AN ABRIDGEment of all the Canonical books of the old Testament, written in Sternholds meter by W. Samuel Minister.  
The names of the books are in the next leaf following.  
❧ Imprinted at London by William Seres. Anno Domini. 1569.  
Cum privilegio ad imprimendum solum.   

The contents of this book.  

1. Genesis.  
2. Exodus.  
3. Leviticus.  
4. Numeri.  
5. Deuterone.  
6. joshua.  
7. judges.  
8. Ruth  
9 1. Kings  
10. 2. Kings  
11. 3. Kings  
12. 4. Kings.  
13. 1. Chronicles  
14. 2. Chroni.  
15. 1. Esdras.  
16. 2. Esdras.  
17. Esther  
18. job.  
19 Psalms.  
20. Proverbs of Solomon.  
21. Ecclesiastes.  
22. Songs of Solomon.  
23. Esay the Prophet.  
24. jeremy the Prophet.  
25. Lamentati. of jeremy.  
26. Ezechiel the Prophet.  
27. Daniel the Prophet.  
28. Osea the Prophet.  
29. joel the Prophet.  
30. Amos the Prophet.  
31. Abdias. the Prophet.  
32. jonas. the Prophet.  
33. Micheas the Prophet.  
34. Nahum the Prophet.  
35. Abacuch the Prophet.  
36. Sophoniah the Pro.  
37. Haggeus the Prophet  
38. Zacharias the Proph.  
39 Malachias the Proph.    

The Preface.  
GRace mercy & peace from God the Father of our Lord jesus Christ by whose means we are made of strangers free Citizens, & of the household of god and appointed to dwell in his kingdom again, so that we be not disobedient unto his calling by his holy spirit, which spirit, is a sure certain maker of our spirit, that we be the true begotten sons of God. dearly beloved when that I did remember how willing▪ that the Israelites were at the making of the Tabernacle, every man to give part of that which he had (towards the building of the same) yea and such plenty came in daily to the workmen, that stay was made for bringing in any more. And also how that in salomon's days, every man gave to the building of the temple more or less, and now seeing it hath pleased our jehoas to give commandment to the Priests to repair the Temple at their charge. And our Darius to forbid any man to hinder the work, but all men to further the same: I (as a cariar of rubbish or fillingꝭ) have thought myself to negligent in looking on so long, and although that my labour be small, & my cunning much less, yet let the free Masons (or master workmen) bear with me, and accept my good will, be séeching them to build on as they have begun, that I, and such prentices of theirs as I am: may daily learn at their handis, at length to be journey men, the head master of all assisting us. I have taken in hand to make in meeter, the chief & principal matters in the whole Bible, keeping the order of the chapters as they stand, & also beginning the first▪ chapter of every book with A. the first letter of the Crosse-rowe, and the second B. the third C. and so to the letter U. the Alphabet to last, xx. letters, keeping on twenty Chapters. Now if the book or part of the same be above twenty chapters: them begin I with A. again, as for example, Genesis hath fifty chapters, therefore because that it should not be to tedious: it is divided into two parts, as the first part five & twenty Chapters, and so the next, then when the twenty chapters be done, A. and so B. C. D. E. which are five letters, and there ends that part, then beginneth the next part with A. again, and so to twenty, and then those five letters again, and so ends that book and fifty chapters, but some book hath not twenty chapters, as here in this setting out, the book of Ruthe, then goeth the letters no further than there be chapters, as D. is the fourth letter, so hath that story but four chapters. Know the letter and his number, & then you have the Chapter, for the which I have here devised how that the simple man or other shall tell the most of all the matters notable in the Bible, upon his fingers, as here after is a hand held abroad upright, & another hand closed in saving the fore finger, which pointeth to the top of the thumb on the left hand, where standeth the letter A. and the number one, so hold thou out thy left hand, and point with thy fore finger of thy right hand, to the top of thy left hand thumb, and understand that there is the first letter, the first in number, and the first chapter of each book (unless that it begin again as I told thee of Genesis) then though it be the first letter, yet standeth it for one & twenty in number and chapters. So then to the next joint of the thumb and that is B▪ the second letter, the second number and chapter, than the third joint, is third in number and Chapter also, then to the top of the fore fiinger, and there is D. the fourth letter, the fourth in number, and the fourth chapter, and so as before, until that you come to the last joint of the little finger, and that is the letter T. and the number ninetéen, and in the palm of the hand standeth the letter U. and that is the number twenty and chapter likewise, now then there is no more, but be sure to learn what number every joint is, and what letter, and then having the letter and the number, the chapter is so in number, as the staff doth begin with all in letter, but be sure of the book in which the story is, that you would know, as to make you perfect, here is examples by order of questions, thou must have the book parfet by rote, than one asketh thee, where is it in the book of Genesis that the Angels came & lodged with Lot the night afore that Sodom and Gomorra were destroyed, if thou be not altogether parfet, ask him whether he can say the staff, if he cannot, if he have the book bid him tell thee the letter, if he cannot neither, than thy cunning shallbe the more tried, well this it is.  
The staff beginneth with T. what number is T. that is ninetéen, say then.  
Two Angels lodged, and Sodom men,  
would then have them defiled:  
Blinded they were and after stroyed,  
save Lot and his unfilde.  
THe hardest example is this, where is it that Abraham charged his man to go and fetch a wife for Isaac of his own kindred, and how he brought Rebecca, the chapter is the four & twenty of Genesis, and the staff beginneth with D. as. Decree did Abram to his man. etc. Now D. in the number of letters is the fourth, but then twenty chapters be afore, and therefore D. in that place is four & twenty, so that A.B.C.D.E. are some times one and twenty, two and twenty three and twenty, four and twenty, and five and twenty chapters. But to conclude, this I do exhort, that ye learn to say this book without the book, so shall you soon understand all that I have said, the study is good and profitable, and it once obtained, great commodity shall you find: as hearing a Preacher preach, if he say this text, this place, this story, this parable and this sentence is in the scripture, if no: thou shalt know for the most places, if yea: thy conscience shall be joined to his, his saying to be true, and also it shallbe joyful unto thee, to hear that place brought into thy remembrance, yea and sometime (as now, blessed be God is often heard) a hard place or dark speaking, or a story applied and expounded to thy great comfort and edifying. And in continuance thou shalt be able to say much in holy writings, and to understand many things necessary to be known for every christian, which is my only desire, knowing that exercise in godliness is much worth, and all scriptures of God are good for the man of God, both to be improved and also instructed, that he may be parfet (which God send my country people once to be) that God's merciful hand may be always over us, who ever be praised.  
Note that if the book be divided in two partis: then be sure of the number of chapters in the first part, and then set them to those following, as is showed thee afore, as the first part of Genesis is five and twenty chapters, than A. in the beginning of the second part is six and twenty, & B. seven and twenty, and forth to five and forty, and then A. is six & forty, and so to fifty.  
1569  

A 
1  B 
2  C 
3  D 
4  E 
5  F 
6  G 
7  H 
8  I 
9  K 
10  L 
11  M 
12  N 
13  O 
14  P 
15  Q 
16  R 
17  S 
18  T 
19  V 
20     depiction of two hands showing counting using fingers, forming a key to chapter numbers. 

TO every joint,  
The finger point,  
In order as they stand:  
The letter then,  
To all those men,  
That take this book in hand.  
Then shall they know,  
And plainly show,  
The Chapter out of d●●t:  
Of any thing,  
In this writing,  
The letter once found out.  
From A. to V  
The thing is true,  
The Alphabet doth last:  
Even twenty just,  
From last to first,  
So count you must to cast.  
If you once find,  
The letter in mind,  
And know what number it is:  
You may be sure,  
Of that Scripture  
To hit and not to miss.  
But perfect must,  
You be to trust,  
The letter and his some:  
And then you may,  
Withouten nay,  
The story tell to come.  
Also the book,  
See that you look,  
How it is called by name:  
And then the text,  
And number next,  
Be sure it is the same.   
¶ Finis.   

¶ Faults escaped in the Printing.  
¶ In Genesis the xlv. Chapter, be left out the v. vi.vij. and eight lines, which be these following.  

Then willed he his brethren strait,  
their father for to fetch:  
In Egypt land to bide and dwell,  
as far as it did stretch.   
Exodus the sixth chapter the first line, for feastfully, read feft fully.  
Leviticus the sixtéen chap. the fourth line for matter, read manner.  
Numeri the fift chap. the last line, for decreed, read decree.  
Deuteronomium the three & twenty cha. the seventh line, for the love of things, read the lone of things.  
joshua the xxi. chapter the seventh line, As God them gave: So God them gave.  
Samuel the second book the eleventh chap. the second line, for Bethsade, read Bethsabe.  
The fourth of Kings, the thirtéen chapter the fift line, for nad, read had.  
The first of Chronicles, the twenty-three. chapter the last line, for upon, read upon.  
The second of Chronicles, the xx. chapter, the seven. line▪ for lives, read lines.  
The second of Esdras, the third chapter, the first line, for bnilt, read built.  
job the xviij. chapter, the fift line, for with read net.  
Psalm the four & twenty, the first line, for them, read though.  
Psalm the xxix. the seventh line, for have read save.  
Psalm the five and thirty, the third line, for this, read his.  
Psalm the C.xvi the first line, but he that would, read but that he would.  
Psalm the C.xxx. the seventh line, some thing yet made, some think it made.  
Proverbs the xii. chap. read the xxxi. chap.  
The Canticles the first cha. the fourth line and now, read and none.  
Esay the lvij. chap. the first line, for righteousness, read righteous men.  
Ezechiel the third chapter the third line, for sword., read word  
Ezechiel the fift chapter, the fift line, for floke, read stroke.  
Ezechiel the xviij. chap. the first line, for some, read sin.  
Ezechiel the xxxij. chap. the first line, for much more, read much moan.  
Zacharias the ninth chap. the seventh and the eight line, for the lowly, read he lowly, and for them, in the last line, him.   



In. G. Ex. L.N. and D,  
The five bookꝭ of Moses contained be.   

¶ The i. Chapter.  
ALmighty God did make the heavens  
and set therein these lightꝭ  
The Sun, the Moon, & all the stars  
appearing in our sightis.  
The earth, the Sea, and all therein,  
all these his word did make:  
With man made last and yet set first,  
his will on them to take.   

The ij. Chapter.  
BEgin did then the Lord to rest,  
From making of such things  
And pointed Adam to a place.  
a garden full of springs.  
One tree denied, and man doth name  
the beastis after his will:  
In sleep to him his make was made,  
which did his mind fulfil.   

The iij. Chapter.  
CAused was man by Satan's sleight  
God's will to break outright:  
The he, the she, and the Serpent  
are cursed and driven out quite.  
For fear lest man should then despair,  
with his wife and to hell:  
The woman's seed that which was Christ  
shall come and make all well.   

The iiii. chapter.  
DOwn fell Abel, Cain him slew,  
in offering to the Lord:  
The just was slain of the unjust,  
as scripture doth record.  
Then is he cursed and doth despair,  
after his wicked deed:  
The genealogy of Adam's sons,  
and their sons doth proceed.   

The v. chapter.  
Every year that Adam lived,  
is there most plainly told:  
Whose age was then even nine hundred  
and full thirty year old.  
And so from him unto just Noah,  
the chapter doth express:  
The names & years how long they lived  
with much of their success.   

The vi. chapter.  
Full wicked were the people tho,  
a flood was threat of God:  
With a precept to make an ark,  
even as the Lord had bod.  
And then did No prepare the ship,  
after the Lords devise:  
And ready priest as he was wild  
against the flood should rise.   

The seven. chapter.  
GOd spoke these words to Noah his man  
and we thereto must hark:  
Go thou and all thy family,  
with speed into the ark.  
Even so did No as God him bad,  
and took of each kind twain:  
His wife, his sons, and all their wives,  
and then began the rain.   

The viii. chapter.  
hundredth days and odd fifty,  
the flood began to end:  
A Raven and eke a dove also,  
Noah, forth for news did send.  
Then went No forth and did offer,  
to God burnt sacrifice:  
Which liked well the God on high,  
when the smell did arise.   

The ix. chapter.  
IN favour than was Noah and blessed,  
and murder is denied:  
A rainbow sent, and promise made  
with water not destroyed.  
Then Noah fell drunk and lay unhilde,  
and Ham his son was glad:  
The other held him and were blessed,  
But Ham his cursing had.   

The x. chapter.  
Know ye may of No his sons,  
As Sem, Ham and japheth:  
Chus, Hams son begot Nemrod,  
a hunter on the heath.  
Of these three sons & their sons sons  
the earth was stored again:  
In tongues & kinds with realms & lands,  
But most of them were vain.   

The xi. chapter.  
LEwdly forth went this rout to build,  
Babel that great high tour  
The Lord came down & changed their tongues  
in less space than an hour.  
The kind of Sem again is told,  
unto just Abraham:  
Which went with Lot his father's son  
and dwelled at Haran.   

The xii. chapter.  
Much favour God showed to Abram,  
dwelling in Canaan:  
Which God him plight, than came a dearth,  
to Egypt went he than.  
Then willed he Sarai his wife,  
to call him brother tho:  
The king her took and was plagued,  
whose name hight Pharaoh.   

The xiii. chapter.  
NEighbourlike yode Lot and he,  
And toward the south they went▪  
Then parted they their land and good  
that God had to them lent.  
The promise then to Abram is,  
repeated once again:  
That he and his seed after him,  
the blessed land should obtain.   

The xiv. chapter.  
OF foreign kings Lot taken was,  
which ward and won that land:  
But then Abram did them destroy,  
and took him from their hand.  
Melchisedech with bread and wine,  
him met with much boast:  
He gave him tenth and paid the king,  
of Sodom all he lost.   

The xv. chapter.  
Perform would God the land he had,  
to Abram promised:  
A son to have he doth believe,  
and so is justified.  
How that his feed in bondage should,  
in Egypt there remain:  
And be restored unto their land,  
and so sent home again.   

The xvi. chapter.  
QUite barren Sara thought she was  
and gave Abram her maid:  
Which did conceive and being proud  
her mistress did upbraid.  
Her mistress chod, and she to go,  
for faring with her fell:  
An Angel her returned again,  
and plight her Ishmael.   

The xvii. chapter.  
Remove did God then Abraham's name,  
and called him Abraham:  
And Sarai is named Sara,  
of whom though Isaac came.  
The sacrament is here begun  
of Circumcision:  
Isaac is plight, and Abraham  
for Ishmael doth moan.   

The xviii. chapter.  
SO unto him three men appeared,  
like travailers of miles:  
Sara did hear that she should bear,  
and womanlike she smiles.  
The overthrow of Sodom then,  
to Abraham they told:  
He prayeth to them being one God,  
his vengeance to with hold.   

The nineteen. chapter.  
TWo Angels lodged, and Sodom men  
would then have them defiled:  
Blinded they were and after stroyed,  
save Lot and his unfilde.  
His wife to salt was turned tho,  
for breaking God's precept:  
His daughters he begat with child  
when drunklike he had slept.   

The xx. chapter.  
WHen Abraham did flit he dwelled,  
In the land of Gerar:  
His wife was fair, he feared his life  
and called her sister.  
Abimeleck sent for her then,  
his pleasure for to have:  
God him denied and then the king,  
Much riches to her gave.   

The xxi. chapter.  
Almighty God to Sara sent,  
Isaac her only son:  
And Agar with her child put out,  
no longer there to won.  
An Angel did her comfort tho,  
being in wilderness  
About a well, Abimeleck  
and Abraham made peace.   

The xxij. chapter.  
BEing then wild, to kill his son,  
and he thereto was priest:  
God told him that for his great faith  
in him all should be blessed.  
Nachor brother to Abraham,  
had eight sons by Milcha:  
One of her sons was Bethuel▪  
Father to Rebecca.   

The twenty-three. chapter.  
COmmend to God, did Sara then  
her soul that was so mild:  
At her full years she fell on sleep.  
and died undefiled.  
Then Abram bought a plat of ground,  
of Ephron the Hittite:  
He laid his wife into the cave,  
when it was his by right.   

The xxiv. chapter.  
Decree did Abram to his man,  
and swore him by an oath:  
To seek a wife for Isaac meet  
and so he did for troth.  
He went and came with Rebecca,  
which Isaac took to wife:  
So lived they together both,  
and led an honest life.   

The xxv. chapter.  
Eftsoons did Abram take a wife,  
which bore him children more:  
He died and gave Isaac his son  
his good and all his store.  
Then Isaac's wife even at one birth,  
jacob and Esau bore:  
And Esau sold him land and right,  
And yet small was his fare.   

¶ Thus have you heard of Genesis,  
The pith and half the some:  
Twenty and five in chapters past,  
Sith that the first begun.    


The xxvi. chapter.  
A Death than came in isaack's time,  
and so he did remove:  
That land was plight to him and his  
of God that did him love.  
The king chod Isaac for his wife,  
because he did but fain:  
And shepherds strove about the wells,  
but all was well again.   

The xxvii. chapter.  
Beguiled did jacob Esau then,  
Rebecca wrought the feat:  
While Esau hunted in the field,  
his brother got the cheat.  
When Esau came from hunting home,  
it vexed him right sore:  
His father chéerd him, yet did he  
his brother hate therefore.   

The xxviii. chapter.  
Commanded jacob sought a wife  
and so to Laban went:  
Esau did wed an Ismaelite,  
which unto evil was bend:  
As he in sleep a Ladder saw,  
with Angels goodly dight:  
Of Christ is told a vow he made,  
unto the God of might.   

The xxix. chapter.  
Decree with Laban, jacob did,  
and served him seven year:  
Rahel to have it was his fee,  
but Lea did appear.  
And so beguiled, yet did he serve  
asmuch for Rachel more:  
He having both four babes he had,  
which Lea to him bore.   

The xx. chapter.  
Each of them both they gave their maid  
to their husband to wive:  
So had he children that they bore,  
they being still alive.  
And jacob asked what his reward,  
should be at Laban's hand:  
The spotted lambs and kids of goats,  
that fell in Laban's land.   

The xxxi. chapter.  
FLit then from Laban God him ba●,  
and so he did obey:  
He took his wives and all his good,  
and stily slipped away.  
Then Rachel stolen the Images,  
against her father's will:  
And Laban chod, but peace was made,  
with jacob on an hill.   

The xxxij. chapter.  
GOds host he saw as he forth went,  
his brother's wrath he feared:  
And therefore sent him gifts before,  
even hundreds on an heard.  
He with an Angel strove so long,  
till day did end the night:  
The Angel changed jacobs' name,  
and Israel him height.   

The xxxiij. chapter.  
Hastily Esau set him out,  
his brother for to meet:  
And jacob sent his herds afore,  
and came after on feet.  
But when they met they 'greed well,  
God so did work with them:  
In parting plotꝭ they dwelled in two,  
as jacob in Sichem.   

The xxxiiii. chapter.  
Jacob no daughter had but one  
that Dina hight by name:  
She went to see and to be seen,  
and so she came to shame.  
For Sichem did the damsel see,  
and forced her by might:  
He was destroyed by jacobs' sons,  
and all the city quite.   

The xxxv. chapter.  
Know well did jacob all their spite,  
to Bethel than he yed:  
His name is told, and Canaan  
is to him promised.  
In child bed Rachel did departed,  
and Benjamin she bore:  
Reuben unhilde his father's wife,  
and lost a fleece therefore.   

The xxxvi. chapter.  
LIkewise is told of Esau's wives,  
and gentles daughters all:  
He and jacob were very rich,  
in goods terrestrial.  
Esau had Dukes that were his sons,  
Even twelve in number just:  
He was father to Edomits,  
in whom God had no lust.   

The xxxvii. chapter.  
MOre for to hear of jacobs' life,  
in Canaan he dwelled:  
joseph's brethren liked him not,  
and cruelly they dealt.  
Into Egypt then was he sold,  
his brethren wrought the deed:  
They told his sire his son was slain,  
which made his heart to bleed.   

The xxxviii. chapter.  
NOw then is shown how juda took  
a wife of Canaan:  
He had three sons two were destroyed,  
the third was named Onan.  
And Thamar was the woman's name,  
which both of them did wed:  
And juda by her had two twins,  
when she was brought a bed.   

The xxxix. chapter.  
O What an hap than joseph had,  
the Lord did so provide:  
His master's wife did him provoke,  
but he her suit denied.  
She him accused but not deserved  
her tale as then took place:  
Whereby joseph to prison went,  
but guiltless in that case.   

The xl. chapter.  
PUt in prison were Pharaoh's men,  
and both of them laid fast:  
His baker chief, and butler both,  
whiles his anger did last.  
joseph with them in prison was,  
and as they slept full sound:  
They dreamt dreams which unto them  
this joseph did expound.   

The xli. chapter.  
QUestion asked of Pharaoh's dream,  
of Oxen fat and lean:  
Which joseph did expound full plain  
and told what they did mean.  
He was set up, and ruler made  
in Egypt over all:  
Two sons he had and so the dearth,  
on Egypt then did fall.   

The xlii. chapter.  
RIde out for corn did joseph's kin,  
and came to him unknown:  
He threat them hard that they were spies  
into that country blown.  
Simion laid in prison is  
whiles they did home return:  
And Benjamin they took with them,  
which made their father mourn.   

The xliii. chapter.  
SO back they went to Egypt tho,  
with gifts and presentis great:  
And Simeon is delivered out,  
and joseph's cheeks are wet.  
And joseph could not then but weep,  
when Benjamin he saw:  
They sat and feasted in two partis  
according to their law.   

The xliiii. chapter.  
THen joseph wrought a pretty cast,  
Benjamin for to have:  
And theft he laid unto his charge,  
such words to them he gave.  
But juda surety he became  
for Benjamin his sake:  
His father jacob he did know,  
it heavily to take.   

The xlv. chapter.  
Unknown was joseph all this while,  
at last he told them all:  
That he their brother joseph was,  
That ruled great and small.   

The xlvi. chapter.  
APpointed forth then Israel went,  
in Egypt for to bide:  
And God him bade nothing to fear,  
for all should well betide.  
jacob his sons and all their sons,  
is then in order told:  
And joseph went them all to meet,  
full joyful to behold.   

The xlvij. chapter.  
BRought was Israel before the king,  
in his presence to stand:  
And Pharaoh wild that he should dwell,  
where fattest was the land.  
Then jacob swore joseph his son,  
even underneath his thy:  
●is bones to lay in Canaan,  
at time when he should die.   

The xlviij. chapter.  
Caused was Israel sick to be,  
by course of nature's kind:  
And joseph went with his two sons,  
to know his father's mind.  
jacob did will that joseph's sons,  
Ephraim and Manasses:  
Should be as children to him born,  
which joseph well did please.   

The xlix. chapter.  
DOwn fell his sons upon their knees  
even twelve of them there was:  
He blessed them all and told of things  
that after came to pass.  
Then charged he them that they should lay  
his bones in Manebrey field:  
Then plucked he up his legs to him,  
and up the ghost did yield.   

The l. chapter.  
Each thing was done, his corpse they took  
as he on live did minge:  
And laid it down by Abraham's side,  
fulfilling so each thing.  
Forgive did joseph all the fault,  
that his brethren had wrought:  
And so he died and wild his bones,  
to his fathers to be brought.    

¶ Here have ye now the end and some,  
of Moses his first book:  
The second shall in order come,  
Such pain the writer took.    



The first Chapter.  
ANd then the first of Exodus,  
the twelve tribes it doth name:  
Which being dead & laid in earth  
their children came to fame.  
A new king then to Egypt came,  
that gave the midwives charge:  
To kill the males when they were borne  
but they set them at large.   

The two. chapter.  
BOrn Moses was and after cast,  
even down the river in reeds:  
And Pharaoh's daughter took him up  
and showed him motherly deeds.  
Then Moses slew an Egyptian,  
and fled and took a wife:  
The people cried unto the Lord,  
which saw their woeful life.   

The three chapter.  
CAused was Moses' sheep to keep,  
not far from Oreb hill:  
Wherein a bush the Lord appeared,  
and told him all his wil  
And bade him go to Egypt back,  
the Israelites to tell:  
That out of bondage they should come  
and live and do full well.   

The iiij. Chapter.  
DEclaerd by double signs it is,  
that called he was by God:  
His reasons all they are assoiled,  
and forth the Lord him bad.  
As Aaron met with him in field,  
together than they went:  
Of jethro, Moses took his leave,  
and yod where he was sent.   

The v. Chapter.  
Each both of them withouten fear,  
told Pharaoh God his mind:  
The more the people were oppressed▪  
the king was so unkind.  
Then cried they out and 'gan to chide,  
with Moses and Aaron:  
And Moses axed God the cause,  
which looked them upon.   

The vj. chapter.  
FEft fully was deliverance,  
unto the Israelites:  
Also the land of Canaan,  
which made them cheerful wightꝭ  
Then Rubens spring with Simeon,  
is told and Levy too:  
Of whom came Moses and Aaron,  
that had God's hestꝭ to do.   

The seven. chapter.  
GOd made Moses Pharaoh's God,  
and Aaron his Prophet:  
And then God turned Moses' rod,  
into a Serpent great▪  
The sorcerers did even the same,  
to harden Pharaoh's heart:  
Then were their waters turned to blood  
yet did he not convert.   

The viii. chapter.  
HIt was Pharaoh, then and plagued,  
with Frogs over the land:  
He sent for Moses and Aaron,  
to take the thing in hand.  
He mocked them, therefore the Lord  
turned their dust to louse:  
And they put by, than came there ●●ies,  
after the Lord's device.   

The ix. chapter.  
IN steed thereof came murrain of beastis  
that died in Pharaoh's land:  
And sixtly sores with botches great,  
yet did he God withstand.  
The seventh was hail & thunder much  
that made the land to shake:  
And lightning great from heaven on high,  
which caused them all to quake.   

The x. Chapter.  
KNowledge he yet would not his faul●  
but God he did resist:  
He did it not in ignorance,  
but well he knew and witted.  
The eight plague next was grasshopper  
that God almighty sent:  
The ninth was darkness in the day,  
they knew not where they went.   

The xi. chapter.  
Leave then was given the Israelites,  
the Egyptians to spoil:  
Against they should departed and go,  
and give them all a foil.  
At midnight then the Lord did vow,  
to make so great a slaughter:  
The first born of Egypt to kill,  
as it is told here after.   

The xii. chapter.  
MAde here is next the passover,  
and sweet bread for to eat:  
And if their children axt the cause,  
the meaning they must treat.  
The first born then destroyed are,  
and rob were the rest:  
And so the hebrews took their way,  
towards the land behest.   

The xiii. chapter.  
NOw all the first in Israel's birth,  
the Lord did take and choose:  
Commanding them a● yearly feast,  
among them for to use.  
Then passed they the wilderness,  
with joseph's bones also:  
Two pillars for the day and night,  
they had thereby to go.   

The xiiii. chapter.  
OUt Pharo went hard in his heart  
against the Israelites:  
So followed he with all his train,  
and came within their sightis  
But God his people did defend,  
by night and day from harm:  
They passed the sea but Egypt men,  
lay drowned in a swarm.   

The xv. chapter.  
Passed when they were this danger great  
they sang a goodly song:  
A woman came with divers more,  
and danced all along.  
The bitter water was made sweet,  
and pleasant for to drink:  
God must be heard in his covenant  
and on him must we think.   

The xuj. chapter.  
QUainted when that they were two months  
within the wilderness:  
They wished themselves again to be,  
in Egypt at their flesh.  
It rained Quails from heaven on high,  
and Manna for their bread:  
And forty years in wilderness,  
with that they were all fed.   

The xvij. chapter.  
Removing on they lacked drink,  
and grudge then did the flock:  
At Moses' suit than had they some  
which came out of a rock.  
Forth came a king hight Ameleck,  
against them for to fight:  
When Moses' hands were holden up,  
then were they put to flight.   

The xviii. chapter.  
SO jethro Moses father in law,  
came Moses for to see:  
Who welcomed him, his wife & sons  
after the best degree.  
When jethro saw what pains he took,  
when judgement he did use:  
Such active men as loved not coin  
to help, he willed him choose.   

The nineteen. chapter.  
THen as they went they came unto,  
the mount of Sinai:  
A royal people they are called  
if Gods will they apply.  
The Lord did say, he that doth touch  
the hill, shall die outright:  
But Moses' wild, went up to him  
in thunder and great light.   

The xx. chapter.  
WHen he was come he gave to him,  
ten just commandments:  
Precepts to keep and guide us by  
with all their whole contents.  
An altar of earth than God did bid,  
his man Moses to make:  
And if of stone he did it build,  
no tool thereto to take.   

¶ Twenty chapters afore are told,  
in order as they stand:  
The rest here after ye may read,  
if ye will take in hand.    


The xxi. chapter.  
ANd then this book, as it is called,  
even Exodus by name:  
Doth tell good laws for magistrates,  
to execute the same.  
That masters be not over sore,  
their servants for to main:  
And he that kills a man is judged,  
for it he must be s●ain.   

The xxij. chapter.  
Behold you then these godly laws  
of theft the fourth sold paid:  
He that defiles an unplight lass,  
he marry must the maid.  
A witch and he that knows a beast  
both die they must of right:  
All usury it is forbade,  
and ha●ed in God's sight.   

The xxiii. chapter.  
COupeling wise these chapters three,  
run all of civil laws:  
judges are wild to take no gifts,  
but here the poor man's cause.  
Thou mayst not follow a multitude,  
wickedness to commit:  
Nor have to do with foreign Gods,  
though thou shouldst die for it.   

The xxiv. chapter.  
Decree to Moses God did then,  
and to the head rulers:  
To worship him the which doth dwell,  
on high above the stars.  
The law was told and all the rout,  
with voice thereto obeys:  
So Moses went up to the mount,  
and bode there forty days.   

The xxv. chapter.  
Even then to him did God describe  
the fashion of his place:  
His tabernacle how to build,  
in every point and case.  
He promised that in that house,  
with Moses he would treat:  
Between the Cherubs in their place  
which was his mercy seat.   

The xxvi. & xxvii. chapter.  
Forth on is told in these two next,  
chapters of Exodus:  
Which was declared to Moses there  
as God did it discus.  
How that his holy place and house,  
which was his temple tho:  
Should be as he had it devised,  
whereby he might it know.   

The xxviii. chapter.  
GOd did also to him describe,  
how Aaron should be clad:  
Such garments might the people tell  
what office Aaron had.  
A breast lap and a tunicle,  
a straight cote under that:  
With other things that he must were,  
whether he stood or sat.   

The xxix. chapter.  
HOw Aaron should a Priest be made,  
to him was revelated:  
With all his sons after what sort  
they should be consecrated.  
And God to him did promise then,  
that he would be their God:  
●nd they should know he had them saved,  
from Pharaoh and his rod.   

The thirty. chapter.  
Injoind an altar he must make,  
thereon to burn incense:  
also on it to reconcile,  
yearly for their offence.  
● brazen laver he must make,  
to wash and make all clean:  
The anointing oil, with all the rest,  
more holy things did mean.   

The xxxi. chapter.  
KNowledge two men them had of God  
to work the holy things:  
The Saboth eke and day of rest,  
God unto Moses' minges.  
●nd Tables twain the Lord did give,  
to Moses on the hill:  
therein were writ the ten preceptis,  
which was th'almighties wil   

The xxxii. chapter.  
LIke fools a calf was made there whil●  
the people were so vain:  
And Moses prayed to God for them,  
and burst the tables twain.  
When he came down he chod the priest,  
and burned the calf in fire:  
Moses earnestly prayed for them,  
yet some were paid their hire.   

The xxxiii. chapter.  
March on forward God to them bad,  
that they should thence departed:  
But God denied to go with them,  
they were of froward heart.  
And when the people hard thereof,  
they did lament in mind:  
Moses willed to see God's face,  
and saw him but behind.   

The xxxiiii. chapter.  
NOw were the tables made again,  
and God his mercy plight:  
To cope with gentles or their Gods  
it is forbidden quite.  
The sweet bread feast is first begun,  
and Saboth day is told:  
The first fruits Moses heard expressed,  
whose face did shine like gold.   

The xxxv. chapter.  
OF divers things to them is told  
that is afore expressed:  
To offer tithes and pay their fruits,  
each one of them was priest.  
Bezaleel, Ahaliab,  
which wrought in silk and says:  
The tabernacle they must make,  
and Moses doth them praise.   

The xxxvi. chapter.  
Plenty of things did these two make  
as God gave them in gift:  
Kings of gold and curtains eke,  
to run all in a drift.  
The people brought such store of stuff,  
that there was over much:  
Willing they were to build God's house  
and for to make it rich.   

