THE COUNTRY Man's Comfort.  
OR Religious Recreations, fit for all well disposed persons.  
Which was Printed in the year of our Lord 1588. And since corrected, amended, and enlarged by the same Author. I. R.  PSAL. 34. 11. Come ye Children (in understanding) I will teach you the fear of the Lord. COL. 3. 16. Let the words of Christ dwell in you plenteously in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing your own selves, in Psalms, Hymns and spiritual Songs, singing with a grace in your hearts to the Lord. 
Printed at London by M. D. and are to be sold by Anne Boler, at the sign of the Marigold in Paul's Churchyard. 1637.   

To the Christian Reader, grace and peace.  
GOod Reader, in the year of our Lord 1588. when the Devil, Pope, and Spaniard did rage against our late Q. Elizabeth, (never to be forgotten) and this kingdom to have both killed us: and to possess the land▪ and when God had so miraculously delivered us from that invincible Navy (as they termed it) I wrote this Book, containing in it many good Songs, Ditties & Carols, for the comfort and solace of all those that are well disposed, after so miraculous deliverance from our enemies, the Pope and Spaniards. If therefore it happen to light into hands that are wise and learned: know this that I do not count it so fit a book for thee as for the Scholars of petty Schools the poor Coutrieman and his family, who will ask these vain questions, some times saying: what shall we do in the long winter nights: how shall we pass away the time on Sundays, what would you have us do in the Christmas holidays: For such have I made this book, wherein I shall no doubt please their merry minds a little, for that they are naturally given to sing, if happily I may win them to sing good things and forsake evil.  
And when the gunpowder Treason was found out and bewrayed: I began to look over this little book: and finding as great cause to move unto thankfulness now as then: I did as my leisure served me correct & amend my former labours, and added and augmented them more than was in the former book: and now have finished the same, I offer it to the view of all well minded persons, and as for others that cannot take plain labours in good part: I leave them to themselves, and the rest unto God.  
The Lords poor and humble servant, I. R.   

The Countryman's comfort.  

A song in stead of an Introduction to this work, worthy your reading and entitled A Table of good Counsel.  
It will go to the tune of in Create, if you sing it.  

FIrst learn to honour God aright,  
Let love and fear thereto provok:  
Obey the King, with all thy might  
Submit thyself to Parents yoke.  
Embrace the good and shun the ill:  
This is the sum of wisdom's skill.   

To know thyself thou must apply:  
And try thy friend before thou trust:  
Content thyself, climb not too high,  
Let word and deed be all ways just.  
Strive not to swim against the stream:  
Account not of a drowsy dream.   

Wish not for wealth by parent's death,  
A friend far passeth worldly good:  
And while the body yieldeth breath,  
Seek not for to exceed in food.  
For great excess of meat and drink,  
Doth cause the soul in sin to sink.   

Faint not though fortune favour fools,  
Fret not at others good success:  
Delight to sit in learned schools,  
Thy former faults seek to redress.  
Spurn not at him that tells thy crime,  
Mend that against another time.   

Spend sparingly yet not too nigh,  
And make account how wealth doth waste:  
Hate Suretyship all debt books fly.  
To give thy word make thou no haste.  
Let not apparel sumptuous be:  
But still remember thy degree.   

Respect not only present time,  
But mark also what may ensue:  
For crack of credit is a crime,  
Change not an old friend for a new.  
Take heed of brazen face past shame:  
And love to live in honest fame.   

Praise no man till thou dost him know,  
Dispraise not rashly any wight:  
Lest shame thereby to thee may grow,  
Speak but few words place them aright.  
Into the world then mayst thou go,  
And say thy friend hath taught thee so.    

The sum of the Creed in Meeter:  

IN Father Son and Holy Ghost,  
Believe I steadfastly,  
And that Christ jesus Man became:  
I hold as earnestly.  
He also suffered for our sins,  
Himself still void of sin:  
Who did descend the manner how,  
I say not much therein.  
We find that Christ felt so much pain,  
As satisfied God's Ire:  
And reconciled man to God,  
That's all we need require.  
And as for Christ in Pix, in bread,  
Or harrowing up of Hell:  
Of Purgatory Limbus twain,  
The Scripture doth not tell.  
One true Church Catholic there is,  
One earth still militant:  
And I a member of the same,  
Through Christ now Triumphant.  
This Church it hath Communion,  
And God remitts their sin:  
To life and glory they shall rise,  
And they shall never lin,  
To sing out HALLELVIAH,  
In everlasting Bliss,  
Wherefore believe and live well here,  
That so you may be his.   
Amen.   

The sum of the Ten Commandments.  

1 None but jehova have for God,  
2 No Creature worship thou,  
3 Take not Gods holy Name in vain,  
4 Keep well the Sabbath now,  
5 Thy Parent's honour and obey,  
6 No murder once commit,  
7 Be none adulterer at all,  
8 Steal not by hand or wit,  
9 False witness bear thou not, I say,  
10 Ne covet not in heart,   

Thy neighbour's wife, servant or goods,  
That God gave for his part.   

These Ten Commandments we divide,  
Still into Tables twain:  
And take them for our spiritual guide,  
And our direction plain.  
First to the worship of our God,  
And then to Christian love:  
That we may shun the fiery rod,  
And live in heaven above.   

Then do not like to Papists add,  
Nor take from this his Law,  
But down with Images and all,  
And ever live in Awe.  
And as the Lord did make us all,  
So let him teach us too:  
For he knows what is best for us,  
And we blind what to do.   
FINIS.   

A Brief of the Lords Prayer.  

O Father ours which art in heaven,  
Still hallowed be thy Name,  
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,  
In earth without all blame.  
As it performed is in heaven,  
Ofsoules and Angels bright:  
Where thou art served without sin,  
And praised day and night.   

Give us this day our daily bread,  
Forgive our sins likewise,  
As we forgive them that us hurt,  
When quarrels do arise.   

Into temptation lead us not,  
So to be overcome,  
As wicked persons ever are,  
That lose thy sweet kingdom.   

For thine is that celestial place,  
With power and glory still,  
Both now and evermore, Amen,  
Say we with right good will.   

To pray to Saints or creatures then,  
you see 'tis Popery,  
To have a Picture in this work:  
Is idle certainly.  
A Crucifix is nothing worth,  
Ne Beads to count upon:  
For blinde-men they must leave those Paints,  
And pray to God alone.   
FINIS.   

The Sum of the old Covenant or Testament with the two Sacraments thereof given to the jews by Almighty God.  

IEhova that great God of heaven,  
gave to the father's old:  
A covenant of doing all,  
That in the Law is told.   

Do this and live said God to them,  
But no man could do so:  
Wherefore the law sends all to Christ,  
To keep their souls from woe.   

This covenant was signed and sealed,  
With two clear Sacraments:  
The first was Circumcision,  
Withal rights and intents.   

Th'other was the Passeover,  
Wherein Christ was set out:  
The Lamb of God slain for our sins,  
Of this be out of doubt.   
FINIS.   

The Sum of the new Covenant or Testament with the two Sacraments confirming the same and given both to the jews and gentils by jesus Christ the son of God.  

THe Covenant of Christ with man,  
in the new Testament:  
Is this that we believe in him,  
and strive with whole intent.  
To love and live as Christ hath done,  
yea bear his cross and pray:  
That we may do as we would have,  
men deal with us always,  
This Covenant also is confirmed  
With holy Sacraments twain,  
Which like wise set out Christ to us,  
Who for our sins was slain.  
The first of these is Baptism,  
Which sets out our new Birth,  
The other the Lords Supper is  
Which brings us heavenly mirth.  
And thus one Church is gathered  
Of Jews and Gentiles eke,  
Rome therefore is a Harlot found  
And our Church Catholic:  
For we stand firmly to God's word,  
And thereby willbe taught,  
But Papists chiefly by the Pope,  
Which thing great strife hath wrought;  
These Sacraments which Christ set out  
They like not simplely  
But will have 7. S. to Christ's twain;  
And give no reason why.  
Consider what absurdities,  
Do grow of this by them.  
Five covenants more they would confirm,  
Belike from mortal men.  
Their Priests of all men should receive  
The Sacraments each one.  
Yet must he not be married,  
For then his Priesthoods gone;  
Some of these five called Sacraments,  
The people may not have:  
As Orders yea and Marriage too,  
Which some men will not crave.  
Where as the Sacraments of Christ,  
Must be received of all:  
Even as his Law and Covenant,  
Which serves for great and small.  
But I will now contend no more,  
I seek to teach the Truth:  
And to bewray Absurdities,  
To aged folk and youth.   
FINIS.   

