Fate with heed attend,  
" Seldom but finds good Fortune in the end.  
And at the last good Fortune being his guide,  
An old acquaintance he in Court espied;  
To wit, the Fox, who found in Court such grace  
That he about the King had gotten place.  
For the Dread Lion loathing Luxury  
" The Cankerworm of true Nobility,  
T'allay the pride that in the flesh bears sway  
And banish loathsome Idleness away:  
To spend his golden hours did still devose  
In Kingly pastime and fair exercise,  
There to rich gifts, Princelike he gave to those,  
That did themselves to exercise dispose;  
Thereby to purge his Court to case inclined.  
And base floath banish from the Noble mind.  
In which the Fox, his Sou●…aigne did so please,  
Seeming the common Enemy of ease:  
That he himself in much grace did bring  
With the bold Lion, his dread Lord and King.  
But he soul Carle (not as his King) did make  
This use of exercise for virtue's sake,  
But gave himself thereto with this intent  
To c●…eepe in favour with foul blandishment  
To him the Ape in humble manner came  
To scrape acquaintance and make known his name;  
But the proud Fox, though him he well did know,  
Like a true Courtier 'gan himself to show  
With Elboe pride, and cast of scornful eye  
He stoutly stalked upon his tiptoes high  
Disdaining to th' Ape's words to lend his ear  
Though he of yore his old acquaintance were.  
And in such proud contempt he passed by,  
That the Apes former hopes began to dye;  
Being in despair his mean estate to mend  
Forsaken thus of his old fellow friend.   

But the sly Fox advising all this while  
How the Ape being witty, prompt, and full of guile,  
" And that two working wits will soon prevail  
" In any plot when one may chance to fail;  
Strait sends unto the Ape and greets him well,  
Bidding him come to him his case to tell.  
The forlorn Ape being almost in despair  
With double diligence did make repair  
Unto the Fox, to whom obeisance made  
These famous words in humble wise he said.   

All hail (grave Sir) quoth he, good fates attend  
Your steps in Court, still Fortune be your friend  
And in sweet showers, th'auspicious heaven's down-shed  
Their bounteous blessings on your reverend head.   

The Fox him thanking, answered in this sort.  
But say (Sir Ape) what wind brings you to Court?  
Seems you have lived in some barren place  
And want life's need m●…nts for to do you grace;  
For you be grown so meager lean and wan,  
That scarce your legs your limbs upholden can.  
For which, I ween, you want that wont wit  
And judgement sharp, that seemed of yore to sit  
In th'●…lke same head, by which you could at need  
Both help yourself and stand your friend in steed.   

Ah me (Sir Reynald) said the wretched Ape  
Of all the Forest hardest is my hap  
That I unhappy wretch, thus as you ●…e  
Am made the scorn of other beaats to be;  
Yet nevertheless Sir, if of your grace you please  
You of your bounty may my fortune's case,  
And set my wit in the old working way  
" Want of employment makes best wits decay.   

Now certes (said the Fox) y●…e say right well,  
" For custom doth in power so excel;  
" That virtues self in the most liberal mind  
" For want of it oft times decayed we find  
" And use being common made in useful things  
" Vice to inseparable habit brings.  
Then pity 'twere, so ripe a wit you have  
The want of good employment should deprane.  
Read then, Sir Ape, what course you do intend  
And if in it my help may you befriend:  
Doubt not to find for old acquaint●…ce sake  
My furtherance in any course you take.   

To this the Ape, deep sighing, thus did say  
Ah (noble Sir) y blessed be this day,  
That with such hap good fortune did me greet  
As with yourself so happily to meet;  
For well I ween, I only hope to rise  
By sage instruction of your sound device.  
Then read (fair Sir) of favour I you pray  
What custom in the Court now bears chief sway  
To what thing most is that Her●…icke mind  
Of our dread Sovereign chiefly now inclined,  
" For well I wot the subject that will bring  
" Himself in favour with his Lord and King,  
" What his Lord likes at least must seem to love  
" And of his fancy must always approve.   

Surely, said Reynald, this which you have spoken  
Of your grave judgement gives sufficient token,  
And know, that now the Lion's chief delight  
Is to behold those that in nimble fight,  
Can best pursue the wilder beasts in chase  
And such as they be now in special grace;  
For he with idle ease may not away  
The obstacle to virtues best assay.  
And therefore least good days may be misspent  
To noble exercise he still is bend:  
Ne do I doubt but you by pregnant wit  
To any exercise yourself can fit,  
And though of foo●…manship you be not slow  
Yet none amongst the best of beasts I know  
In all the woods with you compared may be  
For nimbleness and swift Agility.  
By which you may in frowning Fates despite  
Purchase you favour in your Sovereign's sight.   

Ah (dear Sir) said the Ape, yble●…ed be  
Your life with length of days for Charity  
To me poor wretch. But say Sir, I you pray  
By what step shall I make my best assay  
To gain the Forests King unto my friend  
" A good beginning makes a happy end.   