The xxxvii. chapter.  
QUite all of wood the Ark was made,  
the mercy seat of gold:  
The tables and the candlesticks,  
were made of the same mould.  
Lamps like cups that stood on them,  
to burn and to give light:  
The incense altar it was made,  
according unto right.   

The xxxviii. chapter.  
Reared up for offerings was the next,  
which should there on be burnt:  
A brazen laver for to wash,  
much like unto a font.  
Of sickles thousands was the some,  
that of good will they gave:  
They spared no cost to please the Lord,  
so he their souls might have.   

The xxxix. chapter.  
SO Aaron's garmenꝭ they did make  
Appointed for the nonce:  
Of costly gold and goodly silk,  
all set with precious stones.  
So finish than they did the work,  
as God to Moses' wild:  
And he it blessed and praised it much,  
when he the work beheld.   

The xl. chapter.  
THen last of all, almighty God,  
to Moses told his mind:  
How he should set the holy things,  
in their order and kind.  
The Lord did compass with a cloud,  
the tabernacle quite:  
The presence of the Lord of hosts,  
was with it day and night.    

¶ Thus Exodus is finished,  
just forty chapters all:  
Leviticus comes next to it,  
which have likewise ye shall.    

Leviticus.  

The first Chapter:  
Almighty God then Moses told,  
within Leviticus:  
How he should offer sacrifice,  
the Lord did it discus.  
Whether it were of beasts great,  
or else of cattle small:  
Of turtle doves the manner how,  
they should be offered all.   

The two. chapter.  
BAked in cakes and offering  
The manner them to trim:  
If leaven were put in thereto,  
then should it not like him.  
Fine wheat flower and frankincense,  
must go unto this feast:  
Salt must season each sacrifice,  
where it be foul or beast.   

The three chapter.  
COmely how that the offering,  
for peace it should be v●de:  
To make accord where strife was had  
that hate might be refused.  
Of Oxen, sheep, with lambs and goats▪  
atonement should be made:  
Leviticus the third Chapter,  
doth show the form and trade.   

The iiij. Chapter.  
DEfault if that the priest had made,  
and done by ignorance:  
Should reconcile with sacrifice,  
confessing his mischance.  
And if a Lord did likewise so,  
offer he must likewise:  
The subject for the same offence,  
must offer sacrifice.   

The v. chapter.  
Each one that swore & not performed  
they must confess the deed:  
And offer a Goat or else a Lamb,  
unless he be in need.  
The order how he should be cleansed,  
that touched an unclean thing:  
The ignorant that sinned then,  
an offering must bring.   

The vj. chapter.  
FOr him that stolen or did deceive,  
his neighbour willingly:  
Or found a thing and it denied,  
five fold restore should he,  
The doers evil than offer should,  
for their offence and sin:  
An offering eke is told full right,  
for Aaron and his kin.   

The seven. chapter.  
Give for their trespass them they must,  
likewise for sin and peace:  
The baked and broiled, with fried flesh  
is theirs that it doth dress.  
The fat or blood may no man eat,  
it is denied plain:  
Of beast or foul where so it die,  
by chance or else be slain.   

The viii. chapter.  
HOw Aaron should, lo here is told,  
anointed priest, then be:  
And all his garmentis fit for him,  
then meet for his degree.  
And likewise for his sons thereto,  
to minister also:  
With all their Albes and Tunicles,  
wherein that they should go.   

The ix. chapter.  
IN office Aaron offering made,  
for him and all the rest:  
And then the people out of hand,  
by Aaron were all blessed.  
This liked so well the God above,  
his glory did appear:  
Consume he did the sacrifice,  
afore them all with fire.   

The x. chapter.  
Know well ye may that fire strange  
was offered up a new:  
And they were slain for their offence  
Nadab and Abihu:  
The priests were then forbidden wine,  
to drink they were denied▪  
But they might eat the sacrifice,  
if aught were left beside.   

The xi. chapter.  
Leave beastis must they that chue not cud  
nor wear their hooves in twain:  
For man to eat for sustenance,  
they might not then be slain:  
Fish lacking scale, or fin to swim,  
might not be eaten tho:  
Nor divers fowls, nor creeping beastis  
which on the earth doth go.   

The xii. chapter.  
Moyses' received a law him given,  
for women that bare child:  
Such pain to them and to the like  
might teach them to be mild.  
Eight days in house remain they should  
and then be purified:  
And offer gifts for sacrifice,  
such as she might abide.   

The xiii. chapter.  
NOtes for the Lepers had the priests,  
to judge them by their skin  
A white spot that is waxed black,  
a Lepre doth begin:  
All other notes if ye will know  
a Leper how to déem  
Let him then read the chapter all,  
which is of L. thirteen.   

The xiiii. chapter.  
OF them when he must be received,  
among the folk again:  
He must be cleansed then of the priests,  
by order written plain.  
And all the house that he was in,  
it must be cleansed also:  
With searching had when it begins  
●re further that it go.   

The xv. chapter.  
POinted out is how men should be,  
cleansed and purged clean:  
If they were stained by course unkind  
unpureness it doth mean.  
For women also it doth show,  
that have their birthright kind:  
A sacrifice to purge them with,  
for them then was assigned.   

The xuj. chapter.  
QUuickly is told then Aaron's work  
within the holy place:  
And how to cleanse the sanctuary,  
the matter and the case.  
The feast of cleansing then is told,  
how that it should be used:  
And all was done as God them bad,  
and nought at all refused.   

The xvii. chapter.  
Required they were without the doors,  
their offerings to be slain:  
So was the Lord without the gates,  
which died for our pain.  
And God did them command they should  
not offer unto devils:  
Nor eat the blood nor carrion meat,  
but keep them from such evils.   

The xviii. chapter.  
SO than the ten and eight doth tell,  
what kindreds are forbade:  
To marry spouse in wedlock rate,  
which are denied of God.  
But charged they are to keep and save,  
the Lord his hestꝭ and will:  
And quite to flee from gentiles trade  
which all together are ill.   

The nineteen. chapter.  
Told then is eke the ten precepts,  
in ten and nine of L:  
Let every man that loves the word,  
give ear what they do tell.  
To steal or lie, or false to deal,  
or judge in matters wrong:  
Nor man to wear a woman's coat,  
where it be short or long.   

The xx. chapter.  
UNto the Gods the which were strange  
their seed they might not give:  
Who that did so should feel this woe,  
among them not to live.  
And those that work by sorcery,  
thou may not to them trust:  
And certain kindreds are forbade,  
in which not cope thou must.   

The xxi. chapter.  
ANd if that one did hence departed,  
the priest might not be by:  
Nor yet be shaven on head nor chin,  
for God did it deny.  
Also their wives they must be maids,  
their daughters living chaste:  
misshapen men may be no priests  
of holy things to taste.   

The xxii. chapter.  
BEar in mind those that might not,  
eat of the sacrifice:  
Almighty God though in his law,  
shows then who he denies.  
The manner how, that they should do,  
when they to offer went:  
All this was done to keep them back,  
from doing their intent.   

The xxiii. chapter.  
Command did God the Saboth day,  
and Easter to be used:  
The first fruits feast, and Whitsuntide,  
it might not be refused▪  
The feast of cleansing also must,  
be kept in order right:  
With other feastis that there are ming●,  
as Moses them did write.   

The xxiiii. chapter.  
Decreed was then that lamps should b●  
and oil in them light:  
With show bread set upon a board,  
each Sabbath in their sight.  
The child that cursed and did blaspheme  
was stoned unto death:  
And he that kills a man must die,  
as God almighty saith.   

The xxv. chapter.  
Each seven year though the Sabbath year  
must solemnly be kept  
No vine was cut, for that whole year  
nor corn yet sown or rept.  
The first year were the bondmen free,  
and lands restored again:  
All usury it is forbade,  
by words that are full plain.   

The xxvi. chapter.  
FOrbid did God all Images,  
by words most plainly told:  
To them to knéel he doth deny,  
a man to be so bold.  
God will defend his people all,  
that will his word obey:  
But they which not regard his will  
their counsels shall decay.   

The xxvii. chapter.  
GOd told how vows should prised be  
woman were it or man:  
And for the tithes that should be paid,  
which were appointed than.  
All these commandments afore,  
were given in mount Sinai:  
With charges great them to observe,  
from God the almighty.   

¶ Leviticus is past and gone,  
twenty and seven in all:  
And Numeri ye shall have next,  
the fourth book we it call.    

Numeri.  


The first Chapter.  
APt unto battle those that were  
from twenty years and more,  
Are pointed out of all the tribes,  
save Levy kept in store.  
Which tribe the Lord did take & choose,  
to minister his will:  
Such holy things as he had wild,  
they must them all fulfil.   

The two. chapter.  
BUild up the tent how that they should  
was told unto them tho:  
The tabernacle round about,  
each tribe his tent to know.  
The heads and rulers of the hosts,  
are named in their kind:  
The Levites served in the mids,  
as God had them assigned   

The three chapter.  
Choose out to battle might they not,  
the Levites in their tribe:  
For the first born the Lord them took,  
and so set them on side.  
To minister his holy things,  
within the holy place:  
And next thereto to build their shrouds,  
they must in any case.   

The iiii. chapter.  
Decree did God what they should do  
their offices he told:  
And further than he pointed them,  
they not to be so bold.  
Each one after his stock and kind,  
full decently was set:  
And every one to keep his course,  
withouten stay or let.   

The v. chapter.  
Each issue, and the Lazar man,  
might not among them dwell:  
For wrongs then done, five fold restored  
the law did them compel.  
From company that was suspect,  
to keep men's wives in awe:  
There was set out of jealousy,  
a good decrée● and law.   

The vi. chapter.  
FOr such as then did vow the vow,  
of perfect abstinence:  
The Lord almight their fare did point  
to keep them from offence.  
And also showed to Moses then,  
the manner how Aaron:  
Should bless the flock, saying the Lord,  
bless and keep you each one.   

The seven. chapter.  
Giftis were given then of the Lords,  
and heads of Israel:  
Among them all there one was height,  
by name Nathaniel.  
Great were the gifts that they did give  
they spared for no cost:  
In setting forth God's service right,  
they might with all men boast.   

The viii. chapter.  
HOw that the Lord would have the lamps  
to Moses he did show:  
The candlesticks in order fit,  
where they were high or low.  
For cleansing offering must be had,  
the Levites they must use:  
Which when they came to fifty years  
offering they might not use:   

The ix. chapter.  
Justly the time to keep their paske,  
to Moses it was told:  
And how the filled or foreign man,  
to offer might be bold.  
He that denied to offer tho,  
he must be made to die:  
Both night and day a guide they had  
a cloud and light from high.   

The x. chapter.  
KNowledge such had the people tho,  
by trumpets that were blown:  
Were it in wars or time of peace  
the sound to them was known.  
From Sinai they did departed,  
their captains numbered all:  
And jethro would not flit with them,  
betid what might befall.   

The xi. chapter.  
LIke fools the people did complain,  
and plagued they were with fire  
With Manna cloyed, to Egypt back  
for flesh was their desire.  
Moses' then did grieve the Lord,  
whose burden he did ease:  
On Quails they fed and killed they were  
for God they did displease.   

The xii. chapter.  
MIriam then did grudge and swell,  
at Moses God his judge:  
And Aaron did consent thereto,  
And so they both did grudge.  
With leprosy was Miriam stroke,  
to teach her to rebel:  
At Moses' prayer she was restored,  
and lived, and did full well.   

The xiii. chapter.  
NOtes to take of Canaan,  
twelve men were thither sent:  
To see the fatness of the land,  
therefore afore they went.  
Which came & told how rich it was,  
with grapes a cluster great:  
They told of Cities great and strong  
which made them chafe and ●reat.   

The xiiii. chapter.  
OPinion had the people then,  
that land not to obtain:  
And grudge they did against the Lord  
which would strait them have slain  
Not one of all the Israelites,  
the best land did possess:  
Save joshua and Caleb both,  
which two the Lord did bless.   

The xv. chapter.  
PRescribe did God a sacrifice,  
for sins of ignorance:  
But die they should that wilfully,  
did sin by arrogance.  
stand he was that gathered sticks,  
upon the Sabbothe day:  
Their garmentis guarded round about,  
God's hestꝭ for to obey.   

The xvi. chapter.  
Quarrels picked certain that time,  
and Chorath was the one:  
Also Dathan and Abiron,  
the fourth made up of On.  
These did rebel against their heads,  
And moved God to ire:  
He caused the earth to swallow them,  
and burned the rest with fire.   

The xvii. chapter.  
Receive a token of their evil,  
immediately they did:  
Twelve rods were brought from all the heads  
as God himself did bid.  
Among them all then Aaron's rod,  
did flourish forth with buds:  
To teach them way the preachers then  
for losing of their bloods.   

The xviii. chapter.  
Such things as Levites than did use,  
did God almighty point:  
They were his priests to serve his will,  
whom Aaron did anoint.  
To whom the tithes & fruits were paid,  
to maintain their degree:  
And Aaron had an heritage,  
as ye may read and see.   

¶ eighteen Chapters now here are past,  
of Numeri by name:  
And eighteen more ye shall have next,  
I trust in right good frame.    


The nineteen chapter.  
A Red cow than was bid to kill,  
by Eliazer the priest:  
To sparge her blood and burn her quite  
as he full well it witted.  
A law to keep the people clean,  
from filthiness or spot.  
No man to touch the holy place,  
but he that was his lot.   

The xx. chapter.  
BEgin did Israel for to grudge,  
they lacked drink to drink  
Out of a rock there gushed a stream,  
that filled them to the brink.  
The Edomites would not let pass,  
the people through their land:  
Then Aaron died, and in his roum,  
Eleazar did stand.   

The xxi. chapter.  
CAptain Arad then came to fight,  
and lost his City and life:  
Immediately when they were come,  
even from the waters strife.  
Then stung they were by serpentis great  
and healed by one on high:  
They killed two kings Schon and Og,  
as Israel passed by.   

The xxii. chapter.  
Devise did Balack for to curse,  
the Israelites to hell:  
●nd sent for Balam in his fume,  
his cursing for to tell.  
●e once denied and ●et he went,  
his mind was set on gain:  
He smote his Ass and she denied,  
his labour was in vain.   

The xxiii. chapter.  
Even as Balack had then decreed,  
so went he up on high:  
And Balam talked with God a while,  
and spoke thus by and by.  
How shall I curse or else defy.  
whom God doth nothing so?  
And them he blessed and blessed again,  
or ever he did go.   

The xxiv. chapter.  
Forth went Balam in parables,  
declaring Israel's hap:  
And Balack angry with the thing,  
his hands in one did clap.  
When he had said then Balam told  
of Christ's kingdom plain:  
A Star and sceptre up shall rise,  
in jacob for to reign.   

The xxv. chapter.  
GOds people than did slip away,  
and whoredom did commit  
The Moabits in their service,  
had tiste them unto it.  
Then God commanded Moses strait,  
to hang the rulers all:  
As two were doing of the deed,  
Phinches on them did fall.   

The xxvi. chapter.  
HOw many were the Israelites,  
that Canaan should possess:  
The whole xii. tribes are numbered all,  
whom God did choose and bless.  
He willed the land for to be dealt,  
by partis in form equal:  
The more the more, the few the less  
so that no one have all.   

The xxvii. chapter.  
IN presence than came certain maids  
inheritance to crave:  
Even so they had as next of blood,  
successively must have.  
The land behest to Moses showed,  
and told he is to die:  
His prayer is heard and joshua set,  
his roum for to supply.   

The xxviii. chapter.  
KNowledge is given for every day,  
what offering they must use:  
A Lamb at morn and eke at even,  
unspotted they must choose.  
The paske how that it should be kept,  
the day is pointed out:  
With all the order of the feast,  
to put them out of doubt.   

The xxix. chapter.  
LIke sacrifice as God did point,  
this chapter doth express:  
And tells how all their meatis & drinks  
in order they must dress.  
Eight days at once they must not cease  
to offer sacrifice:  
And work no kind of work in them  
as God did them devise.   

The thirty. chapter.  
MEn that vowed or swore an oath,  
with promise to the Lord:  
Must stand to it and not go back,  
the scripture doth accord.  
But maid or wife that did the same,  
without their heads consent:  
They must go back if he denied,  
for all their good intent.   

The xxxi. chapter.  
NExt then to that went Israel forth,  
the Madianites to kill:  
And slew the males & burnt their towns  
and led the rest at wil  
The spoil was dealt forth equally,  
the captains were so good:  
Save certain things were given to God  
for saving of their blood.   

The xxxii. chapter.  
Over jordane towards the East,  
possession out was set:  
For two whole tribes and half a one  
so that they would not let.  
To go before their brethren all,  
in harness fresh and bright:  
Against the land of Canaan,  
to put them all to flight.   

The xxxiii. chapter.  
Perform did Moses God's precept  
Their journeys he did write:  
From place to place in wilderness,  
and tells where they did light  
Then God did bid that they should kill,  
the Canaanites out right:  
And ding their chapels all adown  
and burst their Idols quite.   

The xxxiiii. chapter.  
QUietly how they should possess,  
the land is told them plain:  
The east, the west, the north, the south,  
where they should rule and reign.  
Who should point out the land by lots,  
the Lord did Moses tell:  
The heads should set out each man's part  
where he should bide and dwell.   

The xxxv. chapter.  
Recite did God the Levites lots  
the suburbs and their towns:  
For refuge certain Cities set,  
to keep them in their bounds:  
He that with will a man did kill,  
he must of right be slain:  
One witness may in no wise stand,  
unless that they be twain.   

The xxxvi. chapter.  
SUpplication than was made,  
for maids that were unwed:  
Within their tribe then must they take▪  
their husband and their head.  
Every tribe within his tribe,  
must wed and take his wife.  
Not one to mix in others part,  
for fear of bate and strife.    

¶ Now Numeri hath thus his end,  
the fourth book it is set:  
The fift in order ye shall have,  
If God give us no let.    

Deuteronomium.  
Not only so but also teach,  
their children they are bod:  
The Lord's preceptis both all and some  
that they may know their God.  


The seven. chapter.  
GOd did forbid a league to make,  
with gentiles in no wise:  
They must destroy their Idols quite,  
and all their Gods despise.  
He also saith that he will bless,  
the keepers of his will:  
And curse the rest and charge he gave,  
Idolaters to kill.   

The viii. chapter.  
HOw marvelously that God had de●●,  
with Israel forty year:  
In wilderness with benefits,  
as plainly doth appear.  
They are commanded not to say  
their might did them defend:  
But that the Lord did bring them forth,  
and gave their foes their end.   

The ix. chapter.  
IN any case they are forbade,  
to trust in their own strength:  
For who so doth him will betide,  
a fall to have at length.  
Moses' then a rehearsal made,  
full briefly in a sum:  
From time they had received the law  
till they to lust begun.   

The x. Chapter.  
Know here ye may of Israel's walk,  
whiles they in journey went:  
And how the tables were renewed,  
when they were broke and rend.  
Nothing the Lord did then require  
for doing them such good:  
But that they hold all his preceptis  
and set thereon their mood.   

The xi. chapter.  
Love they must now the Lord his law  
still Moses gave them charge  
With heart & mind they must him serve,  
that had set them at large.  
To talk thereof when that they rise  
or at their ●●tting down:  
Or else in journey as they walk  
in field be it or town.   

The xii. chapter.  
Moyses' once more so gave them charge  
against Idolatry:  
It to suppress and put it down,  
and from the same to flee:  
And blood to eat they are forbade,  
in any manner wise:  
And only do as God them bad,  
and not what like their eyes.   

The xiii. chapter.  
NO Prophet false must bide on live,  
but must be made to die:  
And wicked folk must not be heard,  
though in thy breast they lie.  
God for to try the Israelites▪  
how strong they were in faith  
Would suffer things to prove them with  
as Moses' plainly saith.   

The xiv. chapter.  
OMit they must the Gentiles trades,  
and flee their doings quite:  
And only serve almighty God,  
with all their main and might:  
Such beastis as they might not then 〈◊〉  
are manifestly told:  
And which were clean is there expressed  
that eat they might be bold.   

The xv. chapter.  
PArdon their de●s then are they bod  
at every seventh years end:  
When God his will is served and kept  
no scarceness he will send.  
Those that will lend to such as need,  
the manner is told how  
Deformity in sacrifice,  
the Lord doth not allow.   

The xvi. chapter.  
QUietly how to keep their feastis  
the times are told them plain:  
When that they should be used and kept  
is written once again.  
O that judges would mark and read,  
and do as God there bad:  
To take no gifts in any case,  
but justice to be had.   

The xvii. chapter.  
REwarded must Idolaters,  
with death by law to die:  
And 〈◊〉 things must be reserd  
to those that be on high.  
Presumptuous men that do rebel,  
must die the law doth minge:  
The man and state that he must keep  
that they would take to king.   

¶ Half this book is now told afore,  
in seaventeen chapters just:  
And seaventeen more ye shall have next,  
in God put we our trust.    


The xviij. chapter.  
ALl the Levites the which were priests,  
might no possessions have:  
All sorcery they must avoid,  
their lives to keep and save.  
Moses' told then of Christ to come,  
and bade them him to hear:  
The Prophet false they must not way,  
nor all his doings fear.   

The nineteen. chapter.  
BEcause that murder might be done,  
against the doers mind:  
For refuge, Cities were set out,  
and there unto assigned.  
The false witness must have the stone,  
return to his own brow:  
An eye for eye, and tooth for tooth,  
the law did them allow.   

The xx. chapter.  
Choose out for wars what men they should  
this chapter doth express:  
The law of arms to them is told,  
to use in war or peace.  
The Canaanites, the Pheresites,  
the jebusites also:  
With Hevites eke they must destroy▪  
not letting one to go.   

The xxj. chapter.  
Decree did God a goodly law,  
for him that was found dead:  
And how the jew should him behave,  
a gentile for to wed.  
The first borne son he must possess,  
the heritage and land:  
The child that parentis doth not fear,  
must die even out of hand.   

The xxii. chapter.  
Each man must help his neighbour's Ass  
although he be unknown:  
The man denied the woman's tire,  
she to go in her own.  
Lin●●e wolune might not be worn,  
the adulterer must die:  
And order taken for that man,  
that with a maid did lie.   

The xxiii. chapter.  
FOrbidden was the gelded man  
in Christ's church to dwell:  
The harlot's bird doth God command,  
that they should quite expel.  
There might no whore among them bide,  
the Lord did so decree:  
The love of things is there denied,  
to lend on usury.   

The xxiiii. chapter.  
Give leave did Moses to divorce,  
for causes that were light:  
The newly spoused they might not force  
in battle for to fight.  
For money lent and servants hire,  
a goodly lesson told:  
Some leysing left in field and town,  
for poor folk young and old.   

The xxv. chapter.  
HOw many stripes the trespasser,  
should have for wicked life:  
A man that died without a son,  
his brother should wed his wife:  
That weightis & measures should be iu●●,  
read ye the chapters end:  
Who so doth use the contrary,  
shall come to wicked end.   

The xxvi. chapter.  
Justly must they now pay their fruits,  
that first to them did fall  
The tithes they were commanded to,  
they should then pay them all,  
Unto the priests, the fatherless,  
the stranger and widow:  
Such goods were then the poors of right  
how so they use them now.   

The xxvii. Chapter.  
KNowledge was had the people the●  
an altar up to rear:  
Afore that jordane they did pass,  
or came the land so near.  
The curses then that Levy was  
commanded for to speak:  
Against all those that did delight,  
Gods will to burst or break.   

The xxviii. Chapter.  
Lovingly the Lord did bless,  
the keepers of his will:  
To stablish them in their good minds  
to keep them in it stil.  
And curse doth he the contrary,  
with cursings very great:  
Those that him love he doth them bless  
his haters he doth threat.   

The xxix. chapter.  
Moyses' then went and thus he spoke,  
unto the people all:  
Saying to such as feareth God,  
the Lord defends them all.  
But they that not regard his will,  
such plagues on them shall come:  
As like hath not been seen on earth,  
from rising of the son.   

The thirty. chapter.  
NOt far from them that do it seek  
is Gods almighty word:  
Those that it love and it obey,  
are saved from the sword.  
Within our mouths and in our hartis  
the word is always priest:  
Those that it keep are sure at length,  
for it they shallbe blessed.   

The xxxi. chapter.  
Old was Moses and so did choose,  
than joshua in his steed:  
To whom he said see thou be strong,  
and have no fear or dread.  
This book he wrote and did it give,  
into the Levites hand:  
And charged that they the same should read,  
when they came to the land.   

The xxxii. chapter.  
pleasantly then did Moses sing  
a goodly song of praise:  
Unto the Lord for all the acts,  
that he had wrought always,  
And up he went unto a hill,  
to look on Canaan:  
God bade him there to run the race,  
that all his fathers ran.   

The xxxiii. chapter.  
QUietly Moses did prepare,  
to sleep his father's sleep  
But this he said before he went,  
that God his saints doth keep.  
Also he blessed all the tribes,  
afore his dying day:  
And told how they should rule & reign,  
if they did God obey.   

The xxxiiii. chapter.  
REst from his work did Moses then  
and so gave up the ghost:  
At his departing they did weep  
even throughout all the host.  
And joshua did his roum possess  
as Moses had it wild:  
And ruled all the Israelites,  
in City and in field.    

¶ Of Moses' books here is the last,  
as he did them all write:  
Unto the Lord give ye the praise,  
which is the God of might.    

joshua.  

The j Chapter.  
AS God afore had Moses called  
his people for to guide:  
So joshua to supply his roum,  
the Lord set him on side.  
For to be strong the Lord him bad,  
and manly for to fight:  
And from the laws of God the Lord,  
to turn to left nor right.   

The two. chapter.  
BEfore were searchers sent to spy,  
to jerico they go:  
A harlot's house they lodged in,  
by whom then they were hid.  
She made them promise her to save  
when spoiled should be the land:  
And they agreed to know her house,  
by purple cord or band.   

The three chapter.  
CAre to josua did belong,  
the people for to guide:  
Remove he did from Settim ground,  
and came to jordane side:  
Then was the Lord disposed to show,  
the honour of his name.  
He caused Iordain waters yield,  
and part a sunder twain.   

The iiij. Chapter.  
Decree did God that his good work  
should not be out of mind:  
And caused each tribe to rear a stone,  
as monumentꝭ behind.  
And if their children art the cause,  
why these twelve stones stood there:  
Then should they tell what God had done  
to make his name appear.   

The v. chapter.  
EEhe one of all the Canaanites,  
were afraid when they hard tell  
How jordane brook did part in two,  
whiles over went Israel.  
Then God commanded joshua,  
to circumcise them all:  
And all the males with sharp stone knives,  
were cut both great and small.   

The vj. chapter.  
FEarful then were the Canaanites,  
of Israel's power and might:  
At seven days end as God had said,  
the walls did fall down quite.  
Consumed was all with sword and fire,  
save vessels few reserved:  
And Rahab saved with all her kin,  
which well she had deserved.   

The seven. chapter.  
GOd then was angry with his flock,  
at Ai took they the foil:  
Because that Acan Carmies son,  
had borne away some spoil.  
A garment gay with silver much,  
a rung of gold thereto:  
Because it was forbid of God,  
he had death with stones enough.   

The viii. chapter.  
Have you no fear said God but go  
and fight against Ai:  
Thou shalt it take and have some spoil,  
and all the rest destroy.  
So joshua went as God him bad,  
and fought, but fled a while:  
The rest did set the town on fire,  
so them they did beguile:   

The ix. chapter.  
Immediately the Canaanites,  
with all the heathen Kings:  
They came to fight as soon as they,  
of josua had tidings.  
The Gabanites dissembling partis,  
with Israel they did play:  
Because the heads had sworn to them,  
they were not made away.   

The x. chapter.  
KIngs that were in number five  
with Israel they did fight:  
At Gabaon siege with all their hosts  
there were they put to flight.  
The Sun stood still a whole day length  
and hail did beat them down:  
Five kings were slain and hanged up,  
so won they town by town.   

The xi. chapter.  
LIke hap had all the other kings,  
and suddenly were slain:  
And Hezor burnt and none but it  
that stood above the plain.  
Not one word than was left undone  
as Moses had him wild:  
But josua did fulfil it all,  
were he in town or field.   

The xii. chapter.  
MAny battles Israel fought,  
ere jordane they did pass:  
To two whole tribes and half a one,  
their land appointed was.  
The kings are told and numbered all,  
that josua did subdue.  
Thirty and one in number just,  
whom they both took and slew▪   

The xiii. chapter.  
NOte out the land as josua wild,  
by lots it to divide:  
He being aged so god him bad,  
to set and point each tribe.  
Reuben and Gad, and half the tribe,  
of Manasses by name:  
Were pointed plaits for to possess,  
by Moses' set in frame.   

The xiv. chapter.  
OF josua Caleb did require,  
the City Hebron walled:  
Which was possessed by Enakes kind  
a Giant was he called.  
Four score years and five he was,  
when he required his ground:  
And yet he said he was as strong,  
as when the land he found.   

The xv. chapter.  
POinted out was juda his lot,  
the Cities told full strait:  
The villages not named out,  
but towns five score and eight.  
For killing of a Giant great,  
a man did marry a wife:  
The jebusites among the folk,  
did still lead on their life.   

The xuj. chapter.  
QUickly Ephraim so had his lot  
in length and breadth assigned:  
Even as a tribe he had his part,  
according to his mind.  
And tribute paid the Canaanites,  
and with them did they dwell:  
Although the Lord had said afore,  
that they should them expel.   

The xvii. chapter.  
RIght as afore that Ephraim,  
had out his part of land:  
Even so Manasses had his lot,  
where he and his should stand▪  
And certain women had likewise,  
as they did it require:  
And joseph's house would have more land  
but had not their desire   

The xviii. chapter.  
Seven tribes agreed to send their spies  
as joshua had them wild:  
Of each tribe three went forth to see,  
the Cities and the field.  
And in a book in seven partis writ  
to josua brought they word:  
And he appointed them their plaits,  
by lots afore the Lord.   

The nineteen. chapter.  
TO Zabulon and Izachar,  
and Aser being tenth:  
To Nepthali and Dan the last,  
was pointed breadth and length.  
●o josua with Eleaser,  
and all the Lords and heads:  
Did make an end of casting lots,  
and pointing out their steeds.   

The xx. chapter.  
WHen they had done and cast their lots  
then God to joshua said:  
●or him that kills a man unwares,  
point Cities for their aid.  
And they therein to dwell and live,  
till the high priest doth die:  
The sword of blood not him to touch,  
if thither he do flee.   

The xxj. chapter.  
ANd then the heads of the Levites,  
their portion did require:  
And so they had their whole request  
even as they did desire.  
Forty and eight in Cities just,  
their whole tale came thereto▪  
As God them gave the land and rest,  
as he them plight to do.   

The xxii. chapter.  
Both of the tribes and eke the 〈◊〉  
yode back as they were sent:  
Reuben, Gad with Manasses,  
to their possession went.  
An altar made, and Israel fluckt  
against them for to fight:  
When they heard tell why it was built,  
they said the deed was right.   

The xxiii. chapter.  
CAst in age was josua tho,  
and Israel he did call:  
And showed them what the Lord had done,  
and told it to them all.  
Much more he said that God would do  
if in his will they bide:  
If not he told them plain afore,  
that they should be destroyed.   

The xxiiii. chapter.  
DEclare on forth he did at large  
what God had for them wrought  
And bade them serve the Lord alone  
which thither had them brought.  
So speak they did with often voice,  
the only Lord to fear:  
And josua died and joseph's bones,  
were earth and buried there.   

¶ josua now is ended quite,  
the book hath run his race:  
The book of judges now begins,  
in like to take his place.    

Sophtim: judicum: judges.  

The first Chapter:  
AHead to have they did desire,  
in Josua's roum to be:  
And juda to them pointed was,  
who fought full manfully.  
jerusalem they took and won,  
great Giants did they slay:  
The Gentiles with them still did dwell  
but tribute did they pay.   

The two. chapter.  
BEcause they did not kill them all  
an Angel did them chide:  
And josua dead they buried him,  
down by his father's side.  
When that stock all was dead & gone,  
full wicked were the next:  
And served Gods that were forbade,  
whose names are in the text.   

The three chapter.  
CErtain nations than are named,  
that with them then did dwell:  
But one them killed and bet them down  
named Othoniel:  
Yet after that they were oppressed,  
but Ahud them did save:  
For in a parlour with the King,  
his death's wound he him gave.   

