The praise and Dispraise of Women, very fruitful to the well disposed mind, and delectable to the readers thereof.  
And a fruitful short Dialogue upon the sentence, know before thou knit.  
C. Pyrrye.   man in toga with winged arm 
¶ Imprinted at London in Fleetstreet, by William How.   

AD CANDIDUM LICTORIM.  

VItuper at laudatque genus brevis iste libellus,  
Foemineum legito, commoda multa feras.  
Perlege non etenim, cuiquevam res lecta nocebit,  
Perlege, fortassis lecta iuvare queat.  
Lecta iuvare queat, fi cord animo revoluas,  
Si mea dicta tenes, lecta iuvare queat.  
Lecta iuvare queat, si laudabilia tent●●,  
Virtutesque sequi, lecta iuvare queat.  
Lecta iuvare queat, si quae mala crimina sentis,  
Euitare cupis, lecta iuvare queat.  
Lecta iuvare queat, mala si peccata malorum,  
Te faciunt cautum, lecta iuvare queat.  
Lecta iuvare queat, videas si exempla bovarum,  
Visaqueve facta petis, lecta iuvare queat.  
Quis nisi mentis inops, videat quin gramina terre,  
Et flores apibus, reddere fructus, humi.  
Quis nisi continua, sit stoliditate repletus.  
Omne quin exemplum, scit forè fructiferum.  
Perlegere ergo velim, quia scripta sequentia prosunt,  
Delectantqueve animum, non sine fruge bonum.   
VALE.   

To the Reader.  
AFter I had finished though simply and rudely this little Treatise of the praise & dispraise of Women: I thought it good gentle Reader to declare and explain in some short preface, two principal causes which moved me thereunto. The one was to the intent, that all those which at any time shall feel themselves entangled with prompt, and tedie inclination to vice & evil, and with great slackness in furthering that is good and virtuous may by diligent perusing hereof, learn to a void and eschew such great crimes and grievous offences, as they shall see contained and written in their dispraise, & seek diligently to embrace, and earnestly to follow those good conditions and laudable virtues, which they shall plainly perceive to be at large specified, and abundantly set forth in their commendations. The other is to the end that the good examples of good and virtuous women if no other thing will move them to do that they ought, may incite and encourage them to do that is good & virtuous, and bring them to such confirmity of honest life, that they may be had in good reputation before men, and found acceptable before God And the evil examples of the wicked, may teach them to despise and utterly forsake those things, that are nought and vicious, lest by to much inclining to sin, and vice, they be counted as cast aways before the world, and in time to come fall into utter, destruction, for if the precepts of the good, will not provoke & stir them to Godliness & speedy reformation of life, in hope of like reward that they have or if the testimonies of the wicked will not withdraw or terrify them from doing enil, for fear of like punishment, surely what then may do it, I know not. These two considerations (gentle reader) did move me at this time to write the I have written, desiring thee to take it in good part such as it is and to esteem my good will & meaning herein, not regarding the rude handling of the matter fith. I did it in hope to profit many, but surely to hurt none. And where as I have made the praise of women to sound in such sort throughlie, that I mought seem vehemently to gainsay myself for speaking so much in their dispraise, I did it being moved thereto for divers good considerations, which I mind not to recite, but leave it unspoken of willing thee herein to use thine own judgement.   

Here beginneth the Dispraise of Women.  

MY pen prolong no longer time,  
cut of this long delay:  
And now begin to writ in time,  
of that, that I shall say.   

Take thou some pain a little space,  
ne be thou ought ashamed:  
When thou ofttimes in secret place,  
with great despite art blamed.   

Of this thou mayst assure thee,  
none will thy truth diffame:  
Save only those that pricked be,  
and guilty of the same.   

Spare not to speak, spare not to write,  
spare not in words to tell:  
Spare thou no time for to indite,  
an ougely Monster fell.   

This Monster is the woman kind,  
whose ougelye shape and port:  
I mean to paint, writ thou my mind,  
not forcing her report.   

This woman kind I know right well,  
is comely to the eye:  
Of perfect shape she bears the bell,  
I can it not deny.   

But in her feigned covert breast,  
strong poison she doth hide:  
And in her heart, as in a cheft,  
a deadly sting doth bide.   

Which gives an helpless hurtful wound,  
as hath been brought to pass:  
Much like the snake that under ground,  
doth lie, and lurk in grass.   

She doth annoy by sodden sight,  
unless thou can beware:  
And keeps the still in woeful plight,  
once caught within her snare.   

Her poison is so sweet and pure,  
and of such strength and force:  
That who so doth that same devour,  
is brought unto his corpse.   

Take heed therefore seek to discern,  
b● this that followeth plain;  
With earnest mind see thou do learn,  
this monster to refrain.   

For why? she is most proud, servile,  
cruel without measure:  
Reason and law she doth exile,  
to have her wicked pleasure.   

She doth all things without foresight,  
all godly end despise:  
In all extremes she doth delight,  
such is her wont guise.   

Temperate doings she forceth not,  
from virtuous men retire:  
Her love to thee is fervent hot,  
her hate is deadly Ire.   

When flouth her slouggish limbs do shake  
she lieth as a stone:  
Or when a toy her head doth take,  
she hasteth to be gone.   

When mirth and joy is gone and passed,  
grave visage comes in place:  
And makes her like a winter's blast,  
with froward frowning face.   

When she by mirth doth seek pleasure,  
all sadness set a part:  
Her jocund joy doth want measure,  
nought then may grieve her heart.   

