¶ Certain Chapters of the proverbs of Solomon drawn into metre by Thomas sterneholde, late groom of the kings Majesty's robes.  
¶ Imprinted at London by john Case, dwelling in Peter college rents, for William Seres.  
Cum privilegio ad immendum solum,   

To the right worshipful, and my singular good Master, sir Thomas speak knight, one of the gentlemen, of the kings majesties most honourable privy chamber, your most bound servant to command at all times, John Case wisheth worship, health, and prosperity, with increase of virtue.  
Considering the duty and service which I own to your good mastershyppe, I have no less than just cause with cheerful & ready heart, to offer the same unto you. As well for that your maistershyppe hath not only showed manifold benefits to my poor friends, but also unto me, being one among all other left able to acquit any part of your goodness, my power and ability being, small, mine heart and mind being ready. In token whereof I have dedicated this little book unto your maistershyppes name, desiring you according to your accustomed gentleness to take the same in good part, and also for a testimony, that if I were able by any other mean to gratify your maistershyppe, that I would be as ready as any man living. The copy of this book was delivered me by a friend of mine being sometime servant unto master Thomas Sterneholde, whereby it is to be conjectured, that the same were put in metre by him, yet not so perfectly perused, by reason of sudden death, as perchance he would have done, if he had longer lived. notwithstanding, I trust your mastershyppe nor any other shall think than worthy to lie in a corner, and never to appear abroad. In hope whereof I have caused the same to be printed, & have dedicated the same unto you, as the first fruits of my good will, towards your mastership. Thus desiring God to prosper you in all worship & increase of virtue.  
¶ Your good maistershyps' most humble servant at all times to command john Case.  
DO all your deeds with good advice cast in your minds always the end  
Wit bought is of to dear aprice, the tried trust take as your friend.  
For friends I find there be but two, of countenance & of effect:  
Of the one sort there are enough, but few been of the other sect.  
Also beware the venune sweet, of filled words and flattery:  
For to deceive, they be most meet, that best can play hypocrisy.  
let wisdom rule your deed & thought  
so shall your works be wiseli wrought  
Who list to lead a quiet life, who list to rid himself from strife:  
give care to me, mark what I say, remember well, bear it away.  
Hold back thy tongue at meat & meal speak but few words, bestow them well  
By words the wise man thou shalt espy by words a fool thou shalt soon try.  
A wiseman can his tongue make cease, a fool can never hold his peace.  
Who loveth rest, of words beware, who loveth words, is sure of care,  
For words oft-times, men have been shent for silence kept, few them repent.  
Two ears, one tongue, only thou hast, into things to hear, than words to waste  
A fool in no wise can high forbear, he hath two tongues, & but one ear.  
Be sure thou keep a steadfast brain, lest that thy words put y● to pain.  
Words wisely set are worth much gold the price of rashness is soon told  
If time require words to be had, to hold thy peace I hold the mad.  
Talk only of needful verities, strive not for trifling fantasies.  
With soberness the truth bolt out, affirm nothing wherein is doubt.  
Who to this song will take good heed & spend no more words than he need.  
Though he be a fool & have no brain he shall by this great wisdom gain.  
Speke while time is, else hold the still, words out of time oft things do spill.  
Say well, & do well, are things twain twice blessed is he, in whom both do rain  
Say well is sure a worthy thing, of say well great goodness doth always sprig  
Saiwel from dowel differ a letter saywel is good, but dowel is better.  
Say well is ruled by man somedeal, do well to god doth wholly appeal.  
Saywel is good, & doth many please do well is better, & doth the world ease  
Saiwel cause many to scripture cleave for lack of dowel, they quickly leave.  
If saiwel & dowel, were joined in fraim all were well & won, goat were the game  
Say well in danger of death is cold do well is earnest, and wondrous bold  
When say well for fear doth tremble and quake,  
Do well is ●oconde, and good cheer doth make.  
Finis.   

The proverbs of Solomon, translated into english metre.  

Argumentum. Cham i.  
The wisdom of the Lord our God, doth call upon us still:  
That we ●e far from wicked men, and follow not their will.  
My son thy father hark unto & to his lore incline.  
Forsake thou not thy mother's law but sure let it be thine  
For that shall cause grace plentiful, to light upon thine head:  
And on thy neck shall be a chain, and stand the in good stead.  
Therefore (my son) take thou good heed when sinners do the tempt,  
For though that they do the entice, to them do not consent.  
If they shall say, come thou with us, let us lay wait for blood:  
And causeless kill the innocent, and spoil them of their good.  
Let us them swallow quick and hold let us devour them all:  
As those that slide into a pit, so shall they take their fall.  
And we shall costly riches find, to do therewith our will:  
And with the spoils the we shall get we may our houses fill.  
Cast in thy lot among us now, a man of that thou art:  
And then we will have all one purse, and thou shalt have thy part.  
But walk thou not with them (my son) their paths do thou refrain:  
Their feet are hasty blood to shed all ill they do retain.  
But all in vain the net is laid, before the birds eyes:  
Yet one an others blood to spill, much all they do devise.  
And they themselves their own dear blood this way do hurt and noye:  
And their own Souls do quite deprive of all eternal joy.  
This is the way of greedy men and this is all their feat:  
For to bereave his brother's life: his riches for to get.  
Without therefore doth wisdom call & putteth forth her voice:  
Behold for in the open streets, to you she maketh noise.  
She calleth before the multitude, that all men may her know.  
And in the town gates openly, her words she doth now show.  
Oh foolish men and fond saith she how long will ye delight:  
And foleishe schole●and ye unwise, to wisdom bear such spite.  
Oh turn to my correction, I will my mind express:  
And I will make you understand my words both more and less.  
Sense then that I have called you and ye refuse my name:  
And have put forth mine hand also, and ye forsake the same.  
And all my counsels ye have had, in mocking and despite.  
And also my correction, have set at nought and light.  
Therefore will I laugh joyfully, in your destruction:  
And mock you when the plague you fear shall justly on you come.  
And when that which you fear so much full suddenly doth fall:  
And troubles and great heaviness, shall come upon you all.  
Then when you do upon me crave, I will not hear your mind:  
Though you seek me, and that early yet shall you not me find.  
And why? I say because that you, my knowledge so abhorred:  
And cast away against my will, the fear of God the Lord.  
I said before they did refuse, my counsels every one:  
And did not cease for to despise, my good correction.  
To eat the fruit of their own way the Lord shall them constrain:  
With the device he shall them fill, of their insensate brain.  
And for the fall of the unwise, he shall them slay anon:  
And eke the wealth of fools shall be, their own confusion.  
But who to me that giveth ear, shall dwell safely I say:  
And have enough, and need not fear by night, nor yet by day.   

Argumentum. Cham two.  
It is here taught that we should learn God's wisdom to obtain:  
The wealth also that cometh thereof is here described plain.  
MI son receive thou these my words, the which shallbe right wise  
And keep thou my commandments, my son I the advise.  
So that thine ears may evermore to wisdom's schools incline:  
Apply thine heart to understand such things as he divine.  
For if thou after wisdom cry, and still upon his crave:  
And callest on for knowledge gift because thou wouldst her have.  
And seek for her as thou wouldst seek for money in the dust.  
And dig for her as treasure that in earth is hid and trust.  
Then shalt thou right well understand, the fear of god the Lord:  
And of his law the knowledge find, according to his word.  
For god alone doth give to us, his wisdom for to speak:  
Out of his mouth doth knowledge spring and understanding eke.  
The righteous men he doth preserve in welfare through his might.  
He doth defend the innocent, that walk his way aright,  
He doth them keep straight in his paths that they go not astray:  
He doth direct his holy ones, to walk right in his way.  
If thou be such, thou shalt then learn by justice for to deal:  
With every man in equity, throughout the comen weal.  
In judgement right thou shalt likewise all other men excel:  
And every good path unto thee, the lord shall show full well.  
If wisdom enter in thine heart, and knowledge in thy sprite:  
Then understanding good counsel, shall the preserve upright.  
That thou mayst so delivered be from every wicked way:  
And from those men that froward things do always speak and say.  
The which do leave the way of light and walk in darkness still:  
And which rejoice most jocundly, when they have done full ill.  
Which do delight in wickedness.  
Whose ways are vile & vain:  
Whose crooked paths are slanderous from them do thou refrain.  
That also from the strange woman delivered thou mayst be:  
And from his eke that is not thine: or was not wed to the.  
Which speaketh fair, & doth forsake the husband of his youth:  
And doth forget the comnaunt made, of God and of his troth.  
Take heed, her house inclineth fast to death, as I the tell:  
Her paths are sure the ready way, that leadeth down to hell.  
And they also that go to her, shall not come out again:  
Nor take hold of the way of life, I tell the this is plain.  
That thou mayst walk in the sure way whereof I do the tell:  
And keep the paths of righteousness, then shalt thou do right well.  
For why●the just shall ever live, in joy that doth not cease:  
The innocent remain on earth in wealth, and eke in peace.  
But the ungodly shall be plucked, out of the land I say:  
And wicked men chased shallbe, out of the fame for aye.   

