THE VNCASING OF MACHAVILS INSTRUCTIONS to his Son: WITH THE ANSWER to the same. LONDON Printed by E. G. for Richard Higgenbotham, and are to be sold at his shop at the sign of the Cardinal's Hat without Newgate. 1615. ❧ CONTENTS. Machiavels' rules do whet the purest wits, And do expel them from their idle fits: To wise men they show the world's folly, With notice of preventing deeds unholy▪ Which is the true intent of the Author's meaning, How ever fools their judgements are bestowing. Though the beginning do of harshness taste, And many things are huddled up in haste: And though there be instruction to ill, Good understanding the same doth kill, And turns those words unto the truest sense, Which for those faults doth make a recompense, As the answer by degrees plainly shows, What duty to virtue each creature owes, Condemn not all till all be thoroughly past, If first be worst, the best is kept till last. THE VNCASING OF MACHAVILS INSTRUCTION TO HIS SON. COme hither Son, and learn thy Father's lore, It is not now as it hath been before, For in my youth would no man read to me That now in age I can deliver thee, If thou wilt be a man of much esteem, Be not the same what ever so thou seem, Speak fair to all, be gentle, courteous, kind, But let the world know nothing of thy mind, Let slip no time may be for thine avail, Nor trust no friend, for faith begins to fail: Refuse no gift to fill thy coffers full, The wisest poor man passeth for a gull. Be temperate in affect, sober in talk, And often make a solitary walk, Tickle conceits commit to memory, For written lines may lie in jeopardy. Affect no follies, do not quarrels move, And if thou love thyself, fall not in love, Have ear for all men, confer with few, And count fair words to be but as a dew. Follow the time, find humours, flatter pride, And praise the Croome; but only please the Bride. Promise enough, but not perform too much: But with thy betters evermore keep touch. Strive not with great ones, meddle not with small, For trifles trouble not thyself with all. Frequent the Church make show of great devotion. And be not bashful to receive promotion. Look big at Beggars, wear thy clothes neat. And spend not too much money at thy meat. Save thy Horse charges at thy Cousin's stable, And take thy trencher at another's table. Break jests on Cowards, but take heed of Knaves. And love no Bawds, for they are beastly slaves. Be perfect in Arithmeticks close Art, In all accounts to make a saving part. Stand not to stare upon a peacocks tail, Who if he see his legs will stoop his sail. When Iack-dawes chatter, let their language go, Better be silent then to prattle so. Observe the Lion, but do not stir the Bear, And love the Wolf, but only for his hair, Learn of the Ass to bear, the Dog to wait, And of the Ape to counterfeit conceit. Catch not at flies, they are but Swallows food, But love the meat that nourisheth the blood. Feed like a Wolf on blood, while it is warm He is a fool that feels another's harm. Yet seem as kind, as she that seems to cry To see him sick, that she could wish to die. Take heed of interest, gauge no land, And from assurance ever keep thy hand. Take no man's word, for coin is hard to get, And 'tis a custom now to pay no debt, Learn to get riches by the beggars purse: The Fox fares best when Geese begin to curse, Work all the week for profit every way, Keep conscience only for the holy day. pry into trades, to traffic, train and trick, And live not by the dead, but by the quick, And if thou be a Courtier, know thy place: But do not serve for only show of grace, But let thy profit answer thy expense, Lest want do prove a woeful patience, And thou do prove the proverb often told, A careless Courtier young, a Beggar old. If that thou be a Scholar and canst preach, And knowest how the unlearned sort to teach, Let never conscience at thy profit knock, But share thy Sheep, and fleece another flock, For be thou poor, what e'er thy preaching be, Thy Parish will not care a pin for thee. If that thou be a Soldier, serve for fame, But let thy golden pay maintain the same, For he that spends more than he gets in fight, Will be a beggar though he be a Knight. If that thou be a Lawyer know thy right, But keep thy Client in a cunning plight, For how canst thou a hearty pleading hold, If that thy tongue be not well tipped with gold, And rich attired, thou shalt have room to stand To plead thy case, what e'er thou hast in hand, But barely clad, and in a poor array, Thou mayst perhaps have hearing at dooms day; For though the Law be right, and judge be just, Yet with the rich, the beggar must not thrust. If that thou be a Merchant know thy trade, And of thy wares what reckoning may be made, And be not lavish in a lewd expense, Lest bankrupt prove a bad experience. If that thou be a craftsman know thy pains, And let no Alehouse eat out all thy gains, For if expense above thy gettings go, Thou wilt be quickly in the beggars roe. What says the crafty Clown in clouted shoes, Time was ordained to get and not to lose. What though the poor lie starving in the ditch? It is the dearth of corn makes Farmer's rich, Wear not thy shoes too short, nor cloak too long, Use thy friend well, but do thyself no wrong. Abandon fools, make much of cunning wits, But favour most, that most thy profit fits, Sat not up too late, except it be for gain, For want of sleep is hurtful for the brain. Go not to Sea, whiles thou mayst live on land, Lest scaping rocks, thou fall upon a sand. Be sociable in every company. But have no hand in any villainy, " If thou find humours to pass reasons race, " Depart in time, let others take thy place, " Such companions better lost then found, " Vain humoured wits cannot be very sound, " Though for thy gain, thou kindly dost entreat them, " Yet know thy time, when and how to reject them. Be conversant with strangers, learn languages, Sound their estates, and note their carriages, Know their several wars, their worth and prizes, But trouble not thy head with vain devices. " Do thou severely look to every action, " And let their errors yield thee satisfaction, " That thou by them mayst easily seek to rise, " In doing this the rich will hold thee wise. Aim still at profit, howsoever it grows, Make the wind serve wheresoever it blows, " Then clearly hoist up sail, and on apace " Labouring so that thou arrive with grace. " Then welcome home, if crowns thou hast good store, " But wanting that respectless evermore. " No penny no pater noster men cry, " And that poverty parts good company. " These proverbs old, thou seest are very true. " If thou hast wealth, what misery can ensue? " All men will then grace thee with cap and knee, " and praise thy life, who vile so ere it be, For 'tis this wealth this profit and this gain, That dies the colour evermore in grain. Learn thou the Physician, and the Lawyer's fee And for thy profit speak as fair as he: Promise the one good speed, the other good health, In any course ti's good to gather wealth. " Men must not live these days by foolish pity, " In getting coin, accounted very witty, Learn all diseases and their several cures, And care not what the patient heart endures, But give him one day grief, another ease, Not as his patience, but as his purse doth please, " It is not sighs, nor sobs, nor pinching pain, " Thou must respect, when that thou seekest for gain, " Let them grieve, chase, and evermore be fretting, " So thou by them may'st happily be getting, Learn cards and dice, and every cheating play, That may bring in thy profit any way. Learn thou to stop a card, or cog a die, But shift it cleanly from the gamester's eye, At ruff and trump note thou the dealers rubs There is no pack without the Knave of Clubs. " Pity not when thou hast caught the cony " Oh! how sweet it is to share the money? " It makes good cheer, and welcomes many a guest " Unto a stately house, a stately feast, " And brings content, whiles pity sits and pines " In grief and pain, and many hungry sins, " When lovely wealth in jovial spirit sings, " Soaring aloft with richest golden wings, " Commanding all those vassals poor and base, " And ever seated in the highest place, " With pleasure feeding on the daintiest fare, " And all delights accounted very rare, " With music sweet, much mirth and jollity, " With gallant sports and merry company: " Think on these, and do but rightly weigh them, " Thrice happy he, so happy hath them. " Be careful then, that something may come in, " Though some repine thou needest not care a pin; " For when those means unto thy coffer sends, " A pot or a pint makes a fool amends; " Yet bestow not this, nor any else upon him, " Except to gain some greater matter by him, " Seek any means or course, that may enrich thee, " The richest sort then kindly will embrace thee. Dandle the child, grow inward with the Nurse, And think no beggary base that fills the purse. " Be not over nice, nor coy▪ 'mongst proud ones, " Humour them, and flatter thou the small ones, " That they as instruments may serve thy turn, " Stand farther of when thou beginnest to burn. " Have conference with as many as requires it, " And be merry with those that desire