AA Wits Private Wealth. Stored with choice commodities to content the mind. printer's or publisher's device LONDON Printed by Edw. Allde, for john Tappe, and are to be sold at his shop at St. Magnus' corner. 1612. TO To the right worshipful, my much and much worthy beloved friend john Crook Esquire, Son and heir to Sir john Crook Knight, all prosperity on earth, and the joy of heaven. TO present you with a long discourse, might perhaps weary you in the reading; & to write obscurely, might be a trouble to your understanding: To avoid therefore inconveniences, I have chosen this little piece of labour to fit the patience of your idle leisure; hoping, that as in fore-ages, men of great Titles, would patronize the writings of good Studies, not regarding the estate or quality of the person, so your true spirits that can rightly judge of the natures of well deservings, will not altogether shut my Book (with my better service) out of your good favour: the subjects are many, and of divers natures, but (as many flowers in one Nosegay) they are here put together in a little volume, which perusd with that good patience that may make profit of experience, I hope shall give you some way contentment, and no way the contrary: but lest I make to great an entry to a little house, I will shut the door to my further speech, and only rest in some better service. Your affectionately at command. N. BRITTON. To the Reader. YOu that shall happen to light on this little piece of a book, how you will or can judge of what you read, I know not: if it be well I am glad you are pleased, if otherwise, it is passed the print, and therefore too late to be mended: many things are comprehended in a little room, and he that reads all and takes good by none at all, I am persuaded is either uncapable or careless: to be short, such as they be I send them to you, set down with the days in the year: in half one day you may read them, and ever after think on them as you can conceive, digest, or remember them: some of them were written by wiser men than myself, and for the rest (like wares in a shop) the good must help away with the bad: To conclude, I commend them with my further love and service, to the favour of those spirits, that judging the best, will not say the worst: among whom, hoping you are one to fill up the number of honest men, I rest. Your friend as I may. N. B. Wit's private wealth. He that takes much and gives nothing, shall have more wealth than love. He that gives much and takes nothing, shall have many thanks and few friends. He that spends his youth in whoring and dicing, may curse the bones, and cry out upon the flesh. He that builds Castles in the air, in hope of a new world, may break his neck, ere he come to half his age. He that meets an ill-favoured woman in the morning fasting, 'tis odds he shall not see a worse sight before dinner. He that telleth a lie and binds it with an Oath, is either weak in wit, or vile in conscience. He that braggeth much of a little worth, hath made his tongue an overthrow of his wit. He that marrieth a rich wife and abuseth his Matrimony, will either beg among Rogues, or hang for good company. He that cries afore he is hurt, hath learned wit to avoid pain, and he that crieth after a hurt, must learn patience for ease. He that oweth money and cannot pay it, is an agent for sorrow but he that hath it and will not pay it, is a Steward for hell. He that scof●eth at God, is already with the Devil, and though he walk in the world, he hath a hell in his conscience. He that selleth his clothes to be drunk with the money, will beg in age and starve for food. He that riseth early and maketh light meals, keeps his body in health, and his stomach in temper. He that makes Religion a cloak for villainy, deviseth with the Devil to cozen his soul of her comfort. If you see a fair wench leer after you when you are past, lay your hand on your heart for fear of your purse. If a stranger scrape acquaintance with you in some private place, think his wit, his wealth, or his honesty out of tune. He that selleth his ware, and lives by the loss, must give over his trade or die in poor case. A kind hearted man is easily abused, and a high spirited woman must be warily observed. If you offend God, repentance will have pardon, but if you offend the law, take heed of execution. If you marry a Whore, make much of the Horn, but if you marry a Scold, fall to your prayers. If you have a friend, and cannot use him, you lack wit, but if you abuse his love, you want honesty. He that