Argumentum Cha iii.  
Sure trust in god ought all men have and not in their own brain  
The wicked man thou shalt not fear, ne yet the scorner vain.  
MI son, forget not thou my law but have it still in sight:  
And let thine heart observe my words so shalt thou walk aright.  
For sure they shall prolong thy days thine years, and life also:  
And being the peace and quietness, and rid the out of wo.  
Let mercy nor yet faithfulness, henceforth from the depart:  
Bind them about thy neck (my son) and write them in thine heart.  
And so shalt thou great favour wine, of god and eke of men:  
In understanding perfectly, expert thou shalt be then.  
With all thine heart to god the lord put confidence and trust:  
And lean thou not in any wise to thine own wit and lust.  
In all thy ways have thou respect unto the living lord:  
He shall thy doings order well according to his word:  
Be not to wise in thy conceit, but fear god in thine heart:  
In haste also from wickedness, endeavour to depart.  
So shall thy navel still (my son) continue hole and sound:  
Thy bones also and body shall, with lively strength abound.  
Honour the lord, and to him give the best of thy substance:  
And thy first fruits of thine increase his glory to advance.  
So shall thy barns be filled full, and that with plenteousness.  
Thy presses all shall overflow, with wine of great sweetness.  
The bitter scourge of god thy lord, (my son) do not despise:  
And when thou art rebukte of him, faint not in any wise.  
For look whom that the lord doth love his rod shall on him light:  
Even as the father whypes his son to know himself aright.  
Yet doth the lord nevertheless love his aflycted still:  
Even as the father doth his child, when he hath beat his till.  
Full well is he therefore I say, the which doth wisdom find:  
And understanding to obtain, doth set his heart and mind.  
For marchaundice there is none such throughout the world so round.  
There is no silver nor yet gold, wherein such wealth is found.  
More worth than all the gold on earth, let wisdom be to thee:  
To her all thing thou canst desire, compared may not be.  
On her right hand attendant is long life, with colour green:  
And honour stands on her left hand, with riches well beseen.  
Her ways also right pleasant are which pleasure doth not cease:  
Her paths likewise are nothing else but unity and peace.  
She is a tree of life to them, that lay hold on her right:  
And blessed are they that keep her fast, with all their power and might.  
In wisdom eke the living Lord full well the earth did found:  
And with his word the heavens he made the earth to compass round.  
And through the wisdom of the lord the waters broke up all:  
The clouds also pour down y eraine that on the earth doth fall.  
My son, let not these things depart at no time from thine eyes:  
But keep my law and counsels all, by the in any wise.  
So shall it be eternal life, the soul for to embrace:  
Thy mouth shall be replenished with virtue and with grace.  
Then shalt thou be right● sure to walk full boldly in the way:  
Thy feet shall never slip from the by night, nor yet by day.  
If thou dost step at any time, thou nedst not be afraid:  
But sweetly step, and take thy rest, for god will be thine aid.  
And though that the ungodly me, rush in with violence:  
Thou shalt not be afraid at all, for god is thy defence.  
The lord will stand fast by thy side, and help the at thy need:  
And keep the safe, and suffer not, thine enemies to proceed.  
And such as would to other men do good with all their heart:  
And have thereto sufficient, to let is not thy part.  
And if thyself thou able be, thy neighbour to relieve:  
Help him with such as thou mayst spare and gladly to him give.  
Refuse not to do good to them to whom it doth belong:  
●●●yle that thy right hand able is to do it them among:  
And if thy friend do ask of the say not, get thou thy way:  
To morrow come again to me, or else some other day.  
And then I will give thee (thou sayst) where as thou mayst it now:  
Even out of hand, and if thou wilt, this god doth not allow.  
Intent not to thy neighbours hurt where he no harm hath meant:  
And where to live in rest and peace he sets his whole intent.  
Strive not (my son) with any mā● where as he doth no woe:  
Nor follow thou the unjust man, but high the fast him from.  
For why the way of scorners all. the Lord doth clean detest:  
And for to talk with simple men the Lord is pleased best.  
Create scarcity the lord doth se●●● where wicked men abide:  
But he doth bless the godly men and shall for them provide.  
The lord shall laugh at scornful men and meek them to their face:  
But to the lowly he will give, his goodness and his grace.  
The wise with their possessions, in honour shall remain:  
But shame is the promotion that foolish men obtain.   

Argumen. Cham iiii.  
How sagely and how fatherly, he doth us here advise:  
That we from evil our hearts refrain and study to be wise.  
YE children hear your father no● how he doth you exhort:  
Take heed that you do wisdom's lern● which shallbe your comfort.  
And I will give you good reward and therwythe will you fill:  
If you will not forsake my law, but study therein still.  
For when I was the only son, of both my parents dear:  
And tenderly beloved was, of father and mother.  
Then he taught me full lovingly and unto me did preach:  
And thus he said full oftentimes as I will you now teach.  
See that thou dost receive (said he) my words into thy breast:  
And keep them well, so shalt thou live in perfit joy and rest.  
In understading busily, apply thyself alway:  
Let not the same depart from the by night, nor yet by day.  
And wisdom never suffer thou, from the for to digress:  
If thou love her she shall preserve, and keep the from distress.  
The chiefest point of wisdom is, that thou do take in hand:  
Before all goods wisdom to get, and learn to understand.  
Make much of her & she shall thee, promote to power and might:  
And if thou her embrace, she shall to honour bring the right.  
For she will make thine head truly both good and gracious:  
And with a crown shall garnish it, that is full glorious.  
My son, therefore embrace with speed the words I say to thee:  
So that thy years in joy and peace on earth prolonged be.  
The ways of wisdom unto the  
I shall make fair and plain:  
And in the paths of equity, shall leave the to remain.  
So that thou mayst walk well in them & have none hindrance:  
And when thou run'st, thou shalt not fall, nor have an evil chance.  
Of wisdom them sure hold take thou and do not let her god:  
In keeping her, thou shalt surely, defended be from woe.  
And in the path come not (my son) of the ungodly train:  
Nor walk thou in the wicked way, of them whose life is vain.  
From the ill trade of naughty men, depart thou clean aside:  
And see that thou go far from them, and keep the still awyde.  
They can not steep till they have done some harm or else mischief:  
Nor take their rest till they have wrought to some man woe or grief.  
For they do eat the bitter bread of wilful wickedness:  
And drink the wine of comen spoil and all ungodliness.  
The pleasant paths of godly men appear both light and gay:  
And to all men more bright do shine then doth the lightsome day.  
But the ill way of wicked men, to darkness is compared:  
Wherein men fall, or they beware, or else do scape full hard.  
My son, mark well my words th●●●●e that I do to the tell:  
And to the same thine ears incline, and understand them well.  
And see that from thy faithful mind, thou lettest them not depart:  
But keep them still full steadfastly, in the midst of the heart:  
For they are life unto all those that chanceth them to find:  
And health of body eto all such, as bear them in their mind,  
My son also keep well thine heart for therein resteth life:  
And put from the a froward mouth, and lips that causen strife.  
And let thine eyes with diligence, behold that which is right:  
And eke thine eye lids look before directly in the light  
Mark well thy paths, lest that thy feet hap suddenly to slide:  
So shall thy gate be sure enough, whether thou go or ride.  
Turn not aside on the left hand, For yet unto the right:  
But keep away from wickedness, thy feet with all thy might.  
The perfit paths the Lord doth know that lead the way of light:  
The wicked ways the lord also considereth aright.  
But such as walk in godliness the lord will keep and save:  
And all their journeys prosperre so that they none harm shall have   