it, " But still be sure, to keep thy tongue from prating, " Which is most base, and breedeth ever hating, " Trust not to far, though promises be made, " Lest that the substance turn unto a shade. " Great dangers lie in shows of seeming kind, " He is a fool lets all men know his mind: " First try, then trust, according to thy pleasure, " be pleasing to all, yet all within a measure. Laugh with the Lecher, at Maiden's bashfulness, And with the chaste, at flesh's filthiness, And with the Spendthrift, at the Miser's bags, And with the Miser, at the beggars rags. " And with the Glutton, at poor hungry cheer, " And with the hungry, at a plenteous year. " And with the learned, at a simple wit. " And with the foolish, at a frenzy fit. " And with the craftsmen, when they are deceiving, " So that something to thee may be sharing, Learn all Religions, be of every Sect, And chiefly to thy profit have respect. " Let conscience knock, care not for that at all, " If thou hast coin, no matter who do fall. For this same conscience is so poor and bare, That most she shifts amongst the beggars share, " Enduring hunger, cold, and bitter storms, " Reproachful terms, with many hurts and harms, " Coursely clad, all rags, and worn a sunder, " And worst of all, basely still kept under: " In mean estate, helpless still remaining, " Of better sorts evermore disdaining. In sum, of what estate so ere thou be, Learn to be rich, for that will hold with thee: " What matter though men point at thy folly, " Thou may'st with the purest seem as holy: " With yea and nay, verily and indeed, " With demurest looks wish them good speed, " Which is a cloak sufficient for thy evil, " Almost able to deceive the Devil, " And accuse them, that say thou offerest wrong, " Such cruel deeds to wicked doth belong. " This is the course, in humouring every sect, " A better means thy profit to respect. " Of these pure-ones, learn to dissemble so, " Thine shall be the profit whosoever the woe, Persuade a Slave he is half a Gentleman, Though he drop out of a dripping pan: It is no matter if his purse can bear it, His rascal pride will never blush to hear it. " Extol a fool, and he will still be grinning, " No matter what, so thou by him be winning. Persuade a Clown, that he is half a Knight, And that his wealth deserves the place aright; And his Maid-marian with her wain-scot-face, Might be a Lady but for lack of grace, And make her think that she is half a Queen, Or scarce on earth is such another seen, For virtue, beauty, wit, shape and feature, Though God he knows that she is no such creature: But if she do applaud it 'tis no matter, He is a fool, for profit cannot flatter. Time is not now to trifle or dandle: For gain, fore the Devil hold a candle: And hold it as a deed that's wisely done, Or as a prize that's bravely won, Commend a Soldier when he is in crowns, And swore a Knight must govern over clowns, In many a camp how he is Cask did bear, Although poor Coward he did ne'er come there. But yet thy flattery be sure so to frame, Thine may be the gain, though his the shame. " If thou findest him simple with money store, " I hope thou wilt find wit to make him poor. " Then smiling say, I pity your estate, " It is not with you now as 'twas of late: " But be content no doubt but God will send, " With this depart, his moneys thine to spend, " Then see thou meet him not in any case, " Nor come not in where he shall be in place, " Lest to expense, he after seeks to drive thee, " Or by some means borrows money of thee, " Tut: let him shift, say thou thy mon'ies gone, " Care not thou at all, though he make his moan: " But wish him well, as most men now do use, " Find any means that may thy purse excuse: " Let men be lavish, and commend them too, " Say 'tis bravely done, but feed on them too. " Be sure of this, and do't in any case. " Look well about, that thou hast time and place, " Lest that some Machiavelli chance to spy it, " Discloseth all, to gain something by it. Commend the Lawyer, and his studious reading, Admire his judgements and extol his pleading, But flatter so, that if he get a fee, Thou may'st have out a share as well as he. " Be plotting so that still thou may'st be getting; " Few Lawyers grieve at their Clients fretting. " To sue in Forma pauperis 'tis in vain, " When (most Lawyers) poor suitors do disdain. " They must be humoured, sued and sought to still, " And all things else obedient to their will: " That this is true, thou daily may'st behold, " How dearly they esteem a fee of gold. Follow a Bishop with a world of praise, And make him as the lodestar of the days, Admire him, and extol him to the skies; But so that thou may'st get a Benefies, A good Vicarage, Cure or some such As will return thee profit small or much. " Look to't in time, strike whiles the iron's hot, " Use no delay where wealth is to be got. " You know that service is no heritage: " What boot a man to stand on parentage? " But look to the main chance, ti's that must hold, " He's accounted well borne, that hath much gold, " To serve in hope, is but a beggars fee, " And such rewards most Masters use you see, " Or after two or three years service turn thee off, " And for thy service done, bestow a scoff. " Or if perhaps, thou serve till thou grow old, " Happy if an alms-house thine age can hold, " This is the flinty course of this our age, " This is the time brings humours in a rage: " Then list in time, serve not except for gain, " Let Masters feel the toil of servants pain: " Serve not those, whose senses have no feeling, " Or those that with leaden hands are giving, " Applaud them not with courteous reverence, " When they are so far from due benevolence. " Scorn his blue coat, his cogniscence and all, " That shall rejoice in a poor servants fall. Commend a Merchant, honour his adventure, Who gets his wealth by danger, not indenture. Commend his trade, his traffic and his truth, The honour of his age, and toil of youth: " Say how you have heard him much commended, " And with worthy art himself defended, " 'Gainst foreign foes, by Land and Seas, " And smoothly slipped it of himself to please: But withal be sure to flatter so, That to thy purse, some piece of money grow: Or on his board, thy trencher to be laid, Or borrowed money never to be paid. And tell (what-lack ye) that he lacks no wit, And for his head that he deserves to sit On higher seats than Churchwardens stools, For he hath more wit, than a world of fools; But yet in feeding of his idle vain, Be sure to pick out some odd privy gain. " It is a folly then to stand on niceness, " For that, at such times is counted baseness. " Thou must boldly look up and seem merry, " When profit comes in, who can be weary? " Refuse nothing that comes in any way, " It is a bad thing serves not another day. A Rapier, Dagger, Stockings, Boots or Shoes, Somewhat doth well though beggars must not choose, " If one give thee Venison, what needest thou care " How he came by it, so it mend thy fare? " Stand not to question in any case, " He may think thou meanest to seek his disgrace, " By telling abroad to strangers unknown, " How he had Venison, though none of his own: " Always look to thy tongue, no more but mum, " Ever be silent, so any thing come: " Yet know thy time, when to speak, when to spare, " Keeping this course, accounted very rare. Tell Mistress minks, she that keeps the shop, She is a Ship that bears a gallant top; She is a Lady for her lovely face, And her countenance hath a Prince's grace, " And that her beauty hath enthralled thee so, " Except she yields remorse, she works thy woe: " Than cast thine eye upon her beauteous cheek, " Protesting that thou never saw'st the like: " Her smooth forehead, and her comely dressing; " Her lovely Breasts, cause loves increasing; " Her ivory teeth, her lip and chin; " Her snow white hand, the like was never seen; " Her leg and foot, with her gate so comely; " Her apparels worn so neat and seemly. " Thus o'er worn with care, thou may'st seem to be, " Till thou hast made her proud herself to see. " Then she nods the head with smiling favour, " That thou shouldst bestow, such love upon her; Then bite the lip, wink and hang the head, And give a sigh, as though thy heart were dead; And show strange passions of affections sense, That she may pity love sirreverence: " Wishing herself worthy of thy favour, " Which is a means to gain some thing by her. Thus let the issue of this cunning be, That from her purse some profit come to thee, A piece of Satin, Fustian, or some Stuff; A Falling-band, or a three Double-ruffe; A Hat, a Shirt, a Cloake-cloath or a Ring, Knives, Purses, Gloves, or some such pretty thing, Somewhat hath some savour, 'tis this gain, That still invention gives his sweetest vain. " It cheers a body weak, and comfort sends, " To any one that's ill or void of friends, " It brings the infant up, for want might pine, " Else, Charity small comfort would resign: " To middle age, it nourisheth the blood, " And gives them all, and all that may be good: " And aged men, it lulls them fast a sleep, " Whose youth took care, this precious gem to keep. " Be careful then how thou keep this by thee, " Lest when