tieth his love to beauty, may bring his heart to trouble, and he that marrieth a foul woman doth wrong to his eyesight. He that will never lend is unworthy to borrow, but he that comes into suretyship is in the way of undoing. If you see an offender's punishment, pray for amendment: but if a horse-courser be hanged it is happy for travailers. To give a woman her will may be hurt to her wit: & to bridle her nature, may move passion beyond reason. To build a house without money, is but a dream of folly, and to travel among thieves is danger of life. He that spends more than he gets, will hardly be rich, and he that speaks more than knows will never be counted wise. He that lest sinneth is the best man, and he that never repenteth is the worst. A prodigal spender will keep coin from cankering and a greedy Usurer will gnaw out the heart of a purse. He that travaileth a strange way had need of a guide, and if he want money he must far hard. A Mouse in a Cupboard will mar a whole Cheese, & an ill tongued woman will trouble a whole Town. He that is given to sleep, is borne to much trouble, and to over-watch nature may be a hurt to wit. He that leaveth the learned to live with the ignorant, may hap upon some wealth but he shall never be wise. An untrusty servant may rob a man of his goods, but a dogged wife will vex his heart. If you see a trull scarce give her a nod, but follow her not least you prove a noddy. A courteous Physician will make much of his patient, and time pleasers are no true divines. Strong beer hath two contrary virtues, it will quench a thirst, and warm the stomach. He that offends God to please a creature, is like him that killeth himself to avoid hurt. She that loves to make faces may have an Ape for her Schoolmaster, and he that feeds her humours, puts his wits to much trouble. He that loveth many can hardly please all, and he that loveth none, is either dogged or foolish. A Fool that is rich shall be followed with beggars, but the virtuous and wise are truly honourable. He that feasteth the rich, makes a friendship with Mommon, but he that relieveth the poor, is blessed of God. A Whores tears are a fools poison, and a thieves watch is the travailers woe. The shot of a Cannon makes a terrible report, but he that starts at the noise of it, will hardly prove a Soldier. The sound of a Trumpet stirs up the spirit of a Soldier, but if his heart fail him, he will not fight. women's Tears are an idle commodity, and t● live by panderism is a roguish profession. Swearing & lying is much among wicked men, & yet being so little believed, I wonder they do not leave it. A proud spirit is hateful to nature, and he that is unthankful for little, is worthy of nothing. the hope of the virtuous makes harvest in heaven, & the despair of the wicked brings their souls into hell. The Spider's web is a net for a Fly, and a flattering tongue is a trap for a Foole. That sight of a sword will affright a Coward, while a seasoned Soldier makes a flea-bites of a wound. A partial judge makes a pitiful law, and a dumb Preacher a pitiful parish. A bloody Soldier makes a pitiful war, and he that trusteth an enemy, may be betrayed ere he be aware. The soldiers honour is got with great travail, while the Usurer tumbleth in the ease of his wealth. The true spirit regards no dross, and he that makes a God of his gold will go to the Devil like a Beggar. He that leaves his spurs in his horse's belly, may sit down and sigh when he is weary with walking. He that will pass quietly through a common wealth must avoid the fool, and take heed of the knave. An Usurper of a crown will breed murmurs in a kingdom, but a wise governor is worthy of his place. He that cloyeth his stomach is an enemy to nature, and to overcharge wit is an abuse of reason. Vanity & pride, make the fools paradise, while love and beauty are the nurses of idleness. Blessed Children are the Parent's joys, while the barren womb is the curse of nature. A wise General and a valiant leader, are requisite in a Camp, but tyranny in conquest disgraceth the soldier the Gloe-wormes belly is the candle of the earth, & the Phoenix nest is too high for the world. the longest day will have a night at last, and age will whither the smoothest skin in the world. the dearth of the Corn makes Farmer's rich, but to starve the people is the shame of the state. No preaching in the world will make a jew a Christian, & a cutpurse will be his work when the thief is at the Gallows. He that hath lost his eyes may bid his friends good-night, and