An instruction of the whole year divided in 12. Months, four seasons or quarters as also into weeks and days, of the Sabbath or Lords day: and what is the true keeping of it.  

Of a Year.  

A year is that which holds from spring to spring  
From march to march the five & twentieth day  
Wherein we sow and reap of every thing,  
To serve for meat and clothing as we say.    

Of the 12. Months in the year.  

Twelve months there are belonging to each year  
Into four quarters we divide the same.  
Thirteen full moons in this space do appear  
And 4 weeks makes up every month we name    

Of the names of the Months.  

Cold january, February, March,  
Mild April, May, with june and july these,  
Hot August which the corn doth ripe & parch  
September sweet which doth the Ploughman please   

October and November then takes place,  
The last of all these Months is called December  
And they that have but even a spark of grace  
God's benefits in these they will remember.    

Of the 4. Quarters in the year  

1 The Quarters four in all the year are these  
March twenty five is called our Lady-day,  
Or the Anuntiation if you please,  
Of blessed Marie by that man of joy.  
I mean the Angel Gabriel which did come,  
With news from heaven that she should mother be  
Of jesus Christ God's dear & only son,  
Which story in the Scripture all may see.   

2 The second quarter happeneth still in june,  
And Saint john Baptists day we do it call:  
Or Midsummer in English speech or tune,  
The year is then at best as it will fall.   

3 The third is in the Month we call September  
And bears the name of glorious Michael  
Wherein let poor men evermore remember  
Their year or half years rend to pay down well   

4 The fourth and last falls in December still,  
And Christmas quarter men do call the same  
God grant us in them all to do Gods will.  
And so to thrive in body, goods, and name.    
FINIS.   

A religious Letter, showing how and whom to woo in the way of Marriage, though all men cannot do, or have it so as is here set down.  

IN humble wise I do commend,  
and write these words to you:  
Whom I esteem as my dear friend,  
never to change for new.  
Unto my words in patience,  
now let your ears incline:  
And that will be some recompense,  
to quit these pains of mine.   

In younger years when strength did grow,  
and nature sought her will:  
I used all good means that are,  
The same to quench and kill.  
I prayed to God, I fasted oft,  
I kept from com-pa-ny:  
I read good books to beat down lust,  
And harlots haunts did fly.   

I laboured in my calling much,  
I watched and studied hard:  
Yet as I sat the tempter came,  
With all his band and guard.  
Evil motions he did raise in me,  
With Ona-nizme Sin:  
But I liked not or gave consent,  
To aught that he brought in.   

But I would walk abroad sometimes,  
And take some re-cre-ation:  
To put vain thoughts out of my heart,  
In good and christian fashion.  
And even in this had I respect,  
to every cir-cum-stance,  
Time, place and seasons every thing,  
That goodness might advance.   

Then went I to my work again,  
I never made a toil:  
Of sport or recreation,  
Which should be but as File  
To get the Melancholy rust▪  
And filth of flesh away▪  
Lest Sin and Satan should in me  
As Kings bear rule and sway.   

When none of these things did prevail  
But Satan tempted still:  
I thought upon man's last refuge▪  
Gods laws for to fulfil.  
I mean the honest Marriage Bed,  
Therein to live most chaste:  
My body which Gods Temple is,  
No way to file or waste.   

My Parents which did bring me up,  
Gave learning to mine Art:  
And made me often read God's word,  
Which I laid up in heart.  
Thus getting Scripture readily,  
As at my finger's ends:  
I vanquished world the flesh and Devil,  
Not shaming self nor friends.   

This was of God, I wrought it not,  
but here all sorts may see:  
Christ's yoke is easier than we judge,  
If good means used be.  
But if like Cowards we will yield,  
To lust and to affection:  
So oft as Satan he will tempt,  
In vain is all direction.   

Where fore such counsel as I read,  
Such counsel give will I:  
Resist the Devil saith Saint james,  
And he from thee will fly▪  
Or else how did good josephhe  
Susanna and the rest,  
Withstand all filthiness of sin  
and whoredom still detest▪   

To pass by this I will proceed,  
and bend my speech more plain▪  
To you whom I respect in heart,  
in which I do not fain.  
Because I mean to knit myself▪  
In marriage as I said:  
I did bethink myself where I,  
Might find some honest maid.   

That I might woo and take to wife,  
In wedlock to live so▪  
As that I might not grieve my friends  
nor yet rejoice my foes▪  
And still my mind did run on you,  
as fittest match for me;  
Among you madens in these parrs,  
Or any I can see,   

You are no gadding gosseper▪  
No proud nor peacock dame:  
No night bird walker as some are  
That live not in good fame.  
No stage play runner nor no shrew,  
Of shrill or prattling tongue:  
No scold nor brawler or stout piece,  
That hurts both old and young.   

No self wild person sour or cross,  
To please or to entreat:  
No idle housewife or the like,  
That can but play and eat.  
No sweet mouthed trifles, longing still▪  
For all things far or near:  
And with the first to crave ripe fruit,  
Though it be scarce and dear.   

I know that you can read and write▪  
Yea sing and sweetly play  
On instruments of sundry sorts  
For your delight all way.  
The needle, and the loom also,  
You handle cunningly  
The knitting needles of all sorts  
Your fingers can apply.   

Yet this doth nothing hinder you,  
From wheel and distaff plain:  
Which is the mistress sport sometimes,  
And is not without gain.  
I know that you live soberly,  
Content with mean estate:  
Abhorring pride and vanities  
To live at simple rate.   

A great Pains taker in an house;  
For all works that belong:  
To women sex both small and great,  
Though you not very strong.  
All this doth come from God above,  
For you live in his fear:  
And Parents have taken pains with you  
Which wins praise every where.   

Blessed and happy is that man;  
Which can win love of thee:  
Or of thy like in some good part,  
Though some should wanting be.  
I pray you now to understand,  
That all my words do tend:  
To get your favour and your love,  
In Marriage or I end.   

And for myself you know me well,  
I am a neighbour's son:  
And you a neighbour's daughter are,  
You know then whence I come▪  
I must not praise myself at all  
My deeds and godly men;  
Shall be sufficient in this point,  
Wherefore I spare my Pen.   

Yet give me leave a word or two,  
In things that all know not:  
Concerning me my life and state:  
Which may fall to thy lot.  
I fear and worship God on high,  
And what the scripture saith:  
That I believe unfeignedly,  
And there on build my faith.   

All po-pe-ry I do detest,  
With Sects and Schisms all:  
In Christ and his Apostles words,  
I stay and ever shall.  
Now my profession sure it is,  
Befitting your degree:  
Which may induce thy heart to love,  
And think the more on me.   

I am no unthrift any way,  
No prodigal or such:  
No Naball niggard Churll or Clowne▪  
At kindred for to grudge.  
I am no cozening cogging knave,  
No shifter vile or base:  
No drunkard whoremaster or thief,  
That dares not show their face.   

I am no slothful or drone Bee,  
To suck away the honey:  
That other men have laboured for,  
I owe no debts nor money,  
I stand not bound in suretieship,  
For any man alive:  
I take no goods or wares on trust,  
For than I should not thrive.   

I brag it not in brokers suits  
Of velvet, silk, or Satin:  
Widows or maidens to deceive,  
By tongue that runs on pattine.  
I meddle not with usurers,  
That eat men out of all  
Lands, goods, and leases, paunes, and what  
May bring a man's great fall.   

I follow my vocation still,  
And on the Sabbath day:  
With all my servants go to Church  
To hear gods word and pray.  
House, land, and money some I have,  
My parents left it me▪  
Enough to bring a woman to,  
If married I should be.   

And something I have purchased since,  
If children I should have  
That they in time may be possessed,  
Of that we get or save,  
What wealth you have I do not know,  
Nor will I that inquire,  
It is sufficient if you like,  
and all I do desire.   

Our Parents thine and mine are dead,  
Else would I out of hand:  
Make suit to them for their good wills,  
as God's word doth command.  
But seeing God hath called them,  
And you at liberty:  
To marry whom you will in God,  
That course now stay will I.   

But if that you have other men,  
In such a work to use:  
There good advice I wish you take,  
And do it not refuse.  
The better every thing shall go,  
With you and eke with me:  
For that with good advise this work,  
Our friends shall ever see.   

Now will I draw unto an end,  
Till I may hear from you;  
What hope there may be of my suit,  
Or what shall now ensue.  
The Lord direct your heart aright,  
That I thine own may be:  
If God hath so ordained it,  
And thus farewell to thee.   
Your loving friend, your friend indeed That will not fail: in time of need. A. B.  
FINIS.   