Then wanton wills talk doth grow,  
and laughing with excess:  
Both, from her feigned heart do flow,  
Both are without redress.   

Now bold she is, now doth she fear,  
now seems she mad, now wise:  
Now she doth laugh with pleasant there,  
now tears fall from her eyes.   

Now she will have it thus to be,  
chance what may chance therebyt  
Now from herself doth dissagre,  
beginning to reply.   

It shall not be as I had thought,  
no, no, it is not fit:  
An other way yet have I sought,  
such is her wandering wit.   

Unconstancy in her doth reign,  
she waverith full of change.  
Oft blabbing, talkative and vain  
double tongued which seemeth strange.   

Desiring honour, full of threats,  
disdainful, wishing blood.  
Still chatching what an other gets  
covetous, nothing good.   

Complaining oft, a liar, envious,  
quick to believe a tale,  
unpatient, often tedious,  
oft drunken with good ale.   

Oft times she useth magic's art,  
with bawdry herself defile,  
She hath a superstitious heart,  
she is wayward, rash and vile.   

deceitful using wicked ways,  
fine mouthed for dainty meat.  
riotous, full of wanton plays,  
nought may her mind entreat.   

She decks and trims herself at ease,  
her face to beautify:  
To frame her talk all men to please,  
her wits she doth apply.   

Hateful anger she bears in mind,  
till time do serve her turn:  
Some sharp revenge for him to find,  
who causeth her so to burn.   

She is unthankful, without faith, bold,  
spiteful, of froward life,  
In her all goodness waxeth cold,  
she ever stirreth strife.   

Ofttimes if aught deserved be,  
before thee it is set:  
And spoke again, again to thee,  
as though thou didst forget.   

If she offend in any thing,  
she commonly doth use:  
By lofty looks and high speaking,  
her guilty fault to excuse.   

She scoldeth, grudgeth, and reject,  
all friendship in disdain:  
For nought at all doth she respect,  
but only private gain.   

She seeks to mock and flatter much,  
yea privily to defame:  
She reprehendeth (beware of such)  
craftily thy good name.   

She fills she common people's ears,  
with trifling talk and vain:  
augmenting whatsoever she hears,  
her mischiefs to maintain.   

She feigneth that to come to pass,  
which never was in deed:  
That not to be which ever was,  
each put in others steed.   

Her tongue she teacheth to intent,  
meet causes to deceive:  
And once made fit for such intent,  
deceit doth never leave.   

Her forging feigned countenance,  
is ready at her will:  
In earnest game a dalliance,  
to weep or laugh her fill.   

From deceit thou can not flee,  
her crafts thou can not shun:  
Such is the hurtful policy,  
that she by sleight hath won.   

Though she commit an heinous deed,  
and thou perhaps in place:  
Denienge still she will proceed  
stubbornly to thy face.   

What shall I say, thou must believe,  
(seem it never so strange)  
All that she speaks, and not believe,  
if ought her mind do change.   

Examples plain and manifest,  
do teach, it to be true:  
For while all vice out of her breast,  
from time to time doth grow.   

By reading histories thou shalt find  
what cruel bloody facts:  
Committed were by woman kind,  
delighting in such acts.   

Read Ovid, 
Virgil.  Virgil, understand  
in them it doth appear:  
How Medea with bloudyhande,  
murdered her children dear.   

How Paris stole the Grecian rape,  
to Troy, and how that she,  
Who was in deed of comely shape)  
did willingly agree.   

And how the Grecians sought the way, 
ovid. Meth. lib. 8.   
to have her home again.  
And there by moved war to Troy,  
which war ten years did reign.   

How Scylla her father's house forsook, 
ovid. Meth. lib. 19   
what moved her to do so:  
Her father's purple hear she took  
and gave it to his foe.   

How Biblis wicked love did swell, 
ovid.   
to Cawnus her brother:  
How she was turned into a well,  
height Biblis and no other.   

How Deianira to her fear,  
a poisoned cote did send,  
How he thereby with evil there,  
his wretched life did end.   

How Hippodame did deceive,  
her gentle loving Father:  
By marrying without his leave,  
causing his death rather.   

Because he was by spiteful fate,  
appointed for to die,  
That day that she received her mate,  
such was his destiny.   

And how Lavania (to be short) 
Gene. 28.   
most doubtful war did send:  
Among the youthful Trojan sort,  
which came to unhappy end.   

And how Rebecca with a wile, 
Math. 14.   
her son and eke her fear:  
Did quite deceive and clean beguile,  
though they most simple were.   

How Herodias with cruel heart, 
Gene. 3.   
did wish john Baptist death:  
And caused him by deadly smart,  
to yield up living breath.   

Also how Eve from joyful place,  
(alas, alas, the while)  
Her posterity did deface,  
and cast into exile.   

Those and sundry more we find,  
teaching us to beware;  
In trusting of this monstrous kind,  
whose mischief is not rare.   

In time therefore take heed and learn,  
this monster to eschew,  
And eke with wisdom to discern,  
her wicked witless hue.   

If thou wilt live in quietness,  
expelling out of mind:  
All wicked worldly wretchedness,  
or if thou seek to find.   

A blissful happy state of life,  
and long therein to dwell,  
Beware a woman full of strife,  
avoid her vile counsel.   

The fearful bird himself doth keep,  
from hawk his deadly foe:  
From ravening wolf, the silly sheep,  
from cruel dog, the Roe.   

From deceitful nets the wily heart,  
with speedy flight doth run:  
Why seekest not thou in like part,  
crafty women to shun.   