he that is going to the grave, hath made an end with the world. A fair man is like Curds and Cream, and a foul woman the grief of the eyes. A witty wanton is a pleasing mistress, but an honest housewife is the best to breed on. He that is given to drinking is subject to the dropsy, and a lickerous grocer will eat out his gain. A Garden is pleasant if it be full of fai●e Flowers, so is a fair woman endued with good qualities. A fair flower without scent, is like a fair woman without grace. Herbs are wholesome, gathered in their time, and money well used is an excellent metal. If Christmas lasted all the year, what would become of Lent? and if every day were good friday, the world would be weary of fasting. The grief of the heart is a weakening to the body, but the worm of conscience eats into the very soul. A jest is never well broken, but when it hurteth not the hearers, and profiteth the speaker. Hope is comfortable in absence, but possession is the true pleasure. Words out of time are lost, and service unrewarded is miserable. To follow fools is the annoyance of wit, and to serve a Churl is a miserable slavery. Variety of acquaintance is good for observation, and to make use of knowledge, proves the sense of understanding. Early rising gains the morning, and a dark night is the thieves watch. A fantastical travailer, is the figure of an Ape, and a proud woman is a fools Idol. The eye is small yet is seethe much, and the heart but little, & yet it is the life of the body. The hope of profit makes labour easy, and the hand of bounty wins the heart of virtue. A Candle gives a dim light in the Sun, & where Diana keeps her Court, Cupid is out of countenance. A man is as dead when he sleepeth, and darkness is the sorrow of time. There is no true rich man but the contented not truly poor but the covetous. A weak body is not for travel, nor a sim ple wit for a Sceptre. No man liveth that doth not sometime amiss, but he that delighteth in sin is a devil in carnate. They that love their beds, are great flea-feeders, and he that spends his spirits, cannot have a strong body. The rich man's goods makes him fearful to die, and the poor man's want makes him weary of his life. The fire of Anger burneth the Soul, and the cold of fear chilleth the heart. snuff a Candle and it will burn clear, and cut off dead flesh, and the wound will heal the sooner. The heartache brings the body into sickness, but the Worm of Conscience breeds the soul's torment. Time's altars natures, and honours manners; but a virtuous heart will never yield to villainy. Miseries are the trial of patience, but love is the master of passions. Thought is a swift travailer, and the Soul is in heaven in an instant. A kind nature winneth love, but a stubborn spirit is a plague to reason. The disease of opinion doth beguile us in the taste of happiness, while the vanity of delights is but the superfluity of desires. Patience at the point of death, sets a seal to the perfections of life. How vain is the love of riches, which may be lost or left in an instant? In the trial of truth excuse will not help dishonesty. Try wits by their wisdom, and love them for their virtue. Rejoice not in any man's misery, but be pitiful to thy very enemy, and comfort the afflicted in what is fit for charity. Follow not the Amorous, for they are humorous, nor the humorous, for they are idle. Give what thou dost frankly, and be Master of thine own purse, least base servility make abridgement of thy bounty. Be not jealous without just cause, and do no wrong for any cause. If thou dost ill, do not excuse it: if well, do not boast of it. Nature inclined to evil, must by correction be brought to good, for discretion by instruction finds the way to perfection. The key of wantonness openeth the door unto wickedness. the cares of business, and the variety of pleasures, are the soul's hindrances to her higbest happiness. Sin comes with conception, but grace only by inspiration. In the repentance of sin sorrow bringeth comfort. Where pride is poison to power, and will an enemy to patience, there envy can endure no equality, till death put an end to desire. Greater is the grief to lose then never to have, and to see the fall of virtue than the death of nature, Irrevocable is the loss of time, and incomparable the grief of ingratitude, but the abuse of love is abhorred in nature. When a Dog howls, an Owl singes, a Woman scolds, and a Pig cries, whether for a penny is the best music. Full hearts cannot weep, and swallowed sighs make swollen