Argumen. Cham v.  
All harlots ●e, thine honour save thy pe●es spend not in vain  
Of thine own flower enjoy the fruit, strange love also refrain,  
Mi son give ear, & that with speed my wisdom follow thou:  
With good pretence to wisdoms school thine ears see that thou bow  
So that thou dost regard alway. my right and good counsel:  
And thou thy lips may nurture keep, like wise in speaking well.  
The flattering lips of wyckoff, horeth may well compared be:  
To honey combs which do distill as we do often see.  
Whole words appear unto thine ears as smooth as any oil:  
But thou art like without good heed, to take the shame and foil.  
An in the end the pleasure paste, assured mayst thou be:  
The bitter taste of wormwood shall more pleasant seem to the.  
And so likewise more sharp she is, than sword of steel well wrought:  
Which on both sides with cutting edge man's life doth bring to nought.  
Forsakte she hath the path of life, unsteadfast is her way:  
So that thou shalt it never know what ever she doth say.  
Her feet do lead the way to death her steps do lead to hell:  
The same be always wandering, and in no place can dwell.  
give ear therefore my son alway, and hark well unto me:  
And on the words of my wise mouth, attendant see thou be.  
Estrange thyself as far from her as ever that thou may:  
And come not nigh her doors nor house by night nor yet by day.  
And do thou not thine honour give unto an other one:  
Nor yet the fruit of thy long years, to such as be thy fone.  
That with thy riches other men, their houses do not fill:  
Nor with thy pains a strangers house be stuff against thy will.  
Lest that thou mourn, but all to late upon a woeful day:  
When thou haste spent both life & good and be compelled to say.  
Alas why did I nurture hate why did mine heart despise:  
The learning pure that I was taught which would have made me wise  
Why was I not obedient, to them that did me teach:  
And hearkened not to them the which so much to me did preach.  
Wherefore almost all care & grief, is casten me upon:  
In the midst of the multitude, and congregation.  
To use the drink of thine own well is sure a pleasant thing:  
And of the brook that floweth from, the head of thine own spring.  
Suffer the same to overflow, as rivers to the bryncke:  
That water pure the needy may, of them at all times drink.  
Yet let them be thine own only, if need of them thou haste:  
And the strange man keep well from them if long they may not last  
Likewise be glad of thine own wife departed thou not her from:  
A loving hind thou shalt her have, ● treadely be the roe.  
The breasts of her se that always. disaunt be to thee:  
And with her love hold the content so shall you best agree.  
Wherefore (my son) why wilt thou have in harlots such delight:  
And dost embrace thy neighbours wife  
And dost to him such spite.  
Remember that of each man's life, the trade in the lords sight:  
Appeareth plain, which he doth judge according unto right.  
And of man's steps with watchful eyes the number hath he told:  
And doth his ways with judgement tied consider and behold.  
The wickedness of an ill man shall catch himself at last:  
And with the snares of his own sin he shall be trapped fast.  
Because he would not learned be death shall him overcome:  
And headlong for his foolishness, to Satan shall he run.   

Argumen. Cham vi.  
Here art thou warned of suretishippe, and douthfulnes to ●●e:  
Of doctrine false beware the sleight and ●●e adultery.  
MI son if thou a surety be, or promise for thy friend:  
Thou haste thy hand so fastened it will not be untwind.  
And bound thou art in thine own words as fast as thou mayst be:  
And taken art in thine own speech, till he acquitteth the.  
Discharge thyself for thou art come into thy neighbours debt:  
Seek then all means, and see if thou thy neighbour canst entreat.  
Refrain thine eyes from to much sleep and to thyself beware:  
As doth thou do the bloody hounds, or bird the fowler's snare.  
The little ant (thou slothful man) to thine example take:  
And learn of her for to be wise, and purveyance to make.  
For where she hath no governor, for master her to learn:  
Nor witty king under whose rule, ●●all holden is the stern.  
Yet nature doth in her this work without any other guide:  
In summer time with busy care, for winter to provide.  
Dew long wilt thou (oh slougysh man) in idleness remain:  
And give the whole to rest and sleep, and stackest to take pain.  
Go to, go to, stepe hardly, and slumbre out thy fill:  
With folded arms lie down to rest and take thou thine own will.  
As one that iourneth by the way, so poverty shall come:  
And also like a weponed man, on the shall fiercely run.  
But if thou be industrious, and well thy labour ply:  
Thine harvest shall be plentiful, and yield abundantly.  
And as the rivers great and dep●, increase by rage of rain:  
So shall thy barns be stuffed full of corn, and eke of grain.  
And thou shall stand nothing at all, in fear of any lack:  
The woeful bag of beggary, shall never grieve thy back.  
A wicked man, and he that is replenished with guile:  
Doth alway seek maliciously, with lies the to beguile.  
He serveth to none use at all, he flereth with his eyes:  
And with his fingers meaneth craft and gives himself to lies.  
And he doth always exercise.  
Come mischief for his part:  
And causer is of much discord, through malice of his heart.  
With haste therefore remediless, some ill shall on him fall:  
From him his life shall taken be. ●ven he thinks lest of all.  
Six things there be on earth my son ●hich god doth hate full sore  
The seventh above the other six the lord doth most abhor.  
A proud disdainful look the lord, doth utterly refuse:  
A lying tongue with filled words deceitefully doth use.  
The hurtful hands which haste do make the guiltless blood to spill:  
And can not else themselves refrain, till they have done some ill.  
In heart that doth his evil thoughts to this only employ: which way to work most wickedness and other men to noye.  
The feet also which ready be great sins for to commit:  
And in one place can never stand till they some mischief hit.  
A witness false that doth his lips deceitfully apply:  
And covertly his neighbour grieve, with some new forged lie.  
The sour of discord is worse, when brethren doth agree:  
And he that doth cause loving friends great enemies for to be.  
But thou my son, my counsels all print sure into thine heart:  
Do not forsake thy mother's law nor lay the same apart.  
Commend them to thy memory, bind them thy neck about:  
And where thou goest, lead them with thee, then stepe and have no doubt.  
And when thou wakst out of thy stepe in them se thou delight:  
For my precepts a lantern are, and to thy feet a light.  
In which thou mayst without peril, pass safely on thy way:  
For nurture is if thou it take, to life a ready stay.  
The same shall the preserve also, from her that lives amiss:  
And also from the harlot's tongue, ●hich so deceitful is.  
Let not her beauty the inflame her becks are very hooks:  
To catch thine heart into her snare, through her deceitful works.  
To bring a man to beg his bread, it is an harlot's guise:  
But for the life of honesty, the godly doth devise.  
May any man the staming fire, in his bare bosom bring:  
But that it shall his clothes burn, and cause his flesh to wring▪  
Or may a man on red boat coals barefote pass on his way:  
And yet the same him never grieve: no no, I dare well say.  
Even so I think that the same man that doth an harlot see:  
And useth him to touch her oft, unguilty can not be.  
The there is not despised of all, that steals for very need:  
This greedy womb, & hungry guts, in hunger for to feed.  
The utmost is, if he be found, seventimes to yield again:  
Or else to make amends withal, his goods that do remain.  
But if thou be in whoredom found with any neighbours wife:  
Thou playst the fool, for the dost bring, destruction on thy life.  
Thou gettest thyself rebuke and shame whereof none can the rid:  
Dishonour eke thou purchasest, which never shall be hid.  
For why●hir husband's wrathful ire entreated can not be:  
Though thou give gifts, amends to make as much as is in the.   

Argumen. Cham seven.  
In this he doth all men exhort. to wisdom for to cleave.  
he showeth eke the harlot's tricks wherewith she doth deceyve.  
MI son mark well mi counsels all & lay them up in store:  
Observe well my commandments by the for evermore.  
And honour thou the lyvyng-lord so shalt thou be right sure:  
To rain in joys celestial, which ever shall endure.  
And other gods fear not at all, in men have thou no trust:  
And this doing thou shalt be sure to live among the just:  
Then keep thou my commandments lo, once again I say,  
Even as the apple of thine eye, by which thou seest the day.  
And eke about thy fingers ten, see that thou do them bind:  
And writ them in thine heart with speed, and print them well in mind.  
And see that thou to wisdom say thou art my sister dear:  
And understanding call likewise thy kynsewoman full near.  
For wisdom shall the safely keep from women that be ill:  
So that on harlots filed words thou shalt not set thy will:  
As I by chance sat down to see the folly of young men.  
And kept me close within mine house and pepte out now and then.  
Behold I saw a young fool pass the corner of the street:  
And hied as fast as he might go, and harlette for to mete.  
And so toward the harlot's house he took his way full right:  
Thinking to scape and not be seen, when it was almost night.  
And suddenly there met with him, an harlot proud and bold:  
Which alway set her whole delight, to mock both young and old.  
For in her heart deceit was hid, and wantonness also:  
Which she declared by her attire, and tokens other more.  
Whose feet could not abide within, the house, but ran about:  
Now here now there, in each blind lane, within, and eke without.  
She caught the young man kissing him, and shamed not to say:  
I made a vow which to perform,  
I purposed this day.  
Wherefore came I to meet the now, and to behold thy face:  
And thus I have by hap the found: my way as I did trace.  
My house is decte with painted clothes, of egypt the to please.  
My bed doth smell of Cinnamon, of myrrh and Aloes.  
Come ou therefore and let us lie together all this night.  
And let us twain our pleasure take, till it be broad day light.  
Mine husband is not now at home he is gone far away:  
With him he took the money bag, and coins not home to day.  
And thus with many flattering words she did him overcome:  
And also through her lying lips, anon she had him won.  
Immediately he followed her, much like unto an ox: which led is to a slaughter house, where he is killed with knocks,  
Or like unto the foolish lamb, that skippeth in the lose:  
When that the boucher fetcheth him, men's appetite to please.  
He thinketh not how shamefully, to prison he is brought.  
Where his body suffereth woe, for folly by him wrought.  
This harlot vile, of this young fool so changed had his heart:  
And had anon wounded to death his liver with her dart.  
That like a bird he made great haste to fall into the begin:  
Not knowing of the fowler's art, until that he was in.  
For love I speak full fatherly and counsel the eftsone:  
Mark well my words with diligence observe them well my son.  
Let not thine heart in harlots snares at any time be caught:  
Be not deceived, refuse her sight her paths be very naught.  
Her house my son is the right way that leadeth unto hell.  
The chambers of the same to death ', may be compared well.   