Certain verses or English Metres concerning locking in of our doors at Night and of opening them in the Morning with prayer, and then of following some lawful vocation or other.  
To the Tune of the 25. Psalm.  

AT night thy doors shut in,  
With Prayer to the Lord,  
Repent and leave thy sins betimes,  
And so escape the sword.  
For one day we shall count,  
For thoughts for words for deeds;  
Therefore let not the soul of thine,  
Be pestered with such weeds.   

No quiet can there be▪  
To them that sleep in sin:  
And are not reconciled to God,  
By Christ our help therein.  
When Morning doth appear,  
And thou intendest to rise:  
Praise God for thy good rest and sleep,  
and shake of slothful guise.   

Unlock thy doors again,  
With prayer as before:  
And willingly take pains some way,  
In goodness evermore.  
For they that live at ease,  
And have no calling known,  
Live not a Christian life be sure,  
Though they live on their own.   

As the eves such are to God,  
And to his Children dear:  
The slothful idle spending life,  
Is no way in God's fear.  
If thou be but a child,  
At school let be thy work:  
And do not lose thy golden time,  
In corners for to lurk.   

If thou a servant be,  
A man or else a maid:  
Do that which doth belong to thee,  
To sin be thou afraid.  
If Gentleman or Knight,  
Or if young Lord thou be:  
Let study good and exercise,  
Be pleasant unto thee▪   

Thy house thy name and wealth,  
Will else be over thrown:  
And thou a man of no esteem  
When thy bad life is known▪  
The streets of every Town,  
are to to full each day:  
Of idle and unthrifty men,  
That seeks their own decay,  
The Lord our God amend,  
This sin and all the rest:  
That now doth reign in Englishmen  
For God doth it detest.   
FINIS.   

A song in praise of Music against all Stoickelike Natures.  
Which may be sung to the Tune of: In Create when Dedalus.  

THe Poets write in Musics praise,  
That Orpheus with his tuned Harp  
The stones could move the trees could raise  
And make the warbling Birds to carp,  
And all to show that Musics art  
Can mollify a stony heart.   

The silly infants mournful cry  
The fostering Nurse with songs doth stay,  
The Ploughman's whistling melody  
Doth pass away the painful day  
The horse and Mule with sound of bell  
Encouraged is to labour well.   

The Head enfraught with frantic toys  
The tuned strings do make full grave:  
The heart oppressed and void of joy.  
Will greatly joy Music to have  
When study deep hath dulled the brain  
Music will sharp the edge again.   

We read how David played full trim  
Before the holy Ark of God  
And how his wife for mocking him  
By sentence just was than forbade  
For having Children any more  
But barren should she be therefore.   

The shepherds and the Angels eke  
When that our Saviour Christ was borne  
With voice did laud that lamb so meek  
That died for mankind without scorn  
We ought to praise the Lord also  
With music's art in wealth and woe.   

A song well set well sung with voice,  
Or other music handled fine.  
far passeth any earthly noise  
Yea rather is a thing divine.  
And some do writ that Music even  
Doth represent the joys of heaven.   

Since Music is a science such,  
That God will honoured be withal  
A fish and fowl joys therein much  
And every thing to nature thrall  
Hath he not then a stony heart  
That can dispraise this noble art.   

Love's Music therefore in her use  
Love Poetry void of abuse  
Hear songs and Instruments sometimes  
So as they lead not to ill crimes  
And thus an end of Music's praise  
Which God advance in all our days.   
FINIS.   

A song in commendation of diverse instruments of Music.  

PRaise the Lord O man mortal  
Night and day upon him call  
Sing and say both great and small  
That God is good and just:  
Search and seek the Scripture well  
It doth testify and tell  
Every one in joy shall dwell▪  
That in the Lord doth trust.   

Take the sounding Trumpet shrill  
Tabrell and the sweet Timbrill  
Wind the Flute with right good will,  
That Saints on earth may hear:  
Let the Drummer strike amain,  
Till our spiritual foes be slain  
Then with joy retire again,  
And serve the Lord in fear.   

Bring the Bandora to blay,  
Let the Bumberd come and Bray  
Put not Dulcimers away  
Nor pipes that praise the Lord,  
Send the Cinfan and Simball  
Sacbuts long and virginal  
Let the Lute and Citterns small  
Agree with one accord.   

Hear the Crumpehorne and the Harp  
Hoboise and the Regale sharp  
Let the Vials come and carp  
Our minds for to delight.  
Sing with Shawms and Psaltery  
Play upon the Organs hie  
'Cause the Cornets for to cry  
In skilful people's sight.   

Learn in God's word how you may  
Use these Instruments in play  
Putting the abuse away  
That wicked men do use.  
Let your mirth and Music, still  
Be according to Gods will  
Carnal lust for ever kill  
On good things always muse.   

March with Moses valiantly  
Answer Miriam singingly  
After Israel's victory  
On Pharaoh and his host:  
joy with joyful jael she  
Deborah and Baruck he  
Who did Siseras' downfall see  
Of whom there was much boast.   

Britain think on things of weight  
Spaniards coming eighty eight  
With the Powder plot conceit  
Where of all sorts should taste  
Dally not with God therefore  
Trust not Papists any more  
Banish them that blessings store,  
May come to us in haste.   

Their Sins of Idollatry  
Our Sins of impiety  
Both of them to God doth cry  
For vengeance night and day  
Let us therefore now repent  
And all our sinful ways lament  
Let our minds to good be bend  
And we shall live for aye.   
FINIS.   

A song against Fortune and those that have or do defend the same,  
which may be sung to the Tune of: Fortune my foe▪ why dost thou frown on me.  

FOrtune shall been God nor guide of mine,  
Fortune to thee, nothing I will resign:  
Fortune thou art the heathens Queen and Princess  
How should a Christian take thee for his Mistress.   

Fortune some say she hath a restless wheel,  
Turning the same that men her power may feel  
Fortune doth give; and take life as a Princess,  
Thus every way▪ is Fortune took for Mistress.   

But shall I show the folly of this thing?  
And credit have if I the truth do bring  
Then give me leave & I will prove this Heathnesse  
To be no Goddess Princess Queen or Mistress   

Fortune what is it who can tell or show?  
It is no God nor Angel this we know:  
No man nor woman, no creature dumb or senseless,  
No vice nor virtue to be made a Princess.   

What world or work did Fortune make or frame?  
What law or Gospel comes forth in her name?  
Whom doth she call to count with as a Princess?  
Where will she reign when this world's turned to ashes?   

Seeth no man can define what Fortune is,  
Nor yet declare, her works of bale or bliss:  
Seethe none did ever see or know this Princess,  
Why should a christian take her for his Mistress?   

In God therefore, that made both Sa and land,  
Heaven, earth, and all things with his mighty hand  
In him alone, the father of all mercies,  
I put my trust above all earthly Princes.   

Fortune and Fancy, Hazz and Hap and chance  
Venture and Destiny, Luck an ignorance,  
God will destroy and call account of Princess,  
Of young and old, of servants and of Mistress.   

Fortune ye see then▪ is but even a name,  
Which Heathen Nations, to themselves did frame:  
Of profane people, only she is Princess,  
And therefore christians should have no such Mistress.   

Where God is known and truly known indeed,  
There Fortune's name, is banished with all speed:  
Ye a all gross sin, which doth our God offend,  
Which thing I praise, and so my song shall end.   
FINIS.   

A song or Ditty made on this theme I know not what, wherein is showed how men ought not to set their minds on worldy pleasure but on the living Lord.  
To the tune of Labandalashot: and doth run on the names of them that gave the theme, and his that made the song.  

Who views the life of mortal man  
His state and where of he began:  
Shall find such hugy heaps of woe,  
As neither tongue nor pen can show:  
Wherewith our minds should daunted be  
From using worldly mirth and glee  
And move us to consider well:  
What pains here are prepared in hell  
For wicked people as their lot  
which have done hear they know not what.   

If every man would hear God's word,  
and reverently obey the Lord:  
Then wickedness would not abound,  
But grace and virtue would be found  
In young and old in high and low  
In servants and in childre'n also  
In rich and poor in great and small  
In preachers and in people all  
Who delight in this and that  
And often do they know not what.   

Look round about in each degree  
And mark what crimes and faults we see  
Behold the court and country too  
And then note well what great a do  
There is in every kind of state  
Few are content with simple rate  
But every one will elime aloft  
Till trial hath them plainly taught  
'tis vain in hope of this or that  
To say or do they know not what.   

