Prologue,  
AN odd days work Diogenes once made,  
And 'twas to seek an honest man he said,  
Through Athens with a Candle he did go,  
When People saw no cause he should do so.  
For it was daylight, and the Sun did shine,  
Yet he unto an Humour did incline:  
To check men's manners with some od-crost i●st,  
Whereof he was continually possessed.  
Full of reproofs, where he abuses found,  
And bold to speak his mind, who ever sound,  
He spoke as free to ALEXANDER'S Face:  
As if the meanest Ploughman were in place,  
'Twas not men's persons that he did respect,  
Nor any calling: Vice he durst detect▪  
Immagin, you do see him walketh estr●etes,  
And every ones a knave, with whom he meets.  
Note their Description; which good censure craves  
Then judge i● he have cause, to count them knaves.  
SAMVEL ROWLANDS.  
FINIS   

DIOCENES In his Lantern Humour.  
NOW fie upon seeking honest men in knaves Skins: I am even as weary as ever was PLATO'S Dog. Not a Street Lane, or Alley in all the City of Athens, but I have trodden it, and cannot meet a man worthy the giving of the good morrow too: Why? What Rascals be these? Have they banished honest men out of the town puite? Alas poor Virtue, What hast thou done to deserve this contempt? base is thy attire, as threadbare in thy Apparel as my Gown: thy Company out of request, for thou hast walked so long alone: that thou art even walked away with thyself: there's no goodness to be found, All's set upon villainy. Yonder walks Bribery, taken for an honest substantial grave Cittyzen, I marry is he, pray, make him one of your common Counsel.  
There goes Cruelty and Extortion, put off your Hats all to him: 'tis well done, he is one of the principal and best in the Parish, he hath borne all offices and never did good: a most abominable rich fellow, But how the Devil came he by his wealth? Widows, Widows, three or four old rusty Gold begetting Widows have crowned him with their wealths, and that wicked Mamnion is dearer v●●● him then his own soul: Nay, if he had Five Thousand Souls, he would sell them all for five thousand ducats of gold.  
Stay let me see, what's he? Oh 'tis Prodigality and his whore, a Gentleman and a Gentlewoman, they are walking towordes the Suburbs of a Bawdy house for their recreation, Yonder rides the Bawd in her Coach before, and they two come leisurely with the pox) behind but will all meet together anon to make work for the Chirurgeon, who will answer their lose body with the Squirt.  
Now I'll assure you though I laugh but seldom, I must needs: make merry with yonder Ass, why he is trapped for all the world like Alexander's Horse, such a feather in's head, so begarded, and the very same Trot: I have known his Father well, he was a most grave Senator (in regard of his grey beard) and did much little good in the City, got wealth. and piled up gold even as they pile up Stockfish in Island, and now his Son (the second part of a ●oole) has all all: marry what doth he with it? stay, (let me snuff my Candle and I'll tell you) even like one of Signeour Scattergood's politicians he divides it into parts: A great portion for Dicing: a good some for Drinking, a parceil for whoring, a moiety for pride, a third for dancing six shares and a half for swaggering, and all the remainder for beggary. Walk along knave, walk along.  
Who have we next comes creeping with the palsy in his joints, a great leather pouch by his side as large as a Gammon of Bacon, long stockings and a side coat crosse-bard with velvet to his knees? stay (light, light) let me see: oh I know the damned ●la●e 'tis Mounsiur Usury, what a lea●e lank thin gut it is: he looks marvelous like a long omtie Cats-skinn purs●e, I would I had his skin to make me a summer pair o● Buskins.  
O what a blessedness is it to me, that I never came into such villains clutches what does he, pray, as he goes his Chaps walk so? fast No, the Rogue is ruminating upon his pawns, he chaws the Cud in contemplation of Bands and Bills, I dare be sworn he never champs so much upon his dinner or Supper, for his paunch cries out on him, and all the guts in his Pudding-house, rumple. and grumble at their slender allowance, He objects the old proverb to his belly, Many a sack is tied up before it be full. I would I had the dieting of him some month with my Roots, I would send him deeper under Ground then ere they grew: the Cannibal should never feed more upon poor men, and play the D●ce-maker with their bones hang him rogue, hang him  
how now thou drunken knave, Canst not see but reel upon me? I would I had been ware of thee, thou shouldst have borne me a good bang with my Staff: what slave's this? as I live I was almost down  
Look how his cloak hangs, one side to his ankles and th'other side to his elbow: his steps take the Longitude and the latitude, hoist, hoist: This fellow is now (in his own conceit) mightily strong, for he dares fight with any men: he is exceeding rich, scorns money, and ca●es not for twenty thousand pound: he is marvelous wise, and ●ut, tell not him, for he knows more than any man whatsoever. What's he that dares refuss to pledge him ● as sure as death if he could feel or find his dagger, stabs would be dealt: hark how the villain swear, there's all his hostess hath in pawde for his score, Yet he's a passing good Customer for utterance, about a barrel aday goes down his gutter, So take him in there at the red ●attice. he has cast anchor at the blue Anchor for this day. Fill him of the best, for he is even one of the best Ghuestes that ever took up sodden water with Chaulke-credit on a Post. Out upon him, out upon him, I'll read his destiny: Dye in a Ditch knave, or end in an Hospital Rascal choose whether thou wilt.  
How looks yonder fellow? what's the matter with him trow? has a eaten Bull-biefe? there's a lofty slave indeed he's in the alitudes: Oh, be't you Master Ambition? I would be glad to see you hang'de a while for an old acquaintances a great man with the Emperor: i'll assure you, a great man with that Emperor: his voice is heard in the Court now, and his Father's voice was wo●nt to be heard in the City: For I have heard him many a time and often, cry Brpomes in Athens: a good plain honestman, and dealt much with old Shoes: I hear him once tell this proud knave being then a boy) a good discourse of justice out of a Broom: Sirrah (said he) here's birch to correct you in Childhood, and when you grow to be a great Lubber, here's a staff for to be labour you with all: If that will not serve to a-mend you, why then hecres even a good With to hang you up: Amen said I he's growing towards it apace ●aspiring to rise high plotting to be mighty: and what tools has he out of the Dwells shop for his work? Treason, Treason he will ascend by Treason though he climb the gallows for it and cruck his neck in coming down again. I● I salute him and put off my cap I would my Lantern were in my Belly. Virtue scorns him, I know him not: strut along Sirrah, for thou hast not long to strut it.  
More knaves abroad yet? Yonder's Boasting & Presumption I hold my life as old as I am i'll take his Kapiet from him with my walking staff, he's all sound and breath tongue and talk; fears no man, cares for no man beholding to no man: but try his valour put him to it, see what's in him, dare him to the proof and there's mine empty fellow like a water bubble flyling in the air till a puff crack him: I never knew (since I knew reason) a wordie fellow prove a worthy fellow: a man must set his hand to his manhood, and finger it, 'twill not be had with wounds and blood, heart and nails, as every rascally knave makes account: when two curs meet, all the while they bark they have no leisure to bite: Alexander had a bragging Soldier that swore he had killed five hundred men with fillips, yet this fellow swore the peace against a woman that had broken his head with his own dagger: and other day, I followed a couple of notorious braggarrs into the field, one swore he would embrew his Kapies hilts in the bowels of his foe, the other vowed to make him eat iron and steel like an Ostrich: when they came to the place appointed, both drew their weapons, laid them presently down and went to bussels for a bloody nose, which I seeing ran to the town and cried murder, murder and so brought three hundred people together to laugh at them. I could tell many like examples of Signior Feather cap and his fellow, but that I spy another knave coming, that puts me out  
'tis Contention (nay, i'll go l●w enough to the ●ennell, thou shalt not justle me for the wall) loo●e how he stars: see how a frowns, he has had a poor man in Law this three year, for bidding his Dog Come out Cuckold's cur, yet if the Dog could speak, he would bear witness against his Master for Horn work that he had seen wrought by his M●stris in her Chamber to make her husband nightcaps of.  
Oh, strife is the sum of his 〈◊〉, ●is the ●●lace of his soul he is never well at heart's 〈◊〉 he be not wrangling with one or other: i'll try it by the law says he) the law shall judge it: i'll co●e to no agreement but law: i'll pinch him by the law: I have a hundred pound to spend at law: and all law, law: yet he himself is altogether void of equity: he'll neither take wrong nor do right: bites his poor neighbours doggedly by the back, scorns his superior, tramples upon his inferior, and so he may be wrangling, cares not with whom it be, to keep his hand in ure. He never went to bed in charity in his life, nor never wakes without meditating shrewd turns. Oh he loves wonderfully to be feeding on the bread of strife and imitates the Camels which delight to dr●●●e in●●●ubled pools. well he shall ●o●ne no neighbourhood with me for it: my Tunn stands far enough off from his house: I had rather have a Bear to my next neighbour, than such a brabbling rascal: go walk a knave in the horse fair, I have nothing to say to thee but farewell and behanged and when thou art going that journey, take all thy fellows with thee.  
Well met, or rather ill met Hypocrisy: Ah thou smooth face villain with the fawning tongue art thou become a citizen too, then look about you plain fellows, you shall be sure to want no deceit: he hats swearing so do I: 'tis well done to hate it, but he loves lying and will overreach you in a bad bargain, or with ●alse weight and measure: Yes indeed: I truly will he he'll sigh and say there's no conscience now adays, and then makes his own actions bear witness to it ' by yea and nay, if he can he will deceive you.  
Look to his hands hearken not to his tongue, and say I have given you fair warning, for a Philosopher hath been corsned by him. I had rather have it said, Diogenes was deceived, then so hear it reported he is a deceiver. I paid for a better cap than I wear, and my gown is scarce worth half the money it cost me marry what remedy? nothing: I have ●earned by it only, A knack to know a kna●e: and while I live, i'll look better to Yes truly, and I indeed: Hypocrisy shall never fell me good words again while he lives: i'll never ●ell me good words again while hte lives: i'll never buy breath more for money. If a thief should meet me going home, and taking away my purse, I would say I met with an honester man, than he that cusned me in the buying of my gown, for the thief would prove a man of his word, and tell me what I should trust to in the peremptory terms of Stand, Deliver your purse.  