To this the Fox replied, Sir Ape, said he  
Well have you said, yet that my business be  
Mean while your wits for my employment frame  
For in the Forest we will find good game.  
" Let Drudge●… by base toil there living get  
" The generous borne will only live by wit;  
This said, the subtle Fox in secret wise  
The Ape 'gan counsel with such sound advice  
That in short space in Court he g●…t much grace  
When those of more desert could find no place.  
" For few there be, that for good gifts of mind  
" Or virtues bare regard do favour find  
" Only they rise that can by guileful wit  
" Serve their own turn with gainful benefit,  
" The honest mind from thence is made to fly  
" When shameless ribaulds are advanced high  
" The simple-hearted are accounted base,  
" When bold and impudent are most in grace,  
" Vain boasting Thrasoes, soothing Flatterers,  
" Sly cogging Gnatoes, secret whisperers,  
" Tale-bearing Fl●…erers, and false accusing lacks,  
" There bear best shows upon their golden backs.  
Mongst whom the Ape did bear himself so well  
That he in rich attire did far excel;  
And eke his sides with flesh so filled were,  
That not a bone did any where appear.  
Ne, few him knew that knew him well before  
T'have been the wretched Ape he was of yore,  
For never more did Proteus change his shape;  
For to deceive, than did this wily Ape  
At first with lowly looks and humble mind,  
Himself in great States favour he did wind,  
With Sycophantlike tricks, he took delight,  
With every lack to play the Parasite.  
To soothe, to cog, to fawn, to lie, to swear,  
To crouch, to gloze, and patiently to bear  
All gross abuse, to take up every word  
Fallen from the lying lips of some great Lord:  
To laugh, look sad, to like and dislike both,  
To say and unsay, swear and forswear troth.  
But when by humble service and long suit  
In Court he came to be of some repute,  
He many subtle sleights did quickly find  
T'exhalt himself when others came behind:  
Then waxed he proud, and bend his guileful wit  
To turn all things to his own benefit;  
False of his faith, yet prodigal in word,  
Dark in his talk, yet seldom would afford  
Poor ' Suitors hearing; but unless they came  
With golden warrants signed for the same:  
Yet if that Suitors means for suits would use,  
Whom better, than Sir Ape, could any choose;  
For many a Cankerworm of common state  
Some farming Huckster, or Sea runagate.  
T'increase their private good by public ill,  
Might through his help with ease obtain their will.  
Thus the sly Ape with natural wit endowed,  
Grew great in wealth, by wealth grew wondrous proud.  
" For costly wealth even to the basest wight  
" Gives golden wings to soar a losty flight.   

Now while the Ape did study more and more  
By daily begging to increase his store,  
The Fox that idle was, but by his wit  
For the Apes turn still laid foundation fit,  
And on a time I ween, above the rest,  
To th' Ape he cometh with a merry jest.  
(Sir Ape) quoth he, if you my friend will stand,  
We will not want t'have gold at our command;  
For I in Court have found a gallant gull  
Whom of his gold, (of which he yet is full)  
We well may sleece, if you will lend your aid  
To which in haste, the Ape this answer made.   

Say in good sooth, Sir Reynald, I you pray,  
In what my word and deed you helpen may  
And of what Mister wight make you report  
I know him not? spends he his days in Court?   

Yes, quoth the Fox, to Court he came of late  
And well I wot he is a jolly mate;  
It is to wit, the Ass, whose aged sire  
Did toil himself and drudge for daily hire  
And left his thrifty gain unto his son  
To gentilize it here when he was gone.   

Said then the Ape, foul shame such fools betid  
That to maintain their sons unthristy pride  
Will bow their labouring backs and take no pleasure  
For all their pains upon their hardrackt treasure.   

The Fox replied, you seem to be a Foe  
To gentle kind; for if it were not so,  
How should the Forest in a moment space,  
Breed so much gentle-blood of meaner race,  
And sooth to say, this Ass though meanly borne  
Yet through much wealth, made wondrous full of scorn.  
An humour strange in his conceit doth feed  
That by descent he comes of Noble breed.  
It was my chance the other day to be  
With th'horned Goat, and him in company,  
Who both were clad in goodly rich array:  
But in attire, the Ass was far more gay.  
His head with plume of Feathers was bedight,  
His trappings all with Bells and Bosses bright  
Was richly furnished, which with more pride  
Hung down unto the ground on either side.  
These lusty Gallants to increase their fame,  
In their conceits at Knighthood both doth aim.  
Which if for them we can by friends obtain,  
We shall not sail for meed t'have double gain;  
For the A●…e so vain appears, that he will give  
His whole estate, ere he unknighted live.  
And for the Goa●…, we shall have golden fee  
Of Female kind, that they may Ladyed be.  
Being dubbed by him; Say then (Sir Ape) I pray  
Good gain is oft times lost by long delay.   

Sir Reynald, said the Ay, my forward mind  
Brookes no delay, where I a mean may find  
To work my will: but know that your intent  
Makes me much doubt, the sequel of th'event:  
For this high Order is to those assigned,  
That famous be for virtue of the mind,  
Or for some high atchivement; for their ●…eed  
Have purchased it, to glorify their deed.  
How may we then bring such a thing to pass,  
As purchase Knighthood for the golden Ass.   

Tush, quoth the Fox, the world now doth not see  
The thing that is, but that which seems to be.  
And he whose tongue the tail of Grea●…nesse licks  
If he will thrive, his Conscience never sticks  
To overgild, and lift up to the skies  
With deepest o●…hes, inventions blackest lies;  
And that we may our purpose bring to pass,  
We must obscure the folly of the Ass.  
The virtues rare that beautify his mind,  
We must applaud, thereby the world to blind;  
And say and swear, that he amongst the best  
Of all the Forest is the hopeful'st beast;  
So to the world they both shall seem to be  
For virtue's sake, much worthy this degree.   

Now certes, said the Ape, this is good leasing  
And to the Lion it will sure be pleasing:  
When in the Forest he shall hear the fame,  
Which in their high applause we can proclaim.  
Mean time, Sir Reynald, back return with speed  
Unto them both, and tell them 'tis decreed,  
That worthy they shall wear the golden Spur  
Like two true sons of Mars, and ne'er incur  
The hazard of the Field, but only this,  
To have our fee before, we may not miss.   