The iiii. chapter.  
Departed did yet the flock and went,  
and served Idols vain:  
Of jabin King of Canaan,  
years twenty were they slain.  
And Deborah then did them judge,  
whom Barack she did call:  
They fought and wan, but Sisara  
In jael's hands did fall.   

The v. chapter.  
Even as the battle ended was  
and Israel had the best:  
They sang a song of melody,  
wherein the Lord was blessed.  
But cursed were some that came not forth  
to help them for to fight:  
And blessed was she that with a nail  
slew Sisara outright.   

The vi. chapter.  
Far foul did then the Madianites,  
with Israel for their sin:  
An Angel stirred up Gedeon,  
their freedom for to win.  
The Idol Ball he did destroy,  
and burst his altar down▪  
His Father did his cause defend,  
against the City or town.   

The seven. Chapter.  
GEdeon forth to battle went,  
the Madianites to kill:  
To much was his host (said God),  
for him to have his wil  
So many as feared were sent home back  
and those that stooped to drink:  
Three hundred slew the Madianites,  
and made their kings to shrink.   

The viii. chapter.  
Half angry were the Ephraites,  
but Gedeon did them still:  
Phanuel men and Sucoth both,  
did Gedeon take and kill.  
Two kings he slew and then they would,  
have him and his their heads:  
He it denied, but gave them cause,  
to do full wicked deeds.   

The ix. Chapter.  
IEroboas had three score sons,  
and ten in number true:  
Abimeleck he killed them all,  
save joathan the Iew.  
Who them rebukte, they did him choose,  
and Gaal rose in vain:  
So Sichem burnt and Thebez stroyed  
Abimeleck there was slain.   

The x. chapter.  
Know well ye may what guide they had,  
as Gods that were forbade:  
They were oppressed and did repent,  
and called unto God.  
Who bade them call unto their Gods  
in trouble them to save:  
They did suppress their Idols quite,  
to God their minds they gave.   

The xi. chapter.  
LOok out did then the Galadites,  
a captain and a guide:  
Who willed Ammon not to fight  
but he his tale denied.  
Then jephthath vowed a foolish vow  
the victory to obtain:  
He had the field and home returned,  
then was his daughter slain.   

The xii. chapter.  
mumur so did the Ephraites,  
at jepthah had they spite  
Forty thousand of them he slew,  
and put the rest to flight.  
A word betrayed them many times,  
when jordane they would take:  
Three judges there, are then expressed,  
and when their lives did slake.   

The xiii. chapter.  
NO longer did they fear the Lord,  
than judges good did live:  
The upper hand against them all  
the Lord their foes did give.  
A man that was height Manoah,  
had Samson to him plight:  
His wife him bare as God had said,  
with him dwelled God his spirit.   

The xiv. chapter.  
OF Samsons marriage ye may hear  
he would needs have his will:  
As he went down his spouse to woe,  
a Lion did he kill.  
A riddle axt and thirty men,  
he slew to pay the hest:  
His calf had tiled the thirty land,  
and went to his fellows nest.   

The xv. chapter.  
PAstime to make then Samson went  
to banquet with his wife:  
She went not in so sprang a cause,  
of hatred and great strife.  
With Fox's fiery he brent their corn,  
Philistians did he slay:  
The jaw bone of an Ass he took,  
and thousands killed one day.   

The xvi. chapter.  
Quarrel they picked to Samson still,  
and him they watch to slay:  
But he that night burst up their gates,  
and carried them away.  
He kept a whore who being feed,  
his strength of him she won:  
When he was blind they caused him play  
but he destroyed them then.   

The xvii. chapter.  
REherst is then of money lost,  
a woman did it miss:  
Micha her son did it confess  
and said lo here it is.  
Uowed she had and would it keep,  
an Image did she make:  
Levite came and lodged there,  
whom Micha his priest did make.   

The xviii. chapter.  
SPies were sent to search the land,  
the tribe of Dan it wrought:  
At Michas house they lodged all night  
where council good they sought.  
Return they did with joyful news,  
and forth they went to fight:  
The priest and Image they did take,  
and won the land out right.   

The nineteen. chapter.  
TO marry against the law of God  
see what doth them betide:  
A Levites wife did play the whore,  
and slipped from her guide.  
He fetched her home and as he went,  
at Gabaah was she slain:  
Then sent he her in pieces twelve  
the deed for to complain.   

The xx. chapter.  
UP then rose Israel for to fight,  
against the Beniamites:  
For whoredom fact, yet Israel was  
put unto two great flightꝭ.  
Then did they pray and God then plight,  
to have the higher hand:  
The Beniamites were killed on morn  
twenty and five thousand.   

The xxj. chapter.  
ANd then they swore that none of them,  
the Beniamites should wed:  
The men that went not up to fight  
they vowed them but dead.  
They took their daughters and then gave  
the Beniamites to make:  
Yet not sufficed the dancing dames  
to wives they did them take.   

¶ The book of judges is expired,  
an end thereof is made:  
The story of Ruthe ye shall have next,  
so following scriptures trade.    

Ruthe.  

The first Chapter.  
A Dearth than fell in juda's land  
Emeleck with his wife:  
And his two sons to Moab went,  
there for to lead their life.  
The father died and his two sons,  
in marriage died also:  
The mother than did home return,  
and Ruth with her did go.   

The two. chapter.  
Beseech did Ruthe her mother in law,  
That she some corn might lease;  
And forth she went to Booz his field  
whose sight she did well please.  
He both inquierd and with her talked  
and her entreated well:  
See told her mother at the night,  
the story every deal.   

The three chapter.  
CAused she was by Noemise words,  
to sleep at Booz his feet:  
Who when he waked and felt her there  
the truth on her did wéet.  
She told him all and who she was  
then bad he her lie still:  
And on the morn he gave her corn  
and told her all his wil   

The iiij. chapter.  
DOwn sat Booz then and in the gate  
his kinsman did he call:  
He showed to him afore the heads,  
what land to him did fall.  
He said he would not purchase it,  
so Booz the land did buy:  
And married Ruth who had a son.  
when he with her did lie.   

¶ Ruthe doth end at Chapters four,  
showing whom she did wed:  
A Gentile she was, yet she bore,  
the Graunsire to David.  
The first of Kings ye shall have now,  
whom Samuel some do call:  
The stories shall declare you how,  
that Kings to them did fall.    

¶ The first book of Samuel otherwise called the first of the Kings.  


The first Chapter.  
A Man two wives had wedded tho,  
the one no children had:  
She had such woe she prayed to God,  
who sent to her a lad.  
Elkanah was her husband's name,  
and Hannah was she hight:  
And Samuel did she call her son  
whom she to God had plight.   

The two. chapter.  
BEgin did Hannah for to sing,  
and sang a goodly song:  
The sons of Ely were unthriftꝭ  
and did the people wrong.  
Ely them did rebukte but small,  
for which God did him chide:  
He sent a man to tell him plain  
his house should be destroyed.   

The three chapter.  
Consumed was Eli'S sight away,  
and as he lay and slept:  
Samuel thrice the Lord did call,  
who unto Ely s●ept.  
● call thee not it is the Lord,  
do thou to him obey:  
And so he did, and Ely knew,  
on him what God did say.   

The iiii. chapter.  
DOughtely fought the Israelites  
yet were they put to flight:  
The Philistian host twice bet them down  
and took their Ark by might.  
The sons of Ely they were killed,  
which when their father hard:  
He fell out of his seat for woe,  
and burst his neck backward.   

The v. chapter.  
EArly arose the Asdodits,  
their Dagon for to:▪  
The Ark of God twice threw him down,  
and bated his degree.  
Stricken they were with Emeralds  
the Ark made them full woe:  
From whence it came they did decree,  
thither to let it go.   

The vj. chapter.  
FUlly and whole they did consent,  
that home the Ark should wend:  
With mice and arses made of gold,  
so home they did it send  
Two kine new milk did carry it  
the right way home they went  
The Bethsanites they it received,  
for which they were all shent.   

The seven. chapter.  
GOD willed Israel that they should,  
their Idols quite destroy:  
By samuel's mouth and they confessed  
their sins to him on high.  
They willed Samuel for to pray,  
the enemies they did fear:  
They were destroyed & fought no more  
the space of many a year.   

The viii. chapter.  
HOw samuel's sons did wickedly  
the people did it ming:  
And not content of Samuel,  
they did desire a king.  
He them denied and axt the Lord  
who did to them consent:  
And bade him tell what he would do,  
when he one to them sent.   

The ix. chapter.  
IT came to pass that Saul Cis son,  
his Asses went to find:  
The Sear fondée he did inquire,  
who told him all his mind.  
Thy Asses they are found, and thou  
the Israelites must guide:  
He feasted him and on the morn,  
he took him sole on side.   

The x. chapter.  
Kiss did Samuel and anoint,  
than Saul to be their King:  
And told him things which came to pass  
as he afore did ming.  
●o Prophecy he did and told,  
his uncle half his hap:  
The lot did fall to Saul as King,  
And unthriftꝭ grudgd thereat.   

The xi. chapter.  
LAy siege to Jabes Nahas did,  
which was an Ammonite:  
They did submit he sent them word,  
their eyes to thrust out quite.  
Then seven days respite they did take  
then aid less they would yield.  
So Saul did win the people's hartis  
in winning of the field.   

The xii. chapter.  
MArk my words said Samuel then,  
your wills I have obeyed:  
If I did wrong or taken bribe,  
it shall again be paid.  
How God had done in time afore,  
and would do he them told:  
With thunder and rain he feared all,  
and sharply them controlled.   

The xiii. Chapter.  
NOw Saul being king, he got him men  
against his foes to fight:  
And when the host drew near to Saul,  
he did that was not right.  
He offended God in doing the thing  
that Samuel should have done,  
A Smith to make them tools to fight,  
in Israel had they none.   

The xiiii. chapter.  
Over with one than jonathas went  
his sign was true they fled  
When Saul it knew with all his men,  
he folowd upon the dead.  
If any did eat ere night were come  
then die he should said Saul:  
jonathas eat and should have died,  
the host denied it all.   

The xv. chapter.  
POinted was Saul of Gods own, mouth  
the Amalakites to kill:  
He disobeyed the almighty Lord,  
and followed his foolish wil  
Then Samuel showed him how that God,  
was sorry he made him king:  
Obedience more he looks to have,  
than any burnt offering.   

¶ Half samuel's first book ye have had,  
some say the first of Kings:  
Wherein is showed the marvelous works,  
of God in his doings.  
Of David's calling to be King,  
Samuel did him 'noint:  
It shallbe showed you afterward,  
the Chapters shall it point.    


The xvi. Chapter.  
Appoint did God that Samuel should  
choose David to be King:  
For fear of Saul he went in close,  
and feigned an offering.  
So David being chosen king,  
an evil spirit came on Saul:  
When David came and played on harp,  
the spirit went out of Saul.   

The xvij. chapter.  
BOldly bragged Goliath then  
on his great might and strength  
None durst go out to cope with him,  
till David came at length,  
Proffer he did to fight with him,  
yet harness had he none.  
A sling he had and out he went,  
and killed him with a stone.   

The xviii. chapter.  
COme out did women and did sing  
in joy of enemies fall:  
They sang, ten thousand David slew,  
a thousand slain of Saul.  
Then Saul devised David's death,  
yet scaped he with his life:  
To have his death, Michol he gave,  
to be his spoused wife.   

The nineteen. chapter.  
Devise did Saul still David's death,  
for all the oath he swore:  
And when he played to void the spirit  
he threw at him a spear:  
Then in his house he had been slain,  
but Michol caused him flee:  
And they him sought, Saul and his men  
began to prophesy.   

The xx. chapter.  
Eftsoons David and jonathas,  
compact their faiths in one:  
If Saul him mist and were displeased  
he should know how to gone.  
Then Saul fell out with jonathas,  
that void was David's place:  
Then by a sign he gave him word,  
to flee in any case.   

The xxi. chapter.  
Flee from Saul then David did,  
to Ahimelech he came:  
The ●ewbread suttely he obtained,  
but by was saul's herdman.  
The Philistians sword he got also,  
to Achis king he went:  
He was afraid he feigned him mad,  
the King was not content.   

The xxii. chapter.  
GO forth doth David on his way,  
th' oppressed to him did come:  
He left his kindred with a King,  
and went away with some.  
Doeg told of Abimelech,  
for whom Saul sent and slew:  
And all the house and Town also,  
save one that ●led the crew.   

The xxiii. Chapter.  
HElp did David a City besieged  
Reylah it was called:  
And Saul well hoped to kill him there  
it was a City walled.  
In a thicket he was betrayed,  
Saul thought him to have spoiled:  
The straight was great David was in  
but Saul then home recoiled.   

The xxiv. chapter.  
IN danger great was Saul the king  
in cave so it did hap:  
If David would he had been slain,  
he cut but his cote lap.  
Then David cried to Saul and said,  
see what I might have done:  
So Saul swore David to be good,  
to him in his kingdom.   

The xxv. chapter.  
Know ye may of samuel's death▪  
and nabal his sheep shearing:  
Who angered David very much,  
his churlish part once hearing.  
If Abigail had him not met,  
they had then lost their life:  
Immediately the fool did die,  
and David had his wife.   

The xxvi. chapter.  
lying a sleep in Abners' tent,  
Saul lost his spear and cruse:  
Which David had and cried aloud,  
and told it them as news.  
When Saul had heard all David's mind,  
his fault he did confess:  
And knowledge David's reign as king,  
and last he did him bless.   

The xxvii. chapter.  
Much a do had David with Saul,  
therefore he fled the land:  
And went to Achis King of Geth,  
in the Philistian land.  
He slew of them in roving wise,  
and left not one a live:  
And told the king another tale,  
who did his words believe.   

The xxviii. chapter.  
NOw battle gins between them both  
and Saul to God did speak:  
He had no word of God again,  
when he his mind did break.  
A woman him raised as he believed,  
Samuel that then was dead:  
Who told him plain he should be slain,  
and David set in his stead.   

The xxix. chapter.  
OUt went the heathen by their ranks,  
the Lords did David spy:  
They art of Achis what he was,  
who him extolleth on high.  
But they were fumed and said plainly  
he would do them some lack:  
And Achis told to David all,  
who early sent him back.   

The thirty. chapter.  
PErished was the town with fire,  
where David's wives did dwell:  
And men and women led away,  
then David axt council.  
Follow he did and them destroyed  
and home returned again:  
The spoils was dealt and presentis sent  
the riches of the slain.   

The xxxi. chapter.  
QUickly fled the Israelites,  
and gave their foes the field:  
saul's sons were slain at the same time  
and Saul himself there killed.  
His harness and his body both  
they hung them up on high:  
His body and his sons were burnt  
their bones laid at a tree.    

¶ This book the first is done and passed  
at saul's death it doth end:  
The second next while it doth last,  
ye shall have we intent.    

The second book of Samuel other wise the second of the Kings.  

The first Chapter.  
A Yung man carried David word,  
that Saul in field was slain:  
For making of a lie to him,  
death had he for his pain.  
Then David wept and mourned sore  
for Saul and jonathas death:  
And sang a song all full of woe,  
that they had lost their breath.   

The two. chapter.  
BEgin did David then to reign,  
in Hebron kinged he first:  
And Isboseth by Abners means,  
anoint him Israel durst.  
Then twelve & twelve so played in sport,  
that one each other slew:  
Twéen both the houses for that part,  
the battle 'gan to brew.   

The three chapter.  
COmpany with a Concubine,  
made Abner to rebel:  
From Isboseth he yielded up,  
to David Israel.  
When he was gone in peace away  
by joab he returned:  
Who did him kill full gilefully,  
for whom the king sore mourned.   

The iiii. chapter.  
DAmpt was Israel with their king,  
when Abners death they heard:  
Two of the heads slew Isboseth,  
and had a right reward.  
To David they did bring his head  
and hoped to have thank:  
As he that brought saul's death to him,  
so had they for their prank.   

The v. chapter.  
Each sides were made now all in one  
juda and Israel:  
And anointed David once again,  
who ruled them full well.  
Jerusalem of jebusites,  
did David win and take:  
And battles twain he won by might,  
and made his foes to quake.   

The vi. chapter.  
FRom Abinadab thark was fetched,  
and Ozah God did strike:  
Therefore with Obed it was left,  
which made him well to like.  
When David knew he fetched it home  
afore it he did dance:  
Michol mocked him and for her fee  
no children was her chance.   

The seven. chapter.  
GOd unto David did deny,  
a house for him to build:  
I shrouded not in Cedar trees,  
but dwelled always in field.  
Thy son a house shall rear for me,  
and reign for evermore:  
Then David wholly praised the Lord  
and thanked him therefore.   

The viii. chapter.  
HOw David used his enemies,  
and lined their lives and death:  
The Assyrians he did subdue,  
and thousands lost their breath.  
A foreign King to him did yield,  
and sent him gifts full great:  
He gave them all to God and doth,  
his ruler's names repeat.   

The ix▪ chapter.  
IN memory came to David's mind,  
his vow to jonathas made:  
Ask he did if any were left,  
that promise might be paid.  
Miphiboseth was found and brought  
to whom the king gave land:  
And set him at his board always  
all this he did command.   

The x. chapter.  
KNow ye may of an heathen king,  
towards David evil behaved:  
Just by their tails he cut their coats  
and half their beards he shaved.  
With David's men this part he played,  
who did his deeds requite:  
He did him foil with all his power  
and put his aid to flight.   

The xi. chapter.  
LUst caused David for to sin,  
with Bethsabe in deed:  
She was with child and then he sent,  
for Urias with speed.  
And when he would not lie with her,  
he sent him back again:  
And such word sent that he was set,  
in place where he was slain.   

The xii. chapter.  
marvelous angry was the Lord,  
with David for this part:  
When he it witted he did repent,  
the deed with all his heart.  
God him forgave but yet the child,  
did die for this ill thing:  
Then next she bore him Solomon,  
who afterward was King.   

The xiii. chapter▪  
NOw Thamar was a fair young maid,  
and Ammon did her lust:  
He feigned him sick and had his will  
and from him did her thrust.  
Then Absalon her brother dear,  
did still her from her cry:  
And two year after caused him killed  
and afterward did flee.   

The xiiii. chapter.  
Over passed was David's ●um●,  
and joab wrought a ●eat:  
By a woman for Absalon,  
that hame he might him get.  
The king did grant and home he came,  
but would not yet him see:  
Procured, joab spoke for him,  
than kissed the king and he.   

The xv. chapter.  
PIck so away the people's hartis  
from David did his son:  
Rebel he did against the king,  
this same was Absalon.  
The King did flee for fear of 〈◊〉,  
bare footed and did weep:  
Yet had he spies that wrought for him  
whose council they did keep.   

The xvi. chapter.  
QUietly passed he the hill,  
and Ziva brought him gifts  
Whom Semei cursed and he preferred,  
God in his secret driftꝭ.  
Then Husai the rebel sarud,  
but he was David's spy:  
And Absalon in open sight,  
with David's wives did lie.   

The xvii. chapter.  
REfused was Ahithophel,  
his council took no place:  
But Husay his words were liked well,  
and David knew the case.  
Then David fled but Ahithophel,  
himself did hang for woe:  
And divers men brought David food  
their hunger moved them so.   

The xviii. chapter.  
SO number David did his men  
and set them out in ray:  
And charge gave David for his son,  
his life in him to stay.  
But contrary the field once won  
joab did thrust him thorough:  
When David witted, he took on so,  
that joy was turned to sorrow.   

The nineteen. chapter.  
TO stay his sorrow, joab went,  
and brought the king in sight:  
Then did Israel joy it much,  
and willed him his right.  
Whole juda came as they were wild  
their king home for to bring:  
And Israel was not well content,  
for doing of that thing.   

The xx. chapter.  
UP then rose a rebel again,  
and Seba was his name:  
He moved Israel to rebel,  
to get himself a fame.  
Besieged he was in Abel town,  
they had been all as dead:  
But that a woman found the means,  
that cast out was his head.   

The xxi. chapter.  
A Plague than came of three dear years,  
saul's kindred was the cause:  
When his seven sons were hanged up  
the death began to pause.  
Of mighty men the chapter speaks  
Philistians that were slain:  
Their spears as big as weavers beams,  
yet served they as vain.   

The xxii. chapter.  
BEgin did David then to sing,  
and sang a song of praise:  
Extolling God for his great help  
showed to him always.  
He hath me kept and been my shield  
and made my foes to fall:  
Therefore thou live and blessed be thou  
among the heathen all.   

The xxiii. chapter.  
christ by David here is told,  
his kingdom and his might:  
And valiant men are then expressed,  
the which for him did fight.  
Eight hundredth men are slain of one  
another withstood a field:  
Three fetched water through an host,  
the fourth made Lions yield.   

The xxiiii. chapter.  
David did then his people tell,  
and numbered then soon  
And when he witted he did repent,  
the deed that he had done.  
Plagued he should be and did require,  
Pestilence to reign:  
Threescore and ten thousands of men,  
afore it feast were slain.   

¶ The second book of Kings is done,  
or Samuel as you will:  
The third shall come by God his grace,  
and so forth will we stil.  
Twenty and four it hath contained,  
and twenty and two the next:  
In all these chapters ye shall find,  
the order of the text.    

¶ The third book of the Kings after the Latins, after the hebrews the first of the Kings.  

The first Chapter.  
AS David waxed old he had  
a maid to keep him warm:  
Adoniah did king himself,  
he fearing then no harm.  
By nathan's means was Solomon set,  
and crowned in David's seat.  
The noise once heard they fled for fear,  
the head did him entreat.   

The two. chapter.  
BEcause that David saw by age  
that death approached near:  
His son he charged God to love,  
and him alone to fear.  
As touching joab and Semei,  
of them he told his will:  
Adoniah, Abiathar,  
these four came unto ill.   

The three chapter.  
COmmunication had the Lord,  
with Solomon the King:  
Ask what thou wilt, said God to him,  
for wisdom did he ming.  
The Lord it liked and gave it him  
and strait it was espied:  
Two women strove about one child,  
and he the troth out tried.   

The iiii. chapter.  
Declared is then his ruler's names  
and caters for his board:  
The number of his bread and beef,  
that daily he did ford.  
Three thousand proverbs he did write,  
a thousand songs and five:  
Of beasts and fowls, & worms & fish  
he wrote of them believe.   

The v. chapter.  
Even at that time the king of Tire,  
which Hiram hight by name:  
He sent to Solomon when he heard,  
of his great might and fame.  
And then they two did join in league,  
the king of him had wood:  
And Hiram did receive again,  
corn for his daily food.   

The vi. chapter.  
FUlly prepared the king began,  
jerusalem to build:  
Full costly work he made of it,  
and richly he it stalled.  
Two Cherubs did he make full gay,  
and coured them with gold:  
Galaries did he rear also,  
and all things as he would.   

The seven. chapter.  
GO forth did Solomon and did build,  
himself a goodly place:  
And made two pillars wonderful  
and cast they were of brass.  
A Sea also, and laver great,  
with much things yet more:  
Of gold and silver vessels gay,  
he made thereof good store.   

The viii. chapter.  
House did Solomon then the Ark,  
and set it in his place:  
And prayed to God full marvelously  
for many a sundry case.  
He him besought for divers things,  
I would you read them all:  
And offered great offerings,  
as there perceive ye shall.   

The ix. Chapter.  
IN talk was God with Solomon,  
and these words he him told  
If he and his would keep his law,  
be in his house be would.  
To Hiram gave he cities great,  
the heathen tribute paid:  
And thrice a year burnt sacrifice,  
afore the Lord was laid.   

The x. chapter.  
KNowledge than had a foreign Queen  
of salomon's great fame:  
And when she had him proved and seen,  
she did confirm the same.  
Gold was plenty in that time,  
and also precious stones:  
And Silver was so plenty tho,  
as in the street are stones   

The xi. chapter.  
Love did Solomon concubines  
which caused him to sin:  
He served Gods beside the Lord,  
therefore said God to him:  
I warned thee but all in vain,  
thy kingdom shallbe rend.  
He stirred him up divers foes,  
ere to his grave he went.   

The xii. chapter.  
MAny men than did flock in one,  
Rehoboam to 'noint:  
He answered them so churlishely,  
they weighed him not a point.  
jeroboam then did they choose,  
and him they made their King:  
He made them calves and hill altars,  
and burnt thereon offering.   

The xiii. chapter.  
NOthing abashed a Prophet told,  
the ruin of the altar:  
The King his hand was dried up,  
and God did heal it after.  
The Prophet than he did not keep  
but broke the Lord his will:  
As he returned for his reward,  
a Lion did him kill.   

The xiiii. chapter.  
Old was Ahiah when he told,  
the Queen the kingdoms fall:  
And of her Lord and son also,  
and truth he told her all.  
jeroboam, Rehoboam,  
of juda and Israel kings:  
They died both then and their sons,  
began in their diyngs.   

The xv. chapter.  
Placed was Abiam of juda King,  
a wicked man in deed:  
His son Asa destroyed the stews,  
when he did him succeed.  
Nadab evil in Israel reigned,  
and Baasa him did kill:  
jeroboams séed he rooted out,  
and ruled the realm at wil   

The xvi. Chapter.  
QUenched was Baasa and his house,  
his stock of Zamri slain:  
Amry was crowned and Zamri burnt,  
himself besieged in pain.  
When Amri of Thebni had his will  
then ruled he but not well:  
And Ahab his son more wicked than he  
who married jezabel.   

The xvii. chapter.  
Ravens fed Eliah in the drought,  
until the river was dry:  
The drought continued three year space,  
as he did prophecy.  
At Sareptha in a widows house,  
he lay, and increased her food:  
And lived her son when he was dead  
so turn he did her mood.   

The xviii. chapter.  
SEarching for grass Eliah met,  
with him that prophets hide  
By him the King met Eliah,  
so each the other chide.  
The priests of Ball for all their noise  
no fire could obtain:  
But Eliah did and caused them killed,  
and strait began the rain.   

The nineteen. chapter.  
UHen jezabel him vowed to kill,  
from whom he fled for fear:  
Then forty days with little food  
he went as doth appear.  
At Oreb hill with God he spoke,  
two Kings he willed him 'noint:  
Elizeus then in his roum,  
a Prophet he did point.   

The xx. chapter.  
War sure did then King Bennadab,  
against Samaria twice:  
On hill or plain he was destroyed,  
it was the Lord's device.  
But when that Israel peace did make  
with that ungracious king:  
The king had word to be destroyed,  
and his realm for that thing.   

The xxi. chapter.  
AHab then sought a vineyard,  
of Naboth but in vain:  
The wicked Queen hight jezabel,  
that caused him to be slain.  
Possession when he went to take,  
his death was told him just:  
The dogꝭ should lick up both their bloodꝭ  
to teach them have such lust.   

The xxii. chapter.  
Boldly so bad the Prophet's false,  
Rameth besieged to be:  
But Micha did from them descent,  
therefore to jail went he.  
As he had said Hahab was slain,  
But judah's King was saved:  
In Crownacles their actis are told,  
how they themselves behaved.   

¶ The third of Kings after this text,  
in order ye have had:  
And now the fourth with meeeter like,  
to you it shallbe clad.    

iiii. of Kings.  

The first Chapter.  
AHab his son, Ohoziah  
out of a window fell:  
If he should scape to Belsebub,  
he sent, he should him tell.  
Eliah sent them back strait way,  
to tell him he should die:  
Two fifties burnt the third him brought  
but he nought did deny.   

The two. chapter.  
BEfore Eliah was taken up,  
he parted jordane brook:  
Elizeus had double spirit,  
and up his mantle took.  
The brook with it he did divide,  
and made the waters sweet:  
The b●yes with bears they were destroyed  
for mocking it was feet.   

The three chapter.  
Custom then a King denied,  
of paying his Lambs and sheep:  
To jehoram, who with two Kings,  
against him went to fight.  
Elizeus water helped them to,  
and made their journey good:  
The Edomites were far deceived,  
the water looked like blood.   

The iiii. chapter.  
DEtted was a widow sore,  
her oil was much increased:  
A woman a child had and it died,  
the prophet her pain released.  
coloquintida in the pottage was put,  
he made them sweet with meal.  
He multiplied the loves at full,  
and left an overdeal.   

The v. chapter.  
Evilly plagued was Naaman,  
with leprosy in deed:  
By advice to jury he went,  
for help as he had need.  
Although the King did fear him much  
the Prophet him did heal:  
The Prophet's man for taking fee  
the sore had every deal.   

The vj. chapter.  
Full lightly swum the Iron above,  
Elizeus made it so:  
The Sirian king sent him to catch,  
but wrongly they did go.  
Samaria then was so besieged,  
that eat they did a child:  
The King was bend the prophet to kill,  
but yet he was beguiled.   

The seven. Chapter.  
GOod cheap of things the prophet told,  
the next day for to have:  
A certain Lord denied the same,  
for which his life he gave.  
The Syrians fled with 'noys they heard,  
God made them so afraid:  
The cheap was had and he did die,  
of whom afore was said.   

The viii. chapter.  
HOw seven. years dearth should come & fall  
a woman had it told:  
And Benhadab dead then Hazael,  
to King he durst be bold.  
jehosaphat, Iehorams son,  
of juda he was king:  
Ohoziah did him sucséed,  
both these were evil reigning.   

The ix. chapter.  
IEhu is then anointed King,  
on Israel to reign:  
The Kings of juda and Israel,  
by him they were both slain.  
Then jezabel in best array,  
out of window was thrown:  
The Dogs her eat then was God's 〈◊〉  
full justly on her known.   

The x. chapter.  
KIll did jehue, Ahab his sons,  
which were three score and ten▪  
And all his stock and fruits also,  
were killed quite up then.  
And all Balls priests into Balls house,  
by sleight he did them get:  
They were all killed and Ball destroyed  
this was his holy feat.   

The xj. chapter.  
LIke wise the sons of Ohoziah,  
Athalia made them slain:  
But one was kept that cut her short  
over juda to reign.  
Then jehoas by the bishops mean,  
was set in father's seat:  
His grandam she was killed then,  
such measure did he meat.   

The xii. Chapter.  
Much provision than was made  
the temple to repair:  
For costis and charges they not stuck  
so it were mended fair.  
And Hazael his host was stayed,  
for coming to give field:  
jehoas men with treason great,  
their king they took and killed.   

The xiii. chapter.  
NOw the next king of Israel,  
which was jehu his son:  
The Sirian king did so him vex,  
that he was overcome.  
At Elizeus the King had hope,  
while he was yet alive:  
He being dead, the dead him touched  
and strait he did revive.   

The xiiii. chapter.  
OF divers kings this chapter tells,  
that wickedly did reign:  
The king whose father two did kill,  
he caused them to be slain.  
Their names, their years, & noble deeds  
the Crownacles do tell:  
That juda ruled and bore the stroks  
also of Israel.   

The xv. chapter.  
PAid was then a certain King,  
with Leprosy for sin:  
And then to kill their kings apace  
the traitors did begin.  
Nine kings small while in Israel reigned  
so spirde they to the crown:  
But as they reigned with bloody hands  
with blood so went they down.   

The xvi. chapter.  
QUite against the law of God,  
king Ahaz burned his son:  
The king of Israel battle great,  
against him then begun.  
For aid he sent to Assiria,  
and it he did obtain:  
An altar strange he caused to make,  
Vriah took the pain.   

The xvij. chapter.  
Rehearsed is the captivity,  
that Israel came unto:  
The Assyrian king them led away  
to teach them evil to do.  
O read the chapter I you pray,  
and mark what sin doth bring:  
It is th'effect of much afore,  
give it therefore reading.   

The xviii. chapter.  
SO than the King Hezekiah,  
in juda ruled well:  
The brazen Serpent he burst down,  
his foes found him full fel.  
Then Rabsakeh the Sirian Lord,  
the jews he did defy:  
In their known tongue he spoke aloud,  
against the Lord on high.   

The nineteen. chapter.  
TO Ezay sent the king to know  
if God would defend:  
He had good comfort at his hand,  
good tidings did he send.  
The king did pray his prayer was heard  
Senacheribs host was slain.  
An Angel killed them in the night:  
so was his brags in vain.   

The xx. chapter.  
UNto the King he being sick:  
word came that he should die:  
He wept and prayed and fifteen year,  
he had to live perdie.  
For showing of his treasures great  
to strangers, God him told:  
To Babylon his seed should go,  
with thraldoms many fold.   