But my Gowne-brother, he promised me good stuff, truly, a great pennyworth indeed, and verily did gu●l me. But let me take my leave of my purse, hées' a villain, an arrant villain, and I could even find in my heart to eat his liver fried with par●ley to morrow morning to breakfast.  
How now, what's the matter; whether goes all this hurly burley? here's a clutter indeed. Now I see, now I see, Cozenage the Swaggerer is carried to Prison. I hear the people say he hath stabbed the Constable, beat the watch, broke the Tapster's head, and lain with his Hostess.  
Hear is no villain: pray search his pockets: I ●ol●e you as much, false heart, false hand and false dice: what crooked tools are those in's other Pocket: Picklocks picklocks: This fellow lives by his wits, but yet belongs not to Wits Common wealth▪ he swires he is a Gentleman, but of what house? Marry Cheters Ordinary: an ingenious slave, that works a living out of hard bones, and has it at his finger's ends: every man with him is a very Roh●e and a base Gull: he threatens stabs and death, with heart wounds & blood, yet a bloody nose hath made him call for a Chirurgeon, He scorns to dwell in a suit of appahell a week: this day in Satin, to morrow in Sackcloth, one day all new, the next day all seam-rent: now on his back, anon at the brokers, and this by his reckoning is a gentleman's humour Sure I cannot deny but if it may be so, but I pray then what humour is the geltleman in? he is never (in my opinion) like to prove gentlemen be the humour.  
Away with him, away with him, make sure work, chain and kennel him up in tattle, make him a Knight of the doviorous Castle.  
He will do better far tied up then lose at liberty, let him not play the wandering Pilgrim in any case, there's no remedy for such wild fellows, but to tame them in the dangers of 〈…〉 follow him close watchman with your Halberds, lest he show you a new dance called runne-awaies galliard So, s●, by this time he lies where he's like to prove lousy if the●e be not some speedy remedy user, with a medicine made of Hempseed to kill his itch.  
Who have we next pray? I should know him by his villainous scurvy looks, a makes a wry mouth, and has a grinning countenance, for all the world like Detaction: why 'tis he indeed, a rope stretch him, has not the Crows picked out his eyes yet: See how he laughs to himself, at yonder piaine Gentlewoman in the old fashion, because she has not the trash and trumpery of Mistress Loose-legges about her.  
Dost thou deride Civility, Knave? is decency become ridiculous? look upon thyself the● Rascal, look upon thyself, whom all the wisemen in the world may laugh to scorn indeed.  
Thou haste nothing in thee, (if thy inside were turned outward worthy of the least 〈◊〉 ●nta●●en, and yet such villains will ever be scoffing (deriding and detracting, from those of the best spirits and worthiest endéuours) learned men's works, industrious men's travails, gr●●t men's counsels, 〈◊〉 men's virtues, and wise men's arts, Detraction will spit ●enome at: nothing is well done that flows not from his dirty invention: he has scoffs for them he knows not, and jests for them he never saw, what a world's this, when a fool shall censure a Philosopher? a dolt an ydeot, one that hath wit in's hcele and head alike, to condemn and deprave natures miracles for wit and wisdom.  
This is he that can mend every thing that is ready made to his hand detracting from the wortinesse of every man's work: 'tis a villain, a right villain bred and borne, he came not long since along my Tub-house, and scoffing at me, asked me why I made it not a taphouse? marry (quoth I) I have determined so to do but I want such arogue as thou art to make a sign 〈◊〉: with that called he me Dag, Said I, thou didst never hear me bark, but thou shalt seel more bite, and so thrust my Pikestaff through his chockes, that I made his teeth chatter in his head, like a viper as he is.  
Nay then we shall never hau● done, look where jealousy is as, yellow as if he had the yellow jaundice: his wife's an honest woman (in my conscience) loyal and true in wedlock: but because he like a fornicating rascal uses common Cur●ozuns, he thinks her cartesies and theirs are all alike to every man come who will: his eyes follow her feet wheresoever she goes: if any friend salute her, she dares not reply, but must pass strangerlike without any show of Courtesy: he swears thee is a●●●hore, and himself alarge horned Cuckold, able to run But with all Cuckolds in the Town.  
Nay, he is grown to such outrage, that he is even frantic with ●ealosie, sometimes offering to lay wagers that no Bu●l dare● encounter with his head, and that his horns are more precious than any Unicorn. the haberdasher cannot ●it h●m with a hate wide enough: The Barber cannot t●●me his forehead close enough, and yet the poor hath made his be●rd th●● enough▪ he says he thinks there's ●ot an honest woman 〈◊〉 to his knowledge, and the re●son is, he is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with none but whore's. A Bawdy-house is for his bodily excercise, and he can not live without his lechery, be hath whores of all complexions, whores of all fizes, and whores of all diseases: and this is the cause that the villainous fellow deems all to be whores. But masters mark the end of him that hath been laid f●iue times of the Pox, if he be not thoroughly French fide and well prepared for his venery, then will I for seven years eat Hay with a Horse: well, i'll cross the way to other side the street, before he come too nigh me, I dare not endure him, 'tis good sleeping in a sound Skin? I would not be in his coat for Alexander's ri●h gown, out stinking Knave out Hold off thy cart Knave, wilt over-runn me? thy horse hath more honesty in him then thou, for he avoids ●●e, and thou drawest upon me. So villain so, curse the creature that gets thy living, and see how thou wilt thrive by it Thou blind Knave, Porter, dost rush upon me with thy basket, and then sayest, by your leave? belike thou meanest to●iustle me again, for thou didst ask no leave the first time before hand, what brutish slaves do I meet with? my staff shall meet with some of you a none: Take thou that knave, for crying, brooms so loud in mine ears, here's a coil indeed, your City shufling rumling, and tumling, is not for my humour. What a filthy throat has that Oyster wife, I think 'twill echo in my brave pan this hour. This is the raging street of our cries, i'll out walk is with all the speed I can.  
Hitherto have I met with never an honest man, well i'll burn out my candles-end, and then make an end and get me home. So, that is good to begin with all: Had your street never a Knave to encounter my first entrance but Discord? Malum Omen, Mulcum Omen, This is he that sets Countries and Kingdoms together by the ears, breeds cities mutunes, and domestical contetions, Prince against Prince, Nation against Notion, Kindred, Neighbour, Friend all at variance. This is he that calls Peace with her palm free, idle housewife, and sounds defiance throughout the whole world: you are wronged (says he) put not up such a vile indignity: this disgrace no manhood can endure, your valour and reputation is in state of prejudice, 'tis wounded by such a one, and you cannot in any wise put it up for the whole world takes notice of it, and all men will censure you  
This is the rascal that made me fall out with Plato, call him proud fellow, and trample upon his bed, because it was somewhat handsomer and better decked than mine. In all his lifetime, (and i'll assure you 'tis an old, grey, lean, dry, rotten-boned villain) did he never show cheerful countenance but at the sight of some mischief: he would rather bite his tongue thorough, then bid any man good morrow. So, so, now it works, he's got amongst a crew of scoldling Fishwives, off goes her head-tire, have at tother's throat, to her green Waistcoat: why now it works like wax.  
Thrust in Cutpurse for there's good pennyworths to be had amongst them, the Trade is like to be quick by and by, customers come apace, make a priive s●arch without a Constable, i'll stay no longer with you, a rope tid you all. Now fie upon thee slovenly Knave, when didst thou wash thy face? here's Sloth right in his kind: the hat he wears all day, at evening becom●h his nightcap his frieze gown sconce, wherein he in trenches himself is at least thirty thousand strong: garter thy hose beast, garter thy hose, or will the Pox endure no Garters?  
This fellow I remember coming to a sig-tree being so extreme lazy that Bee could not stretch his arm out to gather any, laid himself down upon his back and gaping, cried: 
Sweet ●igs drop down in yielding wise  
For Lazy will not let me rise.   
This is he that riseth late, and goes early to bed, up to eat and down to sleep, scorns to labour, for he is as sti●●e jointed as the Elephant, and rather than he would endure half an hours labour, he would willingly choose a whole hours hanging. I know no use in the world for him, except to keep the city bread from moulding, and the town liquor from souring.  
This is he, that lying at ease upon his back, where: a Cart was to pass, entreated the Carman to draw easy over him, for he could not rise yet, till his lazy fit was past this is he that could rather be lousy then endure to have his shirt washed, and had rather go to bed in hose and shoes, then stoop to pull them off. He is fitted with a wife even pat of his own humour, for other day heating broth for her husband's breakfast, the Cat cried new in the porridge pot: Wife (said he) take out poor Puise alas how came she there? With that she took out the Cat by the ear, and stroking off the Porridge from her into the pot, they two wen lovingly to breakfast with it.  
A shame take them both for filthy companions. for their broth is abominable: who, than we shall never have done: here's hell broke lose, swarming together. Derision, he goes before and scoffs every man he meets dost laugh at my Lantern, knave, because I use candlelight by day? Why villain 'tis to seek such as ●on'le never be: Honest men.  
Violence he walks with him, he'll do injury to his own Father (if he can) all that he wears on his back and all that he puts in his belly, is got by oporesion, wrong and cruelty: he cares not how he gets it, so he gets it, nor from whence he take it, so he have it.  
Ingratitude makes one in their Consort, and inhueman and uncivil savage, if a man should do him a thousand good turns in a day, he would neuers give a thousand good words in a year for them.  
Impatience is another of their sraternitie: a raging knave, an unquiet turbulent rogue, he'll allow time for nothing, als at a minnits warning that he calls for, or he'll rage's, rail, curse and swear, that a wiseman would not for ten pound be within ten miles of him.  
Who's the other hold up thy head knave: O 'tis Dullness, the most notorious blook-head that ever p●st: instruct him till your tongue ache he has no ears for you: there's nothing in him but the ●sses virtue, that's dull melancholy: how l●mpish a looks▪ out rascals out: Now a murrain take you all, I did ne●er make a worse days work in my life than I have done to day: here's a City well blest, is well provided I warrant you If a man should need a honest-mans' help, where should he ●ind him? Well, farewell Athens I and my Tub scorns thee and thy Citizens.  