Love is not found but here and there,  
Lewd lust doth flourish every where:  
Good laws are made but kept at will,  
Lose living it increaseth still.  
Like swine we wallow in the mire,  
And seek to follow vain desire:  
Let God or man say what they please  
We hunt for pleasure wealth and ease,  
And for the love of this and that:  
We say and do we know not what.   

In pomp and pride we do excel,  
Like Lucifer the Devil of hell:  
All new found fashions we do crave,  
To make our bodies fine and brave,  
But for our souls we little care,  
Small suits for it we do prepare:  
We guard and lace us round about,  
In jigs and jags we let it out.  
Some will wear this, some will wear that,  
And some will wear they know not what.   

All whoredom is but tricks of youth▪  
Say those that do not know the truth▪  
Not one of twenty when they wed,  
Do bring unto the Marriage bed,  
Their bodies pure as Christians ought,  
But fleshly pleasure first is sought:  
And for to cloak their filthy deed  
They must be married with all speed.  
Then they do live like Dog and Cat,  
Because they did they knew not what.   

Much swearing many a one doth use,  
And so the Name of God abuse  
Some swear by wounds, by blood and heart,  
By foot by sides and every part  
By Mass by cross by light by fire▪  
By bread and all we can desire.  
By faith and troth though they have none  
By Saints and Angels many a one,  
Some swear by this, some swear by that,  
And some do swear they know not what.   

Fie on the drowsy drunken sort,  
that in excess delight and sport:  
Fie on all ale-knights that will quaff,  
to make men drunk when they may laugh  
Fie on all potmates that delight,  
to serve God Bacchus day and night▪  
To them belongs red eyes and nose,  
to them belongs the ragged clothes  
For they still drink of this and that  
until they do they know not what.   

O when will covetousness be left,  
with fraud and guile deceit and theft:  
Or when will usury take his flight,  
with flattery falsehood craft and spite.  
When shall the poor in good state live,  
by helps and gifts that rich men give:  
When will our landlords be content,  
to let their Farms at the old rent.  
Alas they cannot hear of that,  
But they would have they know not what.   

See how the Sabbath is abused,  
and all good exercise refused▪  
O see what pastimes men devose,  
to please their carnal ears and eyes.  
Few take delight to hear God's word,  
but like bruit beasts they rise from board:  
To dance to bowl to gaud and game,  
though preachers oft reprove the same.  
Some follow this, some follow that,  
and some do follow they know not what.   

The Dice and Cards esteemed be,  
of rich and poor we daily see:  
Till all is gone there is no stay,  
but at the Dice it must away.  
The married man the Bachelor,  
the apprentice and the traveler:  
They follow gaming earnestly,  
until they come to beggary.  
Examples draw them not from that,  
but still they do they know not what.   

Enfor'st I am to tell you plain,  
what sins among us still remain:  
That true repentaance may abound,  
while God in mercy may be found.  
For time will come when we shall say,  
what fools we were to go astray:  
And if we knock 'twill be too late,  
for we shall answered be at gate.  
Depart from hence I know you not,  
which have done here you know not what   

Repentance God doth not deny,  
if we do ask before we die:  
And put not of from time to time,  
th' amendment of each fault and crime.  
And mark also what things are taught,  
and print them in your mind and thought  
Beat down your wills with wit and grace,  
and foster not in any case:  
Your lewd attempts to this or that,  
but in God's word learn what is what.   

In humble sort pray we, pray we,  
unto one God and persons three:  
O let us magnify his name,  
and sound out praises to the same.  
He hath given us as may be seen,  
a royal King, a Prince and Queen.  
Nothing we lack in these our days,  
wherefore let us walk in his ways  
Regarding neither this nor that:  
but seek to know still what is what.   

Here will I knit up and conclude,  
now will I end my verses rude  
O you that are disposed to sing,  
to read or hear this simple thing:  
Desire of God and so will I:  
That we may profit well hereby  
Even for his son Christ's jesus sake,  
to whom let us ourselves betake.  
So shall all never be forgot,  
for he will teach us what is what.   
FINIS.   

A song against slanderous tongues showing that no sort of good men did or ever could escape them.  

Who so thou be that livest best,  
and least of all deservest blame,  
That wouldst pass through above the rest,  
this world without reproach and shame.  
Come mark and see and credit me,  
all slanderous tongues would trouble thee   

If thou couldst walk with God himself,  
as Henoch did Noah by name:  
If Shem and japhets' bashfulness,  
were thine in hiding father's shame.  
Yet mark and see and credit me:  
all slanderous tongues would trouble thee▪   

If thou hadst Abra'ms' faith and trust,  
with Isa'kes Jacob's and that train▪  
If Joseph's chastity thou hadst,  
and providence for country's gain.  
Yet mark and see and credit me,  
all slanderous tongues would trouble thee.   

If like to Deborah thou couldst be,  
to jael Baruck and the best:  
To Gideon and to jeptha he,  
to Samson stronger than the rest.  
Yet mark and see and credit me▪  
all slanderous tongues would trouble thee.   

If thou hadst samuel's righteoushes,  
with David's harp and holiness:  
The love of jonathan and those,  
that Saul the king took for his foes.  
Yet mark and see and credit me:  
all slanderous tongues would trouble thee.   

If thou in princely seat didst sit,  
to rule the Realm▪ with golden mace  
If thou were Solomon in wit,  
and cam'st of high renowned race.  
Yet mark and see and credit me,  
all slanderous tongues will trouble thee   

If thou hadst all the cunning skill,  
that ever learned man could have  
If thou in godly exercise,  
spendest time until thou goest to grave:  
Yet mark and see and credit me,  
all slanderous tongues will trouble thee.   

If thou hadst all King Croesus' gold,  
and daily didst the poor relieve:  
If God and nature had bestowed,  
on thee all gifts that they could give.  
Yet mark and see and credit me,  
all slanderous tongues will trouble thee.   

If thou to Marriage giv'st thy mind,  
a number then their fancies say:  
Some like it well, some fault will find,  
and some will dash it if they may.  
In this good work still credit me,  
all slanderous tongues will trouble thee.   

If Virginlike thou meanest to live,  
or if a Maiden course thou take:  
If public, or if private life,  
if lay or Clergy man thou make.  
Yet mark and see and credit me,  
all slanderous tongues will trouble thee.   

Was not our Saviour Christ thus used  
of jewish people to his face:  
Were not the Prophets so abused,  
and the Apostles in like case:  
What good men now among us be,  
that have from slanderous tongue been free.   

Then to conclude seeth it is so,  
that slanderous tongues all sorts will bite:  
Let faith and patience be thy guide▪  
and let the Lord give them their right:  
Till then pray thou to God with me,  
to mend those tongues that slanderous be.   
FINIS.   

A song or ditty, showing the nature of the ambitious, and what is true happiness, namely to live as that we may make a good end before death.  

THe happy life in these our days,  
That all doth seek both small and great:  
Is who may gain, or win the praise,  
or who may sit in highest seat:  
But in this life hap what hap shall,  
the happy end exceedeth all.   

A good beginning oft we see,  
but seldom standeth at one stay:  
For few do like the mean degree,  
then praise at parting some men say,  
To death seeth every one is thrall:  
the happy end exceedeth all.   

To be as wise as Cato was,  
or rich as Croesus in his life:  
To have the strength of Hercules,  
which did subdue by force and strife.  
What helpeth it when Death doth call:  
the happy end exceedeth all.   

The longer life that we desire,  
the more offence doth daily grow:  
The greater pain it doth require,  
except the Lord some pity show.  
Wherefore I think and ever shall:  
the happy end exceedeth all.   

The rich my well the poor relieve,  
the rulers may redress much wrong:  
The learned can good counsel give,  
but mark the end of this my song.  
Who shows good fruits happy I call,  
his happy end exceedeth all.   
FINIS.   

A song in dispraise of spite and envy.  
To the tune of: Now leave and let me rest.  

When spite hath spent his worst,  
and malice wrought his will  
Then truth will try the just,  
and sift the good from ill▪  
Though truth may hap be blamed,  
by spite and spiteful parts,  
Yet truth shall not be shamed,  
for all their spiteful hearts.   

For truth will try itself,  
at length with honest fame:  
When that the spiteful elf,  
shall hide his head for shame▪  
Spite is a spiteful sin,  
with falsehood to prevail,  
A spiteful feigned friend,  
hath poison in his tail.   

Spite spies out spiteful ways,  
a true man to deface,  
And laughs when he decays,  
such is his spiteful grace.  
Yet speak out spite and spare not,  
to spend thy spite dispatch,  
For all thy spite I care not,  
nor for no spiteful wratch.   