thou wantest, it quite forsake thee, " And leave thee to wander, still rejected; " My Boy look to't and seek to prevent it. Why tell a Cobbler he is half a King, When on his patches, he can sit and sing, And knock his last, and whet his cutting knife, There is no Kingdom to a merry life. " A light heart lightly bears the bell away, " When mighty men finds cares, though clothed gay: But yet in telling of this idle tale, Be sure at least to get a pot of Ale; " Or something else that hath a feeling sense, " Take any thing as part of recompense: " And seem very thankful, till better comes, " Sith many small things add to greater sums. For this same nothing, brings no world about, Better play small game then be clean shut out. If that thy Wife be fair, and thou but poor, Let her stand like a picture at thy door: Where though she do but pick her fingers ends; Fair eyes, fond looks, will gain a world of friends. " Task her not to work, if she be pretty: " Bid her forbear, her toil makes thee pity: " She may with ease, have means for greater gains, " With rich rewards, and pleasure for her pains. Play at bopeep, see me and see me not; It comes off well that is so closely got, And evermore say, aye? well fare the vent, That pays the charges of the house and rent. " Come, come, 'tis no matter, beruled by this, " The finest Dames doth some times do amiss: " Yet walk demure, like Puritans indeed, " And early rise to a Sermon for a need; " And make great show of devoutest prayer, " When she only goes to meet her lover, " Turning back, poor fool desires the text, " She tells him any thing that cometh next: " And turning o'er the leaf to read the verse, " Scarce for laughing, one word can rehearse: " But prettily turns it off with some jest; " He bears with all, he knows it is his best. " If that thy wife be old, thy Daughters young, " And fair of face, and of a fluent tongue: " If by her suitors silver may be had; " Bear with small faults, the good will help the bad. " Be not too severe, time may mend their faults; " He is a fool before a cripple haults: " Or he that finds a fault where gain comes in, " 'tis pity but his cheeks should e'er look thin: " What though thou knowst that vice do gain it all; " Will virtue help, when thou beginnest to fall? " This is no world for virtuous men to thrive; " 'tis work enough to keep thyself alive. " Let Wife and Daughters love to make thee wealthy; " Thou knowst that gold will seek to make thee healthy. If thy Maidservants, be kind hearted wenches; And closely make kind bargins on the benches, " Let them have liberty, love and pleasure; " All these are helps to bring in thy treasure: " Let them laugh and be merry, it yields content; Theil'e humour all, till all their coin is spent. If by their pleasures, may thy profit grow; Wink at a wanton, who hath not been so. Make love to twenty wenches in one day; But let no poor lass lead thy heart away, " For that's in vain, thy labour then is lost; " Such idle love, can never quit thy cost; " It brings a charge and sends a heavy clog, " And makes thy life, as servile as a dog; " From house to house, thou shalt be haunted then, " And clean exempt, from the Love of men. " A plague that's worse, she's jealous evermore: " This is the true course of a love that's poor: " Or if by chance, her Husband wealth doth gain, " She strait grows proud, which is a beastly vain: " Thus wealth and ease, cannot with such agree; " Then let them pass my Son, be ruled by me: But where thou findest, good store of land or gold; There lay closely to purchase a freehold. " Clap her a board, and bravely hoist up sail, " Shoot her in the poop, Duck have at thy tail, " The prize is thine own, thou hast got it fair, " Thou must be brief then in getting an heir. And be not squeamish, at a nice conceit, That may persuade thee from a pleasing bait. " Stand not like a Woodcock sneaking in the cold, " But set it out, with a grace and be bold: " To make thyself simple, with show of want, " Or that thy means at all, grow very scant, " Goodnight Nichole, thy friends will be packing; " Or by wild disgrace, thy credit racking. " These are the pleasures of a poor estate, " Be rich then if thou canst possibly hate, " Keep good clothes on thy back, and neatly wear them, " What want soever comes, do not pawn them: " For once being gotten in the devils jaws, " He will surely keep them in with his paws. " If thy Apparel be something cleanly: " Though in thy purse thou hast ne'er a penny: " Men may in some measure yet esteem thee " And a farther grace, happily give thee. " Do not seem base, though penniless thou art: " But look about, of whom to get a part. " Then make much of that, and keep it closely; " Seek for treasure, and keep it wisely: Get all contentment that the world can give, For after death, who knoweth how we live. Strange things are spoken, and believe the best, And leave the worst, I leave thee to the rest. " Stumble not at a straw, nor leap o'er a block: " Leave not things at random, keep all under lock: " Things may be missing, but when 'tis gone, " It is a common speech that they saw none; " Be finding still, but let thy loss be small, " Yet have respect unto thyself with all. " Be not amongst thieves, but when thou findest them sharing: " Nor with a miserable wretch that's sparing. " Come not near a Brothel house, for lechery, " Those damned Queans are full of treachery. " Part not a fray, except thou findest great reason. " Go not ill sh●d in a winter season. " Be not to forwards to go in the rain, " Except it be for profit or thy gain. " When sickness comes few friends are ever found; " Look to thyself that thou be whole and sound, " And be not careless which way thou dost walk, " Nor care too much with idle brains to talk. Come not within the verdict of a jury, Nor yet near a Tyrant in his fury. " Give fair words to the watch, they'll let thee pass; " Give the Constable thanks, think him an Ass. " Promise money when thou passest through the Gate; " But on my blessing never let him h'ate. " Bear with a Tapster, though his cans be frothy; " But rail on a Broker whose clothes are mothie. " Carmen and Porters are— approved, " And most Watermen are very dogged, " Yet give them fair words, if thou canst gain them, " Else bid Deri— say Lord have mercy on them. " What though thy Horse, by the Ostler is nipped, " It is a true Hostler, that hath not so been tripped. " But to make him amends, run in his score " If thou payest him i'll counsel thee no more, " Bailiffs and Sergeants, keep without their reach, " And without the verge of a privy search. " Avoid warrants, they are dangerous things: " Look to thy profit, that some comfort brings, Plot for a pudding or piece of souse: The sly Cat would not watch but for the Mouse. The Fox would never hunt, but for his prey? And workmen but for gain, would play all day. It is this wealth, this profit and this gain: That makes the Labourer sing away his pain. " It makes Widows forget their Husbands lately dead, " It is the cause they so soon again do wed. " If thou wo'st a Widow, in time begin: " Or else thy wooing is not worth a pin. " If thou be slow to speak, as one I knew, " Thou wouldst assure thyself, my counsels true, " He (to late) finding her upon her knees " In Church where yet her Husband's course she sees, " Hearing the Sermon at his funeral, " Longing to behold his burial. " This Suitor being touched, with inward love; " Approached near, his lovely suit to move, " Then stooping down, he whispered in her ear " Saying he bore her love as might appear " In that so soon he showed his love unto her, " Before any else did approach to woe her. " A lass (saith she, your labour is in vain " Last night a Husband, I did entertain. " Yet your kind offer, I take in good part, " And had entertained you with all my heart, " If you had come, in any time unto me, " But he at my Husband's death did woe me: " Then speak in time, if profit comes thereby, " Or else many dangers therein may lie. If thou be rich, and hat'st another's pride: That he may go on foot, while thou dost ride. Find means to feed, his swelling humour so, That high conceit may above compass go; Till Fortune's frowns, his folly so doth check; That Malcontent may after break his neck. Then lay in for his Lands, his goods and place; But still be sure to keep thyself in grace. " There are many rubs twixt thee and the jack, " Therefore throw home thy cast and be not slack: " Yet out-throw it not, lest thou lose the cast, " So Standards by will rejoice at thy haste: " And betting say, that thou shalt lose the game, " Which is to thy disgrace and utter shame. " Look to thyself, thou be not wronged by any. " Promote thyself, though thou displace a many: But if thou beest not up, but seekest to rise, Step by degrees, and in thy steps be wise: " Do not desire to stride two stairs at once, " divers men will suffer thee for the nonce, " And will rejoice to see thee break thy shin, " Then think how men rejoice when that they win: " Standards by, discern more than gamesters can, " Disdain not the kindness of any man. " Thou mayst as easily, speak fair words as foul, not? " Be not a fool, when that