Diogenes lost labour.  
PHilosopher, thy labour is in vain,  
Put out thy candle get thee home again,  
I● company of honest men thou lack,  
They are so scarce thou must alone go back,  
But if thou please to take some knaves along,  
Give but a beck and store will stock and throng.  
He that did vomit out high house and land,  
Even with a wink will ready come to hand.  
And he of whom thou didst ten shillings crave  
As thinking ne●e again his alms to have,  
Because he was prodigal in waste,  
And to undo himself made wondrous haste.  
If thou hast room to stoe him in thy Tun,  
He will be ready both to go and run,  
Or those same drunken fiddlers, thou didst find  
A tunening wood, when they themselves were blind  
Whom thou didst with thy staff belabour well:  
they'll sing about the Tub where thou dost dwell.  
All those that were presented to thy sight,  
When thou soughtest honest men by candlelight,  
Make a step back, they in the City be  
With many hundreds which thou didst not see.  
Houses of Rascals▪ shops even full of knaves,  
Tavarne and Alehouse filled with druken slaves.  
Your Ordinaries and your common Inns.  
Are whole sale war-houses of common sins.  
Into a bawdy house thou didst not look,  
Nor any notice of their capering took.  
Bawds with their punks, and Panders with their straps,  
Whores with their feathers in their velvet caps,  
Those Sallamanders that do bathe in fire.  
And make a trade of burning lusts desire.  
That do salute them whom they entertain,  
With A pox take you till we meet again  
Nor those which daily Novices entice,  
To lend them money upon on cheating dice.  
And in the bowling-allies r●●ke with betting.  
By three, and four to one most basely getting  
All these unseen appear not to thy face,  
With many a Cutpurse in the market place,  
That searches pockets being silver lined,  
If Countersets' about men he can find.  
And hath Commission for it so to deal  
Under the hangman's warrant, hand and seal  
Innumerable such I could repeat,  
That use the craft of Coney▪ catch and cheat,  
The cities vermin, worse than Rats and Mice:  
But leave the Actors, to reward of vice:  
He that reproves it, shows a detestation,  
He that corrects it, works a reformation,  
Who do more wrongs and injuries abide,  
Then honest men that best are qualified?  
They that do offer least abuse to any,  
Must be prepared for enduring many.  
But here's the comfort that the virtuous find  
Their Hell is first, their heaven is behind.   