The affection of the Cocodrill,  
is in her subtle eyes:  
She seeks by art how to beguile,  
if ought she do devise.   

When tears fall trincling from her eyen  
fair words when she doth feign:  
Then doth she most of all incline,  
some mischief to obtain.   

Trust not her divers change of hew,  
trust not her spotted faith,  
Trust not her coloured virtue,  
(I read of one that saith.)   

A glass doth want the sharp and form,  
which seemeth to appear▪  
And eke a woman's faith is torn,  
though she thy eyes do blear.   

Both good and godly men there were,  
in old and ancient time,  
Most stout of heart, exempt from fear,  
and void of heinous crime.   

Which by their strength huge monsters flew,  
and made wild giants tame.  
Strong cities eke they overthrew,  
and so increased their name.   

Yet those by sleight were vanquished,  
of woman's deadly hate:  
And lamentably finished,  
their lives of cruel fact.   

Who hath not read of Herculous,  
whose spiteful envious wife:  
Did cause him end remediless,  
his fatal thread of life.   

By giving him a cote to wear,  
sprinkled with poyso●●●onge:  
Which seemed his tender parts to tear,  
whereby he su●●red wrong.   

Whereby also the wretch alack,  
soon yielded living breath:  
The putting it upon his back,  
did cause untimely death.   

Of Samson strong what need I speak, 
judges. 16.   
the scriptures plainly show:  
How Dalilahe her mind did break,  
desirous for to know.   

Where his chief strength did most depend, 
Gene. 19   
and when he had her told:  
She brought him to most wretched end,  
selling his life for gold.   

Both David, 
3. Reg. 11.  Lot, and Solomon,  
I strike clean out of mind:  
With thousands more that I could name  
deceived by woman kind.   

If such as those could not avoid,  
their subtle crafty bands:  
But with their pestilence were annoyed,  
can we escape their hands.   

No no, for why as I do here,  
and as I plainly see:  
They are as bad as ear they were,  
or worse if worse may be.   

A thousand ways ne do I feign,  
her wits she doth extend:  
With labour, travel, and great pain,  
her beauty to amend.   

Her shining forehead by art she seeks,  
with golden roll to bind:  
With purple colour on her cheeks,  
and if it want by kind.   

She governeth her steps by art,  
her hear by art doth place,  
She tempereth her eyes by art,  
her body and her face.   

She seeks by art herself to paint,  
because she would be fair:  
Her grisly shape she doth anoint,  
in hope of some repair.   

She calleth to remembrance,  
how she may bring to pass:  
To frame her froward countenance,  
by looking in a glass.   

And with her lips she simpereth,  
abroad as the doth go:  
Her shoulders eke she tempereth,  
her fingar and her toe.   

It is her common wont use,  
with naked breast to walk:  
Which thing (in faith) is dangerous,  
for in few words to talk.   

It meaneth nought at all but this,  
(mark well what I rehearse:)  
That where her poison planted is,  
with greater stroke may pierce.   

I am compelled now perforce,  
to draw unto some end:  
For if I speak till I be whorce,  
or if my pen I spend,   

Unto the stalk to write my mind,  
which busly could devise:  
To speak more of this hateful kind,  
yet would it not suffice.   

Such is her craft and her deceit,  
such be her wicked ways:  
Which she doth keep till death by sleight,  
do end her hurtful days.   

What thing in earth is found more rare,  
then is a coal black swan,  
Whom ancient writers do compare,  
unto a good Woman.   

Eke Solomon saith thus to thee,  
(whose words be wise and sound)  
A good godly Women saith he,  
is scarcely to be found.   

Take heed and look before thou climb,  
lest suddenly thou slip:  
Take heed (I say) whiles thou hast time,  
lest thou do feel the whip.   

Take heed, beware, be not to rash,  
lest thou perhaps repent:  
When thou dost feel the scourge and lash  
to late thou mayst lament.   

Like as the little foolish fly,  
his pastime seeketh out:  
When he the candle doth espy,  
and fleeing round about.   

At length the silly wretch doth close,  
himself in fire flame:  
And so his wretched life doth lose,  
in seeking of his game.   

Even so if thou wilt not beware,  
but willingly be entrapped:  
Within the Woman's wily snare,  
wherein when thou art wrapped.   

Thou mayst not well escape again,  
no way is left to save:  
Till thou be brought to deadly pain,  
to thine untimely grave.   

Let this that I have said suffice,  
and print it in thy breast:  
So shalt thou be reputed wise,  
so shalt thou live at rest.   

So shalt thou not at all repent,  
such well bestowed time,  
So shalt thou joy when some lament,  
by voiding sin and crime.   

So shalt thou live in happy mirth,  
and happily end thy life:  
So shalt thou haply boast the birth,  
which is exempt from strife.   

So shalt thou this life once past,  
in joy and bliss remain,  
So shalt thou have for thy repast,  
all pleasure void of pain.   
¶ Here endeth the dispraise of Women.   

Here beginneth the praise of Women.  C. Pyrrye. 

I Chanced once to come in place,  
where I a book did find:  
Which book did spitefully disgrace,  
the gentle woman kind.   

Then thus unto myself I thought,  
good Lord what man was he:  
That with such painful study sought,  
dispraise of femenie.   

How could he teach his pen to write,  
how could his heart devise:  
Such foolish fancies to indite,  
that all men may despise.   

How could his slanderous, hurtful tongue  
the harmless so difame:  
How could he with a tedious song,  
the silly women blame.   