thou makest the shot: " Fowl words corrupt good manners it is said; " Of backbiting slaves ever be afraid, " Regard not their kindness, though it be great, " That shall hit thee in the teeth, with a meals meat: " Think him not true, that such baseness doth hold, " Who secrets in corners loves to unfold. " Avoid them in time, their hate is much; " Yet they will seem, as though they were not such: " And no doubt give fair words unto thy face; " Alas, alas, it is a heavy case. " Prevent them then, and care not for their hate, " It boots not to see the form where she sat; " Haddie-wist comes to late, hold time before; " Run not to deep in thy Hostess' score: " Depart in time, when she the shot is making, " And fain some business at thy departing: " 'tis good to offer to pay, when that thou hast it: " If once offered back, look that thou keep'st it, " And give him thanks, until the next meeting: " Thus by degrees still thou must be getting. Refuse no service be it ne'er so base: By any means may bring thee into grace, And make no conscience to attend on sin, To keep the door, where Devils dance within, " 'Mongst all kind of people (for gain) men thrust, " Love no Iron blades they will but rust, " And turn the edge, when thou shouldst use them, " I prithee be wise, and learn to refuse them. Find a rich Sire, and note his disposition, How he is given to baseness or ambition; And with thy bending lay his Land aboard, That he may be thy slave, thou his Lord. " Yet bear in hand as though thou wished him good: " there's more ways than one, to go to the wood. If that thy friend do lack a little wit, And in his humour frame an idle fit. To take a Wife, and use thee for his wooing, Speak for thy friend, but for thyself be doing: " If thou findest her worth the catching take her, " If not, let thy friend be sure to have her. For every friend, is to his friend a debtor: To love him as himself, but not no better, But for thyself, if thou hast got a Wife; Make show to love her dearly as thy life. Though for thy quiet, thou couldst be content A little money were at her burial spent, And let that charge, be of thy grief the ground, For many wives, are better lost then found. " Take heed (my Son) how, and where thou dost woe, " For Widows are wanton, and Maidens too. " She that hath had many Husbands cannot love, " She that ne'er had none who knows how she'll prove? " Great chance, but young wenches are tried before, " And middle age, must needs pay the old score. " Old women hold out whiles a stump doth last, " Sweet meats to old folks have a gracious taste: " But if thou come unto the second matching: Have careful heed, for fear of coney-catching, Who in their hole, will undermine so fast; The'ill leave their Lordship like the Land of waist: " For many privy banquets, must be had, " Which being known, would make a man stark mad. " They must have pleasure, tut, let the world slide " Sat fast for falling, when thou meanest to ride, " It is no jesting matter my friend, quoth he, " To ride a galled Cut, jaded thou shalt be, " Who will wince and kick, and lie in the dust, " Follow not an old jade that loveth lust. " That is a plague that's worse than all the rest, " Though she be rich, yet her filth detest, " Do not delight, in an old greasy Slut " Whose love is to fill a greedy gut. " She'll ne'er be satisfied, until the earth; " Receives her corpse, and stoppeth up her breath, Suspect thy will be weary of thy will " Then learn to spare, but never learn to spill, Part with no coin but upon condition, With humble countenance shadow ambition, " Muffle thyself sometimes to keep unknown " For by a knave thou may'st be overthrown, " Take heed of the Counters, 'tis a great grief " To lie in prison without relief, " Be not a Pander, for than thou art shamed " Take heed of a wild Colt that's never tamed " Yet of all these, if thou canst gain by them " Have ear unto, but be not seen in them " Let simple wits carry away the blame. " The reproach, the rumours and all the shame, " When thou with sly countenance may'st be sure " Of some profit let them the pain endure, " Let all be done, with show of humbleness: " So shalt thou receive profit with thankfulness. Creep, Crouch, and kneel, until thou be aloft. But then, sit fast, for fear thou fall not soft. " The stately Streams that kindly begins to flow " Affords content, in spite of whom says no, " The pleasant Spring, fair morn's of pleasure sends " And to each Creature pleasant gifts extends: " The lovely Birds, on branches sits still singing, " Rejoicing at those stately flowers then springing, " But see how time turns back, and crosseth all " Those dates expired, begins a heavy fall, " Those flowing streams, that gave that kind consent To ebb is turned, and all their strength is spent. " Those morns of May, where Flora shined so bright " Are now forlorn, made dark by winter's night, " Those Birds whose cheerful tunes did pleasure give " Are now enforced to seek them holes to live, " Where mournful tunes, records their heavy state. " That envious time, hath altered thus their fate: " Beloulde in this, and all that's called pleasure, " How it is crossed by times evil measure. " Who would seem rich, although he hath store, " But closely keep his treasure evermore. " And to himself, be ever such a friend: " That to himself he may his money lend, " Be circumspect still, when thou art in grace, " Let not vain toys, thy honour then disgrace. Be rich I say, nay Boy be rich, and wise: Gold is an actious mettle for the eyes, Why? rich men have much money and gay gear: And goodly houses, and most dainty cheer; Fair Wives, fine pictures, plays and morris-dances; And many cheats: that come by many chances. Fine Civet boxes, sweet perfumes, and waters, And twenty other such kind of matters. While the poor man, that pines for want of friends: May sit and sigh, and pick his fingers ends, And every morning wash his face with tears And wipe his blubberred cheeks with shevaled hears, " It is a heavy sense, where coin is wanting " At such a time of care, friends are scanting, " When needy guests comes to a feast to dine " They must content themselves and drink no Wine, " Small beer must suffice, aye? and say 'tis well, " Wine must be kept, for Dives going to Hell, " This slender care of poverty is had: Which doth enforce them ever to be sad, And walk abroad, for sorrows recreation Or starve himself, or feed on contemplation: " Sorrows companion, and all forlorn. " And of every Creature held in scorn, " His head hangs down, his arms locked one in one: " To none but hills and echoes make his moan. " Resounding care, a heavy doleful breath. " No better pillow than his mother earth, " Speaking to the air as to a friend: " That should his misery some comfort send. Make curtsy to the shadow of any food, And glad to get a look or half a word, Blush and fall back, when gay folk comes in place And start to look a Lady in the face, Talk to the air, where no man list to hear him, Or plod alone, where no man will come near him, " Despair is all his food to nourish blood " A fearful state, hard to be understood " What grievous hell is want affecting still: " A hungry heart, a hungry soul to kill, " What woe is want, where no man will relieve " A poor distressed soul that still doth grieve. And thus recording of a heavy care, He feeds perhaps upon a hungry fare, Till that some good Knight or learned Gentleman That will not be a Machavillian, But can make use of afflicted brains. And gather profit from their toiling pains, May hap to grace him with his countenance Give him a blue coat and a cognizance, An old cast doublet, or a pair of boots. Feed him with brown bread small beer herbs and roots: And now and then perhaps a piece of meat, That scarce a man would give a Dog to eat. Or after happily some good service done, Make him Tutor, to his youngest Son. Laugh at those Beggars, speak in scorn of pelf: Care thou for nothing but to enrich thyself. For truth reports, that dolts of thrifty entreat, If thou be rich, thou quickly may'st be great, " Why? then thou shalt be sought unto and praised ', " And many ways to dignities be raised ', " Thy name shall be extolled by Poet's Pen; " And bravely attended on by serving-men. " Books shall be dedicated to thy worth: " To advance thy glory, thy fame set forth. " Thou shalt be wise, and placest in justice to, " Though thou want will, all this thy wealth can do. " Think no man wise but he that gathers wealth, " And keep the diet that preserves the health. " Do not with Gluttons feed, though they woo thee, " Nor with Drunkard's use, though they pay for thee, " If thou be with a Glutton at a feast, " He'll wish thee choked, if thou feed on the best, " And eye thee too, and think thou dost him wrong. " To eat one bit, that to his chaps belong, " Let Gluttons grease their dogs alone for thee " They are not for thy profit, take that of me, " Drunkards are wild, but not so ill as those " He like a brave Bully cheers up his nose " With a rich colour, set with pearls and stones, " Whiles Gluttons hungry chaps make clean the bones. " He'll call his neighbour in, and make him drink, " A Glutton like a