Diogenes' Moral  
A Cock stood crowing proud,  
Fast by a River side,  
A Goose in water hist at him  
And did him much deride:  
The Cock in choler grew,  
Vowing by him that made him,  
That he would fiight with that base goose,  
Though all his Hens dissuade him,  
Come but a shore quoth he,  
White liverif thou dare,  
And thou shalt see a bloody day,  
Thy throat shall soon be bare,  
Base craven said the goose,  
I scorn to bear the mind,  
To come a shore amongst a crew  
Of scraping dunghill kind?  
Thy Hens will back thee there,  
Come hither chanting slave,  
And in the water hand to hand,  
A combat we will have  
here's none to interrupt,  
I challenge thee come here.  
If there be valour in thy comb,  
Why let it now appear.  
Enter the watery field,  
I'll spoil thy crowing quite:  
Why dost not come? oh now I see  
Thou hast no heart to sight.  
With that the Cock replied,  
There was no want in him:  
But sure the wa●er was so bad,  
It would not ●et him ●wi●.   

Moral  
IThappens always thus,  
When cowards do contend:  
With wrangling words they do begin,  
And with those weapon's end.  
Nothing but vau●ts are vsded,  
Till trial should be made:  
And when they come to action,  
Each of other are afraid.  
Then for to keep Skines whole,  
It is a common use:  
To enter in some dranken league,  
Or make a coward's excuse.    


A Great assembly met of Mice,  
Who with themselves did take advice,  
What plot by policy to shape,  
Now they the bloody Cats might scape  
At length, a grave and ancient mouse,  
(Be like the wisest in the house)  
Gave counsel (which they all liked well)  
That every Cat should wear a Bell:  
For so (quoth he) we shall them hear,  
And fly the danger which we fear,  
If we but hear a Bell to thing,  
At eating cheese, or any thing,  
When we are busy with the nip,  
Into a hole we strait may skip  
This above all they liked best:  
But quoth one mouse unto the rest,  
Which of us all dares be so stout,  
To hang the Bel Cats Necks about,  
If here be any let him speak:  
Then all replied we are to weak.  
The stoutest Mouse, and tallest Rat,  
Do tremble at a grim-fac'st Cat.   