Tush, quoth the Fox, be confident in me,  
A fool he is that will behind hand be:  
If that our purpose have but good event  
The gain is ours, near think your pains misspent.  
This said, themselves they both began t'apply  
T'effect their purpose, all their friends they try;  
And such applause●… daily they impute  
To the Ass and Goat, for whom they make this suit  
That in the end both twain in pomp and pride  
Were dubbed Knights errand, of the Forest wide  
Of whom in guerdon of their much pains  
The begging Ape and Fox had golden gains,  
So both think well themselves apaid to be  
They with their Knighthood, th'other with their Fee.  
But let not such base Lossels that account  
All merit vain, and only hope to mount  
Themselves with golden wings to such degree  
That seek to purchase it with base Fee;  
And think a silver silken vestiment  
A gilded Spur, or strange acoutrement  
The fruits of brainsick fancies fond delight  
The only means to make a perfect Knight.  
Let not such dunghill brood of Kestrill kind  
That unto honour never cast their mind  
Dismay the noble spirit that assays  
Through deeds of Arms his name on high to raise;  
For bare degrees that want true virtue's merit  
Shall in fames golden book no place inherit.  
When Honour, Meede, and noble virtues praise  
In Swan-white age finds fresh and youthful days;  
Then let not fond Sir Ass, disgraceful seem  
To those that for their worth and high esteem  
In virtues bare regard exalted be  
By Prince's grace to place of such degree;  
Let boasting Bragadochioes of our time  
And golden-handed Churls, that seek to climb  
To places of such high credit, inly burn  
And with the vain Sir Ass, the Beggar spurn;  
So shall the Ape their follies still deride  
And fleece their store for their aspiring pride.  
Who tasting once the sweet delights that came  
By this his Begging trade, himself did frame  
With golden fees of daily Begging base,  
Shamelight on gain got with so foul disgrace;  
Yet shameless he continued begging still  
To glut the gulf of his unsatiate will.  
Which many noble beasts did soon espy  
On whom the Lion's safety did rely,  
To whose great wisdom and forecasting cares  
Committed were the Forest's chief Affairs.  
But amongst them all, that most illustrate beast  
That worthy Counsellor from heaven yblest,  
The noble Elephant took special heed  
That out of Court such Beggars he might we●…d.  
And sooth to say, as greeks do well recite  
With crooked Trumpet he could truly write,  
And by the working of his prudent mind  
Could oft obscure the wits of humane kind;  
For on his care the Kingdom's happiness  
Did most depend, and for her worthiness  
To him committed was in custody  
The keeping of the common Treas●…rie.  
This worthy Peer, who daily did behold  
The shameless begging of these Beggars bold  
In wisdom diverse ways did cast about  
To find the wily Ape's soul knavery out.  
But th' Ape so well him bore that long it was.  
E●…e th' Elephant could bring his will to pass;  
Mean time like as the Leech upon the store  
From greedy sucking ne'er desists, before  
The place be bloodless left exhausted dry  
So did th' Ape to th' Ass himself apply.   

For when the doltish beast yclept was  
Through all the Court (by name of height Sir Ass)  
Pust up with pride, he thought himself to be  
The fairest beast that ever eye did see,  
He learned had to prance with stately pace  
To rain his Asses head with losty grace  
And in each point himself so high to bear  
As if that he some noble Pal●…ray were;  
Which pride of his, was laughed so to scorn:  
Of every beast that knew him to be borne  
Of base descent, yet he through want of wit  
Swollen proud by wealth, such folly did commit,  
That he their common Gull accounted was  
And bore the title of the golden Ass.   

Which th' Ape did well peroeive, & with vain shows  
Of feigned friendship 'gan with him to gloze,  
With soothing tongue his folly he did feed  
And gave him counsel by some glorious deed  
To amplify his name in every place,  
He knew he was not come of Asses race;  
But racher sprung of some such noble breed  
As swift winged Pegas●… that heavenly Steed.  
He wished him therefore in a single race  
To challenge th' Horse, thereby to get him grace  
Ne did he doubt but he should win the day  
If he with courage bold but gave th' Assay.   