Argument Chap. viii.  
The wisemen doth commend to us the son of god most high,  
Which is the word that all things made, and was eternally.  
How can you say (oh mortal men) that wisdom doth not cry  
And prudence eke exalt aloud her voice incessauntlye?  
In places all, as in the tops of hills that be full stepe,  
And in the plain and wide countries, and valeis that be deep,  
In common places, and nigh the same in churches and in streets,  
And in the gates of Cities great where many people meats.  
The mighty word, the son of god doth call unto mankind,  
Which was before the heavens were made and uttreth thus his mind.  
O sons of men to you I speak and earnestly do cry,  
My wisdom learn to understand and keep it faithfully:  
Oh hearken well, and give good ear of weighty things & wise:  
My lips shall speak, mine heart shall still, much godliness devise.  
My talk shallbe on virtuous things wherein I most delight.  
My lips abhor the wicked man for all his power and might.  
My counsels all, and my preceptor, be righteous and straight;  
There is in them no wickedness, nor any manner sleight.  
To such as do them understand they be but very plain:  
And not to hard for them to keep, if there of they be fain.  
Before great heaps of worldly goods, chose thou my discipline:  
My doctrine is of greater price, then is the gold so fine.  
As lyghtsom days with his bright beams excelleth the dark night:  
When that the skies are full of stars or moan doth give her light.  
Even so truly doth wisdom pass, and far above excel.  
All wordly wealth: to it nothing, may be compared well:  
I which am the eternal word, and equal in all might.  
To god, which all things hath made and created aright.  
Assystaunte am, from time to time,  
In counsels that are lust:  
And likewise am of all good though 〈◊〉 the giver when I lust.  
And he which hath the fear of god, sure printed in his breast:  
Doth hate all vice, all pride of heart, and utterly detest.  
The wicked paths in which to walk ill men have their delight:  
The double tongue his neighbours hurt which worketh with despite.  
I only give unto man's heart, good counsel to devise:  
To deal upright in equity, and justice exercise.  
All wisdom doth proceed from me as from the very spring,  
All worldly strength, and fortitude to man alone I bring.  
By me the kings their power do take and rule the earth thereby,  
And wholesome laws are established, and kept accordingly.  
By me also all Magistrates the people keep in awe,  
And judges give their sentences according to the law.  
And such as do unfeignedly love me, I love again,  
And when they call, great haste I make to rid them out of pain.  
All worldly goods be given to me to do with them my will,  
And I have power whom that I list with joy on earth to fill.  
And I likewise of heavenly gifts have plenty and great store,  
With me doth grace celestial, remain for evermore.  
No treasure in the world so void, compared may justly be:  
Unto the fruit and perfect wealth, which do proceed from me.  
The tried gold and silver fine, which doth on earth remain:  
And stones of price unto the same, may well be counted vain.  
And in the ways of righteousness, to walk is my delight:  
And in the place where judges do, according unto right.  
I do also the godly men. through mercy to me call:  
And plenteously do them enrich, with grace celestial.  
With god I have been hitherto and was eternally:  
Before the earth was created, my father stood I buy.  
I was begot long time before the waters did surrownde:  
The earth, or that the mighty hills were settled on the ground.  
I was likewise before the bloods, had made themselves away:  
Or that the earth or little hills, were brought unto their stay.  
And when that god the heavens did make,  
I was even then at hand:  
And when the deeps he did command not to surround the land,  
And when also the firmament, he made as we now see:  
And running springs of water pure commanded for to be.  
And when that he unto the seas, assigned a certain place:  
And willed the bloods not to exceed, their bonds in any case.  
And when likewise the earth he made immovable to stand:  
I was with him, and to each thing, did put mine helping hand.  
I did rejoice, and day by day,  
I did delight in men:  
Great pleasure eke I had to be in company of them:  
Wherefore my sons incline your hearts and hearken unto me:  
Most blessed he is that in my ways, delighteth for to be.  
And doth the same keep faithfully, as I to him have taught:  
And spedlye maketh haste to void the thing which seemeth naught  
give ear, give ear I say mi sons and learn for to be wise:  
He is a fool and wicked man, that doth the same despise.  
And happy is the man that doth, hear me with good intent.  
And he also whose watchful eyes, on me are always bent.  
For he that hath obtained me, of perfit bliss is sure:  
And God to him the life will give that ever shall endure.  
And who that doth against me sin doth bring his soul to care.  
Mine enemies shall of dreadful death be wrapped in the snare.   

Argumen. Cham ix.  
From sinfulness the son of god, doth call both young and old:  
And showeth plain the wickedness, of ha●lottes proud and bold.  
The wisdom high of god above, equal with him in might:  
Which from the first beginning was from heaven descended right.  
And here on earth the shape of man disdained not to take:  
Which being done, unto himself a princely house did make.  
Wherein were wrought of marble fine pillars both large and wide,  
The same thereby that he might cause for ever to abide.  
And then anon great quantity, of victuals did he stay,  
With wholesome meats, & pure good wine his table did he lay.  
And then sent fourth his handmaids all and gave them to their charge  
To bid all men unto his house, which was so fair and large.  
And said also full lovingly. if any fool there be,  
Let him resort unto mine house and come straight unto me.  
To sinful men he spoke likewise resort to me with speed,  
And of my bread eat you your fill prepared for your need.  
And drink the wine before you sit and leave your ignorance,  
Walk in the trace among the good where wisdom leadeth the dance.  
If than thou dost the scornful man admonish to repent,  
Thou dost nothing but work i vain for he will not relent.  
He yet amend his wicked life whereby he doth provoke  
The just and everlasting god to plague him with his stroke.  
And in the same injurious, unto thyself thou art:  
And winneth hate: for thy good will, he setteth not a fart.  
But if thou dost, yea bitterly, rebuke him that is wise:  
He will the love, and at no time thy good counsel despise.  
The wise man doth advertisement, alway turn to the best.  
And by the same more ready is, all vice for to detest,  
For who so doth the righteous teach of this thing may be sure:  
He will make haste learning to win, and therein will endure.  
The fear of God the first point is, his wisdom to obtain.  
Of wisdom he shall never miss, in whom gods fear doth rain.  
To such will god send joyful days and will their years increase:  
And all their good will multiply, that they may live in peace.  
The wiseman doth all ill escape, and nothing doth he lack:  
The scorning men great sin doth bear upon his woeful back.  
Of prating whores and impudent, it is the mounted guise.  
With flattering words and whorish tricks to tyce in the unwise.  
A shameless whore of godliness, doth know nothing at all:  
In open streets she sitteth down, that men she may there call.  
As they do pass from place to place, their business to do.  
If any man do want his wit, let him go her unto:  
To whom she will not stick to say, and boldly to him tell:  
The water that by stealth is got, all other doth excel.  
And so likewise the stolen bread, although the same be sour:  
Much sweater is then other bread, at large while men devour.  
But in thine heart my loving son print this my saying well,  
Whoso by her is overcome descendeth unto hell.  
And who that doth contrary wise her wicked way deny,  
Unto his soul winth quietness and saved shallbe thereby.   