breasts, while wisdom covereth woes, till death cover wretchedness. Who laboureth for knowledge, makes a benefit of time, but he that loveth virtue looks after eternity. The instruction of truth makes the wit gracious, while the practice of Craft makes the heart impious. He that makes beauty a Star, studies false Astronomy, and he that is sound in Love, needs no other purgatory. The depth of passion, trieth the height of patience, where if wit bridle not the senses; nature will reveal her imperfection. The remembrance of vanities, is a reviving of miseries, where the looking glass of life becomes an hourglass of death. The exercise of venery is the Cow-path to beggary, and he that diminisheth his stock, may go to the hedge for a stake. The Landlord's prodigality makes the tenant's profit, and a proud beggar is a dogged Rascal. A Cat may lose a Mouse and catch her again, but he that looseth time can never recover it. When rich men die, they are buried with pomp, but when good men die, they are buried with tears. Bloody actions makes fearful visions, while the joy of peace is the spirits Paradise. When all under the Sun is vanity, where hath virtue her dwelling in the world, but only in the heart of the elect, whose love is only in the heavens. An intemperate spirit spoils the body, and a proud heart gives a wound to the soul. The shame of wit is folly, and the shame of nature sin. Who travaileth out of the world, to seek the truth of heavens history, if he be not assured of grace, will make but an unhappy journey. Comfortable is the grave where death is the end of grief, but joyful is that faith, that finds the life of eternity A Knight that dares not fight, hath honour in jest, & a merchant without money may adventure for nothing. The pinching of the body, makes a stinking breath, and strait shoes fill the feet full of corns. Women with child long for many things, but all the world longs for money. A great wit may have a weak body, and a great head but a little wit. The Dolphin is held the swiftest fish in the Sea, but the thought of a man hath no comparison in the world. The Tiger is said to be the cruelest beast in the world, but an Usurer upon a bond will go to the Devil for money. A Maiden blush is an excellent colour, and a virtuous wit makes a Virgin honourable. A constant Lover is an admirable Creature, but the man of wealth goes through the world. Offices are sweet in the nature of gain, but the abuse of an oath is the burden of conscience. A sore eye is ever running, and a Gossip's tongue is ever babbling. Cross paths many times puts a man out of his way, and cross fortunes many ways puts a man out of his wits. Great winds are dangerous at Sea, so is a judges breath, to an offender. The Philosopher's stone hath mocked a number of Students, and Love hath troubled a world of Idle people. Virginity is precious while it is purely reaped, but is it catch a crack the beauty is gone. The eyes grow dim when they come to spectacles, and it is cold in valleys when a snow lieth on the Mountains. The sting of a Scorpion is only healed with her blood, and where beauty wounds, love makes the cure. Imprisonment and death are the miseries of nature, and the Sergeant's Mace is a hellish weapon. A Child that fears not the rod will hardly prove gracious, and a man that fears not God, will be in hell ere he be aware. Elixirs are great restoratives, but much Physic is offensive to nature. A Pen without ink writes a very blank Letter, and a Purse without money, makes many a cold heart. Stolen Venison is sweet, so the stealer can scape, but if he be catched he will pay for his hunting. The Anglers sport is full of patience, and if he lose his hook he makes a fair fishing. A shower of Rain doth well in a Drought, but when Dust turns to Dirt, the house is better than the highway. A little Salt seasons a great pot, & a little poison kills a world of people. jewels are as they are esteemed, and there is nothing forced that is welcome. A little seed will sow a great ground, and a Snuff of a Candle will set a whole house on fire. The want of necessaries breaks the heart of an honest man, and to be beholding to a Dog, is a death to a good mind. When the Rich pray on the poor, and the poor pray for the Rich, there is great differnce in praying. A scold and a fool must be answered with silence, while wisdoms words are worth the writing in gold. Philosophy is a sweet study, and History are sometime worth the reading, but the Bible in all excellence, puts down all the Books in the