Sir Ass, with self conceit being mo●…'d in mind:  
To hear his praise, forgot himself by kind  
T'have been an Ass, and in this humour sent  
A challenge to the Horse with this intent,  
To run with him before the Forest King  
In hope himself in favour for to bring.  
The day was set and chosen was the place  
Upon the open Plain to run this race;  
Where the dread King of beasts stood to behold  
The stout Sir Ass, perform his challenge bold;  
The time being come forth came the lusty Horse  
With comely grace to run th' expected course,  
Who by his stately gesture 'gan to show  
Stout signs in proud contempt of his base foe.  
His crested neck he often bowed to ground  
With foaming mouth as if he would confound  
The earth at once, and from his nostrils came  
A fiery breath as from a furnace flame;  
His pricking Ears stood startling on his head  
And of a common custom inly bred,  
In jollity of pride which did abound,  
His hollow hoof still played upon the ground;  
At last from his strong neck in neighing shrill  
With sound thereof the Forest he did fill,  
Seeming thereby to call upon Sir Ass,  
That in this challenge the appellant was.  
Who vainly vaunting with a gallant traync  
Came proudly prancing on the ample Plain;  
Where when he came beholding well the Horse  
His comely grace, brave shape, and wondrous force:  
Half in despair he did himself repent  
Of his proud challenge and bold hardiment.  
Yet with the vain applause of flattering mates  
Being proudly pricked, with Courage bold he waits,  
The time appointed to begin the race  
Before the Forest King being then in place:  
The sign once given, Sir Ass, began to run  
With greedy hope great same thereby t' have wo●….  
But the brave Horse in pace away did go  
Like winged shaft shot from a Tuscan bow,  
Or like a Swallow in the welk in bright  
That shears the subtle air with nimble flight,  
Leaving the sluggish Ass with ●…ame behind  
To know himself to be an Ass by kind.  
With much laughter bred in e●…y place  
Amongst the beasts that stood to see the race,  
Which the Ape did well observe with sly intent  
As he that knew, what would be the event;  
For when the Ass, amongst the better sort  
Was held in base contempt throughout the Court,  
And left for lost for his stupidity  
The Ape alone, did keep him company.  
Whose doltish nature by his cunning wit  
In all his actions done he did so fit,  
That in the end by craft and c●…ening fly  
He gulled the simple beast and sucked him dry.  
Who left for lost returned all a mort  
Unto his Country home, from Princes Court.  
There helpless to be wail in woeful wise  
His lavish will and wanton rioti●…e;  
O wretched end of idle vanity,  
Of misexpence and Prodig●…ity.  
You younger wits that spend your golden hours,  
Yourselves and substance in great Princes bowers;  
That quaff down Court delights, and daily swill  
The seeming sugared Nectar of your ill;  
That wear your large left patrimonies bare  
In Drink, in Dice, Dancing and dainty fate.  
That up and down in Antic shapes do jet,  
And on your golden backs do bear your debt,  
And with a vain bewitching hope struck blind  
Of idle fame do watch to catch the wind,  
Yet think yourselves all others to surpass  
In reaching wit. Behold this forlorn Ass,  
Who amongst the best, once jolly blithe and trim  
In deepest waves of sweet delight did swim;  
Now of his golden good he being bereavest  
And driven home, when scarce no ho●…e was left:  
In stead of stately bower, where he had been  
An homely Cottage gladly enters in.  
Where with sad sighs his wretched eyes do fill  
In stead of Arras and sweet paintings skill,  
Upon the broken roof and slender walls  
Sticks smoky black and Spiders dusty coals,  
In stead of sweet perfumes, the bitter smoke  
With foggy clouds his tender sight doth choke,  
In stead of Silver plate, or purest Glass  
He with the Beggar's dish now pleased was,  
In which for Wine to glad his woeful hart  
He takes cold Whey and water in good part,  
His Courtly diet fraught with many a dish  
Of diverse kinds of dainty Flesh and Fish,  
Is now become the alms of some good house  
Or homely morsel of some hungry Mouse.  
The ground his board, green grass his Carpet makes  
And for his Bed a pad of Straw he takes  
In which distress, by his own folly bred  
He weeps, he sighs, and shakes his woeful head;  
Blaming his bitter Fate, but all in vain  
Since of his wealthy store naught doth remain.  
Mean time the Ape that lived upon his loss  
Seeing the wretched fortune of the Ass,  
Did laugh to scorn his woeful misery  
And pitched his nets with fraud and subtlety;  
To circumvent the weak and simple sort  
That used to frequent the Princes Court.  
But thus while th' Ape such things to pass did bring  
About the palace of the Forest King  
The greedy Wolf his part did also play  
In woods abroad t'obtain his wished prey,  
Who was a bloody beast of wicked brood  
And sought to live by spoil of others good.  
Yet had he large possessions of his own,  
And in the woods was mighty wealthy grown,  
Whereby he daily sought in Cruel wise  
Upon the poorer Beasts to Tyrannize,  
The Woods in Common, and th'adjoining Plain  
He did convert unto his private gain;  
And meaner beasts that nigh his Den did dwell,  
He from their own abodes did oft expel.  
Amongst whom the Urchin and the Squirrel hight,  
By the Ape's help, he rob of their right:  
For in close thicket far from sight of Sun  
Where in his darksome Den the Wolf did won,  
The industrious Urchin in his little Cell,  
Not far from thence alone did chance to dwell.  
At whose good hap the Wolf did much repine  
And daily did behold with envious eyen,  
How he in sharpest Winter did enjoy  
The fruits of Summer's toil without annoy;  
For when Pomona did in winters scorn  
The Woods green heads with golden fruit adorn,  
When fields do seem to laugh, when flowers do spring  
When Beasts do play, and Birds do sweetly sing;  
Then would the Urchin watch with curiou●… eye.  
When Bore●… blast●… did cuff the Clouds in sky  
And shake the Tree when like thick showers of rain  
The Fruit would fall, the which with much pain  
Upon his bristled back, the Urchin bore  
Home to his Cell to make his winter's store,  
Whereby from winter's thrall he lived secure,  
When other Beasts much sorrow did endure.  
Now at the entry of the stern Wolves den  
The place of his abode had long time been;  
That against the State nought could be done or said,  
But by the Urchin it might be bewrayed.  
The Wolf likewise out of his greedy mood  
Did seek t'enlarge the place of his abode,  
By proud encroaching of that little Cell  
In which his neighbour, th' Urchin used to dwell;  
Wherefore he sought by death or some disgrace,  
To dispossess the Urchin of that place.  
And on a time from home as th' Urchin went  
Abroad into the Forest with intent  
As was his wont, to get such labours meed,  
As Fortune in the Forest had decreed.  
Lo in the way the ravening Wolf did watch  
This silly beast within his paws to catch,  
Whom he did often think to make his prey,  
Yet durst he not at that time give th'Assay,  
So well the Urchin did his body arm  
With coat of proof, against all intended harm.  
The Wolf therefore perceiving force to fail  
Did seek by flattering falsehood to prevail.  
For in the way finding occasion meet  
With fawning words, thus th' Urchin he did greet.   