For when thy spite is spent,  
and truth shall come in place:  
Then shame thyself shall shent,  
and show thy shameful face.  
For truth shall still prevail,  
in spite of spites ill mind:  
Though spite spiteful▪ rails,  
as curs that bite behind.   

God sends them all mischance,  
that spends such spiteful dross,  
With falsehood to advance,  
themselves with others loss.  
For spite I little care,  
let spite spy out his worst:  
And make of spite no spare,  
for in truth will I trust.   

Sith truth did never fail,  
at length for his defence:  
Against wrong to prevail,  
for all his false pretence.  
Use falsehood they that list,  
in earnest or in gain:  
A false man never missed,  
for falsehood ●o have shame.    

A sorrowful song or sonnet, wherein is lamented our miserable estate in this life hunting after vanity.  
To the tune of Labandalashot.  

TO view the state of man's unrest,  
I muse oft times in mournful breast:  
What causeth him by sundry ways,  
to seek for worldly pelf and praise.  
What hope, what help, what tried trust,  
what joy or stay in things unjust,  
What sureance have we here to bide?  
we come and go as doth the tide:  
And yet we take felicity,  
to love this worldly vanity.   

How many mischiefs may befall,  
upon thy head O man mortal?  
When thou in joy and jollity,  
dost little think of misery.  
Great heaps of heavy harmful haps,  
doth lucklesly light in our laps:  
The snatching snare of death is spread,  
and man on so deign is struck dead:  
Yea tract of time doth plainly try,  
this world to be but vanity.   

O wicked Dives man of mould,  
that hadst all pleasures twenty fold:  
Th'abuse thereof doth record bear,  
that thou wouldst not impart nor spare  
One farthing to the fatherless,  
nor needy neighbours in distress:  
Can riches bring thee back again,  
out of this place of plunging pain:  
Where thou in woeful waves must lie,  
bereft of worldly vanity.   

My mind is much dismayed to see  
both high and low of each degree:  
How cunningly their parts they play,  
as though this world should last for aye:  
The king in higher place would sit:  
the subject thinks himself most fit,  
To rule and reign in regal state  
that in the sight of small and great,  
He may be seen to sit on high  
amidst this worldly vanity.   

All good advice and counsel grave,  
which we in memory should have,  
Is cast into oblivion  
and clean forgot of everyman,  
Examples rare of God's judgement▪  
will not procure us to repent:  
His benefits we do abuse,  
his sacred word we do refuse,  
His mercies poured plenteously,  
we do reject for vanity.   

Such lawless Lawyers some there be,  
that plea des on both sides as we see:  
For many makes the matter sure,  
and master Mendax will procure,  
That you shall be dispatched with speed:  
if you can help him at his need:  
These prating parasites God knows,  
which in the silly sheepskin goes:  
deceiveth men by flattery,  
and all for worldly vanity.   

Prepend the life of merchants eke,  
how ventrously at sea they seek,  
For their advantage many miles,  
and then with sundry worldly wiles:  
The simple sort they do deceive,  
and so the web of sin thy weave:  
For that with oaths and countenance made,  
the country people they persuade:  
All ware is good of honesty,  
when it is worse than vanity.   

If we would think upon our state,  
and in ourselves be at debate:  
A remedy there might be found,  
to beat our sins unto the ground,  
But we in wantonness do spend,  
our life and livings to the end:  
And havoc makes such waist and spoil,  
that Lazars poor do starve the while:  
Instead of hospitality,  
is Bacchus' banquets of gluttony.   

Could swinish Sodom live more ill,  
and be so bend to wanton will:  
Or could Gommorra truly say,  
that we live not so ill as they,  
If we be judge ourselves herein,  
yet must we look to sink for sin:  
Our careless life calls to the Lord,  
for vengeance great of fire and sword:  
We have no care to live godly,  
but to delight in vanity.   

From friends to flatterers we come,  
from God to godlessness we run:  
Of whoredom now is nothing made,  
and drunkennnsse is no ill trade.  
We jest it out when we defame,  
our neighbours nothing worthy blame  
Upon suspect revenge we will,  
what so we do it is not ill:  
To bear false witness wrongfully,  
some are content for vanity.   

Of sacred scriptures we will none,  
for we can read the same at home:  
Of ministers we have no care,  
we do deride them here and there:  
We loathe their learned exhortations,  
which should be for our own salvations,  
Such like reproachful words some use,  
God's messengers for to abuse:  
For they reprove their jollity,  
and say it is but vanity.   

Refrain the santasies dear friends,  
ask mercy for your former sin's  
Account this world to be but lent,  
praise God and always be content:  
His benefits both great and small,  
we must give reckoning for them all:  
Our time is short right well we know,  
and none is sure when he shall go:  
With speed then let's prepare to die,  
for sure this word is vanity.   

Death is the end of mortal life,  
and death doth cease all worldly strife:  
He bridles up the brainsick fool,  
and doth dispute in fancies school,  
Where dainty damsels he doth meet,  
and laps them all in shrouding sheet:  
All Adam's amorous imps beside,  
which deck themselves in pomp & pride:  
With ugly face most tufully,  
he takes them from their vanity.   

If I might move the mind of man.  
only in heart to way and scan:  
How I have now in verse displayed,  
nothing but truth in that is said.  
Repentance sure with tears would call,  
help Lord forgive thy people all:  
O guide our steps still with thy word,  
deliver us from evil good Lord,  
Inflame our hearts with joys on high,  
so shall we hate all vanity.    

In this song we are put in mind of our frail and weak estate, and we are taught how to lull and bring asleep our affections that we may go to God.  
To the tune of the 15. Psalm.  

SIng lullaby as women do,  
wherewith they bring their babes to rest▪  
And lullaby can I sing too,  
as womanly as can the best.  
With lullaby the child they still,  
with sugared songs they sing out shrill:  
Such wanton babes God knows have I,  
that must be styled with lullaby.   

First lullaby my youthful years,  
it is now time to go to bed:  
For crooked age and hoary hairs,  
have won the haven in my head.  
With lullaby then youth be still,  
with lullaby subdue thy will:  
Sith courage quails and comes behind,  
go sleep and so beguile thy mind.   

Next lullaby my wanton plays,  
let reasons rule restrain thy thought:  
Since that I find by sundry ways,  
how dear thou hast thy sporting bought▪  
With lullaby take thou thine ease,  
with lullaby thy dumps appease:  
Blest is that wight which ere he die,  
doth sing aright this lullaby.   

Now lulaby my gazing eyes,  
that wont were to glance apace,  
For every glass may now suffice,  
to show the furrows in my face.  
With lullaby then wink a while,  
with lullaby thy looks beguile:  
Let no fair face nor beauty bright,  
entice thee unto vain delight.   

And lulaby my body eke,  
which once was clad in trim attire  
Warm furs to clothe thee now go seek,  
in chair keep thee by the fire.  
And lullaby let some man sing,  
while thou to God dost make reckoning:  
Prepare thyself always to dye,  
forget not this my lullaby.   

With lulably then bring asleep,  
despair which cometh by mistrust:  
And Satan's doubts which fain would creep  
into our hearts that are but dust.  
Put confidence in God's mercy,  
and evermore sing lullaby:  
Commit thyself to Christ alone,  
with him to joy when life is gone.   

Last lullaby in grave we make,  
amidst the greedy worms in clay:  
Until that Christ account shall take,  
of every one at the last day.  
Wherefore let us sing lullaby,  
till all his sins sleep quietly:  
And then to God make hast away,  
in heaven with him to live for aye.    

The lamentable moan of a sorrowful soul.  

IN trouble thus I heard one cry,  
Upon his knees with weeping eye,  
Saying, O whither should I fly,  
Where might I wish myself to be,  
That God take no account of me.   

For why my sins are grown so great,  
That if I come to judgement seat,  
In vain it is for to entreat,  
A place therefore to hide me in,  
I crave by reason of my sin.   

If in the heavens I seek to be,  
There must I needs be seen of thee,  
In hell is no defence for me,  
Thy presence fills each place I know,  
In heaven above and earth below,   

If I had wings at will to fly,  
Beyond the seas that farthest lie:  
Yet there thy hand and power is nigh,  
To bind and bring me back again:  
In place where I should still remain.   

Thou dost possess me every whit,  
My heart my reins my head my wit,  
My sinews that my joints do knit,  
Thou brought'st me from my mother's womb,  
And thou shalt raise me from my tomb.   

Thy passing power thy works declare,  
Thy threats show what thy terrors are,  
Thou seest all secrets every where,  
My soul therefore that is in woe,  
Alas then whether shall it go?   