Moral  
THus fares it with the weak,  
Whom mighty men do wrong  
They by complaint may wish redress.  
But none of force so strong,  
To work their own content:  
For every one doth fear,  
Where cruelty doth make abode,  
To come in presence there.    


THe Owl being weary of the night,  
would progress in the Sun  
To see the little birds delight,  
And what by them was done.  
But coming to a stately grove.  
A dornd with gallant green  
where years proud Summer season strove,  
Most beauteous to be seen  
He lights no sooner on a tree,  
That Summer's livery wears:  
But all the little birds that be  
Were flocked about his ears.  
Such wondering and such noise they kept,  
Such chirping and such peeping:  
The Owl for anger could have wept,  
Had not shame hindered weeping  
At length he made a solemn vow.  
And thus unto them speak:  
You have your time of pleasure now,  
An Owl of me to make.  
But ere to morrow light appear,  
In dawning of the East,  
Five hundred of you that are here,  
I will dispatch at least.  
If that I crush you not most rare,  
Why then jove let me die:  
A Titimouse I will not spare,  
Nor the least Wren doth fly.  
And so at night when all was hush,  
The Owl with furious mind:  
Didst search and pry in every bush.  
With sight when they were blind.  
He rend their flesh and bones did break  
Their Feathers flew in theyare:  
And cruelly with bloody beak  
Those little creatures tear.  
Now am I well revenged (quoth he)  
For that which you have done:  
And quitted all my wrongs by Moon  
Were offered in the Sun.   

Moral  
GAiust mighty ones, the weak of strength  
May not themselves oppose:  
For if they do, 'twill prove at length,  
To wall the weakest goes  
The little shrubs must not contend,  
Against the taller trees:  
Nor meaner sort seek to offend,  
Their betters in degrees  
For though amongst their own consorts  
Superiors they deride:  
And wrong them much by false reports,  
At length, Time turns the Tide.  
There comes a change, the wills they wrought  
In self conceit thought good:  
May be in the'nd too dearly bought,  
Even with the price of blood.    


ACobler kept a scurvy Crow,  
A Bird of basest kind,  
And pains enough he did bestow,  
To work her to his mind.  
At length he taught her very well,  
To speak out very loud:  
God save the King and troth to tell,  
The Cobbler than grew proud.  
She was to good to hop about  
Upon his ould-shooe stall;  
But he unto the Court would stout,  
His bird should put down all  
Their painted parrots: So he went  
To Caesar with lack-daw,  
And said to him, he did present  
Best bird that ere he saw.  
The Monarch gracious mind did show  
For cobblers poor good will:  
And made a Courtier of the Crow,  
Where he remained, until  
He standing in a window, spied  
His fellows fly along:  
And knew the language which they cried,  
Was his one Mother song.  
Away goes he the way they went,  
And altogether fly,  
A poor dead Horse to tear and rent  
That in a ditch did lie.  
When they had shared him to the bone  
Not a crows mouthful left:  
To a Cornfield they fly each one  
And there they fall to theft.  
This life the cobblers Crow did choose,  
Pick's living out of straw:  
And courtly diet did refuse  
Even like a foolish Daw   

Moral  
HE that from baseness doth derive,  
The root of his descent:  
And by preferment chance to thrive,  
The way that jackdaw went  
Where in Court or Common-wealthe  
In City and in town  
How ere he pledge good fortune's health,  
he'll live and die a clown.  
Daws will be daws, though graced in Court,  
Crows will to carrion still,  
Like ever unto like resort  
The bad embrace the ill,  
And though even from a cobblers wall,  
He purchase land what then,  
With Cobblers he'll converse with all  
Rather than better men.    


The Lion in an humour once  
as with his pleasure stood,  
Commanded that on pain of death,  
Horn beasts should void the wood.  
Not any one to tarry there,  
That had an armed head,  
This was no sooner published  
But many hundreds fled,  
The Heart the Buck the Unicorn,  
Ram, Bull, and Goat consent,  
With haste post-haste to run away,  
The ●●ngers to prevent.  
With this same crew of Horned kind  
That were perplexed so,  
A beast consorts, upon whose head,  
Only a Wen did grow.  
The Fox met him, and said thou fool,  
Why whether dost thou run?  
Marry (quoth he) to save my life,  
Hearest thou not what is done?  
Horn creatures all have banishment,  
And must avoid the place,  
For they are charged upon their lives,  
Even by the lions grace.  
True (said the Fox) I know it well,  
But what is that to thief  
Thou hast no Horn thy wen is flesh,  
'tis evident to see  
I grant quoth he) ●is so indeed,  
Yet near the less I'll fly  
For if't be taken for a horn,  
Pray in what case am I?  
Sure (said the Fox) it'stwisely done,  
I blame thee not in this,  
For many wrongs are daily wrought  
By taking things a miss.   

Moral  
Wise men will ever doubt the worst,  
in that they take in hand,  
And seek that free from all suspect,  
Then may securely stand,  
Removing every least offence,  
That may a danger breed  
For when a man is in the pit,  
It is to late, take heed.  
If mighty men do censure wrong,  
How should the weak resist?  
It is in vain to contend with him,  
That can do what he list:  
The bell and most reposed life,  
That any man can find,  
Is this; to keep a conscience free,  
From spotted guilty mind    


A Savage creature chanced to come▪  
Where 〈◊〉 people dwelled,  
Whom they did kindly entertain,  
And courteous with him dealt:  
They fed him with their choicest fare,  
To make his welcome known,  
And divers ways their humane love  
Was to the wild-man shown:  
At length (the weather being cold)  
One of them blew his nails,  
The Savage asked why he did so?  
And what hi● fingers ails:  
Marry (quath he) I make them warm  
That are both cold and numb,  
And so they set them down to board  
For supper time was come,  
The man that blew his nails before,  
Upon his broth did blow:  
Friend, says the Savage what means this,  
I préethée let me know?  
My broth (said he is over hot,  
And I do cool it thus  
Farewell (quoth he) this deed of thine,  
For ever parteth us.  
Hast thou a breath blows hot and cold,  
Even at thy wish and will?  
I am not for thy company,  
Pray keep thy Supper still.  
And heat thy hands, and cool thy broth,  
As I have seen thee do,  
Such double dealers as thyself,  
I have no mind unto,  
But will retire unto the woods,  
Where I to-fore have been,  
Resolving every double tongue  
Hath hollow heart within.   