I think he was not of man's seed,  
that this did take in hand:  
Against poor wretches to proceed,  
who could not him withstand.   

Thus musing did I sit long time,  
at last my pen I took:  
And so began to writ in rhyme,  
against that shameless book.   

Oh wilful witless man (quoth I)  
thy pen why dost thou frame:  
To write thy mind so spitefully,  
not forcing thy good name.   

But in despite of them dost speak,  
to whom thou art most bound:  
And in most slanderous talk dost break  
their goodness to confound.   

Their labour and their earnest suit,  
to thee is spent in vain:  
For why? the reap at all no fruit,  
but scorn and proud disdain.   

Such is thy thankless hateful mind,  
such is thy cruel heart:  
Wherein thou showest thyself unkind,  
in playing such a part.   

I know no good, nor just cause why,  
thou shouldest them so dispraise:  
Whose life I think assuredly,  
is innocent always.   

Perhaps thou dost against them prate,  
because they be to weak:  
To join with thee in words of hate,  
and so their anger wreak.   

Perhaps thy foolish fancy sought,  
some vain and worldly praise:  
And so did make something of nought,  
which soundeth to dispraise.   

Perhaps some one did the displease,  
in earnest game or jest:  
And thou thy fury to appease,  
dost rail at all the rest.   

The self same thing or some such like,  
doth move thy stony heart:  
This deadly envious stroke to strike,  
all just cause set apart.   

I think thou dost not call to mind,  
in sickness or in health:  
How we are holp by woman kind,  
whose care is for our wealth.   

First (as thou know'st) she takes great pain,  
by traveling in bed:  
And grievous groanings doth sustain,  
before she see our head.   

As long as we poor infants are,  
and nought ourselves can give:  
So long the woman takes the care,  
our bodies to relieve.   

When we would eat she makes the pape  
she gives us quiet rest:  
She dandleth us upon her lap,  
we suck milk from her breast.   

When we do nought but cry and weep,  
then will she sing and play:  
Or else will lay us down to sleep,  
our crying so to stay.   

When we can neither go nor stand,  
by reason of our youth:  
The loving Woman takes in hand,  
to help us this is truth.   

Now when we come to further age,  
and can both speak and go:  
The woman's pain doth not assuage:  
she than hath care and wo.   

In seeking how she may provide,  
to keep us still in health:  
And caring how she may us guide,  
to live in honest wealth.   

When grievous sickness doth us take,  
she then with busy pain:  
Some boiled brath for us doth make,  
our bodies to sustain.   

All kind of physic she doth use,  
that may be for our case:  
No painful pain doth she refuse,  
our sorrow to appease.   

She wakes the long and weary night,  
She toileth in the day:  
Our safety is her chief delight,  
She is our only stay.   

For in all places where I go,  
men give the only charge:  
Unto their wives (the truth is so)  
because their wits be large.   

Each thing to view and overlook,  
as need may her constrain:  
The baker, brewer, and the cook,  
no toil doth she refrain.   

She ordereth all, man not a whit,  
as right and reason will:  
Because she is of quicker wit,  
her business to fulfil.   

It can not be that we could miss,  
this gentle Woman kind:  
Whose presence is our only, bliss,  
and cause of quiet mind.   

Whose harmless helping hand we need,  
in every thing we do:  
And she is ready by her deed,  
to put her help thereto.   

Her counsel is both good and found,  
in matters of great weight:  
And doubtful things she will confound,  
by skilful wisdoms sleight.   

The words proceeding from her breast,  
are wise and full of skill:  
All that she doth is for the best,  
she bridleth witless will.   

Disdainful pride she doth abate,  
her malice doth assuage:  
She beareth not in mind long hate,  
she loveth not to rage.   

All ill devise she doth confound,  
all rancour doth expel:  
Of quiet life she seeks the ground,  
and long therein to dwell.   

Vain trifling talk she doth refrain,  
few words is her desire:  
From quick belief she doth abstain,  
and flee from wreckful Ire.   

She doth nothing without foresight,  
of good success in the end:  
All modest mean is her delight,  
to virtue she doth bend.   

Her listening ear she doth incline,  
grave wisdom to attain;  
Against all vice she doth repine,  
and wickedness disdain.   

A loathsome thing is lechery,  
to her in deed or thought:  
A hateful thing is bawdry,  
which she doth set at nought.   

Blasphemous oaths she doth despise,  
false lying doth detest:  
She doth obey in humblewise,  
she keepeth her behest.   

To check, or taunt, she doth refuse,  
though why perhaps offend:  
Her friendly council she doth use,  
our guilty fault to amend.   

She is of chaste and honest life,  
true love in her doth flow,  
She is a sober quiet wife,  
her duty she doth know.   

All evil thoughts out of her head,  
she seeketh to remove,  
Good cogitation in their stead,  
her godly mind doth love;   

With earnest labour and great pain,  
her living she doth get:  
The food that doth her life sustain,  
is gotten by her sweat.   

Her willing heart doth not withstand,  
such as are poor in deed:  
She stretcheth forth her helping hand,  
according to their need.   

Her countenance she doth not spare,  
in comely wise to keep:  
And joy with them that joyful are,  
and mourn with them that weep.   

Her trusty tongue doth not disclose,  
the secrets of thy mind:  
In hidden heart she doth repose,  
thy thoughts to her resinde.   

Her harmless mouth his closed still,  
from slanderous hurtful talk:  
To have true virtue is her will,  
and long therein to walk.   