The xxi. chapter.  
ANd then Manasses in his reign:  
the Idols did restore:  
And wrought such evil and wickedness,  
as none did him before.  
Dreadful threats the Prophetis told  
and Amon had his place:  
His servants killed him and were killed  
the people quit his case.   

The xxij. chapter.  
BEgin to reign did josiah,  
when he was eight year old:  
At eyghtéen year the book was found,  
which made his heart full cold.  
To a woman wise he sent to know,  
the Lord almighty's will:  
She sent him word that he should see  
no point of judah's ill.   

The xxiii. chapter.  
CAll up whole juda did the King,  
and read to them the law:  
The smoky priests and Idols all,  
he burned them up like straw.  
Their graves, their altars and their groue●  
not one of them he left:  
When he was killed his son did reign,  
to Idols he him feft.   

The xxiiii. chapter.  
Departed jehoakim did and died,  
his son did him sucséed:  
Jerusalem besieged was,  
overcome it was in deed.  
To Babylon then were they led,  
all of them save the poor:  
And Zedechiah rose against,  
the Babilonishe power.   

The xxv. chapter.  
Eagerly then from Babylon,  
the king came with an host:  
A year and more the City fought,  
but yet at last they lost.  
Zedechias sons were killed he saw,  
the wicked did so rout:  
The Town and Temple was destroyed,  
and then his eyes thrust out.   

¶ The last and fourth book of the Kings,  
the second some it call:  
Is gone and passed with matters hard,  
in meeter for to fall.  
The Crownicles the doubts shall mend,  
God let us live thereto:  
And send us grace to do the thing,  
that we intent to do.   
¶ Finis.   

The first book of the Chronicles.  

¶ The i. chapter.  
ADam his line is here expressed,  
to jacob and Esau:  
Then have you told what kings did rule  
the Edomites by law:  
Eight kings they had before the time,  
that Israel had a King:  
What Dukes they had ye may have there  
if you inquire the thing.   

The two. Chapter.  
BEgin the second Chapter doth,  
with jacob and his sons:  
And then of judah's progeny  
it next in order comes.  
Seven were the sons that isaiah had,  
whose father was Obed:  
And David yungest was of them,  
yet was he made their head.   

The three chapter.  
Concubine's divers David had,  
of sons he had ninetéen:  
●n Hebron six, Jerusalem  
there had he just thirteen.  
These by his wives, to him were born  
in which was Solomon:  
The Kings that ruled after him,  
the chapter telleth on.   

The iiii. chapter.  
DRawn out is then the line and stock  
of judah and his kin:  
In wanting food to feed their sheep  
good pasture they did win.  
Of Simions' sons somewhat is said  
how valiantly they went:  
They being few yet sped they well,  
and had their whole intent.   

The v. chapter.  
Evil favoured lust to father's wife  
lost Reuben his birthright:  
And joseph's stock came in his roum,  
a people full of might.  
Yet is his stock here told, and what  
a noble fight they fought:  
A land they won, but after fell,  
from God, who drove them out.   

The vi. Chapter.  
Following on of Levies line  
expressed is at large:  
Of whom came Aaron and his sons  
that had the préestly charge.  
Cities they had of other tribes,  
for refuge, and beside  
For them, and their posterities,  
as lots to them were guides.   

The seven. Chapter.  
GOing on forth by Israel,  
to tell who came of him:  
Of Izacar and Benjamin,  
Manasses and Ephraim.  
Then Ephraim's stock by men of Gath,  
were slain which made him sad:  
His friends did comfort him right well,  
and then a son he had.   

The viii. chapter.  
HEar more is told of Benjamin,  
his sons by right descent  
How they begat from child to child  
and lineally forth went.  
Out of which tribe came forth king Saul  
and of his sons by row:  
As told and eke of valiant men,  
that shot well in a bow.   

The ix. chapter.  
ISrael is now numbered,  
in certain tribes by name:  
The Levites and the chiefest priests  
that were of greatest fame.  
The overséears of the works,  
the porters in their charge:  
The ointment makers & vessel keepers,  
are here told out at large.   

The x. chapter.  
KIng Saul is slain by Philistines,  
and jonathas his son:  
His body stripped his head cut of,  
after the field was won.  
The cause is told why he was slain:  
by counciling with the Devil:  
And David brought into his reign,  
who rooted out much evil.   

The xi. chapter.  
LIke as the Lord had promised  
by Samuel his man:  
So David now is chosen King,  
Jerusalem he won.  
His noble men are told by name  
and eke their mighty actis  
He that will read the chapter out,  
shall hear of worthy factis.   

The xii. chapter.  
MEn that of might were marvelous,  
to David now did flock:  
And such as knew the featis of wars  
came out of every stock.  
Out of each tribe good soldiers,  
their captains with their number,  
Are here so told and with such hartis  
as might make David wonder.   

The xiii. chapter  
NOw David here doth council take  
the Ark first home to bring:  
Which Saul did nothing care to do  
as long as he was king.  
And one was slain for touching it  
when as the Ark did shake:  
So came it short to Zion hill,  
it made the king to quake.   

The xiiii. chapter.  
OF work men and of Cedar trees,  
sent to him here is told:  
Whereby his kingdom established,  
to say he durst be bold.  
His sons and wives are then expressed,  
the Philistines invade:  
With God he talkte, whose will obeyed,  
he slew them in a slade.   

The xv. chapter.  
PRepare did he a multitude,  
for to fetch home the Ark:  
The Levites bore it on their backs,  
pleasantly sang each clerk.  
With shouting noise and instruments  
and David danced his part:  
The dainty damsel Michol then,  
despised him in her heart.   

The xvi. chapter  
QUietly now the Ark is set,  
the tabernacle under:  
The priests appointed to give thanks,  
according to their number.  
A Psalm he made in praise of God,  
to laud his holy name:  
In the hundred and the fift Psalm  
there shall ye find the same.   

The xvii. chapter.  
REfuse did God that David should  
an house unto him build:  
But as before so would he still,  
dwell under tent in field.  
But that a son of his should make  
a house he was content:  
Then landed he the Lord therefore,  
sitting within his tent.   

The xviii. Chapter.  
Such battles then as David fought  
this chapter doth declare:  
The Philistines, the Moabites,  
they all subdued are.  
The Edomites with other Kings,  
did David overthrow:  
And those that were his ruler's chief,  
their names here may ye know.   

The nineteen. chapter.  
THen David sent of right good will,  
a new King for to greet:  
The messengers were madly shaven  
their coats cut full unmeet.  
Such wrath their master took therefore  
that battle 'gan to broil:  
The Moabites, the Aramites,  
they fled and had the spoil.   

The xx. chapter.  
WHen Princes use in battle ray  
their armies to set out:  
Then joab went and won a town  
and took a King full stout.  
Whose crown was set on David's head,  
which weighed a weighty weight:  
Such Giants than were overthrown  
as lacked no strength nor height.   

The xxi. chapter.  
According as the Devil did tempt,  
David did tell his flock:  
Of three hard stripes the Pestilence,  
he chose to be his stroke.  
Three score and ten thousands of men,  
the Angel did devour:  
The plague is ceased▪ an altar built,  
upon a threshing flower.   

The xxii. chapter.  
BEing at rest now in his seat,  
all things he doth provide:  
Wherewith to build to God an house,  
at the appointed tide.  
Good council to his son he gives,  
for to erect the same:  
His noble men he doth exhort,  
to help the work to frame.   

The xxiii. Chapter.  
Choose king was Solomon then  
by David for to reign:  
The priesthood eke of Levies kind,  
was numbered again.  
Then Aaron's stock and Moses' line  
are pointed both as one:  
Their names and eke their offices,  
for them to wait upon.   

The xxiv. chapter.  
Division of Aaron's seed,  
the king by lot did make:  
And so each man that had his roum,  
by lot he did it take.  
Yet was there left of amram's house,  
whose names by course are told:  
And lots were cast for equalness,  
betwixt the young and old.   

The xxv. chapter.  
Each man that should on instrument,  
his melody to play:  
And Prophecies to sing thereto,  
were pointed out that day.  
Their names are told by lotted lot  
who set to each degree  
The songs of God, only they sung  
in laudes of God perdie.   

The xxvi. chapter.  
FOr porters men were pointed out  
to keep the south and west:  
For other gates beside thereto,  
and for the north and East.  
Where spoils were laid in battle won,  
and gifts given by the powers:  
Fit men were chose and pointed out,  
thereof to keep the doors.   

The xxvii. chapter.  
GIdes & captains the which did rule,  
each month their pointed race:  
Their names and number here is told  
from tribe to tribe in place.  
Ouerséears of divers things,  
this chapter doth you tell:  
What names they had, what was their charge  
and of the King's council.   

The xxviij. chapter.  
HOw David called the multitude,  
and then said unto them:  
God me denied, and plight my son  
to build Jerusalem.  
He gave his son a goodly charge  
and of the work the plat.  
And left him gold abundantly,  
and men of skilful art.   

The xxix. chapter.  
IN Gold and eke in silver both  
in Iron and in Brass:  
That David left, and what he gave,  
and eke how much it was.  
With what the princes all did give  
how Solomon was crowned:  
His father's death and years of reign,  
all this may hear be found.   

¶ The first book of the Chronicles,  
is come to his last line:  
The chapters are a score by tale,  
and thereto putting nine.  
From Adam unto David's reign,  
thus Esdras hath you told:  
Who writ these books of Chronicles,  
the jews of them so hold.  
In ample manner is expressed,  
how that he kept his charge:  
I mean of David's princely life,  
is here told you at large.  
Of salomon's ruling of them  
and eke of princes more:  
Now shallbe told if God permit,  
in order as they go.    

The second book of the Chronicles.  

The first Chapter.  
AN offering great Solomon made,  
what liked, God bade him crave:  
Long life nor wealth, ne wrathful wrath  
he cared not to have.  
But wisdom asked, God did him grant  
and wealth with honour fraught:  
The store of Gold and costly things,  
were out of Egypt brought.   

The two. chapter.  
BUild would he now to God an house,  
as leave was to him let:  
His work men told, and also how  
more to them he did get.  
Of letters sent to king of Tire,  
and eke their whole contents:  
And how with like he sent again,  
whereto the king consents.   

The three chapter.  
'Cause did now this Solomon King  
the house of God to build:  
On threshing flower that David bought  
which stood in Moriah field.  
Each porch & house the length & breadth,  
the cherubs with their wings:  
The vale of silk and pillars both,  
this chapter to you mings.   

The iiii. chapter.  
Devised of brass an altar was,  
and eke a molten sea:  
With Oxen for to bear it up,  
each quarter three to stay.  
Candlesticks, cauldrons, tables ten,  
with besoms and flesh hooks:  
And other things as he may see  
who so the Chapters looks.   

The v. chapter.  
Each thing that David had beque●▪  
to God by dedication:  
Is put into the temple then,  
after a solemn fashion.  
The Ark and that that was therein,  
is brought thereto also:  
The singing men and instruments  
full pleasantly did blow.   

The vi. chapter.  
FAith made the King to God to pray,  
when he his flock had blessed:  
With arms spread out and vowed knees,  
thus made he his request.  
That when the people did offend,  
and for their sin were struck:  
If in that place they prayed to him,  
that he would on them look.   

The seven. chapter.  
GOd liked his prayer then so well,  
that fire so down he sent  
And burned up the sacrifice,  
his glory was present.  
And grant he did the King's request  
to him conditionally:  
If he and his would walk upright,  
else would he all destroy.   

The viii. chapter.  
HOw Solomon Cities did make  
this chapter doth you tell:  
And how he brought his wife to home,  
in house where she should dwell  
The offerings that he offered then,  
are eke unto you told:  
And how he sent his men in ships,  
to Opher fetching gold.   

The ix. chapter.  
IN fame his name was spread abroad,  
whereby of Saba Queen:  
Came him to see, who praised him much  
when she his state had seen.  
His yearly rentis how long he ruled  
his treasure and his grace:  
His riches, and his seeking to  
the ending of his race.   

The x. chapter.  
KNowing his death his son did reign  
called Rehoboam:  
Who being ruled by counsel evil  
much trouble thereby came.  
For then the people did rebel,  
and chose another head:  
Ten tribes did shrink away from him  
whom jeroboam led.   

The xi. chapter.  
Lose did the King his labour then  
his army being priest:  
And Cities strong with speed he made  
to keep his land in rest.  
Rehoboam of whom we speak  
did marry many wives.  
Then forth is told what they him bare,  
and eke how many lives.   

The xii. chapter.  
MAde is the kingdom sure & strong,  
from God they all declined  
God sent them foes for to invade,  
for breaking of his mind.  
A Prophet told them of their faults  
to God they did convert:  
He turned his wrath, the King had peace,  
and so he did departed.   

The xiii. chapter.  
NOw when his son called Abiah  
succeeded in his place:  
Then made he war with Israel,  
telling to them the case.  
He put his trust in God alone,  
jeroboam had the worst.  
He died a death unknown to us,  
as one that was accursed.   

The xiiii. chapter.  
OF Abiah's death this chapter tells,  
and eke of Asas reign:  
What peace he had how God he sarud  
destroying Idols vain.  
Also what prayers he made to God  
when wars to him was sent:  
And how the Lord gave him the spoil  
in City and in tent.   

The xv. chapter.  
prophecy did a Prophet then,  
to Asa him to bold:  
Both he and his did swear and vow  
God's law to keep and hold.  
The contrary should die the death,  
that would not God obey:  
He put his mother from her seat,  
and burned her Idol gay.   

The xvi. chapter.  
quarreling wise the Israel King,  
built Rama in the way:  
And Asa gold to Bennadab sent  
Baasah's rage to stay.  
A Prophet did rebuke the fact,  
to prison was he sent:  
The King is sick and physic seeks  
more than th'omnipotent.   

The xvii. chapter.  
RIght well jehosophat did rule  
succeeding Aass reign:  
With serving God in perfect heart,  
it turned to his gain.  
His Lords he sent to teach the flock  
whole juda thorough out:  
His cities manned, his guard was great,  
of thousands round about.   

The xviii. chapter.  
SO joined with Ahab peace he made,  
then with the Israel king:  
Whose Prophetis all did tell a lie,  
but Micha truth did bring.  
In prison he is cast therefore  
the Kings to battle went  
jehosaphat he scaped hard,  
but ahab life was spent.   

The nineteen. chapter.  
THen was the King of juda shent,  
for aiding in that field:  
But then to God's almighty law  
he did make his to yield.  
As ruler chief of both th'estates,  
of clergy and of lay:  
To under heads he gave a charge,  
that there remains for ay.   

The xx. chapter.  
WHen word came of a mighty host,  
whole juda to destroy:  
He prayers made a Prophet said,  
they should not them annoy▪  
The host was slain the spoil was great  
yet as before he fell:  
Thereof being told the lines do lead,  
and of his end do tell.   

The xxi. chapter.  
AS this King had ended his reign,  
jehoram had his place:  
His brethren slain he did mar all  
in going Ahabs' race:  
O look his end what blood him won,  
a Prophet did him chide:  
Troubled with wars & sickness strange  
moste wretchedly he died.   

The xxii. chapter.  
Being without a King they took,  
Ahaziahu by name:  
His mothers will be so performed,  
as did bring to him blame.  
jehu him slew which being noised,  
Athalia it heard:  
The kingly stock she killed to reign,  
but joas scaped hard.   

The xxiii. chapter.  
CUnningly is he crowned King  
Athalia she is slain:  
Ball is burst his priests are killed  
true service placed again.  
The officers set in comely wise,  
the high priest did this deed:  
The King is seen and set in seat,  
all things did well proceed.   

The xxiiii. chapter.  
DEny did none but each did give  
the temple to repair  
The priests were slack it would not serve  
the King had godly care.  
jehoiada dead he fell from faith,  
and Zachari he slew:  
He foiled in wars and sick is slain  
his servants were untrue.   

The xxv. chapter.  
EDom is put now to his flight,  
the traitors eke are killed:  
The King did trust in multitudes  
he turned as he was wild:  
He fell from God, he was rebukte  
Amaziahu he hight.  
He mended not, his City spoiled,  
and killed he was in flight.   

The xxvi. chapter.  
Fallen a sleep his heir doth reign  
Vsias was his name:  
He reigned well till pride him took,  
then lost he all his fame.  
To Church he yed incense to make  
a Leper home he went:  
He dwelled alone, his son did rule  
to burial so he went.   

The xxvij. chapter.  
GOd set in place his son jotham,  
who reigned rightfully:  
Save that to church he would not go,  
his folk lived wickedly  
The Ammonites he overcame,  
Gold with wheat they him gave:  
In peace and rest to grave he went,  
so writ of him ye have.   

The xxviii. chapter.  
Heir to jotham was Ahaz King,  
the false way he did take:  
The Assire and the Israel head,  
they made his kingdom shake.  
Yet captains were returned again  
his realm was thoroughly vexed:  
The more he felt the worse he dealt,  
a better ruled next.   

The xxjx. chapter.  
IN royal state Hezekia,  
obtained now the crown:  
The temple cleansed he did erect,  
that was before put down.  
Oblations, and sacrifice,  
and offerings that were great:  
So he and his thus served God  
thus settled he his seat.   

The thirty. chapter.  
KNowledge was given by letters sent,  
the paske for to be kept:  
Some laughed, some mocked, & some came up  
thus were the people heaped.  
Together as one a fortnight space,  
the paskal Lamb was eaten:  
And if the King had not stepped in,  
some had of God been beaten.   

The xxxi. chapter.  
LOok what became converted men  
was done as men revived:  
They burst their Gods & found their priests  
who lived of things were tithd:  
Such heaps were given that they might wait  
wholly upon their charge:  
Their wives and sons were cared for,  
they had all things at large.   

The xxxii. chapter.  
MUltitudes of soldiers came,  
then out of Assur land:  
An Angel did destroy the host,  
God took the thing in hand.  
Then juda King his heart was great,  
but sickness did him tame:  
More years he had, he lived rich,  
and died in great fame.   

The xxxiii. chapter.  
NOt well, but evil, Manasses reigned,  
until that he was bound:  
Then prayers he made and did repent  
and favour straight he found.  
Restored home he made away,  
the Idols that were vain:  
His son ruled ill, his men him slew,  
and for it were they slain.   

The xxxiiii. chapter.  
OF josias how well he ruled,  
here now to you is told:  
He sought for God and trimmed his house  
his zeal was nothing cold.  
The law was found and he it heard,  
he rend his cote in sunder:  
As he was wild, he served God  
so did likewise a number.   

The xxxv. chapter.  
passover was then held and kept,  
josias so it bad:  
From samuel's days before that time  
the like had not been had.  
He needs would fight with Egypt King  
yet Necho him forbade:  
So slain he was and burial made,  
his flock with mourning clad.   

The xxxvi. chapter.  
QUite quenched was the law of God  
King after King it foiled:  
Some were put down, some captive led  
their temple eke was spoiled.  
They warned, mocked, to Babylon,  
so were they led as sheep:  
At seventy years they did return,  
so Cirus thought it meet.   

¶ Thus ended are the Chronicles.  
two books they do contain:  
The jews in one compile them both,  
to long, we make them twain.  
When Esdras came from Babylon,  
the kingly acts destroyed:  
He penned these writs of brief rehearse,  
no man hath them avoid.    

¶ The first book of Esdras.  

The first Chapter.  
AS spoken was by jeremy,  
so Cirus Persia King:  
Commanded jews' home to return  
all such as were willing.  
Their vessels eke he did them give,  
of gold and silver numbered:  
Five thousand were they in their tale  
and yet thereto four hundred.   

The two. chapter.  
BEing so wild as thick as Bees,  
the jews from thence departed:  
In numbers great to juda land,  
they go with all their heart.  
Fifty thousand, not many less,  
of souls to juda went:  
Zorobabel he was the chief,  
whom Cirus thither sent.   

The three chapter.  
COme home again into their land  
the temple overthrown:  
They do begin to build again,  
the trumpets they are blown.  
And sacrifice they daily make,  
the ground work now is laid:  
Some sing, some shout, some weep for joy  
each one is well paid.   

The iiii. chapter.  
DIssembling men pretended help,  
to build they were forbid:  
Then letted they all Cirus time,  
the building slowly yed.  
Darius' reigned, to whom they writ,  
much slandering the jews:  
Who writ again and did forbid  
such building for to use.   

The v. chapter.  
Eftsoons they build so Prophets wild,  
the cause was asked and why  
They answer made that they had leave  
God let them to deny.  
Then wrote their foes unto the King,  
the work they did detest:  
What Cirus wild, that would they do  
to hear they were full priest.   

The vi. chapter.  
Found out for truth is Cirus grant,  
and he doth it revive:  
The hinderers of the work he bids  
of life them to deprive.  
His house should eke a dunghill be  
such charge he writ again:  
Then builded is the temple up,  
and offerings thick are slain.   

The seven chapter.  
GOd made the King Artaxersis  
so well Esdras to love:  
That he him sent to juda land,  
to serve the Lord above.  
Such letters eke with him he gave  
as worthy are to read:  
A foreign prince, a heathen man,  
the God above did dread.   

The viii. chapter.  
Hundredis now do flock and come  
with Esdras home to go:  
The Levites lacked, he sent for some,  
their wealth he did them show.  
A fast was cried for aid to God,  
they shamed to ask a guard:  
So passed they forth so home they came,  
their bown above was heard.   

The ix. chapter.  
IN raging wise when Esdras heard,  
that gentile wives were kept:  
He rend his clothes he rare his beard,  
and sorrowfully he wept,  
When evening came he prayers made  
most humbly unto God:  
To stay his hand to stop his wrath,  
to keep away his rod.   

The x. chapter.  
KNowledge they gave to Esdras tho,  
that sore they did repent:  
Their heathen brides for to forego,  
they were right well content.  
The multitude are called up,  
the raigny plague is ●ore.  
Such as offend they grant to mend,  
judges are set therefore.   

¶ Thus ended is now the first book,  
which Esdras hath to name:  
The second eke is called so,  
because he writ the same.  
Noehemiah yet some it call:  
because of him it treats,  
You shall hear how the building fares,  
for all the wicked threats.    

¶ The second book of Esdras.  

The first Chapter.  
Ask for news from jury land,  
Nehemiah aston'd:  
The City racked and burnt adown  
he shright and loudly moend.  
Himself alone with weeping fast,  
he prayed to God almight:  
His prayer did tend grace for to find,  
in Aasuerus sight.   

The two. Chapter.  
BUtler unto the King he was,  
and sadly did he wait:  
The King him asked and he him told,  
than passport had he strait.  
When to Jerusalem he came,  
he viewed the whole decay:  
Then cheerfully went forth the work,  
he would have no denay.   

The three chapter.  
Company's now in order built,  
each one he took his place:  
Some of good will, some in despite  
the work went on apace.  
Of all estates laid to their hand,  
the building to advance▪  
And last of all the Goldesmiths build  
and so do the merchants.   

The iiii. chapter.  
DEadly hate the enemies took,  
that still the jews did build:  
They scorned & mocked, they did conspire,  
unwares to give them field.  
Their treason wrought came to the jews  
so were they priest to fight:  
Their foes were blank so soldier like,  
they wrought and watched by night.   

The v. chapter.  
Each man cried out, the dearth was great  
they pledged their land for bread:  
The rich oppressed the poor full sore  
of God they had no dread.  
It was redressed, Nehemiah  
got pardon for the gauged:  
He lived without the people's fee,  
all thing was well eswaged.   

The vi. chapter.  
Full subtlely wrought the heathen than  
Nehemiah to kill:  
They sent for him full oft with craft,  
he went not them until.  
The Prophetis false would him afraid,  
in faith he finished all:  
Some bearing rule had hollow hartis  
I think and ever shall.   

The seven. chapter.  
Guarded now is Jerusalem,  
with watch and eke with ward  
They are found out that first went up,  
their names are red and heard.  
Some were put out their kin forworn,  
and some found right in blood:  
Both rich and poor gave to the kark,  
it came to much good.   

The viii. chapter.  
Having now done the work as aught,  
the law to them is read:  
The people wept and mourned sore,  
of God they were in dread.  
The teachers then with gladsome woordis  
their fearfulness removes:  
The rulers all came for to hear,  
their feast was kept in booths.   

The ix. chapter.  
IN fasting and in prayer both,  
with sack cloth mourningly:  
The people do their alien wives,  
forsake most willingly.  
A godly prayer the priests do make  
Gods wonders to set out:  
How merciful he was to them,  
though still they had been stout   

The x. chapter.  
Known out were now how many would  
and eke thereto subscribe:  
That they would have the covenant kept,  
the chief of every tribe:  
The things are told: whereto they swear  
to keep with all their heart:  
They do protest with full consent,  
they nil from them departed.   

The xi. chapter.  
Lots' then were cast in every ten,  
one should appointed be:  
Jerusalem to make his shroud,  
they did thereto agree.  
So are they told from tribe to tribe,  
who did the city keep:  
The residue abroad did dwell,  
in towns as folded sheep.   

The xii. chapter.  
MAny there were that did return,  
home with Zorobabel:  
priests and levites their names in course  
this Chapter doth you ●el.  
And eke how that the wall thereto,  
they do it dedicate:  
With ranks beset with singing men  
with laudes from gate to gate.   

The xiii. chapter.  
NOw on that day the law was read,  
that strangers were forbade:  
To mix among the jewish sect,  
and so from them they yod.  
The Saboth day they did not keep,  
the ruler it refourmd:  
And double men with heathen babes,  
with speed such out he turned▪   

¶ Nehemiah thus finisheth,  
the second some it call:  
Of Esdras now, and Esther next,  
in course to you shall fall.  
This proverb here is true ifound,  
the wicked makes his gin:  
To catch the just, but he himself,  
is trapped and caught therein.    

The book of Esther.  

The first Chapter.  
AHasuerus or Darius,  
for so some do him call:  
A royal feast he princely kept,  
to cheer both great and small.  
The Queen sent for to come in sight,  
she did send ●lat her nay:  
She is devorst and law is made,  
each wife for to obey.   

The two. chapter.  
Being appeased of his wrath,  
the King had counsel then:  
That virgins should be chosen out,  
the fairest among women.  
So were they chose and purified,  
with garmentis gaily dressed:  
The King had choice which should be Queen  
so Esther liked him best.   

The three chapter.  
COurted now is a wicked man  
that Haman hight by name:  
Who wanting glory to his will,  
he sought a bloody fame.  
By false report he got consent,  
the jews to kill and slay:  
The posts were sent to every cost,  
and pointed was the day.   

The iiii. chapter.  
DOleful cries and shouts were made,  
the jews were so aghast:  
Mardocheus to Court he came,  
the Queen was sore abashed.  
She sent him word to fast and pray  
and so to will the rest:  
Her life she should in danger put,  
yet was she thereto priest.   

The v. Chapter.  
Esther then in her best array,  
came forth before the King:  
He liked her well and Septer showed,  
to testify the thing.  
The King did to her banquet go,  
and Haman with him took:  
Who coming home unto his house  
full wicked council took.   

The vi. Chapter.  
FOund out it was Mardocheus,  
the King had saved unféed:  
Who Haman axt what such a one,  
should have unto his meed?  
In goodly robes to ride saith he,  
with honour and with praise:  
To Mardocheus said the King,  
go do the same strait ways.   

The seven. Chapter.  
Gone to banquet is Haman now,  
to drink his last carouse:  
The Queen than told her doleful hap,  
to her and to her house.  
Unto the King, who rose in wrath  
'gainst Haman for the fact:  
His gallows for another made,  
his neck therein it cracked.   

The viii. chapter.  
Hamans' house Merdocheus had,  
his office thereunto:  
The Queen did beg her people's life,  
the King did grant thereto  
The posts were sent the joy was great,  
the jews had such relief:  
The work of God on them so wrought,  
made some of their belief.   

The ix. chapter.  
IN like as should the jews have had  
so on their foes it fell:  
For some were slain, some hanged on tree  
the King did like it well.  
Then did they point that day to keep,  
holy from year to year:  
With laudes & praise, with deeds of alms,  
as there it doth appear.   

¶ As esther's book is finished,  
so job ye shall have next:  
The patiented man, we will you show,  
according to the text.  
No jew he was, but gentile born,  
yet did he walk aright:  
He was before that Moses was,  
who did this book indight.    

¶ The book of job.  

The first Chapter:  
A Man there was that dwelled in Hus,  
and job they did him call:  
Of riches great, who Satan spoiled,  
and reft it from him all.  
His Children eke, God gave him leave,  
with fire to send them hence:  
Yet for all this, he could not break  
job of his patience.   

The two. Chapter.  
BIles and foul sores upon his flesh  
to vex him worse and worse:  
The Devil got leave to plague him with  
the mighty Lord to curse.  
His wife also, who should have been,  
his stay and eke comfort:  
She counselled him to curse the Lord,  
his friends did him exhort.   

The three chapter.  
CUrsed now be the day said job,  
wherein that I was born:  
For nought is here but wretchedness  
our labour is forlorn.  
They are in bliss that graved be,  
their sorrows than are done:  
He wished the pit his house had been,  
when life he first began.   

The iiii. chapter.  
Dost thou then said one Elephas,  
wax faint, which here tofore:  
To such as were in trouble like,  
hast been to them a lore?  
The Lord will do what pleaseth him,  
there is none just but he:  
The Angels matched, unto their God  
unpure are found to be.   

The v. chapter.  
ELiphas still proceedeth forth,  
with patience him to arm:  
He proves the wicked in their wealth  
have soon come unto harm.  
And how the just continually,  
from God have their defence:  
He telleth job his happy state,  
afore that he go hence.   

The vi. chapter.  
Full sore in sores job doth reply,  
confessing he is weak:  
And wishing death rebuking such  
as to him would not speak.  
And eke to such as taunted him,  
he liked not their talk:  
He proveth that in word and deed  
he righteously did walk.   

The seven. chapter▪  
GO on our days we do on earth  
as shadows, or as clouds:  
And suddenly we leave behind  
our empty framed shrouds▪  
Both night and day they have their to●▪  
with work and dreams ytossed:  
Wherefore if God did not us keep,  
so were we surely lost.   

The viii. chapter.  
HElp is there none said Bildad the,  
for thee in thy distress:  
But prayers to make in purity,  
and so thy sins confess.  
Then shalt thou have thy good again,  
and eke thereto increase:  
But Hypocrites that trust in deeds,  
their glory soon shall cease.   

The ix. chapter.  
IOb did consent and doth affirm,  
that God is much of might:  
And eke more just than what he made,  
none like him in his sight.  
And that whoso with him doth plead,  
let him of this be sure:  
He shallbe forced to confess,  
himself to be unpure.   

The x. chapter.  
KNow fain he would of God the cause  
why so he did him strike:  
He was his work and handy craft,  
in form well to be liked.  
Seeing (said he) I know it not,  
time give me to repent:  
He doth describe the face of death,  
that makes this life relent.   

The xi. chapter.  
LO (said Sophar) another friend,  
what words this fellow makes:  
Unjustly he did job accuse,  
that he was full of cracks.  
No measure can of God be had,  
he knoweth secrets hide:  
He willeth job for to repent,  
so comfort should proceed.   

The xii. chapter.  
MEn rich in worldly wealth despise,  
both God and godliness:  
Thus then (said job) to those that came,  
to mock his holiness.  
The might of God he doth describe,  
to pass all other power:  
And that no strength can him restst  
if he begin to lower.   

The xiii. chapter.  
NOne of you all hath knowledge more  
(said he) then that I have:  
Therefore with God now let me talk,  
who shall me surely save.  
He prayeth God to pardon him,  
and to absent his ire:  
So shall he then escape the wrath,  
of everlasting fire.   

The xiiii. chapter.  
OF men's short state and misery,  
and how their days be set:  
Which none can pass nor cut thereof,  
his time prolong nor let.  
And eke how that this world shall end,  
and men shall bliss then have:  
So hope he proves shall never die  
though men go down to grave.   

The xv. chapter.  
Puffed up with pride said Eliphas,  
is job right well I see:  
What knowest thou? what canst thou tell  
but eke the same can we?  
Th'ungodly man he runneth forth  
as stiff as any steel:  
But God rebukes his sinful way,  
which sharply he doth feel.   

The xvi. chapter  
Quench ye your words for shame (ꝙ job)  
what comfort call you this?  
My state and case on every side,  
is far from joy or bliss.  
From witting sin by willing mood,  
his heart and hands were clean:  
Why he was stroke so grievously,  
he mused what God did mean.   

The xvii. chapter.  
RIght ruefully he showeth his case,  
to God that is on high:  
And still rebukes the scornfulness,  
of those that stood him by.  
But virtuous men he doth commend,  
for they in virtue grow:  
He maketh count that he shall die,  
and down to dust him bow.   