Moral  
A Heedful care we ought to have  
When we do friends elect,  
The pleasing ●est●ure and good words  
We are not to respect,  
For courteous carriage oftentimes,  
May have an ill intent:  
And gracious words may graceless prove,  
Without the hearts consent▪  
Let all a void a double tongue,  
For in i● there's no trust,  
And banish such the company,  
Of honest men mean just:  
A counterfeits society,  
Is never free from danger,  
And that man lives most happy life,  
Can live to such a stranger.    


WHen winters rage and cruel storms,  
Of every pleasant tree,  
Had made the bows sta●ke naken all,  
As bare as bare might be,  
And not a slower left in field,  
Nor green on bush or briar:  
But all was robbed in piteous plight,  
Of Summer's rich a tire,  
The Grass hopper in great distress,  
Unto the Ant did come  
And said dear friend I pine for food,  
I prithee give me some.  
Thou art not in extremes with me,  
I know thine ever-care  
For winter's want, hard and distrsse,  
In summer doth prepare,  
knowst thou my care replied the Ant?  
And dost thou like it well?  
Wherefore providest not thou the like?  
Pray thee Grass hopper tell?  
Marty (said he) the Summer time,  
I pleasantly do pass,  
And sing out most merrily,  
In the delightful grass:  
I take no care for time to come,  
My mind is on my song,  
I think the glorious Sunn-shine days,  
Are everlasting long.  
When thou a●t hording up thy foods,  
Against these hungry days,  
Inclined unto providence,  
Pleasure I only praise,  
This is the cause I come to thee  
To help me with thy store:  
Thou art deceived friend said the Ant,  
I laboured not therefore.  
'tTwas not for you I did provide:  
With tedious toilsome pai●es:  
But that myself of labours passed  
Might have the future gains.  
Such idle ones must buy their wit,  
'tis best when dearly bought:  
And note this lesson to your shame:  
Which by the Ant is taught.  
If Summer he your winning time,  
When you do merry make:  
Let winter be your weeping time,  
When you must penance take.   

Moral  
Neglect not time, for precious time,  
Is not at thy command.  
But in thy youth and able streng●●,  
Give proidence thy hand.  
Repose not trust in others help,  
For when misfortune's fall,  
Thou mayest complain in want  
But friends will vanish all,  
they'll heap reproof upon thy head,  
And tell thy follies past:  
And all thy acts of negligence,  
Even in thy teeth will cast.  
Thou mightst have got, thou mightst have gained  
And liveed like a man:  
Thus will they speak, filling thy soul,  
With ●x ●●ame passion th●n:  
Prevent this foolish after-wit,  
That comes when 'tis to late:  
And trust not over much to friends,  
To help thy hard estate.  
Make youth the summer of thy life,  
And therein loiter not:  
And think the Winter of old age  
Will spend what summer got    


A Lusty beggar that was blind.  
But very strong of lime:  
Agreed with one was lame of legs '  
that he would carry him.  
An other was to guide the way,  
(For he had perfect sight:)  
Upon condition, all they got,  
Should still be shared at night.  
So as they chanced to pass along.  
The Cripple that had eyes,  
Sitting upon the blind man's back,  
On ground an Oyster spies.  
Stoop take that Oyster up (quoth he)  
Which at thy feet lies there:  
And so he did and put it in,  
The scrip which he did wear.  
But going on a little way,  
Says Cripple, to the blind:  
Give me the Oyster thou tookst up,  
I have thereto a mind  
Not so said other by your leave.  
In vain you do entreat it:  
For sure I keep it for myself,  
And do intend to eat it.  
I'll have it sir the Cripple swore,  
Who spied it, thou or I?  
If that I had not seen, and spoken,  
Thou wouldst have passed by.  
It is no matter said the blind,  
Thou knowst it might have lain,  
Had I not stooped and took it up,  
Therefore it shall be mine.  
And so they hotly fell at words,  
And out in choler broke,  
With thou lame rogue, and thou blind knave  
Not caring what they spoke,  
At length it happened one came by,  
And heard them thus contend,  
And did entreat them both, that he,  
Might this their discord end.  
They yield and say it shall be so,  
Then he enquiring all,  
Did hear their league, and how about  
An Oyster they did brawl.  
Said he, my masters let me s●e,  
This Oyster makes such strife,  
The blindman forth with gave it him,  
UUho present drew his knife,  
And opening it, eat up the same,  
Giving them each a shell  
And said good fellows now be friends,  
I have your fish farewell  
The beggars both deluded thus,  
At their own folly smiled  
And said one subtle crafty knave,  
Had two poor fools beguiled,   

Moral  
When men for trifles will contend,  
And vainly disagret,  
That o●t for nothing friend and friend  
At Daggers drawing be.  
When no discretion there is usce,  
To qualify offence:  
But reason is by will abused,  
And anger doth incense.  
When some in fury seek there wi●h,  
And some in malice swells,  
Perhaps some Lawyer takes the fish,  
And leaves his chence shell,  
Then when their folly once appears,  
They overlate complain:  
And wish the wit of foregon years  
Were now to buy a gain.    