With wanton: eye she doth not look,  
on those that she doth mote,  
Nor gaze (her fancy for to brook)  
on either side the street.   

She lifteth up her listening ear,  
till each man's tale be told,  
If need require though she do hear  
her talk she doth withhold.   

Her helping hand is very slack,  
to do the thing is ill:  
Wish fearful foot she steps not back,  
all goodness to fulfil.   

In descent order she doth wear,  
her garments on each side,  
She goeth not sluttish in her gear,  
and yet she wanteth pride.   

She eats her meat in sober wise,  
to satisfy her need:  
She drinks no more than doth suffice,  
not using to exceed.   

Whereby she seems to bear in mind,  
man liveth not to eat:  
But for to live (by nature's kind)  
receiveth he his meat.   

Abroad she doth not revel much,  
till need do her constrain:  
Herself she doth acquaint with such,  
as virtue do maintain.   

What wilt thou more? if I should write  
each virtue she doth taste:  
The day and eke the candle light,  
before my talk should waste.   

Good godly men have wrote their mind,  
in old and ancient time:  
Much praising of this woman kind,  
for wanting heinous crime.   

Which if thou hadst observed well,  
I think thy grudging heart,  
Would not so much against them swell,  
with words of deadly smart.   

I think thou wouldst not seek to spill,  
their good and honest name:  
In blowing of a blast so shrill,  
with trump of black diffame.   

Thou dost well know, but wilt forget,  
thou seest, but wilt be blind;  
That they are clear from crime or spot,  
by deed or inward mind.   

Thy tongue I say will not confess,  
that we to them are bound:  
That we oftimes (truth to express)  
great good by them have found.   

If I did want authority,  
to furnish out my cause:  
Or were it not for flattery,  
then would I not long pause.   

To show and set before thy face,  
good women of renown:  
assigning the their dwelling place,  
yet living in this town.   

But now my mind, my pen shall frame,  
to set before thine eyes:  
And speak of those, whose famous fame,  
by virtue did arise.   

And doth continue to this day,  
and shall for ever last:  
Though they by death were take away,  
full many years now past.   

We find that Ceres did invent, 
ovid. Meth. lib. 5.   
all grain to in and sow:  
And for she was to wisdom bend,  
most people did her know.   

honours divine to her they gave,  
so did her deeds express:  
With one consent all men did crave,  
to call her good goddess.   

The. A. B. C. Carmenta found, 
Iside. lib. 1. ant. 9   
whereby we do indite:  
Whereby in wisdom we abound,  
and learn the things is right.   

And Pallas the through pured brain, 
ovid. in fast.   
so doth the story tell:  
Of oil and wool first found the vain,  
which is a great jewel.   

Wherefore they did her then prefer,  
before Lady Neptune:  
To give the name as pleased her,  
unto Athenes town.   

And Soppbo eke the poetess,  
with harp to sing did find,  
Which doth expel all carefulness,  
out of a careful mind.   

The malign spirit had Saul oppressed,  
and long in sorrow tide:  
Tull David for to give him rest,  
his warbling harp did guide.   

Such pleasures we by women have,  
whereby we be preserved:  
Yet thou dost seek them to deprave,  
who have it not deserved.   

Let this for truth in thine heart cleave,  
for prove it so I can:  
As many pleasures we receive,  
by her as by the man.   

But sith Poetry doth decay,  
and is had in despite:  
I will therefore without delay,  
set forth in open sight.   

Examples plain and manifest,  
in holy writ found out:  
Which being weighed in even breast,  
this slanders will confute.   

To all that read it doth appear,  
how Michol David's wife:  
Such trusty love to him did bear,  
that she did save his life.   

For bloody Saul, to have him dead,  
his messengers did send:  
But she found means that David fled  
to scape such cruel end.   

She through a window let him pass,  
so that he went his way:  
And in the bed where David was,  
an Image did she lay.   

Whereby king Saul his whole intent,  
and purpose spent in vain:  
To murder David he was bend,  
he failed to obtain.   

jehosaba did not disdaive, 
4. Reg. 1●.   
jehoas life to save:  
When Athlia with busy pain,  
the same did seek to have.   

Who kept jonathas in a well,  
when foes his death had sought,  
The wife in Bahurin did dwell,  
that this good deed had wrought.   

jonathas and his fellow eke,  
this godly wife did hide:  
That when their enemies did them seek,  
than were their not espied.   

The servants that were sent to look,  
for them, did ask the wife:  
Who said they passed the water brock,  
thus did she save their life.   

A maid was she that did descry, 
Eodem.   
Achitophel's intent:  
And showed the conspiracy,  
that was to David meant.   

To jonathas declared she,  
the things before unknown:  
So from the snares escaped he,  
that erst for him were sown.   

When Moses by the rivers brink, 
Exod. 2.   
was in a basket put:  
Where he was left to swim or sink,  
being there so closely shut.   

Compassion did the woman move,  
when she did hear him weep:  
She bore to him such earnest love,  
that she his life did keep.   

And like a mother did him find,  
adopting him her son:  
Beheld the loving woman kind,  
this godly deed hath done.   

Who caused first let truth be said, 
4. Reg. 5.   
that Naaman had his heal:  
From leprosy, it was a maid,  
for she did first reveal.   

A godly Prophet to remain,  
and be in Israel:  
Can ease her master of his pain,  
and make him whole and well.   

Whereas the new Egyptian King, 
Exod. 12.   
against thebrews was bend:  
Because they did increase and spring,  
which thing for to prevent.   