beast, doth beastly stink, " Of any ill, the least is to be choosed: " Yet best of all, when all is quite refused " With good advice, menage so thy doings: " That thou be not troubled much with loosings. Travel with ease, take heed of taking cold, And next to God take comfort in thy gold. Commit no secrets to thy second self▪ For never yet was Ape but played the Elf: " To women's trust, 'tis pain to trust upon, " Greatest secrets, from them are soon gone: " Their closerts cannot hold a thing forbidden; " Yet desires to know a thing that's hidden: " Their nature's very weak, their frailties much; " they'll love him very well that is exceeding rich. Set snares for Wodcocks, pitfales for small birds, And catch a fool with nothing but fair words. Kill not a fly and let a flea alone, That sucks the blood, and never hurts the bone. File not thy fingers with a filthy slut, And ride not often on a galled backed Cut. " Keep not a Cur, that no good profit yields: " A lurching Dog will range about the fields. Fear not a shadow, but avoid a danger: And keep not a jade at rack and manger, " Which will quite eat thee out of house & home; " Thy self remain a dunce, a very mome, " With ridiculous terms thou shalt be scoffed, " Thy lodging cold, in the streets very oft. Persuade no Prince, from his choice of pleasure, Nor a rich man from his love of treasure. " For if thou with monarch meddle to far; " It must perforce procure a mighty jar, " Or if thou pry but near a rich man's chest; To him thou shalt be an unwelcome guest: But if he be rich, whatsoever he be, Seem in thine honour, to be just as he. If he be poor, then let him beg alone, It is a trade that few grow rich upon. " The best Beggars are accounted idle; " Riding a stumbler, hold fast the bridle, " A Soldiers wants these days hath seldom aid: " To follow wars it makes men much dismayed: " Though venturing life and goods, with loss of limbs: " What rich Domestical a man esteems, " At this return, his worth though were so great; " Scarce give a look, or scarce a bit of meat, " If such worthy men shall want, deserving this; " Look not thou for comfort in distress. " Keep thou at home, as homebred slaves do use, " Whose cankered hearts, bright honour doth abuse, " And feed on fat, like Lubbers take their ease. " Let those that list attempt to cross the Seas: " When Dives love, is only in his wealth: " When toiling Lazars counted nought but filth: Grievous unto all horror 'tis to see; " Delight in gold as these else shalt thou be. Learn to know Kingdoms, Nations, and their natures, Their laws, their judgements, Male and female creatures, And how their wealth doth grow, by War or peace, And how their quarrels grew, and how they seance. How they may be offended or defended; And how their states begun, and which way ended; But in all notes, note this of all, How thou may'st rise, whoever hap to fall. " Let thy Religion be of what sort it will, " Be thou of that Sect, seek to humour still. " Do not with a shamefa'st bashfulness do it: " But with a manly courage run through it: " As if to such Sects, thou hadst been ever bred, " By which means thou may'st be the better fed. If thou hast a partner in thy stock, And both your wealths, do rest under one lock: And if thy partner ride abroad for pleasure, And put thy faith in trust with all his treasure: At his return, do upon quarrels stand, When thou hast got his wealth into thy hand: Say in accounts, he hath deceived thee Although thou knowst no such matter be: " Seem exceeding earnest and speak aloud: " No marvel though of late you were so proud: " Must my purse needs be thus at your command? " 'tis very true? you have made a fair hand: " Thus rail at him that he may shame to hear thee: " Act it well, he may begin to fear thee: When if he will not take what thou wilt give him; To course of law, for his best comfort drive him; Where whiles he rails on thy ill conscience, Thy patience closely will put up his pence. " Rail thou still on his ill Husbandry, " So men may think, he spent lasciviously: " Commending thee that thou look'st to't in time " Raising on him abroad, a grievous crime. But whatsoever honest minds surmise, Wealth with the wealthy, makes the wealthy wise. Be rich therefore I say, be rich my Son For wealth will sway the world when all is done. " If these counsels will not make thee rich " Nor procure thy further profit small or much, " By preventing mischiefs that may befall thee " What counsel then shall I farther give thee, " The courses of the world, I show thee plain " As in a Map, all dangers to refrain, " Which had they been in time foretold to me " I might avoided that which now I see, " Head strong youth in promotion cannot sit " Their fickle age hath many an idle fit. " Following those humours that please them best, " Which is a hindrance to their quiet rest: " But things foretold, may easily be passed. " It is not good to thrust things up in haste, " Be happy then in learning of this good: " Want is the means that parts kind brotherhood. " Thou seest enough, if reason may suffice, " All is laid open here before thine eyes, " As in a glass thou rightly may'st behold, " How thy state stands, if thou wantest gold: " Than on my blessing learn these rules of mine; " Another day surely it will be thine. FINIS. THE ANSWER TO MACHIAVELS uncasing. But now my Son, that thou hast learned this lore, Upon my blessing look on it no more, Except it be by ill to know the good: But yet take heed it be misunderstood. Be that thou seem'st to be in word and deed, Lest pater noster put thee from thy Creed. Fair speech is good, but keep not a foul mind, For hollow hearts are of a hellish kind. " Backbiters and dissembling tongues are wild, " From heavens happiness by heaven exiled, " Against such horrid deeds is woe pronounced, " A woeful state from blessedness renounced. A good beginning makes a blessed end, And hold him for a Dog that hath no friend, " His case is ill when no man will respect him, " But worst of all, when virtue doth neglect him, Receive no bribes to fill a rusty chest, A quiet conscience is a kingly feast. " Content doth shine where virtuous men do dwell. " A vicious life deserveth nought but hell. " Labour not by unlawful means to gain, " When means unlawful breeds a woeful pain. And 'tis a heavy sense in sorrows roll, To save the body, and to kill the soul. Affect the wise, and with the learned talk, And with the learned often make a walk. " And such as thy companions shall be, " Even such rewards shall be bestowed on thee. " Where gravity remains, there still resort, " Where modesty doth dwell, with such consort: " So shalt thou be, beloved still of all, No scandals then shall seek to work thy thrall. Remember nothing that thou dost not write, For danger doth but fearful hearts affright: " And with charity love thy neighbour so, " That by no means thou seek'st his overthrow: " Have careful ear, to every man give right, " Regard kind words, in kindness have delight; In honour's cause maintain thy reputation, And hold love good for reason's recreation. Sooth no ill ears with idle flattery, Honour the Bride, but do the Groom no rye. Perform thy word, but promise not too much, With rich and poor, be careful to keep touch. With great and small be sure to keep measure, And scorn no trifle, that may do thee pleasure: " For he that scorneth much, deserveth hate, " An infamy that ne'er expireth date; " Such long lasting evils (my Son) refrain, What loss so ere it be unto thy gain. Frequent the Church with faith and true devotion, And do not step too fast into promotion; For far more grief is in a headlong fall, Then if thy care, had never climbed at all. " Be content with such means that God doth send, " A patient heart doth gain a happy end. " Why shouldst thou toil thyself for pelth, " When death ends all approaching still by stealth, " And crops the blossoms of our whole delight, " By winter storms, by time and darksome night? " What bootest then to burden thus thine age, " With heavy clogs, for which thy soul's at gage, " Where in woe and thraldom still remaining, " Except by Christ thou purchase thy redeeming. Be wisely kind to every quality, And ever keep good hospitality. " A miserable house is wild men say, " Ill gotten goods are quickly spent away: " Those that so nearly scrape their wealth together, " Another throws it about, and cares not whether. At thy own charge, keep thy Horse's stable, And seek no banquet at a beggars table: For a true mind had rather starve then eat, Where Churls and servants grudge a stranger meat. " Come not to a hungry house for diet, " Where spies and teltales bring all out of quiet; " Rather for thy quiets sake, live with bread, " Then mo●gst talemongers seek to be fed. " What is thine own to eat, none can grudge, " A backebiter must needs be a drudge, " Whose own reports disgraceth him at last, " 'Cause he himself hath made the greatest waist. " Be free from this; great danger lies therein, " To men offence, to God a grievous sin. jest not with Cowards, for they will but cry, And, as for Bawds pity their beggary: " Lament the woeful state wherein they stand, " And rightly note, the