WIthin a grove a gallant grove,  
That wore green Summer's suit,  
An Ox an Ass an Ape, a Fox  
Each other kind s●lute.  
And lovingly like friends embrace,  
And much good manners use:  
At length says th' Ox unto the Ass,  
I pray thee friend what news?  
The Ass looked sad and thus replied,  
No news at all (quoth he)  
But I grow ever discontent.  
When I do meet with thee,  
The Dxe looked strange, and stepping back:  
Quoth he dear neighbour Ass.  
Have I wronged thee in all my life,  
Mouthful of Hay or grass?  
Assure thyself if that I had,  
'Twould grieve me very much:  
No kind bedfellow sai●e the Ass,  
My meaning is not such.  
On jupiter I do complain,  
'tis he wrongs me alone:  
In arming thee with those large horns:  
And I poor wretch have none.  
Thou wear'st two weahons on thy head,  
Thy body to defend,  
Against the stoutest dog that barks,  
Thou boldly darest contend.  
When I have nothing but my skin,  
With two long foolish ears.  
And not the basest goose that lives,  
My hate or fury fears,  
This makes me sad, and dull, and slow,  
And of a heavy pace?  
When every scurvy shepherds cur,  
Doth brave me to my face,  
Sure quoth the ape, as then art grieved,  
So I hard dealing find;  
Look on the Fox, and look one me,  
Pray view us well behind.  
And thou wilt sweere, I know thou wilf,  
Except thy eyesight fails:  
That nature lacked a pair of eyes,  
When she made both our tails,  
I wonder what her reason was,  
To alter thus our shapes?  
There's not a Fox but hath a tail,  
Would serve a dozen apes,  
Yet we thou seest go bare-arst all,  
For each man to deride:  
I tell thee brother Ass I blush,  
To see my own backside,  
I must endure a thousand jests,  
A thousand scoffs and scorns,  
Nature deals bad with me for tail,  
And hard with thee for horns.  
With this the ground began to stir,  
And forth a little hole.  
A creeping ●orleg'd creature came,  
A thing is ca●d a Mole,  
Quoth he my master I have hard:  
What faults you two do find:  
But Tails and Horns pray look on me  
By nature form blind:  
You have no cause thus to comeplaine,  
Of your, and your defect,  
Nor use dame Nature hard with words,  
If me you do respect,  
The thing for which you both comeplaine,  
Are unto me denied:  
And that with patience I endure,  
And more am blind beside.   

Moral  
WE ought complain, repine and grudge,  
at our dissikt estate:  
and deem ourselves (our selves not pleased)  
● obe unfortunate  
None marked with more extreme than we,  
None plunged in sorrow so:  
When not by thousand parts of want,  
Our neighbour's griefs we know.  
M●st men that have sufficiency,  
To serve for nature's need:  
Do● wrong the god of ●ature,  
And vn●a●ful●y pr●ceede,  
〈…〉  
〈…〉  
When thousand● wanting what they have▪  
Contented do remain.    


TH'A●tr● no more by night did walk,  
(He and his globe together)  
〈…〉 business with the star●es,  
About the next years whether.  
He did examine all the ●k●e,  
For ●e●pests wind and rain:  
And what diseases were to come,  
The planet's told him plame,  
The disposition of the Sprlng,  
The state of Summer tide▪  
The Naruest fruit and Winter fr●st,  
Most p●am●ly he espied,  
He did confer with jupiter,  
Satu●ne and all the Seau●n;  
And grew exceeding busy with  
Twelve houses of the heaven.  
But while with sta●ing eyes he looks,  
What news the star●es could tell:  
Upon the sudden down he comes  
Headlong into a well.  
Help, help, he calls, or else I drown,  
Oh help, he still did cry:  
Until it chanced some passengers,  
Came very early by.  
And hearing him, did help him out,  
In a drowned mouse's case:  
Then questioned with him how he come,  
In that same cold wet place?  
Marry (quoth he) I looked on high,  
Not thinking of the ground:  
And tumbled in this scurvy Well,  
Where I had like been drowned.  
Which when they hard and knew his art  
They smile said. Friend stranger:  
Wilt thou foretell things are to come,  
And knowest not present danger?  
Hast thou an eye for heaven, and  
For earth so little wit●  
That while thou gazest after stars,  
To tumble in a pit?  
Wilt thou tell looking o'er thy head)  
What weather it will be?  
And deadly danger at thy foot,  
Thou hast no eyes to see:  
We give no credit to thy Art,  
Nor do esteem thee wise?  
To tumble headlong in a well,  
With gazing in the skies.   

Moral  
Many with this Astronomer,  
Great knowledge will pretend:  
Those gifts they have, their haughty pride  
Will to the skies commend.  
Their looks must be a spiring,  
For ampition aims on high,  
Fortune's advancements makes them dream,  
Of Castles in the sky:  
But while bewitching vanity,  
Deludes them with renown:  
〈◊〉 sudden alteration, with  
A vengeance pulls them down.  
And when the meanest sort of men,  
Whom they do abject call:  
Will stand in scorn; and point them out.  
And censure of there fall.    


GReat Alexander came to see,  
My Mansian being a tun:  
And stood directly opposite,  
Between me, and the Sun  
Morrow (quoth he) Philosopher,  
I yield thee time of day:  
Marry (said I then Emperor,  
I prithee stand away,  
For thou deprivest me of that,  
Thy power hath not to give:  
Nor all thy mighty fellow kings,  
That on earth's football live:  
Stand back I say and rob me not  
To wrong me in my right  
The Sun would shine upon me,  
But thou tak'st away his light.  
With this he stepped aside from me,  
And 〈◊〉 did 〈…〉:  
That I would be a Courtier,  
For he liked my conceit,  
I'll have thy house brought ●ie my court,  
I like thy ●aine so well:  
A neighbour very near to me,  
I mean to have thee dwell  
If thou bestow that pain (quoth I)  
Pray whe● the work is done,  
Re●●ooue thy Court and carry that  
A good way from my Tun.  
I care not for thy neighbourhood,  
Thy Teasure, trash I hold:  
I do esteem my lantern horn,  
As much as all thy gold.  
The costliest cheer that earth affords,  
(Take Sea and a●re to boot)  
I make far●e less account thereof,  
Then of a carrot root,  
For all the robes upon thy back.  
So costly, rich, and strange:  
This pla●●e poor Gown, thou seest me wear,  
Thread bore I will not change  
For all the pearl and precious stones,  
That is at thy command:  
I will not give this little Book,  
That here is in my hand,  
For all the cattles, countries, Towns,  
And kingdoms tho● hast got:  
I will not give th●s empty Tunn,  
For I regard them not:  
Nay ●● thou wouldst exchange thy crown●,  
For this some cap I wear:  
Or give thy ●●epter for my safr,  
I would do't I ●weare.  
Dost see this t●b? I tell thee man,  
It is my common wealth:  
Dost see you water? 'tis the Wine,  
Doth keep me sound in health.  
Dost see these roots that grow about,  
The place of my abode?  
These are the dainties which I eat,  
My backed, my roast my sod,  
Dost see my simple threefoote stool?  
It is my chair of state▪  
Dost see my poor plain wooden dish;  
It is my silver plate,  
Dost see my wardrobe then behold,  
This patched seam-rent gown:  
Dost see you mat and bull rushes?  
Why theyare my bed of down.  
Thou countest me poor and beggarly,  
Alas good careful King,  
When thou art often sighing sad,  
I cheerful sit and sing.  
Content dwells not in palaces,  
And Courts of mighty men,  
For if it did, assure thyself,  
I would turn Courtier then.  
No Alexander the are deceiu●d,  
To cencure of me so:  
That I my sweet contented life,  
(For troubles) will forego:  
Of a reposed life 'tis I,  
Can make a just report:  
That have more virtues in my Tun,  
Then is in all thy Court.  
For what yields that but vanities  
Ambition, Envy, Pride  
Oppression, wrongs and cruelty.  
Nay every thing beside.  
These are not for my company,  
I'll rather dwell thus odds.  
Who ever walks amongst sharp thorns,  
Had need to go well shode.  
On mighty men I cannot fawn,  
Let flattery crouch and eréepe:  
The world is nought, and that man's wise,  
Lest league with it doth keep.  
A crown is heavy wearing, King,  
It makes thy head to ache,  
Great Alexander, great accounts  
Thy greatness hath to make.  
Who seeketh, rest and for the same  
Doth to thy court repair:  
Is wise like him that in an Egg  
Doth seek to find a Hare.  
If thou hadst all the world thine own,  
That world would not suffice:  
Thou art an Eagle (mighty man)  
And Eagles catch no flies.  
I like thee for thy patience well,  
Which thou dost show, to bear me:  
Ilk teach thee somewhat for thy pains,  
Draws but a little near me:  
Some honest proverbs that I have,  
Upon thee i'll bestow:  
Thou didst not come so wise to me,  
As thou art like to go.    