The xviii. Chapter.  
Such tormentis as the wicked shall  
abide for their misdeeds:  
Forsooth Bildah doth tell to job,  
as just deserved méeds.  
Both darkness, with, and pit, and snare  
his house and fame shall die:  
Such fee (saith he) shall sinners have  
and tells the cause and why.   

The nineteen. chapter.  
TEn times said job ye have me vexed,  
what mean ye so to do?  
Ye see me spoiled on every side,  
and add ye this thereto?  
O favour me and hear my words,  
and write them up in lead▪  
My saviour lives whom I shall see,  
when up shall rise the dead.   

The xx. chapter.  
WHen job had done then Suphar spoke,  
and tells the wickeds lot:  
How that his gain shall home again,  
which he unjustly got.  
And having store yet raking more,  
still saying he is poor:  
He shall not scape the wrath of God  
when he on him doth louvre.   

The xxi. chapter.  
AH now (said job) hear me a while,  
and answer to me give:  
Why do the wicked prosper so,  
and wealthy long do live?  
Yet is their end in wretchedness,  
their God they did blaspheme:  
At grave the poor shall have asmuch,  
as he that ruled a realm.   

The xxii. chapter.  
BE sure of this (said Eliphas,)  
God will with thee contend:  
Thy cruelty to poverty,  
hath brought thee to this end.  
Therefore convert and turn to God  
and lay away thy pride:  
And make thy boon in humbleness,  
and God shallbe thy guide.   

The xxiii. chapter.  
CAn God be hid? no no (said job,)  
I know his mercy great:  
Before, behind, and on each side,  
'gainst him may no man pleat.  
His law and eke his worthy hests,  
I have and will obey:  
He doth his will, I do him fear,  
and so shall do for ay.   

The xxiv. chapter.  
Doubtless I can but muse to see,  
the mighty that are rich:  
How knowing God, they vex the poor,  
their cruelty is such.  
The poor doth cry, yet God permits  
their tyranny to reign:  
The whorish head and wicked man  
yet surely shallbe slain.   

The xxv. chapter.  
ENding his talk Bildad began,  
is their not power (said he)?  
With him above whose men of war,  
can not enumbred be.  
Compared with God, no man is just,  
can women's birth be pure?  
When lightꝭ above to him are dark,  
how then shall man endure?   

The xxvi. chapter.  
Full strength & power hath God above  
said job he needs no aid:  
The hell so deep is seen to him,  
the earth by him is stayed.  
The clouds and seas are bound by him,  
the heavens by him are propped:  
The Whale so huge moste serpent like,  
by him his power is stopped.   

The xxvii. chapter.  
GOd be my judge I will not speak,  
of things that shallbe vain:  
My righteousness I will not leave  
for sin shall have his pain.  
Look what the wicked doth increase,  
the godly shall possess:  
And what he had he shall not have  
thus wrath shall him so dress.   

The xxviij. chapter.  
HOw secret seams out silver give,  
and gold with Iron hard:  
How precious stones and food for folks,  
and men from men be barred.  
Here in the earth these things are hid  
but wisdom hath no péer:  
Which hide from men her for to find  
is only God to fear.   

The xxix. chapter.  
I say to you, O that I were,  
as I have been tofore:  
When power & might was in my hand,  
and goods I had in store.  
For every man gave me the place,  
the poor I did defend:  
And what I said, or what I did  
all men did me commend.   

The thirty. chapter.  
Know you that now the contrary,  
the vilest do me mock:  
They rail, they scorn, they laugh, they (talk)  
I am their jesting stock.  
The Lord thereto is eke my foe,  
O God do me forgive:  
For I did help thafflicted man,  
though now thou dost me grieve.   

The xxxi. chapter.  
Lewdly yet look I never did,  
on maiden or on wife:  
My household folk and strangers both  
of me had never strife.  
Hungry and thirsty did I feed,  
the naked did I cloth:  
If I have not dealt justly dole,  
then let the earth me loath.   

The xxxii. Chapter.  
Much musing then said Elihu,  
unto his fellows three:  
Have you no more to job to say,  
and you mine elders be?  
Till you were dashed I being young,  
I had nothing to say:  
But fearless now free speech shall pa●●e,  
lest God take me away.   

The xxxiii. chapter.  
NOte well my words (to job he said)  
why sayst thou thou art Just:  
Rebuke not God what so he doth  
for rule he hath and must.  
In bed full sick he doth us lay,  
such message us to give:  
For to submit and grant our gilt,  
then surely shall we live.   

The xxxiiii. Chapter.  
O Ye that wise and learned be,  
now further see you mark  
God doth not strike but we deserve,  
no thought to him is dark▪  
He hath no eye to great or low,  
the rich and poor are like:  
Yet job doth think himself so just  
that God should not him strike.   

The xxxv. chapter.  
Proceeding forth Elihu said,  
be thou O job unjust:  
Or be thou just as thou dost say,  
yet this is true to trust.  
That God is ne, the more or less  
made holy or defiled:  
But if a man on him do call,  
he shall find him full mild.   

The xxxvi. Psalm.  
QUietly hear me yet a while,  
God doth not strike for nought:  
But for to tell and mend our sin,  
that we tofore have wrought  
Bue if they scorn then shall they die,  
or if the time they tract:  
So great is God, him to behold,  
our knowledge is to slack.   

The xxxvii. Chapter.  
RUling like as a Prince on high,  
our God doth all things guide  
The storm, the hail, the frost, the snow,  
of him they have their tide.  
To punish lands or them to bless,  
O job, this is most true:  
Alone he guides the things he made,  
then give him glory due.   

The xxxviii. Chapter.  
SO than the Lord himself did speak  
to job: wast thou said he:  
When I the heavens & earth did make,  
of council then with me?  
Canst thou ought do in high or low  
of wonders that I wrought?  
Hast thou in waters or in land,  
the treasures of them sought?   

The xxxix. chapter.  
THe Goats, the Hinds, and Unicorn,  
their gendering and their force:  
The Peacock gay and foolish stork  
or of the barbed horse.  
Or of the Hawk that flies by South  
or of the eagles might:  
By thy device have these their gifts,  
to move and take their flightꝭ▪   

The xl. chapter.  
WHen job had hard what God had said  
he humbly did obey:  
And said he had said and would be still,  
then forth the Lord did say.  
The power and might of Leviathan,  
or Behemoth by name.  
Canst thou him rule with snare or gin,  
or make him mild and tame?   

The xli. chapter.  
ALL men may think his power is great,  
though mine it not exceed:  
Yet what ye make him for to hurt  
he counts it as a reed  
His paths are in the mighty sea,  
all men from him do slide:  
The mighty Whale with devil possessed  
he is the King of pride.   

The xlii. chapter.  
BEfore the Lord job did repent  
confessing how that he:  
The wondrous works or mighty power  
of God he could not see.  
His friends were wild to offer gifts  
that job might for them pray:  
And God gave him of all things more  
than he had ere that day.   

¶ Thus job hath done his patience,  
ye have heard all his broil:  
How Satan wrought to turn his faith  
how friends did him turmoil.  
Now sporting songs for lively wits,  
such as the Lord do fear:  
From David's harp the sommary.  
to you shall well appear.    

The Psalms of David.  

The first Psalm.  
A Happy hap the man shall have,  
which not with sinners walks:  
Ne he that in the wicked chair  
of God in scorn italks.  
His fruit shallbe most plenteously,  
rewarded eke with bliss:  
When sinners shall decay and fall,  
of heavenly joys to miss.   

The two. Psalm.  
BEware (saith he) how that ye rage,  
ye rulers all in vain:  
For God will have his son to rule,  
in might and pour to reign.  
Therefore see that ye covet lore,  
and serve the Lord in fear:  
Kiss him in time lest ye do smart,  
when he shall once appear.   

The three Psalm.  
CAst out of Kingdom, David cries,  
to God for aid and strength:  
He hath relief, he doth confess,  
God did him hear at length.  
And surely he hath confidence,  
that God will secure send:  
That he will strike his enemies,  
and eke his flock defend.   

The iiii. Psalm.  
Doubt cast away, he trusted God,  
though Saul did him molest  
He checketh all the taunting men,  
that did his reign detest.  
And proveth that the care of God,  
continually doth feed:  
Those that he loves so that they may,  
take rest and sleep at need.   

The v. Psalm.  
Eftsoons in his adversity,  
betime to God he prays:  
Affirming God to be full just,  
detesting sinners ways.  
Beseeching God to be his guide,  
describing sinners race:  
Affirming that God will protect,  
the just in every place.   

The vi. Psalm.  
Full fraught in feeling God his ire  
and death to show his dart:  
He humbly prays God to forgive,  
and shows his mourning heart  
Away (saith he) ye wicked men  
reéelf now have I found:  
My wishers evil shall have this hap,  
the Lord shall them confound.   

The seven Psalm.  
Guiltless now David did complain,  
false tales to Saul were told:  
He cléeres himself and prayeth God,  
his case for to behold.  
Affirming that the glory of God,  
by that should eke beséen:  
And how the evil in their device,  
shall waste and perish clean.   

The viii. Psalm.  
HOw wonderful in all his works,  
is God above (saith he?)  
Which maketh babes to tell his fame  
and eke the starry sky.  
But yet of man he museth more,  
why God should him regard:  
To know the thing he doth confess,  
for him it is to hard.   

The ix. Psalm.  
I Will give praise to God (saith he)  
for victories by past:  
Who had his foes and their defence,  
both killed and over cast.  
And now that foes do flow a fresh,  
for wont aid he calls:  
The wicked men they were destroyed  
he means that were King saul's.   

The x. Psalm.  
Know here ye may the trade & way,  
that wicked men do use:  
Describing eke their subtleties,  
the poor for to abuse.  
He calleth God for to avenge,  
the poor sustaining wrong:  
Beseeching him to break the arm,  
of the ungodly throng.   

The xi. Psalm.  
LO though (said he) the wicked bend,  
their bow at me to shoot:  
And though to hills they bid me flee,  
and have me in pursuit.  
Yet shall the Lord pour down his wrath  
upon the wicked rout:  
And righteous men shall have his love  
of this their is no doubt.   

The xii. Psalm.  
MEn being fallen from equity,  
Gods help he doth desire:  
And that he would cut out the tongues,  
of each flattering liar.  
For néedies sake the Lord will rise,  
and set the bond full free:  
Gods words are pure when wicked reign  
it is a shame to see.   

The xiii. Psalm.  
NOw vexed sore with sundry sants,  
priest ready to despair:  
His anchor old he flees unto,  
to God he makes his prayer.  
And lest his foes encouraged should  
be: for to see his fall:  
He having aid doth height him lauds  
that reigneth over all.   

The xiiii. Psalm.  
OF foolish men that inwardly,  
do say there is no God:  
Describe he doth their property,  
and eke their fatal rod.  
For mocking of the poors device,  
he doth also request:  
The thraldom of the Israelites,  
that it might turn to rest.   

The xv. Psalm.  
PEculiarly now doth he tell,  
why God did take and choose:  
Of his good will into his house,  
the people of the jews.  
Forsooth because that they should show,  
to such as were without:  
By godly life that they were Gods  
to bring them out of doubt.   

The xuj. Psalm.  
Questionless not for his works  
but for his faith alone:  
He prayeth God him to preserve,  
else succour hath he none.  
Idolatry he doth detest,  
true worship doth he like:  
Affirming that his soul shall not  
be left in gravy dike.   

The xvii. Psalm.  
REhearse he doth the cruelty,  
of Saul and eke his men:  
The raging pride and tyranny,  
they showed unto him then.  
Without deser●ꝭ, therefore he prays,  
revenge of God to have:  
His guiltless life to Saul was such,  
that makes him so to crave.   

The xviii. Psalm.  
SIth God (saith he) hath stablished me,  
and set me in my throne:  
For mercies great & safeguard both  
to him be prays alone.  
The kingdom of our Lord and Christ,  
the which shall have none end:  
He saith, shall stand spite of the foes,  
so God shall him defend.   

The xjx. Psalm.  
TO the intent the mighty power,  
of God might well be weighed:  
The heavens and might of lightꝭ above,  
by them he is displayed.  
Besides all this his sacred word,  
and law that is so pure:  
He doth set out as perfect guide,  
to walk thereby full sure.   

The xx. Psalm.  
WHen that the King in warlike wise,  
should go to Ammon's host:  
The people pray God to defend,  
their King and eke their cost▪  
●nd that the gifts and sacrifice,  
which offer up he did:  
That God would them accept and like,  
before that forth he yed.   

The xxi. Psalm.  
AS soon as David home returned,  
from victory in field:  
●n voice of all he thanked God,  
which made his foes to yield.  
affirming that the Lord alone,  
had given his foes the foil  
And that he would still on so do,  
though they ne so turmoil.   

The xxii. Psalm.  
BRought now into extremities  
and hope almost decayed:  
Yet having faith and found relief,  
again himself he stayd.  
And by himself he doth describe,  
what should in time to come:  
When Christ should be upon the earth,  
'gainst him what should be done?   

The xxiii. Psalm.  
CAused by sundry succours passed,  
the Lord he takes for guide:  
And having him for his defence,  
he cares not what betid.  
And seeing rest before his foes,  
the Lord did to him give:  
He doth not doubt before he goes,  
full long and safe to live.   

The xxiiii. Psalm.  
Doubtless th●n God doth govern all,  
yet chiefly he doth choose:  
Such as do live in godly life,  
and wickedness refuse.  
The Gentile and the jew are like  
if they obey his lore:  
Their gates and doors of hartis & minds,  
must subject him before.   

The xxv. Psalm.  
Eftsoons as often eke before,  
with foes a fresh oppressed:  
He counts his sins to be the cause,  
and makes to God request.  
His youthful sins for to remit,  
and to regard his case:  
With mercy and with favour both,  
to him to turn his face.   

The xxvi. Psalm.  
Full many were his enemies,  
and injuries assayed:  
That Saul unjustly to him showed,  
he praith to God for aid.  
Affirming that although he were  
from house of God exiled:  
If he returned with slaughters great,  
his altars should be piled.   

The xxvii. Psalm.  
GOd is my light and safeguard both  
said he: and my defence:  
Bereft from foes this I require▪  
it is my whole pretence.  
His temple to behold and see,  
to dwell therein for ay:  
His face to view his ways to learn,  
so faith hath been my stay.   

The xxviii. Psalm.  
heaviness now his heart besets,  
to see the wicked rout:  
Desiring to be rid of them,  
and wrath to root them out.  
He praiseth God who is his strength  
and heard when he doth call:  
His heart therefore was full of joy,  
and prayeth defence fro all.   

The xxix. Psalm.  
IN power such as do rule and reign,  
(if God) to be they wonder:  
Then he them wills to learn his might  
by tempest and by thunder.  
And though by them he sinners fears,  
and makes them all to quake:  
Yet will he save his chosen flock,  
even for his mercy's sake.   

The thirty. Psalm.  
Know did he well deliverance,  
from God above to come:  
He renders laudes eke for the same  
he shows himself not dumb.  
The suden fall from liking state,  
and eke for mercies still:  
He doth declare and prayeth God,  
his praise set out he wil   

The xxxi. Psalm.  
LAudes and praise yet once again,  
for freedom from his thrall  
By faith in hope he gives to God,  
affirming this withal.  
That God with favour doth behold,  
those that him love and fear:  
Preserving them continually,  
as samples do appear.   

The xxxii. Psalm.  
marvelous sick he doth confess,  
his sin to be the cause:  
And blessed to whom God not imputes  
the breaking of his laws.  
And after thus his faultis confessed,  
the wicked he exhorts:  
To mend their life and holy men,  
with joys he much comfortꝭ.   

The xxxiii. Psalm.  
NOw righteous men rejoice saith he,  
in him that us did make:  
And governs all and is full true,  
his grant shall never slake.  
He searcheth hartis and knoweth thought  
no secrets from him hid:  
No help can save but his right hand  
trust this, he doth you bid.   

The xxxiiii. Psalm.  
OF fear and dread he being rid,  
whom Achis counted mad:  
He thanketh God who was the cause  
that good success he had.  
And so provokes that godly men,  
should still in God put trust:  
Affirming wicked slaughters great,  
and safeguard for the just.   

The xxxv. Psalm.  
Pled thou my cause o God (saith he,)  
'gainst Saul and eke his court▪  
Their traps they set, me for to catch,  
let them turn to their hurt.  
And save thou me and also those,  
that gilt●es take my part:  
And I shall praise thy holy name,  
so long as lives my heart.   

The xxxvi. Psalm.  
QUite gone from fear of God are those  
that follow wicked trace:  
The governnaunce of God in earth,  
doth joy his woeful case.  
And so much more he holds that God  
his chosen shall preserve:  
Who finally shall them defend,  
and punish those that serve.   

The xxxvii. Psalm.  
REck not (saith he) nor do you fret  
that wicked men do thrive:  
Nor that thou seest the just correct,  
for thou shalt see believe.  
How that the evil, of cut shallbe,  
and thou, if thou abide:  
Full patiently shalt have thy wish,  
when that thy cause is tried.   

The xxxviii. Psalm.  
Sickness eftsoons doth cause him say,  
his sins the same to bring:  
The ire of God, and friend now fled,  
with foes on him laughing.  
Is cause that he entreateth God,  
to make him whole again:  
And firmly stands to trust to that,  
and so doth still remain.   

The xxxix. Psalm.  
TEmpted then with extremities  
and griefs that were infirm:  
Eke fully bend this patience,  
with silence to confirm.  
Yet burst he out with doleful words,  
and dumnes quite he left:  
Beseeching him of speedy help,  
that he be not bereft.   

The xl. Psalm.  
WHen perils past were passed by,  
he rendereth thanks to God:  
And telleth plain he will set out,  
such things as he hath bod.  
Still craving mercy at his hand,  
and foil on foes to fall:  
With wishing those that do him fear  
his preys to render all.   

The xli. Psalm.  
AFflicted sore yet doth he bless,  
those that his case lament:  
Complaining much of feigned friends  
that traytourously were bend.  
But feeling God to be his aid,  
his haters rage to stay:  
He rendereth thanks and doth protest,  
he will do so for ay.   

The xlii. Psalm.  
being exiled from Christ's flock,  
to praise his holy name:  
Yet doth he full protest a while,  
from heart to do the same.  
Affirming though adversities,  
had ne so him oppressed:  
Yet should his soul have confidenc●  
in him to take her rest.   

The xliii. Psalm.  
causeless his foes did vex him sore  
therefore to God he prays:  
judge thou my cause and be my light,  
thus unto God he says.  
So by that means unto thy hill,  
and tabernacle both:  
Upon my harp I will thee thank,  
my soul shall not it loath.   

The xliiii. Psalm.  
DUe thanks his people here do give,  
for mercy's manifold:  
And feeling now the contrary,  
God's covenant they behold.  
Affirming that to be the cause,  
why enemies them vex:  
Yet do they vow his laws to hold  
for all their wicked checks.   

The xlv. Psalm.  
EXtolled is the majesty,  
of Solomon the King:  
The Egypt wife that he did wed,  
hath eke her extolling.  
Whereby is showed how the Gentiles  
to Christ shall spoused be:  
His mercies large shall forth so stretch,  
that none refuse will he.   

The xlvi. Psalm.  
FOr help received being besieged,  
of King Sennacherib:  
The land, the Lord affirming so,  
it shallbe established.  
In putting trust in God always,  
who hath his whole delight:  
To save his Church when succour all,  
doth seem to be gone quite.   

The xlvii. Psalm.  
GGd that is of most mighty power,  
he willeth for to laud:  
Whose kingly rule doth make his foes,  
that they by him be awd.  
Who doth also to jacobs' seed,  
extend his lasting love:  
He tells before the Gentiles call,  
by Christ that is above.   

The xlviii. Psalm.  
HOw notably Jerusalem,  
from sundry foes had aid:  
How that from God their force was such  
they could not be dismayed.  
For which, to God they render thanks  
as guide unto their ditty:  
And so describe the comely state,  
of their most noble City.   

The xlix. Psalm.  
INcline your ears (saith he) & hark,  
judge not that such as wealth  
Have in their hands, that they be blessed  
for sure it is but pelf.  
And they shall pass and perish all,  
that have therein their trust:  
But God shall feed and save in deed,  
such as in him are just.   

The l. Psalm.  
KNowing full well how that the church  
of hypocrites had store:  
Who put their trust in outward shows  
more than in inward lore.  
Which he doth check and telleth plain  
that God doth more delight:  
In inward thanks and due requestis  
than sacrifices bright.   

The li. Psalm.  
LO pardon now, he pleadeth for,  
the King (I mean) when he:  
By nathan's mouth did know his fault,  
have mercy Lord on me.  
He saith, and blot out all mi gilt,  
and put away my sin:  
And do not strike my people for,  
the fault that I fell in.   

The lii. Psalm.  
Much musing why that wicked man,  
that Doeg had to name:  
Should boast himself so in his pride,  
he saith God shall him tame.  
And then he wills that faithful men,  
should not such tyrants fear:  
But stand in trust of God's defence,  
who shall their quarrels bear.   

The liii. Psalm.  
NO God at all the fool doth say,  
there is to see my fact:  
God looking down espied none,  
that did regard his act.  
Wherefore with fear they shallbe flight,  
where fear there is no need:  
But saving state with ioyfelnes,  
his flock shall have in deed.   

The liv. Psalm.  
O God (he saith) do thou me save  
with enemies oppressed:  
And by thy power judge thou my cause,  
'gainst such as me detest.  
Then will I praise thy holy name,  
and sacrifice ordain:  
When of my foes my full request,  
of thee I do obtain.   

The lv. Psalm.  
PErsecuted so still by Saul,  
for secure he doth pray:  
Much grieved with a flattering sort,  
that sought him to betray.  
Most ardently beseeching God,  
his pity for to show:  
And carefulness he willeth men,  
upon the Lord to throw.   

The lvi. Psalm.  
Questionless he seeth no way,  
his foes for to withstand:  
But forced he was to walk astray,  
to void his enemies hand.  
Wherefore he praith most humblely  
to him that prayer allows:  
To way his cause and him defend  
so will he pay his vows:   

The lvii. Psalm.  
Restless again to God he calls  
for mercy at his need:  
Also when Saul he might have slain,  
he doth not so in deed.  
But prayeth God above the heavens,  
his glory to set out:  
And he in heart will praise the Lord  
with music there about.   

The lviii. Psalm.  
SAule now is here described out,  
his flatterers also:  
Who sought always by day and night,  
to turn him unto wo.  
Showing how that he doth appeal,  
to God to hear the right:  
Affirming that his wrath on them,  
shall cause men praise his might.   

The lix. Psalm.  
TO God again for help he cries,  
in bed he was beset:  
He tells their tales and gileful gins,  
devised him for to get.  
Protesting that God will them kill  
though spared they be a while:  
And then full bend to laud the Lord,  
his song he will compile.   

The lx. Psalm.  
WHen David was in Kingly seat,  
eset and crowned King:  
Then he protest unto his flock,  
that it was Gods working.  
Saying if they allow the same,  
God shall still them defend:  
And valiant actis again their foes,  
he shall unto them send.   

The lxi. Psalm.  
ABsalon now and Ammonites,  
do fresh revive his care:  
With doleful cry he prayeth God  
his help for to declare.  
And being stayed in quiet throne,  
as oft before he says:  
That he will pay his vowed vow,  
and sing unto his praise.   

The lxii. Psalm.  
BEset with sore temptations,  
his faith to prove and try:  
He useth meditations,  
to him that is on high.  
Affirming eke the vanity,  
of worldlings in their we'll:  
And willeth us to live in God,  
who shall our deeds reveal.   

The lxiii. Psalm.  
COmfort he did receive of God,  
in Ziph that wilderness:  
Where Saul had him beset so sore,  
that great was his distress.  
And so reléeud, he thanketh much,  
the Lord omnipotent:  
And tells before the death of Saul,  
as afterward it went.   

The lxiiii. Psalm.  
David doth pray that such as do,  
of him make false report:  
That God would strike them suddenly,  
even after the same sort.  
That they had thought him for to have  
with arrows sharp and fierce:  
So shall all those that it behold,  
his mighty work rehearse.   

The lxv. Psalm.  
EXtolled praise doth Zion give,  
for graces manifold:  
His people by the same is meant,  
which are within his fold.  
How specially he did them choose,  
and govern them by might:  
And blessed their land with plenteousness  
and ceasnably it dight.   

The lxvi. Psalm.  
FOr praises now to men he calls,  
that they should give to God:  
And showeth his power to make the evil,  
to fear his ireful rod.  
And how that God from time to time,  
his people had protect:  
And saved him who promise makes  
his altars to be decked.   

The lxvii. Psalm.  
GOd merciful to be to them,  
this Psalm doth him beseech:  
His countenance and judgement both,  
with praises in their speech.  
And how they swarm upon the earth,  
that then of laudes were done:  
Should praise his name under his bliss,  
when Christ to reign should come.   

The lxviii. Psalm.  
HOw mightily from time to time,  
God had his people saved:  
By many ways and sundry means  
from them that 'gainst them raved.  
Whereby by reason of his grace,  
and helps, whereof no number:  
That on his Church he doth bestow,  
he tells for much wonder.   

The lxix. Psalm.  
IN great distress with fervent zeal,  
to God for help he calls:  
The cruel wrath of wicked men,  
and what on them be falls.  
As judas and the like to him,  
that should his Lord betray:  
And how the seed of Christ's Church,  
should bide and live for ay.   

The lxx. Psalm.  
Know well he did that God alone,  
in danger must him aid:  
Wherefore he prays his speedy help,  
as he before had prayed.  
And that his foes might back be turned,  
and so receive their shame:  
But joyfulness to light on his,  
to praise his holy name.   

The lxxi. Psalm.  
LIke as before in faith he makes,  
his prayer in promise fixed:  
Which from his youth to hoary age,  
in all his life was mixed.  
His foes their fall he doth beseech,  
and graces to him bend:  
Still to remain and so will he,  
praise him on instrument.   

The lxxii. Psalm.  
MAke prayer he doth that Solomon  
his son may wisely reign:  
In prosperous state as figure erst,  
of Christ irose again.  
That peace and plenty he should bring  
and King's knéel him before:  
And all the lands upon the earth,  
should laud him evermore.   

The lxxiii. Psalm.  
Neither the wicked wealthy state  
of such as be reject:  
Nor yet the broil of such as be  
his chosen and elect.  
Should cause the godly to despair,  
but God's foresight to love:  
He shows the end of good and bad,  
his liking is above.   

The lxxiiij. Psalm.  
Oppressed they were with raging force  
religion true defaced:  
The temple and the service both  
tofore that was in burst.  
Wherefore to God for aid they cry,  
his covenant to behold:  
And for his name his flock to save  
his foes eke so controlled.   

The lxxv. Psalm.  
Perpetual praise the faithful give,  
to God their judge and King:  
Who righteously the world shall judge,  
at time of his coming.  
Of setting up or putting down,  
all power is in his hand:  
His foes as dregs shall drink his wrath,  
upright the just shall stand.   

The lxxvi. Psalm.  
QUite quailed was the Assyrians po●re  
Gods name thereby was known  
Sennacheribs host God's Angel slew,  
his brags were overthrown.  
At his rebuke and judgement fierce  
the railing rout was stayed:  
Such vows therefore as they had plight  
he wills they should be paid.   

The lxxvii. Psalm.  
REfuge in fear of Saul his foe,  
he knew none but his God:  
Therefore with voice to him he flies  
though underneath his rod.  
In half despair and woeful grief,  
yet viewing Gods great might:  
He cheereth up himself again,  
by marvels wrought in sight.   

The lxxviii. Psalm.  
Such succour as the Lord had sent,  
the Israelites tofore:  
He tells and yet how they rebelled,  
and loved him near the more.  
And yet how God forbore his hand,  
to see if they would mend:  
When nought prevailed save judah sole,  
he chose none to defend.   

The lxxix. Psalm.  
TOrmoild the jews with Gentiles were  
to God they call for aid:  
To kill their foes to save their lives  
so unto him they prayed.  
For which his help to celebrate,  
his laudes they do protest:  
From time to time they and their ●●ock,  
should there unto be priest.   

The lxxx. Psalm.  
UNcessantly to God they flee,  
as pastor of his sheep:  
From foes to save they him besought,  
which had them made to weep.  
From Egypt land his vine he brought,  
the boar did it annoy:  
They him beseech with power from high  
the beast for to destroy.   

The lxxxi. Psalm.  
A Law was made for music men,  
when sacrifice was made:  
That they should play, he them so wills  
to keep them in their trade.  
And God he brings to speak to them,  
and what for them he did:  
What eke he wills that they should do,  
but still amiss they yéed.   

The lxxxii. Psalm.  
Behold of this amid the rout,  
of judges God doth sit:  
To cause them fear, no wrong to do,  
lest they do smart for it.  
And though their names be near so great,  
if justice they do miss:  
As men full mean they perish shall,  
let them be sure of this.   

The lxxxiii. Psalm.  
COmplain they did of neighbour fo●●  
beseeching God of aid:  
The wickeds talk they do express,  
what they of them have said.  
Beseeching God them to destroy,  
like others them before:  
●o forcing foes to know his might  
and fear it evermore.   

The lxxxiiii. Psalm.  
David was driven by Absalon,  
from Zion and his seat:  
Doth show his zeal unto God's house,  
and so he doth entreat.  
Affirming rather in the Church  
a door keeper to be:  
Then in the tent of wicked men,  
to have a high degree.   

The lxxxv. Psalm.  
Exiled they were as captive men,  
but now returned from thrall  
The people's sins they are remit,  
God hath forgiven them all.  
So thanks he gives an prophesieth,  
their health, their joy and faith:  
Their goodness, justice, and their peace  
all this tofore he saith.   

The lxxxvi. Psalm.  
FOr hapful hearing of the Lord,  
the Prophet now doth pray▪  
For help, for aid, for joyful sign,  
he prays not to denay.  
Against all such as sought his woe,  
this prayer did he make:  
That God is far above all Gods,  
he dare well undertake.   

The lxxxvii. Psalm.  
GLory full great and founded sure,  
to Zion doth he give:  
The Church of Christ in constant faith  
which here on earth doth live.  
No church there is of might so great,  
not Babylon in deed:  
The mighty monarchs of the earth,  
she far doth them exceed.   

The lxxxviii. Psalm.  
Humbleness in affliction,  
this Psalm doth tend thereto:  
In sickness time and great distress,  
so David vide to do.  
With doleful cheer and woeful care,  
all comfortless he cries:  
As dead in grave and darkness deep  
no help that he espies.   

The lxxxix. Psalm.  
IN endless wise sing praise he will,  
to God that is above:  
For his great goodness and his faith  
showed to him in his love.  
In keeping promise to his tribe,  
of whom the Lord was borne:  
Whose Kingdom eke and stableness  
he tells of, long beforn.   

The xc Psalm.  
Know here ye may th'eternity,  
of God all worlds before:  
And of man's life the brevity,  
for watching wholesome lore.  
Of miseries and shorted life,  
our sins are cause of all:  
For joys he prayeth in time to come▪  
that they may be equal.   

The xCi. Psalm.  
LO, lo (saith he) who so doth dwell  
under the Lord's defence:  
What so betid he need not care,  
from where or eke from whence.  
His faith and hope that pends on God,  
so firm is set and sure:  
That nothing can him hurt or noy,  
but safe he shall endure.   

The xcii Psalm.  
Much good it is to celebrate,  
he saith to God on high:  
His goodness and his faithfulness,  
with song and melody.  
His works or goodness, wicked men,  
do nothing know at all:  
But godly men in knowledge grow  
and so for ay they shall.   

The xCiii. Psalm.  
NOne doth reign but God alone,  
who made the things are made:  
By which his glory and his might  
are seen as in a shade.  
His law also unto a flock,  
he gave to learn him more:  
And midst of them he gave himself  
to fortify his lore.   

The xCiiii. Psalm.  
Oppressed well near with mighty foes,  
for vengeance he doth crave:  
Beseeching, sherching, finding fault,  
as though his flesh did rave.  
But finding help he gives the laud,  
to God his sole defence:  
And full his hope he sets in him,  
who shall him recompense.   

The xcu Psalm.  
PEople slack he calleth forth,  
with double call he calls:  
To laud the Lord he made these▪  
the ●arth and hills as walls.  
He is our God and pastor eke,  
his voice if we neglect:  
His rest we shall not see no more,  
than those that were reject.   