poison in their hand; " Which soon breaks forth, and makes the body foul, " But teen times worse, it putrefies the soul. Arithmetic is in every trade, But true accounts are to be made: For when the last count reckoning is cast up, Then shall the crafty take their poisoned cup, " And taste the juice of that they have deserved, " For which deeds, by doom it is reserved: " Where no woe or horror shall be wanting, " Though gold to them on earth was not scanting. " Desire no gain, where vice doth lead the ring, " It is a profit that thy pain doth bring. For Lions, Bears, Wolves, Apes, and Asses, Learn them to figure honours looking glasses, And have a care to carry so thyself, No storm may drive thy ship upon a shelf. " Many dangers lies hid to thee unknown, " No corn comes up sometimes where seed is sown. " Envious men sows tars the Scripture says, " A void them then and quite forsake their ways: " Let not earth's pleasures lead thy heart away, " Which is transitory, will soon decay, " And still doth pass on earth, from hand to hand, " Never constant, nor never firm doth stand. Swallows do feed on flies, but light they fly, Whiles Epicures in too much feeding die, " Wallowing in the sink of sins filthiness, " Loathsome to behold, o'er grown with beastliness: " spewing out the rancour of self delight, " Which hath bred a cankor of endless spite. By others harms seek not thy private good, A bloody feast, is an unkindly food. And to dissemble love is such an evil, As nearest shows the nature of the Devil, " To feed on blood a Murderers delight, " If thou dissemble, thou yields no man right. " To gain by others fall a curse grows on, " A heavy case when infants make their moan. " The widows note is heard, revenge she cries, " For those ill gotten goods, which made thee rise. To help thy friend, do not forbear thy hand, And for thy credit, sell both goods and land: " For he that helps his friend in time of need, " It is in heaven enrolled a friendly deed. " When that with truth of heart 'tis friendly done, " No deed on earth is like to that my Son, " Be constant still in friendship evermore, " And of a true friend make thy chiefest store, " What end wert thou enriched, with goods and lands, " But to the end thou shouldst be free from bands: " Respect it not above the heavens pleasure, " Which is the chiefest chief of all thy treasure. Deny no friend when he doth friendly crave it, For honest minds will pay when that they have it. " A small matter sometimes doth help so much, " That by such means a poor man may prove rich, " Which else might bring a man unto despair, " When for his help, he findeth nought but air, " At wants instant, be helpful evermore, " And God will-give a blessing to thy store. " Be doing this, but do not boast a whit, " For that dims all, and shows thy lack of wit: " Or how canst thou have grace, for this thy good, " If thou backbitest in any angry mood? " Reporting this thy kindness done to any, " It is not worth a pin though near so many, " And those that hear it will think thou may'st lie, " When that thou whisperest things so privily. Let care of conscience guide thee every way, To give thee comfort on the holiday. " pry not at all in trades to offer wrong, " Such baseness unto Rascals doth belong: " Those men deserving it, are fit for gain, " And fit'st of all to reap the pleasure of their pain; " The dead in peace doth rest, yet live they may; " In endless comfort, and in endless joy. " Kind charity amongst men, and love to all, " May make us ready for this heavenly call: " That living here, we die to live again; " In heavenly bliss, everlasting to remain. And if thou be a Courtier know thy grace, And seek in heaven to have a dwelling place. And if on earth, such service profit brings, What shall he have that serves the King of Kings? " Let virtues care, so guide thy conscience still, " Thou nearly look to all, but none to ill; " What though the proverb old be proved true; " Or that some crosses on this earth ensue; " Or that the destinies do frown on thee, " Or that no rich reward will come near thee? " Yet if thou be free from vices folly, " Thou art in heaven as pure a Saint as any. " Which is a Court, where thou shalt have a place, " Where none shall seek thine honour to deface. And if thou be'st a scholar and canst preach, With simple truth thy simple audience teach: " With fervency of heart seek to woo them. " To God's true knowledge, seek still to bring them: " Be not careless of a charge so weighty; " Given thee by thy God Almighty. But feed thy flock, thou hast in hand to keep, Lest that thou prove a wolf unto thy sheep. Feeding on them, that should have food from thee; " In bad estate their case is like to be. " Attempt not thou at all a labour so divine, " Except thou canst this earthly state resign; " And live to love thy God, thy flock, thy sheep; " So will thy care be good thy flock to keep. But whatsoever here be thine estate, There is none poor, but he that God doth hate, " he's poor indeed, his case of all is worst; " No ill so vile, of all ills most accursed. If that thou be a Soldier suck no blood, To knightly minds, unknightly food; " With conscience let poor Soldiers have their pay, " Then they will follow thee with love and joy: " But if too nearly thou dost pinch or paul, " It may be burdensome unto thy soul, " And want of pay, is the death of many, " Yield them due, and near accused ' for any. Of honours title, who doth truly hold, Shall find it in mercy, not in gold. If that thou be a Lawyer judge the right, And let no bribery blind a blessed sight, For thou shalt find it written in mercy's roll, Better a threadbare gown, than a threadbare soul. " 'tis pity that right should be overcome, " Or poverty to plead to want a room: " Alas how heavy is their case in this, " For want of fees, a rightful case to miss? " Yet have (thou) some conscience, be ruled by me, " Pity poor Suitors in necessity. " Let not mighty men oppress their right, " Nor overthrow their states by power and might. " In doing this, thou shalt have double fee, " A heavenly Paradise thy reward shall be. " Besides on earth thy fame shall spread abroad, " What courtesy to poor thou didst afford, " This cannot choose, but bring thee into grace, " And by desert obtain a higher place, " The law is just, on reason wisely grounded, " Wanting it our state is soon confounded. And if thou be a Merchant, know thy cares, And do not wound thy conscience with thy wares, Lest in repentance all too late thou find, The gain is lost that feeds a greedy mind. " What boots thy toil and traffic on the Seas, " Thy hazard of life, disturbing of thine ease, " Thy boisterous blasts, and storms so cold, " Which thou indur'st, thyself by time made old, " Thy riches, when happy returns are made, " Those precious pearls, whose colours never vade, " When that thy conscience shall be working so " How thou mayst work thy brother's woe, " By thy ill wares, trusted at such a rate, " By which means his payment oft proves late. " Then to suit of law thy conscience cries, " he's in a heavy case in such danger lies. " But far more worse is thine in time to come, " When that thou dost cast up the total sum. " When all deceitful gains to loss shall turn, " Where vicious pleasures shall have time to mourn. " A measure in gain with Quiet truly got, " Is a perfect treasure that faileth not. " For truth: light gains doth make a heavy purse, " Unconscionable gains a heavy curse. " Then take thy choice, but wisely choose the best: " Corrupted hearts evermore detest, " Their wares are braid, yet fairly shows to th'eye; " But he that's rotten at the heart must die. In brief of what estate so ere thou be, Let truth and conscience ever govern thee. Let Clowns clap on their clouted shoes, Seek thou no earthly gains the heaven to lose. Let garments fit thy body, not thy mind, And to thy friend, as to thyself prove kind, " Look so wisely to every action, " That it may be thy soul's satisfaction. " And do not seek to rise by others falls, " Be well prepared when the Angel calls; " Do not thou stand on rich men's favours here, " But love thy Christ, his love is passing dear; " And make the wind serve to a good intent, " And know to what end thy riches are sent. " Hoist up sail to heavens happiness, " Where thou shalt arrive with great blessedness; " There thou may'st be welcome though wanting gold: " And not by earthly wants thy joys controlled: " No poverty shall part thee from that society, " But bring thee to thy joys eternity: " Though wealth doth die the colour here in grain, " In heaven 'tis held most base in great disdain. " Physicians and Lawyers are men of fame, " And experience doth aver the same; " Whose labours doth deserve their proper gain, " No patient can be cured without some pain, " If thou dost learn diseases and their cures; " Be careful what thy patient endures: " Have due respect unto thy cures and be free, " From corrupted thoughts, then happy shalt thou be. " Delay no cures, but do thy best for ease, " Which both thy patient, and thy God doth please: " Pity the heavy cares of those in pain, " And be not too greedy to seek thy gain: " Let measure