Argument. Chap. x.  
The wise man with the foolish man is here compared plain,  
The fear of god commended is and living got with pain.  
The wise son doth his father fill with gladness and with joy,  
But the unwise with sorrow doth his mother hurt and noye.  
And treasure gotten wickedly shall profit thee nothing,  
But wisdom shall deliver thee from death and from his string.  
The lord will not his holy ones in hunger to abide,  
But the ungodly keep he will, from their desire full wide.  
An idle hand the thrifty man, doth make both poor and bare:  
But yet the hand in labour quyke the needy crieth from care.  
The wiseman doth in summer time, hyz fruits lay up in store:  
That he thereby in winter cold may help himself the more.  
But who so that in harvest time a slouggardes part doth play:  
A fool him showeth and is compelled, to beg an other day.  
With beauty decked is the bright face, of every righteous one:  
But past all shame the wicked are, with their presumption.  
Of wisdom eke the memory, shall have a good report:  
Even so the name of wicked men, shall soon to shame resort.  
A wise man will admonished be and that is sign of grace:  
A fool will rather than he so do, be stricken on the face.  
Who so that leadeth a guiltless life, doth walk a way right sure:  
If thou treadste in the wicked trace, thou she west thyself unpure:  
The wicked man beware my son, lest he do the some harm.  
Dute of the mouth of foolish men, all wickedness doth frame.  
The righteous mouth doth make much peace, & is the well of life:  
The wicked mouth contrary wise, doth always stir up strife.  
And envy eke the mother is, of cursed words and fell:  
But love doth hide full gently the words not spoken well,  
The lips of them that understand of wisdom have no lack:  
But the scourge doth only belong, unto a foolish back.  
wise men doth good knowledge keep more surer than their land:  
But nigh to their destruction, draw foolish men and fond.  
The richman's goods are his strong hold, wherein his trust is all.  
If poverty oppress the poor, the rich man's help is small:  
The good is wont to needy men, part of his goods to give.  
And of his store his neighbours lack with plenty to relieve.  
But to bestow in vanities, the wicked do not cease:  
Such goods as he should well employ unto his neighbour's ease.  
Take heed therefore and chastisement receive with all thine heart:  
If thou refuse advertisement, thou playest a foolish part.  
Dissembling lips are very cause, of hatred and despite:  
A fool he is which slanderously, his neighbour's fame doth bite:  
Of many words & idle talk, offences do arise.  
But well is he that can refrain, his tongue from telling lies.  
The tongue which is all innocent a noble treasure is:  
The cruel heart of wicked men delight to do amiss.  
The righteous doth with their fair speech a multitude endame:  
For to embrace much godliness And to eschew all sha●●.  
And so likewise the foolish men, are lightly caught in snare:  
Of their own words, & trapped fast or they thereof beware.  
The blessing of the lord only, of riches sendeth store:  
Thy travail is the instrument whereby he giveth more.  
If God do not increase thy corn, and bless it with his hand:  
Then shalt thou labour but in vain in tilling of thy land.  
A fool in vice rejoiceth still, for why, he doth not care:  
Yet nevertheless, I the advise, of such one to beware:  
For at the last with misery, the wicked perish shall.  
When godly men shall prosper well, and dread nothing at all:  
Ungodly men shall vanish quite, and never turn again:  
Much like unto an hurling storm, mixed with hail and rain.  
The righteous shall continue still, and hereof be right sure:  
In rest and peace of conscience for ever to endure.  
As vinegar good with his sharp taste doth set on edge the teeth:  
And the thick smoke unto the eyes, is cause of pain and grief.  
A slothful man and ●●ggysh beast, the good doth so offend:  
When they in vain would have him thrive and he will not amend.  
The fear of god doth bless the good, and the years doth prolong:  
As for the years of wicked men, shall not continue long.  
The good doth bide in patience and shall be glade therefore:  
The wicked shall for all their haste, perish for evermore.  
The ways of god doth courage give unto all godly men:  
But such as live in wickedness, great fear doth find in them.  
The righteous shall at no time fall, but steadfastly shall stand:  
The wicked men shall dwell in life, no long time on the land.  
The mouth also of godly men, in wisdom doth delight:  
The lying tongues of froward men, against the troth doth fight.  
The righteous lips are occupied in wisdoms talk only:  
Ungodly men abuse their tongues, in shame and blasphemy.   

Argumen. Cham xi.  
To deal upright here are we taught, and humble for to be:  
And mercy eke commended is, joined with simplicity.  
IN the lords sight, & in his eye it is a thing most vile  
with subtle weight or measure false thy neighbour to beguile  
But god the lord contrary wise, in truth doth most delight:  
It is his will that all men should, with other deal upright  
The equal weight and balance just, to god right pleasant be.  
When that the same unto all men, do yield with equity.  
Rebuke and shame do follow pride, in whom that it doth rain:  
But where there is humility, great wisdom doth remain.  
Who doth not hate will, heart, nor mind throughout the world so wide  
The fierce and proud disdainful man which is addict to pride:  
Who doth not love unto their power the man of humble spirit.  
The way which in doing good to other doth delight:  
The simpleness and meaning true, which godly men assay:  
Doth them direct in holiness and in the perfit way.  
The wicked craft and wily sleights which in the ill are found:  
Do at the last cast down themselves, and lay them on the ground.  
The day that God in doom shall sit to judge both good and bad:  
What shall then the goodz us prevail, which in this world we had.  
The justice yet and righteousness, which Christ to man did bring:  
from death shall safe deliver him, and from his deadly sting.  
The meaning true of simple men, shall hold them still upright.  
The wicked train shall headlong fall, for all their power and might.  
The godly folk through righteousness delivered be at last  
The wicked in their own deceit, shall trapped be full fast.  
When death arrests the wicked man, with his most dreadful dart:  
His hope is gone, for on his goods, only he set his heart.  
The just man is, by the lords help, delivered from ill:  
In steed of whom the wicked man, tormented shall be still.  
Beware also dissembling men, for they will soon betray:  
Their faithful friend through flattering words what so their mouth doth say  
But yet the just and faithful men, their knowledge shall defend:  
From all the snares of filed words, which wicked men intent.  
If that perchance an honest man, to wealth advanced be:  
If that perchance an honest man, to wealth advanced be:  
The hole city wherein he dwelleth, rejoice as well as he.  
And if so be a wicked man, do happen to decay,  
All men be glad that he so soon is vanished away.  
And so likewise thorough godly men, a city shall increase:  
To which by their good governance is brought both rest and peace.  
So that the same in nobleness, all other shall excel:  
As in a rank of ladies fair, some one doth bear the bell.  
But through the mouth of wicked which honesty do hate:  
Hole countries and great regions are set at strife and bate.  
Whereby at length the same be brought to ruin and decay:  
And from a fall by no means can, themselves uphold and stay.  
Who so that doth his friend despise, doth show but little wit,  
By this it seems to live on earth, that he is nothing fit.  
The wise man can even when he list, from talk his tongue reframe:  
Whereby he escapes the dangerous ill, of hatred and disdain?  
The flattering man and famed friend that doth nothing but gloss:  
Of his dear friend unfayethfullye, the secrets doth disclose.  
But faithful friends whose doings are upright and also just:  
In no wise will bewray the things committed to their trust.  
And where there lacks a governor both politic and wise.  
The people which be under him, shall fall and never rise.  
But happy is that region, whose ruler hath the grace:  
The talk of godly counselours to follow and embrace,  
Who so is bound for staungers' debts, doth bring himself to care.  
And is compelled the same to pay,  
Though he be poor and bare.  
But he shall live in quietness, and have no fear at all:  
Which taketh heed by surety ship, lest he in danger fall.  
A woman which is gracious, and doth apply her mind:  
To virtuous school upon the earth, is sure great grace to find.  
An idle hand can at no time, to wealthiness attain.  
But he is sure the same to win, that laboureth with pain.  
The man in whose heart mercy works himself doth profit most:  
For mercy from internal pain, doth rid his simple ghost.  
The cruel man far otherwise, with malice and debate:  
Even such as ought be near to him, doth persecute and hate.  
Of the vain works of wicked men, no profit cometh at all:  
Their doings are not parmanente, but sure to have a fall.  
But who so doth seek righteousness and practise her in deed.  
Is sure to have eternal joy for his reward and need.  
And mercy doth prepare the way that leadeth unto bliss:  
If thou be given to wickedness, of death thou shalt not miss.  
The living lord doth most abhor, The man whose heart is ill.  
And only bend to wickedness, with whole intent and will.  
But he doth most rejoice in such, that in his word delight:  
And lead their lives accordingly, in simpleness of spirit.  
A woman which in beauty doth, all other far amend:  
And hath no good conditions, her beauty to amend.  
Unto a ring of pure good gold, a man may well compare:  
The which a sow in her foul nose, continually doth bear.  
The just men do rejoice in good, and holiness embrace:  
But bend unto all filthiness, the wicked run their race.  
And some there be the with their goods their neighbour doth relieve,  
And yet the same do still increase, though they do largely give  
And some there be contrary wise that others rob and pill:  
Of riches great, yet for all that, they be but beggars still.  
The soul of him most blessed is, and never shall have need:  
Which in his store with gladsome heart the hungry men doth feed.  
And so like wise he never shall, for lack of drink decay:  
That unto him doth reach the cup, that travailth by the way.  
The people curse most bitterly, the tiller of the ground:  
Which in his barns no corn at all, will suffer to be found.  
In time of dearth, although he have, great plenty and great store:  
But keeps it close even purposely, to make the price the more.  
But blessed is he in all men's mouths, that when the corn is scant:  
Bringeth forth his grain, & suffereth not the market for to want.  
He riseth well, and in good time, for good things that doth call:  
The naughty works of wicked men, shall soon oppress them all.  
Who so in his vain riches doth, put confidence and trust.  
Is sure hereof when he thinks lest, to fall into the dust.  
Where as the just and faithful man, shall prosper still in peace.  
Even as a tree in the spring time, doth bud forth and increase.  
And who the doth through folly bring his household cut of frame.  
Shall wash his goods, & in the end sustain rebuke and shame.  
And then at length for lack of wit, and spoiling that was his:  
Against his will the wiseman's need to serve he shall not miss.  
The tree of life or heavenvly joy, is even the very gain:  
And fruit that just & righteous men, shall reap for all their pain.   
Finis.   