HE that performs not what the aught,  
But doth the same neglect  
Let him be sure not to receive,  
The thing he doth expect.   

When once the tall and leftie Tree,  
Unto the ground doth fall:  
Why every peassont hath an Axe  
To hue his boughs withal.   

He that for virtue merits well  
And yet doth nothing claim:  
A double kind of recompense  
Deserveth for the same.   

Acquaint me but with whom thou goest,  
And thy companions tell,  
I will resolve thee what thou dost▪  
Whether ill done or well.   

He knows enough that knoweth nought,  
If he can silence keep:  
The tongue oft makes the heart to sigh,  
The ●yes to wail and weep.   

He takes the best and choy●-est course,  
Of any man doth live:  
That takes good counsel, when his friend▪  
Doth that rich jewel give.   

Good horse and bad, the Rider says,  
Must both of them have Spu●re●:  
And he is sure to rise with Fleaes,  
That lies to sleep with cur●es.   

He that more kindness showeth the●  
Then thou art used unto,  
Either already hath deceived,  
Or shortly means to do.   

Birds of a feather and a kind,  
Will still together flock:  
He'dneede be very straight himself,  
That doth the crooked mock.   

I have observed divers times,  
Of all sorts old and young▪  
That he which hath the leslet heart:  
Hath still the bigger tongue.   

He that's a bad and wicked man,  
Appearing good to the eye:  
May do thee many thou and wrongs,  
Which thou can never spy,   

In present want, defer not him,  
Which doth thy help requi●e:  
The water that is far off fetched  
Quencheth not neighbour's sire.   

He that hath money at his will,  
Meat, Drink, and leisure takes:  
But he that lacks, must mend his pace  
Need a good Footman make●   

He that the Office of a friend,  
Uprightly doth respect:  
Must firmly love his friend professed,  
With fault and with defect.   

He that enjoys a white Horse, and  
A fair and dainty wife:  
Must needs find often cause, by each  
Of discontent and strife.   

Choose thy companions of the good.  
Or else converse with none:  
Rather th●n ill accompanied,  
Far● better be alone,   

Watch over words, for from the mouth,  
There hath much evil spring,  
'tis better stumble with thy feet,  
Then stumble with thy tongue.   

Not outward habit, virtue 'tis  
That doth advance thy fame:  
The golden brinle betters not,  
A lade that wears the same,   

The greatest joys that ever were,  
At length with sorrow meets?  
Taste honey with thy finger's end.  
And surfeit not on sweets.   

A Liar can do more then much,  
Work wonders by his lies:  
Turn● mountains into molehills,  
And Elephants to flies.   

Children that were unfortunate,  
Their parents always praise:  
And attribute all unthriftiness,  
Unto their foregoed days.   

When sickness enters healths strong hold,  
And life gins to yield.  
Man's fort of flesh to parley comes,  
And death must win the field.   

The flatterer before thy face,  
With smiling looks will stand:  
Presenting honey in his mouth.  
A Razor in his hand.   

The truly noble minded loves.  
The base and servile, fears:  
Who ever tells a fool a tale,  
Had need to find him ears.   

To meddle much with idle things,  
Would vex a wise man's head:  
'tis labour and a weary work,  
To make a dog his bed.   

The worst wheel ever of the Cart,  
Doth yield the greatest noise,  
Three women make a market, for  
Tehy have sufficient voice.   

First leaf all fools desire to learn  
With steadfast fixed eyes:  
In this, All other Idiots are,  
And they exceeding wise.   

When once the Lion breathless lies,  
Whom all the forest feared,  
The very Hares presumpu●usly,  
Will pull him by the beard.   

Cease not to do the good thou oughst,  
Though inconvenience grow:  
A wiseman will not seed-time lose,  
For sear of every Crow.   

One man can never do so well,  
But some man will him blame:  
'tis vain to seek, please every man,  
●oue cannot do the some.   

To him that is in misery,  
Do not affliction add:  
With sorrow to ●oade sorrows back,  
Is most extremely bad.   

Show me good fruit on evil tree.  
Or Rose that grows on Thistle,  
I'll undertake at sight thereof.  
To drink to thee and whistle.   

Censure what conscience rests in him,  
That swear he justice loves:  
And yet doth pardon hurtful Crows,  
To punish simple Doves.   

Thre's many that to ask might have,  
By their own silence crossed:  
What charge is speech unto thy tongue,  
By ask pray what's lost;   

He serves for nothing than is just,  
And faithful in his place:  
Yet for his duty well performed,  
Is not a whit in grace.   

He makes himself another's slave  
And fears doth under go:  
That unto one being ignorant,  
Doth his own secrets show   

 
And yet though years be so,  
For one wiseman with hoary heirs,  
Three dozen fools I know.    
FINIS