world. Much reading makes a ready Scholar, but the gift of nature doth much in Arte. A Fool and a knave cannot take thought, while an honest heart is full of sorrow. A far travailer seeth much, but he that goes to heaven makes a happy journey. The Kings of the earth are rich in gold, but blessed are the souls that are rich in grace. The air is often cleansed by lightning, but till the world change it will never be clean from sin. An escape from danger is comfortable, but to keep out of it is wisdom. He that makes an Epicure of his mind, makes a Gull of his wit: for time is precious to the understanding spirit. A Diamond may be little, and yet of great price but the grace of God is more worth than the whole world. Fancy and fashion trouble many idle people, but the study of Divinity ravisheth the souls of the elect. Cocks of the game will by nature fight, and a heart of Oak will burst ere it bend. The sight of the Sea will affray a faint heart, while the Sailors care but a little for the Land. The cries of Fools make a foul noise, while the hearts of the honest bleed inwardly. May-games and jests, fill the world full of mirth, but the feeling of grace fills the soul full of joy. A Fly feeds a Swallow that will choke a man, and that which kills a Spider will comfort a man. Th' Stone and the Gout follow the rich, but death where he cometh makes a swoop with all persons. A poor man in his cottage is merrier with his pittance, than many a Lord in the midst of his Living. Great minds and small means are the overthrow of many good wits. A broken heart is God's cure, whose oil of grace is a salve for all sores. He that hath forsworn a beard, hath a strange face, and she that hath no teeth, may learn to suck. A friend is best tried at a need, and a fawning foe is not to be trusted. Beef and Mutton are strong food, and hunger is the best sauce to any meat in the world. Sickness is the bodies Curb, and sorrow the minds, but unkindness in a friend is the breake-heart of a goodspirit. Necessity will break through stone walls, but to make an excercise of Beggary, is the condition of a Rascal. A painted sword is for a bragging Coward, but the soldiers Iron makes way where he goes. The rareness of a Toy, will set up the price, but the goodness of anything is best esteemed of the wise. A Bird without feathers will fly ill-favouredly, and a man without money is out of heart with all mirth. To be delivered of a Child is a joy to a Woman, and to be delivered from prison is a comfort to a man, but to be delivered from sin, is the truest joy of the Soul. A forward Child is seldom long lived, and to beget a fool is a grief to the Parents. He that crieth without cause, is worthy of hurt, and he that feels no hurt is full of dead flesh. Travail is good for stayed wits, and a strong body is best for labour. The rich man to fill the other bag, will pair a poor man to the very bones, but the good man will relieve his poor neighbour at his need. An unskilful rider may soon be out of the saddle, and a poor horse can go but softly. Some say Tobacco is good to purge the head, but he that followeth it well, will find it a shrewd purge to his purse. No eye can see the brightness of the Sun: how glorious then is that life from whence It hath light? Many are fortunate that are not wise, but there is no man happy until he come into heaven. Fire and Sword are the terror of a Camp, but Thunder and Lightning are the terror of the world. A fair house is a comfortable lodging, but the sweet Air reviveth the senses. A fair horse is comely to look on, but if he prove heavy he is nought for travel. The sires of afflictions refine the spirits of the faithful, and happy is the heart that endures to the end. many factions breed seditions, but unity and peace are the joys of a Kingdom. An Asses bray is an unpleasant noise, but the knell of a passing bell kills the heart of the wicked. A man will forbear many things for fear of the law, but how few forbear any sin for fear of God's judgement? Delicate meats are no strong food, but the spring water is clear drink. Great assemblies are markets for the Cutpurse, but a bare purse kills his heart. Envy among great men, make misery of poor men, and when women breed the quarrels, they are not easily ended. A discreet judge makes a blessed Law, and a penitent offender is worthy of pardon. Great boast and small roast, makes a cold Kitchen, and shrugging of shoulders is no paying of debts. He that may live well and will not, is of a wicked nature, but he that would live