In this chapter doth Solomon, prove all things vain to be:  
Which raineth underneath the sun, save only gods truth and verity  
I Solomon David's son, king of jerusalem:  
Chosen by god to teach the jews, & in his laws to lead them.  
Confess under the son, that every thing is vain:  
The world is false: that man is frail and all his pleasures pain.  
Alas what stable fruit, may Adam's children find:  
In that they seek by sweat of brows the travel of the mind.  
We that live on the earth, draw toward our decay:  
Our children fill our place a while, and then they fade away.  
Such changes makes the earth, and doth remove for none:  
But serves us for a place, to play our parts upon.  
When that the restless Sun, westward his course hath run:  
Towards the east he hies as fast, to rise where he begun.  
When hoory Bore as hath, blown forth his frozen blast:  
Then zephirus with his gentle breath, dissolves the ice as fast.  
Floods that drink up small brooks and swell by rage of rain:  
Discharge in seas which then repulse, and swallow straight again.  
These worldly pleasure's lord, so swift they run their race:  
That scarce our eyes may then discern they hide so little space.  
What hath been, but is now, the like hereafter shall:  
What new devise grounded so sure that breadeth not the fall▪  
What may be called new, but such things in times passed,  
Hath time buried, and doth revive, and time again shall waste.  
Things passed right worthy fame, hath now no brute at all:  
Even so shall die such things the now, the simple wonders call.  
I that in David's seat, syrte crowned and rejoice,  
That with my sceptre rule the Jews and teach them with my voice.  
Have searched long to know, all things under the sun:  
To see how in this mortal life, a surety might be won.  
This kindled will to know, strange things for to desire,  
God hath grafted in our greedy breasts, a torment for our hire.  
The end of each travail, forthwith I sought to know:  
I found it vain mixed with gall, and burdened with much wo.  
defaults of nature's works, no man's hand may restore:  
Which be in numbered like the sand, upon the salt flood shore.  
Then vaunting in my will, I 'gan call to my mind:  
What rules of wisdom I had taught that elders could not find.  
And as by contraries, to try most things we use:  
men's solyes and their errors eke, I 'gan them all peruse.  
Thereby with more delight, to knowledge for to climb:  
But this I found an endless work, of pain and loss of time.  
For he to wisdom's school, that doth apply his mind:  
The farther that he wades therein, the greater doubt shall find.  
And such as enterprise, to put new things in ure:  
Of some that sh〈…〉 scorn their devise, may we●● themselves assure.  
Rom●●ensife fancies then, I g 〈…〉 mine heart revoke:  
And gave me to such sporting plays as laughter might provoke.  
But even such vain delights, when they most blinded me:  
Always me thought a smiling grace a king did ill agree.  
Then sought I how to please, my belly with much wine:  
To feed me fat with costly meats of rare delights and fine.  
And other pleasures eke, to purchase me with rest:  
In so great choice to find the thing that might content me best.  
But lord what care of mind, what sudden storms of ire,  
What broken steps endured I: to compass my desire.  
To build me houses fair, then set I all my cure:  
By princely acts thus strove I still to make my fame endure.  
Delicious gardens eke, I made to please my sight:  
And graft therein all kind of fruit, that might the mouth delight.  
lively springs by conduits, from their old course I drew.  
For to refresh the fruitful trees, that in my garden grew.  
Of cattle great increase, I bred in little space,  
bondmen I had & gave them wives who served me with their race.  
Great heaps of shining gold, by sparing 'gan I save:  
Furnished with such thing of price, as fits a prince to have.  
To hear fair women sing. sometime I did rejoice:  
Ravished with their pleasant tumes and sweetness of their voice.  
lemans I had so fair, and of so lively hue:  
That who so gazed in their face, might well their beauty rue.  
Never erst sat there king, so rich in david's seat:  
Yet still me thought for so small gain the travel was to great:  
from my desirous eyes, I had no pleasant sight:  
Nor from my heart no kind of mirth, that might give them delight.  
Which was the only fruit, I rept of all my pain:  
To feed mine eyen, and to rejoice my heart with all my gain.  
But when I made my count, with how great care of mind:  
And hearts unrest that I had sought, so wasteful fruit to find.  
Then was I strooken strait, with that abused fire:  
To glory in that goodly wit, that compaste my desire:  
But fresh before mine eyes: grace did my faults renew:  
What gentle calling I had fled, my ruin to pursue.  
What raging pleasures passed, peril, and hard escape:  
What frenzies in mine head had wrought the liquore of the grape.  
The error that I saw, that their frail hearts doth move:  
Which strive in vain for to compare with him that sits above.  
In whose most perfit works, such craft appeareth plain:  
That to the lest of them there may, no mortal man attain.  
And like as lightsome day, doth shine above the night:  
So dark to me did folly seem and wisdoms beams as bright.  
Whose eyes did seem so clear, mo●es to discern and find:  
But will had closed follies even, who groped like the blind.  
Yet death and time consumes, all wit and wordly fame:  
And look what end that folly hath, and wisdom hath the same.  
Then said I thus (oh Lord) may not then wisdom cure,  
The woeful wrongs & hard conflicts, that folly doth endure▪  
To sharp my wit so fine, then why took I this pain:  
Now well I find this noble search, may eke be called vain.  
As slanders loathsome, brute sounds, follies judge reward:  
Are put to silence all by time, and brought to final regard,  
Even so doth time devour the noble blast of fame:  
Which should resound the glory great that doth deserve the same.  
Thus present changes chase, away the wonders passed:  
Ne is the wiseman's fatal thread, yet longer spun to last.  
Then on this wretched vale, our life I loathed plain:  
When I beheld our fruitless pains, to compass pleasures vain.  
My travail thus I spent, hath me produced loo:  
An heir unknown shall reap the fruit that him the seed did sow.  
But whereunto the Lord, his nature shall incline:  
Who can forknow into whose hands, my goods I shall resign▪  
But Lord, how pleasant sweet, seemeth the idle life:  
That never charged was with care, nor burdened with strife.  
And vile the greedy trade, of them that toil so sore:  
To leave to such their travails fruit, that never sweat therefore.  
What is that pleasant gain, which is that sweet relief:  
That should delay the bitter taste, that we feel of your grief.  
The gladesome days we pass, to seek a simple gain:  
The quiet night by broken steps, to feed a restless brain.  
What hope is left us then, what comfort doth remain,  
Our quiet hearts for to rejoice, with the fruit of our pain.  
If that be true who may, himself so happy call:  
As I whose free ● sumptuous expense, doth shine beyond them all.  
Surely it is a gift, and favour of the Lord:  
Liberally to spend our goods, the ground of all discord.  
And wretched hearts have they, that let their treasure mould:  
And carry the rod that scourgeth them that glor●●●● their gold.  
But I do know by proof, whose riches bear such bruit,  
What stable wealth may stand in waist and heaping of such fruit.  
LIke as the sterneles boat, that sails with every wind:  
The slipper tope of worldly wealth, by cruel proof I find,  
Scant hath the seed whereof, that nature formeth man:  
Received life, when death him yields to earth where he began.  
The graffed plants with pain, whereof we hoped fruit:  
To rote them up which blossoms spread then is our chief pursuit.  
And shred the sprays whose growth, we laboured with pain:  
Each froward threatening cheer, of fortune makes us plain:  
And every pleasant train of her, rejoice our hearts again.  
Ancient walls to race, is our unstable 〈◊〉:  
And of their wether beaten stones to build some new devise.  
New fancies daily spring, which fade returning more:  
And now we practise to attain that strait we must forego.  
Sometime we seek to spare, that afterwards we wast:  
And that we travail for to knit, for to uniosse as fast.  
In sober silence now, our quiet lips we close:  
And with unbridled tongues forthwith our secret hearts disclose.  
Such as in folded arms, we did embrace we hate:  
Whom straight we reconcile again, and banish all debate:  
My seed with labour sown such seed produceth me:  
To waste my life in contraries that never shall agree.  
From god these heavy cares, are sent for our unrestes:  
And with such burdens for our wealth He fraughteth still our breasts.  
All that the lord hath wrought, hath beauty and good grace:  
And to each thing assigned is his proper time and place.  
And granted eke to man, of all the worlds estate:  
And of each thing wrought in the same to argue and debate.  
Which act though it approach, the heavenvly knowledge most:  
To search the natural course of things yet all is labour loss.  
But the wandering eyes: that long for surety sought,  
Found the by pain in certain wealth might in this world be bought.  
Who liveth in delight, and seeks no greedy thrift:  
But freely spends his goods may think it is a secret gift.  
Fulfilled shall he be, what so the lord intent: which no device of man's wit may, appair ne yet amend.  
Who made all things of nought, that Adam's children might:  
Learn for to dread the lord the wrought such wonders in their sight.  
The grissy wonders passed. which now are out of mind:  
To be renewed in our days, the lord hath so assigned.  
Lo, thus this careful scourge, doth steal on us unware:  
Which when the flesh hath clean forgot he doth again repair.  
When I in this vain search, had wandered fro my wit  
Behold I saw a royal throne, where justice should have sit.  
In stead of whom I saw, with fierce and cruel mode:  
Where wrong was set that cruel beast and drank the guiltless blood.  
Then thought I thus, the day the lord shall sit in doom:  
To view h●● 〈◊〉, & choose the pure, the spotted have no room.  
Yet by such scourges sent, that each aggrieved mind:  
Like brute beasts that in their rage and fury by their kind.  
His error may confess, when he hath wrestled long.  
And with sufferance may him arm, the sure defence of wrong:  
For death that of the best, the carrion doth devour,  
Unto the noble kind of man, presence the fatal hour.  
The perfect fourine that god, hath given either to man:  
Or other beast, dissolve it shall, to earth where he began,  
And who can tell if that, the soul of man ascended,  
Or with the body of it die, and to the groude descend.  
Wherefore each greedy heart, that riches ●●kes to gain:  
Gather may 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that springet 〈◊〉 his pain.  
A ●●cane convenient wealth, I mean to take in worth:  
And with an hand of largest in, measure pour it forth.  
For treasure spent in life, the body doth sustain:  
The heir shall waste the hoardward gold amazed with much pain.  
Ne may foresyght of man, such order give in life:  
For to foreknow who shall enjoy, their gotten goods with strife.   