Now neighbour, quoth the Wolf, you be well met  
Upon what high achievement be you set,  
That you thus armed be, seems you do stand  
In dangers doubt, and fear some harm at hand.   

Nay certes, quoth the Urchin, nought I fear  
Of harm t'ensue, this armed coat I wear  
For no such cause; but that with pain I may  
Upon my bristled hide, such fruit convey  
To my poor home, which in the woods I find,  
Lest with the sluggard unto ease inclined,  
On Summer's pleasure I do fond feed,  
And want in Winter to sustain my need.   

The Wolf replied, y blessed be thy pain  
And labour, that deserves to reap good gain;  
Yet let me now dissuade thee to disarm  
Thyself this once, and fear no future harm,  
This day desist from toil and go with me  
Unto our friend, where we will welcome be;  
For to all Beasts, this day is by the Boar  
Kept festival, where we shall find good store  
Of diverse dainty Fruits, of which at will  
Withouten labour thou may est have thy fill.  
This said, he used such kind courtesy  
Mixed with such friendly Importunity;  
That the poor Urchin, thought his meaning good  
And would with him unto the neighbouring Wood,  
Whereas the Boar should won; but lo at need  
A friend was by, to help him at that steed.  
And sure the silly Urchin that same day  
Unto the Ravening Wolf had been a prey,  
But that the Squirrel from the leavy Tree,  
Unseen to them the Wolves intent did see;  
Who to the Urchin, called with loud exclaim:  
Fond fool said he, what madness is this same?  
How darest thou credit that same cruel Beast,  
That on thy Carcase seeks to make his Feast.  
Take heed, by his seducements be not led,  
If thou disarm thyself thou art but dead.  
For hence I did behold how in the way  
In secret coverthid, he●… lurking lay,  
And hadst thou not with stiff quilled pointed hide  
Been armed about; by him thou sure hadst died.   

The Urchin hearing this, upon his ●…hin  
Did set his feet and drew his bristled skin  
About his body round, as any ball  
To shield himself, and shun his fatal fall.   

Which when the Wolf perceived, he went his way  
Intaged in mind, and vowed without delay  
To act a swift revenge upon them both,  
And for his cause, unto the Ape he goeth;  
To whom, Complaint against them he doth bring  
To be preferred unto the Forests King.  
He told, how th' Urchin like a thievish wight  
Did steal abroad indeed of darksome night,  
Using to suck the full-fed Kine unkept,  
While the poor Neatheard all securely slept:  
And how the Squirrel to augment his store,  
Did rob the Forest of the Fruit it bore;  
And to his will, that he might better shape  
The greedy fancy of the Begging Ape,  
He wished him beg the forfeit of their Goods,  
Since none amongst the Beasts about the woods  
There was, with whom such treasure could be found  
As with them twain which chiefly did abound  
With Nuts, and Apples, which the Wolf could tell  
Above all things, the Ape loved wondrous well.  
And sooth to say these tidings did so please  
Th' Apes greedy humour, that with little ease  
The Wolf obtained his wish for in small space  
The Urchin and the Squirrel wanting grace  
Of friends to back their cause were from those Woods  
Exiled for aye, and forfeited there goods;  
Whereby the Wolf possession did obtain  
Of th' Urchins little Cell, and th' Ape did ga●…e  
By begging Nuts and Apples which of yore  
By others pains were hoarded up in store.  
Thus daily did the subtle Ape obtain  
Pleasure and profit both withouten pain,  
By which I ween compared to all the rest  
" Amongst all Craftsmen Beggars are the best:  
For cu'n the proudest that thinks pains taking's base  
To turn oft Beggar thinks it no disgrace.  
But whilst the Ape lulled in security  
Did swim in pleasures and felicity  
Not wanting ought, for seldom did he crave  
The gift of aught but he the same might have,  
The noble Elephant that in the Court  
Did bear chief sway amongst the supreme sort  
Like a true Statesman, for the Forest good  
Against the Apes incessant begging stood.  
Whereby the Ape did stoop his gallant mind  
For though by information he might find  
Aught worthy begging, yet the Princes grant  
He did not crave; because by th' Elephant  
Oft to revoke his grant the King was moved  
If to the state it prejudicial 'slud;  
Therefore the Ape that lived before secure  
And thought his golden begging would endure  
For ever certain: with a heavy cheer  
Now hung the head; for well it did appear  
He might go sw●…ke and sweat to get his living  
Since that the Forest Prince did cease from giving,  
Sir Reynald likewise that same crafty mate  
That did in the Apes begged gifts participate  
Now wanted means, whereby he might support  
His bravery amongst the gallants of the Court  
For long he watched had and cast about  
By his fine wit to find some purchase out  
Some ancient Ruin of Antiquity  
Or aught that might be termed inutilie,  
But naught he found that in the Forest stood  
That was inutilie for common good,  
Which when he did perceive: half in despair  
Unto the Ape his friend he made repair  
Who to each other often though in vain  
Their sad mishap in secret did complain.  
Yet in the end the Fox did find a fetch  
" For dire constraint, the wit at large doth stretch,  
He well remembered that if any beast  
Were found offensive to the King's behest  
Or did infringe the Law through all the Woods  
By penal statutes lost both Lands and goods,  
The which without control, as lawful gain  
Th' Ape for a boon by begging might obtain,  
This once being thought upon the wily Ape  
As careful of their good this speech shape.   