Commanded be good midwives,  
that were of thebriane line:  
That they in no case spare their lives,  
but kill the masculine.   

Which thing to do they did refuse,  
because it was not good:  
And to the king they made excuse,  
not shedding guiltless blood.   

The Hebrian wives O king (said he)  
are women stout and strong,  
Before we come their birth always,  
is done, which is not long.   

Who killed king Abimelech, 
2. Reg. 11.   
I say who struck him down,  
When he his furious mood to wreak  
said siege to Thebes town.   

A woman struck him with a stone,  
and then the siege thereby  
Was given up (his life once gone)  
this is no legend lie.   

When Haman for to have annoyed, 
Ec. 17.   
the jews had fully sought:  
In that self place he was destroyed,  
that he for them had wrought.   

For godly Hester found the mean,  
to save the jews from death  
By causing Haman quite and clean,  
to yield up living breath.   

Of many thousands was not one, 
2. Reg. 14.   
for all the pain they took:  
Can make David to Absalon  
once give a friendly look.   

Until the woman did obtain,  
as scripture doth record:  
That David called him home again  
and was his gracious Lord.   

Also we find that Deborah, 
judge 4   
a prophetess that was:  
Did show the death of Sisara  
how, when, and in what place.   

Which thing to her God did declare,  
with many other cause:  
To rid the Isralets from care,  
and eke to judge their laws.   

When Sisara fled from the throng,  
than jahel Abues wife;  
(Whom God at that time made so strong  
did rive his fatal life.   

A solemn vow did jepthath make, 
judges. 1.   
before the God of might:  
If that he would his hand so slack,  
that he prevail in fight.   

Then would he give an offerings sweat,  
the victory once done:  
Who was the next that he should meet,  
out of his doors to come.   

And as he came behold the chance,  
his only daughter dear:  
Met him with tymbrells and dance,  
but when she drew him near.   

With fury forced his clothes he rend,  
with visage pale and wan:  
He seemed his promise to repent,  
and thus his words began.   

Alas daughter thou troublest me,  
for I with willing heart:  
Have made a vow to God (saith he)  
from which I can not start.   

Then she unto her father spoke,  
if thou unto the Lord:  
(My father dear) a vow didst make,  
fulfil by deed thy word.   

Even as thou wilt, do thou by me,  
thy promise do not lose:  
Sith God hath now avenged thee,  
upon thy deadly foes.   

Which words into her father's breast,  
his troubled thoughts to stay,  
Did glide, and he from all unrest,  
was worn clean away.   

Perhaps sith jephthath did lament, 
1. Reg. 25.   
had not the woman been:  
He would have falsed his intent,  
which had be shame and sin.   

We read also that Nabigale,  
by wisdom did assuage:  
The wrath of David to nabal,  
for he in kingled rage.   

Pursued his oath and sought to kill,  
the great and eke the small;  
Not leaving one by his good will,  
to piss against the wall.   

But she to David victual send,  
and went herself also:  
Whereby she made him Nabals' friend,  
who was his deadly foe.   


3. Reg. 14.  Abiah strooken with disease  
did lie at point of death:  
And of his sickness had no case,  
ne wanted living breath.   

I pray you then who took the care,  
whose was the pain and woe:  
To know how this young man should far,  
did not the woman go.   

Yet verily we went to learn,  
where he should live or die:  
And so the prophet discern,  
Abihas destiny.   

When as king David waxed old, 
3. reg. 1   
though clothes on him were cast,  
He felt no heat but still was cold,  
till it be fell at last.   

One Abisag a Sunamite,  
was found to keep him hot:  
Who cherished him both day and night,  
and yet he knew her not.   

The prophet told to the woman, 
4. Reg. 8.   
the death of seven year,  
That was to come, not to the man,  
but she unto her fear.   

Did show the same with willing heart,  
so they and theirs did pass:  
And from the dearth did then departed,  
to go where plenty was.   

Was not the prophet Eliah sent, 
3. re. 17.   
to have the woman's aid:  
Because that in the firmament,  
the moisture than was stayed?   

The scripture doth declare it plain,  
that she Eliah fed:  
And save that she did him sustain,  
perchance he had been dead.   

Likewise the godly Sunamite, 
4. re. 4   
gods prophet did entreat,  
As oft as he came in her sight,  
she took him bread to eat.   

Her husband eke she did require,  
some place for him to make:  
And he did grant her, her desire,  
his hand he did not slake.   

Until the prophets house was down:  
his table and bedstead:  
He found all things when he did come,  
there ready for his need.   

This do we see that women be,  
to man profitable:  
Thus do we see to judge of thee,  
and of thy fond fable.   

And though perhaps in sundry case,  
by strength things were not wrought:  
Yet such is God's abundant grace,  
to end the same he sought.   

And bring to pass by women kind,  
according to his will:  
For that they both with heart and mind,  
his sayings do fulfil.   

As we by judith may discern, 
judges. 13.   
who in dead time of night:  
Cut of the head of Holiferne,  
and not by strength in fight.   

The virtuous Susan did not start,  
from God her loving Lord:  
But to his will with willing heart,  
her doings did accord.   

Wherefore God loved her wondrous well,  
as scripture doth declare:  
He raised up young Daniel,  
to plead her cause of care.   

And prove her to be innocent,  
before the people's face:  
When she was judged to be brent,  
in open street and place.   

Sara raguel's daughter dear, 
Tobias. 3. & 6.   
to seven married was:  
And yet remained a virgin clear,  
so god did bring to pass.   