Domine deus salutis vicae.  
O Lord upon whose will, dependeth my welfare:  
To call upon thy holy name, sins day nor night I spare.  
Grant that the just request, of this repentant mind:  
So pierce thine ears the in thy sight, some 〈…〉 find.  
My soul 〈…〉 full, with grief 〈◊〉 paste:  
My restless bedye doth consume, and death approacheth fast.  
Like them whose fatal thread, thine hand hath cut in twain:  
Of whom there is no farther bruit, which in their graves remain.  
Oh lord thou haste me cast, headlong to please my foo:  
Into a pit all bottomless, where as I plain my woe.  
The burden of thy wrath, it doth me sore oppress:  
And sundry storms thou hast me sent of terror and distress.  
The faithful friends are fled, and banished from my sight:  
And such as I have held full dear, hath set my friendship light.  
My durance doth persuade, of freedom such despair:  
That by the tears that bayne my breast, mine eye light doth ●ppayre.  
Yet did I neu●● care, thine aid for desire:  
With humble heart & stretched hands for to appear thine ire.  
Wherefore dost thou forbear in the defence of thine?  
To show such tokens of thy power, in sight of Adam's line.  
Whereby each feeble heart, with faith might be so fed:  
That in the mouth of thine elect, thy mercies might be spread.  
The flesh that feedeth worms, can not thy love declare:  
Nor such set forth thy faith as dwell, in the land of despair.  
In blind endured hearts, light of thy lively name:  
Can not appear ne can not judge, the brightness of the same.  
Nor blasted may thy name, be by the mouth of those:  
whom death hath shut in silence so, as they 〈…〉,  
The lively 〈…〉, that in this world delight:  
Nor be the trump that must resound, the glory of thy might.  
Wherefore I shall not cease, in chief of my distress.  
To cal●on the till that the sleep, my weary bones oppress.  
And in the morning eke, when that the sleep is fled:  
With bloods of salt repentant tears to wash my restless bed.  
With in this careful mind, burdened with care and grief:  
Why dost thou lord appaese, that should be his relief.  
My wretched state behold, whom death shall straight assail:  
Cast not from the thafflicted still, that never did but wail.  
The bread lo, of thine ire, hath trod me under feet:  
The scourges of thine angry hand, hath made death seem full sweet.  
Like as the roaring waves, the sunken ship surround:  
Great heaps of care did follow me, And I no succour found.  
For they whom no mischance, could from my love divide:  
Are forced to my greater grief, from me their face to hide.   

Inte domine sperauf.  
In the lord have I hoped, let me not feel the blame:  
At any time I the beseech, of disappointed shame.  
But me defend and keep, deliver as I trust:  
Now through thy might without the which there may no man be just.  
give ear and rid me soon, my fortress before me:  
In whose defence thou shalt me save, if I defended be.  
For thou are wont to be, mine hold and my succour:  
And for my 〈◊〉 be thou both, my guide and 〈◊〉 fortour.  
Thou shalt untangle me. from snares that they have hid,  
To take me with: for without the myself I can not rid.  
Into thy cure I shall, betake my simple spirit:  
Thou hast and shalt deliver me, most just in thy behight.  
Allowed I have not them, that fettes their ends in vain:  
Mine only hope both all and some, in the doth sure remain.  
Let me (oh lord enjoy) thy mercies oft assayed:  
By troubles for thou diddest regard, wherein my life was stayed.  
And hast not suffered me, with enemies power be pained.  
But rather hast thou set at large, my steps that were restrained,  
rue o●●ne now (oh good lord) at hand● my dasinger loo:  
Mine eye, my life 〈◊〉 my flesh, alas doth fre●● for woe.  
Most of my days and years, in troubles wasted are:  
My strength decayeth, my bones do quail such mischief me doth mar.  
Dread of my many foes, hath made my friends to serve,  
And they me abhor without cause, of whom I good deserve.  
I am cast as forgot, as deed in death doth steru●:  
As a broken pot of whom the shards, for nothing more can serve.  
I heard the assembles say, and threaten woe and strife:  
As though it seemed by one consent, I were not worthy life.  
But I oh lord in thee, setting my sure belief:  
D● know thou art, what me befall, my god and hold relief.  
My ●●me is in 〈…〉, shall ensue.  
Deliv● 〈…〉 ntes power, which doth my life pursue:  
Show yet thy friendly cheer, unto thy simple slave:  
According to thy native ruth, thou me defend and save.  
Imputed for no mock, lord let it be to me:  
That in my need mine only help, I seek only at the.  
The wicked hath the mock, and hold their peace in hell:  
Buried mought althey be now, of further help that tell.  
And let that mouth be dumb, that wountes his lips to lies:  
Speaking slanders of the just man with proud disdainful cries.  
What plenty and what wealth, hast thou laid up for those:  
That honour thee, that hope in the for whom thou dost disclose.  
All openly at eye, 〈◊〉 full many a no 〈◊〉:  
That Adam's line 〈◊〉 much and learn ●hre●r to dread.  
Thou dost bestow them right, afore thy look and face:  
Which is debarred from wicked men, they may not have that grace.  
Where thou dost them defend, from threats of mighty power:  
From venom tongues thou dost them hide within thy pleasant bower.  
far above all lands, thy mercies I have found:  
And wondrous works in my defence as city walled round.  
I have thought me or this, far cast out of thy sight:  
But yet even then thou heardest my voice my prayer day and night.  
Love ye therefore the Lord, his goodness which do taste:  
The simple for he doth defend, rewards the proud as fast.  
Be of good cheer all ye, that hope of 〈◊〉 good turn:  
For he will 〈◊〉 still your hearts that trust in his return.   