Sir Reynald (said the Ape) we be in case  
To be undone unless by Jove's good grace  
Against the storm, in time we do provide  
" Time runs away and no man stays the tide.  
You see that we be needy and in lack  
And in the Court, the eyes of every jack  
Are fixed upon us, and these garments old  
Cannot in Court our countenance long uphold.  
Then say (Sir Reynald) as ye be right wise  
What hopeful course for us can you devose  
We must provide for help without delay  
Or bonelesse leave the Court and run away.   

The Fox replied full little did I ween  
That in this case-so witless you had been  
So long as hope remains; why should we doubt  
Have we not working wit to cast about,  
Then have good hope, for we in little space  
Will work ourselves again in Fortune's grace,  
We know right well the Ox and silly Sheep  
Though they themselves from Court in private keep  
As being but tusticke Chusses of base account  
Yet they in wealthy substance far surmount  
Whom if by subtlety we can but draw  
Within the compass of the Prince's law  
To stop our mouths we shall have golden fee  
So much they fear in danger for to be.  
And if this fail; yet we upon our oath  
As loyal subjects can appeach them both  
For speeches spoken against the Government  
Or other trespass, which we can invent,  
Which that we may to better purpose bring  
We can disgused, talk of the Forest King  
And ask what tidings in the Prince's Court  
What vioc in common they do most support  
And in their speech if we them tripping take  
We by addition can the matter make  
To seem far worse; by which if they i'th' end  
Convicted be; then that which we intent  
We have obtained; for we their goods have won  
In recompense of our good service done.  
This said, the Ape approving Reynald wit  
In that he at a pinch, could help with it  
With speed in some strange habit, both disgised  
Would put in practice what he had devised.  
They both agreed themselves forth with to clad  
Like stranger Countrymen of late decayed;  
Whose habit and demeanour had you seen  
You would have though the wretched Ape t'have been  
Some sturdy Clown that late had left the Car  
And in this strange disguise had come from far,  
He was y clad all in a Russet grey  
Of coursest stuff, yet with such mean array,  
He seemed well apayed as did appear  
Being well contented with his Country wear,  
His russet jerkin, many years y worne  
Was waxen bare, and at the elbows torn:  
His Breeches of the same made scanty wise  
So close did sit unto his brawny thighs,  
That his fat flanks that plump and jolly were,  
Like two round Balls did through the same appear;  
Thereto, his blue round Cap him well became  
With a plume Feather pendant on the same,  
Which o'th' one side of his head he ever wore  
As if in mind some high conceit he bore.  
A rusty Sword he carried by his side  
And at his back a Dagger well ytide,  
For many hacks therein made long ago  
Sufficient proofs did of the mettle show,  
His woollen Hose were of the purest white  
Of thick strong knit, and yet in open sight  
Were broken 'boue the heels, and both his Shoes  
Worn with long travel out about the to●…s.  
And thus he travailed with his fellow Fox  
About the Forest for to find the Ox,  
And silly Sheep, whom the Ape had first espied  
In Field far off, fast by the River side,  
And said unto the Fox; Behold I see  
In yond same field, where they both grasingbee:  
Now prone your wit Sir Reynald, if you can,  
Begin you first, you are the graver man.  
This said, they came where th' Ox and Sheep did graze,  
Whom thus the Fox did greet with fawning phrase  
All hail (Sir Ox) said he, full glad am I  
To see you bear your lofty head so high,  
It seems to us by this your goodly port  
You are in favour in the Prince's Court,  
You can inform us of some tidings there  
And 'bout the Lion who chief place doth bear.   

" The Ox replied, (good Sir) you deem ami●….  
" For your co●…iecture goes astray in this,  
" Seeing Courtly favour is no cause that I  
" Seem thus to bear my branched head so high,  
" But humble thoughts, which wounded hearts do heal  
" In sweet content, is cause of all weal,  
" Pale envy poison to the Statesman's good  
" Near g●…awes my heart ne sucks my vital blood,  
" Nor greedy Avarice of others shares  
" Disturbs my sweet content with boundless cares;  
" These pastures bounds my thoughts do ever bound,  
" Ne do I joy to feed in stranger ground,  
" But with my Fate sufficed I still abide  
" Not fearing any ill that may betide,  
" Of Musics rarest skill I take no keep  
" At any time to summon timely sleep,  
" But sweet voiced Birds, and mild Streams gently  
" My wear●… limbs, in restful quiet Hushes. (gushes  
" T●…e oft●… h●…d sounds of Court Alarms  
" N●…'●…e ●…le ●…e from sleep for fear of harms,  
" But sleeping till the mor●…e secure of fears,  
" The Birds sing sweet Bon-jours about mine ears:  
" Thus live I happy in content of mind,  
" Which we in Courtly greatness seldom find.   

Certes, said the Ape, it seems ye be right wise  
That can of worldly weal so well advice,  
And yet in this me seems you have dig●…est,  
For amongst the best you being a goodly beast  
To great advancement, may yourself soon bring  
And authorise high Service for the King.   