As I was in this great distress,  
One spoke and said to me doubtless:  
Despair not man through heaviness,  
For God delighteth not to see,  
The death of sinners credit me.   

By faith on these words I took hold,  
And yet I durst not be too bold,  
But tremblingly as one acold,  
I prayed and gave God thanks withal:  
For comfort in such woe full thrall.   

And thus I was received well,  
As one released from pains of hell,  
My horror sure no tongue can tell,  
Those pinching pains that I did feel:  
Would surely break an heart of steel.   

A Christian promise than made I,  
And vowed a vow to God on high,  
That from henceforth continually,  
His faithful servant I will be:  
Which to perform Christ strengthen me.   

You sinners obstinate and ill,  
That daily do resist Gods will,  
Give ear now to my crying shrill.  
Amend your lives while you have space,  
Or else you are in woeful case.   

For our good King now let us pray,  
The Lord preserve him night and day:  
His counsel eke God keep for aye,  
This Realm good Lord save and defend,  
From every foe to the world's end.    

A ditty declaring the fervent desire of a christian soul.  
To the tune of, O Lord of whom I do depend.  

Sweet jesus who shall give me wings.  
of pure and perfect love:  
That I may mount from earthly things,  
and rest with thee above.  
For here beneath I fly about,  
in weak and weary case:  
Like to the Dove that No sent out,  
which found no resting place.   

Even thou O jesus by thy power,  
must give me wings to fly:  
Else shall I never know thy lure,  
to stoop obediently.  
Ne can I rise off from the fist,  
of worldly pleasures vain  
But stubbornly thy will resist,  
to mine eternal pain.   

My weary wings sweet jesus mark,  
and grant me my request:  
Put forth thy hand out of thine Ark,  
and take me to thy rest.  
For sure with thee are endless joys,  
and no man there laments:  
But here with us are great annoys,  
whereof each one reputes.   

In heaven thy Saints do sing to thee,  
without all strife and fear:  
But we on earth at variance be,  
and subject much to care.  
Deggerly conceits and base,  
O toys of deep contempt:  
From which sweet jesus by thy grace,  
my silly soul exempt.   

For I have learned to loath those things,  
wherein I did delight:  
And unto thee the King of kings,  
I come with all my might:  
Craving a place with thy great host,  
where I may sing always:  
To Father, Son, and holy Ghost,  
all honour laud and praise.    

Two most excellent songs or Ditties, made by Queen Elizabeth, as it is credibly reported (and as it is very likely by some words in it) in the year 1588. When the Spaniard came to possess this land and is in manner of a prayer to God.  

DEliver me O Lord my God,  
from all my foes that be:  
And eke defend all Christian souls,  
that put their trust in thee.  
Preserve us now and evermore,  
from all the wicked train,  
Who long and thirst for Christians blood,  
and never will refrain.   

Mine enemies O Lord be strong  
and thou the same dost know:  
And that without offence in me,  
they seek mine overthrow.  
My hope and help in all distress,  
hath ever been in thee:  
And thou, O Lord, of thy goodness,  
didst still deliver me.  
Come now and end this strife likewise,  
the cause is wholly thine:  
Wherefore to thee myself and suit,  
I wholly do resign.    

The other song of Queen Elizabeth made in manner of a thanks giving to God for her and our deliverance from the invincible Navy of the Spaniard (as he termed it) which thanks and praise was performed at Saint Paul's cross in London.  

Look and bow down thine ear O Lord,  
from thy bright sphere behold and see  
Thy handmaid and thy handy work,  
among thy Priests offering to thee.  
Ecco's resounding up the skies:  
myself and sceptre sacrifice,   

My soul ascend his holy place,  
ascribe him strength, and sing him praise:  
For he restraineth Princes spirits,  
and hath wrought wonders in our days.  
He made the winds and waters rise:  
and did destroy mine enemies.   

This Jacob's head, this Israel's God,  
the fiery, pillar and the cloud:  
Which kept the Saints from Pharoahs' rod,  
and drenched the honour of the proud:  
He hath preserved now in love,  
the soul of me his turtle dove.    

A Carol for Christmas day,  
To the tune of Rogeero.  

WE come to sing of Christ our King,  
According to the time,  
Therefore prepare and give good ear,  
Let hearts and all incline.   

Divinity our chief Story,  
which speaks of man's Salvation:  
Shows that the Lord by his pure word,  
made all good by creation.   

Mankind did bear God's Image fair,  
the creatures all were blessed:  
Than satans evil made him a devil,  
and he gave man small rest.   

But tempted him by Eva's sin,  
till Paradise was gone:  
Thus they and we were left you see▪  
in fearful state each one.   

Then God above in tender love,  
to men that was but dead:  
Said that indeed the woman's seed,  
should break the Serpent's head.   

To Abraham to Isaac then,  
to jacob, and the jews:  
A covenant sure aye to endure,  
God made of this good news.   

Before their eyes in Sacrifice,  
our Saviour was displayed,  
In figure, types and other rites:  
on Altar he was laid.   

To Priests, to Kings were showed these things  
to Prophets and the rest:  
Who did assure that Virgin pure,  
should bear this heavenly guest,   

Realms now in peace all wars did cease  
john Baptist came to preach:  
And he likewise did some baptise,  
that heard when he did teach.   

The time full come God sent his Son,  
in shape of sinful flesh:  
Thus God and man one Christ became,  
our souls for to refresh.   

Angels did bring news of this thing,  
to Shepherds in the night:  
To whom they said be not afraid,  
at this so heavenly sight.   

But go your way and make no stay,  
Christ is at Bethelem:  
Behold him there borne poor and bare,  
for sin of mortal men.   

Then gloriously from heaven hie,  
the Angels they did sing:  
Praise to God's name, peace without blame,  
on earth to men living.   

Shepherds did go and found it so,  
as Angels had foretold:  
Christ meekly lay swaddled in hay,  
within the stable cold.   

This child he is our souls chief bliss▪  
our tree of life and all.  
Our Abel slain our Isaac plain,  
our joseph left in thrall.   

Our paschal lamb that hither came,  
for his dear Spouse to die,  
Our Manna sweet our Rock so deep,  
our Ark of Sanctuary.   

Our mercy Seat our altar great,  
ou Lamp and lavor fair,  
Our priest our King and every thing,  
that we might not despair.   

What thanks and praise in all our days,  
ought we and ours to give,  
Unto God's name that wrought the same,  
Long time ere man did live.   

This is the day of our great joy,  
if we will joy therein:  
And not assign this blessed time,  
to vanity and sin.   

But evermore in virtue's store,  
to spend our days aright,  
Which God grant us through Christ jesus,  
to do with all our might.    

Another Carol for Christmas day: made as if it were spoken by Christ to Adam and his posterity.  

REmember O thou man, O thou man, O thou man  
Remember O thou man, thy time misspent,  
Remember O thou man how thou cam'st to me than,  
And I did what I can, therefore repent.   

Remember Adam's fall, O thou man, O thou man,  
Remember Adam's fall from heaven to hell:  
Remember Adam's fall, how we were condemned all  
To hell perpetual there for to dwell.   

Remember God's goodness O thou man O thou man  
Remember God's goodness, and promise made,  
Remember God's goodness, his son should come doubt less  
Our faults for to redress, be not afraid.   

The Angels all did sing, O thou man; O thou man,  
The Angels all did sing on the Shepherd's hill,  
The Angels all did sing praise to our heavenly king,  
And peace to man living with a good will.   

The Shepherds amazed was, O thou man, O thou man  
The Shepherd's amazed was to hear Angels sing.  
The Shepherds amazed was, how that should come to pass  
That Christ our Mesias should be our King.   

To Bethelem do they go, O thou man, O thou man  
To Bethelem do they go these Shepherds three,  
To Bethelem do they go, to see if that were so,  
That Christ were borne or no to set us free.   

As the Angels before did say, O thou man, O thou man,  
As the Angels before did say it came to pass:  
As the angels before did say, they found the babe where it lay,  
In manger wrapped in hay, so poor it was▪   

Give thanks to God always, O thou man, O thou man  
Give thanks to God always with hearts most jolly,  
Give thanks to God always for this most joyful day,  
Let all men sing and say, Holy, Holy, Holy.    

A Carol for S. Stephen's day.  

The holding of the same.  

O Lord our God pour down thy grace,  
and holy Spirit from heaven:  
That we may celebrate aright,  
Christ's birth as did Saint Stephen.    

The Ditty itself.  

When jesus Christ ascended was,  
into the heavens hie:  
His twelve Apostles spent much time,  
in praying earnestly.  
And when the holy Ghost was sent,  
they preached bold by skill:  
The word of God in every place,  
according to his will.   