well and cannot, hath his heart full of grief. The Flies and the Bees live in swarms, & the Ants and the worms live in heaps, but men can hardly make a company to live quiet. Poisoned drink may be in a silver cup, and he that plucketh a Rose may prick his hand in gathering of it. The Porpoises in the Sea will play against a storm, & many make a banquet to make an end of the guests. The merchant and the Tradesman are the upholders of a commonwealth, but if they leave out the Farmer, they may fast for their Supper. A discreet woman is worthy of honour, and a foolish man the disgrace of nature. Burnt Children dread the fire; while old fools will play with the Coals. A ravening Cur is not good for a house, and a Hawk that feeds fowl, will never be a high flyer. He that removes a Landmark is a very bad neighbour, & he that sets a travailer out of his way is a wicked villain. A delaying hope is grievous to the heart, but despair is the greatest torment of the soul. To lie in bed and not sleep, to see meat and have no stomach, to serve long, and get no wages, are three great miseries in the life of man. No man knows a grief so well as he that hath it, and no man more joyful than he that is rid of it. It is a grief to a man to lack wit, but more grief to some to lack grace to govern it. An aged man is a Calendar of experience, and a spruce youth is like a picture. A deadly wound makes a quick dispatch, but a lingering hope breeds a long grief. To meddle with state matters may be more trouble than profit, but to part man & wife is a wicked practice. At a little hole a man may see day, but if he shut his eyes the light will do him little good. Horselieches will burst with sucking of blood and a swelling Toad is a venomous creature. A Tortoise shell will hardly break, but at the least touch she will pull in her head. He that hath a wife hath a charge, and he that hath a good wife hath a blessing, but he that hath a bad wife, is in a pitiful taking. She that loves not her husband, lacks either honesty or wit, and she that loveth not herself, will go near to be sluttish. The Winter nights is for the Gossip's cup, and Summer's heat makes the Brewer's harvest. The Lamb and the Dove are two pretty creatures, but the Dog and the Hog are sullen beasts. A Fox by nature is full of craft, while a fool wants reason to make use of wit. The smooth grass will hide a Snake, and a feigned smile a false heart. To go to Church for fashion, is an abuse of religion, and to pray without devotion, is breath to no purpose. Good Ink graceth a Letter, but if the paper be nought, the pen will do no good. A long diet kills the stomach, and a desperate purge may be a peril of life. The Owl and the Swallow brings in Winter and Summer, but the Nightingale & the Cuccoe talk only of the merry time. Light gains make heavy purses, but he that labours for nothing may give over his work. He that will hold out the year must abide winter and summer, and he that will go into heaven must endure the miseries of the world. To feed a jester is but a jest of wit, but he that gives not care to a tale, it never troubles him. When a Lion roars come not in his way, & when a Fox preacheth beware the Geese. A faithful friend is a rich jewel, and a silent woman is a strange creature. Nature is subject to imperfection, but an Atheist is a horrible creature. He that lighs in a whirl pool, is in danger of drowning, and the loss of liberty is the sorrow of nature. A rich Court is a goodly sight, but he that looks up to heaven will not care for the world. when old men are wilful, their wits are out of temper, and when young men are wise, they are in the way to honour. An old sore tries the skill of a Physician, and if he get a name, he will quickly be rich. The fish of the River is not afraid of drowning, and if he play with a bate, it may cost him his life. An Ass hath long ears, and a Fox a long tail, but a tongue will be so long that it will overreach out of measure. A neighing horse is not good for a thief, nor a questing Spaniel will make a good setter. A Dog will rejoice at the sight of his Master, when perhaps his Mistress will frown at his coming home▪ The bones of the dead, break the hearts of the living, when a poor Gamester looseth his money. The kindness of the heart is tried in adversity, and the doggedness of the mind in the height of prosperity. When the Hare is in chase, fear makes her run, but when the hounds are at a fault, she hath time to get away. He that plays the Rogue in the morning, may be a villain