guide thy hand in all thy deeds, " Think on the grieved heart with pain that bleeds. " Think upon his case, say that it were thine, " How hard it were, for want of help to pine. " Learn no unlawful games thy state to raise, " That by deceit may profit thee any ways, " What though thou shift it from the gamesters eye? " It is beheld by him that sits on high: " He doth behold your dealings every way, " How securely so ere you think you play. " Goods gotten by deceit, is quickly gone, " By getting so, better near get none: " But rather well to keep thine own first learn, " The better how to gain thou may'st discern, " What though this vicious gain, so vainly got, " With plenty seems to replenish the pot? " It is but a feast, or sport that's passing away, " And the least cross of all brings it to decay. All Cards and dice, and all such idle play; From thy delight, discard and cast away: For deal or rub, whose hap so ere it be to have The knave of Clubs will ever be a Knave. Flatter no Mistress Fubs, or jone a nods Nor honour golden calves nor wooden gods: Nor puff a peasant up with rascal pride, A rascal will but like a beggar ride. Be careful of the words that thou dost talk, " And be not desirous with a Knave to walk: " Be careful how thou dost thy secrets disclose, " Backbiters are full of wrong thou may'st suppose: " Do not with the Lecher seem to rejoice, " It is but a loathsome and hateful voice: " But rather persuade them from their folly, " And from the love of a deed so unholy. " Do not with spendthrifts smile at poverty, " Lest thou thyself come to necessity. " Do not with Epicures rejoice and say, " With meaner fare thou couldst not well away. " Nor do not triumph over simple wits, " And lament the state of those franzie fits. " Do not by any means learn to deceive, " That will but virtue from thy conscience drive, " And disanull-thee of thy quiet rest, " Exceeding joys, of all things else is best. Aim at no profit with a poisoned breath, Left it be paid thee in the second death. " Though conscience here be poor and meanly clad, " No means but from the Baggers to be had; " Yet time shall come, it shall be well respected, " When prodigality shall be neglected. " There shall she find a house adorned with state, " When Dives reputes but all too late. " There shall she find fine and dainty cheer, " When Gluttons in horror shall appear, " Her raiment then shall be everlasting, " When her foes their bitter cup are tasting; " Then let conscience govern thy state aright, " That thou may'st behold this everlasting sight. An honest mind in every trade doth well, The wind blows ill that blows the soul to hell. " Do not before the Devil a candle hold, " Seek no corrupt means for silver or gold. If that thy Wife be fair, be thou not foul, To let her play the Ape, and thou the Owl. " Wink at no faults, it is but misery, " By bestial means to relieve necessity; " If thou be a Husband govern so thy Wife, " That her peevish means work not thy strife; " Give her not too much law, to run before, " Too much boldness doth bring thy overthrow: " Yet abridge her not too much by any mean, " But let her still be thy companion. And to thy Daughter prove a better Sire, Then like a hackney let her out to hire. " What a grievous case were this for thee, " To extol thyself to prosperity, " By such insatiate means, a heavy sense, " Deserving nought but hell for recompense. " Like a kind father love thy children dear, " Yet to outward view let not love appear, " Lest too boldly they presuming on thy love, " By audacious means do audacious prove, " Seem not a companion in any case To thy children, learn them know who's in place; " That due obedience to thee be done, " The end must needs be good, that's well begun. " Thus may thy children be at thy command, " With willing heart, still helpful at thy hand, " Familiarity contempt doth breed. " By no means do thou stoop unto thy seed: " While the twig is young, bend it as thou list, " once being grown, they'll stubbornly resist; " Caring not for parents nor their talking, " Commending their own wits, age is doting. " Look well to youth, and how their time is spent, " Lest thou by leisure afterwards repent: " What though thy child grow rich, thyself grow poor, " Wil't thou afford him reverence therefore? " Imperfection to thine age that doth show: " Let children express what duty they owe, " And not be blinded with a self conceit; " To wise men hate, to fools a pleasing bait. " Let thy care be great, for children's good, " It is a charge that's hardly understood: " Use no corrections in an angry vain, " Which will but vex thee much, increase thy pain: " And rashness evermore repentance cries, " Give due correction, therein be wise: " The grief is thine, when children go astray: " Give them not too much liberty to play, " Lest that they do to a custom bring it; " And ever after forbear to leave it. " Urge not with violence thy children's woe, " As cruel parents many times do so; " Which to despair may carelessly drive them, " When that their care doth carelessly leave them, " To run at random shifting as they may, " Alas, it is a heavy case I say. " Let not children urge their parents unto ire, " But with duty do what they shall require. " With obedient hearts obedience show, " Such true obedience to them you owe. " Think it not a trifle to forbear it, " When God's commandment doth require it. " A blessing great, beside he hath reserved, " Whose duty hath this due deserved. " Honour thy parents, long may be thy days, " Happy in all, and blessed are thy ways. " Be not stubborn at all, it breeds disdain, " That which they forbid thee that refrain. " This is the course, that thou their love may'st have. " Wise parents, children's hurt will never crave. " But with fatherly care admonish them so, " That self conceit, work not thy overthrow: " Which now adays doth reign too much in all, " No marvel then so many youth do fall, " When parents' counsel is thus rejected, " And their hourly care so much neglected. " Solomon says, smile not on thy daughter, " Lest thou repent it ever after. " Then to sons and daughters let care be such, " That thou and they in virtue may be rich. " Seem not to laugh at any unseemly jest, " A mean in all, in all is ever best. " And for thy servants, let no Belly swell, " A bawdy house is but an earthly hell. " Keep not an eye servant within thy door, " Which will but seek to vex thee evermore. " And scoffingly answer with taunting words, " A beastly trick is all a jade affords. " If that thou findest a tell tale in thine house, " be watching still as a Cat for a Mouse. " Such servants can never be true nor just, " Who backbites in secret, such never trust. " Much discord by such is bred oft times, " When most themselves deserveth greatest crimes. " Be not familiar with servants in any case, " But let them with duty respect their place. " Give but an inch, they'll quickly take an ell, " A wise tale to a fool, 'tis vain to tell. In Law and Physic have a conscience, In making gain of thy experience. Lest that thy Clients cry and Patient's death, Do make thee cry out in the hell beneath. " Where grievous horrors shall still affright thee. " Let virtues love evermore delight thee. " Which is a gain sufficient for thy store, " A perfect joy delightful evermore. By wicked plots do not proule for pelf, Let thy souls care be nearest to thyself. " So shall all thy ways prosper and be free, " From thraldom want and great necessity. " No woe shall once approach where virtue shines, " What needs thou care, though vicious men repines. " Their blasts as bubbles, soon doth pass away, " Themselves in little time comes to decay. " If thou be rich abandon wicked pride, And do not on the horse of Envy ride, " Lest he carry thee with an easy way, " Unto thy overthrow and great decay, Seek not the well-deserving to disgrace, Nor put the virtuous spirit out of place. And soothe no humours in an evil mind, For poisoned breath is of a poisoned kind: And though to hurt a few to hurt a many, Be good, yet better not the hurt of any. " What boots small gains when greater loss doth fall? " By such measure, seek not to get at all. " Be patient and wise in extremity, " Thou may'st the sooner come to prosperity. " As gentle dews, kindly cause flowers to spring, " Patience gains content, though misery be long. " Let truth in every thing be thy companion, " And vice o'er thee shall never get dominion: " Thou hast a bulwark that defends thee, " And a trusty friend that treasure lends thee: If that thy friend do trust thee with his love, Unto his trust do not a Traitor prove; Lest he that seeth thy ill gotten treasure, Do pay thee home with an evil meaten measure: " though thy gains be small and travel great, " Thou art certain to come to judgement seat, " To receive a guerdon due to thy deeds, " A blessed food, that blessed creatures feeds: " Never wanting but still possessed with store, " Which makes thee rich, though seeming ne'er so poor, Be faithful to thy Wife, firm to thy friend, And constant in Religion to the end. " Do not humour every Sect for private gain, " It is a grievous sin, a grievous pain; " Against