For he preserved the feminine,  
because of virtuous life:  
But strangled were the masculine,  
in whom all vice was rise.   

We find how Rahab did defend, 
joshua. 2   
the men of jerico:  
Wherefore the scripture doth commend,  
her and her life also.   

We read that Marie Magdaline, 
Luc. 7.   
with piteous weeping tears:  
The feet of Christ, had washed clean,  
and wiped them with her hears.   

And how by her contrition,  
and by unfeigned faith:  
Of sin she had remission,  
for so the apostle saith.   

In token man should be content, 
Gene. 22.   
his wife always to love,  
God gave a strait commandment,  
to Abraham from above.   

That he should follow Sara,  
and do as she assigned:  
So was expelled by and by,  
Agar, this do I find,   

This Agar was a strong harlot,  
yet for repentance sake:  
God did forgive and quite forgot,  
the sins that she did make.   

The Angel willed her to go,  
again to know her dame:  
And he that did her faults forego,  
would multiply her fame.   

Again unto the house she went, 
2. Reg. 13.   
acknowledging her sin:  
Where she by thangels appointment,  
was then received in.   

Amon unlawfully did use,  
her fair sister Thamare:  
Feigning sickness (O fond excuse,)  
and she thereof not aware.   

Yet long did she lament the chance,  
which was to amon's shame,  
In token she took repentance,  
though she were not to blame.   

And whereas Sichem wickedly,  
with Dina of comely shape: 
Gene. 34.   
committed and that filthily,  
most foul and heinous rape.   

Yet was it not the woman's fault,  
for she with willing heart:  
When he began her mind to assault,  
did not that wicked part.   

Wherefore gods hand, (the truth is so)  
as scripture doth rehearse:  
This wicked man with foundry more,  
by sword to death did pierce.   

Micheas mother of promise just, 
judith. 17.   
a mirror fit may be:  
To prove all women true to trust,  
how so they seem to the.   

For she by vow herself did bind,  
a graven sculp to make:  
Which vow always she bore in mind,  
and did it not forsake.   

Miriam to God did give the praise, 
Exod. 15.   
for the death of Pharaoh:  
Sounding timbrels with pleasant noise,  
both she and divers more.   

This Miriam was a prophetess,  
Sister to Aaron:  
She lauded God in foundry wise,  
her instrument upon.   

Of many more as yet I can,  
a true rehearsal make:  
By whose good life the wilful man,  
example just may take.   

As of good Ruth and Neomy, 
Ruth. 1.2. Mach.   
of her that did obey:  
Gods will, and from all Idolatry,  
did turn her face away.   

And strengthened her sons to dissent,  
and suffer for God's laws:  
Declaring his just judgement,  
for this their righteous cause.   

The women have most worthy praise,  
for wisdom and mere pity:  
With faith and fortitude always,  
in most adversity.   

As to two Prophets hath been seen, 
4. Reg. 22. Luc. 22.   
I mean Oldah and Anne:  
With Saba the most worthy Queen, 
3. Reg. 10.   
to Solomon that came.   

Read the new Testamont likewise,  
there written shalt thou find:  
That woman had the exercise,  
of good and constant mind.   

Of Christ's birth the mystery, 
Luc. 1.   
Elizabeth did believe:  
And not the man old Zachary,  
whom the angel did reprieve,   

Great was the love the woman bare, 
joh. 10.   
in time of Christ's woe:  
As Magdaline who had great care,  
and from him did not go.   

Though his disciples all were fled,  
long weeping did she sit,  
And the sepulchre (he once head)  
oftimes she did visit,   

She and her compers with oils pure, 
Ma●h. 5.   
to show their earnest; zeal:  
Sought Christ theu laid in sepulture,  
in hope they mought him heal.   

For well they knows and did believe,  
by his own sayings plain:  
That in short time he would revive,  
and rise from death again.   

For the oil she spent God to her gave,  
great praise, when as he sat:  
At meat, and those men did deprave,  
who did against her prate.   

The poor (said he) from day to day,  
amongst you shall remain:  
But shortly I must hence away,  
as I have told you plain.   

Also he did her more esteem, 
Luc. 11.   
who did but two mites send:  
Then the rich man though he did seem,  
much more than she to spend.   

No kind of grace in her was hid, 
Act. 9   
who daily fed the poor:  
I mean Thabita whom Peter did,  
from death to live restore.   

Ne yet in her than rather would, 
3. Reg. 3.   
her child forsake and leave:  
Then Solomon asunder should,  
his parts most tender cleave.   

And pilate's Wife did more pity,  
the troublous time of Christ:  
Then all the men who standing buy,  
blaspheming did resist.   

To whom think you did Christ appear  
from death when he arose?  
In faith for aught that I can here,  
or ought I can suppose.   

To Marry Magdaline I read, 
Math. 27.   
and to his mother dear:  
That first he showed himself in deed:  
this thing in truth is clear.   

We seldom find that Christ did blame,  
one woman properly:  
Or any one so far past shame,  
so little set our saviour by.   

As Peter did Christ to deny, 
Iu●. 22   
oftimes in open place:  
For which offence Christ openly,  
did blame him to his face.   

And where the scribes maliciously, 
joh. 8.   
to Christ had brought a whore:  
He saved the woman graciously,  
and said do so no more.   

Which thing to man's rebuke did found,  
but tell me if thou can:  
Did he the like as thou hast found,  
at any time for man?   