till night, but if he be sorry when he goes to bed he may rise an honest man. He that is wounded in the heart hath made an end of his days, but he that hath a wound in the Soul knows not when to end his sorrow. A looking-glass will make a fool proud of his beauty, but an hourglass will make a wise man remember his end. The variety of Flowers makes a Spring beautiful, but the fair harvest makes a fat barn. Tobacco smoke is very costly, but the ashes of it are good for a galled back. A proud Mechanic will look over a Merchant, and a rich Churl will look like Bull beef. The wind is weak, yet it bears down great Oaks, and water is weak, yet it swallows up great ships. A worm-eaten nut is not worth the cracking, and a cracked jewel not worth the wearing. Mony-masters are the pride of the market, but if you part without a pot, you are no good fellow. A subtle Bowler will have a shrewd aim, but if he miss his byace his bowl may deceive him. A dropping nose had need of a handkerchief, and a splay footed woman is a beastle sight. Time is never idle, but not ever well employed, when wit without government falls to fast upon folly. he that hath many wounds looseth much blood, and he that hath many quarrels will have little quiet. Unkindness is a cut to an honest heart, but a Dogged wife is the heart's torture. He that salts his meat will keep it from stinking, & he that mortifies his flesh will keep it from much sin. He that hath an ill face hath need of good wit, but money covereth many imperfections. When the winds are down, the Sea will be calm, but quarrels begun are not easily ended. Where there is much Carrion there will be store of Crows, and at the burial of a Rich man, there will be store of beggars. Threescore years and ten are a man's fair age, but after fourscore his strength is gone. To wrestle with a beggar a man may get but a louse, and to brabble with a Scold will make but a foul noise. Many hands makes quick work, but one is enough in a purse. Good herbs makes wholesome broth, but a filthy weed among them may mar all. A Winter's Summer makes an unkindly harvest, and a Summer's Winter is not healthful for a man. A Cuckold is the scorn of marriage, but a Wittol is a beast in nature. A finical fellow is like an Usher of a Dancing School, and a demure Mistress like the picture of hypocrisy. Three chief things a travailer had need to have a care of: his Tongue, his Purse, and his middle finger. Three other chief things had all men need to look to: the soul, the body, and the state. To converse with Children, is got little experience: but to talk with fools is the abuse of wit, Revenge is the villainy of nature, and Tyranny the horror of reason. What a jest is it in the nature of reverence, when men must put off their hats while their Masters are pissing. Use makes perfection in many things, else could not the hangman be so nimble at the halter. A skilful Physician knows how to use his Patient, and a cunning Lawyer to do with his Client. He that hath a mint of money, and an idle Woman to spend it, let him feed all her humours, and he shall soon see an end of it. He that reckoneth his Chickens before they be hatched, may miss of his brood when the Hen leaves the nest. When Geese fly together they are known by their cackling, & when Gossips do meet they will be heard. All earthly things have an end, but the torments of the wicked are endless. In great extremities is tried the greatest friendship, but when man's help faileth, God is a sweet comforter. The miseries of the world are many, but God's mercies are infinite. Hollow winds are a sign of rain, and a long consumption is incurable. The Gout and the stone are two tickling diseases, but the pox is a slight cure. Hell Gates and a whore's apron are ever open for wicked guests. To the faithful there is no damnation, and to the damned no salvation. A crafty knave needs no broker, and a snarling Cur will bite behind. Under simplicity is hidden much subtlety, and the Crocodiles tears are the death of the travailer. The chameleon liveth only in the air, and the Salamander lives only in the fire. To traffic with vanity, is to run into misery, and had iwist is an idle speech. The world goes hard with pride, when a Lady lies at a red Lattice. True Knights make Ladies, and counterfeits mar them. Need makes a heavy shift, when a man pawns his clothes for his dinner. When Tailors began to meat Lords lands by the yard, than began gentility to go down the wind. When vanity brings toys to idleness, let wit beware of foolishness. When