the holy Ghost a sinful deed, " Then use it not, what ever be thy need: " Religion is sacred pure divine, " It is a heavenly map, a heavenly sign. " It is that burning lamp that shines so bright, " Being with truth received, a true delight. " Seek not thou to deprave religious truth, " Lest thou increase thy pain and endless ruth. " For chiefest learning thereon is grounded, " And all errors from thence quite confounded. Be rich and wise, in this good wit my boy, That death nor hell, nor Devil can destroy. " Let thy chiefest pleasure be to seek that gain, " That afterwards may never turn to pain. " Who so, but for the present time doth care, " Oft time's is enforced to be poor and bear, " And when those present pleasures past and gone " As much the near, if he had ne'er seen none. " Than Time to account doth call that folly, " Checking him for all those deeds unholy. " How he his time, so loosely spent in vain, " Which being spent, can ne'er be had again. " Then with ifts and and's he begins to say, " Had I known this, fore time had passed away, I had prevented that which now I find, But time is past, and thou tookst hold behind. " Where nought remains but a skull death portraiture, " (As Time doth pass,) it is of all most sure. " To spend this precious time it is a woe, " Without regarding how the hours do go. " When time makes full the hours of times account, " Ask how much the total doth amount. " Then all ill times by time untimely spent; " Shall by that time, have time then to repent. " But all too late, sith time was once refused, " And time so dearly lost, so much abused. " The date is out, 'tis true: the Clock hath struck, " Time kindly offered all when all forsook. " This gem of worth most precious is to youth. " But their selfe-wils hates knowledge of the truth, " Which should bring their tender age unto bliss, " The right way to that perfect happiness. " Which would show then how they should spend the day, " With due respect, how to spend the time away; " Not by idleness, or foolish fancies, " Subject to many vicious mischances. " Which lulls their age with pleasure fast asleep, " Such pleasures they were better lose then keep. " Tell thou the Clock, as hours doth pass away, " And think how time doth turn all flesh to clay. Serve God, thy King, be to thy country true, Live till thou diest, then bid the world adieu. " But live in that sort, that thou diest with fame, " That after death men give thee a good name. " Which as Chronicles may last for ever, " In living thus thy life endeth never. " Ifto thy King thou provest untrue, unjust, " Who will afterwards give thee any trust? " Then to thy Prince, give due obedience, " And to thy betters seemly reverence. " So shall thy fame on earth be had in store, " And heavenly blessings given thee evermore. " Ifto Country thou hast a tretchers heart, " Thy words are worse than a deep venomed dart. " Swine eats the flowers, then nusles up the root, " And none but beastly minds will surely do't. " Or offer to spoil that, by which they're bred, " Or betray the Country, in which they're bred. " How manifest it is, of such men's lives, " How their courses evermore basely thrives. " Some themselves untimely death doth bring, " Others, in grief of conscience still mourning. " Some wandering here, some there in woeful grief, " Others pining in streets, and wants relief. " Some stark mad doth run, quite distract of all, " Others, in vain, for comfort out doth call. " Some, in foreign Countries desires a place, " But gnawing conscience brings them to disgrace. " Some with audacious face doth fain excuse, " But God cries vengeance 'gainst so wild abuse. " Some to Magistrates will sue for favour, " But poisoned hearts doth of poison savour. " And all that to such vildness bends their courses, " Are left comfortless without remorses. Machiavel's rules let Machiavel's read, Love to thy God, his spirit be thy speed. " His love is richer than silver or gold, " His home is Paradise the surest hold. " His promise is sure, for ever just, " And 'tis the surest hope that thou canst trust. " Thy Anchor being cast upon that shore, " Thy cable will hold fast for evermore. " Love not the world, to leave true virtues love, " Lest to thy destruction, it after prove. " The world's love, is but fair fancies flower, " Though seeming rich, yet wanting richest power. Tax no man's name in any evil matter, But like a Christian pray for every creature. " Charitably wishing well to men, " The like rewards shall come to thee again. " Let no man's name at all be wronged by thee, " The worsest evil, ever thine will be. " When infamies thou raisest on thy brother, " Be sure, 'gainst thee thou shalt receive none other. " Such measure as thou metest to thee is given, " He lives uprightly that keeps all even. " But by good endeavour it may be gained, " Hate Vice, the only means it is obtained. " To be free from evil speech, a Christians care, " Be a lover of Virtue, Vice forbear. Be sorry for the evil thou hast done, And go on with the good thou hast begun. " A heart that's penitent true comfort finds, " To find remorse, the heavenly Laws it binds. " If thou beginnest any good, then proceed, " Thou shalt find it to be a blessed deed. Pray for thy faith, that it may fail thee never, So if thou diest, yet shalt thou live for ever. " Then shalt thou be borough to virtues palace, " To receive the true comfort of thy solace. " And for thy pain thou didst endure here, " Thou evermore shalt find a plenteous year. " Where neither hunger cold nor any want, " Shall hinder joys, or make thy pleasures scant. " This is the benefit of a virtuous life, " This is true virtues force, to end all strife. " This is virtues garden full of flowers, " Though on earth she had many pinching hours. " This is virtues path, rightly leads to bliss, " This is virtues gift, his friends doth never miss. " This is virtues harbour void of cares, " This is virtues bounty who never spares, " This is virtues palace, adorned with state, " This is virtues gift, never comes too late, " This is virtues Park, infoulds her Dear, " This is virtues care, who will not lose a hair, " This is virtues arms, encircling round, " This is virtue, which now her right hath found, " This is virtues walks, whose air's ever sweet, " This is virtue her friends doth kindly greet, " This is virtues City, whose gates are fast " 'Gainst all that of her name made spoil or waste, " This is virtues banquet house, feeding all, " This is virtue that hears the poor man's call, " This is virtue that loved her parents kind, " This is virtue that love to all resigned, " This is virtue, relieving friends in want, " This is virtue whose love was never scant, " To any one that poverty did respect, " Who never will such kindness once reject, " But kindly seek, such kindness to requite, " And all her friends shall have their due and right, " No cankered churls shall seek to cross her of her will " But in her place, she remains as Empress still. " Then seek (my Son) to serve this Goddess pure divine, " Be hoverly offering gifts unto her sacred Shrine, " Do not leave her service, for the world's treasure, " Esteem her pain above the chiefest pleasure, " Her pains are short, her joys for ever lasting, " Her love is dear, her hate to sorrows hasting, " With reverence (my child) kneel for her grace, " Sue by petition in any case. " And never rest till thou hast got her favour, " And it will be double worth thy labour; " For thou such a Mistress shalt have of her: " That for her servants good none comes near her: " She gives her Servants old good means to live, " When Vice her servants out of doors doth drive, " She helps her Servants in sickness and in health, " On such preferments she bestows her wealth. " Then be true Servant to such a Mistress, " Who at all times with willing heart relieves distress. " Be mindful of my words, given out of love, " And happy to thy Father thou wilt prove. " What in the beginning I did declare, " Was but to show thee what vain courses are, " That by the knowledge of them thou mightst beware " How thou art caught in any vicious snare. " Make use of them, and wrest them to the best, " And thou shalt find it yields thee quiet rest. " By any means do not to vain humours grow, " Lest that it quickly seek thy overthrow. " Yield praise to God, in his Laws seek to live, " And at his pleasure he will all things fitting give. " If thou findest any thing written here " That may to thy comfort any way appear, " 'tis all that I crave, or heart requireth, " Who only for thy chiefest good desireth. " If thanks thou wilt bestow thou seemest kind, " If unthankful, thou hast a churlish mind, " Sith all my labour is only for thy good, " Desiring that it be well understood: " Which if thou dost, thou shalt be still my Son, " Be true of heart what misery soever come. " First to God give praise, to Prince and Country true, " Thy Parent's reverence, and so my Son adieu. " Machiavel's rules deny, yet use them as thy pleasure, " False hearted friends defy, in all have equal measure. " Use all these to good intent, and boldly say, " Thou mayst with Virtue, evermore keep holiday. FINIS.