" Alas, (quoth th' Ox) How vulgar is affection  
" In vainly seeking after fond promotion,  
" As well th' Ignoble as the Noble blood  
" Deem vading pomp the happy man's chief good.  
" Yet view the Court and mark the misery  
" Of those that swim in Court felicity,  
" Whos's wretched steps in Princes Courts attends  
" His slau●…sh will on others wills depends.  
" His turncoat thoughts more light than lightest feather  
" Turned with the wind and returned with the weather  
" e'en as his Masters changing humour is,  
" Must turn and Change to like of that or this  
" Against his Conscience, praise impietic,  
" And sooth soul sin with fawning flattery.  
" And yet suppose thou shouldst exalted be  
" To some place past Court-crouching with the knee,  
" And by the help of Greatness find such grace  
" As near the steps of Majesty t'have place,  
" Yet mark (fond fool) and see what unseen woe  
" Would follow thee though thou in Gold shouldst go,  
" To be a Partner in the Privity  
" And close concealment of Authority,  
" Though to thy second self thou show the same  
" Oft wins thee Death, and never dying shame;  
" Yet in thy Conscience to conceal such things  
" When life is gone, Death worse than death it brings.  
" Oh then how blest and happy a wight is he  
" That lives from Court though ne'er so base he be.   

T'enlarge this Theme the Sheep did silence break,  
" Dear neighbour Ox (quoth he) the truth you speak,  
" Yet more than this, do many undergo  
" That in the Court do make a goodly show,  
" For many there that bear so bold a face  
" And deem all vulgars' beggarly and base,  
" That strut on Tiptoe, and with Elbow pride  
" Aspire to reach the square from side to side,  
" Oft sloop their gallant minds and prove I ween,  
" Worse Beggars far then those that Beggars been;  
" With fawning tongue and Court eclipsing guile  
" They claw the Great in vices more than vile,  
" And then of this or that in daily begging,  
" They still solicit them with tedious gaping.  
" But lo alas, what proves this hardracket store  
" Got by encroaching on the pined poor.  
" Life's bitter curse, while here on Earth we dwell  
" And Souls sad burden bearing down to Hell.  
" Why then do those that tediously importune  
" The royal Lyo●… to advance their Fortune,  
" Thus base and Beggarlike solicit still  
" T'increase their profit by a general il●…:  
" They knew the noble Lions Royal mind  
" To humble Suitors is by nature kind,  
" Nor stern nor stateful to the Subjects base,  
" But full of ●…enitie and Gentle grace.  
" They know he strives by his benignity  
" To i●…itate the Gods in charity,  
" Whic●… they will still abuse, being Begger-lipt,  
" Till from his Court such Beggar's base be whipped,  
This speech so touched the Ape, that with much pain  
He could himself in quiet mood contain.   

But Reyn●… thus replied." Well have you spoken  
" In this beha●…e, for these your words betoken  
" Your common care, which nature ties us to,  
" Not for our ●…elues being only borne to do.  
" Yet you (me seems Sir Ox) without such shift  
" By merit may yourself to honour lift,  
" Seeing every where true merit hath her place  
" At least it can no where receive disgrace.   

The Ox replayed." I would thy words were true  
" Would merit every where might have her due,  
" Then should I not behold unto my grief  
" The meritorious want without relief.  
" But lo, Ah lass, behold the noble Horse  
" That e'en hath spent the utmost of his force,  
" Against th' Eagle and the Drago●… his proud mat●…  
" Who both of late made war upon our State,  
" How oft have I beheld him with delight  
" Preparing of himself for bloody fight,  
" Who never feared what might by foes be done  
" With H●…, ha, ha, the Battle hath begun,  
" The eyes of Gorg●… burning in his head  
" With fear hath made his fainting foes half dead.  
" And proudly prancing with a side-long pace  
" Lifting his fetlocks up with nimble grace,  
" All Rainbow-like he bore his crest decked neck  
" In proud contempt of any Countercheck,  
" Then on the hard ground having made some proof  
" Of the strong battery of his ha●…dy hoofo,  
" With nimble Capers in a stately dance  
" He towards the battle bold would proudly prance,  
" And being come in sight of th'Armed foes  
" He snuffs, he puffs, he Boggles, snoarts and blows,  
" And neighing with shrill voice, he seems to cry  
" And call for Combat with the Enemy.  
" Then like the Lightning from the Eastern ay●…o  
" O●… swiftest whi●…lewind, in his fierce repair  
" To fly amongst thickest troops he hath been seen  
" To lose his life, or worthy Conquest win,  
" Where in a moment, from the dusty ground  
" Into the air he up would lightly bound,  
" And falling down again, with sine wie shanks  
" Would be●…t and batter down the thickest ranks,  
" From whence he oftentimes (though wounded) came  
" With Conqu●…sts high renown, and endless fame.  
" But now where is the meed of his true merit?  
" Who now yields comfort to his fainting spirit?  
" Live not the sons of Mars in e●…ery eye  
" The perfect maps of Ragged beggary,  
" As often as their wounds they do behold  
" The which they took their Country's cause t'uphold,  
" Their eyes, lips, hands, and hearts, to heaven do go,  
" Wishing pale Death to end their helpless woe;  
" Which being denied dire need doth them constrain  
" To do the thing their souls did once disdain,  
" e'en Beggarlike one single Mite to crave  
" Poor life within his half-starved house, to save.  
This said, the Fox forthwith with winking eyen  
To th' Ape as was decreed gave privy sign.   

Who stepping forth with countenance fell, thus spoke  
" Friend Fox quoth he, your witness here I take  
" Of their disloyal words, which intimate  
" Their tro●…cherous thoughts against the Prince & State.   

" Sure said the Fox, their speeches do import  
" As much as Treason, if 'twere heard in Court,  
" But they perchance will happily repent  
" Let me d●…swade you then from your intent,  
" For if the Council of the Lyo●… dread  
" Be certified of this, they are but dead.  
" They shall compound with you, and 'twere not good  
" For you ●…o seek the shedding of their blood.  
With this intent the Fox thus spoke, as he  
That thought thereby to gain some golden fee  
To stop their mouths, but both the Sheep and Ox●…,  
Perceiving well the knavery of the Fox,  
As they that guiltlelle were, withouten doubt  
Defied both Fox and Ape with courage stout.   