The lxxxxvi. Psalm.  
QUite over all to all he cries,  
to sing and laud the Lord:  
Who passeth all the Gods on earth  
none can with him accord.  
He tells before of Christ his reign  
how large that it shall stretch:  
He comes, he comes, so tell it forth,  
to Gentiles shall he fetch.   

The lxxxxvii. Psalm.  
REign doth the Lord, therefore the earth  
let it rejoice & Isles  
And dashed be Gentiles and their Gods  
that worship than their while.  
But as for Zion let it joy,  
and do the thing is good:  
For light upsprings let just rejoice,  
with laudes of cheerful mood.   

The lxxxxviii. Psalm.  
SIng now saith he, a song anew,  
unto the Lord above:  
Who marvelously hath showed himself,  
to such as do him love.  
Therefore he wills that all the earth  
should praise and laud him still:  
For he shall come with justice right  
to judge after his wil   

The lxxxxix. Psalm.  
TRiumphantly the Lord doth reign,  
the people fret and fume:  
Let earth be moved and moved again,  
with fretting to presume.  
Yet shall the Lord rule over all,  
and hear the justs request:  
Therefore set out his holy name,  
towards hie where he doth rest   

The C. Psalm.  
UNto the laud and praise of God  
he stirreth all that come:  
Such as into his court approach,  
he would not have them dumb.  
The causes why that moves thereto  
he saith to be that he:  
Did form our shape, we did not so  
his goodness makes the glee.   

The Ci. Psalm.  
A That Princes and Prelates eke  
would learn this Psalm by rote:  
For public weal and churchly rule,  
here is a godly note.  
That none in Court or Kirk should be  
that gave themselves to evil:  
And those should be preferred alone,  
as made of sin a drivel.   

The Cii. Psalm.  
BEholding great calamities,  
with double speech he cries:  
To hear his suit, to way his cause  
to him above the skies.  
That he would consolation send,  
to him was grant his suit:  
Posterities may know thereof,  
by public fame and brute.   

The C.iii Psalm.  
Celebrated to God above,  
and eke his name extol:  
He counseleth his inward powers,  
by meaning of his soul.  
For kindness showed to him and his  
so forced he was to do:  
Both Angels might and ministers,  
he willeth eke thereto.   

The C.iiii Psalm.  
Dedicated his soul to bless,  
again the Lord he wills:  
Who lightsome glory putting on,  
rules far above the hills.  
That God made all in partis he tells  
and eke his flock doth cherish:  
By guiding some and feeding some  
or else they all should perish.   

The C.v. Psalm.  
Every one for to confess,  
the Lord and him to pray:  
He willeth so and that they should  
set out his lauds always.  
For wonders that he wrought tofore,  
full many years ere than:  
He briefly tells to mean thereto,  
beginning at Abram.   

The C.uj Psalm.  
Full often as before so beer,  
be wills for to confess:  
The goodness of the Lord so great  
to folk that were thankless.  
Who were unfaithful murmurers,  
transgressors and rebels.  
Deserving much but yet the Lord,  
his pact he not refels.   

The Cvii. Psalm  
GO on he doth as twice before,  
to set out God as good:  
Not only to the Israelites▪  
as in a partial mood.  
But also unto all the world,  
both comforter and scourge:  
For which he will to God the laudes  
among them all to forge.   

The Cviii Psalm.  
Have here you shall the fifty seven,  
and sixty Psalm in one:  
As laudes and praise to God above  
that vanquished their sone.  
With wishing that the glory of God  
might rule in every cost:  
Of Israel's far stretching out,  
so tells the holy Ghost.   

The C.ix Psalm.  
IN vehement spirit he praith to God,  
to avenge him on his foes:  
As Doeg in the court and such,  
that wrought him many woes.  
By flattering talk in foul wise,  
to please the ears of Saul:  
They told to him a thousand lies  
so heaping David's thrall.   

The C.x. Psalm.  
KIng David here of Christ doth tell,  
as Christ himself doth say:  
His royal kingdom he sets out,  
to dure both now and ay.  
His priesthood eke not Aaron like,  
but as Melchizadeck:  
Triumphantly his rule shallbe,  
all subject to his beck.   

The C.xj Psalm.  
LOok what the Lord had promised  
to Israel long ago:  
From ca●tiuenes to set them free  
he saith that he did so.  
And gave to them the Gentiles land  
and eke his holy law:  
Thus he them tells to stir them up,  
to have the same in awe.   

The C.xii Psalm.  
Much good he saith shall light to him,  
that hath the Lord in fear:  
And doth delight to keep his will,  
blessed shall that man appear.  
To poor and weak he giveth aid,  
remoou'de he shall not be:  
Although the wicked chafe thereat,  
when they the same shall see.   

The C.xiii Psalm.  
NOught else he wills but laud & praise  
to God above to give:  
Which looketh down from high above,  
on things that here do live.  
And doth from dust set up the poor,  
with princes for to sit:  
And makes the barren fruit to have  
and to rejoice in it.   

The C.xiiii. Psalm.  
OF God's behaviour towards his flock  
when Egypt they went out:  
How mountains, hills, and waters low  
from order turned about  
All fearing much the face of God  
he saith this came to pass:  
And stony rock to water flood,  
by him so turned was.   

The C.xv. Psalm.  
PUtting all glory quite away,  
from Idols feigned Gods:  
Twire whom and God that is th● Lord,  
he proveth great the odds.  
Not unto us, not unto us,  
but God have all the praise:  
Who owes the heaven, & guides the earth  
his name be blessed always.   

The C.xvi Psalm.  
Quench they could not but he ● would  
love God that heard his cry●  
When Absalon did vex him sore,  
and caused him to fly.  
Yet hopes he well for to return,  
Jerusalem to pay:  
The vows that he to God did vow,  
when he was driven away.   

The C.xvii. Psalm.  
RIght as before so here again,  
he willeth nations all:  
To laud the Lord that as he reigned,  
so evermore he shall.  
Confirming his benignity,  
and faith by Christ his son:  
From time to time withouten end,  
as he it once begun.   

The C.xviii. Psalm.  
SO God alone he doth confess,  
because that he is good:  
The Israelites he wills thereto,  
as he that saved their blood.  
From Philistines and other foes,  
that did against them bark:  
And gave them rest to laud the Lord,  
and to set up his Ark.   

The C▪ nineteen. Psalm.  
THough it be long yet in a some,  
this Psalm doth say thus much:  
That study of the law of God,  
there is no study such.  
Sometimes he speaks eke of his foes,  
and some also he threatꝭ:  
These three are chief in matters all,  
that in this songs he treatꝭ.   

The C.xx. Psalm.  
UNto such tongues as use to lie,  
and eke for to backbite:  
He could not wish such sharp reward,  
as due to them was right.  
For peaceles men and flatterers,  
such as with Saul did court:  
Kept him exiled and yet thereto,  
they wrought him much hurt.   

The C.xxi Psalm.  
AT God alone all aid is had,  
on him must we depend:  
For he that made the heaven and earth,  
shall secure to us send,  
Who still doth watch with open eyes,  
and never more doth sleep:  
No hurt can come unto his Church,  
for he doth still it keep.   

The C.xxii Psalm.  
BRought up when that the ark of God  
was to Jerusalem:  
He was full glad to hear consent,  
of all his people then.  
And seeing justice like to reign,  
he wisheth cease of wars:  
And peace to flourish in her stréetꝭ  
and round about the bars.   

The C.xxiii. Psalm.  
CAused were some this psalm to make  
which for their godliness:  
Were mocked & scorned, and taunted eke,  
of men in wickedness.  
They wait as maids upon their dames,  
and tend upon the Lord:  
Beseeching mercy at his hand,  
though others at them board.   

The C.xxiiii. Psalm.  
DOuble (he saith) unless that God,  
had been on Israel's side:  
Most certainly by foreign foes,  
it had with them been wide.  
For quick they had devoured them,  
as flood they had over run:  
They bless the Lord that made all thing  
from whom all help doth come.   

The C.xxv. Psalm.  
Each one that in the Lord doth trust,  
shallbe as Zion mount:  
For why the Lord shallbe with him,  
he may thereof account.  
But godly men with wicked men,  
shall not be mixed in one:  
And such as turn unto their evils,  
they shallbe woe be gone.   

The C.xxvi. Psalm.  
Full joyful shall the captives be,  
when home they do return:  
And Zion shall for joy then laugh,  
and make an end to moorn.  
And Gentiles shall report and say,  
that God hath greatly done:  
For such as out with tears did go  
with songs they shall home come.   

The C.xxvii. Psalm.  
Go unto nought is all the work  
bestow you near the cost:  
Except the Lord do build the house,  
the labour is but lost.  
It is in vain to watch at all,  
unless the Lord do wake:  
The early rising shall not help,  
God, fruitful shall thee make.   

The C.xxviii. Psalm.  
HOw happy he shallbe he telleth,  
that always God doth fear  
His handy labour he shall eat,  
his wife him fruit shall bear.  
With Zion in his prosperity,  
and eke Jerusalem:  
He shall behold and Grandsire be  
and Israel's peace yken.   

The C.xxix. Psalm.  
IN cheerful wise may Israel  
say, often times they have  
Me fought against: even from my youth,  
but God he did me save.  
Confounded shall the plowers be,  
that ploughed upon my back:  
And all that Zion once did hate,  
their power shallbe but slack.   

The C.xxx. Psalm.  
KIng David as some men suppose,  
being sore vexed of Saul:  
Out of the depth unto the Lord,  
he did both cry and call.  
Beseeching him for to forgive,  
his sins and set him free:  
The Israelites some thing y●t made,  
in their captivity.   

The C.xxxi. Psalm.  
LIfted aloft his heart is not,  
ne yet his eyes with pride:  
Nor yet in things passing his reach,  
he hath not walked aside.  
But hath his soul as nurced child,  
kept still in perfect awe:  
And willeth them to wait for him  
the author of their law.   

The C.xxxii. Psalm.  
MEn may suppose this Psalm to be,  
made of King Solomon:  
Beseeching God his father's broils  
that he would think thereon.  
Who once had vowed a house to make,  
for God therein to shade:  
And how that priests and people eke,  
should joy to see it made.   

The C.xxxiii. Psalm.  
NOte and behold how good it is,  
brethren in peace to dwell:  
Like Aaron's beard anointed fair,  
it hath a pleasant smell.  
And as the dews that fall from high  
doth make the earth increase:  
So God shall make his blessing fall,  
on séekers of his peace.   

The C.xxxiiii. Psalm.  
O All ye servants of the Lord,  
sing praises to his name:  
Ye that attend upon his house,  
cease not to do the same:  
To lift up hands on high to him,  
and eke the Lord to praise:  
So shall the Lord us bless again,  
who made both night and days.   

The C.xxxv. Psalm.  
Perform ye lauds unto the Lord,  
that jacobs' house did choose:  
He passeth all the Gentiles Gods,  
the God I mean of jews.  
Who out of Egypt led his flock,  
and gave them Canaan:  
The dummy Gods are painted out,  
and God is blessed then.   

The C.xxxvi. Psalm.  
Quench not your zeal but still confess,  
that God is God for ay:  
And that his mercy doth endure,  
for ever and a day.  
For all his works that he hath made  
we have good cause thereto:  
And for his private benefits,  
that he hath showed to you.   

The C.xxxvii. Psalm.  
RIght ruefully a song they sung,  
sitting in Babylon:  
Expressing eke the tauntꝭ of them,  
that looked them upon▪  
Beseeching God them to reward,  
that did them so annoy▪  
And blesseth them that Babylon,  
shall hap for to destroy.   

The C.xxxviii. Psalm.  
Such goodness as he found of God,  
in troubles and in need:  
He doth intend to celebrate,  
to give him all the meed.  
Before the great he will not shrink▪  
they shall not make him dum:  
In midst of foes for help he hopes,  
yea, in the time to come.   

The C.xxxix. Psalm.  
TO God there is nothing unknown  
both thought, and woordis, & déedꝭ:  
He seeth all as creator,  
and so still must he needs.  
There is no way to scape his hands,  
he made him by his might:  
For wicked men he praith the end,  
and him to guide aright.   

The C.xl Psalm.  
UNlose me Lord to God (he saith,)  
from wicked men's device:  
Who with their tongues do me belie,  
and seek my life to trice.  
But God his God he doth so make,  
that little doth he care:  
And knows that God to help the just  
it is not to him rare.   

The C.xli Psalm.  
AS he among the wicked dwelled  
within the Courtis of Saul:  
He prayeth God that he do not,  
such sin as they in fall.  
And that he would preserve him eke,  
and save him from their gins  
And if he light within their snares,  
that he may break their grins.   

The C.xlii Psalm.  
BEing close hid with in a cave,  
for fear of Saul his foe:  
He praith to God in his distress,  
to save and help him so.  
That out of darkness as a nail,  
he would his soul out take:  
And so his prayers being heard,  
the just his part should take.   

The C.xliii. Psalm.  
CAll unto God again he doth,  
as one oppressed with foes:  
As one whose soul and spirit also,  
was set with many woes.  
To hear him and deliver him,  
and eke to teach his way:  
And him to save for his name's sake,  
thus doth his servant pray.   

The C.xliiii. Psalm.  
David here doth now mix his Psalm,  
with thanks for foes oppressed:  
Affirming man and all his days  
to be but vain and priest.  
To pass away as doth a shade,  
then doth he God entreat:  
His other foes for to suppress,  
and make his quiet seat.   

The C. l●v. Psalm.  
Even as before full often times  
so here he doth declare:  
The marvels of the mighty God,  
how wonderful they are.  
His goodness and his clemency,  
his mercy and his might:  
How things that wait on him for food,  
he feedeth them full right.   

The C.xlvi. Psalm.  
Full pleasantly this hymn and three  
that do the same sucséed:  
Doth set out praises to the Lord,  
with mouth and mind in deed.  
Forbidding confidence to put,  
in any prince's might:  
But trust the maker of the heavens,  
that gives the blind his sight.   

The Cxlvii: Psalm.  
GO forth he doth and willeth laud,  
Jerusalem to make:  
Which mightily did work for it  
and still her part did take.  
Still filling her with benefits,  
and Zion eke thereto:  
The like to others did he not,  
as he did them unto.   

The C.xlviii. Psalm.  
Here doth he will the Angels hie,  
and all the powers above:  
With fire, depth, and Dragons great,  
and all things that doth move.  
Both heat & cold, both young and old  
the people and their King:  
The mountains, trees, & creeping beastis  
all lauds to him to sing.   

The Cxlix. Psalm.  
IN this his Psalm he doth exhort,  
the Israelites to praise:  
Their God and King with instrumentis,  
his people do him please.  
He telleth also that they shall joy,  
in victory to come:  
On Gentiles and their Kings thereto,  
such joy shall light on some.   

The C.l. Psalm.  
KNit up he doth his psalms with this  
that such as music use:  
Their instruments to laud the Lord,  
they should them therefore choose.  
Exhorting all that breatheth breath,  
to laud and do the same:  
And so with this he makes an end,  
praise ye his holy name.  
FINIS.   

¶ Thus ended are the Psalms in course,  
an hundredth forty ten:  
In songs as they divided are,  
I mean the sum of them.  
And if in place some word or line,  
or verse be out of frame:  
Yet bear with me, judge my good will,  
and gladly mend the ●ame.  
And friend or foe that shall me tell,  
by any manner wise:  
Where I have missed miscanning right,  
not using meeter guise.  
I shall right gladly give mine ear,  
to hearken to his talk:  
And with my pen I will be sure,  
his council not to baulk.  
Now perfect Proverbs follow next,  
of Solomon the King:  
Who so his rules they do observe▪  
good life they shall him bring.  
The sum and pith of all the law▪  
of God the Lord is here:  
And perfect manners who so list,  
to learn let him come near.  
And listen well and give his mind,  
to print them in his heart:  
With life thereto whiles he doth live  
so shall he well departed.   
FINIS.   

The Proverbs of Solomon.  

The j chapter.  
A Man that wisdom will attain,  
to do all things aright:  
To fear the Lord he must begin,  
though fools not so delight.  
Cast not thy lot in sinner's life,  
their tising words refuse:  
Wisdom she cries in open stréetꝭ  
but few her lore will use.   

The two. chapter.  
bend thyself unto wisdoms will,  
as she doth thee persuade:  
And she will teach thee perfect skill,  
to walk a godly trade.  
From God she comes he doth her give,  
who doth preserve the just:  
And wisdom had within thy heart,  
in goodness shalt thou lust.   

The three chapter.  
COnsider well the law of God,  
and bind thee to the same:  
Thy trust, thy fear, and honour both,  
let them be in his name.  
If he correct, do thou obey,  
seek wisdom and have ease:  
Do thou no wrong ne seek thou strife  
for such do God displease.   

The iiii. chapter.  
DEcline thou not from wisdoms rule  
she shall thee worship bring  
But in the way that wicked walk,  
use not for any thing.  
The righteous way still more doth shine,  
the wicked walk in dark:  
His words and rules to wholesome life,  
he would that we should mark.   

The v. chapter.  
Even as experience had him taught,  
the end of whorish life:  
He telleth and shows what evil shall fall,  
on him that leaves his wife.  
Exhorting man to rest himself,  
with her that is his own:  
And not to give his strength and good,  
to them that are unknown.   

The vj. chapter.  
FOr suretyship a lesson good,  
for sluggards eke the same▪  
Six things are hated of the Lord  
the seventh abhors by name.  
He wilth us listen to the lore,  
that God in Church doth tell:  
So shall we scape the wanton loo●  
of whores that leads to hell.   

The seven. chapter.  
GOod council given he wilth to take,  
and eke thereto to cleave:  
By which we shall attain to know,  
how harlots ways to leave.  
Apelles never so could paint,  
a whore in colours brave:  
As he describes her training tricks,  
which leadeth unto grave.   

The viii. Chapter.  
HE doth describe how wisdom cries,  
and uttereth her voice:  
How excellent her riches is,  
so gainful is her choice.  
She passeth Gold and Silver eke,  
before all things she was:  
In making things she was with God  
by her came all to pass.   

The ix. chapter.  
IN comely wise hath wisdom built,  
an house and made a feast:  
And called folks unto her fare,  
but scorners at her gest.  
The fear of God of wisdom is,  
the first beginning race:  
The foolish woman shows herself,  
in every common place.   

The x. chapter.  
KIng Solomon his parables,  
five hundredth sixty ten:  
In twenty chapters doth appear,  
full feat to teach all men.  
Which so do shift and matters change,  
almost in every line:  
That in these staves to set them out,  
no man can do in rhyme.   

The thirty. chapter.  
LO humble men see that you learn,  
what Agur here doth say:  
That God his word you hold thereto  
and ad ne take away.  
He praith to God that rich nor poor●,  
but meanly he may live:  
He tells of things are never full,  
and wunderous things that move.   

The ●i. Chapter.  
MEn may here learn of chastity,  
and justice eke the way:  
For whom that wine & drink full strong  
is meet and in what day.  
And for that wife that list to live,  
uprightly in this vale:  
Let her here read of Lamuel  
to him his mother's tale.  
FINIS.   

¶ Thus Solomon hath told his tale,  
full wisely in his book:  
And if you muse why I so short,  
in hand his Proverbs took.  
You shall perceive that after that,  
ten Chapters ye have red:  
He doth so change in Adages,  
and sentences so shed.  
That every line unto himself,  
a perfect staff would have:  
So should I not in eight contain,  
a Chapter so to save.  
Then understand that after nine,  
to thirty I do leap:  
Who list to have of sayings sage,  
twixt both he may them reap.  
So then before, though that you see,  
eleven the figure set:  
Yet the thirty Chapter after,  
in it these things ye get.  
And then the last is thirty one.  
though twelve the figure bear:  
So of the Proverbs last of all,  
the Chapters endeth there.  
Now shall you have him preach to you,  
a sermon full of lore:  
Who so it reads and marks it well,  
shall make but little store  
Of goods or lands, of fame or name  
of knowledge or of might:  
Of pleasures, plants, and buildings eke,  
he shall have small delight.    

The book of the Preacher.  

The i. Chapter.  
ALl things is full of vanity,  
the preacher here doth tell:  
There is nothing is durable,  
so long as we here dwell.  
And though a man be near so wise  
yet folly eke and grief:  
To reign in him he may confess,  
as part of his belief.   

The two. Chapter.  
BEgin he did to take delight,  
in pleasures and in game:  
His eye ne liked, but he it got,  
full vain he found the same.  
As well the wise to grave shall go,  
as shall the idiot fool:  
Wherefore to eat and cheerful be,  
he puth us to that school.   

The three Chapter.  
Confess he doth that all thing hath,  
a time to go and come:  
That all things was the which is now,  
and shallbe in the room.  
The works of God most perfect are  
and cause us him to fear:  
Both good and bad the Lord shall judge  
when that he shall appear.   

iiii. Chapter.  
Doubtless the cause of Innocents  
not herd did vex him much:  
Our labour here is full of grief,  
the vanity is such.  
Society and fellowship,  
is better than alone:  
A young man poor if he be wise,  
excels a fool in throne.   

The v. Chapter.  
ELect and choose thy words aright,  
when thou to God dost speak:  
The labouring man doth sleep full sound,  
when Dives brains doth break.  
Man when he dieth shall nothing have  
but that which he did bring:  
To eat and drink and joyful be,  
it passeth here all thing.   

The vi. Chapter.  
Full foolish is the rich man sure,  
whom God much good hath sent:  
And yet t'enjoyenjoy the things he hath,  
the heart is not him lent.  
But he that hath not sweat therefore,  
shall eat it up at will:  
Yet way they not their greedy lust,  
and all the mouth to fill.   

The seven. Chapter.  
GOod wholesome rules here are you given  
from mourning for to flee:  
Flee hasty speech and angry mood  
let wisdom guide thine eye.  
So shall she make thee strong in deed,  
much folly to prevent:  
Man was made good, now is he bad,  
by things he did invent.   

The viii. Chapter.  
HOw that we must obey the King  
and rulers that do reign:  
And yet how none is Lord of death.  
his life for to retain.  
This chapter telleth and furthermore,  
how Gods works are unknown:  
Though God prolong to punish sin  
yet fear thou him alone.   

The ix. Chapter.  
IN looking upon outward things,  
that God doth give to man:  
To judge whom he doth love or hate,  
that justly no man can.  
Nor tell the time when he shall die,  
therefore for wisdom seek:  
If thou be poor though thou be wise,  
yet none will to thee seek.   

The x. Chapter.  
Know well ye may the difference  
twixt wisdom and a fool:  
The babbling tongue that slander doth,  
ye shall not easily cool.  
He telleth of Kings that folly have,  
and willbe overséen:  
That land is blessed whose head is wise,  
be it a King or Queen.   

The xi. Chapter.  
LIke, liberal men he doth exhort,  
to poor that they should be:  
And not to doubt God's providence,  
what so that we do see.  
That prosperous state here in this life,  
is vanity and shall:  
As long as world doth stand with men  
but God shall judge us all.   

The xii. Chapter.  
MEn that run on till youth be past,  
and never do repent:  
In age shall short come of their will,  
when vain their time is spent.  
This is the end fear God and keep,  
all his commandments:  
For God will bring forth every work,  
and give them their judgements.  
FINIS.   

¶ The Preacher thus his sermon ends,  
both short and sweet to hear:  
The pleasant song of Solomon,  
shall now to you appear.  
By parables how Christ doth love,  
his Church he doth you show:  
And eke again how she him loves,  
here may you read and know.    

The Canticles of Solomon.  

The i. Chapter.  
A Friendly talk the Church doth use  
to Christ her love so dear:  
And he again so sets her out,  
as now to be her peer.  
Though foes do fume to see their love,  
and faultis in her there be:  
Yet by his favour and his grace,  
they both do well agree.   

The two. Chapter.  
BEautifully as Lily fair,  
her song forth on she sings  
And shade she took to rest herself,  
even underneath his wings.  
She hears his voice as dove full mild,  
and doth thereto incline:  
The Fory foes they are forbade,  
from hurting of the vine.   

The three Chapter.  
CAst care she did her love to find,  
and sought in every ground:  
She ceased not to seek and ask  
until she had him found.  
How she did pass from wilderness,  
with smoky pillars smelled:  
How Prince like eke King Solomon,  
within his Palace dwelled.   

The iiii. Chapter.  
Doubtless full fair thou art my love  
and blemish hast thou none:  
Thy teeth, thy lips, thy neck and brestis  
are comely every one.  
My sister dear he doth her call,  
and love on her he shows:  
Commanding winds to do her good  
though contrary it blows.   

The v. Chapter.  
Each thing that Christ hath of his own  
unto his Church he gives:  
For to perform his treasures great  
to her, it not him grieves.  
His voice she hears and doth confess  
herself to be but bare:  
How beautiful her husband is,  
she doth at large declare.   

The vi. Chapter.  
Full sure she is of Christ's love,  
and he of hers full sure:  
Whose comely state is painted out  
to be full fair and pure.  
She is but one and undefiled,  
by Christ who made her clean:  
Where purity of her is spoke,  
none other doth it mean.   

The seven. Chapter.  
GO on she doth in comely wise  
full seemly to behold:  
Of all her parts so beautiful,  
here unto you is told.  
From top to toe she is described,  
of Christ the only spouse:  
Who like a palm doth grow full trim,  
with Christ upon her bows.   

The viii. Chapter.  
HIm doth she choose her for to teach,  
by him she is uphold:  
The love that he to her doth bear,  
with tongue can not be told.  
She is again that pleasant vine,  
that forth her fruit doth bring:  
For Christ her love forefigured,  
by Solomon the King.  
FINIS.   

¶ This song full hard to understand,  
doth end with Chapters eight.  
With judgement great it would be red,  
it is of much weight.  
Though fools do laugh and toy thereat,  
yet be you sure of this:  
The ioyfull'st song in Bible book,  
assuredly it is.  
Now shall ye hear what Esay saith,  
he told of Christ tofore:  
Full Gospel like he telleth his tale,  
now hearken to his lore.    

¶ Esay the Prophet  

The i. Chapter.  
ALl creatures he doth will to bear,  
record what he shall say:  
How god had been unto the jews  
full merciful always.  
But seeing God they did not fear,  
he threateneth them full sore:  
That God would ease him on his grief  
yet saving some in store.   

The two. Chapter.  
BEfore he telleth by prophesy,  
how that the Gentiles all:  
Should be converted to the Lord,  
and worship him they shall.  
Laying aside all variance,  
and strife against the Lord:  
But Israel should plagued be,  
because he was untoward.   

The three Chapter.  
CAst out he would the heads and chief,  
of all among the jews:  
And send them children for to rule,  
he telleth them this news.  
And all because their pride was such,  
their rulers went astray:  
Their women eke should baldness have,  
whose tussocks had been gay.   

The iiii. Chapter.  
DEstruction shall so light on them  
their men shall so decay:  
That women seven shall take one man,  
to be to them a stay.  
But after this the Lord shall turn  
his heavy wrathful hand:  
And cause the remnant of the Just,  
in peace to have the land.   

The v. Chapter.  
ESay doth now begin to sing,  
a song for to describe:  
The Church how like a vine it is,  
well fenced on every side.  
But no good grape yet did it bear,  
but branches forth it brought:  
So curseth he their greediness,  
excess and things they wrought.   

The vi. Chapter.  
Full power he hath to Prophesy  
God sitting in his throne:  
Doth send him forth to tell the flock,  
their sins himself alone.  
Their ears they stopped they would not hear  
their hartis they were so hard:  
They had no awe unto his words,  
they did him not regard.   

The seven. Chapter.  
GO tell the King, God said to him  
the enemies shall not harm:  
That juda have conspired to hurt,  
regard not thou the swarm.  
A sign was given a virgin should,  
conceive and bear a child:  
So long before of Christ he told,  
whose coming should be mild.   

The viii. Chapter.  
HOw Israel and juda both,  
as captives should be led:  
Th' Assyrians power he telleth before,  
who should of them be head.  
And how that Christ most holy then  
should be a stumbling stone:  
Exhort he doth to godliness  
the faithful every one.   

The ix. Chapter.  
IN darkness though the Gentiles sa●,  
yet unto light they shall:  
Be called by Christ who is the God,  
that ruleth over all.  
To the ten tribes he telleth before,  
that they should be cast out:  
Because they did contemn the Lord,  
and were so proud and stout.   

The x. Chapter.  
Know woe and pain they shall that do●  
make laws the poor to noy:  
Th' Assyrian prince should plague his church  
and God would him destroy.  
And yet to comfort his elect,  
a remnant he doth say:  
For all the spoil should yet be sa●'de,  
and kept until a day.   

The xi. Chapter.  
LIneally how Christ should come,  
of Jesse's stock he telleth:  
And of his virtues and his power  
which far alone excelth.  
The mighty power shallbe full mild  
at time when he shall reign:  
His fréendis shall flourish his foes shall fear  
their brags shallbe but vain.   

The xii. Chapter.  
Much laud & praise shall then be made  
and sing they shall with cheer:  
Though God was angry with his flock,  
yet mercies now appear.  
And saying we salvation may,  
now hope to draw from him:  
His name we will set out and praise  
let Zion sing this hymn▪   

The xiii. Chapter.  
NOw doth he tell how God should call,  
the Medis in their might:  
The Persians eke for to appear  
his battle for to fight.  
For to destroy the Babel power,  
and bring their pride full low:  
And all their fame and progeny,  
out right to overthrow.   

The xiiii. Chapter.  
ONe cause he telleth why Babylon,  
should so destroyed be:  
Because the jews there captives were  
but so should be set free.  
And how he should derided be,  
and come unto his end:  
The Philistines for all his death,  
no joy should apprehend.   

The xv. Chapter.  
Perform would God yet further more  
and Moab would he smite:  
Their chiefest towns should taken be,  
and spoiled from them by might.  
Their river great should stained be,  
with blood of their own stock,  
Their ruin should on them so light,  
for hurting of his flock.   

The xuj. chapter.  
QUit him now God doth full intend,  
of Moab for his pride:  
Because his Church they would not help  
when hurtis did them betide.  
Their pride therefore shall have a fall,  
he telleth to them plain:  
In three years space the multitude  
should taken be or slain.   

The xvii. chapter.  
REwarded should Damascus be  
the Syrians he doth mean:  
And Ephraim that did decline,  
should néee be wasted clean.  
By scourges great they should repent,  
their straying so from God:  
A foreign power shall them invade,  
but suddenly forbade.   

The xviii Chapter.  
Such ships as sailed on the sea,  
by Ethiopia might:  
He wilth to flee with wings of sails,  
to tell the world the plight.  
That Israel was brought unto,  
for breaking of their law:  
How Gentiles should be called to grace,  
and stand of God in awe.   

The nineteen. Chapter.  
THe burden of the heavy plague,  
that Egypt should sustain:  
By Assyrian power because they put,  
their trust in Idols vain.  
Yet shall the Lord give them his law  
and Assur eke the same:  
And Israel in midst of them,  
these three shall praise his name▪   

The xx. Chapter.  
WHen words would not make them believe  
what Esay then said:  
A sign he gave by nakedness,  
that so they should be paid.  
For three years space th' Assyrians should  
the Ethiopians broil:  
And Egypt land likewise subdue.  
not sparing both to spoil.   

The xxj. chapter.  
AGain he telleth how Babylon,  
should quite be overthrown▪  
Babel is fallen, Babel is fallen,  
so should the 'noys be blown.  
Idumea and Arabia,  
the like should them befall:  
The Medes and eke Persians,  
should bring them in to thrall.   

The xxii. chapter.  
BEcause Jerusalem did trust,  
in walls and ditches deep:  
Therefore the Prophet telleth their fall,  
which causeth him to weep.  
And how that Sobna had him made,  
a Sepulture in vain:  
For why as captive he should die,  
with tossed life in pain.   

The xxiii. Chapter.  
CAst down he saith that God would do,  
the pride of Tirus town:  
The merchants that had world at will,  
should be of small renown.  
And yet when years are past and gone,  
that for her plague are sent:  
She should again to former stat●,  
be set and so repent.   

The xxiiii. chapter.  
DEclare he doth that God will curse,  
and strike the earth for sin:  
Both head and foot none should escape,  
when that he doth begin.  
And yet not so but that a few,  
should well escape the same:  
Unto the end that they might show  
the praises of his name.   

The xxv. Chapter.  
EXalt he doth the Lord above,  
and praise him evermore:  
For punishing the wicked so,  
which set not by his ●ore.  
And for the sparing of his flock,  
and forcing foes to vade:  
By similitude unto his saints,  
a feast to them he made.   