a Soldiers pay is most in provant, he will hardly be led into a sharp piece of service. He that makes holiday of every day, makes an idle weeks work, and he that labours on the Sabbath will never have his work to prosper. A scholars commons make a short dinner, and yet he may be in more health than an Epicure. An ill blast of wind will spoil a young plant, and a bitter frost is bad for fruit. A poor man shuts his door to keep out the wind, but a rich man shuts his door to keep out beggars. A kindly Colyer is ever besmeered, and a Smith and a Glasse-maker are never out of the fire. A down bed is soft to lie on, but yet it soaks the body more than a mattress. Truth hath often much a do to be believed, and a lie runs far before it be staid. To be busy with a multitude, is to incur trouble, & to fear sparrow-blasting is a pitiful folly. When wit brings youth to beauty, and vanity brings pride to beggary, than reason seeth nature's misery. A sorry bargain makes a heavy soul, when the heart aches and cannot be helped. Evil words are the worst part of eloquence, and he that breaks the peace must answer the law. Affability breeds love, but familiarity contempt. He that is careless of his state, may quickly prove a beggar, and he that is fearless of God, will quickly prove a Devil. Witches and Sorcerers do much hurt in a Common wealth, but after the Gallows they do go to the Devil. A Parrot well taught will talk strangely in a Cage, but the Nightingale sings most sweetly in a wood. An unkind Neighbour is ill to dwell by, and an unwholesome body is ill to lie by. A poisoned sword is a pestilent weapon, and he that useth it hath a murderous heart. A trotting horse beats sore in hard, way but a resty jade is a villainous beast. The wound of sorrow goes deep into the heart, but a Bullet in the Brain is a medicine for all diseases. An ill weed grows fast, but a pair of shears will cut him down. judas Treason was most abominable, and jobs patience most admirable. Sweet fresh water is comfortable in a City, and the want of it is the plague of the people. Study is the exercise of the mind, but too much of it may be a spoil of the brain. When the saddle pincheth, how can the horse travail? and when the wise lack money their, wits ara in a poor case. Howling Dogs betoken death, and a Screech-owl at a window brings no good tidings to a house. Babes will be stilled with lullaby, but an old fool will never be quiet. The Sun is the Labourers dial, and the Cock the housewives watchman. Diogenes Tub was a poor house, and yet Alexander would come thither to talk with him. Many a dog is hanged for his skin, and many a man killed for his purse. He that loves not a woman lacks a piece of a man, and he that loves too many, may be weary of his wooing. The savour of the earth makes a Ploughman hungry and after a storm the Sailors drink merrily. A wax-candle and a Watch are good for a student, but if he want wit, he will be no great scholar. A private rebuke is a sweet correction, but an open punishment makes some shameless. When shepherds fall to be Huntsmen, the Wolf may be with their Flocks: and when the Warrener is at the Alehouse his coneyes may be stolen. He that goeth softly commonly goeth safely: but if he have haste of his way he looseth much time. 'tis soon enough that is well enough, and never to late that doth good at last. The desire of doing well, is accepted before God, but the neglect of doing well deserveth his displeasure. Sweet are the deceits of love, but bitter is the taste of repentance. Who attendeth profit is not sorry for patience: and the faithful with the patient are best travailers to heaven. A fair hand is a virtuous ornament, but a virtuous spirit is a royal treasure. A sharp wit hath a quick invention, but a judicious spirit hath best understanding. He that trusteth words proveth hope, and he that serveth a fool looseth time. Without valour men are shadows: and without Love women Tartar's. Delay is the grief of hope, but good never comes to late. That is not to day, may be to morrow, but yesterday will never come again. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of God, but it is a foul thing to shake hands with the Devil. The greatest proof of folly is wilfulness, and the greatest proof of wit is patience. too much reading is ill for the eyesight, and too little reading is ill for the insight. Time slipped is unhappy, time lost is grievous, time well taken shows care, but to employ it well is gracious. And so much for this time. Laus Deo. FINIS.