Miserere mei deus.  
For thy great mercy's sake have mercy lord on me:  
For thy goodness do clean away, my great impurity.  
My misdeades put away, and eftsoon make me clean  
From sin and all impurity, the for to serve again.  
For now I do confess, my faults done unto thee:  
And mine offence is never from, the presence of mine eye.  
To thee, even I to thee, have done this fore offence:  
And this misedede, I show my fault, not fearing thy presence.  
But if thou wilt vouchsafe, of this me now to ease:  
And give thy word to me, I shall not the displease.  
Then named shalt thou be, a god both ius●●●●● true:  
Most constant 〈◊〉 promises not changing them a 〈◊〉.  
Yea than I say thou shalt, be counted just in deed:  
Condemning them that will not turn and call for help at need.  
All thing is known to thee, and nothing from the hid.  
Even how of sin I had no lack when I was conceived.  
For why? to it also, my mother was in thrall:  
And when that I conceived was by her I had my fall.  
And though it were not small, which by her than I had:  
Yet in the troth is thy delight, which wisdom make me glade.  
If thou (oh lord) wilt cleanse, and purge me fro my sin,  
With I soap washed I shall be clean, a new life to begin.  
If thou wilt put away, my sin, and me renc●●e:  
Then shall I be that was once black, as w●yte as is the knew.  
When thou shalt me rejoice, and draw to mirth again.  
Then will my bones be void of woe, which thou sometimes didst pain.  
Thy face for thy name's sake, do turn from mine offence:  
And for thy mercies great I crave, preserve me now from thence.  
Oh Lord make clean mine heart, that I in me reserve:  
And that thy spirit within my breast, always may me preserve.  
For thy benignity, forsake me not (or lord)  
He take away thy blessed spirit, lest that I be abhorred.  
But rather grant to me, ●●e comfort of thy hand:  
Ar● with thy spirit as principal 〈◊〉 me to withstand.  
If that thou wilt this grant, then infers shall I tell:  
Their life how that they shall appoint in joy 〈…〉 o well.  
And those that overthrown, and thrall to sin be made:  
They shall repent and turn again, by saying of my trade.  
Oh author of mine health, from murder make me free:  
Thy righteousness mi mouth shall tell and praise it certainly.  
Release my tongue oh Lord, whereof thou hast the cure.  
That then it may declare abroad, thy praise, and eke thy power.  
If that I should apply, in presence for to bring:  
The outward sacrifice, oh lord, it would please the nothing.  
He yet wilt thou regard, as though thou hadst respect:  
The offering the the heat doth 〈◊〉, which we to the direct.  
The sacrifice wherewith, the lord is pleased son  
It is the spirit 〈◊〉 penitent, that 〈…〉 none.  
It is the heart of truth, with dolour strooken sore:  
Thou canst not Lord despise these twain no not for evermore:  
To Zion lord always, declare thy gentleness:  
jerusalem the walls thereof, again may have redress.  
The sacrifices then, shallbe pleasant to thee:  
Which shall declare as tokens true, our inward purity.  
I mean the purged offering, and eke oblation:  
On altars when we, calves shall lay, thy name to call upon.    

Against nigardy, and riches.  
No wight in this world, that wealth can attain:  
Unless he believe, that all is but vain.  
And look how it cometh so leave it to god:  
As tides use their times, to ebb and to floo.  
This muck on the mould, that men so desire,  
Doth work them much woe, and move them to ire.  
With grief it is got, with care it is kept:  
With sorrow soon lost, that long hath been repte.  
And woe worth the man, that first dolve the mould:  
To find out the mine, of silver or gold.  
For when it lay hid, and to us unknown:  
Of strife and debate, the seed was not sown.  
Then lived men well, and held them content,  
With meat drink and cloth, without any rent.  
Their houses bullmore, to 〈…〉 selves in:  
For cas●e●s and towers, were then to begin.  
No town had his wall, they feared no war:  
Nor enemies host, to seek them affare.  
So led they their lives, in quiet and rest:  
Till hoard began hate, from east unto west.  
And gold for to grow, a lord of great price:  
Which changed the world from virtue to vice.  
And turned all thing, so far from his kind:  
That how it should be, is ●orne out of mind.  
For 〈◊〉 bear now, the 〈◊〉 and the brute:  
And only ●he cause, of all our pursuit.  
Which maketh among us, such 〈…〉.  
And shall till we seek, the right way again.  
When marriage was made, for virtue and love:  
Then was no divorce, god's knot to remove.  
When judges would suffer, no brybbes in their sight:  
Their judgements were then according to right.  
When prelate's had not, possessions nor rent:  
They preached the truth, and truly they went.  
When men did not flatter, for favour nor meed:  
Then kings heard the troth, and how the world go.  
And men unto honour, through virtue did rise:  
But all this is 〈◊〉,  
〈…〉 a●y my●●●  
For money 〈◊〉 all: and 〈◊〉 a god:  
〈…〉 ●ot to be, for Ch●●●●●●bode.  
And bade th●●●● should, take nothing in hand:  
But for the lords love, and wealth of the land.  
And wills us full oft. that we should refrain.  
From wresting his will, to make our own gain,  
For covetous folk, of every estate:  
As hardly shall enter, within heaven gate.  
As thorough a needles eye, a camel to creep:  
Why do these mad men, then hoard up and keep.  
Yea more than may serve, the● selves to suffice:  
As though ●●fite bliss, should that way ary●,  
But if they would 〈◊〉 to sink in their br●●●  
What trouble of mind what unquiet rest:  
What mischief, what hate, this money doth bring:  
They would not so toil, for so vile a thing.  
For they that have much, are ever in care:  
Which way to win, and how for to space:  
Their sleeps be unsound, for fear of the thief:  
The loss of a little, doth work them much grief,  
In seeking their lack, they want that they have:  
And subject to that, which should be their slave.  
They never do know, while riches do reign:  
A friend of effe●●, 〈…〉 that doth fame.  
For flatterer's sake, where 〈◊〉 doth dwell:  
And 〈◊〉 at the loureth, they bide them farewell.  
The poor do●● them curse, as oft as they want:  
In having so much, to make it so scant.  
Their children sometime, do wish them in grave:  
That they might possess, that riches they have.  
And that which they win, with travail and strife:  
Oft times as we see, doth cost them their life.  
Lo, these be the fruits, that riches bring forth:  
With many other more, which be no more worth.  
For money is cause, oldfather and theft  
Of battle of bloddeshedd● which should god we●●●●●  
Of ravin, of wrot●●● of false witness 〈…〉  
Of treason conspired 〈◊〉 and eke of forw●●●●nge.  
And for to be short, and knit up the knot,  
Few mischiefs at all, that money makes not.  
But though it be ill, when it is abused:  
Yet nevertheless, it may be well used.  
Nor I do not find, that men be denied:  
For sufficient things, themselves to provide.  
According as god, hath put them in place.  
To have and to hold, a time and a space.  
So it be well won, and after well spent:  
For it is not th●●●s, 〈◊〉 that ●ntent.  
And 〈…〉, 〈…〉 skill:  
〈…〉 me●e, to use at 〈◊〉 will.  
As priests should not take, promotions in hand:  
To live at their case, like lords of the land.  
But only to feed, gods flock with the truth:  
To preach, and to teach, without any sloth.  
Nor folks should not need, great riches to win.  
But gladly to live, and for to flee sin.  
His will for to work, that is their soul's health:  
And then may they think, they live in much wealth:  
For in this vain world, 〈◊〉 be 〈◊〉 in: nothing but 〈◊〉 mischief's and sin.  
Temptation, untrouble contention and 〈◊〉  
Then let us not 〈◊〉 by so vile a life 〈◊〉  
But lift up our 〈◊〉 and look through our faith:  
Beholding his mercies, that many times saith.  
The just men shall live, by their good belief:  
And shall have a place, where can be no grief.