The xxvi. Chapter.  
FAithful men here sing to their God,  
and do therein confess:  
Their saving health to come from him,  
and eke also their peace.  
And how the dead in perfect shape,  
shall rise out of the dust:  
And how the Lord shall visit them,  
that in him had no trust.   

The xxvii. Chapter.  
GOd will destroy Leviathan,  
the Devil and all his might:  
And will defend his vine the Church,  
and purge her in his sight.  
Then shall she render to the Lord,  
his laudes with willing will:  
When from their foes they be returned,  
unto his holy hill.   

The xxviii. Chapter.  
HOw God would plague the Israelites,  
who wine so fast did drink:  
That drunkenness they weighed more,  
then on his law to think.  
The stumbling stone that he would lay,  
and work his will when he:  
Should see his time and point his place,  
how every thing should be.   

The xxix. Chapter.  
Jerusalem shall punished be,  
their sacrifice shall cease:  
Their altar shall oreturned be,  
their foes on them shall press.  
With lips alone and dreams of men,  
because they did him serve:  
He would them strike and yet of love,  
some seed he would preserve.   

The thirty. chapter.  
KNowing that they at Egypt sought,  
for help in their distress:  
And that they did the Prophet's mock,  
which sought them to redress.  
Therefore he telleth destruction,  
to light upon the swarm:  
But yet all such as do repent,  
he saith shall take no harm.   

The xxxi. Chapter.  
LIkewise the Lord doth curse all them,  
that do his help forsake:  
And put their trust in man or horse,  
fore him that did them make.  
And yet still favour he doth, faith,  
to them that will amend:  
And cast their Idols quite away,  
on whom they did depend.   

The xxxii. Chapter.  
Much good doth come when rulers good  
have place to sit & judge:  
The nature of a churl is such,  
against the poor to grudge.  
That careless women shall lament,  
the ruin shallbe such:  
But when that Christ shall come to reign  
their comfort shallbe much.   

The xxxiii. Chapter.  
NO gain at all shall they obtain,  
that do the Church molest:  
When they have spoiled & done their will,  
God will their deeds detest.  
And give unto his flock a pause,  
while he doth strike their foes:  
That better they may keep his laws,  
that all their doings knows.   

The xxxiiii. chapter.  
OF very love that God doth bear,  
to his elected sort:  
He will imbrue his sword in blood,  
to bate the wicked port.  
And so destroy the cursed train,  
their City so deface:  
That Owl & Raven with Ziim and Limb,  
shall there have dwelling place.   

The xxxv. chapter.  
perfect good joy, belief in Christ,  
to such that here do dwell:  
Doth bring to them their office told  
that preach to men Gospel.  
And eke the fruit of those that hear,  
the preaching of it right:  
To Zion shall they turn again,  
and that in joyful plight.   

The xxxvi. Chapter.  
Questionless the pride was great,  
of Rabsaketh the Prince:  
He thought by threats to make the jews,  
not able for to quinche.  
Blaspheming God with spiteful taunts  
and bragging in the might:  
Of his great King Senacherib,  
he spoke his speech in spite.   

The xxxvii. Chapter.  
REnting his clothes, Ezechiah  
axt council of Esay:  
Who told him plain he need not fear,  
the Lord his foes would pay.  
Senacherib blasphemed again,  
then Ezechiah prayed:  
An Angel did his foes destroy,  
so fell it as was said.   

The xxxviiii. Chapter.  
SO sick than fell Ezechiah,  
God did him health restore:  
And caused him prolong his years,  
for fifteen had he more.  
Then gave he thanks unto the Lord,  
when sign of health he saw:  
And leaves of Figs unto his pain,  
were laid his sore to draw.   

The xxxix. chapter.  
THen was the King reproved much,  
Ezechiah by name:  
For showing of his treasures great,  
to men that were of fame.  
And that was to Ambassadors,  
that came from Babylon:  
Therefore the Prophet Esay saith  
thou shalt be woe begun.   

The xl. Chapter.  
Which way our sins remitted be,  
by Christ he telleth before:  
And of john Baptist he doth show,  
and what shallbe his lore.  
Rebuking eke Idolaters,  
describing them full plain:  
And eke all those which God forsook,  
and man doth trust full vain.   

The xli. Chapter.  
ALone doth God his people choose  
and that of mercy mere:  
They being those among themselves  
each one doth other cheer.  
With comfort he doth comfort them  
their Idols are but vain:  
No things to come can tell but God  
ne make that doubts be plain.   

The xlii. Chapter.  
Behold he wilth that ready priest  
is Christ for to obey:  
In humbleness by suffering wise,  
for our offence to pay.  
The deaf, the blind, and prisoners,  
with such like to relieve:  
The Gentiles all shall called be,  
unto the right believe.   

The xliii. Chapter.  
CAst care aside and have good hope,  
let nought make you afraid▪  
Thou jacobs' house, for I thy God,  
will surely be thine aid:  
Alone I will thy foes confound,  
and eke also remit:  
Thy sin myself of my good will,  
and think no more of it.   

The xliiii. Chapter.  
Do doubt away, be of good cheer,  
yet once again my flock:  
I am the same that always hath,  
born love unto your stock.  
The Image and the woorkmaster,  
are vain and perish shall:  
Though they be false he will perform,  
his servants sayings all.   

The xlv. Chapter.  
ERect a King he would, that should,  
set free his Church at large:  
Cirus by name was he that should  
receive of God the charge.  
There is none just but God alone  
that ruleth over all:  
Who will so work that every knee,  
shall down before him fall.   

The xlvi. Chapter.  
Fallen flat to ground is Babylon,  
their Idols eke of gold:  
Are beaten down which in the stréetꝭ▪  
their shoulders up did hold.  
The jews he calth that they should mark  
his woorkis of wonders wrought:  
His justice and his mercy both,  
should soon to them be brought.   

The xlvii. Chapter.  
GOd now doth tell why Babel great,  
should once be set a side:  
Because that she no mercy showed,  
when juda she did guide.  
And for their pride and bragging boast,  
and eke her foolish trust:  
That in enchanting she did put,  
now feel her fall she must.   

The xlviii. Chapter.  
HE telleth of their Hypocrisy,  
and doth the same reprove:  
Deferring yet them to reward,  
so moved by his love.  
Exhorting them to worship him,  
for that to him is due:  
So would he out of Babylon▪  
deliver all their crew.   

The xlix. Chapter.  
I Do exhort ye nations all,  
that ye believe and hold:  
The promises which God hath plight  
and often to you told.  
For saving health unto you all,  
if you the same believe:  
By Christ and eke deliverance,  
from foes ye shall achieve.   

The l. Chapter.  
Known unto God was well the cause  
why he the jews forsook:  
The cause was their Iniquity,  
the which in hand they took.  
Yet should they know the power of God  
not minisht long to be:  
Christ shall obey and upper hand,  
of foes attain shall he.   

The li. Chapter.  
LOok well upon the faith that once,  
in Abraham was found:  
For I am he, thus saith the Lord,  
that shall thy foes confound.  
Though scourged be Jerusalem,  
yet shall their woeful cross:  
Be profitable unto them,  
thereby to have no loss.   

The lii. Chapter.  
MAke merry ye my people all,  
captivity is past:  
And joyful freedom ye shall have,  
given unto you at last.  
His messengers he will send out,  
their beauty shall excel:  
But one of all above the rest,  
shall bear away the bell.   

The liii. Chapter.  
NOt one almost that should believe,  
in Christ because that he:  
So simple should appear to men,  
and in such poverty.  
And yet himself should bear away,  
our sins upon the cross:  
And eke the pain unto them due,  
so paying all our loss.   

The liv. Chapter.  
OF Gentiles more the Gospel shall,  
embrace, then of the jews:  
And fruit shall bring accordingly,  
as hearers of such news.  
So God his people will forsake,  
and stand aside a while:  
But yet at length he will return,  
and friendly on them smile.   

The lv. Chapter.  
PRoclaim he doth, who so is dry,  
come drink withouten cost:  
And pay no more to stay your thirst,  
your labour is but lost.  
Draw near to God while he is nigh,  
and do away your sin:  
His word shall not out from him pass,  
but somewhat it shall win.   

The lvi. chapter.  
Quench not the right, let justice pass  
to judges he doth speak:  
And saith for all, his house shallbe,  
therein their plaintꝭ to break.  
The watch men blind as Dogs are dumb  
they wake but for their gain:  
From day to day to fill in wine,  
there in is all their pain.   

The lvii. Chapter.  
RIghteous God taketh hence,  
lest they of plagues should taste:  
Which he prepared to punish sin  
upon the earth to cast.  
Idolaters they be rebukte,  
for serving Idols vain:  
No peace can be to wicked men,  
but war and endless pain.   

The lviii. Chapter.  
SPare not but cry should ministers,  
as watch men should they blow:  
And tell the people their offence,  
not sparing high or low.  
How Hypocrites look all for meed,  
in fasting of their fast:  
Of violence and doing wrong,  
such food we should not taste.   

The lix. Chapter.  
THe wicked by his wickedness,  
doth perish and decay:  
But godly men their sin confess,  
and so are done away.  
For God himself his Church will save,  
when strength of man doth fail:  
His word adjoined to his spirit,  
shall over all prevail.   

The Lx. Chapter.  
UNto the knowledge of the truth,  
the Gentiles shall be brought:  
And heaps of them should come to god,  
as one that hath them bought.  
And Zion that forsaken was,  
and often had ill luck:  
Should be refreshed with paps of Queens,  
for on them should she suck.   

The Lxi Chapter.  
ANointed Christ is sent to preach  
the wretched to relieve:  
And saving health to give to them,  
which on him do believe.  
For which the faithful do rejoice,  
and lauds unto him bring:  
He shall cause virtue in his Church,  
abundantly to spring.   

The Lxii Chapter.  
BEhold the day right fain they would  
wherein that they might see:  
The Christ that should by promise told  
set them at large and free.  
Good pastors cease not for to preach,  
and teach the way aright:  
How people shall escape the rod,  
that else on them should light.   

The lxiii. Chapter.  
COme forth and do his feat alone  
shall God, his Church to save:  
And in his wrath tread down the foes,  
that 'gainst his flock did rave.  
Great benefits of his mere love,  
to his still show he doth:  
Though Abram do not know our state  
yet God it kens forsooth.   

The lxiiii. Chapter.  
DIrect he doth to God his speech,  
his prayers doth begin:  
Entreating not that he would think,  
upon the people's sin.  
But rather that of him they might,  
some succour feel and taste:  
In weighing how their church was burnt,  
and City lay full waist.   

The lxv. Chapter.  
Eftsoons he telleth how Gentiles shall  
him seek and eke embrace:  
And how that jews for scorning him  
should be set in their place  
Much joy the chosen should achieve,  
where as contrary wise:  
Great punishment shall on them light,  
that do his name despise.   

The Lxvi. Chapter.  
Full high above God hath his seat,  
and eke in heart of man:  
And not in temple made by men,  
and sacrifices then.  
He doth mislike when mercy wantꝭ:  
oppressed he reléeves:  
The wicked with eternal pain,  
by justice still he grieves.  
FINIS.   

¶ Thus have you heard this Prophet speak,  
of Christ his kingdom much:  
Rebuking sin with threats full sore,  
against both poor and rich.  
And how the jews should feel the stroke  
of Gods full mighty hand:  
By spoils and waste that foreign foes  
should make within their land.  
And yet not quite forsaken should,  
they be, when they did yield:  
But be restored and turn again,  
their City for to build.  
And that their foes which once did flow,  
and flourish in their fume:  
At length should stoop and to them bow,  
and should no more presume.  
To do them harm, and some of them  
should quite their Kingdoms lose:  
And heaps of Gentiles God should serve,  
full humbly on their knees.  
For magistrates that judge not just,  
and Prelates in their pride:  
And people stout with necks full stiff,  
he telleth what shall betide.  
Now jeremy shall show himself,  
what God by him did speak:  
Who very young was sent of God,  
his mind to jews to break.  
And forty years he prophesied,  
five Kings were come and gone,  
At home he taught and eke abroad  
to them at Babylon.    

The Prophecy of jeremy.  

The i. Chapter.  
AT what time he did prophecy,  
and also how that he:  
Did think himself not to be meet,  
to be as he should be.  
But God doth him encourage forth▪  
and bids him to be bold:  
So then of their captivity,  
by jeremy is told.   

The two. Chapter.  
BEfore their eyes he doth set out  
what God for them had wrought:  
How they again and eke their priests,  
did set the Lord at nought.  
Therefore their sin shall them destroy,  
so that they shall not say:  
That God is cause or hath delight,  
that they should so decay.   

The three Chapter.  
CRy out he doth and calth on them,  
their sins for to repent:  
So should their Church be healed again,  
God would from wrath relent.  
Of judah and of Israel,  
comparison he doth make:  
Which for their whoring Idol wise,  
divorcement he would make.   

The iiii. Chapter.  
Doubtless if truly they repent,  
God would them not subvert:  
The Circumcision outwardly,  
not like to that in heart.  
How judah should destroyed be,  
for their ungodliness:  
For which the Prophet doth lament,  
in seeing their distress.   

The v. Chapter.  
Every sort were fallen away,  
from subject unto head:  
Both swearing false, and whorish life  
as neighing horse they led.  
Therefore should judah be destroyed,  
the Caldeys should them waste:  
So should they for their sinful life,  
such sorrows feel and taste.   

The vi. Chapter.  
FRom far their foes should come & flock,  
their City to bese●▪  
Their sin was cause they cared not  
when preachers did them threat.  
The Caldeys should this revel make,  
not sparing young nor old:  
He willeth them to mourn, but they  
regard not what is told.   

The seven. Chapter.  
GOd doth rebuke the confidence,  
in temple that they had:  
For there they thought to make amends  
though life were near so bad.  
Much evil should surely light on them,  
for Prophets they despise:  
Obedience God better likes,  
than any sacrifice.   

The viii. Chapter.  
HE telleth what revel foreign power  
should make among the jews:  
And how if that they did repent,  
they should have better news.  
The Prophet's false he doth rebuke,  
for uttering of lies:  
Lamenting much their sorrow sharp  
that should against them rise.   

The ix. Chapter.  
IN seeing what deceit did reign,  
he wisheth that he dwelled:  
Himself alone in wilderness,  
where no such thing is felt.  
In knowing God we only ought  
therein our joy to find:  
The circumcision of the flesh,  
not like that is in mind.   

The x. Chapter.  
Know well they might that Gods of gold  
of wood and silver eke:  
Be far from Gods when they can not  
once go▪ ne stand, or speak.  
Their pastors were but beastis each one  
their flocks did wander wide:  
In man there is no good at all,  
for secure yet she cried.   

The xi. Chapter.  
LOok well they ought to keep the law,  
for else he doth them curse:  
When they were wild for to amend,  
they were so much the worse.  
Their father's steps in worship false,  
they walk to their decay:  
To Idols help he wilth to seek,  
for them he might not pray.   

The xii. Chapter.  
Much muse he doth at wickeds wealth  
yet God remaineth just:  
The jews forsaken of the Lord,  
in him they did not trust▪  
The shepherds did the sheep seduce,  
and trod his vine to ground:  
And if convert from sins they would,  
than favour should be found.   

The xiii. Chapter.  
NOt words alone but signs thereto,  
God addid them to warn:  
But nought would help their life so bad  
they justly took their harm.  
Why God to favour did them take,  
and why he them refused:  
If they would mend the wicked life,  
they should not be misused.   

The xiiii. Chapter.  
OF dearth that on the land should fall  
and how the people prayed:  
And such as faith did want to them,  
their prayers are denayed.  
The prophets that by false report,  
did say from God they came:  
Should feel the thing that they denied,  
such peace by lies they won.   

The xv. Chapter.  
Passed help they were though Moses should  
and Samuel for them pray:  
Yet pestilence with sword and dearth,  
and captive led away.  
Should light on them yet some should rest,  
to God them doth he call:  
In mid among the rout, God made  
him as a brazen wall.   

The xvi. Chapter.  
Acquaint not thyself with woman kind,  
a wife to thee to take:  
For plague I will this people sore,  
and captives them will make.  
In Babylon: and yet return  
they shall unto this land:  
The Gentiles shall their Gods forsake,  
and take the truth in hand.   

The xvii. Chapter.  
RIght froward were the jews and cursed  
for putting trust in man:  
Whose heart full wicked is and ill,  
God only search it can.  
The living waters they forsook,  
the Saboth day they broke:  
Which if in time they mended not,  
their fire should not ●lake.   

The xviii. Chapter.  
Such power as in the potter is,  
to break his pots at will:  
Such power hath God (who can deny?)  
his foes with force to kill.  
The jews conspired that jeremy  
should vexed be with speed:  
And he to God his prayers made,  
to plague them and their seed.   

The nineteen. Chapter.  
Tell thou the heads, said God to him,  
that they shall perish all:  
For shedding blood, and offering up  
their service unto Ball.  
Afore them all thy bottle break  
of earth out of thy hand:  
Even so likewise tell them, I will  
destroy them and their land.   

The xx. Chapter.  
When Pashur heard that jeremy preached  
he struck him and thereto:  
To jail he went it helped not,  
he taught as wont to do.  
It grieved him much that they him mocked  
he thought to hold his peace:  
The word so boiled in his breast,  
to speak he could not cease▪   

The xxi. Chapter.  
AGain when he was wild to tell,  
what should of them become:  
He said by sword and pestilence,  
all should be slain save some.  
And those should be such of the jews  
as would themselves submit:  
And be content in Caldey land,  
as captives for to sit.   

The xxii. Chapter.  
BIdden he was to tell the King,  
that justice he should use:  
If not, that God would utterly,  
both him and his refuse.  
Such as with wrong their houses build▪  
he crieth on them woe:  
Because in wealth they would not hear●  
their pride should come full low.   

The xxiii. Chapter.  
CUrse he doth here from God his mouth,  
such pastors as do feed  
Themselves: and let the flock alone,  
God will them pay in deed.  
And pastors pure he will provide,  
whereof one shall be chief:  
From David's house as King to guide,  
by him to have relief.   

The xxiiii. Chapter.  
DEclare God doth by baskets twain,  
with Figs both good and bad:  
What should become upon the flock,  
as he decreed had.  
Which was that some should have return  
and live in rest and peace:  
The King should not with many more,  
whose hartis he could not pierce.   

The xxv. Chapter.  
EXiled men in Babylon,  
the jews for sin should be:  
Full seventy years the Prophet saith,  
in their captivity.  
At which years end that mighty power  
shallbe subverted quite.  
And in like wise he telleth before,  
all rule shall lose their might.   

The xxvi. Chapter.  
Full earnestly he doth them move,  
their sins for to repent:  
They brought him forth, he telleth his tale  
the judges did relent.  
But Vriah who fled for fear,  
was fetched from Egypt land:  
jehoyaku of judah King,  
him slew with sword in hand.   

The xxvii. Chapter.  
GOd willed him that he should send  
both yokes and bonds also,  
To Princes, for to testify  
in bondage they should go.  
And who so would refuse to serve,  
Nabuchodonozer,  
Should plagued be, therefore he wilth  
false Prophets not to hear.   

The xxviii. Chapter.  
HAnaniah the Prophet false  
did prophesy a lie:  
And jeremy did him reprove  
afore great company.  
Also a fresh he prophesied,  
because his yoke was burst:  
That bondage much should come to them  
and that thereto then trust.   

The xxix. Chapter.  
IN written words he sent to them,  
that then in Babel were,  
That they should plant, & wed, and pray  
for such as ruled there.  
For seventy years should pass and go,  
ere they should turn again:  
And in that space their land and power,  
should wasted be and slain.   

The thirty. Chapter.  
KNowledge again from jeremies' mouth,  
was given to Israel:  
That they should home again return,  
within their land to dwell  
And how that God would him revenge  
upon their furious foes:  
But comfort his afflicted Church,  
and save her from her woes.   

The xxxi. Chapter.  
LArge blessing here he telleth to come,  
when home they should return:  
All joy shall come and plesantness,  
to such as once did mourn.  
A covenant new within their hartis,  
also he plight to make:  
That he would be their God in deed,  
if they not him forsake.   

The xxxii. Chapter.  
MAny were the miseries that,  
jeremy did sustain:  
For now he is in prison cast,  
for speaking out so plain.  
A field he bought and hid the book,  
that did record the same:  
His prayers he made and once again,  
their turning home did name.   

The xxxiii. Chapter.  
NOw is the Prophet wild to pray,  
for their return and rest:  
Which full and whole is granted them  
as they had had it erst.  
With pardon for their former sins,  
without their own desartꝭ.  
And Christ to reign in David's throne,  
for ever in their hartis.   

The xxxiiii. Chapter.  
OF Zedechiah who was King,  
of juda: what should come:  
How he should taken be and his,  
when City and all is won.  
Because the covenant they did break,  
to bond folk that they made:  
Their lot with pine or pestilence,  
should be or else with blade.   

The xxxv. Chapter.  
PUt forth he doth as God him bade,  
the Rechabites for lore:  
Who would not break the old preceptis  
from fathers had tofore.  
But jewish pride would not obey,  
though often they were warned:  
Therefore to ruin they should go,  
the Rechabites not harmed.   

The xxxvi. Chapter.  
QUenched lest that his words should be,  
God bad to write them all:  
So Baruch did and read the role,  
before both great and small.  
The King a little heard of it,  
and burned the book in fire:  
Again with more it written was,  
and God provoked to ire.   

The xxxvii. Chapter.  
RIght soon as Zedechiah reigned,  
to jeremy he sent,  
To pray for him. By Egypt power  
the Caldeys away went.  
As jeremy was priest away,  
in dungeon was he cast:  
But when the King had talked with him,  
he begged a better taste.   

The xxxviii. Chapter.  
SO fairly spoke the councillors,  
the Prince's ears until,  
That jeremy to dungeon went,  
there thought they him to kill.  
An eunuch black his life did save,  
and drew him up with cords:  
The King and he did talk alone,  
he might not tell the Lords.   

The xxxix. Chapter.  
THe Babel power the City took,  
and Zedechiah fled:  
He was over caught, his sons were slain  
his eyes put out of his head.  
The poor alone are left in land,  
and jeremy at large:  
Who gave them more that did him good,  
a comfortable charge.   

The xl. Chapter.  
UNto two things the Prophet had  
a choice at will to choose.  
Babel to see, or tarry still  
the first he did refuse.  
Such as for fear were fled away  
to Godoliah came:  
Whom Babel King had left to rule,  
all judah that he won.   

The xli. Chapter.  
A Murder foul committed was  
of Ishmael by name:  
For Godoliah he did kill,  
who did deserve no blame.  
And divers more that wicked man,  
their lives did also end:  
And fled to King of Moabites,  
who therefore did him send.   

The xlii. Chapter.  
Both most and least to jeremy came  
his council to have:  
And willed him to know of God,  
which way themselves to save.  
Who willed them in any wise,  
to Egypt not to wend:  
For if they did that which they feared,  
their God would it them send.   

The xliii. Chapter.  
COntrary to their former grant,  
to Egypt needs they would:  
The Prophet checked, and Baruch eke,  
who needs with them they should.  
And there did God by jeremy,  
tell Egypt of her fall:  
How Nebuchadnezer in place  
should rule their Gods and all.   

The xliiii. Chapter.  
DEclare he doth unto the jews,  
for their Idolatry,  
In Egypt land the which they did,  
that they should surely die.  
But men and wives with froward hartis  
did tell what they did deem:  
We never throve sins that we left,  
to serve the heavenly Queen.   

The xlv. Chapter.  
Evilly apaid was Baruch then,  
he thought his life but lost:  
His sorrows did increase in him  
seeing the jews so tossed.  
But jeremy him comfort gave,  
and set his heart at stay:  
For God (he said) hath given to thee,  
thy life to be a prey.   

The xlvi. Chapter.  
FRom God he speaks to Egypt land,  
and telleth them full plain:  
How that the King of Babylon,  
withal his mighty train.  
Should them destroy and eke their King  
their God and mighty power:  
But yet his chosen jacobs' seed,  
he would not quite devour.   

The xlvii. Chapter.  
GOd bade him tell the Philistines,  
of their decay and end:  
That parents to such woe should come,  
their Children not to tend.  
How they of Tire and Zidon eke,  
should wasted be also:  
The wrath of God not ceasing till,  
their pride were come full low.   

The xlviii. Chapter.  
HE telleh to the Moabites,  
their ruin and decay:  
Who once like churls to Israel,  
ungraciously did say.  
He curseth them that should them spare,  
or stay his hand from blood:  
And that because their pride was such,  
and haughty stubborn mood.   

The xlix. Chapter.  
IN like (he saith) the Ammonites,  
whose valleys were so fair  
And Esau's stock the Edomites,  
that thought of no despair.  
Damascus and Kedar also,  
whom nothing did annoy:  
With Elam eke, all these he said,  
the Caldes should destroy.   

The l. Chapter.  
Knowledge tofore of Babel's fall,  
he gave also to them:  
How that the Persians and the Medes,  
should quite destroy their esteem▪  
And how that God upon his flock,  
would have a new regard:  
And them restore into their state,  
and give their foes reward.   

The li. chapter.  
LArgely he writes and telleth the cause,  
of Babel's fall and spoil:  
In Israel's blood they did rejoice,  
when that they had the foil.  
The power of God he doth describe,  
and Idols vain denies:  
He saith the Caldeys should so fall,  
as never more to rise.   

The lii. Chapter.  
MArk well what rebels come unto,  
let Zedechiah preach:  
He first rebelled and after fled,  
his foes did him areche.  
The temple burnt, the City stroyed,  
and thousands captive led:  
But jehoyakim favour found,  
the King lift up his head.  
FINIS.   

¶ Thus jeremy that lived so long,  
and Kings so many saw:  
That bode such broils for saying sooth,  
to those that had no awe.  
His tale is told, his book is done,  
now shall you hear us tell,  
How woefully he did lament,  
the fall of Israel.    

The Lamentation of jeremy▪  

The i Chapter.  
ALl help is past, Jerusalem,  
is now subverted quite:  
Her friends are now become her foes  
when failed is her might.  
Her stréetꝭ are void her priests are slain,  
her foes they do rejoice:  
Nothing but tears and heaviness,  
hath sin set for her choice.   

The two. chapter.  
Behold the holds are now destroyed,  
the Princes overthrown:  
The Saboths and the holy place,  
they cannot now be known.  
The Virgins and the seniors,  
sit weeping on the ground:  
The enemies do clap their hands,  
no comfort can be found.   

The three Chapter.  
COmplain he doth of all the griefs,  
that many ways he felt:  
And yet in God he puts his trust,  
that always his hath helped.  
For sin, the Lord doth his correct,  
which best is to confess:  
And then he will his favour send,  
and things amiss redress.   

The iiii. Chapter.  
Doubtless the wise like to fine Gold,  
are now like potter's clay:  
The Nazarites that were so fair,  
their beauty is away.  
With hunger women sore oppressed,  
their Children they do eat:  
The bloody priests and Prophets false  
did bring to them this meat.   

The v. Chapter.  
ENd here his Lamentations,  
he doth with earnest prayer:  
Beseeching God to look upon,  
how foes with them did far.  
Confessing yet that he doth reign  
and shall for evermore:  
Who turning us than shall we turn,  
and surely not before.  
FINIS.   

¶ Ezechiel doth now begin,  
to fortify and prove:  
That God would sure the jewish Church,  
as he had said, remove.  
By visions strange he doth express,  
the things to come to pass:  
As he in Caldey land did dwell,  
where he a captive was.  
Yet comfort doth he give again,  
to the afflicted flock:  
And telleth the ruin of their foes,  
and such as did them mock.  
But chief of all the regiment,  
of Christ's kingdom pure,  
He doth see out an happy state,  
for ever to endure.    

The Prophecy of Ezechiel▪  

The i Chapter.  
AS he in Caldey land did dwell,  
by Chobar river side:  
In the fift year that jehoyakim▪  
the King did there abide.  
Ezechiel a vision,  
of fowls and wheels did see:  
And one upon a bow did sit,  
on high in majesty.   

The two. chapter.  
BIdden he was for to stand up,  
and speak against the jews,  
Their sins rebuke, & how they should  
his preaching quite refuse.  
Rebelling still, as ancestors  
of them had done before:  
A hand he saw that held a book,  
that sorrows threat therefore.   

The three chapter.  
CAused he was to eat the book,  
and boldness God him gave  
With strength & power, with word & spirit  
himself for to behave.  
His charge is given, his office set,  
which if he should neglect,  
The folk in sin should perish all,  
and he for blood be checked.   

The iiii. Chapter.  
DEclare he doth Jerusalem  
besieged for to be:  
And many years the Israelites,  
to feel captivity.  
And hunger such on them to fall,  
as like hath not been heard:  
Their excrementꝭ of force to eat,  
good food should be so barred.   

The v. chapter.  
Eftsoons a sign to him was given,  
by shaving of his hear:  
By burning some, by wherling some,  
and little some to spare.  
That so flock with the Pestilence,  
with sword and famine great:  
Should be dispersed and eke so plagued,  
as Child the Father's meat.   

The vi. chapter.  
FOr worshipping of Images,  
and Idols that are vain:  
On tops on hills, and eke in vales,  
he saith they shallbe slain.  
A remnant yet there shallbe left,  
that in their woeful grief:  
Shall them repent and turn to God,  
and have of him relief.   

The seven. Chapter.  
GOd doth by him tell plainly out,  
the ruin of the land:  
From Est to west, from north to south,  
no part of it to stand.  
But all should be subverted quite,  
he will not change his mind:  
In priest or else in ancient man,  
no council should they find.   

The viii. Chapter.  
HE sitting in his house among,  
the ancients in exile,  
Jerusalem he went unto,  
in vision for a while.  
And there such evils in secret place,  
he saw them to commit  
And eke abroad which caused just,  
them to be plagued for it.   

The ix. Chapter.  
Jerusalem that did commit,  
such evils as were to bad,  
Hath now such measure méett to them,  
as once they measured had.  
But one clad in linen white,  
did mark the mourning sort▪  
And they did scape when ruin fell,  
the marker made report.   

The x. chapter.  
Know moor he doth of things tofore,  
The man arrayed in white:  
Did fire fetch from Cherubins,  
appearing to his sight.  
And then the beastis and eke the wheels,  
that he had seen tofore:  
He saw again in vision wise,  
with sundry faces four.   

The xi. Chapter.  
LEd now he was for to behold  
the chief that ruled ill:  
And wild to say that they should pay,  
for blood that they did spill.  
A ruler died, then out he cried  
to God to hold his hand:  
His bown is heard, and Cherubs gone,  
and he in Caldey land.   

The xii. Chapter.  
MOre plainly by a farthel born,  
and packing in the day:  
Their thraldom and captivity,  
thereby perceive they may.  
A remnant yet should saved be,  
to tell of all their gilt:  
And speedily the wrath should come,  
though otherways they built.   

The xiii. Chapter.  
NOw doth he tell the Prophet's false,  
what should of them betide:  
Their daubed wall that they had made,  
it shoul● not long abide.  
Their women eke that pillows made,  
and kercheves for to charm,  
Should perish to, for promising  
the wicked safe from harm.   

The xiiii. Chapter.  
OF such as Idols in their hartis  
did keep, and yet pretends▪  
The contrary, and Prophets false,  
he telleth of both their ends.  
Yet still a remnant God will keep,  
his Church for to increase:  
The righteous men alone shall scape,  
their sin he will release.   

The xv. Chapter.  
PRofitable is not the wood,  
that cometh of the vine:  
No longer than it beareth fruit,  
whereof is made the wine:  
Even so likewise Jerusalem,  
that bringeth forth no fruit,  
Shallbe consumed with fire at home  
and eke in her pursuit.   

The xvi. Chapter.  
Quench now their pride, he goeth about  
their progeny to tell:  
How bare they were, how God then clad,  
they did that was not well.  
For Sodom nor Samaria,  
such whoredom woorked not:  
In worship false to Idols vain,  
as never more was wrought.   

The xvij. chapter.  
Rehearse he doth by eagles twain,  
what shall of Israel hap:  
Who thought to plant in Egypt power,  
but it should take no sap.  
Their King also that promise made,  
to Babel to obey:  
For breaking of his oath to him,  
full dearly he should pay.   

The xviii Chapter.  
S●me (where it falleth) shall have reward,  
in him that doth it use:  
Each man shall bear his own offence,  
he shall none other choose.  
But who so doth his sin repent,  
shall pardon have therefore:  
And he that doth good life forsake,  
shall pay full dear therefore.   