The Ape perceiving this swore by his head  
For those their words, they should ere long be dead.  
And so enraged to Court he went again  
With Reynald his sly copesmate to complain.  
Where when they came, such Treason they detect  
Which against the Ox and Sheep they did object,  
That with swift summoning they cited were  
Before the Lion's Council to appear.  
The time was set, and lo those Royal Peers  
That on their backs the Forest's burden bears  
jove-like in Council, each one took his place  
To give their judgement in so weighty a case.  
The Guard attendant on the Forest King  
The Ox and Sheep, unto the Bar did bring;  
Then with shrill voice, the Crier amongst them all  
A general silence through the Court did call,  
Which every where advisefull audience bred  
While thus th'indictment by the Clerk was read.   

" Come forth Sir Ox (●…yd he) stand at the Bar,  
" And thou Sir Sheep, ye both Indicted are  
" For Treason, against the Lion our dread King  
" Which th' Ape and Fox of late to light did bring,  
" And for lewd Speech used amongst the vulgar sort  
" Seeking thereby for to de●… the Court;  
" Intitling those by names of Beggars base,  
" That for desert are in the Prince's grace:  
" And which is worse for your disloyal: hate  
" And treasonable grudging against the state  
" Of all which treasons worthy vengeful wreak  
" If you be guilty or not guilty speak?   

" To this, the Ox not guilty did reply  
" And there withal he craved liberty  
" With humble suit that he might answer shape  
" Against this Indictment of the Fox and Ape,  
" Which granted after humble reverence made  
" Unto the bench, these words he boldly said.  
" Right honoured Lords, Peers of a peerless King  
" From whose sole care our common good doth spring,  
" The greatest part of treason urged here  
" As by the indictment read may well appear  
" Consists in words which as our foes report  
" By us were spoken against the King and Court:  
" But deign dread Lords, to mark what we have said  
" And what construction thereof they have made;  
" Naught against the Court or Courtier did we say  
" But against such Vice as in the Court bears sway.  
" The Court where wonnes so many a jovial spring  
" Made famous by the influence of a noble King,  
" As like jones Palace 'boue the sta●…ry sky,  
" Rather to be admired, then judged with mortal eye;  
" Yet as in a Paradise of sweet delight  
" With rarest Fruits and fairest Flowers bedight,  
" N●…rethelesse the care the cunning Gardener takes  
" His hooks, his scythes, his pickaxe, spade and ●…kes,  
" Some fruitless weeds are growing on the ground:  
" So in our Kings own Palace may be found  
" Amongst the number that praiseworthy bee  
" Some wicked Beasts of more than base degree.  
" And against such Vice, as they do there support  
" We did inveigh; and not against the Court:  
" Ne did we say, that such have Beggars been  
" That by desert do Grace or favour win:  
" But such as daily use with restless gaping  
" With cloaked falsehood and with tedious begging  
" ●…f our dread Sovereign's golden gifts to crave  
" Although no merit in themselves they have;  
" This is the sum in brief of what we spoke  
" And this is it which they would treason make.  
This said, dumb silence for a certain space  
Did shut the lips of all that were in place  
Till at the last, that great Hero●… rose  
Who of the Forest's treasure doth dispose  
The noble Elephant, who as he stood  
From his sweet mouth poured forth a fluent ●…ood  
Or honeyed eloquence, which wanting skill  
If I express the same, soon should I spill  
With sharp invective, first against that sort  
O●… hungry Beggars that frequent the Court  
He did inveigh, then by his powerful wit  
He showed since he in Counsel's seat did sit;  
How many private States had changed been  
Which by observance he had marked and seen,  
Supplanted all by cozenage of the Ape  
Or by some falsehood which the Fox did shape.  
Than ' gan●… the Ape, his speech he 'gan to frame  
He showed ●…t Beast he was and whence he came  
How jove at first, for his deceitful guile  
Made him, of man a Beast, and in that Isle  
Called Ape Isle of his name, alone him put  
And how his tail at length for craft was cut.  
Then questioned he the Fox, to know if he  
Against the Ox and 〈◊〉 would witness be  
And what true depositions he could bring  
That they intended treason against the King.  
The Fox though half amazed with sudd●…ine fear  
To hear such words from such a mighty ●…eere,  
Yet that his witness might seem more t'have troth  
He did unbidden seek to take his oath.  
The book was brought; but lo the Eternal jove  
Who by his power protecteth from above  
The cause of Innocence, with dreadful frown  
From Heavens high Palace cast his countenance down  
And as the Fox his oath began to take  
As jove but stirred, he made Olympus shake,  
And thundering horribly above the sky,  
Through the air he made a sulphu●…ie flash to fly,  
Which fell upon the Fox, for his foul sin;  
And for his judgement strange, so synged his skin  
That since, All Foxes smell of it and bear  
A synged colour ever in their hair.  
This sudden change, amazed the standers by  
Who all with one consent, 'gan glorify  
The name of jove, and's judgement forthwith gave  
Against the Ape, who now no wit could save  
From punishment; For 'bout the Forest wide  
They whipped him well, and sound lashed his hide.   

So did the Beggar bluntly end his Tale,  
In which (your pardon I crave) if ought I fail  
And if in reading, Beggarly you hold it,  
Dislike it not, because a Beggar told it.   
FINIS.