Likewise the wife of Cananie, 
Math. 15.   
whose daughter was possessed:  
With a devil, on Christ did cry,  
to give her daughter rest.   

To her Christ answered not again,  
to th'end all men mought see:  
What constant faith did still remain,  
unto the femine.   

We find at the Woman's request,  
and at a needful time:  
Christ being at a solemn feast,  
turned water into Wine.   

Also at the Woman's insteance, 
joh. 2.   
raised Lazar whole and found:  
Who then (such was God's sufferance,)  
lay four days under ground.   

And he be wailed tenderly,  
to them that him oft fed:  
Martha the one, the other Marry,  
for this their brother dead.   

I never yet as I am aware,  
did read that he did make,  
Such sorrow or once took care,  
for any one man's sake.   

Thus women be not cast aways,  
by scripture proved plain:  
Nor th●se that were of ancient days,  
nor they that yet remain.   

As I for witness could report,  
a thousand more as yet:  
But to thensent I may be shorfe,  
I will their names omit,   

I mought repet Lucretia, 
ovid. in fast. lib. ●.   
of chaste and honest life:  
Here mought I speak of Porcia,  
and of Ulysses wife.   

With sundry more but as I say,  
and as before I spoke:  
I mind as briefly as I may,  
some end hereof to make.   

Wherefore do thou thy mind refer,  
old ancient books to view:  
Then shalt thou see that women were,  
virtuous, constant and true.   

Then shalt thou learn to be ashamed,  
of this thy foolish fact:  
In that thy spiteful pen was framed,  
poor women to detract.   

For though that Eve did first transgress,  
whose fault brought us in thrall:  
Yet Mary did the same redress,  
and thereby loosed all.   

But sith some women wickedly,  
did ill in sundry case.  
Wilt thou therefore so spitefully,  
blame all with shameless face?   

It foundeth much to thy great blame,  
all forts to reprehend;  
Because that some without all shame,  
did wilfully offend.   

For as each tree that yet doth last,  
gives not his fruit a like:  
But some give passing pleasant taste,  
and some we do mislike.   

Or as each cloth is not like bad,  
for some is fine, some corpse:  
Some light of colour, and some sad,  
some good, and some far worse.   

Or as each man is not alike,  
for some are thick, some small:  
Some patient, some choleric,  
some short, some other tall.   

semblably of woman kind,  
we all are plainly taught:  
That some are of most virtuous mind,  
and other some are nought.   

Wherefore if righteousness should skan,  
and judge in this one point:  
She would condemn as well the man,  
so durst I lay a wint.   

Seek not sherfore thine own reproach,  
thy name do not consume:  
On others faults do not encroach,  
nor yet against them fume.   

For of saint Paul this mayst thou learn, 
Rom. 2.   
it doth no man beseem:  
Worse of an other to discern,  
then of himself to deem.   

What creature living under sky,  
fish, foul, worm, or best:  
But with his kind continually,  
doth live at quiet rest.   

Save man alone who being rude,  
outrageously doth speak:  
And rail against his symlitude,  
his furious mood to wreak.   

It seemeth then a great abuse,  
such frowardness to have:  
Yea, it is in manner marvelous,  
the self same to deprave.   

Whom most we ought to laud and love,  
great foliy sure it is:  
So slanderously them to reprove,  
whom we not long can miss.   

Wherefore all ye,  
that this do se:  
judge them to be  
most worthy praise.   

The truth to tell,  
I know it well:  
They do expel,  
all wicked ways.   

With hand and to,  
they do forego:  
We find it so,  
things undiscrete.   

With earnest mind,  
this woman kind,  
Herself doth bind,  
to virtue sweet.   

Bear them good will  
seek not to spill:  
With voice so shrill,  
their honest name.   

For they maintain,  
all goodness plain,  
And so obtain,  
most famous fame.   

Seek not to scorn,  
their faith untorn,  
Which hath forlorn,  
all doubleness.   

But rather prove,  
their steadfast love:  
And so remove,  
all doubtfulness.   

Be true of heart,  
take thou their part,  
And as thou art,  
a strong defence.   

So they most meek,  
will ever seek:  
To do the leek,  
in recompense.   

Farewell adieu,  
love woman kind:  
For they be true.  
of heart and mind,   
Explicit.   

A fruitful short dialogue upon the sentence, know before thou knit.  W. 
I will not knit before I know,  C. 
Care not for long delay:  W. 
And so I shall do best I trow?  C. 
It is the wisest way.  W. 
The knot unknown I may repent,  C. 
But than it is to late:  W. 
Which way mought I this il prevent?  C. 
If ignorance you hate.  W. 
Incline my heart thereto I must,  C. 
Such wisdom now is rare:  W. 
Repentance then need not I trust,  C. 
Then shall you fly from care.  W. 
Can no man lose the knot once knit?  C. 
Once knit it must abide:  W. 
Good sage advice therefore is fit,  C. 
Your words for truth are tried.  W. 
Examples can you here find out?  C. 
Examples yea great store.  W. 
Some of them dwelling here about?  C. 
Remaining here a score.  W. 
Such as by haste have found the lost.  C. 
Preventing foe their care:  W. 
The turning spit who eats the roast  C. 
You if you can beware.  W. 
New hasty bands adieu, farewell,  C. 
Remember time trieth truth:  W. 
God grant I follow good council?  C. 
Then call to mind your youth.  W. 
If I do not I shall bewail.  C. 
In that you say the best:  W. 
Repentance then will not prevail,  C. 
Even so then seek for rest.  
FINIS.