The nineteen. Chapter.  
Tell now he doth what Lions sprang  
out of the Lioness:  
What catching Kings, Jerusalem  
did breed to her distress.  
How as a vine she flourished once,  
and did from thence decay:  
And therefore now in wilderness,  
there should she dry away.   

The xx. Chapter.  
UNto him came the elders then,  
who did to them declare,  
For all their sin from time to time,  
how God yet did them spare,  
Not hearing such as yielded not,  
but wrath upon them take,  
And spare the rest that feared him,  
even for his mercy's sake.   

The xxi, Chapter.  
A Sword he saith shall all devour  
and spare ne high nor low:  
The Babel power should all destroy,  
enchantment taught him so.  
The Ammonites should also quail,  
their kingdom should be won:  
The Babel power should them destroy,  
where they their life begun.   

The xxii. Chapter.  
Behold this chapter, mark it well,  
how all was out of frame:  
What sins there reigned in Israel,  
he doth unto you name.  
The rulers and the Prophets eke,  
the priests and people all,  
In sundry sins withouten shame  
each one of them did fall.   

The xxiii. Chapter.  
COmparison of women twain,  
that whoredom do commit,  
He doth compare to Israel,  
and juda like to it.  
Whose filthy foul Idolatry,  
provoked God to ire:  
The Child first born they spared not,  
to burn in flaming fire.   

The xxiiii. Chapter.  
DEclare he doth by double signs,  
what they shall come until:  
As flesh in pot doth seethe to scum,  
so should they for their il.  
His wife doth die, he mourned not,  
as he of God was wild:  
No more should they have space thereto,  
when that their friends were killed.   

The xxv. Chapter.  
Evil hap should come of Ammonites,  
and Moabites by name:  
Because they did rejoice and laugh,  
when Israel had blame.  
The Edomites and Philistines,  
should eke stoop to the Est,  
That is to say to Babel power,  
and be of them possessed.   

The xxvi. Chapter.  
FOr like offence that City great,  
that Tirus hight by name:  
Should have the foil and be possessed  
of strangers to their shame.  
The Isles and merchantꝭ wonder shall,  
when they shall hear the same:  
A City new in ruin great,  
that was of much fame.   

The xxvij. chapter.  
GReat was the wealth that Tirus had,  
he doth tell it at length:  
Their fame, their name, their quiet state  
their power and eke their strength.  
All these with all their men and might,  
their force by sea and land:  
Should be destroyed for evermore,  
by might of foreign band.   

The xxviii. Chapter.  
HE telleth now what pride he had,  
that Tirus ruled as King:  
And of his fall and City eke,  
they fearing no such thing.  
To Zidon to he shows asmuch,  
that like on them should fall:  
And how God's folk should live in peace  
when foes were stroyed all.   

The xxix. Chapter.  
IN like he saith that Egypt power,  
should quite be over run:  
And forty years it should lie waste,  
after that it were won.  
The King of Babel should it have,  
to be his soldiers gains:  
Because at Tirus they did win  
small profit for their pains.   

The thirty. Chapter.  
Know well you may he doth not fain  
but telleth again their woe:  
Their country spoiled, their Cities down,  
their neighbours served so.  
Their Idols eke should be defaced,  
their strength should not avail:  
Their foes with force of God his power  
so fiercely should assail.   

The xxxi. Chapter.  
LIke power to the Assyrians,  
in Egypt could not be:  
And yet Nabuchodonozer,  
the same destroyed he.  
This he doth tell that they should think,  
that they might not withstand  
The rage of Babel when it com'th,  
for to destroy the land.   

The xxxii. Chapter.  
Much more to make now is he wild,  
for Pharo that was King,  
Who should be slain, and river full  
of blood should over spring.  
As other Kings were overrun,  
and brought unto the pit,  
So Egypt pride should have a fall,  
as just reward for it.   

The xxxiii. Chapter.  
NOte well this thing when preachers preach  
& warning men do give,  
They be discharged if they repent:  
they shallbe sure to live.  
Each man shall bear his own offence,  
the godly shall have meed:  
They that did rest and at him jest,  
full wickedly should speed.   

The xxxiiii. Chapter.  
OF shepherds that their profit seek,  
and not the sheep to feed,  
He doth describe what God will do,  
even pay them for their meed,  
And take his flock in hand himself,  
dividing sheep from sheep,  
And give the flock at length to Christ,  
which truly shall them keep.   

The xxxv. Chapter.  
Publish unto Idumea,  
he doth what God would do:  
Because that Israel they had grieved,  
they should be grieved to.  
As blooddely the Israelites,  
they had with war oppressed:  
So should their blood be spilled again,  
and none of them have rest.   

The xxxvi. Chapter.  
QUicken he doth the Israelites,  
that they should not despair:  
For God would all their foes destroy,  
and them again repair.  
His mercy only moving him,  
and not of their desartꝭ,  
And take from them their stony minds,  
and give them fleshy hartis.   

The xxxvii. Chapter.  
RIght soon as he in field was set,  
a miracle he wrought:  
For dried bones took flesh and breath,  
that God unto them brought.  
By which he telleth that Israel,  
that seemed to be gone,  
Should safe return and juda both,  
and be eke joined in one.   

The xxxviii. Chapter.  
Such enemies as should arise  
he doth them here describe:  
As Gog and Magog in their power,  
the Church for to deride.  
And they to come in latter days,  
as Prophets told tofore:  
Yet God should stay their furious rage,  
and punish them therefore.   

The xxxix. Chapter.  
THe Lord is bend against this Gog,  
a wretched end to have:  
Their slaughter such seven monthꝭ to seek  
to bring them unto grave.  
Then shall his people rest in peace,  
and heathen told the cause:  
Why Israel afflicted was,  
for breaking of his laws.   

The xl. Chapter.  
UNto the City he is rapt,  
and there he doth behold  
The building of it fair again,  
as it was to him told.  
From gate to gate all mesurde out  
an angel with a reed  
An eke a line, did point the same,  
as it should be in deed.   

The xli. Chapter.  
AT large to him described was,  
the temple then of God:  
And mesurde out by Cubits meet,  
even with a réedy rod.  
The holy place, the Cherubins,  
and eke the Palmy trees:  
The courts, the doors, with all at large,  
in vision he sees.   

The xlii. Chapter.  
BRought now he is to th'utter court,  
the chambers for to see:  
In length and breadth, and told he is  
that there the priests should be  
Appointed for to tire themselves,  
their portion eke to eat:  
And holy rooms therein, to lay,  
the sacrificing meat.   

The xliii. Chapter.  
COme now he is for to behold,  
the glory of the Lord:  
Who wilth him tell the Israelites,  
that they shallbe restored,  
If they repent their former life,  
and do no more there after:  
Then doth he see set out to him,  
the fashion of the altar.   

The xliiii. Chapter.  
DEclare he doth good wholesome rules  
his priests for to observe:  
Look which of them had Idols liked,  
as priests they might not serve.  
What robes to were, what wives to take,  
to them is here expressed:  
At burials they might not come,  
ne feed of rented beast.   

The xlv. Chapter.  
ELect apart four portions were  
within the holy land:  
For priests, for Prince, for City and Church,  
each lot set out with wand.  
A lesson given to Magistrates  
for measure and for weight:  
Oblations eke how them to make,  
is here set out full straight.   

The xlvi. Chapter.  
FOr sacrifice on Saboth days,  
the order here they know:  
In temple where the folk came in,  
there out they might not go.  
The Prince in middle of them all,  
must be when God they serve:  
Till he go out a charge they have,  
from him they may not serve.   

The xlvii. Chapter.  
GOd doth him show the pleasant streams  
that from the gates should run:  
What plenty of fish should therein be,  
for fisher men to come.  
On sides whereof what trees should grow  
that monthly fruit should bear:  
The borders of the holy land,  
it is appointed there.   

The xlviii. Chapter.  
Here now by lot is pointed out,  
each tribe how he should lie:  
The priests and levites have their parts  
the holy temple by.  
Whose portion eke is pointed out,  
and all the cities shore:  
The Prince again his part is told,  
this Prophet speaks no more.  
FINIS.   

¶ Thus have you heard this Prophet speak,  
unto the people tho:  
That captives were in Caldey land,  
and unto sundry more.  
Now cometh in that man of wit,  
a Seer you may say:  
Who told before of Monarchies,  
their reign and their decay.  
The Roman power he telleth of,  
of Turk and Antechriste:  
Of golden days that should be seen,  
in regiment of Christ.  
His name to tell is Daniel,  
that deemed doughty dreams:  
Who still did win of enemies,  
for all their crafty means.    

The Prophecy of Daniel.  

The first Chapter.  
ANd when the King of Babylon,  
Jerusalem had won:  
Yung men of jews for to be kept,  
he willed to be done.  
Their fare was set they it refused,  
and eat and drank full hard:  
Yet were they fair and wisdom had  
none were to them compared.   

The two. Chapter.  
BUt Daniel, there was not one,  
could tell the King his dream:  
Who told it him and this thereto,  
the truth what it did mean.  
For which he was a ruler made,  
the chief and next the King:  
His fellows three did rule also,  
to which he did them bring.   

The three Chapter.  
Commanded were the multitude  
an Image to adore:  
Sidrach, Misach, Abednago,  
would not to die therefore.  
Into an oven than were they cast,  
alive with one they walked:  
The King it saw and called them out,  
and with them friendly talked.   

The iiii. Chapter.  
DReam did the King another dream,  
which Daniel did expound:  
How that the King for his great pride,  
as Ox should feed on ground.  
And that seven years, the which he did,  
and after ruled again:  
Confessing God to have the might,  
and he alone to reign.   

The v. Chapter.  
Even as before a prideful Prince,  
came now again in place:  
Who proudly drank in holy place,  
and saw before his face,  
A hand did write upon a wall,  
which Daniel told full plain:  
The Medies and the Persians,  
shoule rule when he was slain.   

The vi. Chapter.  
Full mighty power had Daniel tho,  
the Princes did him hate:  
In Lion's den they got him cast,  
but nought by it they got:  
He was preserved, they were devoured,  
their families and all.  
King Darie gave commandment,  
on daniel's God to call.   

The seven. Chapter.  
GRreat beastis were seen in number four  
of Daniel in his bed:  
By vision he this sight did see,  
which troubled sore his head.  
Four Monarchies these beastis did show  
their horns were kingdoms ten:  
In latter days God by his son,  
he should destroy them then.   

The viii. Chapter.  
HE now doth see a mighty Ram,  
whose force none could resist:  
But with his horns he ruled all,  
and did even what him list.  
The Medies and the Persians,  
they were the Ram so hot:  
The Grecian power did them destroy  
compared to a Goat.   

The ix. Chapter.  
IN this place Daniel doth desire,  
that that which jeremy said:  
Might be fulfilled and then confess  
his sin he did and prayed.  
The prayer is heard, the seventy weeks  
the Angel did expound:  
The City is built, and Christ is born,  
to them that did him wound.   

The x. Chapter.  
KIng Cirus ruling Persia,  
the third year of his reign,  
A man clothed in linen white,  
appeared to him again,  
And told him things that were to come,  
at which he was abashed:  
But that God's Angel made him strong,  
his countenance had dashed.   

The xi. Chapter.  
LIke as before so now again,  
of Kings to him is told:  
The Persian power, the might of Greece,  
and eke of Egypt bold:  
Of Syria as some suppose,  
and last of Romans might.  
These kingdoms all not one to fail,  
against the Church should fight.   

The xii. Chapter.  
MIchael then that mighty Prince,  
shall stand for to defend,  
The Church of Christ the general day  
the troubles quite shall end,  
Wherein to bliss some shall arise,  
and some to bitter pain:  
Some shall their faultis amend before,  
and some in sin remain.  
FINIS.   

¶ Daniel now his mind hath said,  
as God to him did tell:  
His sight he had in things to come,  
all others did excel.  
The jews that in captivity,  
in Caldey land did dwell:  
He them revealed with joyful speech,  
deep sorrows to expel.  
Hosea he doth follow next,  
who then did prophesy:  
When Israel quite from their King,  
Rehoboam did fly.  
He told them of their service vain,  
in Bethel unto calves:  
How vain it was unto such Gods,  
to seek for healthful salves.  
Three score and ten they were his years  
to ten tribes that he preached:  
Say what he could they mended not,  
they scorned that he teached.  
The vengeance due for sinful life,  
he vouched to be sure:  
And mixed among God's mercies great,  
by it them to allure.  
To worship God as law did will,  
set out by him above:  
And leaving all their own intents,  
so should they have his love.    

The Prophecy of Hosea.  

The first Chapter.  
A Harlot he is wild to wed,  
of whom he sons begat:  
The whorish life of Israel,  
is signified by that.  
The Gentiles should be called in,  
God's people for to be:  
And all the tribes should join in one,  
and lovingly agree.   

The two. Chapter.  
GEcause with Ball they did commit  
most filthy whoredom, so,  
The Prophet them doth threat for it,  
God forth their filth to show.  
Except that they repent and mend:  
which if they do, that then  
As spoused wife most husband like,  
he would them love as when,   

The three Chapter.  
CAst of (he saith) the jews should be  
as drunk with Gods full vain:  
To take a harlot he is wild,  
to show the thing again.  
That King or priest they should not have  
and that for many days:  
And yet at length Christ should them save  
to whom they should give praise.   

The iiii. Chapter.  
DEclare he doth how sin did reign,  
and none misliked the same:  
Both Princes, people, and the priests  
in sinning had no shame.  
Wherefore he threatꝭ that God will strike  
and punish them therefore.  
So that to Idols sacrifice,  
they should do so no more.   

The v. Chapter.  
Eftsoons the sins he doth tell out,  
of Israel by name:  
From most to least they mended not,  
to God their lives to frame.  
God should they seek, then would he not  
of them again be found:  
Of other power for aid they should,  
and so themselves confound.   

The vi. Chapter.  
Full fast to God they did then high,  
repenting of their ill:  
So knowledge they should have to do●,  
that God to them did wil  
The Prophets spared not to cut,  
their sin with words so sharp:  
The priests to steal by one consent,  
no other thing they carp.   

The seven. Chapter.  
Go all affray the people were  
their King they did deceive:  
As Baker's oven so burned they,  
in sin to which they cleave.  
Their trust they had in Egypt help,  
shall not them help in deed:  
They turned them but not aright  
when that they were in need.   

The viii. Chapter.  
HOw they a King and rulers eke,  
did choose but not by God:  
And Idols vain did cleave unto,  
which he had them forbade.  
For which their sin he will them pay  
to teach them to offend:  
With fire their City Shallbe burnt▪  
to Egypt shall they wend.   

The ix. Chapter.  
IN leading of an whorish life,  
an hunger shall they have:  
They said the Prophet was a fool,  
the spiritual men did rave.  
Their wombs and brestis should dried 〈◊〉,  
their children long not live:  
And for a pray unto their foes,  
he would them also give.   

The x. chapter.  
KIng over them they should have none  
their Idols should be stroyed  
Both juda and Samaria▪  
they should be sore annoyed.  
To plough and reap in righteousness  
and mercy they are wild:  
If not betime in the morning,  
their King he should be killed.   

The xi. Chapter.  
Lovingly from Egypt land,  
he saith that he them led:  
And cherished them with food thereto,  
and gave them heavenly bread.  
Full loath he is to punish them,  
though it they do deserve:  
Thou Ephraim misused itself,  
yet juda did not serve.   

The xii. Chapter.  
Much crookedness did Ephraim use,  
with juda doth he talk:  
As jacob lived and pleased God,  
so would he have them walk.  
In tabernacles they should dwell,  
as in their solemn feastis:  
Because they served not their God,  
nor did regard his heastꝭ.   

The xiii. Chapter.  
NO end they made of worshipping  
their Idols and their calves:  
Yet God their God remaineth God,  
none else for sin hath salves.  
Yet Lion like he will them use,  
but so as for a time,  
The death of death he saith to be,  
and bring them down that clime.   

The xiiii. Chapter.  
OF Israel's return he telleth,  
how foreign power they leave:  
They do confess they did transgress,  
now unto God they cleave.  
Who will then bless & make them grow,  
whose branches shall so shed:  
That others shall return by them,  
and lack the life they led.  
FINIS.   

¶ Hoseas here hath told his mind,  
a Prophet full of zeal:  
And joel now beginth to speak,  
God's counsel to reveal.    

The Prophecy of joel.  

The first Chapter.  
A Famine he doth tell to come,  
their fruit for to destroy:  
He wilth the drunkards for to mourn,  
their throats should be full dry.  
Their wine, their oil, their wheat and corn  
should be destroyed with blasting:  
Therefore he wilth them to proclaim,  
a common prayer and fasting.   

The two. chapter.  
Behold a power shall come on them,  
to ruin and to waste:  
Therefore to turn and to repent,  
he willeth them make haste.  
And then the Lord to them will turn,  
and bless them in his love:  
Their sons & daughters shall have gifts  
signs shallbe from above.   

The three chapter.  
Control he will the enemies,  
that had destroyed his land:  
And serve them so as they had done,  
when they had them in hand.  
Let juda now make spear and shield,  
let Gentiles quake and fear:  
The Lord himself will pitch the field,  
Jerusalem to cheer.  
FINIS.   

¶ Thus Ioels tale is finished,  
three Chapters full of lore:  
Now Amos doth asmuch contain,  
and twice so many more.    

The Prophecy of Amos.  

The i. Chapter.  
AMos he did Prophecy,  
in jeroboams days  
Damascus and the Philistines  
shall perish as he says▪  
Tirus and Idumea,  
the like shallbe their lot:  
And Ammon for his cruelty,  
which was the son of Lot.   

The two. Chapter.  
BEcause of Moabs' cruelty,  
against the Edomites:  
Both he and juda for their factis  
shall see full woeful sights.  
The Israelites for careless spoil,  
shall flee before their foes:  
What works for them the Lord had wrought  
he briefly to them shows.   

The three Chapter.  
CAn any thing be wrought or done,  
but God doth work the same?  
His Prophets that do prophecy,  
they do it in his name.  
That Israel shallbe destroyed,  
by Egypt God doth tell:  
Samaria and Bethel eke,  
shall have their fee as well.   

The iiii. Chapter.  
DOwn will he throw their rulers eke,  
for spoiling of the poor:  
They thought by outward holiness,  
to scape so sharp a shower.  
By famine and great scarcity,  
by pestilence and sword,  
He punished them: it would not serve,  
to bring them to his word.   

The v. Chapter.  
Evil hap should fall on Israel,  
for them he doth lament:  
Leave of from wrong he willeth them,  
with speed for to repent.  
It will not serve their sacrifice,  
ne burning of incense:  
When judgement runs as water flood  
he will with them dispense.   

The vi. Chapter.  
Full pleasantly their Princes lived,  
delighting all in ease:  
With meat and drink and melody,  
thus they themselves did please.  
Therefore the Lord did swear their end,  
they trusted in their strength:  
As captive men they should be led  
therefore away at length.   

The seven. Chapter.  
Give signs he doth by grasshoppers,  
by fire and lined wall▪  
That God would stroy the Israelites,  
and overthrow them all.  
Amaziah unto the King,  
of Amos did complain,  
And him rebukte, but he him told  
what thereby he should gain.   

The viii. Chapter.  
HE yet again doth tell the heads,  
how they the poor oppress:  
And used shameful robbery,  
in making measures less▪  
For which they should be over run,  
and perish with the sword:  
A famine he would send on them,  
the wanting of his word.   

The ix. Chapter.  
IF all the ways they seek they can,  
yet shall they not put by:  
But both the temple and themselves,  
he will them both destroy.  
Yet will he fift as in a ●iue,  
his chosen from the rest  
And home they shall return again,  
and live in quiet rest.  
FINIS.   

¶ This Shepherd he hath told his mind,  
that came from keeping sheep▪  
Now Obadiah doth come in,  
to comfort them that weep.    

The Prophecy of Obadiah.  

The first Chapter.  
A Prophecy he doth declare,  
against the Edomites  
For vexing of their Uncle's kin,  
in their malicious spices.  
And when that they destroyed be,  
for hurting jacob so:  
Then shall the Church full quiet be,  
and rid from all their wo.  
FINIS.   

¶ So doth this Prophet end his words,  
more speech he doth not use:  
Now jonas you shall hear to tell,  
to Niniveh her news.    

The Prophecy of jonas.  

The first Chapter.  
AS God him bade he would not do,  
but fled another way:  
In ship, a tempest did arise  
they cast him in the sea.  
In doing so they pardon axt,  
a Whale did him devour:  
Three days and nightis the fishes womb  
was unto him a bower.   

The two. chapter.  
BEing thus of the fish possessed,  
his prayer he did make:  
Protesting such as follow lies,  
Gods mercies they forsake.  
But jonas saith that he will pay  
the vows he took in hand:  
As God did will, so did the Whale  
this Prophet cast on land.   

The three chapter.  
Commanded was he once again,  
to Niniveh to show:  
In forty days they mending not,  
God would them overthrow.  
A fasting then proclaimed was,  
the King and they repent:  
For mending of their former life,  
God stayd that was invented.   

The iiii. Chapter.  
DIspleased greatly jonas was,  
that Niniveh was spared:  
Without the City in a both,  
there angrily he fared.  
A gourd sprang up and shaded him,  
that it decayed he chod:  
For Ninivee he cared less,  
so is he told of God.  
FINIS.   

¶ Here jonas book is finished,  
in chapters four set out:  
Now Michah shall appear to you,  
the same we go about.    

The Prophecy of Michah.  

The first Chapter.  
AS God him bade he spareth not  
but plainly doth he tell:  
That down should go the kingdoms both  
of juda and Israel.  
This was the cause Idolatry,  
that foully they did use.  
For which the power of foreign folk,  
should them and theirs abuse.   

The two. Chapter.  
BEcause the mighty men did spoil,  
the poor of house and field:  
He telleth them God would them plagin  
their foes should make them yield.  
They wanton did mock and scorn,  
the preachers that did preach:  
He that of wine would preach to them,  
he be●● of all did teach.   

The three Chapter.  
CRy out he doth against the heads,  
that did the people spoil  
And saith their cry it should be heard,  
when they should have the foil.  
Their Prophets did for money preach,  
the rulers built in blood:  
Their glorious state should therefore down  
in Gods displeasing mood.   

The iiii. Chapter.  
Divine he doth that Christ his Church  
shall flourish over all:  
And that far of to serve the Lord,  
one shall another call.  
Their worldly cares & warlike mind,  
shall quite be laid aside:  
Though some conspire their overthrow,  
it shall not so betide.   

The v. chapter.  
ERe that they should attain this peace,  
much troubles should they have:  
Jerusalem with all her power,  
herself she should not save.  
But Bethlehem Ephraita,  
that little was in sight,  
A Captain forth should bring to them,  
of endless power and might.   

The vi. Chapter.  
FOr them what God had done he telleth,  
thereby them to provoke,  
That righteousness they might embrace,  
and were an humble yoke.  
False weightis & measures they did use,  
the people to deceive:  
Therefore the poison of their fruits,  
with labour lost should leave.   

The seven. Chapter.  
GReatly now doth he mourn, because  
so few did fear the Lord:  
No trust in friend could then be found,  
their lives were to untoward.  
But yet he wilth the foes to stop,  
to rage's against his flock:  
Affirming God to keep his grant,  
to Abram and his stock.  
FINIS.   

¶ The mind of Michah you have heard,  
a tale full plain he told:  
Now Nahum speaks to Niniveh,  
a Prophet sharp and bold.    

The Prophecy of Nahum.  

The first Chapter.  
Almighty Lord is God in deed,  
his power it passeth all:  
All lofty things he can destroy,  
and keep his friends from thrall.  
The wicked shall consumed be,  
that juda did molest:  
So should their feastis be kept again,  
and they should live in rest.   

The two. Chapter.  
Behold as jacob was destroyed,  
so should th' Assyrian power:  
The Chaldees should with force & might,  
their land and them devour.  
Their Queen as captive should be led,  
their treasures quite bereft:  
Their mighty men so Lionlike,  
to them should not be left.   

The three Chapter.  
CAst down God will the Ninivites,  
that ●●owed so in pride:  
The glory that that City had,  
it should be set aside▪  
Their multitude should not them help,  
nor mighty men them aid:  
Their City burnt, their land destroyed  
the wrath should not be stayed.  
FINIS.   

¶ What Nahum said to Niniveh,  
to you hath been expressed:  
Now Abacuch his Prophecy,  
it com'th among the rest.    

The Prophecy of Abacuch.  

The first Chapter.  
ALl wickedness did flow at ●il,  
no sinful life did want:  
The law put by and righteousness,  
among them then was s●ant.  
Because the godly went to wrack,  
the Caldeys God would raise:  
To teach them fish as fishers do,  
and make of them their prays.   

The two. Chapter.  
BE bold of this ye prideful men  
your pride shall come full low:  
But righteous men by faith shall live,  
your fall the world shall know.  
The covetous and bloody men,  
the drunkards in his fire,  
The Idol and the worshipper,  
shallbe consumed with fire.   

The three Chapter.  
CAll unto God the Prophet doth,  
and for his Church doth pray:  
Describing God his majesty,  
in power to pass for ay.  
Beseeching him his foes to strike,  
with mercy to correct  
His chosen flock, and thus he ends,  
his book to much effect.  
FINIS.   

¶ Thus Abacuch hath told his tale,  
full boldly to the jews:  
And Sophoniah cometh next,  
to tell them the same news.    

The Prophecy of Sophoniah.  

The first Chapter.  
ALl living things the Lord will stroy,  
with man for his offence:  
And juda and Jerusalem,  
should have their recompense.  
A woeful ruin will he make,  
for halting in their faith:  
Their strength, their goods, should not then help  
but perish they should he saith   

The two. Chapter.  
BEfore his wrath do come in deed,  
he wilth them to repent:  
The kingdoms of the Philistines,  
for sin it should be rend.  
The Moabites the Ammonites,  
for joying Israel's fall,  
With Morions and Ninivites,  
should be destroyed all.   

The three Chapter.  
COrrupted were the judges all,  
the priests and Prophets vain:  
Not one would mend what so was said,  
nor turn to God again.  
The Gentiles shall converted be,  
the remnant of his flock  
Shall turn again and live in peace,  
and be a faithful stock.  
FINIS.   

¶ Sophoniah thus he hath said,  
as God did will him speak:  
Now Haggay with his mouth unclosde,  
his mind to you shall break.    

The Prophecy of Haggay▪  

The first Chapter.  
ALl hope was past for to return,  
from Babylon again:  
God plagued them & all their fruits  
their labours were in vain.  
He found great fault they builded so,  
and that his house was down:  
And willed them with speed to build  
his temple and his town.   

The ij. chapter.  
Behold the glory of the house,  
which Solomon did build,  
Should not be like to this (he saith)  
nor no such beauty yield.  
God will them bless with plenteousness  
if they will patiented be:  
Their foes shall fall but they shall reign  
and come to high degree.  
FINIS.   

¶ Haggay hath told his tale,  
and made the people glad:  
Zachariah ye shall have next,  
as ye the rest have had.    

The Prophecy of Zachariah.  

The first Chapter.  
AGain to God if they would turn▪  
he would turn unto them:  
Or else as to their forefathers,  
so would he do to them.  
Jerusalem shallbe new built,  
by vision it is told:  
The careless heathen shallbe shent,  
for wasting of his fold.   

The ij. chapter.  
BE bold of this, the temple shall  
be built again in deed:  
An Angel did the same declare,  
and that they should not dréed.  
For God would be their full defence,  
and unto them a wall,  
And bring their foes to be their prey,  
no power withstand them shall.   

The three Chapter.  
COrrected was Satan the Devil,  
that would the work have let:  
And jehosuah that was high Priest  
was specially out set.  
His filthy clothes were made full fair,  
if he will walk aright:  
The multitude shall him obey,  
and have in him delight.   

The iiii. Chapter.  
DEclare on forth the Angel doth,  
by vision full plain:  
Jerusalem in goodly wise,  
should be set up again.  
Who should it build how foes should sin,  
and friends should somewhat faint  
But God his work should fortify  
by Christ his holy saint.   

The v. Chapter.  
Evil hap and curse shall fall on these,  
the swearer and the thief:  
A flying book shall them consume,  
and theirs for their mischief.  
As juda had afflicted been,  
in Babel for their gilt:  
So Babel now like smart should have,  
and utterly be spilled.   

The vi. Chapter.  
Four Monarchies by charets four●,  
he doth describe to come,  
As sent from God to rule the world,  
by whom it should be won.  
The high priest had his golden crowns,  
jehosua by name:  
And he the building should set out  
and win a nobl● fame.   

The seven. Chapter.  
GOd doth their fasting disallow,  
their mourning was in vain▪  
They eat and drank unto themselves,  
they still did gape for gain.  
When he did call they would not hear,  
his statutes to obey:  
They shall cry out but he shall turn,  
his ear from them away.   

The viii. Chapter.  
HE will restore them home again,  
and stay his wrathful rage:  
They shall full long there rest in peace,  
enjoying sta●es for age,  
Deceit and wrong they must forsake,  
forswearing eke defy:  
The Gentiles shall their lore well like,  
and thereunto apply.   

The ix. Chapter.  
IN wrathful mood for all their pride,  
he will the Gentiles waste:  
Both Tire and Zidon in their wealth,  
he will them over cast.  
But sure his church he will defend,  
by Christ his son so meek:  
●he lowly sitting on an Ass▪  
yet shall they to him seek.   

The x. chapter.  
Know here you may what Idols be,  
soothsayers foolish art:  
To juda he will friendly be,  
and fully take their part.  
To Ephraim he will favour show,  
and give to them such might:  
That foreign power they shall not fear  
but shall put them to flight.   

The xi Chapter.  
Low will he bring them in his wrath,  
both shepherds and their sheep,  
Because they had no more respect  
his statutes for to keep.  
The shepherds wages it is paid,  
and thirty pieces told:  
The potter had it given to him,  
so was our master sold.   

The xii Chapter.  
marvelously the Lord will woor●,  
for juda in his power:  
Jerusalem shall plagued be,  
her foes shall it devour.  
Yet shall they both great favour find,  
and come to happy case:  
Their foes shall faint but they shall joy,  
and find a resting place.   

The xiii. Chapter.  
NO more will God think on their sin,  
their Idols shall away:  
Their Prophet's false they will destroy,  
their parents shall them pay:  
The shepherd should so stricken be,  
that scatter should the sheep.  
The people then to God shall flee,  
full well he will them keep.   

The xiiii. Chapter.  
Oppressed should be Jerusalem,  
and be set up again.  
Much people shall to her resort,  
the way it shallbe plain.  
The most of them that hated her,  
consumed shallbe and slain:  
And those that come not to her feast,  
shall want their yearly reign.  
FINIS.   

¶ Thus Zachary is finished,  
now Malachy shall speak:  
The last he is that to the jews,  
the mind of God did break.  
He and the two that spoke before,  
the jews did comfort give:  
When they thought lest then home to go  
in peace and rest to live.  
Till john did come that did Baptize,  
no Prophet did appear:  
This Prophets speaks unto the Priests,  
his words now let us hear.    

The Prophecy of Malachy.  

The first Chapter.  
A Loving mind to Israel  
always the Lord did ●ear,  
And yet both they & eke their priests  
they had of him no fear.  
The altar and his table both,  
they passed not to abuse:  
Polluted things they offer did,  
on gain their hartis did muse.   

The two. Chapter.  
BEcause they did their office ill,  
their blessing he will curse:  
Their parent first did not so well,  
but they did much worse.  
Their marriages they were amiss,  
their heart was not aright:  
Therefore despised, God let them be  
and that in each man's sight.   

The three Chapter.  
COme speedily shall Christ in deed  
but john shall come before:  
And wrongful life shall pass away,  
God shall good life restore.  
The prosperous state of wicked men,  
did somewhat them molest:  
But at the length they should well see  
that God did them detest.   

The iiii. Chapter.  
Doubtless the day shall come (saith he)  
that God the proud will burn:  
But save he will the faithful men,  
which unto him do turn.  
Eliah he shall come before,  
john Baptist it doth mean:  
Who shall the sons and fathers teach  
their hartis for to be clean.  
FINIS.   

¶ The Prophets thus are finished,  
and books Canonical:  
apocrypha ye shall have next,  
if death do not me call.  
Then some I hope will finish that▪  
which my good will began:  
All shall be one in me or him,  
so that you have it th●n.