The number of the Church increased,  
and grew exceedingly:  
So that the Apostles lacked help,  
in that their ministry.   

Wherefore they chose seven worthy men,  
of good report and fame:  
That took the alms up for the poor,  
the blind, the halt, and lame.   

Saint Stephen that worthy Martyr he,  
was one of them they chose:  
A man full of the holy Ghost,  
against whom there arose.   

A proud sect of the Libertines,  
that did envy him sore:  
Still seeking him to persecute,  
that he should speak no more.   

They hired some to swear and say,  
that Stephen spoke blasphemy:  
Against the Lord and Moses law,  
for which he ought to die.   

Then to the Counsel he was brought,  
to purge him of that crime:  
Which thing he did most worthily,  
before them at that time.   

When they had heard these words and saw,  
he feared not the chief:  
Their hearts for anger burst and they,  
gnashed on him with their teeth.   

They gave a shout with voices loud,  
and lead him strait away:  
Then did they stone him unto death,  
yet he for them did pray.   

O Lord forgive their sin (quoth he)  
and do my soul still keep:  
Upon his knees he prayed thus,  
and so did fall a sleep.   

Such patience grant to us (O Lord)  
and eke such constancy,  
When for thy truth or otherwise,  
we shall be brought to die.     

A Carol for Saint john's day.  

The holding of the same.  

BEfore the Lord now let us sing,  
with all the joy we can:  
That we may rightly celebrate,  
Christ's birth with good Sainr john.    

The Carol itself.  

According to Gods promise made,  
in mercy to Mankind,  
Christ jesus came into the world,  
as we in Scripture find.   

Of whom the Prophets prophesied,  
long time ere he was sent:  
That he should be a Saviour,  
to all that do repent.   

Our Saviour Christ both God and man,  
when these things ended were:  
And he had led his life on earth,  
the space of thirty year.   

He did begin to call the twelve,  
and taught them earnestly:  
To preach his father's will in all.  
the Regions far and nigh.   

And as he walked by the Sea,  
he saw both james and john:  
The sons of simple Zebedie,  
who was a fisherman,   

Christ called them and they forthwith,  
obeyed him and came:  
Wherefore Apostles they were made,  
to preach still in his name.   

Saint john was borne by mother's side,  
of great and royal stock:  
Though he were once a fisherman▪  
and after fed Christ's flock.   

He came of Mary Sallome,  
of David's branch most dear,  
And Sister to the Virgin pure,  
that bore our Saviour dear.   

The words of this Evangelist,  
hath sounded every where:  
Unto the comfort of all those,  
that serve the Lord in fear▪   

Wherefore let us with cheerful hearts▪  
sing praises to God's name:  
And in our Christian life like John,  
still imitate the same.    
FINIS.   

A Carol for Innocents' Day.  

The holding of the Carol.  

Weeping & mourning there was heard  
in Rama did complain:  
That woeful woman Rachel she,  
her children they were slain.    

The words of the Carol itself.  

When that th'eternal Son of God,  
by providence divine,  
Into this sinful world did come,  
mankind for to redeem.   

Then Bethelem juda thought herself,  
thrice happy and thrice blessed:  
That she was found a worthy place,  
to lodge that heavenly guest.   

Wisemen there came from the East parts,  
to worship this young King,  
far they had seen his star appear:  
which did foretell this thing.   

When Herod heard of this strange news,  
O he was troubled sore:  
And all Jerusalem with him,  
they were in an uproar.   

He called the Priests and asked them,  
where this great King should be:  
They answered at Bethelem,  
if he would search and see.   

In secret then did Herod call,  
the wise men unto him:  
To know what time the star appeared,  
of this the new borne king.   

And when he knew the certainty,  
he bid the wisemen go,  
And bring him word that he might come,  
and worship him also.   

But in a dream God warned them,  
the King not to obey:  
Wherefore as they returned home,  
they went another way.   

When Herod knew of this he said,  
this young King I will quail:  
Ten thousand for his sake shall die:  
with blood I will prevail.   

The Infants young of two years old,  
by Herod's camp were slain:  
Their guiltless souls God hath received  
in Heaven with him to reign.   

To joseph then an Angel spoke,  
in sleep as we may read:  
Saying take Mary and the child,  
and hast away with speed.   

To Nazareth then was jesus brought  
and there he nursed was:  
Until such time as he was called,  
unto an other place.     

A Carol for New years day setting out unto us the true circumcision of the heart, with out the which the circumcision of the outward members was of none effect.  
To the tune of any ordinary Psalm.  

Rejoice we in the Lord our God,  
for this joyful new year:  
And let our holiness of life,  
from day today appear.   

The law of Circumcision now,  
we humbly call to mind:  
Yielding most hearty thanks therefore,  
to God that is so kind.  
He made his son our saviour Christ,  
obedient to the law:  
For us that disobedient were,  
and would not live in awe.   

Not to the end we should abide,  
in sin as heretofore:  
But that we might repent and pray,  
henceforth to sin no more.  
This law of circumcision first,  
God gave to Abraham  
And to the fathers every one  
long time before Christ came.   

As we have Baptism now in use,  
so did they hold and keep▪  
This ordinance which was a sign,  
between God and his sheep.  
The badge, the mark, the Sacrament,  
whereby all men did know:  
They were his chosen people then,  
and he their God also.   

The eight day after that their sons,  
into the world were borne.  
The Priests did circumcise them all,  
or else thy were forlorn.  
The foreskin of their privy parts,  
with sharp knife they did pair:  
And called the children by that name,  
which then was given there.   

The women children were contained,  
under the males each one:  
Wherefore they gave them not the sign,  
of circumcision.  
This signified and did set forth,  
unto the people's view:  
The Circumcision of the heart,  
in all God's children true,   

And this the Lord did oft recite,  
by all his prophets then:  
And in like sort by Preachers now,  
he shows it to all men,  
That God may have his honour due,  
and every man his own,  
That justice may be ministered,  
to make the truth well known.   

That help may still be granted to,  
the blind the halt and lame:  
The prisoners that afflicted are,  
for Christ his truth and name.  
Then shall we tightly hold and keep▪  
this day called New-year's day:  
By putting evil out of our hands,  
the which God grant we may.   

To whom be honour, laud, and praise,  
from whom be given grace:  
To us that we may magnify,  
his name in every place.  
The father, Son, and holy Ghost,  
that ever loved us dear:  
Increase true amity in us,  
and send a good new year.    

A Carol for Twelve day.  

On the Feast of the Epiphanie. The holding of the Carol.  

CHrist manifested in the flesh,  
to jews and Gentiles all:  
Still show himself to us and ours,  
when we do cry and call.    

The Carol itself.  

This feast of Christ's Epiphanie,  
or open setting out:  
Unto believing Gentiles all,  
to put us out of doubt.   

That he the God and Saviour is,  
of jews and Gentiles too:  
And makes one people of them both,  
which none but he could do.   

He now saluted is of kings.  
of Magies sage and wise:  
To Eastern Aethiopians,  
his star did now arise.   

This star it brought them to our Star,  
in dawning of the day:  
I mean to Christ whose gospel bright,  
drives all dark clouds away.   

They offer first to him fine gold,  
to show he is a King:  
They gave him Frankincense, and Myrrh,  
which notes some other thing.   

That he was man and that he had,  
a sacrifice to give:  
To God for all believing souls,  
so long as men shall live.   

Our spiritual King he is to rule,  
our Priest and sacrifice,  
Our Prophet for to teach us all,  
till we be heavenly wise.   

O Lord give grace to us therefore,  
to yield obedience:  
To thee, and to thy holy Word,  
with all due reverence.   

So shall we reap the fruits thereof,  
in heaven an other day:  
When we with God and Christ shall reign▪  
in everlasting joy.   

Unto which joy he bring us all▪  
that are of his elect▪  
And now accept of this our praise,  
with merciful respect.    
FINIS.   

A song reproving Papists for the Gunpowder treason, and of our joy and thanksgiving for our deliverance from that danger and all others.  

Rejoice England and joy in him,  
that joys each Christian heart,  
With songs of praises never lin,  
to laud him for your part,  
Oh set, oh sing, and sweetly play,  
God's works in verse and prose:  
Declare and show from day to day,  
how he hath slain our foes.   

Exalt Gods goodness to this land,  
and to our late dear Queen:  
That worthy Lady dead and gone  
in heaven still, to be seen.  
And now King james succeeds in place,  
these kingdoms for to sway:  
God grant that his posterity,  
may do the like for aye.   

As troubles do abide all men,  
so much more godly Kings:  
That do the gospel still maintain,  
and all the fruit it brings,  
King james hath oft in dangers been,  
in Scotland as we know:  
In England at his coming in,  
he wanted not his foe.   

Yet God in wondrous wise did save,  
and well deliver him:  
Yea made the Traitors to bewray,  
their own intended sin.  
The chief of them had their reward,  
at Winchester that City,  
When on some others of their crew,  
the King showed royal pity.   

But Satan and his Imps sleep not,  
new plots they still devise:  
As this which was of Gunpowder,  
apparent to our eyes:  
This hellish work this strange device,  
surpassing all the rest:  
Hath left a forehead mark for them,  
that such we should detest.   

These wanted neither friends nor coin,  
on every side the seas:  
To bring this business to pass,  
the Papists hearts to please.  
And if some of their multitude,  
did never know of it:  
Which of them would refuse to have,  
what others won by wit.   

All things with secrecy was kept,  
and they were ready now:  
To finish up with stroke of strokes,  
their foul and wicked vow.  
But God bewrayed it or their hour,  
yea they one letter sent:  
Which oped all to King and state,  
and void was their intent.   

It was a woeful thing they sought,  
the cutting off of all:  
A bringing of this noble land,  
to beggary and thrall.  
I am astonished many times,  
to think on the invention:  
And muse what men on earth there be,  
that like of this intention.   

Poor Protestants so called in scorn▪  
by Papists day and night:  
You never went with Massacres,  
the Papists to despite.  
For if you had then Papists throats▪  
like trumpets shrill would be:  
To rail and write in every place,  
till your heart bloods they see.   

In blood at first they founded were▪  
by blood thy live and thrive:  
In blood they also grounded are▪  
devouring men alive.  
Yet once they must confounded be,  
in God's great harvest day:  
Wherefore fly Romish Babylon,  
with all the speed you may.   

In the mean time let Christians strive▪  
to serve the Lord on high:  
Remembering each deliverance,  
with thanks continually.  
Lord look on us regard and hear▪  
our prayers and our praise,  
And let our thanks appear in life,  
abhorring sinful ways.   
Amen.   

A Game at Chess with the Papists, or a Ditty made on that game against them and their evil practices.  

YE Papists that can play at Chess,  
and guide your men in battle ray:  
Your doings still do well express,  
that you do hope to have a day.  
And yet as close as you can play,  
to check the King and all his state:  
It is foreseen to your decay,  
that check without neck of force is mate.   

Your pelting pawn you thrust before,  
to make the way to work your feat:  
Your knights and rooks you have in store:  
your Queen and Bishop keep their seat.  
Your king cat holly we may say,  
in Brittany he would rule the state:  
No God nor man must say him nay,  
yet check without neck of force is mate.   

Your practice old to us well known,  
doth urge the wise and godly race:  
Well to provide and save their own,  
and eke your treasons to deface.  
Although your paunes do check his grace,  
the knights with neck set them agate,  
And did well weigh in time and place,  
that check without neck of force is mate.   

Your juggling gins and sleights most sly,  
are no more seen than nose on face:  
And that in the'nd ye shall well try,  
when you do hope they shall take place,  
You shall be forced to run apace,  
for that we watch early and late:  
Well to provide and have in chase,  
that check without neck of force is mate▪   

The check that you to us have sent,  
to neck most easily are always:  
All though to checking you are bend,  
and we by necking win the praise.  
Now check saith Parsons and there stays,  
now neck saith Sutlife to thy pate:  
And gave to them without delay,  
a passing pure and plain check mate.   

Although your learning will not serve,  
to give to us a check indeed:  
From old practice you do not swerve,  
your bloody hearts to fat and feed.  
Your powder plot makes all your seed,  
to be abhorred of Church and state,  
For that there by all at one blow:  
you meant to us, check and check mate.   

O Lord for jesus Christ his sake,  
keep clean and pure thy church to th' end  
That we by faith may undertake,  
all truth in thee to comprehend.  
Our King and realms good Lord defend,  
against all those that would us check:  
That we on thee may so depend:  
to have always a speedy neck.   
Amen.   

An exhortation to praise God for that worthy science and skill of Music and for the great masters of the Art and their worthy works.  

PRaise God in whom only is found,  
the fullness of all skill:  
And from whose wisdom flows the stream,  
of knowledge at his will.   

Praise him therefore for Musics art,  
a science of the seven,  
Which cheers the minds of men on earth▪  
and joys the Saints in heaven.   

Praise him for jubal and the rest,  
that first did find and frame:  
The ground and principles whereby,  
we teach and learn the same.   

Praise him for silver trumpets twain,  
that he bade Moses frame:  
For Israel's rising up to train,  
and resting by the same.   

Praise him for David's book of Psalms,  
and for the songs of praise,  
That Solomon did make and write,  
in his most royal days.   

Praise him for Azaph and the rest,  
whom David set to sing:  
In presence of the holy Ark,  
when Solomon was king.   

Praise him for all the songs and play,  
left us by learned men,  
Who by their study's night and day,  
did much with ink and pen.   

Praise him for those that love this Art,  
and do the same maintain:  
Rewarding it with willing hart,  
among the godly train.   

Praise him and pray that all abuse,  
there of may hated be:  
And that the godly and right use,  
may rest in each degree,   

Praise him and pray that those of skill,  
may live in Har-mo-ny:  
And bring up youth with favour still:  
this art to dignify.   

Praise him and pray for our good King,  
his Nobles and the rest:  
Our Queen the Prince and the offspring,  
Lord let them all be blessed.   

Praise him, yea ever sing him praise,  
on earth most joyfully:  
That after death our souls may sing,  
his praise eternally.   
Amen.   

Certain graces before and after meat, in english meeter very brief & short for children to use.  

Grace before meat for poor and rich, made upon the 4. Petition of the Lords Prayer, and made to the three persons in Trinity.  

1 Our Father through Christ give us,  
this day our daily bread:  
2 O Christ feed us by faith in thee,  
to live when we are dead.   

3 Thou Spirit of truth teach us to pray,  
with inward sighs and groans:  
That both the Father and the Son,  
may hear our plaints and moans.   

O holy and blessed Trinity,  
one God in persons three:  
Peserue thy church our king & realm,  
and let us come to thee.   
Amen.   

Grace after meat for the rich and wealthy of of the world.  

AS thou hast fed our body's Lord,  
so feed our souls likewise:  
And make us mindful of the poor,  
as riches do arise.   

Increase thy flock preserve our King,  
thy grace and peace us send:  
That we may lead a faithful life,  
and make a godly end.   
Amen.   

Grace before meat.  

O Lord our God celestial,  
bless this our food material:  
That we may rightly use the same,  
unto the honour of thy name.   

Thy Church Lord save, our King defend,  
grant us thy Gospel to the end.   
Amen.   

Grace after meat.  

O Gracious God we magnify,  
thy glorious name and majesty:  
For all thy blessings given to us,  
through thy dear son our Lord jesus.   

Thy Church, our King, & Queen Lord save,  
the Prince and all the friends we have.   
Amen.   

Grace before meat.  

THou Lord that didst create all things,  
for mankind to enjoy:  
And didst ordain man for thyself,  
to serve thee night and day.   

O bless these meats and drinks of ours,  
that we thy name may please:  
With earthly, give us heavenly food,  
both now and all our days.   

Continue all thy goodness Lord,  
and still preserve our King:  
The Queen & Prince, and these our realms,  
above all earthly things.   
Amen.   

Grace after meat, for poor people.  

ON Father, Son, and holy Ghost,  
depend we evermore:  
God sanctify our state to us,  
and still increase our store.   

O teach us Lord in time of need,  
to trust in thee, and pray:  
That whether we abound or want,  
thou Lord mayst be our stay.   

Thy whole and universal Church,  
Lord Jesus still defend:  
And to all troubles of the same  
Lord ever put an end.   
Amen.    

A Prayer for the King and State.  
O Eternal God, most mighty Lord and our heavenly Father in jesus Christ King of Kings, and Lord of all things, 〈◊〉 whom kings of the earth do reign and 〈◊〉 men do bear sway both in Church and common weal. O Lord our God we beseech thee in the highest degree, unto our dread Sovereign Lord King Charles, to his honourable counsel, to his Clergy, Nobility, Gentry, Magistrates & commonalty, to the two universities, to the professors of both laws to every man in his honest, just, & lawful calling, that they and every one of them may do their duty as carefully, godly, honestly conscionably, and in thy fear (O Lord) as they will answer it to thee in the great day of account,